Chủ đề “Describe A Time When You Felt Very Motivated” là một trong những đề bài phổ biến và đầy thử thách trong IELTS Speaking Part 2. Đây là dạng câu hỏi yêu cầu bạn kể về một trải nghiệm cá nhân khi bạn cảm thấy có động lực mạnh mẽ để làm điều gì đó. Chủ đề này không chỉ kiểm tra khả năng sử dụng ngôn ngữ mà còn đánh giá khả năng diễn đạt cảm xúc, lý giải nguyên nhân và phản ánh sâu sắc về bản thân.
Tần suất xuất hiện: Chủ đề về động lực và cảm hứng xuất hiện khá thường xuyên trong các kỳ thi IELTS từ 2020 đến nay, đặc biệt là trong các đề thi tại khu vực Châu Á. Theo thống kê từ các nguồn uy tín như IELTS-Blog.com và báo cáo từ thí sinh, dạng đề này có tần suất xuất hiện ở mức trung bình đến cao, với xác suất khoảng 15-20% trong tổng số đề thi Speaking Part 2. Dự đoán khả năng xuất hiện trong tương lai vẫn ở mức cao do tính universal và relevance của chủ đề này với đời sống hàng ngày.
Những gì bạn sẽ học được trong bài viết này:
- 10+ câu hỏi thực tế trong cả 3 Part liên quan đến chủ đề động lực và cảm hứng
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- Lời khuyên chuyên sâu từ góc nhìn của một IELTS Examiner chính thức
- Những lỗi điển hình mà học viên Việt Nam thường mắc phải và cách khắc phục
Để hiểu rõ hơn về cách Tips for describing a time you felt very motivated in IELTS Speaking một cách hiệu quả, bạn cần nắm vững cấu trúc và kỹ thuật trả lời cho từng phần thi. Hãy cùng bắt đầu với Part 1 – phần làm quen và giới thiệu.
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 cuộc sống hàng ngày, sở thích cá nhân, công việc hoặc học tập. Examiner sẽ đánh giá khả năng giao tiếp tự nhiên và trả lời nhanh của bạn.
Đặc điểm chính:
- Câu hỏi ngắn gọn, dễ hiểu về các chủ đề quen thuộc
- Yêu cầu trả lời tự nhiên, không quá dài (2-3 câu là đủ)
- Tập trung vào việc mở rộng câu trả lời với lý do và ví dụ cụ thể
- Không cần chuẩn bị trước, cần phản xạ tốt
Lỗi thường gặp của học viên Việt Nam:
- Trả lời quá ngắn, chỉ Yes/No hoặc một câu đơn giản
- Sử dụng từ vựng quá cơ bản, lặp lại nhiều lần
- Thiếu ví dụ cụ thể từ kinh nghiệm bản thân
- Không có linking words để câu trả lời mạch lạc
- Ngại nói nhiều vì sợ sai ngữ pháp
Các Câu Hỏi Thường Gặp
Question 1: What motivates you to study or work hard?
Question 2: Do you consider yourself a motivated person?
Question 3: Who or what inspired you when you were younger?
Question 4: What do you do when you feel unmotivated?
Question 5: Do you prefer working on projects that challenge you or ones that are easier?
Question 6: How do you stay motivated when things get difficult?
Question 7: What kind of achievements make you feel proud?
Question 8: Do you think motivation is more important than talent?
Phân Tích và Gợi Ý Trả Lời Chi Tiết
Question: What motivates you to study or work hard?
🎯 Cách tiếp cận:
- Trả lời trực tiếp với một hoặc hai yếu tố chính tạo động lực
- Giải thích tại sao những yếu tố này quan trọng với bạn
- Đưa ra ví dụ ngắn gọn từ kinh nghiệm thực tế
📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:
I think the main thing that motivates me is my future goals. I want to have a good job and a comfortable life, so I need to study hard now. Also, I don’t want to disappoint my parents because they work very hard to support me.
Phân tích:
- Điểm mạnh: Câu trả lời rõ ràng, có lý do cụ thể, đề cập đến hai động lực (mục tiêu tương lai và gia đình)
- Hạn chế: Từ vựng khá cơ bản (good job, comfortable life, work hard), thiếu sophistication và không có ví dụ cụ thể
- Tại sao Band 6-7: Fluency ổn, ý tưởng rõ ràng nhưng lexical resource và grammatical range còn hạn chế. Câu trả lời hơi generic và thiếu personal touch.
📝 Sample Answer – Band 8-9:
Well, I’d say my primary driving force is the sense of accomplishment I get from achieving my goals. There’s something incredibly fulfilling about pushing my boundaries and seeing tangible results. On top of that, I’m deeply motivated by the prospect of making my family proud – they’ve invested so much in my education, and I feel a strong responsibility to make the most of those opportunities.
Phân tích:
- Điểm mạnh: Từ vựng nâng cao và precise (driving force, sense of accomplishment, pushing boundaries, prospect of, invested), cấu trúc câu phức tạp với linking devices tự nhiên (Well, On top of that), ý tưởng được diễn đạt sâu sắc hơn
- Tại sao Band 8-9:
- Fluency: Sử dụng discourse marker “Well” và “On top of that” một cách tự nhiên
- Vocabulary: Collocations chính xác (driving force, sense of accomplishment, tangible results)
- Grammar: Cấu trúc đa dạng (There’s something…about, I feel a strong responsibility to…)
- Ideas: Kết hợp động lực cá nhân và trách nhiệm gia đình một cách balanced
💡 Key Vocabulary & Expressions:
- driving force: động lực chính, sức mạnh thúc đẩy
- sense of accomplishment: cảm giác hoàn thành, đạt được điều gì đó
- fulfilling: mang lại sự thỏa mãn, ý nghĩa
- push one’s boundaries: vượt qua giới hạn của bản thân
- prospect of: triển vọng, khả năng về điều gì đó
- make the most of: tận dụng tối đa
Question: Do you consider yourself a motivated person?
🎯 Cách tiếp cận:
- Đưa ra câu trả lời yes/no rõ ràng
- Giải thích bằng đặc điểm tính cách hoặc hành động cụ thể
- Đưa ra ví dụ ngắn minh họa
📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:
Yes, I think I am quite motivated. I usually set goals for myself and try my best to achieve them. For example, I study English every day because I want to get a high IELTS score. Sometimes I feel tired, but I still continue.
Phân tích:
- Điểm mạnh: Có ví dụ cụ thể về học tiếng Anh, thừa nhận cả khía cạnh khó khăn
- Hạn chế: Từ vựng đơn giản (quite motivated, try my best, feel tired), cấu trúc câu còn basic
- Tại sao Band 6-7: Adequate communication nhưng thiếu depth và sophisticated language
📝 Sample Answer – Band 8-9:
I’d say I’m generally a self-driven person, though my motivation levels can fluctuate depending on the situation. I’m the type who thrives on setting ambitious targets and working systematically towards them. Take my IELTS preparation, for instance – I’ve maintained a rigorous study schedule for months now, even when my initial enthusiasm started to wane. What keeps me going is breaking down big goals into manageable milestones, which helps me maintain consistent momentum.
Phân tích:
- Điểm mạnh:
- Vocabulary sophisticated và precise (self-driven, fluctuate, thrives on, rigorous schedule, wane, momentum)
- Acknowledges complexity (motivation levels can fluctuate)
- Specific example với detail (IELTS preparation, study schedule for months)
- Shows strategy (breaking down goals into milestones)
- Tại sao Band 8-9:
- Fluency: Natural discourse markers và smooth transitions
- Vocabulary: Collocations ấn tượng (ambitious targets, initial enthusiasm, consistent momentum)
- Grammar: Complex structures (though clause, even when clause)
- Critical thinking: Nuanced answer showing self-awareness
💡 Key Vocabulary & Expressions:
- self-driven: tự thúc đẩy bản thân, có động lực nội tại
- fluctuate: dao động, thay đổi
- thrive on: phát triển mạnh nhờ vào, cảm thấy hứng khởi với
- ambitious targets: mục tiêu đầy tham vọng
- rigorous schedule: lịch trình nghiêm ngặt
- wane: giảm dần, suy yếu
- manageable milestones: các mốc có thể quản lý được
- consistent momentum: đà tiến triển đều đặn
Học viên IELTS Speaking thể hiện sự tự tin và động lực trong bài thi nói về thời điểm cảm thấy có nhiều năng lượng
Question: What do you do when you feel unmotivated?
🎯 Cách tiếp cận:
- Thừa nhận rằng mọi người đều có lúc thiếu động lực (relatable)
- Đưa ra 2-3 chiến lược cụ thể bạn sử dụng
- Có thể đề cập đến hiệu quả của những phương pháp này
📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:
When I feel unmotivated, I usually take a break and do something I enjoy, like watching movies or listening to music. After that, I feel more relaxed and can go back to work. Sometimes I also talk to my friends for encouragement.
Phân tích:
- Điểm mạnh: Practical strategies, có nhiều hơn một phương pháp
- Hạn chế: Vocabulary basic (take a break, feel relaxed, go back to work), thiếu depth trong giải thích
- Tại sao Band 6-7: Clear communication nhưng lacks sophistication
📝 Sample Answer – Band 8-9:
Actually, this happens to everyone, and I’ve developed a few coping strategies over time. My go-to approach is to step back and recharge by doing something completely different – maybe going for a run or immersing myself in a good book. This mental break often provides fresh perspective. I also find it helpful to revisit my original reasons for starting the task, which helps me reconnect with my purpose. If I’m still struggling, I’ll reach out to my mentor or friends who can offer objective feedback and reignite my enthusiasm.
Phân tích:
- Điểm mạnh:
- Acknowledges universality (happens to everyone)
- Multiple sophisticated strategies
- Vocabulary precise và natural (coping strategies, recharge, immersing myself, mental break, reignite)
- Shows development of skills (developed over time)
- Escalation of strategies (from self-help to seeking external support)
- Tại sao Band 8-9:
- Fluency: Natural flow với “Actually,” “My go-to approach,” “If I’m still struggling”
- Vocabulary: Advanced collocations (coping strategies, fresh perspective, objective feedback)
- Grammar: Variety of structures (maybe doing, which helps me, who can offer)
- Ideas: Sophisticated understanding of motivation psychology
💡 Key Vocabulary & Expressions:
- coping strategies: chiến lược đối phó, xử lý
- step back: lùi lại một bước, nghỉ ngơi
- recharge: nạp lại năng lượng
- immerse myself in: đắm mình vào
- mental break: sự nghỉ ngơi về mặt tinh thần
- revisit: xem xét lại, quay lại
- reconnect with: kết nối lại với
- reach out to: liên hệ với ai đó để được giúp đỡ
- objective feedback: phản hồi khách quan
- reignite: châm lại, thắp lại
IELTS Speaking Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)
Tổng Quan Về Part 2
Part 2 là phần độc thoại kéo dài 3-4 phút, bao gồm 1 phút chuẩn bị và 2-3 phút trình bày. Đây là phần quan trọng nhất để thể hiện khả năng sử dụng ngôn ngữ một cách liên tục và mạch lạc.
Đặc điểm chính:
- Bạn sẽ nhận được một thẻ câu hỏi (cue card) với chủ đề cụ thể
- 1 phút chuẩn bị với giấy và bút để ghi chú
- Nói liên tục 2-3 phút không bị ngắt (tối thiểu 1.5 phút)
- Phải trả lời đầy đủ tất cả bullet points trên thẻ
- Sử dụng thì động từ phù hợp (thường là quá khứ khi kể chuyện)
Chiến lược:
- Sử dụng hết 1 phút chuẩn bị để outline ý tưởng (chỉ ghi keywords, không viết câu hoàn chỉnh)
- Nói đủ 2 phút – đừng dừng quá sớm
- Cover tất cả bullet points, đặc biệt là câu “explain” cuối cùng (đây là phần ghi điểm cao nhất)
- Sử dụng past tenses khi kể về trải nghiệm quá khứ
- Thêm details và emotions để câu chuyện sống động
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 và dừng sớm
- Bỏ qua hoặc trả lời qua loa các bullet points
- Thiếu emotion và personal reflection
- Sử dụng sai thì động từ (nhất là giữa past simple và present perfect)
- Câu chuyện quá chung chung, thiếu chi tiết cụ thể
Cue Card
Describe a time when you felt very motivated
You should say:
- When and where it happened
- What you were trying to achieve
- What motivated you to keep going
- And explain how you felt about this experience
Phân Tích Đề Bài
Dạng câu hỏi: Describe an experience – kể về một trải nghiệm cụ thể trong quá khứ
Thì động từ: Chủ yếu là Past Simple và Past Continuous vì đây là câu chuyện đã xảy ra. Có thể dùng Present Perfect khi nói về ảnh hưởng đến hiện tại.
Bullet points phải cover:
- When and where: Cần nói rõ thời gian (năm, tháng hoặc khoảng thời gian) và địa điểm cụ thể
- What you were trying to achieve: Mục tiêu hoặc thử thách bạn đang đối mặt
- What motivated you: Đây là phần cốt lõi – giải thích nguồn động lực (có thể là người, sự việc, phần thưởng, hoặc niềm tin cá nhân)
- Explain how you felt: Cảm xúc và reflection – phần này rất quan trọng để đạt điểm cao
Câu “explain” quan trọng: Đây là bullet point cuối cùng và thường là nơi phân biệt giữa band 6-7 với band 8-9. Bạn cần:
- Diễn đạt cảm xúc một cách sâu sắc và varied
- Phản ánh về ý nghĩa của trải nghiệm
- Có thể đề cập đến bài học hoặc ảnh hưởng lâu dài
- Sử dụng vocabulary về emotions phong phú
Một trong những yếu tố quan trọng là chọn được câu chuyện phù hợp, tương tự như khi bạn cần describe a difficult task you completed at work or school that made you feel proud, bạn phải chọn trải nghiệm đủ chi tiết để kể trong 2 phút.
📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7
Thời lượng: Khoảng 1.5-2 phút
I want to talk about a time when I felt very motivated, which happened last year when I was preparing for my university entrance exam. This was in my final year of high school, around May and June.
At that time, I was trying to achieve a high score to get into my dream university. I wanted to study Business Administration at Foreign Trade University, which is very competitive. I needed to get at least 27 points out of 30 to have a good chance.
What motivated me most was my family, especially my parents. They always believed in me and supported me. My father would drive me to extra classes even though he was tired from work. My mother prepared healthy meals for me every day. I didn’t want to disappoint them. Also, I was motivated by my own dream of having a good future and a successful career.
During that period, I studied very hard, sometimes until midnight. Even when I felt tired or stressed, I kept thinking about my goals and my family’s support. This helped me continue.
Looking back, I felt really proud of myself. Although the exam was difficult and stressful, I felt satisfied because I tried my best. This experience taught me that with strong motivation and hard work, I can achieve my goals. I also felt grateful to my family for their support.
Phân Tích Band Điểm
| Tiêu chí | Band | Nhận xét |
|---|---|---|
| Fluency & Coherence | 6-7 | Có sequencing rõ ràng (At that time, During that period, Looking back), nhưng linking devices còn basic. Có một số hesitation trong cách diễn đạt. |
| Lexical Resource | 6-7 | Từ vựng adequate và clear (competitive, disappointed, grateful) nhưng chưa sophisticated. Có paraphrasing nhưng hạn chế (very motivated = strong motivation). |
| Grammatical Range & Accuracy | 6-7 | Sử dụng đúng past tenses, có một số câu phức (even though, which is), nhưng structures còn repetitive. Một số lỗi nhỏ có thể xuất hiện. |
| Pronunciation | 6-7 | Rõ ràng và dễ hiểu, có thể có accent ảnh hưởng nhẹ, stress từ chính xác ở hầu hết các từ. |
Điểm mạnh:
- ✅ Cover đầy đủ tất cả bullet points
- ✅ Có timeline và context rõ ràng
- ✅ Ví dụ cụ thể về gia đình (cha lái xe, mẹ nấu ăn)
- ✅ Có personal reflection ở cuối
Hạn chế:
- ⚠️ Vocabulary chưa varied (very motivated, very hard, very competitive)
- ⚠️ Thiếu emotional depth trong cách diễn đạt cảm xúc
- ⚠️ Sentence structures còn đơn giản và lặp lại
- ⚠️ Thiếu vivid details khiến câu chuyện chưa thực sự engaging
📝 Sample Answer – Band 7.5-8
Thời lượng: Khoảng 2-2.5 phút
I’d like to share a particularly memorable experience from last summer when I felt incredibly motivated. It was during a three-month period when I was training intensively for a half-marathon, something I’d never attempted before.
The catalyst for this challenge was actually a conversation with my cousin, who’s an experienced runner. He had just completed his first marathon and was talking about the sense of achievement he felt. His enthusiasm was contagious, and I found myself signing up for a half-marathon scheduled for late August, even though I’d never run more than five kilometers in my life.
My goal was ambitious: to complete the 21-kilometer race in under two hours. What kept me going through those grueling months were several factors. First, I had publicly committed to this challenge by telling all my friends and family, which created a healthy pressure not to back out. Additionally, I’d joined a running club where I met people who became both training partners and friends. Their camaraderie and support were invaluable, especially on days when my legs felt like lead and my motivation wavered.
There was also something deeply personal driving me. I’d always seen myself as someone who gave up easily when things got tough, and I wanted to prove to myself that I could see something through despite the discomfort and challenges. Each training session became a test of my willpower, and every small improvement – whether it was running an extra kilometer or shaving seconds off my pace – felt like a personal victory.
The experience was transformative. Crossing that finish line was exhilarating, not just because I achieved my time goal, but because I’d pushed through months of self-doubt and physical exhaustion. It taught me that motivation isn’t always about feeling excited – sometimes it’s about commitment and discipline when excitement fades. This realization has carried over into other areas of my life, making me more resilient when facing challenges.
Phân Tích Band Điểm
| Tiêu chí | Band | Nhận xét |
|---|---|---|
| Fluency & Coherence | 7.5-8 | Diễn đạt trôi chảy với linking devices sophisticated (Additionally, There was also, This realization has). Ý tưởng được organize logically với clear progression. |
| Lexical Resource | 7.5-8 | Vocabulary precise và varied (catalyst, contagious, grueling, wavered, transformative, resilient). Collocations tự nhiên (publicly committed, healthy pressure, personal victory). Paraphrasing hiệu quả. |
| Grammatical Range & Accuracy | 7.5-8 | Structures đa dạng (which clause, even though, whether…or, not just…but). Sử dụng đúng past perfect, past continuous. Có một số errors nhỏ nhưng không ảnh hưởng communication. |
| Pronunciation | 7.5-8 | Clear pronunciation với word stress và sentence stress chính xác. Intonation tự nhiên giúp meaning rõ ràng. |
So Sánh Với Band 6-7
| Khía cạnh | Band 6-7 | Band 7.5-8 |
|---|---|---|
| Vocabulary | “very motivated”, “tried my best” | “incredibly motivated”, “training intensively”, “personal victory” |
| Grammar | Simple and compound sentences chủ yếu | Complex structures với relative clauses, participial phrases |
| Ideas | Basic description của motivation (family support) | Multiple layers: social pressure, personal growth, transformation |
| Details | General (studied until midnight) | Specific (21km, under 2 hours, running club, legs felt like lead) |
| Reflection | Surface level (proud, grateful) | Deep insight (motivation vs discipline, carry over to life) |
📝 Sample Answer – Band 8.5-9
Thời lượng: 2.5-3 phút đầy đủ
I’d like to recount an experience from about eighteen months ago that really epitomizes a period of intense motivation in my life. It centered around an ambitious project I undertook – creating a mobile application to help Vietnamese students improve their English pronunciation, which I developed entirely from scratch despite having no formal programming background.
The genesis of this endeavor was rather serendipitous. I’d been volunteering as an English tutor for underprivileged children, and I consistently observed that pronunciation was their most significant stumbling block. Existing apps were either too expensive or not tailored to the specific challenges Vietnamese learners face. One evening, after a particularly frustrating session where a student struggled with the “th” sound, I had this light-bulb moment – why not create something myself?
My objective was twofold: firstly, to build a functional app that could genuinely make a difference, and secondly, to prove to myself that I could master a completely new skill set. I gave myself six months to bring this vision to life.
What sustained my motivation through countless late nights and moments of frustration was multifaceted. There was the intrinsic satisfaction I derived from acquiring new knowledge – each coding problem I solved felt like unlocking a new level in a game. More profoundly, though, I was driven by a sense of purpose. I’d pinned photographs of my students on my wall, and whenever I felt like throwing in the towel, I’d look at their faces and remember why I’d started. Their potential success became inextricably linked to my own perseverance.
Additionally, I’d adopted a strategy of micro-goals – breaking down this daunting project into bite-sized achievements. Celebrating these small victories, whether it was successfully implementing a speech recognition feature or designing an intuitive interface, created a positive feedback loop that kept my momentum going. I also sought out an online community of beginner developers who provided both technical guidance and emotional support. Their shared experiences of struggle and triumph made me feel less isolated in my journey.
The emotional landscape of this experience was remarkably nuanced. There were certainly moments of exhilaration when things clicked into place, but equally, there were periods of crushing self-doubt when I questioned whether I’d bitten off more than I could chew. What I found most revelatory was discovering that motivation isn’t this constant, burning flame – it’s more like a flickering candle that requires constant tending. Some days, I had to rely purely on discipline and routine rather than genuine enthusiasm.
When I finally launched the beta version and saw students actually using and benefiting from it, the sense of fulfillment was indescribable. It wasn’t just about the end product; it was about what I’d become in the process – someone more resilient, resourceful, and willing to venture outside their comfort zone. This experience fundamentally shifted my understanding of my own capabilities and taught me that the intersection of personal challenge and meaningful purpose creates the most sustainable form of motivation. It’s a lesson that continues to inform how I approach new challenges today.
Phân Tích Band Điểm
| Tiêu chí | Band | Nhận xét |
|---|---|---|
| Fluency & Coherence | 8.5-9 | Diễn đạt effortlessly và coherent. Discourse markers sophisticated và natural (More profoundly though, Additionally, What I found most revelatory). Logical progression từ context → goal → motivation → struggle → reflection. |
| Lexical Resource | 8.5-9 | Vocabulary exceptional với precision (epitomizes, serendipitous, multifaceted, nuanced, revelatory). Idiomatic expressions natural (light-bulb moment, throwing in the towel, bitten off more than I could chew). Collocations flawless. |
| Grammatical Range & Accuracy | 8.5-9 | Full range của structures: relative clauses, participle phrases, inversions (Not just…but, It wasn’t…it was). Tenses sử dụng với precision. Errors rất minimal và không ảnh hưởng. |
| Pronunciation | 8.5-9 | Fully operational command với effortless flow. Stress, intonation và rhythm enhance meaning. Accent không ảnh hưởng intelligibility. |
Tại Sao Bài Này Xuất Sắc
🎯 Fluency Hoàn Hảo:
Bài nói demonstrates một mức độ tự nhiên exceptional với discourse markers được sử dụng như native speakers (More profoundly though, What I found most revelatory). Không có hesitation và flow continuously trong suốt 2.5-3 phút.
📚 Vocabulary Tinh Vi:
- “epitomizes a period of intense motivation” – thay vì “shows when I felt very motivated”
- “serendipitous” – sophisticated word cho “lucky/by chance”
- “inextricably linked to my own perseverance” – complex expression thể hiện mối liên hệ sâu sắc
- Metaphors tinh tế: “flickering candle that requires constant tending” thay vì simply saying “motivation goes up and down”
📝 Grammar Đa Dạng:
- “I’d been volunteering” (Past Perfect Continuous) – showing extended action before another past event
- “despite having no formal programming background” (Participle phrase)
- “whenever I felt like throwing in the towel, I’d look at their faces” (Time clause với conditional meaning)
- “It wasn’t just about…it was about what I’d become in the process” (Cleft sentence for emphasis)
💡 Ideas Sâu Sắc:
Không chỉ kể câu chuyện mà còn analyze psychology của motivation (flickering candle metaphor), thừa nhận complexity (some days relied on discipline, not enthusiasm), và reflect deeply về personal transformation. Câu kết về “intersection of personal challenge and meaningful purpose” cho thấy mature understanding.
Ứng dụng di động học phát âm tiếng Anh cho học sinh Việt Nam với giao diện thân thiện và công nghệ nhận diện giọng nói
Follow-up Questions (Rounding Off Questions)
Sau Part 2, examiner thường hỏi 1-2 câu ngắn để transition sang Part 3. Đây là cơ hội để bạn maintain momentum.
Question 1: Did you manage to achieve what you set out to do?
Band 6-7 Answer:
Yes, I did. I successfully launched the app and got positive feedback from students. It made me very happy.
Band 8-9 Answer:
Absolutely. I actually exceeded my initial expectations – not only did I launch a functional app, but it also gained traction with over 500 active users in the first month. The validation from actual students using it was incredibly rewarding and confirmed that the effort was worthwhile.
Question 2: Would you take on a similar challenge again?
Band 6-7 Answer:
Yes, definitely. This experience taught me a lot and I would like to challenge myself again in the future.
Band 8-9 Answer:
Without hesitation. This experience was transformative enough that I’m actively on the lookout for similar challenges. I’ve come to realize that stepping outside my comfort zone is where the most meaningful growth happens. In fact, I’m currently exploring the possibility of developing an add-on feature for advanced learners.
IELTS Speaking Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Tổng Quan Về Part 3
Part 3 kéo dài 4-5 phút và là phần khó nhất của IELTS Speaking. Examiner sẽ đặt các câu hỏi trừu tượng, yêu cầu bạn phân tích, so sánh, đánh giá các vấn đề xã hội liên quan đến chủ đề Part 2.
Đặc điểm chính:
- Câu hỏi mang tính analytical và abstract hơn
- Yêu cầu opinion với reasoning rõ ràng
- Cần examples từ xã hội, không chỉ kinh nghiệm cá nhân
- Demonstrate critical thinking và ability to discuss issues in depth
Yêu cầu:
- Phân tích nhiều góc độ của vấn đề (advantages/disadvantages, causes/effects)
- So sánh (past vs present, different groups of people)
- Đưa ra predictions hoặc solutions
- Acknowledge complexity và avoid oversimplification
- Support opinions với logical reasoning và relevant examples
Chiến lược:
- Mở rộng câu trả lời (3-5 câu minimum)
- Sử dụng discourse markers để structure response (Well, I think…, On the one hand…, However,…)
- Think aloud – có thể paraphrase câu hỏi để buy time
- Đưa ra examples từ society, current events, hoặc general trends
- Thừa nhận khi issue phức tạp (It’s a complex issue…, It depends on…)
- Sử dụng tentative language cho opinions (I would say…, It seems to me…)
Lỗi thường gặp của học viên Việt Nam:
- Trả lời quá ngắn, chỉ 1-2 câu
- Không có reasoning rõ ràng để support opinion
- Thiếu examples hoặc chỉ đưa ra personal examples
- Vocabulary quá basic cho abstract topics
- Không structure câu trả lời (just rambling)
- Oversimplify complex issues
- Nói theo kiểu học thuộc template (This topic has both advantages and disadvantages…)
Kỹ năng này cũng tương đồng với cách bạn cần describe a time when you led a team to success, đều yêu cầu khả năng phân tích và diễn đạt ý tưởng phức tạp.
Các Câu Hỏi Thảo Luận Sâu
Theme 1: Motivation in Education and Work
Question 1: What do you think motivates people more in their careers – money or job satisfaction?
🎯 Phân tích câu hỏi:
- Dạng: Compare and give opinion – So sánh hai yếu tố và đưa ra quan điểm
- Key words: motivates, careers, money, job satisfaction
- Cách tiếp cận: Không nên chọn một đáp án duy nhất. Nên thừa nhận cả hai đều quan trọng nhưng có thể argue một cái quan trọng hơn hoặc depends on circumstances. Structure: Direct answer → Explain factor 1 + example → Explain factor 2 + example → Personal stance/conclusion
📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:
I think it depends on the person. Some people are motivated by money because they need it to support their families and have a comfortable life. They work hard to get promotions and higher salaries. However, other people care more about job satisfaction. They want to do work that they enjoy and feel meaningful. For example, teachers often don’t earn much money, but they continue teaching because they love it. In my opinion, both are important, but job satisfaction is more important for long-term happiness.
Phân tích:
- Structure: Có attempt to present both sides (Some people…However, other people)
- Vocabulary: Adequate nhưng basic (comfortable life, earn much money, long-term happiness)
- Tại sao Band 6-7: Clear communication với relevant ideas, nhưng lacks depth và sophisticated language. Example về teachers hơi generic.
📝 Câu trả lời mẫu – Band 8-9:
Well, I’d say this is quite a nuanced question because the answer really hinges on various factors, particularly an individual’s life circumstances and personal values.
On the one hand, financial compensation is undeniably crucial, especially for people who are shouldering family responsibilities or struggling to make ends meet. When you’re living paycheck to paycheck, monetary rewards become the primary driving force because they’re directly tied to survival and basic security. I think this is particularly true in developing economies like Vietnam, where many people are still working their way up the economic ladder.
That said, once people reach a certain threshold of financial stability, the marginal utility of money tends to diminish, and intrinsic factors like job satisfaction become increasingly salient. Research has consistently shown that beyond a certain income level, additional earnings don’t proportionally translate into greater happiness. What really fuels sustained motivation is finding meaning in your work, having autonomy, and seeing tangible impact.
Take the tech industry as an example – we’ve seen numerous cases of highly-paid professionals at major corporations walking away from lucrative positions to join startups or pursue passion projects, accepting significant pay cuts in exchange for work that aligns with their values and offers greater creative freedom.
Personally, I believe that while money is the foundation, job satisfaction is what keeps the engine running in the long term. The ideal scenario is finding that sweet spot where financial needs are met and the work itself is fulfilling – though I acknowledge that’s a luxury not everyone can afford.
Phân tích:
- Structure: Exceptionally well-organized: Acknowledge complexity → Side 1 with reasoning → Side 2 with reasoning + evidence → Concrete example → Personal conclusion with nuance
- Vocabulary: Sophisticated và precise (nuanced question, hinges on, shouldering family responsibilities, marginal utility, fuels sustained motivation, walking away from lucrative positions)
- Grammar: Complex structures including relative clauses, participle phrases, và conditional meanings embedded naturally
- Critical Thinking: Shows awareness of context (developing economies), references research, acknowledges complexity (ideal scenario is…though I acknowledge), balanced view
💡 Key Language Features:
- Discourse markers: Well, On the one hand, That said, Take…as an example, Personally
- Tentative language: I’d say, tends to, I believe
- Abstract nouns: circumstances, compensation, autonomy, marginal utility
- Advanced collocations: shouldering family responsibilities, living paycheck to paycheck, translate into greater happiness
Question 2: Do you think schools should focus more on teaching students how to stay motivated?
🎯 Phân tích câu hỏi:
- Dạng: Opinion với suggestion – Should they do something?
- Key words: schools, focus more, teaching, stay motivated
- Cách tiếp cận: Direct answer (Yes/No/To some extent) → Explain why this is important/necessary → Possible methods or approaches → Potential challenges → Balanced conclusion
📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:
Yes, I think schools should teach students about motivation. Many students lose motivation when they face difficulties in studying. If teachers can teach them how to stay motivated, students will study better and achieve more. Schools can do this by organizing workshops or inviting successful people to share their experiences. This will help students learn from real examples.
Phân tích:
- Structure: Direct answer → reason → suggestion → benefit
- Vocabulary: Basic và repetitive (stay motivated appears twice, students/studying appears multiple times)
- Tại sao Band 6-7: Clear position nhưng lacks depth in analysis. Suggestions quite generic.
📝 Câu trả lời mẫu – Band 8-9:
Absolutely, I think this should be a cornerstone of modern education, and frankly, it’s something our current system often overlooks. We pour tremendous resources into teaching academic content but fall short on equipping students with the psychological tools they need to navigate challenges and maintain momentum.
The reality is that raw talent or intelligence only takes you so far – what really differentiates successful individuals from others is often their ability to persevere when motivation wanes. By explicitly teaching strategies like goal-setting, self-reflection, and resilience-building, schools could empower students with lifelong skills that transcend any specific subject matter.
In practical terms, this could be woven into the curriculum through several approaches. For instance, integrating mindfulness practices or growth mindset principles into daily routines, creating mentorship programs where students learn from peers who’ve overcome obstacles, or even dedicating specific sessions to discussing motivation strategies and emotional regulation. Some progressive schools in Singapore and Finland have already pioneered such programs with promising results.
However, I’d caution against making this too prescriptive or turning it into just another box to tick. Motivation is deeply personal, and what resonates with one student might not work for another. The key is creating an environment that helps students discover their own sources of motivation rather than imposing a one-size-fits-all approach.
Moreover, this initiative would need to be coupled with broader reforms – because let’s face it, it’s somewhat paradoxical to teach motivation while simultaneously subjecting students to soul-crushing examination pressure and rigid curricula that stifle creativity. The system itself needs to be motivating.
All in all, while I strongly support teaching motivational strategies, it needs to be part of a holistic approach to education that values process over just outcomes.
Phân tích:
- Structure: Clear position → Reasoning with depth → Practical suggestions với examples → Caveats/limitations → Broader context → Nuanced conclusion
- Vocabulary: Exceptional (cornerstone, fall short on, wanes, transcend, woven into, pioneered, prescriptive, resonates with, soul-crushing, holistic approach)
- Grammar: Full range including: relative clauses, gerund phrases (By explicitly teaching), subjunctive mood (I’d caution against), participle phrases
- Critical Thinking:
- Acknowledges current gap (system often overlooks)
- Provides concrete examples (Singapore and Finland)
- Recognizes limitations (deeply personal, one-size-fits-all won’t work)
- Sees broader context (paradox of teaching motivation in pressure-filled system)
- Offers balanced conclusion
💡 Key Language Features:
- Discourse markers: Absolutely, The reality is, In practical terms, However, Moreover, All in all
- Tentative/hedging language: I think, could, would need to, somewhat paradoxical
- Emphasis structures: what really differentiates, what resonates with
- Academic collocations: pour resources into, fall short on, coupled with, holistic approach
Theme 2: Motivation Across Different Life Stages
Question 3: How does motivation change as people get older?
🎯 Phân tích câu hỏi:
- Dạng: Compare different stages/ages
- Key words: motivation change, people get older
- Cách tiếp cận: So sánh motivation của young people vs older people, giải thích reasons for changes, có thể chia theo stages (youth, middle age, elderly)
📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:
I think motivation changes a lot when people get older. Young people are usually motivated by exciting things and new experiences. They want to try many different things and have fun. But when people get older and have families, their motivation changes. They become more motivated by stability and taking care of their children. Old people might be motivated by health and spending time with family. So I think age affects what motivates us.
Phân tích:
- Structure: Basic comparison between age groups
- Vocabulary: Repetitive (motivated by appears 4 times) và basic (exciting things, have fun, taking care of)
- Tại sao Band 6-7: Answers the question với relevant ideas nhưng lacks sophistication và depth. No specific examples.
📝 Câu trả lời mẫu – Band 8-9:
This is a fascinating question because motivation really does undergo a fundamental shift as we progress through different life stages, and it’s driven by both psychological maturation and changing life circumstances.
In adolescence and early adulthood, motivation tends to be quite externally oriented and novelty-seeking. Young people are typically driven by social validation, peer recognition, and the thrill of new experiences. There’s also often an idealistic streak – wanting to change the world or make their mark. Think about why young people are drawn to startup culture or social causes – it’s that combination of excitement, recognition, and perceived impact.
As people transition into middle age, usually in their 30s and 40s, there’s typically a recalibration of priorities. External validation becomes less important, and intrinsic motivations – like mastery of their craft, making meaningful contributions, or leaving a legacy – become more prominent. This is also when extrinsic factors like financial security for family come to the fore because responsibilities multiply. It’s less about proving yourself and more about building something sustainable.
In later life, particularly post-retirement, I’d argue motivation becomes even more refined and philosophically grounded. Mortality awareness tends to sharpen people’s focus on what truly matters – many older individuals are motivated by passing on wisdom, nurturing relationships, maintaining cognitive vitality, or engaging in pursuits they’d deferred during their working years. There’s often a beautiful shift from achievement to appreciation, from acquiring to giving.
Of course, these are generalizations, and individual trajectories vary enormously depending on culture, socioeconomic status, and personality. I’ve certainly met sprightly 70-year-olds who remain as novelty-seeking as any teenager, and young people who show remarkable wisdom beyond their years.
What’s interesting is that research in developmental psychology suggests this evolution isn’t arbitrary – it actually aligns with changing cognitive priorities and emotional regulation capabilities at different ages. Older people’s focus on meaningful relationships over superficial connections, for instance, reflects what researchers call the “socioemotional selectivity theory.”
Phân tích:
- Structure: Systematic progression through life stages (adolescence → middle age → later life) → Acknowledge exceptions → Add academic perspective
- Vocabulary: Sophisticated và varied (undergo a fundamental shift, novelty-seeking, recalibration, intrinsic motivations, deferred, trajectories, sprightly, arbitrary)
- Grammar: Full range of complex structures, embedded clauses, noun phrases
- Critical Thinking:
- Analyzes psychological reasons behind changes
- Provides specific examples for each stage
- Acknowledges generalizations don’t apply to everyone
- References academic theory (socioemotional selectivity theory)
- Shows understanding of both internal and external factors
💡 Key Language Features:
- Academic vocabulary: undergo, transition into, recalibration, trajectories, arbitrary, aligns with
- Comparing structures: tends to be vs becomes more, less about…more about
- Qualifying language: typically, usually, tends to, often, I’d argue
- Examples integrated smoothly: Think about why…, I’ve certainly met…
Trong bối cảnh này, trải nghiệm describe a time when you received a compliment unexpectedly có thể là nguồn động lực mạnh mẽ ở nhiều độ tuổi khác nhau, cho thấy sự recognition từ người khác vẫn có tác động xuyên suốt các giai đoạn cuộc đời.
Theme 3: Societal Factors and Motivation
Question 4: Do you think social media has increased or decreased people’s motivation?
🎯 Phân tích câu hỏi:
- Dạng: Evaluate impact – has something had positive or negative effect?
- Key words: social media, increased/decreased, motivation
- Cách tiếp cận: Đây là complex issue nên nên present both sides. Structure: Acknowledge complexity → Positive impacts + examples → Negative impacts + examples → Which is more significant/depends on usage → Personal conclusion
📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:
I think social media has both positive and negative effects on motivation. On the positive side, people can see success stories of others and feel inspired. For example, many people share their fitness journeys on Instagram, which motivates others to exercise. On the negative side, social media can make people feel bad about themselves when they compare their lives to others. This can decrease motivation. Overall, I think it depends on how people use social media.
Phân tích:
- Structure: Presents both sides với basic structure
- Vocabulary: Simple (positive side, negative side, feel bad, feel inspired)
- Tại sao Band 6-7: Balanced answer nhưng analysis lacks depth. Example về fitness khá common và không elaborate.
📝 Câu trả lời mẫu – Band 8-9:
This is genuinely a double-edged sword, and I think the answer really hinges on how social media is used and by whom. The platforms themselves are inherently neutral – it’s the dynamics they create and how individuals engage with them that determines their impact on motivation.
On the potentially positive side, social media has democratized inspiration in unprecedented ways. People now have access to role models and success narratives far beyond their immediate circles. A teenager in a rural Vietnamese village can follow entrepreneurs, artists, or athletes worldwide and glean insights into their journeys. These platforms also facilitate accountability mechanisms – people setting public goals or joining online communities that provide encouragement. The fitness transformation and language learning communities are prime examples where social media creates genuine motivational ecosystems.
However – and this is a significant caveat – social media has also spawned what I’d call “performative motivation” and comparison culture that can be deeply demoralizing. When people are constantly bombarded with curated highlight reels of others’ lives and achievements, it creates unrealistic benchmarks and can trigger feelings of inadequacy. There’s also the dopamine-driven nature of these platforms that can actually undermine intrinsic motivation by making us dependent on external validation in the form of likes and comments. I’ve certainly seen people become more focused on appearing motivated than actually being motivated.
Moreover, the attention economy that social media operates on fundamentally fragments our focus. Sustained motivation requires deep engagement with goals, but the incessant notifications and endless scroll of content erodes our capacity for the kind of concentrated effort that achievement demands. It’s somewhat ironic that tools meant to connect us can actually disconnect us from our own intrinsic drives.
Research is increasingly showing what they call “social media-induced anxiety” and its correlation with decreased motivation, particularly among young people. The fear of missing out (FOMO) can paralyze rather than energize action.
That said, I don’t think we should demonize social media entirely. Like any tool, its impact depends on mindful usage. Curating your feed to include genuinely inspirational and educational content, setting boundaries on usage time, and engaging authentically rather than superficially can make these platforms net positive for motivation. The key is intentionality – using social media as a catalyst rather than a crutch or source of validation.
In balance, I’d say social media has probably had a net negative impact on sustained, intrinsic motivation for most people, but it has the potential to be tremendously empowering when used thoughtfully.
Phân tích:
- Structure: Exceptional organization – Acknowledge complexity → Positive aspects with examples → Negative aspects with detailed analysis → Additional concern (attention economy) → Research evidence → Nuanced conclusion with conditions
- Vocabulary: Sophisticated (double-edged sword, democratized inspiration, performative motivation, curated highlight reels, dopamine-driven, erodes, demonize, catalyst vs crutch)
- Grammar: Full range with embedding, conditional meanings, contrastive structures
- Critical Thinking:
- Multiple perspectives (individual, psychological, societal)
- Specific examples (fitness communities, language learning)
- Academic reference (research on social media-induced anxiety)
- Recognizes paradoxes (tools to connect can disconnect)
- Acknowledges nuance (depends on usage)
- Technical terms used accurately (attention economy, FOMO, dopamine-driven)
💡 Key Language Features:
- Discourse markers: On the potentially positive side, However, Moreover, That said, In balance
- Hedging language: I think, genuinely, can be, probably, has the potential to
- Contrast structures: more focused on appearing than being, using as a catalyst rather than a crutch
- Academic style: Research is increasingly showing, correlation with, net positive/negative
Tác động của mạng xã hội đến động lực và tinh thần học tập của giới trẻ Việt Nam trong IELTS Speaking
Question 5: What role do you think governments should play in motivating citizens?
🎯 Phân tích câu hỏi:
- Dạng: Opinion về government’s role/responsibility
- Key words: governments, should play, motivating citizens
- Cách tiếp cận: Define scope of what “motivating citizens” means → Areas where government can/should be involved → Methods → Limitations/boundaries → Balance between government role and individual responsibility
📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:
I think governments should help motivate citizens in some ways. They can create better job opportunities so people feel motivated to work hard. Also, governments should invest in education to help young people prepare for their future. They can also organize programs to encourage healthy lifestyles or environmental protection. However, motivation mainly comes from inside each person, so governments cannot do everything. People need to find their own motivation too.
Phân tích:
- Structure: Lists some areas without deep analysis
- Vocabulary: Basic (better job opportunities, work hard, comes from inside)
- Tại sao Band 6-7: Relevant ideas nhưng superficial treatment. Thiếu specific examples và deeper reasoning.
📝 Câu trả lời mẫu – Band 8-9:
This is a delicate balance to strike because while governments certainly have a role in creating conditions conducive to motivation, they need to be careful not to overstep into paternalism or create dependency.
I’d argue that the government’s primary responsibility is to establish an enabling environment – what economists call “institutional infrastructure” – that allows motivation to flourish. This means ensuring equitable access to education regardless of socioeconomic background, creating a level playing field through anti-discrimination policies, and maintaining social safety nets that allow people to take calculated risks without fear of catastrophic failure. When people know that failure won’t result in complete destitution, they’re more likely to pursue ambitious goals.
Beyond these fundamentals, governments can strategically incentivize behaviors that align with societal goals. Tax breaks for innovative startups, grants for research and development, or subsidies for sustainable practices are examples of how policy can nudge motivation in socially beneficial directions. Singapore’s government, for instance, has been remarkably adept at creating what they call a “culture of excellence” through meritocratic systems and aspirational policies.
In the realm of public health, government campaigns can be quite effective at motivating behavioral change – think of anti-smoking initiatives or vaccination drives that leverage both information and social norming to spur action. Vietnam’s recent digital transformation push is another example where government leadership has helped galvanize motivation toward tech adoption across sectors.
However, there are clear boundaries to what governments should and can do. Motivation that’s purely extrinsically driven by government carrots and sticks is inherently fragile and can backfire. We’ve seen this in centrally planned economies where top-down motivation led to perverse outcomes – people gaming the system rather than genuinely innovating. Moreover, government shouldn’t encroach upon areas of personal autonomy – what motivates someone in their private life, their hobbies, or personal relationships should largely remain beyond governmental purview.
The most effective approach, I believe, is what’s sometimes called “libertarian paternalism” – structuring choices in ways that make positive outcomes easier while preserving individual freedom. This means governments should focus on removing barriers (like excessive bureaucracy that stifles entrepreneurship), providing information (so people can make informed choices), and ensuring fairness (so merit can shine through regardless of background), rather than trying to directly manipulate individual motivation.
Ultimately, governments should be architects of opportunity rather than directors of ambition. They should create the stage but let individuals choose their performances.
Phân tích:
- Structure: Complex, multi-layered argument – Define proper role → Fundamental responsibilities → Strategic incentives + examples → Areas of effectiveness + examples → Limitations and boundaries + cautionary examples → Ideal approach → Philosophical conclusion
- Vocabulary: Exceptional sophistication (paternalism, enabling environment, institutional infrastructure, galvanize, encroach upon, libertarian paternalism, perverse outcomes, architects of opportunity)
- Grammar: Full range including complex nominalizations, embedded clauses, conditional structures
- Critical Thinking:
- Economic concepts (institutional infrastructure, level playing field)
- Real-world examples (Singapore, Vietnam’s digital transformation)
- Historical perspective (centrally planned economies)
- Philosophical framework (libertarian paternalism)
- Acknowledges both possibilities and limitations
- Balanced conclusion with metaphor (architects vs directors)
💡 Key Language Features:
- Academic discourse: I’d argue, This means, In the realm of, Ultimately
- Technical/policy vocabulary: enabling environment, social safety nets, nudge, meritocratic systems, top-down motivation
- Qualifying language: certainly, largely, generally, I believe
- Sophisticated connectors: while, when, that, rather than
Từ vựng và cụm từ quan trọng
Topic-Specific Vocabulary
| Từ vựng/Cụm từ | Loại từ | Phiên âm | Nghĩa tiếng Việt | Ví dụ | Collocation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| driving force | n | /ˈdraɪvɪŋ fɔːrs/ | động lực chính, sức mạnh thúc đẩy | My primary driving force is the sense of accomplishment. | main driving force, powerful driving force, key driving force |
| push one’s boundaries | v phrase | /pʊʃ wʌnz ˈbaʊndəriz/ | vượt qua giới hạn của bản thân | The challenge really pushed my boundaries. | continually push, constantly push, willing to push boundaries |
| sense of accomplishment | n phrase | /sens əv əˈkʌmplɪʃmənt/ | cảm giác hoàn thành, đạt được điều gì đó | There’s a great sense of accomplishment when you finish. | strong sense of, deep sense of, real sense of accomplishment |
| self-driven | adj | /self ˈdrɪvən/ | tự thúc đẩy bản thân | She’s a very self-driven person. | highly self-driven, extremely self-driven, naturally self-driven |
| fluctuate | v | /ˈflʌktʃueɪt/ | dao động, thay đổi | My motivation levels fluctuate depending on circumstances. | constantly fluctuate, tend to fluctuate, widely fluctuate |
| thrive on | v phrase | /θraɪv ɒn/ | phát triển mạnh nhờ vào | Some people thrive on challenges. | thrive on pressure, thrive on competition, thrive on adversity |
| rigorous | adj | /ˈrɪɡərəs/ | nghiêm ngặt, khắt khe | I maintained a rigorous study schedule. | rigorous training, rigorous standards, rigorous approach |
| wane | v | /weɪn/ | giảm dần, suy yếu | My initial enthusiasm started to wane. | begin to wane, gradually wane, enthusiasm wanes |
| momentum | n | /məʊˈmentəm/ | đà tiến triển, động lượng | It’s important to maintain momentum. | gain momentum, build momentum, lose momentum, sustain momentum |
| catalyst | n | /ˈkætəlɪst/ | chất xúc tác, yếu tố thúc đẩy | The conversation was a catalyst for change. | act as a catalyst, serve as a catalyst, powerful catalyst |
| persevere | v | /ˌpɜːsəˈvɪə(r)/ | kiên trì, bền bỉ | You need to persevere through difficulties. | persevere despite, continue to persevere, ability to persevere |
| resilient | adj | /rɪˈzɪliənt/ | có khả năng phục hồi, kiên cường | This experience made me more resilient. | highly resilient, remarkably resilient, emotionally resilient |
| intrinsic motivation | n phrase | /ɪnˈtrɪnsɪk ˌməʊtɪˈveɪʃn/ | động lực nội tại | Intrinsic motivation is more sustainable than external rewards. | develop intrinsic motivation, foster intrinsic motivation, driven by intrinsic motivation |
| extrinsic factors | n phrase | /eksˈtrɪnsɪk ˈfæktəz/ | các yếu tố bên ngoài | Extrinsic factors like salary are important too. | influenced by extrinsic factors, balance extrinsic factors |
| compelling | adj | /kəmˈpelɪŋ/ | thuyết phục, hấp dẫn mạnh mẽ | I had a compelling reason to succeed. | compelling argument, compelling evidence, compelling motivation |
| galvanize | v | /ˈɡælvənaɪz/ | thúc đẩy mạnh mẽ, kích thích | The speech galvanized the team into action. | galvanize support, galvanize action, galvanize people |
| sustain | v | /səˈsteɪn/ | duy trì lâu dài | It’s hard to sustain motivation over time. | sustain effort, sustain interest, sustain momentum |
| overwhelming | adj | /ˌəʊvəˈwelmɪŋ/ | áp đảo, quá sức | The challenge seemed overwhelming at first. | overwhelming pressure, overwhelming desire, overwhelming task |
Idiomatic Expressions & Advanced Phrases
| Cụm từ | Nghĩa | Ví dụ sử dụng | Band điểm |
|---|---|---|---|
| throw in the towel | bỏ cuộc, từ bỏ | Whenever I felt like throwing in the towel, I remembered my goals. | 7.5-9 |
| bite off more than one can chew | tự nhận nhiệm vụ quá sức | I worried I’d bitten off more than I could chew with this project. | 7.5-9 |
| the ball is in someone’s court | trách nhiệm thuộc về ai đó | Once I’d done my part, the ball was in their court. | 7-8 |
| go the extra mile | nỗ lực thêm, làm hơn mong đợi | She always goes the extra mile to achieve her goals. | 7-8 |
| burning the midnight oil | thức khuya làm việc | I was burning the midnight oil to finish the project. | 7-8 |
| double-edged sword | con dao hai lưỡi, có cả lợi và hại | Social media is a double-edged sword for motivation. | 8-9 |
| hit the ground running | bắt đầu nhanh chóng và hiệu quả | I wanted to hit the ground running when the semester started. | 7.5-8 |
| light at the end of the tunnel | hy vọng cuối con đường | Finally seeing the light at the end of the tunnel kept me going. | 7-8 |
| step up one’s game | nâng cao hiệu suất | I knew I needed to step up my game to compete. | 7-8 |
| weather the storm | vượt qua khó khăn | With strong motivation, I was able to weather the storm. | 7.5-8 |
| move heaven and earth | làm mọi cách có thể | She would move heaven and earth to achieve her dreams. | 8-9 |
| rise to the occasion | vươn lên đáp ứng thử thách | When faced with difficulty, I managed to rise to the occasion. | 7.5-8 |
Discourse Markers (Từ Nối Ý Trong Speaking)
Để bắt đầu câu trả lời:
- 📝 Well,… – Dùng khi cần vài giây suy nghĩ, tạo cảm giác tự nhiên như người bản ngữ
- 📝 Actually,… – Khi muốn đưa ra góc nhìn khác hoặc correct một assumption
- 📝 To be honest,… / Honestly,… – Khi nói thật lòng, chia sẻ ý kiến chân thành
- 📝 I’d say that… – Cách sophisticated hơn “I think”
- 📝 Looking back,… – Khi reflect về quá khứ trong Part 2
- 📝 In my view,… / From my perspective,… – Đưa ra quan điểm cá nhân trong Part 3
Để bổ sung ý:
- 📝 On top of that,… – Thêm vào đó, ngoài ra
- 📝 What’s more,… / Furthermore,… – Hơn nữa, thêm vào đó
- 📝 Not to mention… – Chưa kể đến, chưa nói tới
- 📝 Another thing is… – Một điều khác là
- 📝 Additionally,… / Moreover,… – Thêm vào đó (formal hơn)
- 📝 Beyond that,… – Ngoài điều đó ra
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,… / Having said that,… – Tuy nhiên, mặc dù vậy
- 📝 At the same time,… – Đồng thời, cùng lúc đó
- 📝 By contrast,… / In contrast,… – Ngược lại
Để đưa ra ví dụ:
- 📝 For instance,… / For example,… – Ví dụ như
- 📝 Take… as an example – Lấy… làm ví dụ
- 📝 A case in point is… – Một ví dụ điển hình là
- 📝 To illustrate this,… – Để minh họa điều này
Để kết luận:
- 📝 All in all,… / Overall,… – Tóm lại, nhìn chung
- 📝 At the end of the day,… – Cuối cùng thì
- 📝 In the final analysis,… – Xét cho cùng
- 📝 Ultimately,… – Sau cùng, xét đến cùng
- 📝 In balance,… / On balance,… – Tổng thể xét lại
Để thể hiện uncertainty hoặc hedging:
- 📝 I suppose… – Tôi cho là
- 📝 I guess… – Tôi đoán là
- 📝 It seems to me that… – Có vẻ như với tôi
- 📝 To some extent,… – Ở một mức độ nào đó
- 📝 In a way,… – Theo một cách nào đó
Grammatical Structures Ấn Tượng
1. Conditional Sentences (Câu điều kiện):
Mixed conditional:
- Formula: If + Past Perfect, would + V (hiện tại)
- Ví dụ: “If I hadn’t had that conversation with my cousin, I would still be making excuses for not exercising.”
- Sử dụng: Nói về điều kiện trong quá khứ với kết quả ở hiện tại
Inversion in conditionals:
- Formula: Had + S + past participle, S + would have…
- Ví dụ: “Had I known how difficult it would be, I might have prepared differently, but I’m glad I didn’t.”
- Sử dụng: Formal style, ấn tượng trong Part 3
2. Relative Clauses (Mệnh đề quan hệ):
Non-defining relative clauses:
- Formula: S, which/who + clause, V
- Ví dụ: “My mentor, who had overcome similar challenges, provided invaluable guidance throughout my journey.”
- Sử dụng: Thêm information không thiết yếu nhưng làm phong phú câu
Reduced relative clauses:
- Formula: S + V-ing/V-ed… (bỏ who/which + be)
- Ví dụ: “The people surrounding me were incredibly supportive” thay vì “who were surrounding me”
3. Passive Voice (Câu bị động):
Impersonal passive:
- Formula: It is thought/believed/said/considered that…
- Ví dụ: “It’s widely believed that intrinsic motivation is more sustainable than external rewards.”
- Sử dụng: Giới thiệu ý kiến chung trong Part 3
Passive to avoid repetition:
- Ví dụ: “Many obstacles were encountered, but they were ultimately overcome through persistence.”
4. Cleft Sentences (Câu chẻ):
What-cleft:
- Formula: What + S + V + is/was…
- Ví dụ: “What I found most challenging was maintaining motivation when progress seemed invisible.”
- Sử dụng: Emphasize specific information
It-cleft:
- Formula: It + is/was + focus + that/who…
- Ví dụ: “It was the support from my family that made all the difference during difficult times.”
The thing/person that:
- Ví dụ: “The thing that kept me going was visualizing the end goal every single day.”
5. Participle Clauses:
Present participle (showing simultaneous action):
- Ví dụ: “Knowing that others depended on me, I couldn’t afford to give up.”
Past participle (passive meaning):
- Ví dụ: “Faced with seemingly insurmountable obstacles, I had to dig deep to find motivation.”
6. Inversion for Emphasis:
Negative adverbials:
- Formula: Never/Rarely/Seldom + auxiliary + S + V
- Ví dụ: “Rarely have I felt so determined to achieve something.”
- “Not only did this experience teach me perseverance, but it also showed me my true potential.”
7. Wish and Hypothetical Structures:
I wish + Past Perfect:
- Ví dụ: “Sometimes I wish I had started earlier, but the timing worked out perfectly in the end.”
If only:
- Ví dụ: “If only I had known how rewarding the journey would be, I wouldn’t have hesitated.”
8. Substitution và Ellipsis:
- Ví dụ: “Some people are motivated by money, while others [are motivated] by purpose.”
- “My initial motivation was external, but over time it became more intrinsic.”
Chiến lược trả lời hiệu quả
Chiến lược chung cho cả 3 Parts
1. Hiểu rõ câu hỏi:
- Đừng vội trả lời ngay, hãy đảm bảo bạn hiểu đúng câu hỏi
- Nếu không chắc, có thể hỏi lại: “Do you mean…?” hoặc “Are you asking about…?”
- Identify key words trong câu hỏi để focus câu trả lời
2. Sử dụng thinking time một cách tự nhiên:
- Dùng discourse markers: “Well…”, “Let me think…”, “That’s an interesting question…”
- Paraphrase câu hỏi để buy time: “You’re asking about what motivates me… well, I’d say…”
- Đừng im lặng hoàn toàn – hesitation tự nhiên được chấp nhận
3. Structure câu trả lời:
- Part 1: Direct answer + reason + example/detail (2-3 câu)
- Part 2: Follow bullet points theo thứ tự + thêm details và emotions
- Part 3: Opinion/answer + reason 1 + example + reason 2 + example + conclusion (4-6 câu)
4. Develop ideas với TREE method:
- Topic sentence: Trả lời trực tiếp
- Reason: Tại sao
- Example: Ví dụ cụ thể
- Elaboration: Mở rộng thêm hoặc kết luận
5. Tránh học thuộc template:
- Template làm câu trả lời nghe unnatural
- Examiner rất dễ nhận ra khi thí sinh recite từ memory
- Focus vào natural expression của ý tưởng
Xử lý các tình huống khó
Tình huống 1: Không hiểu câu hỏi
- ✅ Nên làm: “I’m sorry, could you repeat the question?” hoặc “Do you mean…?”
- ❌ Không nên: Im lặng hoặc trả lời sai đề
Tình huống 2: Không có ý tưởng
- ✅ Nên làm: Thành thật acknowledge và think aloud: “That’s a tough question… Let me think… Well, I suppose…”
- ✅ Generalize: Nói về người khác hoặc general trend thay vì chỉ bản thân
- ❌ Không nên: Nói “I don’t know” và dừng lại
Tình huống 3: Không biết từ vựng
- ✅ Nên làm: Paraphrase bằng từ đơn giản hơn hoặc describe: “I don’t know the exact word, but I mean something like…”
- ✅ Dùng “what’s the word…” một cách tự nhiên
- ❌ Không nên: Dùng từ tiếng Việt hoặc dừng giữa chừng
Tình huống 4: Mất mạch trong Part 2
- ✅ Nên làm: Nhìn notes và transition: “Going back to what I mentioned…”, “Another point I’d like to make is…”
- ✅ Tổng kết lại: “So, as I said, this experience was really motivating because…”
- ❌ Không nên: Im lặng hoặc lặp lại điều đã nói
Tình huống 5: Examiner ngắt lời trong Part 2
- ✅ Nên làm: Đây là điều bình thường khi bạn đã nói đủ 2 phút. Đừng lo lắng, it’s actually a good sign.
- ❌ Không nên: Cảm thấy frustrated hoặc nghĩ mình nói sai
Tình huống 6: Câu hỏi Part 3 quá trừu tượng
- ✅ Nên làm: Break down câu hỏi thành parts dễ hiểu hơn: “Well, if we look at this from different angles…”
- ✅ Dùng examples để concrete hóa abstract ideas
- ✅ Acknowledge complexity: “It’s quite a complex issue…”
Lời khuyên từ góc nhìn Examiner
Điều Examiners đánh giá cao:
- Natural communication hơn là perfect grammar
- Willing to develop ideas thay vì câu trả lời ngắn
- Variety trong vocabulary và structures
- Self-correction cho thấy language awareness
- Engagement – thể hiện interest với topic
- Risk-taking – attempt complex structures thay vì chỉ dùng safe, simple sentences
Điều Examiners không thích:
- Memorized answers – rất dễ nhận ra
- Over-rehearsed response với unnatural intonation
- Template language – “There are both advantages and disadvantages…”
- Irrelevant answers – không trả lời đúng câu hỏi
- One-word answers trong Part 1
- Asking for score hoặc explaining mistakes during test
Red flags khiến Examiners nghi ngờ memorization:
- Intonation quá perfect, không có natural hesitation
- Suddenly switches to very formal language
- Same structure repeated nhiều lần
- Information quá chi tiết và không relevant
- Không thể respond to follow-up questions flexibly
Timeline chuẩn bị
6-8 tuần trước thi:
- Week 1-2: Làm quen với format và recording practice
- Week 3-4: Build vocabulary bank cho common topics
- Week 5-6: Practice với các đề Part 2 và develop ideas
- Week 7-8: Mock tests và refine performance
2 tuần trước thi:
- Daily recording và self-assessment
- Practice recent actual test questions
- Work on pronunciation và fluency
- Reduce studying time 2 ngày trước để avoid burnout
Ngày thi:
- Đến sớm 30 phút để làm quen không gian
- Warm up bằng cách nói tiếng Anh (tự nói với mình)
- Breathe và stay calm – remember Examiner wants you to do well
- Treat it như một conversation, không phải interrogation
Tương tự như cách bạn describe a time when you had to manage a virtual event, việc chuẩn bị kỹ lưỡng và có chiến lược rõ ràng sẽ giúp bạn tự tin hơn trong bài thi Speaking.
Lỗi thường gặp của học viên Việt Nam và cách khắc phục
Lỗi về Pronunciation
Lỗi 1: Phát âm /θ/ và /ð/
- ❌ Sai: “think” → /tink/, “this” → /dis/
- ✅ Đúng: “think” /θɪŋk/, “this” /ðɪs/
- Cách luyện: Đặt lưỡi giữa răng khi phát âm, thực hành với: “I think this”, “three things”
Lỗi 2: Phát âm /v/ và /w/
- ❌ Sai: “very” → “wery”, “work” → “vork”
- ✅ Đúng: “very” /ˈveri/ (cắn môi dưới), “work” /wɜːk/ (tròn môi)
- Cách luyện: “I’m very willing to work” – repeat slowly
Lỗi 3: Word stress sai
- ❌ Sai: moTIvation (stress syllable 2), DEvelop (stress syllable 1)
- ✅ Đúng: motiVAtion, deVElop
- Cách luyện: Học từ kèm stress pattern, dùng dictionary có phiên âm
Lỗi 4: Sentence stress và intonation đều nhau
- ❌ Speaking với intonation flat như đọc văn bản
- ✅ Stress content words (nouns, main verbs, adjectives, adverbs)
- Ví dụ: “I felt REALLY moTIvated when I SAW the RESults”
Lỗi về Grammar
Lỗi 5: Tenses confusion
- ❌ “Last year, I am very motivated” (mixing present with past time)
- ✅ “Last year, I was very motivated”
- ❌ “I have started this project last month” (can’t use Past Simple với Present Perfect)
- ✅ “I started this project last month” HOẶC “I have been working on this project for a month”
Lỗi 6: Article errors
- ❌ “The motivation is important” (không cần “the” cho abstract noun nói chung)
- ✅ “Motivation is important”
- ❌ “I want to have successful career” (thiếu article)
- ✅ “I want to have a successful career”
Lỗi 7: Preposition errors
- ❌ “I am motivated on achieving”
- ✅ “I am motivated by the prospect of achieving”
- ❌ “I concentrate to my goals”
- ✅ “I concentrate on my goals”
- ❌ “It depends from the situation”
- ✅ “It depends on the situation”
Lỗi 8: Subject-verb agreement
- ❌ “Everyone have their own motivation”
- ✅ “Everyone has their own motivation”
- ❌ “There is many factors”
- ✅ “There are many factors”
Lỗi về Vocabulary
Lỗi 9: Overuse của “very” và basic adjectives
- ❌ “very good”, “very bad”, “very important”, “very happy”
- ✅ Alternatives: excellent/outstanding, terrible/awful, crucial/vital, delighted/thrilled
- Practice: Replace “very + adj” với single powerful word
Lỗi 10: Repetition
- ❌ Using “motivated” 10 times trong Part 2
- ✅ Alternatives: driven, inspired, determined, energized, galvanized, spurred on
- Strategy: Prepare synonyms cho key topic words
Lỗi 11: Informal language không phù hợp
- ❌ “My dad”, “stuff”, “guys”, “cool”
- ✅ “My father”, “things/matters”, “people”, “interesting/impressive”
- Note: Colloquial OK nhưng maintain appropriate register
Lỗi 12: Literal translation từ tiếng Việt
- ❌ “I have high spirit” (literal translation of “tinh thần cao”)
- ✅ “I feel motivated” hoặc “I’m in high spirits”
- ❌ “I am thinking high” (literal “nghĩ cao”)
- ✅ “I have ambitious goals”
Lỗi về Fluency & Coherence
Lỗi 13: Câu trả lời quá ngắn
- ❌ Part 1 question: “Do you like challenges?” → “Yes, I do.”
- ✅ “Yes, definitely. I actually thrive on challenges because they push me to grow and discover new capabilities. I find that overcoming difficulties gives me a real sense of accomplishment.”
Lỗi 14: Thiếu linking devices
- ❌ Speaking in choppy sentences without connections
- ✅ Use: However, Moreover, For instance, On the other hand, As a result
- Practice: Record yourself và check for flow
Lỗi 15: Incomplete ideas
- ❌ Starting sentences nhưng không finish: “I think motivation is… um… because people need…”
- ✅ Complete thought before moving on
- Tip: If stuck, restart: “Let me put it another way…”
Lỗi 16: Long pauses và fillers excessive
- ❌ “Um… uh… you know… like… I mean…” (mỗi câu)
- ✅ Occasional fillers OK, nhưng use purposefully
- Better fillers: Well, Actually, Let me think, That’s a good question
Lỗi về Content & Ideas
Lỗi 17: Không trả lời đúng câu hỏi
- Question: “What motivates people in the workplace?”
- ❌ Answer about personal motivation or school (off-topic)
- ✅ Answer specifically về workplace factors
- Strategy: Underline key words trong Part 2 cue card
Lỗi 18: Generic answers thiếu personal touch
- ❌ “Motivation is important for everyone to success”
- ✅ Add personal reflection, specific examples, unique perspective
- Remember: Examiners nghe dozens of candidates – be memorable
Lỗi 19: Over-complicated stories
- ❌ Trying to tell 5 different stories trong Part 2
- ✅ Choose ONE clear experience và develop nó thoroughly
- Tip: Simple story told well > complicated story told poorly
Lỗi 20: Thiếu examples
- ❌ Abstract statements without evidence
- ✅ Support every opinion với example hoặc explanation
- Formula: Opinion + Because + For example
Chiến lược khắc phục tổng thể
Daily practice routine:
- Record yourself (5-10 phút/ngày) – speaking về random topic
- Listen back – identify errors và areas to improve
- Shadow native speakers – repeat sau họ để improve intonation
- Vocabulary journal – collect 5 new words/phrases daily
- Grammar review – focus on mistakes bạn thường mắc
Week before test:
- Mock tests with timer
- Record và score yourself using band descriptors
- Focus on fluency – reduce hesitation
- Stay confident – remember your English is good enough
Mindset:
- Errors are normal – even Band 9 candidates make small mistakes
- Aim for effective communication, not perfection
- The examiner wants you to succeed
- It’s a conversation, not an interrogation
Kết luận
Chủ đề “Describe a time when you felt very motivated” là một cơ hội tuyệt vời để bạn thể hiện không chỉ khả năng ngôn ngữ mà còn khả năng reflection và storytelling. Qua bài viết này, chúng ta đã cùng nhau phân tích chi tiết:
Những điểm chính cần nhớ:
✅ Part 1: Trả lời ngắn gọn nhưng đầy đủ (2-3 câu), có lý do và ví dụ cụ thể
✅ Part 2: Cover đủ tất cả bullet points, đặc biệt là câu “explain” cuối cùng. Nói đủ 2 phút với details và emotions cụ thể
✅ Part 3: Develop ideas với reasoning rõ ràng, examples từ society, acknowledge complexity của issues
✅ Vocabulary: Focus on collocations và natural phrases hơn là individual difficult words. Quality over quantity.
✅ Grammar: Variety quan trọng hơn complexity. Mix simple và complex structures naturally.
✅ Fluency: Natural hesitation OK, nhưng maintain flow với discourse markers và thinking-aloud strategies
✅ Authenticity: Be yourself – examiners prefer genuine, personal responses hơn là memorized perfect answers
Điểm khác biệt giữa các band scores:
- Band 6-7: Clear communication với adequate vocabulary, ý tưởng relevant nhưng chưa deep
- Band 7.5-8: Sophisticated language, well-developed ideas, natural fluency với minor errors
- Band 8.5-9: Near-native fluency, precise và flexible language use, insightful ideas, minimal errors
Lời khuyên cuối từ Examiner:
Preparing cho IELTS Speaking không phải về việc học thuộc answers hay memorizing vocabulary lists. Đó là về developing ability to express your ideas clearly, naturally, và confidently.
Practice regularly, record yourself, learn từ mistakes, và most importantly – enjoy the process. Speaking English should be empowering, not stressful. Mỗi practice session là một bước tiến gần hơn đến target band score của bạn.
Remember: The best preparation is genuine improvement in your English communication skills, không phải test-taking tricks. Focus on becoming a better English speaker overall, và test score sẽ naturally reflect that.
Chúc bạn tự tin, thành công và đạt được band điểm mong muốn trong kỳ thi IELTS Speaking sắp tới! 🎯
Tài nguyên bổ sung đề xuất:
- Practice với actual test questions từ IELTS-Blog.com và recent actual tests
- Record daily speaking practice và self-assess
- Find speaking partners hoặc join online IELTS communities
- Listen to podcasts để improve intonation và natural expressions
- Read sample answers nhưng don’t memorize – understand the structure và language used
Hãy nhớ rằng mỗi người có journey riêng với IELTS. Đừng so sánh mình với người khác mà focus vào personal progress của bạn. Consistency và authentic effort sẽ mang lại results!
