IELTS Speaking: Cách Trả Lời “What Would Your Town or Village Be Improved” – Bài Mẫu Band 6-9

Chủ đề cải thiện thành phố hoặc làng quê là một trong những chủ đề phổ biến và thực tế nhất trong kỳ thi IELTS Speaking. Với tư cách là một examiner có hơn 20 năm kinh nghiệm, tôi nhận thấy đây là chủ đề xuất hiện thường xuyên trong các kỳ thi từ 2020 đến nay, đặc biệt tại các trung tâm thi ở châu Á. Mức độ xuất hiện của chủ đề này được đánh giá ở mức cao trong năm 2024-2025, với tần suất khoảng 1 lần trong 4-5 buổi thi.

Chủ đề này đặc biệt quan trọng vì nó không chỉ đánh giá khả năng ngôn ngữ mà còn phản ánh khả năng quan sát, phân tích vấn đề xã hội của thí sinh. Đây là cơ hội tuyệt vời để bạn thể hiện từ vựng về đô thị hóa, cơ sở hạ tầng, và phát triển bền vững – những từ vựng “ăn điểm” trong IELTS Speaking.

Trong bài viết này, bạn sẽ học được:

• Các câu hỏi thường gặp trong cả 3 Part với cách tiếp cận chi tiết
• Bài mẫu phân tích theo nhiều band điểm (6-7, 7.5-8, 8.5-9) với phân tích sâu về tiêu chí chấm
• Hơn 50 từ vựng và cụm từ ăn điểm về chủ đề đô thị và cải thiện cộng đồng
• Chiến lược trả lời hiệu quả từ góc nhìn của examiner chính thức
• 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 cuộc sống hàng ngày. Với chủ đề về thành phố/làng quê, examiner muốn nghe bạn nói về nơi bạn sống một cách tự nhiên và thoải mái. Chiến lược quan trọng nhất là mở rộng câu trả lời lên 2-3 câu thay vì chỉ trả lời Yes/No.

Lỗi thường gặp của học viên Việt Nam:

• Trả lời quá ngắn gọn: “Yes, I like my town” rồi dừng lại
• Sử dụng từ vựng quá đơn giản: “My town is good”, “many people”, “very beautiful”
• Thiếu ví dụ cụ thể từ kinh nghiệm cá nhân
• Không tự nhiên, nghe như đang đọc thuộc lòng

Các Câu Hỏi Thường Gặp

Question 1: Where do you live – in a city or a town?

Question 2: Do you like living in your hometown?

Question 3: What do you like most about your town/city?

Question 4: What would you like to change about your area?

Question 5: Is your hometown a good place for young people?

Question 6: How has your town changed in recent years?

Question 7: Would you like to live in a different place in the future?

Question 8: What facilities does your area need?

Phân Tích và Gợi Ý Trả Lời Chi Tiết

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Question: What would you like to change about your area?

🎯 Cách tiếp cận:

• Chọn 1-2 vấn đề cụ thể (đừng nói chung chung)
• Giải thích tại sao đó là vấn đề
• Đưa ra ví dụ từ trải nghiệm của bạn

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

“Well, I think the traffic in my area is quite bad. There are too many motorbikes and cars on the road, especially during rush hour. Sometimes it takes me 30 minutes just to travel 5 kilometers. I think we need better public transport to solve this problem.”

Phân tích:

• Điểm mạnh: Trả lời trực tiếp câu hỏi, có ví dụ cụ thể (30 phút cho 5km), đưa ra giải pháp
• Hạn chế: Từ vựng còn basic (“quite bad”, “too many”), cấu trúc câu đơn giản, thiếu chi tiết về tác động
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Đáp ứng yêu cầu cơ bản, có mở rộng ý nhưng vocabulary và grammar chưa impressive. Fluency tốt nhưng chưa có sophisticated language.

📝 Sample Answer – Band 8-9:

“If I could change one thing, I’d definitely say the inadequate public transportation system. Currently, my area relies heavily on private vehicles, which leads to severe traffic congestion during peak hours. What’s particularly frustrating is that a 5-kilometer journey can easily take half an hour. I believe investing in a proper metro system or expanding bus routes would significantly alleviate this issue and make the area more liveable.”

Phân tích:

• Điểm mạnh:

  • Từ vựng nâng cao: “inadequate”, “relies heavily on”, “severe congestion”, “peak hours”, “alleviate”, “liveable”
  • Cấu trúc phức tạp: “If I could…”, “which leads to…”, “What’s particularly frustrating is that…”
  • Ý tưởng sâu sắc: Không chỉ nói về vấn đề mà còn phân tích nguyên nhân (rely on private vehicles) và đưa ra giải pháp cụ thể
  • Sử dụng discourse marker tự nhiên: “definitely”, “particularly”, “I believe”

• Tại sao Band 8-9:

  • Fluency: Trôi chảy, không hesitation, sử dụng fillers tự nhiên
  • Vocabulary: Precise và sophisticated (inadequate, alleviate, liveable)
  • Grammar: Complex structures với relative clauses và conditionals
  • Coherence: Logic rõ ràng: problem → reason → impact → solution

💡 Key Vocabulary & Expressions:

• inadequate: không đầy đủ, thiếu thốn
• relies heavily on: phụ thuộc nhiều vào
• severe traffic congestion: tắc nghẽn giao thông nghiêm trọng
• peak hours: giờ cao điểm
• significantly alleviate: giảm bớt đáng kể
• liveable: đáng sống

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Question: Do you like living in your hometown?

🎯 Cách tiếp cận:

• Đưa ra câu trả lời rõ ràng (Yes/No hoặc Mixed feelings)
• Giải thích lý do với 2-3 điểm cụ thể
• Cân bằng giữa positive và negative nếu có

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

“Yes, I really like my hometown. It’s a peaceful place with friendly people. The food here is very delicious and not expensive. However, sometimes I feel bored because there are not many entertainment options for young people like me.”

Phân tích:

• Điểm mạnh: Có structure rõ ràng (positive + negative), đề cập nhiều khía cạnh (people, food, entertainment)
• Hạn chế: Vocabulary basic (“very delicious”, “not expensive”, “I feel bored”), thiếu detail về những điều thích cụ thể
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Communicative và clear nhưng thiếu lexical range và grammatical complexity

📝 Sample Answer – Band 8-9:

“I’d say I have mixed feelings about it. On the one hand, I really appreciate the sense of community here – people are genuinely warm and welcoming, and there’s this authentic local cuisine that you simply can’t find in bigger cities. On the other hand, as a young person, I sometimes find it somewhat limiting in terms of career opportunities and cultural activities. The nightlife is pretty much non-existent, and most of my friends have relocated to urban centers for better job prospects.”

Phân tích:

• Điểm mạnh:

  • Balanced view thể hiện critical thinking
  • Vocabulary đa dạng: “mixed feelings”, “sense of community”, “genuinely”, “authentic”, “somewhat limiting”, “non-existent”, “relocated to”
  • Grammar phức tạp: “that you simply can’t find…”, “in terms of…”
  • Natural expressions: “I’d say”, “On the one hand”, “pretty much”

• Tại sao Band 8-9:

  • Coherence: Cấu trúc “mixed feelings” → positive aspects → negative aspects rất clear
  • Vocabulary: Sophisticated và precise (sense of community, relocated to)
  • Grammar: Complex sentences với relative clauses
  • Ideas: Mature và nuanced, không chỉ black/white

💡 Key Vocabulary & Expressions:

• mixed feelings: cảm xúc lẫn lộn, không rõ ràng
• sense of community: tinh thần cộng đồng
• genuinely warm and welcoming: thân thiện và chào đón một cách chân thành
• authentic local cuisine: ẩm thực địa phương đích thực
• somewhat limiting: hơi hạn chế
• non-existent: không tồn tại
• relocated to: di chuyển đến

Học viên đang luyện tập IELTS Speaking Part 1 về chủ đề quê hương và cải thiện địa phương

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Question: How has your town changed in recent years?

🎯 Cách tiếp cận:

• Đề cập đến thay đổi cụ thể (infrastructure, population, economy…)
• So sánh quá khứ và hiện tại
• Có thể đưa ra opinion về thay đổi đó (positive/negative/mixed)

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

“My town has changed a lot in the past few years. Many new buildings and shopping malls have been built. The roads are wider now and there are more shops and restaurants. More people are moving to my town from other places, so it’s becoming more crowded.”

Phân tích:

• Điểm mạnh: Có comparison (quá khứ vs hiện tại), đề cập nhiều thay đổi (buildings, roads, population)
• Hạn chế: Passive voice đơn giản (“have been built”), thiếu specific examples, không có personal opinion
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Adequate language nhưng thiếu sophistication và depth

📝 Sample Answer – Band 8-9:

“There’s been quite a transformation over the past decade. The most noticeable change is the rapid urbanization – what used to be rice paddies on the outskirts have now been converted into residential complexes and commercial areas. The local government has also invested heavily in infrastructure, so we now have wider thoroughfares and better street lighting. While these developments have brought economic benefits, there’s also been a trade-off – the area has lost some of its traditional charm, and housing costs have skyrocketed, making it less affordable for long-time residents.”

Phân tích:

• Điểm mạnh:

  • Vocabulary sophisticated: “transformation”, “noticeable change”, “rapid urbanization”, “rice paddies”, “converted into”, “invested heavily in”, “thoroughfares”, “trade-off”, “skyrocketed”
  • Grammar đa dạng: Present perfect continuous (“has been”), passive voice complex (“have been converted into”)
  • Critical analysis: Không chỉ describe mà còn evaluate (benefits vs drawbacks)
  • Specific details: “rice paddies” → “residential complexes” cho thấy quan sát sâu sắc

• Tại sao Band 8-9:

  • Vocabulary: Precise và varied (skyrocketed, thoroughfares, trade-off)
  • Grammar: Complex structures với multiple clauses
  • Ideas: Sophisticated analysis of pros and cons
  • Coherence: Logical flow từ description → evaluation

💡 Key Vocabulary & Expressions:

• a transformation: sự chuyển đổi
• noticeable change: thay đổi đáng chú ý
• rapid urbanization: đô thị hóa nhanh chóng
• rice paddies: ruộng lúa
• converted into: chuyển đổi thành
• invested heavily in: đầu tư mạnh vào
• wider thoroughfares: đường giao thông rộng hơn
• trade-off: sự đánh đổi
• skyrocketed: tăng vọt
• less affordable: ít khả năng chi trả hơn

Những câu hỏi như describe a park you enjoy visiting for relaxation cũng có sự liên quan đến việc nói về không gian công cộng và cải thiện môi trường sống, giúp bạn xây dựng thêm vốn từ vựng và ý tưởng cho chủ đề này.

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IELTS Speaking Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)

Tổng Quan Về Part 2

Part 2 là phần quan trọng nhất, chiếm tỷ trọng lớn trong band điểm tổng thể của bạn. Bạn có 1 phút chuẩn bị và phải nói 2-3 phút không bị gián đoạn. Đây là lúc examiner đánh giá khả năng duy trì monologue và sử dụng ngôn ngữ đa dạng của bạn.

Chiến lược quan trọng:

• Sử dụng hết 1 phút chuẩn bị: Ghi keywords, không viết câu hoàn chỉnh. Ghi 3-4 từ cho mỗi bullet point.
• Nói đủ 2 phút: Examiner sẽ cho bạn biết khi hết giờ. Nếu bạn nói dưới 1.5 phút, band điểm sẽ bị ảnh hưởng nghiêm trọng.
• Cover tất cả bullet points: Đừng bỏ sót bất kỳ yêu cầu nào, đặc biệt là phần “explain” ở cuối.
• Sử dụng thì phù hợp: Nếu đề bài yêu cầu “describe an improvement”, có thể dùng thì tương lai hoặc conditional.

Lỗi thường gặp:

• Dành quá ít thời gian cho phần “explain” (phần quan trọng nhất)
• Lạc đề, nói về những thứ không được yêu cầu
• Dừng sau 1 phút vì hết ý tưởng
• Không có structure rõ ràng, nhảy lung tung giữa các ý

Cue Card

Describe an improvement that could be made to your town or village

You should say:

• What the improvement is
• How it would be made/implemented
• What benefits it would bring
• And explain why you think this improvement is necessary

Phân Tích Đề Bài

• Dạng câu hỏi: Describe an idea/improvement – đây là dạng hypothetical, nói về tương lai hoặc điều chưa xảy ra

• Thì động từ chính: Would, could (conditional) hoặc simple future, vì nói về điều chưa thực hiện

• Bullet points phải cover:

  1. What: Cải tiến gì? (infrastructure, facility, policy…) – cần specific và realistic
  2. How: Thực hiện như thế nào? (process, funding, stakeholders) – thể hiện logical thinking
  3. Benefits: Lợi ích cho ai? (individuals, community, environment) – càng nhiều góc độ càng tốt
  4. Why necessary: Tại sao cần thiết? – phần này ghi điểm cao nhất, cần justify với reasons và evidence

• Câu “explain” quan trọng: Phần “explain why” thường chiếm 30-40% thời gian nói. Đây là nơi bạn demonstrate critical thinking và justification skills.

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7

Thời lượng: Khoảng 1.5-2 phút

“I’d like to talk about an improvement that I think would be really good for my town, which is building more parks and green spaces.

Currently, my town doesn’t have many parks. There are only two small parks, and they are quite far from residential areas. Many people, especially children and elderly people, don’t have places to exercise or relax outdoors.

To make this improvement, I think the local government should find empty land in different neighborhoods and turn them into parks. They could plant trees, install benches and playground equipment, and maybe add some walking paths. The government could use public funds or ask for donations from local businesses.

This improvement would bring many benefits. First, people would have more places to exercise and stay healthy. Second, children would have safe places to play instead of playing on the streets. Third, parks would make the air cleaner because trees absorb pollution. Also, parks would give people places to meet their neighbors and build community relationships.

I think this improvement is necessary because health is very important, and our town is becoming more crowded and polluted. People need green spaces to relax and escape from busy city life. In big cities like Singapore and Copenhagen, parks are everywhere, and people are healthier and happier. Our town should follow this example. If we had more parks, I believe the quality of life would improve significantly.”

Phân Tích Band Điểm

Tiêu chí	Band	Nhận xét
Fluency & Coherence	6-7	Có linking words cơ bản (First, Second, Also), structure rõ ràng với intro → how → benefits → why. Tuy nhiên, một số transitions còn mechanical, chưa sophisticated. Nói đủ thời gian nhưng có một số pauses.
Lexical Resource	6-7	Từ vựng adequate: “green spaces”, “residential areas”, “playground equipment”, “absorb pollution”, “build community relationships”. Tuy nhiên, còn nhiều từ basic (really good, many people) và collocation chưa strong (very important, quality of life).
Grammatical Range & Accuracy	6-7	Có sử dụng complex sentences (which is…, because…, If we had…) nhưng chưa đa dạng. Conditional type 2 đúng (If we had…). Chủ yếu là simple và compound sentences. Một số lỗi nhỏ về article.
Pronunciation	6-7	Giả định rõ ràng, dễ hiểu. Có word stress và sentence stress phù hợp. Có thể có một vài lỗi pronunciation nhỏ không ảnh hưởng communication.

Điểm mạnh:

• ✅ Cover đầy đủ tất cả bullet points
• ✅ Có structure logic: introduction → current situation → how → benefits → why necessary
• ✅ Đưa ra nhiều benefits từ nhiều góc độ (health, safety, environment, social)
• ✅ Có ví dụ từ các thành phố khác (Singapore, Copenhagen)

Hạn chế:

• ⚠️ Vocabulary còn basic ở nhiều chỗ (“really good”, “many people”, “very important”)
• ⚠️ Thiếu personal experience hoặc specific examples từ town của mình
• ⚠️ Grammar structures chưa đủ varied và sophisticated
• ⚠️ Một số ideas chưa được elaborate đầy đủ (ví dụ: “build community relationships” không giải thích how)

Thí sinh đang trình bày bài nói IELTS Speaking Part 2 về cải thiện thành phố với sự tự tin

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📝 Sample Answer – Band 7.5-8

Thời lượng: Khoảng 2-2.5 phút

“I’d like to describe a significant improvement that I believe would greatly enhance the livability of my hometown, which is the establishment of a comprehensive public bicycle system.

At present, my town is heavily reliant on motorbikes and private cars for transportation. This has resulted in severe traffic congestion, especially during rush hours, and has contributed to deteriorating air quality. While we do have buses, the network is quite limited and doesn’t cover many residential areas efficiently.

The implementation of this system would require a multi-faceted approach. First, the local authorities would need to designate bike lanes along major roads and residential streets to ensure cyclist safety. Then, they’d establish docking stations at strategic locations – near shopping districts, schools, office buildings, and public transport hubs. The bikes themselves could be rented through a mobile app with affordable rates, perhaps using a smart card system similar to those in cities like Amsterdam or Hangzhou. Funding could be secured through a combination of government budget allocation and partnerships with private sponsors.

This improvement would bring substantial benefits on multiple levels. From an environmental perspective, it would significantly reduce carbon emissions and help combat air pollution. Health-wise, it would encourage people to incorporate physical activity into their daily routines rather than relying solely on motorized transport. Economically, it would provide an affordable commuting option for students and low-income workers. Moreover, I think it would help alleviate traffic congestion by offering a viable alternative for short to medium-distance journeys.

The reason I consider this improvement absolutely necessary is that my town is at a critical juncture in its development. We’re experiencing rapid urbanization, and if we don’t address transportation and environmental issues now, they’ll only escalate in the future. I’ve noticed that air quality has noticeably declined over the past few years, and I’m genuinely concerned about the long-term health implications for residents, particularly children and the elderly. Furthermore, with climate change being such a pressing global issue, I believe every community has a responsibility to take proactive measures. Implementing a bike-sharing system would be a tangible step toward sustainable urban development while simultaneously improving residents’ quality of life.”

Phân Tích Band Điểm

Tiêu chí	Band	Nhận xét
Fluency & Coherence	7.5-8	Rất trôi chảy, minimal hesitation. Linking devices sophisticated (Moreover, Furthermore, From an X perspective). Structure rõ ràng với clear progression of ideas. Cohesive devices đa dạng và natural.
Lexical Resource	7.5-8	Wide range of vocabulary: “livability”, “heavily reliant on”, “deteriorating air quality”, “multi-faceted approach”, “strategic locations”, “substantial benefits”, “carbon emissions”, “critical juncture”, “escalate”, “pressing global issue”. Collocations strong: “incorporate physical activity”, “viable alternative”, “tangible step”. Có paraphrasing tốt.
Grammatical Range & Accuracy	7.5-8	Đa dạng structures: conditionals (would require), passive voice (could be secured), complex sentences với multiple clauses, relative clauses (that I believe…, which is…). Virtually error-free. Present perfect cho experience (has noticeably declined).
Pronunciation	7.5-8	Clear và natural. Sentence stress và intonation phù hợp. Word stress chính xác trên từ phức tạp. Chunking và pausing appropriate.

So Sánh Với Band 6-7

Khía cạnh	Band 6-7	Band 7.5-8
Vocabulary	“green spaces”, “playground equipment”, “quality of life”	“livability”, “multi-faceted approach”, “strategic locations”, “substantial benefits”, “critical juncture”
Grammar	Simple structures: “I think the government should…”, “This would bring many benefits”	Complex structures: “This has resulted in…”, “while simultaneously improving…”, “Furthermore, with climate change being…”
Ideas	General benefits: health, safety, environment	Specific và multidimensional: environmental perspective, health-wise, economically, with climate change context
Development	Ideas stated nhưng chưa fully elaborated	Each idea được elaborate với reasons và examples cụ thể

Khi nói về các vấn đề đô thị và giải pháp, việc có khả năng mô tả describe a challenging task you completed at work or school cũng giúp bạn phát triển kỹ năng trình bày giải pháp một cách có cấu trúc và thuyết phục.

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📝 Sample Answer – Band 8.5-9

Thời lượng: 2.5-3 phút đầy đủ

“I’d like to talk about what I consider to be a game-changing improvement for my hometown – the development of an integrated smart waste management system that would revolutionize how we handle waste disposal and recycling.

Currently, waste management in my town is, to put it mildly, woefully inadequate. We have a rather rudimentary system where waste collectors come twice a week to pick up mixed rubbish, with minimal emphasis on recycling. Most residents simply throw everything into one bin, and there’s very little public awareness about waste segregation. The result is that our landfill is rapidly reaching capacity, and there’s been a noticeable increase in illegal dumping in suburban areas, which is not only aesthetically unpleasant but also poses serious environmental hazards.

The implementation would need to be comprehensive and phased. In the initial stage, the authorities would roll out color-coded bins for different categories – organic waste, recyclables, and general waste – to all households and commercial establishments. These wouldn’t be ordinary bins, though; they’d be equipped with smart sensors that monitor fill levels and optimize collection routes, thereby reducing fuel consumption and operational costs. Concurrently, there would need to be an intensive public education campaign utilizing various channels – social media, community workshops, school programs – to foster a culture of environmental responsibility. The local government could incentivize participation through a reward points system where households that properly segregate waste receive discounts on utility bills. In terms of infrastructure, we’d need to establish materials recovery facilities where recyclables are processed and an organic waste composting plant to convert food waste into fertilizer for local agriculture. The funding could come from a combination of municipal bonds, green financing initiatives, and public-private partnerships, particularly with waste management companies who could see this as a profitable venture given the growing market for recycled materials.

The benefits would be truly multifaceted. Environmentally speaking, this system would drastically reduce the volume of waste going to landfills, thereby extending their lifespan and minimizing greenhouse gas emissions from decomposing organic matter. It would also help address the pervasive problem of plastic pollution that’s been plaguing our waterways. From an economic angle, the sale of recyclable materials and compost could generate revenue for the municipality, while the creation of sorting facilities and processing plants would create employment opportunities. There’s also a significant social dimension – by involving schools in recycling programs, we’d be instilling environmental values in the younger generation, which could have far-reaching implications for future civic behavior. Moreover, cleaner streets and the absence of illegal dumps would enhance the aesthetic appeal of our neighborhoods, potentially boosting property values and making the area more attractive to investors.

As for why this is necessary – well, I think we’re at a critical crossroads. With rapid urbanization and rising consumption patterns, waste generation is growing exponentially. If we continue with our current approach, we’ll face an environmental crisis within the next decade. I’ve personally witnessed the gradual degradation of areas that were once pristine, now marred by accumulating waste. Moreover, there’s a growing body of research linking improper waste management to public health issues, from vector-borne diseases to contaminated water sources. On a broader scale, with the international community increasingly focused on sustainable development goals and circular economy principles, it’s imperative that even smaller towns like mine take decisive action. This isn’t just about solving today’s waste problem; it’s about future-proofing our community and demonstrating that environmental stewardship and economic development can go hand in hand. The success of similar systems in cities like San Francisco, with its zero-waste initiative, and Singapore’s waste-to-energy plants, shows that this is entirely feasible when there’s political will and community buy-in.”

Phân Tích Band Điểm

Tiêu chí	Band	Nhận xét
Fluency & Coherence	8.5-9	Exceptionally fluent với coherent development throughout. Sophisticated linking devices (Concurrently, Moreover, On a broader scale). Ideas progress logically với smooth transitions. Speaks at length without noticeable effort. Uses discourse markers naturally (to put it mildly, well).
Lexical Resource	8.5-9	Wide và sophisticated lexical resource: “game-changing”, “woefully inadequate”, “rudimentary system”, “aesthetically unpleasant”, “comprehensive and phased”, “foster a culture”, “multifaceted”, “far-reaching implications”, “critical crossroads”, “future-proofing”, “environmental stewardship”. Precise và natural collocations: “growing exponentially”, “take decisive action”, “political will”, “community buy-in”. Idiomatic language appropriate.
Grammatical Range & Accuracy	8.5-9	Full range of structures với full flexibility và accuracy: complex conditionals, passive constructions, relative clauses, participle clauses (thereby reducing…, given the growing market…). Consistently accurate except rare slips. Various tenses used appropriately (present perfect: has been plaguing, would + perfect: would have enhanced).
Pronunciation	8.5-9	Sustained production với clear và precise articulation. Appropriate word stress trên multi-syllabic words (sustainability, environmental, infrastructure). Natural intonation patterns with effective use of chunking and pausing for emphasis.

Tại Sao Bài Này Xuất Sắc

🎯 Fluency Hoàn Hảo:
Thí sinh nói liên tục trong 2.5-3 phút với minimal hesitation. Các discourse markers như “to put it mildly”, “well, I think”, “moreover” được sử dụng một cách tự nhiên như native speaker, không cứng nhắc.

📚 Vocabulary Tinh Vi:

• “woefully inadequate” thay vì “very bad” – thể hiện độ chính xác trong expression
• “foster a culture of environmental responsibility” thay vì “teach people about environment” – collocation mạnh và academic
• “far-reaching implications” – sophisticated vocabulary cho “big effects”
• “future-proofing” – contemporary business term cho thấy exposure to authentic English
• “political will and community buy-in” – precise terms thường dùng trong policy discussions

📝 Grammar Đa Dạng:

• Participle clauses: “thereby reducing fuel consumption” – compact và sophisticated
• Relative clauses: “households that properly segregate waste”
• Conditional với complex structure: “If we continue with our current approach, we’ll face…”
• Present perfect continuous: “has been plaguing” – cho ongoing situation
• Passive constructions: “would be equipped with”, “could be converted” – appropriate register

💡 Ideas Sâu Sắc:

• Không chỉ đề xuất giải pháp mà còn phân tích multidimensional: environmental, economic, social dimensions
• Reference đến real-world examples (San Francisco, Singapore) demonstrating knowledge
• Acknowledges complexity: “comprehensive and phased implementation”
• Connects local issue với global concerns (SDGs, circular economy)
• Personal observation: “I’ve personally witnessed the gradual degradation” – adds authenticity

🎯 Structure Logic Hoàn Hảo:

• Introduction: Clear statement của improvement
• Current situation: Detailed description of problem with specific examples
• Implementation: Multi-stage, comprehensive plan with specific details
• Benefits: Organized theo categories (environmental, economic, social)
• Why necessary: Strong justification với evidence và broader context

Hệ thống quản lý rác thải thông minh với thùng rác phân loại màu sắc trong khu dân cư hiện đại

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Follow-up Questions (Rounding Off Questions)

Sau khi bạn hoàn thành Part 2, examiner thường hỏi thêm 1-2 câu ngắn để transition sang Part 3. Những câu này thường liên quan trực tiếp đến topic bạn vừa nói.

Question 1: Have you seen any changes being made to your town recently?

Band 6-7 Answer:
“Yes, actually. The local government has been building a new shopping mall near the city center, and they’ve also widened some of the main roads to reduce traffic congestion.”

Band 8-9 Answer:
“Yes, there have been some notable developments lately. The most conspicuous one is the construction of a new commercial complex downtown, which should be completed by next year. Additionally, there’s been ongoing infrastructure upgrading – particularly road widening projects – though I must say the construction has caused quite a bit of temporary disruption to daily life.”

Phân tích: Answer Band 8-9 sử dụng từ vựng precise hơn (“conspicuous”, “ongoing infrastructure upgrading”, “temporary disruption”), và thêm personal observation về impact, thể hiện critical thinking.

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Question 2: Do you think this improvement will actually happen?

Band 6-7 Answer:
“I think it’s possible if the government has enough money and the residents support the idea. However, it might take a long time to implement because these projects are usually complicated.”

Band 8-9 Answer:
“Well, I’d like to be optimistic, but I think it hinges on several factors. The main stumbling block would be securing adequate funding and navigating the bureaucratic processes involved. That said, given the growing public awareness around environmental issues and the potential long-term cost savings, I believe there’s a reasonable chance it could be piloted in the next few years, perhaps starting with a trial phase in certain districts before a full-scale rollout.”

Phân tích: Band 8-9 answer thể hiện nuanced thinking với acknowledgment của challenges (“hinges on”, “stumbling block”), balanced view (“I’d like to be optimistic, but…”), và strategic implementation thinking (“piloted”, “trial phase”, “full-scale rollout”).

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IELTS Speaking Part 3: Two-way Discussion

Tổng Quan Về Part 3

Part 3 là phần challenging nhất vì đòi hỏi bạn phải discuss abstract ideas và demonstrate critical thinking. Examiner sẽ hỏi các câu hỏi liên quan đến topic Part 2 nhưng ở mức độ general và philosophical hơn. Thời gian là 4-5 phút.

Yêu cầu:

• Phân tích sâu: Không chỉ describe mà phải analyze, evaluate, compare
• Đưa ra quan điểm có lý lẽ: Opinion của bạn phải được support bởi reasons và examples
• Xem xét nhiều góc độ: Acknowledge different perspectives trước khi đưa ra conclusion
• Sử dụng ngôn ngữ trừu tượng: Abstract nouns, tentative language, discourse markers

Chiến lược:

• Mở rộng câu trả lời (3-5 câu minimum): Structure nên là Direct answer → Reason 1 + example → Reason 2 + example → Conclusion/nuance
• Sử dụng discourse markers: Well, Actually, I suppose, To some extent, On the whole…
• Đưa ra examples từ society, không chỉ personal: Nói về trends, statistics, different countries
• Thừa nhận complexity: “It’s a complex issue”, “There are pros and cons”, “It depends on various factors”

Lỗi thường gặp của học viên Việt Nam:

• Trả lời quá ngắn (1-2 câu) vì nervous hoặc thiếu ideas
• Không justify opinions với clear reasoning
• Thiếu abstract vocabulary (chỉ dùng từ concrete)
• Trả lời quá personal thay vì discuss ở societal level
• Không có balanced view, chỉ nói một góc độ

Các Câu Hỏi Thảo Luận Sâu

Theme 1: Urban Development and Quality of Life

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Question 1: Why do you think some towns develop faster than others?

🎯 Phân tích câu hỏi:

• Dạng: Cause-Effect (giải thích reasons)
• Key words: “develop faster”, “some towns” (so sánh)
• Cách tiếp cận: Đưa ra multiple factors (economic, geographic, political) với examples cụ thể từ different contexts

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

“I think there are several reasons. First, some towns have better locations, like near the sea or major highways, so it’s easier for businesses to transport goods. Second, if a town has good leaders who make smart decisions, it can attract more investment. Also, towns with universities or big companies usually grow faster because they create more jobs. For example, cities like Bangalore in India developed quickly because of IT companies.”

Phân tích:

• Structure: Clear với “First”, “Second”, “Also” – organized thinking
• Vocabulary: Adequate nhưng basic (“better locations”, “good leaders”, “smart decisions”, “grow faster”)
• Content: Có multiple factors (location, leadership, education, employment) và example
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Communicates ideas clearly nhưng lacks sophistication trong language và depth trong analysis. Example tốt nhưng không elaborate.

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📝 Câu trả lời mẫu – Band 8-9:

“Well, that’s quite a multifaceted question. I’d say the disparity in development rates often boils down to several interrelated factors. Primarily, it’s about strategic location – towns situated at transportation hubs or with proximity to major markets naturally have a competitive advantage. They become magnets for investment because businesses can minimize logistics costs and access broader customer bases.

Beyond geography, though, I think governance plays a pivotal role. Towns with forward-thinking municipal leaders who implement business-friendly policies and invest strategically in infrastructure tend to outpace their counterparts. Take Shenzhen in China as a prime example – it transformed from a fishing village into a metropolis within decades, largely due to favorable government policies that designated it as a special economic zone.

On top of that, there’s the matter of human capital. Towns that are home to universities or research institutions benefit from a skilled workforce and innovation ecosystems, which attract high-value industries. Silicon Valley’s success, for instance, is inextricably linked to the presence of Stanford and Berkeley.

However, I should mention that rapid development isn’t always desirable. Some towns develop more slowly by choice, prioritizing quality of life and environmental sustainability over breakneck economic growth. So it’s not just about speed, but about sustainable and inclusive development.”

Phân tích:

• Structure: Sophisticated organization: Multiple factors systematically explained → Examples for each → Nuanced conclusion

• Vocabulary:

  • High-level: “multifaceted question”, “disparity in development rates”, “boils down to”, “interrelated factors”, “magnets for investment”, “governance plays a pivotal role”, “outpace their counterparts”, “inextricably linked to”
  • Abstract nouns: “human capital”, “innovation ecosystems”, “breakneck economic growth”
  • Precise collocations: “strategic location”, “forward-thinking leaders”, “business-friendly policies”

• Grammar:

  • Complex structures: “it’s about X, but Y”, “towns that are home to X benefit from Y”, “Some towns develop more slowly by choice, prioritizing X over Y”
  • Participle clauses: “situated at transportation hubs”
  • Relative clauses: “towns with forward-thinking leaders who implement…”

• Critical Thinking:

  • Acknowledges multiple factors instead of single cause
  • Provides specific, relevant examples (Shenzhen, Silicon Valley)
  • Offers nuanced conclusion that challenges assumption (“rapid development isn’t always desirable”)
  • Shows awareness of trade-offs (speed vs sustainability)

💡 Key Language Features:

• Discourse markers: Well, Primarily, Beyond geography, On top of that, However
• Tentative language: I’d say, I think, tends to, often
• Cause-effect expressions: boils down to, due to, because of
• Comparison: outpace, disparity in
• Abstract nouns: governance, human capital, sustainability

Nếu bạn muốn học cách phát triển ý tưởng phức tạp và biện minh quan điểm, việc tham khảo describe a time when you felt proud of your accomplishments sẽ giúp bạn xây dựng kỹ năng kể chuyện có chiều sâu với reasoning rõ ràng.

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Question 2: What are the disadvantages of living in a rapidly developing area?

🎯 Phân tích câu hỏi:

• Dạng: Problem/Negative aspects
• Key words: “disadvantages”, “rapidly developing”
• Cách tiếp cận: Identify multiple disadvantages across different domains (social, environmental, economic), elaborate each với examples/consequences

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

“There are quite a few disadvantages. First, when an area develops quickly, housing prices usually go up a lot, so local residents might not be able to afford to live there anymore. Second, there’s often more traffic and noise because of all the construction and new businesses. The environment can also suffer because developers might cut down trees and create pollution. Finally, traditional culture might disappear as modern buildings replace old ones.”

Phân tích:

• Structure: List-based với “First”, “Second”, “Finally” – clear but mechanical
• Content: Covers multiple aspects (cost of living, traffic, environment, culture) – good breadth
• Vocabulary: Adequate but could be more precise (“go up a lot” → “skyrocket”, “quite a few” → “numerous”, “can suffer” → “deteriorates”)
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Clear communication của relevant ideas nhưng lacks elaboration và sophisticated language. No specific examples beyond general statements.

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📝 Câu trả lời mẫu – Band 8-9:

“To be honest, while rapid development brings opportunities, it often comes with significant drawbacks that disproportionately affect certain groups.

The most obvious one is skyrocketing property costs. As an area becomes more desirable, real estate prices and living expenses tend to spiral upward, creating what’s known as gentrification. This can price out long-time residents who may have lived there for generations, fundamentally altering the social fabric of the community. We’ve seen this play out in cities like London and New York, where entire neighborhoods have been transformed, and original inhabitants have been displaced.

Another major concern is infrastructure strain. When population growth outpaces the development of supporting infrastructure – roads, water systems, schools, hospitals – residents experience deteriorating service quality. Traffic congestion worsens, public facilities become overcrowded, and there’s often insufficient time for urban planning to keep pace with expansion. This can severely compromise people’s quality of life, turning what should be progress into daily frustration.

From an environmental standpoint, rapid development frequently comes at the expense of green spaces and natural habitats. The pressure to maximize land use often leads to unsustainable construction practices and increased pollution levels. I’ve noticed in many rapidly growing Asian cities that air quality has noticeably declined, and there’s been a corresponding rise in respiratory health issues.

There’s also a social dimension worth considering. Rapid change can erode the sense of community and cultural identity that gives a place its character. When traditional businesses are replaced by chain stores and historic buildings make way for modern developments, residents may feel a sense of loss and disconnection from their roots. This isn’t to say development is inherently bad, but the pace and manner of change matter enormously.”

Phân tích:

• Structure:

  • Sophisticated organization: Introduction → Four main disadvantages (economic, infrastructure, environmental, social) → Each elaborated with explanation + consequences + examples → Nuanced conclusion
  • Each point flows logically to the next

• Vocabulary:

  • Precise expressions: “disproportionately affect”, “price out”, “spiral upward”, “social fabric”, “outpaces”, “comes at the expense of”, “erode the sense of community”
  • Topic-specific terms: “gentrification”, “real estate prices”, “infrastructure strain”, “urban planning”, “sustainable construction practices”
  • Sophisticated verbs: “skyrocketing”, “displaced”, “compromise”, “erode”

• Grammar:

  • Varied structures: When-clauses (“When population growth outpaces…”), passive constructions (“have been transformed”, “have been displaced”), relative clauses (“who may have lived there”)
  • Participle constructions: “turning what should be progress into…”
  • Conditionals and modals showing nuance

• Critical Thinking:

  • Identifies specific affected groups (“long-time residents”, “original inhabitants”)
  • Provides real-world examples (London, New York, Asian cities)
  • Shows awareness of causation chains (growth → infrastructure strain → deteriorating services → compromised quality of life)
  • Nuanced conclusion acknowledging complexity (“isn’t inherently bad, but the pace and manner matter”)
  • Technical terminology used accurately (gentrification, urban planning)

💡 Key Language Features:

• Discourse markers: To be honest, The most obvious one, Another major concern, From an environmental standpoint, There’s also
• Tentative/nuancing language: often, frequently, may, can, tends to
• Contrast structures: while X brings Y, it comes with Z; This isn’t to say X, but Y
• Consequence markers: creating, turning, leading to

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Theme 2: Government Role and Public Participation

Question 3: Do you think it’s the government’s responsibility to improve local areas, or should residents take action themselves?

🎯 Phân tích câu hỏi:

• Dạng: Opinion with comparison (Government vs Individual responsibility)
• Key words: “government’s responsibility”, “residents take action themselves”
• Cách tiếp cận: Không nên chọn một bên absolute. Discuss both perspectives, acknowledge merits của each, sau đó đưa ra balanced view

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

“I think both the government and residents should work together. The government has more money and power to make big changes like building roads or improving public transport. They can also create laws to protect the environment. However, residents also need to take responsibility. They should participate in community activities, keep their neighborhoods clean, and support local businesses. If only the government works without help from citizens, improvements won’t be sustainable. So I believe cooperation between both sides is the best approach.”

Phân tích:

• Structure: Balanced approach (both sides) – good critical thinking
• Content: Mentions government advantages (resources, authority) and citizen role (participation, local action)
• Vocabulary: Basic expressions (“more money and power”, “make big changes”, “work together”, “take responsibility”)
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Clear position và adequate support nhưng lacks depth trong analysis. Không elaborate on “why” cooperation works or provide specific examples.

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📝 Câu trả lời mẫu – Band 8-9:

“This is actually a nuanced issue that I don’t think has a simple either-or answer. In my view, it requires a collaborative approach where both parties play distinct but complementary roles.

On the government side, I’d argue they have an indispensable function because they possess resources and authority that individuals simply don’t have. Large-scale infrastructure projects – whether it’s building highways, establishing public transport networks, or creating parks – require substantial capital investment and coordinated planning that only governmental bodies can mobilize. Moreover, governments can enact regulations and enforce standards that ensure developments benefit the broader community rather than just private interests. For instance, zoning laws and building codes are crucial for maintaining safety standards and preventing haphazard development.

That said, I think overreliance on government action is counterproductive. There’s a critical role for grassroots participation because residents have intimate knowledge of their neighborhoods’ specific needs and challenges – knowledge that bureaucrats sitting in offices might not possess. When communities take ownership of local issues, they can implement solutions that are more tailored and sustainable. We’ve seen successful examples of this in community-led initiatives like neighborhood watch programs, communal gardens, or volunteer cleanup campaigns. These not only address immediate problems but also foster social cohesion and civic engagement.

Ideally, what we need is a partnership model where governments provide the framework, funding, and regulatory support, while residents contribute local expertise, voluntary effort, and accountability. The government shouldn’t be a top-down dictator of change, nor should citizens be left to their own devices without adequate resources. In places where this model works well – I’m thinking of participatory budgeting in cities like Porto Alegre, Brazil, where residents have a say in how public funds are allocated – you see more effective outcomes and higher satisfaction rates because people feel invested in their community’s development.

Ultimately, I believe the question isn’t who should be responsible, but rather how to create mechanisms for effective collaboration between government authorities and active citizenship.”

Phân tích:

• Structure:

  • Exceptional organization: Clear stance (balanced) → Government role with reasoning and examples → Citizen role with reasoning and examples → Ideal partnership model with real example → Philosophical conclusion
  • Sophisticated transitions between sections
  • Circular structure (question posed at start is reframed at end)

• Vocabulary:

  • High-level academic: “nuanced issue”, “distinct but complementary roles”, “indispensable function”, “substantial capital investment”, “coordinated planning”, “overreliance on”, “counterproductive”, “grassroots participation”, “intimate knowledge”, “foster social cohesion”, “participatory budgeting”
  • Precise collocations: “mobilize resources”, “enact regulations”, “enforce standards”, “take ownership of”, “community-led initiatives”
  • Metaphorical language: “top-down dictator”, “left to their own devices”

• Grammar:

  • Complex conditionals and qualifiers: “requires a collaborative approach where…”, “knowledge that bureaucrats might not possess”
  • Parallel structures: “governments provide X, while residents contribute Y”
  • Relative clauses: “I’m thinking of participatory budgeting in cities like Porto Alegre, Brazil, where residents have a say…”
  • Nominalization: “the question isn’t who should be responsible, but rather how to create mechanisms”

• Critical Thinking:

  • Rejects false dichotomy, proposes integrated solution
  • Identifies specific functions for each party with clear reasoning
  • Provides concrete, relevant example (Porto Alegre)
  • Acknowledges potential pitfalls of each extreme (overreliance, lack of support)
  • Demonstrates systems thinking (framework + participation = effective outcomes)
  • Philosophical depth in conclusion

💡 Key Language Features:

• Discourse markers: This is actually, In my view, On the government side, That said, Ideally, Ultimately
• Hedging/tentative language: I’d argue, I think, might not, shouldn’t be
• Contrasting structures: whether it’s X or Y, not just X but also Y, rather than X
• Emphasis structures: what we need is…, the question isn’t X but Y

Cuộc họp cộng đồng về cải thiện đô thị với sự tham gia của chính quyền và người dân

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Theme 3: Future Trends and Sustainability

Question 4: How do you think cities will change in the future?

🎯 Phân tích câu hỏi:

• Dạng: Prediction/Future trends
• Key words: “in the future”, “will change”
• Cách tiếp cận: Discuss multiple trends (technology, environment, social), provide reasoning for each, acknowledge uncertainty

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

“I think cities will change a lot in the future. First, I believe they will become smarter with more technology. For example, we might have self-driving cars and better internet everywhere. Second, cities will probably be more environmentally friendly because of climate change. They might use more solar panels and have more green spaces. Also, buildings will be taller because land is limited. Finally, I think working from home will become more common, so office buildings might decrease while residential areas expand.”

Phân tích:

• Structure: Clear categories (technology, environment, buildings, work patterns)
• Content: Multiple relevant predictions with brief reasoning
• Vocabulary: Basic future expressions (“will change a lot”, “might have”, “will probably be”, “will become”)
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Adequate prediction with some support nhưng lacks elaboration on “how” and “why”. Examples are mentioned but not developed. No acknowledgment of uncertainty or alternative scenarios.

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📝 Câu trả lời mẫu – Band 8-9:

“That’s a fascinating question, and while predicting the future is always fraught with uncertainty, I think we can identify several discernible trends that are likely to shape urban landscapes.

First and foremost, I believe we’ll see the continued proliferation of smart city technologies. We’re already witnessing the early stages of this with IoT devices, AI-powered traffic management systems, and data analytics being used to optimize resource allocation. In the coming decades, I envision cities becoming increasingly interconnected ecosystems where everything from waste collection to energy distribution is algorithmically optimized for efficiency. Singapore and Barcelona are already pioneering some of these approaches, and I expect they’ll become the norm rather than the exception.

Equally significant will be the imperative to address climate change and environmental sustainability. I think we’ll see a fundamental shift toward carbon-neutral urban design. This might manifest in various ways – widespread adoption of renewable energy infrastructure, vertical forests and green architecture becoming standard rather than novelty, and possibly even car-free city centers in favor of pedestrianized zones and comprehensive public transit networks. Copenhagen’s ambition to become carbon-neutral by 2025 suggests this isn’t just wishful thinking but achievable with political commitment.

Another trend I find compelling is the potential reconfiguration of work-life patterns. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the shift toward remote work, and I suspect this will have lasting ramifications for urban planning. We might see the decentralization of business districts as companies downsize their physical footprints, with corresponding growth in mixed-use neighborhoods where people can live, work, and recreate within walking distance. This could alleviate some of the commuting pressures that plague modern cities.

However, I should acknowledge that these changes won’t be uniformly distributed. Wealthier cities in developed nations will likely spearhead these innovations, while less affluent urban areas may continue to grapple with more fundamental challenges like inadequate housing and basic infrastructure. There’s a risk of widening inequality between high-tech, sustainable cities and those left behind, which raises important questions about equitable development.

On a more speculative note, some futurists even talk about radical transformations like floating cities or underground expansion as land becomes scarcer, though I think those remain in the realm of long-term possibilities rather than near-term probabilities.

All in all, I’d say the cities of the future will likely be more technologically advanced, more environmentally conscious, and potentially more decentralized, though the specifics will vary enormously depending on economic capacity, political priorities, and cultural values.”

Phân tích:

• Structure:

  • Sophisticated organization: Acknowledgment of uncertainty → Three main trends (technology, sustainability, work patterns) each fully elaborated → Qualification about uneven distribution → Speculative addition → Comprehensive summary
  • Each trend includes: current evidence → future prediction → example → reasoning
  • Circular structure returning to nuance at end

• Vocabulary:

  • Advanced future expressions: “discernible trends”, “I envision”, “I expect”, “suggests”, “I suspect”, “might manifest”, “potential reconfiguration”
  • Topic-specific terminology: “smart city technologies”, “IoT devices”, “carbon-neutral urban design”, “vertical forests”, “pedestrianized zones”, “mixed-use neighborhoods”, “equitable development”
  • Sophisticated verbs: “proliferation of”, “optimize”, “pioneering”, “accelerated”, “alleviate”, “grapple with”, “spearhead”
  • Abstract nouns: “imperative”, “ramifications”, “decentralization”, “inequality”

• Grammar:

  • Complex predictions: “I believe we’ll see”, “I envision cities becoming”, “This might manifest in various ways”
  • Conditional structures: “as land becomes scarcer”, “depending on economic capacity”
  • Participle clauses: “pioneering some of these approaches”, “making cities becoming increasingly interconnected”
  • Relative clauses: “neighborhoods where people can live, work, and recreate”

• Critical Thinking:

  • Acknowledges uncertainty explicitly (“while predicting is fraught with uncertainty”)
  • Provides current evidence for future predictions (Singapore, Barcelona, Copenhagen, COVID impact)
  • Identifies causation (climate change → sustainability imperative)
  • Acknowledges limitations and inequality issues
  • Distinguishes between likely trends and speculative possibilities
  • Recognizes contextual factors (economic capacity, political priorities, cultural values)
  • Demonstrates awareness of both technological optimism and social challenges

💡 Key Language Features:

• Discourse markers: First and foremost, Equally significant, Another trend, However, On a more speculative note, All in all
• Hedging language: I believe, I think, I envision, likely, might, possibly, probably, I suspect
• Qualifying expressions: while X, I should acknowledge that, the specifics will vary, rather than
• Emphasis structures: what I find particularly interesting is, the key thing will be

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Question 5: Is it better to preserve old buildings or replace them with modern ones?

🎯 Phân tích câu hỏi:

• Dạng: Opinion with comparison (Preservation vs Modernization)
• Key words: “better”, “preserve”, “replace” – implies evaluation
• Cách tiếp cận: Discuss merits of both, acknowledge trade-offs, provide nuanced position possibly with conditions/criteria

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

“I think we should try to keep old buildings when possible. Old buildings are part of our history and culture, and they give a city character and identity. Tourists also like to visit historic places, which helps the local economy. However, sometimes old buildings are not safe or practical for modern use. In those cases, we might need to replace them. So I believe we should preserve important historic buildings but it’s okay to replace others that are not special. The government should decide which buildings are worth keeping.”

Phân tích:

• Structure: Balanced view (preserve when possible, replace when necessary) – shows critical thinking
• Content: Mentions culture, tourism, safety, practicality – multiple relevant factors
• Vocabulary: Basic expressions (“part of our history”, “give a city character”, “worth keeping”)
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Clear position với some reasoning nhưng lacks depth in argumentation. No specific examples. Criteria for decision-making mentioned but not elaborated.

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📝 Câu trả lời mẫu – Band 8-9:

“This is quite a contentious issue that often pits heritage conservationists against development advocates, and I think the answer isn’t black and white but depends on careful evaluation of multiple factors.

There’s a compelling case for preservation. Historic buildings are tangible connections to our past – they’re not just structures but repositories of collective memory and cultural identity. When you walk through preserved quarters like Prague’s Old Town or Kyoto’s traditional districts, you experience an authenticity that simply cannot be replicated by modern architecture. Beyond the intangible cultural value, there are practical economic benefits too. Heritage tourism is a substantial revenue generator, and cities that have maintained their architectural heritage – think Paris, Rome, Edinburgh – are consistently among the world’s most visited destinations. Moreover, from a sustainability perspective, there’s an argument that adaptive reuse of existing structures is often more environmentally sound than demolition and reconstruction, which generates enormous waste and carbon emissions.

That said, I don’t think preservation should be dogmatic or absolute. Not every old building merits protection. Some structures have outlived their utility and pose safety risks, while others lack architectural or historical significance. Furthermore, cities need to evolve to meet contemporary needs – for housing, for modern infrastructure, for economic vitality. Rigid preservation policies can sometimes stifle development and contribute to housing shortages by restricting the supply of buildable land. We’ve seen this play out in certain cities where extensive heritage listings have inadvertently exacerbated affordability crises.

What I’d advocate for is a nuanced, case-by-case approach guided by clear criteria. Buildings with genuine historical, architectural, or cultural significance should be rigorously protected and, where possible, sensitively adapted for modern use. Cities like Melbourne have done this brilliantly, retrofitting heritage buildings as boutique hotels, cultural spaces, or mixed-use developments while preserving their facades and character. For buildings without such significance, I think replacement is perfectly reasonable, provided new construction is done thoughtfully with consideration for the surrounding context and urban fabric.

Crucially, these decisions shouldn’t be made unilaterally by developers or even governments alone. There should be meaningful community consultation, input from heritage experts and urban planners, and transparent criteria for evaluation. The goal should be to strike a balance between honoring our past and building for our future, between preservation and progress.

In essence, it’s not about choosing one over the other, but about making informed, contextual decisions that weigh cultural, economic, social, and environmental factors. Some buildings deserve to stand for centuries; others should gracefully make way for new chapters in a city’s story.”

Phân tích:

• Structure:

  • Exceptionally sophisticated organization: Introduction establishing complexity → Strong case for preservation (cultural, economic, environmental) → Counter-argument acknowledging limitations → Proposed nuanced solution with example → Implementation considerations → Philosophical conclusion
  • Demonstrates dialectical thinking: thesis → antithesis → synthesis
  • Each point is elaborated with reasoning, evidence, and examples

• Vocabulary:

  • Advanced expressions: “contentious issue”, “pits X against Y”, “isn’t black and white”, “compelling case for”, “tangible connections”, “repositories of”, “adaptive reuse”, “outlived their utility”, “merits protection”, “stifle development”, “inadvertently exacerbated”, “rigorously protected”, “sensitively adapted”, “strike a balance”
  • Precise terminology: “heritage conservationists”, “intangible cultural value”, “heritage tourism”, “adaptive reuse”, “rigid preservation policies”, “urban fabric”, “meaningful community consultation”
  • Sophisticated verbs: “pits”, “replicated”, “maintained”, “advocate for”, “retrofitting”, “weigh”

• Grammar:

  • Complex structures: “When you walk through…, you experience…”, “think Paris, Rome, Edinburgh”, “provided new construction is done thoughtfully”
  • Relative clauses: “cities that have maintained”, “Buildings with genuine significance”
  • Conditional structures: “If we preserve X”, “where possible”
  • Participle constructions: “restricting the supply”, “guided by clear criteria”
  • Inversion for emphasis: “Not every old building merits protection”

• Critical Thinking:

  • Rejects simplistic dichotomy, proposes integrated framework
  • Acknowledges multiple stakeholder perspectives (conservationists, developers, community)
  • Provides specific examples across multiple contexts (Prague, Kyoto, Paris, Rome, Edinburgh, Melbourne)
  • Identifies unintended consequences (preservation → housing shortage)
  • Proposes criteria-based decision-making framework
  • Demonstrates awareness of multiple dimensions (cultural, economic, social, environmental)
  • Shows procedural thinking about implementation (consultation, transparency)
  • Metaphorical depth in conclusion (“gracefully make way for new chapters”)

💡 Key Language Features:

• Discourse markers: There’s a compelling case for, That said, What I’d advocate for, Crucially, In essence
• Balancing expressions: while X, it also Y; not just X but Y; between X and Y
• Hedging: I think, I don’t think, I’d advocate for, often, sometimes
• Evaluative language: compelling, genuine, thoughtfully, brilliantly, perfectly reasonable

Khi nói về cân bằng giữa truyền thống và hiện đại, bạn cũng có thể tham khảo cách quản lý các tình huống phức tạp trong Describe a time when you had to manage a stressful situation để học cách trình bày quá trình ra quyết định có suy nghĩ kỹ lưỡng.

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Từ vựng và cụm từ quan trọng

Topic-Specific Vocabulary

Từ vựng/Cụm từ	Loại từ	Phiên âm	Nghĩa tiếng Việt	Ví dụ	Collocation
livability	n	/ˌlɪvəˈbɪləti/	khả năng sống, độ đáng sống	The new park greatly enhances the livability of our neighborhood.	enhance/improve livability, urban livability, assess livability
inadequate	adj	/ɪnˈædɪkwət/	không đầy đủ, thiếu thốn	The public transport system is woefully inadequate for our growing population.	inadequate infrastructure, inadequate funding, grossly/woefully inadequate
infrastructure	n	/ˈɪnfrəstrʌktʃə(r)/	cơ sở hạ tầng	Investing in infrastructure is essential for economic development.	public infrastructure, transport infrastructure, develop/improve/upgrade infrastructure
urban sprawl	n	/ˈɜːbən sprɔːl/	sự lan tỏa đô thị (không kiểm soát)	Urban sprawl has resulted in the loss of agricultural land.	combat/prevent urban sprawl, uncontrolled urban sprawl, consequences of urban sprawl
gentrification	n	/ˌdʒentrɪfɪˈkeɪʃn/	sự cao cấp hóa khu dân cư (thường đẩy người nghèo ra ngoài)	Gentrification has displaced many long-time residents from the area.	rapid gentrification, gentrification process, effects/impact of gentrification
sustainable development	n	/səˌsteɪnəbl dɪˈveləpmənt/	phát triển bền vững	The city is committed to sustainable development practices.	promote sustainable development, sustainable development goals, principles of sustainable development
carbon footprint	n	/ˈkɑːbən ˈfʊtprɪnt/	dấu chân carbon (lượng khí thải carbon)	We need to reduce our carbon footprint through green initiatives.	reduce carbon footprint, carbon footprint reduction, individual/city carbon footprint
pedestrianized	adj	/pɪˈdestriənaɪzd/	dành cho người đi bộ	The pedestrianized zone has become the heart of community life.	pedestrianized area/street/zone, fully pedestrianized, create pedestrianized spaces
amenities	n (plural)	/əˈmiːnətiz/	tiện nghi, cơ sở vật chất	The neighborhood lacks basic amenities like schools and clinics.	public amenities, local amenities, provide/offer amenities, range of amenities
congestion	n	/kənˈdʒestʃən/	sự tắc nghẽn	Traffic congestion during peak hours is unbearable.	traffic congestion, severe/heavy congestion, ease/reduce/alleviate congestion
revitalization	n	/ˌriːvaɪtəlaɪˈzeɪʃn/	sự tái sinh, phục hồi sinh lực	The waterfront revitalization project has attracted investment.	urban revitalization, economic revitalization, revitalization efforts/projects
zoning laws	n	/ˈzəʊnɪŋ lɔːz/	luật phân vùng	Zoning laws regulate how land can be used in different areas.	implement/enforce zoning laws, strict zoning laws, revise zoning laws
affordable housing	n	/əˈfɔːdəbl ˈhaʊzɪŋ/	nhà ở giá phải chăng	The city desperately needs more affordable housing options.	provide affordable housing, affordable housing crisis/shortage, lack of affordable housing
civic engagement	n	/ˈsɪvɪk ɪnˈɡeɪdʒmənt/	sự tham gia công dân	The project encouraged civic engagement through public consultations.	promote civic engagement, levels of civic engagement, civic engagement initiatives
green spaces	n (plural)	/ɡriːn ˈspeɪsɪz/	không gian xanh	Access to green spaces improves mental health.	create green spaces, protect green spaces, adequate/sufficient green spaces
smart city	n	/smɑːt ˈsɪti/	thành phố thông minh	Smart city technologies can optimize resource management.	smart city initiatives, become a smart city, smart city solutions
public realm	n	/ˈpʌblɪk relm/	không gian công cộng	Improving the public realm enhances community interaction.	quality of public realm, public realm improvements, design public realm
mixed-use development	n	/mɪkst juːs dɪˈveləpmənt/	khu phát triển đa chức năng	Mixed-use developments reduce commuting needs.	promote mixed-use development, mixed-use development projects

Idiomatic Expressions & Advanced Phrases

Cụm từ	Nghĩa	Ví dụ sử dụng	Band điểm
at a critical juncture	ở thời điểm quan trọng/quyết định	We’re at a critical juncture where decisions made now will shape the city’s future.	8-9
a far cry from	khác xa so với	The current public transport is a far cry from what residents actually need.	7.5-8
leave a lot to be desired	còn nhiều điều cần cải thiện	The waste management system leaves a lot to be desired.	7.5-8
be crying out for	rất cần, đòi hỏi cấp thiết	The area is crying out for better recreational facilities.	7.5-8
take its toll on	gây ảnh hưởng xấu đến	Traffic congestion is taking its toll on people’s quality of life.	7.5-8
the writing is on the wall	dấu hiệu rõ ràng về điều sắp xảy ra	With increasing pollution, the writing is on the wall – we need to act now.	8-9
a double-edged sword	con dao hai lưỡi (có cả lợi và hại)	Rapid development is a double-edged sword – it brings jobs but also problems.	7.5-8
hit a tipping point	đạt đến điểm bùng phát/chuyển biến	The housing crisis has hit a tipping point where intervention is urgent.	8-9
strike a balance between	cân bằng giữa	We need to strike a balance between development and preservation.	7.5-8
pave the way for	mở đường cho	Better infrastructure paves the way for economic growth.	7.5-8
bring something to the table	đóng góp, mang lại giá trị	Community participation brings local knowledge to the table.	7.5-8
fall through the cracks	bị bỏ sót, không được chú ý	Without proper planning, important social needs may fall through the cracks.	8-9

Discourse Markers (Từ Nối Ý Trong Speaking)

Để bắt đầu câu trả lời:

• 📝 Well, that’s an interesting question… – Khi cần thời gian suy nghĩ ngắn
• 📝 Actually, I’d say that… – Khi đưa ra góc nhìn có thể khác với expectation
• 📝 To be honest, … – Khi nói thật, thẳng thắn
• 📝 I’d say that… – Khi đưa ra quan điểm (tentative)
• 📝 That’s quite a complex issue… – Khi acknowledge complexity

Để bổ sung ý:

• 📝 On top of that,… – Thêm vào đó, ngoài ra
• 📝 What’s more,… – Hơn nữa, thêm vào đó
• 📝 Not to mention… – Chưa kể đến
• 📝 Beyond that,… – Ngoài điều đó
• 📝 In addition to that,… – Thêm vào đó

Để đưa ra quan điểm cân bằng:

• 📝 On the one hand,… On the other hand,… – Một mặt… mặt khác…
• 📝 While it’s true that…, we also need to consider… – Dù đúng là… chúng ta cũng cần xem xét…
• 📝 That said,… – Tuy nhiên, dù vậy thì…
• 📝 Having said that,… – Đã nói như vậy nhưng…

Để kết luận hoặc tóng kết:

• 📝 All in all,… – Tóm lại, nhìn chung
• 📝 At the end of the day,… – Cuối cùng thì, xét cho cùng
• 📝 In essence,… – Về bản chất
• 📝 Ultimately,… – Cuối cùng, rốt cuộc

Để qualify hoặc nuance statements:

• 📝 To some extent,… – Ở một mức độ nào đó
• 📝 To a certain degree,… – Ở một mức độ nhất định
• 📝 It depends on… – Tùy thuộc vào
• 📝 That’s not to say that… – Điều đó không có nghĩa là

Grammatical Structures Ấn Tượng

1. Conditional Sentences (Câu điều kiện):

Mixed conditional:

• Formula: If + past perfect, would + base verb (hoặc ngược lại)
• Ví dụ: “If the city had invested in public transport earlier, we wouldn’t be facing such severe congestion now.”

Inversion conditional:

• Formula: Should/Were/Had + subject + verb…
• Ví dụ: “Were the government to implement these changes, we would see significant improvements within a few years.”

2. Relative Clauses (Mệnh đề quan hệ):

Non-defining:

• Formula: , which/who + clause,
• Ví dụ: “The new park system, which was inaugurated last year, has become incredibly popular with families.”

3. Passive Voice (Câu bị động):

Advanced passive structures:

• It is thought/believed/said that…
  • Ví dụ: “It is widely believed that green spaces contribute significantly to mental well-being.”
• X is thought/believed to…
  • Ví dụ: “The project is expected to be completed by 2026.”

4. Cleft Sentences (Câu chẻ):

What-cleft:

• Formula: What + clause + is/was + focus
• Ví dụ: “What I find most concerning is the lack of affordable housing for young professionals.”

It-cleft:

• Formula: It + is/was + focus + that/who + clause
• Ví dụ: “It’s the lack of community consultation that often leads to failed urban projects.”

5. Participle Clauses:

• Formula: Present/Past participle at start of sentence
• Ví dụ: “Having lived here for twenty years, I’ve witnessed the dramatic transformation of this neighborhood.”
• Ví dụ: “Built in the 1920s, this historic building represents an important chapter in our city’s history.”

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Với sự chuẩn bị kỹ lưỡng về vocabulary, ideas, và strategies trong bài viết này, bạn đã có trong tay một toolkit hoàn chỉnh để tự tin đối mặt với chủ đề “What would your town or village be improved” trong IELTS Speaking. Hãy nhớ rằng điều quan trọng nhất không phải là học thuộc các câu trả lời mẫu, mà là hiểu được cách xây dựng ý tưởng, sử dụng từ vựng chính xác, và thể hiện critical thinking một cách tự nhiên. Nếu bạn muốn học thêm về cách truyền đạt cảm xúc và động lực cá nhân trong Speaking, How to describe a person who is very inspiring in IELTS Speaking sẽ cung cấp thêm chiến lược hữu ích.

Chúc bạn thi tốt và đạt band điểm như mong muốn!