Mở bài
Chủ đề “Describe Your First Day At A New Job Or School” là một trong những đề bài phổ biến và thực tế nhất trong IELTS Speaking, đặc biệt ở Part 2. Đề tài này yêu cầu bạn kể lại một trải nghiệm cá nhân cụ thể – ngày đầu tiên đến nơi làm việc hoặc trường học mới – với đầy đủ chi tiết về hoàn cảnh, cảm xúc và ấn tượng của bạn.
Theo thống kê từ các đề thi thực tế, chủ đề về “first experiences” và “memorable events” xuất hiện với tần suất cao trong các kỳ thi IELTS từ năm 2020 đến 2024, đặc biệt là các câu hỏi liên quan đến công việc và giáo dục. Dự đoán khả năng xuất hiện trong tương lai: Cao – vì đây là trải nghiệm universal mà hầu hết mọi người đều có thể relate được.
Qua bài viết này, bạn sẽ học được:
- Các câu hỏi thường gặp về chủ đề này trong cả 3 Part của IELTS Speaking
- Bài mẫu chi tiết theo 3 band điểm khác nhau (6-7, 7.5-8, 8.5-9) với phân tích kỹ lưỡng
- Từ vựng và cụm từ ăn điểm giúp nâng cao band score
- Chiến lược trả lời hiệu quả từ góc nhìn của một IELTS Examiner
- Những lỗi thường gặp 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. Đối với chủ đề work và study, examiner thường hỏi về trải nghiệm hiện tại và quá khứ của bạn.
Chiến lược hiệu quả:
- Trả lời trực tiếp câu hỏi ngay câu đầu tiên
- Mở rộng với 2-3 câu bổ sung (lý do, ví dụ, chi tiết)
- Thể hiện sự tự nhiên, không học thuộc
Lỗi thường gặp của học viên Việt Nam:
- Trả lời quá ngắn gọn chỉ một câu (Yes/No)
- Sử dụng từ vựng quá đơn giản, lặp đi lặp lại
- Thiếu ví dụ cụ thể từ kinh nghiệm bản thân
- Ngập ngừng quá nhiều do chưa chuẩn bị tâm lý
Các Câu Hỏi Thường Gặp
Question 1: Do you work or are you a student?
Question 2: What do you remember about your first day at your current job/school?
Question 3: How did you feel on your first day at work/school?
Question 4: What was the most challenging thing about starting something new?
Question 5: Do you think first days are important? Why?
Question 6: How do you usually prepare before starting something new?
Question 7: What advice would you give to someone on their first day at a new job?
Question 8: Have you ever helped someone on their first day at work or school?
Phân Tích và Gợi Ý Trả Lời Chi Tiết
Question: What do you remember about your first day at your current job/school?
🎯 Cách tiếp cận:
- Chọn một kỷ niệm cụ thể, sinh động
- Mô tả ngắn gọn hoàn cảnh
- Đề cập đến cảm xúc của bạn lúc đó
📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:
“I remember my first day at university quite clearly. I was very nervous because I didn’t know anyone. The campus was very big and I got lost trying to find my classroom. But my classmates were friendly and helped me, so I felt better.”
Phân tích:
- Điểm mạnh: Trả lời đúng trọng tâm, có đề cập đến cảm xúc và chi tiết cụ thể
- Hạn chế: Từ vựng còn basic (very nervous, very big, friendly), cấu trúc câu đơn giản, thiếu từ nối
- Tại sao Band 6-7: Đủ thông tin nhưng chưa sophisticated, vocabulary range hạn chế, grammar structures khá cơ bản
📝 Sample Answer – Band 8-9:
“Oh, my first day at university is still vivid in my memory. I was quite apprehensive about the whole experience since I didn’t know a single soul there. The campus was absolutely sprawling, and I ended up getting completely disoriented while trying to locate my lecture hall. Fortunately, some welcoming classmates took me under their wing, which really put me at ease and helped me settle in.”
Phân tích:
- Điểm mạnh: Sử dụng collocations tự nhiên (vivid in my memory, took me under their wing, put me at ease), từ vựng chính xác và đa dạng (apprehensive, sprawling, disoriented), cấu trúc câu phức hợp với mệnh đề quan hệ
- Tại sao Band 8-9: Fluency cao với discourse marker tự nhiên (Oh), Lexical Resource đa dạng với phrasal verbs và idioms, Grammar structures phức tạp nhưng accurate, ý tưởng được triển khai mạch lạc
💡 Key Vocabulary & Expressions:
- vivid in my memory: rõ nét trong trí nhớ
- apprehensive: lo lắng, băn khoăn
- sprawling: rộng lớn, trải dài
- getting disoriented: bị mất phương hướng
- take someone under their wing: giúp đỡ, chăm sóc ai đó
- put someone at ease: làm ai đó thoải mái, bớt lo lắng
Question: How did you feel on your first day at work/school?
🎯 Cách tiếp cận:
- Mô tả nhiều cảm xúc khác nhau (không chỉ một)
- Giải thích tại sao bạn có cảm xúc đó
- Có thể so sánh với cảm xúc sau đó
📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:
“I felt both excited and nervous. I was excited because it was a new beginning, but I was also nervous because I had to meet many new people and learn new things. At the end of the day, I felt tired but happy.”
Phân tích:
- Điểm mạnh: Nhắc đến nhiều cảm xúc khác nhau, có structure rõ ràng
- Hạn chế: Từ vựng cảm xúc còn basic (excited, nervous, happy), thiếu depth trong explanation
- Tại sao Band 6-7: Ideas đủ nhưng chưa developed fully, vocabulary adequate nhưng chưa impressive
📝 Sample Answer – Band 8-9:
“Well, I’d say it was quite an emotional rollercoaster. On one hand, I was genuinely thrilled about this new chapter in my life and the opportunities it would bring. On the other hand, I couldn’t shake off this sense of trepidation – you know, the typical first-day jitters about making a good impression and fitting in with the team. By the end of the day, I was absolutely drained but felt a real sense of accomplishment having survived it.”
Phân tích:
- Điểm mạnh: Vocabulary range rộng với collocations tự nhiên (emotional rollercoaster, first-day jitters, shake off), sử dụng tentative language (I’d say, you know) để tạo sự tự nhiên, cấu trúc “On one hand… On the other hand” thể hiện balanced view
- Tại sao Band 8-9: Fluency tự nhiên với fillers phù hợp, Lexical Resource sophisticated và precise, Grammar đa dạng với participle phrases (having survived it), ý tưởng sâu sắc thể hiện emotional intelligence
💡 Key Vocabulary & Expressions:
- emotional rollercoaster: cảm xúc thăng trầm
- genuinely thrilled: thực sự phấn khích
- trepidation: sự lo sợ, bồn chồn
- first-day jitters: sự hồi hộp ngày đầu
- drained: kiệt sức
- sense of accomplishment: cảm giác thành tựu
Question: Do you think first days are important? Why?
🎯 Cách tiếp cận:
- Đưa ra opinion rõ ràng ngay đầu
- Giải thích với 2 lý do cụ thể
- Có thể thêm personal experience làm ví dụ
📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:
“Yes, I think first days are very important. First impressions matter a lot because people will remember how you act on the first day. Also, the first day helps you understand what to expect in the future. So we should try our best on the first day.”
Phân tích:
- Điểm mạnh: Opinion statement rõ ràng, có reasons được nêu
- Hạn chế: Expression khá generic (matter a lot, try our best), thiếu examples cụ thể
- Tại sao Band 6-7: Structure logic nhưng ideas development chưa đủ sâu
📝 Sample Answer – Band 8-9:
“Absolutely, I’d argue that first days are pivotal for several reasons. Most importantly, they set the tone for your entire experience – the impressions you make and receive on day one can shape your relationships going forward. Beyond that, it’s your first real opportunity to gauge the work culture or learning environment, which helps you calibrate your expectations and approach. Tương tự như describe a time when you felt proud of your accomplishments, những trải nghiệm ban đầu thường để lại dấu ấn sâu đậm và ảnh hưởng đến hành trình sau này. That said, I don’t think one should feel overly pressured – it’s just the beginning of a journey.”
Phân tích:
- Điểm mạnh: Strong opinion với “Absolutely, I’d argue”, multiple reasons với sophisticated vocabulary (pivotal, set the tone, gauge, calibrate), balanced view ở cuối (That said…) cho thấy critical thinking
- Tại sao Band 8-9: Fluency tự nhiên, Lexical Resource với topic-specific collocations, Grammar với complex structures, ideas nuanced và mature
💡 Key Vocabulary & Expressions:
- pivotal: then chót, rất quan trọng
- set the tone: tạo ra bầu không khí, định hướng
- shape relationships: hình thành mối quan hệ
- gauge the work culture: đánh giá văn hóa công ty
- calibrate expectations: điều chỉnh kỳ vọng
- overly pressured: quá áp lực
Học viên IELTS luyện tập trả lời câu hỏi về ngày đầu tiên đi làm hoặc đi học trong bài thi Speaking
IELTS Speaking Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)
Tổng Quan Về Part 2
Part 2 là phần độc thoại kéo dài 2-3 phút, trong đó bạn có 1 phút chuẩn bị. Đây là phần quan trọng nhất để thể hiện khả năng nói liên tục và tổ chức ý tưởng.
Thời gian:
- Chuẩn bị: 1 phút (cực kỳ quan trọng)
- Nói: 2-3 phút (không bị ngắt)
Chiến lược hiệu quả:
- Sử dụng đủ 1 phút ghi chú keywords (KHÔNG viết câu hoàn chỉnh)
- Tổ chức ý theo chronological order cho câu chuyện
- Cover đầy đủ tất cả bullet points
- Nói tự nhiên như kể chuyện, không như đọc bài
- Sử dụng past tenses chủ yếu vì kể về quá khứ
Lỗi thường gặp:
- Viết quá nhiều trong 1 phút chuẩn bị dẫn đến mất thời gian tổ chức ý
- Nói dưới 1.5 phút hoặc dừng lại chờ examiner
- Bỏ sót bullet points quan trọng
- Không phát triển phần “explain” – phần ghi điểm cao nhất
- Sử dụng vocabulary quá phức tạp không tự nhiên
Cue Card
Describe your first day at a new job or school
You should say:
- When and where it was
- What you did on that day
- How you felt about it
- And explain what made it memorable
Phân Tích Đề Bài
Dạng câu hỏi: Describe an experience/event (Kể về một trải nghiệm/sự kiện)
Thì động từ: Quá khứ (Past Simple, Past Continuous, Past Perfect)
Bullet points phải cover:
- When and where: Thời gian và địa điểm cụ thể – nên nói ngắn gọn
- What you did: Các hoạt động/sự việc diễn ra – chiếm phần lớn thời gian
- How you felt: Cảm xúc của bạn – có thể xen kẽ trong phần kể chuyện
- What made it memorable: Tại sao đặc biệt – phần quan trọng nhất để ghi điểm cao
Câu “explain” quan trọng: Đây là phần cho phép bạn thể hiện depth of thinking và sophisticated language. Đừng chỉ nói “it was memorable because…” mà hãy phân tích deeper impact, lessons learned, hoặc long-term significance.
📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7
Thời lượng: Khoảng 1.5-2 phút
I’d like to talk about my first day at my current company, which happened about two years ago in Ho Chi Minh City. It was in September, and I remember feeling quite nervous that morning.
When I arrived at the office, the receptionist greeted me and took me to the HR department. They gave me an employee card and showed me around the building. The office was quite modern and had many facilities like a cafeteria and a gym.
After that, my manager introduced me to my team members. Everyone seemed friendly and welcoming. They showed me my desk and helped me set up my computer. During lunch, some colleagues invited me to join them at a nearby restaurant, which made me feel more comfortable.
In the afternoon, my manager explained my job responsibilities and gave me some documents to read. I spent most of the time learning about the company’s projects and procedures. By the end of the day, I felt tired but satisfied.
What made it memorable was the warm welcome from everyone. I was worried that people might be too busy to help me, but everyone was very patient and kind. This positive experience helped me settle in quickly and made me feel confident about my decision to join the company. It was definitely a good start to my new job.
Phân Tích Band Điểm
| Tiêu chí | Band | Nhận xét |
|---|---|---|
| Fluency & Coherence | 6-7 | Có khả năng nói liên tục, sử dụng basic linking words (after that, during, by the end of), nhưng còn mechanical và thiếu flexibility |
| Lexical Resource | 6-7 | Từ vựng adequate và relevant (facilities, responsibilities, procedures) nhưng chưa sophisticated, có một số collocations basic (feel comfortable, settle in) |
| Grammatical Range & Accuracy | 6-7 | Sử dụng đúng past tenses, có một số complex sentences nhưng majority là simple/compound sentences |
| Pronunciation | 6-7 | Rõ ràng và dễ hiểu, có thể có một số lỗi nhỏ về intonation |
Điểm mạnh:
- ✅ Cover đầy đủ tất cả bullet points
- ✅ Có chronological structure rõ ràng
- ✅ Đủ thời lượng (khoảng 1.5-2 phút)
- ✅ Nội dung relevant và realistic
Hạn chế:
- ⚠️ Vocabulary range hạn chế, nhiều từ basic (quite, very, good)
- ⚠️ Thiếu idiomatic expressions và advanced collocations
- ⚠️ Grammar structures chưa đa dạng, ít có inversion hoặc cleft sentences
- ⚠️ Phần explain chưa đủ depth, còn surface-level
📝 Sample Answer – Band 7.5-8
Thời lượng: Khoảng 2-2.5 phút
I’d like to share my experience of my first day at my current workplace, which took place roughly two years ago at a marketing agency in downtown Ho Chi Minh City. That September morning is still etched in my memory because of the mixture of excitement and anxiety I was experiencing.
The day kicked off with me arriving about fifteen minutes early – I wanted to make a good first impression. The receptionist was incredibly welcoming and promptly escorted me to the HR department where I completed some paperwork and received my employee credentials. What struck me immediately was how modern and thoughtfully designed the workspace was, with open-plan areas that encouraged collaboration.
My manager then took me under her wing and introduced me to my teammates. I was pleasantly surprised by how genuinely friendly everyone was – they didn’t just say hello and rush back to their desks, but actually took time to chat and make me feel at home. One colleague even offered to be my go-to person if I had any questions, which was reassuring.
During lunch, several team members invited me to join them at a local Vietnamese restaurant. This informal setting helped break the ice, and I learned a lot about the company culture through their stories and light-hearted banter. The afternoon was spent familiarizing myself with ongoing projects and the company’s systems, though I have to admit, there was quite a steep learning curve.
What truly made this day stand out was the sense of belonging I felt almost immediately. Coming from a previous job where I’d felt rather isolated, this stark contrast was refreshing. The team’s willingness to invest time in helping me settle in demonstrated a supportive work environment that I really valued. It set a positive tone for my entire experience at the company and confirmed I’d made the right career move.
Phân Tích Band Điểm
| Tiêu chí | Band | Nhận xét |
|---|---|---|
| Fluency & Coherence | 7.5-8 | Nói mượt mà với cohesive devices đa dạng (roughly, promptly, though), có ability to self-correct naturally |
| Lexical Resource | 7.5-8 | Vocabulary range rộng với collocations tự nhiên (etched in memory, take under wing, break the ice), less common words (credentials, banter) |
| Grammatical Range & Accuracy | 7.5-8 | Mix of simple và complex structures, có passive voice, relative clauses, past perfect |
| Pronunciation | 7.5-8 | Clear pronunciation với appropriate stress và intonation patterns |
So Sánh Với Band 6-7
| Khía cạnh | Band 6-7 | Band 7.5-8 |
|---|---|---|
| Vocabulary | “friendly and welcoming” | “genuinely friendly”, “incredibly welcoming” |
| Grammar | “Everyone seemed friendly” | “I was pleasantly surprised by how genuinely friendly everyone was” |
| Ideas | “warm welcome from everyone” | “sense of belonging I felt almost immediately” + “stark contrast” with previous job |
| Cohesion | “After that, During lunch” | “kicked off with”, “What struck me immediately”, “though I have to admit” |
📝 Sample Answer – Band 8.5-9
Thời lượng: 2.5-3 phút đầy đủ
I’d like to recount my first day at a digital marketing firm in District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, which occurred approximately two years ago and remains one of those watershed moments in my professional journey. It was a humid September morning, and I remember feeling this peculiar cocktail of emotions – equal parts exhilaration and trepidation.
I’d deliberately arrived twenty minutes ahead of schedule, partly to get my bearings and partly because I’m constitutionally incapable of being late to important occasions. The moment I stepped into the building, I was struck by the juxtaposition of modern design and homely touches – there were state-of-the-art facilities alongside casual breakout spaces with bean bags and potted plants, which immediately suggested a progressive work culture.
After the standard HR rigmarole of paperwork and orientation, my manager – a remarkably perceptive woman – introduced me to the team. What set this experience apart from typical first days was the genuine investment people made in welcoming me. Rather than the perfunctory introductions I’d experienced elsewhere, colleagues actually carved out time from their busy schedules to explain not just what they did, but also to share insider tips about navigating the company dynamics. One senior colleague even went so far as to create a personalized guide of dos and don’ts, which was incredibly thoughtful.
The lunch break proved to be particularly illuminating. Over steaming bowls of pho, the conversation flowed naturally from work-related topics to more personal territory, and I found myself genuinely laughing at their self-deprecating humor about office life. This convivial atmosphere was a far cry from my previous workplace, where lunch was often a solitary affair.
The afternoon involved getting to grips with various projects and systems. I won’t lie – there was definitely an element of information overload, and I felt rather like I was drinking from a fire hose. However, what prevented this from becoming overwhelming was the palpable sense of psychological safety – people actively encouraged questions and normalized not knowing things.
What rendered this day truly memorable – and this is something I appreciate even more in retrospect – was how it fundamentally shaped my perception of what a workplace could be. Having come from an environment that was rather cutthroat and individualistic, experiencing such collegial warmth was almost disorienting in its novelty. It wasn’t just about people being nice; it was about a culture that prioritizes human connection alongside productivity. Điều này có điểm tương đồng với describe a challenging task you completed at work or school khi môi trường làm việc tích cực có thể biến những thử thách khó khăn thành cơ hội phát triển. This first day essentially set the benchmark for my expectations and emboldened me to bring my authentic self to work, which has been instrumental in my professional development.
Phân Tích Band Điểm
| Tiêu chí | Band | Nhận xét |
|---|---|---|
| Fluency & Coherence | 8.5-9 | Completely fluent với sophisticated discourse markers, self-correction tự nhiên, topic development xuất sắc |
| Lexical Resource | 8.5-9 | Idiomatic language (drinking from a fire hose, far cry from), precise vocabulary (rigmarole, juxtaposition, convivial), natural collocations |
| Grammatical Range & Accuracy | 8.5-9 | Full range of structures: inversion, cleft sentences, conditional, participle phrases, tất cả accurate |
| Pronunciation | 8.5-9 | Native-like với appropriate features: stress, rhythm, intonation |
Tại Sao Bài Này Xuất Sắc
🎯 Fluency Hoàn Hảo:
Bài nói flow tự nhiên với các discourse markers sophisticated (I won’t lie, Having come from, This is something I appreciate even more in retrospect). Không có hesitation, mọi ý được connect mượt mà.
📚 Vocabulary Tinh Vi:
- “watershed moments” thay vì “important moment” – thể hiện significant turning point
- “constitutionally incapable” thay vì “can’t” – humorous và sophisticated
- “perfunctory introductions” – precise word choice
- “drinking from a fire hose” – vivid idiom cho information overload
- “palpable sense of psychological safety” – academic yet natural
📝 Grammar Đa Dạng:
- Inversion: “I won’t lie – there was definitely…”
- Participle phrases: “Having come from an environment…”
- Cleft sentence: “What rendered this day truly memorable was…”
- Complex conditionals: “What prevented this from becoming overwhelming was…”
💡 Ideas Sâu Sắc:
Không chỉ describe events mà còn analyze deeper significance: “fundamentally shaped my perception”, “culture that prioritizes human connection alongside productivity”. Thể hiện reflective thinking và emotional intelligence.
🎭 Authenticity:
Bài nói genuine với personal touches (arriving early, feeling overwhelmed) và không quá perfect – thừa nhận challenges (information overload) makes it believable.
Chiến lược tổ chức ý tưởng hiệu quả cho IELTS Speaking Part 2 về chủ đề ngày đầu tiên
Follow-up Questions (Rounding Off Questions)
Examiner thường hỏi 1-2 câu ngắn sau khi bạn kết thúc Part 2 để transition sang Part 3:
Question 1: Do you still work/study there?
Band 6-7 Answer:
“Yes, I still work there. I’ve been with the company for two years now and I’m very happy with my decision to join them.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“Yes, actually I’m still there – it’s been two years now and counting. That positive first impression has really stood the test of time, and I’m still as content with my choice as I was after that first day, if not more so.”
Question 2: Would you recommend that workplace/school to others?
Band 6-7 Answer:
“Definitely yes. It’s a great place with nice people and good opportunities for growth. I think anyone would enjoy working there.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“Without hesitation, yes. Beyond just the tangible benefits like career development opportunities, it’s that intangible quality of the work culture – the genuine camaraderie and mutual respect – that I’d really tout when recommending it to others. It’s quite rare to find nowadays.”
IELTS Speaking Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Tổng Quan Về Part 3
Part 3 là phần thảo luận trừu tượng kéo dài 4-5 phút, trong đó examiner sẽ hỏi các câu hỏi sâu sắc hơn liên quan đến chủ đề của Part 2.
Đặc điểm:
- Câu hỏi abstract và analytical hơn Part 1 & 2
- Yêu cầu expressing opinions, comparing, evaluating
- Không hỏi về personal experience mà về society, trends, general ideas
Yêu cầu:
- Phân tích nhiều góc độ của vấn đề
- Đưa ra arguments có supporting reasons
- So sánh và contrast các perspectives khác nhau
- Sử dụng examples từ society, không chỉ cá nhân
Chiến lược:
- Mở rộng câu trả lời (3-5 câu minimum)
- Sử dụng discourse markers tự nhiên (Well, Actually, I suppose…)
- Structure: Direct answer → Reason 1 (+example) → Reason 2 (+example) → Conclusion/Nuance
- Acknowledge complexity: “It depends…”, “There are different perspectives…”
- Sử dụng tentative language: “I would say…”, “It seems to me…”
Lỗi thường gặp của học viên Việt Nam:
- Trả lời quá ngắn như Part 1
- Chỉ nói về personal experience thay vì generalize
- Thiếu critical thinking, chỉ nói một chiều
- Vocabulary không đủ academic/abstract
- Không có clear structure trong câu trả lời dài
Các Câu Hỏi Thảo Luận Sâu
Theme 1: Workplace/Educational Adaptation
Question 1: Why do you think some people adapt to new environments more quickly than others?
🎯 Phân tích câu hỏi:
- Dạng: Cause and Effect (explaining reasons)
- Key words: adapt, quickly, new environments
- Cách tiếp cận: Đưa ra 2-3 factors khác nhau (personality, experience, support), có thể mention individual differences
📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:
“I think it depends on personality. Some people are naturally more outgoing and confident, so they find it easier to talk to new people and make friends quickly. Also, if someone has experience changing jobs or schools before, they know what to expect, so they feel less nervous. Finally, having good support from colleagues or classmates can help a lot.”
Phân tích:
- Structure: Có multiple reasons được list ra (personality, experience, support)
- Vocabulary: Adequate nhưng basic (outgoing, confident, nervous)
- Tại sao Band 6-7: Ideas relevant nhưng development chưa sâu, thiếu examples cụ thể, vocabulary chưa sophisticated
📝 Câu trả lời mẫu – Band 8-9:
“Well, I’d say it boils down to several interconnected factors. First and foremost, innate personality traits play a crucial role – individuals with high levels of extraversion and emotional resilience tend to navigate unfamiliar terrain more smoothly. They’re typically more proactive in seeking connections and less phased by initial awkwardness.
Beyond personality, prior experience is instrumental. Someone who’s weathered multiple transitions develops what psychologists call ‘adaptive expertise‘ – they’ve learned coping mechanisms and can anticipate common challenges. It’s rather like muscle memory for change.
That said, we shouldn’t underestimate the role of external support systems. Even the most adaptable person will struggle in a hostile or unwelcoming environment, whereas comprehensive onboarding processes and mentorship programs can facilitate integration for virtually anyone. Để hiểu rõ hơn về describe a time when you did something creative, ta có thể thấy rằng khả năng sáng tạo cũng giúp người ta tìm ra những cách thức độc đáo để thích nghi với môi trường mới. At the end of the day, it’s an interplay between individual characteristics and environmental factors.”
Phân tích:
- Structure: Clear organization với discourse markers (First and foremost, Beyond, That said, At the end of the day), mỗi point có explanation và example
- Vocabulary: Sophisticated và precise (boils down to, extraversion, phased by, weathered transitions, adaptive expertise, interplay)
- Grammar: Complex structures (relative clauses, passive voice, comparative structures)
- Critical Thinking: Balanced view, acknowledges multiple factors, uses academic reference (psychologists call), shows nuanced understanding
💡 Key Language Features:
- Discourse markers: Well, First and foremost, Beyond, That said, At the end of the day
- Tentative language: I’d say, tend to, typically
- Abstract nouns: resilience, extraversion, integration, interplay
- Academic collocations: play a crucial role, instrumental, facilitate integration
Question 2: How important is the first impression in a workplace or school setting?
🎯 Phân tích câu hỏi:
- Dạng: Opinion + Evaluation (assessing importance)
- Key words: first impression, important, workplace/school
- Cách tiếp cận: State opinion → Explain why important → Acknowledge limitations/counter-argument
📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:
“First impressions are quite important because they affect how people see you later. If you make a good first impression, people will want to work with you and help you. However, I also think it’s possible to change people’s opinions over time if you work hard and show your abilities.”
Phân tích:
- Structure: Có opinion + reason + counter-point basic
- Vocabulary: Simple (quite important, good, work hard)
- Tại sao Band 6-7: Ideas present nhưng lacks depth và sophisticated language
📝 Câu trả lời mẫu – Band 8-9:
“First impressions are undeniably significant, though perhaps not as definitive as conventional wisdom suggests. From a psychological standpoint, there’s the well-documented halo effect – once people form an initial positive impression, they tend to interpret subsequent behaviors through that favorable lens. This can open doors professionally and socially, creating a virtuous cycle of opportunities and goodwill.
However, I’d argue we should be careful not to overstate their importance. While first impressions certainly carry weight, they’re not set in stone. Consistently demonstrating competence, integrity, and collaborative spirit over time can absolutely override a lackluster initial encounter. What I find more crucial is the cumulative impression you build through sustained interaction.
That being said, in highly competitive environments – say, job interviews or networking events where there’s limited subsequent exposure – first impressions can be disproportionately influential. So while I wouldn’t advocate obsessing over them, there’s merit in being mindful of how you present yourself initially. It’s about striking a balance between authenticity and strategic self-presentation.”
Phân tích:
- Structure: Complex organization: importance acknowledged → psychological explanation → counter-argument → contextual factors → balanced conclusion
- Vocabulary: Sophisticated (undeniably, halo effect, virtuous cycle, lackluster, cumulative impression, disproportionately influential)
- Grammar: Advanced structures (passive voice, conditional, comparative, complex noun phrases)
- Critical Thinking: Nuanced view, references psychology, acknowledges context-dependency, balanced perspective
💡 Key Language Features:
- Hedging: perhaps not as definitive as, I’d argue, I wouldn’t advocate
- Academic references: from a psychological standpoint, well-documented, psychologists observe
- Contrast markers: However, That being said, While
- Evaluative language: undeniably significant, more crucial, disproportionately influential
Theme 2: Organizational Culture and Support
Question 3: What can companies or schools do to help new employees or students feel more comfortable?
🎯 Phân tích câu hỏi:
- Dạng: Problem-Solution / Suggestions
- Key words: what can… do, help, feel comfortable
- Cách tiếp cận: List multiple solutions với explanations, có thể categorize (formal programs vs. informal support)
📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:
“Companies should have good training programs for new employees. They should also assign a mentor who can answer questions and give advice. Schools can organize orientation days where new students can meet each other and learn about the campus. Creating a friendly atmosphere is also important.”
Phân tích:
- Structure: Lists solutions but without much elaboration
- Vocabulary: Basic (good, friendly)
- Tại sao Band 6-7: Relevant ideas nhưng lacks specific examples và depth
📝 Câu trả lời mẫu – Band 8-9:
“Well, there’s quite a comprehensive toolkit of strategies that organizations can deploy. On the structural level, implementing robust onboarding programs is essential – not just perfunctory orientation sessions, but multi-week integration processes that systematically introduce newcomers to the culture, systems, and people. Companies like Google have pioneered approaches where new hires have structured check-ins and clear milestones for their first 90 days.
Equally crucial is the buddy or mentorship system. Pairing newcomers with experienced members creates an informal support channel that circumvents the potential intimidation of always asking managers. This peer-to-peer connection often yields more honest insights about unwritten rules and navigating office dynamics.
Beyond these formal mechanisms, fostering an inclusive culture is paramount. This means actively encouraging team members to reach out, perhaps institutionalizing things like welcome lunches or team-building activities that facilitate organic interaction. In educational settings, residential programs or buddy schemes serve similar functions.
What I find particularly effective is when organizations solicit feedback from newcomers after their first month – this demonstrates that their experience matters and allows the organization to continuously refine its approach. Ultimately, it’s about shifting from seeing onboarding as a one-time event to viewing it as an ongoing process of integration.”
Phân tích:
- Structure: Well-organized với categories (structural, interpersonal, cultural), progression from specific tactics to broader principles
- Vocabulary: Sophisticated (comprehensive toolkit, robust, pioneered, circumvents, paramount, institutionalizing, solicit feedback)
- Grammar: Complex with variety (not just… but, pairing + gerund, shifting from… to viewing)
- Critical Thinking: Specific examples (Google), distinguishes formal vs. informal, emphasizes continuous improvement
💡 Key Language Features:
- Signposting: On the structural level, Equally crucial, Beyond these, Ultimately
- Emphasis structures: not just… but, What I find particularly effective
- Process vocabulary: implementing, deploying, pioneered, facilitate, continuously refine
- Passive constructions: is essential, can be deployed (appropriately formal)
Bộ từ vựng chủ đề thích nghi môi trường làm việc và học tập cho IELTS Speaking
Theme 3: Generational and Cultural Perspectives
Question 4: Do you think attitudes towards starting new jobs have changed compared to the past?
🎯 Phân tích câu hỏi:
- Dạng: Compare and Contrast (Past vs. Present)
- Key words: attitudes, changed, compared to the past
- Cách tiếp cận: Compare past attitudes → present attitudes → explain reasons for change
📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:
“Yes, I think attitudes have changed a lot. In the past, people usually stayed in one job for their whole career, so starting a new job was very rare and important. Now, people change jobs more frequently, especially young people, so they see it as normal. Also, nowadays people care more about work-life balance than just salary.”
Phân tích:
- Structure: Has comparison but quite basic
- Vocabulary: Simple comparative language (more frequently, more than)
- Tại sao Band 6-7: Valid points nhưng lacks sophisticated analysis và specific examples
📝 Câu trả lời mẫu – Band 8-9:
“Absolutely, there’s been a seismic shift in attitudes. A generation or two ago, starting a new job was often viewed through the lens of long-term commitment – people embarked on careers expecting to climb the corporate ladder within a single organization, perhaps even retiring from the same company. There was a certain gravitas attached to these transitions because they were relatively infrequent and carried significant weight.
Contrast this with today’s landscape, where job-hopping has become not just normalized but often actively encouraged as a career acceleration strategy. The average millennial is expected to have upwards of 12 job changes during their career. Consequently, starting new positions has become almost routine, and while still significant, it perhaps lacks the momentousness it once had.
Several factors underpin this transformation. The erosion of traditional employer-employee loyalty compacts, driven by corporate restructuring and economic volatility, has made workers more pragmatic about job changes. Simultaneously, the rise of the gig economy and remote work has fundamentally altered our conception of what a ‘job’ even means.
Moreover, generational values have shifted – whereas previous generations might have prioritized job security and linear progression, today’s workforce often places greater emphasis on purpose, flexibility, and continuous learning opportunities. Starting a new job is increasingly framed as a chance for reinvention rather than mere employment transition. Một ví dụ chi tiết về describe an art form you would like to learn cho thấy xu hướng người trẻ ngày nay không chỉ tìm kiếm công việc mà còn theo đuổi đam mê và phát triển kỹ năng đa dạng.”
Phân tích:
- Structure: Sophisticated comparison (past → present → reasons for change → implications), clear paragraphing even in speech
- Vocabulary: Advanced (seismic shift, gravitas, job-hopping, underpin, erosion, framed as)
- Grammar: Complex range (passive, comparative structures, whereas clauses, participle phrases)
- Critical Thinking: Multiple perspectives, sociological analysis, trend identification, cause-and-effect reasoning
💡 Key Language Features:
- Time markers: A generation or two ago, Contrast this with, today’s landscape
- Comparison structures: whereas, Contrast this with, increasingly… rather than
- Causation language: driven by, underpin, factors that contribute
- Abstract nouns: gravitas, momentousness, transformation, conception, reinvention
Question 5: How does cultural background influence how people experience their first day at work or school?
🎯 Phân tích câu hỏi:
- Dạng: Cause and Effect + Analysis (cultural factors)
- Key words: cultural background, influence, experience
- Cách tiếp cận: Identify cultural dimensions → explain how each affects first day experience → give examples
📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:
“Cultural background affects first day experiences in several ways. For example, in some cultures, people are more reserved and quiet, so they might not talk much on the first day. In other cultures, people are more open and friendly from the beginning. Also, different cultures have different ideas about hierarchy, which affects how people interact with their bosses or teachers on the first day.”
Phân tích:
- Structure: Has basic examples of cultural differences
- Vocabulary: Simple (reserved, quiet, open, friendly)
- Tại sao Band 6-7: Relevant content nhưng lacks depth of cultural analysis và specific examples
📝 Câu trả lời mẫu – Band 8-9:
“This is a fascinating question that really highlights the intersection of culture and workplace dynamics. Cultural background profoundly shapes first day experiences through several dimensions.
Take communication styles, for instance. In high-context cultures like Japan or Vietnam, there’s often an implicit understanding that newcomers should observe and absorb rather than immediately assert themselves. The first day might be characterized by careful observation and measured participation. Conversely, in low-context cultures like the US or Australia, there’s more expectation of proactive self-introduction and vocal participation from day one – silence might even be misinterpreted as disinterest.
Power distance is another critical factor. In cultures with hierarchical orientations – say, traditional Korean or Indian corporate settings – a newcomer’s first day involves navigating formal protocols, understanding precisely where they sit in the organizational structure, and showing appropriate deference to seniors. In contrast, more egalitarian cultures like those in Scandinavia encourage flat hierarchies where even new employees are expected to voice opinions and challenge ideas relatively quickly.
There’s also the individualism-collectivism spectrum. Newcomers from collectivist backgrounds might prioritize group harmony and relationship-building on their first day, being careful not to stand out or disrupt existing dynamics. Those from individualistic cultures might focus more on showcasing individual competencies and establishing their unique contribution.
What’s particularly interesting is how cultural mismatches can create challenges – imagine someone from a reserved, hierarchical culture joining a startup with a casual, speak-up culture. The cognitive dissonance can be quite jarring. This is why culturally intelligent organizations invest in cross-cultural training and create inclusive onboarding that accommodates diverse communication preferences.”
Phân tích:
- Structure: Highly sophisticated organization by cultural dimensions, each fully developed with examples and implications
- Vocabulary: Academic and precise (high-context, power distance, egalitarian, cognitive dissonance, jarring)
- Grammar: Full range including complex conditionals, comparative structures, multiple embedding
- Critical Thinking: Uses cultural frameworks (Hofstede’s dimensions), considers mismatches and solutions, shows deep cultural awareness
💡 Key Language Features:
- Introducing examples: Take… for instance, Say, Imagine
- Contrast markers: Conversely, In contrast, Whereas
- Academic frameworks: high-context cultures, power distance, individualism-collectivism
- Hedging appropriately: might be, often, tends to (when generalizing about cultures)
Theme 4: Future Trends
Question 6: In what ways might the experience of starting a new job change in the future?
🎯 Phân tích câu hỏi:
- Dạng: Prediction / Future speculation
- Key words: might, change, future
- Cách tiếp cận: Identify current trends → extrapolate to future → consider implications
📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:
“I think technology will change the first day experience a lot. Maybe in the future, people will start jobs remotely and won’t need to go to an office. Also, with AI and automation, the training process might be different. Companies might use virtual reality to train new employees. These changes could make starting a new job easier but maybe less personal.”
Phân tích:
- Structure: Identifies technology as main factor with some examples
- Vocabulary: Basic future forms (will, might)
- Tại sao Band 6-7: Relevant predictions nhưng lacks detailed analysis và consideration of multiple scenarios
📝 Câu trả lời mẫu – Band 8-9:
“Well, if current trends are anything to go by, we’re likely to see some quite radical transformations. The accelerating shift towards remote and hybrid work models will undoubtedly reshape the first day experience fundamentally. We might see the traditional notion of physically arriving at an office becoming increasingly obsolete for many roles, replaced by virtual onboarding experiences that could span multiple time zones.
On one hand, technology could dramatically enhance the process. Imagine AI-powered personalized onboarding platforms that adapt to individual learning styles, or VR simulations that allow newcomers to virtually navigate office spaces and practice scenarios before even starting. Companies like Facebook are already experimenting with metaverse-based workspaces. This could democratize access to opportunities, allowing talent from anywhere to seamlessly integrate into organizations.
On the flip side, there’s a risk of losing the human touch that makes first days memorable. The serendipitous encounters at the coffee machine, the subtle reading of office culture through physical observation – these might become casualties of full virtualization. We could see newcomers feeling more disconnected despite being technically ‘connected.’
I anticipate we’ll also see more fluid employment arrangements – project-based contracts, portfolio careers, multiple concurrent roles – which might dilute the significance of any single ‘first day.’ The experience might become more iterative and ongoing rather than a distinct event.
What I find most intriguing is the potential generational divide – Generation Z, who’ve grown up with digital natives, might thrive in virtual-first environments, while others might yearn for traditional in-person integration. Smart organizations will likely need to offer hybrid models that cater to diverse preferences. Tương tự như what would your town or village be improved ielts, việc cải thiện trải nghiệm làm việc cũng đòi hỏi sự cân bằng giữa công nghệ hiện đại và nhu cầu kết nối con người.”
Phân tích:
- Structure: Complex organization: trend identification → positive implications → concerns → additional factors → balanced conclusion
- Vocabulary: Sophisticated future speculation language (undoubtedly reshape, anticipate, likely to, might become casualties of)
- Grammar: Full range including conditionals, future forms, passive voice, relative clauses
- Critical Thinking: Balanced view considering both benefits and drawbacks, generational factors, specific examples (Facebook metaverse), acknowledges uncertainty
💡 Key Language Features:
- Future speculation: if current trends are anything to go by, likely to see, might, could, anticipate
- Balanced discussion: On one hand, On the flip side, Despite, While
- Tentative language: possibly, potentially, might, could (appropriate for predictions)
- Trend language: accelerating shift towards, increasingly, growing emphasis on
Từ vựng và cụm từ quan trọng
Topic-Specific Vocabulary
| Từ vựng/Cụm từ | Loại từ | Phiên âm | Nghĩa tiếng Việt | Ví dụ | Collocation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| onboarding | n | /ˈɒnbɔːdɪŋ/ | quy trình hội nhập nhân viên mới | The company has a comprehensive onboarding program. | onboarding process, onboarding program, smooth onboarding |
| apprehensive | adj | /ˌæprɪˈhensɪv/ | lo lắng, băn khoăn | I felt apprehensive about meeting my new colleagues. | feel apprehensive, apprehensive about, slightly apprehensive |
| settle in | phrasal v | /ˈsetl ɪn/ | thích nghi, làm quen | It took me a few weeks to settle in properly. | settle in quickly, help someone settle in, time to settle in |
| first-day jitters | n phrase | /fɜːst deɪ ˈdʒɪtəz/ | sự hồi hộp ngày đầu | Everyone experiences first-day jitters. | overcome first-day jitters, typical first-day jitters |
| steep learning curve | n phrase | /stiːp ˈlɜːnɪŋ kɜːv/ | quá trình học hỏi khó khăn | There was quite a steep learning curve in the first month. | face a steep learning curve, steep learning curve ahead |
| orientation | n | /ˌɔːriənˈteɪʃn/ | buổi định hướng | We had a full-day orientation session. | orientation day, orientation program, staff orientation |
| camaraderie | n | /ˌkæməˈrɑːdəri/ | tình bạn, sự thân thiết | There was a strong sense of camaraderie among the team. | sense of camaraderie, foster camaraderie, team camaraderie |
| daunting | adj | /ˈdɔːntɪŋ/ | đáng sợ, làm nản lòng | Starting a new job can be quite daunting. | seem daunting, find it daunting, daunting prospect |
| take someone under their wing | idiom | /teɪk ʌndə ðeə wɪŋ/ | giúp đỡ, chăm sóc ai đó | A senior colleague took me under her wing. | take under wing, be taken under wing |
| break the ice | idiom | /breɪk ði aɪs/ | phá vỡ sự ngại ngùng | The team lunch helped break the ice. | break the ice with, ice-breaking activity |
| get one’s bearings | idiom | /get wʌnz ˈbeərɪŋz/ | định hướng, làm quen với môi trường | I spent the morning getting my bearings. | get your bearings, find your bearings |
| acclimatize | v | /əˈklaɪmətaɪz/ | thích nghi | It takes time to acclimatize to a new environment. | acclimatize to, acclimatize quickly, gradually acclimatize |
| overwhelming | adj | /ˌəʊvəˈwelmɪŋ/ | quá tải, choáng ngợp | The amount of information was overwhelming. | feel overwhelming, overwhelming experience, absolutely overwhelming |
| rapport | n | /ræˈpɔː/ | mối quan hệ tốt đẹp | I quickly built rapport with my team. | build rapport, establish rapport, good rapport |
| nerve-wracking | adj | /nɜːv ˈrækɪŋ/ | căng thẳng thần kinh | The first presentation was nerve-wracking. | nerve-wracking experience, find it nerve-wracking |
| landmark moment | n phrase | /ˈlændmɑːk ˈməʊmənt/ | khoảnh khắc mốc quan trọng | My first day was a landmark moment in my career. | landmark moment in, significant landmark |
| make inroads | idiom | /meɪk ˈɪnrəʊdz/ | tiến triển, xâm nhập | I started making inroads with my projects. | make inroads into, begin to make inroads |
| hit the ground running | idiom | /hɪt ðə graʊnd ˈrʌnɪŋ/ | bắt đầu mạnh mẽ, có năng suất ngay | She hit the ground running on her first day. | hit the ground running, expected to hit the ground running |
Idiomatic Expressions & Advanced Phrases
| Cụm từ | Nghĩa | Ví dụ sử dụng | Band điểm |
|---|---|---|---|
| fish out of water | cảm thấy lạc lõng, không thuộc về | I felt like a fish out of water during my first week. | 7.5-8 |
| drinking from a fire hose | tiếp nhận quá nhiều thông tin cùng lúc | The training was like drinking from a fire hose. | 8-9 |
| throw someone in at the deep end | đẩy ai vào tình huống khó ngay từ đầu | They threw me in at the deep end with a major project. | 7.5-8 |
| find one’s feet | bắt đầu tự tin và hiểu được việc cần làm | It took me about a month to find my feet. | 7-8 |
| learning the ropes | học cách thức làm việc | I spent the first few weeks learning the ropes. | 7-7.5 |
| baptism of fire | trải nghiệm khó khăn ngay từ đầu | My first day was a real baptism of fire. | 8-9 |
| get up to speed | đạt được mức độ hiểu biết cần thiết | It took some time to get up to speed with the systems. | 7.5-8 |
| sink or swim | tự mình vượt qua hoặc thất bại | It was a sink or swim situation from day one. | 8-8.5 |
| show someone the ropes | hướng dẫn ai đó cách làm việc | A senior colleague showed me the ropes. | 7-7.5 |
| get one’s foot in the door | có cơ hội bước vào (công việc/ngành) | This job was my chance to get my foot in the door. | 7.5-8 |
| out of one’s comfort zone | ngoài vùng thoải mái | Starting the new job pushed me out of my comfort zone. | 7-7.5 |
| on the same wavelength | cùng một suy nghĩ, hiểu nhau | I was relieved to find my manager and I were on the same wavelength. | 7.5-8 |
Discourse Markers (Từ Nối Ý Trong Speaking)
Để bắt đầu câu trả lời:
- 📝 Well,… – Dùng khi cần một chút thời gian suy nghĩ
- 📝 Actually,… – Khi đưa ra góc nhìn khác hoặc thông tin bất ngờ
- 📝 To be honest,… / Honestly speaking,… – Khi muốn nói thẳng
- 📝 I’d say that… / I would argue that… – Khi đưa ra quan điểm chắc chắn
- 📝 From my perspective,… – Từ góc nhìn của tôi
Để bổ sung ý:
- 📝 On top of that,… / Moreover,… – Thêm vào đó
- 📝 What’s more,… / Furthermore,… – Hơn nữa
- 📝 Not to mention… – Chưa kể đến
- 📝 Equally important/crucial is… – Điều quan trọng ngang bằng là
- 📝 Beyond that,… – Ngoài 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… nhưng ta cũng cần xem xét
- 📝 Having said that,… / That said,… – Mặc dù đã nói như vậy
- 📝 On the flip side,… – Mặt trái của vấn đề
- 📝 Conversely,… / In contrast,… – Ngược lại
Để kết luận:
- 📝 All in all,… / All things considered,… – Tóm lại, xét mọi mặt
- 📝 At the end of the day,… – Cuối cùng thì
- 📝 Ultimately,… – Rốt cuộc, sau cùng
- 📝 To sum up,… – Tóm lại
- 📝 In a nutshell,… – Nói ngắn gọn
Để đưa ra ví dụ:
- 📝 Take… for instance/example – Lấy… làm ví dụ
- 📝 A case in point is… – Một trường hợp điển hình là
- 📝 To illustrate this,… – Để minh họa điều này
- 📝 Say,… / Let’s say,… – Giả sử
- 📝 For instance,… – Chẳng hạn
Grammatical Structures Ấn Tượng
1. Conditional Sentences (Câu điều kiện):
Mixed conditional:
- Formula: If + past perfect, would + base verb (present result of past condition)
- Ví dụ: “If I hadn’t prepared mentally beforehand, I would be much more anxious now.”
Third conditional:
- Formula: If + past perfect, would have + past participle
- Ví dụ: “If my colleagues hadn’t been so welcoming, I would have struggled much more to adapt.”
Inversion for emphasis:
- Formula: Had I known…, I would have…
- Ví dụ: “Had I known how supportive the team would be, I wouldn’t have worried so much.”
2. Relative Clauses (Mệnh đề quan hệ):
Non-defining relative clauses:
- Formula: …, which/who + verb…
- Ví dụ: “My manager, who had over 20 years of experience, took time to guide me personally.”
- Ví dụ: “The orientation program, which lasted three days, covered everything from company culture to technical systems.”
Reduced relative clauses:
- Formula: Noun + present participle/past participle…
- Ví dụ: “The colleague sitting next to me offered to show me around.” (who was sitting)
- Ví dụ: “The information provided during orientation was overwhelming.” (which was provided)
3. Passive Voice (Câu bị động):
Impersonal passive:
- Formula: It is thought/believed/said/considered that…
- Ví dụ: “It is widely believed that first impressions in the workplace are formed within the first few minutes.”
- Ví dụ: “It is often said that the first day sets the tone for your entire experience.”
Personal passive:
- Formula: Subject + to be + thought/believed/expected to…
- Ví dụ: “New employees are expected to adapt quickly to the work culture.”
- Ví dụ: “I was assigned a mentor who helped me navigate the initial challenges.”
4. Cleft Sentences (Câu chẻ):
What-cleft:
- Formula: What I find/found most… is/was…
- Ví dụ: “What I found most reassuring was the supportive attitude of my colleagues.”
- Ví dụ: “What made the experience memorable was not the work itself but the warm welcome.”
It-cleft:
- Formula: It was… that/who…
- Ví dụ: “It was my mentor who really helped me settle in during those first few weeks.”
- Ví dụ: “It was the company culture that impressed me most on my first day.”
The thing that:
- Formula: The thing that… is…
- Ví dụ: “The thing that struck me most was how collaborative everyone was.”
- Ví dụ: “The thing that helped me adapt was having a clear onboarding structure.”
5. Participle Clauses (Mệnh đề phân từ):
Present participle:
- Ví dụ: “Feeling nervous, I arrived 20 minutes early on my first day.”
- Ví dụ: “Having prepared thoroughly, I felt more confident during the orientation.”
Past participle:
- Ví dụ: “Overwhelmed by the amount of information, I made detailed notes throughout the day.”
- Ví dụ: “Encouraged by my manager’s feedback, I felt more confident to take on challenges.”
6. Inversion for Emphasis:
Negative adverbials:
- Formula: Not only… but also / Never / Rarely / Seldom + auxiliary + subject…
- Ví dụ: “Not only did my colleagues welcome me warmly, but they also went out of their way to help.”
- Ví dụ: “Rarely have I experienced such a well-organized onboarding process.”
Only:
- Formula: Only after/when… did…
- Ví dụ: “Only after a few weeks did I fully appreciate the complexity of the role.”
- Ví dụ: “Only when I started working did I realize how different theory and practice were.”
7. Expressing Contrast and Concession:
While/Whereas:
- Ví dụ: “While I was initially nervous, the warm atmosphere quickly put me at ease.”
- Ví dụ: “Whereas some companies have minimal onboarding, this organization invested significant resources.”
Despite/In spite of + noun/gerund:
- Ví dụ: “Despite feeling overwhelmed, I managed to complete all the first-day tasks.”
- Ví dụ: “In spite of having previous experience, I still found the new systems challenging.”
Although/Even though + clause:
- Ví dụ: “Although I had prepared extensively, I still felt butterflies in my stomach.”
- Ví dụ: “Even though it was exhausting, my first day was incredibly rewarding.”
Chiến Lược Tổng Hợp và Lời Khuyên
Lộ Trình Chuẩn Bị Hiệu Quả
Giai đoạn 1: Xây dựng nền tảng (2-3 tuần trước thi)
-
Vocabulary Building:
- Học 10-15 từ mới mỗi ngày liên quan đến work/education
- Tạo flashcards với collocations và example sentences
- Practice sử dụng trong câu của riêng bạn
- Review mỗi ngày và test yourself
-
Grammar Structures:
- Ôn lại past tenses thoroughly (simple, continuous, perfect)
- Practice complex sentences với relative clauses
- Học cách sử dụng conditional sentences tự nhiên
- Record yourself và identify grammar mistakes
-
Listening and Shadowing:
- Nghe podcasts về career/workplace topics
- Shadow native speakers để improve pronunciation và intonation
- Note down useful phrases và discourse markers
- Imitate natural speech patterns
Giai đoạn 2: Practice có mục tiêu (1-2 tuần trước thi)
-
Part 1 Practice:
- Tìm 50-100 câu hỏi thường gặp về work/study
- Practice trả lời trong 20-30 giây mỗi câu
- Record và analyze: Are you extending enough?
- Focus on natural delivery, không học thuộc
-
Part 2 Cue Card Practice:
- Practice 20-30 cue cards khác nhau
- Time yourself strictly: 1 minute prep, 2-3 minutes speaking
- Note-taking practice: keywords only, not sentences
- Identify weak areas (vocabulary? structure? timing?)
- Practice different types: describe person/place/event/experience
-
Part 3 Discussion Practice:
- Brainstorm abstract questions liên quan đến topics
- Practice giving extended answers (4-6 câu)
- Work on critical thinking: multiple perspectives
- Use discourse markers naturally
- Practice với study partner nếu có thể
Giai đoạn 3: Fine-tuning (3-4 ngày trước thi)
-
Mock Tests:
- Full mock tests với strict timing
- Record toàn bộ để analyze later
- Get feedback từ teacher hoặc experienced person nếu có thể
- Identify recurring mistakes và address them
-
Mental Preparation:
- Visualize successful performance
- Practice relaxation techniques
- Prepare 3-4 versatile stories có thể adapt cho nhiều topics
- Review most common topics và brainstorm ideas
-
Final Review:
- Review vocabulary lists nhưng KHÔNG học thêm quá nhiều từ mới
- Ôn lại grammar points quan trọng
- Practice pronunciation của từ khó
- Get adequate sleep – crucial cho performance
Chiến thuật và lộ trình chuẩn bị hiệu quả cho bài thi IELTS Speaking về chủ đề ngày đầu tiên
Lỗi Thường Gặp và Cách Khắc Phục
1. Trả lời quá ngắn (One-word answers)
❌ Lỗi:
“Do you work or study?” → “I work.”
✅ Sửa:
“I work as a marketing executive at a tech company in Ho Chi Minh City. I’ve been in this role for about two years now, and I find it quite fulfilling.”
Cách khắc phục:
- Always add “because/since” để explain
- Include specific details (where, what, how long)
- Add personal feelings or opinions
2. Sử dụng từ vựng quá đơn giản lặp đi lặp lại
❌ Lỗi:
“I was very nervous. It was very big. They were very nice.”
✅ Sửa:
“I felt quite apprehensive. The campus was absolutely sprawling. Everyone was incredibly welcoming.”
Cách khắc phục:
- Create a “alternatives list” cho common words (very, good, nice, happy)
- Learn collocations instead của single words
- Practice paraphrasing cùng một ý bằng different expressions
3. Học thuộc template và sounds robotic
❌ Lỗi:
Sử dụng cùng một opening mỗi câu trả lời: “That’s a good question. In my opinion… Firstly… Secondly… In conclusion…”
✅ Sửa:
Vary your responses naturally: “Well…”, “Actually…”, “I’d say…”, “From my experience…”
Cách khắc phục:
- Focus on ideas, không phải memorized phrases
- Practice different ways để express same ideas
- Sound conversational, not academic written
4. Thiếu examples cụ thể
❌ Lỗi:
“First impressions are important because they affect relationships.”
✅ Sửa:
“First impressions are crucial. For instance, in my current job, I made an effort to be friendly and proactive on my first day, which helped me build strong rapport with my team. This positive start has really shaped my entire experience there.”
Cách khắc phục:
- Always ask yourself: “Can I give an example?”
- Use phrases: “For instance”, “Take… for example”, “In my case”
- Make examples specific and personal
5. Grammar mistakes với tenses
❌ Lỗi:
“On my first day, I go to the office and meet my manager.” (describing past event)
✅ Sửa:
“On my first day, I went to the office and met my manager.”
Cách khắc phục:
- Khi kể story, stick với past tenses consistently
- Practice narrative tenses: “I was walking… when I saw…”
- Review past perfect để show sequence: “I had prepared… so I felt…”
6. Pronunciation issues thường gặp với học viên Việt Nam
❌ Common mistakes:
- “First” phát âm như “fist” (thiếu ‘r’ sound)
- “Nervous” với stress sai: ner-VOUS thay vì NER-vous
- “Comfortable” với too many syllables: com-for-ta-ble thay vì COMF-ta-ble
- “Colleague” phát âm như “col-league” thay vì COL-eeg
Cách khắc phục:
- Record yourself và compare với native speakers
- Focus on word stress patterns
- Practice problematic sounds (r, th, v/w)
- Slow down – clarity > speed
7. Part 3: Thiếu critical thinking
❌ Lỗi:
“Yes, first days are important.” (stops there)
✅ Sửa:
“First days are undeniably important, though perhaps we shouldn’t overstate their significance. On one hand, they set initial impressions that can shape relationships. On the other hand, consistent performance over time can certainly override a less-than-perfect start.”
Cách khắc phục:
- Always consider multiple perspectives
- Use “On one hand… On the other hand…”
- Acknowledge complexity: “It depends on…”, “There are different views…”
- Back up opinions với reasoning và examples
Mindset và Psychology
Trước khi thi:
-
Manage Anxiety:
- Hiểu rằng nervousness là normal và expected
- Examiner muốn bạn succeed, không phải fail bạn
- Breathing exercises trước khi vào phòng thi
- Positive self-talk: “I’ve prepared well, I can do this”
-
Realistic Expectations:
- Không cần phải perfect – Band 7+ is excellent
- Mistakes nhỏ là acceptable và won’t ruin your score
- Focus on communication effectiveness hơn là perfect grammar
- Examiner chấm overall performance, không phải từng lỗi nhỏ
Trong lúc thi:
-
If you don’t understand a question:
- Hoàn toàn OK để ask for clarification: “Sorry, could you repeat that?” hoặc “Do you mean…?”
- Đừng panic và random answer
- Take a moment để process the question
-
If you make a mistake:
- Self-correct naturally nếu catch immediately: “I mean…” hoặc “Sorry, what I meant to say was…”
- Đừng dwell on it – move on confidently
- Examiner won’t penalize reasonable self-correction
-
If your mind goes blank:
- Use fillers naturally: “Well, let me think…”, “That’s an interesting question…”
- Rephrase the question để buy time: “You’re asking about…”
- It’s OK to take 2-3 seconds để think
-
Body Language:
- Maintain good eye contact (shows confidence)
- Smile naturally (creates positive atmosphere)
- Sit up straight nhưng relaxed
- Use hand gestures naturally nếu đó là style của bạn
Những điều KHÔNG nên làm:
- ❌ Apologize excessively: “Sorry, my English is bad”
- ❌ Ask examiner “Is my answer OK?” hoặc “Am I doing well?”
- ❌ Try to impress với overly complex vocabulary you don’t know well
- ❌ Give very short answers thinking it’s safer
- ❌ Memorize và recite long scripts
- ❌ Argue with examiner’s questions hoặc say “I don’t know” without trying
- ❌ Speak too fast thinking it shows fluency
Những điều NÊN làm:
- ✅ Speak at natural pace với clear pronunciation
- ✅ Show enthusiasm for topics bạn enjoy
- ✅ Use discourse markers naturally
- ✅ Give examples from real experience
- ✅ Extend answers appropriately (Part 1: 2-3 câu, Part 3: 4-6 câu)
- ✅ Show range của vocabulary và grammar naturally
- ✅ Be yourself – authentic responses score better
Kết luận
Chủ đề “describe your first day at a new job or school” là một topic vừa quen thuộc vừa challenging trong IELTS Speaking. Để đạt band điểm cao, bạn cần không chỉ kể câu chuyện mạch lạc mà còn demonstrate được:
Vocabulary range: Sử dụng topic-specific vocabulary, collocations tự nhiên, và idiomatic expressions phù hợp
Grammar complexity: Mix of simple và complex structures, correct use của past tenses, và advanced constructions như cleft sentences, inversion
Fluency và coherence: Nói smooth với appropriate linking words, logical organization của ideas
Critical thinking: Especially trong Part 3, show ability to analyze, compare, và evaluate từ multiple perspectives
Authenticity: Personal experiences sẽ sound more natural và convincing hơn memorized scripts
Remember rằng IELTS Speaking không phải là memory test – đó là conversation mà examiner muốn see how well you can communicate ideas spontaneously. Focus on genuine communication hơn là trying to be perfect.
Với chiến lược chuẩn bị systematic, practice có mục tiêu, và mindset tích cực, bạn hoàn toàn có thể achieve band điểm mục tiêu của mình. The key is consistent practice, learning from mistakes, và building confidence through preparation.
Good luck với IELTS Speaking test của bạn!
