IELTS Speaking: Cách Trả Lời “Describe A Time When You Made A Tough Decision” Đạt Band 8+

Chủ đề về những quyết định khó khăn là một trong những đề tài phổ biến và thách thức nhất trong IELTS Speaking. Đây không chỉ là cơ hội để bạn thể hiện khả năng sử dụng ngôn ngữ mà còn là dịp để examiner đánh giá khả năng tư duy phản biện và trình bày logic của bạn.

Theo thống kê từ các kỳ thi IELTS thực tế, chủ đề “Describe A Time When You Made A Tough Decision” xuất hiện với tần suất cao trong các quý từ năm 2022 đến 2024, đặc biệt phổ biến ở Part 2. Dự đoán khả năng xuất hiện trong tương lai vẫn ở mức cao do tính universal và khả năng khai thác sâu của chủ đề này.

Trong bài viết này, bạn sẽ học được:

• Các câu hỏi thường gặp về chủ đề quyết định trong cả 3 Part của IELTS Speaking
• Bài mẫu chi tiết theo từng band điểm 6-7, 7.5-8, và 8.5-9 với phân tích cụ thể
• Hơn 50 từ vựng và cụm từ ăn điểm liên quan đến chủ đề decision-making
• Chiến lược trả lời hiệu quả từ góc nhìn của một IELTS Examiner chính thức
• 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 kéo dài 4-5 phút với các câu hỏi ngắn về đời sống hàng ngày. Đặc điểm chính là câu hỏi đơn giản, gần gũi và yêu cầu trả lời tự nhiên. Chiến lược hiệu quả là mở rộng mỗi câu trả lời thành 2-3 câu: trả lời trực tiếp + giải thích/lý do + ví dụ cụ thể.

Lỗi thường gặp của học viên Việt Nam trong Part 1:

• Trả lời quá ngắn gọn chỉ với “Yes” hoặc “No”
• Sử dụng từ vựng quá đơn giản như “good”, “bad”, “like”, “don’t like”
• Thiếu ví dụ cụ thể từ trải nghiệm cá nhân
• Nói quá nhanh do lo lắng, dẫn đến pronunciation không rõ ràng

Các Câu Hỏi Thường Gặp

Question 1: Do you find it easy to make decisions?

Question 2: What kinds of decisions do you make every day?

Question 3: Do you usually make decisions quickly or slowly?

Question 4: Have you ever made a wrong decision?

Question 5: Do you prefer to make decisions alone or with others?

Question 6: What was the last difficult decision you made?

Question 7: Do you think young people are good at making decisions?

Question 8: How do you feel after making an important decision?

Phân Tích và Gợi Ý Trả Lời Chi Tiết

Question: Do you find it easy to make decisions?

🎯 Cách tiếp cận:

• Trả lời trực tiếp về mức độ dễ/khó
• Giải thích tại sao (phụ thuộc vào loại quyết định)
• Đưa ví dụ minh họa cụ thể

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

“It depends on the situation. For simple decisions like what to eat or wear, I can decide quickly. But for important decisions about my future, I need more time to think carefully.”

Phân tích:

• Điểm mạnh: Trả lời rõ ràng, có phân biệt giữa các loại quyết định, cấu trúc “It depends” cho thấy sự linh hoạt trong tư duy
• Hạn chế: Từ vựng còn basic (simple, important, think carefully), thiếu ví dụ cụ thể, chưa có vocabulary nâng cao
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Fluency tốt nhưng lexical resource còn hạn chế, grammar đơn giản với mainly simple sentences

📝 Sample Answer – Band 8-9:

“Well, it really varies depending on the nature of the decision. For mundane choices like selecting a meal or picking an outfit, I’m quite decisive and can make up my mind on the spot. However, when it comes to life-changing decisions such as career moves or major purchases, I tend to be more deliberate and weigh up all the pros and cons before committing.”

Phân tích:

• Điểm mạnh: Từ vựng sophisticated (mundane, decisive, deliberate, weigh up), cấu trúc phức tạp với dependent clauses, ý tưởng rõ ràng với contrast between different types of decisions
• Tại sao Band 8-9: Lexical resource xuất sắc với collocations tự nhiên, grammar đa dạng (present simple, gerunds, complex sentences), fluency mượt mà với discourse markers như “Well”

💡 Key Vocabulary & Expressions:

• varies depending on: thay đổi tùy thuộc vào
• mundane choices: những lựa chọn thường ngày, tầm thường
• decisive: quyết đoán
• on the spot: ngay lập tức
• life-changing decisions: quyết định thay đổi cuộc đời
• deliberate: cân nhắc kỹ lưỡng
• weigh up the pros and cons: cân nhắc ưu nhược điểm

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Question: Do you prefer to make decisions alone or with others?

🎯 Cách tiếp cận:

• Nêu rõ preference của bạn
• Giải thích lý do tại sao
• Có thể đề cập đến exceptions (ngoại lệ)

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

“I usually prefer to make decisions by myself because I know what I want. But sometimes I ask my family or friends for advice, especially when the decision is very important.”

Phân tích:

• Điểm mạnh: Có cấu trúc rõ ràng với preference và exception, sử dụng linking words như “but” và “especially”
• Hạn chế: Vocabulary basic (know what I want, very important), thiếu specific reasons, chưa elaborate về benefits của mỗi approach
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Adequate communication nhưng thiếu depth và sophisticated language

📝 Sample Answer – Band 8-9:

“I’m generally more inclined to make decisions independently because I find that I’m most in tune with my own needs and aspirations. That said, for significant choices that might have far-reaching consequences, I do value seeking input from trusted friends or family members. Their fresh perspective often helps me spot potential pitfalls I might have overlooked, though ultimately the final call rests with me.”

Phân tích:

• Điểm mạnh: Vocabulary tinh vi (inclined to, in tune with, far-reaching consequences, seeking input from), cấu trúc phức tạp với conditional và relative clauses, ý tưởng nuanced cho thấy mature thinking
• Tại sao Band 8-9: Fluency tự nhiên với discourse markers, lexical resource rất rich với collocations chính xác, grammar structures đa dạng, pronunciation rõ ràng với appropriate stress patterns

💡 Key Vocabulary & Expressions:

• be inclined to: có xu hướng, thiên về
• be in tune with: hiểu rõ, đồng điệu với
• significant choices: những lựa chọn quan trọng
• far-reaching consequences: hậu quả sâu rộng
• seek input from: xin ý kiến từ
• fresh perspective: góc nhìn mới mẻ
• spot potential pitfalls: nhận ra những cạm bẫy tiềm ẩn
• the final call: quyết định cuối cùng

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Question: Have you ever made a wrong decision?

🎯 Cách tiếp cận:

• Thừa nhận một cách tự nhiên (everyone makes mistakes)
• Đưa ra một ví dụ ngắn gọn
• Đề cập đến bài học rút ra

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

“Yes, of course. Last year I chose the wrong major at university and I wasn’t happy with it. After one semester, I changed to another major that I really enjoy now. This taught me to research more carefully before making big decisions.”

Phân tích:

• Điểm mạnh: Có ví dụ cụ thể với timeline, có lesson learned, structure clear với problem → action → result
• Hạn chế: Từ vựng đơn giản (chose the wrong, wasn’t happy, really enjoy), thiếu emotional depth và detailed analysis
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Communicates effectively nhưng thiếu sophistication trong vocabulary và grammar

📝 Sample Answer – Band 8-9:

“Absolutely, I think making missteps is an inevitable part of the decision-making process. A few years back, I hastily committed to a part-time job without thoroughly evaluating whether it would align with my study schedule. I soon found myself overwhelmed and my academic performance took a hit. This experience was quite eye-opening – it taught me the importance of thinking things through rather than jumping at opportunities impulsively. Now I always factor in all relevant considerations before committing to anything significant.”

Phân tích:

• Điểm mạnh: Vocabulary sophisticated với phrasal verbs và collocations tự nhiên, grammar đa dạng với past perfect và complex sentences, ý tưởng reflective cho thấy self-awareness và personal growth
• Tại sao Band 8-9: Natural fluency với appropriate pausing, precise vocabulary (hastily committed, took a hit, eye-opening), complex grammatical structures, demonstrates critical thinking và ability to learn from mistakes

💡 Key Vocabulary & Expressions:

• making missteps: mắc sai lầm
• inevitable part: phần không thể tránh khỏi
• hastily committed to: vội vàng cam kết với
• evaluate: đánh giá
• align with: phù hợp với
• overwhelmed: quá tải, choáng ngợp
• take a hit: bị ảnh hưởng tiêu cực
• eye-opening: mở mang tầm mắt
• think things through: suy nghĩ kỹ lưỡng
• jump at: vội vàng nắm lấy
• factor in: tính đến, cân nhắc

Học viên IELTS Speaking luyện tập trả lời câu hỏi về quyết định khó khăn trong cuộc sống

Khi luyện tập Part 1, hãy nhớ rằng examiner không mong đợi câu trả lời quá dài hoặc phức tạp. Tương tự như describe a time you helped someone, việc trả lời ngắn gọn nhưng đầy đủ ý là chìa khóa thành công.

IELTS Speaking Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)

Tổng Quan Về Part 2

Part 2 là phần độc thoại kéo dài 2-3 phút liên tục mà không bị examiner ngắt lời. Bạn có đúng 1 phút để chuẩn bị và nên sử dụng hiệu quả thời gian này.

Chiến lược hiệu quả:

• Sử dụng hết 1 phút chuẩn bị để ghi keywords, không viết câu hoàn chỉnh
• Nói đủ từ 2-3 phút (tối thiểu 1.5 phút để đạt điểm tốt)
• Trả lời đầy đủ tất cả bullet points theo thứ tự
• Sử dụng thì quá khứ khi kể về một sự kiện cụ thể
• Expand phần “explain” vì đây là nơi thể hiện critical thinking

Lỗi thường gặp của học viên Việt Nam:

• Không tận dụng hết 1 phút chuẩn bị, bắt đầu nói quá sớm
• Nói dưới 1.5 phút do thiếu ý tưởng hoặc vocabulary
• Bỏ sót một hoặc nhiều bullet points
• Quá tập trung vào describe mà quên explain feelings/opinions
• Dùng quá nhiều filler words (um, ah, you know) do thiếu chuẩn bị

Cue Card

Describe a time when you made a tough decision

You should say:

• What the decision was
• When you had to make this decision
• What made it difficult
• And explain how you felt about the decision you made

Phân Tích Đề Bài

Dạng câu hỏi: Describe an experience/event – kể về một trải nghiệm cụ thể trong quá khứ

Thì động từ: Chủ yếu là Past Simple và Past Continuous để kể chuyện, có thể dùng Past Perfect để diễn tả sự việc xảy ra trước

Bullet points phải cover:

• What the decision was: Quyết định cụ thể là gì? Rõ ràng và dễ hiểu
• When you had to make this decision: Thời điểm, hoàn cảnh, context
• What made it difficult: Đây là phần quan trọng – các yếu tố gây khó khăn, conflicting choices, stakes involved
• Explain how you felt: Cảm xúc trước, trong và sau khi quyết định – phần này chiếm nhiều thời gian nhất và thể hiện depth of thinking

Câu “explain” quan trọng: Phần explain feelings về quyết định là nơi bạn score cao nhất vì thể hiện emotional intelligence, self-awareness và ability to reflect. Đừng chỉ liệt kê “I felt happy/sad” mà hãy elaborate tại sao và cảm xúc đó ảnh hưởng như thế nào.

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7

Thời lượng: Khoảng 1.5-2 phút

I’d like to talk about a difficult decision I made last year when I had to choose between staying in my hometown or moving to Ho Chi Minh City for a job opportunity.

This happened about 18 months ago when I graduated from university. I received a job offer from a big company in Ho Chi Minh City. The salary was good and it was a great opportunity for my career. However, I also had a job offer from a smaller company in my hometown.

The decision was really difficult because there were many things to consider. On one hand, the job in Ho Chi Minh City offered better pay and more chances to develop my career. On the other hand, my family lives in my hometown and I would miss them a lot. I also had many friends there and I was comfortable with the environment. Moreover, living in a big city would be more expensive and stressful.

I spent many sleepless nights thinking about this decision. I made a list of pros and cons for each option. I also talked to my parents and some friends to get their opinions. Finally, after two weeks, I decided to take the job in Ho Chi Minh City.

Looking back, I’m quite happy with my decision. Although I miss my family and sometimes feel lonely, I’ve learned many new things and grown a lot professionally. The experience of living independently has made me more mature and confident. I think it was the right choice for my future.

Phân Tích Band Điểm

Tiêu chí	Band	Nhận xét
Fluency & Coherence	6-7	Có sử dụng linking words (however, on one hand, moreover, finally) nhưng còn đơn giản. Story flow logical nhưng chưa sophisticated. Có một số hesitation nhẹ.
Lexical Resource	6-7	Vocabulary adequate cho topic (job opportunity, pros and cons, develop career). Có một số collocations tốt nhưng chủ yếu là common words. Thiếu less common vocabulary.
Grammatical Range & Accuracy	6-7	Mix của simple và complex sentences. Có sử dụng conditional và relative clauses nhưng chưa đa dạng. Một số lỗi nhỏ có thể xảy ra nhưng không ảnh hưởng communication.
Pronunciation	6-7	Generally clear và understandable. Stress và intonation tốt ở mức cơ bản. Có thể có accent nhưng không gây khó hiểu.

Điểm mạnh:

• ✅ Cover đầy đủ tất cả bullet points theo thứ tự logic
• ✅ Có context rõ ràng về thời gian và tình huống
• ✅ Giải thích được tại sao decision khó khăn với specific reasons
• ✅ Có reflection về feelings và outcome

Hạn chế:

• ⚠️ Vocabulary còn basic và repetitive (good, big, many, a lot)
• ⚠️ Grammar structures chưa đa dạng, chủ yếu là simple và compound sentences
• ⚠️ Thiếu depth trong phần feelings – chưa elaborate emotional journey
• ⚠️ Chưa có vivid details để make the story more engaging

📝 Sample Answer – Band 7.5-8

Thời lượng: Khoảng 2-2.5 phút

I’d like to share with you one of the most challenging decisions I’ve ever had to make, which was deciding whether to pursue postgraduate studies abroad or embark on my professional career straight away after completing my undergraduate degree.

This dilemma arose about two years ago, right after I finished my bachelor’s in Business Administration. I had been offered a place at a prestigious university in Australia for a Master’s program, but at the same time, I’d received a tempting job offer from a multinational corporation here in Vietnam. Both options were incredibly appealing, which made the choice particularly agonizing.

What made this decision so difficult was the fact that both paths offered distinct advantages but also came with significant trade-offs. The Master’s program would equip me with advanced knowledge and international exposure, potentially opening doors to better career prospects in the long run. However, it meant postponing my career for two years, taking on substantial debt for tuition fees, and being away from my family. Conversely, accepting the job would mean immediate income and valuable work experience, but I might miss out on the opportunity to study abroad, which had always been my dream.

I spent weeks wrestling with this decision. I created detailed spreadsheets weighing up all the factors, spoke with mentors and former students who’d taken both paths, and had numerous heart-to-heart conversations with my parents. The pressure was immense because I knew this choice would shape my future trajectory.

Ultimately, I decided to take the plunge and pursue my Master’s degree. Looking back now, I feel a sense of validation about that choice. While the journey has been challenging and sometimes lonely, I’ve gained invaluable skills, built an international network, and developed a broader perspective on my field. The decision taught me that sometimes we need to step out of our comfort zone and invest in our long-term growth, even when it means forgoing immediate benefits. I’m now more confident and equipped to handle complex situations, which makes all the sacrifice worthwhile.

Phân Tích Band Điểm

Tiêu chí	Band	Nhận xét
Fluency & Coherence	7.5-8	Speaks fluently với minimal hesitation. Excellent use of cohesive devices (however, conversely, ultimately). Ideas well-developed và connected logically. Natural progression of story.
Lexical Resource	7.5-8	Wide range of vocabulary với less common items (dilemma, agonizing, trade-offs, validation). Good collocations (take the plunge, step out of comfort zone). Some sophisticated phrases. Paraphrasing skills evident.
Grammatical Range & Accuracy	7.5-8	Wide range of structures including conditionals, relative clauses, passives. Generally accurate với only occasional minor errors. Good control of complex sentences.
Pronunciation	7.5-8	Clear pronunciation throughout. Good control of intonation and stress. Easy to understand với minimal L1 influence. Natural rhythm and pace.

So Sánh Với Band 6-7

Khía cạnh	Band 6-7	Band 7.5-8
Vocabulary	“difficult decision”, “job opportunity”, “pros and cons”	“challenging decision”, “dilemma”, “trade-offs”, “validation”, “take the plunge”
Grammar	“The decision was really difficult because…”	“What made this decision so difficult was the fact that…” (cleft sentence)
Ideas	Listed factors making decision hard	Explored emotional journey và long-term implications với depth
Coherence	Basic linking (however, moreover)	Sophisticated discourse markers (conversely, ultimately) và better flow

📝 Sample Answer – Band 8.5-9

Thời lượng: 2.5-3 phút đầy đủ

I’d like to tell you about what was arguably the most gut-wrenching decision I’ve ever had to make – choosing whether to discontinue my father’s life support after he suffered a severe stroke. Now, I realize this is quite a heavy topic, but it’s genuinely the toughest choice I’ve ever grappled with, and it fundamentally changed my perspective on decision-making.

This happened about three years ago when I was just 24. My father had been rushed to the intensive care unit after experiencing a massive stroke that left him in a vegetative state. After weeks of tests and consultations, the doctors painted a grim picture – there was virtually no hope of meaningful recovery, and keeping him on life support was merely prolonging what they called “biological existence” rather than actual life. They suggested we consider withdrawing treatment, but ultimately left the decision to our family.

What made this unbearably difficult was the moral complexity involved. On one hand, we had doctors presenting medical evidence suggesting that continuing treatment was futile and possibly even cruel, as my father had always been a fiercely independent person who’d once expressed he wouldn’t want to live dependent on machines. On the other hand, there was this profound emotional resistance to actively making a decision that would end his life. Compounding the difficulty was the fact that my mother was paralyzed with grief and unable to participate in the decision-making process, which meant the burden fell squarely on my shoulders as the eldest child. I felt torn between honoring what I believed would be his wishes and my desperate hope for a miracle.

The decision-making process itself was agonizing. I spent countless hours poring over medical literature, consulting with multiple specialists, and having soul-searching conversations with family friends who knew my father well. What helped ultimately was a conversation with a palliative care specialist who reframed the question for me. She said, “You’re not deciding whether he lives or dies – you’re deciding how he dies.” That perspective shift was profound – it helped me see that withdrawing treatment wasn’t about giving up, but about granting dignity in his final moments.

When I think back on how I felt about that decision, it’s still quite emotionally charged. In the immediate aftermath, I was overwhelmed by guilt and second-guessed myself constantly, wondering if I’d given up too soon. However, as time has passed, I’ve come to feel a sense of peace about it. I believe I honored my father’s values and spared him from a prolonged state he would have found intolerable. More broadly, this experience taught me that sometimes the toughest decisions aren’t about choosing between good and bad, but between two painful options where there’s no clear right answer. It’s made me more compassionate toward others facing difficult choices and more forgiving of my own imperfect decision-making. If anything, it reinforced my belief that when faced with genuinely tough calls, we need to look beyond the immediate emotions and try to act according to our deepest values, even when it’s excruciating to do so.

Phân Tích Band Điểm

Tiêu chí	Band	Nhận xét
Fluency & Coherence	8.5-9	Speaks fluently and coherently với virtually no hesitation. Sophisticated use of discourse markers và cohesive devices. Complex ideas expressed clearly với excellent progression. Natural storytelling ability.
Lexical Resource	8.5-9	Sophisticated vocabulary với precise usage (gut-wrenching, grappled with, vegetative state, futile). Natural collocations và idiomatic language (painted a grim picture, torn between, soul-searching). Skillful paraphrasing throughout.
Grammatical Range & Accuracy	8.5-9	Full range of structures used accurately và appropriately. Complex sentences handled với ease. Variety of tenses used correctly. Virtually error-free.
Pronunciation	8.5-9	Fully intelligible throughout với native-like features. Excellent control of stress, rhythm, và intonation. Natural pace và appropriate pausing for emphasis.

Tại Sao Bài Này Xuất Sắc

🎯 Fluency Hoàn Hảo:
The candidate speaks naturally và confidently without any noticeable hesitation. The story flows seamlessly từ context → difficulty → process → feelings → reflection. Sử dụng discourse markers một cách tự nhiên như “Now”, “On one hand”, “What helped ultimately” để guide the listener through the narrative.

📚 Vocabulary Tinh Vi:

• “gut-wrenching decision” – emotional và vivid hơn nhiều so với “difficult decision”
• “painted a grim picture” – idiomatic expression thay vì “said the situation was bad”
• “burden fell squarely on my shoulders” – sophisticated metaphor
• “poring over medical literature” – precise collocation thay vì “reading”
• “soul-searching conversations” – descriptive compound adjective
• “perspective shift” – abstract noun phrase cho thấy analytical thinking

📝 Grammar Đa Dạng:

• Complex sentence: “What made this unbearably difficult was the moral complexity involved” (Cleft sentence for emphasis)
• Relative clause: “who’d once expressed he wouldn’t want to live dependent on machines”
• Participle phrase: “wondering if I’d given up too soon”
• Conditional: “if I’d given up too soon” (past perfect in conditional)
• Inversion for emphasis: “If anything, it reinforced my belief”

💡 Ideas Sâu Sắc:
The answer demonstrates exceptional critical thinking bằng cách:

• Acknowledging the moral complexity thay vì presenting a simplistic view
• Showing emotional intelligence trong việc describe conflicting feelings
• Demonstrating personal growth và reflection on the experience
• Connecting personal experience đến broader life lessons
• Reframing the question through the palliative care specialist’s insight

Chiến lược trả lời IELTS Speaking Part 2 về quyết định khó khăn hiệu quả

Điều quan trọng cần nhớ là bạn không nhất thiết phải kể về một quyết định quá nặng nề như trong bài mẫu Band 8.5-9. Bạn hoàn toàn có thể chọn các quyết định thông thường hơn như chọn ngành học, thay đổi công việc, hay quyết định chuyển nhà. Điều làm nên điểm cao không phải là độ dramatic của story mà là cách bạn express ideas, sử dụng vocabulary, và demonstrate reflection.

Follow-up Questions (Rounding Off Questions)

Sau khi bạn hoàn thành phần nói 2 phút, examiner có thể hỏi thêm 1-2 câu ngắn gọn để transition sang Part 3. Đây là những câu hỏi đơn giản, trả lời ngắn gọn trong 2-3 câu.

Question 1: Do you think you made the right decision?

Band 6-7 Answer:
“Yes, I believe I made the right choice. Although it was difficult at first, things worked out well in the end and I’m happy with the result.”

Band 8-9 Answer:
“In retrospect, I’m confident it was the right call given the circumstances. While there were certainly bumps along the way, the decision aligned with my long-term values and has proven beneficial both personally and professionally. I think sometimes we can only judge a decision’s merit with the benefit of hindsight.”

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Question 2: Would you make the same decision again?

Band 6-7 Answer:
“Yes, I would make the same decision if I had to choose again. The experience taught me a lot and helped me grow.”

Band 8-9 Answer:
“Absolutely, I’d stand by that decision. That said, I might approach the decision-making process slightly differently – perhaps seek out more diverse perspectives earlier on. But the ultimate outcome? I wouldn’t change a thing. It was a formative experience that shaped who I am today.”

IELTS Speaking Part 3: Two-way Discussion

Tổng Quan Về Part 3

Part 3 kéo dài 4-5 phút và là phần thảo luận sâu, trừu tượng về chủ đề đã nói ở Part 2. Đây là phần khó nhất vì yêu cầu bạn phải analyze, evaluate, và express opinions một cách sophisticated.

Yêu cầu cụ thể:

• Phân tích các vấn đề xã hội liên quan đến chủ đề
• So sánh, đối chiếu các khía cạnh khác nhau
• Đưa ra quan điểm cá nhân có căn cứ rõ ràng
• Xem xét nhiều góc độ của vấn đề (not just one-sided)

Chiến lược hiệu quả:

• Mở rộng câu trả lời thành 3-5 câu với structure rõ ràng
• Sử dụng discourse markers để organize ideas (Well, Actually, From my perspective)
• Đưa ra examples từ xã hội, research, hoặc general knowledge (không chỉ personal experience)
• Thừa nhận complexity của vấn đề (acknowledge different viewpoints)
• Balance giữa personal opinion và objective analysis

Lỗi thường gặp của học viên Việt Nam:

• Trả lời quá ngắn gọn, thiếu elaboration và depth
• Không đưa ra reasoning rõ ràng cho opinions
• Thiếu từ vựng abstract và academic
• Chỉ nói về personal experience thay vì broader social context
• Không structure câu trả lời một cách logical

Các Câu Hỏi Thảo Luận Sâu

Theme 1: Decision-Making Ability Across Age Groups

Question 1: Do you think young people are generally good at making decisions?

🎯 Phân tích câu hỏi:

• Dạng: Opinion + Generalization
• Key words: “young people”, “generally good”, “making decisions”
• Cách tiếp cận: Đưa ra stance → explain với reasons → acknowledge exceptions → provide examples

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

“I think it depends on the person. Some young people are good at making decisions because they are educated and have access to information. However, many young people lack experience, so they sometimes make wrong choices. They can be impulsive and don’t think about long-term consequences. But with time and practice, they improve their decision-making skills.”

Phân tích:

• Structure: Có attempt to show balanced view với “depends” và “however”
• Vocabulary: Basic terms (educated, lack experience, impulsive, long-term consequences)
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Answers the question adequately nhưng lacks depth và sophisticated language. Reasoning còn surface-level.

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📝 Câu trả lời mẫu – Band 8-9:

“Well, I’d say it’s quite a nuanced issue. On one hand, today’s young generation is arguably better equipped for decision-making than previous generations were at the same age, primarily because they’re digital natives who’ve grown up with unprecedented access to information and diverse perspectives. This exposure can foster more well-informed choices.

That being said, I think young people often grapple with what I’d call ‘decision paralysis‘ – the overwhelming abundance of options can actually hinder rather than help their decision-making. Moreover, while they may be intellectually capable, they sometimes lack the emotional maturity and life experience to fully anticipate the long-term ramifications of their choices. For instance, career decisions made at 18 or 20 might not account for how their priorities and values might evolve over time.

Ultimately, I believe decision-making is a skill that develops progressively through experience, and young people are still in the formative stages of developing this competency.”

Phân tích:

• Structure: Exceptionally well-organized: Acknowledgment of complexity → Positive aspect với reasoning → Balanced view với counterargument → Specific example → Thoughtful conclusion
• Vocabulary: Sophisticated academic vocabulary (nuanced issue, unprecedented access, foster, grapple with, decision paralysis, ramifications, competency)
• Grammar: Complex structures including relative clauses, conditionals, và passive constructions used naturally
• Critical Thinking: Shows depth of analysis bằng cách acknowledge multiple perspectives, use specific terminology, và demonstrate understanding of psychological concepts

💡 Key Language Features:

• Discourse markers: “Well”, “On one hand”, “That being said”, “Moreover”, “For instance”, “Ultimately”
• Tentative language: “I’d say”, “arguably”, “can”, “might”, “I believe” – shows sophistication in expressing opinions
• Abstract nouns: “exposure”, “maturity”, “competency”, “ramifications” – academic register
• Collocations: “unprecedented access”, “emotional maturity”, “long-term ramifications”, “formative stages”

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Question 2: At what age do you think people can make important decisions independently?

🎯 Phân tích câu hỏi:

• Dạng: Opinion + Speculation
• Key words: “age”, “important decisions”, “independently”
• Cách tiếp cận: Đưa ra age range + explain rationale + acknowledge variations + consider different types of decisions

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

“I think people can start making important decisions when they are around 20 years old. At this age, they have finished school and started working or going to university, so they have more experience. However, some decisions like marriage or buying a house should wait until they are older, maybe 25 or 30, because these decisions need more maturity and financial stability.”

Phân tích:

• Structure: Clear main point với some supporting reasons
• Vocabulary: Adequate but basic (finished school, more experience, maturity, financial stability)
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Communicates the idea clearly nhưng lacks sophistication trong analysis. Thiếu depth về why age matters và psychological factors.

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📝 Câu trả lời mẫu – Band 8-9:

“This is quite challenging to pin down because readiness for independent decision-making is less about chronological age and more about cognitive and emotional development, which varies considerably among individuals.

From a developmental psychology standpoint, research suggests that the prefrontal cortex – the brain region responsible for executive functions like planning and weighing consequences – doesn’t fully mature until around age 25. This biological reality partly explains why many societies set legal thresholds around 18 to 21 for major decisions.

However, I’d argue that age is merely one factor. Equally crucial are experiences that cultivate judgment and resilience – things like navigating challenges, learning from mistakes, and developing self-awareness. Some 22-year-olds who’ve faced significant life experiences may demonstrate more sound judgment than sheltered 30-year-olds.

In my view, rather than designating a specific age, we should focus on ensuring young people are equipped with critical thinking skills and emotional intelligence through education and mentorship. The goal should be preparing them to make decisions autonomously whenever they’re faced with them, rather than waiting for an arbitrary age threshold.”

Phân tích:

• Structure: Sophisticated multi-layered argument: Challenges premise of question → Provides scientific basis → Introduces additional factors → Proposes alternative perspective
• Vocabulary: High-level academic và specialized terms (chronological age, cognitive development, prefrontal cortex, executive functions, cultivate judgment)
• Grammar: Advanced structures including relative clauses, participle phrases, và conditional constructions used accurately
• Critical Thinking: Demonstrates exceptional depth bằng cách reference scientific research, question assumptions, và propose nuanced solutions

💡 Key Language Features:

• Discourse markers: “From a developmental psychology standpoint”, “However”, “Equally crucial”, “In my view”, “rather than”
• Tentative language: “quite challenging to pin down”, “suggests”, “partly explains”, “I’d argue”
• Academic vocabulary: “chronological age”, “cognitive development”, “prefrontal cortex”, “autonomously”
• Complex nominalizations: “readiness”, “threshold”, “judgment”, “resilience”, “self-awareness”

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Theme 2: Factors Influencing Decisions

Question 3: What factors do people usually consider when making important life decisions?

🎯 Phân tích câu hỏi:

• Dạng: Describe + Analyze
• Key words: “factors”, “important life decisions”
• Cách tiếp cận: List main categories of factors → elaborate on each → provide examples → acknowledge individual differences

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

“People consider many things when making big decisions. First, they think about money – whether they can afford something or if it will help them earn more. Second, they consider their family and friends’ opinions because relationships are important. They also think about their personal goals and what will make them happy. Some people also consider the risks involved and try to choose the safer option.”

Phân tích:

• Structure: Simple categorization với linking words (First, Second, also)
• Vocabulary: Common words (money, afford, opinions, goals, risks, safer option)
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Covers the topic adequately với basic categories nhưng lacks sophistication và detailed analysis

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📝 Câu trả lời mẫu – Band 8-9:

“Well, decision-making is typically a multifaceted process that involves weighing various competing priorities.

Primarily, I think people consider the practical implications – things like financial feasibility, time commitment, and logistical constraints. For instance, someone contemplating a career change would assess whether they can afford the transition period or need to acquire new qualifications.

Beyond the practical, there’s also a significant emotional dimension. People evaluate how a decision aligns with their core values and long-term aspirations. They ask themselves whether a choice will bring fulfillment or contribute to their sense of purpose. This is particularly pronounced in decisions about relationships or career paths that define one’s identity.

Social factors also come into play. Despite increasing individualism, most people still factor in how their decisions might impact or be perceived by significant others – family, partners, close friends. There’s often this tension between personal autonomy and social expectations.

What’s interesting is that the relative weight people give these factors varies enormously depending on their cultural background, life stage, and personality traits. Risk-averse individuals might prioritize security and predictability, while risk-tolerant people might place greater emphasis on potential rewards, even if uncertain.”

Phân tích:

• Structure: Exceptionally organized với clear categorization: practical → emotional → social → individual variations. Each point well-developed với examples và explanations.
• Vocabulary: Sophisticated range including collocations (multifaceted process, competing priorities, practical implications, core values, social expectations, risk-averse)
• Grammar: Complex sentences với subordinate clauses, participle phrases, và precise use of tenses. Natural flow between ideas.
• Critical Thinking: Demonstrates comprehensive understanding bằng cách cover multiple dimensions, acknowledge complexity, và recognize individual differences

💡 Key Language Features:

• Discourse markers: “Primarily”, “Beyond the practical”, “What’s interesting”
• Academic vocabulary: “multifaceted”, “feasibility”, “constraints”, “aspirations”, “pronounced”, “autonomy”
• Precise verbs: “weighing”, “assess”, “evaluate”, “factor in”, “prioritize”
• Nuanced expressions: “come into play”, “relative weight”, “varies enormously”, “place greater emphasis on”

Để hiểu rõ hơn về cách structure ideas trong Part 3, bạn có thể tham khảo how to write amazing part 2 ielts để nắm vững kỹ thuật organize information một cách logic.

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Question 4: Do you think people rely too much on others’ opinions when making decisions?

🎯 Phân tích câu hỏi:

• Dạng: Opinion + Evaluation
• Key words: “rely too much”, “others’ opinions”
• Cách tiếp cận: State position → explain reasoning → provide counterargument → conclude with balanced view

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

“Yes, I think many people rely too much on what others think. They are afraid of making mistakes or being judged, so they always ask for advice before deciding. This can be helpful sometimes, but it’s also important to trust yourself and make your own choices. If you always follow others’ opinions, you might make decisions that don’t really fit your situation or make you happy.”

Phân tích:

• Structure: Clear position with basic reasoning
• Vocabulary: Simple vocabulary (afraid, make mistakes, trust yourself, fit your situation)
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Gets the point across nhưng analysis còn shallow. Thiếu examples và sophisticated reasoning.

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📝 Câu trả lời mẫu – Band 8-9:

“I think this is context-dependent and varies considerably across cultures and situations.

In collectivist societies, particularly in Asia, seeking input from family and community is deeply ingrained and often seen as a sign of respect rather than indecisiveness. There’s inherent value in drawing on collective wisdom, especially from those with more experience. After all, completely ignoring others’ perspectives can lead to blind spots in our thinking.

That said, I do believe there’s a growing tendency, particularly with the proliferation of social media, for people to become overly dependent on external validation. We’re seeing what some psychologists call ‘decision by committee‘ – where individuals crowdsource opinions so extensively that they lose touch with their own authentic preferences. This can be problematic when the decision involves deeply personal matters where only the individual truly understands the nuances of their situation.

The sweet spot, in my opinion, lies in consulting others for insights and alternative viewpoints while maintaining ultimate agency over the decision. It’s about being open to input without relinquishing personal accountability. Interestingly, research in behavioral economics shows that the best decision-makers are those who can synthesize diverse perspectives while remaining grounded in their own values and informed judgment.”

Phân tích:

• Structure: Highly sophisticated: Acknowledges cultural context → Presents balanced view → Identifies modern phenomenon → Proposes optimal approach → References research
• Vocabulary: Advanced academic language (context-dependent, ingrained, indecisiveness, proliferation, crowdsource, authentic preferences, relinquishing accountability, synthesize)
• Grammar: Complex structures including conditionals, relative clauses, và gerunds used naturally và accurately
• Critical Thinking: Exceptional depth demonstrated through cultural awareness, psychological insights, reference to research, và nuanced conclusion

💡 Key Language Features:

• Discourse markers: “That said”, “After all”, “in my opinion”, “Interestingly”
• Academic collocations: “deeply ingrained”, “inherent value”, “blind spots”, “alternative viewpoints”, “ultimate agency”, “informed judgment”
• Tentative language: “I think”, “I do believe”, “can be”, “in my opinion” – demonstrates sophisticated opinion expression
• Nominalization: “indecisiveness”, “proliferation”, “accountability”, “judgment” – academic register

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Theme 3: Decision-Making in Modern Society

Question 5: Has technology made it easier or harder for people to make decisions?

🎯 Phân tích câu hỏi:

• Dạng: Compare/Contrast + Evaluate
• Key words: “technology”, “easier or harder”, “make decisions”
• Cách tiếp cận: Present both sides → provide specific examples → analyze implications → conclude with nuanced view

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

“Technology has both positive and negative effects on decision-making. On the positive side, we can find information quickly on the internet and compare different options easily. For example, when buying something, we can read reviews and compare prices online. However, technology also makes decisions harder because there are too many choices. Sometimes we spend hours looking at options online and feel confused. Also, we might get wrong information from the internet, which leads to bad decisions.”

Phân tích:

• Structure: Basic balanced structure với advantages and disadvantages
• Vocabulary: Common vocabulary (positive side, find information, compare, too many choices, confused, wrong information)
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Addresses both sides nhưng analysis lacks depth. Examples are generic và reasoning is straightforward.

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📝 Câu trả lời mẫu – Band 8-9:

“This is a fascinating paradox because technology has simultaneously empowered and complicated the decision-making process.

On the empowerment side, technology has democratized access to information that was previously the domain of experts. Someone researching medical treatments, for instance, can now access cutting-edge research papers, patient testimonials, and data-driven comparisons that would have been unthinkable a generation ago. Decision-support tools and AI-powered recommendations can help us navigate complex choices by filtering options based on our specified criteria. This has undoubtedly made certain decisions more informed and evidence-based.

However, there’s a darker side to this information abundance. Psychologists have documented what’s called the ‘paradox of choice‘ – the phenomenon where having too many options actually induces anxiety and decision paralysis rather than satisfaction. Moreover, the internet’s echo chambers and algorithmic filtering can create information silos, where people are primarily exposed to perspectives that reinforce their existing views, potentially leading to less balanced decision-making.

There’s also the issue of information overload and varying credibility. With conflicting advice available on virtually any topic, people often struggle to discern reliable sources from misinformation, which can lead to what I’d call ‘paralysis by analysis‘ – overthinking decisions to the point of inaction.

In my assessment, technology is essentially a double-edged sword. It’s made decision-making easier for those who’ve developed digital literacy skills – the ability to critically evaluate information, filter noise, and leverage tools effectively. But for others, it’s added layers of complexity. The key is cultivating these metacognitive skills so we can harness technology’s benefits while mitigating its potentially overwhelming aspects.”

Phân tích:

• Structure: Exceptionally sophisticated: Introduction acknowledges paradox → Explores benefits với specific examples → Analyzes drawbacks với psychological concepts → Addresses information quality issues → Provides nuanced conclusion về digital literacy
• Vocabulary: Highly advanced (democratized access, domain of experts, decision-support tools, paradox of choice, echo chambers, information silos, discern, double-edged sword, metacognitive skills)
• Grammar: Full range of complex structures used accurately: relative clauses, participle phrases, noun clauses, conditionals
• Critical Thinking: Demonstrates exceptional analytical ability through referencing psychological concepts, acknowledging complexity, providing specific examples, và proposing solutions

💡 Key Language Features:

• Discourse markers: “On the empowerment side”, “However”, “Moreover”, “In my assessment”
• Academic phrases: “fascinating paradox”, “simultaneously empowered and complicated”, “undoubtedly”, “there’s a darker side”
• Specialized terminology: “democratized access”, “decision-support tools”, “paradox of choice”, “echo chambers”, “information silos”, “digital literacy”
• Sophisticated structures: “what’s called”, “what I’d call”, “the ability to…”, “the key is…”

Từ vựng và cụm từ quan trọng IELTS Speaking chủ đề quyết định khó khăn

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Question 6: Do you think people in different cultures approach decision-making differently?

🎯 Phân tích câu hỏi:

• Dạng: Opinion + Cross-cultural comparison
• Key words: “different cultures”, “approach decision-making differently”
• Cách tiếp cận: Affirm cultural differences → explain key dimensions → provide specific examples → acknowledge within-culture variations

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

“Yes, definitely. Different cultures have different ways of making decisions. In Western countries, people usually make decisions individually and value independence. They think about what’s best for themselves. But in Asian cultures, people often consider their family’s opinion and what’s good for the group. They believe in harmony and don’t want to cause problems for others. These differences come from different values and traditions in each culture.”

Phân tích:

• Structure: Clear comparison between Western and Asian approaches
• Vocabulary: Basic cultural terms (independence, family’s opinion, harmony, values, traditions)
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Makes relevant observations nhưng analysis is somewhat stereotypical và lacks depth. Thiếu specific examples và nuance.

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📝 Câu trả lời mẫu – Band 8-9:

“Absolutely, cross-cultural variations in decision-making are quite pronounced and reflect deeper philosophical and societal values.

Perhaps the most fundamental distinction lies in what cross-cultural psychologists term ‘individualism versus collectivism‘. In predominantly individualistic cultures – think North America, Northern Europe, Australia – there’s a strong emphasis on personal autonomy and self-determination. Decisions are typically framed in terms of personal goals, preferences, and individual cost-benefit analysis. There’s this underlying assumption that individuals are the best judges of their own interests.

In contrast, in collectivist cultures – prevalent across much of Asia, Latin America, and Africa – decision-making is more relational and context-embedded. The key question shifts from ‘What do I want?‘ to ‘What’s best for my family/community?‘ or ‘What maintains harmony?‘ For instance, career decisions in countries like Vietnam or Japan often involve extensive family consultation, with filial obligations playing a substantial role. This isn’t about lack of agency but rather a different conception of the self as fundamentally interconnected with others.

There are also interesting variations in risk tolerance across cultures. Research suggests that cultures with stronger social safety nets tend to show higher risk acceptance in decisions because failures have less catastrophic consequences. Conversely, in societies with precarious economic conditions, people often adopt more conservative decision-making strategies.

That said, we should be careful not to oversimplify or stereotype. There’s tremendous within-culture variation – an entrepreneur in Tokyo might make decisions very differently from a rural farmer, just as a Silicon Valley founder differs from a Midwestern accountant. Globalization is also blurring these boundaries, creating hybrid decision-making approaches especially among cosmopolitan urbanites worldwide.

What’s particularly intriguing is how bicultural individuals – those straddling multiple cultural identities – often develop flexible decision-making styles, drawing on different cultural frameworks depending on context. This cultural fluency might actually represent an optimal approach in our increasingly interconnected world.”

Phân tích:

• Structure: Exceptionally comprehensive: Introduces main dimension → Explains individualism với examples → Contrasts with collectivism với specific illustrations → Adds another dimension (risk tolerance) → Warns against stereotyping → Discusses globalization effects → Concludes với insight about bicultural individuals
• Vocabulary: Highly sophisticated academic vocabulary (cross-cultural variations, philosophical, self-determination, relational, context-embedded, filial obligations, catastrophic consequences, cosmopolitan urbanites, cultural fluency)
• Grammar: Full range of advanced structures including nominalizations, participle phrases, relative clauses, và conditional constructions used naturally
• Critical Thinking: Demonstrates exceptional depth through referencing academic frameworks, providing specific examples, acknowledging complexity, discussing modern developments, và offering nuanced insights

💡 Key Language Features:

• Discourse markers: “Perhaps”, “In contrast”, “For instance”, “That said”, “What’s particularly intriguing”
• Academic register: “cross-cultural variations”, “fundamental distinction”, “underlying assumption”, “conception of”, “tremendous within-culture variation”
• Tentative language: “tend to”, “often”, “might”, “suggests” – shows sophisticated academic discourse
• Complex nominalizations: “individualism”, “collectivism”, “autonomy”, “consultation”, “globalization”, “fluency”

Cách approach cultural topics một cách sensitive và analytical như thế này cũng có thể áp dụng cho các chủ đề khác. Nếu bạn quan tâm đến việc discuss cultural differences, bạn có thể xem thêm describe a language you would like to learn and why để hiểu cách integrate cultural elements vào câu trả lời.

Từ vựng và cụm từ quan trọng

Topic-Specific Vocabulary

Từ vựng/Cụm từ	Loại từ	Phiên âm	Nghĩa tiếng Việt	Ví dụ	Collocation
tough decision	n	/tʌf dɪˈsɪʒən/	quyết định khó khăn	I had to make a tough decision about my career path.	face a tough decision, make a tough decision, tough decision to make
weigh up	phrasal v	/weɪ ʌp/	cân nhắc, đắn đo	I spent weeks weighing up the pros and cons.	weigh up options, weigh up the consequences, carefully weigh up
dilemma	n	/dɪˈlemə/	tình thế tiến thoái lưỡng nan	I was caught in a dilemma between two good opportunities.	face a dilemma, moral dilemma, be in a dilemma, resolve a dilemma
gut-wrenching	adj	/ɡʌt rentʃɪŋ/	đau lòng, khó khăn về mặt cảm xúc	It was a gut-wrenching decision to leave my hometown.	gut-wrenching decision, gut-wrenching experience, gut-wrenching choice
pros and cons	n	/prəʊz ənd kɒnz/	ưu và nhược điểm	I made a list of pros and cons before deciding.	weigh the pros and cons, consider the pros and cons, list of pros and cons
trade-off	n	/ˈtreɪd ɒf/	sự đánh đổi, phải hy sinh cái này để có cái kia	There’s always a trade-off between salary and work-life balance.	make a trade-off, involve trade-offs, accept trade-offs
agonizing	adj	/ˈæɡənaɪzɪŋ/	đau đớn, khó khăn quá mức	It was an agonizing choice between my family and my career.	agonizing decision, agonizing choice, agonizing process
grapple with	phrasal v	/ˈɡræpl wɪð/	vật lộn với, đấu tranh với	I grappled with this decision for months.	grapple with a problem, grapple with a decision, grapple with uncertainty
wrestle with	phrasal v	/ˈresl wɪð/	đấu tranh với (vấn đề khó)	I wrestled with the ethical implications of my choice.	wrestle with a dilemma, wrestle with doubts, wrestle with conflicting emotions
decisive	adj	/dɪˈsaɪsɪv/	quyết đoán	She’s very decisive and rarely second-guesses herself.	decisive person, decisive action, decisive moment, be decisive about
deliberate	adj	/dɪˈlɪbərət/	thận trọng, cân nhắc kỹ	He took a deliberate approach to the decision.	deliberate decision, deliberate choice, deliberate consideration
impulsive	adj	/ɪmˈpʌlsɪv/	bốc đồng, hấp tấp	Making impulsive decisions often leads to regret.	impulsive decision, impulsive behavior, impulsive choice, act impulsively
far-reaching	adj	/fɑː ˈriːtʃɪŋ/	có ảnh hưởng sâu rộng	This decision will have far-reaching consequences for my future.	far-reaching consequences, far-reaching effects, far-reaching implications
ramifications	n	/ˌræmɪfɪˈkeɪʃənz/	hậu quả, tác động	I didn’t fully understand the ramifications of my choice.	consider the ramifications, serious ramifications, long-term ramifications
second-guess	v	/ˈsekənd ɡes/	nghi ngờ, hối hận về quyết định đã đưa ra	I constantly second-guessed my decision.	second-guess yourself, second-guess a decision, stop second-guessing
crossroads	n	/ˈkrɒsrəʊdz/	ngã rẽ quan trọng trong cuộc đời	I was at a crossroads in my career.	at a crossroads, reach a crossroads, stand at a crossroads
leap of faith	n	/liːp əv feɪθ/	bước đi dũng cảm dựa trên niềm tin	Taking that job required a leap of faith.	take a leap of faith, big leap of faith, require a leap of faith
take the plunge	idiom	/teɪk ðə plʌndʒ/	quyết định làm điều gì đó quan trọng/táo bạo	After years of planning, I finally took the plunge and started my business.	decide to take the plunge, ready to take the plunge
burn bridges	idiom	/bɜːn ˈbrɪdʒɪz/	làm hỏng quan hệ không thể phục hồi	I didn’t want to burn bridges with my former employer.	avoid burning bridges, risk burning bridges, burn your bridges
point of no return	n	/pɔɪnt əv nəʊ rɪˈtɜːn/	điểm không thể quay lại	Once I signed the contract, I’d reached the point of no return.	reach the point of no return, pass the point of no return

Idiomatic Expressions & Advanced Phrases

Cụm từ	Nghĩa	Ví dụ sử dụng	Band điểm
be torn between	phân vân giữa hai lựa chọn	I was torn between pursuing my passion and choosing financial security.	7.5-9
a double-edged sword	con dao hai lưỡi (có cả lợi và hại)	Social media is a double-edged sword when it comes to making informed decisions.	8-9
the lesser of two evils	cái ít tồi tệ hơn trong hai lựa chọn xấu	I had to choose the lesser of two evils when both options had significant drawbacks.	7.5-9
throw caution to the wind	bất chấp rủi ro, dũng cảm làm điều gì	I decided to throw caution to the wind and pursue my dream career.	8-9
hedge your bets	giảm thiểu rủi ro bằng cách có nhiều lựa chọn	I hedged my bets by applying to multiple universities.	7.5-9
in the heat of the moment	trong lúc nóng giận, vội vàng	Decisions made in the heat of the moment often lead to regret.	7-8
sleep on it	suy nghĩ thêm trước khi quyết định	I decided to sleep on it before giving them my final answer.	6.5-7.5
play it safe	chọn lựa chọn an toàn, không mạo hiểm	Instead of taking risks, I decided to play it safe and keep my current job.	7-7.5
go with your gut	tin vào trực giác	Sometimes you just have to go with your gut when making tough decisions.	7-8
err on the side of caution	chọn giải pháp thận trọng để tránh rủi ro	When in doubt, I prefer to err on the side of caution.	8-9
weigh heavily on someone	gây áp lực tinh thần lớn	The decision weighed heavily on me for months.	7.5-8.5
have mixed feelings	có cảm xúc lẫn lộn	I had mixed feelings about relocating for the job.	6.5-7.5
bite the bullet	cắn răng làm điều khó khăn nhưng cần thiết	I had to bite the bullet and tell them I was leaving.	7.5-8.5

Discourse Markers (Từ Nối Ý Trong Speaking)

Để bắt đầu câu trả lời:

• 📝 Well,… – Sử dụng khi cần thời gian ngắn để suy nghĩ hoặc khi câu trả lời phức tạp
• 📝 Actually,… – Khi muốn đưa ra góc nhìn khác hoặc thông tin surprising
• 📝 To be honest,… / Honestly,… – Khi chia sẻ quan điểm thật của mình
• 📝 I’d say that… – Cách formal để đưa ra opinion
• 📝 From my perspective,… – Nhấn mạnh đây là quan điểm cá nhân

Để bổ sung ý:

• 📝 On top of that,… / What’s more,… – Thêm information có cùng direction
• 📝 Not to mention… – Thêm điểm quan trọng nhưng chưa được đề cập
• 📝 Another thing to consider is… – Introduce thêm yếu tố cần cân nhắc
• 📝 Beyond that,… – Move sang level deeper của analysis
• 📝 Moreover,… / Furthermore,… – Formal ways để add information

Để đưa ra quan điểm cân bằng:

• 📝 On the one hand,… On the other hand,… – Classic structure cho balanced view
• 📝 While it’s true that…, we also need to consider… – Acknowledge một point trước khi present counterpoint
• 📝 That being said,… / Having said that,… – Introduce contrasting point sau initial statement
• 📝 In contrast,… / Conversely,… – Show clear opposite
• 📝 From another angle,… – Introduce different perspective

Để kết luận:

• 📝 All in all,… / All things considered,… – Tổng kết toàn bộ points
• 📝 At the end of the day,… – Informal way để give final judgment
• 📝 Ultimately,… – Formal conclusion emphasizing final point
• 📝 In the final analysis,… – Very formal, academic conclusion
• 📝 To sum up,… – Quick summary before final statement

Để express uncertainty hoặc tentative opinions (quan trọng cho Band 8+):

• 📝 I tend to think that… – Less direct than “I think”
• 📝 It seems to me that… – Softer opinion expression
• 📝 I’m inclined to believe… – Formal tentative opinion
• 📝 From what I’ve observed,… – Base opinion on personal observation
• 📝 To some extent,… – Acknowledge partial truth

Grammatical Structures Ấn Tượng

1. Conditional Sentences (Câu điều kiện):

• Mixed conditional: “If I had made a different decision back then, I would be in a completely different position now.”

  • Dùng để express regret hoặc speculate về alternative present based on past action

• Inversion for emphasis: “Had I known the consequences, I would never have made that choice.”

  • Formal structure thay thế cho “If I had known…” – Very impressive cho Band 8+

2. Relative Clauses (Mệnh đề quan hệ):

• Non-defining: “My father, who had always valued independence, would have supported my decision.”

  • Add extra information, use commas, cannot use “that”

• Reduced relative clause: “Decisions made in haste often lead to regret.”

  • More concise, academic style

3. Passive Voice (Câu bị động):

• Impersonal passive: “It is widely believed that young people are more impulsive decision-makers.”

  • Formal way để present general beliefs

• It is thought/said/believed that…: “It is thought that emotional intelligence plays a crucial role in decision-making.”

  • Academic register, useful cho Part 3

4. Cleft Sentences (Câu chẻ):

• What-cleft: “What I find most challenging about decisions is dealing with uncertainty.”

  • Emphasize specific information

• It-cleft: “It was the fear of regret that ultimately influenced my decision.”

  • Focus attention on particular element

5. Participle Clauses:

• Present participle: “Having considered all the options, I decided to take the risk.”

  • Show sequence of actions, more sophisticated than “After I considered…”

• Past participle: “Faced with this dilemma, I had to prioritize my long-term goals.”

  • More concise than “When I was faced with…”

6. Nominalisation (Danh từ hóa):

• Verb → Noun: “decide” → “decision”, “choose” → “choice”
  • Example: “My decision to relocate was based on…” (instead of “I decided to relocate because…”)
  • Creates more formal, academic tone

Để master những structures này, bạn cần practice regularly. Một cách tốt là record câu trả lời của mình và analyze xem đã sử dụng được bao nhiêu advanced structures. Điều này cũng được đề cập trong describe a recent news story that interested you về cách sử dụng varied grammatical structures một cách tự nhiên.

Luyện tập cấu trúc ngữ pháp nâng cao cho IELTS Speaking về chủ đề quyết định

Chiến lược trả lời hiệu quả từ góc nhìn Examiner

Với hơn 20 năm kinh nghiệm chấm thi IELTS Speaking, tôi muốn chia sẻ những insights quan trọng giúp bạn maximize điểm số khi đối mặt với chủ đề về tough decisions.

Những điều Examiner thực sự đánh giá cao

1. Authenticity over perfection
Examiner không mong đợi bạn nói perfect English without any pauses. Điều chúng tôi tìm kiếm là natural communication. Một câu trả lời với occasional minor errors nhưng genuine và engaging sẽ score higher hơn một response mechanically perfect nhưng sounds rehearsed.

2. Depth of thinking
Đặc biệt trong Part 3, ability to analyze issues từ multiple perspectives là cực kỳ quan trọng. Thay vì đưa ra simple yes/no answers, hãy explore complexity của situation. Phrases như “It depends on…”, “There are multiple factors to consider…” demonstrate mature thinking.

3. Personal connection
Khi possible, connect abstract concepts về decisions với personal experiences hoặc observations. Điều này makes your answer more engaging và demonstrates ability to apply abstract ideas to real situations.

Common pitfalls của học viên Việt Nam và cách tránh

Pitfall 1: Over-preparing với memorized templates
Nhiều học viên học thuộc entire paragraphs và cố gắng “vắt” chúng vào bất kỳ question nào. Examiners are trained để recognize memorized content và điều này có thể significantly lower your score.

Giải pháp: Thay vì memorize whole answers, học flexible language chunks và practice adapting them to different contexts. Prepare ideas và vocabulary nhưng không phải exact sentences.

Pitfall 2: Overthinking vocabulary choices
Một số candidates pause too long searching for “perfect” advanced word, disrupting fluency. Remember, Band descriptors value “sustained speech” và “natural fluency” higher than occasional sophisticated vocabulary.

Giải pháp: If từ advanced không come immediately, dùng từ đơn giản hơn và keep speaking. Fluency trumps vocabulary breadth.

Pitfall 3: Insufficient elaboration trong Part 1
Vietnamese students often give very short answers trong Part 1, thinking it’s just warm-up. Nhưng scoring starts từ câu đầu tiên.

Giải pháp: Aim cho 2-3 sentences per Part 1 question: Direct answer + Reason/Example + Additional detail. Practice expanding naturally.

Pitfall 4: Lack of structure trong Part 2
Nhiều candidates bắt đầu rambling without clear organization, making it hard cho examiner to follow và assess properly.

Giải pháp: Use 1 phút preparation để note keywords cho each bullet point. Follow structure: Introduction → Address bullet 1 → bullet 2 → bullet 3 → Expand “explain” part (này is where you score highest).

Pitfall 5: Surface-level analysis trong Part 3
Vietnamese learners sometimes treat Part 3 like Part 1, giving short, simple answers instead of deep analysis required.

Giải pháp: Treat Part 3 như academic discussion. Use structures như:

• “I think we need to consider… Firstly… Secondly… However…”
• “There are different perspectives on this. Some argue… while others believe…”
• Reference broader social issues, research findings, or trends

Tối ưu hóa preparation time (1 phút chuẩn bị Part 2)

DON’T:

• ❌ Cố gắng write complete sentences
• ❌ Write từ vựng bạn không chắc pronunciation
• ❌ Spend quá nhiều time trên một bullet point

DO:

• ✅ Write 2-3 keywords cho mỗi bullet point
• ✅ Note specific names, dates, locations (details make story believable)
• ✅ Circle hoặc highlight từ khóa trong “explain” part (đây là nơi elaborate most)
• ✅ Quickly decide tense cần sử dụng (past simple, present perfect, etc.)

Example notes cho cue card về tough decision:

What: Study abroad vs Job VN
When: 2 yrs ago, after uni
Difficult: $$ debt vs career now, family far vs independence
Explain: Stress, talk parents, pros/cons list → chose study
Feel: scared → now confident, right choice, growth

Pronunciation tips specifically cho Vietnamese speakers

Common challenges và fixes:

1. Consonant clusters:
Vietnamese learners often insert vowel sounds between consonants.

• ❌ “de-ci-sion” → ✅ “decision” /dɪˈsɪʒən/
• ❌ “com-pli-cated” → ✅ “complicated” /ˈkɒmplɪkeɪtɪd/

Practice: Record yourself saying words với clusters (street, spring, strengths), then compare với native pronunciation.

2. Word stress:
Vietnamese is a tonal language with syllable stress, which differs from English word stress patterns.

• ❌ de-CI-sion → ✅ de-CI-sion (stress on second syllable)
• ❌ im-POR-tant → ✅ im-POR-tant (correct – stress second)

Practice: Underline stressed syllables trong vocabulary lists. Practice saying them với exaggerated stress first, then normalize.

3. Final consonant sounds:
Vietnamese often drop final consonants, but they’re crucial trong English for meaning.

• “choice” must end với clear /s/ sound
• “decided” must have clear /d/ ending

Practice: Practice minimal pairs: “choice” vs “choose”, “decided” vs “decide”

Nếu bạn đang consider học thêm ngôn ngữ để improve cross-cultural understanding trong decision-making contexts, có thể tham khảo thêm về do you want to become a foreign language teacher ielts để hiểu perspective khác về language learning.

Lộ trình học tập 4 tuần cho chủ đề này

Week 1: Foundation

• Ngày 1-2: Learn core vocabulary về decisions (20-30 từ/ngày)
• Ngày 3-4: Practice Part 1 questions (record và self-assess)
• Ngày 5-6: Read sample answers, analyze structure và vocabulary usage
• Ngày 7: Review và consolidate – create personal vocabulary notebook

Week 2: Part 2 Mastery

• Ngày 1-3: Practice với 3 different cue cards about decisions
• Ngày 4-5: Focus on expanding “explain” part – practice speaking 2+ minutes
• Ngày 6: Record full Part 2 response, transcribe, identify areas for improvement
• Ngày 7: Re-record improved version

Week 3: Part 3 Deep Dive

• Ngày 1-2: Study complex sentence structures và practice in isolation
• Ngày 3-5: Practice Part 3 questions, focus on analysis và multiple perspectives
• Ngày 6: Mock speaking test với friend hoặc tutor (all 3 Parts)
• Ngày 7: Review feedback và identify 3 priority improvement areas

Week 4: Integration và Fine-tuning

• Ngày 1-3: Practice transitions between Parts, work on overall coherence
• Ngày 4-5: Focus on pronunciation challenges identified earlier
• Ngày 6: Full mock test under exam conditions
• Ngày 7: Light review, confidence building, rest before exam

Tâm lý thi và stress management

Before the test:

• Arrive 30 minutes early để settle nerves
• Don’t cram vocabulary last minute – it increases anxiety
• Remember examiner wants you to do well – they’re not adversaries
• Take deep breaths, smile – positive body language helps your fluency

During Part 1:

• Don’t panic if you don’t understand question – politely ask for clarification
• Make eye contact với examiner – shows confidence
• If you make mistake, don’t dwell – self-correct briefly và move on

During Part 2:

• Use full minute to prepare – rushing preparation hurts performance
• If you finish early (before 2 minutes), don’t panic – wait calmly
• If examiner stops you, it’s normal – they’re time-managing, not judging

During Part 3:

• It’s okay to pause và think (2-3 seconds) – shows you’re processing question thoughtfully
• If question is unclear, rephrase to confirm understanding
• Don’t be afraid to say “That’s an interesting question” – buys you thinking time

Từ góc nhìn Examiner: What truly impresses us

Sau hai decades chấm thi, điều really stands out không phải là perfect grammar hay extensive vocabulary (though these help), mà là:

1. Natural interaction ability
Candidates who listen carefully to questions, respond relevantly, và adjust their language to context demonstrate real communicative competence.

2. Risk-taking
Students who attempt complex structures (even với occasional errors) impress more than those playing it safe với only simple sentences.

3. Genuine engagement với topic
When candidates show real interest trong discussion, offer thoughtful opinions, và demonstrate critical thinking, it’s immediately noticeable và positively impacts scoring.

4. Self-correction
Ability to notice và correct errors without making big deal about it shows language awareness – a positive indicator.

5. Cultural awareness
Especially trong Part 3, demonstrating understanding of cultural differences trong decision-making (như mentioned earlier) shows sophistication.

Cuối cùng, remember rằng IELTS Speaking test là assessment of your ability to communicate effectively trong English, không phải test of perfection. Every candidate makes mistakes – examiners expect this. Điều quan trọng là overall communicative effectiveness, fluency, và ability to express complex ideas.

Chủ đề “describe a time when you made a tough decision” is an excellent opportunity để showcase not just language skills nhưng cả emotional intelligence và maturity. Approach it với confidence, authenticity, và thorough preparation outlined trong guide này, và bạn’ll be well-positioned to achieve your target band score.

Chúc bạn luyện tập hiệu quả và đạt kết quả cao trong kỳ thi IELTS Speaking sắp tới!