IELTS Speaking: Cách Trả Lời “Describe A Time When You Were Very Inspired” – Bài Mẫu Band 6-9

Chủ đề về “cảm hứng” (inspiration) là một trong những đề tài phổ biến và thú vị trong bài thi IELTS Speaking. Đề tài này không chỉ cho phép bạn chia sẻ những trải nghiệm cá nhân đầy ý nghĩa mà còn thể hiện khả năng diễn đạt cảm xúc và suy nghĩ sâu sắc bằng tiếng Anh.

Với vai trò là một examiner có hơn 20 năm kinh nghiệm chấm thi IELTS, tôi nhận thấy chủ đề này xuất hiện với tần suất cao trong các kỳ thi từ năm 2020 đến nay, đặc biệt trong Part 2 và Part 3. Dự đoán khả năng xuất hiện trong tương lai vẫn ở mức cao do tính ứng dụng rộng rãi và khả năng kết nối với nhiều chủ đề khác như role models, achievements, creativity, hay personal development.

Trong bài viết này, bạn sẽ học được:

• Các câu hỏi thường gặp về chủ đề inspiration trong cả 3 Part
• Bài mẫu chi tiết theo nhiều band điểm từ 6-7, 7.5-8, đến 8.5-9
• Phân tích sâu về tiêu chí chấm điểm và cách cải thiện
• Hơn 50 từ vựng và cụm từ ăn điểm liên quan đến chủ đề
• Chiến lược trả lời hiệu quả từ góc nhìn của 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 bài thi IELTS Speaking kéo dài từ 4-5 phút với các câu hỏi ngắn về đời sống hàng ngày. Đây là phần “làm quen” giữa bạn và examiner, nhưng đừng chủ quan vì điểm số đã được chấm từ những giây đầu tiên.

Đặc điểm chính:

• Câu hỏi liên quan đến bản thân, sở thích, thói quen
• Yêu cầu trả lời tự nhiên, mở rộng ý trong 2-3 câu
• Không nên trả lời quá dài (tránh vượt quá 30 giây/câu)

Chiến lược hiệu quả:

1. Trả lời trực tiếp câu hỏi ngay câu đầu tiên
2. Đưa ra lý do hoặc giải thích
3. Thêm ví dụ cụ thể từ kinh nghiệm bản thân

Lỗi thường gặp của học viên Việt Nam:

• Trả lời quá ngắn gọn (chỉ Yes/No hoặc một câu đơn)
• Sử dụng từ vựng quá đơn giản, lặp đi lặp lại
• Thiếu ví dụ cụ thể để minh họa
• Nói theo template cứng nhắc, thiếu tự nhiên

Các Câu Hỏi Thường Gặp

Question 1: Who inspires you the most in your life?

Question 2: Do you prefer to be inspired by people or by events?

Question 3: What kind of people do you find inspiring?

Question 4: Have you ever been inspired by a book or movie?

Question 5: Do you think it’s important to have role models?

Question 6: What activities inspire you to be creative?

Question 7: Do you feel more inspired when you’re alone or with others?

Question 8: Has anyone told you that you inspired them?

Phân Tích và Gợi Ý Trả Lời Chi Tiết

Question: Who inspires you the most in your life?

🎯 Cách tiếp cận:

• Nêu rõ người nào đó (không cần nổi tiếng)
• Giải thích tại sao họ truyền cảm hứng cho bạn
• Đưa ra ví dụ cụ thể về phẩm chất/hành động của họ

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

I think my mother inspires me the most. She works very hard to support our family and never complains about anything. She always encourages me to study hard and follow my dreams.

Phân tích:

• Điểm mạnh: Trả lời trực tiếp, có lý do cơ bản, dễ hiểu
• Hạn chế: Từ vựng đơn giản (works very hard, never complains), thiếu chi tiết cụ thể, ngữ pháp đơn điệu
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Đáp ứng yêu cầu cơ bản nhưng chưa thể hiện được vocabulary range và grammatical complexity. Ý tưởng chưa được phát triển đầy đủ.

📝 Sample Answer – Band 8-9:

I’d have to say my mother is my biggest source of inspiration. What I find most admirable about her is her unwavering resilience – she’s managed to juggle a demanding career while raising three children, all without losing her sense of humor. Her ability to stay positive in the face of adversity has really shaped my outlook on life.

Phân tích:

• Điểm mạnh:
  • Vocabulary phong phú và tự nhiên (unwavering resilience, juggle, shaped my outlook)
  • Sử dụng discourse marker tự nhiên (I’d have to say)
  • Cấu trúc câu đa dạng với mệnh đề quan hệ (What I find most admirable)
  • Ý tưởng cụ thể và sâu sắc hơn
• Tại sao Band 8-9:
  • Fluency: Trôi chảy với discourse markers tự nhiên
  • Vocabulary: Collocations chính xác (biggest source of inspiration, unwavering resilience, face of adversity)
  • Grammar: Complex sentence với relative clause và gerund
  • Pronunciation: Từ vựng được chọn lọc có trọng âm rõ ràng

💡 Key Vocabulary & Expressions:

• biggest source of inspiration: nguồn cảm hứng lớn nhất
• unwavering resilience: sức bền bỉ không lay chuyển
• juggle: xoay xở, cân bằng nhiều việc cùng lúc
• shaped my outlook on life: hình thành quan điểm sống của tôi
• in the face of adversity: trước nghịch cảnh

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Question: What kind of people do you find inspiring?

🎯 Cách tiếp cận:

• Mô tả loại người hoặc phẩm chất bạn ngưỡng mộ
• Giải thích tại sao những phẩm chất này quan trọng
• Có thể đưa ra ví dụ minh họa ngắn

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

I find people who are successful and work hard very inspiring. They show me that if you try hard, you can achieve your goals. I also like people who help others and are kind.

Phân tích:

• Điểm mạnh: Trả lời được câu hỏi, có hai loại người được đề cập
• Hạn chế: Từ vựng rất cơ bản (successful, work hard, kind), thiếu depth trong giải thích, cấu trúc câu đơn giản
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Communication được nhưng thiếu sophistication về cả vocabulary và ideas.

📝 Sample Answer – Band 8-9:

I’m particularly drawn to people who demonstrate genuine authenticity – those who aren’t afraid to be themselves despite societal pressures. I also find individuals with a strong sense of purpose incredibly inspiring, especially when they’re passionate about making a difference rather than just pursuing personal gain. There’s something deeply motivating about watching someone stay true to their values while navigating life’s challenges.

Phân tích:

• Điểm mạnh:
  • Abstract vocabulary thể hiện sophisticated thinking (genuine authenticity, societal pressures, strong sense of purpose)
  • Clauses phức tạp với relative pronouns và participles
  • Contrast được thể hiện tinh tế (rather than just pursuing personal gain)
  • Sử dụng There’s something… about… – cấu trúc tự nhiên của native speakers
• Tại sao Band 8-9:
  • Fluency: Extended response với ideas được connect mượt mà
  • Vocabulary: Precise và idiomatic (drawn to, stay true to their values, navigating challenges)
  • Grammar: Variety của complex structures
  • Ideas: Thoughtful và nuanced

💡 Key Vocabulary & Expressions:

• be drawn to: bị thu hút bởi
• genuine authenticity: sự chân thật thực sự
• societal pressures: áp lực xã hội
• strong sense of purpose: mục đích rõ ràng trong cuộc sống
• stay true to their values: giữ vững giá trị của họ

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Question: Have you ever been inspired by a book or movie?

🎯 Cách tiếp cận:

• Trả lời Yes/No rồi nêu tên tác phẩm cụ thể
• Giải thích ngắn gọn nội dung hoặc thông điệp chính
• Nói cách nó ảnh hưởng đến bạn

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

Yes, I have. I watched a movie called “The Pursuit of Happyness” and it really inspired me. The main character never gave up even when life was very difficult. It taught me to keep trying when I face problems.

Phân tích:

• Điểm mạnh: Có ví dụ cụ thể (tên phim), nêu được bài học rút ra
• Hạn chế: Vocabulary basic (never gave up, very difficult, keep trying), thiếu detail về cách phim ảnh hưởng
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Adequate communication nhưng chưa impressive về language use.

📝 Sample Answer – Band 8-9:

Absolutely! I was profoundly moved by the book “Man’s Search for Meaning” by Viktor Frankl. What struck me most was how the author managed to find purpose and meaning even in the most horrific circumstances of a concentration camp. His philosophy that we can’t always control what happens to us, but we can control how we respond, really resonated with me and has fundamentally changed how I approach setbacks in my own life.

Phân tích:

• Điểm mạnh:
  • Sophisticated vocabulary về emotions và impact (profoundly moved by, struck me most, resonated with me)
  • Complex ideas được express rõ ràng
  • Sử dụng noun clauses và what-clauses tự nhiên
  • Personal connection được thể hiện sâu sắc
• Tại sao Band 8-9:
  • Fluency: Natural flow với appropriate discourse markers
  • Vocabulary: Precise collocations và idiomatic expressions
  • Grammar: Complex sentences với embedding
  • Content: Thoughtful reflection showing critical thinking

Bài viết này cũng tương tự như describe a person you consider a role model, khi cả hai đều yêu cầu bạn miêu tả một nguồn động lực tích cực trong cuộc sống.

💡 Key Vocabulary & Expressions:

• be profoundly moved by: bị cảm động sâu sắc bởi
• struck me most: ấn tượng tôi nhất
• find purpose and meaning: tìm thấy mục đích và ý nghĩa
• horrific circumstances: hoàn cảnh kinh hoàng
• resonated with me: gây được tiếng vang với tôi

IELTS Speaking Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)

Tổng Quan Về Part 2

Part 2 là phần quan trọng nhất của bài thi IELTS Speaking, chiếm thời gian 3-4 phút (bao gồm 1 phút chuẩn bị và 2-3 phút nói). Đây là phần bạn phải thể hiện khả năng độc thoại – nói liên tục về một chủ đề mà không bị gián đoạn.

Thời gian chuẩn bị: 1 phút
Thời gian nói: 2-3 phút (không bị ngắt giữa chừng)

Đặc điểm chính:

• Yêu cầu kể chi tiết về một trải nghiệm, người, sự kiện hoặc địa điểm cụ thể
• Phải trả lời đầy đủ tất cả các bullet points trong cue card
• Cần nói đủ thời gian (tối thiểu 1.5 phút, lý tưởng là 2 phút)

Chiến lược hiệu quả:

1. Sử dụng hết 1 phút chuẩn bị: Ghi chú keywords, không viết câu hoàn chỉnh
2. Cấu trúc rõ ràng: Mở bài → Body (cover tất cả bullet points) → Kết
3. Thì động từ chính xác: Chủ đề này yêu cầu quá khứ vì mô tả “a time when”
4. Focus vào bullet cuối: “And explain” thường là phần ghi điểm cao nhất

Lỗi thường gặp của học viên Việt Nam:

• Không tận dụng hết thời gian chuẩn bị, bắt đầu nói sau 30 giây
• Nói dưới 1.5 phút vì thiếu ideas hoặc vocabulary
• Bỏ sót một số bullet points
• Dành quá nhiều thời gian cho bullet đầu, vội vã ở phần explain
• Sử dụng thì hiện tại thay vì quá khứ
• Nói quá chậm hoặc quá nhiều hesitation

Học viên đang chuẩn bị bài thi IELTS Speaking Part 2 với cue card về chủ đề cảm hứng

Cue Card

Describe A Time When You Were Very Inspired

You should say:

• When and where it happened
• What or who inspired you
• What you did after feeling inspired
• And explain why this experience was so inspiring to you

Phân Tích Đề Bài

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

Thì động từ chính: Quá khứ đơn và quá khứ tiếp diễn (vì mô tả sự kiện đã xảy ra)

Bullet points phải cover:

1. When and where: Thời gian và địa điểm cụ thể – cần đủ detail nhưng không quá dài
2. What or who inspired you: Nguồn cảm hứng – có thể là người, sự kiện, hoạt động
3. What you did after: Hành động cụ thể sau khi được truyền cảm hứng
4. Why inspiring: Phần quan trọng nhất – giải thích cảm xúc và impact sâu sắc

Câu “explain” quan trọng: Đây là nơi bạn thể hiện critical thinking và emotional depth. Examiner muốn nghe về personal reflection, không chỉ mô tả bề ngoài. Sử dụng vocabulary về cảm xúc, giá trị sống, và personal growth sẽ giúp tăng điểm đáng kể.

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7

Thời lượng: Khoảng 1.5-2 phút

I’d like to talk about a time when I felt very inspired, which happened about two years ago when I was in high school.

It was during a school assembly where we had a guest speaker. The speaker was a successful businessman who came from a poor family. He talked about his life and how he worked very hard to become successful. He said he had many problems when he was young, but he never gave up.

After listening to his speech, I felt very motivated. I decided to study harder and set clear goals for myself. I made a study plan and tried to follow it every day. I also started to read more books about successful people to learn from their experiences.

This experience was very inspiring to me because it showed me that anyone can be successful if they work hard enough. Before that day, I always thought that only rich or lucky people could achieve great things. But his story changed my mind. It made me realize that determination and hard work are more important than your background or how much money you have. Since then, I’ve been more confident about my future and I believe I can achieve my dreams if I don’t give up.

Phân Tích Band Điểm

Tiêu chí	Band	Nhận xét
Fluency & Coherence	6-7	Có sequencing rõ ràng với basic linking (after, before, since then). Một số hesitation nhẹ. Idea được develop nhưng chưa sophisticated
Lexical Resource	6-7	Vocabulary adequate (motivated, determination, hard work) nhưng repetitive (work hard xuất hiện 3 lần). Thiếu collocations nâng cao
Grammatical Range & Accuracy	6-7	Mix của simple và complex sentences. Có relative clauses (who came from, which happened) nhưng structure còn đơn giản. Ít errors
Pronunciation	6-7	Clear và dễ hiểu, có word stress cơ bản

Điểm mạnh:

• ✅ Cover đầy đủ tất cả bullet points
• ✅ Có cấu trúc rõ ràng với introduction, body, và explanation
• ✅ Thì quá khứ được sử dụng chính xác
• ✅ Có personal reflection ở phần cuối

Hạn chế:

• ⚠️ Vocabulary còn basic và repetitive
• ⚠️ Ideas chưa được elaborate deeply
• ⚠️ Thiếu sophisticated expressions và idioms
• ⚠️ Grammar structures đơn điệu

📝 Sample Answer – Band 7.5-8

Thời lượng: Khoảng 2-2.5 phút

I’d like to share an experience that left a profound impact on me, which took place roughly two years ago during my final year of high school.

It happened at a career day event organized by our school, where we had the privilege of hosting a guest speaker – a self-made entrepreneur who had built a multi-million dollar business from scratch. What made his story particularly compelling was that he came from humble beginnings, growing up in a small village with limited resources.

Throughout his talk, he candidly shared both his triumphs and failures, emphasizing how every setback had actually been a stepping stone to his eventual success. What resonated with me most was his philosophy about embracing challenges rather than avoiding them. He said something that really stuck with me: “Inspiration without action is just entertainment.”

Fueled by his words, I immediately took concrete steps to apply his wisdom to my own life. I revamped my entire approach to studying, setting ambitious yet achievable goals for my university entrance exams. More importantly, I started to step out of my comfort zone by joining a debate club, something I’d always been too nervous to try before.

This experience was deeply inspiring to me for several reasons. Firstly, it shattered the misconception I’d held that success was primarily determined by one’s circumstances at birth. His story demonstrated that perseverance and adaptability could trump any disadvantage. Additionally, it taught me that inspiration should be a catalyst for action, not just a fleeting emotion. Since that day, I’ve developed a more proactive mindset, viewing obstacles as opportunities for growth rather than insurmountable barriers. It essentially reframed my entire perspective on what’s possible when you combine passion with consistent effort.

Phân Tích Band Điểm

Tiêu chí	Band	Nhận xét
Fluency & Coherence	7.5-8	Smooth flow với sophisticated connectors (throughout, additionally, essentially). Clear progression của ideas. Minimal hesitation
Lexical Resource	7.5-8	Wide range với collocations tự nhiên (profound impact, humble beginnings, stepping stone). Some less common vocabulary (revamped, insurmountable)
Grammatical Range & Accuracy	7.5-8	Variety của complex structures (relative clauses, participle clauses, inversion). Very few errors
Pronunciation	7.5-8	Clear với good intonation và stress patterns

So Sánh Với Band 6-7

Khía cạnh	Band 6-7	Band 7.5-8
Vocabulary	“felt very motivated”	“left a profound impact”, “fueled by his words”
Grammar	“I decided to study harder”	“Fueled by his words, I immediately took concrete steps” (participle phrase)
Ideas	“it showed me that anyone can be successful”	“it shattered the misconception I’d held that success was primarily determined by one’s circumstances”
Depth	Surface level explanation	Deep personal reflection với specific philosophy

📝 Sample Answer – Band 8.5-9

Thời lượng: 2.5-3 phút đầy đủ

I’d like to recount a transformative experience that ignited a spark within me, one that occurred approximately two years ago during what I’d describe as a pivotal moment in my academic journey.

The setting was our school’s annual career symposium, an event that typically featured distinguished guest speakers from various fields. That particular year, we were fortunate enough to host an accomplished social entrepreneur who had defied the odds to establish a thriving enterprise that not only generated substantial profits but also addressed pressing social issues in underprivileged communities. What made her narrative particularly captivating was the stark contrast between her modest upbringing in a rural area with minimal educational infrastructure and her current position as a trailblazer in sustainable business practices.

During her remarkably candid presentation, she delved into both the exhilarating highs and crushing lows of her entrepreneurial journey, masterfully illustrating how each apparent failure had, in retrospect, served as an invaluable learning experience. What struck a chord with me most profoundly was her philosophy of reframing adversity as opportunity – she eloquently articulated that our response to challenges, rather than the challenges themselves, ultimately defines our trajectory. One particular quote has remained indelibly etched in my memory: “True inspiration manifests not in the fleeting rush of motivation, but in the sustained commitment to incremental progress, even when the initial excitement has waned.”

Galvanized by her insights, I underwent what I can only describe as a paradigm shift in my approach to personal development. I meticulously restructured my study habits, implementing a more strategic and holistic framework that emphasized deep understanding over rote memorization. Beyond academics, I ventured beyond my self-imposed limitations by actively seeking leadership roles in extracurricular activities – a calculated risk that initially filled me with trepidation but ultimately proved instrumental in building my confidence.

This experience was profoundly transformative for multiple, interconnected reasons. On a fundamental level, it dismantled my preconceived notions about the deterministic nature of success, revealing that one’s starting point, while influential, need not be destiny. Her story served as compelling evidence that grit, adaptability, and strategic thinking could overcome systemic disadvantages. Perhaps more significantly, it instilled in me the understanding that genuine inspiration should function as a springboard for tangible action rather than remaining an abstract sentiment. This realization has fundamentally reshaped my worldview, fostering a markedly more proactive and resilient mindset. I now perceive obstacles not as immutable roadblocks but as catalysts for innovation and growth – a shift in perspective that has permeated every facet of my life. In essence, that afternoon crystallized my understanding that the synergy between inspiration and deliberate action is what ultimately propels individuals from aspiration to achievement.

Phân Tích Band Điểm

Tiêu chí	Band	Nhận xét
Fluency & Coherence	8.5-9	Completely fluent với sophisticated cohesive devices. Ideas flow naturally với complex argumentation. Zero hesitation, speaks at length comfortably
Lexical Resource	8.5-9	Sophisticated và precise vocabulary (indelibly etched, paradigm shift, deterministic nature). Natural collocations và idiomatic expressions. Flexible paraphrasing
Grammatical Range & Accuracy	8.5-9	Full range của structures với inversion, cleft sentences, nominal clauses. Error-free hoặc errors chỉ là slips
Pronunciation	8.5-9	Completely clear với native-like intonation, stress và rhythm. Full control của phonological features

Tại Sao Bài Này Xuất Sắc

🎯 Fluency Hoàn Hảo:
Không có hesitation, speaks confidently at appropriate length. Ideas được develop fully với sophisticated argumentation structure.

📚 Vocabulary Tinh Vi:

• “ignited a spark within me” thay vì “inspired me” – metaphorical và poetic
• “defied the odds” thay vì “was successful despite difficulties” – idiomatic
• “indelibly etched in my memory” thay vì “I remember” – sophisticated expression
• “paradigm shift” thay vì “big change” – precise academic vocabulary
• “propels individuals from aspiration to achievement” – abstract và elegant expression

📝 Grammar Đa Dạng:

• Relative clauses: “an event that typically featured distinguished guest speakers”
• Participle clauses: “Galvanized by her insights, I underwent…”
• Nominal clauses: “what I can only describe as”, “what struck a chord with me”
• Cleft sentence: “What made her narrative particularly captivating was…”
• Complex embedding: “the understanding that genuine inspiration should function as a springboard”

💡 Ideas Sâu Sắc:
Không chỉ describe surface events mà analyze deep psychological impact. Thể hiện critical thinking về nature of inspiration, success, và personal growth. Connect experience đến broader life philosophy.

Nếu bạn quan tâm đến việc phát triển khả năng sáng tạo, có thể tham khảo thêm về describe a time when you did something creative để mở rộng vốn từ vựng và ý tưởng liên quan.

Follow-up Questions (Rounding Off Questions)

Sau khi bạn hoàn thành Part 2, examiner có thể hỏi thêm 1-2 câu ngắn để transition sang Part 3. Đây là câu hỏi dạng “rounding off” – đơn giản hơn Part 3 nhưng vẫn liên quan đến chủ đề vừa nói.

Question 1: Do you still feel inspired by that experience now?

Band 6-7 Answer:
Yes, I do. I still remember that experience and it helps me when I face difficulties. It reminds me to keep trying and not give up.

Band 8-9 Answer:
Absolutely, that experience continues to serve as a touchstone for me whenever I encounter setbacks. While the initial rush of emotion has naturally subsided, the core message has become deeply ingrained in my approach to challenges. It’s less about recapturing that specific feeling and more about embodying the principles I learned that day.

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Question 2: Would you like to inspire others in the same way?

Band 6-7 Answer:
Yes, I would. I think it’s important to share good experiences with others. If I can help someone feel motivated, that would be great.

Band 8-9 Answer:
I’d certainly welcome the opportunity to pay it forward. I believe there’s a ripple effect when we share our experiences authentically – it’s not about prescribing a specific path for others, but rather demonstrating that transformation is possible. If my journey could resonate with even one person the way that entrepreneur’s story resonated with me, I’d consider that immensely meaningful.

IELTS Speaking Part 3: Two-way Discussion

Tổng Quan Về Part 3

Part 3 là phần khó nhất và quan trọng nhất để phân biệt thí sinh band 7+ và band 8+. Phần này kéo dài 4-5 phút với các câu hỏi trừu tượng, yêu cầu analytical thinking và ability to discuss complex issues.

Đặc điểm chính:

• Câu hỏi mở rộng từ chủ đề Part 2 nhưng ở level abstract và social
• Yêu cầu phân tích, so sánh, đánh giá, dự đoán
• Không còn về personal experience mà về society, trends, causes/effects

Yêu cầu cao hơn Part 1 và 2:

• Analysis: Phân tích nguyên nhân, hậu quả, xu hướng
• Comparison: So sánh giữa các groups, time periods, situations
• Speculation: Dự đoán về tương lai với conditional sentences
• Critical thinking: Xem xét nhiều perspectives, acknowledge complexity

Chiến lược trả lời hiệu quả:

1. Mở rộng câu trả lời: 3-5 câu là ideal, tránh trả lời chỉ 1-2 câu
2. Use discourse markers: Well, Actually, To be honest, I’d say that…
3. Show balanced view: On the one hand… On the other hand…
4. Give examples: Từ society, không chỉ personal
5. Acknowledge complexity: It’s a complex issue, It depends on…

Lỗi thường gặp của học viên Việt Nam:

• Trả lời quá ngắn, thiếu elaboration
• Không structure ideas rõ ràng (thiếu discourse markers)
• Vocabulary không đủ abstract (chỉ dùng từ cơ bản)
• Không đưa ra multiple perspectives
• Nói về personal experience thay vì society
• Thiếu examples cụ thể để support ideas

Thí sinh đang thảo luận sâu trong phần IELTS Speaking Part 3 về chủ đề cảm hứng và động lực

Các Câu Hỏi Thảo Luận Sâu

Theme 1: Sources of Inspiration in Modern Society

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Question 1: What are the main sources of inspiration for young people today?

🎯 Phân tích câu hỏi:

• Dạng: Identify/Describe – liệt kê và giải thích
• Key words: main sources, young people, today (cần focus vào hiện tại)
• Cách tiếp cận: Nêu 2-3 sources khác nhau → explain each briefly → compare with past nếu có thể

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

I think young people today get inspiration from many different sources. First, social media is very popular, so they follow famous people and influencers who show their successful lives. Second, many young people look up to their teachers or parents who guide them. Finally, some people find inspiration from books or movies about successful people. These sources are different from the past because now we have technology and can see many examples online very easily.

Phân tích:

• Structure: Clear với first, second, finally
• Vocabulary: Basic (famous people, successful lives, look up to)
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Đáp ứng yêu cầu cơ bản nhưng lack sophistication. Ideas không được elaborate deeply, vocabulary còn simple.

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📝 Câu trả lời mẫu – Band 8-9:

Well, I’d argue that the landscape of inspiration has undergone a dramatic transformation in recent years, largely due to the proliferation of digital media.

Predominantly, young people nowadays are heavily influenced by social media personalities and content creators who have cultivated massive followings by sharing their journeys – whether that’s building successful businesses, mastering creative skills, or even documenting their personal growth. What’s particularly interesting is that these influencers often present a more relatable and accessible image compared to traditional celebrities, which makes their success seem more attainable.

Beyond the digital realm, I think peer influence remains remarkably powerful – seeing someone from a similar background achieve something significant can be incredibly motivating. There’s also a growing trend of young people being inspired by social movements and grassroots activism, which reflects a heightened awareness of global issues.

That said, I believe the fundamental sources – supportive mentors, compelling stories, and personal role models – haven’t disappeared; they’ve simply been augmented by these new digital channels. The key difference is the sheer volume and immediacy of inspirational content available, which is both an opportunity and a potential pitfall.

Phân tích:

• Structure: Sophisticated organization với clear progression (digital → peer → movements → reflection)
• Vocabulary:
  • Abstract nouns: “landscape of inspiration”, “proliferation of digital media”, “grassroots activism”
  • Precise verbs: “undergone a transformation”, “cultivated massive followings”
  • Collocations: “heightened awareness”, “fundamental sources”, “potential pitfall”
• Grammar:
  • Complex structures: relative clauses, participle phrases
  • Nominalisation: “the sheer volume and immediacy”
  • Contrast: “That said”, “both… and…”
• Critical Thinking:
  • Acknowledges complexity và multiple factors
  • Compares present với past
  • Shows balanced view (opportunities and pitfalls)

💡 Key Language Features:

• Discourse markers: Well, Predominantly, Beyond the digital realm, That said
• Tentative language: I’d argue that, I think, I believe
• Abstract nouns: landscape, proliferation, realm, trend, awareness
• Hedging: largely due to, often present, can be, potential

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Question 2: Do you think people need external sources of inspiration, or can they motivate themselves?

🎯 Phân tích câu hỏi:

• Dạng: Opinion với comparison – external vs. internal motivation
• Key words: need, external sources, motivate themselves
• Cách tiếp cận: Give direct answer → Discuss both sides → Personal stance với reasoning

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

I think both are important. Some people need to see others succeed to feel motivated, while other people can motivate themselves. It depends on personality. External inspiration is good because we can learn from others’ experiences, but self-motivation is also important because we can’t always depend on others. In my opinion, the best is to have both – get ideas from outside but also have your own strong will.

Phân tích:

• Structure: Attempts balanced view nhưng chưa deeply developed
• Vocabulary: Simple (succeed, feel motivated, strong will)
• Ideas: Surface level, thiếu specific examples
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Basic communication đạt được nhưng lacks analytical depth và sophisticated language.

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📝 Câu trả lời mẫu – Band 8-9:

This is quite a nuanced question, and I’d say the answer likely lies somewhere in the middle ground rather than at either extreme.

On one hand, I believe humans are inherently social creatures, and we’re hardwired to learn from and be influenced by others. External inspiration can serve as a crucial catalyst, especially during periods when self-doubt creeps in or when we’re venturing into unfamiliar territory. Seeing someone else navigate challenges successfully can provide a roadmap and, more importantly, validate that what we’re attempting is achievable. There’s also something to be said for the accountability that comes with having external role models or mentors.

Conversely, over-reliance on external motivation can be problematic. If our drive is solely contingent on outside influences, we become vulnerable to disappointment when those sources fall short or become unavailable. Intrinsic motivation – the kind that stems from personal values, interests, and goals – tends to be more sustainable and resilient in the face of setbacks.

In reality, I think the most effective approach is a synergistic combination of both. External sources can spark the initial flame and provide fresh perspectives, while self-motivation fuels the sustained effort required for long-term achievement. The key is developing what psychologists call “self-efficacy” – the belief in one’s own capabilities – which is reinforced by both external validation and internal conviction.

Phân tích:

• Structure:
  • Direct acknowledgment của complexity
  • Systematic exploration of both sides với clear signposting
  • Synthesis bringing both together
  • Reference đến expert knowledge (psychologists)
• Vocabulary:
  • Sophisticated expressions: “nuanced question”, “middle ground”, “hardwired to”
  • Academic vocabulary: “catalyst”, “contingent on”, “intrinsic motivation”, “self-efficacy”
  • Metaphorical language: “spark the initial flame”, “fuels the sustained effort”
• Grammar:
  • Conditional: “If our drive is solely contingent on…”
  • Participle phrases: “Seeing someone else navigate…”
  • Nominalisation: “over-reliance on external motivation”
  • Cleft sentence: “There’s also something to be said for…”
• Critical Thinking:
  • Rejects binary thinking (either/or) → embraces complexity
  • Considers psychological aspects
  • Provides nuanced conclusion với practical implications
  • Uses specific terminology (self-efficacy) accurately

💡 Key Language Features:

• Discourse markers: On one hand, Conversely, In reality
• Hedging: quite a nuanced question, I’d say, likely, tends to be
• Academic register: inherently, contingent on, synergistic combination, reinforced by

Khi nói về những trải nghiệm tốt đẹp trong cuộc sống, bạn cũng có thể tham khảo cách diễn đạt trong chủ đề describe a time when you experienced an act of kindness để có thêm ý tưởng về cách mô tả cảm xúc và impact của những khoảnh khắc đặc biệt.

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Theme 2: Inspiration and Achievement

Question 3: Is inspiration alone enough to achieve success, or are other factors more important?

🎯 Phân tích câu hỏi:

• Dạng: Evaluate/Compare – đánh giá vai trò của inspiration vs. other factors
• Key words: alone, enough, other factors, more important
• Cách tiếp cận: State position → Acknowledge role of inspiration → Discuss other crucial factors → Conclude with balanced view

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

I don’t think inspiration alone is enough for success. While feeling inspired is important to start something, you also need hard work and skills. Many people feel inspired but they don’t work hard enough, so they can’t succeed. Other important things are good planning, patience, and sometimes luck. For example, someone might be inspired to start a business, but without money and business knowledge, they will fail. So inspiration is just the beginning, and you need many other things to really achieve success.

Phân tích:

• Structure: Clear opinion followed by supporting points
• Vocabulary: Adequate but basic (hard work, skills, good planning)
• Examples: Generic, không specific hoặc compelling
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Communicates main ideas effectively nhưng lacks sophistication và depth of analysis.

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📝 Câu trả lời mẫu – Band 8-9:

I’d firmly contend that while inspiration is undeniably valuable as an initial impetus, it’s woefully insufficient on its own to guarantee success – in fact, viewing it as the primary driver can be quite misleading.

Inspiration, at its core, functions as an emotional trigger – it can ignite enthusiasm and provide clarity of purpose, which are certainly not trivial. However, the gulf between aspiration and achievement is bridged by far more pragmatic elements. Chief among these is what researchers call “grit” – the capacity for sustained effort and perseverance through adversity. Countless studies have shown that consistency and persistence are far better predictors of success than initial enthusiasm or talent.

Equally crucial are practical competencies – the specific skills, knowledge, and strategic thinking required in any endeavor. Someone might be deeply inspired to become a concert pianist, but without rigorous practice, technical training, and mentorship, that inspiration will inevitably fall flat. We also can’t overlook external factors like access to resources, timing, and yes, occasionally luck, which can significantly influence outcomes regardless of one’s inspiration level.

Moreover, I’d argue that over-romanticizing inspiration can actually be counterproductive. It can lead people to wait for that elusive spark before taking action, or worse, to become disillusioned when the initial euphoria wanes – which it inevitably does. The reality is that meaningful achievement is typically grounded in systematic effort, continuous learning, and adaptive problem-solving, with inspiration serving more as intermittent fuel rather than the engine itself.

In essence, I view inspiration as a necessary but insufficient condition for success – valuable for setting direction and sustaining motivation during rough patches, but ultimately subordinate to the daily habits, acquired skills, and mental fortitude that actually drive progress.

Phân tích:

• Structure:
  • Clear thesis statement upfront
  • Systematic breakdown of factors (emotional vs. practical vs. external)
  • Counter-argument về romanticizing inspiration
  • Strong conclusion với precise positioning
• Vocabulary:
  • Academic precision: “woefully insufficient”, “pragmatic elements”, “counterproductive”
  • Sophisticated collocations: “ignite enthusiasm”, “gulf between aspiration and achievement”, “grounded in”
  • Metaphorical language: “intermittent fuel rather than the engine”
  • Research reference: “what researchers call ‘grit'”
• Grammar:
  • Complex conditionals: “without rigorous practice… that inspiration will inevitably fall flat”
  • Nominalization throughout: “the capacity for sustained effort”
  • Inversion for emphasis: “Equally crucial are practical competencies”
  • Relative clauses embedding: “which it inevitably does”
• Critical Thinking:
  • Distinguishes between necessary vs. sufficient conditions
  • Cites research (grit studies)
  • Addresses common misconceptions (over-romanticizing)
  • Provides nuanced hierarchy of factors
  • Acknowledges complexity of causation

💡 Key Language Features:

• Strong opinion markers: I’d firmly contend, I’d argue, In essence, I view
• Academic hedging: can be quite, typically, occasionally
• Contrasting: while… however, Moreover
• Emphasis structures: Chief among these, Equally crucial

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Question 4: How has the way people find inspiration changed over the past few decades?

🎯 Phân tích câu hỏi:

• Dạng: Compare/Contrast – past vs. present
• Key words: changed, past few decades
• Cách tiếp cận: Describe past → Describe present → Analyze the shift → Impact/implications

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

In the past, people found inspiration mainly from books, newspapers, and TV programs. They also learned from family members and teachers. Now, things are very different because of the internet and social media. People can watch videos and read stories from all over the world very quickly. They can also see successful people’s lives on Instagram or YouTube. This change makes it easier to find inspiration, but maybe the quality is not always good because there is too much information. Overall, technology has changed how people get inspired a lot.

Phân tích:

• Structure: Basic comparison structure (past → present → general comment)
• Vocabulary: Simple descriptors (very different, a lot, too much)
• Ideas: Identifies key changes but without detailed analysis
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Adequate response với basic comparison nhưng lacks depth và sophisticated analysis.

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📝 Câu trả lời mẫu – Band 8-9:

The evolution in how people access and derive inspiration over recent decades has been nothing short of revolutionary, largely driven by the digital transformation of our information ecosystem.

Historically, inspiration was predominantly mediated through relatively gatekept channels – traditional media like books, newspapers, television programs, and of course, interpersonal relationships with mentors, teachers, or community figures. This meant that the narratives of success people encountered were somewhat curated and often featured individuals who had already achieved considerable prominence. There was also a certain temporal delay – by the time someone’s story reached the public consciousness, they were typically well-established in their field.

Fast forward to today, and we’re immersed in what I’d call an “inspiration economy” where aspirational content is ubiquitous and instantaneous. Social media platforms have democratized the ability to share one’s journey, meaning we now have access to real-time documentation of people’s processes – not just their polished end results. A teenager in Vietnam can now watch daily vlogs of entrepreneurs building startups, athletes training for competitions, or artists developing their craft, creating an unprecedented sense of accessibility and relatability.

This shift has yielded both benefits and drawbacks. On the positive side, the diversity of role models has expanded exponentially – people can find inspiration from others who share their specific background, challenges, or aspirations, rather than only looking to distant, seemingly unattainable figures. The interactive nature of modern platforms also allows for direct engagement, which can be profoundly motivating.

Conversely, there’s a darker undercurrent to consider. The constant bombardment of curated success stories can lead to comparison fatigue and feelings of inadequacy. There’s also the issue of superficiality – with so much content vying for attention, truly substantive inspiration can get drowned out by flashy but ultimately hollow narratives. Additionally, the algorithmic curation of content means people often exist in echo chambers, repeatedly seeing similar types of inspirational messages rather than being challenged by diverse perspectives.

Fundamentally, I think we’ve transitioned from scarcity to oversaturation – the challenge is no longer finding inspiration, but rather discerning authentic and meaningful sources from the noise, and developing the critical thinking skills to engage with inspirational content in a healthy, balanced way.

Phân tích:

• Structure:
  • Historical context establishing baseline
  • Detailed description of current landscape
  • Balanced evaluation of changes (benefits and drawbacks)
  • Thoughtful conclusion về broader implications
• Vocabulary:
  • Precise academic terms: “gatekept channels”, “temporal delay”, “democratized”, “echo chambers”
  • Sophisticated collocations: “nothing short of revolutionary”, “mediated through”, “vying for attention”
  • Creative expressions: “inspiration economy”, “comparison fatigue”, “darker undercurrent”
  • Technical accuracy: “algorithmic curation”, “digital transformation”
• Grammar:
  • Advanced structures throughout:
    • Inversion: “Fast forward to today”
    • Nominalization: “The constant bombardment”, “The interactive nature”
    • Participle phrases: “meaning we now have access”, “creating an unprecedented sense”
    • Complex embedding: “what I’d call an ‘inspiration economy’ where aspirational content is ubiquitous”
• Critical Thinking:
  • Historical contextualization
  • Multi-dimensional analysis (technological, psychological, social aspects)
  • Balanced evaluation (không purely positive hay negative)
  • Abstract concepts (scarcity to oversaturation)
  • Forward-looking implications (need for critical thinking)
  • Specific examples woven naturally into analysis

💡 Key Language Features:

• Time markers: Historically, Fast forward to today, Fundamentally
• Evaluative language: nothing short of revolutionary, profoundly motivating, darker undercurrent
• Causal language: driven by, yielded, leads to
• Contrast markers: Conversely, rather than, while

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Theme 3: Inspiration Across Cultures and Age Groups

Question 5: Do you think older and younger generations are inspired by different things?

🎯 Phân tích câu hỏi:

• Dạng: Opinion với comparison between age groups
• Key words: older, younger generations, different things
• Cách tiếp cận: State opinion → Explain differences → Analyze reasons → Consider exceptions/nuances

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

Yes, I think different generations find inspiration in different things. Younger people usually like modern things like social media stars and technology, while older people prefer traditional sources like family values and hard work. This is because young people grow up with the internet, so they are used to finding information online. Older people learned from their parents and books. But sometimes both generations can be inspired by the same things, like helping others or achieving goals. The main difference is how they find their inspiration, not what inspires them.

Phân tích:

• Structure: Clear opinion với supporting points
• Vocabulary: Basic descriptors (modern things, traditional sources)
• Ideas: Identifies generational difference nhưng analysis is superficial
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Communicates main points adequately nhưng lacks nuanced analysis và sophisticated vocabulary.

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📝 Câu trả lời mẫu – Band 8-9:

I’d say there are definitely discernible patterns in what resonates with different age cohorts, though I’d caution against overgeneralizing as there’s always considerable overlap and individual variation.

For younger generations – particularly Gen Z and younger millennials – inspiration tends to be more closely intertwined with concepts like authenticity, social impact, and self-expression. They’re often drawn to figures who challenge conventional norms, advocate for social justice, or demonstrate creative innovation. There’s also a strong emphasis on work-life balance and mental health, which reflects broader shifts in societal values. The digital native aspect means they’re comfortable with inspiration coming from decentralized sources – influencers, peers, or grassroots movements – rather than exclusively from institutional authorities.

In contrast, older generations – those who came of age in more economically uncertain or traditional times – often find inspiration in narratives around perseverance, financial security, and conventional markers of success like career longevity or property ownership. They may place higher value on stability and proven paths, having witnessed or experienced the consequences of economic turbulence. Their formative experiences were shaped by different media landscapes and social structures, which naturally influences what they find aspirational.

That said, I think these differences are as much about cultural context and generational experiences as they are about age itself. Someone who’s older but has remained engaged with evolving social conversations might have more progressive sources of inspiration, while a younger person in a conservative environment might gravitate toward more traditional ideals.

What’s particularly interesting is observing how intergenerational influence works in both directions – younger people can inspire older generations to embrace new technologies or reconsider outdated attitudes, while older generations can impart wisdom about long-term thinking and perspective that comes from lived experience.

Ultimately, while the vehicles and specific content of inspiration may differ generationally, I believe the underlying human needs – for purpose, growth, connection, and meaning – remain fundamentally constant across ages.

Phân tích:

• Structure:
  • Qualified opening (acknowledges complexity)
  • Systematic exploration of each generation with depth
  • Important caveat about overgeneralization
  • Sophisticated conclusion about underlying universals
• Vocabulary:
  • Precise sociological terms: “age cohorts”, “digital native”, “decentralized sources”, “formative experiences”
  • Sophisticated expressions: “closely intertwined with”, “gravitate toward”, “impart wisdom”
  • Academic collocations: “discernible patterns”, “institutional authorities”, “intergenerational influence”
• Grammar:
  • Complex nominalizations: “younger generations – particularly Gen Z and younger millennials -“
  • Relative clauses: “those who came of age”, “figures who challenge”
  • Participle phrases: “having witnessed”, “reflecting broader shifts”
  • Conditional thinking: “while a younger person in a conservative environment might…”
• Critical Thinking:
  • Avoids stereotyping while acknowledging patterns
  • Considers contextual factors (economic, cultural)
  • Explores bidirectional influence
  • Distinguishes surface differences from deeper universals
  • Shows sociological awareness

💡 Key Language Features:

• Hedging appropriately: I’d say, tends to be, may place, I believe
• Contrasting: In contrast, That said, while
• Emphasizing interesting points: What’s particularly interesting, Ultimately
• Academic register: cohorts, intertwined with, decentralized, aspirational

Khi thảo luận về những người truyền cảm hứng, bạn có thể mở rộng vốn từ bằng cách tham khảo describe a person who is good at photography để học cách miêu tả kỹ năng và tài năng của một người một cách sinh động.

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Question 6: How do cultural differences affect what people find inspiring?

🎯 Phân tích câu hỏi:

• Dạng: Analyze cause-effect – cultural factors → inspiration
• Key words: cultural differences, affect, find inspiring
• Cách tiếp cận: Identify key cultural dimensions → Explain how each affects inspiration → Give examples → Acknowledge complexity

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

Cultural differences have a big effect on what people find inspiring. In some cultures, people admire individual success and personal achievement, like in Western countries. But in Asian cultures, many people value family and group harmony more, so they might be inspired by people who help their family or community. Religion is also important – people from religious backgrounds might find inspiration in spiritual leaders. Different cultures also have different definitions of success, so what inspires people in one country might not inspire people in another country.

Phân tích:

• Structure: Lists several cultural factors với basic explanation
• Vocabulary: General terms (big effect, Western countries, Asian cultures)
• Examples: Broad generalizations without specific instances
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Addresses the question adequately nhưng lacks depth, nuance, và specific evidence.

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📝 Câu trả lời mẫu – Band 8-9:

Cultural context plays an absolutely pivotal role in shaping what individuals find inspiring, as it fundamentally frames our values, aspirations, and even our definition of what constitutes success or virtue.

Perhaps most significantly, there’s the individualism-collectivism dimension. In more individualistic societies – traditionally associated with Western contexts like the United States or Australia – narratives of self-made success and personal achievement against the odds tend to strike a chord. Think of the archetypal entrepreneur who disrupts an industry or the athlete who defies expectations through sheer determination. These stories align with cultural values that prioritize autonomy, personal freedom, and standing out from the crowd.

Conversely, in more collectivistic cultures – common across much of Asia, Africa, and Latin America – inspiration often stems from stories of communal benefit, family sacrifice, or harmonious contribution to society. A figure who achieves success but then gives back to their community, or someone who elevates their entire family’s status through their efforts, might be particularly venerated. The emphasis is on interdependence rather than independence, which fundamentally shifts the inspirational landscape.

Religious and philosophical traditions also exert considerable influence. In societies with strong Buddhist traditions, for instance, inspiration might be derived from narratives about inner peace, detachment from materialism, or spiritual enlightenment, whereas in contexts influenced by Confucian thought, dedication to learning, filial piety, and respect for hierarchy might be central themes. Similarly, Protestant work ethic in certain Western contexts has historically valorized hard work and frugality as inherently virtuous.

Economic realities intersect with culture too. In developing economies where upward mobility is more precarious, stories of escaping poverty or achieving financial security might be particularly resonant, whereas in affluent societies, inspiration might shift toward self-actualization, creative fulfillment, or making a social impact – essentially higher-order needs in Maslow’s hierarchy.

What’s crucial to recognize, though, is that these are broad tendencies rather than rigid determinants. Globalization and digital connectivity have created considerable cross-pollination of inspirational narratives. Moreover, within any culture, there’s tremendous diversity – urban versus rural, different socioeconomic strata, generational divides – all of which complicate the picture.

I’d also note the role of historical trauma or national narratives. Countries that have experienced colonization, war, or oppression might find particular inspiration in stories of resistance, resilience, or reclaiming identity, which might not resonate as deeply in nations without that historical context.

In essence, culture acts as a lens through which we interpret and ascribe meaning to potential sources of inspiration – it doesn’t dictate what we find inspiring, but it certainly shapes the parameters and highlights certain themes over others.

Phân tích:

• Structure:
  • Sophisticated introduction establishing significance
  • Systematic exploration of multiple cultural dimensions:
    • Individualism vs. collectivism
    • Religious/philosophical traditions
    • Economic contexts
    • Historical factors
  • Important caveats about complexity
  • Nuanced conclusion with metaphor
• Vocabulary:
  • Academic precision: “pivotal role”, “collectivism dimension”, “cross-pollination”, “socioeconomic strata”
  • Sophisticated verbs: “fundamentally frames”, “exert influence”, “valorized”, “complicate”
  • Cultural terminology: “filial piety”, “Protestant work ethic”, “self-actualization”
  • Precise collocations: “strikes a chord”, “derived from”, “resonate deeply”
• Grammar:
  • Complex structures throughout:
    • Nominalization: “The emphasis is on interdependence”
    • Participle phrases: “Think of the archetypal entrepreneur who disrupts”
    • Conditional thinking embedded: “whereas in contexts influenced by…”
    • Inversion: “Perhaps most significantly”
• Critical Thinking:
  • Multi-dimensional analysis (psychological, economic, historical, religious)
  • Specific theoretical frameworks (Maslow’s hierarchy, individualism-collectivism)
  • Acknowledges globalization’s impact
  • Avoids cultural stereotyping while recognizing patterns
  • Considers within-culture diversity
  • Historical consciousness (colonization, trauma)
  • Sophisticated conclusion về mechanism (culture as lens)

💡 Key Language Features:

• Emphasis: absolutely pivotal, Perhaps most significantly, What’s crucial
• Contrasting: Conversely, whereas, rather than
• Hedging: tends to, might be, broad tendencies
• Academic markers: In essence, I’d also note, traditionally associated with

Từ vựng và cụm từ quan trọng

Topic-Specific Vocabulary

Từ vựng/Cụm từ	Loại từ	Phiên âm	Nghĩa tiếng Việt	Ví dụ	Collocation
profound impact	n	/prəˈfaʊnd ˈɪmpækt/	tác động sâu sắc	The speech had a profound impact on my career choices.	have/leave/make a profound impact on
ignite a spark	v + n	/ɪɡˈnaɪt ə spɑːk/	thắp lên tia lửa (cảm hứng)	Her story ignited a spark of creativity within me.	ignite/kindle/fan the spark
unwavering resilience	adj + n	/ʌnˈweɪvərɪŋ rɪˈzɪliəns/	sức bền bỉ không lay chuyển	His unwavering resilience inspired everyone around him.	demonstrate/show/display unwavering resilience
stepping stone	n	/ˈstepɪŋ stəʊn/	bước đệm	Every failure was just a stepping stone to success.	serve as/act as/become a stepping stone to
resonate with	v	/ˈrezəneɪt wɪð/	gây được tiếng vang với, tạo sự đồng cảm	His message really resonated with the audience.	deeply/strongly/particularly resonate with
fueled by	v	/ˈfjuːəld baɪ/	được thúc đẩy bởi	Fueled by determination, she achieved her goals.	fueled by ambition/passion/desire
step out of comfort zone	v + phrase	/step aʊt əv ˈkʌmfət zəʊn/	bước ra khỏi vùng an toàn	The experience encouraged me to step out of my comfort zone.	step/move/venture out of one’s comfort zone
shatter misconception	v + n	/ˈʃætə ˌmɪskənˈsepʃn/	phá vỡ quan niệm sai lầm	His story shattered the misconception that success requires privilege.	shatter/dispel/challenge a misconception
catalyst for action	n	/ˈkætəlɪst fɔː ˈækʃn/	chất xúc tác cho hành động	Inspiration should be a catalyst for action, not just emotion.	serve as/act as/become a catalyst for
perseverance	n	/ˌpɜːsɪˈvɪərəns/	sự kiên trì	Success requires perseverance more than talent.	demonstrate/show/require perseverance
paradigm shift	n	/ˈpærədaɪm ʃɪft/	sự thay đổi mô thức tư duy	Meeting her caused a complete paradigm shift in my thinking.	undergo/experience/represent a paradigm shift
indelibly etched	adv + v	/ɪnˈdeləbli etʃt/	khắc sâu vào (không thể xóa)	That moment is indelibly etched in my memory.	indelibly etched in/on memory/mind
proactive mindset	adj + n	/prəʊˈæktɪv ˈmaɪndset/	tư duy chủ động	Developing a proactive mindset helped me seize opportunities.	adopt/develop/cultivate a proactive mindset
insurmountable barrier	adj + n	/ˌɪnsəˈmaʊntəbl ˈbæriə/	rào cản không thể vượt qua	What seemed like insurmountable barriers became challenges to overcome.	face/encounter/overcome insurmountable barriers
reframe perspective	v + n	/riːˈfreɪm pəˈspektɪv/	định hình lại góc nhìn	The book helped me reframe my perspective on failure.	reframe/shift/change one’s perspective on
trailblazer	n	/ˈtreɪlˌbleɪzə/	người tiên phong	She was a trailblazer in sustainable business practices.	become/serve as/act as a trailblazer in
defy the odds	v + phrase	/dɪˈfaɪ ðə ɒdz/	thách thức số phận	Against all expectations, he defied the odds and succeeded.	defy/beat/overcome the odds
galvanize into action	v	/ˈɡælvənaɪz ˈɪntə ˈækʃn/	thúc đẩy hành động	Her words galvanized me into action.	galvanize/spur/propel someone into action
sustained commitment	adj + n	/səˈsteɪnd kəˈmɪtmənt/	cam kết bền vững	Success requires sustained commitment, not just initial enthusiasm.	demonstrate/show/require sustained commitment
instrumental in	adj	/ˌɪnstrəˈmentl ɪn/	đóng vai trò quan trọng trong	His mentorship was instrumental in my development.	be instrumental in achieving/developing/building

Idiomatic Expressions & Advanced Phrases

Cụm từ	Nghĩa	Ví dụ sử dụng	Band điểm
strike a chord	gây được tiếng vang, chạm đến cảm xúc	The speaker’s story about overcoming adversity really struck a chord with me.	8-9
food for thought	điều đáng suy ngẫm	His philosophy on life gave me a lot of food for thought.	7-8
light at the end of the tunnel	hy vọng sau khó khăn	Her success story showed me there’s always light at the end of the tunnel.	7-8
breathe new life into	thổi sinh khí mới vào	The documentary breathed new life into my passion for environmental conservation.	8-9
leave no stone unturned	không bỏ sót cách nào	Inspired by her dedication, I left no stone unturned in pursuing my goals.	7.5-8.5
push the envelope	vượt qua giới hạn	His innovative approach inspired me to push the envelope in my own work.	8-9
pay it forward	truyền cảm hứng tích cực cho người khác	After being inspired myself, I wanted to pay it forward by mentoring others.	7.5-8.5
turn over a new leaf	bắt đầu lại, thay đổi tích cực	His transformation inspired me to turn over a new leaf.	7-8
break new ground	đột phá, tạo tiền lệ mới	Watching her break new ground in her field was incredibly inspiring.	8-9
rise to the occasion	vươn lên đáp ứng thử thách	Her ability to rise to the occasion motivated me to face my own challenges.	7.5-8.5
the sky’s the limit	không có giới hạn	His success showed me that the sky’s the limit when you’re determined.	7-8
go the extra mile	nỗ lực thêm, vượt kỳ vọng	Seeing how she always went the extra mile inspired my work ethic.	7.5-8.5

Discourse Markers (Từ Nối Ý Trong Speaking)

Để bắt đầu câu trả lời:

• 📝 Well,… – Sử dụng khi cần một chút thời gian để suy nghĩ

  • “Well, I think inspiration comes in many forms…”

• 📝 Actually,… – Khi muốn đưa ra góc nhìn hơi khác hoặc surprising

  • “Actually, I find that negative experiences can be quite inspiring too…”

• 📝 To be honest,… – Khi muốn nói thật về quan điểm cá nhân

  • “To be honest, I’m more inspired by ordinary people than celebrities…”

• 📝 I’d say that… – Cách mềm mại để đưa ra opinion

  • “I’d say that inspiration is deeply personal and subjective…”

• 📝 From my perspective,… – Thể hiện đây là góc nhìn cá nhân

  • “From my perspective, authentic stories are more inspiring than polished success narratives…”

Để bổ sung ý:

• 📝 On top of that,… – Thêm vào đó, hơn nữa

  • “On top of that, his humility made him even more inspiring…”

• 📝 What’s more,… – Hơn nữa, ngoài ra

  • “What’s more, her journey showed that age is no barrier to achievement…”

• 📝 Not to mention… – Chưa kể đến

  • “Not to mention the fact that she achieved all this while raising three children…”

• 📝 Additionally, / Moreover, – Thêm vào đó (formal hơn)

  • “Moreover, this experience fundamentally changed my approach to challenges…”

Để đưa ra quan điểm cân bằng:

• 📝 On the one hand,… On the other hand,… – Một mặt… mặt khác

  • “On the one hand, social media provides easy access to inspiration. On the other hand, it can lead to unhealthy comparisons…”

• 📝 While it’s true that…, we also need to consider… – Mặc dù đúng là… nhưng cũng cần xem xét

  • “While it’s true that external inspiration is important, we also need to consider the role of self-motivation…”

• 📝 That said,… – Dù vậy, tuy nhiên (để soften một statement)

  • “That said, not all sources of inspiration are created equal…”

• 📝 Having said that,… – Sau khi nói điều đó (để add nuance)

  • “Having said that, I believe individual effort matters more than inspiration alone…”

Để đưa ra ví dụ:

• 📝 For instance,… / For example,… – Ví dụ

  • “For instance, my mother’s dedication to education inspired me to pursue my dreams…”

• 📝 Take… for example – Lấy… làm ví dụ

  • “Take Steve Jobs for example – his story about connecting the dots inspired millions…”

• 📝 To illustrate this point,… – Để minh họa điểm này

  • “To illustrate this point, I remember watching a documentary about…”

Để kết luận:

• 📝 All in all,… – Tóm lại, xét cho cùng

  • “All in all, inspiration is a powerful catalyst for personal growth…”

• 📝 At the end of the day,… – Cuối cùng thì, xét cho cùng

  • “At the end of the day, what matters most is how we act on our inspiration…”

• 📝 In essence,… – Về bản chất, nói ngắn gọn

  • “In essence, inspiration without action is merely entertainment…”

• 📝 Ultimately,… – Sau cùng, rốt cuộc

  • “Ultimately, sustainable inspiration comes from within…”

Grammatical Structures Ấn Tượng

1. Conditional Sentences (Câu điều kiện):

• Mixed conditional: Kết hợp quá khứ và hiện tại

  • Formula: If + past perfect, would + base verb
  • Ví dụ: “If I hadn’t attended that talk, I wouldn’t be pursuing this career path today.”
  • Khi dùng: Nói về hành động quá khứ ảnh hưởng đến hiện tại

• Inversion: Đảo ngữ để nhấn mạnh

  • Formula: Had + S + past participle, S + would have…
  • Ví dụ: “Had she not shared her story, I would have given up on my dreams.”
  • Khi dùng: Formal writing/speaking, tạo impact mạnh

2. Relative Clauses (Mệnh đề quan hệ):

• Non-defining relative clauses: Thêm thông tin không thiết yếu

  • Formula: …, which/who/whose…,
  • Ví dụ: “The speaker, who had overcome tremendous adversity, inspired everyone in the audience.”
  • Khi dùng: Add extra information, tạo câu phức tạp hơn

• What-clauses: Nhấn mạnh điểm quan trọng

  • Formula: What + S + V + is/was…
  • Ví dụ: “What really inspired me was her unwavering determination.”
  • Khi dùng: Highlight điểm chính của câu

3. Passive Voice (Câu bị động):

• It is thought/believed/said that… – Impersonal passive

  • Ví dụ: “It is widely believed that inspiration plays a crucial role in achievement.”
  • Khi dùng: Nói về general opinion, tránh “people say”

• Được sử dụng để shift focus:

  • Ví dụ: “I was deeply moved by her courage” (focus on effect, not on who caused it)
  • Khi dùng: Khi muốn emphasize người/vật bị tác động

4. Cleft Sentences (Câu chẻ):

• What I find most… is… – Nhấn mạnh feelings/opinions

  • Ví dụ: “What I find most admirable about her is her authenticity.”
  • Khi dùng: Express strong opinion về một aspect cụ thể

• The thing that… is… – Highlight một điểm

  • Ví dụ: “The thing that inspired me most was how she never gave up.”
  • Khi dùng: Focus attention vào một element quan trọng

• It was… that… – Emphasize specific element

  • Ví dụ: “It was her humility that made her truly inspiring.”
  • Khi dùng: Khi muốn isolate và highlight một factor

5. Participle Phrases (Cụm phân từ):

• Present participle (-ing): Diễn tả action simultaneous

  • Ví dụ: “Watching her overcome challenges, I learned the meaning of resilience.”
  • Khi dùng: Connect two actions happening cùng lúc

• Past participle (-ed): Diễn tả passive meaning

  • Ví dụ: “Inspired by her words, I decided to pursue my dreams.”
  • Khi dùng: Show result/reason, tạo câu concise hơn

6. Nominalization (Danh từ hóa):

• Turning verbs into nouns: Tạo formal tone
  • Ví dụ:
    • “She achieved success” → “Her achievement was remarkable”
    • “He persevered” → “His perseverance inspired me”
  • Khi dùng: Academic/formal contexts, Part 3 của Speaking

Đối với những ai muốn tìm hiểu thêm về cách diễn đạt trải nghiệm học hỏi từ những nguồn khác nhau, bạn có thể xem thêm describe a famous documentary you recently watched để có thêm ý tưởng về cách mô tả những nguồn cảm hứng từ media.

Lời Khuyên Từ Góc Nhìn Examiner

Những Điều Examiners Thực Sự Muốn Nghe

Với hơn 20 năm kinh nghiệm chấm thi IELTS Speaking, tôi muốn chia sẻ những insights quan trọng về những gì examiners thực sự đánh giá cao – và những gì họ không thích.

✅ Examiners YÊU THÍCH:

1. Natural conversation flow: Nói tự nhiên như đang trò chuyện, không như đang recite thuộc lòng. Có một số hesitation nhẹ (um, well) là bình thường và thậm chí làm cho bài nói authentic hơn.

2. Personal examples with details: Đưa ra ví dụ cá nhân cụ thể với details như names, places, specific times. Điều này prove bạn đang nói về real experience, không phải memorized story.

3. Self-correction: Khi bạn tự sửa lỗi (e.g., “He was very inspire… inspired by…”), đây là dấu hiệu của natural speech và monitoring skills tốt.

4. Range without showing off: Sử dụng vocabulary và grammar phức tạp một cách tự nhiên, không forced. Một idiom đúng chỗ tốt hơn 10 idioms nhét vào không liên quan.

5. Critical thinking: Ở Part 3, acknowledge complexity của issues. Phrases như “It depends on…”, “That’s a complex question…”, “There are multiple factors…” show sophisticated thinking.

6. Engagement: Eye contact, expressive gestures, genuine interest trong conversation. Remember, đây là một conversation, không phải interrogation.

❌ Examiners KHÔNG THÍCH:

1. Template answers: Bất kỳ câu trả lời nào nghe như được học thuộc từ template đều rất obvious. Phrases như “This is a very interesting question…” hay “There are two main reasons…” khi dùng repeatedly đều là red flags.

2. Over-rehearsed responses: Khi bạn nói quá smooth, không có bất kỳ natural pause hoặc thinking time nào, đặc biệt với Part 2, examiners sẽ nghi ngờ bạn đã học thuộc.

3. Irrelevant vocabulary showing off: Sử dụng từ vựng quá academic không phù hợp context (e.g., “utilize” thay vì “use” trong casual context) hoặc từ sai nghĩa để “impress.”

4. Memorized stories for Part 2: Nếu story của bạn không match cue card chính xác, hoặc nghe giống hệt story bạn kể cho examiner khác, điều này rất clear.

5. Avoidance strategies: Trying to change topic, giving too short answers để avoid showing weaknesses, hoặc asking “Can I talk about something else?” đều impact negatively.

Chiến Lược Theo Band Mục Tiêu

🎯 Nếu bạn muốn đạt Band 6-7:

Focus chính:

• Fluency: Nói liên tục không quá nhiều pauses dài
• Basic grammar accuracy: Sử dụng đúng basic tenses, không nhiều errors
• Vocabulary range: Adequate vocabulary cho daily topics
• Clear pronunciation: Người nghe hiểu được dễ dàng

Strategies:

1. Practice speaking regularly: 15-20 phút/ngày, tự record và nghe lại
2. Build topic vocabulary: Học 10-15 từ mới/topic, practice using trong sentences
3. Master basic structures: Present simple, past simple, present perfect, conditionals
4. Work on pronunciation: Focus vào word stress và sentence stress cơ bản
5. Extend answers: Practice adding reasons + examples sau direct answer

Common mistakes để tránh:

• Trả lời quá ngắn (1 câu)
• Sử dụng từ vựng sai nghĩa
• Lỗi ngữ pháp cơ bản (he/she confusion, plural forms)
• Pronunciation khiến meaning unclear

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🎯 Nếu bạn muốn đạt Band 7.5-8:

Focus chính:

• Sustained fluency: Nói dài với minimal hesitation
• Grammatical variety: Mix của simple, compound, và complex sentences
• Less common vocabulary: Collocations và less common words
• Ideas development: Elaborate ideas với depth

Strategies:

1. Advanced vocabulary: Học collocations, not just individual words (e.g., “profound impact” not just “big effect”)
2. Complex grammar naturally: Practice using relative clauses, conditionals, participles trong natural contexts
3. Develop critical thinking: Practice analyzing issues từ multiple angles
4. Improve coherence: Use discourse markers smoothly (However, Moreover, In fact)
5. Record and analyze: Record weekly, identify patterns trong errors

Common mistakes để tránh:

• Over-using one type of grammar structure
• Vocabulary không collocate naturally
• Ideas không fully developed
• Speaking too fast và sacrificing accuracy

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🎯 Nếu bạn muốn đạt Band 8.5-9:

Focus chính:

• Effortless fluency: Như native speaker, natural pauses for thought
• Sophisticated language: Idiomatic, precise, flexible paraphrasing
• Fully developed ideas: Deep analysis với nuance
• Native-like pronunciation: Natural intonation, rhythm, stress

Strategies:

1. Immersion: Expose yourself to authentic English daily (podcasts, debates, documentaries)
2. Advanced structures: Master inversion, cleft sentences, nominalization
3. Idiomatic expressions: Learn and use naturally, không forced
4. Cultural awareness: Understand cultural references và contexts
5. Think in English: Practice formulating ideas directly trong English, không translate
6. Debate and discuss: Join English discussion groups, debate clubs

Common mistakes để tránh:

• Over-complicating language unnecessarily
• Using advanced words incorrectly
• Sounding scripted even với advanced language
• Losing naturalness in pursuit of complexity

Lộ Trình Chuẩn Bị Theo Thời Gian

📅 1 tháng trước thi:

Week 1-2: Assessment và Foundation

• Record yourself answering sample questions từ cả 3 Parts
• Identify weaknesses (vocabulary, grammar, fluency, pronunciation)
• Build topic vocabulary lists (10-15 words/topic)
• Practice basic structures daily

Week 3-4: Intensive Practice

• Daily speaking practice: 30 phút Part 1&2, 30 phút Part 3
• Work with study partner hoặc teacher for feedback
• Focus on extending answers với reasons + examples
• Record progress weekly để track improvement

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📅 2-3 tháng trước thi:

Month 1: Building Foundation

• Week 1-2: Master all common Part 1 topics
• Week 3-4: Practice 20+ Part 2 cue cards

Month 2: Developing Skills

• Week 1-2: Advanced vocabulary và collocations
• Week 3-4: Complex grammar structures trong natural contexts

Month 3: Integration và Refinement

• Week 1-2: Part 3 critical thinking practice
• Week 3-4: Full mock tests với feedback

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📅 6+ tháng trước thi:

Months 1-2: Foundation Building

• Immerse trong English (series, podcasts, YouTube)
• Build basic vocabulary across common topics
• Practice basic grammar trong speaking context
• Join English conversation groups

Months 3-4: Skill Development

• Systematic practice của Part 1, 2, 3
• Focus on fluency và extending answers
• Learn collocations và less common vocabulary
• Work on pronunciation systematically

Months 5-6: Advanced Preparation

• Master complex grammar structures
• Develop critical thinking cho Part 3
• Full mock tests weekly
• Refine pronunciation và intonation

Tài Nguyên Học Tập Hiệu Quả

📚 Tài liệu chính thống:

• Cambridge IELTS Series (Books 14-18) – authentic test materials
• IELTS-Simon.com – excellent free resources với realistic samples
• IELTSLiz.com – comprehensive guidance and practice

🎧 Podcasts để improve fluency:

• BBC 6 Minute English – short, manageable episodes về current topics
• TED Talks – exposure to sophisticated ideas và vocabulary
• The English We Speak – idioms và expressions

📱 Apps hữu ích:

• ELSA Speak – pronunciation practice với AI feedback
• Anki – spaced repetition cho vocabulary
• IELTS Speaking Assistant – topic practice

👥 Practice partners:

• iTalki – find speaking partners hoặc tutors
• HelloTalk – language exchange app
• Local IELTS study groups

Xử Lý Các Tình Huống Khó

❓ Khi không hiểu câu hỏi:

ĐỪNG:

• Guess hoàn toàn và answer câu hỏi khác
• Nói “I don’t understand” và dừng lại
• Panic và silent

NÊN:

• “I’m sorry, could you rephrase that question?”
• “Do you mean…?” (paraphrase để confirm understanding)
• “Could you repeat the question, please?”

Lưu ý: Asking for clarification 1-2 lần trong entire test là acceptable và KHÔNG affect score.

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❓ Khi thiếu vocabulary:

ĐỪNG:

• Stop nói và think quá lâu
• Nói “I don’t know the word in English”
• Switch sang Vietnamese

NÊN:

• Paraphrase: “I’m not sure of the exact word, but what I mean is…”
• Use examples: “It’s something like… for example…”
• Describe: “It’s a kind of… that…”

Example:

• Quên “perseverance” → “the quality of continuing to try even when things are difficult”
• Quên “entrepreneur” → “someone who starts and runs their own business”

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❓ Khi nervous và mind goes blank:

Immediate techniques:

• Breathing: Deep breath through nose
• Buying time: “That’s an interesting question. Well, let me think…”
• Start general: “Generally speaking, I think…” rồi gradually get specific

Before test prevention:

• Practice visualization: imagine yourself speaking confidently
• Physical exercise before test để release tension
• Arrive early để settle nerves

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❓ Khi make a mistake:

Grammar/Vocabulary mistake:

• Self-correct naturally: “He was very inspire… inspired by that book.”
• Don’t apologize: Saying “sorry” repeatedly breaks fluency
• Move on: One mistake won’t destroy your score

Factual mistake:

• It doesn’t matter: Examiner không fact-check stories
• Stay consistent: Nếu bạn nói event happened in 2020, đừng sau đó nói 2019

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❓ Khi examiner interrupts:

Why they interrupt:

• Time management (moving to next part)
• You’re going off-topic
• Part 2 time limit (2-3 phút) reached

What to do:

• Don’t panic: Đây là normal procedure
• Don’t apologize: “I’m sorry” là unnecessary
• Stop gracefully: Finish current sentence naturally
• Listen to next instruction

Remember: Being interrupted trong Part 2 after 2 phút thường means bạn nói đủ thời gian – đây là POSITIVE sign!

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Với tất cả những kiến thức, strategies, và samples trong bài viết này, bạn đã có một foundation vững chắc để tackle chủ đề “Describe a time when you were very inspired” và các variations của nó trong IELTS Speaking test.

Key takeaways:

• Authenticity matters: Genuine stories với personal details luôn tốt hơn perfect but memorized answers
• Balance is key: Advanced language phải natural, không forced
• Practice deliberately: Focus vào weaknesses cụ thể, không chỉ practice random
• Think critically: Đặc biệt ở Part 3, show ability to analyze complex issues
• Stay calm: One mistake won’t ruin your score; overall performance mới là điều quan trọng

Chúc bạn đạt được band điểm mong muốn trong kỳ thi IELTS Speaking! Remember, improvement trong Speaking là một journey, không phải overnight transformation. Kiên nhẫn, practice consistently, và tin tưởng vào process.