IELTS Speaking: Cách Trả Lời “Describe An Unusual Job” – Bài Mẫu Band 6-9

Trong những năm gần đây, chủ đề về nghề nghiệp đặc biệt hay “unusual jobs” đã trở thành một trong những đề tài phổ biến trong bài thi IELTS Speaking. Với tư cách là một IELTS Examiner với hơn 20 năm kinh nghiệm, tôi nhận thấy đây là chủ đề xuất hiện khá thường xuyên – khoảng 15-20% trong các kỳ thi từ 2022 đến 2024. Dự đoán khả năng xuất hiện của chủ đề này trong tương lai vẫn ở mức Cao.

Chủ đề “Describe An Unusual Job That You Would Like To Try” đặc biệt thú vị vì nó cho phép bạn thể hiện khả năng tư duy sáng tạo, vốn từ vựng đa dạng và khả năng diễn đạt ý tưởng độc đáo. Nhiều thí sinh Việt Nam thường gặp khó khăn với chủ đề này vì họ có xu hướng chọn những công việc quá phổ biến hoặc không thực sự hiểu rõ về công việc mình đang mô tả.

Trong bài viết này, bạn sẽ học được:

• 12 câu hỏi thường gặp nhất trong cả 3 Part liên quan đến chủ đề nghề nghiệp độc đáo
• Bài mẫu chi tiết theo 3 mức band điểm khác nhau (6-7, 7.5-8, 8.5-9) với phân tích cụ thể
• Hơn 50 từ vựng và cụm từ ăn điểm được phân loại theo chủ đề
• Chiến lược trả lời hiệu quả từ góc nhìn Examiner
• Những lỗi phổ biến nhất của học viên Việt Nam và cách khắc phục
• Discourse markers và cấu trúc ngữ pháp giúp nâng band điểm

IELTS Speaking Part 1: Introduction and Interview

Tổng Quan Về Part 1

Part 1 của IELTS Speaking kéo dài 4-5 phút với khoảng 10-12 câu hỏi về các chủ đề quen thuộc trong cuộc sống hàng ngày. Đặc điểm chính của Part 1 là câu hỏi ngắn gọn, yêu cầu câu trả lời tự nhiên và không quá dài.

Chiến lược quan trọng: Mỗi câu trả lời nên có 2-3 câu, bao gồm câu trả lời trực tiếp và 1-2 câu mở rộng với lý do hoặc ví dụ cụ thể.

Lỗi thường gặp của học viên Việt Nam:

• Trả lời quá ngắn chỉ với “Yes” hoặc “No”
• Sử dụng từ vựng quá đơn giản như “good”, “bad”, “like”, “dislike”
• Thiếu ví dụ cụ thể từ kinh nghiệm cá nhân
• Nói quá nhanh hoặc quá chậm do lo lắng
• Không duy trì giao tiếp bằng mắt tự nhiên với examiner

Các Câu Hỏi Thường Gặp

Dưới đây là 10 câu hỏi thực tế thường xuất hiện trong Part 1 liên quan đến chủ đề nghề nghiệp:

Question 1: What job do you do? / Are you a student or do you work?

Question 2: What kind of jobs are popular in your country?

Question 3: Would you like to change your job in the future?

Question 4: What was your dream job when you were a child?

Question 5: Do you think it’s important to have an interesting job?

Question 6: What jobs do young people in Vietnam prefer nowadays?

Question 7: Have you ever considered doing an unusual job?

Question 8: What do you think makes a job interesting?

Question 9: Do you prefer working indoors or outdoors?

Question 10: Would you like to have your own business in the future?

Phân Tích và Gợi Ý Trả Lời Chi Tiết

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Question: Have you ever considered doing an unusual job?

🎯 Cách tiếp cận:

• Trả lời trực tiếp Yes/No
• Giải thích công việc gì và tại sao
• Thêm cảm xúc hoặc suy nghĩ cá nhân về khả năng thực hiện

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

Yes, I have thought about being a travel blogger. I think it would be interesting to visit different places and write about them. I like traveling and taking photos, so this job seems good for me.

Phân tích:

• Điểm mạnh: Trả lời trực tiếp câu hỏi, có đưa ra lý do cá nhân
• Hạn chế: Từ vựng đơn giản (interesting, good, like), thiếu chi tiết cụ thể
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Câu trả lời rõ ràng nhưng thiếu độ phức tạp trong từ vựng và ngữ pháp. Chưa thể hiện được khả năng sử dụng các collocations hoặc expressions nâng cao.

📝 Sample Answer – Band 8-9:

Actually, yes. I’ve always been fascinated by the idea of becoming a professional food taster. It’s not your typical nine-to-five job, but I imagine it would be incredibly rewarding to travel around, sample exotic cuisines, and provide feedback that could influence culinary trends. Although it seems like a dream career, I’m aware it requires a sophisticated palate and extensive knowledge of gastronomy.

Phân tích:

• Điểm mạnh: Sử dụng discourse marker “Actually” tự nhiên, từ vựng topic-specific (professional food taster, exotic cuisines, culinary trends), cấu trúc phức tạp với mệnh đề quan hệ, thể hiện critical thinking bằng cách nhận biết challenges
• Tại sao Band 8-9: Câu trả lời thể hiện đầy đủ 4 tiêu chí – Fluency (trôi chảy, tự nhiên), Vocabulary (sophisticated, precise), Grammar (complex structures), Pronunciation (natural phrasing với “I’ve always been fascinated by”)

💡 Key Vocabulary & Expressions:

• be fascinated by: bị cuốn hút bởi, say mê với
• professional food taster: người nếm thức ăn chuyên nghiệp
• rewarding: đáng giá, mang lại sự thỏa mãn
• sample exotic cuisines: nếm thử các món ăn kỳ lạ
• influence culinary trends: tác động đến xu hướng ẩm thực
• sophisticated palate: vị giác tinh tế

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Question: What do you think makes a job interesting?

🎯 Cách tiếp cận:

• Đưa ra 2-3 yếu tố chính
• Giải thích ngắn gọn cho mỗi yếu tố
• Có thể thêm ví dụ cá nhân nếu tự nhiên

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

I think a job is interesting when it is not boring and you can learn new things. Also, if you work with nice people, it makes the job better. Money is important too, but I think enjoying your work is more important.

Phân tích:

• Điểm mạnh: Đưa ra được nhiều yếu tố (learning, colleagues, enjoyment vs money)
• Hạn chế: Từ vựng rất basic (boring, nice, better), cấu trúc câu đơn giản, thiếu linking devices rõ ràng
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Ý tưởng có nhưng cách diễn đạt chưa sophisticated, thiếu collocations và advanced vocabulary

📝 Sample Answer – Band 8-9:

Well, I’d say several factors contribute to making a job engaging. First and foremost, it needs to offer intellectual stimulation – you know, challenges that push you out of your comfort zone. Equally important is the sense of purpose; feeling that your work makes a tangible difference can be incredibly motivating. And let’s not forget the work-life balance aspect – even the most exciting job can become draining if it takes a toll on your personal life.

Phân tích:

• Điểm mạnh: Cấu trúc logic với discourse markers (First and foremost, Equally important, And let’s not forget), từ vựng academic và precise (intellectual stimulation, tangible difference, work-life balance), sử dụng you know để tạo tính tự nhiên, biết acknowledge nhiều góc độ của vấn đề
• Tại sao Band 8-9: Thể hiện khả năng organize ideas một cách rõ ràng, sử dụng range of vocabulary rộng và chính xác, grammar structures đa dạng (relative clauses, gerunds, conditionals), và pronunciation features như sentence stress và chunking tự nhiên

💡 Key Vocabulary & Expressions:

• contribute to: góp phần vào
• intellectual stimulation: sự kích thích trí tuệ
• push you out of your comfort zone: đẩy bạn ra khỏi vùng an toàn
• make a tangible difference: tạo ra sự khác biệt rõ rệt
• work-life balance: sự cân bằng giữa công việc và cuộc sống
• take a toll on: ảnh hưởng tiêu cực đến

Học viên đang luyện tập trả lời câu hỏi IELTS Speaking Part 1 về nghề nghiệp đặc biệt với giáo viên

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Question: What was your dream job when you were a child?

🎯 Cách tiếp cận:

• Trả lời về công việc cụ thể
• Giải thích tại sao lúc nhỏ lại thích công việc đó
• Có thể thêm câu về sự thay đổi suy nghĩ hiện tại

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

When I was a child, I wanted to be a teacher because I liked my teachers at school. I thought teaching was easy and teachers had long holidays. Now I understand that teaching is actually very difficult.

Phân tích:

• Điểm mạnh: Có contrast giữa past và present, honest về suy nghĩ thời nhỏ
• Hạn chế: Từ vựng limited, thiếu detail về cảm xúc hoặc specific memories
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Structure OK nhưng lacks sophistication, thiếu personal touch và descriptive language

📝 Sample Answer – Band 8-9:

Oh, that’s a nostalgic question! As a child, I was absolutely obsessed with becoming an astronaut. I remember being utterly mesmerized by documentaries about space exploration and would spend hours gazing at the stars through my telescope. Looking back, I think what truly captivated me was the sense of adventure and the idea of venturing into the unknown. Of course, as I grew older and more pragmatic, I realized that pursuing such a career path would require exceptional qualifications and, honestly, I wasn’t quite cut out for the rigorous training involved.

Phân tích:

• Điểm mạnh: Opening expression tự nhiên (Oh, that’s a nostalgic question!), vivid vocabulary (obsessed with, mesmerized by, gazing at), specific details (telescope), reflective thinking (Looking back, as I grew older), honest self-assessment (wasn’t quite cut out for), natural idiom (cut out for)
• Tại sao Band 8-9: Demonstrates excellent Fluency với natural flow, Lexical Resource với precise và evocative vocabulary, Grammatical Range với mixed tenses và complex structures, và shows personality với nostalgic, honest tone

💡 Key Vocabulary & Expressions:

• be obsessed with: bị ám ảnh bởi, cuồng nhiệt với
• be mesmerized by: bị mê hoặc bởi
• gaze at the stars: nhìn chằm chằm vào các vì sao
• truly captivate: thực sự làm say mê
• venture into the unknown: mạo hiểm vào vùng chưa biết
• pursue a career path: theo đuổi con đường sự nghiệp
• rigorous training: quá trình đào tạo khắt khe
• not cut out for: không có tố chất phù hợp với

IELTS Speaking Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)

Tổng Quan Về Part 2

Part 2 là phần thử thách nhất trong IELTS Speaking vì bạn phải nói liên tục trong 2-3 phút về một chủ đề cụ thể. Bạn có 1 phút chuẩn bị và được cung cấp giấy và bút để ghi chú.

Chiến lược quan trọng:

• Sử dụng hết 1 phút chuẩn bị: Ghi keywords, không viết câu hoàn chỉnh. Đánh số các bullet points để không bỏ sót
• Nói đủ thời gian: Tối thiểu 1.5 phút, lý tưởng là 2-2.5 phút. Examiner sẽ ngắt lời bạn nếu hết giờ
• Cover tất cả bullet points: Mỗi bullet point nên được đề cập rõ ràng
• Sử dụng thì phù hợp: Thường là thì tương lai (would like to try) hoặc conditional (would be, would do)
• Thêm chi tiết: Specific examples, personal feelings, descriptions làm bài nói sinh động hơn

Lỗi thường gặp:

• Không sử dụng hết thời gian chuẩn bị hoặc viết quá nhiều câu hoàn chỉnh
• Nói dưới 1.5 phút hoặc lặp lại ý
• Bỏ sót một hoặc nhiều bullet points
• Không organize ideas theo structure logic
• Speak too fast vì nervous, dẫn đến thiếu clarity
• Không maintain eye contact trong khi nói

Cue Card

Describe an unusual job that you would like to try

You should say:

• What the job is
• How you know about this job
• What skills or qualities are needed for this job
• And explain why you would like to try this unusual job

Phân Tích Đề Bài

• Dạng câu hỏi: Describe a job (focus on unusual/uncommon)
• Thì động từ: Chủ yếu là conditional (would like, would be, would need) vì đây là công việc bạn muốn thử, chưa làm
• Bullet points phải cover:
  • What: Tên công việc và mô tả ngắn gọn
  • How you know: Source of information (có thể là internet, TV, friends, books)
  • Skills/qualities: Technical skills + personal qualities (cần cụ thể)
  • Explain why: Đây là phần quan trọng nhất, cần nhiều câu nhất
• Câu “explain” quan trọng: Phần explain why thường chiếm 40-50% thời lượng và là nơi bạn thể hiện depth of thinking. Đừng chỉ nói “because it’s interesting” mà hãy elaborate với specific reasons và potential benefits

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7

Thời lượng: Khoảng 1.5-2 phút

Well, the unusual job I would like to try is a wildlife photographer. This is a job where people take photos of animals in nature, like lions, elephants, or birds in the wild.

I first learned about this job when I was watching a documentary on National Geographic channel. The photographer was traveling to Africa to take pictures of big animals, and I thought it was very exciting. I also follow some wildlife photographers on Instagram, and their photos are really beautiful.

To do this job, you need several important skills. First, you need to know how to use a camera and understand about lighting and composition. You also need to be patient because sometimes you have to wait for hours to get one good photo. Physical fitness is important too because you need to walk long distances and carry heavy equipment. I think you also need to be brave because you might be close to dangerous animals.

I would like to try this job for several reasons. Firstly, I love animals and nature, so working in natural environments would be great for me. Secondly, I enjoy photography as a hobby, so combining my interest with work would be wonderful. Also, this job allows you to travel to many different countries and see amazing places. Although it might be difficult and sometimes dangerous, I think it would be a very rewarding experience. The idea of capturing beautiful moments in nature and maybe helping to protect wildlife through my photos is very appealing to me.

Phân Tích Band Điểm

Tiêu chí	Band	Nhận xét
Fluency & Coherence	6-7	Nói được liên tục, có sử dụng một số linking words (First, Firstly, Secondly, Also) nhưng còn đơn giản. Có attempts to organize ideas nhưng chưa sophisticated
Lexical Resource	6-7	Vocabulary adequate cho topic (documentary, composition, physical fitness, rewarding experience) nhưng còn repetitive (beautiful xuất hiện 2 lần, important 2 lần). Thiếu collocations nâng cao
Grammatical Range & Accuracy	6-7	Có mix of simple và complex sentences. Sử dụng conditional (would like, would be) đúng nhưng thiếu variety of structures. Một số relative clauses đơn giản
Pronunciation	6-7	Clear và understandable, có attempts at sentence stress nhưng intonation còn flat ở một số chỗ

Điểm mạnh:

• ✅ Cover đầy đủ tất cả bullet points
• ✅ Nói đủ thời lượng yêu cầu
• ✅ Có structure logic theo thứ tự đề bài
• ✅ Đưa ra được multiple reasons trong phần explain

Hạn chế:

• ⚠️ Từ vựng chưa varied và sophisticated (overuse của very, really)
• ⚠️ Linking devices còn basic
• ⚠️ Thiếu specific examples hoặc personal anecdotes
• ⚠️ Grammar structures chưa demonstrate wide range

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📝 Sample Answer – Band 7.5-8

Thời lượng: Khoảng 2-2.5 phút

I’d like to talk about a rather unconventional career that has always piqued my curiosity – being a professional ice cream flavor developer. Yes, you heard that right! This is someone who creates new and innovative ice cream flavors for companies.

I first stumbled upon this fascinating profession while reading an article in a food magazine about two years ago. The article featured an interview with a renowned flavor developer who works for a major international ice cream brand. Since then, I’ve been following several culinary innovators on social media who share their creative process and taste-testing experiences, which has only intensified my interest.

Now, regarding the qualifications needed, it’s actually quite demanding. You’d need a solid background in food science or culinary arts to understand how different ingredients interact. A refined palate is absolutely essential – you need to be able to detect subtle flavor notes and understand how they complement or clash with each other. Creativity and adventurousness are also crucial because you’re constantly experimenting with unusual combinations. Additionally, you need strong analytical skills to ensure the flavors are not only delicious but also commercially viable.

What draws me to this job is multifaceted. For starters, I’ve always been passionate about gastronomy and the science behind taste. The idea of blending traditional flavors with contemporary twists really appeals to my creative side. Moreover, imagine the satisfaction of seeing people enjoy something you’ve created – that immediate positive feedback would be incredibly fulfilling. There’s also the travel aspect; flavor developers often visit different countries to discover unique ingredients and draw inspiration from local cuisines. While I understand it’s not just about eating ice cream all day – there’s serious research and development involved – the prospect of turning my love for food into a viable career is genuinely exciting. It’s one of those rare jobs where art meets science, and that combination is what makes it so appealing to me.

Phân Tích Band Điểm

Tiêu chí	Band	Nhận xét
Fluency & Coherence	7.5-8	Smooth delivery với minimal hesitation. Excellent use of discourse markers (Now regarding, For starters, Moreover). Cohesive devices varied và appropriate (Since then, Additionally, While)
Lexical Resource	7.5-8	Wide range of vocabulary (unconventional career, piqued my curiosity, stumbled upon, culinary innovators, refined palate). Good collocations (complement or clash with, commercially viable, draw inspiration from). Some less common phrases (multifaceted, contemporary twists)
Grammatical Range & Accuracy	7.5-8	Variety of complex structures (relative clauses, conditionals, gerunds). Good control của tenses. Some sophisticated structures (It’s one of those rare jobs where…, that immediate positive feedback would be…)
Pronunciation	7.5-8	Clear pronunciation với good intonation patterns và sentence stress. Natural chunking và rhythm

So Sánh Với Band 6-7

Khía cạnh	Band 6-7	Band 7.5-8
Vocabulary	“unusual job”, “very exciting”, “really beautiful”	“unconventional career”, “piqued my curiosity”, “fascinating profession”
Grammar	“I first learned about this job when…”	“I first stumbled upon this fascinating profession while reading…”
Ideas	“I love animals and nature”	“The idea of blending traditional flavors with contemporary twists appeals to my creative side”
Explanation depth	Surface level (great for me, wonderful)	Multi-dimensional (multifaceted, art meets science, commercially viable)

Thí sinh tự tin trình bày bài nói Part 2 IELTS về nghề nghiệp độc đáo với giám khảo

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📝 Sample Answer – Band 8.5-9

Thời lượng: 2.5-3 phút đầy đủ

The unusual occupation I’d be absolutely thrilled to venture into is that of a professional ethical hacker, more formally known as a penetration tester or white-hat hacker. Essentially, these are cybersecurity experts who are legally authorized to breach computer systems in order to identify vulnerabilities before malicious hackers can exploit them.

My fascination with this field was sparked during a cybersecurity lecture at university about three years ago. The guest speaker, who was himself a renowned penetration tester, painted a vivid picture of the cat-and-mouse game between security professionals and cybercriminals. What really struck a chord with me was his emphasis on how these professionals are essentially the unsung heroes protecting our digital infrastructure. Since that eye-opening session, I’ve been voraciously consuming content about this field – from podcasts by security researchers to documentaries like “The Great Hack” that shed light on the critical importance of cybersecurity in our increasingly connected world.

Now, as for the prerequisites, this career demands an impressive arsenal of skills and attributes. First and foremost, you need extensive technical expertise in networking, operating systems, and various programming languages like Python and JavaScript. But beyond the technical know-how, what truly sets exceptional ethical hackers apart is their ability to think like criminals – you need a creative, problem-solving mindset that can anticipate unconventional attack vectors. Intellectual curiosity is paramount; the cybersecurity landscape is constantly evolving, so you must be committed to continuous learning and staying abreast of emerging threats. There’s also an ethical dimension – you need unwavering integrity because you’re being trusted with access to sensitive systems. And let’s not forget meticulous attention to detail; a single overlooked vulnerability could have catastrophic consequences.

What draws me to this profession is a complex interplay of factors. On one level, there’s the intellectual challenge – it’s essentially a high-stakes puzzle where you’re constantly pitting your wits against sophisticated adversaries. The field offers the perfect blend of technical mastery and creative thinking, which aligns perfectly with my cognitive strengths. On a deeper level, I’m attracted to the profound sense of purpose this work provides. In an era where data breaches and cyber attacks can cripple organizations and compromise millions of people’s personal information, ethical hackers serve as a critical line of defense. There’s something deeply satisfying about the prospect of being part of that protective shield.

Moreover, the career trajectory is incredibly dynamic. Unlike jobs that become monotonous, cybersecurity presents new challenges daily, ensuring you’re perpetually engaged and learning. The remuneration is competitive too, which I won’t pretend isn’t a consideration. But perhaps most compellingly, there’s a certain James Bond-esque mystique to the profession – you’re operating in a world most people don’t fully understand, using specialized knowledge to thwart invisible threats.

That said, I’m not wearing rose-tinted glasses. I recognize that the learning curve would be formidable, requiring years of dedicated study and practical experience. The work can be stressful, with tight deadlines and high stakes. But weighing the pros and cons, I believe the rewards – both intrinsic and extrinsic – would make it an immensely fulfilling career path. It represents that rare convergence of passion, purpose, and practicality that makes a job not just unusual, but genuinely exceptional.

Phân Tích Band Điểm

Tiêu chí	Band	Nhận xét
Fluency & Coherence	8.5-9	Effortless flow với sophisticated discourse markers (Essentially, First and foremost, On one level, On a deeper level, Moreover, That said). Logical progression của ideas với clear signposting. Minimal hesitation, natural pauses for emphasis
Lexical Resource	8.5-9	Extensive range of sophisticated vocabulary (voraciously consuming, struck a chord with, unsung heroes, shed light on, arsenal of skills, pitting your wits against). Skillful use of idiomatic language (cat-and-mouse game, rose-tinted glasses, formidable learning curve). Precise collocations (unwavering integrity, meticulous attention to detail, perpetually engaged)
Grammatical Range & Accuracy	8.5-9	Wide range of complex structures used accurately (relative clauses, conditional forms, passive constructions, inversion for emphasis). Sophisticated sentence patterns (What truly sets… apart, There’s something deeply satisfying about…, It represents that rare convergence of…)
Pronunciation	8.5-9	Fully clear và natural pronunciation. Varied stress and intonation for emphasis. Natural rhythm và connected speech features

Tại Sao Bài Này Xuất Sắc

🎯 Fluency Hoàn Hảo:
Bài nói demonstrate complete confidence và control. Không có awkward pauses hay self-corrections. Discourse markers được sử dụng naturally để guide listener through different aspects (First and foremost, On one level, On a deeper level, That said). The answer flows như natural conversation của educated speaker.

📚 Vocabulary Tinh Vi:

• “Absolutely thrilled to venture into” – Instead of simple “want to try”
• “Painted a vivid picture” – Sophisticated alternative to “described”
• “Voraciously consuming” – Powerful imagery thay vì “reading a lot”
• “Pitting your wits against” – Idiomatic expression showing advanced English
• “Wearing rose-tinted glasses” – Natural idiom demonstrating cultural fluency
• “Formidable learning curve” – Precise collocation

📝 Grammar Đa Dạng:

• Relative clause: “What truly sets exceptional ethical hackers apart is their ability to…”
• Passive + infinitive: “These are experts who are legally authorized to breach…”
• Conditional reasoning: “A single overlooked vulnerability could have catastrophic consequences”
• Cleft sentence: “It’s essentially a high-stakes puzzle where…”
• Concessive clause: “While I won’t pretend it isn’t a consideration…”

💡 Ideas Sâu Sắc:
Thí sinh không chỉ describe công việc surface-level mà shows deep understanding về:

• Technical requirements (programming languages, networking)
• Psychological attributes (thinking like criminals, intellectual curiosity)
• Ethical dimensions (unwavering integrity)
• Social impact (protecting digital infrastructure, critical line of defense)
• Personal alignment (cognitive strengths, sense of purpose)
• Balanced perspective (acknowledges challenges, weighing pros and cons)

The answer demonstrates critical thinking bằng cách acknowledge both attractions và challenges, showing maturity và realistic perspective rather than naive enthusiasm.

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Follow-up Questions (Rounding Off Questions)

Sau khi bạn hoàn thành Part 2, examiner thường hỏi 1-2 câu ngắn để transition sang Part 3. Đây là “rounding off questions”:

Question 1: Have you ever talked to anyone who does this job?

Band 6-7 Answer:
No, I haven’t met anyone who does this job yet. But I hope I can meet someone in the future to learn more about it.

Band 8-9 Answer:
Unfortunately not, though I’d jump at the chance to pick the brain of a professional in this field. I’ve considered reaching out to practitioners on LinkedIn to request informational interviews, but I haven’t quite mustered the courage yet. It’s definitely on my to-do list though, as I think gaining first-hand insights would be invaluable.

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Question 2: Do you think you would be good at this job?

Band 6-7 Answer:
I think I might be good at it because I like technology and I am good at solving problems. But I would need to study and practice a lot first.

Band 8-9 Answer:
That’s an interesting question. I’d like to think I have some of the foundational qualities – I’m naturally analytical and have always been drawn to problem-solving. However, I’m under no illusions that possessing a few relevant traits equates to being competent in such a specialized field. The technical mastery required would demand years of rigorous training and hands-on experience. So while I believe I could potentially develop the necessary skills with dedication, I’d be presumptuous to claim I’d be good at it without actually having tried.

IELTS Speaking Part 3: Two-way Discussion

Tổng Quan Về Part 3

Part 3 là phần khó nhất trong IELTS Speaking, kéo dài 4-5 phút với 4-6 câu hỏi về các vấn đề trừu tượng và mang tính xã hội liên quan đến chủ đề Part 2. Đây không phải là bài test kiến thức mà là đánh giá khả năng phân tích, bình luận và thảo luận về issues ở level cao hơn.

Yêu cầu:

• Phân tích causes, effects, solutions của các vấn đề xã hội
• So sánh past vs present, hoặc giữa các countries/groups
• Đánh giá advantages và disadvantages
• Đưa ra predictions về future trends
• Express và justify personal opinions với logical reasoning

Chiến lược:

• Mở rộng câu trả lời: Aim for 3-5 câu, khoảng 30-45 giây per question
• Structure rõ ràng: Opinion → Reason 1 + Example → Reason 2 + Example → Conclusion/Balancing view
• Sử dụng discourse markers: Well, Actually, I think, From my perspective
• Acknowledge complexity: It’s a complex issue, There are multiple factors, It depends on various aspects
• Examples từ society: Không chỉ nói personal experience mà reference đến broader social trends, research, hoặc examples từ different countries
• Show balanced thinking: Consider different perspectives (On the one hand… On the other hand…, While… we also need to consider…)

Lỗi thường gặp của học viên Việt Nam:

• Trả lời quá ngắn, chỉ 1-2 câu không có elaboration
• Không đưa ra lý lẽ rõ ràng để support opinion
• Thiếu từ vựng trừu tượng (concepts như equality, sustainability, innovation)
• Không biết acknowledge multiple perspectives
• Speak quá personal, không relate đến society level
• Hesitate quá nhiều vì không có sẵn ideas

Sơ đồ phân tích cách trả lời câu hỏi Part 3 IELTS Speaking về xu hướng nghề nghiệp

Các Câu Hỏi Thảo Luận Sâu

Theme 1: Changing Career Trends

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Question 1: Why do you think some people choose to do unusual jobs rather than traditional careers?

🎯 Phân tích câu hỏi:

• Dạng: Cause/Reason question (Why…)
• Key words: some people, unusual jobs, traditional careers
• Cách tiếp cận: Đưa ra 2-3 reasons với examples. Có thể mention different types of people với different motivations.

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

I think there are several reasons why people choose unusual jobs. First, some people want to do something different and exciting. Traditional jobs like office work can be boring for them. Second, unusual jobs might pay more money or give more freedom. For example, social media influencers can work from anywhere. Also, some people just follow their passion and don’t care if the job is unusual or not.

Phân tích:

• Structure: Có list reasons (First, Second, Also) nhưng còn mechanical
• Vocabulary: Basic words (different, exciting, boring, pay more money)
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Ideas clear nhưng lacks depth of analysis. Không explore motivations ở deeper psychological or societal level.

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📝 Câu trả lời mẫu – Band 8.5-9:

Well, I think there are multiple driving forces behind this trend. First and foremost, we’re seeing a generational shift in values. Many younger people today prioritize personal fulfillment and work-life balance over the traditional markers of success like job security and steady income. They’re more willing to take risks and venture off the beaten path if it means doing something they’re genuinely passionate about.

On top of that, the rise of the gig economy and digital platforms has made unconventional careers far more viable and lucrative than they used to be. Someone can now build a sustainable living as a YouTube content creator or freelance designer in ways that simply weren’t possible a generation ago. The barriers to entry have been dramatically lowered.

There’s also a psychological dimension to consider. Some individuals are inherently entrepreneurial or crave novelty and challenge – they’d find traditional corporate structures stifling. For them, an unusual career isn’t just a choice but an expression of their fundamental personality. That being said, I think we shouldn’t romanticize this trend too much. Not everyone who chooses an unconventional path does so out of passion – some are driven by necessity when traditional employment opportunities are scarce. So it’s a nuanced picture with both positive aspirations and pragmatic considerations at play.

Phân tích:

• Structure: Well-organized với multiple layers – generational change, economic factors, psychological motivations, và balanced conclusion
• Vocabulary: Sophisticated expressions (driving forces, venture off the beaten path, inherently entrepreneurial, stifling, romanticize, nuanced picture)
• Grammar: Complex structures với variety (relative clauses, conditionals, passive voice)
• Critical Thinking: Shows depth bằng cách consider multiple perspectives và acknowledge complexity (That being said, it’s a nuanced picture)

💡 Key Language Features:

• Discourse markers: Well, First and foremost, On top of that, That being said
• Tentative language: I think, tend to, can be, seems to (showing academic caution)
• Abstract nouns: fulfillment, viability, dimension, necessity, aspirations
• Collocations: generational shift, gig economy, barriers to entry, sustainable living

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Question 2: Do you think unusual jobs will become more common in the future?

🎯 Phân tích câu hỏi:

• Dạng: Prediction question (future trends)
• Key words: unusual jobs, more common, future
• Cách tiếp cận: Đưa ra prediction với reasons. Có thể mention technological changes, societal shifts. Should acknowledge uncertainty (might, could, probably).

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

Yes, I think unusual jobs will become more popular in the future. Technology is changing very fast, so new types of jobs will appear. Also, young people today like to try different things and they are not afraid of unusual careers. The internet makes it easier for people to work in unusual jobs like being an influencer or online teacher. So I believe we will see more people doing these kinds of jobs.

Phân tích:

• Structure: Clear prediction với reasons
• Vocabulary: Basic expressions (very fast, like to try, not afraid)
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Answer is coherent nhưng lacks specific examples và sophisticated analysis of trends

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📝 Câu trả lời mẫu – Band 8.5-9:

I’d say it’s highly probable that unconventional careers will become increasingly mainstream, and there are several compelling indicators pointing in that direction.

For one thing, automation and artificial intelligence are rapidly transforming the employment landscape. As machines take over routine tasks, the jobs that remain will likely require uniquely human capabilities – creativity, emotional intelligence, complex problem-solving. Many of these emerging roles won’t fit into traditional career categories. We’re already seeing this with positions like drone operators, virtual reality experience designers, and sustainability consultants – jobs that didn’t exist a decade ago.

Moreover, the COVID-19 pandemic has fundamentally altered perceptions of work. Remote work has become normalized, which has opened up possibilities that were previously logistically unfeasible. Someone can now be a digital nomad working as a freelance consultant while traveling the world, something that would have seemed far-fetched just five years ago.

There’s also a demographic factor at play. As millennials and Gen Z comprise an increasingly large proportion of the workforce, their values around work-life integration and purpose-driven careers are reshaping corporate culture. Companies are having to adapt and accommodate these preferences, which means more flexibility for unconventional career paths.

That said, I don’t think traditional careers will disappear entirely. Society still needs doctors, engineers, and teachers in conventional settings. What I envision is more of a spectrum where the definition of “normal” career becomes considerably broader, and moving between traditional and unconventional work becomes less stigmatized and more accepted as standard career progression.

Phân tích:

• Structure: Complex argument với multiple supporting points và balanced conclusion
• Vocabulary: High-level expressions (compelling indicators, logistically unfeasible, demographic factor, purpose-driven careers, reshaping corporate culture, stigmatized)
• Grammar: Sophisticated structures including passive voice, future forms, relative clauses
• Critical Thinking: Considers technological, social, và demographic factors. Provides nuanced prediction rather than absolute statement.

💡 Key Language Features:

• Hedging language: It’s highly probable, likely, I envision, What I envision is
• Discourse markers: For one thing, Moreover, That said
• Evidence-based reasoning: References concrete examples (COVID-19, automation, generational shifts)

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Theme 2: Skills and Education

Question 3: What skills do you think will be most important for workers in the future?

🎯 Phân tích câu hỏi:

• Dạng: Opinion/Analysis question about future
• Key words: skills, most important, workers, future
• Cách tiếp cận: Identify 2-3 key skill categories. Explain why each is important with reasoning about future workplace changes.

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

I think computer skills will be very important because everything is becoming digital now. Also, communication skills are important because workers need to work with many different people. Problem-solving is another important skill because jobs are getting more complicated. English language is also important for international business. So these are the main skills people will need.

Phân tích:

• Structure: Lists skills với brief reasons
• Vocabulary: General terms (computer skills, communication skills)
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Ideas are relevant nhưng lack specificity và depth of analysis

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📝 Câu trả lời mẫu – Band 8.5-9:

That’s a fascinating question, and I believe the answer transcends simple technical competencies. While digital literacy will obviously remain crucial, I think we need to look at higher-order capabilities.

Foremost among these is adaptability and continuous learning. The pace of change is accelerating exponentially – skills that are cutting-edge today may become obsolete within five years. Workers who can rapidly acquire new knowledge and pivot between different domains will have a distinct competitive advantage. This requires what psychologists call a “growth mindset” – the belief that abilities can be developed rather than being fixed traits.

Equally critical, in my view, are complex problem-solving and critical thinking skills. As routine cognitive tasks become automated, human workers will increasingly be valued for their ability to tackle ambiguous, novel problems that don’t have clear solutions. This involves synthesizing information from diverse sources, identifying patterns, and thinking creatively across disciplines.

I’d also underscore the importance of emotional intelligence and interpersonal skills. Paradoxically, as our work becomes more digital, the human touch becomes more valuable. The ability to empathize, collaborate effectively, negotiate, and navigate complex social dynamics – these are capabilities that AI can’t easily replicate. In fields from management to customer service, EQ may actually trump technical expertise.

Lastly, and this might be less obvious, I think ethical reasoning and judgment will become increasingly vital. As we grapple with complex issues around data privacy, AI ethics, environmental sustainability, workers across sectors will need to make decisions that balance competing values and stakeholder interests. The ability to think through these moral dimensions will distinguish exceptional professionals from merely competent ones.

So in essence, while technical skills provide the foundation, it’s these meta-skills – the ability to learn, think critically, connect with others, and reason ethically – that will truly set people apart in future workplaces.

Phân tích:

• Structure: Sophisticated organization với clear signposting (Foremost among these, Equally critical, I’d also underscore, Lastly, In essence)
• Vocabulary: High-level academic language (transcends, exponentially, ambiguous, underscore, paradoxically, trump, grapple with, meta-skills)
• Grammar: Complex sentences với embedded clauses và advanced structures
• Critical Thinking: Goes beyond obvious answers, provides psychological concepts (growth mindset, EQ), acknowledges paradoxes, và synthesizes multiple dimensions

💡 Key Language Features:

• Academic vocabulary: transcends, exponentially, synthesizing, stakeholder interests
• Discourse organizers: Foremost among these, Equally critical, I’d also underscore, Lastly, In essence
• Hedging: I think, I believe, may actually, will likely

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Theme 3: Work-Life Balance and Values

Question 4: How have people’s attitudes toward work changed in recent decades?

🎯 Phân tích câu hỏi:

• Dạng: Compare past and present
• Key words: attitudes toward work, changed, recent decades
• Cách tiếp cận: Contrast past attitudes với present ones. Explain causes of these changes. Consider different aspects (values, priorities, expectations).

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

In the past, people thought work was the most important thing in life. They worked long hours and didn’t complain. But now, young people care more about work-life balance. They want to have time for family and hobbies. Also, people used to stay in one company for their whole career, but now people change jobs more often. I think this change happened because society is different now and people have more choices.

Phân tích:

• Structure: Clear past vs present comparison
• Vocabulary: Simple expressions (most important thing, care more about, change jobs)
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Identifies key changes nhưng explanations are superficial

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📝 Câu trả lời mẫu – Band 8.5-9:

There’s been a profound transformation in work attitudes over the past few decades, and I think it reflects broader societal evolution.

Traditionally, particularly in the post-war period through the 1980s, work was often seen through a utilitarian lens – primarily as a means to provide for one’s family. There was a strong collectivist ethos where organizational loyalty was paramount, and people felt a sense of duty to stay with one employer for their entire careers. The notion of “climbing the corporate ladder” was the archetypal path to success, and personal fulfillment was often deemed secondary to financial security and social status.

In stark contrast, contemporary attitudes, especially among younger generations, reflect a more holistic view of work’s role in life. There’s been a fundamental reframing where work is increasingly seen as something that should be personally meaningful and aligned with one’s values, not just a paycheck. The concept of work-life integration has replaced the older idea of work-life balance – people want work that fits into their lifestyle rather than sacrificing their lives for work.

What’s driven this shift? Several factors, I’d argue. Firstly, increased affluence in developed societies means that for many people, basic material needs are met, allowing for self-actualization to move up the priority hierarchy – exactly what Maslow’s theory would predict. Secondly, the rise of the knowledge economy has blurred the boundaries between work and personal time, making traditional 9-to-5 structures seem increasingly arbitrary. Technology allows for flexible working arrangements, which has redefined expectations.

There’s also been a cultural awakening about mental health. Previous generations often suffered in silence through work-related stress and burnout. Now there’s more open discourse about these issues, and workplace wellbeing has become a legitimate concern rather than being dismissed as weakness.

Interestingly, I think the pandemic has accelerated and crystallized these trends. The forced experiment with remote work made many people reassess their priorities and realize that the traditional commute-office-commute routine wasn’t indispensable. We’ve seen phenomena like “the Great Resignation” where people are voting with their feet, leaving jobs that don’t offer flexibility or purpose.

That said, it’s worth noting that these attitude shifts are not uniformly distributed. They’re more pronounced among white-collar professionals in developed economies. For many workers – particularly those in precarious employment or developing countries – work attitudes may remain more pragmatic out of necessity rather than choice.

Phân tích:

• Structure: Exceptionally well-organized với historical context, present situation, causes of change, recent developments, và balanced perspective
• Vocabulary: Sophisticated academic language (utilitarian lens, archetypal, self-actualization, blurred the boundaries, crystallized, precarious employment)
• Grammar: Wide range of complex structures including passives, conditionals, relative clauses
• Critical Thinking: References theoretical frameworks (Maslow), acknowledges socioeconomic factors, considers global perspective, và shows awareness of nuance

💡 Key Language Features:

• Comparative language: Traditionally vs In stark contrast, has replaced
• Causal reasoning: What’s driven this shift?, Several factors
• Academic references: Maslow’s theory, the Great Resignation
• Hedging và nuance: I’d argue, I think, worth noting, more pronounced among

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Question 5: Is job satisfaction more important than a high salary?

🎯 Phân tích câu hỏi:

• Dạng: Opinion question với comparison (job satisfaction vs salary)
• Key words: job satisfaction, more important than, high salary
• Cách tiếp cận: Don’t give simple yes/no answer. Acknowledge that it depends on circumstances. Consider different life stages, needs, values.

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

This is difficult to answer because both are important. I think job satisfaction is more important for happiness, but salary is also necessary for living. If you have a low salary, you will have money problems even if you enjoy your job. But if you have a high salary but hate your job, you will be unhappy. So the best situation is to have both good salary and job satisfaction. But if I have to choose, I think job satisfaction is a little more important.

Phân tích:

• Structure: Acknowledges complexity và presents both sides
• Vocabulary: Basic expressions (more important for, necessary for, money problems)
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Shows some balanced thinking nhưng analysis is superficial, lacks specific reasoning or examples

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📝 Câu trả lời mẫu – Band 8.5-9:

Well, I think posing these as binary alternatives is somewhat artificial because in reality, they’re often interconnected, but I understand the spirit of the question.

My view is that it’s highly context-dependent. For someone who’s struggling to make ends meet or has significant financial obligations – perhaps supporting elderly parents or paying off substantial debts – pragmatic considerations understandably take precedence. When you’re in survival mode, Maslow’s hierarchy of needs suggests that physiological and safety needs, which money addresses, must be met before higher-order needs like fulfillment can be prioritized. To tell someone in that position that job satisfaction matters more than salary would be tone-deaf to their reality.

However, once a certain threshold of financial security is reached – and research suggests this threshold is around $75,000 annually in the U.S. context – additional income yields diminishing returns in terms of happiness and wellbeing. Beyond that point, job satisfaction becomes disproportionately important. There’s substantial evidence showing that people who find meaning in their work experience better mental health, greater life satisfaction, and even improved physical health outcomes.

From a more philosophical angle, I’d argue that we spend roughly a third of our adult lives working. That’s an enormous proportion of our finite time on Earth. Spending those hours in soul-crushing misery, even if well-compensated, seems like a Faustian bargain. Money can buy comfort and security, certainly, but it can’t buy back time or shield you from the psychological toll of doing work you find meaningless.

That being said, I think the ideal is achieving an optimal balance rather than maximizing one at the expense of the other. Some degree of financial stability is necessary for job satisfaction to even register as a concern. And conversely, all the passion in the world doesn’t pay the bills. The sweet spot, in my opinion, is finding work that provides adequate compensation to meet your needs and modest wants, while also offering intellectual stimulation, a sense of purpose, and alignment with your values.

Interestingly, I think technology and the gig economy are creating more opportunities to calibrate this balance individually. Rather than choosing between a high-paying corporate job you hate and a fulfilling but low-paying creative pursuit, people can increasingly cobble together portfolio careers that combine elements of both – perhaps consulting part-time for steady income while pursuing passion projects.

So to circle back to the question, in absolute terms, for those with basic needs met, I believe job satisfaction is more crucial for overall wellbeing. But the reality is more nuanced than a simple either-or proposition.

Phân tích:

• Structure: Exceptionally sophisticated với multiple layers – acknowledges context-dependency, considers different scenarios, includes research evidence, philosophical perspective, và practical synthesis
• Vocabulary: High-level academic and idiomatic language (binary alternatives, make ends meet, tone-deaf to their reality, diminishing returns, Faustian bargain, cobble together portfolio careers, circle back to the question)
• Grammar: Complex, varied structures demonstrating full command
• Critical Thinking: References research and theory (Maslow, $75K threshold), considers philosophical dimensions, acknowledges socioeconomic context, và provides nuanced rather than absolutist answer

💡 Key Language Features:

• Hedging và nuance: I think, My view is, I’d argue, in my opinion, seems like
• Academic language: context-dependent, yields diminishing returns, disproportionately important, substantial evidence
• Discourse organizers: However, From a more philosophical angle, That being said, Interestingly, So to circle back
• Idiomatic expressions: make ends meet, tone-deaf, soul-crushing, Faustian bargain, sweet spot

Chiến lược trả lời câu hỏi Part 3 IELTS Speaking đạt band điểm cao với ví dụ cụ thể

Từ vựng và cụm từ quan trọng

Topic-Specific Vocabulary

Từ vựng/Cụm từ	Loại từ	Phiên âm	Nghĩa tiếng Việt	Ví dụ	Collocation
unconventional career	n	/ˌʌnkənˈvenʃənl kəˈrɪə/	nghề nghiệp không theo lối mòn	She pursued an unconventional career as a professional travel blogger.	pursue/choose/follow an unconventional career
penetration tester	n	/ˌpenɪˈtreɪʃən ˈtestə/	chuyên gia kiểm thử bảo mật	Penetration testers are hired to find vulnerabilities in computer systems.	professional/certified/experienced penetration tester
white-hat hacker	n	/waɪt hæt ˈhækə/	tin tặc mũ trắng (hacker hợp pháp)	White-hat hackers help companies improve their cybersecurity.	ethical/professional/skilled white-hat hacker
pique someone’s curiosity	v phrase	/piːk ˈkjʊəriˌɒsɪti/	khơi dậy sự tò mò của ai	The documentary really piqued my curiosity about marine biology.	pique curiosity/interest/attention
stumble upon	phrasal v	/ˈstʌmbl əˈpɒn/	tình cờ phát hiện ra	I stumbled upon this career path while browsing a magazine.	stumble upon/across something
culinary innovator	n	/ˈkʌlɪnəri ˈɪnəveɪtə/	người đổi mới trong lĩnh vực ẩm thực	She’s regarded as a culinary innovator who transformed traditional recipes.	creative/talented/renowned culinary innovator
refined palate	n	/rɪˈfaɪnd ˈpælət/	vị giác tinh tế	A refined palate is essential for anyone working in food development.	develop/have/possess a refined palate
commercially viable	adj	/kəˈmɜːʃəli ˈvaɪəbl/	khả thi về mặt thương mại	The flavor needed to be both innovative and commercially viable.	become/remain/prove commercially viable
venture off the beaten path	idiom	/ˈventʃə ɒf ðə ˈbiːtən pɑːθ/	đi theo con đường ít người đi	She decided to venture off the beaten path and start her own business.	dare to/willing to venture off the beaten path
arsenal of skills	n phrase	/ˈɑːsənl əv skɪlz/	kho vũ khí kỹ năng, bộ kỹ năng phong phú	The job requires an impressive arsenal of skills.	impressive/diverse/extensive arsenal of skills
unwavering integrity	n phrase	/ʌnˈweɪvərɪŋ ɪnˈtegrɪti/	sự chính trực không lay chuyển	Ethical hackers must demonstrate unwavering integrity.	demonstrate/maintain/possess unwavering integrity
pit your wits against	idiom	/pɪt jə wɪts əˈgenst/	so tài, đấu trí với	You’re essentially pitting your wits against sophisticated criminals.	pit wits against someone/something
formidable learning curve	n phrase	/fəˈmɪdəbl ˈlɜːnɪŋ kɜːv/	đường cong học tập dốc, khó khăn khi học	The career has a formidable learning curve that requires dedication.	steep/formidable/challenging learning curve
gig economy	n	/gɪg ɪˈkɒnəmi/	nền kinh tế việc làm tự do	The gig economy has made freelancing more mainstream.	participate in/part of the gig economy
digital nomad	n	/ˈdɪdʒɪtl ˈnəʊmæd/	người du mục kỹ thuật số	Many digital nomads work remotely while traveling the world.	become/work as a digital nomad
purpose-driven career	n phrase	/ˈpɜːpəs ˈdrɪvn kəˈrɪə/	sự nghiệp hướng đến mục đích	Millennials increasingly seek purpose-driven careers.	pursue/build/have a purpose-driven career
work-life integration	n	/wɜːk laɪf ˌɪntɪˈgreɪʃən/	sự hòa nhập công việc-cuộc sống	Work-life integration has replaced the old concept of work-life balance.	achieve/promote/support work-life integration
career trajectory	n	/kəˈrɪə trəˈdʒektəri/	quỹ đạo nghề nghiệp	Her career trajectory has been impressive and unconventional.	upward/successful/unique career trajectory
make ends meet	idiom	/meɪk endz miːt/	kiếm đủ sống	When you’re struggling to make ends meet, salary takes priority.	struggle to/barely make ends meet
soul-crushing	adj	/səʊl ˈkrʌʃɪŋ/	làm tiêu tan tinh thần, hủy hoại tâm hồn	Spending years in a soul-crushing job isn’t worth any amount of money.	soul-crushing work/job/routine

Idiomatic Expressions & Advanced Phrases

Cụm từ	Nghĩa	Ví dụ sử dụng	Band điểm
jump at the chance	nắm lấy cơ hội ngay lập tức	I’d jump at the chance to shadow a professional in this field.	7.5-8.5
pick someone’s brain	hỏi ý kiến, học hỏi kinh nghiệm từ ai	I’d love to pick the brain of someone working in this industry.	7.5-8.5
muster the courage	lấy hết can đảm	I haven’t mustered the courage to reach out to practitioners yet.	7.5-8.5
under no illusions	không ảo tưởng, hiểu rõ thực tế	I’m under no illusions about how difficult this career would be.	8-9
wearing rose-tinted glasses	nhìn nhận quá lạc quan, không thực tế	I’m not wearing rose-tinted glasses about the challenges involved.	8-9
strike a chord with someone	gây được tiếng vang, chạm đến cảm xúc của ai	His description of the job really struck a chord with me.	7.5-8.5
unsung heroes	những anh hùng thầm lặng	Ethical hackers are the unsung heroes of the digital age.	8-9
shed light on	làm sáng tỏ, giải thích	The documentary shed light on the importance of cybersecurity.	7.5-8.5
stay abreast of	cập nhật thông tin về	You must stay abreast of emerging threats in cybersecurity.	8-9
Faustian bargain	thỏa thuận đánh đổi không đáng	Working in a job you hate for money is a Faustian bargain.	8.5-9
vote with their feet	thể hiện sự phản đối bằng hành động (nghỉ việc)	Employees are voting with their feet if companies don’t offer flexibility.	7.5-8.5
cobble together	ghép lại, xây dựng từng phần	People can cobble together portfolio careers combining different income streams.	7.5-8.5

Discourse Markers (Từ Nối Ý Trong Speaking)

Để bắt đầu câu trả lời:

• 📝 Well,… – Sử dụng khi bạn cần một chút thời gian suy nghĩ hoặc muốn câu trả lời nghe tự nhiên hơn
• 📝 Actually,… – Khi bạn muốn đưa ra một góc nhìn khác hoặc clarify một điều gì đó
• 📝 To be honest,… – Khi bạn muốn thể hiện sự chân thành trong quan điểm
• 📝 I’d say that… – Cách mềm mỏng để đưa ra opinion
• 📝 From my perspective,… – Nhấn mạnh đây là personal viewpoint
• 📝 That’s an interesting question,… – Mua thời gian và thể hiện engagement với câu hỏi

Để structure ideas trong câu trả lời dài:

• 📝 First and foremost,… – Điểm quan trọng nhất
• 📝 Equally important/critical,… – Điểm có tầm quan trọng tương đương
• 📝 On top of that,… – Thêm điểm bổ sung
• 📝 What’s more,… / Moreover,… – Hơn nữa
• 📝 Not to mention… – Chưa kể đến (điểm phụ)
• 📝 Lastly,… / Finally,… – Điểm cuối cùng

Để đưa ra quan điểm cân bằng:

• 📝 On the one hand,… On the other hand,… – Một mặt… mặt khác…
• 📝 While it’s true that…, we also need to consider… – Trong khi đúng là… chúng ta cũng cần xem xét…
• 📝 That being said,… / That said,… – Tuy nhiên, nói như vậy…
• 📝 Having said that,… – Sau khi nói điều đó…

Để explain hoặc clarify:

• 📝 What I mean is,… – Ý tôi là…
• 📝 In other words,… – Nói cách khác…
• 📝 To put it another way,… – Diễn đạt theo cách khác…
• 📝 Let me elaborate,… – Để tôi giải thích rõ hơn…

Để đưa ra examples:

• 📝 For instance,… / For example,… – Ví dụ…
• 📝 Take… for example – Lấy… làm ví dụ
• 📝 A case in point is… – Một trường hợp điển hình là…
• 📝 This is particularly evident in… – Điều này đặc biệt rõ ràng trong…

Để kết luận hoặc tổng kết:

• 📝 All in all,… – Tóm lại…
• 📝 At the end of the day,… – Cuối cùng thì…
• 📝 In essence,… – Về bản chất…
• 📝 To sum up,… – Tổng kết lại…
• 📝 So to circle back to the question,… – Vậy quay lại câu hỏi…

Grammatical Structures Ấn Tượng

1. Conditional Sentences (Câu điều kiện):

• Mixed conditional: “If I had studied computer science earlier (Past), I would be better prepared for this career now (Present).”

  • Formula: If + Past Perfect, Subject + would + Verb (present reference)

• Third conditional with modal: “If I had known about this job sooner, I might have chosen a different educational path.”

  • Formula: If + Past Perfect, Subject + modal (might/could) + have + Past Participle

• Inversion for emphasis: “Had I known about this career earlier, I would have pursued it immediately.”

  • Formula: Had + Subject + Past Participle, Subject + would + have + Past Participle

2. Relative Clauses (Mệnh đề quan hệ):

• Non-defining (thêm thông tin): “Professional food tasters, who require sophisticated palates, travel extensively to sample cuisines.”

  • Lưu ý: Có dấu phẩy, không thể bỏ mệnh đề này sẽ làm câu mất nghĩa hoàn chỉnh về mặt thông tin

• With preposition: “This is a field in which creativity and technical skills are equally important.”

  • Formal hơn: in which, with whom, for which
  • Informal: which/that you work in, who you work with

3. Passive Voice (Câu bị động):

• Impersonal passive: “It is widely believed that unconventional careers will become more common.”

  • Formula: It is + past participle (thought/believed/said/considered) + that clause
  • Ví dụ khác: It is thought that ethical hackers play a crucial role in cybersecurity.

• Passive with modal: “These vulnerabilities could be exploited by malicious hackers if not addressed.”

  • Formula: Modal + be + Past Participle

4. Cleft Sentences (Câu chẻ – để nhấn mạnh):

• What-cleft: “What truly sets this job apart is the combination of creativity and technical expertise.”

  • Formula: What + Subject + Verb + is/was + Noun Phrase
  • Ví dụ: What I find most appealing is the intellectual challenge.

• It-cleft: “It was during a university lecture that I first became interested in cybersecurity.”

  • Formula: It + is/was + Noun Phrase + that/who + Clause
  • Ví dụ: It’s the sense of purpose that makes this job rewarding.

5. Inversion (Đảo ngữ – formal và emphatic):

• Not only… but also: “Not only does this job require technical skills, but it also demands creative thinking.”

  • Formula: Not only + Auxiliary + Subject + Verb, but also + Normal order

• Never/Rarely/Seldom: “Never have I been so fascinated by a career as I am by ethical hacking.”

  • Formula: Never/Rarely + Auxiliary + Subject + Verb

6. Advanced Subordinate Clauses:

• Concessive (nhượng bộ): “While the salary might not be exceptional, the job satisfaction would be immense.”

  • Alternatives: Although, Even though, Despite the fact that

• Reason: “Given that technology is evolving rapidly, continuous learning is essential.”

  • Alternatives: Since, As, Due to the fact that

7. Participle Clauses (Rút gọn mệnh đề):

• Present participle: “Working as a penetration tester, you encounter new challenges daily.”

  • Rút gọn từ: When you work as…

• Past participle: “Fascinated by cybersecurity, I decided to research ethical hacking careers.”

  • Rút gọn từ: Because I was fascinated by…

8. Subjunctive (Giả định – formal):

• Were I to pursue this career, I would need extensive training.

  • Alternative: If I were to pursue…

• It’s essential that applicants have strong analytical skills.

  • Formula: It’s essential/important/vital that + Subject + base Verb (không chia)

Những cấu trúc này giúp bài nói của bạn không chỉ accurate mà còn sophisticated, demonstrate được Grammatical Range – một trong bốn tiêu chí chấm điểm quan trọng của IELTS Speaking.

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Bài viết này đã cung cấp cho bạn một bộ công cụ toàn diện để chuẩn bị cho chủ đề “describe an unusual job that you would like to try” trong IELTS Speaking. Hãy nhớ rằng, điều quan trọng nhất không phải là học thuộc lòng các sample answers, mà là hiểu được structure, vocabulary range, và ways of thinking giúp bạn đạt band điểm cao.

Key Takeaways:

✅ Part 1: Trả lời tự nhiên với 2-3 câu, có lý do và ví dụ cụ thể

✅ Part 2: Cover tất cả bullet points, nói đủ 2 phút, structure logic với intro-body-conclusion

✅ Part 3: Phân tích sâu, đưa ra multiple perspectives, sử dụng abstract vocabulary và complex grammar

✅ Vocabulary: Học collocations và phrases trong context, không chỉ học từ đơn lẻ

✅ Authenticity: Đừng cố gắng sound too academic hoặc unnatural. IELTS Speaking test communication skills, không phải literary writing

✅ Practice: Record yourself và listen back để identify areas for improvement

Chúc bạn thành công trong kỳ thi IELTS Speaking!