Chủ đề sử dụng ngoại ngữ để giao tiếp là một trong những đề bài thực tế và phổ biến nhất trong IELTS Speaking, đặc biệt là ở Part 2. Với tư cách là một IELTS Speaking Examiner với hơn 20 năm kinh nghiệm, tôi nhận thấy đây là chủ đề xuất hiện khá thường xuyên trong các kỳ thi từ 2020 đến nay, với tần suất khoảng 3-4 lần mỗi năm tại các test centers ở Việt Nam và khu vực châu Á.
Điều đặc biệt của chủ đề này là nó cho phép bạn kể về những trải nghiệm thực tế, rất dễ liên hệ với cuộc sống của học viên Việt Nam – những người đang học tiếng Anh hoặc các ngoại ngữ khác. Dự đoán khả năng xuất hiện trong tương lai ở mức cao do tính thực tiễn và khả năng đánh giá toàn diện kỹ năng của thí sinh.
Trong bài viết này, bạn sẽ học được:
- Các câu hỏi thường gặp trong cả 3 Part liên quan đến ngoại ngữ và giao tiếp
- Bài mẫu chi tiết theo 3 mức band điểm (6-7, 7.5-8, 8.5-9) với phân tích sâu
- Hơn 50 từ vựng và cụm từ ăn điểm liên quan đến ngôn ngữ và giao tiếp
- Chiến lược trả lời hiệu quả từ góc nhìn examiner
- Những lỗi phổ biến của học viên Việt Nam và cách khắc phục
IELTS Speaking Part 1: Introduction and Interview
Tổng Quan Về Part 1
Part 1 của IELTS Speaking kéo dài 4-5 phút với các câu hỏi ngắn về cuộc sống hàng ngày. Đây là phần “warm-up” để bạn làm quen với examiner và không khí phòng thi. Chiến lược hiệu quả nhất là trả lời trực tiếp câu hỏi trong 1 câu, sau đó mở rộng với lý do hoặc ví dụ trong 1-2 câu tiếp theo, tổng cộng khoảng 2-3 câu cho mỗi câu hỏi.
Lỗi thường gặp của học viên Việt Nam trong Part 1:
- Trả lời quá ngắn gọn, chỉ “Yes” hoặc “No” mà không giải thích
- Sử dụng từ vựng đơn giản như “good”, “bad”, “like”, “don’t like”
- Thiếu ví dụ cụ thể từ trải nghiệm bản thân
- Ngập ngừng quá nhiều khi tìm từ vựng
Các Câu Hỏi Thường Gặp
Question 1: What foreign languages can you speak?
Question 2: How did you learn your first foreign language?
Question 3: Do you think learning foreign languages is important?
Question 4: Is it difficult to learn a new language?
Question 5: Would you like to learn another foreign language in the future?
Question 6: How often do you use English in your daily life?
Question 7: Do you prefer learning languages through apps or in classrooms?
Question 8: Have you ever had difficulties communicating in a foreign language?
Phân Tích và Gợi Ý Trả Lời Chi Tiết
Question: What foreign languages can you speak?
🎯 Cách tiếp cận:
- Nêu rõ ngôn ngữ bạn biết
- Đưa ra mức độ thành thạo (basic, intermediate, fluent)
- Thêm ngữ cảnh sử dụng nếu có thể
📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:
“I can speak English and a little bit of Chinese. I learned English at school and I use it sometimes for my work. My Chinese is not very good because I only studied it for one year.”
Phân tích:
- Điểm mạnh: Trả lời trực tiếp câu hỏi, có đề cập đến mức độ và bối cảnh học
- Hạn chế: Từ vựng đơn giản (“not very good”, “a little bit”), cấu trúc câu đơn giản, thiếu chi tiết cụ thể
- Tại sao Band 6-7: Đáp ứng yêu cầu cơ bản nhưng chưa thể hiện được vocabulary range và grammatical complexity
📝 Sample Answer – Band 8-9:
“Well, I’m reasonably fluent in English, which I’ve been studying since primary school, and I also have a working knowledge of Mandarin Chinese. I use English almost daily at work for correspondence with international clients, while my Chinese comes in handy when I travel to Taiwan or Singapore, though I’d say I’m still at an intermediate level with that one.”
Phân tích:
- Điểm mạnh: Sử dụng từ vựng chính xác và natural (“reasonably fluent”, “working knowledge”), đưa ra ngữ cảnh sử dụng cụ thể, cấu trúc câu phức với mệnh đề quan hệ và liên từ
- Tại sao Band 8-9:
- Fluency: Câu trả lời trôi chảy, không ngập ngừng
- Vocabulary: Collocations tự nhiên (“working knowledge”, “comes in handy”, “correspondence with clients”)
- Grammar: Sử dụng present perfect, relative clause, though-clause
- Pronunciation: Từ nối “Well” tạo sự tự nhiên như native speaker
💡 Key Vocabulary & Expressions:
- reasonably fluent: khá thành thạo, lưu loát
- working knowledge: kiến thức đủ để sử dụng trong công việc
- comes in handy: trở nên hữu ích
- correspondence with: thư tín, trao đổi với
- intermediate level: trình độ trung cấp
Question: How did you learn your first foreign language?
🎯 Cách tiếp cận:
- Nêu phương pháp học (school, self-study, tutor)
- Đề cập thời gian bắt đầu
- Thêm chi tiết về quá trình hoặc trải nghiệm đáng nhớ
📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:
“I learned English at school when I was young. The teachers taught us grammar and vocabulary. Sometimes we practiced speaking but not very much. It was quite boring but I tried my best to learn.”
Phân tích:
- Điểm mạnh: Trả lời đầy đủ về phương pháp và thời gian
- Hạn chế: Thiếu details cụ thể, từ vựng basic, không có personal reflection sâu sắc
- Tại sao Band 6-7: Adequate nhưng chưa engaging, thiếu complexity
📝 Sample Answer – Band 8-9:
“I picked up English primarily through formal education, starting from around age 6. To be honest, the early years were quite textbook-heavy with a strong emphasis on rote memorization of grammar rules and vocabulary lists. However, what really accelerated my progress was when I started immersing myself in English content – watching American TV series with subtitles and listening to English podcasts. This self-directed learning approach made the language feel much more alive and relevant compared to classroom drills.”
Phân tích:
- Điểm mạnh:
- Vocabulary đa dạng và precise (“picked up”, “textbook-heavy”, “rote memorization”, “immersing myself”)
- Structure rõ ràng: phương pháp ban đầu → turning point → kết quả
- Personal insight về hiệu quả của các phương pháp khác nhau
- Grammar phức tạp: present perfect, gerunds, comparative structures
- Tại sao Band 8-9:
- Fluency: Discourse marker “To be honest” tạo sự tự nhiên
- Vocabulary: Topic-specific lexis (“immersing myself”, “self-directed learning”)
- Grammar: Compound-complex sentences, relative clauses
- Ideas: Reflects critically on learning experience
💡 Key Vocabulary & Expressions:
- picked up: học được, tiếp thu được (informal but natural)
- textbook-heavy: tập trung nhiều vào sách giáo khoa
- rote memorization: học vẹt, học thuộc lòng
- accelerated my progress: đẩy nhanh tiến bộ của tôi
- immersing myself: đắm mình, погружаться
- self-directed learning: tự học, học chủ động
- alive and relevant: sống động và thiết thực
Question: Do you think learning foreign languages is important?
🎯 Cách tiếp cận:
- Đưa ra opinion rõ ràng (Yes/No/It depends)
- Giải thích lý do với ít nhất 2 points
- Có thể thêm personal example hoặc general example
📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:
“Yes, I think it’s very important. First, you can communicate with more people from different countries. Second, it’s good for your career because many companies need people who can speak English. It also helps you when you travel abroad.”
Phân tích:
- Điểm mạnh: Opinion rõ ràng, có 3 lý do hỗ trợ
- Hạn chế: Reasons khá generic, vocabulary simple, thiếu depth
- Tại sao Band 6-7: Adequate content nhưng lacks sophistication
📝 Sample Answer – Band 8-9:
“Absolutely, I’d say it’s increasingly crucial in today’s interconnected world. On a practical level, being multilingual opens up tremendous career opportunities – whether it’s working for multinational corporations or engaging in cross-border collaborations. Beyond the professional benefits, though, I think there’s something profoundly enriching about being able to access different cultures through their native languages. You gain insights into different worldviews that you simply can’t get through translation. Plus, there’s growing research suggesting that learning languages has cognitive benefits, keeping our minds sharp and adaptable.”
Phân tích:
- Điểm mạnh:
- Opening với “Absolutely” + tentative language “I’d say” rất natural
- Structure: practical benefits → cultural benefits → scientific evidence
- Vocabulary sophisticated: “interconnected world”, “profoundly enriching”, “cognitive benefits”
- Multiple complex sentences với subordinate clauses
- Shows critical thinking với “beyond the professional benefits”
- Tại sao Band 8-9:
- Fluency: Well-organized với clear signposting
- Vocabulary: Wide range với precise collocations
- Grammar: Complex structures (whether…or, suggesting that, keeping…)
- Ideas: Multi-dimensional answer showing depth of thought
💡 Key Vocabulary & Expressions:
- increasingly crucial: ngày càng quan trọng
- interconnected world: thế giới kết nối với nhau
- multilingual: đa ngôn ngữ, biết nhiều thứ tiếng
- cross-border collaborations: hợp tác xuyên biên giới
- profoundly enriching: làm phong phú sâu sắc
- insights into different worldviews: hiểu biết về các thế giới quan khác nhau
- cognitive benefits: lợi ích về mặt nhận thức
- sharp and adaptable: sắc bén và linh hoạt
Học viên Việt Nam luyện tập IELTS Speaking về chủ đề sử dụng ngoại ngữ để giao tiếp
IELTS Speaking Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)
Tổng Quan Về Part 2
Part 2 là phần độc thoại kéo dài 2-3 phút, trong đó bạn có 1 phút chuẩn bị với giấy và bút. Đây là phần challenging nhất đối với nhiều thí sinh Việt Nam vì yêu cầu nói liên tục mà không bị ngắt quãng.
Chiến lược quan trọng:
- Sử dụng đầy đủ 1 phút chuẩn bị để ghi chú keywords, KHÔNG viết câu hoàn chỉnh
- Phải nói tối thiểu 1.5 phút, lý tưởng là 2-2.5 phút
- Trả lời đầy đủ TẤT CẢ các bullet points trong cue card
- Sử dụng thì quá khứ khi kể về trải nghiệm (past simple, past continuous, past perfect)
- Cấu trúc rõ ràng với introduction, body (theo bullet points), và conclusion
Lỗi thường gặp:
- Không tận dụng hết 1 phút chuẩn bị, viết quá nhiều hoặc quá ít
- Nói dưới 1.5 phút hoặc kéo dài quá 3 phút
- Bỏ sót một hoặc nhiều bullet points
- Sử dụng sai thì (dùng hiện tại thay vì quá khứ)
- Lack của coherence, nhảy lung tung giữa các ý
Cue Card
Describe A Time When You Used A Foreign Language To Communicate
You should say:
- When and where this happened
- Who you communicated with
- What language you used and why
- And explain how you felt about this experience
Phân Tích Đề Bài
-
Dạng câu hỏi: Describe an experience/event – kể về một trải nghiệm cụ thể trong quá khứ
-
Thì động từ: Chủ yếu là Past Simple và Past Continuous để kể chuyện, có thể dùng Past Perfect khi đề cập đến sự việc xảy ra trước đó
-
Bullet points phải cover:
- When/Where: Context cụ thể về thời gian và địa điểm
- Who: Đối tượng giao tiếp (có thể là người lạ, bạn bè nước ngoài, đồng nghiệp…)
- What language/Why: Ngôn ngữ sử dụng và lý do (có thể là vì họ không biết tiếng Việt, hoặc môi trường đòi hỏi…)
- How you felt: Cảm xúc và suy nghĩ – đây là bullet point quan trọng nhất để ghi điểm cao
-
Câu “explain” quan trọng: Phần “how you felt” thường chiếm 30-40% thời gian nói và là nơi bạn thể hiện vocabulary về emotions, reflections, và insights. Đừng chỉ nói “I felt happy” mà hãy elaborate với cụm từ như “initially nervous but gradually more confident”, “a sense of achievement”, “realized the importance of…”
📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7
Thời lượng: Khoảng 1.5-2 phút
“I’d like to talk about a time when I used English to communicate with a foreign tourist. This happened last year when I was traveling in Da Nang with my friends.
We were walking along the beach when we saw a Western man who looked confused. He was holding a map and looking around. My friends were shy, so I decided to approach him and ask if he needed help. He said he was looking for a famous restaurant but couldn’t find it.
I used English to talk with him because he couldn’t speak Vietnamese. At first, I was quite nervous because my English is not perfect, but I tried my best to understand him and give directions. I also showed him on the map how to get there. He thanked me and said my English was good.
I felt happy and proud after helping him. It made me realize that learning English is useful and I should practice more. This experience gave me more confidence to speak English with foreigners. Now I’m not afraid to use English when I meet tourists in my city.”
Phân Tích Band Điểm
| Tiêu chí | Band | Nhận xét |
|---|---|---|
| Fluency & Coherence | 6-7 | Có coherence device cơ bản (“at first”, “now”), story có beginning-middle-end rõ ràng nhưng chưa sophisticated. Một số hesitation nhỏ có thể xảy ra. |
| Lexical Resource | 6 | Từ vựng adequate cho topic (“confused”, “approach”, “directions”) nhưng khá common. Collocations đơn giản (“looked confused”, “gave directions”). Thiếu less common vocabulary. |
| Grammatical Range & Accuracy | 6-7 | Mix của simple và complex sentences. Sử dụng đúng past tense, có relative clause (“who looked confused”). Một số lỗi nhỏ có thể có nhưng không ảnh hưởng communication. |
| Pronunciation | 6-7 | Rõ ràng và dễ hiểu, có thể có một số lỗi phát âm nhỏ nhưng không gây hiểu nhầm. |
Điểm mạnh:
- ✅ Trả lời đầy đủ tất cả bullet points
- ✅ Có structure rõ ràng với introduction và conclusion
- ✅ Sử dụng đúng thì quá khứ xuyên suốt
- ✅ Có personal reflection ở cuối
Hạn chế:
- ⚠️ Vocabulary khá basic và repetitive (“happy”, “good”, “useful”)
- ⚠️ Thiếu descriptive details để make story more vivid
- ⚠️ Grammar structures không đa dạng, mainly simple sentences
- ⚠️ Phần feeling chưa được elaborate đủ chi tiết
📝 Sample Answer – Band 7.5-8
Thời lượng: Khoảng 2-2.5 phút
“I’d like to share an experience from about six months ago when I had to use English to communicate in what I’d call a high-stakes situation. This took place at Tan Son Nhat International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City.
I was waiting for my flight to Singapore when I noticed a visibly distressed elderly Australian couple struggling at the check-in counter. They were having difficulty making themselves understood to the staff, and from what I could gather, there was some issue with their baggage allowance. The staff member spoke limited English, and the situation was becoming increasingly tense.
I decided to step in and offer assistance. I used English to communicate with the couple to understand their problem – essentially, they had excess luggage but weren’t clear on the additional charges. Then I helped mediate between them and the airline staff, translating and explaining the policy in simpler terms to the couple while also helping the staff understand the couple’s concerns.
What made this particularly challenging was the technical vocabulary involved – terms like ‘overweight baggage fees’ and ‘weight restrictions’ aren’t things you use in everyday conversation. I had to think on my feet and sometimes paraphrase when I didn’t know the exact terms.
Looking back, I felt a mix of emotions. Initially, there was definite anxiety about whether I could handle the situation competently. But as the conversation progressed and I saw both parties beginning to understand each other, I experienced a genuine sense of accomplishment. The couple were incredibly grateful and even said I’d saved their day. What struck me most was realizing that language is not just about words – it’s about bridging cultural gaps and helping people connect. This experience reinforced my belief in the practical value of learning foreign languages and motivated me to continue improving my English skills.”
Phân Tích Band Điểm
| Tiêu chí | Band | Nhận xét |
|---|---|---|
| Fluency & Coherence | 7.5-8 | Speaks fluently với minimal hesitation. Clear progression của story. Sử dụng cohesive devices sophisticatedly (“Looking back”, “What struck me most”, “Initially”). Self-correction natural. |
| Lexical Resource | 7.5-8 | Wide range của vocabulary với less common items (“high-stakes”, “visibly distressed”, “mediate”, “paraphrase”). Collocations precise (“excess luggage”, “bridging cultural gaps”). Some idioms (“think on my feet”, “saved their day”). |
| Grammatical Range & Accuracy | 7.5-8 | Wide range of complex structures: relative clauses, conditionals implied, gerunds as subjects. Consistent accuracy với very few errors. Mix của tenses appropriate. |
| Pronunciation | 7.5-8 | Clear and easy to understand, uses features như stress và intonation effectively. Minimal mother tongue influence. |
So Sánh Với Band 6-7
| Khía cạnh | Band 6-7 | Band 7.5-8 |
|---|---|---|
| Vocabulary | “confused”, “nervous”, “happy” | “visibly distressed”, “high-stakes situation”, “genuine sense of accomplishment” |
| Grammar | “He said he was looking for…” | “from what I could gather”, “weren’t clear on”, gerund structures |
| Ideas | Basic description của event | Includes challenges faced, reflection on language beyond words, motivation for future |
| Details | General (“a famous restaurant”) | Specific (“Tan Son Nhat International Airport”, “excess baggage”, “overweight baggage fees”) |
Tương tự như describe a time when you traveled with friends, việc cung cấp chi tiết cụ thể về địa điểm và tình huống sẽ giúp câu chuyện của bạn trở nên sinh động và thuyết phục hơn trong mắt giám khảo.
📝 Sample Answer – Band 8.5-9
Thời lượng: 2.5-3 phút đầy đủ
“I’d like to recount a particularly memorable linguistic experience that occurred approximately eight months ago during a business trip to Bangkok. This wasn’t just a casual conversation but rather a consequential negotiation that really put my language skills to the test.
I was there representing my company at an international trade fair, where we were hoping to secure a partnership with a Japanese electronics manufacturer. The challenge arose when we discovered that their lead negotiator, Mr. Tanaka, spoke primarily Japanese and rudimentary English, while our team spoke English and Vietnamese. What ensued was what I can only describe as a fascinating linguistic dance.
I found myself serving as the primary intermediary, using English as our common linguistic ground. Now, my English is reasonably proficient, but negotiating complex contractual terms in a second language is an entirely different beast. I had to navigate technical jargon about pricing structures, delivery schedules, and quality assurance protocols – all while being acutely aware that any miscommunication could have significant financial implications.
What made this especially demanding was the cultural dimension. Japanese business culture is quite formal and nuanced, with a lot of emphasis on implicit communication and reading between the lines. I couldn’t just translate verbatim; I had to interpret intent, understand contextual meanings, and sometimes tactfully rephrase things to avoid potential misunderstandings or causing offense.
The emotional journey was quite intense. I remember starting the meeting with this underlying current of apprehension – that nagging self-doubt about whether my language skills were up to the task. There were moments of acute pressure when both parties looked to me for clarification, and I could feel the weight of responsibility. However, as we progressed and I found my rhythm, that anxiety gradually transformed into a kind of focused energy.
In retrospect, what I find most profound about this experience is that it fundamentally shifted my understanding of language learning. I’d always viewed foreign languages as practical tools – means to an end, if you will. But that day, I came to appreciate them as vehicles for connection that transcend mere words. The sense of achievement I felt when we successfully concluded the negotiation wasn’t just about the business win; it was about having facilitated genuine understanding between two parties who might otherwise have struggled to communicate.
This experience has indelibly shaped my approach to language learning. I’m now much more focused on cultural competency alongside linguistic proficiency, and I’ve become an advocate for learning languages not just in classrooms but through real-world immersion and high-stakes practice. It’s those challenging, slightly uncomfortable situations that forge true competence, and I’m genuinely grateful for having been thrust into one.”
Phân Tích Band Điểm
| Tiêu chí | Band | Nhận xét |
|---|---|---|
| Fluency & Coherence | 9 | Speaks fluently với only rare repetition or self-correction. Coherence impeccable với sophisticated connectives (“What ensued”, “In retrospect”, “if you will”). Develops topic fully và coherently. |
| Lexical Resource | 9 | Full flexibility và precision. Wide range của vocabulary used naturally và accurately. Skillful use của less common và idiomatic items (“linguistic dance”, “entirely different beast”, “reading between the lines”, “vehicles for connection”). Collocations sophisticated (“underlying current of apprehension”, “indelibly shaped”). |
| Grammatical Range & Accuracy | 9 | Full range của structures used flexibly và accurately. Rare errors. Complex sentences với multiple clauses handled effortlessly. Advanced structures như cleft sentences, inversion, mixed conditionals implied. |
| Pronunciation | 9 | Uses full range của pronunciation features với precision và subtlety. Sustained flexibility. Easy to understand throughout. |
Tại Sao Bài Này Xuất Sắc
🎯 Fluency Hoàn Hảo:
- Không có hesitation, filler words sử dụng một cách natural và purposeful (“if you will”, “what I can only describe as”)
- Sentence structures flow seamlessly từ idea này sang idea khác
- Self-correction minimal và sophisticated (“I couldn’t just translate verbatim; I had to interpret intent”)
📚 Vocabulary Tinh Vi:
- “consequential negotiation” – không chỉ “important meeting”, cho thấy understanding của weight và implications
- “linguistic dance” – metaphor creative và apt
- “acutely aware” – intensifier strong hơn “very aware”
- “reading between the lines” – idiom natural trong context
- “vehicles for connection” – abstract và philosophical, showing depth
- “indelibly shaped” – collocation powerful về lasting impact
- “thrust into” – phrasal verb vivid về unexpected challenge
📝 Grammar Đa Dạng:
- Cleft sentence: “What made this especially demanding was the cultural dimension” – emphatic structure
- Gerund as subject: “Negotiating complex contractual terms… is an entirely different beast”
- Relative clauses: “those challenging situations that forge true competence”
- Participle phrases: “having facilitated genuine understanding”
- Complex noun phrases: “that underlying current of apprehension”, “that nagging self-doubt”
💡 Ideas Sâu Sắc:
- Không chỉ describe event mà còn reflect deeply về meaning
- Transition từ viewing language as tool → appreciating as vehicle for connection
- Cultural competency alongside linguistic proficiency – shows maturity
- Acknowledges complexity: “implicit communication”, “contextual meanings”
- Personal growth narrative: anxiety → focused energy → profound realization
- Forward-looking: how experience shaped future approach
Đối với những ai quan tâm đến việc phát triển kỹ năng giao tiếp trong môi trường đa văn hóa, describe a special day you spent with friends cũng là một chủ đề giúp bạn thực hành cách kể chuyện sinh động và thể hiện cảm xúc một cách tự nhiên.
Follow-up Questions (Rounding Off Questions)
Sau khi bạn hoàn thành phần nói 2 phút, examiner có thể hỏi thêm 1-2 câu ngắn để kết thúc Part 2 trước khi chuyển sang Part 3. Những câu hỏi này thường liên quan trực tiếp đến câu chuyện bạn vừa kể.
Question 1: Do you still keep in touch with those people you communicated with?
Band 6-7 Answer:
“No, I don’t. It was just a one-time meeting and we didn’t exchange contact information.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“Unfortunately not. It was more of a fleeting encounter – we parted ways after resolving the situation. However, the experience itself has stayed with me as a pivotal moment in my language learning journey, even though the individuals themselves have faded from my immediate memory.”
💡 Analysis: Band 8-9 answer sử dụng sophisticated vocabulary (“fleeting encounter”, “pivotal moment”), acknowledges reality while adding reflection, và shows ability to discuss abstract concepts.
Question 2: Would you use that foreign language more often in the future?
Band 6-7 Answer:
“Yes, definitely. I want to improve my English more, so I will try to use it whenever I can.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“Absolutely. That experience really crystallized for me the importance of seeking out opportunities for authentic language use rather than just relying on textbook learning. I’ve since made a conscious effort to engage with English speakers more frequently, whether through online language exchange platforms or attending international networking events in my city.”
💡 Analysis: Band 8-9 answer shows proactive approach với specific actions taken (“online language exchange platforms”, “international networking events”), uses advanced vocabulary (“crystallized”, “authentic language use”), và demonstrates commitment to continuous improvement.
Thí sinh tự tin trả lời IELTS Speaking Part 2 về trải nghiệm sử dụng ngoại ngữ
IELTS Speaking Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Tổng Quan Về Part 3
Part 3 là phần thảo luận sâu hơn, trừu tượng hơn về các vấn đề liên quan đến chủ đề Part 2. Đây là nơi examiner đánh giá khả năng phân tích, so sánh, đánh giá và lập luận của bạn. Thời gian kéo dài 4-5 phút với 5-7 câu hỏi.
Yêu cầu:
- Mở rộng câu trả lời (tối thiểu 3-5 câu cho mỗi question)
- Đưa ra opinion có lý lẽ rõ ràng
- Examples từ góc độ xã hội, không chỉ personal experiences
- Thể hiện khả năng xem xét nhiều perspectives
- Acknowledge complexity của issues
Chiến lược:
- Sử dụng discourse markers để organize ideas (“Well”, “I think”, “On the one hand”)
- Structure: Direct answer → Reason 1 + explanation/example → Reason 2 → Conclusion/nuance
- Dùng tentative language để sound thoughtful (“I would say”, “It seems to me”, “To some extent”)
- Không sợ nói “That’s an interesting question” hoặc “I haven’t thought about that before” – shows you’re thinking critically
Lỗi thường gặp của học viên Việt Nam:
- Trả lời quá ngắn (1-2 câu) không elaborate
- Chỉ đưa ra personal examples thay vì discuss broader implications
- Không có clear position hoặc reasoning
- Thiếu từ vựng abstract và academic để discuss complex ideas
- Không acknowledge different viewpoints
Các Câu Hỏi Thảo Luận Sâu
Theme 1: Language Learning Methods and Technology
Question 1: How has technology changed the way people learn foreign languages?
🎯 Phân tích câu hỏi:
- Dạng: Change/Development – so sánh past vs present
- Key words: “technology”, “changed”, “learn foreign languages”
- Cách tiếp cận: Nêu changes cụ thể → impact/implications → personal evaluation
📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:
“Technology has changed language learning a lot. In the past, people only learned from books and teachers. Now we have many apps like Duolingo or mobile dictionaries. We can also watch videos online and practice with people from other countries through the internet. I think this makes learning more convenient and interesting.”
Phân tích:
- Structure: Has comparison (past vs present), mentions specific examples
- Vocabulary: Basic (“a lot”, “convenient”, “interesting”) – adequate nhưng không sophisticated
- Tại sao Band 6-7: Answers the question nhưng lacks depth of analysis, không có critical evaluation của implications
📝 Câu trả lời mẫu – Band 8-9:
“Well, I’d say technology has fundamentally revolutionized language learning in several profound ways. Perhaps the most obvious shift is the move from passive consumption of language through textbooks to active, immersive engagement through digital platforms. Gone are the days when learners were confined to classroom settings – now, through apps like Duolingo or Babbel, people can practice at their own pace and receive instant feedback, which was simply impossible in traditional settings.
What’s particularly transformative, in my view, is the democratization of access to native speakers. Platforms like iTalki or Tandem allow learners to connect with native speakers worldwide for language exchange or one-on-one tutoring at a fraction of the cost of traditional lessons. This breaks down geographical barriers that once limited language learning to those with means to travel or hire expensive tutors.
That said, I think it’s important to acknowledge that technology isn’t a silver bullet. While it provides unprecedented access to resources, the discipline and motivation to use these tools effectively still need to come from the learner themselves. There’s also the risk of superficial engagement – swiping through flashcards without deep cognitive processing. So I’d argue that the most effective approach is probably a hybrid model that leverages technology while maintaining the human elements of guidance and accountability that traditional teaching provides.”
Phân tích:
- Structure: Clear organization: main changes → specific benefits → limitations/nuanced view. This shows sophisticated thinking.
- Vocabulary:
- Abstract nouns: “democratization”, “accountability”, “engagement”
- Collocations: “fundamentally revolutionized”, “unprecedented access”, “cognitive processing”
- Metaphors: “silver bullet”, “breaks down barriers”
- Grammar:
- Inversion: “Gone are the days when…”
- Relative clauses: “the discipline that… still needs to come from”
- Cleft sentence implied: “What’s particularly transformative is…”
- Complex noun phrases: “the risk of superficial engagement”
- Critical Thinking:
- Acknowledges benefits BUT also limitations
- Proposes balanced solution (hybrid model)
- Uses tentative language appropriately (“I’d argue”, “probably”)
💡 Key Language Features:
- Discourse markers: “Well”, “Perhaps the most obvious”, “What’s particularly”, “That said”
- Tentative language: “I’d say”, “in my view”, “I’d argue”, “probably”
- Abstract nouns: “democratization”, “transformation”, “accountability”, “implications”
- Emphatic structures: “Gone are the days when”, “simply impossible”, “fundamentally revolutionized”
Question 2: Do you think online language learning can completely replace classroom learning?
🎯 Phân tích câu hỏi:
- Dạng: Opinion + Prediction – “completely replace” là key phrase cần address
- Key words: “online learning”, “completely replace”, “classroom learning”
- Cách tiếp cận: State position → advantages của online → irreplaceable aspects của classroom → conclusion
📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:
“I don’t think so. Online learning is convenient but classroom learning is still important. In class, students can ask teachers questions directly and get quick answers. They also practice speaking with classmates. Online learning is good for self-study but people still need teachers to guide them and correct their mistakes.”
Phân tích:
- Structure: Clear position + basic reasons
- Vocabulary: Simple, repetitive (“good”, “important”, “convenient”)
- Tại sao Band 6-7: Adequate response nhưng lacks sophistication và depth of reasoning
📝 Câu trả lời mẫu – Band 8-9:
“I’d have to say no, not entirely, though I do think online learning will continue to gain ground. The reason I’m hesitant to endorse complete replacement is that classroom learning offers certain intangible benefits that are difficult to replicate digitally.
For one thing, there’s the spontaneous, dynamic interaction that occurs in a physical classroom. When you’re in a room with other learners, there’s a natural competition and mutual motivation that’s hard to generate through a screen. You pick up on subtle cues from both the teacher and peers – body language, tone, immediate reactions – that enrich the learning experience in ways that even the most sophisticated video platform struggles to match.
Moreover, classrooms provide what I’d call structured accountability. When you’ve committed to showing up at a specific time and place, there’s a psychological investment that online learning, with all its flexibility, sometimes lacks. It’s all too easy to postpone or skip an online lesson when you’re learning independently.
That being said, I think we’re moving toward a blended learning model where online tools complement rather than replace traditional instruction. Online platforms excel at delivering content, providing personalized practice, and offering flexibility for busy schedules. Meanwhile, classrooms can focus on what they do best: facilitating meaningful interaction, providing expert guidance, and creating that sense of community that’s so important for sustained learning. So rather than an either-or proposition, I see it as both coexisting synergistically.”
Phân tích:
- Structure: Clear thesis → Reason 1 (interaction) → Reason 2 (accountability) → Counterpoint → Balanced conclusion
- Vocabulary: Sophisticated collocations (“gain ground”, “intangible benefits”, “replicate digitally”, “psychological investment”, “coexisting synergistically”)
- Grammar: Complex conditionals implied, relative clauses, gerunds as objects, cleft structures
- Critical Thinking: Shows nuanced understanding – acknowledges strengths của both, proposes synthesis rather than binary choice
💡 Key Language Features:
- Hedging language: “I’d have to say”, “not entirely”, “I’m hesitant to”, “I think”
- Academic vocabulary: “intangible”, “replicate”, “facilitate”, “synergistically”
- Contrast markers: “That being said”, “Meanwhile”, “rather than”
- Emphasis: “all too easy”, “so important”, “what they do best”
Nếu bạn đang tìm kiếm thêm cảm hứng về cách kể những trải nghiệm đáng nhớ, describe a place you visited that exceeded your expectations sẽ cung cấp cho bạn nhiều cách diễn đạt cảm xúc và sự ngạc nhiên một cách tự nhiên và ấn tượng.
Theme 2: Language and Culture
Question 3: Why do some people find it easier to learn languages than others?
🎯 Phân tích câu hỏi:
- Dạng: Cause/Reason – explain factors that affect language learning ability
- Key words: “easier”, “some people”, “others” – so sánh differences
- Cách tiếp cận: Identify multiple factors (aptitude, environment, motivation, age) → explain each → acknowledge interaction
📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:
“I think there are several reasons. First, some people have natural talent for languages. They can remember words easily and pronounce well. Second, age is important – children learn faster than adults. Also, if someone is motivated and practices every day, they will improve faster. Environment matters too – people who live in countries where they use the language daily learn quicker.”
Phân tích:
- Structure: Lists factors clearly
- Vocabulary: Basic explanations, some relevant terms (“natural talent”, “motivated”)
- Tại sao Band 6-7: Identifies relevant factors nhưng lacks deep explanation of why these factors matter
📝 Câu trả lời mẫu – Band 8-9:
“That’s a fascinating question, and I think the answer lies in a complex interplay of several factors rather than any single element.
First and foremost, there seems to be a genuine aptitude component – what linguists call ‘language learning aptitude’. Some individuals appear to have a heightened sensitivity to phonetic patterns and grammatical structures, which enables them to internalize new language rules more intuitively. This isn’t about general intelligence but rather a specific cognitive advantage for language processing.
Beyond innate ability, I’d argue that exposure and environment play equally crucial roles. Someone immersed in a language-rich environment – whether through living abroad, having multilingual family members, or simply consuming vast amounts of foreign media – will naturally have more input to work with. The brain essentially has more raw data to detect patterns and make connections.
Motivation is another critical variable. Learners with intrinsic motivation – those learning because they’re genuinely fascinated by a culture or language, rather than for extrinsic rewards like exam scores – tend to persist through difficulties and engage more deeply with the material. This sustained engagement is what ultimately separates successful learners from those who plateau early.
There’s also the age factor, though it’s more nuanced than the popular ‘younger is better’ narrative suggests. While children do have certain neuroplasticity advantages and can achieve native-like pronunciation more easily, adults bring metacognitive strategies and life experience that can actually accelerate certain aspects of learning.
What I find most interesting is that these factors don’t operate in isolation – they interact synergistically. Someone with moderate aptitude but high motivation and good learning strategies can outperform a naturally talented but unmotivated learner. So it’s really about finding the optimal combination of these elements for each individual.”
Phân tích:
- Structure: Intro acknowledging complexity → Factor 1 (aptitude) → Factor 2 (environment) → Factor 3 (motivation) → Factor 4 (age with nuance) → Integration/Interaction của factors
- Vocabulary: Technical terms (“language learning aptitude”, “phonetic patterns”, “metacognitive strategies”, “neuroplasticity”), sophisticated collocations
- Grammar: Multiple complex structures, relative clauses, comparatives, conditionals
- Critical Thinking: Doesn’t just list factors but explains mechanisms, acknowledges complexity and interaction, challenges common assumptions (“younger is better”)
💡 Key Language Features:
- Academic discourse: “complex interplay”, “innate ability”, “critical variable”, “optimal combination”
- Hedging: “seems to be”, “appears to have”, “tend to”, “suggests”
- Emphasis: “first and foremost”, “equally crucial”, “ultimately”
- Contrast/Addition: “Beyond innate ability”, “rather than”, “While… actually”
Question 4: Is it important to understand a country’s culture when learning its language?
🎯 Phân tích câu hỏi:
- Dạng: Opinion về relationship giữa language và culture
- Key words: “important”, “understand culture”, “learning language”
- Cách tiếp cận: State position → Explain connections giữa language-culture → Examples → Potential counterargument
📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:
“Yes, I think it’s very important. Language and culture are connected. For example, in English they have many idioms that come from Western culture. If you don’t understand the culture, you might use words wrongly or misunderstand what people mean. Also, knowing culture helps you communicate better and avoid making mistakes that could be rude.”
Phân tích:
- Structure: Clear position with reasons and example
- Vocabulary: Basic but relevant (“connected”, “idioms”, “misunderstand”)
- Tại sao Band 6-7: Adequate reasoning nhưng lacks depth về nature của language-culture relationship
📝 Câu trả lời mẫu – Band 8-9:
“Absolutely, and I’d go so far as to say that trying to learn a language in cultural isolation is not only difficult but potentially counterproductive. Language and culture are fundamentally intertwined – you really can’t fully grasp one without the other.
At the most pragmatic level, understanding cultural context is essential for appropriate language use. Languages are riddled with idioms, metaphors, and culturally-specific references that are utterly bewildering without cultural knowledge. Take English expressions like ‘break a leg’ or ‘it’s raining cats and dogs’ – these make no sense from a purely linguistic standpoint and can only be understood through cultural familiarity.
But the connection goes much deeper than just decoding idioms. Culture shapes the fundamental way languages structure reality. Different languages categorize the world differently, have varying levels of formality embedded in their grammar, and express concepts that might not even exist in other cultures. Japanese, for instance, has elaborate honorific systems that reflect deep-rooted cultural values about hierarchy and respect – you can’t use Japanese appropriately without understanding these social dynamics.
Moreover, cultural understanding prevents potentially serious pragmatic failures. Directness in communication, for example, is valued in some cultures but considered rude or abrasive in others. Without cultural awareness, you might inadvertently cause offense even when using grammatically perfect language.
That said, I should add a caveat – cultural understanding should ideally develop alongside language learning rather than as a prerequisite. Sometimes the best way to gain cultural insights is actually through the process of learning and using the language itself. It’s a reciprocal relationship – language opens windows into culture, and cultural knowledge deepens language proficiency. So rather than a linear process, I see it as a mutually reinforcing cycle.”
Phân tích:
- Structure: Strong position → Practical reasons (idioms) → Deeper linguistic reasons (how language structures reality) → Pragmatic failures → Nuanced counterpoint về relationship between learning language và culture
- Vocabulary: Highly sophisticated (“fundamentally intertwined”, “utterly bewildering”, “inadvertently cause offense”, “mutually reinforcing cycle”, “reciprocal relationship”)
- Grammar: Advanced structures including cleft sentences, passives, complex noun phrases, conditionals
- Critical Thinking: Goes beyond surface-level reasoning to explore deeper connections, acknowledges complexity with caveat, proposes sophisticated understanding of relationship
💡 Key Language Features:
- Strong position: “Absolutely”, “I’d go so far as to say”, “fundamentally”
- Academic style: “at the most pragmatic level”, “from a purely linguistic standpoint”, “elaborate honorific systems”
- Examples: Specific, well-chosen (Japanese honorifics, English idioms)
- Nuancing: “That said, I should add a caveat”, “ideally”, “rather than”
Giao tiếp đa văn hóa sử dụng tiếng Anh làm ngôn ngữ chung
Theme 3: Future of Language Learning and Global Communication
Question 5: With translation technology improving so rapidly, will people still need to learn foreign languages in the future?
🎯 Phân tích câu hỏi:
- Dạng: Future prediction + Opinion về necessity của language learning
- Key words: “translation technology”, “improving”, “still need”, “future”
- Cách tiếp cận: Acknowledge technology advances → Explain limitations of technology → Unique value of human language skills → Conclusion
📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:
“I think people will still need to learn languages even with good translation technology. Machines can translate words but they can’t understand feelings and culture. Also, when you speak a language yourself, you can communicate faster and build better relationships with people. Translation apps are helpful but they’re not perfect and sometimes make mistakes.”
Phân tích:
- Structure: Clear position with supporting reasons
- Vocabulary: Basic but relevant (“feelings”, “relationships”, “make mistakes”)
- Tại sao Band 6-7: Answers appropriately nhưng lacks sophisticated analysis của limitations của technology và deeper value của human language ability
📝 Câu trả lời mẫu – Band 8-9:
“While it’s tempting to think that technology might eventually render language learning obsolete, I’m actually quite skeptical of that scenario, and I think language learning will remain valuable, albeit perhaps in evolving forms.
First, we need to recognize the inherent limitations of translation technology. Yes, tools like Google Translate have made remarkable strides, particularly with neural machine translation, but they still fall short in crucial areas. Translation isn’t merely about word-for-word substitution – it requires understanding context, nuance, cultural subtext, and even unspoken implications. Machines struggle with idiomatic expressions, culturally-loaded terms, and the kinds of subtle, contextual meanings that humans navigate effortlessly.
More fundamentally, relying on intermediary technology for all communication fundamentally changes the nature of human interaction. There’s something qualitatively different about being able to express yourself directly in another’s language – it fosters intimacy, builds trust, and demonstrates respect and effort in a way that speaking through a device simply cannot match. In diplomatic contexts, business negotiations, or personal relationships, this human element is irreplaceable.
Moreover, learning languages transcends mere practical communication. It’s an intellectually enriching pursuit that rewires our brains, enhances cognitive flexibility, and provides profound insights into different worldviews and thought patterns. These cognitive and cultural benefits persist regardless of whether we have perfect translation technology.
That said, I do think technology will reshape what and how we learn. Rather than eliminating the need for language skills, technology might shift the focus from rote memorization toward developing deeper cultural competency and conversational fluency. Perhaps we’ll see a future where basic translation is automated, but nuanced, high-level communication in multiple languages remains a highly valued skill – similar to how calculators didn’t eliminate the need for mathematical understanding but changed what we emphasize in math education.
So in essence, I believe technology and human language skills will coexist – technology handling routine, transactional communication while human language ability remains essential for meaningful, nuanced interaction and cultural engagement.”
Phân tích:
- Structure:
- Intro với skeptical position
- Body: Limitations của technology → Human element → Cognitive benefits → Evolution rather than elimination
- Conclusion: Synthesis về coexistence
- Vocabulary:
- Sophisticated verbs: “render obsolete”, “transcends”, “fosters”, “rewires”
- Abstract nouns: “nuance”, “subtext”, “intimacy”, “cognitive flexibility”
- Collocations: “remarkable strides”, “fall short”, “qualitatively different”, “highly valued skill”
- Grammar:
- Conditionals implied throughout
- Complex noun phrases: “the inherent limitations”, “the kinds of subtle contextual meanings”
- Cleft structures: “it’s an intellectually enriching pursuit that…”
- Gerunds in various functions
- Critical Thinking:
- Challenges assumption in question
- Analyzes multiple dimensions (practical, social, cognitive)
- Draws analogy to calculators/math – shows broad thinking
- Proposes nuanced future scenario rather than binary yes/no
💡 Key Language Features:
- Hedging predictions: “I’m skeptical of”, “perhaps we’ll see”, “might shift”, “I believe”
- Contrast: “While… actually”, “Rather than… toward”, “similar to how”
- Emphasis: “fundamentally changes”, “simply cannot”, “irreplaceable”, “remains essential”
- Academic vocabulary: “inherent limitations”, “intermediary technology”, “intellectually enriching”, “cognitive flexibility”
Question 6: Do you think English will continue to be the global language, or will other languages become more important?
🎯 Phân tích câu hỏi:
- Dạng: Future prediction + Comparison
- Key words: “continue”, “global language”, “other languages”, “more important”
- Cách tiếp cận: Analyze current status của English → Consider emerging languages → Discuss factors affecting language dominance → Make informed prediction
📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:
“I think English will probably stay as the global language for a long time. It’s already used everywhere in business, science, and tourism. Many people learn English as their second language. However, Chinese is becoming more important because China’s economy is growing. Maybe in the future we will need to know both English and Chinese to be successful internationally.”
Phân tích:
- Structure: Prediction with basic supporting reasons
- Vocabulary: Simple, some relevant terms (“global language”, “economy”)
- Tại sao Band 6-7: Reasonable prediction nhưng lacks sophisticated analysis của factors driving language dominance
📝 Câu trả lời mẫu – Band 8-9:
“This is quite a thought-provoking question, and I think the answer is more complex than a simple yes or no. English will likely maintain its dominant position for the foreseeable future, but we may see a shift toward linguistic pluralism rather than continued hegemony of any single language.
English currently enjoys what linguists call ‘network effects’ – its value increases as more people use it, creating a self-reinforcing cycle. It’s deeply entrenched in international institutions, scientific publishing, aviation, and digital technology. This institutional infrastructure creates tremendous inertia that would take decades to shift, even with significant changes in geopolitical power dynamics.
That said, we’re already seeing the emergence of regional lingua francas. Mandarin Chinese is obviously gaining considerable traction, driven by China’s economic ascendancy and its Belt and Road Initiative. Spanish continues to grow in importance in the Americas, while languages like Arabic and Hindi serve vast populations across their regions. So rather than one language monopolizing global communication, we might see a more multipolar linguistic landscape where regional languages coexist with English in different domains.
What’s particularly interesting is how technology might democratize language use. If translation technology continues improving at its current trajectory, the pressure to adopt a single global language might actually diminish. People could potentially communicate in their native languages with real-time translation facilitating understanding – though as I mentioned earlier, this wouldn’t eliminate the value of learning languages for deeper engagement.
I’d also argue that the very concept of a ‘global language’ might evolve. Rather than native-speaker proficiency in English, we’re increasingly seeing the rise of ‘English as a Lingua Franca’ – a simplified, functional variety used by non-native speakers to communicate with each other. This democratized version of English might become the standard for international communication, while ‘standard English’ remains important for specific purposes.
Looking ahead, my prediction is that English will retain its preeminent position but not as dominantly as in recent decades. The future likely holds a tiered system: English for broad international communication, regional languages for geographically-bounded interactions, and native languages for cultural and local contexts. Success in this future will probably require functional competence in English plus at least one strategically chosen regional language – so in that sense, the question isn’t whether English or other languages will be important, but rather how multiple languages will coexist in our increasingly interconnected yet diverse world.”
Phân tích:
- Structure:
- Nuanced thesis (not simple yes/no)
- Current dominance of English + reasons
- Emerging languages and regional patterns
- Technology’s role
- Evolution of concept of “global language”
- Detailed future prediction with tiered system
- Vocabulary:
- Linguistic/technical terms: “lingua francas”, “network effects”, “linguistic pluralism”, “geopolitical power dynamics”
- Sophisticated collocations: “tremendous inertia”, “self-reinforcing cycle”, “multipolar linguistic landscape”
- Academic vocabulary: “hegemony”, “democratize”, “trajectory”, “preeminent position”
- Grammar:
- Conditionals: “If translation technology continues…”
- Complex noun phrases throughout
- Relative clauses: “a simplified variety used by non-native speakers”
- Comparatives and superlatives: “more complex”, “dominantly”
- Critical Thinking:
- Introduces linguistic concepts (network effects, English as Lingua Franca)
- Considers multiple factors (economic, technological, institutional)
- Challenges binary thinking in question
- Draws on knowledge from different domains
- Makes nuanced, multi-faceted prediction rather than simple forecast
💡 Key Language Features:
- Tentative prediction: “likely”, “might”, “probably”, “potentially”
- Sophisticated discourse markers: “That said”, “Looking ahead”, “In that sense”
- Emphasis: “deeply entrenched”, “tremendous inertia”, “particularly interesting”
- Academic hedging: “what linguists call”, “we’re increasingly seeing”, “might evolve”
Một ví dụ chi tiết về cách trình bày những trải nghiệm giao tiếp đa văn hóa có thể tìm thấy trong describe a famous restaurant in your city, nơi bạn có thể học cách miêu tả không gian và tương tác với những người từ nền văn hóa khác nhau.
Từ vựng và cụm từ quan trọng
Topic-Specific Vocabulary
| Từ vựng/Cụm từ | Loại từ | Phiên âm | Nghĩa tiếng Việt | Ví dụ | Collocation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| fluent | adj | /ˈfluːənt/ | trôi chảy, lưu loát | She’s fluent in three languages. | fluent speaker, fluent in English, reasonably fluent, become fluent |
| proficiency | n | /prəˈfɪʃənsi/ | sự thành thạo, trình độ | His English proficiency improved dramatically. | language proficiency, proficiency level, demonstrate proficiency, high proficiency |
| mother tongue | n | /ˈmʌðə tʌŋ/ | tiếng mẹ đẻ | My mother tongue is Vietnamese. | native mother tongue, speak in one’s mother tongue, mother tongue influence |
| lingua franca | n | /ˌlɪŋɡwə ˈfræŋkə/ | ngôn ngữ chung (giữa những người nói ngôn ngữ khác nhau) | English serves as a lingua franca in international business. | serve as a lingua franca, function as lingua franca, global lingua franca |
| bilingual | adj | /baɪˈlɪŋɡwəl/ | song ngữ | She grew up in a bilingual household. | bilingual education, bilingual speaker, perfectly bilingual, bilingual environment |
| multilingual | adj | /ˌmʌltiˈlɪŋɡwəl/ | đa ngôn ngữ | Singapore is a multilingual society. | multilingual society, multilingual education, multilingual environment, multilingual capability |
| pick up | phrasal verb | /pɪk ʌp/ | học được, tiếp thu được (ngôn ngữ) | I picked up some Spanish during my trip. | pick up a language, pick up phrases, quickly pick up, pick up naturally |
| immerse oneself | v phrase | /ɪˈmɜːs wʌnˈself/ | đắm mình vào, погружаться | He immersed himself in English by watching TV series. | immerse in a language, completely immerse, immerse oneself in culture |
| language barrier | n | /ˈlæŋɡwɪdʒ ˈbæriə/ | rào cản ngôn ngữ | The language barrier made communication difficult. | overcome language barriers, face language barriers, break down language barriers |
| native speaker | n | /ˈneɪtɪv ˈspiːkə/ | người bản xứ, người nói tiếng mẹ đẻ | She sounds almost like a native speaker. | native speaker level, native speaker pronunciation, native English speaker |
| working knowledge | n | /ˈwɜːkɪŋ ˈnɒlɪdʒ/ | kiến thức đủ để sử dụng trong công việc | I have a working knowledge of French. | working knowledge of, practical working knowledge, basic working knowledge |
| correspondence | n | /ˌkɒrəˈspɒndəns/ | thư tín, trao đổi bằng văn bản | We maintain regular correspondence with our overseas partners. | business correspondence, email correspondence, correspondence with, written correspondence |
| communicate effectively | v phrase | /kəˈmjuːnɪkeɪt ɪˈfektɪvli/ | giao tiếp hiệu quả | Learning idioms helps you communicate effectively. | communicate effectively with, communicate more effectively, ability to communicate effectively |
| misunderstanding | n | /ˌmɪsʌndəˈstændɪŋ/ | sự hiểu lầm | Cultural differences often lead to misunderstandings. | avoid misunderstandings, cause misunderstanding, potential misunderstanding, clear up misunderstanding |
| cross-cultural | adj | /krɒs ˈkʌltʃərəl/ | xuyên văn hóa, liên văn hóa | Cross-cultural communication requires sensitivity. | cross-cultural communication, cross-cultural understanding, cross-cultural differences, cross-cultural exchange |
| interpret | v | /ɪnˈtɜːprɪt/ | thông dịch, diễn giải | She interpreted the conversation between the two parties. | interpret accurately, interpret for, simultaneous interpret, interpret meaning |
| translate | v | /trænsˈleɪt/ | dịch, chuyển ngữ | Can you translate this document into English? | translate accurately, translate from/into, literally translate, translate word for word |
| accent | n | /ˈæksent/ | giọng, âm điệu | She speaks English with a slight Vietnamese accent. | strong accent, foreign accent, heavy accent, native accent, reduce one’s accent |
| pronunciation | n | /prəˌnʌnsiˈeɪʃən/ | cách phát âm | Good pronunciation is essential for clear communication. | correct pronunciation, improve pronunciation, pronunciation practice, native-like pronunciation |
| intonation | n | /ˌɪntəˈneɪʃən/ | ngữ điệu | English intonation patterns can be challenging for learners. | rising intonation, falling intonation, intonation pattern, natural intonation |
Idiomatic Expressions & Advanced Phrases
| Cụm từ | Nghĩa | Ví dụ sử dụng | Band điểm |
|---|---|---|---|
| break the ice | phá vỡ sự im lặng/ngượng ngùng ban đầu | Using a foreign language helped me break the ice with international colleagues. | 7.5-8 |
| get the hang of | nắm được cách, làm quen với | After a few weeks, I started to get the hang of speaking in meetings. | 7-8 |
| lost in translation | bị mất đi ý nghĩa khi dịch | Some cultural concepts are lost in translation. | 7.5-8 |
| on the same wavelength | có cùng quan điểm, hiểu nhau | Despite the language difference, we were on the same wavelength. | 7.5-8 |
| speak volumes | nói lên nhiều điều (không cần lời nói) | Her effort to speak my language spoke volumes about her respect for our culture. | 8-9 |
| bridge the gap | thu hẹp khoảng cách | Language skills help bridge the gap between different cultures. | 7.5-8 |
| think on one’s feet | phản ứng/suy nghĩ nhanh trong tình huống bất ngờ | I had to think on my feet when translating technical terms I hadn’t learned before. | 8-9 |
| out of one’s depth | vượt quá khả năng | I felt out of my depth when the conversation turned to legal terminology. | 7.5-8 |
| a steep learning curve | quá trình học tập khó khăn đòi hỏi nhiều nỗ lực | Learning Chinese was a steep learning curve for me. | 7.5-8 |
| saved my day | cứu vãn tình huống | My English skills saved my day when I got lost in London. | 7-8 |
| common ground | điểm chung, nền tảng chung | We found common ground through our shared interest in music, despite speaking different languages. | 7.5-8 |
| strike a chord | tạo được sự đồng cảm | Her words really struck a chord with the audience. | 8-9 |
Discourse Markers (Từ Nối Ý Trong Speaking)
Để bắt đầu câu trả lời:
- 📝 Well,… – Khi cần thời gian suy nghĩ hoặc chuẩn bị trả lời
- 📝 Actually,… – Khi đưa ra góc nhìn khác hoặc thông tin surprising
- 📝 To be honest,… – Khi nói thật về opinion/feeling của mình
- 📝 I’d say that… – Cách tentative để đưa ra quan điểm
- 📝 Let me think… – Khi cần moment để organize thoughts
- 📝 That’s an interesting question… – Để gain time và show engagement
Để bổ sung ý:
- 📝 On top of that,… – Thêm vào đó (formal hơn “also”)
- 📝 What’s more,… – Hơn nữa, thêm vào đó
- 📝 Not to mention… – Chưa kể đến
- 📝 Furthermore,… – Hơn nữa (academic style)
- 📝 Additionally,… – Thêm vào đó (formal)
- 📝 Beyond that,… – Ngoài điều đó ra
Để đưa ra quan điểm cân bằng:
- 📝 On the one hand,… On the other hand,… – Một mặt… Mặt khác…
- 📝 While it’s true that…, we also need to consider… – Mặc dù đúng là… nhưng chúng ta cũng cần xem xét…
- 📝 That said,… – Điều đó đã nói, tuy nhiên (để introduce counterpoint)
- 📝 Having said that,… – Sau khi nói điều đó (chuyển sang ý khác)
- 📝 By contrast,… – Ngược lại
- 📝 Nevertheless,… – Tuy nhiên, dù vậy
Để giải thích hoặc elaborate:
- 📝 What I mean is… – Ý tôi là…
- 📝 In other words,… – Nói cách khác
- 📝 To put it another way,… – Nói theo cách khác
- 📝 The thing is,… – Vấn đề là…
- 📝 Let me elaborate… – Để tôi giải thích rõ hơn
Để kết luận:
- 📝 All in all,… – Tóm lại, xét chung lại
- 📝 At the end of the day,… – Cuối cùng thì (informal but natural)
- 📝 In essence,… – Về bản chất
- 📝 Looking ahead,… – Nhìn về tương lai
- 📝 To sum up,… – Tóm lại
Để show uncertainty hoặc tentative opinion:
- 📝 I would say… – Tôi có thể nói rằng
- 📝 It seems to me that… – Có vẻ như với tôi
- 📝 To some extent,… – Ở một mức độ nào đó
- 📝 I’m inclined to think… – Tôi có xu hướng nghĩ rằng
- 📝 From my perspective,… – Từ góc nhìn của tôi
Grammatical Structures Ấn Tượng
1. Conditional Sentences (Câu điều kiện):
Mixed Conditional:
- Formula: If + Past Perfect, would/could + bare infinitive
- Ví dụ: “If I hadn’t learned English, I wouldn’t be able to work for an international company now.”
- Usage: Diễn tả một điều kiện trong quá khứ ảnh hưởng đến hiện tại
Inversion in Conditionals:
- Formula: Had + Subject + Past Participle, Subject + would/could…
- Ví dụ: “Had I known about the language barrier beforehand, I would have prepared more thoroughly.”
- Usage: Formal style, impressive trong Speaking Part 3
2. Relative Clauses (Mệnh đề quan hệ):
Non-defining Relative Clauses:
- Formula: Noun, which/who + clause, verb
- Ví dụ: “My colleague from Japan, who speaks excellent English, helped me understand the cultural nuances.”
- Usage: Cung cấp thông tin bổ sung, làm câu sophisticated hơn
Reduced Relative Clauses:
- Formula: Noun + V-ing/V-ed
- Ví dụ: “The tourists standing at the corner looked confused.” | “The language spoken in that region is quite unique.”
- Usage: Concise và academic
3. Passive Voice (Câu bị động):
Impersonal Passive:
- Formula: It is believed/thought/said/known that…
- Ví dụ: “It is widely believed that learning languages enhances cognitive abilities.”
- Usage: Diễn đạt general opinions, tránh “people say”
Passive với Modal Verbs:
- Formula: Modal + be + past participle
- Ví dụ: “Cultural differences should be acknowledged when communicating in foreign languages.”
- Usage: Express necessity, possibility một cách formal
4. Cleft Sentences (Câu chẻ):
What-cleft:
- Formula: What + clause + is/was + noun/clause
- Ví dụ: “What really helped me was immersing myself in English content daily.”
- Usage: Emphasize information, sounds natural and fluent
It-cleft:
- Formula: It + be + focus + that/who + clause
- Ví dụ: “It was the cultural misunderstanding that caused the confusion, not the language itself.”
- Usage: Focus attention on specific element
5. Advanced Verb Patterns:
Causative Structures:
- Formula: have/get something done
- Ví dụ: “I had my presentation translated into Japanese by a professional.”
- Usage: Diễn đạt việc ai đó làm gì cho mình
Emphatic “do/does/did”:
- Formula: Subject + do/does/did + bare infinitive
- Ví dụ: “I did manage to communicate effectively despite my limited vocabulary.”
- Usage: Emphasize action, contradict assumption
6. Fronting for Emphasis:
Negative Adverbial Fronting:
- Formula: Negative adverb + auxiliary + subject + verb
- Ví dụ: “Never have I felt more grateful for my English skills than during that trip.”
- Usage: Strong emphasis, formal và impressive
Adjective/Adverb Fronting:
- Formula: Adjective/Adverb + as/though + subject + be
- Ví dụ: “Challenging as it was, the experience taught me invaluable lessons about cross-cultural communication.”
- Usage: Concessive meaning, sophisticated structure
7. Participle Clauses:
Present Participle:
- Formula: V-ing + complement, main clause
- Ví dụ: “Having studied English for ten years, I felt confident approaching foreign tourists.”
- Usage: Show reason, time, hoặc accompanying action
Past Participle:
- Formula: V-ed + complement, main clause
- Ví dụ: “Faced with a language barrier, I had to use gestures and simple words to communicate.”
- Usage: Passive meaning, concise và formal
Để hiểu rõ hơn về cách ứng dụng công nghệ vào việc học ngoại ngữ, bạn có thể tham khảo describe a time when you adopted a new technology for personal use – một chủ đề giúp bạn thực hành vocabulary về công nghệ và sự thay đổi trong cuộc sống.
Chiến Lược Và Lời Khuyên Từ Examiner
Những Điều Làm Nên Sự Khác Biệt Giữa Band 6 và Band 8+
Sau hơn 20 năm chấm thi, tôi nhận thấy những điểm khác biệt then chốt sau:
1. Vocabulary Range và Precision:
- Band 6: Sử dụng từ vựng adequate nhưng repetitive (“good”, “bad”, “important” xuất hiện nhiều lần)
- Band 8+: Wide range với precise word choice (“beneficial”, “detrimental”, “crucial”, “paramount”) và natural collocations
2. Grammatical Complexity:
- Band 6: Mainly simple và compound sentences với một số complex structures
- Band 8+: Effortless mix của complex structures (conditionals, relative clauses, cleft sentences, inversion) used naturally
3. Idea Development:
- Band 6: Ideas are present nhưng lacks depth, mainly surface-level reasoning
- Band 8+: Ideas fully developed với examples, explanations, và acknowledgment của complexity
4. Coherence và Fluency:
- Band 6: Some hesitation, basic linking words (“and”, “but”, “so”)
- Band 8+: Speaks fluently với sophisticated discourse markers, self-correction sounds natural
Common Mistakes của Học Viên Việt Nam
Mistake 1: Over-preparing và Sounding Robotic
- ❌ Problem: Học thuộc template và recite như robot
- ✅ Solution: Focus on ideas và keywords, không học thuộc từng câu. Practice speaking naturally về nhiều topics khác nhau.
Mistake 2: Translating Directly từ Tiếng Việt
- ❌ Problem: “In my opinion, I think…” (thừa), “My English is not good” (Vietnamese modesty không natural trong English)
- ✅ Solution: Think in English patterns. Say “I believe” hoặc “In my opinion” (not both). Replace “not good” với “needs improvement” hoặc “I’m still working on…”
Mistake 3: Thiếu Examples Cụ Thể
- ❌ Problem: “Language learning is important because of many reasons” (vague)
- ✅ Solution: Provide specific examples: “For instance, when I traveled to Japan, knowing basic Japanese helped me navigate the subway system and order food confidently.”
Mistake 4: Không Paraphrase Câu Hỏi
- ❌ Problem: Repeat exact words từ câu hỏi
- ✅ Solution: Paraphrase naturally: Q: “Do you like learning languages?” → A: “Yes, I’m quite passionate about picking up new languages” (not “Yes, I like learning languages”)
Mistake 5: Nói Quá Ngắn Hoặc Quá Dài
- ❌ Problem: Part 1 answers quá dài (4-5 câu), Part 3 answers quá ngắn (1-2 câu)
- ✅ Solution:
- Part 1: 2-3 câu (answer + reason/example)
- Part 2: 2-2.5 phút nói
- Part 3: 3-5 câu với developed reasoning
Lộ Trình Chuẩn Bị Hiệu Quả
Phase 1: Foundation (2-3 tuần đầu)
- Familiarize với format và band descriptors
- Record yourself và identify weaknesses
- Build topic-specific vocabulary lists
- Practice pronunciation của key words
Phase 2: Practice (4-6 tuần tiếp theo)
- Practice với các đề thực tế từ recent tests
- Focus on one Part mỗi session để develop skills
- Get feedback từ teachers hoặc study partners
- Watch/listen to high-scoring samples để internalize patterns
Phase 3: Refinement (2-3 tuần cuối)
- Timed practice với all 3 Parts
- Work on weak areas identified
- Practice spontaneity – không rely on memorized answers
- Simulate exam conditions với mock tests
Daily Practice Routine (30-45 phút):
- 10 phút: Vocabulary review với apps (Quizlet, Anki)
- 15 phút: Record answers to 3-4 random questions
- 10 phút: Listen back và note improvements needed
- 10 phút: Shadow native speakers hoặc high-scoring samples
Câu Hỏi Thường Gặp
Q1: Examiner có để ý đến accent của tôi không?
A: Accent không quan trọng! Pronunciation band score focuses on intelligibility (người nghe có hiểu không) và features (stress, intonation, connected speech), không phải accent. Bạn có thể có Vietnamese accent rõ ràng và vẫn đạt Band 9 nếu pronunciation clear và uses features effectively.
Q2: Tôi có thể nói “I don’t know” không?
A: Tốt hơn là nói tentatively: “That’s an interesting question. I haven’t thought about it much before, but I suppose…” hoặc “I’m not entirely sure, but from my perspective…” Shows willingness to engage rather than giving up.
Q3: Nếu tôi không hiểu câu hỏi thì sao?
A: Hoàn toàn OK để clarify: “Sorry, could you repeat that?” hoặc “Do you mean…?” Tuy nhiên, chỉ làm 1-2 lần trong cả bài test. Nếu nhiều hơn, có thể affect Fluency score.
Q4: Tôi nên nói về trải nghiệm thật hay có thể “invent”?
A: Không sao cả! Examiner không check facts. Quan trọng là story sounds believable và bạn có thể develop ideas một cách tự nhiên. Tuy nhiên, speaking về real experiences thường easier và more authentic.
Q5: Tôi cần bao nhiêu từ vựng nâng cao để đạt Band 8?
A: Quality over quantity! Không cần hundreds of advanced words. Focus on:
- Using 10-15 less common words/phrases naturally per topic
- Precise collocations (“heavy rain” not “strong rain”)
- Idiomatic expressions used appropriately (2-3 trong cả bài test)
- Topic-specific vocabulary relevant to question
Nhớ rằng, IELTS Speaking không phải test về perfect English mà là test về effective communication. Examiner muốn thấy bạn có thể express ideas clearly, develop them logically, và engage in meaningful discussion. Focus on communicating naturally rather than showing off vocabulary, và bạn sẽ achieve higher band score.
Chúc bạn thành công với IELTS Speaking test!
