Cách Sử Dụng “A Major Reason For” Và “An Important Reason” Trong IELTS – Công Thức & Ví Dụ Band 8.0

Giới Thiệu

Cụm từ “a major reason for” và “an important reason” là những cấu trúc ngữ pháp quan trọng thường xuyên xuất hiện trong kỳ thi IELTS, đặc biệt ở phần Writing Task 2 và Speaking Part 3. Các cấu trúc này giúp thí sinh thể hiện khả năng phân tích nguyên nhân – kết quả một cách mạch lạc và học thuật, đồng thời tăng điểm Coherence & Cohesion cũng như Lexical Resource.

Theo thống kê từ các đề thi IELTS thực tế, những cụm từ này xuất hiện với tần suất cao trong:

• Speaking: Part 2 và Part 3 (giải thích nguyên nhân, đưa ra ý kiến về vấn đề xã hội)
• Writing Task 2: Opinion essays, Problem-Solution essays, Cause-Effect essays
• Writing Task 1: Academic reports khi giải thích xu hướng hoặc biến động dữ liệu

Ví dụ vận dụng trong IELTS:

Speaking Part 3 (Discussing social issues):
“One of the major reasons for traffic congestion in big cities is the increasing number of private vehicles on the roads.”
→ Phân tích: [Introductory phrase] + [major reasons for] + [noun phrase] + [is] + [explanation]

Writing Task 2 (Problem-Solution essay):
“An important reason why young people struggle to find employment is the mismatch between their qualifications and market demands.”
→ Phân tích: [An important reason] + [why clause] + [main verb] + [complement]

Writing Task 2 (Opinion essay):
“The major reason for environmental degradation is unsustainable industrial practices that prioritize profit over ecological protection.”
→ Phân tích: [The major reason for] + [noun phrase] + [is] + [noun phrase with relative clause]

Speaking Part 2 (Describing a change):
“A major reason for my decision to study abroad was the opportunity to experience different cultures and educational systems.”
→ Phân tích: [A major reason for] + [noun phrase] + [was] + [noun phrase]

Writing Task 2 (Cause-Effect essay):
“The most important reason behind rising obesity rates is the widespread consumption of processed foods high in sugar and fat.”
→ Phân tích: [The most important reason] + [behind] + [noun phrase] + [is] + [noun phrase with post-modifier]

Trong bài viết này, bạn sẽ học:

✅ Định nghĩa và cách phân biệt “a major reason for” và “an important reason”

✅ Công thức chi tiết với các biến thể cho từng ngữ cảnh

✅ Cách vận dụng vào 4 kỹ năng IELTS với ví dụ cụ thể

✅ 25+ câu ví dụ Band 7-9 từ đề thi thực tế

✅ Các cụm từ đồng nghĩa và cách paraphrase nâng cao

✅ 8 lỗi thường gặp của học viên Việt Nam và cách sửa

✅ Bài tập thực hành có đáp án chi tiết

“A Major Reason For” Và “An Important Reason” Là Gì?

Định Nghĩa

“A major reason for” và “an important reason” là các cụm danh từ (noun phrases) được sử dụng để giới thiệu và nhấn mạnh một nguyên nhân quan trọng của một vấn đề, hiện tượng hoặc quyết định nào đó. Chúng đóng vai trò là chủ ngữ (subject) trong câu và thường đi kèm với động từ “be” (is/are/was/were).

Chức năng chính:

• Giải thích nguyên nhân: Chỉ ra lý do chính dẫn đến một kết quả hoặc tình huống cụ thể
• Tổ chức luận điểm: Giúp cấu trúc bài viết/bài nói logic hơn khi trình bày nhiều nguyên nhân
• Nhấn mạnh tầm quan trọng: Thể hiện rằng nguyên nhân được nêu có ảnh hưởng đáng kể
• Tăng tính học thuật: Làm cho văn phong formal và phù hợp với yêu cầu IELTS Academic

Khi nào dùng trong IELTS:

• Speaking Part 3: Khi examiner hỏi về nguyên nhân của các vấn đề xã hội, xu hướng, hoặc thay đổi
• Writing Task 2: Trong các dạng bài Problem-Solution, Cause-Effect, và khi giải thích quan điểm trong Opinion essays
• Writing Task 1 (Academic): Khi giải thích nguyên nhân của biến động dữ liệu hoặc xu hướng trong biểu đồ
• Paraphrasing: Để thay thế cho các cụm từ đơn giản như “because” hoặc “the reason is”

Tần Suất Xuất Hiện Trong IELTS

Theo phân tích từ Cambridge IELTS 14-18:

Speaking:

• Part 1: Ít xuất hiện – chủ yếu dùng cấu trúc đơn giản hơn
• Part 2: Trung bình – khi giải thích lý do cho một quyết định hoặc lựa chọn (ví dụ: “A major reason for choosing this career…”)
• Part 3: Cao – thường xuyên cần thiết khi thảo luận về các vấn đề phức tạp, xu hướng xã hội (ví dụ: “One important reason why cities are becoming overcrowded…”)

Writing:

• Task 1: Thấp đến Trung bình – chỉ dùng khi cần giải thích nguyên nhân của xu hướng đặc biệt
• Task 2: Rất cao – xuất hiện trong hầu hết các dạng bài, đặc biệt Problem-Solution (60%), Cause-Effect (80%), và Discussion essays (45%)

Listening/Reading:

• Xuất hiện thường xuyên trong các bài nghe/đọc học thuật về các chủ đề xã hội, khoa học, môi trường
• Cần nhận diện để hiểu mối quan hệ nhân quả và cấu trúc lập luận của tác giả

Band Score Impact:

• Band 6: Có thể sử dụng “reason” cơ bản nhưng thiếu variety, thường lặp lại “because”
• Band 7: Sử dụng “a major reason for” và “an important reason” chính xác với cấu trúc ngữ pháp đúng
• Band 8-9: Kết hợp linh hoạt với các biến thể khác nhau (“primary reason”, “key factor”, “principal cause”), sử dụng trong câu phức với mệnh đề quan hệ và các cấu trúc nâng cao

Sơ đồ phân tích cấu trúc ngữ pháp major reason và important reason trong IELTS Writing Task 2

Công Thức & Cấu Trúc

Công Thức Cơ Bản

📌 CÔNG THỨC CHÍNH – PATTERN 1:

┌──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ A/An/The + [adjective] + reason + for + [noun/gerund]   │
│ + be + [explanation/result]                              │
│                                                          │
│ Ví dụ: A major reason for climate change is excessive   │
│        carbon emissions from industrial activities.     │
└──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘

📌 CÔNG THỨC CHÍNH – PATTERN 2:

┌──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ A/An/The + [adjective] + reason + why + [clause]        │
│ + be + [explanation/result]                              │
│                                                          │
│ Ví dụ: An important reason why students fail exams is   │
│        inadequate preparation.                           │
└──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘

Thành phần câu:

• Article (A/An/The):

  • “A/An” – khi đề cập đến một trong nhiều nguyên nhân
  • “The” – khi nhấn mạnh nguyên nhân duy nhất hoặc quan trọng nhất

• Adjective (tính từ bổ nghĩa):

  • Common: major, important, significant, key, primary, main, principal
  • Advanced: fundamental, critical, crucial, paramount, compelling

• Reason (danh từ chính):

  • Luôn là “reason” (số ít) với “a/an/the”
  • Có thể dùng “reasons” (số nhiều) với “some/several/many”

• Preposition/Conjunction:

  • “for” + noun/gerund (cho danh từ/V-ing)
  • “why” + clause (cho mệnh đề có chủ vị)
  • “behind” + noun (formal style)

• Be verb + Explanation:

  • is/are/was/were tùy theo số của chủ ngữ và thì
  • Theo sau là giải thích cụ thể về nguyên nhân

Ví dụ phân tích chi tiết:

Câu 1: “The primary reason for youth unemployment is the lack of practical skills.”

Phân tích:

• Article: The (nhấn mạnh nguyên nhân chính nhất)
• Adjective: primary (chính yếu)
• Noun: reason (danh từ trung tâm)
• Preposition: for (giới từ chỉ đối tượng)
• Noun phrase: youth unemployment (cụm danh từ – vấn đề)
• Verb: is (động từ “be” số ít)
• Explanation: the lack of practical skills (giải thích nguyên nhân)

Câu 2: “A major reason why people migrate to cities is better employment opportunities.”

Phân tích:

• Article: A (một trong nhiều nguyên nhân)
• Adjective: major (chính, quan trọng)
• Noun: reason (danh từ trung tâm)
• Conjunction: why (liên từ nối mệnh đề)
• Clause: people migrate to cities (mệnh đề có chủ vị)
• Verb: is (động từ “be”)
• Explanation: better employment opportunities (lý do cụ thể)

Các Biến Thể

Dạng 1: Reason + for + Noun Phrase

A/The + [adjective] + reason + for + [noun phrase] + be + [explanation]

Ví dụ:

• “The main reason for traffic accidents is distracted driving.”
• “An important reason for biodiversity loss is habitat destruction.”
• “A significant reason for stress among teenagers is academic pressure.”

Dạng 2: Reason + for + Gerund (V-ing)

A/The + [adjective] + reason + for + [V-ing] + be + [explanation]

Ví dụ:

• “The major reason for investing in education is long-term economic growth.”
• “A key reason for learning foreign languages is enhanced career prospects.”
• “The primary reason for adopting renewable energy is environmental sustainability.”

Dạng 3: Reason + why + Clause

A/The + [adjective] + reason + why + [subject + verb...] + be + [explanation]

Ví dụ:

• “The main reason why companies fail is poor management.”
• “An important reason why children become obese is unhealthy eating habits.”
• “A crucial reason why marriages end in divorce is lack of communication.”

Dạng 4: Reason + behind + Noun Phrase (Formal)

The + [adjective] + reason + behind + [noun phrase] + be + [explanation]

Ví dụ:

• “The fundamental reason behind economic inequality is unequal access to education.”
• “The principal reason behind rising crime rates is widespread unemployment.”
• “The key reason behind student disengagement is outdated teaching methods.”

Dạng 5: One of the + reasons (Số nhiều)

One of the + [adjective] + reasons + for/why + [...] + be + [explanation]

Ví dụ:

• “One of the major reasons for global warming is deforestation.”
• “One of the important reasons why students drop out is financial difficulty.”

Signal Words & Collocations

Các tính từ thường đi kèm với “reason”:

Tính từ	Độ mạnh	Ví dụ IELTS	Band Level
main	★★★☆☆	The main reason for pollution is industrial waste.	6-7
major	★★★★☆	A major reason for obesity is sedentary lifestyles.	7
important	★★★☆☆	An important reason for success is determination.	6-7
key	★★★★☆	The key reason for innovation is market competition.	7-8
primary	★★★★★	The primary reason for migration is economic opportunity.	8
principal	★★★★★	The principal reason behind the crisis is government failure.	8-9
fundamental	★★★★★	A fundamental reason for inequality is systemic discrimination.	8-9
critical	★★★★☆	A critical reason for climate action is species extinction.	8
crucial	★★★★☆	The crucial reason why reforms failed is lack of political will.	8
significant	★★★★☆	A significant reason for homelessness is rising housing costs.	7-8

Cụm từ thường đi kèm trong IELTS:

Cụm từ đầy đủ	Ngữ cảnh	Ví dụ
The single most important reason	Nhấn mạnh nhất	The single most important reason for educational reform is preparing students for the future workforce.
Perhaps the most significant reason	Đưa ra quan điểm	Perhaps the most significant reason why young people delay marriage is financial insecurity.
Undoubtedly, a major reason	Thể hiện chắc chắn	Undoubtedly, a major reason for mental health issues is social isolation.
Arguably, the primary reason	Có thể tranh luận	Arguably, the primary reason behind political polarization is social media echo chambers.

Cách Vận Dụng Vào IELTS

Speaking

Part 1 – Introduction & Interview

Ở Part 1, các câu hỏi thường đơn giản và ngắn gọn, nên việc sử dụng cấu trúc “a major reason” có thể hơi formal. Tuy nhiên, bạn vẫn có thể dùng trong một số trường hợp để tăng điểm.

Topic thường gặp: Hobbies, study, work, hometown

Ví dụ câu hỏi & trả lời:

Q: “Why do you study English?”

A (Band 6): “I study English because it’s important for my future career.”

A (Band 7-8): “Well, a major reason for studying English is that it opens up international career opportunities. Additionally, English allows me to access a wealth of information online and communicate with people from different cultures.”

→ Phân tích: Sử dụng “a major reason for + gerund” giúp câu trả lời có cấu trúc rõ ràng hơn. Thí sinh sau đó bổ sung thêm lý do khác để expand câu trả lời.

Part 2 – Long Turn

Part 2 là nơi lý tưởng để thể hiện cấu trúc này, đặc biệt khi cue card yêu cầu giải thích lý do.

Cue card example:

Describe a decision you made that changed your life.
You should say:

• What the decision was
• When you made it
• Why you made this decision
• And explain how it changed your life

Sample answer (Band 8):

“I’d like to talk about my decision to study abroad in Australia, which I made about three years ago. The primary reason for making this choice was the quality of education, as Australian universities are globally recognized for their research and teaching standards.

However, an equally important reason why I chose to leave my comfort zone was personal growth. I believed that living independently in a foreign country would help me develop essential life skills and broaden my perspective. Another significant reason behind this decision was the opportunity to experience a different culture and improve my English in an immersive environment.

This choice has transformed my life in numerous ways…”

→ Phân tích Band 8+ features:

• Sử dụng 3 biến thể khác nhau: “primary reason for”, “important reason why”, “reason behind”
• Kết hợp với các cụm từ liên kết: “however”, “another”
• Cấu trúc câu phức với mệnh đề quan hệ và V-ing

Part 3 – Discussion

Part 3 yêu cầu thảo luận sâu về các vấn đề xã hội, nên cấu trúc này cực kỳ hữu ích.

Typical questions:

Q: “Why do you think young people today are less interested in traditional jobs?”

A (Band 8-9):

“That’s an interesting question. I believe the major reason for this shift in attitude is the changing nature of work itself. Traditional jobs often involve rigid schedules and hierarchical structures, which don’t appeal to millennials and Gen Z who value flexibility and autonomy.

Another important reason why young people are turning away from conventional careers is the rise of the digital economy. The internet has created countless opportunities for entrepreneurship and freelancing, allowing individuals to monetize their skills without committing to a single employer.

Furthermore, a crucial reason behind this trend is that young people have witnessed their parents’ generation experience job insecurity despite loyalty to traditional employers. This has made them more pragmatic and willing to explore alternative career paths.”

→ Band 8-9 features:

• Sử dụng variety of synonyms: “major”, “important”, “crucial”
• Kết hợp nhiều prepositions: “for”, “why”, “behind”
• Triển khai ý mạch lạc với 3 lý do rõ ràng
• Sử dụng từ vựng sophisticated: “hierarchical structures”, “monetize”, “pragmatic”

Minh họa cách vận dụng cấu trúc major reason và important reason trong IELTS Speaking Part 3

Writing Task 1

Trong Writing Task 1 Academic, cấu trúc này ít được sử dụng hơn vì Task 1 chủ yếu mô tả dữ liệu. Tuy nhiên, trong một số trường hợp khi cần giải thích xu hướng hoặc biến động đặc biệt, bạn có thể áp dụng.

Khi nào dùng:

• Khi biểu đồ cho thấy sự thay đổi đột ngột cần giải thích
• Trong phần conclusion khi tổng hợp xu hướng chính
• Khi đề bài yêu cầu “give reasons where relevant”

Ví dụ (Line graph showing tourism decline):

“The graph illustrates the number of international tourists visiting Thailand between 2018 and 2023.

Overall, there was a dramatic decline in tourist arrivals from 2019 to 2020, followed by a gradual recovery. The major reason for this sharp decrease was undoubtedly the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to international travel restrictions and border closures worldwide.

In 2019, Thailand welcomed approximately 40 million tourists. However, this figure plummeted to just 8 million in 2020, representing an 80% reduction. A significant reason for the severity of this drop was Thailand’s strict quarantine requirements, which deterred many potential visitors…”

→ Vận dụng: Chỉ nên dùng 1-2 lần trong toàn bài Task 1, chủ yếu khi có context rõ ràng cần giải thích.

Lưu ý cho Task 1:

• Không sử dụng quá nhiều lần (1-2 lần tối đa)
• Chỉ dùng khi có cơ sở dữ liệu rõ ràng để support
• Không speculation – chỉ đưa ra những lý do hiển nhiên, được công nhận rộng rãi

Writing Task 2

Task 2 là nơi cấu trúc này tỏa sáng nhất, đặc biệt trong các dạng bài Problem-Solution, Cause-Effect.

Problem-Solution Essay

Topic: Many cities are facing serious traffic congestion problems. What are the causes of this issue and what solutions can you suggest?

Body Paragraph 1 (Causes) – Band 8:

“There are several factors contributing to urban traffic congestion, but the most significant reason for this problem is rapid urbanization. As people migrate from rural areas to cities in search of better employment opportunities, the population density in urban centers increases dramatically, leading to more vehicles on the roads.

Another major reason for traffic jams is inadequate public transportation infrastructure. In many developing countries, governments have failed to invest sufficiently in metro systems, buses, and railways. Consequently, residents have no choice but to rely on private cars for their daily commute. A further important reason why traffic congestion has worsened is poor urban planning. Many cities were designed decades ago when vehicle ownership was much lower, and their narrow roads simply cannot accommodate today’s traffic volumes.”

→ Phân tích:

• Sử dụng 3 biến thể để giới thiệu 3 nguyên nhân khác nhau
• Mỗi lý do được develop đầy đủ với explanation và examples
• Linking words: “another”, “furthermore”, “consequently”

Opinion Essay

Topic: Some people believe that the best way to reduce crime is to give longer prison sentences. Others, however, argue that there are better alternative ways to reduce crime. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Body Paragraph (Band 8-9):

“Proponents of harsher sentencing argue that the primary reason for implementing longer prison terms is their deterrent effect. They contend that when potential criminals know they face extended incarceration, they will think twice before breaking the law. Moreover, an important reason why longer sentences might be effective is that they keep dangerous individuals away from society for extended periods, thereby reducing opportunities for reoffending.

However, the fundamental reason why this approach may fail is that it addresses symptoms rather than root causes. Research consistently shows that the major reason behind most crimes is socioeconomic disadvantage, including poverty, lack of education, and limited employment opportunities. Therefore, alternative approaches such as rehabilitation programs, education initiatives, and job training schemes may prove more effective in the long term…”

→ Band 8-9 features:

• Sử dụng cấu trúc trong cả hai sides of argument
• Kết hợp với academic phrases: “research shows”, “consistently”
• Variety trong adjectives: “primary”, “important”, “fundamental”, “major”

Cause-Effect Essay

Topic: In many countries, people are living longer than ever before. What are the reasons for this? What problems might this cause?

Body Paragraph 1 (Band 9):

“The primary reason for increased life expectancy is the remarkable advancement in medical technology over the past century. Modern medicine has effectively eradicated many once-fatal diseases through vaccines, antibiotics, and sophisticated treatments. For instance, diseases like polio and tuberculosis, which previously claimed millions of lives, are now largely preventable or curable.

Equally important, a major reason why people are living longer is improved living standards. Better nutrition, access to clean water, and enhanced sanitation have dramatically reduced infant mortality and improved overall health. Another significant reason behind this demographic shift is greater awareness of healthy lifestyles. Public health campaigns have educated people about the dangers of smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and sedentary behavior, encouraging them to adopt healthier habits.”

→ Sophisticated features:

• Opening với cấu trúc “The primary reason for + noun”
• Sử dụng “equally important” để thể hiện lý do ngang tầm quan trọng
• Examples cụ thể sau mỗi reason
• Academic collocations: “remarkable advancement”, “demographic shift”

Discussion Essay

Topic: Some people believe that teenagers should be required to do unpaid community work. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Body Paragraph supporting the view (Band 8):

“I strongly support mandatory community service for teenagers, as the most compelling reason for this requirement is character development. When young people engage in volunteer work, they develop empathy, responsibility, and an understanding of social issues that textbooks alone cannot teach. A further important reason why community service should be compulsory is that it helps teenagers discover their passions and potential career paths. Many students realize their interest in healthcare, education, or social work through hands-on volunteer experience…”

→ Vận dụng: Dùng để giới thiệu reasons supporting your opinion một cách có cấu trúc.

Sample Paragraphs Band 7-9

Band 7 Sample (Environmental Topic):

“Environmental pollution has become one of the most pressing issues of our time. The main reason for this problem is industrialization and the burning of fossil fuels. Factories and vehicles emit large amounts of carbon dioxide and other harmful gases into the atmosphere. Another important reason for environmental degradation is deforestation. Trees play a crucial role in absorbing CO2, but millions of hectares of forests are cut down annually for agriculture and urban development. A further significant reason why pollution has worsened is the lack of environmental awareness among citizens and corporations. Many people still dispose of waste irresponsibly, and companies prioritize profits over environmental protection.”

Phân tích Band 7:

• Sử dụng 3 lần cấu trúc “reason” với biến thể khác nhau
• Grammar chính xác, không có lỗi
• Ideas rõ ràng với explanations
• Linking: “another”, “a further”
• Vocabulary đủ tốt nhưng chưa really sophisticated

Band 8 Sample (Education Topic):

“The fundamental reason behind the growing achievement gap in education is socioeconomic inequality. Children from affluent families have access to quality schools, private tutoring, and educational resources that their less privileged peers simply cannot afford. This disparity creates a cycle where wealth begets educational success, which in turn perpetuates economic advantage. Compounding this issue, a critical reason why disadvantaged students fall behind is the lack of parental involvement, often because parents are working multiple jobs to make ends meet and have little time to support their children’s learning. Perhaps the most troubling reason for this widening gap is the increasing privatization of education. As public schools become underfunded, families with means opt for private institutions, leaving public schools with fewer resources and less political support to improve.”

Phân tích Band 8:

• Advanced vocabulary: “fundamental”, “affluent”, “perpetuates”, “compounding”
• Complex sentence structures với relative clauses
• Sophisticated reasoning với cause-effect chains
• Varied sentence patterns và clause combinations
• Academic tone maintained throughout

Band 9 Sample (Technology & Society):

“The principal reason underlying society’s growing dependence on technology is the unprecedented efficiency and connectivity it offers. In an increasingly globalized world, digital tools enable instantaneous communication across continents, facilitate complex business transactions, and provide access to vast repositories of human knowledge. This convenience has become so deeply embedded in modern life that many people find themselves unable to function effectively without their devices. More significantly, a paramount reason why this dependency continues to intensify is the deliberate design of addictive features by technology companies. These corporations employ teams of psychologists and behavioral scientists to engineer platforms that trigger dopamine releases and create compulsive usage patterns, effectively exploiting human psychology for profit. Inextricably linked to this phenomenon, the most profound reason behind our technological reliance is that it has fundamentally restructured social and economic systems. Critical infrastructure—from banking and healthcare to education and governance—has become so thoroughly digitized that opting out of technology is no longer a viable choice for most citizens, regardless of personal preference.”

Phân tích Band 9:

• Exceptional vocabulary: “underlying”, “unprecedented”, “paramount”, “inextricably”
• Highly complex grammatical structures with multiple subordinate clauses
• Sophisticated argument development với nuanced analysis
• Varied and precise use of reason structures: “principal reason underlying”, “paramount reason why”, “profound reason behind”
• Natural flow với advanced cohesive devices
• Critical thinking demonstrated through layered reasoning

So sánh chất lượng sử dụng cấu trúc reason theo từng Band điểm IELTS từ 7 đến 9

Nâng Cao – Cách Dùng Để Đạt Band 8+

Kết Hợp Với Các Cấu Trúc Khác

Pattern 1: Reason + Relative Clause

Kết hợp với mệnh đề quan hệ để add more information và tăng complexity.

Công thức:

A/The [adjective] reason for/why [...] + be + [noun phrase] + which/that + [relative clause]

Ví dụ Band 8+:

“The primary reason for climate change is the accumulation of greenhouse gases, which trap heat in the Earth’s atmosphere and disrupt natural weather patterns.”

“A major reason why students struggle with mathematics is inadequate foundational knowledge, which should have been established during primary education.”

“The fundamental reason behind income inequality is unequal access to quality education, which perpetuates social stratification across generations.”

→ Band 8+ features: Relative clause thêm explanation chi tiết, demonstrating grammatical range.

Pattern 2: Reason + Participle Clause (V-ing)

Sử dụng present participle để tạo câu súc tích hơn.

Công thức:

A/The [adjective] reason for/why [...] + be + [noun phrase], [V-ing] + [additional information]

Ví dụ Band 8+:

“The principal reason for biodiversity loss is habitat destruction, resulting in the extinction of thousands of species annually.”

“A critical reason why businesses fail is insufficient market research, leading to products that don’t meet consumer needs.”

“The major reason behind urban sprawl is inadequate city planning, causing environmental degradation and increased infrastructure costs.”

→ Sophistication: Participle clause thể hiện consequence một cách natural và concise.

Pattern 3: Reason + Compound/Complex Sentences

Kết hợp với các conjunction để tạo câu ghép và câu phức.

Ví dụ Band 8-9:

“While there are multiple factors contributing to obesity, the primary reason is the widespread availability of cheap processed foods, whereas fresh, healthy options often cost significantly more.”

“Although many believe that the major reason for crime is poverty, research suggests that the lack of educational opportunities and social support systems plays an equally significant role.”

“Not only is the principal reason for mental health issues the stress of modern life, but also the erosion of traditional community support networks has contributed substantially.”

→ Advanced features: Sử dụng contrasting structures (while, although, not only…but also) shows sophisticated thinking.

Pattern 4: Reason + Modal Verbs

Kết hợp với modal verbs để express possibility, probability, obligation.

Ví dụ Band 8+:

“A major reason why students might underperform is test anxiety, which can significantly impair cognitive function.”

“The primary reason behind environmental regulations should be the protection of future generations, not merely economic considerations.”

“One important reason why governments must invest in renewable energy is the finite nature of fossil fuels and their devastating environmental impact.”

→ Nuance: Modal verbs add subtlety and precision to arguments.

Pattern 5: Reason + Passive Voice

Sử dụng passive để shift focus và tạo academic tone.

Ví dụ Band 8-9:

“The fundamental reason for this phenomenon is often overlooked: the systematic marginalization of indigenous populations has been perpetuated through discriminatory policies.”

“A significant reason why reforms have been implemented is the mounting public pressure that could no longer be ignored by policymakers.”

“The principal reason behind this trend can be attributed to technological advancement, which has been accelerated by substantial private and public investment.”

→ Academic tone: Passive voice làm văn phong formal và objective hơn.

Cụm Từ Nâng Cao

Synonyms và Advanced Alternatives cho “Reason”:

Standard	Advanced Alternative	Ví dụ IELTS	Band
A major reason	A primary factor	A primary factor contributing to unemployment is automation.	8
An important reason	A critical determinant	A critical determinant of academic success is early childhood education.	8
The main reason	The underlying cause	The underlying cause of social unrest is economic inequality.	8-9
A key reason	A pivotal consideration	A pivotal consideration in urban planning is sustainable transportation.	8
A significant reason	A salient factor	A salient factor in language acquisition is immersion.	8-9
The primary reason	The root cause	The root cause of political polarization is media fragmentation.	8-9

Advanced Opening Phrases:

1. To introduce the most important reason:

“Arguably, the most compelling reason for this trend is…”
→ “Arguably, the most compelling reason for increased remote work is technological advancement.”

“Perhaps the single most significant factor underlying this phenomenon is…”
→ “Perhaps the single most significant factor underlying healthcare disparities is socioeconomic status.”

“At the heart of this issue lies the fundamental reason that…”
→ “At the heart of this issue lies the fundamental reason that profit incentives often override ethical considerations.”

2. To add additional reasons with sophistication:

“Compounding this, another critical reason stems from…”
→ “Compounding this, another critical reason stems from inadequate regulatory oversight.”

“Inextricably linked to this is the fact that a paramount reason for…”
→ “Inextricably linked to this is the fact that a paramount reason for educational inequality is unequal resource distribution.”

“Further exacerbating the situation, a crucial reason why…”
→ “Further exacerbating the situation, a crucial reason why reforms fail is political resistance.”

3. To present contrasting or surprising reasons:

“Contrary to popular belief, the actual reason behind…”
→ “Contrary to popular belief, the actual reason behind declining birth rates is not selfishness but economic insecurity.”

“What many fail to recognize is that the underlying reason for…”
→ “What many fail to recognize is that the underlying reason for academic dishonesty is often excessive pressure rather than moral failing.”

4. To introduce evidence-based reasons:

“Research consistently demonstrates that a primary reason why…”
→ “Research consistently demonstrates that a primary reason why diets fail is unrealistic expectations.”

“Empirical evidence suggests that the fundamental reason behind…”
→ “Empirical evidence suggests that the fundamental reason behind workplace burnout is chronic overwork coupled with inadequate recovery time.”

Academic Collocations Band 8-9

Với các chủ đề IELTS phổ biến:

Environment:

• “A paramount reason for ecological collapse is unsustainable consumption patterns.”
• “The underlying cause of biodiversity loss is anthropogenic habitat fragmentation.”
• “A critical factor contributing to climate change is the relentless burning of fossil fuels.”

Education:

• “A fundamental reason underlying educational disparities is socioeconomic stratification.”
• “The principal determinant of academic achievement is quality of instruction combined with student engagement.”
• “A salient factor in learning outcomes is the degree of individualized attention students receive.”

Technology:

• “The primary catalyst for digital transformation is the exponential growth in computing power.”
• “A pivotal reason behind technological adoption is the compelling value proposition it offers users.”
• “The underlying driver of innovation is competitive pressure in increasingly globalized markets.”

Society & Culture:

• “A profound reason for cultural erosion is the homogenizing force of globalization.”
• “The root cause of social fragmentation is the breakdown of traditional community structures.”
• “A critical factor in societal wellbeing is the strength of social cohesion and civic engagement.”

Health:

• “The predominant reason for rising obesity rates is the ubiquity of calorie-dense, nutrient-poor foods.”
• “A fundamental cause of mental health crises is the chronic stress endemic to modern lifestyles.”
• “A significant contributor to health disparities is differential access to quality healthcare.”

Bảng tổng hợp các academic collocations với reason dùng trong IELTS Writing Task 2

Câu Phức & Ghép

Tích hợp vào Complex Sentences:

Example 1 – Concession + Reason:

“Although some argue that poverty is the main reason for crime, I believe that the fundamental cause is lack of educational and employment opportunities, which creates a cycle of desperation and hopelessness.”

Phân tích:

• Opening với concession clause (Although…)
• Main clause chứa reason structure
• Kết thúc với relative clause for explanation
• Demonstrates ability to present và counter arguments

Example 2 – Conditional + Reason:

“If we examine historical patterns, we can see that the primary reason why civilizations collapsed was not military conquest but rather environmental degradation and resource depletion, which gradually undermined their economic foundations.”

Phân tích:

• Conditional clause for context
• Reason structure trong main clause
• Contrast với “not…but rather”
• Relative clause for causal relationship

Example 3 – Multi-clause Complex:

“While it is undeniable that technological advancement has improved living standards, what many fail to recognize is that a significant reason why inequality has widened is that the benefits of innovation have been disproportionately captured by those who already possess capital and education, thereby exacerbating existing disparities rather than alleviating them.”

Phân tích:

• Opening concession
• Noun clause as subject (what many fail…)
• Reason structure embedded in noun clause
• Adverbial clause showing result (thereby…)
• Demonstrates exceptional grammatical range

Example 4 – Inversion + Reason:

“Rarely has a single factor had such profound impact; indeed, the principal reason behind the digital revolution is not merely technological capability but rather the convergence of multiple innovations—semiconductors, networking protocols, and user interface design—that collectively transformed how humans interact with information.”

Phân tích:

• Inversion for emphasis (Rarely has…)
• Sophisticated use of semicolon
• Reason structure với “not merely…but rather”
• Dash for additional detail
• Relative clause for elaboration
• Band 9 level complexity

So Sánh Với Cấu Trúc Tương Tự

“Reason” vs “Cause” vs “Factor”

Tiêu chí	Reason	Cause	Factor
Công thức	A/The [adj] reason for/why [noun/clause] is…	The cause of [noun] is… What causes [noun] is…	A/The [adj] factor contributing to/in [noun] is…
Ý nghĩa	Lý do, nguyên nhân (thường có ý thức, logic)	Nguyên nhân (trực tiếp, khách quan)	Yếu tố góp phần (một trong nhiều)
Formality	Formal-Neutral	Formal-Scientific	Formal-Academic
Dùng khi	Giải thích lý do có tính chủ quan, quyết định	Chỉ mối quan hệ nhân quả khoa học	Liệt kê nhiều yếu tố ảnh hưởng
Ví dụ	The main reason for choosing this career is job satisfaction.	The cause of global warming is greenhouse gas emissions.	A key factor in economic growth is foreign investment.
IELTS Band	6-9 (tùy complexity)	7-8	7-9

Khi nào dùng “reason”:

• Khi nói về human decisions, choices, behaviors
• Khi giải thích motivations hoặc rationale
• Speaking Part 3 và Writing Task 2 (opinion-based)

Ví dụ:
“The primary reason why people choose to live in cities is better career opportunities.”
(✓ Đúng – nói về lựa chọn, quyết định của con người)

Khi nào dùng “cause”:

• Khi nói về scientific phenomena, natural processes
• Khi establish direct causal relationships
• Writing Task 1 (describing processes) và Task 2 (scientific topics)

Ví dụ:
“The primary cause of this disease is bacterial infection.”
(✓ Đúng – mối quan hệ nhân quả trực tiếp, khoa học)

Khi nào dùng “factor”:

• Khi có multiple contributing elements
• Khi một vấn đề phức tạp với nhiều influences
• Academic writing và formal discussions

Ví dụ:
“Several factors contribute to academic success, including motivation, teaching quality, and family support.”
(✓ Đúng – nhiều yếu tố, không chỉ một)

“A reason for” vs “A reason why”

Tiêu chí	A reason for + noun/gerund	A reason why + clause
Sau “for/why”	Noun phrase hoặc V-ing	Mệnh đề hoàn chỉnh (S + V)
Complexity	Simple-Intermediate	Intermediate-Advanced
Ví dụ	A reason for pollution is industrial waste.	A reason why pollution occurs is that factories emit toxic gases.
Formality	Neutral	Slightly more formal
Band Score	6-7	7-8

So sánh trong cùng context:

Version A (for + noun):
“A major reason for unemployment is lack of skills.”
→ Simple, direct, Band 6-7

Version B (why + clause):
“A major reason why people remain unemployed is that their skills don’t match market demands.”
→ More elaborate, shows grammatical range, Band 7-8

Lựa chọn structure nào:

Dùng “reason for + noun/gerund” khi:

• Muốn câu súc tích, concise
• Đã có nhiều complex sentences trong đoạn
• Noun phrase đủ rõ nghĩa

Dùng “reason why + clause” khi:

• Cần elaborate chi tiết hơn
• Muốn demonstrate grammatical range
• Explanation phức tạp cần mệnh đề đầy đủ

“The reason is that” vs “The reason is because”

❌ INCORRECT:
“The reason why people migrate is because economic opportunities.”

✅ CORRECT:
“The reason why people migrate is that economic opportunities are better in cities.”

Quy tắc:

• Sau “the reason…is” PHẢI dùng “that” (không dùng “because”)
• Hoặc có thể dùng noun phrase trực tiếp sau “is”

Correct patterns:

Pattern 1: The reason… is that + [clause]
“The reason for climate change is that humans have emitted excessive greenhouse gases.”

Pattern 2: The reason… is + [noun phrase]
“The reason for climate change is excessive greenhouse gas emissions.”

Pattern 3: The reason… is + [to-infinitive]
“The reason for this policy is to reduce traffic congestion.”

❌ Common mistakes by Vietnamese learners:

1. “The reason is because…” (Incorrect – redundant)
2. “The reason for…is because…” (Incorrect – grammatical error)
3. “The reason that…” (Incomplete – missing main verb)

Lỗi Thường Gặp & Cách Sửa

Lỗi 1: Dùng “because” sau “the reason is”

❌ SAI:
“The main reason for air pollution is because factories emit toxic gases.”

✅ ĐÚNG:
“The main reason for air pollution is that factories emit toxic gases.”

HOẶC:

“The main reason for air pollution is toxic emissions from factories.”

Giải thích:
“Reason” và “because” đều chỉ nguyên nhân, nên việc dùng cả hai tạo ra redundancy (thừa nghĩa). Trong tiếng Anh chuẩn, sau “the reason is” phải dùng “that” hoặc noun phrase trực tiếp.

Lưu ý:

• “The reason is that…” = Correct
• “This is because…” = Correct (không có “reason”)
• “The reason is because…” = Incorrect (redundant)

Thêm ví dụ:
❌ “A major reason why students fail is because they don’t study enough.”
✅ “A major reason why students fail is that they don’t study enough.”
✅ “Students fail because they don’t study enough.”

Lỗi 2: Nhầm lẫn giữa “reason for + noun” và “reason for + clause”

❌ SAI:
“A major reason for people migrate to cities is better jobs.”

✅ ĐÚNG:
“A major reason for people migrating to cities is better jobs.”
(dùng gerund)

HOẶC:

“A major reason why people migrate to cities is better jobs.”
(dùng why + clause)

Giải thích:
Sau “reason for” phải là:

• Noun: “the problem”, “this situation”
• Gerund (V-ing): “migrating”, “choosing”
• Possessive + gerund: “people’s migrating”

Không thể là mệnh đề hoàn chỉnh (subject + verb). Nếu muốn dùng mệnh đề, phải thay “for” bằng “why”.

Lưu ý:

• “reason for + V-ing” ✓
• “reason for + noun” ✓
• “reason for + S + V” ✗
• “reason why + S + V” ✓

Thêm ví dụ:
❌ “The reason for the company failed is poor management.”
✅ “The reason for the company’s failure is poor management.”
✅ “The reason why the company failed is poor management.”

Lỗi 3: Thiếu article (a/an/the) trước “reason”

❌ SAI:
“Major reason for climate change is carbon emissions.”

✅ ĐÚNG:
“A major reason for climate change is carbon emissions.”

HOẶC:

“The major reason for climate change is carbon emissions.”

Giải thích:
“Reason” là countable noun (danh từ đếm được) nên phải có article khi ở số ít.

Quy tắc:

• Dùng “a/an” khi đề cập đến một trong nhiều nguyên nhân
• Dùng “the” khi nhấn mạnh nguyên nhân duy nhất hoặc quan trọng nhất
• Không cần article với số nhiều: “Major reasons for…”

Lưu ý:
Một số tính từ mạnh như “primary”, “principal”, “fundamental” thường đi với “the” vì ngụ ý đó là nguyên nhân quan trọng nhất.

Thêm ví dụ:
❌ “Important reason for this is lack of funding.”
✅ “An important reason for this is lack of funding.”
❌ “Primary reason behind this problem is poor planning.”
✅ “The primary reason behind this problem is poor planning.”

Lỗi 4: Dùng sai giới từ hoặc thiếu giới từ

❌ SAI:
“A major reason of unemployment is automation.”

✅ ĐÚNG:
“A major reason for unemployment is automation.”

HOẶC:

“A major reason behind unemployment is automation.”

Giải thích:
Các giới từ đúng với “reason”:

• for (phổ biến nhất)
• behind (formal, literary)
• why (followed by clause)

Không dùng “of” với “reason” trong context này.

Lưu ý:
“Reason of” CHỈ được dùng trong một số cụm cố định như “for reasons of security” (vì lý do an ninh), nhưng không phải pattern chính.

Các pattern đúng:

• “reason for + noun/gerund” ✓
• “reason why + clause” ✓
• “reason behind + noun” ✓ (formal)
• “reason of + noun” ✗ (trong hầu hết trường hợp)

Thêm ví dụ:
❌ “The reason of this problem is complicated.”
✅ “The reason for this problem is complicated.”
❌ “A major reason about global warming is deforestation.”
✅ “A major reason for global warming is deforestation.”

Lỗi 5: Không agreement giữa subject và verb

❌ SAI:
“One of the major reasons for traffic congestion are too many private cars.”

✅ ĐÚNG:
“One of the major reasons for traffic congestion is too many private cars.”

Giải thích:
Khi subject là “one of the + plural noun”, verb phải chia theo “one” (số ít), không phải theo “reasons” (số nhiều).

Quy tắc:

• “The reason… is” (singular)
• “The reasons… are” (plural)
• “One of the reasons… is” (singular – vì “one” là chủ ngữ)
• “Some reasons… are” (plural)

Lưu ý:
Đây là lỗi phổ biến của người Việt vì trong tiếng Việt không có chia động từ theo số của chủ ngữ.

Thêm ví dụ:
❌ “The main reasons for this issue is poverty and inequality.”
✅ “The main reasons for this issue are poverty and inequality.”

❌ “One of the important reasons why students drop out are financial difficulty.”
✅ “One of the important reasons why students drop out is financial difficulty.”

Lỗi 6: Sử dụng quá nhiều lần trong một đoạn

❌ SAI (Overuse):
“A major reason for unemployment is lack of skills. Another major reason for unemployment is automation. A further reason for unemployment is economic recession.”

✅ ĐÚNG (Varied):
“A major reason for unemployment is lack of skills. Additionally, automation has eliminated many traditional jobs. Economic recession has also contributed to rising unemployment rates.”

Giải thích:
Lặp lại cùng một cấu trúc làm giảm điểm Lexical Resource và Coherence & Cohesion. Nên vary expressions.

Alternatives to vary:

1. “A major reason… Additionally/Moreover/Furthermore, …”
2. “The primary reason… Another contributing factor…”
3. “One important reason… This issue is compounded by…”
4. “The main reason… Equally significant is…”

Lưu ý:
Trong một đoạn 150-200 từ, chỉ nên dùng structure “a major reason” 1-2 lần, sau đó vary với synonyms hoặc different structures.

Lỗi 7: Dùng reason cho non-causal relationships

❌ SAI:
“The reason of this book is to educate children.”

✅ ĐÚNG:
“The purpose/aim of this book is to educate children.”

Giải thích:
“Reason” chỉ dùng cho causal relationships (quan hệ nhân quả). Với mục đích (purpose), phải dùng “purpose”, “aim”, “goal”, “objective”.

Phân biệt:

• Reason (nguyên nhân): Why did something happen?
• Purpose (mục đích): What is something for?

Thêm ví dụ:
❌ “The reason of education is to develop critical thinking.”
✅ “The purpose of education is to develop critical thinking.”

❌ “A major reason for this policy is improving public health.”
✓ (Acceptable nếu policy đã tồn tại và bạn giải thích tại sao nó được tạo ra)
✅ “The aim of this policy is improving public health.”
(Better nếu bạn muốn nói về mục tiêu)

Lỗi 8: Confusing “reason” với “result” hoặc “effect”

❌ SAI:
“The major reason of smoking is lung cancer.”

✅ ĐÚNG:
“The major consequence/result/effect of smoking is lung cancer.”

HOẶC:

“A major reason for lung cancer is smoking.”

Giải thích:
Học viên Việt Nam thường nhầm lẫn cause (nguyên nhân) và effect (kết quả).

• Smoking = cause (nguyên nhân)
• Lung cancer = effect (kết quả)

Công thức đúng:

• “The reason for [result] is [cause]”
• “The result/effect of [cause] is [result]”

Thêm ví dụ:
❌ “The main reason of deforestation is climate change.”
✅ “The main reason for climate change is deforestation.”
✅ “The main consequence of deforestation is climate change.”

Infographic các lỗi thường gặp khi sử dụng cấu trúc reason trong IELTS

Bài Tập Thực Hành

Bài Tập 1: Điền Từ

Hoàn thành câu với “a/an/the” và giới từ phù hợp (for/why/behind):

1. major reason traffic accidents is distracted driving.

2. primary reason people learn English is career advancement.

3. One of important reasons students drop out is financial pressure.

4. fundamental reason companies invest in training is employee retention.

5. key reason environmental degradation is unsustainable consumption.

6. significant reason many businesses fail is poor management.

7. principal reason rising obesity rates is sedentary lifestyles.

8. crucial reason social inequality is unequal education access.

9. Perhaps most important reason this trend is technological change.

10. underlying reason political polarization is media fragmentation.

Bài Tập 2: Chọn Đúng/Sai

Đánh dấu ✓ (đúng) hoặc ✗ (sai) cho các câu sau:

1. The main reason of climate change is carbon emissions. [ ]

2. A major reason why people migrate is that cities offer better opportunities. [ ]

3. The reason for this problem is because lack of funding. [ ]

4. An important reason for people choosing online shopping is convenience. [ ]

5. One of the primary reasons for unemployment are automation. [ ]

6. The principal reason behind this issue is poor planning. [ ]

7. Major reason for this situation is economic recession. [ ]

8. A significant reason why students succeed is because they work hard. [ ]

9. The fundamental reason for biodiversity loss is habitat destruction. [ ]

10. The primary reason of education is developing critical thinking. [ ]

Bài Tập 3: Tìm Và Sửa Lỗi

Tìm lỗi sai trong các câu sau và sửa lại:

1. Major reason for air pollution is factory emissions.

   • Lỗi: _____
   • Sửa: _____

2. The main reason for people migrate to cities is better jobs.

   • Lỗi: _____
   • Sửa: _____

3. One important reason why technology advances are funding for research.

   • Lỗi: _____
   • Sửa: _____

4. The primary reason of this policy is improving healthcare.

   • Lỗi: _____
   • Sửa: _____

5. A major reason for unemployment is because automation.

   • Lỗi: _____
   • Sửa: _____

6. The reason about global warming is greenhouse gas emissions.

   • Lỗi: _____
   • Sửa: _____

7. An important reason why students fail exams is because lack of preparation.

   • Lỗi: _____
   • Sửa: _____

8. One of the key reasons for this problem are poor infrastructure.

   • Lỗi: _____
   • Sửa: _____

Bài Tập 4: Viết Câu Hoàn Chỉnh

Viết câu hoàn chỉnh sử dụng “a major reason for/why” với các gợi ý sau:

1. (climate change / carbon emissions)
   → ___

2. (students / fail exams / lack of preparation)
   → ___

3. (people / choose remote work / flexibility)
   → ___

4. (traffic congestion / too many vehicles)
   → ___

5. (businesses / invest / technology / competitive advantage)
   → ___

6. (young people / delay marriage / financial insecurity)
   → ___

7. (obesity rates / increase / sedentary lifestyles)
   → ___

8. (environmental degradation / unsustainable practices)
   → ___

Bài Tập 5: Paraphrase

Viết lại các câu sau sử dụng “a major/important reason for/why”:

1. Many people fail because they don’t plan properly.
   → ___

2. The rise in obesity is caused by unhealthy diets.
   → ___

3. Students drop out due to financial difficulties.
   → ___

4. Companies invest in training to improve productivity.
   → ___

5. Climate change happens because of deforestation.
   → ___

Bài Tập 6: Writing Task 2 Practice

Viết một đoạn văn (100-120 từ) cho topic sau, sử dụng ít nhất 3 lần cấu trúc “reason”:

Topic: “Many young people today prefer to work as freelancers rather than permanent employees. What are the reasons for this trend?”

Your paragraph:

---

---

---

---

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Đáp Án Chi Tiết

Bài Tập 1:

1. A major reason for traffic accidents is distracted driving.

   • “A” vì đây là một trong nhiều nguyên nhân
   • “for” + noun phrase

2. The primary reason why people learn English is career advancement.

   • “The” vì “primary” ngụ ý nguyên nhân chính nhất
   • “why” + clause (people learn…)

3. One of the important reasons why students drop out is financial pressure.

   • “the” sau “one of”
   • “why” + clause

4. A fundamental reason why companies invest in training is employee retention.

   • “A” (một trong các lý do)
   • “why” + clause

5. A key reason for environmental degradation is unsustainable consumption.

   • “A” + “for” + noun phrase

6. A significant reason why many businesses fail is poor management.

   • “A” + “why” + clause

7. The principal reason for rising obesity rates is sedentary lifestyles.

   • “The” với “principal”
   • “for” + gerund phrase

8. A crucial reason for social inequality is unequal education access.

   • “A” + “for” + noun

9. Perhaps the most important reason for this trend is technological change.

   • “the” với superlative
   • “for” + noun phrase

10. The underlying reason behind political polarization is media fragmentation.

    • “The” với “underlying”
    • “behind” (formal alternative)

Bài Tập 2:

1. ✗ – Sai: “reason of” → Sửa: “reason for“

2. ✓ – Đúng: Cấu trúc “reason why + clause + is that + clause” chính xác

3. ✗ – Sai: “is because” → Sửa: “is” (bỏ “because”) hoặc “is that there is a lack…”

4. ✓ – Đúng: “reason for + gerund” (choosing) chính xác

5. ✗ – Sai: “reasons…are” → Sửa: “reasons…is” (vì subject là “One”, số ít)

6. ✓ – Đúng: “reason behind + noun” là cấu trúc formal đúng

7. ✗ – Sai: Thiếu article → Sửa: “A major reason” hoặc “The major reason”

8. ✗ – Sai: “reason why…is because” (redundant) → Sửa: “is that they work hard”

9. ✓ – Đúng: Cấu trúc hoàn toàn chính xác

10. ✗ – Sai: “reason of” và confusion giữa reason/purpose → Sửa: “The primary purpose of education is…”

Bài Tập 3:

1. Lỗi: Thiếu article trước “Major reason”
   Sửa: “A major reason for air pollution is factory emissions.”

2. Lỗi: “for + clause” (không đúng cấu trúc)
   Sửa: “The main reason for people’s migration to cities is better jobs.”
   Hoặc: “The main reason why people migrate to cities is better jobs.”

3. Lỗi: Subject-verb disagreement (“reason…are”)
   Sửa: “One important reason why technology advances is funding for research.”

4. Lỗi: Confusion giữa “reason” và “purpose”, dùng “of” sai
   Sửa: “The primary purpose of this policy is improving healthcare.”
   Hoặc: “The primary reason for this policy is to improve healthcare.”

5. Lỗi: “is because” (redundant) và thiếu article trước “automation”
   Sửa: “A major reason for unemployment is automation.”
   Hoặc: “A major reason for unemployment is that jobs are being automated.”

6. Lỗi: Giới từ “about” sai
   Sửa: “The reason for global warming is greenhouse gas emissions.”

7. Lỗi: “is because” (redundant)
   Sửa: “An important reason why students fail exams is lack of preparation.”
   Hoặc: “An important reason why students fail exams is that they lack preparation.”

8. Lỗi: Subject-verb disagreement
   Sửa: “One of the key reasons for this problem is poor infrastructure.”

Bài Tập 4 (Sample Answers):

1. “A major reason for climate change is excessive carbon emissions from industrial activities and transportation.”

2. “An important reason why students fail exams is inadequate preparation and poor time management.”

3. “A key reason why people choose remote work is the flexibility it offers in balancing personal and professional life.”

4. “The primary reason for traffic congestion is the excessive number of private vehicles on urban roads.”

5. “A significant reason why businesses invest in technology is to gain a competitive advantage in increasingly digital markets.”

6. “A major reason why young people delay marriage is financial insecurity and the high cost of living.”

7. “The principal reason for increasing obesity rates is sedentary lifestyles combined with poor dietary habits.”

8. “A fundamental reason for environmental degradation is unsustainable industrial practices that prioritize profit over ecological protection.”

Bài Tập 5 (Sample Answers):

1. “A major reason why many people fail is that they don’t plan properly.”
   Hoặc: “A major reason for failure is lack of proper planning.”

2. “The primary reason for the rise in obesity is unhealthy dietary patterns.”
   Hoặc: “A major reason why obesity rates are increasing is that people consume unhealthy diets.”

3. “An important reason why students drop out is financial difficulties.”
   Hoặc: “A significant reason for student dropout is financial hardship.”

4. “A key reason why companies invest in training is to improve workforce productivity.”
   Hoặc: “The main reason for corporate investment in training is enhanced productivity.”

5. “A major reason for climate change is widespread deforestation.”
   Hoặc: “The primary reason why climate change occurs is the destruction of forests.”

Bài Tập 6 (Sample Paragraph – Band 8):

“The growing preference for freelance work among young people can be attributed to several factors. The primary reason for this shift is the desire for greater autonomy and flexibility. Unlike traditional employment with fixed schedules, freelancing allows individuals to choose their projects, set their own hours, and work from anywhere, which particularly appeals to younger generations who value work-life balance. Another significant reason why young professionals are choosing freelancing is the potential for higher earnings. Skilled freelancers can often command premium rates for their services, especially in fields like technology, design, and consulting. Furthermore, an important reason behind this trend is that the digital economy has made freelancing more viable than ever before. Online platforms connect freelancers with clients globally, providing opportunities that were previously unavailable. Consequently, many young people view freelancing not as a temporary arrangement but as a sustainable career path.”

Phân tích Band 8:

• 3 biến thể của reason structure được sử dụng natural
• Complex sentences với relative clauses
• Appropriate linking devices
• Sophisticated vocabulary: “attributed to”, “autonomy”, “premium rates”, “viable”
• Clear topic development với 3 distinct reasons

Kết Bài

Việc thành thạo cấu trúc “a major reason for” và “an important reason” là một bước quan trọng trong hành trình chinh phục IELTS Band 7-9. Như đã phân tích chi tiết trong bài viết, những cấu trúc này không chỉ giúp bạn diễn đạt nguyên nhân một cách học thuật và chính xác, mà còn thể hiện khả năng sử dụng grammatical range và lexical resource – hai tiêu chí quan trọng trong cả Speaking và Writing.

Những điểm cốt lõi cần nhớ:

Về cấu trúc:

• “A/The + [adjective] + reason + for/why + [noun/clause]” là công thức nền tảng
• Phân biệt rõ “for + noun/gerund” và “why + clause”
• Luôn dùng “that” (không phải “because”) sau “the reason is”

Về việc vận dụng:

• Speaking Part 3 và Writing Task 2 là nơi structure này tỏa sáng
• Kết hợp với các cấu trúc phức như relative clauses, participle phrases để đạt Band 8+
• Vary expressions để tránh repetition: primary, fundamental, crucial, paramount

Về lỗi cần tránh:

• Không dùng “the reason is because”
• Chú ý subject-verb agreement với “one of the reasons”
• Không confuse “reason” với “purpose” hoặc “result”

Roadmap luyện tập:

Tuần 1-2: Foundation

• Thuộc công thức cơ bản và các biến thể
• Làm bài tập ngữ pháp cơ bản
• Đọc các sample answers chứa structure này

Tuần 3-4: Application

• Practice viết câu với các topics IELTS khác nhau
• Record speaking practice sử dụng structure
• Analyze model answers từ Cambridge IELTS

Tuần 5-6: Advanced Integration

• Kết hợp với complex sentences
• Practice full Writing Task 2 essays
• Mock Speaking tests với focus on reason structures

Tuần 7-8: Refinement

• Focus on variety và natural usage
• Review common mistakes
• Timed practice under exam conditions

Đề Luyện Tập

Speaking Topics (Practice with “reason” structures):

Part 2:

1. Describe an important decision you made

   • What the decision was
   • When you made it
   • Why you made this decision (use reason structures here)
   • How it affected your life

2. Talk about a change in your hometown

   • What the change was
   • When it happened
   • The reasons for this change (main focus)
   • Your opinion about it

3. Describe a skill you learned

   • What skill it was
   • How you learned it
   • Why you decided to learn it (emphasize reasons)
   • Whether it was difficult

Part 3:

1. “What are the main reasons why people change jobs frequently nowadays?”

2. “Why do you think environmental problems have become more serious in recent years?”

3. “What are the reasons behind the generation gap between parents and children?”

4. “Why is education considered so important in modern society?”

5. “What are the main factors contributing to stress in the workplace?”

Writing Topics (Must use reason structures 4-6 times):

Opinion Essays:

1. “Some people believe that the best way to reduce crime is longer prison sentences. Others argue that there are better alternative ways. Discuss both views and give your opinion.”

   • Focus: Use reason structures to explain why each approach might/might not work

2. “The gap between rich and poor countries is becoming wider. What are the causes of this problem and what can be done to reduce it?”

   • Focus: Causes section should heavily feature reason structures

Problem-Solution Essays:
3. “Many cities around the world are facing serious air pollution problems. What are the main reasons for this issue and what solutions can you suggest?”

• Focus: Dedicate first body paragraph to reasons using varied structures

4. “Youth unemployment is a growing concern in many countries. Analyze the causes of this problem and propose possible solutions.”
   • Focus: Multiple reason structures in causes paragraph

Discussion Essays:
5. “Some people think that technological development has brought more problems than benefits. Do you agree or disagree?”

• Focus: Use reason structures to support both sides before stating your opinion

Cause-Effect Essays:
6. “In many countries, people are living longer than ever before. What are the reasons for this trend and what effects might it have on society?”

• Focus: First body paragraph should analyze reasons comprehensively

Yêu cầu cụ thể:

• Mỗi đề Writing phải sử dụng ít nhất 4-6 lần cấu trúc reason với variety
• Speaking responses phải natural, không mechanical
• Kết hợp với advanced vocabulary và complex sentences
• Practice time management: Writing (40 mins), Speaking Part 2 (2 mins)

Self-Assessment Checklist:

• [ ] Đã sử dụng đủ 4-6 reason structures?
• [ ] Có variety trong adjectives (major, primary, fundamental…)?
• [ ] Có vary giữa “for + noun” và “why + clause”?
• [ ] Không có lỗi “reason is because”?
• [ ] Subject-verb agreement đúng?
• [ ] Article (a/an/the) được sử dụng chính xác?
• [ ] Kết hợp được với complex sentences?
• [ ] Vocabulary sophisticated và appropriate?

Tài nguyên bổ sung để học:

• Cambridge IELTS books 14-18 (tìm và analyze reason structures trong model answers)
• IELTS Liz website (Writing Task 2 samples)
• BBC Learning English (advanced grammar sections)
• Academic journals (để học cách dùng reason structures trong academic context)

Hãy nhớ rằng, thành công trong IELTS không chỉ đến từ việc học nhiều cấu trúc, mà quan trọng hơn là sử dụng chúng một cách tự nhiên, chính xác và phù hợp với ngữ cảnh. Practice consistently, review your mistakes, và đừng ngại experiment với different combinations. Chúc bạn đạt được band điểm mục tiêu!