Cách Sử Dụng “At Its Core/Fundamental” Trong IELTS – Cấu Trúc Nâng Cao Cho Band 8.0+

Giới Thiệu

“At its core” và “fundamentally” là hai cụm từ học thuật mạnh mẽ giúp bạn thể hiện tư duy phân tích sâu sắc trong IELTS. Những cấu trúc này đặc biệt quan trọng khi bạn muốn đi vào bản chất vấn đề, phân tích nguyên nhân gốc rễ, hoặc nhấn mạnh điểm cốt lõi của một luận điểm. Đây là dấu hiệu nhận diện của thí sinh Band 8-9, cho thấy khả năng tư duy phê phán và diễn đạt học thuật vượt trội.

Theo phân tích từ Cambridge IELTS 15-19, các cụm từ này xuất hiện thường xuyên trong:

• Speaking Part 3: Khi phân tích vấn đề xã hội, giải thích xu hướng, hoặc so sánh quan điểm
• Writing Task 2: Đặc biệt trong Opinion Essays và Problem-Solution Essays để thể hiện phân tích chiều sâu
• Reading passages: Thường xuất hiện trong academic texts về khoa học, xã hội học, kinh tế

Ví dụ vận dụng trong IELTS:

Speaking Part 3 (Discussing education):
“At its core, education is about developing critical thinking skills rather than memorizing facts.”
→ Phân tích: Sử dụng “at its core” để đi vào bản chất của giáo dục, thể hiện tư duy sâu sắc vượt xa câu trả lời bề mặt.

Writing Task 2 (Opinion essay):
“While technology offers numerous benefits, the digital divide is fundamentally an issue of economic inequality.”
→ Phân tích: “Fundamentally” giúp xác định nguyên nhân gốc rễ của vấn đề, nâng tầm phân tích từ Band 6 lên Band 8.

Writing Task 2 (Problem-Solution):
“At its core, environmental degradation stems from unsustainable consumption patterns in developed nations.”
→ Phân tích: Cụm từ này giúp liên kết nguyên nhân-kết quả một cách học thuật, tránh dùng “because” đơn giản.

Speaking Part 3 (Analyzing social change):
“Social media has fundamentally transformed how young people form and maintain relationships.”
→ Phân tích: “Fundamentally” nhấn mạnh sự thay đổi mang tính căn bản, không chỉ là thay đổi bề ngoài.

Writing Task 2 (Discussion essay):
“The debate about work-life balance is, at its core, a question of personal values versus societal expectations.”
→ Phân tích: Sử dụng cấu trúc này để nâng tầm discussion lên mức triết học, thể hiện tư duy phức tạp.

Trong bài viết này, bạn sẽ học:

✅ Định nghĩa và sự khác biệt giữa “at its core” và “fundamentally”
✅ Công thức chi tiết với vị trí trong câu
✅ Cách vận dụng vào 4 kỹ năng IELTS, đặc biệt Speaking Part 3 và Writing Task 2
✅ 25+ câu ví dụ Band 8-9 với phân tích chi tiết
✅ Các biến thể nâng cao và cụm từ đồng nghĩa
✅ Lỗi thường gặp của học viên Việt Nam
✅ Bài tập thực hành với đáp án

“At Its Core” và “Fundamentally” Là Gì?

Định Nghĩa

“At its core” là cụm từ học thuật dùng để chỉ bản chất, yếu tố cốt lõi, hoặc điểm trung tâm của một vấn đề, ý tưởng, hay khái niệm. Nó tương đương với “về cơ bản”, “về bản chất” trong tiếng Việt.

“Fundamentally” là trạng từ mang nghĩa “một cách căn bản”, “về mặt cơ bản nhất”, dùng để nhấn mạnh tính chất nền tảng hoặc nguyên nhân sâu xa của điều gì đó.

Chức năng chính:

• Phân tích chiều sâu: Giúp đi từ hiện tượng bề ngoài vào bản chất vấn đề
• Nhấn mạnh tầm quan trọng: Chỉ ra điểm then chốt trong một luận điểm phức tạp
• Thể hiện tư duy phê phán: Cho thấy khả năng không chỉ mô tả mà còn phân tích
• Nâng cao Academic Tone: Tạo phong cách viết/nói học thuật, chuyên nghiệp

Khi nào dùng trong IELTS:

• Speaking Part 3: Khi examiner hỏi về nguyên nhân sâu xa, xu hướng xã hội, hoặc yêu cầu phân tích vấn đề
• Writing Task 2: Trong câu topic sentence của body paragraph để giới thiệu main idea mạnh mẽ, hoặc trong câu kết để tổng kết bản chất vấn đề
• Situations đặc biệt hiệu quả: Discussing causes, analyzing problems, comparing different perspectives, explaining complex concepts

Tần Suất Xuất Hiện Trong IELTS

Theo phân tích từ Cambridge IELTS 10-19:

Speaking:

• Part 1: Hiếm khi cần thiết – Part 1 thường là câu hỏi cá nhân đơn giản
• Part 2: Thỉnh thoảng – có thể dùng 1 lần trong conclusion để tổng kết
• Part 3: Rất hữu ích (2-3 lần/bài) – đây là nơi cấu trúc này tỏa sáng nhất, đặc biệt với câu hỏi dạng “Why do you think…”, “What are the main reasons…”, “How has… changed…”

Writing:

• Task 1: Không áp dụng – Task 1 mô tả dữ liệu, không cần phân tích sâu
• Task 2: Rất quan trọng (2-4 lần/bài) – Opinion Essays, Problem-Solution, Advantage-Disadvantage, Two-part Questions đều có thể tận dụng

Listening/Reading:

• Xuất hiện thường xuyên trong academic lectures (Listening Section 4) và research-based passages (Reading)
• Cần nhận diện để hiểu ý chính của đoạn văn hoặc quan điểm của người nói
• Thường đi kèm với paraphrasing của main idea

Band Score Impact:

• Band 6: Không sử dụng các cụm từ này, dùng “because”, “the main reason is” đơn giản
• Band 7: Bắt đầu thử nghiệm nhưng có thể dùng chưa tự nhiên hoặc lạm dụng
• Band 8-9: Sử dụng chính xác, tự nhiên, đúng context, kết hợp với các cấu trúc phức tạp khác

Cấu trúc "at its core" và "fundamentally" trong bài thi IELTS Writing và Speaking Band 8

Công Thức & Cấu Trúc

Công Thức Cơ Bản – “At Its Core”

📌 CÔNG THỨC CHÍNH:

┌──────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ [Subject] + [be verb] + at its core + [complement]   │
│                                                       │
│ Ví dụ: Climate change is, at its core, a human      │
│        behavior problem.                             │
└──────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘

Thành phần câu:

• Subject (Chủ ngữ): Thường là danh từ trừu tượng (abstract noun) như issue, problem, concept, debate, question
• Be verb: is/are/was/were tùy theo chủ ngữ
• At its core: Có thể đặt giữa câu (với dấu phẩy) hoặc đầu câu
• Complement: Mệnh đề danh từ hoặc cụm danh từ giải thích bản chất

Ví dụ phân tích chi tiết:

Câu: “The debate about artificial intelligence is, at its core, a question of ethics versus progress.”

Phân tích:

• Subject: The debate about artificial intelligence (chủ ngữ – cụm danh từ phức)
• Be verb: is
• Core phrase: at its core (được ngăn cách bởi dấu phẩy – vị trí mid-sentence)
• Complement: a question of ethics versus progress (mệnh đề danh từ giải thích bản chất)

Vị trí linh hoạt của “at its core”:

Vị trí 1 – Mid-sentence (phổ biến nhất):
“Democracy is, at its core, about protecting minority rights.”

Vị trí 2 – Beginning:
“At its core, education should foster creativity rather than conformity.”

Vị trí 3 – End (ít phổ biến):
“This is a question of human rights at its core.”

Công Thức Cơ Bản – “Fundamentally”

📌 CÔNG THỨC CHÍNH:

┌──────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ [Subject] + [be verb] + fundamentally + [adjective/  │
│ noun phrase]                                         │
│                                                      │
│ Ví dụ: The problem is fundamentally economic.       │
└──────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘

Hoặc:

┌──────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ [Subject] + fundamentally + [verb phrase]            │
│                                                      │
│ Ví dụ: Technology has fundamentally changed          │
│        communication.                                │
└──────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘

Thành phần câu:

• Subject: Có thể là concrete hoặc abstract noun
• Fundamentally: Trạng từ có thể đứng trước động từ chính, sau be verb, hoặc đầu câu
• Verb/Adjective: Động từ thường là change, transform, alter, differ; tính từ thường là wrong, different, important

Ví dụ phân tích chi tiết:

Câu: “Online education has fundamentally transformed the traditional classroom model.”

Phân tích:

• Subject: Online education
• Adverb: fundamentally (đứng giữa auxiliary verb “has” và main verb “transformed”)
• Main verb: transformed (past participle – present perfect tense)
• Object: the traditional classroom model

Các Biến Thể

Dạng khẳng định với “at its core”:

“The issue is, at its core, one of inadequate resources.”
“At its core, globalization represents economic interdependence.”

Dạng khẳng định với “fundamentally”:

“This approach is fundamentally flawed.”
“The two systems differ fundamentally in their methodology.”

Dạng phủ định:

“The proposal is not fundamentally different from previous policies.”
“At its core, this is not a technological problem but a social one.”

Dạng nghi vấn (ít dùng trong IELTS nhưng có thể gặp trong Reading):

“Is the conflict fundamentally about religion or economics?”
“What is, at its core, the purpose of higher education?”

Dạng nhấn mạnh với inversion (Advanced – Band 9):

“Fundamentally important though it may seem, technology alone cannot solve poverty.”

Cụm Từ Đồng Nghĩa và Liên Quan

Cụm từ	Mức độ formal	Ví dụ
essentially	Học thuật cao	“Poverty is essentially a structural issue.”
in essence	Học thuật cao	“In essence, the policy aims to redistribute wealth.”
basically	Trung bình-thấp	“Basically, we need more funding.” (Tránh dùng trong Writing)
at heart	Trung bình	“He is, at heart, a conservative thinker.”
intrinsically	Rất học thuật	“The system is intrinsically unfair.”
by nature	Trung bình	“Humans are, by nature, social creatures.”

Cách Vận Dụng Vào IELTS Speaking

Speaking Part 1 – Introduction & Interview

Mức độ sử dụng: Thấp – Part 1 tập trung vào câu trả lời ngắn gọn về bản thân

Tuy nhiên, có thể dùng khi muốn nâng band:

Topic: Work/Study

Q: “Why did you choose your major?”

A: “I chose economics because I find it fascinating. At its core, economics is about understanding human behavior and decision-making, which I believe is crucial for addressing social problems.”

→ Phân tích: Sử dụng “at its core” giúp câu trả lời vượt xa lý do bề mặt, thể hiện tư duy phân tích ngay từ Part 1.

Topic: Hobbies

Q: “Do you think hobbies are important?”

A: “Absolutely. Hobbies are fundamentally important for mental health because they provide stress relief and personal fulfillment outside of work obligations.”

→ Phân tích: “Fundamentally important” nhấn mạnh tầm quan trọng căn bản, mạnh hơn “very important”.

Speaking Part 2 – Long Turn

Mức độ sử dụng: Trung bình – Nên dùng 1 lần trong phần conclusion

Cue card example:
“Describe a technological device you find useful”

Sample answer:
“I’d like to talk about my smartphone, which has become an indispensable part of my daily life. I’ve been using smartphones for about 10 years now, starting with a basic model and gradually upgrading to more sophisticated versions.

What makes my current phone particularly useful is its versatility. I use it for communication, navigation, photography, and even work-related tasks. For instance, during the pandemic, it enabled me to attend online classes and stay connected with family members living abroad.

However, what I appreciate most is how it serves as a learning tool. I can access educational apps, watch tutorial videos, and read articles on virtually any topic. This has significantly enhanced my knowledge and skills in various areas.

At its core, the smartphone represents the democratization of information – it has made knowledge accessible to anyone with an internet connection. This is what makes it truly revolutionary, not just its technical specifications.”

→ Phân tích: Sử dụng “at its core” trong conclusion để nâng tầm mô tả từ personal experience lên broader significance, tạo ấn tượng mạnh cho examiner.

Speaking Part 3 – Discussion

Mức độ sử dụng: Cao – Đây là nơi các cụm từ này phát huy tác dụng tối đa

Topic 1: Education Changes

Q: “How has education changed in your country?”

A: “Education in Vietnam has undergone significant transformation over the past two decades. We’ve moved from rote memorization towards more interactive learning methods. However, fundamentally, the system still prioritizes exam results over critical thinking skills, which I believe limits students’ creativity. At its core, this reflects the traditional Asian value of academic achievement, though I think we’re gradually shifting towards a more balanced approach.”

→ Phân tích:

• “Fundamentally” giúp identify core issue còn tồn tại
• “At its core” connects issue với cultural context
• Band 8+ features: Sử dụng 2 cấu trúc trong 1 câu trả lời, kết hợp với complex sentences

Topic 2: Environmental Problems

Q: “Why do many people not take environmental issues seriously?”

A: “There are several reasons for this. Fundamentally, it’s a problem of perceived immediacy – people prioritize immediate concerns like paying bills over long-term environmental threats. Additionally, the issue is, at its core, one of disconnection. Urban dwellers, in particular, are removed from nature and don’t witness environmental degradation firsthand. This psychological distance makes it difficult to feel personally responsible or motivated to change behavior.”

→ Phân tích:

• “Fundamentally” identifies root cause
• “At its core” introduces second layer of analysis
• Band 9 features: Multiple sophisticated phrases, clear logical progression

Topic 3: Technology and Society

Q: “Do you think technology has made people’s lives better or worse?”

A: “It’s a complex question with no simple answer. Technology has certainly brought convenience and efficiency, but it has fundamentally altered social relationships in ways we’re still trying to understand. For example, social media connects us globally but may reduce face-to-face interaction quality. At its core, technology is neutral – whether it improves lives depends on how we choose to use it. The challenge is developing wisdom to match our technological capabilities.”

→ Phân tích:

• “Fundamentally altered” shows deep change
• “At its core” presents philosophical perspective
• Band 9 features: Nuanced answer, acknowledges complexity

Topic 4: Work Culture

Q: “What are the main differences between working in large companies versus small businesses?”

A: “The differences are quite substantial. Large corporations typically offer better benefits and career development pathways, while small businesses provide more autonomy. However, fundamentally, they differ in their organizational culture. Big companies tend to be more bureaucratic with formal procedures, whereas small businesses allow for faster decision-making and direct communication with leadership. At its core, the choice between them comes down to whether you value stability or flexibility more in your career.”

→ Phân tích: Uses both phrases to structure a comparative analysis effectively.

Ứng dụng cấu trúc "at its core" trong IELTS Speaking Part 3 để đạt Band 8.0

Cách Vận Dụng Vào IELTS Writing

Writing Task 2 – Opinion Essay

Khi nào dùng:

• Trong câu thesis statement để present strong position
• Trong topic sentence của body paragraphs
• Trong conclusion để restate main argument powerfully

Essay Topic: “Some people believe that universities should focus on practical skills, while others argue that academic knowledge is more important. Discuss both views and give your opinion.”

Sample Introduction:

“The debate about higher education curriculum has intensified in recent years, with some advocating for vocational training while others defend traditional academic pursuits. While both practical skills and theoretical knowledge have merit, I believe that universities are, at their core, institutions designed to cultivate critical thinking rather than merely train workers. This essay will examine both perspectives before arguing that academic knowledge provides a more enduring foundation for career success.”

→ Phân tích: “At their core” trong thesis statement tạo strong academic voice ngay từ đầu.

Sample Body Paragraph (Band 8):

“Proponents of practical skills argue that universities should prepare students for the job market directly. They point to high graduate unemployment rates and claim that theoretical knowledge lacks real-world application. However, this view is fundamentally short-sighted because it fails to account for rapidly changing job markets. Skills considered essential today may become obsolete within a decade due to technological advancement. For instance, many technical skills taught in the 1990s, such as specific software programming languages, are now largely irrelevant. At its core, university education should develop adaptability and learning capacity – qualities that enable graduates to acquire new skills throughout their careers rather than relying on specific training that quickly becomes outdated.”

→ Phân tích:

• “Fundamentally short-sighted” = strong evaluative language
• “At its core” = presents main argument của paragraph
• Band 8 features: Complex sentences, clear argumentation, specific examples

Sample Body Paragraph (Band 9):

“Fundamentally, the practical skills versus academic knowledge debate represents a false dichotomy. The most effective education integrates both elements rather than prioritizing one over the other. Consider medical education: doctors require both theoretical understanding of human biology and practical clinical skills. Neither alone suffices. What distinguishes truly excellent universities is, at their core, their ability to synthesize abstract concepts with applied learning, enabling students to understand not just how to perform tasks but why particular approaches work. This deeper comprehension facilitates innovation and problem-solving in ways that purely vocational training cannot achieve.”

→ Phân tích:

• Opens with “Fundamentally” to challenge the premise
• “At their core” embedded in complex sentence structure
• Band 9 features: Sophisticated argumentation, challenges question assumptions, uses medical example effectively

Sample Conclusion:

“In conclusion, while practical skills have undeniable short-term value, universities should maintain their emphasis on academic knowledge and critical thinking. The purpose of higher education is, fundamentally, to develop minds capable of continuous learning and adaptation rather than to provide temporary technical training. At its core, a university degree should represent intellectual maturity – an achievement far more valuable in an unpredictable job market than any specific vocational skill.”

→ Phân tích: Both phrases used to create powerful, memorable conclusion.

Writing Task 2 – Problem-Solution Essay

Essay Topic: “In many countries, obesity is becoming an increasingly serious problem. What are the causes of this and what measures could be taken?”

Sample Body Paragraph (Causes):

“The rise in obesity rates stems from multiple factors, but fundamentally, it reflects changes in lifestyle and food systems over recent decades. Firstly, modern work culture promotes sedentary behavior, with many people spending eight or more hours daily sitting at desks. This lack of physical activity directly contributes to weight gain. Secondly, and perhaps more significantly, the obesity crisis is, at its core, a consequence of industrialized food production. Processed foods high in sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats have become cheaper and more accessible than fresh produce, particularly in low-income communities. This economic reality makes unhealthy eating the path of least resistance for many families.”

→ Phân tích:

• “Fundamentally” introduces overarching analysis of causes
• “At its core” identifies root cause (economic/systemic rather than individual)
• Shows Band 8+ critical thinking

Sample Body Paragraph (Solutions):

“Addressing obesity requires interventions at multiple levels, but solutions must fundamentally target the systemic factors rather than merely blaming individual choices. Governments should implement policies such as sugar taxes on processed foods and subsidies for fresh produce to make healthy eating economically viable. Educational campaigns, while helpful, are insufficient alone because the problem is, at its core, structural rather than informational – most people know that fruits and vegetables are healthy, but economic constraints and time pressures limit their options. Therefore, creating environments where healthy choices become the default option is essential.”

→ Phân tích: Uses both phrases to show sophisticated understanding that individual-level solutions are inadequate.

Writing Task 2 – Advantage-Disadvantage Essay

Essay Topic: “These days, more people are working from home. Do the advantages of this trend outweigh the disadvantages?”

Sample Body Paragraph:

“Remote work offers several significant benefits, fundamentally transforming the traditional relationship between employees and employers. Workers gain flexibility to structure their days according to personal productivity patterns and family needs, leading to improved work-life balance. Additionally, companies can reduce overhead costs associated with office space and access talent globally rather than being limited to local hiring pools. However, these advantages, at their core, depend on certain privileges – specifically, having appropriate home workspace, reliable internet, and jobs amenable to remote completion. Many workers in service, manufacturing, or healthcare sectors cannot work remotely, meaning this trend may exacerbate existing socioeconomic inequalities.”

→ Phân tích:

• “Fundamentally transforming” = strong language showing deep change
• “At their core” = introduces critical caveat about advantages
• Band 8+ feature: Acknowledges nuance and inequality

Writing Task 1 (Academic) – Limited Application

Mức độ sử dụng: Rất thấp – Task 1 mô tả data, không phân tích causation hoặc meaning

Ngoại lệ: Có thể dùng trong overview statement

Chart topic: Data showing rise in renewable energy consumption

Overview: “Overall, the data reveals a consistent upward trend in renewable energy adoption across all countries examined. Fundamentally, this represents a global shift away from fossil fuel dependence, with solar and wind power leading the transition.”

→ Lưu ý: Chỉ dùng nếu đã complete việc describe data accurately. Không ưu tiên trong Task 1.

Cách tích hợp "at its core" và "fundamentally" vào body paragraph IELTS Writing Task 2

Nâng Cao – Cách Dùng Để Đạt Band 8+

Kết Hợp Với Các Cấu Trúc Khác

Với Relative Clause:

“The healthcare system, which is fundamentally designed to serve public welfare, has become increasingly commercialized.”

→ Band 8+ features: Integrates adverb naturally within relative clause

“Climate change, which is at its core a collective action problem, requires international cooperation to address effectively.”

→ Sophistication: Adds defining characteristic within non-defining relative clause

Với Modal Verbs:

“Fundamentally, we must recognize that poverty cannot be solved without addressing systemic inequality.”

→ Advanced usage: Combines with modal “must” for emphatic statement

“Education should, at its core, empower students to think independently rather than memorize information.”

→ Band 9 feature: Modal + core phrase creates normative statement

Với Passive Voice:

“The issue can be fundamentally understood as one of resource distribution.”

→ Sophistication: Passive voice + adverb = academic tone

“The conflict is, at its core, driven by economic interests rather than ideological differences.”

→ Band 8+ features: Passive construction with embedded core phrase

Với Conditional Sentences:

“If we are to solve climate change, we must fundamentally rethink our economic models.”

→ Advanced: Type 1 conditional with emphatic adverb

“At its core, if education does not foster critical thinking, it fails its primary purpose.”

→ Band 9: Begins with core phrase, followed by conditional logic

Với Participle Clauses:

“Fundamentally misunderstanding the problem, policymakers have implemented ineffective solutions.”

→ Band 9 feature: Present participle + core adverb = sophisticated causation

“The debate, being at its core about human rights, transcends political boundaries.”

→ Advanced: Participle clause embeds core phrase

Cụm Từ Nâng Cao và Biến Thể

Academic collocations with “fundamentally”:

Collocation	Ví dụ	Band Level
fundamentally flawed	“The research methodology is fundamentally flawed due to small sample size.”	7+
fundamentally important	“Early childhood education is fundamentally important for cognitive development.”	7+
fundamentally different	“Eastern and Western approaches to medicine are fundamentally different in philosophy.”	7+
fundamentally reshape	“Artificial intelligence will fundamentally reshape the labor market.”	8+
fundamentally alter	“Social media has fundamentally altered political discourse.”	8+
fundamentally challenge	“These findings fundamentally challenge prevailing assumptions.”	8+
fundamentally transform	“Globalization has fundamentally transformed economic relationships.”	8+
fundamentally question	“We must fundamentally question the sustainability of current consumption patterns.”	9

Biến thể của “at its core”:

Biến thể	Ví dụ	Context
at their core	“These policies are, at their core, redistributive measures.”	Multiple subjects
at the core of	“At the core of this debate lies a disagreement about values.”	Emphasizing centrality
lies at the core	“Individual choice lies at the core of democratic societies.”	More formal structure
forms the core	“Sustainability forms the core of modern urban planning.”	Building metaphor

Cụm từ nâng cao tương đương:

• In essence = “In essence, democracy requires informed citizens.”
• Intrinsically = “The system is intrinsically biased toward wealthy participants.”
• By its very nature = “Capitalism, by its very nature, creates inequality.”
• The crux of the matter = “The crux of the matter is insufficient funding.”
• The fundamental issue = “The fundamental issue is not technology but governance.”

Câu Phức & Ghép – Tích Hợp Tự Nhiên

Complex sentence – Type 1:

“Although technology offers solutions to many problems, the digital divide is, at its core, an issue that reflects and reinforces existing socioeconomic inequalities.”

→ Phân tích: Concessive clause + main clause với core phrase + relative clause = Band 8+ complexity

Complex sentence – Type 2:

“While proponents argue that standardized testing ensures accountability, such assessments are fundamentally limited in their ability to measure creativity, critical thinking, or other essential competencies.”

→ Phân tích: Contrast structure + core adverb + complex noun phrase = sophisticated argumentation

Compound-complex sentence:

“Fundamentally, the healthcare debate involves competing values – some prioritize universal coverage while others emphasize personal choice – and at its core, this reflects broader ideological differences about the role of government in society.”

→ Phân tích: Opens with adverb, uses dash for interpolation, second core phrase adds layer = Band 9 writing

Embedded clauses:

“The assumption that economic growth inevitably leads to happiness, which is at the core of much government policy, has been increasingly challenged by research in positive psychology.”

→ Phân tích: Core phrase embedded within relative clause that interrupts main clause = high sophistication

Parallel structure:

“Fundamentally, education should develop critical thinking, foster creativity, and cultivate ethical reasoning – not merely prepare students for standardized tests.”

→ Phân tích: Core adverb + parallel verbs + contrasting clause = clear, powerful structure

So Sánh Với Cấu Trúc Tương Tự

“At Its Core” vs “Essentially” vs “Basically”

Tiêu chí	At Its Core	Essentially	Basically
Formal level	Rất cao	Cao	Thấp
IELTS Writing	Highly appropriate	Appropriate	Avoid
IELTS Speaking	Part 3 excellent	All parts OK	Part 1 only
Meaning nuance	Bản chất, điểm trung tâm	Về cơ bản, chủ yếu	Nói một cách đơn giản
Ví dụ	“At its core, democracy requires participation.”	“The proposal essentially maintains current policy.”	“Basically, I just need more time.”
Position	Mid-sentence with commas	Beginning or mid	Beginning usually

Khi nào dùng từng loại:

• At its core: Khi muốn phân tích sâu về bản chất vấn đề, thể hiện tư duy phê phán (Band 8-9)
• Essentially: Khi tóm tắt hoặc paraphrase ý chính (Band 7-8)
• Basically: Chỉ dùng trong Speaking Part 1 khi cần simplified explanation (Band 6-7, không dùng Writing)

“Fundamentally” vs “Radically” vs “Significantly”

Tiêu chí	Fundamentally	Radically	Significantly
Meaning	Về mặt căn bản, cơ bản	Một cách triệt để, cực đoan	Đáng kể, quan trọng
Degree of change	Complete/deep change	Extreme change	Considerable change
Formality	Rất formal	Formal	Formal
Connotation	Neutral-analytical	Strong-dramatic	Neutral-factual
Ví dụ	“fundamentally different”	“radically reformed”	“significantly improved”
Best for	Analysis, explanation	Describing reform/change	Describing extent

Ví dụ so sánh trong context:

Topic: Changes in education

• “Education has significantly changed over the past decade.” (factual description)
• “Education has fundamentally changed in its approach to learning.” (deeper analysis)
• “Education has been radically reformed in some countries.” (dramatic transformation)

→ Lựa chọn: “Fundamentally” là tốt nhất cho IELTS vì balances analytical depth với appropriate level of emphasis

“At the Core” vs “The Key Issue” vs “The Main Problem”

Cụm từ	Level	Function	Example
At the core	Band 8-9	Philosophical analysis	“At the core of inequality lies distribution.”
The key issue	Band 7-8	Identifying importance	“The key issue is funding.”
The main problem	Band 6-7	Simple identification	“The main problem is pollution.”
The crux of the matter	Band 8-9	Formal identification	“The crux of the matter is political will.”
The root cause	Band 7-8	Causal analysis	“The root cause is poverty.”

Lưu ý quan trọng: “At its core” không chỉ đơn giản là “the main point” – nó implies deeper analysis về underlying nature hoặc essential characteristic.

So sánh mức độ formal giữa "at its core", "essentially" và "basically" trong IELTS

Lỗi Thường Gặp & Cách Sửa

Lỗi 1: Dùng “Basically” Thay Vì “At Its Core” Trong Writing

❌ SAI:
“Basically, the problem is about money.”

✅ ĐÚNG:
“At its core, the issue is fundamentally economic.”
“Fundamentally, this is a question of resource allocation.”

Giải thích:
“Basically” là informal language, không phù hợp với IELTS Writing Task 2. Nó làm giảm academic tone và có thể khiến bài viết bị đánh giá xuống Band 6. Trong Speaking Part 3, cũng nên tránh “basically” và dùng các phương án formal hơn.

Lưu ý:
“Basically” chỉ acceptable trong IELTS Speaking Part 1 khi đưa ra simple explanation. Trong mọi context khác, luôn chọn “fundamentally” hoặc “at its core”.

Ví dụ sửa cụ thể:

• ❌ “Basically, people need education.” → ✅ “Fundamentally, education is a human right.”
• ❌ “Basically, it’s complicated.” → ✅ “At its core, this is a multifaceted issue.”

Lỗi 2: Thiếu Dấu Phẩy Khi Dùng “At Its Core” Ở Giữa Câu

❌ SAI:
“The problem is at its core economic.”

✅ ĐÚNG:
“The problem is, at its core, economic.”

Giải thích:
“At its core” khi đặt giữa câu (mid-sentence position) PHẢI được ngăn cách bởi dấu phẩy ở cả hai bên. Đây là parenthetical element – bỏ đi câu vẫn grammatically complete. Thiếu dấu phẩy làm câu khó đọc và sai về mặt ngữ pháp chuẩn.

Lưu ý:
Nếu “at its core” đứng đầu câu, chỉ cần dấu phẩy sau nó: “At its core, this is a social issue.”
Nếu “at its core” đứng cuối câu (rare), cần dấu phẩy trước: “This is a social issue, at its core.”

Ví dụ so sánh:

• ❌ “Democracy is at its core about participation.”
• ✅ “Democracy is, at its core, about participation.”
• ✅ “At its core, democracy is about participation.”

Lỗi 3: Lạm Dụng Quá Nhiều Lần Trong Một Bài

❌ SAI – Writing Task 2:
“At its core, education is important. Universities are, at their core, places of learning. At its core, knowledge is power. Each subject is, at its core, valuable.”

✅ ĐÚNG:
“At its core, education serves to develop critical thinking rather than merely transmit information. Universities facilitate this through diverse curricula and research opportunities. Knowledge, therefore, becomes a tool for empowerment rather than an end in itself.”

Giải thích:
Sử dụng “at its core” quá 2-3 lần trong một bài Writing Task 2 (250-280 words) làm mất đi impact và tạo cảm giác repetitive, mechanical. Examiner sẽ nhận thấy bạn đang cố gắng “nhồi nhét” learned phrases thay vì sử dụng tự nhiên.

Lưu ý:
Frequency guidelines:

• Writing Task 2: Maximum 2-3 lần/bài
• Speaking Part 3: Maximum 2-3 lần/test
• Luôn kết hợp với synonyms như “essentially”, “fundamentally”, “in essence”

Strategy tốt hơn:
Dùng “at its core” một lần ở vị trí strategic (thesis statement hoặc strong topic sentence), sau đó vary expressions.

Lỗi 4: Sử Dụng Sai Chủ Ngữ – “At My Core” Hoặc “At Our Core”

❌ SAI:
“At my core, I believe education is important.”

✅ ĐÚNG:
“At its core, education is about developing critical thinking.”
“Personally, I believe that education is fundamentally important.”

Giải thích:
“At its core” đề cập đến bản chất của một concept, issue, hoặc thing – KHÔNG phải về personal beliefs hay identity. Sử dụng “at my core” hoặc “at our core” là calque (dịch sát) từ tiếng Việt “trong sâu thẳm con người tôi”, nhưng không phải cách dùng chuẩn trong academic English.

Lưu ý:
Nếu muốn express personal conviction, dùng:

• “I firmly believe…”
• “In my view…”
• “Personally, I consider…”
• “At a personal level, I…”

Các trường hợp ĐÚNG với “at one’s core”:
Chỉ dùng khi nói về character traits hoặc identity (rất hiếm trong IELTS):
“He is, at his core, an optimist.” (describing personality – spoken English)

Lỗi 5: Không Giải Thích Gì Sau “At Its Core” – Câu Dở Dang

❌ SAI:
“At its core, education is at its core important.”
“The problem is fundamentally. People don’t care.”

✅ ĐÚNG:
“At its core, education is about fostering intellectual curiosity and analytical skills.”
“The problem is fundamentally one of misaligned incentives rather than lack of information.”

Giải thích:
“At its core” và “fundamentally” đều yêu cầu complement phù hợp sau chúng – phải có explanation về “cái gì” là core/fundamental. Nhiều học viên Việt Nam dùng phrases này nhưng không complete the thought, dẫn đến câu văn vô nghĩa hoặc redundant.

Lưu ý:
Structure requirements:

• “At its core” + be verb cần: noun phrase HOẶC about + gerund/noun
• “Fundamentally” + adjective HOẶC “fundamentally” + verb phrase

Templates:

• “At its core, [subject] is [noun phrase explaining essence].”
• “At its core, [subject] is about [gerund phrase].”
• “[Subject] is fundamentally [adjective].”
• “[Subject] has fundamentally [past participle] [object].”

Lỗi Bổ Sung: Dùng “Fundamental” (Adjective) Thay Vì “Fundamentally” (Adverb)

❌ SAI:
“Education is fundamental important.”
“Technology has fundamental changed society.”

✅ ĐÚNG:
“Education is fundamentally important.”
“Technology has fundamentally changed society.”
HOẶC: “Education is of fundamental importance.”

Giải thích:
Nhầm lẫn giữa adjective (fundamental) và adverb (fundamentally). Khi modify verb hoặc adjective, PHẢI dùng adverb form. Đây là lỗi grammar cơ bản nhưng rất phổ biến.

Bài Tập Thực Hành

Bài Tập 1: Chọn Từ Đúng

Điền “at its core”, “fundamentally”, “essentially”, “basically” vào chỗ trống. Chú ý một số câu có nhiều đáp án đúng nhưng khác level:

1. The debate about privacy versus security is, __, about how much freedom we’re willing to sacrifice for safety.

2. __, I just need more time to finish the project. (Speaking Part 1)

3. Climate change has __ altered weather patterns across the globe.

4. The education system is, __, designed to prepare students for employment.

5. __, the solution requires international cooperation rather than individual action.

6. Social media is __ changing how young people communicate.

7. The proposal is, __, similar to previous policies with minor modifications.

8. __ speaking, the economy has improved, but inequality persists.

9. Democracy is, __, about protecting minority rights from majority tyranny.

10. The research methodology is __ flawed due to sampling bias.

Bài Tập 2: Tìm Và Sửa Lỗi

Các câu sau có lỗi. Tìm và sửa lỗi về grammar, punctuation, hoặc usage:

1. Basically speaking, the healthcare system is at its core broken and needs reform. [Writing Task 2]

2. At my core I believe that education should be free for everyone.

3. The problem is at its core about insufficient funding for public services.

4. Technology has fundamental transformed the way we work and communicate.

5. At its core the debate centers on individual rights versus collective welfare.

6. The policy is fundamentally. It will not solve the problem.

7. Education is, at its core, at its core about developing critical thinking.

8. At their core all successful businesses focus on customer satisfaction.

9. The issue is fundamental different from previous challenges we’ve faced.

10. Basically, at its core, essentially, the problem is complex and multifaceted.

Bài Tập 3: Viết Lại Câu

Viết lại các câu sau sử dụng “at its core” hoặc “fundamentally” để nâng band. Giữ nguyên ý nghĩa:

1. The main problem is that people don’t have enough information.
   → Your answer: ___

2. Technology has really changed education a lot.
   → Your answer: ___

3. Democracy is mainly about people having a voice in government.
   → Your answer: ___

4. The healthcare debate is really about whether healthcare is a right or a product.
   → Your answer: ___

5. Social inequality comes from unequal distribution of resources.
   → Your answer: ___

Bài Tập 4: Hoàn Thành Paragraph

Hoàn thành đoạn văn sau cho Writing Task 2. Sử dụng “at its core” hoặc “fundamentally” một cách tự nhiên:

Topic: “Some people believe that competition is beneficial for society, while others argue that cooperation is more important. Discuss both views.”

Body Paragraph (chưa hoàn chỉnh):

“Proponents of competition argue that it drives innovation and efficiency. They point to market economies, where businesses compete for customers, leading to better products and services. However, [your sentence using core phrase]. Excessive competition can create stress, inequality, and even unethical behavior as individuals prioritize winning over collaboration. For example, [example]. _____ [concluding sentence using core phrase].”

Bài Tập 5: Speaking Practice

Trả lời các câu hỏi Speaking Part 3 sau, sử dụng “at its core” hoặc “fundamentally” ít nhất một lần trong mỗi câu trả lời:

1. Question: “Why do you think some people resist technological change?”
   Your answer: (aim for 4-6 sentences)

2. Question: “What are the main factors that contribute to student success in university?”
   Your answer: (aim for 4-6 sentences)

3. Question: “How has globalization affected traditional cultures?”
   Your answer: (aim for 4-6 sentences)

Đáp Án Bài Tập

Đáp Án Bài Tập 1:

1. at its core / fundamentally / essentially (Tất cả đều đúng; “at its core” = Band 8+, “essentially” = Band 7+, “fundamentally” = Band 8)

2. Basically (Speaking Part 1 context – informal OK; Lưu ý: không dùng trong Writing)

3. fundamentally (cần adverb để modify verb “altered”)

4. at its core / essentially / fundamentally (Tất cả đều đúng; prefer “at its core” với be verb)

5. Fundamentally / At its core (đầu câu – cả hai đều OK)

6. fundamentally (modify verb “changing” – cần adverb)

7. essentially (trong context này “essentially” phù hợp nhất – nghĩa “chủ yếu, về cơ bản là giống”)

8. Essentially (cụm “essentially speaking” = academic phrase)

9. at its core / fundamentally (cả hai đều tốt; “at its core” slightly more sophisticated)

10. fundamentally (fundamentally flawed = common collocation)

Giải thích chi tiết:

• Câu 3, 6: Phải dùng “fundamentally” (adverb) không phải “fundamental” (adjective) để modify verb
• Câu 2: “Basically” chỉ acceptable trong Speaking Part 1 hoặc informal contexts
• Câu 5, 9: Khi ở đầu câu, “At its core” và “Fundamentally” interchangeable nhưng slightly different emphasis

Đáp Án Bài Tập 2:

1. Lỗi: “Basically speaking” không phù hợp Writing Task 2; “broken” quá informal
   Sửa: “The healthcare system is, at its core, inadequately funded and structurally inefficient, requiring comprehensive reform.”

2. Lỗi: “At my core” sai usage (không dùng với personal beliefs); thiếu dấu phẩy
   Sửa: “At its core, education should be accessible to all regardless of economic background.” HOẶC “Personally, I firmly believe that education should be free for everyone.”

3. Lỗi: Thiếu dấu phẩy bao quanh “at its core” ở mid-sentence position
   Sửa: “The problem is, at its core, about insufficient funding for public services.”

4. Lỗi: “fundamental” (adjective) thay vì “fundamentally” (adverb)
   Sửa: “Technology has fundamentally transformed the way we work and communicate.”

5. Lỗi: Thiếu dấu phẩy sau “At its core” ở đầu câu
   Sửa: “At its core, the debate centers on individual rights versus collective welfare.”

6. Lỗi: Câu incomplete – thiếu complement sau “fundamentally”
   Sửa: “The policy is fundamentally inadequate and will not solve the problem.” HOẶC “Fundamentally, the policy fails to address root causes.”

7. Lỗi: Redundant – lặp “at its core” hai lần
   Sửa: “Education is, at its core, about developing critical thinking rather than memorizing facts.”

8. Lỗi: Thiếu dấu phẩy bao quanh “at their core” ở mid-sentence
   Sửa: “All successful businesses, at their core, focus on customer satisfaction.”

9. Lỗi: “fundamental” (adjective) instead of “fundamentally” (adverb); “different from” cần adverb
   Sửa: “The issue is fundamentally different from previous challenges we’ve faced.”

10. Lỗi: Overuse – quá nhiều synonyms cùng lúc làm câu redundant và awkward
    Sửa: “At its core, the problem is complex and multifaceted, requiring nuanced solutions.”

Đáp Án Bài Tập 3:

1. Original: “The main problem is that people don’t have enough information.”
   Band 8 version: “The problem is, at its core, one of inadequate access to information rather than simple ignorance.”
   Alternative: “Fundamentally, the issue stems from information asymmetry rather than lack of data availability.”

2. Original: “Technology has really changed education a lot.”
   Band 8 version: “Technology has fundamentally transformed education, shifting the paradigm from teacher-centered to student-centered learning.”
   Alternative: “Educational technology is, at its core, redefining the relationship between educators and learners.”

3. Original: “Democracy is mainly about people having a voice in government.”
   Band 8 version: “Democracy is, at its core, about ensuring citizen participation in governance and protecting minority rights from majority tyranny.”
   Alternative: “Fundamentally, democratic systems rest on the principle of popular sovereignty and institutional accountability.”

4. Original: “The healthcare debate is really about whether healthcare is a right or a product.”
   Band 8 version: “The healthcare debate is, at its core, a question of whether medical care should be treated as a fundamental human right or as a market commodity.”
   Alternative: “Fundamentally, this debate reflects competing philosophical frameworks about the role of government versus markets in providing essential services.”

5. Original: “Social inequality comes from unequal distribution of resources.”
   Band 8 version: “Social inequality is, at its core, rooted in systemic disparities in resource distribution and access to opportunities.”
   Alternative: “Fundamentally, inequality stems from structural barriers that perpetuate unequal resource allocation across generations.”

Đáp Án Bài Tập 4:

Sample completed paragraph (Band 8):

“Proponents of competition argue that it drives innovation and efficiency. They point to market economies, where businesses compete for customers, leading to better products and services. However, this perspective is fundamentally limited because it overlooks the social costs of excessive competition. Excessive competition can create stress, inequality, and even unethical behavior as individuals prioritize winning over collaboration. For example, in educational settings, overemphasis on competitive testing may motivate students to achieve high scores but discourage genuine intellectual curiosity and collaborative learning. At its core, a healthy society requires balancing competitive incentives with cooperative frameworks that ensure collective welfare is not sacrificed for individual advancement.”

Phân tích:

• “Fundamentally limited” = strong evaluative language
• “At its core” trong concluding sentence = creates powerful closure
• Uses both phrases naturally without overuse
• Band 8 features: Complex sentences, clear argumentation, specific example

Đáp Án Bài Tập 5:

Question 1: “Why do you think some people resist technological change?”

Band 8 Sample Answer:
“There are several reasons why people resist new technology. Fundamentally, it comes down to fear of the unknown and concerns about losing control. Older generations, in particular, may feel overwhelmed by rapidly changing technology because they didn’t grow up with it the way younger people did. There’s also the practical issue of learning new systems, which requires time and effort. Additionally, some resistance stems from job security concerns – workers worry that automation will make their skills obsolete. At its core, though, resistance to change is a natural human tendency, especially when the benefits aren’t immediately obvious or when people feel the changes are being imposed on them rather than adopted voluntarily.”

Phân tích:

• “Fundamentally, it comes down to” = identifies root cause
• “At its core” = philosophical observation about human nature
• Natural integration without forced usage
• Multiple reasons given with specific examples

Question 2: “What are the main factors that contribute to student success in university?”

Band 8 Sample Answer:
“Student success depends on multiple factors, but I’d say the most important ones are motivation, time management, and support systems. Students who have clear goals and genuine interest in their field tend to perform better because they’re intrinsically motivated rather than just studying for grades. Time management is also crucial – university requires balancing multiple courses, assignments, and often part-time work. However, what I think is fundamentally most important is having adequate support, whether that’s from family, friends, or academic advisors. At its core, university education is challenging not just intellectually but emotionally, so having people to turn to during difficult times can make the difference between persevering and dropping out.”

Phân tích:

• “Fundamentally most important” = emphasizes key factor among many
• “At its core” = reveals deeper nature of university experience
• Well-structured answer with clear progression

Question 3: “How has globalization affected traditional cultures?”

Band 8+ Sample Answer:
“Globalization has had profound effects on traditional cultures, and I think the impact is quite complex. On one hand, increased connectivity has led to cultural homogenization – you see the same brands, music, and fashion everywhere. This can threaten local traditions and languages, particularly in smaller communities. Fundamentally, globalization creates tension between preserving cultural heritage and adapting to modern global norms. However, it’s not entirely negative. Digital technology also enables cultural preservation and sharing in ways that weren’t possible before. For instance, indigenous groups can now document their languages and traditions online. At its core, the relationship between globalization and culture is dialectical – cultures don’t simply disappear or remain static; they evolve, sometimes absorbing global influences while maintaining distinctive characteristics.”

Phân tích:

• “Fundamentally” = identifies core tension
• “At its core” = philosophical analysis using sophisticated vocabulary (“dialectical”)
• Band 9 features: Nuanced perspective, acknowledges complexity, uses advanced vocabulary naturally
• Both phrases enhance rather than dominate the response

Kết Bài

“At its core” và “fundamentally” là hai công cụ ngôn ngữ mạnh mẽ giúp bạn thể hiện khả năng phân tích sâu sắc và tư duy phê phán trong IELTS. Những cấu trúc này không chỉ nâng cao academic tone của bài viết mà còn cho phép bạn đi xa hơn việc mô tả bề ngoài để chạm đến bản chất vấn đề – đây chính là điểm phân biệt giữa thí sinh Band 7 và Band 8-9.

Tuy nhiên, điều quan trọng nhất là sử dụng chúng một cách tự nhiên và có mục đích, không phải nhồi nhét mechanically. Examiner có thể dễ dàng nhận ra khi thí sinh đang cố gắng “khoe” learned phrases mà không thực sự hiểu cách dùng. Vì vậy, hãy practice với các đề thi thực tế, chú ý đến context và frequency, và luôn kết hợp với các cấu trúc ngữ pháp phức tạp khác để tạo ra writing và speaking tự nhiên, flowing, và sophisticated.

Checklist Tự Kiểm Tra

Trước khi thi, hãy đảm bảo bạn có thể:

• [ ] Giải thích sự khác biệt giữa “at its core”, “fundamentally”, “essentially”, và “basically”
• [ ] Sử dụng đúng punctuation với “at its core” (dấu phẩy ở mid-sentence position)
• [ ] Phân biệt “fundamental” (adjective) và “fundamentally” (adverb)
• [ ] Tránh lạm dụng (không quá 2-3 lần/bài Writing hoặc Speaking test)
• [ ] Kết hợp với các cấu trúc phức như relative clauses, conditionals, passive voice
• [ ] Sử dụng natural collocations: fundamentally flawed, fundamentally different, fundamentally important
• [ ] Biết khi nào nên dùng và khi nào không nên dùng (không dùng với personal beliefs – “at my core”)
• [ ] Có thể paraphrase bằng các cụm đồng nghĩa để tránh repetition

Đề Luyện Tập

Speaking Topics:

1. Describe a change that has occurred in your country (Part 2) – Dùng “fundamentally changed/transformed” trong description
2. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of urbanization (Part 3) – Analyze what urbanization is “at its core”
3. Talk about the role of government in education (Part 3) – Explore what education is “fundamentally” about

Writing Topics:

1. Environmental protection versus economic development – Analyze what the debate is “at its core” about
2. Traditional values in modern society – Discuss what traditional values are “fundamentally” for
3. The purpose of university education – Examine what universities are “at their core” designed to achieve
4. Social media’s impact on relationships – Explore what social media has “fundamentally” changed

Yêu cầu: Mỗi đề phải sử dụng “at its core” hoặc “fundamentally” ít nhất 2-3 lần một cách tự nhiên, kết hợp với các cấu trúc ngữ pháp Band 8+ khác như relative clauses, conditionals, và passive voice.

Practice Strategy:

1. Week 1: Focus on recognition – đọc Cambridge IELTS sample answers, highlight khi gặp các cụm từ này
2. Week 2: Controlled practice – làm bài tập điền từ và viết lại câu
3. Week 3: Production practice – viết complete paragraphs và record Speaking responses
4. Week 4: Integration – sử dụng trong full-length practice tests và nhận feedback

Chúc bạn học tốt và đạt band điểm mong muốn trong kỳ thi IELTS. Hãy nhớ rằng grammar structures chỉ là công cụ – điều quan trọng nhất vẫn là ideas, logic, và khả năng communicate effectively.