IELTS Speaking: Cách Trả Lời Chủ Đề “Describe A Book You Have Read Many Times” – Bài Mẫu Band 6-9

Mở bài

Chủ đề về sách là một trong những đề tài kinh điển và xuất hiện với tần suất cao trong kỳ thi IELTS Speaking, đặc biệt là câu hỏi “Describe A Book You Have Read Many Times”. Đây là một chủ đề vô cùng thú vị vì nó không chỉ đánh giá khả năng miêu tả của thí sinh mà còn phản ánh sở thích cá nhân, thói quen đọc sách và khả năng phân tích tác phẩm văn học của bạn.

Theo thống kê từ các đề thi thực tế, chủ đề sách xuất hiện với tần suất trung bình đến cao trong các kỳ thi IELTS từ năm 2020 đến nay, đặc biệt trong Part 2 và Part 3. Dự đoán khả năng xuất hiện trong tương lai vẫn ở mức cao do tính phổ biến và đa dạng của chủ đề này.

Trong bài viết này, bạn sẽ học được:

• Các câu hỏi thường gặp về chủ đề sách trong cả 3 Part của IELTS Speaking
• Bài mẫu chi tiết theo từng band điểm từ 6-7, 7.5-8 đến 8.5-9 với phân tích cụ thể
• Kho từ vựng và cụm từ ăn điểm giúp bạn ghi điểm cao
• Chiến lược trả lời hiệu quả từ góc nhìn của một Examiner chính thức
• Những lỗi thường gặp của học viên Việt Nam và cách khắc phục

IELTS Speaking Part 1: Introduction and Interview

Tổng Quan Về Part 1

Part 1 của IELTS Speaking kéo dài 4-5 phút với các câu hỏi ngắn về đời sống hàng ngày. Đây là phần làm quen giúp bạn thư giãn trước khi vào các phần khó hơn. Chiến lược quan trọng nhất là trả lời tự nhiên, mở rộng ý với 2-3 câu và đưa ra ví dụ cụ thể từ kinh nghiệm bản thân.

Lỗi thường gặp của học viên Việt Nam trong Part 1:

• Trả lời quá ngắn gọn, chỉ Yes/No mà không giải thích
• Dùng từ vựng quá đơn giản như “good”, “nice”, “interesting”
• Thiếu ví dụ cụ thể, nói chung chung
• Ngại dùng thì hiện tại hoàn thành hoặc quá khứ để kể trải nghiệm

Các Câu Hỏi Thường Gặp

Question 1: Do you like reading books?

Question 2: What kinds of books do you usually read?

Question 3: Did you read much when you were a child?

Question 4: Do you prefer reading books or watching TV?

Question 5: Where do you usually read books?

Question 6: Have you ever given a book as a gift?

Question 7: Do you think reading is important?

Question 8: How much time do you spend reading every day?

Phân Tích và Gợi Ý Trả Lời Chi Tiết

Question: Do you like reading books?

🎯 Cách tiếp cận:

• Trả lời trực tiếp Yes/No
• Đưa ra lý do tại sao thích/không thích
• Thêm ví dụ về loại sách yêu thích hoặc thói quen đọc

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

Yes, I like reading books, especially novels. I think reading is a good way to relax after a long day at work. I usually read before going to bed because it helps me sleep better.

Phân tích:

• Điểm mạnh: Trả lời trực tiếp câu hỏi, có lý do và thói quen cụ thể
• Hạn chế: Từ vựng đơn giản (good, relax, helps), cấu trúc câu cơ bản, thiếu chi tiết về loại sách cụ thể
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Câu trả lời rõ ràng và có structure nhưng chưa impressive về vocabulary và grammar complexity

📝 Sample Answer – Band 8-9:

Absolutely! I’m quite an avid reader, particularly when it comes to contemporary fiction and personal development books. Reading is my go-to activity for unwinding after a hectic day, as it allows me to escape into different worlds and broaden my perspective on various issues. I find that immersing myself in a good book before bed not only helps me switch off from daily stresses but also stimulates my imagination in ways that other forms of entertainment simply can’t match.

Phân tích:

• Điểm mạnh: Sử dụng vocabulary nâng cao (avid reader, contemporary fiction, personal development), cụm từ idiom (go-to activity, escape into different worlds), cấu trúc phức tạp với relative clause và gerund, ý tưởng sâu sắc hơn về lợi ích của đọc sách
• Tại sao Band 8-9: Fluency tự nhiên với discourse marker “Absolutely!”, vocabulary precise và sophisticated, grammar đa dạng (not only…but also), ideas có depth so sánh đọc sách với các hình thức giải trí khác

💡 Key Vocabulary & Expressions:

• avid reader: người đam mê đọc sách
• go-to activity: hoạt động ưa thích, thường làm
• escape into different worlds: trốn thoát vào thế giới khác
• broaden my perspective: mở rộng quan điểm
• immerse myself in: đắm chìm vào
• switch off from: ngắt kết nối khỏi, quên đi

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Question: What kinds of books do you usually read?

🎯 Cách tiếp cận:

• Nêu cụ thể 1-2 thể loại sách
• Giải thích tại sao thích những thể loại đó
• Có thể so sánh hoặc đề cập đến sự thay đổi sở thích theo thời gian

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

I usually read fiction books, especially mystery novels. I like them because they are exciting and keep me interested. Sometimes I also read self-help books when I want to improve myself.

Phân tích:

• Điểm mạnh: Nêu được 2 thể loại cụ thể, có lý do
• Hạn chế: Vocabulary basic (exciting, interested, improve myself), thiếu detail về tác giả hoặc tác phẩm cụ thể, grammar đơn giản
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Nội dung adequate nhưng chưa develop ideas đầy đủ, từ vựng chưa impressive

📝 Sample Answer – Band 8-9:

I’m particularly drawn to psychological thrillers and crime fiction, authors like Gillian Flynn and Paula Hawkins really know how to keep me on the edge of my seat. What I find fascinating about this genre is the intricate plot twists and complex character development that really challenge my assumptions about human nature. That said, I’ve also been delving into more non-fiction lately, particularly books on behavioral psychology and neuroscience, as I find the intersection between these fields and everyday life absolutely compelling.

Phân tích:

• Điểm mạnh: Vocabulary sophisticated (drawn to, on the edge of my seat, intricate plot twists, delving into), grammar phức tạp với relative clauses, đưa ra tác giả cụ thể, thể hiện sự thay đổi sở thích (lately), ideas có depth khi nói về lý do thích và điểm hấp dẫn
• Tại sao Band 8-9: Fluency cao với “That said” để chuyển ý, lexical resource xuất sắc với topic-specific vocabulary, grammar range rộng, pronunciation chuẩn với stress patterns tự nhiên

💡 Key Vocabulary & Expressions:

• be drawn to: bị thu hút bởi
• keep someone on the edge of their seat: làm ai đó hồi hộp, căng thẳng
• intricate plot twists: những tình tiết phức tạp, bất ngờ
• complex character development: sự phát triển nhân vật phức tạp
• delve into: tìm hiểu sâu vào
• intersection between: điểm giao nhau giữa

Học viên luyện IELTS Speaking về chủ đề sách với giáo viên bản ngữ

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Question: Did you read much when you were a child?

🎯 Cách tiếp cận:

• Sử dụng thì quá khứ đơn hoặc “used to”
• So sánh với hiện tại nếu có sự khác biệt
• Kể ví dụ cụ thể về sách hoặc trải nghiệm đọc thuở nhỏ

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

Yes, I read quite a lot when I was young. My parents bought me many storybooks and I enjoyed reading them before bed. I especially liked fairy tales and adventure stories.

Phân tích:

• Điểm mạnh: Dùng đúng thì quá khứ, có mention đến parents và thời điểm đọc
• Hạn chế: Vocabulary simple (quite a lot, enjoyed, liked), không có specific examples về titles hoặc memorable experiences
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Câu trả lời clear nhưng lacks detail và sophisticated language

📝 Sample Answer – Band 8-9:

Actually, I was a voracious reader as a child. I vividly remember devouring the entire Harry Potter series multiple times, and I was absolutely captivated by the magical world J.K. Rowling created. My parents really encouraged my reading habit by taking me to the library every weekend, which became one of my most cherished childhood memories. Interestingly, I think this early exposure to literature really laid the foundation for my love of reading today, though my taste has certainly evolved over the years from fantasy to more realistic genres.

Phân tích:

• Điểm mạnh: Vocabulary impressive (voracious reader, devouring, captivated by, cherished memories, exposure to literature), grammar complex với past perfect và various tenses, ideas có depth khi liên kết quá khứ với hiện tại, cụ thể với Harry Potter series
• Tại sao Band 8-9: Excellent fluency với “Actually” và “Interestingly”, wide vocabulary range, accurate grammar với multiple clauses, shows reflection và analysis

💡 Key Vocabulary & Expressions:

• voracious reader: người đọc rất nhiều, háu đọc
• devour (a book): đọc ngấu nghiến
• be captivated by: bị mê hoặc bởi
• encourage someone’s habit: khuyến khích thói quen của ai
• cherished memories: những kỷ niệm quý giá
• lay the foundation for: đặt nền móng cho
• evolve over the years: phát triển qua nhiều năm

IELTS Speaking Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)

Tổng Quan Về Part 2

Part 2 là phần độc thoại kéo dài 2-3 phút, trong đó bạn có 1 phút chuẩn bị và ghi chú. Đây là phần quan trọng nhất để thể hiện khả năng nói liên tục và organized của bạn. Chiến lược hiệu quả bao gồm:

• Sử dụng hết 1 phút để ghi chú keywords (không viết câu hoàn chỉnh)
• Nói đủ 2 phút, tốt nhất là 2-2.5 phút để thể hiện fluency
• Trả lời đầy đủ tất cả các bullet points trên cue card
• Sử dụng thì quá khứ nếu câu hỏi về kinh nghiệm đã qua
• Phần “explain” là cơ hội để ghi điểm cao nhất

Lỗi thường gặp của học viên Việt Nam:

• Không sử dụng hết thời gian chuẩn bị, vội vàng bắt đầu nói
• Nói dưới 1.5 phút vì thiếu ideas hoặc vocabulary
• Bỏ sót bullet points cuối cùng
• Không extend phần “explain why/how you feel”
• Dừng đột ngột mà không có concluding sentence

Cue Card

Describe a book you have read many times

You should say:

• What the book is about
• How often you have read it
• Why you read it many times
• And explain how you felt about reading this book

Phân Tích Đề Bài

• Dạng câu hỏi: Describe an object (book) với personal experience
• Thì động từ: Hiện tại hoàn thành (have read) cho experience, quá khứ đơn cho specific occasions, hiện tại đơn cho general description
• Bullet points phải cover:
  • Nội dung sách (plot, genre, author)
  • Tần suất đọc (how many times, when)
  • Lý do đọc lại nhiều lần (why re-read)
  • Cảm xúc và impact (feelings, lessons learned)
• Câu “explain” quan trọng: Đây là phần ghi điểm cao nhất, cần thể hiện personal reflection, emotional connection, và impact của cuốn sách đến bản thân

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7

Thời lượng: Khoảng 1.5-2 phút

Well, the book I want to talk about is “The Alchemist” by Paulo Coelho. It’s a famous novel that many people around the world have read.

The book is about a young shepherd boy named Santiago who travels from Spain to Egypt to find treasure. Along the way, he meets many interesting people and learns important lessons about life. The story is quite simple but meaningful.

I have read this book about four or five times. The first time was when I was in university, and I have read it again every few years since then. Sometimes I read it when I feel lost or confused about my life direction.

I read it many times because the story always makes me feel inspired and motivated. Each time I read it, I discover something new that I didn’t notice before. The book teaches me to follow my dreams and not give up, even when things are difficult. The message is very powerful and helpful for me.

Reading this book makes me feel positive and hopeful. It reminds me that everyone has their own path in life and we should trust the journey. After reading it, I usually feel more confident about my decisions and more willing to take risks to achieve my goals.

Phân Tích Band Điểm

Tiêu chí	Band	Nhận xét
Fluency & Coherence	6-7	Có sử dụng discourse markers (Well, Along the way), ideas được organize theo bullet points nhưng còn basic, một số hesitation khi chuyển ý
Lexical Resource	6-7	Vocabulary adequate (inspired, motivated, positive, hopeful) nhưng chưa sophisticated, có paraphrase đơn giản (important lessons, powerful message)
Grammatical Range & Accuracy	6-7	Mix các thì đúng (present, past, present perfect), có relative clauses đơn giản, nhưng thiếu complex structures
Pronunciation	6-7	Clear và dễ hiểu, có sentence stress cơ bản

Điểm mạnh:

• ✅ Trả lời đầy đủ tất cả bullet points
• ✅ Có structure rõ ràng theo yêu cầu
• ✅ Dùng đúng thì và có examples cụ thể
• ✅ Length đạt yêu cầu tối thiểu

Hạn chế:

• ⚠️ Vocabulary chưa impressive, nhiều từ basic
• ⚠️ Grammar structures đơn giản, thiếu variety
• ⚠️ Ideas chưa develop sâu, đặc biệt phần explain feelings
• ⚠️ Thiếu vivid descriptions và personal anecdotes

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📝 Sample Answer – Band 7.5-8

Thời lượng: Khoảng 2-2.5 phút

I’d like to talk about “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee, which is undoubtedly one of the most impactful books I’ve ever read and one that I keep coming back to time and time again.

The novel is set in the American South during the 1930s and tells the story through the eyes of Scout Finch, a young girl whose father, Atticus, is a lawyer defending a black man falsely accused of a serious crime. The book brilliantly explores themes of racial injustice, moral courage, and the loss of innocence, all woven together in a compelling narrative that’s both heart-wrenching and uplifting.

I’ve probably read this book around seven or eight times since I first encountered it in high school about ten years ago. I tend to revisit it every year or two, particularly during challenging times in my life. It’s become something of a comfort read for me, though it tackles quite profound issues.

The reason I return to this book repeatedly is multifaceted. Firstly, Harper Lee’s writing is absolutely beautiful – the way she captures childhood innocence while addressing serious social issues is remarkable. Each time I read it, I notice different nuances and symbolism that I’d previously missed. For instance, as I’ve matured, I’ve come to appreciate Atticus Finch’s quiet heroism and moral integrity even more deeply. The book also serves as a moral compass for me, reminding me to stand up for what’s right even when it’s unpopular.

Reading this book always stirs up a complex mix of emotions. On one hand, I feel deeply moved by the injustice portrayed and the courage shown by the characters. On the other hand, it fills me with hope because it demonstrates that even in the darkest times, individuals can make a difference through their principles and actions. The book has profoundly shaped my values and the way I approach ethical dilemmas in my own life. It’s not just a novel to me – it’s a touchstone that helps me stay grounded in what truly matters.

Phân Tích Band Điểm

Tiêu chí	Band	Nhận xét
Fluency & Coherence	7.5-8	Speaks fluently với minimal hesitation, uses cohesive devices effectively (Firstly, On one hand, On the other hand), ideas logically connected
Lexical Resource	7.5-8	Wide vocabulary range (impactful, heart-wrenching, multifaceted, moral compass, touchstone), good collocations (explores themes, tackles issues, stirs up emotions), some less common phrases
Grammatical Range & Accuracy	7.5-8	Variety of complex structures (relative clauses, participle clauses, conditionals), accurate control with only minor errors, good use of tenses
Pronunciation	7.5-8	Clear pronunciation với natural stress and intonation patterns

So Sánh Với Band 6-7

Khía cạnh	Band 6-7	Band 7.5-8
Vocabulary	“inspired and motivated”, “positive and hopeful”	“impactful”, “heart-wrenching and uplifting”, “moral compass”, “touchstone”
Grammar	Simple sentences và basic relative clauses	Complex structures với participles “woven together”, “as I’ve matured”
Ideas	Surface-level về lessons learned	Deep analysis về themes, personal growth, và long-term impact

Trong khi câu trả lời Band 6-7 đơn giản nói về việc sách “makes me feel inspired”, câu trả lời Band 7.5-8 phân tích sâu hơn về “complex mix of emotions” và explain cụ thể impact đến values và ethical thinking. Sự khác biệt về describe a person who taught you an important lesson cũng có điểm tương đồng khi đều yêu cầu thể hiện sự thay đổi nội tâm và bài học sâu sắc.

Cửa hàng sách với nhiều đầu sách kinh điển và hiện đại phục vụ luyện thi IELTS

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📝 Sample Answer – Band 8.5-9

Thời lượng: 2.5-3 phút đầy đủ

I’d love to tell you about “The Unbearable Lightness of Being” by Milan Kundera, a philosophical novel that has become something of an obsession for me and one that I’ve delved into at least a dozen times over the past decade.

Set against the backdrop of the Prague Spring in 1968, the novel intricately weaves together the lives of four characters – Tomas, a surgeon; Tereza, his wife; Sabina, his mistress; and Franz, Sabina’s lover. However, what makes this book truly exceptional isn’t merely the plot, but rather Kundera’s profound exploration of existential questions about love, freedom, and the weight of our choices. The novel oscillates between narrative and philosophical reflection, delving into concepts like Nietzsche’s eternal return and the dichotomy between lightness and weight in human existence.

To be honest, I’ve lost count of exactly how many times I’ve read it, but it’s well into double figures. I first stumbled upon this book during a particularly tumultuous period in my early twenties, and since then, it’s become a literary companion that I turn to whenever I’m grappling with significant life decisions. Interestingly, I’ve noticed that I tend to gravitate towards it approximately once a year, often during periods of transition or uncertainty.

The reason this book holds such enduring appeal for me is remarkably nuanced. On a superficial level, Kundera’s prose is absolutely exquisite – he has this uncanny ability to articulate thoughts and emotions that I’ve felt but could never quite put into words. But more profoundly, each reading unveils new layers of meaning that resonate differently depending on where I am in life. When I first read it at twenty-two, I was captivated by the romantic elements and the passionate, albeit complicated, relationships. Now, approaching my thirties, I find myself more attuned to the philosophical underpinnings – particularly Kundera’s meditation on whether our lives are essentially meaningful or ultimately insignificant in the grand scheme of things. The book has also fundamentally altered how I perceive choice and commitment; it’s made me realize that even seemingly inconsequential decisions can have far-reaching implications.

As for how I feel about reading this book, it’s difficult to encapsulate in a few words. Each reading is an intellectually stimulating yet emotionally draining experience. Kundera has this way of stripping away comfortable illusions and forcing readers to confront uncomfortable truths about human nature and existence. I often finish a reading session feeling simultaneously enlightened and unsettled, as if I’ve peered into an abyss but also glimpsed something beautiful there. What’s particularly striking is that the book never provides easy answers – instead, it cultivates a certain tolerance for ambiguity that I’ve found invaluable in navigating life’s complexities. In many ways, this book has served as a philosophical anchor, helping me make sense of the inherent contradictions in human experience and reminding me that the search for meaning is perhaps more important than finding definitive answers.

Phân Tích Band Điểm

Tiêu chí	Band	Nhận xét
Fluency & Coherence	8.5-9	Speaks fluently và coherently với sophisticated linking devices, ideas flow naturally với complex arguments, no noticeable hesitation
Lexical Resource	8.5-9	Extensive vocabulary với precise usage (tumultuous, oscillates between, dichotomy, uncanny ability, far-reaching implications), idiomatic expressions (well into double figures, peered into an abyss), colloquial yet academic tone
Grammatical Range & Accuracy	8.5-9	Full range of structures với flexibility (cleft sentences, inversion, complex conditionals, participle clauses), virtually error-free
Pronunciation	8.5-9	Pronunciation features used effectively để express meaning, natural stress, rhythm và intonation

Tại Sao Bài Này Xuất Sắc

🎯 Fluency Hoàn Hảo:
Câu trả lời flow tự nhiên như một native speaker, với các transition mượt mà giữa các ý. Sử dụng discourse markers sophisticated như “To be honest”, “Interestingly”, “On a superficial level”, “more profoundly” để guide người nghe qua các layers khác nhau của analysis.

📚 Vocabulary Tinh Vi:

• “become something of an obsession” – thay vì nói đơn giản “I like it very much”, cụm này convey một mức độ passion sâu sắc hơn
• “oscillates between narrative and philosophical reflection” – demonstrate hiểu biết về literary analysis
• “stripped away comfortable illusions” – metaphorical language showing sophisticated thinking
• “tolerance for ambiguity” – abstract concept thể hiện intellectual maturity

📝 Grammar Đa Dạng:

• Cleft sentence: “what makes this book truly exceptional isn’t merely the plot, but rather…”
• Participle clauses: “approaching my thirties, I find myself…”
• Inversion for emphasis: “Never have I encountered a book that…”
• Complex conditionals với mixed time references

💡 Ideas Sâu Sắc:
Thay vì chỉ nói sách “inspiring” hay “meaningful”, bài này:

• Analyze sự thay đổi perspective theo thời gian (từ romantic elements đến philosophical underpinnings)
• Explore contradiction giữa enlightenment và unsettlement
• Discuss về tolerance for ambiguity như một life skill
• Reflect về relationship giữa personal growth và literary interpretation

Điều đặc biệt là câu trả lời không chỉ describe cuốn sách mà còn demonstrate critical thinking và self-awareness, đây chính là điểm khác biệt giữa Band 8 và Band 9.

Follow-up Questions (Rounding Off Questions)

Examiner có thể hỏi thêm 1-2 câu ngắn sau Part 2 để transition sang Part 3:

Question 1: Would you recommend this book to others?

Band 6-7 Answer:
Yes, definitely. I think it’s a great book that everyone should read at least once. It has many important messages about life.

Band 8-9 Answer:
Absolutely, though I’d say it’s not for everyone. Kundera’s style is quite intellectually demanding and philosophically dense, so I typically recommend it to people who enjoy thought-provoking literature and don’t mind grappling with abstract concepts. That said, for readers who appreciate books that challenge their worldview, it’s absolutely indispensable.

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Question 2: Do you think you’ll read it again in the future?

Band 6-7 Answer:
Yes, I’m sure I will read it again. It’s one of my favorite books and I always find something interesting when I read it.

Band 8-9 Answer:
Without a doubt. In fact, I’m certain that my interpretation will continue to evolve as I go through different life stages. One of the hallmarks of truly great literature is that it remains relevant and reveals new insights regardless of how many times you’ve read it. I suspect that reading it in my forties or fifties will offer entirely different perspectives than what resonates with me now.

IELTS Speaking Part 3: Two-way Discussion

Tổng Quan Về Part 3

Part 3 kéo dài 4-5 phút và là phần thách thức nhất vì yêu cầu bạn thảo luận về các vấn đề trừu tượng và phức tạp hơn. Đây không còn là câu chuyện cá nhân mà là analysis, evaluation và discussion về broader topics liên quan đến chủ đề Part 2.

Yêu cầu cụ thể:

• Phân tích causes and effects
• So sánh past và present, advantages và disadvantages
• Đánh giá different perspectives
• Đưa ra predictions về future trends
• Discuss social implications

Chiến lược thành công:

• Mở rộng câu trả lời với 3-5 câu (không phải 1-2 câu như Part 1)
• Sử dụng discourse markers để structure ideas (Well, I think…, On the one hand…, However…)
• Đưa ra examples từ society, không chỉ personal experience
• Thừa nhận complexity của issue (It depends…, There are various factors…)
• Show critical thinking bằng cách xem xét multiple viewpoints

Lỗi thường gặp của học viên Việt Nam:

• Trả lời quá ngắn và superficial, thiếu phân tích
• Không đưa ra lý lẽ rõ ràng cho opinions
• Thiếu từ vựng abstract và academic
• Không extend ideas với examples hoặc elaboration
• Sợ disagree hoặc present alternative views

Các Câu Hỏi Thảo Luận Sâu

Theme 1: Reading Habits and Society

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Question 1: Do you think people read less nowadays compared to the past?

🎯 Phân tích câu hỏi:

• Dạng: Compare (past vs. present) + Opinion
• Key words: read less, nowadays, compared to the past
• Cách tiếp cận: Give your opinion → Acknowledge changes → Provide reasons → Consider nuances (digital reading, types of reading)

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

Yes, I think people read less books nowadays. In the past, people didn’t have smartphones or internet, so they read more for entertainment. Today, young people prefer watching videos on social media or playing games. However, some people still like reading, especially older people who grew up with books.

Phân tích:

• Structure: Simple comparison với basic reasoning
• Vocabulary: Common words (smartphones, internet, entertainment, prefer)
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Ideas adequate nhưng chưa develop fully, thiếu nuance về digital reading, không có specific examples

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📝 Sample Answer – Band 8-9:

Well, I’d say it’s a somewhat contentious issue that requires nuanced consideration. On the surface, statistics do suggest a decline in traditional book reading, particularly among younger demographics who’ve gravitated towards digital entertainment. However, I’d argue that the situation is more complex than it appears. While consumption of printed literature may have decreased, people are arguably reading more than ever – just in different formats. We’re constantly scrolling through articles, social media posts, and online content, which is still fundamentally reading, albeit more fragmented and less sustained.

What’s particularly interesting is that this shift has fundamentally altered not just the quantity but the quality and nature of reading. Traditional reading involved deep, immersive engagement with long-form content, which fostered critical thinking and concentration. In contrast, modern digital reading tends to be more superficial and distraction-prone, characterized by skimming rather than in-depth analysis. That said, I don’t think we should be entirely pessimistic – the democratization of information through digital platforms has made reading more accessible than ever before, and we’re seeing interesting hybrid forms like audiobooks and interactive e-books that are attracting new audiences to literature.

Phân tích:

• Structure: Well-organized với clear progression: acknowledge complexity → present main argument → provide nuance → consider positive aspects → balanced conclusion
• Vocabulary: Sophisticated academic language (contentious issue, nuanced consideration, gravitated towards, fragmented, superficial, democratization, hybrid forms)
• Grammar: Complex structures với relative clauses, contrast markers, participle phrases
• Critical Thinking: Shows balanced view, acknowledges both decline và transformation, avoids oversimplification

💡 Key Language Features:

• Discourse markers: “Well”, “On the surface”, “However”, “What’s particularly interesting”, “That said”
• Tentative language: “I’d say”, “arguably”, “I’d argue that”, “tends to be”
• Abstract nouns: “decline”, “consumption”, “engagement”, “democratization”, “transformation”

Giới trẻ đọc sách trên nhiều thiết bị khác nhau từ giấy đến điện tử

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Question 2: Why do some people prefer reading books to watching movies?

🎯 Phân tích câu hỏi:

• Dạng: Reason/Explanation
• Key words: prefer, reading books, watching movies
• Cách tiếp cận: State main reasons → Elaborate each reason → Compare advantages → Personal reflection

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

I think some people prefer reading because books give more details than movies. When you read, you can imagine the characters and places in your own way. Also, books are more convenient because you can read anywhere, but movies need a screen. Reading is also quieter and more relaxing for some people.

Phân tích:

• Structure: Lists reasons nhưng không elaborate deeply
• Vocabulary: Basic (details, imagine, convenient, relaxing)
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Adequate ideas nhưng lacks depth, không compare effectively advantages, thiếu sophisticated reasoning

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📝 Sample Answer – Band 8-9:

There are several compelling reasons why certain individuals gravitate towards books over films. First and foremost, literature offers an unparalleled level of depth that visual media simply can’t match. Books allow readers to delve into characters’ inner thoughts and explore complex psychological landscapes in ways that even the most skilled cinematography cannot fully capture. For instance, when reading Dostoevsky’s Crime and Punishment, you gain intimate access to Raskolnikov’s tormented psyche through pages of internal monologue – something that would be challenging to convey effectively on screen without seeming overly expository.

Moreover, reading is an inherently active process that engages the imagination far more than passive viewing. When you read, you’re essentially co-creating the narrative with the author, visualizing scenes and interpreting emotions based on your own experiences and perspectives. This participatory element makes reading a more personalized and intimate experience. Additionally, books offer greater flexibility – you can set your own pace, pause to reflect on profound passages, or revisit previous sections, which is far more cumbersome with films.

From a practical standpoint, books are also more accessible and portable. You can read on public transport, during lunch breaks, or before bed without requiring any equipment beyond the book itself. There’s also something about the tactile experience of holding a physical book and turning pages that many readers find deeply satisfying – a sensory dimension entirely absent from the cinema experience.

Phân tích:

• Structure: Sophisticated organization với clear topic sentences, detailed elaboration, và smooth transitions
• Vocabulary: Precise và varied (compelling, unparalleled, delve into, tormented psyche, inherently, co-creating, cumbersome, tactile)
• Grammar: Complex structures với gerunds, relative clauses, comparatives
• Critical Thinking: Deep analysis về psychological, cognitive, và practical aspects, concrete examples (Dostoevsky)

💡 Key Language Features:

• Sequence markers: “First and foremost”, “Moreover”, “Additionally”, “From a practical standpoint”
• Comparison structures: “more…than”, “far more…than”, “cannot match”
• Abstract concepts: “psychological landscapes”, “participatory element”, “sensory dimension”

Bài trả lời này tương tự như describe a time when you solved a problem using creativity khi cần demonstrate analytical thinking và ability to examine issues từ multiple angles.

Theme 2: Digital vs. Traditional Reading

Question 3: What impact has technology had on reading habits?

🎯 Phân tích câu hỏi:

• Dạng: Impact/Effect analysis
• Key words: technology, impact, reading habits
• Cách tiếp cận: Identify positive impacts → Identify negative impacts → Provide examples → Balanced conclusion

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

Technology has changed reading habits a lot. Now people can read e-books on tablets or phones, which is very convenient. You can carry thousands of books in one device. However, some people say that reading on screens is bad for eyes and makes it harder to concentrate. Technology also makes it easy to get distracted by notifications.

Phân tích:

• Structure: Presents both positive và negative impacts nhưng shallow
• Vocabulary: Common expressions (changed a lot, very convenient, bad for eyes, get distracted)
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Covers basic points nhưng lacks specific examples và deeper analysis về societal implications

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📝 Sample Answer – Band 8-9:

Technology has had a profoundly transformative effect on how we consume written content, with both revolutionary benefits and concerning drawbacks. On the positive side, digital platforms have dramatically expanded access to literature. E-readers and reading apps have made it possible to carry an entire library in your pocket, which is particularly advantageous for people in remote areas or developing countries where physical bookstores are scarce. Furthermore, technology has facilitated new forms of reading engagement – features like built-in dictionaries, adjustable font sizes, and highlighting capabilities have made reading more accessible to people with learning disabilities or visual impairments. Online book communities and reading apps like Goodreads have also fostered a sense of shared literary culture that transcends geographical boundaries.

That said, there are legitimate concerns about how technology is reshaping our cognitive relationship with reading. Research suggests that sustained attention spans have decreased, partly due to the constant barrage of digital stimuli. We’ve become conditioned to consume content in bite-sized chunks, which may be eroding our capacity for the kind of deep, contemplative reading that literature traditionally demanded. The phenomenon of “skim reading” has become prevalent – our eyes dart across screens looking for key information rather than absorbing every word with care.

Perhaps most significantly, technology has blurred the boundaries between reading and other forms of media consumption. Interactive e-books, which incorporate video and audio elements, represent an evolution – or depending on your perspective, a dilution – of what reading means. While some argue this multimedia approach makes literature more engaging, others contend that it detracts from the contemplative, immersive nature that makes reading unique. Ultimately, I believe technology is a double-edged sword – it’s democratized access to books while simultaneously fragmenting our attention, and how we navigate this tension will shape the future of reading culture.

Phân tích:

• Structure: Comprehensive analysis với clear organization: positive impacts → negative impacts → nuanced conclusion
• Vocabulary: Advanced và precise (profoundly transformative, revolutionary benefits, legitimate concerns, reshaping cognitive relationship, blurred boundaries, double-edged sword)
• Grammar: Sophisticated structures với noun phrases, relative clauses, participle phrases, conditional implications
• Critical Thinking: Balanced perspective acknowledging research evidence, considers multiple viewpoints, shows awareness of complexity

💡 Key Language Features:

• Discourse markers: “On the positive side”, “Furthermore”, “That said”, “Perhaps most significantly”, “Ultimately”
• Tentative language: “may be eroding”, “suggests that”, “depending on your perspective”
• Cause-effect language: “has facilitated”, “has fostered”, “has reshaped”
• Contrasting ideas: “While some argue…, others contend that…”

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Question 4: Do you think e-books will completely replace physical books in the future?

🎯 Phân tích câu hỏi:

• Dạng: Prediction/Future trend
• Key words: e-books, completely replace, physical books, future
• Cách tiếp cận: State prediction → Provide supporting reasons → Acknowledge counter-arguments → Realistic conclusion

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

I don’t think e-books will completely replace physical books. Many people still like the feeling of reading real books and the smell of paper. Also, older people prefer traditional books because they grew up with them. However, e-books will probably become more popular because they are cheaper and easier to carry.

Phân tích:

• Structure: Clear opinion với some supporting reasons
• Vocabulary: Basic (feeling, smell, prefer, cheaper, easier)
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Opinion stated but reasoning lacks sophistication, doesn’t consider broader factors like market trends, environmental concerns

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📝 Sample Answer – Band 8.5-9:

While e-books have certainly gained significant traction, I’m highly skeptical that they’ll entirely supplant physical books, at least not in the foreseeable future. The reason I say this is that books represent far more than merely a delivery mechanism for text – they’re cultural artifacts with intrinsic value that extends beyond their content.

From a practical standpoint, there are several factors that militate against complete replacement. Firstly, there’s a substantial demographic – particularly older generations and bibliophiles – for whom physical books hold sentimental and aesthetic value. The tactile experience of turning pages, the distinctive smell of old books, and the visual appeal of a well-stocked bookshelf are sensory pleasures that digital formats simply cannot replicate. Moreover, physical books serve as status symbols and conversation pieces – there’s a reason people still display their book collections prominently in their homes, even if they rarely read them.

Economically speaking, the publishing industry has adapted rather than capitulated to digital trends. We’re seeing the emergence of a bifurcated market where e-books dominate certain niches like genre fiction and reference materials, while physical books remain strongly entrenched in areas like children’s literature, art books, and literary fiction. Interestingly, some publishers are now producing physical books as premium products – high-quality hardcovers with beautiful design elements that emphasize the book as an object of beauty, capitalizing on consumers’ desire for tangible possessions in an increasingly digital world.

There’s also an intriguing generational paradox emerging. While you might expect digital natives to embrace e-books wholeheartedly, surveys indicate that many young readers actually exhibit a preference for physical books, partly as a backlash against screen fatigue from constant digital device usage. This suggests that the trajectory toward digitalization isn’t as straightforward or inevitable as once predicted.

That being said, I do anticipate a continued coexistence where each format carves out its own niche. E-books will likely predominate for convenience-driven reading – travel, commuting, quick reference – while physical books will endure for leisure reading, collecting, and gifting. The key is that “replace” implies an either-or scenario, whereas I believe we’re moving toward a complementary ecosystem where readers fluidly transition between formats based on context and purpose. In essence, just as vinyl records experienced a resurgence despite the ubiquity of digital music, physical books will likely maintain a devoted following indefinitely, even as e-books continue to grow in popularity.

Phân tích:

• Structure: Sophisticated argument với multiple dimensions: cultural, practical, economic, generational, concluding with nuanced prediction
• Vocabulary: Exceptionally precise và varied (gained traction, supplant, bibliophiles, tactile experience, bifurcated market, digital natives, backlash, coexistence, complementary ecosystem)
• Grammar: Full range of complex structures với inversion (there’s a reason…), conditional implications, relative clauses, participle phrases
• Critical Thinking: Demonstrates exceptional depth với consideration of economic trends, generational paradox, historical parallels (vinyl records), avoids binary thinking

💡 Key Language Features:

• Hedging và speculation: “I’m highly skeptical”, “I do anticipate”, “will likely”, “suggests that”
• Emphatic structures: “The reason I say this is…”, “there’s a reason…”, “in essence”
• Contrast và concession: “while”, “whereas”, “That being said”, “even as”
• Analogies: vinyl records comparison to illustrate historical patterns

Cách tiếp cận này khá giống với describe a new recipe you tried at home khi cả hai đều yêu cầu thí sinh xem xét sự kết hợp giữa traditional methods và modern innovations.

Thư viện hiện đại kết hợp sách giấy truyền thống và công nghệ số

Theme 3: Books and Education

Question 5: How important is reading for children’s development?

🎯 Phân tích câu hỏi:

• Dạng: Opinion về importance + Explanation
• Key words: reading, children’s development, important
• Cách tiếp cận: State importance → Explain different aspects of development (cognitive, emotional, social) → Provide evidence/examples → Discuss implications

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

Reading is very important for children. It helps them learn new words and improve their language skills. When children read stories, they can also learn about different situations and understand other people’s feelings. Parents should encourage their children to read more books because it’s good for their education and future.

Phân tích:

• Structure: States importance với basic reasons
• Vocabulary: Simple expressions (very important, learn new words, improve, good for)
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Covers main points nhưng lacks specific examples về developmental aspects, reasoning too general

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📝 Sample Answer – Band 8.5-9:

Reading is absolutely fundamental to children’s development, and I’d go so far as to say it’s one of the most consequential activities for shaping their cognitive and emotional capacities. Allow me to elaborate on several dimensions of this.

First and foremost, reading plays a pivotal role in linguistic and cognitive development. During the critical early years, exposure to books dramatically expands children’s vocabulary and familiarizes them with complex sentence structures they wouldn’t typically encounter in everyday conversation. Research has shown that children who are read to regularly from an early age enter school with vocabularies that are substantially richer than their peers who lack this exposure, which creates a foundational advantage that often persists throughout their academic careers. Beyond vocabulary, reading cultivates critical thinking skills – as children follow narratives, they learn to make predictions, identify cause-and-effect relationships, and draw inferences, all of which are fundamental cognitive processes.

Equally significant is reading’s impact on emotional and social development. Through stories, children gain windows into different perspectives, cultures, and experiences that might be entirely foreign to their own lives. This vicarious exposure helps develop empathy and emotional intelligence – when a child reads about a character facing difficulties, they learn to identify with others’ feelings and understand that people can have different reactions to the same situation. Books essentially serve as safe spaces for children to explore complex emotions like grief, fear, or jealousy in a controlled, mediated way.

Moreover, early reading experiences forge associations between books and positive emotional experiences – the warmth of parental presence, the comfort of bedtime routines, the excitement of adventure stories. These associations often translate into a lifelong love of learning that extends far beyond reading itself. Children who develop this intrinsic motivation to read typically become self-directed learners who seek out knowledge independently rather than requiring constant external prompting.

From a neurological perspective, reading actually physically reshapes the developing brain. Studies using brain imaging have revealed that regular reading strengthens neural pathways associated with language processing and enhances connectivity between different brain regions. This neuroplasticity during childhood means that early reading experiences can have lasting structural impacts on how the brain processes information.

That said, I think it’s important to acknowledge that the quality and context of reading experiences matter as much as the quantity. Simply exposing children to books isn’t sufficient – engaged, interactive reading where adults discuss the story, ask questions, and encourage children to make connections to their own lives is far more developmentally beneficial than passive consumption. This is why we often observe that children from homes where reading is actively valued and integrated into daily life tend to reap greater benefits than those who merely have access to books without this supportive scaffolding.

In sum, reading is indispensable for holistic child development, functioning as a multifaceted tool that simultaneously nurtures linguistic, cognitive, emotional, and social capabilities. The early years represent a critical window when reading experiences can exert maximal influence, making it imperative that parents and educators prioritize this activity in children’s daily lives.

Phân tích:

• Structure: Exceptionally well-organized với clear signposting, multiple dimensions thoroughly explored, evidence-based reasoning
• Vocabulary: Highly sophisticated và domain-specific (consequential, pivotal role, vicarious exposure, emotional intelligence, neuroplasticity, scaffolding, indispensable)
• Grammar: Full mastery với varied complex structures, nominalization (exposure, associations, connectivity), advanced participle constructions
• Critical Thinking: Demonstrates expert-level understanding với research references, neurological evidence, nuanced discussion of quality vs. quantity, holistic perspective

💡 Key Language Features:

• Academic discourse markers: “Allow me to elaborate”, “First and foremost”, “Equally significant”, “Moreover”, “From a neurological perspective”, “In sum”
• Emphatic language: “absolutely fundamental”, “I’d go so far as to say”, “it’s imperative”
• Evidence-based language: “Research has shown”, “Studies using brain imaging have revealed”
• Cause-effect structures: “translates into”, “creates”, “leads to”, “results in”
• Qualification: “That said”, “it’s important to acknowledge”, “as much as”

Phân tích toàn diện này tương tự như describe a situation when you had to deal with a problem khi cả hai đều yêu cầu multi-dimensional thinking và ability to break down complex issues into manageable components.

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Question 6: Should schools focus more on teaching practical skills rather than literature?

🎯 Phân tích câu hỏi:

• Dạng: Opinion/Debate question (Should…)
• Key words: schools, practical skills, literature, focus more
• Cách tiếp cận: Present balanced view → Discuss merits of practical skills → Argue for literature’s value → Propose integrated approach

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

I think schools should teach both practical skills and literature. Practical skills like computer skills or financial management are useful for finding jobs. However, literature is also important because it teaches students about culture and helps them think critically. Schools should find a balance between these two types of education.

Phân tích:

• Structure: Balanced view nhưng không develop arguments fully
• Vocabulary: Basic (useful, important, find a balance)
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Shows some awareness of both sides nhưng lacks depth in argumentation, examples too general

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📝 Sample Answer – Band 8.5-9:

This is a perennial debate in education that often gets framed as a false dichotomy, as if we must choose between practical skills and humanities education. I’d contend that both are indispensable, but for different reasons, and the challenge lies in striking the right balance rather than privileging one over the other.

I can certainly understand the appeal of prioritizing practical skills. In an increasingly competitive job market, there’s mounting pressure on educational institutions to produce “work-ready graduates” equipped with immediately applicable skills like coding, data analysis, or project management. From a pragmatic standpoint, these skills demonstrably enhance employability and can translate into tangible economic benefits for graduates. Moreover, in rapidly evolving industries, staying abreast of technological developments and practical capabilities seems more directly relevant than studying centuries-old literature.

However, I believe this utilitarian approach is fundamentally short-sighted and underestimates the value that literature and humanities bring to education. Literature teaches critical thinking, nuanced analysis, and the ability to grapple with ambiguity – skills that are arguably more valuable in the long run than many specific technical competencies that may become obsolete as technology evolves. When students analyze Shakespeare or debate the themes in contemporary fiction, they’re developing transferable skills like argumentation, perspective-taking, and synthesizing complex information that are applicable across virtually any career path.

Furthermore, literature serves a crucial role in cultivating well-rounded individuals who understand their cultural heritage and can engage with broader questions about ethics, identity, and society. In an era of increasing polarization and echo chambers, the ability to appreciate diverse viewpoints and understand human motivations – skills that literature inherently develops – is more vital than ever. Stripped of this humanistic education, we risk producing technically proficient but intellectually narrow graduates who lack the cultural literacy and ethical framework to navigate complex societal challenges.

What’s particularly troubling about the either-or framing is that it overlooks the synergistic potential of integrating both approaches. Many of the most innovative thinkers and successful professionals attribute their creativity to having a broad intellectual foundation that includes humanities alongside technical skills. Steve Jobs famously credited his calligraphy class – hardly a “practical” skill – with influencing Apple’s design philosophy. This suggests that seemingly impractical subjects can yield unexpected practical applications.

In my view, rather than asking whether schools should focus more on practical skills or literature, we should be asking how to design curricula that effectively integrate both. This might involve teaching literature in ways that develop practical competencies – for instance, using debate and presentation skills while discussing literary works, or incorporating digital humanities projects that blend technical and analytical skills. Conversely, practical subjects could be enriched by embedding ethical and cultural considerations drawn from humanities.

Ultimately, the goal of education shouldn’t merely be vocational preparation – it should be fostering individuals who are both competent professionals and thoughtful citizens. Literature and humanities are indispensable to this broader mission, even if their value isn’t always immediately quantifiable in the way that practical skills are. Schools that abandon literature in pursuit of narrow practical training are doing their students a profound disservice, ill-equipping them for the multifaceted challenges of modern life.

Phân tích:

• Structure: Masterful argumentation với acknowledgment of opposing view, comprehensive defense of literature, synthesis proposing integration, clear thesis maintained throughout
• Vocabulary: Exceptionally sophisticated (perennial debate, false dichotomy, utilitarian approach, synergistic potential, vocational preparation, cultural literacy)
• Grammar: Full range với complex conditionals, nominalization, inversion, relative clauses, participle phrases
• Critical Thinking: Demonstrates exceptional depth với historical example (Steve Jobs), challenges framing of question itself, proposes synthesis rather than binary choice, considers long-term vs. short-term perspectives

💡 Key Language Features:

• Rhetorical devices: “false dichotomy”, “either-or framing”, rhetorical question embedded in argument
• Concession và counter-argument: “I can certainly understand…”, “However”, “What’s particularly troubling”
• Strong stance markers: “I’d contend that”, “I believe”, “In my view”, “Ultimately”
• Contrast structures: “rather than”, “Conversely”, “even if”
• Evaluation language: “short-sighted”, “underestimates”, “crucial role”, “indispensable”, “profound disservice”

Từ vựng và cụm từ quan trọng

Topic-Specific Vocabulary

Từ vựng/Cụm từ	Loại từ	Phiên âm	Nghĩa tiếng Việt	Ví dụ	Collocation
avid reader	noun phrase	/ˈævɪd ˈriːdə(r)/	người đam mê đọc sách	I’ve been an avid reader since childhood.	voracious reader, keen reader, passionate reader
page-turner	noun	/peɪdʒ ˈtɜːnə(r)/	sách hấp dẫn, khó đặt xuống	This thriller is a real page-turner.	gripping page-turner, absolute page-turner
thought-provoking	adjective	/θɔːt prəˈvəʊkɪŋ/	kích thích tư duy, gợi suy nghĩ	The novel raises thought-provoking questions about morality.	thought-provoking ideas, deeply thought-provoking
literary merit	noun phrase	/ˈlɪtərəri ˈmerɪt/	giá trị văn học	The book has considerable literary merit.	artistic merit, cultural merit
immerse oneself in	verb phrase	/ɪˈmɜːs wʌnˈself ɪn/	đắm chìm vào	I love to immerse myself in fantasy novels.	fully immerse, completely immerse
devour a book	verb phrase	/dɪˈvaʊə(r) ə bʊk/	đọc ngấu nghiến	She devoured the entire series in one week.	devour eagerly, devour hungrily
captivating narrative	noun phrase	/ˈkæptɪveɪtɪŋ ˈnærətɪv/	câu chuyện hấp dẫn	The author creates a captivating narrative.	compelling narrative, engaging narrative
plot twist	noun	/plɒt twɪst/	tình tiết bất ngờ	The plot twist completely shocked me.	unexpected plot twist, dramatic plot twist
character development	noun phrase	/ˈkærəktə(r) dɪˈveləpmənt/	sự phát triển nhân vật	The character development is excellent.	strong character development, complex character development
literary genre	noun phrase	/ˈlɪtərəri ˈʒɒnrə/	thể loại văn học	I enjoy various literary genres.	diverse genres, different genres
profound impact	noun phrase	/prəˈfaʊnd ˈɪmpækt/	ảnh hưởng sâu sắc	The book had a profound impact on my worldview.	profound influence, profound effect
broaden one’s perspective	verb phrase	/ˈbrɔːdn wʌnz pəˈspektɪv/	mở rộng quan điểm	Reading broadens your perspective on life.	widen perspective, expand perspective
escape into	verb phrase	/ɪˈskeɪp ˈɪntə/	trốn thoát vào	I escape into books when life gets stressful.	escape into fantasy, escape into fiction
timeless classic	noun phrase	/ˈtaɪmləs ˈklæsɪk/	tác phẩm kinh điển vượt thời gian	Pride and Prejudice is a timeless classic.	enduring classic, immortal classic
delve into	verb phrase	/delv ˈɪntə/	đào sâu vào, tìm hiểu kỹ	The book delves into complex psychological issues.	delve deeply, delve further
keep someone on the edge of their seat	idiom	/kiːp ˈsʌmwʌn ɒn ði edʒ əv ðeə(r) siːt/	làm ai đó hồi hộp căng thẳng	The suspense kept me on the edge of my seat.	keep readers gripped, keep audiences hooked
intellectual stimulation	noun phrase	/ˌɪntəˈlektʃuəl ˌstɪmjuˈleɪʃn/	sự kích thích trí tuệ	Reading provides intellectual stimulation.	mental stimulation, cognitive stimulation
suspend disbelief	verb phrase	/səˈspend ˌdɪsbɪˈliːf/	tạm gác lại sự hoài nghi (để tận hưởng)	Good fiction makes you suspend disbelief.	willingly suspend, temporarily suspend
resonate with	verb phrase	/ˈrezəneɪt wɪð/	gây tiếng vang với, có sự đồng cảm với	The themes really resonated with me.	deeply resonate, strongly resonate
compelling read	noun phrase	/kəmˈpelɪŋ riːd/	đầu sách hấp dẫn	It’s a compelling read from start to finish.	absolutely compelling, utterly compelling

Idiomatic Expressions & Advanced Phrases

Cụm từ	Nghĩa	Ví dụ sử dụng	Band điểm
can’t put it down	không thể đặt xuống (sách hay quá)	The book was so good I couldn’t put it down.	7.5-8
food for thought	điều đáng suy ngẫm	The book provides plenty of food for thought.	7.5-8
hit close to home	chạm đến tận cùng tim can	The story about family conflict hit close to home.	8-9
turn a new page	bước sang trang mới	After reading this, I decided to turn a new page in my life.	7-8
read between the lines	đọc ẩn ý	You need to read between the lines to understand the author’s message.	7.5-8
by the book	đúng quy tắc, theo đúng luật	The protagonist always does everything by the book.	7-8
escape into different worlds	trốn thoát vào thế giới khác	Reading allows me to escape into different worlds.	7.5-8
a window into	cánh cửa sổ để nhìn vào	The novel offers a window into Victorian society.	8-9
strike a chord with	chạm đến cảm xúc của	The character’s struggle struck a chord with many readers.	8-9
lose oneself in	đắm chìm, quên hết mọi thứ	I completely lost myself in the story.	7.5-8
give pause for thought	khiến phải dừng lại suy nghĩ	The ending gave me pause for thought.	8-9
stand the test of time	vượt qua thử thách của thời gian	Great literature stands the test of time.	8-9

Discourse Markers (Từ Nối Ý Trong Speaking)

Để bắt đầu câu trả lời:

• 📝 Well,… – Dùng khi cần thời gian suy nghĩ ngắn, tạo sự tự nhiên
• 📝 Actually,… – Khi đưa ra góc nhìn khác hoặc thông tin bất ngờ
• 📝 To be honest,… – Khi muốn thể hiện sự thật thật
• 📝 I’d say that… – Cách mềm mại để đưa ra quan điểm
• 📝 In my view,… – Thể hiện ý kiến cá nhân một cách formal hơn

Để bổ sung ý:

• 📝 On top of that,… – Thêm vào đó, ngoài ra
• 📝 What’s more,… – Hơn nữa, quan trọng hơn
• 📝 Not to mention… – Chưa kể đến, không nói gì đến
• 📝 Moreover,… – Hơn nữa (formal)
• 📝 Furthermore,… – Ngoài ra (formal)
• 📝 Additionally,… – Thêm vào đó (formal)

Để đưa ra quan điểm cân bằng:

• 📝 On the one hand,… On the other hand,… – Một mặt… mặt khác
• 📝 While it’s true that…, we also need to consider… – Mặc dù đúng là… chúng ta cũng cần xem xét
• 📝 That said,… – Điều đó nói rằng, tuy nhiên
• 📝 Having said that,… – Dù đã nói như vậy
• 📝 That being said,… – Mặc dù vậy

Để giải thích và làm rõ:

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

Để đưa ra ví dụ:

• 📝 For instance,… – Ví dụ như
• 📝 Take… for example,… – Lấy… làm ví dụ
• 📝 A good example of this is… – Một ví dụ tốt về điều này là
• 📝 To illustrate this point,… – Để minh họa điểm này

Để kết luận:

• 📝 All in all,… – Tóm lại, xét tất cả
• 📝 At the end of the day,… – Cuối cùng thì
• 📝 In sum,… – Tóm lại (formal)
• 📝 Ultimately,… – Cuối cùng, về cơ bản
• 📝 In essence,… – Về bản chất

Để thể hiện sự đồng ý/không đồng ý:

• 📝 Absolutely! – Hoàn toàn đồng ý
• 📝 I couldn’t agree more. – Tôi không thể đồng ý hơn
• 📝 I’m afraid I have to disagree. – Tôi e rằng phải không đồng ý
• 📝 I see your point, but… – Tôi hiểu quan điểm của bạn, nhưng

Grammatical Structures Ấn Tượng

1. Conditional Sentences (Câu điều kiện):

• Mixed conditional: “If I hadn’t read this book when I was young, I wouldn’t be the person I am today.” (Kết hợp quá khứ và hiện tại để thể hiện impact lâu dài)

• Inversion for emphasis: “Had I known how captivating the book was, I would have started reading it much earlier.” (Đảo ngữ tạo sự formal và impressive)

2. Relative Clauses (Mệnh đề quan hệ):

• Non-defining relative clause: “The novel, which was written in the 1960s, still resonates with contemporary readers.” (Thêm thông tin bổ sung, tạo sự phức tạp)

• Reduced relative clause: “Books dealing with complex themes require mature readers.” (Rút gọn mệnh đề quan hệ, ngắn gọn hơn)

3. Passive Voice (Câu bị động):

• It is thought/believed/said that…: “It is widely believed that reading enhances empathy and emotional intelligence.” (Thể hiện general opinion một cách academic)

• Have/Get something done: “I had the book signed by the author at a book fair.” (Passive với have/get)

4. Cleft Sentences (Câu chẻ):

• What-cleft: “What I find most compelling about this book is the author’s unique narrative voice.” (Nhấn mạnh phần quan trọng nhất)

• It-cleft: “It was the unexpected ending that made me want to read it again.” (Nhấn mạnh bằng cách tách câu)

5. Participle Clauses (Mệnh đề phân từ):

• Present participle: “Having read the book multiple times, I still discover new details with each reading.” (Thể hiện hành động xảy ra trước)

• Perfect participle: “Written during a turbulent historical period, the novel reflects the anxieties of its time.” (Rút gọn mệnh đề quan hệ bị động)

6. Nominalization (Danh từ hóa):

Thay vì: “The book explores how people develop their identity.”
Nâng cao: “The book’s exploration of identity development is profound.” (Chuyển động từ thành danh từ, tạo văn phong academic hơn)

7. Inversion Structures (Cấu trúc đảo ngữ):

• Not only…but also: “Not only does reading expand vocabulary, but it also enhances critical thinking skills.” (Nhấn mạnh hai benefits)

• Seldom/Rarely: “Rarely have I encountered a book that affected me so profoundly.” (Tạo dramatic effect)

8. Subjunctive Mood (Thức giả định):

“The author suggests that readers be open-minded when approaching this controversial topic.” (Formal structure cho suggestions/recommendations)

Những cấu trúc này không chỉ giúp câu trả lời của bạn sophisticated hơn mà còn thể hiện grammatical range – một trong bốn tiêu chí chấm điểm quan trọng của IELTS Speaking. Tuy nhiên, quan trọng nhất vẫn là sử dụng tự nhiên và chính xác, không nên cố nhồi nhét quá nhiều structures phức tạp mà mất đi sự fluency.

Với bài viết chi tiết này, hy vọng bạn đã có cái nhìn toàn diện về cách trả lời chủ đề “describe a book you have read many times” trong IELTS Speaking. Hãy nhớ rằng, điều quan trọng nhất không phải là học thuộc các câu trả lời mẫu, mà là hiểu được structure, phát triển ideas một cách logic, và sử dụng vocabulary phong phú một cách tự nhiên. Practice regularly, record yourself, và đừng ngại thử nghiệm với different expressions để tìm ra phong cách riêng của bạn. Good luck với kỳ thi IELTS Speaking của bạn!