IELTS Speaking: Cách Trả Lời “Describe A Book You Want To Read In The Future” – Bài Mẫu Band 6-9

Chủ đề về sách là một trong những đề tài kinh điển và xuất hiện thường xuyên trong bài thi IELTS Speaking. Đặc biệt, câu hỏi yêu cầu mô tả một cuốn sách bạn muốn đọc trong tương lai là dạng đề điển hình thuộc Part 2, đồng thời cũng có thể mở rộng sang Part 1 và Part 3 với nhiều góc độ khác nhau về văn hóa đọc, sở thích cá nhân và xu hướng xã hội.

Theo thống kê từ các kỳ thi IELTS thực tế trong giai đoạn 2022-2024, chủ đề “Books and Reading” xuất hiện với tần suất cao đến mức gần như chắc chắn bạn sẽ gặp ít nhất một câu hỏi liên quan trong bài thi của mình. Đây là chủ đề có mức độ phổ biến ổn định và dự đoán sẽ tiếp tục xuất hiện thường xuyên trong các kỳ thi tương lai.

Trong bài viết này, bạn sẽ học được cách tiếp cận toàn diện cho chủ đề này, bao gồm câu hỏi thường gặp trong cả ba phần thi, bài mẫu chi tiết theo từng band điểm từ 6.0 đến 9.0, kho từ vựng phong phú với các cụm từ ăn điểm, và quan trọng nhất là chiến lược trả lời hiệu quả từ góc nhìn của một examiner chính thức. Bạn cũng sẽ nhận được những lời khuyên thiết thực để tránh các lỗi phổ biến mà học viên Việt Nam thường mắc phải khi đối diện với chủ đề này.

IELTS Speaking Part 1: Introduction and Interview

Tổng Quan Về Part 1

Part 1 của IELTS Speaking diễn ra trong khoảng 4-5 phút, là phần mở đầu giúp bạn làm quen với examiner và không khí thi cử. Các câu hỏi trong phần này thường xoay quanh đời sống hàng ngày, sở thích cá nhân và những chủ đề quen thuộc.

Chiến lược quan trọng nhất cho Part 1 là trả lời một cách tự nhiên, mở rộng ý trong 2-3 câu nhưng không quá dài dòng. Bạn cần đưa ra câu trả lời trực tiếp, sau đó bổ sung lý do hoặc ví dụ cụ thể từ kinh nghiệm bản thân.

Lỗi thường gặp của học viên Việt Nam trong Part 1 bao gồm việc trả lời quá ngắn gọn chỉ với Yes hoặc No, sử dụng từ vựng quá đơn giản ở trình độ cơ bản, và thiếu các ví dụ cụ thể để minh họa cho câu trả lời của mình.

Các Câu Hỏi Thường Gặp

Question 1: Do you like reading books?

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

Question 3: How often do you read books?

Question 4: Did you read much when you were a child?

Question 5: Where do you usually read books?

Question 6: Do you prefer reading physical books or e-books?

Question 7: Have you ever been to a library?

Question 8: Do you think reading is important?

Phân Tích và Gợi Ý Trả Lời Chi Tiết

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Question: Do you like reading books?

Cách tiếp cận:

• Trả lời trực tiếp có hoặc không
• Đưa ra lý do cụ thể
• Thêm ví dụ về loại sách hoặc thói quen đọc

Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

Yes, I quite enjoy reading books. I think it’s 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 còn đơn giản với “quite enjoy”, “good way”, “helps me”
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Câu trả lời đủ thông tin cơ bản, ngữ pháp chính xác nhưng thiếu độ tinh tế trong cách diễn đạt và từ vựng chưa thực sự ấn tượng

Sample Answer – Band 8-9:

Absolutely! I’m quite an avid reader actually. I find that reading is not just a hobby but more of a sanctuary where I can escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life. There’s something incredibly therapeutic about immersing myself in a well-written story, especially before bedtime when I can unwind completely.

Phân tích:

• Điểm mạnh: Sử dụng từ vựng tinh tế như “avid reader”, “sanctuary”, “therapeutic”; cấu trúc câu phức tạp với “not just…but more of”; thể hiện sự đam mê thật sự qua cách diễn đạt
• Tại sao Band 8-9: Fluency tự nhiên với “Absolutely”, “actually”; Vocabulary rất đa dạng và chính xác; Grammar sử dụng gerund, relative clause một cách tự nhiên; Ideas sâu sắc hơn với việc xem đọc sách như “sanctuary”

Key Vocabulary & Expressions:

• an avid reader: người đam mê đọc sách, nghiện sách
• a sanctuary: nơi trú ẩn, nơi tìm thấy bình yên
• escape from the hustle and bustle: thoát khỏi sự ồn ào, bận rộn
• therapeutic: mang tính chữa lành, giúp thư giãn tinh thần
• immerse myself in: đắm mình vào, chìm đắm trong
• unwind completely: thư giãn hoàn toàn

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Question: What kind of books do you usually read?

Cách tiếp cận:

• Nêu rõ thể loại cụ thể
• Giải thích lý do thích thể loại đó
• Có thể đề cập đến sự thay đổi sở thích theo thời gian

Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

I mostly read fiction books, especially mystery novels. I like them because they are interesting and keep me guessing until the end. Sometimes I also read self-help books to improve myself.

Phân tích:

• Điểm mạnh: Nêu được hai thể loại cụ thể, có lý do cho mỗi loại
• Hạn chế: Lý do chưa chi tiết, từ “interesting” và “improve myself” khá general
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Cấu trúc câu đơn giản, từ vựng adequate nhưng chưa sophisticated

Sample Answer – Band 8-9:

My reading preferences are quite eclectic, but I’m particularly drawn to contemporary fiction and psychological thrillers. What captivates me about these genres is the intricate character development and the way authors weave complex narratives that keep me on the edge of my seat. That said, I’ve recently been branching out into non-fiction, particularly memoirs and biographies, as I find real-life stories equally compelling and often more thought-provoking.

Phân tích:

• Điểm mạnh: Vocabulary tinh vi với “eclectic”, “drawn to”, “captivates”, “intricate”; Grammar đa dạng với relative clause, present perfect continuous; Ideas phức tạp hơn với việc mô tả chi tiết về sở thích và sự thay đổi
• Tại sao Band 8-9: Fluency xuất sắc với các discourse markers tự nhiên “That said”; Vocabulary rất precise và topic-specific; Grammar range rộng; Pronunciation với stress patterns phức tạp; Ideas show personal reflection

Key Vocabulary & Expressions:

• eclectic: đa dạng, không theo một khuôn mẫu nhất định
• drawn to: bị thu hút bởi
• captivates me: mê hoặc, quyến rũ tôi
• intricate character development: sự phát triển nhân vật phức tạp, tinh tế
• weave complex narratives: dệt nên những câu chuyện phức tạp
• on the edge of my seat: hồi hộp, căng thẳng theo dõi
• branching out into: mở rộng sang lĩnh vực mới
• compelling: hấp dẫn, thuyết phục
• thought-provoking: kích thích tư duy, gợi suy nghĩ

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Question: How often do you read books?

Cách tiếp cận:

• Nêu tần suất cụ thể
• Giải thích yếu tố ảnh hưởng đến tần suất đọc
• Có thể so sánh với trước đây

Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

I try to read books regularly, maybe two or three times a week. It depends on how busy I am with work. When I have more free time on weekends, I can read for several hours.

Phân tích:

• Điểm mạnh: Có tần suất cụ thể, đề cập yếu tố ảnh hưởng là công việc
• Hạn chế: Cấu trúc “try to” và “depends on” khá cơ bản, thiếu depth trong explanation
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Adequate information nhưng lacks sophistication trong vocabulary và ideas

Sample Answer – Band 8-9:

Reading is pretty much woven into my daily routine. I’d say I dedicate at least 30 minutes to an hour each day to reading, usually before bed or during my commute. Of course, this varies depending on my workload – during particularly hectic periods, I might only squeeze in a chapter or two, but I always try to maintain the habit because I find it essential for my mental well-being. On weekends, when I have more leisure time, I can easily lose myself in a book for three or four hours straight.

Phân tích:

• Điểm mạnh: Vocabulary sophisticated với “woven into”, “dedicate”, “hectic periods”, “mental well-being”; Grammar complex với multiple clauses; Ideas nuanced với acknowledgment of variation và emphasis on habit
• Tại sao Band 8-9: Natural fluency với conversational tone; Precise vocabulary; Complex sentence structures; Clear personal perspective với detailed explanation

Key Vocabulary & Expressions:

• woven into my daily routine: hòa nhập vào thói quen hàng ngày
• dedicate: dành riêng thời gian cho
• workload: khối lượng công việc
• hectic periods: giai đoạn bận rộn
• squeeze in: chen chúc thời gian để làm gì
• maintain the habit: duy trì thói quen
• essential for my mental well-being: thiết yếu cho sức khỏe tinh thần
• leisure time: thời gian rảnh rỗi
• lose myself in: đắm mình vào, quên hết mọi thứ

Học sinh đang đọc sách chuẩn bị cho phần thi IELTS Speaking về chủ đề sách và thói quen đọc

IELTS Speaking Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)

Tổng Quan Về Part 2

Part 2 là phần độc thoại kéo dài từ 2-3 phút, trong đó bạn có 1 phút chuẩn bị để ghi chú trước khi bắt đầu nói. Đây là phần quan trọng nhất để thể hiện khả năng duy trì câu chuyện dài, sử dụng từ vựng phong phú và cấu trúc ngữ pháp đa dạng.

Chiến lược hiệu quả cho Part 2 bao gồm việc sử dụng tối đa 1 phút chuẩn bị để ghi chú keywords quan trọng chứ không phải viết câu hoàn chỉnh. Bạn cần nói đủ 2 phút, tối thiểu là 1.5 phút để tránh bị trừ điểm. Đảm bảo trả lời đầy đủ tất cả các bullet points trong cue card và chú ý sử dụng đúng thì động từ phù hợp với câu hỏi.

Lỗi thường gặp của học viên Việt Nam là không tận dụng hết thời gian chuẩn bị, nói quá ngắn dưới 1.5 phút, hoặc bỏ sót một số bullet points quan trọng. Một lỗi khác là không sử dụng đúng thì quá khứ khi câu hỏi yêu cầu kể về kinh nghiệm đã xảy ra.

Cue Card

Describe A Book You Want To Read In The Future

You should say:

• What the book is about
• Where you heard about it or who recommended it
• Why you want to read it
• And explain how you think it will benefit you

Phân Tích Đề Bài

Dạng câu hỏi: Describe an object (future intention)

Thì động từ: Hiện tại và tương lai – vì đây là một cuốn sách bạn chưa đọc và dự định đọc sau này, bạn sẽ sử dụng thì hiện tại để mô tả thông tin về sách và thì tương lai hoặc các cấu trúc diễn tả dự định như “I want to”, “I’m planning to”, “I hope to”

Bullet points phải cover:

• Nội dung cuốn sách là gì
• Bạn biết đến sách từ đâu hoặc ai giới thiệu
• Lý do muốn đọc nó
• Lợi ích mà cuốn sách mang lại

Câu “explain” quan trọng: Phần giải thích về lợi ích là yếu tố then chốt để ghi điểm cao. Đây là nơi bạn thể hiện khả năng phân tích sâu sắc, kết nối cá nhân với nội dung sách và vision về sự phát triển bản thân. Examiner đặc biệt chú ý đến phần này vì nó cho thấy critical thinking và khả năng express complex ideas.

Sample Answer – Band 6-7

Thời lượng: Khoảng 1.5-2 phút

Well, the book I really want to read in the future is called “Sapiens” by Yuval Noah Harari. It’s a non-fiction book about the history of humankind, from ancient times to the modern era. The book talks about how humans evolved and developed societies, cultures, and technologies.

I heard about this book from my friend who studies history at university. She recommended it to me about six months ago when we were discussing interesting books. She said it was one of the most fascinating books she had ever read, and she thought I would enjoy it too because I’m interested in history and science.

There are several reasons why I want to read this book. First, I’m curious about human history and how we became the dominant species on Earth. Second, I’ve read some reviews online and many people say it changes the way you think about the world. The book seems to answer many big questions about humanity that I’ve always wondered about.

I think reading this book will benefit me in many ways. It will definitely increase my knowledge about history and anthropology. I believe it will also help me understand current events better because knowing the past helps us make sense of the present. Additionally, I think it will make me more thoughtful about important issues like technology and society. Many people say the book makes you think deeply about life, so I’m looking forward to having those insights. I’m planning to buy it next month when I have more free time to really focus on reading it properly.

Phân Tích Band Điểm

Tiêu chí	Band	Nhận xét
Fluency & Coherence	6-7	Nói khá mạch lạc với các linking words cơ bản như “First”, “Second”, “Additionally”. Có một số hesitation nhỏ nhưng không ảnh hưởng nhiều đến message. Cấu trúc rõ ràng theo các bullet points
Lexical Resource	6-7	Sử dụng từ vựng adequate với “evolved”, “fascinating”, “dominant species”, “anthropology”. Tuy nhiên, còn nhiều từ basic như “interesting”, “big questions”, “think deeply”
Grammatical Range & Accuracy	6-7	Sử dụng mix của simple và complex sentences. Có present simple, present perfect, và future forms. Grammar chính xác nhưng chưa thực sự sophisticated
Pronunciation	6-7	Phát âm rõ ràng, dễ hiểu với trọng âm từ chính xác. Intonation khá tự nhiên nhưng chưa có nhiều variation

Điểm mạnh:

• Trả lời đầy đủ tất cả các bullet points theo đúng yêu cầu
• Cấu trúc logic, dễ theo dõi với clear progression
• Có ví dụ cụ thể về người giới thiệu sách
• Giải thích lý do và lợi ích một cách reasonable

Hạn chế:

• Vocabulary chưa đủ sophisticated cho band cao hơn
• Thiếu depth trong phần explain benefits
• Chưa có nhiều personal reflection hoặc emotional connection
• Một số phrases khá generic như “make sense of”, “think deeply”

Sample Answer – Band 7.5-8

Thời lượng: Khoảng 2-2.5 phút

I’d like to talk about “Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind” by Yuval Noah Harari, which has been on my reading list for quite some time now. It’s essentially a sweeping narrative of human history that traces our evolution from insignificant apes to the dominant force on the planet. What makes it particularly intriguing is that Harari doesn’t just recount historical events but weaves together insights from biology, anthropology, economics, and philosophy to present a compelling thesis about what makes us human.

I first came across this book through a podcast I regularly listen to, where the host interviewed Harari about his work. I was immediately captivated by his unique perspective on human development. Later, several colleagues and friends echoed similar recommendations, all raving about how the book had fundamentally shifted their worldview. The consistent praise from diverse sources really piqued my curiosity.

My motivation for wanting to read it stems from several factors. Primarily, I’ve always been fascinated by the big existential questions – why we behave the way we do, how our societies formed, and what distinguishes humans from other species. Harari apparently tackles these profound questions with both academic rigor and accessibility, which is quite rare. Moreover, I’m particularly interested in his analysis of how collective myths and shared beliefs have enabled humans to cooperate in large groups and build civilizations. In our current era of rapid technological change, I think understanding our evolutionary journey is increasingly relevant.

In terms of benefits, I anticipate this book will broaden my intellectual horizons significantly. It should equip me with a more nuanced understanding of human nature and social dynamics, which I believe will make me more perceptive in both my personal and professional life. Given that I work in a field that involves a lot of human interaction, understanding the deeper patterns of human behavior could be invaluable. Beyond practical benefits, I’m also looking for that transformative reading experience that people describe – the kind that challenges your assumptions and makes you see the world through a different lens. I’m hoping to get my hands on a copy during my upcoming vacation so I can immerse myself fully in it without distractions.

Phân Tích Band Điểm

Tiêu chí	Band	Nhận xét
Fluency & Coherence	7.5-8	Flow tự nhiên với minimal hesitation. Sử dụng discourse markers sophisticated như “Primarily”, “Moreover”, “In terms of”. Topic development logical và smooth
Lexical Resource	7.5-8	Vocabulary range rộng với collocations chính xác: “sweeping narrative”, “traces our evolution”, “piqued my curiosity”, “academic rigor”. Less common lexis used appropriately
Grammatical Range & Accuracy	7.5-8	Variety of complex structures: relative clauses, passive voice, conditionals. Majority of sentences error-free với sophisticated constructions
Pronunciation	7.5-8	Clear pronunciation với good intonation patterns. Stress và rhythm appropriate. Easy to understand throughout

So Sánh Với Band 6-7

Khía cạnh	Band 6-7	Band 7.5-8
Vocabulary	“interesting books”, “fascinating”, “big questions”	“on my reading list”, “sweeping narrative”, “compelling thesis”, “piqued my curiosity”
Grammar	“The book talks about how humans evolved”	“Harari doesn’t just recount historical events but weaves together insights…”
Ideas	“It will increase my knowledge about history”	“Broaden my intellectual horizons”, “nuanced understanding”, “transformative reading experience”

Sample Answer – Band 8.5-9

Thời lượng: 2.5-3 phút đầy đủ

The book that’s been at the top of my reading list for quite a while is “Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind” by Yuval Noah Harari. This is a tour de force of interdisciplinary thinking that chronicles the entire trajectory of human history, from our humble beginnings as one of several human species in Africa to our current status as the unrivaled apex species on the planet. What sets this book apart from conventional history texts is Harari’s audacious approach to synthesizing insights from biology, anthropology, economics, and philosophy into a coherent narrative that challenges many of our deeply held assumptions about progress and human nature.

I was first turned onto this book through a rather serendipitous encounter. I was listening to a podcast featuring Harari, where he articulated some truly provocative ideas about humanity’s relationship with technology and our evolutionary future. His arguments were so intellectually stimulating that I immediately sought out more of his work. Subsequently, I found that the book had become something of a cultural phenomenon, with everyone from tech entrepreneurs to policy makers citing it as a seminal work. Several of my more intellectually curious friends have sung its praises, describing it as nothing short of revelatory. This groundswell of enthusiasm from such diverse quarters really cemented my determination to read it.

My desire to read this book is rooted in several intertwined motivations. On one level, I’ve always been drawn to big-picture thinking and meta-narratives that attempt to make sense of the human condition. Harari reportedly excels at connecting seemingly disparate threads of history into a tapestry that reveals underlying patterns. I’m particularly intrigued by his exploration of how cognitive abilities and the capacity for abstract thinking – what he calls “the Cognitive Revolution” – enabled humans to create imagined realities like nations, corporations, and religions, which in turn allowed unprecedented levels of cooperation. In an age of accelerating change and increasing complexity, I believe grappling with these fundamental questions about what makes us human is not just intellectually enriching but existentially important.

Regarding the potential benefits, I expect this book will profoundly impact my thinking in multiple dimensions. First and foremost, it should provide a robust framework for understanding contemporary issues by situating them within the broader arc of human history. I work in strategic planning, and I believe this macro-historical perspective will help me anticipate trends and think more critically about long-term implications of current decisions. Beyond professional applications, I’m seeking what one reviewer called “intellectual vertigo” – that disorienting but exhilarating feeling of having your perspective fundamentally recalibrated. I want to be jolted out of conventional thinking patterns and compelled to reconsider assumptions I didn’t even realize I held. There’s also something deeply humanizing about understanding our shared evolutionary journey – it has the potential to foster greater empathy and a sense of connection with all of humanity. I’ve carved out time during my upcoming sabbatical specifically to do justice to this book, as I suspect it’s the kind of work that demands sustained attention and rewards careful reflection. I’m genuinely on the edge of my seat with anticipation about the insights I’ll gain.

Phân Tích Band Điểm

Tiêu chí	Band	Nhận xét
Fluency & Coherence	8.5-9	Speaks fluently with minimal repetition or self-correction. Sophisticated cohesive devices used naturally. Ideas develop seamlessly với exceptional coherence
Lexical Resource	8.5-9	Wide vocabulary range với precise usage. Idiomatic language và collocations used skillfully: “tour de force”, “serendipitous encounter”, “groundswell of enthusiasm”. Lexis is sophisticated và natural
Grammatical Range & Accuracy	8.5-9	Full range of structures với high degree of accuracy. Complex sentences handle với confidence. Rare errors và they don’t impede communication
Pronunciation	8.5-9	Pronunciation is effortless to understand. Intonation is fully appropriate. Features of connected speech used effectively

Tại Sao Bài Này Xuất Sắc

Fluency Hoàn Hảo:
Bài nói flow một cách tự nhiên như người bản ngữ với absolutely no hesitation hay breakdown in communication. Discourse markers như “Subsequently”, “On one level”, “First and foremost” được sử dụng sophisticated và effortless, creating seamless transitions giữa các ý tưởng.

Vocabulary Tinh Vi:

• Ví dụ: “a tour de force” – đây là idiomatic expression chỉ một tác phẩm xuất sắc, impressive
• Ví dụ: “serendipitous encounter” – cách nói elegant cho “lucky discovery”
• Ví dụ: “groundswell of enthusiasm” – metaphorical language chỉ sự hưởng ứng mạnh mẽ
• Ví dụ: “intellectual vertigo” – creative và vivid description of mental disorientation

Grammar Đa Dạng:

• Ví dụ: “What sets this book apart from conventional history texts is…” – Cleft sentence for emphasis
• Ví dụ: “Several of my more intellectually curious friends have sung its praises, describing it as…” – Complex structure với present perfect và participle clause
• Ví dụ: “I believe grappling with these fundamental questions… is not just intellectually enriching but existentially important” – Gerund as subject với parallel structure

Ideas Sâu Sắc:
Bài nói demonstrates sophisticated thinking về multiple levels: intellectual curiosity, professional application, existential questions, và human connection. Candidate shows ability to see interconnections và express abstract concepts với clarity và depth.

Cuốn sách Sapiens của Yuval Noah Harari được đặt trên bàn đọc cùng ghi chú chuẩn bị cho IELTS Speaking Part 2

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: Do you think you’ll finish the book quickly?

Band 6-7 Answer:
I think it might take me a while because it’s quite a long book and the content seems quite deep. I’ll probably read it slowly to understand everything properly.

Band 8-9 Answer:
I doubt I’ll race through it – it’s the kind of book that warrants careful reading and contemplation. I’d rather savor it gradually and absorb the ideas fully than rush through just to finish. I imagine I’ll be revisiting certain passages multiple times to unpack the more complex arguments.

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Question 2: Would you recommend this book to others?

Band 6-7 Answer:
Yes, definitely. I think many people would find it interesting, especially those who like history or want to learn about human society.

Band 8-9 Answer:
Absolutely, though I’d say it’s particularly suited to readers who are intellectually adventurous and open to having their perspectives challenged. It’s not exactly light reading, but for anyone grappling with big questions about humanity’s past and future, it seems like essential reading. I’d especially recommend it to people in fields like education, policy, or technology who need that macro-level understanding of human behavior and social dynamics.

IELTS Speaking Part 3: Two-way Discussion

Tổng Quan Về Part 3

Part 3 kéo dài 4-5 phút và là phần thảo luận chuyên sâu về các khía cạnh trừu tượng liên quan đến chủ đề Part 2. Đây là phần khó nhất trong IELTS Speaking vì yêu cầu bạn phân tích, so sánh, đánh giá và đưa ra quan điểm cá nhân có lý lẽ chặt chẽ về những vấn đề xã hội rộng lớn hơn.

Chiến lược hiệu quả cho Part 3 là mở rộng câu trả lời đến 3-5 câu với structure rõ ràng, sử dụng discourse markers một cách tự nhiên như “Well”, “Actually”, “I think”, đưa ra ví dụ từ xã hội chứ không chỉ kinh nghiệm cá nhân, và thừa nhận sự phức tạp của vấn đề bằng cách xem xét nhiều góc độ khác nhau.

Lỗi thường gặp của học viên Việt Nam trong Part 3 bao gồm việc trả lời quá ngắn gọn thiếu phân tích sâu, không đưa ra lý lẽ rõ ràng để support quan điểm, và thiếu từ vựng trừu tượng cần thiết để thảo luận các concept phức tạp. Nhiều học viên cũng có xu hướng chỉ nói về bản thân thay vì phân tích vấn đề ở cấp độ xã hội.

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: State opinion → Explain reasons for change → Provide examples → Consider nuances (different types of reading)

Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

Yes, I think people read less traditional books nowadays compared to before. This is mainly because of technology and smartphones. People spend more time on social media and watching videos instead of reading. For example, young people prefer to watch YouTube or scroll through Instagram rather than read a novel. However, some people still read, but maybe they read different things like news articles on their phones.

Phân tích:

• Structure: Có opinion, reason và example nhưng khá basic
• Vocabulary: “traditional books”, “spend time on” là adequate nhưng không sophisticated
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Ideas clear nhưng lacks depth trong analysis. Vocabulary functional nhưng limited range. Grammar accurate nhưng simple structures

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Câu trả lời mẫu – Band 8-9:

Well, I’d say it’s a bit of a contentious issue actually. On the surface, it certainly appears that sustained reading of traditional books has declined, particularly among younger generations who’ve grown up in the digital age. The ubiquity of smartphones and the constant barrage of bite-sized content has undoubtedly fragmented our attention spans, making it harder to engage with lengthy texts that require deep concentration.

However, I think we need to nuance this view somewhat. While traditional book reading may have decreased, people are arguably reading more than ever before – just in different formats. We’re constantly consuming written content through social media posts, online articles, blogs, and digital publications. The question is whether this type of reading offers the same cognitive benefits as immersive reading of complex literature or non-fiction.

Research suggests that skimming and scanning online content engages the brain quite differently from the deep, linear reading that books require. So while the volume of text we encounter has increased exponentially, the quality of our reading experience and its impact on critical thinking and sustained focus may have diminished. It’s a trade-off between breadth and depth, I suppose.

Phân tích:

• Structure: Well-organized với clear progression: Direct answer → Qualifying statement → Comparison → Research-backed explanation → Conclusion. Shows ability to see multiple perspectives
• Vocabulary: Sophisticated và precise: “contentious issue”, “ubiquity”, “constant barrage”, “fragmented attention spans”, “nuance this view”, “cognitive benefits”, “immersive reading”
• Grammar: Complex structures xuất sắc: “While traditional book reading may have…”, “Research suggests that…”, conditional forms, relative clauses
• Critical Thinking: Shows balanced view, acknowledges complexity, references research, distinguishes between types of reading

Key Language Features:

• Discourse markers: “Well”, “On the surface”, “However”, “I suppose” – showing thinking process
• Tentative language: “I’d say”, “it appears that”, “arguably”, “may have” – academic tone
• Abstract nouns: “ubiquity”, “fragmentation”, “cognitive benefits”, “critical thinking” – sophisticated concepts

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Question 2: Why do you think some people prefer physical books while others prefer e-books?

Phân tích câu hỏi:

• Dạng: Explain reasons + Compare preferences
• Key words: “prefer”, “physical books”, “e-books”, “why”
• Cách tiếp cận: Present both sides → Explain psychological/practical reasons → Examples → Personal insight

Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

Different people have different preferences for different reasons. Some people like physical books because they enjoy the feeling of holding a book and turning pages. They say it’s more relaxing and better for their eyes. On the other hand, people who prefer e-books think they are more convenient because you can carry many books in one device. E-books are also usually cheaper and take up less space.

Phân tích:

• Structure: Clear comparison nhưng somewhat mechanical
• Vocabulary: Basic với “feeling”, “convenient”, “take up less space”
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Covers main points adequately nhưng lacks sophistication và depth of analysis

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Câu trả lời mẫu – Band 8-9:

This really comes down to a fascinating interplay between practicality, sensory experience, and even nostalgia, I think.

Proponents of physical books often talk about the tactile pleasure of holding a book, the distinctive smell of paper, and the ritualistic aspect of physically turning pages. There’s also something psychologically satisfying about seeing your progress through a book and building a physical library that reflects your intellectual journey. Research in cognitive science suggests that the spatial memory associated with physical books – remembering where on the page or which part of the book certain information appeared – can actually enhance comprehension and retention. For many people, especially older generations, physical books also evoke a sense of nostalgia and represent a refuge from our increasingly digitized lives.

Conversely, e-book enthusiasts value the unparalleled convenience and portability they offer. The ability to carry an entire library in your pocket is genuinely game-changing for avid readers and frequent travelers. E-books also offer practical advantages like adjustable font sizes, built-in dictionaries, and searchable text, which can enhance the reading experience particularly for academic or research purposes. From an environmental standpoint, e-books eliminate the need for paper production and physical transportation, which appeals to environmentally conscious readers.

I’d say the preference often boils down to what you prioritize – the immersive, sensory experience versus practical functionality. It’s worth noting that many readers, myself included, don’t view it as an either-or proposition but rather choose format based on context – physical books for leisure reading at home, e-books for travel or professional reading.

Tương tự như describe a subject you didn’t like at school but are interested in now, sở thích đọc sách của chúng ta cũng có thể thay đổi theo thời gian và hoàn cảnh, phản ánh sự trưởng thành trong cách tiếp cận tri thức.

Phân tích:

• Structure: Exceptionally organized: Introduction acknowledging complexity → Physical books (psychological + practical + research) → E-books (convenience + features + environmental) → Personal synthesis
• Vocabulary: Highly sophisticated: “fascinating interplay”, “proponents”, “tactile pleasure”, “ritualistic aspect”, “spatial memory”, “game-changing”, “boils down to”
• Grammar: Wide range với accuracy: passive constructions, relative clauses, conditional implications, present perfect
• Critical Thinking: Multi-dimensional analysis covering psychology, practicality, research, environment, and personal nuance

Key Language Features:

• Discourse markers: “This really comes down to”, “Conversely”, “From an environmental standpoint”, “It’s worth noting that”
• Tentative language: “I think”, “I’d say”, “often”, “can actually”
• Abstract nouns: “interplay”, “nostalgia”, “comprehension”, “retention”, “functionality”

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Theme 2: Benefits of Reading

Question 3: What are the benefits of reading for children’s development?

Phân tích câu hỏi:

• Dạng: Explain benefits + Focus on specific group (children)
• Key words: “benefits”, “reading”, “children’s development”
• Cách tiếp cận: Multiple benefits → Explain each with reasoning → Examples/evidence → Long-term implications

Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

Reading is very beneficial for children. First, it helps them learn new words and improve their vocabulary. Second, reading stories can develop their imagination and creativity. Also, when children read, they learn about different topics and the world around them. Reading before bed can also help children relax and sleep better. Overall, reading is important for children’s education and development.

Phân tích:

• Structure: List benefits systematically nhưng somewhat predictable
• Vocabulary: Functional với “beneficial”, “improve”, “develop” nhưng lacks precision
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Adequate information nhưng lacks analytical depth và sophisticated expression

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Câu trả lời mẫu – Band 8-9:

Reading is absolutely fundamental to children’s cognitive and emotional development in ways that are really quite profound.

From a linguistic standpoint, regular reading significantly expands children’s vocabulary and exposes them to sophisticated language structures they wouldn’t typically encounter in everyday conversation. This linguistic richness doesn’t just help with communication – it actually shapes cognitive development because language is the primary tool we use for thinking. Children who read widely tend to develop stronger analytical skills because they’re constantly processing complex narratives, understanding cause-and-effect relationships, and making predictions about plot developments.

Beyond the purely intellectual benefits, reading plays a crucial role in developing emotional intelligence and empathy. When children immerse themselves in stories from diverse perspectives, they’re essentially practicing perspective-taking – understanding how different characters think and feel. This vicarious experience of emotions and situations helps children navigate their own emotional landscapes and relationships more effectively. There’s fascinating research showing that children who read fiction regularly score higher on tests of social cognition and empathy.

Reading also fosters what psychologists call “executive function” – the ability to focus, resist distractions, and engage in sustained concentration. In an age of constant digital stimulation where attention spans are increasingly fragmented, this ability to engage deeply with a single activity for extended periods is becoming increasingly valuable. Furthermore, reading provides children with a sense of agency in their learning – they can explore topics that interest them at their own pace, which cultivates curiosity and intrinsic motivation to learn.

Perhaps most importantly, the ritual of reading – whether it’s bedtime stories with parents or independent reading time – creates moments of calm and focused attention that are increasingly rare in children’s overscheduled lives. These moments can serve as an important counterbalance to the frenetic pace of modern childhood.

Phân tích:

• Structure: Masterfully organized into distinct dimensions: linguistic/cognitive → emotional/social → psychological/executive function → lifestyle/wellbeing. Each point fully developed with reasoning and research references
• Vocabulary: Exceptionally sophisticated và precise: “fundamental to”, “linguistic richness”, “vicarious experience”, “social cognition”, “executive function”, “intrinsic motivation”, “frenetic pace”
• Grammar: Full range of complex structures error-free: conditionals, relative clauses, participle phrases, nominalization
• Critical Thinking: Multi-layered analysis covering cognitive science, psychology, social development, and contemporary context. References research naturally

Key Language Features:

• Discourse markers: “From a linguistic standpoint”, “Beyond the purely intellectual benefits”, “Furthermore”, “Perhaps most importantly”
• Tentative language: “really quite”, “tend to”, “can serve as” – appropriate hedging
• Abstract nouns: “cognitive development”, “emotional intelligence”, “empathy”, “executive function”, “agency”, “intrinsic motivation”

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Question 4: Do you think schools should encourage more reading?

Phân tích câu hỏi:

• Dạng: Opinion + Should/Recommendation
• Key words: “schools”, “encourage”, “more reading”
• Cách tiếp cận: Strong opinion → Current situation → Why it’s important → How to implement → Potential challenges

Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

Yes, definitely. Schools should encourage students to read more because reading is important for education. Many students nowadays spend too much time on phones and don’t read enough. Schools can make reading more interesting by choosing books that students like and having reading time in class. Teachers can also organize book clubs or reading competitions to motivate students.

Phân tích:

• Structure: Clear opinion với basic support và suggestions
• Vocabulary: Adequate nhưng generic: “important for education”, “make reading more interesting”
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Answers question directly nhưng lacks depth in reasoning và sophistication in expression

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Câu trả lời mẫu – Band 8-9:

Absolutely, though I’d argue that schools need to fundamentally rethink their approach to reading rather than simply mandate more of it. The current situation in many schools is that reading is often treated as a chore or obligation, something to be assessed and graded, which can actually kill the joy of reading and cultivate an aversion to it rather than a lifelong habit.

What schools really need to do is foster what educators call “reading for pleasure” alongside academic reading. This means providing dedicated time for self-selected reading where students can choose books that genuinely interest them without the pressure of comprehension tests or analytical essays. Research consistently shows that voluntary reading – reading for enjoyment – is one of the strongest predictors of academic success across all subjects, not just language arts. When students develop intrinsic motivation to read, they naturally read more and reap all the associated benefits.

Schools should also recognize and validate diverse forms of reading. Not everyone connects with classic literature, and that’s perfectly fine. Graphic novels, magazines, online articles, even well-written fan fiction – all of these contribute to reading development and should be legitimized as valuable reading material. The key is to meet students where they are and gradually expand their horizons rather than imposing a narrow canon of “acceptable” texts.

Tương tự như trong describe a time when you led a team project, việc tạo môi trường khuyến khích reading cũng cần sự lãnh đạo có vision và khả năng thích nghi với nhu cầu đa dạng của học sinh.

That said, implementation faces significant challenges. Teachers are already overwhelmed with curriculum requirements and standardized testing pressures. Finding time for unstructured reading activities can be difficult when there’s relentless pressure to cover content and boost test scores. There’s also the question of access – not all students have books at home or easy access to libraries. Schools need to invest in diverse, appealing book collections and perhaps leverage digital platforms to ensure equitable access.

Ultimately, I believe the investment is well worth it because cultivating readers isn’t just about academic outcomes – it’s about developing informed, empathetic, critically-thinking citizens who can navigate an increasingly complex world.

Phân tích:

• Structure: Sophisticated argument: Strong opinion → Critique current approach → Propose solution with research backing → Acknowledge diversity → Address practical challenges → Broader significance
• Vocabulary: Exceptionally precise và academic: “fundamentally rethink”, “cultivate an aversion”, “intrinsic motivation”, “legitimized”, “imposing a narrow canon”, “overwhelmed”, “relentless pressure”
• Grammar: Complex sentences handled với complete control: conditional statements, passive voice, relative clauses, nominalization
• Critical Thinking: Multi-dimensional analysis acknowledging educational research, practical constraints, equity issues, and broader societal impact

Key Language Features:

• Discourse markers: “Absolutely, though”, “That said”, “Ultimately”
• Tentative language: “I’d argue”, “I believe” combined với strong statements where appropriate
• Abstract nouns: “aversion”, “intrinsic motivation”, “comprehension”, “implementation”, “equitable access”

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Theme 3: Digital vs Traditional Reading

Question 5: How has technology changed the way people read?

Phân tích câu hỏi:

• Dạng: Explain change/impact
• Key words: “technology”, “changed”, “way people read”
• Cách tiếp cận: Identify changes → Positive impacts → Negative impacts → Future implications

Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

Technology has changed reading in many ways. Now people can read books on their phones or tablets instead of buying physical books. It’s more convenient because you can carry many books in one device. Also, people can easily find and download books from the internet. However, some people think reading on screens is bad for the eyes and makes it harder to concentrate. Social media also distracts people from reading longer texts.

Phân tích:

• Structure: Identifies changes với basic pros and cons
• Vocabulary: Functional nhưng lacks sophistication: “in many ways”, “more convenient”, “bad for the eyes”
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Covers main points adequately nhưng analysis lacks depth và nuance

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Câu trả lời mẫu – Band 8-9:

Technology has revolutionized reading in ways that are both liberating and concerning.

Perhaps the most obvious transformation is in accessibility and convenience. E-readers and mobile devices have democratized access to literature in unprecedented ways. Someone in a remote village can now instantly access millions of books that would have been impossible to obtain in the pre-digital era. Self-publishing platforms have also lowered barriers for authors, creating a much more diverse literary landscape. Features like adjustable fonts, text-to-speech, and translation tools have made reading more accessible for people with visual impairments or those learning new languages.

However, technology has also fundamentally altered the nature of reading itself. We’ve shifted from what experts call “deep reading” to “hyper reading” – a mode characterized by skimming, scanning, and nonlinear navigation through texts. The hyperlinked nature of digital texts encourages jumping between sources rather than sustained engagement with a single text. Neuroscientist Maryanne Wolf argues that we’re rewiring our brains for this type of reading, potentially at the expense of the contemplative, analytical thinking that deep reading fosters.

There’s also the attention economy factor. Reading apps compete with countless other applications for our attention. Even when we do sit down to read digitally, we’re just a swipe away from social media, emails, or other distractions. The result is what researchers call “continuous partial attention” – we’re never fully immersed because part of our brain is anticipating the next notification or checking for updates.

Đối với những ai quan tâm đến describe a natural landscape that you find fascinating, thú vị là việc đọc về thiên nhiên trên digital platforms cũng tạo ra một trải nghiệm khác biệt so với sách giấy truyền thống.

Interestingly, we’re seeing a counter-trend among some readers who are deliberately choosing physical books as a form of digital detox. They’re reclaiming the reading experience as a sanctuary from the constant connectivity and stimulation of digital life. So technology hasn’t simply replaced traditional reading – it’s created a more complex landscape where different formats serve different purposes and reflect different values about attention, learning, and leisure.

Phân tích:

• Structure: Comprehensive analysis: Positive transformations → Nature of reading changed → Attention challenges → Counter-trend → Synthesis. Shows ability to present complex, multi-faceted view
• Vocabulary: Highly sophisticated: “revolutionized”, “democratized access”, “lowered barriers”, “hyperlinked nature”, “rewiring our brains”, “attention economy”, “continuous partial attention”, “digital detox”
• Grammar: Full range of complex structures: passive voice, relative clauses, present perfect, gerunds, participle phrases
• Critical Thinking: References neuroscience research, identifies trends và counter-trends, acknowledges complexity rather than oversimplifying

Key Language Features:

• Discourse markers: “Perhaps the most obvious”, “However”, “There’s also”, “Interestingly”, “So”
• Tentative language: “potentially”, “argues that” – appropriate attribution of claims
• Abstract nouns: “accessibility”, “democratization”, “contemplative thinking”, “attention economy”, “continuous partial attention”

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Question 6: Do you think traditional bookstores will disappear in the future?

Phân tích câu hỏi:

• Dạng: Future prediction + Opinion
• Key words: “traditional bookstores”, “disappear”, “future”
• Cách tiếp cận: Acknowledge trend → However show resilience factors → Evolution rather than extinction → Personal view

Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

I don’t think traditional bookstores will completely disappear, but there will probably be fewer of them. Many people now buy books online because it’s cheaper and more convenient. However, some people still like to visit bookstores to browse books and enjoy the atmosphere. Bookstores might need to change and offer other services like cafes or events to attract customers.

Phân tích:

• Structure: Balanced view với basic reasoning
• Vocabulary: Adequate với “completely disappear”, “browse books”, “attract customers”
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Reasonable answer nhưng lacks sophistication in analysis and expression

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Câu trả lời mẫu – Band 8-9:

I think the narrative of bookstores being on the verge of extinction is somewhat overstated, though they’re certainly undergoing significant transformation.

It’s true that the retail book landscape has changed dramatically with the rise of online retailers and e-books. Many independent bookstores have struggled to compete with the pricing power and convenience of giants like Amazon. We’ve already seen numerous casualties – beloved local bookstores that couldn’t weather the economic pressures. However, I’d argue we’re seeing not extinction but evolution.

The bookstores that are thriving today are those that have reimagined themselves as community spaces and cultural hubs rather than merely retail outlets. They’re capitalizing on something that online retailers can’t provide: the sensory experience of browsing physical books, serendipitous discoveries, and genuine human connection. Many successful bookstores now incorporate cafes, host author events and book clubs, curate carefully selected collections that reflect local tastes, and position themselves as gathering places for people who share a love of literature.

There’s also a generational factor to consider. While digital natives are comfortable with e-books, there’s actually a notable resurgence of interest in physical books among younger readers who crave tangible experiences in an increasingly digital world. Physical books have become almost totemic objects – a statement about valuing depth and contemplation in an age of superficiality.

Moreover, bookstores serve a crucial function in fostering literary culture. They’re where readers discover new authors, where literary communities form, and where the serendipity of browsing can lead to unexpected discoveries. These social and cultural roles can’t be replicated by algorithms and online recommendations, no matter how sophisticated.

That said, I think the future belongs to bookstores that are nimble and innovative, that understand they’re not just selling books but curating experiences and building community. The traditional model of rows of shelves and a cash register probably won’t survive, but more experiential, community-oriented bookstores likely have a sustainable future.

Phân tích:

• Structure: Nuanced argument: Challenge premise → Acknowledge challenges → Show evolution → Multiple supporting factors → Qualified conclusion. Demonstrates sophisticated analytical thinking
• Vocabulary: Exceptionally sophisticated: “on the verge of extinction”, “overstated”, “weather the economic pressures”, “casualties”, “capitalizing on”, “serendipitous discoveries”, “totemic objects”, “nimble”
• Grammar: Complex structures handled expertly: conditional forms, relative clauses, present perfect, passive voice, participle phrases
• Critical Thinking: Multi-dimensional analysis considering economics, sociology, generational differences, cultural functions, và future trends

Key Language Features:

• Discourse markers: “It’s true that”, “However”, “Moreover”, “That said”
• Tentative language: “I think”, “somewhat”, “I’d argue”, “likely” – appropriate hedging for predictions
• Abstract nouns: “transformation”, “extinction”, “evolution”, “serendipity”, “superficiality”, “sustainability”

Hiệu sách truyền thống hiện đại với không gian ấm cúng và khách hàng đang đọc sách thể hiện sự thay đổi trong văn hóa đọc

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/	người đọc cuồng nhiệt, người nghiện sách	I’m quite an avid reader, going through at least two books a month.	voracious reader, keen reader, enthusiastic reader
immerse oneself in	phrasal verb	/ɪˈmɜːs wʌnˈself ɪn/	đắm mình vào, chìm đắm trong	I love to immerse myself in fantasy novels on weekends.	immerse in a story, fully immersed, deeply immersed
page-turner	noun	/peɪdʒ ˈtɜːnə/	sách hấp dẫn không thể rời mắt	The thriller was such a page-turner that I finished it in one sitting.	real page-turner, absolute page-turner
thought-provoking	adjective	/θɔːt prəˈvəʊkɪŋ/	kích thích tư duy, gợi suy nghĩ sâu sắc	The book raises thought-provoking questions about human nature.	thought-provoking ideas, deeply thought-provoking
literary landscape	noun phrase	/ˈlɪtərəri ˈlændskeɪp/	bối cảnh văn học, nền văn học	Self-publishing has transformed the literary landscape dramatically.	contemporary literary landscape, diverse literary landscape
compelling narrative	noun phrase	/kəmˈpelɪŋ ˈnærətɪv/	câu chuyện hấp dẫn, có sức thuyết phục	The author weaves a compelling narrative based on historical events.	compelling story, compelling plot, gripping narrative
captivating	adjective	/ˈkæptɪveɪtɪŋ/	quyến rũ, mê hoặc, hấp dẫn	The novel offers a captivating portrayal of Victorian England.	captivating story, utterly captivating, absolutely captivating
unwind	verb	/ʌnˈwaɪnd/	thư giãn, xả stress	Reading helps me unwind after a stressful day at work.	unwind completely, help someone unwind
book worm	noun	/bʊk wɜːm/	mọt sách (người đọc sách nhiều)	She’s always been a book worm, even as a young child.	total book worm, real book worm
leafing through	phrasal verb	/liːfɪŋ θruː/	lật giở, xem lướt qua	I enjoy leisurely leafing through books in the bookstore.	leaf through pages, casually leaf through
intricate plot	noun phrase	/ˈɪntrɪkət plɒt/	cốt truyện phức tạp, tinh vi	The mystery novel has an intricate plot with many twists.	complex plot, elaborate plot, intricate storyline
broaden one’s horizons	idiom	/ˈbrɔːdn wʌnz həˈraɪznz/	mở rộng tầm nhìn, kiến thức	Reading diverse literature really broadens your horizons.	expand horizons, widen horizons
escapism	noun	/ɪˈskeɪpɪzəm/	chủ nghĩa trốn tránh hiện thực	Fantasy novels provide a form of escapism from daily pressures.	pure escapism, form of escapism
gripping	adjective	/ˈɡrɪpɪŋ/	hấp dẫn, kịch tính, lôi cuốn	The autobiography offers a gripping account of her experiences.	gripping story, absolutely gripping, utterly gripping
devour a book	idiom	/dɪˈvaʊə ə bʊk/	đọc ngấu nghiến, đọc say mê	I devoured the entire series in just two weeks.	devour novels, devour every page
well-thumbed	adjective	/wel θʌmd/	sờn (sách được đọc nhiều lần)	My favorite childhood book is now well-thumbed and falling apart.	well-thumbed copy, well-thumbed pages
kindle one’s interest	phrase	/ˈkɪndl wʌnz ˈɪntrəst/	khơi dậy sự quan tâm	The documentary kindled my interest in marine biology.	spark interest, ignite interest, arouse interest
literary merit	noun phrase	/ˈlɪtərəri ˈmerɪt/	giá trị văn học	Critics debated the literary merit of the popular novel.	great literary merit, lack literary merit
engrossing	adjective	/ɪnˈɡrəʊsɪŋ/	thu hút hoàn toàn, cuốn hút	The biography was so engrossing I couldn’t put it down.	utterly engrossing, completely engrossing, highly engrossing
turning point	noun phrase	/ˈtɜːnɪŋ pɔɪnt/	bước ngoặt, điểm chuyển biến	The protagonist’s journey reaches a turning point in chapter five.	major turning point, crucial turning point, significant turning point

Idiomatic Expressions & Advanced Phrases

Cụm từ	Nghĩa	Ví dụ sử dụng	Band điểm
on the edge of my seat	hồi hộp, căng thẳng theo dõi	The thriller kept me on the edge of my seat from start to finish.	7.5-9
food for thought	điều đáng suy ngẫm	The philosophical novel provided plenty of food for thought about existence.	7.5-9
read between the lines	hiểu ý nghĩa ngầm, đọc hiểu sâu xa	Good readers can read between the lines to understand the author’s true message.	7.5-9
can’t put it down	không thể ngừng đọc, quá hấp dẫn	Once I started the mystery, I couldn’t put it down until I finished.	7.0-8.5
lose oneself in	đắm chìm vào, quên hết thời gian	I love to lose myself in historical fiction on rainy afternoons.	7.5-9
devour from cover to cover	đọc từ đầu đến cuối một cách say mê	I devoured the autobiography from cover to cover in one weekend.	7.5-9
judge a book by its cover	đánh giá qua vẻ bề ngoài	You shouldn’t judge a book by its cover – the story was surprisingly profound.	7.0-8.5
a window into	cửa sổ nhìn vào, cách hiểu về	The memoir offers a fascinating window into life during wartime.	7.5-9
strike a chord with	gây xúc động, tạo cảm giác đồng cảm	The novel’s themes of identity struck a chord with many young readers.	8.0-9
transport someone to	đưa ai đến (theo nghĩa tinh thần)	Good writing can transport you to different worlds and time periods.	7.5-9
turn over a new leaf	bắt đầu lại, thay đổi	After reading the self-help book, he decided to turn over a new leaf.	7.0-8.5
weave a tale	dệt nên câu chuyện	The author masterfully weaves a tale of love and betrayal.	8.0-9

Discourse Markers (Từ Nối Ý Trong Speaking)

Để bắt đầu câu trả lời:

• Well,… – Dùng khi cần thời gian suy nghĩ ngắn hoặc muốn soften câu trả lời
• Actually,… – Khi muốn đưa ra góc nhìn khác hoặc correct một assumption
• To be honest,… – Khi muốn nói thật, thể hiện sincerity
• I’d say that… – Cách sophisticated để đưa ra quan điểm
• From my perspective,… – Thể hiện đây là personal view
• It’s interesting that you ask because… – Tạo engagement với câu hỏi

Để bổ sung ý:

• On top of that,… – Thêm vào đó, bổ sung thêm
• What’s more,… – Hơn nữa, quan trọng hơn
• Not to mention… – Chưa kể đến, nhấn mạnh thêm điểm khác
• In addition to that,… – Formal hơn, thêm vào
• Beyond that,… – Vượt ra ngoài điều đó
• Furthermore,… – Academic style, bổ sung thêm luận điểm

Để đưa ra quan điểm cân bằng:

• On the one hand,… On the other hand,… – Xem xét hai mặt vấn đề
• While it’s true that…, we also need to consider… – Thừa nhận điểm này nhưng cũng đề cập điểm khác
• Having said that,… – Tuy đã nói vậy nhưng…
• That being said,… – Dù vậy thì…
• Conversely,… – Ngược lại
• By contrast,… – Để so sánh, tương phản

Để kết luận:

• All in all,… – Tóm lại, xét cho cùng
• At the end of the day,… – Cuối cùng thì, điều quan trọng là
• Ultimately,… – Sau cùng, về cơ bản
• In the final analysis,… – Formal, phân tích cuối cùng
• To sum up,… – Tóm tắt lại
• All things considered,… – Xét mọi mặt thì

Grammatical Structures Ấn Tượng

1. Conditional Sentences (Câu điều kiện):

• Mixed conditional: If I had discovered this book earlier, I would be a different person now. (Kết hợp past và present – nếu tôi khám phá sách này sớm hơn, bây giờ tôi đã là người khác)
• Inversion: Were I to recommend one book, it would be this masterpiece. (Đảo ngữ tạo formal tone – nếu tôi được khuyên một cuốn sách)

2. Relative Clauses (Mệnh đề quan hệ):

• Non-defining: This novel, which won the Booker Prize, explores themes of identity and belonging. (Mệnh đề bổ sung thông tin không thiết yếu)
• Reduced relative clause: The book sitting on my bedside table has been there for months. (Rút gọn mệnh đề quan hệ)

3. Passive Voice (Câu bị động):

• It is thought/believed/said that… It is widely believed that reading enhances empathy and emotional intelligence. (Được tin rằng…)
• Complex passive: The novel is being adapted into a Netflix series. (Passive với continuous tense)

4. Cleft Sentences (Câu chẻ):

• What I find most…is… What I find most captivating about this genre is the psychological depth of the characters. (Điều tôi thấy hấp dẫn nhất là…)
• The thing that…is… The thing that really sets this book apart is its unique narrative structure. (Điều làm nên sự khác biệt là…)

5. Inversion for Emphasis:

• Not only…but also: Not only does reading expand vocabulary, but it also develops critical thinking skills. (Không chỉ…mà còn…)
• Rarely/Seldom at the beginning: Rarely have I encountered a book that changed my perspective so profoundly. (Hiếm khi tôi gặp…)

6. Gerunds and Infinitives:

• There’s something…about + gerund: There’s something incredibly therapeutic about immersing yourself in a well-written story. (Có điều gì đó…về việc…)
• Subject position: Reading before bed helps me unwind completely. (Gerund làm chủ ngữ)

7. Participle Clauses:

• Present participle: Having read the entire series, I can confidently say it’s one of the best. (Sau khi đã đọc…)
• Past participle: Written in the 19th century, the novel still resonates with modern readers. (Được viết vào…)

Trong bối cảnh tương tự với describe a time when you received unexpected support from someone, việc phát triển khả năng sử dụng các cấu trúc ngữ pháp phức tạp này cũng giống như nhận được sự hỗ trợ bất ngờ – nó nâng tầm đáng kể khả năng giao tiếp của bạn.