IELTS Speaking: Cách Trả Lời “Describe A Difficult Challenge You Overcame” – Bài Mẫu Band 6-9

Chủ đề về vượt qua thử thách khó khăn là một trong những đề tài phổ biến và quan trọng nhất trong IELTS Speaking, đặc biệt là ở Part 2 và Part 3. Đây không chỉ là cơ hội để bạn kể một câu chuyện cá nhân mà còn là dịp thể hiện khả năng sử dụng ngôn ngữ phong phú, cấu trúc câu phức tạp và tư duy phản biện.

Tần suất xuất hiện: Chủ đề này xuất hiện thường xuyên trong các kỳ thi IELTS thực tế từ năm 2020 đến nay, với mức độ phổ biến cao. Theo thống kê từ IELTS-Blog.com và các nguồn đề thi thực tế, các câu hỏi liên quan đến challenges, difficulties, obstacles xuất hiện trung bình 2-3 lần mỗi tháng tại các trung tâm thi trên toàn thế giới. Dự đoán khả năng xuất hiện trong tương lai: Rất cao, vì đây là chủ đề phản ánh tính cách, khả năng giải quyết vấn đề và sự trưởng thành của thí sinh.

Những gì bạn sẽ học được từ bài viết này:

• Hơn 20 câu hỏi thực tế về challenges trong cả 3 Part của IELTS Speaking
• 3 bài mẫu chi tiết cho Part 2 theo các band điểm 6-7, 7.5-8 và 8.5-9 với phân tích chuyên sâu
• Hơn 50 từ vựng và cụm từ ăn điểm liên quan đến chủ đề thử thách và vượt khó
• Chiến lược trả lời hiệu quả cho từng loại câu hỏi
• Lời khuyên từ góc nhìn của một IELTS Examiner với hơn 20 năm kinh nghiệm
• Phân tích cụ thể tại sao một câu trả lời đạt band 6 hay band 9

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IELTS Speaking Part 1: Introduction and Interview

Tổng Quan Về Part 1

Part 1 kéo dài 4-5 phút với các câu hỏi ngắn về cuộc sống hàng ngày, sở thích và kinh nghiệm cá nhân. Đối với chủ đề challenges, examiner thường hỏi về những khó khăn nhỏ trong công việc, học tập hoặc cuộc sống thường ngày.

Đặc điểm: Câu hỏi đơn giản, trực tiếp, yêu cầu trả lời tự nhiên trong 2-3 câu.

Chiến lược: Trả lời trực tiếp câu hỏi, sau đó mở rộng với lý do hoặc ví dụ cụ thể. Tránh trả lời một từ như “Yes” hay “No”.

Lỗi thường gặp của học viên Việt Nam:

• Trả lời quá ngắn gọn, thiếu elaboration
• Sử dụng từ vựng quá đơn giản như “difficult”, “hard” lặp đi lặp lại
• Không đưa ra ví dụ cụ thể từ kinh nghiệm bản thân
• Nói quá nhanh do lo lắng, dẫn đến phát âm không rõ ràng

Các Câu Hỏi Thường Gặp

Question 1: Do you think you are good at dealing with difficulties?

Question 2: What kind of challenges do students in your country often face?

Question 3: Have you ever faced any difficult situations at work or school?

Question 4: How do you usually cope with stress or pressure?

Question 5: Do you prefer to solve problems alone or ask others for help?

Question 6: What was the most challenging thing you did last year?

Question 7: Do you think young people today face more challenges than in the past?

Question 8: How do you feel when you overcome a difficult challenge?

Question 9: What do you do when you feel overwhelmed by difficulties?

Question 10: Do you think challenges are important for personal growth?

Phân Tích và Gợi Ý Trả Lời Chi Tiết

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Question: Do you think you are good at dealing with difficulties?

🎯 Cách tiếp cận:

• Trả lời Yes/No một cách tự tin
• Giải thích ngắn gọn tại sao
• Đưa ra một ví dụ nhỏ để minh họa

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

“Yes, I think I’m quite good at dealing with difficulties. I usually stay calm and try to think of solutions step by step. For example, when I had trouble with my studies last semester, I made a study plan and asked my teachers for help.”

Phân tích:

• Điểm mạnh: Trả lời trực tiếp, có structure cơ bản (answer → reason → example), ngôn ngữ rõ ràng
• Hạn chế: Từ vựng đơn giản (“quite good”, “trouble”), thiếu sophisticated expressions, example chưa chi tiết
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Fluency ổn, grammar chính xác nhưng đơn giản, vocabulary adequate nhưng chưa impressive

📝 Sample Answer – Band 8-9:

“I’d say I’ve become fairly resilient when it comes to handling challenges. I’ve learned that keeping a level head and breaking down problems into manageable steps usually works best for me. For instance, when I was juggling multiple deadlines at university last year, I prioritized tasks and reached out to my professors for guidance, which really helped me get through that tough period.”

Phân tích:

• Điểm mạnh:
  • Vocabulary tinh vi: “resilient”, “keeping a level head”, “juggling”, “manageable steps”
  • Grammar phức tạp: relative clause “which really helped me…”
  • Natural expressions: “I’d say”, “when it comes to”
  • Example cụ thể và chi tiết hơn
• Tại sao Band 8-9:
  • Fluency: Mạch lạc, không hesitation, sử dụng discourse markers tự nhiên
  • Vocabulary: Collocations chính xác, less common words được dùng đúng context
  • Grammar: Mix của simple và complex structures
  • Pronunciation: Stress đúng các từ quan trọng

💡 Key Vocabulary & Expressions:

• fairly resilient: khá kiên cường, bền bỉ
• keeping a level head: giữ bình tĩnh, không hoảng loạn
• juggling multiple deadlines: xoay xở với nhiều deadline cùng lúc
• reached out to: liên hệ, nhờ giúp đỡ
• get through that tough period: vượt qua giai đoạn khó khăn đó

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Question: What kind of challenges do students in your country often face?

🎯 Cách tiếp cận:

• Nhắc đến 2-3 thách thức phổ biến
• Giải thích ngắn gọn tại sao đó là thách thức
• Có thể so sánh với quá khứ hoặc các nước khác nếu muốn

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

“Students in my country face many challenges. The biggest one is academic pressure because the education system is very competitive. They also have problems with finding good jobs after graduation. Some students struggle with financial issues too.”

Phân tích:

• Điểm mạnh: Đề cập được 3 challenges khác nhau, structure rõ ràng
• Hạn chế: Từ vựng basic (“many challenges”, “problems”), thiếu specific examples hoặc elaboration, các ý chưa được develop đầy đủ
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Ideas relevant nhưng surface-level, vocabulary adequate, grammar simple

📝 Sample Answer – Band 8-9:

“Well, I’d say the most pressing challenge for students here is the intense academic competition, especially when it comes to securing a place at prestigious universities. The cutthroat nature of entrance exams creates enormous pressure. Beyond that, many students grapple with financial constraints, as tuition fees have been rising steadily in recent years. There’s also the challenge of transitioning from theoretical education to practical work skills, which leaves many graduates feeling underprepared for the job market.”

Phân tích:

• Điểm mạnh:
  • Vocabulary sophisticated: “pressing challenge”, “cutthroat nature”, “grapple with”, “rising steadily”
  • Structure rõ ràng với discourse markers: “Well”, “Beyond that”, “There’s also”
  • Ideas được develop: không chỉ list mà còn explain
  • Natural phrasing: “I’d say”, “when it comes to”
• Tại sao Band 8-9:
  • Fluency: Extended response với các ý liên kết mượt mà
  • Vocabulary: Topic-specific words, precise collocations
  • Grammar: Complex structures: relative clauses, present perfect continuous
  • Ideas: Depth of analysis, không chỉ superficial listing

💡 Key Vocabulary & Expressions:

• pressing challenge: thách thức cấp bách
• intense academic competition: cạnh tranh học tập gay gắt
• securing a place at: giành được chỗ tại
• cutthroat nature: bản chất khốc liệt, cạnh tranh khốc liệt
• grapple with: vật lộn với, đối mặt với
• underprepared for the job market: chưa chuẩn bị đầy đủ cho thị trường lao động

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Question: How do you usually cope with stress or pressure?

🎯 Cách tiếp cận:

• Mô tả 2-3 phương pháp cụ thể
• Giải thích tại sao chúng hiệu quả với bạn
• Có thể contrast với cách khác mà bạn đã thử nhưng không hiệu quả

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

“When I feel stressed, I usually listen to music or go for a walk. These activities help me relax and forget about my problems for a while. Sometimes I also talk to my friends about my worries, and they give me good advice.”

Phân tích:

• Điểm mạnh: Practical examples, personal approach, có cause-effect relationship
• Hạn chế: Vocabulary basic (“feel stressed”, “relax”), thiếu variety trong structures, chưa đủ elaborate
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Clear communication nhưng lack sophistication

📝 Sample Answer – Band 8-9:

“I’ve found that taking a step back and engaging in physical activities really helps me decompress. Going for a run or doing yoga allows me to clear my head and gain perspective on whatever’s bothering me. I’m also a big believer in talking things through with trusted friends – sometimes just venting helps me work through problems mentally. What I try to avoid is bottling up stress, as I’ve learned that only makes things worse in the long run.”

Phân tích:

• Điểm mạnh:
  • Phrasal verbs natural: “taking a step back”, “work through”, “bottling up”
  • Personal insight: “I’ve learned that…”
  • Variety of coping mechanisms với detailed explanation
  • Grammar sophisticated: “whatever’s bothering me”, present perfect “I’ve found”
• Tại sao Band 8-9:
  • Fluency: Natural flow, appropriate pausing
  • Vocabulary: Idiomatic expressions được dùng chính xác
  • Grammar: Mix của tenses và structures
  • Coherence: Logical progression from one point to another

💡 Key Vocabulary & Expressions:

• taking a step back: lùi lại một bước, tạm dừng để suy nghĩ
• decompress: giải tỏa căng thẳng
• clear my head: làm đầu óc tỉnh táo
• gain perspective: có cái nhìn rõ hơn
• venting: trút bỏ, than vãn
• bottling up: dồn nén, giữ trong lòng

Học viên IELTS Speaking tự tin trả lời câu hỏi về thử thách với giám khảo trong phòng thi chuyên nghiệp

Tương tự như describe a time when you helped someone improve their skills, việc nói về vượt qua thử thách cũng yêu cầu bạn thể hiện khả năng kể chuyện có cấu trúc và sử dụng từ vựng phong phú về cảm xúc và hành động.

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IELTS Speaking Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)

Tổng Quan Về Part 2

Part 2 là phần độc thoại dài, nơi bạn có 1 phút chuẩn bị và 2-3 phút để nói liên tục về một chủ đề cụ thể mà không bị examiner ngắt lời.

Thời gian chuẩn bị: 1 phút (sử dụng hiệu quả để ghi chú keywords, không viết câu đầy đủ)

Thời gian nói: 2-3 phút (cố gắng nói tối thiểu 2 phút để thể hiện fluency)

Đặc điểm: Đây là phần kiểm tra khả năng duy trì một discourse dài, tổ chức ý tưởng logic, và sử dụng đa dạng ngôn ngữ.

Chiến lược:

• Phân bổ thời gian đều cho tất cả bullet points
• Sử dụng thì quá khứ khi kể về một sự kiện đã xảy ra
• Thêm chi tiết cụ thể để làm câu chuyện sống động
• Kết thúc với phần “explain” – đây là phần quan trọng nhất để ghi điểm cao
• Nói với tốc độ vừa phải, rõ ràng

Lỗi thường gặp:

• Không sử dụng đủ 1 phút chuẩn bị, dẫn đến nói thiếu tự nhiên
• Nói ít hơn 1.5 phút, không tận dụng hết thời gian
• Bỏ sót một hoặc nhiều bullet points
• Nói quá chung chung, thiếu specific details
• Lạc đề, nói về những thứ không liên quan

Cue Card

Describe A Difficult Challenge You Overcame

You should say:

• What the challenge was
• When and where it happened
• How you overcame it
• And explain how you felt after overcoming this challenge

Phân Tích Đề Bài

• Dạng câu hỏi: Describe an experience/event – yêu cầu kể về một trải nghiệm cụ thể trong quá khứ
• Thì động từ chủ yếu: Quá khứ đơn và quá khứ tiếp diễn để kể chuyện
• Bullet points phải cover:
  • What: Thử thách là gì (academic, personal, professional, health-related?)
  • When/Where: Context cụ thể về thời gian và địa điểm
  • How: Quá trình vượt qua – đây là phần quan trọng nhất, cần nhiều details
  • Explain: Cảm xúc và suy nghĩ sau khi vượt qua
• Câu “explain” quan trọng: Đây là nơi bạn thể hiện reflective thinking, emotional vocabulary và personal growth – các yếu tố để đạt band cao

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7

Thời lượng: Khoảng 1.5-2 phút

“I’d like to talk about a difficult challenge I faced when I was preparing for my university entrance exam two years ago. This happened during my final year of high school.

The challenge was that I was very weak in Mathematics, which was one of the most important subjects for the exam. I often got low scores in math tests, and I felt very worried about failing the entrance exam. The exam was going to take place in June, so I had about six months to prepare.

To overcome this challenge, I made a study plan and followed it strictly. Every day after school, I spent two hours doing math exercises. I also joined an extra class on weekends where a teacher helped me with difficult problems. When I didn’t understand something, I asked my classmates to explain it to me. Sometimes I stayed up late to finish my homework and practice more questions.

It was really hard work, and there were times when I wanted to give up because I felt exhausted. But I kept trying and slowly I started to see improvement. My test scores got better month by month.

After I passed the exam and got into my dream university, I felt extremely happy and proud of myself. I realized that with hard work and determination, I could overcome any difficulty. This experience taught me an important lesson about not giving up when facing challenges.”

Phân Tích Band Điểm

Tiêu chí	Band	Nhận xét
Fluency & Coherence	6-7	Nói khá trôi chảy, có structure rõ ràng theo bullet points. Sử dụng một số linking words như “also”, “but”, “after”. Tuy nhiên còn một số pauses nhỏ khi tìm từ
Lexical Resource	6-7	Vocabulary adequate cho topic, có một số từ tốt như “strictly”, “exhausted”, “determination”. Nhưng còn lặp lại một số từ như “very”, “difficult” và thiếu sophisticated expressions
Grammatical Range & Accuracy	6-7	Mix của simple và complex sentences. Có relative clauses “which was”, “where a teacher”. Tenses chính xác. Nhưng structures còn khá predictable
Pronunciation	6-7	Rõ ràng, dễ hiểu. Word stress đúng. Nhưng có thể thiếu intonation tự nhiên ở một số chỗ

Điểm mạnh:

• ✅ Cover đầy đủ tất cả bullet points
• ✅ Có structure logic: introduction → challenge → solution → result → feeling
• ✅ Đủ thời lượng (khoảng 1.5-2 phút)
• ✅ Grammar chính xác, không có lỗi nghiêm trọng

Hạn chế:

• ⚠️ Vocabulary còn đơn giản, thiếu less common words
• ⚠️ Thiếu specific details làm câu chuyện sống động hơn
• ⚠️ Chưa có enough emotional depth trong phần “explain”

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📝 Sample Answer – Band 7.5-8

Thời lượng: Khoảng 2-2.5 phút

“I’d like to share with you a particularly challenging experience I went through during my second year at university, which was about three years ago.

The challenge I faced was balancing my academic workload with a serious health issue. I had developed chronic migraines that were severely impacting my ability to study and attend classes. There were days when the pain was so intense that I couldn’t even look at my laptop screen or read textbooks. This was happening at a crucial time – right before my final exams, which would determine my overall GPA for that year.

Initially, I felt completely overwhelmed and considered dropping out of some courses. However, I decided to tackle this problem systematically. First, I consulted with doctors to understand my condition better and get proper treatment. They prescribed medication and recommended lifestyle changes like better sleep habits and stress management.

Simultaneously, I spoke with my professors and explained my situation. Most of them were very supportive and allowed me to submit assignments with extended deadlines. I also reorganized my study schedule, breaking down my revision into shorter, more manageable sessions instead of long study marathons. When I felt well enough, I would study intensively, and on bad days, I’d focus on lighter tasks like reviewing notes or listening to recorded lectures.

The whole period was incredibly stressful, and there were moments when I doubted whether I could pull through. But gradually, with treatment, my migraines became less frequent, and I was able to regain my momentum.

When I finally completed all my exams and received decent grades, I felt an immense sense of relief and accomplishment. This experience taught me valuable lessons about resilience and the importance of seeking help when needed. I also learned that setbacks don’t define you – it’s how you respond to them that matters. It made me more empathetic towards others facing difficulties and strengthened my belief that with the right approach and support, most challenges can be overcome.”

Phân Tích Band Điểm

Tiêu chí	Band	Nhận xét
Fluency & Coherence	7.5-8	Trôi chảy tự nhiên với minimal hesitation. Sử dụng đa dạng discourse markers: “Initially”, “However”, “Simultaneously”, “gradually”. Ideas được develop logic và connected tốt
Lexical Resource	7.5-8	Vocabulary range rộng với collocations chính xác: “chronic migraines”, “severely impacting”, “tackle systematically”, “regain momentum”. Có idiomatic expressions: “pull through”
Grammatical Range & Accuracy	7.5-8	Variety of complex structures: relative clauses, present participles, conditional hints. Tenses được control tốt. Mix hiệu quả của simple và complex sentences
Pronunciation	7.5-8	Clear pronunciation với natural intonation. Stress patterns đúng. Chunking appropriate

So Sánh Với Band 6-7

Khía cạnh	Band 6-7	Band 7.5-8
Vocabulary	“very worried”, “hard work”, “extremely happy”	“immense sense of relief”, “tackle systematically”, “regain momentum”
Grammar	“I spent two hours doing math exercises”	“Breaking down my revision into shorter, more manageable sessions”
Ideas	Basic cause-effect: studied hard → passed exam	Multiple strategies, emotional journey, reflective insights
Details	General: “joined extra class”, “asked classmates”	Specific: “chronic migraines”, “lifestyle changes”, “recorded lectures”

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📝 Sample Answer – Band 8.5-9

Thời lượng: 2.5-3 phút đầy đủ

“I’d like to tell you about what was arguably the most daunting challenge I’ve encountered in my life so far, which took place when I was in my early twenties, about four years ago.

The challenge in question was coming to terms with and overcoming a debilitating fear of public speaking – what psychologists call glossophobia. This might sound like a relatively common issue, but for me, it was genuinely paralyzing. The mere thought of standing in front of an audience would trigger severe anxiety, with physical symptoms like trembling hands, racing heartbeat, and what felt like complete mental paralysis. This became particularly problematic when I started my first job as a marketing coordinator, where presenting ideas to clients and colleagues was an integral part of my role.

The turning point came when I narrowly avoided a major presentation by calling in sick, which I deeply regretted afterward. I realized that this fear was holding me back professionally and personally, and I needed to confront it head-on.

Determined to overcome this, I devised a comprehensive strategy. I started by consulting with a therapist who specialized in cognitive behavioral therapy, which helped me understand the root causes of my anxiety. Through our sessions, I learned practical techniques for managing anxiety, such as controlled breathing exercises and reframing negative thoughts.

Crucially, I also decided to gradually expose myself to the feared situation. I began by volunteering to speak at small team meetings, then progressively worked my way up to larger audiences. I joined a local Toastmasters club, which provided a supportive environment to practice. I’d spend hours preparing for each speech, rehearsing in front of a mirror, recording myself, and seeking constructive feedback from mentors.

The journey was far from smooth. I remember one particular presentation where I completely blanked in the middle and had to pause awkwardly to collect my thoughts. It was mortifying at the time, but I learned to view such moments as learning opportunities rather than failures.

Fast forward about a year, and I successfully delivered a major pitch to a potential client worth millions for our company. We won the contract, and to my astonishment, several colleagues complimented my confident delivery.

The feeling after overcoming this challenge was nothing short of transformative. It wasn’t just relief or happiness – it was a profound sense of personal growth. I realized that I had fundamentally changed as a person. The experience taught me that our perceived limitations are often self-imposed, and that calculated risk-taking and persistence can yield remarkable results. Perhaps most importantly, it gave me genuine empathy for others grappling with their own fears and challenges.

Now, whenever I face a new challenge, I draw on that experience and remind myself that growth happens outside our comfort zone. It’s become a defining moment in my personal development, one that continues to resonate in various aspects of my life.”

Phân Tích Band Điểm

Tiêu chí	Band	Nhận xét
Fluency & Coherence	8.5-9	Speaks at length fluently với minimal hesitation. Sophisticated use of cohesive devices. Ideas flow naturally với excellent coherence. Natural self-correction
Lexical Resource	8.5-9	Wide range of vocabulary used naturally và precisely. Idiomatic language: “holding me back”, “confront head-on”, “growth happens outside comfort zone”. Collocations sophisticated: “debilitating fear”, “calculated risk-taking”
Grammatical Range & Accuracy	8.5-9	Full range of structures used flexibly. Complex sentences với multiple clauses. Perfect control of tenses. Rare errors that don’t impede communication
Pronunciation	8.5-9	Clear pronunciation throughout với native-like intonation patterns. Stress, rhythm, và chunking hoàn toàn appropriate

Tại Sao Bài Này Xuất Sắc

🎯 Fluency Hoàn Hảo:

• Không có pauses unnatural, speaks continuously trong 2.5-3 phút
• Self-correction natural: “what psychologists call glossophobia” – shows flexibility
• Appropriate pace, không quá nhanh hay chậm

📚 Vocabulary Tinh Vi:

• Idiomatic expressions đúng context: “holding me back”, “confront it head-on”, “fast forward”
• Precise academic/psychological terms: “glossophobia”, “cognitive behavioral therapy”, “root causes”
• Strong collocations: “debilitating fear”, “mental paralysis”, “calculated risk-taking”, “profound sense of personal growth”
• Varied expressions of feelings: “mortifying”, “nothing short of transformative”, “genuine empathy”

📝 Grammar Đa Dạng:

• Relative clauses: “which took place”, “which helped me understand”, “which provided a supportive environment”
• Participle clauses: “Determined to overcome this”, “recording myself”
• Cleft sentences: “It was a profound sense of personal growth”
• Conditionals implied: “whenever I face a new challenge”
• Perfect tenses: “I’ve encountered”, “it’s become”

💡 Ideas Sâu Sắc:

• Không chỉ describe mà còn analyze: psychological terms, therapy details
• Emotional depth: từ fear → regret → determination → transformation
• Reflective insights: “growth happens outside comfort zone”, “perceived limitations are self-imposed”
• Universal lesson: relatable và inspiring

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Follow-up Questions (Rounding Off Questions)

Sau khi bạn hoàn thành Part 2, examiner thường hỏi 1-2 câu ngắn để chuyển sang Part 3. Đây là câu hỏi đơn giản, không cần trả lời dài.

Question 1: Do you think this challenge changed you as a person?

Band 6-7 Answer:
“Yes, definitely. It made me more confident and taught me that I can overcome difficult situations if I try hard enough.”

Band 8-9 Answer:
“Absolutely. I’d say it was a watershed moment in my personal development. It fundamentally shifted my mindset from viewing challenges as threats to seeing them as opportunities for growth. I’ve become more resilient and self-assured in facing new obstacles.”

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Question 2: Would you recommend others to face their fears like you did?

Band 6-7 Answer:
“Yes, I think people should try to overcome their fears. It’s difficult but worth it in the end.”

Band 8-9 Answer:
“I would, but with the caveat that everyone’s journey is different. What worked for me might not work for everyone. However, I do believe that confronting our fears – ideally with proper support and at our own pace – is crucial for personal growth. The key is to strike a balance between pushing ourselves and not being too harsh on ourselves.”

Chiến lược và bước đi cụ thể để vượt qua thử thách trong IELTS Speaking Part 2 hiệu quả

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IELTS Speaking Part 3: Two-way Discussion

Tổng Quan Về Part 3

Part 3 là cuộc thảo luận hai chiều giữa bạn và examiner, kéo dài 4-5 phút. Đây là phần khó nhất vì yêu cầu tư duy phản biện, phân tích sâu và vocabulary trừu tượng.

Thời gian: 4-5 phút

Đặc điểm: Câu hỏi trừu tượng, philosophical, yêu cầu analyze, compare, evaluate, speculate about future

Yêu cầu:

• Phân tích nhiều góc độ của vấn đề (advantages/disadvantages, causes/effects)
• Đưa ra opinion có lý lẽ và evidence
• So sánh past/present/future hoặc giữa các nhóm người khác nhau
• Thừa nhận complexity và nuances của issues

Chiến lược:

• Trả lời dài hơn Part 1 (4-6 câu mỗi câu hỏi)
• Sử dụng discourse markers để structure ideas: “On the one hand… On the other hand”, “Firstly… Secondly…”
• Đưa ra examples từ society, research, observations chứ không chỉ personal experience
• Thừa nhận different perspectives: “Some people believe… while others think…”
• Sử dụng tentative language để express opinions: “I would say…”, “It seems to me that…”, “To some extent…”

Lỗi thường gặp của học viên Việt Nam:

• Trả lời quá ngắn như Part 1
• Không phân tích, chỉ state opinions không có reasoning
• Thiếu examples cụ thể từ xã hội
• Vocabulary quá đơn giản, không có abstract nouns
• Không thể express nuanced views

Các Câu Hỏi Thảo Luận Sâu

Theme 1: Nature of Challenges and Difficulties

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Question 1: Why do you think some people give up easily when facing difficulties?

🎯 Phân tích câu hỏi:

• Dạng: Cause-effect analysis (Tại sao – why)
• Key words: “give up easily”, “facing difficulties”
• Cách tiếp cận: Identify 2-3 main reasons với explanations và examples

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

“I think there are several reasons. First, some people don’t have enough confidence in themselves, so they think they cannot solve the problem. Second, maybe they don’t have support from family or friends, which makes them feel alone. Also, some difficulties are really too hard, so it’s natural for people to give up. In my country, many students give up their dreams because of financial problems or family pressure.”

Phân tích:

• Structure: Có attempt to organize ideas với “First”, “Second”, “Also”
• Vocabulary: Basic words như “enough confidence”, “too hard”, không có sophisticated expressions
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Ideas relevant và có example, nhưng analysis không sâu, vocabulary limited

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📝 Câu trả lời mẫu – Band 8-9:

“Well, I think this is quite a complex issue with multiple factors at play. Primarily, I’d say it often comes down to one’s mindset and resilience. People who view challenges as insurmountable obstacles rather than opportunities for growth are more likely to throw in the towel early on. This fixed mindset, as psychologists call it, can be deeply ingrained from childhood experiences.

Additionally, the lack of a support system plays a crucial role. When people feel isolated in their struggles, without encouragement or practical help, the weight of the challenge can feel overwhelming. Research has shown that social support is one of the strongest predictors of resilience.

There’s also the aspect of instant gratification in modern society. We’re increasingly conditioned to expect quick results, so when progress is slow or requires sustained effort, many people lose motivation. The digital age, with its emphasis on speed and convenience, may have inadvertently reduced our tolerance for prolonged difficulty.

That being said, I think we should be careful not to judge people too harshly for giving up. Sometimes, what appears as giving up is actually a strategic retreat – recognizing when to cut your losses and redirect energy elsewhere can be a sign of wisdom rather than weakness.”

Phân tích:

• Structure: Sophisticated organization: “Primarily → Additionally → There’s also → That being said” shows excellent coherence
• Vocabulary:
  • Abstract nouns: “resilience”, “mindset”, “tolerance”, “instant gratification”
  • Precise collocations: “insurmountable obstacles”, “throw in the towel”, “strategic retreat”
  • Academic references: “as psychologists call it”, “Research has shown”
• Grammar:
  • Complex structures: “People who view… are more likely to…”
  • Present perfect: “may have reduced”
  • Passive voice: “can be deeply ingrained”
• Critical Thinking:
  • Multiple perspectives
  • Acknowledges complexity: “quite a complex issue”
  • Nuanced ending: doesn’t make absolute judgments
  • References research and psychological concepts

💡 Key Language Features:

• Discourse markers: “Primarily”, “Additionally”, “That being said” – structure ideas clearly
• Tentative language: “I’d say”, “may have”, “can be” – shows academic style
• Abstract nouns: “resilience”, “mindset”, “tolerance”, “instant gratification” – demonstrates sophisticated vocabulary

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Question 2: Do you think the challenges people face today are different from those in the past?

🎯 Phân tích câu hỏi:

• Dạng: Compare (past vs present)
• Key words: “challenges”, “today”, “in the past”
• Cách tiếp cận: Compare specific types of challenges, explain what changed and why

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

“Yes, I think they are quite different. In the past, people had to worry about basic things like food and shelter. Today, we have more material things, but we face new problems like stress from work and technology addiction. Also, in the past, people lived in smaller communities, so they had more support from neighbors. Now, many people live in big cities and feel lonely. However, some challenges like health problems or family issues are still the same.”

Phân tích:

• Structure: Has comparison element
• Vocabulary: “basic things”, “material things”, “stress from work” – adequate but simple
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Makes valid points but lacks depth of analysis and sophisticated language

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📝 Câu trả lời mẫu – Band 8.5-9:

“Absolutely, and I think the nature of challenges has evolved dramatically over generations. While our ancestors grappled with existential threats like famine, disease, and physical survival, modern challenges tend to be more psychological and social in nature.

Take work, for instance. Previous generations faced back-breaking physical labor, but there was often a clear separation between work and personal life. Today, the challenges are different – we’re dealing with chronic stress, burnout from constant connectivity, and the pressure to be perpetually productive. The blurring of boundaries between work and home life, especially exacerbated by the pandemic, creates a unique type of mental strain that our grandparents never experienced.

Another significant shift relates to information overload. We’re bombarded with an unprecedented amount of information daily, which can lead to decision fatigue and anxiety. The paradox of choice – having too many options – is a distinctly modern challenge. Previous generations had more limited options, which, while restrictive, also meant fewer dilemmas.

That said, I don’t think we can categorically say that life is harder or easier now. Each era has its own set of challenges. What has changed is the nature and manifestation of these difficulties. The silver lining is that we also have better resources, medical care, and support systems to address these challenges compared to the past.”

Phân tích:

• Structure: Excellent organization: general statement → specific examples (work, information) → balanced conclusion
• Vocabulary:
  • Sophisticated expressions: “evolved dramatically”, “grappled with”, “exacerbated by”, “bombarded with”
  • Topic-specific: “decision fatigue”, “paradox of choice”, “burnout”, “information overload”
  • Idiomatic: “silver lining”, “back-breaking labor”
• Grammar:
  • Variety: relative clauses, participles, passive constructions
  • Complex sentences with multiple clauses
• Critical Thinking:
  • Compares specific aspects systematically
  • Provides concrete examples for each point
  • Balanced view: acknowledges both past and present difficulties
  • Shows awareness of complexity: “we can’t categorically say”

💡 Key Language Features:

• Discourse markers: “Take… for instance”, “Another significant shift”, “That said”
• Hedging language: “tend to be”, “often”, “I don’t think we can categorically say”
• Cohesive devices: Pronoun references, lexical chains about challenges

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Theme 2: Youth and Challenges

Question 3: What kinds of challenges do young people face when entering the workforce?

🎯 Phân tích câu hỏi:

• Dạng: Identify and explain (What kinds)
• Key words: “young people”, “entering the workforce”
• Cách tiếp cận: List 2-3 specific challenges với detailed explanations và real-world examples

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

“Young people face many challenges when they start working. The biggest problem is lack of experience. Companies want experienced workers, but young people are just starting, so it’s hard to get jobs. Another challenge is that they need to learn many new skills quickly. The workplace is very different from school. Also, some young people have problems with communicating with older colleagues or bosses. Finally, the salary for entry-level jobs is usually low, which makes it difficult for them to be independent.”

Phân tích:

• Structure: Lists multiple challenges clearly
• Vocabulary: “lack of experience”, “entry-level jobs” – appropriate but not sophisticated
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Covers the topic adequately but lacks analytical depth

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📝 Câu trả lời mẫu – Band 8.5-9:

“Young professionals today face a formidable array of challenges as they transition from academia to the workplace. Perhaps the most significant is what I’d call the ‘experience paradox‘ – they need experience to get jobs, but can’t get jobs without experience. This creates a vicious cycle that many find frustratingly difficult to break.

Beyond that, there’s the challenge of bridging the theory-practice gap. Educational institutions, more often than not, focus heavily on theoretical knowledge, but the workplace demands practical, hands-on skills and soft skills like teamwork, conflict resolution, and adaptability. Many graduates find themselves woefully underprepared for the realities of the work environment.

Another considerable hurdle is navigating workplace dynamics and professional relationships. Young people need to learn how to collaborate with diverse personalities, manage up to supervisors, and establish credibility despite their junior status. The hierarchical nature of many workplaces in my country can make this particularly challenging.

Furthermore, there’s increasing pressure related to precarious employment. The gig economy and prevalence of short-term contracts mean less job security than previous generations enjoyed. Young people are juggling the desire for meaningful work with the practical need for financial stability, often having to take jobs that don’t align with their long-term career aspirations.

Lastly, mental health challenges shouldn’t be overlooked. The pressure to succeed, coupled with financial stress and imposter syndrome, can take a significant toll on young professionals’ psychological wellbeing.”

Phân tích:

• Structure: Highly sophisticated: introduces 5 distinct challenges, each fully developed với explanations
• Vocabulary:
  • Precise expressions: “formidable array of”, “experience paradox”, “vicious cycle”
  • Collocations: “bridge the theory-practice gap”, “woefully underprepared”, “precarious employment”
  • Topic-specific: “soft skills”, “gig economy”, “imposter syndrome”
• Grammar:
  • Complex nominalizations: “navigating workplace dynamics”
  • Variety of structures: relative clauses, present participles, passive voice
• Critical Thinking:
  • Each point is developed with explanation
  • Shows understanding of societal context: “gig economy”, “hierarchical nature in my country”
  • Acknowledges psychological dimension: mental health aspect

💡 Key Language Features:

• Sequencing: “Perhaps the most significant”, “Beyond that”, “Another considerable hurdle”, “Furthermore”, “Lastly”
• Academic style: “more often than not”, “coupled with”, “shouldn’t be overlooked”
• Precise terminology: “theory-practice gap”, “manage up”, “establish credibility”

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Theme 3: Society and Support

Question 4: Do you think society should provide more support for people facing difficulties?

🎯 Phân tích câu hỏi:

• Dạng: Opinion + Justification
• Key words: “society”, “provide support”, “people facing difficulties”
• Cách tiếp cận: State opinion clearly, give reasons from multiple angles (moral, practical, economic), acknowledge counterarguments

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

“Yes, I strongly believe society should help people with difficulties. First, it’s the right thing to do – we should care about others in our community. Second, if we help people when they have problems, they can recover faster and contribute to society again. For example, if someone loses their job, unemployment benefits can help them survive until they find new work. However, we also need to be careful that people don’t become too dependent on help and stop trying to solve their own problems.”

Phân tích:

• Structure: Clear opinion with reasons
• Vocabulary: Basic expressions like “the right thing to do”, “care about others”
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Makes relevant points but lacks sophisticated argumentation

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📝 Câu trả lời mẫu – Band 8.5-9:

“I’m a firm believer that society has a moral obligation to support individuals facing hardships, though the nature and extent of that support merit careful consideration.

From a humanitarian standpoint, providing support is simply the right thing to do. We live in interconnected communities where people’s fortunes can change rapidly due to circumstances beyond their control – economic downturns, health crises, or natural disasters. A robust social safety net reflects our collective humanity and the principle that everyone deserves basic dignity and opportunity.

Moreover, there’s a compelling pragmatic argument. Supporting people through difficult times is an investment in social stability and economic productivity. When people fall through the cracks, the long-term costs to society – in terms of crime, health problems, and lost potential – far exceed the upfront investment in support services. Research consistently shows that preventive interventions are more cost-effective than dealing with downstream consequences.

However, I do think the support should be thoughtfully designed to empower rather than create dependency. The most effective models combine immediate relief with pathways to self-sufficiency – things like job training, education subsidies, and mental health services. It’s about giving people a safety net, not a permanent hammock, as the saying goes.

That said, we must acknowledge that not all challenges are equally visible or socially recognized. There’s still considerable stigma around mental health issues, for instance, which can prevent people from seeking or receiving adequate support. Society needs to broaden its understanding of what constitutes legitimate difficulty worthy of support.

Ultimately, the question isn’t whether society should provide support, but how to do so in a way that’s sustainable, equitable, and truly empowering.”

Phân tích:

• Structure: Masterful organization: moral argument → practical argument → caveat about design → acknowledgment of gaps → conclusion
• Vocabulary:
  • Sophisticated expressions: “moral obligation”, “merit careful consideration”, “robust social safety net”, “collective humanity”
  • Economic terminology: “cost-effective”, “preventive interventions”, “downstream consequences”, “upfront investment”
  • Idiomatic: “fall through the cracks”, “safety net, not a permanent hammock”
• Grammar:
  • Advanced structures: “the nature and extent… merit”, “when people fall…, the costs… far exceed”
  • Nominalization: “supporting people through difficult times is an investment”
• Critical Thinking:
  • Multi-dimensional analysis: moral + practical + design considerations
  • Acknowledges complexity and counterarguments
  • Evidence-based: “Research consistently shows”
  • Nuanced conclusion: not yes/no but “how”

💡 Key Language Features:

• Expressing strong opinion: “I’m a firm believer that”
• Hedging when appropriate: “merit careful consideration”, “I do think”
• Balanced argumentation: “From a humanitarian standpoint… Moreover… However… That said… Ultimately”
• Academic references: “Research consistently shows”

Từ vựng nâng cao về thử thách và giải quyết vấn đề cho IELTS Speaking band cao

Nếu bạn quan tâm đến describe a time when you achieved something significant, bạn sẽ thấy có nhiều điểm tương đồng trong cách sử dụng từ vựng mô tả cảm xúc và kết quả sau khi vượt qua thử thách.

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Theme 4: Cultural Perspectives

Question 5: Are there any differences in how people from different cultures deal with challenges?

🎯 Phân tích câu hỏi:

• Dạng: Compare (cultural differences)
• Key words: “different cultures”, “deal with challenges”
• Cách tiếp cận: Discuss different cultural approaches, give specific examples, avoid stereotyping

📝 Sample Answer – Band 7-8:

“Yes, I think cultural background plays a significant role in how people approach difficulties. In collectivist cultures like many Asian societies, people tend to rely heavily on family and community support when facing challenges. There’s a strong emphasis on not losing face and maintaining harmony, which can sometimes mean people are reluctant to ask for help from outside their close circle.

In contrast, more individualistic Western cultures often encourage people to be self-reliant and take individual responsibility for solving their problems. There’s generally less stigma around seeking professional help like therapy or counseling.

Another difference relates to attitudes toward failure. In some cultures, failure is seen as deeply shameful, which can make it harder for people to bounce back from setbacks. Other cultures have a more forgiving attitude, viewing failure as a natural part of learning and growth.

However, I should mention that these are broad generalizations, and individual differences within cultures can be just as significant as differences between cultures. Globalization is also gradually blurring these cultural lines.”

Phân tích:

• Structure: Clear contrast between cultural approaches với appropriate qualifiers
• Vocabulary: “collectivist cultures”, “individualistic”, “self-reliant”, “bounce back”
• Critical Thinking: Avoids stereotyping với disclaimer about generalizations

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Question 6: How can schools better prepare students to face challenges in life?

🎯 Phân tích câu hỏi:

• Dạng: Suggestions/Recommendations
• Key words: “schools”, “prepare students”, “face challenges”
• Cách tiếp cận: Suggest practical measures với explanations of how they help

📝 Sample Answer – Band 8-9:

“This is a crucial question, and I think educational systems worldwide need substantial reform in this area. Currently, most schools focus predominantly on academic knowledge while neglecting the development of resilience and problem-solving skills that are essential for navigating life’s challenges.

First and foremost, schools should integrate social-emotional learning into the curriculum. This means explicitly teaching students how to manage emotions, cope with stress, and develop resilience. These aren’t skills that students automatically acquire – they need to be systematically taught and practiced, just like math or science.

Secondly, the education system should embrace a growth mindset approach. Rather than penalizing failure, schools should create environments where mistakes are viewed as learning opportunities. This could involve reframing how assessments work – perhaps allowing students to revise and resubmit work, which teaches persistence rather than fear of failure.

Additionally, schools could incorporate more real-world problem-solving into lessons. Project-based learning, where students work on complex, open-ended challenges, helps develop critical thinking and adaptability. It’s about moving away from the one-right-answer model toward situations that better reflect the ambiguity of real-life challenges.

Equally important is teaching practical life skills – things like financial literacy, time management, and interpersonal communication. It’s surprising how many students graduate without basic knowledge of how to budget, negotiate, or resolve conflicts constructively.

Lastly, schools should foster connections with mentors and role models who can share their experiences of overcoming challenges. Hearing firsthand accounts of others’ struggles and successes can be incredibly inspiring and demystify the process of facing difficulties.

The overarching goal should be to shift from a purely knowledge-transmission model to one that cultivates the mindsets, skills, and support networks students need to thrive in an unpredictable world.”

Phân tích:

• Structure: Comprehensive answer với 5 distinct suggestions, each fully explained
• Vocabulary: Educational terminology: “social-emotional learning”, “growth mindset approach”, “project-based learning”
• Grammar: Advanced structures, appropriate use of modals for suggestions
• Critical Thinking: Identifies current gap, proposes systematic solutions, explains rationale for each

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Từ vựng và cụm từ quan trọng

Topic-Specific Vocabulary

Từ vựng/Cụm từ	Loại từ	Phiên âm	Nghĩa tiếng Việt	Ví dụ	Collocation
resilience	n	/rɪˈzɪl.i.əns/	sức bền, khả năng phục hồi	Developing resilience is crucial for overcoming challenges	build/develop resilience, emotional resilience, show resilience
adversity	n	/ədˈvɜː.sə.ti/	nghịch cảnh, khó khăn	She showed great strength in the face of adversity	face/overcome/endure adversity, in the face of adversity
perseverance	n	/ˌpɜː.sɪˈvɪə.rəns/	sự kiên trì, bền bỉ	Success requires talent and perseverance	show/demonstrate perseverance, with perseverance
obstacle	n	/ˈɒb.stə.kəl/	chướng ngại vật, trở ngại	Financial problems were a major obstacle to my education	overcome/face/remove an obstacle, major/significant obstacle
setback	n	/ˈset.bæk/	trở ngại, bước lùi	The failed exam was a temporary setback	suffer/experience a setback, temporary/major setback
daunting	adj	/ˈdɔːn.tɪŋ/	đáng sợ, nản lòng	Starting a new business seemed like a daunting task	daunting task/challenge/prospect
overwhelming	adj	/ˌəʊ.vəˈwel.mɪŋ/	áp đảo, quá sức	The amount of work felt overwhelming	overwhelming pressure/majority/feeling
cope with	v	/kəʊp wɪð/	đối phó với, xoay sở với	She learned to cope with stress through meditation	cope with stress/pressure/difficulties
tackle	v	/ˈtæk.əl/	giải quyết, xử lý	We need to tackle this problem systematically	tackle a problem/issue/challenge
overcome	v	/ˌəʊ.vəˈkʌm/	vượt qua, chiến thắng	He managed to overcome his fear of public speaking	overcome difficulties/obstacles/challenges/fear
surmount	v	/səˈmaʊnt/	vượt qua (formal)	They surmounted numerous obstacles to achieve their goal	surmount difficulties/obstacles/challenges
grapple with	v	/ˈɡræp.əl wɪð/	vật lộn với, đối mặt với	The company is grappling with financial difficulties	grapple with problems/issues/questions
persevere	v	/ˌpɜː.sɪˈvɪər/	kiên trì, bền bỉ	Despite failures, she persevered and eventually succeeded	persevere with/in something, persevere through difficulties
breakthrough	n	/ˈbreɪk.θruː/	bước đột phá	After months of trying, I finally had a breakthrough	make/achieve a breakthrough, major/significant breakthrough
turning point	n	/ˈtɜː.nɪŋ ˌpɔɪnt/	bước ngoặt, điểm chuyển mình	Meeting my mentor was a turning point in my life	mark/represent a turning point, crucial/major turning point
stamina	n	/ˈstæm.ɪ.nə/	sức bền, sức chịu đựng	Marathon running requires both physical and mental stamina	have/build stamina, physical/mental stamina
determination	n	/dɪˌtɜː.mɪˈneɪ.ʃən/	sự quyết tâm	Her determination to succeed was evident	show/demonstrate determination, with determination, sheer determination
tenacity	n	/təˈnæs.ə.ti/	sự bền bỉ, kiên trì	He achieved success through tenacity and hard work	show/demonstrate tenacity, with tenacity
hardship	n	/ˈhɑːd.ʃɪp/	khó khăn, gian khổ	They endured many hardships during the war	face/endure/suffer hardship, economic/financial hardship
trial and tribulation	n	/traɪəl ænd ˌtrɪb.jəˈleɪ.ʃən/	thử thách và gian truân	After many trials and tribulations, they finally succeeded	go through/face trials and tribulations

Idiomatic Expressions & Advanced Phrases

Cụm từ	Nghĩa	Ví dụ sử dụng	Band điểm
bite the bullet	chấp nhận làm điều khó khăn	I finally bit the bullet and quit my stressful job	7.5-8
weather the storm	vượt qua giai đoạn khó khăn	With family support, we weathered the storm	7.5-8
come through with flying colors	vượt qua thành công xuất sắc	Despite the difficulties, she came through with flying colors	7.5-8
sink or swim	tự mình vượt qua hoặc thất bại	It was a sink or swim situation when I started my business	8-9
up against the wall	trong tình thế khó khăn	With debts mounting, I felt up against the wall	7.5-8
between a rock and a hard place	trong tình thế tiến thoái lưỡng nan	I was between a rock and a hard place – quit my job or neglect my family	8-9
pull through	vượt qua (bệnh tật, khó khăn)	Despite serious illness, he pulled through	7-7.5
get back on one’s feet	hồi phục, đứng dậy sau khó khăn	After bankruptcy, it took him years to get back on his feet	7.5-8
hit rock bottom	chạm đáy, rơi vào tình trạng tồi tệ nhất	I hit rock bottom before I decided to change my life	8-9
turn over a new leaf	bắt đầu lại, thay đổi tích cực	After the crisis, I decided to turn over a new leaf	7.5-8
go through hell and back	trải qua khó khăn cực độ	She went through hell and back to raise her children alone	8-9
keep one’s head above water	vừa đủ sống, không bị chìm đắm	During that period, I was just trying to keep my head above water	8-9
take it on the chin	chấp nhận thất bại/khó khăn một cách mạnh mẽ	When I failed the exam, I took it on the chin and tried again	8-9

Discourse Markers (Từ Nối Ý Trong Speaking)

Để bắt đầu câu trả lời:

• 📝 Well,… – Dùng khi cần một chút thời gian suy nghĩ hoặc muốn soften câu trả lời
• 📝 Actually,… – Khi muốn đưa ra góc nhìn khác với expected answer
• 📝 To be honest,… – Khi nói thật về opinion cá nhân
• 📝 I’d say that… – Cách tentative để đưa ra quan điểm
• 📝 From my perspective,… – Nhấn mạnh đây là quan điểm cá nhân

Để bổ sung ý:

• 📝 On top of that,… – Thêm vào điểm đã nói
• 📝 What’s more,… – Hơn nữa (formal hơn “also”)
• 📝 Not to mention… – Chưa kể đến (usually negative aspect)
• 📝 Beyond that,… – Ngoài ra còn
• 📝 Additionally/Furthermore,… – 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… nhưng ta cũng cần xem xét
• 📝 Having said that,… – Tuy nhiên, mặc dù đã nói vậy
• 📝 That said,… – Tuy nhiên
• 📝 Nevertheless,… – Tuy nhiên (formal)

Để kết luận:

• 📝 All in all,… – Tóm lại
• 📝 At the end of the day,… – Cuối cùng thì
• 📝 Ultimately,… – Rốt cuộc, sau cùng
• 📝 The bottom line is… – Điểm mấu chốt là
• 📝 In the final analysis,… – Xét cho cùng

Để đưa ra ví dụ:

• 📝 For instance/For example,… – Ví dụ
• 📝 Take… for instance,… – Lấy… làm ví dụ
• 📝 A case in point is… – Một ví dụ điển hình là
• 📝 To illustrate this,… – Để minh họa điều này

Grammatical Structures Ấn Tượng

1. Conditional Sentences (Câu điều kiện):

• Mixed conditional (Type 2 + Type 3):

  • Formula: If + past simple, would + have + past participle
  • Ví dụ: “If I were more confident back then, I would have seized that opportunity” (Nếu lúc đó tôi tự tin hơn, tôi đã nắm bắt cơ hội đó)

• Inversion for emphasis:

  • Formula: Had + subject + past participle, subject + would have…
  • Ví dụ: “Had I known about the difficulties, I might have prepared better” (Nếu tôi biết về những khó khăn đó, tôi có thể đã chuẩn bị tốt hơn)

2. Relative Clauses (Mệnh đề quan hệ):

• Non-defining relative clause với “which” referring to whole clause:
  • Ví dụ: “I decided to seek professional help, which turned out to be the best decision I ever made” (Tôi quyết định tìm kiếm sự giúp đỡ chuyên nghiệp, điều này hóa ra là quyết định tốt nhất tôi từng đưa ra)

3. Passive Voice (Câu bị động):

• It is thought/believed/said that…

  • Ví dụ: “It is widely believed that challenges build character” (Người ta tin rằng thử thách tạo nên tính cách)

• Passive với modal verbs:

  • Ví dụ: “Such difficulties can be overcome with the right mindset” (Những khó khăn như vậy có thể được vượt qua với tư duy đúng đắn)

4. Cleft Sentences (Câu chẻ):

• What I find most… is…

  • Ví dụ: “What I find most challenging about this situation is maintaining optimism” (Điều tôi thấy khó nhất về tình huống này là duy trì sự lạc quan)

• The thing that…, is…

  • Ví dụ: “The thing that helped me most was having a strong support system” (Điều giúp tôi nhiều nhất là có một hệ thống hỗ trợ vững chắc)

5. Participle Clauses:

• Present participle:

  • Ví dụ: “Facing this challenge, I realized my own strength” (Đối mặt với thử thách này, tôi nhận ra sức mạnh của chính mình)

• Past participle:

  • Ví dụ: “Overwhelmed by stress, I decided to seek professional help” (Bị căng thẳng áp đảo, tôi quyết định tìm kiếm sự giúp đỡ chuyên nghiệp)

6. Nominalization (Danh từ hóa):

• Ví dụ: Instead of “I was determined” → “My determination”
  • “My determination to succeed helped me overcome obstacles” (Sự quyết tâm thành công của tôi đã giúp tôi vượt qua chướng ngại vật)

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Chiến lược và Lời khuyên từ Examiner

Cách chuẩn bị hiệu quả cho chủ đề này

1. Chọn câu chuyện phù hợp:

Không nhất thiết phải chọn thử thách “lớn nhất” hay “khó nhất” trong đời bạn. Thay vào đó, chọn một challenge mà:

• Bạn có thể kể chi tiết cụ thể
• Có quá trình vượt qua rõ ràng với các bước cụ thể
• Cho phép bạn thể hiện variety of vocabulary và grammar
• Có kết quả positive hoặc learning outcome rõ ràng

2. Cấu trúc câu chuyện theo STAR method:

• Situation: Set the context (when, where, what was happening)
• Task: Explain the challenge (what exactly was difficult)
• Action: Describe what you did (steps you took, strategies used)
• Result: Share the outcome and what you learned

3. Chuẩn bị vocabulary thay thế:

Thay vì lặp lại “difficult” hay “challenge”, chuẩn bị synonyms:

• Challenge → obstacle, hurdle, setback, adversity, ordeal
• Difficult → daunting, formidable, arduous, demanding, taxing
• Overcome → surmount, conquer, triumph over, prevail over, get through

4. Luyện tập pronunciation của key vocabulary:

Các từ học viên Việt Nam thường phát âm sai:

• Resilience /rɪˈzɪl.i.əns/ – không phải “re-SI-li-ence”
• Perseverance /ˌpɜː.sɪˈvɪə.rəns/ – nhấn âm thứ 3
• Adversity /ədˈvɜː.sə.ti/ – nhấn âm thứ 2

Lỗi thường gặp và cách khắc phục

❌ Lỗi 1: Kể câu chuyện quá chung chung

Sai: “I faced difficulties at university.”

Đúng: “During my second year at university, I was diagnosed with chronic migraines that severely impacted my ability to attend lectures and study for exams.”

Cách khắc phục: Thêm WHO, WHAT, WHEN, WHERE, WHY để câu chuyện cụ thể và vivid hơn.

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❌ Lỗi 2: Dùng vocabulary quá simple và lặp lại

Sai: “It was very difficult. I tried very hard. It was very stressful.”

Đúng: “It was an incredibly daunting experience. Despite my best efforts, I found myself grappling with overwhelming stress.”

Cách khắc phục: Học collocations chứ không chỉ học từ đơn lẻ. Ví dụ: “face a challenge”, “overcome an obstacle”, “grapple with difficulties”

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❌ Lỗi 3: Thiếu emotional depth trong phần “explain feelings”

Sai: “After I succeeded, I felt very happy.”

Đúng: “The sense of accomplishment was profound. Beyond mere happiness, I felt a deep sense of personal growth and newfound confidence in my ability to handle adversity.”

Cách khắc phục: Sử dụng variety of emotion words và explain WHY you felt that way, not just WHAT you felt.

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❌ Lỗi 4: Grammar errors với past tenses

Sai: “I am studying hard and finally I pass the exam.” (mixing tenses)

Đúng: “I was studying intensively every day, and eventually I passed the exam.”

Cách khắc phục: Khi kể về quá khứ, consistently dùng past tenses. Chỉ dùng present perfect khi nói về impact còn kéo dài đến hiện tại: “This experience has made me more resilient.”

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❌ Lỗi 5: Nói quá nhanh hoặc quá chậm

Cách khắc phục:

• Luyện tập với stopwatch để đạt tốc độ tự nhiên (120-150 words per minute)
• Sử dụng natural pauses sau discourse markers: “Well, | I’d say that…”
• Không rush qua các từ quan trọng – nhấn mạnh chúng

Tips để đạt Band 8+

🎯 Tip 1: Show reflection và insight

Examiner muốn thấy bạn không chỉ kể chuyện mà còn reflect về nó. Sử dụng phrases như:

• “Looking back, I realize that…”
• “This experience taught me that…”
• “What I learned from this is…”
• “In retrospect, I should have…”

🎯 Tip 2: Acknowledge complexity

Thể hiện rằng bạn hiểu vấn đề không đơn giản:

• “It’s not as straightforward as it seems…”
• “There were multiple factors at play…”
• “While… was important, I also had to consider…”

🎯 Tip 3: Use tentative language khi appropriate

Thay vì absolute statements, dùng:

• “I would say…”
• “To some extent…”
• “It seems to me that…”
• “Perhaps…”

🎯 Tip 4: Connect ideas smoothly

Sử dụng sophisticated linking:

• “Not only… but also…”
• “Despite… Nevertheless…”
• “While it’s true that… it’s equally important to note that…”

🎯 Tip 5: Vary sentence structures

Trong một câu trả lời, mix:

• Simple sentences để emphasize points
• Complex sentences để show grammar range
• Questions như rhetorical devices: “How did I manage? Well…”

Phân tích chi tiết tiêu chí chấm điểm IELTS Speaking từ Band 6 đến Band 9 cho chủ đề thử thách

Bạn cũng có thể tham khảo thêm describe a person who inspires you to achieve your goals để hiểu thêm về cách kết hợp storytelling với vocabulary về inspiration và personal growth, những yếu tố cũng rất quan trọng khi nói về overcoming challenges.

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Bài tập thực hành

Exercise 1: Vocabulary Practice

Điền từ thích hợp vào chỗ trống từ list sau: resilience, grapple with, surmount, adversity, perseverance, daunting

1. Despite facing numerous obstacles, her __ helped her complete the marathon.
2. Learning a new language at 50 seemed like a __ task.
3. The company is currently __ financial difficulties.
4. Building __ is essential for mental health.
5. Through hard work, they managed to __ all the challenges.
6. Many successful people have faced __ in their early lives.

Exercise 2: Paraphrasing Practice

Thay thế các cụm từ được highlight bằng vocabulary nâng cao:

1. “I had a very difficult time at work last year.”
   → “I __ at work last year.”

2. “It was hard to deal with the pressure.”
   → “It was __ the pressure.”

3. “I tried very hard to improve.”
   → “I __ to improve.”

4. “Finally, I succeeded in my goal.”
   → “Finally, I __ my goal.”

Exercise 3: Speaking Practice

Record yourself trả lời các câu hỏi sau và listen back để check:

Part 1 Questions:

1. What’s the biggest challenge you’ve faced recently?
2. How do you usually react when things don’t go as planned?

Part 2 Task:
Describe a time when you had to learn something difficult. (Sử dụng 2 phút đầy đủ)

Part 3 Questions:

1. Why do you think some people are better at dealing with stress than others?
2. How has technology changed the challenges people face today?

Self-assessment criteria:

• Did you speak for the required time?
• Did you use variety of vocabulary (không lặp lại từ)?
• Did you use complex grammar structures?
• Was your pronunciation clear?
• Did you answer all parts của câu hỏi?

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Kết luận và lộ trình học tập

Vượt qua thử thách không chỉ là một chủ đề phổ biến trong IELTS Speaking mà còn là cơ hội tuyệt vời để bạn showcase các kỹ năng ngôn ngữ đa dạng. Từ vocabulary phong phú về emotions và actions, đến grammar structures phức tạp để kể chuyện, chủ đề này cho phép bạn thể hiện toàn diện năng lực Speaking.

Lộ trình 4 tuần chuẩn bị chủ đề này:

Tuần 1: Foundation Building

• Học 20-30 từ vựng cơ bản về challenges (từ bảng vocabulary phía trên)
• Luyện pronunciation của các từ quan trọng
• Viết outline cho 2-3 personal challenges bạn có thể nói về
• Xem videos của native speakers talking about overcoming difficulties

Tuần 2: Developing Your Story

• Chọn một challenge chính để develop thành Part 2 answer
• Practice kể câu chuyện này 10-15 lần với stopwatch
• Record và listen để identify areas for improvement
• Học thêm 20 advanced phrases và idioms
• Đối với những ai gặp khó khăn với what is your biggest difficulty with ielts writing, việc luyện tập nói về challenges cũng giúp cải thiện cách diễn đạt bằng văn viết

Tuần 3: Expanding Range

• Practice Part 1 questions (20-30 câu khác nhau)
• Develop answers cho Part 3 abstract questions
• Focus on using discourse markers và tentative language
• Find a study partner hoặc tutor để practice two-way discussion
• Học cách paraphrase ideas bằng nhiều cách khác nhau

Tuần 4: Refinement và Mock Tests

• Làm ít nhất 3 full mock tests (cả 3 parts)
• Focus on pronunciation và intonation
• Practice responding spontaneously (không prepare trước)
• Review recordings để identify repeated mistakes
• Fine-tune timing cho mỗi part

Key takeaways:

✅ Authenticity matters: Đừng học thuộc template – examiners dễ dàng nhận ra. Hãy kể câu chuyện thật của bạn với ngôn ngữ tự nhiên.

✅ Vocabulary in context: Học từ vựng trong collocations và phrases, không học từ đơn lẻ.

✅ Practice consistently: 15-20 phút mỗi ngày hiệu quả hơn 2 giờ một lần một tuần.

✅ Record yourself: Đây là cách tốt nhất để identify pronunciation issues và improve fluency.

✅ Think in English: Khi gặp challenges hàng ngày, thử “kể” chúng trong đầu bằng tiếng Anh.

✅ Learn from examples: Phân tích band 8-9 samples để understand tại sao chúng effective.

✅ Stay calm: Trong thi thật, nếu bạn không hiểu câu hỏi, đừng ngần ngại ask examiner to repeat or clarify.

Nhớ rằng, IELTS Speaking không phải là test về perfect English mà là về effective communication. Examiners muốn thấy bạn có thể express ideas clearly, use language flexibly, và maintain a natural conversation. Việc nói về challenges bạn đã overcome là cách tuyệt vời để demonstrate tất cả những qualities này.

Chủ đề “describe a difficult challenge you overcame” không chỉ test English skills mà còn cho phép bạn chia sẻ personal growth journey. Khi bạn speak with genuine emotion và reflection về những struggles và successes của mình, bạn naturally sẽ produce more fluent và engaging speech – exactly điều examiner đang tìm kiếm.

Tương tự như khi describe a time when you shared an important story with someone, việc kể về challenges yêu cầu bạn biết cách kết nối với người nghe thông qua cảm xúc và chi tiết sống động, tạo nên một narrative có sức thuyết phục và ghi điểm cao.

Chúc bạn học tốt và đạt band điểm mong muốn trong kỳ thi IELTS Speaking!