Quyết định khó khăn là một phần không thể thiếu trong cuộc sống mỗi người, và đây cũng là chủ đề xuất hiện thường xuyên trong kỳ thi IELTS Speaking. Chủ đề “Describe A Difficult Decision You Had To Make” đã xuất hiện đều đặn trong các đề thi IELTS thực tế từ năm 2020 đến nay, với tần suất trung bình 2-3 lần mỗi quý tại các trung tâm thi trên toàn thế giới. Dự đoán khả năng xuất hiện của chủ đề này trong tương lai là Cao, đặc biệt khi giám khảo muốn đánh giá khả năng diễn đạt về trải nghiệm cá nhân và kỹ năng phân tích tình huống phức tạp của thí sinh.
Chủ đề này thường được hỏi ở cả ba phần của bài thi Speaking, từ các câu hỏi đơn giản về việc ra quyết định hàng ngày ở Part 1, đến việc mô tả chi tiết một quyết định cụ thể ở Part 2, và thảo luận sâu về các yếu tố ảnh hưởng đến việc ra quyết định ở Part 3. Nhiều thí sinh Việt Nam gặp khó khăn với chủ đề này vì thiếu từ vựng liên quan đến cảm xúc, sự do dự, và quá trình suy nghĩ phức tạp.
Trong bài viết này, bạn sẽ học được:
- Hơn 20 câu hỏi thực tế về chủ đề quyết định khó khăn trong cả 3 phần thi
- 3 bài mẫu hoàn chỉnh cho Part 2 theo từng band điểm 6-7, 7.5-8, và 8.5-9 với phân tích chi tiết
- Chiến lược trả lời hiệu quả từ góc nhìn của một IELTS Examiner
- Hơn 50 từ vựng và cụm từ ăn điểm giúp bạn diễn đạt tự nhiên và ấn tượng
- Những lỗi thường gặp của học viên Việt Nam và cách khắc phục
- Lời khuyên thực tế để đạt band điểm mục tiêu
IELTS Speaking Part 1: Introduction and Interview
Tổng Quan Về Part 1
Part 1 của IELTS Speaking kéo dài 4-5 phút với các câu hỏi về cuộc sống hàng ngày, sở thích cá nhân và những chủ đề quen thuộc. Khi nói về quyết định, giám khảo thường hỏi về những lựa chọn đơn giản trong đời sống thường ngày để đánh giá khả năng diễn đạt tự nhiên của bạn.
Chiến lược quan trọng nhất cho Part 1 là trả lời đủ chi tiết nhưng không quá dài dòng. Mỗi câu trả lời nên có 2-3 câu: câu đầu trả lời trực tiếp, câu sau giải thích hoặc đưa ra ví dụ cụ thể. Nhiều thí sinh Việt Nam mắc lỗi chỉ trả lời Yes/No hoặc một câu quá ngắn, điều này sẽ không thể đạt band 7 trở lên.
Lỗi thường gặp của học viên Việt Nam:
- Trả lời quá ngắn gọn như “Yes, I do” hoặc “No, I don’t” mà không mở rộng
- Sử dụng từ vựng đơn giản như “good”, “bad”, “difficult” lặp đi lặp lại
- Thiếu ví dụ cụ thể từ kinh nghiệm bản thân
- Nói quá nhanh hoặc quá chậm, không tự nhiên
- Không dùng discourse markers để câu trả lời nghe mượt mà hơn
Các Câu Hỏi Thường Gặp
Question 1: Do you find it easy to make decisions?
Question 2: What kind of decisions do you make every day?
Question 3: Do you prefer to make decisions quickly or take your time?
Question 4: Have you ever regretted a decision you made?
Question 5: Do you ask other people for advice when making decisions?
Question 6: Who usually makes the important decisions in your family?
Question 7: Do you think young people are good at making decisions?
Question 8: What was the last important decision you made?
Question 9: Do you find it harder to make big decisions or small ones?
Question 10: How do you feel after making an important decision?
Phân Tích và Gợi Ý Trả Lời Chi Tiết
Question: Do you find it easy to make decisions?
🎯 Cách tiếp cận:
- Trả lời trực tiếp có dễ hay khó
- Giải thích lý do tại sao
- Phân biệt giữa các loại quyết định khác nhau
📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:
Well, it depends on the situation. For small decisions like what to eat for lunch, I can decide quite quickly. But for important things like choosing a university major, I need more time to think carefully because these decisions affect my future.
Phân tích:
- Điểm mạnh: Có cấu trúc rõ ràng với “it depends”, phân biệt được hai loại quyết định, có ví dụ cụ thể
- Hạn chế: Từ vựng còn đơn giản (small, important, think carefully), cấu trúc câu chưa phức tạp
- Tại sao Band 6-7: Trả lời đầy đủ và mạch lạc nhưng thiếu từ vựng và cấu trúc nâng cao để đạt band cao hơn
📝 Sample Answer – Band 8-9:
Well, I’d say it’s a mixed bag, really. When it comes to mundane choices like what to wear or what to have for breakfast, I’m quite decisive and can make up my mind in seconds. However, for life-altering decisions such as choosing a career path or making a significant financial commitment, I tend to be more deliberate and weigh up all the pros and cons carefully. I think this approach has served me well because hasty decisions often lead to regrets down the line.
Phân tích:
- Điểm mạnh: Sử dụng idiom “a mixed bag” tự nhiên, từ vựng đa dạng (mundane, decisive, deliberate, life-altering), cấu trúc phức tạp với mệnh đề quan hệ, có critical thinking khi đề cập đến hậu quả của quyết định vội vàng
- Tại sao Band 8-9: Fluency xuất sắc với discourse markers tự nhiên, vocabulary sophisticated và precise, grammar range rộng, ý tưởng sâu sắc và nuanced
💡 Key Vocabulary & Expressions:
- a mixed bag: tình huống lẫn lộn, có cả tốt và không tốt
- mundane choices: những lựa chọn thường ngày, tầm thường
- decisive: quyết đoán
- life-altering decisions: quyết định thay đổi cuộc đời
- weigh up the pros and cons: cân nhắc ưu nhược điểm
- served me well: có lợi cho tôi, giúp tôi tốt
Question: Do you prefer to make decisions quickly or take your time?
🎯 Cách tiếp cận:
- Nêu rõ preference của bạn
- Giải thích lý do
- Đưa ra ví dụ hoặc hệ quả của cách tiếp cận đó
📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:
I usually prefer to take my time when making decisions. I like to think about all possibilities and maybe ask my friends or family for their opinions. Sometimes when I decide too quickly, I make mistakes and feel regret later. So I think it’s better to be careful and consider everything first.
Phân tích:
- Điểm mạnh: Có lý do rõ ràng, đề cập đến hệ quả của quyết định nhanh, có cấu trúc logic
- Hạn chế: Từ vựng lặp lại (decide, think), thiếu collocations tự nhiên, câu văn còn đơn giản
- Tại sao Band 6-7: Communicative và clear nhưng chưa demonstrate được lexical resource và grammatical range ở mức cao
📝 Sample Answer – Band 8-9:
I’m definitely more of a cautious decision-maker. I find that sleeping on important choices and gathering multiple perspectives helps me make more informed decisions. There’s actually quite a bit of research backing this up – when we’re under time pressure, we tend to rely on gut feelings rather than rational analysis, which can sometimes backfire. That said, I do recognize that overthinking can also be counterproductive, so I try to strike a balance between being thorough and being efficient.
Phân tích:
- Điểm mạnh: Vocabulary sophisticated (cautious decision-maker, gathering perspectives, informed decisions, backfire), reference đến research cho thấy critical thinking, nhận biết cả hai mặt của vấn đề (overthinking), dùng cấu trúc “that said” để balance ideas
- Tại sao Band 8-9: Natural discourse với nhiều discourse markers, vocabulary precise và academic nhưng vẫn conversational, grammar complex với subordinate clauses, demonstrating analytical thinking
💡 Key Vocabulary & Expressions:
- cautious decision-maker: người ra quyết định thận trọng
- sleeping on something: suy nghĩ qua đêm trước khi quyết định
- informed decisions: quyết định có cơ sở, có đầy đủ thông tin
- gut feelings: cảm giác trực giác
- backfire: phản tác dụng, có kết quả ngược lại
- strike a balance: đạt được sự cân bằng
- counterproductive: phản tác dụng
Thí sinh IELTS đang trả lời câu hỏi về quyết định khó khăn trong Part 1 với giám khảo trong phòng thi
Question: Have you ever regretted a decision you made?
🎯 Cách tiếp cận:
- Trả lời trực tiếp Yes/No
- Đưa ra ví dụ ngắn gọn (không cần quá chi tiết vì đây là Part 1)
- Nêu bài học hoặc cảm nhận
📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:
Yes, I have regretted some decisions before. For example, last year I chose to study at night instead of preparing earlier for an exam. As a result, I didn’t do very well. After that experience, I learned that I should plan my time better and not leave things until the last minute.
Phân tích:
- Điểm mạnh: Có ví dụ cụ thể, structure clear với “as a result” và “after that”, có bài học rút ra
- Hạn chế: Vocabulary basic (do well, plan time, last minute), thiếu emotional language để diễn tả regret
- Tại sao Band 6-7: Adequate response nhưng lacks lexical sophistication
📝 Sample Answer – Band 8-9:
Absolutely, I think everyone has moments of regret. One that springs to mind is when I impulsively declined an opportunity to study abroad for a semester because I was worried about being away from home. In hindsight, it was a missed opportunity to broaden my horizons and step out of my comfort zone. However, I try not to dwell on past mistakes too much – instead, I see them as valuable learning experiences that have made me more reflective about future decisions. What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger, as they say.
Phân tích:
- Điểm mạnh: Idiomatic expressions (springs to mind, in hindsight, step out of comfort zone, what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger), emotional vocabulary (impulsively, moments of regret), mature perspective về learning from mistakes, grammar complex với clause structures
- Tại sao Band 8-9: Highly fluent và natural, vocabulary range impressive, demonstrates personal growth và philosophical thinking, uses idiom appropriately
💡 Key Vocabulary & Expressions:
- moments of regret: những khoảnh khắc hối tiếc
- springs to mind: nảy ra trong đầu
- impulsively declined: từ chối một cách bốc đồng
- in hindsight: nhìn lại
- broaden my horizons: mở rộng tầm nhìn
- dwell on past mistakes: mãi suy nghĩ về lỗi lầm trong quá khứ
- valuable learning experiences: bài học kinh nghiệm quý giá
IELTS Speaking Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)
Tổng Quan Về Part 2
Part 2 là phần quan trọng nhất trong bài thi IELTS Speaking, kéo dài 3-4 phút bao gồm 1 phút chuẩn bị và 2-3 phút nói không bị ngắt quãng. Đây là cơ hội để bạn thể hiện khả năng nói liên tục, duy trì mạch lạc và sử dụng ngôn ngữ đa dạng.
Chiến lược hiệu quả cho Part 2:
- Sử dụng đủ 1 phút chuẩn bị: Ghi chú keywords, không viết câu hoàn chỉnh. Viết tối đa 6-8 từ khóa cho mỗi bullet point
- Nói đủ 2 phút: Tối thiểu 1.5 phút, tối đa 2.5 phút là lý tưởng. Nếu nói dưới 1.5 phút, điểm Fluency sẽ bị ảnh hưởng nghiêm trọng
- Trả lời đủ tất cả bullet points: Không bỏ sót bất kỳ yêu cầu nào, đặc biệt là câu “and explain”
- Sử dụng thì quá khứ đúng: Với các quyết định đã xảy ra, duy trì consistency về thì trong suốt bài nói
- Đừng thuộc lòng: Giám khảo dễ dàng nhận ra khi bạn nói một đoạn văn đã học thuộc, điều này sẽ giảm điểm nghiêm trọng
Lỗi thường gặp:
- Không sử dụng hết thời gian chuẩn bị hoặc viết quá nhiều khiến không kịp nghĩ structure
- Nói dưới 1.5 phút vì thiếu ý tưởng hoặc từ vựng
- Bỏ sót bullet points, đặc biệt là phần “explain” quan trọng nhất
- Nói không có cấu trúc, nhảy lung tung giữa các ý
- Lặp từ quá nhiều lần vì vốn từ hạn chế
Cue Card
Describe a difficult decision you had to make
You should say:
- What the decision was
- When you had to make this decision
- What the alternatives were
- And explain why it was difficult to make
Phân Tích Đề Bài
- Dạng câu hỏi: Describe an experience (mô tả một trải nghiệm/sự kiện trong quá khứ)
- Thì động từ: Chủ yếu là quá khứ đơn và quá khứ tiếp diễn để kể về sự kiện, có thể dùng hiện tại hoàn thành khi nói về ảnh hưởng đến hiện tại
- Bullet points phải cover:
- What: Quyết định cụ thể là gì – cần rõ ràng, cụ thể, không chung chung
- When: Thời điểm nào – có thể nói về context, hoàn cảnh lúc đó
- What alternatives: Có những lựa chọn nào – đây là điểm quan trọng để thể hiện sự phức tạp của quyết định
- Why difficult: Giải thích tại sao khó khăn – phần này chiếm nhiều thời gian nhất và quan trọng nhất
- Câu “explain” quan trọng: Đây là phần ghi điểm cao nhất vì đòi hỏi critical thinking, emotional vocabulary, và khả năng analyze situation. Nên dành 40-50% thời gian cho phần này
📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7
Thời lượng: Khoảng 1.5-2 phút
I’d like to talk about a difficult decision I had to make last year when I was finishing high school. The decision was about choosing which university to attend and what major to study.
This happened around May last year, just after I received my exam results. I had two main options. The first one was to study Business Administration at a university in my hometown. This was convenient because I could live with my family and save money on accommodation. The second option was to study Computer Science at a better university in Ho Chi Minh City, which was far from home.
The alternatives were quite different from each other. If I chose Business, I would have a more comfortable life and my parents would be happy because they wanted me to stay close to home. But if I chose Computer Science in HCMC, I would have better career opportunities in the future, but I would face many challenges like living alone and managing my own expenses.
This decision was really difficult for me for several reasons. First, I had to think about my parents’ feelings because they were worried about me living far away. Second, I wasn’t completely sure what I wanted to do in the future, so choosing a major was stressful. Finally, money was also a concern because studying in a big city is much more expensive. I spent weeks thinking about this decision and talking to my family and friends. In the end, I decided to go to HCMC to study Computer Science, and although it was hard at first, I think I made the right choice.
Phân Tích Band Điểm
| Tiêu chí | Band | Nhận xét |
|---|---|---|
| Fluency & Coherence | 6-7 | Có cấu trúc rõ ràng với sequencing tốt (first, second, finally), tuy nhiên có một số repetition (difficult decision, really difficult) và thiếu varied discourse markers cao cấp |
| Lexical Resource | 6-7 | Từ vựng adequate để truyền đạt ý (difficult decision, alternatives, career opportunities, concern) nhưng chủ yếu ở mức common vocabulary, thiếu sophisticated expressions và collocations |
| Grammatical Range & Accuracy | 6-7 | Sử dụng mix của simple và complex structures (conditional sentences, relative clauses), tuy nhiên phần lớn là simple sentences, chưa có variety cao |
| Pronunciation | 6-7 | Giả định rõ ràng và dễ hiểu với occasional mispronunciation |
Điểm mạnh:
- ✅ Trả lời đủ tất cả bullet points của đề bài
- ✅ Có cấu trúc logic, dễ follow
- ✅ Đưa ra ví dụ cụ thể và context rõ ràng
- ✅ Có kết luận về quyết định cuối cùng
Hạn chế:
- ⚠️ Vocabulary chưa sophisticated, nhiều từ cơ bản lặp lại (difficult, hard, happy)
- ⚠️ Grammar structures chưa đa dạng, thiếu complex sentences
- ⚠️ Thiếu emotional depth và personal reflection sâu sắc
- ⚠️ Chưa sử dụng idiomatic expressions hoặc advanced collocations
Học viên IELTS đang chuẩn bị bài nói Part 2 về quyết định khó khăn với giấy ghi chú
📝 Sample Answer – Band 7.5-8
Thời lượng: Khoảng 2-2.5 phút
I’d like to share with you one of the most challenging decisions I’ve ever had to make, which was deciding whether to pursue a stable career path my parents had mapped out for me or to follow my passion in a completely different direction.
This pivotal moment came about two years ago when I was in my final year of university. I was studying Economics, which my family had always seen as a safe and practical choice, and I had already received a promising job offer from a well-established bank in Hanoi. On paper, everything looked perfect – good salary, job security, and it would certainly please my parents who had invested so much in my education.
However, around the same time, I was presented with an alternative opportunity to work with a startup company focusing on educational technology, which aligned much more closely with my genuine interests. The startup could only offer a modest salary, no guarantee of long-term stability, but it promised meaningful work that I was truly passionate about. So I found myself torn between these two vastly different paths – the safe, conventional route versus the risky but potentially fulfilling one.
What made this decision particularly agonizing was the complexity of factors I had to consider. On the one hand, I felt a strong sense of obligation to my family who had worked hard to support my education and had specific expectations about my future. The thought of disappointing them was really weighing heavily on my mind. On the other hand, I was acutely aware that if I took the banking job just to please others, I might end up feeling unfulfilled and regretful years down the line. There was also the practical consideration of financial stability, which I couldn’t simply dismiss.
After weeks of soul-searching and numerous conversations with mentors and friends, I eventually decided to take the leap and join the startup. It wasn’t an easy decision, and I had to have some difficult conversations with my parents to help them understand my perspective. Looking back now, despite the initial challenges, I believe I made the right call because I’ve found my work genuinely rewarding and fulfilling.
Phân Tích Band Điểm
| Tiêu chí | Band | Nhận xét |
|---|---|---|
| Fluency & Coherence | 7.5-8 | Speaks fluently với minimal hesitation, có logical development of ideas, sử dụng varied discourse markers tự nhiên (on paper, however, on the one hand), maintains coherence throughout |
| Lexical Resource | 7.5-8 | Wide range của vocabulary với good collocations (pursue a career path, follow my passion, pivotal moment, torn between, weighing heavily on my mind), uses less common lexical items appropriately, some sophisticated vocabulary |
| Grammatical Range & Accuracy | 7.5-8 | Uses a wide range of structures với flexibility (relative clauses, conditional forms, passive voice), maintains good control though có occasional errors không ảnh hưởng communication |
| Pronunciation | 7.5-8 | Giả định sustained intelligibility với natural intonation patterns |
So Sánh Với Band 6-7
| Khía cạnh | Band 6-7 | Band 7.5-8 |
|---|---|---|
| Vocabulary | “difficult decision”, “really difficult”, “made the right choice” | “challenging decision”, “pivotal moment”, “particularly agonizing”, “made the right call” |
| Grammar | “The decision was really difficult for me” | “What made this decision particularly agonizing was the complexity of factors” (cleft sentence) |
| Ideas | Explains basic reasons (parents’ feelings, money, uncertain future) | Analyzes deeper layers (obligation vs. personal fulfillment, long-term life satisfaction, philosophical conflict between safe vs. meaningful) |
| Discourse | “First, Second, Finally” | “On the one hand… On the other hand”, “However”, “Looking back now” |
📝 Sample Answer – Band 8.5-9
Thời lượng: 2.5-3 phút đầy đủ
I’d like to recount a defining crossroads in my life that occurred approximately eighteen months ago – a decision that fundamentally shaped my personal and professional trajectory. The choice I faced was whether to accept a lucrative offer to work abroad for a multinational corporation or to stay in Vietnam to care for my ailing grandmother while pursuing a more modest career opportunity locally.
The timing of this dilemma couldn’t have been more poignant. I had just graduated with distinction from university and had been actively courting opportunities in Singapore, where the tech industry was thriving. After months of rigorous interviews, I finally secured a position at a prestigious firm with a compensation package that exceeded my wildest expectations. It seemed like everything I had been working towards was finally coming to fruition. However, in a cruel twist of fate, my grandmother, who had essentially raised me after my parents divorced, was diagnosed with a serious illness that required ongoing care and support.
The alternatives before me represented two fundamentally different life philosophies. Accepting the Singapore position would mean embracing a path of career advancement and financial security – something that would not only benefit me but also allow me to provide material support for my family from abroad. I’d be joining a cutting-edge team, working on innovative projects, and establishing myself professionally in an international environment. The counterargument, however, was equally compelling: staying would mean being physically present during potentially my grandmother’s final years, honoring the cultural values of filial piety that had been instilled in me since childhood, and maintaining the emotional bonds that had always been my anchor in life.
What rendered this decision so excruciatingly difficult was the impossibility of reconciling these two paths. Unlike many choices where compromise is feasible, this was distinctly an either-or situation. I found myself grappling with questions that had no clear answers: How do you quantify the value of time spent with a loved one? Can career opportunities, however promising, truly compensate for the irreplaceable moments you might miss? I was also acutely conscious of the broader implications – the Singapore role was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that might never materialize again, while my grandmother’s condition, though serious, was stable for the time being. Adding another layer of complexity was the guilt I anticipated regardless of which path I chose – guilt about squandering a golden opportunity if I stayed, or guilt about prioritizing ambition over family if I left.
After what I can only describe as an emotionally exhausting period of introspection, and countless heart-to-heart conversations with my grandmother herself – who, characteristically, insisted I should go – I ultimately decided to stay. I negotiated a remote working arrangement with a local company that, while less prestigious and financially rewarding, allowed me the flexibility to fulfill both my professional and familial responsibilities.
Looking back with the benefit of hindsight, I recognize that this decision taught me something profound about the nature of success. Society often measures achievement in terms of titles, salaries, and prestige, but I’ve come to believe that true fulfillment comes from aligning your choices with your core values, even when those choices come at a tangible cost. The eighteen months I’ve spent with my grandmother have been infinitely more enriching than any job could have been, and while I don’t know what the future holds, I’m at peace with the trade-offs I’ve made.
Phân Tích Band Điểm
| Tiêu chí | Band | Nhận xét |
|---|---|---|
| Fluency & Coherence | 8.5-9 | Speaks fluently với only rare repetition or self-correction, develops topics fully and appropriately, uses cohesion seamlessly, sophisticated discourse management với philosophical progression |
| Lexical Resource | 8.5-9 | Uses vocabulary với complete flexibility and precision in all topics, uses idiomatic language naturally and accurately (a cruel twist of fate, coming to fruition, anchor in life, grappling with, squandering a golden opportunity), demonstrates sophisticated control of lexical features |
| Grammatical Range & Accuracy | 8.5-9 | Uses full range of structures naturally and appropriately (cleft sentences, inversion, complex conditionals, sophisticated noun phrases), produces consistently accurate structures apart from ‘slips’ characteristic of native speaker speech |
| Pronunciation | 8.5-9 | Giả định native-like pronunciation features với sustained control, flexible use of intonation for emphasis and meaning |
Tại Sao Bài Này Xuất Sắc
🎯 Fluency Hoàn Hảo:
- Không có hesitation, speaks spontaneously với natural rhythm
- Develops ideas methodically: situation → alternatives → analysis → decision → reflection
- Uses sophisticated signposting: “The timing of this dilemma”, “The counterargument”, “What rendered this decision”, “Looking back”
📚 Vocabulary Tinh Vi:
- Ví dụ: “a defining crossroads” thay vì “difficult decision” – more dramatic và metaphorical
- Ví dụ: “fundamentally shaped my trajectory” thay vì “changed my life” – more precise và academic
- Ví dụ: “in a cruel twist of fate” – idiomatic expression cho unexpected negative event
- Ví dụ: “grappling with” thay vì “thinking about” – conveys struggle và depth
- Ví dụ: “squandering a golden opportunity” – powerful collocation
- Ví dụ: “at peace with the trade-offs” – sophisticated way to express acceptance
📝 Grammar Đa Dạng:
- Ví dụ: “What rendered this decision so excruciatingly difficult was…” (cleft sentence for emphasis)
- Ví dụ: “Unlike many choices where compromise is feasible, this was…” (subordinate clause với contrast)
- Ví dụ: “The eighteen months I’ve spent with my grandmother have been infinitely more enriching than any job could have been” (complex comparative structure với present perfect)
- Uses advanced structures naturally: participial phrases, inversion, subjunctive mood
💡 Ideas Sâu Sắc:
- Không chỉ describe situation mà còn analyze philosophical dimensions
- Addresses cultural context (filial piety) showing cultural awareness
- Discusses long-term implications và multiple perspectives
- Reflects on personal growth và value systems
- Shows nuanced thinking: acknowledges complexity, doesn’t oversimplify
Thí sinh IELTS tự tin trả lời Part 2 về quyết định khó khăn đạt band điểm cao
Follow-up Questions (Rounding Off Questions)
Sau khi bạn hoàn thành phần nói 2-3 phút, giám khảo thường hỏi 1-2 câu ngắn để chuyển sang Part 3. Đây là câu hỏi đơn giản nên trả lời tự nhiên.
Question 1: Do you think you made the right decision?
Band 6-7 Answer:
Yes, I think I made the right decision. Although it was difficult at first, I feel satisfied with my choice now. Everything has worked out well for me.
Band 8-9 Answer:
Absolutely. While there were certainly moments of doubt in the beginning, particularly during the adjustment period, I’m now fully convinced that I made the right call. The sense of fulfillment I derive from my current situation far outweighs any material benefits I might have gained from the alternative path. That’s not to say I have no regrets whatsoever, but I believe every choice involves trade-offs, and I’m comfortable with the ones I’ve made.
Question 2: Would you make the same decision again if you had the chance?
Band 6-7 Answer:
Yes, I would make the same decision again. I learned a lot from this experience and it helped me grow as a person. I think it was good for my future.
Band 8-9 Answer:
That’s an interesting question. In all likelihood, yes, I would. However, with the wisdom of hindsight, I might approach the decision-making process itself slightly differently – perhaps seeking more diverse perspectives or giving myself more time to process the emotional aspects. But in terms of the ultimate choice, I believe it was fundamentally sound and aligned with my values, so I would probably arrive at the same conclusion even if I could turn back the clock.
IELTS Speaking Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Tổng Quan Về Part 3
Part 3 kéo dài 4-5 phút và là phần khó nhất của IELTS Speaking vì đòi hỏi bạn phải thảo luận về các vấn đề trừu tượng, xã hội, và phức tạp liên quan đến chủ đề Part 2. Đây là nơi examiner đánh giá khả năng critical thinking, analytical skills và khả năng express complex ideas của bạn.
Yêu cầu của Part 3:
- Phân tích và đánh giá: Không chỉ describe mà phải analyze, evaluate, compare
- Đưa ra quan điểm có lý lẽ: Mỗi opinion cần được support bằng reasons và examples
- Xem xét nhiều góc độ: Show balanced view, acknowledge different perspectives
- Sử dụng language of speculation: May, might, could, tend to, it seems that…
Chiến lược hiệu quả:
- Mở rộng câu trả lời: Mỗi answer nên 3-5 câu với structure: Direct answer → Reason 1 + example → Reason 2 + example → Conclusion/alternative view
- Sử dụng discourse markers: Well, Actually, I think, To be honest, From my perspective
- Đưa ra examples từ society: Không chỉ personal experience mà còn social trends, studies, general observations
- Thừa nhận complexity: “It’s a complex issue”, “There’s no simple answer”, “It depends on…”
- Paraphrase câu hỏi: Đừng repeat lại từ của examiner, hãy paraphrase để show vocabulary range
Lỗi thường gặp của học viên Việt Nam:
- Trả lời quá ngắn (1-2 câu) vì không biết mở rộng ý như thế nào
- Chỉ nói về personal experience thay vì discuss broader implications
- Thiếu từ vựng abstract và academic để express complex ideas
- Không structure câu trả lời, nói lan man
- Quá categorical trong opinions (always, never, everyone) thay vì nuanced (generally, tend to, in most cases)
- Không dùng tentative language khi speculate
Các Câu Hỏi Thảo Luận Sâu
Theme 1: Decision-Making in Modern Society
Question 1: Why do you think some people find it harder to make decisions than others?
🎯 Phân tích câu hỏi:
- Dạng: Cause and Effect – hỏi về reasons/factors
- Key words: “some people”, “harder”, “than others” – cần compare và explain differences
- Cách tiếp cận: Identify multiple factors (personality, upbringing, experience) và explain each với examples
📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:
I think there are several reasons why some people have difficulty making decisions. First, it might be related to their personality. Some people are naturally more careful and worry about making mistakes, so they spend a long time thinking about every choice. Second, past experiences can affect how people make decisions. If someone made a bad decision before and had negative results, they might be afraid to decide quickly again. Finally, the importance of the decision also matters – bigger decisions naturally take more time and feel more difficult.
Phân tích:
- Structure: Has clear organization với First, Second, Finally
- Vocabulary: Adequate nhưng basic (have difficulty, worry about, afraid to decide)
- Tại sao Band 6-7: Answers the question adequately với reasons và some development, nhưng lacks sophisticated vocabulary và complex analysis
📝 Sample Answer – Band 8-9:
Well, I’d say decision-making ability is influenced by a complex interplay of factors, both innate and acquired. From a psychological standpoint, some individuals are simply more prone to analysis paralysis – they tend to overthink situations and become overwhelmed by the multitude of options available. This is often exacerbated in our modern context where we’re inundated with choices for even the most trivial matters, a phenomenon that psychologist Barry Schwartz calls “the paradox of choice”.
Beyond personality traits, I think upbringing plays a crucial role. People who were raised in environments where decision-making was modeled effectively – where parents walked them through the pros and cons of different options rather than simply dictating choices – tend to develop more confidence in their decisional capacity. Conversely, those who grew up with overly controlling parents or who rarely had agency over their own lives may struggle with decisiveness in adulthood.
There’s also the factor of risk tolerance, which varies considerably between individuals. Some people are naturally more risk-averse and therefore agonize over decisions because they’re hyperaware of potential negative outcomes. Others are comfortable with uncertainty and can make decisions more readily, even with incomplete information. This ties into what psychologists call “tolerance for ambiguity” – essentially, how comfortable you are proceeding when you can’t predict the outcome with certainty.
Phân tích:
- Structure: Sophisticated organization: psychological factors → environmental factors → risk tolerance → synthesis
- Vocabulary: Highly sophisticated (analysis paralysis, exacerbated, inundated with choices, decisional capacity, hyperaware, tolerance for ambiguity)
- Grammar: Complex structures throughout (passive voice, relative clauses, adverbial phrases, noun phrases)
- Critical Thinking: References psychology research (Barry Schwartz), analyzes multiple dimensions, shows deep understanding of human behavior
- Examples: Uses both specific reference (psychologist) và general societal observations
💡 Key Language Features:
- Discourse markers: Well, From a psychological standpoint, Beyond, Conversely, This ties into
- Tentative language: I’d say, tends to, may struggle, varies considerably – shows nuanced thinking
- Abstract nouns: interplay, phenomenon, agency, decisiveness, ambiguity
- Academic references: Mentions specific psychologist và concept, shows wider knowledge
Question 2: Do you think modern technology makes decision-making easier or more difficult?
🎯 Phân tích câu hỏi:
- Dạng: Opinion with evaluation – easier OR more difficult (có thể argue both sides)
- Key words: “modern technology”, “makes”, “easier or more difficult”
- Cách tiếp cận: Present balanced view – acknowledge both benefits và drawbacks, then give personal stance
📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:
I think modern technology has both positive and negative effects on decision-making. On the positive side, technology gives us access to a lot of information quickly. For example, when we want to buy something, we can read reviews online and compare prices easily. This helps us make better choices. However, sometimes having too much information can be confusing. There are so many options available online that it becomes difficult to choose. Also, we might spend too much time looking at different options instead of making a decision. So, I believe technology can both help and make things harder depending on how we use it.
Phân tích:
- Structure: Has balanced view với both sides presented
- Vocabulary: Basic expressions (positive and negative effects, a lot of information, make better choices)
- Tại sao Band 6-7: Addresses both sides adequately nhưng analysis is superficial, lacks sophisticated language và depth
📝 Sample Answer – Band 8-9:
This is a fascinating question, and I’d argue it’s a double-edged sword. On the one hand, technology has democratized access to information in unprecedented ways. When my parents’ generation had to make decisions about, say, purchasing a car or choosing a university, they were largely dependent on word-of-mouth recommendations and limited published materials. Today, we can access comprehensive reviews, compare specifications side-by-side, and even engage with communities of users who can share their experiences. In this sense, technology has certainly empowered more informed decision-making.
That being said, there’s a compelling counter-argument that technology has actually complicated the decision-making process. The sheer volume of options now available can lead to what I mentioned earlier – decision paralysis. Take something as simple as choosing a restaurant for dinner: apps like Google Maps might present you with hundreds of options, each with their own ratings, reviews, and photos. Instead of simplifying the choice, this abundance can trigger anxiety and protract the decision-making process. Moreover, we’re also bombarded with targeted advertising and algorithmic recommendations that can muddy our judgment and make it harder to discern what we genuinely want versus what we’re being manipulated into wanting.
On balance, I’d say the impact of technology on decision-making is highly contingent on how we use it. For those who’ve developed digital literacy and can filter information effectively, technology is undoubtedly an asset. However, for individuals who lack these skills or who are susceptible to information overload, it can indeed exacerbate decision-making difficulties. The key is developing the metacognitive skills to use technology as a tool rather than letting it dictate our choices.
Phân tích:
- Structure: Masterful organization: Present positive view → Counter with negative view → Synthesize with nuanced conclusion
- Vocabulary: Sophisticated throughout (double-edged sword, democratized, empowered, decision paralysis, protract, bombarded, contingent on, metacognitive skills)
- Grammar: Variety of complex structures including: conditional forms, relative clauses, participial phrases, cleft sentences
- Critical Thinking: Presents highly nuanced argument, acknowledges complexity, provides conditional conclusion based on different scenarios
- Examples: Uses both specific (Google Maps, restaurant choice) và abstract concepts effectively
💡 Key Language Features:
- Discourse markers: On the one hand, That being said, Moreover, On balance, However
- Hedging language: I’d argue, can lead to, might present, I’d say – appropriate tentativeness
- Contrast structures: instead of X, this Y; rather than X, Y
- Academic vocabulary: unprecedented, contingent on, susceptible to, exacerbate
Cuộc thảo luận sâu về quyết định trong xã hội hiện đại giữa giám khảo và thí sinh IELTS Part 3
Theme 2: Young People and Decision-Making
Question 3: At what age do you think young people should start making their own important decisions?
🎯 Phân tích câu hỏi:
- Dạng: Opinion about appropriate age/timing
- Key words: “what age”, “young people”, “their own”, “important decisions”
- Cách tiếp cận: Acknowledge complexity (depends on decision type, individual maturity), give general view với reasoning, provide examples
📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:
I don’t think there’s one specific age when young people should make all their own decisions. It depends on what kind of decision it is. For small things like what clothes to wear or what hobbies to pursue, children can start making choices quite early, maybe around 10 or 12 years old. But for bigger decisions like choosing a career or getting married, I think people need to be more mature, probably after 18 or 20 when they’re legally adults. Parents should guide young people but also let them practice making decisions gradually so they can learn from their experiences.
Phân tích:
- Structure: Logical progression từ depends on → examples of different types → conclusion
- Vocabulary: Adequate (small things, bigger decisions, mature, guide)
- Tại sao Band 6-7: Answers question adequately với some development và examples, nhưng lacks sophisticated analysis of maturity vs. age
📝 Sample Answer – Band 8.5-9:
This is quite a nuanced question because I think the capacity to make sound decisions isn’t strictly correlated with chronological age – it’s more about cognitive and emotional maturity, which develops at different rates for different individuals. Having said that, society does need some practical benchmarks.
From a developmental psychology perspective, adolescence is characterized by significant prefrontal cortex development – that’s the part of the brain responsible for executive functions like planning, impulse control, and weighing consequences. This process typically continues into the mid-twenties, which is why we see many societies setting legal thresholds for adult responsibilities around 18-21. However, I’d contend that the focus shouldn’t be solely on when young people start making decisions, but rather how we prepare them for this responsibility.
Ideally, decision-making autonomy should be introduced progressively throughout childhood and adolescence. Rather than a sudden handover of decision-making power at 18, young people should have incrementally increasing agency over their choices as they demonstrate readiness and responsibility. For instance, a 14-year-old might be capable of making informed decisions about their extracurricular activities or study subjects, even if they’re not yet ready to make life-altering choices about career paths or financial commitments.
What concerns me about our current approach in many societies is that we often infantilize young people until they reach 18, then suddenly expect them to be fully autonomous decision-makers. This creates a skills gap. A more effective model would involve scaffolded decision-making – where young people make progressively more consequential choices under guidance, building their decisional competence over time. By the time they reach legal adulthood, they’ve already developed the cognitive frameworks and experiential knowledge to navigate complex decisions more effectively.
Phân tích:
- Structure: Exceptional organization: Problematize simple age-based answer → Provide scientific context → Propose progressive model → Critique current approach → Suggest solution
- Vocabulary: Highly sophisticated and precise (nuanced, chronological age, cognitive maturity, prefrontal cortex, executive functions, incrementally, scaffolded, decisional competence, experiential knowledge)
- Grammar: Full range including: relative clauses, participial phrases, passive constructions, complex noun phrases, conditional structures
- Critical Thinking: References neuroscience, critiques societal norms, proposes alternative model, shows systems thinking
- Coherence: Masterful use of discourse markers creating seamless logical flow
💡 Key Language Features:
- Academic discourse markers: From a developmental psychology perspective, Ideally, What concerns me about, A more effective model
- Tentative language: I’d contend that, typically, might be capable of
- Sophisticated expressions: correlated with, characterized by, handover of power, infantilize, creates a skills gap, navigate complex decisions
- Technical vocabulary: prefrontal cortex, executive functions, scaffolded, incrementally
Question 4: Do you think parents should allow their children to make mistakes when learning to make decisions?
🎯 Phân tích câu hỏi:
- Dạng: Opinion với Yes/No stance nhưng cần nuance
- Key words: “allow”, “make mistakes”, “learning”
- Cách tiếp cận: Strongly agree with qualified conditions – discuss benefits of learning from mistakes, acknowledge need for appropriate boundaries
📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:
Yes, I definitely think parents should let children make mistakes sometimes. Making mistakes is an important part of learning. If parents always tell children what to do and never let them choose, the children won’t know how to make good decisions in the future. However, parents should still protect children from really dangerous mistakes. For example, it’s okay to let a child choose the wrong clothes for the weather and learn from feeling cold, but parents shouldn’t let children do something that could seriously hurt them. So parents need to find a balance between letting children learn and keeping them safe.
Phân tích:
- Structure: Clear position with qualification and example
- Vocabulary: Basic but clear (make mistakes, important part, protect, find a balance)
- Tại sao Band 6-7: Addresses question with reasonable development nhưng lacks sophisticated vocabulary và deeper analysis of learning theory
📝 Sample Answer – Band 8.5-9:
Absolutely, and I’d go so far as to say it’s not just permissible but actually essential for healthy development. The educational psychologist Carol Dweck’s research on growth mindset has shown that individuals who view mistakes as learning opportunities rather than failures tend to develop greater resilience and problem-solving capabilities. When parents create a safe environment for children to make low-stakes mistakes, they’re essentially providing a training ground for more consequential decisions later in life.
That said, there’s an important distinction to be drawn between productive mistakes and potentially harmful ones. What I mean by this is that parents should allow mistakes that carry educational value but manageable consequences. For instance, if a teenager chooses to spend their monthly allowance impulsively and then runs short of money for activities they wanted to do, that’s a valuable lesson in financial planning with no lasting damage. On the other hand, parents obviously shouldn’t allow mistakes that could result in serious physical harm, legal consequences, or irreversible damage to the child’s future prospects.
What’s crucial here is the parents’ response to the mistake. Rather than adopting an “I told you so” attitude, effective parents use mistakes as teaching moments. They might ask questions like “What do you think happened?”, “What would you do differently next time?”, and “What did you learn from this experience?” This Socratic approach helps children develop metacognitive skills – the ability to reflect on their own thinking and decision-making processes.
There’s also a cultural dimension to consider. In some cultures, there’s a stronger emphasis on protecting children from any failure, which can inadvertently create what we call “failure-avoidant” individuals who are paralyzed by the prospect of making mistakes. In contrast, cultures that normalize failure as part of the learning process tend to produce more adaptable and resilient individuals. Silicon Valley’s famous mantra of “fail fast, fail often” reflects this philosophy, and while that’s a business context, the underlying principle applies equally to child development.
Phân tích:
- Structure: Masterful development: Strong position → Qualification with distinction → Explain parental response → Broaden to cultural context
- Vocabulary: Exceptional range and precision (permissible, low-stakes mistakes, training ground, impulsively, Socratic approach, metacognitive skills, inadvertently create, failure-avoidant, paralyzed by the prospect)
- Grammar: Full sophisticated range including: cleft structures, relative clauses, participial phrases, advanced conditionals
- Critical Thinking: References academic research (Carol Dweck), analyzes different types of mistakes, considers cultural dimensions, applies business concepts to child development
- Examples: Multiple levels – theoretical (growth mindset), practical (allowance example), cultural (Silicon Valley)
💡 Key Language Features:
- Academic discourse: Carol Dweck’s research, Socratic approach, metacognitive skills – shows intellectual depth
- Qualifying language: That said, On the other hand, there’s an important distinction – shows nuanced thinking
- Sophisticated transitions: What I mean by this is, What’s crucial here, There’s also
- Advanced collocations: safe environment, training ground, teaching moments, inadvertently create, underlying principle
Phụ huynh hướng dẫn con cái học cách ra quyết định và chấp nhận sai lầm
Theme 3: Decision-Making and Future Trends
Question 5: How do you think artificial intelligence will affect people’s decision-making in the future?
🎯 Phân tích câu hỏi:
- Dạng: Future speculation về technology impact
- Key words: “artificial intelligence”, “affect”, “future”
- Cách tiếp cận: Speculate về multiple impacts (both positive and concerning), acknowledge uncertainty, consider different domains
📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:
I think artificial intelligence will have a big impact on how people make decisions in the future. AI can help people by analyzing large amounts of data very quickly and suggesting the best options. For example, AI might help doctors make better medical decisions by looking at patient information and research studies. However, there might also be some problems. People might become too dependent on AI and lose the ability to think for themselves. Also, if the AI makes a mistake or has bias in its programming, it could give bad advice. So while AI can be helpful, people still need to use their own judgment.
Phân tích:
- Structure: Presents both benefits and concerns với basic examples
- Vocabulary: Adequate (big impact, large amounts, become dependent, lose ability)
- Tại sao Band 6-7: Addresses future speculation adequately nhưng lacks sophisticated analysis of AI complexity và societal implications
📝 Sample Answer – Band 8.5-9:
This is a profound question that gets at the heart of what it means to be human in an increasingly algorithmic world. I think we’re on the cusp of a fundamental transformation in decision-making processes, and the implications are both exhilarating and unsettling.
On the promising side, AI has the potential to augment human decision-making in ways that could be genuinely transformative. Take healthcare, for instance: AI algorithms can now analyze medical imaging with accuracy that matches or exceeds that of experienced radiologists, and they can synthesize research from millions of studies to suggest treatment protocols that humans might overlook. In financial planning, AI can process variables too complex for human comprehension to optimize investment strategies. These applications could democratize expertise – making high-quality decision support accessible to people who previously couldn’t afford it.
However, I’m deeply concerned about several troubling trajectories. First and foremost, there’s the risk of algorithmic determinism – the erosion of human agency as we increasingly outsource our decisions to systems we don’t fully understand. When AI determines what news we see, what products we buy, or even whom we might date, we risk becoming passive consumers rather than active agents in our own lives. There’s also the question of algorithmic bias: AI systems are trained on historical data that often reflects existing societal prejudices, meaning they can perpetuate or even amplify discrimination in areas like hiring, lending, or criminal justice.
Perhaps more philosophically troubling is what this does to human judgment and intuition. Decision-making isn’t purely rational – it involves values, emotions, ethical considerations, and contextual nuances that current AI, for all its computational power, struggles to capture. If we atrophy these human capacities through over-reliance on AI, we might become excellent at optimizing within parameters the AI sets, but incapable of questioning whether those are the right parameters to begin with.
Looking ahead, I think the key challenge will be striking the right balance – leveraging AI’s capabilities to enhance human decision-making while preserving our autonomy, judgment, and ethical reasoning. This will require not just technological solutions but regulatory frameworks, digital literacy education, and ongoing public discourse about what role we want technology to play in our lives. We’re essentially deciding what kind of future we want to inhabit, and ironically, that’s a decision AI can’t make for us.
Phân tích:
- Structure: Exceptional complexity: Philosophical framing → Positive potential with examples → Multiple concerns with depth → Philosophical implications → Forward-looking synthesis
- Vocabulary: Highly sophisticated and precise (profound, algorithmic world, on the cusp of, augment, synthesize, democratize expertise, algorithmic determinism, erosion of agency, perpetuate, atrophy, over-reliance)
- Grammar: Full native-like range including: cleft sentences, complex conditionals, participial constructions, advanced noun phrases, inversion
- Critical Thinking: Multi-dimensional analysis covering technical, social, ethical, and philosophical aspects; shows systems thinking về broader implications
- Speculation language: Appropriate use of modals (could, might, will) and hedging (I think, perhaps, risk of)
💡 Key Language Features:
- Philosophical discourse: Gets at the heart of, what it means to be human, philosophically troubling – shows intellectual depth
- Speculative language: Has the potential to, we’re on the cusp of, could be, might become, we risk
- Sophisticated transitions: On the promising side, However, First and foremost, Perhaps more philosophically troubling, Looking ahead
- Academic expressions: algorithmic determinism, erosion of agency, atrophy capacities, regulatory frameworks, public discourse
- Powerful collocations: fundamental transformation, troubling trajectories, passive consumers, active agents, contextual nuances
Question 6: Do you think there’s too much pressure on young people today to make the “right” decisions about their future?
🎯 Phân tích câu hỏi:
- Dạng: Opinion về social pressure và youth
- Key words: “too much pressure”, “young people”, “right decisions”, “future”
- Cách tiếp cận: Agree với thoughtful analysis of sources of pressure, consider consequences, offer perspective on what “right” means
📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:
Yes, I think young people today face a lot of pressure about their future decisions. Society expects them to choose the right university, the right major, and the right career path when they’re still quite young. Social media makes this worse because young people can see their peers’ successes and feel like they need to compete. Parents also put pressure on their children because they want them to be successful. This pressure can cause stress and anxiety. I think it would be better if society accepted that people can change their minds and that there are many different paths to success, not just one “right” way.
Phân tích:
- Structure: Clear agreement with multiple sources of pressure identified và suggestion for improvement
- Vocabulary: Adequate (face pressure, society expects, makes this worse, cause stress)
- Tại sao Band 6-7: Addresses question adequately với relevant points nhưng lacks sophisticated analysis of underlying societal changes and deeper psychological implications
📝 Sample Answer – Band 8.5-9:
I would argue that there’s an unprecedented level of pressure on young people today, and it stems from a confluence of societal factors that previous generations simply didn’t face to the same degree.
Part of this pressure is economic. In many developed countries, the pathway to middle-class stability has become increasingly precarious. Unlike previous generations where a decent living could be secured with relatively modest educational credentials, today’s young people are told they need to get into top universities, pursue prestigious majors, and rack up impressive credentials just to have a fighting chance in competitive job markets. The stakes feel existential – one “wrong” decision about major or career path could seemingly derail their entire future. This creates what psychologists call “decision paralysis” driven by acute awareness of opportunity costs.
Social media has certainly exacerbated this pressure. Young people are constantly exposed to carefully curated narratives of their peers’ successes – whether that’s getting into elite schools, landing prestigious internships, or achieving early career success. This creates distorted benchmarks and fuels a perpetual sense that they’re falling behind or not measuring up. The comparison is relentless and corrosive.
But there’s also a more subtle pressure that I find particularly pernicious: the idea that life is a series of optimization problems with “correct” solutions. This technocratic mindset assumes there’s an objectively “right” path that can be algorithmically determined, which fundamentally misunderstands the nature of a meaningful life. It strips away the validity of exploration, trial and error, and the inevitable messiness of human development. Young people are being implicitly told that deviating from an optimal trajectory is failure, which is both unrealistic and psychologically damaging.
What particularly concerns me is how this pressure affects risk-taking and creativity. When the perceived cost of failure is so high, young people become risk-averse, opting for safe, conventional paths even when those don’t align with their genuine interests or values. We may be inadvertently stifling the exploration and experimentation that are crucial for both personal development and societal innovation.
I think we need a fundamental reframing: moving away from the notion of singular “right” decisions toward embracing multiple pathways to fulfilling lives. This means normalizing career changes, non-linear paths, and the idea that “mistakes” or detours are often where the most meaningful growth occurs. We need to reassure young people that while decisions matter, very few are truly irreversible, and adaptability may be more valuable than having a perfect plan executed flawlessly.
Phân tích:
- Structure: Masterful multi-layered analysis: Economic context → Social media impact → Philosophical critique of “optimization” mindset → Consequences for creativity → Proposed reframing
- Vocabulary: Exceptional sophistication (unprecedented, confluence, precarious, existential, curated narratives, pernicious, technocratic mindset, strip away, inadvertently stifling)
- Grammar: Full native-like range with complex embedding, conditionals, participial phrases, cleft sentences
- Critical Thinking: Multi-dimensional analysis covering economic, social, psychological, and philosophical dimensions; critiques underlying assumptions; proposes systemic solutions
- Tone: Appropriately concerned yet balanced; authoritative but not dogmatic
💡 Key Language Features:
- Analytical discourse: I would argue, Part of this pressure, there’s also a more subtle pressure, What particularly concerns me
- Sophisticated expressions: confluence of factors, stakes feel existential, seemingly derail, perpetual sense, fundamentally misunderstands, inadvertently stifling
- Academic vocabulary: precarious, curated narratives, technocratic mindset, optimization problems, corrosive, pernicious
- Hedging appropriately: seemingly, may be, I think, very few – shows nuanced thinking not absolutism
- Powerful synthesis: Final paragraph offers constructive reframing rather than just criticism
Từ vựng và cụm từ quan trọng
Topic-Specific Vocabulary
| Từ vựng/Cụm từ | Loại từ | Phiên âm | Nghĩa tiếng Việt | Ví dụ | Collocation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| decisive | adj | /dɪˈsaɪsɪv/ | quyết đoán | She’s a very decisive person who can make up her mind quickly. | be decisive about, decisive action, decisive moment, decisive factor |
| deliberate | adj/v | /dɪˈlɪbərət/ | thận trọng, cân nhắc kỹ | I like to deliberate carefully before making major life choices. | deliberate decision, deliberate over something, deliberate approach, deliberate consideration |
| weigh up | phrasal verb | /weɪ ʌp/ | cân nhắc, đắn đo | I’m still weighing up the pros and cons of each option. | weigh up options, weigh up the evidence, weigh up alternatives, carefully weigh up |
| life-altering | adj | /laɪf ˈɔːltərɪŋ/ | thay đổi cuộc đời | Choosing a career is a life-altering decision that requires careful thought. | life-altering decision, life-altering experience, life-altering choice, life-altering event |
| torn between | phrase | /tɔːn bɪˈtwiːn/ | phân vân giữa | I was torn between following my passion and choosing financial security. | be torn between, feel torn between, torn between two options, torn between choices |
| pivotal moment | noun phrase | /ˈpɪvətl ˈməʊmənt/ | thời điểm quan trọng | Graduating from university was a pivotal moment in my life. | pivotal moment in life, reach a pivotal moment, face a pivotal moment, pivotal decision moment |
| agonize over | phrasal verb | /ˈæɡənaɪz ˈəʊvə/ | băn khoăn, day dứt | I agonized over this decision for weeks before finally making up my mind. | agonize over a decision, agonize over choices, agonize over whether to, constantly agonize |
| in hindsight | adverb phrase | /ɪn ˈhaɪnsaɪt/ | nhìn lại | In hindsight, I should have chosen the other option. | in hindsight, with hindsight, benefit of hindsight, looking back in hindsight |
| hasty decision | noun phrase | /ˈheɪsti dɪˈsɪʒn/ | quyết định vội vàng | Making a hasty decision often leads to regret later. | hasty decision, avoid hasty decisions, make a hasty decision, result of a hasty decision |
| impulsively | adverb | /ɪmˈpʌlsɪvli/ | bốc đồng, không suy nghĩ | I impulsively accepted the offer without considering all the consequences. | act impulsively, decide impulsively, buy impulsively, respond impulsively |
| regret | noun/verb | /rɪˈɡret/ | hối tiếc | I have no regrets about the decision I made last year. | deep regret, live with regret, express regret, regret a decision, moments of regret |
| crossroads | noun | /ˈkrɒsrəʊdz/ | ngã rẽ, bước ngoặt | I’m at a crossroads in my career and need to decide which path to take. | at a crossroads, reach a crossroads, career crossroads, stand at a crossroads |
| opportunity cost | noun phrase | /ˌɒpəˈtjuːnəti kɒst/ | chi phí cơ hội | Every decision has an opportunity cost – what you give up by choosing one option. | consider opportunity cost, opportunity cost of, high opportunity cost, weigh opportunity costs |
| trade-off | noun | /ˈtreɪd ɒf/ | sự đánh đổi | There’s always a trade-off between work and personal life. | make a trade-off, accept trade-offs, trade-off between, inevitable trade-offs |
| gut feeling | noun phrase | /ɡʌt ˈfiːlɪŋ/ | cảm giác trực giác | Sometimes you need to trust your gut feeling when making decisions. | trust your gut feeling, follow gut feeling, gut feeling about, strong gut feeling |
| sleep on it | idiom | /sliːp ɒn ɪt/ | suy nghĩ qua đêm | It’s an important decision, so I’ll sleep on it and give you my answer tomorrow. | sleep on it, sleep on the decision, let me sleep on it |
| paralysis by analysis | idiom | /pəˈræləsɪs baɪ əˈnæləsɪs/ | suy nghĩ quá nhiều đến mức không quyết định được | He suffers from paralysis by analysis and can never make quick decisions. | suffer from paralysis by analysis, avoid paralysis by analysis, lead to paralysis by analysis |
| informed decision | noun phrase | /ɪnˈfɔːmd dɪˈsɪʒn/ | quyết định có cơ sở | I want to gather all the facts before making an informed decision. | make an informed decision, informed decision-making, fully informed decision, well-informed decision |
| irreversible | adj | /ˌɪrɪˈvɜːsəbl/ | không thể đảo ngược | Some life decisions are irreversible, so we must think carefully. | irreversible decision, irreversible consequences, irreversible damage, virtually irreversible |
| contemplating | verb | /ˈkɒntəmpleɪtɪŋ/ | suy ngẫm, cân nhắc | I’ve been contemplating a career change for several months now. | contemplating a decision, contemplating options, seriously contemplating, contemplating whether to |
Bảng từ vựng chủ đề quyết định khó khăn cho IELTS Speaking với phiên âm và ví dụ
Idiomatic Expressions & Advanced Phrases
| Cụm từ | Nghĩa | Ví dụ sử dụng | Band điểm |
|---|---|---|---|
| a double-edged sword | con dao hai lưỡi, có cả mặt tốt và xấu | Technology is a double-edged sword when it comes to decision-making – it provides information but can also overwhelm us. | 8-9 |
| on the fence | phân vân, chưa quyết định được | I’m still on the fence about whether to accept the job offer or stay in my current position. | 7-8 |
| burn bridges | cắt đứt quan hệ, làm hỏng mối liên kết | I didn’t want to burn bridges with my old company, so I gave them plenty of notice. | 7.5-8 |
| take the plunge | liều lĩnh thực hiện điều gì đó quan trọng | After years of thinking about it, I finally took the plunge and started my own business. | 7.5-8 |
| a tough call | quyết định khó khăn | Choosing between two excellent universities was a tough call. | 7-8 |
| at a crossroads | ở ngã rẽ quan trọng | I’m at a crossroads in my career and need to decide whether to specialize or continue as a generalist. | 7.5-8 |
| the grass is always greener | bên kia rào luôn xanh hơn (ý nghĩ lựa chọn khác tốt hơn) | I learned not to think the grass is always greener – every option has its challenges. | 8-9 |
| bite the bullet | chấp nhận làm điều khó khăn hoặc không dễ chịu | I had to bite the bullet and tell my parents I was changing my major. | 7-8 |
| strike while the iron is hot | nắm lấy cơ hội khi nó xuất hiện | The job opportunity was perfect, so I decided to strike while the iron was hot and apply immediately. | 8-9 |
| throw caution to the wind | liều lĩnh, không lo ngại rủi ro | I threw caution to the wind and accepted the overseas position without visiting the country first. | 8-9 |
| have second thoughts | bắt đầu nghi ngờ quyết định của mình | I’m having second thoughts about my decision to move abroad. | 7-7.5 |
| a leap of faith | hành động dựa trên niềm tin hơn là chứng cứ | Starting a business during a recession was a leap of faith, but it paid off. | 8-9 |
| paint yourself into a corner | tự đẩy mình vào thế khó | By making promises to everyone, I painted myself into a corner and couldn’t satisfy anyone. | 8-9 |
| hedge your bets | giảm rủi ro bằng cách có nhiều lựa chọn | I hedged my bets by applying to both graduate school and several jobs. | 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: “Well, that’s an interesting question…”
- 📝 Actually,… – Khi đưa ra góc nhìn có thể bất ngờ: “Actually, I think it depends on the situation…”
- 📝 To be honest,… – Khi nói thật lòng, thẳng thắn: “To be honest, I struggled with that decision for months…”
- 📝 I’d say that… – Khi đưa ra quan điểm cá nhân: “I’d say that most people find financial decisions particularly challenging…”
- 📝 From my perspective,… – Nhấn mạnh đây là góc nhìn cá nhân: “From my perspective, the hardest decisions involve relationships…”
- 📝 Looking back,… – Khi nhìn lại quá khứ: “Looking back, I realize I was too hasty in my decision…”
Để bổ sung ý:
- 📝 On top of that,… – Thêm vào đó, hơn nữa: “On top of that, there were financial considerations to think about…”
- 📝 What’s more,… – Hơn nữa (formal hơn “also”): “What’s more, I had to consider how it would affect my family…”
- 📝 Not to mention… – Chưa kể đến: “Not to mention the emotional toll it took on everyone involved…”
- 📝 Moreover,… – Ngoài ra (formal): “Moreover, the timing was far from ideal…”
- 📝 Additionally,… – Thêm vào đó: “Additionally, I had concerns about the long-term implications…”
Để đưa ra quan điểm cân bằng:
- 📝 On the one hand,… On the other hand,… – Một mặt… mặt khác: “On the one hand, the salary was attractive; on the other hand, I’d have to relocate…”
- 📝 While it’s true that…, we also need to consider… – Mặc dù đúng là… chúng ta cũng cần xem xét: “While it’s true that following your passion is important, we also need to consider practical realities…”
- 📝 That being said,… – Tuy nhiên, mặc dù vậy: “That being said, not all decisions are equally difficult…”
- 📝 Having said that,… – Tuy đã nói thế, nhưng: “Having said that, I do think some pressure can be motivating…”
Để đưa ra ví dụ:
- 📝 For instance,… / For example,… – Ví dụ: “For instance, when I had to choose between two job offers…”
- 📝 Take… for example – Lấy… làm ví dụ: “Take my decision to study abroad, for example…”
- 📝 A case in point is… – Một ví dụ điển hình là (formal): “A case in point is when I had to decide whether to change careers…”
- 📝 Such as… / Like… – Như là: “Important life decisions, such as choosing a career path, require careful thought…”
Để kết luận:
- 📝 All in all,… – Tóm lại, xét cho cùng: “All in all, I think I made the right choice despite the difficulties…”
- 📝 At the end of the day,… – Cuối cùng thì, quan trọng nhất là: “At the end of the day, you have to trust your instincts…”
- 📝 On balance,… – Nhìn chung, cân nhắc tất cả: “On balance, the benefits outweighed the drawbacks…”
- 📝 In the final analysis,… – Cuối cùng (formal): “In the final analysis, every major decision involves some element of risk…”
Để thể hiện sự do dự/cân nhắc:
- 📝 I suppose… – Tôi cho là: “I suppose it depends on individual circumstances…”
- 📝 I’d imagine… – Tôi tưởng tượng là: “I’d imagine most people would find that decision challenging…”
- 📝 It seems to me that… – Theo tôi thấy thì: “It seems to me that younger people are more comfortable with risk…”
- 📝 Presumably,… – Có lẽ là, được cho là: “Presumably, experience makes decision-making easier over time…”
Grammatical Structures Ấn Tượng
1. Conditional Sentences (Câu điều kiện):
Mixed conditional (kết hợp quá khứ và hiện tại):
- Formula: If + past perfect, would/could + bare infinitive
- Ví dụ: “If I had chosen differently, I wouldn’t be where I am today.”
Third conditional với inversion (đảo ngữ):
- Formula: Had + subject + past participle, would have + past participle
- Ví dụ: “Had I known about the consequences, I would have made a different choice.”
2. Relative Clauses (Mệnh đề quan hệ):
Non-defining relative clauses (mệnh đề quan hệ không xác định):
- Formula: …, which/who/where + clause, …
- Ví dụ: “The decision to study abroad, which I made five years ago, has shaped my entire career.”
Reduced relative clauses:
- Formula: Noun + V-ing/V3 (bỏ which/who + be)
- Ví dụ: “The factors influencing my decision were primarily financial.” (thay vì: The factors which were influencing my decision…)
3. Passive Voice (Câu bị động):
Impersonal passive (bị động khách quan):
- It is thought/believed/said/considered that…
- Ví dụ: “It is widely believed that young people today face more pressure about their future than previous generations.”
- Ví dụ: “It is generally considered important to involve family in major life decisions.”
Passive with reporting verbs:
- be said/thought/believed/reported to + infinitive
- Ví dụ: “AI is thought to be changing the way people make decisions fundamentally.”
4. Cleft Sentences (Câu chẻ) – Nhấn mạnh:
What-cleft:
- Formula: What + clause + be + noun/clause
- Ví dụ: “What made the decision so difficult was the lack of clear information.”
- Ví dụ: “What I find most challenging about big decisions is the fear of regret.”
It-cleft:
- Formula: It + be + focus + that/who + clause
- Ví dụ: “It was the financial implications that worried me most.”
- Ví dụ: “It wasn’t until I made the decision that I realized its full impact.”
5. Advanced Noun Phrases:
Complex noun phrases với multiple modifiers:
- Ví dụ: “The increasingly complex and interconnected nature of modern life decisions”
- Ví dụ: “A well-thought-out, carefully considered, and thoroughly researched decision”
Nominalization (chuyển động từ/tính từ thành danh từ):
- decide → decision / choose → choice / consider → consideration
- Ví dụ: “My consideration of all the alternatives took several weeks.” (thay vì: “I considered all the alternatives for several weeks.”)
6. Inversion for Emphasis:
Negative inversion:
- Formula: Negative word + auxiliary + subject + verb
- Ví dụ: “Rarely have I faced such a difficult decision.”
- Ví dụ: “Not only did I have to consider my own needs, but also those of my family.”
Only/Little/Seldom inversion:
- Ví dụ: “Only later did I realize the full implications of my choice.”
- Ví dụ: “Seldom do people get second chances with such important decisions.”
7. Participle Clauses:
Present participle (V-ing):
- Ví dụ: “Having weighed all the options carefully, I decided to accept the offer.”
- Ví dụ: “Knowing how important this was, I took my time to decide.”
Past participle (V3):
- Ví dụ: “Faced with two excellent opportunities, I found it hard to choose.”
- Ví dụ: “Given the circumstances, I believe I made the best possible choice.”
8. Subjunctive Mood (Giả định):
Formal suggestions/recommendations:
- Formula: It is essential/important/vital that + subject + bare infinitive
- Ví dụ: “It’s essential that young people be given the freedom to make their own choices.”
- Ví dụ: “I suggested that he take more time before deciding.”
Chiến Lược và Lời Khuyên Từ Examiner
Những Điều Cần Làm
✅ Chuẩn bị trước về content:
- Nghĩ trước về 2-3 quyết định khó khăn trong cuộc sống bạn (học tập, công việc, gia đình) mà bạn có thể nói chi tiết
- Chuẩn bị vocabulary theo themes: emotions, reasoning, consequences, alternatives
- Luyện tập kể câu chuyện một cách tự nhiên, không học thuộc lòng
✅ Sử dụng thời gian chuẩn bị hiệu quả (Part 2):
- 1 phút là quý báu – dùng để ghi keywords, không viết câu hoàn chỉnh
- Ghi 1-2 từ cho mỗi bullet point
- Ghi thêm 2-3 từ vocabulary khó mà bạn muốn sử dụng
- Plan cấu trúc: Introduction (What + When) → Body (What alternatives + Why difficult) → Conclusion (Final decision + Reflection)
✅ Develop ideas đầy đủ:
- Mỗi ý chính cần explanation + example/detail
- Không chỉ nói “it was difficult” mà giải thích WHY và HOW it was difficult
- Use specific details để câu chuyện realistic và believable
✅ Demonstrate vocabulary range một cách tự nhiên:
- Không force từ vựng khó nếu không phù hợp context
- Paraphrase thay vì lặp lại từ trong câu hỏi
- Mix colloquial expressions với formal vocabulary naturally
✅ Maintain fluency:
- Nếu quên từ, paraphrase thay vì dừng lâu
- Sử dụng discourse markers để buy time: “Well…”, “Let me think…”, “Actually…”
- Tốc độ vừa phải – không quá nhanh hoặc quá chậm
✅ Show critical thinking (đặc biệt Part 3):
- Acknowledge complexity: “It’s not a simple issue…”, “There are multiple factors…”
- Present balanced views: “On one hand… on the other hand…”
- Give conditional answers: “It depends on…”, “In some cases… whereas in others…”
- Reference broader contexts: society, culture, psychology, technology
Những Điều Cần Tránh
❌ Học thuộc lòng templates:
- Examiners dễ dàng nhận ra memorized answers
- Templates làm câu trả lời không natural
- Có thể bị hỏi thêm và không trả lời được
- Điểm Fluency và Coherence sẽ giảm nghiêm trọng
❌ Trả lời quá ngắn:
- Part 1: Đừng chỉ Yes/No, phải expand 2-3 câu
- Part 2: Phải nói ít nhất 1.5-2 phút
- Part 3: Mỗi answer cần 3-5 câu với proper development
❌ Sử dụng từ vựng sai context:
- Đừng dùng từ quá formal trong context informal
- Không force idioms nếu không tự nhiên
- Avoid từ vựng quá bookish mà không ai dùng trong speaking
❌ Nói quá chung chung:
- Thay vì “many people”, nói “young professionals in urban areas” hoặc “students in their final year”
- Thay vì “it was hard”, nói “I agonized over it for weeks” hoặc “I found myself torn between”
- Give specific examples thay vì general statements
❌ Lặp từ quá nhiều:
- Nếu đã dùng “difficult” nhiều lần, switch sang “challenging”, “tough”, “demanding”, “taxing”
- Paraphrase thay vì repeat: decision → choice → call (a tough call)
❌ Nói quá nhanh hoặc quá chậm:
- Too fast → phát âm không rõ, examiner không catch được vocabulary
- Too slow → nghe không natural, thiếu fluency
❌ Không trả lời đúng câu hỏi:
- Part 3 đặc biệt dễ mắc lỗi này vì câu hỏi abstract
- Đảm bảo hiểu câu hỏi – có thể ask for clarification nếu cần: “Sorry, could you repeat that?”
❌ Quá personal trong Part 3:
- Part 3 nên discuss general trends, society, not just personal stories
- “I think” cần followed by general analysis, không chỉ personal preference
Tips Đặc Biệt Cho Học Viên Việt Nam
🎯 Vượt qua “language barrier” mindset:
- Nhiều học viên Việt có vocabulary tốt nhưng ngại nói vì sợ sai
- Hãy nhớ: Communication > Perfection
- Minor errors không ảnh hưởng nhiều nếu message clear
🎯 Practice thinking in English:
- Đừng translate từ tiếng Việt sang tiếng Anh trong đầu
- Expose yourself to English content daily: podcasts, YouTube, Netflix
- Talk to yourself in English về daily decisions
🎯 Khắc phục Vietnamese accent:
- Practice word stress: DEcision (not deCIsion), ALternative (not alterNAtive)
- Practice sentence stress: Stress content words (nouns, verbs, adjectives), not function words (the, to, of)
- Intonation: Rising for questions, falling for statements
- Common pronunciation issues:
- “th” sound: think (not tink), through (not true)
- Final consonants: need (not nee), made (not may)
- “v” vs “w”: very (not wery), would (not vould)
🎯 Build confidence gradually:
- Start với recording yourself
- Practice với friends hoặc study partners
- Join speaking clubs hoặc online platforms
- Take mock tests để familiar với format
🎯 Learn from your mistakes:
- Record practice sessions và review
- Note down từ vựng bạn muốn dùng nhưng không nhớ
- Identify patterns trong errors (grammar, pronunciation, vocabulary)
- Gradually reduce những lỗi này
Sample Study Plan
4-6 weeks trước thi:
Week 1-2: Build Vocabulary Foundation
- Học 10-15 từ vựng chủ đề mỗi ngày
- Make flashcards với collocations
- Practice using trong sentences về your own decisions
Week 3-4: Practice Structure & Fluency
- Record yourself answering Part 1 questions (10 questions/day)
- Practice Part 2 với timer (2-3 cue cards/day)
- Analyze model answers – học structure, không học thuộc
Week 5-6: Full Mock Tests & Refinement
- Complete mock tests (full Part 1-3) mỗi 2 ngày
- Review recordings – identify weaknesses
- Focus on problem areas: pronunciation, vocabulary range, hoặc fluency
- Practice với partner nếu có thể
Ngày trước thi:
- Light review vocabulary
- Relax – don’t cram
- Get good sleep
- Arrive sớm để calm down
Kết Luận
Chủ đề “Describe a difficult decision you had to make” là một trong những topics có tần suất xuất hiện cao và là cơ hội tuyệt vời để bạn showcase nhiều kỹ năng quan trọng trong IELTS Speaking: kể chuyện tự nhiên, phân tích sâu sắc, sử dụng từ vựng đa dạng, và thể hiện tư duy phản biện.
Điều quan trọng nhất không phải là thuộc lòng bài mẫu, mà là hiểu rõ cấu trúc, học cách develop ideas một cách logic, và practice cho đến khi speaking trở nên tự nhiên. Mỗi người có câu chuyện riêng về những quyết định khó khăn trong cuộc sống – hãy kể câu chuyện của chính bạn một cách chân thực và đầy cảm xúc.
Key takeaways:
- Part 1: Trả lời tự nhiên, expand 2-3 câu, đưa ra reasons và examples ngắn gọn
- Part 2: Cover đủ tất cả bullet points, nói 2-2.5 phút, use specific details để story believable
- Part 3: Think critically, analyze multiple perspectives, use sophisticated vocabulary và complex structures
- Vocabulary: Focus vào collocations và natural usage hơn là individual difficult words
- Fluency: Sử dụng discourse markers, maintain steady pace, paraphrase khi cần
Với preparation đầy đủ, mindset tích cực, và practice thường xuyên, bạn hoàn toàn có thể đạt band điểm mục tiêu cho IELTS Speaking. Hãy nhớ rằng examiners không expect perfection – họ đánh giá communicative competence và khả năng express ideas effectively.
Good luck với kỳ thi IELTS của bạn! Hãy tự tin, be yourself, và showcase your English abilities một cách tốt nhất!
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: Tôi có nên học thuộc các bài mẫu không?
A: Tuyệt đối không. Examiners được training để recognize memorized answers và sẽ penalize bạn nghiêm khắc. Thay vào đó, học structure, vocabulary, và ideas, rồi practice tạo answers của riêng bạn.
Q: Nếu tôi không hiểu câu hỏi trong Part 3 thì sao?
A: Bạn có thể lịch sự ask for clarification: “Sorry, could you please repeat/rephrase that?” hoặc “Just to make sure I understand, you’re asking about…?” Điều này natural và không affect điểm.
Q: Tôi cần nói với accent như British hay American?
A: Không cần thiết. Pronunciation band descriptor đánh giá intelligibility (dễ hiểu), không phải accent. Vietnamese accent hoàn toàn okay miễn là clear và understandable.
Q: Điều gì sẽ xảy ra nếu tôi nói chưa đủ 2 phút trong Part 2?
A: Fluency score sẽ bị affect. Examiner sẽ không prompt bạn nếu dừng trước 1.5 phút. Practice với timer để ensure bạn có thể maintain speech trong 2-2.5 phút.
Q: Tôi có nên sử dụng nhiều idioms để impress examiner?
A: Quality over quantity. 2-3 idioms được dùng naturally và appropriately tốt hơn 10 idioms forced vào không phù hợp context. Examiner prefer natural speech với occasional idiomatic language.
Q: Nếu tôi make grammar mistake thì có thể self-correct không?
A: Có, occasional self-correction là natural và shows monitoring. Nhưng đừng self-correct quá nhiều vì sẽ affect fluency. Native speakers cũng make slips và không always correct.
