IELTS Speaking: Cách Trả Lời Chủ Đề “Describe A Family Member Who Inspires You” – Bài Mẫu Band 6-9

Trong các kỳ thi IELTS Speaking gần đây, chủ đề về thành viên gia đình truyền cảm hứng xuất hiện với tần suất khá cao, đặc biệt trong Part 2. Đây là một chủ đề gần gũi nhưng đòi hỏi thí sinh phải thể hiện được chiều sâu cảm xúc và khả năng diễn đạt về những phẩm chất con người một cách tinh tế.

Chủ đề “Describe A Family Member Who Inspires You” không chỉ đơn thuần là kể về một người thân mà còn yêu cầu bạn phải giải thích được tại sao người đó lại tạo động lực cho cuộc sống của bạn. Điều này giúp giám khảo đánh giá khả năng sử dụng ngôn ngữ mô tả tính cách, thành tựu và ảnh hưởng cá nhân – những khía cạnh quan trọng trong giao tiếp tiếng Anh.

Từ năm 2022 đến nay, các biến thể của chủ đề này xuất hiện khoảng 15-20% trong các đề thi IELTS Speaking thực tế tại Việt Nam và các quốc gia châu Á. Dự đoán khả năng xuất hiện trong tương lai vẫn ở mức cao do tính phổ biến và khả năng đánh giá toàn diện kỹ năng của thí sinh.

Trong bài viết này, bạn sẽ học được:

• Các câu hỏi thường gặp trong cả 3 Part liên quan đến chủ đề gia đình và nguồn cảm hứng
• Bài mẫu chi tiết được phân tích theo từng band điểm 6-7, 7.5-8 và 8.5-9
• Hơn 50 từ vựng và cụm từ ăn điểm với phiên âm chuẩn
• Chiến lược trả lời hiệu quả từ góc nhìn của examiner
• Những lỗi phổ biến của học viên Việt Nam và cách khắc phục

IELTS Speaking Part 1: Introduction and Interview

Tổng Quan Về Part 1

Part 1 của IELTS Speaking kéo dài 4-5 phút với các câu hỏi ngắn về cuộc sống hàng ngày và các chủ đề quen thuộc. Đây là phần “warm-up” giúp bạn cảm thấy thoải mái trước khi chuyển sang các part khó hơn.

Đặc điểm chính:

• Câu hỏi về bản thân, gia đình, sở thích, công việc/học tập
• Yêu cầu trả lời ngắn gọn nhưng đầy đủ (2-3 câu)
• Không cần đi sâu như Part 3

Chiến lược hiệu quả:

• Trả lời trực tiếp câu hỏi trước, sau đó mở rộng
• Thêm lý do hoặc ví dụ cụ thể
• Sử dụng từ vựng đa dạng nhưng tự nhiên

Lỗi thường gặp của học viên Việt Nam:

• Chỉ trả lời Yes/No hoặc một câu quá ngắn
• Dùng từ vựng quá đơn giản như “good”, “nice”, “happy”
• Thiếu ví dụ cụ thể từ kinh nghiệm bản thân
• Nói quá nhanh vì lo lắng
• Dùng “I think” quá nhiều lần

Các Câu Hỏi Thường Gặp

Question 1: Do you have a large or small family?

Question 2: Who are you closest to in your family?

Question 3: How much time do you spend with your family?

Question 4: What activities do you enjoy doing with your family?

Question 5: Do you think family is important in your culture?

Question 6: Has anyone in your family influenced your career choice?

Question 7: Do you prefer spending time with family or friends?

Question 8: What qualities do you admire most in family members?

Phân Tích và Gợi Ý Trả Lời Chi Tiết

---

Question: Who are you closest to in your family?

🎯 Cách tiếp cận:

• Nói rõ người bạn thân nhất
• Giải thích tại sao (tính cách, sở thích chung, hoặc trải nghiệm)
• Thêm ví dụ cụ thể về hoạt động chung

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

I’m closest to my older sister. We have similar interests and often talk about our problems. She always gives me good advice when I need help with my studies or personal life.

Phân tích:

• Điểm mạnh: Trả lời trực tiếp, có lý do cơ bản (similar interests, gives advice)
• Hạn chế: Từ vựng đơn giản (good advice, talk about), thiếu ví dụ cụ thể, cấu trúc câu đơn giản
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Trả lời đủ ý nhưng chưa impressive, thiếu collocations và details

📝 Sample Answer – Band 8-9:

I’d say I’m closest to my older sister because we share a similar outlook on life and have a really strong bond. She’s always been my go-to person whenever I’m going through a tough time, whether it’s about career decisions or personal relationships. What I appreciate most is that she doesn’t sugarcoat things – she gives me honest, constructive feedback rather than just telling me what I want to hear.

Phân tích:

• Điểm mạnh:
  • Từ vựng nâng cao: “share a similar outlook”, “go-to person”, “going through a tough time”, “doesn’t sugarcoat things”
  • Cấu trúc đa dạng: “I’d say…”, “What I appreciate most is that…”
  • Ý tưởng cụ thể và sâu sắc về mối quan hệ
  • Có sự tương phản (honest feedback vs what I want to hear)
• Tại sao Band 8-9:
  • Fluency: Câu trả lời trôi chảy, tự nhiên
  • Vocabulary: Collocations chính xác, idiomatic expressions
  • Grammar: Relative clauses, whether…or structure
  • Ideas: Nuanced understanding của mối quan hệ

💡 Key Vocabulary & Expressions:

• share a similar outlook on life: có cái nhìn tương đồng về cuộc sống
• strong bond: mối liên kết chặt chẽ
• go-to person: người đầu tiên nghĩ đến khi cần giúp đỡ
• go through a tough time: trải qua thời kỳ khó khăn
• doesn’t sugarcoat things: không nói giảm nói tránh
• constructive feedback: phản hồi mang tính xây dựng

---

Question: What qualities do you admire most in family members?

🎯 Cách tiếp cận:

• Nêu 1-2 phẩm chất cụ thể
• Giải thích tại sao những phẩm chất này quan trọng
• Có thể nêu ví dụ về một người trong gia đình thể hiện phẩm chất đó

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

I admire people who are hardworking and patient. In my family, my father is very hardworking because he works long hours to support us. My mother is patient because she never gets angry when we make mistakes.

Phân tích:

• Điểm mạnh: Nêu được 2 phẩm chất, có ví dụ cụ thể về bố mẹ
• Hạn chế: Từ vựng cơ bản (hardworking, patient, gets angry), thiếu depth trong giải thích
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Adequate nhưng predictable, thiếu sophisticated language

📝 Sample Answer – Band 8-9:

I’d say resilience is the quality I admire most in family members. Life throws unexpected challenges at all of us, and seeing how my parents have bounced back from setbacks – whether financial difficulties or health issues – has been truly inspiring. Another quality I value highly is open-mindedness. My uncle, for instance, is always willing to embrace new perspectives despite being in his sixties, which I find quite rare in his generation. This has taught me that age shouldn’t be a barrier to personal growth.

Phân tích:

• Điểm mạnh:
  • Vocabulary tinh vi: resilience, bounced back from setbacks, open-mindedness, embrace new perspectives
  • Abstract nouns và sophisticated ideas
  • Có example cụ thể nhưng được elaborate well
  • Có personal insight ở cuối (age shouldn’t be a barrier)
  • Discourse markers: I’d say, for instance, despite
• Tại sao Band 8-9:
  • Fluency: Natural flow với pausing phù hợp
  • Vocabulary: Less common lexical items, precise word choice
  • Grammar: Complex sentences với despite, whether…or
  • Ideas: Thoughtful và personal

💡 Key Vocabulary & Expressions:

• resilience: khả năng phục hồi, sức bền
• bounce back from setbacks: phục hồi sau thất bại
• open-mindedness: tính cởi mở
• embrace new perspectives: đón nhận quan điểm mới
• personal growth: sự phát triển cá nhân
• throw challenges at: tung ra những thách thức

---

Question: How much time do you spend with your family?

🎯 Cách tiếp cận:

• Nêu cụ thể thời gian (hàng ngày/cuối tuần)
• Giải thích lý do (công việc, học tập, khoảng cách)
• Nói về chất lượng thời gian đó

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

I spend time with my family every evening during dinner. We usually eat together and talk about our day. On weekends, I spend more time with them because I don’t have to work or study.

Phân tích:

• Điểm mạnh: Có timeframe cụ thể (evening, weekends), nêu được hoạt động
• Hạn chế: Vocabulary repetitive (spend time xuất hiện 3 lần), simple structures
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Communicates the message nhưng lacks variety

📝 Sample Answer – Band 8-9:

Well, on a daily basis, I try to have at least dinner with my family, which is our sacred time to catch up and stay connected. During the week, it’s usually just an hour or so because I’m quite caught up with work commitments, but I make it a point to be fully present rather than scrolling through my phone. Weekends are different though – we often dedicate the entire Sunday to family activities, whether it’s going for a hike or simply lounging around at home together. I’ve learned that quality trumps quantity when it comes to family time.

Phân tích:

• Điểm mạnh:
  • Tránh repetition bằng cách dùng nhiều cách diễn đạt khác nhau về “spend time”
  • Vocabulary range: sacred time, caught up with, fully present, quality trumps quantity
  • Có contrast giữa weekdays và weekends
  • Personal philosophy ở cuối
  • Natural discourse: Well, though, I’ve learned that
• Tại sao Band 8-9:
  • Fluency: Smooth với appropriate use of fillers
  • Vocabulary: Idiomatic và colloquial nhưng vẫn appropriate
  • Grammar: Complex structures, whether…or
  • Pronunciation: Natural stress và intonation (được thể hiện qua từ chọn)

💡 Key Vocabulary & Expressions:

• on a daily basis: hàng ngày
• catch up: trò chuyện, cập nhật tin tức của nhau
• stay connected: duy trì kết nối
• caught up with: bận rộn với
• fully present: hoàn toàn tập trung, không phân tâm
• quality trumps quantity: chất lượng quan trọng hơn số lượng
• dedicate time to: dành thời gian cho
• lounge around: thư giãn, nghỉ ngơi thoải mái

Nếu bạn muốn tìm hiểu thêm về cách miêu tả những người có ảnh hưởng tích cực, hãy tham khảo bài viết Describe a person who has a positive influence on others để có thêm nhiều ý tưởng và cách diễn đạt đa dạng hơn.

Thí sinh IELTS Speaking đang trả lời câu hỏi về thành viên gia đình truyền cảm hứng với sự tự tin

IELTS Speaking Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)

Tổng Quan Về Part 2

Part 2 là phần quan trọng nhất của IELTS Speaking, chiếm tỷ trọng lớn trong việc đánh giá khả năng diễn đạt liên tục của bạn. Bạn có 1 phút chuẩn bị và 2-3 phút để nói không bị gián đoạn.

Thời gian chuẩn bị: 1 phút (sử dụng tối đa thời gian này)

Thời gian nói: 2-3 phút (tối thiểu 1.5 phút, tối ưu 2-2.5 phút)

Đặc điểm: Độc thoại, kể chi tiết về một chủ đề cụ thể với 4 bullet points

Chiến lược hiệu quả:

• Sử dụng hết 1 phút để ghi chú keywords (không viết câu hoàn chỉnh)
• Phân bổ thời gian đều cho các bullet points (mỗi point khoảng 30-40 giây)
• Bullet cuối cùng “explain why/how” thường quan trọng nhất – dành 40-50 giây
• Sử dụng past tenses nếu kể về quá khứ
• Thêm details cụ thể: con số, tên địa điểm, cảm xúc, suy nghĩ

Lỗi thường gặp:

• Không sử dụng hết thời gian chuẩn bị hoặc viết quá nhiều trong 1 phút
• Nói dưới 1.5 phút do thiếu ý tưởng
• Bỏ sót hoặc nói qua loa bullet points
• Không elaborate ý “explain” ở cuối
• Dùng cấu trúc câu đơn giản lặp đi lặp lại

Cue Card

Describe a family member who inspires you

You should say:

• Who this person is
• What this person does
• What qualities or characteristics this person has
• And explain why this person inspires you

Phân Tích Đề Bài

Dạng câu hỏi: Describe a person (family member)

Thì động từ: Chủ yếu là hiện tại (vì người này vẫn đang tồn tại và ảnh hưởng đến bạn). Có thể dùng quá khứ khi kể về sự kiện cụ thể trong quá khứ.

Bullet points phải cover:

1. Who this person is: Xác định rõ mối quan hệ (mẹ, bố, anh/chị, ông/bà), có thể thêm tuổi, nghề nghiệp
2. What this person does: Công việc hiện tại, hoặc những việc người đó thường làm (không nhất thiết phải là nghề nghiệp chính thức)
3. What qualities: Phẩm chất tính cách (resilient, determined, compassionate…) – cần cụ thể hóa bằng ví dụ
4. Explain why inspires you: Phần quan trọng nhất – nêu rõ ảnh hưởng cụ thể đến cuộc sống, suy nghĩ, hành động của bạn

Câu “explain” quan trọng: Đây là phần chiếm nhiều điểm nhất vì yêu cầu critical thinking và khả năng phân tích. Không chỉ nói “I admire him/her” mà phải giải thích cụ thể: người đó đã thay đổi cách bạn nhìn nhận vấn đề gì, học được bài học gì, áp dụng vào cuộc sống như thế nào.

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7

Thời lượng: Khoảng 1.5-2 phút

I’d like to talk about my grandfather, who is one of the most inspiring people in my life. He is 75 years old and he is retired now, but he used to work as a teacher for more than 40 years.

My grandfather is a very active person even though he’s quite old. Every morning, he wakes up at 5 AM to do exercise in the park. He also likes reading books and he often shares interesting stories with me when I visit him on weekends.

The qualities I admire most about him are his determination and positive attitude. When he was young, he came from a poor family, but he worked very hard to become a teacher. He told me that he had to walk 10 kilometers to school every day when he was a student. Even now, when he has health problems, he never complains and always tries to stay positive.

He inspires me because he shows me that age is just a number. Despite being 75, he is more active than many young people. He taught me that if you want to achieve your goals, you need to work hard and never give up. Whenever I feel tired or want to quit something, I think about my grandfather and his life story. This gives me motivation to continue. I hope I can be as strong and positive as him when I get older.

Phân Tích Band Điểm

Tiêu chí	Band	Nhận xét
Fluency & Coherence	6-7	Có sequencing rõ ràng, sử dụng basic linking words (even though, despite, whenever). Một số hesitation nhẹ có thể xuất hiện.
Lexical Resource	6-7	Từ vựng adequate: determination, positive attitude, achieve goals. Có một số collocations nhưng chưa sophisticated. Lặp lại “very” nhiều lần.
Grammatical Range & Accuracy	6-7	Mix của simple và complex sentences. Có relative clauses (who is, when he was). Sử dụng đúng past và present tenses. Một số lỗi nhỏ có thể có.
Pronunciation	6-7	Dễ hiểu, pronunciation chính xác cho các từ phổ biến, stress patterns cơ bản đúng.

Điểm mạnh:

• ✅ Trả lời đầy đủ cả 4 bullet points
• ✅ Có examples cụ thể (wakes up at 5 AM, walked 10 kilometers)
• ✅ Cấu trúc rõ ràng, dễ follow
• ✅ Personal connection được thể hiện

Hạn chế:

• ⚠️ Từ vựng chưa đủ impressive (very, quite, interesting)
• ⚠️ Thiếu idiomatic expressions
• ⚠️ Giải thích “why inspires you” chưa đủ sâu
• ⚠️ Một số cụm từ generic: “work hard”, “never give up”

---

📝 Sample Answer – Band 7.5-8

Thời lượng: Khoảng 2-2.5 phút

The family member I’d like to talk about is my mother, who has been a constant source of inspiration throughout my life. She’s currently 52 years old and works as a senior nurse at a major hospital in Ho Chi Minh City.

What’s remarkable about my mother is her unwavering dedication to her profession. She’s been in the nursing field for over 25 years, and despite the demanding nature of her work – dealing with long shifts, high-stress situations, and sometimes difficult patients – she approaches each day with remarkable enthusiasm. Beyond her regular duties, she also volunteers her time at a local charity clinic every weekend, providing free healthcare to underprivileged communities.

The qualities that set her apart are her compassion and resilience. I’ve witnessed countless occasions when she’s come home emotionally drained from losing a patient, yet the next morning, she’s back at work with the same level of commitment. What really strikes me is her ability to compartmentalize her emotions while still maintaining genuine empathy for every patient she treats. She once told me that “every life matters,” which has become her guiding principle.

She inspires me in multiple ways. Firstly, she’s taught me the true meaning of dedication – not just showing up, but giving your all to something you believe in. Watching her balance a demanding career while raising two children and still finding time for community service has completely reshaped my perspective on time management. More importantly, she’s shown me that success isn’t measured solely by salary or status, but by the positive impact you have on others’ lives. Whenever I face challenges in my own studies or career, I think about her tireless spirit and it pushes me to persevere. She’s living proof that one person can make a genuine difference, and that’s the kind of person I aspire to become.

Phân Tích Band Điểm

Tiêu chí	Band	Nhận xét
Fluency & Coherence	7.5-8	Smooth delivery với minimal hesitation. Sử dụng sophisticated connectors (Despite, Beyond, What’s remarkable is). Clear progression of ideas.
Lexical Resource	7.5-8	Wide range: unwavering dedication, emotionally drained, compartmentalize, reshaped my perspective. Collocations chính xác: constant source of inspiration, guiding principle, tireless spirit.
Grammatical Range & Accuracy	7.5-8	Complex structures: present perfect, relative clauses, reported speech. Variety trong sentence types. Minimal errors.
Pronunciation	7.5-8	Clear pronunciation với good stress patterns. Natural intonation để emphasize key points.

So Sánh Với Band 6-7

Khía cạnh	Band 6-7	Band 7.5-8
Vocabulary	“active person”, “positive attitude”	“unwavering dedication”, “compartmentalize emotions”, “tireless spirit”
Grammar	“He told me that he had to walk…”	“She once told me that ‘every life matters,’ which has become…” (reported speech + relative clause)
Ideas	“He inspires me because he shows me that age is just a number”	“She’s shown me that success isn’t measured solely by salary or status, but by the positive impact you have on others’ lives” (more nuanced)
Examples	Số liệu đơn giản (75 years old, 10 kilometers)	Details cụ thể hơn (senior nurse, 25 years, charity clinic, underprivileged communities)

---

📝 Sample Answer – Band 8.5-9

Thời lượng: 2.5-3 phút đầy đủ

I’d like to tell you about someone who’s had a profound influence on my life – my uncle, who I consider not just family but a mentor and role model. He’s in his early fifties now and runs a social enterprise that focuses on providing vocational training to disadvantaged youth in rural Vietnam.

What makes his work particularly fascinating is the unconventional path he took to get there. He actually started out as a successful investment banker in Singapore, earning what most people would consider an impressive salary. However, about a decade ago, he had a major epiphany during a volunteer trip to the Central Highlands. He witnessed firsthand how a lack of practical skills and opportunities kept young people trapped in the cycle of poverty, and this experience fundamentally changed his trajectory. He gave up his lucrative career, much to my family’s initial dismay, and returned to Vietnam to establish his training center.

What I find most admirable about him are his unwavering conviction and remarkable pragmatism. Unlike many idealists who get discouraged by real-world obstacles, my uncle has this unique ability to balance passion with practicality. He’s incredibly resourceful – whether it’s securing funding through innovative partnerships with corporations or adapting his curriculum to match actual market demands. But beyond these practical skills, what really sets him apart is his genuine belief that every individual has untapped potential. He doesn’t see the young people he works with as charity cases but as future assets to society who just need the right support.

The inspiration I draw from him operates on several levels. On a superficial level, his story challenges conventional notions of success. He’s taught me that there’s no single blueprint for a fulfilling life and that sometimes the most rewarding path is the one that runs counter to societal expectations. More profoundly though, he’s shown me the power of aligning your actions with your values. I used to think that making a difference required grand gestures or waiting until you’ve “made it,” but watching him work has taught me that meaningful change starts with small, consistent actions. His approach has completely reframed how I think about my own career trajectory – I’ve become less fixated on traditional markers of success like job titles or salary brackets, and more interested in finding work that creates tangible positive impact.

Perhaps what inspires me most is his intellectual honesty about his own limitations and mistakes. He frequently admits when something isn’t working and isn’t afraid to pivot, which I think demonstrates real wisdom rather than weakness. This has taught me that being inspiring doesn’t mean being perfect – it’s about having the courage to pursue what you believe in while remaining open to growth and adaptation. Ultimately, my uncle embodies the kind of person I aspire to be: someone who leverages their privileges and skills not just for personal gain but to create opportunities for others, and who measures success by the lives they’ve touched rather than the wealth they’ve accumulated.

Phân Tích Band Điểm

Tiêu chí	Band	Nhận xét
Fluency & Coherence	8.5-9	Effortless delivery với sophisticated discourse markers. Logical progression từ description → qualities → multi-layered inspiration. Zero hesitation.
Lexical Resource	8.5-9	Exceptional range: had a major epiphany, fundamentally changed trajectory, unwavering conviction, runs counter to societal expectations, intellectual honesty. Precise và natural use of less common items.
Grammatical Range & Accuracy	8.5-9	Full range of structures: cleft sentences, inversion, complex conditionals, nominalization. Error-free throughout.
Pronunciation	8.5-9	Native-like features với appropriate stress, rhythm và intonation để convey nuanced meaning.

Tại Sao Bài Này Xuất Sắc

🎯 Fluency Hoàn Hảo:
Câu chuyện được kể một cách tự nhiên, flowing từ background → career change → qualities → multi-dimensional inspiration. Không có filler words không cần thiết, mỗi câu đều có purpose rõ ràng.

📚 Vocabulary Tinh Vi:

• “had a major epiphany” thay vì “realized” – chỉ sự thay đổi sâu sắc trong nhận thức
• “fundamentally changed his trajectory” thay vì “changed his path” – sophisticated noun phrase
• “runs counter to societal expectations” thay vì “different from society” – academic register nhưng vẫn natural
• “intellectual honesty” – precise term for complex concept
• “leverages their privileges” – technical vocabulary used appropriately

📝 Grammar Đa Dạng:

• Cleft sentence: “What makes his work particularly fascinating is the unconventional path…”
• Reported speech với direct quote: “He doesn’t see… as charity cases but as future assets…”
• Nominalization: “The inspiration I draw from him operates on several levels”
• Complex relative clauses: “someone who leverages their privileges… and who measures success…”
• Parallel structures: “not just family but a mentor…”, “not by wealth… but by lives…”

💡 Ideas Sâu Sắc:
Không chỉ miêu tả người đó làm gì mà phân tích:

• Contrast giữa conventional success và meaningful impact
• Multi-layered inspiration: superficial level vs profound level
• Philosophical insight: “being inspiring doesn’t mean being perfect”
• Personal growth: “reframed how I think about my own career trajectory”
• Broader implications về success và social responsibility

Để hiểu rõ hơn về cách diễn đạt những người có tư duy sáng tạo và độc đáo, bạn có thể tham khảo thêm bài viết describe a person who always has interesting ideas để mở rộng vốn từ vựng và cấu trúc câu cho chủ đề này.

Chiến lược trả lời hiệu quả IELTS Speaking Part 2 về thành viên gia đình truyền cảm hứng

Follow-up Questions (Rounding Off Questions)

Sau khi bạn kết thúc phần nói 2-3 phút, examiner có thể hỏi thêm 1-2 câu ngắn để chuyển sang Part 3. Đây là câu hỏi bridge, không cần trả lời quá dài.

Question 1: Do other people in your family also admire this person?

Band 6-7 Answer:
Yes, definitely. Everyone in my family respects him/her a lot because of what he/she has achieved. My siblings often talk about him/her as a good example.

Band 8-9 Answer:
Absolutely. He’s/She’s actually somewhat of a legend in our extended family. I think what resonates with everyone is not just his/her achievements but the authenticity and humility he/she maintains despite everything. My younger cousins particularly look up to him/her as a benchmark for what’s possible when you stay true to your principles.

---

Question 2: Has this person’s influence changed over time?

Band 6-7 Answer:
Yes, it has changed. When I was younger, I didn’t really understand why he/she did certain things. But now that I’m older, I appreciate his/her actions more and understand the reasons behind them.

Band 8-9 Answer:
The influence has definitely evolved and deepened. As a child, I admired the surface-level qualities – the accomplishments and recognition. But as I’ve matured and faced my own challenges, I’ve come to appreciate the more subtle aspects – his/her emotional intelligence, the way he/she handles adversity, and the quiet dignity with which he/she lives. It’s become a more nuanced appreciation rather than simple hero-worship.

IELTS Speaking Part 3: Two-way Discussion

Tổng Quan Về Part 3

Part 3 là phần thử thách nhất của IELTS Speaking, kéo dài 4-5 phút với các câu hỏi trừu tượng, yêu cầu phân tích và thảo luận sâu về chủ đề liên quan đến Part 2.

Thời gian: 4-5 phút

Đặc điểm:

• Câu hỏi mang tính philosophical, sociological
• Yêu cầu phân tích, so sánh, đánh giá
• Không còn personal stories mà là general observations
• Giám khảo có thể challenge quan điểm của bạn

Yêu cầu:

• Phân tích nhiều góc độ của vấn đề
• Đưa ra quan điểm có lý lẽ rõ ràng
• Acknowledge complexity và different perspectives
• Sử dụng examples từ society, không chỉ personal

Chiến lược:

• Mở rộng câu trả lời (4-6 câu tối thiểu)
• Structure: Direct answer → Reason 1 + example → Reason 2 + example → Conclusion/Nuance
• Sử dụng discourse markers: Well, Actually, From my perspective, On the one hand…
• Show critical thinking bằng cách thừa nhận counter-arguments
• Tránh generalization quá mức, dùng tentative language (tends to, might, could be)

Lỗi thường gặp của học viên Việt Nam:

• Trả lời quá ngắn (1-2 câu) như Part 1
• Không phân tích sâu, chỉ nêu opinion rồi dừng
• Thiếu từ vựng trừu tượng (abstract nouns)
• Không biết cách elaborate ideas
• Afraid to disagree hoặc present contrasting views
• Dùng quá nhiều personal examples thay vì societal observations

Các Câu Hỏi Thảo Luận Sâu

Các câu hỏi Part 3 thường được phân loại theo các góc độ khác nhau liên quan đến chủ đề chính. Với topic “family member who inspires you”, các themes phổ biến bao gồm:

Theme 1: Family Influence & Values

---

Question 1: Why do you think family members often have more influence on us than other people?

🎯 Phân tích câu hỏi:

• Dạng: Why question – cần đưa ra reasons, mechanisms
• Key words: “often”, “more influence”, “than other people”
• Cách tiếp cận: So sánh family influence vs other influences (friends, teachers, celebrities) → explain psychological/social reasons → give examples

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

I think family members have more influence because we spend more time with them than other people. We see them every day, so their behavior and values affect us naturally. Also, family members know us better than friends or teachers, so their advice is usually more suitable for our situations. For example, parents understand their children’s personalities, so they can give better guidance.

Phân tích:

• Structure: Có comparison cơ bản (family vs others), có reason và example
• Vocabulary: Adequate nhưng đơn giản (spend time, affect us, better guidance)
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Trả lời đúng câu hỏi nhưng thiếu depth và sophisticated language. Chưa explore psychological aspects.

---

📝 Sample Answer – Band 8-9:

Well, I think there are several factors at play here. From a psychological standpoint, family members shape us during our most formative years when we’re highly impressionable and still developing our core identity. Unlike teachers or friends who enter our lives at specific stages, family influence is constant and pervasive – it operates almost at a subconscious level through daily interactions and observed behaviors.

On top of that, there’s what I’d call an emotional intimacy factor. We’re more likely to internalize values and behaviors from people we have deep emotional bonds with. When my mother demonstrates resilience, for instance, it resonates more profoundly than if a celebrity talks about the same quality, because there’s an emotional investment in that relationship. The influence isn’t just intellectual – it’s visceral.

I’d also argue that family members provide a reference point for what’s normal or achievable. If you grow up seeing someone in your family overcome obstacles, it creates a mental blueprint that success is possible. This is quite different from admiring a distant public figure, where you might think “Well, they’re exceptional, but that’s not realistic for someone like me.” The proximity and relatability of family makes their influence more tangible.

That said, I should acknowledge that this isn’t universally true. Some people are more influenced by mentors or peers, especially if family dynamics are strained or if they actively seek to forge their own path distinct from family patterns.

Phân tích:

• Structure: Well-organized: Direct answer với “several factors” → Factor 1 (psychological) → Factor 2 (emotional) → Factor 3 (reference point) → Acknowledgment of nuance
• Vocabulary: Sophisticated: formative years, highly impressionable, pervasive, internalize values, visceral, mental blueprint, forge their own path
• Grammar: Complex structures: Unlike X who…, When my mother…, If you grow up seeing…, This is quite different from…
• Critical Thinking: Balanced view với counter-argument ở cuối, shows awareness of complexity

💡 Key Language Features:

• Discourse markers: Well, From a psychological standpoint, On top of that, I’d also argue, That said
• Tentative language: I think, I’d call, might think, isn’t universally true
• Abstract nouns: intimacy factor, emotional investment, reference point, dynamics
• Academic phrases: factors at play, operates at a subconscious level, creates a mental blueprint

---

Question 2: Do you think the importance of family is changing in modern society?

🎯 Phân tích câu hỏi:

• Dạng: Opinion + Change over time
• Key words: “importance”, “changing”, “modern society”
• Cách tiếp cận: Acknowledge the change → reasons (urbanization, technology, individualism) → positive/negative effects → personal view

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

Yes, I think family is becoming less important nowadays. Many young people move to big cities for work, so they don’t live with their families anymore. Also, people are busier with their careers and spend more time on social media instead of talking to family members. However, I still believe family is important for emotional support.

Phân tích:

• Structure: Yes + reasons nhưng còn simple
• Vocabulary: Basic expressions (less important, move to big cities, spend time on)
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Adequate response nhưng thiếu nuance, chưa có deep analysis về “how” và “why”

---

📝 Sample Answer – Band 8.5-9:

This is quite a contentious topic, actually. I’d say the role of family is evolving rather than diminishing. What we’re witnessing is a shift in how family functions operate rather than a decline in their importance.

On the one hand, there are certainly factors that seem to weaken traditional family bonds. Geographic mobility has scattered families across cities and countries, replacing daily face-to-face interactions with occasional video calls. The rise of digital communication has also created what some scholars call “alone together” phenomenon – we might be physically present at a family dinner but mentally absorbed in our devices. Moreover, the emphasis on individual achievement and self-actualization in modern society sometimes runs counter to traditional collectivist family values, particularly in Asian cultures like Vietnam.

On the other hand, I’d argue that family remains fundamentally crucial, but its manifestation has changed. We’re seeing a quality over quantity approach – fewer family members gathering less frequently, but with more intentional connection. Technology, while disruptive, has also enabled families separated by distance to maintain emotional proximity in ways previous generations couldn’t. My own uncle, for instance, video calls his elderly parents daily despite living abroad – a level of consistent contact that wouldn’t have been possible decades ago.

What’s really interesting is the emergence of “chosen families” – close friend networks that fulfill traditional family roles. This doesn’t necessarily mean biological family is less important; rather, the definition of family is becoming more fluid and inclusive.

To sum up, I believe we’re in a transitional period where the importance of family persists but the structure and dynamics are being redefined. The core human need for belonging, support, and continuity that family provides remains unchanged – it’s just being fulfilled in more diverse ways.

Phân tích:

• Structure: Exceptionally well-organized: Acknowledgment of complexity → On the one hand (challenges) → On the other hand (persistence) → Interesting trend → Conclusion
• Vocabulary: Sophisticated: contentious topic, geographic mobility, alone together phenomenon, self-actualization, chosen families, transitional period
• Grammar: Full range: replacing X with Y, despite + gerund, while + adjective, clauses within clauses
• Critical Thinking: Nuanced view không black-and-white, cites scholarly concepts, personal examples balanced với societal observations

💡 Key Language Features:

• Hedging: quite, seem to, sometimes, I’d argue
• Sophisticated transitions: On the one hand, On the other hand, Moreover, What’s really interesting is
• Academic vocabulary: phenomenon, manifestation, proximity, emergence
• Phrasal verbs used naturally: runs counter to, sum up

---

Theme 2: Role Models & Inspiration

Question 3: What makes someone a good role model?

🎯 Phân tích câu hỏi:

• Dạng: What makes – cần analyze characteristics/qualities
• Key words: “good role model”
• Cách tiếp cận: Define what role model means → list qualities (authenticity, achievement, character) → explain why these matter → examples

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

A good role model is someone who has good qualities that others want to learn. They should be successful in their work and have good behavior. For example, they should be honest, hardworking, and kind to others. People will want to follow their example if they see these positive qualities.

Phân tích:

• Structure: Definition + qualities + example, nhưng còn basic
• Vocabulary: Repetitive “good”, simple adjectives
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Clear message nhưng lacks sophistication và depth

---

📝 Sample Answer – Band 8.5-9:

I’d say a truly effective role model embodies several key characteristics. First and foremost, authenticity is paramount. People can detect inauthenticity from a mile away, and nothing undermines someone’s credibility faster than the sense that they’re putting on a facade. A good role model needs to be genuine – acknowledging their struggles and failures, not just showcasing their successes.

Beyond authenticity, I think demonstrated competence in their field matters significantly. It’s not enough to simply talk about values – role models need to walk the walk. This doesn’t mean they have to be perfect, but they should show a consistent commitment to their principles and tangible evidence of living according to them. Take my uncle, whom I mentioned earlier – his credibility as a role model stems not from preaching about social responsibility, but from actually leaving a lucrative career to work with disadvantaged youth.

Another crucial element is what I’d call accessible excellence – they’re accomplished enough to aspire to, but relatable enough that their achievements don’t seem completely out of reach. This is why family members often make more impactful role models than distant celebrities. There’s a psychological sweet spot between “too similar to inspire” and “too different to relate to.”

Finally, I believe emotional intelligence and humility are understated qualities in role models. Someone who demonstrates how to handle failure gracefully, how to adapt when things don’t go as planned, and how to maintain composure under pressure – these are profoundly valuable lessons that often matter more than any specific achievement.

What distinguishes a good role model from merely an accomplished person, in my view, is the intentionality behind their influence. They’re not just living well themselves; they’re conscious of how their actions impact others and deliberately choose to set an example worth following.

Phân tích:

• Structure: Clear hierarchy: First and foremost → Beyond that → Another element → Finally → Distinguishing insight
• Vocabulary: Exceptional range: paramount, undermines credibility, tangible evidence, accessible excellence, psychological sweet spot, understated qualities
• Grammar: Sophisticated structures: It’s not enough to…, This doesn’t mean…, What distinguishes X from Y is…
• Critical Thinking: Multi-dimensional analysis, contrast between types of role models, philosophical insight ở cuối

Nếu bạn quan tâm đến việc tìm hiểu thêm về những người có kiến thức sâu rộng trong lĩnh vực của họ, hãy xem bài viết Describe a person who is very knowledgeable in their field để có thêm góc nhìn về cách miêu tả chuyên môn và ảnh hưởng của một người.

---

Question 4: Is it better to have role models from your own family or from outside?

🎯 Phân tích câu hỏi:

• Dạng: Comparison – better to X or Y
• Key words: “better”, “own family”, “outside”
• Cách tiếp cận: Present advantages của cả hai → không cần chọn definitive answer → depend on circumstances

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

I think both are important. Family role models are good because they are close to us and we can learn from them directly. Outside role models like teachers or famous people are also useful because they can show us different perspectives and possibilities that our family might not have. The best situation is to have both types of role models.

Phân tích:

• Structure: Balanced view nhưng chưa elaborate
• Vocabulary: Simple (good, useful, best situation)
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Safe answer nhưng thiếu compelling arguments

---

📝 Sample Answer – Band 8.5-9:

I don’t think there’s a definitive answer to this – both sources of inspiration have distinct advantages, and ideally, a well-rounded person draws from both.

Family role models offer something irreplaceable: proximity and context. When you witness someone in your family navigate challenges similar to your own – perhaps dealing with the same cultural expectations or working within comparable constraints – their success becomes a concrete proof of concept rather than an abstract possibility. There’s also an intimacy of knowledge – you see not just their achievements but the unglamorous daily habits that led there. This demystifies success and makes it feel more attainable.

However, role models from outside the family serve equally important functions. They can expose you to possibilities that simply don’t exist in your immediate circle. If you grow up in a family of, say, doctors and engineers, but you’re passionate about art or social entrepreneurship, looking outward becomes essential for validating unconventional aspirations. External role models can also provide more objective inspiration – sometimes family dynamics complicate things, and we need figures we admire without the baggage of family relationships.

What I find most valuable is a diversified approach. Family role models can provide the foundation – core values, work ethic, resilience in the face of familiar challenges. External role models can offer the expansion – new perspectives, alternative paths, broader horizons. The danger lies in being limited to just one source: only family might constrain your vision, while only external figures can feel inspirational but not practically applicable to your specific context.

Actually, I’d argue that the process of integrating lessons from multiple role models – family and otherwise – is itself a valuable skill. It teaches you to synthesize different approaches, adapt principles to your unique circumstances, and forge your own path rather than simply replicating someone else’s.

Phân tích:

• Structure: Thesis (no definitive answer) → Family advantages with elaboration → Outside advantages with elaboration → Synthesis approach → Meta-insight
• Vocabulary: Exceptional: distinct advantages, concrete proof of concept, demystifies success, validating unconventional aspirations, diversified approach, synthesize different approaches
• Grammar: Advanced: While X provides Y, Z serves W function; The danger lies in…ing; ranging from X to Y
• Critical Thinking: Refuses binary thinking, proposes integrated approach, meta-level observation về learning process itself

---

Theme 3: Generational Differences

Question 5: How have role models changed from your parents’ generation to your generation?

🎯 Phân tích câu hỏi:

• Dạng: How – describe changes over time
• Key words: “changed”, “parents’ generation”, “your generation”
• Cách tiếp cận: Identify key shifts (values, accessibility, diversity) → explain causes (technology, globalization) → implications

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

Role models have changed a lot. In my parents’ generation, they mostly looked up to teachers, doctors, or local leaders. Now, young people have many different types of role models, including social media influencers and entrepreneurs. Also, we can learn about role models from all over the world through the internet, not just from our local community.

Phân tích:

• Structure: Then vs now comparison, có mention technology
• Vocabulary: Basic (looked up to, learn about, all over the world)
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Identifies the change nhưng analysis còn surface-level

---

📝 Sample Answer – Band 8.5-9:

The landscape of role models has undergone a dramatic transformation between generations, driven largely by technological disruption and shifting societal values.

From an accessibility standpoint, my parents’ generation had a relatively narrow pool of role models – primarily people within their immediate community or highly curated public figures featured in limited media channels. Role models were often institutional figures: teachers, doctors, local leaders, or occasionally, sanitized versions of national heroes presented in textbooks. The narrative was tightly controlled, and you got a very filtered view of these individuals.

In stark contrast, my generation has unprecedented access to a diverse array of potential role models across the globe, thanks to social media and digital platforms. We can follow entrepreneurs documenting their startup journey in real-time, watch creators share their creative process, or engage with activists explaining their advocacy work. What’s revolutionary is the unfiltered nature of this exposure – we see not just the highlight reel but also the struggles, failures, and behind-the-scenes reality. This has made role models simultaneously more relatable and more diverse.

There’s also been a fundamental shift in the qualities we admire. My parents’ generation valued stability, conformity to social norms, and traditional markers of success – secure job, respectable profession, conventional life path. Contemporary role models, by contrast, often embody risk-taking, innovation, authenticity, and social consciousness. We celebrate people who disrupt industries, challenge the status quo, or pursue unconventional paths – qualities that might have been viewed with suspicion or concern by previous generations.

However, this abundance comes with a significant downside: the phenomenon of curated personas. With the rise of personal branding and social media, the line between authentic role models and manufactured influencers has become blurry. My parents might have had fewer options but clearer authenticity; we have infinite choices but must navigate what I’d call “performative inspiration” – people whose role model status is more about strategic self-presentation than genuine substance.

The implications are profound. On the positive side, democratized access means young people from any background can find role models who resonate with their specific aspirations and identity, whether that’s a Vietnamese woman in tech, a LGBTQ+ activist, or a social entrepreneur from a similar socioeconomic background. The flip side is the paradox of choice – so many options that it becomes difficult to commit to any particular path, and the risk of superficial inspiration from carefully curated online personas.

Phân tích:

• Structure: Thesis → Past (parents’ generation) → Present (our generation) → Values shift → Downside acknowledgment → Implications
• Vocabulary: Outstanding: dramatic transformation, technological disruption, tightly controlled, unprecedented access, highlight reel, performative inspiration, democratized access, paradox of choice
• Grammar: Full range: driven largely by, thanks to, What’s revolutionary is, qualities that might have been, whether that’s
• Critical Thinking: Multi-layered analysis covering access, values, authenticity, và implications cả positive lẫn negative

Để mở rộng vốn từ vựng về chủ đề thành tựu cá nhân và cảm hứng sống, bạn có thể tham khảo thêm Describe a time when you achieved something significant để học cách kết nối câu chuyện cá nhân với những bài học rút ra được.

Từ vựng IELTS Speaking band cao miêu tả người truyền cảm hứng với collocations và idioms

---

Question 6: Do you think young people today are more independent from their families compared to the past?

🎯 Phân tích câu hỏi:

• Dạng: Opinion + comparison (today vs past)
• Key words: “more independent”, “compared to the past”
• Cách tiếp cận: Define independence → analyze changes (economic, social, cultural) → balanced view với acknowledgment of counter-trends

📝 Sample Answer – Band 7-7.5:

Yes, I believe young people are more independent nowadays. They have more freedom to choose their careers and lifestyles compared to their parents’ generation. Many young people move out of their family home earlier to study or work in different cities. They also make important decisions by themselves, like choosing who to marry, without needing family approval as much as before. However, in some aspects, young people still depend on their families, especially financially, because living costs are higher now.

Phân tích:

• Structure: Clear position + reasons + acknowledgment
• Vocabulary: Adequate: freedom to choose, make decisions, family approval, depend on financially
• Tại sao Band 7-7.5: Good structure và balanced view, nhưng vocabulary chưa đủ sophisticated và analysis chưa sâu

---

📝 Sample Answer – Band 8.5-9:

This is a fascinating paradox actually, because the answer depends entirely on which dimension of independence we’re examining. I’d argue that young people today are simultaneously more and less independent than previous generations in different ways.

In terms of personal autonomy and lifestyle choices, there’s no question that young people enjoy far greater freedom. We’re no longer bound by the rigid social scripts that dictated our parents’ generation – who to marry, what career to pursue, where to live, when to have children. The stigma around unconventional choices has diminished significantly. Young people today can openly pursue creative careers, remain single into their thirties, choose not to have children, or live abroad without facing the level of social censure that previous generations would have encountered. This represents genuine progress in individual agency.

However, when it comes to economic independence, the picture is far more complicated. The cost of living, particularly housing, has skyrocketed relative to wages, making financial self-sufficiency much harder to achieve at a young age. Many young people in their twenties or even early thirties still rely on parental support for major purchases or living expenses – a situation that would have been almost embarrassing for previous generations who often achieved economic independence much earlier. I know several peers who’ve had to move back in with their parents after university, something that creates an interesting tension between their personal independence and financial reality.

There’s also what sociologists call “extended adolescence” – the period between childhood and full adult independence is stretching longer. While my parents’ generation might have been fully established by their mid-twenties – married, homeowners, parents themselves – people in my generation are taking a much more exploratory path, which delays traditional markers of independence but arguably allows for more thoughtful life choices.

Culturally, I’d say we’re witnessing a shift from collective to individual orientation, particularly in Asian societies like Vietnam. Young people are less willing to sacrifice personal fulfillment for family expectations, yet paradoxically, we’re also more emotionally dependent on our families for support and validation than we might care to admit. The digital tether of constant communication means we’re simultaneously living independently yet remaining intensely connected to family in ways that wouldn’t have been possible for previous generations who moved away.

So to directly answer your question: young people today enjoy greater autonomy over their life choices but face more challenging economic circumstances that can constrain actual independence. We’re psychologically and socially more independent but often economically more dependent – a complex reality that doesn’t fit neatly into a simple “more or less independent” categorization.

Phân tích:

• Structure: Thesis (paradox) → Personal autonomy (independent) → Economic reality (dependent) → Extended adolescence phenomenon → Cultural shift + nuance → Synthesis conclusion
• Vocabulary: Exceptional: fascinating paradox, rigid social scripts, social censure, individual agency, skyrocketed, extended adolescence, digital tether, autonomy vs circumstances
• Grammar: Sophisticated: the answer depends on, there’s no question that, the picture is complicated, something that creates, who might have been
• Critical Thinking: Refuses simplistic answer, examines multiple dimensions, acknowledges contradictions, sociological concepts, nuanced conclusion

💡 Key Language Features:

• Academic vocabulary: dimension, autonomy, stigma, censure, self-sufficiency, orientation
• Hedging and nuance: depends entirely on, arguably, I’d say, paradoxically, wouldn’t have been
• Contrast structures: simultaneously more and less, while X…, Y, yet paradoxically, not X but Y
• Sociological framing: “what sociologists call”, “extended adolescence”, “digital tether”

Từ vựng và cụm từ quan trọng

Topic-Specific Vocabulary

Từ vựng/Cụm từ	Loại từ	Phiên âm	Nghĩa tiếng Việt	Ví dụ	Collocation
unwavering dedication	noun phrase	/ʌnˈweɪvərɪŋ ˌdedɪˈkeɪʃn/	sự cống hiến không lay chuyển	Her unwavering dedication to her students inspired me to pursue teaching.	show ~, demonstrate ~, exemplify ~, maintain ~
profound influence	noun phrase	/prəˈfaʊnd ˈɪnfluəns/	ảnh hưởng sâu sắc	My grandmother had a profound influence on my values and worldview.	have ~, exert ~, wield ~, leave ~
formative years	noun phrase	/ˈfɔːmətɪv jɪəz/	những năm hình thành nhân cách	Family experiences during our formative years shape who we become.	during ~, in ~, throughout ~, ~ of childhood
resilience	noun	/rɪˈzɪliəns/	khả năng phục hồi, sức bền	His resilience in facing adversity taught me never to give up.	show ~, demonstrate ~, build ~, develop ~, remarkable ~
go-to person	noun phrase	/ˈɡəʊ tuː ˈpɜːsn/	người đầu tiên nghĩ tới khi cần giúp đỡ	She’s my go-to person whenever I need advice about career decisions.	be someone’s ~, become ~, rely on ~
compassion	noun	/kəmˈpæʃn/	lòng trcompassion	Her compassion for others, especially those less fortunate, is truly inspiring.	show ~, demonstrate ~, have ~ for, act with ~, deep ~
bounce back from setbacks	verb phrase	/baʊns bæk frɒm ˈsetbæks/	phục hồi sau thất bại	Watching him bounce back from setbacks taught me resilience.	ability to ~, manage to ~, quickly ~, eventually ~
role model	noun	/rəʊl ˈmɒdl/	hình mẫu, tấm gương	My older sister has always been my role model for academic achievement.	serve as ~, act as ~, positive ~, inspiring ~, look up to ~
work ethic	noun phrase	/wɜːk ˈeθɪk/	đạo đức nghề nghiệp, tinh thần làm việc	I inherited my strong work ethic from my father.	strong ~, solid ~, develop ~, instill ~, admirable ~
stay grounded	verb phrase	/steɪ ˈɡraʊndɪd/	giữ vững bản thân, khiêm tốn	Despite his success, he always stays grounded and humble.	manage to ~, help someone ~, remain ~, ~ despite success
perseverance	noun	/ˌpɜːsɪˈvɪərəns/	sự kiên trì	Her perseverance through difficult times shows true strength of character.	show ~, demonstrate ~, require ~, remarkable ~, through ~
instill values	verb phrase	/ɪnˈstɪl ˈvæljuːz/	truyền đạt giá trị	My parents instilled values of honesty and integrity in us from a young age.	~ in children, ~ from early age, successfully ~, help ~
unconventional path	noun phrase	/ˌʌnkənˈvenʃənl pɑːθ/	con đường không theo lối mòn	She took an unconventional path by leaving corporate work to start a social enterprise.	choose ~, follow ~, take ~, pursue ~, forge ~
emotional intelligence	noun phrase	/ɪˈməʊʃənl ɪnˈtelɪdʒəns/	trí tuệ cảm xúc	His emotional intelligence helps him navigate complex family dynamics.	high ~, develop ~, demonstrate ~, lack ~, possess ~
make sacrifices	verb phrase	/meɪk ˈsækrɪfaɪsɪz/	hy sinh, chấp nhận đánh đổi	She made countless sacrifices to ensure her children had better opportunities.	willing to ~, ~ for family, ~ for others, personal ~, tremendous ~

Idiomatic Expressions & Advanced Phrases

Cụm từ	Nghĩa	Ví dụ sử dụng	Band điểm
actions speak louder than words	hành động quan trọng hơn lời nói	My father taught me that actions speak louder than words through his own example.	7.5-8
walk the walk	làm đúng những gì mình nói	He doesn’t just talk about values; he walks the walk in his daily life.	7.5-8
go the extra mile	làm nhiều hơn mức yêu cầu	She always goes the extra mile to help others, which I find inspiring.	7-8
lead by example	làm gương, nêu tấm gương	My uncle leads by example, showing rather than telling people how to live well.	7.5-8
be cut from the same cloth	giống nhau, cùng một khuôn mẫu	People say my sister and I are cut from the same cloth in terms of work ethic.	8-8.5
stand the test of time	trường tồn với thời gian	The values my grandmother instilled in us have stood the test of time.	7.5-8
rise to the occasion	đối mặt với thử thách, vượt qua thử thách	She always rises to the occasion when facing challenges, which inspires me.	7.5-8
silver lining	điểm sáng trong hoàn cảnh khó khăn	Even in difficult situations, she finds the silver lining and stays positive.	7-8
against all odds	bất chấp mọi khó khăn	Against all odds, he built a successful business from nothing.	8-8.5
a force to be reckoned with	người đáng gờm, có sức ảnh hưởng lớn	My mother is a force to be reckoned with in her field of nursing.	8.5-9
wear many hats	đảm nhận nhiều vai trò	She wears many hats – mother, professional, and community volunteer.	7-8
practice what you preach	thực hiện những gì mình khuyên người khác	I respect him because he practices what he preaches about sustainability.	7.5-8

Khi nói về động lực duy trì lối sống lành mạnh, chủ đề này có nhiều điểm tương đồng với việc một người truyền cảm hứng trong gia đình. Bạn có thể xem thêm describe a person who motivates you to stay healthy để học thêm cách diễn đạt về ảnh hưởng tích cực của người khác.

Discourse Markers (Từ Nối Ý Trong Speaking)

Để bắt đầu câu trả lời:

• 📝 Well,… – Dùng khi cần một chút thời gian suy nghĩ, tạo sự tự nhiên
• 📝 Actually,… – Khi muốn đưa ra góc nhìn hơi khác hoặc surprising information
• 📝 To be honest,… – Khi nói thật về suy nghĩ cá nhân
• 📝 I’d say that… – Cách tentative để đưa ra quan điểm
• 📝 From my perspective,… – Nhấn mạnh đây là góc nhìn cá nhân
• 📝 The way I see it,… – Tương tự, personal viewpoint

Để bổ sung ý:

• 📝 On top of that,… – Thêm vào đó, sophisticated hơn “Also”
• 📝 What’s more,… – Hơn nữa, formal style
• 📝 Not to mention… – Chưa kể đến
• 📝 Beyond that,… – Xa hơn thế nữa
• 📝 In addition to that,… – Ngoài ra
• 📝 Furthermore,… – Formal, academic style

Để đưa ra quan điểm cân bằng:

• 📝 On the one hand,… On the other hand,… – Classic balanced structure
• 📝 While it’s true that…, we also need to consider… – Acknowledge một mặt trước khi present mặt khác
• 📝 That said,… – Tuy nhiên, dùng để pivot sang contrasting point
• 📝 Having said that,… – Tương tự “That said”
• 📝 At the same time,… – Đồng thời, cho parallel ideas

Để đưa ra ví dụ:

• 📝 For instance,… – Formal hơn “For example”
• 📝 Take my uncle, for instance,… – Natural way to introduce personal example
• 📝 A case in point is… – Very sophisticated
• 📝 To give you a concrete example,… – Emphasize tính cụ thể

Để kết luận:

• 📝 All in all,… – Tóm lại
• 📝 At the end of the day,… – Cuối cùng thì (informal but natural)
• 📝 To sum up,… – Tổng kết
• 📝 Ultimately,… – Cuối cùng, sau tất cả
• 📝 In the final analysis,… – Very formal

Để acknowledge complexity:

• 📝 It’s a bit of a mixed bag,… – Có cả tốt lẫn xấu
• 📝 The picture is more complicated than that,… – Tình hình phức tạp hơn
• 📝 There are multiple factors at play,… – Có nhiều yếu tố
• 📝 It’s not quite that simple,… – Không đơn giản như vậy

Grammatical Structures Ấn Tượng

1. Conditional Sentences (Câu điều kiện):

• Mixed conditional: “If my mother hadn’t been so dedicated to her career, I wouldn’t be where I am today.” (Kết hợp quá khứ và hiện tại)

• Third conditional: “If I hadn’t witnessed my grandfather’s resilience, I might have given up during difficult times.”

• Inversion for emphasis: “Had I not had such a strong role model in my family, my values would be very different.” (Formal, Band 8+)

2. Relative Clauses (Mệnh đề quan hệ):

• Non-defining: “My sister, who has always been my inspiration, recently started her own business.”

• Non-defining with which referring to whole clause: “She volunteers every weekend, which I find incredibly admirable.”

• Reduced relative clause: “People facing similar challenges often find inspiration in her story.” (people who are facing…)

3. Passive Voice (Câu bị động):

• It is thought/believed/said that… “It’s widely believed that family has the strongest influence during childhood.”

• Advanced passive structures: “The values I was instilled with have shaped my entire worldview.”

4. Cleft Sentences (Câu chẻ – để nhấn mạnh):

• What + clause: “What I find most inspiring about him is his ability to stay humble despite success.”

• The thing that…: “The thing that really sets her apart is her unwavering integrity.”

• It is/was… that/who: “It was my grandmother who first taught me the importance of education.”

5. Participle Clauses:

• Present participle: “Having overcome numerous obstacles, she serves as proof that anything is possible.”

• Perfect participle: “Having worked in the field for decades, he has invaluable experience to share.”

6. Inversion structures:

• Not only… but also: “Not only does she excel in her career, but she also dedicates time to community service.”

• Rarely/Seldom: “Rarely have I met someone with such genuine compassion.”

• Never: “Never have I encountered someone who embodies these values so completely.”

7. Nominalization (Biến động từ thành danh từ – academic style):

• Instead of: “She persevered through difficulties” → “Her perseverance through difficulties”

• Instead of: “The way she influenced me” → “Her influence on me”

• “The emergence of social media has changed how we view role models.”

Cấu trúc ngữ pháp band cao trong IELTS Speaking với ví dụ minh họa

---

Bài viết này đã cung cấp cho bạn một hướng dẫn toàn diện về cách trả lời chủ đề “describe a family member who inspires you” trong IELTS Speaking. Từ các câu hỏi Part 1 ngắn gọn, đến bài nói dài Part 2 với nhiều mức band điểm khác nhau, cho đến các câu hỏi thảo luận sâu Part 3 – tất cả đều được phân tích chi tiết từ góc nhìn của một examiner giàu kinh nghiệm.

Điều quan trọng nhất cần nhớ là IELTS Speaking đánh giá khả năng giao tiếp thực tế của bạn, không phải việc học thuộc template. Hãy tập trung vào việc phát triển vốn từ vựng tự nhiên, cấu trúc câu đa dạng, và quan trọng nhất là khả năng diễn đạt ý tưởng của bản thân một cách rõ ràng và thuyết phục. Những bài mẫu trong bài viết này nên được dùng như nguồn tham khảo để hiểu cách build up ideas và sử dụng ngôn ngữ phù hợp, chứ không phải để học thuộc lòng.

Chúc bạn thành công trong kỳ thi IELTS Speaking sắp tới!