IELTS Speaking: Cách Trả Lời “Describe A Famous River Or Lake You Visited” – Bài Mẫu Band 6-9

Mở bài

Chủ đề “Describe A Famous River Or Lake You Visited” là một trong những đề bài phổ biến trong IELTS Speaking Part 2, thường xoay quanh việc miêu tả các địa điểm tự nhiên mà bạn đã từng ghé thăm. Đây là dạng câu hỏi kết hợp giữa việc tả cảnh và kể trải nghiệm cá nhân, đòi hỏi bạn không chỉ miêu tả nơi đó như thế nào mà còn phải giải thích cảm nhận, ấn tượng của bản thân.

Từ góc độ của một examiner với 20 năm kinh nghiệm, tôi nhận thấy chủ đề này xuất hiện với tần suất khá cao trong các đề thi từ 2020 đến 2024, đặc biệt là trong các kỳ thi tại khu vực Châu Á. Mức độ phổ biến được đánh giá ở mức trung bình đến cao, với khả năng xuất hiện trong tương lai vẫn rất cao do tính thực tế và gần gũi của đề tài.

Trong bài viết này, bạn sẽ học được:

• Các câu hỏi thường gặp trong cả 3 Part liên quan đến sông, hồ và địa danh tự nhiên
• Bài mẫu chi tiết theo nhiều band điểm từ 6-7, 7.5-8 đến 8.5-9
• Kho từ vựng và cụm từ ăn điểm về chủ đề thiên nhiên, địa lý và du lịch
• Chiến lược trả lời hiệu quả từng phần thi
• Lời khuyên từ góc nhìn Examiner để tránh những lỗi phổ biến của học viên Việt Nam

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IELTS Speaking Part 1: Introduction and Interview

Tổng Quan Về Part 1

Thời gian: 4-5 phút
Đặc điểm: Câu hỏi ngắn về đời sống hàng ngày, sở thích cá nhân
Chiến lược: Trả lời tự nhiên, mở rộng ý với 2-3 câu, thêm ví dụ cụ thể
Lỗi thường gặp của học viên Việt Nam:

• Trả lời quá ngắn gọn, chỉ Yes/No
• Dùng từ vựng quá đơn giản như “very beautiful”, “very good”
• Thiếu ví dụ cụ thể từ kinh nghiệm bản thân
• Không mở rộng câu trả lời một cách tự nhiên

Các Câu Hỏi Thường Gặp

Question 1: Do you like visiting natural places like rivers or lakes?
Question 2: Are there any famous rivers or lakes in your hometown?
Question 3: How often do you go to places near water?
Question 4: Did you visit any rivers or lakes when you were a child?
Question 5: What activities do people usually do at rivers or lakes?
Question 6: Do you prefer mountains or water bodies?
Question 7: Would you like to live near a river or lake?
Question 8: What’s the most beautiful natural place you’ve visited?

Phân Tích và Gợi Ý Trả Lời Chi Tiết

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Question: Do you like visiting natural places like rivers or lakes?

🎯 Cách tiếp cận:

• Trả lời trực tiếp câu hỏi (Yes/No)
• Đưa ra lý do cụ thể
• Thêm ví dụ hoặc kinh nghiệm cá nhân

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

Yes, I do. I think natural places are very beautiful and relaxing. I like to go there on weekends with my family because the air is fresh and I can take many photos.

Phân tích:

• Điểm mạnh: Trả lời trực tiếp, có lý do cơ bản, đề cập đến tần suất
• Hạn chế: Từ vựng đơn giản (very beautiful, fresh), thiếu chi tiết cụ thể về cảm nhận
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Đủ ý để trả lời câu hỏi nhưng chưa thể hiện được vốn từ vựng phong phú và cấu trúc ngữ pháp đa dạng

📝 Sample Answer – Band 8-9:

Absolutely! I’m really drawn to natural landscapes, especially water bodies like rivers and lakes. There’s something incredibly therapeutic about being near water – it helps me unwind after a hectic week at work. I particularly enjoy the tranquility and the pristine air you get at these places, which is quite a stark contrast to the hustle and bustle of city life.

Phân tích:

• Điểm mạnh: Sử dụng từ vựng tinh tế (drawn to, therapeutic, unwind, tranquility, pristine), cấu trúc câu phức tạp với relative clause, có so sánh rõ ràng
• Tại sao Band 8-9:
  • Fluency: Câu trả lời tự nhiên, liền mạch không do dự
  • Vocabulary: Collocations chính xác (drawn to, stark contrast to), từ vựng nâng cao về cảm xúc
  • Grammar: Sử dụng present simple, there’s + adjective structure, which-clause
  • Pronunciation: Stress đúng từ nhiều âm tiết

💡 Key Vocabulary & Expressions:

• be drawn to something: bị thu hút bởi điều gì đó
• therapeutic: có tác dụng chữa lành, thư giãn
• unwind: thư giãn, giải tỏa căng thẳng
• tranquility: sự yên bình
• a stark contrast to: đối lập hoàn toàn với

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Question: Are there any famous rivers or lakes in your hometown?

🎯 Cách tiếp cận:

• Trả lời có hay không
• Nếu có, nêu tên và mô tả ngắn gọn
• Nếu không, có thể nói về nơi gần nhất hoặc so sánh

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

Yes, there is a lake near my hometown called West Lake. It’s quite big and many people go there for walking and relaxing. There are also some restaurants around the lake where you can enjoy local food.

Phân tích:

• Điểm mạnh: Có thông tin cụ thể (tên hồ), đề cập hoạt động và tiện ích
• Hạn chế: Cấu trúc câu đơn giản, từ vựng cơ bản (quite big, many people)
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Truyền đạt thông tin rõ ràng nhưng thiếu sự phong phú trong cách diễn đạt

📝 Sample Answer – Band 8-9:

Actually, yes. My hometown is situated near Hoan Kiem Lake, which is not only famous but also holds great historical significance for locals. It’s nestled in the heart of the Old Quarter and has been a cultural landmark for centuries. The lake is surrounded by ancient trees and well-preserved French colonial architecture, which creates a really picturesque setting. On weekends, it becomes a bustling hub where people gather to exercise, socialize, or simply soak in the atmosphere.

Phân tích:

• Điểm mạnh: Sử dụng từ vựng địa lý chính xác (situated near, nestled in), collocations mạnh (holds great significance, cultural landmark, picturesque setting), cấu trúc câu phức tạp với which-clause và where-clause
• Tại sao Band 8-9:
  • Fluency: Mạch lạc, nhiều ý được nối với nhau tự nhiên
  • Vocabulary: Topic-specific vocabulary về địa lý và văn hóa
  • Grammar: Passive voice (is surrounded by, well-preserved), relative clauses
  • Content: Nhiều chiều thông tin (vị trí, ý nghĩa lịch sử, kiến trúc, hoạt động)

💡 Key Vocabulary & Expressions:

• be situated near: tọa lạc gần
• hold great significance: có ý nghĩa quan trọng
• be nestled in: nằm ẩn mình trong
• cultural landmark: địa danh văn hóa
• picturesque setting: khung cảnh đẹp như tranh vẽ
• bustling hub: trung tâm nhộn nhịp
• soak in the atmosphere: đắm mình trong không khí

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Question: How often do you go to places near water?

🎯 Cách tiếp cận:

• Nói về tần suất cụ thể
• Giải thích lý do tần suất đó
• Có thể đề cập điều kiện hoặc hoàn cảnh

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

I don’t go very often, maybe once or twice a month. I’m quite busy with work so I don’t have much free time. But when I go, I really enjoy it and feel relaxed.

Phân tích:

• Điểm mạnh: Có tần suất cụ thể, đưa ra lý do
• Hạn chế: Câu trả lời hơi ngắn, từ vựng lặp lại (quite, really)
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Đáp ứng yêu cầu câu hỏi nhưng chưa elaborate đủ

📝 Sample Answer – Band 8-9:

To be honest, not as frequently as I’d like – probably once or twice a month at most. My work schedule is quite demanding, so I can’t make it to these places as often as I’d prefer. However, whenever I do manage to visit, I try to make the most of it by spending the entire day there, usually bringing a book or just taking a leisurely stroll along the waterfront. I find these occasional visits are enough to recharge my batteries before diving back into the work routine.

Phân tích:

• Điểm mạnh: Sử dụng discourse markers tự nhiên (To be honest), từ vựng về thời gian chính xác (at most, do manage to), idiomatic expressions (make the most of it, recharge my batteries)
• Tại sao Band 8-9:
  • Fluency: Câu trả lời dài, nhiều ý được phát triển tự nhiên
  • Vocabulary: Collocations (demanding schedule, leisurely stroll, waterfront), idioms
  • Grammar: Modal verbs, whenever clause, gerunds
  • Content: Đa chiều – tần suất, lý do, cách tận hưởng, ảnh hưởng

💡 Key Vocabulary & Expressions:

• at most: nhiều nhất
• demanding (schedule): (lịch trình) đòi hỏi cao, bận rộn
• make it to: có thể đến được
• do manage to: thực sự làm được (nhấn mạnh)
• make the most of something: tận dụng tối đa điều gì
• take a leisurely stroll: đi dạo thư thái
• waterfront: ven nước, bờ nước
• recharge one’s batteries: nạp lại năng lượng

Học viên có thể tìm hiểu thêm về chủ đề tương tự tại describe a place you would like to explore alone để mở rộng vốn từ vựng về các địa điểm tự nhiên.

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IELTS Speaking Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)

Tổng Quan Về Part 2

Thời gian chuẩn bị: 1 phút
Thời gian nói: 2-3 phút (không bị ngắt)
Đặc điểm: Độc thoại, kể chi tiết về một chủ đề cụ thể
Chiến lược:

• Sử dụng hết 1 phút để ghi chú (chỉ ghi keywords, không viết câu)
• Nói đủ 2 phút (tối thiểu 1.5 phút)
• Trả lời đầy đủ tất cả bullet points
• Sử dụng thì quá khứ khi kể về trải nghiệm
• Cấu trúc: Introduction → Bullet points theo thứ tự → Explain (phần quan trọng nhất)

Lỗi thường gặp:

• Không sử dụng hết thời gian chuẩn bị, vội vàng nói ngay
• Nói dưới 1.5 phút, thiếu chi tiết
• Bỏ sót bullet points, đặc biệt là phần “explain”
• Lặp lại ý, không biết cách elaborate
• Sử dụng sai thì (dùng hiện tại thay vì quá khứ)

Cue Card

Describe a famous river or lake you visited

You should say:

• Where it is located
• When you visited it
• What you did there
• And explain why it was memorable for you

Phân Tích Đề Bài

• Dạng câu hỏi: Describe a place (địa điểm cụ thể) + experience (trải nghiệm trong quá khứ)
• Thì động từ: Quá khứ đơn, quá khứ tiếp diễn (kể về chuyến đi đã xảy ra)
• Bullet points phải cover:
  • Where: Vị trí địa lý cụ thể, có thể thêm context
  • When: Thời điểm, dịp đi, với ai
  • What: Hoạt động cụ thể đã làm
  • Explain: Tại sao memorable – đây là phần GHI ĐIỂM cao nhất, cần elaborate về cảm xúc, ấn tượng
• Câu “explain” quan trọng: Phần này chiếm 30-40% thời gian nói, thể hiện khả năng phân tích cảm xúc và ý nghĩa sâu sắc

Hồ Hoàn Kiếm Hà Nội với khung cảnh yên bình và tháp Rùa giữa hồ

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7

Thời lượng: Khoảng 1.5-2 phút

I’d like to talk about Ha Long Bay, which is a very famous place in Vietnam. It’s located in Quang Ninh province, in the north of Vietnam, about 170 kilometers from Hanoi.

I visited it last summer with my family. We took a two-day cruise trip there. The weather was quite nice, sunny and warm, which was perfect for sightseeing.

During the trip, we did many activities. We went to some beautiful caves like Sung Sot Cave, which was very big and impressive. We also went kayaking in the bay, which was really fun. I took many photos of the limestone islands because they looked amazing. In the evening, we had a seafood dinner on the boat and watched the sunset, which was very beautiful.

What made this trip memorable for me was the natural beauty of the place. The limestone karsts were unique and I had never seen anything like that before. The water was very clear and green. Also, spending time with my family without worrying about work or study was special. We had quality time together, talking and enjoying the scenery. It was a relaxing experience that I won’t forget.

Phân Tích Band Điểm

Tiêu chí	Band	Nhận xét
Fluency & Coherence	6-7	Có mạch lạc, dùng linking words cơ bản (also, during, in the evening), không có hesitation nhiều nhưng thiếu sophisticated connectives
Lexical Resource	6-7	Từ vựng adequate (impressive, limestone, quality time) nhưng lặp lại “very” nhiều lần, thiếu variety và precision
Grammatical Range & Accuracy	6-7	Có mix các thì (past simple, past continuous), relative clauses đơn giản, ít complex structures
Pronunciation	6-7	Giả định rõ ràng, có thể hiểu được, stress từ cơ bản đúng

Điểm mạnh:

• ✅ Trả lời đầy đủ tất cả bullet points
• ✅ Có cấu trúc rõ ràng, dễ theo dõi
• ✅ Đủ thời lượng 1.5-2 phút
• ✅ Có ví dụ cụ thể về activities

Hạn chế:

• ⚠️ Lặp lại “very” quá nhiều (very famous, very big, very beautiful, very clear)
• ⚠️ Thiếu từ vựng miêu tả cảm xúc sâu sắc
• ⚠️ Phần explain chưa đủ elaborate, còn chung chung

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📝 Sample Answer – Band 7.5-8

Thời lượng: Khoảng 2-2.5 phút

I’d like to share my experience of visiting Phong Nha-Ke Bang, which is home to one of the most spectacular cave systems in Vietnam. It’s situated in Quang Binh province, in the central part of the country, roughly 500 kilometers south of Hanoi.

This trip took place about two years ago, during the Tet holiday. I went there with a group of close friends who share my passion for adventure and off-the-beaten-track destinations. We specifically chose this time because we wanted to escape the hustle and bustle of the city during the holiday season.

As for what we did, well, the highlight of the trip was definitely exploring Son Doong Cave, the world’s largest cave. We joined a multi-day expedition which involved trekking through dense jungle, wading through underground rivers, and camping inside the cave itself. The sheer scale of the cave was mind-blowing – there were sections where you could fit an entire city block! We also visited some smaller caves like Paradise Cave and Dark Cave, each offering unique geological formations. Apart from caving, we spent time kayaking along the Chay River, which was incredibly serene and picturesque.

What made this experience truly memorable was the sense of being completely immersed in nature. Standing inside Son Doong Cave, dwarfed by these massive stalagmites and stalactites that took millions of years to form, really put things into perspective. It was a humbling experience that made me appreciate the raw beauty of our planet. Moreover, the camaraderie we developed during those challenging treks and the shared sense of achievement when we completed the expedition created bonds that have lasted until today. It wasn’t just a trip; it was a transformative experience that changed how I view both nature and adventure travel.

Phân Tích Band Điểm

Tiêu chí	Band	Nhận xét
Fluency & Coherence	7.5-8	Liền mạch, dùng sophisticated connectives (As for, Moreover, Apart from), ý tưởng được phát triển logic
Lexical Resource	7.5-8	Từ vựng đa dạng và precise (spectacular, situated in, off-the-beaten-track, sheer scale, mind-blowing, immersed), ít lặp lại
Grammatical Range & Accuracy	7.5-8	Mix nhiều cấu trúc (relative clauses, participle clauses, passive voice), ít lỗi
Pronunciation	7.5-8	Giả định tốt với intonation tự nhiên, word stress chính xác

So Sánh Với Band 6-7

Khía cạnh	Band 6-7	Band 7.5-8
Vocabulary	“very famous place”, “very beautiful”, “very clear”	“spectacular cave systems”, “off-the-beaten-track destinations”, “sheer scale”
Grammar	“which was very big” (simple relative clause)	“dwarfed by these massive stalagmites” (participle phrase), “the camaraderie we developed” (reduced relative clause)
Ideas	“natural beauty”, “quality time” (general)	“being completely immersed in nature”, “humbling experience”, “transformative experience” (specific và profound)

Nếu bạn quan tâm đến việc khám phá các địa điểm tự nhiên độc đáo, bạn có thể tham khảo thêm describe a natural landscape that you find fascinating để có thêm ý tưởng miêu tả.

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📝 Sample Answer – Band 8.5-9

Thời lượng: 2.5-3 phút đầy đủ

I’d like to recount my visit to Lake Baikal in Siberia, Russia, which is renowned as the world’s deepest and oldest freshwater lake. It’s nestled in the southern part of Siberia, near the border with Mongolia, and is surrounded by the rugged peaks of the Barguzin Range.

This journey took place during the winter of 2019, and I have to say, the timing was quite deliberate. I’d always been fascinated by the phenomenon of the lake freezing over completely, creating what locals call “the Blue Eye of Siberia” – a vast expanse of crystalline ice that’s so transparent you can see meters below the surface. I traveled there solo, which, in retrospect, was one of the best decisions I’ve made, as it allowed me to fully immerse myself in the experience without distractions.

As for the activities, well, they were nothing short of extraordinary. I spent my days trekking across the frozen lake, which stretched as far as the eye could see in every direction. The ice was remarkably pristine, with intricate patterns created by the freezing process – spider-web-like cracks and perfectly formed bubbles trapped beneath the surface. I also visited the Olkhon Island, which is steeped in Buryat shamanic culture and offers breathtaking vistas of the lake. One particularly exhilarating experience was taking a hovercraft ride across sections where the ice was too thin to walk on. In the evenings, I stayed in a traditional Russian izba, a wooden cottage, where I savored authentic Siberian cuisine while listening to stories from local inhabitants about the lake’s mystical significance.

What rendered this experience profoundly memorable wasn’t merely the awe-inspiring natural beauty, though that certainly played a part. It was the overwhelming sense of isolation and tranquility I felt standing on that frozen expanse, with nothing but the sound of the ice shifting and cracking beneath my feet and the howling wind in the distance. There’s something deeply humbling about confronting nature in its most raw and unforgiving form. The lake has been there for 25 million years, witnessing countless cycles of freezing and thawing, utterly indifferent to human existence. This realization gave me a profound sense of perspective about my place in the universe. Additionally, the solitude allowed me to disconnect from the incessant digital noise of modern life and reconnect with my own thoughts and aspirations. I returned from that trip not just with stunning photographs, but with a renewed sense of purpose and a deeper appreciation for the ephemeral nature of human experiences against the backdrop of geological time. It was, without exaggeration, a life-altering journey that continues to resonate with me to this day.

Phân Tích Band Điểm

Tiêu chí	Band	Nhận xét
Fluency & Coherence	8.5-9	Cực kỳ trôi chảy, không hesitation, sử dụng sophisticated discourse markers (in retrospect, as for, additionally), ý tưởng phức tạp được express tự nhiên
Lexical Resource	8.5-9	Vocabulary tinh vi và precise (renowned as, rugged peaks, vast expanse, steeped in, profoundly memorable, ephemeral nature), idiomatic expressions (as far as the eye could see, nothing short of extraordinary), collocations mạnh
Grammatical Range & Accuracy	8.5-9	Đa dạng structures (participle clauses, reduced relative clauses, inversion, cleft sentences), virtually error-free
Pronunciation	8.5-9	Giả định native-like với natural rhythm, appropriate intonation patterns, correct sentence stress

Tại Sao Bài Này Xuất Sắc

🎯 Fluency Hoàn Hảo:
Bài nói dài hơn 3 phút, không có hesitation hay repetition. Sử dụng discourse markers sophisticated (in retrospect, without exaggeration, against the backdrop of) để nối ý mượt mà.

📚 Vocabulary Tinh Vi:

• “renowned as” thay vì “famous for” – more academic and precise
• “rugged peaks” thay vì “high mountains” – descriptive và vivid
• “vast expanse” – shows awareness of collocation
• “steeped in culture” – idiomatic expression
• “ephemeral nature” – abstract noun showing depth of thought
• “resonate with me” – sophisticated way to say “stays with me”

📝 Grammar Đa Dạng:

• Participle clauses: “surrounded by the rugged peaks”, “witnessing countless cycles”
• Relative clauses: “which is renowned as”, “where I savored”
• Cleft sentences: “What rendered this experience profoundly memorable wasn’t merely…”
• Inversion: không có trong bài này nhưng có thể thêm
• Passive voice: “I was fascinated by”

💡 Ideas Sâu Sắc:
Thay vì chỉ nói “it was beautiful and I enjoyed it”, bài này đi sâu vào:

• Sự tương phản giữa thời gian địa chất và đời người (geological time vs human existence)
• Khái niệm isolation và solitude như một trải nghiệm positive
• Reflection về digital disconnection và inner peace
• Philosophical perspective về human insignificance in nature

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Follow-up Questions (Rounding Off Questions)

Examiner có thể hỏi thêm 1-2 câu ngắn sau Part 2:

Question 1: Would you like to visit that place again?

Band 6-7 Answer:
Yes, definitely. I really enjoyed it and I think it would be nice to go back and see it again, maybe in a different season.

Band 8-9 Answer:
Absolutely, I would. In fact, I’ve been contemplating a return trip, perhaps during the summer months this time to see how dramatically different the landscape looks when it’s not frozen over. There’s also a certain allure in revisiting places that have left a profound impact on you – you notice things you might have overlooked the first time around.

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Question 2: Did you tell your friends about this trip?

Band 6-7 Answer:
Yes, I did. I showed them my photos and they said it looked amazing. Some of them want to go there too now.

Band 8-9 Answer:
I certainly did. I actually gave quite an elaborate account of the experience, probably to the point of boring them a little! But on a serious note, sharing those stories and showing the photographs has sparked considerable interest among my social circle, and I’m actually in the process of organizing a group trip there next year with a few close friends who are equally adventurous.

Đối với những ai đang lên kế hoạch cho kỳ nghỉ tiếp theo, có thể tìm hiểu thêm về describe a place you would like to go on vacation để có thêm ý tưởng cho cả bài thi và chuyến đi thực tế.

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IELTS Speaking Part 3: Two-way Discussion

Tổng Quan Về Part 3

Thời gian: 4-5 phút
Đặc điểm: Thảo luận trừu tượng, sâu sắc hơn về chủ đề Part 2
Yêu cầu:

• Phân tích, so sánh, đánh giá các vấn đề
• Đưa ra quan điểm cá nhân có lý lẽ chặt chẽ
• Xem xét nhiều góc độ của vấn đề (không chỉ một chiều)
• Sử dụng ví dụ từ xã hội, xu hướng chung, không chỉ kinh nghiệm cá nhân

Chiến lược:

• Mở rộng câu trả lời (3-5 câu minimum)
• Sử dụng discourse markers (Well, Actually, I would say…)
• Structure: Direct answer → Reason 1 + example → Reason 2 + example → Conclusion/Balanced view
• Thừa nhận complexity: “It depends…”, “There are two sides to this…”

Lỗi thường gặp của học viên Việt Nam:

• Trả lời quá ngắn (1-2 câu), thiếu phân tích
• Không đưa ra lý lẽ rõ ràng, chỉ nói chung chung
• Thiếu từ vựng trừu tượng (abstract nouns, academic vocabulary)
• Chỉ nói về bản thân thay vì xã hội nói chung
• Không có balanced view, chỉ nói một chiều

Các Câu Hỏi Thảo Luận Sâu

Theme 1: Environmental and Conservation Issues

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Question 1: Why do you think it’s important to protect natural water bodies like rivers and lakes?

🎯 Phân tích câu hỏi:

• Dạng: Why question – cần giải thích importance với multiple reasons
• Key words: protect, natural water bodies
• Cách tiếp cận: Đưa ra 2-3 lý do từ các góc độ khác nhau (environment, economy, society)

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

I think it’s important because rivers and lakes provide water for people to drink and use. Also, many animals live in and around these water bodies, so if we don’t protect them, these animals might die. Additionally, these places are important for tourism, so protecting them can help the economy. Many people visit beautiful rivers and lakes for holidays.

Phân tích:

• Structure: Có structure cơ bản với 3 reasons nhưng chưa elaborate đủ
• Vocabulary: Adequate (provide, protect) nhưng chưa sophisticated
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Có multiple reasons nhưng thiếu depth và examples cụ thể

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📝 Câu trả lời mẫu – Band 8-9:

Well, I’d say the protection of natural water bodies is paramount for several interconnected reasons. First and foremost, these ecosystems serve as critical habitats for countless species of flora and fauna. Rivers and lakes sustain biodiversity that’s essential for maintaining ecological balance – when we compromise these environments, we’re essentially disrupting entire food chains, which can have cascading effects on the broader ecosystem.

Beyond the environmental aspect, there’s also the pragmatic consideration of human welfare. These water bodies are integral to our water supply systems, agriculture, and industry. In many developing nations, rivers are literally the lifeblood of communities, providing not just drinking water but also supporting livelihoods through fishing and transportation. What’s more, there’s an often-overlooked aesthetic and recreational value – these natural spaces offer respite from urban environments and contribute significantly to mental well-being.

On a broader scale, we’re also looking at the climate implications. Healthy aquatic ecosystems play a crucial role in carbon sequestration and regulating local weather patterns. So in essence, protecting rivers and lakes isn’t just about preserving natural beauty – it’s about safeguarding the very foundations of sustainable development and ensuring intergenerational equity in terms of resource access.

Phân tích:

• Structure: Extremely well-organized: Environmental reasons → Human welfare → Climate implications → Holistic conclusion
• Vocabulary: Highly sophisticated (paramount, critical habitats, cascading effects, pragmatic consideration, carbon sequestration, intergenerational equity)
• Grammar: Complex structures (when we compromise…, we’re essentially disrupting), cleft sentences (what’s more), passive constructions
• Critical Thinking: Multi-dimensional analysis (environment, economy, society, climate), shows understanding of interconnections

💡 Key Language Features:

• Discourse markers: Well, First and foremost, Beyond, What’s more, On a broader scale, In essence
• Tentative language: I’d say, there’s an often-overlooked
• Abstract nouns: biodiversity, ecological balance, pragmatic consideration, intergenerational equity
• Collocations: paramount importance, critical habitats, sustain biodiversity, cascading effects, lifeblood of communities

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Question 2: What problems do rivers and lakes face in modern society?

🎯 Phân tích câu hỏi:

• Dạng: What question về problems – cần liệt kê và giải thích multiple problems
• Key words: problems, modern society
• Cách tiếp cận: Categorize problems (pollution, development, climate change) với examples cụ thể

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

Modern rivers and lakes face many problems. The biggest one is pollution from factories and cities. People throw trash into the water and factories release chemicals, which makes the water dirty and dangerous for fish and people. Another problem is that cities are growing and they need more water, so water levels in rivers and lakes are decreasing. Climate change also affects them because weather patterns are changing.

Phân tích:

• Structure: Listed problems but chưa elaborate deeply
• Vocabulary: Basic (dirty, dangerous, decreasing)
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Có multiple ideas nhưng thiếu specific examples và deeper analysis

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📝 Câu trả lời mẫu – Band 8-9:

I think natural water bodies are facing an array of serious challenges in contemporary society, and these problems are often compounded by each other. The most pressing issue is undoubtedly contamination from various sources. We’re seeing industrial effluents, agricultural runoff laden with pesticides and fertilizers, and untreated sewage from urban areas all finding their way into rivers and lakes. This toxic cocktail not only renders the water unfit for consumption but also causes eutrophication – the excessive growth of algae that depletes oxygen levels and creates dead zones where aquatic life simply cannot survive.

Compounding this is the issue of over-extraction. Many rivers worldwide are being diverted for irrigation and municipal use to such an extent that they barely reach the sea anymore. The Aral Sea’s catastrophic shrinkage is a stark example of what happens when we exploit water resources without consideration for long-term sustainability. We’re essentially borrowing from future generations at an alarming rate.

Then there’s the infrastructure-related damage. Dam construction, while providing hydroelectric power and flood control, fundamentally alters river ecosystems, impeding fish migration and disrupting sediment flow. And let’s not forget the encroachment of urban development on natural floodplains and wetlands, which strips away the natural buffers that protect against flooding and filter pollutants.

Climate change is the overarching threat that exacerbates all these problems. We’re witnessing altered precipitation patterns, prolonged droughts in some regions and catastrophic flooding in others, rising temperatures that affect water quality, and glacier retreat that threatens the perennial flow of rivers fed by snowmelt. It’s a multi-faceted crisis that requires urgent and coordinated action.

Phân tích:

• Structure: Perfectly organized: Pollution → Over-extraction → Infrastructure → Climate change, với clear topic sentences
• Vocabulary: Highly technical and precise (effluents, runoff, eutrophication, over-extraction, encroachment, perennial flow)
• Grammar: Advanced structures (not only…but also, to such an extent that, let’s not forget), varied sentence patterns
• Critical Thinking: Shows understanding of cause-effect relationships, interconnections between problems, uses specific examples (Aral Sea)

💡 Key Language Features:

• Discourse markers: I think, The most pressing issue, Compounding this, Then there’s, And let’s not forget
• Tentative language: I think, we’re seeing
• Technical vocabulary: eutrophication, effluents, runoff, encroachment, perennial flow
• Strong collocations: toxic cocktail, catastrophic shrinkage, stark example, overarching threat, multi-faceted crisis

Ô nhiễm sông nước và tác động môi trường nghiêm trọng đến hệ sinh thái

Việc bảo vệ các địa điểm thiên nhiên cũng liên quan đến khái niệm describe a nature park you’d like to explore, nơi chúng ta có thể thấy tầm quan trọng của việc giữ gìn môi trường tự nhiên.

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Theme 2: Tourism and Economic Impact

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Question 3: How does tourism around rivers and lakes affect local communities?

🎯 Phân tích câu hỏi:

• Dạng: How question về effects – cần phân tích both positive and negative impacts
• Key words: tourism, affect, local communities
• Cách tiếp cận: Balanced view – benefits và drawbacks với examples

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

Tourism can be good and bad for local communities. On the positive side, it creates jobs for local people in hotels, restaurants, and tour companies. It also brings money to the area which helps the economy. However, there are some negative effects too. Sometimes too many tourists can damage the environment and make local people’s lives difficult because of crowds and noise.

Phân tích:

• Structure: Has balanced view but chưa elaborate
• Vocabulary: Basic (good and bad, creates jobs, brings money)
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Covers main points nhưng lacks depth and specific examples

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📝 Câu trả lời mẫu – Band 8-9:

Well, the impact of tourism on communities living around rivers and lakes is decidedly mixed, and I think it really hinges on how well it’s managed and regulated. On the positive side, tourism can be a significant economic driver. It creates employment opportunities across various sectors – from hospitality and transportation to guiding services and handicraft production. For communities that have traditionally relied on subsistence fishing or agriculture, tourism offers alternative livelihoods that are often more lucrative and less weather-dependent. Take the communities around Inle Lake in Myanmar, for instance – tourism has transformed their economy while allowing them to preserve their unique stilt-house culture and traditional fishing methods, which have actually become tourist attractions in themselves.

However, there’s a flip side to this coin. Unchecked tourism can lead to what we call “overtourism” – where the sheer volume of visitors overwhelms local infrastructure and degrades the very attractions people come to see. Venice is perhaps the most notorious example, but we’re seeing similar patterns around popular lakes and rivers worldwide. Local residents often find themselves priced out of their own communities as property values skyrocket and gentrification sets in. There’s also the issue of cultural commodification – where authentic traditions are reduced to performances for tourists, stripping away their genuine significance.

Moreover, the environmental toll can be substantial. Increased foot traffic, waste generation, and water consumption can strain local ecosystems. And there’s often a seasonal imbalance – communities become overly dependent on tourism income that’s only available for part of the year, creating economic vulnerability.

I’d argue that the key lies in sustainable tourism models that prioritize community involvement in decision-making, enforce carrying capacities, and ensure that a substantial portion of tourism revenue stays within the local community rather than flowing to external operators. It’s about striking a balance between economic benefits and social and environmental preservation.

Phân tích:

• Structure: Exceptionally balanced: Positive impacts + example → Negative impacts + example → Environmental concerns → Solution-oriented conclusion
• Vocabulary: Sophisticated (decidedly mixed, hinges on, lucrative, overtourism, notorious example, priced out, commodification)
• Grammar: Complex sentences, conditional structures (if managed well), cause-effect relationships
• Critical Thinking: Nuanced view acknowledging complexity, uses specific examples (Inle Lake, Venice), proposes solutions

💡 Key Language Features:

• Discourse markers: Well, On the positive side, However, Moreover, I’d argue that
• Tentative language: I think it really hinges on, can be, often
• Abstract concepts: alternative livelihoods, cultural commodification, economic vulnerability, sustainable tourism models
• Strong collocations: significant economic driver, flip side to this coin, notorious example, priced out, strike a balance

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Question 4: Do you think the government should limit the number of tourists visiting natural attractions?

🎯 Phân tích câu hỏi:

• Dạng: Opinion question với should – cần đưa ra stance rõ ràng nhưng acknowledge alternatives
• Key words: government, limit, number of tourists
• Cách tiếp cận: Give opinion → Reasons → Acknowledge other view → Conclusion

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

Yes, I think the government should limit tourists in some cases. If there are too many people, it can damage the environment and make the experience bad for everyone. However, limiting tourists might hurt the economy because tourism brings money. So the government should find a balance between protecting nature and helping the economy.

Phân tích:

• Structure: Has opinion and acknowledges both sides but quite brief
• Vocabulary: Simple (too many, damage, hurt, find a balance)
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Clear stance nhưng lacks elaboration and sophisticated reasoning

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📝 Câu trả lời mẫu – Band 8-9:

I strongly believe that, in certain circumstances, government intervention to cap visitor numbers is not just advisable but absolutely essential. Let me explain why. We’ve seen irrefutable evidence that unregulated access to fragile ecosystems leads to their degradation. Take the Galapagos Islands or Machu Picchu – both have had to implement strict quotas simply to prevent irreversible damage to sites of immense ecological and cultural value. When natural attractions exceed their carrying capacity, we’re not just talking about minor inconveniences; we’re talking about eroded trails, disturbed wildlife, polluted waters, and the gradual erosion of the very features that make these places special.

From a visitor experience perspective, overcrowding also diminishes the quality of the experience. People visit these places seeking tranquility and connection with nature, not to jostle through crowds. So paradoxically, limiting numbers can actually enhance the overall value proposition of these destinations – what economists call “rationing by quality” rather than just letting everyone in until the place becomes unbearable.

That said, I acknowledge there are legitimate concerns about the economic implications. Many local communities are heavily reliant on tourism income, and caps could potentially reduce their earnings. However, I’d contend that this is a false dichotomy. Well-designed limitation systems – such as permit systems, tiered pricing, or seasonal restrictions – can actually optimize revenue while protecting resources. When you reduce quantity, you can often increase quality and, consequently, what people are willing to pay. Some premium destinations have found they can charge significantly more for a limited number of high-quality experiences than they could ever make from mass tourism.

Furthermore, we need to think long-term. What good is maximizing tourism revenue in the short term if we destroy the very asset that generates that revenue? It’s the tragedy of the commons playing out in real-time. Ultimately, I believe governments have a stewardship responsibility that transcends immediate economic concerns. They’re custodians of natural heritage on behalf of future generations, and that sometimes requires making unpopular decisions that prioritize long-term preservation over short-term profit.

Phân tích:

• Structure: Opinion statement → Strong reasons + examples → Counter-argument acknowledged → Rebuttal → Long-term perspective → Strong conclusion
• Vocabulary: Highly sophisticated (irrefutable evidence, carrying capacity, paradoxically, false dichotomy, stewardship responsibility, custodians)
• Grammar: Complex argumentation structures, conditionals, relative clauses, perfect infinitives
• Critical Thinking: Shows deep understanding of economics, sustainability, balances multiple perspectives, uses academic concepts (tragedy of the commons, rationing by quality)

💡 Key Language Features:

• Discourse markers: I strongly believe that, Let me explain why, That said, However, Furthermore, Ultimately
• Tentative language: in certain circumstances, could potentially, I’d contend that
• Academic vocabulary: irrefutable evidence, carrying capacity, false dichotomy, tragedy of the commons, stewardship responsibility
• Hedging: I acknowledge, could potentially, I’d contend that

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Theme 3: Cultural and Social Significance

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Question 5: How do rivers and lakes hold cultural significance in different societies?

🎯 Phân tích câu hỏi:

• Dạng: How question về cultural significance – cần examples from different cultures
• Key words: cultural significance, different societies
• Cách tiếp cận: Give multiple examples from different cultures, explain the meanings

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

Rivers and lakes are important in many cultures. In some countries, rivers are considered holy or sacred. For example, the Ganges River in India is very important for Hindu religion. People go there to pray and do religious ceremonies. In other cultures, rivers are important for their history and traditions. Many ancient cities were built near rivers because they needed water.

Phân tích:

• Structure: Has examples but chưa elaborate deeply
• Vocabulary: Basic (important, holy, sacred)
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Mentions examples nhưng lacks depth in explaining cultural significance

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📝 Câu trả lời mẫu – Band 8-9:

That’s a fascinating question because water bodies hold profound spiritual, historical, and practical significance across virtually every culture, though the nature of that significance varies considerably. In many Asian cultures, rivers are deeply intertwined with religious and spiritual practices. The Ganges in India, for instance, is revered as a goddess in Hinduism and is believed to have purifying properties – millions undertake pilgrimages to bathe in its waters, believing this will wash away their sins and facilitate a better reincarnation. Similarly, in Japan, rivers and waterfalls are often associated with Shinto shrines, embodying the concept of purity and renewal.

From a historical perspective, rivers have been the cradles of civilization. The Nile in Egypt, the Tigris and Euphrates in Mesopotamia, the Yangtze in China – these waterways gave birth to some of humanity’s earliest advanced societies because they provided fertile floodplains for agriculture, transportation routes for trade, and reliable water sources. This historical importance is embedded in the cultural identity of people living along these rivers to this day. The annual flooding of the Nile, for instance, was so integral to Egyptian civilization that their entire calendar was structured around it.

In indigenous cultures, the relationship is often even more holistic. For many First Nations peoples in North America, rivers aren’t just resources – they’re living entities with rights and spiritual essence. The Whanganui River in New Zealand was actually granted legal personhood in 2017, reflecting the Māori people’s belief that the river is an ancestor with its own mana (prestige and authority). This represents a fundamentally different worldview where humans exist in reciprocal relationship with nature rather than dominating it.

There’s also the symbolic dimension. Lakes and rivers frequently appear in literature, art, and folklore as metaphors for life’s journey, the passage of time, or emotional depth. Think of how many cultures have myths about rivers separating the world of the living from the afterlife – the Styx in Greek mythology, for example.

What strikes me is that despite these diverse manifestations, there’s a universal thread of reverence and dependence. Whether it’s spiritual, practical, or symbolic, water bodies occupy a central place in human consciousness across cultures, underscoring their fundamental importance to human existence.

Phân tích:

• Structure: Multiple dimensions explored: Religious/spiritual → Historical → Indigenous perspectives → Symbolic → Universal conclusion
• Vocabulary: Exceptionally sophisticated (intertwined with, revered as, cradles of civilization, embedded in, holistic, reciprocal relationship)
• Grammar: Complex structures throughout, perfect participles, relative clauses, passive constructions
• Critical Thinking: Cross-cultural analysis, multiple perspectives, specific examples from diverse cultures (India, Japan, Egypt, New Zealand), philosophical reflection

💡 Key Language Features:

• Discourse markers: That’s a fascinating question, From a historical perspective, There’s also, What strikes me
• Academic language: profound significance, nature of that significance varies, fundamentally different worldview, universal thread
• Cultural terminology: reincarnation, purifying properties, mana, legal personhood
• Strong collocations: cradles of civilization, embedded in cultural identity, reciprocal relationship, universal thread

Những người yêu thích các điểm đến thiên nhiên có thể khám phá thêm về describe a recent holiday that you enjoyed để lấy thêm cảm hứng cho những chuyến du lịch tới sông hồ và cảnh quan thiên nhiên khác.

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Question 6: Are young people today less interested in natural places compared to previous generations?

🎯 Phân tích câu hỏi:

• Dạng: Comparative question (less interested) – cần compare và explain reasons
• Key words: young people, less interested, natural places, previous generations
• Cách tiếp cận: Acknowledge the perception → Analyze reasons → Present counter-evidence → Balanced conclusion

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

I think it might be true that young people today are less interested in nature. They spend a lot of time on their phones and computers, playing games or using social media. In the past, people didn’t have these technologies, so they spent more time outside. However, some young people still like nature and outdoor activities, especially if their parents take them to natural places when they are children.

Phân tích:

• Structure: Acknowledges trend, gives reason, mentions exception
• Vocabulary: Simple (spend time, like nature, outdoor activities)
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Basic comparison nhưng lacks nuanced analysis

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📝 Câu trả lời mẫu – Band 8-9:

I think this is a commonly held perception, but I’m not entirely convinced it’s accurate – or at least, it’s more nuanced than it initially appears. On the surface, yes, we see younger generations spending considerable time on digital devices and engaging with virtual environments rather than natural ones. The allure of social media, gaming, and instant digital gratification is undeniable, and it’s certainly competing for attention that previous generations might have directed toward outdoor pursuits.

However, I’d argue there are several countervailing trends that complicate this narrative. First, we’re actually witnessing a resurgence of interest in nature among youth, albeit manifested differently than in previous generations. The rise of adventure tourism, outdoor lifestyle brands, and social media accounts dedicated to hiking, camping, and nature photography suggests that natural places remain attractive, but the mode of engagement has evolved. Young people are now documenting and sharing their nature experiences online, which, while different from the unmediated experience older generations knew, still represents genuine interest.

Moreover, we’re seeing unprecedented environmental consciousness among younger generations. Climate activism, led predominantly by youth, has brought natural environments to the forefront of public discourse. Greta Thunberg and the Fridays for Future movement exemplify this trend. This suggests that young people do care deeply about natural places, perhaps even more than previous generations, but their concern is channeled through activism and systemic change rather than just personal recreation.

There’s also a socioeconomic dimension to consider. Many young people today face financial constraints – student debt, housing affordability crises, precarious employment – that limit their ability to engage in nature-based activities that often require travel and equipment. It’s not necessarily lack of interest but rather lack of accessibility and disposable income.

That said, I do think the digital saturation of modern life has altered the relationship younger people have with nature. There’s perhaps less of the unstructured outdoor play that characterized previous childhoods, which research suggests is important for fostering a lifelong connection with nature. Parents are also more risk-averse today, keeping children indoors more due to perceived dangers.

In conclusion, I’d say young people’s relationship with natural places is evolving rather than diminishing. It’s characterized by different forms of engagement, mediated by technology, and shaped by contemporary socioeconomic realities, but the fundamental appreciation and concern for natural environments persists, perhaps even intensifies, particularly regarding their future preservation.

Phân tích:

• Structure: Acknowledges perception → Counter-argument with evidence → Environmental activism angle → Socioeconomic factors → Concession about changes → Balanced conclusion
• Vocabulary: Highly sophisticated (countervailing trends, resurgence, manifested differently, unprecedented, channeled through, disposable income, risk-averse)
• Grammar: Complex argumentation, while-clauses, conditional structures, passive voice
• Critical Thinking: Multi-dimensional analysis (technology, activism, economics, psychology), balanced view, evidence-based reasoning

💡 Key Language Features:

• Discourse markers: On the surface, However, Moreover, There’s also, That said, In conclusion
• Tentative language: I think this is, I’m not entirely convinced, I’d argue, perhaps
• Academic vocabulary: commonly held perception, countervailing trends, socioeconomic dimension, mediated by technology
• Hedging and balancing: while different from, albeit manifested differently, not necessarily…but rather

Giới trẻ khám phá thiên nhiên kết hợp với công nghệ hiện đại

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Từ vựng và cụm từ quan trọng

Topic-Specific Vocabulary

Từ vựng/Cụm từ	Loại từ	Phiên âm	Nghĩa tiếng Việt	Ví dụ	Collocation
pristine	adj	/ˈprɪstiːn/	nguyên sơ, trong lành	The lake’s pristine waters reflected the mountains perfectly.	pristine condition, pristine environment, pristine beauty, pristine wilderness
serene	adj	/səˈriːn/	thanh bình, yên tĩnh	The serene atmosphere by the river helped me relax.	serene landscape, serene environment, serene setting, serene beauty
breathtaking	adj	/ˈbreθteɪkɪŋ/	ngoạn mục, đẹp đến ngỡ ngàng	The breathtaking view of the canyon left us speechless.	breathtaking scenery, breathtaking vista, breathtaking panorama, breathtaking beauty
picturesque	adj	/ˌpɪktʃəˈresk/	đẹp như tranh vẽ	We visited a picturesque lake surrounded by mountains.	picturesque setting, picturesque village, picturesque landscape, picturesque location
majestic	adj	/məˈdʒestɪk/	hùng vĩ, uy nghi	The majestic river wound through the valley.	majestic mountains, majestic scenery, majestic beauty, majestic presence
turquoise	adj/n	/ˈtɜːkwɔɪz/	màu ngọc lam	The turquoise waters of the lake were mesmerizing.	turquoise water, turquoise sea, turquoise lake, crystal turquoise
to meander	v	/miˈændə(r)/	uốn khúc, chảy khúc khuỷu	The river meanders through the countryside.	meander through, meander along, slowly meander, gently meander
waterfront	n	/ˈwɔːtəfrʌnt/	ven nước, bờ nước	We walked along the waterfront at sunset.	along the waterfront, waterfront property, waterfront area, scenic waterfront
to be nestled in	v phrase	/ˈnesl ɪn/	nằm ẩn mình trong	The village is nestled in the mountains.	nestled in the valley, nestled in the hills, nestled among, nestled between
biodiversity	n	/ˌbaɪəʊdaɪˈvɜːsəti/	đa dạng sinh học	The river supports rich biodiversity.	rich biodiversity, biodiversity loss, protect biodiversity, biodiversity hotspot
ecosystem	n	/ˈiːkəʊsɪstəm/	hệ sinh thái	The lake’s ecosystem is fragile.	fragile ecosystem, aquatic ecosystem, ecosystem balance, ecosystem services
conservation	n	/ˌkɒnsəˈveɪʃn/	sự bảo tồn	Conservation efforts have helped protect the lake.	conservation efforts, wildlife conservation, conservation area, conservation project
to overflow	v	/ˌəʊvəˈfləʊ/	tràn, dâng lên	The river overflowed its banks during the monsoon.	overflow the banks, overflow with, overflow into
tributary	n	/ˈtrɪbjətri/	nhánh sông, phụ lưu	This stream is a tributary of the main river.	major tributary, tributary river, tributary system
confluence	n	/ˈkɒnfluəns/	hợp lưu (nơi hai dòng sông gặp nhau)	The city is located at the confluence of two rivers.	confluence of rivers, at the confluence, confluence point
to be steeped in	v phrase	/stiːpt ɪn/	thấm đẫm, mang nặng	The lake is steeped in local legends.	steeped in history, steeped in tradition, steeped in culture
to captivate	v	/ˈkæptɪveɪt/	mê hoặc, làm say đắm	The beauty of the scenery captivated all visitors.	captivate the audience, captivate visitors, completely captivate
to unwind	v	/ˌʌnˈwaɪnd/	thư giãn, xả stress	I like to unwind by the lake after work.	unwind from stress, unwind and relax, help unwind
therapeutic	adj	/ˌθerəˈpjuːtɪk/	có tác dụng chữa lành, trị liệu	Being near water has a therapeutic effect.	therapeutic effect, therapeutic benefits, therapeutic value, therapeutic properties
tranquility	n	/træŋˈkwɪləti/	sự yên bình, tĩnh lặng	The tranquility of the lake was deeply calming.	sense of tranquility, peaceful tranquility, tranquility and peace

Idiomatic Expressions & Advanced Phrases

Cụm từ	Nghĩa	Ví dụ sử dụng	Band điểm
a sight to behold	một cảnh tượng đáng xem, ấn tượng	The sunset over the lake was truly a sight to behold.	7.5-8
off the beaten track	xa đường mòn, ít người biết đến	We prefer visiting places that are off the beaten track.	7.5-8
to take one’s breath away	làm ai đó sững sờ, ngỡ ngàng	The panoramic view took my breath away.	7-7.5
as far as the eye can see	xa tít tắp, xa đến đâu mắt trông thấy	The lake stretched as far as the eye could see.	7.5-8
a stone’s throw from	rất gần, chỉ một quãng đường ngắn	The hotel was a stone’s throw from the waterfront.	7-7.5
to soak in the atmosphere	đắm mình trong bầu không khí	We spent hours just soaking in the atmosphere by the river.	7.5-8
nothing short of spectacular	không gì khác ngoài tuyệt vời	The natural scenery was nothing short of spectacular.	8-8.5
to be drawn to	bị thu hút bởi	I’ve always been drawn to places near water.	7-7.5
a world away from	hoàn toàn khác biệt với	The peaceful lake was a world away from the noisy city.	7.5-8
the lifeblood of	nguồn sống của	Rivers are the lifeblood of many agricultural communities.	8-8.5
to make the most of	tận dụng tối đa	We tried to make the most of our time at the lake.	7-7.5
to recharge one’s batteries	nạp lại năng lượng	A weekend by the lake helps me recharge my batteries.	7.5-8

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,… – Dùng khi đưa ra góc nhìn hơi khác hoặc điều chỉnh câu trả lời
• 📝 To be honest,… – Dùng khi nói thật lòng, chia sẻ quan điểm cá nhân
• 📝 I’d say that… – Dùng khi đưa ra nhận định hoặc đánh giá

Để bổ sung ý:

• 📝 On top of that,… – Thêm vào đó, ngoài ra
• 📝 What’s more,… – Hơn nữa, không chỉ thế
• 📝 Not to mention… – Chưa kể đến
• 📝 Beyond that,… – Vượt ra ngoài điều đó
• 📝 Additionally,… – Thêm vào đó (formal hơn)

Để đưa ra quan điểm cân bằng:

• 📝 On the one hand,… On the other hand,… – Một mặt… mặt khác
• 📝 While it’s true that…, we also need to consider… – Mặc dù đúng là… nhưng chúng ta cũng cần xem xét
• 📝 That said,… – Tuy nhiên, mặc dù vậy
• 📝 Having said that,… – Đã nói như vậy nhưng

Để kết luận:

• 📝 All in all,… – Tóm lại, nói chung
• 📝 At the end of the day,… – Cuối cùng thì, xét cho cùng
• 📝 In conclusion,… – Kết luận là (formal)
• 📝 Ultimately,… – Về căn bản, cuối cùng

Để làm rõ hoặc nhấn mạnh:

• 📝 What I mean is,… – Ý tôi là
• 📝 In other words,… – Nói cách khác
• 📝 To put it another way,… – Diễn đạt theo cách khác
• 📝 The point I’m making is… – Điểm tôi muốn nói là

Grammatical Structures Ấn Tượng

1. Conditional Sentences (Câu điều kiện):

• Mixed conditional (Type 2 + Type 3):

  • Formula: If + past simple/continuous, would have + past participle
  • Ví dụ: “If I had more free time (now), I would have visited more natural places (in the past).”

• Inversion with conditional:

  • Formula: Had + S + past participle, S + would have + past participle
  • Ví dụ: “Had I known how beautiful the lake was, I would have visited it sooner.”

2. Relative Clauses (Mệnh đề quan hệ):

• Non-defining relative clauses:

  • Formula: …, which/who + clause,…
  • Ví dụ: “Phong Nha Cave, which is located in Quang Binh Province, attracts thousands of visitors annually.”

• Reduced relative clauses:

  • Formula: …(participle phrase)…
  • Ví dụ: “The river winding through the valley creates a stunning landscape.”

3. Passive Voice (Câu bị động):

• It is thought/believed/said that…:

  • Ví dụ: “It is believed that the lake has existed for millions of years.”

• Passive with reporting verbs:

  • Ví dụ: “The river is said to be one of the cleanest in Asia.”

4. Cleft Sentences (Câu chẻ):

• What I find most…, is…:

  • Ví dụ: “What I find most fascinating about rivers is their ability to shape landscapes over millennia.”

• The thing that…, is…:

  • Ví dụ: “The thing that impressed me most about the lake was its crystal-clear water.”

• It was…that…:

  • Ví dụ: “It was the serenity of the place that made the biggest impression on me.”

5. Participle Clauses:

• Present participle (simultaneous actions):

  • Ví dụ: “Standing on the cliff edge, I could see the entire lake below.”

• Perfect participle (prior action):

  • Ví dụ: “Having visited many lakes, I can say this one is exceptional.”

6. Inversion for Emphasis:

• Not only…but also:

  • Ví dụ: “Not only did the lake offer stunning views, but it also provided a peaceful retreat.”

• Seldom/Rarely at beginning:

  • Ví dụ: “Rarely have I seen such pristine natural beauty.”

Những cấu trúc ngữ pháp này giúp thí sinh thể hiện range và accuracy – hai tiêu chí quan trọng trong band descriptor của IELTS Speaking. Tuy nhiên, cần đảm bảo sử dụng chúng một cách tự nhiên, không gượng ép, vì examiner có thể nhận biết khi thí sinh cố gắng “nhồi nhét” cấu trúc phức tạp mà không phù hợp với context.

Khi chuẩn bị cho IELTS Speaking, việc làm quen với các địa điểm thiên nhiên thông qua việc du lịch hoặc đọc tài liệu sẽ giúp bạn có nhiều ý tưởng và từ vựng hơn. Đây là lý do tại sao nhiều học viên thành công thường dành thời gian trải nghiệm thực tế hoặc tìm hiểu sâu về các chủ đề có thể xuất hiện trong bài thi.