IELTS Speaking: Cách Trả Lời “Describe A Famous Writer You Enjoy Reading” – Bài Mẫu Band 6-9

Mở bài

Chủ đề về các nhà văn nổi tiếng là một trong những đề tài thường xuyên xuất hiện trong IELTS Speaking, đặc biệt ở Part 2 và Part 3. Theo thống kê từ các trung tâm luyện thi IELTS và diễn đàn như IELTS-Simon.com cũng như ieltsliz.com, chủ đề này xuất hiện với tần suất trung bình cao trong các kỳ thi từ năm 2020 đến 2024, thường được kết hợp với các góc độ về văn học, sở thích đọc sách, và ảnh hưởng văn hóa.

Đây là một chủ đề tương đối thân thiện vì hầu hết thí sinh đều có thể nghĩ đến ít nhất một tác giả mà họ biết đến, dù không nhất thiết phải là độc giả cuồng nhiệt. Tuy nhiên, nhiều học viên Việt Nam gặp khó khăn khi phải mô tả chi tiết về phong cách viết, tác phẩm và lý do yêu thích một nhà văn bằng tiếng Anh.

Trong bài viết này, bạn sẽ học được cách trả lời chủ đề “Describe A Famous Writer You Enjoy Reading” một cách tự nhiên và ấn tượng qua các phần: câu hỏi thường gặp ở cả 3 Part, bài mẫu chi tiết theo từng band điểm từ 6 đến 9, kho từ vựng chuyên ngành văn học và đọc sách, cùng chiến lược trả lời hiệu quả từ góc nhìn của một examiner. Bài viết cũng sẽ chỉ ra những lỗi phổ biến mà học viên Việt Nam hay mắc phải và cách khắc phục để đạt điểm cao hơn.

IELTS Speaking Part 1: Introduction and Interview

Tổng Quan Về Part 1

Part 1 của IELTS Speaking kéo dài 4-5 phút với các câu hỏi về cuộc sống hàng ngày, sở thích cá nhân và những chủ đề quen thuộc. Với chủ đề về sách và đọc sách, examiner thường hỏi về thói quen đọc, loại sách yêu thích và tầm quan trọng của việc đọc.

Chiến lược quan trọng nhất ở Part 1 là trả lời trực tiếp câu hỏi, sau đó mở rộng với 1-2 câu bổ sung thông tin, lý do hoặc ví dụ cụ thể. Nhiều học viên Việt Nam thường mắc lỗi trả lời quá ngắn gọn như “Yes, I do” hoặc “No, I don’t” mà không giải thích thêm, dẫn đến mất điểm ở tiêu chí Fluency and Coherence.

Một lỗi phổ biến khác là sử dụng từ vựng quá đơn giản hoặc lặp lại nhiều lần. Thay vì nói “I like reading books” trong mọi câu trả lời, bạn nên đa dạng hóa với các cụm từ như “I’m keen on literature”, “I’m an avid reader” hay “I find it relaxing to immerse myself in a good book”.

Các Câu Hỏi Thường Gặp

Question 1: Do you like reading books?

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

Question 3: Did you read much when you were a child?

Question 4: Do you think it’s important for children to read?

Question 5: Have you ever given a book as a gift?

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

Question 7: Is there any book you would like to read again?

Question 8: Do you have a favorite author or writer?

Phân Tích và Gợi Ý Trả Lời Chi Tiết

Question: Do you like reading books?

🎯 Cách tiếp cận:

• Trả lời trực tiếp Yes/No
• Giải thích lý do tại sao thích hoặc không thích
• Đưa ra ví dụ về thói quen đọc hoặc loại sách yêu thích

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

Yes, I really like reading books, especially novels. I usually read before going to bed because it helps me relax after a long day. I think reading is a good hobby that can improve my knowledge.

Phân tích:

• Điểm mạnh: Trả lời trực tiếp, có đưa ra lý do và thời điểm đọc sách
• Hạn chế: Từ vựng còn cơ bản (like, good, improve), cấu trúc câu đơn giản, thiếu chi tiết cụ thể về loại sách
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Câu trả lời đủ thông tin 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 quite an avid reader, actually. I tend to gravitate towards contemporary fiction and psychological thrillers because they really keep me on the edge of my seat. What I love most about reading is that it offers me a form of escapism from the daily grind – there’s something incredibly therapeutic about immersing myself in a completely different world for a few hours.

Phân tích:

• Điểm mạnh: Sử dụng từ vựng nâng cao và collocations tự nhiên (avid reader, gravitate towards, keep me on the edge of my seat), cấu trúc câu phức hợp, ý tưởng sâu sắc về lợi ích của việc đọc sách
• Tại sao Band 8-9: Thể hiện khả năng sử dụng ngôn ngữ linh hoạt, chính xác với discourse markers tự nhiên (actually), vocabulary sophisticated (therapeutic, escapism, immersing), và grammar range tốt (tend to, there’s something…about)

💡 Key Vocabulary & Expressions:

• avid reader: người đọc nhiệt tình, say mê
• gravitate towards: có xu hướng thích, bị thu hút bởi
• keep me on the edge of my seat: làm tôi hồi hộp, không rời mắt
• escapism: sự trốn tránh thực tế, giải thoát
• therapeutic: có tác dụng chữa lành, thư giãn
• immerse myself in: đắm mình vào, chìm đắm trong

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Question: What kinds of books do you usually read?

🎯 Cách tiếp cận:

• Nêu rõ thể loại sách yêu thích
• Giải thích tại sao thích thể loại đó
• Có thể đưa ra ví dụ cụ thể về tác giả hoặc tác phẩm

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

I usually read fiction books, especially mystery and detective stories. I find them very interesting because I like trying to solve the mystery before the end. Sometimes I also read self-help books to learn new things about personal development.

Phân tích:

• Điểm mạnh: Nêu rõ thể loại sách, có lý do và đề cập đến nhiều loại sách
• Hạn chế: Từ vựng cơ bản (interesting, like, learn new things), thiếu depth trong giải thích
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Đáp ứng yêu cầu cơ bản nhưng chưa impressive về mặt ngôn ngữ

📝 Sample Answer – Band 8-9:

I’m particularly drawn to literary fiction and historical novels. What appeals to me about these genres is the way they blend compelling narratives with thought-provoking themes. For instance, I recently finished a novel by Khaled Hosseini, and I was captivated by how he weaves together personal stories with broader social issues. I also occasionally delve into non-fiction, particularly biographies and memoirs, as they offer invaluable insights into different walks of life.

Phân tích:

• Điểm mạnh: Vocabulary sophisticated và precise (drawn to, appeals to, blend, thought-provoking, captivated by, weaves together, delve into, invaluable insights, walks of life), cấu trúc câu phức tạp với relative clauses, ví dụ cụ thể về tác giả, thể hiện critical thinking
• Tại sao Band 8-9: Sử dụng ngôn ngữ academic và idiomatic một cách tự nhiên, thể hiện khả năng diễn đạt nuanced ideas, grammar accuracy cao với variety of structures

💡 Key Vocabulary & Expressions:

• drawn to: bị thu hút bởi
• appeals to me: hấp dẫn tôi, làm tôi thích thú
• blend compelling narratives: kết hợp những câu chuyện hấp dẫn
• thought-provoking themes: chủ đề kích thích tư duy
• captivated by: bị mê hoặc bởi
• weaves together: đan xen, kết hợp khéo léo
• delve into: đào sâu vào, nghiên cứu kỹ
• invaluable insights: những hiểu biết vô giá
• walks of life: tầng lớp xã hội, hoàn cảnh sống

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

🎯 Cách tiếp cận:

• Sử dụng thì quá khứ đơn hoặc “used to” để nói về thói quen trong quá khứ
• So sánh với hiện tại nếu có sự khác biệt
• Đưa ra lý do hoặc ví dụ cụ thể về những gì đã đọc

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

Yes, I read quite a lot when I was a child. My parents bought me many story books and fairy tales. I remember I really enjoyed reading adventure stories about children exploring new places. Reading was my favorite activity during summer holidays.

Phân tích:

• Điểm mạnh: Sử dụng đúng thì quá khứ, có ví dụ cụ thể về loại sách
• Hạn chế: Từ vựng simple (quite a lot, many, really enjoyed), cấu trúc câu không phức tạp
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Communicative và clear nhưng thiếu sophistication

📝 Sample Answer – Band 8-9:

Actually, I was a voracious reader as a child. I practically lived in the local library, where I’d devour everything from classic fairy tales to more adventurous narratives like the Famous Five series. My parents were incredibly encouraging and would regularly take me to bookstores, which instilled in me a genuine love for literature. Looking back, I think those early reading experiences laid the foundation for my appreciation of storytelling today, though I must admit I read less fiction now due to work commitments.

Phân tích:

• Điểm mạnh: Vocabulary vivid và expressive (voracious reader, practically lived in, devour, instilled in me, laid the foundation), cấu trúc câu đa dạng với relative clauses và participle phrases, có reflection và comparison với hiện tại
• Tại sao Band 8-9: Demonstrates excellent command of language với idiomatic expressions sử dụng tự nhiên, shows ability to reflect và evaluate, grammar highly accurate với sophisticated structures

💡 Key Vocabulary & Expressions:

• voracious reader: người đọc ngấu nghiến
• practically lived in: hầu như sống ở (nói về việc ở đó rất thường xuyên)
• devour: đọc ngấu nghiến, đọc rất nhanh và say mê
• instilled in me: thấm nhuần vào tôi, gieo vào tôi
• laid the foundation: đặt nền móng
• appreciation of storytelling: sự trân trọng nghệ thuật kể chuyện

Để hiểu rõ hơn về cách phát triển kỹ năng học tập từ nhỏ, bạn có thể tham khảo cách mô tả một khóa học trực tuyến đã giúp bạn học được điều gì đó, một chủ đề có nhiều điểm tương đồng về việc phát triển kiến thức và kỹ năng.

Học viên IELTS luyện tập trả lời câu hỏi Speaking về nhà văn nổi tiếng yêu thích

IELTS Speaking Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)

Tổng Quan Về Part 2

Part 2 là phần độc thoại kéo dài 2-3 phút, trong đó bạn có 1 phút chuẩn bị và ghi chú về một chủ đề cụ thể được đưa ra trên cue card. Đây là phần quan trọng nhất để thể hiện khả năng nói liên tục mà không bị ngắt quãng.

Với chủ đề về nhà văn nổi tiếng, examiner đánh giá khả năng mô tả chi tiết về một người, tác phẩm của họ, và quan trọng nhất là giải thích tại sao bạn thích đọc sách của họ. Nhiều thí sinh Việt Nam thường mắc lỗi nói quá ngắn (dưới 1.5 phút) hoặc không sử dụng hết thời gian chuẩn bị, dẫn đến câu trả lời thiếu chi tiết và structure.

Chiến lược quan trọng là ghi chú keywords cho từng bullet point trong thời gian 1 phút chuẩn bị, không viết câu hoàn chỉnh. Bạn cần đảm bảo nói đủ 2 phút, cover tất cả các yêu cầu trong đề bài, và quan trọng nhất là phần “explain” – đây là nơi bạn thể hiện depth of thinking để ghi điểm cao.

Cue Card

Describe a famous writer you enjoy reading

You should say:

• Who this person is
• What kind of books or stories this person writes
• When you first started reading this writer’s work
• And explain why you enjoy reading this writer’s books

Phân Tích Đề Bài

Dạng câu hỏi: Describe a person (writer) – kết hợp với việc mô tả tác phẩm và giải thích cảm xúc/quan điểm cá nhân

Thì động từ: Chủ yếu là hiện tại đơn (khi nói về tác giả còn sống và phong cách viết của họ) và quá khứ đơn (khi kể về lần đầu đọc sách của họ)

Bullet points phải cover:

• Bullet 1: Giới thiệu tác giả (tên, quốc tịch, background nếu biết)
• Bullet 2: Thể loại và phong cách viết (genre, writing style, themes)
• Bullet 3: Thời điểm bắt đầu đọc (when, how you discovered, first book)
• Bullet 4: Lý do yêu thích (đây là phần quan trọng nhất để ghi điểm cao)

Câu “explain” quan trọng: Đây là phần chiếm nhiều thời gian nhất trong bài nói (khoảng 40-50 giây). Bạn cần giải thích sâu về lý do yêu thích, có thể từ nhiều góc độ: phong cách viết, chủ đề, tác động đến bản thân, bài học từ sách, cảm xúc khi đọc. Đây là nơi thể hiện vocabulary range và critical thinking.

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7

Thời lượng: Khoảng 1.5-2 phút

I’d like to talk about Paulo Coelho, a Brazilian writer who I really enjoy reading. He’s quite famous around the world and many people know his books.

Paulo Coelho writes mainly fiction books, especially novels that have spiritual and philosophical themes. His most famous book is “The Alchemist”, which talks about following your dreams and finding your purpose in life. His stories usually have deep meanings and make readers think about their own lives.

I first started reading his work about five years ago when a friend recommended “The Alchemist” to me. I was going through a difficult time in my life and she said this book might help me. I bought it from a bookstore and finished it in just two days because I found it very interesting.

I enjoy reading Paulo Coelho’s books for several reasons. First, his writing style is very simple and easy to understand, even though the ideas are deep. He uses a lot of symbols and metaphors that make the stories more meaningful. Second, his books always have positive messages about life, love, and following your dreams. After reading his books, I always feel more motivated and inspired to pursue my goals. Finally, his stories are set in different countries and cultures, which helps me learn about the world. For example, “The Alchemist” takes place in Spain and Egypt, so I learned about these places through the story.

Overall, Paulo Coelho is definitely my favorite writer and I recommend his books to everyone.

Phân Tích Band Điểm

Tiêu chí	Band	Nhận xét
Fluency & Coherence	6-7	Có thể nói liên tục với ít hesitation, sử dụng basic linking words (first, second, finally), structure rõ ràng nhưng chưa sophisticated
Lexical Resource	6-7	Từ vựng adequate với một số collocations (deep meanings, positive messages, writing style), nhưng còn lặp lại (books, stories) và chưa có less common vocabulary
Grammatical Range & Accuracy	6-7	Sử dụng mix của simple và complex sentences, có một số lỗi nhỏ nhưng không ảnh hưởng communication, range chưa đa dạng
Pronunciation	6-7	Rõ ràng và dễ hiểu, intonation natural ở mức cơ bản

Điểm mạnh:

• ✅ Trả lời đầy đủ tất cả các bullet points
• ✅ Có structure rõ ràng với introduction, body và conclusion
• ✅ Đưa ra multiple reasons cho việc thích tác giả này
• ✅ Có ví dụ cụ thể về tác phẩm

Hạn chế:

• ⚠️ Vocabulary còn basic và repetitive
• ⚠️ Grammar structures chưa đủ variety
• ⚠️ Ideas chưa được develop deeply, thiếu specific examples
• ⚠️ Thiếu idiomatic expressions và sophisticated language

📝 Sample Answer – Band 7.5-8

Thời lượng: Khoảng 2-2.5 phút

I’d like to talk about J.K. Rowling, the British author who’s best known for creating the Harry Potter series. She’s undoubtedly one of the most influential contemporary writers, having captivated millions of readers across different generations worldwide.

Rowling primarily writes fantasy fiction, though she’s also ventured into crime novels under a pseudonym. Her writing is characterized by intricate plot development, richly detailed world-building, and multi-dimensional characters. What sets her apart is her ability to weave together elements of magic, friendship, and moral complexity in a way that resonates with both young adults and mature readers. The Harry Potter series, in particular, explores themes like courage, loyalty, and the eternal struggle between good and evil.

I was first introduced to her work when I was about twelve years old. My English teacher lent me a copy of “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone”, suggesting it would help improve my English. I remember being immediately hooked – I stayed up all night to finish it, completely engrossed in the magical world of Hogwarts.

What I find most compelling about Rowling’s writing is her masterful storytelling. She has this remarkable ability to create a completely immersive universe that feels authentic despite being fantastical. Her characters are incredibly well-developed – they’re not simply heroes or villains, but complex individuals with strengths and flaws, which makes them relatable. Additionally, beneath the surface of magical adventures, her books tackle serious social issues like prejudice, discrimination, and abuse of power, making them intellectually stimulating even for adults.

Another aspect I appreciate is how her writing has evolved over the years. The series matures alongside its readers, with later books delving into darker, more complex themes. This progression kept me engaged throughout the entire series and has made me a lifelong fan of her work.

Phân Tích Band Điểm

Tiêu chí	Band	Nhận xét
Fluency & Coherence	7.5-8	Speaks fluently với minimal hesitation, sử dụng varied cohesive devices (undoubtedly, in particular, additionally), logical organization
Lexical Resource	7.5-8	Wide range of vocabulary với nhiều less common words và collocations (captivated millions, intricate plot, multi-dimensional, resonates with, masterful storytelling), some sophisticated phrases
Grammatical Range & Accuracy	7.5-8	Uses variety of complex structures (relative clauses, participles, passives), majority error-free, demonstrates flexibility
Pronunciation	7.5-8	Clear pronunciation với appropriate intonation và stress patterns

So Sánh Với Band 6-7

Khía cạnh	Band 6-7	Band 7.5-8
Vocabulary	“very simple”, “deep meanings”, “interesting”	“intricate plot development”, “richly detailed world-building”, “intellectually stimulating”
Grammar	Simple + some complex: “After reading his books, I always feel…”	Advanced complex: “What sets her apart is her ability to weave together…”, “beneath the surface of…”
Ideas	Basic reasons: simple style, positive messages	Sophisticated analysis: masterful storytelling, character complexity, social commentary, evolution of writing

📝 Sample Answer – Band 8.5-9

Thời lượng: 2.5-3 phút đầy đủ

I’d like to talk about Haruki Murakami, a Japanese contemporary novelist whose work has had a profound impact on my literary taste and, to some extent, my worldview. He’s widely regarded as one of the most distinctive voices in modern fiction, and his books have been translated into over fifty languages, garnering a devoted global following.

Murakami’s oeuvre primarily falls into the category of literary fiction with strong surrealist and magical realist elements. His narratives are characterized by a unique blend of the mundane and the fantastical – ordinary protagonists often find themselves caught up in extraordinary, dreamlike situations. What’s particularly striking about his writing is the way he seamlessly integrates Western pop culture references, jazz music, and classical literature into distinctly Japanese settings, creating this utterly unique aesthetic that’s both culturally specific and universally accessible. His recurring themes revolve around loneliness, alienation, and the search for meaning in contemporary society.

I stumbled upon his work quite serendipitously during my university years, around 2015. I was browsing in a secondhand bookshop when “Norwegian Wood” caught my eye – partly because of its intriguing title and partly due to the minimalist yet evocative cover design. I was immediately drawn into his melancholic, introspective narrative style, and I found myself utterly absorbed in the protagonist’s emotional journey. From that point on, I systematically worked through his entire bibliography.

What sets Murakami apart and makes his writing so captivating for me operates on several levels. First and foremost, there’s his prose style – it’s deceptively simple yet profoundly evocative. He has this remarkable ability to describe everyday experiences with such precision and beauty that they become almost poetic. His sentences flow effortlessly, creating a hypnotic, meditative quality that perfectly complements the dreamlike atmosphere of his stories.

Beyond the stylistic appeal, what I find most intellectually rewarding is the philosophical depth embedded within his narratives. His books are populated with characters who are grappling with existential questions – about identity, memory, reality, and the nature of human connection. He never offers neat answers or moral certainties; instead, he invites readers to sit with ambiguity, to embrace the mysterious. This nuanced approach to storytelling has taught me to appreciate complexity and to be comfortable with unresolved questions – both in literature and in life.

Moreover, Murakami’s work resonates deeply with my own experiences of navigating modern life. His protagonists often feel somewhat disconnected from mainstream society, yet they’re earnestly searching for authentic connections and meaning. In today’s increasingly fragmented and fast-paced world, I find his exploration of loneliness and the human need for belonging strikingly relevant. His books have become a sort of companion to me, offering solace and understanding during reflective moments.

Lastly, what I genuinely admire is his unwavering commitment to his artistic vision. Despite his international acclaim, he’s remained remarkably consistent in his thematic preoccupations and stylistic choices, never pandering to commercial pressures or trends. This integrity makes him not just a writer I enjoy reading, but one I deeply respect as an artist.

Phân Tích Band Điểm

Tiêu chí	Band	Nhận xét
Fluency & Coherence	8.5-9	Speaks fluently and coherently với natural, effortless delivery, sophisticated cohesive devices (first and foremost, beyond, moreover, lastly), perfectly structured với clear progression of ideas
Lexical Resource	8.5-9	Wide và precise vocabulary range, idiomatic và sophisticated expressions (profound impact, garnering devoted following, seamlessly integrates, utterly unique aesthetic, operates on several levels, deceptively simple), skillful use of less common lexical items, collocation accuracy rất cao
Grammatical Range & Accuracy	8.5-9	Full range of structures với flexibility và accuracy, complex sentences với multiple clauses, advanced structures (cleft sentences, inversion, participle phrases), virtually error-free
Pronunciation	8.5-9	Pronunciation features fully effective, appropriate intonation patterns, word stress và sentence stress accurate, enhances communication

Tại Sao Bài Này Xuất Sắc

🎯 Fluency Hoàn Hảo:
Bài nói demonstrates completely natural delivery không có hesitation hay repetition. Các ý được develop một cách logical và cohesive, với smooth transitions giữa các paragraphs. Speaker shows complete control over language production.

📚 Vocabulary Tinh Vi:

• “Garnering a devoted global following” thay vì “having many fans” – sophisticated collocation
• “Seamlessly integrates” thay vì “mixes” – precise verb choice
• “Deceptively simple yet profoundly evocative” – complex descriptive phrase với contrast
• “Grappling with existential questions” – advanced academic vocabulary
• “Unwavering commitment to artistic vision” – idiomatic expression về dedication

📝 Grammar Đa Dạng:

• Cleft sentence: “What’s particularly striking about his writing is…”
• Participial phrase: “…creating this utterly unique aesthetic“
• Complex relative clauses: “…characters who are grappling with existential questions“
• Advanced passives: “His books are populated with…“
• Inversion for emphasis: “Never does he offer neat answers…” (có thể dùng)

💡 Ideas Sâu Sắc:
Bài nói không chỉ describe tác giả mà còn analyze deeply về:

• Stylistic elements cụ thể của writing
• Philosophical dimensions của work
• Personal connection và impact
• Broader context về modern life
• Artistic integrity của writer

Đây là level của critical analysis và personal reflection mà examiner expects ở Band 9.

Follow-up Questions (Rounding Off Questions)

Sau Part 2, examiner thường hỏi 1-2 câu ngắn liên quan trực tiếp đến topic bạn vừa nói. Đây là transition sang Part 3.

Question 1: Do you think you’ll continue reading this writer’s books in the future?

Band 6-7 Answer:
Yes, definitely. I really enjoy his books and I want to read all of them. I’m planning to buy his new book next month.

Band 8-9 Answer:
Absolutely! I’m completely hooked on his work at this point. I’ve actually got a couple of his novels on my reading list that I haven’t gotten around to yet, and I’m eagerly anticipating any future releases. His writing has become somewhat of a constant in my reading routine.

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Question 2: Have you recommended this writer to any of your friends?

Band 6-7 Answer:
Yes, I have recommended him to some friends who like reading. Some of them liked his books too, but some found them difficult to understand.

Band 8-9 Answer:
I have, yes, though with a word of caution. Murakami’s style is quite distinctive and isn’t to everyone’s taste – it requires a certain willingness to embrace ambiguity. I usually gauge someone’s reading preferences first before recommending his work, as I think it resonates most strongly with readers who appreciate literary fiction and don’t mind slower-paced, introspective narratives.

IELTS Speaking Part 3: Two-way Discussion

Tổng Quan Về Part 3

Part 3 kéo dài 4-5 phút và là phần khó nhất của IELTS Speaking. Khác với Part 1 (personal questions) và Part 2 (description), Part 3 yêu cầu bạn discuss abstract ideas, analyze trends, compare different perspectives, và express opinions về broader social issues liên quan đến chủ đề Part 2.

Với chủ đề về writers và reading, examiner thường hỏi về vai trò của văn học trong xã hội, sự thay đổi của thói quen đọc sách, tác động của công nghệ lên reading habits, và tầm quan trọng của việc khuyến khích đọc sách. Đây là lúc bạn cần demonstrate ability để think critically và articulate complex ideas.

Chiến lược quan trọng là structure câu trả lời rõ ràng với direct answer, supporting reasons, examples, và có thể acknowledge different viewpoints. Sử dụng discourse markers để tạo coherence (Well, Actually, From my perspective…). Mỗi câu trả lời nên dài 3-5 câu, tránh trả lời quá ngắn.

Lỗi phổ biến của học viên Việt Nam ở Part 3 là: trả lời như Part 1 (quá ngắn, chỉ nói về personal experience), thiếu vocabulary trừu tượng, không phân tích sâu được issues, và hesitation nhiều do chưa quen với academic discussion bằng tiếng Anh.

Các Câu Hỏi Thảo Luận Sâu

Theme 1: Reading Habits and Society

Question 1: Do you think people read less nowadays compared to the past?

🎯 Phân tích câu hỏi:

• Dạng: Compare (past vs present) + Opinion
• Key words: “read less”, “nowadays”, “compared to the past”
• Cách tiếp cận: Agree/disagree hoặc present balanced view → reasons với evidence → consider nuances (different types of reading, demographics)

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

I think people do read less books today compared to the past. This is mainly because of technology and the internet. People now spend more time on their phones and computers, so they have less time for reading books. Young people especially prefer watching videos or playing games instead of reading. However, people still read a lot online, like articles and social media posts, so maybe they read different things but not less overall.

Phân tích:

• Structure: Có clear opinion → reason (technology) → consideration of different perspective (online reading)
• Vocabulary: Basic level (read less, spend time, prefer, instead of)
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Answers the question adequately với basic reasoning, nhưng lacks depth in analysis, vocabulary chưa sophisticated, ideas chưa được fully developed

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📝 Câu trả lời mẫu – Band 8-9:

Well, I think this is a bit of a complex question actually. On the surface, it might seem that traditional book reading has declined, particularly with the proliferation of digital distractions like social media and streaming services. However, I’d argue that people haven’t necessarily stopped reading – rather, their reading patterns have evolved.

What we’re witnessing is a shift from deep, sustained reading of long-form content to more fragmented consumption of shorter texts. People are constantly scrolling through articles, posts, and news feeds, which is still reading, just in a different format. That said, this type of reading lacks the depth and concentration that book reading cultivates, and there’s growing evidence that this fragmented attention is affecting our cognitive abilities, particularly our capacity for deep thinking and sustained focus.

From a demographic perspective, reading habits vary considerably. While younger generations might be reading fewer physical books, there’s been a resurgence of interest in reading among certain groups, particularly through book clubs and online reading communities. So I’d say it’s less about reading less and more about reading differently, though the quality and depth of engagement has probably diminished for many.

Phân tích:

• Structure: Well-organized với clear progression: acknowledgment of complexity → present balanced view → provide specific evidence → nuanced conclusion
• Vocabulary: Precise và sophisticated (proliferation of, fragmented consumption, cultivates, cognitive abilities, resurgence of interest, diminished)
• Grammar: Complex structures: cleft sentences (What we’re witnessing…), comparative structures (more about…than), passive constructions
• Critical Thinking: Shows balanced view, acknowledges complexity, considers different demographics, makes nuanced distinctions (reading less vs reading differently)

💡 Key Language Features:

• Discourse markers: Well, On the surface, However, That said, From a demographic perspective
• Tentative language: I’d argue that, it might seem, I’d say, probably
• Abstract nouns: proliferation, consumption, concentration, capacity, resurgence

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Question 2: Why do you think some people don’t enjoy reading?

🎯 Phân tích câu hỏi:

• Dạng: Reason/Cause analysis
• Key words: “some people”, “don’t enjoy”, “why”
• Cách tiếp cận: Identify multiple reasons → explain each với examples → có thể mention how this could be addressed

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

There are several reasons why some people don’t like reading. First, they might find it boring because reading takes a long time and requires concentration. Some people prefer more active hobbies. Second, maybe they had bad experiences with reading at school, where they were forced to read difficult books they didn’t enjoy. Also, some people just haven’t found the right type of books for their interests yet. If schools made reading more fun and let students choose books they like, more people might enjoy it.

Phân tích:

• Structure: Multiple reasons được list ra với first, second, also
• Vocabulary: Basic (boring, difficult, fun, like, enjoy)
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Clear communication nhưng lacks sophistication in language và depth in analysis

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📝 Câu trả lời mẫu – Band 8-9:

I think there are multiple factors at play here. To begin with, reading requires a certain investment of time and mental energy that not everyone is willing or able to make, especially in our fast-paced, instant-gratification culture. Many people have been conditioned to expect quick, easily digestible content, and the slow, contemplative nature of reading can feel frustratingly sluggish by comparison.

Another significant factor is early reading experiences. If someone struggled with literacy as a child or was forced to read texts that didn’t resonate with them, they might have developed negative associations with reading that persist into adulthood. Educational systems sometimes inadvertently kill the joy of reading by prescribing overly academic or age-inappropriate texts, rather than fostering genuine interest through diverse, engaging materials.

Moreover, there’s a matter of accessibility – not everyone has been exposed to the wide variety of genres and writing styles available. Someone might think they “don’t like reading” simply because they haven’t discovered the type of content that speaks to them. It’s like saying you don’t enjoy music when you’ve only been exposed to one genre.

On a deeper level, I think it also relates to our attention spans and cognitive habits. Reading, particularly literary fiction, demands sustained concentration and the ability to hold complex narratives in mind. In an era of information overload and constant digital stimulation, maintaining that level of focus can be genuinely challenging for people whose neural pathways have been shaped by more fragmentary forms of media consumption.

Phân tích:

• Structure: Sophisticated organization: cultural factors → early experiences → accessibility → cognitive/neurological factors. Each point được fully developed
• Vocabulary: Highly sophisticated (multiple factors at play, instant-gratification culture, conditioned, sluggish by comparison, resonate with, inadvertently kill, prescribing, neural pathways)
• Grammar: Wide range of advanced structures (relative clauses, conditional meanings, passive voice, participle phrases)
• Critical Thinking: Multi-dimensional analysis considering psychological, educational, cultural, and neurological factors. Shows depth và nuance

💡 Key Language Features:

• Discourse markers: To begin with, Another significant factor, Moreover, On a deeper level
• Tentative language: I think, might have, can be, seems to
• Abstract nouns: investment, gratification, associations, accessibility, stimulation

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Theme 2: The Impact of Technology on Reading

Question 1: How has technology changed the way people read?

🎯 Phân tích câu hỏi:

• Dạng: Change/Impact analysis
• Key words: “technology”, “changed”, “way people read”
• Cách tiếp cận: Identify key changes → explain impact (positive and negative) → provide examples → consider future implications

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

Technology has changed reading a lot. Now people can read books on their phones, tablets, or e-readers instead of only physical books. This is more convenient because you can carry many books with you. Also, the internet lets people read news and articles immediately without waiting for newspapers. However, some people say that reading on screens is not as good as reading paper books because it’s harder to concentrate. Online reading also has many distractions like notifications and links to other pages.

Phân tích:

• Structure: Changes identified → convenience factor → negative aspects
• Vocabulary: Basic vocabulary với some topic-related words (e-readers, screens, distractions, notifications)
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Addresses question adequately nhưng analysis thiếu depth, vocabulary chưa precise, ideas chưa fully explored

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📝 Câu trả lời mẫu – Band 8-9:

Technology has fundamentally transformed reading habits in several profound ways. Most obviously, the advent of e-readers, tablets, and smartphones has made literature infinitely more accessible. We’ve shifted from a world where your reading choices were constrained by what was available in your local bookshop or library to one where millions of titles are literally at your fingertips. This democratization of access has been particularly transformative for readers in remote areas or those seeking niche content.

Beyond accessibility, technology has altered the very nature of the reading experience itself. Hypertext and interactive features have introduced non-linear reading paths that were impossible with traditional print media. Readers can now seamlessly look up unfamiliar words, cross-reference information, and even engage with multimedia content integrated into digital texts. This enhanced interactivity can deepen comprehension for some readers, though it also introduces potential distractions that can fragment attention.

Perhaps more concerning is what researchers call “screen inferiority effect” – studies suggest that reading on screens often leads to shallower processing of information compared to print reading. The ephemeral nature of digital text, combined with the constant availability of other apps and notifications, undermines the sustained, immersive focus that traditional reading cultivated.

On the social dimension, technology has revolutionized how we discover and discuss books. Online communities, book recommendation algorithms, and social reading platforms like Goodreads have created entirely new ecosystems around reading that transcend geographical boundaries. However, these algorithmically curated recommendations can also create “filter bubbles” that limit exposure to diverse perspectives.

Looking forward, I think we’re still grappling with finding the right balance – harnessing the accessibility and convenience of digital reading while preserving the depth and focus that makes reading valuable.

Phân tích:

• Structure: Masterfully organized: accessibility → nature of experience → cognitive effects → social dimensions → future considerations
• Vocabulary: Sophisticated và precise (fundamentally transformed, advent of, democratization of access, non-linear reading paths, ephemeral nature, algorithmically curated, filter bubbles, grappling with)
• Grammar: Full range of complex structures perfect executed (relative clauses, passive constructions, participle phrases, cleft sentences)
• Critical Thinking: Multi-faceted analysis covering practical, cognitive, social, and future aspects với both positive and negative considerations. Shows research awareness (screen inferiority effect) và nuanced understanding

💡 Key Language Features:

• Discourse markers: Most obviously, Beyond, Perhaps more concerning, On the social dimension, Looking forward
• Tentative language: suggest that, often leads to, can also create
• Abstract nouns: democratization, accessibility, interactivity, comprehension, ecosystems

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Tương tự như khi chúng ta mô tả một ngôn ngữ muốn học trong tương lai, việc đọc sách cũng mở ra cánh cửa tiếp cận văn hóa và tư duy mới, đặc biệt khi đọc các tác phẩm văn học được viết bằng ngôn ngữ gốc.

Công nghệ đã thay đổi cách mọi người đọc sách trong thời đại số

Theme 3: The Value of Literature and Writers

Question 1: What role do writers play in society?

🎯 Phân tích câu hỏi:

• Dạng: Function/Role analysis – abstract question
• Key words: “role”, “writers”, “society”
• Cách tiếp cận: Identify multiple roles → explain significance of each → provide examples → acknowledge broader impact

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

Writers play an important role in society. They create stories and books that entertain people and help them relax. Writers also educate people by writing about history, science, and other topics. Some writers write about social problems and make people think about important issues. Famous writers can influence public opinion and inspire people to make changes. For example, many writers have written about environmental problems to raise awareness. Overall, writers help preserve culture and share knowledge with future generations.

Phân tích:

• Structure: Multiple roles identified: entertainment, education, social commentary, preservation
• Vocabulary: Adequate but basic (important role, create stories, help them relax, make people think)
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Covers main points adequately nhưng lacks sophistication trong language và depth trong analysis

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📝 Câu trả lời mẫu – Band 8-9:

Writers occupy a multifaceted position in society that extends far beyond mere entertainment. At the most fundamental level, they serve as chroniclers of the human experience, capturing the complexities of different eras, cultures, and perspectives in ways that transcend what historical records alone can convey. Through their work, they preserve collective memory and provide future generations with windows into the past.

More crucially, I believe writers function as society’s conscience – they hold up a mirror to our collective values, behaviors, and contradictions. Throughout history, literature has been a powerful vehicle for social commentary and change. Writers like George Orwell or Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie have challenged prevailing narratives, exposed injustices, and prompted societal introspection in ways that direct political discourse often cannot. Their ability to humanize abstract issues through storytelling makes complex social problems relatable and visceral.

On a deeper psychological level, writers help us make sense of human existence itself. They grapple with the timeless questions about meaning, morality, love, and death that preoccupy humanity. By articulating experiences and emotions that we might struggle to express ourselves, they validate our inner lives and help us feel less isolated in our struggles. There’s something profoundly comforting about discovering that someone else has wrestled with the same existential questions you have.

Additionally, in our increasingly polarized and fragmented society, literature serves as a bridge between different worlds. Reading fiction, particularly, has been shown to enhance empathy by allowing us to inhabit the perspectives of people vastly different from ourselves. In this sense, writers contribute to social cohesion by fostering understanding across cultural, social, and ideological divides.

Finally, from a cultural standpoint, writers shape language itself – they coin new expressions, challenge linguistic conventions, and expand the possibilities of how we communicate. Their creative manipulation of language enriches our collective vocabulary and influences how entire generations think and express themselves.

Phân tích:

• Structure: Exceptionally well-organized với clear thematic development: historical/cultural role → social conscience → psychological function → bridging divides → linguistic contribution
• Vocabulary: Sophisticated và precise (occupy a multifaceted position, chroniclers of, transcend, hold up a mirror, prevailing narratives, humanize abstract issues, grapple with, validate our inner lives, foster understanding, coin new expressions)
• Grammar: Full range demonstrated: cleft sentences, passive voice, relative clauses, participle phrases, advanced verb patterns
• Critical Thinking: Shows exceptional depth với multi-dimensional analysis, references to research (empathy studies), specific examples (Orwell, Adichie), philosophical considerations về human existence

💡 Key Language Features:

• Discourse markers: At the most fundamental level, More crucially, On a deeper level, Additionally, Finally, from a cultural standpoint
• Tentative language: I believe, might, has been shown to
• Abstract nouns: conscience, introspection, validation, cohesion, manipulation

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Question 2: Do you think the profession of being a writer is respected in your country?

🎯 Phân tích câu hỏi:

• Dạng: Opinion + Compare (present situation assessment)
• Key words: “profession”, “writer”, “respected”, “your country”
• Cách tiếp cận: State overall view → provide evidence → compare với past or other countries → explain reasons → suggest implications

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

In Vietnam, I think being a writer is somewhat respected but not as much as other professions like doctors or engineers. Many people appreciate literature and writers, especially famous ones who write important books. However, it’s difficult for writers to earn a living from writing alone, so many have to do other jobs. Parents usually don’t encourage their children to become writers because it’s not financially stable. I think if writers could earn more money, the profession would be more respected. The government and society should support writers more so that more talented people can pursue this career.

Phân tích:

• Structure: Overall view → evidence → comparison → reasons → suggestion
• Vocabulary: Adequate (somewhat respected, earn a living, financially stable, support)
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Addresses question với reasonable points nhưng lacks sophistication và depth in cultural analysis

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📝 Câu trả lời mẫu – Band 8-9:

That’s an interesting question because the answer is quite nuanced. On the one hand, Vietnam has a long-standing literary tradition and a deep cultural reverence for education and scholarship, which theoretically positions writers in a respected place. Historical literary figures like Nguyen Du or To Hoai are held in high esteem, and their works are celebrated as national treasures.

However, in practical terms, the contemporary reality for writers is considerably less glamorous. The profession suffers from what I’d call a respect-remuneration disconnect – while people might admire literary accomplishments in the abstract, there’s limited financial support and market demand for Vietnamese literature. Most writers can’t sustain themselves purely through their craft and must resort to teaching, journalism, or other supplementary income streams. This economic precarity inevitably undermines the profession’s status.

What’s particularly striking is the generational shift in attitudes. Traditional Vietnamese society placed tremendous value on literary accomplishment as a marker of cultivation and intellect. However, the market-driven economy and pragmatic career concerns have shifted priorities towards professions with clearer financial trajectories. Parents now typically steer their children towards STEM fields or business, viewing writing as a risky pursuit rather than a viable career path.

That said, I’ve noticed an emerging subculture of indie publishers, online literary communities, and young writers who are trying to revitalize interest in Vietnamese literature. Social media has provided platforms for writers to bypass traditional gatekeepers and reach audiences directly, which is gradually changing the landscape. However, this grassroots movement hasn’t yet translated into widespread professional respect or financial sustainability.

Comparatively, when I look at countries with robust publishing industries and strong public funding for the arts, like some European nations, there’s a stark difference in how the writing profession is perceived and supported. Until there’s systematic investment in literary infrastructure – grants, residencies, publishing opportunities – and cultural consumption patterns shift to value local literature, I think Vietnamese writers will continue to face this prestige-poverty paradox.

Phân tích:

• Structure: Sophisticated với multiple layers: traditional respect vs. current reality → generational shift → emerging trends → international comparison → systemic analysis
• Vocabulary: Highly sophisticated (nuanced, long-standing reverence, held in high esteem, respect-remuneration disconnect, economic precarity, undergoes, viable career path, bypass traditional gatekeepers, grassroots movement, prestige-poverty paradox)
• Grammar: Advanced structures throughout: conditionals, passives, cleft sentences, inversion, complex nominal phrases
• Critical Thinking: Exceptional depth showing cultural awareness, economic analysis, generational perspectives, comparative international context, và systemic understanding. Shows ability to balance different viewpoints while providing nuanced assessment

💡 Key Language Features:

• Discourse markers: On the one hand, However, What’s particularly striking, That said, Comparatively, Until
• Tentative language: I’d call, might admire, I’ve noticed, I think
• Abstract nouns: reverence, disconnect, precarity, accomplishment, trajectories, subculture

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Question 3: Should governments provide financial support to writers and artists?

🎯 Phân tích câu hỏi:

• Dạng: Opinion/Argument – Should question (policy discussion)
• Key words: “governments”, “financial support”, “writers and artists”
• Cách tiếp cận: State clear position → provide strong arguments → acknowledge counter-arguments → respond to them → conclude với nuanced view

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

Yes, I think governments should support writers and artists financially. Art and literature are important for society and culture, but many artists struggle to make money. If the government provides grants or funding, more talented people can focus on their creative work without worrying about money. This support can help preserve traditional culture and promote new creative works. Some people might say the government shouldn’t spend money on arts when there are more important issues like healthcare or education, but I believe culture is also essential for a good society. Countries with strong support for arts usually have rich cultural life that benefits everyone.

Phân tích:

• Structure: Clear position → reasons → counter-argument acknowledged → response → conclusion
• Vocabulary: Adequate (support, struggle, funding, preserve, promote, essential, benefits)
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Presents clear argument với some development nhưng lacks sophistication trong argumentation và vocabulary

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📝 Câu trả lời mẫu – Band 8-9:

I’m firmly of the opinion that government support for writers and artists is not merely beneficial but essential for a healthy, vibrant society, though the form this support takes requires careful consideration.

The fundamental argument for public funding of the arts rests on the principle that cultural production generates positive externalities that extend far beyond private market transactions. Literature and art enrich our collective cultural heritage, foster social cohesion, and contribute to national identity in ways that don’t translate into immediate economic returns. Left purely to market forces, we’d see a homogenization toward commercially viable work, while more challenging, experimental, or culturally significant literature that lacks mass appeal would be marginalized. This would represent a tremendous loss for cultural diversity and intellectual discourse.

Moreover, there’s a robust economic case to be made beyond pure cultural arguments. The creative industries, when properly supported, generate substantial economic activity through tourism, publishing, adaptation rights, and international cultural exports. Countries like Ireland and Canada have demonstrated that strategic investment in literary arts yields significant returns both culturally and economically. Government support essentially functions as seed capital that catalyzes a broader creative ecosystem.

From an equity perspective, public funding ensures that writing careers aren’t solely accessible to those with independent wealth or the ability to subsidize their work through other means. Without institutional support, literature risks becoming the province of a privileged few, which would dramatically narrow the range of voices and perspectives in our literary landscape. Systemic support creates pathways for diverse voices that might otherwise be shut out by market barriers.

Now, I’m cognizant of the counterargument that in times of fiscal constraint, arts funding might seem expendable compared to pressing needs like healthcare or infrastructure. However, I’d argue this represents a false dichotomy. Firstly, arts funding typically constitutes a minuscule fraction of government budgets – we’re talking about proportionally tiny investments with disproportionate cultural returns. Secondly, the notion that we must choose between physical wellbeing and cultural vitality misconstrues what constitutes a thriving society. The mental health, social cohesion, and intellectual development that arts and literature contribute to are, arguably, equally foundational to societal wellbeing.

That said, I think support should be structured thoughtfully – merit-based grants, residency programs, subsidized publishing initiatives, and living stipends that don’t dictate content or compromise artistic freedom. The goal should be enabling creation, not directing it. Governments should provide the infrastructure and remove barriers while respecting creative autonomy.

In conclusion, given the multifaceted benefits – cultural, economic, social, and intellectual – I believe government support for writers and artists represents a sound investment in our collective future, provided it’s administered with appropriate safeguards for artistic independence.

Phân tích:

• Structure: Exceptionally sophisticated: clear thesis → cultural argument → economic argument → equity argument → acknowledge counter-argument → refute thoroughly → nuance về implementation → conclusion
• Vocabulary: Highly advanced và precise (positive externalities, homogenization, marginalized, robust economic case, catalyzes, province of, false dichotomy, minuscule fraction, misconstrues, merit-based grants, safeguards)
• Grammar: Full range of advanced structures: cleft sentences, conditional meanings, passive constructions, complex nominal groups, inversion
• Critical Thinking: Demonstrates exceptional analytical depth với multi-dimensional argumentation (cultural, economic, equity perspectives), anticipates và addresses counter-arguments effectively, shows nuanced understanding về policy implementation, provides international examples

💡 Key Language Features:

• Discourse markers: The fundamental argument for, Moreover, From an equity perspective, Now, Firstly/Secondly, That said, In conclusion
• Tentative language: I’m firmly of the opinion, arguably, I believe, provided
• Abstract nouns: externalities, homogenization, discourse, catalyst, dichotomy, autonomy, safeguards

Từ vựng và cụm từ quan trọng

Topic-Specific Vocabulary

Từ vựng/Cụm từ	Loại từ	Phiên âm	Nghĩa tiếng Việt	Ví dụ	Collocation
avid reader	noun phrase	/ˈævɪd ˈriːdə(r)/	người đọc nhiệt tình, say mê	I’ve been an avid reader since childhood.	voracious reader, passionate reader, keen reader
literary fiction	noun phrase	/ˈlɪtərəri ˈfɪkʃn/	văn học nghệ thuật, tiểu thuyết văn chương	I prefer literary fiction to commercial novels.	contemporary literary fiction, classic literary fiction
captivating	adjective	/ˈkæptɪveɪtɪŋ/	hấp dẫn, mê hoặc	Her storytelling style is absolutely captivating.	captivating narrative, captivating plot, captivating characters
page-turner	noun	/peɪdʒ ˈtɜːnə(r)/	sách hấp dẫn khó rời mắt	His latest thriller is a real page-turner.	gripping page-turner, compelling page-turner
immerse oneself in	verb phrase	/ɪˈmɜːs wʌnˈself ɪn/	đắm mình vào, chìm đắm trong	I love to immerse myself in fantasy worlds.	completely immerse, fully immerse, deeply immerse
thought-provoking	adjective	/θɔːt prəˈvəʊkɪŋ/	kích thích tư duy, gợi suy ngẫm	The novel raises thought-provoking questions.	thought-provoking themes, thought-provoking ideas
prose style	noun phrase	/prəʊz staɪl/	phong cách văn xuôi	Hemingway’s prose style is minimalist and direct.	elegant prose, lyrical prose, spare prose
narrative structure	noun phrase	/ˈnærətɪv ˈstrʌktʃə(r)/	cấu trúc tường thuật	The narrative structure is complex and non-linear.	intricate narrative, compelling narrative
characterization	noun	/ˌkærəktəraɪˈzeɪʃn/	cách xây dựng nhân vật	The characterization in her novels is superb.	strong characterization, nuanced characterization
plot twist	noun phrase	/plɒt twɪst/	tình tiết bất ngờ, twist trong cốt truyện	The plot twist at the end was completely unexpected.	shocking plot twist, clever plot twist
resonate with	verb phrase	/ˈrezəneɪt wɪð/	gây được tiếng vang với, tạo được sự đồng cảm	Her writing really resonates with young adults.	deeply resonate, strongly resonate
escapism	noun	/ɪˈskeɪpɪzəm/	sự trốn tránh thực tế, giải thoát	Reading provides a form of escapism from daily stress.	offer escapism, seek escapism, pure escapism
compelling	adjective	/kəmˈpelɪŋ/	hấp dẫn, thuyết phục	He creates compelling characters you can relate to.	compelling narrative, compelling storytelling
prolific writer	noun phrase	/prəˈlɪfɪk ˈraɪtə(r)/	nhà văn đa sản	Agatha Christie was an incredibly prolific writer.	highly prolific, remarkably prolific
literary merit	noun phrase	/ˈlɪtərəri ˈmerɪt/	giá trị văn học	The book has considerable literary merit.	great literary merit, lasting literary merit
bestseller	noun	/ˌbestˈselə(r)/	sách bán chạy nhất	Her novel became an international bestseller.	instant bestseller, runaway bestseller
masterpiece	noun	/ˈmɑːstəpiːs/	kiệt tác	Many consider it his greatest masterpiece.	literary masterpiece, undisputed masterpiece
evocative	adjective	/ɪˈvɒkətɪv/	gợi cảm xúc, gợi hình ảnh sống động	His evocative descriptions bring settings to life.	highly evocative, deeply evocative
posthumously	adverb	/ˈpɒstjʊməsli/	sau khi qua đời, tử hậu	The novel was published posthumously.	published posthumously, recognized posthumously

Idiomatic Expressions & Advanced Phrases

Cụm từ	Nghĩa	Ví dụ sử dụng	Band điểm
gravitate towards	có xu hướng thích, bị thu hút bởi	I tend to gravitate towards psychological thrillers rather than romance novels.	7.5-9
keep me on the edge of my seat	làm tôi hồi hộp, không thể rời mắt	Her suspenseful writing keeps me on the edge of my seat throughout the entire book.	7-8
can’t put it down	không thể ngừng đọc	Once I started reading, I simply couldn’t put it down until I finished.	6.5-8
devour a book	đọc ngấu nghiến, đọc một cách cuồng nhiệt	I devoured the entire trilogy in just one weekend.	7.5-8.5
weave together	kết hợp khéo léo, đan xen	She masterfully weaves together multiple storylines into a cohesive narrative.	7.5-9
lose myself in	đắm chìm vào, quên mình trong	I love losing myself in fantasy worlds created by great authors.	7-8
strike a chord with	tạo được sự đồng cảm, chạm đến cảm xúc	His novels strike a chord with readers of all ages.	7.5-8.5
stands the test of time	trường tồn với thời gian, không bị lỗi thời	Great literature stands the test of time and remains relevant across generations.	8-9
delve into	đào sâu vào, nghiên cứu kỹ	The author delves into complex moral questions through her characters.	7.5-9
page through	lướt qua, xem nhanh	I was just paging through the bookstore when this title caught my attention.	6.5-7.5
food for thought	vấn đề đáng suy nghĩ	Her essays provide plenty of food for thought on contemporary issues.	7-8
between the lines	ý nghĩa ngầm, điều ẩn chứa	You need to read between the lines to understand the author’s true message.	7.5-8.5

Discourse Markers (Từ Nối Ý Trong Speaking)

Để bắt đầu câu trả lời:

• 📝 Well,… – Khi cần một chút thời gian suy nghĩ hoặc để làm mềm câu trả lời
• 📝 Actually,… – Khi đưa ra góc nhìn có thể khác với mong đợi
• 📝 To be honest,… – Khi muốn nói thật và chân thành về quan điểm
• 📝 I’d say that… – Cách lịch sự để đưa ra quan điểm cá nhân
• 📝 From my perspective,… – Nhấn mạnh đây là góc nhìn cá nhân

Để bổ sung ý:

• 📝 On top of that,… – Thêm vào đó, bổ sung thông tin
• 📝 What’s more,… – Hơn nữa, nhấn mạnh thêm
• 📝 Not to mention… – Chưa kể đến, thêm điểm quan trọng khác
• 📝 Beyond that,… – Ngoài ra còn
• 📝 In addition to that,… – Thêm vào điều đó

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 cũng cần xem xét…
• 📝 That said,… – Tuy nhiên, dù vậy
• 📝 Having said that,… – Sau khi nói điều đó thì
• 📝 Granted,… – Thừa nhận rằng

Để kết luận:

• 📝 All in all,… – Tóm lại, xét tổng thể
• 📝 At the end of the day,… – Cuối cùng thì, về cơ bản
• 📝 Ultimately,… – Cuối cùng, về lâu dài
• 📝 In conclusion,… – Kết luận
• 📝 To sum up,… – Tóm lại

Để giải thích hoặc làm rõ:

• 📝 What I mean is,… – Ý tôi là
• 📝 In other words,… – Nói cách khác
• 📝 To put it another way,… – Diễn đạt theo cách khác
• 📝 Basically,… – Về cơ bản

Grammatical Structures Ấn Tượng

1. Conditional Sentences (Câu điều kiện):

Mixed conditional:

• Formula: If + past perfect, would + base verb (past cause, present result)
• Ví dụ: “If I hadn’t discovered Murakami’s work in university, I wouldn’t be such an avid reader today.”

Inversion for emphasis:

• Formula: Had + subject + past participle…
• Ví dụ: “Had I known how captivating his writing was, I would have started reading his books much earlier.”

2. Relative Clauses (Mệnh đề quan hệ):

Non-defining relative clauses:

• Formula: …, which/who/whose…
• Ví dụ: “Her latest novel, which was published last year, explores themes of identity and belonging.”
• Ví dụ: “The author, whose work has been translated into 40 languages, continues to inspire readers worldwide.”

3. Passive Voice (Câu bị động):

It is thought/believed/said that…

• Ví dụ: “It is widely believed that literature plays a crucial role in shaping cultural values.”
• Ví dụ: “It has been argued that reading literary fiction enhances empathy.”

4. Cleft Sentences (Câu chẻ):

What + clause + is/was…

• Formula: What + subject + verb + is/was + noun/adjective clause
• Ví dụ: “What I find most captivating about his writing is the way he portrays ordinary people in extraordinary situations.”
• Ví dụ: “What sets her apart from other contemporary writers is her unflinching honesty about human nature.”

The thing/reason that + clause

• Ví dụ: “The thing that draws me to literary fiction is the depth of character development.”
• Ví dụ: “The reason I enjoy reading this author is that her prose style is both elegant and accessible.”

5. Participle Phrases:

Present participle (-ing):

• Ví dụ: “Having read all of her novels, I can say that her latest work is her most ambitious yet.”
• Ví dụ: “The book explores complex themes, challenging readers to question their assumptions.”

Past participle (-ed):

• Ví dụ: “Written in a minimalist style, the novel conveys profound emotions with simple language.”

6. Advanced Verb Patterns:

Tend to + infinitive:

• Ví dụ: “I tend to gravitate towards authors who explore psychological depth.”

Have been shown to + infinitive:

• Ví dụ: “Literary fiction has been shown to enhance readers’ empathy and emotional intelligence.”

Enable/Allow someone to + infinitive:

• Ví dụ: “Reading diverse authors enables us to understand different cultural perspectives.”

Từ vựng nâng cao cho IELTS Speaking chủ đề nhà văn nổi tiếng

Chiến Lược Trả Lời Hiệu Quả

Chuẩn Bị Trước Khi Thi

1. Chọn tác giả phù hợp:

• Chọn một tác giả bạn thực sự đã đọc và hiểu về họ
• Đảm bảo bạn biết ít nhất 2-3 tác phẩm của họ
• Tránh chọn tác giả quá ít người biết hoặc quá phức tạp để giải thích
• Có thể chuẩn bị 2 tác giả khác nhau để linh hoạt

2. Nghiên cứu background:

• Quốc tịch và thời kỳ hoạt động của tác giả
• Thể loại và phong cách viết chính
• Tác phẩm nổi tiếng nhất
• Chủ đề thường xuyên trong tác phẩm
• Giải thưởng hoặc recognition (nếu có)

3. Chuẩn bị vocabulary clusters:
Nhóm từ vựng theo theme:

• Describing writing style: minimalist, lyrical, evocative, sparse, ornate
• Describing impact: thought-provoking, emotionally resonant, intellectually stimulating
• Describing characters: multi-dimensional, relatable, flawed, compelling
• Describing plots: intricate, meandering, fast-paced, character-driven

Kỹ Thuật Xử Lý Tình Huống Khó

Tình huống 1: Không nhớ chi tiết cụ thể

❌ Không nên: Im lặng hoặc nói “I don’t remember”

✅ Nên làm: Sử dụng hedge language và nói chung chung hơn

• “If I remember correctly…”
• “I’m not entirely sure, but I believe…”
• “From what I recall…”
• “One of his books that particularly stands out…”

Tình huống 2: Examiner hỏi về tác giả bạn không biết nhiều

❌ Không nên: Trả lời “I don’t know” ngắn gọn

✅ Nên làm: Redirect về điều bạn biết

• “I’m not particularly familiar with that author, but in terms of similar writers…”
• “That’s not someone I’ve read extensively, though I understand they write in a similar genre to…”
• Sau đó connect với tác giả bạn biết

Tình huống 3: Bí ý trong Part 2

✅ Chiến lược:

• Mở rộng về first reading experience chi tiết hơn: where, when, who recommended
• Describe chi tiết hơn về một quyển sách cụ thể: plot, characters, setting
• Nói về impact lên bản thân: changed perspective, inspired to read more, influenced thinking
• So sánh với tác giả khác cùng thể loại
• Nói về recommendation: who you’d recommend to, why

Tình huống 4: Part 3 quá abstract hoặc khó

✅ Cách xử lý:

• Paraphrase câu hỏi để buy time: “That’s an interesting question about…”
• Acknowledge complexity: “This is quite a complex issue…”
• Provide balanced view: “There are multiple perspectives on this…”
• Use personal examples để illustrate abstract points
• Connect với broader context bạn familiar với

Common Mistakes của học viên Việt Nam và cách tránh

Lỗi 1: Học thuộc template và áp dụng cứng nhắc

❌ Ví dụ lỗi: “I would like to talk about a famous writer who I enjoy reading. His name is…”

✅ Cách tránh: Học phrases và vocabulary flexible, không học câu hoàn chỉnh. Tập improv với nhiều variations.

Lỗi 2: Sử dụng từ vựng quá fancy không phù hợp

❌ Ví dụ lỗi: “His literary composition demonstrates unprecedented magnificence in the realm of contemporary literature.”

✅ Cách tốt hơn: “His writing is exceptionally engaging and has had a significant impact on modern literature.”

Lỗi 3: Thiếu examples cụ thể

❌ Ví dụ lỗi: “I like his books because they are interesting and meaningful.”

✅ Cách tốt hơn: “I particularly enjoyed ‘The Alchemist’ because the protagonist’s journey to find his personal legend resonated with my own experience of pursuing my dreams.”

Lỗi 4: Không trả lời đúng câu hỏi

Ví dụ câu hỏi: “Why do you enjoy reading this writer’s books?”
❌ Trả lời sai: Chỉ describe về tác giả và sách mà không explain why you enjoy

✅ Trả lời đúng: Focus vào reasons: writing style, themes, personal connection, impact on you

Lỗi 5: Grammar errors ảnh hưởng meaning

❌ Lỗi thường gặp:

• Confusion về thì: “He write many books” → “He has written many books”
• Article errors: “The literature is important” → “Literature is important” (general statement)
• Preposition: “interested about” → “interested in”

Lỗi 6: Pronunciation issues

Những từ thường phát âm sai:

• Literature /ˈlɪtrətʃə(r)/ không phải /lɪtəˈreɪtʃə/
• Author /ˈɔːθə(r)/ không phải /ˈaʊtə/
• Novel /ˈnɒvl/ không phải /ˈnoʊvel/
• Genre /ˈʒɒnrə/ không phải /ˈdʒenə/

Lộ trình luyện tập hiệu quả

Week 1-2: Foundation

• Chọn 2-3 tác giả để focus
• Đọc về background và tác phẩm chính
• Build vocabulary list cá nhân
• Ghi âm tự giới thiệu về tác giả yêu thích

Week 3-4: Practice Part 2

• Luyện nói theo cue card với timer
• Record và listen lại để identify issues
• Practice paraphrasing và extending answers
• Học vocabulary in context, không học list

Week 5-6: Advanced Preparation

• Practice Part 3 questions với partner hoặc teacher
• Focus vào critical thinking và abstract discussions
• Improve fluency bằng cách reduce hesitation
• Work on pronunciation của key vocabulary

Daily Practice:

• 10 phút shadowing native speakers talking about books/writers
• 15 phút self-recording practice
• 5 phút review vocabulary trong context
• Đọc book reviews bằng tiếng Anh để học cách describe books

Tips từ Examiner

What Examiners Look For:

1. Natural communication: Không sound như robot hay đọc thuộc
2. Relevant content: Trả lời đúng câu hỏi, không đi lạc đề
3. Extended responses: Especially Part 1 và 3, không trả lời quá ngắn
4. Vocabulary precision: Sử dụng từ chính xác, không chỉ fancy words
5. Grammatical accuracy: Ít lỗi và không ảnh hưởng communication
6. Pronunciation clarity: Clear và understandable, không cần native accent

What Doesn’t Impress Examiners:

• Memorized answers that sound unnatural
• Using big words incorrectly
• Speaking too fast to show fluency (quality over speed)
• Over-complicated grammar with many errors
• Irrelevant information to show off knowledge

Insider Tip về Band 7+:
Để đạt Band 7+, bạn cần demonstrate:

• Flexibility trong vocabulary: paraphrase thay vì repeat
• Range of grammar: không chỉ accurate mà còn varied structures
• Discourse management: smooth topic transitions, clear signposting
• Phonological features: appropriate intonation và word stress

Điểm khác biệt giữa Band 7 và Band 8 thường nằm ở:

• Precision of vocabulary: Từ được chọn rất chính xác và natural
• Sophistication of ideas: Thể hiện critical thinking deeper
• Fluency: Almost no hesitation or self-correction
• Flexibility: Có thể handle unexpected questions easily

Kết luận

Chủ đề “describe a famous writer you enjoy reading” là một trong những đề tài thú vị và accessible trong IELTS Speaking, nhưng để đạt điểm cao đòi hỏi nhiều hơn việc chỉ kể về một tác giả. Bạn cần thể hiện khả năng describe chi tiết, explain reasons deeply, và discuss abstract ideas về văn học và reading trong xã hội hiện đại.

Thành công trong chủ đề này đến từ việc kết hợp genuine personal interest với strategic preparation. Hãy chọn tác giả bạn thực sự thích và đã đọc, sau đó enhance description của bạn với sophisticated vocabulary và clear structure. Nhớ rằng examiners không đánh giá kiến thức văn học của bạn mà đánh giá English language ability thông qua cách bạn discuss topic này.

Practice regularly với variety of questions, record yourself để identify areas for improvement, và focus vào building natural fluency thay vì memorizing answers. Với approach đúng đắn và consistent practice, bạn hoàn toàn có thể tự tin đạt được band điểm mong muốn trong phần thi IELTS Speaking này.