IELTS Speaking: Cách Trả Lời Chủ Đề “Describe a Festival in Your Culture That You Enjoy Celebrating” – Bài Mẫu Band 6-9

Mở bài

Chủ đề về lễ hội văn hóa là một trong những đề tài phổ biến và được yêu thích nhất trong IELTS Speaking. Đề bài “Describe A Festival In Your Culture That You Enjoy Celebrating” không chỉ cho phép bạn chia sẻ về truyền thống văn hóa của mình mà còn thể hiện khả năng diễn đạt cảm xúc, miêu tả sự kiện và giải thích ý nghĩa sâu sắc.

Theo thống kê từ các kỳ thi IELTS thực tế, chủ đề về lễ hội và celebrations xuất hiện với tần suất cao trong giai đoạn từ 2020 đến 2024, đặc biệt tăng mạnh vào quý 1 và quý 4 hàng năm khi các lễ hội truyền thống diễn ra. Dự đoán khả năng xuất hiện trong tương lai của chủ đề này vẫn ở mức cao do tính universal và cultural diversity mà nó mang lại.

Trong bài viết này, bạn sẽ học được cách tiếp cận câu hỏi về lễ hội một cách tự nhiên và ấn tượng qua các phần chi tiết bao gồm câu hỏi thường gặp trong cả 3 Part, bài mẫu đa dạng từ Band 6-7 đến Band 8.5-9, kho từ vựng chuyên sâu với hơn 50 từ và cụm từ ăn điểm, chiến lược trả lời hiệu quả từ góc nhìn examiner, cùng những lời khuyên thực tế giúp bạn tránh được các lỗi phổ biến mà học viên Việt Nam thường mắc phải.

Nếu bạn quan tâm đến việc kể về các trải nghiệm văn hóa khác, bạn có thể tham khảo thêm describe a recent cultural festival you enjoyed để có thêm góc nhìn đa dạng về cách miêu tả các sự kiện văn hóa.

IELTS Speaking Part 1: Introduction and Interview

Tổng Quan Về Part 1

Part 1 của IELTS Speaking kéo dài 4-5 phút với các câu hỏi ngắn về đời sống hàng ngày và sở thích cá nhân. Đối với chủ đề lễ hội, examiner thường hỏi về thói quen ăn mừng, ý kiến cá nhân và kinh nghiệm của bạn với các celebrations.

Chiến lược quan trọng nhất là trả lời tự nhiên với 2-3 câu mở rộng, không chỉ dừng lại ở Yes/No. Mỗi câu trả lời nên bao gồm direct answer, reason hoặc explanation, và một specific example nếu có thể.

Lỗi thường gặp của học viên Việt Nam trong Part 1 bao gồm trả lời quá ngắn gọn chỉ một câu, sử dụng từ vựng quá đơn giản và lặp lại, thiếu các ví dụ cụ thể từ trải nghiệm bản thân, và có xu hướng dùng cấu trúc ngữ pháp đơn điệu.

Các Câu Hỏi Thường Gặp

Question 1: Do you enjoy celebrating festivals?

Question 2: What is your favorite festival in your country?

Question 3: How do people in your country usually celebrate festivals?

Question 4: Did you celebrate festivals differently when you were a child?

Question 5: Do you think festivals are important for a culture?

Question 6: What kind of festivals are popular in your hometown?

Question 7: Have you ever been to a festival in another country?

Question 8: Do you prefer traditional or modern festivals?

Question 9: How has the way people celebrate festivals changed?

Question 10: Would you like to create your own festival?

Phân Tích và Gợi Ý Trả Lời Chi Tiết

Question: Do you enjoy celebrating festivals?

Cách tiếp cận:

• Trả lời trực tiếp Yes/No ngay từ đầu
• Đưa ra 1-2 lý do cụ thể tại sao bạn thích hoặc không thích
• Thêm một ví dụ ngắn từ kinh nghiệm cá nhân

Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

Yes, I enjoy celebrating festivals very much. It’s a good time to relax and spend time with my family. During Tet holiday, we usually have special food and visit our relatives, which makes me feel happy.

Phân tích:

• Điểm mạnh: Trả lời rõ ràng, có lý do và ví dụ cụ thể về Tết
• Hạn chế: Từ vựng còn đơn giản (good time, happy), cấu trúc câu chưa đa dạng
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Đáp ứng đủ yêu cầu với answer-reason-example nhưng thiếu sophistication trong vocabulary và grammar range

Sample Answer – Band 8-9:

Absolutely, I’m quite fond of celebrating festivals. They provide a much-needed break from the daily grind and offer a wonderful opportunity to reconnect with family and friends. Take Tet, for instance – the atmosphere is simply infectious, with everyone in high spirits, and I particularly enjoy the sense of togetherness that comes from gathering around for traditional meals and exchanging well-wishes.

Phân tích:

• Điểm mạnh: Từ vựng phong phú và natural (fond of, daily grind, infectious, high spirits), cấu trúc câu đa dạng với relative clauses và participial phrases, ý tưởng được phát triển với nhiều layers (break, reconnect, atmosphere, togetherness)
• Tại sao Band 8-9: Fluency cao với linking mượt mà, lexical resource sophisticated và precise, grammatical range rộng với accuracy tốt, pronunciation được thể hiện qua rhythm tự nhiên của câu dài

Key Vocabulary & Expressions:

• be fond of something: yêu thích điều gì đó (formal hơn “like”)
• much-needed break: kỳ nghỉ rất cần thiết
• reconnect with someone: kết nối lại với ai đó
• infectious (atmosphere): (bầu không khí) lan toa, có sức lây nhiễm tích cực
• in high spirits: tâm trạng phấn chấn, vui vẻ
• sense of togetherness: cảm giác gắn kết, đoàn tụ

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Question: What is your favorite festival in your country?

Cách tiếp cận:

• Nêu tên lễ hội ngay lập tức
• Giải thích ngắn gọn về lễ hội đó là gì
• Nói tại sao đó là lễ hội yêu thích của bạn

Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

My favorite festival is Tet, which is the Vietnamese New Year. I like it because we have a long holiday and I can eat many traditional foods like banh chung. Also, I receive lucky money from my parents and grandparents.

Phân tích:

• Điểm mạnh: Trả lời đúng trọng tâm, có explanation về Tết là gì, đưa ra nhiều reasons
• Hạn chế: Vocabulary còn basic (like, many, also), ideas chưa được develop sâu, chưa có personal touch mạnh mẽ
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Content adequate nhưng chưa impressive, grammar đơn giản, thiếu collocations và idiomatic language

Sample Answer – Band 8-9:

Without a doubt, my favorite would be Tet, our Lunar New Year celebration. What makes it so special for me is not just the festive atmosphere that permeates the entire country, but also the deep-rooted traditions that bring families together. I’m particularly drawn to the ritualistic aspects like preparing traditional dishes and paying respects to our ancestors, which give me a profound sense of cultural identity and connection to my heritage.

Phân tích:

• Điểm mạnh: Vocabulary rất sophisticated (permeates, deep-rooted, ritualistic, profound), grammar complex với not just…but also, relative clauses, participial phrases (preparing, paying), ý tưởng sâu sắc về cultural identity và heritage, không chỉ nói về surface level
• Tại sao Band 8-9: Demonstrates full operational command với precise lexical choices, wide range của structures, ideas well-developed và nuanced

Key Vocabulary & Expressions:

• Lunar New Year celebration: lễ Tết Nguyên Đán (formal term)
• festive atmosphere: bầu không khí lễ hội
• permeate: thấm sâu, lan tỏa khắp
• deep-rooted traditions: truyền thống ăn sâu, lâu đời
• be drawn to something: bị thu hút bởi điều gì
• ritualistic aspects: các khía cạnh mang tính nghi lễ
• pay respects to ancestors: tưởng nhớ, thể hiện lòng kính trọng với tổ tiên
• sense of cultural identity: ý thức về bản sắc văn hóa

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Question: How do people in your country usually celebrate festivals?

Cách tiếp cận:

• Nói về general practices, không chỉ riêng bản thân
• Đưa ra 2-3 activities phổ biến
• Có thể so sánh slight differences giữa các vùng miền nếu muốn show complexity

Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

In Vietnam, people celebrate festivals in different ways. During Tet, most families clean their houses and decorate them with flowers. They also cook special food and visit relatives. In Mid-Autumn Festival, children carry lanterns and eat mooncakes.

Phân tích:

• Điểm mạnh: Cover được nhiều activities, có ví dụ từ nhiều festivals khác nhau
• Hạn chế: Còn descriptive ở level cơ bản, thiếu details về why people do these things, vocabulary adequate nhưng not impressive
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Clear communication nhưng lacks depth và sophistication

Sample Answer – Band 8-9:

Festival celebrations in Vietnam tend to be quite elaborate and family-oriented. Taking Tet as a prime example, there’s a whole series of preparations that people meticulously carry out – from sprucing up their homes to preparing an array of traditional delicacies. What’s particularly interesting is how these celebrations strike a balance between honoring time-honored customs, like visiting pagodas and giving lucky money in red envelopes, and embracing modern elements such as light displays and countdown events. It’s this blend of the old and new that really characterizes Vietnamese festival culture.

Phân tích:

• Điểm mạnh: Vocabulary very sophisticated (elaborate, meticulously, sprucing up, array of, time-honored), structure phức tạp với participle phrases và relative clauses, ideas nuanced với observation về balance between tradition and modernity, shows analytical thinking không chỉ description
• Tại sao Band 8-9: Natural fluency, precise and sophisticated vocabulary, complex grammar used flexibly, insightful content

Key Vocabulary & Expressions:

• quite elaborate: khá cầu kỳ, công phu
• family-oriented: hướng về gia đình, tập trung vào gia đình
• series of preparations: hàng loạt công việc chuẩn bị
• meticulously carry out: thực hiện một cách tỉ mỉ
• spruce up: làm đẹp, trang hoàng (informal but natural)
• an array of traditional delicacies: một loạt các món ăn truyền thống
• strike a balance: đạt được sự cân bằng
• time-honored customs: phong tục lâu đời được tôn trọng
• embrace modern elements: đón nhận các yếu tố hiện đại
• blend of the old and new: sự pha trộn giữa cũ và mới
• characterize: đặc trưng hóa, định hình

Học viên đang luyện tập IELTS Speaking về chủ đề lễ hội văn hóa với giáo viên

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 với giấy và bút để ghi chú. Đây là phần quan trọng nhất để thể hiện khả năng nói liên tục và phát triển ý tưởng một cách logic.

Thời gian chuẩn bị 1 phút phải được sử dụng hiệu quả bằng cách ghi keywords, không viết câu hoàn chỉnh. Bạn nên nói đủ 2 phút, tối thiểu 1.5 phút để không bị mất điểm. Quan trọng là phải trả lời đầy đủ tất cả các bullet points trong cue card và đặc biệt chú ý đến câu cuối cùng “explain” vì đây là nơi bạn thể hiện sâu sắc nhất.

Khi kể chuyện về lễ hội, hãy chọn một lễ hội mà bạn thực sự có nhiều điều để nói, tốt nhất là lễ hội bạn đã tham gia gần đây để có thể nhớ chi tiết. Sử dụng thì quá khứ cho các sự kiện đã xảy ra và thì hiện tại cho các thông tin general về lễ hội.

Lỗi thường gặp của học viên Việt Nam trong Part 2 bao gồm không sử dụng hết thời gian chuẩn bị để brainstorm, nói dưới 1.5 phút do thiếu ý tưởng, bỏ sót một hoặc nhiều bullet points, và có xu hướng kể quá chung chung thiếu personal details.

Với chủ đề festivals, việc kết hợp giữa description về lễ hội và personal experience của bạn sẽ tạo nên một bài nói balanced và interesting. Nếu bạn muốn tìm hiểu cách miêu tả các trải nghiệm văn hóa khác mang tính chất tương tự, Describe a time when you experienced a cultural festival cung cấp thêm nhiều góc nhìn hữu ích.

Cue Card

Describe a festival in your culture that you enjoy celebrating

You should say:

• What the festival is and when it takes place
• How people celebrate this festival
• What special activities or traditions are involved
• And explain why you enjoy celebrating this festival

Phân Tích Đề Bài

Dạng câu hỏi: Describe an event/tradition – đây là dạng câu hỏi kết hợp giữa miêu tả một sự kiện văn hóa và personal experience

Thì động từ: Sử dụng thì hiện tại đơn để nói về lễ hội nói chung (what it is, how people celebrate), và thì quá khứ khi kể về trải nghiệm cụ thể của bạn. Có thể dùng present perfect để nói về những gì bạn đã trải nghiệm qua nhiều năm.

Bullet points phải cover:

• Bullet 1 yêu cầu tên lễ hội và thời gian diễn ra, cần nêu rõ tháng hoặc mùa
• Bullet 2 về cách mọi người tổ chức, hãy nói về general practices của cộng đồng
• Bullet 3 về các hoạt động và traditions đặc biệt, đây là nơi bạn có thể detail nhất
• Bullet 4 (explain) là phần quan trọng nhất vì nó cho phép bạn express feelings và personal significance

Câu “explain” quan trọng: Đây là phần ghi điểm cao nhất vì bạn cần demonstrate ability to express complex ideas về emotional connection, cultural significance, hoặc personal values. Đừng chỉ nói “because it’s fun” mà hãy explore deeper reasons như family bonding, cultural identity, sense of belonging, hoặc meaningful traditions.

Sample Answer – Band 6-7

Thời lượng: Khoảng 1.5-2 phút

I’d like to talk about Tet holiday, which is the most important festival in Vietnamese culture. It usually takes place in late January or early February, following the lunar calendar, and lasts for about a week.

During Tet, Vietnamese people celebrate in many ways. First, they clean and decorate their houses with flowers, especially peach blossoms in the North and apricot blossoms in the South. Families also prepare special foods like banh chung, which is a square sticky rice cake with pork and beans inside. On New Year’s Eve, everyone gathers together for a big dinner.

There are several special activities during this festival. People visit their relatives and friends to give lucky wishes for the new year. Children receive red envelopes with money from adults. Another tradition is visiting pagodas to pray for good luck. In the first days of the new year, people are very careful about what they do because they believe it will affect their whole year.

I really enjoy celebrating Tet because it’s a time when my whole family can be together. My parents are usually very busy with work, but during Tet, we have time to talk and enjoy meals together. I also love the festive atmosphere everywhere, with colorful decorations and happy people. The traditional food is delicious, and receiving lucky money is always exciting. Most importantly, Tet makes me feel connected to my culture and traditions, which is very meaningful to me.

Phân Tích Band Điểm

Tiêu chí	Band	Nhận xét
Fluency & Coherence	6-7	Có khả năng nói liên tục với một số pauses tự nhiên, sử dụng basic linking words (first, also, another, most importantly), ideas được organize logical nhưng còn simple
Lexical Resource	6-7	Vocabulary adequate với một số topic-specific words (lunar calendar, peach blossoms, banh chung, pagodas), có attempt dùng collocations (festive atmosphere, connected to culture) nhưng còn limited range
Grammatical Range & Accuracy	6-7	Mix của simple và complex sentences, sử dụng relative clauses (which is), present và past tenses accurately, nhưng structures chưa đa dạng, một số errors nhỏ không ảnh hưởng communication
Pronunciation	6-7	Generally clear và understandable, word stress và sentence stress mostly appropriate, có thể có slight accent nhưng không impede comprehension

Điểm mạnh:

• ✅ Cover đầy đủ tất cả bullet points một cách clear
• ✅ Có structure tốt với introduction, body theo bullets, và explanation
• ✅ Sử dụng được một số từ vựng specific về Tết
• ✅ Content relevant và có personal touch ở phần explain

Hạn chế:

• ⚠️ Vocabulary chưa sophisticated, còn nhiều basic words
• ⚠️ Grammar structures khá repetitive, mostly simple sentences
• ⚠️ Ideas chưa được elaborate deeply, particularly trong phần explain
• ⚠️ Thiếu vivid details và sensory descriptions

Sample Answer – Band 7.5-8

Thời lượng: Khoảng 2-2.5 phút

I’d like to describe Tet Nguyen Dan, or Vietnamese Lunar New Year, which is hands down the most significant celebration in our culture. It typically falls between late January and mid-February, depending on the lunar calendar, and the main festivities span about three days, though preparations start weeks in advance.

The way people celebrate Tet is quite elaborate. In the weeks leading up to the holiday, there’s a palpable sense of excitement as families engage in thorough house cleaning, which symbolizes sweeping away bad luck from the old year. Homes are adorned with traditional decorations – peach blossoms in Northern Vietnam and vibrant yellow apricot blossoms in the South. The culinary preparations are particularly impressive, with families preparing an array of traditional dishes, most notably banh chung. These labor-intensive preparations often involve multiple generations working together, which I find really heartwarming.

What makes Tet truly special are the time-honored traditions that have been passed down through generations. The celebration kicks off with a family reunion dinner on New Year’s Eve, where we feast on special dishes and stay up until midnight to welcome the new year. The first few days involve visiting extended family and friends, a practice we call “mung tuoi,” where we exchange good wishes and children receive lucky money in beautifully decorated red envelopes. Another cherished tradition is visiting pagodas to pray for prosperity and good fortune. What’s particularly fascinating is the belief in “xong dat” – the first person to enter your home on New Year’s Day, as they’re thought to influence your luck for the entire year.

The reason I thoroughly enjoy celebrating Tet goes beyond just the festivities. For me, it represents a profound connection to my cultural roots and family heritage. In today’s fast-paced world, where everyone is caught up in their daily routines, Tet offers a precious opportunity to hit the pause button and reconnect with what truly matters – family and tradition. There’s something incredibly meaningful about participating in rituals that my grandparents and even great-grandparents followed. The festival also brings out a sense of collective joy and community spirit that’s hard to find at other times of the year. Additionally, I appreciate how Tet strikes a balance between honoring the past and embracing the present, with traditional customs coexisting with modern celebrations.

Phân Tích Band Điểm

Tiêu chí	Band	Nhận xét
Fluency & Coherence	7.5-8	Speaks fluently với minimal hesitation, sử dụng range của cohesive devices naturally (in the weeks leading up to, what makes…truly special, the reason…goes beyond), ideas logically organized với clear progression
Lexical Resource	7.5-8	Wide range của vocabulary với skillful use của less common items (palpable, adorned with, labor-intensive, time-honored, cherished), good collocations (profound connection, fast-paced world, collective joy), some flexibility và precision trong paraphrasing
Grammatical Range & Accuracy	7.5-8	Wide range của structures sử dụng flexibly (relative clauses, participle clauses, passive voice, cleft sentences), majority của sentences error-free, complex ideas expressed accurately
Pronunciation	7.5-8	Clear pronunciation with good control của stress, rhythm và intonation, L1 accent có minimal effect on intelligibility

So Sánh Với Band 6-7

Khía cạnh	Band 6-7	Band 7.5-8
Vocabulary	festive atmosphere, connected to culture	palpable sense of excitement, profound connection to cultural roots, collective joy
Grammar	“People visit their relatives” (simple)	“The celebration kicks off with a family reunion dinner, where we feast on special dishes” (complex với relative clause)
Ideas	“I enjoy Tet because family can be together”	“Tet offers a precious opportunity to hit the pause button and reconnect with what truly matters – family and tradition”

Sample Answer – Band 8.5-9

Thời lượng: 2.5-3 phút đầy đủ

I’d like to talk about Tet Nguyen Dan – Vietnam’s Lunar New Year – which is, without exaggeration, the pinnacle of our cultural calendar. This much-anticipated celebration typically falls somewhere between late January and mid-February, dictated by the lunar calendar, and while the official festivities span three days, the lead-up and aftermath can extend for weeks, permeating every aspect of Vietnamese life.

The celebration of Tet is nothing short of spectacular and deeply ritualistic. In the preceding weeks, there’s this almost tangible transformation that sweeps across the country. Families meticulously prepare for the occasion, engaging in what we call “tet cleaning” – not just ordinary housework, but a symbolic purging of the old year’s misfortunes. Homes undergo a complete makeover, being adorned with auspicious decorations, primarily the iconic hoa dao or hoa mai – peach and apricot blossoms respectively – whose blooming signifies renewal and prosperity. The culinary traditions are particularly elaborate, with families devoting considerable time to preparing an impressive repertoire of traditional dishes. The preparation of banh chung, for instance, is quite labor-intensive, often requiring families to gather around a wood fire throughout the night, which has become a cherished bonding ritual in itself.

What truly sets Tet apart are its deeply ingrained traditions that have withstood the test of time. The celebration officially commences with a sumptuous family reunion feast on New Year’s Eve, where multiple generations convene to share traditional delicacies and bid farewell to the departing year. The moment the clock strikes midnight, fireworks illuminate the sky, and families pay homage to their ancestors at the family altar – a poignant reminder of our roots. The subsequent days revolve around “mung tuoi” visits, where we make the rounds of relatives’ and friends’ homes, exchanging well-wishes and what I’d call “philosophical conversations” about life, aspirations, and the year ahead. Children eagerly anticipate receiving “li xi” – lucky money in ornately decorated red envelopes – though the true value lies not in the amount but in the blessings conveyed. Another tradition I find particularly captivating is the concept of “xong dat” – essentially, the first-footer tradition – where the first visitor to your home on New Year’s Day is believed to set the tone for your entire year’s fortune, which is why people are quite selective about their early guests.

As for why I find Tet so profoundly meaningful, it goes far beyond the surface-level excitement of holidays and festivities. For me, Tet embodies something fundamentally important in our increasingly fragmented and digitalized society – it’s a powerful reminder of the enduring significance of family bonds and cultural continuity. In an era where we’re perpetually rushing, where traditional values are constantly being challenged by modernization, Tet serves as this annual anchor point that grounds us in our cultural identity. What I find particularly enriching is how the festival facilitates genuine human connection – not the superficial interactions we have on social media, but meaningful, face-to-face engagement with family members across generations. There’s this palpable sense of collective participation in something larger than ourselves, a shared cultural experience that transcends individual circumstances. Moreover, I’m deeply moved by the way Tet maintains relevance across generations; while the core traditions remain intact, each generation adds their own interpretation, creating this beautiful tapestry of old and new. The festival also instills a sense of optimism and renewal – this idea that regardless of past challenges, the new year brings fresh opportunities and hope, which I think is psychologically vital in navigating life’s ups and downs.

Phân Tích Band Điểm

Tiêu chí	Band	Nhận xét
Fluency & Coherence	8.5-9	Speaks fluently và coherently với natural flow, không có noticeable effort, sophisticated use của cohesive devices (without exaggeration, nothing short of, what truly sets apart, as for why), ideas developed fully với exemplification và elaboration
Lexical Resource	8.5-9	Wide vocabulary range used naturally và flexibly với precise meaning (pinnacle, permeating, tangible transformation, symbolic purging, ingrained traditions, poignant reminder), skillful use của idiomatic language (withstood the test of time, set the tone, grounds us), effective collocation (sumptuous feast, ornately decorated)
Grammatical Range & Accuracy	8.5-9	Full range của structures used accurately và appropriately (cleft sentences, inversion, complex conditionals, participle clauses, passive constructions), error-free sentences, natural và appropriate use của advanced structures
Pronunciation	8.5-9	Fully operational command với sustained appropriate intonation, stress patterns và rhythm, minimal L1 influence, effortless intelligibility

Tại Sao Bài Này Xuất Sắc

Fluency Hoàn Hảo:
Bài nói demonstrates natural flow tương tự native speakers với ability to self-correct smoothly và expand ideas spontaneously. Không có awkward pauses hay hesitations, discourse markers được sử dụng naturally để signal transitions giữa các ideas.

Vocabulary Tinh Vi:
Ví dụ như cụm “pinnacle of our cultural calendar” thay vì simply “most important festival” shows precision và sophistication. Từ “permeating” thay vì “affecting” demonstrates nuanced understanding. Phrases như “withstood the test of time,” “set the tone,” “grounds us” là idiomatic và được sử dụng perfectly in context. Collocations như “tangible transformation,” “symbolic purging,” “poignant reminder” show advanced lexical resource.

Grammar Đa Dạng:
Ví dụ câu “What truly sets Tet apart are its deeply ingrained traditions that have withstood the test of time” sử dụng cleft structure kết hợp với relative clause và present perfect. Câu “In an era where we’re perpetually rushing, where traditional values are constantly being challenged by modernization, Tet serves as this annual anchor point that grounds us in our cultural identity” demonstrates complex sentence construction với multiple clauses, passive voice, và participle phrases.

Ideas Sâu Sắc:
Thay vì chỉ nói “I like Tet because it’s fun,” bài nói explores deeper themes như cultural continuity in fragmented society, genuine human connection versus superficial digital interactions, intergenerational bonding, psychological importance của renewal và optimism. Shows ability to analyze và reflect critically on cultural practices và their contemporary relevance.

Người học có thể tham khảo thêm các trải nghiệm mang ý nghĩa sâu sắc trong Describe a recent experience that had a lasting impact on you để thấy được cách phát triển ý tưởng về personal significance.

Thí sinh đang tự tin trình bày bài nói Part 2 về lễ hội Tết Nguyên Đán

Follow-up Questions (Rounding Off Questions)

Examiner có thể hỏi thêm 1-2 câu ngắn sau Part 2 để transition sang Part 3:

Question 1: Do you think your culture’s festivals are well-known internationally?

Band 6-7 Answer:
I think some people know about Vietnamese Tet, but it’s not as famous as Chinese New Year. More people are learning about it now because of tourism.

Band 8-9 Answer:
I’d say Vietnamese Tet is gradually gaining recognition internationally, though it’s still somewhat overshadowed by Chinese New Year in terms of global awareness. That said, with Vietnam’s growing prominence as a tourist destination, more international visitors are getting firsthand exposure to our Lunar New Year traditions, which is helping raise its profile globally.

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Question 2: Have you ever missed celebrating this festival?

Band 6-7 Answer:
Yes, once when I was studying abroad, I couldn’t come home for Tet. I felt really sad and homesick during that time.

Band 8-9 Answer:
Yes, there was one year when I was studying overseas and couldn’t make it home for Tet. I must say, being away during that time really drove home how integral the festival is to my sense of identity. The pang of homesickness was quite intense, and it made me appreciate even more the irreplaceable value of these cultural celebrations in maintaining emotional connections to home.

IELTS Speaking Part 3: Two-way Discussion

Tổng Quan Về Part 3

Part 3 kéo dài 4-5 phút và là phần thách thức nhất của IELTS Speaking vì yêu cầu bạn thảo luận về các vấn đề trừu tượng và phức tạp hơn liên quan đến chủ đề Part 2. Đây không còn là câu chuyện cá nhân mà là discussion về society, culture, trends và impacts.

Yêu cầu chính của Part 3 là phân tích, so sánh, đánh giá các perspectives khác nhau, đưa ra quan điểm cá nhân có lý lẽ chặt chẽ, xem xét nhiều góc độ của vấn đề và demonstrate critical thinking skills. Câu trả lời cần dài hơn Part 1, khoảng 3-5 câu hoặc 30-45 giây.

Chiến lược hiệu quả bao gồm việc sử dụng discourse markers để mở đầu tự nhiên như “Well,” “Actually,” “I think,” đưa ra examples từ society và global context không chỉ personal, thừa nhận complexity của issues với phrases như “it depends,” “there are different perspectives,” và structure câu trả lời theo pattern: direct answer – reason 1 + example – reason 2 + example – balanced view hoặc conclusion.

Lỗi thường gặp của học viên Việt Nam trong Part 3 gồm trả lời quá ngắn và superficial thiếu analysis, không đưa ra supporting reasons rõ ràng, thiếu từ vựng abstract và academic, có xu hướng generalize quá mức không nuanced, và không dare to admit khi không chắc chắn về câu trả lời.

Với chủ đề về festivals and celebrations, bạn sẽ được hỏi về social functions của festivals, changes over time, commercialization, cultural preservation, và vai trò trong modern society. Hãy prepare để discuss cả positive và negative aspects của các issues này. Bạn cũng có thể tham khảo cách phân tích về happy experiences trong describe a time when you felt truly happy để hiểu thêm về emotional và psychological dimensions.

Các Câu Hỏi Thảo Luận Sâu

Theme 1: Social and Cultural Functions

Question 1: Why do you think festivals are important in society?

Phân tích câu hỏi:

• Dạng: Opinion với yêu cầu analyze importance và functions
• Key words: “why,” “important,” “in society” – cần focus vào social benefits không chỉ personal
• Cách tiếp cận: Nêu direct opinion về importance, sau đó list 2-3 functions chính với examples, có thể conclude bằng broader perspective

Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

I think festivals are very important in society for several reasons. First, they help people relax and take a break from work. Second, festivals bring families and communities together, which is good for relationships. Also, they help preserve traditional culture and pass it to younger generations. For example, during Tet in Vietnam, children learn about traditional customs from their parents and grandparents.

Phân tích:

• Structure: Có clear structure với reasons được list out logically
• Vocabulary: Adequate nhưng basic (help, good for, pass it to), thiếu precision và sophistication
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Answer relevant và coherent nhưng lacks depth trong analysis, ideas chưa được fully developed, vocabulary và grammar còn simple

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Sample Answer – Band 8-9:

Well, I’d argue that festivals serve several crucial functions in society that go far beyond mere entertainment. First and foremost, they act as cultural anchors, helping societies maintain their collective identity and sense of continuity in an increasingly globalized world. When communities come together to celebrate traditional festivals, they’re essentially reaffirming their shared values and heritage. Beyond that, festivals play a vital social role in strengthening community bonds. In our fast-paced modern lives, where people are often isolated and disconnected, festivals provide rare opportunities for meaningful face-to-face interaction across different generations and social groups. What’s more, from an economic standpoint, festivals can generate considerable income for local communities through tourism and associated businesses. However, I think the most profound importance lies in their ability to offer psychological benefits – they give people something to look forward to, a sense of renewal, and a temporary escape from daily pressures, which I believe is essential for mental well-being.

Phân tích:

• Structure: Excellently organized với clear progression: cultural function → social function → economic aspect → psychological benefits, sử dụng discourse markers effectively (First and foremost, Beyond that, What’s more, However)
• Vocabulary: Sophisticated và precise (crucial functions, cultural anchors, collective identity, reaffirming, isolated and disconnected, profound importance, psychological benefits), strong collocations (maintain continuity, strengthen bonds, generate income)
• Grammar: Wide range với accuracy (act as, helping…maintain, when communities come together, what’s more), complex structures used naturally
• Critical Thinking: Multi-dimensional analysis covering cultural, social, economic và psychological aspects, shows depth và nuanced understanding

Key Language Features:

• Discourse markers: First and foremost, Beyond that, What’s more, However – signal different aspects
• Tentative language: I’d argue, I think, I believe – show personal opinion politely
• Abstract nouns: continuity, identity, isolation, renewal, well-being – academic và sophisticated
• Collocations: crucial functions, cultural anchors, collective identity, strengthen bonds, generate income, profound importance

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Question 2: How do festivals help preserve cultural traditions?

Phân tích câu hỏi:

• Dạng: How question – yêu cầu explain mechanisms và processes
• Key words: “preserve,” “cultural traditions” – focus on transmission và maintenance của culture
• Cách tiếp cận: Explain various ways festivals achieve preservation, provide concrete examples, có thể discuss challenges trong modern context

Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

Festivals help preserve cultural traditions in many ways. During festivals, older people teach younger people about traditional customs and activities. For example, during Tet, parents show children how to make banh chung and explain the meaning behind it. Also, festivals keep traditional music, dances, and clothes alive because people use them during celebrations. This way, traditions don’t disappear.

Phân tích:

• Structure: Logical với examples nhưng còn simple
• Vocabulary: Basic words (teach, show, keep alive, don’t disappear), adequate but not impressive
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Clear explanation nhưng lacks sophistication trong both language và depth of analysis

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Sample Answer – Band 8-9:

Festivals function as living museums of sorts, playing an indispensable role in cultural preservation through several interconnected mechanisms. Most fundamentally, they create dedicated spaces and occasions where traditional practices can be actively transmitted from older to younger generations. Unlike museum exhibits, which are static and passive, festival celebrations require active participation, meaning that cultural knowledge isn’t just observed but actually practiced and embodied. Take Vietnamese Tet as an example – through the hands-on experience of preparing traditional foods, children internalize not just the recipes but the underlying values of patience, family cooperation, and respect for ancestors. Equally important is the ritualistic repetition aspect; because festivals recur annually, they ensure that traditions aren’t forgotten but continually reinforced and passed on across successive generations. Furthermore, in today’s digital age, many festivals have gained renewed relevance through social media documentation and sharing, which ironically helps traditional practices reach wider audiences and gain appreciation among younger, tech-savvy generations who might otherwise have little interest. However, I should mention that there’s a delicate balance to strike – while adaptation helps festivals remain relevant, over-modernization can dilute their authentic cultural value.

Phân tích:

• Structure: Sophisticated organization với multiple mechanisms explained: active transmission → ritualistic repetition → modern adaptation → balanced perspective
• Vocabulary: Highly sophisticated (living museums, indispensable role, interconnected mechanisms, embodied, internalize, ritualistic repetition, dilute authentic value), precise và academic
• Grammar: Complex structures used flexibly (Unlike museum exhibits which…, meaning that…, because festivals recur…, ironically helps…, while adaptation helps…)
• Critical Thinking: Deep analysis với contemporary relevance, acknowledges complexity và potential conflicts, shows nuanced understanding

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Theme 2: Changes and Modernization

Question 1: How have festivals changed in your country over the past few decades?

Phân tích câu hỏi:

• Dạng: Compare and contrast – past vs present
• Key words: “changed,” “past few decades” – cần so sánh specific changes
• Cách tiếp cận: Discuss 2-3 major changes với examples, có thể đánh giá whether changes are positive or negative

Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

Festivals in Vietnam have changed a lot in recent years. In the past, celebrations were simpler and more traditional. Now, they are more modern and commercialized. For example, during Tet, people used to make everything at home, but now many people buy ready-made food and decorations from shops. Also, social media has changed how people celebrate, with many posting photos online. Some traditional activities are less common now.

Phân tích:

• Structure: Clear comparison với past vs present
• Vocabulary: Basic comparison words (in the past, now, used to), adequate but simple
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Addresses the question với relevant points nhưng lacks detailed analysis và sophisticated language

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Sample Answer – Band 8-9:

There’s been quite a dramatic transformation in how festivals are celebrated in Vietnam over the last few decades, reflecting broader societal shifts. Perhaps the most striking change has been the increasing commercialization of traditional festivals. Whereas celebrations used to be primarily home-based and DIY-oriented, with families painstakingly preparing everything from scratch, there’s now a thriving commercial industry catering to festival needs – from pre-packaged traditional foods to professionally decorated peach blossoms. While this has certainly made celebration more convenient, some argue it’s come at the cost of authentic cultural experience. Another significant shift involves the compression of celebrations. Due to modern work pressures and changing lifestyles, many people now observe abbreviated versions of traditional multi-day festivals, focusing on the core elements rather than the full ritualistic sequence. What’s particularly interesting is the digital dimension that’s been added – social media has fundamentally altered how festivals are experienced and shared, with many people now documenting and broadcasting their celebrations online, which simultaneously helps preserve certain traditions while potentially creating a more performative rather than genuinely experiential approach to celebration. On a more positive note, there’s been growing institutional support for festival preservation, with government initiatives and cultural organizations working to safeguard traditional practices, though the jury’s still out on how effective these efforts will be in the long run.

Phân tích:

• Structure: Comprehensive với multiple dimensions: commercialization → time compression → digitalization → preservation efforts, each với nuanced analysis
• Vocabulary: Sophisticated (dramatic transformation, broader societal shifts, painstakingly preparing, thriving industry, abbreviated versions, performative approach, institutional support, jury’s still out)
• Grammar: Complex và varied (whereas…used to be, while this has made, what’s particularly interesting, simultaneously helps…while creating)
• Critical Thinking: Balanced perspective acknowledging both positive và negative aspects, shows awareness of complexity và ongoing debates

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Question 2: Do you think traditional festivals will survive in the future?

Phân tích câu hỏi:

• Dạng: Prediction với opinion – future trends
• Key words: “survive,” “future” – cần speculate dựa trên current trends
• Cách tiếp cận: Give qualified opinion (yes but with conditions / depends on factors), explain supporting reasons, consider different scenarios

Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

I think traditional festivals will survive, but they will probably change. Young people are still interested in festivals, but in different ways. Technology can help preserve traditions by sharing information online. However, some old customs might disappear if people find them too difficult or time-consuming. Governments and cultural organizations need to work to keep festivals alive.

Phân tích:

• Structure: Balanced view với consideration của different factors
• Vocabulary: Adequate but simple (change, keep alive, disappear)
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Relevant answer với some analysis nhưng lacks depth và sophistication

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Sample Answer – Band 8-9:

This is quite a complex question, and I’d say the answer is both yes and no, depending on how we define “survival.” I’m fairly optimistic that festivals as cultural events will persist, but I suspect they’ll undergo significant evolution rather than remaining unchanged. Several factors support their continuity. For one thing, there seems to be a growing counter-trend against cultural homogenization, with younger generations increasingly valuing unique cultural identities and authentic experiences – we can see this in the resurgence of interest in traditional crafts and practices globally. Moreover, festivals have proven remarkably adaptable throughout history, absorbing new elements while retaining core meanings, which suggests they have an inherent resilience. The integration of technology could actually work in their favor – virtual participation options, digital documentation, and social media sharing can help festivals reach broader audiences and engage younger generations who might otherwise feel disconnected from traditional practices.

That said, there are legitimate concerns about authenticity erosion. As festivals become more commercialized and tourism-oriented, there’s a risk they’ll devolve into mere spectacles or performative displays rather than meaningful cultural practices. The challenge lies in maintaining a delicate equilibrium between keeping traditions accessible and preserving their authentic essence. Ultimately, I believe the festivals that will thrive are those that can successfully negotiate this balance – remaining relevant to contemporary life while staying true to their cultural roots. This will likely require conscious effort from communities, cultural institutions, and governments to create supportive frameworks that facilitate genuine participation rather than passive consumption.

Phân tích:

• Structure: Highly sophisticated với qualified answer → supporting factors → concerns → balanced conclusion
• Vocabulary: Advanced (cultural homogenization, resurgence, inherent resilience, authenticity erosion, devolve into spectacles, delicate equilibrium, negotiate balance, conscious effort)
• Grammar: Wide range perfectly deployed (depending on how, proven remarkably adaptable, absorbing new elements while retaining, work in their favor, as festivals become, the challenge lies in)
• Critical Thinking: Nuanced analysis considering multiple perspectives, historical context, contemporary trends, và future possibilities, shows sophisticated understanding of cultural dynamics

Đối với những ai muốn khám phá thêm về cách miêu tả các sự kiện gia đình có ý nghĩa, describe a family celebration you enjoyed recently cung cấp những insights bổ sung về personal và family dimensions.

Cuộc thảo luận sâu trong Part 3 về vai trò của lễ hội trong xã hội hiện đại

Theme 3: Commercialization and Tourism

Question 1: What are the advantages and disadvantages of commercializing traditional festivals?

Phân tích câu hỏi:

• Dạng: Advantages/Disadvantages – balanced discussion
• Key words: “commercializing,” cần discuss cả positive và negative impacts
• Cách tiếp cận: Present 2-3 advantages, then 2-3 disadvantages, có thể conclude với personal stance

Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

Commercialization of festivals has both good and bad points. On the positive side, it makes celebrating easier because people can buy things instead of making them. It also creates business opportunities and jobs. However, commercialization can make festivals lose their traditional meaning. It can become too focused on making money rather than cultural values. Also, it might make festivals too expensive for some families.

Phân tích:

• Structure: Clear organization với advantages và disadvantages separated
• Vocabulary: Basic (good and bad points, make easier, lose meaning, too focused on), adequate communication
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Covers both sides với relevant points nhưng analysis remains surface-level, lacks sophisticated vocabulary

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Sample Answer – Band 8-9:

This is definitely a double-edged sword, with compelling arguments on both sides. On the positive front, commercialization has made festival participation considerably more accessible and less labor-intensive. For working families who lack the time for elaborate traditional preparations, commercially available options ensure they can still partake in celebrations without the stress. From an economic standpoint, commercialization generates substantial revenue, creating employment opportunities and stimulating local economies, particularly through festival tourism. What’s more, commercial interest can actually provide financial incentives for preserving traditional crafts and practices – artisans making traditional festival items can earn sustainable livelihoods, which might otherwise not be viable.

However, the downsides are equally significant. Perhaps most concerningly, commercialization can fundamentally alter the nature of festivals, transforming them from communal cultural practices into consumer transactions. When festivals become primarily market-driven, there’s a tendency to prioritize profit over authenticity, leading to homogenization and loss of genuine cultural meaning. Traditional elements might be simplified or sensationalized to appeal to mass markets, stripping away their deeper significance. There’s also the issue of economic exclusion – as festivals become more commercialized, the costs of participation can escalate, potentially pricing out lower-income families who should have equal access to their own cultural heritage. Moreover, excessive commercialization can foster a performative mentality, where the focus shifts from meaningful participation to creating Instagram-worthy moments.

All things considered, I believe commercialization is inevitable to some degree in modern society, but it needs to be carefully managed to ensure it enhances rather than undermines the cultural value of festivals.

Phân tích:

• Structure: Excellently balanced với extensive discussion của both sides, clear transition giữa advantages và disadvantages
• Vocabulary: Sophisticated (double-edged sword, labor-intensive, partake in, sustainable livelihoods, market-driven, homogenization, pricing out, performative mentality, inevitable to some degree)
• Grammar: Complex structures throughout (made…accessible and less intensive, for working families who lack, transforming them from…into, stripping away, ensure it enhances rather than)
• Critical Thinking: Deep analysis với economic, social, cultural dimensions, acknowledges nuances và competing values, offers balanced conclusion

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Question 2: How does tourism affect traditional festivals?

Phân tích câu hỏi:

• Dạng: Cause-effect analysis
• Key words: “tourism,” “affect” – cần explain impacts (có thể positive và negative)
• Cách tiếp cận: Discuss various impacts với examples, show awareness của complexity

Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

Tourism has a big impact on traditional festivals. It brings more visitors and money to local areas, which is good for the economy. However, it can also change festivals to make them more attractive to tourists. Sometimes the authentic traditions become less important than entertainment for visitors. There might be too many people, which makes it difficult for locals to enjoy their own festivals.

Phân tích:

• Structure: Covers both positive và negative impacts
• Vocabulary: Basic expressions (big impact, good for, less important, too many)
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Adequate response với relevant points nhưng lacks depth và sophisticated analysis

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Sample Answer – Band 8-9:

Tourism’s impact on traditional festivals is quite multifaceted and somewhat paradoxical. On one hand, tourism can be remarkably beneficial for festival preservation. The influx of tourists creates economic incentives for communities to maintain and showcase their traditional practices. I’ve seen cases where festivals that were on the verge of dying out have been revitalized because tourism made them economically viable. Tourist interest also validates the cultural importance of these traditions, which can instill pride in local communities and motivate younger generations to stay engaged with their heritage.

Conversely, tourism can have profoundly distorting effects. There’s often pressure to modify festivals to cater to tourist expectations – making them more spectacular, more photogenic, or more conveniently scheduled, which can compromise authenticity. What was once an organic community celebration can become a staged performance, with locals essentially playing cultural ambassadors rather than genuine participants. The commodification that often accompanies tourism can reduce sacred rituals to entertainment products. There’s also the issue of over-tourism – when festivals attract excessive numbers of visitors, it can detract from the experience for local participants, disrupting the intimate community atmosphere that gives these celebrations their meaning.

What’s particularly concerning is what some scholars call the “observer effect” – the presence of tourists fundamentally changes how festivals are performed and experienced. Locals might become self-conscious, performing for cameras rather than for themselves and their community. Striking the right balance requires thoughtful management – perhaps limiting tourist numbers, creating designated observation areas, or maintaining some festival elements as exclusively community events while opening others to visitors.

Phân tích:

• Structure: Sophisticated three-part structure: benefits → drawbacks → specific concern with solution
• Vocabulary: Highly advanced (multifaceted, paradoxical, on the verge of dying out, revitalized, instill pride, profoundly distorting effects, commodification, over-tourism, observer effect)
• Grammar: Full range deployed naturally (on one hand…conversely, what was once…can become, when festivals attract, what’s particularly concerning, the presence of tourists changes)
• Critical Thinking: Deep analytical thinking với reference to scholarly concepts, acknowledges complexity và competing interests, proposes solutions

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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
festivities	n	/feˈstɪvɪtiz/	các hoạt động lễ hội	The Tet festivities last for three days.	annual festivities, festive season, festive atmosphere
celebration	n	/ˌseləˈbreɪʃn/	sự kỷ niệm, lễ ăn mừng	The celebration brings families together.	family celebration, traditional celebration, grand celebration
commemorate	v	/kəˈmeməreɪt/	tưởng nhớ, kỷ niệm	We commemorate our ancestors during Tet.	commemorate an event, commemorate the dead
ritual	n	/ˈrɪtʃuəl/	nghi lễ, nghi thức	Traditional rituals are important in Vietnamese culture.	religious ritual, ancient ritual, perform rituals
custom	n	/ˈkʌstəm/	phong tục	Giving lucky money is a Tet custom.	traditional custom, cultural custom, age-old custom
heritage	n	/ˈherɪtɪdʒ/	di sản	Festivals help preserve cultural heritage.	cultural heritage, national heritage, rich heritage
tradition	n	/trəˈdɪʃn/	truyền thống	We follow family traditions during festivals.	time-honored tradition, pass down traditions, uphold traditions
festive atmosphere	phrase	/ˈfestɪv ˈætməsfɪə(r)/	không khí lễ hội	The festive atmosphere is infectious.	create festive atmosphere, enjoy festive atmosphere
cultural identity	phrase	/ˈkʌltʃərəl aɪˈdentəti/	bản sắc văn hóa	Festivals strengthen our cultural identity.	maintain cultural identity, sense of cultural identity
ancestral worship	phrase	/ænˈsestrəl ˈwɜːʃɪp/	thờ cúng tổ tiên	Ancestral worship is central to Vietnamese festivals.	practice ancestral worship, ritual of ancestral worship
lunar calendar	phrase	/ˈluːnə(r) ˈkælɪndə(r)/	âm lịch	Tet follows the lunar calendar.	based on lunar calendar, lunar calendar system
reunion	n	/ˌriːˈjuːniən/	sự đoàn tụ, sum họp	Tet is a time for family reunion.	family reunion, reunion dinner, annual reunion
prosperity	n	/prɒˈsperəti/	sự thịnh vượng	We wish for prosperity in the new year.	bring prosperity, symbol of prosperity, economic prosperity
auspicious	adj	/ɔːˈspɪʃəs/	tốt lành, may mắn	Red is considered an auspicious color.	auspicious occasion, auspicious symbol, auspicious day
elaborate	adj	/ɪˈlæbərət/	công phu, cầu kỳ	The festival preparations are quite elaborate.	elaborate ceremony, elaborate preparations, elaborate ritual
significance	n	/sɪɡˈnɪfɪkəns/	ý nghĩa, tầm quan trọng	The festival has cultural significance.	cultural significance, deep significance, historical significance
symbolize	v	/ˈsɪmbəlaɪz/	tượng trưng	The blooms symbolize renewal.	symbolize unity, symbolize prosperity
commemoration	n	/kəˌmeməˈreɪʃn/	sự tưởng niệm	The festival is a commemoration of ancestors.	in commemoration of, commemoration ceremony
ornate	adj	/ɔːˈneɪt/	được trang trí công phu	Ornate decorations fill the streets.	ornate design, ornate decoration, ornately decorated
vibrant	adj	/ˈvaɪbrənt/	rực rỡ, sôi động	The festival features vibrant colors.	vibrant atmosphere, vibrant culture, vibrant celebration

Idiomatic Expressions & Advanced Phrases

Cụm từ	Nghĩa	Ví dụ sử dụng	Band điểm
mark the occasion	đánh dấu dịp đặc biệt	We gather together to mark the occasion of Tet.	7.5-8
bring people together	gắn kết mọi người	Festivals have the power to bring people together.	7-7.5
pay homage to	tỏ lòng tôn kính	We pay homage to our ancestors during festivals.	8-9
pass down through generations	truyền qua nhiều thế hệ	These traditions have been passed down through generations.	7.5-8
the heart and soul of	cốt lõi, linh hồn của	Tet is the heart and soul of Vietnamese culture.	8-9
deeply rooted in	ăn sâu vào, bắt nguồn từ	The festival is deeply rooted in agricultural traditions.	7.5-8
stand the test of time	vượt qua thử thách của thời gian	Traditional festivals have stood the test of time.	8-9
a sense of belonging	cảm giác thuộc về	Festivals give people a sense of belonging.	7.5-8
foster community spirit	nuôi dưỡng tinh thần cộng đồng	These celebrations foster community spirit.	8-8.5
rekindle connections	khơi lại, làm sống lại mối liên hệ	Festivals help rekindle connections with distant relatives.	8-9
preserve cultural heritage	bảo tồn di sản văn hóa	We must preserve cultural heritage for future generations.	7.5-8
fall between [dates]	rơi vào khoảng [thời gian]	The festival typically falls between January and February.	7-7.5

Discourse Markers (Từ Nối Ý Trong Speaking)

Để bắt đầu câu trả lời:

• Well,… – Khi cần suy nghĩ một chút trước khi trả lời
• Actually,… – Khi đưa ra góc nhìn khác hoặc điều người nghe có thể chưa biết
• To be honest,… – Khi nói thật về quan điểm cá nhân
• I’d say that… – Khi đưa ra quan điểm, ý kiến
• From my perspective,… – Từ góc nhìn cá nhân của tôi
• In my view,… – Theo quan điểm của tôi

Để bổ sung ý:

• On top of that,… – Thêm vào đó
• What’s more,… – Hơn nữa
• Not to mention… – Chưa kể đến
• Beyond that,… – Ngoài ra
• Moreover,… – Hơn nữa (formal)
• Furthermore,… – Ngoài ra (formal)
• Additionally,… – Thêm vào đó (formal)

Để đưa ra quan điểm cân bằng:

• On the one hand,… On the other hand,… – Một mặt… mặt khác
• While it’s true that…, we also need to consider… – Mặc dù đúng là… nhưng ta cũng cần xem xét
• Having said that,… – Nói như vậy thì… (để đưa ra contrasting point)
• That said,… – Điều đó nói rằng (để qualify previous statement)
• Conversely,… – Ngược lại
• By contrast,… – Ngược lại, trái ngược

Để kết luận:

• All in all,… – Tóm lại
• At the end of the day,… – Cuối cùng thì
• Ultimately,… – Xét cho cùng
• All things considered,… – Xét tất cả mọi thứ
• In the final analysis,… – Phân tích cuối cùng

Để thể hiện uncertainty hoặc qualify statements:

• To some extent,… – Ở một mức độ nào đó
• I would say… – Tôi có thể nói rằng
• It seems to me that… – Có vẻ như với tôi
• I suppose… – Tôi cho là
• Arguably,… – Có thể tranh luận rằng

Grammatical Structures Ấn Tượng

1. Conditional Sentences (Câu điều kiện):

Mixed conditional:

• Formula: If + past perfect, would/could + bare infinitive
• Ví dụ: “If festivals hadn’t adapted to modern life, they would be irrelevant to young people today.”

Inversion for emphasis:

• Formula: Had/Were/Should + subject + verb…
• Ví dụ: “Were festivals to disappear, we would lose an essential part of our cultural identity.”

2. Relative Clauses (Mệnh đề quan hệ):

Non-defining relative clauses:

• Formula: …, which/who/where + clause, …
• Ví dụ: “Tet, which is the most important Vietnamese festival, brings families together.”

Reduced relative clauses:

• Formula: …+ V-ing/V-ed…
• Ví dụ: “The traditions passed down through generations help maintain cultural continuity.”

3. Passive Voice (Câu bị động):

Impersonal passive:

• Formula: It is thought/believed/said/considered that…
• Ví dụ: “It is widely believed that the first visitor on New Year’s Day influences your luck for the whole year.”

Complex passive:

• Formula: …have been + past participle
• Ví dụ: “These traditions have been carefully preserved by successive generations.”

4. Cleft Sentences (Câu chẻ):

What-cleft for emphasis:

• Formula: What I find most [adj], is…
• Ví dụ: “What I find most meaningful about festivals is the sense of connection they create.”

It-cleft for focus:

• Formula: It is/was… that/who…
• Ví dụ: “It is the communal aspect of festivals that makes them so important in society.”

The thing that-cleft:

• Formula: The thing that…, is…
• Ví dụ: “The thing that sets traditional festivals apart is their deep cultural significance.”

5. Participle Clauses:

Present participle:

• Formula: V-ing…, clause
• Ví dụ: “Coming together during festivals, families strengthen their bonds across generations.”

Past participle:

• Formula: V-ed…, clause
• Ví dụ: “Celebrated for centuries, Tet remains the cornerstone of Vietnamese culture.”

6. Inversion After Negative Adverbials:

• Formula: Not only… but also, Never…, Rarely…, Seldom…
• Ví dụ: “Not only do festivals preserve traditions, but they also create economic opportunities for communities.”

7. Conditional Without “If”:

• Formula: Should/Were/Had + subject + verb
• Ví dụ: “Should commercialization continue unchecked, traditional festivals might lose their authentic meaning.”

8. Concessive Clauses:

• Formula: While/Although/Even though + clause, clause
• Ví dụ: “While modernization has changed how festivals are celebrated, their core significance remains intact.”

Việc sử dụng linh hoạt các cấu trúc ngữ pháp này sẽ giúp bài nói của bạn đạt band điểm cao hơn, đặc biệt trong tiêu chí Grammatical Range and Accuracy. Quan trọng là phải sử dụng chúng một cách tự nhiên và chính xác, không gượng ép hay cố chép để lồng vào câu trả lời.