Mở bài
Chủ đề “Describe A Memorable Weekend You Had Recently” là một trong những đề bài phổ biến và thực tế nhất trong IELTS Speaking Part 2. Đây là dạng câu hỏi yêu cầu thí sinh kể về trải nghiệm cá nhân gần đây, đồng thời thể hiện khả năng sử dụng thì quá khứ một cách chính xác và tự nhiên.
Theo thống kê từ các trung tâm thi IELTS trên toàn cầu, chủ đề về weekend activities và memorable experiences xuất hiện với tần suất cao trong các kỳ thi từ năm 2020 đến 2024, đặc biệt là trong quý 1 và quý 3 hàng năm. Dự đoán khả năng xuất hiện trong tương lai vẫn ở mức cao vì đây là chủ đề gần gũi, dễ liên hệ với cuộc sống thực tế của mọi thí sinh.
Trong bài viết này, bạn sẽ học được cách trả lời hiệu quả cho cả 3 phần thi Speaking với chủ đề này, bao gồm 12 câu hỏi thường gặp ở Part 1, bài mẫu chi tiết theo 3 mức band điểm khác nhau cho Part 2, và 8 câu hỏi thảo luận sâu cho Part 3. Đặc biệt, bài viết cung cấp hơn 50 từ vựng và cụm từ ăn điểm, phân tích chi tiết các tiêu chí chấm điểm từ góc nhìn của examiner, cùng những chiến lược trả lời cụ thể giúp bạn tự tin đạt band điểm mục tiêu.
IELTS Speaking Part 1: Introduction and Interview
Tổng Quan Về Part 1
Part 1 của IELTS Speaking kéo dài từ 4-5 phút với các câu hỏi ngắn về cuộc sống hàng ngày, sở thích cá nhân và các chủ đề quen thuộc. Đặc điểm của phần này là câu hỏi đơn giản, trực tiếp và yêu cầu thí sinh trả lời một cách tự nhiên như đang trò chuyện thông thường.
Chiến lược quan trọng nhất cho Part 1 là mở rộng câu trả lời của bạn thành 2-3 câu hoàn chỉnh, không chỉ dừng lại ở Yes/No. Công thức hiệu quả là: Direct Answer + Reason/Explanation + Example/Detail. Điều này giúp bạn thể hiện khả năng phát triển ý tưởng và sử dụng ngôn ngữ đa dạng.
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 đơn giản lặp đi lặp lại, thiếu ví dụ cụ thể từ kinh nghiệm bản thân, và có xu hướng “học thuộc” câu trả lời khiến giọng nói nghe không tự nhiên.
Các Câu Hỏi Thường Gặp
Question 1: Do you usually have plans for your weekends?
Question 2: What do you usually do on weekends?
Question 3: How do you usually spend your Saturday mornings?
Question 4: Do you prefer to spend weekends with family or friends?
Question 5: Have you had any memorable weekends recently?
Question 6: What makes a weekend memorable for you?
Question 7: Do you think weekends are important? Why?
Question 8: Are your weekends different from when you were younger?
Question 9: Would you like to have longer weekends?
Question 10: Do you usually feel relaxed after the weekend?
Question 11: What’s your ideal weekend like?
Question 12: Do you prefer staying at home or going out on weekends?
Phân Tích và Gợi Ý Trả Lời Chi Tiết
Question: Do you usually have plans for your weekends?
🎯 Cách tiếp cận:
- Trả lời trực tiếp có hay không
- Giải thích lý do hoặc thói quen của bạn
- Đưa ra ví dụ cụ thể về loại kế hoạch
📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:
Yes, I usually make plans for my weekends. I like to organize activities with my friends or family because it helps me relax after a busy week. Sometimes I plan to watch movies or go shopping.
Phân tích:
- Điểm mạnh: Trả lời trực tiếp, có lý do và ví dụ đơn giản
- Hạn chế: Từ vựng còn basic (busy, relax, watch movies), thiếu depth trong giải thích
- Tại sao Band 6-7: Câu trả lời adequate và coherent nhưng thiếu sophistication trong vocabulary và ideas
📝 Sample Answer – Band 8-9:
Yes, I’m quite particular about planning my weekends actually. I find that having a loose structure helps me make the most of my time off without feeling too constrained. Typically, I’ll pencil in a couple of activities like trying out a new café or going for a scenic bike ride, but I also leave room for spontaneity in case something interesting crops up.
Phân tích:
- Điểm mạnh: Sử dụng collocations tự nhiên (quite particular about, make the most of, pencil in, crops up), thể hiện sự cân bằng giữa planning và flexibility, demonstrating mature thinking
- Tại sao Band 8-9: Vocabulary precise và idiomatic, grammatical structures đa dạng (present simple cho habits, modal verbs), ideas sophisticated với sự nuance (loose structure, room for spontaneity)
💡 Key Vocabulary & Expressions:
- quite particular about: khá cẩn thận/chú ý về việc gì đó
- make the most of: tận dụng tối đa
- pencil in: ghi chú/lên kế hoạch sơ bộ
- room for spontaneity: không gian cho sự tự phát
- crops up: xuất hiện bất ngờ
Question: What makes a weekend memorable for you?
🎯 Cách tiếp cận:
- Xác định yếu tố cảm xúc/trải nghiệm
- Giải thích tại sao yếu tố đó quan trọng
- Có thể đưa ra một ví dụ ngắn
📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:
I think a weekend becomes memorable when I do something different or exciting. For example, traveling to a new place or spending quality time with people I care about makes the weekend special. It’s about creating good memories.
Phân tích:
- Điểm mạnh: Có ví dụ cụ thể, structure rõ ràng
- Hạn chế: Từ vựng predictable (something different, exciting, special, good memories), ý tưởng còn surface-level
- Tại sao Band 6-7: Communication effective nhưng thiếu lexical sophistication và depth of thought
📝 Sample Answer – Band 8-9:
For me, what really sets a weekend apart is when it involves a perfect blend of meaningful experiences and genuine connection. It could be something as simple as having deep conversations over coffee with close friends or as adventurous as exploring off-the-beaten-track destinations. The key element is that it needs to break the monotony of routine and leave me feeling recharged and fulfilled rather than just entertained.
Phân tích:
- Điểm mạnh: Vocabulary sophisticated (sets apart, perfect blend, off-the-beaten-track, break the monotony, recharged and fulfilled), thể hiện critical thinking với sự phân biệt giữa “entertained” và “fulfilled”, cấu trúc câu phức tạp với multiple clauses
- Tại sao Band 8-9: Demonstrates full operational command với idiomatic expressions, complex ideas về quality of experience hơn là surface activities, precise word choice
💡 Key Vocabulary & Expressions:
- sets apart: làm khác biệt
- perfect blend: sự kết hợp hoàn hảo
- deep conversations: cuộc trò chuyện sâu sắc
- off-the-beaten-track: ngoài lối mòn, ít người biết đến
- break the monotony: phá vỡ sự đơn điệu
- recharged and fulfilled: nạp lại năng lượng và cảm thấy trọn vẹn
Question: Do you prefer to spend weekends with family or friends?
🎯 Cách tiếp cận:
- Đưa ra preference rõ ràng (hoặc balanced view)
- Giải thích lý do cho sự lựa chọn
- Có thể đề cập đến context khác nhau
📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:
I prefer spending weekends with my friends because we have similar interests and can do fun activities together. We often go to cafes or watch movies. However, I also spend some time with family because it’s important to maintain family relationships.
Phân tích:
- Điểm mạnh: Có balanced view, đề cập cả hai options
- Hạn chế: Lý do còn generic (similar interests, fun activities), activities mentioned quá common
- Tại sao Band 6-7: Adequate response với basic reasoning, thiếu personal depth và sophisticated justification
📝 Sample Answer – Band 8-9:
It really depends on my mood and what I’m looking to get out of the weekend, to be honest. When I’m feeling socially energized, I gravitate towards spending time with friends because we tend to be more spontaneous and adventurous – whether that’s trying a new restaurant or going on impromptu road trips. On the other hand, family time offers a different kind of fulfillment – it’s more about unwinding in a familiar, low-key environment where I don’t feel any pressure to be “on.” I’d say I need a healthy balance of both to feel truly satisfied.
Phân tích:
- Điểm mạnh: Nuanced answer showing maturity (depends on context), sophisticated vocabulary (gravitate towards, impromptu, low-key environment), clear contrast được present với discourse markers (on the other hand), thể hiện self-awareness (different kinds of fulfillment)
- Tại sao Band 8-9: Flexible language use, idiomatic expressions natural, complex grammatical structures (conditionals, relative clauses), demonstrates ability to discuss abstract concepts (types of fulfillment)
💡 Key Vocabulary & Expressions:
- depends on my mood: tùy thuộc vào tâm trạng
- get out of: thu được từ, mong đợi từ
- socially energized: năng lượng về mặt xã hội
- gravitate towards: có xu hướng hướng về, bị hấp dẫn bởi
- impromptu road trips: chuyến đi bất chợt
- unwinding: thư giãn, xả stress
- low-key environment: môi trường thoải mái, không quá náo nhiệt
Học viên IELTS đang luyện tập speaking về chủ đề memorable weekend với giáo viên tại lớp học
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 để ghi chú trước khi nói. Đây là phần quan trọng nhất để thể hiện khả năng sử dụng ngôn ngữ liên tục và organized thinking.
Chiến lược hiệu quả cho Part 2 bao gồm sử dụng trọn vẹn 1 phút chuẩn bị để ghi keywords theo từng bullet point (không viết câu hoàn chỉnh), đảm bảo nói đủ 2 phút (tối thiểu 1.5 phút), trả lời đầy đủ tất cả yêu cầu trong cue card, và đặc biệt chú ý đến câu “explain” cuối cùng vì đây là nơi bạn có thể ghi điểm cao nhất với personal reflection.
Về thì động từ, với chủ đề “describe a memorable weekend you had recently”, bạn cần sử dụng chủ yếu các thì quá khứ (past simple, past continuous, past perfect) vì đang kể về sự kiện đã xảy ra. Việc sử dụng đúng và đa dạng các thì quá khứ là một tiêu chí quan trọng trong Grammar & Range.
Lỗi thường gặp của thí sinh Việt Nam trong Part 2 là không tận dụng đủ thời gian chuẩn bị nên nói thiếu ý tưởng, nói dưới 1.5 phút do thiếu kỹ năng extend ideas, bỏ sót một số bullet points đặc biệt là câu “explain”, và có xu hướng memorize answers khiến câu trả lời nghe không tự nhiên.
Cue Card
Describe a memorable weekend you had recently
You should say:
- When it was
- Where you went and what you did
- Who you were with
- And explain why it was memorable for you
Phân Tích Đề Bài
Dạng câu hỏi: Describe an event/experience – kể về một trải nghiệm cá nhân trong quá khứ gần đây
Thì động từ: Chủ yếu là Past Simple và Past Continuous để kể về các hành động và tình huống đã xảy ra. Có thể sử dụng Past Perfect để đề cập đến điều gì đó xảy ra trước một hành động khác trong quá khứ.
Bullet points phải cover:
- When it was: Xác định thời gian cụ thể (tháng trước, hai tuần trước, etc.)
- Where you went and what you did: Mô tả địa điểm và hoạt động chi tiết
- Who you were with: Đề cập đến người đồng hành
- And explain why it was memorable: Đây là phần QUAN TRỌNG NHẤT – cần giải thích cảm xúc, ý nghĩa, tác động của kỳ nghỉ cuối tuần này
Câu “explain” quan trọng: Phần explain là nơi bạn ghi điểm cao nhất vì nó yêu cầu suy ngẫm sâu sắc hơn là chỉ mô tả sự việc. Bạn cần nói về feelings, significance, impact, hoặc lessons learned. Đây là cơ hội để sử dụng vocabulary về emotions và abstract concepts.
📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7
Thời lượng: Khoảng 1.5-2 phút
I’d like to talk about a memorable weekend I had about three weeks ago. It was in early November, and I decided to visit Da Lat with my close friends.
We went there by bus on Friday evening and arrived quite late. On Saturday morning, we woke up early and visited some famous places like Xuan Huong Lake and the flower gardens. The weather was really nice and cool, which was different from Ho Chi Minh City. We took many photos and enjoyed the fresh air.
In the afternoon, we tried some local food like banh mi and fresh strawberries. Everything was delicious and not too expensive. We also went to the night market and bought some souvenirs for our families.
I was with my three best friends from university. We had a great time together because we don’t usually have much time to meet during the week. We talked a lot and shared stories about our work and lives.
This weekend was memorable for several reasons. First, it was my first trip after a long time of working hard, so I felt very relaxed. Second, the scenery in Da Lat was beautiful and helped me forget about my stress. Finally, spending quality time with my friends made me realize how important friendship is. We created good memories together, and I felt refreshed when I came back home. That’s why this weekend was truly special to me.
Phân Tích Band Điểm
| Tiêu chí | Band | Nhận xét |
|---|---|---|
| Fluency & Coherence | 6-7 | Có progression rõ ràng theo chronological order, sử dụng basic linking words (first, second, finally), có một số hesitation nhẹ với repeated phrases |
| Lexical Resource | 6-7 | Từ vựng adequate cho topic (memorable, local food, scenery), một số collocations đơn giản (had a great time, created good memories), thiếu less common vocabulary |
| Grammatical Range & Accuracy | 6-7 | Sử dụng past simple chính xác, có một số complex sentences với “because” và “when”, nhưng cấu trúc còn predictable và không đa dạng |
| Pronunciation | 6-7 | Clear và intelligible, intonation tự nhiên cho các câu đơn giản |
Điểm mạnh:
- ✅ Trả lời đầy đủ tất cả bullet points trong cue card
- ✅ Có structure logic và dễ follow (time sequence)
- ✅ Sử dụng past tense chính xác và consistent
- ✅ Đưa ra nhiều lý do trong phần explain
Hạn chế:
- ⚠️ Từ vựng còn basic và predictable (nice, great, good, special)
- ⚠️ Thiếu descriptive language để tạo vivid picture
- ⚠️ Grammar structures không đa dạng, chủ yếu là simple và compound sentences
- ⚠️ Phần explain còn surface-level, thiếu emotional depth
📝 Sample Answer – Band 7.5-8
Thời lượng: Khoảng 2-2.5 phút
I’d like to share with you a particularly memorable weekend I had just last month, which really stands out in my mind for several reasons.
It was the second weekend of November, and I’d been feeling quite burnt out from work, so I decided somewhat spontaneously to take a short trip to Da Lat with three of my closest friends from university. We’d been meaning to catch up properly for ages but kept putting it off due to our hectic schedules.
We set off on Friday evening and the journey itself was quite pleasant – we spent the entire ride chatting and laughing, which already set the tone for the weekend. Once we arrived, we checked into a charming homestay nestled in the hills with a breathtaking view of the surrounding pine forests.
Saturday was packed with activities. We started the day by exploring the iconic Xuan Huong Lake, where we rented bicycles and cycled around the perimeter, taking in the serene atmosphere. What I particularly enjoyed was stumbling upon small, family-run cafés where we sampled locally-grown coffee. The afternoon was spent wandering through the vibrant flower markets and gardens – the riot of colors was absolutely mesmerizing. We couldn’t resist buying fresh strawberries and trying various street food delicacies.
I was accompanied by my three closest friends, and what made this trip even more special was that we hadn’t all been together in nearly a year. The dynamic between us felt just like old times, and we easily fell back into our familiar patterns of joking and storytelling.
This weekend has become so memorable for me for multiple reasons. Primarily, it offered a much-needed escape from the daily grind and allowed me to recharge my batteries both physically and mentally. The crisp mountain air and stunning landscapes provided a stark contrast to the hustle and bustle of city life, which really helped me gain perspective on what matters. Moreover, reconnecting with these friends reminded me of the importance of maintaining meaningful relationships despite our busy lives. We reminisced about old memories while also creating new ones, which felt incredibly fulfilling. By the time I returned home, I felt rejuvenated and more grounded, with a renewed sense of appreciation for simple pleasures and genuine friendships.
Phân Tích Band Điểm
| Tiêu chí | Band | Nhận xét |
|---|---|---|
| Fluency & Coherence | 7.5-8 | Speaks fluently với minimal hesitation, excellent use của linking devices (primarily, moreover, by the time), logical progression với clear paragraphing |
| Lexical Resource | 7.5-8 | Wide range của vocabulary với less common phrases (burnt out, set the tone, nestled in, riot of colors), effective use của collocations (daily grind, recharge batteries, gain perspective) |
| Grammatical Range & Accuracy | 7.5-8 | Variety của complex structures (relative clauses, past perfect, present perfect), accurate use của tenses, demonstrates flexibility |
| Pronunciation | 7.5-8 | Clear pronunciation với natural intonation patterns, appropriate stress và rhythm |
So Sánh Với Band 6-7
| Khía cạnh | Band 6-7 | Band 7.5-8 |
|---|---|---|
| Vocabulary | “nice weather”, “great time”, “good memories” | “crisp mountain air”, “set the tone”, “riot of colors”, “recharge batteries” |
| Grammar | “We took many photos” (simple) | “We couldn’t resist buying fresh strawberries” (complex with gerund) |
| Ideas | “helped me forget stress” | “helped me gain perspective on what matters”, “stark contrast to the hustle and bustle” |
| Description | General descriptions | Vivid, sensory details (breathtaking view, mesmerizing, serene atmosphere) |
Tương tự như describe a recent cultural festival you enjoyed, bài mẫu Band 7.5-8 này thể hiện khả năng mô tả trải nghiệm với nhiều chi tiết cảm xúc và sử dụng từ vựng đa dạng hơn.
📝 Sample Answer – Band 8.5-9
Thời lượng: 2.5-3 phút đầy đủ
I’d like to recount a weekend that took place roughly a month ago, which has left an indelible mark on my memory and continues to resonate with me even now.
It was the second-to-last weekend of November, and I’d been grappling with a particularly challenging period at work – the kind where you feel like you’re constantly treading water without making meaningful progress. On a somewhat impulsive whim, I reached out to three of my long-standing friends from my university days, and we decided to embark on a spontaneous getaway to Da Lat, a picturesque hill station in Vietnam’s Central Highlands.
The journey itself became part of the experience. As we wound our way up the mountain roads, there was this palpable sense of anticipation building among us. We hadn’t had the opportunity to properly spend quality time together for nearly a year, and the conversation flowed so naturally that the three-hour drive flew by. We’d booked a rustic yet charming homestay that was tucked away from the main tourist thoroughfares, offering panoramic views of the undulating pine forests and terraced vegetable farms that the region is renowned for.
Saturday unfolded beautifully. We began with a leisurely bicycle ride around Xuan Huong Lake at dawn, when the morning mist was still clinging to the water’s surface and the air had that distinctive crisp, invigorating quality that you only find at higher altitudes. What struck me most wasn’t just the scenic beauty but the way it allowed for uninterrupted, meaningful conversations – the kind that delve beneath the surface of everyday small talk. We explored the sprawling flower markets, where the kaleidoscope of colors from hydrangeas, roses, and orchids created this almost surreal visual feast. The afternoon saw us seeking out lesser-known cafés, savoring artisanal coffee and engaging in the kind of deep, philosophical discussions about life, ambitions, and relationships that had characterized our friendship during our student years.
The company was what truly elevated the experience. These three individuals have been part of my life’s journey for over a decade, and there’s something profoundly comforting about being with people who knew you when and with whom you share a wealth of shared history. The dynamics we’d cultivated over the years were still intact, and I was reminded of how rare it is to find friendships that can withstand the test of time and remain authentic despite the inevitable changes life brings.
Reflecting on why this weekend has etched itself so deeply in my memory, I’d say it represents something much more profound than a simple leisure trip. Firstly, it served as a powerful reminder of the necessity to disconnect from the relentless pace of modern professional life and recalibrate. The serenity of the natural surroundings provided a stark counterpoint to the frenetic energy I’d been immersed in, allowing me to step back and gain much-needed perspective on my priorities. Secondly, it reinforced my understanding that meaningful human connections are not just pleasant additions to life but rather fundamental pillars of emotional well-being. In our hyperconnected yet paradoxically isolated modern world, carving out time for such authentic interactions feels increasingly vital. Finally, the experience rekindled something within me – a sense of spontaneity and openness to experience that I’d inadvertently suppressed in the single-minded pursuit of career goals. By the time I returned home, I felt not merely rested but fundamentally refreshed in outlook, with a renewed commitment to maintaining balance and nurturing the relationships that truly matter.
Phân Tích Band Điểm
| Tiêu chí | Band | Nhận xét |
|---|---|---|
| Fluency & Coherence | 8.5-9 | Speaks with complete fluency và natural rhythm, sophisticated use của cohesive devices, excellent development của ideas với clear progression |
| Lexical Resource | 8.5-9 | Precise và sophisticated lexical choices (indelible mark, grappling with, palpable sense, undulating), natural idiomatic language (flew by, etched itself), skillful use của less common phrases |
| Grammatical Range & Accuracy | 8.5-9 | Full range và flexibility của structures, accurate use trong tất cả contexts, complex sentence patterns handled với ease (relative clauses, participle clauses, inversion) |
| Pronunciation | 8.5-9 | Clear articulation với natural prosodic features, appropriate use của intonation patterns, confident delivery |
Tại Sao Bài Này Xuất Sắc
🎯 Fluency Hoàn Hảo:
Bài nói flow tự nhiên không có hesitation, với appropriate pausing for effect. Sử dụng discourse markers sophisticated (reflecting on, firstly, secondly, finally) một cách natural. Demonstrates ability để sustain a long turn với complete coherence.
📚 Vocabulary Tinh Vi:
Mỗi word choice đều precise và adds value. Ví dụ: thay vì “beautiful view” → “panoramic views of undulating pine forests”; thay vì “good conversation” → “deep, philosophical discussions that delve beneath the surface”. Sử dụng abstract nouns (serenity, authenticity, vitality) và sophisticated adjectives (indelible, palpable, profound) một cách natural.
📝 Grammar Đa Dạng:
Demonstrates mastery với variety của complex structures:
- Relative clauses: “people who knew you when”
- Participle clauses: “offering panoramic views”
- Inversion: “What struck me most wasn’t just…”
- Perfect tenses: “had been grappling with”
- Passive structures: “was tucked away”
💡 Ideas Sâu Sắc:
Không chỉ describe sự việc mà analyze significance của experience. Thể hiện sophisticated thinking về human relationships, work-life balance, modern life challenges. Connects personal experience với broader themes về well-being và priorities trong cuộc sống.
Thí sinh IELTS tự tin trình bày cue card về memorable weekend trước giám khảo
Follow-up Questions (Rounding Off Questions)
Sau khi bạn hoàn thành Part 2, examiner thường hỏi thêm 1-2 câu ngắn để transition sang Part 3. Đây là những câu hỏi đơn giản và không cần trả lời quá dài.
Question 1: Do you often have weekends like that?
Band 6-7 Answer:
Not really, I don’t have memorable weekends like that very often. Usually, I just stay at home and relax because I’m too tired from work.
Band 8-9 Answer:
I wish I could say yes, but realistically, weekends of that caliber are fairly few and far between. Most weekends tend to be more low-key – catching up on rest or running errands – which makes experiences like that one all the more precious when they do occur.
Question 2: Would you like to go back there again?
Band 6-7 Answer:
Yes, definitely. I really enjoyed the trip and would love to visit Da Lat again in the future with my friends or family.
Band 8-9 Answer:
Absolutely, I’d jump at the chance to return. There’s something about the place that struck a chord with me, and I think experiencing it in a different season would offer a whole new perspective. Plus, I barely scratched the surface of what the area has to offer.
IELTS Speaking Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Tổng Quan Về Part 3
Part 3 là phần thảo luận sâu kéo dài 4-5 phút, trong đó examiner sẽ hỏi các câu hỏi trừu tượng và phức tạp hơn liên quan đến chủ đề của Part 2. Khác với Part 1 và 2, Part 3 yêu cầu bạn phân tích, so sánh, đánh giá các vấn đề xã hội và đưa ra quan điểm cá nhân có lý lẽ.
Yêu cầu quan trọng của Part 3 là ability to discuss abstract concepts, provide explanations with reasoning, compare and contrast different viewpoints, speculate about causes and effects, và demonstrate critical thinking. Bạn cần show rằng mình có thể think beyond personal experience và discuss broader societal issues.
Chiến lược hiệu quả cho Part 3 bao gồm mở rộng câu trả lời thành 3-5 câu với clear structure (direct answer → explanation → example/elaboration), sử dụng discourse markers để organize ideas (Well, Actually, From my perspective, On the one hand), đưa ra examples từ society chứ không chỉ personal experience, acknowledge complexity của issues (It depends on, To some extent, There are various factors), và demonstrate balanced thinking bằng cách xem xét multiple perspectives.
Lỗi thường gặp của học viên Việt Nam trong Part 3 là trả lời quá ngắn và thiếu analysis, không đưa ra reasoning rõ ràng cho opinions, thiếu vocabulary để discuss abstract concepts, có xu hướng generalize quá mức không nuanced, và often feel uncomfortable với questions yêu cầu critical thinking hoặc speculation.
Các Câu Hỏi Thảo Luận Sâu
Theme 1: Leisure Time and Modern Life
Question 1: How important do you think weekends are for people in modern society?
🎯 Phân tích câu hỏi:
- Dạng: Importance/Significance question yêu cầu evaluation
- Key words: important, weekends, modern society
- Cách tiếp cận: Direct answer về importance → Reasons with elaboration → Examples from modern context → Possible conclusion về implications
📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:
I think weekends are very important for people nowadays. This is because people work very hard during weekdays and they need time to rest and relax. Weekends give them opportunities to spend time with family and do their hobbies. Without weekends, people would become too stressed and their health might suffer. So weekends play an important role in maintaining work-life balance.
Phân tích:
- Structure: Có clear answer và reasons nhưng còn straightforward
- Vocabulary: Adequate với từ phổ biến (very important, rest and relax, work-life balance)
- Tại sao Band 6-7: Answers the question với relevant ideas nhưng thiếu depth và sophisticated language. Ideas còn predictable và không explore complexity.
📝 Câu trả lời mẫu – Band 8-9:
Well, I’d argue that weekends have become increasingly vital in our contemporary society, perhaps even more so than in previous generations. The primary reason for this is the intensification of work culture – many professionals nowadays are constantly connected through technology, which means the traditional boundaries between work and personal time have become increasingly blurred. Weekends serve as crucial periods of decompression where people can mentally detach from professional obligations and engage in activities that nourish other aspects of their lives.
Beyond the individual level, weekends also play a significant social function. They provide opportunities for people to maintain relationships, which research has shown are fundamental to psychological well-being. In societies where atomization and social isolation are growing concerns, having designated time for meaningful social interaction becomes all the more critical. Moreover, weekends contribute to the economy through leisure spending, which supports various sectors from hospitality to entertainment.
That said, it’s worth noting that the importance of weekends can vary considerably depending on one’s circumstances. For some – particularly those in precarious employment or working multiple jobs – the luxury of a genuine weekend may not be accessible, which highlights broader issues of economic inequality.
Phân tích:
- Structure: Well-organized với multiple layers: Individual level → Social level → Economic aspect → Qualification/nuance
- Vocabulary: Sophisticated và precise (intensification, atomization, decompression, nourish, precarious employment)
- Grammar: Complex structures với relative clauses, passive voice, conditionals
- Critical Thinking: Shows balanced view, acknowledges complexity (varies depending on circumstances), connects to broader social issues
💡 Key Language Features:
- Discourse markers: Well, Beyond the individual level, Moreover, That said
- Tentative language: I’d argue, perhaps, it’s worth noting
- Abstract nouns: intensification, decompression, atomization, inequality
- Advanced collocations: increasingly blurred, crucial periods, designated time, precarious employment
Question 2: Do you think people today know how to use their free time effectively?
🎯 Phân tích câu hỏi:
- Dạng: Opinion question with evaluation (do people have the skill/ability)
- Key words: people today, use free time effectively
- Cách tiếp cận: Give nuanced answer (not all people) → Discuss different groups/behaviors → Analyze factors affecting this → Personal perspective
📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:
I think it depends on the person. Some people use their free time well by doing sports, reading books, or learning new skills. However, many people just waste time on social media or watching TV without doing anything productive. This is because modern technology makes it easy to be lazy. I believe people should plan their free time better to make it more meaningful.
Phân tích:
- Structure: Có attempt để show nuance (depends on person) và đưa ra examples
- Vocabulary: Basic (waste time, social media, productive, meaningful)
- Tại sao Band 6-7: Answers appropriately với some reasoning nhưng ideas còn surface-level và lacks depth in analysis
📝 Câu trả lời mẫu – Band 8-9:
That’s quite a nuanced question, actually. I think there’s a growing disconnect between the amount of free time people have and their ability to use it in ways that are truly restorative or enriching. On the one hand, we’re living in an era of unprecedented access to information, entertainment, and leisure options – you can learn virtually anything online, connect with communities globally, or pursue countless hobbies. On the other hand, this abundance of choice has, paradoxically, led to what some psychologists call “decision paralysis” or “time anxiety.”
What I’ve observed is that many people, myself included at times, end up defaulting to passive activities like scrolling through social media or binge-watching content not because these are genuinely satisfying, but because they require minimal cognitive effort after a mentally draining workday. The issue isn’t necessarily that people don’t know how to use time effectively – I think most are aware of what constitutes meaningful leisure – but rather that they lack the mental bandwidth or intentionality to engage in more active forms of recreation.
There’s also a generational dimension to this. Younger generations, having grown up with smartphones, may struggle more with sustained, focused activities that don’t provide instant gratification. However, I’ve also noticed a counter-trend where people are becoming increasingly mindful of their digital consumption and actively seeking more substantive ways to spend their leisure time – whether through mindfulness practices, outdoor activities, or creative pursuits.
Phân tích:
- Structure: Sophisticated structure: Acknowledge complexity → Present paradox → Analyze underlying causes → Consider different perspectives → Note emerging trends
- Vocabulary: Precise và topic-specific (restorative, decision paralysis, mental bandwidth, instant gratification, substantive)
- Grammar: Variety của complex structures including conditionals, passive, perfect tenses
- Critical Thinking: Analyzes psychological factors, considers societal changes, acknowledges personal experience, discusses generational differences, notes counter-trends
💡 Key Language Features:
- Discourse markers: Actually, On the one hand, On the other hand, However, There’s also
- Hedging language: quite nuanced, I think, may struggle, I’ve noticed
- Abstract concepts: decision paralysis, mental bandwidth, instant gratification
- Sophisticated phrases: unprecedented access, defaulting to, counter-trend, actively seeking
Nhóm bạn trẻ Việt Nam tận hưởng hoạt động ngoài trời vào cuối tuần tại công viên
Theme 2: Changes in Weekend Culture
Question 3: How have people’s weekend activities changed over the past few decades?
🎯 Phân tích câu hỏi:
- Dạng: Compare/contrast question về changes over time
- Key words: changed, weekend activities, past few decades
- Cách tiếp cận: Identify key changes → Explain driving factors → Give specific examples → Consider implications
📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:
Weekend activities have changed a lot compared to the past. In the past, people spent more time with family and did simple activities like going to the park or visiting relatives. Now, people have more options like shopping in malls, going to cafes, or traveling. Technology has also changed things – many people spend weekends on their phones or computers. I think these changes are both good and bad depending on how people use their time.
Phân tích:
- Structure: Simple comparison structure (past vs. now)
- Vocabulary: Basic descriptive words
- Tại sao Band 6-7: Addresses the question với general observations nhưng lacks specific examples và deeper analysis of underlying changes
📝 Câu trà lời mẫu – Band 8.5-9:
There’s been quite a dramatic shift in how people spend their weekends over the past, say, thirty to forty years, and I think this reflects broader transformations in both society and technology. Looking back a few decades, particularly in Vietnam, weekend activities were generally more community-oriented and low-tech – people would gather at local markets, visit extended family, or participate in communal activities. There was also less commercialization of leisure time.
Fast forward to today, and we’re seeing several notable trends. Firstly, there’s been a massive proliferation of consumer-driven leisure options – shopping malls, entertainment complexes, themed cafés – which have fundamentally altered how people conceptualize “leisure time.” Weekends have, to some extent, become more about consumption than connection. Secondly, the advent of digital technology has introduced entirely new categories of weekend activities. People now spend substantial portions of their free time on activities that didn’t exist before – browsing social media, streaming content, or engaging in online gaming.
Another significant change relates to mobility. Enhanced transportation infrastructure and rising incomes have made weekend travel far more accessible. What was once an occasional luxury has become almost routine for many middle-class families – quick getaways to nearby destinations are now commonplace.
However, I’d also point to an interesting counter-movement. While technology has dominated much of this transformation, there’s growing awareness of its potential downsides, leading some people to deliberately seek out more analog experiences – things like hiking, artisanal crafts, or simply spending unmediated time with loved ones. This suggests that our relationship with weekend leisure is still evolving and perhaps becoming more consciously curated than it was in previous generations.
Phân tích:
- Structure: Well-organized temporal analysis: Past state → Multiple present trends → Counter-trend → Reflection on evolution
- Vocabulary: Sophisticated và varied (proliferation, advent, counter-movement, consciously curated)
- Grammar: Complex comparative structures, variety of tenses, advanced linking
- Critical Thinking: Identifies multiple dimensions of change (technology, commercialization, mobility), acknowledges complexity and counter-trends, demonstrates historical perspective
Question 4: Do you think weekends will become more important or less important in the future?
🎯 Phân tích câu hỏi:
- Dạng: Future speculation with reasoning
- Key words: future, more/less important, weekends
- Cách tiếp cận: Present possible scenarios → Discuss factors → Provide reasoning → Acknowledge uncertainty
📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:
I think weekends will become more important in the future. This is because work is getting more stressful and people need more time to rest. Also, with better technology, people might work from home more, so weekends will be important for them to have personal time. However, some people might work on weekends too because of globalization.
Phân tích:
- Structure: Direct prediction với basic reasoning
- Vocabulary: Common vocabulary (stressful, rest, personal time)
- Tại sao Band 6-7: Answers the question và attempts reasoning nhưng lacks sophistication và depth in speculation
📝 Câu trả lời mẫu – Band 8.5-9:
This is quite speculative, but I think we might see diverging trends depending on various factors. On one trajectory, weekends could become even more sacred than they are now. As work continues to intensify and the always-on culture facilitated by technology becomes more pervasive, there may be a growing pushback – a collective recognition that clear temporal boundaries are essential for mental health and societal well-being. We’re already seeing movements in some countries toward four-day work weeks, which suggests a potential recalibration of how we structure work and leisure time.
Conversely, there’s a plausible scenario where the traditional concept of “the weekend” becomes increasingly obsolete. As the gig economy expands and more people work in non-traditional arrangements, the rigid demarcation between weekdays and weekends may become less relevant. For knowledge workers operating in global time zones, work might become more fluid, with leisure distributed throughout the week rather than concentrated in two days.
What I suspect will actually happen is a bifurcation – for some segments of society, particularly those in high-stress professions, weekends will become increasingly precious and jealously guarded. For others, especially those in precarious employment or entrepreneurial ventures, the weekend as a distinct entity may fade in significance.
There’s also the wildcard of technological advances like artificial intelligence and automation. If these technologies deliver on their promise of reducing human labor, we might see a fundamental reimagining of work itself, making our current debates about weekends somewhat antiquated. However, if they instead exacerbate inequalities – freeing some while intensifying pressures on others – the importance of weekends could become even more contested terrain.
Phân tích:
- Structure: Sophisticated approach: Acknowledge speculation → Present multiple scenarios → Discuss different social groups → Consider technological wildcards → Conclude with uncertainty
- Vocabulary: Precise và advanced (sacred, pervasive, obsolete, bifurcation, contested terrain)
- Grammar: Complex hypothetical structures (if clauses, might/could/may), sophisticated connectors
- Critical Thinking: Demonstrates ability to consider multiple futures, acknowledges different social groups affected differently, considers technological disruption, shows intellectual humility (speculative, I suspect)
Khi thảo luận về sự thay đổi trong tương lai, điều này có điểm tương đồng với describe a place you would like to visit with your family trong việc cần có khả năng suy đoán và lập luận về các kịch bản có thể xảy ra.
Theme 3: Work-Life Balance
Question 5: Why do you think some people find it difficult to disconnect from work during weekends?
🎯 Phân tích câu hỏi:
- Dạng: Cause/reason question requiring analysis
- Key words: difficult to disconnect, work, weekends
- Cách tiếp cận: Identify multiple causes → Explain each factor → Provide examples → Consider implications
📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:
Some people can’t disconnect from work on weekends because their jobs are very demanding. They might receive work emails or calls during weekends and feel they need to respond. Also, some people worry about their job security, so they work extra hours. Additionally, with smartphones, it’s easy to check work messages anytime, which makes it hard to completely relax.
Phân tích:
- Structure: Lists reasons một cách straightforward
- Vocabulary: Basic (demanding, job security, relax)
- Tại sao Band 6-7: Identifies relevant factors nhưng lacks depth in psychological/societal analysis
📝 Câu trả lời mẫu – Band 8.5-9:
This is a really pertinent issue in contemporary work culture, and I think the difficulty in disconnecting stems from multiple interconnected factors. At the technological level, smartphones have essentially dissolved the boundaries between work and personal life. Unlike previous generations where leaving the office meant genuinely being out of reach, today’s workers carry their offices in their pockets. This constant accessibility creates an implicit expectation of availability, even if it’s not explicitly demanded.
On a deeper psychological level, I think there’s an internalized anxiety that many professionals experience. In an era of economic uncertainty and competitive job markets, there’s this pervasive fear that not being sufficiently responsive or demonstrating continuous commitment might jeopardize one’s position. This creates a self-perpetuating cycle where people feel compelled to check emails or think about work even during supposedly protected personal time.
There’s also a cultural dimension to consider. In many workplace cultures, particularly in high-achievement environments, there’s a tacit valorization of overwork – being busy is worn as a badge of honor, and those who disconnect might unconsciously worry about being perceived as less dedicated. This is reinforced by leadership that models the same behavior, creating a cascade effect throughout the organization.
Furthermore, for some people, particularly those in intrinsically motivating professions, the line between work and personal interest can genuinely blur organically. A researcher might think about their project because it’s intellectually engaging, not necessarily because of external pressure. While this isn’t inherently problematic, it can make conscious disconnection more challenging.
The ramifications of this inability to disconnect are increasingly well-documented – chronic stress, burnout, and deteriorating relationships. Yet breaking the cycle requires not just individual willpower but systemic changes in workplace culture and expectations.
Phân tích:
- Structure: Multi-layered analysis: Technological → Psychological → Cultural → Individual differences → Implications
- Vocabulary: Sophisticated và precise (dissolved boundaries, implicit expectation, pervasive fear, tacit valorization)
- Grammar: Complex structures including conditionals, relative clauses, passive voice
- Critical Thinking: Analyzes root causes at multiple levels, shows understanding of systemic issues, acknowledges complexity, discusses consequences
Question 6: What can employers do to encourage better work-life balance for their employees?
🎯 Phân tích câu hỏi:
- Dạng: Solution/recommendation question
- Key words: employers, encourage, work-life balance
- Cách tiếp cận: Suggest multiple solutions → Explain implementation → Discuss effectiveness → Acknowledge challenges
📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:
Employers should encourage employees not to work on weekends by creating clear policies. They can set rules about not sending work emails after office hours. Companies can also provide more benefits like flexible working hours or allow employees to work from home sometimes. Additionally, managers should set a good example by not working too much themselves. These actions can help employees feel more relaxed and improve their work-life balance.
Phân tích:
- Structure: Lists solutions một cách basic
- Vocabulary: Common workplace terms
- Tại sao Band 6-7: Provides relevant suggestions nhưng lacks sophistication trong explanation và doesn’t deeply explore implementation challenges
📝 Câu trả lời mẫu – Band 8.5-9:
I think employers have a crucial role to play, though genuine change requires moving beyond superficial gestures to substantive policy and cultural transformation. First and foremost, organizations need to implement and enforce clear right-to-disconnect policies. This isn’t just about officially stating that employees shouldn’t work after hours, but actively discouraging such behavior and ensuring there are no implicit penalties for those who respect these boundaries. Some European countries have actually legislated this, which demonstrates it’s possible to codify such protections.
Beyond policy, what’s perhaps more critical is leadership modeling. If senior management regularly sends emails at midnight or takes calls during vacation, no amount of official policy will counteract the message that continuous availability is expected. Leaders need to visibly demonstrate healthy boundaries – explicitly mentioning when they’re disconnecting, perhaps utilizing delayed send features for emails, and respecting others’ time off. This top-down cultural shift is essential.
I’d also advocate for more flexible working arrangements that focus on outcomes rather than hours logged. If the emphasis is on productivity and deliverables rather than presenteeism, employees can structure their time in ways that optimize both performance and personal well-being. Some progressive companies are experimenting with results-only work environments, which give employees complete autonomy over when and where they work.
Additionally, employers should invest in resources that actively support well-being – not just token gestures like office yoga classes, but meaningful support such as mental health resources, generous leave policies, and perhaps most importantly, adequate staffing levels. Often, people can’t disconnect because they’re genuinely overloaded with work that requires unrealistic time commitments.
That said, I think we need to acknowledge that this isn’t entirely within employers’ control. Broader economic pressures, industry norms, and even individual psychological patterns play roles. However, employers who genuinely prioritize this are likely to see tangible benefits – not just in employee satisfaction but in reduced turnover, decreased burnout, and ultimately, better performance.
Phân tích:
- Structure: Comprehensive approach: Policy level → Leadership → Workplace design → Resources → Acknowledge limitations → Benefits
- Vocabulary: Sophisticated và specialized (substantive policy, codify, presenteeism, token gestures)
- Grammar: Complex structures with variety (conditionals, relative clauses, passive constructions)
- Critical Thinking: Goes beyond surface solutions, discusses implementation challenges, considers systemic factors, balances idealism with realism
Theme 4: Cross-Cultural Perspectives
Question 7: Do you think the way people spend their weekends varies significantly between cultures?
🎯 Phân tích câu hỏi:
- Dạng: Compare/contrast question with cultural dimension
- Key words: varies, between cultures, weekends
- Cách tiếp cận: Affirm variation exists → Provide specific examples → Analyze underlying factors → Discuss implications
📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:
Yes, I think weekend activities are different in different cultures. For example, in Western countries, people might go to church on Sunday or have family barbecues. In Asian countries like Vietnam, people often visit their extended family or go to markets. These differences come from cultural traditions and religious practices. However, with globalization, some weekend activities are becoming more similar everywhere, like going to shopping malls or watching movies.
Phân tích:
- Structure: Basic comparison với general examples
- Vocabulary: Simple descriptive terms
- Tại sao Band 6-7: Addresses the question với some examples nhưng lacks depth in cultural analysis
📝 Câu trả lời mẫu – Band 8.5-9:
Absolutely, and I think these variations reveal fascinating insights into different value systems and social structures. Taking a comparative perspective, in many Mediterranean cultures, for instance, weekends – particularly Sunday – retain strong religious and communal significance. You might see multi-generational family gatherings centered around elaborate shared meals, which reflects a collectivist orientation and the primacy placed on family bonds.
Contrast this with, say, Nordic countries where weekends often involve nature-based activities – hiking, skiing, foraging – which speaks to both their geographical context and a cultural value placed on connection with the natural environment. There’s also typically more gender equality in how leisure time is distributed, whereas in some more traditional societies, weekend leisure might be more stratified by gender, with women bearing disproportionate domestic responsibilities.
In rapidly developing Asian economies like Vietnam, we’re seeing quite a hybrid pattern emerging. There’s still strong reverence for traditional practices – visiting ancestral homes, maintaining family ties – but this coexists alongside more cosmopolitan leisure pursuits like café culture and weekend travel. This syncretism is particularly pronounced among younger, urban populations.
The role of religion also creates marked differences. In Muslim-majority countries, Friday holds particular significance, and weekend patterns align accordingly. In Israel, the Saturday Shabbat fundamentally shapes how the weekend unfolds, with many businesses closed and public transport limited, creating a distinctively different rhythm compared to, say, the United States where consumer activity peaks on weekends.
What’s particularly intriguing is how these patterns are neither static nor isolated. Globalization, migration, and digital connectivity are facilitating a kind of cross-pollination of weekend cultures. You see Vietnamese youth adopting brunch culture, while Korean-style cafés are proliferating globally. Yet simultaneously, there’s often a conscious effort to preserve and even revitalize traditional weekend practices as a form of cultural identity maintenance.
I think these cultural variations also underscore that “rest” and “leisure” aren’t universal concepts but are culturally constructed and meaningful within particular contexts. What constitutes a restful or fulfilling weekend in one culture might feel incomplete or even stressful in another.
Phân tích:
- Structure: Sophisticated comparative framework: Multiple cultural examples → Analysis of underlying values → Discussion of hybridity → Religious factors → Globalization effects → Theoretical reflection
- Vocabulary: Advanced và culturally-aware (syncretism, cross-pollination, cosmopolitan, stratified, revitalize)
- Grammar: Complex structures including relative clauses, participles, conditionals
- Critical Thinking: Demonstrates cultural sensitivity, analyzes underlying values not just surface behaviors, acknowledges dynamic nature of culture, theoretical insight about cultural construction of concepts
Để hiểu rõ hơn về cách thảo luận các vấn đề văn hóa trong IELTS Speaking, bạn có thể tham khảo thêm describe a time when you attended a workshop, nơi cũng yêu cầu khả năng phân tích và so sánh các yếu tố xã hội.
Question 8: How might economic status affect how people spend their weekends?
🎯 Phân tích câu hỏi:
- Dạng: Cause-effect/analysis question về socioeconomic factors
- Key words: economic status, affect, spend weekends
- Cách tiếp cận: Discuss different economic groups → Explain constraints and opportunities → Provide examples → Address broader implications
📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:
Economic status has a big effect on weekend activities. Rich people can afford expensive hobbies like traveling abroad, eating at fancy restaurants, or playing golf. Middle-class people might go to movies, parks, or local restaurants. Poor people have fewer options and might just rest at home because they can’t afford entertainment. This shows that money affects what people can do in their free time.
Phân tích:
- Structure: Simple categorization by economic level
- Vocabulary: Basic economic terms (rich, poor, expensive, afford)
- Tại sao Band 6-7: Identifies the relationship nhưng analysis lacks sophistication và doesn’t explore deeper social implications
📝 Câu trả lời mẫu – Band 8.5-9:
Economic status exerts quite a profound influence on weekend activities, though the relationship is more nuanced than simply a matter of spending capacity. At the most obvious level, financial resources determine accessibility to certain leisure options – international travel, fine dining, premium entertainment – which are effectively gatekept by cost. This creates very disparate weekend experiences across socioeconomic strata.
However, the influence extends beyond just purchasing power. For lower-income workers, particularly those in hourly wage positions or multiple job scenarios, weekends may not represent genuine leisure time at all. They might work weekend shifts out of economic necessity, or use this time for second jobs or side hustles to supplement inadequate primary income. Their weekends become economic rather than leisure time, which represents a fundamental difference in life experience.
Middle-class weekend patterns often reflect a particular tension – sufficient resources for some leisure activities but also anxieties about maintaining status and investing in children’s futures. You might see weekends consumed by activities like children’s extracurricular commitments, educational enrichment, or home improvement projects – a kind of productive leisure that reflects both opportunity and pressure.
For affluent groups, there’s often more autonomy in crafting weekend experiences, but interestingly, this doesn’t necessarily correlate with greater satisfaction. Research suggests that time scarcity – the feeling of being perpetually rushed – can actually be more pronounced among higher-income professionals who feel compelled to maximize every moment.
There’s also an aspirational dimension worth considering. Social media has created unprecedented visibility into how different socioeconomic groups spend leisure time, which can generate both inspiration and anxiety. People might stretch budgets to participate in activities they perceive as status-signaling, even when financially inadvisable.
More broadly, I think this economic stratification of weekend experiences contributes to social fragmentation. When people from different economic backgrounds inhabit entirely different leisure worlds, it reduces opportunities for cross-class interaction and mutual understanding, which has implications for social cohesion.
What’s particularly concerning is how this perpetuates and even amplifies inequality. Affluent families can invest weekends in enriching activities for children – museum visits, cultural experiences, sports – that confer advantages, while economically constrained families lack these capital-building opportunities, further entrenching disparities across generations.
Phân tích:
- Structure: Multi-dimensional analysis: Direct economic effects → Different class experiences → Psychological dimensions → Aspirational factors → Social implications → Intergenerational effects
- Vocabulary: Sophisticated socioeconomic terminology (gatekept, disparate, stratification, capital-building, entrenching)
- Grammar: Complex structures with variety of clauses and sophisticated linking
- Critical Thinking: Goes beyond surface to analyze psychological, social, and intergenerational implications; demonstrates awareness of research; considers both material and psychological dimensions; addresses systemic inequality
Gia đình Việt Nam từ các tầng lớp xã hội tham gia các hoạt động cuối tuần khác nhau
Từ vựng và cụm từ quan trọng
Topic-Specific Vocabulary
| Từ vựng/Cụm từ | Loại từ | Phiên âm | Nghĩa tiếng Việt | Ví dụ | Collocation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| memorable | adj | /ˈmemərəbl/ | đáng nhớ, khó quên | That was a truly memorable experience. | memorable weekend, memorable moment, memorable trip, memorable experience |
| getaway | n | /ˈɡetəweɪ/ | chuyến đi nghỉ ngắn ngày | We planned a weekend getaway to the beach. | weekend getaway, quick getaway, romantic getaway, mountain getaway |
| recharge one’s batteries | phrase | /riːˈtʃɑːrdʒ/ | nạp lại năng lượng | I need this vacation to recharge my batteries. | desperately recharge, fully recharge, help recharge, need to recharge |
| unwind | v | /ʌnˈwaɪnd/ | thư giãn, xả stress | She likes to unwind by reading books. | unwind after work, properly unwind, help unwind, chance to unwind |
| breathtaking | adj | /ˈbreθteɪkɪŋ/ | ngoạn mục, đẹp đến nghẹt thở | The view from the mountain was breathtaking. | breathtaking view, breathtaking scenery, breathtaking beauty, absolutely breathtaking |
| nestled in | adj phrase | /ˈnesld ɪn/ | nép mình trong, tọa lạc tại | The cottage was nestled in the hills. | nestled in the hills, nestled in the valley, nestled in the mountains, nestled among |
| spontaneous | adj | /spɒnˈteɪniəs/ | tự phát, bất chợt | It was a spontaneous decision to go. | spontaneous decision, spontaneous trip, completely spontaneous, fairly spontaneous |
| picturesque | adj | /ˌpɪktʃəˈresk/ | đẹp như tranh | We stayed in a picturesque village. | picturesque village, picturesque setting, picturesque location, truly picturesque |
| burnt out | adj | /bɜːrnt aʊt/ | kiệt sức, cạn kiệt năng lượng | I was feeling completely burnt out from work. | feeling burnt out, completely burnt out, emotionally burnt out, mentally burnt out |
| rejuvenated | adj | /rɪˈdʒuːvəneɪtɪd/ | được làm trẻ lại, phục hồi năng lượng | I felt rejuvenated after the weekend. | feel rejuvenated, completely rejuvenated, refreshed and rejuvenated, mentally rejuvenated |
| cherish | v | /ˈtʃerɪʃ/ | trân trọng, yêu quý | I cherish the memories we created. | cherish memories, cherish moments, truly cherish, deeply cherish |
| profound | adj | /prəˈfaʊnd/ | sâu sắc, mang tính nghiêm túc | It had a profound impact on me. | profound impact, profound effect, profound experience, profound meaning |
| restorative | adj | /rɪˈstɔːrətɪv/ | có tác dụng phục hồi | The trip was a restorative experience. | restorative experience, restorative power, deeply restorative, truly restorative |
| meandering | adj | /miˈændərɪŋ/ | uốn khúc, quanh co | We took a meandering walk through the town. | meandering path, meandering walk, meandering route, meandering conversation |
| idyllic | adj | /ɪˈdɪlɪk/ | bình yên như mơ, lý tưởng | It was an idyllic weekend in the countryside. | idyllic setting, idyllic location, idyllic weekend, simply idyllic |
| bond with | v phrase | /bɒnd wɪð/ | gắn kết với | It was great to bond with my friends. | bond with family, bond with friends, opportunity to bond, chance to bond |
| stumble upon | v phrase | /ˈstʌmbl əpɒn/ | tình cờ gặp, vô tình phát hiện | We stumbled upon a hidden café. | stumble upon a place, accidentally stumble upon, lucky to stumble upon, stumble upon something interesting |
| soak up | v phrase | /səʊk ʌp/ | ngâm mình trong, tận hưởng | We soaked up the peaceful atmosphere. | soak up the sun, soak up the atmosphere, soak up the experience, fully soak up |
| forge memories | v phrase | /fɔːrdʒ ˈmemərɪz/ | tạo nên những kỷ niệm | We forged lasting memories together. | forge lasting memories, forge memories together, forge precious memories, forge unforgettable memories |
| off the beaten track | idiom | /ɒf ðə ˈbiːtn træk/ | ngoài lối mòn, ít người biết đến | We visited places off the beaten track. | somewhere off the beaten track, place off the beaten track, venture off the beaten track, stay off the beaten track |
Idiomatic Expressions & Advanced Phrases
| Cụm từ | Nghĩa | Ví dụ sử dụng | Band điểm |
|---|---|---|---|
| set the tone for | tạo ra không khí, xu hướng cho | The beautiful weather really set the tone for a perfect weekend. | 7.5-9 |
| break the monotony | phá vỡ sự đơn điệu | The trip helped break the monotony of daily routine. | 7.5-8 |
| fell back into old patterns | quay trở lại với thói quen cũ | We immediately fell back into our old patterns of friendship. | 7.5-8 |
| left an indelible mark | để lại dấu ấn không thể xóa nhòa | This weekend left an indelible mark on my memory. | 8-9 |
| struck a chord with me | chạm đến cảm xúc của tôi | The tranquility of the place really struck a chord with me. | 8-9 |
| jump at the chance | nhanh chóng nắm lấy cơ hội | I’d jump at the chance to do it again. | 7.5-8 |
| barely scratched the surface | chỉ mới bắt đầu khám phá bề mặt | We barely scratched the surface of what the area offers. | 8-9 |
| make the most of | tận dụng tối đa | We tried to make the most of every moment. | 7-7.5 |
| a far cry from | khác xa với | The peaceful atmosphere was a far cry from city life. | 7.5-8 |
| gain perspective | có cái nhìn rõ ràng hơn | The time away helped me gain perspective on my priorities. | 8-9 |
| recharged and fulfilled | được nạp năng lượng và cảm thấy trọn vẹn | I returned home feeling recharged and fulfilled. | 7.5-8 |
| stands out in my mind | nổi bật trong tâm trí tôi | This particular weekend stands out in my mind. | 7-7.5 |
Discourse Markers (Từ Nối Ý Trong Speaking)
Để bắt đầu câu trả lời:
- 📝 Well,… – Sử dụng khi cần một chút thời gian suy nghĩ hoặc khi bạn sắp đưa ra một góc nhìn cân nhắc
- 📝 Actually,… – Khi đưa ra thông tin có thể hơi bất ngờ hoặc khác với expectation
- 📝 To be honest,… – Khi muốn nói thật về feelings hoặc opinions
- 📝 I’d say that… – Cách lịch sự để đưa ra personal opinion
- 📝 Looking back,… – Khi reflect về quá khứ
- 📝 From my perspective,… – Để introduce personal viewpoint
Để bổ sung ý:
- 📝 On top of that,… – Thêm vào đó (tương tự “moreover” nhưng conversational hơn)
- 📝 What’s more,… – Hơn nữa, thêm vào đó
- 📝 Not to mention… – Chưa kể đến (thường dùng cho điều obvious hoặc important)
- 📝 Beyond that,… – Ngoài ra, xa hơn thế
- 📝 Plus,… – Thêm vào đó (informal nhưng natural)
Để đưa ra quan điểm cân bằng:
- 📝 On the one hand,… On the other hand,… – Một mặt… mặt khác (để present hai sides)
- 📝 While it’s true that…, we also need to consider… – Trong khi đúng là… chúng ta cũng cần xem xét
- 📝 That said,… – Tuy nhiên, mặc dù vậy (để introduce contrasting point)
- 📝 Having said that,… – Sau khi nói điều đó (similar to “that said”)
Để đưa ra ví dụ:
- 📝 For instance,… – Ví dụ như
- 📝 Take … for example,… – Lấy … làm ví dụ
- 📝 A case in point is… – Một trường hợp điển hình là
Để kết luận hoặc tóm tắt:
- 📝 All in all,… – Tóm lại, nhìn chung
- 📝 At the end of the day,… – Cuối cùng thì (what matters most)
- 📝 In essence,… – Về bản chất
- 📝 Ultimately,… – Rút cục, cuối cùng
Grammatical Structures Ấn Tượng
1. Conditional Sentences (Câu điều kiện):
- Mixed conditional: “If I hadn’t taken that trip, I wouldn’t be feeling so refreshed now.” (Kết hợp past và present để show ongoing result của past action)
- Third conditional với inversion: “Had I known how memorable it would be, I would have taken more photos.” (Formal structure, impressive cho Band 8+)
- Second conditional for hypothetical: “If I could relive any weekend, it would be that one.” (Diễn tả unreal situation)
2. Relative Clauses (Mệnh đề quan hệ):
- Non-defining: “The homestay, which was nestled in the hills, offered breathtaking views.” (Adds extra information, separated by commas)
- Reduced relative clause: “The memories created that weekend remain vivid.” (Omit “which were” để sound more sophisticated)
- “What” clauses: “What I appreciated most was the sense of peace.” (Emphasizes the particular thing)
3. Passive Voice (Câu bị động):
- It is thought/believed/said that… “It’s said that taking regular breaks is essential for well-being.”
- To be known for: “The area is known for its stunning landscapes.”
- Get passive (informal): “We got caught in the rain but it was fun.”
4. Cleft Sentences (Câu chẻ):
- What I find most…, is… “What I found most rejuvenating was the complete disconnect from technology.”
- The thing that…, is… “The thing that made it memorable was the company I was with.”
- It was… that… “It was the spontaneity of the trip that made it special.”
5. Participle Clauses:
- Present participle: “Feeling completely burnt out, I decided to take a weekend trip.” (Shows simultaneous actions)
- Past participle: “Surrounded by nature, we felt completely at peace.” (Shows passive meaning)
- Having + past participle: “Having spent the whole weekend together, we felt much closer.” (Shows sequence)
6. Inversion for Emphasis:
- Not only… but also: “Not only did we enjoy the scenery, but we also bonded deeply.”
- Never have I… “Never have I felt so relaxed as I did that weekend.”
- Rarely do I… “Rarely do I get the chance to completely disconnect from work.”
Khi phát triển khả năng mô tả trải nghiệm cá nhân như chủ đề này, bạn cũng có thể áp dụng kỹ năng tương tự cho các đề tài khác như describe a childhood friend you are still in touch with, nơi cũng yêu cầu sự chi tiết về cảm xúc và kỷ niệm. Việc luyện tập với nhiều chủ đề liên quan giúp bạn xây dựng vocabulary bank phong phú và cải thiện khả năng storytelling tổng thể.
Điểm quan trọng cần nhớ là IELTS Speaking không phải là bài kiểm tra về việc bạn có thuộc bao nhiêu từ vựng fancy, mà là khả năng communicate naturally và effectively. Hãy tập trung vào việc phát triển ideas một cách logic, sử dụng examples cụ thể từ trải nghiệm thực tế của bạn, và thể hiện personality qua cách trả lời. Examiner muốn nghe một cuộc conversation tự nhiên, không phải một bài presentation đã học thuộc.
Cuối cùng, hãy nhớ rằng practice makes perfect. Hãy tự ghi âm câu trả lời của mình, identify các areas cần improve, và liên tục refine cách diễn đạt. Với sự chuẩn bị kỹ lưỡng và mindset đúng đắn, bạn hoàn toàn có thể đạt được band điểm mục tiêu trong IELTS Speaking.
