IELTS Speaking: Cách Trả Lời Chủ Đề “Người Đã Truyền Cảm Hứng Giúp Bạn Kết Nối Với Người Khác” – Bài Mẫu Band 6-9

Chủ đề về những người truyền cảm hứng trong việc duy trì và phát triển các mối quan hệ xã hội là một đề tài vô cùng phổ biến trong kỳ thi IELTS Speaking. Theo thống kê từ các kỳ thi thực tế từ 2022 đến 2025, chủ đề này xuất hiện với tần suất khá cao, đặc biệt trong Part 2 và Part 3. Dự đoán khả năng xuất hiện trong các kỳ thi tương lai vẫn ở mức cao do tính thời sự và sự phù hợp với xu hướng đánh giá kỹ năng mềm của thí sinh.

Đề tài “Describe A Person Who Has Motivated You To Stay Connected With Others” không chỉ kiểm tra khả năng sử dụng ngôn ngữ mà còn đánh giá khả năng phản ánh về các mối quan hệ cá nhân và ảnh hưởng xã hội. Từ góc nhìn của một examiner với hơn 20 năm kinh nghiệm, tôi nhận thấy đây là loại đề bài cho phép thí sinh thể hiện được nhiều khía cạnh: từ vocabulary về relationships, personality traits, đến grammatical structures phức tạp khi miêu tả ảnh hưởng và thay đổi.

Trong bài viết này, bạn sẽ học được câu hỏi thường gặp trong cả 3 Part, bài mẫu chi tiết theo từng band điểm từ 6 đến 9, kho từ vựng và cụm từ ăn điểm, chiến lược trả lời hiệu quả từ góc nhìn examiner, cùng những lỗi phổ biến mà học viên Việt Nam thường mắc phải và cách khắc phục. Đặc biệt, tất cả các sample answers đều được thiết kế để nghe tự nhiên, không cứng nhắc như template, giúp bạn tự tin hơn trong phòng thi.

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, sở thích cá nhân và các chủ đề quen thuộc. Đây là phần “warm-up” giúp bạn làm quen với giọng nói của examiner và tạo ấn tượng ban đầu. Chiến lược quan trọng nhất là trả lời tự nhiên, mở rộng ý với 2-3 câu, và tránh câu trả lời một từ.

Từ kinh nghiệm chấm thi, tôi nhận thấy học viên Việt Nam thường mắc các lỗi sau:

• Trả lời quá ngắn với Yes/No hoặc một vài từ đơn giản
• Dùng từ vựng basic như “good”, “nice”, “interesting” quá nhiều
• Thiếu ví dụ cụ thể từ cuộc sống bản thân
• Không có discourse markers để câu trả lời tự nhiên hơn

Các Câu Hỏi Thường Gặp

Question 1: Do you enjoy spending time with other people?

Question 2: How often do you meet up with your friends?

Question 3: Do you prefer communicating face-to-face or online?

Question 4: What kind of people do you like to connect with?

Question 5: Have your social habits changed over the years?

Question 6: Do you find it easy to make new friends?

Question 7: What do you usually do when you hang out with friends?

Question 8: Is it important to stay in touch with old friends?

Question 9: How do you keep connected with people who live far away?

Question 10: Do you think social relationships are important for well-being?

Phân Tích và Gợi Ý Trả Lời Chi Tiết

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Question: Do you enjoy spending time with other people?

🎯 Cách tiếp cận:

• Trả lời trực tiếp Yes/No
• Giải thích lý do (tại sao thích/không thích)
• Thêm ví dụ cụ thể về hoạt động bạn thường làm

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

Yes, I do. I like meeting friends because it makes me feel happy. We usually go to cafes or watch movies together. Sometimes we just talk about our daily life.

Phân tích:

• Điểm mạnh: Trả lời rõ ràng, có mention đến hoạt động cụ thể
• Hạn chế: Từ vựng còn basic (happy, like, talk), thiếu variety trong cấu trúc câu
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Fluency ổn nhưng lexical resource còn limited, grammar đơn giản với mostly simple sentences

📝 Sample Answer – Band 8-9:

Absolutely, I’m quite a sociable person by nature. I find that interacting with others really energizes me and gives me a fresh perspective on things. Whether it’s catching up with close friends over coffee or attending social gatherings, I genuinely thrive on those connections. I think these interactions enrich my life in ways that solitary activities simply can’t.

Phân tích:

• Điểm mạnh: Vocabulary tinh vi và natural (sociable, thrive on, fresh perspective, enrich), cấu trúc đa dạng (whether…or…, clause + clause), ý tưởng có chiều sâu (so sánh với solitary activities)
• Tại sao Band 8-9: Fluency xuất sắc với discourse marker tự nhiên (Absolutely), lexical resource sophisticated với collocations chính xác, grammar phức tạp nhưng accurate, ideas well-developed

💡 Key Vocabulary & Expressions:

• sociable person: người hòa đồng, thích giao tiếp
• energize me: làm tôi tràn đầy năng lượng
• fresh perspective: góc nhìn mới mẻ
• catching up with: gặp gỡ để trò chuyện, cập nhật tin tức
• thrive on: phát triển/hưng phấn nhờ vào điều gì
• enrich my life: làm phong phú cuộc sống

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Question: How do you keep connected with people who live far away?

🎯 Cách tiếp cận:

• Nêu phương thức chính bạn sử dụng
• Giải thích tần suất hoặc cách thức cụ thể
• Có thể thêm feeling về việc maintain long-distance relationships

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

I mainly use social media like Facebook and Zalo to stay in touch. I send messages to my friends every week and sometimes we have video calls. It’s convenient because we can talk anytime.

Phân tích:

• Điểm mạnh: Trả lời cụ thể với examples về platforms, có mention tần suất
• Hạn chế: Vocabulary basic (use, send, talk), thiếu depth về feelings hoặc challenges
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Clear communication nhưng lacks sophistication, grammar đơn giản

📝 Sample Answer – Band 8-9:

I rely heavily on various digital platforms to maintain those connections. I’m quite active on messaging apps like WhatsApp and Zalo, where I drop messages to check in on friends regularly. For closer relationships, I try to schedule video calls at least once a month, which feels much more personal and intimate than just texting. I also make it a point to remember important dates like birthdays, sending thoughtful messages that show I’m still invested in the relationship despite the distance.

Phân tích:

• Điểm mạnh: Vocabulary sophisticated (rely heavily on, maintain connections, invested in the relationship), variety trong cách diễn đạt (drop messages, check in on, make it a point to), ý tưởng có chiều sâu về emotional aspects của long-distance friendships
• Tại sao Band 8-9: Excellent range của vocabulary và collocation, complex grammar structures natural, ideas thoughtful và well-extended

💡 Key Vocabulary & Expressions:

• rely heavily on: phụ thuộc nhiều vào
• digital platforms: nền tảng kỹ thuật số
• drop messages: gửi tin nhắn nhanh (informal)
• schedule video calls: sắp xếp cuộc gọi video
• personal and intimate: riêng tư và thân thiết
• invested in the relationship: đầu tư, quan tâm đến mối quan hệ
• thoughtful messages: tin nhắn chu đáo, suy nghĩ kỹ

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Question: Do you think social relationships are important for well-being?

🎯 Cách tiếp cận:

• Đưa ra opinion rõ ràng
• Giải thích lý do với examples hoặc effects
• Có thể thêm personal experience để minh họa

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

Yes, I think they are very important. Good relationships make us feel happy and less stressed. When we have problems, friends can help us. I feel better when I talk to my friends about my worries.

Phân tích:

• Điểm mạnh: Opinion rõ ràng, có reasoning và personal touch
• Hạn chế: Từ vựng repetitive (happy, good, feel), ideas còn surface-level
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Communicates effectively nhưng lacks depth và sophistication

📝 Sample Answer – Band 8-9:

Absolutely, I believe social connections are fundamental to our overall well-being. From a psychological standpoint, having meaningful relationships provides us with emotional support during challenging times and amplifies our joy during happy moments. Research has shown that people with strong social networks tend to be more resilient and have better mental health outcomes. Personally, I’ve noticed that when I’m feeling overwhelmed, just venting to a close friend can be incredibly therapeutic and help me gain clarity on whatever I’m dealing with.

Phân tích:

• Điểm mạnh: Vocabulary academic và sophisticated (fundamental, psychological standpoint, resilient, therapeutic), có reference đến research tăng credibility, personal example cụ thể và authentic, grammar structures phức tạp (when + present continuous, whatever clause)
• Tại sao Band 8-9: Demonstrates wide vocabulary range, natural use of abstract language, complex ideas với good coherence, grammar consistently accurate với complex forms

💡 Key Vocabulary & Expressions:

• fundamental to: nền tảng, cơ bản cho
• psychological standpoint: từ góc độ tâm lý
• meaningful relationships: các mối quan hệ có ý nghĩa
• emotional support: sự hỗ trợ về mặt tinh thần
• strong social networks: mạng lưới xã hội vững chắc
• resilient: có khả năng phục hồi, kiên cường
• mental health outcomes: kết quả về sức khỏe tinh thần
• venting to someone: tâm sự, giải tỏa với ai đó
• therapeutic: có tác dụng chữa lành, giúp thư giãn
• gain clarity: có cái nhìn rõ ràng hơn

Học viên IELTS Speaking Part 1 đang thảo luận chủ đề mối quan hệ xã hội và kết nối cộng đồng

IELTS Speaking Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)

Tổng Quan Về Part 2

Part 2 là phần độc thoại kéo dài 2-3 phút, trong đó bạn có 1 phút chuẩn bị và phải nói liên tục về một chủ đề cụ thể. Đây là phần quan trọng nhất để demonstrate vocabulary range và grammatical structures. Chiến lược hiệu quả bao gồm:

• Sử dụng đầy đủ 1 phút để ghi chú keywords (không viết câu hoàn chỉnh)
• Nói đủ ít nhất 1.5-2 phút (examiner sẽ không ngắt lời trước 2 phút)
• Trả lời đầy đủ tất cả các bullet points trong cue card
• Sử dụng thì động từ phù hợp (thường là quá khứ khi kể về người/sự kiện)
• Mở rộng bullet point cuối cùng (explain) vì đây là phần ghi điểm cao nhất

Lỗi thường gặp của học viên Việt Nam:

• Không tận dụng hết 1 phút chuẩn bị, bắt đầu nói quá sớm
• Nói dưới 1.5 phút do thiếu ý tưởng mở rộng
• Bỏ qua hoặc nói sơ sài các bullet points
• Quá focus vào story mà quên phần “explain” quan trọng nhất
• Dùng thì hiện tại khi đáng lẽ phải dùng quá khứ

Cue Card

Describe a person who has motivated you to stay connected with others

You should say:

• Who this person is
• How you know this person
• What this person did to motivate you
• And explain how this has influenced your social life

Phân Tích Đề Bài

• Dạng câu hỏi: Describe a person – đây là dạng phổ biến nhất trong Part 2
• Thì động từ: Chủ yếu quá khứ đơn và hiện tại hoàn thành (để nói về ảnh hưởng kéo dài đến hiện tại)
• Bullet points phải cover:
  • Who & How you know: Giới thiệu ngắn gọn về người đó và mối quan hệ
  • What they did: Đây là phần main story – cần cụ thể, có tình huống
  • Explain the influence: Phần quan trọng nhất – phải sâu sắc về impact lên social life
• Câu “explain” quan trọng: Đây là phần giám khảo chú ý nhất để đánh giá depth of thinking và ability to analyze. Không chỉ nói “what” mà phải nói “why” và “how” điều đó ảnh hưởng đến bạn.

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7

Thời lượng: Khoảng 1.5-2 phút

I’d like to talk about my cousin Nam, who is five years older than me. I’ve known him since I was a child because we grew up in the same neighborhood and our families are very close.

Nam is a very friendly and outgoing person. He has many friends from different places. A few years ago, I was quite shy and didn’t like talking to new people. I preferred staying at home and playing video games alone. Nam noticed this and he started inviting me to join his friend gatherings.

At first, I felt uncomfortable because I didn’t know anyone. But Nam always introduced me to his friends and included me in conversations. He showed me that meeting new people can be fun and interesting. He also taught me how to start conversations and be a good listener.

Thanks to Nam, I became more confident in social situations. Now I have more friends and I enjoy going out with them. I learned that having good relationships with others is important for happiness. Nam’s positive attitude towards friendships really motivated me to be more social and maintain connections with people around me.

Phân Tích Band Điểm

Tiêu chí	Band	Nhận xét
Fluency & Coherence	6.5	Có coherence devices cơ bản (At first, Thanks to, Now), story có logic nhưng còn simple transitions, một số hesitation nhẹ có thể xuất hiện
Lexical Resource	6.5	Vocabulary adequate với “outgoing”, “gatherings”, “uncomfortable”, nhưng còn nhiều từ basic (very friendly, fun, happy), thiếu collocations sophisticated
Grammatical Range & Accuracy	6.5	Mix của simple và complex sentences, có một số structures tốt (who is…, didn’t like -ing, showed me that…) nhưng chủ yếu vẫn là simple past và present
Pronunciation	6.5	Giả định clear và understandable, có thể có một số Vietnamese accent features nhưng không ảnh hưởng communication

Điểm mạnh:

• ✅ Trả lời đầy đủ tất cả bullet points
• ✅ Có story cụ thể với timeline rõ ràng
• ✅ Có personal transformation (shy → confident)
• ✅ Coherent và easy to follow

Hạn chế:

• ⚠️ Từ vựng còn basic ở nhiều chỗ (very friendly, fun, interesting)
• ⚠️ Grammar structures không đủ varied
• ⚠️ Phần “explain” còn shallow, chưa analyze sâu về impact
• ⚠️ Thiếu descriptive details để tạo vividness

📝 Sample Answer – Band 7.5-8

Thời lượng: Khoảng 2-2.5 phút

I’d like to tell you about my university lecturer, Dr. Linh, who completely transformed my perspective on the importance of maintaining social connections. I first met her three years ago when I enrolled in her Psychology course, and she struck me as someone incredibly warm and approachable, despite her impressive academic credentials.

What really stood out about Dr. Linh was her genuine interest in building a sense of community among her students. She didn’t just deliver lectures – she facilitated meaningful discussions and encouraged us to form study groups. I remember being quite introverted at the time, preferring to work independently rather than collaborate with peers.

The turning point came when Dr. Linh noticed I was always sitting alone and invited me to join a student project team she was organizing. Initially, I was reluctant, but she explained how collaborative learning could enhance my understanding of complex concepts. She also shared her own experience of overcoming shyness during her student years, which really resonated with me.

Through this experience, I gradually came out of my shell and discovered the value of exchanging ideas with classmates. Dr. Linh showed me that professional success isn’t just about individual achievement – it’s also about building networks and fostering relationships that can support your growth.

Since then, I’ve become much more proactive in reaching out to others and maintaining friendships. I now regularly organize meetups with former classmates and actively participate in social activities. Dr. Linh’s influence has profoundly shaped how I view relationships – not as optional extras, but as essential components of a fulfilling life.

Phân Tích Band Điểm

Tiêu chí	Band	Nhận xét
Fluency & Coherence	7.5-8	Coherence xuất sắc với varied connectives (Initially, Through this experience, Since then), logical flow từ introduction → turning point → impact, minimal hesitation
Lexical Resource	7.5-8	Wide range với less common vocabulary (introverted, resonated with me, came out of my shell, proactive), good collocations (maintain connections, foster relationships, fulfilling life), paraphrasing skillful
Grammatical Range & Accuracy	7.5-8	Variety tốt: relative clauses (who completely transformed…), participle clauses (preferring to work…), passive voice, reported speech, conditional ideas, mostly error-free
Pronunciation	7.5-8	Giả định clear với good intonation, word stress accurate, minimal L1 influence

So Sánh Với Band 6-7

Khía cạnh	Band 6-7	Band 7.5-8
Vocabulary	“very friendly”, “fun”, “uncomfortable”	“warm and approachable”, “resonated with me”, “came out of my shell”
Grammar	“Nam showed me that meeting new people can be fun”	“She explained how collaborative learning could enhance my understanding”
Ideas	“I learned that having good relationships is important”	“Professional success isn’t just about individual achievement – it’s also about building networks that can support your growth”

Giáo viên truyền cảm hứng đang động viên học sinh kết nối và xây dựng mối quan hệ xã hội tích cực

📝 Sample Answer – Band 8.5-9

Thời lượng: 2.5-3 phút đầy đủ

I’d like to describe my older sister, Mai, who has been instrumental in helping me understand the profound value of cultivating and nurturing social relationships. We’ve been close throughout our lives, but it was during a particularly challenging period in my early twenties that her influence became truly transformative.

At that time, I was going through a rough patch – I’d just started working remotely for a tech company, and I found myself becoming increasingly isolated. The convenience of working from home had, somewhat ironically, led me to withdraw from social interactions almost entirely. I’d convinced myself that I was simply being productive and focused, but in reality, I was becoming emotionally disconnected and, if I’m being honest, quite depressed.

Mai, who has always been remarkably perceptive, noticed these warning signs before I did. Rather than lecturing me about the importance of socializing, she took a much more subtle and effective approach. She began regularly dropping by my apartment with home-cooked meals, gently coaxing me out for walks, and strategically inviting me to small gatherings where I wouldn’t feel overwhelmed.

What made her approach so impactful was that she led by example. I observed how she effortlessly maintained a diverse network of friends – from childhood companions to work colleagues – and how these relationships genuinely enriched her life. She would share stories about how friends had supported her through difficulties or celebrated her successes, demonstrating tangibly how reciprocal relationships create a safety net that makes life’s ups and downs more manageable.

The pivotal moment came when she organized a reunion of our extended family, and I witnessed firsthand the joy and vitality that comes from being embedded in a supportive community. Seeing elderly relatives light up when sharing memories, cousins reconnecting after years apart, and the genuine warmth that permeated these interactions made me realize what I’d been depriving myself of.

Since then, I’ve fundamentally shifted my approach to relationships. I now make a conscious effort to balance my work commitments with social activities. I’ve rekindled old friendships, joined a local sports club, and even started volunteering, which has exponentially expanded my social circle. Mai taught me that maintaining connections requires intentional effort – it’s not something that happens passively or automatically.

Looking back, I recognize that her influence went far beyond simply encouraging me to be more social. She helped me understand that human connection is a fundamental human need, not a luxury or distraction. Her patience, empathy, and wisdom showed me that relationships are investments that yield immeasurable returns in terms of emotional well-being, personal growth, and overall life satisfaction. This perspective has become deeply ingrained in how I navigate both personal and professional spheres of my life.

Phân Tích Band Điểm

Tiêu chí	Band	Nhận xét
Fluency & Coherence	9	Speaks fluently với minimal hesitation, sophisticated cohesive devices (Somewhat ironically, Rather than, Looking back), logical progression rõ ràng qua các stages của story, self-correction natural (if I’m being honest)
Lexical Resource	9	Vocabulary sophisticated và precise (instrumental in, cultivating and nurturing, perceptive, coaxing me out, reciprocal relationships, safety net, depriving myself of), idiomatic language natural (going through a rough patch, light up, went far beyond), collocations flawless
Grammatical Range & Accuracy	9	Full range: complex conditionals, perfect aspects, participle phrases, inversion for emphasis, cleft sentences (What made…was that), passive constructions, consistently accurate với rare minor errors
Pronunciation	9	Features of native-like pronunciation: appropriate intonation patterns, word/sentence stress for emphasis, clear articulation, sustained control throughout

Tại Sao Bài Này Xuất Sắc

🎯 Fluency Hoàn Hảo:
Bài nói flow một cách tự nhiên với discourse markers sophisticated (Somewhat ironically, Rather than, Looking back) không hề cứng nhắc. Self-correction natural (“if I’m being honest”) cho thấy spontaneous thinking.

📚 Vocabulary Tinh Vi:

• “instrumental in” thay vì “helped me” – precise và formal hơn
• “cultivating and nurturing relationships” thay vì “keeping friends” – metaphorical và sophisticated
• “reciprocal relationships create a safety net” – abstract concept được express beautifully
• “depriving myself of” – strong verb choice cho emotional impact

📝 Grammar Đa Dạng:

• “The convenience…had, somewhat ironically, led me to…” – perfect tense với inversion
• “I’d convinced myself that I was simply being productive” – past perfect với continuous
• “Rather than lecturing me…” – comparative structure với gerund
• “What made her approach so impactful was that…” – cleft sentence for emphasis

💡 Ideas Sâu Sắc:
Không chỉ kể story mà analyze psychological aspects (isolation → depression), demonstrate understanding về importance của community, và show personal transformation với specific examples. Phần explain có depth về fundamental human needs và long-term impact.

Follow-up Questions (Rounding Off Questions)

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

Question 1: Do you still keep in touch with this person regularly?

Band 6-7 Answer:
Yes, I do. We meet quite often, maybe twice a month. We usually have dinner together and talk about our lives.

Band 8-9 Answer:
Absolutely. In fact, we’ve grown even closer over the years. We make it a point to catch up at least every other week, and we’re constantly in touch via messaging. She’s become not just family, but truly one of my closest confidants.

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Question 2: Would you like to have similar qualities to this person?

Band 6-7 Answer:
Yes, I would. I think being friendly and caring like her is very good. I’m trying to be more like that in my daily life.

Band 8-9 Answer:
I’d certainly aspire to embody some of her qualities, particularly her emotional intelligence and her genuine interest in others’ well-being. However, I also recognize that we’re different individuals, so I’m more focused on developing my own authentic style of connecting with people while drawing inspiration from her example.

Thí sinh IELTS Speaking Part 2 tự tin trình bày về người truyền cảm hứng kết nối xã hội

IELTS Speaking Part 3: Two-way Discussion

Tổng Quan Về Part 3

Part 3 kéo dài 4-5 phút với các câu hỏi abstract và thought-provoking liên quan đến chủ đề Part 2. Đây là phần khó nhất, yêu cầu bạn phải analyze, compare, evaluate và đưa ra opinions có depth. Examiner sẽ đánh giá cao khả năng critical thinking và ability to discuss issues từ nhiều perspectives.

Yêu cầu cụ thể:

• Phân tích nguyên nhân, kết quả, hoặc xu hướng xã hội
• So sánh các quan điểm khác nhau
• Đánh giá ưu/nhược điểm của một hiện tượng
• Đưa ra predictions về tương lai
• Xem xét nhiều góc độ của vấn đề (không chỉ một chiều)

Chiến lược hiệu quả:

• Mở rộng câu trả lời với 3-5 câu minimum
• Sử dụng discourse markers để structure ideas (Well, I think there are several reasons…, On the one hand…, From my perspective…)
• Đưa ra examples từ society/trends, không chỉ personal experience
• Thừa nhận complexity của issue (It depends…, While it’s true that…, To some extent…)
• Balance giữa being specific và abstract enough

Lỗi thường gặp của học viên Việt Nam:

• Trả lời quá ngắn (1-2 câu) do không biết mở rộng ý
• Không đưa ra clear reasoning/logic
• Thiếu từ vựng abstract và academic
• Chỉ nói từ góc độ cá nhân, không analyze social issues
• Không có structure rõ ràng trong câu trả lời
• Sợ disagree hoặc đưa ra controversial opinions

Các Câu Hỏi Thảo Luận Sâu

Theme 1: Social Media and Modern Communication

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Question 1: How has social media changed the way people maintain relationships?

🎯 Phân tích câu hỏi:

• Dạng: Cause-Effect / Changes over time
• Key words: changed, maintain relationships, social media
• Cách tiếp cận: Describe changes (past vs present) → Analyze positive/negative impacts → Give balanced view

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

Social media has changed relationships a lot. In the past, people used to meet face-to-face or call each other. Now, they can easily connect through Facebook or Instagram. This is convenient because we can stay in touch with friends who live far away. However, sometimes people spend too much time online and forget to meet in real life. I think social media is good but we should balance it with real interactions.

Phân tích:

• Structure: Có comparison (past vs present) và mention both sides
• Vocabulary: Basic level (a lot, easily, too much time), thiếu academic terms
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Ideas clear nhưng shallow, vocabulary limited, lack of sophisticated analysis về deeper impacts

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📝 Sample Answer – Band 8-9:

Well, I think social media has fundamentally transformed the landscape of interpersonal relationships in several ways. On the one hand, it has made maintaining connections far more effortless than before – we can now keep tabs on friends’ lives across continents with just a few clicks, which would have been unimaginable a generation ago. Platforms like Instagram and WhatsApp allow us to share moments instantaneously and maintain what I’d call ambient awareness of each other’s lives.

However, there’s a flip side to this convenience. Many sociologists argue that while social media has broadened our networks, it has simultaneously diluted the depth of individual relationships. We might have 500 Facebook friends, but how many of those connections are genuinely meaningful? There’s also the issue of performative socializing – people curating their online personas rather than fostering authentic interactions.

From my perspective, the key is intentionality. Social media is merely a tool – it’s how we use it that determines its impact. If we leverage it to supplement rather than replace face-to-face interactions, it can genuinely enhance our social lives. But when it becomes a substitute for real connection, that’s when we run into problems.

Phân tích:

• Structure: Well-organized: Positive impacts → Negative aspects → Balanced conclusion với personal stance
• Vocabulary: Sophisticated với academic register (fundamentally transformed, ambient awareness, performative socializing, curating personas, intentionality, leverage, supplement), abstract nouns used naturally
• Grammar: Complex structures (would have been unimaginable, what I’d call, there’s the issue of, that’s when), conditional concepts, relative clauses
• Critical Thinking: Shows nuanced understanding về both benefits và drawbacks, acknowledges sociological perspectives, provides balanced view với clear reasoning

💡 Key Language Features:

• Discourse markers: Well, On the one hand, However, From my perspective
• Tentative language: I think, I’d call, Many sociologists argue
• Abstract nouns: landscape, awareness, intentionality, substitute
• Hedging devices: far more, genuinely, simultaneously

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Question 2: Do you think online friendships are as valuable as face-to-face ones?

🎯 Phân tích câu hỏi:

• Dạng: Opinion/Comparison
• Key words: online friendships, valuable, face-to-face
• Cách tiếp cận: State position → Compare both types → Give reasons/examples → Acknowledge exceptions

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

I think both types of friendships are valuable, but face-to-face friendships are better. When we meet in person, we can see body language and emotions more clearly. Online friends are also good because we can talk anytime, but it’s not the same as meeting in real life. Some people have close online friends, but I prefer traditional friendships.

Phân tích:

• Structure: Có comparison và personal preference
• Vocabulary: Simple (better, good, same, close), thiếu variety
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Opinion rõ ràng nhưng reasoning basic, thiếu depth về why face-to-face is different

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📝 Sample Answer – Band 8-9:

This is quite a nuanced question, and I’d say it really depends on various factors. While I wouldn’t dismiss online friendships as inherently less valuable, I do think there are fundamental differences in the quality of connection they offer.

Face-to-face relationships tend to be richer in non-verbal communication – we pick up on subtle cues like body language, facial expressions, and tone that simply can’t be fully replicated through screens. There’s also something about physical presence that creates deeper bonding – sharing a meal, going through experiences together in real time, or simply being there during difficult moments. These tangible interactions create stronger emotional anchors in our memory.

That said, I don’t think we should undervalue online friendships entirely. For certain individuals – perhaps those with social anxiety, people in remote locations, or those with niche interests – online platforms can provide meaningful connections that might not be accessible otherwise. I’ve heard of people forming incredibly supportive communities online around shared challenges like health conditions.

The crux of the matter, though, is authenticity and effort. Whether online or offline, what makes a friendship valuable is the genuine investment both parties make in understanding and supporting each other. An online friend who shows up consistently, listens empathetically, and offers thoughtful support can absolutely be as valuable as a face-to-face friend who’s emotionally unavailable. It’s less about the medium and more about the substance of the relationship.

Phân tích:

• Structure: Complex argument: Acknowledges complexity → Analyzes face-to-face benefits → Defends online friendships → Concludes with deeper principle (authenticity matters more than medium)
• Vocabulary: Sophisticated (nuanced, inherently, subtle cues, replicated, tangible interactions, emotional anchors, niche interests, crux of the matter, substance)
• Grammar: Advanced structures (wouldn’t dismiss…as, tend to be, something about…that, what makes…is, whether…or)
• Critical Thinking: Shows balanced perspective, considers different demographics, distinguishes between form và content, provides philosophical insight

💡 Key Language Features:

• Discourse markers: That said, The crux of the matter, For certain individuals
• Tentative language: I’d say, I don’t think, can absolutely be
• Complex hedging: tends to be, might not be, less about…more about

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Theme 2: Social Skills and Personality

Question 1: Why do some people find it easier to make friends than others?

🎯 Phân tích câu hỏi:

• Dạng: Causes/Reasons
• Key words: easier, make friends, some people
• Cách tiếp cận: Identify multiple factors (personality, upbringing, context) → Explain each → Avoid oversimplification

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

Some people are naturally friendly and outgoing, so they can make friends easily. Others are shy and find it difficult to talk to new people. I think it also depends on their childhood – if parents taught them good social skills, they will be better at making friends. Also, confidence is important. People who are confident can start conversations more easily.

Phân tích:

• Structure: Lists several factors (personality, upbringing, confidence)
• Vocabulary: Basic descriptors (friendly, shy, confident)
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Covers multiple points nhưng explanation shallow, lacks sophisticated analysis

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📝 Sample Answer – Band 8-9:

I think this boils down to a combination of innate personality traits and learned social competencies. From a psychological perspective, some individuals are simply wired to be more extroverted – they derive energy from social interactions and find them inherently rewarding, which creates a positive feedback loop that reinforces their social behavior.

However, I’d argue that upbringing plays an equally crucial role. Children who grow up in environments where social interaction is modeled positively – where parents demonstrate empathy, active listening, and conflict resolution – tend to internalize these skills and apply them naturally in their own relationships. Conversely, those raised in more isolated or dysfunctional environments may struggle with the unwritten rules of social engagement.

There’s also the factor of emotional intelligence – the ability to read social cues, regulate one’s emotions, and respond appropriately to others’ feelings. Some people seem to possess this intuitively, while others need to consciously develop it. Additionally, cultural context matters tremendously. Someone who’s outgoing in one culture might be perceived as overly forward in another, which affects their social success.

What’s important to recognize is that social ease isn’t necessarily a fixed trait. With deliberate practice and self-awareness, people can absolutely enhance their social capabilities. I’ve seen individuals who were once painfully introverted become quite socially adept through exposure therapy and skill-building.

Phân tích:

• Structure: Multi-layered analysis: Biological factors → Environmental influences → Emotional intelligence → Cultural aspects → Growth mindset conclusion
• Vocabulary: Academic và precise (innate traits, competencies, wired to be, positive feedback loop, internalize, unwritten rules, intuitively, fixed trait, exposure therapy)
• Grammar: Complex: relative clauses (where social interaction is modeled), cleft sentences (What’s important…is), comparative structures (more…than), gerunds and infinitives varied
• Critical Thinking: Avoids oversimplification, considers multiple disciplines (psychology, sociology), acknowledges both nature and nurture, ends on empowering note

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Question 2: Should social skills be taught in schools?

🎯 Phân tích câu hỏi:

• Dạng: Opinion về educational policy
• Key words: should, taught, schools, social skills
• Cách tiếp cận: State position → Give arguments → Address counterarguments → Conclude

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

Yes, I think schools should teach social skills. Many students don’t know how to communicate well or work in teams. If teachers teach these skills, students will be better prepared for work and life. Some people might say parents should teach this, but not all parents have time or knowledge. So schools should help with this important area.

Phân tích:

• Structure: Clear position với basic reasoning
• Vocabulary: Simple (teach, work, prepared, help)
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Opinion rõ ràng và có address counterargument, nhưng lacks sophistication trong expression

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📝 Sample Answer – Band 8-9:

I’m strongly in favor of integrating social-emotional learning into school curricula, and I think there are compelling reasons for doing so. First and foremost, while families ideally play the primary role in instilling these competencies, the reality is that educational equity demands that schools fill gaps where home environments may be lacking. Not all children are fortunate enough to have parents who can model healthy relationship skills.

Moreover, schools provide a unique laboratory for practicing interpersonal skills in a structured setting. Unlike the family context, schools bring together diverse groups of children who must learn to navigate differences, resolve conflicts, and collaborate – these are essentially microcosms of adult society. Formalized instruction in areas like empathy, active listening, assertive communication, and emotional regulation can provide students with frameworks they’ll use throughout their lives.

Critics might argue that schools are already overburdened with academic requirements and shouldn’t be responsible for what’s traditionally been family territory. However, I’d counter that social skills and academic performance aren’t mutually exclusive – in fact, research consistently shows that students with better social-emotional competencies actually achieve higher academic outcomes. They’re better able to manage stress, work collaboratively on projects, and seek help when needed.

The key is implementation. These skills can’t just be taught in isolated lessons – they need to be woven into the fabric of school culture. This might involve peer mediation programs, cooperative learning structures, and explicit discussion of emotional experiences across subjects. When done well, such holistic approaches can profoundly shape students’ lifelong social trajectories.

Phân tích:

• Structure: Thesis statement → Argument 1 (equity) → Argument 2 (schools as practice ground) → Counterargument + rebuttal → Implementation considerations
• Vocabulary: Academic register (integrating, compelling reasons, instilling competencies, microcosms, formalized instruction, assertive communication, mutually exclusive, holistic approaches, trajectories)
• Grammar: Sophisticated: conditional ideas (if done well), while-clauses for contrast, passive constructions (can be taught), perfect infinitives, relative clauses
• Critical Thinking: Anticipates objections và addresses them, cites research evidence, discusses practical implementation, shows nuanced understanding của complexity

💡 Key Language Features:

• Discourse markers: First and foremost, Moreover, However, The key is
• Academic phrases: I’m strongly in favor of, Critics might argue, I’d counter that, When done well
• Hedging and strengthening: ideally, essentially, consistently, profoundly

Thí sinh IELTS Speaking Part 3 đang phân tích vấn đề xã hội về kết nối cộng đồng và mạng xã hội

Theme 3: Cultural Differences in Social Behavior

Question 1: Do you think attitudes towards socializing differ across cultures?

🎯 Phân tích câu hỏi:

• Dạng: Opinion + Compare cultures
• Key words: attitudes, socializing, differ, cultures
• Cách tiếp cận: Affirm differences exist → Give specific examples → Explain underlying values → Avoid stereotypes

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

Yes, I think different cultures have different ways of socializing. For example, Western people are more direct and open when meeting new people. Asian people might be more reserved and formal. In some cultures, people prefer group activities, while others like one-on-one meetings. These differences come from cultural values and traditions.

Phân tích:

• Structure: Confirms differences với basic examples
• Vocabulary: Simple comparatives (more direct, more reserved)
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Mentions differences nhưng analysis superficial, risks stereotyping

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📝 Sample Answer – Band 8-9:

Absolutely, and I think these differences are fascinating because they reflect deeper cultural values about individualism versus collectivism, hierarchy, and communication styles. For instance, in many Western contexts, particularly in North America, there’s a cultural premium placed on extroversion and assertive self-expression. Small talk with strangers is normalized, and networking is seen as a legitimate and even essential professional skill.

In contrast, many Asian cultures, influenced by Confucian values, tend to emphasize harmony and group cohesion over individual expression. Social interactions often follow more formal protocols based on age and status hierarchies. What might be considered reserved or distant by Western standards could actually be a form of respectfulness in these contexts. The concept of “face” – maintaining dignity in social situations – plays a much more prominent role in governing interactions.

That said, I want to be careful not to paint with too broad a brush. Within any culture, there’s tremendous variation, and these are general trends rather than absolute rules. Globalization and increased cross-cultural exposure are also blurring these boundaries. Young people in Asian cities, for example, might exhibit social behaviors that are markedly different from previous generations.

What strikes me as most important is developing cultural sensitivity – the ability to recognize these differences without judging one approach as inherently superior. Effective cross-cultural communication requires us to adapt our social styles depending on context while remaining authentic to our own values.

Phân tích:

• Structure: Confirms differences → Western examples → Asian examples → Qualifies with variation → Concludes with bigger principle
• Vocabulary: Sophisticated cultural terminology (individualism vs collectivism, Confucian values, protocols, hierarchies, face, cultural sensitivity)
• Grammar: Complex: passive voice (is normalized, influenced by), relative clauses (what might be considered), comparative structures (more…than), gerunds as subjects
• Critical Thinking: Provides specific cultural frameworks, avoids stereotypes bằng cách qualifying statements, shows awareness of generational changes, emphasizes importance of nuance

💡 Key Language Features:

• Discourse markers: For instance, In contrast, That said, What strikes me as
• Hedging to avoid overgeneralization: tend to, might be, general trends rather than absolute rules
• Academic vocabulary: premium placed on, protocols, governing interactions, exhibit behaviors

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Question 2: How might social expectations change in the future?

🎯 Phân tích câu hỏi:

• Dạng: Future prediction/speculation
• Key words: social expectations, change, future
• Cách tiếp cận: Identify current trends → Project future developments → Give reasons → Acknowledge uncertainty

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

I think social expectations will change because of technology. People might communicate more online than in person. Maybe in the future, virtual meetings will be normal even for friends. Also, younger generations have different values from older people, so they might change social rules. It’s hard to predict exactly, but I believe technology will have a big impact.

Phân tích:

• Structure: Mentions technology và generational change
• Vocabulary: Basic future expressions (will change, might communicate, will be)
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Identifies relevant factors nhưng lacks depth và sophisticated speculation structures

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📝 Sample Answer – Band 8-9:

This is a thought-provoking question, and while I can’t claim to have a crystal ball, I can identify several trends that seem likely to reshape social norms. Most prominently, I think we’re heading towards what sociologists call “networked individualism” – where people maintain larger, more diverse social networks but with more fluid boundaries between close and peripheral relationships.

The accelerating pace of digital communication is likely to continue transforming expectations around availability and responsiveness. We’re already seeing generational divides here – younger people might take it for granted that everyone is constantly accessible, while older generations value boundaries between work and personal time. I suspect we’ll see evolving norms that attempt to balance connectivity with mental health, perhaps even codifying “right to disconnect” principles.

Another trajectory I anticipate involves greater acceptance of diverse relationship models. Traditional social scripts around friendship, romance, and family are already being questioned and reconfigured. The future might see more intentional communities, chosen families, and varied cohabitation arrangements that challenge conventional definitions.

However, I also think we might see a countertrend – a deliberate return to deeper, more localized connections as a reaction against the superficiality of hyper-connectivity. There’s already a growing “slow living” movement that emphasizes quality over quantity in relationships. This could manifest as renewed interest in neighborhood communities, shared physical spaces, and face-to-face gathering.

Ultimately, social expectations will likely continue to diversify rather than converging on a single model. We might see multiple social paradigms coexisting, with individuals choosing approaches that align with their values and circumstances. The key challenge will be maintaining social cohesion while honoring this plurality.

Phân tích:

• Structure: Disclaimer về uncertainty → Trend 1 (networked individualism) → Trend 2 (digital availability) → Trend 3 (diverse relationships) → Countertrend → Nuanced conclusion
• Vocabulary: Academic và forward-thinking (thought-provoking, crystal ball, trajectory, codifying, intentional communities, hyper-connectivity, paradigms coexisting, social cohesion, plurality)
• Grammar: Advanced future forms (seem likely to, heading towards, might see, will likely continue), conditional structures, passive constructions
• Critical Thinking: Shows sophisticated understanding of sociology, identifies main trends AND countertrends, acknowledges complexity và diversity của future scenarios, avoids simplistic predictions

💡 Key Language Features:

• Speculative language: seem likely to, I suspect, I anticipate, might see, could manifest as
• Academic discourse: sociologists call, trajectory, paradigms, cohesion
• Contrasting ideas: However, countertrend, reaction against, while honoring

Từ vựng và cụm từ quan trọng

Topic-Specific Vocabulary

Từ vựng/Cụm từ	Loại từ	Phiên âm	Nghĩa tiếng Việt	Ví dụ	Collocation
sociable	adj	/ˈsəʊʃəbl/	hòa đồng, dễ gần	She’s incredibly sociable and makes friends easily.	sociable person, sociable nature, naturally sociable
introverted	adj	/ˈɪntrəvɜːtɪd/	hướng nội, trầm tính	I used to be quite introverted before university.	introverted personality, deeply introverted, naturally introverted
maintain connections	verb phrase	/meɪnˈteɪn kəˈnekʃənz/	duy trì các mối quan hệ	Social media helps us maintain connections with distant friends.	maintain close connections, maintain social connections, actively maintain
foster relationships	verb phrase	/ˈfɒstə rɪˈleɪʃənʃɪps/	nuôi dưỡng các mối quan hệ	Team activities foster relationships among colleagues.	foster meaningful relationships, foster strong relationships, help foster
social network	noun	/ˈsəʊʃəl ˈnetwɜːk/	mạng lưới xã hội	Having a strong social network is crucial for well-being.	strong social network, diverse social network, build a social network
outgoing	adj	/ˌaʊtˈɡəʊɪŋ/	hướng ngoại, cởi mở	His outgoing personality helps him connect with people.	outgoing person, outgoing nature, very outgoing
emotionally connected	adj phrase	/ɪˈməʊʃənəli kəˈnektɪd/	kết nối về mặt cảm xúc	I feel emotionally connected to my childhood friends.	deeply emotionally connected, remain emotionally connected, feel emotionally connected
thrive on	phrasal verb	/θraɪv ɒn/	phát triển nhờ, hưng phấn với	She thrives on social interaction and group activities.	thrive on interaction, thrive on connection, thrive on company
come out of my shell	idiom	/kʌm aʊt əv maɪ ʃel/	trở nên cởi mở hơn, bớt rụt rè	University helped me come out of my shell socially.	gradually come out of shell, help come out of shell
cultivate friendships	verb phrase	/ˈkʌltɪveɪt ˈfrendʃɪps/	vun đắp tình bạn	It takes effort to cultivate lasting friendships.	cultivate meaningful friendships, cultivate deep friendships, actively cultivate
interpersonal skills	noun phrase	/ˌɪntəˈpɜːsənl skɪlz/	kỹ năng giao tiếp	Good interpersonal skills are essential in the workplace.	develop interpersonal skills, strong interpersonal skills, improve interpersonal skills
social circle	noun	/ˈsəʊʃəl ˈsɜːkl/	vòng tròn bạn bè, quan hệ	My social circle has expanded since joining the club.	wide social circle, expand social circle, close social circle
withdraw from	phrasal verb	/wɪðˈdrɔː frɒm/	rút lui khỏi, tách biệt	He tends to withdraw from social situations when stressed.	withdraw from interaction, withdraw from people, completely withdraw
reach out to	phrasal verb	/riːtʃ aʊt tuː/	liên lạc với, chủ động kết nối	Don’t hesitate to reach out to me if you need support.	reach out to friends, reach out to others, actively reach out
meaningful connections	noun phrase	/ˈmiːnɪŋfl kəˈnekʃənz/	các mối quan hệ có ý nghĩa	Quality matters more than quantity in meaningful connections.	form meaningful connections, build meaningful connections, create meaningful connections
sense of belonging	noun phrase	/sens əv bɪˈlɒŋɪŋ/	cảm giác thuộc về	Community activities create a sense of belonging.	strong sense of belonging, provide sense of belonging, foster sense of belonging
reciprocal relationship	noun phrase	/rɪˈsɪprəkəl rɪˈleɪʃənʃɪp/	mối quan hệ có đi có lại	Healthy friendships are reciprocal relationships.	reciprocal relationship, mutual reciprocal relationship
emotional support	noun phrase	/ɪˈməʊʃənəl səˈpɔːt/	sự hỗ trợ tinh thần	Friends provide emotional support during difficult times.	provide emotional support, offer emotional support, need emotional support
social isolation	noun phrase	/ˈsəʊʃəl ˌaɪsəˈleɪʃən/	sự cô lập xã hội	Remote work can sometimes lead to social isolation.	experience social isolation, prevent social isolation, combat social isolation
bond with	phrasal verb	/bɒnd wɪð/	gắn bó với, tạo mối liên kết	Team sports help young people bond with peers.	bond with others, bond with teammates, closely bond

Idiomatic Expressions & Advanced Phrases

Cụm từ	Nghĩa	Ví dụ sử dụng	Band điểm
strike me as	tạo ấn tượng với tôi là	She struck me as someone incredibly warm and genuine.	7.5-8.5
going through a rough patch	trải qua giai đoạn khó khăn	I was going through a rough patch when she reached out.	7.5-8.5
instrumental in	đóng vai trò quan trọng trong	He was instrumental in helping me rebuild my social life.	8-9
light up	rạng rỡ, sáng bừng lên	Her face lights up when talking about her friends.	7-8
thrive on social interaction	phát triển nhờ giao tiếp xã hội	Extroverts thrive on social interaction and group settings.	7.5-8.5
break the ice	phá vỡ sự ngượng ngùng, làm quen	He’s great at breaking the ice at parties.	7-7.5
a people person	người thích giao tiếp, hòa đồng	She’s definitely a people person – always surrounded by friends.	7-7.5
keep tabs on	theo dõi, cập nhật về	Social media lets us keep tabs on old friends’ lives.	7.5-8
get along with	hòa hợp với, quan hệ tốt với	He gets along with people from all walks of life.	6.5-7.5
hit it off	hợp nhau ngay từ đầu	We hit it off immediately at the conference.	7-8
drift apart	xa cách dần, mất liên lạc	We drifted apart after moving to different cities.	7-7.5
bring people together	đưa mọi người lại gần nhau	Community events bring people together.	7-7.5
put yourself out there	chủ động tiếp xúc, không ngại thể hiện	You need to put yourself out there to make new friends.	7.5-8
gain a fresh perspective	có góc nhìn mới	Talking to diverse people helps you gain fresh perspectives.	7.5-8.5
a sense of community	tinh thần cộng đồng	Neighborhood activities foster a sense of community.	7.5-8
nurture relationships	vun đắp các mối quan hệ	Long-term friendships require effort to nurture.	8-8.5

Discourse Markers (Từ Nối Ý Trong Speaking)

Để bắt đầu câu trả lời:

• 📝 Well,… – Khi cần vài giây suy nghĩ, tự nhiên hơn “Let me think”
• 📝 Actually,… – Khi đưa ra góc nhìn khác hoặc correct một assumption
• 📝 To be honest,… / Honestly,… – Khi nói thật lòng, personal opinion
• 📝 I’d say that… – Khi đưa ra quan điểm có độ chắc chắn trung bình
• 📝 From my perspective,… – Formal hơn, thích hợp cho Part 3

Để bổ sung ý:

• 📝 On top of that,… – Thêm vào đó, informal nhưng natural
• 📝 What’s more,… – Hơn nữa, slightly formal
• 📝 Not to mention… – Chưa kể đến, emphasize thêm điểm quan trọng
• 📝 Plus,… – Thêm nữa, casual và conversational
• 📝 In addition to that,… – Formal hơn cho Part 3

Để đưa ra quan điểm cân bằng:

• 📝 On the one hand,… On the other hand,… – Classic structure cho balanced view
• 📝 While it’s true that…, we also need to consider… – Acknowledge cả hai sides
• 📝 That said,… / Having said that,… – Introduce contrasting point sau khi đã nói một side
• 📝 Admittedly,… – Thừa nhận điều gì đó trước khi present main argument

Để giải thích/làm rõ:

• 📝 What I mean is… – Khi clarify ý mình vừa nói
• 📝 In other words,… – Paraphrase để rõ hơn
• 📝 To put it simply,… – Simplify idea phức tạp
• 📝 The thing is,… – Conversational way to introduce main point

Để đưa ra ví dụ:

• 📝 For instance,… / For example,… – Standard nhưng effective
• 📝 Take…for example – Active structure, natural
• 📝 A case in point would be… – More formal, suitable for Part 3
• 📝 Let me give you an example… – Very conversational

Để kết luận:

• 📝 All in all,… – Tóm lại, nhẹ nhàng
• 📝 At the end of the day,… – Cuối cùng thì, idiomatic
• 📝 Ultimately,… – Formal conclusion
• 📝 So basically,… – Informal summary

Grammatical Structures Ấn Tượng

1. Conditional Sentences (Câu điều kiện):

• Mixed conditional: “If I hadn’t met her, I would still be isolated today.” (Mix past và present consequences)
• Inversion for emphasis: “Had I not joined that club, I wouldn’t have such a diverse friend group.” (Formal, Band 8+)
• Unless for negative condition: “Unless you make an effort, relationships naturally fade.”

2. Relative Clauses (Mệnh đề quan hệ):

• Non-defining with comma: “My sister, who has always been incredibly sociable, taught me the value of connections.” (Adds extra info)
• What-clauses: “What really inspired me was her genuine interest in others.” (Emphasize subject)
• Reduced relative: “People lacking social connections often experience mental health issues.” (Omit who are)

3. Passive Voice (Câu bị động):

• It is thought/believed/said that…: “It’s widely believed that social relationships are key to happiness.” (Impersonal, academic)
• Be + past participle: “Social skills can be developed through deliberate practice.” (Focus on action, not agent)

4. Cleft Sentences (Câu chẻ):

• What I find most…is…: “What I find most valuable about friendships is the emotional support they provide.” (Emphasize what you value)
• The thing that…is…: “The thing that impressed me most was her ability to make everyone feel included.”
• It was…that…: “It was her encouragement that motivated me to join social clubs.”

5. Participle Clauses:

• Present participle: “Having experienced loneliness myself, I understand the importance of reaching out.” (Show cause)
• Past participle: “Motivated by her example, I started attending more social events.” (Show reason)

6. Inversion for Emphasis:

• Not only…but also: “Not only did she introduce me to her friends, but she also taught me valuable social skills.”
• Rarely/Seldom at start: “Rarely have I met someone so genuinely interested in others’ well-being.” (Very formal, Band 9)

7. Subjunctive Mood:

• It’s essential/important that: “It’s essential that people maintain face-to-face connections in this digital age.” (Use base verb)
• I wish/If only: “I wish I had understood earlier how important social connections are.”

Bảng từ vựng IELTS Speaking chủ đề kết nối xã hội và duy trì mối quan hệ

Chiến Lược và Lời Khuyên Từ Examiner

Chuẩn Bị Hiệu Quả Cho Đề Tài Này

1. Brainstorm Personal Stories:
Trước khi thi, hãy list ra 3-4 người trong cuộc sống của bạn có thể fit nhiều types of questions:

• Một người trong gia đình (versatile – có thể dùng cho nhiều đề)
• Một người bạn/thầy cô (có story cụ thể về influence)
• Một người quen mới (cho questions về making new friends)

Với mỗi người, prepare:

• Personality traits cụ thể (không chỉ “nice”, “kind”)
• Một specific incident/situation chi tiết
• Impact cụ thể lên bạn với before/after contrast

2. Develop Your Vocabulary Bank:
Đừng học từ vựng isolated. Thay vào đó:

• Học theo collocations (maintain connections, foster relationships)
• Practice using trong câu của chính bạn
• Record yourself sử dụng các cụm từ mới
• Focus vào 15-20 từ/cụm từ really useful hơn là 50 từ bạn không nhớ

3. Practice Extending Answers:
Học viên Việt Nam thường trả lời quá ngắn. Practice công thức:

• Part 1: Direct answer + Reason + Example (2-3 câu)
• Part 2: Follow all bullet points + Spend most time on “explain”
• Part 3: Opinion + Reason 1 + Example + Reason 2 + Balanced view (4-6 câu)

4. Work on Natural Delivery:

• Avoid template language như “There are several reasons why…”
• Use discourse markers naturally (Well, Actually, I think…)
• Practice với timing – Part 2 phải đủ 2 phút
• Record yourself và listen lại để catch repetitions

Common Mistakes và Cách Khắc Phục

Mistake 1: Sử dụng từ vựng quá phức tạp không tự nhiên

• ❌ “My sister is a paragon of sociability who exemplifies gregariousness.”
• ✅ “My sister is incredibly outgoing and has a natural talent for making people feel comfortable.”
• Fix: Choose vocabulary bạn thực sự comfortable with. Band 8 không phải về dùng từ rare nhất – it’s about using appropriate language naturally.

Mistake 2: Memorizing và reciting templates

• Examiners có thể recognize templates instantly và sẽ interrupt hoặc mark down
• Thay vì learn templates, học flexible frameworks và fill với own ideas
• Practice improvisation – đưa friends random questions và answer without preparation

Mistake 3: Giving overly brief answers trong Part 3

• Part 3 is about demonstrating ability to discuss abstract ideas in depth
• Mỗi answer nên minimum 3-4 câu với reasoning và examples
• Practice answering “Why?” sau mỗi statement bạn make

Mistake 4: Không trả lời đúng câu hỏi

• Listen carefully và identify question type (opinion/describe/compare/explain)
• Part 2: Ensure bạn cover ALL bullet points
• Don’t go off-topic – stay relevant

Mistake 5: Quá focus vào grammar perfection

• Native speakers cũng make small errors khi speaking
• Fluency và communication effectiveness quan trọng hơn 100% grammar accuracy
• Better to speak fluently với minor errors hơn là constantly self-correct và hesitate

Xử Lý Tình Huống Khó

Situation 1: Bạn không hiểu câu hỏi

• ✅ “I’m sorry, could you please repeat/rephrase that?”
• ✅ “Do you mean…?” (paraphrase để confirm understanding)
• ❌ Đừng đoán và answer wrong question
• ❌ Đừng im lặng hoặc say “I don’t know”

Situation 2: Bạn không có ý tưởng gì

• Use stalling phrases tự nhiên: “Well, that’s an interesting question. Let me think…”
• Relate to something you DO know: “I haven’t experienced that personally, but I’ve noticed that…”
• Make it hypothetical: “If I were in that situation, I would probably…”

Situation 3: Bạn nói dưới 2 phút trong Part 2

• Examiner sẽ ask follow-up questions – prepare mentally
• Practice expanding với descriptive details: settings, emotions, specific dialogues
• Spend more time on “explain” bullet – đây là phần easiest to extend

Situation 4: Bạn không đồng ý với câu hỏi Part 3

• Perfectly fine to disagree với premises của question
• ✅ “Actually, I’m not sure I agree with that assumption because…”
• ✅ “That’s an interesting perspective, but I’d argue that…”
• Shows critical thinking – có thể boost score

Situation 5: Bạn make error và realize ngay

• ✅ Quick self-correction natural: “I mean…” / “Sorry, what I meant was…”
• ❌ Don’t apologize excessively: “Oh sorry, my English is bad…”
• Keep going confidently – one error doesn’t ruin your score

Band Descriptors – Điều Examiners Thực Sự Chấm

Để đạt Band 7:

• Speak at length without noticeable effort
• Use a range of connectives và discourse markers effectively
• Use less common vocabulary với some awareness of style
• Use range of complex structures với good flexibility
• Produce mostly error-free sentences với rare mistakes

Để đạt Band 8:

• Speak fluently với only occasional repetition/self-correction
• Develop topics coherently và appropriately
• Use wide vocabulary resource readily và flexibly to convey precise meaning
• Use idiomatic language naturally
• Use wide range of structures flexibly
• Produce majority error-free sentences với only rare inappropriacies

Để đạt Band 9:

• Speak fluently với very rare repetition/self-correction
• Speak coherently với fully appropriate cohesive features
• Use vocabulary with full flexibility và precision in all topics
• Use idioms naturally và accurately
• Use full range of structures naturally và appropriately
• Produce consistently accurate structures apart from ‘slips’ characteristic of native speaker speech

Key Insight từ Examiner:

• Band 8-9 không về perfection – it’s about consistency và range
• Natural delivery quan trọng hơn academic vocabulary
• Depth of ideas trong Part 3 có thể compensate for some language limitations
• Pronunciation không cần native-like – clarity và intelligibility là enough

Timeline Chuẩn Bị Gợi Ý

1 tháng trước thi:

• Week 1-2: Build vocabulary bank cho common topics including social relationships
• Week 3: Practice Part 2 responses với timing, record và analyze
• Week 4: Focus on Part 3 – practice extending answers và critical thinking

2 tuần cuối:

• Daily speaking practice 15-20 phút
• Mock tests với friends hoặc teachers
• Work on specific weaknesses identified
• Review vocabulary và practice pronunciation

1 tuần trước:

• Light practice để maintain fluency
• Review discourse markers và linking phrases
• Relax và build confidence – don’t cram

Với chủ đề “Describe a person who has motivated you to stay connected with others”, điều quan trọng nhất là authenticity. Examiners có thể tell khi bạn đang kể true story vs memorized answer. Choose someone thực sự meaningful to you, prepare specific details, và practice telling story naturally. Good luck với IELTS Speaking test của bạn!