IELTS Speaking: Cách Trả Lời “Describe A Person Who Inspires You To Achieve Your Goals” – Bài Mẫu Band 6-9

Chủ đề về những người truyền cảm hứng là một trong những dạng bài quen thuộc và xuất hiện thường xuyên trong IELTS Speaking. Từ năm 2020 đến nay, đề tài này liên tục xuất hiện với tần suất cao trong cả ba phần thi, đặc biệt là Part 2 với các dạng cue card về “Describe A Person Who Inspires You To Achieve Your Goals”, “role models”, hoặc “influential people”. Dự đoán khả năng xuất hiện trong các kỳ thi tương lai vẫn ở mức cao do tính phổ biến và khả năng ứng dụng rộng của chủ đề.

Bài viết này sẽ trang bị cho bạn những kỹ năng cần thiết để chinh phục chủ đề này một cách tự tin và hiệu quả. Bạn sẽ học được các câu hỏi thường gặp trong cả ba Part của bài thi Speaking, phân tích chi tiết các bài mẫu theo từng band điểm từ 6.0 đến 9.0, nắm vững kho từ vựng và cụm từ ăn điểm, hiểu rõ chiến lược trả lời từ góc nhìn của một examiner chính thức, và tránh được những lỗi phổ biến mà học viên Việt Nam thường mắc phải. Quan trọng hơn, bạn sẽ biết cách phát triển câu trả lời một cách tự nhiên, không rập khuôn như template, để tạo ấn tượng tốt với giám khảo.

IELTS Speaking Part 1: Introduction and Interview

Tổng Quan Về Part 1

Part 1 kéo dài 4-5 phút với các câu hỏi ngắn về cuộc sống hàng ngày và những chủ đề quen thuộc. Đây là phần “khởi động” giúp bạn làm quen với giám khảo và môi trường thi. Chiến lược quan trọng nhất là trả lời trực tiếp câu hỏi, sau đó mở rộng thêm 1-2 câu với lý do hoặc ví dụ cụ thể. Mỗi câu trả lời nên dài khoảng 2-3 câu, không quá dài cũng không quá ngắn.

Học viên Việt Nam thường mắc một số lỗi điển hình trong Part 1. Thứ nhất là trả lời quá ngắn gọn, chỉ đơn thuần “Yes” hoặc “No” mà không giải thích thêm. Thứ hai là sử dụng từ vựng quá đơn giản, lặp đi lặp lại những từ cơ bản như “good”, “bad”, “important”. Thứ ba là thiếu ví dụ cụ thể từ kinh nghiệm bản thân, khiến câu trả lời nghe chung chung và thiếu thuyết phục.

Các Câu Hỏi Thường Gặp

Question 1: Do you have any role models in your life?

Question 2: Who do you admire the most in your family?

Question 3: Do you think it’s important to have someone to look up to?

Question 4: Have your role models changed as you’ve grown older?

Question 5: Do you prefer to be inspired by famous people or people you know personally?

Question 6: What qualities do you think an inspiring person should have?

Question 7: Have you ever met someone who changed your perspective on life?

Question 8: Do young people today have good role models?

Phân Tích và Gợi Ý Trả Lời Chi Tiết

Question: Do you have any role models in your life?

🎯 Cách tiếp cận:

• Trả lời trực tiếp có hay không
• Nói rõ người đó là ai
• Giải thích ngắn gọn tại sao họ là role model

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

“Yes, I do. My older sister is my role model. She is very hardworking and always achieves her goals. She inspires me to study harder and be a better person.”

Phân tích:

• Điểm mạnh: Trả lời rõ ràng, có người cụ thể, có lý do
• Hạn chế: Từ vựng đơn giản (hardworking, achieves, inspires), thiếu chi tiết cụ thể
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Đủ thông tin cơ bản nhưng chưa sophisticated, thiếu depth trong giải thích

📝 Sample Answer – Band 8-9:

“Absolutely! I’d say my older sister has been my primary role model for as long as I can remember. What I admire most about her is her unwavering determination and resilience in the face of adversity. She managed to pursue her master’s degree while working full-time, which really opened my eyes to what’s possible with dedication. Her journey has profoundly influenced my approach to setting and achieving my own goals.”

Phân tích:

• Điểm mạnh: Từ vựng đa dạng và chính xác (unwavering determination, resilience, adversity, profoundly influenced), cấu trúc câu phức tạp (relative clauses, phrasal verbs), ví dụ cụ thể (master’s degree while working), thể hiện personal reflection
• Tại sao Band 8-9: Fluency tự nhiên với discourse marker “Absolutely”, Lexical Resource xuất sắc với collocations như “unwavering determination”, Grammar đa dạng với mệnh đề quan hệ, Ideas sâu sắc với “opened my eyes to”

💡 Key Vocabulary & Expressions:

• primary role model: tấm gương chính, người mẫu mực quan trọng nhất
• unwavering determination: sự quyết tâm không lay chuyển
• resilience in the face of adversity: khả năng phục hồi trước nghịch cảnh
• profoundly influenced: ảnh hưởng sâu sắc

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Question: What qualities do you think an inspiring person should have?

🎯 Cách tiếp cận:

• Liệt kê 2-3 phẩm chất quan trọng
• Giải thích tại sao mỗi phẩm chất lại quan trọng
• Có thể thêm ví dụ ngắn để minh họa

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

“I think an inspiring person should be confident and passionate. They should also be kind and help other people. These qualities make people want to follow them and learn from them.”

Phân tích:

• Điểm mạnh: Có structure cơ bản, nêu được một số phẩm chất
• Hạn chế: Từ vựng basic (confident, passionate, kind), không giải thích sâu, câu văn đơn giản
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Adequate nhưng thiếu sophistication, ideas chưa được develop đầy đủ

📝 Sample Answer – Band 8-9:

“Well, I believe there are several key attributes that make someone truly inspiring. First and foremost, they need to have authenticity – you know, being genuine rather than putting on a facade. Secondly, I’d say perseverance is crucial because inspiring figures often overcome significant obstacles, and that journey resonates with people. Lastly, empathy plays a vital role since the most impactful role models are those who can relate to others’ struggles and lift them up rather than just showcase their own success.”

Phân tích:

• Điểm mạnh: Structure rõ ràng với “First”, “Secondly”, “Lastly”, từ vựng sophisticated (authenticity, perseverance, empathy, resonate), giải thích chi tiết cho mỗi phẩm chất, cấu trúc câu phức tạp với relative clauses và gerunds
• Tại sao Band 8-9: Fluency xuất sắc với discourse markers tự nhiên, Vocabulary chính xác và đa dạng, Grammar phức tạp nhưng accurate, Ideas có depth và personal insight

💡 Key Vocabulary & Expressions:

• key attributes: những đặc điểm quan trọng
• authenticity: tính chân thực, xác thực
• overcome significant obstacles: vượt qua những trở ngại lớn
• impactful role models: những tấm gương có ảnh hưởng lớn
• relate to others’ struggles: thấu hiểu khó khăn của người khác

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Question: Have your role models changed as you’ve grown older?

🎯 Cách tiếp cận:

• Trả lời có/không với so sánh quá khứ và hiện tại
• Giải thích lý do thay đổi hoặc không thay đổi
• Đưa ra ví dụ cụ thể về role models ở các thời kỳ

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

“Yes, they have changed. When I was young, I admired famous singers and actors. But now I admire people who work hard like my teachers and parents. I think this is because I understand life better now.”

Phân tích:

• Điểm mạnh: Có sự so sánh rõ ràng giữa quá khứ và hiện tại, có lý do
• Hạn chế: Từ vựng và cấu trúc câu đơn giản, giải thích chưa sâu sắc
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Conveying meaning adequately nhưng lacks sophistication

📝 Sample Answer – Band 8-9:

“Definitely, there’s been quite a shift in my perception over the years. As a child, I was captivated by celebrities and sports stars – you know, the typical superficial admiration based on fame and success. However, as I’ve matured, I’ve come to gravitate towards people in my immediate circle who demonstrate genuine integrity and consistent effort. For instance, I now find myself deeply inspired by my former literature teacher who, despite facing health challenges, never compromised on her dedication to her students. This evolution in my thinking reflects a deeper understanding of what truly constitutes success and character.”

Phân tích:

• Điểm mạnh: Contrast rõ ràng giữa past và present với “As a child… However, as I’ve matured”, từ vựng tinh tế (captivated by, superficial admiration, gravitate towards, genuine integrity), ví dụ cụ thể và moving (literature teacher), thể hiện personal growth và reflection
• Tại sao Band 8-9: Excellent fluency với transitions tự nhiên, sophisticated vocabulary với precise collocations, complex grammatical structures (despite + gerund, relative clauses), thoughtful ideas showing maturity

💡 Key Vocabulary & Expressions:

• shift in perception: sự thay đổi trong nhận thức
• captivated by: bị mê hoặc bởi
• superficial admiration: sự ngưỡng mộ hời hợt, bề nổi
• gravitate towards: có xu hướng hướng tới, bị thu hút bởi
• genuine integrity: sự chính trực thật sự
• compromised on dedication: thỏa hiệp về sự cống hiến

Học viên Việt Nam luyện tập IELTS Speaking Part 1 về chủ đề người truyền cảm hứng với giáo viên

IELTS Speaking Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)

Tổng Quan Về Part 2

Part 2 là phần thử thách nhất của IELTS Speaking, kéo dài từ 2-3 phút với 1 phút chuẩn bị. Đây là phần độc thoại (monologue) không bị ngắt giữa chừng, nơi bạn cần kể chi tiết về một chủ đề cụ thể được đưa ra trên cue card. Bạn sẽ nhận được một tờ giấy và bút để ghi chú trong 1 phút chuẩn bị.

Chiến lược quan trọng cho Part 2 bao gồm việc sử dụng tối đa 1 phút để ghi chú, nhưng chỉ ghi keywords và ý chính, không viết câu hoàn chỉnh. Bạn cần nói đủ 2 phút, tối thiểu là 1 phút rưỡi để thể hiện khả năng sustained speech. Điều cốt lõi là phải trả lời đầy đủ tất cả các bullet points trên cue card, đừng bỏ sót bất kỳ yêu cầu nào. Nếu đề bài yêu cầu miêu tả một sự kiện trong quá khứ, hãy sử dụng thì quá khứ một cách nhất quán.

Các lỗi phổ biến mà học viên Việt Nam thường gặp phải trong Part 2 là không tận dụng hết thời gian chuẩn bị, dẫn đến nói không có cấu trúc. Nhiều bạn nói dưới 1 phút 30 giây, không đạt yêu cầu về độ dài. Một lỗi nghiêm trọng khác là bỏ sót các bullet points, đặc biệt là phần “explain” ở cuối – đây lại chính là phần quan trọng nhất để ghi điểm cao.

Cue Card

Describe a person who inspires you to achieve your goals

You should say:

• Who this person is
• How you know this person
• What goals this person has helped you to achieve
• And explain why this person inspires you

Phân Tích Đề Bài

Dạng câu hỏi: Describe a person – đây là dạng miêu tả con người, một trong những dạng phổ biến nhất trong IELTS Speaking Part 2.

Thì động từ: Chủ yếu là hiện tại (present tenses) vì bạn đang mô tả một người hiện đang tồn tại và tác động lên bạn, có thể kết hợp quá khứ khi kể về những sự kiện cụ thể đã xảy ra.

Bullet points phải cover:

• Bullet 1 và 2 (Who/How you know) là phần giới thiệu, nên dành khoảng 20-30 giây
• Bullet 3 (What goals) là phần chính, cần triển khai chi tiết với ví dụ cụ thể, chiếm 40-50 giây
• Bullet 4 (Explain why) là phần quan trọng nhất để thể hiện depth of thinking, nên dành 50-60 giây

Câu “explain” quan trọng: Phần “explain why this person inspires you” là nơi bạn thể hiện critical thinking và personal reflection. Đây không chỉ là liệt kê lý do mà phải phân tích sâu về qualities, values, và impact của người đó lên cuộc sống bạn. Đây chính là phần tạo nên sự khác biệt giữa band 6 và band 8.

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7

Thời lượng: Khoảng 1 phút 45 giây

“I’d like to talk about my uncle, who really inspires me to achieve my goals. His name is Minh and he’s my mother’s younger brother. I’ve known him since I was a child because he often visited our house during holidays and family gatherings.

My uncle is a successful businessman. He started his own company ten years ago and now it’s doing very well. He has helped me understand the importance of hard work and determination. When I was struggling with my studies, he talked to me and gave me good advice. He told me that I should never give up and always try my best.

The main goal he helped me achieve was getting good grades in high school. I was not very motivated before, but after spending time with him and listening to his stories about his business journey, I became more focused. He shared how he faced many difficulties when starting his company, but he never stopped trying. This made me realize that I should also work harder.

Why does he inspire me? Well, there are several reasons. First, he is very determined and never gives up easily. Second, he is always positive, even when things go wrong. Third, he is successful but still humble and kind to everyone. When I see him working so hard and achieving his dreams, it makes me want to do the same. He shows me that with effort and patience, anything is possible. That’s why he is such an important person in my life and continues to motivate me every day.”

Phân Tích Band Điểm

Tiêu chí	Band	Nhận xét
Fluency & Coherence	6-7	Có sử dụng linking words cơ bản (First, Second, Third), mạch lạc nhưng chưa thực sự smooth, có một số hesitation nhẹ
Lexical Resource	6-7	Từ vựng adequate và appropriate (successful businessman, determination, motivated, humble) nhưng chưa sophisticated, một số collocations đơn giản
Grammatical Range & Accuracy	6-7	Sử dụng mix của simple và complex sentences, có past và present tenses đúng, nhưng structures còn repetitive
Pronunciation	6-7	Rõ ràng và dễ hiểu, có intonation cơ bản

Điểm mạnh:

• ✅ Trả lời đầy đủ tất cả bullet points
• ✅ Có ví dụ cụ thể từ kinh nghiệm cá nhân
• ✅ Cấu trúc logic và dễ theo dõi
• ✅ Đủ độ dài yêu cầu (gần 2 phút)

Hạn chế:

• ⚠️ Từ vựng còn basic, thiếu variety (lặp lại “hard work”, “never give up”)
• ⚠️ Grammatical structures chưa đa dạng, nhiều simple sentences
• ⚠️ Phần “explain why” chưa thực sự deep, chỉ liệt kê lý do

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📝 Sample Answer – Band 7.5-8

Thời lượng: Khoảng 2 phút 10 giây

“I’d like to tell you about my former high school teacher, Ms. Lan, who has been an incredible source of inspiration for me throughout my academic journey. She taught me literature for three years, and although I’ve graduated, her profound influence continues to shape my aspirations and approach to challenges.

I first met Ms. Lan when I entered grade 10. What immediately struck me about her was not just her extensive knowledge of literature, but her genuine passion for teaching and her unwavering belief in every student’s potential. She had this remarkable ability to see strengths in students that they didn’t even know existed.

When it comes to the goals she’s helped me achieve, there are several significant milestones. The most important one was helping me overcome my fear of public speaking. I used to be extremely shy and would dread any presentation or class discussion. Ms. Lan recognized this limitation and instead of forcing me into uncomfortable situations, she gradually built my confidence. She started by asking me to share opinions in small group discussions, then moved to short presentations, and eventually, I was delivering speeches in front of the whole school. Thanks to her patient guidance, I not only conquered this fear but actually discovered a passion for debate and public speaking.

What truly makes her inspirational is her holistic approach to education. She doesn’t just focus on academic achievement; she emphasizes character development and critical thinking. She once told our class, ‘Success isn’t about being the smartest person in the room; it’s about being the most resilient and adaptable.’ This philosophy has stuck with me ever since. Moreover, despite facing personal challenges – she was battling a chronic illness – she never let it affect her dedication to her students. This demonstration of perseverance in the face of adversity taught me that our circumstances don’t define us; our response to them does.

Her inspiration goes beyond mere words or advice. She leads by example, showing me that true fulfillment comes from making a positive impact on others’ lives. Whenever I face difficulties now, I think about her unwavering determination and it gives me the strength to push through obstacles. She’s fundamentally changed how I view success and has inspired me to pursue teaching as a career myself.”

Phân Tích Band Điểm

Tiêu chí	Band	Nhận xét
Fluency & Coherence	7.5-8	Speaks fluently với minimal hesitation, excellent use của cohesive devices (What immediately struck me, When it comes to, Moreover), clear progression of ideas
Lexical Resource	7.5-8	Wide range của vocabulary (profound influence, unwavering belief, remarkable ability, holistic approach), good use của collocations và idiomatic language (stuck with me, push through obstacles)
Grammatical Range & Accuracy	7.5-8	Wide range of structures (relative clauses, conditionals, gerunds, reported speech), generally accurate với occasional minor errors
Pronunciation	7.5-8	Clear pronunciation, good stress và intonation patterns

So Sánh Với Band 6-7

Khía cạnh	Band 6-7	Band 7.5-8
Vocabulary	“good advice”, “hard work”, “never give up”	“profound influence”, “unwavering belief”, “holistic approach”, “resilience”
Grammar	“He told me that I should never give up” (simple reported speech)	“She had this remarkable ability to see strengths in students that they didn’t even know existed” (complex relative clause)
Ideas	Listed reasons why inspiring (determined, positive, humble)	Deep analysis of character (holistic approach, leads by example, demonstration of perseverance despite personal challenges)

Tương tự như describe a person you consider a role model, việc thể hiện sự kết nối cảm xúc và những bài học cụ thể từ người đó là yếu tố quan trọng để đạt band điểm cao.

Thí sinh tự tin trình bày bài nói Part 2 về người truyền cảm hứng trong phòng thi IELTS

📝 Sample Answer – Band 8.5-9

Thời lượng: 2 phút 40 giây đầy đủ

“I’d like to talk about my grandmother, who has been the most profound source of inspiration in my life and continues to shape my perspective on what it truly means to live purposefully and achieve meaningful goals.

My grandmother, whom we affectionately call Bà Nội, is now 78 years old, and I’ve had the immense privilege of knowing her my entire life. Growing up, I spent every summer at her home in the countryside, and those experiences have fundamentally shaped who I am today. What makes her story particularly compelling is that she’s not a celebrity or someone with conventional markers of success – she’s never held a high-powered job or accumulated wealth – yet her impact on my life has been immeasurable.

In terms of the goals she’s helped me achieve, I’d say the most significant one wasn’t academic or career-related in the traditional sense, but rather something far more profound – she helped me develop emotional resilience and a growth mindset. During my teenage years, I went through a particularly turbulent period where I was grappling with anxiety and self-doubt, especially regarding my academic performance. I was fixated on achieving perfect grades and would be devastated by any setback. My grandmother, having weathered numerous hardships in her life – from surviving the war to raising five children in poverty – had this remarkable capacity to reframe challenges as opportunities.

She shared stories of how she had to reinvent herself multiple times throughout her life, learning new skills in her 50s and 60s when many people consider themselves past their prime. Drawing from her experiences, she taught me that failure isn’t the opposite of success but rather a stepping stone toward it. This paradigm shift was transformative. It helped me embrace challenges rather than fear them, and ultimately led to me taking calculated risks – like applying for a scholarship abroad, something I would have been too terrified to attempt before. Thanks to her unwavering support and wisdom, I not only secured that scholarship but also developed a more nuanced understanding of what achievement really means.

What truly sets her apart as an inspirational figure is her authenticity and quiet strength. In a world obsessed with external validation and social media presence, she embodies the idea that true fulfillment comes from internal growth and meaningful relationships. She doesn’t seek recognition for her kindness – she simply lives it. I’ve witnessed her helping neighbors without expecting anything in return, maintaining her intellectual curiosity by reading extensively despite her age, and demonstrating grace even when facing health challenges. Her philosophy that ‘the quality of your character is measured not in moments of comfort, but in how you conduct yourself during adversity’ has become my guiding principle.

Moreover, what I find most inspiring is her forward-thinking attitude. Despite her age, she’s not stuck in the past. She embraces change, learns new technology to stay connected with family, and remains intellectually engaged with current affairs. This has taught me that personal growth is a lifelong journey, not a destination. Her example has inspired me to pursue goals that align with my values rather than societal expectations, to cultivate resilience in the face of setbacks, and to measure success by the positive impact I have on others rather than material achievements. She’s living proof that you don’t need fame or fortune to live an inspiring life – you just need integrity, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to personal growth.”

Phân Tích Band Điểm

Tiêu chí	Band	Nhận xét
Fluency & Coherence	8.5-9	Speaks fluently và effortlessly với natural rhythm, sophisticated use of cohesive devices, seamless transitions between ideas, no noticeable hesitation
Lexical Resource	8.5-9	Sophisticated vocabulary với precise usage (immeasurable impact, turbulent period, paradigm shift, cultivate resilience), natural collocations, idiomatic expressions, skillful paraphrasing
Grammatical Range & Accuracy	8.5-9	Full range of structures với natural và appropriate use, complex sentences with multiple clauses, consistent accuracy, variety in verb forms and tenses
Pronunciation	8.5-9	Clear articulation, natural intonation patterns, appropriate stress và rhythm, easily understood

Tại Sao Bài Này Xuất Sắc

🎯 Fluency Hoàn Hảo:
Bài nói có natural flow với sophisticated discourse markers như “In terms of”, “Drawing from her experiences”, “Moreover”, “What truly sets her apart”. Không có hesitation, ideas được kết nối seamlessly, thể hiện confidence và control hoàn toàn về ngôn ngữ.

📚 Vocabulary Tinh Vi:

• “immense privilege” thay vì “lucky”
• “fundamentally shaped” thay vì “changed”
• “grappling with anxiety” thay vì “having anxiety”
• “weathered numerous hardships” thay vì “faced difficulties”
• “paradigm shift” thay vì “change in thinking”
• “external validation” thay vì “what others think”

Những từ này không chỉ precise mà còn natural, thể hiện near-native proficiency.

📝 Grammar Đa Dạng:

• Relative clauses: “My grandmother, whom we affectionately call Bà Nội, is now 78”
• Gerunds and infinitives: “learning new skills”, “to reframe challenges”
• Present perfect continuous: “I’ve had the immense privilege”
• Complex conditionals: Implied trong “something I would have been too terrified to attempt before”
• Participle clauses: “Drawing from her experiences”

💡 Ideas Sâu Sắc:
Bài không chỉ describe bề nổi mà đi sâu vào philosophical aspects: contrast giữa external validation và internal growth, concept của lifelong journey, measurement of success through impact rather than achievements. Thể hiện mature thinking và personal reflection ở level cao.

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Follow-up Questions (Rounding Off Questions)

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

Question 1: How often do you see this person?

Band 6-7 Answer:
“I try to visit my grandmother every month when I have free time. We also talk on the phone regularly.”

Band 8-9 Answer:
“I make it a point to visit her at least twice a month, though honestly, it’s never enough. We’ve also embraced technology, so we do video calls weekly, which helps us stay closely connected despite the geographical distance.”

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Question 2: Do you think you’ll always be inspired by this person?

Band 6-7 Answer:
“Yes, I think so. She has taught me so many important lessons that I will remember forever.”

Band 8-9 Answer:
“Absolutely. I think her influence on me is so deeply ingrained that it’s become part of who I am. Even as I grow older and face new challenges, I find myself drawing on the wisdom she’s shared and the example she’s set. Her inspiration is timeless because it’s rooted in fundamental values rather than fleeting circumstances.”

IELTS Speaking Part 3: Two-way Discussion

Tổng Quan Về Part 3

Part 3 kéo dài 4-5 phút và là phần challenging nhất của IELTS Speaking vì yêu cầu thảo luận sâu về các vấn đề trừu tượng liên quan đến chủ đề Part 2. Khác với Part 1 và 2, Part 3 không hỏi về kinh nghiệm cá nhân mà tập trung vào phân tích, so sánh, đánh giá các vấn đề xã hội, xu hướng, hoặc khía cạnh văn hóa.

Yêu cầu cốt lõi của Part 3 là bạn phải đưa ra quan điểm cá nhân có lý lẽ rõ ràng, xem xét vấn đề từ nhiều góc độ (not just black and white thinking), và support ideas bằng examples từ xã hội chứ không chỉ kinh nghiệm cá nhân. Đây là lúc examiner muốn thấy depth of thinking và ability to discuss abstract concepts.

Chiến lược hiệu quả cho Part 3 bao gồm mở rộng câu trả lời đến 3-5 câu cho mỗi question, sử dụng discourse markers một cách tự nhiên (Well, Actually, From my perspective…), đưa ra examples từ broader context như xã hội hoặc các quốc gia khác, và thừa nhận sự phức tạp của vấn đề bằng cách present different viewpoints trước khi đưa ra quan điểm riêng.

Học viên Việt Nam thường gặp khó khăn với Part 3 vì các lý do sau: trả lời quá ngắn và thiếu phân tích sâu, chỉ nói “I think… because…” mà không elaborate; không đưa ra lý lẽ clear và logical để support quan điểm; thiếu từ vựng trừu tượng để discuss concepts như “social trends”, “cultural values”, “generational differences”; và có xu hướng overgeneralize hoặc chỉ nói về Vietnam mà không nhìn nhận vấn đề từ global perspective.

Các Câu Hỏi Thảo Luận Sâu

Theme 1: Role Models and Social Influence

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Question 1: Why do you think some people become role models for others?

🎯 Phân tích câu hỏi:

• Dạng: Cause-Effect / Explanation
• Key words: “why”, “become role models” – cần giải thích reasons và factors
• Cách tiếp cận: Structure: Direct answer → Multiple reasons with elaboration → Examples from society → Concluding thought

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

“I think people become role models when they are successful and famous. Also, if they do good things for society, people will admire them. For example, many young people look up to successful businessmen or celebrities because they want to be like them. Role models usually have good qualities that others want to have.”

Phân tích:

• Structure: Có basic structure nhưng chưa develop fully
• Vocabulary: Adequate (successful, famous, admire, look up to) nhưng generic
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Answers the question adequately nhưng lacks depth, examples quá general, không explore complexity

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📝 Câu trả lời mẫu – Band 8-9:

“Well, I think there are several interconnected factors that elevate certain individuals to role model status. First and foremost, it’s often about visibility – people who are in the public eye, whether through their career achievements, media presence, or social contributions, naturally have more opportunities to influence others. However, visibility alone isn’t enough; what really matters is authenticity and relatability. People gravitate towards role models who they feel embody values they admire and whose journey seems attainable rather than completely out of reach.

Another crucial element is timing and societal needs. During times of social or economic upheaval, people tend to look for figures who represent hope or demonstrate resilience. For instance, during the pandemic, healthcare workers became collective role models because they exemplified selflessness and dedication when society needed it most. Additionally, I’d say narrative plays a huge role – people are drawn to compelling stories of overcoming adversity or achieving something against the odds. This explains why self-made entrepreneurs or athletes from disadvantaged backgrounds often become inspirational figures.

That said, I think it’s worth noting that the criteria for role models have evolved considerably in recent years. With social media, the barrier to influence has lowered, and people can become role models within their niche communities rather than requiring mainstream recognition. This democratization of influence has both positive aspects – more diverse representation – and potential drawbacks – the conflation of popularity with genuine merit.”

Phân tích:

• Structure: Excellent organization với multiple well-developed points (visibility + authenticity, timing + societal needs, evolution of criteria), smooth transitions, balanced conclusion acknowledging complexity
• Vocabulary: Sophisticated and precise (interconnected factors, elevate individuals, embody values, collective role models, conflation of popularity, democratization of influence)
• Grammar: Complex structures seamlessly used (whether… or, what really matters is, during times of…, this explains why, that said)
• Critical Thinking: Shows nuanced understanding với different perspectives, historical context, và acknowledgment của complexity

💡 Key Language Features:

• Discourse markers: Well, First and foremost, However, Additionally, That said, For instance
• Tentative language: I think, often, tend to, seems, it’s worth noting
• Abstract nouns: visibility, authenticity, relatability, resilience, narrative, democratization
• Hedging: rather than, both… and, potential drawbacks

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Question 2: Do you think celebrities are good role models for young people?

🎯 Phân tích câu hỏi:

• Dạng: Opinion with evaluation
• Key words: “celebrities”, “good role models”, “young people” – cần balanced analysis
• Cách tiếp cận: Acknowledge both sides → Present arguments → Personal stance với justification

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

“It depends on the celebrity. Some celebrities are good role models because they work hard and help charities. But some celebrities are bad examples because they do wrong things like taking drugs or behaving badly. I think young people should be careful about who they choose as role models.”

Phân tích:

• Structure: Basic “depends on” approach nhưng chưa elaborate fully
• Vocabulary: Simple (work hard, help charities, wrong things, bad examples)
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Presents basic ideas nhưng lacks sophistication and depth

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📝 Câu trả lời mẫu – Band 8-9:

“This is quite a nuanced question because I think it’s neither entirely positive nor negative – it really hinges on several factors. On one hand, celebrities undoubtedly have tremendous influence over young people, and many do use their platform responsibly to champion important causes like environmental conservation, mental health awareness, or social justice. Take someone like Emma Watson, who has been a vocal advocate for gender equality – her influence has sparked meaningful conversations among young people globally.

However, I’m somewhat skeptical about the blanket endorsement of celebrities as role models for several reasons. Firstly, celebrity culture often perpetuates unrealistic standards – whether it’s about physical appearance, lifestyle, or success. Young people who are still forming their identity might feel inadequate when comparing themselves to carefully curated images on social media. Secondly, celebrities are human and prone to mistakes, but when they slip up, it can have disproportionate consequences for their young followers who may emulate their behavior without understanding the context.

From my perspective, I think the real issue isn’t whether celebrities themselves are good or bad role models, but rather that we as a society place excessive emphasis on celebrity worship. What concerns me more is the media’s tendency to elevate fame over substance – celebrating people for being famous rather than for meaningful contributions. I believe young people would benefit more from diverse role models in their immediate environment – teachers, community leaders, family members – who can offer personalized guidance and authentic connections rather than the parasocial relationships that exist with celebrities.

Ultimately, I’d say critical thinking is key here. Young people need to be taught to evaluate role models based on values and actions rather than fame and image, and to understand that real inspiration often comes from ordinary people doing extraordinary things in their own spheres.”

Phân tích:

• Structure: Sophisticated argument structure – Acknowledgment of complexity → Positive aspects with example → Critical analysis with multiple reasons → Personal stance → Concluding broader perspective
• Vocabulary: Highly sophisticated (nuanced question, champion causes, vocal advocate, blanket endorsement, perpetuates unrealistic standards, curated images, parasocial relationships, excessive emphasis)
• Grammar: Complex sentence structures với excellent control (whether it’s about, when they slip up, what concerns me, rather than celebrating)
• Critical Thinking: Excellent analysis examining the issue from multiple angles, challenges assumptions, provides balanced view while maintaining clear personal stance, addresses root causes

💡 Key Language Features:

• Discourse markers: On one hand, However, Firstly, Secondly, From my perspective, Ultimately
• Tentative language: I think, I’m somewhat skeptical, I’d say, might feel
• Contrasting language: while, rather than, neither… nor, but rather
• Academic phrases: hinges on, blanket endorsement, disproportionate consequences, excessive emphasis

Khi thảo luận về chủ đề này, bạn có thể tham khảo thêm describe a famous historical figure in your country để hiểu rõ hơn về cách phân biệt giữa fame và genuine inspiration.

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Theme 2: Goals and Achievement

Question 3: How have people’s goals changed over the past few decades?

🎯 Phân tích câu hỏi:

• Dạng: Compare past and present / Analyze trends
• Key words: “changed”, “past few decades” – cần historical perspective
• Cách tiếp cận: Structure: Acknowledge change → Past goals → Current goals → Reasons for shift → Implications

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

“I think people’s goals have changed a lot. In the past, people wanted stable jobs and to have a family. Now, young people want to travel, be famous on social media, and have exciting experiences. This is because society is more modern and people have more opportunities than before.”

Phân tích:

• Structure: Basic comparison có nhưng chưa develop reasons deeply
• Vocabulary: Simple comparisons (in the past, now, more modern)
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Identifies some changes nhưng analysis quá surface-level

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📝 Câu trả lời mẫu – Band 8-9:

“There’s been a quite profound shift in the nature of people’s aspirations over recent decades, reflecting broader societal transformations. If we look back to the mid-20th century, goals were predominantly materialistic and stability-oriented – people aspired to secure employment, own a home, raise a family, and achieve financial security. This made sense in the context of post-war reconstruction and economic development, where these tangible markers of success provided both literal and psychological security.

However, we’ve witnessed what I’d call a pivot towards more experiential and self-actualization goals, particularly among younger generations. Today’s aspirations are increasingly about personal fulfillment, work-life balance, meaningful experiences, and self-expression. For instance, many young professionals now prioritize flexibility over job security, choosing freelance work or frequent career changes to pursue passion projects rather than climbing a single corporate ladder for decades.

Several interconnected factors have catalyzed this transformation. Economically, the traditional social contract – work hard, and you’ll have stability – has eroded in many countries due to precarious employment, housing unaffordability, and stagnant wages relative to cost of living. When long-term stability seems unattainable, people naturally reorient towards shorter-term gratification and experiences. Technologically, globalization and digital connectivity have expanded horizons – travel and international experiences are more accessible, and social media has created new forms of achievement like building online communities or personal branding.

Culturally, there’s been a marked shift towards individualism and self-actualization, influenced partly by Western values spreading globally. Mental health awareness has also grown, making people more conscious about pursuing goals that align with their authentic selves rather than societal prescriptions.

That said, I think it’s important not to romanticize this shift entirely. While experiential goals can be enriching, they can also create new anxieties – the pressure to optimize every experience, FOMO (fear of missing out), and the challenge of finding meaning in a world with infinite possibilities. Moreover, these changing goals are not uniformly distributed – they’re more prevalent among economically privileged groups who have the luxury to deprioritize financial security.”

Phân tích:

• Structure: Comprehensive analysis – Historical context → Current trends → Multiple explanatory factors (economic, technological, cultural) → Critical reflection on implications → Acknowledgment of limitations
• Vocabulary: Sophisticated and precise (profound shift, stability-oriented, tangible markers, pivot towards, self-actualization, catalyzed, eroded, precarious employment, reorient, romanticize, uniformly distributed)
• Grammar: Complex structures throughout (If we look back, what I’d call, when… seems, making people more conscious, rather than)
• Critical Thinking: Exceptional depth analyzing root causes from multiple dimensions, provides historical context, challenges assumptions, acknowledges complexity and inequality

💡 Key Language Features:

• Discourse markers: However, For instance, Several factors, Culturally, That said, Moreover
• Tentative language: I’d call, I think, seem, can be
• Temporal markers: over recent decades, If we look back, Today, now
• Cause-effect language: due to, catalyzed, influenced by, making people more

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Question 4: Is it important for young people to have ambitious goals?

🎯 Phân tích câu hỏi:

• Dạng: Opinion / Evaluate importance
• Key words: “important”, “young people”, “ambitious goals” – cần balanced discussion
• Cách tiếp cận: Define “ambitious” → Benefits → Potential drawbacks → Balanced conclusion

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

“Yes, I think it’s important for young people to have big dreams. When they have ambitious goals, they will work harder and achieve more in life. However, the goals should not be too unrealistic because then young people might feel disappointed if they can’t achieve them. So it’s better to have ambitious but also practical goals.”

Phân tích:

• Structure: Basic argument structure với some balance
• Vocabulary: Simple (big dreams, work harder, unrealistic, disappointed)
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Makes valid points nhưng lacks sophistication in reasoning

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📝 Câu trả lời mẫu – Band 8-9:

“This is a really thought-provoking question that requires us to unpack what we mean by ‘ambitious’ because I think the answer is context-dependent. In principle, having ambitious goals during youth has considerable merit – young people have fewer entrenched responsibilities, more energy, and arguably more risk tolerance, making this an ideal period for pushing boundaries and exploring possibilities. Ambitious goals can serve as powerful motivators, stretching individuals beyond their perceived limitations and fostering resilience when facing inevitable setbacks.

However, I’d argue that we need to be cautious about fetishizing ambition for several reasons. Firstly, there’s a fine line between healthy ambition and toxic striving that can lead to burnout, anxiety, and a perpetual sense of inadequacy. In today’s hyper-competitive environment, young people already face immense pressure from social media, peer comparison, and societal expectations. Adding more pressure to be extraordinarily ambitious can be counterproductive and detrimental to mental health.

Secondly, the emphasis on ambitious goals can inadvertently devalue other important aspects of a well-rounded life – building relationships, developing emotional intelligence, engaging with community, or simply finding contentment in modest achievements. Not everyone needs to revolutionize an industry or achieve fame to live a fulfilling and meaningful life. There’s something to be said for sustainable, incremental growth rather than only valuing dramatic leaps.

From my perspective, what’s more important than having ambitious goals per se is having purposeful goals that align with one’s authentic interests and values, regardless of how society might rank them in terms of ambition. A young person who’s passionate about sustainable farming and wants to transform local agriculture is just as admirable as someone aiming to start a tech unicorn – the measure should be personal meaning and positive impact rather than conventional markers of ambition like wealth or fame.

Ultimately, I think young people need permission to be ambitious, but also permission not to be in the traditional sense. What we should cultivate is self-awareness, adaptability, and a growth mindset – these qualities will serve them well whether they’re pursuing audacious goals or more modest aspirations. The key is ensuring goals are internally motivated rather than driven by external validation or fear of falling short of others’ expectations.”

Phân tích:

• Structure: Sophisticated argument – Clarification of terms → Benefits with caveats → Counter-arguments with multiple reasons → Personal nuanced stance → Comprehensive conclusion
• Vocabulary: Highly sophisticated (thought-provoking, unpack, context-dependent, fetishizing ambition, toxic striving, perpetual sense of inadequacy, inadvertently devalue, incremental growth, audacious goals)
• Grammar: Complex structures với excellent variety (requires us to, making this an ideal period, there’s something to be said for, regardless of how, whether they’re pursuing)
• Critical Thinking: Exceptional critical analysis questioning assumptions, provides multiple perspectives, acknowledges psychological aspects, challenges conventional thinking, offers nuanced conclusion

💡 Key Language Features:

• Discourse markers: In principle, However, Firstly, Secondly, From my perspective, Ultimately
• Tentative language: I’d argue, I think, can be, might, arguably
• Contrasting structures: rather than, instead of, not… but, as opposed to
• Academic phrases: unpack what we mean, context-dependent, inadvertently devalue, per se

Việc describe a time when you felt proud of your accomplishments có thể giúp bạn hiểu rõ hơn về sự cân bằng giữa ambitious goals và personal satisfaction.

Giám khảo và thí sinh trao đổi sâu trong Part 3 về vai trò người truyền cảm hứng

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Theme 3: Cultural Differences and Generational Perspectives

Question 5: Do different generations have different ideas about who is inspiring?

🎯 Phân tích câu hỏi:

• Dạng: Compare and contrast / Generational analysis
• Key words: “different generations”, “different ideas”, “inspiring” – cần compare perspectives
• Cách tiếp cận: Acknowledge differences → Describe each generation’s preferences → Explain reasons → Implications

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

“Yes, I think so. Older people admire traditional heroes like soldiers or historical leaders. But young people today prefer modern celebrities like singers or social media influencers. This is because each generation grows up in different times and has different experiences.”

Phân tích:

• Structure: Basic comparison có nhưng chưa explore deeply why
• Vocabulary: Simple descriptions (traditional heroes, modern celebrities)
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Identifies difference nhưng lacks nuanced analysis of underlying reasons

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📝 Câu trả lời mẫu – Band 8-9:

“Absolutely, there are quite stark contrasts in how different generations conceptualize inspiration, and I find this generational divergence quite fascinating as it reflects broader societal evolution. If we examine this systematically, we can see distinct patterns emerging.

Traditional generations – baby boomers and older – tend to gravitate towards figures who represent collective achievement, institutional authority, or conventional success metrics. They’re more likely to be inspired by national heroes, political leaders, pioneering scientists, or self-made business magnates – essentially, people who have left an indelible mark on history or achieved recognition through formal channels. This makes sense given that they came of age in an era of mass media monopoly, where fame was mediated through limited channels like television, newspapers, and radio, which created a more homogeneous set of cultural icons.

In stark contrast, millennials and Gen Z demonstrate a democratized and diversified conception of inspiration. They’re drawn to what I’d call ‘micro-influencers‘ and ‘niche experts‘ – people who may not have mainstream recognition but have built authentic communities around specialized interests or progressive values. For instance, a climate activist with 100,000 engaged followers can be profoundly influential to young people, even if they’re completely unknown to older generations. There’s also a marked preference for relatable imperfection over polished perfection – younger generations find inspiration in people who are transparent about their struggles and mental health challenges, seeing this vulnerability as strength rather than weakness.

Several factors account for this generational schism. Technologically, the internet and social media have dismantled the gatekeeping mechanisms that once controlled who could be famous or influential. Anyone with a smartphone can now build a following, which has exponentially increased the diversity of potential role models. Culturally, there’s been a shift from collective to individual values, with younger generations placing premium on authenticity, social consciousness, and lived experience rather than credentials or institutional validation.

Sociologically, each generation’s inspirational figures often embody solutions to the pressing anxieties of their time. For older generations who lived through economic scarcity, material success was inspiring. For younger generations facing climate crisis, social inequality, and mental health epidemic, they’re inspired by people addressing these existential challenges, regardless of their conventional status.

That said, I think it’s important not to oversimplify these generational categories – there’s considerable overlap and individual variation. Some young people deeply admire historical figures, and some older people find inspiration in contemporary activists. However, the overall trend towards more democratized, diverse, and values-aligned inspiration among younger generations seems undeniable and likely to accelerate as technology continues to reshape how we discover and connect with inspirational figures.”

Phân tích:

• Structure: Comprehensive systematic analysis – Thesis statement → Traditional generation characteristics with context → Contemporary generation characteristics with examples → Multiple explanatory factors (technological, cultural, sociological) → Nuanced conclusion acknowledging complexity
• Vocabulary: Highly sophisticated and precise (stark contrasts, conceptualize, generational divergence, indelible mark, mediated, micro-influencers, gatekeeping mechanisms, premium on authenticity, existential challenges, considerable overlap)
• Grammar: Complex structures throughout với excellent control (If we examine, given that, what I’d call, seeing this vulnerability as, regardless of their)
• Critical Thinking: Exceptional depth examining patterns, providing historical context, analyzing root causes from multiple academic disciplines, acknowledging nuance and avoiding overgeneralization

💡 Key Language Features:

• Discourse markers: Absolutely, If we examine, In stark contrast, For instance, That said, However
• Academic language: conceptualize, generational divergence, account for, exponentially increased, embody solutions
• Comparing language: tend to, more likely to, in contrast, whereas, rather than
• Hedging and nuancing: quite, tend to, seems, likely to, considerable

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Question 6: How does culture influence who people find inspiring?

🎯 Phân tích câu hỏi:

• Dạng: Analyze influence / Explain relationship
• Key words: “culture”, “influence”, “inspiring” – cần explore cultural dimensions
• Cách tiếp cận: Define relationship → Provide examples from different cultures → Explain mechanisms of influence → Consider global trends

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

“Culture has a big influence on who we admire. In Asian countries, people respect teachers and elders. In Western countries, people admire successful businesspeople and celebrities. This is because different cultures have different values and traditions.”

Phân tích:

• Structure: Basic explanation với some examples
• Vocabulary: Simple cultural comparisons (Asian countries, Western countries, respect, admire)
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Makes valid observations nhưng lacks depth in analyzing how culture actually shapes these preferences

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📝 Câu trả lời mẫu – Band 8-9:

“Culture exerts a profound influence on our conceptions of inspiration through multiple intersecting mechanisms, and I think understanding this helps us appreciate the relativity of inspiration itself. Essentially, culture acts as a lens through which we interpret achievement, virtue, and worthiness of admiration, and this lens is shaped by historical experiences, prevailing values, and social structures.

Let me unpack this with some concrete examples. In collectivist cultures, particularly in East Asia, there’s a strong tendency to find inspiration in figures who embody harmony, self-sacrifice for the greater good, and respect for tradition. For instance, in Vietnam or Japan, a teacher who dedicates their entire career to education despite modest pay is often held in higher esteem than an entrepreneur, because the culture places premium on contribution to social cohesion over individual achievement. The Confucian philosophy that permeates these societies emphasizes filial piety, humility, and service to community, so inspirational figures often exemplify these virtues.

Conversely, in individualistic cultures, particularly Anglo-American contexts, there’s greater admiration for self-made success stories, disruptive innovators, and those who challenge conventions. Think of figures like Steve Jobs or Elon Musk – they’re celebrated for their iconoclasm and singular vision, qualities that might be viewed with skepticism in more hierarchical and consensus-oriented cultures. The cultural mythology of the ‘American Dream‘ – that anyone can rise from humble beginnings to extraordinary success through individual effort – creates a cultural predisposition towards admiring rags-to-riches narratives.

Moreover, cultural trauma and historical context significantly shape who becomes inspirational. In countries that have experienced colonization, oppression, or struggle for independence, liberation fighters and advocates for self-determination hold special reverence. Nelson Mandela’s universal acclaim in South Africa, or Ho Chi Minh’s status in Vietnam, stems from their role in national identity formation, not just their individual achievements.

Religious and philosophical traditions also play a crucial role. In predominantly Buddhist societies, there’s often deep respect for spiritual leaders and those who’ve achieved enlightenment or inner peace, whereas in more secular societies, scientific achievement or technological innovation might be more celebrated. The criteria for inspiration literally shift based on what the culture considers the highest human achievement.

However, I think we’re witnessing some fascinating convergence due to globalization and digital connectivity. Younger generations across cultures increasingly find inspiration in global figures who address universal concerns like climate change or social justice, somewhat transcending traditional cultural boundaries. Yet even here, cultural filters remain – how these figures are perceived and which aspects of their work resonate can vary significantly by cultural context.

Ultimately, I’d argue that culture doesn’t just influence who we find inspiring – it fundamentally shapes our very definition of what makes someone inspiring in the first place. What’s considered admirable leadership in one culture might be seen as aggressive individualism in another. This cultural relativity of inspiration is both enriching – it gives us diverse models of human potential – and challenging, as it requires us to recognize that our own cultural perspective on inspiration is just one among many valid frameworks.”

Phân tích:

• Structure: Sophisticated comprehensive analysis – Thesis with framework → Detailed examples from collectivist cultures → Contrasting examples from individualistic cultures → Additional dimension of historical trauma → Religious/philosophical dimension → Global trends and convergence → Philosophical conclusion about cultural relativity
• Vocabulary: Exceptional sophistication (exerts profound influence, intersecting mechanisms, collectivist/individualistic cultures, iconoclasm, cultural mythology, self-determination, enlightenment, cultural relativity, valid frameworks)
• Grammar: Full range of complex structures với natural control (through which we interpret, that permeates, what the culture considers, how these figures are perceived)
• Critical Thinking: Outstanding depth analyzing multiple dimensions, provides specific cultural examples with proper context, acknowledges contemporary trends while maintaining nuanced perspective, demonstrates cultural sensitivity and awareness of complexity

💡 Key Language Features:

• Discourse markers: Essentially, Let me unpack, For instance, Conversely, Moreover, However, Ultimately
• Academic language: exerts influence, intersecting mechanisms, cultural predisposition, stems from, somewhat transcending
• Cultural analysis language: collectivist/individualistic, cultural mythology, cultural trauma, cultural filters
• Hedging for cultural sensitivity: often, tend to, might be, can vary, I’d argue

Để hiểu rõ hơn về tác động của những câu chuyện cá nhân, bạn có thể tham khảo describe a time when you shared an important story with someone, điều này cho thấy cách văn hóa ảnh hưởng đến việc chúng ta truyền tải và nhận thức về những câu chuyện truyền cảm hứng.

Từ vựng và cụm từ quan trọng

Topic-Specific Vocabulary

Từ vựng/Cụm từ	Loại từ	Phiên âm	Nghĩa tiếng Việt	Ví dụ	Collocation
role model	n	/rəʊl ˈmɒdl/	tấm gương, người mẫu mực	She has been my role model since childhood.	primary role model, positive role model, serve as a role model, look up to role models
inspiring	adj	/ɪnˈspaɪərɪŋ/	truyền cảm hứng, đầy cảm hứng	Her story is truly inspiring.	highly inspiring, deeply inspiring, incredibly inspiring, inspiring figure/story/journey
aspiration	n	/ˌæspəˈreɪʃn/	khát vọng, hoài bão	He has high aspirations for his career.	career aspirations, personal aspirations, fulfill one’s aspirations, ambitious aspirations
perseverance	n	/ˌpɜːsɪˈvɪərəns/	sự kiên trì, bền bỉ	Her perseverance led to success.	demonstrate perseverance, require perseverance, remarkable perseverance, through perseverance
determination	n	/dɪˌtɜːmɪˈneɪʃn/	sự quyết tâm, quyết đoán	His determination to succeed is admirable.	unwavering determination, fierce determination, show determination, with determination
resilience	n	/rɪˈzɪliəns/	khả năng phục hồi, sức bền	She showed great resilience after setbacks.	demonstrate resilience, build resilience, emotional resilience, remarkable resilience
authentic	adj	/ɔːˈθentɪk/	chân thực, xác thực	People appreciate her authentic personality.	remain authentic, truly authentic, authentic self, authentic connection
influential	adj	/ˌɪnfluˈenʃl/	có ảnh hưởng lớn	He is an influential leader.	highly influential, most influential, influential figure/person, influential role
embody	v	/ɪmˈbɒdi/	thể hiện, hiện thân cho	She embodies the values we admire.	embody values/principles, embody qualities, embody spirit, fully embody
cultivate	v	/ˈkʌltɪveɪt/	trau dồi, vun đắp	He cultivated a growth mindset.	cultivate skills/habits, cultivate relationships, carefully cultivate, cultivate resilience
adversity	n	/ədˈvɜːsəti/	nghịch cảnh, khó khăn	She overcame great adversity.	face adversity, overcome adversity, in the face of adversity, triumph over adversity
profound	adj	/prəˈfaʊnd/	sâu sắc, sâu xa	His words had a profound impact.	profound influence/impact, profound effect, profoundly inspiring, profound understanding
admiration	n	/ˌædməˈreɪʃn/	sự ngưỡng mộ, khâm phục	I have great admiration for her.	deep admiration, express admiration, earn/win admiration, admiration for someone
mentorship	n	/ˈmentɔːʃɪp/	sự hướng dẫn, cố vấn	His mentorship changed my career.	provide mentorship, seek mentorship, under someone’s mentorship, valuable mentorship
motivation	n	/ˌməʊtɪˈveɪʃn/	động lực, sự thúc đẩy	She is my main source of motivation.	provide motivation, lack motivation, intrinsic/extrinsic motivation, find motivation
integrity	n	/ɪnˈteɡrəti/	sự chính trực, toàn vẹn	He is known for his integrity.	personal integrity, moral integrity, maintain integrity, demonstrate integrity
compassion	n	/kəmˈpæʃn/	lòng trắc ẩn, từ bi	Her compassion for others inspires me.	show compassion, deep compassion, act with compassion, compassion for others
dedication	n	/ˌdedɪˈkeɪʃn/	sự cống hiến, tận tụy	His dedication to work is remarkable.	show dedication, complete dedication, unwavering dedication, dedication to something
emulate	v	/ˈemjuleɪt/	noi gương, bắt chước	Young people emulate their idols.	seek to emulate, emulate behavior/success, try to emulate, emulate qualities
transformative	adj	/trænsˈfɔːmətɪv/	có tính chất thay đổi, biến đổi	Meeting her was a transformative experience.	transformative impact/experience, transformative effect, profoundly transformative

Idiomatic Expressions & Advanced Phrases

Cụm từ	Nghĩa	Ví dụ sử dụng	Band điểm
look up to someone	ngưỡng mộ, kính trọng ai	I’ve always looked up to my older sister for her achievements.	7.0-7.5
follow in someone’s footsteps	noi gương, đi theo con đường của ai	I want to follow in my teacher’s footsteps and become an educator.	7.0-7.5
lead by example	nêu gương bằng hành động	Great leaders lead by example rather than just giving orders.	7.5-8.0
push the boundaries	mở rộng giới hạn, vượt qua ranh giới	She constantly pushes the boundaries of what’s possible.	7.5-8.0
pave the way for	mở đường cho	Her success paved the way for other women in the industry.	7.5-8.0
against all odds	bất chấp mọi khó khăn	He succeeded against all odds.	7.5-8.0
weather the storm	vượt qua khó khăn	She weathered the storm of criticism with grace.	8.0-8.5
go the extra mile	nỗ lực hết mình, làm nhiều hơn mong đợi	He always goes the extra mile to help his students.	7.5-8.0
walk the talk	thực hiện những gì mình nói	She doesn’t just talk about values; she walks the talk.	8.0-8.5
rise to the occasion	vươn lên đáp ứng thử thách	He always rises to the occasion when challenges arise.	7.5-8.0
be a cut above	vượt trội hơn so với những người khác	Her dedication makes her a cut above the rest.	8.0-8.5
leave an indelible mark	để lại dấu ấn khó phai	Her work has left an indelible mark on the community.	8.5-9.0
strike a chord with	chạm đến cảm xúc, tạo được sự đồng cảm	Her story struck a chord with many young people.	8.0-8.5

Discourse Markers (Từ Nối Ý Trong Speaking)

Để bắt đầu câu trả lời:

• 📝 Well,… – Sử dụng khi bạn cần một chút thời gian để suy nghĩ hoặc muốn tạo sự tự nhiên
• 📝 Actually,… – Khi bạn muốn đưa ra góc nhìn khác hoặc làm rõ điều gì đó
• 📝 To be honest,… – Khi bạn muốn nói thật về cảm nghĩ của mình
• 📝 I’d say that… – Cách lịch sự và tự nhiên để đưa ra quan điểm
• 📝 From my perspective,… – Thể hiện đây là góc nhìn cá nhân

Để bổ sung ý:

• 📝 On top of that,… – Thêm vào đó, bổ sung thêm thông tin
• 📝 What’s more,… – Hơn nữa, để thêm điểm quan trọng
• 📝 Not to mention… – Chưa kể đến, nhấn mạnh điểm bổ sung
• 📝 Additionally,… – Ngoài ra, formal hơn một chút
• 📝 Furthermore,… – Hơn thế nữa, dùng trong context formal

Để đưa ra quan điểm cân bằng:

• 📝 On the one hand,… On the other hand,… – Một mặt… mặt khác…
• 📝 While it’s true that…, we also need to consider… – Mặc dù đúng là… nhưng ta cũng cần xem xét…
• 📝 Having said that,… – Dù vậy, để introduce contrasting point
• 📝 That being said,… – Tuy nhiên, sau khi đã nói điều trước đó
• 📝 Conversely,… – Ngược lại, để contrast rõ ràng

Để kết luận:

• 📝 All in all,… – Tóm lại, khi wrap up idea
• 📝 At the end of the day,… – Cuối cùng thì, để emphasize điểm quan trọng nhất
• 📝 Ultimately,… – Sau cùng, dùng cho final conclusion
• 📝 In a nutshell,… – Nói ngắn gọn, khi summarize
• 📝 To sum up,… – Để tổng kết ý

Grammatical Structures Ấn Tượng

1. Conditional Sentences (Câu điều kiện):

Mixed conditional:

• Formula: If + past perfect, would + base verb (hoặc ngược lại)
• Ví dụ: “If I hadn’t met her, I wouldn’t be pursuing this career today.”
• Giải thích: Diễn tả điều kiện trong quá khứ ảnh hưởng đến hiện tại

Inversion for emphasis:

• Formula: Had + subject + past participle, would + base verb
• Ví dụ: “Had she not encouraged me, I would have given up on my goals.”
• Giải thích: Formal structure tạo emphasis và shows advanced grammar

2. Relative Clauses (Mệnh đề quan hệ):

Non-defining relative clauses:

• Formula: …, who/which + clause, …
• Ví dụ: “My teacher, who has been teaching for 30 years, never stops learning.”
• Giải thích: Thêm thông tin không thiết yếu, luôn có dấu phẩy

Reduced relative clauses:

• Formula: Noun + V-ing/past participle
• Ví dụ: “The challenges faced by my mentor shaped her into a resilient person.”
• Giải thích: Concise structure showing advanced grammar control

3. Passive Voice (Câu bị động):

Impersonal passive:

• Formula: It is thought/believed/said that…
• Ví dụ: “It is widely believed that role models play a crucial role in youth development.”
• Giải thích: Academic structure avoiding personal pronouns

Passive with reporting verbs:

• Formula: Subject + is considered/regarded/seen as…
• Ví dụ: “She is regarded as one of the most inspiring educators of our generation.”
• Giải thích: Formal way to express opinions

4. Cleft Sentences (Câu chẻ):

What-cleft:

• Formula: What + subject + verb + is/was…
• Ví dụ: “What I admire most about her is her unwavering commitment to her principles.”
• Giải thích: Emphasize specific information

It-cleft:

• Formula: It + is/was + focus + that/who…
• Ví dụ: “It was her resilience that inspired me to overcome my own challenges.”
• Giải thích: Strong emphasis on một phần cụ thể của câu

5. Inversion for Emphasis:

Negative inversion:

• Formula: Never/Rarely/Seldom + auxiliary + subject + verb
• Ví dụ: “Never have I met someone so dedicated to helping others.”
• Giải thích: Dramatic emphasis, very advanced

Only after/when inversion:

• Formula: Only after/when + clause + auxiliary + subject + verb
• Ví dụ: “Only after meeting her did I realize what true perseverance means.”
• Giải thích: Emphasize timing hoặc condition

6. Participle Clauses:

Present participle (reason):

• Formula: V-ing…, main clause
• Ví dụ: “Having faced numerous setbacks, she developed remarkable resilience.”
• Giải thích: Show cause-effect relationship concisely

Past participle (passive meaning):

• Formula: Past participle…, main clause
• Ví dụ: “Inspired by her mentor, she decided to pursue a career in education.”
• Giải thích: Concise way to show passive relationship

Nếu bạn tìm kiếm cảm hứng từ những khoảnh khắc đặc biệt, hãy xem describe a time when you were very inspired để hiểu thêm về cách diễn đạt những trải nghiệm truyền cảm hứng trong IELTS Speaking.

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Chủ đề “describe a person who inspires you to achieve your goals” là một trong những đề tài phổ biến và có giá trị trong IELTS Speaking. Việc chuẩn bị kỹ lưỡng cho chủ đề này không chỉ giúp bạn tự tin trong phòng thi mà còn phát triển khả năng diễn đạt về những giá trị nhân văn sâu sắc. Hãy nhớ rằng, điểm số cao không chỉ đến từ việc sử dụng từ vựng fancy mà từ khả năng truyền tải ý tưởng một cách tự nhiên, có depth và authentic. Thực hành thường xuyên với các sample answers ở nhiều band điểm khác nhau sẽ giúp bạn hiểu rõ sự khác biệt và biết cách nâng cao trình độ của mình. Chúc bạn đạt được band điểm như mong muốn trong kỳ thi IELTS Speaking sắp tới.