IELTS Speaking: Cách Trả Lời Chủ Đề “Người Giỏi Chụp Ảnh” – Bài Mẫu Band 6-9

Mở bài

Chủ đề “Describe A Person Who Is Good At Photography” là một trong những đề bài phổ biến trong IELTS Speaking, đặc biệt ở Part 2. Với sự phát triển của công nghệ và mạng xã hội, nhiếp ảnh đã trở thành một kỹ năng được yêu thích và quan tâm rộng rãi, khiến chủ đề này trở nên gần gũi và dễ tiếp cận với hầu hết thí sinh.

Tần suất xuất hiện: Chủ đề về nhiếp ảnh xuất hiện với tần suất trung bình đến cao trong các kỳ thi IELTS từ 2020 đến 2024, thường kết hợp với các góc độ như nghệ thuật, sở thích, hoặc người có tài năng. Dự đoán khả năng xuất hiện trong tương lai: Cao, do tính thời sự và phổ biến của nhiếp ảnh trong đời sống hiện đại.

Những gì bạn sẽ học được từ bài viết này:

• Câu hỏi thường gặp về chủ đề nhiếp ảnh trong cả 3 Part
• Bài mẫu chi tiết theo nhiều band điểm (6-7, 7.5-8, 8.5-9) với phân tích chuyên sâu
• Từ vựng chuyên ngành và cụm từ ăn điểm liên quan đến nhiếp ảnh
• Chiến lược trả lời hiệu quả từ góc nhìn của Examiner
• Những lỗi thường gặp của học viên Việt Nam và cách khắc phục
• Discourse markers và cấu trúc ngữ pháp nâng cao để ghi điểm

---

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. Đây là phần “warm-up” để bạn làm quen với examiner và tạo ấn tượng ban đầu.

Đặc điểm:

• Câu hỏi về bản thân, sở thích, thói quen hàng ngày
• Yêu cầu trả lời tự nhiên, không quá dài dòng (2-3 câu)
• Tập trung vào hiện tại và kinh nghiệm cá nhân

Chiến lược hiệu quả:

• Trả lời trực tiếp câu hỏi trước
• Mở rộng bằng lý do, giải thích hoặc ví dụ
• Sử dụng từ vựng phù hợp, không cần quá phức tạp

Lỗi thường gặp của học viên Việt Nam:

• Trả lời quá ngắn chỉ Yes/No
• Dùng từ vựng đơn giản lặp đi lặp lại (good, nice, like)
• Thiếu ví dụ cụ thể từ kinh nghiệm bản thân
• Ngại mở rộng câu trả lời vì sợ sai

Các Câu Hỏi Thường Gặp

Question 1: Do you like taking photos?

Question 2: What do you usually take photos of?

Question 3: Do you prefer taking photos of people or scenery?

Question 4: How often do you take photos?

Question 5: Do you like taking selfies?

Question 6: What do you do with the photos you take?

Question 7: Have you ever learned photography skills?

Question 8: Do you think photography is an important skill to learn?

Question 9: Would you like to work as a photographer in the future?

Question 10: Do you prefer to take photos with a camera or a smartphone?

Phân Tích và Gợi Ý Trả Lời Chi Tiết

---

Question: Do you like taking photos?

🎯 Cách tiếp cận:

• Trả lời Yes/No trực tiếp
• Giải thích lý do (tại sao thích/không thích)
• Thêm ví dụ về tình huống hoặc loại ảnh bạn chụp

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

“Yes, I like taking photos very much. I usually take photos when I travel or when I’m with my friends. It helps me remember special moments in my life.”

Phân tích:

• Điểm mạnh: Trả lời rõ ràng, có lý do và ví dụ cụ thể
• Hạn chế: Từ vựng cơ bản (like, special moments), cấu trúc đơn giản
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Đủ để trả lời câu hỏi nhưng chưa thể hiện được vocabulary range hay grammatical complexity. Ý tưởng còn chung chung.

📝 Sample Answer – Band 8-9:

“Absolutely! I’m really passionate about photography, especially capturing candid moments during my travels. I find it’s a wonderful way to preserve memories and document experiences that might otherwise fade over time. Plus, reviewing my photos later often brings back vivid recollections of the emotions I felt at that particular moment.”

Phân tích:

• Điểm mạnh:
  • Vocabulary đa dạng và chính xác: passionate about, capturing candid moments, preserve memories, brings back vivid recollections
  • Cấu trúc phức tạp: relative clause (that might otherwise fade), gerund (reviewing my photos)
  • Ý tưởng sâu sắc hơn: kết nối giữa ảnh và cảm xúc
• Tại sao Band 8-9: Thể hiện được lexical resource cao, grammatical range đa dạng, fluency tự nhiên với discourse marker (Absolutely, Plus), và ideas có chiều sâu.

💡 Key Vocabulary & Expressions:

• passionate about (something): say mê, đam mê điều gì đó
• capturing candid moments: chụp lại những khoảnh khắc tự nhiên, không tạo dáng
• preserve memories: lưu giữ kỷ niệm
• bring back vivid recollections: gợi lại những hồi ức sống động

---

Question: What do you usually take photos of?

🎯 Cách tiếp cận:

• Nêu rõ đối tượng/chủ đề bạn thường chụp
• Giải thích tại sao chọn những đối tượng đó
• Có thể thêm thông tin về tần suất hoặc hoàn cảnh

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

“I usually take photos of beautiful scenery and food. When I go to new places, I like to take pictures of the landscape. I also take photos of delicious food to share on social media.”

Phân tích:

• Điểm mạnh: Trả lời cụ thể với hai đối tượng rõ ràng, có context
• Hạn chế: Từ vựng đơn giản (beautiful, delicious), thiếu sự đa dạng trong cấu trúc
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Adequate communication nhưng limited range of vocabulary và grammatical structures.

📝 Sample Answer – Band 8-9:

“I’m quite eclectic in my photography interests, actually. I’m particularly drawn to landscape photography, especially during the golden hour when the lighting is most flattering. That said, I also enjoy food photography – I find there’s something quite artistic about capturing the textures and colors of a beautifully plated dish. Occasionally, I’ll photograph street scenes as well, as they often tell compelling stories about everyday life.”

Phân tích:

• Điểm mạnh:
  • Vocabulary sophisticated: eclectic, drawn to, golden hour, flattering, compelling stories
  • Cấu trúc đa dạng: I find there’s something quite artistic about…, they often tell…
  • Ý tưởng phong phú: nhiều loại nhiếp ảnh, giải thích chi tiết lý do
  • Discourse markers tự nhiên: actually, that said, occasionally
• Tại sao Band 8-9: Thể hiện precision trong vocabulary, flexibility trong grammar, và depth trong ideas. Câu trả lời nghe rất natural như native speaker.

💡 Key Vocabulary & Expressions:

• eclectic (adj): đa dạng, chiết trung (thể hiện sự kết hợp nhiều phong cách)
• be drawn to: bị thu hút bởi
• golden hour: giờ vàng (thời điểm ánh sáng đẹp nhất để chụp ảnh, thường là lúc bình minh hoặc hoàng hôn)
• flattering (adj): làm đẹp, tô điểm
• compelling stories: những câu chuyện hấp dẫn, lôi cuốn

---

Question: Have you ever learned photography skills?

🎯 Cách tiếp cận:

• Trả lời Yes/No
• Nêu rõ cách học (formal/informal)
• Chia sẻ kỹ năng cụ thể đã học hoặc lý do chưa học

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

“Not really. I haven’t taken any photography classes, but I learned some basic skills from watching YouTube videos. I learned about lighting and how to use different camera settings.”

Phân tích:

• Điểm mạnh: Honest answer, có đề cập nguồn học và kỹ năng cụ thể
• Hạn chế: Từ vựng cơ bản, cấu trúc đơn giản
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Communicates effectively nhưng lacks sophistication.

📝 Sample Answer – Band 8-9:

“Well, I’m largely self-taught, to be honest. I’ve never enrolled in a formal photography course, but I’ve picked up quite a few techniques through online tutorials and trial and error. I’ve focused mainly on understanding composition principles like the rule of thirds, as well as mastering manual camera settings such as aperture and shutter speed. More recently, I’ve been dabbling in post-processing using editing software like Lightroom.”

Phân tích:

• Điểm mạnh:
  • Vocabulary chính xác: self-taught, picked up, trial and error, composition principles, dabbling in
  • Grammar phức tạp: present perfect continuous (I’ve been dabbling), compound sentences
  • Technical terms phù hợp: rule of thirds, aperture, shutter speed, post-processing
  • Natural discourse: Well, to be honest, more recently
• Tại sao Band 8-9: Demonstrates extensive vocabulary với technical terms, complex grammatical structures, và coherent development of ideas.

💡 Key Vocabulary & Expressions:

• self-taught (adj): tự học
• pick up (phrasal verb): học được, đón nhặt kiến thức
• trial and error: thử và sai, học qua thực hành
• composition principles: nguyên tắc bố cục
• rule of thirds: quy tắc tam phân (chia khung hình thành 9 phần bằng nhau)
• dabble in (something): thử làm gì đó một cách không chuyên nghiệp, mày mò

Học viên Việt Nam luyện thi IELTS Speaking chủ đề nhiếp ảnh với giáo viên

---

IELTS Speaking Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)

Tổng Quan Về Part 2

Part 2 là phần độc thoại kéo dài 2-3 phút, trong đó bạn có 1 phút chuẩn bị và ghi chú.

Đặc điểm:

• Thời gian chuẩn bị: 1 phút (sử dụng giấy và bút được cung cấp)
• Thời gian nói: 2-3 phút liên tục không bị ngắt
• Yêu cầu trả lời đầy đủ tất cả bullet points

Chiến lược:

• Sử dụng hết 1 phút chuẩn bị: Không viết câu hoàn chỉnh, chỉ ghi keywords, numbers, names
• Nói đủ 2 phút: Tối thiểu 1.5 phút, tối đa 2.5 phút. Examiner sẽ ngắt lời nếu bạn nói quá 2.5 phút
• Cover tất cả bullet points: Đảm bảo trả lời đủ 4 phần, đặc biệt là phần “explain” cuối cùng
• Sử dụng thì động từ phù hợp: Nếu mô tả người trong quá khứ dùng past tense, nếu hiện tại dùng present tense
• Structured response: Introduction → Body (cover bullet points) → Conclusion

Lỗi thường gặp:

• Không sử dụng hết thời gian chuẩn bị, bắt đầu nói ngay
• Nói dưới 1.5 phút vì thiếu ý tưởng
• Bỏ sót bullet points, đặc biệt là phần “explain”
• Lạc đề, nói về chủ đề khác
• Dùng quá nhiều filler words (uhm, ah, well…)

Cue Card

Describe a person who is good at photography

You should say:

• Who this person is
• How you know this person
• What kind of photos this person takes
• And explain why you think this person is good at photography

Phân Tích Đề Bài

Dạng câu hỏi: Describe a person – mô tả một người cụ thể

Thì động từ: Có thể dùng Present Simple (nếu người này vẫn chụp ảnh hiện tại) hoặc Past Simple (nếu mô tả trong quá khứ). Khuyến nghị dùng Present Simple hoặc Present Perfect để có nhiều cấu trúc hơn.

Bullet points phải cover:

1. Who this person is: Giới thiệu tên, mối quan hệ (bạn bè, anh chị em, người quen)
2. How you know this person: Kể về hoàn cảnh quen biết
3. What kind of photos this person takes: Mô tả thể loại nhiếp ảnh (portraits, landscapes, street photography, etc.)
4. Explain why you think this person is good: ĐÂY LÀ PHẦN QUAN TRỌNG NHẤT – giải thích kỹ năng, thành tựu, điểm đặc biệt

Câu “explain” quan trọng: Phần explain thường chiếm 30-40% thời gian nói và là nơi bạn thể hiện critical thinking, vocabulary và ideas. Đây là điểm phân biệt giữa band 6 và band 8+.

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7

Thời lượng: Khoảng 1.5-2 phút

“I’d like to talk about my friend Nam, who is very good at photography. I met him when we were studying at university together about three years ago. We were in the same photography club, and that’s how I got to know him.

Nam takes many different kinds of photos, but he is especially good at taking landscape photos. He often travels to different places in Vietnam like Da Lat, Sapa, and Ha Long Bay to take pictures of beautiful scenery. He likes to take photos during sunrise and sunset because the light is very beautiful at those times.

I think Nam is good at photography for several reasons. First, he has a very good camera and he knows how to use it well. He understands all the technical settings like ISO and aperture. Second, he has a good eye for finding beautiful scenes. When we travel together, he can always find interesting places to take photos that other people might not notice.

Also, his photos always look very professional. He spends a lot of time editing his photos on the computer to make them look better. Many people like his photos on social media, and he has many followers on Instagram. Some travel companies have even asked him to take photos for them. That’s why I think he is really good at photography.”

Phân Tích Band Điểm

Tiêu chí	Band	Nhận xét
Fluency & Coherence	6-7	Có cấu trúc rõ ràng với introduction, body và conclusion. Sử dụng một số linking words (First, Second, Also) nhưng còn đơn giản. Có một số pauses nhỏ.
Lexical Resource	6-7	Từ vựng adequate và relevant (landscape photos, sunrise and sunset, professional, followers). Có một số collocations (good eye for, travel together) nhưng chưa nhiều. Vocabulary range còn hạn chế.
Grammatical Range & Accuracy	6-7	Sử dụng mix của simple và complex sentences. Có present và past tense đúng. Một số cấu trúc phức (when we were studying, that’s how I got to know him) nhưng chưa đa dạng. Ít errors.
Pronunciation	6-7	Dễ hiểu với pronunciation rõ ràng, có thể có một số lỗi nhỏ nhưng không ảnh hưởng communication.

Điểm mạnh:

• ✅ Trả lời đầy đủ tất cả bullet points
• ✅ Có cấu trúc logic, dễ theo dõi
• ✅ Đưa ra nhiều reasons trong phần explain
• ✅ Có ví dụ cụ thể (địa điểm, tình huống)

Hạn chế:

• ⚠️ Từ vựng còn basic, thiếu sophisticated expressions
• ⚠️ Grammar structures chưa đa dạng, chủ yếu là simple sentences
• ⚠️ Ideas còn surface-level, chưa sâu sắc
• ⚠️ Thiếu personal insights và emotional connection

---

📝 Sample Answer – Band 7.5-8

Thời lượng: Khoảng 2-2.5 phút

“I’d like to tell you about my older sister, Linh, who has developed quite a reputation as a talented photographer in our local community. We’ve been close since childhood, naturally, but I really started to appreciate her photography skills about five years ago when she began taking it seriously as a hobby.

What sets Linh apart is her specialization in portrait photography, particularly what she calls ‘lifestyle portraits‘. Rather than having people pose stiffly in a studio, she prefers to capture them in their natural environment – at home, in their workplace, or engaged in activities they love. She has this remarkable ability to make people feel comfortable in front of the camera, which results in photos that truly reflect their personality.

Tương tự như describe an art form you would like to learn, nhiếp ảnh cũng đòi hỏi sự kết hợp giữa kỹ thuật và cảm xúc để tạo nên những tác phẩm nghệ thuật có hồn.

I believe Linh excels at photography for several compelling reasons. First and foremost, she has a keen eye for composition and lighting. She instinctively knows how to frame a shot and make use of natural light to create stunning visual effects. I’ve watched her work, and she’s incredibly patient, sometimes waiting for ages to get that perfect moment.

Beyond the technical aspects, what really makes her stand out is her emotional intelligence. She connects with her subjects on a personal level before the shoot, learning about their story, their passions, and what makes them unique. This interpersonal skill translates into photographs that feel authentic and meaningful.

Her dedication is also noteworthy. She’s constantly honing her craft by taking online courses, studying the work of renowned photographers, and experimenting with different techniques. Last year, she even had her work featured in a local art exhibition, which was a proud moment for our entire family. So yes, I genuinely believe she’s not just good at photography – she’s truly gifted.”

Phân Tích Band Điểm

Tiêu chí	Band	Nhận xét
Fluency & Coherence	7.5-8	Speaks fluently với minimal hesitation. Coherence rất tốt với clear progression of ideas. Sử dụng sophisticated discourse markers (Rather than, First and foremost, Beyond the technical aspects).
Lexical Resource	7.5-8	Wide range of vocabulary với precision (developed quite a reputation, sets apart, lifestyle portraits, remarkable ability, keen eye for composition). Less common expressions sử dụng đúng context. Some collocations và idiomatic language.
Grammatical Range & Accuracy	7.5-8	Wide range of structures: relative clauses, participle clauses, conditionals implied. Mostly error-free. Complex sentences sử dụng tự nhiên (Rather than having people pose…, I’ve watched her work, and she’s…).
Pronunciation	7.5-8	Clear pronunciation với good intonation patterns. Effectively uses stress và rhythm để convey meaning.

So Sánh Với Band 6-7

Khía cạnh	Band 6-7	Band 7.5-8
Vocabulary	“good at photography”, “beautiful scenery”, “professional”	“developed quite a reputation”, “sets apart”, “keen eye for composition”, “honing her craft”
Grammar	Simple + some complex: “He likes to take photos during sunrise”	More complex: “Rather than having people pose stiffly”, “She instinctively knows how to…”
Ideas	Surface level: “he has good camera”, “knows technical settings”	Deeper: “emotional intelligence”, “connects with subjects”, “interpersonal skill translates into photographs”

---

📝 Sample Answer – Band 8.5-9

Thời lượng: 2.5-3 phút đầy đủ

“I’d like to talk about my former colleague, David Nguyen, who I’d go so far as to say is one of the most accomplished amateur photographers I’ve ever had the pleasure of knowing. We worked together at a marketing agency about four years ago, and our friendship really blossomed when we discovered our shared passion for visual storytelling.

What makes David particularly fascinating is his focus on documentary-style street photography. He’s captivated by the unguarded moments of everyday urban life – the way light dances across buildings at different times of day, the fleeting interactions between strangers, and what he calls the ‘poetry of ordinary existence‘. He primarily works in black and white, which he believes strips away distractions and allows viewers to focus on the emotional essence of the scene.

For someone who’s intrigued by describe a famous documentary you recently watched, David’s approach to documentary photography would certainly resonate, as both art forms aim to capture authentic human experiences.

Now, what truly sets David apart – and why I consider him exceptional – is this rare combination of technical mastery and artistic vision. On the technical front, he has an encyclopedic knowledge of camera equipment and post-processing techniques. But that’s just the tip of the iceberg. What’s really remarkable is his almost intuitive understanding of visual narrative. He doesn’t just capture images; he crafts stories. When you look at his photographs, you’re not merely seeing a frozen moment – you’re drawn into a whole world of emotions and contexts.

What strikes me most, though, is his methodological approach to his craft. He’s incredibly disciplined about going out to shoot at least three times a week, regardless of weather conditions. He once told me that ‘the best photographs happen when you show up‘ – emphasizing that talent without consistency means very little. He also maintains this remarkable humility, constantly studying the work of masters like Henri Cartier-Bresson and Vivian Maier, and he’s always pushing himself outside his comfort zone by experimenting with new techniques or subjects.

Another aspect that elevates his work is his theoretical grounding. He’s well-versed in art history and visual theory, which informs his practice in subtle but profound ways. He understands concepts like visual rhythm, negative space, and psychological impact of different compositional choices, and you can see this sophistication reflected in his work.

His reputation speaks volumes, too. Several of his photo series have been exhibited in galleries across Vietnam, and he’s garnered recognition from international photography competitions. Last I heard, he was even mentoring aspiring photographers through online workshops, which I think is a beautiful way of giving back to the community.

So, all things considered, I believe David exemplifies what it means to be truly exceptional at photography – it’s not just about technical skill, but about having a unique vision, the dedication to refine it, and the sensitivity to capture the human experience in all its complexity.”

Phân Tích Band Điểm

Tiêu chí	Band	Nhận xét
Fluency & Coherence	8.5-9	Speaks fluently và coherently với no noticeable effort. Sophisticated linking devices (Now, On the technical front, What strikes me most, All things considered). Ideas develop logically với clear progression.
Lexical Resource	8.5-9	Wide vocabulary range sử dụng với precision và sophistication. Idiomatic language (go so far as to say, tip of the iceberg, speaks volumes). Collocations natural và precise (documentary-style, fleeting interactions, methodological approach, theoretical grounding). Demonstrates paraphrasing skill.
Grammatical Range & Accuracy	8.5-9	Full range of structures với flexibility và accuracy. Complex sentences với embedded clauses natural. Varied sentence structures (He doesn’t just capture… he crafts…, When you look at…, you’re drawn into…). Virtually error-free.
Pronunciation	8.5-9	Clear, effortless pronunciation. Natural intonation patterns. Effectively uses features để enhance communication.

Tại Sao Bài Này Xuất Sắc

🎯 Fluency Hoàn Hảo:

• Không có pauses hay hesitation
• Ideas flow naturally từ điểm này sang điểm khác
• Sophisticated signposting giúp listener theo dõi dễ dàng

📚 Vocabulary Tinh Vi:

• “go so far as to say” thay vì simple “I think” – thể hiện strong opinion một cách subtle
• “blossomed” cho friendship thay vì “became close” – metaphorical language
• “poetry of ordinary existence” – abstract, artistic expression
• “strips away distractions” – precise verb choice
• “encyclopedic knowledge” – sophisticated adjective
• “tip of the iceberg” – idiomatic expression dùng đúng context
• “talent without consistency means very little” – philosophical insight

📝 Grammar Đa Dạng:

• Relative clauses phức tạp: “what he calls the ‘poetry of ordinary existence'”
• Participle phrases: “emphasizing that talent without consistency…”
• Cleft sentences: “What makes David particularly fascinating is…”
• Inversion: “Last I heard” (informal inversion)
• Conditional implied: “when you show up” suggesting causation
• Mixed tenses tự nhiên: past, present perfect, present simple

💡 Ideas Sâu Sắc:

• Không chỉ nói “he’s good at technical skills” mà phân tích deeper: “rare combination of technical mastery and artistic vision”
• Kết nối photography với broader concepts: art history, visual theory, human experience
• Personal insights: quote từ David về showing up, demonstrating bạn thực sự biết người này
• Multiple dimensions: technical, artistic, methodological, theoretical, community contribution
• Shows maturity trong thinking: “talent without consistency means very little”

---

Follow-up Questions (Rounding Off Questions)

Examiner thường hỏi 1-2 câu ngắn sau khi bạn kết thúc Part 2 để transition sang Part 3.

Question 1: Do you enjoy taking photos yourself?

Band 6-7 Answer:
“Yes, I do, but I’m not as good as David. I usually just take photos with my phone when I travel.”

Band 8-9 Answer:
“I dabble in it occasionally, though I’d say I’m very much an amateur compared to David. I tend to take spontaneous snapshots when something catches my eye during travels, but I haven’t really dedicated myself to mastering the craft the way he has.”

---

Question 2: Have you ever asked this person to teach you photography?

Band 6-7 Answer:
“Yes, I have asked him a few times. He gave me some tips about lighting and composition.”

Band 8-9 Answer:
“Actually, yes. He’s been incredibly generous with his knowledge, offering me insights into everything from understanding exposure triangle to developing a photographic eye. What I appreciate most is that he doesn’t just teach techniques – he encourages you to find your own visual voice.”

Thí sinh IELTS đang trình bày bài nói Part 2 về chủ đề nhiếp ảnh với examiner

---

IELTS Speaking Part 3: Two-way Discussion

Tổng Quan Về Part 3

Part 3 là phần thảo luận two-way kéo dài 4-5 phút, trong đó examiner sẽ hỏi các câu hỏi trừu tượng và sâu hơn liên quan đến chủ đề Part 2.

Đặc điểm:

• Câu hỏi abstract và analytical hơn Part 1 và 2
• Yêu cầu phân tích, so sánh, đánh giá, đưa ra quan điểm
• Không còn về personal experience mà về society, trends, issues

Yêu cầu:

• Đưa ra quan điểm cá nhân có lý lẽ (không phải đúng/sai)
• Xem xét nhiều góc độ của vấn đề (acknowledge complexity)
• Sử dụng examples từ society, không chỉ cá nhân
• Demonstrate critical thinking

Chiến lược:

• Mở rộng câu trả lời (3-5 câu minimum)
• Structure: Direct answer → Reason/Explanation → Example → Conclusion/Nuance
• Sử dụng discourse markers để organize ideas (Well, I think, On the one hand, However)
• Thừa nhận nếu vấn đề phức tạp (It’s difficult to generalize, It depends on…)
• Không ngại nói “I’m not entirely sure, but I would say…”

Lỗi thường gặp của học viên Việt Nam:

• Trả lời quá ngắn như Part 1 (1-2 câu)
• Không đưa ra lý lẽ rõ ràng, chỉ nói opinion
• Thiếu từ vựng trừu tượng để discuss concepts
• Không có examples để support ideas
• Thinking time quá lâu, nhiều pauses
• Không acknowledge different perspectives

Các Câu Hỏi Thảo Luận Sâu

Theme 1: Photography and Society

---

Question 1: Why do you think photography has become so popular nowadays?

🎯 Phân tích câu hỏi:

• Dạng: Cause and Effect – tại sao một phenomenon xảy ra
• Key words: photography, popular, nowadays (cần focus vào modern context)
• Cách tiếp cận: Đưa ra direct answer → List 2-3 reasons với explanations → Examples → Conclusion

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

“I think photography has become popular because of smartphones. Everyone has a camera in their pocket now, so it’s very easy to take photos. Also, social media like Instagram makes people want to share photos of their life. Young people especially like to post photos to get likes and comments from friends.”

Phân tích:

• Structure: Có answer → reasons → example nhưng basic
• Vocabulary: Adequate (smartphones, social media, post photos) nhưng repetitive và không sophisticated
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Communicates main ideas clearly nhưng lacks depth, sophisticated vocabulary, và grammatical complexity.

---

📝 Sample Answer – Band 8-9:

“Well, I’d say there are several interrelated factors that have contributed to the meteoric rise of photography in recent years. First and foremost, the ubiquity of smartphones has completely democratized the medium. Photography is no longer the preserve of professionals with expensive equipment – quite literally everyone with a mobile device has become a potential photographer, which has exponentially increased participation.

Beyond the technological aspect, I think social media platforms have fundamentally transformed photography’s role in our lives. It’s evolved from being primarily about preserving memories to becoming a form of self-expression and social currency. People are highly motivated to capture and share visually appealing content because it generates social validation through likes and comments. This has created what sociologists call ‘a culture of documentation’ where experiences are often filtered through the lens of their shareability.

That said, I think there’s also a deeper psychological dimension to this trend. In our increasingly fast-paced digital world, photography offers people a way to pause and engage mindfully with their surroundings. It encourages you to notice beauty in everyday moments that you might otherwise overlook. So while the technology has enabled the boom, I believe the enduring appeal stems from something quite fundamental to human nature – our desire to capture and share our perception of the world.”

Phân tích:

• Structure: Well-organized với clear progression: Technological factor → Social factor → Psychological factor → Conclusion
• Vocabulary: Sophisticated và precise (interrelated factors, meteoric rise, democratized, preserve of professionals, exponentially increased, culture of documentation, shareability, fundamental to human nature)
• Grammar: Complex structures với variety (It’s evolved from being…, This has created what sociologists call…, while the technology has enabled…)
• Critical Thinking: Multiple perspectives (technology, social, psychological), acknowledges complexity (That said, deeper dimension), references sociological concepts

💡 Key Language Features:

• Discourse markers: Well, First and foremost, Beyond the technological aspect, That said
• Tentative language: I’d say, I think, I believe (thể hiện personal opinion một cách diplomatic)
• Abstract nouns: ubiquity, participation, self-expression, validation, perception
• Academic references: “what sociologists call” (shows wider knowledge)

---

Question 2: Is photography considered an art form? Why or why not?

🎯 Phân tích câu hỏi:

• Dạng: Opinion/Argument – đánh giá và giải thích
• Key words: art form, why/why not (cần present both sides)
• Cách tiếp cận: Give position → Acknowledge debate → Explain criteria → Conclusion

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

“Yes, I think photography is an art form. Like painting or music, it requires creativity and skill. Professional photographers can create beautiful images that make people feel emotions. However, some people might say that anyone can take photos with a phone, so it’s not really art. But I believe if the photographer has a vision and creates something unique, it is art.”

Phân tích:

• Structure: Has position → acknowledge opposing view → restate position
• Vocabulary: Basic (creativity, skill, beautiful images, feel emotions)
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Adequate development nhưng lacks sophistication và depth in analysis.

---

📝 Sample Answer – Band 8.5-9:

“This is quite a contentious question in artistic circles, actually. I would firmly argue that photography is indeed an art form, though I understand why some purists might take issue with that classification.

The crux of the debate really hinges on how we define art. If we accept that art involves creative expression, intentional composition, and the ability to evoke emotional or intellectual responses, then photography undoubtedly qualifies. A skilled photographer doesn’t simply point and click – they make deliberate choices about framing, lighting, timing, and subject matter, much like a painter chooses brushstrokes and color palettes. The creative vision that transforms an ordinary scene into a compelling visual narrative is fundamentally artistic.

Where the skepticism arises, I think, is from the perceived mechanical nature of photography. Critics might argue that the camera does the work, whereas traditional art forms require direct manual skill. However, I’d counter that by saying that mastery of the medium – whether it’s a brush, a chisel, or a camera – is central to all art forms. The camera is simply the tool through which artistic vision is realized.

Khi nghĩ về nghệ thuật và cảm xúc mà nó mang lại, tôi nhớ đến describe a park you enjoy visiting for relaxation, nơi mà nhiếp ảnh gia có thể tìm thấy vô số góc độ nghệ thuật để thể hiện sự bình yên và vẻ đẹp tự nhiên.

Moreover, if we look at the art world itself, photography has been embraced by major museums and galleries for decades. The work of photographers like Ansel Adams or Annie Leibovitz commands prices comparable to paintings and is subjected to the same critical analysis. This institutional recognition suggests that the art world has settled this debate in favor of photography’s artistic status.

At the end of the day, I believe that like any medium, photography encompasses a spectrum from purely documentary to highly artistic. Not every photograph is art, just as not every drawing is art. But in the hands of a visionary practitioner, photography is unquestionably a legitimate and powerful art form.”

Phân tích:

• Structure: Complex organization: State position → Define criteria → Address opposing view → Provide counter-argument → Give evidence → Nuanced conclusion
• Vocabulary: Sophisticated (contentious question, purists, take issue with, the crux of the debate hinges on, evoke, compelling visual narrative, perceived mechanical nature, mastery of the medium, embraced by, subjected to, encompasses a spectrum)
• Grammar: Full range với flexibility: relative clauses, conditional implied, cleft sentences (Where the skepticism arises, What distinguishes…), complex nominalizations
• Critical Thinking: Demonstrates nuanced understanding, acknowledges multiple perspectives, provides evidence (museum recognition, famous photographers), arrives at balanced conclusion

💡 Key Language Features:

• Discourse markers: Actually, However, Moreover, At the end of the day
• Hedging language: I would argue, I think, I believe, might argue
• Contrastive structures: Whereas…, While…, However, On the contrary
• Academic style: The crux of the debate, This institutional recognition suggests that…

---

Theme 2: Technology and Photography

Question 3: How has technology changed photography?

🎯 Phân tích câu hỏi:

• Dạng: Change/Comparison – so sánh past và present
• Key words: technology, changed (focus on transformation)
• Cách tiếp cận: Acknowledge change → List specific changes → Evaluate impact (positive/negative) → Future outlook

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

“Technology has changed photography a lot. In the past, people used film cameras and had to develop photos in a darkroom, which was expensive and took time. Now, with digital cameras and phones, we can take unlimited photos for free and see them immediately. We can also edit photos easily with apps. This makes photography much more convenient and accessible to everyone.”

Phân tích:

• Structure: Past vs Present comparison với some evaluation
• Vocabulary: Adequate (film cameras, darkroom, digital cameras, edit photos, convenient, accessible)
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Clear communication nhưng lacks sophistication và depth.

---

📝 Sample Answer – Band 8.5-9:

“Technology has fundamentally revolutionized photography in ways that would have seemed almost unimaginable just a few decades ago. The transformation has been multi-faceted, affecting everything from how photos are captured to how they’re shared and consumed.

Perhaps the most obvious shift is the transition from analog to digital. The move away from film has eliminated the constraints of limited exposures and expensive development costs. Photographers can now shoot prolifically, experiment freely, and receive instant feedback, which has dramatically accelerated the learning process. What once required a darkroom and specialized chemical knowledge can now be done on a smartphone with a few taps.

On the technical front, advances in sensor technology, image stabilization, and computational photography have made it possible to capture images in conditions that were previously impossible – extreme low light, high-speed action, or microscopic detail. Modern cameras can perform complex calculations in microseconds, automatically adjusting settings that would have required expert knowledge in the past.

However, I think the most profound impact has been on photography’s societal role. Technology hasn’t just improved cameras; it’s integrated photography into the fabric of daily life through smartphones and social media. We’ve moved from a world where photographs were carefully curated, printed, and preserved in albums to one where billions of images are captured and shared daily in an endless stream of visual content.

There’s a paradox here, though. While technology has lowered barriers to entry and made technical excellence more achievable, it’s arguably made artistic distinction more challenging. When everyone can produce technically competent images, standing out requires something beyond technical skill – perhaps that elusive artistic vision we discussed earlier.

Looking ahead, I think we’re on the cusp of another transformation with AI and machine learning. We’re already seeing computational photography that can manipulate reality in increasingly sophisticated ways, which raises fascinating questions about authenticity and truth in photographic media. Technology will continue to evolve photography, but the fundamental human impulse to capture and share visual experiences will likely remain constant.”

Phân tích:

• Structure: Multi-layered analysis: Technical changes → Learning process → Technical capabilities → Societal impact → Paradox → Future trends
• Vocabulary: Highly sophisticated (fundamentally revolutionized, multi-faceted, prolifically, computational photography, curated, paradox, lowered barriers to entry, elusive, on the cusp of, authenticity)
• Grammar: Full range of complex structures, varied sentence types, sophisticated linking
• Critical Thinking: Acknowledges multiple dimensions, identifies paradox, considers future implications, questions assumptions

💡 Key Language Features:

• Discourse markers: Perhaps, On the technical front, However, There’s a paradox here, Looking ahead
• Emphatic structures: “the most profound impact”, “the most obvious shift”
• Cause-effect language: has eliminated, has made it possible, raises questions about

---

Theme 3: Skills and Learning

Question 4: Do you think photography skills should be taught in schools?

🎯 Phân tích câu hỏi:

• Dạng: Opinion with justification – Should questions về education policy
• Key words: should, taught in schools (consider benefits, drawbacks, priorities)
• Cách tiếp cận: Give position → Provide reasons → Acknowledge counterarguments → Balanced conclusion

📝 Sample Answer – Band 7-8:

“I think photography could be a valuable addition to school curriculum, but perhaps not as a mandatory subject. There are several reasons supporting this. Firstly, photography teaches important skills like visual literacy and creative thinking, which are increasingly relevant in our image-saturated culture. Students learn to communicate ideas visually and critically analyze images they encounter in media.

Secondly, photography can serve as a bridge between technology and art, helping students develop both technical competence and artistic sensitivity. It’s also relatively accessible since most students already have cameras on their phones.

That being said, schools have limited resources and must prioritize core subjects. Photography might be better offered as an elective or extracurricular activity rather than replacing subjects like math or science. Ideally, it could be integrated into existing subjects – for example, using photography in history classes to document local heritage or in science classes to record experiments.

All things considered, while I don’t think photography needs to be a standalone mandatory subject, incorporating photographic literacy into the curriculum would certainly enrich students’ education and prepare them for a visually-driven world.”

Phân tích:

• Structure: Well-organized: Position → Reasons (2) → Counterargument → Balanced solution → Conclusion
• Vocabulary: Strong range (visual literacy, image-saturated culture, serve as a bridge, prioritize core subjects, standalone mandatory subject, visually-driven world)
• Grammar: Good variety of complex structures
• Critical Thinking: Balanced view, acknowledges practical constraints, offers compromise solution

💡 Key Language Features:

• Discourse markers: Firstly, Secondly, That being said, Ideally, All things considered
• Hedging: could be, might be better, I think
• Conditional: Ideally, it could be…

---

Question 5: What qualities make someone a good photographer?

🎯 Phân tích câu hỏi:

• Dạng: Description/Analysis – defining characteristics
• Key words: qualities, good photographer (both technical and personal attributes)
• Cách tiếp cận: Categorize qualities → Explain each → Prioritize → Holistic view

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

“I think a good photographer needs several qualities. First, they need technical knowledge about cameras, like understanding ISO, aperture and shutter speed. Second, they should be creative and have a good eye for beauty. Third, patience is important because sometimes you need to wait for the right moment. Finally, good photographers should practice a lot to improve their skills.”

Phân tích:

• Structure: List format with basic explanation
• Vocabulary: Adequate technical terms but limited descriptive language
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Addresses question adequately but lacks depth and sophistication.

---

📝 Sample Answer – Band 8.5-9:

“That’s an interesting question because I think it requires distinguishing between technical proficiency and artistic excellence – both are important but they’re quite different.

On the technical side, a good photographer needs a thorough understanding of their equipment and the fundamental principles of photography – things like exposure, composition, and lighting. But honestly, these mechanical skills can be learned relatively easily with practice and instruction. They’re necessary but not sufficient for excellence.

What separates good from great, in my view, is a combination of less tangible qualities. First and foremost is what I’d call ‘visual intelligence’ – the ability to recognize compelling moments and translate three-dimensional reality into engaging two-dimensional images. This involves an intuitive sense of composition, timing, and what makes an image resonate emotionally with viewers.

Equally important is observational skill. Exceptional photographers possess this heightened awareness of their surroundings – they notice subtle interactions, fleeting expressions, and nuances of light that others might overlook. It’s almost like they see the world through a different lens, if you’ll pardon the pun.

Beyond these perceptual abilities, I’d say patience and persistence are crucial. Photography often involves waiting for the decisive moment or returning to a location multiple times to capture it under ideal conditions. This requires dedication that goes beyond casual interest.

Interestingly, I think empathy is particularly important for photographers who work with people. The ability to make subjects feel comfortable, to understand their perspective, and to capture their authentic essence requires genuine emotional intelligence.

Last but not least, I’d mention curiosity – a genuine interest in the world and a desire to explore and document it. The best photographers I know are perpetually curious individuals who use their cameras as tools for exploration and understanding.

In essence, while technical skills form the foundation, it’s really the combination of artistic vision, observational acuity, emotional intelligence, and personal dedication that defines a truly good photographer. It’s a multifaceted craft that engages both the head and the heart.”

Phân tích:

• Structure: Highly sophisticated: Introduce distinction → Technical skills → Transition to intangibles → Multiple qualities explained → Integration → Holistic conclusion
• Vocabulary: Extensive and precise (distinguishing between, artistic excellence, mechanical skills, necessary but not sufficient, visual intelligence, resonate emotionally, heightened awareness, fleeting expressions, decisive moment, emotional intelligence, perpetually curious, multifaceted craft)
• Grammar: Full range with seamless integration of complex structures
• Critical Thinking: Makes important distinctions, prioritizes qualities, shows depth of analysis, integrates multiple perspectives

💡 Key Language Features:

• Discourse markers: On the technical side, What separates good from great, Equally important, Beyond these, Interestingly, Last but not least, In essence
• Emphasis structures: “What separates good from great is…”, “It’s really the combination that…”
• Academic language: distinguishing between, necessary but not sufficient, multifaceted

Giám khảo IELTS đang đánh giá bài thi Speaking về nhiếp ảnh với tiêu chí band điểm cao

---

Theme 4: Photography and Personal Development

Question 6: Can photography help people develop new skills or perspectives?

🎯 Phân tích câu hỏi:

• Dạng: Evaluation – assessing benefits/impact
• Key words: help, develop, skills/perspectives (both practical and cognitive benefits)
• Cách tiếp cận: Agree/Disagree → Types of development → Mechanisms → Examples → Conclusion

📝 Sample Answer – Band 8.5-9:

“Absolutely, I believe photography can be remarkably transformative in terms of personal development, and the benefits extend far beyond simply learning to use a camera.

Most tangibly, photography develops a whole suite of technical skills – from mastering camera settings to understanding post-processing software. These are practical, marketable abilities in today’s visually-oriented economy. But I think the less obvious benefits are actually more significant.

Photography fundamentally changes how you perceive your environment. When you regularly photograph, you develop what I’d call ‘photographer’s vision’ – you start noticing patterns, light, shadows, and compositions in everyday scenes that you’d previously walked past without a second thought. This heightened observational awareness can spill over into other areas of life, making you generally more mindful and present.

There’s also a creative dimension. Photography encourages experimentation and self-expression. You learn to develop and articulate your own aesthetic preferences, which builds confidence in your creative voice. This process of finding and refining your style teaches valuable lessons about persistence, iteration, and embracing failure – lessons that are transferable to virtually any endeavor.

Tương tự như describe a time when you attended a workshop, việc học nhiếp ảnh cũng mở ra cơ hội phát triển kỹ năng mới và mở rộng tầm nhìn thông qua trải nghiệm thực tế.

From a social perspective, photography can serve as a catalyst for connection. Whether you’re photographing people or joining photography communities, it creates opportunities for interaction and shared experiences. I’ve seen introverted individuals become more confident through photography because the camera gives them a purpose and context for engaging with others.

Perhaps most profoundly, photography can foster empathy and cultural understanding. When you photograph diverse subjects and communities, you’re compelled to see the world from different perspectives. This can challenge your assumptions and broaden your worldview in meaningful ways.

The beauty of it is that these benefits aren’t restricted to professionals – even casual photography practice can yield significant personal growth. It’s one of those rare activities where the journey of learning can be just as rewarding as the end results.”

Phân tích:

• Structure: Comprehensive analysis: Agree strongly → Technical skills → Perceptual changes → Creative development → Social benefits → Empathy/cultural understanding → Accessibility conclusion
• Vocabulary: Sophisticated and varied (remarkably transformative, tangibly, suite of skills, visually-oriented economy, spill over into, heightened observational awareness, catalyst for connection, foster empathy, worldview, compelled to see)
• Grammar: Full range seamlessly integrated with variety and accuracy
• Critical Thinking: Multiple dimensions of analysis, concrete mechanisms explained, acknowledges different levels of engagement

---

Từ vựng và cụm từ quan trọng

Topic-Specific Vocabulary

Từ vựng/Cụm từ	Loại từ	Phiên âm	Nghĩa tiếng Việt	Ví dụ	Collocation
capture	v	/ˈkæptʃə(r)/	chụp lại, bắt được (khoảnh khắc)	“He has a talent for capturing candid moments.”	capture a moment, capture emotions, capture the essence
composition	n	/ˌkɒmpəˈzɪʃn/	bố cục, cách sắp xếp trong khung hình	“Good composition is essential for impactful photos.”	strong composition, balanced composition, rule of composition
exposure	n	/ɪkˈspəʊʒə(r)/	độ phơi sáng	“Proper exposure is crucial for well-lit photographs.”	correct exposure, long exposure, exposure settings
aperture	n	/ˈæpətʃʊə(r)/	khẩu độ (kích thước lỗ trong ống kính)	“A wide aperture creates a shallow depth of field.”	wide aperture, narrow aperture, aperture setting
shutter speed	n	/ˈʃʌtə(r) spiːd/	tốc độ màn trập	“Fast shutter speed freezes motion in photographs.”	fast shutter speed, slow shutter speed, adjust shutter speed
candid	adj	/ˈkændɪd/	tự nhiên, không tạo dáng	“I prefer candid photos over posed portraits.”	candid shot, candid moment, candid photography
portrait	n	/ˈpɔːtrət/	ảnh chân dung	“She specializes in portrait photography.”	portrait photography, take a portrait, portrait session
landscape	n	/ˈlændskeɪp/	phong cảnh, ảnh phong cảnh	“He’s known for his breathtaking landscape photos.”	landscape photography, capture landscape, stunning landscape
frame	v	/freɪm/	đóng khung, bố cục trong khung hình	“She knows how to frame a shot perfectly.”	frame a shot, well-framed, frame the subject
lighting	n	/ˈlaɪtɪŋ/	ánh sáng, cách chiếu sáng	“Natural lighting creates the most flattering photos.”	natural lighting, artificial lighting, perfect lighting
post-processing	n	/pəʊst ˈprəʊsesɪŋ/	xử lý hậu kỳ, chỉnh sửa ảnh	“Post-processing can enhance colors significantly.”	photo post-processing, minimal post-processing, post-processing skills
visual narrative	n	/ˈvɪʒuəl ˈnærətɪv/	câu chuyện kể bằng hình ảnh	“His photos tell a compelling visual narrative.”	create visual narrative, strong visual narrative, visual narrative style
keen eye	phrase	/kiːn aɪ/	con mắt tinh tường, khả năng quan sát tốt	“She has a keen eye for detail.”	keen eye for beauty, keen eye for composition
depth of field	n	/depθ əv fiːld/	độ sâu trường ảnh	“Shallow depth of field creates a blurred background.”	shallow depth of field, deep depth of field, control depth of field
golden hour	n	/ˈɡəʊldən aʊə(r)/	giờ vàng (ánh sáng đẹp nhất để chụp ảnh)	“Photographers love shooting during the golden hour.”	during golden hour, golden hour lighting, capture golden hour

Idiomatic Expressions & Advanced Phrases

Cụm từ	Nghĩa	Ví dụ sử dụng	Band điểm
have an eye for (something)	có con mắt thẩm mỹ về cái gì	“David has an exceptional eye for street photography.”	7.5-9
capture someone’s essence	bắt được bản chất/tinh thần của ai đó	“Great portrait photographers can capture their subject’s essence.”	7.5-9
frozen in time	đóng băng trong thời gian, lưu giữ mãi mãi	“That photograph has frozen that precious moment in time.”	7-8
tell a thousand words	nói lên ngàn lời (về bức ảnh)	“They say a picture tells a thousand words, and his photos certainly do.”	7-8
moment of truth	khoảnh khắc quyết định	“When photographing wildlife, you must be ready for that moment of truth.”	7.5-8.5
bring (something) to life	làm sống động, làm sinh động	“His photographs bring forgotten historical moments to life.”	7.5-9
through the lens	qua ống kính (theo góc nhìn của nhiếp ảnh)	“She sees the world through the lens differently from others.”	7.5-8.5
paints a picture of	vẽ nên/tạo nên bức tranh về	“His documentary work paints a vivid picture of urban poverty.”	8-9
the decisive moment	khoảnh khắc quyết định (thuật ngữ của Cartier-Bresson)	“Street photography is all about capturing the decisive moment.”	8.5-9
visual storytelling	kể chuyện bằng hình ảnh	“Photography is ultimately about visual storytelling.”	7.5-9
frame of reference	khung tham chiếu, góc nhìn	“Each photographer has their own frame of reference.”	8-9
see the world through different eyes	nhìn thế giới bằng cặp mắt khác	“Photography teaches you to see the world through different eyes.”	7.5-8.5

Discourse Markers (Từ Nối Ý Trong Speaking)

Để bắt đầu câu trả lời:

• 📝 Well,… – Khi cần thời gian suy nghĩ ngắn hoặc transition vào topic
• 📝 Actually,… – Khi đưa ra góc nhìn có thể khác với expected answer
• 📝 To be honest,… – Khi muốn thể hiện honesty và authenticity
• 📝 I’d say that… – Cách diplomatic để đưa ra quan điểm
• 📝 In my view,… – Thay thế cho “I think” để varied expression
• 📝 From my perspective,… – Nhấn mạnh đây là personal viewpoint

Để bổ sung ý:

• 📝 On top of that,… – Thêm vào đó, bổ sung ý quan trọng
• 📝 What’s more,… – Hơn nữa
• 📝 Not to mention… – Chưa kể đến (thường là điểm quan trọng)
• 📝 Beyond that,… – Vượt ra khỏi điểm đã nói
• 📝 Additionally,… – Formal hơn “Also”
• 📝 Furthermore,… – Hơn nữa (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 cũng cần xem xét
• 📝 That being said,… – Dù vậy, tuy nhiên
• 📝 Having said that,… – Sau khi nói điều đó
• 📝 That said,… – Phiên bản ngắn của “That being said”

Để đưa ra ví dụ:

• 📝 For instance,… – Ví dụ như
• 📝 To give you an example,… – Để đưa ra ví dụ
• 📝 Take… for example,… – Lấy… làm ví dụ
• 📝 A case in point is… – Một trường hợp điển hình là

Để kết luận:

• 📝 All in all,… – Tóm lại, xét tổng thể
• 📝 At the end of the day,… – Cuối cùng thì, xét cho cùng
• 📝 All things considered,… – Khi xem xét tất cả các yếu tố
• 📝 In essence,… – Về bản chất
• 📝 To sum up,… – Tóm lại

Để thừa nhận complexity:

• 📝 It’s difficult to generalize, but… – Khó mà khái quát hóa, nhưng
• 📝 It depends on… – Tùy thuộc vào
• 📝 There’s no straightforward answer, but… – Không có câu trả lời đơn giản, nhưng
• 📝 It’s a complex issue… – Đây là vấn đề phức tạp

Grammatical Structures Ấn Tượng

1. Conditional Sentences (Câu điều kiện):

Mixed conditional:

• Formula: If + past perfect, would + base verb
• Ví dụ: “If photography hadn’t become so accessible, many talented artists would never have discovered their passion.”

Inversion in conditionals:

• Formula: Had/Were/Should + subject + verb
• Ví dụ: “Had I known about his photography skills earlier, I would have asked him to photograph my wedding.”

2. Relative Clauses (Mệnh đề quan hệ):

Non-defining relative clauses:

• Formula: …, which/who…
• Ví dụ: “David, who has been practicing photography for over a decade, recently won an international competition.”

Reduced relative clauses:

• Formula: Noun + V-ing/V-ed
• Ví dụ: “The photographs displayed in the gallery showcase his evolution as an artist.”

3. Passive Voice (Câu bị động):

Impersonal passive:

• It is thought/believed/said that…
• Ví dụ: “It is widely believed that photography requires both technical skill and artistic vision.”
• “It has been suggested that social media has transformed photography’s purpose.”

4. Cleft Sentences (Câu chẻ):

What-cleft:

• What I find most…, is…
• Ví dụ: “What I find most impressive about his work is the emotional depth he captures.”

It-cleft:

• It is/was… that…
• Ví dụ: “It was his dedication to the craft that truly made him exceptional.”

The thing that:

• Ví dụ: “The thing that sets him apart is his ability to find beauty in ordinary moments.”

5. Advanced Participle Clauses:

Present participle:

• Ví dụ: “Having studied photography for years, she understands the importance of lighting.”

Past participle:

• Ví dụ: “Inspired by street photographers, he developed his own unique style.”

6. Inversion for Emphasis:

Negative adverbials:

• Never have I seen, Rarely does she, Seldom do they
• Ví dụ: “Never have I seen such compelling photographs of everyday life.”
• “Rarely does one encounter a photographer with such technical mastery.”

7. Subjunctive Mood:

It’s important/essential that + subject + base verb

• Ví dụ: “It’s essential that a photographer develop their own style rather than imitate others.”

---

Lộ trình học tập và luyện thi hiệu quả

Để chuẩn bị tốt cho chủ đề “Describe a person who is good at photography” và các chủ đề tương tự trong IELTS Speaking, đây là lộ trình từ góc nhìn của một examiner:

Giai đoạn 1: Xây dựng nền tảng (2-3 tuần)

• Học từ vựng chuyên ngành photography một cách systematic
• Luyện tập pronunciation các technical terms
• Đọc articles về photography để hiểu context và collocations
• Xem photography documentaries với English subtitles

Giai đoạn 2: Phát triển ideas (2-3 tuần)

• Brainstorm ideas cho mỗi bullet point của cue card
• Tìm examples cụ thể từ kinh nghiệm bản thân
• Nghiên cứu famous photographers để có references
• Practice explaining why you think someone is good (critical thinking)

Giai đoạn 3: Luyện structure và fluency (3-4 tuần)

• Record yourself trả lời và nghe lại
• Focus vào linking words và discourse markers
• Practice timing (2 phút cho Part 2)
• Luyện với nhiều variations của cùng topic

Giai đoạn 4: Nâng cao (ongoing)

• Mock tests với feedback từ giáo viên
• Học từ sample answers band cao nhưng không học thuộc
• Develop personal examples và stories
• Tham gia speaking clubs để practice với others

Tips quan trọng từ Examiner:

• Đừng học thuộc answers, examiner sẽ nhận ra ngay
• Focus vào expressing ideas naturally hơn là dùng từ vựng phức tạp
• Personal examples luôn impressive hơn generic statements
• Đừng ngại acknowledge nếu không biết, hãy explain your understanding
• Pronunciation và fluency quan trọng hơn vocabulary phức tạp

Chủ đề photography là một đề tài thú vị và relevant với cuộc sống hiện đại. Với sự chuẩn bị kỹ lưỡng theo hướng dẫn trên, bạn hoàn toàn có thể tự tin trả lời và đạt band điểm cao trong IELTS Speaking. Chúc bạn học tốt và thành công!