IELTS Speaking: Cách Trả Lời Chủ Đề “Describe a Person Who Is Good at Their Job” – Bài Mẫu Band 6-9

Mở bài

Chủ đề “Describe A Person Who Is Good At Their Job” là một trong những đề tài phổ biến và thực tế nhất trong IELTS Speaking Part 2. Đây là dạng câu hỏi mô tả người, yêu cầu bạn kể về một cá nhân có năng lực làm việc xuất sắc mà bạn biết hoặc đã gặp. Chủ đề này xuất hiện với tần suất cao trong các kỳ thi IELTS từ năm 2020 đến 2024, và dự đoán sẽ tiếp tục là một đề tài phổ biến trong tương lai gần.

Đề tài này đặc biệt quan trọng vì nó cho phép giám khảo đánh giá khả năng của bạn trong việc mô tả người, sử dụng từ vựng liên quan đến công việc, và thể hiện sự quan sát về những phẩm chất chuyên nghiệp. Câu hỏi thường mở rộng sang các góc độ như: phẩm chất của người làm việc giỏi, sự khác biệt giữa các nghề nghiệp, và tầm quan trọng của sự chuyên nghiệp trong xã hội hiện đại.

Trong bài viết này, bạn sẽ học được cách trả lời hiệu quả cho cả ba phần của IELTS Speaking với chủ đề này, bao gồm các câu hỏi thường gặp trong Part 1, bài mẫu chi tiết cho Part 2 với nhiều band điểm khác nhau từ 6-7 đến 8.5-9, và các câu hỏi thảo luận sâu trong Part 3. Bạn cũng sẽ được trang bị vốn từ vựng phong phú, cụm từ ăn điểm, và chiến lược trả lời từ góc nhìn của một examiner giàu kinh nghiệm.

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IELTS Speaking Part 1: Introduction and Interview

Tổng Quan Về Part 1

Part 1 của IELTS Speaking kéo dài khoảng 4-5 phút, trong đó giám khảo sẽ hỏi các câu hỏi ngắn về cuộc sống hàng ngày, sở thích, công việc hoặc học tập của bạn. Đặc điểm của phần này là câu hỏi thân thiện, dễ tiếp cận, và không quá phức tạp. Chiến lược tốt nhất là trả lời tự nhiên, mở rộng mỗi câu trả lời thành 2-3 câu với một ví dụ hoặc lý do cụ thể.

Lỗi thường gặp của học viên Việt Nam trong Part 1 bao gồm: trả lời quá ngắn chỉ với “Yes” hoặc “No”, sử dụng từ vựng quá đơn giản lặp đi lặp lại, thiếu ví dụ cụ thể từ kinh nghiệm bản thân, và không tận dụng cơ hội để thể hiện vốn từ vựng phong phú hơn.

Các Câu Hỏi Thường Gặp

Question 1: Do you work or are you a student?

Question 2: What do you do for a living?

Question 3: What do you like most about your job/studies?

Question 4: Do you think your job/field of study is important?

Question 5: What qualities do you think are important for doing your job well?

Question 6: Do you know anyone who is really good at their job?

Question 7: What makes someone good at their job?

Question 8: Would you like to change your job in the future?

Phân Tích và Gợi Ý Trả Lời Chi Tiết

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Question: What qualities do you think are important for doing your job well?

🎯 Cách tiếp cận:

• Nêu 2-3 phẩm chất quan trọng
• Giải thích tại sao những phẩm chất này cần thiết
• Có thể thêm ví dụ ngắn từ kinh nghiệm bản thân hoặc quan sát

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

“I think patience and communication skills are important. In my work, I need to talk to many people, so good communication helps me explain things clearly. Patience is also necessary because sometimes tasks take a long time to complete.”

Phân tích:

• Điểm mạnh: Trả lời trực tiếp câu hỏi, nêu được 2 phẩm chất và có giải thích cơ bản
• Hạn chế: Từ vựng khá đơn giản (good, important, many people), thiếu ví dụ cụ thể, cấu trúc câu đơn giản
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Fluency đủ tốt, ý tưởng rõ ràng nhưng vocabulary và grammar chưa đa dạng, thiếu sự phát triển ý sâu hơn

📝 Sample Answer – Band 8-9:

“Well, I’d say interpersonal skills are absolutely crucial in my line of work. Since I frequently collaborate with diverse teams, the ability to communicate effectively and build rapport with colleagues is essential. Additionally, attention to detail plays a vital role because even minor errors can have significant repercussions. For instance, when I’m working on project reports, being meticulous ensures that all stakeholders receive accurate information.”

Phân tích:

• Điểm mạnh:
  • Sử dụng discourse marker “Well, I’d say” tự nhiên
  • Từ vựng chuyên ngành cao cấp: interpersonal skills, build rapport, attention to detail, meticulous, significant repercussions
  • Cấu trúc phức tạp với mệnh đề quan hệ và mệnh đề trạng ngữ
  • Có ví dụ cụ thể minh họa
• Tại sao Band 8-9:
  • Fluency: Trôi chảy, sử dụng linking devices tự nhiên
  • Vocabulary: Từ vựng tinh vi, collocations chính xác (collaborate with, line of work, play a vital role)
  • Grammar: Đa dạng cấu trúc (since-clause, when-clause, gerund)
  • Coherence: Ý tưởng phát triển logic với ví dụ minh họa

💡 Key Vocabulary & Expressions:

• interpersonal skills: kỹ năng giao tiếp, làm việc với người khác
• build rapport: xây dựng mối quan hệ tốt
• attention to detail: sự chú ý đến chi tiết
• meticulous: tỉ mỉ, cẩn thận
• significant repercussions: hậu quả đáng kể
• line of work: lĩnh vực công việc

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Question: Do you know anyone who is really good at their job?

🎯 Cách tiếp cận:

• Trả lời Yes/No rồi nêu người đó là ai
• Mô tả ngắn gọn công việc của họ
• Đưa ra 1-2 lý do tại sao họ giỏi

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

“Yes, I know my manager at work. She is very organized and always helps the team when we have problems. She knows a lot about our business and makes good decisions quickly.”

Phân tích:

• Điểm mạnh: Trả lời trực tiếp, có nêu người cụ thể và lý do
• Hạn chế: Từ vựng cơ bản (very organized, good decisions, knows a lot), thiếu chi tiết cụ thể
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Đáp ứng yêu cầu câu hỏi nhưng chưa impressive về mặt ngôn ngữ

📝 Sample Answer – Band 8-9:

“Absolutely! My former supervisor comes to mind immediately. She’s a marketing director who demonstrates exceptional leadership abilities. What really sets her apart is her capacity to think strategically while also being hands-on when needed. She has this remarkable talent for identifying market trends before competitors do, and she empowers her team rather than micromanaging. Her track record of successful campaigns speaks for itself.”

Phân tích:

• Điểm mạnh:
  • Opening natural với “Absolutely! … comes to mind”
  • Từ vựng sophisticated: exceptional leadership, think strategically, hands-on, remarkable talent
  • Cấu trúc đa dạng: relative clause (who demonstrates), gerund phrases (identifying, empowering)
  • Nhiều lý do cụ thể với chi tiết
• Tại sao Band 8-9:
  • Fluency: Liên kết ý mượt mà với “What really sets her apart is…”
  • Vocabulary: Collocations chính xác (demonstrate abilities, market trends, track record)
  • Grammar: Complex sentences kết hợp nhiều mệnh đề
  • Content: Phát triển ý đa chiều, không chỉ liệt kê

💡 Key Vocabulary & Expressions:

• comes to mind: nảy ra trong đầu, nghĩ ngay đến
• demonstrate exceptional leadership: thể hiện khả năng lãnh đạo xuất sắc
• think strategically: suy nghĩ mang tính chiến lược
• hands-on: thực hành, tham gia trực tiếp
• empower (someone): trao quyền, khuyến khích ai đó
• track record: thành tích, hồ sơ thành công

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Question: What makes someone good at their job?

🎯 Cách tiếp cận:

• Đưa ra 2-3 yếu tố chính
• Giải thích hoặc phân tích tại sao
• Có thể so sánh hoặc đưa ra góc nhìn cá nhân

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

“I think having good skills and working hard are important. Also, people who are good at their job usually have experience and learn from their mistakes. They need to be responsible and finish their work on time.”

Phân tích:

• Điểm mạnh: Nêu được nhiều yếu tố (skills, hard work, experience, responsibility)
• Hạn chế: Từ vựng generic (good, important, work hard), thiếu phát triển ý, các yếu tố được liệt kê nhưng không được giải thích sâu
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Adequate but not sophisticated, thiếu sự phân tích

📝 Sample Answer – Band 8-9:

“Well, I believe it’s a combination of several factors. First and foremost, professional competence is fundamental – you need to have solid expertise in your field. However, technical skills alone aren’t sufficient. Soft skills like adaptability and emotional intelligence are equally crucial, especially in today’s rapidly changing work environment. What’s more, truly exceptional professionals possess a growth mindset – they’re continuously seeking improvement and are receptive to feedback. Finally, I’d say passion makes a huge difference because it drives intrinsic motivation and helps people go the extra mile.”

Phân tích:

• Điểm mạnh:
  • Structure rõ ràng với discourse markers: First and foremost, However, What’s more, Finally
  • Vocabulary tinh vi: professional competence, solid expertise, emotional intelligence, growth mindset, intrinsic motivation
  • Grammar phức tạp: cleft sentence (it’s a combination), present simple for general truth, gerunds
  • Critical thinking: phân tích nhiều chiều (technical + soft skills + mindset + passion)
  • Natural phrases: aren’t sufficient, makes a huge difference, go the extra mile
• Tại sao Band 8-9:
  • Fluency: Mạch lạc, liên kết ý mượt mà
  • Vocabulary: Precise và topic-specific, nhiều collocations tự nhiên
  • Grammar: Đa dạng cấu trúc, không lỗi
  • Ideas: Sâu sắc, comprehensive với nhiều góc độ

💡 Key Vocabulary & Expressions:

• professional competence: năng lực chuyên môn
• solid expertise: chuyên môn vững vàng
• soft skills: kỹ năng mềm
• adaptability: khả năng thích nghi
• emotional intelligence: trí tuệ cảm xúc
• growth mindset: tư duy phát triển
• receptive to feedback: cởi mở với phản hồi
• intrinsic motivation: động lực nội tại
• go the extra mile: nỗ lực thêm, vượt mức yêu cầu

Giám khảo IELTS Speaking đang đánh giá thí sinh trong phòng thi Part 1

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IELTS Speaking Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)

Tổng Quan Về Part 2

Part 2 của IELTS Speaking kéo dài khoảng 3-4 phút, bao gồm 1 phút chuẩn bị và 2-3 phút trình bày. Đây là phần độc thoại, nơi bạn cần kể chi tiết về một chủ đề cụ thể được ghi trên thẻ cue card. Giám khảo sẽ không ngắt lời bạn trong suốt thời gian này.

Chiến lược quan trọng cho Part 2:

• Sử dụng hết 1 phút để ghi chú, nhưng chỉ ghi keywords hoặc bullet points, không viết câu hoàn chỉnh
• Nói đủ 2 phút hoặc gần đủ thời gian (tối thiểu 1.5 phút)
• Trả lời đầy đủ tất cả các bullet points trên thẻ
• Sử dụng thì động từ phù hợp (thường là quá khứ nếu kể về trải nghiệm đã xảy ra)
• Phát triển ý một cách tự nhiên, không cứng nhắc theo template

Lỗi thường gặp của học viên Việt Nam:

• Không tận dụng hết thời gian chuẩn bị, vội vàng bắt đầu nói
• Nói quá ngắn, dừng lại sau 1 phút hoặc 1.5 phút
• Bỏ sót một hoặc nhiều bullet points
• Sử dụng template cứng nhắc, không tự nhiên
• Thiếu ví dụ cụ thể và chi tiết cá nhân

Cue Card

Describe a person who is good at their job

You should say:

• Who this person is
• What their job is
• What they do in their job
  And explain why you think this person is good at their job

Phân Tích Đề Bài

• Dạng câu hỏi: Describe a person – mô tả về một người cụ thể
• Thì động từ: Hiện tại (vì mô tả người hiện đang làm việc tốt) hoặc quá khứ (nếu là người bạn đã biết trước đây)
• Bullet points phải cover:
  • Người này là ai (mối quan hệ với bạn, bạn biết họ như thế nào)
  • Công việc của họ là gì (vị trí, ngành nghề)
  • Họ làm gì trong công việc (nhiệm vụ, trách nhiệm chính)
  • Giải thích tại sao bạn cho rằng họ giỏi (đây là phần quan trọng nhất, cần phát triển nhiều nhất)
• Câu “explain” quan trọng: Phần explain chiếm khoảng 40-50% thời gian nói. Đây là nơi bạn thể hiện khả năng phân tích, đưa ra lý do cụ thể, ví dụ minh họa, và vocabulary cao cấp. Nhiều thí sinh chỉ dành 20-30 giây cho phần này và mất điểm.

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7

Thời lượng: Khoảng 1.5-2 phút

“I’d like to talk about my English teacher, Ms. Lan, who I think is very good at her job. I met her two years ago when I started studying at an English center in my city.

Ms. Lan is an English teacher for IELTS preparation courses. Her main job is teaching students like me how to improve our English skills for the IELTS exam. She teaches all four skills: listening, speaking, reading, and writing. In her classes, she prepares lessons carefully and gives us many exercises to practice. She also corrects our homework and gives us feedback.

I think Ms. Lan is really good at her job for several reasons. First, she is very patient with students. When we don’t understand something, she explains it again in different ways until we get it. Second, she has a lot of knowledge about IELTS. She knows all the question types and teaches us useful strategies. Third, she is well-organized. Her lessons always have a clear structure, and she manages time well.

Another thing I like is that she cares about her students. She remembers everyone’s strengths and weaknesses and gives us individual advice. Many of her students have achieved high scores in IELTS, which shows that her teaching methods work well. She is dedicated to her work and always tries to help us improve.”

Phân Tích Band Điểm

Tiêu chí	Band	Nhận xét
Fluency & Coherence	6-7	Trôi chảy cơ bản, có structure rõ ràng với sequencing (First, Second, Third, Another thing). Tuy nhiên thiếu flexibility trong linking, dùng nhiều cấu trúc tương tự nhau
Lexical Resource	6-7	Từ vựng adequate và relevant (patient, knowledge, well-organized, dedicated, feedback). Có một số collocations tốt (teaching methods, achieve high scores) nhưng chưa sophisticated
Grammatical Range & Accuracy	6-7	Sử dụng mix của simple và complex sentences. Có relative clauses (who I think, when we don’t understand). Tuy nhiên cấu trúc còn repetitive, chưa đa dạng
Pronunciation	6-7	Rõ ràng và dễ hiểu, có thể có một số lỗi nhỏ nhưng không ảnh hưởng communication

Điểm mạnh:

• ✅ Trả lời đủ tất cả bullet points
• ✅ Structure rõ ràng, dễ theo dõi
• ✅ Có ví dụ cụ thể (explains again in different ways, remembers strengths and weaknesses)
• ✅ Đủ thời lượng (khoảng 1.5-2 phút)

Hạn chế:

• ⚠️ Từ vựng chưa đa dạng và sophisticated (very good, a lot of, many)
• ⚠️ Linking devices còn basic (First, Second, Third, Another thing)
• ⚠️ Thiếu details cụ thể hơn về teaching methods hoặc personal experience
• ⚠️ Grammar chưa đa dạng, nhiều câu có cấu trúc giống nhau

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📝 Sample Answer – Band 7.5-8

Thời lượng: Khoảng 2-2.5 phút

“I’d like to describe my former colleague, David, who I consider to be exceptionally skilled at his job. I had the pleasure of working with him for about three years when we were both employed at a digital marketing agency in Ho Chi Minh City.

David worked as a senior content strategist, which is quite a demanding role in the fast-paced world of digital marketing. His primary responsibilities included developing comprehensive content strategies for various clients, overseeing content creation across multiple platforms, and analyzing campaign performance to optimize results. He also mentored junior team members and liaised with clients to understand their business objectives.

What truly set David apart was his remarkable ability to combine creativity with data-driven decision making. While many marketers rely solely on intuition, David would thoroughly analyze market trends and consumer behavior data before crafting any strategy. This meticulous approach consistently delivered impressive results for our clients.

Another aspect that made him exceptional was his communication skills. He had this unique talent for breaking down complex concepts into simple, understandable terms when presenting to clients. This meant that even clients with limited marketing knowledge could grasp the strategy and feel confident about the direction we were taking.

Moreover, David was incredibly proactive and adaptable. In the constantly evolving digital landscape, he was always staying ahead of industry trends, attending workshops, and experimenting with new tools and techniques. When unexpected challenges arose – which they often did – he remained calm and would quickly devise alternative solutions.

What I particularly admired was his work ethic and genuine passion for his field. He would often go beyond his job description to ensure project success, and his enthusiasm was contagious, motivating the entire team to perform at their best.”

Phân Tích Band Điểm

Tiêu chí	Band	Nhận xét
Fluency & Coherence	7.5-8	Trôi chảy tự nhiên, linking sophisticated (What truly set… apart, Another aspect, Moreover). Ideas phát triển logic và mạch lạc
Lexical Resource	7.5-8	Từ vựng precise và varied (exceptionally skilled, meticulous approach, devise alternative solutions). Nhiều collocations natural (data-driven decision making, staying ahead of trends)
Grammatical Range & Accuracy	7.5-8	Đa dạng cấu trúc: relative clauses, conditional, gerunds, passive voice. Minimal errors
Pronunciation	7.5-8	Clear, natural stress và intonation, pronunciation không ảnh hưởng comprehension

So Sánh Với Band 6-7

Khía cạnh	Band 6-7	Band 7.5-8
Vocabulary	“very patient”, “a lot of knowledge”	“exceptionally skilled”, “meticulous approach”, “data-driven decision making”
Grammar	“She teaches us useful strategies” (simple)	“While many marketers rely solely on intuition, David would thoroughly analyze…” (complex with contrast)
Ideas	“She is well-organized. Her lessons have clear structure”	“What truly set David apart was his remarkable ability to combine creativity with data-driven decision making” (specific and analytical)
Linking	“First, Second, Third, Another thing”	“What truly set… apart”, “Another aspect”, “Moreover”, “What I particularly admired”

Tương tự như Describe a person who has been a great mentor to you, bài mẫu Band 7.5-8 thể hiện sự phát triển ý sâu sắc hơn và từ vựng chuyên biệt hơn khi mô tả về một người có ảnh hưởng trong môi trường làm việc.

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📝 Sample Answer – Band 8.5-9

Thời lượng: 2.5-3 phút đầy đủ

“I’d like to talk about Dr. Nguyen Minh Hai, a cardiovascular surgeon whom I had the privilege of observing during my internship at a major hospital in Hanoi. He’s someone who epitomizes excellence in his profession, and his work has left a profound impression on me.

Dr. Hai specializes in performing complex cardiac surgeries, dealing with some of the most intricate and life-threatening conditions imaginable. His role encompasses not just the surgical procedures themselves, but also pre-operative consultations where he assesses patients’ conditions, explains treatment options, and alleviates their anxieties about undergoing such high-stakes operations. Post-surgery, he meticulously monitors patients’ recovery and adjusts treatment plans accordingly.

What makes Dr. Hai truly outstanding at what he does is this extraordinary combination of technical mastery and emotional intelligence. On the technical side, his surgical skills are impeccable – I’ve witnessed him execute procedures with such precision and composure that even the most challenging cases seemed to be handled with remarkable ease. His years of dedicated practice and continuous learning have honed his abilities to what I can only describe as near-perfection.

However, what distinguishes him from other competent surgeons is his holistic approach to patient care. He possesses this rare ability to connect with patients on a human level, making them feel valued and understood rather than just being another case number. I’ve seen him spend extra time explaining medical conditions in layman’s terms, showing genuine empathy toward patients’ concerns, and even following up personally on cases long after the surgery was completed.

Furthermore, Dr. Hai is remarkably humble despite his stellar reputation. He actively mentors younger doctors, readily shares his expertise, and is always open to collaborative discussions about treatment approaches. He views medicine as a constantly evolving field and maintains this insatiable curiosity about new techniques and research findings. I’ve heard him say that he learns something from every single case, which I think reflects a growth mindset that’s essential for sustained excellence.

What particularly struck me was an incident where a surgery encountered unexpected complications. While others might have panicked, Dr. Hai remained utterly composed, swiftly adapted his approach, and successfully navigated the situation. It was this combination of expertise, calm under pressure, and quick thinking that really brought home to me why he’s so highly regarded in his field.

His dedication extends beyond the operating room too. He volunteers regularly at rural healthcare programs, bringing advanced medical care to underserved communities. This sense of social responsibility, combined with his professional excellence, makes him not just good at his job, but genuinely inspiring as a human being.”

Phân Tích Band Điểm

Tiêu chí	Band	Nhận xét
Fluency & Coherence	8.5-9	Hoàn toàn fluent và coherent, không hesitation. Linking devices sophisticated và varied (What makes… is, However, Furthermore, What particularly struck me). Ideas phát triển seamlessly với clear progression
Lexical Resource	8.5-9	Vocabulary precise, sophisticated và idiomatic (epitomizes excellence, profound impression, honed his abilities, stellar reputation, insatiable curiosity). Wide range of collocations và less common phrases
Grammatical Range & Accuracy	8.5-9	Full range of structures với flexibility và accuracy. Uses advanced grammar naturally: inversion, cleft sentences, complex noun phrases, perfect aspects, relative clauses
Pronunciation	8.5-9	Effortless pronunciation với natural word stress, sentence stress và intonation patterns. Fully intelligible

Tại Sao Bài Này Xuất Sắc

🎯 Fluency Hoàn Hảo:

• Không có hesitation hay repetition không cần thiết
• Ideas chảy tự nhiên từ description sang explanation với sophisticated transitions
• Natural pauses ở đúng vị trí cho emphasis

📚 Vocabulary Tinh Vi:

• Ví dụ: “epitomizes excellence” – không chỉ dùng “very good” mà dùng động từ “epitomize” thể hiện ý “tượng trưng, là hiện thân của sự xuất sắc”
• “honed his abilities to near-perfection” – “hone” là động từ chỉ việc rèn luyện, mài dũa kỹ năng đến mức hoàn thiện
• “insatiable curiosity” – collocation mạnh hơn nhiều so với “very curious”
• “brought home to me” – idiom có nghĩa “làm tôi hiểu sâu sắc”

📝 Grammar Đa Dạng:

• Ví dụ: “He’s someone who epitomizes excellence” – Cleft sentence nhấn mạnh subject
• “I’ve witnessed him execute procedures with such precision that…” – Complex structure với witness + bare infinitive + result clause
• “While others might have panicked, Dr. Hai remained utterly composed” – Contrast structure với mixed conditional
• “It was this combination… that really brought home to me” – Emphatic cleft với “it was… that”

💡 Ideas Sâu Sắc:

• Không chỉ liệt kê qualities mà phân tích WHY những qualities đó important
• Đưa ra concrete example (incident với complications) để minh họa abstract qualities
• Shows understanding về profession (mentions pre-op, surgery, post-op care)
• Balanced view: technical + interpersonal skills + personal qualities + social contribution

Bác sĩ phẫu thuật chuyên nghiệp đang làm việc minh họa chủ đề IELTS Speaking

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Follow-up Questions (Rounding Off Questions)

Sau khi bạn hoàn thành phần trình bày 2 phút trong Part 2, giám khảo có thể hỏi thêm 1-2 câu ngắn gọi là “rounding off questions”. Đây là những câu hỏi đơn giản để chuyển tiếp sang Part 3, bạn chỉ cần trả lời ngắn gọn.

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Question 1: Do you think you could do that person’s job?

Band 6-7 Answer:
“Honestly, I don’t think so. It requires many years of training and special skills that I don’t have. Maybe with a lot of education and practice, but it would be very difficult.”

Band 8-9 Answer:
“To be perfectly honest, I think it would be well beyond my capabilities, at least at this stage. The role demands not only extensive specialized knowledge but also qualities and skills that take years to develop. While I admire what they do immensely, I recognize that it’s a field requiring dedication and aptitude that I simply don’t possess. That said, I have tremendous respect for people who excel in such challenging professions.”

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Question 2: Would you like to have a similar job in the future?

Band 6-7 Answer:
“I’m not sure. It’s an interesting job, but I think I prefer to work in my own field. However, I would like to learn some of their skills and apply them to my work.”

Band 8-9 Answer:
“That’s an intriguing question. While I find the field fascinating and have deep admiration for professionals in that area, I don’t think it aligns with my personal career aspirations. My interests lie more in a different direction. However, what I would like to emulate is their approach to excellence and their commitment to continuous improvement – those are qualities that are transferable to any profession and something I strive to incorporate into my own work.”

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IELTS Speaking Part 3: Two-way Discussion

Tổng Quan Về Part 3

Part 3 của IELTS Speaking kéo dài khoảng 4-5 phút và là phần thảo luận sâu, trừu tượng hơn về chủ đề đã được đề cập trong Part 2. Đây là phần challenging nhất vì yêu cầu bạn phải phân tích, so sánh, đánh giá, và đưa ra quan điểm cá nhân về các vấn đề xã hội rộng hơn.

Yêu cầu của Part 3:

• Phân tích và giải thích các vấn đề phức tạp
• Đưa ra quan điểm cá nhân có lý lẽ vững chắc
• Xem xét nhiều góc độ của vấn đề (không chỉ một chiều)
• Sử dụng ví dụ từ xã hội, không chỉ kinh nghiệm cá nhân

Chiến lược hiệu quả:

• Mở rộng câu trả lời (3-5 câu minimum)
• Sử dụng discourse markers (Well, Actually, To be honest, I think…)
• Structure rõ ràng: Direct answer → Reason/Explanation → Example → Balanced view (if applicable)
• Thừa nhận complexity: “It depends…”, “There are different perspectives…”, “To some extent…”

Lỗi thường gặp của học viên Việt Nam:

• Trả lời quá ngắn (1-2 câu), thiếu phát triển ý
• Không đưa ra lý lẽ rõ ràng để support quan điểm
• Thiếu từ vựng trừu tượng cần thiết cho discussion
• Chỉ nói về personal experience thay vì societal perspective
• Quan điểm too one-sided, không acknowledge other views

Các Câu Hỏi Thảo Luận Sâu

Theme 1: Professional Skills and Work Performance

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Question 1: What qualities do you think are most important for someone to be successful in their career?

🎯 Phân tích câu hỏi:

• Dạng: Opinion question – hỏi về quan điểm cá nhân
• Key words: qualities, most important, successful, career
• Cách tiếp cận:
  • Direct answer: nêu 2-3 qualities chính
  • Explain why each quality important
  • Give examples from professional context (không chỉ cá nhân)
  • Có thể acknowledge rằng requirements khác nhau depending on career field

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

“I think there are several important qualities. First, people need to have good professional skills in their field. Without the right knowledge, it’s hard to do the job well. Second, communication skills are also important because most jobs require working with other people. Finally, I think dedication is necessary. People who really care about their work usually achieve more success than those who don’t. These qualities help people perform better and get promoted in their careers.”

Phân tích:

• Structure: Có structure với First, Second, Finally nhưng còn basic
• Vocabulary: Adequate (professional skills, dedication, get promoted) nhưng không sophisticated
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Trả lời đủ câu hỏi, có reasons nhưng thiếu depth và examples cụ thể. Vocabulary và grammar chưa impressive.

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📝 Câu trả lời mẫu – Band 8-9:

“Well, I’d say career success is multifaceted and depends on a combination of attributes. First and foremost, professional competence is absolutely fundamental – you can’t succeed without solid expertise in your domain. However, technical proficiency alone is rarely sufficient in today’s workplace.

What I consider equally crucial is adaptability. Given how rapidly industries are evolving due to technological advancement and globalization, professionals who can embrace change and continuously upskill tend to thrive, while those who resist risk becoming obsolete. For instance, we’ve seen this dramatically in fields like journalism or retail, where digital transformation has completely reshaped job requirements.

Additionally, I’d emphasize interpersonal skills – the ability to collaborate effectively, build professional networks, and navigate workplace dynamics. Many talented individuals plateau in their careers not due to lack of ability, but because they struggle with the human element of professional life. Emotional intelligence, in particular, has become increasingly recognized as a key predictor of leadership potential.

That said, I should acknowledge that the relative importance of these qualities varies depending on the field. A research scientist might prioritize analytical thinking and attention to detail, whereas an entrepreneur might need risk tolerance and vision more. So there’s no one-size-fits-all formula, but these foundational qualities tend to cut across most professions.”

Phân tích:

• Structure: Well-organized với clear progression: acknowledge complexity → main points với reasons → examples → balanced conclusion
• Vocabulary: Precise và sophisticated (multifaceted, domain, thrive, plateau, obsolete, one-size-fits-all formula)
• Grammar: Complex structures natural: cleft sentences, conditionals, relative clauses, participle clauses
• Critical Thinking: Shows nuanced understanding: acknowledges different perspectives (varies depending on field), gives societal examples (journalism, retail), uses hedging language (tend to, increasingly)

💡 Key Language Features:

• Discourse markers: Well, I’d say / First and foremost / However / Additionally / That said
• Tentative language: I’d say, I consider, tend to, might need
• Abstract nouns: adaptability, transformation, predictor, tolerance
• Collocations: embrace change, navigate dynamics, plateau in careers, cut across professions

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Question 2: Do you think some jobs are more important than others?

🎯 Phân tích câu hỏi:

• Dạng: Yes/No Opinion + Evaluation question
• Key words: some jobs, more important, than others
• Cách tiếp cận:
  • Acknowledge complexity (“It’s a complicated question…”)
  • Present different perspectives
  • Give your stance with reasoning
  • Use examples to illustrate
  • Show balanced thinking

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

“Yes, I think some jobs are more important. For example, doctors and teachers are very important because they save lives and educate children. These jobs help society in important ways. However, all jobs have their value. Even simple jobs like cleaners are necessary for society to function well. So while some jobs seem more important, we need all types of workers for society to work properly.”

Phân tích:

• Structure: Clear stance (yes) với basic reasons và một số balance
• Vocabulary: Simple và repetitive (important appears 4 times)
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Adequate answer nhưng lacks sophistication, analysis không deep, từ vựng limited

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📝 Câu trả lời mẫu – Band 8-9:

“This is actually a rather contentious question that sparks considerable debate. On the surface, it might seem obvious that certain professions – such as healthcare workers or educators – are more vital to society’s functioning than others. During the COVID-19 pandemic, for instance, we saw how absolutely critical frontline medical staff were, and they were rightly designated as essential workers.

However, I think we need to be careful about creating hierarchies of professional value. What we might perceive as a ‘less important’ job often turns out to be integral to broader systems. Take sanitation workers, for example – their role might be undervalued in terms of prestige or compensation, but try imagining a city without waste management services. The result would be catastrophic for public health.

I’d argue that rather than ranking jobs by importance, we should consider them as interconnected elements of a complex ecosystem. A surgeon might save lives, but they depend on administrative staff to schedule patients, maintenance workers to keep facilities running, and food service workers to maintain their energy during long shifts.

That said, I do think we should distinguish between social importance and economic value. Some professions that are genuinely essential – like teaching or social work – are often undercompensated relative to their societal contribution, while others that are perhaps less critical are highly lucrative. This disparity reflects market dynamics rather than intrinsic value, which is something worth reflecting on as a society.

So in essence, while some jobs may be more immediately visible in their impact or require more specialized training, I’d hesitate to label certain professions as categorically more important than others. Each role contributes to the functioning of our society in different ways.”

Phân tích:

• Structure: Sophisticated: acknowledge question difficulty → present one view → counter with alternative perspective → give personal stance → nuanced conclusion
• Vocabulary: High-level với precise meaning (contentious, hierarchies, integral, undervalued, disparity, intrinsic value)
• Grammar: Full range: conditionals (would be catastrophic), subjunctive (try imagining), passive constructions, complex noun phrases
• Critical Thinking:
  • Acknowledges complexity upfront
  • Presents multiple perspectives (essential workers vs. undervalued jobs)
  • Uses specific examples (COVID-19, sanitation workers)
  • Distinguishes between different concepts (social importance vs. economic value)
  • Hedges appropriately (might seem, I’d argue, I’d hesitate)

💡 Key Language Features:

• Discourse markers: On the surface / However / That said / So in essence
• Hedging/Tentative language: might seem, I think we need to, I’d argue, I’d hesitate
• Academic phrases: designated as, perceive as, integral to, relative to, in essence
• Collocations: spark debate, create hierarchies, interconnected elements, market dynamics

Nếu bạn quan tâm đến cách mô tả những người có ảnh hưởng tích cực trong các lĩnh vực khác nhau, hãy tham khảo describe a famous historical figure you would like to learn more about để mở rộng vốn từ vựng và cách tiếp cận khi nói về những cá nhân xuất sắc.

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Theme 2: Workplace Changes and Future of Work

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Question 1: How has technology changed the way people work?

🎯 Phân tích câu hỏi:

• Dạng: How question – yêu cầu explain changes/effects
• Key words: technology, changed, way people work
• Cách tiếp cận:
  • Identify main changes (2-3 major areas)
  • Explain how each change manifests
  • Give concrete examples
  • Can mention both positive and negative aspects

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

“Technology has changed work in many ways. First, people can now work from home using computers and the internet. This is more flexible than before. Second, machines and software can do many tasks automatically, so workers don’t need to do boring, repetitive work. Also, communication is faster now with email and video calls, so people can work with colleagues in different countries easily. However, some people worry that technology might replace human workers in the future.”

Phân tích:

• Structure: Clear với First, Second, Also, However
• Vocabulary: Basic (many ways, boring, easily) với một số terms relevant (work from home, automatically, video calls)
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Adequate response với main ideas nhưng lacks depth, examples không specific, vocabulary chưa sophisticated

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📝 Câu trả lời mẫu – Band 8-9:

“Technology has fundamentally transformed the modern workplace in ways that would have been unimaginable just a generation ago. Perhaps the most profound change has been the emergence of remote work. Cloud-based platforms, video conferencing tools, and collaborative software have effectively dissolved the traditional notion that work must happen in a specific physical location. The pandemic accelerated this trend dramatically, and we’re now seeing a permanent shift toward hybrid work models in many industries.

Another significant transformation involves automation and artificial intelligence. Routine tasks that once consumed considerable human labor – such as data entry, scheduling, or basic customer service – are increasingly being handled by algorithms and machine learning systems. This has freed up human workers to focus on more creative and strategic aspects of their roles. For instance, in finance, algorithmic trading now executes transactions at speeds humans could never achieve, while financial analysts can concentrate on interpreting trends and developing strategies.

On top of that, technology has revolutionized communication and collaboration. Teams scattered across different continents can now work together seamlessly in real-time. This has led to the rise of truly global workforces and has opened up opportunities for companies to tap into talent pools regardless of geographical constraints.

However, these changes aren’t without challenges. There’s growing concern about work-life boundaries blurring when people can be perpetually connected to their jobs. Additionally, the rapid pace of technological change means workers must continuously adapt and acquire new skills, which can be stressful and may leave some behind.

Looking ahead, I think we’ll see technology continue to reshape work in increasingly sophisticated ways, possibly with AI augmentation becoming the norm where technology enhances rather than replaces human capabilities.”

Phân tích:

• Structure: Sophisticated progression: main change → second major change → third aspect → acknowledge challenges → future outlook
• Vocabulary: Precise và topic-specific (fundamentally transformed, dissolved, algorithms, perpetually connected, augmentation)
• Grammar: Complex structures: passive voice, relative clauses, participle phrases, perfect aspects, modal verbs for speculation
• Critical Thinking:
  • Comprehensive coverage of multiple dimensions
  • Specific, relevant examples (cloud platforms, algorithmic trading)
  • Balanced view (benefits and challenges)
  • Historical perspective (compared to generation ago)
  • Forward-looking conclusion

💡 Key Language Features:

• Discourse markers: Perhaps the most / Another / On top of that / However / Looking ahead
• Strong verbs: transformed, emerged, dissolved, accelerated, revolutionized, reshape
• Collocations: profound change, hybrid models, freed up, tap into talent pools, work-life boundaries
• Academic phrases: in ways that, increasingly being, there’s growing concern, the rise of

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Question 2: Do you think job satisfaction is more important than salary?

🎯 Phân tích câu hỏi:

• Dạng: Opinion comparison question (X more important than Y?)
• Key words: job satisfaction, more important, salary
• Cách tiếp cận:
  • Acknowledge it depends on circumstances
  • Present arguments for both sides
  • Give your perspective with nuance
  • Use examples to illustrate
  • Show understanding of real-world complexity

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

“I think both are important, but it depends on the situation. For young people without financial responsibilities, job satisfaction might be more important because they want to enjoy their work and learn new things. However, for people with families, salary is very important because they need to pay bills and support their children. Personally, I think a balance is best. If you have a good salary but hate your job, you won’t be happy. But if you love your job but can’t afford basic needs, that’s also a problem. So ideally, people should find jobs that give them both satisfaction and reasonable pay.”

Phân tích:

• Structure: Shows some balance (both sides) và có personal opinion
• Vocabulary: Basic (very important, love, hate, good) nhưng adequate
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Clear position với some reasoning, nhưng lacks sophisticated analysis và vocabulary không impressive

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📝 Câu trả lời mẫu – Band 8-9:

“This is a perennial question that I think defies a simple answer because it’s so deeply contextual. Ideally, one wouldn’t have to choose between the two, but in reality, many people face this trade-off.

From a pragmatic standpoint, I’d argue that salary takes precedence when people are struggling to meet basic needs. Maslow’s hierarchy of needs comes to mind here – it’s difficult to prioritize fulfillment and meaning when you’re worried about making ends meet or providing for your family. In developing economies or for individuals burdened with significant financial obligations, economic security simply can’t be dismissed as secondary.

However, once financial stability is achieved, I believe job satisfaction becomes increasingly critical to overall well-being. Numerous studies have shown that beyond a certain income threshold, additional earnings have diminishing returns on happiness. People who find their work meaningful, who feel engaged and challenged, and who work in supportive environments tend to report higher life satisfaction regardless of whether they’re the highest earners in their field.

What’s particularly interesting is the long-term implications. A well-compensated but soul-crushing job might seem bearable in the short term, but over years or decades, the psychological toll can be substantial – contributing to burnout, health issues, and regret. Conversely, someone in a fulfilling but lower-paid role might struggle initially but could derive greater satisfaction from their work as a core component of their identity.

I’d also point out that the two aren’t always mutually exclusive. Passionate, engaged workers often excel in their roles, which can lead to advancement and higher compensation over time. So in some ways, prioritizing satisfaction can be a strategic career choice rather than a naive one.

In my view, the answer lies in finding a personal equilibrium that considers one’s life stage, financial circumstances, and values. For someone early in their career, perhaps some financial sacrifice for skill development and satisfaction makes sense. For someone nearing retirement with substantial obligations, prioritizing financial security might be more prudent. The key is making conscious choices rather than defaulting into situations that serve neither goal well.”

Phân tích:

• Structure: Highly sophisticated: acknowledge complexity → pragmatic view (salary importance) → counter-argument (satisfaction importance) → long-term perspective → synthesis (not mutually exclusive) → nuanced personal conclusion
• Vocabulary: Advanced và precise (perennial question, defies answer, pragmatic standpoint, diminishing returns, soul-crushing, mutual exclusive, equilibrium)
• Grammar: Full range seamlessly integrated: conditionals, relative clauses, participle constructions, cleft sentences, gerunds, present perfect
• Critical Thinking:
  • References theoretical framework (Maslow’s hierarchy)
  • Considers multiple dimensions (economic, psychological, temporal)
  • Acknowledges context dependency (developing economies, life stages)
  • Shows understanding of research (studies on income threshold)
  • Provides balanced synthesis rather than binary choice
  • Uses specific, relevant examples

💡 Key Language Features:

• Discourse markers: From a pragmatic standpoint / However / What’s particularly interesting / I’d also point out / In my view
• Hedging language: I’d argue, I believe, might seem, could derive, perhaps
• Academic vocabulary: defies, precedence, diminishing returns, psychological toll, mutually exclusive, equilibrium
• Sophisticated collocations: meet basic needs, making ends meet, income threshold, life satisfaction, core component, strategic choice

Môi trường làm việc hiện đại với công nghệ trong bài IELTS Speaking

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Theme 3: Work Culture and Professional Development

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Question 1: How important is it for companies to invest in employee training?

🎯 Phân tích câu hỏi:

• Dạng: Evaluation question (How important…?)
• Key words: companies, invest, employee training
• Cách tiếp cận:
  • State position clearly (very important/essential)
  • Explain reasons from different perspectives (company benefits, employee benefits, societal)
  • Give examples or evidence
  • Can acknowledge potential counterarguments (cost concerns)

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

“I think it’s very important for companies to train their employees. When workers learn new skills, they can do their jobs better and help the company succeed. Also, training makes employees feel valued, so they are more motivated and less likely to leave the company. This saves money because hiring new people is expensive. Some companies might think training costs too much money, but in the long run, it’s a good investment that benefits everyone.”

Phân tích:

• Structure: Clear position với reasons (better performance, retention, cost-benefit)
• Vocabulary: Basic (very important, do jobs better, feel valued) nhưng relevant
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Answers question adequately với logical reasons nhưng lacks depth và sophisticated language

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📝 Câu trả lời mẫu – Band 8-9:

“I’d say employee training and development is absolutely paramount for any organization that wants to remain competitive in today’s rapidly evolving business landscape. It’s not just a nice-to-have perk but rather a strategic imperative.

From the company’s perspective, investing in workforce development yields multiple returns. First, it directly enhances productivity and service quality as employees acquire new competencies and refine existing skills. In sectors undergoing rapid technological disruption – such as finance or manufacturing – continuous upskilling is essential just to maintain competitiveness. Companies that neglect training risk falling behind more agile competitors.

Moreover, training programs are instrumental in employee retention. Research consistently shows that workers, particularly millennials and Gen Z, place high value on professional development opportunities. When employees see that their employer is invested in their growth, it fosters loyalty and reduces costly turnover. The expense of recruiting and onboarding new staff typically far exceeds the cost of training existing employees, making it a sound financial decision beyond the intrinsic benefits.

There’s also an innovation dividend. Well-trained, continuously learning workforces tend to be more creative and adaptive, better positioned to identify opportunities and solve complex problems. Companies like Google or Amazon, which are renowned for their extensive training programs, consistently rank among the most innovative organizations globally – this isn’t coincidental.

From the employee’s standpoint, access to training is increasingly non-negotiable. In an era where careers span decades and industries transform fundamentally within years, staying relevant requires continuous learning. Employers who facilitate this aren’t just helping their workers advance in current roles but are equipping them with transferable skills for long-term career resilience.

That said, I should acknowledge that implementing effective training requires more than just budget allocation. Programs must be well-designed, relevant to actual job demands, and delivered in formats that accommodate different learning styles. Half-hearted or outdated training can be worse than none if it consumes time without delivering value.

On balance, though, I’d argue that in our knowledge economy, human capital is often a company’s most valuable asset, and investment in that asset through training should be viewed as essential as investment in technology or infrastructure.”

Phân tích:

• Structure: Comprehensive với multiple perspectives: company benefits (productivity, retention, innovation) → employee benefits → acknowledge implementation challenges → strong conclusion
• Vocabulary: Sophisticated và precise (paramount, strategic imperative, yields returns, agile competitors, innovation dividend, non-negotiable, career resilience)
• Grammar: Full range với accuracy: cleft sentences, passive constructions, relative clauses, conditionals, perfect aspects, gerunds
• Critical Thinking:
  • Multi-dimensional analysis (company, employee, innovation perspectives)
  • Specific examples (Google, Amazon)
  • Reference to demographic trends (millennials, Gen Z)
  • Acknowledges complexity (implementation challenges)
  • Uses comparative reasoning (cost of training vs. turnover)
  • Strong synthesizing conclusion

💡 Key Language Features:

• Discourse markers: From the company’s perspective / Moreover / From the employee’s standpoint / That said / On balance
• Emphatic language: absolutely paramount, essential, instrumental in, consistently
• Academic collocations: strategic imperative, enhance productivity, foster loyalty, innovation dividend, human capital
• Sophisticated phrases: yields multiple returns, place high value on, far exceeds, renowned for, on balance

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Question 2: What are the biggest challenges facing workers today?

🎯 Phân tích câu hỏi:

• Dạng: Identify and explain question (What are…?)
• Key words: biggest challenges, workers, today
• Cách tiếp cận:
  • Identify 2-3 major challenges
  • Explain why each is significant
  • Give current examples or evidence
  • Can mention how these challenges interconnect
  • Show awareness of contemporary issues

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

“I think workers face several big challenges today. One main problem is job security. Many companies use automation and technology, so some jobs might disappear in the future. Workers worry about losing their jobs. Another challenge is work-life balance. Many people work long hours and feel stressed because they can’t spend enough time with family or on personal interests. Also, the cost of living is increasing in many cities, but salaries don’t always increase at the same rate, so many workers struggle financially. These problems make modern work quite difficult for many people.”

Phân tích:

• Structure: Identifies 3 challenges (job security, work-life balance, cost of living) với brief explanations
• Vocabulary: Basic (big, main problem, quite difficult) nhưng touches relevant topics
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Addresses question with reasonable content nhưng analysis superficial, vocabulary limited, lacks sophistication

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📝 Câu trả lời mẫu – Band 8-9:

“Contemporary workers grapple with an unprecedented array of challenges that, in many ways, distinguish this era from previous generations’ work experiences.

Chief among these is probably employment precarity. The traditional model of secure, long-term employment with a single organization has largely eroded, replaced by a gig economy characterized by contract work, temporary positions, and freelancing. While this offers flexibility, it also means many workers lack job security, benefits, and predictable income. This instability makes long-term planning – like buying a home or starting a family – significantly more challenging.

Closely related is the rapid pace of technological change, which creates what some economists call “skill obsolescence”. Workers must continuously retrain simply to remain employable, let alone advance. This is particularly acute for mid-career professionals who find their hard-earned expertise becoming less relevant as industries undergo digital transformation. The psychological burden of this constant adaptation shouldn’t be underestimated.

Another pressing issue is what I’d call “connectivity fatigue” or the blurring of work-life boundaries. Technology that was supposed to liberate us has, paradoxically, made it harder to disconnect. Many workers feel tethered to their jobs 24/7, responding to emails during evenings or weekends, which takes a toll on mental health and relationships. The pandemic’s normalization of remote work has intensified this challenge for many.

I’d also highlight economic pressures – wage stagnation in many sectors hasn’t kept pace with rising living costs, particularly in urban centers where jobs are concentrated. This affordability crisis means many workers, even those in seemingly stable professions, struggle to achieve financial security. The generational implications are stark – many younger workers face substantially bleaker economic prospects than their parents did at similar life stages.

Underpinning all these is perhaps a more existential challenge: questions about meaning and purpose. As traditional employment structures break down and work becomes increasingly transactional, many people struggle to derive the sense of identity and community that work has historically provided.

These challenges are, of course, interconnected and mutually reinforcing. Someone facing job insecurity might overwork to prove their value, exacerbating work-life balance issues, while constant retraining demands consume time and resources that might otherwise address financial concerns. Addressing these will require comprehensive solutions at policy, organizational, and societal levels.”

Phân tích:

• Structure: Sophisticated với thematic organization: employment precarity → technological change → connectivity issues → economic pressures → existential questions → synthesis of interconnections
• Vocabulary: Advanced và precise (grapple with, unprecedented array, employment precarity, skill obsolescence, connectivity fatigue, existential challenge, mutually reinforcing)
• Grammar: Full range expertly deployed: passive voice, cleft sentences, relative clauses, participle constructions, conditionals, perfect aspects
• Critical Thinking:
  • Comprehensive coverage of multiple challenge types
  • Historical comparison (this era vs. previous generations)
  • Specific terminology (gig economy, skill obsolescence)
  • Psychological dimension (mental health, identity)
  • Generational perspective (younger workers vs. parents)
  • Systems thinking (interconnected challenges)
  • Consideration of solutions needed

💡 Key Language Features:

• Discourse markers: Chief among these / Closely related / Another pressing issue / I’d also highlight / Underpinning all these
• Academic vocabulary: grapple with, unprecedented, eroded, acute, paradoxically, stark, existential, underpinning
• Sophisticated collocations: employment precarity, skill obsolescence, wage stagnation, affordability crisis, mutually reinforcing
• Complex phrases: characterized by, takes a toll on, kept pace with, substantially bleaker, derive sense of

Đối với những ai muốn tìm hiểu thêm về cách mô tả các đổi mới quan trọng trong công việc và cuộc sống, bạn có thể tham khảo describe an innovation that you think is important for the future để bổ sung thêm góc nhìn về sự thay đổi của thế giới lao động hiện đại.

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Từ vựng và cụm từ quan trọng

Topic-Specific Vocabulary

Từ vựng/Cụm từ	Loại từ	Phiên âm	Nghĩa tiếng Việt	Ví dụ	Collocation
professional competence	n	/prəˈfeʃənəl ˈkɒmpɪtəns/	năng lực chuyên môn	Professional competence is essential for career advancement.	demonstrate competence, develop competence, lack competence, assess competence
meticulous	adj	/məˈtɪkjələs/	tỉ mỉ, cẩn thận	She’s meticulous about checking every detail in her reports.	meticulous attention, meticulous planning, meticulous approach, meticulous care
work ethic	n	/wɜːk ˈeθɪk/	đạo đức nghề nghiệp, thái độ làm việc	His strong work ethic impressed all his colleagues.	strong work ethic, poor work ethic, develop work ethic, admire work ethic
adaptability	n	/əˌdæptəˈbɪləti/	khả năng thích nghi	Adaptability is crucial in today’s fast-changing workplace.	demonstrate adaptability, require adaptability, lack adaptability, value adaptability
interpersonal skills	n	/ˌɪntəˈpɜːsənəl skɪlz/	kỹ năng giao tiếp	Good interpersonal skills help you build strong professional relationships.	develop skills, improve skills, excellent skills, strong skills
attention to detail	n	/əˈtenʃən tə ˈdiːteɪl/	sự chú ý đến chi tiết	The job requires exceptional attention to detail.	pay attention, great attention, meticulous attention, close attention
go the extra mile	idiom	/ɡəʊ ði ˈekstrə maɪl/	nỗ lực thêm, làm nhiều hơn yêu cầu	She always goes the extra mile to ensure customer satisfaction.	willing to go, always goes, prepared to go
hands-on	adj	/hændz ɒn/	thực hành, tham gia trực tiếp	He’s a hands-on manager who works alongside his team.	hands-on approach, hands-on experience, hands-on manager, hands-on training
track record	n	/træk ˈrekɔːd/	thành tích, hồ sơ thành công	Her impressive track record speaks for itself.	impressive track record, proven track record, strong track record, excellent track record
excel in	v	/ɪkˈsel ɪn/	xuất sắc trong	She excels in problem-solving and strategic thinking.	excel at, excel in, truly excel
demonstrate	v	/ˈdemənstreɪt/	thể hiện, chứng minh	He demonstrated exceptional leadership during the crisis.	clearly demonstrate, demonstrate ability, demonstrate skills, effectively demonstrate
foster	v	/ˈfɒstə/	nuôi dưỡng, thúc đẩy	Good managers foster a positive work environment.	foster creativity, foster innovation, foster development, foster relationships
enhance	v	/ɪnˈhɑːns/	nâng cao, cải thiện	Training programs enhance employee productivity.	significantly enhance, greatly enhance, enhance performance, enhance skills
empower	v	/ɪmˈpaʊə/	trao quyền, khuyến khích	Effective leaders empower their team members.	empower employees, empower staff, empower people, empower workers
job satisfaction	n	/dʒɒb ˌsætɪsˈfækʃən/	sự hài lòng trong công việc	Job satisfaction is linked to productivity and retention.	high job satisfaction, improve satisfaction, increase satisfaction, lack satisfaction
career progression	n	/kəˈrɪə prəˈɡreʃən/	sự thăng tiến trong sự nghiệp	The company offers clear paths for career progression.	rapid progression, career progression path, opportunities for progression
work-life balance	n	/wɜːk laɪf ˈbæləns/	sự cân bằng công việc-cuộc sống	Maintaining work-life balance is crucial for well-being.	achieve balance, maintain balance, healthy balance, good balance
burnout	n	/ˈbɜːnaʊt/	kiệt sức, quá tải	Long working hours can lead to employee burnout.	experience burnout, suffer burnout, avoid burnout, prevent burnout
gig economy	n	/ɡɪɡ ɪˈkɒnəmi/	nền kinh tế việc làm tạm thời	The gig economy offers flexibility but lacks security.	rise of gig economy, working in gig economy, gig economy workers
upskill	v	/ʌpˈskɪl/	nâng cao kỹ năng	Workers need to continuously upskill to remain competitive.	need to upskill, opportunity to upskill, upskill workforce

Idiomatic Expressions & Advanced Phrases

Cụm từ	Nghĩa	Ví dụ sử dụng	Band điểm
think outside the box	suy nghĩ sáng tạo, không theo khuôn mẫu	Creative professionals need to think outside the box to find innovative solutions.	7.5-9
wear many hats	đảm nhận nhiều vai trò khác nhau	In startups, employees often wear many hats and handle diverse responsibilities.	7.5-8
hit the ground running	bắt đầu làm việc ngay lập tức và hiệu quả	Her previous experience means she can hit the ground running in this new role.	7.5-8
bring something to the table	đóng góp giá trị, kỹ năng	Each team member brings unique skills to the table.	7.5-8
steep learning curve	quá trình học hỏi khó khăn, phức tạp	The new software has a steep learning curve, but it’s worth mastering.	7.5-9
cut corners	làm việc qua loa, cắt giảm chất lượng	Good professionals never cut corners even under pressure.	7.5-8
rise through the ranks	thăng tiến trong tổ chức	She rose through the ranks from intern to director in just five years.	7.5-8
stay ahead of the curve	đi trước xu hướng, luôn cập nhật	Successful companies stay ahead of the curve by anticipating market changes.	8-9
pull your weight	hoàn thành phần việc của mình	Everyone on the team needs to pull their weight for the project to succeed.	7-8
on the cutting edge	ở vị trí tiên phong, hiện đại nhất	They’re on the cutting edge of technological innovation in their field.	8-9
fall behind the curve	tụt hậu, không theo kịp	Companies that don’t invest in technology risk falling behind the curve.	7.5-8
climb the corporate ladder	thăng tiến trong sự nghiệp	Networking is essential for those wanting to climb the corporate ladder.	7.5-8

Discourse Markers (Từ Nối Ý Trong Speaking)

Để bắt đầu câu trả lời:

• 📝 Well,… – Sử dụng khi cần một chút thời gian suy nghĩ
• 📝 Actually,… – Khi muốn đưa ra góc nhìn khác hoặc sửa lại ý
• 📝 To be honest,… – Khi nói thật về quan điểm cá nhân
• 📝 I’d say that… – Cách mềm mại để đưa ra ý kiến
• 📝 From my perspective,… – Nhấn mạnh đây là quan điểm cá nhân

Để bổ sung ý:

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

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…
• 📝 That said,… – Mặc dù vậy, tuy nhiên
• 📝 However,… – Tuy nhiên
• 📝 Having said that,… – Sau khi nói điều đó

Để kết luận:

• 📝 All in all,… – Tóm lại, nhìn chung
• 📝 At the end of the day,… – Cuối cùng thì, xét cho cùng
• 📝 In essence,… – Về bản chất, nói tóm lại
• 📝 On balance,… – Xét trên tổng thể
• 📝 Overall,… – Nhìn chung, tổng thể

Để nhấn mạnh:

• 📝 What really stands out is… – Điều thực sự nổi bật là…
• 📝 The key point is… – Điểm quan trọng là…
• 📝 What’s particularly interesting is… – Điều đặc biệt thú vị là…
• 📝 I think it’s worth noting that… – Tôi nghĩ đáng chú ý là…

Grammatical Structures Ấn Tượng

1. Conditional Sentences (Câu điều kiện):

• Mixed conditional: “If I had studied medicine (Past Perfect), I would be a doctor now (would + V1).”

  • Ví dụ: “If she hadn’t developed those strong interpersonal skills early in her career, she wouldn’t be in a leadership position today.”

• Inversion (Đảo ngữ): “Had I known about this opportunity, I would have applied.”

  • Ví dụ: “Had he not invested in continuous learning, he would have struggled to adapt to industry changes.”

2. Relative Clauses (Mệnh đề quan hệ):

• Non-defining: “My manager, who has over 20 years of experience, mentors junior staff regularly.”
  • Ví dụ: “Dr. Smith, whose research has been published internationally, demonstrates exceptional expertise in her field.”

3. Passive Voice (Câu bị động):

• It is thought/believed/said that… – Cấu trúc impersonal passive
  • Ví dụ: “It is widely believed that emotional intelligence is just as important as technical skills in the workplace.”
  • “It has been proven that employee satisfaction directly impacts productivity.”

4. Cleft Sentences (Câu chẻ):

• What I find most… is…

  • Ví dụ: “What I find most impressive about her work is the attention to detail she brings to every project.”

• The thing that… is…

  • Ví dụ: “The thing that really sets him apart is his ability to remain calm under pressure.”

• It was… that…

  • Ví dụ: “It was his dedication to continuous improvement that led to his rapid promotion.”

5. Gerund và Infinitive Structures:

• -ing as subject: “Working in a supportive environment contributes to job satisfaction.”
• -ing after prepositions: “She’s good at communicating complex ideas simply.”
• Infinitive of purpose: “He attended workshops to enhance his leadership skills.”

6. Participle Clauses:

• Present participle: “Having worked in the industry for decades, she has deep expertise.”
• Past participle: “Faced with budget constraints, the manager found creative solutions.”

Để hiểu rõ hơn về cách áp dụng các kỹ năng này trong môi trường thực tế, bạn có thể tham khảo Describe a time when you set up a home office để thấy cách mô tả việc thích nghi với điều kiện làm việc mới.

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Chiến lược tổng thể để đạt điểm cao

Chuẩn bị trước khi thi

1. Xây dựng ngân hàng ý tưởng:

• Liệt kê 5-6 người bạn biết làm việc giỏi trong các ngành khác nhau
• Chuẩn bị chi tiết về từng người: công việc, phẩm chất, ví dụ cụ thể
• Luyện tập kể về mỗi người với góc độ khác nhau

2. Mở rộng vocabulary theo chủ đề:

• Học từ vựng theo semantic fields (work qualities, job types, workplace scenarios)
• Không chỉ học từ riêng lẻ mà học collocations và phrases
• Thực hành sử dụng trong câu hoàn chỉnh

3. Luyện tập structure:

• Part 1: Practice 2-3 sentence responses with reason + example
• Part 2: Tập nói đủ 2 phút với structure rõ ràng
• Part 3: Practice developing ideas với multiple perspectives

Trong phòng thi

Part 1 – Chiến thuật:

• Trả lời tự nhiên, không cần quá formal
• Extend mỗi câu trả lời nhưng không quá dài (2-3 câu là đủ)
• Tránh học thuộc và trả lời như robot
• Nếu không hiểu câu hỏi, lịch sự hỏi lại: “Sorry, could you repeat that?”

Part 2 – Chiến thuật:

• Sử dụng hết 1 phút chuẩn bị
• Ghi chú keywords cho mỗi bullet point, không viết câu
• Bắt đầu ngay khi được phép, không cần giới thiệu dài
• Phân bổ thời gian: 30s intro → 1 phút describe (who, what job, what they do) → 1 phút explain why good
• Nếu hết ý trước 2 phút, elaborate thêm về phần “explain why” với more examples
• Kết thúc tự nhiên, không cần conclusion dài

Part 3 – Chiến thuật:

• Thinking time là okay, có thể nói “That’s an interesting question” hoặc “Let me think about that” để có thời gian suy nghĩ
• Structure mỗi answer: Direct answer → Reason/Explanation → Example → (Optional) Balanced view
• Sử dụng discourse markers để organize ideas
• Don’t be afraid to say “I’m not sure” nếu thực sự không biết, nhưng sau đó cố gắng speculate
• Show critical thinking bằng cách present multiple perspectives
• Maintain eye contact và body language tự nhiên

Những điều cần tránh

❌ Learning by heart templates: Examiner dễ dàng nhận ra và sẽ downgrade band score

❌ Using overly complex words incorrectly: Better to use simpler words correctly than advanced words incorrectly

❌ Giving one-word answers in Part 1: Always extend với reason hoặc example

❌ Going off-topic in Part 2: Stick to the cue card prompts

❌ Being too academic in speaking: IELTS Speaking tests spoken English, không phải written academic English

❌ Memorizing entire answers: Flexibility và naturalness quan trọng hơn

❌ Panicking when you don’t know a word: Use paraphrasing or explanation instead

❌ Speaking too fast: Clarity và coherence quan trọng hơn speed

Lời khuyên từ Examiner

💡 Về Fluency:

• Natural hesitation là okay (um, well, let me see)
• Nhưng avoid repetitive hesitation hoặc long pauses
• Better to keep talking với simpler language than to stop completely

💡 Về Vocabulary:

• Use topic-specific vocabulary naturally, không force nó vào
• Paraphrase khi có thể thay vì repeat cùng một từ
• Collocations (word partnerships) ấn tượng hơn individual difficult words

💡 Về Grammar:

• Variety quan trọng hơn complexity
• Một vài minor errors là acceptable ở Band 8
• Prioritize accuracy over showing off với structures bạn không chắc

💡 Về Pronunciation:

• Word stress và sentence stress quan trọng hơn perfect accent
• Speak clearly, không cần nói với British hoặc American accent
• Intonation helps convey meaning và enthusiasm

Practice Schedule đề xuất

2-3 tháng trước thi:

• Daily: 15 phút practice vocabulary với flashcards
• 3 lần/tuần: Record yourself answering Part 2 questions (2-3 phút each)
• 2 lần/tuần: Practice Part 3 discussions với study partner hoặc tutor

1 tháng trước thi:

• 4-5 lần/tuần: Full mock tests (all 3 parts)
• Daily: Listen to English podcasts/watch interviews để improve fluency
• Review và analyze recorded practices để identify weaknesses

1 tuần trước thi:

• 2-3 full mock tests trong timed conditions
• Review common topics và vocabulary
• Practice staying calm và managing timing
• Get adequate sleep – rest là crucial cho speaking performance

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Kết luận

Chủ đề “Describe a person who is good at their job” là một trong những đề tài phổ biến và thực tế nhất trong IELTS Speaking. Để đạt điểm cao, bạn cần kết hợp nhiều yếu tố: vocabulary phong phú và chính xác, grammar structures đa dạng, ideas sâu sắc và có tính phân tích, cùng với delivery tự nhiên và tự tin.

Hãy nhớ rằng IELTS Speaking không chỉ đơn thuần là test về ngôn ngữ mà còn là đánh giá khả năng communicate effectively. Examiner muốn thấy bạn có thể express ideas clearly, develop arguments logically, và engage trong meaningful discussion. Practice thường xuyên với real topics, record và analyze performance của mình, và tìm feedback từ experienced teachers hoặc study partners.

Đừng quá lo lắng về việc đạt được “perfect” answer. Ngay cả native speakers cũng hesitate, pause, và self-correct khi nói. Điều quan trọng là demonstrate your ability to communicate effectively và showcase your English proficiency một cách tự nhiên nhất có thể.

Chúc bạn tự tin và thành công trong kỳ thi IELTS Speaking! Remember: preparation breeds confidence, và confidence shows in your performance.