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

Trong các kỳ thi IELTS Speaking gần đây, chủ đề về quản lý thời gian đang trở thành một trong những đề tài phổ biến nhất, đặc biệt là câu hỏi “Describe A Person Who Is Very Good At Managing Their Time”. Chủ đề này không chỉ xuất hiện thường xuyên ở Part 2 mà còn mở rộng sang cả Part 1 và Part 3 với các góc độ khác nhau về time management, productivity và work-life balance.

Theo thống kê từ các đề thi thực tế, chủ đề này xuất hiện với tần suất cao trong các kỳ thi từ 2022 đến 2024, đặc biệt tại các trung tâm thi ở Việt Nam, Trung Quốc và các quốc gia châu Á. Khả năng xuất hiện trong tương lai được đánh giá ở mức Cao, do tính thực tiễn và liên quan đến cuộc sống hiện đại.

Bài viết này sẽ cung cấp cho bạn một lộ trình hoàn chỉnh để chinh phục chủ đề này, bao gồm: phân tích chi tiết các câu hỏi thường gặp trong cả 3 Part; bài mẫu theo nhiều band điểm từ 6-7, 7.5-8 đến 8.5-9 với phân tích sâu sắc; kho từ vựng và cụm từ ăn điểm được native speakers sử dụng; chiến lược trả lời hiệu quả từ góc nhìn Examiner; và những lỗi phổ biến mà học viên Việt Nam thường mắc phải kèm cách khắc phục cụ thể.

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 bạn sẽ trả lời các câu hỏi ngắn về cuộc sống hàng ngày, sở thích cá nhân và các chủ đề quen thuộc. Đặc điểm chính của phần này là câu hỏi không quá phức tạp, nhưng yêu cầu bạn phải mở rộng câu trả lời một cách tự nhiên.

Chiến lược hiệu quả nhất cho Part 1 là trả lời theo công thức: Direct Answer + Reason/Explanation + Example (2-3 câu). Nhiều học viên Việt Nam thường mắc lỗi trả lời quá ngắn gọn chỉ với “Yes” hoặc “No”, hoặc dùng từ vựng quá đơn giản như “good”, “bad”, “like”, “don’t like”. Một lỗi phổ biến khác là thiếu ví dụ cụ thể từ kinh nghiệm bản thân, khiến câu trả lời nghe rất chung chung và thiếu sức thuyết phục.

Các Câu Hỏi Thường Gặp

Dưới đây là các câu hỏi thực tế về time management thường xuất hiện trong Part 1:

Question 1: Are you good at managing your time?

Question 2: How do you usually plan your day?

Question 3: Do you think it’s important to be organized?

Question 4: What do you do when you have a lot of tasks to complete?

Question 5: Do you prefer to do things at the last minute or plan ahead?

Question 6: Have you ever been late for something important?

Question 7: Do you use any apps or tools to help you manage your time?

Question 8: How do you balance your work/study and personal life?

Question 9: What time of day are you most productive?

Question 10: Do you think young people today are good at time management?

Phân Tích và Gợi Ý Trả Lời Chi Tiết

Question: Are you good at managing your time?

🎯 Cách tiếp cận:

• Trả lời trực tiếp có hay không (nhưng nên trung thực, có thể nói “fairly good” hoặc “still improving”)
• Đưa ra lý do hoặc ví dụ cụ thể
• Có thể đề cập đến phương pháp bạn sử dụng

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

“Well, I think I’m quite good at managing my time. I usually make a to-do list every morning to organize my tasks. This helps me remember what I need to do and I can finish my work on time.”

Phân tích:

• Điểm mạnh: Câu trả lời rõ ràng, có đưa ra phương pháp cụ thể (to-do list), cấu trúc câu đơn giản nhưng chính xác.
• Hạn chế: Từ vựng còn basic (quite good, remember, finish), thiếu chi tiết về HOW exactly việc lập danh sách giúp ích, chưa có ví dụ cụ thể.
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Đáp ứng được yêu cầu cơ bản, ngữ pháp chính xác nhưng từ vựng chưa impressive, ý tưởng còn surface-level.

📝 Sample Answer – Band 8-9:

“I’d say I’m reasonably proficient at time management, though there’s always room for improvement. I’ve developed a habit of prioritizing tasks using the Eisenhower Matrix, which helps me distinguish between what’s urgent and what’s genuinely important. For instance, I allocate specific time blocks for deep work in the morning when my concentration peaks, and I reserve afternoons for less demanding tasks like responding to emails.”

Phân tích:

• Điểm mạnh: Từ vựng sophisticated (reasonably proficient, prioritizing, allocate, concentration peaks), cấu trúc câu phức tạp với relative clause, đưa ra phương pháp cụ thể (Eisenhower Matrix) và ví dụ chi tiết về cách áp dụng.
• Tại sao Band 8-9:
  • Fluency: Câu trả lời tự nhiên, liên kết mượt mà
  • Vocabulary: Dùng collocations chính xác (time blocks, deep work), paraphrasing tốt (good at → proficient at)
  • Grammar: Complex sentences, present perfect for experience
  • Ideas: Thể hiện suy nghĩ sâu sắc về self-awareness (always room for improvement)

💡 Key Vocabulary & Expressions:

• reasonably proficient: khá thành thạo, giỏi ở mức độ hợp lý
• prioritizing tasks: sắp xếp ưu tiên công việc
• allocate time blocks: phân bổ khung giờ cụ thể
• concentration peaks: lúc tập trung cao nhất
• deep work: công việc đòi hỏi tập trung cao độ

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Question: How do you usually plan your day?

🎯 Cách tiếp cận:

• Mô tả routine cụ thể của bạn
• Đề cập đến tools/methods bạn sử dụng
• Có thể nói về when và how bạn làm việc này

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

“Every evening, I spend about 10 minutes planning for the next day. I write down all the things I need to do in my notebook. Then I organize them by importance. This simple method works well for me.”

Phân tích:

• Điểm mạnh: Có timeline cụ thể (every evening, 10 minutes), process rõ ràng (write down → organize), đánh giá hiệu quả (works well).
• Hạn chế: Từ vựng basic (things I need to do, write down, organize), chưa đủ chi tiết về cách organize by importance, thiếu variety trong sentence structure.
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Trả lời đầy đủ câu hỏi với chronology logic nhưng thiếu sophistication trong vocabulary và grammatical range.

📝 Sample Answer – Band 8-9:

“I’m quite methodical about daily planning. Each evening, I conduct what I call a ‘10-minute reset‘ where I review what I’ve accomplished that day and map out my priorities for tomorrow. I typically categorize tasks into three tiers – non-negotiables like deadlines, high-impact activities that move my goals forward, and flexible tasks that can be shifted if needed. I also build in buffer time between appointments because, realistically, things rarely go exactly as planned.”

Phân tích:

• Điểm mạnh: Vocabulary rất natural và sophisticated (methodical, 10-minute reset, map out, non-negotiables, buffer time), cấu trúc câu đa dạng với relative clause và present simple for routines, ý tưởng mature (thừa nhận reality về flexibility).
• Tại sao Band 8-9:
  • Fluency: Linking tự nhiên (Each evening, I typically, I also), không hesitation
  • Vocabulary: Topic-specific terms (categorize, tiers, high-impact activities), idiomatic (things rarely go exactly as planned)
  • Grammar: Mix of simple and complex structures, adverbs (quite, typically, realistically)
  • Ideas: Shows reflection và practical wisdom (build in buffer time)

💡 Key Vocabulary & Expressions:

• methodical: có phương pháp, bài bản
• 10-minute reset: khoảng thời gian 10 phút để thiết lập lại
• map out priorities: vạch ra các ưu tiên
• non-negotiables: những việc không thể thương lượng, bắt buộc phải làm
• high-impact activities: hoạt động có tác động lớn
• build in buffer time: dành ra thời gian đệm

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Question: What do you do when you have a lot of tasks to complete?

🎯 Cách tiếp cận:

• Mô tả cách bạn handle pressure và workload
• Đưa ra strategies cụ thể
• Có thể đề cập đến feelings và cách cope

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

“When I have many tasks, I feel stressed at first. But then I try to stay calm and make a list of everything. I start with the most important tasks first and do easier ones later. Sometimes I ask my friends or colleagues for help if I really can’t finish everything alone.”

Phân tích:

• Điểm mạnh: Thành thật về emotions (feel stressed), có process (make list → prioritize → do tasks → ask for help), realistic về việc cần help.
• Hạn chế: Vocabulary repetitive (tasks, important, easier), phrase “really can’t finish” chưa formal, thiếu detail về HOW exactly bạn prioritize.
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Câu trả lời logical và complete nhưng language còn basic, chưa demonstrate wide vocabulary range.

📝 Sample Answer – Band 8-9:

“When I’m swamped with tasks, my first instinct used to be panic, but I’ve learned to take a strategic approach. I start by conducting a quick audit of everything on my plate, then I ruthlessly prioritize using the ‘2-minute rule‘ – if something takes less than two minutes, I do it immediately to clear mental clutter. For larger tasks, I break them down into manageable chunks and tackle them sequentially. If I’m genuinely overwhelmed, I’m not afraid to delegate or renegotiate deadlines – I’ve found that proactive communication is far better than delivering subpar work due to spreading myself too thin.”

Phân tích:

• Điểm mạnh:
  • Vocabulary exceptional (swamped with, ruthlessly prioritize, mental clutter, manageable chunks, subpar work, spreading myself too thin)
  • Cấu trúc varied (conditional, present perfect for learning, passive constructions)
  • Ý tưởng mature (thừa nhận evolution from panic, realistic về limitations, professional về communication)
  • Natural discourse markers (but, then, if)
• Tại sao Band 8-9:
  • Fluency: Coherent progression of ideas với smooth transitions
  • Vocabulary: Idiomatic expressions used appropriately, precise word choice
  • Grammar: Mix of tenses showing reflection (used to be, I’ve learned, I’ve found)
  • Ideas: Demonstrates growth mindset và professional maturity

💡 Key Vocabulary & Expressions:

• swamped with tasks: ngập đầu trong công việc
• take a strategic approach: có cách tiếp cận chiến lược
• conduct a quick audit: đánh giá nhanh tình hình
• ruthlessly prioritize: ưu tiên một cách quyết đoán
• clear mental clutter: làm sạch sự lộn xộn trong đầu
• break down into manageable chunks: chia nhỏ thành các phần có thể quản lý được
• tackle sequentially: giải quyết tuần tự
• delegate: ủy quyền, giao việc
• renegotiate deadlines: thương lượng lại thời hạn
• subpar work: công việc dưới mức chuẩn
• spreading myself too thin: làm quá nhiều việc dẫn đến không hiệu quả

Học viên đang luyện tập IELTS Speaking chủ đề quản lý thời gian với giáo viên tại lớp học

IELTS Speaking Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)

Tổng Quan Về Part 2

Part 2 là phần quan trọng nhất trong IELTS Speaking, kéo dài 3-4 phút bao gồm 1 phút chuẩn bị và 2-3 phút nói liên tục. Đây là lúc bạn cần thể hiện khả năng duy trì một độc thoại mạch lạc về một chủ đề cụ thể mà không bị ngắt quãng.

Chiến lược hiệu quả nhất là sử dụng hết 1 phút chuẩn bị để ghi chú keywords theo các bullet points, KHÔNG viết câu đầy đủ. Bạn cần nói tối thiểu 1.5 phút nhưng lý tưởng là 2 phút đầy đủ. Đảm bảo cover đầy đủ tất cả bullet points trong đề bài. Nếu đề hỏi về quá khứ, hãy dùng thì quá khứ consistently.

Các lỗi thường gặp của học viên Việt Nam bao gồm: không tận dụng hết thời gian chuẩn bị nên nói bị ngắt quãng; nói quá ngắn (dưới 1.5 phút) vì sợ hết ý; bỏ sót một hoặc nhiều bullet points; và nhầm lẫn thì động từ đặc biệt khi kể về sự kiện quá khứ.

Cue Card

Describe a person who is very good at managing their time

You should say:

• Who this person is
• How you know this person
• What this person does to manage their time well
• And explain why you think this person is good at time management

Phân Tích Đề Bài

• Dạng câu hỏi: Describe a person – yêu cầu mô tả về một người cụ thể
• Thì động từ: Hiện tại đơn (vì nói về người vẫn đang có thói quen này) hoặc quá khứ đơn (nếu bạn kể về thời điểm trong quá khứ)
• Bullet points phải cover:
  • Who: Giới thiệu người này là ai, mối quan hệ với bạn
  • How you know: Kể về hoàn cảnh làm quen, bao lâu rồi
  • What this person does: ĐÂY LÀ PHẦN QUAN TRỌNG NHẤT – chi tiết cụ thể về methods, habits, strategies họ dùng
  • Why you think: Kết quả, tác động, bằng chứng cho thấy họ giỏi quản lý thời gian
• Câu “explain” quan trọng: Phần cuối “why you think” chiếm 30-40% bài nói. Đây là nơi bạn demonstrate critical thinking bằng cách phân tích results, impacts, và personal reflection. Band 8-9 answers thường có insights sâu sắc ở phần này.

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7

Thời lượng: Khoảng 1.5-2 phút

“I’d like to talk about my older sister, who is really good at managing her time. Her name is Minh, and she’s 28 years old. I’ve known her all my life, of course, because we grew up together in the same house.

Minh is a project manager at a software company, and she also studies for a master’s degree in the evening. Despite having a busy schedule, she always seems to have everything under control. She uses several methods to manage her time effectively.

First, she always plans her week every Sunday evening. She writes down all her tasks in a planner and decides which ones are most important. Second, she wakes up very early, usually at 5:30 AM, to exercise before going to work. She says this gives her energy for the whole day. Third, she never wastes time on her phone. She only checks social media for 15 minutes during lunch break.

I think she’s good at time management because she can balance work, study, and personal life successfully. She never misses deadlines at work, she’s getting good grades in her master’s program, and she still has time to meet friends on weekends. Whenever I ask her to hang out, she always knows if she’s free or not because she plans everything in advance. She’s very organized and disciplined, which helps her achieve her goals.

I really admire her ability to manage time, and I try to learn from her example.”

Phân Tích Band Điểm

Tiêu chí	Band	Nhận xét
Fluency & Coherence	6-7	Bài nói mạch lạc với sequencing rõ ràng (First, Second, Third). Có một số hesitation phrases (really, of course). Linking words basic nhưng effective.
Lexical Resource	6-7	Vocabulary adequate (under control, effectively, balance, disciplined) nhưng chưa sophisticated. Có một số collocations tốt (miss deadlines, in advance) nhưng còn nhiều từ common (really good, busy schedule, waste time).
Grammatical Range & Accuracy	6-7	Mix of simple và complex sentences. Có relative clauses (which helps her achieve). Thì động từ accurate. Nhưng chưa có nhiều variety trong structures.
Pronunciation	6-7	Giả định clear pronunciation với intonation tự nhiên, không ảnh hưởng communication.

Điểm mạnh:

• ✅ Cover đầy đủ tất cả bullet points một cách logic
• ✅ Có ví dụ cụ thể (wake up at 5:30, 15 minutes social media)
• ✅ Structure rõ ràng với discourse markers
• ✅ Personal connection genuine (my sister, I admire her)

Hạn chế:

• ⚠️ Vocabulary còn trong comfort zone, thiếu less common expressions
• ⚠️ Phần “explain why” chưa đủ deep – chỉ list results chứ chưa analyze why those methods work
• ⚠️ Grammatical structures chưa đủ ambitious (ít inversions, conditionals phức tạp)

📝 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 time management. We worked together at a marketing agency for about two years, and I was constantly impressed by his ability to juggle multiple projects without ever appearing stressed or overwhelmed.

David was a senior marketing strategist, which meant he was simultaneously handling around five to six client accounts, each with different deadlines and requirements. What made him stand out was his systematic approach to organizing his workload.

First and foremost, David was a firm believer in what he called ‘time blocking.’ He would allocate specific time slots for different types of activities – mornings were reserved for creative work that required deep concentration, while afternoons were for meetings and collaborative tasks. He also maintained a ‘not-to-do list‘ alongside his regular to-do list, which I found fascinating. This helped him identify and eliminate time-wasting activities.

Another thing that set him apart was his ability to say no. Unlike many people who overcommit themselves, David was very selective about which projects he took on. He once told me that saying no to good opportunities allows you to say yes to great ones.

I believe David excels at time management because he’s mastered the art of prioritization. He understands that being busy doesn’t equal being productive. I’ve witnessed him deliver exceptional results consistently, while still leaving the office at a reasonable hour and maintaining a healthy work-life balance. His strategic thinking and self-discipline have not only made him successful professionally but also allowed him to pursue personal interests like marathon running and learning Japanese.

What I find most admirable is that his approach isn’t about cramming more into each day, but rather about being intentional with his time and energy. He’s taught me that effective time management is really about knowing your priorities and having the courage to protect them.”

Phân Tích Band Điểm

Tiêu chí	Band	Nhận xét
Fluency & Coherence	7.5-8	Smooth flow với sophisticated linking (First and foremost, Another thing that, What I find most admirable). Ít hesitation. Ideas progress logically từ description → methods → analysis.
Lexical Resource	7.5-8	Wide range of vocabulary (exceptionally skilled, juggle multiple projects, firm believer in, overcommit themselves). Good collocations (deliver exceptional results, maintain balance). Some less common phrases (set him apart, mastered the art of).
Grammatical Range & Accuracy	7.5-8	Variety of complex structures (relative clauses, passive voice, conditionals). Accurate use of tenses. Some sophisticated constructions (Unlike many people who…, saying no to good opportunities allows…).
Pronunciation	7.5-8	Giả định pronunciation clear với good stress và intonation, pronunciation features hiệu quả.

So Sánh Với Band 6-7

Khía cạnh	Band 6-7	Band 7.5-8
Vocabulary	“really good at managing time”	“exceptionally skilled at time management”
Grammar	“She uses several methods to manage her time”	“What made him stand out was his systematic approach to organizing his workload” (cleft sentence)
Ideas	List methods + results	Methods + WHY they work + deeper insights về philosophy
Depth	“She’s very organized”	“His approach isn’t about cramming more into each day, but rather about being intentional”

📝 Sample Answer – Band 8.5-9

Thời lượng: 2.5-3 phút đầy đủ

“I’d like to talk about my mentor, Dr. Nguyen, who epitomizes what it means to be masterful at time management. She’s a renowned cardiologist at one of Vietnam’s leading hospitals, and I had the privilege of working under her supervision during my internship about three years ago.

What makes Dr. Nguyen’s situation particularly remarkable is the sheer magnitude of responsibilities she shoulders. She oversees a team of junior doctors, conducts medical research, lectures at the university, and still maintains an active clinical practice seeing patients daily. Yet paradoxically, she’s one of the calmest and most centered people I’ve ever encountered – you’d never guess she’s perpetually juggling such a demanding workload.

Her approach to time management is nothing short of brilliant. At the core of her system is what she calls ‘ruthless prioritization.’ She’s internalized the principle that not all tasks carry equal weight, and she has an uncanny ability to distinguish between what’s urgent and what’s genuinely important. For instance, she delegates routine administrative tasks without hesitation, reserving her personal attention for complex medical cases and mentorship activities that leverage her unique expertise.

What’s particularly fascinating is her ‘energy management‘ philosophy rather than just time management. She structures her day around her natural energy rhythms – performing high-stakes surgeries during her peak hours in the morning, and scheduling less cognitively demanding tasks like paperwork when her energy naturally dips in the afternoon. She also practices what psychologists call ‘strategic renewal‘ – taking short breaks to recharge rather than powering through exhaustion, which ironically makes her more productive in the long run.

I believe she’s extraordinarily effective at time management for several interconnected reasons. Firstly, she has remarkable clarity about her core values and long-term objectives, which serves as a compass for daily decisions. She once told me that every commitment should either align with her mission to advance cardiac care or enrich her personal wellbeing – if it doesn’t meet either criterion, she graciously declines. Secondly, she’s eliminated decision fatigue by establishing routines for mundane choices – she follows the same morning routine, wears similar outfits to work, and eats consistent meals. This frees up cognitive bandwidth for decisions that truly matter.

Beyond the practical techniques, what sets her apart is her philosophical outlook. She views time not as something to be conquered or filled but as a finite resource to be invested wisely. She’s taught me that saying yes to everything is essentially saying no to what matters most. Her ability to maintain boundaries and protect her time has paradoxically made her more available for the things that genuinely warrant her attention.

The proof of her effectiveness is undeniable – she’s published over fifty research papers, mentored dozens of successful doctors, and still manages to be fully present at family dinners. More importantly, she radiates a sense of purpose and fulfillment that’s rare among high achievers. She’s living proof that effective time management isn’t about doing more – it’s about doing what matters with intention and excellence.”

Phân Tích Band Điểm

Tiêu chí	Band	Nhận xét
Fluency & Coherence	8.5-9	Exceptional fluency với sophisticated discourse markers (What’s particularly fascinating, Firstly, Beyond the practical techniques). Ideas development coherent và complex. Natural progression từ description → methods → philosophy → impact. Zero hesitation.
Lexical Resource	8.5-9	Exceptional range với precise word choice (epitomizes, magnitude of responsibilities, uncanny ability, cognitive bandwidth). Idiomatic usage natural (nothing short of brilliant, ironically). Sophisticated collocations throughout (shoulders responsibilities, dips in energy, radiates fulfillment).
Grammatical Range & Accuracy	8.5-9	Full range of structures used naturally và accurately: cleft sentences (What’s particularly fascinating is…), inversion (Not only does she…), participle clauses (reserving her personal attention…), complex conditionals. Perfect control.
Pronunciation	8.5-9	Giả định pronunciation features được sử dụng skillfully để enhance meaning, effortless communication.

Tại Sao Bài Này Xuất Sắc

🎯 Fluency Hoàn Hảo:

• Bài nói flow tự nhiên như một câu chuyện, không có hesitation hay repetition không cần thiết. Các ý được develop fully trước khi chuyển sang ý tiếp theo.

📚 Vocabulary Tinh Vi:

• Ví dụ: “epitomizes what it means to be masterful” thay vì “is very good at” – demonstrates precise word choice
• “paradoxically” được dùng hai lần để show contrast một cách sophisticated
• “cognitive bandwidth” – technical term được dùng appropriately trong context
• “decision fatigue” – contemporary psychological concept
• “strategic renewal” – business jargon used naturally

📝 Grammar Đa Dạng:

• Ví dụ: “Yet paradoxically, she’s one of the calmest and most centered people I’ve ever encountered” – superlative + present perfect + relative clause
• “She once told me that every commitment should either align with her mission… or enrich her personal wellbeing” – reported speech + parallel structure
• “Saying yes to everything is essentially saying no to what matters most” – gerund as subject + philosophical insight

💡 Ideas Sâu Sắc:

• Không chỉ describe WHAT the person does mà còn analyze WHY và HOW it works
• Đưa ra philosophical dimensions: “energy management vs time management”, “time as finite resource to be invested”
• Shows critical thinking: “Paradoxically made her more available” – understanding complexity
• Personal growth: “She’s taught me that…” – reflection và learning

Ghi chú chuẩn bị IELTS Speaking Part 2 về người giỏi quản lý thời gian trên giấy

Follow-up Questions (Rounding Off Questions)

Examiner có thể hỏi thêm 1-2 câu ngắn sau Part 2 trước khi chuyển sang Part 3. Đây là những câu hỏi để “làm mềm” sự chuyển đổi, thường liên quan trực tiếp đến người/sự việc bạn vừa miêu tả.

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

Band 6-7 Answer:
“Yes, I do. We message each other occasionally to catch up, maybe once or twice a month. I always enjoy hearing about what she’s working on.”

Band 8-9 Answer:
“Yes, we’ve maintained regular contact actually. We touch base every few weeks, usually over coffee or video calls. She’s become not just a mentor but also a good friend, and I still turn to her for advice whenever I’m grappling with work-life balance issues.”

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Question 2: Have you tried to learn any of their time management techniques yourself?

Band 6-7 Answer:
“Yes, I have. I started waking up earlier like she does, and I also try to plan my week in advance. It’s helped me become more organized.”

Band 8-9 Answer:
“Absolutely. I’ve adopted several of her strategies, particularly the concept of energy management. I now schedule my most demanding tasks during my peak productive hours and I’ve become much more deliberate about protecting my time. I can’t say I’ve perfected it yet, but I’ve definitely seen tangible improvements in my productivity and overall wellbeing.”

IELTS Speaking Part 3: Two-way Discussion

Tổng Quan Về Part 3

Part 3 là phần thách thức nhất trong IELTS Speaking, kéo dài 4-5 phút với các câu hỏi thảo luận trừu tượng và sâu sắc hơn nhiều so với Part 1 và 2. Examiner sẽ hỏi về những vấn đề rộng lớn hơn liên quan đến chủ đề bạn vừa nói trong Part 2.

Yêu cầu của Part 3 là phải analyze, compare, evaluate và speculate về các vấn đề xã hội. Bạn cần đưa ra quan điểm cá nhân có lý lẽ rõ ràng, xem xét nhiều góc độ của vấn đề, và thể hiện khả năng tư duy phản biện.

Chiến lược hiệu quả là mở rộng câu trả lời với 3-5 câu, không chỉ trả lời Yes/No. Sử dụng discourse markers để tổ chức ý (Well, Actually, On the one hand…). Đưa ra examples từ xã hội, không chỉ từ kinh nghiệm cá nhân. Thừa nhận complexity của vấn đề thay vì đưa ra câu trả lời quá đơn giản.

Các lỗi phổ biến của học viên Việt Nam trong Part 3 bao gồm: trả lời quá ngắn gọn, thiếu phân tích chiều sâu; không đưa ra lý lẽ rõ ràng để support quan điểm; thiếu từ vựng trừu tượng để discuss complex topics; không acknowledge different perspectives; và nói quá general mà không có examples cụ thể.

Các Câu Hỏi Thảo Luận Sâu

Các câu hỏi Part 3 thường được phân thành các themes khác nhau, mỗi theme explore một góc độ của chủ đề time management.

Theme 1: Time Management and Modern Life

Question 1: Why do you think time management has become more important in modern society?

🎯 Phân tích câu hỏi:

• Dạng: Cause-Effect + Opinion (Why + do you think)
• Key words: time management, become more important, modern society
• Cách tiếp cận: Direct answer (nêu rõ có important hơn không) → List 2-3 reasons → Examples from modern life → Optional: mention consequences

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

“I think time management is more important now because modern life is busier than before. People have to work longer hours and they also have many other responsibilities like taking care of family. Also, technology makes us always connected to work through emails and messages, so it’s harder to separate work time and personal time. If people don’t manage their time well, they will feel very stressed and tired.”

Phân tích:

• Structure: Có opinion rõ ràng → reasons (work, responsibilities, technology) → consequence (stress) – logical progression
• Vocabulary: Adequate nhưng basic (busier, longer hours, stressed and tired), thiếu sophisticated terms
• Grammar: Mix of simple và complex sentences nhưng chưa đủ variety
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Đáp ứng yêu cầu với reasons và consequence nhưng thiếu depth và sophistication trong language

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📝 Sample Answer – Band 8-9:

“Well, I’d argue that time management has become increasingly critical in modern society for several interconnected reasons. Firstly, we’re living in what’s often called the ‘age of distraction‘ – with constant digital interruptions from smartphones, social media, and round-the-clock connectivity, our attention is being perpetually fragmented. Unlike previous generations who might have had clearly delineated work hours, many professionals today are expected to be accessible at all times, which blurs the boundaries between work and personal life.

Moreover, the pace of modern life has accelerated dramatically. We’re dealing with information overload and an ever-expanding array of choices in every aspect of life, from career paths to entertainment options. This abundance of possibilities, while liberating in some ways, also creates decision fatigue and the constant fear of missing out. Without effective time management, people can easily feel overwhelmed and directionless.

I’d also point out that there’s been a cultural shift toward valuing productivity and achievement. Society increasingly equates busyness with importance, which ironically can lead people to fill their schedules without actually accomplishing meaningful goals. Paradoxically, those who master time management are often the ones who understand that productivity isn’t about doing more, but about doing what matters most.”

Phân tích:

• Structure: Well-organized với clear progression: Direct answer → Reason 1 (digital distraction) + example → Reason 2 (pace of life) + explanation → Reason 3 (cultural shift) + nuanced observation
• Vocabulary: Sophisticated và precise (perpetually fragmented, clearly delineated, decision fatigue, equates busyness with importance)
• Grammar: Complex structures: passive voice (are being fragmented), relative clauses (who master time management), conditionals
• Critical Thinking: Shows nuanced understanding với contradictions (abundance creates fatigue, busyness vs productivity) và historical comparison
• Discourse markers: Natural flow với Well, Firstly, Moreover, I’d also point out, Paradoxically

💡 Key Language Features:

• Discourse markers: Well (khi bắt đầu suy nghĩ), Firstly, Moreover (thêm ý), I’d also point out (nhấn mạnh), Paradoxically (chỉ sự mâu thuẫn)
• Tentative language: I’d argue (tôi cho rằng), often called (thường được gọi là), can lead people to (có thể dẫn đến)
• Abstract nouns: abundance (sự dồi dào), decision fatigue (sự mệt mỏi trong quyết định), connectivity (tính kết nối), boundaries (ranh giới)

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Question 2: Do you think schools should teach children about time management?

🎯 Phân tích câu hỏi:

• Dạng: Opinion (Do you think) + Should question
• Key words: schools, teach, children, time management
• Cách tiếp cận: Yes/No clearly stated → Reasons why → Benefits → Possible challenges/how to implement

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

“Yes, I definitely think schools should teach time management to children. It’s an important skill that they will need for their whole life, not just for school. If children learn to manage their time from a young age, they will be better at organizing their homework and other activities. This will help them become more successful in the future. Teachers could teach this by giving students project work where they need to plan their time to finish it.”

Phân tích:

• Structure: Clear Yes → reason (important skill) → benefit (organize homework) → consequence (success) → implementation suggestion
• Vocabulary: Basic and repetitive (important, organize, successful)
• Ideas: Reasonable nhưng surface-level, thiếu specific examples hoặc acknowledge potential challenges
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Adequate response nhưng thiếu depth và sophistication

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📝 Sample Answer – Band 8.5-9:

“Absolutely, I believe this should be a fundamental component of the curriculum, though it’s surprisingly overlooked in most educational systems. The earlier children develop these skills, the better equipped they’ll be to navigate not just academic challenges but life in general.

The rationale is quite compelling. We’re essentially preparing young people for a world that demands multitasking and self-direction, yet we rarely explicitly teach them how to prioritize tasks, estimate time requirements, or balance competing demands. In my view, time management is as foundational as literacy or numeracy – it’s a meta-skill that underpins success across all domains.

What’s crucial, however, is how it’s taught. It shouldn’t be a standalone theoretical class, but rather integrated into the existing curriculum. For instance, teachers could incorporate project-based learning where students must break down larger assignments into manageable milestones and adhere to self-imposed deadlines. They could also introduce simple tools like planning matrices or time-tracking apps that make the concept tangible rather than abstract.

That said, there’s a caveat. We need to be mindful that we’re teaching healthy time management, not just relentless productivity. Children should learn to allocate time for rest and play, not just maximize output. The goal is to cultivate self-awareness and balance, not to create stressed perfectionists who equate their worth with their productivity.”

Phân tích:

• Structure: Strong opinion → compelling rationale với comparison → How to implement với examples → Important caveat showing balanced thinking
• Vocabulary: Exceptional range (overlooked, compelling, meta-skill, underpins, milestones, tangible, caveat, relentless, cultivate)
• Grammar: Advanced structures: conditional (The earlier… the better), passive constructions, relative clauses, cleft sentences (What’s crucial is…)
• Critical Thinking: Shows sophistication bằng cách not just support idea nhưng cũng acknowledge potential pitfalls (stressed perfectionists), balanced view

💡 Key Language Features:

• Emphatic expressions: Absolutely, surprisingly overlooked, quite compelling, What’s crucial
• Hedging/Tentative language: In my view, That said, should be mindful that
• Abstract vocabulary: rationale, meta-skill, domains, caveat, self-awareness

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Theme 2: Technology and Time Management

Question 1: How has technology affected the way people manage their time?

🎯 Phân tích câu hỏi:

• Dạng: Cause-Effect (How has… affected)
• Key words: technology, affected, manage time
• Cách tiếp cận: Acknowledge complexity → Positive effects + examples → Negative effects + examples → Balanced conclusion

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

“Technology has changed time management in both good and bad ways. On the positive side, there are many apps and tools that help people organize their schedules, like Google Calendar or reminder apps. These make it easier to remember appointments and deadlines. However, technology also wastes a lot of time. Many people spend hours on social media without realizing it. So technology can help but it can also distract us if we don’t use it carefully.”

Phân tích:

• Structure: Balanced view với both sides → examples for each side → conclusion with condition
• Vocabulary: Basic (good and bad ways, waste time, distract us)
• Ideas: Reasonable nhưng predictable, thiếu specific examples hoặc deeper analysis
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Covers both perspectives nhưng lacks sophistication

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📝 Sample Answer – Band 8.5-9:

“This is a fascinating paradox because technology has simultaneously become our greatest asset and our biggest liability when it comes to time management. Let me elaborate.

On one hand, technology has revolutionized our ability to organize and optimize time. We have access to sophisticated productivity tools – from AI-powered scheduling assistants that can coordinate complex calendars, to time-tracking apps that provide data-driven insights into how we actually spend our hours. Cloud-based platforms enable seamless collaboration, eliminating time wasted on logistical coordination. In professional contexts, automation has freed up countless hours previously spent on repetitive tasks.

On the flip side, though, technology has created what I’d call ‘the illusion of productivity.’ We’re constantly connected, perpetually available, and bombarded with notifications that fragment our attention. Research suggests that it takes an average of 23 minutes to regain focus after an interruption, yet most people check their phones dozens of times per hour. Social media platforms are deliberately engineered to be addictive, exploiting psychological vulnerabilities to maximize engagement – which is essentially a euphemism for consuming our time.

What’s particularly insidious is that technology blurs the temporal boundaries between work and personal life. The same device that helps us manage time also ensures we’re never truly ‘off the clock.’ This always-on culture has eroded the concept of genuine downtime, which ironically makes us less productive in the long term because we never fully recharge.

I’d argue that the impact of technology ultimately depends on our digital literacy and self-regulation. Those who harness technology deliberately – using focus modes, batching notifications, and setting boundaries – can genuinely benefit. But for those who use technology reactively, it becomes a time sink rather than a tool. The challenge isn’t the technology itself, but rather cultivating the discipline to use it intentionally.”

Phân tích:

• Structure: Exceptionally organized: Acknowledges complexity → positive impacts với examples → negative impacts với research → deeper issue (boundaries) → nuanced conclusion about responsibility
• Vocabulary: Sophisticated (fascinating paradox, greatest asset/biggest liability, illusion of productivity, deliberately engineered, insidious, eroded, time sink)
• Grammar: Full range including: relative clauses, passive voice, present perfect for changes, conditionals
• Critical Thinking: Outstanding – uses research (23 minutes), acknowledges corporate design intentions, understands paradox (always-on makes us less productive), places responsibility on individual agency
• Discourse markers: Let me elaborate, On one hand, On the flip side, What’s particularly insidious, I’d argue, ultimately

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Theme 3: Work-Life Balance and Cultural Perspectives

Question 1: Do you think work-life balance is different in various cultures?

🎯 Phân tích câu hỏi:

• Dạng: Opinion (Do you think) + Compare-Contrast
• Key words: work-life balance, different, various cultures
• Cách tiếp cận: Yes/No + general statement → Example culture 1 → Example culture 2 → Reasons for differences → Impact

📝 Sample Answer – Band 7-8:

“Yes, definitely. Work-life balance varies significantly across cultures. For example, in Northern European countries like Denmark or Sweden, there’s a strong emphasis on work-life balance. People typically work around 37 hours per week and it’s common for both parents to take parental leave. By contrast, in many Asian countries including Vietnam, there’s often a culture of working long hours and putting career before personal life. These differences stem from various factors including economic development, social values, and government policies. I think understanding these cultural differences is important, especially in our globalized world where people from different cultures work together.”

Phân tích:

• Structure: Clear yes → contrasting examples (Europe vs Asia) → reasons → relevance today
• Vocabulary: Good range (varies significantly, emphasis on, stem from, globalized world)
• Examples: Specific và relevant (Denmark, Sweden, parental leave)
• Tại sao Band 7-8: Well-developed response với clear comparisons và reasons, nhưng có thể deeper về consequences

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📝 Sample Answer – Band 8.5-9:

“Absolutely, and I’d go further to say that cultural attitudes toward work-life balance represent some of the most profound differences between societies. These aren’t just superficial variations but deeply rooted in historical, economic, and philosophical traditions.

Take, for instance, the stark contrast between Nordic countries and many East Asian societies. In Scandinavia, there’s a concept called ‘lagom‘ in Swedish – roughly translating to ‘just the right amount’ – which permeates their approach to work. Legislative frameworks enshrine rights like five-week annual holidays, generous parental leave, and strict limitations on working hours. This isn’t merely government policy; it reflects a cultural consensus that human flourishing requires time for family, leisure, and civic engagement.

Contrast this with the ‘996 culture‘ that’s been prevalent in parts of China and other rapidly developing Asian economies – working from 9 AM to 9 PM, six days a week. In these contexts, dedication to work is often equated with loyalty and ambition. There’s also the Japanese concept of ‘karoshi‘ – literally ‘death from overwork‘ – which, tragically, has entered their cultural lexicon because it’s sufficiently common to require a specific term.

These differences arise from multiple factors. Economically, societies at different developmental stages may prioritize growth over balance. Culturally, collectivist societies might emphasize group harmony and organizational loyalty over individual wellbeing. Historically, Protestant work ethics in the West evolved differently from Confucian traditions in the East.

What’s intriguing is that we’re seeing some convergence as globalization and generational shifts challenge traditional attitudes. Younger workers in Asia are increasingly questioning extreme work cultures, while some Western companies are grappling with ‘hustle culture‘ imported from Silicon Valley. The pandemic has also been a catalyst, forcing a global rethinking of where and how we work.

Ultimately, I believe there’s no ‘one-size-fits-all‘ approach, but we can learn from each other. The Nordic model demonstrates that robust economies and competitive businesses can coexist with strong work-life boundaries. Meanwhile, certain Asian values around dedication and continuous improvement offer valuable insights. The key is finding a sustainable balance that honors both productivity and human wellbeing.”

Phân tích:

• Structure: Exceptional organization với clear thesis → detailed contrasting examples with specific terms → multi-faceted analysis of causes → current trends → balanced conclusion
• Vocabulary: Exceptional range (profound differences, permeates, enshrine, equated with, karoshi, convergence, catalyst, one-size-fits-all)
• Grammar: Full range: cleft sentences (What’s intriguing is…), passive constructions, complex conditionals, present perfect for changes
• Critical Thinking: Outstanding depth – uses cultural concepts (lagom, karoshi, 996), historical perspective, acknowledges evolution và complexity, avoids oversimplification
• Examples: Highly specific và meaningful (legislative frameworks, pandemic as catalyst)

💡 Key Language Features:

• Discourse markers: Absolutely, Take for instance, Contrast this with, What’s intriguing, Ultimately
• Precise vocabulary: stark contrast (sự tương phản rõ rệt), permeates (thấm nhuần), enshrine (ghi nhận trang trọng), catalyst (chất xúc tác)
• Academic style: These differences arise from…, This reflects…, demonstrates that…

Thảo luận IELTS Speaking Part 3 về sự khác biệt văn hóa trong quản lý thời gian

Question 2: Is it possible to have a perfect work-life balance, or is it always a compromise?

🎯 Phân tích câu hỏi:

• Dạng: Opinion with two options (Is it possible… or…)
• Key words: perfect work-life balance, always a compromise
• Cách tiếp cận: State position → Define what “perfect” means → Acknowledge reality → Offer nuanced perspective

📝 Sample Answer – Band 7-8:

“I don’t think perfect work-life balance exists because ‘perfect’ means different things to different people. For some, it might mean working fewer hours, while others might find fulfillment in their careers and don’t mind working more. Also, our needs change at different life stages – a young professional might prioritize career growth, whereas someone with young children needs more family time. So I’d say it’s not about achieving perfection but rather finding what works for you at each stage of life. It requires constant adjustment and sometimes, yes, compromise is necessary.”

Phân tích:

• Structure: Clear position → explanation of subjectivity → life stage factor → reframe the question → acknowledge compromise
• Vocabulary: Adequate (fulfillment, prioritize, constant adjustment)
• Ideas: Mature perspective về subjectivity và life stages
• Tại sao Band 7-8: Well-reasoned response nhưng có thể deeper về philosophical implications

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📝 Sample Answer – Band 8.5-9:

“This is a thought-provoking question that touches on some fundamental assumptions we should challenge. I’d argue that the very notion of ‘perfect‘ work-life balance is somewhat misguided because it implies a static state that, once achieved, can be maintained indefinitely. In reality, life is inherently dynamic and our needs constantly evolve.

Rather than viewing it as a fixed destination, I prefer to think of work-life balance as an ongoing negotiation – a continuous recalibration based on our current circumstances, values, and priorities. What constitutes ‘balance’ for a 26-year-old launching a startup is radically different from what a 45-year-old parent navigating career and family responsibilities might need. Even for the same individual, the optimal balance shifts depending on life phases, health, ambitions, and external circumstances.

Moreover, I’d question the premise that work and life are opposing forces that need to be ‘balanced.’ This dichotomy stems from an outdated industrial-era model where work was physically and temporally separated from the rest of life. For many people today, especially those in creative or knowledge-based fields, work can be a source of meaning, identity, and fulfillment – it’s not merely something to be endured and counterbalanced with ‘real life.’

That said, there certainly are trade-offs and compromises. The finite nature of time means that dedicating hours to one domain necessarily limits what’s available for others. Someone climbing the corporate ladder might sacrifice leisure time; a parent choosing to work part-time might forgo certain career advancement. The question isn’t whether compromises exist – they inevitably do – but rather whether we’re making them consciously and in alignment with our authentic priorities or simply defaulting to societal expectations.

What I find most compelling is the idea of work-life integration rather than balance. Instead of compartmentalizing these domains and trying to maintain a precise equilibrium, perhaps we should aim for a life where our various roles and responsibilities complement and enrich each other rather than compete. This might mean blurring some boundaries while fiercely protecting others, depending on what matters most to you.

Ultimately, if ‘perfect‘ means a permanent state of equilibrium where everything gets equal attention and there’s never any tension, then no, it’s unattainable. But if we redefine it as consciously crafting a life that reflects our values and adapts to our changing needs – accepting that sometimes work takes precedence and other times personal life does – then it becomes not only possible but a continuous creative act rather than an elusive ideal.”

Phân tích:

• Structure: Exceptional depth với progression: Challenge the premise → Reframe the concept → Question the dichotomy → Acknowledge trade-offs → Offer alternative framework → Nuanced conclusion
• Vocabulary: Sophisticated (thought-provoking, inherently dynamic, ongoing negotiation, radically different, dichotomy, finite nature, elusive ideal)
• Grammar: Full range including: conditionals (if perfect means…), passive voice, complex relative clauses, present participles (launching, navigating, climbing)
• Critical Thinking: Outstanding – challenges assumptions, offers alternative framework (integration vs balance), acknowledges complexity without oversimplifying, philosophical depth
• Discourse markers: This is a thought-provoking question, I’d argue, Rather than, Moreover, That said, What I find most compelling, Ultimately

💡 Key Language Features:

• Questioning assumptions: “I’d question the premise that…”, “This dichotomy stems from…”
• Sophisticated framing: “Rather than viewing it as… I prefer to…”, “Instead of… perhaps we should…”
• Philosophical vocabulary: inherently dynamic, ongoing negotiation, authentic priorities, elusive ideal
• Nuanced expressions: somewhat misguided, necessarily limits, inevitably do, not only possible but…

Từ vựng và cụm từ quan trọng

Topic-Specific Vocabulary

Từ vựng/Cụm từ	Loại từ	Phiên âm	Nghĩa tiếng Việt	Ví dụ	Collocation
time management	noun phrase	/taɪm ˈmænɪdʒmənt/	quản lý thời gian	Effective time management is crucial for success.	good/poor time management, time management skills/techniques
prioritize	verb	/praɪˈɒrɪtaɪz/	ưu tiên, sắp xếp thứ tự	She knows how to prioritize urgent tasks.	prioritize tasks, prioritize effectively, learn to prioritize
allocate	verb	/ˈæləkeɪt/	phân bổ, phân chia	He allocates specific time blocks for different activities.	allocate time/resources, allocate wisely, allocate efficiently
deadline	noun	/ˈdedlaɪn/	thời hạn, hạn chót	Meeting deadlines is essential in professional settings.	meet/miss a deadline, tight deadline, extend a deadline
procrastinate	verb	/prəʊˈkræstɪneɪt/	trì hoãn, lần lửa	Many students procrastinate when faced with difficult assignments.	tend to procrastinate, stop procrastinating, procrastinate until…
productive	adjective	/prəˈdʌktɪv/	năng suất, hiệu quả	Morning is when I’m most productive.	highly productive, productive hours, productive lifestyle
efficiency	noun	/ɪˈfɪʃənsi/	hiệu suất, tính hiệu quả	Technology can improve our efficiency significantly.	improve/increase efficiency, work with efficiency, energy efficiency
work-life balance	noun phrase	/wɜːk laɪf ˈbæləns/	cân bằng giữa công việc và cuộc sống	Achieving work-life balance is challenging for many professionals.	maintain/achieve work-life balance, healthy work-life balance
multitasking	noun	/ˌmʌltiˈtɑːskɪŋ/	làm nhiều việc cùng lúc	Multitasking can reduce overall productivity.	effective multitasking, multitasking abilities, avoid multitasking
time-consuming	adjective	/taɪm kənˈsjuːmɪŋ/	tốn thời gian	Commuting to work can be very time-consuming.	time-consuming task/process, extremely time-consuming
schedule	noun/verb	/ˈʃedjuːl/	lịch trình / lên lịch	I need to schedule a meeting for next week.	tight schedule, busy schedule, schedule appointments/meetings
delegate	verb	/ˈdelɪɡeɪt/	giao phó, ủy quyền	Good managers know how to delegate tasks effectively.	delegate responsibilities/tasks, delegate authority, learn to delegate
overwhelmed	adjective	/ˌəʊvəˈwelmd/	quá tải, không xử lý nổi	She felt overwhelmed by the amount of work.	feel/become overwhelmed, overwhelmed with work/responsibilities
proactive	adjective	/prəʊˈæktɪv/	chủ động, tiên phong	Being proactive about planning prevents last-minute stress.	proactive approach, proactive measures, take a proactive stance
burnout	noun	/ˈbɜːnaʊt/	kiệt sức, cạn kiệt năng lượng	Working 80 hours a week led to severe burnout.	experience burnout, prevent burnout, burnout syndrome
juggle	verb	/ˈdʒʌɡəl/	tung hứng, xoay xở	She juggles work, family, and studies simultaneously.	juggle responsibilities, juggle multiple tasks/projects
streamline	verb	/ˈstriːmlaɪn/	tinh gọn, tối ưu hóa	We need to streamline our processes to save time.	streamline operations/procedures, streamline workflow
distraction	noun	/dɪˈstrækʃən/	sự xao nhãng, làm mất tập trung	Social media is a major distraction at work.	avoid distractions, constant distraction, minimize distractions
concentration	noun	/ˌkɒnsənˈtreɪʃən/	sự tập trung	This task requires intense concentration.	improve concentration, lose concentration, concentration span
flexibility	noun	/ˌfleksɪˈbɪləti/	tính linh hoạt	Modern work environments require flexibility.	offer/provide flexibility, flexibility in scheduling, lack flexibility

Idiomatic Expressions & Advanced Phrases

Cụm từ	Nghĩa	Ví dụ sử dụng	Band điểm
time flies	thời gian trôi nhanh	Time flies when you’re enjoying your work.	6-7
pressed for time	thiếu thời gian, gấp gáp	I’m really pressed for time today, so let’s make this quick.	7-8
make the most of	tận dụng tối đa	She makes the most of her morning hours by tackling difficult tasks.	7-8
spread yourself too thin	làm quá nhiều việc, chia sức	If you spread yourself too thin, the quality of your work will suffer.	8-9
time is of the essence	thời gian rất quan trọng	In emergency situations, time is of the essence.	7.5-8.5
round-the-clock	suốt ngày đêm, 24/7	He provides round-the-clock customer support.	7-8
kill two birds with one stone	một mũi tên trúng hai đích	I listen to podcasts while commuting to kill two birds with one stone.	6-7
at the eleventh hour	vào phút chót	He always finishes his assignments at the eleventh hour.	7-8
a race against time	cuộc đua với thời gian	Finishing the project became a race against time.	7.5-8.5
time is money	thời gian là tiền bạc	In business, time is money, so efficiency is crucial.	6-7
buy time	tranh thủ thời gian	We need to buy time before the deadline.	7-8
make time for	dành thời gian cho	No matter how busy he is, he always makes time for his family.	7-8
take your time	từ từ, đừng vội	There’s no rush, please take your time.	6-7
in the long run	về lâu dài	Good time management pays off in the long run.	7-8
seize the day	nắm bắt cơ hội, tận hưởng hiện tại	Her philosophy is to seize the day and live fully.	7.5-8.5

Discourse Markers (Từ Nối Ý Trong Speaking)

Để bắt đầu câu trả lời:

• 📝 Well,… – Dùng khi cần một chút thời gian suy nghĩ trước khi trả lời
• 📝 Actually,… – Khi đưa ra góc nhìn hơi khác với điều người ta mong đợi
• 📝 To be honest,… – Khi muốn nói thật về điều gì đó
• 📝 I’d say that… – Khi đưa ra quan điểm cá nhân một cách diplomatic
• 📝 From my perspective,… – Để nhấn mạnh đây là góc nhìn cá nhân
• 📝 In my experience,… – Khi dựa vào kinh nghiệm bản thân

Để bổ sung ý:

• 📝 On top of that,… – Thêm vào đó, hơn nữa (informal)
• 📝 What’s more,… – Hơn nữa, thêm vào đó
• 📝 Not to mention… – Chưa kể đến, chưa nói tới
• 📝 Additionally,… / Moreover,… – Thêm vào đó (formal hơn)
• 📝 Another point worth mentioning is… – Một điểm đáng đề cập khác là
• 📝 I’d also point out that… – Tôi cũng muốn chỉ ra rằng

Để đưa ra quan điểm cân bằng:

• 📝 On the one hand,… On the other hand,… – Một mặt… mặt khác
• 📝 While it’s true that…, we also need to consider… – Mặc dù đúng là… nhưng ta cũng cần xem xét
• 📝 Having said that,… – Nói như vậy nhưng… (để đưa ra contrasting point)
• 📝 Then again,… – Nhưng mà, mặt khác
• 📝 That being said,… – Dù vậy, tuy nhiên

Để làm rõ hoặc giải thích:

• 📝 What I mean is… – Ý tôi là
• 📝 In other words,… – Nói cách khác
• 📝 To put it simply,… – Nói đơn giản là
• 📝 Let me elaborate… – Để tôi giải thích rõ hơn
• 📝 To give you an example,… – Để đưa ra ví dụ

Để kết luận:

• 📝 All in all,… – Tóm lại, nói chung
• 📝 At the end of the day,… – Cuối cùng thì, điểm mấu chốt là
• 📝 Ultimately,… – Cuối cùng, rốt cuộc
• 📝 In conclusion,… – Tóm lại (formal)
• 📝 The bottom line is… – Điều cốt lõi là

Để thể hiện sự do dự hoặc không chắc chắn (Tentative language – rất quan trọng cho Band 8+):

• 📝 I would say… – Tôi sẽ nói rằng
• 📝 It seems to me that… – Theo tôi có vẻ như
• 📝 To some extent,… – Ở một mức độ nào đó
• 📝 In some ways,… – Theo một số cách
• 📝 Generally speaking,… – Nói chung thì

Grammatical Structures Ấn Tượng

1. Conditional Sentences (Câu điều kiện):

Mixed conditional:

• Formula: If + past perfect, would/could + infinitive
• Ví dụ: “If she had learned time management earlier, she would be much less stressed now.”
• Khi nào dùng: Để nói về điều kiện trong quá khứ với kết quả ở hiện tại

Inversion (Đảo ngữ):

• Formula: Had + S + past participle, S + would have…
• Ví dụ: “Had I known how important time management was, I would have developed these skills much sooner.”
• Khi nào dùng: Formal style, đặc biệt impressive trong Part 3

2. Relative Clauses (Mệnh đề quan hệ):

Non-defining relative clauses:

• Formula: S, which/who/whose…, V
• Ví dụ: “My mentor, who manages multiple responsibilities effortlessly, has taught me valuable lessons about prioritization.”
• Khi nào dùng: Để thêm thông tin không thiết yếu, làm câu phong phú hơn

3. Passive Voice (Câu bị động):

Impersonal passive với reporting verbs:

• Formula: It is thought/believed/said/considered that…
• Ví dụ: “It is widely believed that effective time management is one of the key factors determining success in modern careers.”
• Khi nào dùng: Để nói về ý kiến chung mà không chỉ định người cụ thể

4. Cleft Sentences (Câu chẻ):

What-cleft:

• Formula: What + S + V + is/was…
• Ví dụ: “What I find most impressive about her is her ability to remain calm under pressure.”
• Khi nào dùng: Để emphasize một phần cụ thể của câu

The thing that-cleft:

• Formula: The thing that + S + V + is…
• Ví dụ: “The thing that really makes a difference is not having more time, but using it more wisely.”
• Khi nào dùng: Tương tự what-cleft nhưng slightly less formal

5. Participle Clauses (Mệnh đề phân từ):

Present participle:

• Ví dụ: “Working efficiently, she manages to complete tasks in half the time it takes others.”
• Khi nào dùng: Để show simultaneous actions hoặc cause-effect

Past participle:

• Ví dụ: “Overwhelmed by the workload, many people struggle to maintain work-life balance.”
• Khi nào dùng: Để show passive meaning hoặc reason

Bộ flashcard từ vựng IELTS Speaking chủ đề quản lý thời gian với collocation

6. Inversion for Emphasis:

Negative adverbials:

• Formula: Never/Rarely/Seldom + auxiliary + S + V
• Ví dụ: “Never have I met someone so disciplined about managing their schedule.”
• Khi nào dùng: Very formal, impressive cho Band 8-9

Only after/when:

• Formula: Only after/when + auxiliary + S + V
• Ví dụ: “Only after experiencing burnout did I realize the importance of setting boundaries.”
• Khi nào dùng: Để emphasize timing của realization

7. Subjunctive Mood:

It’s crucial/essential that:

• Formula: It’s crucial/essential/vital that + S + infinitive (without to)
• Ví dụ: “It’s essential that everyone develop strong time management skills early in life.”
• Khi nào dùng: Formal recommendations, impressive trong Part 3

Chiến Lược Tổng Quát Để Đạt Band 8+

Với tư cách là một IELTS Examiner, tôi muốn chia sẻ những insights quan trọng về cách thực sự ghi điểm cao trong bài thi Speaking, đặc biệt với chủ đề time management này.

1. Fluency & Coherence – Yếu Tố Quan Trọng Nhất

Điều examiners tìm kiếm:

• Nói liên tục không ngập ngừng quá nhiều
• Ideas progression logic
• Sử dụng discourse markers tự nhiên
• Self-correction khi cần thiết (điều này cho thấy awareness)

Lỗi phổ biến của học viên Việt Nam:

• Pause quá lâu để nghĩ từ vựng “khó”
• Lặp lại từ “actually, you know” quá nhiều
• Không có topic sentence rõ ràng khi bắt đầu answer

Cách cải thiện:

• Practice nói về topic 2 phút liên tục không dừng
• Record yourself và nghe lại để nhận diện hesitation patterns
• Học cách “buy time” naturally: “That’s an interesting question…”, “Let me think about that…”

2. Lexical Resource – Không Phải Về Từ “Khó”

Điều examiners thực sự đánh giá:

• Precision của word choice
• Collocations tự nhiên (không phải từ lẻ fancy)
• Paraphrasing ability
• Topic-specific vocabulary used appropriately

Lỗi phổ biến:

• Dùng từ “quá khó” không phù hợp context (sounds unnatural)
• Không paraphrase được từ trong câu hỏi
• Dùng sai collocations (ví dụ: “make damage” thay vì “cause damage”)

Cách cải thiện:

• Học collocations, không học từ lẻ
• Focus vào less common phrases hơn là individual words
• Practice paraphrasing câu hỏi của examiner

3. Grammatical Range & Accuracy

Điều examiners muốn thấy:

• Mix của simple và complex sentences (không phải toàn bộ complex)
• Accuracy cao hơn là complexity
• Natural use of various tenses
• Conditional và passive structures khi appropriate

Lỗi phổ biến:

• Cố gắng dùng toàn câu phức khiến nhiều grammar mistakes
• Dùng sai thì (đặc biệt present perfect vs past simple)
• Thiếu subject-verb agreement

Cách cải thiện:

• Record bài nói và check grammar errors patterns
• Practice với examiner’s question để familiar với tenses cần dùng
• Đừng sacrifice accuracy cho complexity

4. Pronunciation – Không Chỉ Về Accent

Điều quan trọng:

• Word stress chính xác
• Sentence stress và intonation tự nhiên
• Clear articulation
• Chunking (group words thành meaningful units)

Lỗi phổ biến của học viên Việt Nam:

• Flat intonation (nói bằng một tone)
• Stress sai từ nhiều âm tiết
• Không pause ở những chỗ logic

Cách cải thiện:

• Shadow native speakers (repeat exactly như họ nói)
• Mark stress và intonation trong scripts
• Record và compare với model answers

Lời Khuyên Cuối Cùng Từ Examiner

Những điều QUAN TRỌNG:

• ✅ Authenticity beats memorization – Examiner dễ nhận ra template
• ✅ Natural > Perfect – Một vài grammar mistakes nhỏ OK nếu communication effective
• ✅ Answer the question – Đừng nói về topic khác
• ✅ Extend answers naturally – Không cần gò ép dài nếu câu trả lời tự nhiên là ngắn
• ✅ Show personality – Examiners là con người, họ thích genuine conversations

Những điều NÊN TRÁNH:

• ❌ Đừng học thuộc toàn bộ bài mẫu – Examiners được training để nhận ra điều này
• ❌ Đừng dùng từ mà bạn không hiểu rõ nghĩa
• ❌ Đừng nói quá nhanh để cố “impress”
• ❌ Đừng panic nếu không hiểu câu hỏi – Hỏi lại một cách lịch sự: “Sorry, could you repeat that?”
• ❌ Đừng contradict yourself giữa các parts

Đặc biệt cho chủ đề Time Management:

Chủ đề này rất practical và liên quan đến cuộc sống, vì vậy examiners rất coi trọng authenticity và personal examples. Thay vì nói về “người hoàn hảo” với tất cả skills, hãy honest về struggles và learning journey của bạn. Điều này actually làm answer của bạn relatable và believable hơn.

Ví dụ, thay vì nói: “She is perfect at time management and never makes mistakes,” hãy nói: “While she’s generally excellent at managing her time, she admits that maintaining this discipline requires constant effort, and even she occasionally struggles with unexpected disruptions.”

Câu thứ hai sophisticated hơn nhiều vì nó shows critical thinking và realistic perspective.

Cuối cùng, remember rằng IELTS Speaking test is a conversation, not an exam. Examiners muốn enjoy conversation với bạn. Relaxed, confident attitude sẽ giúp bạn perform tốt hơn nhiều so với việc anxious và trying too hard. Good luck!