IELTS Speaking: Cách Trả Lời Chủ Đề “Describe a Person Who Is Very Resourceful at Work” – Bài Mẫu Band 6-9

Trong các kỳ thi IELTS Speaking gần đây, chủ đề về “Describe A Person Who Is Very Resourceful At Work” đang trở thành một trong những đề bài phổ biến thuộc dạng “Describe a person”. Chủ đề này không chỉ đánh giá khả năng miêu tả con người mà còn kiểm tra vốn từ vựng của bạn về môi trường làm việc, kỹ năng chuyên môn và tính cách nghề nghiệp.

Theo thống kê từ các trung tâm thi IELTS và diễn đàn chia sẻ đề thi thực tế, chủ đề này xuất hiện với tần suất khá cao từ năm 2023 đến nay, đặc biệt tại các trung tâm thi ở Việt Nam, Trung Quốc và các nước châu Á. Dự đoán khả năng xuất hiện trong tương lai: Cao, vì IELTS đang có xu hướng tập trung vào các chủ đề liên quan đến công việc và kỹ năng mềm trong thế giới hiện đại.

Trong bài viết này, bạn sẽ học được:

• Phân tích chi tiết cấu trúc và yêu cầu của đề bài
• Các câu hỏi thường gặp trong cả 3 Part liên quan đến chủ đề
• Bài mẫu đầy đủ theo 3 mức band điểm (6-7, 7.5-8, 8.5-9) với phân tích chuyên sâu
• Hơn 50 từ vựng và cụm từ ăn điểm theo chủ đề workplace và resourcefulness
• Chiến lược trả lời hiệu quả từ góc nhìn của một IELTS Examiner
• Những lỗi thường gặp của học viên Việt Nam và cách khắc phục

IELTS Speaking Part 1: Introduction and Interview

Tổng Quan Về Part 1

Part 1 của IELTS Speaking kéo dài 4-5 phút với các câu hỏi ngắn về đời sống hàng ngày, sở thích cá nhân và các chủ đề quen thuộc. Đặc điểm của Part 1 là câu hỏi đơn giản, tập trung vào kinh nghiệm bản thân và không yêu cầu phân tích sâu.

Chiến lược hiệu quả cho Part 1:

• Trả lời trực tiếp câu hỏi trong 1-2 câu đầu
• Mở rộng câu trả lời với lý do, ví dụ hoặc chi tiết bổ sung (tổng cộng 2-4 câu)
• Giữ giọng nói tự nhiên, không quá formality
• Tránh học thuộc, cần linh hoạt theo câu hỏi thực tế

Lỗi thường gặp của học viên Việt Nam:

• Trả lời quá ngắn kiểu “Yes, I do” hoặc “No, I don’t” mà không giải thích
• Dùng từ vựng quá đơn giản như “good”, “bad”, “interesting” lặp đi lặp lại
• Thiếu ví dụ cụ thể từ kinh nghiệm cá nhân
• Nói quá nhanh hoặc quá chậm do lo lắng
• Không duy trì eye contact với examiner

Các Câu Hỏi Thường Gặp

Dưới đây là các câu hỏi Part 1 thực tế liên quan đến chủ đề công việc và kỹ năng nghề nghiệp:

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

Question 2: What do you find most challenging about your work/studies?

Question 3: Do you think it’s important to be creative at work?

Question 4: How do you usually solve problems at work or in your studies?

Question 5: Do you prefer working alone or in a team?

Question 6: What skills do you think are most important in the workplace?

Question 7: Have you ever had to find a creative solution to a problem?

Question 8: Do you think people in your country are good at solving problems?

Question 9: What kind of person makes a good colleague?

Question 10: How do you handle stressful situations at work?

Phân Tích và Gợi Ý Trả Lời Chi Tiết

Question: Do you think it’s important to be creative at work?

Cách tiếp cận:

• Đưa ra quan điểm rõ ràng (Yes/No hoặc It depends)
• Giải thích lý do với 1-2 arguments
• Thêm ví dụ ngắn gọn từ kinh nghiệm hoặc quan sát

Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

“Yes, I think creativity is quite important at work. It helps people find new solutions to problems and make their work more interesting. For example, in my job, I sometimes need to think of different ways to complete tasks when the usual method doesn’t work.”

Phân tích:

• Điểm mạnh: Trả lời trực tiếp, có lý do cơ bản, có ví dụ từ kinh nghiệm bản thân
• Hạn chế: Từ vựng còn đơn giản (quite important, new solutions, interesting), cấu trúc câu chưa đa dạng, ý tưởng chưa sâu
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Fluency tốt nhưng từ vựng chưa sophisticated, ngữ pháp đúng nhưng đơn giản, ý tưởng adequate nhưng chưa developed fully

Sample Answer – Band 8-9:

“Absolutely, I’d say creativity is paramount in most modern workplaces. Being resourceful and thinking outside the box allows professionals to tackle challenges more effectively and come up with innovative solutions that can give their company a competitive edge. Take the tech industry, for instance – companies that foster a creative culture tend to be the ones that stay ahead of the curve and adapt quickly to market changes.”

Phân tích:

• Điểm mạnh:
  • Vocabulary sophisticated: paramount, resourceful, thinking outside the box, tackle challenges, competitive edge, foster a creative culture, stay ahead of the curve
  • Grammar range: Complex sentence với relative clauses, present simple cho general truths
  • Ideas well-developed: Không chỉ nói quan trọng mà còn giải thích tại sao và đưa ra context cụ thể (tech industry)
• Tại sao Band 8-9:
  • Fluency: Trôi chảy, tự nhiên với discourse marker “Absolutely, I’d say…”
  • Vocabulary: Precise, idiomatic expressions, topic-specific lexis
  • Grammar: Mix của simple và complex structures một cách tự nhiên
  • Pronunciation: Các từ như “paramount”, “innovative” cho thấy pronunciation range

Key Vocabulary & Expressions:

• paramount /ˈpærəmaʊnt/: tối quan trọng, hàng đầu
• resourceful /rɪˈsɔːsfl/: tháo vát, giỏi tìm ra giải pháp
• thinking outside the box: suy nghĩ sáng tạo, không theo khuôn mẫu
• tackle challenges: giải quyết thách thức
• competitive edge: lợi thế cạnh tranh
• foster a creative culture: nuôi dưỡng văn hóa sáng tạo
• stay ahead of the curve: dẫn đầu xu hướng, tiên phong

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Question: How do you usually solve problems at work or in your studies?

Cách tiếp cận:

• Mô tả quy trình giải quyết vấn đề của bạn (có thể dùng sequencing: First, Then, Finally)
• Đưa ra ví dụ ngắn minh họa
• Có thể đề cập đến việc học hỏi từ người khác

Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

“When I have a problem, I usually think about it carefully first. Then I try different solutions to see which one works best. Sometimes I ask my colleagues for advice if I can’t solve it by myself. This method helps me learn new things and improve my skills.”

Phân tích:

• Điểm mạnh: Có structure rõ ràng (First > Then > Sometimes), đề cập đến collaboration
• Hạn chế: Quá general, thiếu detail cụ thể, từ vựng basic (think about, try, works best, learn new things)
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Communicative nhưng lacks specificity và sophisticated vocabulary

Sample Answer – Band 8-9:

“Well, I’m quite systematic in my approach. Initially, I break down the problem into smaller, manageable components to understand what I’m dealing with. Then I weigh up different options, considering both short-term fixes and long-term solutions. If I’m stuck, I’m not too proud to reach out to colleagues or tap into online resources. I find that this methodical approach not only helps me resolve issues efficiently but also builds my problem-solving repertoire over time.”

Phân tích:

• Điểm mạnh:
  • Opening với discourse marker “Well” rất natural
  • Vocabulary range: systematic, break down, manageable components, weigh up, short-term fixes, methodical approach, problem-solving repertoire
  • Grammar: Mix của present simple, conditional (If I’m stuck), và complex noun phrases
  • Shows reflection: “not too proud to reach out” demonstrates maturity
• Tại sao Band 8-9:
  • Fluency: Self-correcting và hesitation natural (“Well, I’m quite…”)
  • Vocabulary: Collocations chính xác (weigh up options, tap into resources)
  • Grammar: Sophisticated structures (not only… but also)
  • Ideas: Practical và specific, shows genuine thinking process

Key Vocabulary & Expressions:

• systematic /ˌsɪstəˈmætɪk/: có hệ thống, có phương pháp
• break down the problem: phân tích vấn đề thành các phần nhỏ
• manageable components: các thành phần có thể kiểm soát được
• weigh up different options: cân nhắc các lựa chọn khác nhau
• short-term fixes vs long-term solutions: giải pháp ngắn hạn và dài hạn
• reach out to colleagues: nhờ đồng nghiệp giúp đỡ
• tap into resources: tận dụng các nguồn lực có sẵn
• methodical approach: cách tiếp cận có phương pháp
• problem-solving repertoire: bộ kỹ năng giải quyết vấn đề

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Question: What kind of person makes a good colleague?

Cách tiếp cận:

• Liệt kê 2-3 qualities quan trọng
• Giải thích tại sao mỗi quality lại quan trọng
• Có thể contrast với negative qualities để làm nổi bật

Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

“I think a good colleague should be friendly and helpful. They should be willing to work together with others and share their knowledge. Also, they need to be responsible and finish their work on time so the whole team can succeed.”

Phân tích:

• Điểm mạnh: Đề cập đến nhiều qualities (friendly, helpful, responsible), có mention đến team success
• Hạn chế: Qualities rất generic, không có examples, explanation còn surface-level
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Clear communication nhưng lacks depth và sophistication

Sample Answer – Band 8-9:

“From my experience, the hallmark of a great colleague is someone who’s not just competent in their role but also emotionally intelligent. They need to be collaborative rather than competitive, willing to share credit and support others’ growth. What really sets apart exceptional colleagues is their ability to remain calm under pressure and maintain a positive attitude even when things get challenging. I’ve found that people with these traits foster a healthier work environment and boost team morale significantly.”

Phân tích:

• Điểm mạnh:
  • Personal touch: “From my experience” makes it authentic
  • Sophisticated vocabulary: hallmark, competent, emotionally intelligent, sets apart
  • Contrast structure: collaborative rather than competitive
  • Multiple qualities với clear explanations
  • Shows critical thinking về impact on team
• Tại sao Band 8-9:
  • Fluency: Natural flow với discourse markers
  • Vocabulary: Precise và topic-specific (emotional intelligence, boost team morale)
  • Grammar: Complex sentences with relative clauses, parallel structures
  • Ideas: Insightful với personal reflection

Key Vocabulary & Expressions:

• hallmark /ˈhɔːlmɑːk/: dấu hiệu đặc trưng, nét đặc trưng
• competent /ˈkɒmpɪtənt/: có năng lực, thành thạo
• emotionally intelligent: có EQ cao, hiểu cảm xúc người khác
• collaborative rather than competitive: hợp tác hơn là cạnh tranh
• share credit: chia sẻ công lao, không chiếm công
• sets apart: làm nổi bật, tạo sự khác biệt
• calm under pressure: bình tĩnh dưới áp lực
• foster a healthier work environment: tạo môi trường làm việc lành mạnh hơn
• boost team morale: nâng cao tinh thần đội nhóm

Đồng nghiệp tháo vát đang làm việc nhóm và giải quyết vấn đề trong văn phòng hiện đại

IELTS Speaking Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)

Tổng Quan Về Part 2

Part 2 là phần độc thoại quan trọng nhất, chiếm 3-4 phút trong tổng số 11-14 phút của bài thi Speaking. Bạn có 1 phút để chuẩn bị và phải nói liên tục trong 2-3 phút về một chủ đề cụ thể được cung cấp trên cue card.

Đặc điểm của Part 2:

• Yêu cầu nói độc thoại không bị gián đoạn
• Cần cover đủ 3-4 bullet points trên cue card
• Thường là kể về một trải nghiệm, người, địa điểm hoặc sự vật cụ thể
• Examiner sẽ không ngắt lời trừ khi bạn nói quá 3 phút

Chiến lược hiệu quả:

• Sử dụng hết 1 phút chuẩn bị: Ghi keywords cho mỗi bullet point, không viết câu hoàn chỉnh
• Structure rõ ràng: Introduction > Body (cover từng bullet point) > Conclusion
• Thời gian nói: Tối thiểu 1.5 phút, lý tưởng 2-2.5 phút, tối đa 3 phút
• Sử dụng tenses phù hợp: Past tense nếu kể về quá khứ, Present tense nếu miêu tả hiện tại
• Don’t panic nếu quên ý: Paraphrase hoặc skip qua bullet point đó một cách tự nhiên

Lỗi thường gặp của học viên Việt Nam:

• Không sử dụng hết thời gian chuẩn bị hoặc viết quá nhiều
• Nói dưới 1.5 phút vì không biết cách develop ideas
• Bỏ sót bullet points quan trọng
• Nói quá nhiều về một bullet point, không cân đối
• Không có opening/closing tự nhiên
• Dừng đột ngột khi hết ý tưởng thay vì paraphrase
• Học thuộc template và áp dụng cứng nhắc

Cue Card

Describe a person who is very resourceful at work

You should say:

• Who this person is
• How you know this person
• What resourceful things this person has done
• And explain why you think this person is very resourceful

Phân Tích Đề Bài

Dạng câu hỏi: Describe a person – đây là dạng đề rất phổ biến trong IELTS Speaking Part 2

Thì động từ: Mix giữa Present tense (khi miêu tả tính cách, đặc điểm hiện tại) và Past tense (khi kể về các hành động cụ thể trong quá khứ)

Bullet points phải cover:

1. Who this person is: Giới thiệu người đó là ai (tên, vị trí công việc, mối quan hệ với bạn)
2. How you know this person: Bạn quen biết người này như thế nào (đồng nghiệp, sếp, mentor, etc.)
3. What resourceful things this person has done: Đây là phần quan trọng nhất – cần kể 1-2 ví dụ CỤ THỂ về việc người này đã làm gì để thể hiện tính resourceful (tháo vát, giỏi tìm giải pháp). Đừng chỉ nói chung chung.
4. Why you think this person is resourceful: Giải thích, phân tích tại sao bạn nghĩ họ resourceful – có thể nói về mindset, skills, attitude của họ

Câu “explain” quan trọng: Đây là phần ghi điểm cao nhất! Examiner muốn nghe phân tích, đánh giá của bạn về qualities của người này, không chỉ là kể chuyện. Dùng phrases như “What makes him/her resourceful is…”, “I admire the way he/she…”, “The reason I consider him/her resourceful is…”

Key vocabulary cần có: resourceful, creative, problem-solving, innovative, practical solutions, think on one’s feet, adaptable, quick-thinking, utilize available resources

Sample Answer – Band 6-7

Thời lượng: Khoảng 1.5-2 phút

I’d like to talk about my former manager, Mr. Minh, who I think is a very resourceful person at work.

I met him when I started working at a marketing company in Hanoi about two years ago. He was my direct manager and supervised a team of about ten people. From the first day, I noticed that he was different from other managers I had worked with before.

There are several resourceful things he has done that impressed me. One time, our team had to organize a big product launch event, but our budget was suddenly cut by 30% just two weeks before the event. Everyone was worried because we had already planned everything. However, Mr. Minh didn’t panic. Instead, he came up with creative solutions. He negotiated with suppliers to get better prices, found free venues through his personal connections, and even convinced some university students to help us as volunteers instead of hiring expensive staff. In the end, the event was successful and we stayed within the new budget.

Another example was when our company’s main software crashed during a important presentation. While others were stressed, Mr. Minh quickly used his phone and a free online tool to continue the presentation without any major delays.

I think Mr. Minh is very resourceful because he can think quickly and find solutions using whatever resources are available. He doesn’t give up easily when facing problems. He always stays calm and thinks creatively. I really admire his ability to handle difficult situations and I’ve learned a lot from working with him.

Phân Tích Band Điểm

Tiêu chí	Band	Nhận xét
Fluency & Coherence	6-7	Có khả năng nói liên tục 1.5-2 phút, ideas được organize với basic linking words (However, Another example, In the end). Có một số hesitation nhẹ nhưng không ảnh hưởng nhiều.
Lexical Resource	6-7	Từ vựng adequate với một số topic-specific words (resourceful, creative solutions, negotiate, handle difficult situations) nhưng còn lặp lại (resourceful xuất hiện nhiều lần). Thiếu variety và sophisticated expressions.
Grammatical Range & Accuracy	6-7	Mix được simple và complex sentences. Có relative clauses (who I think is, that impressed me). Past tense sử dụng đúng. Nhưng structures chưa đa dạng, phần lớn là simple past và past continuous.
Pronunciation	6-7	Clear và understandable. Stress và intonation cơ bản đúng. Có thể có một số lỗi nhỏ với các từ như “negotiate”, “available”.

Điểm mạnh:

• Trả lời đủ tất cả bullet points một cách rõ ràng
• Có ví dụ cụ thể (product launch event, software crash) làm bài nói sinh động
• Structure logic: Introduction > Examples > Explanation
• Thời lượng đạt yêu cầu tối thiểu

Hạn chế:

• Từ vựng còn đơn giản và lặp lại (resourceful xuất hiện 4 lần, think quickly, find solutions)
• Thiếu idiomatic expressions và sophisticated vocabulary
• Grammar structures chưa varied, chủ yếu là câu đơn và phức giản đơn
• Phần explain còn surface-level, chưa phân tích sâu về qualities
• Pronunciation có thể có vấn đề với một số từ dài

Sample Answer – Band 7.5-8

Thời lượng: Khoảng 2-2.5 phút

I’d like to tell you about a colleague of mine named Lan, who I consider to be exceptionally resourceful in the workplace.

I first met Lan about three years ago when she joined our software development company as a project manager. We’ve been working together on various projects since then, and I’ve had the opportunity to witness firsthand her impressive problem-solving abilities.

What really sets Lan apart is her ability to think on her feet when unexpected challenges arise. I remember a particularly striking example from last year when our team was developing a mobile app for a major client. Midway through the project, the client drastically changed their requirements, which would have normally required an additional three months and a significant budget increase. While the rest of us were at a loss, Lan took the initiative to thoroughly analyze the new requirements. She cleverly identified that we could repurpose about 60% of the existing code by making smart modifications, rather than starting from scratch. She then coordinated with different departments to reallocate resources efficiently, and even reached out to her network to find a freelance developer who could help us meet the tight deadline. Thanks to her efforts, we delivered the project on time without exceeding our budget.

Another instance that comes to mind is when our office experienced a power outage during a crucial client presentation. Instead of postponing, Lan immediately switched gears and turned it into an informal brainstorming session, using flipcharts and encouraging face-to-face interaction. The client actually appreciated this more personal approach.

What makes Lan truly resourceful, in my opinion, is not just her creativity but also her attitude. She views obstacles as opportunities rather than setbacks. She’s incredibly adaptable and has this remarkable ability to stay level-headed under pressure. She also maximizes existing resources before requesting additional ones, which is a quality many people lack. Working with her has taught me that being resourceful is as much about mindset and attitude as it is about practical skills.

Phân Tích Band Điểm

Tiêu chí	Band	Nhận xét
Fluency & Coherence	7.5-8	Nói trôi chảy với minimal hesitation. Sử dụng cohesive devices một cách natural (What really sets… apart, Another instance that comes to mind, Thanks to her efforts). Ideas well-organized và connected logically.
Lexical Resource	7.5-8	Wide range of vocabulary với nhiều collocations chính xác (think on her feet, at a loss, took the initiative, switched gears, stay level-headed). Có idiomatic expressions (witness firsthand, comes to mind). Less common vocabulary (repurpose, reallocate, drastically).
Grammatical Range & Accuracy	7.5-8	Variety of complex structures: relative clauses, conditional phrases, passive voice. Mix tenses appropriately. Có inversion structure (What makes Lan truly resourceful is…). Few errors không ảnh hưởng communication.
Pronunciation	7.5-8	Clear với consistent pronunciation. Good stress và intonation. Chunking tốt (groups of words spoken together). Có thể có occasional minor issues nhưng không ảnh hưởng understanding.

So Sánh Với Band 6-7

Khía cạnh	Band 6-7	Band 7.5-8
Vocabulary	“came up with creative solutions”, “think quickly”	“think on her feet”, “took the initiative”, “repurpose”, “reallocate resources”, “stay level-headed”
Grammar	“He can think quickly and find solutions” (simple structure)	“What makes Lan truly resourceful is not just her creativity but also her attitude” (cleft sentence + parallel structure)
Ideas	Surface description: “He stays calm and thinks creatively”	Deeper analysis: “She views obstacles as opportunities rather than setbacks” – shows critical thinking

Sample Answer – Band 8.5-9

Thời lượng: 2.5-3 phút đầy đủ

I’d like to describe my former supervisor, David, who epitomizes what it means to be resourceful in a professional setting. His ability to navigate complex challenges with limited resources has been nothing short of remarkable.

I had the privilege of working under David’s leadership when I was employed at a tech startup in Ho Chi Minh City approximately four years ago. He was our Head of Operations, and I reported directly to him as a junior operations coordinator. What initially struck me about David was his unflappable demeanor, even in the most high-pressure situations.

To illustrate his resourcefulness, I’ll share a particularly compelling example that has stayed with me ever since. Our startup was on the brink of securing a major investment deal, but the potential investors requested a comprehensive operational audit with only 72 hours’ notice – a task that would typically require at least two weeks and a specialized consulting team. Rather than throwing in the towel, David orchestrated an ingenious response. He leveraged our company’s existing data analytics system, which he had meticulously maintained, to extract relevant metrics. He then assembled a cross-functional task force, tapping into the diverse expertise of employees from different departments who weren’t typically involved in such projects. He effectively deputized our sales analyst to crunch numbers, our marketing intern to craft compelling visualizations, and even convinced our company’s legal advisor to donate a few pro bono hours to review compliance documents. The result was a polished, comprehensive audit report that exceeded the investors’ expectations, delivered within the stipulated timeframe, and achieved using virtually no additional budget.

Beyond this standout incident, David consistently demonstrated his resourcefulness on a day-to-day basis. When our company faced budget constraints that precluded hiring additional staff, he implemented a mentorship program that upskilled existing employees to take on broader responsibilities. When we encountered supply chain disruptions, he cultivated relationships with alternative vendors well in advance, ensuring business continuity.

What truly distinguishes David as exceptionally resourceful, in my estimation, is his proactive mindset combined with meticulous preparation. He doesn’t merely react to crises; he anticipates potential obstacles and lays groundwork that enables quick pivots when necessary. His resourcefulness stems from a combination of strategic foresight, extensive networking, and what I can only describe as an unwavering belief that constraints breed innovation. He once told me that limitations shouldn’t be viewed as barriers but rather as parameters that sharpen creative thinking. This philosophy has profoundly influenced my own professional approach, and I now strive to emulate his solution-oriented mindset in my current role. David exemplifies the notion that being resourceful is less about having abundant resources and more about maximizing whatever is at your disposal.

Phân Tích Band Điểm

Tiêu chí	Band	Nhận xét
Fluency & Coherence	8.5-9	Speaks fluently với natural hesitations. Sophisticated cohesive devices sử dụng một cách effortless. Ideas developed fully với clear progression. Coherence hoàn hảo từ introduction đến conclusion.
Lexical Resource	8.5-9	Wide range of sophisticated vocabulary với precision (epitomizes, navigate, unflappable, on the brink of, throwing in the towel, orchestrated, meticulously, stipulated). Natural use of idiomatic expressions (stay with me, tap into, throw in the towel). Collocations chính xác hoàn hảo (cultivate relationships, business continuity, strategic foresight).
Grammatical Range & Accuracy	8.5-9	Full range of structures với flexibility và accuracy. Complex sentences với multiple clauses. Passive constructions, conditionals, cleft sentences used naturally. Errors extremely rare và không ảnh hưởng communication.
Pronunciation	8.5-9	Fully clear và understandable. Subtle features of pronunciation (stress, rhythm, intonation) used effectively. Pronunciation enhances communication. Would be understandable even in poor audio conditions.

Tại Sao Bài Này Xuất Sắc

Fluency Hoàn Hảo:

• Nói đủ 2.5-3 phút với content density cao
• Không có hesitation làm gián đoạn ý tưởng
• Natural pauses ở đúng chỗ để tạo emphasis
• Discourse markers sophisticated (To illustrate, Beyond this, In my estimation)

Vocabulary Tinh Vi:

• “epitomizes what it means to be resourceful” – thay vì “is very resourceful” (Band 6-7) hay “exceptionally resourceful” (Band 7.5-8)
• “on the brink of securing” – sophisticated expression thay cho “about to get”
• “throwing in the towel” – natural idiom thay cho “give up”
• “orchestrated an ingenious response” – powerful collocation
• “constraints breed innovation” – philosophical expression cho thấy deep thinking

Grammar Đa Dạng:

• Cleft sentence: “What initially struck me about David was his unflappable demeanor”
• Relative clauses: “a comprehensive operational audit with only 72 hours’ notice – a task that would typically require at least two weeks”
• Parallel structure: “less about having abundant resources and more about maximizing whatever is at your disposal”
• Passive voice: “I had the privilege of working”, “can only be described as”
• Past perfect: “had meticulously maintained”

Ideas Sâu Sắc:

• Không chỉ kể chuyện mà còn analyze philosophy của David: “limitations shouldn’t be viewed as barriers but rather as parameters that sharpen creative thinking”
• Personal reflection: “This philosophy has profoundly influenced my own professional approach”
• Critical thinking: “His resourcefulness stems from a combination of strategic foresight, extensive networking, and unwavering belief”
• Contrast sophisticated: “less about… and more about…”

Nhà quản lý tài năng đang trình bày giải pháp sáng tạo cho nhóm làm việc

Follow-up Questions (Rounding Off Questions)

Sau khi bạn hoàn thành phần nói 2 phút, examiner thường hỏi thêm 1-2 câu ngắn để kết thúc Part 2 trước khi chuyển sang Part 3. Đây là các câu hỏi đơn giản liên quan trực tiếp đến topic bạn vừa nói.

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

Band 6-7 Answer:
“Yes, I do. We sometimes message each other on social media and occasionally meet for coffee when we have time. He still gives me useful advice about work.”

Band 8-9 Answer:
“Actually, we’ve maintained regular contact even though I’ve moved on to a different company. We typically catch up over coffee every few months, and I still seek his counsel when I’m grappling with particularly challenging situations at work. He’s become more of a mentor than just a former colleague.”

Question 2: Would you like to work with this person again in the future?

Band 6-7 Answer:
“Definitely yes. I learned a lot from working with him and I think we worked well together. If there’s an opportunity, I would be happy to work with him again.”

Band 8-9 Answer:
“Without a doubt. Working with David was incredibly formative for my professional development. His approach to problem-solving and resource management has set a benchmark that I still aspire to. If circumstances aligned and an opportunity arose to collaborate again, I would jump at the chance. His mentorship was invaluable, and I believe there’s still so much I could learn from him.”

IELTS Speaking Part 3: Two-way Discussion

Tổng Quan Về Part 3

Part 3 là phần thảo luận sâu nhất trong bài thi Speaking, kéo dài 4-5 phút. Khác với Part 1 (personal questions) và Part 2 (personal story), Part 3 yêu cầu bạn phân tích, đánh giá và thảo luận về các vấn đề rộng hơn liên quan đến chủ đề ở Part 2.

Đặc điểm của Part 3:

• Câu hỏi abstract và theoretical
• Yêu cầu critical thinking và analytical skills
• Cần đưa ra opinions với supporting reasons
• So sánh, phân tích causes/effects, đề xuất solutions
• Examiner có thể challenge your ideas hoặc hỏi follow-up questions

Yêu cầu từ examiner:

• Phân tích nhiều góc độ của vấn đề (not just one side)
• Đưa ra examples từ society, trends, không chỉ personal experience
• Acknowledge complexity của issues
• Use tentative language khi uncertain
• Develop ideas đầy đủ (3-5 câu cho mỗi answer)

Chiến lược hiệu quả:

• Sử dụng discourse markers để tổ chức ý: “Well, I think there are several reasons…”, “On the one hand… On the other hand…”
• Paraphrase lại question để buy time và show understanding
• Structure: Direct answer → Reason 1 + example → Reason 2 + example → Conclusion/nuance
• Don’t be afraid to say “That’s a complex question” hoặc “I haven’t thought about that before, but…”
• Nếu không hiểu câu hỏi, xin examiner repeat: “I’m sorry, could you repeat that?” hoặc “Do you mean…?”

Lỗi thường gặp của học viên Việt Nam:

• Trả lời quá ngắn (1-2 câu) giống Part 1
• Không phân tích, chỉ state opinions mà không có reasons
• Thiếu từ vựng abstract và academic
• Không dám disagree hoặc show different perspectives
• Quá focus vào personal experience thay vì societal issues
• Pronunciation issues với academic vocabulary
• Không maintain fluency khi discuss complex topics

Các Câu Hỏi Thảo Luận Sâu

Dưới đây là các câu hỏi Part 3 thực tế được phân loại theo themes, với phân tích chi tiết và sample answers ở nhiều band điểm.

Theme 1: Workplace Skills and Problem-Solving

Question 1: What skills do you think are most important for people to succeed in their careers nowadays?

Phân tích câu hỏi:

• Dạng: Opinion question với scope rộng (nowadays = modern workplace)
• Key words: skills, succeed, careers, nowadays (cần mention về sự thay đổi so với trước đây)
• Cách tiếp cận: Liệt kê 2-3 skills quan trọng nhất, explain tại sao mỗi skill lại important trong context hiện đại, có thể compare với past

Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

“I think there are several important skills for career success today. First, people need good communication skills because they have to work with many different people. Second, problem-solving is very important because work is becoming more complex. Finally, I think digital skills are necessary because almost all jobs now use computers and technology. These skills help people adapt to changes in the workplace.”

Phân tích:

• Structure: Có listing (First, Second, Finally) và general conclusion
• Vocabulary: Basic phrases (good communication skills, very important, help people adapt)
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Clear communication nhưng ideas chưa được developed fully, thiếu examples cụ thể, vocabulary không sophisticated

Sample Answer – Band 8-9:

“Well, I’d say the modern workplace demands a quite different skill set compared to even a decade ago. First and foremost, I think adaptability has become paramount. With technology evolving at breakneck speed and industries constantly disrupting themselves, professionals who can pivot quickly and embrace change tend to thrive. Take the COVID pandemic, for instance – those who could seamlessly transition to remote work and digital tools came out ahead.

Equally crucial is what I’d call collaborative intelligence – the ability to work effectively across diverse teams, often virtually. Gone are the days when you could succeed in isolation. Now, you need to navigate different perspectives, build consensus, and leverage collective expertise.

And I can’t overstate the importance of continuous learning. The half-life of skills is shrinking dramatically, so people who cultivate a growth mindset and proactively upskill themselves are the ones who stay relevant. To put it simply, technical expertise alone won’t cut it anymore – you need this blend of soft skills and adaptability to truly succeed.”

Phân tích:

• Structure: Well-organized với clear signposting (First and foremost, Equally crucial, And I can’t overstate). Có comparison với past (compared to even a decade ago, Gone are the days)
• Vocabulary: Sophisticated expressions (at breakneck speed, come out ahead, navigate different perspectives, half-life of skills, won’t cut it)
• Grammar: Complex structures với inversion (Gone are the days), relative clauses (those who could…), cleft sentences
• Critical Thinking: Shows understanding of modern trends, provides specific example (COVID), acknowledges complexity

Key Language Features:

• Discourse markers: Well, I’d say / First and foremost / Equally crucial / And I can’t overstate
• Tentative language: I think, I’d say, tend to (shows sophisticated hedging)
• Abstract nouns: adaptability, collaborative intelligence, consensus, collective expertise, growth mindset
• Powerful verbs: evolve, disrupt, pivot, thrive, cultivate, leverage

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Question 2: Do you think schools should teach students how to solve problems, or should they learn this skill at work?

Phân tích câu hỏi:

• Dạng: Should question (opinion + reasons), có element của comparison (schools vs workplace)
• Key words: schools, teach, problem-solving, learn at work
• Cách tiếp cận:
  • Option 1: Choose one side (schools hoặc workplace) và defend
  • Option 2: Balanced view (both có roles khác nhau)
  • Nên explain tại sao schools/workplace better suited, give examples

Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

“I think schools should teach problem-solving skills because students need to prepare for their future careers. If they learn these skills early, they will be more confident when they start working. However, I also think some things can only be learned through real work experience because school situations are different from actual workplace problems. So maybe both schools and workplaces should play a role in teaching this skill.”

Phân tích:

• Structure: Có position nhưng sau đó hedge, có acknowledge both sides
• Vocabulary: Basic (prepare for, more confident, real work experience, play a role)
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Ideas present nhưng not fully developed, thiếu specific examples, explanation surface-level

Sample Answer – Band 8-9:

“That’s an interesting question. I’d argue that problem-solving should ideally be introduced and nurtured in educational settings, but then refined and contextualized in the workplace.

Let me explain what I mean. Schools are uniquely positioned to lay the groundwork for critical thinking and analytical skills in a low-stakes environment. Students can learn fundamental problem-solving frameworks – things like breaking down complex issues, evaluating multiple solutions, and thinking systematically – without the pressure of real-world consequences. For instance, project-based learning or case studies can simulate problem-solving scenarios in a safe space where failure becomes a learning opportunity rather than a career setback.

That said, there’s an authenticity gap that only workplace experience can fill. The messy reality of real business problems – with incomplete information, time pressures, stakeholder conflicts, and budget constraints – simply can’t be replicated in a classroom. Moreover, domain-specific problem-solving often requires industry knowledge that students haven’t yet acquired.

So in an ideal world, schools would equip students with the mental toolkit and foundational skills, while workplaces would provide the context and complexity needed to truly master problem-solving. The two should be complementary rather than mutually exclusive. What concerns me, though, is that many educational systems still overemphasize rote memorization rather than cultivating these critical thinking abilities, which puts graduates at a disadvantage when they enter the workforce.”

Phân tích:

• Structure: Sophisticated với clear thesis (both have roles but different ones), developed explanation với metaphor (lay the groundwork, fill the gap), specific examples, final critical point
• Vocabulary: Advanced academic language (uniquely positioned, authenticity gap, messy reality, domain-specific, rote memorization, complementary rather than mutually exclusive)
• Grammar: Full range including conditionals (in an ideal world), passive constructions (can’t be replicated), complex noun phrases (the mental toolkit and foundational skills)
• Critical Thinking: Nuanced view acknowledging benefits of both, identifies specific gap (authenticity), critiques current education system

Key Language Features:

• Discourse markers: Let me explain what I mean / For instance / That said / So in an ideal world / What concerns me
• Hedging/tentative language: I’d argue that, ideally, often, tend to
• Compare & contrast: while… / rather than / complementary rather than mutually exclusive
• Abstract concepts: authenticity gap, low-stakes environment, domain-specific knowledge, foundational skills

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Theme 2: Changes in Work Culture

Question 3: How have workplaces changed in your country over the past decade?

Phán tích câu hỏi:

• Dạng: Describe changes (past vs present comparison)
• Key words: workplaces, changed, your country, past decade
• Cách tiếp cận: Identify 2-3 major changes, explain causes, give specific examples from Vietnam context, có thể mention positive/negative impacts

Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

“Workplaces in Vietnam have changed a lot in the last ten years. First, more companies are using technology and computers for their work. Second, young people now prefer to work for international companies or startups instead of government jobs. Also, the working hours are becoming more flexible, and some people can work from home now. These changes are making the workplace more modern and similar to other countries.”

Phân tích:

• Structure: Clear points (First, Second, Also)
• Vocabulary: Basic (changed a lot, prefer to, more modern)
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Addresses the question với relevant points nhưng lacks depth, no specific examples, analysis shallow

Sample Answer – Band 8.5-9:

“The Vietnamese workplace has undergone quite a dramatic transformation over the past decade, and I’d say there are several notable shifts worth mentioning.

Perhaps the most striking change is the rapid digitalization of work processes. Ten years ago, many Vietnamese companies, particularly in traditional sectors, were still heavily reliant on paper-based systems and face-to-face meetings. Now, even small and medium enterprises have embraced digital tools, from cloud-based project management to video conferencing. The pandemic certainly accelerated this trend, but it was already well underway before 2020.

Another significant evolution is in workplace culture and expectations, especially among younger workers. There’s been a marked shift away from the traditional corporate hierarchy and rigid formality toward more collaborative, flat organizational structures. Young Vietnamese professionals are increasingly prioritizing work-life balance, meaningful work, and career development opportunities over job security alone. This has put pressure on employers to adapt their cultures or risk losing talent to more progressive companies.

I’d also point to the proliferation of startups and the gig economy. A decade ago, the conventional career path was to land a stable position at a large corporation or state-owned enterprise. Now, many young people are venturing into entrepreneurship or opting for freelance work. Co-working spaces, which were virtually non-existent in Vietnam ten years ago, have mushroomed across major cities, reflecting this shift toward more flexible and diverse career paths.

What’s interesting is how these changes mirror global trends yet have distinctly Vietnamese characteristics. For instance, while remote work has grown, the cultural preference for in-person relationships means that hybrid models have become more popular than fully remote arrangements. Overall, I think the Vietnamese workplace has become considerably more dynamic, tech-enabled, and employee-centric, though traditional elements still coexist with these modern approaches.”

Phân tích:

• Structure: Excellent organization với clear topic sentences cho mỗi major change, temporal markers (Ten years ago, Now), conclusion với nuanced observation
• Vocabulary: Sophisticated với precise collocations (dramatic transformation, notable shifts, marked shift away from, proliferation of, mushroomed, mirror global trends)
• Grammar: Complex với varied structures including passive (was well underway), present perfect (has undergone, have embraced), gerunds, relative clauses
• Critical Thinking: Shows deep understanding of Vietnamese context, identifies causes (pandemic accelerated), acknowledges both changes và continuity (traditional elements coexist), makes sophisticated comparison (mirror global trends yet have Vietnamese characteristics)

Key Language Features:

• Discourse markers: Perhaps the most striking / Another significant / I’d also point to / What’s interesting / For instance / Overall
• Change vocabulary: undergone transformation, shift, evolution, transition, proliferation
• Tentative language: I’d say, quite, considerably (appropriate hedging for generalizations)
• Vietnam-specific context: state-owned enterprises, cultural preference for in-person relationships (shows local knowledge)

Sự thay đổi của môi trường làm việc từ truyền thống sang hiện đại với công nghệ và không gian linh hoạt

Question 4: Do you think working from home will become more common in the future?

Phân tích câu hỏi:

• Dạng: Future prediction question (Will… in the future?)
• Key words: working from home, more common, future
• Cách tiếp cận:
  • Give prediction (Yes/No/Depends)
  • Explain reasons supporting your view
  • Acknowledge counterarguments hoặc limitations
  • Có thể mention different industries/contexts

Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

“Yes, I think working from home will become more popular in the future. During COVID-19, many people worked from home and companies realized it can work well. Also, technology is getting better, so it’s easier to work remotely now. However, some jobs still need people to be in the office, like doctors or factory workers. So I think it depends on the type of job.”

Phân tích:

• Structure: Clear prediction, basic reasoning, acknowledgment of exceptions
• Vocabulary: Simple (become more popular, work well, getting better, depends on)
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Communicates ideas clearly nhưng lacks sophistication, limited development of arguments

Sample Answer – Band 8.5-9:

“I think remote work will certainly become more prevalent, but perhaps not as universally as some people predicted during the pandemic. Let me elaborate on that.

On one hand, several factors point toward a sustained increase in remote work. The genie is out of the bottle, so to speak – both employers and employees have now experienced the benefits firsthand. Companies have realized they can cut overhead costs on office space, while workers have enjoyed greater flexibility and eliminated lengthy commutes. The technology infrastructure for remote collaboration has also matured significantly, making it far more viable than it was even five years ago.

However, I think we’ll see more of a hybrid model becoming the norm rather than fully remote arrangements. There are inherent limitations to remote work that have become apparent. For one thing, building company culture, fostering innovation through spontaneous interactions, and onboarding new employees effectively are all considerably more challenging in a fully remote setup. Many people also report feeling isolated and struggling with work-life boundaries when working from home long-term.

Moreover, the feasibility of remote work varies dramatically across industries and job functions. Knowledge workers in tech, finance, or consulting have the luxury of working remotely, but vast sectors of the economy – healthcare, hospitality, manufacturing, retail – are inherently location-dependent. Even within white-collar sectors, certain roles require physical presence for equipment access or security reasons.

My prediction is that we’ll see a bifurcation: some companies, particularly in tech, will go fully remote and tap into global talent pools, while others will adopt hybrid schedules – say, two to three days in the office and the rest remote. What’s certain is that the traditional five-day office week is unlikely to make a full comeback for roles where remote work is feasible. The shift has been too significant, and employee expectations have fundamentally changed.”

Phân tích:

• Structure: Sophisticated với clear thesis (will increase but with nuances), multiple perspectives (On one hand… However… Moreover…), specific prediction at end
• Vocabulary: Idiomatic (genie is out of the bottle), precise academic vocabulary (prevalent, sustained increase, inherent limitations, bifurcation, feasibility varies dramatically)
• Grammar: Full range including complex conditionals, passive voice, present perfect to show change over time
• Critical Thinking: Nuanced prediction acknowledging multiple factors, differentiates between industries, questions simplistic assumptions (not as universally), shows understanding of complexity

Key Language Features:

• Discourse markers: Let me elaborate / On one hand / However / For one thing / Moreover / My prediction is / What’s certain
• Future language: will become, will see, is that, is unlikely to (variety of future forms)
• Hedging: I think, perhaps, probably, tend to, considerably (appropriate for predictions)
• Compare & contrast: rather than, while, however, whereas

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Theme 3: Problem-Solving in Modern Society

Question 5: Why do you think some people are better at solving problems than others?

Phân tích câu hỏi:

• Dạng: Cause/Reason question (Why do you think…?)
• Key words: some people, better at solving problems, than others
• Cách tiếp cận: Identify 2-3 reasons (có thể là personality traits, education, experience, mindset), explain each reason, give examples

Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

“I think there are a few reasons why some people are better problem-solvers. First, some people are naturally more creative and can think of different solutions. Second, education is important because people who study more learn how to analyze problems better. Also, experience helps because when you face many problems, you learn from your mistakes and get better at solving them. Some people also stay calm under pressure, which helps them think more clearly.”

Phân tích:

• Structure: Clear với multiple reasons listed (First, Second, Also)
• Vocabulary: Basic (naturally more creative, think of different solutions, stay calm)
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Adequate content với relevant points, nhưng explanation không deep, lacks specific examples

Sample Answer – Band 8.5-9:

“That’s a fascinating question, and I think it boils down to a combination of nature and nurture, if you will.

To begin with, there seems to be a certain cognitive flexibility that some people possess, which might be partly innate. Some individuals are just naturally inclined toward divergent thinking – they can look at a problem from multiple angles and generate various solutions rather than fixating on a single approach. This cognitive style might have genetic components, but I think it’s also heavily influenced by early experiences.

Education and upbringing play a crucial role as well. People who were encouraged to explore, question assumptions, and learn from failures during their formative years tend to develop stronger problem-solving capabilities. Conversely, those raised in environments that emphasized conformity and penalized mistakes might become more risk-averse and less creative in their approach to challenges.

Beyond that, I’d say emotional intelligence is often underestimated as a problem-solving asset. People who can manage their stress responses, remain composed under pressure, and read social dynamics are often better equipped to navigate complex problems, especially those involving interpersonal elements. Panic and anxiety, after all, literally shut down the prefrontal cortex – the part of our brain responsible for complex thinking.

Lastly, there’s what psychologist Carol Dweck calls a ‘growth mindset’ – the belief that abilities can be developed through effort. People with this mindset view obstacles as opportunities rather than threats, which makes them more persistent and more likely to experiment with different approaches. In contrast, those with a ‘fixed mindset’ might give up more easily when faced with difficult problems.

To sum up, I think superior problem-solving ability stems from an interplay of cognitive traits, educational background, emotional regulation, and mindset – rather than any single factor.”

Phân tích:

• Structure: Exceptionally well-organized với clear signposting (To begin with, Beyond that, Lastly, To sum up), each point fully developed
• Vocabulary: Academic và sophisticated (boils down to, divergent thinking, cognitive flexibility, formative years, underestimated, interplay, stem from)
• Grammar: Full range including passive constructions, conditionals, relative clauses, complex noun phrases
• Critical Thinking: Nuanced analysis acknowledging multiple factors, references research (Carol Dweck), explains mechanisms (panic shuts down prefrontal cortex), avoids oversimplification

Key Language Features:

• Discourse markers: To begin with / Beyond that / Conversely / Lastly / To sum up / if you will / after all / In contrast
• Tentative language: seems to be, might be, I think, tend to, often (appropriate hedging for generalizations about people)
• Academic references: Carol Dweck, growth mindset, prefrontal cortex (shows educated perspective)
• Cause & effect language: stems from, influenced by, leads to, results in

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Question 6: Do you think companies should invest more in training employees to be resourceful?

Phân tích câu hỏi:

• Dạng: Should question (opinion + justification)
• Key words: companies, invest more, training, resourceful
• Cách tiếp cận:
  • State position (Yes/No/Depends)
  • Provide reasons with examples
  • Acknowledge potential counterarguments
  • Discuss benefits vs costs

Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

“Yes, I think companies should invest in this kind of training because resourceful employees can save the company money and time. When employees know how to solve problems by themselves, managers don’t need to help them all the time. This training can include teaching creative thinking and how to use available resources better. In the long run, this investment will benefit the company.”

Phân tích:

• Structure: Clear position, basic reasons, general conclusion
• Vocabulary: Simple (save money and time, by themselves, in the long run)
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Answers the question adequately nhưng lacks depth, no specific examples của training programs, benefits explained superficially

Sample Answer – Band 8.5-9:

“Absolutely, I’d argue that investing in resourcefulness training is not just beneficial but increasingly essential in today’s rapidly changing business environment. Let me break down why.

First and foremost, fostering resourcefulness creates a more resilient organization. When employees are trained to think creatively, leverage available resources, and find workarounds when faced with constraints, the entire company becomes less vulnerable to disruptions. During the pandemic, for instance, companies with resourceful workforces were able to pivot quickly and maintain operations while others floundered. That kind of organizational agility simply can’t be bought – it has to be cultivated.

Moreover, there’s a compelling ROI argument to be made. While training programs require upfront investment, the returns can be substantial. Resourceful employees reduce dependency on external consultants, minimize waste, and often innovate processes that create long-term efficiencies. I’ve read about companies like 3M that institutionalized this through programs like “15% time”, where employees can dedicate a portion of their work hours to experimental projects. This approach has yielded innovations worth millions.

That said, I think the training needs to be thoughtfully designed rather than just generic courses. Cookie-cutter programs rarely work. Effective resourcefulness training should be context-specific, incorporating real challenges the company faces, encouraging experimentation, and crucially, creating a culture where resourcefulness is rewarded rather than punished when attempts don’t succeed. There’s no point in training people to be resourceful if the organizational culture stifles initiative and penalizes calculated risks.

I’d also add that this investment pays dividends beyond just productivity. Employees who feel empowered and capable are typically more engaged and less likely to leave for other opportunities. Given the costs associated with turnover – recruiting, onboarding, lost knowledge – anything that boosts retention represents significant value.

In conclusion, I believe the question isn’t really whether companies should invest in resourcefulness training, but rather how much and in what form. In an era of constant disruption and resource constraints, this capability may well be a competitive differentiator.”

Phân tích:

• Structure: Sophisticated với clear thesis, multiple well-developed arguments (resilience, ROI, culture, retention), important caveat về design, strong conclusion that reframes the question
• Vocabulary: Business-specific và academic (resilience, organizational agility, compelling ROI, institutionalized, context-specific, stifles initiative, pays dividends, competitive differentiator)
• Grammar: Full range including conditionals (if the culture stifles), cleft sentences (There’s no point in…), passive constructions (has to be cultivated, is rewarded), complex noun phrases
• Critical Thinking: Goes beyond simple yes/no, provides specific example (3M’s 15% time), identifies potential pitfall (training without culture change), acknowledges cost-benefit trade-off, reframes the question sophisticatedly at end

Key Language Features:

• Discourse markers: Let me break down why / First and foremost / Moreover / That said / I’d also add / In conclusion
• Strong opinion language: Absolutely, increasingly essential, compelling argument, simply can’t be bought
• Business lexicon: ROI, upfront investment, organizational agility, yields innovations, pays dividends, turnover costs
• Hedging where appropriate: I’d argue, I think, may well be (shows sophistication in knowing when to hedge vs when to be definitive)

Từ Vựng và Cụm Từ Quan Trọng

Topic-Specific Vocabulary

Từ vựng/Cụm từ	Loại từ	Phiên âm	Nghĩa tiếng Việt	Ví dụ	Collocation
resourceful	adj	/rɪˈsɔːsfl/	tháo vát, giỏi tìm giải pháp	She’s incredibly resourceful when dealing with unexpected problems.	be resourceful with/in, resourceful person/employee, highly resourceful
think on one’s feet	idiom	/θɪŋk ɒn wʌnz fiːt/	suy nghĩ nhanh, ứng biến tốt	The manager had to think on his feet when the client changed the requirements.	ability to think on one’s feet, learn to think on your feet
ingenuity	n	/ˌɪndʒəˈnjuːəti/	sự khéo léo, tài xoay xở	Her ingenuity in solving technical problems impressed everyone.	show ingenuity, display ingenuity, require ingenuity, creative ingenuity
innovative	adj	/ˈɪnəveɪtɪv/	sáng tạo, đổi mới	He proposed an innovative solution that saved the company money.	innovative approach/solution/idea, highly innovative, increasingly innovative
leverage	v	/ˈlevərɪdʒ/	tận dụng, khai thác tối đa	She leveraged her network to find the resources we needed.	leverage resources/skills/connections, effectively leverage, leverage existing
adaptable	adj	/əˈdæptəbl/	dễ thích nghi, linh hoạt	Adaptable employees are valuable in rapidly changing industries.	highly adaptable, adaptable to change, adaptable approach/strategy
problem-solving	n/adj	/ˈprɒbləm ˌsɒlvɪŋ/	giải quyết vấn đề	His problem-solving skills are exceptional.	problem-solving ability/skills/approach, effective problem-solving, creative problem-solving
thinking outside the box	idiom	/ˈθɪŋkɪŋ ˌaʊtˈsaɪd ðə bɒks/	suy nghĩ sáng tạo, không theo lối mòn	The project required thinking outside the box to meet the deadline.	encourage thinking outside the box, involves thinking outside the box
tackle challenges	v phrase	/ˈtækl ˈtʃælɪndʒɪz/	giải quyết thách thức	She’s excellent at tackling challenges head-on.	tackle challenges/problems, ability to tackle, effectively tackle
under pressure	prep phrase	/ˈʌndə ˈpreʃə/	dưới áp lực	He remains calm and focused even under pressure.	work under pressure, stay calm under pressure, perform under pressure
come up with	phrasal v	/kʌm ʌp wɪð/	nghĩ ra, đưa ra (ý tưởng)	They came up with a brilliant solution to the budget problem.	come up with ideas/solutions/suggestions, manage to come up with
navigate	v	/ˈnævɪgeɪt/	điều hướng, xử lý	She successfully navigated the complex project requirements.	navigate challenges/difficulties/situation, skillfully navigate, successfully navigate
pivot	v	/ˈpɪvət/	xoay chuyển, thay đổi hướng	The company had to pivot quickly when the market changed.	pivot quickly, pivot to, need to pivot, strategic pivot
optimize	v	/ˈɒptɪmaɪz/	tối ưu hóa	He optimized the workflow to improve efficiency.	optimize resources/processes/performance, fully optimize, optimize for
proactive	adj	/prəʊˈæktɪv/	chủ động, tiên phong	A proactive approach to problem-solving is essential.	proactive approach/attitude/response, be proactive, proactive in
constraint	n	/kənˈstreɪnt/	hạn chế, rào cản	Working within budget constraints requires creativity.	budget/time/resource constraint, work within constraints, overcome constraints
workaround	n	/ˈwɜːkəraʊnd/	giải pháp thay thế, cách giải quyết tạm thời	They found a workaround for the software limitation.	find a workaround, develop a workaround, temporary workaround
collaborate	v	/kəˈlæbəreɪt/	hợp tác, cộng tác	Team members collaborated effectively to solve the issue.	collaborate with, collaborate on, closely collaborate, effectively collaborate
initiative	n	/ɪˈnɪʃətɪv/	sáng kiến, tính chủ động	She showed great initiative in proposing the new system.	take initiative, show initiative, lack initiative, on one’s own initiative
versatile	adj	/ˈvɜːsətaɪl/	đa năng, linh hoạt	A versatile employee can handle various types of tasks.	versatile skills/approach, highly versatile, versatile and adaptable

Idiomatic Expressions & Advanced Phrases

Cụm từ	Nghĩa	Ví dụ sử dụng	Band điểm
hit the ground running	bắt đầu công việc một cách nhanh chóng và hiệu quả	When she joined the company, she hit the ground running and completed her first project within a month.	7.5-9
go the extra mile	làm nhiều hơn yêu cầu, nỗ lực hết mình	He always goes the extra mile to ensure client satisfaction.	7.5-9
stay ahead of the curve	dẫn đầu xu hướng, luôn cập nhật	Companies that invest in innovation stay ahead of the curve.	7.5-9
thinking on your feet	ứng biến nhanh, xử lý linh hoạt	The interview required quick thinking on your feet.	7.5-8.5
rise to the occasion	đáp ứng tốt trong tình huống khó khăn	Despite limited resources, the team rose to the occasion.	7.5-8.5
make do with	tận dụng những gì có sẵn	We had to make do with limited equipment.	7-8
pull strings	sử dụng mối quan hệ để giải quyết việc	He pulled some strings to get the necessary approvals quickly.	7.5-8.5
cut corners	làm cho nhanh nhưng kém chất lượng (nghĩa tiêu cực)	A good employee never cuts corners even under time pressure.	7-8
wear many hats	đảm nhận nhiều vai trò khác nhau	In a startup, everyone wears many hats.	7.5-8.5
the ball is in someone’s court	phụ thuộc vào ai đó để quyết định hoặc hành động	I’ve sent the proposal; now the ball is in their court.	7.5-8.5
bring something to the table	đóng góp kỹ năng, ý tưởng có giá trị	Each team member brings different skills to the table.	7.5-8.5
work wonders	có hiệu quả rất tốt	A positive attitude can work wonders in difficult situations.	7.5-8

Discourse Markers (Từ Nối Ý Trong Speaking)

Để bắt đầu câu trả lời:

• Well,… – Khi cần suy nghĩ một chút trước khi trả lời: “Well, that’s an interesting question…”
• Actually,… – Khi đưa ra góc nhìn hơi khác với expected answer: “Actually, I think it’s more complex than that…”
• To be honest,… – Khi nói thật về ý kiến cá nhân: “To be honest, I haven’t given it much thought before, but…”
• I’d say that… – Cách tự tin đưa ra quan điểm: “I’d say that resourcefulness is partly innate and partly learned.”
• From my perspective/experience,… – Thêm personal touch: “From my experience working in startups…”

Để bổ sung ý:

• On top of that,… – Thêm vào đó (formal hơn “Also”): “On top of that, he has excellent communication skills.”
• What’s more,… – Hơn nữa, còn nữa: “What’s more, this approach saves money in the long run.”
• Not to mention… – Chưa kể đến (emphasize thêm): “Not to mention the boost in team morale.”
• Beyond that,… – Ngoài ra còn: “Beyond that, there are ethical considerations to think about.”
• Additionally/Furthermore,… – Academic style để add information: “Furthermore, this skill becomes increasingly important in uncertain times.”

Để đưa ra quan điểm cân bằng:

• On the one hand,… On the other hand,… – Một mặt… mặt khác
• While it’s true that…, we also need to consider… – Mặc dù đúng là… nhưng cũng cần xem xét
• That said,… – Tuy nhiên, đã nói vậy nhưng: “That said, there are some limitations to this approach.”
• Having said that,… – Tương tự “That said”
• To some extent,… but… – Ở một mức độ nào đó… nhưng

Để giải thích và làm rõ:

• Let me explain what I mean. – Để tôi giải thích ý của mình
• What I’m trying to say is… – Điều tôi muốn nói là
• To put it simply,… – Nói một cách đơn giản
• In other words,… – Nói cách khác
• To elaborate on that,… – Để nói rõ hơn về điều đó

Để đưa ra ví dụ:

• For instance/For example,… – Ví dụ
• Take [X], for instance,… – Lấy X làm ví dụ: “Take the tech industry, for instance…”
• A case in point is… – Một ví dụ điển hình là
• To illustrate this,… – Để minh họa điều này

Để kết luận:

• All in all,… – Tóm lại, nhìn chung
• At the end of the day,… – Cuối cùng thì (informal, natural)
• To sum up,… – Tóm lại
• In conclusion,… – Kết luận (formal, careful không overuse)
• Overall,… – Nhìn chung
• The bottom line is… – Điều cốt lõi là

Grammatical Structures Ấn Tượng

1. Conditional Sentences (Câu điều kiện):

Mixed conditional: Kết hợp past và present để show cause-effect across time

• Formula: If + past perfect, would + verb (present consequence of past condition)
• Ví dụ: “If I hadn’t worked with David, I wouldn’t be as confident in handling challenges today.”

Inversion with conditionals: Formal style, impressive cho Band 8+

• Formula: Had/Were/Should + subject + verb…
• Ví dụ: “Had the company not invested in training, they would have lost their competitive edge.”
• “Were I to choose a role model, it would definitely be someone resourceful.”

2. Relative Clauses (Mệnh đề quan hệ):

Non-defining relative clauses: Thêm thông tin không essential

• Formula: …, who/which/where + clause, …
• Ví dụ: “My manager, who has over 20 years of experience, taught me the importance of resourcefulness.”

Reduced relative clauses: Advanced style

• Ví dụ: “Employees trained in problem-solving tend to be more valuable.” (who are trained…)

3. Passive Voice (Câu bị động):

Impersonal passive với reporting verbs: Academic, formal

• It is thought/believed/said that…
• Ví dụ: “It is widely believed that creativity cannot be taught, but I disagree.”
• “It has been shown that resourceful employees boost company performance.”

Get passive: More natural, conversational

• Ví dụ: “She got promoted because of her problem-solving skills.”

4. Cleft Sentences (Câu chẻ):

Dùng để emphasize một phần của câu, rất impressive trong Speaking

What-cleft:

• What I find most…, is…
• Ví dụ: “What I find most impressive about David is his ability to stay calm under pressure.”
• The thing that…, is…
• Ví dụ: “The thing that makes her resourceful is her positive mindset.”

It-cleft:

• It’s [noun] that…
• Ví dụ: “It’s his creativity that really sets him apart from other managers.”

5. Inversion for Emphasis:

Negative adverbials at beginning: Formal và dramatic

• Rarely/Seldom/Never/Not only… + auxiliary + subject + verb
• Ví dụ: “Rarely have I met someone as resourceful as my colleague.”
• “Not only does she solve problems quickly, but she also helps train others.”

6. Participle Clauses:

Thay thế cho relative clauses hoặc adverbial clauses, sound sophisticated

Present participle (-ing):

• Ví dụ: “Being resourceful, she managed to complete the project on time.” (Because she was resourceful…)
• “Having worked in startups, I understand the importance of adaptability.” (Because I have worked…)

Perfect participle:

• Ví dụ: “Having faced numerous challenges, he developed strong problem-solving skills.”

7. Subjunctive Mood:

Formal structures cho suggestions, importance

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

• Ví dụ: “It’s essential that companies invest in employee training.”
• “I suggest that managers encourage creative thinking.”

8. Comparative and Superlative Structures:

The more…, the more…: Show correlation

• Ví dụ: “The more resourceful an employee is, the more valuable they become to the company.”

As… as…: Comparisons

• Ví dụ: “Being resourceful is as important as having technical skills.”

Not as/so… as…: Downplay comparison

• Ví dụ: “Experience is not as crucial as the willingness to learn.”

9. Wish and Regret Structures:

I wish + past perfect: Regret về quá khứ

• Ví dụ: “I wish more schools taught problem-solving skills.”

If only…: Stronger than wish

• Ví dụ: “If only I had learned to be more resourceful earlier in my career.”

10. Fronting (Đảo cấu trúc):

Di chuyển elements lên đầu câu để emphasize

• Ví dụ: “Resourcefulness – that’s what companies should look for when hiring.”
• “Under no circumstances should employees be discouraged from taking initiative.”

Common Collocations for Workplace Topics

Với “solution”:

• find/come up with/propose/develop a solution
• practical/innovative/creative/viable solution
• long-term/short-term/temporary solution

Với “problem”:

• tackle/address/solve/resolve a problem
• face/encounter/run into a problem
• complex/challenging/pressing problem

Với “skills”:

• develop/hone/improve/enhance skills
• transferable/soft/technical/interpersonal skills
• problem-solving/communication/analytical skills

Với “approach”:

• take/adopt a… approach
• systematic/methodical/practical/creative approach
• hands-on/proactive/strategic approach

Với “resources”:

• utilize/leverage/allocate/maximize resources
• available/limited/existing/additional resources
• human/financial/material resources

Những từ vựng, cấu trúc và collocations này sẽ giúp bạn nâng cao band điểm Speaking một cách rõ rệt. Quan trọng là phải practice sử dụng chúng trong context tự nhiên, không học thuộc rồi nhồi nhét vào câu trả lời. Examiner dễ dàng nhận biết khi candidates dùng vocabulary không natural.

Lời khuyên từ Examiner: Chọn 5-7 từ/cụm từ mới mỗi tuần, tạo câu ví dụ của riêng bạn liên quan đến kinh nghiệm thật, và practice nói to ra. Record lại và nghe để check pronunciation và natural flow. Đừng cố gắng sử dụng tất cả advanced vocabulary cùng lúc – quality over quantity!

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Hy vọng bài viết này đã cung cấp cho bạn cái nhìn toàn diện về cách trả lời chủ đề “Describe a person who is very resourceful at work” trong IELTS Speaking. Hãy nhớ rằng, điều quan trọng nhất không phải là học thuộc các câu trả lời mẫu, mà là hiểu được cách develop ideas, sử dụng vocabulary chính xác, và structure câu trả lời logic.

Practice thường xuyên với timer, record lại bài nói của mình để tự đánh giá, và nếu có thể, tìm một study partner hoặc tutor để nhận feedback. Chúc bạn đạt được band điểm mong muốn trong kỳ thi IELTS Speaking!