IELTS Speaking: Cách Trả Lời “Describe a Person You Have Recently Met” – Bài Mẫu Band 6-9

Chủ đề miêu tả người bạn vừa mới gặp là một trong những dạng câu hỏi phổ biến và thường xuyên xuất hiện trong IELTS Speaking Part 2. Đây là một chủ đề tưởng chừng đơn giản nhưng lại đòi hỏi khả năng diễn đạt chi tiết về ngoại hình, tính cách và ấn tượng cá nhân. 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 và dự đoán sẽ tiếp tục có khả năng xuất hiện cao trong thời gian tới.

Trong bài viết này, bạn sẽ học được cách trả lời chủ đề “Describe A Person You Have Recently Met” một cách tự nhiên và ấn tượng cho cả ba phần thi. Bài viết cung cấp các câu hỏi thực tế từ các kỳ thi gần đây, bài mẫu chi tiết theo từng band điểm từ 6-7, 7.5-8 đến 8.5-9, kèm phân tích sâu về lý do đạt band điểm tương ứng. Bạn cũng sẽ nắm được vốn từ vựng chuyên biệt để miêu tả con người, các cụm từ idiom ăn điểm, cấu trúc ngữ pháp nâng cao và chiến lược trả lời hiệu quả từ góc nhìn của một examiner chính thức.

Đặc biệt, bài viết sẽ chỉ ra những lỗi thường gặp của học viên Việt Nam khi nói về chủ đề này như: miêu tả quá chung chung, thiếu cảm xúc cá nhân, không kết nối các ý một cách mạch lạc, hay sử dụng từ vựng đơn điệu. Hãy cùng khám phá cách để câu chuyện về người bạn vừa gặp trở nên sống động và để lại ấn tượng sâu sắc với giám khảo.

IELTS Speaking Part 1: Introduction and Interview

Tổng Quan Về Part 1

Part 1 của IELTS Speaking kéo dài từ 4-5 phút, trong đó giám khảo sẽ hỏi các câu hỏi ngắn về đời sống hàng ngày, sở thích, gia đình, công việc hay học tập của bạn. Đặc điểm của Part 1 là các câu hỏi khá đơn giản và quen thuộc, nhưng cách bạn trả lời sẽ tạo ấn tượng ban đầu quan trọng.

Chiến lược hiệu quả cho Part 1 là trả lời trực tiếp câu hỏi trong 2-3 câu, không quá ngắn gọn nhưng cũng không nên kéo dài. Hãy mở rộng câu trả lời bằng cách đưa thêm lý do, ví dụ hoặc chi tiết cá nhân.

Lỗi thường gặp của học viên Việt Nam trong Part 1:

• Trả lời quá ngắn chỉ có Yes/No mà không giải thích
• Sử dụng từ vựng quá đơn giản và lặp lại
• Thiếu ví dụ cụ thể từ kinh nghiệm bản thân
• Không tự nhiên, nghe như đang đọc thuộc lòng

Các Câu Hỏi Thường Gặp

Dưới đây là các câu hỏi thực tế liên quan đến chủ đề gặp gỡ và làm quen với người mới trong IELTS Speaking Part 1:

Question 1: Do you like meeting new people?

Question 2: How do you usually meet new people?

Question 3: Where do people in your country usually meet new friends?

Question 4: Do you find it easy to make friends?

Question 5: Have you made any new friends recently?

Question 6: What kind of people do you like to meet?

Question 7: Do you prefer meeting people online or in person?

Question 8: How important is first impression when meeting someone new?

Phân Tích và Gợi Ý Trả Lời Chi Tiết

Question: Do you like meeting new people?

🎯 Cách tiếp cận:

• Trả lời trực tiếp Yes/No
• Đưa ra lý do tại sao thích hoặc không thích
• Thêm ví dụ hoặc tình huống cụ thể

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

“Yes, I do like meeting new people. It’s interesting to learn about different perspectives and experiences. I usually meet new people at work or through mutual friends.”

Phân tích:

• Điểm mạnh: Câu trả lời rõ ràng, có lý do và ví dụ cụ thể về nơi gặp gỡ
• Hạn chế: Từ vựng còn đơn giản (interesting, different), cấu trúc câu chưa phức tạp, thiếu chi tiết cảm xúc
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Đáp ứng yêu cầu cơ bản với câu trả lời đầy đủ nhưng chưa có từ vựng nâng cao hay ý tưởng sâu sắc

📝 Sample Answer – Band 8-9:

“Absolutely! I’m quite an outgoing person, so I genuinely enjoy expanding my social circle. Meeting new people gives me the opportunity to broaden my horizons and gain fresh perspectives on various topics. Just last month, I attended a networking event where I met a graphic designer whose innovative approach to branding really opened my eyes to the creative industry.”

Phân tích:

• Điểm mạnh: Sử dụng từ vựng tinh vi (outgoing, expanding social circle, broaden horizons, fresh perspectives, innovative approach), cấu trúc câu phức (relative clause “whose innovative approach”), ví dụ cụ thể và gần đây, thể hiện cảm xúc thật (genuinely enjoy, opened my eyes)
• Tại sao Band 8-9: Fluency xuất sắc với câu trả lời tự nhiên và mạch lạc. Vocabulary phong phú với collocations chính xác. Grammar đa dạng với cả câu đơn và câu phức. Ý tưởng sâu sắc về việc học hỏi từ người khác.

💡 Key Vocabulary & Expressions:

• outgoing person: người hướng ngoại, dễ giao tiếp
• expand social circle: mở rộng vòng kết giao
• broaden horizons: mở mang tầm nhìn
• fresh perspectives: góc nhìn mới mẻ
• innovative approach: cách tiếp cận sáng tạo
• open someone’s eyes: mở mang hiểu biết cho ai đó

---

Question: How do you usually meet new people?

🎯 Cách tiếp cận:

• Liệt kê các cách thức gặp gỡ thường dùng
• Giải thích ngắn gọn về từng cách
• Có thể so sánh hoặc đưa ra preference

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

“I usually meet new people through work and social events. Sometimes I also meet people through friends who introduce me to their other friends. I think these are the most common ways for me.”

Phân tích:

• Điểm mạnh: Đưa ra nhiều cách thức khác nhau, câu trả lời đầy đủ
• Hạn chế: Từ vựng lặp lại (people, meet, friends), thiếu ví dụ cụ thể, cấu trúc câu đơn giản
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Truyền đạt được ý nghĩa nhưng chưa impressive về mặt ngôn ngữ

📝 Sample Answer – Band 8-9:

“Well, there are several ways I come into contact with new people. Primarily, I meet them through professional settings like conferences or workshops, where I can network with like-minded individuals in my field. I’m also quite active in a local book club, which has been a fantastic avenue for meeting people who share similar interests. On top of that, mutual friends often introduce me to people from their circles, which I find creates an instant sense of trust since there’s already a common connection.”

Phân tích:

• Điểm mạnh: Vocabulary tinh vi và đa dạng (come into contact with, professional settings, like-minded individuals, fantastic avenue, instant sense of trust, common connection), sử dụng discourse markers tự nhiên (Primarily, On top of that), cấu trúc câu phức tạp với relative clauses, ý tưởng được phát triển logic với nhiều ví dụ cụ thể
• Tại sao Band 8-9: Thể hiện khả năng sử dụng ngôn ngữ linh hoạt và chính xác, collocations tự nhiên, phân tích sâu về lợi ích của từng cách gặp gỡ

💡 Key Vocabulary & Expressions:

• come into contact with: tiếp xúc với
• professional settings: môi trường chuyên nghiệp
• network with like-minded individuals: kết nối với những người cùng chí hướng
• fantastic avenue: con đường tuyệt vời
• introduce someone to: giới thiệu ai đó với
• instant sense of trust: cảm giác tin tưởng ngay lập tức
• common connection: điểm chung, mối liên hệ chung

---

Question: Do you find it easy to make friends?

🎯 Cách tiếp cận:

• Đánh giá khả năng của bản thân một cách trung thực
• Giải thích lý do tại sao dễ hoặc khó
• Có thể đề cập đến sự thay đổi theo thời gian

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

“I think it’s quite easy for me to make friends because I’m friendly and enjoy talking to people. However, it takes time to make really close friends who you can trust completely.”

Phân tích:

• Điểm mạnh: Có sự phân biệt giữa “friends” và “close friends”, thể hiện suy nghĩ có chiều sâu
• Hạn chế: Từ vựng đơn giản (friendly, enjoy, trust), thiếu ví dụ cụ thể, câu trả lời còn chung chung
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Ý tưởng tốt nhưng cách diễn đạt chưa sophisticated

📝 Sample Answer – Band 8-9:

“I’d say I’m reasonably good at making initial connections with people because I’m naturally approachable and enjoy striking up conversations. However, I think there’s a clear distinction between casual acquaintances and genuine friendships. While I can easily build rapport with someone during a first meeting, developing a deep, meaningful friendship requires time and mutual investment. I’ve found that quality trumps quantity when it comes to friendships, so I’m quite selective about who I invest my time and energy in. That said, I’ve been fortunate to form some lasting bonds with people I’ve met in recent years through shared experiences and common values.”

Phân tích:

• Điểm mạnh: Vocabulary xuất sắc với nhiều collocations tự nhiên (strike up conversations, build rapport, deep meaningful friendship, mutual investment, quality trumps quantity), cấu trúc ngữ pháp phức tạp (While…, I’ve found that…, That said…), thể hiện critical thinking với sự phân biệt rõ ràng giữa các loại quan hệ, ý tưởng sâu sắc về chất lượng quan trọng hơn số lượng
• Tại sao Band 8-9: Fluency hoàn hảo với câu trả lời dài, mạch lạc. Vocabulary tinh vi và precise. Grammar đa dạng với nhiều cấu trúc khác nhau. Pronunciation tự nhiên với discourse markers. Ideas thể hiện maturity và self-awareness.

💡 Key Vocabulary & Expressions:

• reasonably good at: khá giỏi về
• approachable: dễ gần, dễ tiếp cận
• strike up conversations: bắt chuyện
• casual acquaintances: người quen thông thường
• genuine friendships: tình bạn chân thành
• build rapport: xây dựng mối quan hệ tốt
• mutual investment: sự đầu tư chung hai chiều
• quality trumps quantity: chất lượng quan trọng hơn số lượng
• selective about: chọn lọc về
• lasting bonds: mối quan hệ bền vững

Người trẻ tự tin giao tiếp trong môi trường chuyên nghiệp với các câu hỏi IELTS Speaking Part 1

IELTS Speaking Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)

Tổng Quan Về Part 2

Part 2 của IELTS Speaking là phần độc thoại kéo dài 2-3 phút, trong đó bạn sẽ có 1 phút chuẩn bị và ghi chú về một chủ đề cụ thể được đưa ra trên cue card. Đây là phần quan trọng nhất để thể hiện khả năng nói liền mạch và phát triển ý tưởng.

Thời gian chuẩn bị 1 phút là cực kỳ quan trọng. Đừng lãng phí thời gian này bằng cách viết câu hoàn chỉnh. Thay vào đó, hãy ghi chú các từ khóa (keywords) cho mỗi bullet point và một vài từ vựng nâng cao mà bạn muốn sử dụng.

Thời gian nói cần đạt tối thiểu 1.5 phút và tốt nhất là đủ 2 phút. Giám khảo sẽ ngắt lời bạn khi hết thời gian, điều này là bình thường. Nếu bạn nói được đủ 2 phút trở lên, đó là dấu hiệu tốt cho thấy bạn có khả năng phát triển ý tưởng.

Chiến lược quan trọng:

• Trả lời đầy đủ tất cả bullet points trên cue card
• Sử dụng thì động từ phù hợp (thường là quá khứ khi kể về trải nghiệm)
• Phần “explain” cuối cùng là phần quan trọng nhất để ghi điểm cao
• Sử dụng linking words để kết nối các ý
• Đưa ra chi tiết cụ thể, không nói chung chung

Lỗi thường gặp:

• Không sử dụng hết 1 phút chuẩn bị
• Nói dưới 1.5 phút
• Bỏ sót một hoặc nhiều bullet points
• Nói quá chung chung, thiếu chi tiết
• Không giải thích cảm xúc hay ý nghĩa cá nhân

Cue Card

Describe a person you have recently met

You should say:

• Who this person is
• When and where you met him/her
• What you did together
• And explain why you remember this person well

Phân Tích Đề Bài

Dạng câu hỏi: Describe a person (Miêu tả một người) – một trong những dạng phổ biến nhất

Thì động từ: Chủ yếu sử dụng thì quá khứ đơn (Past Simple) khi kể về cuộc gặp gỡ và những gì đã làm cùng nhau. Có thể dùng thì hiện tại đơn (Present Simple) khi miêu tả tính cách, ngoại hình của người đó.

Bullet points phải cover:

• Who this person is: Giới thiệu người đó là ai, làm nghề gì, mối quan hệ với bạn
• When and where you met: Bối cảnh cụ thể về thời gian và địa điểm gặp nhau
• What you did together: Các hoạt động đã cùng làm trong lần gặp đó
• Explain why you remember well: Đây là phần quan trọng nhất, cần giải thích cảm xúc, ấn tượng và lý do tại sao người này đáng nhớ

Câu “explain” quan trọng: Phần explain là nơi bạn thể hiện sự sâu sắc trong suy nghĩ, cảm xúc và khả năng phân tích. Đây là điểm ghi điểm cao nhất, đừng chỉ nói “because they are nice” mà hãy giải thích cụ thể điều gì về người đó đã tác động đến bạn như thế nào.

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7

Thời lượng: Khoảng 1.5-2 phút

I’d like to talk about a person I met recently. Her name is Linda and she’s a marketing manager at a tech company. I met her about two months ago at a friend’s birthday party in a restaurant in the city center.

At the party, we were sitting at the same table and started talking about our jobs. She told me about her work and I found it very interesting. We talked for quite a long time about different topics like travel and books. After the party, we exchanged contact information and have stayed in touch since then.

I remember Linda well for several reasons. First, she was very friendly and easy to talk to. She asked me many questions about my life and seemed genuinely interested in what I had to say. Second, she gave me some useful advice about my career because she has a lot of experience in her field. She told me about some opportunities I could explore.

Another reason I remember her is that she has a great sense of humor. She made everyone at the table laugh with her funny stories. I really enjoyed spending time with her and I’m glad we became friends. We plan to meet again soon for coffee.

Overall, meeting Linda was a positive experience and I think she’s someone I can learn a lot from in the future.

Phân Tích Band Điểm

Tiêu chí	Band	Nhận xét
Fluency & Coherence	6-7	Câu trả lời mạch lạc với các linking words cơ bản (First, Second, Another reason). Có một số hesitation nhỏ nhưng vẫn duy trì được flow. Trả lời đầy đủ tất cả bullet points.
Lexical Resource	6-7	Từ vựng adequate với một số cụm từ tốt (exchanged contact information, sense of humor, genuinely interested) nhưng còn lặp lại (interesting, friendly, easy to talk to). Thiếu vocabulary đa dạng và sophisticated.
Grammatical Range & Accuracy	6-7	Sử dụng đúng thì quá khứ và hiện tại. Có một số câu phức (because she has a lot of experience) nhưng phần lớn là câu đơn giản. Ít lỗi ngữ pháp.
Pronunciation	6-7	Phát âm rõ ràng, dễ hiểu với ít lỗi. Trọng âm từ cơ bản chính xác.

Điểm mạnh:

• ✅ Trả lời đầy đủ tất cả bullet points một cách có tổ chức
• ✅ Sử dụng thì động từ chính xác
• ✅ Có ví dụ cụ thể về cuộc trò chuyện và tính cách của người đó
• ✅ Độ dài phù hợp, đạt khoảng 1.5-2 phút

Hạn chế:

• ⚠️ Từ vựng còn đơn giản và lặp lại (interesting, friendly)
• ⚠️ Thiếu chi tiết sinh động về ngoại hình hay cách cư xử cụ thể
• ⚠️ Phần explain chưa đủ sâu sắc, còn khá surface-level
• ⚠️ Cấu trúc câu chưa đa dạng, chủ yếu là câu đơn

📝 Sample Answer – Band 7.5-8

Thời lượng: Khoảng 2-2.5 phút

I’d like to tell you about an intriguing individual I met recently who really left a lasting impression on me. Her name is Sarah Chen, and she’s a freelance documentary filmmaker specializing in environmental issues. We crossed paths about six weeks ago at a photography exhibition in the downtown arts district.

The circumstances of our meeting were quite serendipitous. I had gone to the exhibition alone, and we happened to be admiring the same photograph – a striking image of melting glaciers in Iceland. She initiated a conversation by asking what I thought about the photographer’s use of light, and from there, we engaged in a fascinating discussion about visual storytelling and climate change. What started as a brief chat turned into a two-hour conversation over coffee at a nearby café.

During our time together, we discovered we shared a mutual passion for environmental conservation. Sarah told me about her recent project documenting the impact of plastic pollution on marine life in Southeast Asia. I was captivated by her stories about the challenges she faced while filming – from dealing with unpredictable weather to navigating cultural differences. We also discussed our travel experiences and swapped recommendations for documentaries and books.

What makes Sarah so memorable to me is her infectious enthusiasm and genuine commitment to making a difference through her work. Unlike many people who simply talk about environmental issues, she’s actually taking concrete action by raising awareness through her films. I was particularly impressed by her determination and resilience, especially when she described overcoming significant obstacles in her career. Additionally, she has this remarkable ability to explain complex environmental concepts in a way that’s both accessible and compelling.

Her positive outlook despite working on often sobering topics was truly inspiring. She made me reflect on how I could contribute more to causes I care about. Since that meeting, we’ve stayed in touch, and I’m looking forward to attending the screening of her upcoming documentary next month.

Phân Tích Band Điểm

Tiêu chí	Band	Nhận xét
Fluency & Coherence	7.5-8	Câu trả lời trôi chảy với ít hesitation. Sử dụng discourse markers và linking devices tự nhiên (from there, additionally, unlike, since). Ý tưởng được phát triển logic và mạch lạc.
Lexical Resource	7.5-8	Từ vựng đa dạng và precise với nhiều collocations tự nhiên (left a lasting impression, serendipitous, mutual passion, infectious enthusiasm, taking concrete action). Paraphrasing hiệu quả.
Grammatical Range & Accuracy	7.5-8	Sử dụng đa dạng cấu trúc: relative clauses, participle clauses, conditionals ẩn. Ít lỗi ngữ pháp với câu phức tạp được sử dụng chính xác.
Pronunciation	7.5-8	Phát âm rõ ràng với intonation tự nhiên. Stress và rhythm tốt, dễ hiểu.

So Sánh Với Band 6-7

Khía cạnh	Band 6-7	Band 7.5-8
Vocabulary	“very interesting”, “friendly”, “easy to talk to”	“intriguing individual”, “serendipitous”, “infectious enthusiasm”, “compelling”
Grammar	“She told me about her work and I found it very interesting” (simple coordination)	“What started as a brief chat turned into a two-hour conversation” (complex transformation)
Ideas	“She was friendly and gave me useful advice”	“Unlike many people who simply talk about issues, she’s actually taking concrete action” (deeper analysis with contrast)

Nếu bạn muốn cải thiện kỹ năng nói về những trải nghiệm cá nhân, có thể tham khảo thêm Describe a time when you did something new để học cách kể chuyện một cách sinh động và tự nhiên hơn.

📝 Sample Answer – Band 8.5-9

Thời lượng: 2.5-3 phút đầy đủ

I’d like to share with you an encounter that has genuinely stayed with me since it happened. About a month ago, I had the pleasure of meeting Dr. Nguyen Minh Anh, a renowned neuroscientist who’s currently pioneering research into neuroplasticity and its applications in cognitive rehabilitation. Our paths crossed in what I can only describe as a fortuitous twist of fate at a TED-style talk event in Ho Chi Minh City.

The setting was quite intellectually stimulating – the event was held at a contemporary co-working space that regularly hosts thought-provoking discussions. Dr. Nguyen was the keynote speaker that evening, delivering a riveting presentation on how the brain rewires itself after trauma. What struck me immediately was not just her profound knowledge but the way she demystified complex scientific concepts, making them relatable to a lay audience like myself. Her presentation was peppered with real-world case studies that illustrated the remarkable resilience of the human brain.

After her talk, during the networking session, I mustered up the courage to approach her, expecting perhaps a brief, polite exchange. To my surprise, when I mentioned my interest in the intersection of technology and healthcare, her eyes lit up with genuine enthusiasm. We ended up having an engrossing conversation that lasted well over an hour, delving into topics ranging from ethical implications of brain-computer interfaces to the potential applications of AI in early diagnosis of neurological conditions. What set her apart was her ability to seamlessly weave personal anecdotes with scientific insights – she shared poignant stories about patients whose lives had been transformed through her research, which added a deeply human dimension to the science.

The reason Dr. Nguyen has left an indelible mark on me goes beyond her impressive credentials and groundbreaking work. What truly resonated with me was her humility and approachability despite her stellar achievements. In Vietnamese culture, we often encounter hierarchical barriers between established professionals and younger individuals, but she completely broke down those walls. She spoke to me as an equal, actively encouraging my curiosity and even offering to connect me with resources to learn more about the field.

Moreover, her unwavering passion for her work was palpable and contagious. She described how she deliberately chose a research path that, while less financially lucrative, allowed her to make tangible contributions to improving people’s lives. This selfless dedication to a greater purpose was profoundly inspiring and made me reassess my own priorities and career trajectory. She embodied a philosophy that success isn’t merely measured by conventional metrics but by the positive impact one has on society.

Since that evening, we’ve maintained sporadic contact through email, and she’s graciously offered to mentor me as I explore opportunities in health tech. That chance meeting has opened doors I never knew existed and has fundamentally shifted my perspective on what it means to pursue meaningful work. Dr. Nguyen isn’t just someone I met recently; she’s become a role model whose example continues to push me to think bigger and aim higher in my own endeavors.

Phân Tích Band Điểm

Tiêu chí	Band	Nhận xét
Fluency & Coherence	8.5-9	Hoàn toàn trôi chảy, không có hesitation. Sử dụng discourse markers tinh vi (What struck me, To my surprise, Moreover). Ý tưởng được phát triển một cách logic và sophisticated với transitions mượt mà.
Lexical Resource	8.5-9	Từ vựng tinh vi và precise với nhiều idioms và collocations tự nhiên (stayed with me, fortuitous twist of fate, mustered up courage, left an indelible mark, unwavering passion). Paraphrasing xuất sắc, không lặp lại.
Grammatical Range & Accuracy	8.5-9	Sử dụng đa dạng và chính xác các cấu trúc phức tạp: relative clauses, participle clauses, cleft sentences, inversion. Không có lỗi ngữ pháp đáng kể.
Pronunciation	8.5-9	Phát âm gần như native với intonation và rhythm tự nhiên. Sử dụng stress để nhấn mạnh ý nghĩa hiệu quả.

Tiến sĩ khoa học trao đổi chuyên môn trong sự kiện với bài mẫu IELTS Speaking band cao

Tại Sao Bài Này Xuất Sắc

🎯 Fluency Hoàn Hảo:
Bài nói duy trì độ trôi chảy tự nhiên trong suốt 3 phút mà không có hesitation hay repetition không cần thiết. Các ý tưởng được kết nối mượt mà thông qua discourse markers tinh vi như “What struck me immediately”, “To my surprise”, “Moreover”, “Since that evening” tạo nên một câu chuyện liền mạch.

📚 Vocabulary Tinh Vi:

• “fortuitous twist of fate” thay vì simply nói “by chance” – thể hiện range và sophistication
• “demystified complex scientific concepts” – collocation tự nhiên của người bản ngữ
• “left an indelible mark” thay vì “I remember her well” – idiom ấn tượng
• “unwavering passion” và “palpable and contagious” – tính từ mạnh mẽ được kết hợp hiệu quả
• “embodied a philosophy” – từ vựng academic được sử dụng tự nhiên trong context speaking

📝 Grammar Đa Dạng:

• Relative clause: “Dr. Nguyen Minh Anh, a renowned neuroscientist who’s currently pioneering research” – non-defining clause bổ sung thông tin
• Participle clause: “expecting perhaps a brief, polite exchange” – rút gọn câu một cách tinh tế
• Cleft sentence: “What set her apart was her ability to…” – nhấn mạnh điểm quan trọng
• Inversion (ẩn): Cấu trúc “Not only… but also” được biến tấu thành “goes beyond… What truly resonated”

💡 Ideas Sâu Sắc:
Bài nói không chỉ miêu tả người gặp mà còn phân tích sâu về impact cảm xúc và sự thay đổi trong suy nghĩ cá nhân. Đặc biệt là phần so sánh văn hóa về “hierarchical barriers” và cách Dr. Nguyen phá bỏ rào cản đó – thể hiện critical thinking và cultural awareness. Kết thúc bằng reflection về career trajectory và meaningful work cho thấy maturity trong suy nghĩ.

Follow-up Questions (Rounding Off Questions)

Sau Part 2, examiner có thể hỏi thêm 1-2 câu ngắn liên quan trực tiếp đến nội dung bạn vừa chia sẻ:

Question 1: Do you think you will stay in touch with this person?

Band 6-7 Answer:
“Yes, I think we will stay in touch. We have already exchanged messages a few times and she seems interested in keeping the friendship.”

Band 8-9 Answer:
“Absolutely. We’ve already established a good rapport and have been keeping in touch intermittently through email. Given our shared interests and the valuable insights she’s offered me, I’m quite keen on maintaining this connection. In fact, we’re planning to meet up next month when her documentary screening takes place, so I’m optimistic that this could develop into a long-term professional relationship.”

---

Question 2: Would you like to work in the same field as this person?

Band 6-7 Answer:
“It’s interesting but I’m not sure. Her work sounds challenging and meaningful, but I would need to learn more about it first before deciding.”

Band 8-9 Answer:
“That’s a thought-provoking question. While I’m genuinely fascinated by her field, I’m not certain I possess the specific aptitude for neuroscience research, which requires an exceptionally rigorous scientific background. However, her work has definitely sparked my interest in the broader intersection of technology and healthcare. I’m now exploring opportunities in health tech startups where I could leverage my existing skills while still contributing to the meaningful work she’s championing. So, perhaps not the exact same field, but certainly an adjacent area where I can make a similar positive impact.”

IELTS Speaking Part 3: Two-way Discussion

Tổng Quan Về Part 3

Part 3 của IELTS Speaking kéo dài 4-5 phút và là phần thảo luận sâu, trừu tượng hơn về chủ đề liên quan đến Part 2. Đây là phần khó nhất và cũng là nơi phân biệt rõ ràng giữa band điểm trung bình và cao.

Điểm khác biệt chính của Part 3 so với Part 1 và Part 2:

• Câu hỏi trừu tượng hơn, yêu cầu phân tích, đánh giá, so sánh
• Cần đưa ra quan điểm cá nhân có lý lẽ rõ ràng
• Phải xem xét nhiều góc độ của vấn đề
• Sử dụng examples từ xã hội, không chỉ kinh nghiệm cá nhân

Chiến lược hiệu quả:

• Mở rộng câu trả lời đến 3-5 câu (40-60 giây mỗi câu hỏi)
• Sử dụng discourse markers để tổ chức ý tưởng (Well, Actually, I think…)
• Thừa nhận complexity của vấn đề (It depends on…, While it’s true that…, On the one hand…)
• Đưa ra examples cụ thể từ xã hội hoặc thống kê nếu biết
• Paraphrase lại câu hỏi của examiner để có thời gian suy nghĩ

Lỗi thường gặp của học viên Việt Nam:

• Trả lời quá ngắn, thiếu phân tích
• Không đưa ra lý lẽ rõ ràng để support quan điểm
• Thiếu từ vựng trừu tượng (abstract nouns)
• Không thừa nhận nhiều góc độ của vấn đề
• Speaking quá academic, không tự nhiên

Các Câu Hỏi Thảo Luận Sâu

Dưới đây là các câu hỏi Part 3 được phân loại theo theme liên quan đến chủ đề gặp gỡ người mới:

Theme 1: Social Relationships and Networking

Question 1: Why is it important for people to make new friends and acquaintances?

🎯 Phân tích câu hỏi:

• Dạng: Why question – yêu cầu giải thích reasons/importance
• Key words: important, make new friends, acquaintances
• Cách tiếp cận: Đưa ra 2-3 reasons với examples cụ thể, có thể phân biệt giữa friends và acquaintances

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

“I think it’s important to make new friends because it helps people expand their social circle. When you meet new people, you can learn different things from them and have more opportunities in life. For example, networking can help you find job opportunities or business partners. Also, having friends makes life more enjoyable and less lonely. In modern society, people move around a lot for work, so making new friends in new places is necessary for their happiness.”

Phân tích:

• Structure: Có main point → reasons → example nhưng development chưa sâu
• Vocabulary: Adequate với “expand social circle”, “networking” nhưng còn repetitive (people, friends, new)
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Trả lời đúng câu hỏi với reasons rõ ràng nhưng lacks sophistication và depth of analysis

---

📝 Câu trả lời mẫu – Band 8-9:

“Well, I’d say that cultivating new relationships is fundamental to both personal growth and professional development for several reasons. On a personal level, meeting diverse individuals exposes us to different perspectives and worldviews, which can challenge our assumptions and broaden our horizons. This cross-pollination of ideas often leads to enhanced creativity and more nuanced understanding of complex issues.

From a professional standpoint, expanding one’s network is increasingly crucial in today’s interconnected economy. Many opportunities – whether it’s career advancement, collaborative projects, or entrepreneurial ventures – arise through personal connections rather than formal channels. There’s actually research suggesting that weak ties – those casual acquaintances rather than close friends – are often more instrumental in providing novel information and unexpected opportunities because they connect us to different social circles.

Beyond the practical benefits, there’s also a psychological dimension worth considering. Humans are inherently social creatures, and forming meaningful connections contributes significantly to our mental well-being and sense of belonging. In an era where social isolation and loneliness are increasingly recognized as public health concerns, particularly in urbanized societies, actively building and maintaining social relationships serves as a protective factor against these challenges.

That said, I think it’s worth noting that quality should trump quantity when it comes to friendships. Superficial networking for purely transactional purposes can feel hollow and exhausting, whereas authentic connections – even if fewer in number – tend to be more fulfilling and sustainable in the long run.”

Phân tích:

• Structure: Extremely well-organized: Personal benefits → Professional benefits → Psychological dimension → Balanced conclusion. Mỗi point được develop đầy đủ với explanation và example.
• Vocabulary: Sophisticated và precise với academic collocations (cultivating relationships, fundamental to, cross-pollination of ideas, instrumental in, protective factor, quality trumps quantity). Paraphrasing xuất sắc (relationships/connections/ties).
• Grammar: Complex structures gồm: relative clauses (whether it’s…), noun clauses (research suggesting that…), participle phrases (particularly in urbanized societies). Sử dụng hedging language (I’d say, often, tend to) và tentative expressions (worth noting, worth considering).
• Critical Thinking: Thể hiện balanced view với “That said”, acknowledge research evidence, phân biệt weak ties vs close friends, và recognize the complexity of the issue.

💡 Key Language Features:

• Discourse markers: Well, On a personal level, From a professional standpoint, Beyond the practical benefits, That said
• Tentative language: I’d say that, often, tend to be, can feel, worth noting
• Abstract nouns: personal growth, professional development, cross-pollination, mental well-being, social isolation, public health concerns

---

Question 2: How have social media platforms changed the way people meet and interact with others?

🎯 Phân tích câu hỏi:

• Dạng: How question về changes – yêu cầu so sánh past vs present
• Key words: social media, changed, meet, interact
• Cách tiếp cận: Nêu changes (positive và negative), có thể đưa examples cụ thể về platforms

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

“Social media has changed a lot about how people meet others. In the past, people only met face-to-face, but now they can connect online first. Platforms like Facebook and Instagram make it easier to stay in touch with old friends and meet new people who share similar interests. However, some people think online interaction is not as meaningful as real-life meetings. Young people especially spend a lot of time on social media, which can be both good and bad for their social skills.”

Phân tích:

• Structure: Có comparison past vs present và mention both positive/negative aspects
• Vocabulary: Basic với “changed a lot”, “stay in touch”, “meet new people”. Thiếu sophisticated vocabulary về technology và social interaction
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Addresses the question adequately nhưng lacks depth of analysis và specific examples

---

📝 Câu trả lời mẫu – Band 8.5-9:

“Social media has fundamentally transformed the social landscape in ways that would have been unimaginable just two decades ago. Perhaps the most significant shift is the democratization of networking – geographical barriers have essentially dissolved, enabling people to forge connections with individuals across the globe who share niche interests or professional pursuits. For instance, platforms like LinkedIn have revolutionized professional networking, allowing people to cultivate relationships with industry peers without the constraints of physical proximity.

On the positive side, social media has dramatically lowered the threshold for initiating contact. People who might be naturally introverted or socially anxious in face-to-face settings often find it easier to strike up conversations online, where there’s less immediate pressure and more time to formulate responses. Additionally, these platforms serve as valuable tools for maintaining long-distance relationships and rekindling connections with old acquaintances – something that was considerably more challenging in the pre-digital era.

However, there’s a concerning paradox emerging. While we’re ostensibly more connected than ever, many researchers argue that these connections are often superficial and lack the depth of traditional friendships. The curated nature of social media – where people present idealized versions of their lives – can create unrealistic expectations and even exacerbate feelings of inadequacy or social isolation. There’s also the phenomenon of echo chambers, where algorithms predominantly expose us to like-minded individuals, potentially limiting the diverse perspectives we encounter rather than expanding them.

Moreover, I think we’re witnessing a generational divide in how social media impacts interpersonal skills. Younger generations, who’ve grown up immersed in digital communication, sometimes struggle with face-to-face interaction and reading non-verbal cues – skills that are crucial for building genuine rapport. There’s growing discourse among educators and psychologists about striking a balance between leveraging the benefits of social media while preserving the irreplaceable value of in-person human connection.

At the end of the day, I’d argue that social media is neither inherently good nor bad – it’s a powerful tool whose impact depends entirely on how mindfully we use it. The key lies in using these platforms to complement rather than replace traditional forms of social interaction.”

Phân tích:

• Structure: Exceptionally well-organized: Introduction with historical context → Positive impacts (với 2 specific benefits) → Negative impacts (với multiple concerns) → Generational perspective → Balanced conclusion
• Vocabulary: Highly sophisticated với precise collocations (fundamentally transformed, democratization of networking, forge connections, curated nature, echo chambers, generational divide, interpersonal skills, non-verbal cues). Strong use of academic vocabulary phù hợp với speaking context.
• Grammar: Wide range của complex structures: relative clauses, conditional forms (would have been unimaginable), participle clauses (while leveraging, preserving), cleft sentences (The key lies in). Effective use of hedging và cautious language.
• Critical Thinking: Shows exceptional depth với multiple perspectives, acknowledges paradox, cites research perspective, recognizes generational differences, và offers balanced conclusion. Demonstrates awareness of social/psychological implications.

Đối với những ai muốn tìm hiểu thêm về cách miêu tả những người có kiến thức sâu rộng, có thể tham khảo Describe a person who is very knowledgeable để học thêm từ vựng và cách diễn đạt ấn tượng.

Theme 2: First Impressions and Personality

Question 3: Do you think first impressions are usually accurate?

🎯 Phân tích câu hỏi:

• Dạng: Opinion question (Do you think) – yêu cầu personal viewpoint
• Key words: first impressions, accurate
• Cách tiếp cận: Đưa ra stance (Yes/No/Depends), explain reasoning, acknowledge complexity

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

“I think first impressions can sometimes be accurate, but not always. Sometimes you can tell if a person is friendly or not from the first meeting. However, people might be nervous or having a bad day, so their real personality might be different. I think you need more time to really know someone well. First impressions are important for job interviews and dating, but they can also be wrong.”

Phân tích:

• Structure: Có balanced view với “sometimes accurate, but not always” và examples
• Vocabulary: Adequate nhưng simple (friendly, nervous, bad day, really know)
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Addresses both sides nhưng lacks sophistication trong arguments và vocabulary

---

📝 Câu trả lời mẫu – Band 8.5-9:

“This is quite a nuanced question, and I’d say the answer largely depends on various factors. Research in social psychology suggests that first impressions, while remarkably quick – often formed within milliseconds – can indeed be surprisingly accurate in certain domains, particularly when it comes to assessing basic traits like friendliness or competence. Our brains have evolved to make these rapid assessments as a survival mechanism, and there’s something to be said for trusting our gut instinct in some situations.

That being said, I think first impressions are inherently limited and potentially misleading for several reasons. Firstly, they’re heavily influenced by cognitive biases – things like the halo effect, where one positive characteristic colors our perception of someone’s other qualities, or confirmation bias, where we selectively notice information that reinforces our initial judgment. Furthermore, people are incredibly complex, and surface-level observations during a brief encounter can’t possibly capture the depth and nuance of someone’s character.

There’s also the contextual dimension to consider. Someone might come across as aloof or unfriendly during a first meeting simply because they’re going through personal difficulties, feeling unwell, or culturally conditioned to be reserved with strangers. In Vietnamese culture, for instance, people often appear more formal or guarded in initial interactions, which shouldn’t be mistaken for coldness – it’s simply a different social norm.

From a practical standpoint, while I think it’s natural and unavoidable to form first impressions, I believe we should hold them lightly and remain open to revising our assessments as we gather more information. The most emotionally intelligent approach is to acknowledge our initial reactions while consciously creating space for people to reveal their authentic selves over time. After all, some of the most meaningful relationships I’ve witnessed have been between people who didn’t particularly impress each other initially but went on to develop deep connections.”

Phân tích:

• Structure: Sophisticated organization: Acknowledge validity → Explain limitations (with multiple reasons) → Consider cultural context → Practical conclusion. Shows ability to view issue from multiple angles.
• Vocabulary: Exceptionally precise và natural với psychology-related terms (cognitive biases, halo effect, confirmation bias, emotionally intelligent), academic collocations (nuanced question, largely depends on, inherently limited, contextual dimension), và advanced expressions (hold them lightly, remain open, reveal authentic selves)
• Grammar: Complex and varied: relative clauses (where one positive characteristic…), participle phrases (feeling unwell, culturally conditioned), conditional forms (shouldn’t be mistaken for), và cleft sentences (After all)
• Critical Thinking: Outstanding depth với references to research, psychological concepts, cultural awareness, và balanced perspective. Demonstrates intellectual maturity.

💡 Key Language Features:

• Hedging language: largely depends on, can indeed be, I’d say, I think, potentially
• Discourse markers: That being said, Furthermore, From a practical standpoint, After all
• Abstract concepts: cognitive biases, emotional intelligence, authentic selves, social norms

---

Question 4: What qualities do you think are most important when choosing friends?

🎯 Phân tích câu hỏi:

• Dạng: What question về values/priorities
• Key words: qualities, most important, choosing friends
• Cách tiếp cận: List 2-3 key qualities, explain why each matters, có thể contrast với less important qualities

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

“I think the most important quality is honesty. Good friends should be honest with you and tell you the truth, even when it’s difficult. Another important quality is loyalty – friends should support you and not talk badly about you behind your back. I also think it’s good if friends are reliable and do what they promise. Having similar interests is nice but not as important as these other qualities because you can still be good friends with people who have different hobbies.”

Phân tích:

• Structure: Lists multiple qualities với brief explanation cho từng cái
• Vocabulary: Clear nhưng simple (honesty, loyalty, reliable, support, talk badly)
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Covers the question well với multiple points nhưng explanations lack depth

---

📝 Câu trả lời mẫu – Band 8.5-9:

“From my perspective, while there are numerous desirable traits in a friend, I’d prioritize three qualities that I consider foundational to enduring friendships.

First and foremost, I’d say authenticity is paramount. By this, I mean the ability to be genuinely oneself without pretense or constantly wearing a mask. Authentic friendships – where both parties feel comfortable being vulnerable and showing their true selves, flaws and all – create a safe space for genuine connection. In my experience, relationships built on facades tend to be exhausting and ultimately unsustainable. When friends can be real with each other, it fosters a level of intimacy and trust that’s irreplaceable.

Equally crucial is emotional intelligence – the capacity to empathize, read social cues, and respond appropriately to others’ feelings. Friends with high emotional intelligence can provide meaningful support during difficult times, celebrate your successes without jealousy, and navigate conflicts constructively. This quality becomes increasingly important as we mature, because life inevitably throws us curveballs, and having friends who can emotionally attune to our needs makes a world of difference.

Thirdly, I’d emphasize shared values over shared interests. While common hobbies can certainly facilitate bonding, I’ve found that fundamental alignment in core values – things like integrity, compassion, personal growth, or social responsibility – creates a deeper and more resilient foundation for friendship. Interests can change over time; I might outgrow my passion for a particular sport or hobby, but values tend to be more enduring and shape how we navigate life’s significant decisions.

It’s worth mentioning that I deliberately didn’t include factors like humor or fun-loving nature, not because they’re unimportant – they certainly contribute to the enjoyment of friendship – but because I see them as secondary to these more fundamental qualities. The most fulfilling friendships I’ve witnessed combine these core qualities with complementary characteristics rather than identical personalities – after all, friends who challenge you and offer different perspectives often contribute more to your personal development than those who simply echo your viewpoints.”

Phân tích:

• Structure: Excellently organized với clear progression: Priority 1 (authenticity) với full development → Priority 2 (emotional intelligence) với examples → Priority 3 (shared values) với distinction → Meta-commentary về what was deliberately excluded và why
• Vocabulary: Sophisticated và precise với advanced collocations (paramount, foundational to enduring friendships, genuine connection, emotional intelligence, emotionally attune, fundamental alignment, core values, contribute to personal development). Natural use of idiomatic expressions (world of difference, life throws curveballs, flaws and all)
• Grammar: Complex and varied structures: cleft sentences (By this I mean…), relative clauses (relationships built on facades…), participle phrases (having friends who can…), conditionals ẩn (When friends can be real…)
• Critical Thinking: Exceptional depth với clear prioritization, nuanced distinctions (shared values vs shared interests), meta-awareness (deliberately didn’t include), và sophisticated reasoning about friendship development

Nhóm bạn trẻ trao đổi chân thành trong không gian ấm cúng với chủ đề IELTS Speaking Part 3

Theme 3: Cultural Differences in Social Interaction

Question 5: How do cultural differences affect the way people interact when they first meet?

🎯 Phân tích câu hỏi:

• Dạng: How question về cultural impact
• Key words: cultural differences, affect, interact, first meet
• Cách tiếp cận: Đưa ra specific examples của cultural differences (greetings, personal space, formality), explain impact, có thể contrast cultures

📝 Sample Answer – Band 7-8:

“Cultural differences have a significant impact on first meetings. For example, in some cultures like Japan or Vietnam, people tend to be more formal and reserved when meeting someone new, while in Western countries like the US, people are often more casual and friendly from the start. The way people greet each other also varies – some cultures use handshakes, others bow, and some even kiss on the cheek. These differences can sometimes cause misunderstandings if people aren’t aware of them. Personal space is another factor – some cultures are comfortable with close physical proximity, while others prefer to keep more distance. Understanding these cultural norms is important for successful cross-cultural communication, especially in today’s globalized world.”

Phân tích:

• Structure: Well-organized với multiple specific examples (formality, greetings, personal space) và acknowledges importance
• Vocabulary: Good range với “reserved”, “casual”, “physical proximity”, “cross-cultural communication”, “globalized world”
• Tại sao Band 7-8: Strong response với concrete examples và clear explanations, nhưng có thể develop deeper về implications

---

📝 Câu trả lời mẫu – Band 8.5-9:

“Cultural differences profoundly shape the dynamics of initial encounters in ways that extend far beyond superficial variations in greeting customs. What’s particularly fascinating is how these differences reflect deeper cultural values regarding social hierarchy, individualism versus collectivism, and communication styles.

Take, for instance, the concept of personal space and physical contact. In high-contact cultures such as those in Latin America or the Middle East, people often stand considerably closer during conversations and incorporate tactile elements like back-patting or arm-touching as signs of warmth and engagement. Conversely, in low-contact cultures like those in Northern Europe or East Asia, maintaining physical distance is viewed as respectful and appropriate, and excessive proximity might be perceived as intrusive or aggressive. When individuals from these contrasting cultural backgrounds meet, there can be a subtle dance of discomfort – one person instinctively stepping closer while the other unconsciously backs away.

The notion of directness in communication represents another crucial dimension. Anglo-American cultures tend to value straightforward communication and explicit expression of thoughts and feelings, viewing this as honest and efficient. Meanwhile, many Asian cultures employ high-context communication, where meaning is conveyed indirectly through subtle cues, implications, and what’s left unsaid. In Vietnamese culture, for example, we often use roundabout approaches and pay careful attention to face-saving, which Westerners might misinterpret as being evasive or dishonest when it’s actually a form of social grace and respect.

Furthermore, attitudes toward hierarchy and formality vary dramatically. In cultures with high power distance – like Korea, Japan, or India – first meetings often involve elaborate protocols regarding appropriate titles, bowing depth, or seating arrangements that reinforce social hierarchies. By contrast, in egalitarian cultures like Australia or Scandinavia, people might opt for first-name basis immediately and downplay status differences, which could come across as disrespectful or presumptuous to those from more hierarchical societies.

In our increasingly interconnected world, I think cultural intelligence – the ability to recognize, understand, and adapt to these differences – has become an invaluable skill. The key isn’t to memorize all possible cultural variations, which would be impossible, but rather to approach cross-cultural encounters with humility, curiosity, and willingness to suspend judgment when behaviors don’t align with our expectations. Misunderstandings are inevitable, but viewing them as learning opportunities rather than sources of frustration can transform potentially awkward situations into bridges for deeper cross-cultural understanding.”

Phân tích:

• Structure: Exceptionally sophisticated với clear framework: Introduction establishing depth of topic → Dimension 1 (personal space) with contrasting examples → Dimension 2 (communication directness) with cultural insight → Dimension 3 (hierarchy/formality) → Practical implications và conclusion. Each dimension được fully developed với examples và analysis.
• Vocabulary: Outstanding range và precision với specialized terminology (high-contact cultures, low-contact cultures, high-context communication, power distance, cultural intelligence, egalitarian cultures), sophisticated collocations (profoundly shape, subtle dance of discomfort, elaborate protocols, suspend judgment, align with expectations), và idiomatic expressions (face-saving, roundabout approaches)
• Grammar: Wide variety của advanced structures: cleft sentences (What’s particularly fascinating is…), participle constructions (viewing them as learning opportunities), relative clauses, complex conditionals, và inversions
• Critical Thinking: Exceptional depth với multiple frameworks (contact cultures, communication styles, power distance), specific cultural examples from multiple regions, meta-awareness về cross-cultural competence, và sophisticated conclusion about mindset rather than memorization. Demonstrates genuine intercultural understanding.

Nếu bạn muốn tìm hiểu thêm về cách miêu tả những trải nghiệm di chuyển và giao tiếp với người lạ trong các tình huống khác nhau, tham khảo describe a journey you took by public transport để học cách kể chuyện về những cuộc gặp gỡ tình cờ.

Theme 4: Technology and Modern Social Trends

Question 6: Do you think people are becoming more isolated despite having more ways to connect?

🎯 Phân tích câu hỏi:

• Dạng: Opinion question với paradox
• Key words: isolated, despite, more ways to connect
• Cách tiếp cận: Acknowledge the paradox, explain reasons behind it, provide balanced view với examples

📝 Sample Answer – Band 7-8:

“This is an interesting paradox. While technology gives us more ways to communicate, I do think many people feel more isolated. This might be because online communication lacks the depth of face-to-face interaction. People spend hours on social media but might not have meaningful conversations. Also, technology can be addictive, causing people to spend less time with family and friends in person. However, for some people, especially those who live far from family or have social anxiety, technology actually helps them feel less isolated by maintaining connections. So it depends on how people use technology – it can either increase or decrease isolation.”

Phân tích:

• Structure: Good acknowledgment của paradox, provides multiple perspectives, offers balanced conclusion
• Vocabulary: Adequate với “paradox”, “meaningful conversations”, “social anxiety”, “maintaining connections”
• Tại sao Band 7-8: Addresses complexity của issue với balanced view nhưng có thể develop deeper về underlying causes

---

📝 Câu trả lời mẫu – Band 8.5-9:

“This is indeed one of the great paradoxes of our time, and I think there’s substantial evidence to suggest that we are, paradoxically, experiencing what researchers call the ‘loneliness epidemic‘ despite – or perhaps because of – our unprecedented connectivity.

At the heart of this contradiction lies the distinction between quantity and quality of social interaction. While platforms like Facebook, Instagram, or WhatsApp enable us to maintain contact with hundreds or even thousands of connections, these interactions are often superficial and transactional – a quick like, a brief comment, or a fleeting message. They lack the emotional depth and physical presence that characterize genuine human connection. There’s actually compelling research from psychologists like Sherry Turkle suggesting that we’re ‘alone together’ – physically present but mentally absorbed in our devices, unable to fully engage with those around us.

Moreover, I think social media has created unrealistic benchmarks for social comparison. We’re constantly bombarded with curated highlights of others’ lives – exotic vacations, picture-perfect relationships, career triumphs – which can trigger feelings of inadequacy and social isolation, even when we’re theoretically connected to countless people. The FOMO phenomenon – fear of missing out – exacerbates this sense of disconnection as we see others seemingly enjoying vibrant social lives while we’re sitting alone with our screens.

There’s also what I’d call the ‘convenience paradox’. Because it’s so effortless to send a text or post an update, we’ve largely lost the intentionality behind reaching out. In previous generations, making plans required genuine effort – calling someone, coordinating schedules, traveling to meet – which imbued social interactions with greater meaning and commitment. Now, the ease of digital communication has, ironically, made our connections feel more dispensable and less meaningful.

That said, I don’t think technology is inherently isolating. For certain demographics – elderly people with mobility limitations, individuals in remote areas, or those with social anxiety or disabilities – digital platforms can be genuinely liberating, providing access to social networks that would otherwise be inaccessible. The COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated this vividly when video calls became lifelines for maintaining relationships during physical distancing.

Ultimately, I believe the key lies in mindful usage. Technology should serve as a bridge to, not a substitute for, in-person interaction. Using these tools to facilitate face-to-face meetings, deepen existing relationships, or maintain long-distance bonds is markedly different from replacing genuine connection with endless scrolling and passive consumption. We need to cultivate what Cal Newport calls ‘digital minimalism’ – being intentional and selective about how we use technology to ensure it enhances rather than undermines our social well-being.”

Phân tích:

• Structure: Exceptional organization với sophisticated flow: Acknowledge paradox → Core reason (quantity vs quality) → Additional factors (social comparison, FOMO) → Convenience paradox → Counterargument (benefits for certain groups) → Nuanced conclusion. Mỗi point được fully developed với research references và specific examples.
• Vocabulary: Outstanding với academic precision (unprecedented connectivity, loneliness epidemic, superficial and transactional, unrealistic benchmarks, social comparison, curated highlights, dispensable, genuinely liberating, digital minimalism), strong verb collocations (trigger feelings, exacerbates, imbued with meaning, cultivate), và contemporary references (FOMO phenomenon, COVID-19, Cal Newport)
• Grammar: Highly sophisticated với advanced structures: relative clauses (which imbued…), participle phrases (sitting alone with our screens), conditional forms, cleft sentences (At the heart of this contradiction lies…), và complex noun phrases (the ease of digital communication)
• Critical Thinking: Exceptional depth với multiple theoretical frameworks (quantity vs quality, convenience paradox), research citations (Sherry Turkle), acknowledgment của complexity và exceptions, cultural/historical comparisons, và nuanced conclusion offering practical wisdom. Demonstrates expert-level analysis.

💡 Key Language Features:

• Discourse markers: At the heart of this contradiction, Moreover, That said, Ultimately
• Hedging and cautious language: I think, perhaps, tend to, largely, ironically
• References to research: compelling research, psychologists like Sherry Turkle, Cal Newport calls
• Abstract conceptualization: convenience paradox, loneliness epidemic, FOMO phenomenon, digital minimalism

Từ vựng và cụm từ quan trọng

Topic-Specific Vocabulary

Từ vựng/Cụm từ	Loại từ	Phiên âm	Nghĩa tiếng Việt	Ví dụ	Collocation
outgoing	adj	/ˌaʊtˈɡəʊɪŋ/	hướng ngoại, dễ giao tiếp	She’s very outgoing and makes friends easily.	outgoing person, outgoing personality, naturally outgoing
approachable	adj	/əˈprəʊtʃəbl/	dễ gần, dễ tiếp cận	Despite his senior position, he remains very approachable.	approachable manner, seem approachable, friendly and approachable
strike up a conversation	phrase	/straɪk ʌp ə ˌkɒnvəˈseɪʃn/	bắt chuyện	I struck up a conversation with a stranger on the train.	strike up a friendship, strike up a relationship, easily strike up
build rapport	phrase	/bɪld ræˈpɔːr/	xây dựng mối quan hệ tốt	It’s important to build rapport with clients quickly.	quickly build rapport, establish rapport, develop rapport
genuine friendship	noun phrase	/ˈdʒenjuɪn ˈfrendʃɪp/	tình bạn chân thành	True happiness comes from genuine friendships.	form genuine friendships, develop genuine friendships, value genuine friendship
lasting impression	noun phrase	/ˈlɑːstɪŋ ɪmˈpreʃn/	ấn tượng sâu sắc	Her kindness left a lasting impression on everyone.	make a lasting impression, leave a lasting impression, create a lasting impression
networking event	noun phrase	/ˈnetwɜːkɪŋ ɪˈvent/	sự kiện giao lưu kết nối	I met several potential clients at the networking event.	attend a networking event, host networking events, professional networking event
like-minded individuals	noun phrase	/ˌlaɪk ˈmaɪndɪd ˌɪndɪˈvɪdʒuəlz/	những người cùng chí hướng	The club attracts like-minded individuals interested in photography.	meet like-minded individuals, connect with like-minded individuals, community of like-minded individuals
social circle	noun phrase	/ˈsəʊʃl ˈsɜːkl/	vòng kết giao	Moving to a new city means expanding your social circle.	expand social circle, close social circle, diverse social circle
first impression	noun phrase	/fɜːst ɪmˈpreʃn/	ấn tượng ban đầu	You only get one chance to make a good first impression.	make a first impression, positive first impression, lasting first impression
meaningful connection	noun phrase	/ˈmiːnɪŋfl kəˈnekʃn/	mối liên kết sâu sắc	Quality time helps create meaningful connections with family.	form meaningful connections, establish meaningful connections, foster meaningful connections
mutual interest	noun phrase	/ˈmjuːtʃuəl ˈɪntrəst/	sở thích chung	We bonded over our mutual interest in classical music.	share mutual interests, discover mutual interests, common mutual interest
serendipitous	adj	/ˌserənˈdɪpɪtəs/	tình cờ may mắn	Our meeting was completely serendipitous.	serendipitous encounter, serendipitous moment, serendipitous meeting
captivating	adj	/ˈkæptɪveɪtɪŋ/	lôi cuốn, hấp dẫn	She told captivating stories about her travels.	captivating personality, captivating conversation, captivating presence
infectious enthusiasm	noun phrase	/ɪnˈfekʃəs ɪnˈθjuːziæzəm/	sự nhiệt tình lan tỏa	His infectious enthusiasm inspired the whole team.	show infectious enthusiasm, display infectious enthusiasm, radiate infectious enthusiasm
emotional intelligence	noun phrase	/ɪˈməʊʃənl ɪnˈtelɪdʒəns/	trí tuệ cảm xúc	High emotional intelligence is crucial for leadership.	develop emotional intelligence, demonstrate emotional intelligence, lack emotional intelligence
authentic self	noun phrase	/ɔːˈθentɪk self/	bản thân chân thật	Therapy helped her discover her authentic self.	reveal authentic self, embrace authentic self, true authentic self
cross-cultural	adj	/ˌkrɒs ˈkʌltʃərəl/	xuyên văn hóa	Cross-cultural communication requires sensitivity.	cross-cultural understanding, cross-cultural differences, cross-cultural awareness

Idiomatic Expressions & Advanced Phrases

Cụm từ	Nghĩa	Ví dụ sử dụng	Band điểm
hit it off	hợp nhau ngay từ đầu	We hit it off immediately and have been friends ever since.	7-8
break the ice	phá vỡ sự ngượng ngùng ban đầu	A few jokes helped break the ice at the networking event.	7-8
on the same wavelength	có cùng suy nghĩ, hiểu nhau	We’re completely on the same wavelength when it comes to work ethics.	7.5-8
click with someone	có chemistry với ai đó	I immediately clicked with my new colleague.	7-8
birds of a feather flock together	ngưu tìm ngưu, mã tìm mã	Their friendship proves that birds of a feather flock together.	7.5-8.5
left an indelible mark	để lại dấu ấn khó phai	That teacher left an indelible mark on my life.	8-9
kindred spirit	người đồng điệu về tinh thần	Meeting her felt like finding a kindred spirit.	8-9
a breath of fresh air	như ngọn gió mới, làm mới mẻ	Her optimistic attitude is a breath of fresh air in the office.	7.5-8.5
make waves	tạo ảnh hưởng lớn	His innovative ideas are making waves in the industry.	8-8.5
quality trumps quantity	chất lượng quan trọng hơn số lượng	When it comes to friendships, quality trumps quantity.	8-9
forge connections	tạo dựng mối quan hệ	Social media helps us forge connections across borders.	8-8.5
cultivate relationships	vun đắp mối quan hệ	It takes effort to cultivate meaningful relationships.	8-9

Discourse Markers (Từ Nối Ý Trong Speaking)

Để bắt đầu câu trả lời:

• 📝 Well,… – Dùng khi cần suy nghĩ hoặc đưa ra câu trả lời có chiều sâu
• 📝 Actually,… – Khi đưa ra góc nhìn khác hoặc thông tin bất ngờ
• 📝 To be honest,… – Khi nói thật về cảm xúc hoặc quan điểm cá nhân
• 📝 I’d say that… – Cách diplomatic để đưa ra quan điểm
• 📝 From my perspective,… – Nhấn mạnh đây là quan điểm cá nhân

Để bổ sung ý:

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

Để đưa ra quan điểm cân bằng:

• 📝 On the one hand,… On the other hand,… – Một mặt… mặt khác
• 📝 While it’s true that…, we also need to consider… – Mặc dù đúng là… nhưng cũng cần xem xét
• 📝 That being said,… – Tuy nhiên (dùng sau khi đưa ra một ý)
• 📝 Having said that,… – Sau khi đã nói điều đó

Để kết luận:

• 📝 All in all,… – Tóm lại
• 📝 At the end of the day,… – Cuối cùng thì
• 📝 Ultimately,… – Cuối cùng (formal)
• 📝 In a nutshell,… – Tóm gọn lại

Để làm rõ hoặc giải thích:

• 📝 What I mean is… – Ý tôi là
• 📝 To put it another way,… – Nói cách khác
• 📝 In other words,… – Nói cách khác

Grammatical Structures Ấn Tượng

1. Conditional Sentences (Câu điều kiện):

Mixed conditional: “If I hadn’t attended that networking event (past), I wouldn’t have the connections I have today (present).”

• Formula: If + Past Perfect, would/could + Present
• Diễn tả kết quả ở hiện tại của điều kiện trong quá khứ

Inversion: “Had I known how impactful that meeting would be, I would have prepared more questions.”

• Formula: Had + S + Past Participle, S + would have + Past Participle
• Formal hơn standard conditional, tạo ấn tượng sophisticated

2. Relative Clauses (Mệnh đề quan hệ):

Non-defining: “Dr. Nguyen, who has published over 50 research papers, is remarkably humble.”

• Formula: Noun + , who/which + verb +, + main clause
• Bổ sung thông tin không thiết yếu, dùng dấu phẩy

Reduced relative clause: “People attending the conference represented 20 different countries.”

• Formula: Noun + V-ing/V-ed
• Rút gọn từ “People who were attending…”

3. Passive Voice (Câu bị động):

It is thought/believed/said that…: “It is widely believed that first impressions are formed within milliseconds.”

• Formula: It + be + past participle (thought/believed/said/considered) + that + clause
• Trích dẫn ý kiến chung hoặc nghiên cứu một cách formal

4. Cleft Sentences (Câu chẻ):

What… is…: “What impressed me most about her was her genuine passion for environmental causes.”

• Formula: What + S + V + be + noun phrase/that clause
• Nhấn mạnh phần sau “was/is”

The thing that… is…: “The thing that makes meaningful friendships is mutual trust and respect.”

• Formula: The thing that + S + V + be + noun phrase
• Tương tự như “What…” nhưng less formal slightly

It was… that…: “It was her infectious enthusiasm that inspired me to pursue that field.”

• Formula: It + be + focused element + that/who + rest of sentence
• Nhấn mạnh một phần cụ thể trong câu

5. Inversion for Emphasis:

“Rarely have I met someone so dedicated to their work.”

• Formula: Negative adverb + auxiliary + subject + main verb
• Tạo emphasis và sophistication

“Not only did she offer career advice, but she also connected me with industry leaders.”

• Formula: Not only + auxiliary + S + V, but (also) + S + V
• Nhấn mạnh sự thêm vào, bất ngờ

Với những kỹ năng giao tiếp và kể chuyện về người mới gặp, bạn cũng có thể áp dụng tương tự khi Describe a situation when you had to wait for something để miêu tả những trải nghiệm và con người bạn gặp trong thời gian chờ đợi.

---

Chủ đề “Describe a person you have recently met” là một trong những đề bài phổ biến nhất trong IELTS Speaking, và thành công với chủ đề này phụ thuộc rất nhiều vào khả năng kể chuyện sinh động, sử dụng từ vựng chính xác để miêu tả con người, và quan trọng nhất là thể hiện được cảm xúc và sự kết nối cá nhân với người đó.

Điều quan trọng cần nhớ là examiner không đánh giá dựa trên việc bạn gặp ai hay câu chuyện có đặc biệt không, mà đánh giá cách bạn sử dụng ngôn ngữ để truyền đạt câu chuyện đó. Một câu chuyện đơn giản về việc gặp một người hàng xóm mới nhưng được kể một cách chi tiết, với từ vựng phong phú và cấu trúc đa dạng sẽ ghi điểm cao hơn nhiều so với một câu chuyện về gặp người nổi tiếng nhưng được kể một cách chung chung và thiếu cảm xúc.

Lời khuyên cuối cùng từ góc nhìn examiner: Hãy luyện tập kể những câu chuyện thật từ cuộc sống của bạn, đừng học thuộc template. Hãy chú ý đến việc phát triển ý tưởng một cách tự nhiên, sử dụng các discourse markers để tạo sự mạch lạc, và đặc biệt là phần explain ở cuối Part 2 – đây là nơi bạn thể hiện được depth of thinking. Trong Part 3, đừng ngại thừa nhận complexity của các vấn đề xã hội và đưa ra nhiều góc nhìn khác nhau. Good luck với kỳ thi IELTS Speaking của bạn!