IELTS Speaking: Cách Trả Lời Chủ Đề “Describe A Person You Like To Spend Time With” – Bài Mẫu Band 6-9

Chủ đề về con người luôn là một trong những đề tài phổ biến nhất trong kỳ thi IELTS Speaking. Đặc biệt, câu hỏi yêu cầu bạn miêu tả một người mà bạn thích dành thời gian cùng là dạng đề xuất hiện với tần suất cao trong các kỳ thi từ năm 2020 đến nay. Theo thống kê từ các trung tâm luyện thi và website uy tín như IELTS-Simon.com và IELTSLiz.com, chủ đề này xuất hiện trung bình 2-3 lần mỗi tháng tại các test center trên toàn thế giới, với dự đoán khả năng xuất hiện trong tương lai vẫn ở mức cao.

Điều đặc biệt của chủ đề này là nó cho phép bạn kết hợp nhiều khía cạnh: miêu tả ngoại hình, tính cách, sở thích chung, và quan trọng nhất là lý do tại sao bạn thích ở bên người đó. Đây là cơ hội tuyệt vời để thể hiện vốn từ vựng đa dạng về emotions, relationships và personality traits.

Trong bài viết này, bạn sẽ học được cách xử lý câu hỏi này qua cả 3 phần thi với các sample answers chi tiết từ band 6-7 đến band 8.5-9, cùng với phân tích sâu về tại sao mỗi câu trả lời đạt được band điểm tương ứng. Bạn cũng sẽ được trang bị bộ từ vựng và cụm từ ăn điểm, chiến lược trả lời hiệu quả, và những lời khuyên quý báu từ góc nhìn của một examiner với hơn 20 năm kinh nghiệm chấm thi IELTS.

IELTS Speaking Part 1: Introduction and Interview

Tổng Quan Về Part 1

Part 1 của IELTS Speaking kéo dài 4-5 phút với các câu hỏi ngắn về đời sống hàng ngày. Đây là phần “warm-up” giúp bạn làm quen với examiner và bầu không khí thi. Chiến lược hiệu quả nhất là trả lời tự nhiên, mở rộng ý với 2-3 câu, và tránh trả lời quá ngắn gọn.

Học viên Việt Nam thường mắc các lỗi sau trong Part 1:

• Trả lời chỉ có Yes/No hoặc một câu đơn giản
• Sử dụng từ vựng quá cơ bản như “good”, “nice”, “interesting”
• Không đưa ra ví dụ cụ thể từ trải nghiệm bản thân
• Nói quá nhanh do căng thẳng
• Thiếu sự tự nhiên, nghe như đang đọc thuộc

Các Câu Hỏi Thường Gặp

Question 1: Do you like spending time with friends or family more?

Question 2: How often do you spend time with your close friends?

Question 3: What do you usually do when you spend time with your friends?

Question 4: Do you prefer spending time alone or with others?

Question 5: Who do you spend most of your time with?

Question 6: Has the way you spend time with friends changed over the years?

Question 7: Do you think it’s important to spend quality time with family?

Question 8: What kind of people do you enjoy spending time with?

Phân Tích và Gợi Ý Trả Lời Chi Tiết

Question: Do you prefer spending time alone or with others?

🎯 Cách tiếp cận:

• Đưa ra preference rõ ràng (hoặc balanced view)
• Giải thích lý do
• Thêm ví dụ cụ thể về tình huống

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

“I prefer spending time with others because I like talking to people. When I’m alone, I sometimes feel bored. I usually meet my friends on weekends and we go to cafes or watch movies together.”

Phân tích:

• Điểm mạnh: Có preference rõ ràng, đưa ra lý do và ví dụ cụ thể về activities
• Hạn chế: Từ vựng đơn giản (like, bored), cấu trúc câu cơ bản, thiếu depth trong giải thích
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Answer đầy đủ nhưng vocabulary và grammar chưa sophisticated, ý tưởng chưa develop đủ sâu

📝 Sample Answer – Band 8-9:

“I’d say I’m quite sociable by nature, so I definitely lean towards spending time with others. There’s something energizing about bouncing ideas off people and sharing experiences. That said, I do value my alone time for recharging my batteries and reflecting on things. I guess it’s all about striking a balance between the two.”

Phân tích:

• Điểm mạnh: Sử dụng idiomatic expressions tự nhiên (bouncing ideas off, recharging my batteries), cấu trúc câu đa dạng với “That said” để contrast, thừa nhận complexity với “striking a balance”
• Tại sao Band 8-9:
  • Fluency: Natural discourse markers (I’d say, I guess)
  • Vocabulary: Precise và idiomatic (sociable by nature, lean towards, reflecting)
  • Grammar: Complex structures với “There’s something…about”
  • Ideas: Nuanced view không absolute, shows maturity

💡 Key Vocabulary & Expressions:

• sociable by nature: có tính cách hướng ngoại tự nhiên
• lean towards: có xu hướng, nghiêng về
• bouncing ideas off (someone): trao đổi ý tưởng với ai đó
• recharging one’s batteries: nạp lại năng lượng
• striking a balance: tạo sự cân bằng

---

Question: What do you usually do when you spend time with your friends?

🎯 Cách tiếp cận:

• Liệt kê 2-3 activities cụ thể
• Giải thích tại sao thích những hoạt động đó
• Có thể mention frequency

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

“I usually hang out with my friends at coffee shops. We talk about many things like work and life. Sometimes we go shopping or watch movies. These activities are fun and help us relax after busy days.”

Phân tích:

• Điểm mạnh: Có specific activities, mention được benefit
• Hạn chế: Vocabulary repetitive (many things, fun), structure đơn giản, thiếu details
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Adequate response nhưng lacks sophistication

📝 Sample Answer – Band 8-9:

“Well, it really depends on the occasion, but we tend to gravitate towards laid-back activities. We’re big on catching up over coffee at our go-to cafe in the city center, where we can just chat for hours on end about everything from mundane daily stuff to deeper philosophical topics. Occasionally, we’ll branch out and try new restaurants or check out local art exhibitions. What I love most is the spontaneity – we rarely plan things meticulously.”

Phân tích:

• Điểm mạnh: Rich vocabulary (gravitate towards, big on, go-to, chat for hours on end), variety of activities with details, personality shown through “spontaneity”, natural phrases
• Tại sao Band 8-9:
  • Fluency: Natural hesitation marker (Well), smooth flow
  • Vocabulary: Precise collocations (catching up over coffee, branch out, check out)
  • Grammar: Complex sentences với “where” clause, “from…to” structure
  • Pronunciation: Would use word/sentence stress naturally on key content words

💡 Key Vocabulary & Expressions:

• gravitate towards: tự nhiên hướng tới, có xu hướng chọn
• big on (something): rất thích, rất quan tâm đến cái gì
• catching up: trò chuyện để cập nhật tin tức
• go-to (place): địa điểm quen thuộc, ưa thích
• chat for hours on end: trò chuyện hàng giờ liền
• mundane: tầm thường, đời thường
• branch out: mở rộng, thử cái gì mới

---

Question: Has the way you spend time with friends changed over the years?

🎯 Cách tiếp cận:

• So sánh past và present
• Giải thích reasons for change
• Có thể mention feelings về sự thay đổi này

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

“Yes, it has changed a lot. When I was younger, I spent more time with friends because I had more free time. We used to play sports and games together. Now I’m busier with work, so I can only meet them once or twice a month. We usually just have dinner together now.”

Phân tích:

• Điểm mạnh: Clear comparison between past and present, reason provided (work), specific frequency
• Hạn chế: Simple vocabulary và grammar, could elaborate more on how activities changed
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Communicates effectively but lacks linguistic range

📝 Sample Answer – Band 8-9:

“Absolutely, there’s been quite a dramatic shift. Back in my carefree school days, we’d spend practically every day together, often just hanging around doing nothing in particular or playing sports. Fast forward to now, with career commitments and adult responsibilities piling up, our get-togethers have become much more intentional and scheduled. We’ve transitioned from casual daily interactions to quality-focused monthly dinners or weekend catch-ups. Honestly, while I miss the spontaneity of those days, I’ve come to appreciate the depth of conversations we have now – there’s something meaningful about deliberately making time for people who matter.”

Phân tích:

• Điểm mạnh: Sophisticated comparison structure, emotional reflection (miss…but appreciate), rich descriptive language, shows personal growth
• Tại sao Band 8-9:
  • Fluency: Natural discourse with “Absolutely”, “Fast forward to”, “Honestly”
  • Vocabulary: Precise time-related phrases (carefree school days, practically every day, piling up), abstract nouns (spontaneity, depth)
  • Grammar: Perfect tenses (has been, have become, have transitioned), complex structures
  • Ideas: Reflective và nuanced, acknowledges both loss and gain

💡 Key Vocabulary & Expressions:

• dramatic shift: sự thay đổi mạnh mẽ
• carefree days: những ngày vô tư lự
• commitments: các cam kết, trách nhiệm
• piling up: chồng chất lên
• get-togethers: các buổi gặp gỡ
• quality-focused: tập trung vào chất lượng
• catch-ups: các buổi gặp để cập nhật tin tức
• deliberately making time: cố ý sắp xếp thời gian

Hai người đang trò chuyện vui vẻ trong quán cafe thể hiện kỹ năng giao tiếp IELTS Speaking Part 1 chủ đề bạn bè

IELTS Speaking Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)

Tổng Quan Về Part 2

Part 2 kéo dài 3-4 phút, trong đó bạn có 1 phút chuẩn bị và 2-3 phút nói. Đây là phần độc thoại quan trọng nhất, chiếm tỷ trọng lớn trong việc đánh giá khả năng Speaking của bạn. Chiến lược hiệu quả:

• Sử dụng đầy đủ 1 phút để ghi chú keywords, không viết câu hoàn chỉnh
• Nói tối thiểu 1.5 phút, lý tưởng là 2-2.5 phút
• Trả lời đầy đủ tất cả bullet points theo thứ tự
• Sử dụng thì động từ phù hợp với đề bài
• Cân bằng thời gian giữa các bullet points, dành nhiều thời gian nhất cho phần “explain”

Lỗi thường gặp của học viên Việt Nam:

• Không tận dụng hết 1 phút chuẩn bị hoặc viết quá nhiều
• Nói dưới 1.5 phút hoặc bị ngắt ở 2 phút chưa kịp kết thúc
• Bỏ sót bullet points hoặc không giải thích phần “explain why/how”
• Sử dụng sai thì động từ (thường dùng hiện tại thay vì quá khứ khi kể chuyện)
• Nói nhàm chán như đọc báo cáo thay vì storytelling tự nhiên

Cue Card

Describe A Person You Like To Spend Time With

You should say:

• Who this person is
• How you know this person
• What you usually do together
• And explain why you like spending time with him or her

Phân Tích Đề Bài

• Dạng câu hỏi: Describe a person (về một người cụ thể trong cuộc sống)
• Thì động từ: Chủ yếu hiện tại (vì đây là người bạn vẫn thường xuyên gặp), nhưng có thể dùng quá khứ khi kể về how you met
• Bullet points phải cover:
  • Bullet 1 & 2 (Who/How you know): Giới thiệu ngắn gọn, khoảng 20-30 giây
  • Bullet 3 (What you do): Activities cụ thể, khoảng 40-50 giây
  • Bullet 4 (Explain why): Phần quan trọng nhất, dành 60-70 giây để elaborate
• Câu “explain” quan trọng: Đây là nơi bạn ghi điểm cao với reasoning skills, vocabulary về emotions/personality, và depth of ideas. Đừng chỉ nói “because he/she is nice” mà phải analyze deeper về qualities, impact on your life, shared values.

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7

Thời lượng: Khoảng 1.5-2 phút

“I’d like to talk about my best friend, Nam, who I really enjoy spending time with. I’ve known him since we were in high school, about 10 years ago. We were in the same class and sat next to each other, so we became friends quickly.

We usually do many things together. On weekends, we often meet up at coffee shops to chat about our lives and work. We both like sports, so sometimes we play badminton or go to the gym together. We also enjoy watching movies, especially action films. When we have longer holidays, we sometimes travel to different cities in Vietnam.

I like spending time with Nam for several reasons. First, he is a very funny person and always makes me laugh. When I feel stressed about work, talking to him helps me feel better. Second, we have many similar interests, so we always have topics to talk about. He is also a good listener and gives me useful advice when I have problems. Third, he is very reliable – I can always count on him when I need help.

Additionally, Nam is very easygoing and not judgmental, so I feel comfortable being myself around him. We’ve been friends for a long time, and I think our friendship has become stronger over the years. Spending time with him makes my life more interesting and enjoyable.”

Phân Tích Band Điểm

Tiêu chí	Band	Nhận xét
Fluency & Coherence	6-7	Có sequencing rõ ràng với First, Second, Third. Sử dụng linking words cơ bản (so, when, also). Có hesitation nhẹ nhưng không ảnh hưởng nhiều đến communication. Flow tương đối smooth.
Lexical Resource	6-7	Vocabulary adequate: funny, reliable, easygoing, not judgmental. Có một số collocations tốt (meet up, count on, good listener) nhưng chưa sophisticated. Paraphrasing hạn chế.
Grammatical Range & Accuracy	6-7	Mix của simple và complex sentences. Sử dụng đúng present/past tenses. Có relative clauses (who I really enjoy). Errors ít, không ảnh hưởng meaning.
Pronunciation	6-7	Rõ ràng, dễ hiểu. Word stress cơ bản đúng. Có thể có accent nhẹ nhưng không gây comprehension issues.

Điểm mạnh:

• ✅ Trả lời đầy đủ tất cả bullet points theo thứ tự logic
• ✅ Có specific examples về activities (badminton, gym, movies)
• ✅ Structure rõ ràng với First, Second, Third trong phần explain
• ✅ Length phù hợp khoảng 1.5-2 phút

Hạn chế:

• ⚠️ Vocabulary chưa đủ varied và sophisticated (many things, very funny, feel better)
• ⚠️ Grammar structures tương đối simple, thiếu advanced constructions
• ⚠️ Ideas về “why” còn surface-level, chưa deep/analytical enough
• ⚠️ Thiếu vivid details và storytelling elements

---

📝 Sample Answer – Band 7.5-8

Thời lượng: Khoảng 2-2.5 phút

“I’d like to describe my colleague and close friend, Mai, who I absolutely treasure spending time with. We first crossed paths about five years ago when she joined my company as a new marketing executive, and I was assigned to show her the ropes. What started as a purely professional relationship quickly evolved into a genuine friendship.

As for what we do together, we’ve developed quite a few shared rituals. During weekdays, we usually grab lunch together at various restaurants near our office, using that time to vent about work or just decompress. We’re both passionate about fitness, so we’ve made it a habit to attend yoga classes every Tuesday and Thursday evening. On weekends, we often explore new cafes around the city, as we’re both self-proclaimed coffee enthusiasts. Occasionally, we’ll embark on short road trips to nearby coastal towns, which gives us a chance to escape the hustle and bustle of city life.

The reason I cherish her company so much is multifaceted. Primarily, Mai has an incredibly positive energy that’s genuinely contagious. Even on my worst days, her optimistic outlook and witty sense of humor never fail to lift my spirits. What I particularly appreciate is that she strikes the perfect balance between being a supportive listener and offering constructive perspectives when I need them. She doesn’t just tell me what I want to hear – she challenges my thinking in a respectful way.

Moreover, we share similar values regarding work-life balance and personal growth, which creates a strong foundation for our friendship. Unlike some relationships where you feel pressured to keep up appearances, with Mai I can be completely authentic. There’s a mutual understanding and acceptance that makes our time together feel effortless and rejuvenating. In essence, she’s become more than just a friend – she’s someone who genuinely enriches my life.”

Phân Tích Band Điểm

Tiêu chí	Band	Nhận xét
Fluency & Coherence	7.5-8	Smooth flow với natural discourse markers (As for, Primarily, Moreover, In essence). Coherent progression of ideas. Skillful use của cohesive devices. Minimal hesitation.
Lexical Resource	7.5-8	Wide range: treasure, crossed paths, show her the ropes, self-proclaimed, embark on, lift my spirits. Good use of less common vocabulary và idiomatic expressions. Effective paraphrasing.
Grammatical Range & Accuracy	7.5-8	Wide range of complex structures: relative clauses, participle clauses (using that time to…), conditional meanings. Errors rare. Flexible use of tenses.
Pronunciation	7.5-8	Clear, natural stress and intonation patterns. Features của connected speech. L1 accent có impact minimal.

So Sánh Với Band 6-7

Khía cạnh	Band 6-7	Band 7.5-8
Vocabulary	“funny person”, “good listener”, “feel better”	“witty sense of humor”, “supportive listener offering constructive perspectives”, “lift my spirits”
Grammar	“When I feel stressed about work, talking to him helps me feel better”	“Even on my worst days, her optimistic outlook and witty sense of humor never fail to lift my spirits”
Ideas	“He is funny and makes me laugh”	“She strikes the perfect balance between being a supportive listener and offering constructive perspectives – she challenges my thinking in a respectful way”

Tương tự như cách describe a person who is good at using technology yêu cầu bạn phân tích kỹ năng và đặc điểm cụ thể của người đó, bài thi này cũng đòi hỏi sự chi tiết trong việc miêu tả tính cách và qualities của người bạn thích dành thời gian cùng.

---

📝 Sample Answer – Band 8.5-9

Thời lượng: 2.5-3 phút đầy đủ

“I’d like to talk about my older sister, Linh, who I genuinely consider to be one of the most important people in my life and someone I actively seek out to spend time with whenever possible. We’re separated by just three years in age, which I believe has been instrumental in how close we’ve become. Growing up, we were inseparable – sharing a room, clothes, and virtually every experience. While we’ve both moved on to establish our independent lives – she’s now a pediatrician and I work in finance – that fundamental bond we forged in childhood has only deepened with time.

Our time together nowadays looks quite different from our childhood, though it’s no less meaningful. Given our demanding professional schedules, we’ve become quite intentional about carving out quality time. We’ve established what I call our ‘sacred Sunday brunch tradition‘ – every other Sunday, rain or shine, we meet at this quaint little Vietnamese restaurant that serves the most authentic pho. These unhurried two or three-hour sessions become our sanctuary where we pour out everything that’s happened in our lives – from mundane work frustrations to deeper existential questions we’re grappling with. Beyond that, we try to squeeze in a monthly overnight trip, usually to off-the-beaten-path destinations in the Vietnamese countryside, where we can disconnect from technology and just reconnect with each other.

As for why her company resonates with me so deeply, it’s quite multilayered. On a surface level, Linh possesses this rare combination of sharp intellectual curiosity and profound emotional intelligence. She can seamlessly transition from discussing complex medical cases to navigating the nuances of human relationships with equal dexterity. What truly sets her apart, though, is her capacity for non-judgmental presence. In a world where everyone seems eager to impose their opinions or offer unsolicited advice, she has this remarkable ability to simply hold space for whatever I’m experiencing – whether that’s jubilation or despair – without trying to fix or change anything.

On a deeper level, I think what makes our bond so irreplaceable is the shared history and implicit understanding that comes with it. She’s witnessed my evolution from an insecure teenager to who I am today, which means I never have to explain the context or justify my feelings – she already gets it. There’s also this beautiful reciprocity in our relationship; we both draw strength and derive inspiration from each other. After our time together, I invariably feel more grounded, more clear-headed, and somehow more myself. In an increasingly fragmented and superficial world, having someone who truly sees you and celebrates your authentic self is nothing short of precious. She doesn’t just make my life better – she fundamentally enriches who I am as a person.”

Phân Tích Band Điểm

Tiêu chí	Band	Nhận xét
Fluency & Coherence	8.5-9	Speaks fluently with only rare repetition or self-correction. Perfectly coherent throughout. Sophisticated use của discourse markers. Develops topics fully và appropriately. Any hesitations content-related rather than language-related.
Lexical Resource	8.5-9	Sophisticated control: instrumental in, carving out, pour out, grappling with, off-the-beaten-path, resonates deeply, multilayered, seamless transition, hold space, irreplaceable, reciprocity, nothing short of precious. Natural use của idiomatic language. Precise vocabulary with rare minor errors.
Grammatical Range & Accuracy	8.5-9	Full range of structures used accurately: inversion (rain or shine), cleft sentences (What truly sets her apart), complex conditionals implied, participle constructions. Errors extremely rare.
Pronunciation	8.5-9	Features của natural connected speech fully sustained. L1 accent has minimal effect on intelligibility.

Tại Sao Bài Này Xuất Sắc

🎯 Fluency Hoàn Hảo:

• Natural discourse flow với sophisticated markers: “On a surface level”, “On a deeper level”, “In an increasingly fragmented world”
• Self-correction shows confidence: “what I call our ‘sacred Sunday brunch tradition'”
• Content-related hesitation natural: “I think what makes our bond so irreplaceable…”

📚 Vocabulary Tinh Vi:

• Abstract nouns sophisticated: reciprocity, dexterity, jubilation, despair, implicit understanding
• Metaphorical language: “hold space”, “our sanctuary”, “derive inspiration”
• Collocations precise: “forge a bond”, “carve out time”, “navigate nuances”
• Idiomatic với style: “rain or shine”, “off-the-beaten-path”, “nothing short of precious”

📝 Grammar Đa Dạng:

• Complex relative clauses: “which I believe has been instrumental in how close we’ve become”
• Reduced clauses: “Given our demanding schedules”, “whether that’s jubilation or despair”
• Cleft sentences for emphasis: “What truly sets her apart”, “What makes our bond irreplaceable”
• Perfect aspects: “has only deepened”, “have established”, “has witnessed”

💡 Ideas Sâu Sắc:

• Moves from concrete details (Sunday brunch, pho) to abstract analysis (reciprocity, authentic self)
• Shows self-awareness: “I invariably feel more grounded”
• Philosophical reflection: “In an increasingly fragmented and superficial world”
• Emotional depth mà không melodramatic

Bài mẫu chi tiết IELTS Speaking Part 2 miêu tả người thân với band điểm cao

---

Follow-up Questions (Rounding Off Questions)

Examiner có thể hỏi thêm 1-2 câu ngắn sau Part 2 để transition sang Part 3:

Question 1: Do you think you’ll remain close to this person in the future?

Band 6-7 Answer:
“Yes, I think so. We have been friends for a long time and understand each other well. Even if we are busy, we will try to keep in touch.”

Band 8-9 Answer:
“Absolutely, I have every confidence that our bond will endure. While I’m realistic about the fact that life circumstances can change – careers, families, geographical distance – the foundation we’ve built is remarkably solid. Our relationship has already weathered various transitions, which gives me faith in its resilience.”

---

Question 2: How often do you see this person?

Band 6-7 Answer:
“I see her quite regularly, maybe once or twice a week. Sometimes more if we have free time.”

Band 8-9 Answer:
“We’ve settled into a fairly consistent rhythm of seeing each other every other week, though the frequency can fluctuate depending on our respective commitments. What matters more than sheer frequency, though, is the quality of our interactions – we’re quite deliberate about making our time together count.”

IELTS Speaking Part 3: Two-way Discussion

Tổng Quan Về Part 3

Part 3 kéo dài 4-5 phút với các câu hỏi thảo luận trừu tượng và sâu sắc hơn về chủ đề trong Part 2. Đây là phần khó nhất, yêu cầu bạn phân tích, so sánh, đánh giá các vấn đề xã hội rộng hơn liên quan đến relationships và social interactions.

Yêu cầu cụ thể:

• Phân tích causes, effects, advantages, disadvantages
• So sánh past vs present, different groups trong society
• Đưa ra và defend quan điểm cá nhân với lý lẽ thuyết phục
• Xem xét nhiều perspectives của vấn đề (not just one-sided)
• Đưa ra examples từ society/world, không chỉ personal experience

Chiến lược hiệu quả:

• Mở rộng câu trả lời với 4-6 câu (khoảng 30-45 giây)
• Sử dụng discourse markers để structure ideas (Well, From my perspective, On the one hand…)
• Acknowledge complexity: “It’s a complex issue”, “There are several factors to consider”
• Balance personal view với broader societal perspective
• Use tentative language khi appropriate (tends to, might, generally speaking)

Lỗi thường gặp của học viên Việt Nam:

• Trả lời quá ngắn (1-2 câu), không elaborate
• Chỉ đưa personal opinion mà không back up với reasoning
• Thiếu từ vựng trừu tượng và academic
• Không acknowledge different viewpoints
• Examples quá specific/personal thay vì societal trends
• Nói absolute terms (always, never, everyone) thay vì nuanced view

Các Câu Hỏi Thảo Luận Sâu

Theme 1: Social Relationships & Modern Life

---

Question 1: How has technology changed the way people spend time with friends and family?

🎯 Phân tích câu hỏi:

• Dạng: Change over time (compare past and present)
• Key words: technology, changed, way people spend time
• Cách tiếp cận: Acknowledge both positive and negative changes → Provide specific examples of each → Give balanced conclusion

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

“Technology has changed how people spend time together a lot. Now people use smartphones and social media to keep in touch even when they are far away. This is convenient, but sometimes people pay too much attention to their phones instead of talking to each other. For example, when families have dinner together, some people are still looking at their phones. I think technology is useful, but we should also have face-to-face conversations.”

Phân tích:

• Structure: Basic comparison với “Now…but sometimes”
• Vocabulary: Simple words (a lot, keep in touch, convenient, useful)
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Answers question adequately nhưng lacks depth, sophisticated vocabulary, và detailed analysis. Ideas somewhat surface-level.

---

📝 Câu trả lời mẫu – Band 8-9:

“Well, technology has fundamentally transformed the landscape of social interaction in both profound and paradoxical ways. On the positive side, it’s democratized connectivity – people can now maintain meaningful relationships across continents through video calls, which would have been unthinkable a generation ago. Long-distance friendships that might have naturally faded can now be actively sustained.

However, there’s a growing body of research suggesting that this hyper-connectivity has come at a cost. We’re seeing this phenomenon of physical togetherness but psychological absence – people in the same room yet absorbed in their screens. What concerns me particularly is how it’s eroded the quality of in-person interactions. Rather than having undivided attention and deep conversations, we’re constantly subject to interruptions from notifications.

That said, I don’t think technology is inherently problematic – it’s more about how we choose to wield it. Mindful users can harness its benefits while setting boundaries to preserve authentic connection. The challenge lies in striking that delicate balance between virtual and physical presence.”

Phân tích:

• Structure: Well-organized: Positive aspects → Negative aspects với research reference → Nuanced conclusion với “it depends”
• Vocabulary: Sophisticated (democratized, hyper-connectivity, eroded, wield, harness) và precise abstract nouns (phenomenon, paradoxical ways)
• Grammar: Complex structures: passive voice (has been transformed), relative clauses (that might have faded), participle phrases (suggesting that)
• Critical Thinking: Balanced view acknowledging complexity, references broader trends (growing body of research), avoids absolute statements

💡 Key Language Features:

• Discourse markers: Well, On the positive side, However, That said
• Tentative language: I don’t think…inherently, it’s more about how, The challenge lies in
• Abstract nouns: landscape, connectivity, phenomenon, authenticity, presence
• Collocations: transformed the landscape, maintain relationships, growing body of research, strike a balance

---

Question 2: Why do you think some people prefer spending time alone rather than with others?

🎯 Phân tích câu hỏi:

• Dạng: Reasons/Causes analysis
• Key words: why, prefer, alone rather than others
• Cách tiếp cận: Identify multiple reasons → Explain each với examples → Acknowledge individual differences

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

“I think there are some reasons. First, some people are introverts and they feel tired when they talk to many people. They need quiet time to relax. Second, spending time alone gives people freedom to do what they want without worrying about others. Also, some people have busy lives and they want to rest alone after work. Different people have different personalities, so this is normal.”

Phân tích:

• Structure: Clear listing với First, Second, Also
• Vocabulary: Adequate (introverts, freedom, personalities) but basic
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Covers main reasons but explanations lack depth và sophistication

---

📝 Câu trả lời mẫu – Band 8-9:

“From my perspective, the preference for solitude is often rooted in several interconnected factors. Primarily, there’s the temperament aspect – introverts, by their very nature, derive energy from internal reflection rather than external stimulation. For them, social interaction, while potentially enjoyable, is inherently draining and requires substantial recovery time.

Beyond personality, I think there’s also a socio-cultural dimension worth considering. In our increasingly overstimulated society, where we’re constantly bombarded with information and social obligations, solitude becomes a form of sanctuary – a way to reclaim mental space and restore cognitive resources. Some people actively cultivate alone time as a counterbalance to the relentless demands of modern life.

Additionally, I’d argue that for certain individuals, particularly those engaged in creative or intellectual pursuits, solitude isn’t about escaping people but rather about creating optimal conditions for deep work and meaningful productivity. Writers, artists, and researchers often require extended periods of uninterrupted focus that simply aren’t possible in social settings.

That being said, it’s crucial to distinguish between healthy solitude and social isolation. The former is a conscious choice that rejuvenates, while the latter might signal underlying issues like social anxiety or depression.”

Để hiểu rõ hơn về cách phân tích các loại người khác nhau trong IELTS Speaking, bạn có thể tham khảo describe a person who has a unique profession để học cách miêu tả chi tiết về nghề nghiệp và đặc điểm cá nhân.

Phân tích:

• Structure: Multi-layered analysis: Personality → Socio-cultural factors → Functional purposes → Important distinction at end
• Vocabulary: Sophisticated (rooted in, derive energy from, bombarded with, cultivate, sanctuary, reclaim, counterbalance, underlying issues)
• Grammar: Advanced constructions: participial phrases (particularly those engaged in), inversion emphasis (That being said), complex noun phrases (extended periods of uninterrupted focus)
• Critical Thinking: Multiple perspectives, acknowledges nuance (healthy solitude vs isolation), uses hedging appropriately (often, might signal)

💡 Key Language Features:

• Discourse markers: From my perspective, Primarily, Beyond, Additionally, That being said
• Tentative language: I think there’s also, I’d argue that, might signal
• Abstract nouns: temperament, dimension, sanctuary, counterbalance, isolation, distinction
• Academic collocations: rooted in, derive from, bombarded with, distinguish between

---

Theme 2: Changing Social Patterns

Question 3: Do you think people spend less quality time with their loved ones nowadays compared to the past?

🎯 Phân tích câu hỏi:

• Dạng: Compare past vs present + Opinion
• Key words: less quality time, nowadays compared to past
• Cách tiếp cận: Acknowledge common perception → Analyze reasons if true → Consider counterarguments → Nuanced conclusion

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

“Yes, I think so. In the past, people had more free time and families often ate meals together. Now many people are very busy with work and use their phones a lot. Young people especially spend a lot of time on social media instead of talking to family. However, I think it depends on each family. Some families still make time to be together.”

---

📝 Câu trả lời mẫu – Band 8-9:

“This is a nuanced question that I think defies a simple yes or no answer. On the surface, there’s certainly compelling evidence suggesting that the quality of familial interactions has diminished. The pace of modern life, coupled with longer working hours and the omnipresence of digital devices, has undeniably encroached upon traditional family time. The ritual of communal dinners, for instance, which once served as a cornerstone of family bonding, has become increasingly rare in many households.

However, I’m hesitant to romanticize the past entirely. While previous generations might have spent more physical time together, we should question whether that time was necessarily more ‘quality‘. Patriarchal dynamics, communication barriers, and social expectations often prevented the kind of authentic, vulnerable conversations that truly strengthen bonds.

What I find intriguing about the present is that there’s a growing consciousness about intentionality in relationships. Many people are actively striving to be more present – implementing practices like device-free dinners or dedicated family nights. So while the default might be less quality time, there’s also a countermovement of people deliberately prioritizing meaningful connection.

In essence, I’d say the landscape has changed rather than simply deteriorated. The challenge for contemporary families is greater, but so is the awareness and toolkit for addressing it.”

Phân tích:

• Structure: Sophisticated: Acknowledges complexity → Presents common view với evidence → Challenges assumptions về past → Highlights contemporary trends → Balanced synthesis
• Vocabulary: Precise academic vocabulary (defies, encroached upon, cornerstone, romanticize, patriarchal, vulnerability, intriguing, consciousness, countermovement, deteriorated)
• Grammar: Complex: participle clauses (coupled with, suggesting that), relative clauses (which once served), passive constructions (has been diminished)
• Critical Thinking: Refuses oversimplification, challenges assumptions, acknowledges paradox, provides synthesis rather than simple conclusion

---

Question 4: What qualities make someone a good companion?

🎯 Phân tích câu hỏi:

• Dạng: Analysis of characteristics/qualities
• Key words: qualities, good companion
• Cách tiếp cận: Identify multiple qualities → Explain why each is important → Consider context-dependent nature

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

“I think a good companion should be friendly and easy to talk to. They should be reliable, which means they do what they promise. Also, a good companion should be a good listener who pays attention when you talk. Having a sense of humor is important too because laughing together makes relationships stronger. These qualities help create good friendships.”

---

📝 Câu trả lời mẫu – Band 8-9:

“In my view, what constitutes a good companion is multifaceted and to some extent context-dependent, but there are certain universal qualities that consistently emerge.

Foremost among these is what I’d call emotional attunement – the capacity to read between the lines, to sense unspoken emotions, and to respond with appropriate sensitivity. This goes beyond mere sympathy; it’s about genuine empathy that allows someone to inhabit your perspective without losing themselves in it.

Equally crucial is reliability or what we might call behavioral consistency. A good companion is someone whose actions align with their words, who shows up – both literally and metaphorically – when they say they will. This consistency breeds trust, which is the bedrock of any meaningful relationship.

I’d also highlight the importance of what I call ‘comfortable silence‘ – the ability to share space without feeling compelled to fill every moment with conversation. Paradoxically, the capacity for comfortable quiet often indicates a deeper level of connection than constant chatter.

Moreover, a good companion balances being supportive with being appropriately challenging. They’re not simply a ‘yes person‘ who validates everything you say, but someone who can offer alternative perspectives and constructive criticism without diminishing your self-worth.

Finally, I’d say mutual respect for autonomy is paramount. A good companion recognizes that you’re a separate individual with your own needs, boundaries, and trajectory, rather than viewing you as an extension of themselves.”

Phân tích:

• Structure: Exceptionally well-organized: Introduction acknowledging complexity → Quality 1 (empathy) với deep explanation → Quality 2 (reliability) → Quality 3 (comfortable silence) → Quality 4 (balanced support) → Quality 5 (respect) – each fully developed
• Vocabulary: Sophisticated abstract vocabulary (multifaceted, attunement, read between lines, inhabit perspective, bedrock, paradoxically, validates, diminishing, paramount, autonomy, trajectory)
• Grammar: Advanced structures: cleft sentences (what constitutes, what I’d call), relative clauses (whose actions align), gerunds (being supportive, offering perspectives)
• Critical Thinking: Acknowledges complexity (context-dependent), uses paradox (comfortable silence indicates deeper connection), provides counterintuitive insights

💡 Key Language Features:

• Discourse markers: Foremost among these, Equally crucial, Moreover, Finally, Paradoxically
• Tentative language: In my view, to some extent, what we might call
• Abstract nouns: attunement, sensitivity, consistency, autonomy, trajectory, bedrock
• Sophisticated expressions: read between the lines, shows up literally and metaphically, fill every moment, yes person

IELTS Speaking Part 3 thảo luận sâu về mối quan hệ xã hội và bạn bè

---

Theme 3: Cultural & Generational Differences

Question 5: Are there any differences between how younger and older people choose their friends?

🎯 Phân tích câu hỏi:

• Dạng: Compare and contrast different groups
• Key words: differences, younger and older people, choose friends
• Cách tiếp cận: Identify key differences → Explain underlying reasons → Acknowledge exceptions và complexity

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

“Yes, there are some differences. Young people often make friends with people who have similar interests, like the same music or hobbies. They usually meet friends at school or through social media. Older people tend to choose friends who have similar values and life experiences. They value long-term friendships more. Also, older people are usually more selective about who they become friends with because they have less time.”

---

📝 Câu trả lời mẫu – Band 8-9:

“Absolutely, there are notable distinctions, though I’d caution against overgeneralizing, as individual variations are considerable.

Younger people, particularly adolescents and young adults, tend to gravitate towards what sociologists call ‘homophily‘ – forming friendships based on surface-level similarities like shared interests, activities, or even aesthetic preferences. Their social circles are often shaped by proximity – classmates, colleagues, or online communities centered around specific hobbies. There’s also typically a higher tolerance for quantity over quality, with expansive social networks being somewhat aspirational.

In contrast, older adults generally exhibit a phenomenon known as ‘socioemotional selectivity‘ – they become increasingly discerning, prioritizing depth over breadth. Life experience has typically taught them to distinguish between superficial connections and substantive relationships. They tend to seek out friends who share core values, life philosophies, and perhaps similar life stages – fellow parents, for instance, or those navigating similar career or retirement challenges.

Moreover, the criteria for friendship often shifts from shared activities to emotional compatibility and mutual support. Where a young person might befriend someone because they both enjoy gaming, an older adult is more likely to forge bonds based on trustworthiness, reliability, and emotional reciprocity.

That said, these are broad patterns rather than absolute rules. Life circumstances, personality, and cultural context all mediate these tendencies. Some older people remain socially expansive, while some young people are naturally selective.”

Nếu bạn quan tâm đến cách phân tích sự khác biệt trong các mối quan hệ, bạn cũng có thể tham khảo describe a person who is a good friend để học thêm từ vựng về tình bạn và mối quan hệ.

Phân tích:

• Structure: Extremely well-developed: Introduction với caveat → Young people’s patterns với sociological term → Older adults’ patterns với psychological term → Shift in criteria → Important qualification at end
• Vocabulary: Academic và sophisticated (homophily, socioemotional selectivity, discerning, substantive, navigating, forge bonds, reciprocity, mediate, expansive)
• Grammar: Complex academic constructions: nominalization (there are notable distinctions), relative clauses (who share core values), gerunds (navigating challenges)
• Critical Thinking: Uses academic concepts (homophily, socioemotional selectivity), acknowledges complexity, provides nuanced rather than stereotypical analysis, qualifies statements appropriately

💡 Key Language Features:

• Discourse markers: Absolutely, In contrast, Moreover, That said
• Hedging/Tentative language: I’d caution against, typically, generally, tend to, these are broad patterns rather than absolute rules
• Academic vocabulary: distinctions, phenomenon, criteria, mediate, socioemotional selectivity
• Compare/contrast language: In contrast, shifts from…to, Where…In contrast

---

Question 6: How important is it to have friends from different backgrounds?

🎯 Phân tích câu hỏi:

• Dạng: Opinion + Analysis of importance
• Key words: how important, friends from different backgrounds
• Cách tiếp cận: State position → Explain benefits → Acknowledge potential challenges → Balanced conclusion

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

“I think it’s quite important. Having friends from different backgrounds helps us learn about other cultures and ways of thinking. It makes our lives more interesting and helps us become more open-minded. We can learn new things from people who grew up differently from us. However, sometimes language or cultural differences can make it harder to communicate. Overall, I believe the benefits are greater than the difficulties.”

---

📝 Câu trả lời mẫu – Band 8-9:

“I’d argue that it’s tremendously valuable, though not necessarily essential for everyone. The benefits are both personal and societal.

On a personal level, cross-cultural friendships serve as powerful antidotes to our natural cognitive biases and limited worldviews. When we engage deeply with someone whose frame of reference is fundamentally different from our own, we’re compelled to interrogate our assumptions and expand our perspective. This cognitive flexibility is invaluable in our increasingly interconnected world. Such friendships also enrich our emotional intelligence by exposing us to different communication styles, conflict resolution approaches, and ways of expressing affection or care.

From a societal perspective, diverse friendships contribute to social cohesion and reduce prejudice. What social psychologists call ‘contact theory‘ suggests that meaningful intergroup contact is one of the most effective ways to break down stereotypes and foster mutual understanding. In multicultural societies, these bridging relationships are crucial for social harmony.

However, I should acknowledge that such friendships can present unique challenges – navigating cultural misunderstandings, overcoming language barriers, or reconciling different social expectations requires extra effort and mutual patience. Not everyone has the emotional bandwidth or cultural competency for this.

Ultimately, while I wouldn’t say it’s mandatory, I believe actively cultivating friendships across different backgrounds is immensely rewarding and contributes to both personal growth and broader social good.”

Phân tích:

• Structure: Highly sophisticated: Clear thesis → Personal benefits với psychological angle → Societal benefits với academic reference → Acknowledges challenges honestly → Nuanced conclusion
• Vocabulary: Advanced academic (antidotes to, cognitive biases, interrogate assumptions, frame of reference, cognitive flexibility, contact theory, bridging relationships, emotional bandwidth, cultural competency)
• Grammar: Complex academic structures: cleft sentences (What social psychologists call), participle phrases (navigating cultural misunderstandings), passive constructions
• Critical Thinking: Multi-dimensional analysis (personal + societal), references academic theory, acknowledges limitations và challenges, avoids absolutism

Từ vựng và cụm từ quan trọng

Topic-Specific Vocabulary

Từ vựng/Cụm từ	Loại từ	Phiên âm	Nghĩa tiếng Việt	Ví dụ	Collocation
treasure (time with someone)	v	/ˈtreʒə(r)/	trân trọng, quý giá	I absolutely treasure spending time with my grandmother.	treasure memories, treasure moments, treasure relationships
cross paths with	phrase	/krɒs pɑːθs wɪð/	gặp gỡ tình cờ, có duyên gặp	We first crossed paths at a conference five years ago.	our paths crossed, paths will cross again, lucky to cross paths
show someone the ropes	idiom	/ʃəʊ ðə rəʊps/	hướng dẫn người mới, chỉ bảo	My colleague showed me the ropes when I started.	learn the ropes, know the ropes, teaching the ropes
vent about	phrasal v	/vent əˈbaʊt/	than phiền, trút bỏ	We usually vent about work over coffee.	vent frustrations, vent feelings, need to vent
decompress	v	/ˌdiːkəmˈpres/	thư giãn, giải tỏa căng thẳng	After stressful meetings, I need time to decompress.	decompress after work, help decompress, time to decompress
big on (something)	adj phrase	/bɪɡ ɒn/	rất thích, quan tâm nhiều đến	We’re both big on outdoor activities.	big on fitness, big on reading, not big on parties
lift someone’s spirits	phrase	/lɪft ˈspɪrɪts/	làm ai vui lên, nâng cao tinh thần	Her sense of humor never fails to lift my spirits.	lift spirits, spirits lifted, need spirit-lifting
strike a balance	phrase	/straɪk ə ˈbæləns/	tạo sự cân bằng	She strikes the perfect balance between fun and serious.	find balance, achieve balance, maintain balance, delicate balance
be on the same wavelength	idiom	/ɒn ðə seɪm ˈweɪvleŋθ/	hợp nhau, hiểu ý nhau	We’re always on the same wavelength about important issues.	exactly the same wavelength, not on same wavelength, wavelength with someone
forge bonds	phrase	/fɔːdʒ bɒndz/	tạo dựng mối quan hệ sâu sắc	Shared experiences help forge strong bonds.	forge strong bonds, forge lasting bonds, forge connections
mutual understanding	n	/ˈmjuːtʃuəl ˌʌndəˈstændɪŋ/	sự hiểu biết lẫn nhau	Our friendship is built on mutual understanding.	build mutual understanding, lack mutual understanding, based on mutual understanding
effortless	adj	/ˈefətləs/	tự nhiên, không gượng ép	Our conversations always feel effortless and natural.	effortless conversation, seem effortless, effortless connection
rejuvenating	adj	/rɪˈdʒuːvəneɪtɪŋ/	làm trẻ lại, làm tươi mới	Spending time with her is genuinely rejuvenating.	rejuvenating experience, feel rejuvenating, rejuvenating effect
irreplaceable	adj	/ˌɪrɪˈpleɪsəbl/	không thể thay thế	She’s become an irreplaceable part of my life.	truly irreplaceable, irreplaceable friend, irreplaceable bond
reciprocity	n	/ˌresɪˈprɒsəti/	sự có đi có lại, qua lại	There’s beautiful reciprocity in our relationship.	mutual reciprocity, lack of reciprocity, based on reciprocity
cognitive flexibility	n	/ˈkɒɡnətɪv ˌfleksəˈbɪləti/	tính linh hoạt trong tư duy	Cross-cultural friendships develop cognitive flexibility.	improve cognitive flexibility, demonstrate flexibility, enhance flexibility
frame of reference	phrase	/freɪm əv ˈrefrəns/	hệ quy chiếu, quan điểm	Everyone has their own unique frame of reference.	different frame, same frame of reference, cultural frame of reference
emotional bandwidth	phrase	/ɪˈməʊʃənl ˈbændwɪdθ/	khả năng chịu đựng cảm xúc	Not everyone has the emotional bandwidth for deep friendships.	limited bandwidth, emotional bandwidth to handle, sufficient bandwidth
hold space (for someone)	phrase	/həʊld speɪs/	tạo không gian an toàn về mặt cảm xúc	She has this ability to hold space for whatever I’m feeling.	hold space for emotions, hold space for others, ability to hold space
socioemotional selectivity	n	/ˌsəʊʃiəʊɪˈməʊʃənl sɪˌlektɪvəti/	sự chọn lọc về mặt xã hội-cảm xúc	Older adults exhibit socioemotional selectivity in friendships.	theory of selectivity, demonstrate selectivity, socioemotional development

Idiomatic Expressions & Advanced Phrases

Cụm từ	Nghĩa	Ví dụ sử dụng	Band điểm
through thick and thin	trong mọi hoàn cảnh, lúc vui buồn	She’s been there for me through thick and thin.	7.5-8
kindred spirit	người đồng điệu, tri kỷ	I knew immediately she was a kindred spirit.	8-9
hit it off (with someone)	hợp nhau ngay từ đầu	We hit it off right from our first meeting.	7-8
see eye to eye	có cùng quan điểm	We don’t always see eye to eye, but we respect differences.	7-8
a shoulder to cry on	người để nương tựa khi khó khăn	He’s always been a shoulder to cry on when I need support.	7-7.5
birds of a feather	người cùng chí hướng	We’re birds of a feather – both passionate about art.	7.5-8
weather the storm	vượt qua khó khăn	Our friendship has weathered many storms over the years.	8-9
in someone’s corner	ủng hộ ai đó	I know she’s always in my corner, no matter what.	7.5-8
bring out the best in someone	làm ai đó tốt hơn	She brings out the best in me and encourages my growth.	8-8.5
a meeting of minds	sự gặp gỡ của những tâm hồn đồng điệu	Our friendship is truly a meeting of minds.	8.5-9
wear one’s heart on one’s sleeve	thể hiện cảm xúc rõ ràng	He wears his heart on his sleeve, which I find refreshing.	8-9
the elephant in the room	vấn đề ai cũng biết nhưng không muốn nói	She’s brave enough to address the elephant in the room.	7.5-8.5

Discourse Markers (Từ Nối Ý Trong Speaking)

Để bắt đầu câu trả lời:

• 📝 Well,… – Dùng khi cần thời gian suy nghĩ ngắn hoặc để bắt đầu tự nhiên
• 📝 Actually,… – Khi đưa ra thông tin có thể khác với expectation
• 📝 To be honest,… / Honestly,… – Khi muốn nói thật lòng
• 📝 I’d say that… / I would argue that… – Khi đưa ra quan điểm cá nhân
• 📝 From my perspective,… / In my view,… – Để express personal opinion
• 📝 Looking at it from… – Khi analyze từ một góc độ cụ thể

Để bổ sung ý:

• 📝 On top of that,… / Beyond that,… – Thêm vào đó
• 📝 What’s more,… / Moreover,… – Hơn nữa (formal hơn)
• 📝 Not to mention… – Chưa kể đến
• 📝 Additionally,… – Thêm nữa (academic)
• 📝 Equally important/crucial is… – Quan trọng ngang nhau là

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…nhưng cũng cần xét
• 📝 That being said,… / That said,… – Tuy nhiên (sau khi đưa ra một ý)
• 📝 Having said that,… – Nói như vậy nhưng…
• 📝 To some extent…but… – Ở một mức độ nào đó…nhưng

Để contrast hoặc show difference:

• 📝 In contrast,… / By contrast,… – Ngược lại
• 📝 Conversely,… – Ngược lại (formal)
• 📝 However,… / Nevertheless,… – Tuy nhiên
• 📝 Whereas… – Trong khi đó

Để kết luận hoặc summarize:

• 📝 All in all,… / All things considered,… – Xét tất cả mọi mặt
• 📝 At the end of the day,… – Cuối cùng thì
• 📝 In essence,… / Essentially,… – Về bản chất
• 📝 Ultimately,… – Cuối cùng, rốt cuộc
• 📝 To sum up,… – Tóm lại (ít dùng trong speaking, hơi formal)

Để clarify hoặc rephrase:

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

Để acknowledge complexity:

• 📝 It’s a complex issue… – Đây là vấn đề phức tạp
• 📝 This defies a simple answer… – Điều này không có câu trả lời đơn giản
• 📝 There are several factors to consider… – Có nhiều yếu tố cần xem xét
• 📝 It depends on… – Nó tùy thuộc vào

Grammatical Structures Ấn Tượng

1. Conditional Sentences (Câu điều kiện):

• Mixed conditional: “If we hadn’t met at that conference, I wouldn’t be the person I am today.” (Kết hợp past action với present result)
• Inversion for emphasis: “Were it not for her support, I would have given up.” (Đảo ngữ formal, thay vì If it were not for)
• Implied conditional: “With more free time, we could meet more regularly.” (Ẩn điều kiện trong cụm giới từ)

2. Relative Clauses (Mệnh đề quan hệ):

• Non-defining: “My sister, who lives abroad, is someone I deeply miss spending time with.” (Thêm thông tin, có dấu phẩy)
• Reduced relative clause: “People living in cities often have less time for relationships.” (Rút gọn mệnh đề quan hệ)
• What-clause: “What I appreciate most about her is her authenticity.” (Mệnh đề what để nhấn mạnh)

3. Passive Voice (Câu bị động):

• It is thought/believed/said that… “It’s widely believed that quality time matters more than quantity.”
• Have something done: “Having our weekly coffee routine has helped us maintain closeness.”
• Get passive: “I got introduced to him through mutual friends.”

4. Cleft Sentences (Câu chẻ – để nhấn mạnh):

• What I find most…, is… “What I find most valuable about our friendship is the mutual respect.”
• The thing that…, is… “The thing that sets her apart is her genuine empathy.”
• It’s… that… “It’s her authenticity that I admire most.”
• The reason why… is that… “The reason why we connect so well is that we share core values.”

5. Inversion (Đảo ngữ để nhấn mạnh – Band 8+):

• Not only… but also… “Not only does she listen, but she also offers valuable perspectives.”
• Rarely/Seldom at beginning: “Rarely have I met someone so understanding.”
• Only when… “Only when we faced difficulties did I realize how strong our bond was.”

6. Participle Clauses (Mệnh đề phân từ – Band 8+):

• Present participle: “Having known each other for years, we can communicate without words.”
• Past participle: “Introduced by mutual friends, we quickly discovered shared interests.”
• Perfect participle: “Having experienced similar challenges, we understand each other deeply.”

7. Subjunctive và Advanced Wishes:

• I wish + past perfect: “I wish we had met earlier in life.”
• If only: “If only we lived closer, we could meet more often.”
• It’s time + past simple: “It’s time we prioritized quality time together.”

8. Nominalization (Danh từ hóa – Academic style):

• Thay vì: “When we understand each other, it creates strong bonds.”
• Dùng: “Mutual understanding creates strong bonds.”
• Thay vì: “The fact that we share values is important.”
• Dùng: “Our shared values are fundamental.”

Khi thảo luận về các mối quan hệ trong công việc, describe a time when you had to mentor a new team member cũng là một chủ đề liên quan giúp bạn phát triển kỹ năng miêu tả các tương tác xã hội trong môi trường chuyên nghiệp.

9. Emphatic Structures:

• It is/was… that/who… “It was her genuine kindness that first attracted me to the friendship.”
• Do/Does/Did for emphasis: “I do appreciate every moment we spend together.”

10. Advanced Comparisons:

• The more…, the more… “The more time we spend together, the closer we become.”
• No sooner… than… “No sooner had we met than we realized our compatibility.”

Từ vựng và cấu trúc ngữ pháp nâng cao cho IELTS Speaking chủ đề quan hệ xã hội

---

Việc chuẩn bị kỹ càng cho chủ đề “Describe a person you like to spend time with” không chỉ giúp bạn tự tin khi gặp đề này mà còn trang bị kỹ năng và vocabulary để xử lý nhiều câu hỏi khác về relationships, personality và social interactions trong IELTS Speaking. Hãy nhớ rằng, điều quan trọng nhất không phải là học thuộc các câu trả lời mẫu, mà là hiểu cách structure ideas, sử dụng vocabulary phù hợp, và thể hiện critical thinking through your responses.

Để đạt band điểm cao, hãy focus vào việc phát triển bốn tiêu chí chính: Fluency & Coherence (trôi chảy và mạch lạc), Lexical Resource (vốn từ vựng), Grammatical Range & Accuracy (phạm vi và độ chính xác ngữ pháp), và Pronunciation (phát âm). Đặc biệt, trong Part 3, khả năng analyze deeply và present nuanced views sẽ là yếu tố phân biệt giữa band 7 và band 8+.

Cuối cùng, hãy practice regularly với diverse topics, record yourself để identify areas for improvement, và nếu có thể, practice với native speakers hoặc experienced IELTS instructors để nhận feedback chất lượng. Chúc bạn thành công trong kỳ thi IELTS Speaking!