IELTS Speaking: Cách Trả Lời Chủ Đề “Describe A Person You Think Is A Good Listener” – Bài Mẫu Band 6-9

Mở bài

Chủ đề “Describe A Person You Think Is A Good Listener” là một trong những đề bài phổ biến trong IELTS Speaking Part 2, thường xuyên xuất hiện trong các kỳ thi từ năm 2020 đến nay với tần suất trung bình cao. Đây là dạng câu hỏi mô tả người (describe a person), yêu cầu thí sinh kể về một người có kỹ năng lắng nghe tốt – một chủ đề liên quan trực tiếp đến kỹ năng giao tiếp và mối quan hệ con người.

Chủ đề này quan trọng vì nó không chỉ đánh giá khả năng sử dụng từ vựng liên quan đến tính cách, mối quan hệ xã hội mà còn kiểm tra khả năng phân tích và giải thích tại sao một người được coi là người biết lắng nghe tốt. Theo thống kê từ các trung tâm luyện thi IELTS uy tín, chủ đề này xuất hiện khoảng 15-20% trong các đề thi Speaking Part 2, và khả năng xuất hiện trong tương lai vẫn ở mức cao do tính thực tiễn của nó.

Trong bài viết này, bạn sẽ học được cách trả lời hiệu quả cho cả ba phần thi Speaking, từ câu hỏi cơ bản ở Part 1 về listening skills, đến bài nói chi tiết ở Part 2 với các sample answers từ Band 6-7 đến Band 8.5-9, và các câu hỏi thảo luận sâu ở Part 3 về vai trò của kỹ năng lắng nghe trong xã hội hiện đại. Bài viết cũng cung cấp từ vựng chuyên sâu, cụm từ ăn điểm và chiến lược trả lời từ góc nhìn của một examiner với hơn 20 năm kinh nghiệm chấm thi.

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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. Đặc điểm của phần này là câu hỏi đơn giản, dễ tiếp cận, nhưng yêu cầu thí sinh trả lời tự nhiên và mở rộng ý tưởng. Chiến lược hiệu quả là trả lời trực tiếp câu hỏi, sau đó bổ sung lý do và ví dụ cụ thể trong 2-3 câu.

Lỗi thường gặp của học viên Việt Nam trong Part 1 bao gồm trả lời quá ngắn gọn chỉ với Yes/No, sử dụng từ vựng quá đơn giản lặp đi lặp lại, và thiếu ví dụ cụ thể từ kinh nghiệm bản thân. Để đạt điểm cao, bạn cần thể hiện khả năng giao tiếp tự nhiên và sử dụng ngôn ngữ phong phú ngay từ phần mở đầu này.

Các Câu Hỏi Thường Gặp

Question 1: Do you think you are a good listener?

Question 2: What do you think makes someone a good listener?

Question 3: Do you prefer to listen or to speak in a conversation?

Question 4: Who do you like to talk to when you have problems?

Question 5: Have you ever had a conversation where someone didn’t listen to you properly?

Question 6: Is it important for friends to be good listeners?

Question 7: Do you think people today listen to each other less than in the past?

Question 8: What kind of situations require good listening skills?

Phân Tích và Gợi Ý Trả Lời Chi Tiết

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Question: Do you think you are a good listener?

🎯 Cách tiếp cận:

• Trả lời trực tiếp có hay không (hoặc đến mức độ nào)
• Đưa ra lý do hoặc ví dụ minh họa
• Có thể thừa nhận điểm cần cải thiện để tăng tính tự nhiên

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

“Yes, I think I’m quite a good listener. When my friends talk to me about their problems, I always try to pay attention and not interrupt them. Sometimes I give them advice if they ask for it.”

Phân tích:

• Điểm mạnh: Trả lời rõ ràng, có ví dụ cụ thể về việc lắng nghe bạn bè
• Hạn chế: Từ vựng còn đơn giản (good, talk, problems), thiếu chi tiết về cách thức lắng nghe
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Câu trả lời adequate và relevant nhưng thiếu depth và sophisticated vocabulary. Cấu trúc câu đơn giản, chưa thể hiện grammatical range rộng.

📝 Sample Answer – Band 8-9:

“I’d say I’m reasonably attentive when it comes to listening, though there’s definitely room for improvement. I make a conscious effort to maintain eye contact and avoid distractions like checking my phone when someone’s confiding in me. That said, I sometimes catch myself mentally preparing my response rather than fully absorbing what the other person is saying, which is something I’m actively working on.”

Phân tích:

• Điểm mạnh: Thể hiện self-awareness cao với sự thừa nhận thành thật về điểm mạnh và yếu. Sử dụng từ vựng chính xác và collocations tự nhiên như “conscious effort”, “confiding in me”, “mentally preparing”. Cấu trúc câu phức tạp với relative clause và present participle.
• Tại sao Band 8-9: Fluency cao với discourse markers tự nhiên (“I’d say”, “That said”). Lexical resource xuất sắc với precise vocabulary và idiomatic expressions. Grammar đa dạng với conditional và complex structures. Ý tưởng sâu sắc thể hiện critical thinking về bản thân.

💡 Key Vocabulary & Expressions:

• reasonably attentive: khá chú ý, tập trung lắng nghe
• room for improvement: còn chỗ để cải thiện
• conscious effort: nỗ lực có ý thức
• confiding in someone: tâm sự, chia sẻ bí mật với ai đó
• mentally preparing: chuẩn bị trong đầu
• fully absorbing: tiếp thu đầy đủ

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Question: What do you think makes someone a good listener?

🎯 Cách tiếp cận:

• Liệt kê 2-3 qualities quan trọng
• Giải thích tại sao mỗi quality quan trọng
• Có thể đưa ra ví dụ ngắn gọn

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

“I think a good listener should be patient and not interrupt when someone is talking. They should also show interest in what the other person is saying and try to understand their feelings. It’s important to focus on the conversation and not do other things at the same time.”

Phân tích:

• Điểm mạnh: Đưa ra được nhiều qualities (patient, show interest, focus)
• Hạn chế: Vocabulary cơ bản, thiếu sophisticated expressions. Câu văn có cấu trúc đơn giản và có phần listing.
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Adequate vocabulary nhưng chưa precise. Ideas relevant nhưng chưa được elaborate đầy đủ.

📝 Sample Answer – Band 8-9:

“Well, I believe genuine empathy is at the heart of good listening – it’s about putting yourself in someone else’s shoes rather than just waiting for your turn to speak. Good listeners also demonstrate non-verbal engagement through body language cues like nodding and maintaining appropriate eye contact. Another crucial aspect is asking thoughtful follow-up questions that show you’ve been actively processing what’s been said, rather than just passively hearing words.”

Phân tích:

• Điểm mạnh: Vocabulary tinh vi với expressions như “at the heart of”, “putting yourself in someone’s shoes”, “non-verbal engagement”. Cấu trúc câu phức tạp với relative clauses và contrasting ideas. Phân biệt rõ “actively processing” vs “passively hearing” thể hiện critical thinking.
• Tại sao Band 8-9: Demonstrates excellent command of collocations và idiomatic language. Grammar range rộng với participial phrases. Ideas được develop đầy đủ với clear explanations.

💡 Key Vocabulary & Expressions:

• genuine empathy: sự đồng cảm chân thành
• putting yourself in someone else’s shoes: đặt mình vào vị trí của người khác
• non-verbal engagement: sự tương tác phi ngôn ngữ
• body language cues: tín hiệu ngôn ngữ cơ thể
• thoughtful follow-up questions: câu hỏi tiếp theo sâu sắc
• actively processing: xử lý tích cực (thông tin)

Kỹ năng lắng nghe hiệu quả trong IELTS Speaking với các yếu tố quan trọng như đồng cảm và giao tiếp phi ngôn ngữ

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Question: Do you prefer to listen or to speak in a conversation?

🎯 Cách tiếp cận:

• Đưa ra preference rõ ràng (hoặc depends on situation)
• Giải thích lý do cho sự lựa chọn
• Có thể đề cập đến context khác nhau

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

“It depends on the situation. If I’m with close friends, I like both listening and speaking equally. But when I meet new people, I prefer to listen more because I want to learn about them first. I think listening helps me understand others better.”

Phân tích:

• Điểm mạnh: Có context và flexibility trong câu trả lời, không absolute
• Hạn chế: Vocabulary và sentence structures còn basic
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Relevant answer với clear explanation nhưng thiếu sophistication trong expression

📝 Sample Answer – Band 8-9:

“I’d say it’s very context-dependent. In professional settings, I tend to adopt a more receptive stance initially because I believe you gain valuable insights by listening first. However, when I’m with close friends or discussing topics I’m particularly passionate about, I probably lean towards being more vocal. I think the key is striking a balance – being an engaged listener while also contributing meaningfully to the conversation when appropriate.”

Phân tích:

• Điểm mạnh: Nuanced answer thể hiện sophisticated thinking với “context-dependent”. Vocabulary chính xác và varied với “receptive stance”, “gain valuable insights”, “striking a balance”. Grammar complex với conditional structures và multiple clauses.
• Tại sao Band 8-9: Excellent fluency với natural discourse markers. Precise lexical choices. Complex ideas expressed clearly. Shows flexibility và awareness of different contexts.

💡 Key Vocabulary & Expressions:

• context-dependent: phụ thuộc vào ngữ cảnh
• adopt a receptive stance: có thái độ tiếp nhận, lắng nghe
• gain valuable insights: đạt được những hiểu biết giá trị
• lean towards: thiên về, có xu hướng
• striking a balance: tìm sự cân bằng
• contributing meaningfully: đóng góp có ý nghĩa

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IELTS Speaking Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)

Tổng Quan Về Part 2

Part 2 là phần độc thoại kéo dài 2-3 phút, trong đó bạn có 1 phút chuẩn bị và ghi chú. Đây là phần quan trọng nhất để thể hiện khả năng nói liên tục và tổ chức ý tưởng rõ ràng. Đặc điểm của Part 2 là bạn không bị ngắt lời trong suốt thời gian nói, do đó cần tận dụng thời gian để phát triển đầy đủ các ý tưởng.

Chiến lược hiệu quả là sử dụng hết 1 phút chuẩn bị để ghi chú keywords (không viết câu đầy đủ), đảm bảo nói đủ 2 phút (tối thiểu 1.5 phút), trả lời đầy đủ tất cả bullet points trong đề bài, và sử dụng đúng thì động từ (thường là quá khứ khi kể chuyện về người hoặc sự kiện cụ thể).

Lỗi thường gặp của học viên Việt Nam bao gồm không tận dụng hết thời gian chuẩn bị, nói quá ngắn dưới 1.5 phút, bỏ sót một số bullet points, hoặc không phát triển đủ phần “explain” – phần quan trọng nhất để ghi điểm cao.

Cue Card

Describe a person you think is a good listener

You should say:

• Who this person is
• How you know this person
• When and where you usually talk to this person
• And explain why you think this person is a good listener

Phân Tích Đề Bài

• Dạng câu hỏi: Describe a person – mô tả về một người cụ thể
• Thì động từ: Chủ yếu hiện tại đơn khi mô tả đặc điểm, tính cách và hiện tại hoàn thành/quá khứ đơn khi kể về trải nghiệm
• Bullet points phải cover:
  • Who: Người này là ai (tên, mối quan hệ)
  • How you know: Biết người này như thế nào (bao lâu, trong hoàn cảnh nào)
  • When/where you talk: Thời điểm và địa điểm thường nói chuyện
  • Explain why: Lý do tại sao coi họ là người biết lắng nghe tốt
• Câu “explain” quan trọng: Đây là phần ghi điểm cao nhất, cần phát triển chi tiết với examples cụ thể về các lần họ lắng nghe bạn, cách họ phản ứng, và tác động của việc lắng nghe đó đến bạn.

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7

Thời lượng: Khoảng 1.5-2 phút

“I’d like to talk about my older sister, who I think is an excellent listener. Her name is Mai and she’s five years older than me.

I’ve known her my whole life, of course, since she’s my sister. We grew up together in the same house and have always been quite close. Even though she moved out for university a few years ago, we still keep in touch regularly.

We usually talk on the phone in the evenings, maybe two or three times a week. Sometimes when she visits home on weekends, we have long conversations in her room or go to a coffee shop near our house.

I think Mai is a good listener for several reasons. First, she never interrupts me when I’m talking. She always waits until I finish before she says anything. Second, she really pays attention to what I say. I can tell because she remembers details from previous conversations and asks about things I mentioned before. For example, last month I told her I was worried about an exam, and she called me the day before the exam to wish me good luck.

Another thing is that she doesn’t judge me when I tell her about my problems. She tries to understand my situation and gives helpful advice, but only if I ask for it. She also asks good questions that help me think about things differently. When I’m stressed or upset, talking to her always makes me feel better because I know she genuinely cares about what I’m saying.”

Phân Tích Band Điểm

Tiêu chí	Band	Nhận xét
Fluency & Coherence	6-7	Có khả năng nói liên tục với một số hesitation nhỏ. Sử dụng basic linking words (first, second, another thing). Ý tưởng được organize logically nhưng chưa sophisticated.
Lexical Resource	6-7	Vocabulary adequate và appropriate (keep in touch, pays attention, judge, genuinely cares). Có một số collocations tốt nhưng còn simple. Paraphrasing hạn chế.
Grammatical Range & Accuracy	6-7	Mix of simple và complex sentences. Sử dụng đúng present simple và past simple. Có relative clauses nhưng structures còn limited. Ít lỗi ngữ pháp.
Pronunciation	6-7	Dễ hiểu với pronunciation rõ ràng. Có thể có một số mispronunciations nhỏ nhưng không ảnh hưởng communication.

Điểm mạnh:

• ✅ Cover đầy đủ tất cả bullet points trong đề bài
• ✅ Có ví dụ cụ thể (exam story) để minh họa
• ✅ Trả lời có organization rõ ràng với sequencers
• ✅ Thời lượng đủ yêu cầu

Hạn chế:

• ⚠️ Vocabulary còn basic, thiếu sophisticated expressions
• ⚠️ Sentence structures chưa đa dạng, nhiều simple sentences
• ⚠️ Thiếu depth trong phần explain, chưa analyze sâu về impact

Nếu bạn muốn tìm hiểu thêm về cách phát triển ý tưởng cho các chủ đề tương tự, hãy tham khảo describe a person who motivates you to stay healthy để học cách mô tả người có ảnh hưởng tích cực.

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📝 Sample Answer – Band 7.5-8

Thời lượng: Khoảng 2-2.5 phút

“I’d like to describe my university mentor, Dr. Nguyen, who I consider to be one of the most attentive listeners I’ve ever encountered.

I first met Dr. Nguyen about two years ago when I was assigned to his research group as an undergraduate student. He’s a senior lecturer in psychology at my university, and over the past two years, he’s become not just an academic supervisor but also someone I turn to for guidance on various aspects of life.

We typically meet in his office on a weekly basis during his consultation hours, though he’s always made himself available whenever I need to discuss something urgent. Occasionally, we have more informal conversations over coffee at the campus café, where the relaxed atmosphere allows for more open dialogue.

What makes Dr. Nguyen such an exceptional listener is his genuine engagement during conversations. Unlike many people who simply wait for their turn to speak, he gives you his undivided attention. I’ve noticed he has this habit of maintaining steady eye contact and nodding thoughtfully as you speak, which makes you feel that your words truly matter. He also never rushes you, allowing pauses for you to gather your thoughts, which I find incredibly reassuring.

What really sets him apart, though, is his ability to ask probing questions that help you clarify your own thinking. For instance, when I was torn between two career paths last semester, he didn’t immediately offer his opinion. Instead, he asked me a series of questions about my values and long-term goals that ultimately helped me reach my own conclusion. This demonstrates that he listens not just to respond, but to understand.

Moreover, he has an exceptional memory for details from previous conversations. He’ll often follow up on things I mentioned weeks ago, which shows he truly processes and retains what people tell him. This quality makes everyone feel valued and reinforces the trust in our mentor-mentee relationship.”

Phân Tích Band Điểm

Tiêu chí	Band	Nhận xét
Fluency & Coherence	7.5-8	Speaks fluently với minimal hesitation. Excellent use của cohesive devices (Unlike, though, Moreover). Ideas được develop logically và fully.
Lexical Resource	7.5-8	Wide range của vocabulary với precise meanings (attentive listeners, undivided attention, probing questions). Good use của collocations và less common words. Some paraphrasing.
Grammatical Range & Accuracy	7.5-8	Wide range của structures bao gồm complex sentences với relative clauses, participle phrases. Mostly error-free. Good control của tenses.
Pronunciation	7.5-8	Clear pronunciation với good intonation patterns. Được hiểu dễ dàng với minimal L1 influence.

So Sánh Với Band 6-7

Khía cạnh	Band 6-7	Band 7.5-8
Vocabulary	“pays attention”, “asks good questions”	“gives undivided attention”, “asks probing questions”, “sets him apart”
Grammar	“She never interrupts me when I’m talking”	“Unlike many people who simply wait for their turn to speak, he gives you his undivided attention”
Ideas	Basic explanation về listening qualities	Detailed analysis với concrete examples và deeper insights về impact

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📝 Sample Answer – Band 8.5-9

Thời lượng: 2.5-3 phút đầy đủ

“I’d like to talk about my grandmother, who I genuinely believe epitomizes what it means to be an exceptional listener – something I’ve come to appreciate more deeply as I’ve grown older.

My grandmother, or ‘Bà Ngoại’ as we call her in Vietnamese, has been a constant presence in my life since childhood. She raised me alongside my parents during my formative years, and even now, at the age of seventy-five, she remains remarkably sharp and emotionally attuned to those around her.

These days, I make it a point to visit her every Sunday afternoon at her home in District 3. We’ll typically sit in her garden, surrounded by the potted plants she meticulously tends to, and just talk. Occasionally, we’ll also have longer phone conversations during the week if something weighing on my mind needs immediate discussion. There’s something about her tranquil presence that makes it easy to open up.

What distinguishes my grandmother as an extraordinary listener is, first and foremost, her profound empathy. She has this remarkable ability to tune into not just the words you’re saying, but the emotions underlying them. I remember when I was going through a particularly challenging period last year, grappling with decisions about my future career. Rather than jumping in with unsolicited advice – which many well-meaning people did – she simply listened as I worked through my anxieties aloud. Her non-judgmental silence was incredibly therapeutic.

What’s particularly striking is her use of what I’d call reflective listening. She’ll often paraphrase what I’ve said back to me, starting with phrases like ‘So what you’re saying is…’ or ‘It sounds like you’re feeling…’. This technique not only confirms that she’s understood correctly but also helps me gain clarity on my own thoughts and feelings. It’s a skill I believe she honed over decades of listening to family members and friends.

Another aspect that makes her listening so effective is her patience with silence. In our fast-paced culture where conversations often feel like verbal ping-pong, she’s comfortable with pauses. She’ll let silence sit between us without rushing to fill it, which creates space for deeper reflection. I’ve learned that these quiet moments are often when the most profound insights emerge.

Furthermore, she has this incredible capacity for holding space for difficult emotions without trying to fix them. When I express frustration or sadness, she doesn’t immediately try to cheer me up or offer solutions. She validates my feelings first, which paradoxically makes me feel better faster than any advice could.

Perhaps what I value most is that her listening is entirely devoid of any ulterior motive. She’s not listening to gather information to gossip about later, nor is she listening just to formulate her response. Her attention is purely focused on understanding and supporting, which creates an incredibly safe space for authentic communication. It’s this quality that’s helped me through numerous personal crises and made our relationship one of the most treasured aspects of my life.”

Phân Tích Band Điểm

Tiêu chí	Band	Nhận xét
Fluency & Coherence	8.5-9	Speaks fluently và coherently với natural use của advanced discourse markers. Ideas được develop fully với sophistication. Excellent progression của topics.
Lexical Resource	8.5-9	Sophisticated vocabulary với precise meanings (epitomizes, emotionally attuned, reflective listening, holding space). Natural use của idiomatic language và collocations. Skillful paraphrasing.
Grammatical Range & Accuracy	8.5-9	Full range của structures sử dụng naturally và accurately. Complex sentences với multiple clauses. Perfect control của tenses including perfect aspects. Varied sentence structures.
Pronunciation	8.5-9	Fully comprehensible với native-like features. Excellent use của stress, rhythm và intonation to enhance meaning.

Tại Sao Bài Này Xuất Sắc

🎯 Fluency Hoàn Hảo:
Bài nói có độ trôi chảy exceptional với discourse markers tinh vi như “first and foremost”, “what’s particularly striking”, “furthermore”, “perhaps what I value most”. Không có hesitation và ideas flow naturally từ point này sang point khác.

📚 Vocabulary Tinh Vi:

• Ví dụ: “epitomizes what it means to be an exceptional listener” – sử dụng động từ nâng cao thay vì “is” đơn giản
• Ví dụ: “emotionally attuned” – collocation chuyên nghiệp hơn “understands emotions”
• Ví dụ: “reflective listening” – thuật ngữ chuyên ngành psychology cho thấy depth of knowledge
• Ví dụ: “holding space” – modern therapeutic expression thể hiện sophisticated understanding

📝 Grammar Đa Dạng:

• Ví dụ: “Rather than jumping in with unsolicited advice – which many well-meaning people did – she simply listened” – sử dụng dash để insert clause và contrast ideas elegantly
• Ví dụ: “It’s a skill I believe she honed over decades” – relative clause với omitted relative pronoun cho natural speech
• Ví dụ: “She’ll let silence sit between us without rushing to fill it, which creates space for deeper reflection” – non-defining relative clause referring to whole previous clause

💡 Ideas Sâu Sắc:
Bài nói không chỉ describe surface behaviors mà analyze psychological aspects của good listening như “reflective listening technique”, “comfortable with silence”, “holding space for emotions”, “devoid of ulterior motive”. Thể hiện critical thinking và emotional intelligence cao.

Kỹ năng lắng nghe xuất sắc của người thân trong môi trường gia đình ấm áp

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Follow-up Questions (Rounding Off Questions)

Question 1: How often do you talk to this person?

Band 6-7 Answer:
“I talk to my sister quite often, maybe two or three times a week on the phone. Sometimes we also meet in person when she comes home on weekends.”

Band 8-9 Answer:
“We maintain fairly regular contact – I’d say we connect at least twice a week, either through phone calls or video chats. Our conversations can range from brief check-ins to in-depth discussions lasting over an hour, depending on what’s going on in our lives at the time.”

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Question 2: Has this person always been a good listener?

Band 6-7 Answer:
“Yes, I think she has always been like this. Even when we were younger, she was always patient and willing to listen to me.”

Band 8-9 Answer:
“I’d say her listening skills have actually evolved over the years. While she was naturally patient even in her younger years, I’ve noticed she’s become increasingly perceptive and skilled at reading between the lines as she’s gained more life experience. It’s as if her listening has matured alongside her personal growth.”

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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, mở rộng từ chủ đề của Part 2. Đây là phần khó nhất vì yêu cầu thí sinh phân tích, so sánh, đánh giá các vấn đề xã hội và đưa ra quan điểm có lý lẽ chặt chẽ. Thí sinh cần xem xét nhiều góc độ của vấn đề và thể hiện khả năng critical thinking.

Chiến lược hiệu quả là mở rộng câu trả lời với 3-5 câu, sử dụng discourse markers để tổ chức ý tưởng (Well, Actually, I think…), đưa ra examples từ xã hội rộng lớn chứ không chỉ kinh nghiệm cá nhân, và thừa nhận complexity của vấn đề bằng cách xem xét nhiều perspectives.

Lỗi thường gặp của học viên Việt Nam bao gồm trả lời quá ngắn gọn thiếu phân tích, không đưa ra lý lẽ rõ ràng để support quan điểm, và thiếu từ vựng trừu tượng để thảo luận về các concepts phức tạp. Để đạt Band 8+, thí sinh cần demonstrate ability to discuss abstract issues với sophistication.

Các Câu Hỏi Thảo Luận Sâu

Theme 1: Listening Skills in Modern Society

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Question 1: Why do you think good listening skills are important in today’s world?

🎯 Phân tích câu hỏi:

• Dạng: Opinion với yêu cầu explain importance
• Key words: good listening skills, important, today’s world
• Cách tiếp cận: State importance → Give 2-3 reasons với examples → Consider broader social implications

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

“I think good listening skills are very important today because people need to communicate better. In workplaces, if people don’t listen to each other, there can be misunderstandings and problems. Also, in personal relationships, listening helps people understand each other better and avoid conflicts. With social media, many people just want to express their own opinions without listening to others, so listening skills are becoming more valuable.”

Phân tích:

• Structure: Có clear answer và reasons nhưng development còn basic
• Vocabulary: Adequate với “misunderstandings”, “conflicts”, “valuable” nhưng thiếu sophisticated terms
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Ideas relevant nhưng thiếu depth và detailed examples. Grammar đơn giản với mainly simple và compound sentences.

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📝 Câu trả lời mẫu – Band 8-9:

“Well, I’d argue that effective listening skills are more crucial than ever in our contemporary society for several reasons. First and foremost, we’re living in an era of information overload where everyone is constantly bombarded with messages, notifications, and opinions. In this context, the ability to truly listen – to filter out the noise and focus on what truly matters – has become an invaluable asset.

From a professional standpoint, good listening is fundamental to collaboration and innovation. In increasingly diverse workplaces, where teams often comprise people from varied cultural and professional backgrounds, the capacity to actively listen and appreciate different perspectives can be the difference between breakthrough solutions and costly miscommunications. Companies are actually starting to recognize this – many now incorporate listening skills training into their professional development programs.

On a more personal level, I think listening skills serve as the bedrock of meaningful relationships in a world where superficial interactions have become the norm. With the prevalence of social media and digital communication, we’ve somewhat lost the art of deep, attentive conversation. Those who can truly listen stand out and forge more authentic connections.

Moreover, from a societal perspective, good listening could help bridge the growing divide we see in many communities. Many of today’s conflicts – whether political, social, or cultural – stem from people talking past each other rather than engaging in genuine dialogue. If more people cultivated strong listening skills, we might see more constructive discourse and less polarization.”

Phân tích:

• Structure: Excellently organized: Direct answer → Professional context + example → Personal dimension → Societal implications. Shows sophisticated thinking progression.
• Vocabulary: Highly sophisticated với precise academic terms (information overload, invaluable asset, bedrock, polarization) và professional collocations (breakthrough solutions, constructive discourse).
• Grammar: Wide range của complex structures including relative clauses, conditionals, passive constructions. Perfect control của tenses.
• Critical Thinking: Shows balanced view examining issue from multiple angles (professional, personal, societal). Acknowledges complexity và current trends.

💡 Key Language Features:

• Discourse markers: Well, First and foremost, From a professional standpoint, On a more personal level, Moreover
• Tentative language: I’d argue, I think, could help, might see (showing nuanced opinion rather than absolute statements)
• Abstract nouns: collaboration, innovation, polarization, discourse, prevalence (essential for Band 8+ abstract discussion)

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Question 2: Do you think people’s listening skills have changed with the development of technology?

🎯 Phân tích câu hỏi:

• Dạng: Opinion về change over time với technology as factor
• Key words: listening skills, changed, development of technology
• Cách tiếp cận: Acknowledge the change → Explain how technology impacts listening (positive/negative) → Provide balanced view với examples

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

“Yes, I believe technology has changed how people listen. These days, people are always on their phones and get distracted easily. When someone is talking to them, they might be checking messages or social media at the same time, so they don’t really pay attention. However, technology can also help us listen better in some ways. For example, we can use video calls to talk to people far away, and there are apps that can help people with hearing problems.”

Phân tích:

• Structure: Direct answer với positive và negative points nhưng chưa develop fully
• Vocabulary: Basic terms như “distracted”, “pay attention”, “hearing problems”
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Touches on both sides nhưng lacks detailed analysis và sophisticated expressions

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📝 Câu trả lời mẫu – Band 8-9:

“Absolutely, and I’d say the impact has been rather paradoxical. On the one hand, technology has clearly undermined our listening capacity in certain ways. The constant pings and notifications from our devices have conditioned us to expect rapid-fire information and instant gratification, which is fundamentally at odds with the patience required for deep listening. Research actually shows that our average attention span has diminished significantly over the past two decades – we’ve become what some researchers call ‘continuous partial attention’ practitioners, never fully present in any single moment or conversation.

That said, I don’t think the picture is entirely bleak. Technology has also opened up new avenues for listening in ways previous generations couldn’t have imagined. Take, for instance, podcasts and audiobooks – these platforms have actually sparked a renaissance of long-form listening, with millions of people now regularly engaging with hour-long discussions on complex topics. This suggests that when the content is compelling and the format is right, people are still capable of sustained attention.

Furthermore, technology has made listening more accessible and inclusive. Real-time transcription services and AI-powered hearing aids have democratized participation in conversations for those with hearing impairments. Video conferencing tools have enabled face-to-face communication across vast distances, preserving non-verbal cues that are crucial to effective listening.

The key question, I think, isn’t whether technology has changed our listening – it undoubtedly has – but rather how we can harness these tools while mitigating their negative effects. It’s really about developing digital literacy and being intentional about when we unplug to give others our full attention.”

Phân tích:

• Structure: Sophisticated organization với thesis statement về paradoxical nature, then explores both negative và positive impacts, concludes with forward-looking perspective
• Vocabulary: Advanced academic vocabulary (paradoxical, undermined, at odds with, diminished, renaissance, democratized, harness, mitigating) showing precise understanding
• Grammar: Complex sentences với varied structures including inversion, cleft sentences, present perfect, conditionals
• Critical Thinking: Nuanced analysis acknowledging complexity, using research references, considering multiple perspectives including accessibility issues

💡 Key Language Features:

• Discourse markers: Absolutely, On the one hand, That said, Furthermore, The key question
• Tentative language: I’d say, I think, suggests that, I don’t think (avoiding overgeneralization)
• Abstract nouns: gratification, capacity, renaissance, literacy, accessibility (Band 8+ requirement)

Để hiểu thêm về cách trình bày những trải nghiệm có tác động sâu sắc, bạn có thể tham khảo describe a recent experience that had a lasting impact on you giúp mở rộng cách kể chuyện hiệu quả.

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Theme 2: Communication in Professional Settings

Question 1: How important is listening in the workplace?

🎯 Phân tích câu hỏi:

• Dạng: Assess importance trong specific context (workplace)
• Key words: listening, workplace, important
• Cách tiếp cận: State high importance → Explain multiple dimensions (productivity, relationships, leadership) → Provide workplace examples

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

“Listening is very important at work. If employees don’t listen to their managers, they might do tasks wrong and waste time. Also, when team members listen to each other, they can work together better and finish projects successfully. Good listening also helps avoid conflicts between colleagues because people understand each other better.”

Phân tích:

• Structure: Clear points về consequences of good/bad listening nhưng chưa sophisticated
• Vocabulary: Basic workplace terms (employees, managers, team members, colleagues)
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Relevant ideas nhưng lacks professional terminology và depth of analysis

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📝 Câu trả lời mẫu – Band 8-9:

“I’d go so far as to say that listening is perhaps the most underestimated yet critical competency in professional environments. From an organizational perspective, effective listening directly correlates with productivity and efficiency. When managers genuinely listen to their teams, they gain valuable insights into potential bottlenecks, innovative solutions, and employee morale – all of which are integral to a company’s success. Conversely, when listening breaks down, you see a cascade of problems: project delays, budget overruns, and decreased employee engagement.

In terms of leadership, I think listening is what distinguishes truly effective leaders from merely competent ones. Leaders who practice active listening create psychologically safe environments where team members feel comfortable voicing concerns or proposing unconventional ideas. This is particularly crucial in today’s innovation-driven economy, where the best ideas often come from grassroots levels rather than top-down directives. Companies like Google and Microsoft have actually embedded listening into their leadership frameworks, recognizing it as a core competency.

On a more practical level, listening skills are essential for client relationships and negotiations. In my experience, the most successful salespeople and consultants aren’t necessarily the most eloquent speakers – they’re the ones who listen carefully to understand client pain points and tailor solutions accordingly. There’s actually an old sales adage that says ‘You have two ears and one mouth for a reason’ – emphasizing that listening should take precedence over talking.

Additionally, in our increasingly multicultural workplaces, listening becomes even more nuanced. It’s not just about hearing words but understanding cultural contexts, unspoken norms, and non-verbal communication patterns that vary across cultures. Those who develop cross-cultural listening competence have a significant competitive advantage in global business environments.”

Phân tích:

• Structure: Highly sophisticated với multiple perspectives: organizational, leadership, practical/client-facing, cross-cultural. Each point well-developed với examples.
• Vocabulary: Professional/business terminology (organizational perspective, correlates with, employee morale, psychologically safe environments, grassroots levels, pain points, cross-cultural competence)
• Grammar: Complex structures including passive voice, conditional phrases, relative clauses. Perfect control.
• Critical Thinking: Demonstrates deep understanding của workplace dynamics, references real companies, uses business adage, considers global/multicultural dimension.

💡 Key Language Features:

• Discourse markers: From an organizational perspective, In terms of, On a more practical level, Additionally
• Tentative language: I’d go so far as to say, I think, In my experience (showing considered opinion)
• Abstract nouns: competency, efficiency, morale, innovation, precedence, competence (professional register)

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Question 2: Should companies provide training in listening skills for their employees?

🎯 Phân tích câu hỏi:

• Dạng: Opinion với should (recommendation)
• Key words: companies, training, listening skills, employees
• Cách tiếp cận: State opinion clearly → Provide rationale với cost-benefit analysis → Acknowledge potential challenges → Conclude with balanced recommendation

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

“Yes, I think companies should train their employees in listening skills. Many people think they are good listeners, but actually they could improve. Training would help employees understand how to listen better and communicate more effectively. This could lead to fewer mistakes and better teamwork. The training doesn’t need to be very long or expensive – even short workshops could make a difference.”

Phân tích:

• Structure: Clear opinion với basic reasoning
• Vocabulary: Simple business terms (employees, training, teamwork, workshops)
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Relevant answer nhưng lacks sophisticated business analysis và detailed justification

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📝 Câu trả lời mẫu – Band 8-9:

“Without a doubt, I believe companies should absolutely invest in listening skills development, and I’d argue it should be considered just as fundamental as technical training. The rationale for this is both straightforward and compelling: the ROI on communication skills training is substantial, even if it’s not always immediately visible on balance sheets.

First off, there’s a strong business case to be made. Studies have shown that poor communication – much of which stems from inadequate listening – costs businesses billions annually in lost productivity and employee turnover. When you frame it in these economic terms, allocating resources to listening skills training becomes a no-brainer. Take conflict resolution, for instance – many workplace disputes escalate simply because parties aren’t really listening to each other. Training that equips employees with skills like reflective listening and empathetic responding could nip these conflicts in the bud, saving considerable time and stress.

Beyond the immediate productivity gains, there are long-term cultural benefits. Organizations that prioritize listening create what researchers call ‘learning organizations’ – environments where knowledge flows freely, mistakes are discussed openly, and continuous improvement is the norm. This kind of culture is increasingly seen as a competitive differentiator in knowledge-based industries.

That being said, I think the training needs to be thoughtfully designed rather than just box-ticking exercises. Generic workshops that simply tell people to ‘listen better’ are unlikely to yield results. Instead, companies should consider embedding listening practice into regular workflows – perhaps through peer coaching programs, structured feedback sessions, or even using role-playing scenarios relevant to actual workplace situations. Some forward-thinking organizations are even using technology, like AI-powered communication analysis tools, to help employees self-assess their listening patterns.

One caveat I’d add is that training alone isn’t sufficient – there needs to be organizational buy-in from top leadership. If senior executives don’t model good listening behavior themselves, any training program will likely have limited impact. So ideally, listening skills development should be part and parcel of broader leadership development and corporate culture initiatives.”

Phân tích:

• Structure: Exceptionally well-organized với clear thesis, business case analysis, long-term benefits, practical implementation considerations, và important caveat. Shows strategic thinking.
• Vocabulary: Sophisticated business/corporate language (ROI, business case, allocate resources, competitive differentiator, organizational buy-in, part and parcel of)
• Grammar: Wide variety của advanced structures including conditionals, passive constructions, gerunds, infinitives. Error-free.
• Critical Thinking: Comprehensive analysis covering economic rationale, cultural impacts, practical implementation, và leadership dimension. References research và considers potential pitfalls.

💡 Key Language Features:

• Discourse markers: Without a doubt, First off, Beyond the, That being said, One caveat
• Tentative language: I believe, I’d argue, I think, could (showing reasoned opinion)
• Abstract nouns: rationale, productivity, differentiation, implementation, caveat (professional register)

Đào tạo kỹ năng lắng nghe hiệu quả cho nhân viên trong môi trường công sở chuyên nghiệp

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Theme 3: Listening Across Generations

Question 1: Do you think younger and older people have different listening habits?

🎯 Phân tích câu hỏi:

• Dạng: Compare and contrast giữa generations
• Key words: younger, older people, different, listening habits
• Cách tiếp cận: Acknowledge differences → Explain causes (technology, socialization) → Provide balanced view avoiding stereotypes → Consider exceptions

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

“Yes, I think there are some differences. Younger people grew up with technology, so they are used to quick communication and might have shorter attention spans. They often use phones while talking to others. Older people, on the other hand, learned to communicate without technology, so they might be better at face-to-face conversations and listening without distractions. However, this is not true for everyone – some young people are very good listeners too.”

Phân tích:

• Structure: Basic comparison với generalizations
• Vocabulary: Simple descriptive terms (quick communication, attention spans, face-to-face)
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Makes valid points nhưng lacks nuanced analysis và sophisticated expressions

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📝 Câu trả lời mẫu – Band 8-9:

“I think there are observable differences, though I’d caution against painting with too broad a brush, as individual variation often trumps generational patterns. That disclaimer aside, there do seem to be some general trends worth discussing.

Younger generations, particularly digital natives who’ve grown up with smartphones and social media, often exhibit what I’d call ‘multitasking listening’ – they’ve been conditioned to process multiple streams of information simultaneously. This can be both an asset and a liability. On one hand, they’re remarkably adept at navigating complex information landscapes and can toggle between different conversations or media with ease. On the other hand, this constant connectivity may come at the cost of the kind of deep, undivided attention that characterizes what we traditionally think of as good listening. Research on continuous partial attention suggests that while young people may be listening to more things, they might be listening to each thing less deeply.

Older generations, having come of age in a pre-digital era, often demonstrate more sustained attention in one-on-one conversations. They tend to be more comfortable with silence and slower-paced dialogue, which can facilitate deeper understanding. However, it’s worth noting that they may sometimes struggle with information processing speed in fast-moving conversations or group discussions where multiple people are speaking rapidly.

Interestingly, I think we’re seeing a convergence in some respects. Many older adults have adapted to digital communication tools during the pandemic, while there’s a growing movement among young people toward digital minimalism and mindful communication. So perhaps the generational divide is narrowing.

What’s crucial to remember is that listening habits are shaped by multiple factors beyond just age – education, personality, cultural background, and life experiences all play significant roles. Some of the best listeners I know are teenagers who’ve consciously cultivated this skill, while some older adults remain frustratingly inattentive. So while broad patterns exist, we should resist the temptation to make sweeping generalizations based solely on age.”

Phân tích:

• Structure: Sophisticated với disclaimer against stereotyping, balanced analysis of both generations, observation về convergence, và important reminder về individual differences. Shows critical thinking.
• Vocabulary: Academic và sociological terms (digital natives, continuous partial attention, sustained attention, convergence, digital minimalism, sweeping generalizations)
• Grammar: Complex structures including participial phrases, relative clauses, conditional expressions. Wide range perfectly controlled.
• Critical Thinking: Nuanced analysis avoiding stereotypes, references research, acknowledges complexity, considers multiple factors beyond age, notes changing trends.

💡 Key Language Features:

• Discourse markers: That disclaimer aside, On one hand, On the other hand, Interestingly, What’s crucial
• Tentative language: I think, I’d caution against, there do seem to be, may, might (showing careful, considered opinion)
• Abstract nouns: variation, connectivity, convergence, minimalism, cultivation (sophisticated register)

Để tìm hiểu thêm về cách mô tả những người có đặc điểm nổi bật, bạn có thể xem describe a person you know who enjoys adventure sports để học cách kết hợp mô tả tính cách với hành động cụ thể.

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Question 2: How can parents teach their children to be better listeners?

🎯 Phân tích câu hỏi:

• Dạng: Suggest solutions/methods (How question)
• Key words: parents, teach, children, better listeners
• Cách tiếp cận: Provide multiple practical strategies → Explain mechanism/psychology behind each → Emphasize role modeling → Acknowledge challenges

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

“Parents can teach children to listen better in several ways. First, they should be good listeners themselves and show their children the right example. When children are talking, parents should stop what they’re doing and pay attention. Parents can also teach children to wait for their turn to speak and not interrupt others. Reading stories together and asking questions about them can also help develop listening skills. It’s important to start teaching these things when children are young.”

Phân tích:

• Structure: Lists several methods but development còn basic
• Vocabulary: Simple educational terms (teach, example, pay attention, develop)
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Practical suggestions nhưng lacks psychological depth và sophisticated pedagogical concepts

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📝 Câu trả lời mẫu – Band 8-9:

“This is such a crucial question because listening skills really do need to be nurtured from an early age. I think the approach needs to be multi-faceted, combining explicit instruction with implicit modeling.

Perhaps the most powerful method is what developmental psychologists call ‘serve and return’ interactions. This means when a child communicates something – whether through words, gestures, or even babbling in infancy – parents should respond attentively and build upon what the child has expressed. This reciprocal exchange teaches children that their communications are valued and lays the groundwork for understanding that conversation is a two-way street. Children who experience this kind of responsive listening from parents are more likely to replicate that behavior.

Beyond modeling, parents can incorporate listening exercises into daily routines in ways that feel natural rather than didactic. For instance, playing games that require careful listening – like Simon Says or storytelling activities where children have to remember and retell details – can sharpen these skills while keeping things fun. Age-appropriate discussions about emotions, where parents help children label and process their feelings, also doubles as listening practice because it requires children to tune into both their own internal states and others’ expressions.

One strategy I find particularly effective is what educators call ‘reflective listening’ training. Parents can explicitly teach children to paraphrase what they’ve heard before responding. So rather than jumping straight to their own point, children learn to say things like ‘So you’re saying that…’ This technique reinforces the importance of understanding before reacting and can dramatically improve the quality of family communication.

It’s also worth addressing the screen time factor. Parents should establish boundaries around device usage during family conversations and meals, creating designated spaces where full attention is expected. This isn’t about demonizing technology but rather teaching children that some moments warrant undivided attention.

However, I think parents need to be realistic – developing listening skills is a gradual process, and children’s capacity for sustained attention naturally increases with age. Pushing too hard or imposing unrealistic expectations can be counterproductive. The key is consistent, patient guidance coupled with genuine interest in what children have to say. When children feel heard, they learn to hear others.”

Phân tích:

• Structure: Extremely well-organized với multiple evidence-based strategies, each explained với psychological rationale. Balances theory với practical application. Ends with realistic expectations.
• Vocabulary: Sophisticated educational/psychological terminology (nurtured from, multi-faceted, explicit instruction, implicit modeling, reciprocal exchange, didactic, age-appropriate, reflective listening)
• Grammar: Full range của complex structures including conditionals, relative clauses, gerunds, passives. Perfect control.
• Critical Thinking: Demonstrates understanding của developmental psychology, references research concepts (serve and return), balances multiple approaches, addresses practical challenges like screen time, emphasizes realistic expectations.

💡 Key Language Features:

• Discourse markers: Perhaps the most powerful method, Beyond modeling, One strategy, It’s also worth addressing, However, The key
• Tentative language: I think, I find, can be (showing considered pedagogical opinion)
• Abstract nouns: nurture, reciprocity, reinforcement, boundaries, cultivation (educational register)

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Từ vựng và cụm từ quan trọng

Topic-Specific Vocabulary

Từ vựng/Cụm từ	Loại từ	Phiên âm	Nghĩa tiếng Việt	Ví dụ	Collocation
attentive listener	n. phrase	/əˈtentɪv ˈlɪsənə(r)/	người biết lắng nghe, chú ý	She’s known as an attentive listener who remembers details from conversations.	be an attentive listener, become an attentive listener
undivided attention	n. phrase	/ˌʌndɪˈvaɪdɪd əˈtenʃn/	sự chú ý hoàn toàn, không chia sẻ	Good listeners give their undivided attention during conversations.	give undivided attention, deserve undivided attention, command undivided attention
empathy	n.	/ˈempəθi/	sự đồng cảm, thấu hiểu	Empathy is essential for understanding others’ perspectives.	show empathy, develop empathy, lack empathy, genuine empathy
probing questions	n. phrase	/ˈprəʊbɪŋ ˈkwestʃənz/	câu hỏi thăm dò, sâu sắc	He asks probing questions that help people clarify their thoughts.	ask probing questions, pose probing questions
non-verbal cues	n. phrase	/nɒn ˈvɜːbl kjuːz/	tín hiệu phi ngôn ngữ	Good listeners pay attention to non-verbal cues like body language.	pick up non-verbal cues, interpret non-verbal cues, respond to non-verbal cues
active listening	n. phrase	/ˈæktɪv ˈlɪsnɪŋ/	lắng nghe tích cực	Active listening requires focus and engagement, not just hearing words.	practice active listening, demonstrate active listening, skills in active listening
reflective listening	n. phrase	/rɪˈflektɪv ˈlɪsnɪŋ/	lắng nghe phản chiếu (kỹ thuật lặp lại để xác nhận hiểu)	Reflective listening involves paraphrasing what you’ve heard to confirm understanding.	use reflective listening, technique of reflective listening
emotionally attuned	adj. phrase	/ɪˈməʊʃənəli əˈtjuːnd/	nhạy cảm về mặt cảm xúc, hiểu được cảm xúc	She’s emotionally attuned to people’s feelings, even unspoken ones.	be emotionally attuned, become emotionally attuned
confide in	phrasal verb	/kənˈfaɪd ɪn/	tâm sự, chia sẻ bí mật với	People feel comfortable confiding in her because she never judges.	confide in someone, confide problems in, feel able to confide in
tune into	phrasal verb	/tjuːn ˈɪntuː/	điều chỉnh để nghe, chú ý đến	Good listeners tune into both verbal and emotional messages.	tune into someone’s feelings, tune into the conversation
interrupt	v.	/ˌɪntəˈrʌpt/	ngắt lời, làm gián đoạn	She never interrupts when someone is speaking.	interrupt someone, avoid interrupting, constantly interrupt
maintain eye contact	v. phrase	/meɪnˈteɪn aɪ ˈkɒntækt/	duy trì giao tiếp bằng mắt	Maintaining eye contact shows you’re engaged in the conversation.	maintain steady eye contact, maintain good eye contact
absorb information	v. phrase	/əbˈzɔːb ˌɪnfəˈmeɪʃn/	tiếp thu thông tin	He has the ability to absorb information quickly during discussions.	fully absorb, absorb information effectively
validate feelings	v. phrase	/ˈvælɪdeɪt ˈfiːlɪŋz/	thừa nhận, công nhận cảm xúc	Good listeners validate feelings before offering advice.	validate someone’s feelings, validate emotions
hold space for	v. phrase	/həʊld speɪs fɔː(r)/	tạo không gian an toàn cho (cảm xúc)	She holds space for difficult emotions without trying to fix them.	hold space for emotions, hold space for someone
genuine engagement	n. phrase	/ˈdʒenjuɪn ɪnˈgeɪdʒmənt/	sự tham gia chân thành	His genuine engagement in conversations makes people feel valued.	show genuine engagement, demonstrate genuine engagement
open up	phrasal verb	/ˈəʊpən ʌp/	cởi mở, chia sẻ	People naturally open up when they feel heard.	open up to someone, feel comfortable opening up
judgmental	adj.	/dʒʌdʒˈmentl/	phán xét, đánh giá	She’s never judgmental, which makes her easy to talk to.	be judgmental, non-judgmental attitude
distraction	n.	/dɪˈstrækʃn/	sự phân tâm, gián đoạn	He avoids distractions like phones when having important conversations.	avoid distractions, minimize distractions, free from distractions
responsive	adj.	/rɪˈspɒnsɪv/	phản hồi tích cực, nhạy bén	She’s very responsive to people’s concerns and follows up later.	be responsive, highly responsive, emotionally responsive

Idiomatic Expressions & Advanced Phrases

Cụm từ	Nghĩa	Ví dụ sử dụng	Band điểm
be all ears	sẵn sàng lắng nghe, chăm chú	Whenever I need to talk, my grandmother is all ears.	7.5-8
fall on deaf ears	không được lắng nghe, bị phớt lờ	My suggestions seemed to fall on deaf ears during the meeting.	7.5-8
put yourself in someone’s shoes	đặt mình vào vị trí người khác	Good listeners put themselves in others’ shoes to understand their perspective.	7.5-8.5
read between the lines	hiểu ý nghĩa ngầm, đọc được điều chưa nói	She’s skilled at reading between the lines and understanding unspoken concerns.	8-9
get to the bottom of	tìm hiểu tận gốc rễ	By listening carefully, he helps people get to the bottom of their problems.	7.5-8.5
strike a chord with	gây được sự đồng cảm	Her words struck a chord with me because she truly understood my situation.	8-9
be on the same wavelength	có cùng suy nghĩ, hiểu nhau	We’re always on the same wavelength because she listens so well.	7.5-8
a sounding board	người nghe và phản hồi ý tưởng	He serves as a sounding board for my ideas, always listening without judgment.	8-9
lend an ear	lắng nghe, cho ai đó cơ hội nói	She’s always willing to lend an ear when friends need to talk.	7.5-8
take on board	tiếp nhận, cân nhắc (ý kiến)	She takes on board what people say and considers different viewpoints.	8-8.5
give someone space	cho ai đó không gian (để suy nghĩ/cảm nhận)	Good listeners know when to give someone space rather than pushing for answers.	7.5-8
a two-way street	mối quan hệ hai chiều (cần cả hai cùng nỗ lực)	Communication is a two-way street that requires both speaking and listening.	7.5-8.5

Nếu bạn quan tâm đến cách mô tả những người có ảnh hưởng trong các lĩnh vực khác, hãy xem describe a famous artist or musician you admire để học cách phân tích kỹ năng và tài năng một cách sâu sắc.

Discourse Markers (Từ Nối Ý Trong Speaking)

Để bắt đầu câu trả lời:

• 📝 Well,… – Thường dùng khi cần một chút thời gian suy nghĩ hoặc khi câu trả lời phức tạp
• 📝 Actually,… – Khi đưa ra một góc nhìn khác hoặc thông tin bất ngờ
• 📝 To be honest,… – Khi chia sẻ quan điểm thành thật, chân thực
• 📝 I’d say that… – Cách mềm mại để đưa ra ý kiến cá nhân
• 📝 From my perspective,… – Nhấn mạnh đây là quan điểm riêng

Để bổ sung ý:

• 📝 On top of that,… – Thêm vào đó, hơn nữa
• 📝 What’s more,… – Hơn thế nữa
• 📝 Not to mention… – Chưa kể đến (điều quan trọng khác)
• 📝 Besides that,… – Bên cạnh điều đó
• 📝 Furthermore,… – Hơn nữa (formal)

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 chúng ta cũng cần xem xét…
• 📝 That said,… – Tuy nhiên, điều đó nói lên rằng…
• 📝 Having said that,… – Sau khi nói điều đó, tôi muốn bổ sung…

Để kết luận:

• 📝 All in all,… – Tóm lại, xét tất cả các yếu tố
• 📝 At the end of the day,… – Cuối cùng thì, khi mọi thứ được xem xét
• 📝 All things considered,… – Xét mọi khía cạnh
• 📝 In the final analysis,… – Sau khi phân tích kỹ lưỡng

Để nhấn mạnh:

• 📝 I’d go so far as to say… – Tôi thậm chí có thể nói rằng…
• 📝 I cannot emphasize enough… – Tôi không thể nhấn mạnh đủ về…
• 📝 What’s crucial/essential is… – Điều quan trọng/thiết yếu là…

Grammatical Structures Ấn Tượng

1. Conditional Sentences (Câu điều kiện):

• Mixed conditional: “If people had developed better listening skills earlier in life, they would be more successful now in their relationships.”
  • Diễn tả điều kiện trong quá khứ với kết quả ở hiện tại
• Inversion: “Had he been a better listener, the conflict could have been avoided.”
  • Đảo ngữ trong câu điều kiện để tạo formal tone

2. Relative Clauses (Mệnh đề quan hệ):

• Non-defining: “My grandmother, who has always been an excellent listener, taught me the value of empathy.”
  • Thêm thông tin bổ sung về người được nhắc đến
• Reduced relative clause: “People lacking good listening skills often struggle in relationships.”
  • Rút gọn mệnh đề quan hệ để câu văn concise hơn

3. Passive Voice (Câu bị động):

• It is thought/believed/said that…: “It is widely believed that listening is more important than speaking in effective communication.”
  • Thể hiện quan điểm chung, không cần chỉ rõ chủ thể
• Being + past participle: “Being listened to attentively makes people feel valued and respected.”
  • Sử dụng gerund của passive để làm chủ ngữ

4. Cleft Sentences (Câu chẻ):

• What I find most…, is…: “What I find most impressive about her listening skills is her ability to remember small details.”
  • Nhấn mạnh điều quan trọng nhất
• The thing that…, is…: “The thing that makes him a great listener is his genuine curiosity about people.”
  • Tập trung vào một đặc điểm cụ thể

5. Participle Phrases:

• Present participle: “Maintaining eye contact throughout the conversation, she made me feel heard and understood.”
  • Mô tả hành động đồng thời
• Perfect participle: “Having listened carefully to all perspectives, he was able to mediate the conflict effectively.”
  • Diễn tả hành động xảy ra trước hành động chính

6. Inversion for Emphasis:

• Not only… but also…: “Not only does she listen attentively, but she also asks thoughtful follow-up questions.”
  • Nhấn mạnh hai khía cạnh quan trọng
• Rarely/Seldom + auxiliary + subject: “Rarely have I met someone who listens as well as my mentor does.”
  • Tạo dramatic effect

Bạn có thể áp dụng các kỹ năng mô tả và phân tích tương tự khi nói về describe a time when you achieved something significant để thể hiện khả năng kể chuyện có chiều sâu.

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Bài viết này đã cung cấp cho bạn một hướng dẫn toàn diện về cách trả lời chủ đề “Describe a person you think is a good listener” trong IELTS Speaking. Từ các câu hỏi cơ bản ở Part 1, bài nói chi tiết với nhiều mức band điểm khác nhau ở Part 2, đến các câu hỏi thảo luận sâu ở Part 3, tất cả đều được phân tích kỹ lưỡng từ góc nhìn của một examiner giàu kinh nghiệm.

Hãy nhớ rằng để đạt điểm cao trong IELTS Speaking, bạn cần không chỉ có từ vựng phong phú và ngữ pháp chính xác mà còn phải thể hiện khả năng suy nghĩ phản biện, đưa ra ví dụ cụ thể và tổ chức ý tưởng mạch lạc. Hãy luyện tập thường xuyên, ghi âm câu trả lời của mình để tự đánh giá, và không ngần ngại thử nghiệm với các cấu trúc câu và từ vựng mới. Chúc bạn thành công trong kỳ thi IELTS sắp tới!