Chủ đề miêu tả một địa điểm độc đáo, khác biệt so với những nơi khác là một trong những đề bài phổ biến nhất trong IELTS Speaking Part 2. Với tư cách là một examiner có hơn 20 năm kinh nghiệm chấm thi IELTS, tôi nhận thấy chủ đề này xuất hiện với tần suất cao trong các kỳ thi từ 2020 đến nay, đặc biệt là trong giai đoạn 2023-2024 khi du lịch trở lại sau đại dịch.
Đề bài này thường khiến thí sinh Việt Nam gặp khó khăn vì yêu cầu không chỉ miêu tả địa điểm mà còn phải giải thích rõ điểm “độc đáo, khác biệt” so với những nơi khác. Nhiều bạn thường mắc lỗi miêu tả chung chung hoặc không làm nổi bật được sự khác biệt này.
Trong bài viết này, bạn sẽ học được:
- Các câu hỏi thường gặp trong cả 3 Part liên quan đến chủ đề địa điểm du lịch
- 3 bài mẫu chi tiết theo band điểm 6-7, 7.5-8 và 8.5-9 với phân tích sâu sắc
- Hơn 50 từ vựng và cụm từ ăn điểm cho chủ đề này
- Chiến lược trả lời hiệu quả từ góc nhìn của examiner
- Những lỗi phổ biến cần tránh khi nói về địa điểm
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 cuộc sống hàng ngày. Đặc điểm quan trọng nhất là câu trả lời cần tự nhiên, không quá dài (2-3 câu) nhưng phải có sự mở rộng ý, không chỉ trả lời Yes/No.
Lỗi thường gặp của học viên Việt Nam trong Part 1:
- Trả lời quá ngắn gọn, thiếu chi tiết
- Sử dụng từ vựng đơn giản, lặp đi lặp lại
- Không đưa ra ví dụ cụ thể từ kinh nghiệm bản thân
- Hesitate quá nhiều vì sợ sai ngữ pháp
Các Câu Hỏi Thường Gặp
Dưới đây là những câu hỏi thực tế thường xuất hiện trong Part 1 liên quan đến chủ đề địa điểm và du lịch:
Question 1: Do you like visiting new places?
Question 2: What kind of places do you usually visit?
Question 3: Have you visited any unusual places recently?
Question 4: Do you prefer visiting natural places or modern cities?
Question 5: How often do you travel to different places?
Question 6: What’s your favorite place in your hometown?
Question 7: Do you think it’s important to visit different places?
Question 8: Would you like to visit places that are very different from where you live?
Phân Tích và Gợi Ý Trả Lời Chi Tiết
Question: Do you like visiting new places?
🎯 Cách tiếp cận:
- Trả lời trực tiếp Yes/No
- Đưa ra lý do ngắn gọn
- Thêm một ví dụ cụ thể hoặc habit của bản thân
📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:
“Yes, I really like visiting new places. I think it’s interesting to see different cultures and try new food. I usually travel to new cities during my holidays.”
Phân tích:
- Điểm mạnh: Trả lời rõ ràng, có lý do cơ bản (cultures, food), có thông tin về thói quen (during holidays)
- Hạn chế: Từ vựng đơn giản (interesting, really like), thiếu depth trong explanation
- Tại sao Band 6-7: Đáp ứng được yêu cầu cơ bản với vocabulary và grammar adequate nhưng chưa có sự sophisticated trong cách diễn đạt
📝 Sample Answer – Band 8-9:
“Absolutely! I’m really passionate about exploring unfamiliar destinations. What I find most appealing is the opportunity to step out of my comfort zone and immerse myself in different cultures. Just last month, I visited a remote coastal village that completely broadened my perspective on life.”
Phân tích:
- Điểm mạnh:
- Vocabulary tinh tế: “passionate about exploring”, “immerse myself”, “broadened my perspective”
- Cấu trúc “What I find most appealing is…” thể hiện range of grammar
- Ví dụ cụ thể với tính từ mô tả “remote coastal village”
- Natural flow với discourse marker “Absolutely”
- Tại sao Band 8-9:
- Fluency: Câu trả lời trôi chảy, không hesitation
- Vocabulary: Precise và idiomatic (step out of comfort zone)
- Grammar: Complex structure với relative clause
- Content: Cụ thể, có depth với personal example
💡 Key Vocabulary & Expressions:
- passionate about exploring: say mê khám phá
- immerse myself in: đắm mình vào, hòa nhập vào
- step out of my comfort zone: bước ra khỏi vùng an toàn
- broaden my perspective: mở rộng tầm nhìn
Question: What kind of places do you usually visit?
🎯 Cách tiếp cận:
- Nêu loại địa điểm cụ thể (natural/historical/urban)
- Giải thích tại sao thích loại đó
- Có thể thêm frequency hoặc recent example
📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:
“I usually visit historical places like old temples and museums. I’m interested in history, so I like learning about the past. Last year, I went to some old temples in Hue.”
Phân tích:
- Điểm mạnh: Trả lời cụ thể (historical places, temples, museums), có reason (interested in history), có example (Hue)
- Hạn chế: Grammar structures đơn giản, vocabulary repetitive (interested in, like), thiếu detail về experience
- Tại sao Band 6-7: Adequate communication nhưng thiếu sophistication
📝 Sample Answer – Band 8-9:
“I’m particularly drawn to places with rich cultural heritage – typically ancient temples, archaeological sites, or well-preserved historical districts. What fascinates me is how these locations serve as windows into the past, allowing us to understand how people lived centuries ago. For instance, when I explored the ancient imperial citadel in Hue, I was absolutely captivated by the intricate architecture and the stories behind each structure.”
Phân tích:
- Điểm mạnh:
- Vocabulary range: “drawn to”, “archaeological sites”, “well-preserved”, “captivated”
- Metaphor: “windows into the past” – shows sophistication
- Complex grammar: “allowing us to understand…” (participle clause)
- Specific example với detailed description (intricate architecture)
- Tại sao Band 8-9:
- Lexical Resource: Precise, topic-specific vocabulary
- Grammar: Variety of complex structures
- Coherence: Well-organized với clear progression of ideas
- Pronunciation focus: Natural stress pattern trong long phrases
💡 Key Vocabulary & Expressions:
- be drawn to: bị thu hút bởi
- rich cultural heritage: di sản văn hóa phong phú
- archaeological sites: di chỉ khảo cổ
- captivated by: bị mê hoặc bởi
- intricate architecture: kiến trúc tinh xảo
Question: Have you visited any unusual places recently?
🎯 Cách tiếp cận:
- Trả lời Yes và nêu địa điểm, hoặc No và giải thích
- Nếu Yes: mô tả ngắn gọn điểm unusual
- Nếu No: nói về plans hoặc places muốn visit
📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:
“Yes, I visited a floating market last month. It was unusual because people sell things on boats. I had never seen anything like that before. It was very interesting.”
Phân tích:
- Điểm mạnh: Clear answer (floating market), giải thích unusual aspect (sell on boats), có personal reaction
- Hạn chế: Very basic vocabulary (interesting, things), simple sentences, thiếu vivid description
- Tại sao Band 6-7: Communicates effectively nhưng lacks descriptive power
📝 Sample Answer – Band 8-9:
“Actually, yes! A couple of weeks ago, I had the chance to explore a centuries-old underground city in Cappadocia, Turkey. What made it truly extraordinary was discovering that people actually carved out entire living quarters from volcanic rock – complete with bedrooms, kitchens, and even ventilation systems. The sheer ingenuity of ancient civilizations never ceases to amaze me. It was unlike anything I’d encountered before, and it really put our modern conveniences into perspective.”
Phân tích:
- Điểm mạnh:
- Opening discourse marker: “Actually, yes!”
- Precise location: “underground city in Cappadocia”
- Detailed explanation: carved living quarters, ventilation systems
- Advanced vocabulary: “sheer ingenuity”, “put into perspective”
- Perfect grammar: “never ceases to amaze” (present simple for general truth)
- Reflective ending shows critical thinking
- Tại sao Band 8-9:
- Fluency: Natural conversational style
- Vocabulary: Sophisticated and precise (centuries-old, carved out, ventilation)
- Grammar: Mix of tenses and complex structures
- Content: Detailed, engaging, shows genuine interest
💡 Key Vocabulary & Expressions:
- centuries-old: có từ nhiều thế kỷ trước
- carved out: chạm khắc, đục ra
- sheer ingenuity: sự khéo léo tuyệt đối
- put something into perspective: đặt cái gì đó vào góc nhìn tổng quan
- unlike anything: không giống bất cứ thứ gì
Thí sinh đang trả lời các câu hỏi trong IELTS Speaking Part 1 về chủ đề địa điểm du lịch
IELTS Speaking Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)
Tổng Quan Về Part 2
Part 2 là phần quan trọng nhất, chiếm 1 phút chuẩn bị và 2-3 phút nói liên tục không bị ngắt. Đây là lúc examiner đánh giá khả năng duy trì một độc thoại mạch lạc của bạn.
Chiến lược quan trọng:
- Sử dụng hết 1 phút chuẩn bị: Ghi chú keywords, không viết câu hoàn chỉnh
- Nói tối thiểu 1.5 phút: Aim for 2 minutes để an toàn
- Trả lời đủ tất cả bullet points: Đừng bỏ sót bất kỳ yêu cầu nào
- Sử dụng quá khứ khi kể về trải nghiệm: Đảm bảo đúng thì động từ
- Mở rộng phần “explain”: Đây là nơi bạn ghi điểm cao nhất
Lỗi thường gặp:
- Không sử dụng đủ 1 phút để chuẩn bị, vội vàng bắt đầu
- Nói dưới 1.5 phút, kết thúc quá sớm
- Bỏ sót bullet points, đặc biệt là câu “explain”
- Chỉ mô tả bề mặt, không có personal feelings hoặc reflections
Cue Card
Describe A Place That You Visited That Was Unlike Any Other
You should say:
- Where the place was
- When you visited it
- What made it different from other places
- And explain how you felt about visiting this place
Phân Tích Đề Bài
- Dạng câu hỏi: Describe a place – yêu cầu miêu tả địa điểm cụ thể trong quá khứ
- Thì động từ: Quá khứ đơn và quá khứ tiếp diễn chủ yếu (vì đã xảy ra)
- Bullet points phải cover:
- Where: Tên địa điểm, location cụ thể (country/city/region)
- When: Time frame (month/year/season) và context (holiday/trip/business)
- What made it different: ĐÂY LÀ TRỌNG TÂM – phải làm rõ unique features
- How you felt: Emotions, impressions, impact on you
- Câu “explain” quan trọng: Đây là phần ghi điểm cao nhất. Bạn cần show được depth of thinking, not just surface description. Examiner muốn nghe về personal reflection, impact, lessons learned.
📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7
Thời lượng: Khoảng 1.5-2 phút
“I’d like to talk about a unique place I visited last year. It was the Cu Chi Tunnels near Ho Chi Minh City. I went there during my summer holiday with my family in July.
This place was very different from other places I’ve been to because it was an underground tunnel system. The tunnels were built during the war, and they were very narrow and dark. I had to crawl through some parts of the tunnel, which was a new experience for me. Above ground, there were just trees and some old buildings, but underground there was a whole network of tunnels with rooms for different purposes.
What made it special was that I could actually go inside the tunnels and see how people lived there many years ago. Most tourist places just have museums where you look at things, but here I could touch and feel everything. The guide showed us where people cooked, slept, and even had meetings. It was quite surprising to learn about the history.
I felt really impressed when I visited this place. At first, I was a bit scared because the tunnels were so small and dark, but then I became very interested in the history. It made me think about how difficult life was for people during that time. After the visit, I felt happy that I learned something new about my country’s history. It was definitely memorable because it was so different from normal tourist attractions.”
Phân Tích Band Điểm
| Tiêu chí | Band | Nhận xét |
|---|---|---|
| Fluency & Coherence | 6.5 | Có sử dụng linking words cơ bản (because, but, then), flow ổn nhưng thiếu variety trong connectors. Một số chỗ simple sequencing (At first… then…) |
| Lexical Resource | 6.5 | Vocabulary adequate (unique place, underground tunnel system, network) nhưng còn repetitive (very different, very interested). Có attempts để paraphrase nhưng limited |
| Grammatical Range & Accuracy | 6.5 | Mix of simple and complex sentences. Đúng thì quá khứ throughout. Có relative clauses (where people cooked) nhưng structures không đa dạng lắm |
| Pronunciation | 6.5 | Assumed clear nhưng có thể còn Vietnamese accent trong một số từ dài |
Điểm mạnh:
- ✅ Trả lời đầy đủ tất cả bullet points
- ✅ Đủ length (khoảng 1.5 phút)
- ✅ Có structure rõ ràng: intro → description → what makes it different → feelings
- ✅ Có personal experience (crawling through tunnels, being scared)
Hạn chế:
- ⚠️ Vocabulary còn basic và repetitive (very different, very interested, really impressed)
- ⚠️ Thiếu descriptive language để paint a vivid picture
- ⚠️ Phần explain feelings chưa deep, còn surface-level (happy, impressed)
📝 Sample Answer – Band 7.5-8
Thời lượng: Khoảng 2-2.5 phút
“I’d like to share my experience of visiting one of the most extraordinary places I’ve ever been to – the Salar de Uyuni in Bolivia, which is the world’s largest salt flat. I had the opportunity to go there about two years ago during a backpacking trip through South America, specifically in January, which happens to be the rainy season there.
What makes this place absolutely unique is its surreal landscape. Imagine standing on a vast expanse of pure white salt that stretches as far as the eye can see – it’s like being on another planet. During the rainy season when I visited, a thin layer of water covers the salt flat, creating a perfect mirror effect. The sky and clouds are perfectly reflected on the surface, making it impossible to tell where the ground ends and the sky begins. I’ve visited many beautiful beaches and mountains before, but nothing comes close to the otherworldly feeling of this place.
Another distinctive feature is the hexagonal salt patterns that form naturally across the surface. They look like an enormous honeycomb created by nature. We also visited Isla Incahuasi, an island in the middle of the salt flat covered with giant cacti, some of which are over 1,000 years old. The contrast between the white salt and these ancient cacti was absolutely striking.
To be honest, visiting Salar de Uyuni was a truly humbling experience. Standing there, surrounded by seemingly endless white plains and the vast blue sky, I felt incredibly small yet strangely connected to nature. It made me realize how diverse our planet is and how much beauty exists beyond our daily routines. The silence there was also profound – no traffic, no city noise, just the sound of wind. I was genuinely mesmerized by the sheer scale and pristine beauty of the place. It’s the kind of destination that stays with you long after you leave, and I often find myself recommending it to friends who are looking for truly unique travel experiences.”
Phân Tích Band Điểm
| Tiêu chí | Band | Nhận xét |
|---|---|---|
| Fluency & Coherence | 7.5-8 | Excellent flow với varied discourse markers (To be honest, Another distinctive feature). Clear progression of ideas. Minimal hesitation |
| Lexical Resource | 7.5-8 | Wide range of vocabulary (surreal landscape, vast expanse, mirror effect, otherworldly feeling). Good use of collocations (pristine beauty, sheer scale) |
| Grammatical Range & Accuracy | 7.5-8 | Complex structures: relative clauses, participle clauses (making it impossible to tell), passive voice (are reflected). Mix of tenses appropriate to context |
| Pronunciation | 7.5-8 | Assumed clear with good stress and intonation, natural rhythm |
So Sánh Với Band 6-7
| Khía cạnh | Band 6-7 | Band 7.5-8 |
|---|---|---|
| Vocabulary | “very different”, “quite surprising” | “absolutely unique”, “surreal landscape”, “otherworldly feeling” |
| Grammar | “It was very different because…” | “The contrast between X and Y was absolutely striking” (noun phrases) |
| Ideas | “It made me think about history” | “Standing there… I felt incredibly small yet strangely connected to nature” (deeper reflection) |
| Description | “narrow and dark tunnels” | “vast expanse of pure white salt that stretches as far as the eye can see” (vivid imagery) |
Tại sao đạt Band 7.5-8:
- Vocabulary precise và evocative (surreal, pristine, mesmerized)
- Grammar structures varied và accurate (participle clauses, relative clauses)
- Ideas well-developed với personal reflections
- Description creates vivid mental images
- Natural flow với appropriate discourse markers
📝 Sample Answer – Band 8.5-9
Thời lượng: 2.5-3 phút đầy đủ
“I’d like to tell you about an utterly extraordinary place that left an indelible impression on me – the Zhangjiajie National Forest Park in Hunan Province, China, which I had the privilege of visiting during the autumn of 2022.
What sets this place apart from anywhere else I’ve been to is its gravity-defying landscape of towering sandstone pillars that rise hundreds of meters into the mist. These colossal rock formations, which allegedly inspired the floating mountains in the movie Avatar, create an almost hallucinatory vista that seems to defy the laws of nature. I’ve traveled to many natural wonders – from the Grand Canyon to the Norwegian fjords – but nowhere else have I encountered such an alien yet ethereal environment.
The park’s uniqueness extends beyond just its physical features. What made it particularly memorable was the interplay between the natural and the man-made. The park features a glass-bottomed walkway suspended 300 meters above the valley floor, which adds an element of vertigo-inducing excitement to the experience. Walking on transparent panels while peering down at the abyss below was simultaneously exhilarating and terrifying – it forced me to confront my fears while marveling at the engineering feat.
Another aspect that distinguished this place was the atmospheric conditions. When I arrived at dawn, wisps of mist were weaving through the stone pillars, creating an almost mystical ambiance. The morning sun pierced through the fog, casting golden rays that illuminated the peaks while leaving the valleys in shadow. This dramatic chiaroscuro effect made the landscape appear perpetually in motion, as if the rocks themselves were floating.
But what truly resonated with me was the profound sense of insignificance I felt standing there. In our modern world, we’ve become so accustomed to human dominance over nature that we rarely experience genuine awe. Yet here, dwarfed by these ancient stone giants that have been sculpted by wind and water over millions of years, I was reminded of nature’s timeless grandeur and our own transient existence.
The experience was, in many ways, transformative. It rekindled my appreciation for natural beauty and reinforced my belief that some places possess an almost spiritual quality that transcends mere visual appeal. Even now, months later, I find myself drawn back to the photographs I took, not just as mementos of a trip, but as reminders of that rare moment when I felt completely present and utterly overwhelmed by the natural world. It’s the kind of destination that challenges your perception of reality and leaves you fundamentally changed, which is perhaps the hallmark of a place that is truly unlike any other.”
Phân Tích Band Điểm
| Tiêu chí | Band | Nhận xét |
|---|---|---|
| Fluency & Coherence | 9 | Completely fluent với sophisticated discourse markers. Ideas flow effortlessly với clear development và progression. Zero hesitation |
| Lexical Resource | 9 | Exceptional range: indelible impression, gravity-defying, hallucinatory vista, ethereal, chiaroscuro effect. Perfect collocations và idiomatic language |
| Grammatical Range & Accuracy | 9 | Full range of structures: participle clauses, complex conditionals, passive forms, relative clauses. Completely error-free |
| Pronunciation | 9 | Assumed native-like với perfect intonation, stress, và rhythm throughout extended speech |
Tại Sao Bài Này Xuất Sắc
🎯 Fluency Hoàn Hảo:
- Speaks at length without noticeable effort với natural pausing
- Sophisticated discourse markers: “What sets this place apart”, “Another aspect that distinguished”, “But what truly resonated”
- Self-correction minimal và seamless
📚 Vocabulary Tinh Vi:
- “indelible impression” – không chỉ “unforgettable” mà còn show được lasting impact
- “gravity-defying landscape” – descriptive và precise, tạo vivid mental image
- “chiaroscuro effect” – borrowing from art terminology, shows cultural knowledge
- “transient existence” – philosophical vocabulary cho depth
📝 Grammar Đa Dạng:
- Participle clauses: “Walking on transparent panels while peering down…”
- Relative clauses: “which allegedly inspired the floating mountains”
- Complex noun phrases: “the interplay between the natural and the man-made”
- Abstract noun + of: “the hallmark of a place”
💡 Ideas Sâu Sắc:
- Không chỉ describe mà còn reflect: “we’ve become so accustomed to human dominance”
- Comparative thinking: so sánh với Grand Canyon, Norwegian fjords
- Philosophical depth: “transient existence”, “spiritual quality”
- Personal transformation: “fundamentally changed”
🎨 Sensory Description:
- Visual: “wisps of mist weaving through”, “golden rays”
- Emotional: “simultaneously exhilarating and terrifying”
- Atmospheric: “almost mystical ambiance”
Học viên đang ghi chú chuẩn bị cho phần thi IELTS Speaking Part 2 về địa điểm độc đáo
Follow-up Questions (Rounding Off Questions)
Sau khi bạn hoàn thành bài nói 2 phút, examiner thường hỏi thêm 1-2 câu ngắn để transition sang Part 3:
Question 1: Would you like to visit this place again?
Band 6-7 Answer:
“Yes, definitely. I would like to go there again because it was very beautiful and I want to take more photos next time.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“Absolutely! In fact, I’m already contemplating a return visit, perhaps during a different season to see how the landscape transforms. There’s something about truly exceptional places that beckons you back – they’re never quite exhausted in a single visit, and I feel there are still layers of beauty I’ve yet to discover.”
💡 Analysis:
- Band 8-9 uses sophisticated vocabulary (contemplating, transforms, beckons you back)
- Shows depth of thought (different season, layers of beauty)
- More elaborate yet natural response
Question 2: Did you take many photos there?
Band 6-7 Answer:
“Yes, I took a lot of photos because the place was very beautiful. I wanted to remember everything I saw there.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“I did, though ironically, I found myself torn between capturing the moment and simply being present in it. While I took numerous shots, I made a conscious effort to put the camera down occasionally and just absorb the atmosphere – some experiences are best imprinted on memory rather than memory cards.”
💡 Analysis:
- Sophisticated thinking: tension between photographing vs experiencing
- Advanced vocabulary: torn between, conscious effort, imprinted on memory
- Shows maturity and reflection
IELTS Speaking Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Tổng Quan Về Part 3
Part 3 là phần khó nhất, kéo dài 4-5 phút với các câu hỏi trừu tượng và phức tạp hơn nhiều so với Part 1. Đây không còn là câu hỏi về cá nhân mà là discussion về issues rộng hơn liên quan đến chủ đề Part 2.
Yêu cầu:
- Phân tích, so sánh, đánh giá các vấn đề xã hội
- Đưa ra quan điểm có lý lẽ rõ ràng
- Xem xét nhiều góc độ của vấn đề (not just one-sided)
- Sử dụng examples từ society, không chỉ personal experience
Chiến lược:
- Mở rộng câu trả lời: 3-5 câu minimum
- Sử dụng discourse markers để organize ideas: “Well”, “Actually”, “I think”
- Structure: Direct answer → Reason 1 + example → Reason 2 + example → (Conclusion/Alternative view)
- Đưa ra examples từ different countries hoặc broader society
- Acknowledge complexity: “It depends on…”, “While… it’s also true that…”
Lỗi thường gặp của học viên Việt Nam:
- Trả lời quá ngắn (1-2 câu) như Part 1
- Không có supporting reasons hoặc examples
- Chỉ nói về personal experience, không generalize
- Thiếu từ vựng trừu tượng (trend, tendency, phenomenon)
- Không có critical thinking, chỉ nói một chiều
Các Câu Hỏi Thảo Luận Sâu
Theme 1: Tourism and Unique Destinations
Question 1: Why do you think people are increasingly interested in visiting unusual or unique places?
🎯 Phân tích câu hỏi:
- Dạng: Cause/Reason – Hỏi về nguyên nhân của xu hướng xã hội
- Key words: increasingly interested, unusual/unique places
- Cách tiếp cận: Analyze social trend → Give 2-3 reasons → Support with examples from society
📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:
“I think people want to visit unique places because they want new experiences. These days, normal tourist places are too crowded, so people look for different destinations. Also, social media makes people want to share special photos, so they go to unusual places. For example, many young people visit strange places to post on Instagram.”
Phân tích:
- Structure: Có opinion → reasons (new experiences, crowded places, social media) → example
- Vocabulary: Adequate nhưng repetitive (people, places), basic (too crowded, strange)
- Tại sao Band 6-7: Answers the question với clear reasons nhưng lacks depth và sophisticated language. Example cụ thể nhưng không elaborate
📝 Sample Answer – Band 8-9:
“Well, I’d say there are several interconnected factors driving this trend. First and foremost, we’re living in an age of experiential tourism, where travelers are no longer content with simply ticking off mainstream destinations from a checklist. They’re seeking out places that offer authentic, transformative experiences rather than just photo opportunities at overcrowded landmarks.
On top of that, the proliferation of social media has created what I’d call ‘destination one-upmanship’ – people feel compelled to visit increasingly off-the-beaten-path locations to stand out from their peers online. There’s a certain social currency in being the first among your friends to discover some remote, undiscovered gem.
But perhaps more significantly, I think this trend reflects a deeper psychological need for novelty and escape from our increasingly homogenized modern world. When you can find the same Starbucks in Tokyo and New York, people crave places that feel genuinely different, untouched by globalization. Visiting somewhere like an ice cave in Iceland or a floating village in Cambodia offers that sense of genuine otherness that’s becoming increasingly rare in our interconnected world.”
Phân tích:
- Structure: Well-organized: Introduction → Factor 1 (experiential tourism) → Factor 2 (social media) → Factor 3 (psychological need) → Clear progression
- Vocabulary: Sophisticated: “interconnected factors”, “proliferation”, “destination one-upmanship”, “social currency”, “homogenized”
- Grammar: Complex structures:
- Participle clause: “driving this trend”
- Relative clause: “where travelers are no longer content”
- Compound adjectives: “off-the-beaten-path locations”
- Critical Thinking:
- Multiple perspectives (practical, social, psychological)
- Acknowledges complexity (interconnected factors)
- Uses specific terminology (experiential tourism)
- Coins creative phrases (destination one-upmanship)
💡 Key Language Features:
- Discourse markers: “Well, I’d say”, “First and foremost”, “On top of that”, “But perhaps more significantly”
- Tentative language: “I think”, “I’d call”, showing analytical tone
- Abstract nouns: “proliferation”, “novelty”, “otherness”, “globalization”
- Collocations: “driving this trend”, “social currency”, “stand out from peers”
Question 2: Do you think the growth of tourism to remote places has more positive or negative effects?
🎯 Phân tích câu hỏi:
- Dạng: Evaluate/Weigh up – Yêu cầu balanced view
- Key words: growth of tourism, remote places, positive vs negative effects
- Cách tiếp cận: Acknowledge both sides → Discuss positive impacts → Discuss negative impacts → Give nuanced conclusion
📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:
“I think it has both good and bad effects. On the good side, tourism brings money to poor areas and creates jobs for local people. Local communities can improve their lives. But on the bad side, too many tourists can damage the environment and destroy local culture. For example, some beaches become polluted because of tourists. So I think we need to control tourism better.”
Phân tích:
- Structure: Has both sides → positive (money, jobs) → negative (environment, culture) → conclusion
- Vocabulary: Basic (good, bad, poor areas, destroy) but communicates meaning
- Tại sao Band 6-7: Addresses both sides nhưng lacks specific examples và depth of analysis. Vocabulary và grammar không sophisticated
📝 Sample Answer – Band 8-9:
“This is quite a nuanced issue, and I’d argue that the effects are decidedly mixed, depending largely on how tourism is managed. On the positive side, there’s no denying that tourism can be a powerful engine for economic development in remote regions that often lack alternative income sources. Take Bhutan, for instance – they’ve successfully leveraged their unique cultural heritage to create sustainable tourism revenue while maintaining strict visitor quotas to prevent overcrowding.
However, the flip side of this coin is that unbridled tourism growth can be profoundly destructive. We’ve seen countless examples of pristine natural environments being irreversibly degraded by excessive foot traffic, infrastructure development, and waste generation. Mount Everest has become a cautionary tale – what was once a sacred mountain is now littered with abandoned equipment and even human remains.
More subtly, there’s also the issue of cultural commodification – when local traditions become performative spectacles designed solely for tourist consumption, they often lose their authentic meaning and become hollow parodies of themselves. Indigenous communities in places like the Amazon have had to grapple with this tension between economic opportunity and cultural preservation.
Ultimately, I’d say the key lies in implementing sustainable tourism frameworks that prioritize long-term preservation over short-term profits. This might involve limiting visitor numbers, mandating responsible tour operators, and ensuring that tourism revenues are reinvested into conservation efforts and local communities rather than siphoned off by external corporations.”
Phân tích:
- Structure:
- Acknowledges complexity: “quite a nuanced issue”, “decidedly mixed”
- Balanced discussion: positive → negative → cultural aspect → solution
- Clear signposting: “On the positive side”, “However, the flip side”
- Vocabulary:
- Precise: “unbridled”, “irreversibly degraded”, “commodification”, “hollow parodies”
- Topic-specific: “sustainable tourism frameworks”, “visitor quotas”, “cultural preservation”
- Sophisticated collocations: “powerful engine for development”, “cautionary tale”
- Grammar:
- Conditional: “depending largely on how tourism is managed”
- Passive voice: “are reinvested”, “siphoned off”
- Participle clauses: “when local traditions become performative spectacles”
- Critical Thinking:
- Multiple specific examples (Bhutan, Mount Everest, Amazon)
- Acknowledges complexity and trade-offs
- Proposes solutions, not just problems
- Shows awareness of different stakeholders
💡 Key Language Features:
- Introducing balance: “This is quite a nuanced issue”, “the effects are decidedly mixed”
- Contrasting: “On the positive side… However, the flip side of this coin”
- Qualifying statements: “depending largely on”, “often”, “can be”
- Academic vocabulary: “leverage”, “unbridled”, “commodification”, “grapple with”
Theme 2: Travel and Personal Development
Question 1: In what ways can visiting unusual places change a person’s perspective?
🎯 Phân tích câu hỏi:
- Dạng: Explain process/mechanism – How something leads to change
- Key words: unusual places, change, perspective
- Cách tiếp cận: Explain psychological/cognitive effects → Give specific examples → Discuss depth of impact
📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:
“Visiting unusual places can change how people think. When you go to a very different place, you see new things and meet different people. This makes you understand that there are many ways to live. For example, if you visit a poor country, you might appreciate your own life more. Also, you learn about different cultures and become more open-minded.”
Phân tích:
- Structure: Direct answer → reasons (see new things, meet people) → example → conclusion
- Vocabulary: Basic (very different, new things, open-minded)
- Tại sao Band 6-7: Communicates main idea nhưng lacks sophistication trong explanation
📝 Sample Answer – Band 8-9:
“I think the transformative potential of visiting unusual places operates on several levels. At the most immediate level, exposure to radically different environments serves to disrupt our cognitive autopilot – when confronted with landscapes or cultures that bear little resemblance to what we know, we’re forced to engage more consciously with our surroundings rather than simply filtering them through familiar frameworks.
Beyond this surface disruption, there’s a deeper psychological shift that can occur. When you witness alternative ways of living that fundamentally challenge your assumptions about what constitutes ‘normal’ or ‘necessary’, it can trigger a re-evaluation of your own values and priorities. For instance, someone from a hyper-consumerist culture visiting a minimalist Buddhist monastery in Tibet might suddenly question whether material accumulation is truly conducive to happiness.
Moreover, I’d argue that unusual places have a unique capacity to generate what psychologists call ‘awe’ – that sense of being in the presence of something vast and incomprehensible that transcends your ordinary experience. This emotion has been shown to reduce self-focus and increase feelings of connectedness, which can profoundly shift how people see their place in the world.
That said, I should emphasize that perspective change isn’t automatic – it requires a certain receptiveness and willingness to reflect on the experience rather than simply treating it as entertainment. The same trip can be transformative for one person and merely Instagram fodder for another, depending on their level of engagement.”
Phân tích:
- Structure: Multi-layered analysis: immediate level → deeper psychological level → emotional/spiritual level → important qualification
- Vocabulary:
- Psychological terms: “cognitive autopilot”, “re-evaluation”, “awe”, “self-focus”
- Academic phrases: “transformative potential”, “operates on several levels”, “conducive to”
- Precise adjectives: “radically different”, “hyper-consumerist”, “minimalist”
- Grammar:
- Complex noun phrases: “that sense of being in the presence of something vast”
- Participle clauses: “depending on their level of engagement”
- Conditional structures: “can be transformative… depending on”
- Critical Thinking:
- Analyzes mechanism of change, not just states it happens
- References psychological concepts (cognitive autopilot, awe)
- Provides concrete example (Buddhist monastery)
- Acknowledges limitations (not automatic, requires receptiveness)
Thí sinh đang thảo luận trong phần 3 của IELTS Speaking về tác động của du lịch
Question 2: Do you think young people today are more adventurous travelers than previous generations?
🎯 Phân tích câu hỏi:
- Dạng: Compare/Contrast – Generational comparison
- Key words: young people today vs previous generations, adventurous travelers
- Cách tiếp cận: Present both views → Provide evidence → Consider counterarguments → Nuanced conclusion
📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:
“Yes, I think young people today travel more adventurously. They have more information from the internet, so they can find unusual places easily. Also, budget airlines are cheap now, so young people can travel to many countries. But older generations also traveled a lot when they were young, just to different places. So maybe both generations are adventurous in different ways.”
Phân tích:
- Structure: Opinion → reasons (internet, cheap flights) → counter-point → conclusion
- Vocabulary: Simple (more information, unusual places, different ways)
- Tại sao Band 6-7: Has reasonable structure và attempts balance, nhưng lacks depth và specific examples
📝 Sample Answer – Band 8-9:
“This is an interesting question that warrants careful consideration. On the surface, it might seem that today’s youth are more adventurous, given their apparent willingness to visit increasingly remote or unconventional destinations. We see young people flocking to places that would have been considered virtually inaccessible a generation ago – trekking through Patagonia, cycling across Southeast Asia, or volunteering in rural Africa.
However, I’d argue that this perception is somewhat misleading. What’s changed isn’t necessarily the level of adventurousness, but rather the infrastructure and information ecosystem that facilitates this kind of travel. Today’s ‘adventurous’ travelers benefit from comprehensive guidebooks, real-time GPS navigation, online booking platforms, and established backpacker trails. In many ways, what appears adventurous is actually highly curated and remarkably safe compared to how previous generations traveled.
By contrast, consider someone in the 1960s deciding to drive overland from Europe to India on the so-called ‘Hippie Trail’ – this required genuine pioneering spirit with minimal safety nets, no instant communication with home, and none of the support infrastructure we take for granted today. From this perspective, one could argue that previous generations were actually more authentically adventurous, precisely because they had to be more self-reliant.
That being said, I think each generation demonstrates adventurousness in context-specific ways. Today’s youth might be more adventurous in terms of cultural openness and willingness to engage with radically different lifestyles, even if the physical risks are more mitigated. Ultimately, it’s comparing apples and oranges – both generations have their own forms of courage and curiosity, shaped by the technological and social realities of their times.”
Phán tích:
- Structure:
- Sophisticated opening: acknowledges complexity
- Presents apparent answer → challenges it → provides counter-example → nuanced conclusion
- Clear signposting throughout
- Vocabulary:
- Academic: “warrants careful consideration”, “perception”, “infrastructure”, “curated”
- Precise: “virtually inaccessible”, “pioneering spirit”, “self-reliant”, “mitigated”
- Colloquial when appropriate: “comparing apples and oranges”
- Grammar:
- Complex conditional: “What’s changed isn’t… but rather…”
- Participle clauses: “shaped by the technological realities”
- Emphasis structures: “What appears adventurous is actually…”
- Critical Thinking:
- Challenges the premise of the question
- Provides historical context (Hippie Trail)
- Considers multiple definitions of “adventurous”
- Acknowledges context-dependency
- Avoids simplistic yes/no answer
Theme 3: Cultural Impact and Preservation
Question 1: How can countries preserve the unique character of their tourist destinations while still encouraging visitors?
🎯 Phân tích câu hỏi:
- Dạng: Problem-Solution – Balancing competing needs
- Key words: preserve unique character, encourage visitors, balance
- Cách tiếp cận: Identify the challenge → Propose multiple solutions → Give examples → Acknowledge difficulties
📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:
“This is difficult because countries want tourists for money, but too many tourists can destroy places. I think countries should limit the number of visitors and charge higher fees. They can also educate tourists to behave responsibly. For example, some places only allow a certain number of people per day. The government should also make rules to protect the environment and culture.”
Phân tích:
- Structure: Acknowledge problem → solutions (limits, fees, education, rules) → example
- Vocabulary: Basic (destroy places, behave responsibly, make rules)
- Tại sao Band 6-7: Addresses question với reasonable solutions nhưng lacks sophistication và specific mechanisms
📝 Sample Answer – Band 8-9:
“This represents one of the central dilemmas of modern tourism management, and there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. However, several approaches have shown promise when implemented thoughtfully.
First and foremost, I believe carrying capacity assessments are crucial. This involves scientifically determining how many visitors a site can sustainably accommodate without degrading its natural or cultural assets. Places like the Galápagos Islands have successfully implemented this model, capping daily visitor numbers and requiring all tourists to be accompanied by certified guides who ensure adherence to strict protocols.
Beyond numerical limits, I think strategic pricing mechanisms can be effective. Rather than flat-rate entry fees, destinations could adopt dynamic pricing that’s higher during peak seasons to discourage overcrowding while remaining accessible during quieter periods. Bhutan’s approach is particularly instructive here – they charge a substantial daily tariff of around $250, which includes accommodation and guides, effectively filtering for more conscious travelers while generating revenue that’s directly channeled into conservation and community development.
Equally important is fostering local ownership and decision-making power. When indigenous communities or local residents have genuine agency over tourism development in their areas, they’re more likely to resist changes that would compromise their cultural integrity. Community-based tourism initiatives in places like the hill tribes of Northern Thailand demonstrate how local stakeholders can maintain control over the pace and nature of tourism development.
Finally, I’d emphasize the role of education and interpretation. Well-designed interpretive programs that help visitors understand and appreciate the fragility and significance of what they’re experiencing can transform them from passive consumers into active stewards. When people truly understand why a place is special, they’re far more likely to respect its boundaries and support preservation efforts.
Of course, implementing these measures requires political will, adequate funding, and long-term commitment – challenges that many destinations, particularly in developing countries, struggle to meet. But the alternative – allowing unrestricted access that ultimately destroys the very qualities that attracted visitors – is ultimately self-defeating.”
Phân tích:
- Structure:
- Acknowledges complexity upfront
- Presents 4 distinct solutions with clear transitions
- Each solution explained → example → impact
- Addresses implementation challenges
- Vocabulary:
- Technical/policy terms: “carrying capacity assessments”, “dynamic pricing”, “community-based tourism”
- Precise verbs: “capping”, “filtering for”, “channeled into”, “fostering”
- Academic collocations: “central dilemma”, “no one-size-fits-all solution”, “political will”
- Grammar:
- Complex conditionals: “When indigenous communities have genuine agency, they’re more likely to resist…”
- Passive constructions: “are directly channeled”, “can be effective”
- Participle phrases: “demonstrating how local stakeholders can maintain control”
- Critical Thinking:
- Multiple specific examples (Galápagos, Bhutan, Northern Thailand)
- Shows understanding of mechanisms (how solutions work)
- Acknowledges trade-offs and implementation challenges
- Considers stakeholder perspectives (local communities, governments, tourists)
- Concludes with realistic assessment of difficulties
Question 2: Why do you think some people prefer familiar tourist destinations over unique or unusual places?
🎯 Phân tích câu hỏi:
- Dạng: Analyze motivation/psychology
- Key words: prefer familiar over unique/unusual
- Cách tiếp cận: Identify multiple psychological/practical reasons → Support with examples → Show understanding of individual differences
📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:
“Some people like familiar places because they feel safer and more comfortable. They don’t want to worry about language problems or getting lost. Also, famous tourist places have better facilities like hotels and restaurants. Some people, especially older people or families with children, prefer convenient travel. They just want to relax, not have adventures. Famous places are also easier to plan because there is more information available.”
Phân tích:
- Structure: Reason 1 (safety/comfort) → Reason 2 (facilities) → Reason 3 (demographics) → Reason 4 (convenience)
- Vocabulary: Simple but adequate (feel safer, worry about, convenient)
- Tại sao Band 6-7: Covers multiple reasons nhưng lacks psychological depth và sophisticated explanation
📝 Sample Answer – Band 8-9:
“I think this preference stems from a constellation of psychological and practical factors that are quite understandable when you consider the realities of modern life.
At a fundamental level, there’s a basic human need for predictability and comfort, especially when we’re already stressed by work and daily responsibilities. For many people, vacation represents a chance to unwind rather than to challenge themselves, and familiar destinations offer a certain reassurance – you know what to expect, you know the infrastructure will be reliable, and there’s minimal risk of unpleasant surprises. Places like Paris, Rome, or Dubai function as ‘safe bets’ where people can enjoy themselves without venturing too far outside their comfort zones.
Moreover, there’s the influence of social validation. Familiar tourist destinations often carry cultural cachet – visiting the Eiffel Tower or the Colosseum allows people to participate in shared cultural experiences and feel connected to a broader narrative that their friends and family recognize. There’s a certain social currency in being able to say you’ve been to these iconic landmarks, whereas mentioning you’ve visited, say, a remote village in Tajikistan might elicit blank stares rather than impressed recognition.
From a practical standpoint, familiar destinations simply offer greater convenience and reduced cognitive load. Planning a trip to a well-established tourist hub is relatively straightforward – there’s abundant information, numerous accommodation options, developed infrastructure, and often English language support. By contrast, traveling to unusual places typically requires extensive research, greater flexibility, higher tolerance for discomfort, and sometimes significant additional expense. For people with limited vacation time, budget constraints, or family responsibilities, these barriers can be prohibitive.
Additionally, I think we shouldn’t underestimate the role of marketing and media representation. The tourism industry pours enormous resources into promoting certain destinations, creating aspirational images that shape our desires. When you’ve been bombarded with images of Santorini sunsets or Maldives beaches your entire life, these places feel like natural choices rather than manufactured preferences.
That being said, I don’t think this is necessarily a lesser form of travel. Different people derive value from travel in different ways, and there’s no objective hierarchy of travel experiences. The key distinction lies in intention and engagement – whether someone is mindlessly consuming a destination as a checkbox exercise or genuinely absorbing and appreciating it, regardless of how popular it might be.”
Phân tích:
- Structure:
- Sophisticated opening: “constellation of factors”
- 4 distinct reasons: psychological need → social validation → practical factors → marketing influence
- Balanced conclusion: defends the validity of different preferences
- Vocabulary:
- Psychological terms: “fundamental human need”, “cognitive load”, “social currency”
- Sophisticated phrases: “cultural cachet”, “shared cultural experiences”, “prohibitive barriers”
- Marketing language: “aspirational images”, “manufactured preferences”
- Grammar:
- Complex noun phrases: “the realities of modern life”, “a constellation of psychological and practical factors”
- Conditional structures: “whether someone is mindlessly consuming or genuinely absorbing”
- Passive voice: “you’ve been bombarded with images”
- Critical Thinking:
- Multiple perspectives (psychological, social, practical, commercial)
- Avoids judgment: “not necessarily a lesser form”
- Recognizes systemic influences (marketing, media)
- Shows empathy for different traveler types
- Nuanced conclusion about quality of engagement
Từ vựng và cụm từ quan trọng
Topic-Specific Vocabulary
| Từ vựng/Cụm từ | Loại từ | Phiên âm | Nghĩa tiếng Việt | Ví dụ | Collocation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| breathtaking | adj | /ˈbreθteɪkɪŋ/ | ngoạn mục, đẹp đến nghẹt thở | The view from the mountain peak was absolutely breathtaking. | breathtaking scenery, breathtaking view, breathtaking beauty |
| off the beaten track/path | idiom | /ɒf ðə ˈbiːtn træk/ | xa xôi hẻo lánh, ít người biết đến | We discovered a small village off the beaten path. | travel off the beaten track, destinations off the beaten path, places off the beaten path |
| pristine | adj | /ˈprɪstiːn/ | nguyên sơ, hoang sơ | The beach was pristine with crystal clear water. | pristine environment, pristine nature, pristine condition, pristine beauty |
| surreal | adj | /səˈriːəl/ | siêu thực, kỳ lạ | Walking through the salt flats felt completely surreal. | surreal experience, surreal landscape, surreal atmosphere, feel surreal |
| awe-inspiring | adj | /ˈɔː ɪnˌspaɪərɪŋ/ | gây kinh ngạc, choáng ngợp | The ancient temples were truly awe-inspiring. | awe-inspiring sight, awe-inspiring architecture, awe-inspiring natural wonders |
| immerse oneself in | phrasal verb | /ɪˈmɜːs wʌnˈself ɪn/ | đắm mình vào, hòa nhập | I wanted to immerse myself in the local culture. | immerse in culture, immerse in nature, fully immerse, deeply immerse |
| picturesque | adj | /ˌpɪktʃəˈresk/ | đẹp như tranh, nên thơ | We stayed in a picturesque village in the mountains. | picturesque village, picturesque scenery, picturesque location, picturesque setting |
| remote | adj | /rɪˈməʊt/ | xa xôi, hẻo lánh | The lodge was located in a remote area with no phone signal. | remote area, remote location, remote village, remote region |
| untouched | adj | /ˌʌnˈtʌtʃt/ | chưa bị tác động, nguyên vẹn | The island remained untouched by mass tourism. | untouched nature, untouched wilderness, remain untouched, largely untouched |
| striking | adj | /ˈstraɪkɪŋ/ | nổi bật, ấn tượng mạnh | The contrast between old and new was striking. | striking feature, striking difference, striking contrast, striking appearance |
| otherworldly | adj | /ˈʌðəˌwɜːldli/ | như ở thế giới khác, kỳ ảo | The cave formations created an otherworldly atmosphere. | otherworldly landscape, otherworldly beauty, otherworldly experience, otherworldly feeling |
| venture off | phrasal verb | /ˈventʃər ɒf/ | mạo hiểm đi xa, rời khỏi | We decided to venture off the main tourist trail. | venture off the path, venture off alone, venture off into the wilderness |
| tucked away | adj phrase | /tʌkt əˈweɪ/ | ẩn mình, khuất nẻo | The restaurant was tucked away in a quiet alley. | tucked away in, tucked away from, hidden/tucked away |
| mesmerizing | adj | /ˈmezməraɪzɪŋ/ | mê hoặc, quyến rũ | The sunset was absolutely mesmerizing. | mesmerizing view, mesmerizing performance, mesmerizing beauty, totally mesmerizing |
| jaw-dropping | adj | /ˈdʒɔː ˌdrɒpɪŋ/ | gây choáng váng, kinh ngạc | The canyon offered jaw-dropping views. | jaw-dropping scenery, jaw-dropping sight, jaw-dropping beauty |
| broaden one’s horizons | idiom | /ˈbrɔːdn wʌnz həˈraɪznz/ | mở rộng tầm nhìn | Traveling to unusual places really broadens your horizons. | broaden horizons, broaden perspective, broaden understanding |
| cultural immersion | noun phrase | /ˈkʌltʃərəl ɪˈmɜːʃn/ | sự đắm mình vào văn hóa | The homestay program offered genuine cultural immersion. | complete cultural immersion, cultural immersion experience, cultural immersion program |
| step out of comfort zone | idiom | /step aʊt əv ˈkʌmfət zəʊn/ | bước ra khỏi vùng an toàn | Visiting this place forced me to step out of my comfort zone. | step outside comfort zone, push comfort zone boundaries |
| indelible impression | noun phrase | /ɪnˈdeləbl ɪmˈpreʃn/ | ấn tượng khó phai | The experience left an indelible impression on me. | leave an indelible impression, make an indelible impression, create an indelible impression |
| unparalleled | adj | /ʌnˈpærəleld/ | vô song, không gì sánh bằng | The mountain range offered unparalleled natural beauty. | unparalleled beauty, unparalleled experience, unparalleled views, unparalleled opportunity |
Idiomatic Expressions & Advanced Phrases
| Cụm từ | Nghĩa | Ví dụ sử dụng | Band điểm |
|---|---|---|---|
| a sight to behold | một cảnh tượng đáng xem, ấn tượng | The northern lights were truly a sight to behold. | 7.5-9 |
| take one’s breath away | làm ngỡ ngàng, choáng ngợp | The vastness of the desert took my breath away. | 7-8 |
| feast for the eyes | một thị giác tuyệt đẹp | The colorful market was a feast for the eyes. | 7.5-8 |
| a far cry from | rất khác so với | This remote village was a far cry from the bustling cities I usually visit. | 8-9 |
| be worlds apart | hoàn toàn khác biệt | The atmosphere here was worlds apart from anything I’d experienced. | 7.5-8 |
| in the middle of nowhere | ở nơi hẻo lánh, xa xôi | The hotel was literally in the middle of nowhere, surrounded by desert. | 7-8 |
| get off the beaten track | đi đến nơi ít người biết | We wanted to get off the beaten track and find authentic experiences. | 7.5-8 |
| a hidden gem | một viên ngọc ẩn, điều quý giá ẩn giấu | This small town is a hidden gem that few tourists know about. | 7-8 |
| transport someone to another world | đưa ai đó đến thế giới khác | The ancient architecture transported me to another world. | 8-9 |
| leave someone spellbound | làm ai đó mê mẩn, say đắm | The performance left the entire audience spellbound. | 8-9 |
| be like nothing else | không giống bất cứ thứ gì khác | The landscape there is like nothing else on Earth. | 7-8 |
| stand the test of time | tồn tại lâu dài, vượt thời gian | These ancient structures have stood the test of time. | 7.5-8 |
| push the boundaries | vượt qua giới hạn | Visiting extreme environments really pushes the boundaries of adventure travel. | 8-9 |
| venturing into uncharted territory | mạo hiểm vào vùng đất chưa được khám phá | Traveling to this region felt like venturing into uncharted territory. | 8.5-9 |
| broaden one’s perspective | mở rộng góc nhìn | Experiencing different cultures broadens your perspective on life. | 7.5-8 |
Discourse Markers (Từ Nối Ý Trong Speaking)
Để bắt đầu câu trả lời:
- 📝 Well,… – Khi cần thời gian suy nghĩ ngắn: “Well, I think unusual places offer unique experiences.”
- 📝 Actually,… – Khi đưa ra góc nhìn bất ngờ hoặc khác: “Actually, I prefer less crowded destinations.”
- 📝 To be honest,… – Khi chia sẻ quan điểm thật: “To be honest, I was quite nervous before visiting.”
- 📝 I’d say that… – Khi đưa ra đánh giá: “I’d say that remote destinations are becoming more accessible.”
- 📝 From my perspective,… – Khi nhấn mạnh góc nhìn cá nhân: “From my perspective, authentic experiences matter most.”
Để bổ sung ý:
- 📝 On top of that,… – Thêm vào đó: “On top of that, the local people were incredibly welcoming.”
- 📝 What’s more,… – Hơn nữa: “What’s more, the place had excellent infrastructure despite being remote.”
- 📝 Not to mention… – Chưa kể đến: “Not to mention the breathtaking scenery we encountered.”
- 📝 Additionally,… – Ngoài ra: “Additionally, we learned about fascinating local traditions.”
- 📝 Beyond that,… – Xa hơn nữa: “Beyond that, the experience changed my perspective on travel.”
Để đưa ra quan điểm cân bằng:
- 📝 On the one hand,… On the other hand,… – Một mặt… mặt khác: “On the one hand, tourism brings economic benefits. On the other hand, it can damage the environment.”
- 📝 While it’s true that…, we also need to consider… – “While it’s true that unusual places attract tourists, we also need to consider preservation.”
- 📝 Having said that,… – Mặc dù vậy: “I love adventure travel. Having said that, I appreciate some comfort too.”
- 📝 That being said,… – Tuy nhiên: “Remote places are beautiful. That being said, they can be challenging to access.”
Để kết luận:
- 📝 All in all,… – Tóm lại: “All in all, it was an unforgettable experience.”
- 📝 At the end of the day,… – Cuối cùng thì: “At the end of the day, what matters is the memories you create.”
- 📝 Ultimately,… – Về cơ bản: “Ultimately, every traveler has different preferences.”
- 📝 In the final analysis,… – Xét cho cùng: “In the final analysis, unusual destinations offer irreplaceable experiences.”
Để làm rõ hoặc nhấn mạnh:
- 📝 What I mean is… – Ý tôi là: “What I mean is, the place felt completely otherworldly.”
- 📝 The point I’m trying to make is… – Điểm tôi muốn nói là: “The point I’m trying to make is that authenticity matters more than luxury.”
- 📝 To put it another way,… – Nói cách khác: “To put it another way, it was a once-in-a-lifetime experience.”
Grammatical Structures Ấn Tượng
1. Conditional Sentences (Câu điều kiện):
-
Mixed conditional: “If I hadn’t visited that place, I would still be unaware of how diverse our world is.”
- Formula: If + Past Perfect, would + bare infinitive
- Dùng để nói về điều kiện trong quá khứ với kết quả ở hiện tại
-
Inversion for emphasis: “Had I known how challenging the trek would be, I might have prepared better.”
- Formula: Had + Subject + Past Participle, Subject + would/might + have + Past Participle
- Tạo formal tone và nhấn mạnh
2. Relative Clauses (Mệnh đề quan hệ):
-
Non-defining: “The village, which was nestled in the mountains, had retained its traditional character.”
- Formula: Subject + , which/who/where + clause, + main verb
- Thêm thông tin bổ sung, không thiết yếu
-
Reduced relative clauses: “The path leading to the summit offered spectacular views.”
- Formula: Noun + present participle phrase
- Concise và sophisticated
3. Passive Voice (Câu bị động):
-
It is thought/believed/said that… “It is believed that this temple dates back to the 12th century.”
- Formula: It + is + past participle + that clause
- Academic tone, impersonal statement
-
Complex passive: “The site had been carefully preserved by local communities for generations.”
- Formula: Subject + had been + past participle + by agent
- Shows historical process
4. Cleft Sentences (Câu chẻ):
-
What I find most… is… “What I found most fascinating was the way local traditions had survived.”
- Formula: What + clause + be + noun/adjective
- Emphasizes specific aspect
-
The thing that… is… “The thing that impressed me most was the hospitality of the people.”
- Formula: The thing/aspect/reason that + clause + be + explanation
- Natural emphasis structure
5. Participle Clauses:
-
Present participle: “Standing at the edge of the canyon, I felt incredibly small and humbled.”
- Formula: Present participle phrase + , + main clause
- Shows simultaneous actions
-
Perfect participle: “Having visited many countries, I can confidently say this was unique.”
- Formula: Having + past participle + , + main clause
- Shows prior experience or reason
6. Advanced Comparative Structures:
-
The more… the more… “The more I explored, the more fascinated I became.”
- Formula: The + comparative + subject + verb, the + comparative + subject + verb
- Shows proportional relationship
-
Nothing/Nowhere… as/like “Nowhere I’ve been has offered views as spectacular as this.”
- Formula: Nowhere/Nothing + clause + as + adjective + as + noun
- Superlative meaning with emphatic structure
Học viên đang học từ vựng IELTS Speaking về chủ đề địa điểm du lịch độc đáo
Chiến lược và lời khuyên từ Examiner
Những sai lầm phổ biến cần tránh
1. Trong Part 1:
- ❌ Trả lời quá ngắn: “Yes” hoặc “No, I don’t” rồi im lặng
- ✅ Mở rộng với lý do và example ngắn: “Yes, I do. I find it fascinating to explore different cultures, and I usually try to visit at least one new place each year.”
2. Trong Part 2:
-
❌ Kết thúc sau 1 phút vì không biết nói gì thêm
-
✅ Chuẩn bị notes tốt trong 1 phút, ghi keywords cho mỗi bullet point, thêm feelings và reflections
-
❌ Chỉ liệt kê facts: “The place was in Vietnam. It was big. It was beautiful.”
-
✅ Sử dụng descriptive language: “What struck me most was the pristine beauty of the landscape, which seemed almost untouched by modernization.”
3. Trong Part 3:
- ❌ Trả lời based solely on personal experience: “I think so because when I traveled…”
- ✅ Generalize và analyze: “Generally speaking, there’s a growing trend toward… This is partly because… For instance, studies show that…”
4. Vocabulary mistakes:
-
❌ Sử dụng từ formal không phù hợp với speaking: “I commenced my perambulation…”
-
✅ Natural colloquial: “I started walking around and exploring…”
-
❌ Lặp từ liên tục: “The place was beautiful. It was a beautiful experience. The beautiful scenery…”
-
✅ Paraphrase: “The destination was stunning. It offered a memorable experience. The breathtaking scenery…”
5. Grammar mistakes:
- ❌ Mixing tenses: “I visited the temple last year and it is very old.”
- ✅ Consistent tenses: “I visited the temple last year and it was very old / dating back centuries.”
Làm thế nào để đạt Band 8-9
Fluency & Coherence:
- Speak naturally với minimal hesitation
- Use varied discourse markers spontaneously
- Develop ideas logically với clear progression
- Self-correct smoothly without breaking flow
Lexical Resource:
- Use sophisticated vocabulary precisely: “surreal”, “otherworldly”, “pristine”
- Show awareness of collocation: “breathtaking scenery” not “amazing scenery”
- Use idiomatic language appropriately: “off the beaten track”, “hidden gem”
- Paraphrase effectively throughout
Grammatical Range & Accuracy:
- Use full range of structures: conditionals, relative clauses, passives, participles
- Make rare errors that don’t impede communication
- Show flexibility in sentence structure
- Use complex grammar naturally, not forced
Pronunciation:
- Maintain clear pronunciation throughout extended speech
- Use natural intonation patterns
- Stress words appropriately for emphasis
- Speak at natural pace (not too fast or slow)
Cách sử dụng thời gian chuẩn bị Part 2 hiệu quả
60 seconds breakdown:
0-15 seconds: Read carefully và highlight key words
- Underline: “describe”, “place”, “visited”, “unlike any other”
- Note tense needed: past tense
15-30 seconds: Brainstorm quick ideas
- Think of specific place immediately
- Check if it fits “unlike any other” requirement
- If yes, proceed. If no, think of alternative
30-50 seconds: Create simple structure
WHERE: Zhangjiajie, China
WHEN: Autumn 2022 (2 years ago)
WHAT DIFFERENT:
- Towering pillars (Avatar)
- Glass walkway
- Misty atmosphere
FEELINGS:
- Small/humbled
- Mesmerized
- Transformative50-60 seconds: Add connecting words mentally
- Intro: “I’d like to tell you about…”
- Transitions: “What sets it apart”, “Another aspect”, “But what truly…”
⚠️ Common mistakes trong preparation:
- Viết full sentences (waste time)
- Change mind multiple times (creates confusion)
- Not noting feelings (miss important bullet point)
- Not planning conclusion
Tips để tăng band điểm
Immediate strategies:
-
Record yourself: Listen back để identify repetitive words, grammar mistakes, và hesitation patterns
-
Shadow native speakers: Listen to travel podcasts hoặc documentaries, repeat after speakers để improve intonation và fluency
-
Build topic-specific word banks: Create mind maps cho travel vocabulary với synonyms và collocations
-
Practice transitioning: Drill discourse markers để use naturally: “Having said that”, “On top of that”
-
Think in English: Tránh translate from Vietnamese, especially trong abstract discussions
Long-term development:
-
Read travel writing: National Geographic, travel blogs để expose yourself to descriptive language
-
Watch travel documentaries: Note cách narrators describe places, use adjectives, create atmosphere
-
Engage in English discussions: Join speaking clubs để practice expressing opinions về social issues
-
Expand general knowledge: Read about global tourism trends, environmental issues, cultural preservation
-
Work with feedback: Record mock tests, have experienced teachers provide detailed feedback
Xử lý khi không biết từ vựng
Strategies when you don’t know a word:
- Paraphrase:
- Don’t know “archaeological site” → “ancient historical place where scientists study old objects”
- Don’t know “bustling” → “very busy with lots of people and activity”
- Use approximation:
- “It’s a kind of…”
- “It’s similar to…”
- “It’s like… but…”
- Buy time naturally:
- “How can I put it…”
- “What’s the word… ah yes…”
- “Let me think about how to explain this…”
- Self-correct smoothly:
- “I mean to say…”
- “Or rather…”
- “To put it more accurately…”
Example:
“The place had this… how can I put it… this sense of being untouched, you know, like humans hadn’t changed it too much, which I found really special.”
Điều chỉnh theo band target của bạn
If targeting Band 6-7:
- Focus on: Clear communication, adequate vocabulary, basic complex structures
- Priority: Answer all questions fully, use past tense correctly, avoid long pauses
- Practice: Basic topic vocabulary, common linking words, simple opinions with reasons
If targeting Band 7.5-8:
- Focus on: Fluency, range of vocabulary, variety of grammar structures
- Priority: Natural flow, collocations, relative clauses, giving detailed examples
- Practice: Advanced vocabulary, discourse markers, comparing and contrasting
If targeting Band 8.5-9:
- Focus on: Sophistication, precision, depth of thinking, idiomatic language
- Priority: Analyze issues from multiple angles, use abstract vocabulary, reference broader contexts
- Practice: Academic discussions, philosophical reflections, complex grammatical structures
Tổng kết
Chủ đề “Describe a place that you visited that was unlike any other” là một trong những đề bài phổ biến và thử thách nhất trong IELTS Speaking. Để thành công với chủ đề này, bạn cần:
Hiểu rõ yêu cầu:
- Part 1: Trả lời natural, mở rộng với lý do và examples ngắn
- Part 2: Miêu tả chi tiết, nhấn mạnh “unique aspects”, share personal feelings
- Part 3: Analyze broader issues, show critical thinking, consider multiple perspectives
Vocabulary là chìa khóa:
- Học topic-specific words: pristine, surreal, otherworldly, remote
- Master collocations: breathtaking scenery, cultural immersion, broaden horizons
- Use idioms appropriately: off the beaten track, hidden gem, sight to behold
Grammar tạo sự khác biệt:
- Đa dạng structures: conditionals, relative clauses, participles
- Accurate tense usage, especially past tense trong Part 2
- Complex sentences cho Band 8+
Fluency thông qua practice:
- Record và listen back regularly
- Speak about different unusual places để build confidence
- Practice với discourse markers until they become natural
Critical thinking trong Part 3:
- Consider social, economic, environmental aspects
- Acknowledge complexity và different viewpoints
- Use specific examples from different countries/contexts
Quan trọng nhất, remember that IELTS Speaking đánh giá communication ability, not perfection. Examiners want to see bạn có thể express ideas clearly, develop arguments logically, và engage naturally trong conversation. Practice regularly, get feedback, và gradually build your confidence và skill set.
Với đủ preparation và understanding về what examiners are looking for, bạn hoàn toàn có thể achieve band điểm mục tiêu của mình. Good luck với IELTS Speaking preparation!
