Chủ đề du lịch gia đình là một trong những đề tài phổ biến và thực tế nhất trong kỳ thi IELTS Speaking. Với hơn 20 năm kinh nghiệm chấm thi, tôi nhận thấy câu hỏi “Describe A Place You Would Like To Visit With Your Family” xuất hiện đều đặn trong các đợt thi từ 2020 đến nay, với tần suất cao nhất vào quý 2 và quý 4 hàng năm. Đây là chủ đề đánh giá khả năng mô tả địa điểm, giải thích lý do lựa chọn và thể hiện sự gắn kết gia đình của thí sinh.
Chủ đề này quan trọng vì nó kết hợp nhiều khía cạnh: địa lý, văn hóa, cảm xúc cá nhân và dynamic gia đình. Từ góc độ examiner, đây là cơ hội tuyệt vời để thí sinh showcase vocabulary về travel, family relationships và personal aspirations. Khả năng xuất hiện trong tương lai: Rất cao – đây là evergreen topic trong IELTS Speaking.
Trong bài viết này, bạn sẽ học được:
- 12 câu hỏi thực tế từ các kỳ thi IELTS gần đây cho cả 3 Part
- Bài mẫu chi tiết theo từng band điểm 6-7, 7.5-8 và 8.5-9 với phân tích sâu
- Hơn 50 từ vựng và cụm từ ăn điểm về du lịch và gia đình
- Chiến lược trả lời từ góc nhìn của Examiner chính thức
- Những lỗi thường gặp của học viên Việt Nam và cách khắc phục
IELTS Speaking Part 1: Introduction and Interview
Tổng Quan Về Part 1
Part 1 kéo dài 4-5 phút với các câu hỏi ngắn về cuộc sống hàng ngày. Đây là phần warm-up để bạn làm quen với examiner và môi trường thi. Chiến lược quan trọng nhất là trả lời tự nhiên, mở rộng mỗi câu trả lời thành 2-3 câu với cấu trúc: Direct answer → Reason/Detail → Example.
Lỗi thường gặp của học viên Việt Nam trong Part 1:
- Trả lời quá ngắn gọn kiểu “Yes, I do” hoặc “No, I don’t” mà không elaboration
- Sử dụng từ vựng đơn giản như “good”, “nice”, “interesting” lặp đi lặp lại
- Thiếu ví dụ cụ thể từ kinh nghiệm bản thân
- Trả lời theo template có sẵn, nghe không tự nhiên
- Nervousness dẫn đến nói quá nhanh hoặc quá chậm
Các Câu Hỏi Thường Gặp
Question 1: Do you like traveling with your family?
Question 2: Where does your family usually go on vacation?
Question 3: How often do you travel with your family?
Question 4: What do you enjoy most about family trips?
Question 5: Do you prefer traveling with family or friends?
Question 6: What kind of places does your family like to visit?
Question 7: Have you been on any memorable family trips recently?
Question 8: Does your family prefer domestic or international travel?
Phân Tích và Gợi Ý Trả Lời Chi Tiết
Question: Do you like traveling with your family?
🎯 Cách tiếp cận:
- Trả lời Yes/No một cách rõ ràng ngay từ đầu
- Đưa ra 1-2 lý do cụ thể
- Kết thúc bằng một ví dụ hoặc feeling cá nhân
📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:
Yes, I like traveling with my family very much. It’s a good chance for us to spend time together because everyone is busy with work and study. We usually feel happy and relaxed when we travel together.
Phân tích:
- Điểm mạnh: Trả lời trực tiếp câu hỏi, có lý do cơ bản, dùng linking words đơn giản như “because”
- Hạn chế: Từ vựng đơn giản (good, happy, relaxed), thiếu detail cụ thể, grammar structures không đa dạng
- Tại sao Band 6-7: Fluency ổn nhưng vocabulary và grammar còn basic, ideas chưa developed đầy đủ
📝 Sample Answer – Band 8-9:
Absolutely, I’m really fond of traveling with my family. It’s one of those rare opportunities where we can truly bond and escape from our hectic routines. What I particularly enjoy is that we all have different interests, so planning trips becomes this collaborative experience where everyone contributes ideas. For instance, last year we went to Da Lat, and while my parents enjoyed the serene atmosphere and cool weather, my younger sister and I were more into exploring the quirky cafes and adventure activities.
Phân tích:
- Điểm mạnh:
- Vocabulary phong phú và natural: “really fond of”, “hectic routines”, “collaborative experience”, “serene atmosphere”, “quirky cafes”
- Grammar đa dạng: while-clause, relative clause (where everyone contributes)
- Ý tưởng chi tiết với ví dụ cụ thể về chuyến đi Da Lat
- Thể hiện personality và family dynamics
- Tại sao Band 8-9:
- Fluency: Câu trả lời dài, không hesitation, natural flow
- Vocabulary: Wide range, collocations chuẩn (escape from routines, bond with family)
- Grammar: Complex structures được sử dụng chính xác
- Pronunciation: Stress patterns và intonation thể hiện qua cách paraphrase
💡 Key Vocabulary & Expressions:
- be fond of: yêu thích cái gì đó (formal hơn “like”)
- hectic routines: nhịp sống hối hả, bận rộn
- truly bond: thực sự gắn kết với nhau
- collaborative experience: trải nghiệm cùng nhau đóng góp ý kiến
- serene atmosphere: bầu không khí thanh bình, yên tĩnh
- quirky cafes: những quán cafe độc đáo, khác lạ
Question: What do you enjoy most about family trips?
🎯 Cách tiếp cận:
- Chọn một khía cạnh cụ thể để nói sâu thay vì liệt kê nhiều thứ
- Giải thích tại sao đó là điều bạn thích nhất
- Có thể contrast với traveling alone hoặc with friends
📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:
I enjoy the time we spend together most. When we travel, we can talk more and do fun activities together. It’s different from staying at home because everyone is in a good mood and we don’t think about work or study.
Phân tích:
- Điểm mạnh: Có so sánh với ở nhà, structure câu cơ bản đúng
- Hạn chế: “Fun activities” quá general, thiếu specifics, vocabulary lặp lại từ basic (good mood, talk more)
- Tại sao Band 6-7: Adequate response nhưng lacks depth và sophistication
📝 Sample Answer – Band 8-9:
What I cherish most is the quality time we get to spend without the usual distractions. At home, we’re all glued to our devices or preoccupied with work deadlines, but when we travel, there’s this unspoken agreement to just be present with each other. I especially love the spontaneous moments – like when we got lost in Hoi An’s ancient town and ended up discovering this hidden gem of a restaurant. Those unplanned experiences often become our most treasured memories.
Phân tích:
- Điểm mạnh:
- Vocabulary sophisticated: “cherish”, “glued to devices”, “unspoken agreement”, “hidden gem”, “treasured memories”
- Specific example với vivid details (lost in Hoi An)
- Thể hiện emotional depth và insight về family relationships
- Grammar: complex noun phrases, present participle clauses
- Tại sao Band 8-9:
- Fluency: Natural hesitation markers không có, smooth transitions
- Vocabulary: Precise và idiomatic (glued to devices, hidden gem)
- Grammar: Variety of complex structures
- Ideas: Insightful observation về modern family life
💡 Key Vocabulary & Expressions:
- cherish: trân trọng, quý giá
- quality time: thời gian chất lượng bên nhau
- glued to devices: dán mắt vào thiết bị điện tử
- unspoken agreement: sự đồng thuận ngầm hiểu
- spontaneous moments: những khoảnh khắc tự phát, không kế hoạch
- hidden gem: viên ngọc ẩn (địa điểm tuyệt vời ít người biết)
- treasured memories: những ký ức đáng trân trọng
Question: How often do you travel with your family?
🎯 Cách tiếp cận:
- Nói rõ frequency (once/twice a year, monthly…)
- Giải thích lý do cho frequency đó (work schedule, budget, preferences)
- Có thể mention desire to travel more/less
📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:
We travel together about twice a year, usually during summer vacation and Tet holiday. We don’t travel more often because my parents are busy with work and traveling costs a lot of money.
Phân tích:
- Điểm mạnh: Clear answer về frequency, có reasons
- Hạn chế: Reasons khá obvious và surface-level, thiếu elaboration
- Tại sao Band 6-7: Answers the question adequately nhưng không có added value
📝 Sample Answer – Band 8-9:
We typically manage to get away two or three times a year, which I’d say is fairly reasonable given everyone’s commitments. We’ve made it a family tradition to take a longer trip during Tet and then squeeze in a couple of weekend getaways throughout the year. Honestly, I wish we could travel more frequently, but logistically it’s challenging to coordinate everyone’s schedules – my dad runs his own business and my sister is in her final year of university. That said, we’ve learned to make the most of whatever time we do have together.
Phân tích:
- Điểm mạnh:
- Natural expressions: “get away”, “squeeze in”, “make the most of”
- Realistic explanation với specific details về family members
- Thể hiện maturity trong việc balance expectations với reality
- Grammar: passive voice, conditionals (wish), complex sentences
- Personal touch với honesty (wish we could travel more)
- Tại sao Band 8-9:
- Fluency: Long response với natural discourse markers (Honestly, That said)
- Vocabulary: Phrasal verbs và collocations native-like
- Grammar: Variety including present perfect (we’ve made, we’ve learned)
- Ideas: Thoughtful, reflects real-life complexity
💡 Key Vocabulary & Expressions:
- get away: đi nghỉ, thoát khỏi công việc hàng ngày
- family tradition: truyền thống gia đình
- squeeze in: sắp xếp chen vào (khi bận rộn)
- weekend getaway: chuyến du lịch ngắn ngày cuối tuần
- logistically: về mặt hậu cần, sắp xếp
- coordinate schedules: điều phối lịch trình của mọi người
- make the most of: tận dụng tối đa
Gia đình Việt Nam chuẩn bị hành lý và lên kế hoạch cho chuyến du lịch cùng nhau với sự phấn khích
IELTS Speaking Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)
Tổng Quan Về Part 2
Part 2 là phần độc thoại kéo dài 2-3 phút, nơi bạn cần nói liên tục về một chủ đề cụ thể. Bạn có 1 phút chuẩn bị và nên ghi chú từ khóa (keywords), không viết câu hoàn chỉnh.
Chiến lược hiệu quả:
- Trong 1 phút chuẩn bị: Ghi 2-3 keywords cho mỗi bullet point, thêm 1-2 adjectives hoặc feelings
- Cấu trúc thời gian: Introduction (15s) → Bullet points (90-120s) → Explain feeling (30-45s)
- Storytelling approach: Kể như một câu chuyện có beginning-middle-end
- Use present tense cho places you want to visit (chưa đi)
Lỗi thường gặp:
- Lãng phí thời gian chuẩn bị suy nghĩ thay vì ghi chú
- Nói dưới 1.5 phút (tối thiểu phải đạt)
- Bỏ sót bullet points quan trọng
- Quá focus vào description mà quên explain feelings/reasons (phần này chiếm điểm cao nhất)
- Dùng quá nhiều filler words như “uh”, “um”
Cue Card
Describe a place you would like to visit with your family
You should say:
- Where this place is
- What it is like
- What you would do there
- And explain why you would like to visit this place with your family
Phân Tích Đề Bài
- Dạng câu hỏi: Describe a place (future plan/desire)
- Thì động từ: Present Simple cho description, Would + V cho plans/wishes
- Bullet points phải cover:
- Location: Nêu rõ địa điểm, có thể add context về khoảng cách, accessibility
- Description: Landscape, attractions, atmosphere, special features
- Activities: Cụ thể những gì gia đình bạn sẽ làm ở đó
- Reason: Đây là phần QUAN TRỌNG NHẤT – giải thích tại sao place này suitable cho family trip
- Câu “explain” quan trọng: Đây là nơi bạn show emotional connection, personal values và sự hiểu biết về family needs. Nên dành 30-45 giây cho phần này với 3-4 reasons sâu sắc.
📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7
Thời lượng: Khoảng 1.5-2 phút
I would like to talk about Japan, which is a country I really want to visit with my family. Japan is in East Asia, quite far from Vietnam, but we can take a direct flight from Hanoi, which takes about five hours.
Japan is a very beautiful and modern country. It has many famous places like Tokyo Tower, Mount Fuji, and traditional temples. The cities are very clean and organized, and people there are very polite. In spring, there are beautiful cherry blossoms everywhere, which look really nice.
If we visit Japan, we would do many things together. First, we would visit Tokyo to see the city and try Japanese food like sushi and ramen. My younger brother loves anime, so we would go to some anime shops and maybe visit a manga museum. We would also go to Kyoto to see old temples and experience traditional Japanese culture. I think my parents would like the peaceful gardens there. We would also like to try staying in a traditional Japanese hotel called a ryokan.
I want to visit Japan with my family for several reasons. First, it’s a safe country with good public transportation, so it’s convenient for family travel. Second, my family members have different interests, and Japan has something for everyone – modern cities for young people and traditional places for older people. Third, I think it would be an educational trip where we can learn about a different culture together. Finally, I believe this trip would give us many good memories because we can experience new things together.
Phân Tích Band Điểm
| Tiêu chí | Band | Nhận xét |
|---|---|---|
| Fluency & Coherence | 6-7 | Câu trả lời có structure rõ ràng, cover đầy đủ bullet points. Sử dụng sequencers cơ bản (First, Second, Third, Finally). Có một số hesitation nhỏ nhưng không ảnh hưởng nhiều đến communication. |
| Lexical Resource | 6-7 | Từ vựng adequate với topic: cherry blossoms, temples, public transportation, traditional culture. Tuy nhiên nhiều từ vẫn ở mức basic (beautiful, nice, good). Có một số topic-specific vocabulary (ryokan, manga museum). |
| Grammatical Range & Accuracy | 6-7 | Sử dụng mix của simple và complex sentences. Modal verbs (would) được dùng đúng context. Có present simple và conditional structures. Một số lỗi nhỏ nhưng không ảnh hưởng nghiêm trọng đến meaning. |
| Pronunciation | 6-7 | Rõ ràng và dễ hiểu. Word stress cơ bản đúng. Intonation patterns acceptable nhưng có thể monotonous ở một số chỗ. |
Điểm mạnh:
- ✅ Cover đầy đủ tất cả bullet points
- ✅ Structure logic với clear paragraphing
- ✅ Có specific examples (Tokyo Tower, Mount Fuji, sushi, anime)
- ✅ Giải thích reasons tại sao muốn đi với gia đình
Hạn chế:
- ⚠️ Vocabulary chưa sophisticated, nhiều từ cơ bản lặp lại
- ⚠️ Thiếu vivid descriptions và sensory details
- ⚠️ Reasons chưa deeply personal, còn hơi general
- ⚠️ Grammar structures chưa đa dạng, ít inversion/cleft sentences
📝 Sample Answer – Band 7.5-8
Thời lượng: Khoảng 2-2.5 phút
I’d love to share with you my dream destination for a family trip, which is New Zealand. It’s this stunning island nation in the southwestern Pacific Ocean, about a 10-hour flight from Vietnam, but from what I’ve researched, it’s absolutely worth the journey.
New Zealand is renowned for its breathtaking natural landscapes – I’m talking about majestic mountains, pristine lakes, and lush green valleys that look like something straight out of a fantasy movie. In fact, many scenes from “The Lord of the Rings” were filmed there, which initially sparked my interest. The country has this unique combination of rugged wilderness and charming small towns where people are known for being incredibly welcoming. What particularly appeals to me is that it’s not overly commercialized like some popular tourist destinations, so you can still find these untouched natural spots.
If we were to visit, I’ve got quite an itinerary in mind. We’d start in the South Island, probably in Queenstown, which is dubbed the adventure capital of the country. My dad and I would love to try bungee jumping there – he’s always been quite the thrill-seeker despite his age. For my mom, who’s more into leisurely activities, there are these beautiful scenic walks along Lake Wakatipu where she could just soak in the views. We’d also go to Milford Sound to take a fjord cruise – I’ve seen pictures and the waterfalls there are absolutely spectacular. Another thing on my list is visiting Hobbiton, the actual movie set, because my younger sister is obsessed with the films. We’d probably spend some time in Auckland as well to experience the urban side of New Zealand and try the local cuisine.
The reason I’m so keen on visiting New Zealand with my family is multifaceted. Primarily, it offers something for each family member – adventure for the adrenaline junkies like Dad and me, natural beauty for Mom who loves photography, and pop culture sites for my sister. Beyond that, I feel like the country’s emphasis on nature conservation aligns with values I’d like my family to appreciate more. We’re often caught up in our busy city lives in Hanoi, and I think being surrounded by such unspoiled nature would help us reconnect not just with each other but also with the environment. Plus, from what I’ve read, New Zealand has excellent infrastructure and is very family-friendly, which would make the logistics much easier for a trip with different generations. It would be an opportunity to step out of our comfort zone together and create lasting bonds through shared experiences.
Phân Tích Band Điểm
| Tiêu chí | Band | Nhận xét |
|---|---|---|
| Fluency & Coherence | 7.5-8 | Speaks at length with minimal hesitation. Natural use of discourse markers (In fact, Beyond that, Plus). Ideas well-organized and logically connected. Self-correction shows monitoring. |
| Lexical Resource | 7.5-8 | Wide vocabulary range with precise meanings: “renowned for”, “sparked my interest”, “overly commercialized”, “multifaceted”. Good use of collocations: “pristine lakes”, “rugged wilderness”, “adrenaline junkies”. Some less common vocabulary (fjord, unspoiled, itinerary). |
| Grammatical Range & Accuracy | 7.5-8 | Wide range of structures: conditional (If we were to visit), passive (were filmed), relative clauses (who’s more into), present perfect (I’ve researched). Mostly error-free with sophisticated structures. |
| Pronunciation | 7.5-8 | Clear throughout with appropriate stress and intonation. Features like contractions (I’d, We’d) sound natural. Word and sentence stress effectively convey meaning. |
So Sánh Với Band 6-7
| Khía cạnh | Band 6-7 | Band 7.5-8 |
|---|---|---|
| Vocabulary | “beautiful country”, “famous places”, “very clean” | “stunning island nation”, “breathtaking landscapes”, “renowned for”, “incredibly welcoming” |
| Grammar | “Japan is a very beautiful country” (simple) | “It’s this stunning island nation in the southwestern Pacific Ocean” (demonstrative + apposition) |
| Ideas | “It’s a safe country with good transportation” | “The country’s emphasis on nature conservation aligns with values I’d like my family to appreciate more” |
| Personal Connection | “I think it would be educational” | “Help us reconnect not just with each other but also with the environment” |
📝 Sample Answer – Band 8.5-9
Thời lượng: 2.5-3 phút đầy đủ
The place that’s been at the top of my bucket list for a family trip is Iceland, and I genuinely believe it would be the quintessential destination for us. It’s this remarkable Nordic island nation situated in the North Atlantic, roughly equidistant between Europe and North America, which, while requiring a rather lengthy journey with layovers from Vietnam, would make the anticipation all the more exciting.
What captivates me about Iceland is its otherworldly landscape that seems almost surreal – it’s essentially a living geological museum where you can witness the raw forces of nature at work. Picture this: steaming geothermal springs against a backdrop of glacial ice caps, volcanic black sand beaches that stretch endlessly, and the ethereal Northern Lights dancing across winter skies. Unlike more conventional tourist destinations that can feel somewhat contrived, Iceland has this authentic, untamed quality about it. The country has struck a delicate balance between promoting tourism and preserving its fragile ecosystems, which I find incredibly commendable. What’s also fascinating is the stark contrast between the desolate, almost lunar landscapes in some regions and the cozy, geothermal-heated towns where the locals maintain a remarkably high quality of life.
In terms of activities, I’ve got this elaborate plan that I think would cater to everyone’s preferences while pushing us slightly beyond our comfort zones. We’d start with the Golden Circle route, which encompasses some iconic landmarks like Þingvellir National Park, where you can literally walk between two tectonic plates – how mind-blowing is that? My father, who’s always been fascinated by geology, would absolutely revel in this experience. For my mother, who’s more artistically inclined, I’d arrange a visit to Reykjavik’s thriving arts scene and perhaps a relaxing afternoon at the Blue Lagoon, where she could unwind in the milky-blue geothermal waters. My younger brother, who’s quite the adventurous type, would probably be over the moon about glacier hiking or exploring ice caves. I’m personally dying to witness the Northern Lights – there’s something almost spiritual about that phenomenon. We’d also do some less conventional activities like visiting a local farm to learn about sustainable living, or attending a traditional Icelandic storytelling session, which would give us insights into the country’s rich folklore.
The rationale behind choosing Iceland for a family trip is actually quite nuanced. On a superficial level, yes, it ticks all the boxes for a memorable vacation – stunning scenery, unique experiences, and excellent safety records. But what resonates with me on a deeper level is the opportunity it presents for my family to engage with concepts like environmental stewardship and sustainable living, which I feel are increasingly crucial in today’s world. My parents’ generation didn’t grow up with the same environmental consciousness that my generation has, and I think experiencing Iceland’s commitment to renewable energy and ecological preservation firsthand could spark meaningful conversations within our family.
Moreover, I’ve noticed that as we’ve gotten older, our family interactions have become somewhat routine and compartmentalized – everyone’s absorbed in their own digital worlds. An Iceland trip would necessitate being present in the moment because the landscapes are so awe-inspiring that even my phone-addicted brother couldn’t resist putting down his devices. There’s also this psychological aspect where being in such a remote, pristine environment tends to strip away the superficial concerns of daily life and allows for more authentic connections.
Finally, and this might sound a bit sentimental, but I’m at that age where I’m acutely aware that these opportunities to travel with my entire family won’t last forever. My parents are getting older, I’ll likely start my own family eventually, and my brother will pursue his own path. Iceland represents this once-in-a-lifetime adventure that would give us indelible memories and inside jokes to reference for years to come. It’s not just about seeing beautiful places; it’s about forging deeper bonds through shared wonder and collective challenges.
Phân Tích Band Điểm
| Tiêu chí | Band | Nhận xét |
|---|---|---|
| Fluency & Coherence | 8.5-9 | Speaks fluently with only rare repetition or self-correction. Develops topics fully and appropriately. Uses sophisticated cohesive devices (Moreover, Finally, On a superficial level). Logical progression from description to activities to deep personal reasons. |
| Lexical Resource | 8.5-9 | Sophisticated vocabulary used naturally: “quintessential”, “equidistant”, “otherworldly”, “contrived”, “commendable”, “nuanced”, “indelible”. Precise collocations: “struck a delicate balance”, “stark contrast”, “environmental stewardship”. Idiomatic language: “ticks all the boxes”, “over the moon”, “dying to”. Uses paraphrase skillfully. |
| Grammatical Range & Accuracy | 8.5-9 | Full range of structures with flexibility. Complex sentences: “Unlike more conventional tourist destinations that can feel somewhat contrived, Iceland has this authentic quality”. Conditional and hypothetical language. Error-free throughout. Perfect use of articles and prepositions. |
| Pronunciation | 8.5-9 | Excellent control of phonological features. Varies intonation to convey precise meaning and emotion. Stress and rhythm are natural. Pronunciation of Þingvellir shows attempt at authenticity. |
Tại Sao Bài Này Xuất Sắc
🎯 Fluency Hoàn Hảo:
- Nói liên tục 3 phút without noticeable hesitation
- Self-correction minimal và natural (“and this might sound a bit sentimental”)
- Discourse markers sophisticated không cliché
📚 Vocabulary Tinh Vi:
- “otherworldly landscape”: Không chỉ “beautiful” mà “otherworldly” – từ mô tả chính xác feeling khi nhìn Iceland
- “struck a delicate balance”: Collocation chuẩn native về environmental management
- “indelible memories”: Thay vì “unforgettable memories” – more literary
- “nuanced”: Thay vì “complicated” – shows sophisticated thinking
- Mix của descriptive (ethereal, surreal), evaluative (commendable, authentic) và abstract vocabulary (stewardship, consciousness)
📝 Grammar Đa Dạng:
- Cleft sentence: “What captivates me about Iceland is…”
- Relative clauses: “where you can literally walk between two tectonic plates”
- Conditional: “would make the anticipation all the more exciting”
- Present perfect: “has struck a delicate balance”
- Passive trong academic context: “which would give us insights”
💡 Ideas Sâu Sắc:
- Không chỉ describe nơi đẹp mà còn link đến personal values (environmental consciousness)
- Phản ánh về family dynamics và digital addiction
- Philosophical về time passing và family bonds
- Show maturity trong việc understand different family members’ needs
- Emotional intelligence khi mention “acutely aware opportunities won’t last forever”
🎭 Storytelling & Personal Touch:
- Paints vivid pictures: “steaming geothermal springs against backdrop of glacial ice caps”
- Brings family members to life: “phone-addicted brother”, “father fascinated by geology”
- Honest và relatable: “might sound sentimental”
- Shows personality: genuine enthusiasm shines through
Phong cảnh thiên nhiên Iceland với núi lửa băng giá và suối nước nóng cho chuyến du lịch gia đình lý tưởng
Follow-up Questions (Rounding Off Questions)
Examiner có thể hỏi thêm 1-2 câu ngắn sau Part 2 để transition sang Part 3:
Question 1: Have you discussed this trip with your family?
Band 6-7 Answer:
Yes, I have talked about it with them. My parents think it’s a good idea but they say it’s quite expensive. We’re thinking about saving money for this trip.
Band 8-9 Answer:
I’ve actually broached the subject several times, and the reactions have been quite mixed. My father is all for it and has already started researching flight options, while my mother is a bit more apprehensive about the long journey. But I think once I show them the detailed itinerary I’ve been working on, they’ll be more on board with the idea.
Question 2: When do you think would be the best time to visit?
Band 6-7 Answer:
I think summer would be the best time because the weather is warmer and we can do more outdoor activities. Winter is too cold and dark.
Band 8-9 Answer:
That’s actually a tough call because each season offers something unique. Summer provides extended daylight hours and milder temperatures for outdoor activities, but winter offers the prime opportunity to see the Northern Lights. I’m leaning towards visiting in late September or early October, which is this sweet spot where you might catch both the autumn colors and early aurora displays, though the weather can be quite unpredictable.
IELTS Speaking Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Tổng Quan Về Part 3
Part 3 là phần thảo luận sâu kéo dài 4-5 phút với các câu hỏi trừu tượng và phức tạp hơn, liên quan đến chủ đề Part 2. Đây là nơi examiner đánh giá khả năng phân tích, critical thinking và express complex ideas của bạn.
Yêu cầu:
- Không chỉ nói về personal experience mà phải analyze social trends, causes, effects
- Đưa ra balanced views, acknowledge different perspectives
- Support opinions với examples từ society, không chỉ bản thân
- Show awareness của complexity của issues
Chiến lược hiệu quả:
- Structure câu trả lời: Direct answer → Elaborate với 2-3 points → Example → Possibly acknowledge counter-argument → Conclude/Nuance
- Sử dụng discourse markers để organization: Well, Actually, I suppose, To some extent
- Tentative language để sound sophisticated: It seems to me, I would argue that, Arguably
- Nếu không hiểu câu hỏi, ASK FOR CLARIFICATION (không bị trừ điểm)
Lỗi thường gặp của học viên Việt Nam:
- Trả lời quá ngắn (1-2 câu) trong khi nên 4-6 câu
- Chỉ nói về personal experience thay vì societal perspective
- Thiếu reasoning và examples
- Không có balanced view (chỉ nói một chiều)
- Thiếu từ vựng abstract và academic
Các Câu Hỏi Thảo Luận Sâu
Theme 1: Family Travel Benefits
Question 1: Why do you think family trips are important for family relationships?
🎯 Phân tích câu hỏi:
- Dạng: Opinion + Explanation (Why)
- Key words: family trips, important, family relationships
- Cách tiếp cận: Give direct opinion → Explain psychological/social reasons → Provide concrete examples → Possibly mention when it might not work
📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:
I think family trips are very important for relationships because they give families time to be together without work or study. When people travel together, they have to talk and do things together, which helps them understand each other better. For example, parents can learn about their children’s interests, and children can spend quality time with their parents. Also, traveling creates good memories that families can remember together.
Phân tích:
- Structure: Clear với opinion → reasons → example, nhưng còn basic
- Vocabulary: “Quality time”, “good memories” – adequate nhưng không sophisticated
- Tại sao Band 6-7: Answers the question với some development nhưng lacks depth và abstract vocabulary
📝 Câu trả lời mẫu – Band 8-9:
Well, I’d argue that family trips serve as a crucial catalyst for strengthening family bonds in today’s increasingly fragmented society. You see, in our daily routines, family members often exist in parallel universes – parents are preoccupied with work pressures, children with academic demands, and everyone’s glued to their individual screens. Travel essentially disrupts these patterns and creates what psychologists call “shared experiences,” which are fundamental to building emotional connections.
What’s particularly compelling about travel is that it necessitates collaboration in ways that ordinary life doesn’t. When you’re navigating a foreign city together or deciding where to eat, you’re engaging in joint problem-solving that requires genuine communication. There’s also this psychological phenomenon where novel experiences trigger the release of dopamine, making people more receptive and present in the moment – which is exactly the state that fosters deeper conversations.
Beyond the immediate bonding, family trips also establish a shared narrative that becomes part of the family’s collective identity. I’ve noticed with my own family that we constantly reference our past trips in daily conversations – those shared memories become touchstones that reinforce our sense of belonging to the family unit. Research actually shows that families who travel together have higher levels of cohesion and better communication patterns even after returning home.
That said, I should acknowledge that trips can sometimes exacerbate tensions if families don’t plan carefully or if there are underlying conflicts. But by and large, when done thoughtfully, travel creates these pockets of undivided attention that are increasingly rare in modern life.
Phân tích:
- Structure: Sophisticated với direct answer → psychological explanation → collaboration aspect → long-term impact → nuanced caveat
- Vocabulary: Abstract nouns (catalyst, cohesion, touchstones), precise verbs (necessitates, exacerbate), academic phrases (by and large, that said)
- Grammar: Complex conditionals, passive with reporting verbs (research shows), relative clauses
- Critical Thinking: References psychology, acknowledges exceptions, provides societal context
💡 Key Language Features:
- Discourse markers: Well, You see, That said, Beyond, By and large
- Tentative language: I’d argue that, I should acknowledge, tends to
- Abstract nouns: catalyst, fragmentation, cohesion, phenomenon, narrative
- Academic tone: Research shows, psychologists call, studies indicate
Question 2: How has family travel changed in recent years compared to the past?
🎯 Phân tích câu hỏi:
- Dạng: Compare & Contrast (Past vs Present)
- Key words: changed, recent years, compared to the past
- Cách tiếp cận: Identify 2-3 major changes → Explain causes → Possibly predict future trends
📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:
Family travel has changed a lot recently. In the past, families usually traveled to nearby places because it was cheaper and easier. Now, more families can afford to go to foreign countries. Also, technology like the internet helps families plan trips more easily – they can book hotels and flights online. Another change is that families now want more educational experiences when they travel, not just relaxation.
Phân tích:
- Structure: Lists changes but lacks depth in explanation
- Vocabulary: Basic comparison words (in the past, now)
- Tại sao Band 6-7: Adequate comparison nhưng needs more sophisticated analysis
📝 Câu trả lời mẫu – Band 8-9:
The landscape of family travel has undergone quite a dramatic transformation over the past few decades, and I think we can identify several key shifts.
First and foremost, there’s been this democratization of travel – what was once the preserve of affluent families has become increasingly accessible to the middle class, particularly in developing countries like Vietnam. This is largely due to the proliferation of budget airlines and competitive pricing in the tourism industry. My parents’ generation might have taken one domestic trip every few years, whereas now it’s not uncommon for families to travel multiple times annually, often internationally.
Secondly, the way families plan and experience travel has been revolutionized by technology. The entire process has become radically more independent – families can bypass traditional travel agents entirely, researching destinations through vlogs and travel blogs, making bookings through apps, and even navigating foreign cities using translation apps and GPS. This has led to more spontaneous and personalized itineraries rather than the cookie-cutter package tours that dominated the past.
Perhaps most interestingly, there’s been a fundamental shift in motivation. Past generations viewed family vacations primarily as escapist experiences – time to relax at a beach resort. Contemporary families, however, are increasingly seeking what I’d call “transformative travel” – experiences that broaden perspectives and offer educational value. You see this trend in the rise of eco-tourism, cultural immersion programs, and volunteer tourism, where families combine travel with meaningful engagement.
There’s also a generational dynamic at play. Parents today are more attuned to their children’s preferences, often incorporating destinations that appeal to kids’ interests – whether that’s visiting film locations, attending festivals, or exploring theme parks. This represents a shift from the parent-centric travel planning of previous decades.
Looking ahead, I’d predict we’ll see even more personalization and a growing emphasis on sustainable travel practices as environmental consciousness becomes more ingrained in younger generations.
Phân tích:
- Structure: Multiple clear points with elaboration (democratization → technology → motivation shift → generational dynamics → future prediction)
- Vocabulary: Sophisticated academic vocabulary (proliferation, democratization, ingrained, transformative)
- Grammar: Complex noun phrases, passive constructions, conditional structures
- Critical Thinking: Historical context, cause-and-effect analysis, future prediction, societal implications
💡 Key Language Features:
- Sequencing: First and foremost, Secondly, Perhaps most interestingly, Looking ahead
- Contrast language: whereas, rather than, shift from…to
- Emphasis: quite a dramatic transformation, radically more, fundamental shift
- Nominalization: democratization, proliferation, personalization (showing academic register)
Theme 2: Tourism Development and Impact
Question 1: What are the advantages and disadvantages of tourism development for local communities?
🎯 Phân tích câu hỏi:
- Dạng: Balanced argument (Advantages vs Disadvantages)
- Key words: tourism development, local communities
- Cách tiếp cận: Present 2-3 advantages → 2-3 disadvantages → Possibly suggest balance
📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:
Tourism development has both good and bad effects on local communities. The advantages are that it creates jobs for local people and brings money to the area. Local businesses like hotels and restaurants can make more profit. However, there are also disadvantages. Tourism can make local areas too crowded and noisy. Also, prices of things like houses and food can increase, making life harder for local residents. Sometimes tourism also damages the environment and traditional culture.
Phân tích:
- Structure: Basic advantages → disadvantages, adequate coverage
- Vocabulary: Simple (good, bad, make more profit)
- Tại sao Band 6-7: Covers main points but lacks sophistication and specific examples
📝 Câu trả lời mẫu – Band 8-9:
This is actually quite a contentious issue with valid arguments on both sides, and I think the impact really depends on how tourism is managed and regulated.
On the positive side, tourism can be an economic lifeline for communities, particularly in regions with limited alternative industries. It generates what economists call “multiplier effects” – when tourists spend money, it doesn’t just benefit hotels but ripples through the entire local economy: restaurants, transportation, handicraft producers, and so on. Take Hoi An in Vietnam as an example – tourism has transformed what was once a sleepy fishing town into a thriving hub where local artisans can make a decent living preserving traditional crafts that might otherwise have died out. There’s also this aspect of cultural exchange that, when done well, can foster mutual understanding and even revitalize local traditions as communities take pride in sharing their heritage.
However, the downsides can be quite severe if tourism develops unchecked. One of the most pernicious effects is what’s known as “overtourism” – when the influx of visitors overwhelms local infrastructure and quality of life. We’ve seen this in places like Barcelona or Venice, where residents have been essentially priced out of their own neighborhoods due to skyrocketing property values driven by short-term rental markets. There’s also the issue of environmental degradation – fragile ecosystems like coral reefs or mountain trails can be irreversibly damaged by excessive foot traffic.
Perhaps most concerning is the potential for cultural commodification, where authentic traditions become sanitized performances for tourist consumption. I’ve witnessed this in some tribal villages in Southeast Asia where traditional ceremonies that once held genuine spiritual significance have become staged spectacles repeated multiple times daily for tour groups. This strips away the authenticity that tourists presumably came to experience, creating a sort of hollow facade.
The key, I believe, lies in sustainable tourism development that prioritizes local voices in decision-making and implements carrying capacity limits. Places like Bhutan, with their high-value, low-impact tourism model, demonstrate that it’s possible to reap economic benefits while safeguarding cultural and environmental integrity. It requires deliberate policy choices and often means sacrificing short-term profits for long-term sustainability.
Phân tích:
- Structure: Balanced với clear signposting (On the positive side, However, Perhaps most concerning)
- Vocabulary: Academic and precise (contentious, pernicious, commodification, facade, safeguarding)
- Grammar: Complex structures including passive, relative clauses, conditionals
- Critical Thinking: Specific examples (Hoi An, Barcelona, Bhutan), economic concepts (multiplier effects), nuanced understanding (depends on management)
💡 Key Language Features:
- Hedging language: quite a contentious issue, can be, when done well, I believe
- Economic terminology: multiplier effects, carrying capacity, high-value low-impact model
- Cause and effect: ripples through, driven by, strips away
- Examples: Take Hoi An as an example, We’ve seen this in, Places like Bhutan
Question 2: Do you think families should visit tourist attractions or less-known places?
🎯 Phân tích câu hỏi:
- Dạng: Opinion with evaluation
- Key words: should (modal showing recommendation), tourist attractions vs less-known places
- Cách tiếp cận: Present both options → Evaluate pros/cons → Personal stance with nuance
📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:
I think both types of places have their own benefits. Tourist attractions are popular for good reasons – they usually have good facilities and are safe for families. Also, they have famous things to see. But less-known places can be more interesting and less crowded. Families can have more authentic experiences there. In my opinion, families should try to visit both types of places to have a balanced travel experience.
Phân tích:
- Structure: Presents both options và basic evaluation
- Vocabulary: Generic (good reasons, interesting, authentic)
- Tại sao Band 6-7: Adequate but lacks depth và specific reasoning
📝 Câu trả lời mẫu – Band 8-9:
Well, I don’t think this is an either-or proposition – rather, I’d advocate for a balanced approach that weighs several factors, particularly the family’s specific circumstances and travel objectives.
Established tourist attractions have earned their popularity for legitimate reasons. They typically offer reliable infrastructure, well-maintained facilities, and safety standards that are particularly important when traveling with children or elderly family members. There’s something to be said for the convenience factor – you’re not going to show up at the Taj Mahal and find it unexpectedly closed, whereas that off-the-beaten-path temple might be. Moreover, major attractions often warrant their fame – they represent genuinely significant cultural or natural sites that offer enriching experiences. To dismiss them as “too touristy” would be rather short-sighted.
That said, there’s a compelling case for venturing beyond the standard tourist circuit. Less-frequented destinations offer what I’d call “discovery value” – that sense of uncovering something special rather than ticking off a checklist. For families, these places can provide more authentic interactions with locals who haven’t become jaded by constant tourist interaction. I remember visiting a small fishing village in central Vietnam with my family – we ended up being invited to a local wedding, which was this incredibly enriching cultural experience you’d never encounter at a major tourist site. There’s also the practical advantage of avoiding crowds, which honestly can make or break a family trip when you have young children.
However, I should note that less-known places require more careful vetting and perhaps aren’t suitable for families with very young children or specific accessibility needs. There’s a trade-off between authenticity and convenience.
My personal stance would be that the optimal approach is to strike a balance – perhaps anchor your trip around one or two major attractions that genuinely interest your family, but intersperse these with exploration of lesser-known areas. This way, you get the best of both worlds: the reliability and significance of established sites, combined with the spontaneity and authenticity of discovering hidden gems. The specific ratio would depend on the family’s adventurousness, the ages of children involved, and the overall trip duration.
Ultimately, I think the worst approach is rigidly adhering to either extreme – being a tourist snob who dismisses all popular attractions, or conversely, never deviating from the standard tour bus route.
Phân tích:
- Structure: Sophisticated three-part structure (attractions have merit → less-known places offer value → balanced personal stance with caveats)
- Vocabulary: Nuanced and varied (compelling case, jaded by, vetting, intersperse, optimal approach)
- Grammar: Conditional structures, participle clauses, cleft sentences
- Critical Thinking: Acknowledges complexity, considers different family situations, rejects false dichotomy, pragmatic approach
💡 Key Language Features:
- Nuance markers: rather, that said, however, ultimately
- Rejection of false binary: not an either-or proposition, strike a balance, best of both worlds
- Evaluation language: compelling case, warrant their fame, short-sighted
- Personal hedging: I’d advocate for, My personal stance, I think
Gia đình Việt Nam vui vẻ khám phá một ngôi làng nhỏ ít người biết với trải nghiệm văn hóa chân thực
Theme 3: Travel and Technology
Question 1: How has technology changed the way people plan family trips?
🎯 Phân tích câu hỏi:
- Dạng: How question (Process/Mechanism)
- Key words: technology, changed, plan family trips
- Cách tiếp cận: Identify specific technological changes → Explain impact → Possibly evaluate positive/negative
📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:
Technology has changed travel planning in many ways. Now people can use the internet to search for information about destinations and read reviews from other travelers. They can also book flights and hotels online easily without going to travel agencies. Social media helps people see photos and videos of places, which helps them decide where to go. Apps on phones can help with translation and navigation when traveling. Overall, technology makes planning trips faster and more convenient.
Phân tích:
- Structure: Lists changes adequately
- Vocabulary: Basic technology terms (internet, social media, apps)
- Tại sao Band 6-7: Covers main points but lacks analytical depth
📝 Câu trả lời mẫu – Band 8-9:
Technology has fundamentally revolutionized every stage of family trip planning, and I’d say we’re experiencing what amounts to a paradigm shift from how it was done even just a decade ago.
At the research phase, the transformation is most obvious. Previously, families were largely reliant on travel agents, guidebooks, or word-of-mouth recommendations – sources that were somewhat limited in scope and often commercially biased. Now, we have access to this democratized wealth of information through platforms like TripAdvisor, travel vlogs, and specialized forums. What’s particularly valuable is the peer-to-peer review system – you can read candid feedback from families with similar demographics, which helps you gauge whether a destination is genuinely child-friendly or if that “family resort” is actually geared toward adults. My mother, for instance, religiously consults YouTube travel channels before any trip, watching comprehensive walkthroughs of hotels and destinations that provide far more transparency than glossy brochure photos ever did.
The booking process has been streamlined almost beyond recognition. Comparison platforms allow families to evaluate options across multiple criteria simultaneously – price, location, amenities – and execute bookings instantaneously. This has created much more price competition, generally benefiting consumers. There’s also greater flexibility with last-minute bookings and modifications, though I should mention this has its downsides in terms of decision paralysis – having too many options can actually be overwhelming.
Perhaps most significantly, technology has enabled hyper-personalization of travel experiences. Algorithm-driven recommendations based on past behavior, interests, and preferences mean that the suggestions families receive are increasingly tailored rather than generic. Apps like Google Trips or TripIt can aggregate all your bookings, create day-by-day itineraries, and even provide offline access to essential information – effectively putting a personal travel assistant in your pocket.
During the trip itself, real-time GPS navigation has made families far more autonomous – we’re no longer tethered to organized tours or worried about getting hopelessly lost. Translation apps have broken down language barriers that previously made some destinations seem daunting for families. And the ability to stay connected through messaging apps provides peace of mind for parents who can quickly look up safety information or contact accommodations if plans change.
However, I think it’s worth acknowledging some downsides. There’s been a loss of serendipity – the spontaneous discoveries that happened when you didn’t have everything meticulously planned via apps. Also, the constant connectivity can undermine the escapist aspect of travel – you see families at dinner tables all on their devices rather than engaging with each other. The ubiquity of photography driven by social media has sometimes created this performative aspect to travel where experiences become about capturing the perfect Instagram shot rather than genuine engagement.
On balance, though, I think technology has been overwhelmingly positive for family travel planning, democratizing access and making it safer and more manageable, particularly for families navigating unfamiliar destinations with children in tow.
Phân tích:
- Structure: Chronological and thematic (research → booking → personalization → during trip → downsides → conclusion)
- Vocabulary: Sophisticated technology terminology (algorithm-driven, hyper-personalization, aggregate) mixed with travel vocabulary
- Grammar: Complex noun phrases, passive voice, conditional structures
- Critical Thinking: Specific examples, balanced view including downsides, sociological observations (performative aspect, loss of serendipity)
💡 Key Language Features:
- Process language: revolutionized, streamlined, transformed, enabled
- Contrast and evaluation: Previously…Now, However, On balance
- Technology-specific terms: algorithm-driven, peer-to-peer, real-time, offline access
- Critical perspective: decision paralysis, performative aspect, undermines
Question 2: Do you think people rely too much on technology when traveling?
🎯 Phân tích câu hỏi:
- Dạng: Opinion question với potential criticism
- Key words: rely too much, technology, traveling
- Cách tiếp cận: Define “too much” → Evaluate benefits vs problems → Nuanced position
📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:
Yes, I think many people rely too much on technology when traveling. They always use their phones to check maps, take photos, and post on social media. This means they don’t really pay attention to the places they visit. However, technology is also useful for safety and finding information. So people should try to use technology in a balanced way – use it when necessary but also enjoy the experience without always looking at their phones.
Phân tích:
- Structure: Opinion → reasons → counter-point → conclusion
- Vocabulary: Basic (always looking at phones, pay attention)
- Tại sao Band 6-7: Addresses the question với basic reasoning but lacks sophistication
📝 Câu trả lời mẫu – Band 8-9:
This is a really nuanced question because it depends on what we mean by “too much” and whether the reliance actually detracts from the travel experience or enhances it. I think there’s definitely cause for concern in some areas, while in others, the criticism is somewhat overblown.
Where I do see genuine problems is in what I’d call the “mediated experience” phenomenon – people are so busy documenting their travels for social media that they’re not actually fully present in the moment. You see this epidemic of people at iconic landmarks, more focused on getting the perfect selfie than actually contemplating what they’re seeing. There’s something rather tragic about visiting, say, the Grand Canyon, but experiencing it primarily through a phone screen. This represents technology not as a tool but as a barrier between the traveler and the experience.
There’s also the issue of over-dependence on GPS and apps eroding certain skills and types of experiences. When you’re following Google Maps’ turn-by-turn directions, you don’t develop the same spatial awareness of a place. Getting pleasantly lost used to be part of the adventure – it often led to serendipitous discoveries. Now, we’re so averse to even momentary disorientation that we immediately reach for our devices. I’ve noticed this with my own family – my younger brother has essentially zero map-reading skills because he’s grown up with GPS, whereas my father can navigate unfamiliar cities relatively easily using traditional wayfinding.
However, I think criticisms of technology use while traveling can be somewhat sanctimonious. The reality is that technology has made travel accessible to demographics who previously found it intimidating – think of parents traveling with small children, elderly tourists, or people with disabilities. Navigation apps, translation tools, and real-time information about closures or safety issues provide a safety net that enables people to travel more confidently and independently. To dismiss these benefits in favor of some romanticized notion of “authentic” travel seems rather elitist.
My take is that technology itself is neutral – it’s our relationship with it that’s problematic. The issue isn’t using your phone to navigate or looking up historical information about a site you’re visiting – that can actually enrich the experience. The problem arises when technology becomes a substitute for rather than a supplement to direct experience.
I think the solution lies in mindful technology use – perhaps designating “device-free” times during family trips, using technology strategically for planning and logistics but putting devices away during actual experiences, and being conscious about whether we’re capturing memories or performing for social media audiences. It’s about harnessing technology’s benefits while guarding against its capacity to create distance between us and our experiences.
Ultimately, I’d say the question isn’t whether people rely too much on technology, but whether they’re using it in ways that serve or undermine their travel goals. And that requires a level of self-awareness and intentionality that, frankly, many travelers haven’t developed yet.
Phân tích:
- Structure: Complex multi-layered argument (acknowledge problem → specific issues → counter-argument → nuanced position → solution → philosophical conclusion)
- Vocabulary: Sophisticated abstract terms (mediated experience, serendipitous, sanctimonious, elitist, intentionality)
- Grammar: Full range including hypothetical constructions, cleft sentences, participle phrases
- Critical Thinking: Sociological analysis, acknowledges different perspectives, rejects simplistic answers, philosophical depth
💡 Key Language Features:
- Nuance indicators: somewhat, rather, I think…can be, depends on
- Abstract concepts: mediated experience, spatial awareness, romanticized notion
- Balanced evaluation: Where I do see problems…However, On one hand…On the other
- Philosophical language: neutral, serves vs undermines, self-awareness, intentionality
Từ vựng và cụm từ quan trọng
Topic-Specific Vocabulary
| Từ vựng/Cụm từ | Loại từ | Phiên âm | Nghĩa tiếng Việt | Ví dụ | Collocation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| bucket list | n | /ˈbʌkɪt lɪst/ | danh sách những điều muốn làm trước khi chết | Iceland has been at the top of my bucket list for years. | on my bucket list, bucket list destination, cross off the bucket list |
| pristine | adj | /prɪˈstiːn/ | nguyên sơ, hoang sơ, trong lành | The pristine beaches of the island were absolutely stunning. | pristine nature, pristine environment, pristine condition, pristine waters |
| breathtaking | adj | /ˈbreθteɪkɪŋ/ | ngoạn mục, choáng ngợp | The mountain views were absolutely breathtaking. | breathtaking scenery, breathtaking view, breathtaking landscape |
| off the beaten path | idiom | /ɒf ðə ˈbiːtən pɑːθ/ | nằm ngoài lộ trình thông thường, ít người biết | We prefer to explore places off the beaten path. | get off the beaten path, venture off the beaten path, stay off the beaten path |
| itinerary | n | /aɪˈtɪnərəri/ | lịch trình, hành trình | We’ve planned a detailed itinerary for our trip. | travel itinerary, detailed itinerary, flexible itinerary, plan an itinerary |
| getaway | n | /ˈɡetəweɪ/ | chuyến du lịch ngắn ngày | We’re planning a weekend getaway to the mountains. | weekend getaway, quick getaway, romantic getaway, family getaway |
| wanderlust | n | /ˈwɒndəlʌst/ | niềm khao khát du lịch, khám phá thế giới | My wanderlust has taken me to over 30 countries. | satisfy wanderlust, wanderlust spirit, fuel wanderlust |
| immerse oneself | v | /ɪˈmɜːs wʌnˈself/ | đắm mình, hòa mình vào | We want to immerse ourselves in the local culture. | immerse in culture, immerse in experience, fully immerse |
| picturesque | adj | /ˌpɪktʃəˈresk/ | đẹp như tranh, nên thơ | The village was absolutely picturesque with cobblestone streets. | picturesque village, picturesque scenery, picturesque setting |
| unwind | v | /ʌnˈwaɪnd/ | thư giãn, xả stress | This trip is perfect for families to unwind together. | unwind and relax, unwind from work, chance to unwind |
| serenity | n | /səˈrenəti/ | sự thanh bình, yên tĩnh | I’m seeking the serenity of mountain landscapes. | peaceful serenity, sense of serenity, offer serenity |
| captivating | adj | /ˈkæptɪveɪtɪŋ/ | cuốn hút, quyến rũ | The local culture is absolutely captivating. | captivating beauty, captivating story, captivating scenery |
| hub | n | /hʌb/ | trung tâm, điểm giao thoa | Queenstown is the adventure hub of New Zealand. | cultural hub, tourist hub, transportation hub |
| venture | v | /ˈventʃə(r)/ | mạo hiểm, liều lĩnh đi | We want to venture beyond typical tourist areas. | venture into, venture out, venture forth |
| authentic | adj | /ɔːˈθentɪk/ | chân thực, xác thực | We’re looking for authentic local experiences. | authentic experience, authentic cuisine, authentic culture |
| hidden gem | idiom | /ˈhɪdn dʒem/ | viên ngọc ẩn (địa điểm đẹp ít người biết) | We discovered a hidden gem of a restaurant. | discover a hidden gem, uncover hidden gems, hidden gem destination |
| rugged | adj | /ˈrʌɡɪd/ | gồ ghề, hiểm trở, hoang dã | Iceland is known for its rugged landscapes. | rugged terrain, rugged beauty, rugged coastline |
| trek | n/v | /trek/ | chuyến đi bộ dài, leo núi | We’re planning to trek through the national park. | mountain trek, jungle trek, trekking adventure |
| traverse | v | /trəˈvɜːs/ | băng qua, đi ngang qua | We’ll traverse the entire island from north to south. | traverse the country, traverse terrain, traverse distance |
| rendezvous | n | /ˈrɒndɪvuː/ | điểm hẹn, cuộc hội ngộ | The cafe serves as a family rendezvous point. | meeting rendezvous, rendezvous point, arrange a rendezvous |
Idiomatic Expressions & Advanced Phrases
| Cụm từ | Nghĩa | Ví dụ sử dụng | Band điểm |
|---|---|---|---|
| get away from it all | thoát khỏi mọi thứ, nghỉ ngơi hoàn toàn | We need a vacation to get away from it all. | 7.5-8 |
| the world is your oyster | thế giới rộng mở trước mắt bạn | With modern travel, the world is your oyster. | 8-9 |
| a stone’s throw away | rất gần, trong vòng một tầm ném đá | The beach is just a stone’s throw away from our hotel. | 7-8 |
| over the moon | rất vui sướng, phấn khích | My brother would be over the moon about glacier hiking. | 7-8 |
| break the bank | tốn rất nhiều tiền | This trip won’t break the bank if we book early. | 7.5-8 |
| once in a lifetime | một lần trong đời | Seeing the Northern Lights is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. | 6.5-7 |
| make the most of | tận dụng tối đa | We should make the most of our time there. | 7-8 |
| live it up | sống hết mình, tận hưởng | Let’s live it up during this family vacation! | 7.5-8 |
| tick all the boxes | đáp ứng tất cả yêu cầu | This destination ticks all the boxes for a family trip. | 8-8.5 |
| blow someone away | khiến ai đó choáng ngợp | The scenery absolutely blew me away. | 7.5-8 |
| a far cry from | khác xa với | Modern resorts are a far cry from camping trips of the past. | 8-9 |
| step out of one’s comfort zone | vượt ra khỏi vùng an toàn | Travel helps families step out of their comfort zones. | 7.5-8 |
Discourse Markers (Từ Nối Ý Trong Speaking)
Để bắt đầu câu trả lời:
- 📝 Well,… – Dùng khi cần một chút thời gian suy nghĩ, tự nhiên và không formal quá
- 📝 Actually,… – Khi muốn đưa ra một góc nhìn khác hoặc correct một assumption
- 📝 To be honest,… – Khi muốn nói thật và personal opinion
- 📝 I’d say that… – Cách lịch sự để đưa ra quan điểm, softer hơn “I think”
- 📝 From my perspective,… – Formal hơn, phù hợp Part 3
Để bổ sung ý:
- 📝 On top of that,… – Thêm vào đó, add another point
- 📝 What’s more,… – Hơn nữa, similar nhưng formal hơn “also”
- 📝 Not to mention… – Chưa kể đến, emphasize additional point
- 📝 Beyond that,… – Vượt ra ngoài điều đó, move to deeper level
- 📝 Another thing worth mentioning is… – Formal, good cho Part 3
Để đưa ra quan điểm cân bằng:
- 📝 On the one hand,… On the other hand,… – Classic contrast structure
- 📝 While it’s true that…, we also need to consider… – Acknowledge một view trước khi present counter-view
- 📝 That said,… – Tuy nhiên, transition từ một argument sang counter-argument
- 📝 Having said that,… – Similar “that said”, slightly more formal
Để kết luận:
- 📝 All in all,… – Tóm lại, wrap up main points
- 📝 At the end of the day,… – Cuối cùng thì, informal và conversational
- 📝 On balance,… – Xét tổng thể, when weighing different factors
- 📝 Ultimately,… – Cuối cùng, for final conclusive statement
Để clarify hoặc elaborate:
- 📝 What I mean is… – Ý tôi là, explain further
- 📝 In other words,… – Nói cách khác, paraphrase
- 📝 To put it another way,… – Nói theo cách khác
- 📝 Let me clarify that… – Để tôi làm rõ
Grammatical Structures Ấn Tượng
1. Conditional Sentences (Câu điều kiện):
-
Mixed conditional:
- Formula: If + Past Perfect, would + V (present result of past condition)
- Ví dụ: “If we had discovered Iceland earlier, we would be planning our trip there right now.”
-
Inversion (Đảo ngữ):
- Formula: Had/Were/Should + Subject + V, main clause
- Ví dụ: “Were we to visit Japan, we would definitely spend time in Kyoto.”
2. Relative Clauses (Mệnh đề quan hệ):
-
Non-defining relative clause:
- Formula: …, which/who/where [additional info], …
- Ví dụ: “Iceland, which has become increasingly popular with Asian tourists, offers unique volcanic landscapes.”
-
Reduced relative clause:
- Formula: Noun + V-ing/V3
- Ví dụ: “Families seeking authentic experiences tend to avoid overly touristy areas.”
3. Passive Voice (Câu bị động):
-
Impersonal passive (It is + past participle + that):
- Ví dụ: “It is widely believed that family travel strengthens relationships.”
- “It is often said that the journey matters more than the destination.”
-
Reporting passive:
- Ví dụ: “Research has shown that shared experiences create stronger bonds.”
4. Cleft Sentences (Câu chẻ):
-
What-cleft:
- Formula: What + S + V + is/was…
- Ví dụ: “What I find most appealing about New Zealand is its pristine natural environment.”
- “What really matters is the quality time spent together.”
-
It-cleft:
- Formula: It + is/was… that/who…
- Ví dụ: “It was the breathtaking scenery that first attracted me to Iceland.”
5. Participle Clauses:
-
Present participle (showing simultaneous action):
- Ví dụ: “Traveling with family, you create memories that last a lifetime.”
-
Perfect participle (showing earlier action):
- Ví dụ: “Having researched extensively, we’ve decided Iceland is our ideal destination.”
6. Inversion for Emphasis:
-
Negative adverbials:
- Ví dụ: “Never have I seen such stunning landscapes.”
- “Not only does travel educate, but it also strengthens family bonds.”
-
Only/So/Such:
- Ví dụ: “Only by stepping out of our comfort zones can we truly grow.”
- “Such was the beauty of the place that we extended our stay.”
7. Hypothetical Language:
-
I wish/If only:
- Ví dụ: “I wish we could travel more frequently, but logistically it’s challenging.”
-
Would rather/prefer:
- Ví dụ: “I’d rather visit less commercialized destinations where authentic culture is preserved.”
Chiến Lược Trả Lời Từ Góc Nhìn Examiner
Những Yếu Tố Examiners Đánh Giá Cao
Fluency Indicators:
- Tự nhiên, không hesitate quá nhiều (um, uh thi thoảng là OK)
- Self-correction shows you’re monitoring: “I mean…”, “or rather…”
- Paraphrase thay vì repeat same words
- Speak at natural pace, không quá nhanh hay chậm
Vocabulary Signals of Higher Bands:
- Collocations chuẩn: “strike a balance” (không phải “make a balance”)
- Topic-specific terms: không chỉ “beautiful place” mà “pristine wilderness”, “rugged terrain”
- Academic vocabulary được dùng tự nhiên: “phenomenon”, “tendency”, “paradigm”
- Idiomatic expressions không forced: “off the beaten path”, “the world is your oyster”
Grammar Complexity:
- Mix của simple, compound và complex sentences
- Không phải mọi câu đều complex – đó là red flag của memorization
- Use of passives đúng context
- Conditional structures (especially mixed conditionals)
- Participle clauses to connect ideas smoothly
Ideas & Content:
- Personal examples với vivid details
- Acknowledgment of complexity: “It’s not that simple…”, “It depends on…”
- Balanced views trong Part 3
- Cultural awareness và broader perspective
Red Flags Khiến Examiners Nghi Ngờ
Memorized Answers:
- Quá smooth không hesitation
- Không relate đến câu hỏi cụ thể
- Dùng vocabulary quá academic không phù hợp context
- Không có personal touch
Over-rehearsed:
- Rigid structure giống nhau mọi câu trả lời
- Template phrases: “There are several reasons why…”
- Không flexible khi examiner ask follow-up questions
Inconsistencies:
- Vocabulary level tụt xuống đột ngột khi off-script
- Fluency break down khi asked unexpected questions
- Grammar accuracy drop significantly
Lời Khuyên Vàng Từ Examiner
Part 1:
- ĐỪNG overthink – answer naturally như chatting với người lạ friendly
- 2-3 câu là đủ, không cần long speech
- Add personal details để sound authentic
- It’s OK to say “I’m not sure” hoặc “I haven’t really thought about it” occasionally
Part 2:
- Sử dụng HẾT 1 phút preparation – ghi keywords, không câu hoàn chỉnh
- Nói ÍT NHẤT 1.5 phút, ideally full 2 phút
- Cover TẤT CẢ bullet points – examiners check this
- Phần “explain why/how you feel” là QUAN TRỌNG NHẤT
- Storytelling approach: paint a picture với sensory details
Part 3:
- Đây là nơi show critical thinking
- Answer ở societal level, không chỉ personal
- Structure: Direct answer → Elaborate → Example → Acknowledge complexity
- Dùng tentative language: “I’d say”, “It seems to me”, “To some extent”
- If you don’t understand, ASK: “Could you clarify what you mean by…?”
Pronunciation Tips:
- Word stress quan trọng hơn individual sounds
- Intonation convey meaning – vary your tone
- Speak clearly nhưng không cần accent hoàn hảo
- Chunking: group words naturally theo meaning units
Common Mistakes to Avoid:
- Đừng nói “In my opinion” mỗi câu – examiners biết đó là opinion của bạn
- Đừng apologize về English: “Sorry, my English is not good”
- Đừng ask “Can I start again?” – just continue
- Đừng give one-word answers trong Part 3
- Đừng change topic nếu không biết – acknowledge và try your best
Sample Do’s and Don’ts
DO:
✅ Paraphrase câu hỏi trong answer: Q: “Do you like traveling?” A: “Yes, I’m really fond of exploring new places…”
✅ Give specific examples: “Last summer in Da Lat…” thay vì “I went somewhere once…”
✅ Show range of vocabulary: “breathtaking scenery” → “stunning vistas” → “picturesque landscapes”
✅ Correct yourself naturally: “We went to… actually, we visited…”
✅ Use discourse markers: “Well”, “Actually”, “To be honest”
DON’T:
❌ Memorize long paragraphs – sounds unnatural
❌ Use overly complex vocabulary incorrectly: “The scenery was magnanimous” (wrong context)
❌ Speak too fast to sound fluent – clarity matters more
❌ Stop completely when you forget a word – paraphrase
❌ Give completely opposite information giữa các parts
Thí sinh Việt Nam tự tin trả lời câu hỏi IELTS Speaking với giám khảo trong phòng thi chuyên nghiệp
Kết Luận
Chủ đề “Describe a place you would like to visit with your family” là một trong những đề tài phổ biến và thực tế nhất trong IELTS Speaking. Qua bài viết này, tôi đã chia sẻ với bạn không chỉ các bài mẫu theo từng band điểm mà còn những insight quý giá từ góc nhìn của một examiner chính thức.
Những điểm quan trọng cần nhớ:
Về Nội Dung:
- Chọn địa điểm bạn thực sự có interest và có thể nói chi tiết
- Personal stories và specific examples luôn ấn tượng hơn generic descriptions
- Balance giữa description và explanation of feelings
- Show understanding về family dynamics và different members’ needs
Về Ngôn Ngữ:
- Vocabulary không cần quá fancy – chuẩn và tự nhiên là quan trọng nhất
- Grammar variety matters nhưng accuracy quan trọng hơn complexity
- Collocations và idiomatic expressions phải được dùng đúng context
- Pronunciation với clear word stress và appropriate intonation
Về Kỹ Năng:
- Fluency nghĩa là smooth flow, không phải speak fast
- Organization của ideas với discourse markers
- Flexibility để adapt khi câu hỏi không như expected
- Critical thinking trong Part 3 – acknowledge complexity
Lộ Trình Luyện Tập Hiệu Quả:
-
Week 1-2: Vocabulary Building
- Học 10-15 từ/ngày từ topic này
- Practice sử dụng trong sentences
- Record yourself using new words
-
Week 3-4: Structure Practice
- Practice answering 3-4 Part 1 questions daily
- Record một Part 2 answer mỗi 2 ngày
- Transcribe và analyze mistakes
-
Week 5-6: Full Mock Tests
- Simulate real test conditions
- Record và self-assess using band descriptors
- Get feedback từ teachers hoặc study partners
-
Week 7-8: Refinement
- Work on specific weaknesses
- Polish pronunciation và intonation
- Practice với variety of topics
Mindset Quan Trọng:
- IELTS Speaking đánh giá communication skills, không phải perfection
- Examiners are trained to put you at ease – họ muốn bạn perform well
- Mistakes are OK – native speakers make them too
- Authenticity beats memorization mọi lúc
Tài Nguyên Bổ Sung:
- Nghe podcasts về travel để absorb natural expressions
- Xem travel vlogs với English subtitles
- Practice với friends hoặc join speaking clubs
- Record yourself regularly để track progress
Cuối cùng, hãy nhớ rằng IELTS Speaking là một conversation, không phải một exam truyền thống. Hãy thư giãn, be yourself, và share your genuine thoughts và experiences. Examiners appreciate candidates who communicate naturally và confidently hơn những người recite memorized answers mechanically.
Chủ đề về family travel đặc biệt relatable với mọi người – ai cũng có những kỷ niệm hoặc ước mơ về những chuyến đi cùng gia đình. Hãy tận dụng điều này để make your answers personal và engaging. Kể những câu chuyện thật, share your genuine feelings, và đừng ngại show your personality.
Chúc bạn tự tin và đạt band điểm mong muốn trong kỳ thi IELTS Speaking sắp tới. Remember: preparation is important, but authenticity is what truly impresses examiners. Good luck!
