IELTS Speaking: Cách Trả Lời Chủ Đề “Describe a Situation When You Had to Be Very Careful” – Bài Mẫu Band 6-9

Mở bài

Chủ đề “Describe A Situation When You Had To Be Very Careful” là một trong những đề bài phổ biến trong IELTS Speaking Part 2, thường xuyên xuất hiện trong các kỳ thi từ năm 2020 đến nay. Chủ đề này yêu cầu thí sinh kể về một tình huống cụ thể đòi hỏi sự cẩn thận, thận trọng – một kỹ năng sống quan trọng mà examiner muốn đánh giá khả năng diễn đạt của bạn.

Theo thống kê từ các nguồn đề thi thực tế trên IELTS-Blog và IELTSLiz, chủ đề này xuất hiện với tần suất khá cao – khoảng 3-4 lần mỗi quý tại các trung tâm thi Việt Nam và quốc tế. Dự đoán khả năng xuất hiện trong tương lai vẫn ở mức cao do tính practical và relatable của đề bài.

Trong bài viết này, bạn sẽ học được:

• Cách phân tích và tiếp cận câu hỏi từ góc nhìn của examiner
• Câu hỏi thường gặp trong cả 3 Part với chủ đề về sự cẩn thận và quản lý rủi ro
• Bài mẫu chi tiết theo 3 band điểm (6-7, 7.5-8, 8.5-9) với phân tích chuyên sâu
• Kho từ vựng và cụm từ ăn điểm giúp bạn tự tin hơn
• Chiến lược trả lời hiệu quả và những lỗi thường gặp cần tránh
• Tips quý báu từ kinh nghiệm 20 năm chấm thi của examiner

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IELTS Speaking Part 1: Introduction and Interview

Tổng Quan Về Part 1

Part 1 của IELTS Speaking kéo dài 4-5 phút, là phần khởi động giúp bạn làm quen với examiner và môi trường thi. Các câu hỏi thường xoay quanh các chủ đề đời sống hàng ngày như công việc, học tập, sở thích, gia đình và những hoạt động thường ngày.

Chiến lược hiệu quả:

• Trả lời trực tiếp câu hỏi trong 1-2 câu đầu
• Mở rộng ý với lý do, giải thích hoặc ví dụ cụ thể (tổng 2-3 câu)
• Giữ câu trả lời tự nhiên, không quá dài dòng (15-20 giây)

Lỗi thường gặp của học viên Việt Nam:

• Trả lời quá ngắn gọn chỉ “Yes” hoặc “No” mà không mở rộng
• Sử dụng từ vựng đơn giản như “good”, “nice”, “interesting” lặp đi lặp lại
• Thiếu ví dụ cụ thể từ kinh nghiệm bản thân khiến câu trả lời chung chung
• Học thuộc template và nghe không tự nhiên

Các Câu Hỏi Thường Gặp

Question 1: Do you consider yourself a careful person?

Question 2: In what situations do you think people need to be more careful?

Question 3: Have you ever made a mistake because you weren’t careful enough?

Question 4: Do you think young people are as careful as older people?

Question 5: What do you do to avoid making careless mistakes?

Question 6: Are there any activities that require you to be especially careful?

Question 7: Do you think technology has made people more or less careful?

Question 8: How do you remind yourself to be careful in important situations?

Phân Tích và Gợi Ý Trả Lời Chi Tiết

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Question: Do you consider yourself a careful person?

🎯 Cách tiếp cận:

• Đưa ra câu trả lời trực tiếp (Yes/No hoặc It depends)
• Giải thích với ví dụ cụ thể từ cuộc sống
• Có thể đề cập đến tình huống nào đó bạn đặc biệt cẩn thận

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

“Yes, I think I’m quite a careful person. I always check things twice before I finish my work, especially important documents. For example, when I send emails to my boss, I read them many times to make sure there are no mistakes.”

Phân tích:

• Điểm mạnh: Có câu trả lời trực tiếp, đưa ra ví dụ cụ thể từ công việc, câu trả lời có logic
• Hạn chế: Từ vựng còn đơn giản (quite, check, make sure), cấu trúc câu chưa đa dạng
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Đáp ứng yêu cầu cơ bản, có mở rộng ý nhưng chưa impressive về mặt ngôn ngữ

📝 Sample Answer – Band 8-9:

“I’d say I’m fairly meticulous, particularly when it comes to detail-oriented tasks. I have this habit of double-checking everything before finalizing any work, whether it’s proofreading an important email or reviewing financial documents. I suppose this cautious approach stems from a mistake I made early in my career, which taught me the value of thoroughness.”

Phân tích:

• Điểm mạnh: Từ vựng sophisticated (meticulous, detail-oriented, thoroughness), cấu trúc đa dạng (I’d say, I suppose), có personal reflection sâu sắc hơn
• Tại sao Band 8-9:
  • Fluency: Câu trả lời trôi chảy với discourse markers tự nhiên
  • Vocabulary: Sử dụng collocations chính xác (cautious approach, detail-oriented tasks)
  • Grammar: Cấu trúc phức tạp với relative clause và gerund phrases
  • Ideas: Có chiều sâu khi đề cập đến nguồn gốc của thói quen

💡 Key Vocabulary & Expressions:

• meticulous /mɪˈtɪkjələs/: tỉ mỉ, cẩn thận đến từng chi tiết
• detail-oriented: chú trọng chi tiết
• double-checking: kiểm tra lại lần nữa
• cautious approach: cách tiếp cận thận trọng
• thoroughness: sự chu đáo, kỹ lưỡng

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Question: In what situations do you think people need to be more careful?

🎯 Cách tiếp cận:

• Đưa ra 2-3 tình huống cụ thể
• Giải thích tại sao cần cẩn thận trong những tình huống đó
• Có thể đề cập hậu quả nếu không cẩn thận

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

“I think people need to be careful in many situations. First, when they drive a car because accidents can happen easily. Also, when they use social media because they can share wrong information. And at work, especially when they handle important data or money.”

Phân tích:

• Điểm mạnh: Đưa ra nhiều ví dụ, có cấu trúc listing rõ ràng
• Hạn chế: Câu trả lời hơi mechanical, từ nối đơn giản (first, also, and), thiếu elaboration cho mỗi point
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Đủ content nhưng chưa phát triển sâu từng ý, ngôn ngữ còn basic

📝 Sample Answer – Band 8-9:

“Well, I’d say caution is paramount in several scenarios. Obviously, high-risk activities like driving or operating machinery demand heightened awareness since a split-second lapse could lead to catastrophic consequences. Beyond physical safety, I think people should also exercise caution in the digital realm – safeguarding personal information and being discerning about what they share online has become increasingly crucial. Not to mention financial decisions, where a hasty choice could have long-lasting ramifications.”

Phân tích:

• Điểm mạnh: Vocabulary tinh vi và precise (paramount, heightened awareness, catastrophic consequences, ramifications), cấu trúc đa dạng với gerund phrases và relative clauses, phân loại situations theo categories logic (physical safety, digital, financial)
• Tại sao Band 8-9:
  • Fluency: Sử dụng discourse markers tự nhiên (Well, Obviously, Beyond, Not to mention)
  • Vocabulary: Collocations chính xác và sophisticated, từ vựng topic-specific
  • Grammar: Complex sentences với subordinate clauses
  • Ideas: Có depth và breadth, covering multiple dimensions

💡 Key Vocabulary & Expressions:

• paramount /ˈpærəmaʊnt/: quan trọng tối thượng
• heightened awareness: sự tỉnh táo cao độ
• a split-second lapse: sơ suất trong tích tắc
• catastrophic consequences: hậu quả thảm khốc
• digital realm: lĩnh vực kỹ thuật số
• discerning about: thận trọng, có sự phân biệt về
• long-lasting ramifications: hệ lụy lâu dài

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Question: Have you ever made a mistake because you weren’t careful enough?

🎯 Cách tiếp cận:

• Thừa nhận thẳng thắn (đây là điểm cộng, cho thấy honesty)
• Kể một ví dụ ngắn gọn
• Đề cập đến bài học rút ra

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

“Yes, I have. Last year, I sent an email to the wrong person at work. I didn’t check the recipient carefully and it caused some confusion. After that, I learned to always double-check before sending important messages.”

Phân tích:

• Điểm mạnh: Honest, có ví dụ cụ thể, đề cập lesson learned
• Hạn chế: Ví dụ hơi generic, thiếu emotional depth hoặc consequences details
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Adequate response nhưng chưa engaging

📝 Sample Answer – Band 8-9:

“Absolutely, and it was quite embarrassing, actually. A few years back, I hastily sent out a presentation to a client without proofreading it thoroughly. It turned out there was a glaring typo right on the cover page, which was rather mortifying. That experience really drove home the importance of taking that extra moment to review your work, no matter how pressed for time you are. Now I’ve made it a non-negotiable habit to run through everything at least twice.”

Tương tự như describe a time when you fixed something, việc học từ sai lầm và áp dụng bài học vào thực tế là một minh chứng cho sự trưởng thành và phát triển bản thân.

Phân tích:

• Điểm mạnh: Personal và authentic, có emotional language (embarrassing, mortifying), clear consequence và reflection, sử dụng phrasal verbs tự nhiên (drove home, run through)
• Tại sao Band 8-9:
  • Fluency: Natural storytelling với appropriate hedging (Absolutely, actually, quite)
  • Vocabulary: Vivid adjectives và idiomatic expressions (glaring typo, drove home, non-negotiable habit)
  • Grammar: Mix of past simple và present perfect, complex sentences
  • Pronunciation factors: Stress và intonation sẽ tốt với những cụm từ này

💡 Key Vocabulary & Expressions:

• hastily sent out: gửi đi vội vàng
• proofreading thoroughly: đọc kỹ để kiểm tra lỗi
• a glaring typo: lỗi đánh máy rõ ràng, dễ thấy
• rather mortifying: khá xấu hổ, bẽ mặt
• drove home: nhấn mạnh, làm rõ (thành ngữ)
• a non-negotiable habit: thói quen không thể thương lượng (bắt buộc)

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IELTS Speaking Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)

Tổng Quan Về Part 2

Part 2 là phần thử thách nhất của IELTS Speaking, kéo dài 3-4 phút bao gồm:

• 1 phút chuẩn bị: Đọc đề, ghi chú keywords (KHÔNG viết câu hoàn chỉnh)
• 2-3 phút nói: Độc thoại liên tục không bị ngắt
• Rounding-off questions: 1-2 câu hỏi ngắn liên quan

Chiến lược vàng:

• Sử dụng TOÀN BỘ 1 phút để brainstorm và note keywords cho từng bullet point
• Cấu trúc ghi chú theo bullet points của đề (4 points = 4 nhóm keywords)
• Nói ít nhất 2 phút (lý tưởng là 2.5-3 phút để đảm bảo)
• Cover đầy đủ tất cả yêu cầu, đặc biệt là bullet point cuối “explain…” (chiếm 30-40% thời gian)
• Sử dụng past tense khi kể chuyện đã xảy ra

Lỗi thường gặp:

• Ghi chú quá nhiều/viết câu hoàn chỉnh → lãng phí thời gian
• Nói dưới 1.5 phút → mất điểm Fluency
• Bỏ sót bullet points, đặc biệt là phần “explain”
• Kể chuyện không có structure rõ ràng (beginning-middle-end)
• Chuyển qua present tense giữa chừng

Cue Card

Describe a situation when you had to be very careful

You should say:

• What the situation was
• When and where it happened
• Why you had to be careful
• And explain how you felt about this experience

Phân Tích Đề Bài

Dạng câu hỏi: Describe an experience/event (kể về một trải nghiệm cụ thể)

Thì động từ chủ đạo: Past tense (quá khứ) vì đây là sự việc đã xảy ra

Bullet points phải cover:

1. What the situation was – Tình huống gì? (Giới thiệu context: làm gì, liên quan đến ai/cái gì)
2. When and where it happened – Khi nào, ở đâu? (Thời gian và địa điểm cụ thể)
3. Why you had to be careful – Tại sao phải cẩn thận? (Lý do, rủi ro, hậu quả tiềm ẩn)
4. How you felt – Cảm xúc như thế nào? (Feelings before, during, after + reflection)

Câu “explain” quan trọng: Đây là phần ghi điểm cao nhất! Examiner muốn nghe suy nghĩ sâu sắc, không chỉ mô tả cảm xúc đơn giản như “I felt nervous”. Hãy giải thích WHY you felt that way, what you learned, how it changed you.

Lựa chọn tình huống phù hợp:

• Nên chọn: Tình huống có drama/tension nhưng không quá dramatic (realistic)
• Tránh: Tình huống quá ordinary (không impressive) hoặc quá extreme (khó tin)
• Gợi ý: Thi nói tiếng Anh quan trọng, lần đầu nấu ăn cho khách, vận chuyển đồ dễ vỡ, sửa chữa thiết bị điện tử, chăm trẻ nhỏ, thuyết trình quan trọng, xử lý tình huống nhạy cảm…

Thí sinh IELTS Speaking đang ghi chú chuẩn bị cho phần thi Part 2 về tình huống cần cẩn thận

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7

Thời lượng: Khoảng 1.5-2 phút

“I’d like to talk about a time when I had to be very careful. It was about two years ago when I helped my friend move to a new apartment.

The situation happened on a Saturday morning in Ho Chi Minh City. My friend was moving from a small apartment on the third floor to a bigger place across the city. He asked me and two other friends to help him transport his belongings. Among his things, there was a very expensive computer and a large TV that his parents had given him as a graduation gift.

I had to be extremely careful because these items were very valuable and also quite heavy. The staircase in his old building was narrow and the steps were a bit slippery. If we dropped something, it could break and cost a lot of money to replace. My friend was also very worried because these things meant a lot to him emotionally.

During the move, I felt quite nervous and stressed. I was sweating a lot, not just because of the physical work but also from the pressure. We had to move slowly and communicate clearly with each other about every step. When we finally finished without any damage, I felt very relieved and proud. It taught me the importance of being patient and careful, especially when handling other people’s valuable possessions. Since then, I always take my time when doing something important instead of rushing.”

Phân Tích Band Điểm

Tiêu chí	Band	Nhận xét
Fluency & Coherence	6-7	Có structure rõ ràng theo bullet points, sử dụng basic sequencing (when, during, since then) nhưng còn mechanical, một số hesitation nhẹ
Lexical Resource	6-7	Từ vựng adequate và appropriate (valuable, slippery, relieved) nhưng chưa sophisticated, một số repetition (very careful, very valuable)
Grammatical Range & Accuracy	6-7	Mix của simple và complex sentences, thì quá khứ chính xác, có một số complex structures (if-clause, when-clause) nhưng limited range
Pronunciation	6-7	Clear và understandable, trọng âm cơ bản đúng nhưng chưa có varied intonation patterns

Điểm mạnh:

• ✅ Cover đầy đủ tất cả bullet points theo đúng thứ tự
• ✅ Có context rõ ràng và ví dụ cụ thể (computer, TV, graduation gift)
• ✅ Timeline logic và dễ follow
• ✅ Có phần reflection về bài học cuối bài

Hạn chế:

• ⚠️ Từ vựng còn basic và repetitive (very + adj xuất hiện nhiều lần)
• ⚠️ Thiếu descriptive language để tạo vivid picture
• ⚠️ Phần feelings chưa đủ elaborate và personal
• ⚠️ Grammar structures chưa đa dạng, chủ yếu là simple past

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📝 Sample Answer – Band 7.5-8

Thời lượng: Khoảng 2-2.5 phút

“I’d like to describe a time when I had to exercise extreme caution, which was during my university entrance examination about three years ago.

The situation took place in June 2021 at a large examination center in Hanoi. I was taking the high-stakes English test that would determine whether I could get into my dream university. What made this particularly challenging was that it was a computer-based test, and we were explicitly warned that any technical error caused by improper handling could result in our answers not being saved.

I needed to be incredibly careful for several reasons. First, I had spent nearly a year preparing for this exam, so one wrong click could jeopardize everything. Second, the exam format was quite complex – we had to navigate between different sections, and there were specific buttons for saving, submitting, and moving forward. The invigilators had stressed that some students in previous years had accidentally deleted their answers or submitted incomplete tests. On top of that, I was naturally nervous, which made me more prone to mistakes.

Throughout the three-hour exam, I felt this constant tension between working quickly and being meticulous. My hands were literally shaking when I clicked on important buttons. Before submitting each section, I would take a deep breath and double-check everything. I remember feeling mentally exhausted not just from answering difficult questions, but from maintaining that level of concentration and caution.

When I finally completed the test successfully, I felt this overwhelming sense of relief. Looking back, that experience taught me valuable lessons about staying composed under pressure and the importance of following instructions precisely. It’s an experience that has helped me in many subsequent situations requiring careful attention to detail.”

Phân Tích Band Điểm

Tiêu chí	Band	Nhận xét
Fluency & Coherence	7.5-8	Smooth flow với minimal hesitation, coherence devices sophisticated (What made this particularly challenging, On top of that, Looking back), clear progression
Lexical Resource	7.5-8	Wide range với precision (exercise extreme caution, high-stakes, jeopardize, prone to mistakes), good collocations, some less common vocabulary
Grammatical Range & Accuracy	7.5-8	Wide range of complex structures (relative clauses, conditional, gerund phrases), good control with minor errors không ảnh hưởng communication
Pronunciation	7.5-8	Clear với sustained appropriate intonation, word stress accurate, smooth articulation

So Sánh Với Band 6-7

Khía cạnh	Band 6-7	Band 7.5-8
Vocabulary	“very careful”, “quite nervous”	“exercise extreme caution”, “constant tension”, “overwhelming sense of relief”
Grammar	“If we dropped something, it could break”	“any technical error caused by improper handling could result in…”
Ideas	Basic description of stress	Detailed analysis of multiple pressure sources và internal conflict
Depth	Simple lesson learned	Deep reflection về personal growth và transferable skills

Cải thiện so với Band 6-7:

• Vocabulary precise và idiomatic hơn nhiều
• Grammar structures đa dạng với subordinate clauses
• Storytelling có tension và emotional arc rõ ràng
• Reflection sâu sắc hơn, không chỉ state facts

Đối với những ai quan tâm đến describe a person who is very good at problem-solving, việc duy trì sự tỉnh táo và cẩn thận trong tình huống áp lực cao cũng là một kỹ năng quan trọng trong giải quyết vấn đề.

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📝 Sample Answer – Band 8.5-9

Thời lượng: 2.5-3 phút đầy đủ

“I’d like to recount an experience that really put my carefulness to the test – it was when I undertook the delicate task of restoring an antique photograph for my grandmother about a year and a half ago.

The situation unfolded last autumn at my family home in Da Nang. My grandmother, who’s now in her eighties, entrusted me with a treasured family heirloom – a fragile black-and-white photograph from the 1950s showing her parents on their wedding day. The photo had significantly deteriorated over the decades, with visible tears along the edges, yellowing, and water damage. She asked if I could scan and digitally restore it, as I had some basic experience with photo editing software. What made this particularly daunting was the irreplaceable nature of the original – there were no copies, and any damage I caused would be permanent.

The reason I had to exercise such meticulous care was multifaceted. Physically, the photograph was incredibly brittle – the paper had become so fragile that even the slightest mishandling could cause it to crumble. I had to gingerly extract it from an old album where it had been stuck for decades, which was nerve-wracking in itself. During the scanning process, I needed to ensure the scanner lid didn’t press too hard on the delicate surface. Beyond the physical aspects, there was the emotional weight – this wasn’t just any photograph; it represented my great-grandparents whom I’d never met, and it held profound sentimental value for my grandmother. The thought of potentially destroying such an irreplaceable piece of family history was almost paralyzing.

Throughout the entire process, I experienced this peculiar mixture of intense focus and underlying anxiety. I remember my hands trembling slightly as I handled the photograph, and I found myself holding my breath during critical moments. I worked in short sessions because maintaining that level of concentration was mentally draining. Interestingly, while I was anxious, I also felt deeply honored that my grandmother had placed such trust in me. There was something almost meditative about the careful, deliberate movements required.

When I successfully completed the restoration and presented both the preserved original and enhanced digital copies to my grandmother, her emotional reaction made everything worthwhile. Personally, this experience was profoundly impactful. It taught me that carefulness isn’t just about avoiding mistakes – it’s about honoring the trust others place in you and respecting the value of what you’re handling, whether that’s a physical object or a responsibility. I’ve since applied this mindset to various aspects of my life, approaching important tasks with the same reverence and attention to detail. It’s fascinating how a simple task of scanning a photograph could become such a defining moment in terms of understanding responsibility and care.”

Phân Tích Band Điểm

Tiêu chí	Band	Nhận xét
Fluency & Coherence	8.5-9	Effortlessly fluent với natural speech patterns, sophisticated cohesive devices (What made this particularly daunting, Beyond the physical aspects, Interestingly), seamless transitions, well-developed ideas
Lexical Resource	8.5-9	Sophisticated và precise vocabulary với full flexibility (undertook the delicate task, irreplaceable nature, meticulous care, profound sentimental value), idiomatic language natural, rare mistakes
Grammatical Range & Accuracy	8.5-9	Full range với full flexibility and accuracy, complex structures used naturally (subordination, participle clauses, inversion), error-free hoặc only slips
Pronunciation	8.5-9	Native-like fluency với appropriate variation in pace and stress, clear articulation, natural intonation patterns

Tại Sao Bài Này Xuất Sắc

🎯 Fluency Hoàn Hảo:

• Speech flows naturally với không có noticeable hesitation
• Sử dụng discourse markers tinh tế để guide listener (Interestingly, Personally, It’s fascinating how…)
• Self-correction minimal và natural nếu có
• Pacing appropriate với pauses for emphasis chứ không phải searching for words

📚 Vocabulary Tinh Vi:

• “put my carefulness to the test” – idiomatic way of saying “challenged my ability to be careful”
• “treasured family heirloom” – collocation showing cultural understanding
• “irreplaceable nature” – abstract noun phrase (Band 8-9 feature)
• “nerve-wracking” – idiomatic adjective
• “profound sentimental value” – sophisticated collocation
• “peculiar mixture of” – nuanced expression của complex emotions
• “meditative” – unexpected but precise vocabulary choice
• “reverence and attention to detail” – elevated language

📝 Grammar Đa Dạng:

• Participle clauses: “showing her parents on their wedding day” (reduced relative clause)
• Inversion: “there were no copies” used naturally in context
• Gerund phrases: “avoiding mistakes”, “honoring the trust”
• Nominal relative clauses: “what you’re handling”
• Complex conditionals: implied conditional structures
• Passive voice: “where it had been stuck” used appropriately
• Perfect aspects: “had become so fragile”, “I’d never met”

💡 Ideas Sâu Sắc:

• Không chỉ describe tình huống mà còn explore psychological dimensions (trembling hands, holding breath, meditative state)
• Analyze multifaceted nature của carefulness (physical + emotional aspects)
• Connect experience đến broader life lessons
• Show personal growth và transferable wisdom
• Create emotional resonance với grandmother’s reaction
• Philosophical reflection về meaning of care and responsibility

🎭 Storytelling Excellence:

• Vivid sensory details (brittle paper, trembling hands)
• Building tension effectively
• Emotional arc clear (anxiety → focus → relief → reflection)
• Personal voice authentic và engaging
• Pacing varied cho dramatic effect

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Follow-up Questions (Rounding Off Questions)

Sau khi bạn hoàn thành phần nói 2 phút, examiner thường hỏi 1-2 câu ngắn để transition sang Part 3. Đây là câu hỏi đơn giản, trả lời 2-3 câu là đủ.

Question 1: Do you think you’ll need to be this careful again in the future?

Band 6-7 Answer:
“Yes, I think so. I often have to do careful work in my job, and I also want to help my family with similar tasks. Being careful is always important in life.”

Band 8-9 Answer:
“Absolutely, I’m sure similar situations will arise. In fact, I’ve already become more conscious about handling delicate matters in various contexts, whether it’s managing sensitive work projects or even just being more thoughtful in my daily interactions. That experience really heightened my awareness of the importance of carefulness.”

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Question 2: Would you help someone else in a similar situation?

Band 6-7 Answer:
“Yes, I would be happy to help. But I would make sure I know what to do first and prepare well before starting.”

Band 8-9 Answer:
“I’d be more than willing to, though I’d probably feel that same mixture of honor and anxiety again. The experience taught me that being entrusted with something valuable is both a privilege and a responsibility. I’d definitely want to ensure I had the right tools and knowledge before taking on such a delicate task again.”

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IELTS Speaking Part 3: Two-way Discussion

Tổng Quan Về Part 3

Part 3 là phần thử thách trí tuệ nhất của IELTS Speaking, kéo dài 4-5 phút. Khác với Part 1 (personal questions) và Part 2 (storytelling), Part 3 yêu cầu bạn thảo luận các vấn đề xã hội, văn hóa một cách abstract và analytical.

Đặc điểm:

• Câu hỏi mở rộng từ chủ đề Part 2 nhưng ở level trừu tượng hơn
• Không hỏi về bản thân mà về society, trends, comparisons, causes, effects
• Yêu cầu critical thinking và ability to discuss issues from multiple angles

Yêu cầu:

• Phân tích nguyên nhân – kết quả
• So sánh (past vs present, young vs old, countries, cultures)
• Đánh giá ưu – nhược điểm
• Dự đoán xu hướng tương lai
• Đưa ra giải pháp cho vấn đề xã hội

Chiến lược hiệu quả:

• Structure câu trả lời: Direct answer → Reason/Example 1 → Reason/Example 2 → Conclusion/Nuance
• Mở rộng câu trả lời 3-5 câu (khoảng 30-45 giây)
• Sử dụng discourse markers để organize ideas
• Đưa ra examples từ xã hội, nghiên cứu, hoặc general observation (không chỉ personal experience)
• Acknowledge complexity và different perspectives (Band 8-9 feature)
• Avoid being too absolute – use tentative language

Lỗi thường gặp của học viên Việt Nam:

• Trả lời quá ngắn (1-2 câu) như Part 1
• Không có structure rõ ràng, nhảy lung tung giữa các ý
• Thiếu từ vựng abstract và academic
• Chỉ nói về personal experience thay vì general trends
• Đưa ra opinions quá extreme không nuanced
• Không đưa ra reasoning hoặc evidence

Các Câu Hỏi Thảo Luận Sâu

Theme 1: Carefulness in Modern Society

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Question 1: Why do you think some people are naturally more careful than others?

🎯 Phân tích câu hỏi:

• Dạng: Cause/Reason (Why question)
• Key words: naturally, more careful, others (comparison)
• Cách tiếp cận: Đưa ra 2-3 factors (nature vs nurture) – personality traits, upbringing, life experiences, consequences they’ve faced

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

“I think there are different reasons. Some people are born with a careful personality – they naturally pay attention to details. Other people become careful because of their experiences. For example, if someone made a big mistake before, they will be more careful next time. Also, parents can teach children to be careful from a young age.”

Phân tích:

• Structure: Có listing reasons nhưng chưa develop deeply
• Vocabulary: Basic (born with, pay attention, teach)
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Adequate ideas nhưng thiếu sophistication trong language và depth trong analysis

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📝 Câu trả lời mẫu – Band 8-9:

“Well, I’d say it’s a combination of nature and nurture. On the one hand, personality traits certainly play a role – some individuals are simply predisposed to be more conscientious and detail-oriented, which might have genetic components. Research in psychology suggests that traits like conscientiousness are partly heritable.

On the other hand, environmental factors are equally significant. People who’ve experienced negative consequences from careless mistakes – whether in their professional lives or personal relationships – tend to develop a heightened sense of caution. It’s essentially learned behavior through trial and error. Additionally, cultural upbringing matters tremendously. In some cultures, there’s a strong emphasis on precision and carefulness from an early age, which becomes ingrained in children’s behavior.

Interestingly, I think the stakes involved in someone’s daily life also shape their carefulness. Someone working in high-risk professions like surgery or aviation naturally cultivates this quality out of necessity, whereas someone in a less critical role might not feel the same pressure to be meticulous.”

Khi thảo luận về tính cẩn thận, có thể liên hệ với describe a situation when you had to make a difficult choice, vì những quyết định khó khăn thường đòi hỏi sự thận trọng và cân nhắc kỹ lưỡng các yếu tố liên quan.

Phân tích:

• Structure: Well-organized với clear signposting (On the one hand, On the other hand, Additionally, Interestingly)
• Vocabulary: Sophisticated và precise (predisposed, conscientious, heritable, ingrained, cultivates)
• Grammar: Complex structures (relative clauses, passive voice, gerund phrases)
• Critical Thinking: Multi-dimensional analysis (genetic + experiential + cultural + professional factors), acknowledges research, shows nuanced understanding

💡 Key Language Features:

• Discourse markers: Well, On the one hand, On the other hand, Additionally, Interestingly
• Tentative language: I’d say, might have, suggests that, tend to
• Abstract nouns: combination, components, consequences, emphasis, necessity
• Academic phrases: Research in psychology suggests, cultural upbringing, learned behavior

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Question 2: Do you think modern technology has made people more or less careful in their daily lives?

🎯 Phân tích câu hỏi:

• Dạng: Opinion with comparison/evaluation
• Key words: modern technology, more or less (requires balanced view)
• Cách tiếp cận: Acknowledge both sides – technology can increase carefulness (reminders, safety features) but also reduce it (overreliance, distraction)

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

“I think technology has both positive and negative effects. On the positive side, technology helps us be more careful with things like GPS so we don’t get lost, or reminders on our phones. But negatively, people trust technology too much and don’t pay attention. For example, drivers using GPS might not look at the road carefully.”

Phân tích:

• Structure: Basic balanced view nhưng examples chưa fully developed
• Vocabulary: Simple (positive, negative, trust too much)
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Shows awareness of complexity nhưng chưa sophisticated trong expression

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📝 Câu trả lời mẫu – Band 8-9:

“That’s quite a paradoxical question, actually. I’d argue that technology has had a dual impact on carefulness, and it really depends on how it’s utilized.

In some respects, technology has enhanced our capacity for carefulness. We now have sophisticated systems that catch errors humans might miss – think of spell-checkers, automated backups, or safety features in cars that alert drivers to potential hazards. These tools essentially act as a safety net, allowing us to be more confident while maintaining accuracy. Medical technology, for instance, has drastically reduced human error in diagnostics through advanced imaging and AI-assisted analysis.

However, there’s a flip side to this coin. The convenience of technology can breed complacency. People might become overly reliant on autocorrect and stop proofreading carefully, or drivers might place excessive trust in GPS navigation without exercising their own judgment. There’s also the issue of digital distraction – the constant influx of notifications and information fragments our attention, making it harder to maintain sustained focus on important tasks.

What concerns me most is this erosion of fundamental skills. When calculators do all the math, our mental arithmetic suffers. When autocorrect fixes everything, our spelling deteriorates. So while technology can enhance carefulness in some domains, it might simultaneously undermine it in others. I suppose the key lies in striking a balance – leveraging technology as a tool while maintaining our core competencies.”

Phân tích:

• Structure: Sophisticated organization – introduces paradox, explores both sides thoroughly với detailed examples, concludes với nuanced insight
• Vocabulary: Advanced và precise (paradoxical, dual impact, complacency, overly reliant on, erosion of fundamental skills)
• Grammar: Wide range (passive voice, participle phrases, conditional structures, gerund subjects)
• Critical Thinking: Deep analysis showing cause-effect relationships, acknowledges trade-offs, demonstrates abstract thinking, personal perspective (What concerns me most)

💡 Key Language Features:

• Discourse markers: actually, In some respects, However, for instance, So while
• Tentative language: I’d argue, might miss, might become, I suppose
• Abstract nouns: paradox, capacity, complacency, erosion, balance
• Academic collocations: dual impact, sophisticated systems, exercise judgment, fragments attention, leverage technology

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Theme 2: Risk and Consequence

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Question 3: In what areas of life do you think people should take more risks rather than being overly careful?

🎯 Phân tích câu hỏi:

• Dạng: Opinion/Recommendation
• Key words: areas of life, take more risks, overly careful (suggests balance needed)
• Cách tiếp cận: Identify domains where calculated risk-taking is beneficial (career, relationships, creativity) vs where carefulness is paramount (safety, health)

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

“I think people should take more risks in their careers. Many people stay in safe jobs they don’t like because they’re afraid to change. If they try new opportunities, they might find better jobs. Also, in relationships, people should be brave to express their feelings instead of being too careful and missing chances. But for things like health and safety, people should always be careful.”

Phân tích:

• Structure: Lists areas with brief explanation
• Vocabulary: Adequate but basic (safe jobs, be brave, missing chances)
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Relevant content but lacks depth and sophisticated expression

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📝 Câu trả lời mẫu – Band 8-9:

“That’s an excellent question because it touches on this fundamental tension between security and growth. I’d say there are definitely domains where calculated risk-taking is not only beneficial but essential for personal development.

Career progression is perhaps the most obvious area. Too many talented individuals remain stuck in comfortable but unfulfilling positions because they’re risk-averse. Taking calculated leaps – whether that’s pursuing entrepreneurship, switching industries, or relocating for opportunities – can lead to exponential growth both professionally and personally. The worst-case scenario is often less catastrophic than people imagine, while the potential upside can be life-changing.

Similarly, in creative pursuits, excessive caution stifles innovation. Whether it’s art, business innovation, or problem-solving, breakthroughs typically come from venturing into uncharted territory. Organizations that foster a culture of experimentation, where failure is viewed as a learning opportunity rather than a catastrophe, tend to outperform their risk-averse competitors.

That said, I want to emphasize that I’m talking about informed risks, not reckless behavior. There’s a crucial distinction between being cautiously adventurous – doing your research, having contingency plans – and being foolishly impulsive. And obviously, in matters of physical safety, health, or financial security for dependents, carefulness should take precedence.

The ideal, I believe, is developing the wisdom to know when to be bold and when to be cautious – what you might call situational intelligence.”

Phân tích:

• Structure: Exceptionally well-organized – acknowledges tension, explores multiple domains với examples, provides important caveats, offers philosophical conclusion
• Vocabulary: Highly sophisticated (risk-averse, calculated leaps, exponential growth, stifles innovation, venturing into uncharted territory, contingency plans)
• Grammar: Full range với perfect control (whether clauses, relative clauses, gerund subjects, passive constructions)
• Critical Thinking: Demonstrates nuanced thinking – distinguishes calculated vs reckless risk, acknowledges context-dependency, shows wisdom in knowing when each approach is appropriate

💡 Key Language Features:

• Discourse markers: perhaps, Similarly, That said, obviously, I believe
• Tentative language: I’d say, typically, tend to
• Abstract nouns: tension, progression, innovation, breakthroughs, distinction, wisdom
• Collocations: calculated risk-taking, unfulfilling positions, exponential growth, worst-case scenario, contingency plans

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Question 4: How do consequences of careless mistakes differ between professional and personal contexts?

🎯 Phân tích câu hỏi:

• Dạng: Compare and contrast
• Key words: consequences, careless mistakes, differ, professional vs personal
• Cách tiếp cận: Compare nature of consequences (tangible vs emotional, immediate vs long-term, reversible vs irreversible), scope of impact (affects self vs others)

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

“The consequences are quite different. In professional life, careless mistakes can cost money or make you lose your job. For example, if an accountant makes an error, the company might lose money. In personal life, mistakes usually affect relationships and feelings. If you forget your friend’s birthday, they might feel sad but it’s not as serious as work mistakes. Also, work mistakes can affect many people, while personal mistakes usually only affect a few people close to you.”

Phân tích:

• Structure: Basic comparison với some examples
• Vocabulary: Simple and repetitive (lose, affect, serious)
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Addresses question adequately but lacks sophistication and depth

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📝 Câu trả lời mẫu – Band 8-9:

“The ramifications of carelessness manifest quite differently across these two spheres, though both can be profoundly consequential.

In professional contexts, the consequences tend to be more tangible and quantifiable. A careless mistake might result in financial losses, reputational damage, legal liabilities, or in extreme cases, termination of employment. The scale of impact can be substantial – think of a software engineer’s coding error causing a system-wide outage affecting thousands of users, or a pharmacist’s mistake potentially endangering patient safety. Moreover, professional mistakes often have a ripple effect throughout an organization and can even tarnish one’s professional reputation within an industry. The consequences are typically immediate and measurable – you can see the monetary cost, the project delay, or the client dissatisfaction.

Personal mistakes, by contrast, tend to have more emotional and relational ramifications. The consequences might be less visible but potentially more enduring. Forgetting an anniversary, saying something hurtful without thinking, or failing to be present during a loved one’s difficult time can erode trust and damage relationships in ways that are harder to quantify but no less significant. These wounds might fester for years, affecting the fabric of relationships.

What’s particularly interesting is the potential for redemption. In professional settings, there are often structured pathways for damage control – formal apologies, compensation, corrective procedures. Personal relationships, however, operate on more nuanced dynamics where genuine remorse and consistent behavioral change matter more than formal processes.

That being said, I should note that this distinction isn’t absolute. Some personal carelessness – like reckless driving endangering family members – can have catastrophic tangible consequences, while some professional mistakes in trust-based professions like counseling or teaching might have primarily emotional impacts. It’s really about the nature of the domain and what’s at stake.”

Việc hiểu rõ hậu quả của các sai lầm cũng tương tự như describe a time when you had to manage a project under pressure, nơi mà việc nhận biết và quản lý rủi ro là yếu tố then chốt để đảm bảo thành công của dự án.

Phân tích:

• Structure: Exceptional organization – explores professional first, then personal, then redemption aspect, concludes với acknowledgment of nuance
• Vocabulary: Highly sophisticated và precise (ramifications, manifest, quantifiable, tarnish, erode, fester, redemption, nuanced dynamics)
• Grammar: Full range with complex subordination, participle phrases, gerund subjects, perfect aspects
• Critical Thinking: Multi-layered analysis exploring tangible vs emotional, immediate vs long-term, quantifiable vs intangible, plus acknowledgment that categories overlap

💡 Key Language Features:

• Discourse markers: In professional contexts, by contrast, Moreover, What’s particularly interesting, That being said
• Tentative language: tend to be, might result in, can be, potentially
• Abstract nouns: ramifications, spheres, liabilities, redemption, dynamics
• Academic collocations: manifest differently, ripple effect, structured pathways, genuine remorse, catastrophic consequences

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Theme 3: Education and Development

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Question 5: Should schools teach children to be more careful, or is this something they learn naturally through experience?

🎯 Phân tích câu hỏi:

• Dạng: Opinion (Should question) với implicit comparison (taught vs learned naturally)
• Key words: schools teach, learn naturally, experience
• Cách tiếp cận: Balanced view – acknowledge both have value, perhaps argue for combination approach

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

“I think both are important. Schools should teach children basic safety rules and how to be careful with their work. Teachers can show students how to check their homework and be organized. But experience is also a good teacher. When children make small mistakes and learn from them, they remember better. So schools should provide guidance, but also let children learn from their own experiences in a safe environment.”

Phân tích:

• Structure: Presents both sides briefly
• Vocabulary: Basic educational terms (safety rules, check homework, organized)
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Balanced view but lacks depth and sophisticated language

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📝 Câu trả lời mẫu – Band 8-9:

“This question gets at a fundamental debate in educational philosophy – the balance between explicit instruction and experiential learning. I’d argue that an integrated approach is most effective.

Certainly, schools have a crucial role to play in systematically developing carefulness as a skill. Through structured lessons, children can learn metacognitive strategies – things like double-checking their work, planning ahead, considering consequences before acting. These aren’t necessarily intuitive; they need to be explicitly taught and practiced. For instance, teaching children to proofread their writing or to verify their math calculations through alternative methods – these are concrete techniques that can be deliberately instilled.

However, experiential learning is equally vital, if not more so. Abstract lessons about being careful pale in comparison to the visceral lesson of experiencing consequences firsthand. When a child carelessly handles a glass and it breaks, or when they rush through an assignment and receive poor marks, these lived experiences create lasting impressions that lectures rarely achieve. It’s what psychologists call embodied learning – knowledge that comes from direct interaction with the world.

The sweet spot, I believe, lies in creating structured opportunities for safe failure. Schools should design environments where students can take risks, make mistakes, and learn from them without catastrophic consequences. Think of science experiments, low-stakes projects, or simulation exercises. This way, the institutional environment provides both the scaffolding – the frameworks for thinking carefully – and the experiential component – the opportunity to learn through doing.

It’s also worth noting that children have different learning styles. Some are naturally more receptive to direct instruction, while others are more kinesthetic learners who need to learn by doing. A one-size-fits-all approach inevitably falls short.”

Phân tích:

• Structure: Sophisticated development – frames as educational debate, explores explicit instruction thoroughly, then experiential learning, proposes integrated solution, acknowledges individual differences
• Vocabulary: Academic và precise (metacognitive strategies, experiential learning, embodied learning, scaffolding, kinesthetic learners)
• Grammar: Full flexibility (passive constructions, conditional structures, relative clauses, gerund phrases, inversion)
• Critical Thinking: Deep understanding of educational theory, references psychological concepts, proposes nuanced solution, acknowledges complexity

💡 Key Language Features:

• Discourse markers: Certainly, However, For instance, The sweet spot, It’s also worth noting
• Tentative language: I’d argue, I believe, if not more so
• Abstract nouns: philosophy, strategies, consequences, impressions, embodied learning, scaffolding
• Academic phrases: gets at a fundamental debate, pale in comparison, visceral lesson, lived experiences, one-size-fits-all approach

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Question 6: Do you think younger people are generally less careful than older people? Why?

🎯 Phân tích câu hỏi:

• Dạng: Opinion + Cause/Reason
• Key words: younger people, less careful, older people (age comparison)
• Cách tiếp cận: Consider developmental factors (brain development, experience), but avoid stereotyping – acknowledge individual variation

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

“Generally, yes, I think young people are often less careful. This is because they lack experience and don’t always think about consequences. Older people have made more mistakes in life, so they know to be careful. Also, young people might be more confident and take more risks. But this is not always true – some young people are very responsible and some older people can still be careless.”

Phân tích:

• Structure: States position, gives reasons, acknowledges exceptions
• Vocabulary: Basic (lack experience, think about, take risks)
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Addresses question with some development but lacks sophistication

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📝 Câu trả lời mẫu – Band 8-9:

“While there’s certainly a stereotype that youth and carelessness go hand in hand, I think the reality is more nuanced and rooted in developmental and experiential factors rather than age per se.

From a neurological standpoint, there’s actually some scientific basis for this perception. The prefrontal cortex – the part of the brain responsible for impulse control, risk assessment, and long-term planning – doesn’t fully mature until the mid-twenties. This biological reality means younger individuals are, quite literally, less equipped to consistently anticipate consequences and exercise restraint. They’re not being deliberately careless; their brains are still developing the circuitry for comprehensive risk evaluation.

Beyond biology, there’s the experiential component. Older individuals have accumulated what you might call “consequence literacy” – they’ve witnessed or experienced the fallout from careless actions enough times to have internalized these lessons. It’s not that they’re inherently more careful; they’ve simply built up a mental database of “if I do X carelessly, Y negative outcome tends to follow.” Young people are still compiling that database.

However, I’d caution against overgeneralizing. Context matters enormously. In domains where young people have extensive experience – think of young professional gamers or digital natives navigating technology – they often demonstrate meticulous carefulness that exceeds older generations. Similarly, older adults can exhibit carelessness in unfamiliar domains or through overconfidence born of experience.

There’s also a cultural dimension. In some societies, age-based hierarchies and respect for elders mean young people are socialized to be more deferential and careful from early on. The generalization really breaks down when you examine it cross-culturally.

Ultimately, I think the correlation between age and carefulness is real but heavily mediated by context, experience, domain-specific knowledge, and individual personality traits. It’s less about a fixed age-related characteristic and more about the accumulation of relevant experience and neurological maturity.”

Phân tích:

• Structure: Exceptional sophistication – acknowledges stereotype, explores neurological basis, discusses experiential factors, challenges overgeneralization với examples, adds cultural dimension, concludes với nuanced synthesis
• Vocabulary: Advanced và precise (prefrontal cortex, impulse control, consequence literacy, overgeneralizing, domain-specific knowledge, heavily mediated by)
• Grammar: Full range với perfect control (passive voice, participle phrases, conditional forms, relative clauses)
• Critical Thinking: Multi-dimensional analysis (biological, experiential, contextual, cultural), challenges simplistic view, demonstrates scientific knowledge, synthesizes complex factors

💡 Key Language Features:

• Discourse markers: While, From a neurological standpoint, Beyond biology, However, Similarly, Ultimately
• Tentative language: I think, tends to follow, you might call, I’d caution against
• Abstract nouns: stereotype, maturity, fallout, correlation, accumulation
• Academic collocations: rooted in, developing the circuitry, built up a mental database, heavily mediated by, breaks down

Tương tự như describe a person you know who is very patient, sự phát triển của tính cẩn thận cũng cần thời gian và kinh nghiệm sống, không phụ thuộc hoàn toàn vào độ tuổi mà còn vào quá trình trưởng thành cá nhân.

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Từ vựng và cụm từ quan trọng

Topic-Specific Vocabulary

Từ vựng/Cụm từ	Loại từ	Phiên âm	Nghĩa tiếng Việt	Ví dụ	Collocation
meticulous	adj	/mɪˈtɪkjələs/	tỉ mỉ, cẩn thận đến từng chi tiết	She’s meticulous about checking every detail before submission.	meticulous attention, meticulous planning, meticulous care, meticulous approach
cautious	adj	/ˈkɔːʃəs/	thận trọng, cẩn thận	We need to take a cautious approach to this sensitive matter.	cautious approach, cautious attitude, overly cautious, extremely cautious
vigilant	adj	/ˈvɪdʒɪlənt/	cảnh giác, tỉnh táo	Parents must remain vigilant about their children’s online activities.	remain vigilant, stay vigilant, vigilant monitoring, vigilant attention
reckless	adj	/ˈrekləs/	liều lĩnh, bất cẩn	Reckless driving can lead to serious accidents.	reckless behavior, reckless abandon, reckless disregard, reckless decision
careless mistake	n phrase	/ˈkeələs mɪˈsteɪk/	sai lầm bất cẩn	A careless mistake in the calculation cost us the contract.	make a careless mistake, avoid careless mistakes, costly careless mistake
exercise caution	v phrase	/ˈeksəsaɪz ˈkɔːʃən/	thực hiện sự thận trọng	Investors should exercise caution in volatile markets.	exercise extreme caution, exercise great caution, advise to exercise caution
painstaking	adj	/ˈpeɪnzteɪkɪŋ/	công phu, tỉ mỉ cực kỳ	The restoration required painstaking attention to detail.	painstaking work, painstaking effort, painstaking research, painstaking process
inadvertently	adv	/ˌɪnədˈvɜːtəntli/	vô tình, không cố ý	I inadvertently deleted the important file.	inadvertently caused, inadvertently revealed, inadvertently created
precaution	n	/prɪˈkɔːʃən/	biện pháp phòng ngừa	We should take precautions against potential risks.	take precautions, safety precautions, necessary precautions, precautionary measures
scrupulous	adj	/ˈskruːpjələs/	tỉ mỉ, cẩn thận (về đạo đức)	He’s scrupulous about following ethical guidelines.	scrupulous attention, scrupulous honesty, scrupulous care, scrupulous adherence
oversight	n	/ˈəʊvəsaɪt/	sự giám sát; sự sơ suất	The accident was due to an oversight in safety procedures.	serious oversight, unfortunate oversight, regulatory oversight, oversight committee
complacency	n	/kəmˈpleɪsənsi/	sự tự mãn, chủ quan	Success can breed complacency if we’re not careful.	dangerous complacency, fall into complacency, complacency sets in, guard against complacency
thoroughness	n	/ˈθʌrənəs/	sự chu đáo, kỹ lưỡng	The project’s success was due to the team’s thoroughness.	demonstrate thoroughness, lack of thoroughness, thoroughness and attention
haphazard	adj	/hæpˈhæzəd/	bừa bãi, thiếu kế hoạch	The haphazard approach led to numerous errors.	haphazard manner, haphazard way, haphazard fashion, haphazard approach
diligent	adj	/ˈdɪlɪdʒənt/	siêng năng, cần cù	Diligent students double-check their work before submitting.	diligent effort, diligent work, diligent student, diligent attention

Idiomatic Expressions & Advanced Phrases

Cụm từ	Nghĩa	Ví dụ sử dụng	Band điểm
better safe than sorry	cẩn tắc vô áy náy	It’s better safe than sorry, so I always make backup copies of important files.	7.0-8.0
err on the side of caution	nghiêng về phía thận trọng hơn	When it comes to health issues, doctors tend to err on the side of caution.	7.5-8.5
tread carefully	bước đi cẩn thận, hành động thận trọng	You need to tread carefully when discussing sensitive topics.	7.5-8.5
walk on eggshells	phải cẩn thận cực kỳ (như đi trên vỏ trứng)	Working with that manager means walking on eggshells constantly.	7.5-8.5
look before you leap	nhìn trước khi nhảy (cân nhắc kỹ trước khi hành động)	My father always told me to look before you leap when making major decisions.	7.0-8.0
put your eggs in one basket	đặt tất cả trứng vào một giỏ (mạo hiểm tất cả)	Don’t put all your eggs in one basket – diversify your investments.	7.0-8.0
play it safe	chơi an toàn	Instead of taking risks, he decided to play it safe and keep his current job.	6.5-7.5
slip-up	sai sót, sự sơ xuất	One slip-up during the presentation could ruin our chances.	7.0-8.0
a close call	suýt nữa (gặp rắc rối)	That was a close call – I almost sent the email to the wrong person.	7.0-8.0
exercise due diligence	thực hiện sự thận trọng đúng mức	Companies must exercise due diligence before entering partnerships.	8.0-9.0
leave nothing to chance	không để điều gì xảy ra tình cờ	She left nothing to chance in preparing for the exam.	7.5-8.5
cross the t’s and dot the i’s	hoàn thiện mọi chi tiết nhỏ (chú ý đến từng chi tiết)	Before submitting the contract, make sure to cross all the t’s and dot all the i’s.	7.5-8.5

Discourse Markers (Từ Nối Ý Trong Speaking)

Để bắt đầu câu trả lời:

• 📝 Well,… – Dùng khi cần suy nghĩ hoặc đưa ra perspective mới
• 📝 Actually,… – Khi đưa ra góc nhìn khác hoặc sửa lại ý
• 📝 To be honest,… – Khi muốn nói thật và tạo sự chân thành
• 📝 I’d say that… – Cách formal để đưa ra quan điểm cá nhân
• 📝 From my perspective,… – Nhấn mạnh đây là góc nhìn cá nhân
• 📝 In my experience,… – Dẫn dắt đến personal example

Để bổ sung ý:

• 📝 On top of that,… – Thêm vào đó (tương tự moreover)
• 📝 What’s more,… – Hơn nữa, còn nữa
• 📝 Not to mention… – Chưa kể đến (introduce additional point)
• 📝 Beyond that,… – Vượt ra ngoài điều đó
• 📝 Additionally,… – Thêm vào đó (formal)
• 📝 On a similar note,… – Về mặt tương tự

Để đưa ra quan điểm cân bằng:

• 📝 On the one hand,… On the other hand,… – Một mặt… mặt khác
• 📝 While it’s true that…, we also need to consider… – Dù đúng là… nhưng cũng cần xem xét
• 📝 That said,… – Nói như vậy thì… (contrast với ý trước)
• 📝 Having said that,… – Sau khi nói điều đó (để contrast)
• 📝 By the same token,… – Tương tự như vậy
• 📝 Conversely,… – Ngược lại (formal)

Để đưa ra ví dụ:

• 📝 For instance,… – Ví dụ
• 📝 Take… for example – Lấy… làm ví dụ
• 📝 A case in point is… – Một trường hợp điển hình là
• 📝 To illustrate this,… – Để minh họa điều này

Để kết luận:

• 📝 All in all,… – Tóm lại, xét tất cả
• 📝 At the end of the day,… – Cuối cùng thì, sau tất cả
• 📝 Ultimately,… – Cuối cùng, sau cùng
• 📝 In the final analysis,… – Trong phân tích cuối cùng (formal)

Grammatical Structures Ấn Tượng

1. Conditional Sentences (Câu điều kiện):

• Mixed conditional: “If I had been more careful that day, I wouldn’t be dealing with these consequences now.” (Nếu tôi đã cẩn thận hơn ngày hôm đó, tôi sẽ không phải đối mặt với những hậu quả này bây giờ)
• Inversion: “Had I known the risks involved, I would have taken more precautions.” (Nếu tôi biết những rủi ro liên quan, tôi đã thực hiện nhiều biện pháp phòng ngừa hơn)

2. Relative Clauses (Mệnh đề quan hệ):

• Non-defining: “My grandmother, who had kept the photograph for decades, trusted me with its restoration.” (Bà tôi, người đã giữ bức ảnh trong nhiều thập kỷ, đã tin tưởng tôi phục hồi nó)
• Reduced relative clause: “The situation requiring extreme caution was when I handled the antique.” (Tình huống đòi hỏi sự cẩn thận cực kỳ là khi tôi xử lý đồ cổ)

3. Passive Voice (Câu bị động):

• It is thought/believed/said that… “It’s widely believed that younger people tend to be less cautious than their elders.” (Người ta thường tin rằng người trẻ có xu hướng ít thận trọng hơn người lớn tuổi)
• Advanced passive: “Carefulness is something that needs to be cultivated through both instruction and experience.” (Sự cẩn thận là thứ cần được trau dồi qua cả giảng dạy và kinh nghiệm)

4. Cleft Sentences (Câu chẻ):

• What I find most… is… “What I find most challenging about being careful is maintaining that level of attention for extended periods.” (Điều tôi thấy khó khăn nhất về việc cẩn thận là duy trì mức độ chú ý đó trong thời gian dài)
• The thing that… is… “The thing that really taught me carefulness was experiencing the consequences of my mistakes firsthand.” (Điều thực sự dạy tôi sự cẩn thận là trải nghiệm hậu quả của sai lầm trực tiếp)

5. Gerund as Subject (Danh động từ làm chủ ngữ):

• “Maintaining constant vigilance can be mentally exhausting.” (Duy trì sự cảnh giác liên tục có thể khiến mệt mỏi về mặt tinh thần)
• “Being overly careful sometimes prevents us from taking necessary risks.” (Quá cẩn thận đôi khi ngăn cản chúng ta chấp nhận những rủi ro cần thiết)

6. Participle Phrases (Cụm phân từ):

• “Having experienced the consequences, I now approach similar situations with much more caution.” (Sau khi trải nghiệm hậu quả, giờ tôi tiếp cận các tình huống tương tự với sự thận trọng nhiều hơn)
• “Worried about potential mistakes, I triple-checked everything before finalizing the document.” (Lo lắng về những sai sót tiềm ẩn, tôi đã kiểm tra ba lần mọi thứ trước khi hoàn thành tài liệu)

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