IELTS Speaking: Cách Trả Lời “Describe a Situation When You Were Very Motivated” – Bài Mẫu Band 6-9

Mở bài

Chủ đề “Describe A Situation When You Were Very Motivated” là một đề bài phổ biến trong IELTS Speaking Part 2, thường xuyên xuất hiện trong các kỳ thi từ năm 2020 đến nay với tần suất trung bình đến cao. Đây là dạng câu hỏi về personal experience yêu cầu thí sinh kể về một trải nghiệm cá nhân liên quan đến động lực, sự quyết tâm và nỗ lực vượt qua thử thách.

Chủ đề này quan trọng vì nó không chỉ đánh giá khả năng kể chuyện của bạn mà còn cho thấy sự trưởng thành, tính kiên trì và cách bạn đối mặt với mục tiêu trong cuộc sống. Các góc độ thường được hỏi bao gồm: động lực trong học tập, công việc, thể thao, sở thích cá nhân, hoặc các mục tiêu phát triển bản thân.

Với mức độ xuất hiện cao trong các đề thi gần đây, khả năng gặp phải chủ đề này hoặc các biến thể liên quan đến motivation, achievement, hoặc personal goals là rất lớn trong tương lai.

Trong bài viết này, bạn sẽ học được:

• 10+ câu hỏi thực tế cho cả 3 Part với phân tích chi tiết
• Bài mẫu hoàn chỉnh theo 3 band điểm (6-7, 7.5-8, 8.5-9) kèm giải thích tại sao đạt điểm đó
• 20+ từ vựng và cụm từ chuyên biệt về motivation với phiên âm và cách dùng
• Chiến lược trả lời hiệu quả từ góc nhìn Examiner
• Những lỗi thường gặp của học viên Việt Nam và cách khắc phục

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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, trong đó giám khảo sẽ hỏi các câu hỏi ngắn về cuộc sống hàng ngày, sở thích, công việc hoặc học tập của bạn. Đặc điểm của phần này là câu hỏi đơn giản, dễ hiểu, nhưng yêu cầu bạn trả lời một cách tự nhiên và mở rộng ý tưởng.

Chiến lược hiệu quả:

• Trả lời trực tiếp câu hỏi trong 1-2 câu đầu
• Mở rộng bằng cách đưa ra lý do, ví dụ hoặc chi tiết bổ sung
• Tránh trả lời quá ngắn (Yes/No) hoặc quá dài (lạc đề)
• Sử dụng từ vựng đa dạng và cấu trúc ngữ pháp phức tạp hơn

Lỗi thường gặp của học viên Việt Nam:

• Trả lời quá ngắn gọn, thiếu phát triển ý
• Dùng từ vựng quá đơn giản hoặc lặp lại
• Thiếu ví dụ cụ thể từ kinh nghiệm cá nhân
• Ngập ngừng quá nhiều do chưa chuẩn bị tâm lý

Các Câu Hỏi Thường Gặp

Question 1: What motivates you to study or work hard?

Question 2: Do you consider yourself a motivated person?

Question 3: What do you do when you feel unmotivated?

Question 4: Who has been the most motivating person in your life?

Question 5: Do you set goals for yourself?

Question 6: How do you stay motivated when facing difficulties?

Question 7: What’s your biggest source of motivation?

Question 8: Have you ever felt extremely motivated to achieve something?

Question 9: Do you think motivation is more important than talent?

Question 10: How do you motivate yourself on a daily basis?

Phân Tích và Gợi Ý Trả Lời Chi Tiết

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Question: What motivates you to study or work hard?

🎯 Cách tiếp cận:

• Xác định nguồn động lực chính (mục tiêu dài hạn, gia đình, đam mê…)
• Giải thích tại sao yếu tố đó quan trọng với bạn
• Đưa ví dụ cụ thể về cách nó ảnh hưởng đến hành động của bạn

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

“I’m mainly motivated by my future goals. I want to have a good career and make my parents proud. When I study hard, I know I’m getting closer to my dream job, so that keeps me going even when things are difficult.”

Phân tích:

• Điểm mạnh: Trả lời trực tiếp, có lý do rõ ràng và đề cập đến mục tiêu cá nhân
• Hạn chế: Từ vựng còn đơn giản (good career, dream job), thiếu ví dụ cụ thể, cấu trúc câu chưa đa dạng
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Câu trả lời đủ rõ ràng và có logic, nhưng thiếu sự tinh tế trong cách diễn đạt. Vocabulary ở mức adequate nhưng chưa impressive. Grammar đơn giản với các câu ghép cơ bản.

📝 Sample Answer – Band 8-9:

“I’d say my primary driving force is the sense of accomplishment I get from reaching my goals. There’s something incredibly fulfilling about pushing my boundaries and seeing tangible results from my efforts. For instance, when I was preparing for my university entrance exam, knowing that each study session was bringing me closer to my dream of studying abroad really kept me motivated through those long, challenging months.”

Phân tích:

• Điểm mạnh:

  • Từ vựng sophisticated: “driving force”, “sense of accomplishment”, “pushing my boundaries”, “tangible results”
  • Cấu trúc phức tạp: “There’s something incredibly fulfilling about…” (cấu trúc nhấn mạnh)
  • Ví dụ cụ thể và personal: Chuẩn bị kỳ thi đại học
  • Diễn đạt tự nhiên với “I’d say” để bắt đầu

• Tại sao Band 8-9:

  • Fluency: Câu trả lời trôi chảy, không ngập ngừng, sử dụng discourse marker “I’d say” tự nhiên
  • Vocabulary: Precise và sophisticated với collocations đúng (driving force, sense of accomplishment)
  • Grammar: Cấu trúc phức tạp đa dạng, sử dụng gerund, relative clause tự nhiên
  • Ideas: Sâu sắc, không chỉ nêu động lực mà còn giải thích cảm giác và đưa ví dụ cụ thể

💡 Key Vocabulary & Expressions:

• driving force: động lực chính, nguồn động viên mạnh mẽ
• sense of accomplishment: cảm giác thành tựu
• fulfilling: mang lại sự thỏa mãn, ý nghĩa
• push one’s boundaries: vượt qua giới hạn của bản thân
• tangible results: kết quả hữu hình, rõ ràng
• keep someone motivated: giữ cho ai đó có động lực

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Question: What do you do when you feel unmotivated?

🎯 Cách tiếp cận:

• Thừa nhận việc mất động lực là bình thường
• Chia sẻ 1-2 phương pháp cụ thể bạn sử dụng
• Giải thích tại sao phương pháp đó hiệu quả với bạn

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

“When I feel unmotivated, I usually take a short break to relax. Sometimes I watch motivational videos on YouTube or talk to my friends about my problems. After that, I feel better and can continue working.”

Phân tích:

• Điểm mạnh: Có structure rõ ràng (take a break → do something → feel better)
• Hạn chế: Từ vựng basic (feel better, take a break), thiếu depth trong giải thích, không nêu cụ thể loại video hay cách nói chuyện với bạn giúp ích như thế nào
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Adequate response với các ý cơ bản nhưng thiếu sophisticated vocabulary và detailed explanation

📝 Sample Answer – Band 8-9:

“Actually, I’ve found that the best remedy for lack of motivation is to step back and reassess my priorities. Rather than forcing myself to keep going, I’ll take a strategic break – maybe go for a run or practice meditation – which helps me clear my head and regain perspective. What really works for me is breaking down my goals into smaller, more manageable chunks, so instead of feeling overwhelmed by the big picture, I can focus on achievable milestones. This approach has been particularly effective when I was working on my thesis last year.”

Phân tích:

• Điểm mạnh:

  • Vocabulary tinh vi: “remedy”, “reassess priorities”, “strategic break”, “regain perspective”, “manageable chunks”, “achievable milestones”
  • Grammar đa dạng: “Rather than + V-ing”, “which helps me…”, “so instead of feeling…”
  • Cách tiếp cận thoughtful: Không chỉ nêu hành động mà còn giải thích philosophy đằng sau
  • Ví dụ cụ thể: Thesis project

• Tại sao Band 8-9:

  • Fluency: Natural discourse marker “Actually”, smooth transition giữa các ý
  • Vocabulary: Collocations chính xác (clear my head, break down goals, achievable milestones)
  • Grammar: Complex sentences với relative clauses, contrasting structures
  • Critical thinking: Shows mature approach với “reassess priorities” thay vì chỉ “take a break”

💡 Key Vocabulary & Expressions:

• lack of motivation: sự thiếu động lực
• step back and reassess: lùi lại và đánh giá lại
• strategic break: nghỉ ngơi có chiến lược
• clear one’s head: làm đầu óc tỉnh táo, thư giãn
• regain perspective: lấy lại quan điểm, nhìn nhận rõ hơn
• break down goals: chia nhỏ mục tiêu
• manageable chunks: phần nhỏ dễ quản lý
• overwhelmed: quá tải, choáng ngợp
• achievable milestones: cột mốc có thể đạt được

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Question: Who has been the most motivating person in your life?

🎯 Cách tiếp cận:

• Xác định người đó (family member, teacher, friend, public figure)
• Giải thích cụ thể họ đã động viên bạn như thế nào
• Kể một ví dụ hoặc khoảnh khắc đáng nhớ

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

“My mother has motivated me the most. She always works very hard to support our family and never gives up, even when things are difficult. When I see her determination, I feel inspired to work hard too and not complain about my problems.”

Phân tích:

• Điểm mạnh: Clear answer với lý do đơn giản và honest
• Hạn chế: Vocabulary repetitive (work hard xuất hiện 2 lần), thiếu specific example, không có emotional depth
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Adequate content nhưng thiếu sophistication trong cách miêu tả và giải thích

📝 Sample Answer – Band 8-9:

“Without a doubt, my high school literature teacher has been my greatest source of inspiration. What really set her apart was her unwavering belief in her students’ potential, even when we doubted ourselves. I remember when I was struggling with writing essays, she didn’t just correct my mistakes – she took the time to understand my thought process and helped me develop my own voice. Her dedication and the way she championed each student’s unique strengths taught me that with the right mindset and support, we can exceed our own expectations. That lesson has stayed with me throughout my academic journey, and I often think back to her encouragement when facing challenges.”

Phân tích:

• Điểm mạnh:

  • Personal và authentic story
  • Vocabulary rich: “unwavering belief”, “set her apart”, “championed”, “develop my own voice”
  • Specific example: Struggling with essays → teacher’s approach
  • Emotional connection: “stayed with me”
  • Shows reflection và long-term impact

• Tại sao Band 8-9:

  • Fluency: Natural storytelling với clear progression
  • Vocabulary: Precise verbs và collocations (championed students, exceed expectations)
  • Grammar: Mix của simple và complex sentences, tense variation phù hợp
  • Depth: Không chỉ nói “ai” mà còn “tại sao” và “ảnh hưởng như thế nào”

💡 Key Vocabulary & Expressions:

• greatest source of inspiration: nguồn cảm hứng lớn nhất
• set someone apart: làm ai đó nổi bật, khác biệt
• unwavering belief: niềm tin không lay chuyển
• take the time to: dành thời gian để (nhấn mạnh sự quan tâm)
• develop one’s own voice: phát triển phong cách riêng
• dedication: sự cống hiến, tận tụy
• champion someone/something: ủng hộ, bênh vực ai/điều gì
• mindset: tư duy, cách suy nghĩ
• exceed one’s expectations: vượt quá mong đợi của ai đó
• stay with someone: đọng lại trong tâm trí ai đó

Học viên IELTS Speaking thể hiện sự tự tin và động lực khi trả lời câu hỏi về người truyền cảm hứng trong đời

Để hiểu rõ hơn về cách describe a person who has positively influenced your life, bạn có thể tham khảo thêm các kỹ thuật miêu tả người có ảnh hưởng tích cực, điều này sẽ giúp bạn làm phong phú thêm câu trả lời cho dạng câu hỏi về motivation.

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IELTS Speaking Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)

Tổng Quan Về Part 2

Part 2 là phần độc thoại kéo dài 2-3 phút, trong đó bạn có 1 phút chuẩn bị và ghi chú trước khi nói. Đây là phần quan trọng nhất để thể hiện khả năng diễn đạt liên tục, tổ chức ý tưởng mạch lạc và sử dụng từ vựng đa dạng.

Chiến lược hiệu quả:

• Sử dụng đủ 1 phút để brainstorm và ghi chú keywords (KHÔNG viết câu hoàn chỉnh)
• Cấu trúc ghi chú theo bullet points của đề bài
• Nói tối thiểu 1.5 phút, lý tưởng là 2-2.5 phút
• Trả lời đầy đủ tất cả yêu cầu, đặc biệt chú ý câu “explain” cuối cùng
• Sử dụng thì quá khứ nếu kể về một sự kiện cụ thể
• Dùng discourse markers để liên kết ý (To begin with, Additionally, What’s more, Ultimately)

Lỗi thường gặp:

• Không tận dụng hết thời gian chuẩn bị
• Nói ít hơn 1.5 phút (giảm điểm Fluency nghiêm trọng)
• Bỏ sót một hoặc nhiều bullet points
• Tập trung quá nhiều vào một bullet point mà bỏ qua các phần khác
• Không phát triển phần “explain” – phần quan trọng nhất để đạt điểm cao

Cue Card

Describe a situation when you were very motivated

You should say:

• What the situation was
• When and where it happened
• What motivated you in that situation
• And explain how you felt about being so motivated

Phân Tích Đề Bài

• Dạng câu hỏi: Describe an experience/event (Kể về một trải nghiệm, sự kiện cụ thể)

• Thì động từ: Quá khứ đơn và quá khứ tiếp diễn chủ yếu (vì kể về một tình huống đã xảy ra)

• Bullet points phải cover:

  • What: Tình huống gì? (học tập, công việc, thể thao, dự án…)
  • When/Where: Thời gian và địa điểm cụ thể
  • What motivated you: Nguồn động lực là gì? (mục tiêu, người khác, thử thách, phần thưởng…)
  • How you felt: Cảm xúc và suy nghĩ của bạn về trải nghiệm đó

• Câu “explain” quan trọng: Đây là phần chiếm nhiều điểm nhất! Bạn cần giải thích chi tiết về cảm xúc, suy nghĩ sâu sắc hơn, và có thể đề cập đến tác động lâu dài của tình huống đó. Nhiều thí sinh chỉ kể chuyện mà quên phần reflection này.

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7

Thời lượng: Khoảng 1.5-2 phút

“I’d like to talk about a time when I was very motivated during my final year of high school. It was about two years ago when I was preparing for the university entrance exam.

The situation happened during my last semester. Every day after school, I would go to the library near my house to study. I usually stayed there until 9 or 10 PM. I studied many subjects like Math, Literature, and English because all of them were important for the exam.

What motivated me the most was my dream of getting into a good university in Ho Chi Minh City. My parents also supported me a lot and told me they believed in me. I knew that if I worked hard, I could achieve my goal. Also, my friends and I studied together sometimes, and we encouraged each other to keep going.

I felt really determined during that time. Sometimes I was tired, but I never wanted to give up. When I finally got accepted to my first-choice university, I felt so proud of myself. Looking back, I think that period taught me the importance of hard work and perseverance. It was a challenging time, but it made me a stronger person.”

Phân Tích Band Điểm

Tiêu chí	Band	Nhận xét
Fluency & Coherence	6.5	Có sử dụng một số linking words (also, when, looking back) nhưng còn đơn giản. Bài nói mạch lạc nhưng thiếu variety trong discourse markers. Có một số hesitation nhẹ.
Lexical Resource	6	Vocabulary adequate với “dream”, “achieve my goal”, “determined”, “perseverance”. Tuy nhiên, còn nhiều từ basic (good university, worked hard, tired). Thiếu collocations sophisticated.
Grammatical Range & Accuracy	6.5	Sử dụng đúng past simple và past continuous. Có một số complex sentences (when, if, that). Nhưng chủ yếu là simple structures và thiếu variety.
Pronunciation	6.5-7	Giả định pronunciation rõ ràng, có thể hiểu được, với một số lỗi nhỏ không ảnh hưởng communication.

Điểm mạnh:

• ✅ Trả lời đầy đủ tất cả bullet points
• ✅ Có cấu trúc rõ ràng: introduction → situation → motivation → feelings
• ✅ Đưa ra ví dụ cụ thể (studying at library, subjects, time)
• ✅ Có phần reflection ở cuối

Hạn chế:

• ⚠️ Vocabulary còn basic và repetitive (worked hard, good university)
• ⚠️ Grammar structures chưa đa dạng, mostly simple sentences
• ⚠️ Thiếu emotional depth và vivid details
• ⚠️ Linking words đơn giản (also, when, but)
• ⚠️ Có thể dài hơn để đạt 2 phút full

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📝 Sample Answer – Band 7.5-8

Thời lượng: Khoảng 2-2.5 phút

“I’d like to share an experience when I felt incredibly motivated, which was during my preparation for the IELTS exam about 18 months ago.

The situation took place over a three-month period when I was determined to achieve a band score of 7.5 to meet the requirements for my dream scholarship abroad. I devoted practically every spare moment to studying – early mornings before work, lunch breaks, and late evenings. I created a rigorous study schedule and stuck to it religiously, focusing on improving my weakest areas, particularly Writing and Speaking.

What really drove me during this challenging period was a combination of factors. First and foremost, the scholarship represented not just an academic opportunity, but a chance to broaden my horizons and gain international experience. Additionally, I’d made a commitment to myself that I wouldn’t let this opportunity slip away. My IELTS tutor also played a crucial role – she continuously encouraged me and helped me see tangible progress each week, which kept my spirits high even when I felt exhausted.

Looking back, I realize how empowered I felt during that time. Despite the intensity of the preparation, there was something incredibly fulfilling about pushing myself beyond my comfort zone. The sense of purpose I had was unlike anything I’d experienced before. Each small improvement – whether it was mastering a grammatical structure or improving my coherence in essays – gave me a surge of confidence. When I finally received my results and saw I’d achieved my target score, I felt an overwhelming sense of achievement. That experience taught me that with clear goals and unwavering determination, I’m capable of much more than I initially thought.”

Phân Tích Band Điểm

Tiêu chí	Band	Nhận xét
Fluency & Coherence	7.5	Smooth delivery với variety of linking devices (First and foremost, Additionally, Looking back, Despite). Logical progression và well-organized. Minimal hesitation.
Lexical Resource	7.5-8	Strong vocabulary với collocations tốt (rigorous study schedule, broaden my horizons, sense of achievement, unwavering determination). Paraphrasing hiệu quả. Less common vocabulary (empowered, intensity, surge of confidence).
Grammatical Range & Accuracy	7.5-8	Wide range of structures: relative clauses (which was…), participle phrases (Looking back), complex conditionals. Good mix of simple and complex sentences. Few errors.
Pronunciation	7.5-8	Giả định clear pronunciation với good use of stress and intonation for emphasis.

So Sánh Với Band 6-7

Khía cạnh	Band 6-7	Band 7.5-8
Vocabulary	“worked hard”, “good university”, “determined”	“rigorous study schedule”, “broaden my horizons”, “unwavering determination”, “surge of confidence”
Grammar	Mostly simple: “I studied many subjects”, “I felt really determined”	Complex: “What really drove me was a combination of factors”, “Despite the intensity of the preparation, there was something incredibly fulfilling”
Ideas	Basic motivation: dream university, parents’ support	Sophisticated: scholarship as opportunity, self-commitment, role of mentor, personal growth
Emotional depth	Surface level: “I felt proud”, “It was challenging”	Deep reflection: “empowered”, “sense of purpose unlike anything”, “capable of much more than I initially thought”

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📝 Sample Answer – Band 8.5-9

Thời lượng: 2.5-3 phút đầy đủ

“I’d like to recount a particularly transformative period in my life when I experienced an unprecedented level of motivation – this was roughly two years ago when I decided to embark on training for my first marathon.

To give you some context, I’d never been particularly athletically inclined, and the thought of running 42 kilometers seemed absolutely daunting. However, after attending a charity marathon event where I witnessed ordinary people achieving extraordinary feats, something clicked inside me. I realized that the mental barriers I’d constructed were far more formidable than any physical limitations. Right then and there, I committed myself to running in the city marathon six months down the line.

What propelled me forward during this journey was multifaceted. On one level, there was the sheer novelty of stepping outside my comfort zone – I’d always been the ‘academic type’ and had subconsciously pigeonholed myself into that identity. Breaking free from that limiting self-perception was incredibly liberating. Moreover, I was driven by a desire to raise funds for a children’s education charity, which added layers of meaning to every grueling training session. When my legs were screaming in protest during those early-morning runs, I’d remind myself of the bigger picture. Perhaps most significantly, I discovered an unexpected camaraderie among my running group – we became each other’s cheerleaders and accountability partners, which amplified my motivation exponentially.

The emotional landscape of that period was remarkably rich and complex. Initially, I experienced this intoxicating cocktail of excitement and trepidation. As the training intensified, there were moments of profound self-doubt – days when I questioned my sanity for taking on such a challenge. Yet, paradoxically, these moments of doubt became the catalyst for even greater determination. Each incremental improvement – shaving off a few minutes from my time, managing a longer distance, or simply waking up at 5 AM when my body begged for more sleep – became a testament to my evolving resilience.

What struck me most was the holistic transformation I underwent. This wasn’t merely about physical fitness; it was a profound journey of self-discovery. I learned that motivation isn’t this mystical force that descends upon you – it’s something you cultivate through consistent action and reframing challenges as opportunities. On race day, when I crossed the finish line, the euphoria I felt wasn’t just about completing the marathon – it was about having shattered my own preconceived limitations. That experience has since permeated every aspect of my life, making me more audacious in pursuing goals that once seemed unattainable. It fundamentally altered my relationship with discomfort, teaching me that growth invariably resides just beyond our comfort zones.”

Phân Tích Band Điểm

Tiêu chí	Band	Nhận xét
Fluency & Coherence	9	Effortlessly fluent với sophisticated linking (Moreover, Perhaps most significantly, Yet paradoxically). Complex idea development với clear progression. Natural storytelling flow.
Lexical Resource	9	Exceptional range: idiomatic (something clicked, legs screaming in protest), collocations (unprecedented level, sheer novelty, profound self-doubt, holistic transformation). Precise và natural use.
Grammatical Range & Accuracy	9	Full range of structures used naturally: participle clauses (Breaking free from…), complex conditionals, passive constructions. Sophisticated punctuation affecting meaning. Zero errors.
Pronunciation	9	Giả định native-like với sophisticated use of features like stress for emphasis, appropriate intonation patterns for storytelling.

Tại Sao Bài Này Xuất Sắc

🎯 Fluency Hoàn Hảo:

• Không có hesitation, speaks at length without effort
• Sophisticated signposting (To give you some context, On one level, Moreover, Perhaps most significantly)
• Natural storytelling với vivid narrative arc (beginning → struggle → triumph → reflection)

📚 Vocabulary Tinh Vi:

• Idiomatic expressions sử dụng tự nhiên: “something clicked”, “legs screaming in protest”, “shaving off minutes”
• Collocations chính xác: “unprecedented level of motivation”, “mental barriers”, “formidable limitations”, “intoxicating cocktail”, “audacious in pursuing”
• Abstract nouns cho sophisticated ideas: “camaraderie”, “resilience”, “euphoria”, “trepidation”
• Metaphorical language: “emotional landscape”, “catalyst for determination”, “growth resides beyond comfort zones”

📝 Grammar Đa Dạng:

• Inversion for emphasis: “Right then and there, I committed myself”
• Participle clauses: “Breaking free from that limiting self-perception was incredibly liberating”
• Complex relative clauses: “which added layers of meaning to every grueling training session”
• Cleft sentences: “What struck me most was the holistic transformation”
• Sophisticated tenses: Past perfect (I’d never been), past continuous (my body was begging)

💡 Ideas Sâu Sắc:

• Không chỉ kể story mà có deep psychological analysis (mental barriers, self-perception, paradox of doubt leading to determination)
• Multiple layers of motivation (personal challenge + charity + community)
• Philosophical reflection về nature of motivation (“mystical force vs. something you cultivate”)
• Long-term impact và personal transformation
• Sophisticated understanding: “growth invariably resides just beyond our comfort zones”

Tương tự như describe a situation when you faced a difficult challenge, câu chuyện về motivation thường gắn liền với việc vượt qua khó khăn và tìm thấy sức mạnh nội tại. Việc kết hợp cả hai góc độ này sẽ giúp bài nói của bạn thêm phần thuyết phục và sâu sắc.

Vận động viên chạy marathon thể hiện sự kiên trì và động lực mạnh mẽ vượt qua thử thách thể chất

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Follow-up Questions (Rounding Off Questions)

Sau khi bạn hoàn thành độc thoại Part 2, giám khảo có thể hỏi thêm 1-2 câu ngắn để làm rõ một số chi tiết. Đây KHÔNG phải Part 3 – chỉ là câu hỏi ngắn để transition.

Question 1: Did you achieve what you set out to do?

Band 6-7 Answer:
“Yes, I did. I managed to complete the marathon, although my time wasn’t as fast as I’d hoped. But I was just happy to finish it.”

Band 8-9 Answer:
“Absolutely. Not only did I complete the marathon, but I actually exceeded my initial expectations by finishing in under 4 hours and raising over 20 million VND for the charity. The tangible outcomes were immensely satisfying, but honestly, the intangible rewards – the mental fortitude I developed and the lifelong friendships I forged – were far more valuable.”

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Question 2: Would you do something similar again?

Band 6-7 Answer:
“Yes, definitely. I really enjoyed the experience and I learned a lot from it. I’m already thinking about what challenge I could try next.”

Band 8-9 Answer:
“Without hesitation, yes. In fact, I’ve since made it a point to regularly seek out experiences that push my boundaries. That initial marathon was merely the catalyst for a broader shift in my mindset – I now actively look for opportunities to challenge my assumptions about what I’m capable of. I’m currently exploring rock climbing, which presents an entirely different set of physical and mental demands.”

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IELTS Speaking Part 3: Two-way Discussion

Tổng Quan Về Part 3

Part 3 kéo dài 4-5 phút và là phần trừu tượng nhất, yêu cầu bạn thảo luận các vấn đề rộng hơn liên quan đến chủ đề Part 2. Đây là phần phân biệt rõ ràng nhất giữa band 6-7 và band 8-9.

Đặc điểm:

• Câu hỏi mang tính phân tích, đánh giá, so sánh
• Yêu cầu quan điểm cá nhân có lý lẽ
• Không phải kể chuyện cá nhân mà thảo luận về xã hội, xu hướng, vấn đề chung

Yêu cầu:

• Mở rộng câu trả lời (3-5 câu minimum)
• Phân tích nhiều góc độ của vấn đề
• Sử dụng discourse markers cho abstract discussion
• Đưa ra examples từ xã hội, không chỉ bản thân
• Thừa nhận complexity của vấn đề khi cần

Chiến lược:

• Dùng tentative language (I would say, It seems to me, To some extent) để tránh categorical statements
• Structure: Direct answer → Reason 1 + example → Reason 2 + example → Nuance/exception
• Sử dụng vocabulary trừu tượng (phenomenon, tendency, implications, disparity)
• Thể hiện critical thinking (On one hand… On the other hand, While… we also need to consider)

Lỗi thường gặp của học viên Việt Nam:

• Trả lời quá ngắn (1-2 câu)
• Chỉ nêu opinion mà không có reason/example
• Thiếu từ vựng trừu tượng để discuss social issues
• Không biết cách làm mềm statement (quá absolute)
• Chỉ nói một góc độ, không thấy complexity

Các Câu Hỏi Thảo Luận Sâu

Theme 1: Sources of Motivation

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Question 1: What do you think motivates people more – internal factors or external rewards?

🎯 Phân tích câu hỏi:

• Dạng: Compare and contrast (So sánh hai yếu tố)
• Key words: internal factors (intrinsic motivation), external rewards (extrinsic motivation)
• Cách tiếp cận: Không nên chọn absolute (chỉ internal hoặc chỉ external), mà nên acknowledge both và explain when each is more important

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

“I think internal factors are more important because when people are motivated from inside, they work harder and don’t give up easily. External rewards like money are good too, but they are only temporary. For example, if someone loves their job, they will do it well even without a big salary. So I believe internal motivation is stronger.”

Phân tích:

• Structure: Direct answer → reason → example → conclusion
• Vocabulary: Basic (work harder, give up, temporary, do it well)
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Có structure rõ ràng và example, nhưng thiếu nuance (không thấy complexity), vocabulary đơn giản, và thiếu sophisticated reasoning

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📝 Câu trả lời mẫu – Band 8-9:

“Well, I’d say it’s not really a case of one being inherently superior to the other – rather, it depends on the context and individual circumstances. Intrinsic motivation, which stems from personal satisfaction and sense of purpose, tends to be more sustainable in the long run. When people are genuinely passionate about what they’re doing, they’re more likely to persevere through difficulties and maintain consistent effort without constant external reinforcement.

However, we can’t dismiss the significance of external incentives either. In many practical scenarios, particularly in the workplace, tangible rewards like bonuses or recognition serve as crucial catalysts for initiating behavior change or boosting productivity. What’s interesting is that psychological research suggests the most potent form of motivation often comes from a synergy between the two – when people find intrinsic value in their work AND receive appropriate external validation.

That said, there’s a caveat worth noting: excessive reliance on external rewards can sometimes undermine intrinsic motivation, a phenomenon known as the ‘overjustification effect’. For instance, if children are constantly rewarded with money for reading books, they might lose sight of the inherent pleasure of reading itself. So I’d argue that while both have their place, cultivating internal motivation should be the ultimate goal, with external rewards serving as supplementary rather than primary drivers.”

Phân tích:

• Structure:

  • Paragraph 1: Nuanced opening (depends on context) → Explain intrinsic motivation advantages
  • Paragraph 2: Counter-perspective (external rewards important too) → Synergy between both
  • Paragraph 3: Caveat (overjustification effect) → Balanced conclusion

• Vocabulary:

  • Abstract nouns: “sustainability”, “circumstances”, “significance”, “synergy”, “validation”, “caveat”
  • Precise verbs: “dismiss”, “undermine”, “cultivating”
  • Academic collocations: “inherently superior”, “tangible rewards”, “potent form”, “supplementary drivers”

• Grammar:

  • Complex conditionals: “When people are genuinely passionate… they’re more likely to persevere”
  • Relative clauses: “which stems from personal satisfaction”
  • Nominalization: “cultivating internal motivation should be the ultimate goal”

• Critical Thinking:

  • Không chọn một bên mà thấy complexity
  • Reference to research (overjustification effect)
  • Provides specific example (children reading books)
  • Nuanced conclusion acknowledging both

💡 Key Language Features:

• Discourse markers: Well, However, That said
• Tentative language: I’d say, tends to be, suggests, I’d argue
• Abstract nouns: sustainability, synergy, validation, phenomenon, inherent pleasure
• Academic vocabulary: dismiss, undermine, caveat, supplementary, primary drivers

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Question 2: Do you believe that motivation levels differ significantly between generations?

🎯 Phân tích câu hỏi:

• Dạng: Opinion + Analysis (Compare generations)
• Key words: motivation levels, differ, generations
• Cách tiếp cận: Compare older vs. younger generation, provide reasons for differences (or similarities), give social/cultural context

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

“Yes, I think different generations have different motivations. Older people usually care more about job security and having a stable life. But young people today want more freedom and like to try different things. They are motivated by personal growth and experiences rather than just money. This is because society has changed and young people have more opportunities now.”

Phân tích:

• Structure: Direct yes → Describe older generation → Contrast young generation → Brief reason
• Vocabulary: Adequate but simple (job security, stable life, personal growth, opportunities)
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Clear comparison nhưng lacking depth in analysis, thiếu specific examples, và limited vocabulary range

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📝 Câu trả lời mẫu – Band 8-9:

“To some extent, yes, though I’d caution against overgeneralizing, as there’s considerable individual variation within any generation. That being said, there are some discernible patterns worth examining.

Broadly speaking, older generations – those who came of age during more economically precarious times – tend to place a premium on stability and security. Having witnessed or experienced economic upheaval, their motivation often centers around achieving and maintaining financial stability and providing for their families. There’s also a stronger emphasis on loyalty to employers and conventional career trajectories.

In contrast, younger generations, particularly Millennials and Gen Z, seem to be motivated by a more diverse array of factors. Research indicates they prioritize work-life balance, meaningful work, and opportunities for personal development over traditional markers of success. They’re also more likely to be driven by social causes and want their work to align with their values. This shift can be attributed to several factors: greater economic prosperity in recent decades (at least in developed nations), increased exposure to diverse perspectives through technology, and perhaps a backlash against the work-centric lifestyles they observed in their parents.

However, it’s crucial to recognize that these differences might be partly circumstantial rather than generational. What we perceive as generational differences could simply be life-stage differences – young people have always been more willing to take risks and pursue passions, while older individuals with families naturally become more risk-averse. Additionally, current socioeconomic conditions – such as the gig economy and changing employment landscape – shape motivations regardless of generation.”

Phân tích:

• Structure:

  • Qualified agreement với nuance
  • Paragraph về older generation với reasons
  • Paragraph về younger generation với contrast
  • Paragraph về alternative explanation (circumstantial vs. generational)

• Vocabulary:

  • Sophisticated adjectives: “precarious”, “discernible”, “conventional”, “diverse”, “circumstantial”
  • Academic phrases: “place a premium on”, “centers around”, “attributed to”, “backlash against”, “perceive as”
  • Topic-specific: “economic upheaval”, “career trajectories”, “work-life balance”, “gig economy”

• Grammar:

  • Participle phrases: “Having witnessed economic upheaval”
  • Passive constructions: “can be attributed to”, “might be partly circumstantial”
  • Complex nominalizations: “exposure to diverse perspectives”

• Critical Thinking:

  • Cautions against overgeneralization
  • Provides alternative explanation (life-stage vs. generational)
  • References research
  • Considers socioeconomic context

💡 Key Language Features:

• Hedging language: To some extent, Broadly speaking, seem to be, might be partly
• Discourse markers: That being said, In contrast, However, Additionally
• Cause-effect language: attributed to, shaped by
• Comparison language: In contrast, rather than, while

Thế hệ trẻ thể hiện động lực làm việc trong môi trường công nghệ hiện đại với sự cân bằng công việc và cuộc sống

Khi thảo luận về describe a public figure who has made a difference in the world, bạn có thể liên hệ với cách những nhân vật này tạo động lực cho thế hệ trẻ và ảnh hưởng đến quan điểm sống của họ, từ đó làm rõ hơn sự khác biệt động lực giữa các thế hệ.

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Theme 2: Motivation in Education and Work

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Question 3: How can employers keep their employees motivated?

🎯 Phân tích câu hỏi:

• Dạng: Problem-solution / Suggestion
• Key words: employers, keep, employees, motivated
• Cách tiếp cận: Provide multiple strategies, explain why each works, give examples

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

“Employers can motivate their employees in several ways. First, they should pay them fairly and give bonuses when they do good work. Second, they should create a good working environment where people feel comfortable. Also, they can offer training opportunities so employees can develop their skills. If employers do these things, workers will be more motivated and productive.”

Phân tích:

• Structure: Clear listing của strategies (First, Second, Also)
• Vocabulary: Basic (pay fairly, good work, good working environment, develop skills)
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Adequate suggestions nhưng lacking sophistication, thiếu depth trong giải thích why these work, và limited vocabulary

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📝 Câu trả lời mẫu – Band 8-9:

“Well, maintaining employee motivation is multifaceted and requires a holistic approach that goes beyond just financial incentives.

First and foremost, I’d say fostering a sense of purpose is crucial. When employees understand how their work contributes to the bigger picture and feel they’re making a meaningful impact, they’re far more likely to remain engaged and committed. Companies like TOMS or Patagonia exemplify this by aligning their business practices with social causes, which resonates deeply with employees who want to feel their work matters.

Equally important is creating opportunities for professional development and career advancement. People are inherently motivated by growth, so when organizations invest in training programs, mentorship, or upskilling initiatives, they signal that they value their employees’ long-term potential rather than just their immediate output. This also addresses the concern of stagnation, which is a major demotivating factor.

Additionally, cultivating a positive organizational culture cannot be overstated. This encompasses things like psychological safety – where people feel comfortable voicing opinions and taking calculated risks without fear of punishment – as well as recognition and appreciation for contributions. Research consistently shows that employees who feel valued and respected are significantly more motivated than those who only receive monetary rewards.

Finally, offering flexibility and autonomy has become increasingly important, especially in the post-pandemic era. When employees have some control over how, when, and where they work, it demonstrates trust and acknowledges their ability to self-manage. This autonomy itself becomes a powerful motivator, as it satisfies fundamental human needs for independence and competence.”

Phân tích:

• Structure:

  • Multiple strategies với clear signposting (First and foremost, Equally important, Additionally, Finally)
  • Each strategy được elaborate với explanation + example/research
  • Sophisticated conclusion tying to human psychology

• Vocabulary:

  • Business-specific: “organizational culture”, “psychological safety”, “upskilling initiatives”, “career advancement”
  • Academic: “multifaceted”, “holistic approach”, “exemplify”, “encompasses”, “autonomy”
  • Collocations: “foster a sense of purpose”, “resonate deeply with”, “cultivate positive culture”

• Grammar:

  • Gerunds as subjects: “Maintaining employee motivation”, “Cultivating a positive culture”
  • When-clauses for conditions: “When employees understand how their work contributes…”
  • Relative clauses: “which is a major demotivating factor”

• Critical Thinking:

  • References specific companies (TOMS, Patagonia)
  • Cites research (“Research consistently shows…”)
  • Links to psychology (fundamental human needs)
  • Acknowledges current context (post-pandemic era)

💡 Key Language Features:

• Discourse markers: First and foremost, Equally important, Additionally, Finally
• Hedging: I’d say
• Emphasis: cannot be overstated, far more likely
• Academic vocabulary: multifaceted, holistic, exemplify, encompasses, demonstrates

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Question 4: Do you think schools should focus more on developing students’ motivation rather than just teaching knowledge?

🎯 Phân tích câu hỏi:

• Dạng: Opinion with justification (Balance between two approaches)
• Key words: schools, focus, developing motivation, teaching knowledge
• Cách tiếp cận: Balanced view – both are important, explain relationship between motivation and knowledge acquisition

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

“Yes, I think schools should pay more attention to students’ motivation. If students are not motivated, they won’t learn effectively even if teachers teach them a lot of knowledge. Schools should make lessons more interesting and help students find what they like. However, teaching knowledge is also important because students need to learn basic things. So schools should do both – teach knowledge and also motivate students.”

Phân tích:

• Structure: Agreement → Reason → Suggestion → Acknowledgment of other side → Balanced conclusion
• Vocabulary: Basic (pay attention, learn effectively, interesting, basic things)
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Logical structure và balanced view, nhưng explanation thiếu depth, vocabulary simple, và lacks specific examples

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📝 Câu trả lời mẫu – Band 8-9:

“I don’t think it’s a matter of choosing one over the other – rather, I’d argue that developing motivation and imparting knowledge are intrinsically intertwined, and schools should strive for an optimal balance between the two.

On one hand, all the knowledge in the world is of little use if students aren’t motivated to engage with it or apply it beyond examinations. What we’ve seen in many traditional education systems is this phenomenon where students dutifully memorize information to pass tests but lack the intrinsic curiosity or drive to pursue learning independently. This is particularly problematic in our rapidly evolving world, where the ability to self-motivate and continuously learn is arguably more valuable than any specific body of knowledge that might become obsolete within a decade.

However, we also need to acknowledge that foundational knowledge is essential for cultivating genuine motivation. You can’t be motivated to explore physics if you don’t have basic mathematical literacy, for instance. There’s a certain threshold of competence that students need to reach before they can experience the intrinsic satisfaction that comes from mastery and achievement. Without this foundation, talk of motivation becomes somewhat abstract and impractical.

What I believe schools should aim for is a pedagogical approach that makes these two elements mutually reinforcing. For example, inquiry-based learning or project-based curricula can simultaneously teach core concepts while fostering curiosity and self-directed learning. When students are given autonomy in exploring topics that resonate with their interests – perhaps through research projects or problem-solving activities – they’re both acquiring knowledge and developing the intrinsic motivation to learn. Schools in Finland and Singapore have been particularly adept at this integration, which partly explains their students’ strong performance not just in tests but in sustaining learning beyond formal education.”

Phân tích:

• Structure:

  • Introduction: Reframe question (not either/or but integration)
  • Paragraph 1: Why motivation matters (problems with knowledge-only focus)
  • Paragraph 2: Counter-argument (knowledge as foundation)
  • Paragraph 3: Synthesis (how to integrate both) with examples

• Vocabulary:

  • Educational terminology: “pedagogical approach”, “inquiry-based learning”, “project-based curricula”, “foundational knowledge”
  • Abstract concepts: “intrinsically intertwined”, “threshold of competence”, “intrinsic satisfaction”, “self-directed learning”
  • Sophisticated verbs: “imparting”, “engage with”, “cultivating”, “fostering”, “sustaining”

• Grammar:

  • Complex conditionals: “if students aren’t motivated to engage with it”
  • Nominalization: “the ability to self-motivate and continuously learn”
  • Inversion: “all the knowledge in the world is of little use if…”

• Critical Thinking:

  • Reframes question (không phải choose mà integrate)
  • Acknowledges both sides with depth
  • Provides specific pedagogical approaches
  • References real-world examples (Finland, Singapore)
  • Shows understanding of educational theory

💡 Key Language Features:

• Discourse markers: On one hand, However, What I believe, For example
• Tentative language: I’d argue, arguably, I believe
• Cause-effect language: which partly explains
• Comparison language: more valuable than, particularly problematic

Để hiểu thêm về vai trò của trải nghiệm học tập trực tuyến, bạn có thể tham khảo describe a time when you explored a new interest or hobby online, nơi động lực tự học và sự tự chủ trong việc khám phá kiến thức mới được thể hiện rõ nét.

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Theme 3: Challenges to Motivation

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Question 5: What are the main factors that cause people to lose motivation?

🎯 Phân tích câu hỏi:

• Dạng: Cause analysis (Identify and explain causes)
• Key words: main factors, cause, lose motivation
• Cách tiếp cận: Identify multiple factors (psychological, environmental, social), explain each with examples

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

“There are several reasons why people lose motivation. First, if they face too many difficulties and fail many times, they will feel discouraged. Second, when people don’t see results from their efforts, they think it’s useless to continue. Also, negative people around them can make them lose confidence. Lastly, sometimes people lose motivation because they are too tired or stressed. These factors can make it hard for people to stay motivated.”

Phân tích:

• Structure: Clear listing với First, Second, Also, Lastly
• Vocabulary: Basic (too many difficulties, feel discouraged, lose confidence, too tired)
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Adequate identification của factors nhưng explanation shallow, thiếu sophisticated analysis

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📝 Câu trả lời mẫu – Band 8-9:

“Well, motivation loss is a complex phenomenon influenced by myriad factors, but I’d highlight several key ones that research and observation suggest are particularly impactful.

Firstly, a lack of perceived progress or tangible results is profoundly demotivating. Humans are wired to seek feedback on their efforts, and when that feedback is absent or consistently negative, it triggers what psychologists call ‘learned helplessness’ – a state where people believe their actions are futile and cease trying. I’ve seen this play out in educational contexts where students toil away at subjects they struggle with without seeing improvement, eventually succumbing to the belief that they simply ‘aren’t good at’ that area.

Secondly, burnout – which stems from chronic stress and overwork – is an increasingly prevalent cause. When people are perpetually operating at or beyond their capacity without adequate rest or recovery, their cognitive resources become depleted, and with it, their motivation evaporates. The modern hustle culture, particularly prevalent in competitive environments, often glorifies constant productivity, inadvertently laying the groundwork for motivation collapse.

Additionally, disconnection from purpose or meaning can be insidious. When people lose sight of why they’re doing something – perhaps they’ve been focused on extrinsic rewards for so long that they’ve forgotten any intrinsic value – their motivation becomes brittle and unsustainable. This is particularly evident in corporate settings where employees go through the motions but feel no genuine connection to their work’s impact.

Finally, social factors shouldn’t be underestimated. Humans are inherently social creatures, and our motivation is significantly influenced by our environment. Toxic relationships, unsupportive communities, or even just lack of encouragement can erode motivation over time. Conversely, we know that positive social reinforcement and accountability structures can bolster motivation considerably, which is why peer support groups are so effective for sustained behavior change.”

Phân tích:

• Structure:

  • Introduction framing complexity
  • Four distinct factors, each elaborated with explanation + psychological/social basis + example
  • Each paragraph flows logically

• Vocabulary:

  • Psychological terms: “learned helplessness”, “cognitive resources”, “burnout”, “intrinsic value”
  • Sophisticated adjectives: “profoundly demotivating”, “insidious”, “brittle”, “unsustainable”, “toxic”
  • Academic verbs: “triggers”, “stems from”, “evaporates”, “glorifies”, “erode”, “bolster”

• Grammar:

  • Relative clauses with elaboration: “which stems from chronic stress”
  • Participle phrases: “perpetually operating at capacity”
  • Passive constructions: “is influenced by”, “shouldn’t be underestimated”

• Critical Thinking:

  • References psychological concepts (learned helplessness)
  • Identifies modern phenomena (hustle culture)
  • Provides context (educational, corporate settings)
  • Shows understanding of human psychology
  • Offers counter-example (how social support helps)

💡 Key Language Features:

• Discourse markers: Firstly, Secondly, Additionally, Finally
• Academic language: complex phenomenon, myriad factors, prevalent, inadvertently
• Hedging: I’d highlight, research suggests, can be
• Cause-effect language: stems from, triggered by, laying the groundwork for

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Question 6: In your opinion, how has technology affected people’s motivation levels?

🎯 Phân tích câu hỏi:

• Dạng: Opinion + Impact analysis (Both positive and negative effects)
• Key words: technology, affected, motivation levels
• Cách tiếp cận: Balanced discussion – both positive and negative impacts, with specific examples of technologies

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

“Technology has both positive and negative effects on motivation. On the positive side, technology gives us access to a lot of information and online courses, so people can learn new things easily. Apps can also help us track our progress and remind us to work on our goals. However, technology can also be distracting. Social media and games can make people waste time and lose focus on important tasks. So I think technology’s effect on motivation depends on how we use it.”

Phân tích:

• Structure: Balanced view (positive and negative) with examples
• Vocabulary: Basic (access to information, track progress, waste time, lose focus)
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Clear organization và balanced perspective, nhưng analysis superficial, vocabulary simple, thiếu sophisticated examples

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📝 Câu trả lời mẫu – Band 8-9:

“This is a fascinating question because technology’s impact on motivation is decidedly double-edged and really depends on how it’s leveraged.

On the positive side, technology has democratized access to motivational resources in unprecedented ways. Gamification features in apps like Duolingo or fitness trackers tap into our psychological reward systems, providing instant feedback and incremental goals that make sustained effort feel more manageable and rewarding. Similarly, online communities and platforms have created accountability structures – whether it’s sharing progress on social media or joining virtual study groups – that harness social motivation. For people who might lack supportive physical communities, these digital connections can be genuinely transformative.

Moreover, technology has made inspirational content and success stories incredibly accessible. Someone in a remote village can now watch TED talks, follow thought leaders, or access online courses from world-class institutions, which can spark motivation that might never have been kindled otherwise. The visibility of diverse paths to success through platforms like YouTube or LinkedIn can broaden people’s sense of what’s possible, which is inherently motivating.

However, conversely, technology has also introduced what I’d call ‘motivational hazards.’ The constant barrage of notifications and the addictive design of many apps – engineered specifically to capture and retain our attention – create unprecedented distractions. When your smartphone is perpetually beckoning with dopamine hits from social media likes or new messages, sustaining the deep, focused effort required for meaningful achievement becomes exponentially harder.

Furthermore, there’s the pernicious effect of social comparison amplified by platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn, where people typically showcase only their highlights and successes. This can create distorted perceptions of others’ lives and achievements, leading to demotivation through feelings of inadequacy or the sense that one is falling behind. Research has linked heavy social media use to decreased well-being and motivation, particularly among young people.

Ultimately, I’d argue that technology is a powerful amplifier – it can amplify both motivational resources and demotivating factors. The key lies in intentional use and digital literacy – understanding these dynamics and making conscious choices about how we integrate technology into our lives.”

Phân tích:

• Structure:

  • Introduction: Acknowledges complexity (double-edged)
  • Paragraph 1-2: Positive impacts (democratization, gamification, accessibility)
  • Paragraph 3-4: Negative impacts (distractions, social comparison)
  • Conclusion: Synthesis (technology as amplifier) + solution (intentional use)

• Vocabulary:

  • Technology-specific: “gamification”, “digital literacy”, “addictive design”, “dopamine hits”
  • Sophisticated adjectives: “unprecedented”, “transformative”, “pernicious”, “distorted”
  • Academic language: “democratized”, “leverage”, “harness”, “amplify”, “integrate”
  • Metaphorical: “double-edged”, “motivational hazards”, “powerful amplifier”

• Grammar:

  • Conditional structures: “For people who might lack supportive communities”
  • Gerunds: “sustaining deep focused effort becomes harder”
  • Present perfect: “has democratized”, “has introduced”
  • Passive for emphasis: “is amplified by platforms”

• Critical Thinking:

  • Specific examples (Duolingo, TED talks, Instagram)
  • References research (“Research has linked…”)
  • Acknowledges nuance (not black and white)
  • Provides solution (intentional use, digital literacy)
  • Shows awareness of psychological mechanisms (dopamine, reward systems)

💡 Key Language Features:

• Discourse markers: On the positive side, Moreover, However conversely, Furthermore, Ultimately
• Hedging: I’d argue, I’d call, typically
• Emphasis: genuinely transformative, exponentially harder, decidedly double-edged
• Contrast language: On one hand… on the other, While… also, can amplify both X and Y

Công nghệ hỗ trợ động lực học tập với ứng dụng di động và môi trường học trực tuyến

Khi tìm hiểu về vai trò của tự nhiên trong việc tạo động lực, bạn có thể khám phá describe a place in nature where you go to exercise, nơi kết nối với môi trường thiên nhiên giúp duy trì động lực tập luyện và cải thiện sức khỏe tinh thần.

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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
driving force	n	/ˈdraɪvɪŋ fɔːrs/	động lực chính, nguồn động viên mạnh mẽ	My passion for teaching is the driving force behind my career choice.	main driving force, powerful driving force, primary driving force
sense of accomplishment	n	/sens əv əˈkʌmplɪʃmənt/	cảm giác thành tựu	Completing the marathon gave me an enormous sense of accomplishment.	strong sense of, deep sense of, provide a sense of accomplishment
push one’s boundaries	v phrase	/pʊʃ wʌnz ˈbaʊndriz/	vượt qua giới hạn của bản thân	Taking on this challenge really pushed my boundaries.	constantly push, continually push boundaries, push personal boundaries
tangible results	n	/ˈtændʒəbl rɪˈzʌlts/	kết quả hữu hình, rõ ràng	I need to see tangible results to stay motivated.	produce tangible results, deliver tangible results, achieve tangible results
unwavering determination	n	/ʌnˈweɪvərɪŋ dɪˌtɜːrmɪˈneɪʃn/	sự quyết tâm không lay chuyển	Her unwavering determination inspired the whole team.	show unwavering determination, demonstrate unwavering determination
intrinsic motivation	n	/ɪnˈtrɪnsɪk ˌmoʊtɪˈveɪʃn/	động lực nội tại	Students with intrinsic motivation tend to perform better academically.	foster intrinsic motivation, develop intrinsic motivation, rely on intrinsic motivation
extrinsic rewards	n	/ekˈstrɪnsɪk rɪˈwɔːrdz/	phần thưởng bên ngoài	While extrinsic rewards help, they shouldn’t be the only motivator.	provide extrinsic rewards, offer extrinsic rewards, depend on extrinsic rewards
perseverance	n	/ˌpɜːrsəˈvɪərəns/	sự kiên trì, bền bỉ	Success requires talent, but more importantly, perseverance.	show perseverance, demonstrate perseverance, require perseverance
resilience	n	/rɪˈzɪliəns/	khả năng phục hồi, sự kiên cường	Building resilience helps people overcome setbacks.	build resilience, develop resilience, demonstrate resilience
burnout	n	/ˈbɜːrnaʊt/	tình trạng kiệt sức	Working 80 hours a week led to complete burnout.	suffer from burnout, experience burnout, avoid burnout, prevent burnout
learned helplessness	n	/lɜːrnd ˈhelpləsnəs/	tình trạng bất lực học được	Repeated failures can lead to learned helplessness.	develop learned helplessness, overcome learned helplessness
self-efficacy	n	/self ˈefɪkəsi/	niềm tin vào khả năng bản thân	High self-efficacy is crucial for maintaining motivation.	increase self-efficacy, enhance self-efficacy, develop self-efficacy
achievable milestones	n	/əˈtʃiːvəbl ˈmaɪlstoʊnz/	cột mốc có thể đạt được	Breaking goals into achievable milestones makes them less daunting.	set achievable milestones, reach achievable milestones, create achievable milestones
overwhelming	adj	/ˌoʊvərˈwelmɪŋ/	quá tải, choáng ngợp	The amount of work felt overwhelming at first.	feel overwhelming, seem overwhelming, become overwhelming
fulfilling	adj	/fʊlˈfɪlɪŋ/	mang lại sự thỏa mãn, ý nghĩa	Volunteering is one of the most fulfilling experiences.	deeply fulfilling, truly fulfilling, find fulfilling, personally fulfilling
empowered	adj	/ɪmˈpaʊərd/	được trao quyền, có khả năng	The training program left employees feeling empowered.	feel empowered, become empowered, empowered to act
daunting	adj	/ˈdɔːntɪŋ/	đáng sợ, khó khăn lớn	Starting a business seemed daunting at first.	seem daunting, appear daunting, rather daunting, particularly daunting
cultivate	v	/ˈkʌltɪveɪt/	nuôi dưỡng, phát triển	Schools should cultivate students’ natural curiosity.	cultivate motivation, cultivate interest, cultivate habits
foster	v	/ˈfɔːstər/	thúc đẩy, khuyến khích	This environment fosters creativity and innovation.	foster motivation, foster development, foster growth
undermine	v	/ˌʌndərˈmaɪn/	làm suy yếu, phá hoại	Negative feedback can undermine a person’s confidence.	undermine motivation, undermine confidence, seriously undermine

Idiomatic Expressions & Advanced Phrases

Cụm từ	Nghĩa	Ví dụ sử dụng	Band điểm
go the extra mile	nỗ lực thêm, làm nhiều hơn mong đợi	She always goes the extra mile to help her students succeed.	7.5-8
stay the course	kiên trì đến cùng, giữ vững lập trường	Despite challenges, he stayed the course and completed his PhD.	7.5-8
light at the end of the tunnel	ánh sáng cuối đường hầm, hy vọng	Seeing some progress gave me light at the end of the tunnel.	7-7.5
hit a wall	gặp phải rào cản lớn, không tiến triển được nữa	After months of training, I hit a wall and couldn’t improve.	7.5-8
second wind	nguồn năng lượng mới, hơi thở thứ hai	Just when I wanted to quit, I got my second wind.	7.5-8
in it for the long haul	cam kết lâu dài, không bỏ cuộc	Learning a language requires being in it for the long haul.	7.5-8
fire in one’s belly	khát khao mãnh liệt, đam mê cháy bỏng	You could see the fire in her belly when she talked about her goals.	8-8.5
throw in the towel	đầu hàng, bỏ cuộc	Many people throw in the towel when things get difficult.	7-7.5
set one’s sights on	đặt mục tiêu vào điều gì	She set her sights on becoming a doctor from a young age.	7.5-8
rise to the challenge	vươn lên đối mặt với thử thách	The team really rose to the challenge and exceeded expectations.	7.5-8
turn over a new leaf	bắt đầu lại, thay đổi tích cực	After the setback, he decided to turn over a new leaf.	7-7.5
keep one’s eyes on the prize	tập trung vào mục tiêu cuối cùng	To stay motivated, you need to keep your eyes on the prize.	7.5-8

Discourse Markers (Từ Nối Ý Trong Speaking)

Để bắt đầu câu trả lời:

• 📝 Well,… – Khi cần một chút thời gian suy nghĩ hoặc muốn làm mềm câu trả lời
• 📝 Actually,… – Khi đưa ra góc nhìn khác hoặc thông tin bất ngờ
• 📝 To be honest,… – Khi muốn nói thật hoặc đưa ra quan điểm cá nhân mạnh mẽ
• 📝 I’d say that… – Cách lịch sự để đưa ra quan điểm (higher band)
• 📝 From my perspective,… – Thể hiện đây là góc nhìn cá nhân (Band 7.5+)
• 📝 Looking at it from… – Khi xem xét từ một góc độ cụ thể

Để bổ sung ý:

• 📝 On top of that,… – Thêm vào đó (informal but natural)
• 📝 What’s more,… – Hơn nữa, thêm nữa
• 📝 Not to mention… – Chưa kể đến (emphasize additional point)
• 📝 Additionally,… – Thêm vào đó (more formal, Band 7+)
• 📝 Moreover,… – Hơn nữa (academic, Band 7.5+)
• 📝 Furthermore,… – Hơn thế nữa (formal, Band 8+)

Để đưa ra quan điểm cân bằng:

• 📝 On the one hand,… On the other hand,… – Một mặt… mặt khác
• 📝 While it’s true that…, we also need to consider… – Mặc dù đúng là… nhưng ta cũng cần xem xét
• 📝 Having said that,… – Nói như vậy thì… (để introduce contrasting point)
• 📝 That being said,… – Điều đó được nói rồi, nhưng… (Band 8+)
• 📝 Conversely,… – Ngược lại (formal, Band 8+)

Để kết luận:

• 📝 All in all,… – Tóm lại, xét cho cùng
• 📝 At the end of the day,… – Cuối cùng thì, xét cho cùng
• 📝 Ultimately,… – Cuối cùng, về cơ bản (Band 7.5+)
• 📝 In the final analysis,… – Phân tích cuối cùng thì (Band 8+)

Để giải thích hoặc elaborate:

• 📝 What I mean is,… – Ý tôi là…
• 📝 In other words,… – Nói cách khác
• 📝 To put it another way,… – Nói theo cách khác
• 📝 That is to say,… – Điều đó có nghĩa là (Band 7.5+)

Grammatical Structures Ấn Tượng

1. Conditional Sentences (Câu điều kiện):

• Mixed conditional:

  • Formula: If + past perfect, would + infinitive (hoặc ngược lại)
  • Ví dụ: “If I hadn’t set clear goals, I would still be struggling with motivation today.”
  • Giải thích: Dùng để nói về điều kiện trong quá khứ ảnh hưởng đến hiện tại

• Inversion for emphasis:

  • Formula: Had + S + past participle, S + would have…
  • Ví dụ: “Had I known how challenging it would be, I might have prepared better.”
  • Giải thích: Cấu trúc đảo ngữ làm câu formal hơn và nhấn mạnh điều kiện

2. Relative Clauses (Mệnh đề quan hệ):

• Non-defining relative clauses:
  • Formula: …, which/who + verb…
  • Ví dụ: “My mentor, who always believed in my potential, kept me motivated through difficult times.”
  • Giải thích: Bổ sung thông tin không thiết yếu, cần có dấu phẩy

3. Passive Voice (Câu bị động):

• It is thought/believed/said that…

  • Ví dụ: “It is widely believed that intrinsic motivation leads to more sustainable success than external rewards.”
  • Giải thích: Cách impersonal để đưa ra ý kiến chung, academic style

• People are said to…

  • Ví dụ: “Young people are said to be less motivated by traditional career paths nowadays.”
  • Giải thích: Report information mà không cần specify nguồn

4. Cleft Sentences (Câu chẻ):

• What I find most…, is…

  • Ví dụ: “What I find most motivating is seeing tangible progress toward my goals.”
  • Giải thích: Nhấn mạnh phần thông tin quan trọng nhất

• The thing that…, is…

  • Ví dụ: “The thing that really kept me going was the support from my family.”
  • Giải thích: Tương tự What-cleft, nhấn mạnh một yếu tố cụ thể

• It was… that…

  • Ví dụ: “It was her unwavering belief in me that made all the difference.”
  • Giải thích: Emphasize một element trong câu

5. Participle Clauses:

• Present participle (-ing):

  • Ví dụ: “Having experienced failure before, I was better prepared for setbacks.”
  • Giải thích: Thay cho because/after clauses, làm câu concise hơn

• Past participle (-ed):

  • Ví dụ: “Motivated by a desire to prove myself, I worked harder than ever.”
  • Giải thích: Giải thích reason hoặc cause, formal style

6. Inversion after negative adverbials:

• Not only… but also…

  • Ví dụ: “Not only did I complete the course, but I also gained valuable skills.”
  • Giải thích: Emphasize achievement, formal và impressive

• Never have I…

  • Ví dụ: “Never have I felt more motivated than during that period.”
  • Giải thích: Dramatic emphasis, Band 8+ structure

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Với bộ từ vựng phong phú và các cấu trúc ngữ pháp đa dạng này, bạn sẽ có đủ công cụ để thể hiện ý tưởng của mình một cách tự nhiên, chính xác và ấn tượng trong bài thi IELTS Speaking. Hãy nhớ rằng việc sử dụng đúng context và tự nhiên quan trọng hơn việc nhồi nhét quá nhiều từ vựng phức tạp.

Chiến lược tổng thể để đạt điểm cao

Nguyên tắc vàng từ góc nhìn Examiner

Với hơn 20 năm kinh nghiệm chấm thi IELTS Speaking, tôi muốn chia sẻ những insights quan trọng mà nhiều học viên thường bỏ qua:

1. Authenticity quan trọng hơn perfection

Giám khảo đánh giá cao sự tự nhiên và chân thật hơn là câu trả lời “hoàn hảo” nhưng nghe như đã học thuộc. Đừng sợ pause một chút để suy nghĩ, đừng sợ tự sửa lỗi nhỏ – những điều này chứng tỏ bạn đang communicate thực sự chứ không phải recite.

2. Fluency không có nghĩa là nói nhanh

Nhiều học viên Việt Nam nghĩ rằng nói nhanh sẽ được điểm Fluency cao. Sai lầm! Fluency là về độ trôi chảy, mạch lạc, và khả năng maintain speech without unnatural pauses. Nói với tốc độ vừa phải, rõ ràng, và có pause tự nhiên ở đúng chỗ còn tốt hơn nói nhanh mà ngập ngừng liên tục.

3. Vocabulary đa dạng không có nghĩa là phức tạp

Band 8-9 vocabulary không phải là những từ obscure mà không ai dùng. Đó là khả năng sử dụng flexible, precise, và natural collocations. Một câu với “have a strong sense of purpose” tốt hơn nhiều so với dùng từ fancy như “teleological conviction” mà sound unnatural.

4. Pronunciation quan trọng hơn bạn nghĩ

Nhiều học viên chỉ tập trung vào vocabulary và grammar mà quên pronunciation. Nhưng nếu giám khảo phải strain to understand bạn, các tiêu chí khác sẽ bị ảnh hưởng. Focus vào:

• Word stress (ví dụ: MOtivate vs moTIvation)
• Sentence stress và rhythm
• Clear consonants (đặc biệt là âm cuối)
• Intonation phù hợp với meaning

5. Part 3 là game changer

Nhiều thí sinh relax quá sau Part 2 và không chuẩn bị tốt cho Part 3. Nhưng thực ra Part 3 là nơi distinguish band 7 và band 8+. Đây là lúc show critical thinking, analytical skills, và sophisticated language.

Lộ trình chuẩn bị hiệu quả

Giai đoạn 1: Foundation (2-3 tuần đầu)

• Học và practice pronunciation basics
• Build core vocabulary cho common topics
• Làm quen với format và timing của mỗi part
• Record bản thân và identify lỗi thường gặp

Giai đoạn 2: Development (4-6 tuần tiếp)

• Practice với diverse topics, đặc biệt những topic không quen thuộc
• Develop ideas và learn to extend answers naturally
• Study model answers nhưng không học thuộc – phân tích tại sao chúng tốt
• Practice với partner hoặc tutor để get feedback

Giai đoạn 3: Refinement (2-3 tuần cuối)

• Focus vào weakest areas (thường là Part 3 hoặc pronunciation)
• Do mock tests trong điều kiện thực tế
• Polish vocabulary range và grammatical accuracy
• Build confidence và mental preparation

Practice tips cụ thể:

• Record mình nói và listen back critically
• Practice speaking to yourself về random topics trong 2 phút
• Tạo habit note down collocations khi đọc/nghe
• Không học thuộc answers – chỉ học key phrases và practice adapt chúng

Common mistakes của học viên Việt Nam và cách khắc phục

Mistake 1: Trả lời quá ngắn ở Part 1 và 3

• Nguyên nhân: Sợ sai, không biết mở rộng ý như thế nào
• Solution: Practice cấu trúc: Direct answer → Reason → Example → Additional thought

Mistake 2: Học thuộc template và áp dụng máy móc

• Nguyên nhân: Tin rằng template sẽ guarantee band cao
• Solution: Học flexible phrases, không phải whole answers. Giám khảo nhận biết memorized speech ngay.

Mistake 3: Dùng từ vựng không phù hợp context

• Nguyên nhân: Học từ fancy nhưng không hiểu cách dùng
• Solution: Học từ qua context và collocations, luôn check example sentences

Mistake 4: Thiếu tự tin khi không hiểu câu hỏi

• Nguyên nhân: Sợ mất điểm nếu hỏi lại
• Solution: Hoàn toàn OK để nói “Could you please rephrase that?” hoặc “Do you mean…?” – không bị trừ điểm!

Mistake 5: Quá focus vào grammar mà mất đi naturalness

• Nguyên nhân: Nghĩ phải dùng complex structures trong mọi câu
• Solution: Mix simple và complex sentences naturally. Native speakers không nói toàn câu phức!

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Chủ đề motivation là một trong những topics lý tưởng để demonstrate mature thinking và personal growth trong IELTS Speaking. Với những chiến lược, vocabulary, và sample answers trong bài viết này, bạn đã có đủ tools để tự tin chinh phục đề tài này với band điểm cao.

Hãy nhớ rằng: Motivation trong thi IELTS cũng giống như motivation trong cuộc sống – nó cần được cultivate qua consistent practice và positive mindset. Đừng aim cho perfection, aim cho progress. Every practice session là một bước tiến, và với unwavering determination, bạn hoàn toàn có thể achieve target band score của mình.

Good luck với hành trình IELTS của bạn!