IELTS Speaking: Cách Trả Lời “Describe a Skill That You Would Like to Learn” – Bài Mẫu Band 6-9

Mở bài

Chủ đề “Describe A Skill That You Would Like To Learn” là một trong những đề bài phổ biến và được yêu thích nhất trong IELTS Speaking Part 2. Đây là chủ đề mang tính cá nhân cao, cho phép bạn thể hiện sở thích, khát vọng và tầm nhìn về sự phát triển bản thân. Examiner thường đánh giá cao những câu trả lời chân thành, có động lực rõ ràng và thể hiện sự tư duy sâu sắc về giá trị của việc học một kỹ năng mới.

Theo thống kê từ các trung tâm thi IELTS chính thức, chủ đề về skills và learning xuất hiện với tần suất cao trong các đề thi từ năm 2020 đến nay, đặc biệt là trong bối cảnh xã hội ngày càng chú trọng đến việc học tập suốt đời và phát triển kỹ năng mềm. Khả năng xuất hiện của chủ đề này trong các kỳ thi tương lai được đánh giá ở mức cao, do tính phổ quát và khả năng mở rộng thành nhiều câu hỏi khác nhau.

Bài viết này sẽ cung cấp cho bạn một lộ trình hoàn chỉnh để chinh phục chủ đề này, bao gồm câu hỏi thực tế trong cả 3 Part, bài mẫu chi tiết theo từng band điểm từ 6-9, kho từ vựng phong phú với hơn 50 từ và cụm từ ăn điểm, cùng những chiến lược trả lời hiệu quả từ góc nhìn của một examiner giàu kinh nghiệm. Bạn cũng sẽ học được cách tránh những lỗi phổ biến mà học viên Việt Nam thường gặp phải và cách áp dụng các cấu trúc ngữ pháp nâng cao một cách tự nhiên.

IELTS Speaking Part 1: Introduction and Interview

Tổng Quan Về Part 1

Part 1 của IELTS Speaking kéo dài 4-5 phút với các câu hỏi ngắn về cuộc sống hàng ngày, sở thích và thói quen cá nhân. Đây là phần warm-up giúp bạn làm quen với examiner và tạo ấn tượng ban đầu tốt. Chiến lược hiệu quả nhất là trả lời trực tiếp câu hỏi, sau đó mở rộng thêm 1-2 câu với lý do hoặc ví dụ cụ thể.

Học viên Việt Nam thường mắc những lỗi sau trong Part 1: trả lời quá ngắn gọn chỉ với Yes/No, sử dụng từ vựng đơn giản lặp đi lặp lại, thiếu ví dụ minh họa từ kinh nghiệm bản thân, và nói với giọng điệu đơn điệu không thể hiện sự tự tin. Để đạt điểm cao, bạn cần thể hiện khả năng giao tiếp tự nhiên, sử dụng từ vựng đa dạng và cung cấp thông tin chi tiết trong câu trả lời ngắn gọn.

Các Câu Hỏi Thường Gặp

Question 1: What kind of skills are important for your work or studies?

Question 2: Did you learn any new skills recently?

Question 3: Do you think it’s easy or difficult to learn a new skill?

Question 4: What skills would you like to improve in the future?

Question 5: Do you prefer to learn skills by yourself or with others?

Question 6: Have you ever taught someone a skill?

Question 7: What was the most challenging skill you’ve learned?

Question 8: Do you think some people are naturally better at learning new skills?

Phân Tích và Gợi Ý Trả Lời Chi Tiết

Question: What kind of skills are important for your work or studies?

🎯 Cách tiếp cận:

• Nêu rõ 1-2 kỹ năng quan trọng
• Giải thích tại sao những kỹ năng này cần thiết
• Đưa ra ví dụ cụ thể về cách sử dụng

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

“I think communication skills are very important for my studies. I need to present my ideas clearly in class and work with other students in group projects. Also, time management is important because I have many assignments to finish.”

Phân tích:

• Điểm mạnh: Trả lời trực tiếp, nêu được 2 kỹ năng cụ thể, có lý do đơn giản
• Hạn chế: Từ vựng cơ bản (important, very, many), cấu trúc câu đơn giản, thiếu ví dụ chi tiết
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Câu trả lời đủ ý nhưng chưa thể hiện được lexical resource và grammatical range cao

📝 Sample Answer – Band 8-9:

“Well, I’d say critical thinking is absolutely essential for my studies in business. It enables me to analyze complex problems from multiple perspectives and make informed decisions. Equally important is effective communication, particularly the ability to articulate ideas persuasively during presentations. Just last week, I had to pitch a marketing strategy to my classmates, which really put these skills to the test.”

Phân tích:

• Điểm mạnh: Từ vựng chính xác và đa dạng (essential, analyze, articulate, pitch), cấu trúc câu phức tạp với mệnh đề quan hệ, ví dụ cụ thể và gần đây, diễn đạt tự nhiên với “Well, I’d say”
• Tại sao Band 8-9: Thể hiện fluency tốt với discourse markers, lexical resource phong phú với collocations (critical thinking, informed decisions, articulate ideas), grammar đa dạng, và ideas có chiều sâu

💡 Key Vocabulary & Expressions:

• critical thinking: tư duy phản biện
• essential: thiết yếu, cần thiết
• analyze complex problems: phân tích vấn đề phức tạp
• articulate ideas persuasively: diễn đạt ý tưởng một cách thuyết phục
• put skills to the test: thử thách kỹ năng

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Question: Did you learn any new skills recently?

🎯 Cách tiếp cận:

• Nêu rõ kỹ năng đã học (hoặc thành thật nói chưa học gì mới)
• Giải thích quá trình học và lý do học
• Chia sẻ cảm nhận về trải nghiệm học

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

“Yes, I learned basic video editing last month. I watched some YouTube tutorials and practiced on my computer. It was quite difficult at first, but now I can make simple videos for my social media. I think it’s a useful skill in today’s digital world.”

Phân tích:

• Điểm mạnh: Trả lời rõ ràng với time frame, có quá trình học, thừa nhận thách thức
• Hạn chế: Từ vựng đơn giản (quite, simple, useful), thiếu cảm xúc và chi tiết cụ thể
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Đủ thông tin nhưng chưa impressive về mặt ngôn ngữ

📝 Sample Answer – Band 8-9:

“Actually, I’ve been picking up some fundamental photography skills over the past few months. I enrolled in an online course and I’ve been experimenting with different lighting techniques and composition rules. What I find particularly rewarding is how it’s transformed the way I perceive everyday scenes. I’m now much more attuned to visual details that I would have completely overlooked before. It’s been quite a steep learning curve, but incredibly fulfilling.”

Phân tích:

• Điểm mạnh: Present perfect continuous thể hiện quá trình đang diễn ra, phrasal verbs tự nhiên (picking up, experimenting with), từ vựng cảm xúc phong phú (rewarding, fulfilling), thể hiện sự thay đổi nhận thức
• Tại sao Band 8-9: Fluency cao với câu dài tự nhiên, vocabulary sophisticated (attuned to, overlooked, steep learning curve), grammar varied, ideas sâu sắc về impact của skill

💡 Key Vocabulary & Expressions:

• picking up: học được (informal)
• enrolled in an online course: đăng ký khóa học trực tuyến
• experimenting with: thử nghiệm với
• attuned to: nhạy cảm với, chú ý đến
• steep learning curve: quá trình học đòi hỏi nhiều nỗ lực
• fulfilling: mang lại sự thỏa mãn

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Question: Do you prefer to learn skills by yourself or with others?

🎯 Cách tiếp cận:

• Chọn một phương pháp hoặc nói cả hai tùy tình huống
• Giải thích ưu điểm của phương pháp đã chọn
• Đưa ra ví dụ minh họa

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

“I prefer learning by myself because I can learn at my own pace. When I study alone, I can repeat things many times if I don’t understand. But sometimes learning with others is good because we can help each other and share ideas.”

Phân tích:

• Điểm mạnh: Đưa ra cả hai góc nhìn, có lý do hợp lý
• Hạn chế: Từ nối đơn giản (because, but), từ vựng lặp lại (learn, good), thiếu ví dụ cụ thể
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Adequate response nhưng lacks sophistication

📝 Sample Answer – Band 8-9:

“Well, it really depends on the nature of the skill. For technical skills like coding or graphic design, I’m more inclined towards self-directed learning because it allows me to progress at my own rhythm and focus on areas where I need more practice. However, when it comes to interpersonal skills or languages, I find that collaborative learning is far more effective. The dynamic interaction with others provides immediate feedback and real-world context that you simply can’t replicate when studying alone. So I’d say I strike a balance between both approaches depending on what I’m trying to master.”

Phân tích:

• Điểm mạnh: Balanced view cho thấy critical thinking, từ vựng chính xác theo context (technical skills vs interpersonal skills), discourse markers tự nhiên (Well, However, So), giải thích logic rõ ràng
• Tại sao Band 8-9: Sophisticated vocabulary (inclined towards, dynamic interaction, strike a balance), complex grammar structures, nuanced ideas showing maturity

💡 Key Vocabulary & Expressions:

• depends on the nature of: tùy thuộc vào bản chất của
• inclined towards: thiên về
• collaborative learning: học tập hợp tác
• immediate feedback: phản hồi tức thì
• strike a balance: cân bằng giữa

Khi nói về sở thích học tập, bạn cũng có thể tham khảo thêm cách describe a person who inspires you to work hard để thêm chiều sâu cho câu trả lời về động lực học hỏi.

Học viên luyện tập kỹ năng IELTS Speaking với giáo viên và bạn học trong lớp học

IELTS Speaking Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)

Tổng Quan Về Part 2

Part 2 là phần độc thoại kéo dài 3-4 phút bao gồm 1 phút chuẩn bị và 2-3 phút trình bày. Đây là phần quan trọng nhất để thể hiện khả năng nói liên tục, mạch lạc về một chủ đề cụ thể. Bạn sẽ nhận được một cue card với chủ đề và các gợi ý cần đề cập.

Chiến lược hiệu quả cho Part 2 bao gồm: sử dụng đầy đủ 1 phút chuẩn bị để ghi chú từ khóa chính (không viết câu hoàn chỉnh), tổ chức ý theo thứ tự các bullet points, nói đủ thời gian 2 phút (tối thiểu 1 phút 45 giây), và đặc biệt chú ý đến câu hỏi “explain” cuối cùng vì đây là nơi bạn thể hiện sự suy nghĩ sâu sắc.

Lỗi thường gặp của học viên Việt Nam trong Part 2: không tận dụng hết thời gian chuẩn bị, nói quá ngắn dưới 1 phút 30 giây, bỏ sót một hoặc nhiều bullet points, sử dụng quá nhiều thì hiện tại đơn thay vì kể chuyện với thì quá khứ, và nói quá nhanh do lo lắng dẫn đến phát âm không rõ ràng.

Cue Card

Describe a skill that you would like to learn

You should say:

• What the skill is
• How you would learn it
• Why you want to learn this skill
• And explain how learning this skill would benefit you

Phân Tích Đề Bài

Dạng câu hỏi: Describe a skill (future plan/ambition)

Thì động từ: Chủ yếu sử dụng thì tương lai (would like, will, am planning to) và điều kiện (would, could)

Bullet points phải cover:

• What: Kỹ năng gì (cần specific, không chung chung)
• How: Phương pháp học như thế nào (online course, teacher, self-study, practice)
• Why: Lý do muốn học (interest, career, personal development)
• Explain benefit: Lợi ích cụ thể sẽ nhận được (đây là phần quan trọng nhất, cần elaborate)

Câu “explain” quan trọng: Phần explain benefit là nơi bạn có thể ghi điểm cao nhất. Đừng chỉ liệt kê lợi ích đơn giản mà hãy phân tích sâu về tác động đến cuộc sống, sự nghiệp, hoặc sự phát triển cá nhân. Sử dụng các cụm từ như “it would enable me to…”, “this would open up opportunities to…”, “I’d be able to…”.

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7

Thời lượng: Khoảng 1 phút 50 giây

“I would like to learn how to play the guitar. I’ve always been interested in music since I was young, and I think the guitar is a beautiful instrument.

I plan to learn it by taking online lessons. There are many guitar courses on YouTube and some paid platforms like Udemy. I would practice every day for at least 30 minutes. Maybe I would also find a teacher if I have difficulties with some techniques.

I want to learn this skill for several reasons. First, I love music and I want to express my feelings through playing an instrument. Second, many of my friends play guitar and we can play together at parties or gatherings. It would be fun to join them. Also, I think learning guitar can help me relax after stressful days at work.

Learning this skill would benefit me in many ways. I would have a new hobby that is both entertaining and creative. It would help me reduce stress and improve my mood. Playing guitar could also help me make new friends who share the same interest. Moreover, if I become good at it, I might even perform at small events, which would boost my confidence. Overall, I believe learning guitar would make my life more colorful and meaningful.”

Phân Tích Band Điểm

Tiêu chí	Band	Nhận xét
Fluency & Coherence	6-7	Nói liên tục được 2 phút với linking words cơ bản (first, second, also). Có cấu trúc rõ ràng theo từng bullet point. Một số hesitation nhẹ có thể xảy ra.
Lexical Resource	6-7	Từ vựng adequate (express feelings, reduce stress, boost confidence) nhưng chưa sophisticated. Có một số collocations đơn giản (stressful days, make friends).
Grammatical Range & Accuracy	6-7	Sử dụng được thì tương lai và điều kiện đơn giản (would, can, might). Có một số câu phức (if I have difficulties). Lỗi ngữ pháp nhỏ có thể xuất hiện.
Pronunciation	6-7	Phát âm rõ ràng, có thể hiểu được. Một số lỗi trọng âm hoặc ngữ điệu nhưng không ảnh hưởng communication.

Điểm mạnh:

• ✅ Trả lời đầy đủ tất cả các bullet points
• ✅ Có cấu trúc rõ ràng, dễ theo dõi
• ✅ Đưa ra nhiều lý do và lợi ích
• ✅ Thời lượng phù hợp gần 2 phút

Hạn chế:

• ⚠️ Từ vựng còn đơn giản, lặp lại một số từ (would, help, learn)
• ⚠️ Thiếu idioms hoặc less common vocabulary
• ⚠️ Ideas chưa được develop sâu, chủ yếu liệt kê

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📝 Sample Answer – Band 7.5-8

Thời lượng: Khoảng 2 phút 15 giây

“The skill I’m really keen on learning is public speaking, or more specifically, the art of delivering compelling presentations.

As for how I’d go about learning it, I’ve actually been looking into joining Toastmasters, which is an international organization dedicated to helping people hone their speaking skills. They have regular meetings where members practice giving speeches and receive constructive feedback. Additionally, I plan to immerse myself in TED Talks and analyze what makes certain speakers so captivating. I’d also try to seize every opportunity to present at work, even volunteering for presentations that others might shy away from.

My motivation for learning this skill is multifaceted. Firstly, in my current role as a marketing coordinator, I frequently need to pitch ideas to clients and present campaign results to stakeholders. However, I often find myself feeling rather apprehensive before these presentations, which affects my performance. Secondly, I’ve always admired people who can command a room and articulate their thoughts effortlessly. It’s a skill that transcends professional boundaries and would be valuable in virtually any context.

The benefits of mastering this skill would be substantial. On a professional level, it would significantly enhance my career prospects. Being able to communicate ideas persuasively is increasingly valued in today’s workplace, and it could open doors to leadership positions. Beyond career advancement, it would dramatically boost my self-confidence. I’ve noticed that confident speakers exude a certain charisma that draws people to them. On a personal note, I believe it would help me become more articulate in everyday conversations and enable me to contribute more meaningfully to discussions. Ultimately, I see public speaking as a transformative skill that would enrich both my professional and personal life.”

Phân Tích Band Điểm

Tiêu chí	Band	Nhận xét
Fluency & Coherence	7.5-8	Nói trôi chảy với ít hesitation. Sử dụng discourse markers tự nhiên (As for, Additionally, Firstly, Ultimately). Các ý được liên kết logic và phát triển tốt.
Lexical Resource	7.5-8	Từ vựng varied và precise (keen on, compelling, captivating, apprehensive, transcends). Nhiều collocations tốt (hone skills, constructive feedback, seize opportunities, exude charisma).
Grammatical Range & Accuracy	7.5-8	Sử dụng đa dạng cấu trúc: relative clauses, conditionals, gerunds. Passive voice phù hợp (is increasingly valued). Complex sentences tự nhiên.
Pronunciation	7.5-8	Phát âm rõ ràng với intonation tốt. Word stress chính xác. Có rhythm tự nhiên của native speakers.

So Sánh Với Band 6-7

Khía cạnh	Band 6-7	Band 7.5-8
Vocabulary	“I would like to learn”	“I’m really keen on learning”
Vocabulary	“help me reduce stress”	“dramatically boost my self-confidence”
Grammar	“I plan to learn it by taking online lessons”	“As for how I’d go about learning it, I’ve actually been looking into joining…”
Ideas	“It would help me relax”	“It’s a skill that transcends professional boundaries”
Ideas	Liệt kê lợi ích đơn giản	Phân tích benefit theo nhiều góc độ (professional, personal, social)

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📝 Sample Answer – Band 8.5-9

Thời lượng: 2 phút 40 giấy đầy đủ

“The skill that’s been at the top of my wishlist for quite some time now is learning Mandarin Chinese, and I don’t mean just basic conversational phrases, but rather achieving genuine fluency that would allow me to engage in sophisticated discussions and appreciate the nuances of the language.

In terms of my learning approach, I envision a multifaceted strategy. I’d begin by enrolling in intensive classes at a reputable language institute, ideally with native-speaking instructors who could provide authentic exposure to both the language and culture. Simultaneously, I’d leverage language learning apps like HelloChinese for daily practice and supplement this with immersion techniques such as watching Chinese films without subtitles and tuning into podcasts. What I find particularly effective, based on my previous language learning experience, is finding a language exchange partner. This reciprocal arrangement not only accelerates learning but also provides invaluable cultural insights that you simply can’t get from textbooks. I’d also plan to immerse myself completely by spending at least three months in China, ideally in a city like Shanghai or Beijing, where I could put theory into practice on a daily basis.

My motivation for pursuing this skill is both pragmatic and deeply personal. From a professional standpoint, China is arguably the most significant economic powerhouse in Asia, and my field of international business would benefit tremendously from the ability to negotiate and build relationships in Mandarin. There’s a Chinese saying that resonates with me: ‘Learning is like rowing upstream; not advancing means falling back.’ But beyond the career implications, I’m genuinely fascinated by Chinese culture, philosophy, and history. I believe that language is the gateway to understanding a civilization, and Mandarin would unlock access to centuries of literature, poetry, and wisdom that lose their essence in translation.

The potential benefits of acquiring this skill would be far-reaching and transformative. Professionally, it would distinguish me from the vast majority of my peers and position me as an invaluable asset for any organization looking to expand into Asian markets. I’d be able to forge stronger business relationships, as speaking someone’s native language demonstrates respect and fosters trust in ways that English simply cannot. On a cognitive level, research has shown that learning a tonal language like Mandarin enhances brain plasticity and sharpens mental acuity. From a personal enrichment perspective, it would enable me to connect with over a billion people on a deeper level and experience Chinese culture authentically rather than through a filtered Western lens. I could delve into classical texts like the Tao Te Ching in their original form, appreciating the subtleties that translation inevitably loses. Moreover, it would instill a sense of achievement that comes from mastering something genuinely challenging. Language learning, particularly with a language as complex as Mandarin, requires perseverance, discipline, and humility, qualities that transcend the learning itself and shape one’s character. Ultimately, I see learning Mandarin not just as acquiring a practical skill but as embarking on a journey of personal transformation that would broaden my worldview and deepen my understanding of our increasingly interconnected world.”

Phân Tích Band Điểm

Tiêu chí	Band	Nhận xét
Fluency & Coherence	8.5-9	Hoàn toàn fluent, không hesitation. Develops topic fully với coherence tuyệt vời. Sophisticated linking (In terms of, Simultaneously, Moreover, Ultimately). Flow tự nhiên như native speaker.
Lexical Resource	8.5-9	Wide range of vocabulary used naturally và precisely (at the top of my wishlist, engage in sophisticated discussions, genuine fluency, reciprocal arrangement, cognitive level, brain plasticity). Idiomatic expressions phù hợp (lose their essence, forge relationships, instill a sense). Collocation chuẩn mực (native-speaking instructors, invaluable cultural insights).
Grammatical Range & Accuracy	8.5-9	Full range of structures sử dụng naturally: complex conditionals, relative clauses, gerunds, passive voice. Sophisticated structures (not just…but rather, not only…but also). Grammar virtually error-free.
Pronunciation	8.5-9	Features của native speaker: natural intonation, appropriate stress, clear articulation.

Tại Sao Bài Này Xuất Sắc

🎯 Fluency Hoàn Hảo:
Bài nói phát triển ý một cách tự nhiên, mạch lạc với transitions seamless giữa các phần. Không có filler words không cần thiết, thay vào đó sử dụng discourse markers sophisticated để structure ideas.

📚 Vocabulary Tinh Vi:

• “at the top of my wishlist” – Thay vì “want to learn”, idiomatic và natural hơn
• “reciprocal arrangement” – Sophisticated way to say “exchange”
• “brain plasticity” – Academic vocabulary shows depth of knowledge
• “filtered Western lens” – Metaphorical language demonstrates advanced proficiency
• “embarking on a journey of personal transformation” – Eloquent closing statement

📝 Grammar Đa Dạng:

• “What I find particularly effective, based on my previous experience, is…” – Cleft sentence with embedded clause
• “…the ability to negotiate and build relationships…” – Parallel structure
• “Language learning, particularly with a language as complex as Mandarin, requires…” – Appositive phrase adding detail
• “…research has shown that learning a tonal language…” – Complex noun clause as object

💡 Ideas Sâu Sắc:
Không chỉ nói về practical benefits mà còn explore philosophical và cultural dimensions. Đề cập đến cognitive benefits (brain plasticity), cultural understanding, và personal transformation. Quote Chinese proverb thể hiện cultural awareness. Phân tích ở nhiều levels: professional, personal, cognitive, cultural.

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Follow-up Questions (Rounding Off Questions)

Examiner có thể hỏi thêm 1-2 câu ngắn sau Part 2 để transition sang Part 3:

Question 1: Have you already started learning this skill?

Band 6-7 Answer:
“Not yet, but I’m planning to start soon. I’ve been quite busy with work recently, but I hope to begin in the next few months.”

Band 8-9 Answer:
“Well, I’ve taken some preliminary steps – I’ve been familiarizing myself with the basics through a mobile app and dabbling in some beginner podcasts. However, I haven’t committed to a structured learning program yet. I’m currently laying the groundwork by researching the best courses and trying to carve out dedicated time in my schedule.”

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Question 2: Do you think you’ll actually do it?

Band 6-7 Answer:
“Yes, I think so. I’m quite determined and when I set a goal, I usually try my best to achieve it.”

Band 8-9 Answer:
“To be perfectly honest, I’m cautiously optimistic. I know from past experience that initial enthusiasm can wane over time, especially when faced with the inevitable challenges that come with learning something demanding. However, I’ve been taking concrete steps to set myself up for success – I’ve already blocked out time in my calendar and found an accountability partner. So while I’m mindful of the commitment required, I’d say the odds are in my favor.”

Sinh viên đang chuẩn bị trả lời IELTS Speaking Part 2 với cue card về kỹ năng muốn học

IELTS Speaking Part 3: Two-way Discussion

Tổng Quan Về Part 3

Part 3 kéo dài 4-5 phút với các câu hỏi thảo luận sâu và trừu tượng hơn, liên quan đến chủ đề Part 2. Đây là phần khó nhất trong IELTS Speaking vì yêu cầu bạn phân tích, so sánh, đánh giá các vấn đề xã hội hoặc xu hướng một cách có hệ thống và sâu sắc.

Chiến lược hiệu quả cho Part 3 bao gồm: mở rộng câu trả lời với 3-5 câu hoặc hơn, sử dụng discourse markers để structure ideas (Well, Actually, I think, On the one hand), đưa ra examples từ xã hội hoặc nghiên cứu thay vì chỉ kinh nghiệm cá nhân, thừa nhận sự phức tạp của vấn đề với tentative language (It seems to me, To some extent, It depends on), và present balanced views thay vì absolute statements.

Lỗi thường gặp của học viên Việt Nam trong Part 3: trả lời quá ngắn như Part 1, thiếu lý lẽ chặt chẽ và ví dụ minh họa, không phân tích được nhiều góc độ của vấn đề, thiếu từ vựng trừu tượng để thảo luận các concept phức tạp, và e ngại đưa ra opinion cá nhân rõ ràng.

Các Câu Hỏi Thảo Luận Sâu

Theme 1: Learning and Education

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Question 1: Why do you think some people find it easier to learn new skills than others?

🎯 Phân tích câu hỏi:

• Dạng: Cause/Reason – Giải thích nguyên nhân
• Key words: some people, easier, learn new skills, others (so sánh)
• Cách tiếp cận: Present multiple factors (innate ability, motivation, learning style, environment) → Provide explanation for each → Give examples → Acknowledge complexity

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

“I think there are several reasons. First, some people are naturally talented and can pick up new things quickly. For example, some children learn languages very fast. Second, motivation is important. If you really want to learn something, you will practice more and improve faster. Also, the way people learn is different. Some people prefer reading, others prefer watching videos or practicing. So different methods work for different people.”

Phân tích:

• Structure: Có list reasons với first, second, also nhưng chưa develop sâu mỗi point
• Vocabulary: Basic (naturally talented, pick up, prefer) thiếu academic terms
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Ideas adequate nhưng lacks depth và sophisticated language. Thiếu critical analysis.

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📝 Câu trả lời mẫu – Band 8-9:

“Well, I’d say this is a multifaceted issue that involves both nature and nurture. On the innate side, there’s mounting evidence suggesting that some individuals possess what psychologists call ‘cognitive flexibility’ – essentially, a brain that’s more adaptable to acquiring new information. These people tend to make neural connections more rapidly, which facilitates skill acquisition. However, I’d argue that innate ability is only part of the equation.

Equally important, if not more so, is what Carol Dweck calls a ‘growth mindset’ – the belief that abilities can be developed through dedication and hard work. People with this mindset view challenges as opportunities rather than obstacles, which makes them more resilient when facing the inevitable difficulties that come with learning something new. In contrast, those with a ‘fixed mindset’ tend to give up more easily when they encounter setbacks.

Another crucial factor is prior learning experiences. If someone has successfully mastered complex skills in the past, they’ve essentially learned how to learn. They understand the process, know how to break down complex tasks, and have developed effective learning strategies. To give you a concrete example, someone who’s learned to play multiple musical instruments will find it easier to pick up a new one because they understand fundamental concepts like rhythm and harmony.

That being said, we shouldn’t overlook the role of external factors such as access to quality resources, supportive environments, and adequate time for practice. At the end of the day, I believe skill acquisition is less about raw talent and more about the right combination of mindset, strategies, and circumstances.”

Phân tích:

• Structure: Well-organized với clear progression: innate factors → psychological factors → experiential factors → environmental factors → balanced conclusion
• Vocabulary: Sophisticated academic terms (cognitive flexibility, neural connections, growth mindset, resilience, skill acquisition) used naturally
• Grammar: Complex structures seamlessly integrated (If someone has successfully mastered…, they’ve essentially learned how to learn)
• Critical Thinking: Presents nuanced view, references psychological research, acknowledges complexity, uses tentative language appropriately

💡 Key Language Features:

• Discourse markers: Well, On the innate side, However, Equally important, In contrast, Another crucial factor, That being said, At the end of the day
• Tentative language: I’d say, I’d argue, tend to, suggests that
• Abstract nouns: cognitive flexibility, resilience, mindset, acquisition, circumstances
• Academic references: Carol Dweck, psychologists, mounting evidence

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Question 2: Do you think schools should teach more practical skills like cooking or financial management?

🎯 Phân tích câu hỏi:

• Dạng: Opinion – Should (agree/disagree with nuance)
• Key words: schools, practical skills, cooking, financial management
• Cách tiếp cận: State clear position (Yes with conditions) → Explain benefits of practical skills → Acknowledge potential challenges → Suggest balanced approach

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

“Yes, I think schools should teach these skills. Many students don’t know how to cook or manage money when they finish school, which can cause problems later. These are important life skills that everyone needs. However, schools also need to teach academic subjects for students to go to university. Maybe they can add these practical subjects as optional classes after school.”

Phân tích:

• Structure: Clear position với reason và solution đơn giản
• Vocabulary: Common words (important, problems, need) thiếu precision
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Relevant response nhưng thiếu sophisticated language và in-depth analysis

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📝 Câu trả lời mẫu – Band 8-9:

“Absolutely, and I’d go further to say this is becoming increasingly critical in today’s world. The traditional education system has been heavily weighted towards academic subjects, often at the expense of practical life skills. The result is that we have young adults entering the workforce who might be able to recite historical dates or solve complex equations but lack the fundamental skills to prepare a nutritious meal or make informed financial decisions.

From a practical standpoint, financial literacy is particularly crucial. With the proliferation of credit cards, student loans, and predatory lending practices, young people who don’t understand concepts like compound interest or budgeting can find themselves in dire financial situations before they’re even 25. Similarly, cooking skills are essential not just for self-sufficiency but also for health. The alarming rise in lifestyle-related diseases is partly attributable to a generation that relies heavily on processed foods because they lack the confidence to cook.

That said, I don’t think it’s a matter of replacing academic subjects but rather achieving a better balance. Schools could integrate practical skills into existing curricula – for instance, teaching percentages through cooking recipes or exploring economics through personal finance. Some forward-thinking schools are already implementing what they call ‘life skills labs’ where students rotate through different modules covering everything from basic home repairs to digital literacy.

The counterargument, of course, is that parents should bear the responsibility for teaching these skills at home. While there’s merit to this view, the reality is that many parents either lack these skills themselves or don’t have the time to teach them. Schools are uniquely positioned to bridge this gap and ensure equitable access to these essential competencies regardless of socioeconomic background. In essence, preparing students for life should be just as important as preparing them for exams.”

Phân tích:

• Structure: Complex argumentation: Clear position → Multiple supporting reasons with evidence → Acknowledge counterargument → Propose solution → Strong conclusion
• Vocabulary: Wide range (heavily weighted towards, at the expense of, proliferation of, predatory lending, alarming rise, attributable to, bear the responsibility)
• Grammar: Varied structures including conditionals, gerunds, relative clauses used flexibly
• Critical Thinking: Shows balanced view, considers different stakeholders (students, parents, schools), references societal trends, proposes practical solutions

💡 Key Language Features:

• Strong opinion markers: Absolutely, I’d go further to say
• Cause-effect language: The result is that, is partly attributable to
• Balancing arguments: That said, The counterargument, While there’s merit to this view
• Hedging: might be, could, some schools

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Theme 2: Technology and Skill Development

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Question 3: How has technology changed the way people learn new skills?

🎯 Phân tích câu hỏi:

• Dạng: Compare (past vs present) – How has…changed
• Key words: technology, changed, learn new skills
• Cách tiếp cận: Acknowledge the transformation → Discuss specific ways (accessibility, methods, pace) → Provide examples → Consider both positives and negatives

📝 Câu trả lời mẫu – Band 8-9:

“Technology has fundamentally revolutionized skill acquisition in ways that would have been unimaginable just a couple of decades ago. The most obvious transformation is in accessibility. In the past, learning a new skill often required enrolling in formal classes, finding qualified instructors, and adhering to rigid schedules. Now, platforms like YouTube, Coursera, and Udemy have democratized learning to an unprecedented degree. You can learn virtually anything from playing the ukulele to coding in Python from the comfort of your home, often at a fraction of the cost of traditional education, or even for free.

Beyond accessibility, technology has introduced entirely new learning modalities. Interactive simulations allow aspiring pilots to practice without leaving the ground, while virtual reality enables medical students to perform surgery in a risk-free environment. These immersive technologies provide a level of practice that was previously prohibitively expensive or dangerous. Moreover, AI-powered adaptive learning systems can tailor content to individual learning paces and styles, something that’s virtually impossible in a traditional classroom setting with 30 students.

The pace of learning has also accelerated dramatically. Instant feedback mechanisms, online communities for troubleshooting, and on-demand tutorials mean learners don’t have to wait for the next class to overcome obstacles. When I was learning graphic design, for instance, I could post a question in an online forum and receive expert guidance within hours, something that would have taken days or weeks through traditional channels.

However, it’s not all positive. This abundance of resources can be overwhelming, leading to what’s sometimes called ‘analysis paralysis’. Additionally, the ease of accessing information can create an illusion of learning – people might consume countless videos without actually practicing, which doesn’t translate into genuine skill development. There’s also the lack of accountability that comes with self-directed online learning, which can result in high dropout rates.

On balance, though, I believe technology has been a tremendous force for good in skill development. It has leveled the playing field, allowing anyone with an internet connection to pursue their learning goals regardless of geographic or economic constraints.”

Phân tích:

• Structure: Comprehensive coverage: Accessibility → New modalities → Pace → Drawbacks → Balanced conclusion
• Vocabulary: Sophisticated and varied (revolutionized, democratized, immersive, adaptive, analysis paralysis, illusion of learning)
• Grammar: Complex sentences with embedded clauses, varied sentence length for impact
• Critical Thinking: Balanced perspective acknowledging both benefits and drawbacks, uses personal example, considers societal impact

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Nếu bạn đang tìm cách xây dựng mục tiêu học tập rõ ràng, hãy tham khảo cách describe a goal you want to achieve in the near future để có thêm ý tưởng cho việc phát triển kỹ năng.

Theme 3: Work and Career Skills

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Question 4: What skills do you think will be most important for future careers?

🎯 Phân tích câu hỏi:

• Dạng: Prediction/Future trends – What will be…
• Key words: skills, most important, future careers
• Cách tiếp cận: Acknowledge uncertainty of future → Identify likely important skills (adaptability, tech literacy, soft skills) → Explain why each matters → Consider changing nature of work

📝 Câu trả lời mẫu – Band 8-9:

“This is a fascinating question because, frankly, the pace of change makes it increasingly difficult to predict what the job market will look like even a decade from now. That being said, there are certain skills that I believe will remain invaluable or become even more critical regardless of how technology evolves.

First and foremost, adaptability and continuous learning will be paramount. The days of mastering one skill set and relying on it throughout a 40-year career are long gone. With automation and AI increasingly taking over routine tasks, workers will need to continually upskill and pivot to new roles. Essentially, the ability to learn quickly and adapt to new technologies will be more valuable than any specific technical skill, which might become obsolete within a few years.

Closely related to this is digital literacy, though I mean this in a broad sense rather than just being able to use specific software. Understanding how technology works, basic coding principles, and data literacy will be crucial across virtually all sectors. Even roles traditionally considered non-technical – like marketing, healthcare, or education – are becoming increasingly data-driven. You don’t necessarily need to be a software engineer, but having a foundational understanding of technology will be essential.

Interestingly enough, while technical skills are important, I believe uniquely human skills will become increasingly valuable precisely because they’re difficult to automate. Emotional intelligence, creative problem-solving, critical thinking, and interpersonal communication are skills that AI struggles to replicate. As machines handle more routine cognitive work, the ability to navigate complex social situations, think outside the box, and collaborate effectively will set successful professionals apart.

Another skill that’s often overlooked is cultural intelligence – the ability to work effectively across different cultures. With remote work and globalization accelerating, you might find yourself collaborating with colleagues from five different countries on a single project. Understanding cultural nuances and being able to communicate across cultural boundaries will be indispensable.

Lastly, I’d emphasize resilience and mental agility. The future workplace will likely be characterized by uncertainty, rapid change, and perhaps less job security than previous generations enjoyed. The psychological capacity to handle ambiguity, bounce back from setbacks, and maintain well-being in high-pressure environments will be crucial.

To sum up, while I can’t predict which specific technical skills will be most in-demand, I’m fairly confident that meta-skills – essentially, skills that help you acquire other skills and navigate complexity – will be what differentiates thriving professionals from those who struggle to adapt.”

Phân tích:

• Structure: Sophisticated organization: Acknowledge uncertainty → Multiple skills with detailed explanations → Consideration of broader trends → Strong synthesis
• Vocabulary: Advanced and precise (paramount, upskill, obsolete, indispensable, meta-skills, cultural intelligence)
• Grammar: Complex structures used flexibly and accurately throughout
• Critical Thinking: Forward-thinking analysis, considers automation’s impact, balances technical and soft skills, synthesizes multiple trends

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Question 5: Do you think traditional apprenticeships are still relevant in today’s world?

🎯 Phân tích câu hỏi:

• Dạng: Opinion on relevance – Do you think…still relevant
• Key words: traditional apprenticeships, still relevant, today’s world
• Cách tiếp cận: Define apprenticeships → Acknowledge their traditional value → Discuss changes in modern context → Present balanced view → Suggest evolution rather than replacement

📝 Câu trả lời mẫu – Band 8-9:

“That’s an intriguing question, and my answer would be a nuanced yes, though perhaps with some caveats. Traditional apprenticeships, where a novice learns directly from an experienced master through hands-on practice and observation, have been around for centuries and for good reason – they’re remarkably effective for certain types of skill transfer.

In trades like carpentry, plumbing, or electrical work, there’s simply no substitute for learning by doing under the guidance of someone experienced. You can watch all the YouTube tutorials you want about installing a circuit breaker, but there’s a wealth of tacit knowledge – the subtle cues, the troubleshooting intuition, the safety instincts – that can only be absorbed through direct mentorship. In these fields, apprenticeships remain not just relevant but essential.

However, I think we need to reconceptualize what apprenticeships look like in the modern era. The traditional model often involved working exclusively with one master for several years, which doesn’t align well with today’s fast-paced, diverse career paths. Modern apprenticeships might involve rotating through different mentors, combining online learning with practical application, or even remote mentorship facilitated by technology. Some tech companies, for instance, have revived the apprenticeship model by pairing junior developers with senior engineers, but in a more structured and time-limited format.

What’s more, the apprenticeship principle – learning through guided practice – is being adapted to fields traditionally dominated by formal education. Medical residencies, for example, are essentially apprenticeships. Increasingly, even sectors like digital marketing or data science are recognizing that hands-on experience under mentorship is often more valuable than purely academic credentials.

The counterargument is that apprenticeships can be restrictive, potentially limiting exposure to diverse perspectives or alternative approaches. There’s also the risk of perpetuating outdated practices if the mentor hasn’t kept pace with industry developments. These are valid concerns, which is why I believe the solution lies not in abandoning apprenticeships but in evolving them to incorporate broader learning, continuous updating, and perhaps multiple mentorship relationships.

In conclusion, while the strict traditional model might need adaptation, the core principle of apprenticeships – learning complex skills through guided practice and mentorship – remains profoundly relevant. If anything, in an era dominated by impersonal online learning, the human element of apprenticeships might be more valuable than ever.”

Phân tích:

• Structure: Sophisticated argumentation: Clear position with caveats → Traditional value → Modern adaptations → Counterarguments → Synthesis
• Vocabulary: Wide-ranging and precise (nuanced, tacit knowledge, reconceptualize, perpetuating, profoundly)
• Grammar: Complex structures including conditionals, relative clauses, gerunds used naturally
• Critical Thinking: Balanced perspective, considers evolution vs replacement, provides concrete examples across different sectors, acknowledges limitations while defending core value

Nếu bạn từng có trải nghiệm dạy người khác một kỹ năng, hãy xem cách describe a time when you taught something to someone để lấy thêm ý tưởng diễn đạt.

Thí sinh tự tin thảo luận IELTS Speaking Part 3 về kỹ năng và giáo dục với giám khảo

Từ vựng và cụm từ quan trọng

Topic-Specific Vocabulary

Từ vựng/Cụm từ	Loại từ	Phiên âm	Nghĩa tiếng Việt	Ví dụ	Collocation
skill acquisition	n	/skɪl ˌækwɪˈzɪʃn/	sự đạt được kỹ năng	Effective skill acquisition requires consistent practice.	rapid skill acquisition, facilitate skill acquisition, skill acquisition process
hone a skill	v phrase	/həʊn ə skɪl/	mài giũa, trau dồi kỹ năng	She spent years honing her public speaking skills.	hone your skills, need to hone, continuously hone
steep learning curve	n phrase	/stiːp ˈlɜːnɪŋ kɜːv/	quá trình học khó khăn, đòi hỏi nhiều nỗ lực	Learning to play piano has quite a steep learning curve.	face a steep curve, overcome the curve, challenging learning curve
hands-on experience	n phrase	/hændz ɒn ɪkˈspɪəriəns/	kinh nghiệm thực hành trực tiếp	Nothing beats hands-on experience when learning a new skill.	gain hands-on experience, provide hands-on, valuable hands-on
proficiency	n	/prəˈfɪʃnsi/	sự thành thạo	Achieving proficiency in a foreign language takes time.	language proficiency, develop proficiency, demonstrate proficiency, level of proficiency
master a skill	v phrase	/ˈmɑːstə ə skɪl/	thành thạo một kỹ năng	It took him five years to master the craft.	fully master, attempt to master, successfully master
transferable skills	n phrase	/trænsˈfɜːrəbl skɪlz/	kỹ năng có thể chuyển đổi (áp dụng cho nhiều lĩnh vực)	Communication is one of the most valuable transferable skills.	develop transferable skills, key transferable skills, highly transferable
upskill	v	/ˌʌpˈskɪl/	nâng cao kỹ năng	Workers need to constantly upskill to remain competitive.	need to upskill, upskill employees, continuously upskill
competency	n	/ˈkɒmpɪtənsi/	năng lực, khả năng	Digital competency is essential in modern workplaces.	core competency, develop competency, demonstrate competency
aptitude	n	/ˈæptɪtjuːd/	năng khiếu, khả năng bẩm sinh	She has a natural aptitude for languages.	natural aptitude, aptitude for, demonstrate aptitude, test aptitude
dexterity	n	/dekˈsterəti/	sự khéo léo, tài khéo tay	Manual dexterity is crucial for surgeons.	manual dexterity, develop dexterity, require dexterity
cognitive abilities	n phrase	/ˈkɒɡnətɪv əˈbɪlətiz/	khả năng nhận thức	Learning new skills enhances cognitive abilities.	improve cognitive abilities, cognitive abilities decline, assess cognitive
perseverance	n	/ˌpɜːsɪˈvɪərəns/	sự kiên trì	Skill development requires patience and perseverance.	require perseverance, show perseverance, through perseverance
immerse oneself in	v phrase	/ɪˈmɜːs wʌnˈself ɪn/	đắm mình vào	To learn effectively, you need to immerse yourself in practice.	fully immerse, immerse yourself, immerse in learning
trial and error	n phrase	/ˈtraɪəl ənd ˈerə/	thử và sai, học qua thực hành	Learning through trial and error can be very effective.	through trial and error, process of trial and error, learn by trial
mentor	n/v	/ˈmentɔː/	người cố vấn/cố vấn cho	Having a good mentor can accelerate your learning.	find a mentor, serve as mentor, experienced mentor
self-directed learning	n phrase	/self daɪˈrektɪd ˈlɜːnɪŋ/	việc tự học	Self-directed learning requires discipline and motivation.	encourage self-directed, self-directed approach, promote self-directed
formal training	n phrase	/ˈfɔːməl ˈtreɪnɪŋ/	đào tạo chính thức	Some skills require formal training and certification.	undergo formal training, provide formal, formal training program
practical application	n phrase	/ˈpræktɪkəl ˌæplɪˈkeɪʃn/	ứng dụng thực tế	Theory is important but practical application is essential.	practical application of, focus on practical, lack practical application
expertise	n	/ˌekspɜːˈtiːz/	chuyên môn cao	Developing real expertise takes thousands of hours.	gain expertise, demonstrate expertise, area of expertise, technical expertise

Idiomatic Expressions & Advanced Phrases

Cụm từ	Nghĩa	Ví dụ sử dụng	Band điểm
pick something up	học được gì đó một cách nhanh chóng	She picked up Spanish really quickly during her year abroad.	7.0-7.5
get the hang of something	bắt đầu hiểu và làm tốt việc gì đó	It took me a while, but I finally got the hang of using the software.	7.0-7.5
be a quick/slow learner	người học nhanh/chậm	He’s a quick learner – he mastered the basics in just a few weeks.	6.5-7.0
learning is like rowing upstream	học như chèo thuyền ngược dòng	As the Chinese saying goes, learning is like rowing upstream – not advancing means falling back.	8.0-8.5
can’t teach an old dog new tricks	khó dạy người già học điều mới (nhưng có thể dùng ironically)	People say you can’t teach an old dog new tricks, but my grandfather learned to use a smartphone at 75.	7.5-8.0
practice makes perfect	luyện tập tạo nên sự hoàn hảo	There’s truth to the old saying that practice makes perfect.	6.5-7.0
at the top of my wishlist	ở đầu danh sách mong muốn	Learning to speak French fluently is at the top of my wishlist.	7.5-8.0
put skills to the test	kiểm tra, thử thách kỹ năng	The new project really put my problem-solving skills to the test.	7.5-8.0
learn the ropes	học những điều cơ bản của công việc	It takes new employees about three months to learn the ropes.	7.0-7.5
cut one’s teeth on	có kinh nghiệm đầu tiên về	I cut my teeth on basic programming before moving to more advanced topics.	8.0-8.5
be a natural at	có năng khiếu tự nhiên về	She’s a natural at public speaking – so confident and engaging.	7.0-7.5
Rome wasn’t built in a day	Rome không được xây trong một ngày (việc tốt cần thời gian)	I’m still struggling with the guitar, but as they say, Rome wasn’t built in a day.	7.0-7.5

Discourse Markers (Từ Nối Ý Trong Speaking)

Để bắt đầu câu trả lời:

• 📝 Well,… – Sử dụng khi cần một chút thời gian suy nghĩ, tạo tính tự nhiên
• 📝 Actually,… – Khi muốn đưa ra thông tin bất ngờ hoặc sửa một quan niệm
• 📝 To be honest/frank,… – Khi muốn thể hiện sự thành thật
• 📝 I’d say that… – Cách mềm mại để đưa ra quan điểm
• 📝 From my perspective/point of view,… – Nhấn mạnh đây là góc nhìn cá nhân

Để bổ sung ý:

• 📝 On top of that,… – Thêm vào đó, hơn nữa
• 📝 What’s more,… – Hơn thế nữa
• 📝 Not to mention… – Chưa kể đến (thường là điều quan trọng)
• 📝 Additionally/Furthermore,… – Ngoài ra (formal hơn)
• 📝 Another thing worth mentioning is… – Một điều đáng nói đến khác

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… chúng ta cũng cần xem xét
• 📝 Having said that,… – Tuy đã nói vậy (để chuyển sang ý đối lập)
• 📝 That being said,… – Điều đó được nói ra (formal hơn Having said that)
• 📝 By contrast/In contrast,… – Ngược lại

Để kết luận:

• 📝 All in all,… – Tóm lại, xét tất cả
• 📝 At the end of the day,… – Cuối cùng thì
• 📝 In essence,… – Về bản chất, tóm lại
• 📝 To sum up,… – Tổng kết lại
• 📝 Ultimately,… – Cuối cùng, rốt cuộc

Để đưa ra ví dụ:

• 📝 For instance/For example,… – Ví dụ
• 📝 To give you a concrete example,… – Để đưa ra một ví dụ cụ thể
• 📝 Take…for example,… – Lấy… làm ví dụ
• 📝 A case in point is… – Một trường hợp điển hình là (formal)

Để làm rõ hoặc nhấn mạnh:

• 📝 What I mean is… – Ý tôi là
• 📝 In other words,… – Nói cách khác
• 📝 To put it simply/simply put,… – Nói đơn giản
• 📝 The key point is… – Điểm chính là
• 📝 Essentially,… – Về cơ bản

Grammatical Structures Ấn Tượng

1. Conditional Sentences (Câu điều kiện):

Mixed conditional (Type 2 + Type 3):

• Formula: If + past simple/past perfect, would + verb / would have + past participle
• Ví dụ: “If I had learned coding in university (but I didn’t – past), I would be working in tech now (present result).”
• Ví dụ 2: “If I were more disciplined (present unreal), I would have mastered the guitar by now (past result).”

Inversion in conditionals:

• Formula: Had/Were/Should + subject + verb, main clause
• Ví dụ: “Had I known how useful public speaking would be (= If I had known), I would have started learning it earlier.”
• Ví dụ 2: “Were I to learn another language (= If I were to learn), it would definitely be Mandarin.”

2. Relative Clauses (Mệnh đề quan hệ):

Non-defining relative clauses:

• Formula: …, which/who/where + clause, …
• Ví dụ: “I enrolled in Toastmasters, which is an international organization dedicated to public speaking, and found it extremely helpful.”
• Ví dụ 2: “Learning guitar, which I’ve been doing for six months now, has become my favorite hobby.”

Reduced relative clauses:

• Formula: Noun + V-ing/V3 + …
• Ví dụ: “People learning new skills (= who are learning) often face initial difficulties.”
• Ví dụ 2: “Skills acquired through practice (= that are acquired) tend to be more deeply ingrained.”

3. Passive Voice (Câu bị động):

Impersonal passive:

• Formula: It is thought/believed/said/considered that…
• Ví dụ: “It is widely believed that language learning becomes more difficult with age.”
• Ví dụ 2: “It has been proven that deliberate practice is more effective than casual learning.”

Passive with modal verbs:

• Formula: Modal + be + past participle
• Ví dụ: “Certain skills can only be mastered through years of dedicated practice.”
• Ví dụ 2: “Some abilities might be enhanced by early exposure during childhood.”

4. Cleft Sentences (Câu chẻ):

What-cleft:

• Formula: What + clause + is/was + focus
• Ví dụ: “What I find most challenging about learning new skills is maintaining consistent motivation.”
• Ví dụ 2: “What distinguishes successful learners is their ability to persevere through difficulties.”

It-cleft:

• Formula: It + is/was + focus + that/who + clause
• Ví dụ: “It was my mentor who taught me the importance of deliberate practice.”
• Ví dụ 2: “It’s the consistent daily effort that makes the difference, not occasional intense sessions.”

5. Advanced Gerund and Infinitive Structures:

Gerund as subject:

• Ví dụ: “Mastering a new skill requires both patience and persistence.”
• Ví dụ 2: “Learning through trial and error, while time-consuming, often leads to deeper understanding.”

Complex infinitive structures:

• Formula: It takes/requires + time/effort + to-infinitive
• Ví dụ: “It takes approximately 10,000 hours of deliberate practice to achieve genuine expertise in most fields.”

6. Inversion for Emphasis:

Negative inversion:

• Formula: Never/Rarely/Seldom + auxiliary + subject + verb
• Ví dụ: “Never have learning opportunities been so accessible as they are today with online platforms.”
• Ví dụ 2: “Rarely do people achieve mastery without experiencing significant setbacks.”

Only/Not only inversion:

• Formula: Only/Not only + auxiliary + subject + verb
• Ví dụ: “Not only does learning new skills enhance career prospects, but it also promotes cognitive health.”

Việc học một kỹ năng mới cũng đòi hỏi khả năng describe a time when you managed multiple responsibilities successfully để cân bằng thời gian học tập với các công việc khác.

Bảng từ vựng IELTS Speaking chủ đề kỹ năng và học tập với phiên âm và ví dụ

Chiến lược và lời khuyên từ Examiner

Chiến Lược Tổng Quát Cho Cả 3 Parts

1. Natural Communication Over Perfection

Nhiều học viên Việt Nam quá lo lắng về việc mắc lỗi ngữ pháp đến mức nói rất chậm và cứng nhắc. Examiner đánh giá cao khả năng giao tiếp tự nhiên hơn là sự hoàn hảo về mặt ngữ pháp. Đừng ngừng giữa câu để suy nghĩ về grammar – hãy nói tiếp và tự sửa nếu cần.

Ví dụ tự nhiên: “I’ve been learning… actually, I should say I’ve been trying to learn photography for about six months now.”

Câu trên thể hiện sự tự tin và khả năng self-correction tự nhiên, điều này được đánh giá tích cực hơn là một câu hoàn hảo về grammar nhưng delivery rất chậm chạp.

2. Expand Every Answer (Nhưng Đúng Mức)

• Part 1: 2-3 câu là đủ. Quá dài sẽ thành Part 2.
• Part 2: Nói đủ 2 phút, không dừng sớm. Sử dụng hết thời gian.
• Part 3: 3-5 câu hoặc hơn. Develop ideas với examples và explanations.

3. Use Fillers Naturally (Không Phải “Uh, Um”)

Thay vì “uh” hoặc “um”, sử dụng các fillers tự nhiên hơn:

• “Well, that’s an interesting question…”
• “Let me think about that for a moment…”
• “That’s a good point. I’d say…”
• “To be honest, I’ve never really thought about it before, but…”

4. Show Critical Thinking

Band 7+ đòi hỏi bạn thể hiện được sự suy nghĩ phản biện, không chỉ đưa ra opinion đơn giản:

• Acknowledge complexity: “It’s not a straightforward issue…”
• Consider multiple perspectives: “While some people believe X, others argue Y…”
• Show nuance: “It depends on various factors such as…”

Chiến Lược Riêng Cho Từng Part

Part 1: Be Natural and Personable

Part 1 là warm-up. Examiner muốn thấy bạn có thể nói chuyện tự nhiên về cuộc sống hàng ngày.

Dos:

• ✅ Be yourself, show personality
• ✅ Use contractions (I’m, I’ve, don’t) để nghe tự nhiên
• ✅ Add brief personal details or opinions
• ✅ Smile and maintain eye contact

Don’ts:

• ❌ Đừng answer chỉ với Yes/No
• ❌ Đừng học thuộc và recite templates
• ❌ Đừng overthink – đây là phần dễ nhất
• ❌ Đừng nói quá dài mỗi câu trả lời

Part 2: Structure and Storytelling

Part 2 là nơi bạn shine với khả năng organize và deliver content.

Golden Strategy – 4Ps:

1. Prepare: Sử dụng full 1 phút để note keywords
2. Present: Follow bullet points clearly
3. Personalize: Add personal touches và emotions
4. Pace: Nói với pace vừa phải, không rush

Note-taking tips:

Skill: Guitar
Why: music passion, friends play, stress relief
How: online (YouTube/Udemy), daily 30min, maybe teacher
Benefits: hobby, creative, social, confidence, meaningful life

Chỉ viết keywords, không viết câu hoàn chỉnh. Điều này giúp bạn nói tự nhiên hơn là đọc.

Part 3: Think Like a Debater

Part 3 đòi hỏi sophisticated thinking và language.

PEEL Method:

• Point: State your main idea
• Explain: Elaborate on it
• Example: Give concrete example
• Link: Connect back to question or make conclusion

Ví dụ áp dụng PEEL:

Question: Why are some skills harder to learn than others?

Point: “I believe the difficulty of learning a skill largely depends on its complexity and how different it is from what we already know.”

Explain: “Skills that require us to think in entirely new ways, like learning a tonal language if you speak a non-tonal one, demand significant cognitive restructuring.”

Example: “For instance, a native English speaker learning Mandarin has to develop an entirely new mental framework for understanding how pitch changes meaning, which doesn’t exist in English.”

Link: “So ultimately, the learning difficulty is often about how much our brain needs to adapt rather than the skill itself being inherently harder.”

Xử Lý Các Tình Huống Khó

Tình huống 1: Không hiểu câu hỏi

Đừng panic! Đây là tình huống hoàn toàn bình thường và acceptable.

Cách xử lý:

• “I’m sorry, could you repeat that question?”
• “I’m not sure I understood correctly. Are you asking about…?”
• “Could you rephrase that, please?”

Lưu ý: Chỉ nên làm điều này 1-2 lần trong cả bài thi. Nếu nhiều hơn sẽ ảnh hưởng điểm.

Tình huống 2: Không có ý tưởng về câu hỏi

Strategy: Buy time and think broadly

Không examiner nào expect bạn có sẵn answer cho mọi câu hỏi. Quan trọng là bạn xử lý tình huống thế nào.

Cách xử lý:
“That’s an interesting question that I haven’t really thought about before. Let me think… I suppose if I had to consider it, I’d say…”

Hoặc trung thực:
“To be honest, I don’t have strong feelings about this particular topic, but based on general observation, I’d say…”

Tình huống 3: Nói sai và muốn sửa

Tự sửa là điều tích cực! Nó cho thấy bạn aware về language.

Cách tự sửa tự nhiên:

• “I mean…”
• “Actually, what I meant to say was…”
• “Sorry, let me rephrase that…”
• “Or rather…”

Ví dụ: “I learned to play guitar… actually, I should say I’m still learning to play guitar because I’m definitely not proficient yet.”

Tình huống 4: Examiner ngắt lời bạn trong Part 2

Đừng lo! Điều này hoàn toàn bình thường. Có thể vì:

• Bạn đã nói đủ 2 phút
• Họ muốn chuyển sang Part 3
• Timing của buổi thi

Chỉ cần dừng lại naturally và chuyển sang phần tiếp theo. Đây KHÔNG phải dấu hiệu bạn đang làm tốt hay kém.

Tình huống 5: Blank mind giữa chừng Part 2

Emergency strategies:

1. Return to bullet points: Nhìn lại notes và pick up từ bullet point tiếp theo
2. Add an example: “For example…” luôn là cách tốt để fill time
3. Rephrase what you said: “As I mentioned earlier…” rồi elaborate thêm
4. Move to next point: “Another important aspect is…”

Common Mistakes của Học Viên Việt Nam

1. Overusing templates và memorized answers

Examiners được train để nhận ra memorized answers. Điều này thường dẫn đến band 5-6 ngay cả khi ngôn ngữ sophisticated.

Dấu hiệu của memorized answer:

• Delivery quá nhanh và smooth (không tự nhiên)
• Không có self-correction
• Không phù hợp hoàn toàn với câu hỏi
• Thiếu natural hesitation

2. Translating directly từ tiếng Việt

Nhiều học viên think in Vietnamese rồi translate, dẫn đến unnatural expressions.

Ví dụ lỗi:

• ❌ “I am very like music” (Tôi rất thích âm nhạc)
• ✅ “I really love music” hoặc “I’m passionate about music”

Giải pháp: Think in English từ đầu bằng cách expose yourself với English content nhiều hơn.

3. Nói quá chậm để tránh lỗi

Fluency cũng quan trọng như accuracy. Nói quá chậm ảnh hưởng xấu đến Fluency score.

Balance: Nói với pace tự nhiên. Một vài lỗi nhỏ vẫn OK nếu overall fluency tốt.

4. Không maintain eye contact

Đây là văn hóa giao tiếp. Trong IELTS Speaking, bạn nên maintain eye contact với examiner như một conversation bình thường.

Tips:

• Nhìn vào examiner khoảng 70% thời gian
• 30% còn lại có thể nhìn sang, nhìn lên (thinking gesture) một cách tự nhiên
• Đừng nhìn xuống notes quá nhiều trong Part 2

5. Overusing “I think”

Nhiều học viên bắt đầu mọi câu với “I think”.

Alternatives:

• “I believe…”
• “In my opinion…”
• “I’d say…”
• “From my perspective…”
• “It seems to me that…”
• Simply state your idea without “I think”

Lộ Trình Luyện Tập Hiệu Quả

4-6 Tuần Trước Thi:

Week 1-2: Foundation

• Học vocabulary theo chủ đề (10-15 từ mới/ngày)
• Practice answering Part 1 questions (5-10 questions/day)
• Record yourself và nghe lại để identify issues

Week 3-4: Building Fluency

• Practice Part 2 với timer (3-4 cue cards/day)
• Expand vocabulary với collocations
• Study model answers nhưng KHÔNG thuộc lòng
• Focus on discourse markers và linking

Week 5-6: Polish

• Full mock tests (all 3 parts) ít nhất 2 lần/tuần
• Practice Part 3 với challenging questions
• Work on pronunciation và intonation
• Review và refine answering strategies

Daily Practice Routine (30-45 phút):

1. Warm-up (5 mins): Đọc to một đoạn văn tiếng Anh
2. Vocabulary (10 mins): Học 10 từ mới với examples
3. Speaking Practice (20 mins):
   • 5 Part 1 questions
   • 1 Part 2 cue card
   • 2-3 Part 3 questions
4. Review (10 mins): Nghe recording và note improvements

Resources Recommendations

For Vocabulary:

• IELTS Speaking Topics với word lists
• English collocations dictionary
• News articles từ BBC, The Guardian

For Practice:

• IELTS Liz website (free questions)
• IELTS-Simon blog (strategies)
• IELTS speaking apps với AI practice

For Listening to Native Speakers:

• TED Talks
• Podcasts (BBC Radio, This American Life)
• YouTube channels về topics bạn quan tâm

Khi luyện tập, bạn có thể thử áp dụng những gì học được vào các tình huống thực tế, chẳng hạn như describe a dish from another country you would like to try để mở rộng khả năng diễn đạt về các chủ đề đa dạng.

Kết luận

Chủ đề “Describe a skill that you would like to learn” là một cơ hội tuyệt vời để bạn thể hiện khả năng ngôn ngữ và tư duy của mình trong kỳ thi IELTS Speaking. Thành công với chủ đề này không chỉ nằm ở việc có một danh sách từ vựng ấn tượng, mà quan trọng hơn là khả năng sử dụng ngôn ngữ một cách tự nhiên, tự tin và có chiều sâu suy nghĩ.

Hãy nhớ rằng, examiner không chỉ đánh giá những gì bạn nói mà còn cách bạn nói. Fluency, naturalness và ability to communicate ideas effectively thường được đánh giá cao hơn là việc sử dụng những từ vựng phức tạp một cách gò bó. Thực hành thường xuyên, ghi âm bản thân để tự đánh giá, và đừng sợ mắc lỗi trong quá trình học – đó là phần quan trọng của journey đến với band điểm mong muốn.

Với bài viết này, bạn đã có trong tay một nguồn tài liệu toàn diện từ câu hỏi thực tế, bài mẫu chi tiết theo từng band điểm, kho từ vựng phong phú, đến các chiến lược xử lý tình huống và lộ trình luyện tập cụ thể. Điều còn lại là commitment và consistent practice của bạn. Chúc bạn tự tin bước vào phòng thi và đạt được kết quả như mong đợi!