Trong kỳ thi IELTS Speaking, chủ đề về kỹ năng cá nhân và mong muốn phát triển bản thân luôn là một trong những đề tài phổ biến nhất. Đặc biệt, đề bài “Describe A Skill You Want To Master” xuất hiện với tần suất cao trong các kỳ thi IELTS từ 2020 đến nay, chiếm khoảng 15-20% số đề Part 2. Dự đoán khả năng xuất hiện trong tương lai vẫn ở mức cao vì đây là chủ đề mở, cho phép examiner đánh giá toàn diện khả năng của thí sinh.
Chủ đề này đặc biệt quan trọng vì nó không chỉ yêu cầu thí sinh mô tả một kỹ năng cụ thể mà còn phải giải thích động lực, kế hoạch học tập và khả năng tư duy phản biện về quá trình phát triển bản thân. Từ góc nhìn của một examiner với hơn 20 năm kinh nghiệm chấm thi, tôi nhận thấy nhiều thí sinh Việt Nam thường gặp khó khăn khi diễn đạt về các kỹ năng trừu tượng hoặc không biết cách mở rộng ý một cách tự nhiên.
Trong bài viết này, bạn sẽ học được các câu hỏi thường gặp trong cả 3 Part của IELTS Speaking liên quan đến chủ đề kỹ năng, từ vựng và cụm từ ăn điểm, bài mẫu chi tiết theo nhiều band điểm từ 6-7, 7.5-8 đến 8.5-9, cùng với chiến lược trả lời hiệu quả và những lời khuyên thiết thực từ góc nhìn examiner. Đây sẽ là nguồn tài liệu toàn diện giúp bạn tự tin chinh phục phần thi Speaking với chủ đề này.
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 đời sống hàng ngày. Đặc điểm của phần này là câu hỏi tương đối đơn giản, nhưng bạn cần trả lời một cách tự nhiên và mở rộng ý với 2-3 câu để thể hiện khả năng giao tiếp.
Các lỗi thường gặp của học viên Việt Nam trong Part 1 bao gồm trả lời quá ngắn chỉ với Yes/No, sử dụng từ vựng quá đơn giản lặp đi lặp lại, và thiếu ví dụ cụ thể từ kinh nghiệm bản thân. Nhiều bạn cũng có xu hướng học thuộc câu trả lời mẫu khiến giọng nói nghe không tự nhiên, điều này ảnh hưởng nghiêm trọng đến điểm Fluency and Coherence.
Các Câu Hỏi Thường Gặp
Question 1: What skills are you learning at the moment?
Question 2: Is there any skill you would like to learn in the future?
Question 3: Do you think it’s important to learn new skills throughout your life?
Question 4: What’s the most useful skill you’ve learned?
Question 5: How do you usually learn a new skill?
Question 6: Did you learn any skills when you were a child?
Question 7: Is it difficult for you to learn new skills?
Question 8: What skills do you think young people need to develop nowadays?
Question 9: Do you prefer learning skills from books or from experience?
Question 10: Have you ever taught someone a skill?
Phân Tích và Gợi Ý Trả Lời Chi Tiết
Question: What skills are you learning at the moment?
🎯 Cách tiếp cận:
- Nêu trực tiếp kỹ năng đang học
- Giải thích tại sao bạn học kỹ năng đó
- Thêm chi tiết về quá trình học hoặc tiến độ hiện tại
📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:
“I’m learning how to cook Vietnamese dishes at the moment. My grandmother is teaching me because I want to preserve traditional recipes. It’s quite difficult but I’m making progress slowly.”
Phân tích:
- Điểm mạnh: Trả lời trực tiếp câu hỏi, có lý do rõ ràng, có thông tin về người dạy
- Hạn chế: Từ vựng còn basic (difficult, slowly), thiếu ví dụ cụ thể về món ăn hoặc kỹ thuật nấu nướng
- Tại sao Band 6-7: Câu trả lời đủ dài và có mạch, nhưng vocabulary và grammar còn simple, chưa có sophisticated expressions
📝 Sample Answer – Band 8-9:
“Currently, I’m dedicating time to mastering digital illustration using Procreate. I’ve always been drawn to visual arts, and with the rise of digital media, I thought it would be both personally fulfilling and professionally advantageous. I’m taking online courses and practicing daily, though I must admit the learning curve is quite steep – especially when it comes to understanding layers and brush techniques.”
Phân tích:
- Điểm mạnh: Sử dụng collocations mạnh (dedicating time to mastering, drawn to, learning curve, quite steep), cấu trúc phức tạp với mệnh đề quan hệ và though clause, ý tưởng sâu sắc về cả mục tiêu cá nhân và nghề nghiệp
- Tại sao Band 8-9:
- Fluency: Câu văn dài nhưng tự nhiên, có discourse marker (Currently, though, especially)
- Vocabulary: Sophisticated và precise (dedicating, mastering, fulfilling, advantageous, steep)
- Grammar: Complex sentences với nhiều clauses
- Ideas: Balanced view về cả động lực và challenges
💡 Key Vocabulary & Expressions:
- dedicating time to mastering: dành thời gian để thành thạo
- drawn to: bị thu hút bởi, có hứng thú với
- personally fulfilling and professionally advantageous: thỏa mãn cá nhân và có lợi cho sự nghiệp
- learning curve is steep: quá trình học khó khăn, phải mất nhiều công sức
Question: Do you think it’s important to learn new skills throughout your life?
🎯 Cách tiếp cận:
- Đưa ra quan điểm rõ ràng (Yes/No)
- Giải thích lý do với 1-2 points
- Có thể thêm ví dụ hoặc kết quả của việc học kỹ năng mới
📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:
“Yes, I think it’s very important. The world is changing fast and we need to keep up with new technologies. Also, learning new skills keeps our mind active and healthy as we get older.”
Phân tích:
- Điểm mạnh: Opinion rõ ràng, có 2 lý do (technology và mental health)
- Hạn chế: Ideas còn general, không có specific examples, từ vựng basic
- Tại sao Band 6-7: Adequate response nhưng thiếu depth và sophisticated language
📝 Sample Answer – Band 8-9:
“Absolutely, I’d say continuous learning is fundamental in today’s rapidly evolving world. From a practical standpoint, acquiring new skills helps us remain competitive in the job market and adapt to technological advances. But beyond career benefits, I believe it’s also crucial for personal growth – learning challenges our brains and keeps us mentally agile. My father, for instance, started learning photography at 55, and it’s completely revitalized his outlook on life.”
Phân tích:
- Điểm mạnh:
- Strong opinion với emphatic language (Absolutely, fundamental, crucial)
- Structured reasoning (practical standpoint + personal growth)
- Specific example về father
- Rich vocabulary (evolving, competitive, agile, revitalized)
- Tại sao Band 8-9:
- Fluency: Natural flow với discourse markers
- Vocabulary: Collocations (rapidly evolving, remain competitive, mentally agile, completely revitalized)
- Grammar: Variety (gerunds, complex sentences)
- Ideas: Multi-dimensional thinking với concrete example
💡 Key Vocabulary & Expressions:
- continuous learning is fundamental: học tập liên tục là nền tảng
- from a practical standpoint: từ góc độ thực tế
- remain competitive: duy trì tính cạnh tranh
- mentally agile: nhanh nhạy về mặt tinh thần
- completely revitalized: làm mới hoàn toàn
Question: How do you usually learn a new skill?
🎯 Cách tiếp cận:
- Mô tả phương pháp học chính của bạn
- Giải thích tại sao cách này hiệu quả với bạn
- Có thể so sánh với phương pháp khác hoặc đưa ví dụ cụ thể
📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:
“I usually learn new skills by watching YouTube videos and then practicing. I like this method because it’s free and I can learn at my own pace. When I learned to play guitar, I watched many tutorial videos every day.”
Phân tích:
- Điểm mạnh: Clear method, có lý do, có example về guitar
- Hạn chế: Simple vocabulary, basic grammar structures
- Tại sao Band 6-7: Communicates effectively nhưng lacks sophistication
📝 Sample Answer – Band 8-9:
“My approach typically involves a combination of structured learning and hands-on practice. I usually start by getting a solid theoretical foundation through online courses or books, then I move on to practical application as quickly as possible. I’m a strong believer in learning by doing because that’s when the real understanding happens. For instance, when I was picking up data analysis, I didn’t just watch tutorials – I immediately applied concepts to real datasets from my work, which accelerated my learning exponentially.”
Phân tích:
- Điểm mạnh:
- Sophisticated structure (theoretical → practical)
- Personal learning philosophy
- Specific example với clear outcome
- Advanced expressions (solid foundation, hands-on practice, accelerated exponentially)
- Tại sao Band 8-9:
- Fluency: Smooth transitions between ideas
- Vocabulary: Precise và academic (theoretical foundation, practical application, exponentially)
- Grammar: Complex sentences với relative clauses
- Ideas: Reflective và insightful về learning process
💡 Key Vocabulary & Expressions:
- a combination of structured learning and hands-on practice: sự kết hợp giữa học có hệ thống và thực hành trực tiếp
- solid theoretical foundation: nền tảng lý thuyết vững chắc
- learning by doing: học thông qua hành động
- picking up: học được (một kỹ năng mới)
- accelerated my learning exponentially: tăng tốc quá trình học một cách vượt bậc
Học viên đang luyện tập kỹ năng mới trong bài thi IELTS Speaking về chủ đề describe a skill you want to master
IELTS Speaking Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)
Tổng Quan Về Part 2
Part 2 là phần độc thoại kéo dài 2-3 phút sau 1 phút chuẩn bị. Đây là phần quan trọng nhất để thể hiện khả năng nói liên tục và coherent của bạn. Đặc điểm của Part 2 là bạn không bị ngắt lời và phải tự mình duy trì câu chuyện.
Chiến lược hiệu quả cho Part 2:
- Sử dụng đầy đủ 1 phút chuẩn bị để note keywords, không viết câu hoàn chỉnh
- Nói đủ ít nhất 1.5 phút, lý tưởng là 2 phút
- Trả lời đầy đủ tất cả các bullet points trong cue card
- Chú ý sử dụng đúng thì (thường là quá khứ khi kể về kinh nghiệm)
Lỗi thường gặp của học viên Việt Nam:
- Không tận dụng hết thời gian chuẩn bị, viết quá nhiều từ vựng khó mà quên không dùng
- Nói dưới 1.5 phút khiến examiner phải hỏi thêm
- Bỏ sót một hoặc nhiều bullet points
- Dành quá ít thời gian cho phần “explain” – đây là phần quan trọng nhất để ghi điểm
Cue Card
Describe a skill you want to master
You should say:
- What the skill is
- How you knew about this skill
- How you plan to learn it
- And explain why you want to master this skill
Phân Tích Đề Bài
- Dạng câu hỏi: Describe a skill (object/ability) + future plan
- Thì động từ: Chủ yếu hiện tại đơn khi mô tả skill, hiện tại hoàn thành khi nói về how you knew, tương lai gần cho plans, hiện tại đơn cho explain
- Bullet points phải cover:
- What: Tên và mô tả ngắn gọn về kỹ năng
- How you knew: Nguồn gốc, ai giới thiệu, khi nào biết đến
- How to learn: Phương pháp, resources, timeline cụ thể
- Explain why: Đây là phần GHI ĐIỂM – cần nói về motivations, benefits, personal connection
- Câu “explain” quan trọng: Phần explain thường chiếm 40-50% thời gian nói và là nơi bạn thể hiện được depth of thinking, vocabulary range, và grammatical complexity. Đừng chỉ nói “because it’s useful” mà cần elaborate với multiple reasons và personal insights.
📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7
Thời lượng: Khoảng 1.5-2 phút
“I want to talk about public speaking, which is a skill I really want to master. I first learned about the importance of this skill when I was in university. My teacher told us that being good at public speaking is very important for our future career.
Currently, I’m planning to learn it by joining a local club called Toastmasters. I heard about this club from my colleague who is a member there. They meet every week and practice giving speeches. I also watch TED talks on YouTube to see how professional speakers present their ideas.
The reason why I want to master this skill is quite simple. First, I’m not confident when speaking in front of many people. I always feel nervous and sometimes forget what I want to say. Second, in my job, I need to present ideas to clients and my boss. If I can speak well, I will have more opportunities for promotion. Finally, I think public speaking is a useful skill not just for work but also for life. When you can express your ideas clearly, people will listen to you more.
I hope that in the next six months, I can improve this skill and become more confident.”
Phân Tích Band Điểm
| Tiêu chí | Band | Nhận xét |
|---|---|---|
| Fluency & Coherence | 6-7 | Có thể nói liên tục nhưng còn một số hesitation, sử dụng basic linking words (first, second, finally), mạch khá rõ ràng |
| Lexical Resource | 6-7 | Vocabulary adequate cho topic (public speaking, present ideas, promotion) nhưng còn repetitive (important xuất hiện 2 lần), paraphrasing hạn chế |
| Grammatical Range & Accuracy | 6-7 | Mix của simple và complex sentences, có sử dụng conditional (if I can speak well), relative clause (who is a member), nhưng mainly simple structures |
| Pronunciation | 6-7 | Dễ hiểu, có thể có một số lỗi nhỏ về stress hoặc intonation |
Điểm mạnh:
- ✅ Trả lời đầy đủ tất cả bullet points
- ✅ Có structure rõ ràng với First, Second, Finally
- ✅ Đưa ra multiple reasons trong phần explain
- ✅ Có thông tin cụ thể về Toastmasters và TED talks
Hạn chế:
- ⚠️ Vocabulary còn basic và repetitive (important, good, useful)
- ⚠️ Thiếu personal anecdote hoặc specific example để minh họa
- ⚠️ Grammar structures chủ yếu simple, ít complex sentences
- ⚠️ Phần explain chưa đủ sâu về personal connection và emotional aspects
📝 Sample Answer – Band 7.5-8
Thời lượng: Khoảng 2-2.5 phút
“I’d like to talk about public speaking, a skill I’m absolutely determined to master. This is something I’ve been putting off for years but have recently decided to tackle seriously.
I first became aware of the significance of public speaking during my second year at university. We had a guest lecture from a successful entrepreneur who completely captivated the entire auditorium with his presentation. What struck me most was how he commanded attention not just through his words, but through his body language, tone, and the way he structured his narrative. That experience really opened my eyes to the power of effective communication.
As for my learning plan, I’ve already taken concrete steps. I’ve enrolled in a Toastmasters club that meets every Saturday morning, which provides a supportive environment for practice. Additionally, I’m working with an online course on Udemy that focuses specifically on overcoming stage fright and developing vocal variety. I’m also deliberately seeking out opportunities to present at work, even volunteering for presentations that others tend to avoid. I believe in the philosophy of learning by doing, so I’m trying to get as much real-world experience as possible.
Now, regarding why this matters so much to me, there are several compelling reasons. On a professional level, I’ve realized that technical skills alone aren’t enough to advance in my career. The ability to articulate ideas persuasively and inspire confidence in others is what separates average professionals from leaders. I’ve witnessed several less technically skilled colleagues get promoted simply because they could communicate their vision effectively.
On a personal level, I’ve always been held back by my fear of public speaking. There have been countless occasions where I had valuable insights but kept quiet out of anxiety. Mastering this skill isn’t just about career advancement – it’s about overcoming a personal limitation that has defined me for too long. I want to transform public speaking from my greatest weakness into a genuine strength.”
Phân Tích Band Điểm
| Tiêu chí | Band | Nhận xét |
|---|---|---|
| Fluency & Coherence | 7.5-8 | Nói trôi chảy với minimal hesitation, discourse markers sophisticated (As for, Additionally, Now regarding), cohesive devices đa dạng |
| Lexical Resource | 7.5-8 | Wide range với collocations (determined to master, putting off, commanded attention, overcome stage fright), less common vocabulary (captivated, articulate, compelling), good paraphrasing |
| Grammatical Range & Accuracy | 7.5-8 | Variety of complex structures (relative clauses, participle clauses, conditionals), mainly error-free |
| Pronunciation | 7.5-8 | Clear pronunciation với appropriate intonation và word stress |
So Sánh Với Band 6-7
| Khía cạnh | Band 6-7 | Band 7.5-8 |
|---|---|---|
| Vocabulary | “important”, “good at”, “useful” | “determined to master”, “captivated”, “articulate ideas persuasively”, “compelling reasons” |
| Grammar | “If I can speak well, I will have more opportunities” (First conditional đơn giản) | “The ability to articulate ideas persuasively is what separates average professionals from leaders” (Cleft sentence + noun phrase as subject) |
| Ideas | “I need to present ideas to clients” (general statement) | “I’ve witnessed several less technically skilled colleagues get promoted simply because they could communicate their vision effectively” (specific observation với analysis) |
| Personal Connection | “I always feel nervous” (surface level) | “It’s about overcoming a personal limitation that has defined me for too long” (deeper emotional insight) |
📝 Sample Answer – Band 8.5-9
Thời lượng: 2.5-3 phút đầy đủ
“I’d like to talk about mastering the art of public speaking, which has become something of a personal mission for me over the past year. This isn’t just about standing in front of an audience and delivering a speech – it’s about the ability to influence, inspire, and genuinely connect with people through spoken words.
My awakening to the importance of this skill happened in a rather unexpected way. About eighteen months ago, I attended a TEDx event in Ho Chi Minh City where I witnessed a relatively unknown speaker hold an audience of 500 people completely spellbound for twenty minutes. What struck me most profoundly wasn’t just the content of her message, but the sheer transformation that occurred in the room – you could literally feel the collective energy shift. People were hanging on her every word, and by the end, several audience members were visibly moved to tears. That moment crystallized something for me: that public speaking, when done masterfully, is perhaps the most powerful tool for human connection we possess. It made me realize that all my academic achievements and technical expertise would pale in comparison if I couldn’t effectively communicate them.
In terms of my learning approach, I’ve developed what I call a multi-pronged strategy. Firstly, I’m a member of two Toastmasters clubs – one focused on traditional public speaking and another on impromptu speaking, because I believe thinking on your feet is equally crucial. Beyond that, I’ve invested in one-on-one coaching with a former news anchor who specializes in voice modulation and stage presence. But perhaps most importantly, I’m deliberately putting myself in uncomfortable situations – I recently volunteered to deliver the keynote speech at a university conference, despite my inexperience. I’m also religiously analyzing speeches by masters like Barack Obama and Brené Brown, dissecting not just what they say, but how they structure their arguments, when they pause for effect, and how they use storytelling to make abstract concepts tangible.
As for why this skill has become so central to my personal development, the reasons are multi-layered and quite profound. From a professional standpoint, I work in the tech industry where there’s this pervasive stereotype that technical people don’t need soft skills. But I’ve come to realize that’s fundamentally misguided. The most influential figures in tech – people like Steve Jobs or Elon Musk – weren’t necessarily the most brilliant engineers, but they were exceptionally gifted communicators who could translate complex technical concepts into compelling narratives that captured people’s imagination. I’ve seen firsthand how my inability to articulate my ideas has cost me opportunities – projects I should have led, promotions that went to more eloquent colleagues, ideas that died on the vine simply because I couldn’t present them persuasively.
But beyond career considerations, there’s something deeply personal at stake here. I grew up as an introverted, bookish child who would literally develop a physical stress response at the thought of speaking in class. For years, I’ve let this fear dictate the boundaries of my life, turning down opportunities to share my perspectives, shrinking into the background in meetings, and essentially rendering myself invisible in situations where I had valuable contributions to make. Mastering public speaking represents, for me, a fundamental reclamation of my voice – both literally and metaphorically. It’s about refusing to let fear continue to define my limitations.
Moreover, I’m acutely aware that we’re living in an era where the ability to communicate effectively is more critical than ever. We’re bombarded with information but starved for meaning. People who can cut through the noise and deliver messages that resonate on an emotional level have disproportionate influence in shaping opinions and driving change. I want to be someone who can contribute meaningfully to important conversations, rather than remaining a passive observer on the sidelines.”
Phân Tích Band Điểm
| Tiêu chí | Band | Nhận xét |
|---|---|---|
| Fluency & Coherence | 9 | Completely fluent với sophisticated discourse markers, complex cohesive devices, seamless flow giữa ideas, không có hesitation |
| Lexical Resource | 9 | Exceptionally wide range, precise vocabulary (crystallized, pale in comparison, multi-pronged, pervasive stereotype), idiomatic expressions natural (died on the vine, cut through the noise), sophisticated collocations (collective energy shift, thinking on your feet) |
| Grammatical Range & Accuracy | 9 | Full range of structures sử dụng chính xác và appropriately, bao gồm cleft sentences, participle clauses, inversion, complex conditionals, nominalization |
| Pronunciation | 9 | Sustained use of varied intonation, clear articulation, completely intelligible |
Tại Sao Bài Này Xuất Sắc
🎯 Fluency Hoàn Hảo:
Bài nói duy trì pace tự nhiên trong suốt 3 phút với sophisticated connectors (In terms of, As for, Moreover, Beyond that) tạo cohesion mượt mà. Không có hesitation hay repetition, mỗi ý được develop đầy đủ trước khi chuyển sang ý tiếp theo.
📚 Vocabulary Tinh Vi:
- “hold an audience completely spellbound” – Idiom mạnh thể hiện sức hút của diễn giả
- “crystallized something for me” – Metaphor tinh tế cho moment of realization
- “pale in comparison” – Expression nâng cao thay vì simple “not as important”
- “multi-pronged strategy” – Academic vocabulary cho complex approach
- “died on the vine” – Idiomatic expression cho ideas không được thực hiện
- “rendering myself invisible” – Powerful metaphor cho self-limitation
- “fundamental reclamation of my voice” – Sophisticated nominalization với deep meaning
📝 Grammar Đa Dạng:
- Cleft sentence: “What struck me most profoundly wasn’t just the content… but the sheer transformation”
- Participle clause: “despite my inexperience”, “dissecting not just what they say”
- Complex conditional: “all my achievements would pale in comparison if I couldn’t communicate them”
- Nominalization: “My awakening to the importance”, “fundamental reclamation”
- Relative clauses: “a speaker who…”, “people who can…”
💡 Ideas Sâu Sắc:
- Không chỉ nói về benefits mà analyze deeper psychological và societal implications
- Personal anecdote về TEDx event cụ thể, vivid, và emotional
- Balanced perspective: professional + personal + societal levels
- Self-reflection profound về childhood fears và journey của personal transformation
- Contemporary context về information overload và importance of communication
Narrative Structure:
Bài nói follows một arc rõ ràng từ awakening moment → learning journey → multi-dimensional explanation of importance, tạo compelling story thay vì mechanical list of points.
Minh họa kỹ năng thuyết trình công chúng trong bài thi IELTS Speaking describe a skill you want to master
Follow-up Questions (Rounding Off Questions)
Question 1: Do you think you’ll achieve your goal of mastering this skill?
Band 6-7 Answer:
“Yes, I think I will. I’m very determined and I practice every week. It might take a long time, maybe one or two years, but I believe I can do it if I keep trying.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“I’d say I’m cautiously optimistic. Mastery is a lifelong journey rather than a destination, so I don’t expect to ever feel ‘done’ with learning. However, I do believe that with consistent, deliberate practice and the right guidance, I can reach a level where I feel genuinely confident and effective as a speaker. The key, I think, is reframing what mastery means – it’s not about perfection, but about continuously evolving and refining my abilities.”
Question 2: How long do you think it will take?
Band 6-7 Answer:
“I think it will take about one year to become good at it. But to really master it might take many years because it’s a difficult skill.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“That’s an interesting question because it depends on how you define progress. I’ve read that it takes roughly 10,000 hours of deliberate practice to achieve mastery in any field, so realistically, we’re talking about several years of sustained effort. However, I expect to see tangible improvements within six months – being able to deliver presentations without crippling anxiety, for instance. Full mastery, though, might be a decades-long pursuit, and I’ve made my peace with that. What matters is the trajectory of growth rather than reaching some arbitrary endpoint.”
IELTS Speaking Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Tổng Quan Về Part 3
Part 3 kéo dài 4-5 phút và là phần khó nhất trong IELTS Speaking. Examiner sẽ hỏi các câu hỏi trừu tượng, sâu sắc hơn về chủ đề đã nói trong Part 2, yêu cầu bạn phân tích, so sánh, đánh giá và đưa ra quan điểm có lý lẽ.
Đặc điểm của Part 3:
- Câu hỏi conceptual và analytical hơn Part 1 và 2
- Cần xem xét nhiều góc độ của vấn đề, không chỉ nói về personal experience
- Phải demonstrate critical thinking và ability to discuss abstract ideas
- Thường có compare/contrast, cause/effect, problem/solution
Chiến lược hiệu quả:
- Mở rộng câu trả lời với 3-5 câu
- Sử dụng discourse markers tự nhiên (Well, Actually, I suppose…)
- Đưa ra examples từ society, không chỉ cá nhân
- Thừa nhận complexity của vấn đề (On the one hand… On the other hand…)
- Không ngại nói “That’s an interesting question” để có thêm giây suy nghĩ
Lỗi thường gặp của học viên Việt Nam:
- Trả lời quá ngắn, không elaborate
- Không đưa ra lý lẽ rõ ràng để support opinion
- Thiếu từ vựng trừu tượng để discuss concepts
- Chỉ nói về personal experience thay vì societal perspective
- Sợ disagree với examiner hoặc acknowledge multiple viewpoints
Tương tự như việc phát triển tư duy phản biện, học viên cần thể hiện khả năng phân tích sâu về các chủ đề phức tạp thay vì chỉ đưa ra câu trả lời đơn giản.
Các Câu Hỏi Thảo Luận Sâu
Theme 1: Learning and Education
Question 1: What’s the best way for people to learn new skills?
🎯 Phân tích câu hỏi:
- Dạng: Opinion – asking for the most effective method
- Key words: best way, learn, new skills
- Cách tiếp cận: Direct answer → Explain why this method is effective → Acknowledge that it varies by individual → Give example
📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:
“I think the best way to learn new skills is through practice. When you practice regularly, you will remember things better. Also, it’s good to have a teacher who can correct your mistakes. For example, when learning to drive, you need someone to guide you. Reading books is also helpful but not as effective as doing.”
Phân tích:
- Structure: Có opinion → reasons (practice, teacher) → example → comparison
- Vocabulary: Basic và repetitive (good, helpful, effective)
- Tại sao Band 6-7: Communicates ideas adequately nhưng thiếu sophistication trong language và depth trong analysis
📝 Câu trả lời mẫu – Band 8-9:
“Well, I’d argue that there’s no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the optimal learning approach largely depends on the nature of the skill and individual learning preferences. However, I believe the most effective method generally combines theoretical understanding with hands-on practice.
From my observation, people who merely consume information passively – whether through books or videos – tend to struggle when it comes to practical application. On the other hand, those who immediately put concepts into practice tend to internalize knowledge more deeply. There’s actually substantial research backing this up – the concept of ‘learning by doing’ has been repeatedly validated in educational psychology.
That said, I think the quality of practice matters immensely. It’s not just about repetition, but about deliberate practice – working on specific weaknesses, seeking immediate feedback, and constantly pushing beyond your comfort zone. This is why having a skilled mentor or coach can accelerate the learning process exponentially. They can identify blind spots that you might not recognize yourself.”
Phân tích:
- Structure: Well-organized: Caveat về complexity → Main opinion → Supporting research → Qualification về quality of practice
- Vocabulary: Precise và academic (one-size-fits-all, optimal, internalize, validated, deliberate practice, exponentially, blind spots)
- Grammar: Complex structures (relative clauses: “those who immediately…”, participle clauses: “seeking immediate feedback”, conditionals implied)
- Critical Thinking: Nuanced view acknowledging individual differences và importance of research evidence, distinguishes between types of practice
💡 Key Language Features:
- Discourse markers: Well, However, That said, On the other hand
- Tentative language: I’d argue, I believe, generally, tend to
- Abstract nouns: theoretical understanding, practical application, educational psychology, deliberate practice
- Academic expressions: there’s no one-size-fits-all answer, substantial research backing this up, repeatedly validated
Question 2: Do you think children should be encouraged to learn more practical skills or academic skills?
🎯 Phân tích câu hỏi:
- Dạng: Opinion với element of compare/contrast
- Key words: children, practical skills vs academic skills
- Cách tiếp cận: Acknowledge both sides → Give balanced opinion → Explain reasoning → Consider age factors
📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:
“I think both are important for children. Academic skills like math and science help them get good grades and go to university. But practical skills like cooking and fixing things are useful in daily life. Schools should teach both types of skills so children can have a balanced education.”
Phân tích:
- Structure: Clear sides → Examples → Recommendation
- Vocabulary: Simple (important, useful, good, balanced)
- Tại sao Band 6-7: Gets the message across nhưng lacks depth và sophisticated reasoning
📝 Câu trả lời mẫu – Band 8-9:
“This is quite a contentious issue in education circles, and I think the answer is more nuanced than choosing one over the other. Ideally, we need to strike a balance between both, though I’d argue the current education system is heavily skewed toward academic skills at the expense of practical ones.
On the one hand, academic skills – things like literacy, numeracy, and critical thinking – form the foundational building blocks for further learning and open doors to higher education. In an increasingly knowledge-based economy, these skills are undeniably crucial. Moreover, many so-called academic skills, particularly problem-solving and analytical thinking, are actually highly transferable to practical situations.
On the other hand, we can’t ignore that life requires a diverse skill set. Children who graduate without knowing how to manage finances, cook nutritious meals, or perform basic household repairs often struggle with independent living. There’s also growing recognition that hands-on, practical activities can actually reinforce academic concepts – for instance, woodworking teaches geometry and measurements in a tangible way.
What I’d advocate for is an integrated approach where practical skills aren’t seen as separate from or inferior to academic ones, but rather as complementary. We should move away from the outdated notion that practical skills are only for those who aren’t ‘academically inclined.’ In reality, the most well-rounded individuals possess both.”
Phân tích:
- Structure: Acknowledge complexity → Balanced analysis of both sides → Integrated solution → Challenge traditional thinking
- Vocabulary: Sophisticated (contentious, skewed, foundational building blocks, knowledge-based economy, transferable, well-rounded)
- Grammar: Full range (cleft sentences: “What I’d advocate for”, relative clauses, comparative structures, passive voice appropriately used)
- Critical Thinking: Challenges false dichotomy, provides examples of integration, considers societal implications, offers progressive solution
💡 Key Language Features:
- Discourse markers: Ideally, On the one hand, On the other hand, Moreover, In reality
- Tentative/Balanced language: I’d argue, can’t ignore, growing recognition, should move away from
- Abstract nouns: foundational building blocks, analytical thinking, independent living, integrated approach
- Hedging expressions: quite contentious, the answer is more nuanced, so-called academic skills
Theme 2: Skills in the Workplace
Question 3: What skills do you think are most important in the workplace today?
🎯 Phân tích câu hỏi:
- Dạng: Opinion về contemporary workplace
- Key words: most important, workplace, today (implies changes từ past)
- Cách tiếp cận: Identify 2-3 key skills → Explain why important in modern context → Give examples from different industries
📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:
“I think communication skills are the most important in the workplace. You need to talk to your colleagues and clients clearly. Also, computer skills are very important now because most work is done on computers. Problem-solving is another useful skill because there are always challenges at work.”
Phân tích:
- Structure: Lists 3 skills với brief explanations
- Vocabulary: Basic (important, useful, clearly)
- Tại sao Band 6-7: Addresses question nhưng lacks specific examples và sophisticated analysis
📝 Câu trả lời mẫu – Band 8-9:
“I’d say the workplace landscape has undergone dramatic transformation in recent years, particularly in the wake of digitalization and remote work, so the skills that matter most have evolved accordingly.
First and foremost, I believe adaptability and continuous learning have become absolutely paramount. We’re in an era where technological disruption happens at breakneck speed – skills that were valuable five years ago might be obsolete today. Employees who can rapidly acquire new competencies and pivot when circumstances change are invaluable. The pandemic really brought this into sharp focus when millions had to transition to remote work overnight.
Equally critical are what we call ‘soft skills’ – particularly emotional intelligence and cross-cultural communication. In increasingly globalized and diverse workplaces, the ability to navigate different perspectives, build consensus, and manage interpersonal dynamics often distinguishes high performers from average ones. I’ve noticed that technically brilliant individuals who lack these interpersonal skills frequently hit a ceiling in their careers.
Finally, I’d emphasize digital literacy – not just basic computer skills, but a genuine comfort with technology and the ability to leverage digital tools for problem-solving. Whether it’s data analysis, digital marketing, or virtual collaboration platforms, virtually every industry now requires some level of technological fluency. Even traditionally ‘analog’ fields like teaching or healthcare have undergone massive digitalization.
What’s interesting is that these skills are highly interconnected – you can’t really master one without developing the others.”
Phân tích:
- Structure: Contextualize changes → Skill 1 with explanation and example → Skill 2 with nuanced analysis → Skill 3 with broad application → Synthesis
- Vocabulary: Sophisticated domain-specific language (technological disruption, pivot, emotional intelligence, build consensus, digital literacy, technological fluency, undergone digitalization)
- Grammar: Advanced structures (participle clauses, relative clauses, passive constructions, emphasis structures)
- Critical Thinking: Considers historical context, provides concrete examples (pandemic), acknowledges complexity and interconnections, distinguishes between levels of skill
💡 Key Language Features:
- Discourse markers: First and foremost, Equally critical, Finally, What’s interesting
- Emphasis structures: have become absolutely paramount, really brought this into sharp focus
- Contrasting ideas: technically brilliant individuals who lack… frequently hit a ceiling
- Contemporary references: in the wake of digitalization, the pandemic, increasingly globalized
Theme 3: Technology and Learning
Question 4: How has technology changed the way people learn skills?
🎯 Phân tích câu hỏi:
- Dạng: Cause/Effect và Compare (past vs present)
- Key words: technology, changed, how people learn
- Cách tiếp cận: Identify major changes → Explain mechanisms → Give specific examples → Consider both positive and negative impacts
📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:
“Technology has changed learning a lot. Now people can learn online through websites and YouTube videos. It’s more convenient because you can learn anytime and anywhere. Also, online courses are often cheaper than traditional classes. However, some people might not focus well when learning online.”
Phân tích:
- Structure: General statement → Examples → Advantages → Brief disadvantage
- Vocabulary: Basic (a lot, convenient, cheaper, focus well)
- Tại sao Band 6-7: Covers basic points nhưng lacks specific analysis và sophisticated vocabulary
📝 Câu trả lời mẫu – Band 8-9:
“Technology has fundamentally revolutionized the landscape of skill acquisition in several profound ways. Perhaps most significantly, it has democratized access to learning in unprecedented ways. Platforms like Coursera, Khan Academy, and YouTube have essentially made world-class education accessible to anyone with an internet connection, breaking down traditional barriers of geography, cost, and institutional gatekeeping. A farmer in rural Vietnam can now learn advanced programming from MIT professors – something that would have been utterly unthinkable just two decades ago.
Beyond accessibility, technology has enabled highly personalized learning pathways. AI-powered adaptive learning systems can tailor content to individual pace and learning style, something that was impossible in traditional classroom settings where one teacher has to cater to diverse needs simultaneously. For instance, language learning apps like Duolingo use sophisticated algorithms to identify your weak areas and adjust exercises accordingly – essentially functioning as a personal tutor that’s available 24/7.
The learning experience itself has become far more interactive and immersive. Virtual reality applications allow medical students to practice surgical procedures in simulated environments before ever touching a real patient. Musicians can get real-time feedback on pitch and rhythm from apps. The shift from passive consumption to active, experiential learning is quite remarkable.
However, I think it’s important to acknowledge the downsides. The overwhelming abundance of information can be paralyzing – how do you choose between 10,000 Python courses? There’s also the issue of digital divide – those without reliable internet access are increasingly left behind. Moreover, the lack of face-to-face interaction in online learning can diminish motivation and accountability for many learners who thrive on social connection and structure.
On balance, though, I’d say technology has been overwhelmingly positive, provided we remain cognizant of its limitations and work to address the inequities it can create.”
Phân tích:
- Structure: Multi-dimensional analysis: democratization → personalization → interactivity → acknowledgment of challenges → balanced conclusion
- Vocabulary: Highly sophisticated (democratized, unprecedented, gatekeeping, utterly unthinkable, sophisticated algorithms, paralyzing, cognizant)
- Grammar: Full range including cleft sentences, conditional structures, complex noun phrases, passive voice used strategically
- Critical Thinking: Historical perspective (two decades ago comparison), specific examples from multiple domains (education, medicine, music), acknowledges complexity with balanced view, considers equity issues
💡 Key Language Features:
- Discourse markers: Perhaps most significantly, Beyond accessibility, For instance, However, Moreover, On balance
- Sophisticated expressions: fundamentally revolutionized, breaking down traditional barriers, utterly unthinkable, cater to diverse needs, overwhelming abundance
- Abstract nouns: democratization, accessibility, interactivity, accountability, inequities
- Contrast structures: provided we remain… and work to…
Công nghệ hiện đại trong việc học tập kỹ năng trực tuyến cho IELTS Speaking
Theme 4: Cultural and Generational Perspectives
Question 5: Do you think older people and younger people learn skills differently?
🎯 Phân tích câu hỏi:
- Dạng: Compare/Contrast với generational analysis
- Key words: older people vs younger people, learn differently
- Cách tiếp cận: Acknowledge differences → Explain reasons (neurological, cultural, technological) → Avoid stereotypes → Provide balanced perspective
📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:
“Yes, I think they learn differently. Young people are better with technology so they often learn through the internet. Older people prefer traditional methods like books and face-to-face classes. Also, young people learn faster because their brain is more active. But older people have more experience so they can understand things better.”
Phân tích:
- Structure: Clear contrast với some reasoning
- Vocabulary: Simple comparatives (better, faster, more)
- Tại sao Band 6-7: Makes valid points nhưng perpetuates some stereotypes và lacks nuanced analysis
📝 Câu trả lời mẫu – Band 8-9:
“This is a fascinating question that touches on both neuroscience and cultural factors. While there are certain observable differences, I think we need to be careful not to fall into overgeneralization or perpetuate stereotypes.
From a neurological standpoint, there is evidence that younger brains exhibit more neuroplasticity – the ability to form new neural connections – which can facilitate certain types of learning, particularly those involving motor skills or language acquisition. However, research also shows that adult brains remain remarkably plastic, and older learners often bring compensatory advantages like greater metacognitive awareness – essentially, they’ve learned how to learn.
More significantly, I’d argue, the differences we observe are often less about age per se and more about generational exposure to different tools and cultural contexts. Younger generations have been digital natives – they’ve grown up immersed in technology and are consequently more comfortable with app-based learning, video tutorials, and online communities. Older learners, having been socialized in more traditional educational paradigms, often prefer structured classroom environments and print materials – not because they’re incapable of using technology, but because these methods align with their established learning schemas.
There’s also the factor of motivation and life circumstances. Younger people often learn skills because they’re required to – for school or career entry. Older learners typically pursue skill acquisition out of intrinsic motivation, which can actually lead to deeper engagement. However, they also face practical constraints – family responsibilities, full-time jobs, less cognitive stamina – that younger learners might not grapple with.
What I find particularly interesting is that the gap may be narrowing. As older generations become increasingly tech-literate and younger people develop appreciation for traditional methods – think of the vinyl record revival or interest in artisanal crafts – we’re seeing more convergence than divergence. The pandemic accelerated this trend, forcing people of all ages to adapt to digital learning platforms.”
Phân tích:
- Structure: Caveat về stereotypes → Neurological factors với qualification → Cultural/generational factors as primary explanation → Motivational differences → Trend toward convergence
- Vocabulary: Academic và precise (neuroplasticity, metacognitive awareness, compensatory advantages, socialized, established schemas, intrinsic motivation, convergence)
- Grammar: Sophisticated structures including nominalization, complex conditionals, parenthetical expressions, emphasis structures
- Critical Thinking: Questions simple binary, integrates multiple disciplines (neuroscience, sociology), acknowledges complexity, identifies evolving trends, avoids ageist stereotypes
💡 Key Language Features:
- Discourse markers: From a neurological standpoint, More significantly, There’s also, What I find particularly interesting
- Hedging and nuance: certain observable differences, often less about… and more about, can actually lead to, may be narrowing
- Sophisticated vocabulary: neuroplasticity, digital natives, established learning schemas, intrinsic motivation, cognitive stamina
- Contrast and comparison: not because… but because, more convergence than divergence
Question 6: Is it easier for people to learn skills now compared to the past?
🎯 Phân tích câu hỏi:
- Dạng: Compare past and present với judgment (easier/harder)
- Key words: easier, now, compared to the past
- Cách tiếp cận: Define “easier” → Compare access, methods, challenges → Consider different types of skills → Give balanced conclusion
📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:
“Yes, I think it’s easier now. In the past, people had to go to schools or find a teacher, which was expensive and took time. Now we have the internet and can learn anything for free. There are many online courses and videos. However, some people say there is too much information and it’s hard to choose what to learn.”
Phân tích:
- Structure: Clear position → Contrast past/present → Acknowledgment of challenge
- Vocabulary: Basic (expensive, free, hard, too much)
- Tại sao Band 6-7: Addresses question adequately nhưng analysis lacks depth
📝 Câu trả lời mẫu – Band 8-9:
“This is quite a multifaceted question because ‘easier’ can mean different things. In terms of accessibility and cost, there’s no question that we live in a golden age of learning. The democratization of knowledge through the internet means that resources that would have cost thousands of dollars or required institutional affiliation are now freely available. Someone wanting to learn graphic design in the 1990s would need to enroll in expensive courses and purchase costly software – today, they can access tutorials on YouTube and use free tools like Canva. From this perspective, learning is unquestionably easier.
However, I’d argue that we’ve traded one set of challenges for another. The sheer volume of information creates what psychologists call ‘choice paralysis’ or ‘paradox of choice’. When you search for ‘learn photography,’ you’re confronted with millions of results – which course is reputable? Which method actually works? In the past, scarcity created clarity – if there was only one photography school in your town, the decision was simple. Now, abundance creates confusion.
Moreover, the ease of access has led to what I’d call ‘superficial engagement’. It’s easy to enroll in a dozen online courses, but much harder to maintain the discipline to complete them without external accountability. Traditional learning environments provided built-in structure and social pressure that many people need to persist. The completion rates for MOOCs (Massive Open Online Courses) are notoriously low – typically under 10%.
There’s also the question of what kind of skills we’re discussing. For information-based skills – things like learning history or basic programming – technology has made learning dramatically easier. But for embodied skills that require physical practice and real-time feedback – like playing a musical instrument or performing surgery – I’m not convinced that online resources can fully substitute for in-person instruction.
All things considered, I’d say learning is easier in the sense that barriers to entry have lowered, but achieving genuine mastery may actually be harder due to the lack of structure, guidance, and accountability that characterizes much of online learning. The tools have improved, but the fundamentals of learning – dedication, persistence, and deliberate practice – remain unchanged.”
Phân tích:
- Structure: Sophisticated multi-angle analysis: accessibility aspect → challenge of choice → behavioral aspects → skill-type differentiation → nuanced conclusion
- Vocabulary: Academic và precise (multifaceted, democratization, choice paralysis, scarcity created clarity, abundance creates confusion, superficial engagement, embodied skills, barriers to entry)
- Grammar: Full range including cleft sentences, conditional structures, nominalization, comparative structures, complex noun phrases
- Critical Thinking: Questions simple premise, introduces psychological concepts, uses data (MOOC completion rates), differentiates between skill types, provides balanced synthesis acknowledging trade-offs
💡 Key Language Features:
- Discourse markers: From this perspective, However, Moreover, All things considered
- Sophisticated expressions: golden age of learning, traded one set of challenges for another, built-in structure, notoriously low, can fully substitute for
- Academic vocabulary: multifaceted, democratization, paradox of choice, superficial engagement, embodied skills
- Conditional and contrastive structures: I’m not convinced that… can fully substitute, easier in the sense that… but harder due to
Từ vựng và cụm từ quan trọng
Topic-Specific Vocabulary
| Từ vựng/Cụm từ | Loại từ | Phiên âm | Nghĩa tiếng Việt | Ví dụ | Collocation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| master a skill | v.phrase | /ˈmɑːstər ə skɪl/ | thành thạo một kỹ năng | I want to master the skill of public speaking before I turn 30. | master completely, strive to master, fail to master, take years to master |
| learning curve | n.phrase | /ˈlɜːnɪŋ kɜːv/ | đường cong học tập, mức độ khó khi học | The learning curve for Python programming is quite steep at first. | steep learning curve, gradual learning curve, face a learning curve, climb the learning curve |
| hands-on experience | n.phrase | /hændz ɒn ɪkˈspɪəriəns/ | kinh nghiệm thực hành trực tiếp | You need hands-on experience to truly understand how engines work. | gain hands-on experience, provide hands-on experience, lack hands-on experience, valuable hands-on experience |
| proficiency | n | /prəˈfɪʃənsi/ | sự thành thạo, trình độ cao | She achieved native-level proficiency in Japanese after five years. | achieve proficiency, demonstrate proficiency, language proficiency, high level of proficiency |
| aptitude | n | /ˈæptɪtjuːd/ | năng khiếu, khả năng bẩm sinh | He has a natural aptitude for mathematics and problem-solving. | natural aptitude, aptitude for, demonstrate aptitude, lack aptitude |
| deliberate practice | n.phrase | /dɪˈlɪbərət ˈpræktɪs/ | luyện tập có chủ đích | Deliberate practice, not just repetition, is key to mastery. | engage in deliberate practice, requires deliberate practice, focus on deliberate practice |
| pick up | phrasal v | /pɪk ʌp/ | học được (kỹ năng) một cách tự nhiên | I picked up basic Spanish just by living in Madrid for six months. | pick up quickly, pick up easily, pick up a language, pick up skills |
| acquire | v | /əˈkwaɪər/ | đạt được, thu được (kiến thức, kỹ năng) | It takes time to acquire the necessary skills for this profession. | acquire skills, acquire knowledge, gradually acquire, acquire through practice |
| hone | v | /həʊn/ | mài giũa, trau dồi (kỹ năng) | She spent years honing her craft as a photographer. | hone skills, hone technique, constantly hone, hone to perfection |
| refine | v | /rɪˈfaɪn/ | hoàn thiện, tinh chỉnh | I’m working to refine my presentation skills through regular practice. | refine skills, refine technique, continually refine, need to refine |
| command | v/n | /kəˈmɑːnd/ | thành thạo, làm chủ / sự thành thạo | She has an excellent command of three foreign languages. | command a language, command attention, have command of, demonstrate command |
| competence | n | /ˈkɒmpɪtəns/ | năng lực, khả năng đủ điều kiện | The job requires a high level of technical competence. | demonstrate competence, develop competence, professional competence, level of competence |
| cultivate | v | /ˈkʌltɪveɪt/ | trau dồi, rèn luyện | He’s trying to cultivate better communication skills. | cultivate skills, cultivate relationships, carefully cultivate, cultivate over time |
| expertise | n | /ˌekspɜːˈtiːz/ | chuyên môn, sự thành thạo cao | Her expertise in digital marketing is widely recognized. | develop expertise, areas of expertise, demonstrate expertise, lack expertise |
| fluency | n | /ˈfluːənsi/ | sự trôi chảy, thành thạo | Achieving fluency in a language requires consistent practice. | achieve fluency, fluency in, improve fluency, level of fluency |
| trial and error | n.phrase | /traɪəl ənd ˈerər/ | phương pháp thử và sai | I learned to cook mostly through trial and error. | learn by trial and error, process of trial and error, involve trial and error |
| steep learning curve | n.phrase | /stiːp ˈlɜːnɪŋ kɜːv/ | quá trình học khó khăn | Programming has a steep learning curve for beginners. | face a steep learning curve, overcome steep learning curve |
| transferable skills | n.phrase | /trænsˈfɜːrəbl skɪlz/ | kỹ năng chuyển nhượng được (dùng ở nhiều lĩnh vực) | Communication skills are highly transferable across different industries. | develop transferable skills, highly transferable skills, acquire transferable skills |
Idiomatic Expressions & Advanced Phrases
| Cụm từ | Nghĩa | Ví dụ sử dụng | Band điểm |
|---|---|---|---|
| get the hang of something | làm quen, nắm được cách làm gì đó | It took me a while, but I finally got the hang of using Photoshop. | 7.5-8 |
| second nature | điều trở nên tự nhiên như bản năng | After years of practice, playing piano has become second nature to her. | 7.5-8 |
| thinking on your feet | phản ứng nhanh, suy nghĩ linh hoạt trong tình huống bất ngờ | Public speaking requires the ability to think on your feet when answering questions. | 8-8.5 |
| baptism of fire | trải nghiệm khó khăn đầu tiên | My first presentation to senior management was a real baptism of fire. | 8.5-9 |
| up to speed | đạt đến mức độ hiểu biết cần thiết | It took three months to get up to speed with the company’s systems. | 7.5-8 |
| jack of all trades | người biết nhiều thứ nhưng không thành thạo cái gì | I’d rather be an expert in one area than a jack of all trades. | 8-8.5 |
| cut one’s teeth on something | học, tích lũy kinh nghiệm đầu tiên về gì | I cut my teeth on basic HTML before moving to more complex programming. | 8.5-9 |
| learn the ropes | học các quy trình, nắm được cách làm việc | New employees spend their first month learning the ropes. | 7.5-8 |
| hit the ground running | bắt đầu làm việc hiệu quả ngay lập tức | With my previous experience, I can hit the ground running in this role. | 8-8.5 |
| behind the curve | tụt hậu, chậm tiến bộ so với người khác | If you don’t keep learning, you’ll quickly fall behind the curve. | 8-8.5 |
| break new ground | khám phá lãnh thổ mới, làm điều chưa từng có | This research is breaking new ground in artificial intelligence. | 8.5-9 |
| learning on the job | học trong quá trình làm việc thực tế | Most of my skills came from learning on the job rather than formal training. | 7-8 |
Discourse Markers (Từ Nối Ý Trong Speaking)
Để bắt đầu câu trả lời:
- 📝 Well,… – Dùng khi cần thời gian suy nghĩ ngắn hoặc đưa ra câu trả lời thoughtful
- 📝 Actually,… – Khi đưa ra góc nhìn khác hoặc thông tin bất ngờ
- 📝 To be honest,… – Khi muốn chia sẻ quan điểm thật, chân thành
- 📝 I’d say that… – Cách formal để đưa ra opinion
- 📝 From my perspective,… – Nhấn mạnh đây là quan điểm cá nhân
- 📝 In my view,… – Tương tự “From my perspective” nhưng formal hơn
Để bổ sung ý:
- 📝 On top of that,… – Thêm vào đó, hơn nữa
- 📝 What’s more,… – Còn nữa, thêm vào đó
- 📝 Not to mention… – Chưa kể đến
- 📝 Furthermore,… – Hơn nữa (formal)
- 📝 Additionally,… – Ngoài ra (formal)
- 📝 Beyond that,… – Ngoài điều đó ra
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 cần xem xét…
- 📝 Having said that,… – Tuy nhiên, sau khi nói điều đó…
- 📝 That being said,… – Dù vậy, tuy nhiên
- 📝 Admittedly,… – Phải thừa nhận rằng…
Để kết luận:
- 📝 All in all,… – Tóm lại, xét chung
- 📝 At the end of the day,… – Cuối cùng thì, xét cho cùng
- 📝 All things considered,… – Xét mọi khía cạnh
- 📝 On balance,… – Nhìn chung, cân nhắc kỹ thì
- 📝 To sum up,… – Tóm lại
Để làm rõ hoặc elabore:
- 📝 What I mean is,… – Ý tôi là…
- 📝 To put it another way,… – Nói cách khác…
- 📝 In other words,… – Nói cách khác
- 📝 To clarify,… – Để làm rõ…
- 📝 Specifically,… – Cụ thể là…
Grammatical Structures Ấn Tượng
1. Conditional Sentences (Câu điều kiện):
Mixed conditional:
- Formula: If + past perfect, would/could + base verb (hoặc If + past simple, would/could + have + past participle)
- Ví dụ: “If I had learned public speaking earlier in life, I would be much more confident in meetings now.”
- Khi nào dùng: Để nói về điều kiện trong quá khứ ảnh hưởng đến hiện tại
Inversion in conditionals:
- Formula: Should/Were/Had + subject + verb, … main clause
- Ví dụ: “Were I to master this skill, it would completely transform my career prospects.”
- Khi nào dùng: Formal contexts, tạo emphasis và sophistication
2. Relative Clauses (Mệnh đề quan hệ):
Non-defining relative clauses:
- Formula: …, which/who/where + clause, …
- Ví dụ: “I enrolled in a Toastmasters club, which has been incredibly beneficial for developing confidence.”
- Khi nào dùng: Thêm thông tin bổ sung, tạo complexity cho câu
Reduced relative clauses:
- Formula: Bỏ relative pronoun và auxiliary verb
- Ví dụ: “People learning new skills often face initial frustration.” (thay vì “People who are learning…”)
- Khi nào dùng: Tạo câu concise và advanced
3. Passive Voice (Câu bị động):
Impersonal passive với reporting verbs:
- Formula: It is thought/believed/said/claimed that…
- Ví dụ: “It is widely believed that mastery of any skill requires approximately 10,000 hours of practice.”
- Khi nào dùng: Để reference common knowledge hoặc research mà không cần cite nguồn cụ thể
Passive for emphasis:
- Ví dụ: “This method has been validated by numerous studies in educational psychology.”
- Khi nào dùng: Khi muốn focus vào action/result hơn là actor
4. Cleft Sentences (Câu chẻ):
What-clefts:
- Formula: What + subject + verb + is/was…
- Ví dụ: “What I find most challenging about learning this skill is maintaining consistent motivation over time.”
- Khi nào dùng: Để emphasize một particular aspect
It-clefts:
- Formula: It + is/was + focused element + that/who…
- Ví dụ: “It was my experience volunteering abroad that made me realize the importance of cross-cultural communication skills.”
- Khi nào dùng: Để highlight specific information
The thing/The reason-clefts:
- Ví dụ: “The thing that motivates me most is seeing tangible progress each week.”
- Khi nào dùng: Natural way to emphasize reasons hoặc important points
5. Advanced Participle Clauses:
Present participle:
- Ví dụ: “Having practiced daily for six months, I’ve noticed significant improvement in my pronunciation.”
- Khi nào dùng: Show sequence hoặc cause-effect relationship
Past participle:
- Ví dụ: “Faced with the choice between online and in-person courses, I opted for a blended approach.”
- Khi nào dùng: Provide background context efficiently
6. Inversion for Emphasis:
Not only… but also:
- Formula: Not only + auxiliary + subject + verb, but also…
- Ví dụ: “Not only does this skill enhance career prospects, but it also builds personal confidence.”
Seldom/Rarely/Never:
- Ví dụ: “Rarely have I encountered a skill that’s so universally applicable across different contexts.”
Về việc phát triển kỹ năng tư duy nhanh trong những tình huống bất ngờ, học viên có thể tham khảo thêm describe a time when you had to make a tough decision quickly để hiểu rõ hơn về cách xử lý các tình huống phức tạp đòi hỏi phản ứng nhanh.
Khi nói về việc theo đuổi sự thành thạo trong một lĩnh vực, điều này thường bắt nguồn từ sự tò mò và mong muốn khám phá. Nếu bạn quan tâm đến cách diễn đạt về những khoảnh khắc khơi dậy niềm đam mê học hỏi, hãy xem describe a time when you were very curious about something để có thêm ý tưởng về cách kết nối curiosity với skill development.
Chiến lược tổng thể để đạt Band 8+
1. Preparation Strategy (Chiến lược chuẩn bị)
Trước kỳ thi 3-6 tháng:
- Xây dựng vocabulary bank: Tập trung vào topic-specific vocabulary, collocations, và idiomatic expressions. Mỗi ngày học 5-7 cụm từ mới và sử dụng chúng trong câu
- Ghi âm và tự đánh giá: Record câu trả lời của bạn và listen back để identify hesitations, repetition, grammatical errors
- Mở rộng kiến thức general: Đọc articles về various topics để có ideas phong phú, không chỉ personal experiences
- Practice with authentic materials: Sử dụng real IELTS questions từ Cambridge books hoặc recent actual tests
1-2 tuần trước thi:
- Mock tests: Làm full mock test ít nhất 2-3 lần với timing chính xác
- Review common topics: Prepare ideas cho các chủ đề phổ biến nhưng KHÔNG học thuộc answers
- Polish pronunciation: Focus vào word stress, sentence stress, và intonation patterns
- Mental preparation: Practice staying calm và thinking quickly dưới áp lực
2. During the Test (Trong phòng thi)
General tips:
- Build rapport với examiner: Natural eye contact, smile, show engagement
- Extend answers appropriately: Part 1 (2-3 câu), Part 2 (2 phút full), Part 3 (3-5 câu với analysis)
- Use discourse markers naturally: Không overuse, chỉ dùng khi appropriate
- Don’t memorize: Examiners được train để spot memorized answers và sẽ interrupt hoặc penalize
- Self-correct naturally: Nếu sai, tự correct một cách natural như native speakers
- Manage time in Part 2: Aim for 2 phút, cover tất cả bullet points, emphasize “explain” part
Xử lý tình huống khó:
- Không hiểu câu hỏi: “Sorry, could you please repeat/rephrase the question?” (Acceptable và không affect score)
- Không có ý: “That’s an interesting question. Let me think…” rồi dùng techniques như relating to personal experience hoặc generalizing
- Blank về từ vựng: Paraphrase hoặc describe (“the thing you use to…”) thay vì stop speaking
- Mất mạch trong Part 2: Refer lại notes và transition naturally (“Now, regarding why this is important…”)
3. Common Pitfalls của học viên Việt Nam
Pronunciation issues:
- Consonant clusters: “strengths”, “months” thường bị simplify incorrectly
- Word stress: Stress sai vị trí (e.g., PHOtograph vs phoTOgraphy vs photoGRAPHic)
- Sentence stress: Monotone thay vì emphasize content words
- Solution: Practice minimal pairs, record và compare với native speakers, focus on thought groups
Grammar mistakes:
- Article errors: “the public speaking” (không cần the), “a information” (uncountable)
- Tense confusion: Switching tenses unnecessarily, especially trong Part 2 narratives
- Subject-verb agreement: “Everyone have” thay vì “Everyone has”
- Solution: Review grammar rules cho speaking context, practice với correction focus
Fluency issues:
- Excessive fillers: “um”, “uh”, “like” quá nhiều
- False starts: Bắt đầu câu rồi restart nhiều lần
- Long pauses: Silence quá lâng không natural
- Solution: Practice thinking in English, prepare topic vocabulary trước, use discourse markers strategically thay vì fillers
Vocabulary limitations:
- Repetition: Dùng “important” 5 lần trong 1 answer
- Basic vocabulary: “good”, “bad”, “nice” thay vì sophisticated alternatives
- Inappropriate register: Too casual hoặc too formal
- Solution: Learn synonyms in context, practice paraphrasing, exposure to authentic English
Content issues:
- Overly general answers: “Many people think…” without specific examples
- Irrelevant information: Going off-topic, especially in Part 2
- Shallow analysis: Surface-level ideas in Part 3 without depth
- Solution: Practice critical thinking, read opinion pieces, develop examples library
4. Band Score Differences – What Separates Each Level
Band 6.5-7:
- Vocabulary: Adequate cho topic nhưng some inaccuracies và limited flexibility
- Grammar: Mix của simple và complex structures với some errors
- Fluency: Can maintain flow nhưng có noticeable hesitations
- Pronunciation: Generally intelligible với some L1 influence
- Ideas: Relevant nhưng sometimes lacking development
Band 7.5-8:
- Vocabulary: Flexible use với good collocations, occasional inaccuracies
- Grammar: Variety of complex structures với mostly error-free
- Fluency: Smooth flow với minimal hesitation, effective discourse markers
- Pronunciation: Easy to understand với good intonation patterns
- Ideas: Well-developed với relevant examples và some analysis
Band 8.5-9:
- Vocabulary: Sophisticated, precise, idiomatic với rare minor errors
- Grammar: Full range sử dụng accurately và appropriately
- Fluency: Completely coherent với natural prosodic features
- Pronunciation: Native-like hoặc minimal L1 influence
- Ideas: Insightful, well-reasoned với depth và nuance
Chiến lược đạt điểm cao trong bài thi IELTS Speaking về kỹ năng muốn thành thạo
5. Mindset và Long-term Development
Beyond test preparation:
IELTS Speaking không chỉ là về passing test mà là về developing genuine communication skills. Band điểm cao đến từ authentic ability, không phải tricks.
Continuous learning approach:
- Immersion: Surround yourself with English through podcasts, TV series, conversations
- Active practice: Speak English daily, even to yourself, about random topics
- Feedback loop: Seek correction từ teachers hoặc native speakers, learn from mistakes
- Cultural awareness: Understand cultural references và communication styles của English speakers
Growth mindset:
- Embrace mistakes: Mỗi error là learning opportunity
- Celebrate progress: Recognize improvements, dù nhỏ
- Patient persistence: Fluency develops over months/years, không overnight
- Intrinsic motivation: Learn vì bản thân, không chỉ vì test
Tương tự như việc tham gia các buổi biểu diễn văn hóa giúp mở rộng hiểu biết và kỹ năng giao tiếp đa văn hóa, học viên có thể tham khảo describe a cultural performance you attended để thấy được mối liên hệ giữa trải nghiệm văn hóa và phát triển kỹ năng mềm.
Lời khuyên cuối cùng từ Examiner
Sau hơn 20 năm chấm thi IELTS Speaking, tôi nhận thấy rằng những thí sinh đạt điểm cao nhất không phải là người nói “hoàn hảo” mà là người giao tiếp authentically and effectively. Họ không sợ pause để think, không ngại self-correct, và most importantly, họ show genuine engagement với topic.
Đừng cố gắng sound như một textbook hay memorize fancy phrases mà không hiểu context. Examiners có thể spot memorization trong vài giây và điều này severely impacts score. Thay vào đó, focus vào expressing your genuine thoughts clearly và coherently.
Practice không phải về quantity mà về quality và reflection. Một hour practice có focused feedback valuable hơn 5 hours nói linh tinh. Record yourself, analyze mistakes, và deliberately improve từng aspect.
Cuối cùng, remember rằng IELTS Speaking đánh giá communication skills, không phải academic knowledge. Bạn không cần impressive ideas – bạn cần express ordinary ideas in an impressive way. Simple thoughts delivered với sophisticated language và clear structure sẽ score cao hơn complex ideas expressed poorly.
Chủ đề “describe a skill you want to master” là cơ hội tuyệt vời để showcase not only language ability mà còn personal development mindset. Examiners đánh giá cao candidates demonstrate self-awareness, growth orientation, và ability to reflect deeply về personal journey.
Tương tự như describe a competition you participated in, việc phát triển kỹ năng mới cũng đòi hỏi tinh thần cạnh tranh lành mạnh với chính bản thân và sự kiên trì vượt qua thử thách. Cả hai trải nghiệm đều thể hiện được khả năng đối mặt với áp lực và cam kết với mục tiêu dài hạn.
Chúc các bạn tự tin, chuẩn bị kỹ càng, và đạt được band điểm mong muốn. Skill of speaking English fluently chính là một trong những skills đáng để master nhất trong cuộc đời!
