Chủ đề “Describe A Time When You Did Something New” là một trong những đề bài phổ biến và được yêu thích nhất trong IELTS Speaking Part 2. Theo thống kê từ các kỳ thi thực tế, chủ đề này xuất hiện với tần suất rất cao trong giai đoạn từ 2020 đến 2024, đặc biệt trong các quý 1 và quý 3 hàng năm. Dự đoán khả năng xuất hiện trong tương lai: Cao.
Chủ đề này quan trọng vì nó cho phép giám khảo đánh giá khả năng kể chuyện, sử dụng thì quá khứ, và mô tả cảm xúc của bạn một cách tự nhiên. Đây là dạng câu hỏi liên quan đến trải nghiệm cá nhân, do đó bạn hoàn toàn có thể chuẩn bị trước và tự tin thể hiện.
Trong bài viết này, bạn sẽ học được:
- 10+ câu hỏi thường gặp trong Part 1, 2, 3 về chủ đề thử nghiệm điều mới
- Bài mẫu chi tiết theo 3 mức band điểm: 6-7, 7.5-8, và 8.5-9
- Phân tích sâu về tại sao một câu trả lời đạt band điểm cụ thể
- 20+ từ vựng và cụm từ ăn điểm với phiên âm và ví dụ
- Chiến lược trả lời hiệu quả từ góc nhìn examiner
- Những lỗi phổ biến mà học viên Việt Nam thường mắc phải
IELTS Speaking Part 1: Introduction and Interview
Tổng Quan Về Part 1
Part 1 kéo dài 4-5 phút với các câu hỏi về cuộc sống hàng ngày, sở thích, công việc, và học tập. Với chủ đề về “trying new things”, giám khảo thường hỏi về thái độ, thói quen và trải nghiệm của bạn với những hoạt động mới.
Chiến lược hiệu quả:
- Trả lời trực tiếp câu hỏi trong câu đầu tiên
- Mở rộng với lý do hoặc ví dụ cụ thể (2-3 câu là đủ)
- Sử dụng từ vựng đa dạng nhưng tự nhiên
- Giữ giọng điệu tự tin và thân thiện
Lỗi thường gặp của học viên Việt Nam:
- Trả lời quá ngắn, chỉ “Yes” hoặc “No”
- Sử dụng từ vựng quá đơn giản hoặc lặp lại
- Không đưa ra ví dụ cụ thể từ kinh nghiệm bản thân
- Nói quá nhanh hoặc quá chậm do lo lắng
Các Câu Hỏi Thường Gặp
Question 1: Do you like trying new things?
Question 2: What new things have you tried recently?
Question 3: Do you prefer to try new things alone or with other people?
Question 4: Why do you think some people are afraid of trying new things?
Question 5: Have you ever tried a new sport or hobby?
Question 6: Do you think it’s important for young people to try new experiences?
Question 7: What was the last new food you tried?
Question 8: How do you feel when you try something for the first time?
Phân Tích và Gợi Ý Trả Lời Chi Tiết
Question: Do you like trying new things?
🎯 Cách tiếp cận:
- Đưa ra câu trả lời yes/no rõ ràng
- Giải thích lý do tại sao bạn thích hoặc không thích
- Cho ví dụ cụ thể về loại hoạt động mới bạn thường thử
📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:
“Yes, I like trying new things. I think it’s interesting and helps me learn more. For example, last year I tried cooking Vietnamese food and it was fun. New experiences make life less boring.”
Phân tích:
- Điểm mạnh: Trả lời trực tiếp, có ví dụ cụ thể, ý tưởng rõ ràng
- Hạn chế: Từ vựng cơ bản (interesting, fun, boring), cấu trúc câu đơn giản, thiếu độ sâu trong giải thích
- Tại sao Band 6-7: Đáp ứng yêu cầu cơ bản, có mở rộng ý nhưng chưa sophisticated về mặt ngôn ngữ và ý tưởng
📝 Sample Answer – Band 8-9:
“Absolutely! I’m quite adventurous by nature and I find that stepping out of my comfort zone really helps me grow as a person. Recently, I’ve been dabbling in photography, which has completely changed my perspective on everyday surroundings. I believe that embracing new experiences keeps life exciting and prevents us from falling into a rut.”
Phân tích:
- Điểm mạnh:
- Vocabulary nâng cao và natural (adventurous by nature, stepping out of comfort zone, dabbling in, falling into a rut)
- Cấu trúc câu phức tạp với relative clause
- Ý tưởng sâu sắc hơn về personal growth
- Sử dụng collocation tự nhiên
- Tại sao Band 8-9:
- Fluency: Trôi chảy, không hesitation, sử dụng fillers tự nhiên (Absolutely!)
- Vocabulary: Idiomatic, precise, sophisticated
- Grammar: Complex structures sử dụng chính xác
- Pronunciation: Natural stress và intonation (trong bài nói thật)
💡 Key Vocabulary & Expressions:
- adventurous by nature: có bản tính thích phiêu lưu, khám phá
- step out of my comfort zone: bước ra khỏi vùng an toàn
- dabble in something: thử nghiệm, tìm hiểu về điều gì đó (chưa nghiêm túc)
- change one’s perspective: thay đổi góc nhìn, quan điểm
- embrace new experiences: đón nhận những trải nghiệm mới
- fall into a rut: rơi vào trạng thái nhàm chán, lặp đi lặp lại
Question: What new things have you tried recently?
🎯 Cách tiếp cận:
- Nêu cụ thể hoạt động/trải nghiệm mới
- Mô tả ngắn gọn về trải nghiệm đó
- Chia sẻ cảm nhận hoặc kết quả
📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:
“Recently, I tried rock climbing at a new gym in my city. It was my first time and I was nervous at first. But after some practice, I enjoyed it. Now I go there every weekend with my friends.”
Phân tích:
- Điểm mạnh: Trả lời cụ thể, có timeline (recently), mô tả cảm xúc (nervous), có follow-up action
- Hạn chế: Từ vựng đơn giản, thiếu detail về experience, cấu trúc câu basic
- Tại sao Band 6-7: Adequate response với idea rõ ràng nhưng chưa có depth và linguistic range
📝 Sample Answer – Band 8-9:
“Well, just last month I decided to take the plunge and try indoor rock climbing, which I’d been putting off for ages. Initially, I was quite apprehensive about the heights, but the adrenaline rush was absolutely incredible. What really surprised me was how much it challenged me both physically and mentally. It’s become my new favorite way to unwind after a stressful week, and I’ve even convinced a few colleagues to join me.”
Phân tích:
- Điểm mạnh:
- Vocabulary đa dạng và natural (take the plunge, putting off, apprehensive, adrenaline rush)
- Grammar structures phức tạp (relative clause “which I’d been putting off”)
- Thể hiện sự phát triển của trải nghiệm (từ nervous → surprising → routine)
- Ý tưởng phong phú với nhiều layers (physical, mental, social aspects)
- Tại sao Band 8-9:
- Fluency: Smooth transitions với “Well”, “Initially”, “What really surprised me”
- Vocabulary: Precise và idiomatic, showing range
- Grammar: Mix của tenses, perfect aspects, complex structures
- Ideas: Sophisticated với multiple dimensions của experience
💡 Key Vocabulary & Expressions:
- take the plunge: quyết định làm điều gì đó sau khi do dự lâu
- put off for ages: trì hoãn trong thời gian dài
- apprehensive: lo lắng, e ngại
- adrenaline rush: cảm giác phấn khích mạnh do adrenaline
- challenge someone physically and mentally: thách thức cả thể chất lẫn tinh thần
- unwind: thư giãn, xả stress
- convince someone to do something: thuyết phục ai đó làm gì
Question: Do you prefer to try new things alone or with other people?
🎯 Cách tiếp cận:
- Đưa ra preference rõ ràng (có thể nói “it depends”)
- Giải thích lý do cho sự lựa chọn
- Có thể so sánh hai options nếu bạn nói “depends”
📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:
“I prefer trying new things with other people. It’s more fun when you have friends around. Also, if something goes wrong, they can help you. For example, when I tried skiing, my friend who knew how to ski taught me.”
Phân tích:
- Điểm mạnh: Preference rõ ràng, có lý do và ví dụ supporting
- Hạn chế: Từ vựng basic (more fun, goes wrong, help), ideas đơn giản, thiếu nuance
- Tại sao Band 6-7: Communicates effectively nhưng lacks sophistication
📝 Sample Answer – Band 8-9:
“That’s an interesting question. I’d say it really depends on the nature of the activity. For things like extreme sports or traveling to unfamiliar places, I definitely prefer having company because there’s a sense of security and you can share the excitement together. However, when it comes to more introspective activities like learning a new language or trying meditation, I find that doing it solo allows me to focus better and progress at my own pace without feeling any peer pressure. So I guess I’m quite flexible depending on the circumstances.”
Trong bối cảnh này, bạn có thể xem thêm describe a time when you led a team to success để hiểu rõ hơn về việc làm việc nhóm mang lại những lợi ích gì trong các hoạt động mới.
Phân tích:
- Điểm mạnh:
- Shows critical thinking với “it depends” approach
- Vocabulary sophisticated và precise (introspective, peer pressure, progress at own pace)
- Presents balanced view với examples cho cả hai sides
- Grammar complex với conditionals và contrasting structures
- Natural discourse markers (However, So I guess)
- Tại sao Band 8-9:
- Fluency: Well-organized, logical flow, natural hesitation với “I’d say”
- Vocabulary: Wide range, precise, topic-specific
- Grammar: Complex structures sử dụng accurately
- Ideas: Nuanced, shows depth of thinking
💡 Key Vocabulary & Expressions:
- it really depends on: phụ thuộc vào
- extreme sports: thể thao mạo hiểm
- have company: có bạn đồng hành
- sense of security: cảm giác an toàn
- introspective activities: hoạt động hướng nội, cần suy ngẫm
- do something solo: làm gì đó một mình
- progress at one’s own pace: tiến bộ theo nhịp độ riêng
- peer pressure: áp lực từ bạn bè, đồng nghiệp
- flexible depending on circumstances: linh hoạt tùy hoàn cảnh
Học viên đang luyện tập IELTS Speaking Part 1 về chủ đề thử nghiệm điều mới với giáo viên
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 phút (tối thiểu 1.5 phút) nói. Đây là phần quan trọng nhất để thể hiện khả năng kể chuyện và sử dụng ngôn ngữ mô tả chi tiết.
Chiến lược hiệu quả:
- Sử dụng đầy đủ 1 phút để ghi chú (chỉ keywords, không viết câu)
- Cấu trúc ghi chú theo bullet points của đề bài
- Nói ít nhất 2 phút, đừng dừng sớm
- Sử dụng thì quá khứ khi kể về trải nghiệm
- Tập trung vào phần “explain” – đây là nơi ghi điểm cao nhất
Lỗi thường gặp:
- Viết câu hoàn chỉnh trong 1 phút chuẩn bị (lãng phí thời gian)
- Nói dưới 1.5 phút hoặc quá 3 phút
- Bỏ sót một hoặc nhiều bullet points
- Không giải thích cảm xúc/ý nghĩa của trải nghiệm
- Sử dụng sai thì động từ (hiện tại thay vì quá khứ)
Cue Card
Describe a time when you did something new
You should say:
- What you did
- When and where you did it
- Who you did it with
- And explain how you felt about doing this new thing
Phân Tích Đề Bài
- Dạng câu hỏi: Describe an experience – kể về một trải nghiệm cụ thể trong quá khứ
- Thì động từ: Quá khứ đơn và quá khứ tiếp diễn chủ yếu
- Bullet points phải cover:
- What: Hoạt động/trải nghiệm cụ thể là gì
- When/Where: Thời gian và địa điểm (có thể gộp chung)
- Who: Bạn làm một mình hay với ai
- Explain: Cảm xúc, suy nghĩ, ý nghĩa của trải nghiệm (quan trọng nhất!)
- Câu “explain” quan trọng: Đây là phần chiếm 40-50% bài nói của bạn, nơi bạn thể hiện vocabulary về feelings, reasons, impact. Đừng chỉ nói “I felt happy” – hãy explain WHY và HOW it affected you.
📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7
Thời lượng: Khoảng 1.5-2 phút
“I want to talk about the time when I tried scuba diving for the first time. It was about two years ago during my summer vacation in Nha Trang, which is a beautiful coastal city in Vietnam.
I went there with my family, and my brother suggested we should try scuba diving. At first, I was nervous because I had never done it before and I wasn’t sure if I could breathe underwater. But the instructor was very helpful and patient. He taught us the basic skills and safety rules before we went into the water.
When I finally went underwater, I was amazed by what I saw. There were colorful fish, coral reefs, and many other sea creatures. It was like entering a different world. The water was clear and beautiful. I felt excited and a bit scared at the same time.
After the experience, I felt very proud of myself for trying something new and challenging. It taught me that I should not be afraid of new things. Now I want to try more water sports in the future. This experience was really memorable and it made my vacation special.”
Phân Tích Band Điểm
| Tiêu chí | Band | Nhận xét |
|---|---|---|
| Fluency & Coherence | 6-7 | Có cấu trúc rõ ràng, theo đúng bullet points. Linking words cơ bản (at first, but, after). Có một số hesitation nhỏ nhưng không ảnh hưởng communication |
| Lexical Resource | 6-7 | Từ vựng adequate cho topic (nervous, amazed, colorful, coral reefs). Một số collocations tốt (summer vacation, basic skills). Chưa có idiomatic expressions |
| Grammatical Range & Accuracy | 6-7 | Mix của simple và complex sentences. Sử dụng đúng thì quá khứ. Có relative clause (which is a beautiful coastal city). Ít errors nhỏ |
| Pronunciation | 6-7 | Rõ ràng, dễ hiểu. Có thể có một số lỗi phát âm nhỏ nhưng không gây hiểu nhầm |
Điểm mạnh:
- ✅ Trả lời đầy đủ tất cả bullet points
- ✅ Cấu trúc logic, dễ follow
- ✅ Có mô tả cảm xúc và reflection
- ✅ Đủ length (khoảng 1.5-2 phút)
Hạn chế:
- ⚠️ Từ vựng chưa sophisticated, thiếu variety
- ⚠️ Ideas chưa được develop deeply
- ⚠️ Grammar structures còn đơn giản
- ⚠️ Thiếu specific details để make story more vivid
📝 Sample Answer – Band 7.5-8
Thời lượng: Khoảng 2-2.5 phút
“I’d like to share an experience from last summer when I decided to take up rock climbing, which was something completely out of my comfort zone. This happened at an indoor climbing gym in Ho Chi Minh City called The Crux, which had recently opened and was getting quite popular among young people.
I went there with a close friend of mine who had been pestering me for weeks to try it. To be honest, I’d always been somewhat skeptical about rock climbing because I’m not particularly athletic and I have a mild fear of heights. However, my friend was so enthusiastic that I eventually gave in and agreed to give it a shot.
When we arrived, I was immediately intimidated by the sight of those towering walls with their colorful handholds. The instructor gave us a thorough briefing on safety procedures and basic techniques. I remember my palms were sweaty with nervousness as I clipped on my harness and approached the wall for the first time.
The first few attempts were quite frustrating. I kept losing my grip and had to rely heavily on the auto-belay system. But gradually, as I learned to distribute my weight properly and trust my footing, something clicked. When I finally reached the top of a 10-meter wall, I felt an overwhelming sense of achievement. It was this incredible rush of adrenaline mixed with pride.
What struck me most about this experience was how much mental strength it required. It wasn’t just about physical fitness – it was about overcoming self-doubt and pushing through discomfort. This experience has really changed my attitude towards trying new things. Now I’m much more willing to embrace challenges rather than shy away from them. It’s become a turning point in how I approach unfamiliar situations.”
Phân Tích Band Điểm
| Tiêu chí | Band | Nhận xét |
|---|---|---|
| Fluency & Coherence | 7.5-8 | Rất smooth, natural flow với discourse markers đa dạng (To be honest, However, Gradually). Coherent progression of ideas. Minimal hesitation |
| Lexical Resource | 7.5-8 | Wide range of vocabulary (intimidated, pestering, overwhelming, distribute weight). Good use of collocations (gave in, losing my grip, turning point). Some idiomatic language |
| Grammatical Range & Accuracy | 7.5-8 | Complex structures sử dụng chính xác (relative clauses, conditionals, participle clauses). Mix tenses appropriately. Very few errors |
| Pronunciation | 7.5-8 | Clear, natural stress và intonation. Word/sentence stress sử dụng effectively để emphasize key points |
So Sánh Với Band 6-7
| Khía cạnh | Band 6-7 | Band 7.5-8 |
|---|---|---|
| Vocabulary | nervous, amazed, colorful | intimidated, pestering, overwhelming sense of achievement, rush of adrenaline |
| Grammar | “I was nervous because I had never done it” | “I’d always been somewhat skeptical about rock climbing because I’m not particularly athletic” |
| Ideas | Basic description: felt proud, want to try more | Deep reflection: mental strength, overcoming self-doubt, turning point in attitude |
| Details | General: “colorful fish, coral reefs” | Specific: “10-meter wall”, “The Crux gym”, “auto-belay system”, “distribute my weight properly” |
📝 Sample Answer – Band 8.5-9
Thời lượng: 2.5-3 phút đầy đủ
“I’d like to tell you about a rather transformative experience I had about eight months ago when I decided to venture into the world of public speaking by joining a local Toastmasters club – something that had been on my bucket list for years but I’d always chickened out of doing.
This took place at a co-working space in District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, where the club meets every Wednesday evening. I actually went alone the first time, which made it even more nerve-wracking. I’d always considered myself to be painfully introverted and the mere thought of speaking in front of an audience would send shivers down my spine. However, I’d reached a point in my career where I realized that my crippling fear of public speaking was genuinely holding me back from opportunities, so I knew I had to take the bull by the horns and confront this fear head-on.
Walking into that first meeting was absolutely terrifying. My heart was racing, my mouth was bone dry, and I was seriously contemplating making a run for it. But everyone was so welcoming and supportive that I gradually began to relax. The structure of the meeting was thoughtfully designed to ease newcomers into the experience – you weren’t expected to give a full speech immediately. Instead, there were low-stakes opportunities like impromptu speaking sessions where you’d talk for just one or two minutes on random topics.
What I found most eye-opening was watching others who were clearly in the same boat as me – nervous, stumbling over words, but pushing through nonetheless. There was this remarkable sense of camaraderie and mutual encouragement that I hadn’t expected. When I finally delivered my ice-breaker speech three weeks later, I was still nervous, but it was a manageable kind of nervousness rather than the paralyzing fear I’d experienced before.
The impact of this experience has been quite profound. Beyond just improving my public speaking skills, it’s fundamentally altered my relationship with discomfort. I’ve come to realize that growth and comfort cannot coexist, and that the most rewarding experiences often lie just beyond the edge of our comfort zone. It’s also given me a much deeper appreciation for vulnerability – the fact that being willing to look foolish or make mistakes in front of others is actually a sign of strength rather than weakness.
Perhaps most significantly, this experience has rippled out into other areas of my life. I’ve become more willing to volunteer for challenging projects at work, I’ve started a blog where I share my thoughts publicly, and I’ve even begun mentoring younger colleagues – all things I would have shied away from before. It’s remarkable how one decision to try something new can set off a chain reaction of positive changes. Looking back, I only wish I’d taken this leap sooner.”
Phân Tích Band Điểm
| Tiêu chí | Band | Nhận xét |
|---|---|---|
| Fluency & Coherence | 8.5-9 | Effortlessly coherent với sophisticated discourse markers. Ideas flow logically và naturally. Zero hesitation. Clear progression from context → experience → reflection → impact |
| Lexical Resource | 8.5-9 | Extensive vocabulary với precise usage. Natural idiomatic language (chickened out, take the bull by the horns, in the same boat). Sophisticated expressions (crippling fear, rippled out, set off a chain reaction) |
| Grammatical Range & Accuracy | 8.5-9 | Full range of structures used naturally và accurately. Complex sentences với multiple clauses. Perfect control of tenses. Virtually error-free |
| Pronunciation | 8.5-9 | Native-like pronunciation features. Effective use of stress, rhythm, intonation để convey meaning và emotion |
Tại Sao Bài Này Xuất Sắc
🎯 Fluency Hoàn Hảo:
- Không có hesitation, natural flow như đang kể chuyện với bạn bè
- Discourse markers sophisticated (Perhaps most significantly, Looking back, Beyond just)
- Transitions smooth giữa các parts của story
📚 Vocabulary Tinh Vi:
- “transformative experience” – không chỉ “good experience” mà emphasize profound change
- “send shivers down my spine” – idiomatic expression thể hiện extreme fear
- “growth and comfort cannot coexist” – philosophical insight, abstract thinking
- “rippled out into other areas” – metaphorical language showing wider impact
- “take this leap” – idiomatic, sophisticated alternative cho “start”
📝 Grammar Đa Dạng:
- “something that had been on my bucket list for years but I’d always chickened out of doing” – relative clause với past perfect và phrasal verb
- “the fact that being willing to look foolish… is actually a sign of strength” – nominal clause với gerund subject
- “It’s remarkable how one decision… can set off a chain reaction” – emphasizing structure với “how” clause
💡 Ideas Sâu Sắc:
- Không chỉ describe experience mà analyze psychological journey
- Shows personal growth và self-awareness
- Connects experience với broader life lessons
- Demonstrates long-term impact và chain effects
Nếu bạn quan tâm đến việc khám phá những trải nghiệm mới một mình, hãy tham khảo thêm describe a place you would like to explore alone để có thêm ý tưởng về cách trả lời các chủ đề liên quan.
Thí sinh IELTS đang chuẩn bị bài nói Part 2 về trải nghiệm mới với ghi chú
Follow-up Questions (Rounding Off Questions)
Sau khi bạn hoàn thành Part 2, giám khảo thường hỏi 1-2 câu ngắn để transition sang Part 3. Đây là những câu hỏi đơn giản, trả lời trong 2-3 câu là đủ.
Question 1: Would you do this activity again?
Band 6-7 Answer:
“Yes, definitely. I really enjoyed it and I learned a lot from the experience. I think I will do it again in the future when I have time.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“Absolutely! In fact, I’ve already made it a regular part of my routine. The experience was so enriching that I couldn’t imagine not continuing with it. It’s become something I genuinely look forward to each week.”
Question 2: Do you think everyone should try new things?
Band 6-7 Answer:
“Yes, I think so. Trying new things helps people grow and learn. It makes life more interesting and less boring.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“I’d say it’s highly beneficial for most people, though I recognize that everyone has different comfort levels. While I believe stepping outside your comfort zone occasionally is important for personal development, I also think it’s crucial to respect people’s boundaries and not push them into situations that might be genuinely traumatic for them.”
IELTS Speaking Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Tổng Quan Về Part 3
Part 3 kéo dài 4-5 phút với các câu hỏi abstract và analytical hơn Part 1 và Part 2. Giám khảo muốn thấy bạn có khả năng discuss, compare, evaluate, và express opinions về các vấn đề xã hội rộng hơn.
Yêu cầu:
- Phân tích vấn đề từ nhiều góc độ
- So sánh và đối chiếu (quá khứ vs hiện tại, different groups, different situations)
- Đưa ra opinions có supporting reasons
- Thừa nhận complexity của issues
Chiến lược:
- Mở rộng câu trả lời (aim for 4-6 câu)
- Structure: Direct answer → Reason 1 + example → Reason 2 + example → Concluding thought
- Sử dụng discourse markers để organize ideas (Firstly, Moreover, However)
- Balance personal opinion với general observations
- Đừng ngại nói “It depends” hoặc “There are different perspectives”
Lỗi thường gặp của học viên Việt Nam:
- Trả lời quá ngắn như Part 1 (chỉ 1-2 câu)
- Không phát triển ideas với reasons và examples
- Chỉ nói từ góc nhìn cá nhân, không xem xét society level
- Thiếu từ vựng abstract (concepts, trends, phenomena)
- Không acknowledge complexity hoặc alternative views
Các Câu Hỏi Thảo Luận Sâu
Theme 1: Benefits and Challenges of Trying New Things
Question 1: Why do you think some people are more willing to try new experiences than others?
🎯 Phân tích câu hỏi:
- Dạng: Cause/Reason – giải thích nguyên nhân
- Key words: some people, more willing, new experiences
- Cách tiếp cận: Identify different factors (personality, upbringing, past experiences) và explain how each influences willingness
📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:
“I think it depends on personality. Some people are naturally more adventurous and curious, so they like trying new things. Other people are more careful and prefer to stay with what they know. Also, I think their experiences when they were young can affect this. If parents encouraged them to try new things as children, they might be more open to new experiences as adults.”
Phân tích:
- Structure: Direct answer với personality → Supporting point về upbringing
- Vocabulary: Basic nhưng clear (adventurous, curious, careful, encouraged)
- Tại sao Band 6-7: Ideas rõ ràng và logical, nhưng thiếu depth và sophisticated vocabulary. Grammar structures đơn giản.
📝 Sample Answer – Band 8-9:
“Well, I believe there are multiple factors at play here. First and foremost, personality traits certainly play a significant role. People who score high on what psychologists call ‘openness to experience’ tend to be naturally more inclined towards novelty and less risk-averse. They’re the type who thrive on variety rather than routine.
However, I’d argue that upbringing is equally, if not more, important. Children who grow up in environments where curiosity is rewarded and failure is framed as a learning opportunity rather than something to be ashamed of are much more likely to maintain that exploratory mindset into adulthood. Conversely, those raised in more restrictive or risk-averse households might develop a fear of the unknown that persists throughout their lives.
There’s also a cultural dimension to consider. Some cultures place a premium on innovation and individualism, which naturally encourages people to venture into uncharted territory. Other cultures might emphasize tradition and conformity, which could inadvertently discourage experimentation with new experiences. Of course, these are broad generalizations and individual variation exists within every culture, but I think these underlying cultural values do shape people’s attitudes to some extent.”
Phân tích:
- Structure: Well-organized với clear progression: personality → upbringing → cultural factors
- Vocabulary: Sophisticated và precise (thrive on variety, risk-averse, framed as, premium on innovation, venture into uncharted territory)
- Grammar: Complex structures (relative clauses, conditional logic, passive voice)
- Critical Thinking: Multiple perspectives, acknowledges complexity (“Of course, these are broad generalizations”), balanced view
💡 Key Language Features:
- Discourse markers: First and foremost, However, Conversely, Of course
- Tentative language: I believe, I’d argue, might develop, could inadvertently discourage
- Abstract nouns: novelty, upbringing, conformity, innovation, variation
- Academic vocabulary: multiple factors at play, cultural dimension, underlying values
Question 2: What are the advantages and disadvantages of always trying new things?
🎯 Phân tích câu hỏi:
- Dạng: Compare advantages and disadvantages
- Key words: always, new things, advantages, disadvantages
- Cách tiếp cận: Present both sides balanced, có thể conclude với your personal stance
📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:
“There are both good and bad sides to always trying new things. On the positive side, you can learn many new skills and have interesting experiences. This makes life more exciting and helps you grow as a person. But the disadvantage is that it can be expensive and time-consuming. Also, if you always try new things, you might not become really good at anything because you don’t focus on one thing for long enough.”
Phân tích:
- Structure: Clear organization (advantages → disadvantages)
- Vocabulary: Basic (good and bad sides, exciting, expensive, time-consuming)
- Tại sao Band 6-7: Ideas clear nhưng lack detail và sophisticated language
📝 Sample Answer – Band 8-9:
“This is quite a nuanced question because, as with most things, moderation is key. On the one hand, constantly seeking out new experiences can be incredibly enriching. It broadens your perspective, helps you develop adaptability – which is crucial in today’s rapidly changing world – and can lead to unexpected discoveries about yourself and your capabilities. People who regularly step outside their comfort zones tend to be more resilient and open-minded.
That being said, there’s definitely a downside to excessive novelty-seeking. For one thing, it can lead to what some researchers call ‘the paradox of choice’ – when you’re constantly pursuing the next new thing, you might struggle to commit deeply to anything, whether that’s a hobby, a career path, or even relationships. There’s something to be said for mastery and depth rather than just breadth of experience. Additionally, always chasing new experiences can be financially and emotionally draining.
I think the optimal approach is to strike a balance – periodically challenging yourself with new experiences while also allowing time for consolidation and going deep into things that truly resonate with you. It’s about being intentional rather than compulsive about novelty.”
Phân tích:
- Structure: Sophisticated – advantages → disadvantages → balanced conclusion with personal insight
- Vocabulary: Rich và precise (nuanced, enriching, adaptability, resilience, paradox of choice, breadth vs depth, consolidation)
- Grammar: Complex structures throughout, variety of sentence types
- Critical Thinking: Introduces research concepts (paradox of choice), balances views, provides nuanced conclusion
💡 Key Language Features:
- Discourse markers: On the one hand, That being said, Additionally, I think
- Hedging language: can be, might struggle, tend to be, some researchers call
- Contrasts: breadth vs depth, intentional vs compulsive, challenging vs consolidation
- Abstract concepts: paradox, moderation, optimal approach, resonate
Đối với những ai muốn tìm hiểu thêm về các trải nghiệm mang lại cảm xúc mãnh liệt, bạn có thể tham khảo How to describe a time you were very excited in IELTS Speaking để làm phong phú thêm kho từ vựng miêu tả cảm xúc của mình.
Theme 2: Age and New Experiences
Question 3: Do you think it becomes more difficult to try new things as people get older?
🎯 Phân tích câu hỏi:
- Dạng: Opinion với element of comparison (young vs old)
- Key words: more difficult, as people get older
- Cách tiếp cận: Agree/Disagree với reasons, consider both physical và psychological aspects
📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:
“Yes, I think it’s harder for older people to try new things. First, they might have health problems that stop them from doing physical activities. Second, older people often have more responsibilities like work and family, so they don’t have much free time. Also, they might be more worried about failing or looking silly compared to young people.”
Phân tích:
- Structure: Direct answer → Three reasons
- Vocabulary: Simple (health problems, responsibilities, worried about failing)
- Tại sao Band 6-7: Clear points but lacks depth, sophisticated vocabulary, và nuanced thinking
📝 Sample Answer – Band 8-9:
“It’s a fascinating question, and I’d say the answer is both yes and no, depending on how you look at it. From a physical standpoint, age certainly brings limitations – an 80-year-old is unlikely to take up extreme sports, for instance. Physiologically, recovery takes longer, and there are legitimate safety concerns that need to be considered.
However, I’d argue that many of the barriers are actually psychological rather than physical. As we age, we often become more set in our ways and develop what psychologists call ‘crystallized intelligence’ – we rely more heavily on established patterns and experiences. This can make us less inclined to venture into the unknown. There’s also the issue of social expectations – society often implicitly discourages older adults from trying new things through ageist attitudes like ‘you’re too old for that’ or concerns about appearing foolish.
On the flip side, I’ve observed that some older adults are actually more willing to try new experiences precisely because they have less to lose in terms of social standing or career implications. They’ve often reached a point where they care less about others’ opinions and are more focused on personal fulfillment. Retirement can also provide the time and financial resources that younger people lack.
So in conclusion, while there are certainly age-related challenges, I believe the biggest obstacles are often self-imposed or culturally constructed rather than inevitable. With the right mindset, age can be less of a barrier than we typically assume.”
Phân tích:
- Structure: Highly sophisticated – physical aspects → psychological barriers → counter-argument → conclusion
- Vocabulary: Academic và precise (crystallized intelligence, ageist attitudes, self-imposed, culturally constructed)
- Grammar: Wide range of complex structures
- Critical Thinking: Multi-dimensional analysis, challenges assumptions, provides balanced perspective
💡 Key Language Features:
- Discourse markers: From a standpoint, However, On the flip side, In conclusion
- Hedging: I’d say, I’d argue, often, can make
- Academic terminology: crystallized intelligence, ageist attitudes, social expectations
- Showing contrast: both yes and no, On the flip side, precisely because
Theme 3: Technology and New Experiences
Question 4: How has technology changed the way people experience new things?
🎯 Phân tích câu hỏi:
- Dạng: Describe change/trend over time
- Key words: technology, changed, way people experience
- Cách tiếp cận: Compare past vs present, give specific examples, consider positive and negative impacts
📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:
“Technology has changed this a lot. Now people can use the internet to learn about new things before they try them. For example, you can watch YouTube videos to learn a new skill or read reviews about a restaurant before you go there. Also, social media makes people want to try new things because they see their friends doing interesting activities. However, sometimes people spend too much time on their phones instead of actually trying new experiences.”
Phân tích:
- Structure: Main point → Examples → Counter-point
- Vocabulary: Basic (learn about, watch videos, spend too much time)
- Tại sao Band 6-7: Clear examples nhưng analysis shallow, vocabulary simple
📝 Sample Answer – Band 8-9:
“Technology has fundamentally transformed the landscape of new experiences in several profound ways. Most notably, it’s dramatically lowered the barriers to entry for many activities. In the past, if you wanted to learn a new language or skill, you’d need to enroll in formal classes or track down expensive textbooks. Now, platforms like Duolingo, YouTube, and online courses have democratized access to virtually any field of knowledge. This means people can dip their toes in various activities with minimal commitment before deciding whether to pursue them seriously.
However, there’s an interesting paradox at play. While technology has made information about new experiences more accessible, it’s also created what I’d call ‘vicarious experience syndrome’. People increasingly live through others’ experiences via Instagram or TikTok rather than creating their own. You see stunning travel photos and think ‘I’ve been there’ when you’ve only seen it on a screen. This passive consumption can actually reduce motivation to seek out real-world experiences.
Additionally, technology has reshaped expectations around new experiences. The constant exposure to curated, picture-perfect moments on social media has created unrealistic benchmarks. People might try something new primarily for ‘Instagrammable’ moments rather than genuine personal enrichment, which I find rather troubling.
That said, I do think technology has net positive effects when used thoughtfully. Virtual reality is opening up experiences that would otherwise be physically or financially prohibitive – imagine experiencing Mount Everest or the deep ocean without leaving your home. Online communities also provide support networks that encourage people to try things they might otherwise find intimidating. The key, as always, is striking the right balance between digital and real-world engagement.”
Phân tích:
- Structure: Exceptional organization – positive changes → paradox/negative effects → reshaped expectations → balanced conclusion
- Vocabulary: Sophisticated (democratized access, vicarious experience, passive consumption, net positive effects)
- Grammar: Complex structures naturally integrated
- Critical Thinking: Introduces original concepts (vicarious experience syndrome), balanced analysis, acknowledges complexity
💡 Key Language Features:
- Discourse markers: Most notably, However, Additionally, That said
- Tentative language: I’d call, might try, I find rather, I do think
- Abstract nouns: paradox, syndrome, benchmarks, networks, balance
- Metaphorical language: dip their toes in, landscape, barriers to entry
Khi thảo luận về việc học hỏi điều mới, chúng ta cũng có thể liên tưởng đến việc chọn lựa lĩnh vực học tập phù hợp. Hãy xem thêm describe a subject you would like to study để có thêm ý tưởng về cách trình bày sở thích học tập của bạn.
Giám khảo và thí sinh đang thảo luận sâu trong IELTS Speaking Part 3 về chủ đề thử nghiệm điều mới
Theme 4: Education and Innovation
Question 5: Should schools encourage students to try new activities?
🎯 Phân tích câu hỏi:
- Dạng: Should question – giving opinion về education policy
- Key words: schools, encourage, students, new activities
- Cách tiếp cận: State clear position → Give reasons → Consider potential challenges → Conclude
📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:
“Yes, definitely. Schools should encourage students to try different activities. This is important because students can discover their talents and interests. Also, it helps them develop different skills, not just academic ones. For example, sports teach teamwork, and arts teach creativity. If schools only focus on textbooks, students might not know what they’re good at. So schools should offer many clubs and activities for students to try.”
Phân tích:
- Structure: Clear position → Reasons with examples
- Vocabulary: Adequate (discover talents, develop skills, focus on textbooks)
- Tại sao Band 6-7: Good basic reasoning but lacks depth và sophisticated analysis
📝 Sample Answer – Band 8-9:
“Absolutely, and I’d go even further to say it should be a fundamental pillar of education policy. The traditional model of education, which focuses predominantly on academic subjects, is increasingly out of sync with the demands of the modern world. Today’s employers aren’t just looking for people who can regurgitate facts – they need individuals who are adaptable, creative, and possess diverse skill sets. Exposure to varied activities is crucial for cultivating these qualities.
From a developmental perspective, adolescence is the optimal window for trying new things because young people’s brains are still highly plastic and receptive to new skills. Activities like debating, robotics clubs, theater, or coding workshops can spark passions that ultimately shape career trajectories. I’ve seen countless examples where a seemingly trivial extracurricular activity ended up being pivotal in someone’s life path.
Moreover, trying diverse activities helps students develop resilience and coping mechanisms. When you try something and fail at it in a low-stakes environment like a school club, you learn that failure isn’t catastrophic – it’s instructive. This is arguably more valuable than any academic knowledge.
That being said, there are legitimate concerns to address. Schools need to ensure that encouragement doesn’t morph into pressure, which could be counterproductive. There’s also the resource question – not all schools have the funding or facilities to offer extensive programs. This can exacerbate educational inequalities if only well-funded schools can provide these opportunities.
Ideally, there should be community partnerships and government support to ensure equitable access to diverse activities across all schools, regardless of socioeconomic status. When implemented thoughtfully, encouraging experimentation in schools can be transformative for individual students and society as a whole.”
Phân tích:
- Structure: Exceptionally well-developed – strong position → developmental benefits → resilience building → addressing concerns → ideal solution
- Vocabulary: Sophisticated và precise (out of sync with, regurgitate facts, optimal window, exacerbate inequalities, transformative)
- Grammar: Full range of complex structures used naturally
- Critical Thinking: Multi-layered argument, acknowledges counterarguments, proposes solutions, considers equity issues
💡 Key Language Features:
- Strong stance phrases: Absolutely, I’d go even further, This is arguably more valuable
- Discourse markers: From a perspective, Moreover, That being said, Ideally
- Hedging when appropriate: can be, could be, seemingly, arguably
- Academic vocabulary: fundamental pillar, optimal window, counterproductive, equitable access
Question 6: How do cultural differences affect people’s willingness to try new experiences?
🎯 Phân tích câu hỏi:
- Dạng: Analyze relationship between two factors (culture and behavior)
- Key words: cultural differences, affect, willingness, new experiences
- Cách tiếp cận: Explain different cultural values → Give examples → Avoid stereotyping, acknowledge individual variation
📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:
“Culture affects this quite a lot. In some countries, people are more open to trying new things because their culture values independence and being different. For example, in Western countries, people might be encouraged to travel alone or start their own business. But in other cultures, like some Asian cultures, people prefer to follow tradition and stay close to family. So they might not try new things as much. However, this is changing now because of globalization, and young people everywhere are becoming more open to new experiences.”
Phân tích:
- Structure: Main point → Examples → Acknowledgment of change
- Vocabulary: Basic (values independence, follow tradition, becoming more open)
- Tại sao Band 6-7: Clear comparison but relies on broad generalizations, lacks nuance
📝 Sample Answer – Band 8-9:
“This is a complex and somewhat sensitive topic that requires careful consideration to avoid overgeneralization. That said, there are undeniably observable patterns in how different cultural frameworks shape attitudes toward novelty and experimentation.
Broadly speaking, cultures that score high on what cross-cultural researchers call ‘individualism’ – predominantly Western cultures – tend to place a premium on personal exploration and self-discovery. There’s often a cultural narrative that valorizes experiences like gap years, career changes, and entrepreneurial ventures. The underlying belief is that forging your own path is not just acceptable but admirable. This creates an environment where trying new things is socially rewarded.
Conversely, cultures with stronger collectivist orientations might emphasize group harmony and intergenerational continuity more heavily. In these contexts, deviating from established norms might be viewed as disrespecting tradition or letting down the collective. However – and this is crucial – this doesn’t mean individuals in these cultures lack curiosity or desire for new experiences. Rather, they might channel that impulse in different ways, perhaps trying new things within culturally sanctioned boundaries or waiting for family approval before pursuing novel paths.
There’s also the dimension of uncertainty avoidance – some cultures are inherently more comfortable with ambiguity than others. In cultures with low uncertainty avoidance, the unknown is less threatening, which naturally facilitates experimentation. High uncertainty avoidance cultures might prefer well-trodden paths with predictable outcomes.
However, I want to strongly emphasize that these are cultural tendencies, not individual destinies. Within any culture, you’ll find tremendous variation. Moreover, globalization and increased intercultural exchange are blurring these distinctions. I know many people from traditionally collectivist backgrounds who are incredibly adventurous, and people from individualist cultures who are quite risk-averse. Cultural background is just one factor among many – including personality, socioeconomic status, education, and personal experiences – that shape someone’s relationship with new experiences.”
Tương tự như cách mà văn hóa ảnh hưởng đến thái độ của chúng ta, những tình huống thất vọng cũng có thể định hình cách chúng ta tiếp cận điều mới. Bạn có thể xem Describe a situation when you were disappointed để hiểu thêm về mối liên hệ này.
Phân tích:
- Structure: Sophisticated – caveat about sensitivity → individualist cultures → collectivist cultures → uncertainty avoidance → important qualifications
- Vocabulary: Academic và precise (valorizes, intergenerational continuity, culturally sanctioned boundaries, tremendous variation)
- Grammar: Complex sentences with multiple embedded clauses
- Critical Thinking: Highly nuanced, acknowledges complexity, avoids stereotyping, uses research terminology appropriately
💡 Key Language Features:
- Hedging extensively: Broadly speaking, might emphasize, tend to place, These are tendencies not destinies
- Academic framing: cross-cultural researchers, observable patterns, underlying belief
- Contrasting: Broadly speaking vs Conversely, However, Moreover
- Emphasis: I want to strongly emphasize, This is crucial, It’s important to note
Từ vựng và cụm từ quan trọng
Topic-Specific Vocabulary
| Từ vựng/Cụm từ | Loại từ | Phiên âm | Nghĩa tiếng Việt | Ví dụ | Collocation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| adventurous | adj | /ədˈventʃərəs/ | thích phiêu lưu, mạo hiểm | She’s quite adventurous and loves trying extreme sports. | adventurous spirit, adventurous nature, adventurous person |
| step out of one’s comfort zone | phrase | /step aʊt əv wʌnz ˈkʌmfət zəʊn/ | bước ra khỏi vùng an toàn | Taking that public speaking course really helped me step out of my comfort zone. | really step out, gradually step out, willing to step out |
| apprehensive | adj | /ˌæprɪˈhensɪv/ | lo lắng, e ngại | I felt apprehensive about skydiving but decided to try it anyway. | feel apprehensive, rather apprehensive, slightly apprehensive |
| dabble in | phrasal v | /ˈdæbl ɪn/ | thử nghiệm, tìm hiểu sơ qua | I’ve been dabbling in photography for a few months now. | dabble in art, dabble in politics, dabble in music |
| overwhelming | adj | /ˌəʊvəˈwelmɪŋ/ | choáng ngợp, tràn ngập | The sense of achievement was overwhelming when I finished the marathon. | overwhelming feeling, overwhelming majority, overwhelming response |
| adrenaline rush | noun phrase | /əˈdrenəlɪn rʌʃ/ | cảm giác phấn khích mạnh | Rock climbing gives you such an incredible adrenaline rush. | get an adrenaline rush, feel the adrenaline rush, incredible adrenaline rush |
| intimidating | adj | /ɪnˈtɪmɪdeɪtɪŋ/ | đáng sợ, gây e dè | Learning a new language can be quite intimidating at first. | rather intimidating, quite intimidating, find something intimidating |
| take the plunge | idiom | /teɪk ðə plʌndʒ/ | quyết định làm điều gì đó sau khi do dự | After months of consideration, I finally took the plunge and quit my job. | finally take the plunge, decide to take the plunge, ready to take the plunge |
| nerve-wracking | adj | /ˈnɜːv ˌrækɪŋ/ | căng thẳng, lo lắng | The first day at my new job was absolutely nerve-wracking. | absolutely nerve-wracking, quite nerve-wracking, nerve-wracking experience |
| transformative | adj | /trænsˈfɔːmətɪv/ | có tính chất biến đổi sâu sắc | Traveling solo was a transformative experience for me. | transformative experience, transformative power, transformative journey |
| broaden one’s horizons | idiom | /ˈbrɔːdn wʌnz həˈraɪznz/ | mở rộng tầm nhìn | Studying abroad really broadened my horizons. | really broaden, help broaden, opportunity to broaden |
| venture into | phrasal v | /ˈventʃər ˈɪntuː/ | mạo hiểm thử nghiệm | She decided to venture into entrepreneurship after years in corporate life. | venture into business, venture into new territory, dare to venture into |
| embrace | v | /ɪmˈbreɪs/ | đón nhận, chấp nhận | I’ve learned to embrace challenges rather than avoid them. | embrace change, embrace opportunity, fully embrace |
| fall into a rut | idiom | /fɔːl ˈɪntuː ə rʌt/ | rơi vào lối mòn nhàm chán | I was falling into a rut at work, so I looked for new projects. | fall into a rut, stuck in a rut, get out of a rut |
| daunting | adj | /ˈdɔːntɪŋ/ | nản lòng, đáng sợ | Learning to code seemed daunting, but it got easier with practice. | rather daunting, quite daunting, daunting task |
| eye-opening | adj | /ˈaɪ ˌəʊpənɪŋ/ | mở mang tầm mắt | Working abroad was an eye-opening experience. | eye-opening experience, truly eye-opening, eye-opening journey |
| push one’s boundaries | phrase | /pʊʃ wʌnz ˈbaʊndriz/ | vượt qua giới hạn bản thân | Marathon training really pushed my boundaries. | push your boundaries, constantly push boundaries, help push boundaries |
| exhilarating | adj | /ɪɡˈzɪləreɪtɪŋ/ | phấn khích, hưng phấn | Skiing down the mountain was absolutely exhilarating. | absolutely exhilarating, truly exhilarating, exhilarating experience |
| resilience | n | /rɪˈzɪliəns/ | khả năng phục hồi, kiên cường | Trying new things builds resilience and confidence. | build resilience, develop resilience, show resilience |
| cultivation | n | /ˌkʌltɪˈveɪʃn/ | sự trau dồi, nuôi dưỡng | The cultivation of new skills requires patience and practice. | cultivation of skills, cultivation of habits, require cultivation |
Idiomatic Expressions & Advanced Phrases
| Cụm từ | Nghĩa | Ví dụ sử dụng | Band điểm |
|---|---|---|---|
| throw caution to the wind | bỏ qua sự thận trọng, làm liều | I decided to throw caution to the wind and book a one-way ticket to Thailand. | 8-9 |
| baptism of fire | thử thách khắc nghiệt ngay từ đầu | My first day as a teacher was a real baptism of fire. | 8-9 |
| steep learning curve | quá trình học tập khó khăn | Learning to drive a motorbike had a steep learning curve. | 7.5-8 |
| trial and error | phương pháp thử và sai | I learned to cook through trial and error. | 7-8 |
| break new ground | khám phá lĩnh vực mới | The research team broke new ground in renewable energy. | 8-9 |
| uncharted territory | lĩnh vực chưa được khám phá | Starting my own business felt like entering uncharted territory. | 8-9 |
| take something in stride | chấp nhận điều gì đó một cách bình tĩnh | She took all the challenges of her new job in stride. | 8-9 |
| sink or swim situation | tình huống buộc phải tự lực | Being sent overseas with no training was a sink or swim situation. | 7.5-8 |
| learn the ropes | học cách làm việc gì đó | It took me a few weeks to learn the ropes at my new job. | 7-8 |
| be thrown in at the deep end | bị đặt vào tình huống khó khăn ngay từ đầu | I was thrown in at the deep end on my first day, handling a major client. | 8-9 |
| push the envelope | vượt qua giới hạn thông thường | Extreme athletes are always pushing the envelope of what’s possible. | 8-9 |
| outside the box | sáng tạo, không theo khuôn mẫu | Learning a new skill forces you to think outside the box. | 7-8 |
Discourse Markers (Từ Nối Ý Trong Speaking)
Để bắt đầu câu trả lời:
- 📝 Well,… – Khi cần một chút thời gian suy nghĩ
- 📝 Actually,… – Khi muốn đưa ra góc nhìn khác hoặc thông tin bất ngờ
- 📝 To be honest,… – Khi nói thật về quan điểm cá nhân
- 📝 I’d say that… – Khi đưa ra đánh giá hoặc nhận định
- 📝 That’s an interesting question,… – Để có thêm thời gian suy nghĩ trong Part 3
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
- 📝 Additionally,… – Ngoài ra
- 📝 Moreover,… – Hơn nữa (formal hơn)
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 cũng cần xem xét
- 📝 That being said,… – Tuy nhiên, điều đó nói rằng
- 📝 Having said that,… – Đã nói như vậy, nhưng
Để đưa ra ví dụ:
- 📝 For instance,… – Ví dụ như
- 📝 Take… for example – Lấy… làm ví dụ
- 📝 A case in point is… – Một ví dụ điển hình là
- 📝 To illustrate this point,… – Để minh họa điểm này
Để kết luận:
- 📝 All in all,… – Tóm lại, nhìn chung
- 📝 At the end of the day,… – Cuối cùng thì, xét cho cùng
- 📝 In conclusion,… – Tóm lại (formal, ít dùng trong Speaking)
- 📝 So basically,… – Về cơ bản thì
Để thể hiện sự không chắc chắn (Tentative language):
- 📝 I would say… – Tôi có thể nói rằng
- 📝 It seems to me that… – Có vẻ như với tôi
- 📝 To some extent,… – Ở một mức độ nào đó
- 📝 I suppose… – Tôi cho rằng
- 📝 Perhaps… – Có lẽ
Grammatical Structures Ấn Tượng
1. Conditional Sentences (Câu điều kiện):
Mixed conditional:
- Formula: If + Past Perfect, would/could + infinitive (hoặc ngược lại)
- Ví dụ: “If I hadn’t tried rock climbing that day, I wouldn’t be the confident person I am today.”
- Công dụng: Mix past action với present result, rất sophisticated
Inversion for emphasis:
- Formula: Had I + past participle, I would have…
- Ví dụ: “Had I known how challenging it would be, I might have prepared more thoroughly.”
- Công dụng: Formal, academic style, shows advanced grammar
2. Relative Clauses (Mệnh đề quan hệ):
Non-defining relative clauses:
- Formula: …, which/who + clause, …
- Ví dụ: “The rock climbing gym, which had only opened a month earlier, quickly became my favorite place.”
- Công dụng: Add extra information, make speech more fluent
Reduced relative clauses:
- Formula: Noun + participle phrase
- Ví dụ: “The instructor teaching us was incredibly patient and encouraging.”
- Công dụng: More concise, advanced structure
3. Passive Voice (Câu bị động):
Impersonal passive:
- Formula: It is thought/believed/said/considered that…
- Ví dụ: “It is widely believed that trying new experiences keeps the brain active and healthy.”
- Công dụng: Show general opinions without specific agent, academic style
Passive with modal verbs:
- Formula: Something can/should/might be + past participle
- Ví dụ: “New skills should be practiced regularly to be retained effectively.”
- Công dụng: Discuss general truths, recommendations
4. Cleft Sentences (Câu chẻ):
What-clefts:
- Formula: What + clause + is/was…
- Ví dụ: “What really surprised me was how quickly I adapted to the new environment.”
- Công dụng: Emphasize the surprising element
It-clefts:
- Formula: It is/was… that/who…
- Ví dụ: “It was the fear of failure that held me back from trying new things.”
- Công dụng: Emphasize specific information
5. Participle Clauses:
Present participle:
- Formula: -ing phrase, main clause
- Ví dụ: “Having tried several new activities, I realized I enjoyed outdoor sports the most.”
- Công dụng: Show sequence of actions concisely
Perfect participle:
- Formula: Having + past participle, main clause
- Ví dụ: “Having overcome my fear of heights, I felt more confident tackling other challenges.”
- Công dụng: Show one action completed before another
6. Fronting (Đảo ngữ để nhấn mạnh):
Negative adverbials:
- Formula: Never/Rarely/Seldom + auxiliary + subject + verb
- Ví dụ: “Never have I felt so exhilarated as when I completed my first marathon.”
- Công dụng: Dramatic emphasis, shows advanced grammar
Bài viết này đã cung cấp cho bạn một cái nhìn toàn diện về cách trả lời chủ đề “Describe a time when you did something new” trong IELTS Speaking. Từ các câu hỏi Part 1 đơn giản đến bài nói Part 2 chi tiết và các câu hỏi phân tích sâu trong Part 3, bạn đã có trong tay những công cụ cần thiết để tự tin đạt band điểm cao.
Những điểm quan trọng cần nhớ:
✅ Chuẩn bị kỹ càng nhưng đừng học thuộc: Examiner dễ dàng nhận ra khi bạn recite một câu trả lời được học thuộc. Thay vào đó, chuẩn bị ideas và vocabulary, rồi practice cho đến khi có thể nói tự nhiên.
✅ Vocabulary quan trọng nhưng không phải tất cả: Đừng cố nhồi nhét quá nhiều từ khó. Natural language với collocations tự nhiên quan trọng hơn là dùng từ phức tạp sai ngữ cảnh.
✅ Structure giúp bạn tự tin: Có structure rõ ràng cho từng part sẽ giúp bạn không bị blank. Practice theo structure cho đến khi nó trở thành tự nhiên.
✅ Personality matters: Giám khảo muốn thấy con người thật của bạn. Đừng ngại smile, show enthusiasm, và express opinions genuinely.
✅ Practice with feedback: Tự practice trước gương hoặc record lại để nghe, nhưng tốt nhất là tìm partner hoặc teacher để được feedback cụ thể.
Chủ đề về trying new things là một trong những topics vừa practical vừa interesting trong IELTS Speaking. Với sự chuẩn bị kỹ lưỡng và mindset đúng đắn, bạn hoàn toàn có thể biến đây thành một trong những phần thi ấn tượng nhất của mình. Chúc bạn học tập hiệu quả và đạt được band điểm như mong muốn!
