IELTS Speaking: Cách Trả Lời Chủ Đề “Describe A Time When You Had To Make A Choice” – Bài Mẫu Band 6-9

Chủ đề “Describe A Time When You Had To Make A Choice” là một đề tài cực kỳ phổ biến trong kỳ thi IELTS Speaking, đặc biệt ở Part 2 và Part 3. Theo thống kê từ các kỳ thi thực tế từ năm 2020 đến 2024, chủ đề về việc đưa ra quyết định xuất hiện với tần suất cao trong khoảng 15-20% số đề thi. Khả năng xuất hiện trong tương lai vẫn ở mức cao do tính ứng dụng rộng rãi và khả năng đánh giá toàn diện năng lực ngôn ngữ của thí sinh.

Chủ đề này quan trọng vì nó cho phép giám khảo đánh giá khả năng kể chuyện, diễn đạt cảm xúc, giải thích lý do và phân tích hậu quả của bạn. Đây không chỉ là việc mô tả một quyết định đơn thuần mà còn thể hiện tư duy phản biện và khả năng tự đánh giá của bạn.

Trong bài viết này, bạn sẽ học được câu hỏi thường gặp trong cả 3 Part của IELTS Speaking liên quan đến chủ đề này, bài mẫu chi tiết theo từng band điểm từ 6.0 đến 9.0, từ vựng và cụm từ ăn điểm, cùng chiến lược trả lời hiệu quả từ góc nhìn của một examiner kỳ cựu. Đặc biệt, bạn sẽ được phân tích cụ thể những điểm khác biệt giữa các band điểm và cách cải thiện điểm số của mình một cách có hệ thống.

IELTS Speaking Part 1: Introduction and Interview

Tổng Quan Về Part 1

Part 1 kéo dài từ 4-5 phút với những câu hỏi ngắn về cuộc sống hàng ngày. Đây là phần khởi động để bạn làm quen với giám khảo và môi trường thi. Chiến lược quan trọng nhất là trả lời tự nhiên, mở rộng ý với 2-3 câu và thêm ví dụ cụ thể từ kinh nghiệm bản thân.

Lỗi thường gặp của học viên Việt Nam trong Part 1 bao gồm trả lời quá ngắn chỉ Yes/No, sử dụng từ vựng quá đơn giản như “good”, “bad”, “interesting”, và thiếu ví dụ cụ thể khiến câu trả lời trở nên chung chung. Nhiều bạn cũng có xu hướng nói quá nhanh vì lo lắng, dẫn đến phát âm không rõ ràng.

Các Câu Hỏi Thường Gặp

Question 1: Do you find it easy to make decisions?

Question 2: What kind of decisions do you have to make every day?

Question 3: Do you prefer to make decisions quickly or take your time?

Question 4: Have you ever regretted a decision you made?

Question 5: Who do you usually ask for advice when making important decisions?

Question 6: Do you think young people should make their own decisions?

Question 7: What was the most difficult decision you had to make recently?

Question 8: Do you prefer to make decisions alone or with others?

Phân Tích và Gợi Ý Trả Lời Chi Tiết

Question: Do you find it easy to make decisions?

🎯 Cách tiếp cận:

• Trả lời trực tiếp có hay không
• Giải thích lý do với ví dụ cụ thể
• Phân biệt giữa các loại quyết định

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

“It depends on the situation. For small decisions like what to eat, I can decide quickly. But for important things like choosing a university, I need more time to think carefully.”

Phân tích:

• Điểm mạnh: Trả lời trực tiếp, có phân loại quyết định, dùng cấu trúc “It depends”
• Hạn chế: Từ vựng còn đơn giản (small, important, think carefully), thiếu chi tiết cụ thể, câu văn còn ngắn
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Ý tưởng rõ ràng nhưng vocabulary và grammar chưa đa dạng, thiếu độ phức tạp

📝 Sample Answer – Band 8-9:

“Well, I’d say it varies depending on the nature of the decision. For day-to-day choices like what to have for breakfast, I’m quite decisive and can make up my mind instantly. However, when it comes to life-changing decisions, such as my career path, I tend to be more deliberate and like to weigh up all the pros and cons before committing to anything. I find that taking a measured approach helps me avoid impulsive mistakes.”

Phân tích:

• Điểm mạnh: Từ vựng phong phú và chính xác (decisive, deliberate, weigh up pros and cons), cấu trúc câu phức tạp với mệnh đề quan hệ và linking words, ý tưởng được phát triển logic với ví dụ cụ thể
• Tại sao Band 8-9: Fluency tự nhiên với discourse markers (Well, I’d say, However), Lexical Resource xuất sắc với collocations chính xác, Grammar đa dạng với cấu trúc phức, Pronunciation rõ ràng với stress patterns tự nhiên

💡 Key Vocabulary & Expressions:

• varies depending on: thay đổi tùy thuộc vào
• day-to-day choices: những lựa chọn hàng ngày
• decisive (adj): quyết đoán
• deliberate (adj): thận trọng, cân nhắc kỹ
• weigh up the pros and cons: cân nhắc ưu nhược điểm
• committing to: cam kết với
• measured approach: cách tiếp cận có chừng mực
• impulsive mistakes: sai lầm thiếu suy nghĩ

---

Question: What kind of decisions do you have to make every day?

🎯 Cách tiếp cận:

• Liệt kê 2-3 loại quyết định hàng ngày
• Đưa ra ví dụ cụ thể cho mỗi loại
• Giải thích tại sao chúng quan trọng hoặc ảnh hưởng gì

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

“Every day I make many small decisions. For example, what clothes to wear, what to study first, and when to exercise. These are not big decisions but they affect my daily routine.”

Phân tích:

• Điểm mạnh: Có ví dụ cụ thể, structure đơn giản dễ hiểu
• Hạn chế: Từ vựng lặp lại (decisions, what), thiếu variety trong cấu trúc câu, giải thích còn chung chung
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Đáp ứng được yêu cầu cơ bản nhưng thiếu sophistication

📝 Sample Answer – Band 8-9:

“Well, like most people, I’m faced with numerous decisions throughout the day, ranging from trivial ones to more consequential choices. In the morning, I need to prioritize my tasks for the day, deciding which assignments deserve my immediate attention. I also make decisions about time management, such as whether to squeeze in a workout before my classes or save it for the evening. Additionally, I often need to choose between socializing with friends and dedicating time to self-study. While these might seem like mundane decisions, they actually shape my productivity and overall well-being.”

Phân tích:

• Điểm mạnh: Vocabulary sophisticated (trivial, consequential, prioritize, immediate attention), grammar đa dạng với gerunds và infinitives, ý tưởng có chiều sâu với việc giải thích impact
• Tại sao Band 8-9: Fluency xuất sắc với linking phrases tự nhiên, Lexical Resource chính xác với collocations như “squeeze in”, “shape my productivity”, Grammar range rộng, Ideas well-developed

💡 Key Vocabulary & Expressions:

• be faced with: đối mặt với
• trivial ones: những quyết định nhỏ nhặt
• consequential choices: những lựa chọn có hậu quả quan trọng
• prioritize (v): ưu tiên
• immediate attention: sự chú ý ngay lập tức
• squeeze in: chen vào (thời gian)
• dedicating time to: dành thời gian cho
• mundane decisions: quyết định bình thường
• shape my productivity: định hình năng suất

---

Question: Do you prefer to make decisions quickly or take your time?

🎯 Cách tiếp cận:

• Nêu rõ preference của bạn
• Giải thích lý do với ví dụ
• Có thể đề cập exception nếu phù hợp

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

“I prefer to take my time when making decisions. I like to think about different options carefully because I don’t want to make mistakes. For example, when I chose my major, I spent two months researching and talking to people.”

Phân tích:

• Điểm mạnh: Có stance rõ ràng, có ví dụ cụ thể, logic mạch lạc
• Hạn chế: Grammar structures đơn giản, từ vựng basic (think about, make mistakes, talking to people)
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Communicative nhưng thiếu complexity về ngôn ngữ

📝 Sample Answer – Band 8-9:

“I’d say I’m naturally inclined to be methodical rather than hasty with my decisions. I’m a firm believer that rushing into things often leads to regrettable outcomes. When I was selecting my university major, for instance, I devoted considerable time to researching various fields, consulting with professionals, and reflecting on my long-term aspirations. That said, I do recognize the value of decisive action in certain contexts. For time-sensitive matters, I’ve learned to trust my gut instinct while still maintaining a rational perspective. It’s all about striking the right balance between thorough deliberation and timely execution.”

Phân tích:

• Điểm mạnh: Vocabulary tinh tế (methodical, hasty, regrettable outcomes), grammar phức tạp với các mệnh đề phụ, balanced view thể hiện critical thinking
• Tại sao Band 8-9: Demonstrates sophistication với phrases như “naturally inclined to”, “striking the right balance”, shows flexibility trong thinking với “that said”, exceptional range of vocabulary và grammar

💡 Key Vocabulary & Expressions:

• naturally inclined to: có xu hướng tự nhiên
• methodical (adj): có phương pháp, có hệ thống
• hasty (adj): vội vàng
• rushing into: lao vào một cách vội vàng
• regrettable outcomes: kết quả đáng tiếc
• devoted considerable time: dành nhiều thời gian đáng kể
• consulting with: tham khảo ý kiến với
• reflecting on: suy ngẫm về
• trust my gut instinct: tin vào trực giác
• striking the right balance: tạo ra sự cân bằng phù hợp
• thorough deliberation: suy xét kỹ lưỡng
• timely execution: thực hiện đúng thời điểm

Học viên IELTS Speaking luyện tập trả lời câu hỏi về đưa ra quyết định với giáo viên

IELTS Speaking Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)

Tổng Quan Về Part 2

Part 2 là phần độc thoại quan trọng nhất trong IELTS Speaking, kéo dài 2-3 phút liên tục không bị ngắt. Bạn có 1 phút chuẩn bị và nên sử dụng hết thời gian này để ghi chú keywords, không viết câu hoàn chỉnh vì sẽ không đủ thời gian.

Chiến lược quan trọng là nói đủ 2 phút, tối thiểu 1.5 phút. Trả lời đầy đủ tất cả bullet points trong cue card và đặc biệt chú trọng phần “explain” vì đây là nơi bạn ghi điểm cao nhất. Sử dụng thì quá khứ khi kể về một trải nghiệm đã xảy ra.

Lỗi thường gặp của học viên Việt Nam là không sử dụng hết thời gian chuẩn bị, chỉ ghi chú sơ sài hoặc không ghi gì cả. Nhiều bạn nói dưới 1.5 phút hoặc bỏ sót bullet points, đặc biệt là phần “explain” quan trọng nhất. Một số bạn còn sử dụng sai thì động từ, lẫn lộn giữa quá khứ và hiện tại.

Cue Card

Describe a time when you had to make a choice

You should say:

• What the choice was
• When you had to make this choice
• What options you had
• And explain why it was difficult to make this choice

Phân Tích Đề Bài

• Dạng câu hỏi: Describe an experience (Kể về một trải nghiệm cụ thể)
• Thì động từ: Quá khứ (past simple, past continuous, past perfect)
• Bullet points phải cover:
  • Lựa chọn là gì (the choice): Nêu rõ bạn phải chọn giữa những gì
  • Thời điểm (when): Cụ thể thời gian, hoàn cảnh
  • Các phương án (options): Liệt kê ít nhất 2 options và đặc điểm của mỗi option
  • Tại sao khó khăn (explain why difficult): Đây là phần quan trọng nhất, cần giải thích cảm xúc, áp lực, hậu quả
• Câu “explain” quan trọng: Phần này chiếm 40% điểm số, cần phát triển ý sâu về cảm xúc, dilemma, consequences và reflection

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7

Thời lượng: Khoảng 1.5-2 phút

“I’d like to talk about a difficult choice I had to make last year when I was finishing high school. The choice was about my university major – I had to decide between studying Business Administration and Computer Science.

This happened around June last year, just after I received my high school graduation results. I had about two months to make the decision before the university application deadline.

So, I had two main options. The first option was Business Administration because my parents owned a small company and they wanted me to help them in the future. This major would give me management skills and business knowledge. The second option was Computer Science because I personally enjoyed technology and programming. I had been learning to code for about a year and found it really interesting.

It was a difficult choice for several reasons. First, I felt pressure from my family because they expected me to choose business to continue the family business. Second, I was worried about my future career. Business seemed safer because I already had a job waiting, but Computer Science was what I really liked. I spent many nights thinking about it and talking to my teachers and friends. In the end, I chose Computer Science because I believe I should follow my passion, and my parents finally understood my decision.”

Phân Tích Band Điểm

Tiêu chí	Band	Nhận xét
Fluency & Coherence	6-7	Có sequencing tốt với “First, Second, In the end”, story flow logical nhưng còn thiếu linking devices phức tạp hơn
Lexical Resource	6-7	Vocabulary adequate với “management skills”, “pressure from family”, “follow my passion” nhưng chưa sophisticated, có một số collocation tốt
Grammatical Range & Accuracy	6-7	Sử dụng đúng past tenses, có complex sentences với “because” clauses nhưng variety chưa cao, thiếu conditional và passive structures
Pronunciation	6-7	Rõ ràng, dễ hiểu với ít lỗi phát âm ảnh hưởng đến meaning

Điểm mạnh:

• ✅ Trả lời đầy đủ tất cả bullet points
• ✅ Story structure rõ ràng với timeline
• ✅ Có personal details và emotions
• ✅ Length phù hợp khoảng 1.5-2 phút

Hạn chế:

• ⚠️ Vocabulary còn basic (really interesting, really liked)
• ⚠️ Grammar structures lặp lại (because… because…)
• ⚠️ Thiếu descriptive details về cảm xúc sâu hơn

---

📝 Sample Answer – Band 7.5-8

Thời lượng: Khoảng 2-2.5 phút

“I’d like to share with you one of the most pivotal decisions I’ve ever had to make, which occurred during my final year of high school. The choice I grappled with was selecting my university major, specifically between Business Administration and Computer Science.

This dilemma arose in June of last year, right after I received my graduation results. I had approximately two months before the university application deadline, which meant I was under considerable time pressure to reach a decision that would shape my future career trajectory.

Regarding my options, I essentially had two distinct paths ahead of me. On the one hand, Business Administration seemed like the pragmatic choice. My parents run a successful small enterprise, and they had always envisioned me taking over the family business eventually. This path offered financial security and a clear career roadmap. On the other hand, Computer Science resonated more with my personal interests. I had been dabbling in coding for about a year and found myself genuinely captivated by the world of technology and software development.

What made this decision particularly gut-wrenching was the conflicting pressures I faced. I felt torn between my sense of filial duty and my personal aspirations. My parents had invested significantly in my education and naturally expected me to contribute to the family business. I understood their perspective, and part of me felt obligated to honor their wishes. However, another part of me yearned to pursue my genuine passion for technology. I spent countless sleepless nights weighing up the implications of each choice, consulting with mentors and friends, and reflecting deeply on what would bring me long-term fulfillment.

Ultimately, I mustered the courage to choose Computer Science. It was an emotionally charged conversation with my parents, but I made my case that pursuing my passion would lead to greater professional success and personal satisfaction. To my relief, they eventually came around and have been supportive ever since.”

Phân Tích Band Điểm

Tiêu chí	Band	Nhận xét
Fluency & Coherence	7.5-8	Excellent flow với sophisticated linking (On the one hand, On the other hand, Ultimately), progression logic và natural
Lexical Resource	7.5-8	Wide range của vocabulary với collocations chính xác (pivotal decisions, grappled with, shape my career trajectory, resonated with), idiomatic expressions tự nhiên
Grammatical Range & Accuracy	7.5-8	Complex structures đa dạng (relative clauses, passive voice, past perfect), ít errors không ảnh hưởng communication
Pronunciation	7.5-8	Clear articulation với natural stress patterns và intonation

So Sánh Với Band 6-7

Khía cạnh	Band 6-7	Band 7.5-8
Vocabulary	“difficult choice”, “really interesting”, “pressure from family”	“pivotal decision”, “grappled with”, “conflicting pressures”, “filial duty”
Grammar	Simple past và basic complex sentences	Past perfect, passive voice, relative clauses phức tạp
Ideas	Basic explanation của difficulty	Deep analysis về emotional conflict và long-term implications

---

📝 Sample Answer – Band 8.5-9

Thời lượng: 2.5-3 phút đầy đủ

“I’d like to recount what I consider to be the most consequential crossroads I’ve faced thus far in my life. This watershed moment occurred during the summer following my high school graduation, when I found myself wrestling with the decision of which academic path to pursue at university, specifically between Business Administration and Computer Science.

To set the scene, this dilemma materialized in early June of last year, immediately after I’d secured strong results in my final examinations. I was given a relatively narrow window of approximately eight weeks to commit to a direction before the university enrollment deadline. This time constraint only amplified the gravity of the decision, as I was acutely aware that this choice would fundamentally shape the trajectory of my professional life.

Elaborating on the options before me, I essentially faced a fork in the road. The first path, Business Administration, represented what many would consider the safe, conventional route. My parents are proprietors of a thriving small business, and they had long harbored expectations that I would eventually assume control of their enterprise. From a purely pragmatic standpoint, this option offered undeniable advantages, namely job security, pre-established networks, and the prospect of building upon an existing foundation. The second path, Computer Science, aligned more authentically with my intrinsic interests and aptitudes. I had been immersing myself in programming and software development for roughly a year, and I found myself increasingly drawn to the intellectual stimulation and creative problem-solving that the field offered.

What rendered this choice particularly excruciating was the multifaceted nature of the internal conflict it generated. I found myself caught in a tug-of-war between competing values and considerations. On one level, there was the palpable weight of parental expectations and cultural norms surrounding family obligations. In Vietnamese culture, there’s a strong emphasis on filial piety, and I couldn’t shake the feeling that choosing my own path might be perceived as ungrateful or selfish. My parents had made considerable sacrifices to provide me with educational opportunities, and I felt a profound sense of indebtedness to them.

Conversely, I was also grappling with questions about personal fulfillment and authenticity. I’d come across research suggesting that individuals who pursue careers aligned with their passions tend to achieve greater long-term success and life satisfaction. I asked myself whether I could sustain genuine enthusiasm for business management, or whether I’d eventually succumb to burnout and resentment. The decision kept me up at night for weeks, and I found myself oscillating between the two options, running through countless scenarios in my mind.

In the end, after extensive soul-searching and numerous heartfelt conversations with my parents, mentors, and peers, I took the leap and opted for Computer Science. The conversation with my parents was emotionally fraught, but I articulated my reasoning carefully, emphasizing that pursuing my genuine interests would ultimately enable me to reach my full potential and make more meaningful contributions to society. Much to my relief, while they were initially taken aback, they gradually came to terms with my decision and have since become my strongest advocates. This experience taught me the invaluable lesson that the most difficult choices often yield the most rewarding outcomes.”

Phân Tích Band Điểm

Tiêu chí	Band	Nhận xét
Fluency & Coherence	8.5-9	Exceptional fluency với sophisticated discourse markers (To set the scene, Elaborating on, Conversely), seamless progression và complex argumentation
Lexical Resource	8.5-9	Sophisticated vocabulary với precise collocations (watershed moment, fork in the road, palpable weight of), idiomatic và natural usage, wide range
Grammatical Range & Accuracy	8.5-9	Full range of structures (conditional sentences, cleft sentences, passive voice, complex relative clauses), virtually error-free
Pronunciation	8.5-9	Sustained appropriate intonation, clear articulation, natural stress patterns và rhythm

Tại Sao Bài Này Xuất Sắc

🎯 Fluency Hoàn Hảo:

• Không có hesitation, flow tự nhiên như native speaker
• Sophisticated signposting (To set the scene, Elaborating on, Conversely) guide listener qua complex narrative
• Extended discourse duy trì coherence trong 3 phút

📚 Vocabulary Tinh Vi:

• Ví dụ: “consequential crossroads” thay vì “important decision” – shows precision và sophistication
• “Wrestling with” thay vì “thinking about” – metaphorical language adds color
• “Palpable weight of parental expectations” – abstract noun phrase demonstrates advanced lexical resource
• “Oscillating between options” – technical verb showing high-level vocabulary

📝 Grammar Đa Dạng:

• Ví dụ: “I’d come across research suggesting that individuals who pursue careers aligned with their passions tend to achieve…” – Complex sentence với relative clause và participle phrase
• Mixed conditional: “I asked myself whether I could sustain genuine enthusiasm, or whether I’d eventually succumb to burnout”
• Cleft sentence: “What rendered this choice particularly excruciating was…”

💡 Ideas Sâu Sắc:

• Không chỉ describe situation mà còn analyze psychological và cultural dimensions
• References đến cultural values (filial piety) cho context depth
• Reflection về long-term implications và personal growth
• Balanced consideration của multiple perspectives

---

Follow-up Questions (Rounding Off Questions)

Question 1: Do you think you made the right choice?

Band 6-7 Answer:
“Yes, I think I made the right choice. I’m enjoying my Computer Science classes and learning a lot. I feel happy with my decision.”

Band 8-9 Answer:
“Looking back, I’m increasingly confident that I made the right call. Not only am I thoroughly engaged with my coursework, but I’ve also started to see tangible outcomes from pursuing my passion. I’ve already landed a part-time internship at a tech startup, which has validated my decision. More importantly, I’ve noticed that my parents have become more reconciled to my choice as they’ve witnessed my enthusiasm and progress.”

---

Question 2: Would you make the same choice if you could go back?

Band 6-7 Answer:
“Yes, I would make the same choice again. I’m happy with Computer Science and I don’t regret it.”

Band 8-9 Answer:
“Without a shadow of a doubt, I would make the same decision again. While the process was emotionally taxing, it taught me the importance of staying true to oneself. The experience also strengthened my relationship with my parents, as they came to respect my autonomy and maturity in handling such a weighty decision. If anything, I might have had that candid conversation with them even earlier to alleviate some of the stress I needlessly carried.”

Thí sinh IELTS Speaking Part 2 tự tin trả lời cue card về quyết định quan trọng

IELTS Speaking Part 3: Two-way Discussion

Tổng Quan Về Part 3

Part 3 là phần thảo luận hai chiều kéo dài 4-5 phút, đòi hỏi bạn phải phân tích, so sánh và đánh giá các vấn đề trừu tượng liên quan đến chủ đề Part 2. Đây là phần khó nhất vì câu hỏi không còn về kinh nghiệm cá nhân mà về các issues xã hội, xu hướng, và quan điểm rộng hơn.

Yêu cầu của Part 3 là phải đưa ra quan điểm cá nhân có lý lẽ, xem xét nhiều góc độ của vấn đề, và thể hiện khả năng critical thinking. Chiến lược hiệu quả là mở rộng câu trả lời 3-5 câu với structure rõ ràng: direct answer → reasons → examples → conclusion/nuance.

Lỗi thường gặp của học viên Việt Nam trong Part 3 bao gồm trả lời quá ngắn thiếu phân tích, không đưa ra lý lẽ rõ ràng, thiếu từ vựng trừu tượng để diễn đạt ý phức tạp, và không thể maintain discussion khi giám khảo probe deeper. Nhiều bạn cũng có xu hướng chỉ nói về bản thân thay vì discuss broader social issues.

Các Câu Hỏi Thảo Luận Sâu

Theme 1: Decision-Making in Modern Society

---

Question 1: Why do you think some people find it harder to make decisions than others?

🎯 Phân tích câu hỏi:

• Dạng: Cause-Effect (Giải thích nguyên nhân)
• Key words: some people, harder, make decisions
• Cách tiếp cận: Đưa ra 2-3 reasons với explanations và examples về personality traits, life experiences, cultural factors

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

“I think there are several reasons. First, some people are naturally more careful and worry about making mistakes. They think too much about the consequences. Second, people with less experience might find it harder to decide because they don’t know what to expect. For example, young people making career choices might struggle because they haven’t worked in different fields before. Finally, some cultures teach people to be more careful with decisions, especially important ones.”

Phân tích:

• Structure: Có organization với First, Second, Finally
• Vocabulary: Adequate với “consequences”, “struggle” nhưng basic
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Ideas clear nhưng thiếu depth, vocabulary chưa sophisticated, examples còn general

---

📝 Câu trả lời mẫu – Band 8-9:

“Well, I believe there are multiple factors at play here. First and foremost, I’d say personality traits play a significant role. Some individuals are inherently more risk-averse and tend to overthink potential outcomes, which can lead to what psychologists call ‘analysis paralysis‘ – the inability to make a decision due to excessive deliberation. Conversely, more decisive people might have a higher tolerance for uncertainty and feel more comfortable making choices even when information is incomplete.

Another crucial factor is life experience. People who have encountered diverse situations and navigated various challenges typically develop better judgment and decision-making frameworks. They’ve learned from past mistakes and successes, which gives them more confidence. In contrast, those with limited exposure to different scenarios might second-guess themselves more frequently because they lack that experiential knowledge to draw upon.

I’d also argue that cultural background influences this significantly. In collectivist societies, like Vietnam, people are often conditioned to consider the opinions and expectations of family members and the broader community before making personal choices. This consultation process can sometimes complicate decision-making, whereas in more individualistic cultures, people might feel more empowered to make unilateral decisions based solely on personal preferences. Ultimately, it’s likely a combination of these factors rather than any single element that determines how comfortable someone is with making decisions.”

Phân tích:

• Structure: Well-organized với clear signposting (First and foremost, Another crucial factor, I’d also argue, Ultimately)
• Vocabulary: Sophisticated với precise terms (risk-averse, analysis paralysis, tolerance for uncertainty, collectivist societies, unilateral decisions)
• Grammar: Complex structures với relative clauses, conditionals, passive voice
• Critical Thinking: Multiple perspectives (personality, experience, culture), balanced view, acknowledges complexity

💡 Key Language Features:

• Discourse markers: Well, First and foremost, Conversely, In contrast, I’d also argue, Ultimately
• Tentative language: I believe, I’d say, typically, might, can sometimes (shows academic style)
• Abstract nouns: analysis paralysis, deliberation, tolerance, uncertainty, judgment, frameworks

---

Question 2: Do you think people make better decisions when they have more options?

🎯 Phân tích câu hỏi:

• Dạng: Opinion với complexity (không phải yes/no đơn giản)
• Key words: better decisions, more options
• Cách tiếp cận: Present both sides (advantages và disadvantages), then give balanced conclusion

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

“I think it depends. Having more options can be good because you can find something that really fits your needs. But sometimes too many choices make people confused and stressed. For example, when shopping online with thousands of products, it’s hard to choose. So I think a moderate number of options is best.”

Phân tích:

• Structure: Có balanced view nhưng development chưa đủ
• Vocabulary: Basic (good, confused, stressed, hard)
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Có main idea nhưng lacks elaboration và sophisticated language

---

📝 Câu trả lời mẫu – Band 8-9:

“This is quite a nuanced question, and I think the answer isn’t straightforward. On the surface, having more options seems advantageous because it increases the likelihood of finding something that truly aligns with your preferences and needs. In theory, more choices should lead to better outcomes.

However, there’s actually a well-documented phenomenon in behavioral psychology called the ‘paradox of choice,’ which suggests that an abundance of options can actually be counterproductive. When people are confronted with too many alternatives, they often experience what’s known as ‘decision fatigue‘ – a cognitive depletion that makes it harder to make quality decisions. To illustrate, think about online shopping platforms that offer thousands of similar products. Rather than feeling empowered, many consumers feel overwhelmed and either abandon the decision altogether or make a choice they later regret because they couldn’t adequately assess all options.

Moreover, having numerous options can also lead to post-decision regret. When you choose one option among many, there’s always the nagging possibility that another choice might have been better, which can undermine satisfaction even if you made a perfectly reasonable decision.

That said, I don’t think the solution is to drastically limit choices either. The key lies in finding a sweet spot – having enough options to ensure genuine choice and accommodate diverse preferences, but not so many that the selection process becomes paralyzing. Some research suggests that somewhere between three to seven options tends to be optimal for most decisions. Ultimately, it’s about striking a balance between variety and cognitive manageability.”

Phân tích:

• Structure: Sophisticated organization (Surface view → Counter-argument with research → Additional complication → Balanced conclusion)
• Vocabulary: Academic và precise (nuanced, paradox of choice, cognitive depletion, post-decision regret, nagging possibility)
• Grammar: Full range với complex conditionals, relative clauses, passive constructions
• Critical Thinking: References research (paradox of choice), multiple angles, balanced conclusion with practical solution

💡 Key Language Features:

• Discourse markers: On the surface, In theory, However, To illustrate, Moreover, That said, Ultimately
• Tentative language: seems, suggests, might have been, tends to be, I think
• Abstract nouns: paradox, abundance, cognitive depletion, post-decision regret, cognitive manageability

---

Theme 2: Young People and Decision-Making

Question 3: Should parents let their children make their own decisions?

🎯 Phân tích câu hỏi:

• Dạng: Opinion với considerations về age và decision types
• Key words: parents, children, own decisions
• Cách tiếp cận: Distinguish giữa types của decisions và ages của children, balanced view

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

“I think it depends on the child’s age and the importance of the decision. For small things like choosing clothes or hobbies, children should decide themselves because it helps them learn. But for big decisions like choosing schools, parents should guide them because children don’t have enough experience. Parents should talk with children and help them understand the options.”

Phân tích:

• Structure: Logical với distinction nhưng basic
• Vocabulary: Simple (small things, big decisions, help them learn)
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Makes valid points nhưng lacks sophisticated language và depth

---

📝 Câu trả lời mẫu – Band 8.5-9:

“I’d say this requires a more nuanced approach rather than a simple yes or no answer. The appropriate level of parental involvement should really depend on two key factors: the child’s age and developmental stage, and the gravity of the decision at hand.

For everyday decisions – such as what clothes to wear, which extracurricular activities to pursue, or how to spend their pocket money – I believe children should be given considerable autonomy from quite a young age. These low-stakes choices provide invaluable learning opportunities where children can experience natural consequences without facing irreversible harm. For instance, if a child chooses to spend all their allowance on candy and then can’t afford something they want later, they learn about budgeting and delayed gratification in a very concrete way. This process of trial and error is instrumental in developing critical thinking skills and personal responsibility.

On the other hand, when it comes to consequential decisions that could significantly impact their future – such as education choices, career trajectories, or major financial commitments – I think parents have a responsibility to be more actively involved, at least in a consultative capacity. Adolescents, while increasingly mature, often lack the life experience and long-term perspective to fully grasp the implications of certain choices. However, and this is crucial, parental involvement shouldn’t mean dictating decisions. Rather, it should involve facilitating thoughtful discussion, sharing relevant experiences, and helping young people weigh options systematically.

What I’ve observed is that the most successful approach is one where parents gradually relinquish control as children mature, transitioning from decision-makers to advisors. This scaffolded approach allows young people to develop decision-making skills progressively while still having a safety net. Research in developmental psychology suggests that children who are given age-appropriate decision-making responsibilities tend to develop stronger self-efficacy and better judgment as adults.

In essence, the goal should be to strike a balance between protecting children from potentially detrimental choices and empowering them to become confident, capable decision-makers. It’s about cultivating independence while providing guidance, not about control versus complete freedom.”

Phân tích:

• Structure: Exceptionally well-organized với clear framework (age-appropriate approach → everyday decisions → consequential decisions → gradual transition → conclusion)
• Vocabulary: Sophisticated và precise (developmental stage, gravity, autonomy, low-stakes choices, irreversible harm, delayed gratification, consultative capacity, scaffolded approach, self-efficacy)
• Grammar: Full range với conditionals, relative clauses, gerunds, passive voice, complex noun phrases
• Critical Thinking: Multiple perspectives, references research, practical framework, acknowledges complexity

💡 Key Language Features:

• Discourse markers: I’d say, For instance, On the other hand, However, What I’ve observed, In essence
• Tentative language: I believe, should really depend, I think, suggests, tend to
• Abstract nouns: autonomy, consequences, implications, self-efficacy, judgment

---

Theme 3: Technology and Decision-Making

Question 4: How has technology changed the way people make decisions?

🎯 Phân tích câu hỏi:

• Dạng: Change over time (Past vs Present comparison)
• Key words: technology, changed, make decisions
• Cách tiếp cận: Discuss both positive changes và potential drawbacks

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

“Technology has changed decision-making a lot. Now people can search information online before deciding, which is helpful. For example, before buying something, we can read reviews and compare prices. Also, apps and websites give recommendations based on our preferences. But sometimes people depend too much on technology and don’t think for themselves.”

Phân tích:

• Structure: Basic comparison với examples
• Vocabulary: Simple (a lot, helpful, depend too much)
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Covers main points nhưng lacks depth và sophisticated language

---

📝 Câu trả lời mẫu – Band 8.5-9:

“Technology has fundamentally transformed the decision-making landscape in both profound and subtle ways. I’d argue that the impact has been largely positive, though not without certain concerns.

Perhaps the most significant change is the democratization of information. In the pre-internet era, making informed decisions often required considerable time and resources – you might need to visit libraries, consult experts, or rely heavily on word-of-mouth recommendations. Nowadays, we have instant access to vast amounts of information through search engines, review platforms, and social media. To give you a concrete example, when someone is considering a major purchase like a laptop, they can instantaneously access thousands of reviews, detailed specifications, price comparisons, and expert opinions. This has empowered consumers to make more informed choices.

Additionally, technology has introduced sophisticated decision-support tools and algorithms that can process complex data far more efficiently than the human brain. From a practical standpoint, think about how navigation apps like Google Maps weigh multiple variables – traffic conditions, distance, road quality – to suggest the optimal route. Or consider how recommendation algorithms on platforms like Netflix or Spotify analyze our past behavior to suggest content we’re likely to enjoy. These tools essentially augment our decision-making capacity by handling the computational heavy lifting.

However, this technological dependence comes with certain trade-offs. One concern is what I’d call ‘information overload‘ – when we have access to too much data, it can actually impair decision-making rather than enhance it, as I mentioned earlier regarding the paradox of choice. Furthermore, there’s a risk of becoming overly reliant on algorithmic recommendations, which might narrow our perspectives and create what’s known as ‘filter bubbles’ – where we only encounter information that confirms our existing beliefs.

Another dimension worth considering is how technology has changed the pace of decision-making. With instant communication and online transactions, there’s often social pressure to make decisions more quickly than we might have in the past. This accelerated timeline doesn’t always allow for adequate reflection, which can lead to hasty choices.

On balance though, I believe technology has been predominantly beneficial for decision-making, provided we use it judiciously. The key is to leverage technology as a tool to gather information and analyze options, while still maintaining our critical thinking faculties and not delegating our judgment entirely to algorithms. In my view, the most effective approach is to combine the computational power of technology with human intuition and values to arrive at well-rounded decisions.”

Phân tích:

• Structure: Comprehensive với multiple aspects (information access → decision-support tools → concerns → pace changes → balanced conclusion)
• Vocabulary: Sophisticated và varied (democratization, instantaneously, augment, computational heavy lifting, filter bubbles, judiciously, delegating judgment)
• Grammar: Full range với complex conditionals, relative clauses, passive constructions, noun phrases
• Critical Thinking: Multiple perspectives, balanced analysis, acknowledges benefits và drawbacks, practical conclusion

💡 Key Language Features:

• Discourse markers: Perhaps, Nowadays, Additionally, However, Furthermore, On balance, In my view
• Tentative language: I’d argue, largely, essentially, might, can, I believe, provided
• Abstract nouns: democratization, empowerment, dependence, trade-offs, perspectives, faculties

Công nghệ ảnh hưởng đến cách con người đưa ra quyết định trong thời đại hiện đại

Từ vựng và cụm từ quan trọng

Topic-Specific Vocabulary

Từ vựng/Cụm từ	Loại từ	Phiên âm	Nghĩa tiếng Việt	Ví dụ	Collocation
decisive	adj	/dɪˈsaɪsɪv/	quyết đoán, dứt khoát	She’s very decisive and rarely changes her mind.	decisive action, decisive moment, decisive factor, decisive victory
deliberate	adj	/dɪˈlɪbərət/	thận trọng, cân nhắc kỹ	He took a deliberate approach to choosing his career.	deliberate decision, deliberate choice, deliberate consideration, deliberate pace
dilemma	n	/dɪˈlemə/	tình thế khó xử, tiến thoái lưỡng nan	I faced a real dilemma between staying and leaving.	moral dilemma, face a dilemma, ethical dilemma, pose a dilemma
weigh up	phrasal verb	/weɪ ʌp/	cân nhắc, đắn đo	I need time to weigh up all the pros and cons.	weigh up options, weigh up pros and cons, carefully weigh up, weigh up the evidence
grapple with	phrasal verb	/ˈɡræpl wɪð/	vật lộn với, đấu tranh với (vấn đề khó)	She’s been grappling with this difficult choice for weeks.	grapple with a problem, grapple with a decision, grapple with complexity
pivotal	adj	/ˈpɪvətl/	then chốt, quan trọng quyết định	That was a pivotal decision in my life.	pivotal moment, pivotal role, pivotal decision, pivotal point
gut-wrenching	adj	/ˈɡʌt rentʃɪŋ/	đau đớn, khó khăn về mặt cảm xúc	It was a gut-wrenching decision to leave my hometown.	gut-wrenching decision, gut-wrenching choice, gut-wrenching experience
torn between	phrase	/tɔːn bɪˈtwiːn/	phân vân giữa, bị giằng xé giữa	I was torn between loyalty and honesty.	torn between two options, feel torn between, be torn between conflicting desires
filial duty	n phrase	/ˈfɪliəl ˈdjuːti/	nghĩa vụ với cha mẹ, đạo hiếu	Filial duty influenced my decision about my career.	sense of filial duty, fulfill filial duty, filial duty and responsibility
muster courage	phrase	/ˈmʌstə ˈkʌrɪdʒ/	lấy hết can đảm	I finally mustered the courage to tell them my choice.	muster courage to do something, muster all one’s courage
crossroads	n	/ˈkrɒsrəʊdz/	ngã rẽ, điểm quyết định	I’m at a crossroads in my career.	at a crossroads, reach a crossroads, critical crossroads, career crossroads
fork in the road	idiom	/fɔːk ɪn ðə rəʊd/	điểm rẽ nhánh, phải chọn con đường	I’ve reached a fork in the road regarding my education.	face a fork in the road, come to a fork in the road
second-guess	v	/ˈsekənd ɡes/	nghi ngờ lại quyết định, đoán già đoán non	I tend to second-guess myself after making important choices.	second-guess a decision, constantly second-guess, second-guess oneself
analysis paralysis	n phrase	/əˈnæləsɪs pəˈræləsɪs/	tình trạng suy nghĩ quá nhiều không thể quyết định	He suffers from analysis paralysis when shopping.	suffer from analysis paralysis, overcome analysis paralysis
risk-averse	adj	/rɪsk əˈvɜːs/	e ngại rủi ro, không thích mạo hiểm	Risk-averse people find it harder to make bold decisions.	risk-averse behavior, risk-averse investor, highly risk-averse
consequences	n	/ˈkɒnsɪkwənsɪz/	hậu quả, kết quả	Every decision has consequences we must consider.	face consequences, serious consequences, consider consequences, long-term consequences
autonomy	n	/ɔːˈtɒnəmi/	quyền tự chủ, tính độc lập	Young adults need autonomy in decision-making.	personal autonomy, have autonomy, grant autonomy, autonomy and independence
trajectory	n	/trəˈdʒektəri/	quỹ đạo, con đường phát triển	This choice will shape my career trajectory.	career trajectory, life trajectory, educational trajectory, alter trajectory
navigate	v	/ˈnævɪɡeɪt/	điều hướng, vượt qua (khó khăn)	I’m learning to navigate complex decisions.	navigate challenges, navigate difficult situations, successfully navigate
oscillate between	phrase	/ˈɒsɪleɪt bɪˈtwiːn/	dao động giữa, lưỡng lự giữa	I oscillated between the two options for months.	oscillate between choices, oscillate between opinions

Idiomatic Expressions & Advanced Phrases

Cụm từ	Nghĩa	Ví dụ sử dụng	Band điểm
be caught between a rock and a hard place	ở vào thế tiến thoái lưỡng nan	I was caught between a rock and a hard place when choosing between two universities.	7.5-9
bite the bullet	lấy can đảm làm điều khó khăn	I finally bit the bullet and chose the more challenging path.	7.5-8.5
take the plunge	quyết định làm điều quan trọng sau khi do dự	After months of hesitation, I took the plunge and started my own business.	7.5-8.5
sleep on it	suy nghĩ thêm một đêm trước khi quyết định	When faced with a big decision, I always sleep on it before deciding.	7.0-8.0
on the fence	phân vân, chưa quyết định	I’m still on the fence about which option to choose.	7.0-8.0
throw caution to the wind	liều lĩnh, không quan tâm rủi ro	Sometimes you need to throw caution to the wind and follow your heart.	7.5-8.5
have second thoughts	suy nghĩ lại, nghi ngờ quyết định đã đưa ra	After accepting the job offer, I started having second thoughts.	7.0-8.0
a watershed moment	khoảnh khắc bước ngoặt quan trọng	Choosing my major was a watershed moment in my life.	8.0-9.0
at the end of the day	cuối cùng thì, xét cho cùng	At the end of the day, you need to do what makes you happy.	7.0-8.0
strike while the iron is hot	chớp lấy cơ hội	I decided to strike while the iron is hot and apply immediately.	7.5-8.5
the lesser of two evils	lựa chọn xấu ít hơn trong hai lựa chọn đều xấu	I had to choose the lesser of two evils when both options had drawbacks.	7.5-8.5
burn one’s bridges	phá nát cơ hội quay lại	I didn’t want to burn my bridges, so I left on good terms.	7.5-8.5

Discourse Markers (Từ Nối Ý Trong Speaking)

Để bắt đầu câu trả lời:

• 📝 Well,… – Dùng khi cần thời gian suy nghĩ ngắn, tạo sự tự nhiên
• 📝 Actually,… – Khi đưa ra góc nhìn bất ngờ hoặc khác với kỳ vọng
• 📝 To be honest,… – Khi muốn nhấn mạnh sự chân thành trong câu trả lời
• 📝 I’d say that… – Cách lịch sự để đưa ra quan điểm cá nhân
• 📝 Looking back,… – Khi phản ánh về quá khứ
• 📝 From my perspective,… – Nhấn mạnh đây là quan điểm chủ quan

Để bổ sung ý:

• 📝 On top of that,… – Thêm vào đó, bổ sung thêm một điểm
• 📝 What’s more,… – Hơn nữa, nhấn mạnh thêm
• 📝 Not to mention… – Chưa kể đến, để giới thiệu điểm quan trọng khác
• 📝 Additionally,… – Ngoài ra (formal hơn)
• 📝 Furthermore,… – Hơn thế nữa (academic style)
• 📝 Another point worth mentioning is… – Một điểm đáng nói đến khác là

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… – Trong khi đúng là… chúng ta cũng cần xem xét
• 📝 Having said that,… – Tuy nhiên, mặc dù vậy
• 📝 That said,… – Điều đó được nói ra, nhưng
• 📝 Conversely,… – Ngược lại
• 📝 By contrast,… – Trái lại

Để kết luận:

• 📝 All in all,… – Tóm lại, xét tất cả các yếu tố
• 📝 At the end of the day,… – Cuối cùng thì, xét cho cùng
• 📝 In essence,… – Về bản chất, điểm cốt lõi là
• 📝 Ultimately,… – Cuối cùng, sau cùng
• 📝 On balance,… – Khi cân nhắc tất cả, nhìn chung
• 📝 To sum up,… – Tóm lại

Để đưa ra ví dụ:

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

Grammatical Structures Ấn Tượng

1. Conditional Sentences (Câu điều kiện):

• Mixed conditional: “If I had chosen Business, I would be working in my parents’ company now.” (Kết hợp quá khứ và hiện tại)
• Inversion for emphasis: “Had I known the consequences, I would have made a different choice.” (Đảo ngữ tạo sự formal)
• Zero conditional for general truths: “When people have too many options, they often experience decision fatigue.” (Sự thật hiển nhiên)

2. Relative Clauses (Mệnh đề quan hệ):

• Non-defining: “My parents, who have always been supportive, eventually accepted my decision.” (Bổ sung thông tin, có dấu phẩy)
• Reduced relative clauses: “The choice facing me was between two equally attractive options.” (Rút gọn mệnh đề quan hệ)

3. Passive Voice (Câu bị động):

• It is thought/believed/said that… “It is widely believed that following your passion leads to greater success.”
• Reporting passive: “This phenomenon is referred to as the paradox of choice.”

4. Cleft Sentences (Câu chẻ):

• What I find most… is… “What I found most challenging was balancing my parents’ expectations with my own desires.”
• The thing that… is… “The thing that made this decision so difficult was the pressure from my family.”
• It was… that… “It was my mentor who helped me see the situation more clearly.”

5. Participle Clauses:

• “Weighing up all the options, I decided Computer Science was the best fit.”
• “Having consulted with several professionals, I felt more confident in my choice.”

6. Inversion for Emphasis:

• “Not only did I choose my passion, but I also gained my parents’ respect.”
• “Never before had I faced such a consequential decision.”

7. Subjunctive Mood:

• “It’s crucial that young people be given autonomy in decision-making.”
• “I suggested that he consider all options before committing.”

Tương tự như describe a situation when you had to be very careful, việc đưa ra quyết định đòi hỏi sự cân nhắc kỹ lưỡng và tư duy phản biện. Cả hai tình huống đều yêu cầu thí sinh thể hiện khả năng phân tích các yếu tố ảnh hưởng và giải thích lý do đằng sau hành động của mình. Điều này phản ánh một kỹ năng quan trọng mà giám khảo IELTS đánh giá cao: khả năng suy nghĩ logic và diễn đạt quá trình tư duy một cách mạch lạc.

Khi chuẩn bị cho chủ đề này, việc học hỏi từ describe a person you know who is very patient cũng có thể giúp bạn phát triển vốn từ vựng về tính cách và phẩm chất cá nhân. Sự kiên nhẫn thường đi kèm với quá trình đưa ra quyết định sáng suốt, và bạn có thể kết hợp các từ vựng miêu tả tính cách để làm phong phú câu trả lời về người đã tư vấn hoặc hỗ trợ bạn trong quá trình quyết định. Những collocations như “patient deliberation”, “thoughtful consideration” đều có thể áp dụng cho cả hai chủ đề.

Đối với những ai đang tìm kiếm cách thư giãn sau những quyết định căng thẳng, hãy tham khảo describe an activity you do to unwind. Việc kể về các hoạt động giải tỏa căng thẳng không chỉ giúp bạn mở rộng vốn từ về cảm xúc mà còn cho phép bạn thể hiện khía cạnh cân bằng cuộc sống. Bạn có thể liên kết chủ đề này bằng cách đề cập đến việc cần thư giãn để có tâm trí tỉnh táo khi đưa ra các quyết định quan trọng.

Phân tích chi tiết band điểm IELTS Speaking cho chủ đề quyết định

Chiến Lược Trả Lời Hiệu Quả Từ Góc Nhìn Examiner

Sau hơn 20 năm chấm thi IELTS Speaking, tôi nhận thấy những điểm khác biệt rõ rệt giữa thí sinh đạt band 6-7 và những người đạt band 8-9 khi trả lời chủ đề về decision-making.

Đặc điểm của thí sinh Band 8-9:

Tính tự nhiên và linh hoạt: Họ không nghe như đang đọc thuộc lòng hay follow một template cứng nhắc. Câu trả lời flow naturally với hesitations tự nhiên của người bản ngữ như “Well”, “I mean”, “You know”. Họ có khả năng self-correct một cách mượt mà mà không làm gián đoạn fluency.

Độ sâu của ý tưởng: Thay vì chỉ nói “It was difficult because…”, họ explore multiple layers của decision: psychological aspects, social implications, long-term consequences. Họ demonstrate critical thinking bằng cách acknowledge complexity và present nuanced views.

Precision trong vocabulary: Họ không dùng “good” hay “bad” mà dùng “beneficial”, “detrimental”, “advantageous”. Không nói “think about” mà nói “contemplate”, “deliberate”, “reflect on”. Collocations của họ natural như “weigh up options”, “grapple with a dilemma”, chứ không phải “think about options”, “have a problem with decision”.

Grammar như công cụ, không phải mục tiêu: Họ sử dụng complex structures một cách vô thức để express ideas, không phải để show off. Mixed conditionals, cleft sentences, passive voice xuất hiện naturally khi cần nhấn mạnh hoặc tạo variety.

Lỗi phổ biến cần tránh:

Over-preparation trap: Nhiều thí sinh học thuộc mẫu câu và cố gắng nhồi nhét vào bất kể câu hỏi nào. Điều này rất dễ nhận ra và thường dẫn đến điểm thấp hơn. Examiner có thể interrupt và ask follow-up questions để test genuine language ability.

Vocabulary showing-off: Sử dụng từ quá phức tạp không phù hợp context hoặc sai collocation. Ví dụ: “I was encountering a perplex situation” thay vì “I was facing a perplexing situation”. Điều này backfire và lower score thay vì increase.

Thiếu examples cụ thể: Nói chung chung về decisions mà không có concrete examples từ personal experience. Band 8-9 candidates luôn có specific details: dates, names, exact situations.

Không develop ideas: Trả lời xong một câu rồi im lặng chờ câu hỏi tiếp theo. High-band candidates tự động extend responses với additional points, examples, hoặc contrasting views.

Monotone delivery: Pronunciation không chỉ về phát âm từng từ mà còn về intonation, stress patterns, và rhythm. Nói đều đều như robot sẽ affect band score.

Tips thực chiến:

Trong Part 2, sử dụng full 1 phút preparation time một cách strategic. Ghi keywords theo structure: What → When → Options (list cụ thể) → Why difficult (emotions + consequences). Đừng viết full sentences.

Practice storytelling với real experiences. Fake stories thường thiếu emotional depth và details, examiners có thể sense được. Prepare flexible frameworks, không phải fixed scripts.

Trong Part 3, nếu không hiểu câu hỏi, đừng ngại ask for clarification: “Sorry, could you rephrase that?” hoặc “Do you mean…?” Better than answering wrong question.

Develop habit của reflective thinking. Sau mỗi decision trong life, tự hỏi: What factors influenced me? What were alternatives? What did I learn? Điều này giúp bạn có genuine content khi thi.

Record yourself và listen back. Identify filler words (um, uh, like), repetitive phrases, grammar errors. Self-awareness là key to improvement.

Việc có describe a time when you fixed something trong portfolio chuẩn bị của bạn có thể hỗ trợ tốt cho chủ đề này. Cả hai đều liên quan đến problem-solving và decision-making process. Khi bạn “fix something”, bạn cũng phải make decisions về approach, tools, timing. Vocabulary về troubleshooting và finding solutions có thể cross-apply cho decision-making topics.

Ngoài ra, describe a person who is very good at problem-solving cung cấp góc nhìn bổ sung về cách những người giỏi ra quyết định approach problems. Bạn có thể học hỏi cách miêu tả thought processes, analytical skills, và decision-making strategies từ chủ đề này để enrich câu trả lời của mình. Những phrases như “systematic approach”, “methodical thinking”, “strategic decision-making” đều highly relevant.

Lộ Trình Học Tập Cụ Thể

Week 1-2: Building Foundation

Học và practice 30 từ vựng core về decision-making mỗi ngày. Tạo personal examples cho mỗi từ. Không chỉ học nghĩa mà học collocations và usage trong context.

Record 5 personal decisions bạn đã make (small và big) với full details. Write them down với structure: situation → options → reasons → outcome → reflection. Đây sẽ là story bank của bạn.

Week 3-4: Developing Fluency

Practice speaking về 5 decisions đó mỗi ngày, mỗi lần 2-3 phút. Focus on fluency, không worry about mistakes. Goal là speak continuously without long pauses.

Add complexity dần dần: thêm discourse markers, sophisticated vocabulary, varied grammar structures. Compare recordings để see progress.

Week 5-6: Advanced Practice

Practice với Part 3 questions. Develop habit của analytical thinking: for every opinion, think of counter-argument. Practice presenting balanced views.

Do mock tests với teacher hoặc study partner. Get feedback specifically on areas mentioned trong band descriptors: Fluency & Coherence, Lexical Resource, Grammatical Range, Pronunciation.

Week 7-8: Fine-tuning

Focus on pronunciation và intonation. Practice với native speaker recordings. Mimic their rhythm và stress patterns.

Review common mistakes và consciously avoid them. Practice handling unexpected questions và follow-ups. Build confidence trong ability to extend any answer.

Daily habits suốt 8 weeks:

Listen to podcasts/videos về decision-making, psychology, personal development. Note down interesting phrases và perspectives. This expands both vocabulary và ideas.

Speak English daily, even if just talking to yourself about daily decisions. Narrate your thought process khi choosing breakfast, planning day, etc.

Watch high-band IELTS Speaking samples on YouTube (from official sources) với critical eye. Analyze what makes them good, không chỉ admire them.

Mindset quan trọng:

Remember rằng IELTS Speaking test conversation skill, not knowledge. Examiner muốn hear YOU, your thoughts, your experiences. Authenticity trumps perfection.

Mistakes are okay. Native speakers make mistakes too. What matters là ability to communicate effectively và naturally. Don’t freeze khi make một grammar error, just continue.

Practice doesn’t make perfect, practice makes permanent. Practice correctly with feedback. Bad habits rehearsed repeatedly become harder to break.

Confidence comes from preparation. When bạn đã prepare thoroughly với multiple real examples và practiced extensively, nervousness giảm significantly. Trust your preparation.

Cuối cùng, approaching test day, remember đây là opportunity to showcase skills bạn đã developed, không phải một ordeal to survive. Smile, be personable, enjoy conversation. Examiners are human too và appreciate engaging candidates.

Chủ đề “describe a time when you had to make a choice” là một excellent opportunity để demonstrate toàn diện language ability của bạn. With proper preparation, authentic examples, sophisticated language, và confident delivery, bạn absolutely có thể achieve target band score. Good luck với IELTS Speaking journey của bạn!