IELTS Speaking: Cách Trả Lời “Describe A Time When You Went On A Long Journey” – Bài Mẫu Band 6-9

Mở bài

Chủ đề “Describe A Time When You Went On A Long Journey” là một trong những đề tài phổ biến và thường xuyên xuất hiện trong IELTS Speaking Part 2. Đây là dạng câu hỏi thuộc nhóm “past experience” – yêu cầu thí sinh kể lại một trải nghiệm cá nhân về một chuyến đi dài.

Theo thống kê từ các trung tâm luyện thi IELTS và nguồn dữ liệu từ ielts-blog.com, chủ đề này xuất hiện với tần suất cao trong các kỳ thi từ 2020 đến 2024, đặc biệt trong quý 1 và quý 3 hàng năm. Dự đoán khả năng xuất hiện trong tương lai vẫn ở mức cao do tính liên quan đến cuộc sống thực tế và khả năng mở rộng thảo luận sang Part 3.

Chủ đề travel và journey không chỉ dừng lại ở việc kể chuyện đơn thuần mà còn cho phép examiner đánh giá khả năng sử dụng thì quá khứ, miêu tả cảm xúc, và trình bày mạch lạc của thí sinh. Điều này giải thích tại sao đây là một trong những đề bài được ưa chuộng trong kỳ thi IELTS Speaking.

Trong bài viết này, bạn sẽ học được câu hỏi thường gặp ở cả 3 Part liên quan đến chủ đề du lịch và hành trình, bài mẫu chi tiết theo 3 mức band điểm khác nhau từ 6-7, 7.5-8 đến 8.5-9, kho từ vựng và cụm từ ăn điểm giúp bạn tự tin hơn, chiến lược trả lời hiệu quả từ góc nhìn của examiner, và những lời khuyên thiết thực để tránh các 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 của IELTS Speaking thường kéo dài 4-5 phút với các câu hỏi ngắn gọn về cuộc sống hàng ngày, sở thích cá nhân và các chủ đề quen thuộc. Đối với chủ đề travel và journeys, examiner muốn đánh giá khả năng trả lời tự nhiên và mở rộng ý của bạn trong 2-3 câu cho mỗi câu hỏi.

Chiến lược quan trọng nhất trong Part 1 là trả lời trực tiếp câu hỏi, sau đó bổ sung thêm chi tiết hoặc ví dụ cụ thể. Tránh trả lời quá ngắn gọn chỉ Yes/No hoặc một từ đơn lẻ.

Các lỗi thường gặp của học viên Việt Nam trong Part 1 bao gồm trả lời quá ngắn không phát triển ý, sử dụng từ vựng quá đơn giản ở mức trung học phổ thông, thiếu ví dụ cụ thể từ kinh nghiệm bản thân, và có xu hướng nói quá nhanh khiến phát âm không rõ ràng.

Các Câu Hỏi Thường Gặp

Question 1: Do you like travelling?

Question 2: What kind of places have you visited in your life?

Question 3: Which place would you most like to visit?

Question 4: Do you prefer long or short journeys?

Question 5: What was the longest journey you have ever been on?

Question 6: How do you usually travel long distances?

Question 7: Do you like travelling alone or with others?

Question 8: Would you say your country is a good place for travellers to visit?

Phân Tích và Gợi Ý Trả Lời Chi Tiết

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Question: Do you prefer long or short journeys?

🎯 Cách tiếp cận:

• Trả lời trực tiếp sở thích của bạn
• Đưa ra lý do tại sao bạn thích loại hình đó
• Có thể thêm ví dụ hoặc so sánh hai loại

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

“I prefer short journeys because they are more convenient. Long journeys make me tired and I don’t have much free time. Short trips are easier to plan and less expensive.”

Phân tích:

• Điểm mạnh: Trả lời trực tiếp câu hỏi, có lý do cơ bản
• Hạn chế: Từ vựng đơn giản (convenient, tired, easier), thiếu chi tiết cụ thể, cấu trúc câu đơn giản
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Truyền đạt được ý nhưng thiếu độ phức tạp về ngôn ngữ và ý tưởng. Không có từ vựng đặc thù cho chủ đề travel.

📝 Sample Answer – Band 8-9:

“I’d say I’m more drawn to shorter journeys, actually. While I appreciate the sense of adventure that comes with long-distance travel, I find weekend getaways more manageable given my hectic work schedule. Plus, short trips allow me to recharge my batteries without the jet lag and exhaustion that typically accompany intercontinental flights.”

Phân tích:

• Điểm mạnh: Sử dụng discourse marker tự nhiên “I’d say”, “actually”; từ vựng đặc thù cho chủ đề “drawn to”, “weekend getaways”, “jet lag”; cấu trúc câu phức với mệnh đề quan hệ; thừa nhận cả hai khía cạnh trước khi đưa ra lựa chọn
• Tại sao Band 8-9: Fluency tự nhiên với hesitation devices phù hợp, vocabulary precise và idiomatic, grammar đa dạng với complex structures, và ideas có depth với việc so sánh hai loại hình du lịch

💡 Key Vocabulary & Expressions:

• be drawn to something: bị thu hút bởi điều gì đó
• sense of adventure: tinh thần phiêu lưu, khám phá
• weekend getaway: chuyến đi nghỉ cuối tuần ngắn ngày
• hectic schedule: lịch trình bận rộn
• recharge one’s batteries: nạp lại năng lượng
• jet lag: mệt mỏi do chênh lệch múi giờ

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Question: What was the longest journey you have ever been on?

🎯 Cách tiếp cận:

• Xác định rõ chuyến đi cụ thể (địa điểm, thời gian)
• Mô tả ngắn gọn về chuyến đi đó
• Có thể thêm cảm nhận ban đầu

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

“The longest journey I took was to Europe two years ago. I visited five countries in three weeks. It was very interesting but also tiring because I had to travel by plane and train many times.”

Phân tích:

• Điểm mạnh: Có thông tin cụ thể về thời gian và địa điểm, structure rõ ràng
• Hạn chế: Từ vựng hạn chế “very interesting”, “tiring”; thiếu descriptive language; không có collocations tự nhiên
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Thông tin đầy đủ nhưng cách diễn đạt còn basic, chưa tạo được ấn tượng về khả năng ngôn ngữ

📝 Sample Answer – Band 8-9:

“That would definitely be my three-week backpacking trip across Southeast Asia last year. I covered six countries, starting from Thailand and working my way down to Singapore. It was quite an epic adventure – I clocked up thousands of kilometers by plane, train, and even overnight buses. The experience was absolutely eye-opening, though I have to admit I was utterly exhausted by the end of it.”

Phân tích:

• Điểm mạnh: Vocabulary chủ động và precise “backpacking trip”, “covered”, “working my way down”, “clocked up”; sử dụng intensifiers “quite”, “absolutely”, “utterly”; cấu trúc đa dạng với dash để thêm thông tin; phrasal verbs tự nhiên; thừa nhận cả positive và challenging aspects
• Tại sao Band 8-9: Demonstrates native-like expressions, varied grammatical structures, natural flow với discourse markers, và descriptive language làm câu trả lời sinh động

💡 Key Vocabulary & Expressions:

• backpacking trip: chuyến du lịch ba lô (phong cách tiết kiệm, tự túc)
• cover (distance/places): đi qua nhiều địa điểm
• work one’s way (down/up/through): di chuyển dần từng phần
• epic adventure: cuộc phiêu lưu hoành tráng
• clock up: tích lũy được (quãng đường, thời gian)
• eye-opening: mở mang tầm mắt
• utterly exhausted: kiệt sức hoàn toàn

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Question: How do you usually travel long distances?

🎯 Cách tiếp cận:

• Nêu phương tiện chính bạn thường dùng
• Giải thích tại sao chọn phương tiện đó
• Có thể so sánh với các phương tiện khác

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

“I usually travel by plane for long distances because it’s the fastest way. Sometimes I take the train if the place is not too far. Planes are more comfortable than buses for long journeys.”

Phân tích:

• Điểm mạnh: Có comparison giữa các phương tiện, lý do rõ ràng
• Hạn chế: Vocabulary basic “fastest way”, “more comfortable”; thiếu personal touch và specific examples
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Adequate nhưng không impressive, thiếu sophistication trong language và ideas

📝 Sample Answer – Band 8-9:

“For intercontinental travel, flying is pretty much non-negotiable due to the time constraints I face. However, when it comes to domestic trips, I’m quite partial to high-speed trains. They offer a happy medium between speed and comfort – you get to enjoy scenic views along the way without the hassle of airport security or the environmental guilt that comes with air travel. Plus, train stations are usually centrally located, which makes them far more accessible.”

Phân tích:

• Điểm mạnh: Vocabulary sophisticated “non-negotiable”, “partial to”, “happy medium”, “hassle”; structure phức tạp với multiple clauses; đưa ra multiple reasons với logical connectors; thể hiện awareness về environmental issues; so sánh nuanced giữa các phương tiện
• Tại sao Band 8-9: Demonstrates advanced lexical resource, complex grammatical structures, coherent argument với multiple supporting points, và natural conversational style với personal opinion

💡 Key Vocabulary & Expressions:

• intercontinental travel: du lịch liên lục địa
• non-negotiable: không thể thương lượng, bắt buộc phải như vậy
• be partial to something: thiên về, ưa thích cái gì
• happy medium: sự cân bằng, điểm giữa lý tưởng
• scenic views: cảnh đẹp, phong cảnh tuyệt đẹp
• hassle: rắc rối, phiền phức
• environmental guilt: cảm giác tội lỗi về môi trường
• centrally located: ở vị trí trung tâm

Đối với những ai đang quan tâm đến cách miêu tả các trải nghiệm đáng nhớ khác trong IELTS Speaking, bạn có thể tham khảo thêm describe a memorable walk in a forest or nature trail để làm phong phú thêm kỹ năng kể chuyện của mình.

Học viên đang luyện tập IELTS Speaking Part 1 với chủ đề du lịch và hành trình dài

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, chiếm thời gian 3-4 phút bao gồm 1 phút chuẩn bị và 2-3 phút trình bày. Đây là cơ hội để thí sinh thể hiện khả năng nói liên tục, sử dụng ngôn ngữ mô tả chi tiết và tổ chức ý một cách mạch lạc.

Trong thời gian chuẩn bị 1 phút, bạn không nên viết câu hoàn chỉnh mà chỉ ghi các từ khóa chính theo từng bullet point. Điều này giúp bạn nhớ được structure mà vẫn giữ được tính tự nhiên khi nói. Một lưu ý quan trọng là bạn cần nói tối thiểu 1 phút 45 giây, lý tưởng là đủ 2 phút để tránh bị mất điểm về Fluency.

Khi kể về một chuyến đi trong quá khứ, việc sử dụng đúng và nhất quán các thì quá khứ là cực kỳ quan trọng. Nhiều học viên Việt Nam có xu hướng chuyển đổi qua lại giữa hiện tại và quá khứ, gây mất điểm Grammar nghiêm trọng.

Các lỗi thường gặp trong Part 2 bao gồm không tận dụng hết 1 phút chuẩn bị để outline ý, nói ngắn hơn 1 phút 30 giây do thiếu ý tưởng hoặc nervousness, bỏ sót một hoặc nhiều bullet points trong đề bài, và đặc biệt là phần “explain” cuối cùng thường bị trả lời sơ sài trong khi đây là phần quan trọng nhất để ghi điểm cao.

Cue Card

Describe a time when you went on a long journey

You should say:

• Where you went
• How you travelled
• Why you went there
• And explain how you felt about this journey

Phân Tích Đề Bài

• Dạng câu hỏi: Describe an experience/event – kể về một trải nghiệm cụ thể trong quá khứ
• Thì động từ: Quá khứ đơn (Past Simple) và quá khứ tiếp diễn (Past Continuous) cho các hành động đang diễn ra. Có thể dùng Past Perfect để nhắc đến điều gì đã xảy ra trước chuyến đi.
• Bullet points phải cover:
  • Where: Điểm đến cụ thể, có thể mô tả vắn tắt về địa điểm
  • How: Phương tiện di chuyển, có thể kể về quá trình hành trình
  • Why: Mục đích chuyến đi – đây là điểm quan trọng để phát triển ý
  • Explain feelings: Cảm xúc và suy nghĩ về chuyến đi – phần này chiếm nhiều thời gian nhất
• Câu “explain” quan trọng: Phần explain feelings không chỉ là liệt kê cảm xúc mà cần giải thích tại sao bạn có cảm xúc đó, chuyến đi ảnh hưởng như thế nào đến bạn, và có thể so sánh với expectations ban đầu. Đây là nơi để bạn thể hiện depth of thinking và vocabulary range.

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7

Thời lượng: Khoảng 1 phút 45 giây

I’d like to talk about a long journey I took to Da Nang last summer. It was my first time visiting this city and I was very excited about it.

I went there with my family in July. We decided to travel by plane because it’s faster than driving. The flight took about one hour and a half from Hanoi. When we arrived, we took a taxi to our hotel near the beach.

The reason why we went to Da Nang was to have a summer vacation. My father had been working very hard and he needed to rest. Also, my younger brother wanted to see the Golden Bridge that he saw on the Internet. It looked very beautiful in the photos.

During our stay, we visited many famous places like the Marble Mountains, Ba Na Hills, and of course the Golden Bridge. We also tried many local foods and went swimming every day. The weather was quite hot but we enjoyed it.

I felt very happy about this journey. It was a great time to spend time with my family. We don’t usually have much time together because everyone is busy with work or study. The city was beautiful and the people were friendly. I would like to go back there again in the future. This trip gave me many good memories and I took lots of photos to remember it.

Phân Tích Band Điểm

Tiêu chí	Band	Nhận xét
Fluency & Coherence	6-7	Có khả năng nói liên tục nhưng vẫn còn một số hesitation đơn giản. Sử dụng basic linking words như “also”, “because”, “during”. Coherent nhưng còn mechanical.
Lexical Resource	6-7	Vocabulary adequate cho task với “famous places”, “spend time with”, “decided to travel”. Có một số collocations nhưng chủ yếu là common phrases. Thiếu topic-specific vocabulary.
Grammatical Range & Accuracy	6-7	Sử dụng được mix của simple và complex sentences. Có Past Perfect “had been working”. Nhưng structures chủ yếu vẫn là basic và repetitive.
Pronunciation	6-7	Giả định rằng pronunciation rõ ràng, dễ hiểu với một số Vietnamese accent features nhưng không ảnh hưởng communication.

Điểm mạnh:

• ✅ Trả lời đầy đủ tất cả bullet points trong đề bài
• ✅ Có structure rõ ràng, theo đúng thứ tự yêu cầu
• ✅ Đủ độ dài cần thiết (khoảng 2 phút)
• ✅ Sử dụng đúng thì quá khứ nhất quán

Hạn chế:

• ⚠️ Vocabulary còn đơn giản và repetitive: “very excited”, “very happy”, “very beautiful”
• ⚠️ Thiếu descriptive language để làm câu chuyện sinh động
• ⚠️ Phần explain feelings còn superficial, chưa đi sâu vào emotional depth
• ⚠️ Cấu trúc câu chủ yếu là simple và compound, thiếu complex structures

📝 Sample Answer – Band 7.5-8

Thời lượng: Khoảng 2 phút 15 giây

I’d like to tell you about a memorable long-distance trip I took to northern Vietnam about two years ago. This was actually my first backpacking experience, and it turned out to be quite an adventure.

I set off on this journey with two close friends from university. We opted for a combination of transportation methods – we took an overnight train from Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi, which took roughly 30 hours, and then hired a motorbike to explore the mountainous regions. The train journey itself was quite an experience as we shared a compartment with some local travelers who were incredibly friendly and gave us insider tips about places to visit.

The main purpose of this trip was to explore the ethnic minority villages in Sapa and Ha Giang. I’d been fascinated by Vietnamese highland culture after reading about it in a travel blog, and I really wanted to immerse myself in a different way of life. Plus, the stunning landscapes of the northern mountains had been on my bucket list for years.

Throughout the journey, we trekked through terraced rice fields, stayed in traditional homestays, and even learned to cook some local dishes with our host families. The scenery was absolutely breathtaking – endless mountains covered in morning mist, rice terraces that looked like giant staircases, and night skies full of stars that you simply can’t see in the city.

Looking back, I felt incredibly enriched by this experience. It really pushed me out of my comfort zone as I had to navigate unfamiliar places, communicate with people who didn’t speak English, and adapt to very basic living conditions. What struck me most was the warmth and hospitality of the local people despite their simple lifestyle. This journey gave me a fresh perspective on life and made me appreciate the diversity of cultures within my own country. I came back feeling not just physically tired but emotionally fulfilled and eager to explore more off-the-beaten-track destinations.

Phân Tích Band Điểm

Tiêu chí	Band	Nhận xét
Fluency & Coherence	7.5-8	Nói trôi chảy với minimal hesitation. Sử dụng range of cohesive devices một cách flexible: “actually”, “throughout”, “looking back”. Clear progression of ideas từ preparation → journey → reflection.
Lexical Resource	7.5-8	Vocabulary precise và varied: “set off”, “opted for”, “immerse myself”, “breathtaking”. Có collocations tự nhiên: “ethnic minority villages”, “stunning landscapes”, “bucket list”. Paraphrasing tốt.
Grammatical Range & Accuracy	7.5-8	Wide range of structures: relative clauses “who were incredibly friendly”, past perfect “had been fascinated”, participle clauses “feeling not just…but also”. Complex sentences được sử dụng naturally.
Pronunciation	7.5-8	Giả định pronunciation clear với good use of intonation and stress, maintaining intelligibility throughout.

So Sánh Với Band 6-7

Khía cạnh	Band 6-7	Band 7.5-8
Vocabulary	“famous places”, “spend time with”	“ethnic minority villages”, “immerse myself”, “off-the-beaten-track destinations”
Grammar	“We decided to travel by plane because it’s faster”	“We opted for a combination of transportation methods”
Ideas	“I felt very happy”, “It was a great time”	“I felt incredibly enriched”, “pushed me out of my comfort zone”, “gave me a fresh perspective”
Descriptions	“The city was beautiful and the people were friendly”	“endless mountains covered in morning mist, rice terraces that looked like giant staircases”

📝 Sample Answer – Band 8.5-9

Thời lượng: 2 phút 40 giây đầy đủ

I’d like to recount a particularly transformative journey I embarked on about 18 months ago – a month-long solo expedition across the rugged landscapes of Nepal, culminating in a trek to Everest Base Camp. This was, without a doubt, the most physically and mentally demanding adventure I’ve ever undertaken.

The journey itself was quite multifaceted in terms of transportation. I initially flew from Hanoi to Kathmandu, which took about five hours with a layover in Bangkok. From there, I took what can only be described as a rather hair-raising domestic flight to Lukla, often dubbed the world’s most dangerous airport due to its perilously short runway perched on a mountain cliff. The actual trekking portion spanned roughly two weeks, during which I traversed everything from lush subtropical forests to barren high-altitude terrain.

My motivation for this expedition was two-fold. On a practical level, I’d been drawn to the idea of testing my physical limits and experiencing life at altitude – something completely foreign to me as someone from a sea-level city. On a deeper, more personal level, I was going through a transitional period in my career and felt I needed some time for introspection and to gain some clarity about my future direction. I’d read numerous accounts suggesting that challenging yourself physically can often lead to mental breakthroughs, and I was keen to experience this first-hand.

The trek itself was absolutely grueling yet profoundly rewarding. Each day we’d ascend higher into increasingly thin air, passing through quaint Sherpa villages where the locals’ resilience and adaptability to the harsh environment was truly humbling. The landscape evolved dramatically as we gained elevation – from verdant valleys dotted with prayer flags to stark, otherworldly alpine deserts. What really resonated with me was the simplicity of life in the mountains and the profound sense of camaraderie among fellow trekkers, all bound together by a shared goal and the challenges we faced.

Reflecting on this experience now, I’d say it was nothing short of life-altering. Physically, it was the most arduous thing I’ve ever done – the altitude sickness, the bone-chilling cold, the relentless physical exertion. Yet paradoxically, it was also when I felt most alive and present. The journey stripped away all the superfluous worries that usually preoccupy my mind and forced me to focus on the absolute essentials – breathing, putting one foot in front of the other, and appreciating each small milestone. This experience fundamentally shifted my perspective on what I’m capable of achieving and gave me a newfound confidence that has spilled over into all areas of my life. It taught me that discomfort is often a prerequisite for growth, and that the most meaningful experiences are rarely the easy ones. I returned home physically exhausted but spiritually rejuvenated, with a profound appreciation for both the grandeur of nature and my own untapped resilience.

Phân Tích Band Điểm

Tiêu chí	Band	Nhận xét
Fluency & Coherence	8.5-9	Speaks fluently với natural, effortless delivery. Sophisticated cohesive devices: “culminating in”, “on a deeper level”, “paradoxically”, “reflecting on”. Ideas được develop logically và coherently với clear progression.
Lexical Resource	8.5-9	Precise và sophisticated lexical choices: “recount”, “transformative”, “grueling”, “profoundly rewarding”. Natural idiomatic language: “nothing short of”, “putting one foot in front of the other”. Skillful use of less common vocabulary: “multifaceted”, “perilously”, “introspection”. Effective collocations: “rugged landscapes”, “profound sense of camaraderie”.
Grammatical Range & Accuracy	8.5-9	Full range of structures với flexibility: complex sentences với multiple clauses, participle phrases “perched on a mountain”, “bound together by”, inversion structures. Consistent accuracy throughout long, complex utterances.
Pronunciation	8.5-9	Giả định effortless pronunciation với sustained use of intonation, word stress để enhance meaning. Full control of phonological features.

Tại Sao Bài Này Xuất Sắc

🎯 Fluency Hoàn Hảo:
Bài nói duy trì được tempo tự nhiên, không có unnatural pauses hay repetition. Sử dụng các discourse markers tinh tế như “I’d like to recount”, “on a deeper, more personal level”, “reflecting on this experience now” để structure ideas một cách seamless. Có khả năng self-correction natural khi cần làm rõ ý “which took about five hours with a layover in Bangkok”.

📚 Vocabulary Tinh Vi:
Ví dụ: “a rather hair-raising domestic flight” – đây là cách diễn đạt idiomatic natural thay vì simply nói “a scary flight”. Việc sử dụng “hair-raising” (làm dựng tóc gáy) thể hiện precise word choice và collocation knowledge.

Ví dụ: “stripped away all the superfluous worries” – metaphor mạnh mẽ thay vì saying “made me forget my problems”. “Superfluous” là less common word choice thể hiện vocabulary range.

📝 Grammar Đa Dạng:
Ví dụ: “During which I traversed everything from lush subtropical forests to barren high-altitude terrain” – relative clause với preposition “during which” thay vì simple “and I walked through”. Cấu trúc “from…to…” để show range.

Ví dụ: “What really resonated with me was the simplicity of life” – cleft sentence để emphasis, thay vì “The simplicity of life resonated with me”. Thể hiện grammatical sophistication.

💡 Ideas Sâu Sắc:
Bài nói không chỉ describe journey mà còn explore the psychological và philosophical aspects. Việc thừa nhận “paradoxically, it was also when I felt most alive” thể hiện complexity of thought và ability to articulate nuanced feelings. Kết nối giữa physical challenge và personal growth được articulate một cách sophisticated, showing maturity of thinking.

Thí sinh đang tự tin trình bày bài nói Part 2 về chuyến hành trình dài đáng nhớ

Follow-up Questions (Rounding Off Questions)

Sau khi bạn hoàn thành bài nói Part 2, examiner thường hỏi 1-2 câu ngắn để transition sang Part 3. Đây là những câu hỏi đơn giản, trả lời ngắn gọn trong 2-3 câu là đủ.

Question 1: Would you like to take another trip like that in the future?

Band 6-7 Answer:
Yes, definitely. I really enjoyed the experience and I learned a lot from it. If I have time and money, I would like to visit other countries too.

Band 8-9 Answer:
Absolutely. In fact, I’ve already been plotting my next adventure. That experience really whetted my appetite for more challenging expeditions, and I’m now considering exploring the Annapurna region or perhaps even venturing further afield to Patagonia. Once you’ve caught the travel bug, it’s hard to stay put for too long.

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Question 2: Do you think long journeys are becoming easier nowadays?

Band 6-7 Answer:
Yes, I think so. We have better transportation now and technology helps us plan trips more easily. We can book everything online and find information quickly.

Band 8-9 Answer:
In many ways, yes. Technological advancements have certainly streamlined the logistics of travel – we can book flights in seconds, navigate unfamiliar cities with GPS, and communicate across language barriers with translation apps. However, I’d argue that this convenience might actually detract from the authentic experience of travel. The unpredictability and challenges that once characterized long journeys were often what made them most memorable and character-building.

Tương tự như cách chúng ta phát triển kỹ năng trong các chủ đề khác nhau, việc luyện tập với describe a time when you helped someone improve their skills cũng giúp bạn nâng cao khả năng miêu tả trải nghiệm cá nhân một cách chi tiết và mạch lạc.

IELTS Speaking Part 3: Two-way Discussion

Tổng Quan Về Part 3

Part 3 là phần thách thức nhất trong IELTS Speaking, kéo dài 4-5 phút với các câu hỏi thảo luận trừu tượng và phức tạp hơn nhiều so với Part 1 và 2. Examiner sẽ chuyển từ personal experience trong Part 2 sang broader, more abstract issues liên quan đến chủ đề travel và journeys.

Điểm khác biệt lớn nhất của Part 3 là bạn cần demonstrate ability to analyze, compare, evaluate, và speculate. Không còn là kể chuyện cá nhân, bây giờ bạn cần discuss social trends, cultural differences, causes and effects, advantages and disadvantages của các vấn đề.

Chiến lược hiệu quả cho Part 3 bao gồm mở rộng câu trả lời với 4-6 câu, structure câu trả lời rõ ràng với introduction → point 1 + example → point 2 + example → conclusion/balanced view, sử dụng discourse markers một cách sophisticated để organize ideas, và importantly, show critical thinking bằng cách acknowledge different perspectives trước khi present your opinion.

Lỗi thường gặp của học viên Việt Nam trong Part 3 rất đáng lưu ý: trả lời quá ngắn giống Part 1 khi Part 3 yêu cầu extended response, không có analysis hay reasoning chỉ state opinion không có support, thiếu vocabulary trừu tượng và academic để discuss complex topics, và thường chỉ nhìn nhận vấn đề từ một góc độ duy nhất thay vì balanced perspective.

Các Câu Hỏi Thảo Luận Sâu

Theme 1: Tourism and Its Impact

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Question 1: How has tourism changed over the past few decades?

🎯 Phân tích câu hỏi:

• Dạng: Compare past and present – yêu cầu so sánh xu hướng du lịch trước đây và hiện tại
• Key words: “changed”, “past few decades” – focus vào sự thay đổi qua thời gian
• Cách tiếp cận: Identify 2-3 major changes → Give reasons/examples → Có thể mention impact của những changes này

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

Well, tourism has changed a lot in recent years. In the past, traveling was more expensive and only rich people could afford it. Now, with cheap airlines, more people can travel to different countries. Also, the internet makes it easier to plan trips because we can find information and book hotels online. Another change is that people now travel more frequently than before. Many people take several trips per year instead of just one big holiday.

Phân tích:

• Structure: Có identify changes nhưng organization còn simple
• Vocabulary: Basic words “changed a lot”, “more expensive”, “easier”
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Ideas relevant và clear nhưng lacking sophistication trong expression và depth of analysis. Thiếu specific examples và chưa discuss implications của changes.

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📝 Câu trả lời mẫu – Band 8-9:

Well, tourism has undergone quite a dramatic transformation over the last few decades, I’d say. Perhaps the most significant shift has been the democratization of travel – what was once the preserve of the affluent has now become accessible to the masses, largely thanks to the proliferation of budget airlines and competitive pricing. Take Vietnam, for instance – just twenty years ago, international travel was a rare luxury, but now it’s not uncommon for middle-class families to take annual trips abroad.

Beyond accessibility, there’s also been a fundamental change in travel motivations and behaviors. The rise of social media has profoundly influenced how people experience destinations – there’s now this phenomenon of “Instagram tourism” where people visit places primarily to capture photogenic moments rather than to genuinely immerse themselves in the local culture. On top of that, we’ve seen the emergence of more niche forms of tourism like eco-tourism, voluntourism, and adventure tourism, which cater to travelers seeking more meaningful and authentic experiences rather than just ticking off famous landmarks.

However, I should mention that this exponential growth in tourism has been something of a double-edged sword – while it’s brought economic prosperity to many destinations, it’s also led to overtourism in popular spots, environmental degradation, and the commodification of local cultures.

Phân tích:

• Structure: Well-organized với clear progression: main change → specific example → additional changes → balanced conclusion acknowledging downsides
• Vocabulary: Sophisticated choices: “democratization”, “proliferation”, “photogenic moments”, “commodification”, “double-edged sword”
• Grammar: Complex structures: relative clauses “which cater to”, participle phrases “seeking more meaningful experiences”, cleft sentence implied meaning
• Critical Thinking: Balanced view với acknowledgment của both positive và negative aspects. Uses specific example (Vietnam) để illustrate points. Discusses multiple dimensions của change.

💡 Key Language Features:

• Discourse markers: “Well”, “Perhaps”, “Beyond”, “On top of that”, “However” – organize ideas smoothly
• Tentative language: “I’d say”, “quite a dramatic”, “something of a” – appropriately cautious
• Abstract nouns: “democratization”, “transformation”, “proliferation”, “phenomenon” – demonstrate academic vocabulary
• Hedging devices: “largely”, “not uncommon”, “primarily” – show nuanced thinking

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Question 2: What are the benefits of international travel for individuals?

🎯 Phân tích câu hỏi:

• Dạng: Advantages question – yêu cầu discuss benefits
• Key words: “international travel”, “individuals” – focus vào personal benefits, không phải society
• Cách tiếp cận: Identify 2-3 main benefits → Explain each với reasoning → Support với examples hoặc elaboration

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

International travel brings many benefits to people. First, it helps people learn about different cultures and ways of life. When you visit another country, you can try new foods, see historical places, and meet local people. This makes you more open-minded. Second, traveling improves your language skills if you go to countries where they speak different languages. You have to practice speaking and this helps you learn faster. Finally, traveling gives you good memories and helps you relax from work stress. Many people feel happier after a trip.

Phân tích:

• Structure: Clear với three benefits identified
• Vocabulary: Adequate nhưng common: “open-minded”, “improve”, “helps you relax”
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Points are relevant và adequately explained nhưng lacking depth and sophisticated expression. Examples are general rather than specific.

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📝 Câu trả lời mẫu – Band 8-9:

I’d say the benefits are quite multifaceted, actually. On a personal level, international travel is perhaps unparalleled in its ability to broaden one’s horizons and foster cultural intelligence. When you’re immersed in a completely different cultural context, you’re forced to step outside your comfort zone and challenge your preconceptions about how the world works. This kind of firsthand exposure to diversity is something that simply can’t be replicated through books or documentaries.

From a more practical standpoint, international travel also cultivates essential soft skills that are increasingly valued in our globalized world. Navigating unfamiliar environments, communicating across language barriers, and adapting to unexpected situations all contribute to enhanced problem-solving abilities and resilience. I’ve noticed this in my own experience – after my backpacking trip through Southeast Asia, I became much more resourceful and confident in handling ambiguous situations at work.

What’s more, there’s growing research suggesting that travel has tangible mental health benefits. The novelty and stimulation of new experiences can boost creativity and cognitive flexibility, while the break from routine provides much-needed psychological restoration. In fact, studies have shown that even anticipating a trip can increase happiness levels, which speaks to the profound psychological impact of travel beyond just the journey itself.

Phân tích:

• Structure: Sophisticated organization: personal development → practical skills → psychological benefits. Each point được elaborate thoroughly
• Vocabulary: Precise and sophisticated: “multifaceted”, “unparalleled”, “cultivates”, “cognitive flexibility”, “psychological restoration”
• Grammar: Full range: relative clauses, participle phrases “navigating unfamiliar environments”, passive voice “can’t be replicated”, complex noun phrases
• Critical Thinking: Evidence-based argument với reference to research. Personal example to illustrate. Multiple dimensions được explore comprehensively

💡 Key Language Features:

• Discourse markers: “On a personal level”, “From a more practical standpoint”, “What’s more” – clear signposting
• Tentative language: “I’d say”, “perhaps”, “increasingly” – appropriately measured claims
• Academic vocabulary: “cultivates”, “tangible”, “cognitive flexibility” – appropriate register for abstract discussion

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Theme 2: Changes in Travel Patterns

Question 1: Why do you think more people are interested in adventure tourism nowadays?

🎯 Phân tích câu hỏi:

• Dạng: Cause/Reason question – yêu cầu explain reasons cho trend
• Key words: “more people”, “adventure tourism”, “nowadays” – focus vào current trend và its causes
• Cách tiếp cận: Identify 2-3 reasons → Explain each reason → Có thể link reasons together hoặc discuss broader context

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

I think adventure tourism is becoming popular for several reasons. First, people nowadays have boring office jobs, so they want exciting activities when they travel. Adventure tourism like climbing or diving gives them new experiences. Second, social media makes people want to share interesting photos with friends. When they do something adventurous, they get more likes and comments. Also, young people today like to challenge themselves and prove they can do difficult things. Adventure tourism gives them this opportunity.

Phân tích:

• Structure: Three reasons identified clearly
• Vocabulary: Basic expressions: “boring jobs”, “exciting activities”, “interesting photos”
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Reasons are logical nhưng expressed simply. Lacks sophistication và depth of analysis.

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📝 Câu trả lời mẫu – Band 8-9:

Well, I think this trend stems from a combination of social, psychological, and economic factors. Firstly, there’s what psychologists call “experience saturation” in modern life – we’re bombarded with constant stimulation through technology and media, which paradoxically makes us crave more intense, authentic experiences that can’t be mediated through a screen. Adventure tourism fulfills this need for visceral, real-world challenges that make people feel truly alive and present.

Another key driver is the shifting values among younger generations, particularly Millennials and Gen Z. There’s been a marked move away from materialistic pursuits toward collecting experiences rather than possessions. This generation places a premium on personal growth and self-actualization, and adventure tourism aligns perfectly with these values – it’s seen as an investment in oneself rather than just a holiday.

From an economic perspective, the growing middle class in developing countries has created a burgeoning market for adventure tourism. Coupled with more affordable travel options and extensive online resources that make remote destinations seem more accessible, activities that were once the domain of professional adventurers are now within reach of ordinary travelers.

I’d also argue that social media has fundamentally altered the motivational landscape of travel. There’s now significant social currency attached to undertaking adventurous activities – the bragging rights and enviable content they generate can enhance one’s social status. While this might seem somewhat superficial, it’s undeniably a powerful motivator for many people to push their boundaries.

Phân tích:

• Structure: Four well-developed reasons với clear signposting. Each paragraph explores one dimension thoroughly
• Vocabulary: Highly sophisticated: “experience saturation”, “visceral”, “self-actualization”, “burgeoning market”, “social currency”, “bragging rights”
• Grammar: Complex structures throughout: passive voice “can’t be mediated”, cleft structures implied, multiple subordinate clauses
• Critical Thinking: Multi-dimensional analysis covering psychology, sociology, economics. Acknowledges complexity “while this might seem superficial”. Uses academic terminology appropriately “what psychologists call”

💡 Key Language Features:

• Discourse markers: “Firstly”, “Another key driver”, “From an economic perspective”, “I’d also argue” – sophisticated organization
• Tentative language: “I think”, “I’d argue”, “undeniably” – balanced certainty
• Abstract nouns: “saturation”, “actualization”, “motivational landscape” – academic register
• Collocations: “stems from”, “bombarded with”, “places a premium on”, “within reach” – natural, idiomatic language

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Question 2: Do you think the rise of virtual reality might reduce people’s desire to travel in the future?

🎯 Phân tích câu hỏi:

• Dạng: Speculation/Future prediction – yêu cầu predict và give opinion
• Key words: “virtual reality”, “reduce”, “desire to travel”, “future”
• Cách tiếp cận: Present both sides → Give your opinion → Explain reasoning với examples

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

That’s an interesting question. I don’t think virtual reality will replace real travel completely. While VR can show us beautiful places and give us some experience of different locations, it cannot give us the real feeling of being there. When you travel, you can touch things, smell the air, taste local food, and talk to real people. VR cannot provide these things. However, VR might be useful for people who cannot afford to travel or have health problems. So I think both VR and real travel will exist together in the future.

Phân tích:

• Structure: Balanced view với both sides considered
• Vocabulary: Simple expressions: “beautiful places”, “real feeling”, “cannot provide”
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Logical argument nhưng lacking sophistication. Points are predictable và not deeply explored.

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📝 Câu trả lời mẫu – Band 8-9:

That’s a fascinating question, and I’d say the answer is nuanced. On one hand, VR technology does have the potential to democratize access to destinations that might be prohibitively expensive or physically inaccessible for many people. Someone with mobility limitations or financial constraints could theoretically experience the Grand Canyon or the Great Wall of China from their living room. In this sense, VR might satisfy certain aspects of wanderlust for some individuals, particularly those seeking visual experiences or educational content.

However, I’m quite skeptical that VR will ever truly supplant physical travel for several reasons. At its core, travel is an inherently multi-sensory and embodied experience that transcends mere visual stimulation. The subtle nuances of a place – the humidity in the air, the ambient sounds of a busy market, the taste of authentic street food, the spontaneous interactions with locals – these elements are what create truly memorable and transformative experiences. VR, by its very nature, is a mediated, disembodied experience that lacks the unpredictability and serendipity that often make travel so enriching.

Moreover, there’s something profoundly important about the physical act of journeying – the effort, the anticipation, even the discomfort involved. These elements contribute to the emotional significance we attach to our experiences. If we can “visit” anywhere instantly through VR, we might actually devalue those experiences through over-accessibility. It’s similar to how unlimited streaming has paradoxically made us less engaged with individual films.

That said, I do think VR will carve out its own niche as a complementary tool – perhaps for pre-trip research, armchair travel for the homebound, or reliving past journeys. But replace the fundamental human impulse to explore, connect, and physically traverse new territories? I highly doubt it.

Phân tích:

• Structure: Sophisticated discussion: acknowledge potential → present main argument against → elaborate reasoning → conclude with nuanced position
• Vocabulary: Precise and varied: “nuanced”, “democratize”, “supplant”, “embodied experience”, “serendipity”, “armchair travel”
• Grammar: Full range: conditional structures “if we can visit anywhere”, relative clauses, cleft sentences “It’s similar to how”, complex noun phrases
• Critical Thinking: Highly sophisticated analysis with philosophical depth. Compares to analogous situation (streaming). Considers multiple stakeholders. Balanced yet clear position.

💡 Key Language Features:

• Discourse markers: “On one hand”, “However”, “Moreover”, “That said” – clear argumentation structure
• Tentative language: “I’d say”, “theoretically”, “I’m quite skeptical”, “I highly doubt” – appropriate hedging for speculation
• Abstract concepts: “wanderlust”, “serendipity”, “embodied experience”, “emotional significance” – sophisticated vocabulary
• Rhetorical question: Used at end to emphasize point strongly

Khi bạn trải nghiệm những hành trình dài, điều đó cũng gợi lên cảm giác tự hào và thành tựu, tương tự như describe a time when you were very happy with your work – cả hai đều là những khoảnh khắc đáng nhớ trong cuộc đời.

Thảo luận sâu về du lịch và hành trình trong IELTS Speaking Part 3

Theme 3: Cultural Impact of Travel

Question 1: How does international travel affect local cultures and communities?

🎯 Phân tích câu hỏi:

• Dạng: Effect/Impact question – yêu cầu discuss consequences
• Key words: “international travel”, “affect”, “local cultures and communities”
• Cách tiếp cận: Discuss both positive and negative impacts → Provide examples → Possibly suggest balanced view

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

International travel affects local cultures in both good and bad ways. On the positive side, tourism brings money to local communities and creates jobs for people. Local people can sell traditional crafts to tourists and share their culture. This helps preserve their traditions. However, there are also negative effects. Sometimes, too many tourists can damage historical sites and natural areas. Also, local culture might change because people start copying tourists’ behavior and values. Some traditional customs might disappear because of foreign influence.

Phân tích:

• Structure: Clear với positive và negative sides
• Vocabulary: Basic words: “good and bad ways”, “brings money”, “damage”
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Points are relevant nhưng treatment is superficial. Lacks specific examples và sophisticated analysis of complex cultural dynamics.

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📝 Câu trả lời mẫu – Band 8-9:

Well, the relationship between tourism and local cultures is decidedly complex and multifaceted. On the positive side, international travel can serve as a powerful economic lifeline for communities, particularly in developing regions where alternative income sources may be scarce. Tourism generates employment, stimulates local businesses, and can provide the financial impetus for preserving cultural heritage that might otherwise be neglected or abandoned. For example, the revenue generated from visitors to Hoi An’s ancient town in Vietnam has funded extensive restoration efforts and incentivized local residents to maintain traditional architecture and customs.

However, there’s a darker side to this equation that we can’t overlook. The influx of tourists often leads to what anthropologists call “cultural commodification” – where authentic cultural practices are transformed into performances or products designed to appeal to tourist expectations rather than reflecting genuine traditions. This can result in a kind of “cultural Disneyfication” where local culture becomes sanitized and staged for external consumption. Take the hill tribes in northern Thailand, for instance – many have been criticized for essentially becoming “human zoos” where traditional ways of life are performed rather than lived.

Furthermore, there’s the issue of economic dependency and structural inequality. While tourism does create jobs, they’re often low-wage, seasonal positions that leave communities vulnerable to economic fluctuations. The real profits frequently flow to large international corporations rather than remaining in local hands. This dynamic can create a problematic power imbalance where local communities become beholden to tourist preferences and lose autonomy over their own cultural narrative.

That being said, I think the impact ultimately depends on how tourism is managed. Community-based tourism and sustainable tourism models that prioritize local ownership and decision-making can help mitigate these negative effects while still reaping the economic benefits.

Phân tích:

• Structure: Highly sophisticated với clear progression: positive effects → negative effects → deeper structural issues → balanced conclusion
• Vocabulary: Academic và precise: “multifaceted”, “commodification”, “Disneyfication”, “beholden to”, “mitigate”
• Grammar: Full range: passive voice “are transformed into”, relative clauses, complex noun phrases “the financial impetus for preserving”
• Critical Thinking: Uses academic terminology “anthropologists call”. Specific examples (Hoi An, Thai hill tribes). Discusses structural issues beyond surface level. Balanced perspective acknowledging complexity

💡 Key Language Features:

• Discourse markers: “On the positive side”, “However”, “Furthermore”, “That being said” – clear argumentation
• Tentative language: “decidedly”, “can serve as”, “often leads to”, “ultimately depends” – appropriate hedging
• Abstract nouns: “commodification”, “autonomy”, “dynamic”, “fluctuations” – academic register
• Collocations: “economic lifeline”, “influx of tourists”, “power imbalance” – sophisticated expressions

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Question 2: What can governments do to manage the negative impacts of mass tourism?

🎯 Phân tích câu hỏi:

• Dạng: Problem-Solution question – yêu cầu suggest measures
• Key words: “governments”, “manage”, “negative impacts”, “mass tourism”
• Cách tiếp cận: Identify 2-3 practical solutions → Explain how each would work → Possibly mention challenges

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

Governments should do several things to control tourism problems. First, they can limit the number of tourists who visit popular places each day. This will prevent overcrowding and protect the environment. Second, governments should make strict rules about tourist behavior, like not littering or damaging historical sites, and give fines to people who break these rules. Third, they can promote less famous places to tourists so that not everyone goes to the same locations. This helps spread out tourists to different areas. These actions will help reduce the problems caused by too many tourists.

Phân tích:

• Structure: Three solutions clearly identified
• Vocabulary: Simple language: “control problems”, “make strict rules”, “less famous places”
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Solutions are reasonable nhưng expressed simply. Lacks sophistication và consideration of implementation challenges or stakeholder perspectives.

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📝 Câu trả lời mẫu – Band 8-9:

This is quite a pressing issue, and I think it requires a multi-pronged approach combining regulatory measures, economic incentives, and educational initiatives.

First and foremost, governments need to implement robust carrying capacity limits at vulnerable destinations. This isn’t simply about capping visitor numbers, though that’s important – it’s about sophisticated management systems that distribute tourist flows more evenly across time and space. Barcelona’s zoning regulations and Venice’s tourist tax and booking system are good examples of this approach. By making peak times more expensive or requiring advance reservations, authorities can smooth out visitation patterns and prevent the kind of crushing overcrowding that degrades both the visitor experience and local quality of life.

Equally crucial is investing in and promoting sustainable tourism alternatives. Governments could provide financial incentives – tax breaks, grants, or subsidized loans – for businesses that adopt eco-friendly practices or for communities developing community-based tourism initiatives. They might also leverage their marketing power to shine a spotlight on off-the-beaten-path destinations, thereby alleviating pressure on over-touristed hotspots. Vietnam has actually started doing this quite effectively, promoting places like Ha Giang and Phu Quoc to divert visitors from saturated destinations like Ha Long Bay.

On the regulatory front, governments should enforce stricter environmental and cultural protection standards. This means rigorously monitoring the environmental impact of tourism infrastructure, mandating environmental impact assessments for new developments, and imposing substantial penalties for violations. Crucially, local communities should be genuinely involved in decision-making processes – not just token consultation but real power-sharing in determining how tourism unfolds in their areas.

However, I should note that these measures require political will and can face significant pushback from the tourism industry and even from cash-strapped local governments dependent on tourism revenue. There’s also the tricky balance between protecting destinations and maintaining economic viability. It’s not a simple equation, but I’d argue that long-term sustainability should take precedence over short-term profits – otherwise, destinations risk killing the golden goose.

Phân tích:

• Structure: Extremely well-organized: introduction stating approach → three main solutions each fully developed → conclusion acknowledging challenges
• Vocabulary: Sophisticated and precise: “multi-pronged approach”, “carrying capacity”, “alleviating pressure”, “token consultation”, “killing the golden goose”
• Grammar: Full range: complex sentences, passive structures “should be genuinely involved”, conditional implications, idiomatic expressions
• Critical Thinking: Uses specific examples (Barcelona, Venice, Vietnam). Acknowledges implementation challenges và political realities. Discusses multiple stakeholders. Shows awareness of complexities và trade-offs

💡 Key Language Features:

• Discourse markers: “First and foremost”, “Equally crucial”, “On the regulatory front”, “However” – clear organization
• Tentative language: “I think”, “could provide”, “I’d argue”, “I should note” – appropriate certainty levels
• Abstract nouns: “initiatives”, “viability”, “sustainability”, “precedence” – academic register
• Idiomatic expressions: “multi-pronged approach”, “killing the golden goose”, “token consultation” – natural, sophisticated language

Trong quá trình du lịch và khám phá, đôi khi chúng ta cũng mang theo những món đồ đặc biệt có ý nghĩa, và việc miêu tả chúng cũng là một kỹ năng quan trọng, như trong đề tài describe a piece of clothing that is special to you.

Từ vựng và cụm từ quan trọng

Topic-Specific Vocabulary

Từ vựng/Cụm từ	Loại từ	Phiên âm	Nghĩa tiếng Việt	Ví dụ	Collocation
embark on	phrasal verb	/ɪmˈbɑːrk ɒn/	bắt đầu (một hành trình, dự án)	I embarked on a three-month backpacking adventure.	embark on a journey/trip/adventure/expedition
expedition	noun	/ˌekspəˈdɪʃn/	chuyến thám hiểm, chuyến đi có mục đích cụ thể	The expedition to the Arctic was challenging.	a scientific expedition, embark on an expedition, lead an expedition
traverse	verb	/trəˈvɜːrs/	băng qua, đi ngang qua	We traversed the entire length of the country.	traverse a distance/terrain/landscape
grueling	adjective	/ˈɡruːəlɪŋ/	vất vả, khắc nghiệt	The trek was absolutely grueling but rewarding.	a grueling journey/schedule/experience/workout
breathtaking	adjective	/ˈbreθteɪkɪŋ/	ngoạn mục, đẹp đến nghẹt thở	The mountain views were absolutely breathtaking.	breathtaking scenery/views/beauty/landscape
off-the-beaten-track	adjective phrase	/ɒf ðə ˈbiːtn træk/	hẻo lánh, ít người biết đến	We prefer off-the-beaten-track destinations.	off-the-beaten-track destination/location/place
wanderlust	noun	/ˈwɒndəlʌst/	khao khát du lịch, đam mê xê dịch	His wanderlust led him to 50 countries.	satisfy one’s wanderlust, a sense of wanderlust
itinerary	noun	/aɪˈtɪnərəri/	lịch trình, hành trình	We planned a detailed itinerary for the trip.	plan/create/follow an itinerary, a flexible itinerary
altitude sickness	noun phrase	/ˈæltɪtjuːd ˈsɪknəs/	say độ cao (bệnh do thiếu oxy ở độ cao)	Many climbers suffer from altitude sickness.	suffer from/experience altitude sickness, symptoms of altitude sickness
jet lag	noun	/ˈdʒet læɡ/	mệt mỏi do lệch múi giờ	I always get terrible jet lag on long flights.	suffer from/overcome/recover from jet lag
backpacking	noun	/ˈbækpækɪŋ/	du lịch ba lô (tự túc, tiết kiệm)	Backpacking through Europe is popular among young travelers.	go backpacking, a backpacking trip/adventure
immerse oneself	verb phrase	/ɪˈmɜːrs wʌnˈself/	đắm mình vào, hòa mình vào	I tried to immerse myself in the local culture.	immerse oneself in culture/experience/environment
bucket list	noun	/ˈbʌkɪt lɪst/	danh sách những điều muốn làm trước khi chết	Visiting Machu Picchu is on my bucket list.	on one’s bucket list, bucket list destination/item
scenic route	noun phrase	/ˈsiːnɪk ruːt/	con đường có phong cảnh đẹp	We took the scenic route through the mountains.	take the scenic route, a scenic route/drive
layover	noun	/ˈleɪəʊvər/	thời gian chờ giữa các chuyến bay	We had a six-hour layover in Dubai.	a long/short layover, during the layover
overtourism	noun	/ˌəʊvəˈtʊərɪzəm/	tình trạng quá tải du khách	Venice is suffering from severe overtourism.	combat/tackle/address overtourism, the problem of overtourism
homestay	noun	/ˈhəʊmsteɪ/	lưu trú tại nhà dân địa phương	We stayed in a traditional homestay in the village.	stay at/book a homestay, a local homestay
hospitality	noun	/ˌhɒspɪˈtæləti/	lòng hiếu khách	The hospitality of the local people was amazing.	warm/generous hospitality, show hospitality
commute	verb/noun	/kəˈmjuːt/	đi lại (giữa nhà và nơi làm việc)	My daily commute takes an hour each way.	commute to work, a long/short commute
accessible	adjective	/əkˈsesəbl/	dễ tiếp cận, có thể đến được	The tourist site is easily accessible by public transport.	easily/readily accessible, make something accessible

Bảng từ vựng IELTS Speaking chủ đề du lịch và hành trình dài

Idiomatic Expressions & Advanced Phrases

Cụm từ	Nghĩa	Ví dụ sử dụng	Band điểm
catch the travel bug	bị “nghiện” du lịch	Once you catch the travel bug, it’s hard to stay home for long.	7.5-9
whet one’s appetite	kích thích sự ham muốn	That first trip to Thailand really whetted my appetite for Asian travel.	7.5-9
a double-edged sword	con dao hai lưỡi (có cả tốt và xấu)	Tourism is a double-edged sword for small communities.	8-9
work one’s way (through/down/up)	di chuyển dần, đi từng bước	We worked our way down the coast from north to south.	7.5-8
push oneself out of one’s comfort zone	vượt ra khỏi vùng an toàn	Solo travel really pushes you out of your comfort zone.	7.5-8
a far cry from	khác xa, không thể so sánh với	The reality was a far cry from the glossy brochure images.	7.5-9
tick off (items/places)	đánh dấu hoàn thành (trong danh sách)	Many tourists just want to tick off famous landmarks.	7-8
recharge one’s batteries	nạp lại năng lượng	I need a vacation to recharge my batteries.	7-8
at a snail’s pace	với tốc độ cực chậm	Traffic moved at a snail’s pace through the city center.	7.5-8
kill the golden goose	giết con gà đẻ trứng vàng (hủy hoại nguồn lợi)	Overdevelopment might kill the golden goose for tourist destinations.	8-9
be drawn to	bị thu hút bởi	I’ve always been drawn to remote, isolated places.	7.5-8
a stone’s throw away	rất gần, trong khoảng cách ngắn	The hotel was just a stone’s throw away from the beach.	7-8

Discourse Markers (Từ Nối Ý Trong Speaking)

Để bắt đầu câu trả lời:

• 📝 Well,… – Sử dụng khi bạn cần một chút thời gian để suy nghĩ hoặc khi câu hỏi không có câu trả lời đơn giản
• 📝 Actually,… – Khi bạn sắp đưa ra thông tin có thể khác với mong đợi hoặc góc nhìn khác
• 📝 To be honest,… – Khi bạn muốn nhấn mạnh tính chân thật của câu trả lời
• 📝 I’d say that… – Cách lịch sự và tự nhiên để đưa ra quan điểm cá nhân
• 📝 That’s an interesting question… – Để thừa nhận câu hỏi và tạo thời gian suy nghĩ

Để bổ sung ý:

• 📝 On top of that,… – Thêm vào đó, hơn nữa (informal)
• 📝 What’s more,… – Hơn thế nữa (slightly formal)
• 📝 Not to mention… – Chưa kể đến
• 📝 Beyond that,… – Ngoài ra còn
• 📝 In addition to this,… – Thêm vào điều này (formal)

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 said,… – Tuy nhiên, dù vậy (để chuyển sang ý đối lập)
• 📝 Having said that,… – Mặc dù vừa nói như vậy (để introduce contrasting point)

Để nêu lý do:

• 📝 The main reason is that… – Lý do chính là
• 📝 This stems from… – Điều này bắt nguồn từ
• 📝 This is largely due to… – Điều này chủ yếu là do

Để đưa ra ví dụ:

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

Để kết luận:

• 📝 All in all,… – Tóm lại, xét cho cùng
• 📝 At the end of the day,… – Cuối cùng thì (nhấn mạnh điều quan trọng nhất)
• 📝 Ultimately,… – Cuối cùng, về cơ bản
• 📝 In the final analysis,… – Xét về mặt tổng thể (formal)

Grammatical Structures Ấn Tượng

1. Conditional Sentences (Câu điều kiện):

• Mixed conditional: “If I hadn’t taken that trip, I wouldn’t be the person I am today.”

  • Dùng để nói về điều kiện trong quá khứ ảnh hưởng đến hiện tại

• Inversion for emphasis: “Had I known how challenging it would be, I might have prepared better.”

  • Đảo ngữ để nhấn mạnh, formal và sophisticated hơn

2. Relative Clauses (Mệnh đề quan hệ):

• Non-defining: “The journey, which lasted three weeks, completely changed my perspective.”

  • Thêm thông tin bổ sung, ngăn cách bởi dấu phẩy

• Reduced relative clauses: “The experience gained from traveling is invaluable.”

  • Rút gọn mệnh đề quan hệ để câu mượt mà hơn

3. Passive Voice (Câu bị động):

• It is thought/believed/said that… “It’s widely believed that travel broadens the mind.”

  • Cách impersonal để present common opinions

• Have/Get something done: “I had my passport renewed before the trip.”

  • Causative structure để nói về việc ai đó làm gì cho bạn

4. Cleft Sentences (Câu chẻ):

• What I find most…, is… “What I find most rewarding about travel is the personal growth it brings.”

  • Nhấn mạnh điểm quan trọng nhất

• The thing that…, is… “The thing that struck me most was the kindness of strangers.”

  • Focus attention vào một aspect cụ thể

• It was… that… “It was the people I met that made the journey memorable, not the places.”

  • Emphasis structure để highlight specific element

5. Participle Clauses (Mệnh đề phân từ):

• Having traveled extensively, I’ve learned to adapt quickly.

  • Thể hiện sequence và cause-effect relationship

• Exhausted but exhilarated, we finally reached the summit.

  • Descriptive structure để add detail concisely

6. Inversion Structures:

• Not only did the journey test my limits, but it also revealed my strengths.

  • Emphatic structure với negative adverbial ở đầu câu

• Rarely have I experienced such hospitality.

  • Formal emphasis với frequency adverbs

Những người thân yêu cũng có thể là nguồn cảm hứng trong các hành trình của chúng ta, và nếu bạn muốn học cách miêu tả họ một cách ấn tượng, hãy tham khảo describe a family member who inspires you.

Chiến Lược Tối Ưu Hóa Điểm Số

Các Yếu Tố Quyết Định Band Điểm Cao

Để đạt band 8-9 trong IELTS Speaking với chủ đề journey, bạn cần master bốn tiêu chí chấm điểm chính theo band descriptors chính thức:

Fluency and Coherence (Độ trôi chảy và mạch lạc):

Ở band 8-9, bạn cần nói một cách tự nhiên không hesitation với very occasional repetition hoặc self-correction. Sử dụng wide range of cohesive devices một cách flexible và appropriate. Develops topics fully và appropriately.

Để đạt được điều này:

• Practice speaking liên tục trong 2-3 phút không dừng
• Record yourself và identify các patterns của hesitation
• Học cách paraphrase thay vì repeat cùng một từ
• Sử dụng discourse markers để signpost ideas rõ ràng

Lexical Resource (Từ vựng):

Band 8-9 yêu cầu wide vocabulary range với very natural và sophisticated control of lexical features. Rare minor errors chỉ xảy ra như ‘slips’. Uses idiomatic language naturally và precisely.

Strategies hiệu quả:

• Build topic-specific vocabulary banks (như trong bài này)
• Learn collocations không phải individual words
• Practice paraphrasing common words với advanced alternatives
• Note down và practice idiomatic expressions trong context

Grammatical Range and Accuracy (Ngữ pháp):

Ở level cao nhất, bạn cần demonstrate full flexibility với wide range of structures. The majority of sentences are error-free với only very occasional inappropriacies hoặc basic errors.

Cách improve:

• Master tất cả tenses, especially khi kể stories
• Incorporate complex structures naturally (conditionals, relative clauses)
• Practice self-correction khi nhận ra errors
• Focus on accuracy không sacrificing fluency

Pronunciation (Phát âm):

Band 8-9 requires easy understanding throughout với sophisticated control of intonation, word stress, và sentence stress. L1 accent có một chút effect nhưng không affect intelligibility.

Tips để enhance:

• Shadow native speakers để improve intonation
• Record và compare pronunciation với models
• Focus on thought groups và pausing appropriately
• Practice word stress trong multi-syllable words

Common Mistakes Của Học Viên Việt Nam

1. Over-memorization và Template Dependence:

Nhiều học viên học thuộc entire answers hoặc rigid templates. Examiners rất skilled at identifying memorized responses và sẽ penalize heavily. Thay vào đó, memorize useful phrases và structures nhưng adapt them flexibly.

2. Vietnamese Thinking Patterns:

Xu hướng translate trực tiếp từ tiếng Việt sang tiếng Anh dẫn đến unnatural expressions. Ví dụ: “I feel very interesting” thay vì “I find it very interesting”. Solution: Immerse yourself in English content để internalize natural patterns.

3. Limited Vocabulary Range:

Overuse của very, good, bad, interesting, beautiful. Practice paraphrasing với sophisticated alternatives: fascinating, captivating, remarkable, stunning.

4. Grammar Tense Confusion:

Especially when narrating past events, mixing present và past tenses. Practice telling stories consistently trong past tenses.

5. Insufficient Development:

Answering questions quá briefly, especially trong Part 3. Remember: Part 3 answers should be 4-6 sentences với reasoning và examples.

6. Pronunciation Issues:

Common problems bao gồm:

• Final consonant sounds dropped: “trip” becomes “tri”
• Th-sounds replaced: “three” becomes “tree”
• Stress patterns incorrect: “PHOtography” instead of “phoTOgraphy”

Lộ Trình Học Tập Đề Xuất

Giai đoạn 1 – Foundation (2-3 tuần):

• Build vocabulary base với 100+ essential travel/journey words
• Master basic structures để describe past events
• Practice answering Part 1 questions trong 2-3 câu
• Work on pronunciation basics

Giai đoạn 2 – Development (3-4 tuần):

• Develop longer responses cho Part 2 (2 minutes)
• Learn và practice idiomatic expressions
• Work on complex grammar structures
• Practice với variety of cue cards

Giai đoạn 3 – Advanced (2-3 tuần):

• Focus on Part 3 abstract discussions
• Refine pronunciation và intonation
• Practice expressing nuanced opinions
• Mock tests với feedback

Daily Practice Routine:

• 15 phút: Vocabulary review và usage practice
• 20 phút: Speaking practice (record yourself)
• 10 phút: Listen và analyze model answers
• 10 phút: Pronunciation drills

Lời Khuyên Từ Examiner

Với hơn 20 năm kinh nghiệm chấm thi, tôi muốn chia sẻ một số insider insights:

What Examiners Really Look For:

• Authenticity: Chúng tôi muốn hear YOUR voice, không phải memorized scripts
• Natural interaction: Good eye contact, appropriate body language
• Communication willingness: Sẵn sàng express ideas even khi không chắc chắn 100%
• Personality: Don’t be afraid to show emotion và enthusiasm

Red Flags That Lower Scores:

• Long silences (hơn 2-3 giây) without any attempt to speak
• Obvious memorization with robotic delivery
• Asking examiner to repeat questions nhiều lần
• Giving up mid-answer: “I don’t know” without any attempt

How to Impress Your Examiner:

• Use sophisticated vocabulary naturally
• Self-correct gracefully: “I mean…” “What I’m trying to say is…”
• Show critical thinking bằng cách acknowledge complexity
• Connect ideas smoothly với appropriate markers
• Demonstrate range bằng cách vary sentence structures

Test Day Tips:

• Arrive 30 minutes early để settle nerves
• Make small talk với examiner naturally khi enter room
• Speak at normal pace – không rush
• If you don’t understand, ask politely: “Could you rephrase that, please?”
• Maintain engagement throughout – nod, smile appropriately
• Don’t panic nếu make small errors – continue confidently

Remember: Examiner muốn bạn succeed. Chúng tôi không try to trick bạn. Relax, be yourself, và showcase your English abilities naturally.

Kết Luận

Chủ đề “Describe a time when you went on a long journey” là một trong những đề bài kinh điển và challenging nhất trong IELTS Speaking. Qua bài viết này, bạn đã được trang bị comprehensive understanding về cách approach topic này ở cả ba parts của bài thi.

Key takeaways quan trọng nhất bao gồm việc hiểu rõ requirements của từng part – Part 1 cần short, natural responses, Part 2 yêu cầu sustained monologue với clear structure, và Part 3 demands critical thinking với abstract discussion. Sự khác biệt giữa các band scores nằm không chỉ ở vocabulary mà còn ở sophistication of ideas, grammatical complexity, và natural delivery.

Remember rằng achieving band 8-9 không phải về memorizing perfect answers mà về developing genuine English communication skills. Practice regularly với variety of journey-related topics, record yourself để identify areas for improvement, và importantly, expose yourself to authentic English để internalize natural patterns.

Các sample answers trong bài được design để show progression từ band 6-7 đến 8-9, giúp bạn understand exactly những gì examiners đang look for. Vocabulary list và grammatical structures provided sẽ serve as valuable resources trong preparation journey của bạn.

Cuối cùng, đừng forget rằng travel và journeys là universal experiences mà everyone can relate to. Tap into your own genuine experiences, emotions, và reflections khi prepare cho topic này. Authenticity combined với strong language skills sẽ always impress examiners hơn là perfectly memorized but soulless responses.

Chúc bạn may mắn trong IELTS Speaking test! With dedicated practice, strategic preparation, và right mindset, bạn hoàn toàn có thể achieve target band score. Safe travels on both your learning journey và future adventures!