IELTS Speaking: Cách Trả Lời “Describe A Virtual Event You Attended Recently” – Bài Mẫu Band 6-9

Mở bài

Chủ đề “Describe A Virtual Event You Attended Recently” đã trở thành một trong những đề tài phổ biến trong IELTS Speaking kể từ năm 2020, khi các sự kiện trực tuyến bùng nổ trên toàn cầu. Là một examiner với hơn 20 năm kinh nghiệm, tôi nhận thấy chủ đề này xuất hiện với tần suất cao trong các kỳ thi từ 2021 đến nay, đặc biệt tại khu vực Châu Á.

Chủ đề này quan trọng vì nó phản ánh xu hướng số hóa trong cuộc sống hiện đại và khả năng thích ứng của con người với công nghệ. Các góc độ thường được hỏi bao gồm: loại hình sự kiện ảo (webinar, concert online, workshop), trải nghiệm cá nhân, so sánh với sự kiện trực tiếp, và tác động của công nghệ đến cách chúng ta tương tác.

Theo thống kê từ các đề thi thực tế, chủ đề này xuất hiện khoảng 15-20% trong các bộ đề Part 2 giai đoạn 2022-2024, với dự đoán khả năng xuất hiện vẫn ở mức cao trong tương lai gần do tính thời sự và phổ biến của nó.

Trong bài viết này, bạn sẽ học được: các câu hỏi thường gặp trong cả 3 Part, bài mẫu chi tiết theo nhiều band điểm từ 6-7, 7.5-8 đến 8.5-9, kho từ vựng chuyên sâu về công nghệ và sự kiện, chiến lược trả lời hiệu quả từ góc nhìn examiner, và những lỗi thường gặp của học viên Việt Nam khi đối mặt với chủ đề này.

IELTS Speaking Part 1: Introduction and Interview

Tổng Quan Về Part 1

Part 1 của IELTS Speaking kéo dài 4-5 phút với các câu hỏi ngắn về đời sống hàng ngày. Đây là phần “warm-up” để bạn làm quen với examiner và môi trường thi. Chiến lược quan trọng nhất là trả lời tự nhiên, mở rộng ý với 2-3 câu, tránh trả lời Yes/No đơn thuần.

Các lỗi thường gặp của học viên Việt Nam trong Part 1 bao gồm: trả lời quá ngắn gọn chỉ 1 câu, sử dụng từ vựng quá đơn giản như “good”, “nice”, “interesting”, thiếu ví dụ cụ thể từ kinh nghiệm bản thân, và nói quá nhanh do căng thẳng. Hãy nhớ rằng examiner muốn nghe giọng nói tự nhiên của bạn, không phải câu trả lời học thuộc.

Các Câu Hỏi Thường Gặp

Question 1: Do you often attend online events?

Question 2: What kind of virtual events are popular in your country?

Question 3: Do you prefer online or offline events?

Question 4: Have you ever had any technical problems during an online event?

Question 5: Do you think online events are as effective as face-to-face ones?

Question 6: What device do you usually use to join virtual events?

Question 7: How often do you use video conferencing apps?

Question 8: Do you think online events will become more common in the future?

Phân Tích và Gợi Ý Trả Lời Chi Tiết

Question: Do you often attend online events?

🎯 Cách tiếp cận:

• Trả lời trực tiếp có hay không
• Đưa ra tần suất cụ thể
• Thêm loại sự kiện bạn thường tham gia

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

“Yes, I do. I attend online events about twice a month. Most of them are work-related webinars and sometimes online training courses. They are quite convenient because I can join from home.”

Phân tích:

• Điểm mạnh: Trả lời rõ ràng, có tần suất cụ thể, đề cập đến loại sự kiện và lý do.
• Hạn chế: Từ vựng còn basic (convenient, work-related), cấu trúc câu đơn giản, chưa có ví dụ chi tiết.
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Đáp ứng yêu cầu câu hỏi nhưng thiếu sophistication trong cách diễn đạt và depth trong nội dung.

📝 Sample Answer – Band 8-9:

“Actually, I’d say I’m quite a regular participant in virtual events, probably attending around three to four per month. These range from professional development webinars in my field to virtual networking sessions with international colleagues. What I particularly appreciate is the flexibility they offer – I can engage with content from industry experts worldwide without the hassle of commuting.”

Phân tích:

• Điểm mạnh: Sử dụng collocation tự nhiên (regular participant, professional development, engage with content), cấu trúc câu phức tạp với relative clause, vocabulary precise và topic-specific.
• Tại sao Band 8-9: Fluency cao với discourse marker “Actually”, vocabulary resource phong phú (hassle, flexibility, engage), grammar range đa dạng, và ideas được develop tốt với cả benefit và variety.

💡 Key Vocabulary & Expressions:

• regular participant: người tham gia thường xuyên
• professional development: phát triển nghề nghiệp
• virtual networking sessions: buổi giao lưu trực tuyến
• engage with content: tương tác với nội dung
• hassle of commuting: phiền phức việc di chuyển

---

Question: What kind of virtual events are popular in your country?

🎯 Cách tiếp cận:

• Liệt kê 2-3 loại sự kiện phổ biến
• Giải thích tại sao chúng phổ biến
• Có thể thêm xu hướng hiện tại

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

“In Vietnam, online learning events are very popular, especially English classes and skill training courses. Also, many companies organize online meetings now. Young people also like watching live-streaming events on social media.”

Phân tích:

• Điểm mạnh: Đưa ra nhiều loại sự kiện khác nhau, có đề cập đến đối tượng tham gia.
• Hạn chế: Từ vựng lặp lại (popular, online), thiếu explanation về why, không có specific examples.
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Adequate response nhưng lacks depth và sophisticated language.

📝 Sample Answer – Band 8-9:

“Well, I’d say there’s been a significant surge in several types of virtual events in Vietnam. Educational webinars have become incredibly popular, particularly among students and young professionals looking to upskill. We’ve also seen a proliferation of virtual product launches and online shopping festivals, which have gained massive traction during the pandemic and continue to thrive. Additionally, live-streamed concerts and entertainment shows have carved out quite a niche, especially on platforms like TikTok and Facebook, where performers can engage directly with their audience in real-time.”

Phân tích:

• Điểm mạnh: Vocabulary sophisticated (significant surge, proliferation, carved out, gain traction), grammar complex với relative clauses và present perfect tense cho trends, ideas well-developed với specific examples và explanations.
• Tại sao Band 8-9: Demonstrates full flexibility với discourse marker “Well, I’d say”, lexical resource precise và idiomatic (carved out a niche), grammatical structures varied, và content shows awareness of social trends.

💡 Key Vocabulary & Expressions:

• significant surge: sự tăng trọng đáng kể
• educational webinars: hội thảo giáo dục trực tuyến
• upskill: nâng cao kỹ năng
• proliferation: sự lan rộng, phát triển mạnh
• gain traction: trở nên phổ biến, được chú ý
• carved out a niche: tạo dựng vị trí riêng

---

Question: Do you prefer online or offline events?

🎯 Cách tiếp cận:

• Đưa ra preference rõ ràng hoặc balanced view
• Giải thích lý do với ít nhất 2 points
• So sánh advantages/disadvantages nếu có thể

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

“I think I prefer offline events more. Face-to-face events are better because you can meet people directly and the atmosphere is more exciting. But online events are also good when you are busy or cannot travel.”

Phân tích:

• Điểm mạnh: Có comparison giữa hai loại, đề cập đến advantages của cả hai.
• Hạn chế: Vocabulary basic (good, better, exciting), grammar simple, lacks specific examples và depth.
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Communicates the message nhưng limited range of vocabulary và structures.

📝 Sample Answer – Band 8-9:

“To be honest, I’d say it really depends on the context. For professional conferences and networking opportunities, I definitely lean towards in-person events because there’s something irreplaceable about face-to-face interactions – you can read body language, have spontaneous conversations during coffee breaks, and build more authentic connections. However, for educational content or panel discussions where I primarily want to absorb information, virtual events are actually more practical since I can revisit the recording, take notes more comfortably, and eliminate travel time. So I’d say I appreciate both formats for different purposes.”

Thí sinh IELTS Speaking chuẩn bị trả lời câu hỏi về sự kiện trực tuyến với laptop và tai nghe chuyên nghiệp

Phân tích:

• Điểm mạnh: Tentative language showing sophistication (I’d say, depends on the context), vocabulary precise (irreplaceable, spontaneous, authentic connections, eliminate), grammar complex với conditional logic và comparative structures, ideas nuanced với balanced perspective.
• Tại sao Band 8-9: Shows critical thinking với recognition that preference varies by situation, discourse natural với “To be honest”, lexical resource flexible, và pronunciation would be clear với good chunking.

💡 Key Vocabulary & Expressions:

• depends on the context: tùy thuộc vào hoàn cảnh
• lean towards: nghiêng về, thiên về
• irreplaceable: không thể thay thế
• face-to-face interactions: tương tác trực tiếp
• spontaneous conversations: cuộc trò chuyện tự nhiên, bất ngờ
• authentic connections: kết nối chân thực
• absorb information: tiếp thu thông tin
• revisit the recording: xem lại bản ghi

IELTS Speaking Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)

Tổng Quan Về Part 2

Part 2 là phần độc thoại kéo dài 2-3 phút, trong đó bạn có 1 phút chuẩn bị và ghi chú. Đây là phần quan trọng nhất để thể hiện khả năng nói liền mạch và tổ chức ý tưởng. Chiến lược quan trọng bao gồm: sử dụng hết 1 phút chuẩn bị để ghi keywords (không viết câu hoàn chỉnh), đảm bảo nói đủ 2 phút (examiner sẽ ngắt lời nếu bạn vượt quá 2.5 phút), trả lời đầy đủ tất cả bullet points, và sử dụng đúng thì động từ.

Lỗi thường gặp của học viên Việt Nam trong Part 2 gồm: không tận dụng thời gian chuẩn bị một cách hiệu quả, nói quá ngắn (dưới 1.5 phút), bỏ sót một hoặc nhiều bullet points, lạc đề khi quá tập trung vào chi tiết không liên quan, và thiếu sự kết nối giữa các ý tưởng. Hãy nhớ rằng đây là cơ hội để bạn thể hiện fluency mà không bị ngắt quãng, vì vậy hãy tận dụng tối đa.

Một điểm quan trọng nữa là phần “And explain…” ở cuối cue card thường là phần khó nhất nhưng cũng là nơi bạn có thể ghi điểm cao nhất. Đây là lúc bạn cần thể hiện sự sâu sắc trong suy nghĩ, không chỉ mô tả mà còn phân tích cảm xúc, ý nghĩa, hoặc tác động của trải nghiệm.

Cue Card

Describe a virtual event you attended recently

You should say:

• What the event was
• When and where you attended it
• What you did during this event
• And explain how you felt about this virtual event

Phân Tích Đề Bài

• Dạng câu hỏi: Describe an event/experience (kể về một sự kiện/trải nghiệm)
• Thì động từ: Quá khứ đơn và quá khứ tiếp diễn (vì sự kiện đã xảy ra “recently”)
• Bullet points phải cover:
  • What: Loại sự kiện gì (webinar, concert, workshop, conference…)
  • When/Where: Thời gian cụ thể và platform (Zoom, Teams, YouTube…)
  • What you did: Hoạt động của bạn (listened, participated, asked questions…)
  • Explain feelings: Cảm xúc và đánh giá (positive/negative, why, comparison với offline events)
• Câu “explain” quan trọng: Đây là phần ghi điểm cao – bạn cần thể hiện personal reflection, không chỉ list feelings mà phải explain WHY you felt that way. Có thể so sánh với expectations, với offline events, hoặc discuss impact on you.

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7

Thời lượng: Khoảng 1.5-2 phút

“I’d like to talk about an online workshop I attended last month. It was about digital marketing and was organized by a training company in Vietnam.

The event took place on a Saturday morning, around 9 AM, and I joined it through Zoom. The workshop lasted for about three hours. There were around 50 participants from different companies.

During the event, I listened to the speaker talking about social media marketing strategies. The speaker shared many useful tips about creating content and running ads on Facebook. We also had some interactive activities where we could work in small groups using breakout rooms. I worked with three other people and we discussed a case study about a real company. At the end, we had a Q&A session where I asked some questions about my own business.

About my feelings, I thought it was quite good. I learned many new things that I can use for my work. The speaker was knowledgeable and explained things clearly. However, sometimes I felt a bit tired looking at the screen for three hours. Also, the internet connection was not very stable, so sometimes the video froze. But overall, I felt it was worth my time and I would join similar events in the future. It was convenient because I didn’t need to travel anywhere.”

Phân Tích Band Điểm

Tiêu chí	Band	Nhận xét
Fluency & Coherence	6-7	Có basic sequencing (during, at the end, about my feelings), ideas connected nhưng còn mechanical. Một số hesitation khi transition giữa các ý. Lacks sophisticated linking.
Lexical Resource	6-7	Vocabulary adequate (workshop, digital marketing, interactive activities, case study) nhưng còn repetitive (good, useful, many). Thiếu paraphrasing và idiomatic expressions.
Grammatical Range & Accuracy	6-7	Mix of simple và complex sentences (relative clauses present). Sử dụng đúng past tense. Một số errors nhỏ không ảnh hưởng meaning (the speaker was talking – có thể dùng talked).
Pronunciation	6-7	Generally clear và intelligible. Word stress đúng với common words. Có thể thiếu sentence stress và intonation variation.

Điểm mạnh:

• ✅ Cover đầy đủ tất cả bullet points
• ✅ Có structure rõ ràng theo cue card
• ✅ Đưa ra specific details (Saturday morning, 50 participants, 3 hours)
• ✅ Có personal opinion ở phần explain

Hạn chế:

• ⚠️ Vocabulary còn basic và repetitive (good, useful, many things)
• ⚠️ Grammar structures chưa đa dạng, nhiều simple sentences
• ⚠️ Phần explain feelings chưa sâu, chủ yếu list rather than analyze
• ⚠️ Thiếu idiomatic expressions và advanced vocabulary

📝 Sample Answer – Band 7.5-8

Thời lượng: Khoảng 2-2.5 phút

“I’d like to share my experience attending a virtual career fair that I participated in about three weeks ago. It was organized by a major recruitment platform in Vietnam specifically for the tech industry.

The event was held on a Wednesday afternoon, from 2 to 6 PM, and I accessed it through a specialized online event platform – not just a simple video call, but actually a virtual exhibition space where you could navigate between different company booths. It was quite innovative in terms of the user interface.

As for what I did during the event, I spent most of my time exploring various virtual booths of tech companies that were hiring. Each booth had company representatives available for live chat and video calls. I had one-on-one conversations with recruiters from about four different companies, discussing job opportunities and career prospects. What was particularly interesting was that they also offered live webinar sessions throughout the afternoon, where industry experts talked about current trends. I attended two of these concurrent sessions about artificial intelligence and software development. I also submitted my CV to several companies through the platform, which was very streamlined.

Regarding how I felt about this experience, I have to say I was pleasantly surprised by how well-organized and engaging it was. Initially, I was quite skeptical about whether a virtual career fair could match the experience of an in-person event, but it actually exceeded my expectations. The platform was user-friendly and the fact that I could talk to multiple employers without the hassle of traveling across the city was incredibly convenient. However, I did miss the tangible atmosphere of a physical event – there’s something about shaking hands and making eye contact that you just can’t replicate online. Despite this, I found it to be a highly productive experience, and I actually received a follow-up interview invitation from one of the companies I spoke with. It made me realize that virtual events, when done right, can be just as effective as traditional ones, if not more so in terms of accessibility and efficiency.”

Phân Tích Band Điểm

Tiêu chí	Band	Nhận xét
Fluency & Coherence	7.5-8	Speaks at length without noticeable effort. Good use of cohesive devices (As for, Regarding, Initially, Despite this). Ideas logically organized with clear progression. Minor repetition but natural.
Lexical Resource	7.5-8	Wide vocabulary với collocations (pleasantly surprised, exceeded expectations, tangible atmosphere, highly productive). Good paraphrasing. Less common vocabulary (skeptical, streamlined, concurrent).
Grammatical Range & Accuracy	7.5-8	Wide range of structures including relative clauses, conditionals, comparative forms. Consistent use of past tenses. Minimal errors that don’t impede communication.
Pronunciation	7.5-8	Easy to understand với good sentence stress and intonation. L1 accent không ảnh hưởng intelligibility.

So Sánh Với Band 6-7

Khía cạnh	Band 6-7	Band 7.5-8
Vocabulary	online workshop, digital marketing, interactive activities	virtual career fair, recruitment platform, virtual exhibition space, user interface, concurrent sessions, streamlined
Grammar	“I listened to the speaker talking about…” (simple past continuous)	“It made me realize that virtual events, when done right, can be just as effective…” (complex sentence với conditional clause)
Ideas	“I thought it was quite good. I learned many new things.”	“I was pleasantly surprised by how well-organized and engaging it was… it actually exceeded my expectations” (more specific emotions với reasoning)
Cohesion	Basic linking: during, at the end, but overall	Sophisticated: As for, Regarding, Initially, Despite this, What was particularly interesting

📝 Sample Answer – Band 8.5-9

Thời lượng: 2.5-3 phút đầy đủ

“I’d like to talk about an exceptionally memorable virtual conference I attended just last month – it was an international webinar on sustainable business practices, hosted by a renowned global consultancy firm.

The event took place over two consecutive days, a Thursday and Friday, and I participated from the comfort of my home office. What made this particularly noteworthy was the sophisticated platform they used – it wasn’t just your run-of-the-mill Zoom meeting, but rather an immersive virtual environment that actually replicated the experience of a physical conference venue quite remarkably. You could see avatars of other attendees, navigate to different virtual rooms for various concurrent sessions, and even have impromptu networking conversations in designated virtual lounges.

As for my activities during the event, I was genuinely engrossed throughout both days. The main plenary sessions featured some leading voices in sustainability, including a former UN environmental advisor and several CEOs of pioneering green companies. What I found particularly intellectually stimulating were the breakout sessions where participants were divided into small groups to tackle real-world case studies. I found myself in a diverse group with professionals from Singapore, Australia, and Germany, and we collaborated virtually to develop sustainability strategies for a hypothetical manufacturing company. Beyond the formal sessions, I also took advantage of the virtual networking opportunities – I connected with about a dozen professionals in my field, exchanged digital business cards, and even scheduled follow-up calls with three people who I felt could become valuable professional contacts.

Reflecting on how I felt about this experience, I’d say it was genuinely transformative in terms of reshaping my perception of what virtual events can achieve. Before attending, I’ll admit I had somewhat preconceived notions that online conferences would inevitably feel impersonal and lack the dynamism of face-to-face gatherings. However, this experience completely challenged those assumptions. The organizers had clearly put tremendous thought into recreating not just the content but the entire ecosystem of a traditional conference – from the serendipitous encounters in virtual lounges to the interactive polling during presentations that kept everyone engaged. What particularly struck me was how the virtual format actually leveled the playing field – someone like me, based in Vietnam, could interact just as easily with international thought leaders as someone attending from New York or London, without the prohibitive costs and carbon footprint of international travel. That said, I won’t deny there were aspects I missed – the kinesthetic element of physically moving between venues, the subtle social cues you pick up from body language in person, and that certain intangible energy that comes from being in a room full of like-minded professionals. Nevertheless, the overall experience was so enriching and meticulously executed that it’s genuinely made me reconsider the future of professional development. I came away not only with actionable insights about sustainability but also with a newfound appreciation for how technology, when leveraged thoughtfully, can actually democratize access to knowledge and forge meaningful connections across geographical boundaries.”

Phân Tích Band Điểm

Tiêu chí	Band	Nhận xét
Fluency & Coherence	8.5-9	Speaks fluently với minimal repetition or self-correction. Sophisticated cohesion throughout (Reflecting on, Before attending, That said, Nevertheless). Ideas develop coherently với excellent progression.
Lexical Resource	8.5-9	Precise và sophisticated vocabulary (preconceived notions, serendipitous encounters, kinesthetic element, meticulously executed, democratize access). Natural idiomatic expressions (run-of-the-mill, struck me, leveled the playing field). Wide range of collocations.
Grammatical Range & Accuracy	8.5-9	Full range of structures used naturally và accurately. Complex sentences với multiple clauses. Perfect control of tenses. Rare minor errors that don’t affect communication.
Pronunciation	8.5-9	Fully intelligible with appropriate rhythm, stress, and intonation. Sustained throughout the long turn. Natural chunking of speech.

Tại Sao Bài Này Xuất Sắc

🎯 Fluency Hoàn Hảo:
Bài nói duy trì tốc độ ổn định suốt gần 3 phút không có hesitation đáng kể. Sử dụng discourse markers một cách tự nhiên như “I’d like to talk about”, “Reflecting on”, “That said” tạo ra flow mượt mà. Không có filler words (um, uh, like) hay repetition không cần thiết.

📚 Vocabulary Tinh Vi:

• “run-of-the-mill Zoom meeting” – idiomatic expression cho thấy not ordinary
• “serendipitous encounters” – sophisticated vocabulary cho những cuộc gặp gỡ tình cờ
• “kinesthetic element” – academic vocabulary thể hiện depth of knowledge
• “democratize access” – powerful collocation về việc làm cho mọi người có cơ hội bình đẳng
• “meticulously executed” – precise adverb-verb combination

📝 Grammar Đa Dạng:

• “What made this particularly noteworthy was…” – cleft sentence để emphasize
• “I found myself in a diverse group with professionals from Singapore, Australia, and Germany, and we collaborated virtually…” – complex sentence với multiple clauses
• “The organizers had clearly put tremendous thought into recreating…” – past perfect với gerund
• “someone like me, based in Vietnam, could interact just as easily…” – comparative structure với embedded clause

💡 Ideas Sâu Sắc:
Thí sinh không chỉ describe mà còn analyze và reflect sâu sắc về experience. Có critical thinking khi acknowledge both positives (leveled playing field, democratize access) và limitations (kinesthetic element, subtle social cues). Kết nối với broader implications về future of professional development và sustainability. Personal reflection chân thực và nuanced, không sáo rỗng.

Hội thảo trực tuyến chuyên nghiệp với nhiều người tham gia trên màn hình máy tính minh họa virtual event

Follow-up Questions (Rounding Off Questions)

Examiner có thể hỏi thêm 1-2 câu ngắn sau Part 2:

Question 1: Would you attend more virtual events like this in the future?

Band 6-7 Answer:
“Yes, definitely. I think it was very useful and convenient, so I would like to join more events like this to learn new things.”

Band 8-9 Answer:
“Absolutely, I’d actively seek out similar opportunities. This experience has really opened my eyes to the potential of virtual learning platforms, especially ones that are thoughtfully designed. I think it’s becoming an invaluable way to stay current in my field without the logistical constraints of travel.”

---

Question 2: Do you think virtual events can completely replace physical ones?

Band 6-7 Answer:
“I don’t think so. Virtual events are good but physical events are still important because people can meet face to face. Both types have their own advantages.”

Band 8-9 Answer:
“I’d say it’s unlikely they’ll completely replace in-person gatherings, and perhaps that’s not even desirable. While virtual events excel in terms of accessibility and cost-effectiveness, there’s an irreplaceable human element to physical presence – the spontaneous conversations, the networking serendipity, and that collective energy you feel in a shared space. I think we’re moving toward a hybrid model where both formats coexist and complement each other, allowing people to choose based on their specific needs and circumstances.”

IELTS Speaking Part 3: Two-way Discussion

Tổng Quan Về Part 3

Part 3 kéo dài 4-5 phút và là phần thảo luận sâu về các vấn đề trừu tượng liên quan đến chủ đề Part 2. Đây là phần khó nhất vì yêu cầu bạn phải analyze, evaluate, compare và speculate về các vấn đề xã hội rộng hơn. Examiner không chỉ muốn nghe opinion của bạn mà còn muốn xem bạn defend quan điểm đó như thế nào.

Các yêu cầu chính của Part 3 bao gồm: phân tích causes and effects, so sánh past and present hoặc different groups, đưa ra predictions về future, evaluate advantages and disadvantages, và discuss solutions cho problems. Câu trả lời lý tưởng nên dài 3-5 câu với structure: direct answer → reason 1 + example → reason 2 + example → conclusion/nuance.

Chiến lược hiệu quả cho Part 3 gồm: sử dụng discourse markers để buy time và organize thoughts (Well, Actually, I think…), đưa ra examples từ society không chỉ personal experience, acknowledge complexity của issues (showing balanced view), và sử dụng tentative language để sound thoughtful (I would say, It seems to me, To some extent).

Lỗi thường gặp của học viên Việt Nam trong Part 3: trả lời quá ngắn thiếu phân tích (chỉ 1-2 câu), không đưa ra reasons rõ ràng cho opinions, thiếu từ vựng abstract và academic, dùng quá nhiều personal examples thay vì societal perspectives, và không acknowledge different viewpoints. Để giải quyết vấn đề này, đọc tin tức và đa dạng hóa ngồn thông tin giúp mở rộng kiến thức cũng như từ vựng, đưa ra nhiều góc độ khác nhau, và tránh nói theo lối “đúng sai” tuyệt đối. Nếu một chủ đề bạn không hiểu rõ, hãy xin examiner clarify câu hỏi, đây là điều hoàn toàn acceptable và thể hiện communication skills của bạn.

Các Câu Hỏi Thảo Luận Sâu

Theme 1: Technology and Social Interaction

Question 1: How has technology changed the way people communicate with each other?

🎯 Phân tích câu hỏi:

• Dạng: Change over time (compare past and present)
• Key words: technology, changed, communicate
• Cách tiếp cận: Identify main changes → Explain how → Provide specific examples → Acknowledge both positive and negative aspects

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

“Technology has changed communication a lot. In the past, people mainly talked face to face or used phones. Now, we use social media, video calls, and messaging apps every day. This makes communication faster and more convenient. For example, I can talk to my friends who live abroad easily through WhatsApp. However, sometimes people spend too much time on their phones and don’t talk in person enough.”

Phân tích:

• Structure: Có comparison past vs present và example, nhưng development còn basic
• Vocabulary: Common words (a lot, faster, convenient), thiếu technical terms và advanced expressions
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Communicates main ideas clearly nhưng lacks sophistication trong language và depth trong analysis. Có positive và negative aspects nhưng chưa develop thoroughly.

---

📝 Câu trả lời mẫu – Band 8-9:

“Well, I’d say technology has fundamentally transformed the landscape of human communication in quite profound ways. Gone are the days when people relied primarily on face-to-face interactions or traditional landline phones – we’ve now entered an era of instantaneous digital connectivity. The most striking change, I think, is the shift from synchronous to asynchronous communication. People can now send messages, emails, or voice notes and receive responses at the recipient’s convenience, which has made communication much more flexible but perhaps less immediate in terms of emotional connection.

On the positive side, technology has certainly demolished geographical barriers – families separated by oceans can now maintain close bonds through video calls, and professionals can collaborate seamlessly across time zones. However, there’s a darker dimension to this transformation. We’re witnessing what some sociologists call digital isolation, where people are technically connected but emotionally distant. The nuances of body language and vocal inflections often get lost in text-based communication, leading to misunderstandings and a certain shallowness in relationships. So while technology has undoubtedly made communication more accessible and efficient, it’s debatable whether it’s made us truly better communicators.”

Phân tích:

• Structure: Well-organized với clear progression: General transformation → Specific change (sync vs async) → Positive aspects + examples → Negative aspects + sociological insight → Balanced conclusion
• Vocabulary: Sophisticated và precise (fundamentally transformed, instantaneous digital connectivity, demolished geographical barriers, digital isolation, vocal inflections). Excellent use of academic vocabulary (synchronous, asynchronous, nuances)
• Grammar: Complex structures xuất hiện tự nhiên: relative clauses (“where people are technically connected”), present perfect (“has transformed”), passive voice (“get lost”), và conditional tone (“it’s debatable whether”)
• Critical Thinking: Shows depth với sociological reference, acknowledges complexity, presents balanced view without being simplistic

💡 Key Language Features:

• Discourse markers: Well, I’d say, I think, On the positive side, However, So while
• Tentative language: I’d say, perhaps, it’s debatable whether (shows thoughtful consideration rather than absolute statements)
• Abstract nouns: transformation, connectivity, isolation, nuances, shallowness, dimension
• Advanced collocations: fundamentally transformed, striking change, demolished barriers, maintain close bonds, emotional connection

---

Question 2: Do you think virtual events will remain popular after the pandemic?

🎯 Phân tích câu hỏi:

• Dạng: Future prediction + opinion
• Key words: virtual events, remain popular, after pandemic
• Cách tiếp cận: State prediction → Explain reasons → Consider different scenarios → Provide evidence/examples

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

“Yes, I think virtual events will still be popular. Many people have gotten used to them during the pandemic and they are very convenient. Companies can save money on venues and people don’t need to travel. However, some people might prefer going back to physical events because they miss meeting people in person. I think both types will exist in the future.”

Phân tích:

• Structure: Clear prediction với reasons, nhưng còn surface-level
• Vocabulary: Basic (popular, convenient, save money), lacks industry-specific terms
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Adequate response với logical reasoning nhưng limited vocabulary range và insufficient depth. Có mention hybrid model nhưng không develop fully.

---

📝 Câu trả lời mẫu – Band 8-9:

“I’d argue that virtual events are here to stay, though perhaps not in the dominant form we saw during the height of the pandemic. What I think we’re likely to see is an evolution rather than a regression – a hybrid model that leverages the strengths of both formats.

The compelling economics alone suggest virtual events won’t disappear. Organizations have realized they can dramatically cut costs on venue rentals, catering, and travel expenses while simultaneously expanding their reach to global audiences who might never have attended an in-person event. For instance, a conference that previously attracted 200 local attendees might now reach thousands internationally through a virtual platform. That’s an undeniable advantage from both financial and accessibility perspectives.

That said, I think there’ll be a market correction of sorts. The pandemic forced everyone online by necessity, but now that we have choices again, we’re seeing what social psychologists call digital fatigue. People are craving the tactile experiences and authentic human connections that physical events provide. So my prediction is that we’ll see a strategic bifurcation – routine events like training sessions and informational webinars will remain predominantly virtual because they’re fit for purpose in that format, while high-value networking events, industry conferences, and experiential gatherings will return to in-person formats, possibly with a virtual component for those who can’t attend physically. In essence, I believe the future lies in selective application rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.”

Phân tích:

• Structure: Sophisticated organization: Thesis statement → Economic rationale + example → Counter-argument (digital fatigue) → Nuanced prediction with specific scenarios → Conclusion
• Vocabulary: Advanced và precise (dominant form, compelling economics, dramatically cut costs, market correction, digital fatigue, strategic bifurcation, selective application)
• Grammar: Wide range including: conditional (“might never have attended”), modal verbs showing possibility (“are likely to see”, “might now reach”), present perfect (“have realized”), complex noun phrases
• Critical Thinking: Shows expert-level analysis with economic, psychological, and strategic perspectives. References social psychology. Avoids oversimplification with nuanced prediction.

💡 Key Language Features:

• Discourse markers: That said, For instance, In essence, though
• Tentative language: I’d argue, I think we’re likely to, my prediction is, I believe (appropriate hedging for predictions)
• Abstract nouns: evolution, regression, bifurcation, fatigue, accessibility, application
• Academic phrases: what social psychologists call, from both financial and accessibility perspectives, fit for purpose

---

Theme 2: Benefits and Drawbacks of Virtual Events

Question 1: What are the advantages of attending virtual events compared to physical ones?

🎯 Phân tích câu hỏi:

• Dạng: Comparison (advantages)
• Key words: advantages, virtual events, compared to physical
• Cách tiếp cận: Identify 2-3 main advantages → Explain each with reasoning → Provide concrete examples → Acknowledge limitations if possible for balance

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

“Virtual events have many advantages. First, they are more convenient because you can join from home and don’t need to travel. This saves time and money. Second, you can attend events from different countries easily. For example, I attended a workshop from Singapore last month. Third, virtual events are usually cheaper, so more people can afford to join. These are the main benefits I can think of.”

Phân tích:

• Structure: Clear organization với numbered points (First, Second, Third)
• Vocabulary: Adequate nhưng repetitive (convenient, saves, cheaper, attended)
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Communicates advantages clearly nhưng lacks sophisticated vocabulary và deeper analysis. Example có nhưng không elaborate how it illustrates the advantage.

---

📝 Câu trả lời mẫu – Band 8-9:

“There are several compelling advantages that virtual events offer, which have become increasingly apparent in recent years.

First and foremost, there’s the unparalleled accessibility they provide. Geographic constraints simply cease to be a barrier – a professional in Hanoi can attend a cutting-edge conference in Silicon Valley without the prohibitive costs and time investment of international travel. This democratization of access is particularly significant for people in developing economies or those with mobility challenges who might have been systematically excluded from such opportunities in the past.

Another significant advantage is the flexibility and personalization they afford. Many virtual platforms now offer on-demand content, meaning you can revisit sessions at your convenience, pause for note-taking, or even fast-forward through less relevant sections – luxuries you simply don’t have at physical events. Additionally, the digital format often enables better data collection and networking facilitation through AI-powered matching systems that can connect you with relevant contacts more efficiently than random encounters at a venue.

From an environmental standpoint, the benefits are also noteworthy. Virtual events eliminate the carbon footprint associated with travel and the resource consumption of physical venues, which is increasingly important as organizations try to meet sustainability targets.

That being said, I think it’s important to acknowledge that these advantages come with trade-offs – the serendipitous conversations, the energy of a shared space, and certain types of hands-on demonstrations remain superior in physical settings. But purely in terms of measurable advantages, virtual events certainly hold their own.”

Phân tích:

• Structure: Excellent organization với clear signposting (First and foremost, Another significant advantage, From an environmental standpoint). Balanced với acknowledgment of trade-offs
• Vocabulary: Sophisticated terminology (unparalleled accessibility, prohibitive costs, democratization of access, systematic exclusion, serendipitous conversations, carbon footprint). Strong collocations throughout
• Grammar: Complex structures: relative clauses, noun phrases, passive constructions, participle clauses (“meaning you can revisit”). Perfect control of articles và prepositions
• Critical Thinking: Multi-dimensional analysis covering practical, social equity, technological, and environmental perspectives. Shows awareness of nuance with trade-offs.

💡 Key Language Features:

• Discourse markers: First and foremost, Another significant advantage, Additionally, From an environmental standpoint, That being said
• Tentative language: I think it’s important to acknowledge (shows balanced thinking)
• Abstract nouns: accessibility, democratization, flexibility, personalization, facilitation, sustainability
• Strong collocations: compelling advantages, unparalleled accessibility, prohibitive costs, geographic constraints, carbon footprint, hold their own

---

Question 2: Are there any disadvantages of virtual events?

🎯 Phân tích câu hỏi:

• Dạng: Identify problems/disadvantages
• Key words: disadvantages, virtual events
• Cách tiếp cận: Acknowledge that yes, there are disadvantages → Identify 2-3 main ones → Explain impact → Provide examples or evidence

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

“Yes, there are some disadvantages. The main problem is that you can’t interact with people face to face, which makes networking difficult. Also, technical problems like bad internet connection can interrupt the event. Another issue is that looking at the screen for a long time is tiring for the eyes and it’s hard to concentrate. These problems make virtual events less enjoyable than physical ones sometimes.”

Phân tích:

• Structure: Clear identification of disadvantages với examples
• Vocabulary: Basic (main problem, difficult, tiring, hard), lacks precision
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Gets the message across nhưng limited range of expressions. Could develop ideas more fully với reasons why these are significant disadvantages.

---

📝 Câu trả lời mẫu – Band 8-9:

“Absolutely, despite their advantages, virtual events come with inherent limitations that are worth examining carefully.

The most significant drawback, in my view, is what I’d call the loss of ambient learning. At physical events, some of the most valuable insights come from overheard conversations during breaks, chance encounters in hallways, or informal discussions over coffee – these serendipitous moments are incredibly difficult to replicate in a digital environment. Virtual platforms can facilitate scheduled networking, but they can’t recreate that organic spontaneity where you bump into someone and end up having a career-changing conversation.

Another considerable challenge is what researchers term screen fatigue or Zoom fatigue – a genuine physiological and psychological phenomenon. When we’re on video calls, our brains work overtime to process non-verbal cues that would be automatic in person, we feel hyper-aware of being watched through our camera, and the lack of spatial variation – just staring at the same screen – becomes mentally draining. This can significantly diminish the learning effectiveness and engagement levels that organizers are hoping to achieve.

There’s also the digital divide to consider. While we often tout virtual events as more accessible, they actually presuppose a level of technological infrastructure and digital literacy that not everyone possesses. People with poor internet connectivity, outdated devices, or limited tech savvy may find virtual events more exclusionary than physical ones. I’ve witnessed situations where participants spent half the event troubleshooting technical issues rather than engaging with content.

Lastly, there’s what I’d call the authenticity gap. Virtual interactions, no matter how well-designed, can feel somewhat performative and surface-level. It’s challenging to build deep trust and lasting professional relationships through a screen in ways that come more naturally during multi-day conferences where you share meals, attend social events, and have extended face-time with peers. Human connection still thrives on physical presence in ways that technology hasn’t yet fully bridged.”

Phân tích:

• Structure: Highly sophisticated với 4 well-developed points, each với explanation và examples. Uses academic framing (“what researchers term”, “what I’d call”)
• Vocabulary: Advanced và precise (inherent limitations, ambient learning, serendipitous moments, organic spontaneity, physiological phenomenon, digital divide, authenticity gap, exclusionary). Rich use of academic phrases
• Grammar: Complex throughout: relative clauses, noun clauses, conditional structures, participle phrases. Perfect control of tense và aspect
• Critical Thinking: Demonstrates deep analysis với reference to research (Zoom fatigue research), consideration of equity issues (digital divide), psychological insights (authenticity gap), và social dynamics (ambient learning)

💡 Key Language Features:

• Discourse markers: Absolutely, in my view, Another considerable challenge, There’s also, Lastly
• Tentative language: I’d call, can feel somewhat, may find (shows nuanced thinking)
• Abstract nouns: serendipity, spontaneity, phenomenon, infrastructure, literacy, authenticity, presence
• Academic vocabulary: inherent, replicate, presuppose, diminish, exclusionary, performative

So sánh ưu nhược điểm giữa sự kiện trực tuyến và trực tiếp trong IELTS Speaking

Theme 3: Future of Events and Technology

Question 1: How do you think technology will change events in the future?

🎯 Phân tích câu hỏi:

• Dạng: Future prediction/speculation
• Key words: technology, change, events, future
• Cách tiếp cận: Make predictions → Explain what technologies → Give examples of changes → Consider implications

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

“I think technology will make events more advanced in the future. We might use more virtual reality and artificial intelligence. Events will probably become more interactive with better graphics and features. For example, maybe we can attend concerts and feel like we are really there. Technology will also make events more convenient and easier to organize. I think these changes will happen in the next few years.”

Phân tích:

• Structure: Has prediction và examples, nhưng vague
• Vocabulary: General terms (advanced, interactive, better, convenient)
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Makes reasonable predictions nhưng lacks specificity và depth. Không explain how hoặc why these changes will occur.

---

📝 Câu trả lời mẫu – Band 8-9:

“I think we’re on the cusp of some really transformative changes in how events are experienced, driven by several emerging technologies that are maturing rapidly.

Virtual and augmented reality are probably the most game-changing technologies on the horizon. Imagine attending a virtual conference where instead of just watching a 2D video stream, you’re immersed in a realistic 3D environment – you can walk around a virtual venue, examine holographic product displays, and have avatar-based interactions that actually mimic physical presence quite convincingly. Companies like Meta are already pioneering this space, and I’d expect to see mainstream adoption within the next five to ten years as the hardware becomes more affordable and less cumbersome.

Artificial intelligence will also play an increasingly pivotal role. We’re already seeing AI-powered matchmaking that analyzes your professional profile and interests to suggest optimal networking connections at events, but I think this will evolve dramatically. Future systems might offer real-time translation allowing seamless multilingual interactions, AI assistants that can summarize key points from sessions you missed, or even predictive analytics that recommend which breakout sessions would be most valuable based on your career goals and learning style.

Haptic technology – which recreates the sense of touch – could bridge one of the major gaps in virtual events. Imagine being able to feel the texture of a product being demonstrated or experience tactile feedback during a virtual workshop. While this sounds futuristic, the technology is actually advancing quite rapidly in the gaming industry, and I think it’s only a matter of time before it’s adapted for professional events.

However, I think the most profound change won’t be purely technological but rather in how we conceptualize events altogether. We might move toward persistent virtual spaces – think of them as permanent digital venues that don’t just exist for a single event but are ongoing hubs where communities congregate regularly. This could fundamentally alter the episodic nature of traditional events, making them more like continuous engagement platforms.

That being said, I don’t think technology will completely supplant the human desire for in-person gatherings. What I envision is a future where technology augments rather than replaces – creating enhanced hybrid experiences that offer the best of both worlds.”

Phân tích:

• Structure: Sophisticated organization: Introduction establishing premise → VR/AR technology + examples → AI applications + examples → Haptic technology + examples → Conceptual shift → Balanced conclusion. Excellent use of signposting
• Vocabulary: Highly sophisticated (on the cusp of, game-changing, maturing rapidly, pioneering, haptic technology, persistent virtual spaces, episodic nature, supplant, augments). Technical terminology used accurately
• Grammar: Full range of complex structures: conditional clauses, relative clauses, participle phrases, passive constructions, future forms (will, might, could). Perfect control
• Critical Thinking: Demonstrates expert-level thinking với specific technology examples, realistic timeline predictions, consideration of multiple dimensions (technical, social, conceptual), và balanced perspective on limitations

💡 Key Language Features:

• Discourse markers: Imagine, However, That being said, I think, I’d expect
• Tentative language: probably, might, could, I envision, I’d expect (appropriate hedging for future predictions)
• Abstract nouns: immersion, adoption, evolution, analytics, conceptualization, augmentation
• Technical vocabulary: virtual reality, augmented reality, holographic, haptic technology, AI-powered matchmaking, predictive analytics, tactile feedback
• Advanced collocations: on the cusp of, game-changing technologies, maturing rapidly, bridge the gap, fundamentally alter

---

Question 2: Will traditional conferences and events disappear in the future?

🎯 Phân tích câu hỏi:

• Dạng: Future prediction + opinion (extreme scenario)
• Key words: traditional conferences, disappear, future
• Cách tiếp cận: State opinion → Provide reasons why/why not → Consider counterarguments → Give balanced conclusion

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

“No, I don’t think traditional conferences will disappear completely. Although virtual events are becoming more popular, many people still prefer meeting in person. Physical events are important for building relationships and networking. Some industries like medicine or science might need hands-on demonstrations that are difficult to do online. So I believe both types of events will continue to exist together in the future.”

Phân tích:

• Structure: Clear position với supporting reasons
• Vocabulary: Adequate (prefer, important, hands-on, difficult)
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Communicates position clearly với logical reasons nhưng lacks depth và sophisticated language. Could develop the counterarguments và implications more fully.

---

📝 Câu trả lời mẫu – Band 8-9:

“I’d say it’s highly unlikely that traditional conferences will disappear entirely, and frankly, I think predictions of their demise are rather premature and overlook some fundamental aspects of human nature and professional dynamics.

First and foremost, there’s a deeply ingrained human need for physical presence and face-to-face interaction that technology, despite its advances, hasn’t fully satisfied. We’re social creatures who derive meaning from being in shared spaces with others. The intangible benefits of physical conferences – the buzz of energy in a crowded venue, the body language cues that build trust, the spontaneous hallway conversations that lead to breakthrough collaborations – these are incredibly difficult to replicate digitally. Research in organizational psychology consistently shows that in-person interactions are significantly more effective for building deep professional relationships and establishing trust than virtual ones.

Moreover, certain industries and contexts simply necessitate physical presence. Think about medical conferences where practitioners need to practice surgical techniques on simulation equipment, or automotive shows where experiencing a vehicle firsthand is crucial for buyers, or food and beverage expos where taste and sensory experience are central to the event’s purpose. These experiential elements are inherently physical and can’t be adequately translated to a virtual format with current or foreseeable technology.

That said, I do believe we’ll see a dramatic transformation in what traditional conferences look like. They’ll likely become more selective and higher-value – rather than routine gatherings, physical events will be reserved for occasions where in-person presence truly adds significant value. Organizations might consolidate their annual conference schedule, making fewer but more impactful in-person events while shifting routine training and informational sessions to virtual platforms.

What I envision is a future of strategic coexistence rather than extinction. Physical conferences won’t disappear; they’ll evolve and occupy a more premium position in the event ecosystem. They might become shorter but more intensive, focus more on experiential and networking aspects rather than just information dissemination, and likely integrate technology in sophisticated ways – perhaps using AR to enhance physical experiences or maintaining a virtual component for those who can’t attend in person. In essence, traditional conferences will adapt and refine their value proposition rather than fade into obsolescence.”

Phân tích:

• Structure: Exceptionally well-organized: Clear thesis → Psychological/social argument + research reference → Industry-specific examples → Acknowledgment of transformation → Nuanced future vision → Sophisticated conclusion. Perfect coherence throughout
• Vocabulary: Highly sophisticated và precise (predictions of their demise, premature, deeply ingrained, intangible benefits, breakthrough collaborations, consolidate, strategic coexistence, fade into obsolescence). Academic register throughout
• Grammar: Full range used naturally: complex noun phrases, conditional structures, relative clauses, passive voice, future forms, participle clauses. Zero errors
• Critical Thinking: Demonstrates expert-level analysis với: reference to research (organizational psychology), industry-specific considerations, consideration of human nature, sophisticated prediction that avoids binary thinking (coexistence rather than extinction), và recognition of evolution rather than replacement

💡 Key Language Features:

• Discourse markers: First and foremost, Moreover, That said, What I envision, In essence
• Tentative language: I’d say, I think, likely, probably, I do believe, might (sophisticated hedging)
• Abstract nouns: demise, dynamics, presence, coexistence, extinction, ecosystem, obsolescence, dissemination
• Academic phrases: research consistently shows, inherently physical, adequately translated, strategic coexistence, value proposition
• Advanced collocations: deeply ingrained need, intangible benefits, breakthrough collaborations, dramatic transformation, strategic coexistence, fade into obsolescence

Từ Vựng và Cụm Từ Quan Trọng

Topic-Specific Vocabulary

Từ vựng/Cụm từ	Loại từ	Phiên âm	Nghĩa tiếng Việt	Ví dụ	Collocation
virtual event	n	/ˈvɜːtʃuəl ɪˈvent/	sự kiện trực tuyến	I attended a virtual event on digital marketing last week.	host/organize/attend/join a virtual event
webinar	n	/ˈwebɪnɑː(r)/	hội thảo trực tuyến	The webinar featured three expert speakers from different countries.	conduct/host/participate in a webinar, educational webinar
interactive	adj	/ˌɪntərˈæktɪv/	tương tác	The platform offered interactive features like polls and Q&A sessions.	interactive session/activity/platform/feature
engagement	n	/ɪnˈɡeɪdʒmənt/	sự tham gia, tương tác	The high level of audience engagement made the event successful.	audience engagement, boost/increase/maintain engagement
networking	n	/ˈnetwɜːkɪŋ/	việc tạo mạng lưới quan hệ	Virtual networking can be challenging without face-to-face interaction.	professional networking, networking opportunities/sessions/events
platform	n	/ˈplætfɔːm/	nền tảng	We used Zoom as the main platform for our conference.	virtual platform, online platform, platform features/capabilities
seamless	adj	/ˈsiːmləs/	mượt mà, liền mạch	The transition between speakers was seamless and professional.	seamless experience/transition/integration/communication
immersive	adj	/ɪˈmɜːsɪv/	đắm chìm, chân thực	The VR technology created an immersive conference experience.	immersive experience/environment/technology/content
accessibility	n	/əkˌsesəˈbɪləti/	khả năng tiếp cận	Virtual events improve accessibility for people with mobility issues.	improve/enhance accessibility, accessibility features/options
concurrent sessions	n	/kənˈkʌrənt ˈseʃnz/	các phiên diễn ra đồng thời	The conference offered three concurrent sessions on different topics.	attend/run/organize concurrent sessions
breakout room	n	/ˈbreɪkaʊt ruːm/	phòng nhóm nhỏ	We were divided into breakout rooms for group discussions.	join/create/assign breakout rooms
real-time	adj	/ˌriːəl ˈtaɪm/	thời gian thực	The platform supported real-time translation for international participants.	real-time interaction/communication/feedback/updates
attendee	n	/ətenˈdiː/	người tham dự	The event attracted over 500 attendees from 30 countries.	event attendees, register attendees, attendee engagement
demonstrate	v	/ˈdemənstreɪt/	trình diễn, chứng minh	The speaker demonstrated how to use the new software features.	clearly demonstrate, demonstrate skills/knowledge/techniques
facilitate	v	/fəˈsɪlɪteɪt/	tạo điều kiện thuận lợi	The moderator facilitated productive discussions among participants.	facilitate communication/collaboration/learning/discussion
on-demand	adj	/ɒn dɪˈmɑːnd/	theo yêu cầu	All sessions were recorded and available on-demand afterward.	on-demand content/access/viewing/services
bandwidth	n	/ˈbændwɪdθ/	băng thông	Poor bandwidth caused video quality issues during the stream.	high/low bandwidth, bandwidth limitations/requirements
screen fatigue	n	/skriːn fəˈtiːɡ/	mệt mỏi do nhìn màn hình	After four hours of virtual meetings, I experienced severe screen fatigue.	suffer from/experience screen fatigue, reduce/combat screen fatigue
digital divide	n	/ˈdɪdʒɪtl dɪˈvaɪd/	khoảng cách số	The digital divide prevents some people from accessing virtual events.	bridge/narrow the digital divide, digital divide issues
hybrid model	n	/ˈhaɪbrɪd ˈmɒdl/	mô hình kết hợp	Many companies are adopting a hybrid model for future events.	implement/adopt/use a hybrid model, hybrid model approach

Idiomatic Expressions & Advanced Phrases

Cụm từ	Nghĩa	Ví dụ sử dụng	Band điểm
at the click of a button	chỉ với một cú nhấp chuột, rất dễ dàng	Virtual events allow people to connect at the click of a button.	7.5-8
bridge the gap	thu hẹp khoảng cách	Technology helps bridge the gap between people in different locations.	7.5-8
cutting-edge	tiên tiến nhất, hiện đại nhất	The conference featured cutting-edge technology in virtual reality.	7.5-8
game-changer	yếu tố thay đổi cuộc chơi	Virtual events have been a game-changer for the education industry.	8-9
level the playing field	tạo cơ hội công bằng	Online platforms level the playing field for participants from different backgrounds.	8-9
on the cusp of	trên bờ vực của, sắp sửa	We’re on the cusp of a major transformation in how events are conducted.	8-9
gain traction	trở nên phổ biến, được chấp nhận rộng rãi	Virtual networking has gained significant traction since 2020.	7.5-8
carve out a niche	tạo dựng vị trí riêng	Live-streamed concerts have carved out a niche in the entertainment industry.	8-9
the best of both worlds	tốt nhất của cả hai, tận dụng ưu điểm hai mặt	Hybrid events offer the best of both worlds – physical and virtual benefits.	7-8
a double-edged sword	con dao hai lưỡi, có cả mặt tốt và xấu	Virtual events are a double-edged sword – convenient but potentially isolating.	8-9
serendipitous encounters	những cuộc gặp gỡ tình cờ may mắn	Physical conferences often lead to serendipitous encounters that spark collaboration.	8.5-9
democratize access	làm cho ai cũng có thể tiếp cận	Online events democratize access to knowledge and expertise globally.	8.5-9

Discourse Markers (Từ Nối Ý Trong Speaking)

Để bắt đầu câu trả lời:

• 📝 Well,… – Sử dụng khi cần thời gian suy nghĩ ngắn, giúp câu trả lời tự nhiên hơn
• 📝 Actually,… – Dùng khi đưa ra góc nhìn hoặc thông tin khác với expected
• 📝 To be honest,… – Khi muốn thể hiện sự thành thật, chân thực trong quan điểm
• 📝 I’d say that… – Cách mềm mại để đưa ra ý kiến cá nhân
• 📝 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 điểm quan trọng
• 📝 What’s more,… – Hơn nữa, và còn điều quan trọng khác
• 📝 Not to mention… – Chưa kể đến, nhấn mạnh điểm bổ sung quan trọng
• 📝 Additionally,… – Thêm vào đó (formal hơn)
• 📝 Another point worth mentioning is… – Một điểm khác đáng nói là

Để đưa ra quan điểm cân bằng:

• 📝 On the one hand,… On the other hand,… – Một mặt… mặt khác (cho thấy hai góc độ)
• 📝 While it’s true that…, we also need to consider… – Mặc dù đúng là… nhưng cũng cần xem xét
• 📝 That being said,… – Tuy nhiên, mặc dù vậy (để introduce counterpoint)
• 📝 Having said that,… – Sau khi nói điều đó (transition sang contrasting idea)

Để kết luận:

• 📝 All in all,… – Tóm lại, xét tất cả các khía cạnh
• 📝 At the end of the day,… – Cuối cùng thì, về cơ bản
• 📝 In essence,… – Về bản chất, nói tóm lại
• 📝 To sum up,… – Tổng kết lại
• 📝 Ultimately,… – Cuối cùng, về lâu dài

Để giải thích và cho ví dụ:

• 📝 What I mean is… – Ý tôi là (khi clarify idea)
• 📝 For instance,… – Ví dụ (formal)
• 📝 Take… for example,… – Lấy… làm ví dụ
• 📝 To illustrate this point,… – Để minh họa điểm này

Grammatical Structures Ấn Tượng

1. Conditional Sentences (Câu điều kiện):

• Mixed conditional: “If virtual events hadn’t become popular during the pandemic, many companies wouldn’t be saving so much on event costs now.” (Kết hợp quá khứ và hiện tại)
• Inversion for emphasis: “Had I known how engaging virtual events could be, I would have started attending them years ago.” (Đảo ngữ để nhấn mạnh)

2. Relative Clauses (Mệnh đề quan hệ):

• Non-defining: “Virtual conferences, which have become increasingly sophisticated, now offer experiences that rival in-person events.” (Bổ sung thông tin)
• Reduced relative clause: “The platform used for the conference allowed participants to network effectively.” (Rút gọn mệnh đề)

3. Passive Voice (Câu bị động):

• It is thought/believed/said that… “It is widely believed that virtual events will continue to coexist with physical ones.” (Thể hiện general opinion)
• Advanced passive: “The sessions were being live-streamed to thousands of participants when the technical issue occurred.” (Past continuous passive)

4. Cleft Sentences (Câu chẻ):

• What I find most…, is… “What I find most impressive about virtual events is their accessibility to global audiences.” (Nhấn mạnh điều bạn find impressive)
• The thing that…, is… “The thing that concerns me about virtual events is the lack of spontaneous interactions.” (Nhấn mạnh concern)
• It was… that… “It was the interactive features that made the virtual conference so engaging.” (Nhấn mạnh interactive features)

5. Participle Clauses (Mệnh đề phân từ):

• Present participle: “Having attended numerous virtual events, I can confidently say they offer unique advantages.” (Showing experience)
• Past participle: “Connected by technology, people from different continents can now collaborate in real-time.” (Showing result)

6. Inversion for Emphasis:

• Rarely/Seldom: “Rarely have I experienced such seamless virtual networking as I did at that event.” (Nhấn mạnh sự hiếm có)
• Not only… but also: “Not only do virtual events save time, but they also reduce environmental impact.” (Nhấn mạnh cả hai benefits)

7. Subjunctive Mood:

• It is essential/important that… “It is essential that organizers ensure stable internet connectivity for virtual events.” (Expressing necessity – dùng bare infinitive)
• I suggest/recommend that… “I suggest that companies invest in high-quality virtual platforms.” (Expressing suggestion)

---

Chủ đề “Describe a virtual event you attended recently” là một đề tài cực kỳ thực tế và phù hợp với bối cảnh hiện đại. Để đạt band điểm cao, điều quan trọng nhất là thể hiện được sự tự nhiên trong cách diễn đạt, sử dụng từ vựng đa dạng và chính xác, cũng như khả năng phân tích sâu sắc về các khía cạnh công nghệ, xã hội và tâm lý liên quan đến sự kiện trực tuyến.

Hãy nhớ rằng examiner không chỉ đánh giá khả năng ngôn ngữ mà còn cả khả năng tư duy phản biện và cách bạn develop ideas một cách logic. Thay vì học thuộc mẫu câu, hãy tập trung vào việc hiểu cách structure câu trả lời, sử dụng discourse markers tự nhiên, và đưa ra examples cụ thể từ trải nghiệm thực tế của bạn. Việc đọc tin tức về công nghệ và xu hướng events cũng giúp bạn có thêm ideas và vocabulary phong phú để thảo luận về chủ đề này một cách tự tin và thuyết phục.

Chúc các bạn ôn tập hiệu quả và đạt được band điểm mong muốn trong kỳ thi IELTS Speaking. Hãy nhớ rằng, confidence và authenticity là những yếu tố quan trọng không kém gì vocabulary và grammar để tạo ấn tượng tốt với examiner.