Chủ đề “Describe An Interesting Talk You Heard Recently” là một trong những đề bài phổ biến và thường xuyên xuất hiện trong IELTS Speaking Part 2. Với tư cách là một examiner có hơn 20 năm kinh nghiệm chấm thi IELTS, tôi nhận thấy đây là đề bài tương đối thân thiện, cho phép thí sinh linh hoạt trong việc lựa chọn nội dung – từ các bài thuyết trình học thuật, TED Talks, đến các buổi chia sẻ tại công ty hay trường học.
Tầm Quan Trọng Của Chủ Đề
Chủ đề này đánh giá khả năng của bạn trong việc:
- Mô tả sự kiện trong quá khứ một cách mạch lạc
- Sử dụng từ vựng liên quan đến communication, presentations và knowledge sharing
- Thể hiện khả năng phân tích và đánh giá thông tin
- Diễn đạt ý kiến cá nhân về giá trị của việc học hỏi
Tần Suất Xuất Hiện
Theo nghiên cứu từ các nguồn đề thi thực tế trên IELTS-blog.com và ieltsliz.com, chủ đề về “talks, presentations, speeches” xuất hiện với tần suất trung bình đến cao trong các kỳ thi IELTS từ năm 2020 đến 2024. Cụ thể, đề bài này hoặc các biến thể tương tự (describe a lecture, describe a speech, describe something interesting you learned) xuất hiện khoảng 2-3 lần mỗi quý tại các khu vực thi trên toàn cầu.
Dự đoán khả năng xuất hiện trong tương lai: CAO – đặc biệt sau đại dịch khi webinars và online talks trở nên phổ biến hơn.
Những Gì Bạn Sẽ Học Được
Trong bài viết này, bạn sẽ được trang bị:
- 10+ câu hỏi Part 1 thực tế về chủ đề talks và presentations
- Bài mẫu Part 2 chi tiết ở 3 band điểm khác nhau (6-7, 7.5-8, 8.5-9) với phân tích sâu
- 6-8 câu hỏi Part 3 về các khía cạnh xã hội của communication và public speaking
- 25+ từ vựng và cụm từ ăn điểm với phiên âm và ví dụ cụ thể
- Chiến lược trả lời từ góc nhìn examiner để tối ưu band điểm
- Những lỗi phổ biến mà học viên Việt Nam thường mắc phải và cách khắc phục
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 cuộc sống hàng ngày, sở thích và thói quen của bạn. Đối với chủ đề talks/presentations, examiner thường hỏi về thói quen nghe presentations, listening skills và sở thích cá nhân.
Đặc điểm quan trọng:
- Câu hỏi đơn giản, liên quan đến trải nghiệm cá nhân
- Thời gian trả lời lý tưởng: 15-30 giây mỗi câu (2-4 câu)
- Không cần quá chi tiết hay academic
Chiến lược hiệu quả:
- Trả lời trực tiếp câu hỏi trước
- Mở rộng với lý do/giải thích
- Thêm ví dụ ngắn từ kinh nghiệm bản thân
Lỗi thường gặp của học viên Việt Nam:
- Trả lời quá ngắn gọn (Yes/No) mà không elaboration
- Sử dụng từ vựng quá đơn giản (good, bad, interesting)
- Không tự nhiên, nghe như đang đọc thuộc lòng
- Thiếu personal touch trong câu trả lời
Các Câu Hỏi Thường Gặp
Dưới đây là 10 câu hỏi thực tế được sử dụng trong các kỳ thi IELTS gần đây:
Question 1: Do you like listening to talks or presentations?
Question 2: Have you ever attended any interesting talks or lectures?
Question 3: What kind of talks or presentations are you most interested in?
Question 4: Do you prefer listening to talks online or attending them in person?
Question 5: How often do you listen to educational talks or podcasts?
Question 6: What makes a talk or presentation interesting for you?
Question 7: Do you think listening skills are important?
Question 8: Have you learned anything useful from talks recently?
Question 9: Would you like to give a public talk in the future?
Question 10: What topics would you like to hear talks about?
Phân Tích và Gợi Ý Trả Lời Chi Tiết
Question: Do you like listening to talks or presentations?
🎯 Cách tiếp cận:
- Trả lời trực tiếp Yes/No
- Giải thích lý do (tại sao thích/không thích)
- Đưa ra ví dụ cụ thể về loại talk bạn thường nghe
📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:
“Yes, I do. I think listening to talks is a good way to learn new things. I often watch TED Talks on YouTube about technology and business. It’s interesting and I can learn a lot from experts.”
Phân tích:
- Điểm mạnh: Trả lời trực tiếp, có đưa ra lý do và ví dụ cụ thể (TED Talks, topics)
- Hạn chế: Từ vựng còn đơn giản (good, interesting, learn a lot), cấu trúc câu chưa đa dạng
- Tại sao Band 6-7: Câu trả lời adequate và relevant nhưng thiếu sophisticated vocabulary. Grammar chính xác nhưng không có complex structures. Ideas rõ ràng nhưng chưa được develop sâu.
📝 Sample Answer – Band 8-9:
“Absolutely, I’m quite keen on listening to talks, especially ones that are thought-provoking and challenge my perspective. I find that a well-delivered presentation can be far more engaging than reading an article because you get to pick up on the speaker’s enthusiasm and passion. Recently, I’ve been hooked on podcasts about psychology and human behavior, which I usually listen to during my commute.”
Phân tích:
-
Điểm mạnh:
- Vocabulary nâng cao và natural (keen on, thought-provoking, engaging, hooked on)
- Cấu trúc phức tạp (especially ones that…, I find that…)
- Comparative structure (far more…than)
- Ý tưởng sâu sắc hơn (challenge perspective, speaker’s passion)
- Context cụ thể (during commute)
-
Tại sao Band 8-9:
- Fluency: Câu trả lời trôi chảy, tự nhiên với linking natural (especially, because)
- Vocabulary: Precise và idiomatic (pick up on, hooked on), topic-specific collocations (well-delivered presentation, challenge my perspective)
- Grammar: Mixed structures bao gồm relative clauses, comparatives
- Pronunciation: Các từ được nhấn mạnh phù hợp tạo rhythm tự nhiên
💡 Key Vocabulary & Expressions:
- keen on something: thích thú với điều gì đó (formal hơn “like”)
- thought-provoking: kích thích tư duy, gây suy ngẫm
- pick up on: nhận ra, cảm nhận được (điều gì đó tinh tế)
- hooked on: bị cuốn hút, nghiện (theo nghĩa tích cực)
- challenge my perspective: thách thức/mở rộng quan điểm của tôi
Question: What kind of talks or presentations are you most interested in?
🎯 Cách tiếp cận:
- Nêu rõ loại talk/chủ đề cụ thể
- Giải thích tại sao lại hấp dẫn với bạn
- Có thể so sánh với các loại khác hoặc đưa ra ví dụ
📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:
“I’m most interested in talks about technology and innovation. I work in IT, so these topics are useful for my job. I also like talks about personal development because they help me improve myself.”
Phân tích:
- Điểm mạnh: Specific topics được đề cập, có connection với công việc
- Hạn chế: Câu trả lời hơi listing, chưa develop deeply. Vocabulary cơ bản (useful, help, improve)
- Tại sao Band 6-7: Content relevant và organized nhưng thiếu sophistication trong language use. Ideas còn surface-level.
📝 Sample Answer – Band 8-9:
“I’m particularly drawn to talks that revolve around technological innovation and its societal implications. As someone working in the tech industry, I find it fascinating to hear how emerging technologies like AI might reshape our daily lives. That said, I’m also increasingly interested in talks about sustainability and environmental issues, as I believe these are pressing concerns that affect us all. What really captivates me is when speakers can bridge the gap between complex concepts and real-world applications.”
Phân tích:
-
Điểm mạnh:
- Vocabulary sophisticated: drawn to, revolve around, societal implications, pressing concerns
- Cấu trúc đa dạng: As someone working…, That said…, What really captivates me is when…
- Ý tưởng có depth: không chỉ nói thích gì mà còn giải thích tại sao và kết nối với broader context
- Natural discourse markers: That said, as I believe
-
Tại sao Band 8-9:
- Fluency: Extended response với coherent flow, không hesitation
- Vocabulary: Precise word choice (reshape, captivates, bridge the gap), collocations chính xác (emerging technologies, pressing concerns)
- Grammar: Complex sentences với subordinate clauses, relative clauses
- Content: Shows critical thinking và ability to elaborate
💡 Key Vocabulary & Expressions:
- drawn to something: bị thu hút bởi điều gì đó (formal, sophisticated)
- revolve around: xoay quanh, liên quan đến
- societal implications: ảnh hưởng đến xã hội
- pressing concerns: những vấn đề cấp bách
- bridge the gap: kết nối, thu hẹp khoảng cách (giữa lý thuyết và thực hành)
- captivate: mê hoặc, thu hút mạnh mẽ
Question: Do you prefer listening to talks online or attending them in person?
🎯 Cách tiếp cận:
- Đưa ra preference rõ ràng (có thể “it depends”)
- So sánh ưu/nhược điểm của cả hai
- Liên hệ với tình huống cá nhân
📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:
“I prefer listening to talks online because it’s more convenient. I can watch them anytime and anywhere. Also, I can pause and rewatch if I don’t understand something. But sometimes, live events are better because you can interact with speakers.”
Phân tích:
- Điểm mạnh: Clear preference, có compare cả hai options, đưa ra reasons
- Hạn chế: Vocabulary đơn giản (convenient, better), structure còn basic với nhiều short sentences
- Tại sao Band 6-7: Ideas clear và relevant nhưng expression chưa sophisticated, thiếu variety trong sentence structures.
📝 Sample Answer – Band 8-9:
“It really depends on the circumstances, but I’d say I have a slight preference for in-person events. There’s something irreplaceable about the energy and atmosphere of a live audience – you can feed off the collective enthusiasm and engage in spontaneous discussions during breaks. Having said that, online talks do offer unparalleled flexibility. I can access world-class speakers from the comfort of my home and revisit key points at my own pace. I suppose the ideal scenario would be hybrid events that offer the best of both worlds.”
Phân tích:
-
Điểm mạnh:
- Sophisticated hedging: It really depends on, I’d say, slight preference for
- Rich vocabulary: irreplaceable, unparalleled, spontaneous discussions
- Balanced view showing nuanced thinking
- Natural discourse markers: Having said that, I suppose
- Conclusion synthesizes both perspectives
-
Tại sao Band 8-9:
- Fluency: Smooth transitions giữa các ý, natural hesitation devices
- Vocabulary: Idiomatic expressions (feed off, best of both worlds), precise collocations (collective enthusiasm, hybrid events)
- Grammar: Mixed conditionals, complex sentences
- Critical thinking: Balanced argument cho thấy mature perspective
💡 Key Vocabulary & Expressions:
- feed off something: nhận năng lượng/cảm hứng từ
- spontaneous discussions: các cuộc thảo luận tự phát, không kịch bản
- unparalleled flexibility: sự linh hoạt vô song
- hybrid events: sự kiện kết hợp (online và offline)
- best of both worlds: tận dụng ưu điểm của cả hai phương án
Học sinh chuẩn bị IELTS Speaking chủ đề describe an interesting talk you heard recently với các bài thuyết trình trực tuyến và offline
IELTS Speaking Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)
Tổng Quan Về Part 2
Part 2 là phần quan trọng nhất để demonstrate khả năng nói của bạn trong thời gian kéo dài. Bạn có 1 phút để chuẩn bị và 2-3 phút để nói liên tục về một chủ đề cụ thể mà không bị examiner ngắt lời.
Đặc điểm quan trọng:
- Độc thoại dài, test khả năng organize ideas và sustain speech
- Yêu cầu cover tất cả bullet points trong cue card
- Examiner đánh giá 4 tiêu chí: Fluency, Vocabulary, Grammar, Pronunciation
Chiến lược hiệu quả:
- Sử dụng đúng 1 phút chuẩn bị: Ghi keywords, không viết câu hoàn chỉnh
- Note-taking strategy: Ghi 1-2 từ khóa cho mỗi bullet point
- Timing: Aim cho 2-2.5 phút, tối thiểu 1.5 phút
- Structure: Follow bullet points theo thứ tự, dành nhiều thời gian cho “explain” part
- Tense: Chú ý dùng past tense vì đề bài là “heard recently”
Lỗi thường gặp:
- Không sử dụng hết thời gian chuẩn bị, nhảy vào nói ngay
- Nói quá ngắn (dưới 1.5 phút) hoặc dừng đột ngột
- Bỏ sót một hoặc nhiều bullet points
- Không maintain eye contact với examiner
- Panic và nói quá nhanh hoặc quá chậm
- Học thuộc template và sounds unnatural
Cue Card
Describe an interesting talk or presentation you heard recently
You should say:
- What the talk was about
- Where and when you heard it
- Who gave the talk
- And explain why you found it interesting
Phân Tích Đề Bài
Dạng câu hỏi: Describe an event/experience – một sự kiện cụ thể trong quá khứ
Thì động từ: Past tense (was, gave, found) vì đây là một talk bạn đã nghe
Bullet points phải cover:
- What: Nội dung/chủ đề của talk (có thể nói về main topic và key points)
- Where and when: Địa điểm và thời gian (online/offline, khi nào)
- Who: Người thuyết trình (không nhất thiết phải famous, có thể là giáo viên, đồng nghiệp)
- Why interesting: Đây là phần quan trọng nhất – giải thích chi tiết tại sao bạn thấy hay
Câu “explain” quan trọng:
Phần “explain why you found it interesting” là nơi bạn ghi điểm cao nhất. Đừng chỉ nói “it was interesting” – hãy elaborate với:
- Emotional impact (cảm xúc bạn có)
- Practical value (giá trị thực tiễn)
- New insights (hiểu biết mới)
- How it changed your thinking (ảnh hưởng đến suy nghĩ)
Tips chọn topic:
- Chọn talk bạn thực sự nhớ rõ (có thể là TED Talk, presentation tại công ty/trường, webinar)
- Nên chọn topic có substance để nói 2 phút
- Tránh chọn topic quá technical khiến bạn thiếu vocabulary để describe
📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7
Thời lượng: Khoảng 1.5-2 phút
“I’d like to talk about an interesting presentation I heard about three months ago. It was about time management and how to be more productive in daily life.
I heard this talk online, actually. It was a webinar organized by my company for all employees. The session was held on a Friday afternoon, and about fifty people joined the meeting. The talk lasted for about one hour.
The speaker was a professional trainer whose name was Mr. David Smith. He has many years of experience in teaching people how to manage their time better. He was very energetic and engaging during the presentation.
I found this talk really interesting for several reasons. First, the content was very practical and useful for my work. Mr. Smith shared many good tips about how to prioritize tasks and avoid wasting time. For example, he talked about the Pomodoro Technique, which means working for 25 minutes and then taking a short break. I tried this method after the talk, and it really helped me focus better.
Another reason why I liked this talk was that the speaker used many real-life examples that I could relate to. He talked about common problems that office workers face, like too many emails and meetings. This made the presentation easy to understand and remember.
Overall, it was a valuable learning experience, and I still use some of the techniques he taught us in my daily work.”
Phân Tích Band Điểm
| Tiêu chí | Band | Nhận xét |
|---|---|---|
| Fluency & Coherence | 6-7 | Speaks at length với minimal hesitation. Có logical ordering (theo bullet points). Sử dụng basic linking words (first, another reason, overall) nhưng chưa sophisticated. |
| Lexical Resource | 6-7 | Vocabulary adequate cho topic (time management, productive, prioritize tasks). Có một số collocations tốt (professional trainer, real-life examples) nhưng còn repetition (interesting, really, good). Paraphrasing còn limited. |
| Grammatical Range & Accuracy | 6-7 | Mix của simple và complex sentences. Past tense chính xác. Có relative clauses (whose name was, which means). Không có major errors nhưng thiếu variety trong structures. |
| Pronunciation | 6-7 | Clear và intelligible. Word stress chính xác. Intonation adequate nhưng có thể monotone ở một số chỗ. |
Điểm mạnh:
- ✅ Cover đầy đủ tất cả bullet points
- ✅ Length phù hợp (khoảng 250 từ)
- ✅ Có concrete example (Pomodoro Technique)
- ✅ Grammar accuracy tốt, ít lỗi
- ✅ Structure rõ ràng, dễ follow
Hạn chế:
- ⚠️ Vocabulary còn repetitive (interesting xuất hiện nhiều lần)
- ⚠️ Thiếu sophisticated expressions và idioms
- ⚠️ Sentence structures chưa đa dạng lắm
- ⚠️ Describe “why interesting” có thể deeper hơn (chỉ nói practical và relatable)
- ⚠️ Không có emotional depth hoặc personal reflection sâu sắc
📝 Sample Answer – Band 7.5-8
Thời lượng: Khoảng 2-2.5 phút
“I’d like to describe a fascinating talk I attended about two months ago that really left an impression on me. The presentation was about artificial intelligence and its potential impact on the job market in the next decade.
I attended this talk at a tech conference held at the National Convention Center in my city. It was a Saturday morning in early October, and the auditorium was packed with around 300 people, mostly young professionals and university students interested in technology.
The speaker was Dr. Linda Chen, a renowned AI researcher from Stanford University. She’s widely recognized in the field for her work on machine learning and has published numerous papers on the subject. What struck me immediately was her ability to break down complex concepts into digestible information that even non-experts could grasp.
What made this talk particularly interesting was multifaceted. First and foremost, Dr. Chen didn’t just present dry statistics; she brought the topic to life with compelling case studies from companies that are already using AI to transform their operations. She showed us how AI is not just about replacing humans but rather about augmenting our capabilities and creating new types of jobs we haven’t even imagined yet.
Moreover, I found her perspective quite refreshing because she addressed both the opportunities and challenges in a balanced way. She didn’t sugarcoat the potential disruptions to traditional jobs but also highlighted the immense possibilities for those who adapt and upskill themselves. This resonated deeply with me as someone working in the tech industry.
Another aspect that captivated me was her interactive approach. She encouraged audience participation and posed thought-provoking questions that made us reflect on our own career paths. By the end of the session, I felt both challenged and inspired to learn more about AI and its applications in my field. The talk genuinely sparked my interest in taking an online course about machine learning, which I’ve actually started since then.”
Phân Tích Band Điểm
| Tiêu chí | Band | Nhận xét |
|---|---|---|
| Fluency & Coherence | 7.5-8 | Speaks fluently với very occasional repetition hoặc self-correction. Ideas logically organized với sophisticated linking (First and foremost, Moreover, Another aspect). Natural progression of ideas. |
| Lexical Resource | 7.5-8 | Wide range của vocabulary sử dụng flexibly và precisely (multifaceted, augmenting, resonated deeply). Good collocations (compelling case studies, thought-provoking questions). Some less common lexical items (sugarcoat, upskill). Effective paraphrasing. |
| Grammatical Range & Accuracy | 7.5-8 | Wide range của structures sử dụng flexibly: relative clauses, passive voice, participle clauses (working in…). Complex sentences tốt (she didn’t just present…but rather…). Majority của sentences error-free. |
| Pronunciation | 7.5-8 | Clear throughout với appropriate word stress và sentence stress. Intonation conveys meaning effectively. Sounds natural và confident. |
So Sánh Với Band 6-7
| Khía cạnh | Band 6-7 | Band 7.5-8 |
|---|---|---|
| Vocabulary | “interesting, useful, practical, energetic” | “fascinating, multifaceted, augmenting, resonated deeply, compelling” |
| Grammar | “I found this talk really interesting for several reasons” | “What made this talk particularly interesting was multifaceted” (cleft sentence) |
| Ideas | Lists 2 reasons một cách straightforward | Explores multiple dimensions với nuanced thinking (opportunities AND challenges) |
| Cohesion | “First, Another reason, Overall” | “First and foremost, Moreover, Another aspect, By the end” |
| Personal impact | “I still use some techniques” | “Genuinely sparked my interest…which I’ve actually started” (shows lasting impact) |
📝 Sample Answer – Band 8.5-9
Thời lượng: 2.5-3 phút đầy đủ
“I’d like to delve into a thought-provoking presentation I had the privilege of attending approximately three months ago, which has since profoundly influenced my perspective on environmental sustainability. The talk centered around the concept of circular economy and how businesses can transition away from the traditional linear model of ‘take, make, dispose’ toward a more regenerative approach.
This presentation took place at an annual sustainability summit held at the Grand Hyatt in downtown Ho Chi Minh City. It was a crisp Sunday morning in late September, and the event had drawn an eclectic mix of attendees – from corporate sustainability officers and social entrepreneurs to environmental activists and concerned citizens. The atmosphere was charged with anticipation as we all gathered in the main ballroom.
The speaker was none other than Professor Michael Braungart, the co-author of the groundbreaking book ‘Cradle to Cradle.’ For those unfamiliar with his work, he’s pioneered the concept of designing products and industrial systems that are not just ‘less bad’ but actually beneficial for the environment. What set him apart from other speakers I’ve encountered was his infectious enthusiasm coupled with rigorous scientific backing for every claim he made.
What rendered this talk absolutely captivating was multilayered. To begin with, Professor Braungart challenged the conventional wisdom that we need to simply consume less. Instead, he put forth the radical idea that the problem isn’t consumption itself but rather how we design what we consume. He illustrated this with striking examples – such as a fabric that, when washed, actually purifies water rather than polluting it, or buildings that generate more energy than they consume. These weren’t hypothetical scenarios but real-world implementations, which made his vision seem tantalizingly achievable.
What’s more, his delivery was nothing short of masterful. He wove together scientific concepts, business case studies, and philosophical insights in a way that was both intellectually rigorous and emotionally compelling. There was a particular moment when he drew a parallel between nature’s waste-free systems and human industrial processes that literally gave me goosebumps. He argued that in nature, there’s no such thing as waste – everything is nutrient for something else – and questioned why we can’t replicate that brilliance in our designs.
Perhaps what resonated most deeply with me was the paradigm shift he advocated. Rather than guilt-tripping people about their environmental footprint, he presented sustainability as an opportunity for innovation and abundance. This fundamentally reframed how I think about my own role as a product designer. In the weeks that followed, I found myself revisiting my approach to projects, asking not ‘how can I minimize harm?’ but rather ‘how can I create net positive impact?’
The talk also sparked a significant change in my professional trajectory. I’ve since enrolled in a certification program on sustainable design and have been advocating for circular economy principles within my organization. Looking back, I’d say this presentation was genuinely transformative – not just interesting or informative, but something that fundamentally altered my worldview and career direction. It’s the hallmark of truly great talks that they don’t just inform you; they inspire you to become a catalyst for change yourself.”
Phân Tích Band Điểm
| Tiêu chí | Band | Nhận xét |
|---|---|---|
| Fluency & Coherence | 8.5-9 | Speaks fluently với only very occasional repetition or self-correction. Coherence tuyệt vời với sophisticated linking devices và discourse markers. Ideas develop logically với clear progression. Natural pauses for emphasis. |
| Lexical Resource | 8.5-9 | Wide vocabulary range sử dụng với full flexibility và precision. Numerous less common và idiomatic expressions (delve into, charged with, none other than, gave me goosebumps, catalyst for change). Sophisticated collocations và phrasal verbs. Natural paraphrasing throughout. |
| Grammatical Range & Accuracy | 8.5-9 | Full range của structures với complete flexibility. Variety of complex sentences: cleft sentences, inversion, participle phrases, relative clauses. Virtually error-free. Precise và appropriate use of tenses. |
| Pronunciation | 8.5-9 | Clear và natural pronunciation throughout. Appropriate word stress, sentence stress, và intonation patterns. Sounds như proficient speaker với sustained delivery. |
Tại Sao Bài Này Xuất Sắc
🎯 Fluency Hoàn Hảo:
- Maintains sustained speech trong 3 phút không hesitation đáng kể
- Natural flow với strategic pauses for effect (ví dụ: “not just interesting or informative, but…”)
- Sophisticated self-correction là sign of advanced proficiency (“I’d say”, “Looking back”)
📚 Vocabulary Tinh Vi:
- Idiomatic expressions: “none other than”, “gave me goosebumps”, “the hallmark of”
- Precise collocations: “infectious enthusiasm”, “rigorous scientific backing”, “intellectually rigorous”
- Academic register appropriate: “delve into”, “rendered”, “multilayered”, “paradigm shift”
- Natural phrasal verbs: “put forth”, “wove together”, “drew a parallel”
- Tránh được repetition bằng cách paraphrase: interesting → captivating → transformative
📝 Grammar Đa Dạng:
- Cleft sentences: “What set him apart…”, “What resonated most deeply…”, “It’s the hallmark of…”
- Participle phrases: “when washed, actually purifies water”
- Inversion: “There was a particular moment when…”
- Complex conditionals: “Rather than guilt-tripping people about their environmental footprint, he presented…”
- Relative clauses: “For those unfamiliar with his work…”
💡 Ideas Sâu Sắc:
- Không chỉ describe mà còn analyze impact
- Shows transformation trong thinking (paradigm shift)
- Connects talk to personal và professional growth
- Demonstrates critical thinking (conventional wisdom vs. radical idea)
- Reflects deeply on lasting impact (weeks later, career trajectory change)
🎭 Delivery và Structure:
- Perfect balance giữa describing event và explaining significance
- Builds narrative tension (atmosphere → speaker → content → personal impact)
- Uses vivid imagery (crisp morning, charged with anticipation)
- Concludes với powerful reflection về transformative nature
Giáo sư chuyên gia đang thuyết trình về chủ đề bền vững môi trường tại hội thảo quốc tế minh họa cho IELTS Speaking topic describe an interesting talk
Follow-up Questions (Rounding Off Questions)
Sau Part 2, examiner thường hỏi 1-2 câu ngắn để chuyển sang Part 3. Đây là câu hỏi đơn giản, không cần trả lời quá dài.
Question 1: Do you often attend talks like this?
Band 6-7 Answer:
“Not very often, maybe once or twice a year. I’m quite busy with work, so I don’t have much time to go to conferences or seminars. But I try to watch online presentations when I have free time.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“I wouldn’t say I’m a regular attendee, but I do try to make it a point to attend at least a few high-quality talks each year. These days, with so many webinars and virtual events available, I’ve found it much easier to fit them into my schedule. I’m actually quite selective about which ones to attend – I prefer talks that offer fresh perspectives rather than just rehashing common knowledge.”
Question 2: Has this talk changed your behavior in any way?
Band 6-7 Answer:
“Yes, it has. After the talk, I started to pay more attention to time management. I also try to use some of the techniques the speaker mentioned, like the Pomodoro Technique.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“Absolutely, it’s had quite a tangible impact on my approach to work. I’ve actually implemented several of the circular design principles in my recent projects and have been actively advocating for more sustainable practices in my team. I’d say the talk didn’t just change my behavior but fundamentally shifted my professional priorities – I now see sustainability not as a constraint but as a creative catalyst.”
IELTS Speaking Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Tổng Quan Về Part 3
Part 3 là phần khó nhất trong IELTS Speaking, kéo dài 4-5 phút với các câu hỏi abstract và sâu sắc hơn về chủ đề đã được đề cập trong Part 2. Đây là nơi examiner đánh giá khả năng phân tích, so sánh và discuss issues ở cấp độ xã hội.
Yêu cầu:
- Demonstrate critical thinking và analytical skills
- Đưa ra opinions với supporting reasons
- Consider different perspectives của một issue
- Use abstract vocabulary và complex grammar
- Extend answers với examples từ society, không chỉ personal experience
Chiến lược:
- Mở rộng câu trả lời: Aim cho 3-5 câu mỗi câu hỏi (30-45 giây)
- Structure: Direct answer → Reason/Explanation → Example → Conclusion/Qualification
- Show complexity: Use discourse markers để present multiple viewpoints
- Think aloud: Sử dụng thinking time phrases (Well, That’s an interesting question…)
- Abstract thinking: Move từ personal lên societal level
Lỗi thường gặp của học viên Việt Nam:
- Trả lời quá ngắn (1-2 câu) như Part 1
- Không develop ideas với reasons và examples
- Over-rely on personal experience thay vì broader perspective
- Thiếu vocabulary abstract (concepts, trends, implications)
- Không acknowledge complexity của issues
- Đưa ra absolute statements thay vì nuanced views
Các Câu Hỏi Thảo Luận Sâu
Dưới đây là các câu hỏi Part 3 được phân loại theo themes phổ biến:
Theme 1: Presentations và Communication Skills
Question 1: What makes a good presentation?
🎯 Phân tích câu hỏi:
- Dạng: Qualities/Characteristics question – yêu cầu list và explain các yếu tố
- Key words: “good presentation” (cần define what “good” means)
- Cách tiếp cận:
- Direct answer: List 2-3 key qualities
- Explain each với reasoning
- Example để illustrate
- Có thể mention context matters (different purposes)
📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:
“I think a good presentation needs to have clear content and good delivery. The speaker should organize information in a logical way so the audience can follow easily. Also, the speaker needs to be confident and speak clearly. Using visual aids like slides can help people understand better. For example, when I see presentations with good graphics, I can remember the information more easily.”
Phân tích:
- Structure: Lists qualities với basic explanation
- Vocabulary: Clear, logical, confident (adequate nhưng common words)
- Ideas: Relevant và correct nhưng surface-level
- Tại sao Band 6-7: Content appropriate nhưng lacks depth. Vocabulary còn basic. Grammar accurate nhưng simple structures dominant.
📝 Sample Answer – Band 8-9:
“Well, I’d argue that a truly effective presentation hinges on several key elements. First and foremost, there’s the content itself – it needs to be well-structured and tailored to the audience’s level of understanding. There’s no point in bombarding people with jargon if they’re not experts in the field. Equally important is delivery – the speaker’s ability to engage the audience through eye contact, vocal variety, and genuine enthusiasm for the topic. I think people can sense when a speaker is just going through the motions versus when they’re truly passionate about what they’re sharing.
Beyond that, I’d say the best presentations strike a balance between being informative and entertaining. They weave in stories, examples, or even humor to maintain interest without detracting from the core message. What’s more, effective presenters are adept at reading the room and adjusting their pace or approach based on audience reactions. It’s this dynamic interplay between speaker and audience that elevates a presentation from merely good to truly memorable.”
Phân tích:
- Structure: Well-organized: Main qualities → Explanation → Nuanced thinking
- Vocabulary: Sophisticated và precise (hinges on, bombarding, going through the motions, dynamic interplay)
- Grammar: Complex structures (It’s this…that…), relative clauses, participle phrases (without detracting from)
- Critical Thinking: Shows understanding of complexity (balance, context-dependent, audience awareness)
💡 Key Language Features:
- Discourse markers: Well I’d argue that, First and foremost, Equally important, Beyond that, What’s more
- Tentative language: I’d say, I think (shows considered opinion rather than absoluteness)
- Abstract nouns: delivery, enthusiasm, interplay, dynamic
- Sophisticated verbs: hinges on, bombarding, weave in, elevates
- Collocations: strike a balance, going through the motions, reading the room
Question 2: Why do you think some people are nervous about public speaking?
🎯 Phân tích câu hỏi:
- Dạng: Cause/Reason question – explain psychological/social reasons
- Key words: “nervous”, “public speaking”
- Cách tiếp cận:
- Identify multiple causes
- Explain psychological basis
- Consider cultural/social factors
- Possibly offer insight về how to overcome
📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:
“Many people are nervous about public speaking because they’re afraid of making mistakes. They worry that people will judge them or laugh at them if they say something wrong. Also, standing in front of many people can make them feel uncomfortable. In my country, students don’t have many chances to practice public speaking in school, so they’re not used to it. That’s why they feel more nervous when they have to speak in public.”
Phân tích:
- Structure: Lists causes với basic explanation
- Ideas: Relevant reasons (fear of judgment, lack of practice)
- Vocabulary: Adequate nhưng repetitive (nervous, uncomfortable)
- Tại sao Band 6-7: Ideas clear và relevant nhưng analysis không deep. Thiếu sophisticated vocabulary và complex structures.
📝 Sample Answer – Band 8-9:
“That’s a fascinating question, and I think the answer is multifaceted. At its core, public speaking anxiety often stems from a fear of judgment or social evaluation. We’re hardwired to care about what others think of us – it’s an evolutionary trait that helped our ancestors fit into their social groups. When we’re standing in front of an audience, that primitive part of our brain perceives it as a high-stakes situation where our social standing could be threatened.
On top of that, I believe there’s a cultural component to this. In many Asian cultures, including Vietnam, there’s traditionally been less emphasis on individualistic expression and more focus on collective harmony. Students are often educated in a system that prioritizes rote learning over interactive participation, so they have fewer opportunities to hone their public speaking skills in a safe environment. Consequently, when they’re suddenly thrust into a situation requiring public speaking, they lack both the skills and the confidence.
Moreover, I think modern technology has paradoxically made things worse in some ways. While we’re more connected than ever through social media, many people have fewer face-to-face interactions, which means they’re out of practice with the nuanced aspects of real-time communication like reading body language or thinking on their feet. All these factors combined create a perfect storm for public speaking anxiety.”
Phân tích:
- Structure: Multi-layered analysis: Psychological → Cultural → Social/technological
- Vocabulary: Sophisticated và varied (multifaceted, stems from, hardwired, hone, paradoxically)
- Grammar: Complex sentences, passive voice, relative clauses, participle phrases
- Critical Thinking: Shows deep understanding với multiple perspectives (evolutionary, cultural, technological)
- Cohesion: Excellent linking (At its core, On top of that, Moreover, Consequently)
💡 Key Language Features:
- Academic discourse: “That’s a fascinating question, and I think the answer is multifaceted”
- Cause-effect language: stems from, consequently, all these factors combined
- Abstract nouns: social evaluation, evolutionary trait, cultural component, collective harmony
- Sophisticated vocabulary: hardwired, high-stakes situation, paradoxically, nuanced aspects
Theme 2: Learning và Information Sharing
Question 3: Do you think people learn better by listening to talks or by reading?
🎯 Phân tích câu hỏi:
- Dạng: Compare/Contrast question
- Key words: “learn better”, “listening vs reading”
- Cách tiếp cận:
- Acknowledge both have merits
- Compare advantages/disadvantages
- Consider different learning styles
- Provide balanced conclusion
📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:
“I think it depends on the person. Some people learn better by listening because they can understand things more easily when someone explains. But other people prefer reading because they can go at their own pace and read again if they don’t understand. For me, I like both methods. Listening to talks is good for getting the main ideas quickly, but reading is better when I need to remember details. So I think both ways are important for learning.”
Phân tích:
- Structure: Presents both sides với personal opinion
- Ideas: Relevant và balanced
- Vocabulary: Basic (learn better, understand, prefer, remember)
- Tại sao Band 6-7: Shows awareness of complexity (depends on person) nhưng analysis không deep. Language còn simple.
📝 Sample Answer – Band 8-9:
“This is quite a nuanced question because I believe the answer varies considerably depending on individual learning preferences and the nature of the content itself. Having said that, I’d argue that each medium has its distinct advantages that cater to different aspects of learning.
Talks and lectures excel at conveying enthusiasm and providing context that might be lost in written text. When you listen to a passionate speaker, their intonation and emphasis can help you grasp which concepts are most crucial and how ideas interconnect. What’s more, good speakers often use real-time examples and anecdotes that make abstract concepts come alive in ways that static text sometimes cannot. This is particularly valuable for big-picture understanding and conceptual frameworks.
On the flip side, reading offers unparalleled control over the learning pace. You can linger on difficult passages, skip over familiar material, or backtrack whenever needed – luxuries you don’t have when listening to a live talk. Reading also tends to be more conducive to deep analytical thinking because you can pause to reflect without the pressure of keeping up with a speaker’s pace. Furthermore, written materials are readily accessible for future reference.
Ideally, I think the most effective learning approach integrates both methods. You might attend a talk to gain initial exposure and enthusiasm for a topic, then consolidate that knowledge through reading more detailed materials. It’s this synergy between different modalities that often yields the best learning outcomes.”
Phân tích:
- Structure: Sophisticated comparison: Acknowledge complexity → Advantages of talks → Advantages of reading → Synthesizing conclusion
- Vocabulary: Precise và varied (nuanced, excel at, grasp, linger on, conducive to, synergy)
- Grammar: Complex structures throughout, variety of subordinate clauses
- Critical Thinking: Balanced analysis với recognition that context matters, proposes integrated approach
- Cohesion: Excellent transitions (Having said that, On the flip side, Furthermore, Ideally)
💡 Key Language Features:
- Hedging: quite, considerably, I’d argue, often, sometimes (shows nuanced thinking)
- Comparing structures: excel at, on the flip side, whereas
- Abstract concepts: distinct advantages, conceptual frameworks, deep analytical thinking, synergy
- Academic collocations: cater to, lost in, conducive to, yields outcomes
Nhóm sinh viên Việt Nam đang thảo luận và chia sẻ về các phương pháp học tập khác nhau cho IELTS Speaking Part 3
Question 4: How has technology changed the way people share information?
🎯 Phân tích câu hỏi:
- Dạng: Change/Compare (past vs present)
- Key words: “technology”, “changed”, “share information”
- Cách tiếp cận:
- Identify major changes
- Compare past and present methods
- Discuss both positive and negative impacts
- Consider future implications
📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:
“Technology has changed information sharing a lot. In the past, people shared information through books, newspapers, and TV. Now, with the internet and social media, people can share information much faster. Everyone can post something online and millions of people can see it immediately. This is very convenient, but sometimes the information is not accurate. People need to check if the information is true or not. Overall, technology has made information sharing easier and faster.”
Phân tích:
- Structure: Past → Present → Evaluation
- Ideas: Relevant changes identified (speed, accessibility, accuracy concerns)
- Vocabulary: Basic (a lot, much faster, very convenient)
- Tại sao Band 6-7: Covers main points nhưng lacks depth. Analysis superficial. Grammar accurate nhưng structures simple.
📝 Sample Answer – Band 8-9:
“Technology has fundamentally revolutionized information sharing in ways that would have been unimaginable just a couple of decades ago. Perhaps the most dramatic shift has been the democratization of information dissemination. In the pre-digital era, information sharing was largely unidirectional and controlled by gatekeepers like publishers, broadcasters, and academic institutions. Nowadays, virtually anyone with an internet connection can become a content creator and reach a global audience instantaneously.
This transformation cuts both ways, though. On one hand, it’s empowered individuals and marginalized communities to share their perspectives and challenge dominant narratives. Platforms like YouTube and podcasting have lowered the barriers to entry for knowledge sharing, enabling experts and enthusiasts alike to disseminate their insights without needing traditional credentials or institutional backing. Take, for instance, the proliferation of online educational content during the pandemic – people could access world-class lectures and tutorials from their living rooms.
On the other hand, this democratization has also led to significant challenges. The sheer volume of information available online has created what some researchers call ‘information overload,’ making it increasingly difficult to distinguish credible sources from misinformation. Moreover, algorithms that curate our information feeds tend to create ‘echo chambers,’ where people are primarily exposed to viewpoints that reinforce their existing beliefs, potentially polarizing society.
Looking ahead, I think we’re entering an era where digital literacy and critical thinking skills will become paramount. The technology itself will continue to evolve – we’re already seeing AI-generated content and virtual reality presentations – but the human ability to critically evaluate and contextualize information will be what ultimately determines whether these technological advances benefit society as a whole.”
Phân tích:
- Structure: Highly sophisticated: Overview → Positive impacts with examples → Negative impacts with examples → Future outlook
- Vocabulary: Extensive range (revolutionized, democratization, gatekeepers, proliferation, echo chambers, paramount)
- Grammar: Full range with flexibility: passives, complex conditionals, participle phrases
- Critical Thinking: Balanced analysis với both sides, considers complexity, forward-looking perspective
- Examples: Specific và relevant (YouTube, pandemic education, AI-generated content)
💡 Key Language Features:
- Academic discourse: fundamentally revolutionized, this transformation cuts both ways, looking ahead
- Abstract nouns: democratization, dissemination, proliferation, algorithms, polarizing
- Sophisticated structures: “making it increasingly difficult to…”, “what ultimately determines whether…”
- Contrasting language: On one hand…On the other hand, though, whereas
- Hedging and qualifying: virtually, tend to, potentially, I think
Theme 3: Public Speaking and Society
Question 5: Should public speaking be taught in schools?
🎯 Phân tích câu hỏi:
- Dạng: Opinion + Should question
- Key words: “should”, “public speaking”, “taught in schools”
- Cách tiếp cận:
- Clear opinion (Yes/No/It depends)
- Reasons supporting your view
- Consider counter-arguments
- Practical implications
📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:
“Yes, I definitely think public speaking should be taught in schools. This is a very important skill for students’ future careers. Many jobs require good communication skills, so learning public speaking early will help students prepare better. Also, it can help students become more confident. In my country, many students are shy about speaking in front of others, so having classes about public speaking can help them overcome this problem. Schools should include this subject in the curriculum.”
Phân tích:
- Structure: Clear opinion → Reasons → Conclusion
- Ideas: Relevant reasons (career preparation, confidence building)
- Vocabulary: Adequate (important skill, communication skills, confident)
- Tại sao Band 6-7: Opinion clear với supporting reasons, nhưng analysis lacks depth. Language straightforward nhưng không sophisticated.
📝 Sample Answer – Band 8-9:
“Absolutely, I’m a strong advocate for integrating public speaking into the standard curriculum, and I believe it should be introduced from a relatively early age. Let me explain my reasoning.
First of all, public speaking is far more than just a professional skill – it’s a fundamental form of human expression and a cornerstone of democratic participation. In societies where citizens are expected to engage in civic discourse, the ability to articulate ideas clearly and persuasively is crucial. By equipping young people with these skills early on, we’re essentially empowering them to become more active participants in their communities and society at large.
From a practical standpoint, nearly every career path benefits from strong communication abilities. Whether you’re presenting a research project in academia, pitching an idea to investors, or simply leading a team meeting, the skills honed through public speaking training are transferable and universally valued. In fact, numerous surveys of employers consistently rank communication skills among the most sought-after qualities in candidates, often surpassing technical expertise.
Perhaps equally important is the personal development aspect. Learning to speak publicly fosters confidence, critical thinking, and the ability to organize thoughts coherently. These aren’t just professional assets; they’re life skills that enhance personal relationships and emotional intelligence.
Now, I should acknowledge that there are practical challenges to implementing this. Teachers would need specialized training, and curriculum already seems overcrowded in many schools. However, I’d argue these are surmountable obstacles rather than insurmountable barriers. Public speaking could be integrated into existing subjects rather than being a standalone course – for example, students could present their science projects or debate historical events.
On balance, the benefits far outweigh the challenges, and I believe investing in public speaking education would yield significant dividends for both individuals and society as a whole.”
Phân tích:
- Structure: Exceptionally well-organized: Clear position → Multiple reasons (civic, professional, personal) → Acknowledge challenges → Reaffirm position
- Vocabulary: Extensive và precise (advocate for, cornerstone, articulate, empowering, foster, surmountable obstacles)
- Grammar: Full range with complete flexibility: relative clauses, participle phrases, inversion
- Critical Thinking: Nuanced argument với multiple dimensions, acknowledges counter-arguments, proposes solutions
- Cohesion: Sophisticated discourse markers throughout
💡 Key Language Features:
- Strong opinion language: Absolutely, I’m a strong advocate for, I believe
- Sequencing: First of all, Perhaps equally important, On balance
- Emphasizing: far more than, crucial, nearly every, consistently rank
- Acknowledging complexity: Now I should acknowledge, However, rather than
- Academic collocations: fundamental form, cornerstone of, transferable skills, yield significant dividends
Question 6: How do cultural differences affect communication styles?
🎯 Phân tích câu hỏi:
- Dạng: Cause-effect + Analysis question
- Key words: “cultural differences”, “affect”, “communication styles”
- Cách tiếp cận:
- Identify key cultural dimensions that impact communication
- Provide specific examples from different cultures
- Explain mechanisms of influence
- Possibly discuss implications for global communication
📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:
“Cultural differences affect communication styles in many ways. For example, in Asian cultures like Vietnam, people are usually more indirect and polite when they communicate. They don’t want to be too direct because it might seem rude. But in Western cultures like America, people prefer direct communication. They say what they think clearly. Also, in some cultures, people use a lot of body language and gestures, while in other cultures, people are more reserved. These differences can sometimes cause misunderstandings when people from different cultures communicate with each other.”
Phân tích:
- Structure: Lists differences với examples
- Ideas: Relevant examples (direct vs. indirect, body language)
- Vocabulary: Basic comparative language (more indirect, more direct, more reserved)
- Tại sao Band 6-7: Examples appropriate nhưng analysis superficial. Lacks sophisticated explanation of WHY these differences exist and deeper implications.
📝 Sample Answer – Band 8-9:
“Cultural differences exert a profound influence on communication styles, and this manifests in numerous subtle and not-so-subtle ways. To fully appreciate this, we need to consider several key cultural dimensions.
One of the most significant is what cultural researchers call ‘high-context’ versus ‘low-context’ communication. In high-context cultures, which predominate in Asia, the Middle East, and Latin America, much of the meaning is embedded in the context, relationships, and unspoken cues rather than explicit words. People in these cultures tend to value indirectness, reading between the lines, and maintaining social harmony. For instance, in Vietnam, it’s common to use indirect language or euphemisms when delivering bad news or disagreeing with someone of higher status – what might seem like beating around the bush to Westerners is actually a sophisticated form of relationship maintenance.
Conversely, low-context cultures like those in North America and Northern Europe place a premium on explicit verbal communication. People are expected to articulate their thoughts directly, and there’s less reliance on contextual clues or shared understanding. This isn’t better or worse – it’s simply a different approach rooted in different cultural values. Western cultures that emphasize individualism tend to favor direct expression as a sign of honesty and efficiency.
Another crucial dimension is power distance – how cultures perceive and respond to hierarchical relationships. In cultures with high power distance, like many Asian societies, communication styles vary significantly based on the relative status of the speakers. Formality, deference to authority, and circumspect language when addressing superiors are the norm. In contrast, cultures with low power distance encourage more egalitarian communication patterns.
These differences carry significant implications for international business and cross-cultural collaboration. Misinterpretations are rife when people unconsciously apply their own cultural communication norms to interactions with others. What one culture interprets as assertiveness and clarity, another might perceive as abrasiveness or rudeness. Likewise, what some view as polite indirectness, others might see as evasiveness or lack of transparency.
In our increasingly globalized world, developing cultural intelligence – the ability to adapt one’s communication style to different cultural contexts – has become essential. This doesn’t mean abandoning one’s own cultural identity, but rather developing the flexibility to bridge communication gaps and foster genuine understanding across cultural boundaries.”
Phân tích:
- Structure: Exceptional organization: Introduction → Dimension 1 (context) with examples → Dimension 2 (power distance) → Implications → Conclusion
- Vocabulary: Highly sophisticated và precise (exert profound influence, manifests in, predominate in, embedded in, circumspect, egalitarian)
- Grammar: Full range displayed with complete control and flexibility
- Critical Thinking: Deep analytical approach with academic frameworks (high/low context, power distance), múltiple perspectives, practical implications
- Examples: Specific và culturally sensitive (Vietnam, Western cultures)
💡 Key Language Features:
- Academic vocabulary: exert profound influence, manifests in, predominate in, rooted in
- Technical terms used appropriately: high-context, low-context, power distance, cultural intelligence
- Contrasting structures: Conversely, In contrast, Likewise
- Cause-effect language: rooted in, carry significant implications, foster understanding
- Nuanced expressions: not-so-subtle ways, reading between the lines, beating around the bush
Từ Vựng và Cụm Từ Quan Trọng
Topic-Specific Vocabulary
| Từ vựng/Cụm từ | Loại từ | Phiên âm | Nghĩa tiếng Việt | Ví dụ | Collocation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| thought-provoking | adj | /θɔːt prəˈvəʊkɪŋ/ | kích thích tư duy, gây suy nghĩ | The talk was incredibly thought-provoking and made me question my assumptions. | thought-provoking question/discussion/presentation/idea |
| captivating | adj | /ˈkæptɪveɪtɪŋ/ | hấp dẫn, mê hoặc | Her captivating delivery style kept everyone engaged throughout. | captivating story/speaker/performance/personality |
| compelling | adj | /kəmˈpelɪŋ/ | thuyết phục, hấp dẫn | He presented compelling evidence to support his argument. | compelling evidence/argument/reason/case study |
| engaging | adj | /ɪnˈgeɪdʒɪŋ/ | cuốn hút, thu hút sự chú ý | The speaker was very engaging and interactive. | engaging manner/speaker/presentation/content |
| insightful | adj | /ˈɪnsaɪtfʊl/ | sâu sắc, có hiểu biết sâu | She offered some insightful observations about the industry. | insightful analysis/comment/perspective/observation |
| articulate | v/adj | /ɑːˈtɪkjuleɪt/ | diễn đạt rõ ràng; mạch lạc | He articulated his ideas clearly and persuasively. | articulate clearly/effectively/one’s thoughts/one’s vision |
| elaborate | v | /ɪˈlæbəreɪt/ | trình bày chi tiết, phát triển ý | Could you elaborate on that point? | elaborate on/upon something |
| resonate with | phrasal v | /ˈrezəneɪt wɪð/ | gây được tiếng vang với, tạo được ấn tượng với | Her message really resonated with the audience. | resonate deeply/strongly with someone |
| strike a chord | idiom | /straɪk ə kɔːd/ | chạm đến cảm xúc, gây được ấn tượng | The speaker’s personal story struck a chord with many listeners. | strike a chord with someone |
| draw on | phrasal v | /drɔː ɒn/ | dựa vào, tận dụng (kinh nghiệm, kiến thức) | She drew on her 20 years of experience in the field. | draw on experience/knowledge/expertise/resources |
| shed light on | idiom | /ʃed laɪt ɒn/ | làm sáng tỏ, giải thích | The talk shed light on some misconceptions about climate change. | shed light on an issue/problem/subject |
| break down | phrasal v | /breɪk daʊn/ | phân tích, chia nhỏ (ý tưởng phức tạp) | He broke down complex concepts into digestible chunks. | break down barriers/concepts/information/ideas |
| convey | v | /kənˈveɪ/ | truyền đạt, chuyển tải | The speaker conveyed her passion for the subject effectively. | convey a message/information/enthusiasm/emotion |
| disseminate | v | /dɪˈsemɪneɪt/ | phổ biến, lan truyền (thông tin) | The conference aims to disseminate best practices. | disseminate information/knowledge/findings/ideas |
| advocate | v/n | /ˈædvəkeɪt/ | ủng hộ, vận động; người ủng hộ | She’s a strong advocate for environmental education. | advocate for/against something, strong advocate |
| discourse | n | /ˈdɪskɔːs/ | diễn ngôn, cuộc thảo luận | Public discourse on this topic has evolved significantly. | public discourse, academic discourse, political discourse |
| rhetoric | n | /ˈretərɪk/ | tu từ học, lối nói chuyện | His powerful rhetoric moved the audience. | powerful rhetoric, empty rhetoric, rhetorical question |
| nuance | n | /ˈnjuːɑːns/ | sắc thái, sự tinh tế | The speaker captured all the nuances of the issue. | subtle nuance, cultural nuance, nuanced view |
| perspective | n | /pəˈspektɪv/ | quan điểm, góc nhìn | The talk offered a fresh perspective on the problem. | fresh/new/different perspective, from a different perspective |
| takeaway | n | /ˈteɪkəweɪ/ | bài học rút ra, điều thu được | The key takeaway from the talk was the importance of adaptability. | key takeaway, main takeaway, valuable takeaway |
Idiomatic Expressions & Advanced Phrases
| Cụm từ | Nghĩa | Ví dụ sử dụng | Band điểm |
|---|---|---|---|
| feed off the energy | nhận năng lượng/cảm hứng từ | The speaker really fed off the audience’s enthusiasm. | 7.5-9 |
| pick up on cues | nhận ra, cảm nhận được các tín hiệu | Good speakers can pick up on audience cues and adjust accordingly. | 7.5-9 |
| get the ball rolling | bắt đầu một việc gì đó | The speaker got the ball rolling with an engaging question. | 7-8 |
| hit home | chạm đến cảm xúc, có tác động mạnh | Her personal story really hit home with the audience. | 7.5-8.5 |
| food for thought | điều đáng suy ngẫm | The talk gave us plenty of food for thought. | 7-8 |
| eye-opening | mở mang tầm mắt, đáng chú ý | It was an eye-opening experience that challenged my assumptions. | 7-8 |
| bring something to life | làm cho điều gì đó sinh động | She brought the statistics to life with real-world examples. | 7.5-8.5 |
| cut to the chase | đi thẳng vào vấn đề | After some background, he cut to the chase and presented his main argument. | 7-8 |
| go above and beyond | vượt qua mong đợi | The speaker went above and beyond by providing additional resources. | 7-8 |
| leave a lasting impression | để lại ấn tượng sâu sắc | The talk left a lasting impression on everyone who attended. | 7.5-8.5 |
| the tip of the iceberg | chỉ là phần nổi của tảng băng (còn nhiều điều sâu xa hơn) | What we discussed today is just the tip of the iceberg. | 7.5-8.5 |
| bridge the gap | thu hẹp khoảng cách | The presentation helped bridge the gap between theory and practice. | 8-9 |
| pave the way for | mở đường cho | This research paves the way for future innovations. | 8-9 |
| paradigm shift | sự thay đổi căn bản trong tư duy | The talk advocated for a paradigm shift in how we approach education. | 8.5-9 |
| game-changer | yếu tố thay đổi cuộc chơi | The technology he described could be a real game-changer. | 7.5-8.5 |
Discourse Markers (Từ Nối Ý Trong Speaking)
Để bắt đầu câu trả lời:
- 📝 Well,… – Khi cần suy nghĩ một chút trước khi trả lời
- 📝 Actually,… – Khi đưa ra một góc nhìn có thể khác với kỳ vọng
- 📝 To be honest,… / Frankly speaking,… – Khi muốn nói thật lòng
- 📝 I’d say that… / I would argue that… – Khi đưa ra quan điểm mạnh mẽ
- 📝 That’s an interesting question… – Thừa nhận câu hỏi hay và mua thời gian suy nghĩ
Để bổ sung ý:
- 📝 On top of that,… / What’s more,… – Thêm vào đó
- 📝 Not to mention… – Chưa kể đến
- 📝 Beyond that,… / Furthermore,… – Hơn nữa
- 📝 Another aspect/point is… – Một khía cạnh/điểm khác là
Để đưa ra quan điểm cân bằng:
- 📝 On the one hand,… On the other hand,… – Một mặt… mặt khác…
- 📝 While it’s true that…, we also need to consider… – Mặc dù đúng là… nhưng ta cũng cần xem xét…
- 📝 Having said that,… – Nói như vậy thì… (để đưa ra mặt khác)
- 📝 That said,… – Điều đó nói rằng… (chuyển sang quan điểm khác)
Để đưa ra ví dụ:
- 📝 For instance,… / For example,… – Ví dụ
- 📝 Take… for example – 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,… / On balance,… – Tóm lại, Nhìn chung
- 📝 At the end of the day,… – Cuối cùng thì
- 📝 Ultimately,… – Rốt cuộc thì
- 📝 In the final analysis,… – Sau cùng khi phân tích
Để thể hiện sự không chắc chắn (Hedging):
- 📝 I would say… / I’d argue… – Tôi muốn nói… (thay vì “I think”)
- 📝 It seems to me that… – Có vẻ như với tôi thì
- 📝 To some extent,… – Ở một mức độ nào đó
- 📝 In many ways,… – Theo nhiều cách
Grammatical Structures Ấn Tượng
1. Cleft Sentences (Câu chẻ) – Band 8-9:
- What + clause + is/was…: “What really captivated me was his storytelling ability.”
- The thing that + clause + is/was…: “The thing that impressed me most was the depth of research.”
- It was/is… that…: “It was his passion that made the talk so memorable.”
Ví dụ đầy đủ:
“What struck me most about the presentation was not just the content itself, but the way the speaker connected with every single person in the room.”
2. Inversion for Emphasis – Band 8.5-9:
- Not only… but also…: “Not only was the content informative, but the delivery was also exceptional.”
- Rarely have I…: “Rarely have I attended such an inspiring talk.”
- Never before had I…: “Never before had I considered this perspective.”
Ví dụ đầy đủ:
“Seldom do you encounter a speaker who can make complex scientific concepts accessible to a general audience, but Dr. Chen managed to do exactly that.”
3. Conditional Sentences – Band 7.5-9:
- Mixed conditional: “If I hadn’t attended that talk, I wouldn’t be pursuing this career path now.”
- Third conditional: “Had I known about the speaker’s background, I would have been even more excited.”
Ví dụ đầy đủ:
“If more schools incorporated public speaking training into their curriculum, I believe we’d see a generation of more confident and articulate young people.”
4. Participle Clauses – Band 8-9:
- Present participle: “Drawing on his extensive experience, he provided practical insights.”
- Past participle: “Impressed by the speaker’s credentials, I made sure to take detailed notes.”
Ví dụ đầy đủ:
“Having spent over two decades researching this field, the speaker was able to provide historical context that really enriched the discussion.”
5. Passive Voice (Academic style) – Band 7.5-9:
- It is believed/thought/said that…: “It is widely believed that public speaking skills can be developed with practice.”
- Can be + past participle: “The key points can be summarized in three main areas.”
Ví dụ đầy đủ:
“It has been argued that the shift towards online presentations has both democratized access to knowledge and reduced the personal connection between speakers and audiences.”
6. Nominalization (Turning verbs into nouns) – Band 8-9:
- Instead of “The speaker explained things clearly” → “The clarity of the speaker’s explanation…”
- Instead of “People discussed many things” → “The breadth of the discussion…”
Ví dụ đầy đủ:
“The speaker’s ability to synthesize complex information and her effective use of visual aids contributed significantly to the presentation’s overall impact.”
Chiến Lược Tổng Thể Để Đạt Band 8+
1. Fluency and Coherence
Điều cần làm:
- Maintain speech with minimal hesitation
- Use discourse markers naturally (Well, Actually, Having said that)
- Organize ideas logically với clear progression
- Self-correct naturally khi cần
- Vary pace để emphasize key points
Điều cần tránh:
- Long pauses hoặc frequent hesitation
- Repetitive linking words (and, so, but)
- Going off-topic hoặc rambling
- Sounding rehearsed hoặc robotic
Tip từ Examiner:
“Một dấu hiệu của band cao là khả năng ‘think aloud’ naturally. Thay vì panic khi gặp câu hỏi khó, sử dụng thinking time phrases như ‘That’s an interesting question…’, ‘Let me think about that for a moment…’. Điều này shows confidence và naturalness.”
2. Lexical Resource
Để đạt Band 8-9:
- Sử dụng less common vocabulary precisely
- Demonstrate idiomatic language (feed off, strike a chord)
- Show collocational knowledge (compelling evidence, pressing concerns)
- Paraphrase effectively thay vì repetition
- Use topic-specific vocabulary phù hợp
Lưu ý quan trọng:
“Don’t force advanced vocabulary vào câu trả lời một cách unnatural. Examiners có thể nhận ra ngay khi bạn đang cố insert words mà không hiểu rõ cách dùng. Better to use simpler words correctly than advanced words incorrectly.”
3. Grammatical Range and Accuracy
Mix các structures:
- Simple sentences (cho clarity)
- Compound sentences (với coordinating conjunctions)
- Complex sentences (với subordinate clauses)
- Cleft sentences (cho emphasis)
- Passive voice (academic tone)
- Conditionals (especially mixed and third)
Accuracy matters:
Band 9 không có nghĩa là zero errors. Occasional slips được chấp nhận ở band cao, nhưng errors không được làm ảnh hưởng đến meaning hoặc communication.
4. Pronunciation
Key elements:
- Clear articulation của individual sounds
- Appropriate word stress
- Sentence stress patterns
- Natural intonation
- Connected speech features
Lời khuyên thực tế:
“Pronunciation không có nghĩa là speaking với native accent. Examiners đánh giá intelligibility và naturalness. Bạn có thể có accent nhưng vẫn đạt band 9 nếu pronunciation rõ ràng và appropriate features được demonstrate.”
Những Lỗi Phổ Biến Của Học Viên Việt Nam
Lỗi 1: Over-reliance on Memorized Templates
Vấn đề: Nhiều học viên học thuộc các template và cố force vào mọi câu hỏi.
Hậu quả: Sounds unnatural, không directly answer câu hỏi, examiners dễ nhận ra.
Giải pháp: Học flexible language patterns thay vì fixed templates. Practice adapting answers dựa trên từng câu hỏi cụ thể.
Lỗi 2: Translating Directly from Vietnamese
Vấn đề: Thinking trong tiếng Việt rồi translate sang tiếng Anh, dẫn đến awkward expressions.
Ví dụ: “I think that…” being overused thay vì “I’d say…”, “In my opinion…”, “I would argue…”
Giải pháp: Train bản thân think directly trong tiếng Anh bằng cách immerse trong English content (podcasts, talks).
Lỗi 3: Lack of Elaboration
Vấn đề: Trả lời quá ngắn, đặc biệt trong Part 3.
Ví dụ:
- Question: “Why do you think public speaking is important?”
- Weak answer: “Because it’s useful for work.”
Giải pháp: Sử dụng TREE structure:
- Topic sentence (direct answer)
- Reason (why/how)
- Example (specific instance)
- Evaluation/Extension (broader implication hoặc personal reflection)
Lỗi 4: Overcomplicating Simple Questions
Vấn đề: Trying too hard với Part 1 questions, making them sound unnatural.
Ví dụ:
- Question: “Do you like listening to talks?”
- Overcomplicated: “Well, with regards to this particular inquiry, I must elucidate that…”
Giải pháp: Keep Part 1 conversational và natural. Save sophisticated language cho Part 3.
Lỗi 5: Ignoring the “Why” Part
Vấn đề: Especially trong Part 2, không explain WHY something was interesting/memorable/important.
Giải pháp: Dành ít nhất 30-40% speaking time cho phần “explain” trong cue card. Đây là phần ghi điểm cao nhất.
Lộ Trình Học Tập Hiệu Quả
Giai đoạn 1: Foundation Building (2-4 tuần)
Week 1-2: Input
- Listen to 2-3 TED Talks mỗi tuần về various topics
- Note down useful expressions và observe structure
- Practice shadowing (repeat after the speaker)
- Build vocabulary list với context
Week 3-4: Practice
- Record yourself answering sample questions
- Listen back và identify areas for improvement
- Focus on fluency trước, accuracy sau
- Practice với timer để control length
Giai đoạn 2: Skill Development (4-6 tuần)
Fluency Training:
- Daily 5-minute monologues về random topics
- Use discourse markers consciously
- Practice thinking aloud
Vocabulary Enhancement:
- Learn 5-7 topic-specific words mỗi ngày
- Create example sentences cho each word
- Review weekly và incorporate vào practice
Grammar Refinement:
- Focus on 1-2 complex structures mỗi tuần
- Practice using them naturally
- Get feedback từ teacher hoặc partner
Giai đoạn 3: Intensive Practice (2-3 tuần before test)
Mock Tests:
- Full speaking tests 2-3 lần mỗi tuần
- Record và analyze performance
- Get feedback từ experienced teacher
Targeted Improvement:
- Identify weak areas từ mock tests
- Focus practice on those specific areas
- Polish answers cho common topics
Final Preparation:
- Review key vocabulary và expressions
- Practice với predicted topics
- Work on confidence và stress management
Câu Hỏi Thường Gặp
Q1: Tôi có cần phải nói với native accent để đạt band cao không?
A: Hoàn toàn không. IELTS đánh giá intelligibility (độ rõ ràng) chứ không phải accent. Bạn có thể có Vietnamese accent nhưng vẫn đạt band 9 nếu pronunciation rõ ràng và sử dụng appropriate intonation patterns.
Q2: Nếu tôi không hiểu câu hỏi trong test, tôi nên làm gì?
A: Đừng panic. Bạn hoàn toàn có thể lịch sự yêu cầu examiner nhắc lại: “I’m sorry, could you repeat the question, please?” hoặc “I’m not quite sure what you mean by [word], could you clarify that?” Điều này không ảnh hưởng đến band điểm và shows good communication skills.
Q3: Tôi có thể sử dụng ví dụ giả không?
A: Có, nhưng make it believable. Examiners không kiểm tra tính xác thực của stories. Điều quan trọng là bạn có thể develop story với enough details và relevant language để demonstrate speaking skills.
Q4: Part 2 tôi nói được 2.5 phút có tốt hơn 2 phút không?
A: Not necessarily. Quality quan trọng hơn quantity. Nếu bạn maintain good quality trong 2.5 phút thì tốt, nhưng nếu quality drops sau 2 phút (repetitive, rambling) thì better stop at 2 phút. Examiner có thể stop bạn sau 2 phút anyway.
Q5: Tôi nên nhìn vào examiner hay vào notes trong Part 2?
A: Mainly nhìn examiner với occasional glances vào notes. Avoid reading từ notes. Notes chỉ là prompts to remind bạn về structure và key points. Natural eye contact là sign of confident communication.
Lời Kết Từ Examiner
Sau hơn 20 năm chấm thi IELTS Speaking, tôi có thể nói rằng thí sinh đạt band cao không phải là người có vocabulary lớn nhất hay grammar hoàn hảo nhất. Họ là những người communicate effectively, naturally, và confidently về bất kỳ topic nào.
Remember these key principles:
-
Authenticity beats perfection. Hãy là chính mình, speak naturally rather than trying to sound like someone you’re not.
-
Communication is the goal. IELTS Speaking test assesses your ability to communicate in English, không phải ability to recite memorized answers.
-
Mistakes are okay. Even native speakers make mistakes. Minor slips don’t prevent band 9. What matters là overall communicative effectiveness.
-
Practice with purpose. Đừng chỉ practice nhiều, practice đúng. Record yourself, analyze, get feedback, và adjust.
-
Enjoy the process. The best performances come khi bạn relaxed và genuinely engaged với topic. If you find a talk truly interesting, your enthusiasm sẽ naturally come through trong answer.
Chủ đề “Describe an interesting talk you heard recently” là một opportunity tuyệt vời để showcase not just your language skills nhưng cả your intellectual curiosity và ability to learn from others. Hãy approach it với genuine interest, thorough preparation, và confidence in your abilities.
Chúc bạn thành công trong kỳ thi IELTS Speaking!
