IELTS Speaking: Cách Trả Lời “Describe An Occasion When You Wore A Costume” – Bài Mẫu Band 6-9

Chủ đề “Describe An Occasion When You Wore A Costume” là một đề bài cực kỳ phổ biến trong IELTS Speaking Part 2, xuất hiện thường xuyên từ năm 2019 đến nay với tần suất cao. Theo thống kê từ các kỳ thi thực tế trên ielts-blog.com và IELTS-Simon.com, đề bài này và các biến thể liên quan đến trang phục đặc biệt xuất hiện ít nhất 3-4 lần mỗi quý. Dự đoán khả năng xuất hiện trong tương lai vẫn ở mức cao do tính phổ biến và dễ áp dụng của chủ đề.

Đây là một topic tuyệt vời vì nó cho phép bạn kể về các trải nghiệm cá nhân thú vị như Halloween, lễ hội văn hóa, tiệc hóa trang, hoặc các sự kiện đặc biệt. Tuy nhiên, nhiều học viên Việt Nam thường gặp khó khăn với chủ đề này vì thiếu từ vựng chuyên ngành về trang phục và không biết cách mô tả chi tiết về trải nghiệm của mình.

Trong bài viết này, bạn sẽ học được:

• Các câu hỏi thường gặp về costume/clothing trong cả 3 Part
• Bài mẫu chi tiết theo từng band điểm 6-7, 7.5-8, và 8.5-9 với phân tích chuyên sâu
• Hơn 50 từ vựng và cụm từ ăn điểm liên quan đến trang phục và sự kiện
• Chiến lược trả lời hiệu quả từ góc nhìn của Examiner
• Cách tránh những lỗi phổ biến mà học viên Việt Nam thường mắc phải

IELTS Speaking Part 1: Introduction and Interview

Tổng Quan Về Part 1

Part 1 kéo dài 4-5 phút với các câu hỏi ngắn về đời sống hàng ngày. Với chủ đề clothing/costume, examiner thường hỏi về sở thích ăn mặc, trang phục truyền thống, hoặc shopping habits của bạn. Chiến lược tối ưu là trả lời trực tiếp câu hỏi trong 2-3 câu với structure: Direct answer → Reason/Example → Additional detail.

Lỗi thường gặp của học viên Việt Nam:

• Trả lời quá ngắn chỉ có Yes/No mà không mở rộng ý
• Sử dụng từ vựng đơn giản như “good”, “nice”, “beautiful” quá nhiều
• Thiếu ví dụ cụ thể từ kinh nghiệm bản thân
• Không biết dùng tentative language để làm mềm câu trả lời

Các Câu Hỏi Thường Gặp

Question 1: What kind of clothes do you usually wear?

Question 2: Do you prefer comfortable clothes or fashionable clothes?

Question 3: Have you ever worn traditional clothes from your country?

Question 4: Do you think it’s important to wear formal clothes on special occasions?

Question 5: Did you wear a school uniform when you were younger?

Question 6: How often do you go shopping for clothes?

Question 7: Do you like to wear bright colors or dark colors?

Question 8: Have you ever dressed up for a party or special event?

Phân Tích và Gợi Ý Trả Lời Chi Tiết

Question: Have you ever worn traditional clothes from your country?

Cách tiếp cận:

• Trả lời Yes/No rõ ràng ngay từ đầu
• Nêu dịp cụ thể khi mặc (wedding, Tet holiday, cultural event)
• Mô tả cảm giác hoặc ý nghĩa của việc mặc trang phục đó

Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

“Yes, I have. I wore ao dai at my cousin’s wedding last year. It was a traditional Vietnamese dress and it looked very beautiful. I felt quite elegant wearing it.”

Phân tích:

• Điểm mạnh: Trả lời trực tiếp, có example cụ thể, dùng adjectives “traditional”, “beautiful”, “elegant”
• Hạn chế: Vocabulary còn basic, câu văn đơn giản, thiếu detail về trải nghiệm
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Đủ information nhưng chưa sophisticated. Grammar chính xác nhưng đơn giản (simple past). Thiếu complex structures và advanced vocabulary

Sample Answer – Band 8-9:

“Yes, absolutely. I had the opportunity to wear a traditional ao dai at my cousin’s wedding ceremony last spring. It was a stunning silk garment in deep burgundy with intricate embroidery along the collar. What I found most memorable was how it made me feel more connected to my cultural heritage, and I received so many compliments throughout the day. It’s definitely something I’d love to wear more often on special occasions.”

Phân tích:

• Điểm mạnh:
  • Vocabulary sophisticated: “stunning”, “intricate embroidery”, “cultural heritage”, “memorable”
  • Details cụ thể: màu sắc (deep burgundy), chất liệu (silk), họa tiết (embroidery)
  • Emotional connection: “connected to my cultural heritage”
  • Complex grammar: relative clause “what I found most memorable was…”
• Tại sao Band 8-9: Demonstrates excellent vocabulary range, natural fluency với discourse marker “absolutely”, và shows ability to extend answer với personal reflection. Grammar varied với mix của simple và complex structures

Key Vocabulary & Expressions:

• ao dai: Trang phục truyền thống Việt Nam
• stunning silk garment: Bộ trang phục lụa tuyệt đẹp
• intricate embroidery: Hoa văn thêu tinh xảo
• connected to my cultural heritage: Gắn kết với di sản văn hóa
• special occasions: Những dịp đặc biệt

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Question: Do you prefer comfortable clothes or fashionable clothes?

Cách tiếp cận:

• Đưa ra preference rõ ràng hoặc balanced view
• Giải thích lý do dựa trên lifestyle/personality
• Có thể nói về different contexts (work vs. weekend)

Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

“I prefer comfortable clothes because I don’t like feeling restricted. I usually wear jeans and t-shirts. Fashionable clothes can be uncomfortable sometimes, so I choose comfort over style.”

Phân tích:

• Điểm mạnh: Clear preference, có reason đơn giản, honest answer
• Hạn chế: Vocabulary repetitive (comfortable x2), ideas chưa developed đầy đủ, thiếu examples
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Communicates main idea nhưng lacks depth. Grammar accurate nhưng simple. Thiếu sophistication trong vocabulary

Sample Answer – Band 8-9:

“Well, I’d say I lean more towards comfortable clothing, especially for everyday wear. I spend most of my time at work and commuting, so I prioritize practicality over appearance. That said, I do make an effort to look presentable and I enjoy dressing up for social events. I think the key is finding that sweet spot between comfort and style – clothes that look good but don’t compromise your freedom of movement.”

Phân tích:

• Điểm mạnh:
  • Balanced view với “lean more towards” thay vì absolute preference
  • Context awareness: “everyday wear” vs “social events”
  • Advanced phrases: “prioritize practicality”, “sweet spot”, “compromise your freedom of movement”
  • Natural discourse markers: “Well”, “That said”, “I think”
• Tại sao Band 8-9: Shows nuanced thinking, wide vocabulary range, natural discourse markers, và complex ideas về balance. Grammar sophisticated với mix của tenses và structures

Key Vocabulary & Expressions:

• lean more towards: Nghiêng về phía, thiên về
• prioritize practicality: Ưu tiên tính thực dụng
• presentable: Chỉnh chu, tươm tất
• dressing up: Ăn mặc chỉnh chu, trang điểm kỹ
• sweet spot: Điểm cân bằng hoàn hảo
• compromise your freedom of movement: Ảnh hưởng đến sự tự do di chuyển

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Question: Have you ever dressed up for a party or special event?

Cách tiếp cận:

• Nêu specific event với time reference
• Mô tả outfit hoặc theme
• Chia sẻ feeling hoặc outcome

Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

“Yes, I dressed up for a Halloween party two years ago. I wore a vampire costume with fake blood. It was fun and my friends liked my costume. We took many photos together.”

Phân tích:

• Điểm mạnh: Specific event, clear description, mentions social aspect
• Hạn chế: Vocabulary basic (fun, liked), thiếu sensory details, grammar simple
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Adequate response với clear message nhưng lacks sophisticated language và depth of description

Sample Answer – Band 8-9:

“Absolutely! The most memorable occasion was a 1920s themed party I attended last year. I went all out with a flapper dress, complete with sequins and fringe, along with a feathered headband and vintage accessories. I even curled my hair in finger waves to nail the authentic look. It was quite elaborate getting ready, but the transformation was totally worth it. Everyone at the party really got into character, which created such a vibrant atmosphere.”

Phân tích:

• Điểm mạnh:
  • Vivid description: “sequins and fringe”, “feathered headband”, “finger waves”
  • Advanced vocabulary: “elaborate”, “transformation”, “vibrant atmosphere”
  • Details về preparation process: “went all out”, “nail the authentic look”
  • Idiomatic expressions: “got into character”, “totally worth it”
  • Complex grammar: participle phrases “getting ready”, “complete with…”
• Tại sao Band 8-9: Rich vocabulary, detailed description, natural flow, và shows enthusiasm through language choice. Demonstrates ability to describe past events với vivid details

Key Vocabulary & Expressions:

• themed party: Tiệc có chủ đề
• flapper dress: Váy kiểu phụ nữ thời 1920s
• sequins and fringe: Kim sa và tua rua
• feathered headband: Băng đô có lông vũ
• nail the authentic look: Đạt được vẻ ngoài chân thực hoàn hảo
• elaborate: Công phu, tỉ mỉ
• got into character: Vào vai, hóa thân
• vibrant atmosphere: Không khí sôi động

Học viên IELTS chuẩn bị trang phục hóa trang độc đáo cho bài thi Speaking chủ đề describe an occasion when you wore a costume

IELTS Speaking Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)

Tổng Quan Về Part 2

Part 2 là phần quan trọng nhất, chiếm thời gian 3-4 phút (1 phút chuẩn bị + 2-3 phút nói). Đây là lúc bạn phải thể hiện khả năng nói dài, mạch lạc về một chủ đề cụ thể mà không bị ngắt quãng.

Chiến lược hiệu quả:

• Sử dụng đúng 1 phút chuẩn bị: Ghi chú keywords, không viết câu hoàn chỉnh. Note down đủ 4 bullet points với 1-2 keywords mỗi point
• Nói đủ 2 phút: Aim cho 2-2.5 phút là lý tưởng. Nếu dưới 1.5 phút sẽ bị đánh giá thấp về fluency
• Cover tất cả bullet points: Đây là yêu cầu bắt buộc, thiếu bất kỳ point nào sẽ mất điểm Task Achievement
• Focus vào bullet cuối (explain): Đây là phần ghi điểm cao nhất, cần mở rộng nhiều nhất

Lỗi thường gặp:

• Panic và không biết ghi chú gì trong 1 phút
• Nói quá nhanh để “vắt” đủ 2 phút, làm mất tính tự nhiên
• Bỏ sót bullet point thứ 3 hoặc 4
• Không biết kết thúc, cứ lặp lại ý cũ

Cue Card

Describe an occasion when you wore a costume

You should say:

• What the occasion was
• What costume you wore
• Why you chose that particular costume
• And explain how you felt wearing it

Phân Tích Đề Bài

• Dạng câu hỏi: Describe an experience/event – thuộc nhóm Past Event
• Thì động từ: Chủ yếu là Past Simple và Past Continuous, có thể dùng Present Perfect khi link đến hiện tại
• Bullet points phải cover:
  • Bullet 1 (What): Sự kiện gì? (Halloween party, costume party, cultural festival, school event, carnival…)
  • Bullet 2 (What costume): Mô tả costume chi tiết (appearance, colors, materials, accessories)
  • Bullet 3 (Why): Lý do chọn costume đó (personal interest, theme requirements, creativity, availability…)
  • Bullet 4 (Explain feelings): Đây là bullet QUAN TRỌNG NHẤT – phải expand nhiều. Nói về emotional experience, reactions của người khác, memorable moments
• Câu “explain” quan trọng: Đây là cơ hội để demonstrate emotional intelligence, reflection, và ability to analyze experience. Đừng chỉ nói “I felt happy” – hãy explain WHY và HOW the experience affected you

Sample Answer – Band 6-7

Thời lượng: Khoảng 1.5-2 phút

I’m going to talk about a time when I wore a costume for Halloween party last year. The party was organized by my university classmates and everyone had to dress up.

I wore a witch costume. It was a long black dress with a pointed hat. I also had a broomstick and some fake spider decorations. The costume was quite simple but it looked nice. I bought it from a costume shop near my house for about 300,000 VND.

I chose this costume because I like witch characters from movies and books. Also, it was easy to find and not too expensive. My friend suggested I should wear a witch costume because it matched my personality – a bit mysterious.

Wearing this costume made me feel excited and confident. At first, I was a bit shy because I don’t usually wear strange clothes. But when I arrived at the party and saw everyone in costumes, I felt more comfortable. People said my costume looked good and we took many photos. I had a fun time at the party and I think wearing a costume made the event more interesting and memorable. It was a good experience and I would like to wear costumes again in the future.

Phân Tích Band Điểm

Tiêu chí	Band	Nhận xét
Fluency & Coherence	6-7	Có linking words cơ bản (also, but, because), ideas connected logically nhưng còn mechanical. Một số hesitation khi chuyển ý
Lexical Resource	6-7	Vocabulary adequate: “organized”, “pointed hat”, “mysterious”, “memorable”. Tuy nhiên còn nhiều từ basic: “nice”, “good”, “fun”. Có một số collocations: “dress up”, “had a fun time”
Grammatical Range & Accuracy	6-7	Mix của simple và complex sentences. Có relative clause: “a time when I wore”. Past simple chính xác. Tuy nhiên structures còn repetitive
Pronunciation	6-7	Giả định clear và understandable với occasional mispronunciation không ảnh hưởng communication

Điểm mạnh:

• Covers tất cả 4 bullet points đầy đủ
• Clear structure với introduction và conclusion
• Có specific details: giá tiền, location mua costume
• Grammar chính xác, không có major errors

Hạn chế:

• Vocabulary chưa sophisticated, nhiều từ “safe” và repetitive
• Lacks vivid description về costume appearance
• Phần “explain feelings” chưa deep, chỉ surface level (excited, confident, fun)
• Thiếu complex grammar structures và varied sentence patterns
• Không có memorable phrases hoặc idioms

Sample Answer – Band 7.5-8

Thời lượng: Khoảng 2-2.5 phút

I’d like to tell you about a particularly memorable occasion when I dressed up as a traditional Vietnamese warrior for a cultural festival that took place at my university about two years ago. It was part of the Tet celebrations, and the organizers encouraged students to wear costumes representing different periods of Vietnamese history.

The costume I wore was quite elaborate and eye-catching. It consisted of a deep red tunic with golden embroidery depicting dragons and phoenixes, which are traditional symbols of power and prosperity in Vietnamese culture. I also wore black silk pants underneath and a distinctive headpiece with feathers. The most striking element was probably the replica sword I carried, which really completed the look and made me feel quite authentic.

I chose this particular costume for several reasons. Firstly, I’ve always been fascinated by Vietnamese history, especially the Trung Sisters’ rebellion against Chinese rule, and I wanted to pay tribute to those legendary figures. Secondly, I thought it would be more meaningful than wearing a generic superhero costume – I wanted something that reflected my cultural identity. My roommate actually helped me source the materials from a local theatrical costume shop, and we spent an entire afternoon putting it together.

As for how I felt wearing it, I’d say it was a mixture of emotions. Initially, I felt a bit self-conscious walking around campus in such elaborate attire, especially carrying a sword! However, once I arrived at the festival venue and saw others in equally impressive costumes, I became more at ease. What really made the experience worthwhile was the positive response I received. Many people asked to take photos with me, and several professors complimented me on choosing something that celebrated our heritage. It gave me a strong sense of pride in my culture, and I felt I was keeping our traditions alive, even in a modern setting. The whole experience was definitely out of my comfort zone, but it turned out to be one of the most rewarding moments of my university life.

Phân Tích Band Điểm

Tiêu chí	Band	Nhận xét
Fluency & Coherence	7.5-8	Speaks fluently với minimal hesitation. Excellent use of discourse markers: “I’d like to tell you”, “Firstly”, “Secondly”, “As for”. Ideas well-organized và coherent progression
Lexical Resource	7.5-8	Wide range of vocabulary: “elaborate”, “eye-catching”, “depicting”, “replica”, “authentic”. Good collocations: “pay tribute to”, “reflected my cultural identity”, “source the materials”. Some less common words: “attire”, “venue”
Grammatical Range & Accuracy	7.5-8	Good mix of simple và complex structures. Relative clauses: “which are traditional symbols”, “that reflected my cultural identity”. Participle: “depicting dragons”, “carrying a sword”. Past perfect: “had helped”
Pronunciation	7.5-8	Giả định clear pronunciation với good stress và intonation patterns

So Sánh Với Band 6-7

Khía cạnh	Band 6-7	Band 7.5-8
Vocabulary	“nice”, “good”, “fun”, “interesting”	“elaborate”, “eye-catching”, “memorable”, “striking”, “worthwhile”, “rewarding”
Grammar	“I wore a witch costume. It was a long black dress”	“The costume I wore was quite elaborate and consisted of…” (complex noun phrase)
Ideas	“I felt excited and confident”	“It was a mixture of emotions. Initially self-conscious, but became more at ease. Strong sense of pride in my culture”
Details	“Long black dress with pointed hat”	“Deep red tunic with golden embroidery depicting dragons and phoenixes, black silk pants, distinctive headpiece with feathers”
Cultural depth	“I like witch characters from movies”	“Fascinated by Vietnamese history, wanted to pay tribute to legendary figures, reflected my cultural identity”

Trang phục chiến binh truyền thống Việt Nam với áo dài đỏ thêu rồng phượng hoàng vàng cho bài thi IELTS Speaking

Sample Answer – Band 8.5-9

Thời lượng: 2.5-3 phút đầy đủ

I’d be delighted to share what I consider to be one of the most exhilarating experiences of my life – the time I wore a meticulously crafted steampunk costume to a themed charity gala approximately eighteen months ago. The event was organized by a local non-profit organization to raise funds for underprivileged children, and the theme was “Victorian Future,” which essentially meant blending 19th-century aesthetics with futuristic mechanical elements.

The costume itself was truly a labor of love that took me nearly three weeks to assemble and customize. I went for a steampunk aviator look, which featured a vintage brown leather corset adorned with brass buckles and gears, paired with a floor-length Victorian skirt that I’d modified to have asymmetrical layers for a more dramatic effect. The pièce de résistance was definitely the accessories – I wore custom-made brass goggles with magnifying lenses, a top hat embellished with clock parts and feathers, and I even rigged up a pair of mechanical wings made from copper wire and fabric that could actually fold and unfold. To top it all off, I incorporated LED lighting into various parts of the costume, which created this ethereal glow in dimly lit settings.

What drew me to this particular concept was multifaceted. On a practical level, steampunk fashion has always resonated with me because it celebrates craftsmanship and individuality – there’s something profoundly satisfying about creating something entirely unique rather than purchasing a mass-produced outfit. On a deeper level, I was captivated by the juxtaposition of historical elegance and imaginative technology that steampunk represents. It’s a genre that asks “what if?” – what if the Victorian era had developed differently? I found this philosophical underpinning fascinating. Additionally, given that it was a charity event, I wanted my costume to be conversation-worthy so I could leverage people’s interest to promote the cause and encourage donations.

Describing how I felt wearing this costume requires some nuance because my emotions evolved throughout the evening. During the preparation phase, I experienced a rollercoaster of feelings – from creative euphoria when things came together to moments of frustration when technical aspects didn’t work as planned. When I finally donned the complete ensemble on the night itself, I felt an overwhelming surge of confidence mixed with a healthy dose of anxiety. There’s something quite transformative about wearing such an elaborate costume – it’s almost like stepping into an alternate persona. I found myself standing taller, moving more deliberately, and interacting more boldly than I typically would.

What made the experience truly unforgettable wasn’t just the costume itself, but the ripple effect it created. Throughout the evening, I became a sort of unofficial ambassador for the event – people were drawn to the costume’s intricacy, which naturally led to conversations about the charity’s mission. Several attendees mentioned that my costume embodied the spirit of creativity and craftsmanship that the organization was trying to foster in the children they supported. That connection between my personal creative expression and the broader philanthropic purpose gave the whole experience a profound sense of meaning. By the end of the night, I felt I’d contributed something tangible beyond just a donation – I’d helped create memorable moments that would stay with people and keep the cause in their minds. It was a poignant reminder that sometimes the most impactful things we can do are those that combine our personal passions with service to others.

Phân Tích Band Điểm

Tiêu chí	Band	Nhận xét
Fluency & Coherence	8.5-9	Speaks fluently với natural, effortless delivery. Sophisticated discourse markers: “I’d be delighted to”, “On a practical level”, “On a deeper level”, “What made the experience truly unforgettable”. Ideas flow logically với excellent cohesion
Lexical Resource	8.5-9	Exceptional vocabulary range: “meticulously crafted”, “labor of love”, “pièce de résistance”, “ethereal glow”, “multifaceted”, “juxtaposition”, “philosophical underpinning”, “ripple effect”, “poignant reminder”. Precise collocations và idiomatic language used naturally
Grammatical Range & Accuracy	8.5-9	Wide range of complex structures used accurately: relative clauses, participles, conditionals, passive voice. Perfect control of tenses including past perfect: “had developed”. Advanced structures: “which essentially meant blending”, “so I could leverage”
Pronunciation	8.5-9	Giả định excellent pronunciation với varied intonation và natural rhythm

Tại Sao Bài Này Xuất Sắc

Fluency Hoàn Hảo:
Bài nói demonstrates effortless fluency với natural pauses for emphasis chứ không phải vì lack of words. Sử dụng sophisticated discourse markers như “I’d be delighted to share”, “On a deeper level”, “Describing how I felt requires some nuance” giúp guide listener một cách elegant

Vocabulary Tinh Vi:

• “meticulously crafted” thay vì “carefully made” – shows precision
• “pièce de résistance” (French expression) – demonstrates cultural awareness
• “juxtaposition” – academic vocabulary used naturally
• “ripple effect” – metaphorical language
• “poignant reminder” – sophisticated emotional vocabulary

Các collocations như “labor of love”, “raise funds for”, “resonate with me”, “ripple effect” đều là natural English mà native speakers hay dùng

Grammar Đa Dạng:

• Complex relative clauses: “a themed charity gala that was organized by…”, “a costume that took me nearly three weeks to assemble”
• Participle phrases: “featuring a vintage brown leather corset”, “paired with a floor-length Victorian skirt”
• Conditional: “what if the Victorian era had developed differently”
• Passive constructions: “was organized by”, “was captivated by”
• Advanced structures: “There’s something quite transformative about wearing…” (existential sentence)

Ideas Sâu Sắc:
Không chỉ describe costume và feelings surface level, bài nói còn explore:

• Philosophical dimension của steampunk (juxtaposition, “what if” questions)
• Personal growth journey (emotions evolved)
• Connection giữa personal expression và social impact
• Transformative power của costume (alternate persona)
• Meaningful contribution beyond material donation

Level of reflection này shows mature thinking và ability to analyze experience deeply

Follow-up Questions (Rounding Off Questions)

Examiner thường hỏi thêm 1-2 câu ngắn sau khi bạn kết thúc Part 2 để transition sang Part 3:

Question 1: Do you still have that costume?

Band 6-7 Answer:
“Yes, I still keep it in my wardrobe. I haven’t worn it again but I might use it for another party in the future.”

Band 8-9 Answer:
“I do actually! It’s carefully stored in my closet, though I must admit it’s become more of a cherished memento than something I’d wear regularly. I’ve toyed with the idea of donating it to a local theater group, but I’m quite sentimentally attached to it given all the effort I poured into creating it.”

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Question 2: Would you recommend wearing costumes to others?

Band 6-7 Answer:
“Yes, I would recommend it because it’s fun and interesting. People should try it at least once to have a different experience.”

Band 8-9 Answer:
“Absolutely, I think everyone should step out of their comfort zone and try it at least once. There’s something quite liberating about temporarily inhabiting a different identity, and it can be a wonderful outlet for creativity. That said, I’d encourage people to choose costumes that are culturally sensitive and personally meaningful rather than just going for shock value.”

IELTS Speaking Part 3: Two-way Discussion

Tổng Quan Về Part 3

Part 3 là phần challenging nhất, kéo dài 4-5 phút với các câu hỏi trừu tượng và thought-provoking liên quan đến topic của Part 2. Khác với Part 1 (personal) và Part 2 (describe experience), Part 3 yêu cầu bạn discuss, analyze, compare, và evaluate issues ở cấp độ society/world.

Yêu cầu cụ thể:

• Phân tích đa chiều: Xem xét vấn đề từ nhiều góc độ (individual, society, culture, economy…)
• So sánh và đối chiếu: Compare past vs. present, different cultures, different age groups
• Đánh giá và dự đoán: Evaluate pros/cons, predict future trends
• Đưa ra quan điểm có lý lẽ: Your opinion phải được support bằng reasons và examples

Chiến lược hiệu quả:

• Mở rộng câu trả lời 3-5 câu: Structure tối ưu là Direct answer → Reason 1 + example → Reason 2 + example → Conclusion/nuance
• Sử dụng discourse markers: Well, Actually, To be honest, From my perspective, I’d argue that…
• Thừa nhận complexity: Avoid absolute statements. Dùng tentative language: tends to, generally speaking, to some extent…
• Give examples từ society: Không chỉ personal examples như Part 1, mà nên reference social trends, studies, different countries

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
• Thiếu từ vựng abstract và academic
• Give absolute statements thiếu nuance: “Everyone thinks…”, “It’s always good…”
• Không structure câu trả lời logic

Các Câu Hỏi Thảo Luận Sâu

Theme 1: Costumes and Cultural Identity

Question 1: Why do you think people enjoy wearing costumes on special occasions?

Phân tích câu hỏi:

• Dạng: Cause/Reason question – “Why do people…”
• Key words: “enjoy”, “wearing costumes”, “special occasions”
• Cách tiếp cận: Đưa ra 2-3 reasons với examples. Có thể phân tích psychological, social, và cultural factors

Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

“I think people enjoy wearing costumes because it’s fun and different from everyday life. When they wear costumes, they can be someone else and forget about their problems. Also, wearing costumes makes special occasions more exciting and memorable. For example, at Halloween parties, everyone looks interesting in costumes and it creates a good atmosphere.”

Phân tích:

• Structure: Có direct answer và 2 reasons nhưng chưa được developed đầy đủ
• Vocabulary: Basic words: “fun”, “different”, “good”, “interesting”
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Communicates main ideas nhưng lacks depth và sophisticated language. Example còn general chứ chưa specific

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Câu trả lời mẫu – Band 8-9:

“Well, I think there are several psychological and social factors at play here. Firstly, wearing costumes provides a form of escapism from the mundane routines of daily life – it allows people to temporarily step into a different persona and experience a sense of liberation from their usual identity. This is particularly appealing in modern society where many people feel constrained by social expectations and professional roles.

Secondly, costumes serve as powerful social facilitators. When everyone at an event is dressed up, it creates a level playing field and often makes people more approachable and willing to interact. I’ve noticed this at costume parties where even typically introverted individuals become more outgoing because the costume provides a sort of psychological shield.

Lastly, there’s a creative and artistic dimension – designing or choosing a costume allows people to express their creativity and showcase aspects of their personality that might not be readily apparent in everyday contexts. In contemporary society, where so much of our lives are standardized, this represents a valuable outlet for self-expression.”

Phân tích:

• Structure: Well-organized với Firstly/Secondly/Lastly. Mỗi reason được explained và illustrated
• Vocabulary: Sophisticated: “escapism”, “mundane routines”, “constrained by social expectations”, “social facilitators”, “psychological shield”, “readily apparent”
• Grammar: Complex structures: “it allows people to temporarily step…”, “where many people feel constrained”, “even typically introverted individuals become…”
• Critical Thinking: Demonstrates understanding of psychological (escapism), social (facilitators), và artistic (self-expression) dimensions

Key Language Features:

• Discourse markers: “Well”, “Firstly”, “Secondly”, “Lastly”
• Tentative language: “I think”, “I’ve noticed”, “might not be”
• Abstract nouns: “escapism”, “liberation”, “creativity”, “self-expression”, “expectations”
• Adjective-noun collocations: “psychological factors”, “mundane routines”, “social facilitators”, “creative dimension”

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Question 2: Do you think traditional costumes are important for preserving cultural heritage?

Phân tích câu hỏi:

• Dạng: Opinion question với cultural dimension
• Key words: “traditional costumes”, “important”, “preserving cultural heritage”
• Cách tiếp cận: Give your opinion (Yes/To some extent) → Explain importance → Acknowledge potential challenges/limitations → Conclude với balanced view

Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

“Yes, I think traditional costumes are important for culture. They represent the history and traditions of a country. When people wear traditional clothes, they remember their culture and pass it to younger generations. For example, in Vietnam, ao dai is very important and many people wear it on special days. This helps keep Vietnamese culture alive.”

Phân tích:

• Structure: Clear opinion với basic reasoning
• Vocabulary: Adequate nhưng repetitive: “important” x2, “culture” x3
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Addresses the question nhưng lacks sophistication và depth of analysis

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Câu trả lời mẫu – Band 8-9:

“I’d argue that traditional costumes play a crucial role in cultural preservation, though their significance extends beyond mere tangible artifacts. They function as visual embodiments of a culture’s aesthetic values, historical narratives, and social structures.

On one hand, traditional attire serves as a living connection to our ancestors and their way of life. When younger generations wear these garments, they’re not just putting on clothes – they’re participating in centuries-old traditions and maintaining continuity with the past. Take the Japanese kimono, for instance – its intricate patterns and formal wearing protocols encode numerous aspects of Japanese culture, from seasonal awareness to social hierarchy.

However, I think we need to be careful about romanticizing tradition. While preserving traditional costumes is valuable, culture is inherently dynamic and evolves over time. The key is finding a balance between honoring heritage and allowing for contemporary reinterpretation. Vietnam’s ao dai is a perfect example – it has been modernized over the decades while still retaining its distinctive character. This adaptive approach ensures that traditional garments remain relevant to modern life rather than becoming museum pieces.

Furthermore, in our increasingly globalized world, traditional costumes can serve as powerful symbols of cultural identity and sources of national pride. They help communities maintain their distinctiveness while engaging with global culture. That said, I believe the preservation of cultural heritage ultimately depends more on transmitting values and practices rather than simply maintaining the external forms like clothing.”

Phân tích:

• Structure: Complex argumentation: Main point → Support with example → Counterpoint với nuance → Broader context → Conclusion
• Vocabulary: Highly sophisticated: “tangible artifacts”, “visual embodiments”, “aesthetic values”, “encode”, “romanticizing”, “inherently dynamic”, “adaptive approach”, “museum pieces”
• Grammar: Advanced structures: “I’d argue that…”, “When younger generations wear these garments, they’re not just…”, “While preserving… is valuable”
• Critical Thinking: Shows balanced view, acknowledges complexity, provides specific example (kimono, ao dai), connects to broader issues (globalization, cultural identity)

Key Language Features:

• Academic phrases: “I’d argue that”, “On one hand”, “However”, “Furthermore”, “That said”
• Hedging language: “I think we need to be careful”, “to some extent”
• Abstract concepts: “cultural preservation”, “aesthetic values”, “social structures”, “cultural identity”
• Metaphorical language: “living connection”, “encode”, “museum pieces”

Áo dài truyền thống Việt Nam được hiện đại hóa với họa tiết đương đại cho bài thi IELTS Speaking về văn hóa

Theme 2: Fashion and Social Impact

Question 1: How has fashion changed in your country over the past few decades?

Phân tích câu hỏi:

• Dạng: Compare and contrast (past vs. present)
• Key words: “fashion”, “changed”, “past few decades”
• Cách tiếp cận: Describe past → Describe present → Explain reasons for changes → Evaluate impact

Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

“Fashion in Vietnam has changed a lot. In the past, people wore more traditional and simple clothes. But now, young people wear modern Western-style clothes like jeans and t-shirts. This change happened because of globalization and the internet. People can see fashion from other countries easily now. I think this change is both good and bad – good because we have more choices, but bad because we might lose our traditional style.”

Phân tích:

• Structure: Có comparison với past/present và mentions reasons
• Vocabulary: Basic: “a lot”, “simple”, “modern”, “good and bad”
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Addresses all aspects nhưng lacks detailed analysis và sophisticated vocabulary

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Câu trả lời mẫu – Band 8-9:

“Fashion in Vietnam has undergone a remarkable transformation over the past three to four decades, reflecting broader socioeconomic shifts in the country.

If we look back to the 1980s and early 1990s, fashion was relatively homogeneous and conservative. Most people wore practical, modest clothing – men typically wore simple shirts and trousers, while women often wore ao ba ba or simple dresses. Fashion choices were limited by economic constraints and less influenced by global trends due to Vietnam’s relative isolation at that time.

Fast forward to today, and the landscape is dramatically different. Vietnamese fashion has become increasingly diverse and cosmopolitan, particularly in urban areas. Young people now have access to international brands, fast fashion retailers, and even luxury labels. There’s been a proliferation of fashion influencers on social media who shape trends and promote various styles, from streetwear to haute couture.

Several factors have driven this transformation. Firstly, Vietnam’s economic liberalization and integration into the global economy have increased purchasing power and exposure to international fashion. Secondly, digital connectivity – particularly social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok – has made global fashion trends instantly accessible. Thirdly, there’s been a generational shift in values, with younger Vietnamese placing greater emphasis on self-expression and individuality through fashion.

Interestingly, we’re now seeing a counter-movement where young designers are reimagining traditional elements in contemporary contexts – creating a fusion of East and West that’s uniquely Vietnamese. This dialectic between global influences and local identity is what makes the current fashion scene so dynamic and compelling.”

Phân tích:

• Structure: Historical overview → Current situation → Factors explaining change → Recent developments với nuance
• Vocabulary: Highly sophisticated: “undergone a remarkable transformation”, “reflecting broader socioeconomic shifts”, “homogeneous”, “proliferation of”, “haute couture”, “dialectic”
• Grammar: Perfect control: Past simple for history, Present perfect for changes (“has undergone”, “has become”, “have driven”), complex structures
• Critical Thinking: Analyzes multiple dimensions (economic, technological, generational), shows awareness of counter-trends

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Question 2: Do you think people spend too much money on clothes nowadays?

Phân tích câu hỏi:

• Dạng: Opinion question về consumption patterns
• Key words: “spend too much money”, “clothes”, “nowadays”
• Cách tiếp cận: Acknowledge different perspectives → Give your opinion với reasons → Discuss consequences → Suggest balance

Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

“I think some people do spend too much money on clothes. Young people especially like to buy many clothes to follow fashion trends. This can be a problem if they don’t have much money or if they buy clothes they don’t really need. However, for some people, fashion is important for their job or social life, so spending money on clothes is reasonable. I believe people should buy clothes that are good quality and they will use for a long time instead of buying cheap clothes frequently.”

Phân tích:

• Structure: Gives opinion và acknowledges different situations
• Vocabulary: Functional nhưng basic: “too much”, “problem”, “good quality”
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Communicates ideas clearly nhưng lacks sophisticated analysis về underlying issues

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Câu trả lời mẫu – Band 8-9:

“Well, this is quite a nuanced question because spending patterns vary enormously depending on socioeconomic background, cultural values, and individual priorities. That said, I do think there’s a concerning trend toward excessive consumption in the fashion industry, particularly driven by fast fashion culture.

From one perspective, the rise of fast fashion has made clothing more affordable and accessible, which is positive in many ways. However, it has also fostered a throwaway mentality where clothes are treated as disposable commodities rather than lasting investments. Many people, especially younger consumers, are caught up in the cycle of constantly purchasing new items to keep up with fleeting trends, often accumulating clothes they wear only once or twice. This represents not just a financial burden but also a significant environmental cost given the resource-intensive nature of garment production and the staggering amount of textile waste.

Moreover, there’s a psychological dimension to consider. Research suggests that compulsive shopping can be linked to status anxiety and the pressure to curate a certain image on social media. People may be overspending on clothes not because they genuinely need them, but because they’re seeking validation or trying to project a particular identity.

That said, I want to acknowledge that fashion can be a legitimate form of self-expression and, for some people, a professional necessity. The issue isn’t fashion itself, but rather the unsustainable consumption patterns we’ve developed. I think the solution lies in shifting toward more mindful purchasing – investing in quality pieces that last, supporting sustainable brands, and cultivating a personal style that doesn’t require constant renewal. There’s actually a growing slow fashion movement that advocates for exactly this approach, which I find quite encouraging.”

Phân tích:

• Structure: Acknowledge complexity → Identify concerning trend → Analyze causes (fast fashion, psychology) → Acknowledge legitimate use → Propose solutions
• Vocabulary: Exceptional range: “nuanced question”, “socioeconomic background”, “throwaway mentality”, “disposable commodities”, “fleeting trends”, “resource-intensive”, “status anxiety”, “curate an image”, “mindful purchasing”
• Grammar: Perfect control với varied structures: passive voice, conditional, relative clauses, participles
• Critical Thinking: Multi-dimensional analysis covering economic, environmental, psychological, và social aspects. Shows awareness of counter-arguments và proposes balanced solutions

Key Language Features:

• Hedging: “quite a nuanced question”, “I do think”, “can be linked to”
• Contrasting ideas: “From one perspective… However”, “That said”
• Cause-effect language: “driven by”, “has fostered”, “linked to”
• Solution language: “the solution lies in”, “shifting toward”, “advocates for”

Theme 3: Future Trends

Question: How do you think fashion and costume culture will develop in the future?

Phân tích câu hỏi:

• Dạng: Future prediction question
• Key words: “fashion”, “costume culture”, “develop”, “future”
• Cách tiếp cận: Identify current trends → Predict developments → Consider factors influencing change → Acknowledge uncertainty

Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

“I think fashion will continue to change in the future. Technology will probably have a big influence on fashion. Maybe people will wear smart clothes with technology inside. Also, I think people will care more about the environment, so sustainable fashion will become more popular. Costume culture might also change – more people might wear costumes for different occasions, not just Halloween. But it’s difficult to predict exactly what will happen because fashion always surprises us.”

Phân tích:

• Structure: Makes predictions về technology và sustainability
• Vocabulary: Basic predictive language: “will continue”, “probably”, “maybe”, “might”
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Addresses the question với reasonable predictions nhưng lacks depth và sophisticated analysis

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Câu trả lời mẫu – Band 8-9:

“Looking ahead, I anticipate that fashion and costume culture will evolve in several interconnected directions, largely shaped by technological innovation, environmental imperatives, and shifting social values.

On the technological front, I expect we’ll see increasing integration of smart textiles and wearable technology into everyday fashion. This could range from clothing with embedded sensors that monitor health metrics to garments that adapt their temperature or even change color based on environmental conditions. While this might sound like science fiction, many of these technologies are already in development and could become mainstream within the next decade. The customization aspect will likely become more sophisticated too – imagine using AI to design perfectly tailored garments or even 3D printing clothes at home.

Simultaneously, I believe sustainability will transition from a niche concern to a fundamental expectation. The fashion industry is already facing mounting pressure to address its environmental footprint, and I expect this will accelerate dramatically. We’ll likely see more circular economy models where clothes are designed to be easily recyclable, along with innovative materials derived from unconventional sources like mushroom leather or lab-grown fabrics. Rental and second-hand markets will probably continue to gain traction, particularly among younger consumers.

As for costume culture specifically, I predict it will become more integrated into mainstream fashion rather than being confined to specific occasions. The boundaries between everyday wear and costume are already blurring – you can see this in the theatrical elements that appear in streetwear. The rise of virtual and augmented reality might also revolutionize how we think about costumes – people might maintain elaborate digital wardrobes for their online avatars while wearing simpler clothes in physical reality.

However, I should caveat all these predictions with the acknowledgment that fashion is inherently unpredictable. One of its defining characteristics is its ability to subvert expectations and move in unexpected directions. What seems like an inevitable trend today might be completely rejected by tomorrow’s consumers. That said, I’m fairly confident that the overarching themes of technological integration, environmental consciousness, and increased personalization will shape the trajectory of fashion in meaningful ways.”

Phân tích:

• Structure: Comprehensive với multiple predictions organized thematically (technology, sustainability, costume culture), plus acknowledgment of uncertainty
• Vocabulary: Sophisticated future language: “I anticipate”, “I expect”, “I believe… will transition”, “likely”, “will probably”, “I predict”, “might”
• Grammar: Perfect control của future forms (will + verb, going to, likely to, may/might), complex conditional structures
• Critical Thinking: Multi-dimensional analysis, specific examples (smart textiles, 3D printing, mushroom leather), acknowledges unpredictability, connects trends logically

Key Language Features:

• Predictive language: “I anticipate”, “I expect”, “I believe”, “likely”, “probably”, “I predict”
• Hedging: “could become”, “might be”, “I should caveat”, “fairly confident”
• Cause-effect: “shaped by”, “driven by”, “revolutionize”
• Contrasting: “Simultaneously”, “However”
• Academic vocabulary: “interconnected directions”, “imperatives”, “integration”, “mainstream”, “trajectory”

Thời trang tương lai với công nghệ smart textile và trang phục thông minh cho bài IELTS Speaking về xu hướng

Từ vựng và cụm từ quan trọng

Topic-Specific Vocabulary

Từ vựng/Cụm từ	Loại từ	Phiên âm	Nghĩa tiếng Việt	Ví dụ	Collocation
costume	n	/ˈkɒstjuːm/	Trang phục hóa trang	I wore an elaborate costume to the party	wear/put on a costume, costume party, fancy dress costume, theatrical costume
attire	n	/əˈtaɪər/	Trang phục (formal)	The event required formal attire	formal attire, casual attire, appropriate attire, business attire
outfit	n	/ˈaʊtfɪt/	Bộ trang phục	She put together a stunning outfit	complete outfit, matching outfit, stylish outfit, casual outfit
garment	n	/ˈɡɑːmənt/	Quần áo, y phục	The garment was made from silk	woolen garment, tailored garment, outer garment, traditional garment
ensemble	n	/ɒnˈsɒmbl/	Bộ trang phục hoàn chỉnh	The entire ensemble was beautifully coordinated	complete ensemble, coordinated ensemble, elegant ensemble
elaborate	adj	/ɪˈlæbərət/	Công phu, tinh xảo	The costume was quite elaborate	elaborate design, elaborate costume, elaborate decoration
intricate	adj	/ˈɪntrɪkət/	Phức tạp, tinh vi	The dress featured intricate embroidery	intricate pattern, intricate design, intricate details, intricate work
embroidery	n	/ɪmˈbrɔɪdəri/	Hoa văn thêu	The jacket had golden embroidery	intricate embroidery, delicate embroidery, floral embroidery, hand embroidery
embellish	v	/ɪmˈbelɪʃ/	Trang trí, điểm tô	The dress was embellished with sequins	embellished with, richly embellished, heavily embellished
accessory	n	/əkˈsesəri/	Phụ kiện	She wore matching accessories	fashion accessory, matching accessories, decorative accessories
themed	adj	/θiːmd/	Có chủ đề	We attended a 1920s themed party	themed party, themed event, themed costume, themed celebration
dress up	phrasal v	/dres ʌp/	Ăn mặc chỉnh chu, hóa trang	Everyone dressed up for Halloween	dress up as, dress up for, dress up in
don	v	/dɒn/	Khoác lên, mặc vào (formal)	He donned his ceremonial robes	don a costume, don attire, don clothing
adorn	v	/əˈdɔːn/	Trang trí, điểm tô	The costume was adorned with jewels	adorned with, richly adorned, beautifully adorned
transform	v	/trænsˈfɔːm/	Biến đổi, thay đổi hoàn toàn	The costume transformed her appearance	completely transform, transform into, dramatic transformation
striking	adj	/ˈstraɪkɪŋ/	Nổi bật, thu hút sự chú ý	She wore a striking red costume	striking appearance, striking contrast, striking design, visually striking
eye-catching	adj	/ˈaɪ kætʃɪŋ/	Bắt mắt	The costume was very eye-catching	eye-catching design, eye-catching color, eye-catching outfit
distinctive	adj	/dɪˈstɪŋktɪv/	Đặc trưng, khác biệt	The costume had a distinctive style	distinctive feature, distinctive look, distinctive appearance
authentic	adj	/ɔːˈθentɪk/	Chân thực, xác thực	We wanted an authentic medieval costume	authentic look, authentic costume, authentic representation
replica	n	/ˈreplɪkə/	Bản sao	I carried a replica sword	exact replica, detailed replica, replica costume

Idiomatic Expressions & Advanced Phrases

Cụm từ	Nghĩa	Ví dụ sử dụng	Band điểm
dressed to the nines	Ăn mặc rất chỉnh chu, lộng lẫy	Everyone was dressed to the nines at the gala	7.5-9
cut from the same cloth	Giống nhau, có cùng đặc điểm	All the costumes were cut from the same cloth thematically	7.5-9
a fashion statement	Một cách ăn mặc thể hiện cá tính	Her costume was quite a fashion statement	7-8
step out of one’s comfort zone	Thoát khỏi vùng an toàn	Wearing that costume helped me step out of my comfort zone	7.5-9
get into character	Vào vai, hóa thân	Once I put on the costume, I really got into character	7.5-9
fit like a glove	Vừa vặn hoàn hảo	The costume fit like a glove	7-8
make heads turn	Thu hút sự chú ý	The elaborate costume made heads turn at the party	7.5-8
spare no expense	Không tiếc tiền, chi tiền rộng rãi	They spared no expense on the costume design	7.5-9
a labor of love	Công việc làm với tâm huyết	Creating that costume was a real labor of love	8-9
go all out	Làm hết sức, không tiếc công	I went all out with the costume accessories	7.5-8
top it all off	Hoàn thiện, làm đỉnh điểm	I topped it all off with a feathered hat	7.5-8
out of this world	Tuyệt vời phi thường	The costume design was out of this world	7-8

Discourse Markers (Từ Nối Ý Trong Speaking)

Để bắt đầu câu trả lời:

• Well,… – Được dùng khi cần một chút thời gian suy nghĩ hoặc khi câu trả lời phức tạp
• Actually,… – Khi đưa ra góc nhìn khác hoặc thông tin bất ngờ
• To be honest,… – Khi nói thật về feelings hoặc opinions
• I’d say that… – Cách mềm mại để đưa ra quan điểm
• From my perspective,… – Nhấn mạnh đây là góc nhìn cá nhân
• Looking back,… – Khi kể về past experiences

Để bổ sung ý:

• On top of that,… – Thêm vào đó (formal hơn “Also”)
• What’s more,… – Hơn nữa, không chỉ thế
• Not to mention… – Chưa kể đến
• Another thing worth mentioning is… – Điều khác đáng nói là
• In addition to this,… – Thêm vào điều này
• Furthermore,… – Hơn nữa (formal)

Để đưa ra quan điểm cân bằng:

• On the one hand,… On the other hand,… – Một mặt… mặt khác
• While it’s true that…, we also need to consider… – Mặc dù đúng là… nhưng ta cũng cần xem xét
• That said,… – Điều đó được nói rằng (để chuyển sang ý đối lập)
• Having said that,… – Tương tự “That said”
• From one perspective,… However,… – Từ một góc nhìn… tuy nhiên

Để kết luận:

• All in all,… – Tóm lại, xét tất cả các yếu tố
• At the end of the day,… – Cuối cùng thì (after considering everything)
• In the final analysis,… – Xét cho cùng
• To sum up,… – Tóm lại
• The bottom line is… – Điểm quan trọng nhất là

Để cho ví dụ:

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

Grammatical Structures Ấn Tượng

1. Conditional Sentences (Câu điều kiện):

Mixed conditional:

• Formula: If + Past Perfect, would + bare infinitive (now)
• Ví dụ: “If I hadn’t worn that costume, I wouldn’t feel so confident about dressing up now.”

Third conditional:

• Formula: If + Past Perfect, would have + past participle
• Ví dụ: “If I had known the party was themed, I would have prepared a more elaborate costume.”

Inversion (Đảo ngữ):

• Formula: Had + S + past participle, S + would have…
• Ví dụ: “Had I known about the costume requirement earlier, I would have had more time to prepare.”

2. Relative Clauses (Mệnh đề quan hệ):

Non-defining relative clauses:

• Formula: …, which/who + clause, …
• Ví dụ: “The costume, which took me three weeks to make, won first prize at the party.”
• Ví dụ: “My friend Sarah, who has a degree in fashion design, helped me create the outfit.”

Reduced relative clauses:

• Formula: N + V-ing/past participle
• Ví dụ: “The costume featuring intricate embroidery caught everyone’s attention.”
• Ví dụ: “The photos taken at the event captured the elaborate costumes perfectly.”

3. Passive Voice (Câu bị động):

Impersonal passive (Rất ấn tượng cho Part 3):

• It is thought/believed/said that…:
• Ví dụ: “It is believed that wearing costumes allows people to express hidden aspects of their personality.”
• Ví dụ: “It is widely accepted that traditional costumes play a vital role in cultural preservation.”

Passive reporting structures:

• S + is considered/regarded/seen as…:
• Ví dụ: “Costume parties are considered an important social tradition in many Western countries.”

4. Cleft Sentences (Câu chẻ):

What-cleft (Nhấn mạnh object/action):

• Formula: What + S + V + is/was + focus
• Ví dụ: “What I found most challenging about wearing the costume was walking in the elaborate headdress.”
• Ví dụ: “What made the experience memorable was the positive reaction from others.”

It-cleft (Nhấn mạnh specific information):

• Formula: It + be + focus + that/who + clause
• Ví dụ: “It was the intricate details that made the costume so impressive.”
• Ví dụ: “It was at my cousin’s wedding that I first wore traditional costume.”

The thing/reason-cleft:

• Formula: The thing/reason that… is…
• Ví dụ: “The thing that I appreciate most about costume culture is the creativity it encourages.”
• Ví dụ: “The reason why I chose that particular costume was its historical significance.”

5. Advanced Participle Structures:

Present participle phrases (diễn đạt đồng thời hoặc nguyên nhân):

• Ví dụ: “Wearing the elaborate costume, I felt like I had stepped into a different era.”
• Ví dụ: “Not wanting to disappoint my friends, I went all out with the costume preparation.”

Past participle phrases (diễn đạ passive meaning):

• Ví dụ: “Adorned with sequins and feathers, the costume sparkled under the lights.”
• Ví dụ: “Inspired by Victorian fashion, I designed a steampunk-style outfit.”

6. Inversion for emphasis:

Never/Rarely/Seldom at beginning:

• Ví dụ: “Never have I felt so self-conscious as when I first put on that costume.”
• Ví dụ: “Rarely do I get the opportunity to wear such elaborate attire.”

So/Such… that:

• Ví dụ: “The costume was so elaborate that it took me over an hour to put on.”
• Ví dụ: “It was such a transformative experience that I’ve continued to participate in costume events.”

Những cấu trúc ngữ pháp này, khi được sử dụng tự nhiên và chính xác, sẽ giúp bạn demonstrate grammatical range và accuracy ở mức Band 8-9. Tuy nhiên, quan trọng là không được “ép” các cấu trúc này một cách gượng ép – chúng phải phù hợp với context và ý bạn muốn diễn đạt.

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Với bài viết toàn diện này, bạn đã có trong tay một roadmap chi tiết để chinh phục chủ đề “describe an occasion when you wore a costume” trong IELTS Speaking. Hãy nhớ rằng, điểm số cao không chỉ đến từ việc học thuộc các câu trả lời mẫu, mà từ việc hiểu rõ tiêu chí chấm điểm, rèn luyện khả năng tư duy phản biện, và phát triển vốn từ vựng phong phú.

Bí quyết cuối cùng từ góc nhìn Examiner: Hãy thực hành nói về trải nghiệm thật của bản thân với enthusiasm và authenticity. Những câu chuyện chân thực, được kể một cách tự nhiên với ngôn ngữ phong phú, sẽ luôn ấn tượng hơn những câu trả lời học thuộc dù có sophisticated đến đâu. Good luck với kỳ thi IELTS Speaking của bạn!