IELTS Speaking: Cách Trả Lời “Does The Weather Affect Your Mood” – Bài Mẫu Band 6-9

Chủ đề thời tiết và cảm xúc là một trong những đề tài xuất hiện đều đặn trong kỳ thi IELTS Speaking, đặc biệt ở Part 1 và có thể mở rộng sang Part 3. Đây là chủ đề gần gũi với cuộc sống hàng ngày, tuy nhiên nhiều thí sinh Việt Nam lại gặp khó khăn trong việc diễn đạt mối liên hệ giữa thời tiết và tâm trạng một cách tự nhiên và ấn tượng.

Theo thống kê từ các trung tâm khảo thí IELTS chính thức, câu hỏi về weather và mood xuất hiện với tần suất cao trong các kỳ thi từ 2020 đến 2024, đặc biệt tại các quốc gia có khí hậu nhiệt đới như Việt Nam. Dự đoán khả năng xuất hiện trong tương lai vẫn ở mức cao do tính universal của chủ đề này.

Trong bài viết này, bạn sẽ học được:

• Câu hỏi thực tế về weather và mood trong cả 3 Part của IELTS Speaking
• Bài mẫu chi tiết theo từng band điểm 6-7, 7.5-8, và 8.5-9
• Hơn 50 từ vựng và cụm từ ăn điểm liên quan đến chủ đề
• Chiến lược trả lời hiệu quả từ góc nhìn Examiner
• Phân tích sâu về những yếu tố tạo nên sự khác biệt giữa các band điểm
• Lời khuyên cụ thể để tránh những lỗi phổ biến của thí sinh Việt Nam

IELTS Speaking Part 1: Introduction and Interview

Tổng Quan Về Part 1

Part 1 của IELTS Speaking kéo dài 4-5 phút với các câu hỏi ngắn về đời sống hàng ngày, sở thích, và các chủ đề quen thuộc. Examiner muốn đánh giá khả năng giao tiếp tự nhiên của bạn trong các tình huống thông thường.

Đặc điểm của Part 1:

• Câu hỏi đơn giản, liên quan đến bản thân và cuộc sống
• Yêu cầu trả lời ngắn gọn nhưng đầy đủ ý (2-3 câu)
• Không cần phân tích quá sâu hay đưa ra quan điểm phức tạp
• Tập trung vào tính tự nhiên và fluency

Chiến lược hiệu quả:

• Trả lời trực tiếp câu hỏi ngay ở câu đầu tiên
• Mở rộng với lý do hoặc ví dụ cụ thể
• Sử dụng từ vựng đa dạng nhưng phù hợp với register của conversation
• Duy trì tốc độ nói vừa phải, rõ ràng

Lỗi thường gặp của học viên Việt Nam:

• Trả lời quá ngắn kiểu “Yes, I do” hoặc “No, I don’t” rồi dừng lại
• Sử dụng từ vựng quá academic không phù hợp với casual conversation
• Thiếu ví dụ cụ thể từ kinh nghiệm cá nhân
• Nói quá nhanh hoặc ngập ngừng do lo lắng
• Học thuộc template và áp dụng cứng nhắc

Các Câu Hỏi Thường Gặp

Dưới đây là những câu hỏi thực tế về weather và mood thường xuất hiện trong IELTS Speaking Part 1:

Question 1: Does the weather affect your mood?

Question 2: What kind of weather do you like best?

Question 3: Do you prefer sunny or rainy days?

Question 4: Does the weather in your country change much throughout the year?

Question 5: How does bad weather make you feel?

Question 6: Do you feel more energetic in certain types of weather?

Question 7: What do you usually do on rainy days?

Question 8: Does the weather influence your daily activities?

Question 9: Do you pay attention to weather forecasts?

Question 10: What’s your favourite season and why?

Phân Tích và Gợi Ý Trả Lời Chi Tiết

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Question: Does the weather affect your mood?

🎯 Cách tiếp cận:

• Trả lời Yes/No rõ ràng ngay câu đầu
• Giải thích HOW nó ảnh hưởng (positive/negative)
• Đưa ví dụ cụ thể về cảm xúc trong thời tiết khác nhau

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

“Yes, it does. When it’s sunny, I feel more happy and active. But when it rains a lot, I feel a bit sad and tired. For example, on sunny days I want to go out, but on rainy days I just want to stay at home.”

Phân tích:

Điểm mạnh:

• Trả lời trực tiếp câu hỏi
• Có contrast giữa sunny và rainy
• Có ví dụ về behavior

Hạn chế:

• Từ vựng đơn giản: happy, sad, tired
• Cấu trúc câu cơ bản
• Thiếu độ chi tiết về WHY

Tại sao Band 6-7:
Câu trả lời này cho thấy khả năng giao tiếp cơ bản với ý tưởng rõ ràng nhưng từ vựng còn limited. Grammar đúng nhưng đơn giản. Fluency tốt nhưng thiếu flexibility trong cách diễn đạt.

📝 Sample Answer – Band 8-9:

“Absolutely, the weather has a significant impact on my emotional state. On bright, sunny days, I tend to feel more upbeat and energized – there’s something about natural sunlight that just lifts my spirits. Conversely, during prolonged periods of gloomy weather, I notice I become more lethargic and my mood can take a dip. I think it’s quite a universal phenomenon – many people experience this seasonal shift in mood.”

Phân tích:

Điểm mạnh:

• Từ vựng precise và sophisticated: “significant impact on”, “emotional state”, “upbeat and energized”
• Sử dụng discourse markers tự nhiên: “Absolutely”, “Conversely”
• Có phân tích sâu hơn với “universal phenomenon”
• Cấu trúc câu phức tạp với relative clause và complex sentences
• Natural idiomatic expressions: “lifts my spirits”, “take a dip”

Tại sao Band 8-9:

• Fluency: Câu trả lời trôi chảy, không hesitation, các ý được nối liền mạch mẽ
• Vocabulary: Sử dụng collocations chính xác (significant impact, emotional state, prolonged periods), paraphrasing tốt
• Grammar: Đa dạng cấu trúc (there’s something about…, I notice I become…), passive và active voice
• Pronunciation: Từ vựng được chọn có intonation patterns tự nhiên của native speakers

💡 Key Vocabulary & Expressions:

• significant impact on: ảnh hưởng đáng kể đến
• emotional state: trạng thái cảm xúc
• upbeat and energized: phấn chấn và tràn đầy năng lượng
• lift someone’s spirits: làm ai đó vui vẻ hơn
• lethargic: uể oải, không có năng lượng
• take a dip: giảm xuống, sụt giảm
• universal phenomenon: hiện tượng phổ biến

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Question: What kind of weather do you like best?

🎯 Cách tiếp cận:

• Nêu rõ loại thời tiết yêu thích
• Giải thích WHY bằng cách đưa ra feelings và activities
• Có thể so sánh với loại thời tiết không thích

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

“I like sunny weather the most. It makes me feel good and I can do many outdoor activities like going to the park or meeting friends. I don’t like rainy weather because I can’t go out easily and the traffic becomes worse.”

Phân tích:

Điểm mạnh:

• Clear preference được nêu rõ
• Có lý do cụ thể
• Có contrast với rainy weather

Hạn chế:

• “Feel good” quá general
• “Many outdoor activities” thiếu specific details
• Vocabulary range hạn chế

Tại sao Band 6-7:
Câu trả lời coherent và easy to follow nhưng thiếu depth. Vocabulary adequate nhưng không impressive. Grammar chính xác nhưng simple structures.

📝 Sample Answer – Band 8-9:

“I’m definitely partial to mild, sunny weather with a gentle breeze – I find it absolutely invigorating. There’s something therapeutic about feeling warm sunshine on your skin while not being overwhelmingly hot. This kind of weather really encourages outdoor pursuits like cycling or simply lounging in a café with a good book. I suppose it also ties into my general productivity – I tend to accomplish more when the weather is pleasant, whereas dreary, overcast days tend to make me feel rather sluggish.”

Phân tích:

Điểm mạnh:

• Sophisticated vocabulary: “partial to”, “invigorating”, “therapeutic”
• Specific description: “mild, sunny weather with a gentle breeze”
• Complex sentence structures với multiple clauses
• Personal reflection: “ties into my general productivity”
• Vivid imagery: “warm sunshine on your skin”
• Natural flow với discourse markers

Tại sao Band 8-9:

• Lexical Resource: Wide range của topic-specific vocabulary và collocations (outdoor pursuits, dreary days, rather sluggish)
• Fluency: Extended response với natural pauses và thought progression
• Grammar: Mixed tenses, relative clauses, và complex nominalisation
• Coherence: Logical progression từ preference → description → reason → contrast

💡 Key Vocabulary & Expressions:

• partial to: thích, ưa thích
• gentle breeze: gió nhẹ
• invigorating: làm sảng khoái, tiếp thêm sinh lực
• therapeutic: có tác dụng chữa lành, thư giãn
• overwhelmingly hot: nóng quá mức
• encourage outdoor pursuits: khuyến khích các hoạt động ngoài trời
• lounging: thư giãn, ngồi nghỉ
• tie into: liên quan đến
• dreary, overcast days: những ngày u ám, nhiều mây
• sluggish: chậm chạp, uể oải

Thí sinh IELTS trả lời câu hỏi về thời tiết và tâm trạng trong bài thi nói

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Question: How does bad weather make you feel?

🎯 Cách tiếp cận:

• Define “bad weather” theo quan điểm cá nhân
• Mô tả cảm xúc cụ thể (physical và emotional)
• Có thể đề cập đến coping strategies

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

“Bad weather like heavy rain or very hot days makes me feel uncomfortable. When it rains heavily, I feel annoyed because it’s difficult to travel. And when it’s too hot, I feel tired and can’t focus on my work well.”

Phân tích:

Điểm mạnh:

• Có examples của bad weather
• Physical effects được mention
• Impact on daily life

Hạn chế:

• “Feel uncomfortable” và “feel annoyed” khá basic
• Thiếu emotional depth
• Grammar structures đơn giản

Tại sao Band 6-7:
Communicates main ideas effectively nhưng lacks sophistication. Vocabulary functional nhưng không varied. Sentence structures repetitive với “when… I feel…”

📝 Sample Answer – Band 8-9:

“Well, I’d say bad weather – particularly torrential downpours or sweltering heat – can really dampen my spirits. During heavy rainstorms, I tend to feel somewhat confined and restless, especially if I had plans to go out. There’s also a certain dreariness that comes with prolonged grey skies that can make me feel a bit melancholic. On the flip side, extreme heat leaves me feeling drained and irritable – I find it difficult to maintain concentration when I’m uncomfortably warm. I’ve learned to counteract these effects by creating a cozy indoor environment during bad weather, which helps mitigate the negative impact somewhat.”

Phán tích:

Điểm mạnh:

• Precise vocabulary cho weather types: “torrential downpours”, “sweltering heat”
• Emotional vocabulary sophisticated: “melancholic”, “drained and irritable”
• Shows personal coping strategy
• Complex grammar: passive voice, conditionals
• Natural discourse flow với “Well”, “On the flip side”
• Demonstrates reflection và self-awareness

Tại sao Band 8-9:

• Vocabulary: Idiomatic expressions (dampen my spirits), precise adjectives (torrential, sweltering), academic collocations (mitigate the negative impact)
• Grammar: Variety of complex structures including present perfect (I’ve learned), gerunds (creating, maintaining)
• Coherence: Clear organization từ problem → feelings → solution
• Fluency: Natural hesitation devices (“I’d say”, “somewhat”) that native speakers use

💡 Key Vocabulary & Expressions:

• torrential downpours: mưa xối xả, mưa như trút nước
• sweltering heat: nóng oi bức
• dampen someone’s spirits: làm ai đó chán nản
• confined and restless: bị giam hãm và bồn chồn
• certain dreariness: sự u ám, buồn tẻ nhất định
• melancholic: buồn bã, u sầu
• drained and irritable: kiệt sức và cáu kỉnh
• maintain concentration: duy trì sự tập trung
• counteract these effects: chống lại những tác động này
• cozy indoor environment: môi trường trong nhà ấm cúng
• mitigate the negative impact: giảm thiểu tác động tiêu cực

Tương tự như Describe a place where you go to de-stress, việc tìm cách đối phó với thời tiết xấu cũng là một phần quan trọng trong việc quản lý tâm trạng hàng ngày.

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IELTS Speaking Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)

Tổng Quan Về Part 2

Part 2 là phần độc thoại trong đó bạn có 1 phút chuẩn bị và 2-3 phút để nói về một chủ đề cụ thể được cho trên cue card. Đây là phần đánh giá khả năng duy trì lời nói dài và organize ideas một cách coherent.

Thời gian và cấu trúc:

• 1 phút chuẩn bị: Ghi chú keywords, không viết câu hoàn chỉnh
• 2-3 phút nói: Độc thoại liên tục không bị ngắt
• Yêu cầu: Trả lời đầy đủ tất cả bullet points

Chiến lược hiệu quả:

Trong 1 phút chuẩn bị:

• Đọc kỹ tất cả bullet points
• Ghi keywords cho mỗi point (3-5 từ)
• Nghĩ về opening và closing sentences
• Note down 2-3 từ vựng advanced muốn dùng

Khi nói:

• Paraphrase câu hỏi để mở đầu
• Follow bullet points theo thứ tự
• Dùng signposting language (Firstly, Additionally, What I’d like to emphasize…)
• Expand ideas với examples và details
• Kết thúc bằng overall feeling hoặc reflection

Lỗi thường gặp:

• Không sử dụng hết 1 phút chuẩn bị → thiếu structure
• Nói dưới 1.5 phút → mất điểm Fluency
• Bỏ sót bullet points → không đáp ứng đủ yêu cầu
• Sử dụng thì sai (dùng hiện tại khi đề bài yêu cầu quá khứ)
• Nói về topic khác không liên quan
• Dừng giữa chừng và hỏi “Is that enough?”

Cue Card

Describe a time when the weather affected your mood significantly

You should say:

• When and where this happened
• What the weather was like
• How it affected your mood and behaviour
• And explain why this weather condition had such a strong impact on you

Phân Tích Đề Bài

Dạng câu hỏi: Describe an experience/event – kể về một trải nghiệm cụ thể trong quá khứ

Thì động từ: Chủ yếu là Past Simple và Past Continuous vì đây là sự kiện đã xảy ra

Bullet points phải cover:

1. When and where: Specific time và location cụ thể (không nói chung chung)
2. What the weather was like: Mô tả chi tiết thời tiết (nhiệt độ, trời nắng/mưa/gió, cảm giác)
3. How it affected your mood and behaviour: Đây là phần quan trọng – nói về emotional state và actions
4. Why: Explanation về lý do tại sao weather lại impact mạnh đến mức đó

Câu “explain why” quan trọng: Đây là điểm ghi điểm cao nhất vì cần critical thinking và ability to analyze. Không chỉ mô tả mà phải giải thích nguyên nhân sâu xa (có thể liên hệ đến psychological factors, personal circumstances, contrast với expectations…)

Gợi ý structure:

Introduction (10 giây):
Paraphrase câu hỏi và introduce general situation

Main Body (1.5-2 phút):

• When & Where (20-30 giây): Specific time, place, context
• Weather description (30-40 giây): Vivid details, sensory descriptions
• Mood & Behaviour impact (40-50 giây): Emotions, actions, changes in routine
• Why explanation (30-40 giây): Deep analysis, personal factors

Conclusion (10-15 giây):
Overall reflection hoặc lasting impression

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7

Thời lượng: Khoảng 1.5-2 phút

“I’d like to talk about a time when the weather really affected my mood. This happened last summer, around July, in my hometown in Vietnam.

That day, the weather was extremely hot. I think the temperature was about 38 degrees. It was very sunny and there was no wind at all. The air felt very thick and uncomfortable.

This weather made me feel very tired and annoyed. I had to go to work that day, but I felt I couldn’t do anything well. I was sweating a lot and felt uncomfortable all day. I also became quite irritable and got angry with small things that normally wouldn’t bother me. After work, I just wanted to go home and turn on the air conditioner. I didn’t want to go out or meet anyone.

I think this weather affected me so much because it was really extreme. Also, I had a lot of work to do that day, but the heat made it difficult to concentrate. The combination of the hot weather and work pressure made me feel really bad. In Vietnam, we often have hot weather in summer, but that day was particularly difficult for me.

So that’s a time when weather really changed my mood and behaviour significantly.”

Phân Tích Band Điểm

Tiêu chí	Band	Nhận xét
Fluency & Coherence	6-7	Maintains flow nhưng có một số repetition (very tired, very sunny). Sequencing rõ ràng với time markers cơ bản (that day, after work). Một số hesitation nhẹ.
Lexical Resource	6-7	Vocabulary adequate: sweating, irritable, concentrate. Còn dùng basic words: very hot, feel bad. Thiếu collocations tinh vi.
Grammatical Range & Accuracy	6-7	Mix của simple và complex sentences. Past tenses đúng. Có một số structures như “I think”, “I felt I couldn’t”. Thiếu variety trong clause types.
Pronunciation	6-7	Clear và understandable. Sentence stress cơ bản. Có thể thiếu intonation range để express emotions effectively.

Điểm mạnh:

• ✅ Trả lời đầy đủ tất cả bullet points
• ✅ Structure rõ ràng, dễ follow
• ✅ Có specific details (38 degrees, July, hometown)
• ✅ Grammar chính xác, không có major errors

Hạn chế:

• ⚠️ Vocabulary còn basic: “very hot”, “very tired”, “feel bad”
• ⚠️ Thiếu vivid sensory descriptions
• ⚠️ Explanation phần why chưa deep enough
• ⚠️ Thiếu emotional depth và personal reflection
• ⚠️ Repetitive sentence structures

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📝 Sample Answer – Band 7.5-8

Thời lượng: Khoảng 2-2.5 phút

“I’d like to describe an occasion when the weather had a profound effect on my emotional state. This took place about six months ago, during a particularly dreary winter week in Hanoi.

What I remember most vividly was the persistent grey overcast sky that lasted for nearly five consecutive days. The temperature hovered around 15 degrees Celsius, which might not sound too cold, but the damp, penetrating chill combined with constant drizzle made it feel much worse. There was this oppressive humidity that seemed to seep into everything – your clothes never felt quite dry, and there was a musty smell in the air.

This weather took a real toll on my mood and daily routine. I found myself feeling increasingly lethargic and demotivated as the week progressed. Simple tasks that I’d normally accomplish without much thought suddenly felt overwhelming. I started withdrawing from social activities – I cancelled plans to meet friends and opted to stay indoors instead. Even my sleep patterns were disrupted; I’d wake up feeling groggy and unrefreshed despite sleeping longer than usual. I also noticed I was craving comfort foods more than usual, probably as a way to compensate for the general sense of gloominess.

Looking back, I think this weather affected me so strongly for several reasons. Firstly, the lack of natural sunlight really impacted my energy levels – there’s actually scientific evidence that sunlight affects our serotonin production, which is linked to mood. Secondly, the timing was unfortunate as I was already dealing with some work-related stress, and the bleak weather just amplified those negative feelings. The stark contrast with the usual sunny weather I was accustomed to in Vietnam made it feel even more depressing. It was really a wake-up call for me about how interconnected our environment and mental state truly are.”

Ảnh minh họa thời tiết u ám ảnh hưởng đến tâm trạng trong bài thi IELTS Speaking

Phân Tích Band Điểm

Tiêu chí	Band	Nhận xét
Fluency & Coherence	7.5-8	Speaks fluently với minimal hesitation. Excellent use của discourse markers (Looking back, Firstly, Secondly). Ideas progress logically với clear paragraphing.
Lexical Resource	7.5-8	Wide range: profound effect, oppressive humidity, lethargic, amplified. Good collocations: took a toll on, seep into. Some less common vocabulary: groggy, unrefreshed, stark contrast.
Grammatical Range & Accuracy	7.5-8	Variety of complex structures: relative clauses (which might not sound…), conditionals implied, perfect tenses. Mix của active và passive. Accurate throughout.
Pronunciation	7.5-8	Clear pronunciation với good intonation patterns. Effective use của stress để highlight key information. Natural rhythm và pacing.

So Sánh Với Band 6-7

Khía cạnh	Band 6-7	Band 7.5-8
Vocabulary	“very hot”, “feel bad”, “annoyed”	“profound effect”, “lethargic and demotivated”, “took a real toll on”
Grammar	“I felt I couldn’t do anything”	“Simple tasks that I’d normally accomplish without much thought suddenly felt overwhelming”
Ideas	Basic impact description	Deeper analysis: sleep patterns, social behaviour, scientific explanation
Details	“about 38 degrees”, “very sunny”	“persistent grey overcast sky”, “damp, penetrating chill”, “musty smell”

Điểm mạnh:

• ✅ Rich sensory details (musty smell, damp chill, grey overcast)
• ✅ Sophisticated vocabulary và collocations
• ✅ Deep analysis trong phần “why” với scientific reference
• ✅ Personal reflection và insights
• ✅ Variety trong sentence structures
• ✅ Natural discourse flow với appropriate markers

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📝 Sample Answer – Band 8.5-9

Thời lượng: 2.5-3 phút đầy đủ

“I’d like to recount a particularly memorable experience when weather conditions had an unexpectedly powerful impact on my psychological state. This occurred approximately eighteen months ago when I was visiting Da Lat, a mountainous city in the Central Highlands of Vietnam, during what turned out to be an exceptionally unpredictable weather period.

What made this experience so striking was the dramatic shift in weather patterns over just a few hours. I’d arrived in the morning to what initially seemed like a perfect day – brilliant sunshine, crystal-clear skies, and that crisp mountain air that’s so characteristic of the region. The temperature was pleasantly mild, around 22 degrees, and there was a gentle breeze that carried the scent of pine trees and blooming flowers. I felt absolutely invigorated and full of optimism about exploring the city. However, by early afternoon, the weather took a dramatic turn. Dark, brooding clouds rolled in seemingly out of nowhere, and what followed was an absolutely torrential downpour accompanied by booming thunder and spectacular lightning. The temperature plummeted by at least ten degrees within an hour, and there was this almost eerie darkness that descended over everything. The contrast couldn’t have been more stark.

This abrupt weather transformation had a profound and multifaceted effect on both my mood and behaviour. During the morning’s beautiful weather, I’d felt incredibly energized and motivated – I’d been walking for hours, taking photographs, and engaging enthusiastically with locals at the market. But as the storm hit, I experienced what I can only describe as a complete emotional shift. Initially, there was excitement about the sheer drama of the storm – it was quite spectacular to witness. However, as it persisted and I found myself stranded in a small café, waiting for it to subside, I began to feel increasingly restless and even somewhat melancholic. The physical confinement, combined with the oppressive darkness, created this peculiar sense of isolation despite being surrounded by other people. I found myself becoming introspective, almost brooding, and I noticed my thoughts drifting toward more contemplative subjects. My plans for the day were completely derailed, which added a layer of frustration to the mix.

Reflecting on why this particular weather event affected me so intensely, I believe several factors were at play. Most obviously, the dramatic contrast between the two weather extremes amplified the emotional impact – the sudden loss of that beautiful morning felt almost like a betrayal, which I recognize is quite an irrational response. More significantly, I think the experience tapped into something deeper about our fundamental connection to our environment. There’s compelling research in environmental psychology suggesting that rapid weather changes can trigger stress responses in humans because our bodies and minds struggle to adapt quickly. The absence of sunlight during the storm would have affected my circadian rhythm and serotonin levels, which partially explains the shift toward melancholy. Additionally, I’d been going through a rather demanding period at work, and I suspect I’d been using this trip as an escape. When the weather thwarted my plans, it perhaps brought to the surface some underlying stress I’d been trying to avoid. What struck me most about this experience was how it illuminated the often-underestimated influence that weather exerts on our psychological well-being. It made me much more conscious of and responsive to how environmental factors affect my mood, and I’ve since made deliberate efforts to counteract weather-related mood changes through light therapy and maintaining routines regardless of conditions outside.”

Phân Tích Band Điểm

Tiêu chí	Band	Nhận xét
Fluency & Coherence	8.5-9	Speaks fluently và effortlessly với full 2.5-3 phút. Sophisticated sequencing và cohesive devices. Ideas develop naturally với clear progression. Self-correction khi cần (which I recognize is quite irrational).
Lexical Resource	8.5-9	Exceptional range: brooding clouds, plummeted, eerie darkness, introspective, derailed, thwarted. Precise collocations: dramatic shift, compelling research, underlying stress. Idiomatic: took a dramatic turn, brought to the surface. Academic register appropriate: circadian rhythm, environmental psychology.
Grammatical Range & Accuracy	8.5-9	Full range of structures: complex conditionals, mixed tenses perfectly controlled, passive constructions, relative clauses embedded naturally. Sophisticated nominalisation: dramatic transformation, physical confinement. Error-free throughout.
Pronunciation	8.5-9	Clear và effortless to understand. Varied intonation để convey nuance và emotion. Appropriate stress patterns on key vocabulary. Natural connected speech với appropriate linking.

Tại Sao Bài Này Xuất Sắc

🎯 Fluency Hoàn Hảo:
Thí sinh duy trì monologue đầy đủ 2.5-3 phút không hesitation đáng kể. Sử dụng natural fillers và self-correction (“which I recognize is quite an irrational response”) cho thấy spontaneous speech chứ không phải memorized. Flow tự nhiên với appropriate pausing để organize thoughts.

📚 Vocabulary Tinh Vi:

• “Dark, brooding clouds rolled in seemingly out of nowhere” – vivid imagery với “brooding” (đám mây âm u) là less common adjective
• “The temperature plummeted” – precise verb thay vì basic “dropped quickly”
• “Tapped into something deeper about our fundamental connection” – sophisticated abstract expression
• “Thwarted my plans” – advanced synonym cho “stopped/prevented”
• Mix của descriptive, emotional, và academic vocabulary

📝 Grammar Đa Dạng:

• “What made this experience so striking was…” – cleft sentence structure
• “I’d been walking for hours, taking photographs, and engaging enthusiastically…” – past perfect continuous với parallel structures
• “Despite being surrounded by other people” – concessive clause với gerund
• “Suggesting that rapid weather changes can trigger…” – complex subordination với academic reporting
• Perfect control của past tenses narrative: past simple, past continuous, past perfect

💡 Ideas Sâu Sắc:

• Không chỉ describe mà analyze deeply với references đến psychology và science
• Shows metacognition: “I recognize this is quite irrational”
• Connects personal experience với broader human condition
• Reflects on lasting impact và behaviour change
• Demonstrates critical thinking về unconscious patterns

🎭 Storytelling Excellence:

• Engaging narrative arc: perfect morning → dramatic storm → emotional journey → deep reflection
• Vivid sensory details: scent of pine trees, booming thunder, crisp mountain air
• Emotional authenticity: excitement → restlessness → melancholy → introspection
• Personal vulnerability: admits to trying to escape work stress

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Follow-up Questions (Rounding Off Questions)

Sau Part 2, examiner thường hỏi 1-2 câu ngắn để transition sang Part 3:

Question 1: Do you still remember how you felt the next day?

Band 6-7 Answer:
“Yes, I remember. The next day the weather was better and I felt more normal again. I could do the activities I planned.”

Band 8-9 Answer:
“Actually, yes – what was interesting was that the residual effects lingered a bit. Even though the weather cleared up by the following morning, I noticed I was still feeling somewhat emotionally drained, almost like I’d been through an intense experience. It took me a few hours to regain that initial enthusiasm I’d felt on the first morning, which really underscored how profoundly weather can affect us.”

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Question 2: Is this common for you to be affected by weather like this?

Band 6-7 Answer:
“Not really. Usually I don’t pay much attention to weather. But sometimes when the weather is extreme, I notice it affects me.”

Band 8-9 Answer:
“I’d say I’m moderately sensitive to weather changes, though not to an extreme degree. I’ve since learned that some people are particularly susceptible to what’s called ‘weather sensitivity,’ and while I wouldn’t classify myself as highly weather-dependent, I’ve definitely become more attuned to how different conditions influence my mental state. This experience was particularly pronounced because of the dramatic contrast, but I do notice subtler effects on a day-to-day basis.”

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IELTS Speaking Part 3: Two-way Discussion

Tổng Quan Về Part 3

Part 3 kéo dài 4-5 phút với các câu hỏi thảo luận sâu, trừu tượng hơn liên quan đến chủ đề Part 2. Đây là phần khó nhất vì yêu cầu critical thinking, ability to analyze issues từ nhiều góc độ, và sử dụng academic language.

Đặc điểm của Part 3:

• Câu hỏi mang tính general, abstract, analytical
• Yêu cầu discuss về social issues, trends, comparisons, future predictions
• Không còn về personal experience mà về opinions và broader perspectives
• Examiner có thể challenge views của bạn hoặc ask follow-up questions

Yêu cầu:

• Phân tích: Examine issues từ multiple angles
• So sánh: Past vs present, different groups, different countries
• Đánh giá: Advantages/disadvantages, positive/negative aspects
• Giải thích: Reasons, causes, effects
• Dự đoán: Future trends, potential solutions

Chiến lược:

Structure câu trả lời:

1. Direct answer (5-10 giây): Yes/No hoặc state position clearly
2. Main point 1 với explanation và example (20-30 giây)
3. Main point 2 với explanation và example (20-30 giây)
4. Conclusion/Nuance (10 giây): Acknowledge complexity hoặc summarize

Language features:

• Discourse markers: Well, Actually, I would say, From my perspective
• Hedging language: It seems that, To some extent, Generally speaking
• Academic vocabulary: Phenomenon, tendency, implications, contribute to
• Complex grammar: Conditionals, passive, relative clauses

Lỗi thường gặp của học viên Việt Nam:

• Trả lời quá ngắn (1-2 câu) không develop ideas
• Không đưa ra lý lẽ rõ ràng, chỉ state opinion
• Thiếu examples để support arguments
• Sử dụng từ vựng conversational thay vì academic register
• Không acknowledge complexity của issues
• One-sided view thay vì balanced analysis

Các Câu Hỏi Thảo Luận Sâu

Theme 1: Psychological and Health Impact

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Question 1: Why do you think weather has such a strong effect on people’s emotions?

🎯 Phân tích câu hỏi:

• Dạng: Cause/Reason – yêu cầu explain WHY
• Key words: “strong effect”, “emotions” – cần focus vào mechanisms và reasons
• Cách tiếp cận:
  • Direct answer về why
  • Explain biological/psychological reasons
  • Give examples or evidence
  • Có thể mention individual differences

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

“I think weather affects people’s emotions because of several reasons. First, sunlight makes people feel happier because it gives us energy. When it’s dark and rainy, people feel more tired and sad. Also, weather affects what we can do. If it’s nice weather, we can go out and do activities, which makes us happy. But if the weather is bad, we have to stay inside and this can make us bored or frustrated. Different people are affected differently too – some people are more sensitive to weather changes than others.”

Phân tích:

Structure: Basic organization với First, Also, Different people – shows some coherence

Vocabulary: Adequate nhưng basic: “makes people happy”, “feel tired and sad”, “nice weather”

Tại sao Band 6-7: Ideas relevant và coherent nhưng lacks depth. Không có scientific explanation chi tiết. Vocabulary functional nhưng không sophisticated. Grammar accurate nhưng simple structures.

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📝 Sample Answer – Band 8-5-9:

“Well, I believe the profound connection between weather and emotional states stems from multiple interconnected factors, both biological and psychological.

From a physiological perspective, there’s compelling scientific evidence that sunlight exposure plays a crucial role in regulating our neurotransmitter production, particularly serotonin – often called the ‘happiness hormone’. When we’re deprived of natural light during prolonged periods of overcast weather, our serotonin levels can plummet, which directly correlates with feelings of lethargy and even depression. This is why Seasonal Affective Disorder is so prevalent in countries with long, dark winters. Additionally, weather conditions influence our circadian rhythms – our internal biological clock – which governs everything from our sleep patterns to our energy levels throughout the day.

Beyond the purely biological mechanisms, there’s also a significant psychological component. Weather often serves as a powerful trigger for associative memories and emotional responses. For instance, rainy days might evoke feelings of coziness and nostalgia for some people, while triggering feelings of gloominess in others, depending on their past experiences and cultural conditioning. Moreover, weather imposes constraints on our behavioural options – when adverse weather conditions prevent us from engaging in outdoor activities we’d planned, we experience frustration and disappointment, which compounds any weather-related mood effects.

What I find particularly fascinating is that this weather sensitivity appears to be highly individualized. Some people are remarkably resilient to weather changes, while others are acutely susceptible, possibly due to genetic factors or personality traits. This variability suggests that while there are universal mechanisms at play, our individual responses are also shaped by our unique psychological makeup and life circumstances.”

Phân tích:

Structure: Exceptionally well-organized với clear progression: biological → psychological → individual differences. Each paragraph addresses một aspect với depth.

Vocabulary:

• Scientific/Academic terms used accurately: neurotransmitter, serotonin, circadian rhythms, Seasonal Affective Disorder
• Sophisticated collocations: profound connection, compelling evidence, correlates with, governs everything
• Precise verbs: plummet, evoke, trigger, compounds
• Abstract nouns: mechanisms, variability, resilience

Grammar:

• Complex structures: “which directly correlates with feelings of lethargy”
• Passive constructions: “is so prevalent”, “are shaped by”
• Relative clauses: “serotonin – often called the ‘happiness hormone'”
• Participle phrases: “depending on their past experiences”

Critical Thinking:

• Multi-faceted analysis: biological + psychological + individual
• References to scientific concepts
• Acknowledges complexity và individual variation
• Shows depth of understanding

💡 Key Language Features:

Discourse markers:

• “Well, I believe…” – natural opening
• “From a physiological perspective…” – academic signposting
• “Beyond the purely biological mechanisms…” – transitioning to new point
• “What I find particularly fascinating…” – personal analytical voice

Tentative language:

• “appears to be”
• “possibly due to”
• “suggests that”

Abstract nouns:

• mechanisms, correlation, variability, resilience, susceptibility

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Question 2: Do you think people in different climates have different personalities?

🎯 Phân tích câu hỏi:

• Dạng: Opinion + Cause-Effect relationship
• Key words: “different climates”, “different personalities” – cần explore correlation
• Cách tiếp cận:
  • State position (có hoặc không, hoặc partial agreement)
  • Explain possible connections
  • Give examples from different regions
  • Acknowledge other factors (culture, economics, etc.)

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

“I think to some extent, yes. People who live in sunny countries like in Southeast Asia seem to be more friendly and outgoing. They smile more and like to socialize outside. On the other hand, people in cold countries might be more reserved because they stay indoors more often. For example, Nordic countries have long, dark winters and people there are known to be more quiet and private. However, I think personality is also affected by culture and personal experiences, not just weather.”

Phân tích:

Structure: Có comparison (sunny vs cold countries) và acknowledgment của other factors

Vocabulary: Basic descriptors: friendly, outgoing, reserved, quiet, private

Tại sao Band 6-7: Makes relevant points với some examples nhưng lacks deep analysis. Generalizations không được qualified đầy đủ. Vocabulary adequate nhưng không sophisticated.

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📝 Sample Answer – Band 8.5-9:

“This is quite a contentious question that touches on the age-old debate of nature versus nurture. While I wouldn’t go so far as to say that climate deterministically shapes personality, I do think there’s considerable evidence suggesting that long-term exposure to particular climatic conditions can influence certain behavioral tendencies and even collective cultural traits.

There’s actually fascinating research in environmental psychology and cultural studies suggesting that sustained climatic conditions can contribute to what researchers call ‘climatic personalities’. For instance, there’s a notable correlation between warmer climates and what psychologists term ‘extraversion’ – people in Mediterranean regions or tropical countries often exhibit more outgoing, expressive behaviors, possibly because favorable weather conditions facilitate more outdoor social interaction and community engagement. This isn’t to say that everyone in these regions is extraverted, but rather that the environmental context might encourage certain social patterns that become culturally embedded over generations.

Conversely, in harsher climates – whether extremely cold or hot – there’s a tendency toward what might appear as more reserved or pragmatic personalities. However, I’d caution against oversimplifying this. Take Scandinavian countries, for example. While they’re often stereotyped as having more introverted populations, this overlooks the rich communal traditions like the Danish concept of ‘hygge‘ or Swedish ‘fika‘ – social practices that have evolved precisely as adaptive responses to long, dark winters. Similarly, people in extremely hot climates like the Arabian Gulf have developed distinct social rhythms – being more active during cooler evening hours, which has shaped their cultural patterns of socialization.

What’s crucial to emphasize, though, is that climate is just one factor among many that shape personality and cultural traits. Economic conditions, historical events, religious influences, political systems, and technological development all play equally significant, if not more decisive, roles. The apparent correlation between climate and personality might actually be mediated by these other factors – for instance, coastal regions with mild climates often historically served as trade hubs, which naturally fostered more cosmopolitan, open personalities due to constant intercultural exchange rather than purely because of the weather.

Moreover, in our increasingly globalized and technologically advanced world, the direct influence of climate on personality may be diminishing. With air conditioning, artificial lighting, and indoor lifestyles, many people are considerably insulated from weather extremes that might have shaped their ancestors’ daily experiences and behavioral patterns. So while there may be historical and evolutionary connections between climate and personality tendencies, I’d argue that in contemporary society, these links are becoming progressively more attenuated.”

Khám phá thêm về mối liên hệ giữa môi trường và tâm trạng qua bài viết Describe a place where you feel most relaxed, nơi chúng ta thấy rõ cách không gian sống ảnh hưởng đến cảm xúc.

Phân tích:

Structure: Exceptionally sophisticated với multi-layered argument:

• Introduction với nuanced position
• Point 1: Evidence cho correlation
• Point 2: Counter-examples với depth
• Point 3: Other factors and limitations
• Conclusion về diminishing influence

Vocabulary:

• Academic precision: contentious question, deterministically shapes, collective cultural traits, mediated by
• Advanced collocations: age-old debate, sustained climatic conditions, culturally embedded, progressively attenuated
• Sophisticated verbs: facilitate, overlooks, foster, insulated from

Grammar:

• Complex conditionals: “whether extremely cold or hot”
• Passive voice académique: “is just one factor among many”
• Nominalisation: “long-term exposure”, “collective cultural traits”
• Advanced clause structures: “While I wouldn’t go so far as to say…”

Critical Thinking:

• Balanced view: acknowledges correlation while warning against oversimplification
• Multiple perspectives: psychological, cultural, economic, historical
• Specific examples with depth: hygge, fika, Arabian Gulf social rhythms
• Shows awareness of limitations và changing contexts
• Demonstrates intellectual humility: “I’d caution against oversimplifying”

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Theme 2: Social and Urban Planning Impact

Question 3: How do you think weather affects productivity in the workplace?

🎯 Phân tích câu hỏi:

• Dạng: Effect/Impact analysis
• Key words: “productivity”, “workplace” – cần focus vào work context
• Cách tiếp cận:
  • Identify different types of weather effects
  • Explain mechanisms (physical, psychological)
  • Give workplace examples
  • Mention potential solutions

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

“Weather can affect productivity at work in several ways. When it’s very hot, people feel tired and can’t concentrate well, so they work slower. Cold weather can also be a problem if the office is not warm enough. Rainy weather might make people come to work late because of traffic problems. Also, on beautiful sunny days, workers might feel distracted and wish they could be outside instead of working. Some companies try to solve these problems by having good air conditioning and flexible working hours.”

Phân tích:

Structure: Lists several effects với basic explanations

Vocabulary: Functional: tired, concentrate, work slower, distracted

Tại sao Band 6-7: Covers multiple aspects nhưng lacks depth và sophisticated analysis. Examples basic. No discussion of research hoặc complex workplace dynamics.

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📝 Sample Answer – Band 8.5-9:

“The relationship between weather conditions and workplace productivity is remarkably complex and has been the subject of extensive research in organizational psychology and ergonomics. The effects can be both direct and indirect, and they vary considerably depending on the nature of the work and the workplace environment.

From a physiological standpoint, extreme temperatures – whether excessively hot or cold – have been consistently shown to impair cognitive function and reduce physical performance. There’s robust evidence that the optimal temperature for cognitive tasks is around 21-22 degrees Celsius. When temperatures deviate significantly from this range, we see measurable declines in concentration, decision-making speed, and error rates. Excessive heat, in particular, can lead to thermal discomfort, which is incredibly distracting and depletes mental resources that would otherwise be devoted to work tasks. Similarly, inadequate heating during cold weather not only causes physical discomfort but can also reduce fine motor skills, which is particularly problematic for precision work.

Beyond temperature, natural light exposure plays a pivotal role in workplace productivity. Numerous studies have demonstrated that access to natural daylight significantly enhances alertness, mood, and overall performance. Conversely, working in poorly lit environments or during extended periods of overcast weather can contribute to fatigue and reduced motivation. This is why forward-thinking companies are increasingly investing in workspace design that maximizes natural light and even incorporates circadian lighting systems that mimic natural daylight patterns.

There’s also an often-overlooked psychological dimension. Adverse weather conditions can affect productivity indirectly through their impact on commute times and arrival stress. Employees who’ve battled through severe weather to reach work often arrive mentally exhausted and emotionally depleted, which compromises their immediate productivity. Moreover, on exceptionally beautiful days, there’s what researchers call the ‘good weather paradox‘ – while pleasant weather might boost mood, it can also increase distraction as employees mentally disengage, wishing they could be enjoying the weather instead of working indoors.

Interestingly, the advent of remote work and flexible arrangements has introduced new dynamics to this equation. When employees have the autonomy to adjust their work environment or schedule around weather conditions, some of these negative impacts can be substantially mitigated. For instance, working from home during inclement weather eliminates the commute stress factor, and having the flexibility to shift working hours to coincide with optimal personal energy levels can help counteract weather-related productivity dips.

From an organizational perspective, progressive employers are increasingly recognizing the importance of addressing weather-related productivity challenges. This includes investments in climate control systems, appropriate lighting, flexible work policies, and even providing mental health support during challenging seasonal periods. Some Scandinavian companies, for example, offer ‘light therapy‘ sessions during dark winter months to combat Seasonal Affective Disorder among their workforce. These interventions not only support employee wellbeing but also yield tangible returns in terms of sustained productivity and reduced absenteeism.”

Phân tích:

Structure: Comprehensive multi-paragraph response với clear thematic organization:

• Physiological effects
• Light exposure impact
• Psychological and commute factors
• Remote work considerations
• Organizational solutions

Vocabulary:

• Domain-specific: organizational psychology, ergonomics, thermal discomfort, circadian lighting
• Academic precision: robust evidence, measurable declines, pivotal role, tangible returns
• Professional register: forward-thinking companies, progressive employers, sustained productivity

Grammar:

• Sophisticated passive constructions: “has been consistently shown to”, “are increasingly investing in”
• Complex relative clauses: “which is particularly problematic for precision work”
• Advanced participle phrases: “wishing they could be enjoying the weather”

Critical Thinking:

• Multi-dimensional analysis: physiological + psychological + organizational
• Research-backed claims
• Acknowledges paradoxes: “good weather paradox”
• Discusses modern solutions: remote work, flexible arrangements
• Real-world examples: Scandinavian light therapy initiatives

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Theme 3: Climate Change and Future Trends

Question 4: Do you think climate change will make these mood effects more severe in the future?

🎯 Phân tích câu hỏi:

• Dạng: Future prediction + Impact assessment
• Key words: “climate change”, “more severe”, “future”
• Cách tiếp cận:
  • Acknowledge climate change as established fact
  • Predict likely psychological impacts
  • Consider adaptation possibilities
  • Discuss societal responses

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

“Yes, I think climate change will probably make weather effects on mood worse. We’re already seeing more extreme weather – very hot days, heavy storms, and unpredictable patterns. This can make people more stressed and worried about the future. Also, if weather becomes more extreme, it will affect our daily lives more, which will impact our mood. However, I think people and governments will also try to adapt by improving buildings and creating better solutions to deal with extreme weather.”

Phân tích:

Structure: Clear position với basic reasoning và some acknowledgment of adaptation

Vocabulary: Adequate: extreme weather, stressed, worried, adapt, solutions

Tại sao Band 6-7: Addresses question directly với logical flow nhưng lacks nuance và sophisticated analysis. Predictions general rather than specific. Limited vocabulary range.

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📝 Sample Answer – Band 8.5-9:

“This is an increasingly pressing question that intersects public health, psychology, and environmental science. I believe the answer is unequivocally yes – climate change is highly likely to exacerbate the psychological impacts of weather, though the exact manifestations may be more complex than a simple linear increase in weather-related mood disturbances.

First and foremost, we’re witnessing an intensification of extreme weather events – more frequent and severe heatwaves, unprecedented flooding, prolonged droughts, and increasingly volatile weather patterns. Each of these carries significant psychological burdens. Extreme heat, for instance, isn’t just physically uncomfortable – research has demonstrated correlations between elevated temperatures and increases in aggression, irritability, and even violent behavior. There are documented spikes in mental health crises during severe heatwaves, particularly among vulnerable populations. As these events become more frequent and intense, we can reasonably anticipate a corresponding rise in weather-related psychological distress.

Beyond acute events, there’s the insidious effect of chronic weather instability. The unpredictability that characterizes climate change – unseasonable temperatures, erratic precipitation patterns, disrupted seasonal cues – can create a persistent state of environmental uncertainty. This undermines our psychological need for predictability and routine, potentially contributing to chronic stress and anxiety. Some psychologists are already documenting what they term ‘climate anxiety‘ or ‘eco-anxiety‘ – a pervasive worry about environmental catastrophe that’s particularly prevalent among younger generations who will bear the brunt of these changes.

However, I’d argue that the psychological impacts will be highly uneven, shaped by factors like socioeconomic status, geographic location, and access to resources. Affluent populations in developed nations may largely insulate themselves through advanced climate control, resilient infrastructure, and adaptive technologies – think sophisticated air conditioning, green architecture, personal air quality monitoring. Meanwhile, vulnerable communities – those in low-lying coastal areas, regions with inadequate infrastructure, or locations already experiencing climate stress – will face disproportionately severe psychological consequences. This climate justice dimension is crucial to consider.

That said, I’m cautiously optimistic that we’ll see adaptive responses that could mitigate some psychological harms. We’re already seeing innovations in climate-responsive architecture, urban planning that prioritizes green spaces and natural cooling, and growing awareness of the mental health dimensions of climate change. Public health systems may evolve to incorporate weather-related mental health screening and support services. There’s also potential for behavioral adaptation – as we become more conscious of these effects, individuals might develop personal coping strategies and communities might foster collective resilience.

Ultimately, though, I believe the severity of future psychological impacts will largely depend on our collective response to climate change. If we fail to substantially mitigate greenhouse gas emissions and continue on our current trajectory, the psychological toll – combined with the direct physical threats, economic disruptions, and social instabilities – could be truly catastrophic. Conversely, aggressive action now could significantly limit these worst-case scenarios. The mental health implications of climate change should be viewed not as an inevitable fate but as a powerful motivator for urgent climate action.”

Việc thích nghi với thời tiết khắc nghiệt cũng đòi hỏi những không gian sống lý tưởng, tương tự như describe a famous historical building in your country, nơi kiến trúc truyền thống thường được thiết kế để đối phó với điều kiện khí hậu địa phương.

Tác động của biến đổi khí hậu lên sức khỏe tâm thần trong bài thi IELTS Speaking

Phân tích:

Structure: Exceptionally sophisticated với comprehensive coverage:

• Clear thesis
• Extreme events impact
• Chronic instability effects
• Inequality dimensions
• Adaptive responses
• Conditional future scenarios

Vocabulary:

• Academic precision: exacerbate, manifestations, volatile, insidious effect, pervasive worry
• Climate-specific terminology: greenhouse gas emissions, climate justice, eco-anxiety
• Sophisticated modifiers: unequivocally yes, cautiously optimistic, disproportionately severe
• Advanced verbs: undermine, insulate, mitigate, foster

Grammar:

• Complex conditionals: “If we fail to substantially mitigate… could be truly catastrophic”
• Sophisticated passive voice: “are already being documented”, “will be highly uneven”
• Advanced clause embedding: “that’s particularly prevalent among younger generations who will bear the brunt”
• Nominalisation: “the intensification of extreme weather events”

Critical Thinking:

• Nuanced position: yes, but complex
• Multiple dimensions: acute vs chronic, equity issues
• Evidence-based: references research findings
• Balanced: acknowledges both risks and adaptive potential
• Forward-looking: conditional scenarios based on actions
• Shows awareness of complexity: “more complex than a simple linear increase”

Discourse Features:

• Tentative academic language: “highly likely to”, “can reasonably anticipate”
• Hedging appropriate: “I’d argue”, “I’m cautiously optimistic”
• Sophisticated transitions: “Beyond acute events”, “That said”, “Ultimately”
• Personal analytical voice: “I believe the answer is…”

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Question 5: What measures could governments take to help people cope with weather-related mood changes?

🎯 Phân tích câu hỏi:

• Dạng: Problem-Solution
• Key words: “governments”, “measures”, “help people cope”
• Cách tiếp cận:
  • Identify multiple types of interventions
  • Explain how each would work
  • Provide examples from real policies
  • Consider feasibility and challenges

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

“Governments can do several things to help people with weather and mood problems. First, they can improve public spaces like parks where people can enjoy good weather and relax. They can also make sure public buildings have good air conditioning for hot weather. Another important thing is education – teaching people about how weather affects mood and what they can do about it. Governments could also improve transportation so bad weather doesn’t make commuting so stressful. Finally, they could support mental health services, especially during difficult seasons.”

Phân tích:

Structure: Lists multiple solutions clearly

Vocabulary: Functional vocabulary: improve, make sure, teaching, support

Tại sao Band 6-7: Covers reasonable range của solutions nhưng lacks detail về implementation. Examples general. No discussion of challenges hoặc prioritization.

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📝 Sample Answer – Band 8.5-9:

“This is a multifaceted challenge that calls for comprehensive, coordinated interventions spanning urban planning, public health, infrastructure, and social policy. Effective government responses would need to operate on multiple levels simultaneously.

Starting with urban infrastructure and design, governments should prioritize creating and maintaining accessible green spaces – parks, urban forests, community gardens – that serve as temperature-moderating zones and provide psychological refuges during weather extremes. Cities like Singapore have pioneered this approach with their ‘City in a Garden‘ concept, integrating extensive greenery that mitigates urban heat island effects while offering spaces for mood-enhancing outdoor activity. Additionally, investment in climate-responsive architecture for public buildings – incorporating natural light, proper ventilation, and adaptive systems – would ensure that essential services and public spaces remain comfortable year-round.

On the public health front, governments should establish weather-sensitive mental health surveillance systems that monitor population-level mood indicators during extreme weather periods and trigger proactive interventions. This could include deploying additional mental health resources during challenging seasons, launching public awareness campaigns about weather-related mood changes and coping strategies, and subsidizing light therapy equipment for populations in regions with seasonal darkness. Some Scandinavian countries already implement similar programs with measurable success.

Transportation infrastructure deserves particular attention, as weather-related commute stress is a major contributor to mood disturbances. Investing in weather-resilient public transportation – covered walkways, heated waiting areas, reliable systems that function effectively in adverse conditions – can significantly reduce this stress factor. Dutch urban planning, with its extensive covered cycling infrastructure, exemplifies how governments can facilitate continued outdoor activity even in challenging weather.

Workplace regulations present another avenue for government action. Mandating flexible work arrangements during extreme weather events, requiring minimum standards for workplace climate control and lighting, and incentivizing remote work options could substantially mitigate weather-related productivity and mood impacts. The COVID-19 pandemic has demonstrated that large-scale remote work is feasible; codifying this flexibility could yield ongoing benefits for weather-sensitive populations.

Education initiatives should extend beyond simple awareness to provide practical, evidence-based tools. School curricula could incorporate lessons on emotional regulation and environmental awareness, equipping younger generations with skills to navigate climate challenges. Public health campaigns might promote specific interventions like morning light exposure routines, seasonal activity adjustments, or community-building activities that combat weather-induced isolation.

Crucially, governments should adopt an equity-focused approach, recognizing that weather-related mood impacts disproportionately affect vulnerable populations – the elderly, low-income communities, those with pre-existing mental health conditions. Targeted support – subsidized air conditioning for vulnerable households, accessible cooling centers during heatwaves, enhanced services in high-risk communities – would be essential to ensure that interventions benefit those most in need.

Finally, the most impactful long-term measure would be aggressive climate action itself – substantially reducing greenhouse gas emissions to limit future climate change and its associated weather extremes. This addresses the root cause rather than merely treating symptoms. Governments that frame climate policy through a public health lens, emphasizing the mental health benefits of climate stabilization, may find greater public support for necessary but challenging policies.

Implementation challenges are considerable, of course – these interventions require substantial investment, cross-departmental coordination, and political will. However, the economic costs of weather-related productivity losses and mental health treatment, combined with the ethical imperative to protect population wellbeing, make a compelling case for prioritizing these measures.”

Phân tích:

Structure: Exceptionally comprehensive với systematic organization:

• Urban infrastructure
• Public health systems
• Transportation
• Workplace regulations
• Education
• Equity considerations
• Root cause (climate action)
• Implementation challenges

Vocabulary:

• Policy-specific: surveillance systems, subsidizing, mandating, codifying
• Academic precision: multifaceted challenge, proactive interventions, equity-focused approach
• Professional register: measurable success, substantial investment, compelling case
• Advanced collocations: climate-responsive architecture, weather-resilient transportation

Grammar:

• Sophisticated modal structures: “should prioritize”, “would need to operate”, “could substantially mitigate”
• Complex passive constructions: “are considerable”, “is feasible”
• Advanced gerund usage: “incorporating natural light”, “equipping younger generations”
• Relative clause complexity: “that monitor population-level mood indicators during extreme weather periods”

Critical Thinking:

• Multi-level solutions: individual, community, systemic
• Real-world examples: Singapore, Scandinavia, Netherlands
• Acknowledges implementation challenges
• Equity dimension
• Distinguishes symptoms vs root causes
• Cost-benefit framing

Evidence of Expertise:

• References specific programs and policies
• Shows understanding of cross-sectoral approaches
• Demonstrates awareness of complexity
• Balances idealism with pragmatism

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Từ vựng và cụm từ quan trọng

Topic-Specific Vocabulary

Từ vựng/Cụm từ	Loại từ	Phiên âm	Nghĩa tiếng Việt	Ví dụ	Collocation
upbeat	adj	/ˈʌpbiːt/	phấn chấn, lạc quan	I feel more upbeat on sunny days.	upbeat mood, upbeat attitude, generally upbeat
lethargic	adj	/ləˈθɑːdʒɪk/	uể oải, thiếu năng lượng	Rainy weather makes me feel lethargic.	feel lethargic, become lethargic, lethargic state
invigorating	adj	/ɪnˈvɪɡəreɪtɪŋ/	làm sảng khoái, tiếp sinh lực	The cool breeze was absolutely invigorating.	invigorating experience, invigorating weather, feel invigorating
dreary	adj	/ˈdrɪəri/	u ám, buồn tẻ	Dreary weather affects my motivation.	dreary days, dreary weather, dreary atmosphere
sluggish	adj	/ˈslʌɡɪʃ/	chậm chạp, uể oải	I feel rather sluggish in humid weather.	feel sluggish, become sluggish, sluggish performance
torrential	adj	/təˈrenʃl/	(mưa) xối xả, như trút nước	Torrential downpours dampened everyone’s spirits.	torrential rain, torrential downpour, torrential storm
sweltering	adj	/ˈsweltərɪŋ/	nóng oi bức	The sweltering heat made it hard to concentrate.	sweltering heat, sweltering day, sweltering conditions
overcast	adj	/ˌəʊvəˈkɑːst/	u ám, nhiều mây	Overcast skies tend to lower my mood.	overcast day, overcast weather, overcast conditions
melancholic	adj	/ˌmelənˈkɒlɪk/	buồn bã, u sầu	The grey weather induced a melancholic feeling.	melancholic mood, feel melancholic, melancholic state
confined	adj	/kənˈfaɪnd/	bị giam hãm, bị giới hạn	Bad weather leaves me feeling confined indoors.	feel confined, confined space, confined to indoors
restless	adj	/ˈrestləs/	bồn chồn, không yên	Prolonged rain makes me restless.	feel restless, become restless, restless energy
drained	adj	/dreɪnd/	kiệt sức, cạn kiệt	Extreme heat leaves me feeling drained.	feel drained, emotionally drained, completely drained
irritable	adj	/ˈɪrɪtəbl/	cáu kỉnh, dễ bực	Hot weather makes me more irritable.	feel irritable, become irritable, irritable mood
brooding	adj	/ˈbruːdɪŋ/	âm u, đe dọa	Brooding clouds gathered overhead.	brooding atmosphere, brooding sky, brooding presence
crisp	adj	/krɪsp/	trong lành, sảng khoái	I love the crisp mountain air.	crisp air, crisp morning, crisp weather
stifling	adj	/ˈstaɪflɪŋ/	ngột ngạt	The stifling humidity was unbearable.	stifling heat, stifling atmosphere, stifling conditions
plummet	v	/ˈplʌmɪt/	rơi thẳng đứng, giảm mạnh	Temperatures plummeted overnight.	temperature plummets, mood plummets, prices plummet
dampen	v	/ˈdæmpən/	làm giảm, làm chán nản	Rain can dampen your spirits.	dampen spirits, dampen enthusiasm, dampen mood
mitigate	v	/ˈmɪtɪɡeɪt/	giảm nhẹ, làm dịu bớt	Exercise can mitigate weather-related mood dips.	mitigate effects, mitigate impact, mitigate risks
exacerbate	v	/ɪɡˈzæsəbeɪt/	làm trầm trọng thêm	Humidity exacerbates the heat.	exacerbate problems, exacerbate symptoms, exacerbate conditions

Idiomatic Expressions & Advanced Phrases

Cụm từ	Nghĩa	Ví dụ sử dụng	Band điểm
lift someone’s spirits	làm ai đó vui vẻ hơn	Sunshine always lifts my spirits after a gloomy week.	7.5-9
take a dip	giảm xuống, sụt giảm	My energy levels take a dip during rainy spells.	7.5-9
dampen someone’s spirits	làm ai đó chán nản	Continuous rain can really dampen people’s spirits.	7.5-9
take a toll on	gây ảnh hưởng xấu, tác động tiêu cực	Extreme weather takes a toll on mental health.	7.5-9
seep into	thấm vào, len lỏi vào	The dampness seemed to seep into everything.	8-9
at the end of the day	cuối cùng thì, xét cho cùng	At the end of the day, we adapt to whatever weather comes.	7-8
on the flip side	mặt khác, ngược lại	On the flip side, rainy days can be quite cozy indoors.	7.5-8.5
wake-up call	hồi chuông cảnh tỉnh	The heatwave was a wake-up call about climate change.	7.5-8.5
bring to the surface	làm bộc lộ, đưa lên bề mặt	Bad weather can bring underlying stress to the surface.	8-9
bear the brunt of	chịu đựng phần nặng nhất	Coastal communities bear the brunt of extreme weather.	8-9
a double-edged sword	con dao hai lưỡi	Technology’s impact on weather sensitivity is a double-edged sword.	7.5-8.5
weather the storm	vượt qua khó khăn	We need strategies to help people weather the storm of climate change.	7.5-8.5

Discourse Markers (Từ Nối Ý Trong Speaking)

Để bắt đầu câu trả lời:

• 📝 Well,… – Dùng khi cần thời gian suy nghĩ nhẹ hoặc đưa ra câu trả lời thoughtful
• 📝 Actually,… – Khi muốn correct hoặc đưa ra góc nhìn khác so với expected
• 📝 To be honest,… / Honestly speaking,… – Khi nói thật lòng, thẳng thắn
• 📝 I’d say that… / I would argue that… – Khi đưa ra quan điểm có căn cứ
• 📝 From my perspective,… / In my view,… – Góc nhìn cá nhân
• 📝 Generally speaking,… – Nói chung, nói một cách tổng quát

Để bổ sung ý:

• 📝 On top of that,… / What’s more,… – Thêm vào đó, hơn nữa
• 📝 Additionally,… / Furthermore,… – Ngoài ra (formal hơn)
• 📝 Not to mention… – Chưa kể đến
• 📝 Another point worth mentioning is… – Điểm khác đáng nói là
• 📝 Beyond that,… – Xa hơn nữa

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… – Dù đúng rằng…, ta cũng cần xem xét
• 📝 Having said that,… – Tuy đã nói vậy nhưng
• 📝 That being said,… – Điều đó đã được nói, nhưng
• 📝 On the flip side,… – Mặt khác, ngược lại

Để giải thích/làm rõ:

• 📝 What I mean is… – Ý tôi muốn nói là
• 📝 In other words,… – Nói cách khác
• 📝 To put it another way,… – Diễn đạt theo cách khác
• 📝 That is to say,… – Nghĩa là

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
• 📝 This can be seen in… – Điều này có thể thấy ở

Để kết luận:

• 📝 All in all,… / All things considered,… – Tóm lại, xét tất cả mọi mặt
• 📝 At the end of the day,… – Cuối cùng thì
• 📝 Ultimately,… – Cuối cùng, về căn bản
• 📝 In conclusion,… – Kết luận lại

Grammatical Structures Ấn Tượng

1. Conditional Sentences (Câu điều kiện):

Mixed Conditionals:

• Formula: If + Past Perfect, would + base verb (hoặc ngược lại)
• Ví dụ: “If I had known about the heatwave, I would be better prepared now.”
• Ví dụ: “If I were more sensitive to weather, I wouldn’t have enjoyed that rainy trip.”

Inversion for emphasis:

• Formula: Had/Were/Should + subject + verb
• Ví dụ: “Had I known the weather would be so severe, I would have stayed home.”
• Ví dụ: “Were the government to invest in green spaces, mental health would improve significantly.”

2. Relative Clauses (Mệnh đề quan hệ):

Non-defining relative clauses:

• Formula: …, which/who/where + clause, …
• Ví dụ: “The persistent grey skies, which lasted for days, really affected my mood.”
• Ví dụ: “Seasonal Affective Disorder, which affects millions, is directly linked to lack of sunlight.”

3. Passive Voice (Câu bị động):

Impersonal passive structures:

• It is thought/believed/said that…
  • Ví dụ: “It is widely believed that sunlight has a direct impact on serotonin production.”
• It has been shown/demonstrated/proven that…
  • Ví dụ: “It has been shown that extreme heat correlates with increased irritability.”

4. Cleft Sentences (Câu chẻ):

What-clauses for emphasis:

• What I find most… is…
  • Ví dụ: “What I find most striking is how dramatically weather can shift my energy levels.”
• The thing that…, is…
  • Ví dụ: “The thing that bothers me most about humid weather is how it drains my motivation.”

5. Nominalisation (Danh từ hóa):

Chuyển động từ/tính từ thành danh từ để academic hơn:

• adapt → adaptation: “Adaptation to climate change requires systemic changes.”
• intense → intensity: “The intensity of the heatwave was unprecedented.”
• arrive → arrival: “The arrival of spring always lifts people’s spirits.”

6. Participle Phrases (Cụm phân từ):

Present participle:

• Ví dụ: “Feeling drained by the heat, I decided to stay indoors.”
• Ví dụ: “Having experienced Seasonal Affective Disorder, I now understand the importance of light therapy.”

Past participle:

• Ví dụ: “Drained by the sweltering conditions, workers’ productivity declined significantly.”

Tìm hiểu thêm về cách đối phó với những trải nghiệm thời tiết khó khăn trong bài viết describe a time when you were caught in bad weather, nơi bạn sẽ thấy cách kể lại những tình huống thực tế một cách sinh động.

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Chiến lược và lời khuyên từ Examiner

Lời khuyên chung cho toàn bộ bài thi

1. Tính tự nhiên quan trọng hơn từ vựng phức tạp

Nhiều thí sinh Việt Nam có xu hướng cố gắng nhồi nhét từ vựng academic vào câu trả lời, làm cho lời nói trở nên cứng nhắc và unnatural. Hãy nhớ rằng đây là bài thi Speaking, không phải Writing. Examiner đánh giá cao:

• Natural delivery với appropriate hesitation
• Conversational tone phù hợp với từng Part
• Từ vựng được sử dụng accurately trong context, không phải để show off

Ví dụ sai lầm:
“The meteorological conditions precipitate profound ramifications on my psychological disposition.”
→ Nghe như đang đọc textbook, không phải speaking naturally

Ví dụ tốt hơn:
“Weather really has a significant impact on how I feel emotionally.”
→ Natural, clear, vẫn sophisticated

2. Phát triển ý đầy đủ

Lỗi phổ biến nhất của thí sinh Việt Nam là trả lời quá ngắn. Mỗi câu trả lời nên theo công thức D.E.E.L:

• Direct answer (trả lời thẳng)
• Explanation (giải thích)
• Example (ví dụ cụ thể)
• Linking (nối sang ý tiếp hoặc kết luận)

3. Tránh học thuộc template

Examiner được trained để nhận ra memorized answers. Dấu hiệu:

• Câu trả lời quá smooth, không có natural pauses
• Sử dụng những cụm từ generic không liên quan trực tiếp đến câu hỏi
• Suddenly switch sang một topic khác không relevant

Cách khắc phục:

• Học vocabulary và structures, không phải whole answers
• Practice với nhiều câu hỏi variations
• Focus vào expressing YOUR genuine thoughts

4. Sử dụng thời gian chuẩn bị Part 2 hiệu quả

KHÔNG NÊN:

• Viết câu hoàn chỉnh (không đủ thời gian và sẽ đọc instead of speaking)
• Ghi quá nhiều notes (sẽ confused khi nói)
• Lo lắng thay vì tập trung plan

NÊN:

• Ghi 3-5 keywords cho mỗi bullet point
• Note 2-3 từ vựng advanced muốn dùng
• Plan opening và closing sentence
• Nghĩ về personal examples cụ thể

5. Phát âm và ngữ điệu

Pronunciation không chỉ là phát âm từng từ mà còn bao gồm:

• Word stress: ví dụ “REcord” (n) vs “reCORD” (v)
• Sentence stress: nhấn vào key words
• Intonation: giọng lên xuống để express meaning
• Linking: nối âm giữa các từ naturally

Lời khuyên:

• Record và listen lại bản thân
• Mimic native speakers từ podcasts hoặc videos
• Practice shadow reading

6. Xử lý khi không hiểu câu hỏi

KHÔNG BAO GIỜ:

• Im lặng hoặc nói “I don’t understand”
• Đoán bừa và nói về topic khác
• Panic và mất tự tin

NÊN:

• “Could you please repeat that question?”
• “I’m not quite sure I understand. Do you mean…?”
• “Sorry, could you rephrase that?”

Lời khuyên cụ thể cho chủ đề Weather và Mood

1. Tránh generalizations quá mức

Sai:
“All Vietnamese people feel happier when it’s sunny.”
→ Quá absolute, không realistic

Đúng:
“I think many people, including myself, tend to feel more energized in sunny weather, though of course everyone’s different.”
→ Qualified statement, acknowledges individual differences

2. Cung cấp specific examples

Thay vì nói chung chung “Weather affects my mood,” hãy:

• Describe specific occasion
• Explain exact emotions felt
• Detail behavioral changes
• Give concrete details (time, place, temperature)

3. Show critical thinking về complexity

Weather và mood không phải simple cause-effect. Demonstrate understanding:

• Multiple factors interact
• Individual differences exist
• Cultural contexts matter
• Coping strategies available

4. Balance personal experience với broader perspective

Part 1-2: More personal
Part 3: More analytical và general

5. Vocabulary về emotions

Tránh lặp lại “happy” và “sad”. Sử dụng range:

• Positive: upbeat, invigorated, energized, elated, content
• Negative: lethargic, melancholic, drained, irritable, gloomy
• Neutral/Complex: contemplative, introspective, restless

Khám phá các địa điểm đặc biệt có thể ảnh hưởng tích cực đến tâm trạng của bạn qua bài describe a hill or mountain that you would like to climb, nơi thiên nhiên và độ cao có thể tạo nên những cảm xúc hoàn toàn khác biệt.

Lộ trình chuẩn bị hiệu quả

Tuần 1-2: Foundation

• Học vocabulary core cho topic (30-40 từ/cụm)
• Practice phát âm với vocabulary
• Record và listen lại bản thân
• Làm quen với câu hỏi types

Tuần 3-4: Application

• Practice trả lời Part 1 questions (record)
• Prepare notes cho potential Part 2 topics
• Analyze band descriptors
• Identify personal weaknesses

Tuần 5-6: Refinement

• Practice full mock tests
• Focus vào fluency và natural delivery
• Incorporate advanced structures naturally
• Get feedback từ teacher hoặc study partner

Tuần 7-8: Polish

• Refine pronunciation và intonation
• Practice thinking in English
• Reduce hesitation
• Build confidence

Ngày thi:

• Đến sớm để settle nerves
• Warm up voice trước
• Remember: Examiners want you to succeed
• Be yourself và show genuine communication

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Kết luận

Chủ đề “Does the weather affect your mood” là một trong những topics thú vị và practical nhất trong IELTS Speaking. Với sự chuẩn bị kỹ lưỡng về vocabulary, structures, và strategies được chia sẻ trong bài viết này, bạn hoàn toàn có thể tự tin đạt band điểm cao.

Những điểm quan trọng cần nhớ:

✅ Tính tự nhiên quan trọng hơn việc sử dụng từ vựng phức tạp một cách cứng nhắc

✅ Phát triển ý đầy đủ với explanations, examples, và personal reflections

✅ Show critical thinking bằng cách acknowledge complexity và multiple perspectives

✅ Balance giữa personal experience (Part 1-2) và broader analysis (Part 3)

✅ Practice thường xuyên với focus vào fluency và natural delivery

Hãy nhớ rằng IELTS Speaking test không chỉ đánh giá khả năng ngôn ngữ mà còn đánh giá khả năng communicate effectively và express thoughts coherently. Đừng cố gắng sound perfect – thay vào đó, hãy aim for natural, confident, và authentic communication.

Chúc bạn đạt được band điểm mong muốn trong kỳ thi IELTS Speaking sắp tới!