Chủ đề “Describe a person who is very inspiring” là một trong những đề bài phổ biến nhất trong IELTS Speaking Part 2, xuất hiện đều đặn trong các kỳ thi từ năm 2020 đến nay với tần suất rất cao. Khả năng gặp chủ đề này trong bài thi của bạn là 80-90%, đặc biệt khi đề bài có thể biến tấu theo nhiều dạng khác nhau như “describe a person you admire”, “describe someone who influenced you”, hoặc “describe a successful person you know”.
Từ góc độ của một IELTS Examiner, tôi nhận thấy nhiều thí sinh Việt Nam gặp khó khăn với chủ đề này vì họ thường chọn những nhân vật quá xa vời (như Steve Jobs, Elon Musk) mà không thể kể chi tiết cụ thể, hoặc chỉ liệt kê thành tích mà không giải thích tại sao người đó truyền cảm hứng. Điều này dẫn đến câu trả lời khô khan, thiếu cảm xúc và không đạt điểm cao.
Trong bài viết này, bạn sẽ học được:
- 10+ câu hỏi thực tế về chủ đề “inspiring person” trong cả 3 Part
- Bài mẫu chi tiết theo 3 band điểm (6-7, 7.5-8, 8.5-9) với phân tích sâu
- 30+ từ vựng và cụm từ “ăn điểm” được Examiner đánh giá cao
- Chiến lược chọn nhân vật phù hợp và cách kể chuyện hấp dẫn
- Lời khuyên độc quyền từ kinh nghiệm chấm thi hơn 20 năm của tôi
IELTS Speaking Part 1: Introduction and Interview
Tổng Quan Về Part 1
Part 1 kéo dài 4-5 phút với khoảng 10-12 câu hỏi về các chủ đề quen thuộc trong cuộc sống hàng ngày. Examiner muốn đánh giá khả năng giao tiếp tự nhiên của bạn, không phải khả năng học thuộc câu trả lời.
Chiến lược hiệu quả:
- Trả lời trực tiếp câu hỏi trước (1 câu)
- Mở rộng với lý do/giải thích (1-2 câu)
- Thêm ví dụ cụ thể từ kinh nghiệm bản thân (1 câu)
Lỗi thường gặp của học viên Việt Nam:
- Trả lời quá ngắn gọn chỉ “Yes” hoặc “No”
- Sử dụng từ vựng học sinh như “good”, “nice”, “interesting”
- Thiếu ví dụ cụ thể, nói chung chung
- Học thuộc template nghe giống robot
Các Câu Hỏi Thường Gặp
Question 1: Do you have any role models in your life?
Question 2: Who inspires you the most in your family?
Question 3: Do you prefer reading about successful people or learning from people around you?
Question 4: Have you ever met someone who changed your perspective on life?
Question 5: Do you think it’s important for young people to have role models?
Question 6: What qualities do you think an inspiring person should have?
Question 7: Do you follow any inspiring people on social media?
Question 8: Have you ever been inspired to change something about yourself?
Question 9: Do you think celebrities can be good role models?
Question 10: Who was your childhood hero?
Phân Tích và Gợi Ý Trả Lời Chi Tiết
Question: Do you have any role models in your life?
🎯 Cách tiếp cận:
- Trả lời Yes/No một cách tự nhiên
- Nêu tên người và mối quan hệ
- Giải thích ngắn gọn tại sao họ là role model
- Thêm một ví dụ cụ thể nếu có thời gian
📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:
“Yes, I do. My older sister is my role model because she is very hardworking. She works as a doctor and always tries her best to help patients. I want to be like her in the future.”
Phân tích:
- Điểm mạnh: Trả lời trực tiếp, có đưa ra lý do cơ bản, ngữ pháp chính xác
- Hạn chế: Từ vựng đơn giản (hardworking, tries her best), thiếu chi tiết cụ thể về “tại sao” chị gái truyền cảm hứng, câu trả lời hơi ngắn
- Tại sao Band 6-7: Đáp ứng được yêu cầu cơ bản nhưng thiếu vocabulary range và depth of ideas
📝 Sample Answer – Band 8-9:
“Absolutely. I’d say my older sister has been a huge source of inspiration for me throughout my life. She’s a pediatrician who demonstrates incredible resilience and compassion in her work. What really sets her apart is the way she balances her demanding career with being a devoted mother to two young children. She’s shown me that with proper time management and determination, you can pursue your passion while maintaining a fulfilling personal life.”
Phân tích:
- Điểm mạnh: Từ vựng sophisticated (source of inspiration, demonstrates incredible resilience, sets her apart), cấu trúc phức tạp (relative clause “who demonstrates”), ý tưởng sâu sắc (không chỉ nói về nghề nghiệp mà còn về work-life balance)
- Tại sao Band 8-9:
- Fluency: Trôi chảy với discourse marker tự nhiên “Absolutely”, “I’d say”, “What really…”
- Vocabulary: Collocation chính xác (source of inspiration, demanding career, pursue your passion)
- Grammar: Cấu trúc đa dạng (present perfect “has been”, relative clause, conditional “you can pursue”)
- Ideas: Sâu sắc, không chỉ nói chung chung mà đưa ra specific quality (resilience, time management)
💡 Key Vocabulary & Expressions:
- source of inspiration: nguồn cảm hứng (formal hơn “role model”)
- demonstrates incredible resilience: thể hiện khả năng phục hồi đáng kinh ngạc
- sets her apart: làm cho cô ấy khác biệt, nổi bật
- balances her demanding career: cân bằng sự nghiệp đòi hỏi cao
- pursue your passion: theo đuổi đam mê
Question: What qualities do you think an inspiring person should have?
🎯 Cách tiếp cận:
- Đưa ra 2-3 qualities cụ thể
- Giải thích tại sao mỗi quality quan trọng
- Có thể thêm ví dụ ngắn
📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:
“I think an inspiring person should be confident and positive. They need to believe in themselves so others can believe in them too. Also, they should be kind and help other people when they have problems.”
Phân tích:
- Điểm mạnh: Đưa ra được qualities cụ thể, có explanation đơn giản
- Hạn chế: Từ vựng basic (confident, positive, kind), grammar đơn giản, thiếu examples cụ thể, ý tưởng chưa sâu
- Tại sao Band 6-7: Adequate nhưng lacks sophistication và depth
📝 Sample Answer – Band 8-9:
“Well, I believe truly inspiring individuals possess a combination of several key traits. First and foremost, they need to have unwavering determination – the ability to persevere through setbacks and maintain their vision despite obstacles. Equally important is authenticity; people are drawn to those who are genuine and true to their values rather than those who simply put on a facade. Finally, I’d say empathy plays a crucial role because inspiring people don’t just focus on their own success – they lift others up and create opportunities for those around them to grow.”
Phân tích:
- Điểm mạnh: Vocabulary range cao (possess a combination of, unwavering determination, persevere through setbacks, authenticity, put on a facade), structure rõ ràng với discourse markers (First and foremost, Equally important, Finally), ideas sophisticated (không chỉ liệt kê mà giải thích tại sao)
- Tại sao Band 8-9:
- Fluency: Very natural với “Well, I believe”, “First and foremost”, “I’d say”
- Vocabulary: Topic-specific và precise (unwavering determination, authenticity, empathy)
- Grammar: Complex structures (relative clause “those who are genuine”, conditional “despite obstacles”)
- Ideas: Thoughtful và well-developed, shows critical thinking
💡 Key Vocabulary & Expressions:
- possess a combination of: sở hữu sự kết hợp của
- unwavering determination: quyết tâm không lay chuyển
- persevere through setbacks: kiên trì vượt qua thất bại
- authenticity: tính chân thực, xác thực
- genuine and true to their values: chân thật và trung thành với giá trị của họ
- put on a facade: giả vờ, tạo vẻ bề ngoài
- lift others up: nâng đỡ người khác
Question: Do you think celebrities can be good role models?
🎯 Cách tiếp cận:
- Đưa ra quan điểm rõ ràng (Yes/No hoặc It depends)
- Giải thích với 2 sides nếu chọn “It depends”
- Thêm example cụ thể về celebrity
📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:
“I think it depends. Some celebrities are good role models because they work hard and help charity. But some celebrities are not good because they do bad things and young people copy them. So we need to choose carefully.”
Phân tích:
- Điểm mạnh: Có balanced view, structure cơ bản (some…but some…)
- Hạn chế: Vocabulary repetitive (good, bad, do bad things), thiếu specific examples, grammar đơn giản
- Tại sao Band 6-7: Shows some ability to discuss but lacks range and precision
📝 Sample Answer – Band 8-9:
“That’s quite a nuanced question. I’d say it really depends on the celebrity in question. On one hand, certain public figures use their platform responsibly to advocate for important causes – take Emma Watson’s work with UN Women as an example. They leverage their influence to create positive change and inspire young people to be more socially conscious. On the other hand, we can’t ignore that some celebrities lead rather questionable lifestyles and their fame often stems from controversy rather than genuine achievement. The key issue is that young people sometimes struggle to distinguish between someone who’s merely famous and someone who’s actually worth emulating.”
Phân tích:
- Điểm mạnh: Balanced argument sophisticated, vocabulary precise (nuanced question, platform responsibly, advocate for, leverage their influence), specific example (Emma Watson), critical thinking về media literacy
- Tại sao Band 8-9:
- Fluency: Natural hedging “That’s quite a…”, “I’d say it really depends”
- Vocabulary: Topic-specific (platform, advocate, leverage influence, emulating)
- Grammar: Advanced structures (relative clause, conditional, passive)
- Ideas: Nuanced understanding, acknowledges complexity, provides specific evidence
💡 Key Vocabulary & Expressions:
- nuanced question: câu hỏi tinh tế, phức tạp
- platform responsibly: nền tảng một cách có trách nhiệm
- advocate for important causes: ủng hộ các mục đích quan trọng
- leverage their influence: tận dụng ảnh hưởng của họ
- lead rather questionable lifestyles: có lối sống khá đáng ngờ
- distinguish between: phân biệt giữa
Học viên đang luyện tập IELTS Speaking miêu tả người truyền cảm hứng với giáo viên
IELTS Speaking Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)
Tổng Quan Về Part 2
Part 2 là phần độc thoại kéo dài 2-3 phút sau 1 phút chuẩn bị. Đây là phần quan trọng nhất để ghi điểm cao trong IELTS Speaking.
Chiến lược chiến thắng:
- Sử dụng đúng 1 phút chuẩn bị: Chỉ ghi keywords, không viết câu đầy đủ
- Chọn người phù hợp: Người bạn biết rõ, có câu chuyện cụ thể để kể (cha mẹ, thầy cô, bạn bè thân thiết), tránh chọn celebrity xa vời
- Nói đủ 2 phút: Nếu dưới 1.5 phút, bạn sẽ bị trừ điểm Fluency
- Cover tất cả bullet points: Examiner check rất kỹ điều này
- Đặc biệt chú ý câu “explain”: Đây là nơi ghi điểm cao nhất, cần nói về feelings và deeper reasons
Lỗi thường gặp:
- Chọn người quá famous (Steve Jobs, Bill Gates) → không kể được chi tiết cá nhân
- Chỉ liệt kê thành tích → khô khan, thiếu emotion
- Không giải thích “why inspiring” → mất điểm Ideas
- Nói quá ngắn hoặc dừng đột ngột
Cue Card
Describe a person who is very inspiring to you
You should say:
- Who this person is
- How you know this person
- What this person does
- And explain why this person is inspiring to you
Phân Tích Đề Bài
- Dạng câu hỏi: Describe a person (có thể dùng cả thì hiện tại và quá khứ)
- Thì động từ: Chủ yếu hiện tại cho người vẫn đang sống và inspiring bạn; quá khứ cho câu chuyện cụ thể
- Bullet points phải cover:
- Who: Tên, relationship, một vài thông tin cơ bản
- How you know: Cách gặp gỡ, biết nhau (có thể ngắn gọn)
- What this person does: Nghề nghiệp/hoạt động/achievements (quan trọng)
- Why inspiring: Phần này chiếm 40-50% thời gian, cần chi tiết nhất
- Câu “explain” quan trọng: Đây là yếu tố phân biệt band 7 và band 8+. Bạn cần giải thích impact on you, lessons learned, feelings, không chỉ liệt kê qualities
📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7
Thời lượng: Khoảng 1.5-2 phút
“I would like to talk about my English teacher, Ms. Lan. She is about 40 years old and has been teaching English for more than 15 years. I met her when I was in grade 10, so I have known her for about 5 years now.
Ms. Lan is a very dedicated teacher. She always comes to class early and prepares her lessons carefully. She teaches English in an interesting way with many games and activities. She is also very patient with students who don’t understand the lessons. Besides teaching, she organizes many clubs after school to help students improve their English.
What makes her inspiring to me is her passion for teaching. Even though teaching is a hard job and the salary is not very high, she never complains. She always has a smile on her face and encourages students to try their best. I remember when I felt stressed about exams, she talked to me and gave me useful advice. She told me to believe in myself and not to give up.
Because of Ms. Lan, I have become more confident in speaking English. She inspired me to work harder and now I want to become a teacher like her in the future. She taught me that with passion and hard work, you can make a difference in other people’s lives.”
Phân Tích Band Điểm
| Tiêu chí | Band | Nhận xét |
|---|---|---|
| Fluency & Coherence | 6-7 | Nói tương đối trôi chảy, có structure rõ ràng theo bullet points. Dùng một số linking words cơ bản (besides, because of, even though). Tuy nhiên thiếu variety trong discourse markers |
| Lexical Resource | 6-7 | Từ vựng đủ để truyền đạt ý (dedicated, patient, passion, encourages). Tuy nhiên nhiều từ lặp lại (teacher, English) và chưa có collocations sophisticated |
| Grammatical Range & Accuracy | 6-7 | Có một số complex sentences (when I was…, even though…, who don’t understand). Chủ yếu vẫn là simple và compound sentences. Ngữ pháp chính xác nhưng thiếu range |
| Pronunciation | 6-7 | Giả định phát âm rõ ràng, dễ hiểu với một số lỗi nhỏ không ảnh hưởng communication |
Điểm mạnh:
- ✅ Cover đầy đủ tất cả bullet points
- ✅ Có câu chuyện cá nhân cụ thể (stressed about exams)
- ✅ Structure rõ ràng, dễ theo dõi
- ✅ Grammar chính xác, không có lỗi lớn
Hạn chế:
- ⚠️ Từ vựng còn basic (very dedicated, hard job, useful advice)
- ⚠️ Thiếu idioms và advanced expressions
- ⚠️ Phần “why inspiring” chưa đủ deep và emotional
- ⚠️ Câu văn tương đối đơn giản, thiếu variety
📝 Sample Answer – Band 7.5-8
Thời lượng: Khoảng 2-2.5 phút
“I’d like to tell you about someone who has had a profound impact on my life – my former English teacher, Ms. Lan, who I consider to be one of the most inspiring individuals I’ve ever encountered.
I first met Ms. Lan about five years ago when I was in grade 10. She was my English teacher for two years, but our connection has extended far beyond the classroom. Even now, I still keep in touch with her and often seek her advice when I face important decisions in my life.
What makes Ms. Lan particularly special is not just her expertise in teaching, but the way she embodies dedication and compassion. Despite working long hours and dealing with large classes, she always manages to give each student individual attention. I remember her staying after school countless times to help struggling students, never showing any signs of impatience or frustration. She has this remarkable ability to bring out the best in people – she helped me realize my potential when I was struggling with self-doubt.
But what truly inspires me about Ms. Lan is her unwavering optimism and passion. Teaching in Vietnam isn’t always easy – the workload is heavy and the financial rewards are modest. Yet she approaches every single lesson with genuine enthusiasm and creativity. She once told me, “The greatest reward isn’t money, it’s seeing your students succeed.” That perspective really shifted my worldview.
The reason she inspires me so deeply is that she demonstrated through her actions that true fulfillment comes from making a positive difference in others’ lives. Before meeting her, I was quite materialistic and focused solely on career success. But observing her dedication to her students made me realize that there’s something far more meaningful than just earning money – it’s about contributing to society and leaving a lasting legacy. She’s the main reason I’ve developed a passion for education and why I’m now considering becoming a teacher myself. She showed me that with the right attitude and purpose, any profession can be incredibly rewarding.”
Phân Tích Band Điểm
| Tiêu chí | Band | Nhận xét |
|---|---|---|
| Fluency & Coherence | 7.5-8 | Speaks fluently với minimal hesitation. Dùng discourse markers tự nhiên (I’d like to, Even now, But what truly). Ideas được develop logically và cohesively |
| Lexical Resource | 7.5-8 | Wide range of vocabulary (profound impact, embodies dedication, unwavering optimism). Có một số less common phrases và collocations chính xác. Paraphrasing tốt |
| Grammatical Range & Accuracy | 7.5-8 | Mix nhiều complex structures (relative clauses, participle clauses, conditionals). Majority of sentences error-free với flexibility cao |
| Pronunciation | 7.5-8 | Giả định phát âm clear và natural với appropriate intonation, word stress chính xác |
So Sánh Với Band 6-7
| Khía cạnh | Band 6-7 | Band 7.5-8 |
|---|---|---|
| Vocabulary | “very dedicated teacher” | “embodies dedication and compassion” |
| Grammar | “She always comes to class early” | “Despite working long hours and dealing with large classes, she always manages to…” |
| Ideas | “She told me to believe in myself” | “That perspective really shifted my worldview” + giải thích deeper về materialistic → meaningful |
| Emotion | Đề cập nhưng chưa deep | Kể cụ thể về personal transformation (từ materialistic sang meaningful) |
📝 Sample Answer – Band 8.5-9
Thời lượng: 2.5-3 phút đầy đủ
“I’d like to talk about someone who has been an absolute beacon of inspiration in my life – my former English teacher, Ms. Lan, who I was fortunate enough to have during my high school years and who fundamentally reshaped my outlook on life and career.
I first crossed paths with Ms. Lan five years ago when I entered grade 10. She taught me English for two academic years, but honestly, her influence has transcended the conventional teacher-student relationship. Even now, years after graduation, I still regularly reach out to her for guidance, and she never fails to offer invaluable perspective on whatever challenges I’m facing.
What sets Ms. Lan apart from other educators I’ve encountered is the extraordinary combination of professional excellence and genuine human warmth she brings to her vocation. She’s not just someone who delivers lessons – she’s someone who invests emotionally in every single student’s journey. I recall numerous occasions when she would sacrifice her personal time, staying back hours after the final bell to help students who were grappling with the subject. What struck me most was that she never displayed even a hint of resentment or fatigue; instead, she approached these extra sessions with the same enthusiasm as her regular classes. She possesses this almost uncanny ability to tap into people’s hidden potential – in my case, she helped me discover confidence in my English abilities during a period when I was plagued by self-doubt.
However, what truly elevates Ms. Lan to inspirational status in my eyes is her remarkable attitude toward her profession. Let’s face it – teaching in Vietnam comes with its fair share of challenges: overwhelming workloads, administrative pressures, and compensation that doesn’t always reflect the dedication required. Yet despite these occupational hurdles, Ms. Lan approaches every lesson as if it were her first, bringing fresh creativity and infectious energy to the classroom. I remember her telling me during one of our heart-to-heart conversations, “True wealth isn’t measured in your bank account but in the lives you’ve touched.” That simple statement has become something of a guiding principle in my own life.
The profound reason she continues to inspire me is that she’s demonstrated, through consistent action rather than empty words, that authentic fulfillment stems from being of service to others. Before I had the privilege of being her student, I’ll admit I was rather shallow in my ambitions – I was fixated on climbing the corporate ladder and accumulating material success. But witnessing her unwavering commitment to nurturing young minds made me undergo what I can only describe as a fundamental shift in values. I came to understand that there’s something infinitely more gratifying than personal wealth – it’s about contributing meaningfully to society and creating ripples of positive change that extend far beyond your own lifetime. Ms. Lan didn’t just teach me English grammar and vocabulary; she taught me that one person armed with passion and purpose can genuinely transform lives. It’s largely thanks to her that I’ve developed such a strong interest in education myself, and I’m now seriously contemplating following in her footsteps. She exemplifies the idea that when you align your career with a deeper sense of purpose, work ceases to feel like a burden and becomes instead a source of profound meaning and joy.”
Phân Tích Band Điểm
| Tiêu chí | Band | Nhận xét |
|---|---|---|
| Fluency & Coherence | 8.5-9 | Speaks fluently với natural, effortless delivery. Sophisticated use of cohesive devices (However, Let’s face it, I’ll admit). Ideas development là exceptional với clear progression |
| Lexical Resource | 8.5-9 | Extensive vocabulary với precision cao (beacon of inspiration, transcended, grappling with, plagued by self-doubt). Natural use of idioms và less common expressions. Skillful paraphrasing throughout |
| Grammatical Range & Accuracy | 8.5-9 | Full range of structures used naturally và accurately. Complex sentences với multiple clauses. Consistent error-free performance |
| Pronunciation | 8.5-9 | Giả định native-like pronunciation với natural rhythm, stress và intonation patterns |
Tại Sao Bài Này Xuất Sắc
🎯 Fluency Hoàn Hảo:
- Natural flow với discourse markers sophisticated (Let’s face it, I’ll admit, honestly)
- Zero hesitation trong việc express complex ideas
- Storytelling engaging với emotional depth
📚 Vocabulary Tinh Vi:
- “absolute beacon of inspiration” thay vì “very inspiring person” – metaphor mạnh mẽ, memorable
- “transcended the conventional teacher-student relationship” – vocabulary academic nhưng dùng naturally
- “plagued by self-doubt” thay vì “not confident” – collocation chính xác, vivid
- “occupational hurdles” – formal, precise thay vì “job difficulties”
- “climbing the corporate ladder” – idiom phổ biến trong business context
📝 Grammar Đa Dạng:
- Relative clauses phức tạp: “who I was fortunate enough to have during my high school years and who fundamentally reshaped…”
- Participle clauses: “staying back hours after the final bell”
- Conditional structures: “when you align your career with a deeper sense of purpose, work ceases to feel like a burden”
- Passive voice: “True wealth isn’t measured in your bank account”
- Present perfect continuous: “she has been an absolute beacon”
💡 Ideas Sâu Sắc:
- Không chỉ describe mà còn reflect on personal transformation
- Thừa nhận flaws của bản thân trước đó (shallow, materialistic) → shows self-awareness
- Contrast rõ ràng: before vs. after meeting Ms. Lan
- Philosophical depth: “True wealth isn’t measured…” → quotes memorable
- Long-term impact: không chỉ past mà còn present và future intentions
Thí sinh tự tin trình bày IELTS Speaking Part 2 về người truyền cảm hứng trong phòng thi
Follow-up Questions (Rounding Off Questions)
Examiner thường hỏi 1-2 câu ngắn sau khi bạn kết thúc Part 2 để transition sang Part 3:
Question 1: Do you still keep in touch with this person?
Band 6-7 Answer:
“Yes, I do. I sometimes message her on Facebook to say hello and ask for advice when I have problems.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“Absolutely, we’ve maintained quite a close connection actually. We stay in touch primarily through social media, and I make it a point to visit her whenever I’m back in my hometown. She’s become more of a mentor and friend than just a former teacher, and I really value her perspective on various aspects of my life.”
Question 2: Would you like to be like this person?
Band 6-7 Answer:
“Yes, definitely. I want to be a teacher like her because she helps many students and makes a difference.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“In many ways, yes. I’d love to emulate her dedication and positive impact on others, though I recognize that everyone’s journey is unique. What I particularly admire and hope to incorporate into my own life is her ability to find genuine fulfillment in serving others. Whether I become a teacher or pursue a different path, I want to ensure my career allows me to make a meaningful contribution similar to what she’s achieved.”
IELTS Speaking Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Tổng Quan Về Part 3
Part 3 kéo dài 4-5 phút và là phần khó nhất trong IELTS Speaking. Examiner sẽ hỏi những câu hỏi abstract, yêu cầu bạn phân tích, so sánh, đưa ra quan điểm và giải thích về các vấn đề xã hội rộng hơn liên quan đến chủ đề Part 2.
Yêu cầu chính:
- Phân tích vấn đề từ nhiều góc độ
- So sánh past vs. present, different groups, pros vs. cons
- Đưa ra quan điểm có evidence và reasoning
- Xem xét complexity của vấn đề (không chỉ black and white)
Chiến lược hiệu quả:
- Mở rộng câu trả lời (3-5 câu minimum)
- Structure rõ ràng: Direct answer → Reason/Explanation → Example → Additional point/Conclusion
- Sử dụng discourse markers: Well, Actually, I think, From my perspective
- Đưa ra examples từ society, không chỉ personal experience
- Thừa nhận nhiều perspectives: “Some people think… while others believe…”
- Show critical thinking: “On the surface…, but in reality…”
Lỗi thường gặp của học viên Việt Nam:
- Trả lời quá ngắn (1-2 câu) → mất điểm Fluency
- Không phân tích, chỉ đưa ra opinion yes/no
- Thiếu evidence và reasoning
- Không có từ vựng abstract và topic-specific
- Chỉ nói về personal experience thay vì societal issues
Các Câu Hỏi Thảo Luận Sâu
Theme 1: Role Models in Society
Question 1: What qualities do you think make someone a good role model in today’s society?
🎯 Phân tích câu hỏi:
- Dạng: Opinion question – yêu cầu list qualities và explain why
- Key words: “good role model”, “today’s society” (cần reference đến modern context)
- Cách tiếp cận: Đưa ra 2-3 main qualities → explain each với reasoning → có thể add example
📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:
“I think a good role model should be successful and kind. They need to work hard to achieve their goals so that other people can learn from them. Also, they should help others and do charity work. In today’s society, many young people look at successful businesspeople or celebrities as role models because they are rich and famous.”
Phân tích:
- Structure: Có list qualities (successful, kind) và một số explanation
- Vocabulary: Basic words (successful, kind, work hard, help others)
- Tại sao Band 6-7: Đáp ứng yêu cầu cơ bản nhưng thiếu depth, không có specific examples, không mention modern context đủ rõ
📝 Câu trả lời mẫu – Band 8-9:
“Well, I’d argue that in today’s rapidly changing world, effective role models need to embody a blend of several crucial characteristics. First and foremost, authenticity has become increasingly important – people are much more discerning nowadays and can easily spot someone who’s merely putting on an act versus someone who genuinely lives by their values. With social media giving us unprecedented access to public figures’ lives, any disconnect between their public persona and private behavior quickly comes to light.
Secondly, I believe resilience and adaptability are essential qualities. We’re living in an era of constant disruption – from technological change to global challenges like climate change and pandemics. Role models who demonstrate the ability to bounce back from setbacks and evolve with changing circumstances provide invaluable lessons for others navigating uncertainty.
Finally, I’d say social consciousness has become a non-negotiable trait for contemporary role models. People today, especially younger generations, expect their role models to take a stand on important issues and use their influence responsibly. Someone who’s achieved personal success but remains indifferent to broader societal problems is unlikely to earn genuine admiration in this day and age. Take someone like Malala Yousafzai, for instance – she’s inspiring not just because of her personal courage, but because she channels her platform toward advocating for education rights globally.”
Phân tích:
- Structure: Perfectly organized với First and foremost, Secondly, Finally. Mỗi point có explanation + reasoning + example/context
- Vocabulary: Sophisticated (embody a blend of, discerning, putting on an act, disconnect between, resilience, bounce back, social consciousness, indifferent to, channels her platform toward)
- Grammar: Complex structures (relative clauses, participle clauses, conditional implications)
- Critical Thinking: Links qualities to modern context (social media era, technological disruption, younger generations’ expectations). Provides specific example (Malala)
💡 Key Language Features:
- Discourse markers: Well, I’d argue that, First and foremost, Secondly, Finally, for instance
- Tentative language: I believe, I’d say, is unlikely to
- Abstract nouns: authenticity, resilience, adaptability, social consciousness, disconnect
- Academic phrases: in today’s rapidly changing world, in this day and age, has become increasingly important
Question 2: Why do you think young people often choose celebrities as their role models?
🎯 Phân tích câu hỏi:
- Dạng: Cause/Reason question (Why)
- Key words: “young people”, “celebrities”
- Cách tiếp cận: Explain 2-3 reasons với psychological/sociological perspective → có thể acknowledge positive và negative aspects
📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:
“Young people like celebrities because they are famous and successful. Celebrities have a glamorous lifestyle with nice cars and big houses, so young people want to be like them. Also, young people see celebrities on TV and social media every day, so they become interested in them.”
Phân tích:
- Structure: Basic reason → example, có attempt giải thích
- Vocabulary: Simple (famous, successful, glamorous lifestyle, nice cars)
- Tại sao Band 6-7: Adequate explanation nhưng lacks depth và psychological insight
📝 Câu trả lời mẫu – Band 8-9:
“There are several interrelated factors that explain this phenomenon. From a psychological standpoint, adolescence is a period when young people are actively constructing their identities and seeking external validation. Celebrities, with their highly visible success and seemingly perfect lives, offer an aspirational template that’s particularly appealing during this formative stage.
Moreover, we can’t overlook the pervasive influence of media and social platforms. Young people today are constantly bombarded with curated images of celebrities living seemingly ideal lives – the luxury, the fame, the adoration. This relentless exposure creates a sense of familiarity and connection, even though it’s largely one-sided. The algorithms of platforms like Instagram and TikTok further amplify this effect by continuously feeding users content about their favorite celebrities.
I’d also argue there’s a accessibility paradox at play here. While celebrities are actually quite removed from ordinary people’s lives, social media creates an illusion of intimacy – you can comment on their posts, watch their daily activities through stories, feel like you “know” them. This perceived closeness makes them seem like more relatable role models compared to, say, a successful but less visible professional in your community.
That said, I think it’s worth acknowledging that this trend isn’t entirely negative. Some celebrities do use their platforms responsibly to champion worthwhile causes and demonstrate positive values. The key issue is helping young people develop critical media literacy so they can distinguish between superficial fame and genuine achievement worth emulating.”
Phân tích:
- Structure: Multi-layered analysis với psychological, sociological, và media perspectives. Balanced view (acknowledges both issues và some positive aspects)
- Vocabulary: Academic và precise (interrelated factors, psychological standpoint, constructing identities, aspirational template, pervasive influence, constantly bombarded with, accessibility paradox, illusion of intimacy)
- Grammar: Sophisticated structures (participial phrases “with their highly visible success”, conditional implications, relative clauses)
- Critical Thinking: Goes beyond surface reasons, analyzes deeper psychological và social mechanisms. Introduces interesting concept (accessibility paradox). Balanced conclusion
💡 Key Language Features:
- Academic discourse: From a psychological standpoint, we can’t overlook, I’d also argue, That said
- Cause-effect language: explain this phenomenon, creates a sense of, amplify this effect
- Abstract concepts: identity construction, perceived closeness, critical media literacy, accessibility paradox
Theme 2: Inspiration vs. Success
Question 3: Do you think being successful automatically makes someone inspiring? Why or why not?
🎯 Phân tích câu hỏi:
- Dạng: Opinion + Reasoning (agree/disagree)
- Key words: “successful”, “automatically”, “inspiring” – note “automatically” implies questioning the direct link
- Cách tiếp cận: Take a clear stance (likely disagree) → distinguish between success và inspiration → explain với examples
📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:
“No, I don’t think so. Some people are very successful in business and make a lot of money, but they are not inspiring because they don’t help other people. To be inspiring, you need to do good things and be a good person, not just be rich. For example, some rich people don’t care about poor people, so they are not inspiring even though they are successful.”
Phân tích:
- Structure: Clear stance (No) + reasoning + example
- Vocabulary: Basic (successful, make money, help other people, good person)
- Tại sao Band 6-7: Answers question adequately với basic reasoning nhưng lacks nuance và sophisticated vocabulary
📝 Câu trả lời mẫu – Band 8-9:
“Absolutely not – I think it’s crucial to draw a distinction between success and inspiration, as they’re fundamentally different concepts. Success, particularly in the conventional sense, is often measured in tangible metrics: wealth accumulation, professional achievements, or social status. But being inspiring is about the intangible impact you have on others’ lives and the values you embody.
You can be extraordinarily successful in financial terms but utterly uninspiring if that success came through unethical means or if you display no interest in lifting others up along the way. Consider, for instance, corporate executives who’ve amassed fortunes by exploiting workers or cutting corners on safety standards. They’re undeniably successful by monetary measures, but few would find them genuinely inspiring.
What makes someone truly inspiring, in my view, is the journey they’ve undertaken, the obstacles they’ve overcome, and most importantly, how they’ve used their success. It’s about whether they’ve remained grounded, whether they give back to their communities, and whether they inspire others not just to succeed but to become better human beings. Think of people like Paul Farmer, the physician who dedicated his life to bringing healthcare to the world’s poorest regions – he wasn’t wealthy in monetary terms, but his impact and inspiration are immeasurable.
I’d say inspiration stems from authenticity, character, and purpose, whereas success is often just about outcomes and achievements. The most inspiring individuals are typically those who’ve achieved success while maintaining their integrity and using their platform to create positive change – but success alone, divorced from these qualities, rarely inspires deep admiration.”
Phân tích:
- Structure: Clear thesis (Absolutely not) → definition distinction → negative example (unethical success) → positive example (Paul Farmer) → philosophical conclusion
- Vocabulary: Sophisticated (draw a distinction, tangible metrics, intangible impact, unethical means, lifting others up, exploiting, remained grounded, immeasurable, divorced from)
- Grammar: Complex structures throughout (passive voice, conditional, participle clauses, relative clauses)
- Critical Thinking: Philosophical depth với distinction between types of value. Multiple examples from different angles. Nuanced understanding of what constitutes inspiration
Phân tích tiêu chí chấm điểm IELTS Speaking theo band descriptors chính thức
Theme 3: Cultural Differences in Role Models
Question 4: How do you think role models differ across different cultures?
🎯 Phân tích câu hỏi:
- Dạng: Compare/Contrast question
- Key words: “differ”, “across different cultures”
- Cách tiếp cận: Identify 2-3 key differences → explain cultural values underlying them → examples from different cultures
📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:
“I think different cultures have different role models because they have different values. In Western countries, people admire successful businesspeople and individual achievement. But in Asian countries like Vietnam, people respect teachers and people who help the community more. This is because Asian culture values education and family more than Western culture.”
Phân tích:
- Structure: Main idea + contrast (Western vs. Asian) + brief explanation
- Vocabulary: Basic (successful, admire, respect, values)
- Tại sao Band 6-7: Shows awareness of cultural differences nhưng somewhat stereotypical và lacks depth
📝 Câu trả lời mẫu – Band 8-9:
“That’s a fascinating question because role models really do serve as a mirror of underlying cultural values, and these can vary quite dramatically across societies.
In individualistic cultures, particularly in North America and much of Western Europe, there’s a strong emphasis on personal achievement and self-made success. You’ll often find entrepreneurs, innovators, and celebrities who’ve risen from humble beginnings being celebrated as role models. The narrative of the self-made person who defied the odds resonates deeply because these societies place premium value on individual agency and personal ambition. Think of the admiration for figures like Steve Jobs or Elon Musk in the US.
By contrast, in more collectivist societies like Japan, Vietnam, or many Latin American countries, role models tend to be those who exemplify community service, family dedication, or maintain social harmony. Teachers, for instance, often command tremendous respect in Asian societies because they’re seen as guardians of knowledge and contributors to societal advancement – not just individual success stories. The emphasis is less on standing out and more on fitting in while contributing meaningfully.
There’s also interesting variation in how different cultures view humility versus self-promotion. In Scandinavian countries, there’s a cultural concept called “Janteloven” or the Law of Jante, which basically discourages excessive self-aggrandizement. Role models there are more likely to be people who’ve achieved success while remaining modest. Meanwhile, in cultures with stronger hierarchical traditions, role models might include figures who embody authority and status – political leaders, religious figures, or dynastic business families.
That said, I think globalization and digital connectivity are gradually blurring these distinctions. Young people across cultures increasingly share common role models through social media, which might be creating a more homogenized – though not necessarily better – conception of what makes someone inspiring.”
Phân tích:
- Structure: Exceptional organization với comparison across multiple dimensions (individualistic vs. collectivist, humility vs. self-promotion) + globalization impact
- Vocabulary: Sophisticated (serve as a mirror, emphasis on, self-made success, risen from humble beginnings, place premium value on, collectivist societies, exemplify, command tremendous respect, self-aggrandizement, hierarchical traditions, blurring these distinctions, homogenized)
- Grammar: Full range of complex structures (relative clauses, participle phrases, conditional implications)
- Critical Thinking: Nuanced analysis avoiding stereotypes. Multiple specific examples (Janteloven, dynastic families). Acknowledges globalization’s impact. Shows deep cultural understanding
💡 Key Language Features:
- Comparison language: By contrast, Meanwhile, vary quite dramatically, increasingly share
- Cultural concepts: individualistic vs. collectivist, Janteloven, hierarchical traditions
- Sophisticated verbs: serve as, exemplify, command, embody, discourages, blurring
Theme 4: Impact and Influence
Question 5: In what ways can ordinary people be more inspiring than famous individuals?
🎯 Phân tích câu hỏi:
- Dạng: Explanation/Comparison (ways/how)
- Key words: “ordinary people”, “more inspiring than”, “famous individuals”
- Cách tiếp cận: List 2-3 ways → explain each với reasoning → acknowledge counterpoint nếu có
📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:
“Ordinary people can be more inspiring because they are more relatable. We can see them in our daily life and understand their problems. Famous people are very far from us, so it’s hard to connect with them. Also, ordinary people face real challenges like money problems or family issues, but they still try hard. This is more inspiring than rich celebrities who have easy lives.”
Phân tích:
- Structure: Main point (relatable) + explanation + comparison with famous people
- Vocabulary: Simple (relatable, daily life, real challenges, try hard)
- Tại sao Band 6-7: Valid points nhưng somewhat superficial, lacks specific examples
📝 Câu trả lời mẫu – Band 8-9:
“I’d actually argue that ordinary people often make far more compelling role models for several reasons, despite our society’s tendency to lionize the famous.
First, there’s the relatability factor. When you witness your neighbor who works two jobs to put their kids through university, or a colleague who demonstrates unwavering integrity despite workplace pressures, that inspiration feels accessible and achievable. You think, “If they can do it in circumstances similar to mine, perhaps I can too.” Famous individuals, by contrast, often seem to exist in a different reality – one with resources, networks, and opportunities far removed from the average person’s experience. Their success can feel aspirational but ultimately unattainable.
Secondly, ordinary people’s acts of courage or kindness often come without the armor of public recognition or the expectation of reward. A parent who makes tremendous sacrifices for their children’s future, a teacher who goes above and beyond for struggling students, a healthcare worker who treats every patient with dignity despite burnout – these people choose to do good without cameras watching or crowds cheering. There’s something profoundly authentic about inspiration that arises from intrinsic motivation rather than external validation.
Moreover, ordinary people’s struggles are typically more nuanced and complex than the sanitized narratives we often hear about celebrities. We see them grappling with real dilemmas – balancing work and family, dealing with financial constraints, navigating ethical grey areas. Witnessing someone maintain their values while facing these everyday challenges provides practical lessons in character that billion-dollar success stories rarely offer.
That said, I don’t want to completely dismiss the value of famous role models – they can certainly inspire through their achievements and platform activism. But I think we’ve become somewhat oversaturated with celebrity culture to the point where we’ve lost sight of the quiet heroism happening all around us. The parent, the teacher, the nurse, the activist working in their local community – these are the people whose inspiration is perhaps most valuable because it’s grounded in tangible reality rather than abstract fame.”
Phân tích:
- Structure: Thesis statement → three main reasons (relatability, authenticity without recognition, complex struggles) → balanced conclusion acknowledging famous role models
- Vocabulary: Exceptional range (compelling role models, lionize, relatability factor, accessible and achievable, far removed from, armor of public recognition, makes tremendous sacrifices, goes above and beyond, profoundly authentic, intrinsic motivation, grappling with, navigating ethical grey areas, oversaturated with, grounded in tangible reality)
- Grammar: Full sophisticated range (relative clauses, participle phrases, conditional structures, contrast structures)
- Critical Thinking: Multi-dimensional analysis. Avoids oversimplification. Balanced view acknowledging both sides. Deep philosophical reflection on intrinsic vs. extrinsic motivation
Question 6: Do you think social media has changed how people view inspiring individuals?
🎯 Phân tích câu hỏi:
- Dạng: Opinion + Impact/Change question
- Key words: “social media”, “changed”, “how people view”
- Cách tiếp cận: Agree → explain 2-3 ways social media has changed perceptions → consider both positive and negative impacts
📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:
“Yes, definitely. Social media has changed everything. Now we can see famous people’s daily lives on Instagram and Facebook. This makes them seem more real and closer to us. However, sometimes social media shows a fake image because people only post good things about their lives. So it’s hard to know who is really inspiring and who is just pretending.”
Phân tích:
- Structure: Clear Yes + two contrasting points (closer connection vs. fake image)
- Vocabulary: Basic (changed everything, daily lives, seem more real, fake image)
- Tại sao Band 6-7: Addresses question với basic analysis nhưng lacks depth và specific terminology
📝 Câu trả lời mẫu – Band 8-9:
“Absolutely – social media has fundamentally transformed not just who we consider inspiring but the very nature of inspiration itself, and I’d say the impact has been quite double-edged.
On one hand, social media has democratized inspiration to some extent. Previously, inspiring figures were typically those who’d gained prominence through traditional media gatekeepers – publishers, TV networks, film studios. Now, someone running a small charity in rural Vietnam or a teacher sharing innovative educational methods can build a following and inspire thousands or even millions without going through traditional channels. This has created space for more diverse voices and broadened our conception of who can be inspiring. We’re no longer limited to celebrities and public figures chosen by media conglomerates.
However – and this is significant – social media has also created what I’d call “performative inspiration.” Because these platforms reward engagement and virality, there’s enormous pressure to curate an inspiring image rather than genuinely being inspiring. You see this with influencers who stage charitable acts primarily for content, or those who project an image of success and wisdom that’s largely fabricated. The metrics-driven nature of social media – likes, shares, followers – has somewhat commodified inspiration, turning it into currency that can be manufactured and monetized.
There’s also the issue of shortened attention spans and superficial engagement. A truly inspiring individual might be someone whose impact unfolds over years through consistent, quiet dedication. But social media favors instant, visually striking moments – the viral video, the quotable tweet, the dramatic before-and-after. This can lead people to confuse viral visibility with genuine inspiration, or to overlook less flashy but more substantively inspiring individuals who don’t package themselves well for algorithm-driven platforms.
Interestingly, I think social media has also made us more cynical and discerning in some ways. Because we’ve seen so many manufactured personas and fallen idols, there’s now greater scrutiny of whether someone practices what they preach. The veil has been lifted on the carefully crafted images of traditional celebrities, which has its benefits but perhaps also makes us overly skeptical of anyone claiming to be inspirational.
So while social media has expanded access to diverse role models, it’s simultaneously created an environment where authentic inspiration is harder to distinguish from carefully marketed personal brands. It’s incumbent upon individuals to develop critical thinking skills to navigate this complex landscape.”
Phân tích:
- Structure: Complex, multi-layered argument examining democratization, performative aspects, attention span issues, and cynicism. Balanced throughout
- Vocabulary: Exceptional sophistication (fundamentally transformed, double-edged, democratized inspiration, gained prominence through, going through traditional channels, performative inspiration, reward engagement and virality, curate an inspiring image, commodified, metrics-driven nature, viral visibility, package themselves, fallen idols, practices what they preach, incumbent upon)
- Grammar: Full range of advanced structures with consistent accuracy
- Critical Thinking: Demonstrates exceptional analytical depth. Introduces original concepts (performative inspiration, commodified inspiration). Multiple perspectives examined. Philosophical reflection on authenticity vs. performance
💡 Key Language Features:
- Hedging language: I’d say, to some extent, somewhat
- Contrast structures: On one hand… However, while… simultaneously
- Abstract concepts: performative inspiration, metrics-driven nature, commodified inspiration, authentic vs. manufactured
- Academic discourse: This has created, There’s also the issue of, Interestingly, It’s incumbent upon
Bảng từ vựng chuyên biệt về chủ đề miêu tả người truyền cảm hứng trong IELTS Speaking
Từ vựng và cụm từ quan trọng
Topic-Specific Vocabulary
| Từ vựng/Cụm từ | Loại từ | Phiên âm | Nghĩa tiếng Việt | Ví dụ | Collocation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| source of inspiration | noun phrase | /sɔːs əv ˌɪnspɪˈreɪʃn/ | nguồn cảm hứng | She has been a constant source of inspiration throughout my career. | constant source, major source, true source, endless source |
| embody | verb | /ɪmˈbɒdi/ | thể hiện, hiện thân | He embodies all the qualities of a great leader. | embody values, embody principles, embody dedication, embody the spirit |
| resilience | noun | /rɪˈzɪliəns/ | khả năng phục hồi, sức bền | Her resilience in the face of adversity was truly inspiring. | demonstrate resilience, remarkable resilience, emotional resilience, build resilience |
| unwavering | adjective | /ʌnˈweɪvərɪŋ/ | kiên định, không lay chuyển | His unwavering commitment to the cause impressed everyone. | unwavering dedication, unwavering support, unwavering determination, unwavering belief |
| persevere | verb | /ˌpɜːsɪˈvɪə(r)/ | kiên trì, bền bỉ | Despite many setbacks, she persevered and eventually succeeded. | persevere through, persevere despite, persevere in, continue to persevere |
| authenticity | noun | /ˌɔːθenˈtɪsəti/ | tính chân thực | People are drawn to her authenticity and genuine nature. | value authenticity, demonstrate authenticity, question authenticity, lack authenticity |
| role model | noun | /rəʊl ˈmɒdl/ | hình mẫu, tấm gương | Teachers should be positive role models for their students. | positive role model, good role model, serve as a role model, act as a role model |
| profound impact | noun phrase | /prəˈfaʊnd ˈɪmpækt/ | tác động sâu sắc | Meeting her had a profound impact on my life choices. | have a profound impact, make a profound impact, profound impact on |
| transcend | verb | /trænˈsend/ | vượt qua, siêu việt | Her influence transcends cultural boundaries. | transcend boundaries, transcend limitations, transcend expectations, transcend differences |
| leverage | verb | /ˈliːvərɪdʒ/ | tận dụng, khai thác | She leveraged her platform to advocate for social change. | leverage influence, leverage resources, leverage experience, leverage opportunities |
| advocate for | verb phrase | /ˈædvəkeɪt fɔː(r)/ | ủng hộ, vận động cho | He advocates for better education in rural areas. | strongly advocate, actively advocate, advocate for change, advocate for rights |
| distinguish between | verb phrase | /dɪˈstɪŋɡwɪʃ bɪˈtwiːn/ | phân biệt giữa | It’s important to distinguish between fame and genuine achievement. | clearly distinguish, difficult to distinguish, ability to distinguish, help distinguish |
| aspire to | verb phrase | /əˈspaɪə(r) tuː/ | khát khao, mong muốn | Many young people aspire to be like her. | aspire to become, aspire to achieve, aspire to greatness, aspire to be |
| emulate | verb | /ˈemjuleɪt/ | noi theo, bắt chước | I try to emulate her work ethic and dedication. | seek to emulate, try to emulate, difficult to emulate, emulate success |
| compelling | adjective | /kəmˈpelɪŋ/ | hấp dẫn, thuyết phục | His story is truly compelling and motivates others. | compelling story, compelling reason, compelling evidence, compelling figure |
| demonstrate | verb | /ˈdemənstreɪt/ | chứng minh, thể hiện | She demonstrates incredible patience with difficult students. | clearly demonstrate, consistently demonstrate, demonstrate ability, demonstrate commitment |
| nurture | verb | /ˈnɜːtʃə(r)/ | nuôi dưỡng, vun đắp | Good teachers nurture their students’ talents. | nurture talent, nurture growth, carefully nurture, help nurture |
| compassion | noun | /kəmˈpæʃn/ | lòng thương cảm | Her compassion for others sets her apart. | show compassion, deep compassion, genuine compassion, feel compassion |
| integrity | noun | /ɪnˈteɡrəti/ | sự chính trực | He maintained his integrity despite pressure to compromise. | personal integrity, moral integrity, demonstrate integrity, question integrity |
| transform | verb | /trænsˈfɔːm/ | biến đổi, chuyển hóa | Her teachings transformed my perspective on life. | completely transform, profoundly transform, help transform, transform lives |
Idiomatic Expressions & Advanced Phrases
| Cụm từ | Nghĩa | Ví dụ sử dụng | Band điểm |
|---|---|---|---|
| beacon of hope/inspiration | ngọn hải đăng hy vọng/cảm hứng | She’s been a beacon of inspiration for young women in STEM fields. | 8-9 |
| set the bar high | đặt ra tiêu chuẩn cao | He sets the bar high for everyone around him through his own excellence. | 7.5-8 |
| lead by example | nêu gương bằng hành động | Great leaders lead by example rather than just giving orders. | 7-8 |
| walk the talk | làm đúng những gì nói | What I admire most is that she actually walks the talk. | 7.5-8 |
| rise above adversity | vượt qua nghịch cảnh | His ability to rise above adversity inspired everyone who knew him. | 7.5-8 |
| make a lasting impact | tạo ra tác động lâu dài | Teachers who truly care make a lasting impact on students’ lives. | 7-8 |
| against all odds | bất chấp mọi khó khăn | She succeeded against all odds and became a successful entrepreneur. | 7.5-8 |
| practice what you preach | thực hành những gì bạn giảng | He practices what he preaches about environmental conservation. | 7.5-8 |
| put others before oneself | đặt người khác lên trước bản thân | She always puts others before herself, which is truly admirable. | 7-8 |
| leave a legacy | để lại di sản | Great educators leave a legacy that extends far beyond their lifetime. | 8-9 |
| lift people up | nâng đỡ người khác | She has a gift for lifting people up and bringing out their best. | 7.5-8 |
| go the extra mile | nỗ lực hơn mức cần thiết | He always goes the extra mile to help his students succeed. | 7-8 |
| the driving force behind | động lực đằng sau | Her mother was the driving force behind her success. | 7.5-8 |
| a force to be reckoned with | một thế lực đáng gờm | Through her determination, she became a force to be reckoned with. | 8-9 |
| break the mold | phá vỡ khuôn mẫu | She broke the mold by pursuing a career in a male-dominated field. | 7.5-8 |
Discourse Markers (Từ Nối Ý Trong Speaking)
Để bắt đầu câu trả lời:
- 📝 Well,… – Khi cần thời gian suy nghĩ ngắn, tạo câu trả lời tự nhiên
- 📝 Actually,… – Khi đưa ra góc nhìn khác hoặc correct một assumption
- 📝 To be honest,… – Khi nói thật và personal opinion
- 📝 I’d say that… – Khi đưa ra quan điểm có suy nghĩ
- 📝 From my perspective,… – Formal hơn, thể hiện personal viewpoint
- 📝 The way I see it,… – Tương tự “from my perspective” nhưng informal hơn
Để bổ sung ý:
- 📝 On top of that,… – Thêm vào đó, nối ý mạnh mẽ
- 📝 What’s more,… – Hơn nữa, formal
- 📝 Not to mention… – Chưa kể đến, khi add thêm point quan trọng
- 📝 In addition to that,… – Formal, academic
- 📝 Besides,… – Neutral, versatile
Để đưa ra quan điểm cân bằng:
- 📝 On the one hand,… On the other hand,… – Classic contrast structure
- 📝 While it’s true that…, we also need to consider… – Acknowledging complexity
- 📝 Some people think… while others believe… – Showing multiple perspectives
- 📝 That said,… – Transition để present contrasting view sau khi đồng ý phần nào
- 📝 Having said that,… – Tương tự “that said”
Để kết luận:
- 📝 All in all,… – Tóm lại, tổng hợp
- 📝 At the end of the day,… – Cuối cùng thì (informal nhưng natural)
- 📝 Overall,… – Nhìn chung
- 📝 In the grand scheme of things,… – Trong bức tranh lớn
- 📝 The bottom line is… – Điểm mấu chốt là
Grammatical Structures Ấn Tượng
1. Conditional Sentences (Câu điều kiện):
- Mixed conditional: “If she hadn’t encouraged me back then, I wouldn’t be where I am today.”
- Inversion: “Had it not been for her support, I would have given up on my dreams.”
- With modals: “If more people demonstrated such dedication, society would be much better off.”
2. Relative Clauses (Mệnh đề quan hệ):
- Non-defining: “My teacher, who has been teaching for over 20 years, still approaches each lesson with fresh enthusiasm.”
- Reduced: “The person inspiring me most is my mother, a woman dedicated to helping others.”
- With prepositions: “She’s someone from whom I’ve learned invaluable life lessons.”
3. Passive Voice (Câu bị động):
- It is thought/believed/said that… “It is widely believed that good role models can shape future generations.”
- Complex passive: “Her contributions to education have been recognized internationally.”
- With modals: “Such dedication should be celebrated and emulated.”
4. Cleft Sentences (Câu chẻ):
- What I find most… is… “What I find most inspiring about her is her unwavering commitment to her values.”
- The thing that… is… “The thing that sets her apart is her ability to remain humble despite success.”
- It’s… that… “It’s her resilience that truly inspires me, not just her achievements.”
5. Participle Clauses:
- Present participle: “Demonstrating incredible patience, she helped even the most challenging students.”
- Perfect participle: “Having overcome numerous obstacles, she became a symbol of perseverance.”
- Being + adjective: “Being naturally empathetic, she connects easily with people from all backgrounds.”
6. Inversion for Emphasis:
- Never have I… “Never have I met someone so dedicated to making a difference.”
- Not only… but also… “Not only did she excel in her career, but she also devoted time to mentoring others.”
- Rarely do we… “Rarely do we encounter individuals who genuinely practice what they preach.”
7. Concessive Clauses:
- Despite + noun/gerund: “Despite facing numerous setbacks, she never lost her optimism.”
- Although/Though/Even though: “Although she had limited resources, she managed to achieve remarkable things.”
- Regardless of: “Regardless of the obstacles, she remained committed to her goals.”
Chiến Lược Thi Hiệu Quả Từ Góc Nhìn Examiner
Chọn Người Phù Hợp Để Miêu Tả
Đây là quyết định quan trọng nhất ảnh hưởng đến band điểm của bạn. Từ kinh nghiệm chấm thi của tôi, thí sinh đạt điểm cao thường chọn:
✅ NÊN CHỌN:
- Người bạn biết rõ: Cha mẹ, anh chị em, thầy cô, bạn thân, hàng xóm
- Có câu chuyện cụ thể: Bạn có thể kể chi tiết về specific events, conversations, actions
- Tác động cá nhân rõ ràng: Người thực sự influenced your life choices hoặc perspective
- Có qualities đa dạng: Không chỉ “successful” mà còn có character traits sâu sắc
❌ KHÔNG NÊN CHỌN:
- Celebrity xa vời: Steve Jobs, Elon Musk, Bill Gates (trừ khi bạn có unique personal connection)
- Historical figures: Gandhi, Mother Teresa (thiếu personal connection, khó kể chi tiết)
- Người bạn không biết rõ: Chỉ biết qua tin tức, không có personal stories
💡 Lời khuyên từ Examiner:
Một câu chuyện chân thành về người mẹ làm việc vất vả để nuôi con ăn học sẽ impressive hơn nhiều so với việc nói về Bill Gates mà bạn chỉ biết thông tin chung chung từ Wikipedia.
Cách Ghi Chú Hiệu Quả Trong 1 Phút Chuẩn Bị
Nhiều thí sinh waste thời gian chuẩn bị bằng cách viết câu đầy đủ. Đừng làm thế!
Format ghi chú hiệu quả:
WHO: Ms. Lan - English teacher
HOW: Met grade 10, taught 2 yrs
WHAT:
- Dedicated (stays late, individual attention)
- Creative lessons (games, real-life English)
- Mentor (advice beyond English)
WHY:
- Passion despite challenges
- Helped me: confidence, self-belief
- Impact: want to teach, meaningful work
- Quote: "Success = difference in others' lives"Lưu ý:
- Chỉ ghi KEYWORDS, không viết câu
- Ghi số liệu nếu có (2 years, 5 times per week)
- Ghi 1-2 quotes memorable nếu nhớ được
- Tick bullet points để không bỏ sót
Xử Lý Khi Không Nhớ Từ Vựng
Trong phòng thi, bạn sẽ gặp tình huống không nhớ được từ chính xác. Đây là cách xử lý:
❌ KHÔNG làm:
- Dừng lại và silent too long
- Nói “I don’t know the word in English”
- Switch sang tiếng Việt
✅ NÊN làm:
- Paraphrase: “I can’t think of the exact word, but what I mean is someone who…”
- Describe: “She has this quality – you know, when someone always thinks positively even in difficult situations”
- Use simpler words: Thay vì “resilience” → “the ability to bounce back from problems”
- Keep talking: Fluency quan trọng hơn perfect vocabulary
Cách Mở Rộng Câu Trả Lời Tự Nhiên
Pattern cho Part 1 (2-3 câu):
- Direct answer
- Reason/Explanation
- Personal example (optional)
Ví dụ:
- Q: Do you have any role models?
- A: “Yes, I do [direct]. My older sister inspires me because she’s incredibly dedicated to her work [reason]. She’s a doctor and even after long shifts, she volunteers at free clinics on weekends [example].”
Pattern cho Part 3 (4-6 câu):
- Direct answer with discourse marker
- Main reason 1 + explanation
- Example/Evidence
- Main reason 2 (if applicable)
- Counterpoint/Nuance
- Conclusion
Ví dụ:
- Q: Why are role models important?
- A: “Well, I’d say role models play a crucial role in personal development [direct + discourse marker]. Firstly, they provide a tangible example of what’s possible, which can be incredibly motivating [reason 1]. For instance, seeing someone from a similar background succeed can inspire young people to pursue ambitious goals [example]. Moreover, good role models demonstrate values and behaviors worth emulating [reason 2]. That said, I think it’s important not to idolize anyone too much – everyone has flaws [counterpoint]. Overall though, having inspiring figures to look up to can significantly shape one’s character and aspirations [conclusion].”
Chiến lược xử lý câu hỏi khó trong IELTS Speaking Part 3 hiệu quả
Common Mistakes Của Học Viên Việt Nam
Sau 20 năm chấm thi, tôi nhận thấy những lỗi lặp đi lặp lại:
1. Over-preparation (Học thuộc quá kỹ):
- Vấn đề: Câu trả lời nghe như đang đọc essay, không natural
- Solution: Practice nói spontaneously, không học thuộc từng từ
2. Translating từ tiếng Việt:
- Vấn đề: Cấu trúc câu Việt Nam khác English, dẫn đến awkward sentences
- Solution: Think in English, learn chunks/phrases thay vì individual words
3. Quá focus vào vocabulary:
- Vấn đề: Cố nhét big words không phù hợp context
- Solution: Natural expression > impressive words. Use advanced vocab ONLY when appropriate
4. Thiếu examples cụ thể:
- Vấn đề: Nói chung chung “He is very hardworking and successful”
- Solution: Always have specific examples: “He wakes up at 5 AM every day to…”
5. Monotone delivery:
- Vấn đề: Nói đều đều không có intonation, nghe boring
- Solution: Show enthusiasm khi nói về inspiring person, vary tone
6. Tránh eye contact:
- Vấn đề: Nhìn xuống notes hoặc ceiling
- Solution: Maintain natural eye contact với examiner, như đang chat
Lộ Trình Luyện Tập 4 Tuần
Week 1: Foundation
- Day 1-2: Learn topic vocabulary (20 từ/ngày)
- Day 3-4: Practice Part 1 questions (record yourself)
- Day 5-6: Brainstorm 3 người bạn có thể describe
- Day 7: Review và write notes cho 3 người đó
Week 2: Building Answers
- Day 1-3: Practice Part 2 với 3 người đã chọn (2 phút mỗi người)
- Day 4-5: Học discourse markers và practice lại
- Day 6-7: Record và self-assess (check fluency, vocabulary, grammar)
Week 3: Advanced Practice
- Day 1-3: Practice Part 3 questions về inspiring people
- Day 4-5: Practice complete mock test (Part 1+2+3)
- Day 6-7: Get feedback từ teacher/study partner
Week 4: Refinement
- Day 1-3: Focus vào weaknesses identified
- Day 4-5: Final mock tests
- Day 6: Light review, không học quá căng
- Day 7: Rest trước exam day
Câu Hỏi Tương Tự Có Thể Gặp
Chủ đề “inspiring person” có thể appear dưới nhiều dạng khác nhau. Prepare cho những variations này:
Người:
- Describe a person you admire
- Describe someone who influenced you
- Describe a successful person you know
- Describe a family member you respect
- Describe a teacher who helped you
Phẩm chất:
- Describe a person who is very kind
- Describe someone with strong determination
- Describe a person with good leadership skills
Tác động:
- Describe someone who changed your perspective
- Describe a person who motivated you
- Describe someone who taught you important lessons
💡 Examiner’s Insight:
Nếu bạn prepare tốt topic “inspiring person”, bạn có thể adapt cho tất cả các variations trên. Chỉ cần slightly adjust focus tùy theo đề bài yêu cầu nhấn mạnh aspect nào (admiration, influence, success, kindness, etc.)
Kết Luận
Chủ đề “Describe a person who is very inspiring” không chỉ là một đề bài IELTS Speaking phổ biến mà còn là cơ hội tuyệt vời để bạn showcase khả năng ngôn ngữ và critical thinking. Điều quan trọng nhất tôi muốn nhấn mạnh sau hơn 20 năm làm Examiner:
Authenticity beats perfection. Một câu chuyện chân thành, có cảm xúc về người mẹ, người thầy, hoặc bạn bè của bạn sẽ luôn impressive hơn việc cố gắng impress bằng vocabulary phức tạp về một CEO nổi tiếng mà bạn không biết rõ.
Key takeaways:
- Chọn người bạn thực sự biết rõ và có personal connection
- Prepare stories cụ thể, không nói chung chung
- Balance giữa describing achievements và explaining personal impact
- Practice spontaneous speaking, không học thuộc
- Focus vào communication natural hơn là perfect grammar
Với roadmap và strategies trong bài viết này, bạn hoàn toàn có thể tự tin đạt band 7.5-8+ cho topic này. Remember: Examiner đánh giá khả năng communicate effectively, không phải khả năng perform a memorized script.
Chúc bạn thi tốt và đạt band điểm mong muốn!
