Chủ đề “Describe a time you were very excited” là một trong những đề bài cảm xúc xuất hiện thường xuyên nhất trong IELTS Speaking Part 2, với tần suất xuất hiện cao trong các kỳ thi từ 2020 đến 2024. Đây là dạng câu hỏi yêu cầu thí sinh kể lại một trải nghiệm cá nhân với cảm xúc tích cực, điều này vừa dễ tiếp cận vừa là cơ hội tuyệt vời để thể hiện khả năng sử dụng ngôn ngữ miêu tả cảm xúc một cách sinh động.
Là một examiner với hơn 20 năm kinh nghiệm chấm thi, tôi nhận thấy nhiều học viên Việt Nam gặp khó khăn với chủ đề này do thiếu từ vựng cảm xúc đa dạng và xu hướng kể chuyện quá đơn giản, thiếu chiều sâu. Thực tế, đây là chủ đề “dễ ăn điểm” nếu bạn biết cách khai thác những trải nghiệm thực tế của mình với vocabulary phong phú và cấu trúc câu linh hoạt.
Dự đoán khả năng xuất hiện: Rất cao – chủ đề này xuất hiện dưới nhiều biến thể khác nhau như “exciting experience”, “memorable moment”, “happy occasion”, vì vậy việc chuẩn bị kỹ lưỡng sẽ giúp bạn tự tin với nhiều đề tài tương tự.
Trong bài viết này, bạn sẽ học được:
- 12 câu hỏi thực tế về chủ đề phấn khích trong cả 3 Part
- 3 bài mẫu hoàn chỉnh theo các band điểm 6-7, 7.5-8, và 8.5-9
- Phân tích chi tiết tại sao mỗi bài đạt band điểm cụ thể
- Hơn 50 từ vựng và cụm từ miêu tả cảm xúc ấn tượng
- Chiến lược trả lời từ góc nhìn examiner
- Lỗi thường gặp của học viên Việt Nam và cách khắc phục
IELTS Speaking Part 1: Introduction and Interview
Tổng Quan Về Part 1
Part 1 kéo dài 4-5 phút với các câu hỏi về cuộc sống hàng ngày và sở thích cá nhân. Với chủ đề cảm xúc như “excitement”, examiner thường hỏi về những việc làm bạn phấn khích, tần suất cảm thấy hứng thú, hay cách bạn thể hiện sự phấn khích.
Chiến lược quan trọng: Mỗi câu trả lời nên có 2-3 câu, bao gồm direct answer (trả lời trực tiếp), explanation (giải thích lý do), và example (ví dụ cụ thể nếu có thể). Đừng chỉ trả lời Yes/No hoặc một câu ngắn.
Lỗi thường gặp của học viên Việt Nam:
- Trả lời quá ngắn gọn: “Yes, I do” rồi im lặng
- Sử dụng từ vựng đơn điệu: luôn dùng “happy”, “very excited” mà không có từ đồng nghĩa
- Thiếu ví dụ cụ thể từ kinh nghiệm bản thân
- Lạm dụng “I think” ở đầu mỗi câu trả lời
Các Câu Hỏi Thường Gặp
Question 1: Do you get excited easily?
Question 2: What kinds of things make you excited?
Question 3: When was the last time you felt really excited about something?
Question 4: Do you think children get excited more easily than adults?
Question 5: How do you usually express your excitement?
Question 6: Is it important to feel excited about life?
Question 7: What do you do when you feel excited about an upcoming event?
Question 8: Do you prefer exciting activities or calm ones?
Phân Tích và Gợi Ý Trả Lời Chi Tiết
Question: Do you get excited easily?
🎯 Cách tiếp cận:
- Trả lời Yes/No một cách rõ ràng
- Giải thích tính cách hoặc đưa ra ví dụ minh họa
- Có thể đề cập đến những tình huống cụ thể khiến bạn phấn khích
📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:
Yes, I do get excited quite easily, especially when it comes to traveling or trying new food. I’m a pretty enthusiastic person, so small things can make me feel happy. For example, when my friends suggest going somewhere new, I always feel excited about it.
Phân tích:
- Điểm mạnh: Trả lời trực tiếp câu hỏi, có đưa ra ví dụ cụ thể (traveling, trying new food)
- Hạn chế: Từ vựng còn basic (excited, happy), cấu trúc câu đơn giản, thiếu sự đa dạng trong cách diễn đạt
- Tại sao Band 6-7: Câu trả lời rõ ràng và coherent, nhưng vocabulary và grammar chưa demonstrate được range và flexibility ở mức cao hơn
📝 Sample Answer – Band 8-9:
I’d say I’m quite an excitable person by nature. I tend to get fired up about things that pique my interest, whether it’s discovering a new coffee shop in town or hearing about an upcoming concert. What really gets me pumped is anything related to travel – even just browsing flight deals online can make me feel giddy with anticipation. I suppose I’ve always been someone who finds joy in the little things.
Phân tích:
- Điểm mạnh: Sử dụng idiomatic expressions tự nhiên (“fired up”, “gets me pumped”, “giddy with anticipation”), vocabulary đa dạng để miêu tả cảm xúc phấn khích mà không lặp lại “excited”, cấu trúc câu phức tạp với relative clauses và gerunds
- Tại sao Band 8-9:
- Fluency: Câu trả lời tự nhiên, liền mạch với discourse markers phù hợp (“I’d say”, “I suppose”)
- Vocabulary: Paraphrasing hiệu quả (excitable person thay vì get excited easily), collocations chính xác (pique my interest, giddy with anticipation)
- Grammar: Mix của simple và complex structures một cách tự nhiên
- Ideas: Cung cấp specific examples và personal reflection
💡 Key Vocabulary & Expressions:
- excitable person: người dễ phấn khích, hứng thú
- get fired up about something: trở nên nhiệt tình, phấn khích về điều gì
- pique someone’s interest: khơi gợi sự quan tâm của ai
- get pumped: cảm thấy phấn chấn, hào hứng
- giddy with anticipation: phấn khích đến chóng mặt vì mong chờ điều gì
Question: What kinds of things make you excited?
🎯 Cách tiếp cận:
- Liệt kê 2-3 loại việc/hoạt động khiến bạn phấn khích
- Giải thích ngắn gọn tại sao chúng tạo cảm giác đó
- Có thể so sánh hoặc nhấn mạnh điều nào khiến bạn phấn khích nhất
📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:
Well, I get excited about several things. First, I really like traveling to new places because I can see different cultures and try new food. Also, I feel excited when I achieve something important, like passing an exam or finishing a difficult project. Meeting up with old friends also makes me feel excited because we have a lot to catch up on.
Phân tích:
- Điểm mạnh: Structure rõ ràng với discourse markers (First, Also), đưa ra nhiều examples cụ thể
- Hạn chế: Vẫn lặp lại “excited” quá nhiều lần, câu văn có phần mechanical với cấu trúc “I get/feel excited about/when…” lặp đi lặp lại
- Tại sao Band 6-7: Content đầy đủ và relevant, nhưng thiếu flexibility trong language use
📝 Sample Answer – Band 8-9:
There are quite a few things that get my adrenaline going. I’m particularly passionate about music festivals and live concerts – there’s something about the electric atmosphere and the collective energy of the crowd that I find absolutely exhilarating. Beyond that, I’m the type of person who gets a real thrill from setting personal challenges, whether it’s training for a half-marathon or learning a new skill. I suppose what ties these together is the element of novelty and the sense of stepping outside my comfort zone.
Phân tích:
- Điểm mạnh:
- Vocabulary sophisticated và varied: “get my adrenaline going”, “exhilarating”, “a real thrill” thay vì cứ lặp “excited”
- Grammar phức tạp: relative clauses (“there’s something about…that”), gerunds as subjects, “whether…or” structure
- Ideas có depth: không chỉ list activities mà còn reflect về common thread (element of novelty, stepping outside comfort zone)
- Natural discourse markers: “Beyond that”, “I suppose”
- Tại sao Band 8-9:
- Fluency & Coherence: Ý tưởng được liên kết chặt chẽ, câu trả lời flow tự nhiên
- Lexical Resource: Wide range of vocabulary, precise word choice, idiomatic language
- Grammatical Range: Effortless use of complex structures
- Pronunciation: (Giả định) Natural stress và intonation patterns
💡 Key Vocabulary & Expressions:
- get someone’s adrenaline going: làm ai đó phấn khích mạnh, kích thích adrenaline
- be passionate about: đam mê về điều gì
- electric atmosphere: bầu không khí sôi động, hào hứng
- exhilarating (adj): cực kỳ phấn khích, sảng khoái
- get a real thrill from: có được cảm giác hồi hộp, phấn khích từ việc gì
- step outside one’s comfort zone: bước ra khỏi vùng an toàn của mình
Question: When was the last time you felt really excited about something?
🎯 Cách tiếp cận:
- Nêu rõ thời điểm cụ thể (last week, a few months ago…)
- Miêu tả ngắn gọn sự kiện và cảm xúc của bạn
- Sử dụng thì quá khứ consistently
📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:
The last time I felt really excited was about two weeks ago when I got accepted into a new job. I had been waiting for the result for a long time, so when I received the email, I felt very happy and excited. I immediately called my family to share the good news with them.
Phân tích:
- Điểm mạnh: Timeline rõ ràng, sử dụng past perfect (“had been waiting”) cho sequence of events
- Hạn chế: Vocabulary repetitive (“really excited”, “very happy and excited”), thiếu vivid details về cảm xúc
- Tại sao Band 6-7: Grammar control tốt nhưng vocabulary range chưa impressive
📝 Sample Answer – Band 8-9:
Just last month, I was over the moon when I found out I’d been selected for a volunteer program in Thailand. I’d applied months earlier but honestly wasn’t expecting much, so when the acceptance email came through, I was absolutely thrilled. I remember my hands were actually trembling with excitement as I read it – I must have reread it five times just to make sure it was real! That whole day I was walking on air, couldn’t stop smiling, and probably annoyed everyone by talking about it non-stop.
Phân tích:
- Điểm mạnh:
- Idiomatic expressions xuất sắc: “over the moon”, “walking on air”
- Vivid description của physical reactions: “hands trembling with excitement”
- Personality shines through: “probably annoyed everyone”
- Grammar variety: past continuous, past perfect, modal verbs
- Natural, conversational tone
- Tại sao Band 8-9:
- Fluency: Storytelling tự nhiên với appropriate pauses (marked by dashes, commas)
- Vocabulary: Rich emotional vocabulary, precise expressions
- Grammar: Seamless integration of different tenses và structures
- Pronunciation: (Giả định) Connected speech, stress on key emotion words
💡 Key Vocabulary & Expressions:
- over the moon: cực kỳ vui sướng, hạnh phúc
- thrilled (adj): vô cùng phấn khích
- tremble with excitement: run rẩy vì phấn khích
- walk on air: cảm thấy như đang bay bổng vì hạnh phúc
- come through (phrasal verb): đến, xuất hiện (thường dùng cho tin tức, kết quả)
Học viên IELTS đang luyện tập kỹ năng speaking về chủ đề cảm xúc phấn khích 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, trong đó bạn có 1 phút chuẩn bị. Đây là phần quan trọng nhất để demonstrate khả năng nói liên tục và coherent của bạn.
Chiến lược thành công:
- Sử dụng đủ 1 phút chuẩn bị: Ghi chú keywords cho mỗi bullet point, không viết câu hoàn chỉnh
- Nói đủ 2 phút: Aim for 2-2.5 phút, tối thiểu 1 phút 45 giây
- Cover tất cả bullet points: Examiner chấm điểm dựa trên việc bạn trả lời đầy đủ đề bài
- Sử dụng thì quá khứ: Với đề “describe a time”, consistency trong tense rất quan trọng
- Bullet point cuối cùng (“explain”) là key: Đây là nơi bạn thể hiện depth of thinking và vocabulary range
Lỗi thường gặp:
- Không sử dụng hết thời gian chuẩn bị, vội vàng bắt đầu nói
- Nói dưới 1.5 phút rồi im lặng chờ examiner
- Bỏ qua bullet point “explain” hoặc nói qua loa
- Kể chuyện theo kiểu liệt kê sự kiện mà không có vivid details
- Thiếu linking words để nối các phần
Cue Card
Describe a time when you were very excited
You should say:
- When it happened
- Where you were
- Who you were with
- And explain why you felt so excited
Phân Tích Đề Bài
-
Dạng câu hỏi: Describe an event/experience (personal narrative)
-
Thì động từ: Past tenses (Past Simple, Past Continuous, Past Perfect)
-
Bullet points phải cover:
- When: Cần nêu rõ thời điểm cụ thể (không chỉ “last year” mà “in August last year”)
- Where: Location cụ thể, có thể miêu tả ngắn gọn place
- Who: Mention người đi cùng và có thể nói về reactions của họ
- Why (explain): Đây là phần quan trọng nhất – cần giải thích deep reasons, không chỉ “because it was fun”
-
Câu “explain” quan trọng: Phần explain chiếm 40-50% bài nói của bạn và là nơi bạn demonstrate vocabulary range, complex ideas, và personal reflection. Đừng chỉ nói “I felt excited because it was a good experience” mà phải đi sâu vào: tại sao experience đó meaningful, nó impact bạn như thế nào, có điều gì đặc biệt về nó.
📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7
Thời lượng: Khoảng 1.5-2 phút
I’d like to talk about a time when I felt really excited, which was last summer when I went to Da Nang with my family.
It happened in July last year during my summer vacation. We stayed at Da Nang for about five days. I went there with my parents and my younger sister. We stayed in a nice hotel near the beach, which had a beautiful view of the sea.
I felt very excited because it was my first time visiting Da Nang, and I had heard a lot of good things about this city from my friends. Before the trip, I spent a lot of time researching about interesting places to visit and good restaurants to try. When we arrived at the airport, I was so happy that I couldn’t stop smiling.
During the trip, we visited many famous places like the Marble Mountains and the Golden Bridge. We also tried a lot of delicious seafood. Every day was full of new experiences, and I took many beautiful photos to keep as memories.
What made me most excited was spending quality time with my family. Because my parents are usually very busy with work, we don’t often have the chance to travel together. So this trip was really special for me. I felt grateful that we could enjoy this wonderful time together.
Overall, it was an unforgettable experience, and I still feel happy when I look back at the photos from that trip.
Phân Tích Band Điểm
| Tiêu chí | Band | Nhận xét |
|---|---|---|
| Fluency & Coherence | 6-7 | Có sequencing rõ ràng (Before the trip, During the trip, Overall), sử dụng basic linking words (because, so, when), nhưng còn pause để tìm từ và thiếu flexibility trong expression |
| Lexical Resource | 6 | Vocabulary adequate nhưng repetitive (excited, happy, beautiful, good), thiếu collocations và less common words, dùng “very” và “really” quá nhiều |
| Grammatical Range & Accuracy | 6-7 | Mix của simple và complex sentences, sử dụng đúng past tenses, có relative clauses cơ bản, nhưng structures không varied lắm |
| Pronunciation | 6-7 | (Giả định) Dễ hiểu, có một số lỗi nhỏ về word stress hoặc intonation |
Điểm mạnh:
- ✅ Trả lời đầy đủ tất cả bullet points
- ✅ Coherent structure với clear introduction và conclusion
- ✅ Có personal touch (spending time with family)
- ✅ Grammar control tốt với past tenses
Hạn chế:
- ⚠️ Vocabulary quá basic và repetitive (“very excited”, “really excited”, “so happy”)
- ⚠️ Thiếu vivid details và sensory descriptions
- ⚠️ Phần explain chưa đủ deep – chỉ nói “special” và “grateful” mà không elaborate
- ⚠️ Không có idiomatic expressions hoặc advanced phrases
- ⚠️ Câu văn có phần predictable và mechanical
📝 Sample Answer – Band 7.5-8
Thời lượng: Khoảng 2-2.5 phút
I’d like to share a particularly memorable experience from about six months ago when I was absolutely thrilled about receiving my university acceptance letter.
This happened in early March, right around the time when universities were sending out their admission decisions. I was at home in Hanoi, and I remember it was a rainy afternoon. I’d been constantly checking my email every few hours for weeks, so when I finally saw that email notification, my heart was racing.
I was with my mother at the time. She’d been incredibly supportive throughout the whole nerve-wracking application process, so naturally, I wanted her to be there when I opened the email. I still remember how we both held our breath as the page was loading – it felt like an eternity! The moment I saw the word “Congratulations,” I just screamed with joy and hugged my mom. We were both in tears – happy tears, of course.
The reason I was so overwhelmingly excited was multifaceted, really. First and foremost, it was my dream university – a place I’d been aspiring to attend since I was in high school. I’d poured my heart and soul into the application, spending countless hours perfecting my personal statement and preparing for the interview. So when I got accepted, it felt like all that hard work had finally paid off.
Beyond the personal achievement, I think what amplified my excitement was the sense of new possibilities opening up. This acceptance meant I could pursue the program I was passionate about, meet like-minded people, and embark on a new chapter in my life. It represented not just academic validation but also independence and the chance to broaden my horizons.
Even now, several months later, I still get butterflies in my stomach when I think about starting university. That moment of receiving the acceptance remains one of the most exciting experiences of my life.
Phân Tích Band Điểm
| Tiêu chí | Band | Nhận xét |
|---|---|---|
| Fluency & Coherence | 7.5-8 | Speaks fluently với minimal hesitation, logical progression of ideas, effective use của discourse markers (First and foremost, Beyond that, Even now) |
| Lexical Resource | 7.5-8 | Wide range of vocabulary với less common lexical items (nerve-wracking, multifaceted, overwhelming), good collocations (poured my heart and soul, paid off, broaden horizons), paraphrasing hiệu quả |
| Grammatical Range & Accuracy | 7.5-8 | Wide range of structures (past continuous, past perfect, present perfect), complex sentences with subordinate clauses, majority error-free |
| Pronunciation | 7.5-8 | (Giả định) Easy to understand, uses features of natural speech, good stress and intonation |
So Sánh Với Band 6-7
| Khía cạnh | Band 6-7 | Band 7.5-8 |
|---|---|---|
| Vocabulary | “very excited”, “really excited” | “absolutely thrilled”, “overwhelmingly excited”, “butterflies in stomach” |
| Grammar | “I felt very excited because it was my first time” | “The reason I was so overwhelmingly excited was multifaceted” (cleft sentence) |
| Ideas | “It was special because we spent time together” | “It represented not just academic validation but also independence and the chance to broaden my horizons” (deeper analysis) |
| Details | “We stayed in a nice hotel” | “It was a rainy afternoon…my heart was racing…felt like an eternity” (vivid sensory details) |
Tại sao Band 7.5-8:
- Vocabulary sophisticated với collocations tự nhiên và idiomatic expressions
- Grammar structures varied và complex một cách tự nhiên
- Ideas có depth – không chỉ describe events mà còn reflect on meaning
- Vivid storytelling với sensory details
- Maintains fluency trong suốt 2+ phút
📝 Sample Answer – Band 8.5-9
Thời lượng: 2.5-3 phút đầy đủ
I’d love to tell you about an experience that still gives me goosebumps when I think about it – the moment I found out I’d won a national debate competition about eighteen months ago.
The whole thing unfolded in December 2022. The final round was held at the National Convention Center in Hanoi, which was packed to the rafters with students, teachers, and education officials. I was there with my debate teammates – four incredibly talented individuals who’d become like family to me over the months of preparation. The atmosphere was electric, and honestly, I could feel the adrenaline coursing through my veins as we waited for the results.
Now, what made this moment so profoundly exciting wasn’t just the victory itself, but rather what it represented. You see, I’d been pouring every ounce of energy into competitive debating for nearly three years at that point. There had been countless near-misses – times when we’d come agonizingly close to winning but fallen short at the last hurdle. So this win wasn’t just a triumph; it was vindication of all those hours of research, all those practice sessions that stretched late into the night, and all those moments of self-doubt we’d battled through.
What really sent my excitement into overdrive, though, was the ripple effect I knew this would have. Winning meant we’d be representing Vietnam at the Asian Debate Championship, which was something I’d only dared to dream about. The prospect of competing on an international stage, rubbing shoulders with debaters from across the continent, and showcasing our skills on such a platform was simply mind-blowing.
I remember the exact moment when they announced our team’s name as the winner. Time seemed to slow down to a crawl – I could see my teammates’ faces light up in slow motion, hear the thunderous applause that erupted, feel my knees go weak with relief and joy. We just collapsed into this huge group hug, and I’m not ashamed to admit I was sobbing with happiness. It was one of those raw, unfiltered moments of pure emotion that you don’t experience very often in life.
What strikes me most, looking back, is how that excitement was multilayered. On the surface, sure, it was about winning and recognition. But on a deeper level, it was about the validation of perseverance, the joy of shared achievement with people I cared about, and the exhilarating uncertainty of the doors that were opening. It crystallized for me why I’d fallen in love with debating in the first place – not just the competitive aspect, but the intellectual rigor, the camaraderie, and the personal growth it fostered.
Even now, when I’m feeling down or discouraged, I tap into that memory. It serves as a powerful reminder that excitement isn’t just about momentary happiness – it’s often the culmination of hard work, resilience, and the coming together of countless small efforts into one transformative moment.
Phân Tích Band Điểm
| Tiêu chí | Band | Nhận xét |
|---|---|---|
| Fluency & Coherence | 9 | Speaks fluently với effortless flow, sophisticated discourse markers (You see, Now, What strikes me most), ideas developed fully and coherently, natural progression from narrative to reflection |
| Lexical Resource | 9 | Extensive vocabulary used naturally and flexibly (goosebumps, unfolded, vindication, ripple effect), precise and sophisticated word choice, skillful use of idiomatic language (packed to the rafters, go weak, tap into), effective paraphrasing |
| Grammatical Range & Accuracy | 9 | Full range of structures used accurately and appropriately, complex sentences handled with ease (relative clauses, participle clauses, inversion), rare errors, natural spoken grammar |
| Pronunciation | 9 | (Giả định) Uses full range of pronunciation features naturally, easy to understand throughout, effective use of intonation and stress |
Tại Sao Bài Này Xuất Sắc
🎯 Fluency Hoàn Hảo:
Câu trả lời flow tự nhiên từ narrative (kể chuyện) sang reflection (suy ngẫm), không có awkward pauses, sử dụng fillers một cách sophisticated (You see, What strikes me most, looking back). Candidate demonstrates khả năng maintain extended speech without strain.
📚 Vocabulary Tinh Vi:
- Idiomatic expressions xuất sắc: “packed to the rafters”, “agonizingly close”, “sent my excitement into overdrive”, “slow down to a crawl”, “tap into”
- Sophisticated word choices: “vindication” thay vì “proof”, “unfold” thay vì “happen”, “crystallize” thay vì “make clear”
- Collocations chính xác: “battle through doubt”, “ripple effect”, “raw, unfiltered moments”, “intellectual rigor”
- Metaphorical language: “doors opening”, “multilayered excitement” cho thấy depth of expression
📝 Grammar Đa Dạng:
- Inversion cho dramatic effect: “Not just the competitive aspect, but the intellectual rigor…”
- Participle clauses: “Looking back, is how that excitement was multilayered”
- Cleft sentences: “What made this moment so profoundly exciting wasn’t just…”
- Complex relative clauses: “…debaters from across the continent, and showcasing our skills…”
- Mixed tenses smoothly: Present perfect cho reflection, past tenses cho narrative
💡 Ideas Sâu Sắc:
- Không chỉ kể chuyện mà còn analyze ý nghĩa của excitement (validation, shared achievement, opening doors)
- Reflects on personal growth và lasting impact
- Shows emotional intelligence và self-awareness
- Connects specific experience to broader life lessons
🎭 Storytelling Technique:
- Sử dụng sensory details (“feel adrenaline coursing”, “thunderous applause”, “knees go weak”)
- Dramatic pacing (“time slowed down”, “in slow motion”)
- Emotional honesty (“sobbing with happiness”, “raw, unfiltered moments”)
- Creates vivid imagery khiến listener có thể visualize the scene
Follow-up Questions (Rounding Off Questions)
Examiner thường hỏi 1-2 câu ngắn sau khi bạn finish Part 2 để transition sang Part 3. Đây là những câu hỏi trực tiếp liên quan đến story bạn vừa kể.
Question 1: Do you still keep in touch with your debate teammates?
Band 6-7 Answer:
Yes, I do. We still meet up sometimes and talk about our memories. We have a group chat where we share updates about our lives.
Band 8-9 Answer:
Absolutely! We’ve remained incredibly close actually. We still meet up regularly, and there’s this unspoken bond between us from having been through so much together. In fact, we’re planning a reunion trip next month to reminisce about those intense competition days.
Question 2: Would you participate in another debate competition in the future?
Band 6-7 Answer:
Maybe yes. If I have time, I would like to join another competition because it was a great experience and I learned a lot from it.
Band 8-9 Answer:
I’d jump at the chance if the opportunity arose! That experience really whetted my appetite for competitive debating. Although my schedule is pretty hectic these days, I think the thrill of competition and the intellectual stimulation it provides would be well worth carving out time for.
Thí sinh IELTS tự tin trả lời câu hỏi Part 2 về kỷ niệm phấn khích với examiner
IELTS Speaking Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Tổng Quan Về Part 3
Part 3 là phần discussion 4-5 phút với câu hỏi abstract và thought-provoking hơn, liên quan đến theme của Part 2 nhưng ở wider context (society, culture, future trends).
Yêu cầu:
- Analyze và evaluate issues
- Compare different perspectives
- Speculate about future
- Provide reasoned opinions với supporting arguments
Chiến lược:
- Extend câu trả lời (aim for 4-6 câu)
- Structure: Direct answer → Reason 1 + example → Reason 2 + example → Conclusion/Nuance
- Sử dụng discourse markers để organize ideas
- Acknowledge complexity (“It depends”, “There are pros and cons”)
- Provide examples từ society, không chỉ personal experience
Lỗi thường gặp của học viên Việt Nam:
- Trả lời quá ngắn (1-2 câu) như Part 1
- Không đưa ra reasoning đầy đủ
- Thiếu từ vựng abstract và academic
- Chỉ nói về personal opinion mà không analyze broader implications
- Không dare to disagree hoặc present alternative views
- Speaking style quá formal và unnatural
Các Câu Hỏi Thảo Luận Sâu
Theme 1: Emotions and Wellbeing
Question 1: Why do you think people enjoy experiencing excitement in their lives?
🎯 Phân tích câu hỏi:
- Dạng: Cause/Reason (Why) – cần explain psychological/social reasons
- Key words: “people” (general, not personal), “enjoy”, “experiencing excitement”
- Cách tiếp cận: State general answer → Multiple reasons (psychological, social) → Examples from real life → Nuance/Alternative view nếu có
📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:
I think people enjoy excitement because it makes them feel happy and alive. When life becomes boring and routine, exciting experiences can help them feel more energetic. Also, excitement can help people create good memories. For example, when people travel to new places or try adventure sports, they feel excited and these become memorable moments in their lives. Another reason is that excitement can help reduce stress from daily life.
Phân tích:
- Structure: Có reasons với examples, nhưng khá basic
- Vocabulary: Adequate (boring, routine, memorable) nhưng repetitive (“feel” used too many times)
- Tại sao Band 6-7: Addresses câu hỏi adequately nhưng lacks depth trong analysis và sophistication trong language
📝 Câu trả lời mẫu – Band 8-9:
Well, I think the appeal of excitement is deeply rooted in human psychology. From an evolutionary perspective, our brains are wired to seek out novel experiences because they used to be crucial for survival – our ancestors needed to explore new territories to find resources. In modern life, while we don’t face the same survival pressures, that innate drive remains, which is why people are drawn to excitement.
On a more practical level, excitement serves as a powerful antidote to the monotony of daily routines. Many people find themselves stuck in a rut, doing the same things day in and day out, and exciting experiences – whether it’s traveling somewhere exotic or trying an extreme sport – provide that much-needed break from the mundane. There’s also a social dimension to this. Exciting experiences often become shared stories that strengthen bonds with friends and family. When you think about it, the stories we tell at gatherings are rarely about ordinary days, but rather about those adrenaline-pumping moments that made us feel truly alive.
What’s particularly interesting is that excitement also triggers the release of dopamine in our brains, which is essentially our natural reward system. This creates a positive feedback loop where we actively seek out more exciting experiences to replicate that feeling. However, I’d argue there’s a fine line between healthy excitement-seeking and becoming addicted to thrills, which is why balance is key.
Phân tích:
- Structure: Exceptionally well-organized: Evolutionary reason → Practical reasons → Social dimension → Scientific explanation → Nuanced conclusion
- Vocabulary:
- Abstract nouns: “appeal”, “perspective”, “dimension”, “monotony”
- Precise collocations: “deeply rooted in”, “wired to seek out”, “stuck in a rut”, “trigger the release of”
- Academic phrases: “from an evolutionary perspective”, “on a more practical level”, “what’s particularly interesting”
- Grammar:
- Complex structures: relative clauses (“which is why…”), participle phrases (“doing the same things…”)
- Conditional implied: “while we don’t face…”
- Passive constructions: “are drawn to”, “trigger the release”
- Critical Thinking:
- Multiple perspectives (psychology, practicality, social, scientific)
- Acknowledges complexity (“fine line”, “balance is key”)
- Shows depth of knowledge về human behavior
💡 Key Language Features:
- Discourse markers: “Well”, “On a more practical level”, “What’s particularly interesting”, “However”
- Tentative language: “I think”, “I’d argue”, “essentially”, “often”
- Abstract nouns: “appeal”, “perspective”, “monotony”, “dimension”, “antidote”, “feedback loop”
- Hedging: “to some extent”, “rarely”, “tends to”
Question 2: Do you think modern technology has changed how people experience excitement?
🎯 Phân tích câu hỏi:
- Dạng: Opinion + Change/Compare (Past vs Present)
- Key words: “modern technology”, “changed”, “how” (focus on manner, not whether)
- Cách tiếp cận: Yes/No clearly → Explain how technology changes it → Examples → Potential negative aspects → Balanced conclusion
📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:
Yes, I believe technology has changed how people feel excited. Nowadays, people can use social media to share their exciting moments with friends immediately, which makes them feel more excited. Also, technology like VR games can create exciting experiences at home without going outside. However, some people think that real-life excitement is better than virtual excitement because it’s more authentic.
Phân tích:
- Structure: Direct answer + reasons + counterpoint, nhưng underdeveloped
- Vocabulary: Basic technology terms, thiếu specific examples
- Tại sao Band 6-7: Addresses the question nhưng lacks detailed analysis và varied language
📝 Câu trả lời mẫu – Band 8-9:
Absolutely, I’d say technology has fundamentally transformed the nature of excitement in several profound ways.
First and foremost, there’s the phenomenon of instant gratification. Through technology, people can access exciting content – whether it’s streaming a thrilling series, playing immersive video games, or watching extreme sports – at the click of a button. This on-demand excitement is a far cry from previous generations who had to wait for specific TV programs or actively seek out experiences. While this accessibility is convenient, there’s an argument that it’s diluted the intensity of excitement because we’re constantly overstimulated and may have become somewhat desensitized to novel experiences.
Another significant shift is in how we process and share exciting moments. With smartphones and social media, people have developed this tendency to experience excitement through a lens – literally. You see tourists at famous landmarks more focused on capturing the perfect Instagram shot than actually being present in the moment. This meta-experience of excitement, where part of the thrill comes from anticipating the social validation you’ll receive online, is entirely unprecedented in human history.
That said, technology has also democratized access to certain forms of excitement. Virtual reality, for instance, allows people to simulate extreme experiences like skydiving or deep-sea diving without the associated risks or costs. For individuals with mobility limitations or those in remote areas, technology has actually expanded the possibilities for experiencing excitement.
On balance, I believe technology is a double-edged sword in this regard. It’s made excitement more accessible but potentially more superficial, more shareable but perhaps less authentic. The key is using technology as a tool to enhance real experiences rather than letting it substitute for genuine engagement with the world.
Phân tích:
- Structure: Clear position → Impact 1 (instant gratification) → Impact 2 (social media effect) → Positive aspect (democratization) → Balanced conclusion
- Vocabulary:
- Sophisticated expressions: “fundamentally transformed”, “at the click of a button”, “desensitized”, “unprecedented”
- Precise collocations: “instant gratification”, “on-demand excitement”, “become desensitized”, “democratized access”
- Technology-specific terms: “streaming”, “immersive”, “virtual reality”, “simulate”
- Grammar:
- Reduced relative clauses: “this tendency to experience excitement through a lens”
- Participle phrases: “anticipating the social validation”, “using technology as a tool”
- Comparative structures: “a far cry from”, “more accessible but potentially more superficial”
- Critical Thinking:
- Analyzes both positive and negative impacts
- Provides specific, relevant examples
- Historical perspective (comparing with previous generations)
- Acknowledges nuances (“double-edged sword”)
- Concludes with balanced, thoughtful recommendation
Theme 2: Excitement and Age Groups
Question 3: Why do children tend to get excited more easily than adults?
🎯 Phân tích câu hỏi:
- Dạng: Compare/Contrast + Reason
- Key words: “children”, “more easily”, “than adults” – cần compare và explain reasons
- Cách tiếp cận: Agree with premise → Reasons (developmental, experiential, social) → Examples → Implications
📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:
I think children get excited more easily because everything is new to them. Adults have experienced many things already, so they don’t feel as excited. Also, children don’t have as many responsibilities as adults, so they can enjoy things more freely. For instance, a child might be very excited about going to a park, but for adults, it’s just a normal activity.
📝 Câu trả lời mẫu – Band 8-9:
That’s an interesting observation, and I think there are several interrelated factors at play here.
From a developmental standpoint, children’s brains are still forming, and they’re constantly encountering new stimuli. What might seem mundane to an adult – like seeing a butterfly or riding a bus – can be absolutely thrilling for a child because they haven’t yet built up the mental catalogue of experiences that adults have. There’s a freshness to their perception that we tend to lose as we age and become more jaded.
Beyond the novelty factor, I’d argue that children also lack the emotional regulation and social filters that adults develop over time. When a child feels excited, they express it uninhibitedly – jumping up and down, screaming with joy – whereas adults have learned to temper their reactions to be more socially appropriate. So it’s not just that children feel more excitement; it’s also that they display it more openly.
There’s also a cognitive element to consider. Adults tend to overthink things and anticipate potential problems. When planning a trip, for example, an adult’s excitement might be dampened by worries about logistics, costs, or what could go wrong. Children, blissfully unaware of these complications, can experience pure, unadulterated excitement about the prospect of adventure.
What’s perhaps most poignant is that life experience itself can erode our capacity for excitement. Adults have often faced disappointments, unmet expectations, and the mundane realities of daily life. This can create a certain emotional guardedness – a reluctance to get too excited because we’ve learned that things don’t always turn out as hoped. Children, unburdened by such cynicism, approach each experience with genuine optimism and wonder.
Phân tích:
- Structure: Multi-dimensional analysis: Developmental → Emotional/Social → Cognitive → Experiential, với smooth transitions
- Vocabulary:
- Psychology-related: “developmental standpoint”, “emotional regulation”, “cognitive element”, “emotional guardedness”
- Sophisticated expressions: “jaded”, “temper their reactions”, “unadulterated excitement”, “unburdened by cynicism”
- Academic collocations: “interrelated factors”, “at play”, “erode our capacity”
- Grammar:
- Advanced structures: “What might seem mundane…”, “it’s not just that…it’s also that”
- Participle phrases: “blissfully unaware of”, “unburdened by such cynicism”
- Contrast structures: “whereas adults have learned to…”
- Critical Thinking:
- Multi-faceted analysis từ nhiều perspectives
- Distinguishes between feeling excitement và displaying it
- Reflects on philosophical implications (loss of wonder)
- Shows empathy và deep understanding of human development
Theme 3: Excitement in Society and Culture
Question 4: Do you think some cultures encourage people to express excitement more openly than others?
🎯 Phân tích câu hỏi:
- Dạng: Opinion + Cultural Comparison
- Key words: “some cultures”, “express excitement”, “more openly” – cần compare cultural differences
- Cách tiếp cận: Agree → Provide examples of different cultures → Explain reasons (values, norms) → Personal observation → Balanced view
📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:
Yes, I think different cultures have different ways of showing excitement. For example, Western people are usually more expressive and open about their feelings, while Asian people are often more reserved. This is because of cultural values. In some cultures, showing too much emotion is seen as immature, while other cultures think it’s healthy to express feelings openly.
📝 Câu trả lời mẫu – Band 8-9:
Absolutely, there are striking cultural variations in how excitement is expressed and perceived, and this reflects deeply ingrained cultural values about emotion and self-presentation.
Taking the contrast between more individualistic societies – like the US or Australia – and collectivist cultures such as many Asian countries, we can see quite different norms. In individualistic cultures, there’s generally a premium placed on authentic self-expression. People are encouraged to let their excitement show, whether that’s through exuberant gestures, loud celebrations, or even whooping and hollering at sports events. This outward display is seen as genuine and positive.
Conversely, in many Asian cultures, including Vietnamese culture, there’s often a greater emphasis on emotional restraint and maintaining composure. This doesn’t mean people feel less excitement – rather, the cultural script dictates more subdued expressions. In Japan, for instance, there’s the concept of “reading the air” (kuuki wo yomu), which involves being attuned to social situations and moderating your reactions accordingly. Excessive displays of emotion, including excitement, might be perceived as lacking in self-control or as potentially disrupting group harmony.
These differences are rooted in contrasting philosophical traditions. Confucian-influenced societies tend to value moderation and propriety, viewing overt emotional displays as somewhat unseemly. Western philosophical traditions, influenced by Romanticism and individualism, often celebrate emotional authenticity as a mark of being true to oneself.
That being said, we shouldn’t paint with too broad a brush. Within any culture, there’s tremendous individual variation, and cultures themselves are constantly evolving. Globalization and cross-cultural exchange are blurring these lines to some extent. Young people in traditionally reserved cultures, exposed to global media, may be adopting more expressive styles, while there’s also a growing appreciation in Western countries for mindfulness and emotional regulation practices from Eastern traditions.
What’s fascinating is that neither approach is inherently superior – they’re simply different cultural adaptations to the question of how to navigate social life effectively.
Phân tích:
- Structure: Affirm cultural differences → Example 1 (individualistic) → Example 2 (collectivist) → Philosophical roots → Nuanced view on evolution → Balanced conclusion
- Vocabulary:
- Cultural terms: “individualistic societies”, “collectivist cultures”, “cultural script”, “Confucian-influenced”
- Sophisticated expressions: “striking variations”, “deeply ingrained”, “premium placed on”, “paint with too broad a brush”
- Specific examples: “kuuki wo yomu” (showing cultural knowledge)
- Academic collocations: “rooted in”, “blurring these lines”, “cultural adaptations”
- Grammar:
- Complex comparative structures: “Taking the contrast between…and…”
- Embedded clauses: “This doesn’t mean people feel less excitement – rather…”
- Passive constructions: “are encouraged to”, “might be perceived as”
- Participle phrases: “influenced by Romanticism”, “exposed to global media”
- Critical Thinking:
- Provides specific cultural examples với depth
- Explains underlying philosophical reasons
- Acknowledges complexity và individual variation
- Discusses cultural evolution và globalization
- Avoids stereotyping với nuanced language
- Concludes với relative cultural perspective (không judge cultures)
💡 Key Language Features:
- Discourse markers for contrast: “Conversely”, “That being said”, “on the other hand”
- Hedging language: “generally”, “often”, “tends to”, “might be perceived as”
- Emphatic structures: “What’s fascinating is that…”, “Taking the contrast between…”
- Academic tone: “philosophical traditions”, “cultural adaptations”, “navigate social life”
Question 5: In what ways can experiencing excitement be beneficial for people’s mental health?
🎯 Phân tích câu hỏi:
- Dạng: Cause-Effect (Benefits) – health/wellbeing perspective
- Key words: “ways” (multiple), “beneficial”, “mental health” – cần psychological/health angle
- Cách tiếp cận: Acknowledge importance → Multiple benefits (physiological, psychological, social) → Scientific backing → Caveats/Balance
📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:
Excitement can be good for mental health in many ways. First, it makes people feel happy and reduces stress. When people do exciting things, they can forget about their problems for a while. Also, excitement can motivate people to try new things, which helps them grow as individuals. For example, if someone feels excited about learning a new skill, they will be more motivated to practice and improve.
📝 Câu trả lời mẫu – Band 8-9:
This is actually a well-researched area in psychology, and the evidence suggests that excitement plays a multifaceted role in promoting mental wellbeing.
From a neurochemical perspective, experiences that generate excitement trigger the release of what are often called “feel-good hormones” – dopamine, endorphins, and serotonin. These neurochemical cascades not only create that immediate sense of euphoria but also have longer-lasting effects on mood regulation. People who regularly engage in activities that excite them tend to have more resilient neural pathways associated with positive emotions, which can serve as a buffer against depression and anxiety.
Beyond the biochemistry, excitement provides crucial psychological benefits. It counteracts monotony and boredom, which are significant risk factors for mental health issues like depression. When people have something to look forward to – whether it’s an upcoming trip, a concert, or even a new episode of a favorite show – it creates positive anticipation, which gives structure and meaning to daily life. This anticipatory excitement can be just as valuable as the experience itself.
There’s also an important motivational dimension. Excitement often acts as a catalyst for people to step outside their comfort zones and engage with novel experiences. This kind of behavioral activation is actually a cornerstone of many evidence-based therapies for depression. When people push themselves to try new things, even when they don’t initially feel motivated, the excitement that emerges can kickstart a positive cycle of engagement and improved mood.
Moreover, exciting experiences often have a social component – they’re things we do with others or that create shared narratives. These shared moments of excitement strengthen social bonds, and we know that robust social connections are one of the strongest predictors of mental health and wellbeing. The communal aspect of excitement shouldn’t be underestimated.
However, I should note that there’s a caveat here. While healthy excitement is beneficial, an excessive need for stimulation or an addiction to thrills can actually be counterproductive. Some people might chase excitement as a way to avoid dealing with underlying emotional issues, which is obviously not a sustainable approach to mental health. As with most things, balance and self-awareness are key.
Phân tích:
- Structure: Introduction establishing credibility → Neurochemical benefits → Psychological benefits → Motivational aspects → Social dimension → Caveat/Balanced conclusion
- Vocabulary:
- Scientific/medical terms: “neurochemical cascades”, “resilient neural pathways”, “behavioral activation”, “evidence-based therapies”
- Mental health terminology: “mood regulation”, “buffer against”, “risk factors”, “anticipatory excitement”
- Advanced expressions: “well-researched area”, “multifaceted role”, “counteracts monotony”, “cornerstone of”
- Precise collocations: “trigger the release”, “serve as a buffer”, “step outside comfort zones”, “kickstart a positive cycle”
- Grammar:
- Complex noun phrases: “what are often called ‘feel-good hormones'”
- Reduced relative clauses: “People who regularly engage…”
- Conditional implied: “even when they don’t initially feel motivated”
- Comparative structures: “just as valuable as the experience itself”
- Critical Thinking:
- Integrates scientific knowledge (neuroscience, psychology)
- Multi-dimensional analysis (biological, psychological, social)
- Provides specific mechanisms (not just stating “it’s good”)
- Acknowledges limitations và potential negatives
- Shows awareness of evidence-based practices
- Balanced conclusion emphasizing moderation
💡 Key Language Features:
- Academic register: “From a neurochemical perspective”, “This is a well-researched area”, “the evidence suggests”
- Cause-effect language: “trigger”, “lead to”, “result in”, “kickstart”, “acts as a catalyst”
- Hedging: “tends to”, “can be”, “often”, “might”
- Contrasting ideas: “Beyond the biochemistry”, “Moreover”, “However, I should note”
Nhóm bạn trẻ Việt Nam cùng nhau tham gia hoạt động thể thao mạo hiểm thể hiện cảm xúc phấn khích và hạnh phúc
Từ vựng và cụm từ quan trọng
Topic-Specific Vocabulary
| Từ vựng/Cụm từ | Loại từ | Phiên âm | Nghĩa tiếng Việt | Ví dụ | Collocation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| thrilled | adj | /θrɪld/ | vô cùng phấn khích, hồi hộp | I was absolutely thrilled when I got the job offer. | absolutely thrilled, thrilled to bits, thrilled about/with |
| exhilarating | adj | /ɪɡˈzɪl.ə.reɪ.tɪŋ/ | làm phấn khích, hưng phấn | The roller coaster ride was absolutely exhilarating. | exhilarating experience, absolutely exhilarating, find something exhilarating |
| get fired up | phrasal verb | /ɡet faɪəd ʌp/ | trở nên rất phấn khích, nhiệt tình | He always gets fired up about environmental issues. | get fired up about/over, really fired up, all fired up |
| electric atmosphere | noun phrase | /ɪˈlek.trɪk ˈæt.mə.sfɪər/ | bầu không khí sôi động, căng thẳng | The stadium had an electric atmosphere during the final match. | create an electric atmosphere, electric atmosphere in/at |
| butterflies in stomach | idiom | /ˈbʌt.ə.flaɪz ɪn ˈstʌm.ək/ | cảm giác bồn chồn, hồi hộp (trong bụng) | I always get butterflies in my stomach before presentations. | have/get butterflies, butterflies in one’s stomach |
| over the moon | idiom | /ˈəʊ.vər ðə muːn/ | vô cùng vui sướng, hạnh phúc | She was over the moon when she won the scholarship. | absolutely/completely over the moon, over the moon about/with |
| adrenaline rush | noun phrase | /əˈdren.əl.ɪn rʌʃ/ | cảm giác phấn khích mạnh do adrenaline | Skydiving gives you an incredible adrenaline rush. | get/experience an adrenaline rush, huge/massive adrenaline rush |
| anticipation | noun | /ænˌtɪs.ɪˈpeɪ.ʃən/ | sự mong đợi, sự chờ mong | The anticipation before the concert was almost unbearable. | in anticipation of, sense of anticipation, growing anticipation |
| giddy | adj | /ˈɡɪd.i/ | chóng mặt vì phấn khích/vui | I felt giddy with excitement on my first day at university. | giddy with excitement/joy, feel giddy |
| pumped | adj | /pʌmpt/ | phấn chấn, hào hứng (informal) | I’m really pumped for the competition tomorrow. | get/feel pumped, pumped up, really pumped about |
| elated | adj | /ɪˈleɪ.tɪd/ | phấn khởi, hân hoan | We were elated by the news of our team’s victory. | absolutely elated, elated at/by, feel elated |
| euphoric | adj | /juːˈfɒr.ɪk/ | hưng phấn, cực kỳ vui sướng | After finishing the marathon, I felt absolutely euphoric. | euphoric feeling, absolutely euphoric, euphoric state |
| buzz | noun | /bʌz/ | cảm giác phấn khích, hào hứng | There’s a real buzz around the new restaurant opening. | get a buzz from, create a buzz, buzz of excitement |
| walk on air | idiom | /wɔːk ɒn eər/ | cảm giác như đang bay bổng vì hạnh phúc | After the proposal, she was walking on air for days. | walk/float on air |
| nail-biting | adj | /ˈneɪl ˌbaɪ.tɪŋ/ | hồi hộp, căng thẳng đến nỗi cắn móng tay | It was a nail-biting finish to the race. | nail-biting finish/ending, nail-biting moment/experience |
| on edge | idiom | /ɒn edʒ/ | hồi hộp, lo lắng, bồn chồn | I was on edge waiting for the exam results. | feel/be on edge, on edge about |
| trembling with excitement | phrase | /ˈtrem.blɪŋ wɪð ɪkˈsaɪt.mənt/ | run rẩy vì phấn khích | My hands were trembling with excitement as I opened the letter. | tremble with excitement/anticipation/nervousness |
| eagerly anticipate | verb phrase | /ˈiː.ɡə.li ænˈtɪs.ɪ.peɪt/ | háo hức mong đợi | We eagerly anticipated the trip for months. | eagerly anticipate something, eagerly anticipated event |
Idiomatic Expressions & Advanced Phrases
| Cụm từ | Nghĩa | Ví dụ sử dụng | Band điểm |
|---|---|---|---|
| get someone’s adrenaline going/pumping | làm ai đó phấn khích mạnh, kích thích adrenaline | Extreme sports really get my adrenaline going. | 7.5-9 |
| send excitement into overdrive | khiến sự phấn khích tăng lên mức cực cao | The announcement of the surprise guest sent our excitement into overdrive. | 8-9 |
| giddy with anticipation | phấn khích đến chóng mặt vì mong chờ | I was giddy with anticipation before my first solo travel. | 7.5-8.5 |
| a thrill a minute | liên tục có những điều thú vị, hồi hộp | The concert was a thrill a minute from start to finish. | 7-8 |
| give someone goosebumps | làm ai đó nổi da gà vì phấn khích/xúc động | That performance gave me goosebumps. | 7-8.5 |
| pique someone’s interest | khơi gợi sự quan tâm của ai đó | The documentary piqued my interest in marine biology. | 7.5-9 |
| whet someone’s appetite | kích thích sự thèm muốn/hứng thú của ai | The trailer really whetted my appetite for the full movie. | 8-9 |
| jump at the chance | nắm lấy cơ hội một cách háo hức | I’d jump at the chance to study abroad. | 7-8 |
| packed to the rafters | chật kín, đông nghịt | The stadium was packed to the rafters for the final match. | 8-9 |
| time slowed down to a crawl | thời gian như trôi rất chậm | In that exciting moment, time seemed to slow down to a crawl. | 8.5-9 |
| agonizingly close | gần đến mức đau đớn, tiếc nuối | We came agonizingly close to winning the championship. | 8-9 |
| on tenterhooks | hồi hộp, lo lắng chờ đợi | I was on tenterhooks waiting for the audition results. | 7.5-8.5 |
| a rush of excitement | một cơn phấn khích dâng trào | I felt a rush of excitement when I saw my name on the list. | 7-8 |
| ride a wave of excitement | trải qua giai đoạn phấn khích liên tục | The team rode a wave of excitement throughout the tournament. | 8-9 |
Discourse Markers (Từ Nối Ý Trong Speaking)
Để bắt đầu câu trả lời:
- 📝 Well,… – Dùng khi cần một chút thời gian suy nghĩ hoặc introduce một observation
- 📝 Actually,… – Khi muốn correct hoặc add unexpected information
- 📝 To be honest,… – Khi nói thật/thẳng thắn về quan điểm
- 📝 I’d say that… – Cách diplomatic để đưa ra opinion
- 📝 From my perspective,… – Để present personal viewpoint
- 📝 Looking at it from another angle,… – Khi muốn offer alternative view
Để bổ sung ý:
- 📝 On top of that,… – Thêm vào đó (mạnh hơn ‘also’)
- 📝 What’s more,… – Hơn nữa, thêm vào đó
- 📝 Not to mention… – Chưa kể đến (thường introduce điểm quan trọng)
- 📝 Beyond that,… – Ngoài ra, vượt ra ngoài điều đó
- 📝 On a more practical level,… – Ở góc độ thực tế hơn
Để đưa ra quan điểm cân bằng:
- 📝 On the one hand,… On the other hand,… – Một mặt… mặt khác
- 📝 While it’s true that…, we also need to consider… – Mặc dù đúng là… nhưng ta cũng cần xem xét
- 📝 That being said,… – Nói như vậy thì… (để introduce contrasting point)
- 📝 Having said that,… – Đã nói vậy nhưng…
- 📝 Conversely,… – Ngược lại (formal)
Để kết luận:
- 📝 All in all,… – Tóm lại, xét chung
- 📝 At the end of the day,… – Cuối cùng thì, xét cho cùng
- 📝 On balance,… – Cân nhắc tất cả thì…
- 📝 Taking everything into account,… – Tính đến tất cả mọi thứ
- 📝 In the final analysis,… – Xét đến cùng (formal)
Để emphasize:
- 📝 What’s particularly interesting/important is… – Điều đặc biệt thú vị/quan trọng là
- 📝 The key point here is… – Điểm chính ở đây là
- 📝 What strikes me most is… – Điều ấn tượng nhất với tôi là
- 📝 It’s worth noting that… – Đáng chú ý là
Grammatical Structures Ấn Tượng
1. Conditional Sentences (Câu điều kiện):
-
Mixed conditional: “If I hadn’t taken that risk, I wouldn’t be where I am today.”
- Formula: If + Past Perfect, … would + Verb (mixing past condition với present result)
- Ví dụ: “If I had known how exciting it would be, I would be much more enthusiastic about similar experiences now.”
-
Inversion for emphasis: “Had I known the results earlier, I would have celebrated sooner.”
- Formula: Had/Should/Were + Subject + Verb, … would/could…
- Ví dụ: “Were I to experience that excitement again, I’d make sure to savor every moment.”
2. Relative Clauses (Mệnh đề quan hệ):
-
Non-defining relative clause: “That experience, which completely changed my perspective, remains vivid in my memory.”
- Formula: Noun, which/who + clause, verb…
- Ví dụ: “The competition, which I’d been preparing for months, exceeded all my expectations.”
-
Reduced relative clause: “The feeling of excitement experienced during that moment was indescribable.”
- Formula: Noun + participle phrase (bỏ which/that + be)
- Ví dụ: “Anyone participating in such events would understand the thrill.”
3. Passive Voice (Câu bị động):
-
It is thought/believed/said that…
- Ví dụ: “It is widely believed that excitement plays a crucial role in motivation.”
- Formula: It + be + past participle + that + clause
-
Passive with reporting verbs: “Excitement is considered essential for human wellbeing.”
- Ví dụ: “These experiences are often regarded as pivotal moments in one’s life.”
4. Cleft Sentences (Câu chẻ):
-
What + clause + be…
- Formula: What + subject + verb + be + focus
- Ví dụ: “What I find most exciting about travel is the unpredictability of new experiences.”
- Ví dụ: “What really amplified my excitement was the element of surprise.”
-
The thing/reason that… is…
- Formula: The thing/reason/way that + clause + be + focus
- Ví dụ: “The thing that makes these moments memorable is the genuine emotion involved.”
- Ví dụ: “The reason why I felt so thrilled was that I’d overcome significant challenges to get there.”
5. Participle Clauses (Mệnh đề phân từ):
-
Present participle (V-ing):
- Ví dụ: “Feeling overwhelmed with excitement, I couldn’t find the words to express my joy.”
- Ví dụ: “Having experienced such intense emotions, I now appreciate ordinary moments more.”
-
Past participle (V3):
- Ví dụ: “Thrilled by the news, we immediately started making plans.”
- Ví dụ: “Exhausted but elated, I finally crossed the finish line.”
6. Emphatic Structures:
-
It was…that/who…
- Ví dụ: “It was the anticipation that made the experience so thrilling, not just the event itself.”
- Formula: It + be + focus + that/who + rest of sentence
-
Not only…but also…
- Ví dụ: “Not only did I feel excited, but I also felt a profound sense of achievement.”
- Formula: Not only + auxiliary + subject + verb, but (also) + clause
7. Inversion (Đảo ngữ):
-
Negative adverbials at the start:
- Ví dụ: “Rarely have I experienced such intense excitement.”
- Ví dụ: “Never before had I felt so alive.”
- Formula: Negative word + auxiliary + subject + main verb
-
Only + time expression:
- Ví dụ: “Only when I opened the letter did I realize how excited I was.”
- Formula: Only + phrase + auxiliary + subject + main verb
8. Advanced Comparative Structures:
-
The + comparative…, the + comparative…:
- Ví dụ: “The more I thought about the opportunity, the more excited I became.”
- Formula: The + comparative + clause, the + comparative + clause
-
As…as structures:
- Ví dụ: “The anticipation was just as thrilling as the actual experience.”
- Ví dụ: “Nothing is as exhilarating as achieving something you’ve worked hard for.”
Tips để sử dụng structures này tự nhiên:
- Đừng force: Chỉ dùng khi phù hợp với ý bạn muốn express, không nên nhồi nhét
- Mix với simple sentences: Band cao không có nghĩa là toàn câu phức tạp, cần balance
- Practice với context: Luyện tập structures này với various topics để trở nên tự nhiên
- Record yourself: Thu âm và nghe lại để ensure câu văn flow naturally
Sinh viên Việt Nam chăm chỉ học từ vựng IELTS Speaking về chủ đề cảm xúc
Chiến Lược Học Tập Và Luyện Tập Hiệu Quả
Lộ Trình Chuẩn Bị 4 Tuần
Tuần 1: Xây Dựng Nền Tảng Từ Vựng
- Học 10-15 từ vựng/cụm từ mỗi ngày về emotions và excitement
- Tạo example sentences cá nhân cho mỗi từ
- Record pronunciation và practice daily
- Viết 3-4 personal stories có thể sử dụng cho chủ đề này
Tuần 2: Luyện Part 2 Intensive
- Practice với 5-7 cue cards tương tự về emotions/exciting experiences
- Record yourself và nghe lại để identify issues
- Work on timing (aim for 2-2.5 phút consistently)
- Focus on storytelling skills với vivid details
Tuần 3: Master Part 3 Abstract Discussion
- Study các câu hỏi Part 3 về emotions, psychology, society
- Practice responding với structure: Direct answer → Reasons → Examples → Nuance
- Develop opinions về các abstract topics
- Learn academic vocabulary và discourse markers
Tuần 4: Mock Tests và Fine-tuning
- Full mock tests với timing
- Work với study partner hoặc teacher để get feedback
- Perfect pronunciation của key phrases
- Build confidence với regular practice
Lỗi Thường Gặp Và Cách Khắc Phục
Lỗi 1: Sử dụng “very” và “really” quá nhiều
- ❌ “I was very very excited and really really happy.”
- ✅ “I was absolutely thrilled and over the moon.”
- Khắc phục: Học intensifiers khác (absolutely, incredibly, utterly) và strong adjectives (thrilled, elated, euphoric)
Lỗi 2: Kể chuyện theo kiểu list events, thiếu details
- ❌ “First I went there, then I did this, then I did that.”
- ✅ “The moment I walked in, my heart started racing. The electric atmosphere immediately drew me in…”
- Khắc phục: Add sensory details (what you saw, heard, felt) và emotional reactions
Lỗi 3: Không develop ideas trong Part 3
- ❌ “Yes, I think technology has changed excitement. People use phones now.”
- ✅ “Absolutely, I’d say technology has fundamentally transformed the nature of excitement…” [develop với multiple reasons và examples]
- Khắc phục: Practice TREE structure (Topic sentence → Reasons → Examples → Evaluation/conclusion)
Lỗi 4: Trả lời quá ngắn, không extend
- ❌ Examiner: “Do you get excited easily?” → “Yes, I do.”
- ✅ “I’d say I’m quite an excitable person by nature. I tend to get fired up about things that pique my interest…”
- Khắc phục: Always add reason + example sau direct answer
Lỗi 5: Sợ pause để suy nghĩ
- Khắc phục: Sử dụng thinking time phrases một cách tự nhiên: “That’s an interesting question…”, “Let me think about that for a moment…”, “Well,…”
Tips Từ Góc Nhìn Examiner
Điều examiners muốn thấy:
- Natural communication: Nói như đang chat với người thật, không như đang recite script
- Personality: Để personality shine through, đừng quá formal hoặc robotic
- Flexibility: Có thể adapt câu trả lời dựa trên câu hỏi cụ thể, không áp template cứng nhắc
- Genuine engagement: Show interest trong conversation, không chỉ mechanical responses
- Risk-taking: Willing to use less common vocabulary và complex structures (even if có minor errors)
Điều làm examiners ấn tượng:
- Idiomatic expressions được dùng correctly và naturally
- Personal anecdotes với vivid details
- Ability to discuss abstract concepts với examples cụ thể
- Thoughtful pauses for reflection (không phải hesitation vì thiếu vocabulary)
- Cultural references hoặc broader knowledge
Red flags examiners notice:
- Obvious memorized answers
- Overuse of certain phrases/structures
- Generic examples thiếu personal touch
- Robotic delivery without natural intonation
- Inability to extend answers beyond basic level
Cách Tự Đánh Giá Band Điểm
Band 6-7 characteristics:
- Can communicate adequately nhưng with some repetition
- Uses common vocabulary correctly
- Mix of simple và some complex sentences
- Occasional errors không cản trở communication
- Can develop ideas nhưng chưa fully
Band 7.5-8 characteristics:
- Fluent với minimal hesitation
- Wide range of vocabulary including less common items
- Flexibly uses variety of complex structures
- Majority error-free
- Develops ideas coherently với relevant examples
Band 8.5-9 characteristics:
- Speaks fluently với only rare repetition
- Uses vocabulary precisely và flexibly
- Produces sophisticated and natural expressions
- Complex structures handled with ease
- Develops topics fully và appropriately với insightful ideas
Câu Hỏi Thường Gặp (FAQs)
Q: Tôi có thể sử dụng cùng một story cho nhiều topics khác nhau không?
A: Có thể! Một experience thường có nhiều angles. Ví dụ, chuyến du lịch đầu tiên có thể dùng cho “exciting experience”, “memorable trip”, “time you felt proud”, etc. Nhưng hãy adapt details để match specific question.
Q: Làm sao để improve pronunciation trong thời gian ngắn?
A: Focus on word stress và sentence stress hơn là perfect individual sounds. Record native speakers saying key phrases và shadow (lặp lại ngay sau họ). Sử dụng apps như ELSA Speak hoặc YouGlish.
Q: Part 3 quá khó, tôi không biết trả lời gì?
A: It’s OK to say “That’s an interesting question, I haven’t thought about it before, but…” rồi develop idea. Examiners không expect bạn là expert, họ assess language ability chứ không phải knowledge.
Q: Tôi nên học thuộc sample answers không?
A: Tuyệt đối KHÔNG. Examiners dễ dàng nhận ra memorized answers. Thay vào đó, học vocabulary, structures, và cách develop ideas. Create your own stories và practice telling them naturally.
Q: Có nên sử dụng accent Anh hay Mỹ?
A: Không quan trọng. Examiners accept tất cả English accents. Focus on clarity và pronunciation features (stress, intonation) hơn là accent cụ thể.
Chủ đề “Describe a time you were very excited” là một cơ hội tuyệt vời để showcase khả năng storytelling và emotional vocabulary của bạn. Remember rằng IELTS Speaking đánh giá khả năng communicate effectively, không phải memory skills. Hãy genuine, enthusiastic, và cho personality của bạn shine through trong câu trả lời.
Key takeaways:
- ✅ Prepare personal stories với vivid details và emotions
- ✅ Build vocabulary range với synonyms và idiomatic expressions
- ✅ Practice extending answers với reasons và examples
- ✅ Develop opinions cho abstract Part 3 questions
- ✅ Record yourself và analyze performance
- ✅ Focus on natural communication hơn là perfect answers
- ✅ Show enthusiasm và personality trong delivery
Chúc bạn tự tin và thành công trong IELTS Speaking test! Remember, excitement là universal human emotion – everyone có những khoảnh khắc đáng nhớ để share. Hãy kể câu chuyện của bạn một cách authentic và passionate, điểm số tốt sẽ đến một cách tự nhiên.
