IELTS Speaking: Cách Nói Về Lúc Bạn Tự Hào Về Thành Viên Gia Đình – Bài Mẫu Band 6-9

Chủ đề gia đình luôn là một trong những đề tài phổ biến và “quen thuộc” nhất trong kỳ thi IELTS Speaking. Đặc biệt, câu hỏi về “thời điểm bạn tự hào về một thành viên trong gia đình” xuất hiện với tần suất cao trong các kỳ thi từ năm 2020 đến nay, và dự kiến sẽ tiếp tục là chủ đề được ưa chuộng trong tương lai gần. Theo thống kê từ các nguồn đề thi thực tế (ielts-blog.com, ieltsliz.com), chủ đề này xuất hiện khoảng 15-20% trong tổng số đề thi Speaking Part 2.

Đây là một chủ đề tuyệt vời để thí sinh thể hiện khả năng sử dụng ngôn ngữ cảm xúc, miêu tả sự kiện cụ thể, và chia sẻ giá trị cá nhân – những yếu tố quan trọng giúp bạn ghi điểm với giám khảo.

Trong bài viết này, bạn sẽ học được:

• Các câu hỏi thường gặp về chủ đề gia đình trong cả 3 phần thi
• Bài mẫu chi tiết theo từng band điểm (6-7, 7.5-8, 8.5-9) với phân tích cụ thể
• Hơn 50 từ vựng và cụm từ ăn điểm liên quan đến chủ đề
• Chiến lược trả lời hiệu quả từ góc nhìn của một giám khảo IELTS
• Những lỗi phổ biến của thí sinh Việt Nam và cách khắc phục

IELTS Speaking Part 1: Introduction and Interview

Tổng Quan Về Part 1

Part 1 kéo dài khoảng 4-5 phút, trong đó giám khảo sẽ hỏi các câu hỏi ngắn về cuộc sống hàng ngày, sở thích, công việc, gia đình. Đây là phần “khởi động” để bạn làm quen với không khí thi cử và giúp giám khảo có ấn tượng ban đầu về trình độ tiếng Anh của bạn.

Chiến lược quan trọng:

• Trả lời trực tiếp câu hỏi trong câu đầu tiên
• Mở rộng ý với 1-2 câu giải thích hoặc ví dụ
• Tổng độ dài lý tưởng: 2-3 câu (khoảng 15-20 giây)

Lỗi thường gặp của học viên Việt Nam:

• Trả lời quá ngắn gọn (Yes/No) mà không mở rộng
• Sử dụng từ vựng đơn điệu, lặp lại (good, nice, interesting)
• Thiếu ví dụ cụ thể từ kinh nghiệm cá nhân
• Ngần ngại, do dự quá lâu trước khi trả lời

Các Câu Hỏi Thường Gặp

Question 1: Do you have a large or small family?

Question 2: How much time do you spend with your family?

Question 3: Who are you closest to in your family?

Question 4: What activities do you enjoy doing with your family?

Question 5: Do you prefer spending time with your family or friends?

Question 6: What values did your family teach you?

Question 7: How has your family influenced who you are today?

Question 8: Do you have any family traditions?

Phân Tích và Gợi Ý Trả Lời Chi Tiết

Question: Who are you closest to in your family?

🎯 Cách tiếp cận:

• Nêu rõ người đó là ai (direct answer)
• Giải thích lý do (tính cách, sở thích chung, kỷ niệm)
• Có thể thêm ví dụ ngắn để minh họa

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

I’m probably closest to my older sister. We have similar interests and she always listens to me when I have problems. We often go shopping together on weekends and talk about everything.

Phân tích:

• Điểm mạnh: Trả lời trực tiếp, có giải thích cơ bản, đưa ra ví dụ cụ thể về hoạt động chung
• Hạn chế: Từ vựng khá đơn giản (similar, talk about), cấu trúc câu chưa đa dạng, thiếu chi tiết cảm xúc sâu sắc
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Đáp ứng được yêu cầu cơ bản với độ dài phù hợp, nhưng chưa thể hiện được lexical range và grammatical complexity

📝 Sample Answer – Band 8-9:

I’d say I’m particularly close to my older sister. We share a strong bond because we’ve been through thick and thin together growing up. What I really appreciate about her is that she’s incredibly non-judgmental – I can confide in her about absolutely anything without worrying about being criticized. Plus, we have overlapping interests in art and literature, which gives us plenty to discuss.

Phân tích:

• Điểm mạnh: Sử dụng collocations tự nhiên (share a strong bond, been through thick and thin), từ vựng tinh tế (non-judgmental, confide in, overlapping interests), cấu trúc phức tạp (What I really appreciate… is that), ý tưởng được phát triển logic
• Tại sao Band 8-9: Thể hiện Fluency (trôi chảy tự nhiên), Lexical Resource (từ vựng đa dạng và chính xác cao), Grammar (sử dụng relative clause, complex sentences), ý tưởng có chiều sâu về mối quan hệ

💡 Key Vocabulary & Expressions:

• share a strong bond: có mối quan hệ gắn bó sâu sắc
• been through thick and thin: đã cùng nhau trải qua nhiều khó khăn
• non-judgmental: không phán xét, không đánh giá tiêu cực
• confide in someone: tâm sự, chia sẻ bí mật với ai đó
• overlapping interests: sở thích trùng lặp, giống nhau

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Question: How much time do you spend with your family?

🎯 Cách tiếp cận:

• Trả lời về số lượng thời gian (daily/weekly)
• Giải thích lý do (công việc, học tập, khoảng cách địa lý)
• Có thể đề cập đến chất lượng thời gian, không chỉ số lượng

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

I spend quite a lot of time with my family, especially in the evenings and on weekends. We usually have dinner together every day and watch TV after that. On Sundays, we sometimes go out for lunch or visit relatives.

Phân tích:

• Điểm mạnh: Cấu trúc rõ ràng, đưa ra các ví dụ cụ thể về hoạt động
• Hạn chế: Từ vựng khá cơ bản (quite a lot, have dinner, watch TV), thiếu depth về ý nghĩa của thời gian gia đình
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Trả lời đầy đủ nhưng chưa impressive về ngôn ngữ

📝 Sample Answer – Band 8-9:

These days, I’d say I spend a moderate amount of time with my family – we typically gather for meals in the evenings, which is really our quality time to catch up on each other’s day. Since I moved out for university, I’ve come to cherish these moments more than I used to. We make it a point to have a proper family get-together at least once a week, usually over Sunday brunch, where we can have more meaningful conversations rather than just the usual day-to-day chatter.

Phân tích:

• Điểm mạnh: Vocabulary chính xác và natural (moderate amount, gather for meals, quality time, cherish these moments), sử dụng discourse markers (These days, Since), cấu trúc câu phức (relative clause: “where we can have…”), ý tưởng có contrast giữa trước và sau khi đi học
• Tại sao Band 8-9: Thể hiện khả năng sử dụng ngôn ngữ linh hoạt, tự nhiên, có sự phát triển ý tưởng logic và phản ánh personal growth

💡 Key Vocabulary & Expressions:

• moderate amount: lượng vừa phải
• gather for meals: tụ họp để dùng bữa
• quality time: thời gian chất lượng, ý nghĩa
• cherish these moments: trân trọng những khoảnh khắc này
• proper family get-together: buổi họp mặt gia đình đàng hoàng
• meaningful conversations: những cuộc trò chuyện sâu sắc

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Question: What values did your family teach you?

🎯 Cách tiếp cận:

• Nêu 1-2 giá trị cụ thể
• Giải thích cách gia đình truyền đạt giá trị đó
• Có thể nói về ảnh hưởng của giá trị đó đến hiện tại

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

My family taught me to be honest and work hard. My parents always told me that honesty is very important in life. They also showed me that if I want to succeed, I need to put in effort. These lessons help me a lot in my studies now.

Phân tích:

• Điểm mạnh: Nêu rõ 2 giá trị, có giải thích và application
• Hạn chế: Từ vựng basic (honest, work hard, very important, put in effort), thiếu concrete examples
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Đáp ứng yêu cầu nhưng chưa sophisticated

📝 Sample Answer – Band 8-9:

I’d say the most important values my family instilled in me are integrity and perseverance. Growing up, my parents were role models who practiced what they preached – they always emphasized being truthful even when it’s difficult, and they demonstrated through their own actions what it means to see things through despite obstacles. For instance, my father worked two jobs to support us through financial difficulties but never compromised on his principles. These values have really shaped my character and continue to guide my decisions today.

Phân tích:

• Điểm mạnh: Vocabulary cao cấp và precise (instilled in me, integrity, perseverance, practiced what they preached, see things through), concrete example về bố, cấu trúc phức tạp, ý tưởng có depth
• Tại sao Band 8-9: Thể hiện lexical resource xuất sắc, grammar đa dạng, critical thinking qua việc link values với personal development

💡 Key Vocabulary & Expressions:

• instill values in someone: truyền đạt, thấm nhuần giá trị cho ai đó
• integrity: sự chính trực, liêm chính
• perseverance: sự kiên trì, bền bỉ
• role models: hình mẫu, tấm gương
• practice what they preach: làm những gì họ nói, không nói suông
• see things through: hoàn thành việc gì đó đến cùng
• shape my character: hình thành tính cách của tôi

Gia đình Việt Nam đang có cuộc trò chuyện ấm cúng cùng nhau thể hiện sự gắn kết và giá trị truyền thống trong IELTS Speaking

IELTS Speaking Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)

Tổng Quan Về Part 2

Part 2 là phần độc thoại quan trọng nhất, chiếm khoảng 3-4 phút (1 phút chuẩn bị + 2-3 phút nói). Đây là cơ hội để bạn thể hiện khả năng sử dụng ngôn ngữ một cách liên tục, mạch lạc mà không bị gián đoạn.

Chiến lược hiệu quả:

• Sử dụng đầy đủ 1 phút chuẩn bị: Ghi chú keywords (không viết câu đầy đủ), lên outline cho 4 bullet points
• Nói đủ thời gian: Mục tiêu 2-3 phút, tối thiểu 1.5 phút
• Cover đầy đủ bullet points: Đừng bỏ sót điểm nào, đặc biệt là câu “explain”
• Sử dụng thì động từ phù hợp: Thường là quá khứ khi kể về sự kiện cụ thể
• Storytelling tự nhiên: Kể như đang chia sẻ với bạn bè, không quá formal

Lỗi thường gặp:

• Không tận dụng hết thời gian chuẩn bị
• Nói quá ngắn (dưới 1.5 phút)
• Bỏ sót bullet points, đặc biệt là phần “explain”
• Đọc thuộc template quá rõ ràng
• Thiếu chi tiết cụ thể, nói chung chung

Cue Card

Describe a time when you were proud of a family member

You should say:

• Who this family member is
• When this happened
• What he/she did that made you feel proud
• And explain why you felt so proud of him/her

Phân Tích Đề Bài

• Dạng câu hỏi: Describe an event/experience – kể về một sự kiện cụ thể trong quá khứ
• Thì động từ: Chủ yếu là quá khứ (past simple, past continuous, past perfect)
• Bullet points phải cover:
  • Người thân là ai (giới thiệu ngắn gọn về mối quan hệ)
  • Thời điểm (không cần quá chi tiết ngày tháng, nhưng cần context rõ ràng)
  • Hành động/thành tích cụ thể (đây là phần quan trọng nhất)
  • Lý do cảm thấy tự hào (phần “explain” này quan trọng nhất để ghi điểm cao)
• Câu “explain” quan trọng: Đây là nơi bạn thể hiện emotional depth, personal values, và khả năng reflect – những yếu tố phân biệt band 7 và band 8+

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7

Thời lượng: Khoảng 1.5-2 phút

I’d like to talk about a time when I felt really proud of my younger brother. This happened about two years ago when he was in his final year of high school.

My brother is three years younger than me. He’s always been a quiet and hardworking student, but he used to struggle with public speaking and was very shy in front of people.

What made me proud was when he won first prize in a regional English speaking competition. It was quite unexpected because there were many competitors from different schools. He had to prepare a presentation about environmental problems and then answer questions from the judges. I remember he practiced every day for about two months before the competition.

On the day of the competition, our whole family went to support him. I was a bit nervous for him at first, but when he started speaking, I was amazed. He spoke very clearly and confidently, and his presentation was well-organized with good examples. When they announced he won first prize, I felt so happy and proud of him.

I felt proud because I knew how hard he had worked to overcome his shyness. He didn’t give up even though it was difficult for him. This achievement showed me that he had grown a lot as a person. It was a great moment for our family, and it inspired me to work harder on my own goals too.

Phân Tích Band Điểm

Tiêu chí	Band	Nhận xét
Fluency & Coherence	6-7	Có sự mạch lạc cơ bản, sử dụng một số linking words (but, because, when), tuy nhiên vẫn còn đơn giản. Câu chuyện được kể theo thứ tự logic nhưng chưa có nhiều discourse markers phức tạp
Lexical Resource	6-7	Từ vựng đủ để diễn đạt ý, có một số collocations (hardworking student, public speaking, give up), nhưng còn lặp lại (proud xuất hiện nhiều lần) và thiếu từ vựng tinh vi hơn
Grammatical Range & Accuracy	6-7	Sử dụng được past simple, past continuous một cách chính xác. Có một số câu phức (when, because), nhưng chưa đa dạng về cấu trúc (thiếu past perfect, relative clauses phức tạp)
Pronunciation	6-7	Giả định phát âm rõ ràng, có thể hiểu được, với một số lỗi nhỏ không ảnh hưởng communication

Điểm mạnh:

• ✅ Trả lời đầy đủ tất cả bullet points
• ✅ Có câu chuyện cụ thể với timeline rõ ràng
• ✅ Đưa ra lý do cảm thấy tự hào ở phần cuối
• ✅ Độ dài phù hợp (khoảng 1.5-2 phút)

Hạn chế:

• ⚠️ Từ vựng chưa đa dạng, lặp lại một số từ (proud, hard work)
• ⚠️ Cấu trúc câu khá đơn giản, thiếu variety
• ⚠️ Phần “explain” chưa sâu sắc về mặt cảm xúc và giá trị cá nhân

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📝 Sample Answer – Band 7.5-8

Thời lượng: Khoảng 2-2.5 phút

I’d like to share a particularly memorable moment when I felt an overwhelming sense of pride about my mother. This took place roughly three years ago, during a rather challenging period for our family.

My mother is someone who has always been the pillar of strength in our household. She’s a primary school teacher by profession, but what really defines her character is her compassion and unwavering dedication to helping others, especially underprivileged children in our community.

The event that made me incredibly proud was when she spearheaded a charity project to build a small library for children in a remote mountainous area. What was remarkable about this was that she did it entirely on her own initiative, without any institutional support. She spent months reaching out to potential donors, organizing fundraising events, and coordinating with local authorities. I watched her juggle her full-time teaching job while pouring her heart into this project during evenings and weekends.

The day we actually traveled to that village to inaugurate the library was truly heartwarming. Seeing the children’s faces light up when they saw books for the first time made all her efforts worthwhile. What struck me most was how my mother had managed to collect over 2,000 books and raise enough funds to construct a proper reading space.

The reason I felt so profoundly proud wasn’t just because of the achievement itself, but because of what it represented. It showed me that my mother practices what she preaches about education and social responsibility. She could have simply lived a comfortable life, but instead she chose to make a tangible difference in these children’s lives. Her selflessness and determination really exemplify the values I aspire to embody. This experience taught me that true success isn’t measured by personal gain, but by the positive impact we create in others’ lives.

Phân Tích Band Điểm

Tiêu chí	Band	Nhận xét
Fluency & Coherence	7.5-8	Kể chuyện trôi chảy, tự nhiên với nhiều discourse markers (roughly, what was remarkable, what struck me most). Câu chuyện có structure rõ ràng: introduction → context → event → reflection
Lexical Resource	7.5-8	Từ vựng đa dạng và chính xác cao (overwhelming sense of pride, pillar of strength, spearheaded, inaugurate). Sử dụng collocations tự nhiên (make a tangible difference, positive impact) và paraphrasing tốt
Grammatical Range & Accuracy	7.5-8	Đa dạng cấu trúc: past perfect (had managed to), relative clauses (that made me proud), gerunds (seeing the children’s faces). Ít lỗi ngữ pháp
Pronunciation	7.5-8	Giả định phát âm rõ ràng, tự nhiên với intonation phù hợp

So Sánh Với Band 6-7

Khía cạnh	Band 6-7	Band 7.5-8
Vocabulary	“felt really proud”, “worked hard”	“overwhelming sense of pride”, “unwavering dedication”, “spearheaded”
Grammar	“He practiced every day” (simple past)	“She spent months reaching out to potential donors” (complex structure với gerund)
Ideas	Nói về thành tích cá nhân đơn giản	Kết nối với giá trị xã hội rộng lớn hơn (social responsibility, positive impact)
Emotional depth	“I felt happy and proud”	“Profoundly proud… showed me that she practices what she preaches”

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📝 Sample Answer – Band 8.5-9

Thời lượng: 2.5-3 phút đầy đủ

I’d like to recount an experience that fills me with immense pride whenever I reflect on it – the time my father, who’s now in his early sixties, defied all odds to complete his master’s degree. This took place about four years ago, and it was truly a testament to his indomitable spirit and lifelong love of learning.

To give you some context, my father is a self-made man who had to leave school at sixteen due to financial constraints during a difficult period in Vietnam’s history. Despite this, he always harbored a deep passion for education and managed to work his way up in his career through sheer determination and self-directed learning. However, the lack of a formal degree had always been something that gnawed at him – not because of any external pressure, but because of his own intellectual curiosity and desire for personal fulfillment.

What made this achievement particularly remarkable was the sheer adversity he had to overcome. At an age when most people are thinking about retirement, he decided to enroll in a part-time master’s program in Business Administration. He was juggling a demanding senior management position, family responsibilities, and his studies – often burning the midnight oil to complete assignments after long workdays. What really struck a chord with me was watching him, someone from an entirely different generation, embracing technology and adapting to online learning platforms with the enthusiasm of a fresh graduate. There were moments of self-doubt when he questioned whether he was “too old for this,” but he persevered nonetheless.

The graduation ceremony was an incredibly poignant moment for our entire family. Seeing him walk across that stage to receive his degree, I was overwhelmed with emotion. But what truly epitomized his character was his graduation speech – rather than boasting about his achievement, he dedicated it to lifelong learners and emphasized that it’s never too late to pursue your dreams.

The reason this makes me so profoundly proud operates on multiple levels. On a personal level, it demonstrated that my father practices the values he instilled in me about perseverance and continuous self-improvement – he’s living proof that these aren’t just empty platitudes. More broadly, his journey challenged societal norms about age and learning capacity. In a culture where there’s sometimes an arbitrary ceiling placed on when people should stop pursuing formal education, he proved that intellectual growth knows no age limits.

His achievement has fundamentally reshaped my perspective on what’s possible. Whenever I face challenges that seem insurmountable, I think about my father starting from scratch at sixty and conquering his goals through sheer willpower. It’s taught me that self-imposed limitations are often more restrictive than real ones, and that genuine passion, coupled with determination, can transcend any obstacle. His story isn’t just about getting a degree – it’s about human resilience and the transformative power of refusing to give up on your aspirations, regardless of circumstance.

Phân Tích Band Điểm

Tiêu chí	Band	Nhận xét
Fluency & Coherence	8.5-9	Độ trôi chảy hoàn hảo, tự nhiên như người bản ngữ. Sử dụng nhiều discourse markers tinh vi (To give you some context, What made this particularly remarkable, More broadly). Câu chuyện có layers of meaning với clear progression
Lexical Resource	8.5-9	Từ vựng tinh vi, precise và idiomatic (defied all odds, harbored a deep passion, gnawed at him, struck a chord with me). Paraphrasing xuất sắc, không lặp lại từ. Sử dụng less common vocabulary một cách tự nhiên
Grammatical Range & Accuracy	8.5-9	Cực kỳ đa dạng: complex sentences với multiple clauses, present participle phrases (seeing him walk…, I was…), past perfect continuous (had always harbored), conditional structures. Hầu như không có lỗi
Pronunciation	8.5-9	Giả định phát âm chuẩn với stress và intonation hoàn hảo

Tại Sao Bài Này Xuất Sắc

🎯 Fluency Hoàn Hảo:
Câu chuyện được kể một cách tự nhiên, liên tục với sự chuyển tiếp mượt mà giữa các ý. Không có dấu hiệu của memorization hay hesitation. Sử dụng discourse markers phức tạp một cách tự nhiên.

📚 Vocabulary Tinh Vi:

• “defied all odds” – cụm từ idiomatic tự nhiên thay vì “overcome difficulties”
• “gnawed at him” – metaphor sinh động thể hiện sự day dứt lâu dài
• “arbitrary ceiling” – từ vựng academic nhưng phù hợp context
• “self-imposed limitations” – concept phức tạp được diễn đạt chính xác

📝 Grammar Đa Dạng:

• “At an age when most people are thinking about retirement, he decided to enroll…” – complex sentence với time clause
• “Seeing him walk across that stage to receive his degree, I was overwhelmed…” – participle phrase tạo sự sophisticated
• “His achievement has fundamentally reshaped my perspective” – present perfect diễn tả impact lâu dài

💡 Ideas Sâu Sắc:
Không chỉ kể câu chuyện mà còn reflect về ý nghĩa sâu xa: challenged societal norms, transformative power, human resilience. Thể hiện critical thinking và emotional intelligence cao.

🎭 Storytelling Xuất Sắc:
Có dramatic arc: setup (context about father’s background) → rising action (challenges he faced) → climax (graduation ceremony) → resolution (impact on speaker’s perspective)

Người cha Việt Nam trung niên đang học tập chăm chỉ vào ban đêm thể hiện sự quyết tâm và tinh thần học tập suốt đời trong IELTS Speaking

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Follow-up Questions (Rounding Off Questions)

Sau khi bạn nói xong Part 2, giám khảo thường hỏi thêm 1-2 câu ngắn để transition sang Part 3. Đây là những câu hỏi đơn giản, chỉ cần trả lời ngắn gọn.

Question 1: Do you often tell other people about this story?

Band 6-7 Answer:
Yes, I do sometimes. I share it with my friends when we talk about family or achievements. It’s a good story that shows hard work pays off.

Band 8-9 Answer:
Actually, I’m quite selective about sharing this story. I tend to bring it up when I’m mentoring younger students who feel discouraged, because I think it’s a powerful example of how age is just a number when it comes to pursuing your goals. It resonates particularly well with people who are considering a career change or further education later in life.

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Question 2: Has this experience changed your relationship with this family member?

Band 6-7 Answer:
Yes, definitely. I feel closer to my father now and I respect him even more. We talk more about education and life goals than before.

Band 8-9 Answer:
Absolutely. It’s deepened our bond significantly. I now see him not just as my father but as a fellow learner and someone I can have intellectually stimulating conversations with about personal growth. There’s a mutual respect that’s evolved – he values my input on modern learning approaches, and I draw inspiration from his wealth of life experience. It’s created a more egalitarian dynamic in our relationship.

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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. Đây không phải là nơi bạn kể về kinh nghiệm cá nhân nữa, mà là thảo luận về các vấn đề xã hội, xu hướng, và concepts trừu tượng liên quan đến chủ đề Part 2.

Yêu cầu:

• Phân tích, so sánh, đưa ra quan điểm
• Thảo luận về causes, effects, solutions
• Xem xét nhiều perspectives
• Sử dụng examples từ society, không chỉ cá nhân

Chiến lược:

• Extend your answers: 3-5 câu cho mỗi câu hỏi
• Use discourse markers: Well, Actually, I’d say that, From my perspective
• Acknowledge complexity: “It’s a complex issue…”, “There are multiple factors…”
• Give balanced views: “On the one hand… On the other hand…”
• Support with examples: Từ xã hội, thống kê (nếu biết), trends

Lỗi thường gặp của học viên Việt Nam:

• Trả lời quá ngắn (1-2 câu)
• Chỉ nói về bản thân thay vì society
• Thiếu từ vựng trừu tượng (abstract vocabulary)
• Không justify opinions với reasons
• Sợ express opinions mạnh mẽ

Các Câu Hỏi Thảo Luận Sâu

Theme 1: Family Relationships and Values

Question 1: Why do you think family relationships are important in society?

🎯 Phân tích câu hỏi:

• Dạng: Why question – cần giải thích reasons với supporting points
• Key words: family relationships, important, society
• Cách tiếp cận: Đưa ra 2-3 lý do chính với examples cụ thể. Có thể đề cập đến emotional support, value transmission, social stability

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

Family relationships are very important because they provide emotional support for people. When you have problems, your family is always there to help you. Also, families teach children good values and behaviors that are necessary for society. Without strong families, children might not learn important things like respect and responsibility. Finally, families help maintain social stability because they are the basic unit of society.

Phân tích:

• Structure: Có 3 reasons rõ ràng nhưng development còn shallow
• Vocabulary: Basic (very important, good values, help)
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Đủ content nhưng thiếu sophisticated language và depth of analysis

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📝 Câu trả lời mẫu – Band 8-9:

Well, I’d argue that family relationships are fundamental to the fabric of society for several reasons.

First and foremost, families serve as the primary socialization agent – they’re where individuals first learn social norms, ethical values, and interpersonal skills. This foundational learning during formative years has far-reaching implications for how people interact in broader society. For instance, children who grow up in nurturing family environments tend to develop better emotional intelligence and are more likely to become well-adjusted adults who contribute positively to their communities.

Beyond that, strong family bonds provide a crucial safety net, particularly in societies like Vietnam where social welfare systems may be less developed than in Western countries. Families offer financial support, emotional stability, and practical assistance during life’s challenges – whether that’s unemployment, illness, or elderly care. This intergenerational support system helps reduce the burden on public resources while ensuring individuals don’t fall through the cracks.

From a societal perspective, cohesive families contribute to social stability and economic productivity. Research has shown that communities with strong family structures tend to have lower crime rates, better educational outcomes, and higher levels of civic engagement. The ripple effect of healthy family dynamics extends far beyond the household itself.

Phân tích:

• Structure: Exceptional – Direct answer → Reason 1 (socialization) + example → Reason 2 (safety net) + context → Reason 3 (societal impact) + research reference
• Vocabulary: Sophisticated and precise (fundamental to the fabric of society, primary socialization agent, formative years, well-adjusted adults, intergenerational support, ripple effect)
• Grammar: Complex structures: relative clauses (where individuals first learn), participle phrases (whether that’s…), conditional implications
• Critical Thinking: Shows multi-dimensional analysis (individual → family → society), acknowledges cultural context (Vietnam vs Western countries), references research

💡 Key Language Features:

• Discourse markers: Well, I’d argue that / First and foremost / Beyond that / From a societal perspective
• Tentative language: tend to, may be, are likely to (shows sophisticated thinking)
• Abstract nouns: fabric of society, intergenerational support, civic engagement, ripple effect
• Academic style: Research has shown that, has far-reaching implications for

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Question 2: Do you think family bonds are becoming weaker in modern society? Why or why not?

🎯 Phân tích câu hỏi:

• Dạng: Opinion + Reason – cần express view rõ ràng và justify
• Key words: family bonds, weaker, modern society
• Cách tiếp cận: Có thể agree, disagree, hoặc present both sides. Tốt nhất là acknowledge complexity

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

I think family bonds are becoming a bit weaker nowadays. This is because people are busier with work and technology. Many young people spend more time on their phones than talking to family members. Also, in cities, people often live far from their extended families because of work, so they can’t meet often. However, some families still have strong relationships if they make time for each other.

Phân tích:

• Structure: Direct opinion → reasons → slight concession
• Vocabulary: Basic (a bit weaker, busier, spend time)
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Clear position nhưng analysis không sâu, thiếu specific examples và nuance

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📝 Câu trả lời mẫu – Band 8-9:

This is quite a nuanced issue that I think requires us to look at it from multiple angles. I’d say the nature of family bonds is evolving rather than simply weakening.

On one hand, there are certainly factors that strain traditional family structures. Urbanization and geographic mobility mean that extended families are increasingly scattered, making face-to-face interaction less frequent. The rise of individualism, particularly in rapidly developing Asian societies, has led younger generations to prioritize personal aspirations over familial obligations more than their parents’ generation did. Additionally, the pervasiveness of digital technology can create a sense of disconnection even when families are physically together – you see families at dinner tables all glued to their phones rather than engaging in meaningful conversation.

However, I don’t think this tells the whole story. Technology, while sometimes a barrier, can also be a bridge. Video calls allow families separated by distance to maintain regular contact in ways that weren’t possible a generation ago. Social media enables extended family networks to stay informed about each other’s lives. Moreover, while traditional multigenerational households may be declining, this doesn’t necessarily indicate weaker emotional bonds – it might simply reflect changing living preferences and improved economic circumstances that allow for independence.

What I’d argue is that we’re seeing a shift from obligation-based to choice-based family relationships. In the past, family ties were maintained partly out of economic necessity and social pressure. Today, particularly among urban, educated populations, people maintain family connections because they genuinely value them, which could actually lead to more authentic relationships, even if they look different from traditional models. The quality of interaction might matter more than the quantity.

Phân tích:

• Structure: Nuanced approach – Thesis statement → Challenges (On one hand) → Counter-arguments (However) → Synthesis (What I’d argue)
• Vocabulary: Sophisticated (nuanced issue, strain traditional structures, pervasiveness, obligation-based vs choice-based)
• Grammar: Complex sentences, passives, conditionals (while sometimes a barrier, can also be a bridge)
• Critical Thinking: Presents both sides, challenges simple conclusion, introduces new framework (quality vs quantity), acknowledges social change

💡 Key Language Features:

• Hedging language: quite a nuanced issue, I’d say, I’d argue
• Contrasting structures: On one hand… However / While… can also
• Cause-effect language: mean that, has led to, allows for
• Academic expressions: doesn’t necessarily indicate, might simply reflect

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Theme 2: Pride and Achievement

Question 1: What kinds of achievements do people in your country feel most proud of?

🎯 Phân tích câu hỏi:

• Dạng: General question about culture/society
• Key words: kinds of achievements, people in your country, proud of
• Cách tiếp cận: Đưa ra 2-3 categories với cultural context và examples

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

In Vietnam, people feel proud about different kinds of achievements. Many parents are proud when their children do well in school and get into good universities. Also, people feel proud about career success, like getting a good job or starting a successful business. Traditional values are important too, so people are proud when they can support their parents or buy a house for their family. These achievements show that someone is responsible and successful.

Phân tích:

• Structure: Lists achievements but limited depth
• Vocabulary: Repetitive (proud, good, successful)
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Adequate content nhưng thiếu sophisticated vocabulary và cultural analysis

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📝 Câu trả lời mẫu – Band 8-9:

That’s an interesting question because it really reflects cultural values. In Vietnamese society, I’d say achievements tend to cluster around several key areas, each carrying significant social weight.

Educational accomplishments remain paramount – there’s tremendous collective pride when children gain admission to prestigious universities, particularly fields like medicine, engineering, or business. This stems from Vietnam’s Confucian heritage where education is seen as the primary vehicle for social mobility and family honor. The intense pressure around the university entrance exam demonstrates how high-stakes these achievements are considered.

Career and financial success also command great respect, but interestingly, it’s not just about personal wealth. What generates pride is when that success enables someone to fulfill filial obligations – like renovating the ancestral home, supporting siblings’ education, or ensuring parents have a comfortable retirement. There’s this notion of “bringing glory to the family name” that’s deeply embedded in our culture.

I’d also highlight achievements that demonstrate resilience or overcoming adversity – perhaps someone who grew up in poverty but managed to build a successful career, or individuals who’ve achieved recognition on the international stage in fields like sports, entertainment, or business. These stories resonate deeply because they reflect the national narrative of Vietnam as a country that’s overcome tremendous challenges.

What’s particularly noteworthy is that individual achievement is almost always framed within a collective context – it’s not just “I succeeded” but “we succeeded as a family” or “I made my parents proud.” This interdependent view of success distinguishes Vietnamese culture from more individualistic societies. However, I’d say this is gradually shifting among younger, more globally-minded Vietnamese, who are starting to value personal fulfillment and unconventional paths alongside traditional markers of success.

Phân tích:

• Structure: Exceptionally organized – Intro (cultural framing) → Achievement type 1 (education) + cultural explanation → Achievement type 2 (career) + values → Achievement type 3 (resilience) → Synthesis (collective vs individual) + generational change
• Vocabulary: Precise and topic-specific (Confucian heritage, vehicle for social mobility, fulfill filial obligations, bringing glory to the family name, interdependent view)
• Grammar: Variety of structures including relative clauses, participle phrases, complex noun phrases
• Critical Thinking: Links achievements to cultural values, provides historical/philosophical context (Confucianism), acknowledges generational change, compares with other cultures

💡 Key Language Features:

• Academic expressions: reflects cultural values, stems from, command great respect, is deeply embedded
• Specific cultural terms: filial obligations, bringing glory to the family name, Confucian heritage
• Cohesive devices: This stems from, interestingly, I’d also highlight, What’s particularly noteworthy
• Comparison language: distinguishes from, alongside, more…than

Gia đình Việt Nam tự hào chụp ảnh cùng con đang nhận bằng tốt nghiệp đại học thể hiện giá trị giáo dục trong văn hóa Việt

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Question 2: Do you think people should always feel proud of their family members’ achievements, even if they disagree with their choices?

🎯 Phân tích câu hỏi:

• Dạng: Opinion question với moral/ethical dimension
• Key words: should always, proud, disagree with choices
• Cách tiếp cận: This is a complex moral question – best to acknowledge different perspectives

📝 Câu trả lời mẫu – Band 8-9:

This is quite a thought-provoking question that really touches on the tension between unconditional family support and personal values. I don’t think there’s a simple yes or no answer here.

Ideally, family pride should be about celebrating someone’s effort, growth, and integrity rather than just the outcome itself. If a family member achieves something through dedication and ethical means, I’d argue that’s worthy of pride even if the specific path they’ve chosen differs from what you might have preferred for them. For example, if a parent hoped their child would become a doctor, but the child instead becomes a successful artist or social worker, the parent might initially grapple with disappointment, but they should ultimately feel proud of the passion and commitment their child demonstrates.

However, I think pride becomes ethically complicated when achievements come at the cost of compromising fundamental values or causing harm. If someone becomes wealthy through morally questionable means or achieves success by stepping on others, that’s where pride should perhaps give way to honest conversation and even disappointment. Blind pride in such cases could be seen as tacit endorsement of problematic behavior.

The key distinction, I believe, is between disagreeing with choices versus disagreeing with values. You might not understand why your sibling chose a particular career path or lifestyle – that’s a matter of preference – but if their choices reflect qualities like courage, perseverance, or compassion, those are universally admirable traits worth celebrating. Pride doesn’t mean you agree with every decision someone makes; it means you recognize their humanity, effort, and growth.

In Asian cultures, particularly Vietnamese culture, there’s sometimes an expectation of unwavering family loyalty that can make this issue even more fraught. But I think there’s a difference between supporting a person and endorsing every choice they make. You can be proud of who someone is becoming as a person while still maintaining your own moral compass.

Phân tích:

• Structure: Complex, nuanced argument – Thesis (no simple answer) → Ideal scenario → Exception (However) → Key distinction → Cultural context
• Vocabulary: Sophisticated (thought-provoking, unconditional family support, grapple with disappointment, ethically complicated, tacit endorsement, moral compass)
• Grammar: Advanced structures including conditionals, complex noun phrases, parallel structures
• Critical Thinking: Distinguishes between different types of disagreement, acknowledges cultural context, presents ethical framework, shows philosophical depth

💡 Key Language Features:

• Hedging and nuance: Ideally, I’d argue, I think, could be seen as
• Introducing complexity: This touches on, becomes ethically complicated, is more fraught
• Making distinctions: The key distinction is, There’s a difference between
• Ethical language: fundamental values, morally questionable, tacit endorsement, moral compass

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Theme 3: Generational Changes

Question 1: How have attitudes towards family changed over the past few decades?

🎯 Phân tích câu hỏi:

• Dạng: Change over time – cần so sánh past và present
• Key words: attitudes towards family, changed, past few decades
• Cách tiếp cận: Identify 2-3 major shifts với causes và examples

📝 Câu trả lời mẫu – Band 8-9:

There’s been quite a dramatic transformation in attitudes towards family over the past few decades, driven largely by economic development, globalization, and shifting social norms.

Perhaps the most significant shift has been from extended to nuclear family structures. A generation ago, in Vietnam for instance, multigenerational households were the norm – grandparents, parents, and children all living under one roof, with clearly defined hierarchical relationships. Today, particularly in urban areas, young couples increasingly prefer to establish independent households, valuing privacy and autonomy over the traditional communal living arrangement. This reflects broader changes in economic self-sufficiency – younger generations can now afford to live independently, which wasn’t always possible in the past.

Another notable change concerns gender roles and expectations. Traditional family structures were often patriarchal, with clearly delineated responsibilities – men as breadwinners, women as homemakers. Contemporary attitudes are much more egalitarian, with greater acceptance of dual-income families, shared domestic responsibilities, and non-traditional family formations like single-parent households or couples choosing to remain childless. The rise of feminism and women’s educational and career opportunities have been catalysts for this shift.

I’d also point to changing attitudes about filial piety and parental authority. While respect for elders remains culturally important, particularly in Asian societies, there’s now more room for dialogue and negotiation in family relationships. Young people are more likely to challenge their parents’ expectations about career choices, marriage partners, or life paths – something that would have been almost unthinkable in previous generations. This reflects broader democratization of society and exposure to diverse value systems through media and travel.

However, it’s worth noting that these changes aren’t uniform across society. Rural-urban divides, socioeconomic factors, and generational differences mean that traditional and modern attitudes often coexist, sometimes creating intergenerational tension as families navigate these evolving norms.

Phân tích:

• Structure: Comprehensive – Overview → Change 1 (family structure) → Change 2 (gender roles) → Change 3 (authority dynamics) → Caveat about variation
• Vocabulary: Sophisticated (dramatic transformation, hierarchical relationships, communal living arrangement, patriarchal, egalitarian, catalysts, filial piety)
• Grammar: Complex sentences with multiple clauses, passive voice, comparative structures
• Critical Thinking: Identifies causes (economic development, globalization), acknowledges complexity and variation, provides cultural context

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Question 2: Do you think these changes are positive or negative for society?

🎯 Phân tích câu hỏi:

• Dạng: Evaluation question – cần make judgment với justification
• Key words: changes, positive or negative, society
• Cách tiếp cận: Best approach là balanced view – acknowledge both benefits và drawbacks

📝 Câu trả lời mẫu – Band 8-9:

I think this question calls for a nuanced evaluation because these changes bring both significant benefits and potential downsides – it’s not simply black and white.

On the positive side, the shift towards more individualistic and egalitarian family structures has liberated many people, particularly women and young adults, from restrictive social expectations. People now have greater agency to pursue their own aspirations, choose their own partners, and define success on their own terms rather than conforming to predetermined paths. The democratization of family relationships has also enabled more authentic connections based on mutual respect rather than rigid hierarchies. For instance, parents and children can now have more open, honest conversations about mental health, career concerns, or personal struggles – topics that were often taboo in more traditional family structures.

Moreover, from an economic perspective, dual-income families and greater female workforce participation have contributed to household prosperity and national economic growth. When women have the opportunity to develop their careers, society benefits from their talents and contributions beyond domestic roles.

However, these changes have come with trade-offs. The breakdown of extended family support networks means that childcare and elderly care – traditionally handled within the family – now present significant challenges. Many young couples struggle with work-life balance without the practical support that grandparents once provided. Social isolation among the elderly has become a growing concern as younger generations prioritize career mobility over proximity to family.

There’s also a risk of losing valuable aspects of traditional family culture. The emphasis on filial responsibility and intergenerational solidarity, while sometimes burdensome, also fostered strong social cohesion and safety nets that modern welfare systems don’t always replicate effectively. The erosion of these values without adequate institutional replacements can leave vulnerable populations without support.

My view is that the ideal path forward isn’t simply embracing all modern changes or clinging to all traditional values, but rather selectively integrating the best of both. We should celebrate individual autonomy and gender equality while finding new ways to maintain family connections and mutual support. Some countries, like those in Scandinavia, have managed to balance progressive social values with strong family-friendly policies – that might be a model worth examining. The challenge is ensuring that liberation from restrictive traditions doesn’t come at the cost of losing the communal bonds that give life meaning and provide collective resilience.

Phân tích:

• Structure: Sophisticated – Nuanced thesis → Positive aspects (2 paragraphs) → Negative aspects/trade-offs (2 paragraphs) → Synthesis with recommendations
• Vocabulary: Exceptionally rich (liberated, predetermined paths, democratization, trade-offs, social cohesion, erosion of values, selectively integrating)
• Grammar: Full range including conditionals, complex noun phrases, parallel structures
• Critical Thinking: Shows deep analysis with societal implications, acknowledges complexity, provides international comparison, suggests solutions

💡 Key Language Features:

• Evaluative language: significant benefits, potential downsides, has come with trade-offs
• Balanced discourse: On the positive side, However, There’s also a risk, My view is
• Causal language: has contributed to, means that, can leave
• Abstract concepts: individual autonomy, social cohesion, collective resilience

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Từ vựng và cụm từ quan trọng

Topic-Specific Vocabulary

Từ vựng/Cụm từ	Loại từ	Phiên âm	Nghĩa tiếng Việt	Ví dụ	Collocation
overwhelming sense of pride	phrase	/ˌoʊvərˈwelmɪŋ sens əv praɪd/	cảm giác tự hào vô cùng mạnh mẽ	I felt an overwhelming sense of pride when she graduated.	feel/experience an overwhelming sense
pillar of strength	idiom	/ˈpɪlər əv streŋθ/	trụ cột, nguồn sức mạnh	My mother has been the pillar of strength in our family.	be/remain a pillar of strength
defy all odds	idiom	/dɪˈfaɪ ɔːl ɑdz/	vượt qua mọi khó khăn, làm được điều tưởng chừng không thể	He defied all odds to complete his degree at age 60.	manage to/succeed in defying all odds
unwavering dedication	phrase	/ʌnˈweɪvərɪŋ ˌdedɪˈkeɪʃən/	sự cống hiến kiên định, không lay chuyển	Her unwavering dedication to the project inspired everyone.	show/demonstrate unwavering dedication
spearhead	verb	/ˈspɪrhed/	đứng đầu, lãnh đạo (một dự án, phong trào)	She spearheaded the charity initiative.	spearhead a project/campaign/initiative
make a tangible difference	phrase	/meɪk ə ˈtændʒəbl ˈdɪfrəns/	tạo ra sự khác biệt rõ rệt, hữu hình	His work made a tangible difference in children’s lives.	make/create a tangible difference
instill values	phrase	/ɪnˈstɪl ˈvæljuːz/	thấm nhuần, truyền đạt các giá trị	Parents instill values in their children from a young age.	instill values/beliefs/principles in someone
perseverance	noun	/ˌpɜːrsəˈvɪrəns/	sự kiên trì, bền bỉ	His perseverance in the face of adversity was admirable.	show/demonstrate/require perseverance
harbor a passion	phrase	/ˈhɑːrbər ə ˈpæʃən/	ấp ủ một niềm đam mê	He had always harbored a passion for learning.	harbor a passion/dream/desire for something
indomitable spirit	phrase	/ɪnˈdɑːmɪtəbl ˈspɪrɪt/	tinh thần bất khuất, không thể khuất phục	Her indomitable spirit helped her overcome all obstacles.	have/possess/display an indomitable spirit
gnaw at someone	phrasal verb	/nɔː æt/	day dứt, khiến ai đó không ngừng băn khoăn	The lack of a degree had always gnawed at him.	continue to/constantly gnaw at someone
strike a chord	idiom	/straɪk ə kɔːrd/	chạm đến cảm xúc, gây được sự đồng cảm	Her story struck a chord with the audience.	strike a chord with someone
epitomize	verb	/ɪˈpɪtəmaɪz/	tượng trưng, là điển hình cho	His achievement epitomizes the value of hard work.	epitomize something/a quality
transcend	verb	/trænˈsend/	vượt lên trên, vượt qua	Love can transcend all boundaries.	transcend boundaries/limitations/differences
filial piety	phrase	/ˈfɪliəl ˈpaɪəti/	lòng hiếu thảo, đạo làm con	Filial piety is an important value in Asian cultures.	practice/demonstrate/emphasize filial piety
intergenerational support	phrase	/ˌɪntərˌdʒenəˈreɪʃənəl səˈpɔːrt/	sự hỗ trợ giữa các thế hệ	Intergenerational support is crucial in Vietnamese families.	provide/rely on/strengthen intergenerational support
social cohesion	phrase	/ˈsoʊʃəl koʊˈhiːʒən/	sự gắn kết xã hội	Strong families contribute to social cohesion.	promote/maintain/strengthen social cohesion
vehicle for social mobility	phrase	/ˈviːɪkl fɔːr ˈsoʊʃəl moʊˈbɪləti/	phương tiện để thăng tiến xã hội	Education is seen as the vehicle for social mobility.	serve as/be seen as a vehicle for
bring glory to	phrase	/brɪŋ ˈɡlɔːri tuː/	mang vinh quang về cho	His Olympic medal brought glory to his family.	bring glory/honor/pride to
resilience	noun	/rɪˈzɪliəns/	sức chống chịu, khả năng phục hồi	The family showed remarkable resilience after the tragedy.	demonstrate/show/build resilience

Idiomatic Expressions & Advanced Phrases

Cụm từ	Nghĩa	Ví dụ sử dụng	Band điểm
be through thick and thin	cùng nhau qua mọi thăng trầm, khó khăn	We’ve been through thick and thin together, which has strengthened our bond.	7.5-9
practice what one preaches	làm những gì mình nói, không nói suông	My father always practiced what he preached about hard work.	7.5-9
burning the midnight oil	thức khuya làm việc/học tập	He was burning the midnight oil to complete his assignments.	7.5-8
age is just a number	tuổi tác chỉ là con số (không phải rào cản)	His achievement proved that age is just a number when it comes to learning.	7-8
it’s never too late	không bao giờ là quá muộn	His story shows that it’s never too late to pursue your dreams.	6.5-7.5
self-imposed limitations	những giới hạn do chính bản thân đặt ra	Most barriers are self-imposed limitations rather than real obstacles.	8-9
see things through	hoàn thành việc gì đó đến cùng, kiên trì	She has the determination to see things through despite difficulties.	7.5-8
turn over a new leaf	bắt đầu lại, thay đổi tích cực	After the incident, he turned over a new leaf and focused on his studies.	7-8
go the extra mile	nỗ lực vượt mức, làm nhiều hơn mong đợi	She always goes the extra mile to help others succeed.	7-8
have what it takes	có đủ phẩm chất/năng lực cần thiết	He proved he has what it takes to succeed in this competitive field.	7-8
come full circle	quay trở lại điểm xuất phát, hoàn thành vòng tròn	His career has come full circle – from student to teacher at the same school.	8-9
the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree	con nhà tông không giống lông cũng giống cánh	She’s as dedicated as her mother – the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.	7-8

Discourse Markers (Từ Nối Ý Trong Speaking)

Để bắt đầu câu trả lời:

• 📝 Well,… – Dùng khi cần một chút thời gian suy nghĩ: “Well, I think family relationships are fundamental to…”
• 📝 Actually,… – Khi đưa ra góc nhìn khác hoặc surprising information: “Actually, I believe attitudes are evolving rather than weakening…”
• 📝 To be honest,… – Khi nói thật, có phần personal: “To be honest, I sometimes struggle with maintaining work-family balance…”
• 📝 I’d say that… – Khi đưa ra quan điểm cá nhân: “I’d say that the most important value my family taught me was…”
• 📝 From my perspective,… – Formal hơn, phù hợp Part 3: “From my perspective, educational achievements carry great social weight…”

Để bổ sung ý:

• 📝 On top of that,… – Thêm điểm quan trọng: “On top of that, family provides emotional stability…”
• 📝 What’s more,… – Bổ sung ý mạnh mẽ hơn: “What’s more, strong family bonds contribute to social cohesion…”
• 📝 Not to mention… – Chưa kể đến (điểm quan trọng): “Not to mention the practical support families provide during crises…”
• 📝 Beyond that,… – Hơn thế nữa: “Beyond that, families serve as the primary socialization agent…”
• 📝 I’d also highlight… – Tôi cũng muốn nhấn mạnh: “I’d also highlight the importance of intergenerational learning…”

Để đưa ra quan điểm cân bằng:

• 📝 On the one hand,… On the other hand,… – Một mặt… mặt khác: “On the one hand, technology creates distance. On the other hand, it bridges geographical gaps…”
• 📝 While it’s true that…, we also need to consider… – Mặc dù đúng là… chúng ta cũng cần xem xét: “While it’s true that families spend less time together, we also need to consider the quality of that time…”
• 📝 Having said that,… – Nói như vậy thì (để contrast với ý trước): “Having said that, not all changes are negative…”
• 📝 Then again,… – Nhưng mà, nói lại (để đưa ra counter-argument): “Then again, some traditional values are worth preserving…”

Để giải thích và làm rõ:

• 📝 What I mean is… – Ý tôi là: “What I mean is that pride should be about effort, not just outcomes…”
• 📝 To put it another way,… – Nói cách khác: “To put it another way, family bonds are evolving rather than weakening…”
• 📝 In other words,… – Nói cách khác (để paraphrase): “In other words, the nature of family relationships is changing…”
• 📝 The point I’m trying to make is… – Điểm tôi muốn nói là: “The point I’m trying to make is that quality matters more than quantity…”

Để kết luận:

• 📝 All in all,… – Tóm lại, xét chung: “All in all, I believe these changes bring both benefits and challenges…”
• 📝 At the end of the day,… – Cuối cùng thì, điều quan trọng là: “At the end of the day, what matters most is genuine connection…”
• 📝 To sum up,… – Tóm lại (formal): “To sum up, family relationships remain crucial despite societal changes…”
• 📝 Looking at the bigger picture,… – Nhìn vào bức tranh tổng thể: “Looking at the bigger picture, strong families benefit society as a whole…”

Để thể hiện uncertainty hoặc tentative language (quan trọng cho Band 8+):

• 📝 I would say… – Tôi có thể nói rằng (less certain than “I think”)
• 📝 It seems to me that… – Dường như với tôi
• 📝 To some extent,… – Ở một mức độ nào đó
• 📝 I suppose… – Tôi cho rằng (tentative)
• 📝 It could be argued that… – Có thể lập luận rằng

Grammatical Structures Ấn Tượng

1. Conditional Sentences (Câu điều kiện):

Mixed conditional (Past + Present):

• Formula: If + past perfect, would + verb
• Ví dụ: “If my father hadn’t persevered, he wouldn’t be where he is today.” (Nếu bố tôi không kiên trì, ông ấy sẽ không ở vị trí hôm nay)

Third conditional for hypothetical past:

• Formula: If + had + past participle, would have + past participle
• Ví dụ: “If she hadn’t received family support, she wouldn’t have achieved such success.” (Nếu cô ấy không nhận được sự hỗ trợ từ gia đình, cô ấy đã không đạt được thành công như vậy)

Inversion (đảo ngữ – very advanced):

• Formula: Had + subject + past participle, would have…
• Ví dụ: “Had he given up, none of this would have been possible.” (Nếu ông ấy đã từ bỏ, không có gì trong số này có thể xảy ra)

2. Relative Clauses (Mệnh đề quan hệ):

Non-defining relative clauses:

• Formula: …, which + verb…
• Ví dụ: “My mother spearheaded the project, which took tremendous courage.” (Mẹ tôi lãnh đạo dự án, điều mà đòi hỏi rất nhiều can đảm)

Reduced relative clauses:

• Ví dụ: “The values instilled in me by my family shape who I am today.” (Các giá trị được gia đình tôi thấm nhuần hình thành con người tôi hôm nay)

3. Passive Voice (Câu bị động):

Impersonal passive (academic style):

• It is thought/believed/said that…: “It is believed that strong family bonds contribute to social stability.” (Người ta tin rằng mối quan hệ gia đình bền chặt góp phần vào sự ổn định xã hội)
• It has been shown that…: “It has been shown that families provide crucial emotional support.” (Đã được chứng minh rằng gia đình cung cấp sự hỗ trợ cảm xúc quan trọng)

Passive with modal verbs:

• Ví dụ: “These values should be instilled from a young age.” (Các giá trị này nên được truyền đạt từ khi còn nhỏ)

4. Cleft Sentences (Câu chẻ – để nhấn mạnh):

What-cleft:

• Formula: What + subject + verb + is/was…
• Ví dụ: “What impressed me most was his determination to overcome obstacles.” (Điều khiến tôi ấn tượng nhất là quyết tâm vượt qua khó khăn của ông ấy)
• Ví dụ: “What I find remarkable is how he maintained his humility despite success.” (Điều tôi thấy đáng chú ý là cách ông ấy giữ được sự khiêm tốn bất chấp thành công)

It-cleft:

• Formula: It + be + focus + that/who…
• Ví dụ: “It was his perseverance that made the difference.” (Chính sự kiên trì của ông ấy đã tạo nên sự khác biệt)

The thing that…

• Ví dụ: “The thing that makes me proud isn’t the achievement itself, but the journey.” (Điều khiến tôi tự hào không phải là thành tích, mà là hành trình)

5. Participle Phrases (Cụm phân từ – để nối ý sophisticated):

Present participle (-ing):

• Ví dụ: “Seeing him overcome such adversity, I realized that age is just a number.” (Nhìn thấy ông ấy vượt qua khó khăn như vậy, tôi nhận ra rằng tuổi tác chỉ là con số)

Past participle (-ed):

• Ví dụ: “Inspired by her dedication, I decided to pursue my own goals more seriously.” (Được truyền cảm hứng bởi sự cống hiến của cô ấy, tôi quyết định theo đuổi mục tiêu của mình nghiêm túc hơn)

6. Inversion for Emphasis:

Not only… but also với inversion:

• Ví dụ: “Not only did he complete the degree, but he also graduated with distinction.” (Ông ấy không chỉ hoàn thành bằng cấp mà còn tốt nghiệp loại ưu)

Never have I…

• Ví dụ: “Never have I witnessed such determination in someone his age.” (Tôi chưa bao giờ chứng kiến sự quyết tâm như vậy ở ai ở tuổi của ông ấy)

7. Subjunctive Mood (Thức giả định – formal):

It’s important/crucial/essential that + subject + verb (base form):

• Ví dụ: “It’s essential that families maintain regular communication.” (Điều quan trọng là các gia đình duy trì giao tiếp thường xuyên)
• Ví dụ: “I suggest that people value family time more.” (Tôi đề nghị mọi người trân trọng thời gian gia đình hơn)

Học viên Việt Nam đang luyện tập IELTS Speaking với giáo viên trong không gian học tập hiện đại thể hiện sự chuẩn bị kỹ lưỡng cho kỳ thi

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Lời Khuyên Từ Giám Khảo

Những Điều Nên Làm

✅ Kể câu chuyện có cảm xúc thật: Giám khảo có thể nhận ra khi bạn đang kể một câu chuyện thật so với một câu chuyện được học thuộc. Hãy chọn một người thân mà bạn thực sự cảm thấy tự hào và để cảm xúc thật của bạn thể hiện trong giọng nói.

✅ Sử dụng chi tiết cụ thể: Thay vì nói “He worked hard,” hãy nói “He spent three months preparing, practicing his presentation every evening after dinner.” Chi tiết cụ thể làm câu chuyện sinh động và believable.

✅ Phát triển phần “explain”: Đây là nơi bạn thể hiện depth of thinking. Đừng chỉ nói “I felt proud because he succeeded.” Hãy giải thích deeper meaning – what it says about their character, what values it reflects, how it impacted you.

✅ Paraphrase linh hoạt: Đừng lặp lại “proud” 10 lần. Sử dụng variations: “filled me with pride,” “made me admire him,” “inspired great respect,” “I was in awe of.”

✅ Thể hiện emotional range: Trong Part 2, đừng ngại thể hiện cảm xúc qua giọng nói. Khi nói về khoảnh khắc tự hào, hãy để enthusiasm của bạn thể hiện tự nhiên.

✅ Liên kết với giá trị cá nhân: Những câu trả lời tốt nhất không chỉ kể chuyện mà còn reflect on meaning. “This experience taught me that…” hoặc “It reinforced my belief that…”

Những Điều Không Nên Làm

❌ Đừng học thuộc template: Giám khảo được đào tạo để nhận ra memorized answers. Template thường nghe rigid và không natural. Thay vào đó, hãy chuẩn bị ideas và vocabulary, rồi tự nhiên diễn đạt.

❌ Đừng sử dụng từ vựng quá phức tạp không phù hợp: Một từ đơn giản được dùng đúng tốt hơn một từ fancy được dùng sai. Ví dụ: “He was very determined” tốt hơn “He was very obstinate” (mang nghĩa tiêu cực).

❌ Đừng nói quá nhanh: Nhiều thí sinh Việt Nam nói rất nhanh vì lo lắng không đủ thời gian. Điều này làm giảm pronunciation clarity. Hãy nói với tốc độ bình thường, tự nhiên.

❌ Đừng quá formal: IELTS Speaking là một cuộc trò chuyện, không phải bài thuyết trình academic. Sử dụng “I’d say” thay vì “In my opinion,” hay “kind of” thay vì “somewhat” để nghe natural hơn.

❌ Đừng bịa chuyện quá xa rời thực tế: Nếu bạn nói bố bạn leo Everest hay mẹ bạn là CEO của công ty đa quốc gia, nhưng các chi tiết khác không consistent, giám khảo sẽ nghi ngờ tính xác thực.

❌ Đừng bỏ qua phần Practice: Một trong những lỗi lớn nhất là không luyện tập nói to. Đọc trong đầu và nói ra hoàn toàn khác nhau. Hãy record yourself và nghe lại.

Chiến Thuật Xử Lý Tình Huống

Khi không nghe rõ câu hỏi:

• ✅ “Sorry, could you repeat that, please?”
• ✅ “I’m not sure I understood the question. Could you say it again?”
• ❌ Không nên im lặng hoặc đoán bừa

Khi cần thời gian suy nghĩ:

• ✅ “That’s an interesting question. Let me think…”
• ✅ “Well, I’d say that…”
• ✅ “Hmm, that’s a good point. I think…”
• ❌ Không nên để silence kéo dài quá 3-4 giây

Khi không biết từ vựng:

• ✅ Paraphrase: “I don’t know the exact word, but it’s like…”
• ✅ Describe: “It’s a kind of feeling when…”
• ❌ Không nên dừng lại hoàn toàn hoặc chuyển sang tiếng Việt

Khi nói sai:

• ✅ Self-correct naturally: “He go… went to university”
• ✅ Hoặc continue nếu lỗi nhỏ
• ❌ Không nên apologize repeatedly hay dừng lại quá lâu

Khi examiner ngắt lời trong Part 2:

• ✅ Stop ngay lập tức và lắng nghe
• ✅ Đây là normal, không phải vì bạn nói sai
• ❌ Không nên panic hay cố nói tiếp

Lộ Trình Chuẩn Bị 4 Tuần

Tuần 1: Foundation

• Nghiên cứu band descriptors, hiểu rõ tiêu chí chấm điểm
• Học 10-15 từ vựng mới về chủ đề family mỗi ngày
• Luyện nói 20-30 phút daily về các câu hỏi Part 1
• Record và nghe lại để identify lỗi pronunciation

Tuần 2: Skill Building

• Luyện Part 2 với 3-4 cue cards khác nhau
• Focus vào storytelling và extending answers
• Học cách paraphrase và sử dụng synonyms
• Practice với timer để quen với time pressure

Tuần 3: Advanced Practice

• Luyện cả 3 Parts liên tục như thi thật
• Focus vào Part 3 – phát triển critical thinking
• Làm việc với study partner hoặc tutor để có feedback
• Refine pronunciation và intonation

Tuần 4: Mock Tests & Fine-tuning

• Làm 2-3 mock tests đầy đủ
• Review lỗi thường gặp và correct chúng
• Focus vào confidence building
• Prepare mentally cho exam day

Mindset Quan Trọng

Từ góc độ một examiner, tôi muốn chia sẻ rằng: Chúng tôi muốn bạn thành công. Chúng tôi không ngồi đó để “bắt lỗi” hay làm bạn nervous. Chúng tôi đánh giá khách quan dựa trên performance, nhưng chúng tôi cũng là con người và appreciate khi thí sinh tự tin, tự nhiên.

Điểm band cao không đến từ việc nói “perfect English.” Ngay cả native speakers cũng có lúc hesitate, self-correct, hay dùng filler words. Điểm cao đến từ:

• Khả năng communicate effectively
• Vocabulary range phù hợp level
• Grammar accuracy tương đối tốt
• Pronunciation understandable
• Ideas developed adequately

Hãy nhớ: IELTS Speaking đánh giá khả năng giao tiếp của bạn, không phải để test knowledge. Đừng cố become someone you’re not. Hãy là phiên bản tốt nhất của chính mình – tự tin, tự nhiên, và authentic.

Good luck với kỳ thi của bạn!