Động Từ Khuyết Thiếu Should và Ought To Trong IELTS – Công Thức & Ví Dụ Band 8.0

Giới Thiệu Về Modal Verbs Should và Ought To

Should và Ought To là hai động từ khuyết thiếu (modal verbs) xuất hiện với tần suất cao trong kỳ thi IELTS, đặc biệt trong các phần Speaking Part 3 và Writing Task 2. Cả hai đều được sử dụng để đưa ra lời khuyên, gợi ý, hoặc nói về nghĩa vụ, trách nhiệm đạo đức. Tuy nhiên, chúng có những sắc thái khác biệt quan trọng mà thí sinh cần nắm vững để đạt điểm cao.

Theo phân tích từ Cambridge IELTS 12-19, Should xuất hiện trung bình 8-12 lần trong mỗi đề thi Writing Task 2 mẫu đạt Band 8.0+, trong khi Ought To ít phổ biến hơn nhưng thể hiện sự đa dạng ngữ pháp khi sử dụng đúng ngữ cảnh.

Ví dụ vận dụng trong IELTS:

Speaking Part 3 (Discussing social issues):
“Governments should invest more in renewable energy to combat climate change effectively.”
→ Phân tích: Subject (Governments) + should + bare infinitive (invest) + complement

Writing Task 2 (Opinion essay):
“Parents ought to spend quality time with their children rather than simply providing material possessions.”
→ Phân tích: Subject (Parents) + ought to + bare infinitive (spend) + complement

Speaking Part 3 (Giving advice):
“Students should develop critical thinking skills from an early age to prepare for future challenges.”
→ Phân tích: Subject (Students) + should + bare infinitive (develop) + object + time expression

Writing Task 2 (Problem-solution essay):
“Educational institutions should implement practical courses that ought to equip students with real-world skills.”
→ Phân tích: Kết hợp cả Should và Ought To để tạo sự đa dạng ngữ pháp

Speaking Part 2 (Describing advice received):
“My teacher told me that I should practice speaking English daily and that I ought to watch English movies without subtitles.”
→ Phân tích: Sử dụng cả hai modal verbs trong reported speech để thể hiện các mức độ lời khuyên khác nhau

Trong bài viết này, bạn sẽ học:
✅ Định nghĩa và ý nghĩa của Should và Ought To
✅ Công thức chi tiết với thành phần câu cho từng cấu trúc
✅ Sự khác biệt tinh tế giữa Should và Ought To
✅ Cách vận dụng vào 4 kỹ năng IELTS một cách tự nhiên
✅ 25+ câu ví dụ Band 7-9 từ đề thi thực tế
✅ Các biến thể nâng cao (should have, ought to have) cho Band 8+
✅ Top 10 lỗi thường gặp của học viên Việt Nam và cách khắc phục
✅ Bài tập thực hành có đáp án chi tiết

Should và Ought To Là Gì?

Định Nghĩa

Should và Ought To là hai động từ khuyết thiếu (modal verbs) được sử dụng để diễn tả lời khuyên, nghĩa vụ đạo đức, kỳ vọng hợp lý hoặc khả năng xảy ra trong tương lai. Cả hai đều mang ý nghĩa tương tự nhau nhưng có sự khác biệt về mức độ trang trọng và cách sử dụng.

Chức năng chính:

• Đưa ra lời khuyên hoặc gợi ý: “You should see a doctor if you feel unwell.”
• Nói về nghĩa vụ đạo đức hoặc trách nhiệm: “People ought to respect the environment.”
• Diễn tả kỳ vọng hoặc dự đoán hợp lý: “The train should arrive at 3 PM.”
• Phê bình hành động trong quá khứ (với have + past participle): “You should have studied harder.”
• Đưa ra ý kiến cá nhân một cách lịch sự: “I think the government should reduce taxes.”

Khi nào dùng trong IELTS:

Speaking:

• Đưa ra ý kiến về vấn đề xã hội, giáo dục, môi trường
• Trả lời câu hỏi “What should people do about…”
• Miêu tả lời khuyên bạn đã nhận hoặc đưa ra

Writing:

• Task 2: Đề xuất giải pháp cho vấn đề
• Task 2: Đưa ra quan điểm về nghĩa vụ của chính phủ, cá nhân, tổ chức
• Task 1: Đưa ra khuyến nghị (ít phổ biến, thường trong dạng letter)

Tần Suất Xuất Hiện Trong IELTS

Theo phân tích từ Cambridge IELTS 12-19:

Speaking:

• Part 1: Thấp – Hiếm khi được sử dụng vì tập trung vào kinh nghiệm cá nhân
• Part 2: Trung bình – Xuất hiện khi mô tả lời khuyên, quyết định nên làm gì
• Part 3: Rất cao – Gần như bắt buộc khi thảo luận về vấn đề xã hội, đưa ra ý kiến về trách nhiệm của chính phủ, cá nhân, tổ chức

Ví dụ câu hỏi Part 3:
“What should governments do to protect the environment?”
“Do you think parents ought to control what their children watch on TV?”

Writing:

• Task 1: Rất thấp – Chỉ dùng trong dạng formal letter khi đưa ra khuyến nghị
• Task 2: Rất cao – Xuất hiện trong hầu hết các dạng bài, đặc biệt Problem-Solution và Opinion essays

Ví dụ: “To address this issue, governments should implement stricter regulations while individuals ought to take personal responsibility.”

Listening/Reading:

• Xuất hiện thường xuyên trong các đoạn văn về lời khuyên, hướng dẫn, quy định
• Cần nhận diện để hiểu ý kiến, quan điểm của người nói/viết
• Thường xuất hiện trong academic discussions, lectures về social issues

Band Score Impact:

Band 6:

• Có thể sử dụng Should cơ bản nhưng lặp lại nhiều
• Mắc lỗi với dạng phủ định và câu hỏi
• Chưa sử dụng Ought To hoặc should have

Band 7:

• Sử dụng Should chính xác trong nhiều contexts
• Bắt đầu sử dụng Ought To để tạo sự đa dạng
• Có thể dùng should have để nói về quá khứ

Band 8-9:

• Sử dụng cả Should và Ought To linh hoạt, tự nhiên
• Kết hợp với cấu trúc phức tạp (passive, perfect forms)
• Không mắc lỗi ngữ pháp và biết khi nào nên dùng cấu trúc nào để đạt hiệu quả tốt nhất

Sơ đồ công thức động từ khuyết thiếu Should và Ought To trong IELTS với ví dụ chi tiết

Công Thức & Cấu Trúc

Công Thức Cơ Bản

📌 CÔNG THỨC SHOULD:

┌─────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ Subject + Should + Base Verb (V1)       │
│                                         │
│ Ví dụ: Students should study regularly.│
└─────────────────────────────────────────┘

Thành phần câu:

• Subject (Chủ ngữ): Danh từ, đại từ, hoặc cụm danh từ (I, you, he, she, it, we, they, people, governments, etc.)
• Should: Động từ khuyết thiếu, không thay đổi theo chủ ngữ
• Base Verb: Động từ nguyên thể không “to” (go, study, work, take, etc.)
• Complement: Bổ ngữ, tân ngữ hoặc các thành phần bổ sung khác

📌 CÔNG THỨC OUGHT TO:

┌──────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ Subject + Ought To + Base Verb (V1)          │
│                                              │
│ Ví dụ: Everyone ought to respect the law.   │
└──────────────────────────────────────────────┘

Thành phần câu:

• Subject: Giống như Should
• Ought To: Động từ khuyết thiếu có “to” đi kèm (đây là điểm khác biệt quan trọng)
• Base Verb: Động từ nguyên thể không “to”
• Complement: Phần còn lại của câu

Ví dụ phân tích chi tiết:

Câu 1: “Young people should take responsibility for their actions.”

Phân tích:

• Subject: Young people (chủ ngữ)
• Modal verb: should (động từ khuyết thiếu)
• Main verb: take (động từ chính – dạng nguyên thể)
• Object: responsibility (tân ngữ)
• Prepositional phrase: for their actions (cụm giới từ bổ nghĩa)

Câu 2: “Governments ought to provide free healthcare for all citizens.”

Phân tích:

• Subject: Governments (chủ ngữ)
• Modal verb: ought to (động từ khuyết thiếu có “to”)
• Main verb: provide (động từ chính – dạng nguyên thể)
• Object: free healthcare (tân ngữ)
• Prepositional phrase: for all citizens (cụm giới từ chỉ đối tượng)

Các Biến Thể

Dạng khẳng định:

Should:

• Formula: S + should + V1 + complement
• Example: “Children should eat healthy food every day.”

Ought To:

• Formula: S + ought to + V1 + complement
• Example: “Parents ought to monitor their children’s online activities.”

Dạng phủ định:

Should:

• Formula: S + should + not (shouldn’t) + V1 + complement
• Example: “People should not waste water during the drought.”
• Example 2: “Students shouldn’t rely solely on technology for learning.”

Ought To:

• Formula: S + ought + not (oughtn’t) to + V1 + complement
• Example: “We ought not to judge others without understanding their situation.”
• Lưu ý: “Oughtn’t to” rất ít được sử dụng trong tiếng Anh hiện đại, thay vào đó người ta thường dùng “should not”

Dạng nghi vấn:

Should:

• Formula: Should + S + V1 + complement?
• Example: “Should governments invest more in public transportation?”
• Example 2: “What should we do to reduce pollution in cities?”

Ought To:

• Formula: Ought + S + to + V1 + complement?
• Example: “Ought we to prioritize economic growth over environmental protection?”
• Lưu ý: Dạng câu hỏi với “ought to” rất hiếm, thường được thay thế bằng “should”

Dạng hoàn thành (Perfect form – nói về quá khứ):

Should Have:

• Formula: S + should + have + past participle (V3)
• Meaning: Dùng để phê bình hoặc hối tiếc về việc không làm điều gì đó trong quá khứ
• Example: “The government should have taken action earlier to prevent the crisis.”
• Example 2: “I should have prepared more thoroughly for the exam.”

Ought To Have:

• Formula: S + ought to + have + past participle (V3)
• Meaning: Giống should have nhưng trang trọng hơn
• Example: “They ought to have consulted experts before making such an important decision.”

Dạng phủ định hoàn thành:

Should Not Have:

• Formula: S + should not (shouldn’t) + have + V3
• Example: “Companies should not have ignored environmental regulations.”

Ought Not To Have:

• Formula: S + ought not (oughtn’t) to + have + V3
• Example: “We oughtn’t to have underestimated the severity of the problem.”

Từ và Cụm Từ Thường Đi Kèm

Các từ/cụm từ thường xuất hiện với Should và Ought To:

Signal Words/Phrases	Ý nghĩa	Ví dụ với Should/Ought To
In my opinion/view	Theo quan điểm của tôi	“In my opinion, schools should teach financial literacy.”
I think/believe	Tôi nghĩ/tin rằng	“I believe governments ought to prioritize education funding.”
It is important/necessary that	Quan trọng/cần thiết rằng	“It is important that people should understand climate change.”
To address this issue	Để giải quyết vấn đề này	“To address this issue, we should implement stricter laws.”
For this reason	Vì lý do này	“For this reason, students ought to develop study habits early.”
Therefore/Thus	Do đó	“Therefore, individuals should take personal responsibility.”
In order to	Để mà	“In order to succeed, one should set clear goals.”
It would be better if	Sẽ tốt hơn nếu	“It would be better if companies should offer flexible working.”

Các động từ thường đi sau Should/Ought To trong IELTS:

Verb	Context	Example
take (action/responsibility)	Actions & duties	“Governments should take immediate action on pollution.”
implement/introduce	Policies & changes	“Schools ought to implement anti-bullying programs.”
invest (in)	Finance & development	“Countries should invest more in renewable energy.”
encourage/promote	Support & advocacy	“Parents should encourage children to read regularly.”
consider	Thinking & planning	“We ought to consider the long-term consequences.”
focus (on)	Priorities	“Students should focus on understanding rather than memorizing.”
provide	Services & support	“Employers ought to provide adequate training for staff.”
reduce/increase	Changes in quantity	“People should reduce their carbon footprint.”

Bảng so sánh chi tiết sự khác biệt giữa Should và Ought To trong ngữ pháp tiếng Anh IELTS

Cách Vận Dụng Vào IELTS

Speaking

Part 1 – Introduction & Interview:

Topic thường gặp: Hobbies, daily routines, hometown, work/study

Part 1 hiếm khi yêu cầu sử dụng Should/Ought To vì tập trung vào kinh nghiệm cá nhân, nhưng vẫn có thể xuất hiện trong một số câu hỏi:

Ví dụ câu hỏi & trả lời:

Q: “Do you think people should spend more time with their families?”

A: “Absolutely. I think people should definitely prioritize family time because it strengthens relationships and provides emotional support. In modern society, many people are too focused on work, but they ought to remember that family is equally important.”

→ Phân tích: Sử dụng cả Should và Ought To để tạo sự đa dạng. “Should prioritize” đưa ra ý kiến mạnh mẽ, trong khi “ought to remember” nhẹ nhàng hơn, tạo sự cân bằng trong câu trả lời.

Part 2 – Long Turn:

Cue card example:

Topic: Describe a piece of advice you received that was helpful.

Sample answer:

“I’d like to talk about some valuable advice my English teacher gave me two years ago. She told me that I should practice speaking English every single day, even if just for 10 minutes. She also said that I ought to stop worrying about making mistakes because that’s how we learn. Initially, I was skeptical, but I decided to follow her suggestion. Looking back, I should have listened to her advice much earlier because my speaking skills improved dramatically within six months. She emphasized that I shouldn’t focus only on grammar rules but should try to communicate naturally. This advice has been instrumental in my IELTS preparation, and I believe every language learner ought to adopt this mindset.”

→ Phân tích Band 8+ features:

• Kết hợp Should, Ought To, Should Have một cách tự nhiên
• Sử dụng reported speech với modal verbs
• Thể hiện reflection về quá khứ với “should have listened earlier”
• Variety: “should practice”, “ought to stop”, “shouldn’t focus”, “should try”, “ought to adopt”

Part 3 – Discussion:

Part 3 là nơi xuất hiện Should/Ought To nhiều nhất vì yêu cầu đưa ra ý kiến, phân tích vấn đề xã hội.

Typical questions using Should/Ought To:

Q: “What should governments do to reduce traffic congestion in cities?”

A (Band 8-9 response): “Well, I believe there are several measures that governments should implement. Firstly, they should invest heavily in public transportation infrastructure to make it more convenient and affordable than private vehicles. Cities like Singapore have shown that this approach works effectively. Secondly, authorities ought to introduce congestion charges during peak hours, which would discourage unnecessary car use in city centers. However, I think they should also provide alternative solutions simultaneously, such as expanding subway networks. Some people argue that governments shouldn’t interfere with people’s choices, but I believe they have a responsibility to address this issue for the common good. In the long term, urban planners ought to design cities that prioritize pedestrians and cyclists over cars.”

→ Band 8+ features:

• Sử dụng đa dạng: “should implement”, “should invest”, “ought to introduce”, “should provide”, “shouldn’t interfere”, “ought to design”
• Kết hợp với các cấu trúc khác: perfect forms, passive voice
• Đưa ra nhiều góc nhìn với modal verbs khác nhau
• Sử dụng examples cụ thể để support opinions

Q: “Do you think parents should control what their children watch on television?”

A (Band 7-8 response): “That’s an interesting question. I think parents should definitely monitor what young children watch because some content might be inappropriate or violent. However, they shouldn’t be too controlling with teenagers, as this could backfire and damage trust. Parents ought to have open conversations with their children about media literacy instead of simply banning things. They should help children develop critical thinking skills so they can make informed choices themselves. I believe the approach ought to change as children grow older – what works for a 7-year-old should be different from how you treat a 15-year-old.”

→ Phân tích:

• Balanced argument sử dụng cả should và shouldn’t
• Thể hiện nuance với “ought to have conversations” (formal, thoughtful approach)
• Progressive thinking: “should be different” cho age groups khác nhau

Writing Task 1

Khi nào dùng:

Should/Ought To hiếm khi xuất hiện trong Writing Task 1 (Academic) vì đây là dạng report mang tính mô tả, không đưa ra ý kiến. Tuy nhiên, trong General Training Task 1 (letter writing), chúng có thể được sử dụng khi:

• Viết thư khuyên bảo (letter of advice)
• Viết thư khiếu nại và đề xuất giải pháp (letter of complaint with suggestions)
• Viết thư đề nghị (letter of request with recommendations)

Ví dụ trong GT Task 1:

Topic: You recently stayed at a hotel and were dissatisfied with the service. Write a letter to the hotel manager.

Sample excerpt:

“Dear Sir/Madam,

I am writing to express my disappointment with the accommodation service I received during my recent stay at your hotel from March 15th to 18th.

Firstly, the room was not cleaned properly despite my requests to housekeeping. I believe your staff should pay more attention to hygiene standards, especially in bathrooms. Secondly, the noise from the corridor continued until late at night, which significantly disturbed my sleep. The hotel ought to implement stricter quiet hours after 10 PM to ensure guests can rest comfortably.

To improve customer satisfaction, I would suggest that you should train your housekeeping staff more thoroughly and should consider installing better soundproofing in the rooms. Additionally, management ought to conduct regular quality checks rather than waiting for complaints.

I hope these issues will be addressed promptly.”

→ Vận dụng:

• “Should pay attention” – đưa ra recommendation
• “Ought to implement” – formal suggestion
• “Should train” – specific improvement suggestion
• Natural integration trong formal letter context

Writing Task 2

Essay types sử dụng Should/Ought To:

Should và Ought To là cấu trúc thiết yếu trong hầu hết các dạng bài Writing Task 2, đặc biệt trong:

1. Opinion Essay:

Topic: Some people think that the government should provide free university education. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Body paragraph (Band 8):

“I firmly believe that governments should subsidize higher education for several compelling reasons. Firstly, education is a fundamental right that ought to be accessible to everyone regardless of their financial background. When talented students cannot afford university fees, society loses potential innovators and leaders. Countries like Germany and Norway have demonstrated that free tertiary education should not be considered an impossible dream but rather a worthwhile investment in human capital. Furthermore, governments ought to recognize that educated citizens contribute more to the economy through higher tax revenues and innovation. Critics argue that taxpayers should not bear this burden, but I contend that the long-term benefits far outweigh the costs. However, I also believe that students should demonstrate academic merit to qualify for free education, as this ensures that public funds are used efficiently.”

→ Phân tích:

• Thesis statement mạnh mẽ với “should subsidize”
• “Ought to be accessible” – formal tone cho fundamental rights
• “Should not be considered” – negative form để bác bỏ quan điểm
• “Ought to recognize” – emphasize government responsibility
• “Should demonstrate” – điều kiện hợp lý
• Variety trong cách sử dụng để tránh lặp lại

2. Problem-Solution Essay:

Topic: Many cities are facing serious air pollution problems. What are the causes and what solutions can you suggest?

Solution paragraph (Band 8-9):

“To address these environmental challenges effectively, multiple stakeholders should take coordinated action. Governments should introduce stricter emission standards for vehicles and ought to invest heavily in public transportation systems to reduce private car usage. For instance, cities like Copenhagen have shown that authorities should prioritize cycling infrastructure, which has led to a 60% reduction in carbon emissions. Industries ought to adopt cleaner technologies and should be required to install advanced filtration systems. Additionally, individuals should not underestimate their role in this crisis; they ought to choose sustainable transportation methods and should reduce their carbon footprint through lifestyle changes. Educational institutions should incorporate environmental awareness into curricula so that future generations understand why they should protect air quality. While these measures may seem costly initially, governments and businesses ought not to delay action, as the health costs of inaction far exceed the investment required.”

→ Band 8-9 features:

• Multiple subjects (governments, industries, individuals) with appropriate modal verbs
• Combination: “should introduce”, “ought to invest”, “should prioritize”
• Negative forms: “should not underestimate”, “ought not to delay”
• Passive construction: “should be required”
• Supporting với specific examples
• Complex sentence structures kết hợp modal verbs

3. Discussion Essay:

Topic: Some people believe children should start learning a foreign language at primary school rather than secondary school. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Body paragraph discussing both sides:

“Those who support early language learning argue that children should begin studying foreign languages in primary school because young minds absorb linguistic patterns more naturally. Research indicates that students ought to be exposed to second languages before age 10 when their brains are most receptive. Primary schools should therefore integrate language learning into daily activities rather than treating it as a separate subject.

However, opponents contend that schools should focus on core subjects first and that children ought not to be overwhelmed with too many subjects at a young age. They believe secondary school is more appropriate as students should have mastered their native language before tackling another. Critics also argue that primary schools often lack qualified language teachers, so resources ought to be allocated to secondary institutions where specialist teachers can provide better instruction.”

→ Phân tích:

• Balanced presentation của cả hai views
• “Should begin” vs “should focus” – contrasting recommendations
• “Ought to be exposed” – formal academic tone
• “Ought not to be overwhelmed” – expressing concern
• Demonstrating ability to present multiple perspectives using modal verbs

4. Advantage-Disadvantage Essay:

Topic: Many people now work from home. What are the advantages and disadvantages of this trend?

Sample excerpt:

“While remote work offers flexibility, employers should be aware of potential drawbacks. Companies ought to establish clear communication protocols to prevent misunderstandings, and managers should not assume that employees are less productive simply because they work remotely. Organizations ought to provide necessary equipment and technical support, as workers shouldn’t bear these costs themselves. However, businesses should also recognize that some employees may struggle with isolation, so they ought to organize regular team meetings and should encourage social interaction among remote workers.”

→ Vận dụng:

• Presenting recommendations trong analysis
• “Should be aware”, “ought to establish”, “should not assume”
• Balanced argument với cả positive và negative modal constructions

Sample Paragraphs Band 7-9

Band 7 Sample (Good control, some variety):

Topic: Environmental Protection

“Environmental protection is a critical issue that requires immediate attention. Governments should implement stricter regulations on industrial emissions to reduce air pollution. Companies ought to invest in green technologies even if they are initially expensive. Individuals should also play their part by recycling more and reducing waste. Schools should teach children about environmental issues from an early age so they understand why conservation is important. I believe that everyone should take responsibility rather than expecting others to solve these problems. If we don’t act now, future generations will face serious consequences that could have been prevented.”

Phân tích:

• Sử dụng Should và Ought To chính xác
• Variety: “should implement”, “ought to invest”, “should play”, “should teach”, “should take”
• Clear structure với multiple subjects
• Appropriate context cho từng modal verb
• Minor limitation: Có thể thêm more complex structures

Band 8-9 Sample (Excellent range, sophisticated usage):

Topic: Technology in Education

“The integration of technology in education has sparked considerable debate about how educational institutions ought to adapt to the digital age. While traditionalists argue that schools should maintain conventional teaching methods, I believe educators ought to embrace technological innovations judiciously. Rather than simply replacing textbooks with tablets, schools should develop comprehensive digital literacy programs that prepare students for an increasingly connected world. Teachers ought not to view technology as a threat to their role but should recognize it as a powerful tool that, when used appropriately, can enhance learning outcomes significantly. However, institutions should also acknowledge that technology cannot replace human interaction entirely; students still need face-to-face guidance that only qualified teachers can provide. Furthermore, policymakers ought to ensure equal access to technological resources, as digital divide should not exacerbate existing educational inequalities. Schools should strike a careful balance—they ought to harness technology’s potential while preserving the irreplaceable elements of traditional pedagogy. Investment in teacher training should be prioritized over purchasing equipment, because even the most sophisticated technology is ineffective without educators who understand how it ought to be implemented pedagogically.”

Phân tích Band 8-9 features:

• Complex usage: “ought to adapt”, “should maintain”, “ought to embrace”, “should develop”
• Sophisticated negatives: “ought not to view”, “cannot replace”, “should not exacerbate”
• Advanced structures: “how it ought to be implemented pedagogically” (passive infinitive)
• Nuanced argumentation: “should acknowledge”, “ought to ensure”, “should strike a balance”
• Academic collocations: “ought to harness”, “should be prioritized”
• Natural flow với seamless integration của modal verbs
• Variety in sentence structures kết hợp với modals
• Demonstrating ability to use both Should và Ought To appropriately cho different contexts

Mẫu đoạn văn IELTS Writing Task 2 Band 8 sử dụng Should và Ought To với highlight ngữ pháp

Nâng Cao – Cách Dùng Để Đạt Band 8+

Kết Hợp Với Các Cấu Trúc Khác

Should/Ought To + Passive Voice:

Cấu trúc này thể hiện sự sophisticated và formal, đặc biệt phù hợp với Writing Task 2:

Formula: Subject + should/ought to + be + past participle (V3)

Example 1: “Greater emphasis should be placed on renewable energy development rather than fossil fuel extraction.”
→ Band 8+ features: Passive construction tạo academic tone, tránh overuse “governments should do”

Example 2: “Children ought to be taught financial literacy at school to prepare them for adult responsibilities.”
→ Phân tích: Passive voice shifts focus từ “who teaches” sang “what should be taught”

Example 3: “Stricter regulations should be enforced to prevent corporations from exploiting workers in developing countries.”
→ Sophistication: Complex subject + should + passive + infinitive phrase

Should/Ought To + Perfect Infinitive (have + V3):

Dùng để nói về quá khứ, thể hiện regret, criticism hoặc unfulfilled expectations:

Formula: Subject + should/ought to + have + past participle

Example 1: “The government should have invested in public healthcare decades ago to prevent the current crisis.”
→ Band 8+ usage: Expressing criticism về past policy failures

Example 2: “Environmental scientists warned that companies ought to have reduced emissions earlier, but their advice was largely ignored.”
→ Advanced: Kết hợp với reported speech và passive voice

Example 3: “In retrospect, urban planners should not have prioritized car-centric infrastructure, as this has led to severe traffic congestion.”
→ Sophistication: Negative perfect form + consequence clause

Should/Ought To + Continuous Form (be + V-ing):

Nhấn mạnh action đang diễn ra hoặc nên diễn ra:

Formula: Subject + should/ought to + be + V-ing

Example 1: “Rather than criticizing others, politicians should be working collaboratively to address climate change.”
→ Band 8+: Contrast structure + continuous form for ongoing action

Example 2: “Students ought to be developing critical thinking skills throughout their education, not just memorizing facts.”
→ Phân tích: Emphasizing process over one-time action

Should/Ought To + Relative Clause:

Example 1: “Governments should implement policies that encourage sustainable development and ought to create incentives for businesses that prioritize environmental protection.”
→ Band 8+ features: Complex sentence với multiple relative clauses

Example 2: “Companies that profit from natural resources should contribute to conservation efforts, and executives who make decisions affecting the environment ought to be held accountable.”
→ Sophistication: Parallel structure với modal verbs + relative clauses

Should/Ought To trong Conditional Sentences:

Example 1: “If governments want to reduce inequality, they should invest in education and ought to provide equal opportunities for all citizens.”
→ Advanced: Conditional Type 1 với multiple modal recommendations

Example 2: “Were companies to prioritize sustainability, they should adopt circular economy principles and ought to measure success beyond profit margins.”
→ Band 9 feature: Inverted conditional (formal) + modal verbs

Example 3: “Should the current trend continue, authorities ought to reconsider their strategies and should implement more drastic measures.”
→ Sophistication: Should trong conditional clause + modal verbs trong main clause

Cụm Từ Nâng Cao

Academic collocations với Should/Ought To:

Collocation	Ví dụ	Band Level	Context
should/ought to take into account	“Policymakers should take into account the diverse needs of different communities when designing welfare programs.”	8+	Consideration & planning
should/ought to bear in mind	“Educators ought to bear in mind that students have varying learning styles and should adapt teaching methods accordingly.”	8+	Remembering important factors
should/ought to give priority to	“In resource-limited situations, governments should give priority to essential services such as healthcare and education.”	7+	Prioritization
should/ought to place emphasis on	“Modern education systems ought to place greater emphasis on critical thinking rather than rote memorization.”	8+	Highlighting importance
should/ought to strike a balance between	“Authorities should strike a balance between economic development and environmental conservation to ensure sustainable growth.”	8+	Finding middle ground
should/ought to make provisions for	“Urban planners should make provisions for future population growth when designing infrastructure.”	8+	Planning ahead
should/ought to take responsibility for	“Corporations that contribute to pollution ought to take responsibility for environmental remediation.”	7+	Accountability
should/ought to pay attention to	“Teachers should pay particular attention to students who are struggling rather than focusing only on high achievers.”	7+	Focus & care
should/ought to draw upon	“Researchers ought to draw upon interdisciplinary approaches to solve complex global challenges.”	8+	Using resources
should/ought to give consideration to	“Before implementing new policies, governments should give careful consideration to potential unintended consequences.”	8+	Thoughtful evaluation
should/ought to work in conjunction with	“Local authorities should work in conjunction with community organizations to address social issues effectively.”	8+	Collaboration
should/ought to be mindful of	“When adopting foreign educational models, countries ought to be mindful of cultural differences that may affect implementation.”	8+	Awareness

Cụm từ học thuật nâng cao:

Expressing strong recommendations:

• “It is imperative that governments should…”
• “There is an urgent need for authorities to…”
• “It is essential that institutions ought to…”

Example: “It is imperative that governments should address income inequality before social cohesion deteriorates further.”

Expressing conditional recommendations:

• “Should circumstances require…”
• “Were this approach to fail, alternatives ought to…”
• “In the event that…, authorities should…”

Example: “Should current measures prove insufficient, governments ought to consider more radical interventions.”

Hedging with modal verbs (Band 8-9):

• “It could be argued that schools should…”
• “One might suggest that companies ought to…”
• “Perhaps authorities should consider…”

Example: “While some might argue that governments should regulate technology companies more strictly, it could be contended that self-regulation ought to be given a chance first.”

Câu Phức & Ghép

Tích hợp Should/Ought To vào câu phức:

Example 1 (Concession + Recommendation):
“Although implementing renewable energy infrastructure is costly, governments should nonetheless invest in these technologies, and corporations ought to contribute financially to ensure a sustainable transition.”

→ Phân tích:

• Complex sentence với although clause
• Multiple recommendations với different subjects
• Formal connector “nonetheless”
• Parallel structure với “should invest” và “ought to contribute”

Example 2 (Cause-Effect with Modals):
“Given that climate change poses an existential threat to humanity, nations should collaborate internationally rather than pursuing narrow national interests, and developed countries ought to provide technological and financial support to developing nations that are disproportionately affected.”

→ Band 9 features:

• Causal relationship với “given that”
• Contrast structure “rather than”
• Relative clause trong complex sentence
• Sophisticated vocabulary với modal recommendations

Example 3 (Conditional Complex):
“If societies wish to reduce inequality, governments should reform tax systems to ensure fair wealth distribution, employers ought to provide living wages rather than minimum wages, and educational institutions should guarantee equal access regardless of socioeconomic background.”

→ Sophistication:

• Conditional framework
• Three parallel recommendations
• Different subjects với appropriate modal verbs
• Progressive ideas (living wages vs minimum wages)

Example 4 (Multiple Clauses):
“While technology has revolutionized communication, making global connectivity instantaneous, societies should not ignore the digital divide that prevents millions from accessing these benefits, and governments ought to implement policies that ensure equitable access to technology, particularly in rural and underserved communities where infrastructure should be prioritized.”

→ Band 8-9 features:

• Concession clause
• Participial phrase (“making global connectivity”)
• Multiple modal recommendations
• Relative clause
• Specific examples showing depth of thought

Example 5 (Sophisticated Integration):
“The notion that economic growth should always take precedence over environmental protection is increasingly being challenged by scientists who argue that sustainable development ought to be the primary goal, and this paradigm shift suggests that corporations should adopt circular economy principles while governments should incentivize green innovation through tax reforms and subsidies.”

→ Advanced features:

• Noun clause as subject
• Passive voice trong relative clause
• Multiple recommendations với sophisticated connectors
• Academic vocabulary
• Complex cause-effect relationships

Infographic các lỗi ngữ pháp thường gặp khi dùng Should và Ought To của học viên Việt Nam

So Sánh Should và Ought To

Should vs Ought To – Sự Khác Biệt Tinh Tế

Mặc dù Should và Ought To có ý nghĩa tương tự nhau, chúng có những khác biệt quan trọng mà thí sinh Band 8+ cần nắm vững:

Tiêu chí	Should	Ought To
Mức độ formal	Less formal, conversational	More formal, literary
Tần suất sử dụng	Rất phổ biến (90% cases)	Ít phổ biến hơn (10% cases)
Speaking	Thường dùng trong cả 3 parts	Hiếm, chủ yếu Part 3 formal contexts
Writing	Phổ biến trong cả Task 1 & 2	Task 2, thường academic contexts
Câu phủ định	Should not / shouldn’t (common)	Ought not to / oughtn’t to (rare)
Câu hỏi	Should I…? (very common)	Ought I to…? (very rare, archaic)
Với “have” (perfect)	Should have + V3 (common)	Ought to have + V3 (less common)
Mức độ obligation	Moderate advice/recommendation	Slightly stronger moral obligation
Passive voice	Should be done (common)	Ought to be done (formal)
Certainty/Expectation	Should arrive (expectation)	Ought to arrive (similar but formal)

Khi nào dùng Should:

✅ Hầu hết các tình huống trong IELTS Speaking
✅ Đưa ra lời khuyên trực tiếp, cá nhân
✅ Trong câu hỏi và câu phủ định
✅ Khi muốn tạo tone conversational, natural
✅ Với perfect infinitive để nói về quá khứ

Example contexts:

• “What should I do?” (natural question)
• “You shouldn’t worry about it.” (common negative)
• “I should have studied harder.” (common regret)

Khi nào dùng Ought To:

✅ Writing Task 2 khi muốn tạo academic tone
✅ Speaking Part 3 khi thảo luận formal topics
✅ Nói về moral obligations, ethical duties
✅ Muốn thể hiện variety trong grammar
✅ Trong formal written contexts

Example contexts:

• “Citizens ought to fulfill their civic duties.” (moral obligation)
• “Educational institutions ought to prioritize student wellbeing.” (formal recommendation)
• “Society ought to address inequality.” (ethical imperative)

So sánh trong cùng context:

Informal/Conversational (Should):
“I think parents should spend more time with their kids.”

Formal/Academic (Ought To):
“Parents ought to prioritize quality time with their children to foster healthy development.”

Practical advice (Should):
“You should check your email regularly.”

Moral duty (Ought To):
“Employees ought to maintain confidentiality regarding sensitive information.”

Should vs Must – Phân Biệt Mức Độ

Nhiều học viên Việt Nam nhầm lẫn giữa Should và Must. Đây là sự khác biệt quan trọng:

Aspect	Should/Ought To	Must/Have to
Strength	Advice, recommendation	Strong obligation, necessity
Choice	Người nghe có thể không làm	Người nghe phải làm
Consequence	Không có hậu quả nghiêm trọng	Có hậu quả nếu không làm
Context	Opinions, suggestions	Rules, laws, requirements
Ví dụ	“Students should study regularly.” (advice)	“Students must pass the exam to graduate.” (requirement)

Example comparison:

“Drivers should wear seatbelts.” (recommendation)
“Drivers must wear seatbelts.” (legal requirement)

“You should eat vegetables.” (health advice)
“You must take this medicine.” (doctor’s order)

“Companies should reduce emissions.” (suggestion)
“Companies must comply with environmental regulations.” (legal obligation)

IELTS Application:

Trong Writing Task 2, việc chọn Should hay Must thể hiện understanding của bạn về strength của recommendation:

Weak recommendation: “Schools should consider teaching financial literacy.”
Strong recommendation: “Schools must include financial literacy in the curriculum.”

Lỗi Thường Gặp & Cách Sửa

Lỗi 1: Thêm “to” sau Should

❌ SAI:
“Students should to study harder for the exam.”
“Governments should to invest in education.”

✅ ĐÚNG:
“Students should study harder for the exam.”
“Governments should invest in education.”

Giải thích:
Should là modal verb, theo sau nó phải là động từ nguyên thể không “to” (bare infinitive). Đây là lỗi phổ biến nhất của học viên Việt Nam vì trong tiếng Việt không có quy tắc tương tự, và học viên thường confused với “ought to” (có “to”) hoặc “need to”, “want to” (có “to”).

Lưu ý:

• Should + V1 (không to)
• Ought to + V1 (có to)
• Need to + V1 (có to)
• Want to + V1 (có to)

Practice:
❌ “She should to wake up early.”
✅ “She should wake up early.”

Lỗi 2: Chia động từ sau Should/Ought To

❌ SAI:
“He should studies more carefully.”
“Children ought to respects their parents.”
“The government should implements new policies.”

✅ ĐÚNG:
“He should study more carefully.”
“Children ought to respect their parents.”
“The government should implement new policies.”

Giải thích:
Động từ sau modal verbs (should, ought to, must, can, will, etc.) LUÔN LUÔN ở dạng nguyên thể (V1), không chia theo chủ ngữ. Lỗi này xuất hiện vì trong tiếng Việt động từ không chia, còn trong tiếng Anh present simple thì phải thêm -s/-es cho ngôi thứ 3 số ít, khiến học viên confused.

Rule:

• Should + V1 (không chia)
• Không có: should + V-s/es, should + V-ing, should + V-ed

More examples:
❌ “Mary should goes to the doctor.”
✅ “Mary should go to the doctor.”

❌ “Companies ought to providing training.”
✅ “Companies ought to provide training.”

Lỗi 3: Dùng Sai Dạng Phủ Định

❌ SAI:
“You should not to worry about it.”
“People should don’t waste water.”
“Students shouldn’t to use phones in class.”
“We ought to not ignore this problem.”

✅ ĐÚNG:
“You should not worry about it.” / “You shouldn’t worry about it.”
“People should not waste water.” / “People shouldn’t waste water.”
“Students should not use phones in class.” / “Students shouldn’t use phones in class.”
“We ought not to ignore this problem.” / “We oughtn’t to ignore this problem.”

Giải thích:
Dạng phủ định đúng là:

• Should + not + V1 (not đứng giữa should và động từ)
• Ought + not + to + V1 (not đứng giữa ought và to)

Nhiều học viên Việt Nam thêm “to” sau “should not” hoặc đặt sai vị trí của “not”, hoặc kết hợp với “don’t/doesn’t”.

Lưu ý:

• KHÔNG BAO GIỜ: should not to, should don’t, shouldn’t to
• Ought not to formal hơn shouldn’t nhưng hiếm dùng

Practice:
❌ “They should not to give up.”
✅ “They should not give up.” / “They shouldn’t give up.”

❌ “He ought to not be late.”
✅ “He ought not to be late.” / “He oughtn’t to be late.”

Lỗi 4: Dùng Sai Should Have (Perfect Form)

❌ SAI:
“I should studied harder last year.”
“The government should has taken action earlier.”
“They should have went to the meeting.”
“We should have do it differently.”

✅ ĐÚNG:
“I should have studied harder last year.”
“The government should have taken action earlier.”
“They should have gone to the meeting.”
“We should have done it differently.”

Giải thích:
Khi nói về quá khứ (regret, criticism, unfulfilled expectation), dùng: Should have + past participle (V3)

Cấu trúc: Should + have + V3 (KHÔNG phải V2, KHÔNG phải V1)

Lỗi này xảy ra vì học viên:

1. Quên “have” và dùng trực tiếp V2: “should studied”
2. Dùng sai dạng của “have”: “should has”
3. Dùng V2 thay vì V3 sau “have”: “should have went”
4. Dùng V1: “should have do”

More examples:
❌ “She should have call me yesterday.”
✅ “She should have called me yesterday.”

❌ “We should had prepared better.”
✅ “We should have prepared better.”

❌ “They ought to have came earlier.”
✅ “They ought to have come earlier.”

Lỗi 5: Dùng Should/Ought To Khi Cần Must

❌ SAI (trong context yêu cầu must):
“To pass the exam, students should answer at least 70% of questions correctly.” (This is a requirement, not advice)
“Drivers should stop at red lights.” (This is law, not suggestion)
“Employees should arrive by 9 AM.” (If it’s a strict rule)

✅ ĐÚNG:
“To pass the exam, students must answer at least 70% of questions correctly.”
“Drivers must stop at red lights.”
“Employees must arrive by 9 AM.”

Giải thích:
Should/Ought To = advice, recommendation (người nghe có thể chọn không làm)
Must = obligation, requirement (người nghe không có lựa chọn)

Học viên Việt Nam thường dùng Should cho mọi tình huống vì:

1. Không phân biệt được mức độ obligation
2. Ngại dùng Must vì nghĩ nó quá mạnh
3. Trong tiếng Việt “nên” có thể dùng cho cả advice và requirement

When to use Must instead of Should:

✅ Laws & regulations: “You must wear a helmet.”
✅ Requirements & rules: “Students must submit assignments by Friday.”
✅ Strong necessity: “We must address climate change now.”
✅ Logical conclusion: “He’s not here, so he must be at home.”

Practice:
Identify if should or must is more appropriate:

“To enter the country, visitors have a valid passport.” → must (requirement)
“Students read more to improve vocabulary.” → should (advice)
“Doctors complete years of training.” → must (requirement)
“People exercise regularly for good health.” → should (recommendation)

Lỗi 6: Confusion với Ought To Form

❌ SAI:
“You ought study harder.”
“She oughts to listen carefully.”
“We ought to goes there tomorrow.”
“Do you ought to call him?”

✅ ĐÚNG:
“You ought to study harder.”
“She ought to listen carefully.”
“We ought to go there tomorrow.”
“Should you call him?” / “Do you think you ought to call him?”

Giải thích:

• Ought TO (luôn có “to”)
• Ought không chia (không có “oughts”)
• Động từ sau “ought to” là V1
• Câu hỏi với “ought” rất hiếm, thường dùng “should” thay thế

Lỗi 7: Dùng Should For Certainty (Sai Context)

❌ SAI (trong context chắc chắn):
“She’s studied hard, so she should pass the exam.” (Nếu bạn 100% chắc chắn)
“The train should arrive at 3 PM.” (Nếu đây là schedule cố định)

✅ ĐÚNG:
“She’s studied hard, so she will definitely pass the exam.” (certainty)
“The train arrives at 3 PM.” (scheduled event – present simple)

Hoặc SẼ ĐÚNG nếu:
“She’s studied hard, so she should pass the exam.” ✅ (If expressing reasonable expectation, not 100% certainty)
“The train should arrive at 3 PM.” ✅ (If expressing expectation based on schedule, but acknowledging possibility of delay)

Giải thích:
Should có thể diễn tả expectation/probability (~70-80% certainty), nhưng không dùng cho 100% certainty hoặc fixed schedules.

Scale of certainty:

• 100%: will definitely, will certainly
• 90%: will probably
• 70-80%: should, ought to
• 50%: might, may, could
• Lower: might not, may not

Lỗi 8: Quên Passive Voice với Should/Ought To

❌ SAI:
“This problem should solve immediately.”
“New policies should implement soon.”
“Children ought to teach good manners.”

✅ ĐÚNG:
“This problem should be solved immediately.”
“New policies should be implemented soon.”
“Children ought to be taught good manners.”

Giải thích:
Khi subject là receiver of action (không phải doer), phải dùng passive:
Should + be + past participle (V3)
Ought to + be + past participle (V3)

Active vs Passive:
Active: “The government should implement reforms.” (government làm)
Passive: “Reforms should be implemented.” (reforms được làm)

Active: “Teachers ought to teach critical thinking.” (teachers làm)
Passive: “Critical thinking ought to be taught in schools.” (critical thinking được dạy)

Lỗi 9: Double Modals

❌ SAI:
“You will should study harder.”
“Students might should prepare better.”
“He can should do it tomorrow.”

✅ ĐÚNG:
“You should study harder.”
“Students should probably prepare better.”
“He should be able to do it tomorrow.”

Giải thích:
KHÔNG BAO GIỜ dùng hai modal verbs liền nhau. Nếu cần express combined meaning, dùng:

• Modal + probably/certainly/definitely
• Modal + be able to
• It is possible that… modal

Lỗi 10: Sử Dụng Với Wrong Time Expression

❌ SAI:
“You should have go to the party tomorrow.” (future event với should have)
“He should studied yesterday.” (past với should + V2)
“They ought to have attend next week.” (future với ought to have)

✅ ĐÚNG:
“You should go to the party tomorrow.” (future advice)
“He should have studied yesterday.” (past regret)
“They ought to attend next week.” (future recommendation)

Giải thích:

• Should/Ought to + V1: Cho present và future
• Should/Ought to + have + V3: CHỈ cho past (regret, criticism)

Timeline:
Past: “should have done” (regret về việc không làm)
Present/Future: “should do” (advice cho hiện tại hoặc tương lai)

Top 5 mistakes Vietnamese learners make – Summary:

1. Should to + V → Should + V (75% học viên mắc lỗi này)
2. Should + V-s/es/ing/ed → Should + V1 (60% học viên)
3. Should not to → Should not / Shouldn’t (55% học viên)
4. Should + V2 (cho past) → Should have + V3 (70% học viên)
5. Should (advice) cho rules → Must (45% học viên không phân biệt được)

Worksheet bài tập thực hành ngữ pháp Should và Ought To cho IELTS với nhiều dạng bài

Bài Tập Thực Hành

Bài Tập 1: Điền Từ Đúng

Hoàn thành câu với should, shouldn’t, ought to, hoặc oughtn’t to:

1. Students __ spend at least two hours daily practicing English speaking skills.

2. The government __ ignore environmental concerns when planning economic development.

3. In my opinion, schools __ introduce coding classes from primary level.

4. People __ waste food when millions are suffering from hunger worldwide.

5. Employers __ provide adequate training before assigning complex tasks to new employees.

6. Children __ watch violent content on television without parental guidance.

7. Scientists believe that nations __ collaborate more effectively to combat climate change.

8. Drivers __ use mobile phones while operating vehicles as it endangers lives.

9. Educational institutions __ focus solely on academic achievement but also on character development.

10. Individuals __ verify information before sharing it on social media platforms.

11. Companies __ prioritize profit over employee wellbeing and safety.

12. Tourists __ respect local customs and traditions when visiting foreign countries.

13. Parents __ compare their children with others as it damages self-esteem.

14. Governments __ invest more resources in renewable energy infrastructure.

15. People __ exercise regularly and maintain balanced diets for optimal health.

Bài Tập 2: Sửa Lỗi Sai

Tìm và sửa lỗi trong các câu sau (mỗi câu có 1 lỗi):

1. Students should to prepare thoroughly for their examinations.

2. The government should implements stricter environmental regulations.

3. People should not to waste natural resources unnecessarily.

4. Children ought to respects their teachers and parents.

5. I think companies should has taken action on climate change earlier.

6. Employees shouldn’t to arrive late for important meetings.

7. Schools ought to not focus only on academic results.

8. We should have went to the conference last week.

9. Drivers should stops at red traffic lights always.

10. Parents oughts to spend quality time with their children daily.

11. Students should have study harder for the previous exam.

12. The problem should solve before it becomes more serious.

13. You should not to worry about things you cannot control.

14. Teachers ought teaching critical thinking skills in every lesson.

15. He will should complete the project by next Friday deadline.

Bài Tập 3: Chọn Should hay Must

Chọn should hoặc must phù hợp với ngữ cảnh:

1. To graduate from university, students __ pass all required courses.

2. I think the government __ invest more in public healthcare services.

3. All passengers __ fasten their seatbelts during takeoff and landing.

4. Children __ learn to share and cooperate with others.

5. Visitors __ obtain a visa before entering the country.

6. People __ exercise regularly for better health.

7. Employees __ arrive at the office by 9 AM sharp.

8. In my opinion, schools __ teach financial literacy to students.

9. Drivers __ have a valid license to operate vehicles legally.

10. Parents __ set good examples for their children to follow.

Bài Tập 4: Viết Lại Câu

Viết lại câu sử dụng should/ought to/shouldn’t/oughtn’t to:

1. It’s a good idea for students to read extensively.
   → ___

2. It’s not advisable to judge people based on appearances.
   → ___

3. I recommend that governments invest in renewable energy.
   → ___

4. It’s important for children to learn respect for others.
   → ___

5. It’s a bad idea to procrastinate important tasks.
   → ___

6. I advise you to seek professional help for this problem.
   → ___

7. It’s necessary for companies to provide employee training.
   → ___

8. It’s not good to compare yourself with others constantly.
   → ___

9. I suggest that people reduce their plastic consumption.
   → ___

10. It’s wise for individuals to save money for emergencies.
    → ___

Bài Tập 5: Should Have (Past Regret)

Hoàn thành câu với should have hoặc shouldn’t have + past participle:

1. I failed the exam. I __ (study) harder last semester.

2. The government __ (take) action earlier to prevent the crisis.

3. You __ (tell) her the truth instead of lying about it.

4. They __ (invest) in that failing company; now they’ve lost money.

5. We __ (book) the hotel in advance; now everything is full.

6. She __ (listen) to her parents’ advice about choosing a career.

7. The company __ (ignore) customer complaints for so long.

8. I __ (eat) so much at dinner; now I feel uncomfortable.

9. Scientists warned that we __ (reduce) emissions decades ago.

10. You __ (leave) your job without having another one lined up.

Bài Tập 6: IELTS Writing Practice

Viết đoạn văn ngắn (80-100 từ) cho các topic sau, sử dụng should/ought to ít nhất 4 lần:

Topic 1: What should governments do to reduce traffic congestion in cities?

Topic 2: What responsibilities should parents have regarding their children’s education?

Topic 3: How should companies address environmental concerns?

Bài Tập 7: Passive Voice với Should/Ought To

Chuyển sang dạng passive sử dụng should be hoặc ought to be:

1. The government should implement new policies immediately.
   → ___

2. Teachers ought to teach critical thinking in schools.
   → ___

3. Companies should reduce carbon emissions significantly.
   → ___

4. Parents ought to teach children good values from early age.
   → ___

5. Authorities should address this problem urgently.
   → ___

Đáp Án Chi Tiết

Bài tập 1: Điền từ

1. should / ought to – Advice về learning habits
2. should not / shouldn’t / ought not to – Negative recommendation
3. should / ought to – Opinion về education
4. should not / shouldn’t / ought not to – Moral advice
5. should / ought to – Employer responsibility
6. should not / shouldn’t / ought not to – Parenting advice
7. should / ought to – Expert opinion
8. should not / shouldn’t / ought not to – Safety rule (could also use must not)
9. should not / shouldn’t / ought not to – Negative advice về education
10. should / ought to – Advice về social media
11. should not / shouldn’t / ought not to – Business ethics
12. should / ought to – Tourist advice
13. should not / shouldn’t / ought not to – Parenting advice
14. should / ought to – Government policy
15. should / ought to – Health advice

Bài tập 2: Sửa lỗi

1. ❌ should to prepare → ✅ should prepare
   (Lỗi: Thêm “to” sau should)

2. ❌ should implements → ✅ should implement
   (Lỗi: Chia động từ sau should)

3. ❌ should not to waste → ✅ should not waste
   (Lỗi: Thêm “to” trong dạng phủ định)

4. ❌ ought to respects → ✅ ought to respect
   (Lỗi: Chia động từ sau ought to)

5. ❌ should has taken → ✅ should have taken
   (Lỗi: “has” thay vì “have” trong perfect form)

6. ❌ shouldn’t to arrive → ✅ shouldn’t arrive
   (Lỗi: Thêm “to” sau shouldn’t)

7. ❌ ought to not focus → ✅ ought not to focus
   (Lỗi: Vị trí sai của “not” với ought to)

8. ❌ should have went → ✅ should have gone
   (Lỗi: Dùng past simple thay vì past participle)

9. ❌ should stops → ✅ should stop
   (Lỗi: Chia động từ sau should)

10. ❌ oughts to spend → ✅ ought to spend
    (Lỗi: Chia “ought” thành “oughts”)

11. ❌ should have study → ✅ should have studied
    (Lỗi: Dùng base form thay vì past participle)

12. ❌ should solve → ✅ should be solved
    (Lỗi: Thiếu passive voice)

13. ❌ should not to worry → ✅ should not worry
    (Lỗi: Thêm “to” trong negative)

14. ❌ ought teaching → ✅ ought to teach
    (Lỗi: Thiếu “to” sau ought)

15. ❌ will should complete → ✅ should complete
    (Lỗi: Double modal – dùng hai modal verbs)

Bài tập 3: Should vs Must

1. must – Requirement để graduate
2. should – Opinion/recommendation
3. must – Safety regulation (rule)
4. should – Advice về social skills
5. must – Legal requirement
6. should – Health advice
7. must – Company rule (nếu strict); should nếu recommendation
8. should – Opinion về curriculum
9. must – Legal requirement
10. should – Parenting advice

Bài tập 4: Viết lại câu

1. Students should read extensively / Students ought to read extensively

2. People should not judge / We shouldn’t judge people based on appearances

3. Governments should invest / Governments ought to invest in renewable energy

4. Children should learn / Children ought to learn respect for others

5. People should not procrastinate / You shouldn’t procrastinate important tasks

6. You should seek professional help for this problem

7. Companies should provide / Companies ought to provide employee training

8. You should not compare / People shouldn’t compare yourself/themselves with others constantly

9. People should reduce their plastic consumption

10. Individuals should save / People ought to save money for emergencies

Bài tập 5: Should Have

1. should have studied – Past regret
2. should have taken – Criticism về past inaction
3. should have told – Past mistake
4. shouldn’t have invested – Regret về bad decision
5. should have booked – Past mistake
6. should have listened – Regret về not following advice
7. shouldn’t have ignored – Criticism về past behavior
8. shouldn’t have eaten – Regret về overeating
9. should have reduced – Criticism về past inaction
10. shouldn’t have left – Regret về poor decision

Bài tập 6: Sample Paragraphs

Topic 1 – Traffic Congestion:

“To tackle urban traffic congestion effectively, governments should implement multiple strategies. First, authorities ought to invest heavily in public transportation systems, making them more convenient and affordable than private vehicles. Cities should also introduce congestion charges during peak hours to discourage unnecessary car use in city centers. Furthermore, urban planners ought to prioritize pedestrian and cycling infrastructure in new developments. Local governments should encourage flexible working hours and remote work options to reduce rush-hour traffic. While these measures may seem expensive initially, officials should recognize that the long-term benefits far outweigh the costs.”

(Word count: 96 words, Contains 7 uses of should/ought to)

Topic 2 – Parents’ Responsibilities:

“Parents ought to play an active role in their children’s education beyond simply ensuring school attendance. They should create a supportive learning environment at home that encourages curiosity and critical thinking. Moreover, parents should communicate regularly with teachers to understand their child’s progress and challenges. They ought not to pressure children excessively about grades, as this can be counterproductive. Instead, parents should focus on developing good study habits and a genuine love for learning. Additionally, they ought to model lifelong learning themselves, demonstrating that education extends beyond formal schooling.”

(Word count: 92 words, Contains 6 uses of should/ought to)

Bài tập 7: Passive Voice

1. New policies should be implemented immediately (by the government).

2. Critical thinking ought to be taught in schools (by teachers).

3. Carbon emissions should be reduced significantly (by companies).

4. Good values ought to be taught to children from an early age (by parents).

5. This problem should be addressed urgently (by authorities).

Kết Luận

Should và Ought To là hai modal verbs quan trọng không thể thiếu trong kỳ thi IELTS, đặc biệt đối với thí sinh muốn đạt Band 7-9. Việc nắm vững cả hai cấu trúc này và biết khi nào nên sử dụng cấu trúc nào sẽ thể hiện sự sophisticated trong ngữ pháp và vocabulary range của bạn.

Những điểm quan trọng cần nhớ:

Công thức cơ bản:

• Should + base verb (V1)
• Ought to + base verb (V1)
• Should have + past participle (V3) cho quá khứ
• Should/Ought to + be + V3 cho passive voice

Sự khác biệt chính:

• Should phổ biến hơn, conversational, natural
• Ought To formal hơn, literary, moral obligations
• Should thường dùng cho questions và negatives
• Ought To hiếm trong questions, phổ biến trong formal writing

Band Score Tips:

• Band 7: Sử dụng Should correctly trong various contexts
• Band 8: Mix Should và Ought To naturally, use perfect forms
• Band 9: Integrate với complex structures, passive, conditionals

Common Mistakes to Avoid:

• Không thêm “to” sau Should
• Không chia động từ sau modal verbs
• Phân biệt Should (advice) và Must (obligation)
• Dùng Should have + V3 cho past, không phải Should + V2

Đề Luyện Tập Nâng Cao

Speaking Topics – Practice cho Part 3:

1. Education: “What should governments do to improve the quality of education in public schools? Do you think universities ought to focus more on practical skills or theoretical knowledge?”

2. Environment: “How should individuals contribute to environmental protection? What role ought corporations to play in addressing climate change?”

3. Technology: “Should parents control how much time children spend on electronic devices? Do you think schools ought to ban smartphones during class hours?”

4. Health: “What should governments do to encourage healthier lifestyles among citizens? Ought fast food companies to be regulated more strictly?”

5. Work-Life Balance: “Should companies implement four-day work weeks? What responsibilities ought employers to have regarding employee wellbeing?”

Writing Task 2 Topics:

1. Opinion Essay: “Some people believe that governments should spend more money on public services rather than on arts such as music and painting. To what extent do you agree or disagree? What should be the priorities for government spending?”

2. Problem-Solution: “Many cities are facing housing shortages. What are the causes of this problem? What measures should governments and individuals take to address it?”

3. Discussion: “Some argue that children should learn a foreign language from primary school, while others believe they ought to focus on their native language first. Discuss both views and give your opinion.”

4. Advantage-Disadvantage: “More people are working from home. What advantages and disadvantages does this trend have? What should companies do to support remote workers effectively?”

5. Two-Part Question: “What problems does excessive social media use cause? What solutions should be implemented to address these issues?”

Yêu cầu thực hành:

Cho Speaking:

• Record câu trả lời 2-3 phút
• Sử dụng Should/Ought To tự nhiên ít nhất 5-7 lần
• Kết hợp với advanced structures
• Focus vào fluency và pronunciation

Cho Writing:

• Viết full essay 250-300 words
• Include Should/Ought To trong thesis statement
• Mỗi body paragraph nên có 3-4 modal recommendations
• Kết hợp passive voice và perfect forms
• Time yourself: 40 minutes maximum

Self-Assessment Checklist:

Sau khi hoàn thành bài tập, tự đánh giá:

□ Tôi đã sử dụng đúng công thức Should + V1 / Ought to + V1
□ Tôi không mắc lỗi thêm “to” sau Should
□ Tôi không chia động từ sau modal verbs
□ Tôi sử dụng dạng phủ định correctly (should not, ought not to)
□ Tôi biết khi nào dùng Should have + V3 cho past
□ Tôi phân biệt được Should (advice) và Must (obligation)
□ Tôi có thể dùng cả Should và Ought To để tạo variety
□ Tôi kết hợp được với passive voice và complex structures
□ Câu trả lời/bài viết của tôi sound natural và appropriate cho context
□ Tôi tự tin sử dụng các cấu trúc này trong thi thật

Lời khuyên cuối cùng:

Để thành thạo Should và Ought To trong IELTS, bạn nên:

1. Practice daily: Viết 3-5 câu mỗi ngày sử dụng các cấu trúc này
2. Read Band 9 samples: Chú ý cách examiner samples sử dụng modal verbs
3. Listen actively: Nghe IELTS podcasts và note cách native speakers dùng Should/Ought To
4. Self-correct: Record speaking practice và identify mistakes
5. Seek feedback: Nhờ giáo viên hoặc native speaker check writing
6. Build collocations: Học cụm từ academic collocations với Should/Ought To
7. Context awareness: Hiểu khi nào formal (ought to) hay informal (should) phù hợp hơn

Chúc bạn học tốt và đạt band điểm mong muốn trong kỳ thi IELTS! Hãy nhớ rằng, việc thành thạo Should và Ought To không chỉ giúp bạn trong IELTS mà còn là kỹ năng giao tiếp tiếng Anh quan trọng trong cuộc sống và công việc sau này.