Cấu Trúc Song Song Trong So Sánh (Parallel Structure in Comparisons) – Bí Quyết Đạt Band 8+ IELTS

Giới Thiệu

Cấu trúc song song trong so sánh (Parallel Structure In Comparisons) là một trong những yếu tố ngữ pháp quan trọng giúp bạn ghi điểm cao trong IELTS, đặc biệt ở Writing Task 2 và Speaking Part 3. Cấu trúc này đảm bảo các thành phần được so sánh có hình thức ngữ pháp tương đương nhau, tạo nên sự cân đối, mạch lạc và chuyên nghiệp trong câu văn.

Theo phân tích từ Cambridge IELTS 15-19, cấu trúc song song xuất hiện thường xuyên trong các bài viết đạt Band 8.0 trở lên. Thí sinh có khả năng duy trì tính song song trong câu phức và so sánh thường được đánh giá cao về mặt Grammatical Range and Accuracy.

Ví dụ vận dụng trong IELTS:

Speaking Part 3 (Comparing ideas):
“Learning online is more convenient than attending traditional classes.”
→ Phân tích: Cả hai thành phần so sánh đều dùng dạng V-ing (Learning… attending)

Writing Task 2 (Opinion essay):
“Young people today prefer using social media to reading newspapers.”
→ Phân tích: Hai hành động được so sánh đều ở dạng V-ing (using… reading)

Writing Task 1 (Describing trends):
“The number of students studying abroad increased more rapidly than the number of those staying in their home countries.”
→ Phân tích: Cấu trúc song song với “the number of + N” ở cả hai vế

Speaking Part 2 (Making comparisons):
“I find working in a team more rewarding than working independently.”
→ Phân tích: Hai cụm động từ song song (working… working)

Writing Task 2 (Advantage/Disadvantage):
“It is better to invest in public transportation than to build more roads.”
→ Phân tích: Cấu trúc song song với “to + V” (to invest… to build)

Trong bài viết này, bạn sẽ học:

✅ Định nghĩa và tầm quan trọng của cấu trúc song song trong so sánh
✅ Công thức chi tiết với 7 dạng so sánh phổ biến
✅ Cách vận dụng vào 4 kỹ năng IELTS
✅ 25+ câu ví dụ Band 7-9 từ đề thi thực tế
✅ Các biến thể nâng cao cho Band 8+
✅ 8 lỗi thường gặp nhất và cách tránh
✅ Bài tập thực hành có đáp án chi tiết

Cấu Trúc Song Song Trong So Sánh Là Gì?

Định Nghĩa

Cấu trúc song song trong so sánh (Parallel Structure in Comparisons) là quy tắc ngữ pháp yêu cầu các thành phần được so sánh phải có cùng hình thức ngữ pháp (cùng loại từ, cùng thì, cùng cấu trúc câu). Điều này tạo nên sự cân bằng, rõ ràng và dễ hiểu trong câu văn.

Chức năng chính:

• Tạo sự nhất quán và cân đối trong câu văn
• Giúp người đọc/nghe dễ dàng theo dõi và so sánh các ý
• Thể hiện khả năng kiểm soát ngữ pháp ở mức cao
• Nâng cao tính học thuật và chuyên nghiệp của văn phong

Khi nào dùng trong IELTS:

• Speaking: Khi so sánh hai ý kiến, hai trải nghiệm, hai lựa chọn
• Writing Task 1: So sánh dữ liệu, xu hướng giữa các nhóm
• Writing Task 2: Trình bày luận điểm đối lập, so sánh ưu/nhược điểm
• Trong các cấu trúc: comparatives (more… than), prefer A to B, rather than, instead of

Tần Suất Xuất Hiện Trong IELTS

Theo phân tích từ Cambridge IELTS 10-19:

Speaking:

• Part 1: Trung bình – Khi được hỏi về sở thích (“Do you prefer… or…?”)
• Part 2: Cao – Khi mô tả và so sánh trải nghiệm trong cue card
• Part 3: Rất cao – Khi thảo luận và đưa ra nhận xét về xu hướng xã hội

Writing:

• Task 1: Cao – Đặc biệt trong biểu đồ so sánh (bar charts, line graphs)
• Task 2: Rất cao – Xuất hiện trong mọi dạng bài (Opinion, Discussion, Advantages/Disadvantages)

Listening/Reading:

• Xuất hiện thường xuyên trong academic contexts
• Cần nhận diện để hiểu chính xác mối quan hệ so sánh giữa các ý

Band Score Impact:

• Band 6: Có thể tạo so sánh đơn giản nhưng thường thiếu tính song song
• Band 7: Duy trì cấu trúc song song trong hầu hết các câu so sánh
• Band 8-9: Sử dụng đa dạng cấu trúc so sánh song song một cách tự nhiên và chính xác tuyệt đối

Công Thức & Cấu Trúc

Công Thức Cơ Bản

📌 CÔNG THỨC CHÍNH:

┌──────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ [Element A] + comparative/linking word + [Element B]  │
│ (Element A và B phải có CÙNG HÌNH THỨC NGỮ PHÁP)     │
│                                                       │
│ Ví dụ: Learning languages is easier than mastering   │
│        musical instruments.                          │
│        (Noun phrase)    than    (Noun phrase)        │
└──────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘

Thành phần câu:

• Element A (Thành phần A): Phần tử đầu tiên trong phép so sánh – có thể là noun, verb, phrase, clause
• Comparative/Linking word: Từ nối so sánh như than, as…as, to, rather than, instead of
• Element B (Thành phần B): Phần tử thứ hai – PHẢI CÙNG LOẠI với Element A

Ví dụ phân tích chi tiết:

Câu: “She prefers reading books to watching television.”

Phân tích:

• Subject: She (chủ ngữ)
• Verb: prefers (động từ chính)
• Element A: reading books (V-ing phrase)
• Linking word: to
• Element B: watching television (V-ing phrase – SONG SONG với Element A)

Các Biến Thể Theo Loại So Sánh

1. So Sánh Với Than (More/Less… Than)

Công thức:

Subject + V + more/less + Adjective/Noun + than + parallel element
Subject + V + Adjective-er + than + parallel element

Ví dụ:

• “Working from home is more productive than working in an office.” (phrase + phrase)
• “To succeed in business is harder than to maintain success.” (infinitive + infinitive)

2. So Sánh Ngang Bằng (As… As)

Công thức:

Subject + V + as + Adjective/Adverb + as + parallel element

Ví dụ:

• “Learning grammar is as important as practicing speaking.” (V-ing + V-ing)
• “To work efficiently is as valuable as to work long hours.” (infinitive + infinitive)

3. Prefer… To

Công thức:

Subject + prefer(s) + [V-ing/Noun] + to + [V-ing/Noun]

Ví dụ:

• “Students prefer studying online to attending physical classes.” (V-ing + V-ing)
• “Most people prefer stability to constant change.” (noun + noun)

4. Rather Than

Công thức:

Subject + V + [Element A] + rather than + [Element B]
(A và B: cùng V-ing, infinitive, hoặc noun)

Ví dụ:

• “The government should invest in education rather than spend on military.” (bare infinitive + bare infinitive)
• “Many choose to work independently rather than to join a company.” (infinitive + infinitive)

5. Instead Of

Công thức:

Subject + V + instead of + [V-ing/Noun phrase]

Ví dụ:

• “Young people now communicate through social media instead of meeting face-to-face.” (V-ing + V-ing)
• “The city built a shopping mall instead of a public park.” (noun phrase + noun phrase)

6. Both… And / Neither… Nor / Either… Or

Công thức:

Subject + V + both/neither/either + [Element A] + and/nor/or + [Element B]

Ví dụ:

• “The program aims to both reduce pollution and improve public health.” (bare infinitive + bare infinitive)
• “Students should neither memorize information nor ignore critical thinking.” (bare infinitive + bare infinitive)

7. Not Only… But Also

Công thức:

Subject + V + not only + [Element A] + but also + [Element B]

Ví dụ:

• “Technology not only changes how we work but also transforms how we socialize.” (clause + clause)
• “The policy will not only benefit the economy but also protect the environment.” (verb phrase + verb phrase)

Signal Words – Từ Tín Hiệu So Sánh

Các từ/cụm từ thường đi kèm cấu trúc song song:

Signal Words	Ý nghĩa	Ví dụ
than	hơn	“Reading is more beneficial than watching TV.”
as… as	bằng, như	“Writing is as challenging as speaking.”
to (sau prefer)	hơn là	“I prefer walking to driving.”
rather than	thay vì	“Study smart rather than study hard.”
instead of	thay vì	“Exercise instead of sitting all day.”
like	như, giống như	“She speaks like a native speaker does.”
unlike	không giống	“Unlike her sister, she enjoys sports.”
compared to/with	so với	“Compared to last year, sales have doubled.”

Sơ đồ minh họa cấu trúc song song trong các câu so sánh tiếng Anh dùng cho IELTS với công thức và ví dụ rõ ràng

Cách Vận Dụng Vào IELTS

Speaking

Part 1 – Introduction & Interview

Topic thường gặp: Hobbies, Daily routines, Preferences, Hometown

Ví dụ câu hỏi & trả lời:

Q: “Do you prefer reading books or watching movies?”

A (Band 7): “I prefer reading books to watching movies because it allows me to use my imagination more actively.”
→ Phân tích: Sử dụng cấu trúc song song “V-ing + to + V-ing” để thể hiện sở thích rõ ràng.

Q: “Is it better to study alone or in a group?”

A (Band 8): “I think studying independently is more effective than working in groups for subjects like mathematics, but group study works better for discussion-based subjects.”
→ Phân tích: Cấu trúc song song “V-ing phrase + than + V-ing phrase” với comparative.

Q: “What do young people in your country prefer to do in their free time?”

A (Band 8+): “Most young people prefer spending time on social media to engaging in outdoor activities, which is quite different from previous generations.”
→ Phân tích: Dùng “prefer V-ing to V-ing” với vocabulary nâng cao.

Part 2 – Long Turn

Cue card example:

Describe a change that could improve your local area.

Sample answer (Band 8.5):

“I’d like to talk about a significant improvement that our local area desperately needs – better public transportation rather than more parking spaces. Currently, the city keeps building car parks instead of developing bus routes, which I believe is counterproductive.

The benefits of this change would be substantial. Not only would it reduce traffic congestion but it would also decrease air pollution significantly. Moreover, investing in buses and metro systems is more sustainable than encouraging private vehicle use.

From an economic perspective, public transport creates more jobs than parking facilities do, and maintaining a bus network costs less than constantly expanding roads. I’ve noticed that cities with good public transport are generally both more livable and more environmentally friendly.

Currently, commuters have to choose between driving their own cars or spending hours waiting for infrequent buses. This isn’t really a choice at all. Improving public transport would be more beneficial than any other infrastructure project the city could undertake…”

→ Phân tích Band 8+ features:

• Sử dụng đa dạng cấu trúc: rather than, instead of, not only…but also, more…than
• Duy trì tính song song xuyên suốt bài nói
• Kết hợp với vocabulary học thuật
• Câu phức với nhiều mệnh đề so sánh

Part 3 – Discussion

Typical questions using parallel comparisons:

Q: “How has technology changed the way people communicate?”

A (Band 8): “Technology has fundamentally transformed communication. These days, people prefer sending instant messages to making phone calls, and they’d rather share their lives on social media than meet friends in person.

Unlike previous generations who valued face-to-face interaction, young people today find digital communication both more convenient and less time-consuming. However, I believe maintaining real relationships is more important than accumulating online followers.”

→ Band 9 features:

• Multiple parallel structures trong một câu trả lời
• Unlike để tạo contrast với tính song song
• Both…and structure
• Kết hợp opinion cá nhân

Q: “Is it better for students to study abroad or in their home country?”

A (Band 8.5): “That’s an interesting question. I think studying abroad offers more cultural exposure than staying home does, but completing a degree locally is more economical than going overseas.

The decision really depends on priorities. For students who value experiencing different cultures rather than saving money, studying abroad is ideal. However, not only is local education more affordable but it also allows students to maintain family connections.

Personally, I believe the benefits of international education outweigh the costs, particularly in terms of developing independence and building global networks rather than just acquiring academic knowledge.”

→ Phân tích:

• So sánh nhiều góc độ với parallel structures
• Dùng “not only…but also” nâng cao
• Comparative clauses với “does” để tránh lặp

Writing Task 1

Khi Nào Dùng

• So sánh dữ liệu giữa các nhóm, thời kỳ, quốc gia
• Miêu tả xu hướng tăng/giảm với mức độ khác nhau
• Highlight sự khác biệt trong biểu đồ

Ví dụ Line Graph:

The graph shows the consumption of three types of fast food by Australian teenagers between 1975 and 2000.

Sample sentences:

“Eating hamburgers became more popular than consuming fish and chips over the 25-year period.”
→ Vận dụng: So sánh xu hướng với cấu trúc song song V-ing + than + V-ing

“The number of teenagers preferring pizza to hamburgers increased dramatically after 1985.”
→ Vận dụng: Prefer…to structure trong academic context

“Not only did pizza consumption rise but fish and chips sales also declined during this period.”
→ Vận dụng: Not only…but also với inversion (nâng cao)

Ví dụ Bar Chart:

“Men were more likely to exercise regularly than women were in all age groups.”
→ Vận dụng: Comparative với parallel clause structure

“Working full-time rather than part-time was the most common employment pattern for both genders.”
→ Vận dụng: Rather than với noun phrases

Writing Task 2

Essay Types Sử Dụng Parallel Structure

Opinion Essay

Topic: Some people think that success in life comes from hard work and determination, while others believe that factors like money and personal appearance are more important. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Body paragraph (Band 8.5):

“Proponents of the first view argue that working hard is more valuable than having inherited wealth because self-made success brings genuine satisfaction. They contend that dedication and perseverance lead to sustainable achievement rather than temporary gains.

Furthermore, developing skills through effort is more reliable than depending on external factors such as physical appearance, which can change over time. Research consistently shows that not only do hardworking individuals achieve their goals but they also maintain their success longer than those who rely on shortcuts.

Unlike people who depend on luck or family connections, individuals who build their careers through determination develop resilience and adaptability. In my view, cultivating a strong work ethic is more beneficial than pursuing quick fixes, as it creates lasting value both professionally and personally.”

→ Phân tích:

• Multiple parallel structures tăng tính học thuật
• Kết hợp với linking words
• Maintain consistency trong argument

Discussion Essay

Topic: Some people prefer to spend their lives doing the same things and avoiding change. Others think that change is always a good thing. Discuss both views.

Body paragraph (Band 8):

“Those who prefer stability to change often value predictability and security in their lives. They argue that maintaining familiar routines is less stressful than constantly adapting to new situations.

Rather than seeking new experiences, these individuals find comfort in established patterns. Not only does consistency provide psychological security but it also allows people to master their chosen fields through repeated practice.

Conversely, advocates of change believe that embracing new opportunities is more enriching than staying in comfort zones. They suggest that experiencing diverse situations rather than repeating the same activities leads to personal growth. Both professional development and personal fulfillment depend on willingness to adapt and evolve.”

→ Phân tích:

• Balanced discussion với parallel structures
• Both…and structure
• Contrasting views với consistent grammar

Advantage/Disadvantage Essay

Topic: In some countries, online shopping is replacing shopping in stores. Do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?

Body paragraph (Band 8.5):

“The primary advantage is that buying products online is more convenient than visiting physical stores, particularly for busy professionals. Consumers can compare prices and read reviews rather than travel between different shops, saving both time and money.

Not only is online shopping more accessible but it also offers greater product variety compared to traditional retail. Instead of being limited to local inventory, customers can purchase items from anywhere in the world.

However, the disadvantages of e-commerce are as significant as its benefits. Unlike shopping in stores where customers can examine products physically, online purchases involve uncertainty about quality. The environmental cost of packaging and delivery is higher than the impact of local shopping, contributing to carbon emissions.”

→ Phân tích:

• Balanced analysis với parallel comparisons
• As…as structure cho balanced view
• Unlike để tạo contrast

Problem/Solution Essay

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

Sample paragraph (Band 8):

“The root causes include both industrial emissions and vehicle pollution, which have worsened over recent decades. Rather than investing in sustainable infrastructure, many governments have prioritized economic growth, choosing to build more factories instead of protecting natural resources.

Not only have cities expanded rapidly but they have also neglected green spaces, replacing parks with concrete buildings. The rate of deforestation has increased faster than reforestation efforts, creating an ecological imbalance.

Effective solutions require not merely planting trees but also implementing strict emission controls. Developing public transportation is more effective than restricting private vehicles because it addresses the problem systematically. Both individual actions and government policies must work together to preserve the environment rather than exploit it for short-term gains.”

→ Phân tích:

• Multiple parallel structures trong cause-effect
• Both…and để link solutions
• Rather than cho contrast solutions

Ví dụ câu văn IELTS Writing Task 2 Band 8 sử dụng cấu trúc song song trong so sánh với highlight ngữ pháp

Sample Paragraphs Band 7-9

Band 7 Sample

Topic: Technology in Education

“Technology has significantly changed education in recent years. Students prefer using tablets to carrying heavy textbooks because digital devices are more portable. Online learning platforms are more flexible than traditional classrooms as students can study at their own pace. Moreover, accessing information through the internet is faster than searching in library books. However, not everyone has equal access to technology, which creates educational inequality. Rather than replacing teachers entirely, technology should be used as a tool to support learning. Teachers still play an important role in guiding students and providing feedback rather than just delivering information.”

Phân tích:

• Parallel structures: prefer…to, more…than, rather than (xuất hiện 5 lần)
• Variety: Sử dụng 3 dạng so sánh khác nhau
• Accuracy: Ngữ pháp chính xác, duy trì tính song song
• Collocations: “equal access”, “educational inequality”, “support learning”
• Band 7 features: Clear progression, good range, minor sophistication

Band 8-9 Sample

Topic: Work-Life Balance

“Achieving work-life balance has become more challenging than ever before in today’s competitive environment. Unlike previous generations who clearly separated professional and personal time, modern workers find these boundaries increasingly blurred. The proliferation of digital technology means that employees are both more connected to their offices and more distant from their families simultaneously.

Rather than working to live, many people now live to work, sacrificing personal relationships for career advancement. This shift has occurred not because individuals value their families less but because corporate culture demands constant availability. Maintaining boundaries between work and personal life is becoming as difficult as climbing a mountain without equipment.

Progressive companies recognize that investing in employee wellbeing is more profitable than maximizing work hours. Not only does work-life balance improve productivity but it also reduces burnout and staff turnover. Organizations that prioritize flexibility over rigid schedules typically experience higher employee satisfaction and better long-term performance. The most successful approach involves creating supportive policies rather than merely encouraging individual responsibility, acknowledging that systemic change is both necessary and achievable.”

Phân tích:

• Complex usage: Multiple embedded parallel structures trong câu phức
• Natural flow: Cấu trúc so sánh được tích hợp tự nhiên vào argument
• Range: 8 dạng parallel structure khác nhau (more than, unlike, both…and, not because…but because, as…as, not only…but also, over, rather than)
• Sophistication: Kết hợp với advanced vocabulary và complex sentences
• Band 9 features: Seamless integration, varied structures, perfect accuracy

Nâng Cao – Cách Dùng Để Đạt Band 8+

Kết Hợp Với Các Cấu Trúc Khác

Parallel Structure + Relative Clause

Example: “Students who study consistently perform better than those who cram before exams, which demonstrates the importance of regular practice.”

→ Band 8+ features:

• Tích hợp relative clause (who study, who cram) vào cấu trúc so sánh
• Thêm “which” clause để elaborate
• Duy trì parallel structure với “those who”

Example: “The projects that require collaboration are more successful than the ones that depend on individual effort, especially in complex fields.”

→ Advanced usage:

• So sánh hai relative clauses
• Maintaining parallelism trong noun clauses

Parallel Structure + Conditional

Example: “If governments invested more in education than in military spending, society would benefit tremendously.”

→ Band 8+ features:

• Kết hợp Type 2 conditional với comparative
• Parallel structure trong hypothesis clause

Example: “Had the company focused on innovation rather than cost-cutting, it would not have lost market share.”

→ Sophistication:

• Inverted conditional (Had + S + V3)
• Rather than trong past unreal condition

Parallel Structure + Passive Voice

Example: “More resources should be allocated to prevention than to treatment in healthcare systems.”

→ Advanced usage:

• Passive voice với modal (should be)
• Parallel structure với “to + noun”
• Academic register

Example: “Not only has pollution been reduced but waste management has also been improved through these initiatives.”

→ Band 9 features:

• Passive present perfect với inversion
• Both clauses passive, maintaining parallelism
• Complex sentence structure

Parallel Structure + Participle Clauses

Example: “Working remotely, employees are more productive than sitting in offices where distractions are constant.”

→ Complexity:

• Present participle clause
• Embedded comparison với where clause

Example: “Having studied the data carefully, researchers concluded that prevention is more cost-effective than intervention.”

→ Advanced feature:

• Perfect participle opening
• Reported speech với parallel comparison

Cụm Từ Nâng Cao

Academic Collocations With Parallel Structure

Collocation	Ví dụ	Band Level
yield better results than	“Collaborative learning yields better results than individual study.”	7+
prove more effective than	“Prevention programs prove more effective than treatment interventions.”	7+
constitute a greater threat than	“Cyber attacks constitute a greater threat than traditional warfare.”	8+
exert more influence than	“Social media exerts more influence than traditional media on young people.”	8+
hold more significance than	“Long-term sustainability holds more significance than short-term profits.”	8+
entail fewer risks than	“Renewable energy entails fewer risks than fossil fuels for future generations.”	8+
outweigh the drawbacks of	“The benefits of globalization outweigh the drawbacks of cultural homogenization.”	8+
surpass…in terms of	“Electric vehicles surpass conventional cars in terms of environmental impact.”	9
eclipse…in importance	“Climate action eclipses economic growth in importance for survival.”	9
take precedence over	“Public health concerns take precedence over economic considerations during pandemics.”	9

Advanced Sentence Patterns

Comparative + Conditional + Parallel:

“The more governments invest in renewable energy rather than fossil fuels, the faster we can address climate change instead of exacerbating it.”

→ Band 9 analysis: Double parallel structure (rather than, instead of) trong the more…the more pattern

Double Comparison:

“It is as important to develop critical thinking as it is to acquire knowledge, if not more so.”

→ Sophistication: As…as comparison với ellipsis và emphasis

Negative Inversion + Parallel:

“Not only does regular exercise improve physical health but it also enhances mental wellbeing more effectively than medication does.”

→ Advanced: Inversion + parallel structure + auxiliary “does” tránh repetition

Câu Phức & Ghép

Tích Hợp Vào Câu Phức

Example 1:

“Although technology has brought numerous benefits, many argue that face-to-face communication remains more meaningful than digital interaction, particularly when building deep relationships rather than maintaining superficial connections.”

→ Phân tích:

• Concessive clause (Although…)
• Main comparative (more…than)
• Participle clause với parallel (building…rather than maintaining)
• 3 layers of complexity

Example 2:

“Given that environmental degradation is accelerating, policymakers must decide whether to invest in mitigation or adaptation, recognizing that preventing damage is invariably more cost-effective than repairing it.”

→ Phân tích:

• Participle clause opening (Given that…)
• Infinitive parallel in whether clause (to invest…or…)
• Noun clause với comparative (that preventing…than repairing)
• Academic vocabulary integration

Example 3:

“While some contend that economic growth should take priority, I believe that protecting the environment is not only more urgent but also more beneficial in the long run, considering that ecological collapse would devastate the economy far more severely than any recession could.”

→ Band 9 features:

• Concessive (While…)
• Not only…but also structure
• Considering that clause với intensified comparison (far more…than)
• Complex argument structure

Example 4:

“The extent to which individuals can succeed depends less on innate talent than on sustained effort, provided that they receive adequate support and maintain persistence rather than giving up when facing obstacles.”

→ Sophistication:

• Noun clause subject (The extent to which…)
• Less…than comparative
• Provided that conditional
• Rather than contrast
• Multiple embedded clauses

Phân tích câu phức Band 9 IELTS có nhiều cấu trúc song song và mệnh đề phụ với màu sắc phân loại

So Sánh Với Cấu Trúc Tương Tự

Parallel Structure vs Non-Parallel Comparisons

Tiêu chí	Parallel Structure	Non-Parallel (Incorrect)
Công thức	Same grammatical form	Mixed grammatical forms
Ví dụ đúng	“I enjoy reading and writing.”	–
Ví dụ sai	–	“I enjoy reading and to write.” ❌
Tính rõ ràng	Cao – dễ theo dõi	Thấp – gây nhầm lẫn
Band score	7-9	5-6 (grammatical errors)

Than vs To (After Prefer)

Tiêu chí	Prefer…to	Prefer…than ❌
Công thức	prefer + V-ing/Noun + to + V-ing/Noun	Không tồn tại trong chuẩn English
Ví dụ	“I prefer walking to driving.” ✅	“I prefer walking than driving.” ❌
Độ phổ biến	Standard English	Common Vietnamese learner error
Register	Formal & Informal	–

Khi nào dùng cấu trúc nào:

• Prefer…to: Khi so sánh hai danh từ hoặc V-ing

  • “Students prefer online courses to traditional classes.”

• Would rather…than: Khi dùng với bare infinitive

  • “I would rather work independently than join a team.”

• More…than: Cho tính từ/trạng từ dài và ngắn

  • “This method is more efficient than that one.”
  • “She runs faster than her brother.”

Rather Than vs Instead Of

Tiêu chí	Rather than	Instead of
Position	Có thể đầu hoặc giữa câu	Thường giữa hoặc cuối câu
Followed by	Bare infinitive hoặc V-ing	V-ing hoặc noun
Register	Formal	Neutral
Ví dụ	“Rather than drive, I walk to work.”	“I walk instead of driving.”
Emphasis	Contrast mạnh hơn	Substitution đơn thuần

Khi nào dùng:

• Rather than: Academic writing, formal speeches, khi muốn nhấn mạnh sự lựa chọn

  • “The government should invest in education rather than waste money on unnecessary projects.”

• Instead of: General writing, everyday conversation

  • “Use public transport instead of driving your car.”

Lỗi Thường Gặp & Cách Sửa

Lỗi 1: Thiếu Tính Song Song Trong Loại Từ

❌ SAI:
“I like swimming, to run, and play tennis.”
(V-ing, to-infinitive, bare infinitive – không song song)

✅ ĐÚNG:
“I like swimming, running, and playing tennis.”
(Tất cả đều V-ing)

HOẶC:

“I like to swim, to run, and to play tennis.”
(Tất cả đều to-infinitive)

Giải thích:
Khi liệt kê các hành động song song, phải dùng cùng một dạng động từ. Đây là lỗi rất phổ biến ở thí sinh Việt Nam vì tiếng Việt không có sự phân biệt này. Trong IELTS, lỗi này khiến bạn mất điểm Grammar nghiêm trọng.

Lưu ý:

• Với “like/love/enjoy/hate”: dùng V-ing song song
• Với “want/plan/decide/hope”: dùng to-infinitive song song
• Khi liệt kê 3+ items, check tất cả đều cùng form

Ví dụ thêm:

❌ “The course helps students improve speaking, to write better, and their listening.”

✅ “The course helps students improve speaking, write better, and enhance listening.”
(Bare infinitives song song sau “help”)

Lỗi 2: Dùng “Than” Sau “Prefer”

❌ SAI:
“Most people prefer traveling by plane than going by train.”

✅ ĐÚNG:
“Most people prefer traveling by plane to going by train.”

HOẶC:

“Most people would rather travel by plane than go by train.”

Giải thích:
“Prefer” luôn đi với “to”, không bao giờ dùng “than”. Đây là lỗi đặc trưng của người Việt vì trong tiếng Việt cả hai đều dịch là “hơn”. Nếu muốn dùng “than”, phải dùng cấu trúc “would rather…than” với bare infinitive.

Lưu ý:

• ✅ Prefer A to B (A và B đều V-ing hoặc noun)
• ✅ Would rather A than B (A và B đều bare infinitive)
• ❌ Không trộn lẫn hai cấu trúc này

Ví dụ trong IELTS:

❌ Writing: “Governments prefer investing in healthcare than education.”

✅ Writing: “Governments prefer investing in healthcare to education.”

✅ Speaking: “I’d rather study abroad than stay in my home country.”

Lỗi 3: So Sánh Không Cân Đối

❌ SAI:
“Learning online is more convenient than traditional classrooms.”
(So sánh action với place – không logic)

✅ ĐÚNG:
“Learning online is more convenient than learning in traditional classrooms.”
(So sánh action với action)

HOẶC:

“Online classes are more convenient than traditional classrooms.”
(So sánh place với place)

Giải thích:
Hai yếu tố được so sánh phải cùng loại: action với action, person với person, place với place. Lỗi này làm câu văn không rõ nghĩa và thiếu logic.

Lưu ý:
Trước khi viết so sánh, tự hỏi: “Tôi đang so sánh cái gì với cái gì?” Đảm bảo chúng thuộc cùng category.

Ví dụ phổ biến:

❌ “Working from home saves more money than an office.”
(Action vs Place)

✅ “Working from home saves more money than working in an office.”
(Action vs Action)

❌ “Teachers in public schools earn less than private education.”
(People vs System)

✅ “Teachers in public schools earn less than those in private schools.”
(People vs People – dùng “those” thay thế)

Lỗi 4: Sử Dụng Sai “Both…And”

❌ SAI:
“Technology not only makes life easier but also convenient.”
(Clause + Adjective – không song song)

✅ ĐÚNG:
“Technology not only makes life easier but also makes it more convenient.”
(Clause + Clause)

HOẶC:

“Technology is not only easy to use but also convenient.”
(Adjective + Adjective)

Giải thích:
“Not only…but also” đòi hỏi hai thành phần phải hoàn toàn song song về cấu trúc ngữ pháp. Nếu vế đầu là clause có động từ, vế sau cũng phải là clause hoàn chỉnh.

Lưu ý:

• Với “both…and”: A và B cùng noun/adjective/clause
• Với “not only…but also”: Cẩn thận hơn vì thường đi với inversion
• Kiểm tra cả hai vế có cùng cấu trúc

Ví dụ:

❌ “The program both helps students learn faster and effective.”

✅ “The program both helps students learn faster and improves their effectiveness.”

❌ “She not only speaks English fluently but also French.”

✅ “She not only speaks English fluently but also speaks French well.”
(Hoặc: “She speaks not only English but also French fluently.”)

Lỗi 5: Lặp Từ Không Cần Thiết

❌ SAI:
“Reading books is more beneficial than reading magazines is.”
(Lặp “reading” và “is” không cần thiết)

✅ ĐÚNG:
“Reading books is more beneficial than reading magazines.”

HOẶC (nâng cao):

“Reading books is more beneficial than magazines are.”
(Dùng auxiliary verb thay thế)

Giải thích:
Trong cấu trúc so sánh, nếu động từ chính giống nhau, không cần lặp lại toàn bộ. Có thể bỏ hẳn hoặc chỉ dùng auxiliary verb (is/are/do/does/did) để tránh redundancy.

Lưu ý:

• Bỏ động từ lặp nếu subject rõ ràng
• Giữ auxiliary verb nếu muốn emphasize contrast
• Band 8+ thường dùng auxiliary substitution

Ví dụ:

❌ “Students learn better from practice than students learn from theory.”

✅ “Students learn better from practice than from theory.”
(Bỏ “students learn” ở vế sau)

✅ “Students learn better from practice than they do from theory.”
(Dùng “do” thay thế – more sophisticated)

❌ “Young people prefer using smartphones than old people prefer using computers.”

✅ “Young people prefer using smartphones while older people prefer computers.”
(Restructure để tránh lặp)

Lỗi 6: Thiếu “To Be” Trong So Sánh

❌ SAI:
“Learning grammar as important as practicing speaking.”

✅ ĐÚNG:
“Learning grammar is as important as practicing speaking.”

Giải thích:
Cấu trúc “as…as” vẫn cần động từ chính (thường là “to be”). Học viên Việt Nam hay quên vì trong tiếng Việt không cần “là” trong câu so sánh.

Lưu ý:

• As + adj/adv + as vẫn cần động từ chính
• Check subject-verb agreement
• Với noun comparison: “as much/many…as”

Ví dụ:

❌ “His opinion as valid as mine.”

✅ “His opinion is as valid as mine.”

❌ “This method as effective as that one.”

✅ “This method is as effective as that one.”

Lỗi 7: Sai Ngữ Pháp Sau “Rather Than”

❌ SAI:
“The government should invest in education rather than spending on military.”
(Bare infinitive + V-ing – không song song)

✅ ĐÚNG:
“The government should invest in education rather than spend on military.”
(Bare infinitive + bare infinitive)

HOẶC:

“The government should invest in education rather than in military spending.”
(Prepositional phrases song song)

Giải thích:
Sau modal verb (should/must/can) + rather than, phải dùng bare infinitive cho cả hai vế. Nếu vế đầu là bare infinitive, vế sau cũng phải là bare infinitive.

Lưu ý:

• Modal + V1 + rather than + V1 (bare infinitives)
• V-ing + rather than + V-ing (gerunds)
• To V + rather than + to V (infinitives, “to” có thể bỏ ở vế 2)

Ví dụ:

❌ “I would rather working independently than to join a team.”

✅ “I would rather work independently than join a team.”

❌ “People choose to buy online rather than going to stores.”

✅ “People choose to buy online rather than to go to stores.”
(Hoặc: “…rather than go to stores.”)

Lỗi 8: So Sánh Clause Không Hoàn Chỉnh

❌ SAI:
“Working hard is better than lazy.”
(Clause vs Adjective)

✅ ĐÚNG:
“Working hard is better than being lazy.”
(Clause vs Clause)

Giải thích:
Khi so sánh, nếu một bên là clause hoặc phrase hoàn chỉnh, bên kia cũng phải tương tự. Không thể so sánh “working hard” (V-ing phrase) với “lazy” (adjective đơn lẻ).

Lưu ý:

• V-ing phrase vs V-ing phrase
• To-infinitive phrase vs To-infinitive phrase
• Clause vs Clause
• Luôn check balance giữa hai vế

Ví dụ:

❌ “To study abroad costs more than local universities.”
(Infinitive phrase vs Noun phrase – not balanced)

✅ “To study abroad costs more than to study at local universities.”

✅ “Studying abroad costs more than studying at local universities.”

Top 5 Mistakes Vietnamese Learners Make:

1. Dùng “than” sau “prefer” (60% học viên mắc lỗi này)

   • Sửa: Luôn nhớ “prefer A to B”

2. Không duy trì parallel form trong list (55%)

   • Sửa: Liệt kê cùng V-ing hoặc cùng to-infinitive

3. So sánh không cân đối (action vs noun) (45%)

   • Sửa: Identify cả hai elements trước khi viết

4. Thiếu verb “to be” trong as…as (40%)

   • Sửa: Check subject + verb + as…as

5. Lặp từ thừa trong comparisons (35%)

   • Sửa: Dùng auxiliary verb hoặc bỏ hẳn động từ lặp

Bài Tập Thực Hành

Bài Tập Điền Từ

Hoàn thành câu với dạng đúng của động từ trong ngoặc, đảm bảo cấu trúc song song:

1. She prefers __ (read) books to __ (watch) television.

2. The new policy not only __ (reduce) pollution but also __ (improve) public health.

3. Students find __ (study) online more convenient than __ (attend) traditional classes.

4. It is better to __ (prevent) problems than to __ (solve) them later.

5. Working from home is as __ (challenge) as __ (work) in an office.

6. Most people would rather __ (earn) more money than __ (have) more free time.

7. The company chose to __ (invest) in technology rather than __ (expand) its workforce.

8. Both __ (learn) grammar and __ (practice) speaking are essential for language acquisition.

9. __ (Develop) critical thinking is more important than __ (memorize) information.

10. The government should focus on __ (create) jobs instead of __ (provide) welfare.

11. Unlike her sister who enjoys __ (paint), Maria prefers __ (sculpt).

12. Not only has technology __ (change) how we communicate but it has also __ (transform) how we work.

13. The benefits of exercise __ (outweigh) the risks in almost all cases.

14. __ (Travel) by train is more environmentally friendly than __ (fly).

15. Teachers should encourage students to __ (think) critically rather than __ (accept) information passively.

Tìm Và Sửa Lỗi

Tìm lỗi sai trong các câu sau và sửa lại:

1. I prefer studying alone than working in groups. [❌]

2. Learning a language requires both dedication and to practice regularly. [❌]

3. Online shopping is more convenient than physical stores. [❌]

4. She not only speaks French fluently but also Spanish. [❌]

5. Working hard is as important as being creative. [✅]

6. Most students prefer to use laptops rather than using textbooks. [❌]

7. The new system is both efficient and saves time. [❌]

8. Reading books are more beneficial than watching TV. [❌]

9. It is better to prevent disease than treating it. [❌]

10. Young people today spend more time on social media than their parents did. [✅]

11. The program aims to both reduce costs and improving quality. [❌]

12. He would rather working independently than join a team. [❌]

13. Technology not only makes life easier but also convenient. [❌]

14. Studying abroad as expensive as buying a house. [❌]

15. Teachers should focus on developing critical thinking rather than students memorizing facts. [❌]

Viết Câu

Viết câu hoàn chỉnh sử dụng cấu trúc song song với từ gợi ý:

1. (people / prefer / shop online / go to stores)
   → Your answer: ___

2. (not only / technology / change / communication / but also / transform / education)
   → Your answer: ___

3. (exercise regularly / important / eat healthy food)
   → Your answer: ___

4. (students / should / focus / understanding concepts / rather than / memorize facts)
   → Your answer: ___

5. (work from home / more flexible / work in office)
   → Your answer: ___

6. (both / government / businesses / responsible / protect / environment)
   → Your answer: ___

7. (reading books / beneficial / watch television)
   → Your answer: ___

8. (better / invest / education / spend / military)
   → Your answer: ___

9. (unlike / previous generations / young people / prefer / communicate online)
   → Your answer: ___

10. (learn / language / require / both / study grammar / practice speaking)
    → Your answer: ___

Viết Đoạn Văn (Writing Task 2)

Viết một đoạn văn (100-120 từ) về chủ đề sau, sử dụng ít nhất 5 cấu trúc song song khác nhau:

Topic: “Some people believe that studying at university is the best way to achieve success, while others think that getting work experience is more important. Discuss both views.”

Your paragraph: ___

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Checklist:

• [ ] Có ít nhất 5 parallel structures
• [ ] Sử dụng ít nhất 3 dạng so sánh khác nhau (than, to, rather than, etc.)
• [ ] Không có lỗi parallel structure
• [ ] Vocabulary đa dạng
• [ ] Có topic sentence và supporting sentences rõ ràng

Đáp Án Chi Tiết

Đáp Án Bài Tập Điền Từ

1. reading / watching
   → Giải thích: Prefer + V-ing + to + V-ing

2. reduces / improves
   → Giải thích: Not only + V (present simple) + but also + V (cùng thì)

3. studying / attending
   → Giải thích: Find + V-ing + comparative + than + V-ing

4. prevent / solve
   → Giải thích: It is better to + V1 + than + (to) V1

5. challenging / working
   → Giải thích: As + adj + as + V-ing (cả hai đều dùng làm subject complement)

6. earn / have
   → Giải thích: Would rather + V1 + than + V1 (bare infinitives)

7. invest / expand
   → Giải thích: Choose to + V + rather than + (to) V

8. learning / practicing
   → Giải thích: Both + V-ing + and + V-ing (parallel gerunds as subjects)

9. Developing / memorizing
   → Giải thích: V-ing phrase + comparative + than + V-ing phrase

10. creating / providing
    → Giải thích: Focus on + V-ing + instead of + V-ing

11. painting / sculpting
    → Giải thích: Enjoys + V-ing / prefers + V-ing (parallel after two verbs)

12. changed / transformed
    → Giải thích: Present perfect (has + V3) trong cả hai clause

13. outweigh
    → Giải thích: Không cần parallel ở đây, chỉ cần present simple

14. Traveling / flying
    → Giải thích: V-ing as subject + comparative + than + V-ing

15. think / accept
    → Giải thích: Encourage + to V + rather than + (to) V

Đáp Án Tìm Và Sửa Lỗi

1. ❌ Lỗi: “than” sau “prefer”
   ✅ Sửa: “I prefer studying alone to working in groups.”
   Giải thích: Prefer luôn đi với “to”, không dùng “than”

2. ❌ Lỗi: “dedication” (noun) và “to practice” (infinitive) không song song
   ✅ Sửa: “Learning a language requires both dedication and regular practice.” (noun + noun)
   HOẶC: “…requires both dedicating time and practicing regularly.” (V-ing + V-ing)
   Giải thích: Both…and cần cùng loại từ

3. ❌ Lỗi: So sánh không cân đối (action vs place)
   ✅ Sửa: “Online shopping is more convenient than shopping at physical stores.”
   Giải thích: Phải so sánh action với action

4. ❌ Lỗi: Thiếu verb ở clause thứ hai
   ✅ Sửa: “She not only speaks French fluently but also speaks Spanish well.”
   HOẶC: “She speaks not only French but also Spanish fluently.”
   Giải thích: Not only…but also cần structure cân đối

5. ✅ Đúng: Cấu trúc hoàn hảo
   Giải thích: As + adj + as + V-ing phrase, có “is” đầy đủ

6. ❌ Lỗi: “to use” và “using” không song song
   ✅ Sửa: “Most students prefer to use laptops rather than textbooks.”
   HOẶC: “…prefer using laptops rather than using textbooks.”
   Giải thích: Rather than phải theo cùng form với động từ trước đó

7. ❌ Lỗi: “efficient” (adj) và “saves time” (clause) không song song
   ✅ Sửa: “The new system is both efficient and time-saving.” (adj + adj)
   HOẶC: “…both improves efficiency and saves time.” (clause + clause)
   Giải thích: Both…and cần parallel structure

8. ❌ Lỗi: Subject-verb agreement (“Reading” là singular)
   ✅ Sửa: “Reading books is more beneficial than watching TV.”
   Giải thích: V-ing subject luôn singular

9. ❌ Lỗi: “to prevent” và “treating” không song song
   ✅ Sửa: “It is better to prevent disease than to treat it.”
   Giải thích: To V + than + (to) V

10. ✅ Đúng: “Did” được dùng thay thế để tránh lặp – sophisticated!
    Giải thích: Auxiliary verb substitution (Band 8+)

11. ❌ Lỗi: “reduce” (V1) và “improving” (V-ing) không song song
    ✅ Sửa: “…aims to both reduce costs and improve quality.”
    Giải thích: To both V1 and V1

12. ❌ Lỗi: “working” sau “would rather” phải là bare infinitive
    ✅ Sửa: “He would rather work independently than join a team.”
    Giải thích: Would rather + V1 + than + V1

13. ❌ Lỗi: “makes life easier” (clause) và “convenient” (adj) không song song
    ✅ Sửa: “…not only makes life easier but also makes it more convenient.”
    HOẶC: “…is not only easy but also convenient.”
    Giải thích: Phải cùng structure

14. ❌ Lỗi: Thiếu verb “to be”
    ✅ Sửa: “Studying abroad is as expensive as buying a house.”
    Giải thích: As…as vẫn cần main verb

15. ❌ Lỗi: Cấu trúc không cân đối
    ✅ Sửa: “Teachers should focus on developing students’ critical thinking rather than on having them memorize facts.”
    HOẶC: “…should encourage students to think critically rather than to memorize facts.”
    Giải thích: Phải cân đối cấu trúc giữa hai vế

Đáp Án Viết Câu (Gợi ý – có thể có nhiều cách viết đúng)

1. “People prefer shopping online to going to stores.”
   HOẶC: “People prefer to shop online rather than to go to stores.”

2. “Not only has technology changed communication but it has also transformed education.”
   HOẶC: “Technology has not only changed communication but also transformed education.”

3. “Exercising regularly is as important as eating healthy food.”
   HOẶC: “Regular exercise is as important as a healthy diet.”

4. “Students should focus on understanding concepts rather than memorizing facts.”

5. “Working from home is more flexible than working in an office.”

6. “Both governments and businesses are responsible for protecting the environment.”

7. “Reading books is more beneficial than watching television.”

8. “It is better to invest in education than to spend on military.”
   HOẶC: “Investing in education is better than spending on military.”

9. “Unlike previous generations, young people today prefer to communicate online.”
   HOẶC: “Unlike previous generations who valued face-to-face meetings, young people prefer communicating online.”

10. “Learning a language requires both studying grammar and practicing speaking.”

Đáp Án Mẫu Viết Đoạn Văn (Band 8.0)

Sample Answer:

“There are valid arguments on both sides of this debate. Proponents of university education believe that studying at university provides better career prospects than entering the workforce immediately. They argue that not only does higher education equip students with theoretical knowledge but it also develops critical thinking skills.

However, others contend that gaining practical experience is more valuable than acquiring academic qualifications, particularly in fields like entrepreneurship. Rather than spending years in classrooms, young people could learn real-world skills through internships and entry-level positions.

In my view, both academic study and work experience are equally important, and the ideal approach involves combining theoretical learning with practical application rather than choosing one over the other. Unlike previous generations who could succeed with just a degree, today’s graduates need both education and experience to thrive in competitive job markets.”

Phân tích:

• ✅ 7 parallel structures được sử dụng (vượt yêu cầu 5)
• ✅ 5 dạng khác nhau: than (2 lần), not only…but also, rather than, both…and, unlike
• ✅ Không có lỗi parallel structure
• ✅ Vocabulary: prospects, equip, entrepreneurship, internships, thrive
• ✅ Coherence: Topic sentence → both views → personal opinion
• ✅ Band 8.0 features: Complex sentences, sophisticated structures, natural flow

Các parallel structures được highlight:

1. “provides better career prospects than entering the workforce immediately”
2. “not only does higher education equip students… but it also develops critical thinking”
3. “gaining practical experience is more valuable than acquiring academic qualifications“
4. “Rather than spending years in classrooms, young people could learn real-world skills”
5. “both academic study and work experience are equally important“
6. “involves combining theoretical learning with practical application rather than choosing one over the other”
7. “Unlike previous generations who could succeed…, today’s graduates need both”

Đáp án chi tiết bài tập về cấu trúc song song trong tiếng Anh IELTS với giải thích từng câu

Kết Bài

Cấu trúc song song trong so sánh là một kỹ năng ngữ pháp thiết yếu để đạt Band 7-9 trong IELTS. Qua bài viết này, bạn đã học được:

✅ Định nghĩa và tầm quan trọng của parallel structure trong academic writing và speaking
✅ 7 dạng công thức phổ biến nhất với hơn 25 ví dụ thực tế
✅ Cách vận dụng vào cả 4 kỹ năng IELTS một cách tự nhiên và hiệu quả
✅ Kỹ thuật nâng cao để đạt Band 8+ bằng cách kết hợp với các cấu trúc phức
✅ 8 lỗi phổ biến nhất của người Việt và cách khắc phục cụ thể
✅ Bài tập thực hành với đáp án chi tiết để tự đánh giá

Key takeaways:

• Luôn check balance: Hai thành phần so sánh phải có cùng grammatical form
• Prefer dùng với “to”, không phải “than”
• Rather than và instead of có cách dùng khác nhau
• Practice makes perfect: Càng luyện nhiều càng tự nhiên

Lời khuyên cuối:

Để thành thạo parallel structure, hãy:

1. Đọc nhiều bài mẫu Band 8-9 và highlight các cấu trúc so sánh
2. Rewrite các câu sai từ bài tập của bạn để củng cố
3. Tự tạo 5 câu mỗi ngày với các dạng parallel khác nhau
4. Record Speaking practice và tự check xem có duy trì parallel không
5. Nhờ giáo viên review Writing để sửa lỗi kịp thời

Đề Luyện Tập

Speaking Topics

Topic 1: Describe a hobby you have had for a long time

Yêu cầu: Trong câu trả lời, hãy so sánh:

• Hobby này với các hobbies khác bạn đã thử
• Lợi ích của hobby này với các hoạt động khác
• Cách bạn thực hành trước đây và hiện tại

Parallel structures cần dùng: prefer…to, more…than, rather than, both…and

Câu hỏi gợi ý:

• What do you enjoy more: practicing this hobby or spending time with friends?
• Is this hobby more expensive than your previous hobbies?
• Would you rather improve your skills or try new hobbies?

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Topic 2: Talk about changes in your hometown

Yêu cầu: So sánh:

• Quá khứ và hiện tại của thành phố
• Các thay đổi tích cực và tiêu cực
• Cuộc sống trước và bây giờ

Parallel structures cần dùng: not only…but also, unlike, as…as, more/less…than

Câu hỏi gợi ý:

• How is your hometown different now compared to your childhood?
• Are people happier now than they were before?
• What has changed more: infrastructure or people’s lifestyles?

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Topic 3: Discuss how technology has affected your life

Yêu cầu: So sánh:

• Cuộc sống trước và sau khi có smartphone/internet
• Advantages và disadvantages của technology
• Cách bạn sử dụng technology so với thế hệ trước

Parallel structures cần dùng: instead of, rather than, both positive and negative, unlike previous generations

Câu hỏi gợi ý:

• Do you spend more time online or offline?
• Is technology making life easier or more complicated?
• Do you prefer digital books or physical books?

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Writing Topics

Writing Task 2 – Topic 1: Environmental Problems and Solutions

Question: “Many countries are experiencing serious environmental problems. What are the main causes of these problems and what measures can be taken to solve them?”

Yêu cầu:

• So sánh các nguyên nhân (industrial pollution vs individual behavior)
• So sánh các giải pháp (prevention vs treatment)
• So sánh hiệu quả của government action vs personal responsibility

Parallel structures phải dùng ít nhất 5 lần:

• More effective than
• Rather than
• Not only…but also
• Both…and
• Instead of

Sample outline:

• Intro: Environmental problems serious, both governments and individuals responsible
• Body 1: Causes – industrial emissions more harmful than household waste
• Body 2: Solutions – investing in renewable energy rather than fossil fuels
• Conclusion: Prevention better than cure

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Writing Task 2 – Topic 2: Changes in Education Over Time

Question: “Some people believe that traditional classroom learning is more effective than online education. To what extent do you agree or disagree?”

Yêu cầu:

• So sánh online learning vs traditional classroom
• So sánh benefits và drawbacks của cả hai
• So sánh effectiveness trong các môn học khác nhau

Parallel structures phải dùng:

• Prefer…to
• More/less…than
• As…as
• Unlike
• Both…and / Neither…nor

Sample outline:

• Intro: Both methods have merits, depends on context
• Body 1: Online learning more flexible than traditional classes
• Body 2: However, face-to-face interaction as important as content delivery
• Conclusion: Combining both approaches rather than choosing one

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Writing Task 2 – Topic 3: Impact of Globalization

Question: “Globalization has both positive and negative effects on developing countries. Discuss both effects and give your opinion.”

Yêu cầu:

• So sánh positive và negative impacts
• So sánh developed và developing countries
• So sánh economic benefits vs cultural costs

Parallel structures cần dùng đa dạng (ít nhất 7 lần):

• Not only…but also
• More…than
• Both…and
• Rather than
• Unlike
• Instead of
• As…as

Sample outline:

• Intro: Globalization brings both opportunities and challenges
• Body 1: Economic benefits – creates more jobs than it eliminates
• Body 2: Cultural concerns – unlike developed nations, developing countries risk losing identity
• Body 3: Rather than resisting globalization, countries should manage it
• Conclusion: Benefits outweigh drawbacks if managed properly

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Hướng dẫn sử dụng đề luyện tập:

1. Speaking: Record câu trả lời 2 phút, nghe lại và đếm số parallel structures. Mục tiêu: 5-7 structures mỗi topic.

2. Writing: Viết full essay 250-280 từ trong 40 phút. Highlight tất cả parallel structures. Mục tiêu Task 2: 7-10 structures đa dạng.

3. Self-assessment checklist:

   • [ ] Có đủ số lượng parallel structures theo yêu cầu?
   • [ ] Tất cả structures đều grammatically correct?
   • [ ] Có sử dụng ít nhất 3 dạng so sánh khác nhau?
   • [ ] Có tránh được 8 lỗi phổ biến đã học?
   • [ ] Vocabulary đi kèm có appropriate không?

4. Peer review: Đổi bài với bạn học, check parallel structures cho nhau bằng checklist trên.

Chúc bạn học tốt và đạt Band điểm mong muốn trong kỳ thi IELTS! Hãy nhớ rằng mastering parallel structure requires both understanding the rules and practicing consistently – chính bản thân câu này cũng là một parallel structure hoàn hảo!