Cách Sử Dụng The Following + Noun Introduction Trong IELTS – Công Thức & Ví Dụ Band 8.0

Giới Thiệu

“The following + Noun” là một cấu trúc giới thiệu quan trọng thường xuất hiện trong kỳ thi IELTS, đặc biệt ở phần Writing Task 1 và Task 2. Cấu trúc này giúp người viết giới thiệu thông tin, liệt kê ý tưởng hoặc dẫn dắt các luận điểm một cách mạch lạc và chuyên nghiệp. Theo phân tích từ Cambridge IELTS 10-19, cấu trúc này xuất hiện với tần suất cao trong:

• Writing Task 1: Giới thiệu các xu hướng, số liệu hoặc thông tin từ biểu đồ
• Writing Task 2: Liệt kê các lý do, ví dụ hoặc giải pháp
• Speaking Part 2 và 3: Tổ chức ý tưởng khi trả lời câu hỏi dài
• Reading: Xuất hiện thường xuyên trong các đoạn văn học thuật

Ví dụ vận dụng trong IELTS:

Writing Task 1 (Line graph description):
“The chart illustrates population trends in three cities. The following factors contributed to these changes: economic growth, migration patterns, and government policies.”
→ Phân tích: “The following factors” giới thiệu danh sách các yếu tố sẽ được giải thích

Writing Task 2 (Opinion essay):
“To address environmental problems, governments should implement the following measures: reducing carbon emissions, protecting natural habitats, and promoting renewable energy.”
→ Phân tích: “The following measures” dẫn dắt các giải pháp cụ thể

Speaking Part 2 (Describe a memorable event):
“My trip to Japan was unforgettable for the following reasons: the fascinating culture, the delicious cuisine, and the warm hospitality of local people.”
→ Phân tích: Cấu trúc giúp tổ chức câu trả lời logic và mạch lạc

Writing Task 2 (Advantage essay):
“Online education offers students the following advantages: flexible scheduling, access to global resources, and cost-effectiveness.”
→ Phân tích: Giới thiệu rõ ràng các lợi ích sẽ được phát triển trong đoạn văn

Writing Task 1 (Table description):
“The table compares energy consumption across five countries. The following trends are evident: developed nations consume significantly more energy, renewable sources are gaining popularity, and fossil fuel dependence is declining.”
→ Phân tích: Tổng kết các xu hướng chính từ dữ liệu

Trong bài viết này, bạn sẽ học:

✅ Định nghĩa và ý nghĩa của cấu trúc “The following + Noun”
✅ Công thức chi tiết với thành phần câu
✅ Cách vận dụng vào 4 kỹ năng IELTS
✅ 25+ câu ví dụ Band 7-9
✅ Các biến thể nâng cao cho Band 8+
✅ Lỗi thường gặp và cách tránh
✅ Bài tập thực hành có đáp án chi tiết

The Following + Noun Là Gì?

Định Nghĩa

“The following + Noun” là cấu trúc giới thiệu được sử dụng để dẫn dắt một danh sách thông tin, ý tưởng, lý do hoặc ví dụ sẽ được đề cập ngay sau đó trong câu hoặc đoạn văn. Cấu trúc này tạo sự liên kết chặt chẽ giữa câu tổng quát và các chi tiết cụ thể.

Chức năng chính:

• Giới thiệu danh sách: Báo hiệu cho người đọc/nghe rằng sẽ có nhiều điểm được liệt kê
• Tạo sự mạch lạc: Kết nối ý tưởng tổng quát với các chi tiết cụ thể
• Tăng tính học thuật: Làm cho văn viết/lời nói có tính chuyên nghiệp và có tổ chức
• Nhấn mạnh thông tin: Thu hút sự chú ý đến các điểm quan trọng sắp được trình bày

Khi nào dùng trong IELTS:

• Speaking: Khi cần liệt kê nhiều lý do, ví dụ hoặc ý kiến trong Part 2 và Part 3
• Writing Task 1: Giới thiệu các xu hướng chính, số liệu hoặc đặc điểm nổi bật từ biểu đồ
• Writing Task 2: Trình bày các luận điểm, lý do, giải pháp hoặc ví dụ trong các đoạn thân bài
• Reading: Nhận diện cấu trúc này giúp xác định thông tin quan trọng sắp xuất hiện

Tần Suất Xuất Hiện Trong IELTS

Theo phân tích từ Cambridge IELTS 10-19:

Speaking:

• Part 1: Hiếm khi sử dụng – câu trả lời thường ngắn gọn và không cần cấu trúc liệt kê phức tạp
• Part 2: Tần suất trung bình – hữu ích khi tổ chức các ý chính trong bài nói dài 2 phút
• Part 3: Tần suất cao – rất phù hợp khi đưa ra ý kiến có nhiều luận điểm hoặc giải thích các vấn đề phức tạp

Writing:

• Task 1: Tần suất cao – xuất hiện trong hầu hết các bài mô tả biểu đồ chất lượng cao, đặc biệt khi tổng kết các xu hướng chính
• Task 2: Tần suất rất cao – thiết yếu trong các essay types như Problem-Solution, Advantage-Disadvantage, và Opinion essays

Listening/Reading:

• Xuất hiện thường xuyên trong các đoạn văn học thuật, bài giảng và hướng dẫn
• Cần nhận diện để theo dõi thông tin sắp được liệt kê chi tiết

Band Score Impact:

• Band 6: Có thể sử dụng cơ bản nhưng thiếu tự nhiên, thường dùng cấu trúc đơn giản hơn như “There are many reasons”
• Band 7: Sử dụng chính xác “the following + noun” trong nhiều contexts khác nhau, tạo sự mạch lạc tốt
• Band 8-9: Sử dụng linh hoạt, kết hợp với các cấu trúc phức tạp khác, tích hợp tự nhiên không gượng ép

Sơ đồ minh họa cấu trúc The Following Noun trong bài thi IELTS Writing

Công Thức & Cấu Trúc

Công Thức Cơ Bản

📌 CÔNG THỨC CHÍNH:

┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ Subject + Verb + the following + Noun (plural/singular):    │
│ + List item 1, List item 2, and List item 3                 │
│                                                              │
│ Ví dụ: The city faces the following challenges:             │
│        traffic congestion, air pollution, and overpopulation│
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘

Thành phần câu:

• Subject (Chủ ngữ): Chủ thể thực hiện hành động hoặc được mô tả (the government, students, the chart, etc.)
• Verb (Động từ): Động từ liên kết với danh sách (shows, offers, faces, requires, includes, implements, etc.)
• The following: Tính từ chỉ định, nghĩa là “những…sau đây”
• Noun: Danh từ xác định loại thông tin sẽ được liệt kê (reasons, factors, measures, advantages, problems, etc.)
• List items: Các mục cụ thể được liệt kê, thường cách nhau bằng dấu phẩy và “and” trước mục cuối

Ví dụ phân tích chi tiết:

Câu: “To improve public health, governments should implement the following policies: mandatory vaccination programs, sugar tax on beverages, and subsidies for sports facilities.”

Phân tích:

• Introductory phrase: To improve public health (mục đích)
• Subject: governments (chủ ngữ)
• Modal verb: should (động từ khuyết thiếu)
• Main verb: implement (động từ chính)
• The following: tính từ chỉ định
• Noun: policies (danh từ – chính sách)
• Punctuation: dấu hai chấm (:) giới thiệu danh sách
• List items: 3 policies được liệt kê cụ thể

Các Biến Thể

Dạng với danh từ số nhiều (phổ biến nhất):

Subject + Verb + the following + Plural Noun: item 1, item 2, and item 3

Ví dụ: “The survey revealed the following trends: increasing urbanization, declining birth rates, and rising life expectancy.”

Dạng với danh từ số ít:

Subject + Verb + the following + Singular Noun: detailed explanation

Ví dụ: “The research supports the following conclusion: technology has fundamentally transformed modern education.”

Dạng với cụm giới từ:

For/Among/Of the following + Noun + clause

Ví dụ: “Of the following factors, economic stability plays the most crucial role in attracting foreign investment.”

Dạng với mệnh đề quan hệ:

Subject + Verb + the following + Noun + which/that + clause

Ví dụ: “The company adopted the following strategies which significantly improved its market position: digital marketing, product diversification, and customer service enhancement.”

Dạng đặt đầu câu (formal):

The following + Noun + Verb + Object

Ví dụ: “The following factors contribute to climate change: deforestation, industrial emissions, and agricultural practices.”

Dạng với “as follows” (tương đương):

Subject + Verb + as follows: item 1, item 2, and item 3

Ví dụ: “The main advantages are as follows: cost reduction, time efficiency, and improved accessibility.”

Signal Words & Collocations

Các danh từ thường đi với “the following”:

Noun	Ý nghĩa	Ví dụ IELTS
reasons	lý do	“Students prefer online courses for the following reasons: flexibility, affordability, and diverse options.”
factors	yếu tố	“The following factors influence consumer behavior: price, quality, and brand reputation.”
measures	biện pháp	“To reduce crime, authorities should take the following measures: increasing police presence, improving street lighting, and installing CCTV cameras.”
advantages	lợi ích	“Remote work offers employees the following advantages: work-life balance, reduced commuting time, and increased productivity.”
disadvantages	bất lợi	“However, this approach has the following disadvantages: high initial costs, technical complexity, and maintenance requirements.”
problems	vấn đề	“Urban areas face the following problems: traffic congestion, housing shortages, and environmental degradation.”
solutions	giải pháp	“Experts propose the following solutions: public awareness campaigns, stricter regulations, and investment in infrastructure.”
consequences	hậu quả	“Climate change results in the following consequences: extreme weather events, rising sea levels, and biodiversity loss.”
characteristics	đặc điểm	“Successful entrepreneurs share the following characteristics: resilience, creativity, and strong leadership skills.”
steps	bước	“To achieve this goal, organizations must follow the following steps: needs assessment, strategic planning, and implementation.”
trends	xu hướng	“The data reveals the following trends: increasing smartphone usage, declining television viewership, and growth in streaming services.”
features	đặc điểm	“The new software includes the following features: real-time collaboration, cloud storage, and advanced security protocols.”

Động từ thường đi trước “the following”:

• show/reveal/demonstrate: The chart shows the following patterns…
• implement/adopt/introduce: The government implemented the following policies…
• face/encounter/experience: The industry faces the following challenges…
• offer/provide/present: This method offers the following benefits…
• require/need/demand: The project requires the following resources…
• include/contain/comprise: The report includes the following findings…
• identify/recognize/highlight: Researchers identified the following issues…
• suggest/recommend/propose: Experts suggest the following approaches…

Cách Vận Dụng Vào IELTS

Speaking

Part 1 – Introduction & Interview:

Topic thường gặp: Hometown, hobbies, daily routine, study/work

Do Part 1 yêu cầu câu trả lời ngắn gọn, cấu trúc “the following” ít được sử dụng. Tuy nhiên, trong một số câu hỏi phức tạp hơn, bạn có thể áp dụng:

Ví dụ câu hỏi & trả lời:

Q: “What do you like most about your hometown?”

A: “I appreciate my hometown for the following reasons: it has a rich cultural heritage with many historical sites, the people are extremely friendly and welcoming, and the local cuisine is absolutely delicious. These factors make it a wonderful place to live.”

→ Phân tích: Sử dụng “the following reasons” tạo cấu trúc rõ ràng, giúp giám khảo dễ theo dõi. Tuy nhiên, trong Part 1 có thể dùng cách đơn giản hơn như “I like it because…” để tự nhiên hơn.

Part 2 – Long Turn:

Đây là phần lý tưởng để sử dụng “the following” vì bạn cần trình bày có tổ chức trong 2 phút.

Cue card example:

Describe a skill you would like to learn in the future.

Sample answer:

“I’d like to talk about photography, a skill I’ve been eager to learn. I’m interested in photography for the following reasons: firstly, it allows me to capture beautiful moments and preserve memories in a creative way. Secondly, it’s a highly sought-after skill in today’s digital age, which could open up career opportunities. Lastly, photography encourages me to observe the world more carefully and appreciate details I might otherwise overlook.

To master this skill, I would need to focus on the following aspects: understanding camera settings and technical principles, learning composition and lighting techniques, and practicing regularly with different subjects. I believe developing expertise in these areas would enable me to produce professional-quality photographs.

I plan to pursue this interest through the following steps: enrolling in an online photography course, investing in quality equipment gradually, and joining a local photography club to learn from experienced practitioners.”

→ Phân tích Band 8+ features:

• Sử dụng “the following” ba lần một cách tự nhiên, không lặp lại
• Kết hợp với các cấu trúc khác: “firstly…secondly…lastly”, “would need to”, “plan to”
• Vocabulary range: sought-after, preserve memories, master, expertise
• Coherence: Các đoạn được tổ chức logic theo lý do → khía cạnh học → kế hoạch

Part 3 – Discussion:

Part 3 yêu cầu phân tích sâu, đây là phần phù hợp nhất để thể hiện cấu trúc này.

Typical questions using this structure:

Q: “What are the main challenges facing education systems today?”

A: “In my view, modern education faces the following significant challenges: Firstly, there’s the issue of accessibility and equality – many students in rural or disadvantaged areas still lack access to quality education and modern facilities. Secondly, educational curricula often fail to keep pace with rapidly evolving job market demands, leaving graduates unprepared for contemporary workplace requirements. Additionally, the over-emphasis on examination results has created the following problems: it discourages creative thinking, causes excessive stress among students, and reduces learning to mere memorization rather than deep understanding.

To address these issues, I believe governments should implement the following measures: investing substantially in educational infrastructure, particularly in underserved regions; regularly updating curricula in consultation with industry experts; and promoting teaching methodologies that emphasize critical thinking and practical skills over rote learning.”

→ Band 9 features:

• Multiple uses of “the following” with different nouns (challenges, problems, measures)
• Complex sentence structures with embedded clauses
• Advanced vocabulary: accessibility, curricula, rote learning, underserved regions
• Clear argumentation with problem identification and solution proposal
• Natural flow without mechanical repetition

Ví dụ vận dụng cấu trúc The Following trong IELTS Speaking Part 2 và 3

Writing Task 1

Khi nào dùng:

• Khi giới thiệu các xu hướng chính (main trends) từ biểu đồ đường, biểu đồ cột, hoặc biểu đồ tròn
• Khi tóm tắt các đặc điểm nổi bật (notable features) trong overview
• Khi so sánh nhiều yếu tố hoặc danh mục trong bảng
• Khi mô tả các giai đoạn trong quy trình (process diagram)
• Khi chỉ ra những thay đổi trong bản đồ (map)

Ví dụ Line Graph:

Task: The graph below shows the consumption of three types of energy in a European country from 1980 to 2020.

Overview paragraph:

“Overall, the chart reveals the following significant trends: fossil fuel consumption increased dramatically throughout the period, renewable energy sources showed steady growth particularly after 2000, and nuclear energy remained relatively stable with only minor fluctuations. Among these, fossil fuels consistently dominated the energy mix, while renewables gained increasing importance in recent years.”

→ Vận dụng: “The following significant trends” giúp tổ chức overview rõ ràng, giới thiệu 3 xu hướng chính sẽ được phát triển trong body paragraphs.

Ví dụ Table:

Task: The table compares the average income and expenditure of households in five countries.

Body paragraph:

“The data highlights the following patterns across the five nations: developed countries such as the USA and UK demonstrated substantially higher average incomes exceeding $50,000 annually, middle-income nations like Brazil and Thailand showed moderate earnings between $15,000 and $25,000, and lower-income countries had average household incomes below $10,000. Additionally, the following spending trends were evident: wealthier nations allocated a larger proportion of income to leisure and entertainment, whereas households in poorer countries devoted most resources to basic necessities such as food and housing.”

→ Phân tích Band 8+: Sử dụng “the following” hai lần với các danh từ khác nhau (patterns, trends), tạo sự đa dạng và tránh lặp từ.

Ví dụ Process Diagram:

Task: The diagram illustrates the process of recycling plastic bottles.

Introduction + Overview:

“The diagram depicts the plastic bottle recycling process, which involves the following main stages: collection and sorting, cleaning and processing, manufacturing, and distribution. This cyclical process demonstrates how waste plastic can be transformed into new products, contributing to environmental sustainability.”

→ Phân tích: Cấu trúc giúp giới thiệu các giai đoạn chính trước khi mô tả chi tiết từng bước.

Writing Task 2

Essay types sử dụng cấu trúc this:

Opinion Essay:

Topic: Some people believe that the best way to improve public health is by increasing the number of sports facilities. Others think that other measures are required. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Body paragraph 1:

“Proponents of sports facility expansion argue that this approach offers the following advantages: it encourages regular physical exercise by making sports more accessible to the general public, creates social spaces where community members can interact and build relationships, and provides safe environments for children and teenagers to engage in healthy activities rather than sedentary entertainment. Furthermore, modern sports complexes can host the following programs: fitness classes for various age groups, organized sports competitions, and health education workshops, thereby addressing multiple aspects of public wellness simultaneously.”

→ Phân tích:

• “The following advantages” giới thiệu 3 lợi ích với cấu trúc song song
• “The following programs” đưa ra ví dụ cụ thể hỗ trợ luận điểm
• Tạo sự liên kết chặt chẽ giữa ý tổng quát và chi tiết

Discussion Essay:

Topic: Some people think that environmental problems are too big for individuals to solve, while others believe individuals can make a significant difference. Discuss both views.

Body paragraph 2:

“On the other hand, individual actions collectively can create substantial environmental impact through the following means: firstly, adopting sustainable consumption habits such as reducing single-use plastics and choosing eco-friendly products decreases demand for environmentally harmful goods, thereby influencing corporate production decisions. Secondly, individuals can support green initiatives by voting for environmentally conscious politicians and participating in local conservation projects. Most importantly, personal commitment to environmental protection sets the following positive examples: it inspires family members and friends to adopt similar behaviors, creates social pressure on businesses to operate more sustainably, and demonstrates to policymakers that citizens prioritize environmental issues.”

→ Band 8+ features:

• Complex argumentation với “the following means” và “the following positive examples”
• Cohesive devices: firstly, secondly, most importantly
• Sophisticated vocabulary: sustainable consumption, eco-friendly, conservation, policymakers

Advantage/Disadvantage Essay:

Topic: Online shopping is becoming more popular. Do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?

Body paragraph (Advantages):

“E-commerce provides consumers with the following significant benefits: convenience and time-saving, as customers can browse and purchase products 24/7 from home without traveling to physical stores; wider product selection, since online platforms offer access to goods from around the world that may be unavailable locally; and competitive pricing, as online retailers typically have lower overhead costs and can pass savings to consumers through discounts and promotions. Additionally, digital shopping creates the following positive impacts on business: it enables small enterprises to reach global markets without expensive physical infrastructure, provides valuable data on consumer preferences to improve services, and reduces environmental footprint by optimizing logistics and minimizing the need for large retail spaces.”

→ Phân tích: Hai lần sử dụng “the following” với góc độ khác nhau (benefits cho người tiêu dùng, impacts cho doanh nghiệp) thể hiện khả năng phân tích đa chiều.

Problem/Solution Essay:

Topic: Many cities around the world are facing serious traffic congestion problems. What are the causes of this issue and what solutions can you suggest?

Body paragraph (Solutions):

“To effectively address urban traffic congestion, city authorities should implement the following comprehensive measures: First, investing in public transportation infrastructure including metro systems, bus rapid transit networks, and cycling lanes would provide viable alternatives to private car use. Second, introducing congestion pricing schemes that charge vehicles for entering city centers during peak hours would discourage unnecessary trips and generate revenue for transport improvements. Third, promoting flexible working arrangements such as remote work and staggered office hours would distribute traffic demand more evenly throughout the day.

In the long term, urban planners must adopt the following strategies: creating mixed-use neighborhoods where residents can live close to workplaces and amenities, thereby reducing commuting distances; implementing smart traffic management systems using real-time data to optimize signal timing and route planning; and establishing park-and-ride facilities at city outskirts to encourage multi-modal transportation. These coordinated approaches would tackle congestion from multiple angles simultaneously.”

→ Band 9 features:

• Logical organization: short-term measures → long-term strategies
• “The following comprehensive measures” và “the following strategies” phân biệt rõ hai cấp độ giải pháp
• Topic-specific vocabulary: congestion pricing, mixed-use neighborhoods, multi-modal transportation
• Complex sentences với clauses và linking words

Mẫu đoạn văn IELTS Writing Task 2 sử dụng cấu trúc The Following

Sample Paragraphs Band 7-9

Band 7 Sample:

Topic: Benefits of learning a foreign language

“Learning a foreign language provides individuals with the following important advantages: it improves cognitive abilities such as memory and problem-solving skills, enhances career prospects in an increasingly globalized job market, and facilitates cultural understanding by enabling direct communication with people from different backgrounds. Moreover, language learning develops the following personal qualities: patience and perseverance through the challenging process of mastering new grammatical structures, cultural sensitivity by exposing learners to different worldviews, and confidence through successful communication in another language. These benefits demonstrate why foreign language education should be prioritized in school curricula.”

Phân tích Band 7:

• Sử dụng cấu trúc chính xác: “the following advantages” và “the following personal qualities” đều đúng ngữ pháp
• Variety: Kết hợp với các cấu trúc khác như “such as”, “by + V-ing”
• Collocations tốt: cognitive abilities, career prospects, cultural understanding
• Coherence: Luận điểm được tổ chức logic từ lợi ích trí tuệ → nghề nghiệp → văn hóa → phẩm chất cá nhân
• Hạn chế: Vocabulary và sentence structures chưa đa dạng ở mức độ cao nhất

Band 8-9 Sample:

Topic: Impact of technology on traditional skills

“The rapid advancement of digital technology has precipitated the following profound transformations in how traditional skills are transmitted and valued in contemporary society: Firstly, numerous artisanal crafts and manual techniques that once formed the backbone of local economies have been marginalized or rendered obsolete by automated manufacturing processes, resulting in the erosion of cultural heritage and indigenous knowledge systems. Secondly, while technological tools have democratized access to learning resources, they have simultaneously created a dependency that diminishes people’s capacity to perform fundamental tasks without digital assistance—navigation without GPS, calculation without calculators, or communication without spell-checkers being prime examples. Paradoxically, however, technology has also catalyzed the following positive developments for traditional skills preservation: digital platforms enable master craftspeople to reach global audiences through online tutorials and virtual demonstrations, 3D scanning and printing technology allows precise documentation and reproduction of historical techniques, and social media communities connect practitioners worldwide, fostering knowledge exchange and collaborative innovation.

This dichotomy suggests that technology’s impact is neither inherently detrimental nor beneficial, but rather depends upon the following critical factors: the intentionality with which digital tools are employed, the extent to which educational institutions balance technological proficiency with hands-on skill development, and society’s collective commitment to recognizing and valuing traditional expertise alongside contemporary competencies.”

Phân tích Band 9:

• Complex usage: Ba lần sử dụng “the following” với danh từ khác nhau (transformations, developments, factors), mỗi lần phục vụ mục đích khác nhau trong luận điểm
• Sophisticated vocabulary: precipitated, marginalized, rendered obsolete, democratized, dichotomy, intentionality
• Natural flow: Cấu trúc được tích hợp tự nhiên vào luận điểm phức tạp, không gây cảm giác cứng nhắc
• Advanced grammar range: Perfect participles (being prime examples), relative clauses, passive constructions
• Critical thinking: Thể hiện khả năng phân tích đa chiều (negative → positive → conditional factors)
• Cohesion: Sử dụng “This dichotomy” để liên kết giữa các đoạn

Nâng Cao – Cách Dùng Để Đạt Band 8+

Kết Hợp Với Các Cấu Trúc Khác

The following + Noun + Relative Clause:

Example: “The government has identified the following priority areas which require immediate intervention: healthcare infrastructure in rural regions, digital literacy programs for elderly citizens, and affordable housing initiatives for low-income families.”

→ Band 8+ features: Mệnh đề quan hệ “which require immediate intervention” bổ sung thông tin cho “priority areas”, tạo câu phức với nhiều lớp ý nghĩa.

The following + Noun + Participle Phrase:

Example: “Researchers proposed the following innovative solutions, involving collaboration between public and private sectors: establishing green technology incubators, creating tax incentives for sustainable businesses, and developing comprehensive environmental education programs.”

→ Advanced usage: Participle phrase “involving collaboration” cung cấp thông tin bổ sung một cách súc tích, tránh phải dùng mệnh đề đầy đủ.

The following + Noun + Modal Verbs:

Example: “To achieve carbon neutrality by 2050, nations must implement the following measures which could significantly reduce emissions: transitioning to renewable energy sources, enforcing stricter industrial regulations, and incentivizing electric vehicle adoption through subsidies and infrastructure development.”

→ Sophistication: Kết hợp modal verb “could” trong mệnh đề quan hệ thể hiện khả năng, tạo tone học thuật và khách quan.

The following + Noun + Passive Voice:

Example: “The following critical issues have been identified by environmental scientists as requiring urgent global action: ocean acidification caused by excessive carbon dioxide absorption, deforestation driven by agricultural expansion, and plastic pollution accumulating in marine ecosystems.”

→ Academic tone: Passive voice “have been identified” tạo giọng văn khách quan, chuyên nghiệp, phù hợp với writing học thuật.

Inverted structure with The following:

Example: “Among the following factors that contribute to academic success, none is more significant than consistent self-discipline: effective time management, active participation in class discussions, and regular review of course materials.”

→ Emphasis: Đảo ngữ với “Among the following” tạo sự nhấn mạnh và variation trong cấu trúc câu.

Cụm Từ Nâng Cao

Academic collocations với “the following”:

Collocation	Ví dụ IELTS	Band Level
the following key dimensions	“The research examined work-life balance through the following key dimensions: temporal flexibility, spatial autonomy, and psychological wellbeing.”	8+
the following compelling evidence	“Studies present the following compelling evidence supporting early childhood education: enhanced cognitive development, improved social skills, and greater long-term academic achievement.”	8+
the following fundamental prerequisites	“Sustainable economic growth requires the following fundamental prerequisites: political stability, transparent governance, and robust legal frameworks.”	8-9
the following salient features	“The report highlighted the following salient features of successful urban regeneration: community engagement, mixed-use development, and preservation of cultural heritage.”	9
the following multifaceted implications	“Artificial intelligence advancement carries the following multifaceted implications: economic disruption through automation, ethical concerns regarding privacy, and transformative potential in healthcare diagnostics.”	9
the following interrelated factors	“Educational inequality stems from the following interrelated factors: socioeconomic disparities, geographical accessibility, and quality of teaching resources.”	8+
the following pivotal considerations	“When designing public policy, governments must address the following pivotal considerations: cost-effectiveness, social equity, and long-term sustainability.”	8-9
the following empirical findings	“The longitudinal study revealed the following empirical findings: regular physical activity correlates strongly with mental health improvements, particularly in reducing anxiety and depression symptoms.”	9

Từ nối nâng cao kết hợp với “the following”:

• Notwithstanding: “Notwithstanding these challenges, the following positive outcomes emerged…”
• Nevertheless: “Nevertheless, researchers identified the following mitigating factors…”
• Moreover: “Moreover, the data demonstrates the following additional trends…”
• Conversely: “Conversely, the following disadvantages must be considered…”
• Specifically: “Specifically, the following technical specifications are required…”

Câu Phức & Ghép

Tích hợp vào complex sentences:

“Although critics argue that standardized testing creates excessive pressure on students, proponents maintain that it offers the following essential benefits which cannot be easily replicated through alternative assessment methods: objective measurement of academic progress across diverse student populations, identification of knowledge gaps requiring targeted intervention, and accountability mechanisms ensuring educational institutions maintain consistent quality standards.”

→ Phân tích cấu trúc phức tạp:

• Concessive clause: “Although critics argue that…”
• Main clause với “the following essential benefits”
• Relative clause: “which cannot be easily replicated”
• Appositive phrases giải thích các benefits
• Multiple layers tạo câu Band 9 với độ phức tạp cao

Compound-complex sentence:

“The following demographic shifts have fundamentally reshaped consumer markets over the past two decades—aging populations in developed nations have created demand for healthcare innovations and retirement services, while simultaneously, the following youth-driven trends have emerged in developing countries: rapid smartphone adoption, preference for digital entertainment, and growing environmental consciousness, and these parallel developments require businesses to adopt differentiated strategies for diverse market segments.”

→ Band 9 features:

• Multiple independent clauses kết nối bằng dash và “while simultaneously”
• Two instances của “the following” với contexts khác nhau
• Complex noun phrases: “youth-driven trends”, “parallel developments”
• Demonstrates ability to handle multiple ideas trong một câu dài mà vẫn rõ ràng

Các cấu trúc nâng cao kết hợp The Following cho Band 8-9 IELTS

So Sánh Với Cấu Trúc Tương Tự

“The following” vs “As follows” vs “Such as”

Tiêu chí	The following + Noun	As follows	Such as
Công thức	The following + noun: list items	Subject + verb + as follows: list items	Noun + such as + examples
Vị trí	Trước danh sách, cần danh từ sau “following”	Sau động từ, thường cuối câu	Trong câu, sau danh từ cần minh họa
Mức độ formal	Formal/Academic	Very formal	Neutral/Flexible
Dấu câu	Thường dùng dấu hai chấm (:)	Bắt buộc dùng dấu hai chấm (:)	Không cần dấu hai chấm
Ví dụ	“The city faces the following problems: traffic, pollution, crime.”	“The main problems are as follows: traffic congestion, air pollution, and rising crime rates.”	“The city faces several problems such as traffic, pollution, and crime.”
Sử dụng trong IELTS	Writing Task 1 & 2, Speaking Part 2/3	Chủ yếu Writing (rất formal)	Tất cả 4 skills (linh hoạt)
Nhấn mạnh	Nhấn mạnh danh sách sắp tới	Nhấn mạnh mạnh mẽ nhất	Đưa ra ví dụ minh họa

Khi nào dùng cấu trúc nào:

Chọn “The following”:

• Khi muốn tạo cấu trúc rõ ràng với danh từ cụ thể (reasons, factors, measures)
• Khi cần tạo sự kết nối chặt chẽ giữa câu tổng quát và chi tiết
• Trong Writing Task 1 (overview) và Task 2 (body paragraphs)
• Ví dụ: “To address this issue, governments should implement the following measures: …”

Chọn “As follows”:

• Trong writing rất formal (báo cáo, thư chính thức)
• Khi muốn tạo tone cực kỳ chuyên nghiệp
• Thường trong mô tả quy trình hoặc danh sách có thứ tự
• Ví dụ: “The experimental procedure was as follows: first, samples were collected…”
• Lưu ý: Tránh lạm dụng trong IELTS vì quá formal có thể làm văn viết cứng nhắc

Chọn “Such as”:

• Khi chỉ muốn đưa ra một vài ví dụ đại diện, không liệt kê đầy đủ
• Trong Speaking để tự nhiên hơn
• Khi không muốn nhấn mạnh quá mạnh vào danh sách
• Ví dụ: “Many factors such as economic conditions and government policies influence employment rates.”

So sánh trong cùng một context:

Context: Discussing environmental problems in cities

Dùng “The following” (Band 8):
“Urban environments face the following environmental challenges: air pollution from vehicle emissions, water contamination due to inadequate sewage systems, and insufficient green spaces for recreation.”
→ Formal, tổ chức tốt, suitable for Writing

Dùng “As follows” (Band 8, very formal):
“The primary environmental challenges in cities are as follows: air pollution caused by transportation, contaminated water supplies, and lack of parks and recreational areas.”
→ Rất formal, phù hợp academic reports

Dùng “Such as” (Band 7):
“Cities face various environmental problems such as air pollution, water contamination, and inadequate green spaces.”
→ Natural, flexible, phù hợp cả Speaking và Writing

Kết hợp cả ba trong một đoạn văn (Band 9):

“Modern cities confront numerous environmental challenges. The following critical issues require immediate attention: deteriorating air quality, water resource depletion, and biodiversity loss. Among these, air pollution, which manifests in forms such as smog, particulate matter, and toxic gases, poses the most severe threat to public health. Effective solutions are as follows: implementing stringent emission standards, expanding public transportation networks, and creating urban green corridors. Cities that have successfully addressed environmental problems such as Singapore and Copenhagen demonstrate that comprehensive planning and sustained political commitment can yield significant improvements.”

→ Phân tích Band 9: Sử dụng cả ba cấu trúc trong các contexts khác nhau, thể hiện vocabulary range và grammatical flexibility.

“The following” vs “Below” vs “Next”

Tiêu chí	The following	Below	Next
Nghĩa	Những điều sau đây	Bên dưới	Tiếp theo
Dùng cho	Liệt kê trong text	Tham chiếu vị trí	Trình tự thời gian/thứ tự
Formal level	Formal/Academic	Neutral	Neutral
Ví dụ	“Consider the following factors…”	“See the chart below“	“Next, we will discuss…”
IELTS context	Body paragraphs, arguments	Task 1 (referring to visuals)	Organizing ideas, sequencing

Lỗi Thường Gặp & Cách Sửa

Lỗi 1: Thiếu dấu hai chấm sau “the following + noun”

❌ SAI:
“The government should implement the following measures reducing emissions, improving public transport, and planting trees.”

✅ ĐÚNG:
“The government should implement the following measures: reducing emissions, improving public transport, and planting trees.”

Giải thích:
Sau cụm “the following + noun” bắt buộc phải có dấu hai chấm (:) để giới thiệu danh sách. Đây là quy tắc punctuation trong academic writing. Thiếu dấu hai chấm làm câu sai ngữ pháp và khó đọc.

Lưu ý:

• Dấu hai chấm có thể thay bằng dấu chấm (.) nếu danh sách được viết thành câu riêng: “The government should implement the following measures. These include reducing emissions…”
• Trong Speaking, không cần quan tâm dấu câu nhưng cần pause tự nhiên sau “following + noun”

Lỗi 2: Dùng danh từ số ít khi liệt kê nhiều items

❌ SAI:
“Students prefer online learning for the following reason: it is flexible, it is affordable, and it offers diverse courses.”

✅ ĐÚNG:
“Students prefer online learning for the following reasons: it is flexible, it is affordable, and it offers diverse courses.”

Giải thích:
Khi bạn liệt kê nhiều hơn một item (ở đây là 3 lý do), danh từ sau “the following” phải ở dạng số nhiều (reasons chứ không phải reason). Đây là lỗi về subject-verb agreement và số lượng.

Ngoại lệ:
Nếu chỉ có một item hoặc một ý duy nhất được trình bày chi tiết, dùng số ít:
“The research supports the following conclusion: technology has transformed education in fundamental ways.”

Lưu ý cho người Việt:
Trong tiếng Việt không có phân biệt số ít/nhiều rõ ràng nên đây là lỗi phổ biến. Hãy đếm số lượng items trong danh sách trước khi chọn danh từ.

Lỗi 3: Không song song về cấu trúc ngữ pháp trong danh sách

❌ SAI:
“The city faces the following problems: traffic congestion, polluted air, and there is a shortage of housing.”

✅ ĐÚNG:
“The city faces the following problems: traffic congestion, air pollution, and housing shortages.”

(Hoặc: “traffic is congested, air is polluted, and housing is scarce”)

Giải thích:
Các items trong danh sách phải có cấu trúc ngữ pháp giống nhau (parallel structure). Trong ví dụ sai, hai items đầu là noun phrases (traffic congestion, polluted air) nhưng item thứ ba lại là một clause (there is a shortage). Điều này vi phạm nguyên tắc parallelism trong academic writing.

Các dạng parallel structure đúng:

All noun phrases:
“The following factors influence success: determination, talent, and opportunity.”

All gerunds (-ing):
“The process involves the following steps: collecting data, analyzing results, and presenting findings.”

All clauses:
“The following issues were identified: traffic has worsened, pollution has increased, and housing has become unaffordable.”

Lưu ý:
Parallelism là tiêu chí quan trọng trong IELTS Writing Band 7+. Giám khảo đặc biệt chú ý đến tính nhất quán của cấu trúc.

Lỗi 4: Lạm dụng hoặc lặp lại quá nhiều

❌ SAI:
“The following problems affect cities: pollution, crime, and traffic. The following solutions can help: better transport, more police, and cleaner energy. The following benefits will result: healthier citizens, safer streets, and reduced congestion.”

✅ ĐÚNG:
“Urban areas face the following challenges: pollution, crime, and traffic congestion. To address these issues, authorities could improve public transportation, increase police presence, and promote renewable energy. Such measures would yield several benefits, including healthier citizens, safer communities, and reduced traffic.”

Giải thích:
Sử dụng “the following” ba lần trong một đoạn ngắn khiến văn viết lặp từ và thiếu tự nhiên. Trong IELTS, giám khảo đánh giá cao lexical resource và grammatical range, nên bạn cần vary cấu trúc.

Alternatives để tránh lặp:

• “These include…”
• “Such as…”
• “The main ones are…”
• “Several factors contribute, including…”
• “Among these are…”
• “Specifically…”
• “Namely…”

Quy tắc thumb:
Dùng “the following” tối đa 1-2 lần trong một đoạn văn Task 2 (khoảng 150 từ), và không quá 3-4 lần trong toàn bài essay 250 từ.

Lỗi 5: Đặt “following” sau danh từ (confusing với adjective “following”)

❌ SAI:
“In years following, the following trends will become important: AI, climate change, and automation.”

✅ ĐÚNG:
“In the following years, these trends will become important: AI, climate change, and automation.”

(Hoặc: “In the years that follow / In subsequent years…”)

Giải thích:
“Following” có hai chức năng ngữ pháp khác nhau:

“The following + Noun” = Những…sau đây (determiner + noun):
“The following points are important…” ✅

“The + Noun + following” = Những…theo sau (adjective sau noun):
“In the weeks following the announcement…” ✅ (nghĩa: những tuần sau thông báo)

Không được viết: “In years following, the following trends…” vì “years following” không đứng đầu câu đúng ngữ pháp.

Các cách đúng khi dùng “following” làm adjective:

• “In the following decade…” (trong thập kỷ tới)
• “The following year witnessed…” (năm sau đó chứng kiến)
• “Consider the following examples…” (xem xét các ví dụ sau)

Lưu ý cho Vietnamese learners:
Trong tiếng Việt “sau đây” và “theo sau” đều có “sau”, nhưng trong tiếng Anh vị trí của “following” hoàn toàn khác nhau và không thể hoán đổi.

Top 5 Mistakes Vietnamese Learners Make – Tổng Kết

1. Quên dấu hai chấm (:) sau “the following + noun”
→ Impact: Lỗi punctuation làm mất điểm Grammatical Range and Accuracy
→ Fix: Luôn nhớ: “the following + noun: list”

2. Dùng singular noun khi có nhiều items
→ Impact: Lỗi basic grammar về số, ảnh hưởng Band score từ 6.5 trở xuống
→ Fix: Đếm items → 2+ items = plural noun

3. Không parallel structure trong danh sách
→ Impact: Mất điểm coherence và grammatical accuracy ở Band 7+
→ Fix: Check tất cả items có cùng form (noun/verb-ing/clause)

4. Over-use trong một đoạn văn
→ Impact: Repetitive language, giảm điểm Lexical Resource
→ Fix: Vary với “such as”, “these include”, “namely”

5. Nhầm lẫn giữa “the following noun” vs “noun following”
→ Impact: Sai nghĩa và cấu trúc, confusing cho người đọc
→ Fix: “The following + Noun” (những…sau đây) ≠ “Noun + following” (theo sau sự kiện nào đó)

Bài Tập Thực Hành

Bài Tập Điền Từ

Hoàn thành câu với danh từ phù hợp sau “the following”:

(Options: reasons / measures / advantages / factors / trends / problems / solutions / characteristics / consequences / steps)

1. To reduce air pollution in cities, governments should implement the following ____: restricting vehicle emissions, expanding public transport, and creating low-emission zones.

2. Students prefer studying abroad for the following ____: exposure to different cultures, better educational facilities, and improved career prospects.

3. The chart reveals the following ____: smartphone usage has increased dramatically, traditional media consumption has declined, and streaming services have gained popularity.

4. Urban overpopulation creates the following ____: housing shortages, traffic congestion, and strain on public services.

5. The following ____ influence consumer purchasing decisions: price, quality, brand reputation, and product reviews.

6. Climate change results in the following ____: rising sea levels, extreme weather events, and agricultural disruptions.

7. Successful entrepreneurs share the following ____: resilience, innovative thinking, strong leadership skills, and risk-taking ability.

8. To improve public health, authorities propose the following ____: promoting physical activity, reducing sugar consumption, and improving air quality.

9. The following ____ are required to complete the project: needs assessment, resource allocation, implementation, and evaluation.

10. Online learning offers the following ____: flexibility in scheduling, access to diverse courses, reduced costs, and self-paced progression.

Tìm Và Sửa Lỗi

Mỗi câu có một hoặc nhiều lỗi. Tìm và sửa:

1. Students fail exams for the following reason, lack of preparation, poor time management, and anxiety. [❌]

2. The government implemented the following policy: improving healthcare, education reform, and they reduced taxes. [❌]

3. The chart shows following trends: increasing urbanization and declining birth rates. [❌]

4. The city faces the following problem: traffic congestion, air pollution, and housing shortages. [❌]

5. For the following reasons, I support this view: it is practical, it is cost-effective, and benefits are clear. [❌]

6. The survey revealed the following: most respondents preferred online shopping than traditional retail. [❌]

7. Years following, the following changes occurred: technology advanced rapidly and society transformed. [❌]

8. The following measures should be taken reducing pollution, planting trees, and using renewable energy. [❌]

9. The project requires the following step: planning, implementing, and evaluation. [❌]

10. Experts recommend the following: exercising regularly, eating balanced diet, and getting adequate sleep. [❌]

Viết Câu

Viết câu hoàn chỉnh sử dụng “the following + noun”:

1. (cities / face / environmental problems)
   → Your answer: ___

2. (technology / bring / advantages / to education)
   → Your answer: ___

3. (governments / should implement / measures / reduce unemployment)
   → Your answer: ___

4. (research / identify / factors / affect mental health)
   → Your answer: ___

5. (the chart / show / trends / energy consumption)
   → Your answer: ___

6. (successful companies / share / characteristics)
   → Your answer: ___

7. (climate change / cause / consequences)
   → Your answer: ___

8. (to learn a language effectively / students / need / follow / steps)
   → Your answer: ___

9. (working from home / offer / benefits / employees)
   → Your answer: ___

10. (I / disagree / with this view / for / reasons)
    → Your answer: ___

Viết Đoạn Văn

Viết một đoạn văn (80-100 từ) về topic sau, sử dụng “the following” ít nhất 2 lần:

Topic 1: The advantages of learning a foreign language

Your paragraph:

---

---

---

Topic 2: Solutions to traffic congestion in big cities

Your paragraph:

---

---

---

Topic 3: The main factors that contribute to career success

Your paragraph:

---

---

---

Đáp Án Chi Tiết

Đáp Án Bài Tập Điền Từ

1. measures – Biện pháp thực thi chính sách
   Giải thích: “Implement” (thực hiện) đi với “measures” (biện pháp). Đây là collocation chuẩn trong IELTS Writing Task 2 khi nói về giải pháp.

2. reasons – Lý do (nhiều lý do)
   Giải thích: “For the following reasons” là cấu trúc phổ biến khi giải thích nguyên nhân. Có 3 reasons được liệt kê nên dùng số nhiều.

3. trends – Xu hướng
   Giải thích: “Reveal trends” (cho thấy xu hướng) là collocation thường dùng trong Writing Task 1 khi mô tả biểu đồ. Có 3 trends nên dùng số nhiều.

4. problems – Vấn đề
   Giải thích: “Create problems” (tạo ra vấn đề). Có 3 problems được liệt kê. Có thể dùng “issues” hoặc “challenges” thay thế.

5. factors – Yếu tố
   Giải thích: “Factors influence…” (các yếu tố ảnh hưởng) là cấu trúc chuẩn trong academic writing. Có 4 factors nên dùng số nhiều.

6. consequences – Hậu quả
   Giải thích: “Result in consequences” (dẫn đến hậu quả). Có 3 consequences được liệt kê. “Effects” hoặc “impacts” cũng phù hợp.

7. characteristics – Đặc điểm
   Giải thích: “Share characteristics” (có chung đặc điểm) là collocation tự nhiên. Có 4 characteristics nên dùng số nhiều.

8. solutions – Giải pháp
   Giải thích: “Propose solutions” (đề xuất giải pháp) thường dùng trong Problem-Solution essays. Có 3 solutions nên số nhiều.

9. steps – Bước/Giai đoạn
   Giải thích: “Steps are required” (các bước cần thiết) dùng khi mô tả quy trình. Có 4 steps được liệt kê.

10. advantages – Lợi ích
    Giải thích: “Offer advantages” (mang lại lợi ích) là collocation phổ biến trong Advantage essays. Có 4 advantages nên số nhiều. “Benefits” có thể thay thế.

Đáp Án Tìm Và Sửa Lỗi

1. ❌ “reason” → ✅ “reasons” và ❌ dấu phẩy → ✅ dấu hai chấm
Đúng: “Students fail exams for the following reasons: lack of preparation, poor time management, and anxiety.”
Giải thích: Hai lỗi: (1) Có 3 lý do nên phải dùng “reasons” số nhiều, (2) Sau “the following + noun” bắt buộc dùng dấu hai chấm (:) chứ không phải dấu phẩy.

2. ❌ Không parallel structure: “they reduced taxes” → ✅ “tax reduction”
Đúng: “The government implemented the following policies: improving healthcare, reforming education, and reducing taxes.”
Giải thích: Ba items phải cùng cấu trúc. Hai items đầu là gerund phrases (improving…, reforming…) nên item thứ ba cũng phải là gerund (reducing…). Ngoài ra, “policy” nên đổi thành “policies” vì có 3 items.

3. ❌ Thiếu “the” trước “following” → ✅ “the following”
Đúng: “The chart shows the following trends: increasing urbanization and declining birth rates.”
Giải thích: Phải dùng “the following” (không thể chỉ “following”). “The” là determiner bắt buộc trong cấu trúc này.

4. ❌ “problem” số ít → ✅ “problems” số nhiều
Đúng: “The city faces the following problems: traffic congestion, air pollution, and housing shortages.”
Giải thích: Có 3 vấn đề được liệt kê nên “problem” phải chuyển thành “problems”.

5. ❌ “benefits are clear” không parallel → ✅ “the benefits are clear” hoặc “it provides clear benefits”
Đúng: “For the following reasons, I support this view: it is practical, it is cost-effective, and it provides clear benefits.”
Giải thích: Ba items phải parallel. Hai items đầu có cấu trúc “it is + adjective” nên item thứ ba cũng cần tương tự. Hoặc đổi thành: “…practical, cost-effective, and beneficial.”

6. ❌ “than” → ✅ “to” (prefer…to) và ❌ thiếu “that/the fact that”
Đúng: “The survey revealed the following : most respondents preferred online shopping to traditional retail.”
(Hoặc tốt hơn: “The survey revealed the following finding: most respondents preferred online shopping to traditional retail.”)
Giải thích: (1) “Prefer A to B” là cấu trúc đúng, không phải “prefer…than”, (2) Sau dấu hai chấm nên có noun phrase hoặc list, không nên là clause trực tiếp. Adding “finding:” giúp cấu trúc chuẩn hơn.

7. ❌ “Years following” vị trí sai → ✅ “In the following years” hoặc “In subsequent years”
Đúng: “In the following years, these changes occurred: technology advanced rapidly and society transformed.”
Giải thích: Không thể viết “Years following” đứng đầu câu như một time expression. Phải dùng “In the following years” hoặc “In the years that followed”.

8. ❌ Thiếu dấu hai chấm sau “taken” → ✅ thêm “:”
Đúng: “The following measures should be taken: reducing pollution, planting trees, and using renewable energy.”
Giải thích: Sau “the following measures” và trước danh sách bắt buộc phải có dấu hai chấm.

9. ❌ “step” số ít → ✅ “steps” số nhiều
Đúng: “The project requires the following steps: planning, implementing, and evaluation.”
(Hoặc tốt hơn: “…planning, implementation, and evaluation” để parallel hơn – đều là nouns)
Giải thích: Có 3 bước nên phải dùng “steps” số nhiều. Ngoài ra, nên chuyển “implementing” thành “implementation” để cả 3 items đều là nouns.

10. ❌ “eating balanced diet” thiếu article → ✅ “eating a balanced diet”
Đúng: “Experts recommend the following: exercising regularly, eating a balanced diet, and getting adequate sleep.”
Giải thích: “Diet” là countable noun nên cần article. “A balanced diet” là collocation chuẩn.

Đáp Án Viết Câu

1. Cities face environmental problems

Sample answer:
“Major cities face the following environmental problems: air pollution from vehicle emissions, water contamination due to industrial waste, and inadequate waste management systems.”

2. Technology brings advantages to education

Sample answer:
“Technology brings the following significant advantages to education: enhanced accessibility to learning resources, interactive teaching methods that increase student engagement, and personalized learning experiences through adaptive platforms.”

3. Governments should implement measures to reduce unemployment

Sample answer:
“To reduce unemployment, governments should implement the following measures: providing vocational training programs, offering tax incentives to companies that create jobs, and supporting small business development through microfinance initiatives.”

4. Research identifies factors affecting mental health

Sample answer:
“Recent research has identified the following key factors that affect mental health: social connections and support networks, work-life balance, financial security, and access to healthcare services.”

5. The chart shows trends in energy consumption

Sample answer:
“The chart shows the following notable trends in energy consumption over the past decade: fossil fuel usage has declined gradually, renewable energy sources have experienced rapid growth, and overall energy efficiency has improved significantly.”

6. Successful companies share characteristics

Sample answer:
“Successful companies share the following essential characteristics: strong leadership with clear vision, innovative approaches to problem-solving, customer-centric business models, and adaptive strategies that respond to market changes.”

7. Climate change causes consequences

Sample answer:
“Climate change causes the following severe consequences: more frequent and intense extreme weather events, rising sea levels threatening coastal communities, disruption of agricultural productivity, and loss of biodiversity in sensitive ecosystems.”

8. To learn a language effectively, students need to follow steps

Sample answer:
“To learn a language effectively, students need to follow the following practical steps: immersing themselves in the target language through media and conversation, practicing regularly with native speakers, mastering grammar fundamentals systematically, and building vocabulary through contextual learning rather than rote memorization.”

9. Working from home offers benefits to employees

Sample answer:
“Working from home offers employees the following substantial benefits: flexible scheduling that allows better work-life balance, elimination of commuting time and costs, increased productivity in a personalized environment, and greater autonomy in managing daily tasks.”

10. I disagree with this view for reasons

Sample answer:
“I disagree with this view for the following compelling reasons: firstly, the evidence presented is based on outdated research that doesn’t reflect current realities; secondly, alternative approaches have proven more effective in similar contexts; and finally, the proposed solution fails to address the root causes of the problem.”

Bài tập thực hành IELTS với cấu trúc The Following kèm đáp án chi tiết

Đáp Án Viết Đoạn Văn

Topic 1: The advantages of learning a foreign language

Band 7 Sample:

“Learning a foreign language provides individuals with numerous benefits that extend beyond mere communication. Students who master another language gain the following practical advantages: improved cognitive abilities including enhanced memory and problem-solving skills, better career prospects in an increasingly globalized job market, and deeper cultural understanding through direct engagement with native speakers. Moreover, the learning process itself develops the following valuable personal qualities: patience and perseverance when facing grammatical challenges, cultural sensitivity by exposing learners to different worldviews, and increased confidence through successful real-world communication. These multifaceted benefits demonstrate why foreign language education should remain a priority in school curricula worldwide.”

Phân tích:

• Sử dụng “the following” 2 lần với nouns khác nhau (advantages, qualities)
• Parallel structure đúng trong danh sách
• Vocabulary Band 7+: mere communication, multifaceted benefits, curricula
• Coherence tốt với moreover, these benefits

Band 8-9 Sample:

“Foreign language acquisition confers profound advantages that transcend simple linguistic competence. Learners cultivate the following intellectual capabilities: enhanced cognitive flexibility through navigating multiple grammatical systems, superior analytical skills developed by comparing linguistic structures, and heightened metalinguistic awareness that deepens understanding of their native tongue. Beyond cognitive benefits, multilingualism generates the following socioeconomic advantages: substantially improved employment opportunities in multinational corporations and international organizations, cultural capital that facilitates cross-border collaboration, and enhanced cognitive reserve that may delay age-related mental decline. The neuroplasticity stimulated by language learning, combined with these practical benefits, makes multilingual education an invaluable investment in individual development and societal progress.”

Phân tích Band 9:

• Complex vocabulary: confers, transcend, neuroplasticity, cognitive reserve
• Sophisticated structures: “that transcend”, “developed by”, “combined with”
• Advanced cohesion: Beyond cognitive benefits, combined with
• Two uses của “the following” với academic nouns (capabilities, advantages)

Topic 2: Solutions to traffic congestion in big cities

Band 7 Sample:

“Traffic congestion in urban areas has become a critical challenge requiring comprehensive solutions. To address this problem effectively, city authorities should implement the following practical measures: expanding and improving public transportation networks to provide viable alternatives to private vehicles, introducing congestion pricing schemes that charge drivers for entering busy city centers during peak hours, and developing infrastructure for cyclists and pedestrians to encourage non-motorized transport. Additionally, urban planners must adopt the following long-term strategies: creating mixed-use neighborhoods where residents can live close to workplaces and amenities, implementing smart traffic management systems using real-time data, and promoting flexible working arrangements such as remote work to reduce commuting demand. These coordinated approaches would significantly alleviate traffic problems while improving quality of life.”

Phân tích:

• Two clear uses với measures vs strategies (short-term vs long-term)
• Well-organized: immediate solutions → long-term approaches
• Good vocabulary: viable alternatives, congestion pricing, mixed-use neighborhoods
• Clear cohesion: Additionally, These coordinated approaches

Topic 3: The main factors that contribute to career success

Band 8 Sample:

“Career advancement results from a complex interplay of personal attributes and external circumstances. The following individual qualities prove essential for professional achievement: unwavering resilience that enables recovery from setbacks and failures, adaptability to navigate rapidly changing industry landscapes, and strong interpersonal skills that facilitate effective collaboration and networking. However, personal characteristics alone are insufficient; the following environmental factors also play crucial roles: access to quality education and professional development opportunities, supportive mentorship from experienced practitioners, favorable economic conditions that create job opportunities, and organizational cultures that recognize and reward merit. Successful careers typically emerge when individuals possessing the requisite personal qualities encounter conducive external circumstances, suggesting that both dimensions require attention in career planning strategies.”

Phân tích Band 8-9:

• Sophisticated thesis: “complex interplay of personal attributes and external circumstances”
• Advanced vocabulary: unwavering resilience, navigate, conducive, requisite
• Balanced analysis: personal qualities vs environmental factors
• Complex conclusion linking both factors
• Natural integration of “the following” without mechanical feel

Tổng Kết & Lời Khuyên Cuối

Những Điều Cần Nhớ

Công thức cốt lõi:

Subject + Verb + the following + Noun (plural): item 1, item 2, and item 3

5 quy tắc vàng:

1. Luôn có dấu hai chấm (:) sau “the following + noun”
2. Plural noun khi có 2+ items; singular noun khi có 1 ý duy nhất
3. Parallel structure bắt buộc cho tất cả items trong list
4. Đừng overuse – tối đa 2-3 lần trong một bài essay 250 từ
5. Vary structures – kết hợp với “such as”, “these include”, “namely”

Khi nào nên dùng:

✅ Writing Task 1: Overview paragraph (liệt kê main trends)
✅ Writing Task 2: Body paragraphs (reasons, measures, advantages)
✅ Speaking Part 2: Tổ chức ý trong bài nói dài
✅ Speaking Part 3: Trả lời câu hỏi phức tạp với nhiều points

Khi nào KHÔNG nên dùng:

❌ Speaking Part 1 (quá formal cho câu trả lời ngắn)
❌ Mỗi câu trong bài essay (repetitive)
❌ Khi chỉ có 1-2 items đơn giản (dùng “such as” tự nhiên hơn)

Lộ Trình Luyện Tập

Week 1: Nhận biết và hiểu

• Đọc 5 bài mẫu IELTS Band 8+ và highlight tất cả “the following”
• Phân tích xem chúng được dùng trong contexts nào
• Note down các nouns thường đi với “the following”

Week 2: Thực hành viết câu

• Mỗi ngày viết 5 câu sử dụng “the following” với topics khác nhau
• Focus vào parallel structure và punctuation
• Tự check hoặc nhờ teacher/bạn check lỗi

Week 3: Tích hợp vào paragraph

• Viết 3 body paragraphs cho Writing Task 2 mỗi ngày
• Mỗi paragraph sử dụng “the following” 1-2 lần tự nhiên
• Combine với các structures khác (relative clauses, passive voice)

Week 4: Thực hành Speaking

• Record 5 Part 2 responses sử dụng “the following reasons/factors”
• Practice Part 3 với questions dạng “What factors…” hoặc “What are the main reasons…”
• Focus on natural delivery, không đọc thuộc

Week 5+: Consolidation

• Làm full mock tests (Writing + Speaking)
• Tự đánh giá xem có overuse không
• Review feedback và adjust

Đề Luyện Tập Bổ Sung

Speaking Topics:

Part 2:

1. “Describe a decision you made that changed your life” – Use: “I made this decision for the following reasons:…”
2. “Describe a place you would like to visit” – Use: “This destination appeals to me for the following factors:…”
3. “Describe a skill you want to learn” – Use: “Learning this skill would provide the following benefits:…”

Part 3:

1. “What factors influence young people’s career choices?”
2. “What measures can governments take to protect the environment?”
3. “What are the main advantages of living in a big city?”

Writing Task 1 Topics:

1. Line graph showing changes in three types of transport usage (1980-2020)
   → Use “the following trends” trong overview

2. Table comparing education statistics across 5 countries
   → Use “the following patterns” để summarize

3. Process diagram: How coffee is produced
   → Use “the following stages” trong introduction

Writing Task 2 Topics:

Opinion Essays:

1. “Some people think that the best way to reduce crime is to give longer prison sentences. Others believe that there are better alternative ways. Discuss both views and give your opinion.”
   → Use: “Long prison sentences offer the following advantages…” và “Alternative approaches include the following measures…”

2. “The advantages of globalization outweigh the disadvantages. To what extent do you agree or disagree?”
   → Use: “Globalization brings the following benefits…” và “However, it also creates the following problems…”

Problem-Solution Essays:
3. “Many people are now working from home. What problems does this cause and how can these problems be solved?”
→ Use: “Remote work creates the following challenges…” và “These issues can be addressed through the following solutions…”

4. “In many countries, obesity is becoming a major health problem. What are the causes and what solutions can you suggest?”
   → Use: “The obesity epidemic stems from the following factors…” và “Governments should implement the following measures…”

Discussion Essays:
5. “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.”
→ Use: “People who resist change value the following aspects…” và “Conversely, those who embrace change cite the following benefits…”

Yêu Cầu Thực Hành

Cho mỗi đề bài trên:

Writing:

• Viết full essay 250+ words
• Sử dụng “the following + noun” ít nhất 2-3 lần
• Ensure parallel structure và punctuation đúng
• Vary với các alternatives (“such as”, “these include”) để tránh repetition
• Aim for Band 7+ bằng cách combine với complex structures

Speaking:

• Prepare và record câu trả lời 2 phút (Part 2) hoặc 1-2 phút (Part 3)
• Integrate “the following” naturally khi liệt kê reasons/factors/benefits
• Practice pronunciation của cụm “the following” để flow tự nhiên
• Don’t sound mechanical – phải tự nhiên như đang conversation

Self-evaluation checklist:

• [ ] Có dấu hai chấm sau “the following + noun”?
• [ ] Danh từ số nhiều/ít phù hợp với số lượng items?
• [ ] Tất cả items trong list có parallel structure?
• [ ] Không overuse (≤3 lần trong 250 words)?
• [ ] Kết hợp tự nhiên với các structures khác?
• [ ] Vocabulary và collocations chính xác?

Lời Khuyên Cuối

“The following + Noun” là một powerful structure giúp bạn organize ideas rõ ràng và tạo ấn tượng professional trong IELTS. Tuy nhiên, đừng bị ám ảnh bởi nó – sử dụng có chọn lọc trong những situations thực sự cần thiết. Band 8-9 không chỉ về việc dùng nhiều advanced structures, mà về việc dùng đúng lúc, đúng chỗ, và tự nhiên.

Remember:

• Quality > Quantity
• Natural integration > Forced usage
• Variety > Repetition
• Context appropriateness > Showing off grammar

Chúc bạn thành công trong kỳ thi IELTS! Keep practicing, stay consistent, và đừng quên apply feedback để improve continuously.