Cách Sử Dụng Until Now Present Time Trong IELTS – Công Thức & Ví Dụ Band 8.0

Until Now Present Time (thời gian từ quá khứ đến hiện tại) là một trong những khái niệm ngữ pháp quan trọng nhất trong kỳ thi IELTS. Khái niệm này liên quan trực tiếp đến cách sử dụng các thì hoàn thành, đặc biệt là Present Perfect và Present Perfect Continuous, để diễn đạt các hành động, sự kiện hoặc trạng thái bắt đầu từ quá khứ và vẫn còn liên quan hoặc kéo dài đến thời điểm hiện tại. Theo thống kê từ các đề thi IELTS thực tế, cấu trúc “until now” và các biểu thức thời gian tương tự xuất hiện với tần suất rất cao trong:

• Speaking: Part 2 và Part 3 (mô tả trải nghiệm cá nhân, thay đổi xã hội)
• Writing Task 2: Opinion essays, Discussion essays (phân tích xu hướng, thay đổi)
• Writing Task 1: Line graphs, Bar charts (mô tả dữ liệu từ quá khứ đến hiện tại)

Ví dụ vận dụng trong IELTS:

Speaking Part 2 (Describe a change in your life):
“Until now, learning English has been one of the most challenging experiences in my academic journey.”
→ Phân tích: Until now (trạng từ thời gian) + Present Perfect (has been) + complement

Writing Task 2 (Environment essay):
“Up to now, governments have implemented various policies to combat climate change, but results have been mixed.”
→ Phân tích: Up to now (đồng nghĩa until now) + have implemented (Present Perfect) + object

Speaking Part 3 (Discussing social changes):
“Technology has transformed the way we communicate, and so far, the impact has been largely positive.”
→ Phân tích: So far (từ đồng nghĩa) + has transformed + Present Perfect

Writing Task 1 (Describing trends):
“From 2010 to the present day, unemployment rates have decreased steadily.”
→ Phân tích: From [past time] to the present + Present Perfect + adverb

Speaking Part 1 (Personal experiences):
“I have been interested in photography since childhood, and until now, it remains my favorite hobby.”
→ Phân tích: Present Perfect Continuous + until now (nhấn mạnh sự liên tục)

Trong bài viết này, bạn sẽ học:
✅ Định nghĩa và ý nghĩa của “Until Now Present Time” trong ngữ cảnh IELTS
✅ Công thức chi tiết với Present Perfect và Present Perfect Continuous
✅ Cách vận dụng vào 4 kỹ năng IELTS với hơn 25 ví dụ thực tế
✅ Các biểu thức thời gian đồng nghĩa với “until now”
✅ Biến thể nâng cao cho Band 8+
✅ 10 lỗi thường gặp của học viên Việt Nam và cách sửa
✅ Bài tập thực hành có đáp án chi tiết

Until Now Present Time Là Gì?

Định Nghĩa

Until Now Present Time là khái niệm chỉ khoảng thời gian bắt đầu từ một điểm trong quá khứ và kéo dài liên tục hoặc có liên quan đến thời điểm hiện tại (bây giờ). Trong tiếng Việt, chúng ta hiểu là “cho đến bây giờ”, “đến nay”, “tính đến thời điểm hiện tại”.

Chức năng chính:

• Diễn đạt kinh nghiệm hoặc thành tựu tích lũy từ quá khứ đến hiện tại
• Mô tả xu hướng, thay đổi kéo dài từ quá khứ đến nay
• Nhấn mạnh tính liên tục của một trạng thái hoặc hành động
• Trình bày kết quả hoặc hậu quả của hành động quá khứ còn ảnh hưởng đến hiện tại

Khi nào dùng trong IELTS:

• Speaking: Kể về kinh nghiệm cá nhân, thói quen lâu dài, mô tả sự thay đổi
• Writing: Phân tích xu hướng, tranh luận về các vấn đề xã hội hiện đại, mô tả biểu đồ
• Kết hợp với các cụm từ: until now, so far, up to now, to date, thus far, up to the present

Tần Suất Xuất Hiện Trong IELTS

Theo phân tích từ Cambridge IELTS 10-19:

Speaking:

• Part 1: Tần suất cao – Các câu hỏi về sở thích, thói quen lâu dài
  • “How long have you been studying English?”
  • “What hobbies have you had since childhood?”
• Part 2: Tần suất rất cao – Mô tả kinh nghiệm, người ảnh hưởng, thay đổi
  • Cue cards về: memorable experiences, important skills, influential people
• Part 3: Tần suất cao – Thảo luận về thay đổi xã hội, xu hướng
  • “How has technology changed education?”
  • “What changes have you noticed in your community?”

Writing:

• Task 1: Tần suất trung bình đến cao – Line graphs, bar charts với dữ liệu theo thời gian
  • Mô tả xu hướng từ quá khứ đến hiện tại
• Task 2: Tần suất cao – Hầu hết các dạng essay
  • Opinion, Discussion, Problem-Solution essays về các vấn đề đương đại

Listening/Reading:

• Xuất hiện thường xuyên trong monologues và academic texts
• Cần nhận diện để hiểu timeline và mối quan hệ nhân quả

Band Score Impact:

• Band 6: Có thể sử dụng Present Perfect cơ bản nhưng thường nhầm lẫn với Past Simple
• Band 7: Sử dụng chính xác Present Perfect với “until now” và các biểu thức tương tự
• Band 8-9: Sử dụng linh hoạt cả Present Perfect và Present Perfect Continuous, kết hợp tự nhiên với các cấu trúc phức

Sơ đồ minh họa cách sử dụng Until Now Present Time trong các thì hoàn thành tiếng Anh cho IELTS

Công Thức & Cấu Trúc

Công Thức Cơ Bản

📌 CÔNG THỨC PRESENT PERFECT (kết quả/kinh nghiệm đến hiện tại):

┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ Subject + have/has + Past Participle + until now│
│                                                 │
│ Ví dụ: I have lived in Hanoi until now.       │
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────┘

📌 CÔNG THỨC PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS (hành động liên tục đến hiện tại):

┌──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ Subject + have/has been + V-ing + until now             │
│                                                          │
│ Ví dụ: She has been working here for 5 years until now. │
└──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘

Thành phần câu:

• Subject (Chủ ngữ): I, you, we, they, he, she, it, hoặc danh từ số ít/số nhiều
• Auxiliary Verb (Trợ động từ): have (I/you/we/they) hoặc has (he/she/it)
• Past Participle: V3 (động từ cột 3) hoặc V-ed
• Time Expression: until now, so far, up to now, to date, thus far, up to the present

Ví dụ phân tích chi tiết:

Câu 1: “Scientists have discovered many new species until now.”

Phân tích:

• Subject: Scientists (chủ ngữ số nhiều)
• Auxiliary: have (trợ động từ)
• Main verb: discovered (động từ chính – past participle)
• Object: many new species (tân ngữ)
• Time expression: until now (cụm trạng từ thời gian)

Câu 2: “The company has been expanding its operations until now.”

Phân tích:

• Subject: The company (chủ ngữ số ít)
• Auxiliary: has been (trợ động từ Present Perfect Continuous)
• Main verb: expanding (V-ing – nhấn mạnh tính liên tục)
• Object: its operations (tân ngữ)
• Time expression: until now (nhấn mạnh hành động vẫn đang tiếp diễn)

Các Biến Thể

Dạng khẳng định:

• Present Perfect: Subject + have/has + V3 + until now
  • “I have studied English for 10 years until now.”
• Present Perfect Continuous: Subject + have/has been + V-ing + until now
  • “They have been living in this neighborhood until now.”

Dạng phủ định:

• Present Perfect: Subject + have/has + not + V3 + until now
  • “We have not received any feedback until now.”
  • “She hasn’t made any mistakes until now.”
• Present Perfect Continuous: Subject + have/has + not + been + V-ing + until now
  • “I haven’t been feeling well until now.”

Dạng nghi vấn:

• Present Perfect: Have/Has + Subject + V3 + until now?
  • “Have you visited Japan until now?”
  • “Has the government implemented any new policies until now?”
• Present Perfect Continuous: Have/Has + Subject + been + V-ing + until now?
  • “How long have you been working here until now?”

Dạng nhấn mạnh: (với trạng từ)

• Subject + have/has + adverb + V3 + until now
  • “Scientists have successfully developed several vaccines until now.”
  • “The economy has steadily improved until now.”

Time Markers / Signal Words

Các từ/cụm từ thường đi kèm “Until Now Present Time”:

Signal Words	Ý nghĩa	Ví dụ
until now	cho đến bây giờ	“Until now, I have never experienced such hospitality.”
so far	cho đến nay	“So far, the project has exceeded all expectations.”
up to now	tính đến nay	“Up to now, researchers have identified over 100 species.”
to date	đến nay (trang trọng)	“To date, the company has invested millions in R&D.”
thus far	cho đến lúc này (học thuật)	“Thus far, evidence suggests a strong correlation.”
up to the present	cho đến hiện tại	“Up to the present, no solution has been found.”
as of now	tính đến bây giờ	“As of now, 50 countries have signed the agreement.”
till now	đến giờ (thân mật)	“Till now, I haven’t told anyone about this.”
from [past] to now	từ [quá khứ] đến nay	“From 2010 to now, technology has advanced rapidly.”
in recent years	trong những năm gần đây	“In recent years, environmental awareness has increased.”

Lưu ý quan trọng:

• “Until now” thường đứng ở đầu hoặc cuối câu
• Khi đứng đầu câu, cần có dấu phẩy: “Until now, I have never…”
• “So far” linh hoạt hơn, có thể đứng giữa câu: “The results have so far been encouraging.”
• “To date” và “thus far” mang tính học thuật, phù hợp cho Writing Task 2

Cách Vận Dụng Vào IELTS

Speaking

Part 1 – Introduction & Interview:

Topic thường gặp: Hobbies, Hometown, Work/Study, Daily routines, Technology

Ví dụ câu hỏi & trả lời:

Q1: “How long have you been living in your current city?”
A: “I have been living in Ho Chi Minh City for about 8 years until now. When I first moved here for university, it felt overwhelming, but I have gradually adapted to the fast-paced lifestyle.”
→ Phân tích: Present Perfect Continuous (have been living) thể hiện hành động liên tục từ quá khứ đến hiện tại, kết hợp với “until now” để nhấn mạnh sự kéo dài.

Q2: “Do you enjoy learning English?”
A: “Absolutely! I have been studying English since primary school, and so far, it has opened many doors for me. Until now, I have found speaking to be the most challenging aspect, which is why I’m preparing for IELTS.”
→ Phân tích: Sử dụng cả “so far” và “until now” để tạo sự đa dạng; Present Perfect (has opened, have found) diễn tả kinh nghiệm và nhận thức hiện tại.

Q3: “What changes have you noticed in your hometown?”
A: “There have been dramatic changes. Up to now, numerous shopping malls have been built, and the infrastructure has improved significantly. However, traffic congestion has also become worse.”
→ Phân tích: “Up to now” ở giữa câu, kết hợp với Passive Voice (have been built) để tạo tính học thuật cao hơn.

Part 2 – Long Turn:

Cue card example:
Describe a skill you have learned recently.
You should say:

• What the skill is
• How you learned it
• How long you have been practicing it
• And explain why it is important to you

Sample answer (Band 8+):

“I’d like to talk about digital marketing, which I have been learning for the past six months until now. This journey started when I realized the importance of online presence for businesses in the modern era.

So far, I have completed three online courses and have worked on several real projects for small businesses. Until now, the most challenging aspect has been understanding SEO algorithms, but I have made significant progress through consistent practice.

What makes this skill particularly valuable is its practical application. To date, I have helped two local cafes increase their social media engagement by over 200%, which has been incredibly rewarding. Up to the present, I have been focusing on content creation and analytics, and I plan to specialize in paid advertising next.

Thus far, learning digital marketing has taught me not just technical skills, but also creativity and strategic thinking. It has opened my eyes to how businesses can leverage technology, and until now, it remains one of the most exciting learning experiences I have had.”

→ Phân tích Band 8+ features:

• Sử dụng đa dạng các biểu thức thời gian: so far, until now, to date, up to the present, thus far
• Kết hợp Present Perfect và Present Perfect Continuous một cách tự nhiên
• Liên kết ý mạch lạc với time markers
• Vocabulary nâng cao: leverage, engagement, analytics
• Cấu trúc câu phức tạp với relative clauses

Part 3 – Discussion:

Typical questions using “Until Now Present Time”:

Q1: “How has technology changed the way people work?”
A: “Technology has revolutionized the workplace in numerous ways. Until now, remote work has become increasingly common, and companies have adopted various digital tools to enhance productivity. So far, the benefits seem to outweigh the drawbacks, as employees have gained more flexibility. However, to date, we haven’t fully addressed issues like work-life balance and digital fatigue. Looking at the bigger picture, technology has fundamentally transformed not just how we work, but where and when we work.”

→ Band 8+ features: Multiple time expressions, complex analysis, balanced viewpoint, sophisticated vocabulary

Q2: “What environmental changes have occurred in recent decades?”
A: “The environmental landscape has changed dramatically. Up to now, climate change has manifested in more frequent extreme weather events, and biodiversity loss has accelerated at an alarming rate. Scientists have documented these changes extensively, and thus far, the evidence is overwhelming. Until now, global efforts to combat these issues have been insufficient, despite international agreements like the Paris Accord. What’s particularly concerning is that to date, carbon emissions have continued to rise in many developing countries.”

→ Band 9 features: Academic tone, precise vocabulary, multiple perspectives, sophisticated cause-effect analysis

Ví dụ câu trả lời Speaking IELTS sử dụng Until Now Present Time đạt band cao với phân tích chi tiết

Writing Task 1

Khi nào dùng:

• Line graphs hiển thị xu hướng từ quá khứ đến hiện tại
• Bar charts so sánh dữ liệu qua nhiều năm đến nay
• Tables với cột thời gian bao gồm năm hiện tại
• Mixed charts kết hợp dữ liệu lịch sử và hiện tại

Ví dụ 1: Line Graph

Topic: The graph shows the percentage of households with internet access from 2000 to the present.

Sample sentences:
“From 2000 to the present, the percentage of households with internet access has increased dramatically, rising from just 20% to over 90%.”

“Until now, the growth rate has been most rapid in urban areas, where connectivity has reached near-universal levels.”

“So far, rural regions have experienced slower but steady improvement, and the gap between urban and rural access has narrowed significantly.”

→ Vận dụng: Present Perfect (has increased, has reached, has narrowed) kết hợp với time expressions để mô tả xu hướng kéo dài đến hiện tại, tránh dùng Past Simple vì dữ liệu vẫn còn liên quan đến hiện tại.

Ví dụ 2: Bar Chart

Topic: The chart compares unemployment rates in three countries from 2010 to now.

Body paragraph:
“Looking at the data from 2010 to the present day, Country A has maintained the lowest unemployment rate throughout the period. Up to now, its rate has fluctuated between 3% and 5%, demonstrating remarkable economic stability. In contrast, Country B has experienced more volatility, and until now, its unemployment has ranged from 7% to 12%. Country C’s situation has been particularly concerning, as so far, its rate has remained consistently above 15%, suggesting persistent structural economic problems.”

→ Phân tích: Sử dụng Present Perfect để mô tả patterns và trends vẫn đúng tại thời điểm hiện tại, tạo tính chính xác cao cho bài Task 1.

Writing Task 2

Essay types sử dụng “Until Now Present Time”:

Opinion Essay:

Topic: Some people believe that economic development is the only way to reduce poverty. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Body paragraph (Band 8):
“Until now, economic development has undeniably played a crucial role in poverty reduction globally. Countries like China and Vietnam have demonstrated this clearly, as rapid industrialization has lifted hundreds of millions out of poverty. So far, the evidence suggests that GDP growth correlates strongly with improved living standards. However, to date, we have also witnessed cases where economic growth has been accompanied by increasing inequality, suggesting that development alone is insufficient. Up to the present, the most successful poverty reduction strategies have combined economic growth with targeted social programs, education investment, and healthcare improvements.”

→ Phân tích: Multiple time expressions tạo coherence và cohesion; Present Perfect để tham chiếu đến evidence và trends hiện tại; Academic tone phù hợp với formal writing.

Discussion Essay:

Topic: Discuss both advantages and disadvantages of online education.

Advantages paragraph:
“Online education has brought numerous benefits until now. So far, millions of students have gained access to quality courses from prestigious universities worldwide, breaking down geographical barriers. To date, platforms like Coursera and edX have democratized education, allowing learners from developing countries to study subjects previously unavailable to them. Furthermore, up to the present, online learning has proven cost-effective, eliminating expenses related to accommodation, transportation, and physical materials.”

→ Band 8+ features: Specific examples (Coursera, edX), varied vocabulary (democratized, breaking down barriers), smooth integration of time markers.

Advantages/Disadvantages Essay:

Topic: What are the advantages and disadvantages of working from home?

Introduction:
“The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the remote work trend, and until now, millions of employees worldwide have continued working from home even after restrictions ended. While this arrangement has offered certain benefits, so far, it has also revealed significant drawbacks that affect both productivity and well-being.”

Disadvantages paragraph:
“On the negative side, remote work has created several challenges to date. Until now, many employees have struggled with blurred boundaries between work and personal life, leading to burnout. Thus far, research has shown that isolation and lack of face-to-face interaction have negatively impacted team cohesion and creativity. Additionally, up to the present, technological issues and home distractions have reduced productivity for some workers.”

→ Vận dụng: Time expressions giúp present evidence một cách thuyết phục, tạo cảm giác người viết đang base arguments trên current facts và trends.

Problem/Solution Essay:

Topic: Environmental pollution is increasing in many cities. What are the causes and solutions?

Causes paragraph:
“Several factors have contributed to rising pollution levels until now. So far, rapid urbanization has been identified as the primary cause, as more people migrate to cities seeking employment opportunities. To date, inadequate waste management infrastructure has failed to keep pace with population growth, resulting in accumulation of garbage. Moreover, up to the present, the increase in private vehicle ownership has led to severe air pollution in metropolitan areas.”

Solutions paragraph:
“Addressing these issues requires comprehensive action. Until now, cities that have implemented strict emission standards have seen measurable improvements in air quality. Thus far, investment in public transportation has proven effective in reducing traffic congestion and pollution. So far, Singapore and Copenhagen have demonstrated that integrated urban planning can significantly minimize environmental impact.”

→ Band 9 features: Clear cause-effect relationships, specific examples, sophisticated solutions, strong use of Present Perfect for evidence-based arguments.

Sample Paragraphs Band 7-9

Band 7 Sample: Technology and Education

“Technology has changed education significantly in recent years. Until now, students have been able to access unlimited information online, which was impossible before the internet era. Teachers have also adopted new methods, and so far, interactive learning platforms have made lessons more engaging. Up to now, online courses have provided opportunities for people who cannot attend traditional schools. However, there are also challenges. To date, not all students have equal access to technology, creating a digital divide. Overall, until now, technology has been beneficial for education, but we need to address inequality issues.”

Phân tích Band 7:

• Sử dụng Present Perfect chính xác và đa dạng
• Multiple time markers (until now, so far, up to now, to date)
• Clear topic development với supporting points
• Adequate vocabulary: unlimited, interactive, digital divide
• Minor limitations: Could use more complex sentences và sophisticated vocabulary

Band 8 Sample: Urbanization Trends

“Urbanization has transformed global demographics dramatically over the past few decades. Until now, more than half of the world’s population has migrated to cities, seeking better economic opportunities and improved living standards. This unprecedented shift has reshaped not only physical landscapes but also social structures. So far, megacities have emerged as economic powerhouses, driving innovation and cultural exchange. To date, cities like Tokyo, New York, and Shanghai have become symbols of modernity and progress.

However, rapid urbanization has also created significant challenges. Up to the present, infrastructure development has struggled to keep pace with population growth, resulting in overcrowding, pollution, and inadequate public services. Thus far, environmental degradation has been a particularly pressing concern, as urban sprawl has consumed agricultural land and natural habitats. Nevertheless, until now, forward-thinking urban planners have begun implementing sustainable solutions, including green building initiatives and integrated public transportation systems.”

Phân tích Band 8:

• Sophisticated use of Present Perfect with multiple functions
• Wide range of time expressions used naturally
• Complex sentence structures: relative clauses, participle phrases
• Advanced vocabulary: unprecedented, megacities, urban sprawl, degradation
• Well-developed paragraphs with clear progression
• Balanced analysis showing both sides
• Strong cohesion through time markers and linking devices

Band 9 Sample: Artificial Intelligence Impact

“The advent of artificial intelligence has fundamentally altered the technological landscape, and until now, its implications have reverberated across virtually every sector of society. Thus far, AI has demonstrated remarkable capabilities in areas ranging from medical diagnosis to financial forecasting, consistently outperforming human experts in specific tasks. To date, machine learning algorithms have processed vast datasets with unprecedented speed and accuracy, enabling breakthroughs that were previously deemed impossible.

The economic ramifications have been equally profound. So far, automation powered by AI has displaced certain job categories while simultaneously creating entirely new industries and occupations. Up to the present, this technological disruption has generated considerable debate about future workforce requirements and the necessity for educational reform. Some economists argue that until now, historical patterns suggest technology ultimately creates more jobs than it eliminates, while others contend that AI represents a fundamentally different type of innovation whose impact may be more severe.

From an ethical perspective, the development of AI has raised unprecedented questions. To date, issues concerning data privacy, algorithmic bias, and autonomous decision-making have challenged existing legal and regulatory frameworks. Thus far, governments have struggled to formulate comprehensive policies that balance innovation with protection of individual rights. Until now, the most successful approaches have involved multi-stakeholder collaboration, bringing together technologists, policymakers, and civil society to navigate these complex challenges.”

Phân tích Band 9:

• Exceptional range and accuracy of grammar structures
• Sophisticated integration of time expressions as discourse markers
• Highly advanced vocabulary: ramifications, disruption, reverberated, autonomous
• Complex ideas expressed with precision and clarity
• Multiple perspectives explored with nuance
• Exceptional coherence and cohesion throughout
• Academic tone maintained consistently
• Demonstrates full mastery of Present Perfect for argumentation and evidence presentation

Bài mẫu Writing Task 2 IELTS band 9 sử dụng Until Now Present Time với phân tích từng đoạn văn

Nâng Cao – Cách Dùng Để Đạt Band 8+

Kết Hợp Với Các Cấu Trúc Khác

“Until Now” + Relative Clause:

Example 1: “The research project, which has been running for three years until now, has yielded significant findings about climate change patterns.”
→ Band 8+ features: Non-defining relative clause thêm thông tin chi tiết về timeframe; cấu trúc phức tạp với Present Perfect Continuous trong mệnh đề phụ.

Example 2: “Scientists, who have been studying this phenomenon since 2015, have until now identified seven distinct causes.”
→ Sophistication: Relative clause mở rộng subject; time expression placed strategically for emphasis.

“Until Now” + Modal Verbs:

Example 1: “This problem may have been caused by multiple factors, and until now, researchers have not reached a consensus.”
→ Advanced usage: Modal perfect (may have been caused) thể hiện speculation về quá khứ; kết hợp với Present Perfect để contrast uncertainty vs. current fact.

Example 2: “The government should have implemented stricter regulations, but so far, only minimal action has been taken.”
→ Band 9: Modal perfect expressing criticism of past inaction; Present Perfect Passive for current situation.

Example 3: “Climate scientists must have been warning about these consequences for decades, yet until now, many governments have failed to take adequate measures.”
→ Sophistication: Modal perfect continuous showing logical deduction; strong critical stance.

“Until Now” + Passive Voice:

Example 1: “Significant progress has been made in renewable energy technology, and so far, costs have been reduced by nearly 70%.”
→ Academic style: Passive voice focuses on action rather than agent; Present Perfect for achievements continuing to impact present.

Example 2: “Until now, little attention has been paid to the psychological effects of social media, although numerous studies have highlighted potential risks.”
→ Band 8+: Passive construction creates formal tone; contrast between lack of attention and existing research.

Example 3: “The issue has been extensively debated among policymakers, and to date, several solutions have been proposed but none implemented.”
→ Sophistication: Passive voice with adverb intensifier; Present Perfect showing gap between proposal and action.

“Until Now” + Conditional Sentences:

Example: “If governments had invested more in education, we would have seen greater social mobility by now. However, until now, funding has remained inadequate in most developing countries.”
→ Band 9: Mixed conditional showing hypothetical past with present result; contrasted with actual situation using Present Perfect.

“Until Now” + Participle Clauses:

Example: “Having analyzed data from over 50 countries, researchers have concluded that, until now, economic inequality has been the primary barrier to social progress.”
→ Advanced: Perfect participle clause showing completed action before main verb; Present Perfect in main clause for current conclusions.

Cụm Từ Nâng Cao

Academic collocations with “Until Now Present Time”:

Collocation	Ví dụ	Band Level
has remained largely unresolved	“Until now, the debate over genetic modification has remained largely unresolved among scientists.”	8+
have consistently demonstrated	“Studies have consistently demonstrated that, so far, early childhood education yields long-term benefits.”	8+
has been widely acknowledged	“It has been widely acknowledged that to date, renewable energy represents the most viable solution.”	8+
have increasingly recognized	“Policymakers have increasingly recognized that until now, traditional approaches have proven inadequate.”	8+
has proven remarkably effective	“This methodology has proven remarkably effective, and thus far, success rates have exceeded 85%.”	8-9
have systematically overlooked	“Researchers have systematically overlooked certain variables, and until now, this oversight has skewed results.”	9
has fundamentally transformed	“Technology has fundamentally transformed communication, and so far, the pace of change shows no signs of slowing.”	9
have comprehensively addressed	“Few studies have comprehensively addressed these concerns, and to date, gaps in understanding persist.”	9
has invariably led to	“Historical evidence suggests that protectionism has invariably led to economic stagnation, and until now, this pattern has held true.”	9
have consistently failed to	“Up to the present, international agreements have consistently failed to curb carbon emissions significantly.”	8+

Advanced time expressions combinations:

Example 1: “From the inception of this program to the present day, over 10,000 students have benefited from scholarships.”
→ Band 8+: Formal beginning phrase + present connection; precise numbers add credibility.

Example 2: “Throughout the past decade and continuing until now, urbanization rates have accelerated exponentially.”
→ Band 9: Extended time phrase emphasizing duration and continuity; sophisticated adverb.

Example 3: “Since the turn of the century and persisting to this very moment, technological advancement has outpaced regulatory frameworks.”
→ Band 9: Highly formal time expression; emphatic phrase “to this very moment”; complex vocabulary.

Câu Phức & Ghép

Tích hợp vào câu phức:

Example 1: “Although renewable energy has become more affordable until now, fossil fuels continue to dominate the global energy mix, largely because existing infrastructure favors traditional sources.”
→ Phân tích: Concessive clause (Although) với Present Perfect + main clause với Present Simple; subordinate clause giải thích reason; complex structure demonstrating sophisticated grammar range.

Example 2: “While scientists have made remarkable progress in understanding climate change mechanisms so far, translating this knowledge into effective policy remains challenging, which explains why until now, international cooperation has been limited.”
→ Band 9 features: Multiple clauses (while-clause, main clause, relative clause); two time expressions positioned strategically; complex cause-effect relationship.

Example 3: “Despite the fact that technology has revolutionized communication until now, meaningful human connection has arguably diminished, as people have become increasingly reliant on digital interaction rather than face-to-face engagement.”
→ Sophistication: Despite + noun clause; Present Perfect; contrasting ideas; causal explanation with “as”; critical perspective.

Parallel structures:

Example: “Governments have invested billions in infrastructure, corporations have developed innovative solutions, and NGOs have mobilized grassroots support; yet until now, poverty rates have declined only marginally.”
→ Band 9: Three parallel Present Perfect clauses showing multiple actors; powerful contrast with “yet”; understated conclusion with “only marginally.”

Embedded clauses:

Example: “The evidence suggests that what researchers have discovered so far—namely, that social factors play a more significant role than previously thought—has profound implications for how we approach public health policy until now.”
→ Advanced: Multiple embedded clauses; noun clause as subject; dash for emphasis; sophisticated academic structure.

So Sánh Với Cấu Trúc Tương Tự

Present Perfect vs. Past Simple với “Until Now”

Tiêu chí	Present Perfect + Until Now	Past Simple
Công thức	Subject + have/has + V3 + until now	Subject + V2 + time expression in past
Ý nghĩa	Hành động/trạng thái liên quan đến hiện tại	Hành động hoàn thành, không liên quan đến hiện tại
Dùng khi	Kết quả còn ảnh hưởng bây giờ, kinh nghiệm đến nay	Sự việc đã kết thúc hoàn toàn trong quá khứ
Ví dụ	“Until now, I have never tried sushi.” (Và hiện tại có cơ hội thử)	“I tried sushi last year.” (Chỉ kể sự việc quá khứ)
IELTS Context	Speaking Part 2/3, Writing Task 2 (trends, current issues)	Speaking Part 2 (past events), Writing Task 1 (past data)

Phân biệt quan trọng:

Sai: “Until now, I visited five countries.” ❌
Đúng: “Until now, I have visited five countries.” ✅
Giải thích: “Until now” tạo connection với hiện tại, nên phải dùng Present Perfect.

Sai: “I have visited Japan last year.” ❌
Đúng: “I visited Japan last year.” ✅
Giải thích: “Last year” là thời điểm cụ thể trong quá khứ đã kết thúc, phải dùng Past Simple.

Present Perfect vs. Present Perfect Continuous

Tiêu chí	Present Perfect	Present Perfect Continuous
Công thức	have/has + V3 + until now	have/has been + V-ing + until now
Nhấn mạnh	Kết quả, hoàn thành, số lần	Quá trình, tính liên tục, duration
Dùng khi	Completed actions với present relevance	Ongoing actions vẫn continuing hoặc vừa finished
Ví dụ	“So far, I have read 20 books this year.” (Số lượng hoàn thành)	“I have been reading this book for a week until now.” (Quá trình liên tục)
State verbs	know, believe, understand (không dùng continuous)	❌ Không dùng với state verbs

Khi nào dùng cấu trúc nào:

Present Perfect – tập trung vào RESULT:

• “The government has built 50 new schools until now.” (Nhấn mạnh số lượng hoàn thành)
• “Scientists have discovered a cure.” (Nhấn mạnh discovery)

Present Perfect Continuous – tập trung vào DURATION/PROCESS:

• “The company has been expanding its operations until now.” (Quá trình mở rộng vẫn tiếp tục)
• “She has been studying for the exam for three months.” (Nhấn mạnh thời gian học liên tục)

Special case – Both possible với different meanings:

• “I have lived here for 5 years.” (Factual statement – vẫn sống đây)
• “I have been living here for 5 years.” (Nhấn mạnh continuous nature, có thể temporary)

Với “until now” – Which sounds more natural:

• “Until now, I have never experienced such kindness.” ✅ (Present Perfect – experience)
• “Until now, I have been experiencing problems with my computer.” ✅ (Present Perfect Continuous – ongoing problem)

Bảng so sánh chi tiết Present Perfect và Past Simple với Until Now trong ngữ cảnh IELTS

Lỗi Thường Gặp & Cách Sửa

Lỗi 1: Nhầm Lẫn Giữa Present Perfect và Past Simple

❌ SAI:
“Until now, I visited Japan three times.”

✅ ĐÚNG:
“Until now, I have visited Japan three times.”

Giải thích:
Đây là lỗi phổ biến nhất của học viên Việt Nam. “Until now” tạo liên kết với thời điểm hiện tại, nên bắt buộc phải dùng Present Perfect (have visited), không dùng Past Simple (visited). Past Simple chỉ dùng khi có thời gian cụ thể đã kết thúc trong quá khứ như “last year”, “in 2020”, “yesterday”.

Lưu ý:

• Nếu muốn dùng Past Simple, phải bỏ “until now” và thêm past time: “I visited Japan three times in the past decade.”
• Time markers with Present Perfect: until now, so far, recently, lately, already, yet
• Time markers with Past Simple: yesterday, last week, in 2020, ago, when I was young

Bài tập thực hành:

• Sai: “So far, she worked in five countries.” → Sửa: “So far, she has worked in five countries.”
• Sai: “I finished the project until now.” → Sửa: “I have finished the project by now.”

Lỗi 2: Dùng Sai Dạng Động Từ Sau Have/Has

❌ SAI:
“The government has implement new policies until now.”

✅ ĐÚNG:
“The government has implemented new policies until now.”

Giải thích:
Sau “have/has” trong Present Perfect, động từ phải ở dạng Past Participle (V3), không phải infinitive (V1) hay past simple (V2). Nhiều học viên Việt Nam quên thêm “-ed” hoặc nhầm lẫn với dạng irregular verbs.

Lưu ý:

• Regular verbs: implement → implemented, develop → developed, improve → improved
• Irregular verbs: write → written (không phải “wrote”), go → gone (không phải “went”)
• Một số động từ dễ nhầm:
  • ❌ has chose → ✅ has chosen
  • ❌ have ate → ✅ have eaten
  • ❌ has became → ✅ has become
  • ❌ have broke → ✅ have broken

Bài tập:
Check và sửa lỗi:

• “So far, technology has change our lives dramatically.”
• “Until now, scientists have discover many new species.”
• “The company has grew significantly in recent years.”

Lỗi 3: Dùng Sai Giới Từ Với Time Expressions

❌ SAI:
“I have studied English since 10 years until now.”

✅ ĐÚNG:
“I have studied English for 10 years until now.”

Giải thích:
“Since” dùng với mốc thời gian (point in time): since 2020, since Monday, since childhood
“For” dùng với khoảng thời gian (duration): for 10 years, for three months, for a long time

Lưu ý:

• Since + mốc thời gian: since 2015, since January, since I was a child, since last year
• For + duration: for two weeks, for several years, for ages, for a while
• Không dùng: ❌ since 5 years, ❌ for 2020

Các lỗi tương tự:

• ❌ “I have lived here during five years.” → ✅ “I have lived here for five years.”
• ❌ “She has worked there from 2020.” → ✅ “She has worked there since 2020.”
• ❌ “Until now, they have been friends since 20 years.” → ✅ “Until now, they have been friends for 20 years.”

Đặc biệt với “until now”:
“Until now” là time expression hoàn chỉnh, không cần thêm “for” hay “since”:

• ✅ “Until now, I have never seen the ocean.”
• ❌ “For until now, I have never seen the ocean.”

Lỗi 4: Vị Trí Đặt “Until Now” Không Chính Xác

❌ SAI:
“I until now have never tried sushi.”

✅ ĐÚNG:
“Until now, I have never tried sushi.” hoặc “I have never tried sushi until now.”

Giải thích:
“Until now” có thể đứng ở đầu câu (có dấu phẩy) hoặc cuối câu, nhưng không đứng giữa subject và verb. Vị trí đặt ảnh hưởng đến emphasis:

• Đầu câu: nhấn mạnh time frame
• Cuối câu: nhấn mạnh action/state

Các vị trí đúng:

Position 1 – Beginning (most emphatic về time):
“Until now, research has focused primarily on adults.”

Position 2 – End (neutral, natural):
“Research has focused primarily on adults until now.”

Position 3 – Mid-sentence (với “so far”, “thus far”):
“Research has so far focused primarily on adults.”

Lưu ý đặc biệt:

• “Until now” ở đầu câu PHẢI có dấu phẩy: “Until now, …”
• “So far” linh hoạt hơn, có thể đứng nhiều vị trí:
  • Beginning: “So far, the results have been positive.”
  • Mid-sentence: “The results have so far been positive.”
  • End: “The results have been positive so far.”

Lỗi vị trí phổ biến:

• ❌ “I have until now been studying English.” → ✅ “Until now, I have been studying English.”
• ❌ “She until now has never traveled abroad.” → ✅ “Until now, she has never traveled abroad.”

Lỗi 5: Dùng Present Perfect Với Time Expression Của Quá Khứ

❌ SAI:
“I have visited Paris last summer until now.”

✅ ĐÚNG:
“I visited Paris last summer.” (Past Simple – không dùng until now)
hoặc
“Until now, I have visited Paris twice.” (Present Perfect – không đề cập specific past time)

Giải thích:
Không thể kết hợp Present Perfect với specific past time như “last year”, “yesterday”, “in 2020”, “ago”. Đây là conflict logic: Present Perfect nhấn mạnh connection với hiện tại, còn specific past time nhấn mạnh action đã hoàn thành trong quá khứ.

Past time expressions KHÔNG dùng với Present Perfect:

• ❌ yesterday, last week/month/year, ago, in [past year], when I was young
• ✅ Phải dùng Past Simple với những expressions này

Present Perfect time expressions:

• ✅ until now, so far, recently, lately, already, yet, ever, never, just, since [point], for [duration]

Các lỗi tương tự:

1. ❌ “She has graduated from university in 2020.”
   ✅ “She graduated from university in 2020.”

2. ❌ “Until now, I have seen that movie last week.”
   ✅ “I saw that movie last week.”

3. ❌ “They have moved to Hanoi five years ago until now.”
   ✅ “They moved to Hanoi five years ago.” hoặc “They have lived in Hanoi for five years.”

4. ❌ “So far, we have finished the project yesterday.”
   ✅ “We finished the project yesterday.”

Cách nhận biết và sửa:

• Bước 1: Tìm time expression trong câu
• Bước 2: Xác định loại: specific past time hay present connection time
• Bước 3: Chọn thì phù hợp:
  • Specific past time → Past Simple
  • Present connection → Present Perfect

Top 5 mistakes Vietnamese learners make – Summary:

1. Confusing Present Perfect with Past Simple (60% học viên mắc lỗi)

   • Root cause: Vietnamese không phân biệt hai thì này rõ ràng
   • Solution: Luôn check time expression trước khi chọn thì

2. Wrong verb form after have/has (45% học viên)

   • Root cause: Không thuộc irregular verbs
   • Solution: Học thuộc bảng động từ bất quy tắc, practice frequently

3. Since vs. For confusion (40% học viên)

   • Root cause: Vietnamese dùng “từ” cho cả hai trường hợp
   • Solution: Memorize: Since = point, For = duration

4. Incorrect word order with “until now” (35% học viên)

   • Root cause: Translate directly từ tiếng Việt
   • Solution: Remember two positions only: beginning (+ comma) or end

5. Mixing Present Perfect with specific past time (50% học viên)

   • Root cause: Không hiểu rõ function của Present Perfect
   • Solution: Never use “last/ago/yesterday/in [past year]” with Present Perfect

Bài Tập Thực Hành

Bài Tập Điền Từ

Hoàn thành câu với dạng đúng của động từ trong ngoặc, sử dụng Present Perfect hoặc Present Perfect Continuous:

1. She __ (live) in Hanoi for five years until now.
2. I __ never __ (see) such a beautiful sunset before.
3. How long __ you __ (study) English?
4. They __ (not finish) their homework yet.
5. The company __ (expand) rapidly since 2020.
6. Scientists __ (be) researching this problem for decades until now.
7. __ you ever __ (visit) a foreign country?
8. Technology __ (change) the way we communicate so far.
9. Until now, I __ (work) on three major projects this year.
10. She __ (be) learning Japanese for six months, and she can now hold basic conversations.
11. The government __ (implement) several new policies recently.
12. We __ (wait) for the results since last month.
13. So far, researchers __ (discover) over 50 new species.
14. He __ (not decide) which university to attend until now.
15. Climate change __ (become) increasingly severe in recent years.

Tìm Và Sửa Lỗi

Tìm lỗi sai trong các câu sau và sửa lại cho đúng:

1. I have went to Japan last year until now. ❌
2. She has been working here since five years. ❌
3. Have you ever been to Paris? ✅
4. They have lived here for 2010. ❌
5. I haven’t seen him since a long time. ❌
6. Until now, technology has change our lives significantly. ❌
7. So far, the project has be very successful. ❌
8. She until now has never tried Vietnamese coffee. ❌
9. We have finished the assignment yesterday until now. ❌
10. He has studied since three hours. ❌
11. Until now, I have visit five countries. ❌
12. The company has grew rapidly in recent years. ❌
13. Have you went to the new restaurant so far? ❌
14. She has living in London for two years until now. ❌
15. They have not responding to our email yet. ❌

Viết Câu

Viết câu hoàn chỉnh sử dụng Present Perfect hoặc Present Perfect Continuous với “until now” hoặc các từ đồng nghĩa:

1. (I / live / Hanoi / 10 years)
   → Your answer: ___

2. (technology / change / education / significantly)
   → Your answer: ___

3. (scientists / not find / cure / disease / yet)
   → Your answer: ___

4. (How long / you / study / IELTS?)
   → Your answer: ___

5. (She / work / company / since / 2018)
   → Your answer: ___

6. (Until now / I / never / see / ocean)
   → Your answer: ___

7. (The government / implement / new policies / recently)
   → Your answer: ___

8. (So far / research / show / positive results)
   → Your answer: ___

9. (They / be / friends / childhood / until now)
   → Your answer: ___

10. (Climate change / become / serious problem / past decade)
    → Your answer: ___

Chọn Thì Đúng

Chọn thì phù hợp (Present Perfect, Present Perfect Continuous, hoặc Past Simple):

1. I (study / have studied / have been studying) English since I was 10 years old, and until now, I (make / have made / have been making) significant progress.

2. Last year, we (visit / have visited / have been visiting) Thailand, and it (be / has been / had been) an amazing experience.

3. So far this year, the company (hire / has hired / has been hiring) over 100 new employees, and it (continue / has continued / is continuing) to expand.

4. She (live / has lived / has been living) in this apartment for six months until now, but she (already decide / has already decided / already decided) to move next month.

5. Until now, scientists (conduct / have conducted / have been conducting) numerous studies on this topic, but they (not reach / haven’t reached / didn’t reach) a consensus yet.

Dịch Câu (Vietnamese to English)

Dịch các câu sau sang tiếng Anh, sử dụng Present Perfect với “until now” hoặc các biểu thức tương tự:

1. Cho đến nay, tôi chưa bao giờ thử món sushi.
   → ___

2. Cô ấy đã sống ở London được 5 năm rồi.
   → ___

3. Công nghệ đã thay đổi cách chúng ta giao tiếp một cách đáng kể.
   → ___

4. Cho đến bây giờ, chính phủ vẫn chưa tìm ra giải pháp cho vấn đề này.
   → ___

5. Tôi đã học tiếng Anh được 10 năm và vẫn đang tiếp tục học.
   → ___

6. Các nhà khoa học đã phát hiện ra nhiều loài mới trong những năm gần đây.
   → ___

7. Anh ấy chưa quyết định chọn trường đại học nào.
   → ___

8. Biến đổi khí hậu đã trở nên nghiêm trọng hơn trong thập kỷ qua.
   → ___

ĐÁP ÁN CHI TIẾT

Bài tập 1: Điền từ

1. has lived / has been living

   • Cả hai đều đúng. “Has lived” nhấn mạnh fact, “has been living” nhấn mạnh duration/continuity.

2. have…seen

   • “Never” đi với Present Perfect để nói về experience đến hiện tại.

3. have…been studying

   • Question với “How long” thường dùng Present Perfect Continuous để hỏi về duration.

4. have not finished / haven’t finished

   • “Yet” là marker của Present Perfect, dùng trong câu phủ định và nghi vấn.

5. has expanded / has been expanding

   • “Since 2020” chỉ mốc thời gian, dùng Present Perfect. Continuous nhấn mạnh quá trình tiếp diễn.

6. have been researching

   • “For decades” với “researching” (action verb) → Present Perfect Continuous thể hiện continuous nature.

7. Have…visited

   • “Ever” trong câu hỏi về experience → Present Perfect.

8. has changed

   • “So far” + Present Perfect để nói về change từ quá khứ đến hiện tại.

9. have worked

   • “Until now” + Present Perfect; “three projects” là countable result → Simple form.

10. has been learning

    • Action đang tiếp tục + focus on duration → Present Perfect Continuous.

11. has implemented

    • “Recently” + Present Perfect; “policies” là countable achievements.

12. have been waiting

    • Waiting (ongoing action) + “since last month” → Continuous form.

13. have discovered

    • “So far” + countable result (50 species) → Simple form.

14. has not decided / hasn’t decided

    • “Until now” + negative Present Perfect.

15. has become

    • “Become” là state change, không dùng continuous; “in recent years” + Present Perfect.

Bài tập 2: Tìm và sửa lỗi

1. ❌ “have went…last year”
   ✅ “I went to Japan last year.” (Past Simple vì có “last year”) hoặc “Until now, I have been to Japan twice.”

   • Giải thích: Không mix Present Perfect với specific past time.

2. ❌ “since five years”
   ✅ “She has been working here for five years.”

   • Giải thích: “For” + duration, “since” + point in time.

3. ✅ Đúng

   • “Ever” với Present Perfect để hỏi về experience.

4. ❌ “for 2010”
   ✅ “They have lived here since 2010.”

   • Giải thích: “Since” + năm cụ thể (point in time).

5. ❌ “since a long time”
   ✅ “I haven’t seen him for a long time.”

   • Giải thích: “For” + period of time.

6. ❌ “has change”
   ✅ “technology has changed”

   • Giải thích: Sau “has” phải dùng Past Participle (V3).

7. ❌ “has be”
   ✅ “the project has been”

   • Giải thích: Past participle of “be” là “been”.

8. ❌ “She until now has”
   ✅ “Until now, she has never tried” hoặc “She has never tried Vietnamese coffee until now.”

   • Giải thích: “Until now” đứng đầu câu (+ comma) hoặc cuối câu, không đứng giữa subject và verb.

9. ❌ “have finished…yesterday until now”
   ✅ “We finished the assignment yesterday.”

   • Giải thích: “Yesterday” là specific past time, dùng Past Simple, không dùng Present Perfect và “until now”.

10. ❌ “since three hours”
    ✅ “He has been studying for three hours.”

    • Giải thích: “For” + duration (three hours).

11. ❌ “have visit”
    ✅ “I have visited five countries.”

    • Giải thích: Past participle của “visit” là “visited”.

12. ❌ “has grew”
    ✅ “The company has grown”

    • Giải thích: Past participle của “grow” là “grown” (irregular verb).

13. ❌ “Have you went”
    ✅ “Have you been/gone”

    • Giải thích: Past participle của “go” là “gone/been”, không phải “went”.

14. ❌ “has living”
    ✅ “She has been living”

    • Giải thích: Present Perfect Continuous: has + been + V-ing.

15. ❌ “have not responding”
    ✅ “They have not responded”

    • Giải thích: Present Perfect Simple với “yet”: have not + V3.

Bài tập 3: Viết câu

1. “I have lived in Hanoi for 10 years.” hoặc “I have been living in Hanoi for 10 years until now.”

2. “Technology has changed education significantly.” hoặc “So far, technology has significantly changed education.”

3. “Scientists have not found a cure for this disease yet.” hoặc “Until now, scientists have not found a cure for this disease.”

4. “How long have you been studying IELTS?” hoặc “How long have you studied for IELTS until now?”

5. “She has been working at this company since 2018.” hoặc “She has worked for the company since 2018.”

6. “Until now, I have never seen the ocean.” hoặc “I have never seen the ocean until now.”

7. “The government has implemented new policies recently.” hoặc “Recently, the government has implemented several new policies.”

8. “So far, research has shown positive results.” hoặc “The research has shown positive results so far.”

9. “They have been friends since childhood until now.” hoặc “Until now, they have been friends since childhood.”

10. “Climate change has become a serious problem over the past decade.” hoặc “Over the past decade, climate change has become increasingly serious.”

Bài tập 4: Chọn thì đúng

1. have been studying … have made

   • “Since I was 10” → duration → Continuous; “progress” là result → Simple.

2. visited … was

   • “Last year” → specific past time → Past Simple cho cả hai.

3. has hired … has continued / is continuing

   • “So far this year” → Present Perfect; second clause có thể Present Perfect hoặc Present Continuous.

4. has been living … has already decided

   • “For six months” với ongoing action → Continuous; “decided” là completed mental action → Simple.

5. have been conducting … haven’t reached

   • “Numerous studies” → ongoing research → Continuous; “not reach consensus” → Simple với “yet”.

Bài tập 5: Dịch câu

1. “Until now, I have never tried sushi.” hoặc “I have never tried sushi until now.”

2. “She has lived in London for 5 years.” hoặc “She has been living in London for 5 years.”

3. “Technology has significantly changed the way we communicate.” hoặc “Technology has changed how we communicate significantly.”

4. “Until now, the government has not found a solution to this problem.” hoặc “So far, the government hasn’t found a solution to this problem.”

5. “I have been learning English for 10 years and I’m still continuing.” hoặc “I have studied English for 10 years and am still studying.”

6. “Scientists have discovered many new species in recent years.” hoặc “In recent years, scientists have discovered numerous new species.”

7. “He has not decided which university to choose.” hoặc “He hasn’t decided which university to attend yet.”

8. “Climate change has become more severe over the past decade.” hoặc “Over the past decade, climate change has become increasingly severe.”

Kết Bài

Việc nắm vững cách sử dụng “Until Now Present Time” với Present Perfect và Present Perfect Continuous là yếu tố then chốt để đạt Band 7+ trong IELTS. Như đã phân tích chi tiết trong bài viết, cấu trúc này không chỉ xuất hiện thường xuyên trong cả 4 kỹ năng mà còn là tiêu chí quan trọng giúp giám khảo đánh giá khả năng sử dụng ngữ pháp phức tạp và chính xác của thí sinh.

Những điểm cần nhớ:

• Present Perfect kết nối quá khứ với hiện tại, trong khi Past Simple chỉ nói về quá khứ đã kết thúc
• “Until now”, “so far”, “to date”, “thus far” là các time markers quan trọng cho Present Perfect
• Present Perfect Simple nhấn mạnh kết quả, Present Perfect Continuous nhấn mạnh quá trình
• Tránh mixing Present Perfect với specific past time expressions như “yesterday”, “last year”
• Vị trí của “until now” quan trọng: đầu câu (+ comma) hoặc cuối câu
• “Since” + point in time, “For” + duration

Lộ trình học hiệu quả:

Tuần 1-2: Nền tảng

• Học thuộc công thức Present Perfect và Present Perfect Continuous
• Practice with basic exercises focusing on form
• Memorize irregular verbs (50 động từ phổ biến nhất)

Tuần 3-4: Ứng dụng

• Practice Speaking Part 1 với topics về personal experiences
• Write simple sentences using “until now” for Writing Task 2
• Focus on time expressions: since, for, until now, so far

Tuần 5-6: Nâng cao

• Combine với relative clauses và passive voice
• Practice Speaking Part 3 với complex topics
• Write full paragraphs for Writing Task 2 integrating multiple time markers

Tuần 7-8: Thành thạo

• Full Speaking tests với conscious use của Present Perfect
• Complete Writing Task 2 essays với sophisticated grammar
• Review common mistakes và self-correction

Đề Luyện Tập

Speaking Topics:

Topic 1: Personal Development
“Describe a skill you have been developing recently.”

• Yêu cầu: Sử dụng Present Perfect Continuous để nói về quá trình học, Present Perfect để nói về achievements đến nay, kết hợp “until now”, “so far” ít nhất 5 lần.

Topic 2: Technology Impact
“Discuss how technology has changed your daily life.”

• Yêu cầu: So sánh past và present sử dụng Present Perfect, đưa ra specific examples với “until now”, “in recent years”, demonstrate band 8+ vocabulary.

Topic 3: Environmental Changes
“Talk about environmental changes you have noticed in your area.”

• Yêu cầu: Sử dụng Present Perfect để describe changes, kết hợp với time expressions, show cause-effect relationships.

Writing Topics:

Topic 1: Education Essay (Opinion)
“Some people believe that traditional classroom learning is still more effective than online education. To what extent do you agree or disagree?”

• Yêu cầu: Introduction paragraph phải có Present Perfect nói về recent trends; Body paragraphs sử dụng “until now”, “so far”, “to date” để present evidence; Conclusion summarize với Present Perfect.

Topic 2: Environment Essay (Problem-Solution)
“Pollution levels have increased in many cities. What are the main causes and what solutions can you suggest?”

• Yêu cầu: Problem paragraph sử dụng Present Perfect để describe current situation with “until now”; Solution paragraph đề xuất actions và predict results; Use “so far” để discuss existing attempts.

Topic 3: Society Essay (Discussion)
“Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of urbanization that have occurred in recent decades.”

• Yêu cầu: Both body paragraphs phải integrate Present Perfect naturally; Use variety of time expressions; Include specific examples with data/statistics; Demonstrate band 8-9 grammar range.

Topic 4: Technology Essay (Advantage/Disadvantage)
“What are the advantages and disadvantages of social media that have emerged until now?”

• Yêu cầu: Clear thesis statement với Present Perfect; Each body paragraph starts with Present Perfect sentence using time marker; Conclusion reflects on future implications; Minimum 3 complex sentences per paragraph.

Topic 5: Work Essay (Two-part Question)
“Working from home has become common. Why has this happened? Is it a positive or negative development?”

• Yêu cầu: First body paragraph explains causes using Present Perfect + “until now”; Second body paragraph evaluates với balanced view; Use “thus far”, “to date” for academic tone; Include personal or observed examples.

Practice Requirements cho tất cả đề:

• Mỗi Speaking answer: 2-3 phút, 5-7 lần sử dụng Present Perfect với time expressions
• Mỗi Writing essay: 250-300 words, minimum 8-10 câu Present Perfect distributed naturally
• Self-assessment: Record speaking, review writing để check accuracy
• Peer review: Trao đổi với bạn học hoặc giáo viên để nhận feedback

Cách đánh giá bài làm:
✓ Grammar accuracy: Có sử dụng đúng form không?
✓ Appropriateness: Time expressions có phù hợp với context không?
✓ Range: Có đa dạng cấu trúc (Simple và Continuous) không?
✓ Natural integration: Có bị forced hay flow tự nhiên?
✓ Band relevance: Có đạt được features của band mục tiêu không?

Hãy practice thường xuyên và đừng ngại mắc lỗi – đó là phần tất yếu của quá trình học. Với sự luyện tập kiên trì theo roadmap trên, bạn hoàn toàn có thể master được “Until Now Present Time” và sử dụng nó một cách tự tin, chính xác trong kỳ thi IELTS thực tế. Chúc bạn học tốt và đạt band điểm mong muốn!