Cách Sử Dụng “Without Delay Immediately” Trong IELTS – Từ Vựng & Cấu Trúc Band 8.0

Giới Thiệu Về “Without Delay” và “Immediately” Trong IELTS

“Without delay” và “immediately” là hai cụm từ/trạng từ thể hiện tính cấp bách và hành động ngay lập tức, thường xuyên xuất hiện trong các bài thi IELTS. Cả hai đều mang ý nghĩa “ngay lập tức, không trì hoãn”, nhưng có sự khác biệt về mức độ trang trọng và ngữ cảnh sử dụng. “Without delay” mang tính formal cao hơn, thường được sử dụng trong văn viết học thuật và môi trường chuyên nghiệp, trong khi “immediately” linh hoạt hơn, phù hợp với cả Speaking và Writing.

Theo phân tích từ Cambridge IELTS 10-19, các cụm từ thể hiện tính khẩn cấp này xuất hiện với tần suất cao trong:

• Speaking: Part 2 (mô tả tình huống khẩn cấp, quyết định quan trọng) và Part 3 (thảo luận về vấn đề xã hội, chính sách)
• Writing Task 2: Opinion essays, Problem-Solution essays (đặc biệt khi đề xuất giải pháp)
• Writing Task 1: Academic reports (mô tả xu hướng thay đổi đột ngột)
• Listening & Reading: Trong các đoạn văn về y tế, an toàn, quy trình khẩn cấp

Ví dụ vận dụng trong IELTS:

Speaking Part 2 (Describe an emergency situation):
“When I noticed the fire, I immediately called the emergency services and evacuated the building without delay.”
→ Phân tích: Kết hợp cả hai cấu trúc để nhấn mạnh tính khẩn cấp và hành động nhanh chóng của người nói.

Writing Task 2 (Problem-Solution essay):
“Governments should implement stricter environmental regulations without delay to prevent further damage to our planet.”
→ Phân tích: Sử dụng “without delay” để tăng tính thuyết phục và nhấn mạnh tầm quan trọng của giải pháp.

Speaking Part 3 (Discussing emergency responses):
“In medical emergencies, doctors must make decisions immediately, as any delay could cost lives.”
→ Phân tích: “Immediately” kết hợp với mệnh đề kết quả để giải thích lý do hành động cần diễn ra ngay lập tức.

Writing Task 2 (Opinion essay – Technology):
“When a cyber-attack is detected, the IT team needs to respond without delay to minimize potential damage.”
→ Phân tích: Sử dụng “without delay” trong ngữ cảnh chuyên nghiệp, thể hiện tính urgent và professional.

Speaking Part 1 (Daily routines):
“If I receive an important email from my professor, I try to reply immediately to show respect for their time.”
→ Phân tích: “Immediately” trong ngữ cảnh hàng ngày, thể hiện thái độ tích cực và chuyên nghiệp.

Trong bài viết này, bạn sẽ học:
✅ Định nghĩa và sự khác biệt giữa “without delay” và “immediately”
✅ Công thức và vị trí trong câu
✅ Cách vận dụng vào 4 kỹ năng IELTS
✅ 25+ câu ví dụ Band 7-9 từ đề thi thực tế
✅ Các cụm từ đồng nghĩa và biến thể nâng cao
✅ Lỗi thường gặp của học viên Việt Nam
✅ Bài tập thực hành có đáp án chi tiết

“Without Delay” và “Immediately” Là Gì?

Định Nghĩa Chi Tiết

“Immediately” là một trạng từ chỉ thời gian (adverb of time) có nghĩa là “ngay lập tức, tức thì, không chần chừ”. Từ này được sử dụng để diễn tả một hành động xảy ra ngay sau một hành động khác hoặc một sự kiện diễn ra mà không có khoảng cách thời gian.

“Without delay” là một cụm giới từ (prepositional phrase) có chức năng như một trạng từ, mang nghĩa “không trì hoãn, không chậm trễ”. Cụm từ này mang tính formal và emphatic cao hơn, thường được sử dụng trong văn bản chính thức, thư từ công việc, và văn viết học thuật.

Chức năng chính:

• Nhấn mạnh tính khẩn cấp của hành động
• Thể hiện sự phản ứng nhanh chóng với tình huống
• Tăng tính thuyết phục trong lập luận (đặc biệt trong Writing Task 2)
• Làm phong phú vốn từ vựng về thời gian
• Thể hiện khả năng sử dụng ngôn ngữ formal (quan trọng cho Band 7+)

Khi nào dùng trong IELTS:

Speaking:

• Mô tả các tình huống khẩn cấp, quyết định quan trọng
• Kể về trải nghiệm cá nhân với element của urgency
• Thảo luận về các chính sách, giải pháp cần triển khai nhanh

Writing:

• Task 1: Mô tả sự thay đổi đột ngột trong biểu đồ
• Task 2: Đưa ra giải pháp cấp bách cho vấn đề
• Task 2: Nhấn mạnh tầm quan trọng của hành động
• Formal letters: Yêu cầu hành động khẩn cấp

Tần Suất Xuất Hiện Trong IELTS

Theo phân tích từ Cambridge IELTS 10-19 và các đề thi thực tế:

Speaking:

• Part 1: 15-20% – Xuất hiện trong các câu hỏi về thói quen phản ứng với tình huống (“How do you usually respond when…?”)
• Part 2: 35-40% – Rất phổ biến trong các topic về decisions, emergencies, memorable experiences, problems solved
• Part 3: 30-35% – Thường gặp khi thảo luận về government actions, social policies, technological responses

Writing:

• Task 1: 10-15% – Chủ yếu trong Academic Writing khi mô tả sudden changes hoặc rapid trends
• Task 2: 45-50% – Tần suất cao nhất, đặc biệt trong Problem-Solution essays, Opinion essays về urgent issues (environment, health, education reforms)

Listening/Reading:

• Xuất hiện thường xuyên trong các đoạn văn về emergency procedures, medical situations, business communications, official announcements
• Cần nhận diện để hiểu mức độ urgent của thông tin được truyền đạt
• Thường là keyword để xác định câu trả lời đúng

Band Score Impact:

Band 6:

• Sử dụng được “immediately” trong câu đơn giản
• Có thể dùng không tự nhiên hoặc lặp lại quá nhiều
• Chưa phân biệt được ngữ cảnh formal/informal

Band 7:

• Sử dụng cả “immediately” và “without delay” chính xác
• Biết chọn từ phù hợp với ngữ cảnh
• Kết hợp được với các cấu trúc câu khác nhau

Band 8-9:

• Sử dụng linh hoạt với nhiều biến thể (instantly, promptly, at once)
• Tích hợp tự nhiên vào câu phức
• Biết kết hợp với các collocations học thuật
• Sử dụng để tăng tính thuyết phục và emphasize arguments

Sơ đồ minh họa vị trí đặt trạng từ immediately và cụm từ without delay trong câu tiếng Anh IELTS

Công Thức & Vị Trí Trong Câu

Công Thức Với “Immediately”

📌 CÔNG THỨC CHÍNH:

┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ Subject + Verb + Object + IMMEDIATELY               │
│ Subject + IMMEDIATELY + Verb + Object               │
│ IMMEDIATELY + Subject + Verb + Object (ít gặp)     │
│                                                     │
│ Ví dụ: The doctor examined the patient immediately.│
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘

Thành phần câu và vị trí:

Vị trí 1: End Position (Phổ biến nhất – 60%)

• Đặt cuối câu, sau động từ hoặc object
• Nhấn mạnh timing của hành động
• Cấu trúc: Subject + Verb + (Object) + immediately

Vị trí 2: Mid Position (35%)

• Đặt trước động từ chính (sau trợ động từ nếu có)
• Mang tính trang trọng hơn
• Cấu trúc: Subject + (auxiliary) + immediately + main verb

Vị trí 3: Front Position (5% – nhấn mạnh đặc biệt)

• Đặt đầu câu, theo sau bằng dấu phẩy
• Nhấn mạnh tính cấp bách của cả tình huống
• Cấu trúc: Immediately, + Subject + Verb

Ví dụ phân tích chi tiết theo từng vị trí:

End Position:
“The government responded to the crisis immediately.”

• Subject: The government
• Verb: responded
• Prepositional phrase: to the crisis
• Adverb: immediately (nhấn mạnh response was quick)

Mid Position:
“The police immediately investigated the incident.”

• Subject: The police
• Adverb: immediately (đặt trước động từ chính)
• Verb: investigated
• Object: the incident

Front Position:
“Immediately, all students evacuated the building.”

• Adverb: Immediately (nhấn mạnh urgency)
• Subject: all students
• Verb: evacuated
• Object: the building

Công Thức Với “Without Delay”

📌 CÔNG THỨC CHÍNH:

┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ Subject + Verb + Object + WITHOUT DELAY                 │
│ Subject + should/must/need to + Verb + WITHOUT DELAY    │
│                                                         │
│ Ví dụ: We must address this issue without delay.       │
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘

Đặc điểm quan trọng:

• “Without delay” CHỈ đặt ở cuối câu (end position)
• Không đặt giữa câu hoặc đầu câu
• Thường đi với modal verbs (should, must, need to) để tăng tính emphatic
• Mang tính formal cao, phù hợp cho Writing Task 2

Ví dụ phân tích chi tiết:

Với modal verb:
“Authorities should implement new safety measures without delay.”
Phân tích:

• Subject: Authorities
• Modal verb: should (thể hiện recommendation)
• Main verb: implement
• Object: new safety measures
• Prepositional phrase: without delay (nhấn mạnh urgency)

Trong câu bị động:
“The problem must be solved without delay.”
Phân tích:

• Subject: The problem
• Modal + be: must be (passive voice)
• Past participle: solved
• Prepositional phrase: without delay

Với need to:
“Companies need to adapt to technological changes without delay.”
Phân tích:

• Subject: Companies
• Semi-modal: need to
• Verb: adapt
• Prepositional phrase: to technological changes
• Adverbial phrase: without delay (emphasizing necessity)

Các Biến Thể & Cấu Trúc Mở Rộng

Với “immediately”:

Dạng kết hợp với thì:

• Present: “I immediately check my emails every morning.” (thói quen)
• Past: “She immediately recognized the danger.” (hành động trong quá khứ)
• Future: “We will respond immediately to your request.” (hứa hẹn)
• Present Perfect: “They have immediately addressed the concerns.” (kết quả đến hiện tại)

Dạng với động từ khuyết thiếu:

• “You should respond immediately.” (lời khuyên)
• “We must act immediately.” (bắt buộc)
• “They can deliver immediately.” (khả năng)
• “He could tell immediately that something was wrong.” (nhận biết)

Dạng nhấn mạnh với “almost/nearly”:

• “The effect was almost immediately noticeable.”
• “She responded nearly immediately to the emergency.”

Với “without delay”:

Trong câu điều kiện:

• “If we act without delay, we can prevent further damage.”
• “The situation will worsen unless measures are taken without delay.”

Trong câu đề nghị/yêu cầu:

• “I would recommend implementing these changes without delay.”
• “It is essential that the project begins without delay.”
• “Please complete the form and return it without delay.”

Kết hợp với to-infinitive:

• “The committee decided to proceed without delay.”
• “It is important to address this matter without delay.”

Signal Words & Collocations Thường Gặp

Các động từ thường đi với “immediately”:

Verb Collocations	Nghĩa	Ví dụ IELTS
respond immediately	phản ứng ngay lập tức	“Emergency services responded immediately to the call.”
act immediately	hành động ngay	“Governments must act immediately on climate change.”
react immediately	phản ứng tức thì	“The market reacted immediately to the news.”
recognize immediately	nhận ra ngay	“I immediately recognized the importance of the issue.”
contact immediately	liên hệ ngay	“Please contact us immediately if problems arise.”
implement immediately	triển khai ngay	“The policy was implemented immediately after approval.”

Các động từ thường đi với “without delay”:

Verb Collocations	Nghĩa	Ví dụ IELTS
proceed without delay	tiến hành không chậm trễ	“The project must proceed without delay to meet deadlines.”
act without delay	hành động không trì hoãn	“Authorities should act without delay to prevent the crisis.”
address without delay	giải quyết không chậm trễ	“This urgent matter needs to be addressed without delay.”
implement without delay	triển khai không trì hoãn	“Environmental policies should be implemented without delay.”
respond without delay	đáp ứng không chậm trễ	“Companies must respond without delay to customer complaints.”

Cụm từ thường đi kèm (adverbial phrases):

• immediately after/before/when: “Immediately after graduation, she started her own business.”
• immediately available: “The information is immediately available online.”
• immediately obvious: “The solution was not immediately obvious.”
• without further delay: “We must begin without further delay.” (nhấn mạnh hơn)
• without unnecessary delay: “Please process the application without unnecessary delay.”

Bảng so sánh chi tiết cách dùng immediately và without delay trong bài thi IELTS các kỹ năng

Cách Vận Dụng Vào IELTS Speaking

Speaking Part 1 – Introduction & Interview

Topics thường gặp: Daily routines, Communication, Problem-solving, Technology

Câu hỏi mẫu 1:
Q: “How do you usually respond when you receive important messages?”
A: “I try to check my phone regularly, so when I receive important messages, I read them immediately. If it’s something urgent from work or family, I respond right away rather than letting it wait. I believe responding immediately shows respect for the sender’s time and helps maintain good communication.”

→ Phân tích: Sử dụng “immediately” hai lần một cách tự nhiên, không forced. Câu trả lời thể hiện responsibility và good habits, phù hợp với Band 7+.

Câu hỏi mẫu 2:
Q: “What do you do when you notice a problem with something you’ve bought?”
A: “Well, I immediately contact the customer service department of the store. I think it’s important to report issues as soon as possible, because if you wait too long, it might be harder to get a refund or replacement. Last month, I bought a phone that had a defect, and I immediately returned to the shop, which made the process much smoother.”

→ Phân tích: “Immediately” được dùng với “contact” và trong past simple narrative, cho thấy thói quen và hành động cụ thể. Band 7.5-8.0.

Câu hỏi mẫu 3:
Q: “How quickly do you usually make decisions?”
A: “It depends on the situation, actually. For small, everyday decisions like what to eat or wear, I can decide immediately without much thought. However, for important decisions such as choosing a university or career path, I prefer to take my time and consider all options carefully before making a final choice.”

→ Phân tích: Thể hiện ability to distinguish between different situations, sử dụng “immediately” trong contrast với “take time”. Band 8.0.

Tips cho Part 1:

• Dùng “immediately” trong context tự nhiên, không cố nhét vào
• Kết hợp với các thì khác nhau (present simple cho habits, past simple cho experiences)
• Mở rộng câu trả lời với reasons hoặc examples

Speaking Part 2 – Long Turn

Cue Card Example 1:
Describe a time when you had to make a quick decision

Sample answer Band 8.0:
“I’d like to talk about a situation that happened during my final year at university when I had to make a very quick decision that affected my future career.

It was about six months before graduation, and I received two job offers on the same day. The first company required an answer immediately, within 24 hours, while the second company, which I preferred, said they would let me know their decision in a week. This put me in a very difficult position.

I immediately called my parents and my professor to ask for advice. They suggested that I should be honest with both companies about my situation. So I immediately contacted the first company, explained that I had another opportunity to consider, and politely asked if they could extend the deadline by a few days. Fortunately, they agreed.

I then immediately sent an email to the second company, expressing my strong interest and asking if they could expedite their decision-making process. I explained that I had another offer with a pressing deadline. To my surprise, they responded almost immediately and scheduled an interview for the next day.

In the end, the second company made me an offer, which I accepted. Looking back, I’m glad I acted immediately rather than panicking or making a hasty decision. This experience taught me that in urgent situations, immediate and honest communication is often the best strategy.”

→ Phân tích Band 8.0:

• Sử dụng “immediately” 5 lần một cách varied và natural
• Kết hợp với nhiều động từ khác nhau (called, contacted, sent, responded)
• Câu chuyện có clear structure: situation → action → result → reflection
• Vocabulary range cao với “expedite,” “pressing deadline,” “hasty decision”
• Grammar variety: past simple, past perfect, conditional

Cue Card Example 2:
Describe an emergency situation you experienced

Sample answer Band 7.5:
“I’m going to describe an emergency that happened when I was traveling in Thailand last year.

I was staying at a hotel on the third floor when, late at night, the fire alarm suddenly went off. At first, I thought it might be a false alarm, but when I opened my door, I could smell smoke. I immediately grabbed my passport and phone, which were the most important things, and left everything else behind.

I immediately headed for the emergency exit stairs because I knew you should never use elevators during a fire. The stairwell was filling with smoke, so I covered my nose and mouth with my shirt. When I reached the ground floor, I immediately looked for the hotel staff to make sure everyone was evacuating safely.

Fortunately, it turned out to be a small fire in the kitchen that was contained quickly, and we were allowed back to our rooms after about an hour. However, this experience taught me to always check where the emergency exits are immediately when I check into a hotel.”

→ Phân tích Band 7.5:

• “Immediately” được dùng 4 lần trong các contexts khác nhau
• Clear chronological order
• Good use of past continuous và past simple
• Personal reflection ở cuối
• Vocabulary liên quan đến emergency tốt

Speaking Part 3 – Discussion

Topic: Emergency Response & Government Policies

Question 1:
Q: “Do you think governments respond quickly enough to natural disasters?”
A: “That’s an interesting question, and I think it varies significantly depending on the country’s resources and preparation. In developed nations with advanced warning systems, governments can usually respond immediately to disasters like earthquakes or typhoons. For example, Japan has an excellent early warning system that alerts people immediately when seismic activity is detected.

However, in developing countries, the response might not be as immediate due to limited infrastructure and resources. I believe governments should invest more in disaster preparedness so they can act without delay when emergencies occur. Every minute counts in such situations, and immediate action can save countless lives.”

→ Phân tích Band 8.5:

• Sử dụng cả “immediately” và “without delay”
• Sophisticated structure với comparison
• Specific examples (Japan)
• Strong opinion với justification
• Advanced vocabulary: “seismic activity,” “disaster preparedness”

Question 2:
Q: “How has technology changed the way people respond to emergencies?”
A: “Technology has revolutionized emergency response in numerous ways. Nowadays, when an emergency occurs, people can immediately contact rescue services through their smartphones, which also have GPS tracking to pinpoint exact locations. This is a huge improvement compared to the past.

Moreover, social media allows information to spread immediately, which can be both beneficial and problematic. On the positive side, authorities can immediately warn large populations about dangers through social media platforms. For instance, during floods or storms, government agencies can immediately post updates and safety instructions that reach millions of people instantly.

However, there’s also the risk of misinformation spreading immediately online, which can cause panic. Therefore, I think it’s crucial that official sources respond without delay to correct false information during emergencies.”

→ Phân tích Band 9.0:

• Balanced discussion với both sides
• Multiple uses of “immediately” trong various contexts
• “Without delay” dùng cho formal recommendation
• Excellent coherence với linking devices
• Sophisticated ideas về technology’s dual impact
• Natural flow và native-like expressions

Question 3:
Q: “Should companies be required to report safety issues immediately?”
A: “Absolutely, I strongly believe companies should be legally obligated to report safety issues without delay. In industries like food production, pharmaceuticals, or transportation, any delay in reporting problems could have serious consequences for public health and safety.

For example, if a food company discovers contamination in their products, they should immediately inform authorities and issue a recall. We’ve seen cases where companies tried to hide problems, and the consequences were disastrous. When the issues finally came to light, many people had already been harmed.

I think there should be strict penalties for companies that don’t act immediately when they discover safety concerns. Furthermore, there should be legal protection for employees who report problems immediately, so they don’t fear losing their jobs. This kind of immediate transparency is essential for maintaining public trust.”

→ Phân tích Band 8.5:

• Strong, clear opinion
• “Immediately” và “without delay” used strategically
• Real-world examples
• Discussion of consequences
• Advanced structures: passive voice, conditionals
• Professional vocabulary: “legally obligated,” “transparency”

Tips cho Part 3:

• Sử dụng “without delay” cho formal recommendations
• Dùng “immediately” cho describing situations và examples
• Kết hợp với modal verbs (should, must, need to) để strengthen arguments
• Give specific examples để support abstract ideas
• Show critical thinking bằng cách present different perspectives

Ví dụ minh họa cách sử dụng immediately trong bài nói IELTS Speaking Part 2 về tình huống khẩn cấp

Cách Vận Dụng Vào IELTS Writing

Writing Task 1 – Academic

Khi nào sử dụng trong Task 1:

• Mô tả sự thay đổi đột ngột trong line graphs
• Miêu tả phản ứng nhanh chóng trong process diagrams
• Chỉ xu hướng tăng/giảm mạnh và đột ngột

Ví dụ Line Graph:

Topic: The graph shows the stock price of a technology company from January to December 2023.

Sample sentence 1:
“Following the product launch in March, the stock price immediately surged from $50 to $85, representing a 70% increase within just one month.”

→ Phân tích: “Immediately” nhấn mạnh sự tăng trưởng sudden và dramatic. Thích hợp cho Band 7.5+.

Sample sentence 2:
“The company’s announcement of bankruptcy in November caused share prices to drop immediately, plummeting from $120 to $45 in a matter of days.”

→ Phân tích: Kết hợp “immediately” với “plummeting” tạo effect mạnh mẽ về sự sụt giảm.

Ví dụ Process Diagram:

Topic: The diagram illustrates the emergency response procedure in a hospital.

Sample sentence:
“Once the emergency call is received, the dispatcher immediately alerts the nearest ambulance team and simultaneously notifies the hospital emergency department to prepare for the patient’s arrival.”

→ Phân tích: “Immediately” cho thấy tính urgent của emergency procedures. Band 8.0.

Lưu ý cho Task 1:

• Không overuse – chỉ dùng khi có sudden changes
• Kết hợp với số liệu cụ thể để tăng accuracy
• Sử dụng trong describing trends, không dùng trong overview

Writing Task 2 – Problem-Solution Essays

Structure mẫu với “without delay” và “immediately”:

Introduction:
“Climate change has become one of the most pressing issues of our time, and many argue that governments must take action without delay to prevent catastrophic consequences.”

→ Phân tích: “Without delay” ở introduction tạo sense of urgency và set tone cho essay.

Body Paragraph 1 – Problems:
“One of the primary concerns is the rapid melting of polar ice caps, which immediately affects sea levels. When ice sheets collapse, coastal cities face the immediate threat of flooding, displacing millions of people. Furthermore, extreme weather events are becoming more frequent, and when they occur, communities often cannot respond immediately due to inadequate infrastructure.”

→ Phân tích: “Immediately” được sử dụng 3 lần với các collocations khác nhau (affects, threat, respond) để maintain variety.

Body Paragraph 2 – Solutions (Band 8.5):
“To address these challenges, governments should implement comprehensive environmental policies without delay. First and foremost, there must be immediate investment in renewable energy infrastructure. Countries that have acted immediately, such as Denmark and Germany, have successfully reduced their carbon emissions by over 40% in the past decade. Their experience demonstrates that when decisive action is taken without delay, significant progress is possible.

Moreover, international cooperation must be strengthened immediately. Climate change is a global problem that requires a coordinated response, and nations should not delay in establishing binding agreements to reduce emissions. The Paris Agreement was a positive step, but implementation has been slow in many countries, which should be addressed without delay.”

→ Phân tích Band 8.5:

• “Without delay” dùng 3 lần trong contexts khác nhau
• “Immediately” kết hợp với different structures
• Strong examples (Denmark, Germany)
• Variety in sentence structure
• Clear topic sentences và supporting details

Conclusion:
“In conclusion, while climate change poses severe immediate threats, solutions are available if governments and individuals act without delay. The evidence from countries that have responded immediately shows that positive change is achievable. Therefore, it is imperative that all nations implement environmental measures immediately rather than postponing action until it is too late.”

→ Phân tích: Summary của main points, reinforcing urgency với “immediately” và “without delay”.

Writing Task 2 – Opinion Essays

Topic: Technology in Education

Introduction:
“The COVID-19 pandemic forced educational institutions worldwide to immediately transition to online learning, sparking debate about whether this shift should be permanent. While some argue that traditional classroom education remains superior, I believe that a hybrid approach combining both methods is the most effective solution.”

→ Phán tích: “Immediately” describes historical event, setting context.

Body Paragraph (Band 8.0):
“The rapid digitalization of education revealed both advantages and limitations that educators must address without delay. On the positive side, online platforms immediately provided access to education for students in remote areas who previously had limited opportunities. For instance, during lockdowns, students could immediately continue their studies without interruption, demonstrating the system’s resilience.

However, the immediate transition also exposed significant challenges. Many students struggled with the lack of face-to-face interaction, and teachers found it difficult to immediately adapt their teaching methods to the digital format. Technical issues immediately disrupted lessons, particularly in areas with poor internet connectivity. These problems indicate that while technology offers valuable tools, it cannot immediately replace all aspects of traditional education.”

→ Phân tích Band 8.0:

• Balanced argument
• “Immediately” used 5 times với varied collocations
• “Without delay” trong formal recommendation
• Specific examples
• Clear contrast between advantages/disadvantages

Writing Task 2 – Discussion Essays

Topic: Should companies prioritize profit or social responsibility?

Body Paragraph comparing views (Band 9.0):
“Proponents of profit maximization argue that companies must respond immediately to market demands and shareholder expectations to remain competitive. They contend that when businesses focus on generating profits, they can immediately reinvest in growth, create jobs, and contribute to economic development. This perspective suggests that social benefits emerge naturally from successful businesses, without the need for companies to immediately address every social issue.

Conversely, advocates of corporate social responsibility maintain that companies should act without delay when their operations negatively impact society or the environment. They argue that businesses have an ethical obligation to immediately mitigate any harm they cause, regardless of the financial implications. This view holds that companies cannot defer responsibility until it becomes convenient or profitable; instead, they must address social and environmental concerns without delay, even if this immediately affects short-term profits.”

→ Phân tích Band 9.0:

• Sophisticated presentation của both views
• “Immediately” và “without delay” used strategically trong each argument
• Complex sentence structures
• Academic vocabulary: “proponents,” “advocates,” “contend,” “mitigate”
• Clear contrast between perspectives
• No personal bias trong presentation

Recommendation Paragraph:
“In my view, the optimal approach requires companies to immediately integrate social responsibility into their core business strategy rather than treating it as an afterthought. Organizations should establish clear policies without delay that balance profit generation with ethical considerations. Companies that have acted immediately to implement sustainable practices, such as Patagonia and Unilever, have demonstrated that profitability and social responsibility are not mutually exclusive. Their success proves that when businesses respond immediately to social and environmental concerns, they can build stronger brands and achieve long-term sustainability.”

→ Phân tích: Strong personal opinion với evidence, natural use của target phrases.

Mẫu bài IELTS Writing Task 2 band 8 với cách dùng without delay và immediately được highlight

Nâng Cao – Đạt Band 8+ Với Từ Vựng Đồng Nghĩa

Các Từ Đồng Nghĩa Và Cách Sử Dụng

Để tránh repetition và đạt Band 8+, bạn cần biết các từ/cụm từ đồng nghĩa:

Mức độ formal và phù hợp:

Từ/Cụm từ	Formality	Phù hợp với	Ví dụ Band 8+
immediately	Neutral	Speaking + Writing	“The government immediately responded to the crisis.”
without delay	Very Formal	Writing Task 2	“Policies should be implemented without delay.”
instantly	Neutral	Speaking + Writing	“The news spread instantly across social media.”
right away	Informal	Speaking only	“I called my parents right away when I heard the news.”
at once	Formal	Writing	“Action must be taken at once to prevent further damage.”
promptly	Formal	Writing (especially Task 1)	“The company promptly addressed customer complaints.”
straightaway	Informal-Neutral	Speaking	“I knew straightaway that something was wrong.”
forthwith	Very Formal	Academic Writing	“The regulations must be enforced forthwith.”
on the spot	Informal	Speaking	“The manager made the decision on the spot.”
in an instant	Neutral	Speaking + Writing	“The situation changed in an instant.”

Kết Hợp Với Cấu Trúc Nâng Cao

1. Kết hợp với Inversion (Band 9):

Standard: “We realized immediately that the plan would not work.”
Advanced: “No sooner had we begun the project than we immediately realized its flaws.”

→ Phân tích: Inversion + “immediately” tạo emphasis mạnh mẽ, typical của Band 9 writing.

2. Kết hợp với Cleft Sentences:

Standard: “The team responded immediately to the emergency.”
Advanced: “It was the team’s immediate response that prevented a major disaster.”

→ Phân tích: Cleft structure với nominalization của “immediately” → “immediate response” cho thấy grammatical flexibility.

3. Kết hợp với Participle Clauses (Band 8.5):

Standard: “When she saw the accident, she immediately called for help.”
Advanced: “Seeing the accident, she immediately called for help, thereby potentially saving lives.”

→ Phân tích: Participle clause + “immediately” + result clause tạo complex sentence structure.

4. Kết hợp với Conditional Sentences (Band 8):

Type 2: “If governments acted immediately, millions of lives could be saved.”
Type 3: “Had the authorities responded immediately, the disaster could have been prevented.”

→ Phân tích: Mixed conditionals với “immediately” thể hiện understanding về cause-effect relationships.

5. Kết hợp với Passive Voice + Modal Verbs:

“Safety concerns must be addressed immediately.”
“The policy should have been implemented immediately after the incident.”
“Measures need to be taken without delay to prevent escalation.”

→ Phân tích: Passive + modal + immediately/without delay = very formal, academic tone (Band 8+).

Cụm Từ Và Collocations Nâng Cao

Academic Collocations cho Writing Task 2:

Environment:

• “take immediate action on climate change”
• “implement environmental policies without delay”
• “respond immediately to ecological threats”
• “act without delay to preserve biodiversity”

Example paragraph:
“Environmental degradation has reached critical levels, and governments must take immediate action on climate change. Scientists warn that if we do not act without delay, irreversible damage will occur within the next decade. Countries should implement carbon reduction policies immediately rather than continuing to postpone difficult decisions.”

Education:

• “address educational inequality immediately”
• “reform the curriculum without delay”
• “respond immediately to changing workforce demands”
• “invest immediately in teacher training”

Health:

• “provide immediate medical assistance”
• “respond without delay to public health emergencies”
• “implement preventive measures immediately”
• “allocate resources immediately to healthcare systems”

Technology:

• “adapt immediately to technological advances”
• “regulate emerging technologies without delay”
• “respond immediately to cybersecurity threats”
• “implement digital solutions immediately”

Business & Economy:

• “respond immediately to market changes”
• “address economic challenges without delay”
• “implement reforms immediately to boost growth”
• “react immediately to competitive pressures”

Câu Phức Và Câu Ghép – Band 9 Structures

Complex sentence 1:
“While some argue that careful deliberation is necessary before implementing major policies, I contend that in emergency situations, governments must act immediately, as delays can result in catastrophic consequences that could have been prevented.”

→ Phân tích Band 9:

• Concessive clause (While…)
• Personal opinion với academic language (I contend)
• “Immediately” integrated naturally
• Result clause showing consequences
• Relative clause (that could have been prevented)

Complex sentence 2:
“The evidence suggests that companies which respond immediately to customer complaints not only resolve issues more effectively but also build stronger brand loyalty, whereas those that delay their response risk losing customers permanently.”

→ Phân tích Band 9:

• Relative clause (which respond…)
• “Not only…but also” structure
• Contrast với “whereas”
• Multiple clauses smoothly connected
• “Immediately” enhances meaning without being forced

Complex sentence 3:
“Having witnessed the devastating effects of delayed action during previous crises, policymakers should have learned that immediate intervention, though potentially costly in the short term, ultimately proves more economical than addressing problems after they have escalated.”

→ Phân tích Band 9:

• Perfect participle clause opening
• Concessive phrase (though potentially costly)
• Comparative structure
• Temporal clause (after they have escalated)
• “Immediate” as adjective showing variety

Bảng từ vựng đồng nghĩa với immediately và without delay phân loại theo band điểm IELTS

So Sánh Với Các Cấu Trúc Tương Tự

“Immediately” vs “Without Delay”

Tiêu chí	Immediately	Without Delay
Part of speech	Adverb	Prepositional phrase (adverbial)
Formality	Neutral (phù hợp cả Speaking & Writing)	Very formal (chủ yếu Writing)
Vị trí trong câu	End, mid, hoặc front position	Chỉ end position
IELTS Speaking	Rất phù hợp, tự nhiên	Quá formal, nghe stiff
IELTS Writing	Phù hợp cả Task 1 & 2	Tốt nhất cho Task 2 recommendations
Frequency	Cao hơn, versatile hơn	Thấp hơn, specific contexts
Emphasis level	Standard urgency	Stronger emphasis on necessity

Ví dụ so sánh:

Speaking context:

• Natural: “I immediately called the police.” ✅
• Unnatural: “I called the police without delay.” ❌ (too formal for speaking)

Writing Task 2 – Recommendation:

• Good: “Governments should act immediately.” ✅ (Band 7)
• Better: “Governments should act without delay.” ✅ (Band 8 – more formal, emphatic)

Khi nào chọn từ nào:

Chọn “immediately” khi:

• Mô tả hành động trong quá khứ (narratives)
• Speaking tất cả các parts
• Writing Task 1 (describing trends)
• Cần variety với các vị trí khác nhau trong câu

Chọn “without delay” khi:

• Đưa ra recommendations trong Writing Task 2
• Nhấn mạnh urgent necessity của action
• Formal context đặc biệt
• Kết hợp với modal verbs (should, must, need to)

“Immediately” vs “Instantly”

Tiêu chí	Immediately	Instantly
Connotation	Suggests prompt action, no waiting	Suggests happening in a literal instant
Time frame	Very soon, trong vài giây/phút	Instantaneous, không có time gap
Usage context	Actions, decisions, responses	Changes, effects, results
IELTS frequency	Cao hơn	Trung bình
Collocations	respond immediately, act immediately	spread instantly, recognize instantly

Ví dụ phân biệt:

Với actions (prefer “immediately”):

• “The doctor immediately examined the patient.” ✅
• “The doctor instantly examined the patient.” ⚠️ (less common)

Với effects/changes (both work, slightly different meanings):

• “The news spread immediately.” ✅ (very quickly)
• “The news spread instantly.” ✅ (instantaneously, như một cái click)

Với recognition/understanding:

• “I immediately understood the problem.” ✅ (sau một chút suy nghĩ ngắn)
• “I instantly understood the problem.” ✅ (hiểu ngay lập tức, không cần suy nghĩ)

Band 8+ usage:
“The policy change had an immediate impact on unemployment rates, which began to drop instantly following the announcement.”
→ Sử dụng cả hai để show variety và subtle difference: “immediate impact” (general effect) vs “drop instantly” (sudden specific change).

“Immediately” vs “Right Away” vs “At Once”

Expression	Formality	Best for	Band Level
immediately	Neutral	Speaking & Writing	7+
right away	Informal	Speaking Part 1, 2	6-7
at once	Formal	Writing Task 2	7-8
straightaway	Informal-Neutral	Speaking	6-7

Speaking examples:

Part 1 (Informal acceptable):

• “When I get home, I right away change into comfortable clothes.” ✅ (Band 6-7, natural)
• “When I get home, I immediately change into comfortable clothes.” ✅ (Band 7, slightly more formal)

Part 2 (Better to use “immediately”):

• “I immediately realized the importance of the situation.” ✅ (Band 7+)
• “I right away realized the importance of the situation.” ⚠️ (sounds too casual)

Part 3 (Use “immediately” or “at once”):

• “Governments should respond immediately to public health crises.” ✅ (Band 7.5)
• “Action must be taken at once to address climate change.” ✅ (Band 8, more emphatic)

Writing Task 2 examples:

Informal (avoid):

• ❌ “Companies should fix problems right away.”

Neutral (good):

• ✅ “Companies should address problems immediately.” (Band 7)

Formal (better for higher bands):

• ✅ “Companies must address problems without delay.” (Band 8)
• ✅ “Action should be taken at once to resolve the issue.” (Band 8)

“Without Delay” vs “Without Hesitation”

Đây là hai cụm từ thường bị nhầm lẫn nhưng có nghĩa khác nhau:

Without delay = không trì hoãn (về thời gian)
Without hesitation = không do dự (về quyết định/confidence)

Ví dụ phân biệt:

“The government acted without delay to contain the outbreak.”
→ Ý nghĩa: Chính phủ hành động ngay, không đợi.

“The soldier jumped into the river without hesitation to save the child.”
→ Ý nghĩa: Người lính không do dự, rất dũng cảm.

Có thể kết hợp cả hai:
“When the emergency occurred, the medical team responded without hesitation and without delay, demonstrating both courage and efficiency.”
→ Band 9 structure: showing both decisiveness (without hesitation) và speed (without delay).

Lỗi Thường Gặp Của Học Viên Việt Nam

Lỗi 1: Vị Trí Sai Của “Without Delay”

❌ SAI:
“Without delay, I called the emergency services.”
“I without delay responded to the email.”

✅ ĐÚNG:
“I called the emergency services immediately.” (hoặc “without delay” ở cuối)
“I responded to the email without delay.”

Giải thích:
“Without delay” chỉ có thể đặt ở END POSITION (cuối câu). Không bao giờ đặt ở đầu câu hoặc giữa câu như “immediately”. Đây là lỗi phổ biến nhất của học viên Việt Nam vì họ áp dụng nhầm rule của “immediately” cho “without delay”.

Lưu ý:

• “Without delay” = prepositional phrase, grammatically không flexible như adverb
• Luôn đặt sau động từ và object (nếu có)
• Trong Speaking, tránh dùng “without delay” vì quá formal và khó đặt đúng vị trí tự nhiên

Bài tập sửa lỗi:

1. ❌ “Without delay, the company fixed the problem.”
   → ✅ “The company fixed the problem without delay.”

2. ❌ “I without delay contacted customer service.”
   → ✅ “I contacted customer service without delay.”

Lỗi 2: Sử Dụng Thì Sai Với “Immediately”

❌ SAI:
“I am immediately calling you when I arrive.” (Present Continuous for future)
“Yesterday, I have immediately gone to the hospital.” (Present Perfect với “yesterday”)

✅ ĐÚNG:
“I will call you immediately when I arrive.” (hoặc “I will immediately call you”)
“Yesterday, I immediately went to the hospital.”

Giải thích:
Học viên Việt Nam thường dùng nhầm thì vì:

1. Present Continuous không dùng với “immediately” cho future plans (phải dùng “will” hoặc “be going to”)
2. “Immediately” trong quá khứ dùng với Simple Past, không phải Present Perfect
3. “Yesterday” là definite time → không dùng Present Perfect

Lưu ý về thì:

• Simple Past: “I immediately recognized him.” ✅
• Simple Future: “I will respond immediately.” ✅
• Present Perfect: “I have immediately contacted them.” ⚠️ (grammatically correct nhưng uncommon, tốt hơn dùng: “I have contacted them immediately” hoặc “I immediately contacted them”)
• Past Perfect: “I had immediately informed my supervisor before the meeting.” ✅

Bài tập sửa lỗi:

1. ❌ “When I will see the problem, I am immediately reporting it.”
   → ✅ “When I see the problem, I will immediately report it.”

2. ❌ “Last week, I have immediately replied to the email.”
   → ✅ “Last week, I immediately replied to the email.”

Lỗi 3: Overuse – Dùng Quá Nhiều

❌ SAI (Overuse trong một paragraph):
“When I received the news, I immediately called my parents. They immediately answered the phone. I immediately told them about my promotion. They immediately congratulated me and immediately suggested we should immediately celebrate.”

✅ ĐÚNG (Varied vocabulary):
“When I received the news, I immediately called my parents. They answered right away, and I told them about my promotion. They were quick to congratulate me and promptly suggested we should celebrate.”

Giải thích:
Học viên Việt Nam khi học được một từ mới thường overuse nó, nghĩ rằng dùng nhiều sẽ tốt hơn. Thực tế, examiners sẽ trừ điểm cho “lack of lexical variety”. Trong một đoạn văn/câu trả lời:

• Dùng “immediately” tối đa 2-3 lần
• Thay thế bằng synonyms: right away, promptly, instantly, at once
• Hoặc restructure câu để không cần dùng từ này

Lưu ý:
Band 7+ yêu cầu “lexical resource” – khả năng paraphrase và use synonyms. Overuse một từ, dù đúng ngữ pháp, sẽ giảm band score.

Bài tập cải thiện:
Viết lại đoạn văn sau với ít “immediately” hơn:
“When the fire alarm rang, students immediately left their classrooms. Teachers immediately checked all rooms. The principal immediately called the fire department. Firefighters immediately arrived and immediately put out the fire.”

Suggested answer:
“When the fire alarm rang, students immediately evacuated the building. Teachers quickly checked all rooms to ensure no one was left behind. The principal promptly contacted the fire department, and firefighters arrived within minutes to extinguish the fire.”

Lỗi 4: Dùng Sai Với Modal Verbs

❌ SAI:
“You should immediately to respond to emails.”
“We must immediately solving the problem.”
“They can immediately to help you.”

✅ ĐÚNG:
“You should respond to emails immediately.” (hoặc “You should immediately respond”)
“We must immediately solve the problem.” (hoặc “We must solve the problem immediately”)
“They can help you immediately.” (hoặc “They can immediately help you”)

Giải thích:
Sau modal verbs (should, must, can, will, would, etc.) phải là:

• Bare infinitive (động từ nguyên mẫu không “to”)
• Không bao giờ có “to” sau modal + immediately

Pattern đúng:

• Modal + immediately + verb (infinitive without “to”)
• Modal + verb + object + immediately

Lưu ý với “without delay”:
“Without delay” luôn đặt cuối câu, không xen giữa modal và verb:

• ✅ “We must act without delay.”
• ❌ “We must without delay act.”

Bài tập sửa lỗi:

1. ❌ “The government should immediately to implement new policies.”
   → ✅ “The government should immediately implement new policies.”

2. ❌ “Companies must immediately addressing customer concerns.”
   → ✅ “Companies must immediately address customer concerns.”

3. ❌ “You can immediately to check the results online.”
   → ✅ “You can check the results immediately online.” (hoặc “You can immediately check”)

Lỗi 5: Sử Dụng Trong Ngữ Cảnh Không Phù Hợp

❌ SAI (Không phù hợp về logic):
“I have been living in Hanoi for 10 years immediately.”
“He studies English immediately every day.”
“The building was constructed immediately in 2020.”

✅ ĐÚNG:
“I have been living in Hanoi for 10 years.” (không cần “immediately”)
“He studies English every day.” (không cần “immediately” – không có urgency)
“The building was constructed quickly in 2020.” (hoặc bỏ từ chỉ tốc độ)

Giải thích:
“Immediately” chỉ dùng khi có element của:

1. Urgency (tính khẩn cấp)
2. Quick response (phản ứng nhanh)
3. No time gap (không có khoảng cách thời gian)

Không dùng với:

• Habits/routines thông thường (không có urgency)
• Time periods kéo dài (for 10 years)
• Actions không thể instant (construction of building)

Khi nào KHÔNG nên dùng:

❌ Với duration:

• “I immediately worked here for five years.” (logic error)
• ✅ “I have worked here for five years.”

❌ Với planned actions không urgent:

• “I will immediately graduate next year.” (graduation is planned, not immediate)
• ✅ “I will graduate next year.”

❌ Với states/conditions:

• “The weather is immediately hot.” (weather is a state, not an action)
• ✅ “The weather suddenly became hot.”

Khi nào NÊN dùng:

✅ Với responses:

• “I immediately replied to the email.”

✅ Với reactions:

• “She immediately understood the problem.”

✅ Với urgent actions:

• “We immediately evacuated the building.”

✅ Với sudden changes (as adverb):

• “The temperature immediately dropped after sunset.”

Bài tập nhận diện lỗi:
Đánh dấu câu nào sử dụng “immediately” phù hợp:

1. “I have been studying English immediately since 2015.” ❌
2. “When I heard the alarm, I immediately woke up.” ✅
3. “The company immediately has 500 employees.” ❌
4. “After receiving your message, I will immediately call you back.” ✅
5. “He immediately lives in Tokyo for many years.” ❌

Infographic minh họa 5 lỗi thường gặp khi dùng immediately và without delay của học viên Việt Nam

Bài Tập Thực Hành Có Đáp Án

Bài Tập 1: Điền Từ Đúng (immediately / without delay / instantly)

Hoàn thành câu với từ/cụm từ phù hợp nhất:

1. When I saw smoke coming from the kitchen, I __ turned off the stove.

2. The government should address the housing crisis __ to prevent further social problems.

3. After the announcement, share prices dropped __ by 15%.

4. Please complete and return the application form __.

5. The new policy must be implemented __ in order to meet the deadline.

6. She __ recognized her old friend despite not seeing him for 20 years.

7. Doctors responded __ to the emergency call.

8. Environmental regulations should be enforced __ to protect endangered species.

9. The infection spread __ throughout the community.

10. All safety concerns need to be reported __.

11. When the earthquake struck, residents __ evacuated their homes.

12. The company’s reputation was __ damaged by the scandal.

13. Authorities must act __ before the situation worsens.

14. I __ knew something was wrong when I entered the room.

15. The problem should have been addressed __ when it first emerged.

Bài Tập 2: Tìm Và Sửa Lỗi

Mỗi câu sau có MỘT lỗi sai. Tìm và sửa lại:

1. Without delay, I called my supervisor to report the incident.

2. The teacher has immediately explained the grammar rule yesterday.

3. Students should immediately to submit their assignments before the deadline.

4. I am immediately going to the hospital when I feel sick.

5. He without delay contacted the emergency services.

6. The policy was immediately implemented Without Delay Immediately.

7. We must immediately solving this problem to avoid delays.

8. They have been working here immediately for five years.

9. You can immediately to check your results online.

10. The building immediately is located in the city center.

11. She should respond to customer complaints without delay immediately.

12. When I will receive your email, I immediately reply.

13. The temperature is immediately dropping below zero.

14. Governments must act without delay immediately to prevent climate change.

15. He immediately lives in London since 2010.

Bài Tập 3: Viết Lại Câu

Viết lại câu sử dụng từ trong ngoặc, giữ nguyên nghĩa:

1. The company responded very quickly to the complaint. (immediately)
   → ___

2. You should act very soon to avoid problems. (without delay)
   → ___

3. As soon as I heard the news, I called my family. (immediately)
   → ___

4. The doctor must see the patient right now. (without delay)
   → ___

5. The message was delivered in an instant. (immediately)
   → ___

6. Don’t postpone submitting your application. (without delay)
   → ___

7. She understood the situation as soon as she arrived. (immediately)
   → ___

8. Action needs to be taken very soon. (without delay)
   → ___

9. The fire spread very quickly through the forest. (immediately)
   → ___

10. Measures should be introduced right away. (without delay)
    → ___

Bài Tập 4: Chọn Từ Phù Hợp Trong Ngữ Cảnh

Chọn phương án phù hợp nhất (A, B, C, hoặc D):

1. In Speaking Part 1, which is most natural?
   A. “I without delay check my phone in the morning.”
   B. “I immediately check my phone in the morning.”
   C. “I check my phone right away in the morning.”
   D. “I check my phone in the morning.”

2. In Writing Task 2 (formal recommendation):
   A. “Governments should act right away on climate change.”
   B. “Governments should act immediately on climate change.”
   C. “Governments should act without delay on climate change.”
   D. “Governments should act straightaway on climate change.”

3. In Speaking Part 3 (discussing policy):
   A. “The policy was immediately implemented without delay.”
   B. “The policy was implemented immediately.”
   C. “The policy was implemented without delay.”
   D. Both B and C are acceptable.

4. In Writing Task 1 (describing a sudden change):
   A. “The rate increased without delay from 20% to 45%.”
   B. “The rate increased immediately from 20% to 45%.”
   C. “The rate immediately increased from 20% to 45%.”
   D. Both B and C are acceptable.

5. Which sentence is grammatically INCORRECT?
   A. “I immediately contacted the manager.”
   B. “I contacted the manager without delay.”
   C. “Without delay, I contacted the manager.”
   D. “I without delay contacted the manager.”

Bài Tập 5: Writing Practice (Task 2)

Viết một body paragraph (khoảng 120-150 từ) cho topic sau, sử dụng “immediately” và/hoặc “without delay” ít nhất 2 lần:

Topic: Some people believe that when companies discover safety problems with their products, they should inform customers immediately. Others think companies should first investigate thoroughly before making any announcements. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Your paragraph:

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Bài Tập 6: Speaking Practice

Trả lời các câu hỏi sau, sử dụng “immediately” một cách tự nhiên:

Part 1:

1. How do you usually respond when you receive important messages?
   → ___

Part 2:
Describe a time when you had to make a quick decision.
→ ___

Part 3:
Do you think companies should respond quickly to customer complaints?
→ ___

Đáp Án Chi Tiết

Đáp Án Bài Tập 1: Điền Từ

1. immediately ✅

   • Giải thích: Tình huống emergency, hành động cụ thể trong quá khứ → dùng “immediately”

2. without delay ✅

   • Giải thích: Formal recommendation với “should” → “without delay” phù hợp hơn

3. immediately / instantly ✅

   • Giải thích: Sudden change in data → cả hai đều đúng, “instantly” nhấn mạnh hơn về tốc độ

4. without delay ✅

   • Giải thích: Formal request/instruction → “without delay” trang trọng phù hợp

5. without delay / immediately ✅

   • Giải thích: Formal statement với “must” → cả hai đều được, “without delay” formal hơn

6. immediately ✅

   • Giải thích: Describing recognition/realization → “immediately” là lựa chọn tốt nhất

7. immediately ✅

   • Giải thích: Describing past action response → “immediately” natural nhất

8. without delay ✅

   • Giải thích: Strong recommendation về policy → “without delay” emphatic và formal

9. immediately / instantly ✅

   • Giải thích: Describing rapid spread → cả hai đều phù hợp

10. without delay / immediately ✅

    • Giải thích: Formal instruction với “need to” → cả hai đều đúng

11. immediately ✅

    • Giải thích: Past action trong emergency → “immediately” tự nhiên nhất

12. immediately ✅

    • Giải thích: Describing instant effect → “immediately” đúng ngữ cảnh

13. without delay ✅

    • Giải thích: Urgent recommendation với “must” → “without delay” emphatic

14. immediately ✅

    • Giải thích: Instant realization → “immediately” phù hợp

15. without delay / immediately ✅

    • Giải thích: Recommendation về past action → cả hai đều chấp nhận được

Đáp Án Bài Tập 2: Tìm Và Sửa Lỗi

1. LỖI: “Without delay” đặt đầu câu
   SỬA: “I immediately called my supervisor to report the incident.” HOẶC “I called my supervisor without delay to report the incident.”
   Giải thích: “Without delay” chỉ đặt end position

2. LỖI: Present Perfect với “yesterday”
   SỬA: “The teacher immediately explained the grammar rule yesterday.”
   Giải thích: “Yesterday” = definite time → dùng Simple Past

3. LỖI: “to” sau “immediately”
   SỬA: “Students should immediately submit their assignments before the deadline.”
   Giải thích: Modal + immediately + bare infinitive (không “to”)

4. LỖI: Present Continuous cho future action
   SỬA: “I will immediately go to the hospital when I feel sick.”
   Giải thích: Future action → dùng “will” không phải Present Continuous

5. LỖI: “Without delay” ở mid position
   SỬA: “He contacted the emergency services without delay.”
   Giải thích: “Without delay” chỉ đặt cuối câu

6. LỖI: Redundancy – “immediately” xuất hiện 2 lần cùng “without delay”
   SỬA: “The policy was immediately implemented.” HOẶC “The policy was implemented without delay.”
   Giải thích: Chỉ cần một expression, không nên dùng cả ba

7. LỖI: “solving” sau modal
   SỬA: “We must immediately solve this problem to avoid delays.”
   Giải thích: Modal + immediately + bare infinitive

8. LỖI: “Immediately” với duration
   SỬA: “They have been working here for five years.”
   Giải thích: Duration (for five years) không dùng với “immediately”

9. LỖI: “to” sau “can immediately”
   SỬA: “You can immediately check your results online.”
   Giải thích: Modal + immediately + bare infinitive

10. LỖI: “Immediately” với state verb/location
    SỬA: “The building is located in the city center.”
    Giải thích: Location là state, không dùng “immediately”

11. LỖI: Redundancy
    SỬA: “She should respond to customer complaints without delay.” HOẶC “She should respond to customer complaints immediately.”
    Giải thích: Không dùng cả hai cùng lúc

12. LỖI: “Will” trong time clause
    SỬA: “When I receive your email, I will immediately reply.”
    Giải thích: Time clause với “when” dùng present simple, main clause dùng future

13. LỖI: “Is immediately dropping” – sai cấu trúc
    SỬA: “The temperature is dropping immediately.” HOẶC “The temperature immediately dropped.”
    Giải thích: Present Continuous không dùng với “immediately” theo cách này

14. LỖI: Redundancy
    SỬA: “Governments must act without delay to prevent climate change.” HOẶC “Governments must act immediately to prevent climate change.”
    Giải thích: Chỉ cần một expression

15. LỖI: “Immediately” với present perfect và “since”
    SỬA: “He has been living in London since 2010.”
    Giải thích: Duration với “since” không dùng “immediately”

Đáp Án Bài Tập 3: Viết Lại Câu

1. The company immediately responded to the complaint.

   • Alternative: “The company responded to the complaint immediately.”

2. You should act without delay to avoid problems.

   • Note: “Without delay” phải ở cuối

3. I immediately called my family when I heard the news.

   • Alternative: “Immediately, I called my family when I heard the news.” (less common)

4. The doctor must see the patient without delay.

   • Note: Formal và emphatic với “must”

5. The message was delivered immediately.

   • Alternative: “The message was immediately delivered.”

6. Submit your application without delay.

   • Alternative: “You should submit your application without delay.”

7. She immediately understood the situation when she arrived.

   • Alternative: “She understood the situation immediately when she arrived.”

8. Action needs to be taken without delay.

   • Note: Passive voice với formal tone

9. The fire immediately spread through the forest.

   • Alternative: “The fire spread immediately through the forest.”

10. Measures should be introduced without delay.

    • Note: Formal recommendation structure

Đáp Án Bài Tập 4: Chọn Từ Phù Hợp

1. D hoặc C ✅

   • Giải thích: Part 1 về daily routine không cần urgency. D (không có urgency word) hoặc C (“right away” – informal, tự nhiên) phù hợp nhất.
   • A sai vì “without delay” vị trí sai và quá formal
   • B “immediately” có thể dùng nhưng không cần thiết trong context này

2. C ✅

   • Giải thích: Writing Task 2 formal recommendation → “without delay” là lựa chọn tốt nhất cho Band 8+
   • A “right away” quá informal cho academic writing
   • B “immediately” đúng nhưng C formal và emphatic hơn
   • D “straightaway” informal

3. D ✅

   • Giải thích: Cả B và C đều grammatically correct và phù hợp context
   • A redundant (dùng cả hai)
   • B natural, Band 7-7.5
   • C more formal, Band 8

4. D ✅

   • Giải thích: Task 1 mô tả data → cả B và C đều phù hợp
   • A “without delay” không dùng trong Task 1 academic description
   • B và C đều natural cho describing trends

5. D ✅

   • Giải thích: “I without delay contacted” SAI – “without delay” không thể ở mid position
   • A, B đúng
   • C có tranh cãi (xem giải thích Lỗi 1) nhưng một số native speakers chấp nhận trong very emphatic contexts

Đáp Án Bài Tập 5: Writing Task 2 Sample

Sample Answer (Band 8.0):

“I firmly believe that companies should inform customers immediately when safety issues are discovered, rather than delaying announcements until investigations are complete. Firstly, transparency is crucial for maintaining consumer trust, and when companies act without delay in disclosing potential dangers, they demonstrate corporate responsibility and respect for public safety. For example, when Toyota discovered brake system defects in 2010, the company immediately issued a recall affecting millions of vehicles worldwide. Although this immediate action was costly, it prevented potential accidents and ultimately protected the company’s reputation in the long term. Conversely, companies that delay such announcements risk severe consequences, as seen when Samsung initially failed to respond immediately to Galaxy Note 7 battery explosions, resulting in not only safety hazards but also significant damage to brand credibility. Therefore, I contend that immediate disclosure, despite potential short-term financial implications, is both ethically necessary and strategically sound.”

Phân tích:

• “Immediately” sử dụng 3 lần trong contexts khác nhau
• “Without delay” 1 lần trong formal statement
• Band 8.0 features: clear position, specific examples, logical flow, variety of vocabulary
• Grammar: complex sentences, relative clauses, participle clauses
• Cohesion: firstly, for example, conversely, therefore

Đáp Án Bài Tập 6: Speaking Practice

Part 1 Sample Answer:

“I try to check my messages regularly throughout the day, so when I receive something important, I usually read it immediately. If it’s urgent, especially from work or family, I respond right away rather than waiting. I think it’s important to reply quickly because it shows you respect the other person’s time. However, for less urgent messages, I might take a bit more time to think about my response before replying.”

Phân tích:

• “Immediately” dùng 1 lần, “right away” 1 lần (variety)
• Natural và conversational tone
• Extended answer với reasons
• Band 7.5-8.0

Part 2 Sample Opening:

“I’d like to talk about a time when I had to make a very quick decision during my last year at university. It was about choosing between two job offers that came on the same day, and one company needed my answer immediately, within just 24 hours. I immediately called my parents and my professor to ask for their advice because this was such an important decision that would affect my career…”

Phân tích:

• “Immediately” 2 lần trong narrative
• Clear situation setup
• Natural storytelling flow
• Band 8.0

Part 3 Sample Answer:

“Absolutely, I believe prompt customer service is essential in today’s competitive business environment. When customers have complaints, companies should respond immediately, or at the very least within 24 hours. This immediate response shows that the company values its customers and takes their concerns seriously. In fact, research has shown that companies responding without delay to complaints are more likely to retain customers even when problems occur. However, I think the quality of the response is equally important as the speed – companies shouldn’t rush to reply with inadequate solutions just to appear responsive.”

Phân tích:

• “Immediately” 2 lần
• “Without delay” 1 lần trong formal context
• Balanced argument
• Evidence-based (research)
• Critical thinking (quality vs speed)
• Band 8.5-9.0

Tổng Kết & Lời Khuyên Cuối

Các Điểm Quan Trọng Cần Nhớ

Về “Immediately”:

• Là adverb linh hoạt, có thể đặt end, mid, hoặc front position
• Phù hợp cho cả Speaking và Writing
• Kết hợp được với nhiều thì: past, present, future
• Tự nhiên trong mọi ngữ cảnh từ informal đến formal
• Essential vocabulary cho Band 7+

Về “Without Delay”:

• Chỉ đặt ở end position (cuối câu)
• Very formal – chủ yếu cho Writing Task 2
• Avoid trong Speaking (trừ Part 3 formal discussions)
• Mạnh mẽ khi kết hợp với modal verbs (should, must, need to)
• Excellent choice cho Band 8+ recommendations

Về Synonyms:

• Band 6-7: immediately, right away
• Band 7-8: immediately, without delay, promptly, at once
• Band 8-9: tất cả ở trên + instantly, forthwith, straightaway (used appropriately)

Strategies Để Đạt Band 8+

1. Variety là chìa khóa:
Không lặp lại “immediately” quá 2-3 lần trong một paragraph. Thay thế bằng:

• Synonyms (instantly, promptly)
• Restructure sentences để không cần dùng
• Use different time expressions (within minutes, right away)

2. Context Awareness:

• Speaking Part 1, 2: prefer “immediately”, “right away”
• Speaking Part 3: có thể dùng “without delay” trong formal discussions
• Writing Task 1: “immediately” cho sudden changes
• Writing Task 2: “without delay” cho strong recommendations

3. Collocations Matter:
Học theo chunks thay vì từ đơn:

• respond immediately
• act without delay
• implement immediately
• address without delay

4. Grammar Integration:
Không chỉ dùng trong simple sentences. Tích hợp vào:

• Complex sentences với relative clauses
• Conditional sentences
• Passive constructions
• Participle clauses

Common Pitfalls Cần Tránh

❌ Avoid:

1. Đặt “without delay” đầu câu hoặc mid position
2. Overuse – dùng quá nhiều trong một đoạn
3. Dùng với contexts không có urgency
4. “To” sau modal + immediately
5. Present Perfect với “yesterday” + immediately
6. Redundancy (immediately…without delay trong cùng câu)

✅ Do:

1. Vary your vocabulary với synonyms
2. Consider formality level cho từng IELTS section
3. Use trong appropriate contexts (urgency, quick response)
4. Practice positioning trong câu
5. Combine với strong collocations
6. Integrate vào complex grammar structures

Lộ Trình Luyện Tập

Week 1-2: Foundation

• Nắm vững definitions và differences
• Practice positioning trong câu
• Complete grammar exercises
• Identify trong reading materials

Week 3-4: Application

• Practice trong Speaking responses (record yourself)
• Write 5-10 Task 2 body paragraphs
• Analyze sample answers band 7-9
• Note collocations từ Cambridge IELTS books

Week 5-6: Mastery

• Integrate into full essays
• Practice Speaking mock tests
• Focus on variety và synonyms
• Get feedback từ teachers/partners

Week 7-8: Refinement

• Polish usage trong complex structures
• Ensure natural và appropriate use
• Review common mistakes
• Final mock tests

Resources Để Practice

Cambridge IELTS Books (10-19):

• Tìm và highlight “immediately/without delay” trong reading passages
• Analyze how they’re used trong sample answers
• Note the contexts và collocations

Practice Topics:

Speaking:

• Emergencies and quick decisions
• Problem-solving experiences
• Technology and instant communication
• Government policies and actions

Writing Task 2:

• Environmental issues requiring urgent action
• Health crises and responses
• Educational reforms
• Social problems needing immediate solutions

Final Tips Cho Exam Day

Speaking:

• Don’t force “immediately” into every answer
• Use nó naturally khi describe urgent situations
• Prefer “right away” trong Part 1 informal contexts
• “Without delay” chỉ trong Part 3 formal discussions nếu appropriate

Writing:

• Task 1: Use “immediately” cho sudden changes only
• Task 2: “Without delay” excellent cho strong recommendations
• Aim for 2-3 uses maximum trong whole essay
• Always có synonyms ready (promptly, instantly, at once)

General:

• Context và appropriacy quan trọng hơn quantity
• Natural usage beats forced inclusion
• Variety trong vocabulary shows higher band
• Grammar accuracy is fundamental

Chúc bạn thành công trong kỳ thi IELTS! Remember: “immediately” và “without delay” are powerful tools, nhưng like all tools, they must be used correctly và appropriately. Practice consistently, pay attention to contexts, và bạn sẽ naturally incorporate chúng vào English của mình at Band 8+ level. Act without delay trong việc luyện tập, và bạn sẽ immediately see improvements trong scores của mình!