Buzz
IELTS Speaking Part 1: Geography
Example
1. Have you ever studied geography in school?
Well in fact, geography is a compulsory subject in Vietnamese curriculum, and students have to encounter the subject since the fourth grade. I guess this is because this is the age when their reading comprehension is adequate and fluent enough so that they could understand a bit more complex sentence structures as well as scientific lexical resources for the subject.
- Compulsory (a): bắt buộc
- Encounter (v): gặp, thường là lần đầu
- Reading comprehension (noun phrase): đọc hiểu
- Adequate and fluent (adjs): đủ/ cân xứng và trôi chảy
- Complex (a): phức tạp
- Lexical resources (noun phrase): nguồn từ vựng
→ Địa lý là một môn học bắt buộc tại trường học. Hãy cho biết bạn đã bắt đầu học môn này từ khi nào. Bạn có thể mô tả lý do tại sao việc học địa lý là bắt buộc. Nội dung trung tâm của bài nói về lý do tại sao học địa lý chỉ bắt đầu từ lớp 4.
2. Do you enjoy studying geography?
Well to be honest, I am a huge fan of geography, especially when it comes to space concepts, you know. It is a core chapter in the sixth grade where students have to explore the solar system, the formation of the universe and planets, and things like that. I am so driven by the mysteries related to the origin of life so I couldn’t help it.
Hơn nữa, tôi cũng rất thích địa lý nhân văn, trong đó chúng ta học về con người và mối quan hệ với cộng đồng. Điều này giúp giải thích nhiều vấn đề về đời sống, văn hóa, chính trị, lịch sử và kinh tế.
- Core (a): cốt lõi/ chính yếu
- Driven (a): được thúc đẩy động lực
Sử dụng mẫu bài giải miêu tả những điều mình yêu thích và liệt kê 1-2 ý.
- Ý thứ nhất nói việc thích học về các hành tinh trong môn địa lý
- Ý thứ hai nói về việc học những vấn đề liên quan xã hội trong bộ môn đó
→ Học sinh có thể đề cập đến các sở thích khác như học vẽ bản đồ và phân tích chúng, hoặc tìm hiểu về các quốc gia và châu lục khác nhau.
3. Are you skilled at interpreting maps?
Well in all fairness, I guess my answer would be determined by different circumstances. You know, if I’m holding a printed map, then it will be helpless because I have no clue about how to figure out the places in the directions given in that kind of map. In fact, my brother taught me a couple of times when we went camping in the past. Eventually, I couldn’t make heads or tails of it.
On the other hand, if I’m using a web mapping platform such as Google Maps, then it will be a piece of cake for me. Practically, with simple access to the Internet you can search for your destination and then the application, and the engine will launch detailed maps with advanced features and functions such as recommendations on transit or traffic, especially during rush hours.
- Have no clue about (idiom): không biết/ không hiểu
- Can’t make heads or tails of it (idiom): không biết/ không hiểu rõ
- A piece of cake (idiom):
dễ như ăn cháo
Sử dụng mẫu bài giải phân thành hai trường hợp:
- Dạng bản đồ giấy thì không rành
- Nhưng bản đồ trên app thì dễ dùng và có nhiều tính năng hơn
4. Would you travel to a country based on its geographic location?
Generally, I guess it’s fairly common for people to travel to a country based on its geographical features. For example, I’ve always wanted to pay a visit to countries in the Southern Hemisphere, such as South Africa or Peru, where we could witness remarkable distinctions of climatic phenomena, seasons, and landscapes.
However, it's important to realize that this isn't the only option. There are other possibilities worth considering, especially for individuals like myself who are interested in immersing themselves in diverse cultures, histories, and cuisines from around the world. Who can resist trying sushi or ramen when visiting Japan?
- Distinction (n): sự khác biệt
- Climatic phenomena (n): những hiện tượng thời tiết
Bài giải cũng áp dụng mô hình hai trường hợp khác nhau:
- Có chọn nơi đi du lịch vì các đặc điểm địa lý; học sinh có thể lấy ví dụ hoặc trải nghiệm của bản thân và liệt kê một số điều kiện đặc biệt đáng để viếng thăm
- Còn chọn du lịch vì nhiều yếu tố khác nữa, liệt kê ra những yếu tố đó
IELTS Speaking Part 2
Describe a time when you forgot/missed an appointment
Example
You should say:
- What the appointment was for
- Who you made it with
- Why you forgot it
- And explain how you felt about the experience.
If there were a contest for the most embarrassing moment I've experienced, the time I missed a meeting with my university tutor would certainly be a top contender.
If memory serves me correctly, it was in my junior year when I had to write a dissertation about the integrated methodology in linguistics which is also my major. I was supposed to be there by 8 am, and I just realised that I totally forgot about it when the professor called me.
At first, I intended to rush to the campus to see him. Unfortunately, the professor was having classes soon, so he cancelled the appointment. I was ashamed and shattered because I made him who is reputable for his strict rules of punctuality waiting for an hour.
Latter on, I did write an email, quite lengthy one in fact, to apologise him, but I guess he didn’t make a big deal of it because my dissertation turned out to be quite well with flying colours and flattering comments from him
To cut the long story short, it is definitely an unforgettable incident which is a valuable lesson for me when it comes to keeping in mind the arrangements.
- Dissertation (n): bài nghị luận
- Integrated methodology (noun phrase): phương pháp tích hợp
- Linguistics (n): ngôn ngữ học
- Rush (v): vội đi đến
- Ashamed and shattered (adjs): xấu hổ và buồn (tan vỡ trái tim)
- Flying colors (idiom): điểm cao
- Flattering comments (noun phrase): lời khen có cánh
- Incident (n): sự kiện
→ The response outlines the details of WHEN, WITH WHOM, and WHAT HAPPENED in chronological order: forgetting -> subsequent decision made -> outcome -> concluding feelings.
The essay could be rewritten to reflect a scenario more relatable to students, such as preparing for a presentation rehearsal or a casual meeting with friends. It omits specific reasons for forgetting, but students should note, 'You should say' instead of 'You have to say.' 'You have 2 minutes' instead of 'You must speak for 2 minutes.' Prepare your essay in the most natural sequence possible.
IELTS Speaking Part 3: Recalling memories
Example
1. How do busy individuals remember tasks they need to do?
Well, I guess there are a number of ways for people to keep in mind crucial details, but I guess the most effective way is making notes in their planners or on their phones, and I guess this is because it is the most effective way to remember and keep track of their schedules and arrangements. Besides, they are portable which makes them marvellous tools for quick note taking.
Additionally, another effective method for those with exceptional memory is to repetitively memorize important information to ensure it stays in their mind permanently.
- Keep track of (phrase): theo dõi
- Portable (a): mang theo và di chuyển được
→ The answer outlines two primary methods for remembering: note-taking (highlighting its advantages) and memorization. Students can use personal examples or those of acquaintances to develop their ideas without relying too heavily on explanations.
2. Do you believe it is important for people to recall their family history?
Honestly, I think there are two main reasons why people, especially young children, should try to learn the history of their own family. First of all, history is memories of the past. It shows what we have been through, like ups and downs. It harbours not only sentimental values but also the sense of belonging for each member of the family.
The second justification is that lessons about the history shape who we are. You know, experience, virtues and moral beliefs will be passed on from generation to generation in the form of stories and commemorations. For example, when I was younger I used to listen to my grandmother’s stories about my grandfather whom I’ve never met, but I know so much of his bravery and dedication to his country when joining the army.
- Ups and downs (idiom): thăng trầm
- Harbour (v): ấp ủ
- Sentimental values (noun phrase): giá trị tình cảm
- Virtue (n): đức hạnh
- Commemoration (n): kỷ niệm/ hoài niệm
→ The response lists two main reasons why knowing about family history is crucial: it embodies memories and events from the past, and the educational values derived from it. Examples include lessons learned through family stories.
3. What are your thoughts on individuals using calendars to remember tasks?
Well based on my experience and subjective viewpoint, there are two main personality traits that could be interpreted from those who make a habit of taking notes of important events on calendars.
First of all, he or she is definitely a typical family person who would spend a lot of time at home taking care of others. Taking my mum as an example, she spends most of the time in the kitchen cooking things for us, you know, so she always keeps a calendar on the wall to keep track of dates and things.
The second characteristic would have something to do with their age. Most people who are no spring chicken anymore would prefer writing things down on their calendars while youngsters, nowadays, would be keen on noting on the phones or in the planners.
- Interpreted (a) giải thích/ diễn tả
- A typical family person (phrase) người mô tuýp gia đình điển hình
- No spring chicken (idiom) không còn trẻ/ đã lớn tuổi
