Vocabulary for

in IELTS
Tổng hợp từ vựng 22 topics phổ biến nhất trong IELTS Speaking
CONTENT
Content 01
Topic 1: Education 02
Topic 2: Celebrities 06
Topic 3: Media 11
Topic 4: Entertainment 16
Topic 5: Fashion 20
Topic 6: Invention 24
Topic 7: History 29
Topic 8: Emotion 33
Topic 9: Lifestyle 37
Topic 10: Outfit 41
Topic 11: Technology 44
Topic 12: Nature 48
Topic 13: Money 51
Topic 14: Travel 56
Topic 15: Marriage and Family 62
Topic 16: Enviroment 67
Topic 17: Work 73
Topic 18: Advertising 78
Topic 19: Town and City 83
Topic 20: Sport 87
Topic 21: Food and Diet 91
Topic 22: Books and Films 95

01
 TOPIC 1
EDUCATION

02
Double-major: Học song bằng
Flying colors: Điểm cao
Senior: Sinh viên năm cuối
Sophomore: Sinh viên năm 2
Elective subject: Môn tự chọn
Have deeper insight into: Hiểu thêm về
Presentation: Bài thuyết trình
Do research into: Nghiên cứu về cái gì
Keen learner: Người học tích cực
Dedicated teachers: Giảng viên tận tâm
Broaden one’s common knowledge: Mở rộng kiến thức thông thường
Vocational training: Đào tạo nghề
Higher education: Các cấp học sau bậc THPT
Move up the career ladder: Thăng tiến trong công việc
Study environment: Môi trường học tập
Studious: Chăm chỉ
Attitude towards studying: Thái độ học tập
Compulsory subject: Môn học bắt buộc
Learning materials: Tài liệu học tập
Education background: Nền tảng giáo dục
Academic transcript: Bảng điểm đại học
High distinction degree: Bằng tốt nghiệp loại xuất sắc
Exceptional: Kiệt xuất, xuất sắc, xuất chúng
Reach new heights of knowledge: Đạt đến những đỉnh cao tri thức mới
Characteristic: Tính cách
Stimulate: Kích thích, thôi thúc
Mutual understanding: Sự thấu hiểu lẫn nhau
Sense of responsibility: Tinh thần trách nhiệm
Bachelor's degree: bằng cử nhân
Master's degree: bằng thạc sĩ
Bookworm: mọt sách
Eager beaver: người nhiệt tình và chăm chỉ
03
Internship: thực tập sinh
Not the sharpest tool in the shed: chỉ một ai đó không thông minh cho lắm
Public schools: trường công
Schoolboy error: một lỗi sai cơ bản và ngớ ngẩn
to fall behind with studies: học kém hơn các bạn khác
to goof around: dành thời gian làm những việc vô bổ
to learn something by heart: học thuộc lòng
to meet a deadline: hoàn thành một việc gì đó trước thời gian quy định
to pass with flying colours: vượt qua bài thi với kết quả xuất sắc
to play truant: trốn học
to sit an exam: làm bài thi
tuition fees: học phí
IELTS Speaking Sample - Topic: Education
PART 1:
Do you work or are you a student?
At the moment I'm studying. I’m doing a graduate degree in molecular biology in the
Vanderbilt University.
Why did you choose that subject?
I've always loved life sciences, particularly biology... And when I received my
bachelor's degree I took a research internship in a laboratory where I studied
interactions between proteins... And then I understood that I want to pursue my
career in biochemistry or molecular biology.
Can you describe yourself as a good student?
Well, overall I think I am a good student. I am not an eager beaver, nor the teacher's
pet... but I'm good at scientific subjects and, most importantly, I like studying.
Did you enjoy/Do you enjoy studying at school?
I've never really liked school. I'm not a bookworm and a lot of humanities subjects
seemed boring to me. However, the workload was not too big. The other good thing
about school is seeing your friends. And fortunately, I had awesome classmates.
PART 2:
Describe a period of time from your studies that was the most difficult for you
so far. You should say:
• When it was
• Why was it hard
• What you were doing at that time
04
I would like to talk about my last school year. It was really diffucult due to enormous
amounts of homework I had to do and all the exams I had to prepare for... Em, so I
studied hard, having no time to goof around.
Moreover, I forgot a lot of things from the school curriculum, that's why I had to do a
lot of revision... But despite the tough preparation, I managed to set aside some time
to rest and interact with my friends and family... After all, my efforts were not in
vain... I passed all the exams well and was admitted to the university of my dream.
PART 3
What are some essential qualities every teacher should have?
As for me, every teacher should be able to catch student's attention. It is very
important to make your subject interesting to the others... Also, teacher should be a
subject specialist and a kind, helpful person..
What are some pros of studying on a distance learning course?
To be honest, I think it's very advantageous to study in such way... It gives you more
time flexibility, especially if you have a job... Not to mention that it is fairly cheap,
compared to face-to-face classes...
Does everybody get equal opportunities to study?
Definitely not. I think it really depends on a country you live in... Moreover, it depends
on your financial capabilities... Some schools and universities are just too
expensive... Only a small fraction of people can afford to study there.

05
 TOPIC 2
CELEBRITIES

06
Take an avid interest in: Cực kỳ yêu thích cái gì
Buzz: Ồn ào
Unending perseverance: Sự nỗ lực không ngừng nghỉ
Profressional competing: Thi đấu chuyên nghiệp
Gain a reputation for oneself: Nổi tiếng
Take the country by storm: Gây bão cả nước
Make headlines: Tràn ngập trên các mặt báo
Well-known: Nổi tiếng
True philanthropist: Nhà nhân đạo đích thực
High-end clothes: Quần áo hàng hiệu
Show off one’s status: Phô trương thanh thế
Cost a fortune: Rất đắt đỏ
Trend-setter: Người dẫn đầu xu hướng
Have a head for: Có khả năng làm gì
Standing ovation: Khán giả đứng lên vỗ tay
Monument of courage: Tượng đài về lòng dũng cảm
Prejudice: Thành kiến
Sense of humor: Khiếu hài hước
Cannot keep one’s eyes off: Không thể rời mắt khỏi cái gì
Motivation: Động lực
Role model: Hình mẫu lý tưởng
Endorse: Xuất hiện trong quảng cáo của một nhãn hàng
Decrease in popularity: Giảm uy tín
General public: Công chúng
Representative: người đại diện
Professionalism: sự chuyên nghiệp
Outstanding: xuất sắc, nổi bật
Bias: thành kiến
To be on top of the list: đứng đầu danh sách, được ưu tiên nhất
What’s going on when the curtains close: những bí mật của giới showbiz
To rise to stardom: trở nên nổi tiếng
With the assistance of: với sự trợ giúp của...
Prominent: đáng chú ý
07
Notorious: tai tiếng
Aptitudes: Năng khiếu thiên bẩm
At one fell swoop: cùng một lúc
Phenomenon: hiện tượng
IELTS Speaking Sample - Topic: Celebrities
PART 1:
Who is your favorite celebrity in your country?
I guess not only me, a number of young people have been highly impressed by her
for the past months - H'Hen Nie. She is oure Miss Vietnam. After the beauty
contests, she became well-known for her outstanding beauty, her amazing
characteristics and also her kindness.
Do you like any foreign celebrities?
Absolutely. The person I’m gonna talk about is my idol ever since I was a teenager -
Miley Cyrus. I guess most people at the same age as me grew up with Disney
Channel and among its successful series, Hannah Montanah would always be on
top of my list. Although now she’s grown up, I’m still a big fan of her amazing voice
and highly inspiring songs.
Would you like to be a celebrity? Why?
Well though I’ve never thought about it, I’m pretty sure that rising to stardom would
never be one of my life goals. I appreciate all the efforts that the celebrities, no
matter which field they’re working on, are making every single day. However, I find
myself not belong to that world, I mean, you never know what’s going on when the
curtains close, right? So yeah, I don’t think I want to become a public figure, to be
honest.
Do you think we should protect famous people’s privacy?
Indeed. As you probably can tell, these days fans, anti-fans and even non-fans are so
curious about what their bias are doing. Some are aggressive that they mentally
attack their bias by leaving bad comments online. Some even approach them in
person on the street, especially the so-called paparazzi. Thus I strongly agree that
there should be some regulations to protect the celebrities’ privacy.
How do celebrities influence their fans in your country?
I think the influence of celebrities on fans is extensive. It’s somehow natural to follow
our bias and try to be like them. At the first place it could probably be just physical
changes like clothing, hairstyle or makeup. However thanks to social network, fans
and idols are much closer now, sometimes it’s just a status away. However this
mental connection is a two-edged sword, meaning the idols actually need to be
more careful about their lifestyle or their manners.

08
PART 2:
Describe a famous person that you admire. You should say:
• Who is this person
• What is their specialty
• Why do you admire him/her

In my to-meet list, there are so many well – respected celebrities whom I am desired
to meet and spend time with. However, I would like to share about Pele, who is
nicknamed as the greatest soccer player in the Globe. Initially, I really need to kick off
with the point that Pele was just 17 when he first played in World Cup in Sweden of
1958 for Brazil. Despite his very young age, he was selected as to the national team
participating in one of the biggest sports competition on the planet. Back then, he
was not the star player but when his teammate was hurt, Pele went into the game.
He immediately scored goal and Brazil won the World Cup. With his amazing
aptitudes and skills, Pele was feared by other teams. The Brazilian government even
named him as a national treasure. It is not doubtful to say that Pele is one of the
biggest factors making Brazil’s soccer so well – known. His last World Cup was in
Mexico in 1970. Brazil scored 4 goals against Italy to win the World Cup for the third
time. Another point that I would like to share is that Pele owns an admirable career
that every soccer players crave for. Pele holds many soccer records such as having
over 1000 goals in his career. He was nominated athlete of the Century in 1980 and
became a member of a Soccer Hall of Fame in 1993. Although he’s now retired from
professional competition, Pele is still considered as a great inspiration for soccer
players and lovers.
PART 3:
In general, how do people become famous?
In the era of technology, being famous has never been easier. People who have
extraordinary skills or abilities /talents in any field would be able to become famous
with the assistance of the media.
What kinds of people become famous?
In my opinion, there are two kinds of fame that are consistent with two types of
people. The first type is well-reputed people with admirable skills or dedication to the
civilization. They are usually scientists, researchers, athletes, or soldiers spending
their lifetime working toward success without the desire to become well-known. The
other type is attention/publicity-seeking people, who often are celebrities in the
entertainment industry, politicians or those becoming famous overnight.
Do you think to be famous, a person needs to have some special talent (or ability)?
No, I don’t think so. Besides incredible aptitudes, people can also be famous for
other qualities such as beauty or charity work.

09
What are some general qualities of famous people? Do they have any qualities that
are different from ordinary people?
The basic benchmark of famous people is special talent or ability, which not so
many people can possess. However, there are other qualities which are common
that anyone can have such as beauty or kindness because these are not difficult to
achieve, for example, undergoing cosmetic surgery or doing charity work.
Compare how people become celebrities today with how people became
celebrities years ago, for example, 30 or 50 years ago.
Nowadays, thanks to the modernization of technology, it takes only a few seconds to
change a person’s life. The invention of smart devices, as well as social networking,
has made a person famous at one fell swoop whereas, in the past, the only way to
be celebrities was appearing on the television or the radio.
Compare how people become celebrities today with how people became celebrities
years ago, for example, 30 or 50 years ago.
Nowadays, thanks to the modernization of technology, it takes only a few seconds to
change a person’s life. The invention of smart devices, as well as social networking,
has made a person famous at one fell swoop whereas, in the past, the only way to
be celebrities was appearing on the television or the radio.

10
TOPIC 3
MEDIA
11
Brief: Ngắn gọn
Eye-catching: Bắt mắt
Be really into: Rất thích
Celebrity endorsement: quảng cáo có sự tham gia của người nổi tiếng
Rising star: Ngôi sao đang lên
Commercial: Quảng cáo
View: Lượt xem
Theme song: Bài hát chủ đề
Catchy: Bắt tai
Obsessed with: Bị ám ảnh
Brand image: Hình ảnh thương hiệu
Interrupting: Gây bực mình
Inappropriate content: Nội dung không phù hợp
Adult-related issue: Vấn đề liên quan đến người lớn
Cup of tea: Sở thích
Scroll down: Lướt
Keep oneself updated: Cập nhật
Ultimate choice: Sự lựa chọn cuối cùng
Unique feature: Điểm đặc biệt
Filter: Bộ lọc
Edit: Chỉnh sửa
Stylish: Thời thượng/Phong cách
Up-to-date: Cập nhật
Influencer: Người có sức ảnh hưởng
Youngsters: Giới trẻ
Social platform: Nền tảng mạng xã hội
Biggest beneficiary: Người hưởng lợi lớn nhất
User-friendly: Thân thiện với người dùng
Multi-functional: Đa chức năng
Emergence: Sự nổi lên
Anchorperson: phát thanh viên (người dẫn bản tin)
To shift and mold public opinion: dẫn dắt và định hướng dư luận
12
Credible news: tin tức đáng tin cậy
Unbiased: trung lập
Local news: tin địa phương
International news: tin thế giới
World events: sự kiện quốc tế
Current affairs: vấn đề hiện thời
Business news: tin tức doanh nghiệp
Gossip: tin tầm phào
Sensational news: tin giật gân
The scandal received wide coverage in the press: vụ bê bối xuất hiện trên trang
nhất của nhiều báo
libel: tin bôi xấu, phỉ báng
breaking news: tin nóng
make the headlines: bỗng nhiên xuất hiện trên bản tin hoặc nhận được nhiều sự
chú ý từ báo giới
Objective reporting: đưa tin một cách khách quan
News coverage: tin trang nhất, tin trang bìa
Analysis: bài phân tích
The story went viral: câu chuyện được lan truyền rộng rãi
The gutter press: loại hình báo chuyên tập trung vào các tin giật gân về đời sống
của người nổi tiếng
Yellow journalism: loại báo chuyên đưa những thông tin ít hoặc không chính thống,
không được tìm hiểu kỹ càng mà sử dụng những tiêu đề bắt mắt để câu khách. Nội
dung thường bao gồm việc phóng đại các tin tức sự kiện, bán các tin bê bối, biêu
xấu hoặc tin kích động, nhạy cảm
Information overload: bội thực thông tin
A slow news day: một ngày không có nhiều tin tức
Attention-grabbing: thu hút sự chú ý
Front page: trang nhất của tờ báo
Hot off the press: tin tức vừa mới phát hành và đang rất sốt dẻo
Readership: đội ngũ độc giả của một tờ báo
IELTS Speaking Sample - Topic: Media
PART 1:
Where do you usually get the news from?
13
I commonly get news from TV and Facebook because these two forms of media are
very much accessible for me and gives me the freshest updates about fashion
trends, politics and the society in general.
Do you read magazines? Which ones?
Definitely. I love reading The Cosmopolitan which is a women’s magazine. It includes
articles about relationships, health, careers and fashion which are very fascinating
for me.
Do you often read a newspaper?
I am not really into newspapers because I think it’s monotonous. I prefer magazines
instead because the cover itself is already eye-catching.
In which kinds of circumstances do you usually listen to the radio?
Well, I used to listen to it every weekend when I was a high school student. Back in
the day, it was my duty to clean the house on weekends and before I start, I would
turn on the radio and choose a loud music to get me in the mood to tidy up our place.
PART 2:
Describe a program on TV or radio you often listen to. You should say:
• What is it?
• What is that about?
• Why you listen to it?
And say what you think could be improved about its output.

For this topic, I’d like to talk about “It’s Showtime” which is a UK noontime variety
show. This TV program premiered in 2009, airs from Mondays to Saturdays and
broadcasts worldwide through “The UK Channel”. Most of the host in this show are
very entertaining and witty because they can crack a joke with perfect timing which
keeps the audience laughing the whole time.
The show is divided into a number of segments such as “Mini Me and Copy-cut”.
“Mini Me” is a talent competition for kids aged twelve and below and each
contestant is featured as a mini version of his or her idol celebrity. This segment
usually begin in introducing the participant to the audience while they pose on stage,
next is the talent show and finally, the question and answer portion.
On the other hand, the “Copy-cut” is a game played by two teams, Team Boys and
Team Girls. This segment is called Copy-cut because the two groups will be copying
pictures that are shown on the screen. The judges and audience will be the ones to
choose which of the teams copied the picture more accurately and the group who
accumulated more points will be the winner.
I think the main reason why the producers of “It’s Showtime” came up with having
these segments is to provide entertainment and opportunities to those who
participates in the program. So far, I’m quite satisfied with this TV program and I
can’t think of other improvements they should work on.
14
PART 3:
Do large media organizations have too much influence?
Yes, I think so. Media organizations have extreme influence to people especially
children. Nowadays, the young are becoming more exposed to the use of Internet
and sometimes they come across videos that contains inappropriate contents such
as foul words or violence. An example for this is my four-year-old nephew who often
watch YouTube videos. One day, he said a really offending word to one of his friends.
When I asked him where he learned that word, he said “from YouTube”.
What is the most important medium for people in your country?
I think the most significant tool being used nowadays by the citizens in my country
is the social media. Social media is not restricted to provide entertainment and
socialization. In fact, it is the fastest way to get news world-wide because it doesn’t
require a particular process before being able to disseminate information to the
public. For instance, instead of going to school to check the schedule of the
entrance exam, test takers can just go to the school’s FB page because it is posted
there.
How important are newspapers?
The newspaper has great importance to people because it provides news and
information locally and internationally. It consist of different sections like national,
sports and weather news as well as classified ads. However, because of the
advancement of technology, traditional newspaper is facing extinction and might be
replaced by electronic newspapers in the future. Some examples of electronic
newspapers are the UK Southport Reporter, Atlantic Highlands Herald and
AllNovaScotia.

15
 TOPIC 4
ENTERTAINMENT
16
Extracurricular activity: Hoạt động ngoại khóa
Have one’s energy boosted: Làm cho năng lượng tăng lên
Hectic: Vội vã, hối hả
Leisure pursuit: Hoạt động trong giờ giải lao
Recharge one’s battery: Nạp năng lượng
Daily routine: Thói quen hàng ngày
Be a drain on one’s enegery: Lấy hết năng lượng của ai
Do wonders for: Rất tốt/có ích cho ai/cái gì
Agility: Sự nhanh nhạy
Sedentary lifestyle: Thói quen ngồi nhiều, ít vận động
Physical/Mental health: Sức khỏe thể trạng/tâm trí
Occupied with: Bận rộn với việc gì
The rat race: Guồng quay mệt mỏi của cuộc sống
Improve social relationships: Cải thiện các mối quan hệ xã hội
Prevalent: Phổ biến
Catch sight of: Bắt gặp hình ảnh
Team sport: Môn thể thao đồng đội
Spectacular and impressive: Ngoạn mục và đầy ấn tượng
Notable performance: Màn trình diễn đáng nhớ
Decisive match: Trận đấu quyết định
Miraculous victories: Chiến thắng kỳ diệu
Patriotism: Lòng yêu nước
Pride of national identity: Niềm tự hào dân tộc
Team spirit: Tinh thần đồng đội
Prestigious trophy: Chiếc cúp danh giá
Tournament: Mùa giải
Strong connection: Sự liên quan mật thiết
Boost tourism industry: Thúc đẩy công nghiệp du lịch
Get a real kick out of (doing) something: rất thích thú thứ gì đó hoặc khi làm việc gì
đó
IELTS Speaking Sample - Topic: Entertainment
PART 1:
17
Do you have any hobbies?
Well, everyone has their own leisure pursuits, and mine is reading. The book I’m
reading at the moment is The Godfather by renowned author Mario Puzo. It’s a
classic, really, and I’d really recommend it.
Is it important to have a hobby?
Definitely! I mean nowadays life is getting more and more hectic, so people are
constantly under an enormous amount of stress. That’s why it’s necessary to get
into some recreational activities to unwind and just forget about life for a minute,
you know?
Is it harmful to spend too much time on a hobby?
Yes, I believe spending excessive time on a hobby may have an adverse effect on
people. You may end up having not enough time for your priorities like family or
work. For example, it’s easy for me to lose myself in books and neglect the deadlines
at work.
What free-time activities would you like to try in the future?
I would love to have a crack at extreme sports in the future, maybe ski-diving. It looks
like a blast and I think I will get a real kick out of free falling from enormous heights.
PART 2:
Describe a leisure place that you would like to have in your hometown.
You should say:
• What is it
• Where you would like it to be
• And explain why you would like to have it.

If I had a chance to choose one recreational place that I want to have in my

hometown, it would be definitely a public garden.
I really expect to have a garden where people can not only enjoy the beauty of the
nature but also take a stroll or go jogging to get themselves into shape and stay
healthy. In addition, you know, as I’m a huge fan of roses because of its beautiful
external appearance and pleasant smell, I expect it would be a spacious garden, at
least about 100,000 meters where there are various types of gorgeous flowers
grown, especially roses. Also, there must be as many overseas flowers as possible
so that I can explore and broaden my horizons about the natural environment.
I imagine in my mind that the garden is riot of colors, and all the flower beds
complemented perfectly together and created idyllic scenes. I think it would be great
if they can build a fountain or create an artificial lake, because it might draw more
attention from visitors. I imagine that in the spring, when all roses are in bloom, I go
for a walk around the lake, inhale the aromatic smell of roses and get a sense of
tranquility in my mind.
I would like to have this garden in my hometown as soon as possible because it can
18
affect positively local people’s mental life. Maybe my local authority should know
about this expectation and make it come true.
All in all, I believe that it would be such an ideal place for me to relax and recover my
energy after hard work.
PART 3
What forms of entertainment are most popular in your country?
All different kinds, TV, music, live events, computer games. It probably depends on
where you live, how old you are and what things you like to do in your free time. When
I was at school I used to play a lot of computer games and listen to music and watch
TV. Now I’m older I go out more and listen to live music and watch more DVDs. I
guess the most popular for the majority of peope would be TV, watching movies,
either at the cinema or on DVD, and going out to parties or to a restaurant with
friends.
Do you think men and women have different tastes in entertainment?
Sometimes maybe, but not always. My girlfriends and I like different movies and our
idea of a good night out is probably diffrent than some of my male friends would like,
but then there are lots of things that men and women like doing for entertainment
that are the same. Comedy is a good example. If you like eating out in a nice
restaurant then usually it’s the same for men and women also. But there are
definitely some things like music and books which are quite different for men and
women.
What kinds of entertainment do young people like?
For example, my younger sister spends hours chatting to her friends and even
peope she doen’t really know on the internet. She loves it. That’s something I never
really did - but she likes it more than watching TV or going out sometimes. In general
though I think most young people like watching TV, movies, listening to music and
chatting to their frinds.
What kinds of entertainment do children like?
It’s almost the same, they like watching TV, playing games on the computer and
listening to music. Some like reading a lot like my little brother, and they like going to
the movies to see a film.
Do you think children (or young people) can learn anything from entertainment?
Yes, they can learn all sorts of things. They can learn what’s funny, they can learn
about life, people and places and many different things when they are watching TV,
a movie or listening to music. I think nowadays more than ever they can learn more
through entertainment because all the information related to it is on the internet. If
they want to find out about an actor or someone famous they can just Google them
and learn everything they want to about that person.

19
TOPIC 5
FASHION
20
Have a sense of style: Có gu ăn mặc
On the catwalk: Trên sàn diễn
High-end clothes: Quần áo đắt tiền
Well-dressed: Ăn mặc đẹp
Classy clothes: Quần áo lịch sự
Items of accessories: Phụ kiện
Outfit: Bộ đồ (chỉ chung)
Sale season: Mùa giảm giá
Timeless look: Vẻ ngoài không bao giờ lỗi mốt
Exquisite: Lộng lẫy, tuyệt đẹp
Bespoke clothes: Quần áo thiết kế và may đo theo yêu cầu
Casual clothes: Quần áo bình thường
Mix and match: Khả năng phối đồ
Brand-name clothes: Quần áo của các nhãn hiệu đắt tiền
Look sharp: Trông gọn gàng, chỉnh tề
A slave of fashion: Nô lệ cho thời trang (người luôn phải chạy theo những xu hướng
mới nhất)
Must-have items: những món đồ nhất định phải có
Worn out: Rách
Online shopping website: Trang mua hàng trực tuyến
Vintage: Hơi hướng cổ điển, xưa cũ
Fashionable: Hợp thời trang
Waterproof: Không thấm nước
Comes in handy:Tiện lợi
Multipurpose: Đa năng
Look good in: Trông đẹp khi mặc gì
On trend: Bắt kịp xu hướng
To be on trend: hợp thời trang
Dressed to kill: ăn mặc đẹp, gây ấn tượng mạnh, thu hút ánh nhìn
To dress for the occasion: ăn mặc đẹp nhân một dịp đặc biệt nào đó
Fashion icon: biểu tượng thời trang
To get dressed up: mặc diện, thường là để đi chơi
21
To go out of fashion: lỗi mốt
Hand-me-downs: quần áo cũ của anh chị lớn được chuyển sang cho các em mặc lại
To have a sense of style: có gu thời trang
Off the peg: quần áo may sẵn
To suit someone: hợp với ai đó
To take pride in one’s appearance: chú ý đến vẻ ngoài
IELTS Speaking Sample - Topic: Fashion
PART 1:
What type of clothes do you like to wear?
Well, I prefer casual clothes – simple and comfortable. A pair of jeans and a shirt
would be perfect. I am not really the fashionable type. But of course, I also dress up
for special occasions.
What kind of clothes do people in your country usually wear?
Climate affects people’s clothing. I live in the tropics, so people in my country usually
wear clothes with light fabrics. We also wear light-colored clothes. For casual attire,
a pair of jeans or short pants and a shirt for men or blouse for women are common.
What kind of clothes do you dislike?
Well, I dislike wearing untidy and eccentric clothes. Example would be tearing or
ripped jeans. I also avoid clothes with flashy colors or those that are too stunning.
Do you think people behave differently in different kinds of clothes?
Yes, I think people behave differently when they wear different clothes. For example,
one who wears formal clothes may portray an image of being professional and
confident. Wearing casual clothes, on the other hand, makes us look comfortable
and relaxed.
What kind of clothes do people wear to work in your country?
Those who work in the corporate wear either smart casual or business/formal attire
on a regular work day. Some employees such as teachers have uniforms. Other
workers are allowed to wear casual clothes.
PART 2
Describe someone you know who dresses well. You should say:
• who they are
• how you know them
• what kind of clothes they wear
and say why you like the way they dress.

Let me talk about a friend who dresses very well. Her name is Tina. We are of the
22
same age and she is currently a professor in a prestigious university in my country.
Although she is not in the fashion industry, she dresses fashionably. She is tall, not
very slim and is very attractive.
She has been my friend since high school. I get to see her from time to time as she
also lives in my neighborhood. We also spend time together with friends especially
on weekends.
Actually, she doesn’t have a specific dressing preference or style. I think she bases
her attire on the weather as well as on occasions and events, I usually see her
wearing light colored dresses and high-heeled shoes when she goes to work. She
also wears formal clothes. She is fond of accessories which looks fashionable. Her
footwear always matches her dress. I think she has a huge collection of clothes,
shoes and bags as I rarely see her wearing the same set after some time. I see her
wear casual clothes too but they don’t look plain or boring on her.
I think she can carry herself very well in any kind of dress. She looks comfortable no
matter what her attire is. She always looks clean and tidy. I like her style because she
doesn’t dress extravagant or offensive. She always looks professional and
presentable.
PART 3
How important are clothes and fashion to you?
Clothes and fashion are not that important to me. I always prefer comfortable
clothes but making sure that I’d look presentable and clean. I am more of being
practical in choosing what I wear.
How different are the clothes you wear now from those you wore 10 years ago?
Well, I can say that there hasn’t been much change with the clothes I wear now with
that of about 10 years ago. I still wear the regular jeans and shirt for casual days or
formal clothes on business events. But, I think since the trend has changed, the kind
of these basic clothing has also changed for me, especially when it comes to the
style of the jeans and shirts. I used to wear straight-cut jeans but nowadays, I wear
contemporary style such as slim-fit clothes.
What do you think the clothes we wear say about us?
At times, I think the clothes we wear may show part of our personality or status. For
example, clothing may determine the kind of job a person has. For some, it may be
a tool for expression. Some could be stylish and fashionable which may reflect their
personality as being creative.

23
TOPIC 6
INVENTION

24
Technical know-how: Kiến thức về công nghệ
Trial and error: Quá trình thử nghiệm và thất bại
Practicability: Tính hữu dụng
Prolific inventor: Nhà khoa học có rất nhiều phát minh
Patents: Bằng sáng chế
Phonograph: Máy hát
Light bulb: Bóng đèn điện
Experiment: Thí nghiệm
Advent: Sự xuất hiện/sự ra đời
Milestone in history: Dấu mốc trong lịch sử
Household appliance: Thiết bị gia dụng
Innovations: Sự đổi mới, cải tiến
Commercialized: Thương mại hóa
Techie: Người hiểu biết nhiều về công nghệ
Browse websites: Lướt mạng
Revolutionary creations: Sáng tạo mang tính cách mạng
Cost-effective: Tiết kiệm chi phí
Get in touch: Giữ liên lạc
Various purposes: Nhiều mục đích
Surf the net: Lướt mạng
Barrier: Rào cản
Online application: Ứng dụng trực tuyến
Have (something) delivered to: Vận chuyển cái gì đến đâu
Technological breakthrough: Sự đột phá về công nghệ
Automated robot: Rô-bốt tự động
To the best of my knowledge: Theo như những gì tôi biết
A wide-screen gadget: Thiết bị màn hình rộng
Touch control: Điều khiển bằng cách chạm tay
Revolutionise: Cách mạng hoá
Keep in touch with: Giữ liên lạc
What they are up to: Biết họ đang làm gì
Come in handy: Hữu ích
25
Lexical resource: Nguồn từ vựng
In terms of: Xét về cái gì
To exert positive effects on: Có ảnh hưởng tích cực vào cái gì
Domination: Sự chiếm ưu thế
Release stress: Giải toả căng thẳng
Indispensable: Không thể thiếu
Boost the labor productivity: Tăng cường năng suất lao động
State-of-the-art facility: Trang bị với các thiết bị mới và hiện đại nhất
Technological gadgets: Các thiết bị công nghệ
Hinder: Cản trở
Flourish: Sự phát triển
Social networking sites: Những trang mạng xã hội
Over-reliant: Quá phụ thuộc
Digital devices: Các thiết bị điện tử
Radical change: Sự thay đổi một cách nhanh chóng
Greatly reduce burden: Giảm rất nhiều đi gánh nặng
Electronic gadgets: Các thiết bị điện tử
IELTS Speaking Sample - Topic: Invention
PART 1:
What type of clothes do you like to wear?
Well, I prefer casual clothes – simple and comfortable. A pair of jeans and a shirt
would be perfect. I am not really the fashionable type. But of course, I also dress up
for special occasions.
Do you want to become an inventor in the future?
Actually I find myself not creative enough to be an inventor. I don’t have a necessary
amount of technical know-how and patience to go through a lot of trial and error.
(Example) I would like to be a person who can enjoy the inventions rather than the
one who can invent them.
PART 2
Describe an invention that changed people’s life. You should say:
• What it is
• Who invent it
• When it was invented
• And explain how it changed people’s life
26
I’m going to talk about one of the greatest inventions in the humankind, which is
probably a smart phone.
To the best of my knowledge, ten years ago Apple invented a wide-screen gadget
with touch control which was considered to be five – year ahead of any other mobile
phones. It is called Iphone. After that, thanks to Steve Jobs who delivered the magic
mobile phone to a huge number of stores all over the world, we got Iphone – the
smartest phone ever.
When it comes to why I-phone revolutionised human’s life, there are two main
reasons. I could start off by saying that using mobile phones allows people to keep
in touch with their relatives and friends more easily. For example, I can know what
my relatives are up to by making a call or sending a message. Also, with the Internet
connection, I can actually see and talk to them via Face Time in spite of a long
distance. Another thing that I want to mention is that there are many applications
that come in handy, and they play a vital role in assisting people in work and study.
Quizlet, for instance, is a popular application that enables me to boost lexical
resource by learning new words via flashcards and audio. Finally, we should not
forget to mention the positive effects in terms of entertainment that smart phones
exert on its users. After the domination of smart phones, we have a variety of
choices to release stress in our free time, such as listening to music and watching
movies.
To me, smart phone is an indispensable item that now people cannot live without.
PART 3
What should government do to encourage inventors?
Well, I think inventors are an indispensable part of an economy, where creativity is
put in top priority and innovations are made to serve the life of people so it is crucial
that inventors be encouraged. (Example) Government should raise a fund for
inventors and when each invention is made, they will be awarded an amount of
money. Moreover, each invention should be examined carefully and commercialized
to assist inventors and make them feel more motivated to create new things.
In the future people’s work are heavily affected by technology. Do advantages
outweigh the disadvantages?
Well, the booming advancements of technology can bring about both positive and
negative impacts. In terms of advantages, modern technologies will significantly
boost the labor productivity and workers have good opportunities to work in a
professional environment, which is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities like
robots. However, when the companies or factories are provided with technological
gadgets, it will increase the rate of unemployment and hinder the flourish of the
society.productivity in work and study.
It is predicted that in the near future, the technology will replace the role of
teachers in the classroom. Do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?

27
There is no doubt that the application of technology in the classroom results in many
positive effects because it broadens students’ horizons and arouses their interests in
learning. However, I believe the role of teachers is irreplaceable. Only by interacting
directly with teachers in the class can students gain a deeper understanding of the
lesson. I don’t think cutting-edge technology is capable of doing this since it is
programmed by humans.
Nowadays, people are using mobile phones and computers to communicate with
each other. Do the advantages outweigh the advantages?
I believe that using smart phones and computers allow people to contact with each
other. As I previously mentioned, individuals in the modern society can find it easy to
contact with each other via social networking sites such as Facebook or Instagram
on the mobile phones and computers which also helps them to save a great deal of
money and energy. However, if people become over-reliant on these digital devices,
they might no longer want to talk to their true friends and families, and this can
isolate them in their real life and negatively affect the mutual relationship.
Is the modern technology in your country changing rapidly over the years?
Actually, technological breakthrough leads to radical changes in Vietnamese
society. First of all, many great inventions such as washing machine, dishwasher or
vacuum cleaner greatly reduce burden on doing household chores among people. In
addition, electronic gadgets such as computers, smart phones, laptops…. enables
individuals to communicate more quickly and conveniently than ever.

28
TOPIC 7
HISTORY

29
Origin: Cội nguồn
Victorious past: Quá khứ hào hùng
Ancestors: Tổ tiên
Historical highlight: Sự kiện lịch sử nổi bật
Colonization: Sự thuộc địa hóa
Foreign invaders: Giặc ngoại xâm
Independence: Độc lập
Period of history: Giai đoạn lịch sử
Well-armed: Trang bị vũ khí tối tân
Defeat: Đánh bại
Pay tribute to (Sb): Tưởng nhớ
Sacrifice: Hy sinh
Domination: Sự đô hộ
Historical figures: Nhân vật lịch sử
Heroine: Nữ anh hùng
Prominent leader: Lãnh tụ kiệt xuất
Resistance: Kháng chiến
Foreign invaders: Giặc ngoại xâm
Sovereignty: Chủ quyền
Misery: Nỗi khổ
Ups and downs: Thăng trầm
Decisiveness: Sự quyết đoán
Patriotism: Lòng yêu nước
Policy: Chính sách
Eliminate invaders: Đánh đuổi giặc ngoại xâm
Memorial: Đài tưởng niệm

Honor: Tôn vinh

Valuable tradition: Truyền thống quý báu
Preserve: Lưu giữ
Prominent historical figures: Nhân vật lịch sử lỗi lạc
Strike: Gây ấn tượng
Strong-willed: Mạnh mẽ
Stand up on his own feet: Đứng trên đôi chân của mình
30
Pull out all the stops: Nỗ lực hết mình
Outstanding intelligence: Sự thông minh xuất chung
Take the role of: Đảm nhận
Recover the national economy: Khôi phục nền kinh tế nhà nước
Eliminate the slavery: Xóa bỏ sự nô lệ
Profound lesson: Một bài học sâu sắc
Persist in pursuing: Kiên trì theo đuổi
Motto: Khẩu hiệu
Harsh: Khắc nghiệt
Irrespective of: Bất kể là
IELTS Speaking Sample - Topic: History
PART 1:
Do you like to learn about history?
Wow, I am into reading history, not only of our country, Vietnam but also other
countries in the world.History is not only a subject to me, it is also a source of
invaluable information about our origin as well as the victorious past of our
ancestors.
Who is the famous person from history that you like? Why?
The historical figure that I’ve always been fascinated with is Napoleon. I personally
think he was one of the most talented military leaders there have ever been. Besides,
his scandalous personal life also got me curious about this person.
PART 2
Describe a historical person that you are interested. You should say:
• Who he or she is
• What he or she did
• When you first know him or her
• And explain why you are interested in him or her

One of the most prominent historical figures that strikes me was Abraham Lilcon,
one of the greatest presidents in American history. I have known about him since I
first read his stories in the book “Chicken soup for the soul” and I admire his tireless
efforts and untiring perserance. Lilcon was born in a poor family and his parents are
both illiterate. However, he was really into reading books and he tramped ten miles to
borrow books from the library and took them home to read. His life underwent a lot of ups
and downs. He failed 11 times in doing his business and politics but he was strong-willed
and perseveres to overcome all obstacles and became the American president at the age
of 51.
It was obvious that failure cannot defeat him, and everytime he did not succeed, he stood
31
up on his own feet and pulled out all the stops. With his decisiveness and outstanding
intelligence, when he took the role of a president, he not only retained the independence
of the country but he also ended the Civil War, recovered the national economy and
eliminated the slavery.
The story of his life has taught me a profound lesson that “As long as I do not give up and
persist in pursuing my goals, I will achieve it someday irrespective of any harsh
situations”.
PART 3
Do young people like historical stories in your country?
I am afraid not, since history is not taught very effectively here in our country. Many of my
friends aren’t keen on history, and most of them don’t even know some very common
heroes, which is really a shame.
Do you think history matters in a country’s future development?
Yes. We humans reflect on history to learn from our own mistakes. Understanding our
mistakes and correcting them is the solid foundation for future development.
What can we learn from the events in history?
I think we can have many lessons from historical events. (Example) For example, if we
read about the Great Depression in America from 1929 to1933, we can know more about
the economy and crisis in certain periods. In other cases, if we study war, there will be
knowledge related to domination or weapons. However, above all, the most important
lesson is that each historical event is either a mistake or a pride, we should look at them
carefully to improve our strengths, to maintain the pride and not to let the mistakes occur
again.
What is the effective way of learning history, by reading books or watching videos?
It really depends. For beginners, movies are a good starting point. Vivid images and
fighting scenes from movies can be very inspirational. It can help inspire people to get to
know more about history. However, when one wishes to have a deeper insight, books are
the better option.

32
 TOPIC 8
EMOTION
33
Let off some steam: Xả hơi
Satisfaction: Sự hài lòng
Huge fan of: Là một fan cứng của
Part and parcel: Phần quan trọng
Get a kick out of: Rất thích
Have something to do with: Liên quan đến
Fall apart: Đổ bể
Feel a strong urge: Cảm thấy có động lực cực kỳ lớn để làm gì
Tackle: Giải quyết
Settle down: Trở lại bình thường/Lắng xuống
Bear little relation to (Sb/St): Ít liên quan tới
Cope with: Đương đầu với
Refresh one’s mind: Thư giãn đầu óc
Cheer (Sb) up: Làm ai vui lên
Oversleep: Ngủ quên
Cram for exams: Nhồi nhét cho kỳ thi
Sweat: Toát mồ hôi
Cry one’s eyes out: Khóc nức nở
Rush: Vội vàng
To make the matter worse: Tồi tệ hơn nữa khi
Mental breakdown: Suy sụp tinh thần
Financial burden: Gánh nặng tài chính
Heavy workload: Khối lượng công việc lớn
Sentimental: đa cảm
Vibes: đa cảm
Nostalgia: hoài niệm
Reckless: bất cẩn
Opens up the door to my past: giúp gợi nhắc lại quá khứ
Appalled = very shocked: bị sốc
Apprehensive = slightly worried: lo lắng
At the end of your tether = completely fed up: chán vô cùng
Bewildered = very confused: bối rối
34
Betrayed = when someone breaks the trust you have in them: phản bội
Cross = quite angry: khá giận
Down in the dumps = sad and fed up: buồn bã chán nản
Ecstatic = extremely happy: sung sướng
Irritated = annoyed: khó chịu
Intrigued: tò mò
Jealous = envious: ghen tị
IELTS Speaking Sample - Topic: Emotions
PART 1:
What are the things that make you happy?
Actually there are many things that can make me happy. For example, it is hanging
out with friends and have some coffee or being given a small gift that helps me let
off some steam or just the feeling of trying a good dish brings me a great deal of
satisfaction.
What kinds of things people in your country feel happy about?
It’s kind of hard to say but people that I know around me tend to feel happy about
earning more money, but maybe for others, they would feel happy when their
children get into the good universities.
PART 2

Describe an event or activity that makes you happy. You should say:
• What this event or activity is
• How often you participate in this event or activity
• Whether you would do it more often if you could
• Explain how your life has been enriched by this event or activity

Today I’m gonna talk about a happy event which occurred recently. Honestly, I’m a
huge fan of hiphop dance. Ever since I was young, dancing has always been part and
parcel of my life and I have got a kick out of performing on stage. Without any doubt,
most of my memorable moments have something to do with dancing.
One of those just happened a few weeks ago and I still recall it. It was when my
dance team decided to sign up for a popular dance competition in Hanoi. We were
all determined to create an impressive and unique performance. However, things
started to fall apart when unexpected conflicts occurred among us. What was even
more shocking is that one of us decided to leave because he couldn’t bear the
situation at that time. And it is that moment when I felt a strong urge to make
everyone sit down and tackle the situation. This is also a chance for everybody to get
to know more about each other. We talked about our feelings, how we wanted to

35
overcome those difficulties together and how much we wanted this performance to
be delivered in the best version of itself.
Luckily, everything was settled down and things went by smoothly during the last
week before the show. And you know what. Although we didn’t win, it was still a
rewarding experience to me because I was given the opportunity to deeply
understand my team. And at the end of the day, standing and shinning together on
stage is what truly matters.
PART 3
Do you think it is good to show your emotions when you are angry?
I think to express the reason for anger is good and should be done, because until
then nothing can be done to solve the situation. However, harming oneself or others
without trying to solve the main reason for anger, is not a great thing to do. Because,
it not only harms you but also others. However, there are other ways to show off
anger. Some write, paint or scribble. I think until it is not harmful, anger should be
expressed like every other expression.
In your opinion, do women show their emotions more than men?
If we go by the stereotype, women tend to show emotions more than men. But, in my
opinion, both the genders tend to show emotions equally. However, the emotions
they choose to show are different. For instance, a woman is less likely to show anger
as compared to her male counterpart but more likely to show her tears. Also, when
a woman is happy she tends to share it with others in a very calm way, however, a
man is more likely to show off in a grandiose way.
Do you think people who have more talent are happier than others?
I think talent bears little relation to happiness. There are a number of examples of
renowned singers or actresses who are talented but do not lead a happy life at all.
They may resort to drugs or even commit suicide to escape from the pressure that
they encounter. However, there are people who are not so talented but still have a
happy life with their family. In short, being more talented doesn’t mean having a
happier life.

36
 TOPIC 9
LIFESTYLE
37
Junk food: Đồ ăn nhanh
Hit the gym: Đi tập gym
Do wondersfor (Sb/St): Tốt (cho ai/cái gì)
Unwind: Xả hơi (= Relax)
Health-concious: Quan tâm đến sức khỏe
Treadmill: Máy chạy bộ
Speed up my metabolism: Tăng cường trao đổi chất
Intensive training: Luyện tập cao độ
Balanced diet: Chế độ ăn cân bằng
Lean body: Cơ thể mảnh mai nhưng khỏe mạnh
Chronic disease: Bệnh mãn tính
Diabetes: Bệnh tiểu đường
Remedy: Phương thuốc
Feasible methods: Phương pháp khả thi
Implement strict rules: Ban hành luật nghiêm khắc
Abstract: Trừu tượng
Sculpture: Điêu khắc
Piece of artwork: Tác phẩm nghệ thuật
Eminent painter: Họa sĩ tài năng
Oil painting: Tranh sơn dầu
Alignment: Bố cục
Depict: Mô tả
Elegant pursuit: Thú vui tao nhã
Innate talent: Tài năng thiên bẩm
Think outside the box: Suy nghĩ thoáng, vượt ra ngoài quy chuẩn
Excessive consumption of…: việc tiêu thụ quá mức…
Sedentary lifestyles: lối sống thụ động
Have a healthy diet = have a balanced diet: có 1 chế độ ăn lành mạnh, cân bằng
Rapid weight gain: sự tăng cân nhanh chóng
Weight problems: các vấn đề về cân nặng
Obesity: sự béo phì
Public health campaigns: chiến dịch cộng đồng vì sức khỏe
38
Suffer from various health issues: mắc hàng loạt vấn đề về sức khỏe
Home-cooked food: thức ăn được nấu tại nhà
To be at a higher risk of heart diseases: tỷ lệ cao mắc phải bệnh tim
Average life expectancy: tuổi thọ trung bình
The prevalence of fast food and processed food: sự thịnh hành của thức ăn
nhanh và các thức ăn được chế biến sẵn.
IELTS Speaking Sample - Topic: Lifestyle
PART 1:
What do you do to stay healthy?
Well, I try to stay away from junk food, and I hit the gym on the daily basis. Doing
excercises regularly does wonders for not only my physical but also mental health
and it really helps me to unwind after work.
Is it important to you to eat healthy food?
Yes, I prefer to eat healthy home-cooked food, rather than fast food or pre-prepared
meals, because I want to stay fit and healthy as I get older.
If you catch a cold, what do you do to help you feel better?
I usually take paracetamol tablets, and I sometimes buy a nasal spray or cough
medicine. It also helps to stay at home and relax.
PART 2:
Describe a healthy lifestyle you know. You should say:
• What is it?
• How do you know it?
• When do you do it?
• and explain why do you think it is healthy?

I think people who live healthily always have one thing in common: they try to strike a
balance between work and life, between exercise and diet.
Even when you’re busy, try to do some exercise or have some entertainment. You don’t
need to go to the gym and spend 2 hours doing physical activity. Maybe just a small break
from work and some stretching exercise is enough to keep you fit and healthy.
Nowadays, more and more people suffer from a sedentary lifestyle so we always have
to remind ourselves not to sit too much.
Diet is also very important. I know food can be very tempting but try to stick to healthy
food, food that you know is hygienic and carefully prepared. Of course, once in a while, we
can give ourselves a nice little treat, like the cheese pizza I had yesterday. Drink a lot of
water too, as water accounts for 60% of the human body weight and is key to effective
metabolism.
PART 3

39
How should schools teach students to live healthy?
Schools can do a lot of things to teach children about living healthy. They can introduce
health as a subject in student’s curriculum. Schools can also provide sports facilities to
the students which will motivate the students to make exercise a part of their everyday
life
What do people in your country do to maintain health?
In my country, people do various things to maintain health. Some people like running,
some prefer to go to the gym and some prefer playing a sport. People are also consulting
dieticians nowadays in order to reduce weight.
What could be done to promote a healthy lifestyle?
I think there are several feasible methods that could be adopted to lead a healthy life. The
government should implement strict rules on products or activities that affect people’s
health, for example smoking in public places. Another possible method is that more
programs about healthy eating or taking up a sport should be produced and
disseminated on social media such as TV or Facebook so that people can be more aware
of the importance of healthy living.
Do you think people pay enough attention to their health today?
Times have changed, I believe. There was a time when people stopped caring about their
health but I believe in recent times, people have again become more aware of their health.
Most people prefer doing some sort of physical activity in their lives to make sure they are
healthy. When making small decisions like the food they prefer, people are going for,
much healthier foods.
Do you think most people worry more about their health as they get older?
Definitely yes. I think as the person starts getting old, they start getting the signs of bad
health. It is during that time that people realise the importance of health. So, one can see
a lot of old people going out for walks or jogging.
Why do you think some people continue bad habits when they know that they are
damaging to their health?
The only reason that people have for continuing their bad habits is that they have become
their habit and as they say bad habits die hard. So, even when people know that it is
harming them it is quite tough to stop doing things that they have inculcated in their
routines for a long period of time.

40
TOPIC 10
OUTFIT
41
Fashion enthusiast: Tín đồ thời trang
Versatile: Đa năng
Prohibitive: Đắt
Tailor-made: Được làm cho một dịp đặc biệt
Embroidery: Thêu
Silk: Lụa
Femininity: Sự nữ tính
Plain: Nhàm chán
Elegant: Thanh lịch, tao nhã
Gown: Bộ trang phục trang trọng
Preserve the beauty: Lưu giữ vẻ đẹp
Spiritual life: Đời sống tinh thần
Depressed: Buồn rầu
Feminine things: Những thứ nữ tính
Lend visual interest to (Sb/St): Tăng thêm vẻ đẹp cho ai/cái gì
Token: Vật kỉ niệm
Ecstatic: Cực kỳ vui sướng
Gemstone: Đá quý
Charm: Mặt dây chuyền
Ornament: Đồ trang trí
Footwear: giày dép
High – heeled shoes: giày cao gót
Unbelievably cheap: rẻ đến khó tin
Stood out from the crowd: nổi bật giữa đám đông
Ridiculous: lố bịch
Denim: chất bò (chất jean)
IELTS Speaking Sample - Topic: Outfit
PART 1:
Are you willing to buy expensive clothes?
Actually, my answer is yes although I am not a fashion enthusiast. I prefer versatile
and casual clothes which can be suitable in many occasions. However, on special or
important ones such as wedding or any kind of celebration, I still treat myself to a
high-end dress or a pair of shoes but not often because of their prohibitive price.
42
PART 2

Describe your favourite piece of clothing. You should say:

• Where you got it
• When you got it
• How often you wear it
• And explain why it is your favourite piece of clothing.

Well, I would like to tell you about a pair of ripped jeans that are my favorite item
among all the things I have in my wardrobe.
You know, I bought them for an unbelievably cheap price a long time ago in a
second-hand clothing store. At that point, ripped jeans were really popular and
everybody in my school was keen on them. So, whenever I put these jeans on, I felt
really stylish and thought I really stood out from the crowd. After a while though,
trends started to change, but I refused to abandon my jeans. I wore them almost
everywhere, from home to school and only changed them for formal events such as
a ceremony or a wedding. Sometimes I even slept in my jeans because they were so
comfortable.
Actually, it is quite easy to understand why I fancy these jeans so much. Firstly, they
instantly create a stylish and fashionable look for the wearer. Secondly, jeans are
easy to mix and match and I can wear them with heaps of different shirts without
worrying about looking ridiculous in other people’s eyes. And lastly, denim is so
tough that it can’t be torn, so I can have them for a long time and save a great deal
of money.
All in all, I love my jeans and cannot get through a day without them. I think such an
item should be made trendy again so that the youngsters nowadays can really get to
know their awesomeness.
PART 3
Do you think that the clothes we wear say something about us?
Honestly speaking, I think clothes say a lot about ourselves. It may tell a lot about
our characteristics, our emotions and even our status. For instance, clothing may
determine the feelings of a person. When we are happy, we often choose colorful
outfit but when we are depressed, we tend to wear clothes in darker colour. In other
cases, some people may wear classy clothes so as to tell others that they are careful
and polite.

43
TOPIC 11
TECHNOLOGY

44
Artificial intelligence: Trí tuệ nhân tạo
Sophisticated: Tinh vi, tỉ mỉ
Debut: Sự xuất hiện lần đầu tiên trước công chúng
Humanoid: Rô bốt hình người
Personality trait: Tính cách
Important figure: Nhân vật quan trọng
Strike up conversations: Bắt chuyện
Era: Kỷ nguyên
Demanding job: Công việc đòi hỏi cao
Peforming surgery: Thực hiện phẫu thuật
Adverse effect: Hệ lụy tiêu cực
Human labor: Nhân lực lao động
Manufacturing zones: Các khu chế xuất
Labor-intensive: (Chỉ công việc) Cần nhiều lao động
Automaton: Rô-bốt
Internet addict: Người nghiện internet
Breakthrough: Đột phá
Go online: Lên mạng
Video-sharing website: Trang web chia sẻ video
Stream video: Phát video
Eye-opening: Mở mang tầm mắt
Broadcasting-searching tool: Công cụ tìm kiếm video
Tutorial video: Video hướng dẫn
User-friendly: Thân thiện với người dung
Interactive: Tương tác
Simplify: Đơn giản hoá
Cybercriminal: Tội phạm mạng
Glued to the screen: Dán mắt vào màn hình
Form virtual relationships: Hình thành các mối quan hệ ảo
Technophobe: người ghét công nghệ
Computer buff: chuyên gia máy tính
Gadget/device/item/equipment: thiết bị
45
Internet security: an ninh mạng
Operating system: hệ điều hành
technological advances: những tiến bộ trong công nghệ
keep in contact with = keep in touch with: giữ liên lạc với
technological devices and applications: những ứng dụng và thiết bị công nghệ
telecommunication services: các dịch vụ viễn thông
have more opportunities to: có nhiều cơ hội hơn để
do multiple tasks all at the same time: thực hiện nhiều công việc cùng 1 lúc
suffer from social isolation: bị sự cô lập xã hội
surf/browse the internet: lướt web
take part in interactive activities: tham gia vào các hoạt động có tính tương tác
take video lessons with someone: tham dự buổi học video với ai đó
interact through computers rather than face to face: tương tác thông qua máy
tính thay vì trực tiếp
online meetings = virtual meetings: các cuộc họp online
discourage real interaction: ngăn cản sự tương tác thực
Modern/ cutting-edge / state-of-the-art: rất hiện đại
Indispensable: rất quan trọng
IELTS Speaking Sample - Topic: Technology
PART 1:
Do you use any gadgets on a daily basis?
Yes, surely I do... Although I don't consider myself a geek, I quite enjoy using all the
new items like laptops and smartphones... All in all, we're living in the computer age
and it's impossible to ignore cutting-edge technology.
How often do you use Internet?
I use Internet every day... It helps me with my studies and it entertains me when I’m
down... Surfing the Internet is my hobby... I also frequently use World Wide Web for
communication purposes... Though I don't like social media like Facebook, I often
use video conferencing for talking.
Do you own a computer? If so, how often do you use it and for what purposes?
Yes, I have a personal computer and a laptop... I use my laptop mainly for educa-
tion... It is very light and fits in my bag easily, so I take it with me to school...
Meanwhile, my PC has a large screen and convenient keyboard, so I use it for word
processing and browsing websites. It is an old, but still well-oiled machine...

46
PART 2
Describe your favourite gadget. You should say:
• What is it
• When did you get it
• How often do you use it
and say why is it so important to you

I don’t own many gadgets... I have a PC, laptop and a smartphone and I can’t imagine
my life without either of those...
However, my laptop is the most important piece of technology for me... I got it as a
birthday present from my parents a few years ago and I use it nearly every day now.
Although at first using it was like rocket science for me, after a few weeks I was able
to do everything I needed... From browsing websites to reinstalling the operating
system... What's more, without my laptop I wouldn’t be able to do my homework for
the university... Also, I use it for surfing the Internet and finding whatever I want,
whether it is a piece of code for my project or a useful tip on how to cook a steak.
Generally, my laptop became an essential device for me.
PART 3
Do you think we need to know much about computers?
Well, not too much, but there is definitely a couple of essential things everyone
should know. First of all, you need to know how to enter a web address, how to
navigate websites... It is very important nowadays to be able to surf the net for the
information you needn.
What is the most impactful piece of technology in our lives?
In my point of view, the Internet is the most important technological advance of our
time. It gives us so many opportunities to discover anything we want about our
world! You just need to boot up your computer an go online. And with wireless
networks at home and public Wi-Fi hotspots we can do it easily and almost
everywhere.
How computers affect our everyday life?
In a positive way, certainly. They help with so many things, from writing and printing
your own essay to doing academic research from home. Without computers
studying would have been time-consuming.
How effective is the use of computers in the classroom?
Hmm… in my opinion, using computers in the classroom is very effective. I think it is
important for students to become competent in the use of computers to prepare
them for the workplace … you know, computers are used everywhere in the
workplace now. But… I also think that having computers so easily available gives
teachers the opportunity to introduce students to the variety of information on the
Internet.
47
TOPIC 12
NATURE
48
Breeze: Làn gió nhẹ
Humidity: Độ ẩm
Scarce: Hiếm
Snowflake: Bông tuyết
Snowman: Người tuyết
Freezing cold weather: Thời tiết rất lạnh
Natural phenomenon: Hiện tượng tự nhiên
Tremble with cold: Run lên vì lạnh
Vibe: Không khí
Scorching heat: Nắng nóng gay gắt
Torrential rain: Mưa rất to
Bitterly cold weather: Trời lạnh thấu xương
Natural calamities: Thiên tai
Extreme weather conditions: Điều kiện thời tiết cực đoan
Property: Tài sản
Inundated: Bị ngập lụt
Precipitation: Lượng mưa
Record high: Cao kỷ lục
Statistics: Thống kê
Emergency announcement: Thông báo khẩn cấp
Pouring rain: Mưa xối xả
Disturbance: Xáo trộn, phiền toái
Death toll: Tỷ lệ tử vong
Dangerous epidemics: Dịch bệnh nguy hiểm
Concerted effort: Nỗ lực chung
Global warming: Sự nóng lên toàn cầu
Deforestation: Phá rừng
Ozone depletion: Sự suy giảm tầng Ô-zôn
IELTS Speaking Sample - Topic: Nature
PART 1:
What is your favorite season?
Fall is absolutely my most favorite season. (Reason) The cool weather makes me feel
so comfortable because humidity is low. (Example) I love the feeling of going for a
walk in Hoan Kiem Lake pedestrian zone while enjoying the breeze. It’s so fantastic!
49
PART 2:

Talk about a place of natural beauty you would like to visit. You should say:
• What is it
• Why would you like to visit
• When would you like to visit

The natural place which I think is very beautiful and would like to visit is (…say a
place name you know is naturally beautiful…). It is a place that gives the
impression of natural beauty, serenity and divinity as it a vast green area beside
the hills and a beautiful river has passed beside it. The flowers and fields are like
scenery painted by a professional painter. The butterfly, the birds, the bushes, the
long trees and tea garden makes it a place worth visiting.
I have heard the impeccable beauty of this place from my friends and everyone
who went there has recommended it as a must-visit place. I have also read few
articles about the tourist attraction and natural beauty of this place. The writers
describe it as an adventurous pace as hill tracking, swimming in the river, visiting
the lightened caves at night are all adventurous activities that tourists mainly like
to do there.
I have a plan to visit this place in the near future when I would have a vacation of
more than 7 days. The local foods of this place especially the fried fishes and
shrimps are famous and that’s why I want to stay there for few days. Most
possibly I will visit this place next December.
This is a worth visiting place because it is one of the greatest naturally stunning
and beautiful places. There are lots of activities to do, lots of things to see and
several famous menus to test. Since lots of people visit this place and highly
recommend it to others, I am sure this is a place that worth a visit.
PART 3
Do you think that weather affects our feelings?
One hundred percent yes. If the weather is fine, humans can have the mood or
motivation to do certain things. When the weather is cool or sunny, people
may tend to feel happier; however, if really bad weather conditions happen, for
instance scorching heat or torrential rain, it is easy for people to have their
mood down. The appearance of snow may make people excited but thick
layers of snow with bitterly cold weather can cause depression for people.

50
TOPIC 13
MONEY
51
Pick up groceries: Mua đồ tạp hoá
Flea market: Chợ hàng thùng
Get some great deals: Mua được đồ giá rẻ
Without breaking the bank: Không mất nhiều tiền
In the vicinty of: Gần
Mass production: Sản xuất hàng loạt
Hit the shop: Đến cửa hàng
Treat oneself: Tự thưởng cho bản thân
Independent store: Cửa hàng riêng lẻ
Brick-and-mortar shop: Cửa hàng offline
Saving: Khoản tiết kiệm
Down payment: Tiền đặt cọc
Healthcare service: Dịch vụ chăm sóc sức khỏe
Overspend: Tiêu quá số tiền đang có
Payday: Ngày được trả lương
Piggy bank: Lợn tiết kiệm
Set saving goals: Đặt ra các mục tiêu tiết kiệm
Withdraw: Rút tiền
Financial decision: Quyết định tài chính
Smart investment: Đầu tư thông minh
Balance the expense: Cân bằng chi tiêu
Cut down on: Cắt giảm
Set aside: Dành dụm
Transaction: Giao dịch
Make ends meet: Kiếm sống
Saving money for a rainy day: Dành dụm tiền cho những ngày khó khăn
make a profit: tạo lợi nhuận
survive in a competitive world/ survive in a fast-changing world: sống sót trong
một thế giới đầy cạnh tranh/ sống sót trong một thế giới thay đổi nhanh chóng
achieve success in the modern business world: đạt được thành công trong thế
giới kinh doanh hiện đại
entrepreneurs: doanh nhân
deal with difficult clients: làm việc với những khách hàng khó tính
52
to be provided with a wealth of knowledge: được cung cấp nhiều kiến thức
make significant contributions to …: có những đóng góp to lớn cho …
start a business: bắt đầu 1 doanh nghiệp
specialise in …: chuyên về …
have a clear strategy: có 1 chiến lược rõ ràng
cover its running costs: bao quát được chi phí vận hành của nó
costs involved in running a business: những chi phí liên quan đến việc vận hành 1
doanh nghiệp
boost productivity: tăng năng suất
maximise customer satisfaction: tối đa sự hài lòng của khách hàng
have social responsibilities: có trách nhiệm xã hội
provide financial support for …: cung cấp hỗ trợ tài chính cho …
create more employment opportunities for people: tạo thêm cơ hội việc làm cho
mọi người
improve a company’s reputation: nâng cao danh tiếng của công ty
encounter various obstacles: gặp phải nhiều trở ngại khác nhau
serious financial crisis: khủng hoảng tài chính nghiêm trọng
take on risky contracts: nhận các hợp đồng rủi ro
ineffective business strategies/ ineffective market research/ poor customer
service: chiến lược kinh doanh không hiệu quả / nghiên cứu thị trường không hiệu
quả / dịch vụ khách hàng kém
compete against multinational giants: cạnh tranh với những tập đoàn khổng lồ đa
quốc gia
face potential collapse: đối mặt với nguy cơ sụp đổ
go bankrupt/declare bankruptcy/go out of business: phá sản/tuyên bố phá
sản/ra khỏi kinh doanh
strengthen the banking system: củng cố hệ thống ngân hàng
government assistance for small and medium-sized enterprises: hỗ trợ của
chính phủ cho các doanh nghiệp vừa và nhỏ
offer in-depth advice on something: đưa ra lời khuyên chuyên sâu về gì đó
IELTS Speaking Sample - Topic: Money
PART 1:
How much money is enough?
Well, it’s hard to answer this question as there is no exact measurement to say
53
whether money is enough or not. It’s up to perspective and goal of different people.
Some people want more money so they can save up but some just need a certain
amount of money to sustain their lives.
Why do people care too much about money?
I think the reason is because money equals power. The more money you have, the
more things you can do, the more influence you have over people. No one refuses
power so that’s why they give priority to money.
Is money important to you?
Absolutely. I can buy things with money and give presents for my family by my own
money. It makes my life more meaningful . It’s like a motivation to push me forward
and work harder to enhance my life. For me, money is just never enough and if I’m
satisfied with what I earn, I’ll fall behind with fellows.
What do people in your country save money for?
I suppose it’s up to different purposes. While the young save money for travelling or
paying tuition fees, the elderly tend to keep money for health service and their kids.
However, young people have more desire than the seniors so they often spend more
than their savings.
PART 2
Describe a method to save money. You should say:
• What the method is
• When you started to use it
• How you knew it
• and explain why it is helpful

Well, i’m not good at saving money and I tend to buy things without considering
carefully. It’s hard to save if you don’t know exactly what you are saving for so what I
do is to set savings goals to motivate myself in every financial decision that I make.
Going to Japan has always been my biggest dream but I’ve postponed so many times
due to lack of money. I tried to keep money myself but I still overspent and was out of
money at the end of every month. I asked my mom to keep money for me as she is
better at controlling expense. She is like my accountant and helps me to(4) balance
the expense. She also gives me advice whenever I go shopping to make sure it doesn’t
set me back . We have an agreement that whenever Iwithdraw a sum of money, I have
to save double that amount. This works wonders with me as my savings goes up
every month . Now I always ask myself whether it’s necessary to buy things or I can
save for a rainy day. After a while, I realize I’ve set aside more money everyday . I buy
things within my budget and don’t waste money for unnecessary things. This method
of saving money makes me feel good about myself and I feel financially secured.
PART 3
What do you think about money?
Money can do many things, both good and bad. It allows us to have freedom and a wide
54
variety of choices. Money gives us confidence and desire to work harder so we can
have better life. You can decide where and how you want to live when you have a good
income. When you do not have much money, your choice will be limited. However,
everything comes with a price. Having much money doesn’t mean people won’t run
into problems. Most people fail to strike a balance between earning and enjoying
money so they work day and night. They believe they’ll be happier if they have lots of
money. However, for most people, such time never comes and they die unhappy and
dissatisfied
Could human beings live without money?
It’s true that money isn’t the most important thing in this world but it’s irreplaceable in
our lives. If the world were a completely free place with no expenses and people could
own anything they want without money, they would no longer go to work. There would
be nothing as motivation and people would work unproductively .Money stimulates
people toovercome obstacles so they can enjoy their achievements to the fullest.
Besides, people who have money have their own voice in society and it’s a strong
encouragement for anyone.
In your opinion, why do many people derive pleasure from spending money?
Spending money is definitely the most satisfying feeling ever. People can buy things
they’ve long waited for to please themshelves. Buying something new will make their
day and stimulates them to work harder. The money spent isn’t necessarily on oneself
but also loved ones. It makes us feel good so we will spend more money the next time.
Who do you think save more money,men or women?
Well, it’s hard to say. Men’s biggest risk is their egos. They need to brag about their
possessions and how much money they’ve earned , so they end up spending more
money. Women tend to save money and spend it when they really need it. However,
there are still exceptions when women manage money worse than men. That’s why
there is no strong proof to show men or women save more money
Which do you think is better for the economy of a country or area, people saving
money or people spending money?
It’s such a tricky question. I guess for any economy, saving is entwined with spending.
When people buy things, they will contribute a sum of money to the stores so they can
pay salaries . The government also benefit from that as it’ll gain tax. If people save
money, only the banks have advantage so they can invest or set up new businesses.
An ideal economy is when saving and spending balanced . It’s a rule for any economy
in the world.
Do you think the government should let people know how it spends money?
Well, actually, I don’t really care about this issue. I think the government has its own
reason to not publicize everything. It can be state secrets so the authority wants to
keep it private. However, If the government could go public with the amount of money
it spends, it would gain trust from the public and assure them that their money is
invested properly.
55
TOPIC 14
TRAVEL 56
Means of transport: Phương tiện giao thông
Take the lead: Chiếm phần lớn
Traffic congestion: Tắc đường
Wend one’s way forward: Đi chậm chậm về phía trước
Embark on the journey: Thực hiện chuyến đi
Car rent: Phí thuê xe ô tô
Board: Lên (tàu/xe)
Fill up: Lấp đầy
Jam-packed: Đông người
Rush hour: Giờ cao điểm
Electric mini-bus: Xe buýt mini chạy bằng điện
Carpooling: Hình thức đi chung xe
Tranquillity: Sự yên bình
Rat race: Cuộc sống xô bồ
Recharge my battery: Nạp lại năng lượng
Worth-living city: Thành phố đáng sống
Local cuisine: Ẩm thực địa phương
Tourist attraction: Địa điểm thu hút khách du lịch
Breath-taking: Đẹp đến nghẹt thở
Aerial walkway: Cầu đi bộ trên cao
Coastal city: Thành phố biển
Superb: Tuyệt hảo
Local specialty: Đặc sản địa phương
It would be a miss (not to): Sẽ thật phí (nếu không)
Blast: Một sự kiện rất vui vẻ
Unexpected expenses: Chi phí phát sinh
Cost-effectvie: Tương xứng với số tiền bỏ ra
Go on holidays: đi nghỉ dưỡng
A package holiday (everything is included): kì nghỉ trọn gói
Sunday driver: người lái xe hay đi lòng vòng bắt khách dạo
Winter/summer holiday: kì nghỉ đông/hè
Red-eye flight: chuyến bay khởi hành muộn vào đêm.
57
Try some local food: thử vài món ăn đặc sản địa phương
One for the road: ăn uống trước lúc khởi hành.
Send some postcards: gửi một vài bưu thiếp
travel light: hành lý gọn nhẹ.
Have a thirst for adventure: có niềm khao khát thám hiểm
Live out of a suitcase: di chuyển liên tục
Break the journey: nghỉ ngơi giữa cuộc hành trình
Pedal to the metal: giục giã, tăng tốc.
Hit the road: bắt đầu chuyến đi
Unexplored wilderness: vùng hoang sơ chưa được khám phá
Fleabag motel/roach motel: phòng trọ bình dân, tồi tàn.
Running on fume: gần hết xăng.
Face servese weather conditions: đối mặt với những điều kiện thời tiết khắc nghiệt
off track/off the beaten path: đi sai đường/lạc đường
Inbound travel/ inbound toursim: Du lịch trong nước
Outbound travel/ outbound tourism: Du lịch nước ngoài
Backpacking: Du lịch bụi
Ecotourism: Du lịch sinh thái
Go sightseeing: Ngắm cảnh
Exploit and enjoy pristine beauty: Khám phá và cảm nhận vẻ đẹp hoang sơ
Go in the low season: Đi du lịch vào mùa thấp điểm
Go in the peak season: Đi du lịch vào mùa cao điểm
Partake in outdoor games/Play outdoor games: Tham gia những hoạt động ngoài
trời
Do extreme sports: Chơi các môn thể thao mạo hiểm
Buy souvenirs: Mua quà lưu niệm
promote/spread local culture to international friends/international travellers:
quảng bá văn hoá địa phương đến du khách quốc tế
Create/generate employment opportunities: Tạo công ăn việc làm
Develop economy/boost economy: Phát triển nền kinh tế
Increase foreign currency by means of travel-related services: Tăng ngoại tệ nhờ
vào những dịch vụ du lịch
Making the host destination more authentic and desirable to visitors. Lôi cuốn
58
khách đến tham quan nhiều hơn
Bring about a real sense of pride and identity to communities: Dấy lên niềm tự hào
dân tộc và bản sắc văn hoá trong cộng đồng
Restore historical sites/historical buildings/historical monuments: Bảo tồn lưu giữ
các công trình lịch sử
Widen horizon outlook a new culture Mở mang tầm nhìn về một nền văn hoá mới

Pollute/contaminate environment: Làm ô nhiễm môi trường

Damage environment: Phá huỷ môi trường
Ruin/damage/undermine local culture: Làm ảnh hưởng văn hoá địa phương
Weaken the identity of local culture: Làm phai mờ bản sắc văn hoá địa phương
Illegally exploit its ecological traits for individual benefits: Khai thác hệ sinh thái
một cách hợp pháp nhằm phục vụ lợi ích cá nhân
Cause heavy traffic jam in main routes: Gây tắc nghẽn giao thông trên những con
phố chính
IELTS Speaking Sample - Topic: Travel
PART 1:
Do you like to travel?
Definitely! I would like to visit different places, experience other cultures and try
different food and dishes.
What kind of places have you visited in your life?
Actually, I have never been out of my country. But I have visited a lot of beautiful
places and tourist spots in different regions in my country.
Which place would you really like to visit? Why?
Well, of all the places I would like to go to, I would really like to visit Paris. They say it
is a very romantic place especially at night, so I would like to take a walk in the streets
of Paris at night.
Do you prefer travelling alone or in a group?
A: I prefer to travel in a group, as I think it is more fun being able to share experiences
with friends or family. Travelling alone is not always safe and in some places could be
very risky.
What are the main means of transport in Vietnam?
There are quite a few means of transport in Vietnam, but motorbikes are taking the
lead. People prefer to travel by motorbike because it is more economical and the
most important thing is that when it comes to traffic congestion, it takes ages for car
to move on the road but it is much easier for a motorbike to wend its way forward and
59
escape the bad traffic.
PART 2
Describe an interesting journey you have been on. You should say:
• where you went
• how you travelled there
• who you went with
and say how it affected your life at the time.

I will talk about an interesting journey I had with my family last year. My mom,
brothers, sisters-in-law, nieces and nephew and I went together. We went to several
places in two days. We went to a beautiful beach in a virgin island, and then visited a
lake, a bee farm and another beach that is popular for being a surfing spot.
We started to travel early in the morning. We rented a van. We reached our first
destination which was a white sand beach after about 2 hours of travel by car and
about 20 minutes by boat. We spent overnight in the beach and headed to a bee farm
the next day. It took us about an hour to reach this place. After few hours, we went to
see the lake which was just close to the farm. We did kayaking in the lake which was
my first time. We had lunch in there. Then, we travelled about another hour to go to a
popular surfing spot. My brothers and I tried surfing but it was quite difficult for me
even if there was a trainer.
This journey is very memorable because we were able to visit many beautiful places
together. I can also say that it has been a long time since all of us gathered to have
such trip. We had a great time. We had fun with the activities as well. We took great
photos and everyone was really happy.
PART 3
Which method of travel do you consider safest?
Well, in my opinion, travelling by train is the safest. So far, it is the means of
transportation that I almost never heard of being in an accident. Since it has its own
railway, it does not have much chance to come across with other vehicles that could
collide with. I think most accidents that happen with trains are due to mechanical or
technical issues which could be avoided if the system is being checked and
monitored properly.
Has travel become safer in recent years?
I think so. With the presence of modern technology, I think travel has become safer in
recent years. Since we now have access to more tools and infrastructure,
transportation system as well as travel has been improved. For example, roads are
better, wider and more accessible; therefore, accidents can be avoided.
What are the pros and cons of low-cost air travel?
Low-cost air travel allows us to save money. With this, we can travel more and we can
allot our budget to other expenses. However, with low-cost air travel, our convenience
60
and comfort may suffer. Because it is cheap, meals and baggage fees may not be
included. The plane might be old and seats may not be that comfortable. There is
also a possibility of poor service such as being assigned to a cheap airport or poor
customer service.
How do you think people will travel in the future?
Well I think, electric mini-bus will be the prevalent means of transport in the future.
One reason could be that it still carries the same number of passengers but being
small and agile to get its way out of a traffic jam. In addition, carpooling may be a
good idea as people can not only save a great amount of money spent on fuel for
their private car but they also help protect the environment. Many people travel in the
same car means there will be less emission and less traffic jam and this may be a
dominant way of transporting in the future.

61
 TOPIC 15
MARRIAGE
AND FAMILY
62
Tie the knot: Thành vợ chồng
Lavish wedding: Tiệc cưới hoành tráng
New phase of one’s life: Trang mới trong cuộc sống
Immediate family: Gia đình ruột thịt
Spouse: Vợ/chồng
Splash out on (St): Tiêu xài hoang phí
Lifelong commitment: Gắn bó trọn đời
Aarranged marriage: Hôn nhân bị sắp đặt
Ups and downs of marriage: Những thăng trầm trong hôn nhân
Split up: Li hôn
Close-knit family: Gia đình gắn kết
Quality time: Thời gian quý báu
Crucial role: Vai trò đặc biệt quan trọng
Look on the bright side: Lạc quan
Responsible citizen: Công dân có trách nhiệm
Strong-willed: Ý chí mạnh mẽ
Reproductive health: Sức khỏe sinh sản
Domestic violence: Bạo lực gia đình
Verbal abuse: Lời nói làm người khác bị tổn thương
extended family: đại gia đình, bao gồm cả bố mẹ, con cái, ông bà
nuclear family: gia đình đình hạt nhân, bao gồm bố mẹ và con cái
to raise = to bring up: nuôi nấng đứa trẻ
upbringing: sự dạy dỗ mà đứa trẻ được nhận trong quá trình khôn lớn
adolescence = teenage years = puberty: tuổi dậy thì
to play truant = to skive off: trốn học
juvenile delinquency: tội phạm vị thành niên
neglected: bị bỏ bê
to get on well with somebody: có mối quan hệ hòa thuận với ai đó
blended family: gia đình có thành phần bao gồm con riêng từ chồng hoặc vợ hoặc
cả hai
to take after somebody: có nét giống, tương đồng với ai đó
overprotective: quá bảo vệ, bao bọc
63
strict: nghiêm khắc, khắt khe
foster family: gia đình có con nuôi
family gathering: buổi tụ họp của gia đình
to lead seperate lives: theo đuổi cuộc sống riêng
reak one’s neck: nai lưng ra làm, cố gắng hết sức
bring home the bacon: kiếm tiền nuôi sống gia đình
buckle down: học hành nghiêm túc
until the cow comes home: khi đã về khuya, rất muộn
bang for the buck: đáng đồng tiền bát gạo
chip off the old block: giống bố mẹ như đúc
apple doesn’t fall far from tree: con nhà tông không giống lông cũng giống cánh
the apple of one’s eyes: người được cưng chiều, yêu mến
men make houses, women make homes: đàn ông xây nhà, đàn bà xây tổ ấm
like two peas in the same pot: giống nhau như đúc
when the blood sheds, the heart aches: máu chảy ruột mềm
black sheep of the family: thành viên cá biệt của gia đình
hell or high water: dù có chuyện gì xảy ra đi chăng nữa, bằng mọi giá
like father, like son: giống hệt nhau
air one’s dirty laundry in public: vạch áo cho người xem lưng
blood is thicker than water: một giọt máu đào hơn ao nước lã
turn gray: bạc đầu
IELTS Speaking Sample - Topic: Family and Marriage
PART 1:
Do you have a large or small family?
I come from a large family. Now, I just have my mom, an older brother and three
younger brothers. My father passed away 17 years ago. I am the only daughter in the
family.
How much time do you spend with your family?
For now, I live one in another city far from my family so I only spend about two weeks
each year with them.
What do you like to do together as a family?
My family enjoys cooking together and having special meals together. We catch up
and talk about our lives. We look back and share memories especially when we were
64
still young. We enjoy music as well. So, when we get together, we play several
musical instruments and sing along.
Do you get along well with your family?
Sure. We are really close to each other. I am happy that I could tell them anything.
They are always there to listen when I have problems.
Are there many different types of family in your country?
Yes, types of family in terms of number and the members of a household. There are
small families with one two children to large families with about eight or more
children. There are also households with extended families.
Who are you closest to in your family?
I am closest to my mom. I think it is because we are the only women in the family.
So, we share the same ideas about many things.
Who should pay the wedding cost of a couple?
Well, it is common in our country that parents pay most of the wedding expense for
their children. Because most couples decide to tie the knot at a young age; therefore,
they couldn’t afford a lavish wedding and they need support from parents. I think this
is a good thing for couples as they don’t have to worry much about the finance and
get ready to step into the new phase of their life.
PART 2

Describe the person in your family who you most admire. You should say:
• What their relationship is to you
• What they have done in their life
• What they do now
And explain why you admire them so much.

The person I admire the most in my family and probably in the whole world is my father.
He is an inspiring human and generally a great dad.
He sacrificed for his family, deciding to stop studying at the age of 16 to work and provide
for his family. Vietnam was at war then so I cannot imagine how brutal it was to be the
breadwinner of a big family at that age. I definitely could not do that.
It doesn’t stop there, he is also very ambitious. He opened his own factory and self-taught
engineering because he didn’t have a chance to study when he was young. After so much
ups and downs, his factory is getting bigger and more prosperous. But he’s always a
humble man and believe hard work equal success.
As a father, he doesn’t offer loving words or lots of care, he’s a bit cold and very busy. But
he gives out really wise life lesson and he makes sure me and my brother will always get
the best opportunity to learn and to grow up to be a better person.
I love him so much. He is not just a father but also a mentor and a friend.

65
PART 3
In what ways have families in your country changed in recent?
The roles of husbands and wives changed in recent years. Both spouses have been more
open to perform different roles such as working outside the home or pitching-in with the
household duties. Another change I think is limiting the number of children in the family.
Parents nowadays think of having smaller families due to high cost of living.
Should husbands and wives have different roles within the family?
Traditionally, husbands and wives had clear-cut roles in the society. Husbands used to
provide the financial need of the family, while women were expected to take care of the
house. Changes had occurred over time and both husbands and wives started to take
part in each of these roles. I think this change is good. It is not necessary to define each
role. I think whatever role each husband or wife takes, as long as it is good for the family,
it is okay.
Which are more important to you: your family or your friends?
Both are important but family is more important for me than friends. Friends may come
and go but I know that my family is always there and will always be there no matter what
happens in my life and no matter what decisions I take.
Is it easy for you to accept an arranged marriage?
It is impossible for me to accept an arranged marriage because I think that love from both
sides is a crucial factor for lifelong happiness. Without love and sympathy, it will be
difficult for each individual to overcome the inevitable ups and downs of marriage
and may easily end up splitting up. In my opinion, parents should allow their children
to have more freedom in choosing their partners so that they can be responsible for
their own choice and happiness.

66
TOPIC 16
ENVIROMENT 67
Environmental pollution: ô nhiễm môi trường
Contamination: sự làm nhiễm độc
Protection/preservation/conservation: bảo vệ/bảo tồn
Air/soil/water pollution: ô nhiễm không khí/đất/nước
Greenhouse: hiệu ứng nhà kính
Government's regulation: sự điều chỉnh/luật pháp của chính phủ
Shortage/ the lack of: sự thiếu hụt
Wind/solar power/energy: năng lượng gió/mặt trời
Alternatives: giải pháp thay thế
Solar panel: tấm năng lượng mặt trời
Woodland/forest fire: cháy rừng
Deforestation: phá rừng
Gas exhaust/emission: khí thải
Carbon dioxin: CO2
Culprit (of): thủ phạm (của)
Ecosystem: hệ thống sinh thái
Soil erosion: xói mòn đất
Pollutant: chất gây ô nhiễm
Polluter: người/tác nhân gây ô nhiễm
Preserve biodiversity: bảo tồn sự đa dạng sinh học
Greenhouse gas emissions: khí thải nhà kính
A marine ecosystem: hệ sinh thái dưới nước
The ozone layer: tầng ozon
Ground water: nguồn nước ngầm
The soil: đất
Crops: mùa màng
Absorption: sự hấp thụ
Acid rain: mưa axit
Activated carbon: than hoạt tính
Activated sludge: bùn hoạt tính
Toxic/poisonous: độc hại
Effective/efficient/efficacious: hiệu quả
68
Thorny/head-aching/head splitting: đau đầu
Serious/acute: nghiêm trọng
Excessive: quá mức
Pollutive: bị ô nhiễm
Dispose/release/get rid of: thải ra
Contaminate/pollute: làm ô nhiễm/làm nhiễm độc
Catalyze (for): xúc tác (cho)
Exploit: khai thác
Cut/reduce: giảm thiểu
Conserve: giữ gìn
Make use of/take advantage of: tận dụng/lợi dụng
Over-abuse: lạm dụng quá mức
Tackle/cope with/deal with/grapple: giải quyết
Cause/contribute to climate change/global warmi(v): gây ra/góp phần vào sự biến
đổi khí hậu/nóng lên toàn cầu
Produce pollution/ CO2/ greenhouse (gas) emissions: tạo ra sự ô nhiễm/ khí CO2/
khí thải nhà kính
Damagedestroy the environment/a marine ecosystem/the ozone layercoral reefs:
phá hủy môi trường/hệ sinh thái dưới nước/tầng ozon/rặng san hô
Degrade ecosystems/habitats/the environment: làm suy thoái hệ sinh thái/môi
trường sống
Harm the environment/wildlife/marine life: gây hại cho môi trường/đời sống tự
nhiên/đời sống dưới nước
Threaten natural habitats/coastal ecosystems/a species with extinction: đe dọa
môi trường sống tự nhiên/hệ sinh thái ven bờ/giống loài có nguy cơ tuyệt chủng
Deplete natural resources/the ozone layer: làm cạn kiệt tài nguyên thiên
nhiên/tầng ozon
Pollute rivers and lakes/waterways/ the air/ the atmosphere/ the environment/
oceans: làm ô nhiễm sống và hồ/luồng nước/không khí/bầu khí quyển/môi
trường/đại dương
Contaminate groundwater/the soil/food/crops: làm ô nhiễm nguồn nước
ngầm/đất/thực phẩm/mùa màng
Log forests/rainforests/trees: chặt phá rừng/rừng nhiệt đới/cây cối
Address/combat/tackle the threat/ effects/ impact of climate change: giải
quyết/chống lại/ xử lí những đe dọa/ảnh hưởng/tác động của biến đổi khí hậu
69
Fight/take action on/reduce/stop global warming: đấu tranh/hành
động/giảm/ngăn chặn sự nóng lên toàn cầu
Limit/curb/control air/water/atmospheric/environmental pollution: hạn chế/ngăn
chặn/kiểm soát sự ô nhiễm không khí, nước, bầu khí quyển, môi trường
Offset carbon/CO2 emissions: làm giảm lượng khí thải carbon/CO2
Achieve/promote sustainable development: đạt được/thúc đẩy sự phát triển bền
vững
Preserve/conserve biodiversity/natural resources: bảo tồn/ giữ gìn sự đa dạng
sinh học/tài nguyên thiên nhiên
Protect endangered species/a coastal ecosystem: bảo vệ chủng loài có nguy cơ
tuyệt chủng/hệ sinh thái ven bờ
Prevent/stop soil erosion/overfishing/massive deforestation/damage to
ecosystems: ngăn chặn sự xói mòn đất/sự đánh bắt cá quá mức/sự phá hủy rừng
trên diện rộng/sự tàn phá hệ sinh thái
Raise awareness of environmental issues: nâng cao nhận thức về những vấn đề
môi trường
Save the planet/the rainforests/an endangered species: cứu lấy hành tinh/những
khu rừng nhiệt đới/loài động vật có nguy cơ tuyệt chủng
IELTS Speaking Sample - Topic: Environment
PART 1:
Do you think pollution is a big problem nowadays?
Yes, definitely. Air and water pollution are huge issues in the modern world... The air
pollution problem is especially grave due to the increasing amount of exhaust
fumes, which are produced by cars, and result into a poor air quality.
Are there any environmental problems in your country?
Yes, we have a serious issue with pollution levels in some of our big cities. Exhaust
fumes from cars and lorries are definitely one reason for the problem but we also
have a lot of heavy industry in some areas and this also results in poor air quality.
What do you do to prevent our environment from pollution?
A lot of things... First of all, I don't litter. Also, my family and me try to buy only
environmentally friendly goods whenever we can... And finally, I try to save trees... I
print on both sides of every sheet of paper I use and use any left over white space to
scribble notes.
Have you ever participated in any environmental events?
Yes, of course! Last year I participated in an event in my hometown, which was all
about preserving nature. We were taught about the greenhouse effect and I learned
about many endangered species in the world.
70
PART 2

Describe an environmental problem or event. You should say:

• What is it
• Where is it happening
• What problems does it cause

I would like to talk about global warming. In my opinion, it is a big, if not the biggest,
problem that we are facing nowadays.
The main reason of global warming is the greenhouse effect. Nowadays people are
producing excessive amounts of greenhouse gases, mostly by burning fossil fuels.
These gases let sunlight in, which warms the Earth, and then block that heat from
leaving. That breaks the delicate natural balance and causes our planet to warm.
As global warming changes the climate on the whole planet, it affects all countries
in the world and causes many serious problems. For example, global warming
causes melting of glaciers, which in turn raises the sea-level. Eventually, coastal
areas are flooding and agriculture is damaged unless appropriate measures are
take.. As it is a worldwide problem, I think that only joint efforts will help us to
overcome this issue.
PART 3
In which way do people damage our planet?
In my point of view, we damage the Earth in many ways. Just take a look at all those
factories that empty toxic waste into rivers and lakes... People also destroy a great
deal of natural areas in search of fossil fuels. Not to mention poaching and
endangering of wild animals.
Do you think that the environmental situation will improve in the nearest future?
Yes, I would like to believe so... People are getting more and more aware of the major
environmental issues that we're dealing with nowadays... I hope that we will get back
to nature and start caring about our planet more.
What should the government do to protect the environment?
In my opinion, they should make more incentives for people to learn how they can
help at an individual level. If they could educate people and make more rules about
recycling or using plastic bags, then perhaps we would see a difference. I read in the
news recently about how Kenya has passed a law, making it illegal to use plastic
bags. In the UK they have a price for a plastic bag. But maybe this type of law,
making them illegal should be implemented everywhere. The governments should
unite and work together to combat these problems before it is too late.
How should we educate children to protect the environment?
Children should be taught in school about the effects of things we do that can be
harmful to the environment. They can complete projects and work together to learn
71
about how to recycle and the importance of it. They could also complete work
outside, looking at how to preserve wildlife, plants and flowers. It is really important
that they learn about this at an early age so that they can grow up with some
awareness of the impact their actions can have.
What’s the difference between the old and the young as regards environmental
protection?
In my view, I think that older people seem to be more aware and have a larger
concern about protecting the environment, whereas younger people are very
self-obsessed nowadays. They are more interested in looking at their social media
apps and taking selfies, than about caring for the environment. Older people run
groups that meet and pick up litter, clean beaches of plastic waste and run charity
events. Some younger people may also do these things, but most are too
self-involved to actually do something that can make a difference.

72
TOPIC 17
WORK

73
CV (viết tắt của curriculum vitae): sơ yếu lý lịch
Application form: đơn xin việc
Part-time: bán thời gian
Full-time: toàn thời gian
Appointment (for a meeting): buổi hẹn gặp
Contract: hợp đồng
Notice period: thời gian thông báo nghỉ việc
Holiday entitlement: chế độ ngày nghỉ được hưởng
Sick pay: tiền lương ngày ốm
Overtime: ngoài giờ làm việc
Redundancy: sự thừa nhân viên
To apply for a job: xin việc
to hire: thuê
To fire: sa thải
To get the sack: bị sa thải
Pension scheme / pension plan: chế độ lương hưu / kế hoạch lương hưu
Health insurance: bảo hiểm y tế
Working conditions: điều kiện làm việc
Qualifications: bằng cấp
Offer of employment: lời mời làm việc
To accept an offer: nhận lời mời làm việc
Maternity leave: nghỉ thai sản
Promotion: thăng chức
Salary increase: tăng lương
Training scheme: chế độ tập huấn
Travel expenses: chi phí đi lại
Security: an ninh
Reception: lễ tân
Health and safety: sức khỏe và sự an toàn
Director: giám đốc
Owner: chủ doanh nghiệp

74
Manager: người quản lý
Boss: sếp
Colleague: đồng nghiệp
Trainee: nhân viên tập sự
Timekeeping: theo dõi thời gian làm việc
Job description: mô tả công việc
Department: phòng ban
Salary advance: tạm ứng lương
Subsidize money: tiền trợ cấp
Liabilities: Công nợ
Resignation: đơn nghỉ việc
to be called for an interview: Được gọi tới phỏng vấn
a dead-end job: Một công việc không có cơ hội thăng tiến
a heavy workload: Khối lượng công việc lớn
a high-powered job: Một công việc quan trọng
manual work: Công việc tay chân
to meet a deadline: Hoàn thành công việc đúng hạn
a nine-to-five job: Một công việc làm 8 tiếng/ngày
one of the perks of the job: Những giá trị khác từ công việc
to run your own business: Có công việc kinh doanh riêng
to be stuck behind a desk: Mắc kẹt trong công việc bàn giấy buồn chán
to be/get stuck in a rut: Mắc kẹt trong một công việc nhàm chán nhưng lại rất khó
bỏ
to take early retirement: Nghỉ hưu non
to be well paid: Được trả lương hậu hĩnh
Experience greater fulfilment: Trải qua cảm giác trọn vẹn lớn hơn
Remain on a particular career path for a long period of time: Làm một công việc
trong một thời gian dài
Greater career fulfilment: Cảm giác trọn vẹn với công việc lớn hơn
An overwhelming decision: Một quyết định nặng nề
Explore a range of different career paths: Khám phá nhiều ngành nghề khác nhau
Guarantee job satisfaction: Đảm bảo sự thỏa mãn trong công việc

75
IELTS Speaking Sample - Topic: Work
PART 1:
Do you work or study?
Well, for the past couple of years, I’ve been working for the Energy Development
Corporation (EDC); it is a company that focuses on the development of renewable
energy.
What do you like about your job?
The best thing about my job is that I can travel and discover places in which I
otherwise would not be able to see. Besides, I love my jobmy because of its
flexibility. To be more specific, this job offers me alternatives to the typical
nine-to-five work schedule, enabling me to find a better balance between work and
life.
What do you dislike about your job?
Conducting projects in far-flung areas means being away from my family for several
days. Thus, I don’t spend a lot of time with my wife and kids. I miss them so much.
What would be your ideal job?
My ideal job is be something that always brings something new to life, not a
repetitive monotonous work. I am good at my responsibilities, but I also expect
some pleasant moments at my workplace.
PART 2

Describe the job you would most like to have. You should say:
• what this job would be
• where you would work
• which qualifications you would need and
explain why you would like to have this job most

I must admit that I have realized one of my passions a little bit too late in life. Seems
like I have always wanted to become a chef in a nice high-end restaurant. Eating
food is great, isn’t it? But the process of cooking food and the skill it requires to have
is what I find even more intriguing and fascinating.
I could probably enjoy working and being trained in fine dining restaurants or some
cruise ships that offer a variety of international dishes. I would like to get to know
different cultures all over the world through food. I think it is one of the aspects that
distinguishes countries.
To be able to be a chef, I need to have education in culinary arts. I also need to
undergo a training in various restaurants to be able to apply the knowledge and
information I obtained at school. A chef is a highly creative person, since one of
his/her responsibilities is to arrange food with a final touch and think of its overall
appealing look on the plate.
76
The kitchen is the only place I have ever felt like I really belong to. I love its heat and
the pressure, apparently.
PART 3
Which jobs are the most respected in your country?
In my opinion, these are highly-skilled professional positions such as in the fields of
law, medicine, and engineering. Usually, parents encourage their children to
undertake such careers, because working in these domains, one always has a nice
salary and bright perspectives in life. I specifically respect doctors, since they are not
only hard-working professionals but also people who dedicate their lives to helping
others.
Some people say it’s better to work for yourself than be employed by a company.
What’s your view?
On the topic of self-employment, I agree with a Chinese billionaire Jack Ma. For
young people, it is wiser to first seek a secue position at a smaller company, because
at big ones recent graduates frequently get lost in the large system and routine of
endless repetitive tasks, ending up unnoticed. At a family-owned enterprise, on the
contrary, it is easier to seize opportunities and take initiatives. As one grows, it is
important to focus on learning and developing hard skills. When there is a subjective
border of learning reached, one might reconsider the career choice in favour of a
more responsible place at a bigger corporation or even the difficult path of
entrepreneurship..
What changes in employment have there been in recent years in your country?
There has been a rejuvenation of the “entrepreneurial spirit” in our country: more and
more people become involved in starting their own businesses. The “start-up”
community is now more alive than ever, even college students launch their start-up
businesses while studying. Even though there is a high failure rate of start-ups,
people nevertheless are starting to take the risk and put their ideas into creation.

77
 TOPIC 18
ADVERTISING
78
Advertising agency: Công ty quảng cáo
Advertising budget: Ngân sách giành cho quảng cáo
Brand awareness: Sự nhận thức về thương hiệu
Brand loyalty: Sự trung thành với thương hiệu
Buy and sell: Mua và bán
Call to action: Kêu gọi hành động
To cold call: Tiếp thị
Commercial break: mẩu quảng cáo ngắn xen giữa các chương trình TV
Commercial channel: Kênh truyền hình kiếm tiền bằng việc đăng QC
To go viral: Lan truyền trên Internet hoặc các phương tiện truyền thông
To launch a product: Giới thiệu sản phẩm mới
Mass media: Các phương tiện truyền thông lớn như TV, báo, tạp chí
Niche product: Sản phẩm hướng tới nhóm đối tượng khách hàng đặc biệt
To place an advert: Đăng quảng cáo
Press release: Thông cáo báo chí
Prime time: Giờ cao điểm (trong phát thanh, truyền hình)
Product placement: Quảng cáo một sản phẩm bằng cách đưa sản phẩm đó vào
một bộ phim hoặc chương trình truyền hình
Sales page: Trang dùng cho quảng cáo sản phẩm hoặc dịch vụ
To show adverts: Chiếu quảng cáo trên TV
Spam email: Email là tin quảng cáo, email không mong muốn
Target audience: Khách hàng mục tiêu
Word of mouth: Sự giới thiệu từ người dùng này tới người dùng khác
ELTS Speaking Sample - Topic: Advertisement
PART 1:
Are there many advertisements in your country?
There are more than anyone could ever ask for. Seriously, it’s hard to go anywhere
without seeing or hearing some kind of product commercial. It doesn’t help that
advertisers in my country aren’t very good when it comes to making funny or clever
content.
What are the various places where we see advertisements?
I think we are exposed to them mostly through media platforms such as TV,
newspapers or the web. However, ads also take on some physical forms.
79
Sometimes it could be a giant billboard, sometimes it could be your neighbour who
gets commission for promoting a product.
Why do you think there are so many advertisements now?
I think there could be various reasons advertisements are so commonplace these
days. Personally, though, I guess when businesses are competing so hard with each
other, bringing the image of their product to the customers is as important as the
product itself.
What kind of advertisements do you like the most?
Like I have mentioned, I don’t like ads. Though if I must pick one kind, then I would
choose TV commercials, for the simple reason that I don’t watch TV, so they don’t
bother me. The types of commercials that win me over must be creative and clever
in some way. For example, I love shampoo ads for Old Spice because they feature an
angry muscular man screaming at the audience about the product’s superiority. The
tongue-in-cheek humor and over-the-top effects never fail to catch my attention.
Do advertisements influence your choice about what to buy?
They do and I don’t like that fact. I’d prefer to be informed about my purchase, do
research, price-match and all that stuff. Still, the number of products and brands are
overwhelming, so exposure through ads inevitably impacts my buying habits.
PART 2

Describe an advertisement you have seen. You should say:

• What is the advertisement
• When did you see it
• Why did you love it

I guess I could begin by highlighting the fact about what type of advertisement it is.
Actually, nowadays, there are so many advertisements on mass media like TV,
internet or radio that people just take them for granted in some ways. However, there
are some commercials that are truly interesting, creative and meaningful. One such
ads that create a strong impression on me is the one regarding the great
contribution of mothers to their children and it is broadcasted on the local channel
on Mother’s Day.
Now going on to my next point which is what its content is. The point I like to make
here is that unlike other commercials that are utilized to promote products and
services, this one is not about any products but dedicated to appreciating the huge
sacrifice of mothers. Honestly, I am not pretty sure about when I first saw it, but as
far as I remember, I came to this ad about two years ago and I was totally blown
away by its creative way of telling the story. And last but not least, I also want to talk
about the reason why I love this piece of ads. I suppose it’s really a combination of
reasons, one of which is its meaningful story that provokes so many emotions about
our mom. So, that’s one thing, the other would be its unique way of catching the
audience’s entire attention by touching life stories.
80
I hope that in the future, the advertisement would be invested more in terms of
contents, not just about exaggerating products.
PART 3
What are the different kinds of advertising?
I think that there are several ways of promoting a product, of which the most
dominant type is broadcast advertising, where the products are publicized through
TV commercials, radio or the Internet. Another common type of advertising is
printadvertising, which relies on distributed posters and flyers or advertisement
columns in newspapers or magazines to boost a product’s popularity. There is also
outdoor advertising – advertising at outdoor events like concerts or trade shows.
Unfortunately, surrogate advertising exists as well, which markets banned products
like alcohol or tobacco in the disguise of another product.
What kind of advertising is most common in your country?
I’m not too sure about this, but I think it’s fair to say broadcast advertising and print
advertising are the two most popular means of promoting products in my country.
Commercials are aired at a high frequency, especially in the evening, when the
number of viewers is considerably higher compared to that in the morning. It’s also
common to see flyers being given away and banners hung on almost every corner
of the street.
What are the good and bad points of advertisements?
I suppose advertisements play an important role in introducing consumers to a
wider variety of goods. With commercials, buyers are exposed to more options,
including models, functions and prices before choosing the one product that is to
their taste. On the other hand, a well-produced advertisement might not ensure a
product of the same quality. It’s not unusual to witness cases where people
complain about the huge difference between what was advertised and what the
product is really like. Besides, commercials can trigger the desire to purchase new
goods, regardless of their impracticability, resulting in the waste of both time and
money.
Are any kinds of advertising in your country considered illegal?
I’m not too knowledgeable about the issue, but I guess anything that fails to obey the
terms of advertisement laws is considered illegal. One of the most commonly seen
outdoor advertisements are billboards, which are basically huge posters that are
erected on main streets or on top of buildings. This is a completely legal way of
advertising if the owners are granted a valid permit and take the boards down
according to the contract. However, many owners violate the law by missing the
deadline to remove them or erect them without permission.
What are the ways in which advertisements catch the attention of viewers?
Well, I guess it depends on the types of advertisement. With TV commercials, it’s

81
essential to have a catchy theme tune or a slogan used to identify the product, so
that viewers can easily recognize it. McDonald’s, for example, use ‘I’m Lovin’ It’. It
also helps to have a celebrity who features in the commercial or endorses the
product, this would make the product appealing to a larger number of viewers. Print
advertisements, however, usually draw people’s attention with their vibrant colors
and unique graphic designs. The better the posters are, the more interest the
product might attract.
Do you trust advertisements? (Why?/Why not?)
Quite frankly, I rarely place my trust in advertisements. They seem untruthful to me
since almost everything is exaggerated and most of the time, the products
themselves don’t live up to consumers’ expectations. They claim to be the best but
very often there is some kind of faults. However, I do refer to advertisements when
I’m looking for a product or a service, in order to broaden my range of choices. Still,
only after a long time studying the product and reading reviews will I make up my
mind to purchase one.
How do you feel about false advertising?
Like most people, I feel outraged by misleading advertisements. Untruthful
commercials can lead to many problems, and some can be disastrous. Cosmetics
advertisements, for example, if they do not cover all necessary aspects like origin,
components and potential allergic reactions on some types of skins, may cause
complexion diseases. The same goes for medicinal products. False advertising
betrays the trust of consumers and diminishes the reputation of the company itself.
By creating widespread distrust, the advertising industry as a whole is damaged by
false advertising.

82
TOPIC 19
TOWN & CITY 83
Boarded up shops: Cửa hàng cũ không còn kinh doanh
Chain stores: Chuỗi cửa hàng nổi tiếng
To close down: Ngừng kinh doanh
Fashionable boutiques: Cửa hàng thời trang
To get around: Đi xung quanh thành phố
High-rise flats: Căn hộ cao tầng
Inner-city: Khu phố cổ trong nội thành
In the suburbs: Ở vùng ngoại ô
Lively bars/restaurants: Quán bar hoặc nhà hàng sôi động
Local facilities: Cơ sở hạ tầng địa phương
Multi-story car parks: Bãi đỗ xe nhiều tầng
Office block: Tòa nhà văn phòng
Out of town shopping centre/retail park: Trung tâm mua sắm/ khu buôn bán lẻ
ngoài thành phố
Pavement café: Cà phê vỉa hè
Places of interest: Địa điểm thu hút người tham quan
Poor housing: Ngôi nhà cũ nát
Public spaces: Khu vực công cộng
Public transport system: Hệ thống phương tiện giao thông công cộng
Residential area: Khu dân cư
Run down: Xuống cấp
Shopping centre: Trung tâm mua sắm
Shopping malls: Trung tâm mua sắm trong nhà
Sprawling city: Thành phố đang phát triển
Tourist attraction: Những nơi thu hút du lịch
Traffic congestion: Ùn tắc giao thông
Upmarket shops: Cửa hàng hạng sang
IELTS Speaking Sample - Topic: Town and City
PART 1:
What is it like where you live?
I live in a residential area of a busy city in the south of Vietnam. We have all the
facilities you need, good public transport, a giant shopping centre, several cinemas
and theatres everywhere.
84
Do you like living in the city?
Yes I do. I like going out with my friends and there are lots of lively bars and
restaurants within walking distance of my apartment … I’m a bit of a culture vulture
as well so it’s great to have access to art exhibitions and that kind of thing.
PART 2

Describe a beautiful city or town you have been to. You should say:
• Where it is
• When you visited it
• What you did there
• And explain why you like it

I’d like to talk about Singapore, one of several cities I have visited and really enjoyed.
I vacationed in this wonderful city last summer with my sister, Min, and we stayed
there for 5 days.
Singapore is a state-city located to the southeast of Vietnam and it took us only 2
hours to fly there from Hanoi. When I arrived in Singapore, I was quite impressed by
the way the city looked. The streets were incredibly clean, I could walk around the
city all day and come back home without any dirt on my shoes. During my stay in
Singapore, I did some shopping and visited some famous landmarks like the Merlion
statue, Singapore zoo and the botanical gardens.
For me, Singapore is well worth visiting for many reasons. Firstly, the public
transport system in Singapore is extremely reliable. People don’t have to spend
hours waiting for buses or trains, and the staff are very friendly. Another thing that I
miss about Singapore is its multi-cultural nature. During the 5 days that I spent in
Singapore, I bumped into people from many different countries. English is the first
language of this country so it was great to get the chance to practice my
English-speaking skills with the local people and also other tourists. Five days in
Singapore passed by so fast that I wish I could’ve stayed a bit longer.
PART 3
Do you think that landmarks will make a city more famous, why?
Of course it is. Landmarks such as picturesque landscapes or places of historical
significance often draw huge numbers of tourists, making a city well-known to the
rest of the world. For example, people often visit Canada for its breathtaking views
in rural areas or mountainous regions, as well as other coastal cities which offer
splendid sandy beaches. Without such attractions, it would be hard to convince
foreigners to pay a visit to my country.
What interesting things can we do in big cities?
We can have lots of fun in big cities. If you like shopping, you could go shopping for
beautiful clothes and see the designs of famous brands. We have to admit that
major museums are usually located in big cities. In these places, we can appreciate

85
our culture and history. There’re also amusement parks and leisure centers for
people both young and old.
What’s the difference between living in the city and countryside?
I think that many differences could be counted. Firstly, the infrastructure in city is
significantly more modem, comprehensive and convenient for traveling than that of
the countryside. Additionally, rural citizens’ lifestyle is less competitive and hectic
than urban counterparts. A reasonable explanation for this is that development of
the economy and technology in vibrant cities is accelerating more than ever before

86
TOPIC 20
SPORT

87
extreme sports = dangerous sports: thể thao mạo hiểm
highly dangerous and life-threatening: nguy hiểm và đe dọa đến tính mạng
involve a high level of risk: liên quan đến mức độ rủi ro cao
bungee jumping/ freediving/ ice climbing/ skydiving/ mountain biking: nhảy
bungee / nhảy tự do / leo núi băng/ nhảy dù / đi xe đạp leo núi / …
team sports >< individual sports: thể thao đồng đội >< thể thao cá nhân
lead a sedentary lifestyle: có một lối sống ít vận động
take regular exercise: tập thể dục thường xuyên
spend more time engaging in physical activities: dành nhiều thời gian hơn để tham
gia vào các hoạt động thể chất
keep fit and stay healthy: giữ dáng vàcó sức khỏe tốt
reduce stress and depression: giảm căng thẳng và trầm cảm
burn calories and build muscle: đốt calo và xây dựng cơ bắp
maintain a healthy weight: duy trì một cân nặng tốt
have the opportunity to develop independence: có cơ hội phát triển sự độc lập
make every possible effort to achieve their goals: cố gắng hết sức để đạt được mục
tiêu của họ
sacrifice themselves for the sake of their team: hy sinh bản thân vì lợi ích của cả đội
learn valuable life lessons: học những bài học cuộc sống quý báu
learn how to work effectively in a team environment: tìm hiểu cách làm việc hiệu
quả trong môi trường đội nhóm
have the chance to challenge themselves: có cơ hội để thử thách bản thân
push themselves to their limits: đẩy bản thân đến giới hạn
step out of their comfort zone: bước ra khỏi vùng thoải mái của họ
pose a serious threat to …: đặt ra một mối đe dọa nghiêm trọng cho …
suffer from serious injuries or even death: bị thương nặng hoặc thậm chí tử vong
require special training and specialized gear/ equipment: yêu cầu đào tạo đặc biệt
và dụng cụ/ thiết bị chuyên dụng
undergo appropriate training: trải qua quá trình đào tạo phù hợp
IELTS Speaking Sample - Topic: Sport
PART 1:
What sports or physical activities do you regularly do?
Unfortunately, I don't have time to do any sports or physical activities because of my
work commitments. I'd like to find more time for regular exercise.
88
Which sport or game would you like to be good at?
I'd like to be good at tennis. It must be great to be able to hit the ball as hard as you
can and watch it land exactly where you wanted it to.
Do you think children should be encouraged to do more sport?
Yes, I think that sport is really important for children. Sports and games teach
children to play together and try their best.
PART 2
Describe a sport that you have learned. You should say:
• what sport it is
• when you learned it
• what you learned to do
and explain how you feel about this sport

Basketball is the sport which I have been interested in for a long time. Therefore, I
have taken up this sport recently.
Basketball is played by two teams of five members on a rectangular court, where the
players of each team try to shoot the ball through the rival’s hoop. As far as I know,
basketball is one of the most popular sports in the world. This is because of basket-
ball’s great benefits to our health, such as muscular development, height growth. Of
course, it’s also fast-moving and exciting.
Considering its huge advantages, I decided to take up this sport. Actually, I have
been learning it for three months at a sport center. Here, I am taking the beginner
course which provides me with basic skills to play basketball such as dribbling,
jumping and shooting. Also, I have many opportunities to practise these skills with
experienced basketball players, which helps to improve my game a lot.
As a final point, I would emphasize that in the near future, I hope that I will be able to
play basketball skillfully to improve my physical condition and really enjoy the sport
to the full.
PART 3
What sports are popular in your country?
Well, football tops the list of famous sports without a doubt. But what’s
amazing is, I suppose something called ‘dancesport’ comes close behind. In
the early mornings, dancesport enthusiasts gather in parks or public places
to practice. Dancesport has been spreading rapidly because it allows danc-
ers to improve physical fitness and mental well-being and it is suitable for
people of all ages, shapes, and sizes.
What are the benefits of playing a sport?
I believe engaging in sporting activities helps the players improve their physi-
cal and spiritual health. For example, dancing helps older people improve
89
their physical health and memory. The dancers have to count their steps and
remember the moves. In addition to that, playing sports brings us a chance
of enhancing our relationships with others when playing together.
How can sports bring people from different countries closer together?
Sports can play a role in bringing communities together in countless ways.
For example, sports break barriers and boundaries between cultures. No
matter who you are, what the colour of your skin is, as long as we enjoy the
same sport, we can understand fulfillment, hopes, or even disappointment
that sport brings us. Second, team sports encourage us to be willing to take
responsibility and value diversity. As a result, it can help establish more cohe-
sive, tolerant and inclusive communities.

90
TOPIC 20
FOOD & DIET

91
exotic foods: ẩm thực vùng miền, đặc sản
staple food: thực phẩm thường ngày
to simmer: sôi lăn tăn, vừa tới
nutritional benefits: lợi ích dinh dưỡng
balanced portion: tỉ lệ, thành phần cân đối
canned food: thực phẩm đóng hộp
easy to store: dễ bảo quản
cereals: ngũ cốc ăn sáng
seasonings: gia vị
fats: chất béo
nutrient: chất dinh dưỡng
to get obese: trở nên béo phì
health awareness: nhận thức về sức khỏe
addicting effect: hiệu ứng gây nghiện
to contain additives: có chứa phụ gia, chất bảo quản
to resist temptation: chống lại cám dỗ
health consciousness: ý thức giữ gìn sức khỏe
to gain weight: tăng cân
delicacy: tinh tế, hấp dẫn
organic food: thực phẩm hữu cơ
vegetarian food: đồ ăn chay
processed food: thực phẩm công nghiệp chế biến
junk food: đồ ăn vặt
to digest: tiêu hóa
to be full up: no căng bụng
to be starving hungry: đói cồn cào
to bolt something down: ăn rất nhanh
to be dying of hunger: chết đói đến nơi
to eat a balanced diet: có chế độ ăn cân đối
to eat like a horse: ăn rất nhiều
to follow a recipe: tuân theo công thức, hướng dẫn
a fussy eater: người ăn uống cầu kỳ
92
to grab a bite to eat: ăn vột vàng
to have a sweet tooth: hảo ngọt, thích ăn đồ ngọt
home-cooked food: đồ ăn tự nấu ở nhà
to make your mouth water: khiến bạn cảm thấy đói bụng, thèm ăn
to play with your food: không muốn ăn
to spoil your appetite: trở nên biếng ăn
to wine and dine: thiết đãi ai đó với đồ ăn và rượu
to work up an appetite: làm gì khiến bạn trở nên đói bụng, thèm ăn
IELTS Speaking Sample - Topic: Food and Diet
PART 1:
What kinds of food do you particularly like?
I’d have to say Asian cuisine is my favorite. I am a huge fan of the bold flavors and
spices used in Korean and Vietnamese dishes. Something I often daydream about
eating is X, which is a tip-smacking noodle soup dish served with a crab broth. It’s
every bit as delicious as it sounds.
Is there any food you don’t like?
It’s true that there are a few things that kind of put me off. For example, I cannot
stand Y, which is essentially a shrimp paste. A lot of people like it, though, but I
think it smells awful. Definitely not my cup of tea.
What kinds of food are most popular in your country?
I think street food is a staple around here. You can find bustling food stalls all
around our nation, and they are my go-tos for a cheap and cheerful meal. I mean
gourmet restaurants are nice and all, but street food is what our country is all
about.
Do you like cooking? (Why?/ Why not?)
I’d like to think that cooking is my forte. I developed a passion for culinary arts
when I first watched the cooking show Masterchef. Since then, I have learnt a lot of
recipes and I can easily whip up a good dinner.
PART 2
Describe your favourite food. You should say:
• What the food is
• How it is made
• and explain why it is your favourite food.

I’m going to talk about tuna salad, which is one of my favourite foods. Actually, I love
all kinds of salad, but if I had to choose one to talk about, I would choose this one.

93
There are various recipes for tuna salad. For example, some people who love
avocado would put it into their salad, while some would eat their salad with
chickpeas. I like it my way, so I’m going to tell you how I make my salad.
First, we need some lettuce, red tomatoes, red onions and cucumbers. Then, we
need to cut them into tiny pieces and put them in a bowl. Then, pour in some olive oil
and some vinegar, and add some seasoning. After that, mix them together and let
the mixture stand for about 15 minutes while we prepare the tuna.
For the tuna, I always have some canned tuna in my fridge. What I do is that I add the
fish to the mixing bowl I prepared earlier. Then, I mix them altogether. I usually add 3
tablespoons of mayonnaise and 2 tablespoons of chopped almonds because they
provide me with more protein.
It’s very simple to prepare a classic tuna salad, but it tastes so good. And it’s very
healthy because of the veggies you add to your salad. I often have it for breakfast
because I don’t have much time to prepare a big meal in the morning. Sometimes, I
eat it as a sandwich for lunch.
PART 3
Are there many vegetarians in your country?
Yes, they are. The number of people following vegetarianism has been increasing
recently. It is thought that old people or those following a religious, like Buddhism,
will be vegetarians; however, youngsters also join to vegetarian community because
of many reasons.
Why do you think some people choose to be vegetarians?
People become vegetarians for many reasons, including health, religious
convictions, concerns about animal welfare or the use of antibiotics and hormones
in livestock, or a desire to eat in a way that avoids excessive use of environmental
resources. Some people follow a largely vegetarian diet because they can’t afford to
eat meat. Vegetarianism has become more appealing and accessible, thanks to the
year-round availability of fresh produce, more vegetarian dining options, and the
growing culinary influence of cultures with largely plant-based diets.
Is the food that people eat today in your country different to the food that people
used to eat in the past? (if yes, in what ways has it changed?)
Personally, eating style of most people has changed recently. Significantly, food
hygiene is mentioned everyday in news. Therefore, people are very cautious when
they choose ingredients in reliable market/supermarket and cook properly. Those
fat-free or low-fat food and veggies are more preferred in daily meal compared to in
the past, choosing food were mostly based on interests.
How do you think the way we eat will change in the future?
Yes, I do. I think people nowadays pay more attention to healthy food because the
awareness of health has been raised among young and old people. Therefore, it will
be a remarkable innovation in food consumption in the future.
94
TOPIC 21
BOOKS & FILMS

95
an action movie: Phim hành động
to be engrossed in: Mải mê, chìm đắm trong…
bedtime reading: Sách đọc vào giờ đi ngủ
to be a big reader: Người đọc nhiều sách
to be based on: Được dựa trên…
a box office hit: Một bộ phim thu về nhiều lợi nhuận
to be heavy-going: Đọc thấy khó hiểu
a blockbuster: Phim bom tấn
to catch the latest movie: Xem bộ phim mới ra mắt
the main character: Nhân vật chính
a classic: Tác phẩm kinh điển
to come highly recommended: Được ai đó khen ngợi
couldn’t put it down: Không thể bỏ sách xuống (do quá hấp dẫn)
to flick through: xem qua cuốn sách
to get a good/bad review: Nhận được lời phê bình tốt/ xấu
to go on general release: (khi một bộ phim) được ra mắt khán giả
hardback: Sách bìa cứng
a historical novel: Tiểu thuyết lịch sử
a low budget film: Một bộ phim có kinh phí làm phim ít
on the big screen: Chiếu tại rạp
a page turner: Một cuốn sách bạn muốn đọc tiếp
paperback: Sách bìa mềm
plot: Kịch bản phim/ sách
to read something from cover to covert: Đọc sách từ đầu đến cuối
sci-fi: Khoa học viễn tưởng
the setting: Bối cảnh
soundtrack: Nhạc nền chop him
special effects: Hiệu ứng đặc biệt
to take out (a book from the library): Mượn một cuốn sách từ thư viện
to tell the story of: Kể lại câu chuyện về…
IELTS Speaking Sample - Topic: Books and Films

96
PART 1:
Do you enjoy reading?
Yes, absolutely! A great way to relax to learn something new is to peruse a book... I'm
so addicted to reading that sometimes I can't even fall asleep without an hour of
bedtime reading.
Do you like watching movies?
No, not really... If I have some free time, I'd rather read an interesting book... Books
leave us a lot of space for imagination, while in movies everything is spelled out for
us... That's why I find films boring.
What is the last book you read? And did you like it?
The last book I've read is "Theatre" written by William Somerset Maugham ... and I
absolutely enjoyed it! Maugham is my favourite writer of all time and I've read his
novel from cover to cover in 2 days... I was truly captivated by the characters and the
unravelling of the plot.
PART 2
Describe a book or a film that had a strong impact on you. You should say:
• What was it
• When you read or saw it
• How it influenced you
• And say if you liked it and why.

As a frequent moviegoer, I watch a multitude of films. One of the movies I’m much into is “One
day”, an American romantic drama movie. It is directed by Lone Scherfig based on a novel of
the same name. I watched this movie at least 3 times yet still love to watch over again.
The movie opens with a short scene of the day after their graduation on 14 July 1988 of two
main characters, Dexter Mayhew (Jim Surgess) and Emma Morley (Anne Hathaway). They
spent the night together but came up with an agreement to be just friends, and spent the
following day together, the 15th, St. Swithin’s day. However, they couldn’t keep the promise.
They went through different circumstances, troubles got married and lived apart from each
other until 2004, Emma and Dexter finally realized they were a perfect match and got engaged
and married. Unfortunately, despite many efforts, they have not yet had kids. On 15th July
2006, Emma had a car accident when she was crossing the street. Dexter became inconsol-
able and was particularly desolated each year on that day. The movie ends up with the scene
back to 1988 when they first met and promised to always be best friends.
This movie usually gets me burst into tears no matter how many times I’ve watched it. Not
only was the story itself so miserable but also the actor and actress outperformed the
ordinary. This movie also aimed to encourage people to appreciate the happiness and true
love from the ones who have always been there for them.
PART 3
Do you think (watching) films have (has) educational benefits?
Absolutely, I think. Take romantic films as an example, they can help educate people about the
97
value of love, honesty, and faithfulness. They can make the audience sympathize with other
people and respect what they have. Indead, films can teach people good virtues to become
better citizens through stories. Besides, in most high school and college courses, movies,
whether documentary or narrative, are a creative approach in teaching, helping students have
a brief idea about the history, social issues, or scientific experiments. History, for example,
indeed becomes more approachable and interesting in movies.
Why do you think documentary films are not so popular?
Personally, I think the foremost reason which makes documentary films are not as popular as
entertainment films is that documentaries require the audience to think critically about
current issues, b help them escape from the harsh realities of everyday life. For example, the
series of “Prison life – love in prison”, which describes the prison sex, is an educational and
emotional documentary that brings a different view of prisoners. Another reason is this kind
of movie aims to provide education and lack entertaining features compared to other kinds of
movies, therefore, it’s hard to reach a wide range of audience.
How are movies and real life different?
Life in movies is so much different than real life. In real life, there is no script and you will write
your own story day by day. Life is full of ups and downs, twists and turns. However, they both
inspire each other since real life is a great material for making movies.
Do men and women like to watch the same kinds of films?
It depends, I guess. It is thought that men like action movies with shocking and dangerous
scenes like Fast and Furious or sci-fi movies with imaginative, futuristic plots like Avatar while
most women prefer romantic movies or comedies with meaningful messages. It seems
logical; however, there are still many converse cases. Therefore, I think there is no boundaries
for preferences between men and women when it comes to films.
Do you like any particular film star? Why?
I like Emma Watson, a British actress, model and activist. She is famous for her first profes-
sional acting role as Hermione Granger in the Harry Potter film series. What I love about her is
that not only is she an outstanding actress with admirable personalities but also she is the
spiritual inspiration as the UN Women Goodwill Ambassador. My favorite quote is “I don’t
want the fear of failure to stop me from doing what I really care about”, encouraging me to
chase my dream despite many troubles ahead.

98
GLN English Center started off in 2008 as an assisting agent to Vietnamese who
aspire to study, work and travel abroad. The considerable growth of the company
commenced when customers were attracted to the center’s unique teaching
strategy. In 2013, after 5 years positioning as a top IELTS Center, with the purpose to
approach other market segments, JOLO English was set up as an affiliate and a new
brand name of GLN.
Focusing mainly on service core value, JOLO have been growing rapidly with 5
branches in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh city. GLN & JOLO now, is one of the most
highly-acclaimed IELTS Review Centers in Vietnam, providing reasonably rigid IELTS
training with its pool of about 100 highly qualified and experienced teachers.
Studying at GLN & JOLO, our students have the opportunity to work with the world's
IELTS Trainer experts. As a result, they will:
• Develop the 4 skills required for achieving high score in the IELTS test
• Become skillful in using the techniques for answering all kinds of questions in the
IELTS test
• Have the best strategy how to maximize the band score
• Increase the confidence to use English in both common and academic situations
• Get access to our online library and a wide range of up-to-date self-study materials

Please feel free to contact JOLOEnglish in case you need any support on IELTS
Exam informationi and IELTS Training Courses.