FILLER WORDS GRAMMAR STRUCTURE

1. Oh, Well, I mean, Like, kinda, 1. find + N + adj

well… 2. It is + adj + (for sb) + to V
2. Honestly speaking, To be frank, 3. So + adj/adv + that + S + V
In all honesty… such…that
3. What I’m trying to say is that, 4. Never do/did/have + S + V
I would have to say that 5. Not only + aux. verb + S, but +
What I meant (to say) was S + (to be) + also
4. N(phr) + which is the reason 6. No matter + Wh-word/How +
why, (noun clause)
5. It’s embarrassing to say that, / 7. Just because… doesn’t mean
As cheesy as it may sound that…
6. I’m proud to say that, 8. It is sb/st who + V + sb + O
7. It would be no exaggeration to ÔNG TA GIÚP TÔI → CHÍNH ÔNG TA
say that LÀ NGƯỜI GIÚP → CHÍNH TÔI là
8. I came to realize that người ÔNG TA GIÚP
9. I think/assume/suppose he helped me → không có nhấn
10. I would say that/I must admit mạnh
that it was he who helped me → nhấn
mạnh HE
it was me who he helped → nhấn
mạnh ME
It was yesterday when he helped me →
nhấn mạnh THỜI ĐIỂM

Speaking part 1
(1) 5W1H (QUAN TRỌNG NHẤT, CÁC TECHNIQUE KHÁC ĐỂ
THÊM THẮT THÔI)
● Direct answer
● Further information

Where How
When How many/much
Why How often
With whom/Who What

How do you get news everyday?

● Direct answer: My favorite source of news is a channel called
 Khoe Tu Nhien.
● Further information:
[WHERE] This channel belongs to Youtube
[WHEN] Since it is online, we can watch the news anytime we have
time
[WHY] I find the news shown here organized in a logical and
straightforward order; besides, the reporters always double check
carefully before they deliver the information

Ex: Have you ever been to an art gallery?

● [Yes] Yeah, ofc. I have been to many libraries in my city. Last
week, I visited a small one hidden in a small alley near the
Old Quarter of Hanoi with a friend of mine and we had a
wonderful time looking at some indie art pieces by
Vietnamese local artists.
● [No] Unfortunately, no because there isn’t any place like that in
my city. But maybe in the future, I will go to Hanoi and visit
some art exhibitions there. I know they have many
interesting ones.

Nếu câu còn ngắn → thêm concluding sentence

-> concluding sentence (emotion/thought)
Concluding sentence:
- Emotion
+ I find it interesting/intriguing when S + V
as to how + S + V
+ Whenever I feel excited/thrilled to bits, S + V
+ Whenever I feel down/am in a NOT so good mood, S + V
- Thought
+ All in all…
+ So,
+ Well, the bottom line is (nêu bài học)…

Ex: Do you like playing sports?

Absolutely/For one (direct ans), Surely, sports help me stay
(physically) fit and (mentally) alert (explain). Actually I used to
play football when I was a kid/back then/back in the days . For
now, I don't have that kind of time anymore ( add info - when).
 I think everybody should have a sport to play. It’s a good way to
maintain a healthy lifestyle. (thought).

Ex: Do you feel happy when buying new things?

Yes, I surely do (direct ans). Last month, I was finally able to
purchase my dream bag and now that I think about it, I still feel
over the moon (add info - when). I guess I just enjoy the sense
of reward that shopping brings about, it makes me feel SAtisfied
and proud at the same time. (thought & emotion)

(2) PIE structure: point -> illustration (examples or evidence) -

> explanation (example-led)
Do you use lots of technologies in your study?
Absolutely! Technology’s a game changer in how we study today.
(point) I mean, I’ve got all these e-books and online journals on my
phone and computer. It’s just so easy to (dummy subject-CN giả)
look up articles for my assignments or find that one quote I need to
make my point (illustration). And then there are these online forums
and study groups (illustration) - they’re a goldmine for getting new
ideas and perspectives. (exp)
Do you study best in the morning or in the afternoon?
Oh, I’m definitely a morning person (point). There’s something about
the quiet of the morning that helps me focus (exp). By the afternoon, I
start to run out of steam a bit, especially after a few intense classes. So
yeah, after I have breakfast, just simply give me a strong cup of coffee
in the morning, and I’m all set to go! (illustration)

Other approaches
1. Giving reasons/ Listing benefits (sử dụng cho câu hỏi về sở thích
“Do you like” hoặc lựa chọn “Do you prefer sth or sth?)

Sample Template

Question: Do you like watching films at home 1. I like/prefer doing sth because it
or at the cinema? offers me sth /helps me to V ………. I
Answer: I prefer watching films at home can ……… Plus/Moreover, I can also
because it offers a more relaxed and ……/ it’s adj to V
 comfortable environment. I can pause the Or you can tell about your feeling:
movie if I need a break, choose my own When I do sth, I feel
snacks, and watch in my pajamas. Plus, it's
more convenient to control the volume

2. Leading to the future (dùng để diễn đạt 1 việc mình chưa có cơ

hội làm hiện tại nhưng sẽ làm trong tương lai/ những thay đổi
trong tương lai)

Sample Template

Question 1: Do you often go to bed late? I often ……..because …….

Answer 1: I often go to bed late because I However, I know it’s not good for …..,
usually get busy with activities or work in the so I will ……
evening. However, I know it’s not good for my
health so I will try to kick this habit as soon as
possible.

Question 2: How will your city change in the In the future, sth will ……..
future? It will have more …… There will be
Answer 2: In the future, my city will change in more …… The city will become more
several ways. It will have more new buildings ……
and improved public transportation. There will
be more green spaces and efforts to reduce
pollution. The city will become more modern
and diverse as more people move here.
 3. Comparing to the past (kể chuyện đã xảy ra trong quá khứ/ kể
về những thay đổi so với quá khứ)

Sample Answer

Question 1: Do you often get sick? There was one time in past when I
Answer: I rarely fall ill. However, there was ……
one time in the past when I caught a bad cold When I was young/a kid, I used to ….
and had to stay in bed for a few days.

Question 2: Are there any changes in your Sth has seen a lot of/minor changes.
school recently? When I was …./ In the past, there were
Answer: My school has seen a lot of changes ….. But now, sth has VPII ……
in recent years. When I was in grade five,
there were fewer facilities and less modern
equipment. But now, the school has upgraded
its technology, added new classrooms, and
improved the library and recreational areas.

Speaking part 2

GRAMMAR STRUCTURE

1. find + N + adj (người + vật)

I find history lessons really interesting.
2. It is + adj + (for sb) + to V (vật)
It is really rewarding for me to help people out.
3. So + adj/adv + that + S + V
such…that
The film is so touching that I shed tears right in the cinema. (adj – tính chất,
đặc điểm)
She sings so beautifully that the whole audience paid their attention to her. (adv
- hành động, hoạt động, verb)

4. Never do/did/have + S + V
→ câu hỏi tần suất
Never have I gone to an art museaum before.
Never do I watch horror films.
5. Not only + aux. verb + S, but + S + (to be) + also + (v) …
*auxiliary verb - trợ động từ
- do/does
- am/is/are
- have/has
- will
Not only is she pretty, but she is also talented.
Not only does he play sport, but he also does housework.
6. No matter + Wh-word/How + (noun clause)
→ phàn nàn về cái trái ngược expectation của mình
No matter how hard I tried, I still failed the exam.
No matter what I did for him, he still betrayed me.
7. Just because… doesn’t mean that… (chỉ bởi vì… ko có nghĩa rằng là) →
comment về 1 cgi đó
Just because I made my parents feel disappointed this time doesn’t mean that I
would do so again.
8. It is sb/st who + V + sb + O
→ nhấn mạnh vai trò/sự qtrong của sb/st

ÔNG TA GIÚP TÔI → CHÍNH ÔNG TA LÀ NGƯỜI GIÚP → CHÍNH TÔI là

người ÔNG TA GIÚP
he helped me → không có nhấn mạnh
it was he who helped me → nhấn mạnh HE
it was me who he helped → nhấn mạnh ME
It was yesterday when he helped me → nhấn mạnh THỜI ĐIỂM

Grammar:
1 câu bị động
1 câu QKHT
- chưa từng làm j đó (had never experienced…)
- by the time I was a kid, I had + V-pp
1 câu QKTD
- At that time
Ex: At that time, my school was organizing an English competition, and classes
were all required to prepare a performance.
- While S + V, S + V
1 câu wish
1 câu gián tiếp - internal monologue/dialogue
1 câu điều kiện
- đk ko có thật trong QK: If I had had a chance, I would have Vpp
1 câu even though

Storytelling phrases:
OUTLINE
TECHNIQUES
The S-T-E-A-L technique: “Setting, Thoughts, Emotions,
Actions, Lessons”

● Formula: Setting, Thoughts, Emotions, Actions, Lessons

● Effective Advice:

- Setting: describe WHERE & WHEN the event took place.

It was a crisp autumn evening in the city park…
- Thoughts: Share your initial thoughts or reactions
At first, I was kinda in between about attending the event…
___________________
AT FIRST/INITIALLY, I THOUGHT/WAS UNDER THE IMPRESSION
THAT + S + V (CHÊ) - BORING / TEDIOUS / MONOTONOUS /
UNFRIENDLY …. SIMPLY BECAUSE …
→ BUT THEN, I CAME TO REALIZE THAT + KHEN …
IT TURNS OUT THAT S + V (KHEN THÌ GÌ CŨNG ĐƯỢC)

- Emotions: Describe the emotions you felt throughout (find st

adj; it is adj…)

- Actions: Describe the actions taken during the event

I participated in various activities, met new people, and even
gave a speech

- Lessons: Conclude with the lessons learned

In the end, I realized the importance of stepping out of my
comfort zone…
[reflect – trải qua biến cố] bắt đầu dịu đi → thêm proverb (tục ngữ):
you know what they say: “When things look black, there's always a
silver lining.”
[resolution] It was time to
Isn’t it true that, at the end of the day…
[resolution] It was time to/Isn’t it true that, at the end of the
day…
[resolution] It was SB/ST WHO/THAT taught me …, thanks to
 which, I know to... So yeah, I’ve really learnt it that way

Speaking part 3

Ở cuối mỗi câu trả lời, nên có 1 concluding sentence:

(reasons) All in all, those are the reasons why…
(how
GPEC (general answer - point - expansion - contrast)

“What are the qualities of an athlete”

Trong general answer, vẫn sẽ nói: Ok theo tôi thấy thì athletes cần có 1 vài cái characteristics
(general answer). Và CÁI QUAN TRỌNG NHẤT TRONG SỐ ĐÓ LÀ + idea duy nhất mình có (point)
+ triển khai idea đó (expansion + contrast)

→ Well, athletes in my mind really need a few characteristics. The most important thing
of which is maintaining good health and fitness. I mean, they have to follow a strict diet
and also a carefully arranged timetable, that’s why some national football teams need a
nutritionist and many have their own private one too. Plus, this is also pretty good for
them to be in the best mood before matches. So, yeah, having good health could really
boost players up.

Và chỉ cần nói 1 idea như z, k cần thêm idea thứ 2 mà k bị nghe như bị thiếu idea nên phải làm z

“Why can’t some people save money?”

general → point → explain → contrast/compare

G - general Đưa ra câu trả lời chung I think this can be attributed to a host of reasons
answer chung cho đề bài
(optional)

P1 - point 1 Đưa ra ý đầu tiên (For one, For one, some people can’t save money because
The first thing is, One they have a very low income.
reason is that)

E1 - explain 1 Đưa ra lý do, diễn giải, ví [why] I mean, these people often struggle to pay
dụ để làm P1 rõ nghĩa hơn for their basic needs such as accommodation or
(I mean, What I’m trying to food, [link back to the question] which leaves
say is that) them little to no money for savings.

P2 - point 2 Đưa ra ý thứ hai (For For another, some people are simply not good at
another, What’s more, On financial management.
top of that)

E2 - explain 2 Đưa ra lý do, diễn giải, ví [example] It is not uncommon to see that many
dụ để làm P2 rõ nghĩa h. young people often splurge on expensive items,
ơn even though they don’t really need them. [link
back to the question] And eventually they have
no money left to set aside.
MULTIPLE ASPECTS:
individual level → household → societal → economical → environmental
VD 1 đề spe p3: Should school make education free for all students?

Is it easy for people to stay healthy?

=> it depends
+ với người có khả năng về tài chính => dễ: vì họ chi trả dc cho medical care, các dịch vụ sức khoẻ và ăn
nhiều món ăn healthy theo chế độ dinh dưỡng
+ với người khả năng tài chính k ổn định => có thể khó hơn: vì nh người k đủ tiền afford medical care hoặc
đi trị bệnh + sống trong môi trường k tốt cho sức khoẻ: không vệ sinh + nguồn nước bẩn. Ngoài ra, nh người
sẽ ăn fastfood (vì rẻ)

CÁC DẠNG CÂU HỎI TRONG SPEAKING PART 3:

- Describe: How do families in your country celebrate weddings?
- Outline: What are the ways in which a family celebrates the birth of a baby?
- Compare: What are the differences between the ways young people and older
people celebrate birthdays?
- Explain: Why do some people feel the success of their favorite team is so
important?
- Agree/Disagree: Do you think most people feel very proud when someone
from their country achieves international sporting success?
- Consider: Is it more satisfying for players to win in a team sport or an
individual one?
- Suggest: How can schools / colleges prepare students for working life?
 - Identify: What difficulties can people have when they start their first job?

EXPRESSION:
1. MULTIPLE ASPECTS (DEPEND)
It depends on where you look at this matter really. If you are talking about...

It’s really conditional upon where you’re looking at this matter. If you are talking
about... and if you are talking about... it might be a complete different story.

Whether ... is still a moot point really. Some people say that... but it also makes a
lot of sense to think that... personally speaking...

I’m not sure what my take on this is. Of course, I know/acknowledge that... but it
might not be the case if you factor in the fact that...

It varies from person to person/ country to country/ religion to religion...

It varies much more significantly on an individual level rather than on a gender level.

I’m in two minds about whether ... I mean, of course you can say that..., but you also
need to factor in the fact that...

I think I’m on the fence about this. I mean, of course you can say that..., but you also
need to factor in the fact that...

If I’m to level with you, I’m not sure what my take on this is. On the one hand, I
understand where those who think that... are coming from. I mean they may think
that..., but anyone with any sense would also agree that...

2. MULTIPLE ASPECTS (DIFFERENT ASPECTS IN THE DISCUSSION CLOCK)

In terms of the economy, investing in developing tourism makes sense... As for the
environment, there could be significant problems... On a societal level, ...
Theoretically speaking, investing in space exploration can ensure the survival of the
human race. In practical terms, it is very unlikely, nay impossible, that we can move
a large number of people, along with necessary animals and plants to another planet.
Physically, leading a sedentary lifestyle is conducive to problems like obesity and
cardiovascular diseases. Mentally, those who are inactive are prone to psychological
problems like anxiety, mood swing and depression.
Looking at this from a purely financial perspective / on a financial level /
From an economic perspective, it doesn't make sense to close tobacco factories.
But on a societal level, …
Particularly amongst younger people, life revolves around social media. But old
people, on the other hand, do not seem to take much interest in what's going on
online.
From a migrant’s perspective, it seems incredibly unfair... But if you are looking at
this matter from a native's vantage point, ....
As far as teachers are concerned, giving students homework makes sense... / Of
course, children may think otherwise, saying that...
From a parent’s point of view, mandating uniforms is beneficial in the sense
that ... / Children, on the other hand though, may insist that...
 Personally speaking, if it was for me to decide, I would ban smoking in a heartbeat.
Speaking for myself, I would never give advice to somebody unless I have gathered
enough information about their situation.
3. COUNTER → CONCESSION → REFUTATION
🧩 TEMPLATE 1 — “Classic Balanced” (rõ ràng – logic
– dùng cho mọi đề)
Structure:
[Counter] Some people believe that …
[Concession] To be fair, that makes sense because …
[Refutation] But I’d say that …, since …
Example:
Some people believe that studying abroad is always better. To be fair, it gives you
more exposure and independence. But I’d say that it’s not for everyone — it can be
financially draining and emotionally tough.
Practice Question:
👉 Do you think studying overseas is better than studying in your home country?
➡️Gợi ý mở bài: “Some people believe that studying abroad is always better, but …”
🧩 TEMPLATE 2 — “Conversational Flip” (tone tự
nhiên, thân mật)
Structure:
[Counter] Well, I get why people say that …
[Concession] Yeah, it’s kinda true in some cases because …
[Refutation] But honestly, that’s only half the story. In reality, …
Example:
Well, I get why people say that social media makes us antisocial. Yeah, it’s kinda
true because we spend too much time on our phones. But honestly, that’s only half
the story — we also use it to stay in touch and meet people we might never see
otherwise.
Practice Question:
👉 Does social media have a negative impact on relationships?
➡️ Gợi ý mở bài: “Well, I get why people say that social media makes people more
distant, but honestly, …”
🧩 TEMPLATE 3 — “Academic Modulation” (formal
hơn, hợp chủ đề học thuật)
Structure:
[Counter] It’s often argued that …
[Concession] Admittedly, this view has its merits, especially when …
[Refutation] Nevertheless, such a perspective fails to consider that …
Example:
It’s often argued that online learning lacks interaction. Admittedly, this view has
its merits, especially for younger learners who need supervision. Nevertheless, such
a perspective fails to consider that digital tools now offer real-time collaboration
and engagement.
Practice Question:
👉 Do you think online education can replace traditional classrooms?
➡️Gợi ý mở bài: “It’s often argued that online learning lacks real communication, but
…”
🧩 TEMPLATE 4 — “Empathetic Turnaround” (mềm
mại – giàu cảm xúc)
Structure:
[Counter] I can totally see why some people feel that …
[Concession] It’s a fair point actually because …
[Refutation] Still, from my own experience, I’ve found that …
Example:
I can totally see why some people feel that money can’t buy happiness. It’s a fair
point because emotions aren’t for sale. Still, from my own experience, financial
stability does make life less stressful and gives you freedom to focus on what matters.
Practice Question:
👉 Do you agree that money cannot bring happiness?
➡️ Gợi ý mở bài: “ I can totally see why some people feel that money can’t buy
happiness, but …”
🧩 TEMPLATE 5 — “Devil’s Advocate” (đảo lập luận
khéo – tone confident)
Structure:
[Counter] People often say that …, and I used to believe that too.
[Concession] But the more I think about it, the more I realize that …
[Refutation] Because in reality, …
Example:
People often say that older generations were more hard-working, and I used to
believe that too. But the more I think about it, the more I realize that young
people today work just as hard — they just do it differently, in a digital world. Because
in reality, their work now involves creativity, multitasking, and constant adaptation.
Practice Question:
👉 Do you think young people today work as hard as those in the past?
➡️Gợi ý mở bài: “People often say that the younger generation has it easy, but …”
🧩 TEMPLATE 6 — “Two-sided Mirror” (dạng so sánh
đối chiếu – neutral-smart tone)
Structure:
[Counter] On one hand, you could say that … because …
[Concession] On the other hand, though, …
[Refutation] Personally, I lean more towards …, mainly because …
Example:
On one hand, you could say that competition in schools pushes students to excel
because it builds discipline. On the other hand, though, too much pressure can hurt
their mental health. Personally, I lean more towards a balanced approach where
competition exists but doesn’t dominate.
Practice Question:
👉 Do you think competition is good for students?
➡️Gợi ý mở bài: “On one hand, you could say that competition motivates students,
but on the other hand, …”
 *HOW to tackle different aspects

EXAMPLE-LED
REASON-LED
- CRITICAL THINKING SITUATIONAL
COMPARISON

- COUNTER-ARGUMENT MODERATION
PROS & CONS

IMPORTANCE
- POV
- Two/Multi-sided issues
- A particular perspective
GPEC (general answer - point - expansion - contrast)

“What are the qualities of an athlete?”

Trong general answer, vẫn sẽ nói: Ok theo tôi thấy thì athletes cần có 1 vài cái characteristics
(general answer). Và CÁI QUAN TRỌNG NHẤT TRONG SỐ ĐÓ LÀ + idea duy nhất mình có (point)
+ triển khai idea đó (expansion + contrast)

→ Well, athletes in my mind really need a few characteristics. The most important thing
of which is maintaining good health and fitness. I mean, they have to follow a strict diet
and also a carefully arranged timetable, that’s why some national football teams need a
nutritionist and many have their own private one too. Plus, this is also pretty good for
them to be in the best mood before matches. So, yeah, having good health could really
boost players up.

Và chỉ cần nói 1 idea như z, k cần thêm idea thứ 2 mà k bị nghe như bị thiếu idea nên phải làm z

“Why can’t some people save money?”

general → point → explain → contrast/compare

G - general Đưa ra câu trả lời chung chung I think this can be attributed to a
answer cho đề bài host of reasons

P1 - point 1 Đưa ra ý đầu tiên (For one, For one, some people can’t save
The first thing is, One reason money because they have a very low
is that) income.

E1 - explain 1 Đưa ra lý do, diễn giải, ví dụ [why] I mean, these people often
để làm P1 rõ nghĩa hơn (I struggle to pay for their basic needs
mean, What I’m trying to say such as accommodation or food,
is that) [link back to the question] which
leaves them little to no money for
savings.

P2 - point 2 Đưa ra ý thứ hai (For another, For another, some people are simply
What’s more, On top of that) not good at financial management.

E2 - explain 2 Đưa ra lý do, diễn giải, ví dụ [example] It is not uncommon to

để làm P2 rõ nghĩa h. ơn see that many young people often
splurge on expensive items, even
though they don’t really need them.
[link back to the question] And
eventually they have no money left to
set aside.
Do you think that robots can help in modern medicine?
 For sure, I mean, robots are arguably more precise than human doctors, so if a robot removes a
tumor in someone's brain, this is safer. So when it comes to surgical procedures, robots will play an
increasingly important role.
Are there other ways robots can help?
Of course, besides the advantage of higher levels of precision, robots can help with taking care of
older people in geriatric homes. I mean, in nations like Japan, where healthcare workers are lacking,
inventing robots to help in those places is a must.
Cấu trúc logic:
Direct answer → Reason → Example → Result / Implication

Cụ thể trong đoạn:

- Direct answer: “For sure, I mean, robots are arguably more precise than human doctors.”
- Reason: “...if a robot removes a tumor in someone's brain, this is safer.”
- Result / Prediction: “So when it comes to surgical procedures, robots will play an increasingly
important role.”

#01: MULTIPLE ASPECTS:

individual level → household → societal → economical →
environmental
VD 1 đề spe p3: Should school make education free for all students?
● Individual level (góc độ cá nhân) ⇒ nên vì sẽ giúp nhiều người được tiếp cận giáo dục hơn ⇒
từ đó nâng cao kiến thức kĩ năng ⇒ giúp mn tăng cơ hội tìm kiếm công việc tốt

● Household (góc độ gia đình) ⇒ nên vì có thể giảm bớt nỗi lo tài chính ⇒ có dư tiền chi trả cho
các lĩnh vực khác trong cuộc sống

● Societal level (góc độ xã hội) ⇒ nên vì giúp tạo ra nguồn nhân lực được đào tạo tốt hơn ⇒
giúp tăng năng suất + tạo ra innovation ⇒ phát triển nền kinh tế

● Economical (góc độ kinh tế) ⇒ không nên vì sẽ đặt gánh nặng lớn lên ngân sách chính phủ ⇒
làm mất cân bằng chi tiêu chính phủ
DISCUSSION CLOCK
● Personal

● Psychological

● Religious

● Scientific

● Artistic
 ● Economic

● Educational

● Social

● Political

● Moral

● Historical

● Geographical
Is it easy for people to stay healthy?
=> it depends
+ với người có khả năng về tài chính => dễ: vì họ chi trả dc cho medical care, các dịch vụ sức khoẻ và
ăn nhiều món ăn healthy theo chế độ dinh dưỡng
+ với người khả năng tài chính k ổn định => có thể khó hơn: vì nh người k đủ tiền afford medical care
hoặc đi trị bệnh + sống trong môi trường k tốt cho sức khoẻ: không vệ sinh + nguồn nước bẩn. Ngoài
ra, nh người sẽ ăn fastfood (vì rẻ)

What should people do to be healthy?

Well, in order to have a healthy mind and body, there are a few things that you need to do. It goes to
show that you need to have good relationships with your friends, co-workers and family members. This
helps you avoid mental problems. And if you want to have a healthy body, it's a no-brainer that you have
to do exercise on a regular basis, get enough sleep and eat healthily. And, btw, I read an article the
other day and it says that salubrious diets can do wonders for your memory too, which I guess can help
you feel better and boost your well-being in some way.
Do you think that robots can help in modern medicine?
→ Hướng: Explain → Multiple aspects (technical, ethical, economic) → Concession–Refute
Refined (Band 8.5–9):
Well, I’d say yes, but with some reservations. Robots are undeniably more precise than human doctors,
especially in delicate surgeries like removing brain tumors or repairing tiny blood vessels — in those
cases, a small slip could cost a life. So from a technical standpoint, they clearly enhance accuracy and
safety. That said, some people worry that overreliance on machines could make medicine less humane
and more profit-driven, which is a fair concern. Still, I think if used responsibly — under human
supervision and with strict ethical standards — robots can complement doctors rather than replace them,
making healthcare both safer and more efficient.
Are there other ways robots can help?
→ Hướng: Outline → Multiple aspects (social, economic, emotional) → “others’ view
→ my stance”
Refined (Band 8.5–9):
Of course, robots can assist far beyond the operating room. In many aging societies like Japan,
where there’s a shortage of healthcare staff, they’re already being used to look after the elderly
— helping them move around or reminding them to take medicine. That’s the social and
economic angle, since it eases the burden on both families and hospitals. Some critics argue
that such reliance might make care feel less personal, but honestly, I think that’s a bit
overstated. Emotional warmth doesn’t have to disappear; it just needs to be built into how we
use technology — for example, designing robots that can recognize emotions or respond with
empathy. So, if applied wisely, robots could improve not just efficiency, but also people’s quality
of life.

others’ opinion(s) → personal opinion(s)

What do you think about the role of acupuncture in modern medicine?

Well, whether acupuncture has a role to play in today's world is a moot point really.
Some scientists claim that such a practice is pseudo-science and it's true that its curative
nature is still under scrutiny. I guess, it's important that more research be done to learn
more about acupuncture. But at the same time, it's unwise to jump to the conclusion
that it's not effective because it has worked in so many cases before. In Asian culture,
we have this belief that your body is like a yin and yang, so if it is blocked in some way,
causing health problems, you can use acupuncture to revert the flow of blood and
energy in your body back to normal. So ya.

#02: Tư duy Incentive - Ability - Obligation

● Incentive: nhu cầu, mong muốn, nỗi sợ
VD: I buy ice cream because I want to eat it.
● Ability: có k/n về tài chính, sức lực, thời gian…
VD: I buy ice cream because I have enough money.
● Obligation: trách nhiệm phải làm
VD: The government has the responsibility to protect their citizens’
right.
Why do people rarely use cash now?
=> incentive (demand, want, fear): vì nó khá tiện + giảm bớt các nỗi lo về sự an
toàn (safety issues)
How to make people protect the environment?
=> tạo incentive: cung cấp giáo dục để nâng cao nhận thức của họ về vấn đề bảo
vệ môi trường (vd thông qua phương tiện truyền thông hay đầu tư vào các dự án
phi lợi nhuận về môi trường)
=> obligation: đưa ra laws để phạt công ty + cá nhân có hành vi gây hại tới môi
trường
Why some people can't save money
=> incentive: họ k kiểm soát dc chi tiêu và luôn muốn mua những đồ vượt ngoài
budget của mình
=> ability (khả năng: tiền, nhân lực, thời gian): vì đơn giản là họ không có tiền
 Is it a good thing if scientists could find a Is it a good thing if scientists could find a
way to stop people from getting old? way to stop people from getting old?
Yes, it’s definitely a good thing. I mean, if scientists Well, I’m in two minds about this. I mean, it makes
could really do so, people could live much longer, sense that the idea of finding out a way to stop people
maintain their good health and have more time with from getting old might be great, given the fact that
their beloved … people can live much longer while still maintaining good
health and their youthful appearance. However, it’s also
sensible that this might not be a good idea, simply
because it has consequences. For example, as people
live longer and do not get old, overpopulation will
certainly happen. This would lead to housing shortage
and the depletion of natural resources as the demand
for such things increases to accommodate a greater
number of people. So yeah, I’m not sure whether it’s a
good thing or not.
 *Strategies
(1) Give examples (personal examples) [SPEAKING]
Lesson 1
1: answer directly
2-3: explain
4-5: examples
1. What kind of advice do parents often give to their children?
→ I believe that parents often provide their offspring with advice related to career orientation
(TOPIC SENTENCE). I mean, as grown-ups, parents often have a more profound insight into this
society, what is trendy and what is not. Even if they are not so knowledgeable, their life experience is
still enough for them to be an advice giver after taking into consideration the pros and cons of a
certain occupation choice. Like my father, when I was in two minds whether or not to apply for
the pedagogy university, it was he who advised me to do so although he’s nowhere near an
experienced career consultant. Thanks to this, I chose to pursue this teaching career and now I find
myself so comfortable doing this job that I’m not gonna jump elsewhere.
CÓ HAY KHÔNG …. (CÂU CHỦ ĐỀ) → I find it challenging for them to acquire new skills
1-2: VÌ SAO?
- their memory is no longer as good as it used to be in the past
3-4: CHO VÍ DỤ?
- Like my grandpa, who is facing many troubles learning how to use a cell phone –
- can’t remember the instructions no matter how many times I told him …
HẠ GIỌNG – BIẾT TỰ END CÂU TRẢ LỜI TRƯỚC KHI BÍ IDEA
2. Is it now harder or easier for people to seek advice compared to the past?
→ Well, I find it much less challenging to seek advice than it used to be . Thanks to the advent of the
internet and powerful search engines, people can easily find out what to do with only a click of the
mouse. This wasn’t the case many years ago when it took them ages to search for helpful advice
through books, documents or someone that they found trustworthy. Like me, when I was as young
as a twelfth grader, I had no idea what major in college to pursue after graduating from high school
but didn’t know any experts to turn to for advice. However, most young people now are able to access
the internet, so it’s much easier for them to gain necessary information which can be used to make
decent career decisions.
3. Why are some young people unwilling to follow their parents’ advice?
→ I’m not a hundred percent certain about this, but I guess that their unwillingness to
follow what their parents advise them to do may result from the so-called “Generation
gap” that is increasingly common in today’s society. The bigger the gap between their
age and that of their mother or father is, the less likely for them all to sympathize with
each other or to put themselves in the other’s shoes. This is precisely what once
happened in my family as my little brother refused to become a teacher as wished by his parents,
who are mine, too. In this case, I think the culprit behind such a disagreement lies in how different
the two generations are from one another, which compromises their acceptance of the opposing
viewpoint.
4. What skills do students need to master?
→ Well, students really need a wide range of skills. Firstly, they should have a knack for critical
thinking which can be incredibly useful for their writing in college or university. Additionally, being able
to think outside the box and come up with innovative ideas is necessary. I mean, this can help them to
embrace challenges without skipping a beat. By honing these skills, not only are students setting
themselves up for success academically but also preparing for the fast-paced demands of the
professional world.
5. What can students do to learn more helpful skills?
To acquire more beneficial skills, students can adopt several proactive approaches. Firstly, they should
step out of their traditional learning methods. I mean, exploring online courses or workshops can help
them come up with new ideas. Plus, engaging in extracurricular activities such as student clubs or
volunteering not only enhances their interpersonal skills but also provides real-world experiences.
Believe it or not, those tips really helped me to improve my skills and also to have better networking.
6. Do people have time for themselves nowadays?
Nowadays, it seems like everyone is constantly on the go, dealing with work, studies, and families.
Finding time for oneself has become a really minimal part. People are often burning the candle at both
ends, trying to keep up with the demands of modern life. However, it's crucial to spend some me time
to escape the hustle and bustle. It's all about maintaining a balance between work and personal well-
being

7. Do older people spend much time on social media?

Well, it depends. Some retirees are catching up with the times, scrolling through feeds to keep up with
their grandchildren's adventures or reconnecting with old buddies. However, many still prefer good
old-fashioned face-to-face chats over coffee or gatherings with the neighbors. For some, it's a window
into the world beyond their doorstep, while others stick to more traditional means of staying
connected. It's all about finding their preferences
8. What should parents and children do when spending time with one another?
When it comes to quality time between parents and children, it's all about striking the right balance
between bonding and making memories. Firstly, having family time is key. Whether it's a weekend
getaway or a cozy movie night at home, these moments create lasting bonds. Additionally, getting
 involved in shared activities like cooking together, or even doing DIY things together really strengthens
bonds.

(2) WITHOUT (nếu k có thì sao)

- 1: answer directly
- 2-3: explain for 1
- 4-5: if not, what happens then
+ for the better
+ for the worse
Do you think people now can learn helpful skills more easily than in the past?
Yes, I guess.
Thanks to the ADVANCEMENT (1) of the internet, social media and tech gadgets like cell phones,
people are now able to access ___ (2) nearly everything that is known to humankind. They can be
given information as to where the skill they desire to master is taught or how to find a shortcut to
getting the hang of __IT_ (3).

Back in the day when technology and science had yet to __BE INVENTED/DEVISED_ (4), it was much
more challenging for everyone to learn something new, _LET__ (5) alone any helpful skills. Without
technological revolution and scientific breakthroughs, people’d have to TURN/FLIP (6) every single
page in thick books or sit all day in libraries like decades ago.
→ WITHOUT THIS (IF) ⇒ WOULD/COULD

(3) Suggestion
+ 1: direct answer
+ 2-3: explain
+ 4-5: a relevant/irrelevant suggestion
1. Is it hard for old people to learn new skills?
PHẦN 1: TRẢ LỜI TRỰC DIỆN
PHẦN 2: GIẢI THÍCH CHO CÂU 1 (CỠ 2 CÂU)
PHẦN 3: ĐƯA SUGGESTION
Yes, it is particularly challenging for THE (1) elderly to acquire a new skill.
Scientifically speaking, they are highly __SUSCEPTIBLE / PRONE_ (2) to amnesia due to the aging
process, or some of them may even develop Alzheimer’s, a condition __WHICH_ (3) causes them to
forget everything they’ve experienced. This is responsible for their inability to BEAR/KEEP (4) in mind
what they’ve been taught, from highly sophisticated skills like linguistics to simpler ones like using a
cell phone.
That’s why I __FIND_ (5) it is important to pay extra patience and calm whenever instructing the old
anything new. Sometimes, _THERE__ (6) should also be constantly repeated guidance to maximize
their retention in learning.

→ Why do some people have better memory?

1. From whom can children learn more, parents or grandparents?
Children have the wonderful opportunity to learn valuable lessons from both parents and
grandparents. Parents are like the guide, providing guidance and setting boundaries that shape a
child's character. They are often the first teachers, bringing life skills such as resilience and the
importance of hard work. On the other hand, grandparents offer a treasure trove of stories and
traditions passed down through generations. They have ‘'old school' minds that can't be found in
textbooks
2. What kind of help do you think older people need?
Well, kinda difficult for me to answer. But to my mind, older people need both mental and physical
aspects. For one, some people might have issues with their health, so you see, they really need care
from their family members. There are such alert problems like heart attack, so they really need
supervision, right?. For another, given their children’s hectic schedule many may find it very lonely in
their own house, so having lunch or dinner together is really important.
3. What can children learn from their parents or grandparents?
Children have the wonderful opportunity to learn valuable lessons from both parents and
grandparents. Parents are like the guide, providing guidance and setting boundaries that shape a
child's character. They are often the first teachers, bringing life skills such as resilience and the
importance of hard work. On the other hand, grandparents offer a treasure trove of stories and
traditions passed down through generations. They have ‘'old school' minds that can't be found in
textbooks

(4) Counter-argument
+ 1: topic sentence
 + 2-3: explain
+ 4-5: counter-argument
Is it necessary for employers to choose only people with lots of experience and skills?
No.
Those having a lot of experience and skills tend to seek ___ (1) a job offering them high earnings or
sometimes exceeding the company’s payment capacity. Some of _THEM__ (2) even show signs of
arrogance, expect to hold backbone positions in the company or easily develop job dissatisfaction
and, in the worst scenario, end _UP_ (3) as job hoppers. (HOP / HOPE)
Many may claim that the more competent applicants they choose for the vacancy, the _HIGHER__
(4) productivity would be yielded, but I disagree. Just _BECAUSE__ (5) they possess such qualities
doesn’t mean they can blend in or work well with others as a team, _WHICH__ (6) is in fact key to
the fruitfulness of most organizations.
• Is it easy for people to stay healthy?
Paradoxically, no. I know that with the advent of modern technologies and the availability of food,
it should be easy, or even almost effortless, for people to be healthy. But, it doesn’t seem to be
the case. The abuse of technologies like mobile phones means that people now are becoming
increasingly sedentary. So they tend to stay indoors, and spend time glued to a tiny screen rather
than going outside and getting exercise. And you know what, this is made worse by the
overconsumption of fast food, or "junk" food, if you will.
 (5) It depends
[SPEAKING] Lesson 2
câu 1: câu trả lời
câu 2: trường hợp 1 → support thêm 1 câu (câu 3)
câu 4: trường hợp 2 → support thêm 1 câu (câu 5) → hạ
giọng

1. Do young people in your country like to wear expensive clothing?

It kinda depends on each person’s financial capacity . I mean, those who are only able to make
ends meet are not often seen buying anything exceeding their tight budget. Instead, they tend to
prefer clothing sold at an affordable price and able to stand the test of time. On the other hand,
I know many of my friends, especially those from the upper class, would never touch anything that
is mass-produced or not designer clothes. They literally derive their happiness and comfort from
the luxurious items they put on, you know, as a way to emphasize their personal wealth.
 2. What should customers do when feeling negative about a product they have
bought?
I think it depends on how much that product costs . You know, if its price is astronomical, I find it
particularly important to officially lodge a complaint to indicate how disappointing our shopping
experience is and what we require to have as a compensation. Only doing this will make the shop
owners take our matter into serious consideration, I guess. By contrast, it would be unnecessary if
what we’ve bought is just a little cup of coffee from a pavement cafe or something so trivial, it’s
simply not worth our efforts. The only thing we should do is just never return there.
3. Is it better to make a complaint through emails, phone calls, or in person?
It’s pretty hard to say for sure, as it depends on many factors. In case the shop we wanna
complain about is just within walking distance, it’s best to directly go there and tell them what has
disappointed us. This is more time-saving than sending an email or making a phone call. However,
if it’s too far, these two methods turn out better. Not only is it highly convenient since we don’t
have to bother paying another visit there, but our complaint also looks more professional. This is
precisely what I, as a lazy person, often do when having some frustrating shopping experiences.
4. Is it easy for young people to run their own business?
Well, it really depends, you know. For some, it can be really easy given their family support and
their natural talent. Believe it or not, my friend has already run a clothes shop which is really
successful because his family all instruct him about how to do it, and also business is in his blood.
But for another, their finances can be an obstacle for them, so they just put their dream aside to
make a living first.
5. Do you think women can be good leaders in a business?
Oh, I don’t think that good leaders depend on genders, it’s literally based on their talents and their
leadership also. Believe it or not, many men can’t even be leaders because of their lack of skills.
There are some women that I know are really good managers, take one of my neighbors for
example, she’s absolutely a successful woman, running her company so well.
6. Should businesses employ people without any experience?
Well, it’s hard to say you know. For some, they just hire employees and then give training, so
experience may not be essential, they just need qualifications. But if you want to apply for high
positions, experience is really important. So I think people can apply for internship or clubs, which
may not have any requirements at all, it’s kinda suitable for university students.
 7. What kind of clothing is popular in your country?
Well, in Vietnam, traditional ao dai remains popular. It's not just a piece of clothing but a cultural
icon, worn on special occasions like Tet celebrations. You'll often see people wearing ao dai with
designs and vibrant colors. Besides that, street fashion has taken off big time. People are all about
catching the latest trends. It's like a fashion jungle out there, where you can find everything from
traditional to modern clothes.
8. How often do people in Vietnam go shopping?
Well, shopping in Vietnam is quite a big deal! It's not just about buying things; it's a way of life.
People here love to go to the markets and malls regularly. You'll often see them shopping on
weekends, hunting for bargains or treating themselves to the latest fashion trends. People are
constantly on the lookout for good deals and sales. It's not uncommon to hear someone say
they're 'window shopping' but end up buying something.
9. Is it negative or positive when some people only prefer clothing from
international brands?
Well, I think it can be seen from both perspectives. On the one hand, opting for international
brands can be viewed positively because they often represent quality. People might feel more
confident and fashionable wearing well-known brands like Nike or Gucci. Plus, these brands often
offer a wide range of styles that appeal to different tastes. However, on the flip side, some might
overlook traditional clothing that holds cultural significance. It's important to appreciate diversity in
fashion and not just follow global trends blindly.

(6) Compare

[SPEAKING] Lesson 3[SPEAKING] Lesson 4

Cách 1:
- Both - in equal measure (1)
- praise A (2-3)
- praise B (4-5)
Cách 2:
- B > A (1)
- (2-3) criticize A
- (4-5) B > A
- (2-3) praise B
- (4-5) critize A
Cách 3:
 - Direct Answer → Side A → Side B (1 - Direct Answer → Category 1 (Side A
idea) and B) → Category 2 (Side A and B)
𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐝𝐢𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐬 𝐛𝐞𝐭𝐰𝐞𝐞𝐧 (2 ideas)
𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐠 𝐩𝐞𝐨𝐩𝐥𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐨𝐥𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐝𝐢𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐬 𝐛𝐞𝐭𝐰𝐞𝐞𝐧
𝐩𝐞𝐨𝐩𝐥𝐞 𝐜𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐛𝐢𝐫𝐭𝐡𝐝𝐚𝐲𝐬? 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐠 𝐩𝐞𝐨𝐩𝐥𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐨𝐥𝐝𝐞𝐫
Well, I think young people often celebrate 𝐩𝐞𝐨𝐩𝐥𝐞 𝐜𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐛𝐢𝐫𝐭𝐡𝐝𝐚𝐲𝐬?
birthdays with the aim to create new Well, there are some clear differences in
experiences and memories for themselves and terms of location and activity, I suppose. For
their friends or family. You can imagine those the location, I think young people often opt for
birthday parties being held at a trendy spot or a grander and more Instagram-worthy venues like
fancy restaurant where people will come and a fancy restaurant, while older people might
take some Instagram-worthy photos. prefer a cozy family dinner at home or at a
Meanwhile, older individuals might just want favorite local restaurant. And of course, for
quieter gatherings or family dinners. There the activities, simply relaxing at home or having
would be less novelty and excitement but they dinner with friends while reminiscing some old
could still feel a sense of joy of being memories would be good enough. But I would
surrounded by their loved ones. expect some high-energy activities like dancing
and playing board games to be the spirit of any
birthday party for the young.

Which one should children spend more time studying, international or national history?
PHẦN 1: DIRECT ANSWER
PHẦN 2: CÂU 2 VÀ CÂU 3 → Ý 1
PHẦN 3: CÂU 4 VÀ CÂU 5 → Ý 2
I believe that history is important, whether it is national or international, so children should study both, I
mean, in equal measures. You know, it’s certainly important for them to learn what took place in their own
homeland, like how courageous their ancestors were when sacrificing themselves to regain national
independence, sovereignty, and freedom. This can help them treasure what they are having today. On the
other hand, I’d also like to emphasize the necessity of being good at the world’s history, which allows them to
understand how to treat those from other countries more diplomatically to minimize tension and promote
friendship. (hạ giọng xuống)

Have people’s lives now become better or worse, compared to how their lives were in the past?
I think our lives are getting much better now. You see, the technological revolution has introduced a wide
range of scientific breakthroughs in many aspects of life, from healthcare to transportation, from
infrastructural development to space exploration. It’d be no exaggeration to say that all of these have offered
us a comfortable and convenient life that only existed in the wildest dream of our ancestors centuries ago.
Back then, education in most places didn’t quite receive proper government funding, so science was
underdeveloped and many kinds of medicines weren't devised. That’s why the illiteracy rate was high while
people’s quality of lives was awfully low.
Where can students learn leadership better, at school or in the workplace?

Is leadership a natural gift or can it be learned?

(7) Problems – Solutions

(8) Prediction
How do you think celebrations will change in the future?

I think that in the future, I’m sure most people would agree
celebrations will be much bigger that in the future, there will be a
and more and more money will be number of changes occurring.
spent on parties. Also, maybe Initially, I guess that we might see
people will do strange things at parties become bigger and more
those parties. and more money is expected to be
spent on this kind of event. Also,
who knows, it could even be
possible that people may do
strange things at those parties.

Cấu trúc câu trả lời cho Prediction question types

Bắt đầu câu trả lời với cấu trúc:

• I think that in the future, we may see various changes regarding…
• I’m sure that in the near future, there may be a number of changes to…
• I believe that most people would agree that there are likely to be some changes to…
Đưa ra sự dự đoán đầu tiên với các cấu trúc sau trước khi phát triển ý:
• To begin with, it is predicted that…
• First of all, it looks quite probable that…
• Initially, I believe we might begin to witness…
⟶ Initially, I guess that we might see parties become bigger. To be more specific, there
will be more guests or the parties would last longer.
Sau đó, ta sẽ đưa ra sự dự đoán thứ hai với cấu trúc sau rồi phát triển ý đó:
• Likewise, I would imagine that we may even be able to experience…
• As well as this, I imagine it is likely that…
• At the same time, I suppose … tends to become more popular.
⟶ As well as this, I imagine it is likely that more and more money will be spent on parties
because it will probably cost a lot more to buy high-quality food and drinks as well as throw
parties in luxurious places.

Lưu ý: Hãy nhớ rằng, một vài câu hỏi dự đoán sẽ khó trả lời và nội dung câu hỏi chạm
đến những chủ đề khá lạ lẫm. Việc tưởng tượng về tương lai không phải lúc nào cũng
dễ dàng. Vì thế, khi gặp phải các dạng câu hỏi khó đấy, các bạn có thể xem xét các
tiêu chí sau để dễ dàng tìm được ý tưởng:
• Sự thay đổi về số lượng, tính đa dạng của vấn đề (liệu rằng trong tương lai mục đích
các bữa tiệc có còn về sinh nhật hay ăn mừng không?)
• Sự thay đổi về giá cả, tiền, tài chính, chi tiêu,… liên quan tới vấn đề (liệu rằng người
ta có chi nhiều tiền hơn cho các bữa tiệc không?)
• Sự thay đổi về kích cỡ, quy mô, chất liệu, ngoại hình,… liên quan tới vấn đề (liệu rằng
các bữa tiệc sẽ trở nên lớn hơn hay trở nên thân mật hơn?)
• Sự thay đổi về địa điểm của vấn đề (liệu rằng các bữa tiệc có thể được tổ chức ở nơi
nào khác nữa không?)
• Sự thay đổi về hình thức thể hiện, hình thái,… của vấn đề (các bữa tiệc ngoài dưới
hình thức ăn uống thì còn có hình thức nào nữa không?)

(9) Personalize: kéo câu trả lời vĩ mô thành cái cá nhân

của mình
VD: What kind of people tend to lose things?
Well, I’m not sure for others but for me, I often lose things when I have
a lot on my plate and my mind feels cluttered. It’s like the more I have
to remember, the easier it is for something to slip through the cracks.
So, I find that staying organized and taking a moment to focus on what
I need to remember helps me keep track of my stuff better.