Task type:
Write a 250-word essay in response to a question asking for your opinion, discussion, solution, or evaluation of a problem.
Loại bài: Viết bài luận dài tối thiểu 250 từ, trả lời một câu hỏi về ý kiến, thảo luận, giải pháp hoặc đánh giá vấn đề.
✍️ Recommended Structure (Cấu trúc nên dùng)
- Introduction
- Paraphrase the question
- State your thesis (main point)
- Body Paragraph 1
- Topic sentence
- Explanation
- Example
- Body Paragraph 2
- Topic sentence (new idea)
- Explanation
- Example
- Conclusion
- Summarize your ideas
- Restate your opinion (if needed)
🔑 Useful Academic Phrases (Việt – Anh – IPA – POS)
| Vietnamese | English Phrase | IPA | POS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Theo quan điểm của tôi | In my opinion | /ɪn maɪ əˈpɪn.jən/ | phrase |
| Một mặt / Mặt khác | On the one hand / On the other hand | /ɒn ðə wʌn hænd/ … | phrase |
| Điều này là do… | This is due to… | /ðɪs ɪz djuː tuː/ | phrase |
| Hơn nữa / Ngoài ra | Furthermore / In addition | /ˈfɜː.ðə.mɔːr/ – /ɪn əˈdɪʃ.ən/ | connector |
| Kết luận, | In conclusion, | /ɪn kənˈkluː.ʒən/ | connector |
📝 Question 1: Opinion Essay
Topic: Some people believe that university education should be free for all.
Task: To what extent do you agree or disagree?
🎯 Band 8.5–9.0 Model Answer (~267 words):
The proposition that university education should be universally free is both idealistic and contentious. While the principle of educational equity is laudable, I contend that fully subsidising tertiary education for all is neither economically feasible nor socially optimal.
On one hand, offering free university education could democratize access, especially for students from underprivileged backgrounds. It may lead to greater social mobility and a more skilled workforce, ultimately contributing to national productivity. Moreover, viewing education as a fundamental right rather than a privilege aligns with modern egalitarian values.
However, making higher education entirely free could impose an unsustainable fiscal burden on governments, especially in developing nations with limited public funds. Resources might be diverted from essential services such as healthcare, infrastructure, or early childhood education. Furthermore, universal subsidies risk diluting academic commitment, as students may feel less accountable when they bear no personal financial investment.
A more pragmatic solution would be a targeted funding model—offering need-based scholarships and low-interest loans, while encouraging those who can afford it to contribute. This approach ensures access while maintaining accountability and safeguarding national budgets.
In conclusion, although universal access to higher education is an admirable goal, a blanket policy of free university tuition is fraught with economic and social pitfalls. Selective financial support mechanisms represent a more balanced and responsible alternative.
📘 Key Vocabulary (EN – VI – IPA – POS)
| Word/Phrase | Vietnamese | IPA | POS |
|---|---|---|---|
| educational equity | sự công bằng trong giáo dục | /ˌedʒ.ʊˈkeɪ.ʃən.əl ˈek.wɪ.ti/ | noun phrase |
| social mobility | sự dịch chuyển xã hội | /ˈsəʊ.ʃəl məʊˈbɪl.ə.ti/ | noun phrase |
| unsustainable fiscal burden | gánh nặng tài chính không bền vững | /ˌʌn.səˈsteɪ.nə.bəl ˈfɪs.kəl ˈbɜː.dən/ | noun phrase |
| diluting academic commitment | làm giảm tinh thần học tập | /daɪˈluːtɪŋ ˌæk.əˈdem.ɪk kəˈmɪt.mənt/ | verb phrase |
| targeted funding model | mô hình tài trợ có chọn lọc | /ˈtɑː.ɡɪ.tɪd ˈfʌn.dɪŋ ˈmɒd.əl/ | noun phrase |
📝 Question 2: Discussion Essay
Topic: Some people think governments should invest in public transport, others in road infrastructure.
Task: Discuss both views and give your opinion.
🎯 Band 9.0 Model Answer (~258 words):
The allocation of government funds for transportation infrastructure is a subject of ongoing debate. While some advocate for greater investment in public transport systems, others prioritize road expansion and maintenance. Both perspectives have merit; however, I believe that enhancing public transport should take precedence, particularly in urban settings.
Proponents of road investment argue that it directly benefits private vehicle users and facilitates freight transport, which is vital for commerce. Moreover, in regions where public transport is sparse or non-existent, well-maintained roads are essential for connectivity, especially in rural and remote areas.
Nonetheless, public transport offers a more sustainable long-term solution. Efficient systems such as subways, trams, and electric buses reduce traffic congestion, lower emissions, and make commuting affordable for a larger segment of the population. Investing in mass transit also encourages modal shifts away from individual car usage, thereby mitigating urban air pollution and road fatalities.
In my view, governments should prioritize integrated, modern public transit networks while also maintaining essential roadways. The environmental and social returns on high-quality public transport far outweigh the short-term convenience offered by road upgrades alone.
In conclusion, although roads play an undeniable role in national infrastructure, the future lies in comprehensive, accessible, and eco-friendly transit systems. Public investment should reflect this vision.
📘 Key Vocabulary (EN – VI – IPA – POS)
| Word/Phrase | Vietnamese | IPA | POS |
|---|---|---|---|
| allocation of funds | sự phân bổ ngân sách | /ˌæ.ləˈkeɪ.ʃən əv fʌndz/ | noun phrase |
| freight transport | vận chuyển hàng hóa | /freɪt ˈtræns.pɔːt/ | noun phrase |
| modal shift | sự chuyển đổi phương tiện | /ˈməʊ.dəl ʃɪft/ | noun phrase |
| prioritize integrated networks | ưu tiên mạng lưới tích hợp | /praɪˈɒr.ɪ.taɪz ˈɪn.tɪ.ɡreɪ.tɪd ˈnet.wɜːks/ | verb phrase |
| eco-friendly transit systems | hệ thống giao thông thân thiện môi trường | /ˌiː.kəʊˈfrend.li ˈtræn.zɪt ˈsɪs.təmz/ | noun phrase |
📝 Question 3: Problem–Solution Essay
Topic: Many cities face problems caused by overpopulation.
Task: What are the problems and how can they be solved?
🎯 Band 8.5–9.0 Model Answer (~260 words):
Overpopulation in urban centers is a growing global concern with multifaceted implications. It exacerbates housing shortages, strains public services, and deteriorates environmental quality. Nonetheless, several targeted solutions can mitigate these challenges.
Firstly, a lack of affordable housing often results in slums or overcrowded living conditions, threatening public health and safety. Secondly, overburdened infrastructure—such as public transport, hospitals, and schools—fails to meet demand, leading to service delays and inequality. Additionally, high population densities contribute to air pollution, noise, and traffic congestion, diminishing the urban quality of life.
Addressing these problems requires coordinated planning and investment. Governments should incentivize vertical housing development and promote mixed-use zoning to optimize land use. Furthermore, strengthening public services through digitization and decentralization can enhance access and efficiency. Encouraging job creation in smaller cities may also help decongest megacities by reducing rural-to-urban migration.
Ultimately, overpopulation in cities is not insurmountable. With proactive urban policies, technological integration, and regional development, governments can cultivate more livable, resilient cities for future generations.
📘 Vocabulary (EN – VI – IPA – POS)
| Word/Phrase | Vietnamese | IPA | POS |
|---|---|---|---|
| multifaceted implications | các tác động đa chiều | /ˌmʌl.tiˈfæs.ɪ.tɪd ˌɪm.plɪˈkeɪ.ʃənz/ | noun phrase |
| affordable housing | nhà ở giá rẻ | /əˈfɔː.də.bəl ˈhaʊ.zɪŋ/ | noun phrase |
| incentivize | khuyến khích (bằng ưu đãi) | /ɪnˈsen.tɪ.vaɪz/ | verb |
| digitization | số hóa | /ˌdɪdʒ.ɪ.taɪˈzeɪ.ʃən/ | noun |
| decongest | làm giảm mật độ | /ˌdiː.kənˈdʒest/ | verb |
| resilient cities | thành phố có khả năng thích ứng | /rɪˈzɪl.jənt ˈsɪt.iz/ | noun phrase |
📝 Question 4: Advantages/Disadvantages Essay
📌 Topic: Many people now work from home using modern technology.
Do the advantages of this outweigh the disadvantages?
🎯 Band 8.5–9.0 Sample Answer (~259 words):
The rise of remote working, enabled by modern communication tools, has dramatically reshaped the workplace. While there are notable disadvantages, I believe the advantages of working from home significantly outweigh them.
One key benefit is flexibility. Employees can structure their schedules around peak productivity times, which can enhance both output and job satisfaction. Additionally, remote work eliminates daily commutes, saving time and reducing carbon emissions. Companies also benefit by saving on office space and utilities, potentially reallocating those funds toward innovation or staff development.
However, remote work is not without drawbacks. One concern is the erosion of team cohesion, as fewer face-to-face interactions may hinder collaboration and workplace culture. Furthermore, some employees struggle with blurred work-life boundaries, leading to burnout or reduced focus. Yet, these issues can often be mitigated with the right tools: scheduled check-ins, virtual team-building activities, and clear working hours.
In conclusion, although working from home introduces certain challenges, the overall benefits—including environmental, economic, and personal advantages—are far more substantial. When implemented with thoughtful planning, remote work can enhance both individual wellbeing and organizational efficiency.
📘 Vocabulary (EN – VI – IPA – POS)
| Word/Phrase | Vietnamese | IPA | POS |
|---|---|---|---|
| reshape the workplace | định hình lại môi trường làm việc | /ˌriːˈʃeɪp ðə ˈwɜːk.pleɪs/ | verb phrase |
| job satisfaction | sự hài lòng trong công việc | /dʒɒb ˌsæt.ɪsˈfæk.ʃən/ | noun phrase |
| erosion of team cohesion | sự xói mòn tính gắn kết nhóm | /ɪˈrəʊ.ʒən əv tiːm kəʊˈhiː.ʒən/ | noun phrase |
| blurred boundaries | ranh giới bị mờ | /blɜːd ˈbaʊn.dər.iz/ | adj + noun |
| virtual team-building | gắn kết nhóm từ xa | /ˈvɜː.tʃu.əl ˈtiːm ˌbɪl.dɪŋ/ | noun phrase |
📝 Question 5: Double Question Essay
📌 Topic: Today, more people are choosing to live alone.
Why is this the case? Is this a positive or negative development?
🎯 Band 9.0 Sample Answer (~267 words):
An increasing number of individuals are opting for solitary living arrangements, a trend particularly visible in urban societies. This shift stems from both cultural and economic factors and, in my view, reflects both positive and negative implications.
One reason behind this trend is the growing emphasis on individualism and personal autonomy. In modern societies, people often value privacy and independence over traditional family structures. Additionally, rising income levels and urban housing options have made living alone more feasible. For some, living alone offers freedom from interpersonal obligations and greater control over their environment.
However, this trend also raises concerns. Prolonged isolation may result in loneliness, especially among the elderly, and can erode the social fabric of communities. Moreover, single-person households consume more resources per capita—more electricity, more housing space—which may not be environmentally sustainable.
From a societal perspective, this development is ambivalent. On one hand, it empowers individuals to live on their terms; on the other, it may weaken social cohesion. The key lies in ensuring that those who live alone remain connected through community engagement, digital networks, and accessible public services.
In conclusion, the growing tendency to live alone is driven by autonomy and affluence, but its broader impact depends on how societies adapt. With adequate support systems, this lifestyle can coexist with strong communal bonds.
📘 Vocabulary (EN – VI – IPA – POS)
| Word/Phrase | Vietnamese | IPA | POS |
|---|---|---|---|
| solitary living arrangements | hình thức sống một mình | /ˈsɒ.lɪ.tər.i ˈlɪv.ɪŋ əˌreɪndʒ.mənts/ | noun phrase |
| personal autonomy | quyền tự chủ cá nhân | /ˈpɜː.sən.əl ɔːˈtɒn.ə.mi/ | noun phrase |
| ambivalent | vừa tích cực vừa tiêu cực | /æmˈbɪv.əl.ənt/ | adjective |
| social fabric | kết cấu xã hội | /ˈsəʊ.ʃəl ˈfæb.rɪk/ | noun phrase |
| coexist | cùng tồn tại | /ˌkəʊ.ɪɡˈzɪst/ | verb |
📝 Question 6: Agree/Disagree Essay
📌 Topic: Advertising has too much influence on the way people live today.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?
🎯 Band 8.5 Sample Answer (~258 words):
There is growing concern that advertising wields excessive power over modern lifestyles. I largely agree with this view, as marketing significantly shapes consumer behavior and even personal identity in today’s media-saturated world.
Advertising not only promotes products but also engineers desire, creating artificial needs. Consumers are bombarded with messages that equate happiness, success, or attractiveness with purchasing specific items. This constant exposure fosters a culture of materialism and often leads people to conflate consumption with self-worth. Additionally, advertising targets children and vulnerable audiences, embedding brand loyalty from a young age.
However, it would be unfair to dismiss advertising entirely. When ethical and informative, advertising helps consumers make informed decisions and supports business competition. For example, product comparisons and user reviews can increase transparency.
Nevertheless, in practice, manipulative tactics often overshadow informational value. The psychological strategies used in modern marketing—from influencer endorsements to behavioral targeting—make it increasingly difficult for consumers to differentiate genuine needs from constructed ones.
In conclusion, although advertising can serve useful purposes, I believe it exerts disproportionate influence over contemporary life. Stronger regulation and critical media literacy are needed to ensure individuals retain autonomy in their choices.
📘 Vocabulary (EN – VI – IPA – POS)
| Word/Phrase | Vietnamese | IPA | POS |
|---|---|---|---|
| engineer desire | tạo ra nhu cầu | /ˌen.dʒɪˈnɪə dɪˈzaɪə/ | verb phrase |
| media-saturated world | thế giới ngập tràn truyền thông | /ˈmiː.di.ə ˈsætʃ.ə.reɪ.tɪd wɜːld/ | noun phrase |
| conflate consumption with worth | đồng nhất tiêu dùng với giá trị bản thân | /kənˈfleɪt kənˈsʌmp.ʃən wɪð wɜːθ/ | verb phrase |
| behavioral targeting | nhắm mục tiêu hành vi | /bɪˈheɪ.vjə.rəl ˈtɑː.ɡɪ.tɪŋ/ | noun phrase |
| media literacy | hiểu biết truyền thông | /ˈlɪt.ər.ə.si/ | noun phrase |
📝 Question 7: Problem–Solution Essay
📌 Topic: Many people find it difficult to get enough exercise.
What are the reasons for this? What can be done to solve this problem?
🎯 Band 8.5 Sample Answer (~260 words):
Despite growing awareness of the importance of physical activity, many people struggle to incorporate regular exercise into their routines. This is largely due to modern lifestyles and workplace culture, but several solutions can address the issue.
One primary reason is time scarcity. With long working hours, commutes, and family obligations, individuals often prioritize urgent responsibilities over personal health. Moreover, urban environments can be discouraging—polluted air, lack of green space, and unsafe traffic make outdoor exercise unappealing. Additionally, sedentary habits reinforced by screen-based entertainment and desk jobs contribute to physical inactivity.
To counter this, employers and policymakers must take proactive steps. Companies could implement flexible schedules or provide on-site fitness programs. Urban planners should ensure that parks, pedestrian paths, and bike lanes are accessible and safe. Public health campaigns can also promote micro-exercise strategies—short workouts that fit busy schedules.
In conclusion, while modern life presents genuine obstacles to regular exercise, these can be overcome through environmental design, workplace reform, and cultural shifts. Collective action is essential to build a healthier society.
📘 Vocabulary (EN – VI – IPA – POS)
| Word/Phrase | Vietnamese | IPA | POS |
|---|---|---|---|
| time scarcity | sự thiếu thời gian | /taɪm ˈskeə.sə.ti/ | noun phrase |
| sedentary habits | thói quen ít vận động | /ˈsed.ən.tər.i ˈhæ.bɪts/ | noun phrase |
| proactive steps | bước đi chủ động | /prəʊˈæk.tɪv steps/ | noun phrase |
| urban planner | nhà quy hoạch đô thị | /ˈɜː.bən ˈplæn.ər/ | noun |
| micro-exercise | tập thể dục ngắn/quãng nhỏ | /ˈmaɪ.krəʊ ˈek.sə.saɪz/ | noun |
📝 Question 8: Discussion Essay
📌 Topic: Some people think children should be taught to be competitive. Others think they should learn to cooperate.
Discuss both views and give your opinion.
🎯 Band 9.0 Sample Answer (~265 words):
Whether children should be raised to be competitive or cooperative remains a subject of educational debate. While each trait has its merits, I believe a balanced approach that nurtures both qualities is most beneficial.
Supporters of competitiveness argue that it fosters ambition and resilience. In a globalized job market, individuals who strive to outperform others may secure better opportunities. From sports to academics, competition can drive excellence and push children to reach their full potential.
Conversely, cooperation is essential for social harmony. Collaborative skills are critical in the workplace and everyday life, where success often depends on teamwork, empathy, and effective communication. Overemphasis on competition may breed anxiety, selfishness, or an unhealthy sense of rivalry among peers.
In my opinion, education should cultivate both values. Structured group activities can teach cooperation, while healthy academic challenges can stimulate individual growth. The goal is not to eliminate competition but to frame it constructively, promoting mutual respect alongside personal achievement.
In conclusion, while competitiveness builds drive, cooperation fosters social intelligence. The most successful individuals and societies are those that can balance both.
📘 Vocabulary (EN – VI – IPA – POS)
| Word/Phrase | Vietnamese | IPA | POS |
|---|---|---|---|
| foster ambition | nuôi dưỡng tham vọng | /ˈfɒs.tər æmˈbɪʃ.ən/ | verb phrase |
| globalized job market | thị trường lao động toàn cầu | /ˈɡləʊ.bəl.aɪzd dʒɒb ˈmɑː.kɪt/ | noun phrase |
| social harmony | sự hòa hợp xã hội | /ˈsəʊ.ʃəl ˈhɑː.mə.ni/ | noun phrase |
| mutual respect | sự tôn trọng lẫn nhau | /ˈmjuː.tʃu.əl rɪˈspekt/ | noun phrase |
| structured group activity | hoạt động nhóm có tổ chức | /ˈstrʌk.tʃəd ɡruːp ækˈtɪv.ə.ti/ | noun phrase |
📝 Question 9: Opinion Essay
📌 Topic: Some people believe that the best way to learn about life is through personal experience. Others think it is better to learn through books and advice.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?
🎯 Band 8.5 Sample Answer (~260 words):
There is ongoing debate over whether personal experience or second-hand knowledge is the superior teacher. While both have value, I firmly believe that real-life experience offers deeper, more transformative learning.
Personal experience allows individuals to engage emotionally and intellectually. Lessons learned through direct involvement tend to be internalized and remembered more vividly. For example, failure in starting a business may teach resilience more effectively than reading case studies. Furthermore, experience fosters intuition and adaptability, which are essential in dynamic environments.
However, dismissing book-based or second-hand learning would be unwise. Literature, mentorship, and historical analysis enable individuals to benefit from collective wisdom and avoid avoidable mistakes. Not everyone needs to suffer consequences to understand risks—guidance provides foresight.
Nonetheless, experience and theoretical knowledge should not be viewed as mutually exclusive. Ideally, foundational knowledge should be complemented by application. Only through synthesis can individuals develop holistic understanding and grow meaningfully.
In conclusion, although external sources of knowledge are invaluable, personal experience provides a depth and authenticity that cannot be replicated. For this reason, it remains the most impactful form of learning.
📘 Vocabulary (EN – VI – IPA – POS)
| Word/Phrase | Vietnamese | IPA | POS |
|---|---|---|---|
| internalized | thấm nhuần | /ɪnˈtɜː.nə.laɪzd/ | verb |
| resilience | khả năng phục hồi | /rɪˈzɪl.jəns/ | noun |
| collective wisdom | trí tuệ tập thể | /kəˈlek.tɪv ˈwɪz.dəm/ | noun phrase |
| synthesis | sự tổng hợp | /ˈsɪn.θə.sɪs/ | noun |
| holistic understanding | hiểu biết toàn diện | /həʊˈlɪs.tɪk ˌʌn.dəˈstæn.dɪŋ/ | noun phrase |
📝 Question 10: Double Question Essay
📌 Topic: Some people say it is more important to focus on the present. Others believe that planning for the future is essential.
What is your opinion? What are the advantages of each approach?
🎯 Band 9.0 Sample Answer (~268 words):
Balancing present focus and future planning is a philosophical tension that underpins many life decisions. I believe that while both perspectives hold merit, long-term planning is ultimately more essential for sustained success.
Focusing on the present allows individuals to practice mindfulness and respond to immediate needs. It helps reduce anxiety about the unknown and encourages gratitude. People who live in the moment often enjoy deeper relationships and heightened emotional well-being.
That said, without forward planning, individuals risk short-sightedness. Saving for retirement, pursuing education, or setting career goals all require a future-oriented mindset. Planning enables people to allocate resources wisely, mitigate risks, and act with intention rather than impulse.
In my view, a healthy life requires prioritizing the future while embracing the present. The synergy between strategic foresight and present-moment awareness allows individuals to remain grounded while working toward meaningful goals.
In conclusion, while living in the present fosters joy and clarity, it is forward-thinking that empowers individuals to shape their destinies. Both are valuable, but future planning deserves greater emphasis in a world of growing uncertainty.
📘 Vocabulary (EN – VI – IPA – POS)
| Word/Phrase | Vietnamese | IPA | POS |
|---|---|---|---|
| philosophical tension | mâu thuẫn triết lý | /ˌfɪl.əˈsɒf.ɪ.kəl ˈten.ʃən/ | noun phrase |
| short-sightedness | tầm nhìn hạn hẹp | /ˌʃɔːtˈsaɪ.tɪd.nəs/ | noun |
| allocate resources | phân bổ tài nguyên | /ˈæ.lə.keɪt rɪˈzɔːs.ɪz/ | verb phrase |
| strategic foresight | tầm nhìn chiến lược | /strəˈtiː.dʒɪk ˈfɔː.saɪt/ | noun phrase |
| synergy | sự kết hợp đồng bộ | /ˈsɪn.ə.dʒi/ | noun |
