Trong bài giải mẫu lần này, cô Hồng Linh của The IELTS Workshop sẽ hướng dẫn bạn trả lời topic Describe a person you know who is very competitive. Cùng tham khảo sample, từ vựng và một vài cách diễn đạt ghi điểm trong phần thi IELTS Speaking nhé.
Part 2: Describe a person you know who is very competitive
Đề bài: Describe a person you know who is very competitive
You should say:
- who this person is
- what this person is competitive about
- how successful this person is
- and explain why you think this person is so competitive.
1. Bài mẫu (Sample)
One name that immediately springs to mind when receiving this question is Phuong Anh, a friend of mine, a girl who seems to turn almost everything into a competition. What’s interesting is that her competitive side comes out most strongly in academics and fashion.
At university, she was hell-bent on winning academic competitions. She had a strong competitive streak and would push herself to the limit. I remember one presentation where our lecturer had written us off because another team was much stronger. Emma took that personally, made us rehearse for days, and we eventually won first prize. She went absolutely wild when our team was announced.
You may not believe it but she was just as competitive about fashion. Before parties or university events, she was always dressed up to the nines. She had a burning desire to stand out. Sometimes, though, she would take things too far. Once, she found out another girl was wearing a designer dress to an awards ceremony, so she spent almost a month’s salary on an even more expensive outfit. I mean she was taking it too seriously.
But there was a twist. She later told me that she had been bullied as a teenager for being academically average and dressing too modestly. I realised that she wasn’t really competing with other people; she was competing with her younger self, trying to prove that she could become successful.
So although her competitiveness can sometimes be exhausting, I actually admire her. She has a burning desire to prove herself, and I think that’s what drives her to achieve so much.
Sample by Hong Linh – IELTS Teacher at The IELTS Workshop
2. Từ vựng (Vocabulary)
- spring to mind: nảy ra trong đầu
- hell-bent on winning: rất khao khát thắng cuộc
- take something too seriously: quá nghiêm túc về cái gì
- written us off: loại bỏ chúng tôi, cho rằng chúng tôi không thể thắng (C2)
- go absolutely wild: cực kỳ vui và phấn khích
- dressed up to the nines: ăn mặc rất trang trọng hoặc đẹp
- a burning desire to…: khao khát cháy bỏng
- take things too far: làm lố quá
- competitive streak: máu cạnh tranh
- push herself to the limit: cố đến hết sức
- her younger self: bản thân khi còn trẻ, chính mình lúc trẻ
Xem thêm: Tổng hợp 30+ chủ đề từ vựng IELTS thông dụng mà bạn cần biết
Part 3:
1. What kinds of competitions do people like to enter in your country?
I think it depends quite a lot on people’s age and interests. Among young people, academic competitions are probably the most common, especially things like English-speaking contests, mathematics competitions and debate competitions. They can be quite competitive because winning one can look impressive on a university application or CV.
Apart from that, sporting competitions are also hugely popular, particularly football and running events. Recently, I’ve noticed more people taking part in amateur competitions rather than simply watching professional sports. I think that’s partly because people enjoy testing their limits and having a sense of achievement. Even if they don’t win, completing the competition can give them a sense of pride.
- Apart from that: thêm vào đó
- amateur: không chuyên
- testing their limits: thử thách chính mình
2. What do you think is the best kind of prize to win in a competition?
Personally, I think monetary rewards are probably the most practical, especially for adults. Money gives people the freedom to decide what to do with their rewards, whether that’s saving it, travelling or buying something extravagant they’ve wanted for a long time.
Having said that, I think recognition can sometimes be even more valuable than money. For example, if someone wins a prestigious academic or professional competition, the title itself can open doors for them. It can strengthen their CV, attract employers and give them more confidence. So, if I had to choose, I’d say the ideal prize would be a combination of both, because you get both immediate benefits and long-term opportunities.
- monetary rewards: giải thưởng tiền
- extravagant: rất đắt
3. Why do people like watching quiz shows and other competitions on TV?
I think there are a couple of reasons. First of all, competitions create a sense of suspense, because viewers don’t know what is going to happen next. When two contestants are neck and neck and the result depends on one final question, people naturally want to stay until the end.
Another reason is that viewers can put themselves in the contestants’ shoes. When they watch a quiz show, for instance, they can try to answer the questions themselves and see how well they would perform. In a way, it’s both entertaining and mentally stimulating.
I also think competitions allow people to experience excitement without actually taking any risks themselves. They can sit on the sidelines, cheer for their favourite competitor and enjoy the drama. That’s probably why even a fairly simple competition can become surprisingly addictive when it’s presented well.
- suspense: sự hồi hộp gay cấn
- neck and neck: ngang tài ngang sức
- put yourself in someone’s shoes: đặt mình vào tình huống của người khác
- sit on the sidelines: đứng ngoài cuộc
- culture religiously: tuân thủ văn hóa một cách nghiêm ngặt
- actively seeking ways to build better gardens where they can truly feel connected to nature: chủ động tìm cách xây dựng những khu vườn tốt hơn, nơi họ thực sự có thể cảm nhận được sự kết nối với thiên nhiên
Tạm kết
Hy vọng bài mẫu trên đã giúp bạn hình dung rõ cách triển khai ý tưởng và sử dụng ngôn ngữ phù hợp khi gặp chủ đề Describe a person you know who is very competitive trong IELTS Speaking Part 2 & 3. Tham khảo các nguồn tài liệu hữu ích như KHO BÀI MẪU IELTS SPEAKING và Bộ đề dự đoán IELTS Speaking cập nhật mới nhất.
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