IELTS (International English Language Testing System) là một trong những kỳ thi đánh giá năng lực tiếng Anh phổ biến nhất trên thế giới. Trong đó, kỹ năng Viết (Writing), đặc biệt là phần Task 2, đóng vai trò quan trọng khi yêu cầu thí sinh viết một bài luận học thuật để trình bày quan điểm cá nhân về một vấn đề xã hội, giáo dục hoặc môi trường.
6 Thanh niên làm việc thiện nguyện – nên trả lương?
Some people think that young people should be required to do unpaid work helping people in the community. Others think they should be paid for their work.
Discuss both views and give your opinion.
There is an ongoing debate about whether young people should engage in community service without pay. Some believe unpaid volunteering cultivates responsibility and empathy, while others argue that all work deserves compensation. This essay will examine both views and present a reasoned opinion.
Advocates of unpaid service argue that it helps young people develop social values and civic engagement. When teenagers volunteer at local shelters, hospitals, or environmental clean-up programs, they not only contribute to society but also gain practical skills and a sense of fulfillment. Moreover, requiring such service encourages youth to look beyond personal gain and think about the well-being of others. Many educational institutions now incorporate volunteering as part of their curriculum to foster holistic development.
On the other hand, critics believe that even community work should be fairly compensated. Young people, especially from low-income families, may not afford to work without pay, which could increase inequality. Furthermore, paid positions may motivate youth to take their responsibilities more seriously, improving the overall quality of the work. Payment also acknowledges the value of their time and effort, promoting the principle that all labor, regardless of purpose, deserves recognition.
In my view, while encouraging volunteerism is important, it should not be mandatory or entirely unpaid. A hybrid model—offering financial support or academic credit—could make participation more inclusive and rewarding. This approach balances the social benefits of volunteering with fairness and equity.
7 Lời khuyên: người lớn tuổi hay bạn cùng trang lứa?
7. It is better for young people to get advice from older people than from people of the same age.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?
The source of advice can significantly influence life decisions, especially for young people. Some argue that older individuals provide more valuable guidance than peers. I largely agree with this view, though advice from those of similar age can also be beneficial in certain contexts.
Older people have the advantage of life experience. Their guidance is often shaped by decades of decision-making, failure, and success. For instance, an experienced professional can advise a university student on career choices, job interviews, and long-term planning. Likewise, parents and grandparents may offer perspective on personal values, relationships, and resilience—things that are often difficult to grasp at a young age.
However, peers can also offer relevant advice, particularly on issues that are time-sensitive or culturally specific. For example, when it comes to dealing with online stress, academic pressure, or modern dating challenges, young people may relate better to each other. Peer advice is often empathetic and grounded in shared experience, making it more emotionally supportive.
In conclusion, while both sources have value, I believe older individuals generally provide more reliable and thoughtful guidance due to their broader life perspective. However, young people should remain open to diverse viewpoints and learn to critically assess advice regardless of the source.
8 Nên đầu tư vào nghệ thuật hay dịch vụ công?
Some people think the government should invest more in public services instead of wasting money on the arts (such as music and theatre).
To what extent do you agree or disagree?
In times of limited budgets, some people argue that government funding should prioritize essential public services over the arts. While I agree that sectors like healthcare and education are fundamental, I believe that the arts also deserve government investment due to their cultural, emotional, and economic value.
Public services like hospitals, schools, and infrastructure are undeniably vital. Investing in them ensures a healthy, educated population and supports economic growth. Especially in developing countries, basic needs must be met before luxury spending is justified. Critics of arts funding argue that art is a private interest and should be financed by individuals or private sponsors.
However, the arts are not merely entertainment—they reflect national identity, preserve history, and foster creativity. Publicly funded art programs, museums, and performances allow all citizens—not just the wealthy—to access cultural experiences. Additionally, the creative industry generates employment and contributes significantly to tourism. For example, cities like Paris and London are cultural hubs partly because of their vibrant artistic scenes.
In my opinion, a balanced approach is necessary. Governments should ensure core services are well-funded, but not at the expense of the arts. A society that ignores culture risks becoming economically efficient but emotionally impoverished.
9 Mạng xã hội ảnh hưởng tiêu cực đến cá nhân & xã hội?
Many people believe that social networking sites (such as Facebook) have a negative impact on individuals and society.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Social networking sites have become an integral part of modern communication. While they offer undeniable benefits, I largely agree that their impact on individuals and society is more negative than positive.
On a personal level, excessive use of social media can lead to mental health issues. Studies have shown links between platforms like Instagram and increased levels of anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem, particularly among teenagers. Many users fall into the trap of comparing their lives to others’ highlight reels, which distorts reality and damages self-worth.
At the societal level, social media has contributed to the spread of misinformation and polarization. False information spreads faster than factual news, influencing public opinion and even election outcomes. Moreover, the rise of “cancel culture” and online harassment has created an environment where people are afraid to express themselves freely.
Nevertheless, these platforms do have merits. They connect people across distances, help maintain long-distance relationships, and allow social movements to gain traction. However, these benefits are increasingly overshadowed by the harm they cause when misused or overused.
In conclusion, while social networking has its uses, the psychological and societal risks it poses are considerable. Responsible use and stronger regulation are essential to mitigate its negative effects.
10 Học nhóm hay học một mình – cách nào hiệu quả hơn?
Some believe that students should study in groups, while others think it is better to study alone.
Discuss both views and give your opinion.
There is an ongoing debate over the most effective learning style: studying alone or in groups. While each method has its advantages, I believe that combining both strategies yields the best results.
Supporters of group study highlight the benefits of collaboration. Group discussions help clarify concepts, and explaining ideas to others reinforces understanding. Moreover, group work enhances communication skills and fosters teamwork—qualities valuable beyond academia. Students can also motivate each other and hold one another accountable.
On the other hand, individual study promotes deep concentration and independent thinking. Some learners find group settings distracting and prefer to study at their own pace. Studying alone also allows for customized methods, such as note-taking, mind mapping, or reviewing weak areas in detail.
In my opinion, a blended approach is most effective. Group study works well for brainstorming, test preparation, or reviewing difficult topics, while solo study is ideal for mastering complex material or writing assignments. Flexibility allows students to adapt based on their needs and preferences.
