Grammatical Range and Accuracy

Grammatical range and accuracy is, in fact, one of the four marking criteria of the IELTS Writing test.
They assess how accurate your grammar is, including spelling and punctuation, coupled with how well a
wide range of structures is applied in your writing.
It is important not to use only one type of structure, but try to employ a wide range of structures in
your writing. Remember that this grammar is not just about tenses, but also about how you organize
your sentences.
Below are suggestions for more complex grammar:
1. Compound sentences are used to add detail and richness to your writing, or to make a simple
sentence more persuasive.
2. If clauses are very useful for explaining and giving examples.
3. Relative clause (who/that/which/when/etc) will also impress the exmainers and are a good
example or more complex grammar.

I. Grammatical range
1. Compound sentences
A compound sentences consists of two or more independent clauses linked together by a co-
ordinating conjunction. The independent clause can function as a complete sentence.
Two independent clauses may be joined by a comma and a conjunction, or by a semicolon.

 Joining two 2 ideas: but, yet

 Showing that the second idea is the result of the first: for, so:
Ex: The computer has become smaller and cheaper, so it is more available to a
greater number of people.
 Joining two ideas: and, or, nor
Ex: He has written two novels, and she has, too

2. Complex sentences

A complex sentence consists of an independent clause and one or more dependent clauses linked
together by a subordinating conjunction. The dependent clause also contains a subject and a verb, but it
cannot function as an independent sentence.
A dependent clause stats with a subordinating conjunction, such as because, although, if, etc, or
with a relative pronoun like that, who, which, depending on whether it is an adjective clause, an adverb
clause, or a noun clause.
2.1 Adverb clauses
 Showing a time relationship: when, while, as, after, before, since, until/till, as soon as, once
Ex: Once a child is burnt, he would be afraid of fire for the whole life.
 Showing a cause-effect relationship between ideas: because, as, since, now that, seeing that
Ex: Now that you have passed the exam, you may have a good rest.
 Seeing that/Since the students were not interested in the topic, she immediately called
for a break.
 Presenting possible conditions: if, even if, unless, in case, provided/providing that, suppose,
supposing that, as long as, on condition
Ex: I’ll surely come provided/providing that you inform in good time.
Suppose/ Supposing that something should go wrong, what would you do then?
 Showing the concessive manner in which something happens: although/though, as if
Ex: He decided to go although I begged him not to.
 Making a comparison between two or more things: … er/more … than, less … than, as … as,
not so … as
Ex: It’s not as good as it used to be.
 Showing a result: so … that, such … that
Ex: They have to charge in such a way that they don’t make a loss.
 Expressing a purpose: so that, in order that, lest, for fear that
Ex: I’ll get a map so that we can plan where we are going.

2.2 Adjective clauses

An adjective clause is a dependent clause that modifies a noun.
The subordinations in adjective clauses are called relative pronouns.
 Who/whom/whose/which/that

2.3 Noun clauses

Noun clauses perform the same functions that nouns do in sentences.
A noun clause can be:

 The subject of a verb

What I need is time (The thing which I need is time)
 The object of a verb
We should not pretend to know what we don’t know
 The subject complement
This is exactly what we wanted to say
 The object of a preposition
Mary is not responsible for what Billy did.

2.4 Indefinite relative pronouns

The expanded form of the relative pronouns – whoever, whomever, whatever – are known as
indefinite relative pronouns, used to put emphasis.
We can think about the Wh-ever words semantically as the “Wh” – word + the quantifier
 Whatever - Anything
 Whenever - Anytime
 Wherever - Any where
  Whoever - Anyone
 Whichever - Anywhich

These indefinite relative pronouns can be:

- The subject of a verb

o Whatever you say will be recorded

o Whoever violates the regulations will be fined
o Whatever batteries are thrown to the ground will pollute the environment.
- The object of a verb
o Ask whomever you find in the classroom to come immediately.
o You can take whichever book you like from my shelves
o Please do whatever possible to save the child

3. Cleft sentences and inversion

4. Action verbs and active voice

In an academic essay, a few changes in wording can lead to more visual information. It is advisable
that you use more action verbs instead of a lot of state verbs (such as am, is, are, was and were)
These state verbs eliminate action from the sentence, which can lull the reader into drowsiness.

In addition, active voice (Ex: defends) should be used more than passive voice (is defended by). In
short, replace as many state verbs with action verbs as you can, and change all passive structures to
active ones.

4.1 Action verbs

4.1.1 Some action verbs showing the richness of information

Action verb: Tom felt sorry for the poor dog
State verb: Tom was sorry for the poor dog
Action verb: We discussed this problem
State verb: We had a discussion on this problem
Action verb: The milk turned sour
State verb: The milk is sour

4.1.2 Verbs of vivid and colourful details

In academic writing, try your best to abundantly employ dynamic verbs that actually show
something happening to promote your achievements. Some action verbs help convey a strong
impression.
These sentences convey the same message, but one communicates much more effectively.
Vivid action verb Poor action verb
 I cooked for my sick mother I did the cooking for my sick mother
She flies to London once a month She goes to London by plane once a month
The death of her mother saddened her The death of her mother made her sad
Stop thief! She shouted Stop thief! She said loudly
He returned home after 30 years He came back home after 30 years
His army has grown in power His army has become powerful

4.2 Active voice

In English, all transitive verbs must have an object, and they can be used in the passive structure.
Verbs are active when the subject of the sentence performs the action. In contrast, verbs are passive
when the subject is acted upon or receives the action.
A problem many students have is using a lot of passive sentences is their writing. It is important to
think about what is being stated, and how more action can be added to show what is happening
instead of telling it.
Do use active sentences to promote clarity and impression in your writing.
Strong impression Vague impression
We all enjoyed the music The music was enjoyed by us
The army used a new kind of jet fighter A new kind of jet fighter was used by the army
A boy of 15 wrote all these poems All these poems were written by a boy of 15
The police shot the murderer on the spot The murderer was shot by the police on the spot

II. Grammatical accuracy

Academic writing employs the standard written form of the language. You must, therefore, be able
to use your English precisely and accurately.
1. Sentence classification by purpose
Based on the purpose of the sentence, setences may be classified into four types.
1. A declarative sentence is used to make a statement. Most of the sentences spoken or written
are declarative sentences.
Ex: He works very hard / We should not waste water.

2. An interrogative sentence is used to pose a question.

Ex: Are you going to study in the UK? / Who will go with you
3. An exclamatory sentence is used to express astonishment or extreme emotion. Exclamatory
sentences are rarely used in academic writing.
Ex: How terrible it looks! / That’s great!
4. An imperative sentence is used to give a command or to implore or entreat.
Ex: Mind your fingers. / Please keep moving.
2. Sentence classification by structure
 A sentence is the basic unit of written English language communication. One way to cat-egorise
sentence is by the clauses they contain. (A clauses is part of a sentence containing a subject and a
predicate)
Based on the structure of the sentence, sentences may be classified into four types:
1. Simple sentence
The simple sentence is one of the four basic sentence structures. It requires a subject and a verb.
We ordinarily include some additional words that explain the subject. A sentence or part of a sentence
that contains a subject and a verb and constitutes a complete thought is called an independent clause.
Ex: He came yesterday / All the tickets are sold out.
2. Compound sentence
In the previous part (Grammatical range), you have had chance to go over compound sentences.
Ex: It was last year, it was before I came to Amsterdam.
She needs the book, and she needs it now.
3. Complex sentence
In the previous part (Grammatical range), you have had chance to go over complex sentences.
Ex: I think we should apologise (Main clause: I think; dependent clause: that we should apologise)
The school has enrolled 40 children whom they hope will be future soccer stars
(Main clause: The school has enrolled 40 chill; dependent clause: whom they hope will be
future soccer stars)

Accurate Expressions
1. Cách diễn đạt: có/ không có
1.1 Have/has; have/has not (do/does/did not have)
Khi trong câu có chủ ngữ xác định rõ người hoặc vật thể sở hữu cái gì đó thì phải dùng động từ
have phù hợp với ngôi (person) và thì (tense)
Ex: Tom has two brothers
A dog has four legs
I’m sure she has the ability to finish the job on time
He has nothing to do with the murder

1.2 There + be + noun (+ prepositional phrase)

Cấu trúc there is/are được dùng khi diễn đạt ý có người hoặc vật thể đang hiện hữu ở một nơi nào
đó. Thông thường trong câu có cụm giới từ chỉ nơi chốn.
Ex: There is nobody in the room
There are five books on the desk
Have there been any fresh developments?
Các lỗi thường gặp: Người viết lược bỏ đại từ quan hệ trong mệnh đề tính ngữ dẫn đến một câu
đơn có đến 2 động từ đc chia thì
Sai: There are many problems cannot be solved with traditional methods
Đúng: There are many problems that cannot be solved with traditional methods /
 Many problems cannot be solved with traditional methods.
Sai: There are three students have not come today.
Đúng: Three students are absent today. / Three students have not come today. /
There are three students who have not come today.
Sai: There were four people ran after the thief
Đúng: There were four people running after the thief/ There were four people who ran after the thief

Sai: Are there any people like the book ?

Đúng: Are there any people who like the book?

Sai: There was a housemaid at home cooked for him

Đúng: There was a housemaid at home cooking for him/ There was a housemaid at home who
cooked for him

Sai: Is there anything else put on the agenda

Đúng: Is there anything eles to put on the agenda
1.3 Cách diễn đạt: có khả năng, có ích, có can đảm
Muốn nêu khả năng, tính chất, đặc trưng của chủ thể, phải dùng adj phù hợp để diễn đạt.
Ex: I’m sure she is able to finish the job on time.
It is beneficial to health
She is not courageous enough to tell the truth
Homework:
1. Có ai ở nhà không? => Are there anyone at home
2. Không có ai ở nhà. => Nobody’s home
3. Có 3 người thiệt mạng trong tai nạn ô tô đó. => Three people died in this car accident!
4. Có nhiều câu hỏi không có câu trả lời. Many question don’t have the answers

5. Tôi chắc chắn là anh ấy có khả năng hoàn thành nhiệm vụ của mình
=> I’m sure that he is not able to complete his job
6. Cô ấy không có ở nhà 3 năm nay rồi.
=> She hasn’t been at home for 3 years
7. Tôi có hai con mèo. => I have 2 cats
8. Cô ấy rất có kinh nghiệm phải không? => Is she very experienced?
9. Muối có trong nhiều thứ => Salt is in many things
10. Bạn có cần phải đích thân đi không? Do you need to go by yourself?
11. Có một số nhà máy vẫn đang xả ra chất thải độc hại.
=> There are some factories that are stil discharging toxic waste.
12. Có hai vị khách quan trọng đến thăm chiều nay
 => Two important guests will visit this afternoon.
13. Cô ấy có 6 người bạn cùng lớp dự định thi nghiên cứu sinh.
=> She has 6 classmates who all intend to study for doctor’ degree

2. Cách diễn đạt: cũng/cũng không

Từ hoặc cụm từ thường được dùng để diễn đạt ý cũng là too, also, as well, as well as
2.1 too va also chỉ dùng ở thể khẳng định, có nghĩa là cũng
I am a student. He is a student, too.
I want to go. He also wants to go.
I told them the water tap was broken. Although they promised me to repair it, they never came.
2.2 as well và as well as cũng dùng ở thể khẳng định, nhưng as well đồng nghĩa với too còn as well as
nghĩa là cũng như
It has been a great grief for him as well.
This is a poloticial as well as an economic question.
Lưu ý: as well as còn có nghĩa là ngoài … ra = (in addition to, besides)
2.3 Để diễn đạt ý cũng không, dùng not … either hoặc neither + đảo ngữ
Các lỗi thường gặp
Wrong: He did not go, I did not go, too.
Correct: He did not go, i did no go either./ He did not go, neither did I go
Wrong: He did not go, I also did not go.
Correct: He did not go, I did not go either./ He did not go, nether did I go
Wrong: John cannot persuade Jane, Jack cannot persuade her as well.
Correct: John cannot persuade Jane, Jack cannot either./
John cannot persuade Jane, neither can Jack (persuade her).
Wrong: If law and order is not maintained, the prosperity as well as the stability, will not be
possible to maintain.
Correct: If law and order is not maintained, neither the prosperity nor the stability will be possible.
If law and order is not maintained, the prosperity will not be possible, neither will the
stability be.
Howework:
1. Tôi không muốn xem phim đó, bạn gái tôi cũng vậy.
I don’t want to watch this movie, neither does my girlfriend.
2. Ông Brown là nghiên cứu sinh và Ông Green cũng là nghiên cứu sinh.
Mr Brown is a postgraduate, Mr Green is a postgraduate too.
3. Anh ấy muốn làm ca sĩ, và cũng muốn làm diễn viên.
He wants to be a singer and he also wants to be a actor.

3. Cách diễn đạt: khiến (cho)…, làm (cho)…

Để diễn đạt ý khiến (cho)…, làm (cho)… trong tiếng Anh, bạn dùng động từ make
 Ex: What makes you think so? / They made her leave the room.
Nhưng trong rất nhiều trường hợp, không thể dùng make để diễn đạt ý khiến (cho)…
Ex: Our educational guideline is to enable every student to develop morally, intellectually and
physically.
They have to revise the original plan so as to gear it to the need of the new situation.
The cold weather turned the leaves red on the Fragrant Hill.
Remember, never let yourself be carried away by your success.
Eltion John’s performance moved everyone present.
Endless traffic jams would send anyone up the wall.
The powerful hurricane brought the whole town into chaos.
Modesty helps one to go forward, conceit makes one lag behind.
Peony casts the other flowers into the shade.
* Hãy ghi nhớ các mẫu câu với make diễn đạt ý khiến (cho) …
1. Sau make là động từ nguyên mẫu không to
What made you laugh so heartily? / I will try to make the machine work.
2. Sau make là động từ nguyên mẫu có to khi make ở dạng bị động
He was made to repeat it/ We were made to work all night.
3. Sau make là một tính từ: make + O + adj
He makes me ashamed of myself.
It will make me so happy if you’ll accept it.
I must make it clear that my family is very poor.
4. Sau make là danh từ hoặc cụm danh từ: make + O + noun/ noun pharse
Let’s make it rule. / His scientific had made him a very observant man.
5. Sau make là một phân từ quá khứ: make + O + past participle
Who made them informed? / You should make your views known.
*Homework
1. Bạn phải làm cho người ta tôn trọng mình
=> You have to make people respect you.
2. Năng lực của bản thân đã làm ông ấy trở thành hiệu trưởng trường đại học đó.
=> His own ability made him the president of that university.
3. Người bạn trai đã làm cô ấy cảm thấy an toàn.
=> Her boyfriend made her feel safe
4. Nên buộc những người không muốn lao động phải làm việc.
=> People who do not want to work should be forced to work.
5. Các ngọn đèn làm cho đường phố sáng như ban ngày.
The lights make the streets as bright as day.
6. Sự thô lỗ của anh ta khiến tôi khó lòng kiềm chế.
The rudeness of him makes me feel furious.
7. Anh ấy đã cố gắng lắm mới làm người khác nghe được mình.
He tried his best to make people listen to him.
 8. Tình hình thay đổi đã khiến chúng tôi rơi vào thế khó xử.
The changing situation has made it difficult for us.
9. Hành động của ông ấy khiến chúng tôi tin chắc ông ấy là người lương thiện.
His behavior makes us believe that he is a good man.
10. Công việc đã khiến chuyến đi của ông ấy bị hoãn lại.
His work postponed his trip.
11. Cái chết của cha đã khiến cõi lòng cô ta gần như tan nát.
Her father’s death made her soul broken.

4. Cách diễn đạt: cảm thấy, cho rằng

Người học thường dùng feel khi muốn diễn đạt hai nghĩa này, nhưng trong tiếng Anh còn có thể
dùng các từ khác ngoài feel
Wrong: He felt it concerned the policies of foreign affairs and did not give him an immediate reply.
Correct: He found that it concerned the policies of foreign affairs and did not give him an immediate
reply.
Wrong: They did not dare to do so for they felt this would be a violation of the law.
Correct: They did not dare to do so for they knew this would be a violation of the law.

5. Cách diễn đạt: Tuy/ mặc dù … nhưng …

Trong tiếng Việt, tuy và nhưng hoặc mặc dù và nhưng cùng xuất hiện trong 1 câu nhưng trong tiếng
Anh, khi đã dùng although thì không dùng but mà chỉ chọn một trong hai liên từ này. Từ nhưng trong
văn viết được diễn tả bằng dấu phẩy đặt cuối mệnh đề phụ bắt đầu với although; hoặc có dấu phẩy giữa
hai mệnh đề độc lập nối nhau bằng liên từ but.
Ex: Although he was late again and again, the teacher did not say anything.
He was late again and again, but the teacher did not say anything.
Lưu ý: có thể dùng yet song song với although
He said he was our friend, yet he would not help us.
Although he said he was our friend, yet he would not help us.
Though the sore will be healed, yet a scar may remain.

6. Cách diễn đạt: cho đến khi …; cho đến/đến tận …(mới…)/trước khi… (không)…
Từ hoặc cụm từ để diễn đạt 2 ý này là until/till và not until
6.1 until/till diễn đạt ý cho đến khi …
Tom did his homework until/till his mother came home.
We waited until/till 5 o’clock.
6.2 not … until/till diễn đạt ý mãi đến khi … mới
Lưu ý: trong tiếng Anh, ý này được dùng trong câu phủ định
I will take no steps until/till you arrive.
I did not begin work until/till he had left.
Có thể dùng cấu trúc It + be + not until/till … that … để nhấn mạnh:
 It was not until/till he had left that I began to work.
Exercise
1. Tôi mong anh đừng làm bất cừ việc gì đến khi tất cả chúng ta đã xem xét kỹ vấn đề.
I hope you do nothing until we all look closely at the matter.
2. Chúng ta hãy đợi đến khi mưa tạnh.
We will wait until it does not rain.
3. Anh ấy đã đợi đến 7 giờ tối phải không ?
Did he wait until 7 pm?
4. Mãi đến 11 giờ chúng tôi mới về nhà.
We didn’t come home till 11 PM.
5. Đến giờ tôi mới biết bạn bị bệnh.
I didn’t know you were sick until now.

7. Các lỗi thường gặp khi viết câu có chứa mệnh đề.
7.1 Lấy mệnh đề thay cho cụm từ.
“The graph shows that the sales of computers between January and June”
Mệnh đề danh ngữ bắt đầu bằng that không có vị ngữ; do đó nó không phải là một mệnh đề phụ. Để
sửa lại cho đúng, có hai cách: một là chỉ cần bỏ that thì cụm danh từ sẽ trở thành tân ngữ của động từ
shows; cách thứ hai là thêm vị ngữ vào mệnh đề danh ngữ này: … “that the sales of computers between
January and June fluctuated a great deal.”
7.2 Lược bỏ that của mệnh đề danh ngữ đứng sau một số động từ nhất định.
I insisted that should be our real goal.
Có thể lược bỏ that của mệnh đề danh ngữ theo sau các động từ như say, hear, think, see, nhưng
thông thường không được lược bỏ that của mệnh đề danh ngữ đứng sau một số động từ khác, chẳng
hạn như insist.
Trong câu trên, không thể lược bỏ that bởi vì mệnh đề danh ngữ đứng sau thiếu chủ ngữ.
7.3 Dùng sai đại từ quan hệ
We will go to Mirror Lake that water is so clean that we can see the bottom of it.
Mệnh đề tính ngữ cần có để bổ nghĩa cho Mirror Lake trong câu này phải bắt đầu bằng whose water
hoặc the water of which để diễn đạt ý của nó/ của cái hồ này (chỉ chủ sở hữu).
Câu đúng là:
We will go to Mirror Lake whose water is so clean that we can see the bottom of it.
We will go to Mirror Lake, the water of which is so clean that we can see the bottom of it.
7.4 Dùng phó từ quan hệ thay vì đại từ quan hệ
In the city there are a few galleries where is specially designed for those artistic displays.
Where là phó từ quan hệ diễn đạt nơi chốn, không thể làm đối tượng của hành vi. Có hai cách chỉnh
sửa câu này, một là chuyển where thành đại từ quan hệ that hoặc which, hai là giữ nguyên where và
sửa nội dung mệnh đề đứng sau nó.
In the city there are a few galleries where one can enjoy art shows.
7.5 Thừa tân ngữ trong mệnh đề tính ngữ
 In the past the environment of London was very poor, which everyone could see the dirty things.
Mệnh đề tính ngữ không giới hạn (non-restrictive adjective clause) bắt đầu bằng which giải thích cho
mệnh đề chính phía trước (môi trường ở Luân Đôn kém). Trong câu này, which là tân ngữ của động từ
see. Thêm the dirty things vào làm tân ngữ của see khiến which trở nên dư thừa. Do đó phải bỏ the
dirty things.
7.6 Lược bỏ that dẫn ra mệnh đề danh ngữ làm chủ ngữ của câu.
The government spent some money to make London more beautiful is worthwhile.
Trong câu trên, The government spent some money to make London more beautiful là chủ ngữ của
động từ chính is, do đó phải thêm đại từ quan hệ that vào đầu câu này để nó trở thành mệnh đề danh
ngữ làm chủ ngữ cho is. Ngoài ra, có thể chỉnh sửa bằng cách chuyển spent thành spending.
The government spending some money to make London more beautiful is worthwhile.
7.7 Lấy mệnh đề không giới hạn làm mệnh đề giới hạn
We must understand that more and more visitors come to London to travel which brings us more
money.
Câu này phải thêm dấu phẩy (,) trước đại từ quan hệ which:

Exercise:
1. Họ đã làm ở nông trường cần nhiều công nhân.
=> They worked on a farm that needed many workers.
2. Anh có nghe nói về vụ tai nạn xảy ra gần công viên không?
=> Did you hear about an accident which happened near the park?
3. Ở đó chúng tôi đã thấy các công nhân dầu mỏ làm việc suốt Lễ hội mùa Xuân.
=> There we saw oil workers working during the spring festival.
4. Hàng mẫu được tặng miễn phí cho người nào viết thư yêu cầu, bất kể họ là ai.
=> Samples are given free of charge to anyone who writes the demand letter, no matter who they are.
5. Ông Clinton thấy hài lòng về bức thư nhận được hôm nọ.
=> Mr Clintion felt satisfied about the letter he received yesterday.
6. Bạn là người duy nhất mà anh ấy có thể lắng nghe lời khuyên của bạn.
=> You are the only person whose advice he can listen to.
7. Vấn đề là chúng ta có thể tìm ai thay thế anh ấy.
=> The problem is who can we find to replace him.
8. Tôi rất buồn vì bạn bị bệnh.
=> I’m very sad because you are sick.
9. Bà ấy là vị giáo sư mà tôi đã kể bạn nghe.
=> She is the professor I was talking to you about.
10. Ai nghe câu chuyện này cũng đều bị sốc.
=> Everyone who heard his story was socked.
11. Chúng ta phải hiểu rằng với việc ngày càng nhiều du khách đến thăm Luân Đôn, chúng ta sẽ có
nhiều tiền hơn.
=> We must understand that more and more visitors come to LonDon which brings us more money.
 8. Cách diễn đạt: là
“là” là một trong các động từ được dùng nhiều nhất trong tiếng Việt. Trong tiếng Anh, có rất nhiều
từ để diễn đạt nó.
8.1 Động từ cơ bản nhất diễn đat ý “là” là động từ to be: am, is, are, was, were, have been, etc..
Tôi là sinh viên: I am a student.
8.2 Trong tiếng Việt, một động từ khác có thể đi liền ngay sau động từ “là”.
Ví dụ: Ý kiến của tôi là gọi điện cho anh ấy ngay lập tức. Hai động từ “là” và “gọi điện” xuất hiện liên
tiếp nhau là cấu trúc đúng trong tiếng Việt. Nhưng trong tiếng Anh, không thể viết 2 động từ liền nhau.
Ex: My suggestion is to give him a telephone call at once.
My suggestion is giving him a telephone call at once.
My suggestion is that we should give him a telephone call at once.
Ví dụ khác: tôi đồng ý đi bằng tàu hỏa. Trong câu này, hai động từ đồng ý và đi xuất hiện liên tiếp
nhau trong tiếng Việt, nhưng sang Tiếng Anh phải viết thành
Ex: I agree to go by train./ I agree on going by train./ I agree that we go by train
8.3 Chúng ta hay mắc lỗi dịch sát nghĩa từ tiếng Việt sang mà không biết rằng trong tiếng Anh phải
sử dụng đúng cấu trúc của người bản ngữ.
Ví dụ: Tôi đến sau khi làm xong bài tập về nhà. Cấu trúc đúng tiếng Anh như sau
Ex: I came after finishing my homework./ I came after I finished my homework.
Nếu muốn nhấn mạnh ý “sau khi làm xong bài tập về nhà” thì phải dùng cấu trúc It is/was … that…
(cleft sentences) => It was after I finished my homework that I came here.
Exercise 19
1. Lời đề nghị của tôi là ưu tiên phát triển công nghiệp nhẹ.
=> My suggestion is to prioritize the development of light industry.
2. Anh ấy đã đến sáng nay.
=> He arrived this moring.
3. Không phải anh ta đã nói là anh ta dự định đi Brighton sao?
=> Didn’t he say he was planning to go to Brighton?
4. Tôi đã nói là môi trường quan trọng hơn sự phát triển.
=> I said the environment is more important than development.
5. Vâng, tôi đang đến.
=> yes, I am coming to.
6. Tôi đã đến thăm cô ấy.
=> I came to visit her.
7. Là ai đã nói với bạn?
=> Who told you?
8. Chắc chắn là anh ta không biết.
=> Surely he doesn’t know.

9. Cách dùng tính từ worth

 Tính từ “worth” có nghĩa là đáng thường bị dùng sai mặc dù đây là một từ rất thông dụng. “worth”
chỉ được dùng với hai cấu trúc sau:
9.1 Sau worth là một danh từ, cụm danh từ, đại từ hoặc một số tiền
The museum is well worth a visit.
The book is not worth publication.
She asked herself the question whether it was worth the effort.
9.2 Sau worth là một danh động từ
It’s worth trying, isn’t it?
He’s not worth helping.
Her advice is worth considering.
Lưu ý: Danh động từ đứng sau worth mang nghĩa bị động. Tác nhân thực hiện hành động này được
hiểu ngầm. Các câu dưới đây đều sai:
I don’t think it worth do => I don’t think it’s worth doing.
This film is worth to see => This film is worth seeing.
I think this book worth to read => I think this book is worth reading.
Does the book worth reading? => Is the book worth reading?
This play is worth of watching. => This play is worth watching.
Do you think his advice is worth being taken? => Do you think his advice is worth taking?
It is worth discussing the question again => The question is worth discussing again.
Exercise 20.
1. Lời đề nghị của ông ta đáng thử.
=> His suggestion is worth trying.
2. Nó đáng giá ít nhất 200 đô là Mỹ.
=> It’s worth at least 200 dollar
3. Nó không đáng bao nhiêu (tiền).
=> It’s not worth much money.
4. Không nên thả mồi bắt bóng.
=> Don’t release bait to catch the ball.
5. Có đáng phiền phức vậy không?
=> Is it worth the trouble?
6. Việc đáng làm thì phải làm tốt.
=> Anything worth doing must be done well.

10. Cách dùng may và maybe

Hai từ này đều có nghĩa là có lẽ, có thể nhưng phải phân biệt từ loại của chúng để sự dụng đúng.
“may” là động từ khuyết thiếu đứng trước động từ chính; “maybe” là trạng từ bổ nghĩa cho cả câu
hoặc mệnh đề phụ, đứng trước câu hoặc mệnh đề phụ đó.
He may be engaged / Maybe he will be engaged (không viết he maybe …)
He may not be there / Maybe he is not there
We may see you tomorrow / Maybe we will see you tomorrow
 I think she may be bringing a few friends home with her / I think maybe she is bringing a few friends
home with her.
Exercise 21.
1. Cô ấy cảm thấy không khỏe lắm, có lẽ là do trời lạnh.
=> She may feel not well, maybe it’s cold outside.
2. Tôi nghĩ có lẽ họ không cần anh ta, anh ta hay cáu gắt.
=> I think they may don’t need him, he is often irritable.
3. Có thể tôi sẽ về vào mùa thu.
=> Maybe, I will come in the fall
4. Không chừng/ Có lẽ mùa thu tôi sẽ về.
=> Maybe, I may return in the fall.

11. Cách dùng động từ prefer

Động từ prefer được dùng khi lựa chọn cái/ điều ưa thích. Hãy lưu ý cấu trúc đúng như sau:
11.1 prefer = thích … hơn
Ex: Which do you prefer?
I prefer the blue hat/this (đứng trước danh từ hoặc chỉ định từ)
She prefers to live among the working people. (đứng trước động tự nguyên mẫu có to)
Oh, I prefer being alone. (đứng trước danh động từ)
I should have preferred him to do it in a different way. (prefer + tân ngữ + đt nguyên mẫu có to)
Would you prefer that I come on Monday instead of Tuesday? (đứng trước mệnh đề phụ)
11.2 prefer … to = thích … hơn …
I prefer tea to coffee.
He prefers study to amusement of any kind.
11.3 prefer … rather than … = thích … hơn …
I prefer to read rather than sit idle.
I think I should prefer beef rather than mutton.

Exercise 22
1. Tôi thích thành phố hơn nông thôn. => I prefer city rather than country.
2. Tôi thích đi bộ hơn ngồi xe buýt. => I prefer walking to taking the bus.
3. Tôi thích hoa cẩm chướng hơn. => I prefer the carnation.
4. Tôi thích không nghĩ về tương lai. => I prefer not to think about future.
5. Vậy bạn thích ở nước ngoài hơn sao? => So do you prefer living in aboard?
6. Cô ấy thích anh ấy ở bên ngoài suốt ngày hơn. => She prefers him to stay out during the day.
7. Dĩ nhiên ông ấy muốn những lời bình phẩm như vậy nên chấm dứt
=> Of course he prefers that terrible comments are stopped !

12. Cách dùng từ rather

Rather cũng thường được dùng khi lựa chọn cái/ điều ưa thích. Các cụm từ cố định có rather là:
 12.1 would rather = thích … hơn (nếu would rather đứng trước mệnh đề phụ thì động từ của mệnh
đề phụ phải chia ở thể giả định)
Which would you rather have, tea or coffee?
I would rather you told me the truth.
I would rather not go out tonight, if you don’t mind.
12.2 rather … than … = hẳn là … chứ không phải là …; nên … chứ không nên …
His age would be rather over thirty than under it.
This is rather for father to decide than for you.
12.3 rather than … = hơn …; thay vì …
The colour seems green rather than blue.
He ran rather than walked.
12.4 would rather … than … = thà … còn hơn …
I would rather you know that now than afterwards.
I would rather have trouble and hardship like that than be taken care of by others.
Exercise 23
1. Cô tôi mời tôi đi xem phim, nhưng tôi thích đi dã ngoại với các bạn cùng lớp hơn.
=> My aunt invites me to go see a movie, but I would rather to go a picnic with my classmate.
2. Anh ta thích nghe người khác nói hơn tự mình nói.
=> He would rather listen to others than speak himself.
3. Là tôi chứ không phải là anh ấy đáng được thăng tiến.
=> It is me, not him, who deserves the promotion.
4. Tôi mua nó vì nó thoải mái chứ không phải vì nó đẹp.
=> I buy it because it’s comfortable rather than pretty.
5. Tôi thà giao du với đàn ông còn hơn giao du với đàn bà.
=> I would rather hang out with men than with women.

13. Một số động từ thường bị nhầm lẫn là ngoại động từ: happen, occur, appear, disappear, die.
Một trong những điểm khác biệt lớn nhất giữa ngoại động từ và nội động từ là ngoại động từ có thể
bị động, còn nội động từ không bao giờ được dùng ở thể bị động, vì vậy các câu dưới đây đều sai.
The car accident was happened last week.
 Correct: The car accident happened last week.
When was the earthquake occurred?
 Correct: When did the earthquake occur?
The Giant Panda has been appeared twice.
 Correct: The Giant Panda has appeared twice.
When John Lennon was died, all the fans felt very sad.
 Correct: When John Lennon died, all the fans felt very sad.
The plane has been disappeared in the sky.
 Correct: The plane has disappeared in the sky.
 Exercise 24
1. Một chiếc xe hơi xuất hiện trên ngọn đồi. => A car has appeared in the hill.
2. Bác sĩ hỏi đã xảy ra chuyện gì? => A doctor asked what occur?
3. Bạn đang ở đâu khi tai nạn xe xảy ra? => Where were you when the car accident happened?
4. Cha cô ấy qua đời rồi. => Her father died.
5. Bà ấy đã mất một năm rồi. => She had dead a year ago.

14. Cách dùng cụm từ had better = tốt hơn … nên …

Điểm quan trọng nhất là không được thêm to vào động từ đứng sau had better.
Ex: You had better get some sleep.
You had better be off now.
14.1 Dùng trong câu khẳng định
This book had better be returned before Saturday.
He had better take care of that cut on his hand.
14.2 Dùng trong câu phủ định (từ not phải đặt sau better)
We had better not wait for her; she may be very late.
He is a liar and you had better not keep company with him.
14.3 Dùng trong câu nghi vấn
What had we better do?
Had you better not go with her, John?
Exercise 25
1. Tốt hơn là bạn không nên quấy rầy cô ấy.
=> You had better not bother her.
2. Tốt hơn là bạn nên đến đúng giờ, nếu không chúng tôi sẽ đi mà không có bạn.
=> You had better comeback in time, otherwise we will go without you.

3. Khi bạn vào tốt hơn là đừng nên đáng thức tôi.
=> When you come in, you had better not wake me up.
4. Tốt hơn là chúng ta nên tiến hành một số biện pháp trước khi anh ta đến.
=> We had better take some solutions before he arrieves.

15. Vị trí của trạng từ very

15.1 very luôn đứng trước tính từ và trạng từ mà nó bổ nghĩa
Ex: She used to be very thin. (bổ nghĩa cho tính từ thin)
Seals swim very fast. (bổ nghĩa cho trạng từ fast)
Do chịu ảnh hưởng của cách dùng trên nên khi very bổ nghĩa cho động từ, người viết cũng đặt very
trước động từ dẫn đến các câu sai dưới đây:
I very like to listen to classical music.
They very enjoyed the movie.
 15.2 very khi bổ nghĩa cho động từ thường đi kèm với much tạo thành trạng ngữ bổ nghĩa cho động
từ đó
Ex: I like to listen to classical music very much.
They enjoyed the movie very much.
The child loves his toys very much.
Mary hates the mouse very much.

16. Cấu trúc so sánh

Mẫu câu so sánh của tính từ và trạng từ không phức tạp nhưng người viết thường mắc các lỗi sau:
Ex: The temperature in the mountains is much more lower than the city.
He sings more better than I do.
Mary and jane are twins, but Jane is the prettiest.
Hai câu đầu sai vì lower và better đã ở dạng do sánh nên không được thêm more (nếu muốn bổ
nghĩa cho từ so sánh này thì phải dùng much)
Câu cuối sai vì đây là so sánh giữa hai người (hoặc hai sự vật) nên không được dùng cấu trúc so sánh
cực cấp (so sánh cực cấp áp dụng khi so sánh từ ba người, vật trở lên)

17. Các nhầm lẫn với danh từ

Người viết thường không gặp khó khăn khi đổi danh từ số ít sang số nhiều, nhưng hay viết các câu
sai như sau:
What are the good news?
 Correct: What is the good news?
A box of eggs are on the table.
 Correct: A box of eggs is on the table.
Twenty years are not a long time in history.
 Twenty years is not a long time in history.
Their personnel is very well trained.
 Correct: Their personnel are very well trained.
Nguyên nhân dẫn đến các lỗi trên là do người viết không nắm vứng quy tắc số ít, số nhiều của danh
từ. Hãy ôn lại cách dùng của danh từ số ít và danh từ số nhiều.
17.1 Những danh từ có hình thức số ít nhưng được dùng ở dạng số nhiều
17.1.1 Danh tự tập hợp như enemy, cattle, militia, police, personnel, v.v
The family are good friends of ours.
The enemy were driven out soon.
The police have arrested two suspects.
Our personnel are very highly trained.
17.1.2 Một số danh từ có hình thức số ít và số nhiều giống nhau như Chinese, Japanese, sheep,
means, aircraft, fish, v.v
Two sheep are missing. (Số ít: One sheep is missing)
All possible means are to be tried. (Số ít: This means has been tried but it didn’t work)
 There are a few fish in the pond. (Số ít: One fish is dead)
Lưu ý: Khi diễn đạt các loại cá khác nhau, fish sẽ có hình thức số nhiều:
Different fishes are found in the river.
17.2 Một số từ luôn có hình thức số nhiều nhưng lại là danh từ số ít (chúng không phải là khái
niệm chỉ số lượng)
What is the good news?
Billiards is my favourite sport.
17.3 Một số cụm danh từ có hình thức số nhiều diễn đạt khái niệm thời gian, cự ly, khoảng cách,
v.v. nhưng vì tượng trưng cho một số đơn vị nên vẫn được xem là số ít.
Twenty years is but a moment in history.
50 dollars is enough.
To him, 5000 meters is not a long distance.
17.4 Khi chủ ngữ và bổ ngữ không đồng nhất
Trong trường hợp chủ ngữ khác với bổ ngữ về số lượng thì động từ nối to be được chia theo chủ ngữ.
Our only guide was the two big rocks on top of the hill.
(So sánh: The two big rocks on top of the hill were our only guide)
Diamonds are a new subject with women today.
17.5 Căn cứ vào từ chỉ số lượng của cụm danh từ.
Đối với danh từ hoặc cụm danh từ không đếm được, căn cứ vào từ chỉ số lượng đứng trước nó để
chia động từ.
A shaker of pepper is on the table.
There are two bottles of mineral water on the table.
17.6 Hai danh từ/đại từ nối nhau bằng liên từ or
Khi hai danh từ/ đại từ nối nhau bằng liên từ or thì động từ được chia theo số của từ đứng sau or.
They or he is in the wrong.
He or his parents have to go to Singapore for the matter.
17.7 Cấu trúc either … or
Tương tự như trường hợp trên, động từ trong cấu trúc either … or được chia theo số của danh từ/
đại từ đứng sau or.
Either Tom or his team members are to blame.
Either the ties or the hat is a good buy.
Nhưng nếu xem danh từ đứng trước và sau or là một tập hợp thì dùng động từ số nhiều và đại từ
thay thế cũng là số nhiều.
If either John or Jane come, they will want to enjoy the music.
17.8 Cấu trúc neither … nor
Động từ trong cấu trúc neither … nor được chia theo số của danh từ/ đại từ đứng sau nor.
Neither you nor your sister is mistaken.
Neither she nor her classmates want to do it.
Nhưng nếu xem danh từ/ đại từ đứng trước và sau nor là một tập hợp thì chia động từ số nhiều.
Neither Jack nor Peter have phoned me.
17.9 Cấu trúc not only … but (also)
Động từ sau cấu trúc not only … but (also) được chia theo số của danh từ đứng sau but also.
Not only the dogs but also the old cat is coming out to welcome him back.
17.10 Cấu trúc a number of + danh từ số nhiều
Động từ sau cấu trúc a number of + danh từ số nhiều phải ở dạng số nhiều.
A number of speakers have condemned terrorism.
A large number of bees have attacked the invader.
17.11 Cụm từ per cent + of + danh từ
Động từ sau cấu trúc per cent + of + danh từ được chia theo số của danh từ đứng sau of.
Sixty per cent of the liquor is alcohol.
20% of the apples are bad.
17.12 Động từ đứng sau danh từ tập hợp được chia số ít hoặc số nhiều tùy theo ngữ cảnh.
The committee does not agree to this plan. (toàn ủy ban)
The committee do not agree in option. (từng thanh viên trong ủy bản)
The average family is a great deal smaller than it used to be. (đơn vị một gia đình)
My family are wonderful. They do all they can for me. (từng thành viên trong gia đình)
Exercise 26
1. Cảnh sát đang điều tra vấn đề này.
=> The police have investigated about this matter.
2. Tôi cần 3 tá những thứ này.
=> I need 3 dozen of these.
3. Chúng tôi đến trễ vì giao thông đông đúc.
=> We arrived late because of heavy traffic.
4. Ông ấy đã cho tôi vài lời khuyên về tiền đầu tư của mình.
=> He gave me some advice about my investment money.
5. Không chỉ binh sĩ mà cả vị chỉ huy cũng muốn xem màn trình diễn của họ.
=> Not only the soldiers but also the commander wanted to see their performance.

18. Cách dùng satisfy, satisfying và satisfactory.

18.1 Satisfy là ngoại động từ, nghĩa là làm ai hài lòng
The team’s performance didn’t satisfy the coach.
That answer won’t satisfy her.
People were not satisfied with their life.
She is quite satsfied now that the letter has come.
18.2 Satisfying là tính từ mang nghĩa chủ động, nghĩa là khiến ai hài lòng, thỏa mãn.
The story has a satisfying ending.
It is satisfying to be proved night.
18.3 Satisfactory cũng là tính từ, nghĩa là thỏa đáng. Tính từ này diễn đạt tính chất nội tại của đối
tượng đang được nhắc đến.
The certainly seems a satisfactory answer.
The result of these efforts is usually satisfactory.
 Các câu dưới đây đều sai:
People didn’t satisfied with their life. ( phải sửa didn’t thành weren’t)
The teacher is satisfactory with his progress. (phải sửa thành satisfactory thành satisfied)
I am satisfying with your answer. (phải sửa satisfying thành satisfied)
He is a satisfied teacher. (phải sửa satisfied thành satisfying)

19. Cách dùng interest, interested và interesting.

19.1 interest
Danh từ: sự thích thú, mối quan tâm
Ngoại động từ: làm ai thích thú hoặc quan tâm đến cái gì
Ex: I’ve lost my interest in painting.
Painting interests him.
The teacher tried to interest the students in current events.
19.2 interested là tính từ mang nghĩa bị động, nghĩa là thích, quan tâm, thường xuất hiện trong cụm
từ be interested (in somebody/something)/(to do something).
He is interested in painting.
He was interested to watch them running around.
19.3 interesting là tính từ mang nghĩa chủ động, nghĩa là thú vị
He’s a most interesting man.
That sounds interesting, doesn’t it ?

Common expressions
Dưới đây là những cụm từ hoặc cấu trúc bạn có thể dử dụng khi viết đoạn văn hoặc bài luận
1. Được dùng cho bài viết 1 khối đào tạo, tổng quát:
1.1 Đề xuất:
 I would advise/ recommend you to + V …
 I would advise you to take the bus when go to work.
 If you take my advice, you will + V
 If you take me advice, you will get a grade band of the test.
 If I were you, I would + V … (informal)
 If I were you, I would don’t go to bed late for my health.
 In my opinion, you should + V …
 In my opnion, you should read more books as possible as.
 As far as I am concerned, the best thing you can do is …
 As far as I am concerned, the best thing you can do is be honest with every action you take.
 From my point of view, the best thing is to + V
 From my point of view, the best thing is to apologize her for what you said.
  It would seem/ appear to me that your best course would be to + V …
 It would seem to me that your best course would be to learn English speaking skills.
1.2 Hứa hẹn:
 If X had the chance/choice/opportunity, X would + V …
 If X had the opportunity, X would choose to study to Security Academy.
 Given the chance/choice/opportunity, X would + V …
 Given the choice, X would study in Europe instead Japan
1.3 Phàn nàn:
 I have had enough of the way + clause/X + Ving … (strong)
 I have had enough of the way you singing too loudly in our house.
 I cannot stand/bear the way + clause/X any longer/X + Ving … (very strong)
 I cannot stand the ways my bro treating to his girl friend.
1.4 Cảnh cáo:
 I will not + V …, any longer.
 I will not give my sister money for her behavour, any longer.
 Unless X does …, Y will + V …
 Unless my dad say apologize, my mom will not talk with him.
1.5 Xin lỗi:
a. xin lỗi
 I apologize for + Ving …
 I apologize for shouting you about a small problem.

 I am extremely/very/terrible sorry + clause

 I am extremely sorry because I forget your book at my home.
 Please accept my apologies for + Ving …
 Please accept my apologies for breaking your window glass, I shoot the ball too strong.
b. Lý do/ nguyên nhân
 I had no idea + clause
 I had no idea about my behaviour affects to everyone in this office.
 I had no intention of + Ving …
 I had no intention of sleeping in the lesson.
 It was an accident/ unavoidable.
 I did not mean to + V … (formal)
 I did not mean to park my car here.

2. Được dùng khi mô tả biểu đồ của bài viết 1 khối Học thuật:
2.1 So sánh và đối chiếu / Trình bày các điểm khác nhau
A different from B in that …
The main difference between A and B is that …
 => The main difference between A and B is that A is easier to understand than B.
One of the differences between A and B is that …
But/ whereas/ in contrast
Unlike/ different from
2.2 Nêu khả năng có thể xảy ra
2.2.1 Ở tương lai
a. Hầu như chắc chắn sẽ xảy ra:
Will be sound/ sure to will probably
Be likely to may possibly
b. Hầu như chắc chắn sẽ không xảy ra:
will not be hardly likely to be unlikely to
probably not probably will not may not
possibly not
2.2.2 Ở hiện tại
a. Khẳng định chắc chắn
It is virtually certain that + clause (formal)
=> It is virtually certain that I will get a 6.5 score in IELTS test on this Octorber.
X is virtually certain to be + Ving …
=> My sister virtually certain to be electing at Foreign Trade University.
b. Có thể nhưng không chắc chắn
In all probability + clause
=> In all probability I will travel to Da Nang this summer.
It is within the bounds of possibility that + clause (formal)
It is not inconceivable that + clause (very formal)
=> It is not inconceivable that I continue to work in this office.
There can be little likelihood that + clause (very formal)
There can be little likelihood for A + Ving …
c. Khẳng định không xảy ra
There is absolutely no chance that + clause
=> There is absolutely no chance that I come back with my ex after all things she has done to me.
There is absolutely no chance for A + Ving.
=> There is absolutely no chance for 76ers basketball team being a champion in the NBA with this
style of play.
2.3 Nêu khuynh hướng khái quát
2.3.1 Khuynh hướng được thấy rõ
To tend (not) to + V … (văn nói và văn viết)
=> I tent to share this idea of study abroad with my best friends.
To have a tendency to + V … (văn viết, nói về người)
=> I sometimes have a tendency to learning another languages.
To be inclined to + V … (để nhận định)
=> I am inclined to being a crypto broker.
Các cụm từ trên có thể có trạng từ sometimes, often, generally, usually bổ nghĩa.
Ví dụ: They generally tend to share very similar tastes in music and clothers
2.3.2 Khuynh hướng không rõ
Seem to + V/to be + Ving …
=> It seem to the director make a change to improve sales of company.
Appear to + V/to be + Ving …
=> Appear to changing of economic.
(Thì hiện tại đơn diễn đạt tình huống cố định, thì hiện tại tiếp diễn diễn tả tình huống đang thay đổi)
2.3.3 Khái quát chung
In the vast majority of cases, …
In a large number of cases, …
In most cases, …
=> In most cases, the person who loves more will suffer more after a breakup.
Generally (speaking) => I generally watch my tiktok 15 minutes before going to bed.

2.4 Trạng từ dùng trong cấu trúc so sánh

A is ………………………………………………………………………………………… than B
Considerably
A great deal
Very much
Rather
Quite a lot bigger
Somewhat + smaller
A bit cheaper
A little
Slightly
Scarcely
Hardly
Only just
 My family house is a little smaller than my friend house.
 My football skills is quite a lot better than a year ago.
 Car prices are very much cheaper than a few year ago.
A is ………………………………………………………………………………….. the same as B
Exactly Just
 Precisely Virtually
More or less Nearly
Almost Approximately
Practically about
 My hairstyle is just the same as when I was in highschool.
 My weight is almost increased 10 kg the same as when my first year of university.
A is not ………………………………………………………………………. The same as B.
Exactlly / entirely/ quite
 The Toeci test is not exactlly the same as Ielts test.
 Hanoi food culture is not entirely the same as Ho Chi Minh city.
A is ……………………………………………………………………… different from B.
Totally / completely / entirely
 My mom’s personality is totally different from mine.
 The Vietnamese University entrance exam in 2024 is completely different from 2023.

3. Được dùng khi viết luận

3.1 Trình bày ý kiến/quan điểm của người khác
 (One of) the main argument(s) against/ in favour of X is that …
 One of the main arguments against is that the climate change is becoming increasingly serious.
 It has been said/ argued that …
 It has beed said that Messi is football’s greatest player of all time.
 Some people would agree that …
 Some people would agree that China has the best economic in the world.
 It can be argued that …
 It can be argued that Vietnam is the country with the most students studying aboard in the
Asean.
3.2 Trình bày ý kiến/ quan điểm cá nhân
 It is a fact that …
 It is a fact that I never get a 10 English score when I was in highschool/
 It is undeniable that …
 It is undeniable that job opportunites for new graduetes are very difficult.
 There can be no doubt that …
 There can be no doublt that traffic congestion in Vietnam is terrible and unacceptable.
 (Personally) I would agree that …
 personally I would agree that my mental health is not in a good mood right now.
 (Personally) I would tend to believe/argue/think that … (formal)
 personally I tend to believe that Vietnamese football team will pass the final WC qualifying round.
3.3 Trình bày điều thuận lợi/ bất lợi.
 A has the advantage of X, but suffers from the disadvantage of Y.
  Arsenal has the advantage of home field, but suffers from the disadvantage when they lose a goal
in the first leg.
 (One of) the main advantages/ disadvantages of A/doing … is that …
 One of the main advantages of the Vietnamese economy is it’s abundant young workforce.

IELTS WRITING TASK I

Write a report to the company management describing the information shown in the chart.
The bar chart displays the company’s sales figures of export to North America and Europe from 2003
to 2008.
 It can be seen that in these year, the export to North America increased steadily but that to Europe
did not keep rising. It increased from 2003 to 2005, then the figure remained unchanged in 2006. After
that, it kept falling from 2007 to 2008.
So far as the value of export in concerned, the export to North America almost tripled from 1.8
million dollars to 5.5 million in the six years, but the export to Europe first experieced a rise from 2.6
million dollars in 2003 to 4 million in 2005 and 2006, and then a fall from 4 million dollars to 2 million in
2008, a decrease of 50%.
2006 was the year when the total value of export reached the highest point of 9 million dollars while
in the following two years it dropped to 8.8 million in 2007 and 7.5 million in 2008

Frequently-used words and expressions in describing charts/graphs/tables and changes of data.

As you will see below, there are a number of words and phrases which are similar in meaning. They
may enrich your lexical resource which gives a good impression on the exmainer who will read and mark
your writing.
The following words and phrases are particularly useful for line graphs, but they may also be used
where appropriate to describe the other types of graph. (Note: all the verbs are in the past simple
because most charts reported facts and figures in the past. If you want to present possible figures for
the future, you have to use them in the future tense.)
1. Verbs of verb phareses that mean:
1.1 to become larger in amout or number = tăng lên, tăng trưởng
Rose went up increased
The adverbs which modify these verbs include: suddenly, rapidly, dramatically, significantly, sharply,
steeply, steadily, gradually, slowly, slightly.
Jumped
All of the adverbs listed above may go with this verb except steadily, gradually, slowly, slightly.
1.2 to become less in amount or number = giảm xuống, sụt giảm
Dropped felll decreased declined
The adverbs which commonly go with rise, go up and increase may be used with these verbs.
Plunged
All of the adverbs listed above may go with this verb execpt steadily, grually, slowly, slightly.
1.3 to continue at the same rate, level, or amount over a particular period of time = giữ nguyên, ổn
định
Levelled off remained constant remained steady remain unchanged
1.4 to have reached the highest amount or level = đạt đến đỉnh điểm
Peaked reached a/ the peak reached the highest point
1.5 to have reached the lowest amount or level = xuống mức thấp nhất
Bottomed out reached the bottom reached the nadir
1.6 to get better/ to improve = tăng, tiến triển
Picked up
The commom adverbs which may be used with this verb are: suddenly, rapidly, dramatically, sharply.
1.7 to make progress/ to develop; to stop development = có xu thế phát triển, mất xu thế phát triển
Gained momentum lost momentum
1.8 to move or happen faster = tăng nhanh
Speeded speeded up
The commom adverbs which may be used with this verb are: suddenly, rapidly, dramatically, sharply.
1.9 to slow down/ to slightly decrease = chậm lại, giảm nhẹ
Slowed down
The commom adverbs which may be used with this verb are: suddenly, rapidly, sharply.
1.10 to be the opposite of what it was = (xu thế) đảo ngược
The trend (reversed)
The commom adverbs which may be used with this verb are: suddenly, dramatically.
1.11 to change frequently = dao động
Fluctuated
The commom adverbs which may be used with this verb are: suddenly, dramatically, significantly, steaily,
gradually, slowly, slighly, so much.
1.12 to stay the same = không đổi, vẫn giữ nguyên
Maintained
Examples
 The monthly production increased slowly.
 The sales dropped suddenly and then picked up steadily.
 The profit remained constant.
 The increase slowed down.
 The profit reached a peak, and then fell slightly.
 The prices fluctuated so much that it’s hard to plan a budget.
 The road accidents in this city kept increasing but the trend soon reversed dramatically.
 The prices kept rising but the sales maintained.
 The rise lasted for five months and then began to level off until the end of the year.
2. Nouns or noun pharses describing changes of data
(Note: All the nouns/ noun phrases below are derived from their verbs)
2.1 increasing: sự tăng lên, sự trưởng
The common adjectives which may modify these nouns are: sudden, rapid, dramatic, significant, sharp,
steady, gradual, slow, slight.
2.2 falling/ decreasing: sự giảm xuống, sự sụt giảm
The common adjectives which may modify these nouns are: sudden, rapid, dramatic, significant, sharp,
steady, gradual, slow, slight.
2.3 changing frequently: sự dao động
Fluctuation
The commom adjectives which may modify these nouns are: sudden, dramatic, significant, steady,
gradual, slow, slight.
Examples
  There was a dramatic rise in the profit
 We could see a slight increase in the monthly production of PC
 The fall of sales was sharp.
 Though there was a sudden jump in road accidents, the death rate maintained.
 The increase was slow but steady.
 Though the price remained stable, we could still see a slight fluctuation.
3. Time expressions and contexts used in describing charts/graphs/tables
Expressions of time and contexts are always used in describing charts/graphs/tables.
3.1 Time expressions
In March for 3 years
From 1970 to 2000 between 1970 and 2000
3.2 Contexts: preposition of or posessive case (‘s) is often used.
Examples:
The sales of Inkopan computer dropped suddenly in August but picked up steadily in September.
The Abob company’s profit remained constant for six months.
4. Expressions of comprasions
4.1 besides describing the changes of data (like increasing, falling, levelling off, etc), most exam titles
require candicates to make comprasions between sets of data.
Examples: there are 20 male students in class A and 10 in class B
 The number of male students can be compared using various structures as follows:
There are twice as many male students in Class A as in Class B.
The number of male students in Class A is twice as big as that in Class B.
Class A has twice as many male students as Class B.
Class B has half as many male students as Class A.
There are half as many male students in Class B as in Class A.
The number of male students in Class B is half as big as that in Class A.
Class A has 10 more male students than class B.
Class B has 10 less male students than class A.
There are 10 more male students in Class A than in class B
Class B has less male students than Class A by 10.
* If the number of male students in these classes in the same, the following structures may be used
Class A has as many male students as class B
Class A has the same number of male students as class B
There ara as many male students in class A as in class B
4.2 Some exam titles may ask candidates to make comparisons using precentage.
Verb phrases used in this case are make up and account for.
Male students make up 60% of the total student populution in University A.
Female students account for 40% of the total student populution in University A.
Male students make up more than 60% of the student populution in Uni A.
Female studets account for less than 40% of the student populution in Uni A.
 There are 20 male students in Class A, making up half of the student populution of the class.
There are 10 male students in Class B, accounting for one fourth of the student populution of the class.
4.3 Some exam titles may ask candidates to make comparisons pointing out the precentage of an
increase or a fall of data. The following nouns phrases and verb phrases may be applied:
 In 2006 the number of male student is 100. In 2007, the number of male students is 105.
Compared to 2006, the number of male students increased by 5% in 2007
The number of male student reached 105 in 2007, indicating a rise of 5%, compared to 2006.
There is an increase by 5% in the number of male students.
 In 2006 the number of female students is 100. In 2007 the number of female students is 95.
Compared to 2006, the number of female student decreased by 5% in 2007.
The number of female students decreased to 95 in 2007, indicating a fall of 5%, compared to 2006.
There is a decrease by 5% in the number of female students.
 In 2007, the proportion of male students occupied 30% of the total student populution. In 2008, the
the proportion of male students occupied 35% of the total student populution.
There is an increase of 5 percent in the proportion of male students of the total student populution
There is a decrease of 5 precent in the proportion of female students of the total student populution.

Exercise 7
A. Trasnlate the following sentences into English
1. So với năm 2007, lợi nhuận của năm 2008 đã giảm 5%.
=> Compared to 2007. The profit in 2008 decreased to 5%.
2. Số du học sinh năm 2007 đã giảm xuống còn 1500 người, cho thấy mức giảm 5% so với năm 2006.
=> The number of overseas students in 2007 had fallen to 1500 people, a decreased by 5% compared to
2006.
3. Đội A ghi nhiều hơn đội B 5 bàn.
=> Team A scores 5 more goals than team B.
4. Số VĐV có chiều cao hơn 2m trong đội A ít hơn đội B hai người.
=> The number of athletes over 2m tall in team A is two less than team B.
5. Trên thực tế, hàm lượng đường có trong quả táo và quả lê nhiều như nhau.
=> in fact, the amount of sugar in aplles as same as in pears
6. Một xu hướng rõ rệt là số người đi xe đạp đang tăng đều.
=> A clear trend is that the number of cyclists is steadily increasing.
7. Số người đi lại bằng xe buýt gia tăng từ 2000 đến năm 2008
=> The number of people traveling by bus increased from 2000 to 2008.
8. Trong số người lao động chân tay, nam giới chiếm tỷ lệ 70%.
=> Among manual workers, men account for 70%
9. Năm 1997, tài nguyên thiên nhiên cung ứng hơn 17& tổng GDP, nhưng đến năm 2007 lại giảm xuống
dưới 10%.
 => In 1997, natural resources provided more than 17% of total GDP, but 2007 they had decreased to less
than 10%.
10. Trong cùng một thời kỳ, số lượng cừu tăng nhanh từ 230.000 con lên 310.000 con, nhưng số bò lại
giảm mạnh từ 180.000 con xuống ít hơn 130.000 con.
=> During the same period, the number of sheep grown dramatically from 230.000 to 310.000, but the
number of cows fallen significantly from 180.000 to less than 130.000
B. Translate this short passage into English.

In the first 5 months of last year, the company’s monthly profits increased to 10.000 USD and
remained stable, but the profits of June were 9.000 USD, decreasd by 10%. From July to September, that
profit fluctuated between 9.000 USD and 7.000 USD. But, in last 3 months of last year, that profit rose
steadily, reaching 11.000 USD in December, the highest profit of the year.

C. Example passage

The table indicates the output of factory A and factory B in their toy production from 2003 to 2007.
The production of Factory A was obviously much better than Factory B. Take the five years from 2003
to 2007 for example. Factory A’s output value increased from 0.84 million USD to 1.60 million USD, with
a rise of 0.2 million USD each year. The value in 2007 was almost twice as much as that in 2003. Yet in
the same period Factory B’s slid all the way from 1.8 million USD to 0.9 million USD, with a fall of 0.1
million USD each year. Although the value picked up in 2006, it has dropped sharply in 2007 to the
amount of half of that in 2003.
We see clearly that Factory A’s output value kept growing while Factory B’s output value dropped all
the time. From the table we can also see that in 2003 Factory A’s output value was 0.84 million USD and
that of Factory B was 1.8 million USD.
 The cause of the decrease of Factory B’s output value must have been the poor management.

D. Wrie a passage on the following title

The charts illustrates the types of work occupied by people from 2 different Province in England.
It can be clearly seen that, the proportion of work occupied has a big difference between Province A
and Province B. In province A, the precentage of business was 70%, account for almost work occupied.
The proportion of architecture was 20%, domestic service was 8% and others was 2%.
On the contrary, The precentage of business in Province B was only 10%. Accounts for the largest
proportion was the domestic service, it making up 67% of the total work occupied. The proportion of
architecture in Province B was the same as in Province A, by 20%. With 3% was the others.
 Example passage
The two pie charts show the proportion of people from Province A and B working in various fields in
England.
Most of the people from Province A do business. They account for 70% of the total, which is seven
times as much as people from Province B, who account for only 10%. On the contrary, most people from
Province B do domestic service in England, making up 67% of the total, while the proportion of those
from Province A who do the same work is only 8%, much less than those from Province B.
It is interesting to see that the proportions of those from the two provinces, whose occupation is
architecture both account for one fifth of the total poplution of the two provinces working in England.
In conclusion, the two charts show chearly that although people from the two provinces do almost
the same types of work in England, the proportions of people who do the same work vary significantly.

E. Answer these questions on the sample passage below.

 The column charts shows the number of the two types of vehicles sold in each month from July to
December in Lotus Company in 2008.
The most successful and worst sales of cars happened in September (230) and October (55)
respectively, while those of trucks fell in November (110) and July (80) respectively. September was
the only month in which over 300 vehicles were sold, 230 cars and 100 trucks. This month was, in
descending order of sales, followed by November, December, July, August and Octorber.
Octorber was the worst month of sales in the second half of the year with only 145 vehicles sold, 185
less than September, it is the only month in which the number of sold vehicles was under 150.
In August the sales of the two types of vehicles were very close to each other with 90 cars and 98
trucks
Although the sales of both kinds of vehicles fluctuated, we don’t seem to find any cor-relation
between the sales of cars and trucks.
1. What questions has the sample passage answered?
 What does this chart show?
 In which month were the sales the most successful?
 How many cars and trucks were sold in that month?
 Was it the only month in which the sales were over 300?
 What is the descending order as far as the sales were concerned?
 In which month were the sales the worst?
 Was it the only month in which the sales were below 150?
 Were the sales of the two types of vehicles close to each other in August?
 How many cars and trucks sold respectively in August?
 Is there any correlation between the sales of cars and trucks?
 2. Which data along the horizontal axis and the vertical axis has the passage described and
compared?
 It has started the number of vehicles sold in six months with the conclusion that September was
the highest month of sales while October witnessed the lowest number of sales.
 It has indicated a descending order of sales
 It has described the biggest and the smallest sales of both cars and trucks.

F. There are a few mistakes, find them out.

The graph compares the proportion of women smokers in 2 different continents in the latter half of
the 20th century.
It can clearly seen that from 1950 to 2000 the percentage of women smokers in Asia kept increasing
while in Europe first rose and then fell.
In the 50’s the precentages of women smokers in Asia and Europe were about the same, with Europe
higher of 2%. From then on, women smokers of both contienents began to rise, but the rate of
increase in Europe was much bigger than Asia. In the ten years from 1960 to 1970 in Europe, women
smokers doubled, from 10% to 20%, while in Asia, there was only a rise by 3%.
However, since the 70s, things have changed dramatically. In the following thirty years, the
precentage of women smokers in Asia never stopped to grow while that in Europe dropped sharply. In
2000, Asian women smokers surpassed European women smokers by 1%. It is the first time for the
former to have caught up with the latter in the past 50 years
 Some errors in this passage must be corrected:
 1. It can clearly seen that from 1950 to 2000 the percentage of women smokers in Asia kept
increasing while in Europe first rose and then fall.
There are two errors in this sentence:
a. It can clearly seen must be written in the passive structure, so be must be added.
b. While in Europe first rose and then fell
This clause lacks a subject. The correct version is while that in Europe first rose and then fell. That
here replaces from 1950 to 2000 the percentage of women smokers.
2. With Europe higher of 2%
Of must be replaced by by (refer to frequently, used words and expressions in describing charts/
graphs/ tables and changes of data)
3. While in Asia, there was only a rise by 3%
By must be replaced by of (refer to frequently, used words and expressions in describing charts/
graphs/ tables and changes of data)
4. The precentage of women smokers in Asia never stopped to grow
The correct phrase here is stopped growing. (Pay attention to the different meanings of an infinitve
and a gerund after stop)

G. Write a short passage on the following title.

The table shows figures of different books lend in a community library in the first month of 2008.
Overall, it can be clearly seen that the figures of community members are divided into 2 groups,
male and female. Besides, this table has another figures is non-community members.
 First, a library has 788 males member who borowing books. It has almost three times as many
members as the females member, which the number being just 296 people.