Describe a time when you waited for something special to happen

Describe a time when you waited for something special to happen là một đề thi IELTS Speaking khá thú vị. Bạn sẽ nói thế nào nếu gặp đề bài này? Nếu bạn bị bí ý tưởng thì hãy đọc ngay bài mẫu này từ The SOL Education nhé. 

I. IELTS Speaking Part 2

1. Đề bài

Describe a time when you waited for something special to happen

You should say:

• What you waited for
• Where you waited
• Why it was special
• And explain how you felt while you were waiting

2. Sample answer

I'd like to talk about a memorable time when I waited for my university entrance exam results. This was an event that I had been preparing for throughout my high school years. 

I waited for these results at my home, where I had spent my entire childhood. My family and I had been living there for generations, and this made the moment even more special because it was a continuation of our family's educational tradition. 

The reason it was so special was that this exam determined whether I would be admitted to the university of my dreams. It appeared to be a turning point in my life. Moreover, this exam was a matter of pride for my family and me, as the whole process was highly competitive in Vietnam. 

A mix of emotions ran through me as I awaited the outcome. There was excitement because I was eager to know how I had performed, but there was also anxiety and nervousness. My family and I had put in much effort, and I didn't want to disappoint them. I remember constantly checking my phone for updates, and every passing minute felt like an eternity. However, as time went by, I started to reflect on the journey, the memories, and the support of my family and teachers, which made the waiting period more meaningful. 

In the end, when the results finally arrived, I felt a rush of relief and joy. I had performed well, and my dream university had accepted me. It was a moment of immense happiness, and it made all the waiting and effort worth it. Looking back, that waiting period taught me the value of perseverance and the importance of family support in achieving my goals.

3. Từ vựng IELTS hữu ích

• university entrance exam /ˌjuː.nɪˈvɜː.sɪ.ti ˈɛn.trəns ɪɡˈzæm/: An examination that determines whether a student is eligible for admission to a university. (kỳ thi đại học)
• continuation /kənˌtɪn.juˈeɪ.ʃən/: The act of carrying on or resuming an activity. (sự tiếp tục, tiếp nối) 
• educational tradition /ˌɛdʒ.əˈkeɪ.ʃənl trəˈdɪʃ.ən/: The long-standing customs and practices related to education. (truyền thống giáo dục) 
• determine /dɪˈtɜːr.mɪnd/: To decide what will happen (quyết điịnh) 
• be admitted (to the university) /bi ədˈmɪt.ɪd/: To gain acceptance or entrance into a place, program, or institution. (được nhận vào (trường đại học)) 
• turning point /ˈtɜːr.nɪŋ pɔɪnt/: A critical moment when significant changes occur. (bước ngoặt) 
• a matter of pride /ə ˈmætər əv praɪd/: Something that brings a sense of honor or self-esteem. (niềm tự hào) 
• every passing minute /ˈɛvri ˈpæsɪŋ ˈmɪnɪt/: Each moment that goes by. (mỗi phút trôi qua) 
• eternity /ɪˈtɜːr.nə.ti/: Infinite or endless time, often used to express a long duration. (vô tận) 
• reflect on /rɪˈflekt ɒn/: To think deeply or ponder upon something. (phản ánh, suy ngẫm) 
• meaningful /ˈmiːnɪŋ.fəl/: Having significance or conveying a clear message or purpose. (có ý nghĩa) 
• a rush of relief and joy /ə ˈrʌʃ əv rɪˈliːf ənd dʒɔɪ/: A sudden and strong feeling of being relieved and happy. (cảm giác nhẹ nhõm và hạnh phúc) 
• immense /ɪˈmens/: Extremely large or vast. (to lớn) 
• perseverance /ˌpɜːrsɪˈvɪərəns/: The quality of persisting in achieving a goal despite difficulties or obstacles. (sự kiên trì)

II. IELTS Speaking Part 3

1. On what occasions do people usually need to wait?

Well, people often have to wait in various situations in their daily lives. For instance, waiting in line at a grocery store, bank, or airport is quite common. Additionally, waiting for public transportation like buses and trains is a regular occurrence. People also wait for medical appointments, job interviews, and even when making reservations at a restaurant. So, waiting is a part of life that we encounter in many different scenarios. 

• regular occurrence /ˈrɛɡjʊlər əˈkʌrəns/: Something that happens frequently or on a consistent basis. (việc xảy ra thường xuyên) 
• medical appointments /ˈmɛdɪkəl əˈpɔɪntmənts/: Scheduled meetings with healthcare professionals, such as doctors or dentists, for the purpose of medical examination or treatment. (cuộc hẹn y tế) 
• reservations /ˌrɛzərˈveɪʃənz/: Bookings or arrangements made in advance, often for services like dining at a restaurant or reserving a room at a hotel. (đặt chỗ, đặt trước)
• encounter /ɪnˈkaʊntər/: To come across or meet something or someone unexpectedly. (gặp gỡ, gặp phải) 
• scenarios /sɪˈnɛri.oʊz/: Possible situations or sequences of events that can happen in the future. (tình huống)

2. Who behave better when waiting, children or adults? 

It's not always easy to generalize, but generally, adults tend to behave better when waiting compared to children. Adults have more experience with waiting and have developed better patience and self-control over time. They often use this time productively, like reading a book, checking emails, or simply remaining calm. On the other hand, children may become restless, impatient, or even throw tantrums when they have to wait for an extended period. However, it varies from individual to individual and depends on the specific situation and the child's age. 

• generalize /ˈdʒɛnərəˌlaɪz/: To make a broad statement or assumption based on specific examples or limited information. (tổng quát hóa, khái quát hóa)
• tend to /tɛnd tə/: To have a natural likelihood to do something. (có xu hướng) 
• patience /ˈpeɪʃəns/: The ability to endure waiting, delay, or difficult situations without becoming annoyed or upset. (sự kiên nhẫn) 
• self-control /sɛlf kənˈtroʊl/: The ability to control one's own emotions or actions. (sự tự kiểm soát) 
• productively /prəˈdʌktɪvli/: In a way that results in valuable or useful outcomes. (một cách có ích) 
• remain calm /rɪˈmeɪn kɑːm/: To stay composed and not become anxious. (duy trì bình tĩnh) 
• restless /ˈrɛstləs/: Unable to stay still or calm because of boredom, anxiety, or impatience. (bồn chồn, không yên) 
• impatient /ɪmˈpeɪʃənt/: Showing a lack of patience, often becoming annoyed when things take time. (nóng nảy, thiếu kiên nhẫn) 
• throw tantrums /θroʊ ˈtæntrəmz/: To have a sudden and intense emotional outburst, typically associated with children. (nổi giận, quậy phá) 
• extended period /ɪkˈstɛndɪd ˈpɪriəd/: A prolonged duration or length of time. (khoảng thời gian kéo dài)

3. Do you think waiting is harder now? 

Yes, waiting can be harder in many ways nowadays. With the advent of technology and the fast-paced nature of modern life, people have become accustomed to instant gratification. We have smartphones that provide immediate access to information, entertainment, and communication. This has led to a decrease in our tolerance for waiting. Additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic has brought about changes like social distancing requirements and reduced capacity in public places, which can make waiting even more challenging. So, compared to the past, waiting can indeed feel harder in the present day.

• advent of technology /ˈædvɛnt ʌv tɛkˈnɒlədʒi/: The introduction or arrival of new and advanced technological innovations. (sự xuất hiện của công nghệ) 
• fast-paced nature /fæst-peɪst ˈneɪtʃər/: The characteristic of being quick, dynamic, or constantly changing. (tính nhanh chóng, sôi động) 
• accustomed /əˈkʌstəmd/: Being familiar or used to a particular situation or experience. (quen với) 
• instant gratification /ˈɪnstənt ˌɡrætɪfɪˈkeɪʃən/: The immediate satisfaction or pleasure derived from obtaining what one desires without delay. (sự hài lòng ngay lập tức) 
• immediate access /ɪˈmiːdiət ˈæksɛs/: The ability to reach or obtain something without any delay. (sự tiếp cận ngay lập tức) 
• tolerance /ˈtɒlərəns/: The capacity to endure or accept situations, behaviors, or conditions that are different from one's own. (sự khoan dung) 
• social distancing requirements /ˈsoʊʃəl ˈdɪsˈtænsɪŋ rɪˈkwaɪrmənts/: Guidelines or rules set by authorities to maintain physical separation between individuals to prevent the spread of diseases, like COVID-19. (yêu cầu giữ khoảng cách xã hội) 
• reduced capacity /rɪˈduːst kəˈpæsəti/: A limitation on the number of people or things that can be accommodated or allowed in a particular space or situation. (sự giảm sức chứa)

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