8/7/2025-Cam 15- What is exploration?

exploration

The act of traveling through an unfamiliar area to learn about it

discovery, investigation, search, examination, survey, probe, inquiry, expedition

Space exploration requires advanced technology. Khám phá không gian đòi hỏi công nghệ tiên tiến.

🔄 Scientific exploration, geological exploration Useful in IELTS Writing Task 2 when discussing science, technology or travel.

explorer

A person who investigates unknown regions

traveler, voyager, adventurer, pioneer, pathfinder, discoverer, navigator, wayfarer

The explorer crossed the Amazon rainforest. Nhà thám hiểm đã vượt qua rừng rậm Amazon.

🔄 Use in Task 2 essays about ambition or risk. Collocations: early explorers, modern-day explorer

desire

A strong feeling of wanting something

wish, craving, aspiration, longing, urge, ambition, passion, yearning

Her desire to succeed motivated her. Khát vọng thành công đã thúc đẩy cô ấy.

🔄 Desire for success, human desire, consumer desire – ideal for discussing psychology or economics in IELTS.

new-found

Recently discovered or achieved

newly acquired, fresh, recent, latest, just found, sudden, novel, contemporary

He embraced his new-found freedom. Anh ấy tận hưởng tự do mới tìm được.

🔄 Collocations: new-found confidence/fame/wealth IELTS Tip: Shows positive progress in Speaking/Task 1 narratives.

indeed

Used to emphasize or confirm something

actually, truly, in fact, certainly, undoubtedly, really, absolutely, genuinely

Indeed, climate change is a global threat. Thực sự, biến đổi khí hậu là một mối đe dọa toàn cầu.

🔄 Use in IELTS essays to strengthen agreement: Indeed, this is a crucial issue.

play a part/role

To contribute to a result

contribute, participate, influence, affect, impact, be involved, engage in, assist

Education plays a key role in development. Giáo dục đóng vai trò then chốt trong phát triển.

🔄 Play a central role in, play a minor part in — common in academic writing.

species

A group of similar organisms

type, kind, class, sort, breed, category, variety, group

Many species are at risk of extinction. Nhiều loài đang có nguy cơ tuyệt chủng.

🔄 Use in Task 1 (Environment graphs) or Task 2 (ecology): endangered species, invasive species

ancestor

A person from whom one is descended

forefather, predecessor, progenitor, antecedent, forerunner, patriarch, lineage, root

Our ancestors lived in caves. Tổ tiên của chúng ta sống trong các hang động.

🔄 Common ancestor, ancient ancestor – helpful in historical or anthropological discussions.

quest

A long or difficult search

search, hunt, pursuit, journey, expedition, mission, exploration, investigation

The quest for knowledge never ends. Cuộc tìm kiếm tri thức không bao giờ kết thúc.

🔄 Common with quest for truth/success/identity — advanced vocab for philosophical discussions.

doubt

A feeling of uncertainty

uncertainty, disbelief, hesitation, skepticism, mistrust, suspicion, apprehension, query

There is no doubt about his ability. Không có nghi ngờ gì về năng lực của anh ấy.

🔄 Collocations: beyond doubt, cast doubt on, reasonable doubt – useful for argument-based essays.

nomadic

Moving from place to place with no permanent home

roaming, wandering, itinerant, migratory, mobile, unsettled, drifting, traveling

Nomadic tribes adapt to harsh climates. Bộ lạc du mục thích nghi với khí hậu khắc nghiệt.

🔄 Nomadic lifestyle, nomadic culture – use in cultural or social essays.

existence

The state of being real or living

life, presence, survival, reality, being, actuality, presence, livelihood

Water is essential for existence. Nước là yếu tố thiết yếu cho sự tồn tại.

🔄 Human existence, the existence of life – suitable for science or ethics topics.

depleted

Reduced in amount or quality

drained, diminished, exhausted, reduced, lessened, worn out, used up, weakened

Natural resources are rapidly depleted. Tài nguyên thiên nhiên đang bị cạn kiệt nhanh chóng.

🔄 Depleted resources, depleted energy – common in environment-related writing.

negotiate

To find a way through or around something

pass, navigate, maneuver, traverse, avoid, get through, bypass, steer

He carefully negotiated the rocky path. Anh ấy cẩn thận vượt qua con đường đá.

🔄 Negotiate obstacles, negotiate a deal — flexible for both literal and figurative usage.

subway

An underground pedestrian or train path

underpass, tunnel, metro, tube, underground, transit system, passageway, rail

The subway system is efficient in NYC. Hệ thống tàu điện ngầm ở New York rất hiệu quả.

🔄 Subway network, take the subway, subway entrance — appears in Task 1 maps/transport contexts.

IELTS Tips Summary:

• Words like "exploration," "depleted," "existence," are excellent for Task 2 (Environment, Science, Space, Society).

• "Indeed," "undoubtedly," "play a role," are cohesive devices suitable for boosting Task 2 Coherence & Cohesion score.

• Use "nomadic," "quest," "doubt" to add depth to your Speaking or Writing vocabulary when discussing abstract ideas (identity, freedom, uncertainty).

• Practice using these words in Task 1 Map/Graph interpretations: e.g., Subway networks were expanded from 1990 to 2010, facilitating urban exploration.

come to do sth

To gradually begin to have a particular feeling, belief, or understanding.

begin to, start to, grow to, develop to, learn to, eventually, be inclined to, end up

✅ He came to understand the value of education. ✅ Cuối cùng anh ấy đã hiểu ra giá trị của giáo dục.

🔹 come to realize 🔹 come to appreciate 🔹 come to believe 📌 Useful for Writing Task 2 when expressing change of opinion or realization.

peculiar

Unusual or strange, especially in a way that is worrying or hard to explain.

strange, weird, odd, bizarre, unusual, abnormal, eccentric, freakish

✅ She had a peculiar habit of talking to her plants. ✅ Cô ấy có thói quen kỳ lạ là nói chuyện với cây.

🔹 peculiar smell/sound/behavior 📌 Use in Speaking Part 2 to describe quirky habits or places.

breed

A particular type of animal, or metaphorically, a group/class of people or things.

type, kind, category, class, group, sort, species, strain

✅ This breed of dog is known for loyalty. ✅ Giống chó này nổi tiếng vì lòng trung thành.

🔹 new breed of leaders 🔹 rare breed 📌 Common in Writing Task 2 when describing types of professionals or innovations.

the rest of

What remains after the main part is used or dealt with.

remainder, leftover, others, balance, residual, surplus, what’s left, remnant

✅ He spent the rest of the day sleeping. ✅ Anh ta dành phần còn lại của ngày để ngủ.

🔹 the rest of the team/time/year 📌 Use in Task 1 Academic to describe data segments (e.g. “The rest of the population...”).

merely

Just, only; used to emphasize how small or unimportant something is.

just, only, simply, purely, barely, solely, exclusively, nothing more

✅ He’s merely a child. ✅ Nó chỉ là một đứa trẻ.

🔹 merely a suggestion 🔹 merely symbolic 📌 Enhances formal tone in essays. Avoid overuse.

suited

Right or appropriate for a particular person, purpose, or situation.

appropriate, fit, matching, compatible, fitting, proper, tailored, acceptable

✅ She’s well suited for this role. ✅ Cô ấy rất phù hợp với vai trò này.

🔹 well-suited 🔹 ideally suited 📌 Useful in Writing Task 2 to recommend solutions or candidates.

seek out

To search hard to find someone or something.

look for, search for, hunt for, pursue, track down, chase, scout for, investigate

✅ Scientists seek out evidence for climate change. ✅ Các nhà khoa học tìm kiếm bằng chứng về biến đổi khí hậu.

🔹 seek out opportunities/truth/help 📌 Use to describe academic or research behavior.

inclined

Likely or tending to do something.

prone, apt, likely, disposed, willing, liable, tending, leaning toward

✅ I’m inclined to believe she’s right. ✅ Tôi có xu hướng tin rằng cô ấy đúng.

🔹 be inclined to agree 🔹 feel inclined 📌 Adds complexity in essays: "People are more inclined to..."

risk

The possibility of danger, loss, or injury.

hazard, danger, peril, venture, gamble, threat, uncertainty, chance

✅ Smoking poses a serious health risk. ✅ Hút thuốc gây nguy cơ nghiêm trọng cho sức khỏe.

🔹 take a risk 🔹 at risk 📌 Use in environment/health essays for strong arguments.

venture out

To go somewhere despite potential risks or challenges.

go, journey, proceed, move, step out, embark, dare, travel

✅ She ventured out into the storm. ✅ Cô ấy mạo hiểm ra ngoài giữa cơn bão.

🔹 venture into the unknown 🔹 venture forth 📌 Good for Speaking Part 2 (adventures, life experiences).

take away from

To spoil or reduce the positive effect.

reduce, lessen, undermine, spoil, weaken, subtract from, detract, diminish

✅ Noise can take away from the experience. ✅ Tiếng ồn có thể làm giảm trải nghiệm.

🔹 not take away from the fact 📌 Use to discuss drawbacks in essays (e.g., tourism, development).

enquiring

Showing interest or asking questions.

curious, inquisitive, questioning, probing, investigative, analytical, eager, thoughtful

✅ He had an enquiring mind. ✅ Anh ta có một tâm trí thích khám phá.

🔹 enquiring mind/attitude 📌 Great for describing academic traits in Speaking/Writing.

instinct

Natural tendency or reaction.

intuition, feeling, hunch, impulse, nature, urge, predisposition, inclination

✅ Her maternal instinct kicked in. ✅ Bản năng làm mẹ của cô ấy trỗi dậy.

🔹 survival instinct 🔹 natural instinct 📌 Helps in Writing Task 2 to explain behavior.

profession

A type of job requiring special training or education.

occupation, job, career, trade, vocation, field, discipline, role

✅ Teaching is a noble profession. ✅ Giáo dục là một nghề cao quý.

🔹 legal/medical profession 🔹 enter a profession 📌 Use in Work & Education topic essays.

marine

Related to the sea or ocean.

oceanic, aquatic, maritime, nautical, naval, sea-based, underwater, coastal

✅ Marine life is under threat due to pollution. ✅ Sinh vật biển đang bị đe dọa do ô nhiễm.

🔹 marine biology 🔹 marine ecosystem 📌 Important for environmental essays.

astronomer

A scientist who studies stars, planets, and space.

stargazer, astrophysicist, starwatcher, cosmologist, sky-watcher, observer, researcher, scientist

✅ The astronomer discovered a new planet. ✅ Nhà thiên văn học phát hiện hành tinh mới.

🔹 famous astronomer 🔹 observatory astronomer 📌 Useful in science/technology topics in IELTS.

border

The dividing line between two areas.

edge, boundary, limit, frontier, margin, perimeter, borderland, demarcation

✅ They live near the border of France. ✅ Họ sống gần biên giới Pháp.

🔹 cross the border 🔹 border security 📌 Great for international/political essays.

test

To examine or assess quality or performance.

check, examine, assess, evaluate, measure, analyze, inspect, verify

✅ The system was tested thoroughly. ✅ Hệ thống được kiểm tra kỹ lưỡng.

🔹 test result 🔹 test performance 📌 Use in education/science IELTS Task 2.

IELTS TIP SUMMARY:

• Use verbs like “seek out,” “come to do sth,” “take away from” for higher Task Achievement in Writing.

• Adjectives like "peculiar," "inclined," "enquiring" enhance lexical resource in Speaking Part 2/3.

• Vocabulary like "marine," "border," "test" fit scientific/environmental essays well.

fictional

Made up, existing only in imagination. Often used in stories, books, or films.

imaginary, invented, fabricated, fictionalized, unreal, fantastical, mythical, made-up

✅ Sherlock Holmes is a fictional character. ✅ Sherlock Holmes là một nhân vật hư cấu.

🔹 fictional world/story/character 📌 Use in Writing/Speaking when discussing media, creativity, or cultural impact.

uncultivated

Not used for growing crops; undeveloped.

fallow, unplanted, wild, barren, neglected, unfarmed, untouched, unproductive

✅ The land remained uncultivated for years. ✅ Khu đất bị bỏ hoang nhiều năm.

🔹 uncultivated land/soil/area 📌 Useful in Task 1 Academic (Map changes) and environmental topics.

landscape

Visible features of an area of land. Also metaphorically: situation or environment.

scenery, terrain, setting, environment, view, land, site, topography

✅ The mountain landscape was breathtaking. ✅ Cảnh quan núi non thật ngoạn mục.

🔹 political/economic landscape 📌 Metaphorically used in Writing Task 2: “In today’s digital landscape…”

suggest

To offer an idea or plan for consideration.

propose, recommend, advise, put forward, advocate, urge, point out, imply

✅ I suggest you take a break. ✅ Tôi đề nghị bạn nghỉ ngơi một lát.

🔹 suggest a solution/idea/alternative 📌 Formal and polite verb for essay arguments. Use in Writing Task 2.

character

A person or figure in literature, film, or drama.

persona, figure, role, protagonist, individual, personage, actor, entity

✅ Harry Potter is a popular character. ✅ Harry Potter là nhân vật nổi tiếng.

🔹 main/central/favorite character 📌 Use when analyzing literature or culture in Speaking/Reading.

delve into

To investigate or examine deeply.

explore, investigate, research, probe, look into, study, analyze, dig into, examine

✅ She delved into ancient history for her thesis. ✅ Cô ấy nghiên cứu sâu về lịch sử cổ đại cho luận án.

🔹 delve into details/history/issue 📌 Use in Writing Task 2/Academic Essays when presenting in-depth arguments.

humanity

All human beings collectively; human qualities like kindness.

humankind, mankind, people, society, the human race, civilization, persons, population

✅ Climate change affects all of humanity. ✅ Biến đổi khí hậu ảnh hưởng đến toàn nhân loại.

🔹 threat to humanity 🔹 serve humanity 📌 Excellent for global issue essays (e.g., climate, AI, pandemics).

remote

Far away from places or time; not easy to reach.

far, distant, isolated, secluded, inaccessible, removed, far-off, outlying

✅ They live in a remote mountain village. ✅ Họ sống ở một ngôi làng miền núi hẻo lánh.

🔹 remote area/control/location 📌 Use in environment/travel essays and Speaking Part 2 (place description).

puny

Small and weak, especially compared to others.

weak, feeble, frail, small, undersized, slight, scrawny, fragile

✅ He looked puny next to the weightlifter. ✅ Anh ta trông nhỏ bé bên cạnh lực sĩ.

🔹 puny child/building/effort 📌 Use to express contrast or inadequacy in comparisons.

irrelevant

Not connected or related to the subject.

immaterial, unrelated, unconnected, beside the point, inappropriate, extraneous, off-topic, insignificant

✅ His comments were irrelevant to the discussion. ✅ Ý kiến của anh ấy không liên quan đến cuộc thảo luận.

🔹 irrelevant detail/information 📌 Great to reject weak arguments in Writing Task 2: “This is largely irrelevant.”

alien

From another world or very different; unfamiliar.

extraterrestrial, foreign, strange, outsider, unknown, unearthly, bizarre, space being

✅ The film was about an alien invasion. ✅ Bộ phim nói về cuộc xâm lược của người ngoài hành tinh.

🔹 alien species/influence/idea 📌 Use in tech/space/immigration topics. Dual meaning: foreign or extraterrestrial.

crawl over

To move slowly using limbs, often insects or small creatures.

creep, inch, slither, move slowly, wriggle, squirm, shuffle, scuttle

✅ Ants crawled over the crumbs. ✅ Kiến bò quanh các mẩu vụn bánh.

🔹 insects crawl over 📌 Descriptive verb for Speaking Part 2 (e.g., animals, jungle scenes).

laboriously

With great effort and difficulty.

arduously, strenuously, hard, painstakingly, with effort, diligently, slowly, toilsomely

✅ He climbed the stairs laboriously. ✅ Anh ta leo cầu thang một cách khó khăn.

🔹 laboriously written/designed 📌 Use to describe challenging tasks or processes.

root

The origin or cause of something. Also: part of a plant underground.

origin, source, basis, cause, foundation, core, derivation, root cause

✅ Ignorance is the root of many problems. ✅ Sự thiếu hiểu biết là gốc rễ của nhiều vấn đề.

🔹 root cause 🔹 cultural roots 📌 Common in Writing Task 2: “At the root of the issue lies…”

background

Personal history (family, education, work).

history, upbringing, origin, experience, roots, backstory, record, context

✅ She comes from a musical background. ✅ Cô ấy xuất thân từ một gia đình âm nhạc.

🔹 educational/cultural background 📌 Use in Speaking Part 1/2 and Task 2 introductions.

encounter

To meet unexpectedly or face something.

meet, come across, face, confront, experience, bump into, stumble upon, run into

✅ They encountered many difficulties. ✅ Họ đã gặp nhiều khó khăn.

🔹 encounter difficulties/problems/opposition 📌 Use to describe obstacles or unexpected events.

relatively

In comparison to something else; moderately.

quite, rather, comparatively, fairly, somewhat, moderately, proportionally, nearly

✅ This method is relatively easy. ✅ Phương pháp này tương đối dễ.

🔹 relatively safe/common/small 📌 Softens arguments in essays; great for tone control.

solid

Hard or firm with fixed shape (not liquid/gas); reliable.

hard, firm, strong, sturdy, robust, dense, compact, stable

✅ The table is made of solid wood. ✅ Chiếc bàn được làm bằng gỗ cứng.

🔹 solid foundation/support/object 📌 Use literally or metaphorically in Writing Task 2.

IELTS STRATEGIC TIPS:

• Use adverbs like “relatively,” “laboriously” to control tone and add precision in Task 2.

• Factual/scientific words like “solid,” “root,” “alien,” “remote,” are excellent in Academic contexts (Reading/Listening).

• Words like “delve into,” “encounter,” “suggest” give your essays a formal academic tone, vital for Band 7+.

surface

The outermost layer or uppermost part of something. Often contrasts with what is underneath or hidden.

exterior, outside, facade, coating, shell, veneer, crust, top layer

✅ The surface of the table was scratched. ✅ Bề mặt của cái bàn bị trầy xước.

🔹 surface area 🔹 on the surface 🔹 smooth/rough surface 📌 In Task 1 Academic, use when describing graphs: “Surface temperature rose steadily.” Can also be metaphorical in Task 2: “On the surface, it seems effective, but…”

confine yourself to (doing) sth

To limit your actions or choices within a certain scope; to restrict your activity to only one area.

limit, restrict, restrain, bound, constrain, narrow, inhibit, curb

✅ She confined herself to reading only non-fiction. ✅ Cô ấy chỉ giới hạn bản thân trong việc đọc sách phi hư cấu.

🔹 confine yourself to one topic 🔹 confine activities/scope 📌 Excellent for formal arguments: “Governments should not confine their efforts solely to economic growth…”

leave sb with sth

When something (like an event or illness) causes someone to be in a certain condition afterwards.

result in, cause, lead to, end up with, produce, bring about, create, leave behind

✅ The accident left her with a broken arm. ✅ Tai nạn khiến cô ấy bị gãy tay.

🔹 leave someone with trauma/memories/scars 📌 Great for cause-and-effect structures in Task 2 Writing: “This policy may leave future generations with massive debt.”

associated

Connected or related to something else, especially conceptually or through cause-and-effect.

related, linked, connected, correlated, attached, bound, coupled, aligned

✅ Stress is often associated with poor health. ✅ Căng thẳng thường liên quan đến sức khỏe kém.

🔹 associated factors/risk/symptoms 📌 Widely used in academic/scientific writing: “Air pollution is associated with an increase in respiratory diseases.” Boosts lexical resource.

IELTS USAGE STRATEGY:

• Use “confine yourself to…” when narrowing scope in Writing Task 2 (e.g., education, health policy).

• “Associated” is critical for scientific data explanation in Task 1 Academic and Reading sections.

• “Leave sb with sth” can express strong cause-effect impact in essays (e.g., climate change, war, policies).

• The dual use of “surface” (literal + metaphorical) offers flexibility in both Writing & Speaking.

past

Referring to a time before the present; previously happened.

previous, former, earlier, preceding, bygone, old, prior, historic

✅ In the past, education was less accessible. ✅ Trước đây, giáo dục ít phổ biến hơn.

🔹 in the past 🔹 past decade/century 📌 Common in Task 2 to introduce trends: “In the past, people valued…”

era

A long and distinct period in history.

age, period, epoch, phase, generation, stage, stretch, span

✅ The digital era has transformed communication. ✅ Kỷ nguyên số đã thay đổi cách giao tiếp.

🔹 modern/post-war/digital era 📌 Great for historical comparisons and progress discussions in essays.

golden age

A time of great success or prosperity.

heyday, prime, peak, high point, glory days, boom period, best time, flourishing age

✅ The 1990s were a golden age for the tech industry. ✅ Những năm 1990 là thời kỳ hoàng kim của ngành công nghệ.

🔹 golden age of cinema/innovation 📌 Useful in Speaking when reflecting on time periods (Part 2 stories).

as if

Expresses something that appears to be true or is imagined.

like, seemingly, as though, appears to be, as it were, similar to, in such a way, it seems

✅ He acted as if he didn’t care. ✅ Anh ta cư xử như thể không quan tâm.

🔹 as if nothing happened 🔹 as if by magic 📌 Adds fluency in Speaking and adds nuance to Writing tone.

peak

The highest point or maximum level.

top, summit, apex, climax, zenith, pinnacle, acme, high point

✅ Tourist numbers reached a peak in July. ✅ Số lượng khách du lịch đạt đỉnh vào tháng 7.

🔹 peak level/hour/season 📌 Vital for Task 1 Academic (charts/graphs): “It peaked at 80% in 2019.”

somehow

In some unspecified or unknown way.

by some means, in some way, mysteriously, inexplicably, oddly, through a method, surprisingly, for unknown reasons

✅ Somehow, he passed the exam. ✅ Bằng cách nào đó, anh ta đã vượt qua kỳ thi.

🔹 somehow manage/escape/survive 📌 Useful in Speaking for storytelling and uncertainty (Part 2 narratives).

bacteria

Tiny organisms, often causing disease.

microbes, germs, pathogens, microorganisms, bacilli, prokaryotes, bugs, agents

✅ Bacteria multiply rapidly in warm conditions. ✅ Vi khuẩn sinh sôi nhanh trong môi trường ấm.

🔹 harmful/useful bacteria 🔹 bacteria growth/infection 📌 Frequently appears in science-related Reading/Listening and Task 2 health/environment.

scarcely

Hardly, barely; almost not.

barely, hardly, seldom, rarely, infrequently, only just, slightly, narrowly

✅ There was scarcely enough food. ✅ Hầu như không đủ thức ăn.

🔹 scarcely visible/believable/enough 📌 Strong alternative to “barely” in Writing for subtle argumentation.

map

To record or discover the structure, arrangement, or movement of something.

chart, record, analyze, outline, visualize, explore, plan, plot

✅ Scientists are mapping the human genome. ✅ Các nhà khoa học đang lập bản đồ gen người.

🔹 map out strategy/genome/path 📌 Highly academic — used in science/tech essays or research contexts.

ocean floor

The bottom surface of the sea/ocean.

seabed, ocean bed, sea floor, undersea surface, ocean bottom, abyssal plain, deep sea base, marine ground

✅ Many species live on the ocean floor. ✅ Nhiều loài sinh sống dưới đáy đại dương.

🔹 explore the ocean floor 🔹 ocean floor sediments/topography 📌 Ideal for environmental science, marine biology contexts in IELTS Reading/Task 2.

the workings of sth

The internal mechanism or function of a system.

operation, process, mechanics, function, structure, design, dynamics, system

✅ We studied the workings of the human brain. ✅ Chúng tôi nghiên cứu hoạt động của não người.

🔹 inner workings 🔹 the workings of democracy/the economy 📌 Formal, excellent in academic essays (Writing Task 2) when explaining systems or institutions.

IELTS-SPECIFIC STRATEGY

• “Era,” “golden age,” “past” are key for comparing historical vs modern developments in Writing Task 2.

• “Peak,” “scarcely,” “map” are powerful for Task 1 (data reporting, scientific process).

• Use “as if,” “somehow,” “leave sb with sth” for storytelling and nuance in Speaking Part 2.

define

to describe or explain the meaning

explain, clarify, outline, depict, characterize, express, illustrate, interpret

He tried to define the concept clearly. Anh ấy cố gắng định nghĩa khái niệm một cách rõ ràng.

give the meaning of something

define a term, clearly defined rules, define a boundary

Use in Writing Task 2 to define abstract ideas or key terms clearly.

dub

to give an unofficial name

name, call, label, tag, entitle, christen, refer to as, nickname

The press dubbed her "the next big star". Báo chí gọi cô là "ngôi sao lớn tiếp theo".

give a name to someone or something

dubbed as, popularly dubbed, dubbed by the media

Use in Speaking Part 2 when talking about nicknames or public titles.

scientifically

in a way that uses science

methodically, systematically, empirically, logically, rationally, experimentally, analytically, objectively

This theory has been scientifically proven. Lý thuyết này đã được chứng minh một cách khoa học.

using scientific methods

scientifically accurate, scientifically valid

Useful in Writing Task 2 on technology/science topics. Shows formal tone.

leading

most important or famous

top, foremost, chief, prominent, renowned, major, principal, acclaimed

She is a leading expert in economics. Cô ấy là một chuyên gia hàng đầu trong lĩnh vực kinh tế.

top-ranking or influential

leading figure, leading role, leading authority

Use in Academic Task 1/2 to show prominence of data/people.

mountaineer

someone who climbs mountains

climber, hiker, trekker, adventurer, alpinist, explorer, rock climber, summiteer

The mountaineer reached the summit alone. Người leo núi đã lên đến đỉnh một mình.

someone skilled in mountain climbing

professional mountaineer, experienced mountaineer

Use in Speaking for adventure or travel topics. Shows specific vocab.

in the act of doing sth

while doing something

while, as, during, at the time, in process of, amidst, as soon as, caught

He was caught in the act of stealing. Anh ta bị bắt quả tang khi đang trộm đồ.

at the exact moment of doing

caught in the act, in the act of committing

Use in Speaking/Listening when telling anecdotes or incidents.

campaigner

someone who works for a cause

activist, promoter, advocate, lobbyist, protester, reformer, spokesperson, supporter

She is a campaigner for women's rights. Cô ấy là một nhà vận động vì quyền phụ nữ.

one who takes part in social movements

environmental campaigner, animal rights campaigner

Useful in Writing Task 2 topics on human rights and social change.

on behalf of

as a representative of

for, in place of, representing, in the name of, as proxy, instead of, delegated by, speaking for

She spoke on behalf of the entire team. Cô ấy phát biểu thay mặt cả nhóm.

in someone’s place or name

on behalf of the company, speak on behalf of

Common in formal writing and speaking roles. Shows politeness/formality.

so-called

used to show a commonly known name

supposed, alleged, popularly known, presumed, reputed, nominal, claimed, self-styled

This so-called expert made many mistakes. Chuyên gia được gọi là “chuyên gia” này đã mắc nhiều lỗi.

known as (often critically)

the so-called hero, so-called freedom

Use in Writing Task 2 for critique/contrast. Adds skeptical tone.

tribal

relating to a tribe

ethnic, indigenous, cultural, aboriginal, native, clannish, ancestral, traditional

Tribal customs vary from region to region. Tập quán bộ lạc khác nhau tùy theo vùng.

related to a social group or ethnicity

tribal community, tribal society, tribal tradition

Use in topics related to culture, sociology, human geography.

far-off

distant in time or space

remote, distant, isolated, faraway, obscure, outlying, unreachable, exotic

They live in a far-off village. Họ sống ở một ngôi làng xa xôi.

a place or time far from now or here

far-off land, far-off future

Useful in describing travel, imagination, or cultural differences.

cross

to go from one side to another

traverse, pass, go over, navigate, span, intersect, cover, travel across

We crossed the river by boat. Chúng tôi vượt qua sông bằng thuyền.

move from one side to the other

cross the border, cross a bridge, cross the line

Strong for IELTS maps, process diagrams or descriptive writing.

unmechanised

without use of machines

manual, traditional, non-automated, hand-operated, primitive, natural, basic, rustic

They still use unmechanised farming methods. Họ vẫn sử dụng phương pháp canh tác thủ công.

not using technology or automation

unmechanised agriculture, unmechanised labor

Good in writing about traditional vs modern topics (e.g., agriculture).

camel

desert animal with humps

dromedary, beast of burden, pack animal, long-necked animal, Arabian camel, Bactrian, creature, quadruped

Camels are adapted to live in deserts. Lạc đà thích nghi để sống ở sa mạc.

animal used in desert transport

camel ride, camel caravan, camel milk

Common in desert, environment, or travel-themed IELTS Speaking.

stunt

an action to attract attention

trick, feat, exploit, gimmick, show, performance, act, spectacle

It was a publicity stunt to gain attention. Đó là một chiêu trò quảng bá để thu hút sự chú ý.

dramatic or risky action

perform a stunt, marketing stunt

Use in Writing Task 2 when discussing advertising or politics.

bring back

to reintroduce or return

restore, reintroduce, recall, revive, return, relaunch, reestablish, recover

The government aims to bring back old values. Chính phủ muốn khôi phục những giá trị xưa.

make something return

bring back memories, bring back tradition

Use in cultural or history discussions to discuss revival or nostalgia.

regardless of

without being affected by

despite, in spite of, although, notwithstanding, even though, anyhow, no matter, irrespective of

He continued regardless of criticism. Anh ta vẫn tiếp tục bất chấp chỉ trích.

without considering the condition

regardless of gender/age, continue regardless

Use to show contrast in essays—adds cohesion in argument writing.

self-discovery

learning about oneself

self-realization, introspection, awareness, self-understanding, self-exploration, identity search, reflection, personal growth

Travel often leads to self-discovery. Du lịch thường dẫn đến sự khám phá bản thân.

realizing one’s values or identity

journey of self-discovery, process of self-discovery

Useful in Speaking Part 2 for personal stories or growth. Also used in Writing Task 2 on education or life experiences.

definition

an explanation of the meaning of a word or concept

explanation, description, interpretation, clarification, exposition, specification, delineation, meaning

The definition of “resilience” varies across disciplines. Định nghĩa về “khả năng phục hồi” thay đổi tùy lĩnh vực.

the act of explaining a term

dictionary definition, clear definition, legal definition

Use in Writing Task 2 to clarify key terms in your argument.

slightly

to a small degree or extent

marginally, faintly, gently, barely, subtly, narrowly, moderately, vaguely

The temperature dropped slightly overnight. Nhiệt độ giảm nhẹ vào ban đêm.

to a small extent

slightly higher, slightly different

Use in Task 1 Academic to describe trends and data variations.

reflect

to show, express, or be a sign of something

reveal, demonstrate, indicate, express, signify, display, manifest, represent

Her reaction reflected her deep concern. Phản ứng của cô ấy thể hiện sự lo lắng sâu sắc.

to show the presence or nature of

reflect reality, reflect changes, reflect values

Useful in Writing/Task 2 to show cause-effect or interpretation.

endeavor

a serious effort to achieve something

attempt, effort, try, undertaking, enterprise, struggle, campaign, pursuit

He made every endeavor to pass the exam. Anh ấy nỗ lực hết mình để thi đỗ.

a determined effort

research endeavor, ambitious endeavor

Use in formal writing and speaking about academic or personal goals.

pioneer

a person who is first to do or discover something

innovator, inventor, developer, explorer, forerunner, pathfinder, trailblazer, founder

Marie Curie was a pioneer in radioactivity. Marie Curie là người tiên phong trong lĩnh vực phóng xạ.

someone who breaks new ground

a pioneer of, scientific pioneer

Use when discussing science, discovery, or breakthroughs.

prominent

important or famous

famous, well-known, outstanding, notable, distinguished, leading, acclaimed, renowned

He’s a prominent climate change researcher. Anh ấy là nhà nghiên cứu biến đổi khí hậu nổi bật.

widely known and respected

prominent figure, prominent feature

Use to describe key people or ideas in academic arguments.

historian

an expert in or writer of history

chronicler, analyst, scholar, commentator, biographer, researcher, antiquarian, academic

Historians debate the causes of war. Các nhà sử học tranh luận về nguyên nhân của chiến tranh.

someone who studies past events

military historian, social historian

Useful in historical discussions or Task 2 education topics.

cutting-edge

extremely modern or advanced

leading-edge, pioneering, forefront, innovative, avant-garde, trailblazing, radical, up-to-date

The lab uses cutting-edge technology. Phòng thí nghiệm sử dụng công nghệ tiên tiến.

state-of-the-art or newest

cutting-edge design, cutting-edge research

Use in science, tech, and environment writing to show modernity.

scientist

a person trained in science

researcher, expert, academic, analyst, technician, theorist, chemist, biologist

Scientists discovered a new species. Các nhà khoa học đã phát hiện ra một loài mới.

professional in scientific study

leading scientist, team of scientists

Highly relevant for environment, health, and tech-related topics.

and so on / forth

to indicate continuation of a list

etc., among others, and others, more of the same, such things, similarly, etcetera, in like manner

They studied physics, chemistry, biology and so on. Họ học vật lý, hóa học, sinh học, v.v.

and other similar items

history, art, literature, and so forth

Useful in Speaking when listing examples to avoid repetition.

criteria

standards for judgment or decision

standards, measures, benchmarks, principles, requirements, yardsticks, guidelines, norms

The main criteria for success are clarity and impact. Tiêu chí chính cho thành công là sự rõ ràng và ảnh hưởng.

basis for evaluation

selection criteria, key criteria

Use in Task 2 when evaluating solutions, plans, or methods.