Đề luyện Writing VSTEP — Số 1

Thời gian: 60 phút (20 phút Task 1 + 40 phút Task 2). Hãy tự viết bài trước khi xem bài mẫu.

TASK 1 — Viết thư formal (120 từ trở lên)

You are a government employee. You need to take one week off work for personal reasons. Write a letter to your manager. In your letter:

• explain why you need to take time off
• state the exact dates you will be absent
• describe how your work will be covered during your absence

Bài mẫu Task 1 (~155 từ):

Dear Ms. Thanh,

I am writing to request one week of leave from work due to a family matter that requires my immediate attention. My elderly mother, who lives in Quang Binh province, has recently been hospitalized and needs someone to accompany her during her treatment and recovery.

I would like to take leave from Monday, August 4th, to Friday, August 8th, and will return to work on Monday, August 11th.

To ensure that my responsibilities are covered during my absence, I have spoken with my colleague, Mr. Duc, who has kindly agreed to handle my ongoing projects and attend any scheduled meetings on my behalf. I have also prepared a detailed handover document outlining the current status of each task and any deadlines that need to be met.

I apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and would be grateful if you could approve my leave request.

Yours sincerely,
Nguyen Thi Hoa

Phân tích bài mẫu Task 1:

TASK 2 — Viết bài luận (250 từ trở lên)

Some people believe that children should start learning foreign languages at primary school. Others think they should begin at secondary school. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

Bài mẫu Task 2 (~290 từ):

The question of when children should begin learning foreign languages has been a subject of debate among educators and parents. While some advocate for starting at primary school, others believe that secondary school is a more appropriate time. This essay will discuss both perspectives before presenting my own view.

On the one hand, there are compelling reasons for introducing foreign languages at primary school. Research has shown that young children have a natural ability to acquire languages more quickly and with better pronunciation than older learners. Starting early allows students to build a strong foundation that they can develop throughout their academic career. Furthermore, early exposure to foreign languages can broaden children's cultural awareness and enhance their cognitive development, including improved memory and problem-solving skills.

On the other hand, some educators argue that secondary school students are better equipped to learn foreign languages effectively. At this age, students have already developed strong literacy skills in their mother tongue, which can facilitate the learning of a second language. Moreover, secondary school students can understand complex grammar rules more easily and are more capable of independent study. There is also the practical concern that primary school teachers in many areas may lack the qualifications to teach foreign languages properly.

In my opinion, children should ideally start learning foreign languages at primary school, provided that schools can ensure qualified teachers and age-appropriate teaching methods. The benefits of early language acquisition are well-documented, and delaying this process until secondary school means missing a critical window of opportunity for language development.

In conclusion, while both views have merit, the advantages of early language learning outweigh the challenges. Governments should invest in training primary school teachers to deliver quality foreign language education from an early age.

Phân tích bài mẫu Task 2:

Đề luyện Writing VSTEP — Số 2

Thời gian: 60 phút (20 phút Task 1 + 40 phút Task 2). Hãy tự viết bài trước khi xem bài mẫu.

TASK 1 — Viết thư cảm ơn (120 từ trở lên)

You recently attended a professional workshop organized by another department in your organization. Write a letter to the organizer. In your letter:

• thank them for organizing the workshop
• describe what you found most useful
• suggest improvements for future workshops

Bài mẫu Task 1 (~150 từ):

Dear Mr. Khanh,

I am writing to express my sincere gratitude for organizing the workshop on "Digital Transformation in Public Administration" last Thursday. It was an extremely valuable experience.

I found the session on electronic document management particularly useful, as it directly relates to the challenges our department is currently facing. The practical demonstration of the new e-filing system was especially helpful, and I have already begun applying some of the techniques in my daily work.

For future workshops, I would suggest extending the Q&A session, as many participants, including myself, had additional questions that we were unable to ask due to time constraints. It might also be beneficial to provide handout materials summarizing the key points for reference after the event.

Once again, thank you for your excellent work in organizing this workshop. I look forward to attending similar events in the future.

Best regards,
Le Minh Tuan

Phân tích bài mẫu Task 1:

TASK 2 — Viết bài luận (250 từ trở lên)

Environmental pollution is becoming more serious in many countries. What are the causes of this problem and what solutions can be taken to address it?

Bài mẫu Task 2 (~285 từ):

Environmental pollution has become one of the most pressing issues facing the world today. This essay will examine the main causes of this problem and propose some practical solutions.

There are several key factors contributing to environmental pollution. Firstly, rapid industrialization has led to a significant increase in factory emissions and waste. Many manufacturing plants release untreated chemicals directly into rivers and discharge harmful gases into the atmosphere. Secondly, the growing number of private vehicles is a major source of air pollution in urban areas. In Vietnam alone, the number of motorbikes exceeds 70 million, producing enormous amounts of exhaust fumes daily. Finally, improper waste management, particularly the burning of household waste in rural areas, contributes significantly to both air and soil pollution.

To address these issues, a combination of government action and individual responsibility is needed. The government should enforce stricter regulations on industrial emissions and impose heavy fines on factories that violate environmental standards. Investing in public transportation systems would encourage people to reduce their use of private vehicles, thereby decreasing air pollution. Furthermore, local authorities should establish proper waste collection and recycling programs in both urban and rural communities. At the individual level, people should adopt more environmentally friendly habits, such as using reusable bags, separating waste for recycling, and choosing public transport over private vehicles.

In conclusion, environmental pollution is caused by industrial activities, vehicle emissions, and poor waste management. However, through stricter regulations, better infrastructure, and changes in individual behavior, this problem can be significantly reduced. It is essential that both the government and citizens work together to protect the environment for future generations.

Phân tích bài mẫu Task 2:

Đề luyện Writing VSTEP — Số 3

Thời gian: 60 phút (20 phút Task 1 + 40 phút Task 2). Đề này ở mức B2 — yêu cầu từ vựng và cấu trúc câu nâng cao hơn.

TASK 1 — Viết thư đề xuất (120 từ trở lên)

Your local government is planning to improve public facilities in your area. Write a letter to the local authority. In your letter:

• describe the current problems with public facilities
• suggest specific improvements that should be made
• explain how these improvements would benefit the community

Bài mẫu Task 1 (~165 từ):

Dear Sir/Madam,

I am writing to share my thoughts on the planned improvement of public facilities in Ward 5, Binh Thanh District, where I have been a resident for over fifteen years.

Currently, the public park on Nguyen Cong Tru Street is in a state of disrepair. The playground equipment is outdated and potentially unsafe for children, the walking paths are cracked, and there is insufficient lighting in the evenings, which raises safety concerns for residents who exercise after dark.

I would like to propose several improvements. Firstly, the playground equipment should be replaced with modern, certified facilities that meet current safety standards. Secondly, the walking paths should be repaved and widened to accommodate both joggers and elderly residents. Finally, installing solar-powered LED lights along the pathways would enhance security while being environmentally sustainable.

These improvements would not only make the park safer and more accessible but also encourage more residents to engage in outdoor activities, thereby promoting community health and social interaction.

I trust that you will give this matter due consideration.

Yours faithfully,
Pham Van Duc

Phân tích bài mẫu Task 1:

TASK 2 — Viết bài luận (250 từ trở lên)

Some people believe that advances in technology will eventually replace many jobs, leading to widespread unemployment. Others argue that technology creates new employment opportunities. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

Bài mẫu Task 2 (~310 từ):

The rapid advancement of technology, particularly artificial intelligence and automation, has sparked a heated debate about its impact on the job market. While some predict that technology will render many occupations obsolete, others contend that it will generate new employment opportunities. This essay will examine both perspectives.

Those who fear widespread unemployment point to the growing capability of machines to perform tasks traditionally done by humans. In the manufacturing sector, for instance, automated production lines have already replaced thousands of factory workers. Similarly, self-checkout systems in supermarkets and AI-powered customer service chatbots are gradually reducing the need for human employees. According to a World Economic Forum report, approximately 85 million jobs worldwide could be displaced by automation by 2025.

Conversely, proponents of technological progress argue that while certain jobs may disappear, new ones will inevitably emerge. The digital economy has created entirely new professions such as data scientists, app developers, cybersecurity specialists, and social media managers — careers that did not exist two decades ago. Furthermore, technology can enhance rather than replace human capabilities, enabling workers to focus on creative, strategic, and interpersonal tasks that machines cannot replicate. The same World Economic Forum report suggests that 97 million new roles may emerge to meet the demands of the new economy.

In my opinion, the impact of technology on employment will ultimately depend on how societies prepare for this transition. Governments and educational institutions must invest in reskilling and upskilling programs to equip workers with the competencies required for the jobs of the future. Rather than viewing technology as a threat, we should embrace it as a catalyst for economic transformation while ensuring that no segment of the workforce is left behind.

In conclusion, technology will undoubtedly transform the job market, eliminating some positions while creating others. The key lies in proactive adaptation through education and training to ensure that the benefits of technological progress are shared equitably.

Phân tích bài mẫu Task 2:

50 đề Writing Task 2 VSTEP thường gặp

Dưới đây là 50 đề Task 2 thường xuất hiện trong các kỳ thi VSTEP, phân loại theo 5 dạng bài chính. Hãy luyện viết ít nhất 1-2 đề mỗi dạng trước khi thi.

Dạng 1: Opinion (Agree/Disagree) — 12 đề

Câu hỏi thường gặp: "To what extent do you agree or disagree?"

1. University education should be free for all students. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
2. Children should be required to help with household chores from an early age. Do you agree or disagree?
3. The government should spend more money on healthcare than on space exploration. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
4. People who commit serious crimes should be given life sentences instead of being rehabilitated. Do you agree or disagree?
5. Schools should focus more on teaching practical life skills rather than academic subjects. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
6. The best way to reduce traffic congestion is to increase the price of fuel. Do you agree or disagree?
7. Working from home is more productive than working in an office. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
8. Social media does more harm than good to young people. Do you agree or disagree?
9. It is more important to enjoy your job than to earn a high salary. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
10. Governments should invest more in rural development than in urban infrastructure. Do you agree or disagree?
11. Learning a foreign language is essential for career success in today's world. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
12. Elderly people should be cared for at home rather than in nursing homes. Do you agree or disagree?

Dạng 2: Advantages and Disadvantages — 10 đề

Câu hỏi thường gặp: "What are the advantages and disadvantages?" hoặc "Do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?"

1. More and more people are shopping online. What are the advantages and disadvantages of this trend?
2. Many companies now allow employees to work from home. Do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?
3. International tourism has become a major industry. What are the advantages and disadvantages of tourism for a country?
4. Some students choose to study abroad. What are the advantages and disadvantages of studying in a foreign country?
5. Many cities are now banning private cars from city centers. Do the advantages of this policy outweigh the disadvantages?
6. Social media has changed the way people communicate. What are the advantages and disadvantages?
7. Some countries have introduced a four-day working week. Do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?
8. More people are choosing to live in cities rather than in rural areas. What are the advantages and disadvantages of urban living?
9. Online learning has become increasingly popular. Do the advantages of online education outweigh the disadvantages?
10. Many people now prefer to eat fast food instead of home-cooked meals. What are the advantages and disadvantages?

Dạng 3: Cause and Solution — 10 đề

Câu hỏi thường gặp: "What are the causes and what solutions can be taken?"

1. Environmental pollution is becoming more serious. What are the causes and what solutions can be taken?
2. Many young people are leaving rural areas to live in cities. Why is this happening and what problems does it cause?
3. Obesity among children is increasing in many countries. What are the causes and how can this problem be solved?
4. Many employees experience high levels of stress at work. What are the causes and what can be done to address this?
5. Traffic congestion is a growing problem in many cities. What are the main causes and what measures can be taken?
6. The number of elderly people living alone is increasing. What are the reasons for this and how can society help?
7. Many students lack motivation to study. What are the causes and what can teachers do to help?
8. Crime rates are increasing in many urban areas. What are the causes and how can this problem be reduced?
9. Many people today lead unhealthy lifestyles. What are the causes and how can the government encourage healthier living?
10. Youth unemployment is rising in many countries. What are the main causes and what solutions can be implemented?

Dạng 4: Discussion (Two Views) — 10 đề

Câu hỏi thường gặp: "Discuss both views and give your own opinion."

1. Some people think that children should start learning foreign languages at primary school. Others believe secondary school is more appropriate. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
2. Some people prefer to live in the city, while others prefer the countryside. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
3. Some believe that competition among students is beneficial, while others think cooperation is more important. Discuss both views.
4. Some people think that traditional teaching methods are more effective. Others believe modern technology should replace them. Discuss both views.
5. Some argue that women should have equal roles in the military and police. Others disagree. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
6. Some people believe that cultural traditions should be preserved. Others think they should evolve with the times. Discuss both views.
7. Some think that public services like healthcare and education should be free. Others believe people should pay for them. Discuss both views.
8. Some people think that news media has too much influence on politics. Others disagree. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
9. Some believe that people should retire at 60. Others think they should be allowed to work as long as they wish. Discuss both views.
10. Some people think that governments should focus on economic growth. Others believe environmental protection should be the priority. Discuss both views.

Dạng 5: Problem and Solution — 8 đề

Câu hỏi thường gặp: "What problems does this cause and what solutions can you suggest?"

1. Many people spend too much time on their phones. What problems does this cause and what solutions can you suggest?
2. Air pollution in big cities is getting worse. What are the effects and what can be done to solve this problem?
3. Many historic buildings are being destroyed to make way for modern developments. What problems does this cause and how can they be solved?
4. The gap between rich and poor is widening in many countries. What problems does this cause and what measures can governments take?
5. Many young people are addicted to social media. What are the negative effects and how can this problem be addressed?
6. Water scarcity is becoming a serious global issue. What are the effects and what solutions can be implemented?
7. Plastic waste is a major environmental problem. What are the consequences and what actions should be taken?
8. Many people in developing countries lack access to quality education. What are the effects of this and how can the situation be improved?

Mẹo luyện viết 50 đề

1. Không cần viết hết 50 đề — viết 10-15 đề đủ bao phủ 5 dạng.
2. Lập dàn ý cho tất cả — dành 5 phút lập dàn ý cho mỗi đề, không cần viết full.
3. Viết full đề khó nhất mỗi dạng — chọn đề bạn thấy khó nhất để luyện.
4. Thu thập từ vựng theo chủ đề — giáo dục, môi trường, công nghệ, sức khỏe, xã hội.
5. Đếm thời gian — luôn viết trong 40 phút, không vượt quá.

Tổng kết chiến lược Writing VSTEP — Checklist 15 điều

Đây là bài tổng kết toàn bộ series Writing VSTEP. In ra và mang theo khi ôn tập. Mỗi điều là một bài học quan trọng cần nhớ.

Checklist 15 điều trước khi thi Writing VSTEP

1. Phân bổ thời gian đúng: 20 phút Task 1, 40 phút Task 2.
   Task 2 chiếm 2/3 điểm, vì vậy phải dành đủ thời gian. Đặt đồng hồ và tuân thủ nghiêm ngặt. Nếu Task 1 chưa hoàn hảo ở phút 20, hãy dừng và chuyển sang Task 2.
2. Luôn lập dàn ý trước khi viết (2-5 phút).
   Dàn ý giúp bài viết logic, tránh viết lan man hoặc thiếu ý. Viết dàn ý bằng keywords ngắn gọn, không viết câu đầy đủ. Đầu tư 5 phút cho dàn ý sẽ tiết kiệm 10 phút viết.
3. Đọc kỹ đề bài — gạch chân 3 ý bắt buộc (Task 1) hoặc keywords (Task 2).
   Thiếu 1 ý trong Task 1 = mất điểm Task Achievement. Hiểu sai dạng bài Task 2 (Opinion vs Discussion) = bố cục sai toàn bộ.
4. Task 1: Đúng format thư — Dear... / Yours sincerely hoặc faithfully.
   Formal: Dear Mr./Ms. + Yours sincerely. Không biết tên: Dear Sir/Madam + Yours faithfully. Informal: Hi/Dear + Best regards. Thiếu format = mất điểm.
5. Task 1: Viết đủ 120-170 từ, không quá dài.
   Dưới 120 từ bị trừ điểm. Trên 180 từ là lãng phí thời gian cho Task 2. Mục tiêu: 140-160 từ là lý tưởng.
6. Task 2: Mở bài phải có thesis statement rõ ràng.
   Thesis statement là câu cuối mở bài, nêu rõ quan điểm hoặc hướng bài viết. Không có thesis = giám khảo không biết bạn sẽ viết gì.
7. Task 2: Mỗi đoạn thân bài mở đầu bằng topic sentence.
   Topic sentence là câu đầu tiên của đoạn, nêu ý chính. Các câu sau giải thích, ví dụ, bằng chứng. Không có topic sentence = đoạn văn lan man.
8. Task 2: Viết đủ 250-320 từ — không quá ngắn, không quá dài.
   Dưới 250 từ bị trừ điểm nặng. Trên 350 từ dễ mắc nhiều lỗi do vội. Mục tiêu: 270-300 từ là lý tưởng.
9. Dùng từ nối đa dạng — ít nhất 3 loại khác nhau.
   Bổ sung (Moreover, Furthermore), tương phản (However, On the other hand), kết quả (Therefore, As a result). Không lạm dụng 1 từ nối (tránh viết "Moreover" 5 lần).
10. Dùng câu phức — ít nhất 1 câu phức mỗi đoạn.
    Câu phức (although, because, which, if) tăng điểm Grammar. Bài toàn câu đơn giản = tối đa band 3 (B1). Kết hợp câu đơn + ghép + phức = band 4+ (B2).
11. Tránh lặp từ — dùng từ đồng nghĩa thay thế.
    important → significant → crucial → essential. students → learners → young people → candidates. problem → issue → challenge → concern.
12. Không dùng ngôn ngữ quá informal trong bài luận.
    Tránh: gonna, wanna, lots of, kids, stuff, cool, awesome. Thay bằng: going to, want to, many/numerous, children, materials, excellent, impressive.
13. Kết bài chỉ tóm tắt — không đưa ý mới.
    Kết bài = paraphrase thesis statement + tóm tắt luận điểm chính. Tuyệt đối không nêu ý mới chưa bàn ở thân bài. Bắt đầu bằng: "In conclusion," hoặc "To sum up,".
14. Dành 3-5 phút cuối soát lỗi — đọc lại 3 lần nhanh.
    Lần 1: Hòa hợp chủ-vị + thì. Lần 2: Mạo từ + giới từ. Lần 3: Chính tả + dấu câu. Sửa được 3-5 lỗi = tăng 0.5-1.0 điểm.
15. Luyện viết ít nhất 10 bài full trước thi — có bấm giờ.
    Viết trong điều kiện giống thi thật: bàn ghế, giấy, bút, đồng hồ, 60 phút. Nhờ người khác chấm hoặc tự chấm theo rubric. Mỗi lần viết, chọn 1 điểm yếu để cải thiện.

Tóm tắt nhanh — Bảng nhắc nhở

Lời khuyên cuối cùng

Writing VSTEP không đòi hỏi bạn viết hoàn hảo — chỉ cần viết đủ tốt để đạt band mục tiêu. Tập trung vào:

• Trả lời đúng và đủ ý (Task Achievement) — đây là tiêu chí dễ kiếm điểm nhất.
• Bố cục rõ ràng (Coherence) — mở-thân-kết, topic sentence, từ nối.
• Tránh lỗi cơ bản (Grammar) — hòa hợp chủ-vị, thì, giới từ.
• Từ vựng vừa đủ (Vocabulary) — không cần từ quá khó, chỉ cần chính xác.

Chúc bạn thi tốt!