Describe a time you made a promise to someone

IELTS Speaking Part 2

1. Đề bài

Describe a time you made a promise to someone 

You should say: 

• what the promise was
• to whom you made it 
• whether it was easy or difficult to keep
• why you made it 

2. Gợi ý

Nếu bạn bí ý tưởng và chưa biết nói gì thì có thể tham khảo các ý dưới đây nha:

• Help a friend with homework (Giúp bạn làm bài tập): Promised to explain a subject or share notes (Hứa sẽ giải thích một môn học hoặc chia sẻ ghi chú)

• Visit a family member (Thăm người thân): Committed to spending time with a relative (Cam kết dành thời gian cho người thân)

• Keep a secret (Giữ bí mật): Promised not to tell anyone about something private (Hứa không kể cho ai về chuyện riêng tư)

• Best friend/sibling/parent (Bạn thân/anh chị em/cha mẹ): Someone close you care about (Người thân thiết mà bạn quan tâm)

• Easy because it was simple (Dễ vì lời hứa đơn giản): The task didn’t require much effort (Nhiệm vụ không đòi hỏi nhiều công sức)

• Difficult due to lack of time (Khó vì thiếu thời gian): Hard to balance with other responsibilities (Khó cân bằng với các trách nhiệm khác)

• Wanted to make them happy (Muốn làm họ vui): To show care or support (Để thể hiện sự quan tâm hoặc hỗ trợ)

• Felt it was important (Cảm thấy điều đó quan trọng): The promise mattered to the relationship (Lời hứa quan trọng với mối quan hệ)

3. Sample Answer 1: Band 6.0–6.5

I want to talk about a time I made a promise to my younger sister. The promise was to help her study for her math exam because she was really worried about it. This happened last year when she was preparing for her final exams.

I made this promise because I knew she was struggling with math, and I wanted to support her. She’s my little sister, so I always try to help her when she needs it. It wasn’t very easy to keep the promise because I was also busy with my own studies, and sometimes I felt tired after a long day. But I managed to spend a few evenings teaching her some math problems.

In the end, I felt happy because she did well in her exam, and she thanked me a lot. It made me realize how important it is to keep promises, especially to family.

Từ vựng IELTS hữu ích:

• struggling /ˈstrʌɡlɪŋ/: gặp khó khăn

• support /səˈpɔːt/: hỗ trợ

• managed to /ˈmænɪdʒd tə/: xoay xở

• realize /ˈrɪəlaɪz/: nhận ra

4. Sample Answer 2: Band 7.5–8.0+

Let me tell you about a promise I made to my best friend a couple of years ago. I promised to attend her dance performance at a local event, which was a big deal for her because she’d been practicing for months. She’s always been passionate about dancing, and I wanted to be there to cheer her on.

I made this promise because I knew how much it meant to her to have her friends in the audience. Honestly, keeping it wasn’t as easy as I thought. The event was on a weekend when I had a ton of assignments piling up, and I was tempted to skip it to catch up on work. But I rearranged my schedule, stayed up late to finish my tasks, and made it to the show.

Looking back, I’m so glad I kept my word. Seeing her face light up when she spotted me in the crowd was worth it. It made me feel proud to support her, and it strengthened our friendship. That moment reminded me how even small promises can make a big difference to someone you care about.

Từ vựng IELTS hữu ích:

• a big deal /ə bɪɡ diːl/: việc quan trọng

• passionate /ˈpæʃənət/: đam mê

• cheer her on /tʃɪə hər ɒn/: cổ vũ

• piling up /ˈpaɪlɪŋ ʌp/: chất đống

• rearranged /ˌriːəˈreɪndʒd/: sắp xếp lại

• kept my word /kept maɪ wɜːd/: giữ lời hứa

• strengthened /ˈstreŋθnd/: củng cố

IELTS Speaking Part 3

1. Why do some people fail to keep their promises?

Sample Answer 1: Band 6.0–6.5

Some people don’t keep their promises because they are too busy. They might forget what they promised or not have time to do it. Also, sometimes they make promises without thinking carefully, so it’s hard to follow through. For example, they might say yes to help someone but then realize they can’t do it.

Từ vựng IELTS hữu ích:

• follow through /ˈfɒləʊ θruː/: thực hiện

• without thinking carefully /wɪðˈaʊt ˈθɪŋkɪŋ ˈkeəfəli/: không suy nghĩ kỹ

Sample Answer 2: Band 7.5–8.0+

There are a few reasons why some people struggle to keep their promises. For one, they might overestimate their ability to follow through, making commitments without considering their schedule or resources. Distractions or unexpected events, like work emergencies, can also get in the way. Additionally, some individuals may lack the discipline to prioritize their promises, especially if they don’t fully grasp how much it means to the other person.

Từ vựng IELTS hữu ích:

• overestimate /ˌəʊvərˈestɪmeɪt/: đánh giá quá cao

• commitments /kəˈmɪtmənts/: cam kết

• get in the way /ɡet ɪn ðə weɪ/: cản trở

• discipline /ˈdɪsɪplɪn/: kỷ luật

2. Do children keep their promises?

Sample Answer 1: Band 6.0–6.5

I think children sometimes keep their promises, but not always. They might promise to do their homework or clean their room, but they can forget because they’re young and not very serious. If the promise is important, like to their parents, they might try harder to keep it.

Từ vựng IELTS hữu ích:

• not very serious /nɒt ˈveri ˈsɪəriəs/: không nghiêm túc

• try harder /traɪ ˈhɑːdə/: cố gắng hơn

Sample Answer 2: Band 7.5–8.0+

Children’s ability to keep promises varies a lot. Younger kids might struggle because they’re still learning responsibility and can be easily distracted by play or other interests. However, if the promise feels meaningful—like promising a parent to behave or help with chores—they’re more likely to follow through, especially if they’re motivated by praise or rewards. As they grow older, they tend to become more accountable, but it really depends on their personality and how they’re taught.

Từ vựng IELTS hữu ích:

• varies /ˈveəriz/: thay đổi

• accountable /əˈkaʊntəbl/: chịu trách nhiệm

• motivated /ˈməʊtɪveɪtɪd/: có động lực

3. Do parents in your country make promises to their children?

Sample Answer 1: Band 6.0–6.5

Yes, parents often make promises to their children. For example, they might promise to buy a toy or take them to the park if they do well in school. It’s common because parents want their kids to be happy and study hard. But sometimes, they can’t keep the promise if they’re too busy.

Sample Answer 2: Band 7.5–8.0+

Absolutely, it’s quite typical for parents to make promises to their kids. They often promise things like a trip to the amusement park, a new toy, or extra playtime as a way to encourage good behavior or academic effort. It’s a way to motivate children and strengthen family bonds. That said, parents sometimes face challenges keeping these promises due to work or financial constraints, but most try their best to follow through.

Từ vựng IELTS hữu ích:

• typical /ˈtɪpɪkl/: điển hình

• encourage /ɪnˈkʌrɪdʒ/: khuyến khích

• strengthen family bonds /ˈstreŋθn ˈfæməli bɒndz/: củng cố mối quan hệ gia đình

• constraints /kənˈstreɪnts/: hạn chế

4. What kinds of promises do people often make?

Sample Answer 1: Band 6.0–6.5

People often make promises about small things, like meeting friends on time or helping with something. They also promise bigger things, like getting a good job or taking care of their family. For example, friends might promise to call each other or parents promise to support their kids.

Từ vựng IELTS hữu ích:

• on time /ɒn taɪm/: đúng giờ

• taking care of /ˈteɪkɪŋ keər əv/: chăm sóc

Sample Answer 2: Band 7.5–8.0+

People tend to make a wide range of promises, from everyday commitments to more significant ones. Common ones include promising to meet deadlines at work, catching up with friends, or helping a family member with a task. On a deeper level, people might vow to achieve personal goals, like staying healthy or pursuing a dream career. These promises often reflect their values and desire to build trust with others.

Từ vựng IELTS hữu ích:

• a wide range of /ə waɪd reɪndʒ əv/: nhiều loại

• vow /vaʊ/: thề

• pursuing /pəˈsjuːɪŋ/: theo đuổi

• build trust /bɪld trʌst/: xây dựng niềm tin

5. Do most people fulfill their promises?

Sample Answer 1: Band 6.0–6.5

I think most people try to keep their promises, but not always. If the promise is important, like to family or close friends, they will try hard. But sometimes, they can’t do it because of problems like no time or money. It depends on the person and the situation.

Từ vựng IELTS hữu ích:

• fulfill /fʊlˈfɪl/: thực hiện

• depends on /dɪˈpendz ɒn/: phụ thuộc vào

Sample Answer 2: Band 7.5–8.0+

In my opinion, most people genuinely aim to fulfill their promises, especially when they involve someone they care about, like family or close friends. However, life can throw curveballs—unexpected challenges like time constraints or unforeseen circumstances can make it tough to follow through. Whether someone keeps their word often depends on their sense of responsibility and the importance they place on maintaining trust.

Từ vựng IELTS hữu ích:

• genuinely /ˈdʒenjuɪnli/: một cách chân thành

• throw curveballs /θrəʊ ˈkɜːvbɔːlz/: gây khó khăn bất ngờ

• unforeseen circumstances /ˌʌnfɔːˈsiːn ˈsɜːkəmstænsɪz/: tình huống không lường trước

• maintaining trust /meɪnˈteɪnɪŋ trʌst/: duy trì niềm tin

6. Do you often keep your promises?

Sample Answer 1: Band 6.0–6.5

Yes, I try to keep my promises most of the time. For example, if I tell my friend I’ll meet them, I make sure to be there. But sometimes, if I’m very busy, I might forget or not do it. I think it’s important to try because it makes people trust you.

Sample Answer 2: Band 7.5–8.0+

I’d say I make a conscious effort to keep my promises, as I believe it’s a reflection of reliability. For instance, whether it’s meeting a friend for coffee or finishing a task I committed to, I try to follow through. That said, I’m not perfect—there’ve been times when unexpected commitments got in the way. When that happens, I always apologize and try to make it right, as I value being someone others can count on.

Từ vựng IELTS hữu ích:

• conscious effort /ˈkɒnʃəs ˈefət/: nỗ lực có ý thức

• reliability /rɪˌlaɪəˈbɪlɪti/: sự đáng tin cậy

• count on /kaʊnt ɒn/: dựa vào

• make it right /meɪk ɪt raɪt/: sửa sai

7. Is it useful to write down promises?

Sample Answer 1: Band 6.0–6.5

Yes, I think writing down promises is very useful. It helps you remember what you said you would do. For example, I use my phone to note important things like meeting times. If you don’t write them down, you might forget, especially if you’re busy.

Sample Answer 2: Band 7.5–8.0+

I find writing down promises incredibly helpful. It acts like a safety net, ensuring you don’t forget commitments, especially when life gets hectic. For example, I use a planner or app to jot down things like deadlines or plans with friends. Not only does it keep me organized, but it also shows the other person you’re serious about keeping your word. It’s a simple habit that makes a big difference.

Từ vựng IELTS hữu ích:

• safety net /ˈseɪfti net/: lưới an toàn

• hectic /ˈhektɪk/: bận rộn

• jot down /dʒɒt daʊn/: ghi nhanh

• serious about /ˈsɪəriəs əˈbaʊt/: nghiêm túc về

8. Do you think children should be given rewards for keeping promises?

Sample Answer 1: Band 6.0–6.5

I think it’s a good idea to give children rewards for keeping promises. For example, if they promise to clean their room and do it, parents can give them candy or let them play games. It makes them happy and teaches them to be responsible. But maybe not always, or they might expect rewards every time.

Từ vựng IELTS hữu ích:

• rewards /rɪˈwɔːdz/: phần thưởng

• responsible /rɪˈspɒnsəbl/: có trách nhiệm

Sample Answer 2: Band 7.5–8.0+

I believe rewarding children for keeping promises can be a great way to teach them accountability, especially when they’re young. For instance, praising them or offering small treats for following through on tasks like tidying up can reinforce positive behavior. However, it’s a balancing act—parents shouldn’t overdo it, or kids might only keep promises for rewards. The goal is to help them value trust and responsibility for its own sake.

Từ vựng IELTS hữu ích:

• accountability /əˌkaʊntəˈbɪlɪti/: trách nhiệm

• reinforce /ˌriːɪnˈfɔːs/: củng cố

• balancing act /ˈbælənsɪŋ ækt/: sự cân bằng

• for its own sake /fər ɪts əʊn seɪk/: vì bản thân nó

9. On what occasions do children make promises to their parents?

Sample Answer 1: Band 6.0–6.5

Children often make promises to their parents about school or behavior. For example, they might promise to study hard for exams or not fight with their siblings. Sometimes, they promise to help with chores, like cleaning the house. They do this to make their parents happy or avoid trouble.

Từ vựng IELTS hữu ích:

• behavior /bɪˈheɪvjə/: hành vi

• chores /tʃɔːz/: việc vặt

Sample Answer 2: Band 7.5–8.0+

Children typically make promises to their parents in situations tied to responsibilities or family harmony. For example, they might pledge to focus on their studies, complete household chores, or behave well at school. These promises often come up when parents set expectations or when kids want to earn trust, like promising not to stay up too late playing games. It’s usually a way for them to show they’re mature or avoid disappointing their parents.

Từ vựng IELTS hữu ích:

• pledge /pledʒ/: cam kết

• family harmony /ˈfæməli ˈhɑːməni/: sự hòa thuận gia đình

• set expectations /set ˌekspekˈteɪʃnz/: đặt kỳ vọng

• mature /məˈtʃʊə/: trưởng thành

10. Do you think it is important to keep a promise?

Sample Answer 1: Band 6.0–6.5

Yes, I think keeping a promise is very important. When you keep your promise, people trust you more, and it makes relationships stronger. For example, if you promise to help a friend, they will feel happy and respect you. If you don’t keep it, they might be disappointed.

Từ vựng IELTS hữu ích:

• trust /trʌst/: tin tưởng

• disappointed /ˌdɪsəˈpɔɪntɪd/: thất vọng

Sample Answer 2: Band 7.5–8.0+

I firmly believe keeping a promise is crucial because it’s the foundation of trust in any relationship. When you follow through on what you’ve committed to, whether it’s helping a friend or meeting a deadline, it shows integrity and respect for others. Breaking a promise, on the other hand, can erode trust and leave people feeling let down. For me, keeping my word is about building strong connections and showing I’m reliable.

Từ vựng IELTS hữu ích:

• foundation /faʊnˈdeɪʃn/: nền tảng

• integrity /ɪnˈteɡrəti/: sự chính trực

• erode /ɪˈrəʊd/: làm suy giảm

• let down /let daʊn/: làm thất vọng