UNIT 5

Opener
Home & materials
1. What are some common building materials used for construction?
There are many building materials used in construction, and the choice often depends on
factors such as the type of structure, budget , climate, and local availability. For exemple:
concrete , brick, wood, steel , stone, glass, plastics, asphalt , cement board , drywall,
roofing materials, aluminum ,.. Nowadays, sustainable and eco -friendly building
materials are also gaining popularity in modern construction practices.
2. Is wood or concrete more environmentally friendly? Why?
In my opinion, I think wood is more environmentally because wood is a renewable
resource, manufacturing wood products typically requires less energy compared to
concrete. On the other hand, the production of cement , a key component of concrete, is
energy-intensive and releases a significant amount of carbon dioxide. The primary
ingredients in concrete (cement , sand, and gravel) are non-renewable resources.

5A
Recycling
1. Do you recycle at home? Give examples of things you have recycled?
Yes, I usually do recycle at home. For exemple, I use soda cans to make pen holders and
sometimes use them as watering cans for plants. Paper can be used to make cards and gift
wrapping paper. In addition, it is also possible to redesign old clothes into new clothes,
such as cutting them short to make shirts or skirts.
2. How can recycling help the environment?
Recycling reduces the need for extracting, refining, and processing raw materials from
the Earth. This helps in conserving natural resources such as forests, minerals, and water.
Recycling diverts materials from landfills, reducing the amount of waste that decomposes
and produces harmful gases, such as methane. Landfill space is also conserved.
Recycling encourages a more sustainable approach to consumption and production. It
promotes the circular economy, where materials are reused, recycled, and repurposed
rather than disposed of after single use.
3. What are some ways to encourage others to recycle?
There are many ways to encourage others to recycle. As if: Collaborate with schools to
integrate recycling education into the curriculum. Partner with local businesses to
promote recycling initiatives. Use social media platforms to share engaging content about
recycling. Organize friendly recycling challenges in neighborhood, school or workplace.
4. What materials can be recycled?
There are many materials that can be recycled. Paper products, including newspapers,
magazines, cardboard boxes, and office paper, are commonly recycled to create new
paper goods. Plastic recycling is diverse and includes PET bottles (commonly used for
water and soda), HDPE bottles (found in milk and detergent containers), and various
other plastics with specific recycling codes. Batteries, both alkaline and rechargeable,
should be recycled to prevent environmental contamination. Various materials can be
recycled to reduce environmental impact.
5. What can happen if we don’t recycle?
If we don’t recycle, a number of negative environmental, economic and social
consequences can occur. Forests, minerals and fossil fuels can be overexploited, leading
to habitat destruction and loss of biodiversity. Without recycling, more waste will end up
in landfills, contributing to the depletion of available landfill space. Landfills can release
toxic gases and leachate, contaminating soil and water. Increasing greenhouse gas
emissions from landfill production and decomposition contribute to climate change. So
adopting recycling methods is vital to minimizing these impacts and creating a more
sustainable and environmentally conscious society.

5B
Environment
1. Are there any environmental problems in your country?
There are numerous environmental issues in my local area, and one of the most serious
problems is air pollution. Factories in the region inadequately manage waste disposal,
leading to pollution of water sources, soil, and the air. This significantly impacts the daily
lives of the local residents and increases the health risks they face. In addition, various
types of waste, such as plastic bags, plastic items, and leftover food, are haphazardly
discarded along rivers and pedestrian pathways. This not only diminishes the aesthetics
of the surroundings but also creates discomfort for the people in the area.
2. Do you and your family take steps to help the environment?
Yes, they do. We stay informed about environmental issues and solutions, share
knowledge with friends, family, and community members to promote awareness. We join
or organize local clean-up events to remove litter and pollutants from public spaces.
Choose products from companies committed to sustainable and environmentally friendly
practices.
3. How often do you read news about the environment? Is it always bad news?
I usually read news about the environment. Not all news is bad news, but recently, there
has been a fair amount of concerning news. For instance, earthquakes, tsunamis, and
birds migrating in flocks in Japan. Phenomena in the sky, such as unusual bright columns
and lightning that occur in clear weather, are signs that our surrounding environment may
be facing issues.
4. Do you have any good news about the environment in your country?
Yes, I do. My country has been making strides in renewable energy, particularly in the
development of solar and wind power projects. Local communities and organizations
work on waste reduction, recycling, and proper disposal to address environmental
pollution. Many community-led projects across Vietnam focus on environmental
conservation, waste reduction, and sustainable practices.

5C
Changing behavior
 1. Have you ever done anything to protect the environment?
Yes, I have. I use energy-efficient appliances, turn off lights when not in use and be
mindful of water usage at home. Minimize single-use items and properly dispose of
waste. I join or organize local clean-up events to remove litter and pollutants from public
spaces.
2. Do you think people are becoming more or less concerned about the environment
these days? Why?
Yes, I think so. High-profile events, such as international climate conferences, and global
movements like Fridays for Future led by young activists have brought environmental
issues to the forefront of public consciousness. Increased efforts by governments and
businesses to adopt sustainable practices and reduce carbon footprints contribute to a
growing awareness of environmental issues. Even so but efforts to increase awareness,
education, and sustainable practices are essential for fostering a broader and more
impactful commitment to environmental conservation.
3. What can be done to encourage people to protect the environment?
Governments can implement policies and incentives that encourage environmentally
friendly practices, such as tax incentives for renewable energy adoption or regulations
against single-use plastics. Promote and invest in innovative technologies that contribute
to environmental conservation, such as clean energy solutions, waste reduction
technologies, and sustainable agriculture practices. Advocate for stronger environmental
policies at local, national, and international levels.

5D
Shopping online
1. What kinds of things do people in your country often buy from online shops?
You know, In my country, online shopping is popular. We can buy a wide variety of
items through online shopping platforms, such as clothing, shoes, bags, jewelry,
educational supplies, household items, electronic gadgets, and even food and beverages.
It is very convenient and helpful, providing us with numerous choices and saving a
significant amount of time.
2. Why has online shopping become so popular in many countries?
Because online shopping helps save time and effort. You can stay at home and browse
through many items at once without the need to go to the store. You can also see reviews
from previous buyers to consider before making a purchase. And the goods will be
delivered right to your doorstep.
3. What are some possible disadvantages of buying things from online shops?
Online shopping comes with many conveniences, but alongside that, there are inevitable
limitations. For example, the color of the product in online images may differ from the
actual item, the material of the product might be different, and some products may have
size discrepancies. Certain international orders may also require a considerable wait time,
ranging from one to three months.
5E
Emails
1. What do most people in your country use email for?
In my country, people use it to share news, updates, and personal messages. Businesses
leverage email for marketing and promotional activities, sending newsletters,
promotional offers, and updates to their subscribers. Professionals often rely on email for
scheduling appointments, meetings, and interviews, offering a written record of agreed-
upon dates and times. Moreover It serves as a platform for sharing course materials,
submitting assignments, and engaging in academic discussions.
2. When would you send emails to others?
In business environments, emails are a common medium for disseminating official
announcements, updates, and information to colleagues, clients, or business associates.
Job applications also commonly involve the submission of resumes, cover letters, and
other relevant materials via email to potential employers or hiring managers. Students
and educators utilize email for coursework communication, including the submission of
assignments, inquiries about course-related matters, and discussions on academic
projects.
3. Do you think it is better to send an email or a text message?
I think email is better than text message because it’s ideal for conveying longer, more
detailed messages and support attachments, images, and rich formatting. Additionally,
emails are often considered more secure and private, making them preferable for sharing
sensitive or confidential information.
4. Is sending emails popular among teenagers in your country? Why/ Why not?
No, it isn’t. Because I think instant messaging apps are designed to be intuitive, providing
a seamless experience for quick and casual conversations. One of the key factors
contributing to the preference for instant messaging is the informality and expressiveness
these platforms offer. Meanwhile, emails are often perceived as more formal and
structured, whereas teenagers gravitate towards the casual and dynamic nature of instant
messaging.

5F
Solar panels

1. Do you think buying solar panels for your home is a good investment?
Yes, buying solar panels for my home can be a good investment. Solar panels convert
sunlight into electricity, which can be used to power my home during the daytime. This
means that I can save money on electricity bills while also reducing my carbon footprint
and promoting a more sustainable lifestyle. Solar panels also have a long lifespan and
require minimal maintenance, making them a wise investment in the long run.
Additionally, depending on the country, I may be eligible for government incentives or
tax breaks when installing solar panels, making them even more affordable.
2. Why aren’t all houses in hot countries fitted with solar panels?
While solar panels can provide many positive benefits, there are various reasons why not
all homes in hot countries are fitted with solar panels. Some of these include: High
installation costs: The cost of installing solar panels can be high, which may make it
unaffordable for some people. Limitations in electricity consumption: Solar panels only
generate electricity during the day when the sun is shining, meaning that they cannot
provide 24-hour power. This could limit their usefulness in certain situations. Weather
conditions: Solar panels need direct sunlight to generate electricity. So in areas with rainy
weather or cloudy skies, their efficiency can be limited.
3. What are the pros and cons of solar energy?
The pros and cons of solar energy are as follows: Pros: Renewable and clean source
of energy. Low running costs and maintenance requirements. Environmentally
friendly. Ability to generate electricity during the day time, reducing dependence on
other sources of ………power. Ability to store excess energy for later use. Ability to
generate electricity without producing greenhouse gas emissions. Cons: High
installation costs (though costs are decreasing). Limited electrical production at night
or under cloudy weather. Requires large land area for installations.