Ielts Speaking
Ielts Speaking
Ielts Speaking
PART 1
4. Weather
1.What’s the weather like where you live?
Frankly speaking, I would say the weather in my city is a bit comfortable because it has all four seasons
but sometimes the weather can also get pretty extreme, especially in the summer when the temperature
can reach up to 40 degree celcius due to terrifying heat waves sweeping across the city.
2.Do you prefer cold or hot weather?
To be honest, I’m a big fan of hot weather like summer because it is the time all the recreational or
physical activities are at their ultimate level . Moreover, you are likely to sweat in hot weather and by
sweating your body detoxifies to remove harmful chemicals from the body which would do you good.
3.Do you prefer dry or wet weather?
Well, drawing the differences between the two, I would opt for the former. While wet weather increases
the humidity and moisture in the atmosphere which tend to make us uncomfortable, I suppose that dry
weather makes me pleasant and give me a sense of convenience in my daily activities.
4.Do you get in the habit of checking the weather forecast?
Actually, once in a blue moon do I check it since weather forecast pops up on my phone every morning
when I wake up, to predict that whether today is sunny or rainy. Moreover, as I live in Vietnam where the
weather is predictable all year round, so I don't really need to check the weather forecast on a regular
basis.
5. Writing
1. Did you like writing when you were a child? Why/Why not?
Actually, I was not really into writing in my childhood. I used to be a lazy kid who didn’t really care
about studying stuff like writing. Instead, I was immersed in entertainment such as playing with my
friends and digital devices.
2. What kinds of things do you write during a typical day? Why/Why not?
You know, as I am still a high-school goer, I have to take notes several academic lessons at school day in
day out.What’s more, I also finish numerous homework and assignments by writing down in my
notebooks, and also text messages for my beloved ones too!
3. Do you think the kinds of things you write will change in the future? Why/Why not?
4. Do you prefer typing or writing things by hand? Why?
To be honest, I often choose handwriting to jot down when necessary, but for the most part, using a
computer for writing is much faster and more convenient, so it apparently tickles my fancy. Moreover, it
really comes in handy for me because it helps me to increase my productivity as much as possible.
6. Puzzle
1. Did you do puzzles in your childhood?
Yes, I did puzzles when I was little, like when I was a primary school student. I vividly remember it was a
kind of word search. My English teacher was fond of giving us a kind of homework, trying to help us to
memorize the new vocabulary. Needless to say, I was full of beans to circle the required word, to
brainstorm and find the key word.
2. Do you like doing word puzzles or number puzzles? Which is more difficult for you?
Definitely, I prefer word puzzles since they are my strong suit, and they give me a great sense of
achievement once I succeed in ordering them. However, number puzzles are killing me, which is like the
difficult job for me to do. It’s probably because I consider myself as someone who do not have a head
for figures and maths together with numbers seems to be something that drives me crazy.
3. When do you do puzzles, during your trip or when you feel bored?
Frankly speaking, I do puzzles at any time. You know, when I’m on the train, like traveling to another
destination, I love to do the crossword to while away the time. It’s an amazing way to unwind ourselves.
And when I feel bored, I also do the same thing coz it’s like the stimulus to my brain and energy.
4. Do you think it is good for old people to do puzzles?
Yes, of course. Seniors are likely to have poor memory due to their old age and puzzles provide an
excellent way for the elderly to strengthen their brain function, as solving one requires critical and logical
thinking skills. It even wards off seniors’ dementia( loạn trí) and delays Alzheimer’s disease.
7. Names
Does your name have a special meaning?
Linh means intelligent and full of beans. The name Linh is often given with blessing wishes, showing the
fulfillment of miracles of lucky and happiness in life. It goes without saying that with such meanings, it
is a popular name in my country, for example, there are other 4 girls called Linh in my class.
To be honest, it has a lot of meanings. In Chinese, Phuong means warm-hearted and intelligent. The name
Phuong is often given with blessing wishes, showing the fulfillment of miracles of lucky, happiness and
love in life. It goes without saying that with such meanings, it is a popular name in my country, for
example, there are other 3 girls called Phuong in my class.
How do you choose names for your next generation?
My family and my husband’s will pore over some classical literatures to seek the meaningful and special
name for my children. This may derive from the fact that people in my country pay great attention to their
names because they believe that names can somewhat demonstrate their future.
Are there any differences between how Vietnamese name their children now and in the past?
In the past, there were numerous rules to choose name for a new born in a family. The name of the child
must not be similar to any elder in the family, and must not be similar to the Emperor’s name or name of
close people in Emperor’s family. This kind of similarity was considered disrespectful and could be
punished by law. Nowadays, it is much easier. People have the right to choose any name, often one that
has a lucky and meaningful idea for their kids.
Does anyone in your family have the same name as you?
I don’t excel at remembering names, but as far as I’m concerned, among my family members, there is one
also named Linh. But she is my distant relative, so I rarely meet her.
8. Geography
Have you ever studied geography at school?
Well, geography was a mandatory subject at my secondary school, so I think I started to learn it in Grade
6. I have learned both national geography and world geography. I vividly remember initially there were
countless names to memorise, the mountains, the rivers,… etc, not a pleasant experience for me. But it
dawned on me that this subject helped to broaden my horizon.
Do you like geography?
Yeah, I’m quite a big fan of geography because it gives me the chance to have a look at the places I’ve
never been to. It’s amazing. And this subject also explains how different islands and volcanoes form and
things like that, which really tickles my fancy.
Are you good at reading a map?
I don’t mean to brag but I think I excel in reading the paper map. It’s because I’m awful at directions and
I had to resort to map early. But I should say, I prefer navigation app on the smartphone. You know, it is
much easier and more convenient.
Would you visit a country because of its geographical location?
Yeah, I’m always curious about the places I’m not very familiar with. VN is a tropical country so I have
never seen desert or ice. So I always yearn for visiting desert and temperate countries in winter.
9. Travelling on public transport
1. Do you often travel on public transports? Why/Why not?
Once in a blue moon, actually. The public transport system in my hometown is not really convenient and
cutting-edge, so I often use my motorcycle to travel inside my city. But when it comes to long-distance
travel, I will resort to public transport.
2. Did you use public transport when you were a child? Why/Why not?
Yes but not regularly, since my primary and secondary school is just a stone’s throw from my home. So
my parents often took me to my school or I went to school by bike. My family only visited our hometown
by bus since we didn’t own a car back then.
3. Do many people use public transport in…/your country? Why/Why not?
I think it depends on the person. There are some who are in favor of public transit services and they
commute by buses on a regular basis because the bus route is accessible and suitable for them. However,
there are those who oppose using public transportation. They don’t really feel at ease sitting in a crowded
space, especially the introverted ones. Using their private vehicle can help them to steer clear of that
situation.
4. Will you use public transport more in the future? Why/ Why not?
I think yes, I’m currently in the last grade of high school so I’m going to move to more developed cities
to pursue higher education, which are commonly known for traffic jams. Therefore, I think using public
transport to travel is faster and more convenient for me.
10. Housework and Cooking
1. Do you do some cooking/help your family cook at home now?
Of course, since I’ve always given my eyeteeth for food and cooking different mouth-watering
delicacies. Every now and then, I often give my mother a hand to prepare for meals such as lunch or
dinner, which also helps me to improve my skill of cooking.
2. Did you do some house cleaning when you were young?
Yeah, I vividly remember I did some when I was a primary school student. When it came to special
events such as Lunar New Year or Mid-Autumn festival, I would help my parents to do some general
cleaning in the house . It’s a norm in every Vietnamese household, including cleaning the windows,
removing the dust on the walls, and washing the things of daily use etc.
3. Do you have breakfast at home every day?
Yeah, in most cases, I finish my breakfast at home coz I have my own eating habits. Honestly, the food
served in canteen or food stalls is less nutritious and fresh, so I just give my eyeteeth for cooking some
breakfast at home, which is much healthier and charge my battery for an energetic day at school.
4. Do you want to learn how to cook well?
Absolutely yes, since I consider cooking as a part and parcel skill when I am in the nest-leaving age.
Especially, u know I’m going to be a university student in the upcoming year, which means I have to live
independently from my family and take care of myself . Therefore, it is undeniable that I should have a
highly nutritious meal that can keep people vigorous for the whole day.
11. Happy
- What made you happy when you were little?
In my childhood, spending time with my family made me feel over the moon. This is because my parent
used to work around the clock all day. So I was really delighted when they had free time to arrange a
family picnic in the countryside.
- What do you think will make you feel happy in the future?
I suppose in the near future, the thing that makes me most happiest is my education results. I am currently
in the last grade of high school so I’m going to university and I want to be admitted in my targeted
prestigious university.
13. Noise
1. Which do you think makes louder noise, in cities or in the countryside?
Definitely cities. In urban areas, there are countless factories that produce a lot of noise when operating.
Moreover, traffic jam has become increasing common, so people in cities will experience noise pollution
from those vehicles.
2. What noise do we have in cities?
Well I suppose that the first one that causes a noisy city is traffic noise such as the engine sounds, noise or
honks, which can get worse especially when the roads are bumper to bumper. Moreover, the second is
noise coming from factories, construction sites or maybe stores where there are lots of machines in use.
3. What kind of noise do cars make?
When it comes to noise from cars, the first one that springs to most people’s mind is car hooter sound.
This is even an obsession for city dwellers who have to put up with car hooter sound in regular traffic
jams.
14. Morning Time
1. Do you get up early in the morning?
I’m not an early riser but every morning I need to wake up at 6:15am for school. However, when it
comes to weekend, I would spend all the morning lying on the bed and binge-watching Netflix series.
2. Do you have the same morning routine everyday?
I’m not an early riser but every morning I need to wake up at 6:15am for school. Even though I get up
kinda late, I always manage to make my bed since doing that shows that I’m a responsible and well-
organized person. After that, I spent my whole morning dealing with assignments and heavy workload at
school
3. Do you usually eat breakfast at home?
To be honest, I know it’s a bad habit and can detrimentally impact my health but I often skip my
breakfast. Because I wake up kinda late and have to rush to school. I hope that in the future I will get rid
of this negative habit
4. Are there any differences between what you do in the morning now and what you did in the past?
To be honest, there are not many distinctive differences. As what I did in the past, these days I still have
to spend the whole morning at school studying.
15. Tidy
1. Are you a tidy person?
To be honest, I am not a kind of neat person. To illustrate, there is no particular place where I locate
items. I just look for a spot and estimate whether there is enough space to lay things down. I do admit my
room looks messy and disorder, but for me, it is totally acceptable as long as I can lay my hands on
(find) what I want whenever necessary.
2. Do you think people should be tidy all the time?
Well, it depends on each one’s own personality. However, when it comes to work or study, it is advisable
for people to be tidy and locate items properly so as to achieve high productivity.
3. Are you tidier at work or at home?
At home, there is no particular place where I locate items. I just look for a spot and estimate whether
there is enough space to lay things down. I do admit my room looks messy and disordered. In contrast, I
have to be tidy and well-organized at work so that I can lay my hands on (find) what I want whenever
necessary to achieve high productivity.
4. How do you usually keep your place tidy?
To be honest, I am not a kind of neat person. I do admit my room looks messy and disorder. Therefore,
my mom often complains about it and that’s the time I tidy my room by relocating all stuff to its proper
place and cleaning the room
16. Family & Friends
1. Do you have a large family or small family?
A small family, in fact. There are 4 members in my family, including me, my parents and my sister.
2. How much time do you manage to spend with members of your family?
I usually spend most of my time gathering with my family besides school time. However, when I have to
prepare carefully for many examinations that I take part in, including this IELTS, I will focus more on
studying.
3. Do you have many friends? Why? Why not?
Wellt, I have rather many friends to be honest. I don’t mean to brag but I think I’m quite good as a
friend. I mean I always try my best to help my buddies when they face any problems by cheering them
up and giving my advice to them.
4. Do you prefer to stay alone or with your friends?
Well, it depends on my mood. When I feel down in the dumps, I tend to stay alone so as to calm myself
down and let these negative emotions fade away. In contrast, when I’m energetic and positive, I want to
hang out, go shopping and chat with my friends,
18. Music
- Do you like music? Why / Why not?
Absolutely, yes. Listening to music is part and parcel of my daily activities and I cannot imagine my life
without music. It is an excellent way to let my hair down and unwind myself after a long working day
dealing with heavy workload and hectic schedule at school.
- What type of music do you like to listen to when you are alone? Why?
To be honest, I would opt for traditional instrumental music, like pianos and guitars. You know, cauze it
is an impressive combination that can give me a both nostalgic and modern feelings. Hence, I can refresh
my mind and also escape myself from the feeling of loneliness.
- Has the music that you listen to changed since you were young?
Yeah, it has changed a bit. In the olden days, almost all of the songs I listened to were in Vietnamese,
especially those are belonged to country music. But now, songs in other languages, including English or
Korean are the ones that tickle my fancy.
- Do you think older and younger generations prefer different types of music?
Well, to some extent, listeners of all ages give their eyeteeth for low-paced and ballad songs about love
and romance. However, there are some differences like rap has catched on among the young, while
elderly are not in favour of it.
- Is there any music concert that you want to go to?
To be honest, I’m a big fan of Blackpink, an internationally acclaimed Kpop girlgroup. Although I
have listened to all their songs, I haven’t got a chance to go to their music concert due to geographical
distance. I’m currently saving up so in the future I will have sufficient money to attend their concert.
- Have you got any hobbies or interests?
I have numerous hobbies to relieve academic stress at school. To illustrate, I often binge-watch movies
on Netflix, especially Korean dramas since I’m a big fan of romance. In addition, I also give my eyeteeth
for many kinds of music.
19. Staying up late
- Do you go to sleep early or stay up late?
The latter, to be honest. It’s quite exhausting, actually but I have no choice, since there are deadlines that
have to be met. Therefore, I often hit the sack at 1.am when all my workloads have been accomplished.
- What do you do when you stay up late?
You know, I consider myself as a night owl who always stays up late finishing school’s assignments and
projects since I think it is the ideal time for me to fully concentrate and burn the midnight oil with a
view to getting flying colors.
- How do you feel when you have stayed up late the night before?
I used to be quite knackered, I solve this problem by binging huge amounts of calories from cake and
other sweets. If it’s not enough I’d normally drink a few cups of espresso. If these are not enough, I’d just
sleep on my desk.
23. Outer space and stars
- Have you ever learnt about outer space and stars?
Definitely yes. Although I haven't enrolled in any official courses, I have tried to brush up on
astronomical knowledge in books and television programs recently since I think it’s quite intriguing to
find out more about the other complex galaxies surrounding us. I believe there is much more to the
universe than only Earth.
Yes, I have. Though they are not included in our school curriculum, exploring the universe always holds
my attention. When I was a child , my dad bought me some books about outer space, especially the Milky
Way and its stars. Needless to say, I had my nose in those books for hours as the universe and its secrets
are so mysterious and interesting to me. (NB)
- Are you interested in films concerning outer space and stars?
Absolutely. I’m really into sci-fi movies mixed with a bit of fantasy instead of the dry and boring
documentaries on National Geographic. A telling example is Star Wars, a movie I have binge-watched
many times because it always keeps me on the edge of my seat.
- Do you want to go into outer space in the future?
Yes, that’s the dream I’ve longed for. Traveling into space and beholding our planet from an entirely
different angle would be such a wonderful experience. Besides, I really want to hang in mid-air in the
microgravity environment of space just once. Hopefully, in the future, with the advancement of
technologies, human beings could have space tours to explore the universe.
24. Schools
- Where do you go to school?
I am currently a student at Vo Nguyen Giap Gifted High School, which is one of the top-notch
institutions in my city. I would say that my school has a reputation for high-qualified teachers as well as
up-to-date infrastructure to support students' learning process.
- Do you go to a good school?
Definitely yes. As I have mentioned, my school not only provides its students with hi-tech facilities but
also consistent teachers with high professional qualifications. Therefore, our school’s students are prone
to enroll in prestigious universities and have decent salaries down the road.
- What changes would you like to see in your school?
To be honest, our school system somehow still focuses too much on grades and an exam-driven
curriculum, which I find quite impractical. So should I be given the chance to alter it, I would recommend
a more creative and interactive syllabus that promotes critical thinking and hands-on experience.
28. Singing
1. Do you like singing? Why?
Yeah, I really love singing because I’m a big fan of music. I often sing along with the music and
sometimes I just feel my singing skill is out of this world. And another reason is, singing is a great way
to unwind and let my hair down with my friends. We often sing the high notes together, it’s so funny to
hear our voices crack and run out of breath.
2. Have you ever learnt how to sing?
Tbh, I haven’t. Singing really tickles my fancy but it’s just my hobby, not my future profession so I don’t
take it seriously. I suppose singing skill is a talent and I have to acknowledge that I don’t have a knack
for it.
3. Who do you want to sing for?
Singing is a great way to unwind and blow off some steam with my friends. We often go to a karaoke
bar to sing and dance together. We are really in full swing there. In addition, I also sing on my own and
the bathroom is really perfect for singing because the sound effects are so amazing.
4. Do you think singing can bring happiness to people?
Definitely yes; coz if someone has a knack for singing, he or she will probably feel a great sense of
achievement to finish the whole song. And when somebody’s under pressure or down in the dumps,
singing is like a way to blow off some steam. It helps us to express emotions and releasing them through
songs can uplift our spirit.
29. Technology
1. What technology do you often use, computers or mobile phones?
Tbh, I use my mobile phone day in day out. It is small and portable so it really comes in handy to me. I
use it for numerous purposes, such as searching for study materials on the Internet, browsing social
media and listening to music.
2. What electronic devices have you bought lately?
They are Airpods. I have always yearned for it since its release day. But u know, they are really
exorbitant, which certainly cost my parents an arm and a leg. However, recently, I got a part-time job so
I made up my mind to spend my first month's salary on the Airpods.
3. Are there any technologies you want to buy?
I'd love to have a robot that could do everything for me – from laundry and dishes to vacuuming and
cleaning windows. It would be amazing to come home from a long day at work and have everything taken
care of, so I just let my hair down. It would be fun to have someone around who's always up for a game
of chess or an interesting conversation.
4. What’s the benefit of technology?
The Internet is at the beginning of the benefits of technology. We can keep in touch with anyone with the
Internet even if it is miles away. Thanks to technological developments, the need for human power is
diminishing. For example, we can make use of dishwashers, washing machines or drying machines.
Technology has made great progress not only in daily life but also in the medical field. People can be
treated more quickly and effectively thanks to cutting-edge facilities in hospitals.
30. Neighbor
1. Do you think neighbors are important?
Of course. If we are on good terms with our neighbors, they’re more likely to alert us in times of trouble,
like an attempted break-in at our apartment or a potential theft of our car. In such cases, good neighbors
will not only alert us but also call the police on our behalf. It is easier to have someone look after the
children when an emergency occurs. For example, when we are busy, we can ask our neighbor to pick
their children up at school without worrying about their safety.
2. How can we get along with our neighbors?
If we want to be on good terms with our neighbors, try being friendly.
Offer to help if we see them in a difficult situation. Such little help means a lot and is imperative in
improving our relationship with them. It is necessary to be respectful of our neighbors. We should steer
clear of doing things like having the music up too loud or having a party at night that causes a disturbance
for our neighbours
3. Do you think it's important to have a good relationship with one's neighbors?
If we are on good terms with our neighbors, they’re more likely to alert us in times of trouble, like an
attempted break-in at our apartment or a potential theft of our car. In such cases, good neighbors will not
only alert us but also call the police on our behalf. It is easier to have someone look after the children
when an emergency occurs. For example, when we are busy, we can ask our neighbor to pick their
children up at school without worrying about their safety.
31.Birthday
1.What do you usually do on your birthday?
I often hold 2 birthday parties to celebrate this red-letter day. The 1st is with my beloved family, we often
cook the meal together then enjoy our meal. And I have some friends as thick as thieves so I hold another
party with them too. We often hangout for dinner and chew the fat together.
2.What did you do on your birthday when you were young?
When I was little, my parents used to work around the clock so I regard my birthday as an opportunity for
me to spend time with my family. We often hang out at amusement parks, toy stores and restaurants. I felt
really over the moon at that moment.
3.Do you think it is important for you to celebrate your birthday?
I do, actually. I’m always looking forward to my birthday as I get a lot of attention and presents from
people on that day. What I like the most about birthdays, are not the exorbitant gifts but the fact that
people in my life appreciate me enough to want to make me feel over the moon on my special day!
4.Whose birthday do you think is the most important to celebrate in Viet Nam?
Certainly Uncle Ho, I mean Ho Chi Minh. He had a great contribution to the independence of VN, he
dedicated most of his life to helping our country fighting against many invasions. Therefore, all
Vietnamese people owe a debt of gratitude to him, so we celebrate his birthday annually to commemorate
our beloved president Ho.
32. Social Media
1.Do you like to use social media?
Well, like other youngsters I am addicted to some of the social media websites such as Facebook or
Instagram which are the most popular online platforms in VietNam. By using these, it can not only let my
hair down but also keep in touch with my relatives and friends in order to strengthen our bonds.
2. Do you think your friends use too much social media?
Not really, it is believed that most teenagers are addicted to social media but it’s not the case for my
friends. They are often up to their ears in examinations so they set a time limit for social media and some
even delete those applications.
3. Do you want to work in social media? Why?
I think I have a knack for writing and coming up with creative ideas. I also know how to use different
platforms to their fullest potential so that I can create a variety of content that is engaging and appealing
to a wide audience. In addition, I would opt for jobs with flexible working hours, compared to 9-to-5
ones.
4. What’s the most popular social media in Viet Nam? Why?
The 1st one that springs to mind is FB. Maybe because there are many Facebook groups created by people
who have the same hobbies, they discuss and share their experience in the group with much helpful
information as well as organise social events. Moreover, I have used numerous social media applications
but I believe that FB is the easiest, hence cut out for all age levels.
33. Snacks
1.What snacks did you eat when you were young?
In fact, I had a sweet tooth, so when I was little I often treated myself a bar of chocolate or a chiffon
cake. My mom urged me not to eat them so often but u know, I can't help it.
2.When do you usually eat snacks now?
Tbh, my interest now is like chalk and cheese compared to the past. I just eat snacks when eating out
with my friends or someone invites me to have some. Otherwise, I don’t intentionally buy them to eat.
3.Do you think it is healthy for you to eat snacks?
I suppose that if I’m hungry or tired after my hectic schedule at school, it’s totally fine to have some
snacks. But eating too much of them will have a detrimental impact on my health since snacks contain a
large amount of sugar.
Part 3
1. What routine do people have at home?
Part 3
1. What kind of service do you think is good?
In my opinion, a company should have customers’ best interests at heart. The purchasing process
commences when a consumer enters a store and continues during the time he uses the product. If the sales
assistant is well-trained and well-informed about what he sells, it is easier for the buyer to make up his
mind. Then, after-sales service should be paid attention to. When the customer meets difficulties using
the product, customer service staff should be there to address the problems as soon as possible.
2. What are the differences between shopping online and in stores?
The most distinct difference between online shopping and traditional shopping is that online shopping is
very convenient as you can shop anytime, anywhere while traditional shopping can be time-consuming. In
traditional shopping, customers are actually able to see and touch what they are buying before they make
the payment; however, in online shopping, customers don’t have the chance to physically see or touch the
items they order; sometimes, what they see in product advertisement may be immensely different from
the product that is delivered to them.
3. What problems do customers often have while shopping?
The most common problem faced by customers in shopping is that there is no guarantee of a product’s
quality. Sellers might sell low-quality or fake products in the name of original and branded products.
Another problem faced in online shopping is issues with delivery and logistics. Products are often lost or
damaged while in transit, and order tracking systems are unable to accurately locate the product. People
can choose one-day or two-day delivery, and pay extra money. However, these products often do not get
delivered within the planned time and this can have an adverse effect on the buyer’s original plan.
4. What do you think customers should do when there are problems with the products they bought
online?
Customers should instantly report to the stores where they buy the products. They can send photos or
videos that are the evidences of the problems so that sellers can address the issues for them.
4. Describe a popular place for sports (e.g. a stadium or something)
You should say:
Where it is
When you went there
What you did there
And explain how you felt about this place
The 1st one that springs to mind is My Dinh National Stadium which hosts various imperative national
and international level events. This multi – purpose stadium is located in My Dinh suburban commune,
Hanoi capital. This stadium has a seating capacity of 50,000. Also it was officially opened in 2003.
This stadium is just a stone’s throw from my aunt’s house. I often go there when I visit my aunt. People
usually attend there to encourage and support sporting events, especially Vietnam teams as well as enjoy
entertaining activities.
My Dinh stadium is very important to not only Hanoi but also the whole country due to its indispensable
functions. It is one of the biggest and most well-equipped stadiums in Vietnam utilized as a showcase to
stage a large number of important events namely the 2003 Southeast Asia Games, and the 2008 AFC
Champions League. Moreover, this stadium plays a critical role since many foreigners might come to
know about Vietnam through the activities held there. Therefore, it is essential to promote a good image
of it in order to impress foreigners positively.
Part 3
1 Do young people like to do sports?
Yes, I believe that the young nowadays become increasingly keen on sports. It is due to proper education
of the important role of sports for their health as well as state-of-the-art sports facilities. In addition,
physical education is mandatory in school’s curriculum these, that’s why young people can develop
interest in sport at their early age.
2. What are the benefits of sports for children?
There are numerous merits when children play sports. The most important one is that it can do wonders
for their health. It helps to lower the risk of modern diseases such as diabetes, obesity and heart attack. In
addition, when children engage in social activities like sports, they can let their hair down and get to
know like-minded friends.
3. Is it necessary to build public sports spaces?
Yes. absolutely. They provide suitable spaces and equipment for people to engage in sports. For example,
people can go jogging in the park and play tennis or basketball at the sports stadium. That helps to keep
their bodies fit and it also uplift their spirits during the day. Besides, parks and sports facilities are good
spots for people to socialize with their neighbors. People can connect with others when they are playing
sports or talking casually with passers by in the park. A harmonious relationship between residents helps
build a caring and friendly neighborhood.
4. What do you think of companies donating sports venues for poor children?
By constructing sports infrastructure for the impoverished children, these companies can provide the
appropriate setting for them to engage in sports. Hence, not only physical but mental health can be
improved. Secondly, the provision of communal facilities can create a positive image of the sponsoring
companies. I mean the sponsors are giving back to the community and fulfilling social responsibility.
This can therefore build trust between these companies and local people.
5. Describe a time when you received money as a gift (birthday, wedding)
Follow-up Question: Is it a normal thing to give money as a gift in your country
I think people rarely do that throughout the year, they only give money as a gift during Tet holiday, which
is expected to bestow happiness on receivers
You should say:
When it happened
Who gave you money
Why he/she gave you money
And explain how you felt about it
Talking about a specific time when I received money in the gift, the first one that springs to my mind
would be in my 16th birthday.
You know, the time I turned to 16 coincided with the one when I passed the entrance exam to my high
school for the gifted with flying colors. Therefore, to mark this milestone, I decided to celebrate a huge
party for me and invited my near and dear ones such as my friends, family and relatives. During the
party, most of my family members had already given presents to me, all of which were out of this world.
However, my grandparents were a bit in two minds as they didn’t know which presents would be right
up my alley. Thus, instead of getting me a gift, they gave me 3 million VND to congratulate on my
excellent results.
After the party had ended and everybody had left, my grandparents came to my room and handed me the
money envelope. At first, I was a bit hesitant as I didn’t want to bother them with such a handsome
amount of money. But, after their consistent persistence, I had to give up and receive it. Needless to say, I
owe them a great gratitude, hoping that they would always stay strong, so I can share my ups and downs
in daily life with them day in day out.
Part 3
1. Why do people rarely use cash now?
Well, first and foremost, I suppose that carrying cash makes you a target for thieves. Instead, all
transactions which are electronic, using debit or credit cards or payment services are widely used in order
to reduce crime rates without tangible money to steal. Moreover, using cash is comparatively
inconvenient because of more time and cost associated with handling, storing, and depositing paper
money.
2. When do children begin to comprehend the value of money?
Children at little age can understand the value of money to some extent when parents tell them how to
buy stuff using money. However, I suppose children cannot comprehensively understand the true value
of money until they have worked so as to make money by themselves.
3. Should parents reward children with money?
To be honest, I think it is not a good idea to reward offspring with parents’money. To illustrate, this can
lead to children being oriented to materialism and misunderstand the true value of money. In addition,
children are mostly not fully aware of how to use the money properly, so they can waste it on some stuff
not worth it or even on illegal activies if not strictly regulated by parents.
4. Is it good and necessary to teach children to save money?
Definitely yes, parents and educators should teach children how to save money as soon as possible.
Parents can tell their offspring how much time and efforts that they have to dedicate in order to earn
money, so that children have to save it rather than waste it.
6. Describe a person you have met who you want to work/study with
You should say:
Who this person is
How you met this person
How long you have known him/her
And explain why you want to work/study with him/her
Part3:
1. Why should children be kind to their classmates?
2. Can children choose their deskmate?
No, I don’t think so. If children have the right to choose their deskmates, they would definitely sit with
their best friends. In this case, they may keep talking with deskmates and get distracted while having
classes, which is obviously not good for knowledge acquisition. Therefore, I believe it is more proper to
let teachers choose deskmates for each student.
3. What matters most about a colleague’s personality?
4. Are good colleagues important at work?
5. What kind of people are popular at work?
A very sympathetic, caring person. It’s a person who always takes care that fruit was on the table all the
time, or asks others if they need something from the shop. He or she is not secretary whose work
description happens to include all these things but a coworker. Such a person can make a working place
as nice as home. As every home needs a caring personality, so too does a nice working environment.
They will always make others feel good.
6. Are knowledgeable people popular at work?
I think it depends. They are favoured at work if such knowledgeable people are helpful and willing to
help others when they ask for consultation and advice to deal with a difficult problem requiring extensive
knowledge. While those are less open might not be that popular.
7. Describe a festival or national holiday in your country
You should say:
When the festival occurs
What you did during it
What you like or dislike about it
And explain why this a festival or national holiday is important
When it comes to holidays, we could not not mention Lunar New Year, also known as Tet in Vietnam. It
lasts 3 to 4 days from the first day of the Lunar calendar and usually falls between late January and early
February.
Tet brings an abundance of celebratory activities. Prior to Tet, families would prepare traditional food
such as chung cake (square cake) or sugar-preserved fruit. Tet is also an occasion for pilgrims and family
reunions. People from across the country would return to their hometowns to be with their families during
this time of the year. Children including me would look forward to Tet because they can receive lucky
money. Tet has become a chance for me to blow off some steam and have a little escape from the hustle
and bustle of life. However, I’m also worn out when having to clean my house, cook food and wash
dishes after serving meals to my ancestors as a kind of worship. Given that, I enjoy Tet for the most part.
So Tet is definitely the most crucial holiday for me and Vietnamese people in general. It is one of the
most well-known traditions that has been celebrated for thousands of years. This is a time to slow down,
reflect on our past year and refresh ourselves for the new year.
Part3:
1. How do people in Vietnam value traditional festivals?
Of course, they are part and parcel in our culture. Most Vietnamese people, especially older adults place
great emphasis on preserving traditional customs and practices and passing them down to future
generations. A growing number of young people, however, tend to pay less attention on practicing old
traditions. For example, during Tet or Lunar New Year, some may prefer to travel abroad instead of
celebrating this significant traditional holiday at home with family.
2. What’s the difference between the ways festivals are celebrated now and in the past?
I suppose the most obvious difference is that in the past, people put more effort and time in celebrating
such events so they used to be far more elaborate and authentic. In recent years, however, the majority of
local traditions and festivals have been simplified or westernised to fit the modern hectic lifestyle. For
example, most Vietnamese people are no longer wearing traditional clothes on Lunar New Year Holiday.
Additionally, today’s festive foods are often ordered from catering services rather than be prepared by the
family, which might indicate that local people place somewhat less significance on such traditions.
Part 3
1. What outdoor activities do people in your country usually do?
In my opinion, people have countless activities to do. On the outset, individuals from all ages have a
liking for picnic and camping since they can experience fun and enjoyment with no need for an
exorbitant cost. What’s more, adventure sports nowadays are catching on among adolescents. Many
adventure enthusiasts have this uncanny knack for doing things beyond the conventional domain.
They do activities like rock climbing, jumping and skydiving to unwind and escape themselves from the
hustle and bustle life.
2. Why do some people not like doing outdoor activities?
For some, it may be because they don’t like being in nature or they find being outside uncomfortable. For
others, it may be because they’re introverts who prefer to spend time indoors. Spending time outdoors can
be a waste of energy to them. They’d rather save their energy for things that they enjoy, like reading or
watching TV. And still, for others, it could be due to health reasons such as allergies or sensitivities to the
sun or wind.
3. Do you think that outdoor activities are more beneficial than indoor activities?
In my opinion, it is more beneficial for children to spend time outdoors playing sports or engaging in
other activities. Outdoor games do wonders for children. They make them fitter and stronger as
individuals. Children who play games are healthier. They are also less likely to be involved in antisocial
activities. Better still, outdoor games require the participation of more than one individual. When children
play games like football or cricket, they are also learning several social and management skills. They
learn to share and work as part of a team.
4. Why do some people like doing extreme sports?
The thrills given by extreme sports appeal to many individuals seeking excitement. Many of these
extreme sports like snowboarding, surfing, skateboarding, rock climbing, bungee jumping, skydiving, and
others, allow one to feel the freedom to challenge yourself, both physically and psychologically.
9. Describe a programme that you enjoyed very much (e.g. on TV or the internet)
Follow-up Q: Have you told other people about.../this programme?
Would you like to watch.../this programme again?
You should say:
What the programme was about
Where you watched this programme
Who you watched it with
And explain why you enjoyed this programme so much
I’m going to talk about “Who wants to be a millionaire”, one of my favorite TV shows ever.
This was kind of a quiz show in which contestants have to go through a set of 15 questions with
increasing difficulty. The first 3 questions are pretty ridiculous, and my family always burst into
laughter about those questions. Contestants are given 4 lifelines to aid them with difficult questions, and
most of them are usually used up when the contestant reaches around question 7 or 8. The entire show is a
world of knowledge. Many questions from different fields are asked, ranging from trivial things like
ingredients needed to make cookies to academic stuff like quantum physics and archeology.
Tbh, I’m quite a curious girl, so back when I was a secondary school kid, I hardly missed an episode.
Knowledge acquired from those shows were really helpful to me in many of my high school knowledge
quizzes. An interesting thing in this TV show is that the master of ceremony has a great sense of humor,
who brings many funny moments to this show.
I think “Who wants to be a millionaire” is one of the most interesting and worth-watching TV shows. You
can not only have a chance to wind down after hard work but also broaden your horizons.
Part 3
1. What programs do people like to watch in your country?
There are a wide variety of types of TV shows, but I think the most popular genres are sitcoms and world
news. As sitcoms do not only provide the audience with witty scenes that make them split their sides but
it sometimes keeps the audience in suspense, most people are keen on this kind. Besides, world news is
another widely-watched form of TV because it helps people to keep up with the latest events around the
world.
2. Do people in your country like to watch foreign TV programs?
People in my country do enjoy quite a lot of overseas shows and programs, from music, movies, fashion,
news and scientific documentaries
because they can learn a new language as well as they can improve their listening skills. Most of them are
in English because Vietnamese people are more familiar with this language compared to French or
Japanese.
Morever, foreign programs are so good at visual editings and content management. By watching foreign
tv shows, people foster a good understanding about overseas culture and tradition.
3. What's the benefit of letting kids watch animal videos than visiting zoos?
From my perspective, watching animal videos helps children get an decent understanding and develop an
appreciation for the natural world around them. Animals videos provide children with diversified animal
behaviors, their natural habitats and their wildlife while in the zoos, animals are kept in captivity , they
easily suffer from boredom, anxiety which is difficult for them to present their behaviors.
4. (agree/disagree) game shows and chat shows are a waste of time
I strongly disagree with this statement. These kinds of TV show not only broaden our horizon about the
reality but also act as a tool of entertainment for us. By watching gameshows and talk shows, we can let
our hair down and unwind ourself after the heavy workload and hectic schedule at workplace.
10. Describe a photo you took that you are proud of
Follow-up Q: Do you usually take photo?
Who/What did you take photo of?
When did you take this photo?
What is the photo about?
Why you feel proud of the photo?
I am going to talk about a photo of my family that I took last year. This is a priceless possession to me and
I would like to keep it with me for the rest of my life. The picture captured the memory of a very happy
family when we went on holiday to My Khe beach, which is a very splendid one. In the picture, my
parents were smiling cheerfully. My father’s eyes were sparkling and the corners of his eyes crinkled. To
tell the truth, it’s like once in a blue moon to see my father’s smile as he always kept a serious facial
expression. Needless to say, my mother was standing next to him with warm happiness glowing on her
face. In the background, the sun looked like it was gradually receding into the waters below. The sky was
a blend of reds, oranges and yellows. The water below was mirroring this effect.
The reason I take pride in this photo is that it is one of our rare holiday trips. My parents have dedicated
their whole life to my brother and me, which makes it impossible for them to have an appropriate holiday.
At that time, I received a valuable scholarship and I immediately book a trip for my family.
Part 3
1. Why do some people like to record important things with photos?
With the unprecedented delevopment of technology, smartphone is increasingly popular so taking photos
is really convenient. Most people want to preserve vividly the important memories in their lives such as
weddings, birthdays and there are times that we need to be reminded of these precious memories, either to
reflect upon our progress in life or to find the motivation to keep on trying and make ourselves better.
2. What can people learn from historical photographs?
As the saying goes, a picture is worth a thousand words. It is self-evident that old photos play an
indispensable role in visually revealing the events of the past. To begin with, looking back over the
historical photos can give you an idea of how people enjoyed their lives in the absence of present state-of-
the-art technology. Furthermore, the intensity of wars is often skilfully illustrated by field photographers
and displaying them will induce the public to further appreciate the value of peace.
3. Is taking photos the best way to remember something?
Pictures really come in handy when there are lots of moments needed reminding. Nevertheless, I am not
fully convinced that it is the best option. What I’m trying to say is that focusing on taking photos can
make us neglect the details as we are assigning the camera to remember them for us. Additionally, when
our brain is spared the task of capturing the moments, our memory will be seriously detrimentally
affected and completely dependent on electronic devices.
4. Which is better, taking photos or keeping a diary?
From my own experience, both have their pros and cons that should be taken into consideration. It
goes without saying that using a camera is much faster than writing with a pen. However, giving yourself
some time to reflect on past events and putting them down in your own words are more meaningful and
emotional.
11. Describe a movie you watched recently and would like to watch again
You should say:
What it was about
Where you watched it
Why you like it
And explain why you would like to watch it again
The name of the movie I would like to check out again is Love Rosie, a romantic comedy. Actually, it
was an adaptation of a book which was a best seller.
I remember watching it for the first time in 2014, shortly after it hit the big screen. My movie buddy on
that day was my best friend, who was also a big fan of movie like me. As we were going through some
movie trailers on the internet, Love Rosie tickles our fancy with its stunning actors and catchy
soundtrack. We quickly booked our tickets and went to the cinema hoping the movie wouldn’t let us
down. Lucky enough, this movie far exceeded our expectations. The plot was about 2 childhood friends
who had feelings for each other but kept missing the chance to confess their love. In the end, they found
the way back to each other and got married. It was a happy ending, but there were so many heart-breaking
scenes that I cried my eyes out in the cinema.
About why I like it and want to re-watch it, the main reason is the witty dialogue in the movie. The
conversation between the main characters is simple, yet at the same time full of life lessons. I could relate
to many of the words, and would love to watch it again to delve deeper into it.
Part 3
1. Where do people normally watch movies?
With the ever-accelerating development of technology nowadays, people tend to watch films and movies
on technological devices such as TVs, computers or smartphones, which offer people many diversified
application such as Netflix, or Hulu. Otherwise, people are inclined to go to the cinema, which provide
them with realistic experience while watching film.
2. What are the differences between watching movies at home and in a cinema?
As for the difference between watching a film in the cinema and watching a film at home, one is able to
enjoy a movie on a really big screen in a cinema while usually on the small screen at home.The
differences also include: the convenience, the ability to pause & rewind movies, additional snack
choices, and the convenience of being able to talk when watching at home.
3. Are actors or actresses important to movies? Why?
Yes definitely, an actor's job is to fully represent the character they are playing and to convince their
audience that character is real by engaging them and drawing them into the story. This applies to major
roles and smaller parts, as all roles combine to create a successful production.
4. Why are there fewer people going to the cinema to watch movies?
For me, I suppose that it is because the cinema halls have lost their glorious days, especially in my
country, so an increasing number of people make time to binge-watch movies either on TVs or on their
computers. Gone are the days when my parents used to take me to a movie theatre and that was once in a
blue moon. These days we enjoy more than 3-4 movies a week but do not go to a cinema hall at all. I
believe the popularity of international movies, low-quality local movies and amenities to get great movie-
viewing experience at home are the reasons for this shifting trend.
12. Describe a friend from childhood who you remember very well
You should say:
Who he/she is
Where you met each other
What you often did together
And explain what made you like him/her
When it comes to a person that I'm into chewing the fat with, the first one that springs to my mind it's my
bosom friend who studied with me at secondary school. She is a kind-hearted person with a lovely
appearance. You know since we were deskmates at the age of 12 , we have always shared our common
interests and our ups and downs in daily life, then we became our near and dear ones. In addition, in
our spare time, we had a habit of hanging out shopping for some groceries and clothes. Especially, since
my bestie is a fashionholic , she always gave me decent advice to choose the most suitable outfit without
paying through the nose. I myself enjoy having deep conversations with her because she is the one who
has a positive and optimistic attitude towards life. When I was down in the dumps, she would give me
sound advice and lend me a sympathetic ear that can easily move up my mood and change my insides.
All in all, I really owe a great attitude to her as thanks to her, I can escape myself from the stressful
feelings and negative thoughts in my life.
Part 3
1. Do you still keep in touch with your friends from childhood? Why or why not?
It’s a pity that I lost touch with most of my childhood friends when I moved to this city 10 years ago.
Getting acquainted with the new surroundings occupied the little amount of free time I had after school,
so I could only catch up with them once in a blue moon. Gradually, the more time I spend with new
relationships, the fewer chances I have to call old friends.
2. What do you think of online social media?
From my viewpoint, social media in general is a double-edged sword. To some people, online social
platforms are great assistants when they are able to connect with people regardless of distance and time.
On the other hand, some regard social media as the root of all modern evils as these sites are full of fake
news, violence and cyberbullying.
3. Do you think online social media will replace face-to-face communication?
This qs is out of the blue since it is a debatable topic these days. However, in my opinion, that scenario
can hardly happen. Humans have a social nature so we are always looking for interactions with others,
both verbal and non-verbal. Therefore, virtual conversations can never replicate the intimacy of face-to-
face talks.
4. How important is childhood friendship to children?
Along with the family and school, it goes without saying that childhood friends play an indispensable
role in children’s early development. What I mean is that learning to befriend others at a young age helps
to build up the child’s ability to socialize. Moreover, spending time with a group of friends can certainly
create countless precious childhood memories. Recalling these moments can help to cheer you up when
you are down in the dumps and need emotional support.
13. Describe the home of someone you know well and that you often visit
Follow-up question: Do you sometimes visit your friends?
You should say:
Whose home it is
How often you go there
What it is like
And explain how you feel about the home
Well, the home that springs to my mind is my older sibling’s home, Lan, who is married to a doctor, lives
in a large apartment which is located in the centre of Dong Hoi City.
The apartment is on the third floor of a six-storied building which is only 40 minutes' walking distance
from my house. On average, I visit my sibling and her husband in a regular basis, about once a week. The
apartment is comparatively spacious but it has a cozy atmosphere and a sense of belongings when I pay a
visit to the house. The rooms all have attached bathrooms with them which tend to meet all family
members’ daily demands and what’s more, most of the furniture was bought from the most acclaimed
and branded shops. The up-to-the-minute amenities, the modern and sophisticated design of most of the
furniture and handpicked wall frames give a deep impression to a guest who visits this apartment. I give
my eyeteeth for this apartment since not only it has a large capacity but also the rooms give complete
privacy to the house members as they are not adjacent to each other. The interior of the apartment is
quite attractive. My sibling had an interior design diploma so she has put every effort to make her own
house look out of this world. Needless to say, it gives me the impression of beauty and comfort, which
tickles my fancy.
Part 3
1. What are the differences between houses or buildings in the city and in the countryside?
It is obviously seen that constructions in the rural and urban areas have different characteristics. Firstly,
while houses in the countryside are more spacious, the apartment buildings in cities have higher density.
It’s also observed that urban flats focus on the level of amenities, modernity and convenience whereas
houses in rural towns tend to place more emphasis on the cosy atmosphere and home comfort.
2. Do you prefer to live in the city or in the countryside?
Well, drawing the differences between the two, although it is obvious that big city offer high living
standard and decent job prospects. the atmosphere in the countryside is preferable for me. It offers me the
sense of peace and tranquility while the atmosphere in an urban area is far more polluted due to
industrialization and transportation. I am sucker for taking some walks as the fresh atmosphere in the
countryside helps me to unwind and let my hair down. What’s more, there, I can also get away from the
hustle and bustle life in the city.
3. What safety risks are there in residential buildings in cities?
Although high-rise buildings are constructed in compliance with strict safety standards, there are still
chances that some unwanted problems such as electricity failure, pipe leakage or lift breakdowns occur in
such crowded residences. Among them, fire can be considered the most hazardous incident since I
suppose that it can inflict heavy damage on a large scale.
4. Is it expensive to decorate a house or an apartment in the place where you live?
It really depends on the size of the house and the owner’s intentions to figure out the expenditure of
decoration. For some people having a handsome amount of income, it can cost an arm and a leg to
realize their dream house with luxurious furniture and amenities. On the other hand, others who are less
affluent with a small budget opt for more affordable decorative items with minimalistic style.
14. Describe a time when you saw a lot of plastic waste (e.g. in a park, on a beach
etc.)
You should say:
Where and when you saw the plastic waste
Why there were a lot of plastic waste
What you did after you saw them
And explain what your throughts were about this
The experience that springs to my mind happened three years ago when I was paying a visit to Cam Ranh,
a small bay in the south of Vietnam. To get a good view of the sea, I chose a hotel along the coastline,
where I could emerge myself in the wonderful sunset from my balcony. But when I actually sat on the
terrace, it caught my eye when a strip of white plastic waste constantly rose and fell with the waves,
which completely ruined the ambience (phá hủy vẻ đẹp). It seemed that the ocean returned what human
beings had dumped into it. And because this was not a really well-known tourist destination, the
government had not employed people to clean the waste. As time went by, the plastic bags, bottles and
packages piled up, forming an ugly scene. Although I felt sad about it, I couldn’t do anything. It was far
beyond my capability to change the situation, and I did not know which government department I should
complain to. I had heard thousands of times about how plastic was polluting the ocean and endangering
marine species, but I thought it was just a strategy adopted by scientists and environmentalists to draw
people’s attention. This experience changed my perception and prompted me to believe that it is
necessary that we should take action to protect our mother Earth, our environment as soon as possible.
Part 3
1. Do you think we should use plastic products?
Instead of steering clear of plastic products, I highly recommend we should focus on using them in an
environmentally-friendly way. People tend to think that many companies have altered to using more
plastic packaging just because it’s cheaper. It is cheaper, but there are other good reasons. Plastic is
durable and provides protection from contaminants. It reduces food waste by preserving
food and protecting food against pests and humidity.
2. How can we reduce our use of plastic?
It seems to me that cutting down on the consumption of plastic products doesn’t require too much effort.
Indeed, such insignificant actions as steering clear of single-use plastics or using cloth bags for shopping
can contribute to the overall reduction of plastic waste. And if you have no choice but to buy a plastic
bottle or a plastic container at the supermarket, try to reuse it instead of throwing it away.
3. What kinds of plastic waste are often seen in your country?
In a developing country like Vietnam, there are numerous sources of plastic waste, the most alarming of
which is single-use plastics. Due to the modern lifestyle, it is easy to see food containers or drinking
bottles lying on the pavements or floating in the rivers. Another recently- appeared problem is the overuse
of cheap face masks which are partially made of plastics as people
are advised to use them once only.
4. Why do people like to use plastic products?
From my viewpoint, there are numerous reasons why people opt for plastic items. Firstly, plastic
packaging helps to preserve food longer and reduce the potential for product waste. Moreover, plastic
containers can protect vulnerable things during transportation at a more affordable cost than other
materials like metal or cardboard boxes.
15. Describe a time when you needed to search for information
Follow-up Q: Do you often have to search for those content?
You should say:
What information you needed to search for
When you searched for it
Where you searched for it
And explain why you needed to search for it
To begin with, I’d like to say that I’m always on the internet, but if I have to mention a specific time I
used it, there is one piece of info that I can remember searching for. It was when I was starting to learn
how to do some basic coding. A couple of months ago, I was desperately trying to find a structured course
where I could learn how to code. My requirements were that the course didn’t cost me an arm and a leg,
and also up to date with the trends of 2022. I relied on my trusty Google Chrome browser alongside some
technology magazines for this task. Thankfully, in the end, after skimming over a dozen articles, I ended
up finding what I was looking for. At that time, my main purpose to learn to code was to facilitate my
study. My teacher said that any student who knew coding would be given higher marks. It was such a pity
that I had not known that sooner; otherwise, I had not have struggled in the first half of my term. Besides,
there will be many situations in which coding is integral, especially in my university later.
Part 3
1. How can people search for information now?
Along with traditional ways of reading a reference work or turning to experts, there are numerous means
to look for information thanks to the unprecedented popularity of the Internet. In fact, nowadays with
only one click, people can get access to millions of results in one second provided by search engines.
Moreover, social media are proven to be suitable platforms to update news daily.
2. What information can people get from television?
There is no doubt that television has played an indispensable role as an important source of news,
education and so on since its introduction. To begin with, tuning in to local news allows people to stay
informed about what is happening in their city while international news shows keep you up-to-date with
breaking news around the world. Furthermore, with the wide range of TV channels, you can certainly find
the perfect mix of educational programming for your children or for yourself.
3. With the development of the Internet, is the library still important?
Some people reckon that libraries will soon give way to modern online archive sites. I myself disagree
with that assumption because of several reasons. First, public libraries play an imperative role in
supporting education and literacy. They provide countless resources, such as educational materials,
training courses, scientific publications, etc. in an academic environment where you can
expand your network with like-minded people. Besides, anyone in need of free Internet access can seek
support from the libraries as well.
4. Does the development of the Internet have any impact on some disadvantaged people?
Although the Internet is gaining increasing popularity, of course, there will be some obstacles for some
groups of the population that cannot keep up with the progress of the Internet. I mean that in this
technological era, the elderly and less privileged will have difficulty getting access to education, job
opportunities and so on. Because there are more online courses, virtual classes and interviews. Indeed,
they are likely to be left behind in the rapidly-changing world.
16. Describe an object that you think is beautiful
Follow-up: do you think people love beautiful thing in general?
You should say:
What it is
Where you saw it
What it looks like
And explain why you think it is beautiful
Today I’m going to talk about the vase that I have at my home which really tickles my fancy. That vase is
a gift from my grandmother to my mother when my mother got married. If my memory serves me right,
I think my mother told me that because the word vase is a homophone to the word peaceful in
Vietnamese. So, in other words, the vase acts like a blessing from my grandmother to my mother. The
vase is not very big, but it’s really heavy because it is made of fine porcelain. There are two things about
this vase that I find very splendid. First, the mouth of the vase bends outward so when you look from the
top, it looks like a blossoming flower. The second thing about the vase that I like is the outer decoration.
I remember when I was young, I always spent hours studying the paintings that the potters decorated on
the vase’s body and every time, I always found something new. One time I even found a small butterfly –
this detail is painted on so tiny that it takes me over an hour of looking for it. All these details are even
more accentuated by the glaze coating. This means that whenever
there are lights, the vase will glimmer.
Part 3
1. Do you think there are more beautiful things now than in the past? Why?
I do think that there are more beautiful things now than in the past. But I do know that some people
disagree with me, because they see state-of-the-art architecture, for example, or anything modern as
essentially visually unappealing, which I think is the opposite. One reason that I can think of that explains
why there are more beautiful now is that people have more time, more opportunity, and more resources to
engage in creative works. In the past, because people have to work very hard to make ends meet, they do
not have time to explore or enjoy beautiful things. Further, compared to the past, we now have more art
forms such as film or animation, which allows people to engage in creative works.
2. What beautiful scenery spots are there in your country?
In my country, I think one of the most beautiful sceneries is Phong Nha – Ke Bang in Vietnam’s Central
Region. In short, this is one of Southeast Asia’s largest cave systems and from what I read on the internet,
thanks to geological formations through thousands of years, they have very splendid yet very delicate
columns of limestone that span several stories high. I also heard that
the cave has its own ecosystem which gives rise to its own greeneries and animals.
3. Where do you think people usually come into contact with beautiful things?
In my opinion, beautiful things are ubiquitous so I don’t think that there is any way that people “come to
contact.” Like Phong Nha – Ke Bang or the vase that I told you about earlier, beautiful things are meant to
appreciate. Even the simplest thing, the most mundane thing of daily life can be beautiful, as long as
people spend time studying and understand it with their hearts.
4. Why do you think people create beautiful things?
I think that people create beautiful things for numerous reasons. Beautiful things often require extensive
imagination and creative hands to produce. In other words, to make beautiful things, people have to think
outside the box. By breaking the boundaries that are so prevalent in modern life today, beautiful things,
therefore, allow people to be themselves. As a result, the eventual
spiritual and psychological values are immense.
5. Does Vietnam have many places of natural beauty?
6. What are the benefits for people when going to places of natural beauty in Vietnam?
17. Describe something you had to share with others
You should say:
What it was
Who you shared it with
Why you had to share it with others
And explain how you felt about it
Today I’m going to talk about the vase that I have at my home which really tickles my fancy. That vase is
a gift from my grandmother to my mother when my mother got married. If my memory serves me right,
I think my mother told me that because the word vase is a homophone to the word peaceful in
Vietnamese. So, in other words, the vase acts like a blessing from my grandmother to my mother. The
vase is not very big, but it’s really heavy because it is made of fine porcelain. There are two things about
this vase that I find very splendid. First, the mouth of the vase bends outward so when you look from the
top, it looks like a blossoming flower. The second thing about the vase that I like is the outer decoration.
I remember when I was young, I always spent hours studying the paintings that the potters decorated on
the vase’s body and every time, I always found something new. One time I even found a small butterfly –
this detail is painted on so tiny that it takes me over an hour of looking for it. All these details are even
more accentuated by the glaze coating. This means that whenever
there are lights, the vase will glimmer.
Part 3
1. Do you think there are more beautiful things now than in the past? Why?
I do think that there are more beautiful things now than in the past. But I do know that some people
disagree with me, because they see state-of-the-art architecture, for example, or anything modern as
essentially visually unappealing, which I think is the opposite. One reason that I can think of that explains
why there are more beautiful now is that people have more time, more opportunity, and more resources to
engage in creative works. In the past, because people have to work very hard to make ends meet, they do
not have time to explore or enjoy beautiful things. Further, compared to the past, we now have more art
forms such as film or animation, which allows people to engage in creative works.
2. What beautiful scenery spots are there in your country?
In my country, I think one of the most beautiful sceneries is Phong Nha – Ke Bang in Vietnam’s Central
Region. In short, this is one of Southeast Asia’s largest cave systems and from what I read on the internet,
thanks to geological formations through thousands of years, they have very splendid yet very delicate
columns of limestone that span several stories high. I also heard that
the cave has its own ecosystem which gives rise to its own greeneries and animals.
3. Where do you think people usually come into contact with beautiful things?
In my opinion, beautiful things are ubiquitous so I don’t think that there is any way that people “come to
contact.” Like Phong Nha – Ke Bang or the vase that I told you about earlier, beautiful things are meant to
appreciate. Even the simplest thing, the most mundane thing of daily life can be beautiful, as long as
people spend time studying and understand it with their hearts.
4. Why do you think people create beautiful things?
I think that people create beautiful things for numerous reasons. Beautiful things often require extensive
imagination and creative hands to produce. In other words, to make beautiful things, people have to think
outside the box. By breaking the boundaries that are so prevalent in modern life today, beautiful things,
therefore, allow people to be themselves. As a result, the eventual
spiritual and psychological values are immense.
4. Is there anything that parents would persuade children to share with others?
18. Describe a story or novel you have read that you found interesting
Follow-up Q: What factor makes a novel successful when being converted to films
You should say:
When you read it
What the story or novel was about
Who wrote it
And explain why you read it
Back to my childhood, I was always full of beans when reading fairy tales. Today I would like to go for
my favourite story of a farmer who instilled a sense of concord into his sons.
The story was part of the primary school literature curriculum and if I remember it correctly, I read it in
my second grade. On the issue of the author, I am unsure who wrote it because the story is a Vietnamese
folktale. In the story, once upon a time, there was a farmer who had four sons who always used to quarrel
with each other and the farmer was really agitated about them. To give them a grounding in the
importance of unity, he brought a few sticks and required them to break into two. As a result, his sons
immediately snapped the stick, taking no time. However, when the father gave a bunch of sticks to each
of them to break, they tried their best but no one could complete the mission in vain this time. From the
lesson about chopsticks, the farmer advised his sons to intertwine, thus no one can wreak havoc on them
or else they will end up coinciding with those broken sticks.
This piece of story hasn’t still slipped my mind for nearly a decade since I’m enamoured of the valuable
lesson about the unity lying in it.
Part 3
1. How does technology help people tell stories?
I gather that technology helps people tell stories in many ways. One way that technology helps with
storytelling is that it gives the story a more visual and aural basis. Instead of relying on words only, or
some still figures, animation or short clips allow people to not only imagine the faces and the images of
the characters more easily but also the sound and ambience where the story plot
takes place. This, I believe, allows people to focus on other more important parts of the story, such as the
feeling of the story’s characters.
2. Do you prefer to read e-books or paper books?
If I have to choose, I would opt for paper books. There is something very nice about holding a physical
book and flipping the pages with your own fingers. Not to mention if you read old books where the pages
have turned a bit yellow, their unique smell is something that tickles my fancy all the time. I think the
reason that people tend to read more mystery books nowadays stems exactly from their mysterious
characters.
3. Why are mystery novels so popular nowadays?
Mystery books, to my knowledge, often depict the unfamiliar landscape and include phenomenon that are
not explainable or possible in real life. As a result, this literary genre urges people to imagine more
intensely and think more creatively. In other words, mystery books help people develop the two skills that
I think people in our modern-day lack a lot, precisely because a lot of things can be easily searched online
or easily explained by science.
4. What kinds of novels are suitable for film adaptation?
On which genre can be made into films, I personally don’t have any preference or objection, as long as
the adaptation follows closely the plot of the written publication, chooses the actors that reflect the
characters well, and includes visually pleasing effects. However, the genre that I am most wary about the
film adaptation of novels is autobiography. This is because when it becomes
a cinematic production, a lot of meaningful reflection on the autobiography’s main character is lost at the
expense of visual effects. Also, for a more historical figure, new actors cannot always reflect and capture
the spirit and stamina accurately.
19. Describe a place in your country that you would like to recommend to
visitors/travelers
You should say:
What it is
Where it is
What people can do there
And explain why you would like to recommend it to visitors/travelers
The first one that springs to mind is Da Nang city. It is located in the central part of Vietnam. Because I
was overwhelmed by its size and splendid beauty, I remember almost every minute that I spent there like
it was just yesterday although I went there 3 years ago.
In fact, it is considered the most ideal place to live in my country. There are numerous reasons why
Vietnamese people love this city that much. The scenery in DN is so breathtaking and picturesque that
everybody should see it once in their lifetime. Han River and Ba Na Hills are 2 of the most famous
destinations that attract thousands of tourists annually. Besides, residents in DN have a good reputation
for their being hospitable and courteous, they never hesitate to lend a hand when other people, including
tourists are in need. However, personally, the best thing is that DN’s specialty food is out of this world.
It’s the biggest regret for anybody travelling to DN without trying local cuisine. In addition, I’m the kind
of person who doesn’t like the fast pace of living in densely populated areas, so undoubtedly DN is right
up my alley.
Part 3
1. Is it important to take photos while traveling?
Yes, of course. Not only does it help you immortalise your travels, but it forces you to make an extra
effort to witness moments you might miss otherwise. Be it stretching out the day with the kids to catch the
golden hour, explore the off-the-beaten path or my favourite. Moreover,, a ream of thousands of pictures
is not conducive to a good time for anybody, however , it’s a fantastic way to be able to share my special
moments with near and dear ones
2. Can you trust other people’s travel journals on the Internet?
Yes, The Internet helps us build awareness, increase destination loyalty, allow flexibility of messages,
ensure the service and amenities in our destination. However, online travel content may not be
trustworthy in some cases as it is a way for businesses to sponsor. Therefore, I suppose that travellers
should be cautious before they perceive the information and the media as trustworthy or credible.
3. What factors affect how people feel about travel?
Land and weather pattern can play a very part and parcel role in deciding the travel plans of the
commuters and the pattern of the city determines its trip length, mode use, and hence the congestion rates.
Additionally, House hold income, or when normalized to family sized household income per person, has
a strong impact on the mode choice. Upper-income households and persons are thought to place a higher
value on the comfort and convenience associated with the private auto, particularly for non-work trips .
20. Describe a person you know who loves to grow plants (e.g.
vegetables/fruits/flowers etc.)
You should say:
Who this person is
What he/she grows
Where he/she grows them
And explain why he/she enjoys growing plants
Gardening is becoming a hobby that tickles people’s fancy in my country in recent years. I know many
people who like to do gardening. However, today I am going to talk about my grandfather because I learnt
about growing plants from him.
My grandfather started this hobby after retirement. He retired from Vietnam Agricultural University as a
lecturer, so he had pretty good knowledge about plants.His house has a big backyard, so there is a lot of
open space to grow plants. He started with flowers like roses and jasmine and then he planted some fruit
trees like apples, oranges,... You know, organically grown vegetables are also available in the market
nowadays but their prices cost us an arm and a leg currently so I often go for my grandfather’s
vegetables. I also feel that the vegetables grown by him have a different taste, Maybe it is because instead
of using chemicals, he uses kitchen waste as compost.
I guess I don’t have much of a green thumb,but I have learnt several things thanks
to my grandfather. He taught me how to safely and naturally deal with
common pests, diseases, and weeds that can wreak havoc on the garden. Needless to say, my grandpa
gives his eyeteeth for gardening because not only it helps him to boost his mood but also can prevent from
my life-threatening disease such as heart attack or high blood pressure.
Part 3
1. What do you think of the job as a farmer?
Farmers are responsible for all crops and livestock that are needed for us to survive. Without food, the
world would slowly die, and farmers work hard every day to keep plenty of crops and animal products in
the market to keep that from happening.
Besides the general knowledge of planting dates, breeding cycles and harvesting periods, a farmer often
needs a good working knowledge of mechanics in order to keep their equipment running and in optimal
order.
2. Are there many people growing their own vegetables now?
Yes, I think the number of people who give their eyeteeth for planting their own vegetables is increasing
now, not only people in the countryside but also in the urban area.It is because growing your own produce
in your garden is a simple way to ensure you always have fresh, delicious fruits and vegetables at your
fingertips. And besides, the cost of living crisis has prompted some people to cut food bills by growing
their own fruit and vegetables.
3. Do you think it’s good to let kids learn how to plant?
Yeh, I think it’s necessary to teach children about planting. Most kids nowadays spend a large amount of
their time sitting in front of electronic devices such as computers, TV and smartphones, which makes
them more and more isolated from nature. Therefore, learning how to plant trees, children can get closer
to nature, appreciate the beauty of life,.. They also have the chances to broaden their horizon about
gardening, and learn a lot of skills which is beneficial for future.
4. What are the differences between traditional and modern agriculture?
Traditional agriculture relies on outdated information, outdated tools, and organic fertilizers, whereas
contemporary agriculture relies on technologically improved tools and machinery. However,
modernization has changed the face of agriculture, so modern farming is a fast method of farming as it
yields the crop at a faster duration, as a result, the rate of production is high. Traditional agriculture is
typically subsistence-based, meaning that farmers grow crops primarily to feed themselves and their
family. Modern agriculture is commercial-based, meaning that farmers grow crops primarily to sell on
the market.
21. Describe a time when you forgot/missed an appointment
You should say:
What the appointment was for
Who you made it with
Why you forgot it
And explain how you felt about the experience
It was just last month. I was supposed to meet my best friend at her apartment on Sunday and take her to
her hometown so that we could enjoy a meal with her family.
It was a super busy time because I have just got a new job. A lot of things to learn about and I buried
myself in a mountain of workload. I even burned the midnight oil because I wanted to perform well at
work. I was exhausted and there was nothing in my mind except work at that time. I even accepted my
boss’s request for a business trip to Hanoi on that Sunday and totally forgot about the appointment with
my friend. On Saturday, I was on the flight to Hanoi and I posted a picture on my Facebook before my
flight. After arriving at my hotel, I opened my phone and saw her messages asking me about the dinner
with her family the next day. I felt extremely disappointed with myself for forgetting such a special
appointment with my best friend. She has always been a thoughtful and supportive friend who gave me
good advice and encouragement. She was not mad at me but I knew she was very sad. After this occasion,
I promised myself that I will never ever forget an appointment again and no matter what happens, I need
to maintain a work-life balance.
Coming back from my business trip, I came to her house with some Hanoi specialties and apologized to
her. Thankfully she was happy again and still my bosom buddy.
Part 3
1. How do people who are busy remember things they need to do?
From my perspectives, I suppose that first and foremost, we should steer clear of all the distractions.
Distractions decrease the brain's ability to encode and store information so it's important to keep your
environment as clutter-free and quiet as possible. Moreover, you can write everything down. You know,
writing information on paper can be very helpful, as it allows the brain to “see” the information, “process”
the information as it is written, and refer back to it as necessary.
2. Do you think people should remember family history?
This is a good way to teach children about history and how their ancestors lived, which is linked in part to
family traditions. It is even more important for children to carry on such valuable and unique traditions
given that this fast changing world is somehow making young generations ignore the spiritual legacy that
their ancestors left. Additionally, it gives you a sense of identity. Discovering more about your ancestors,
celebrating family traditions, embracing your culture, and understanding where you came from can
open your eyes to how beautiful and unique you are. It can also give your sense of self-worth and
belonging a boost.
3. What do you think of people using calendars to remind themselves of thing?
Yes, I think is is definitely a good way to remember things. Keeping an accurate and up-to-date calendar
of due dates of important assignments, tests, projects and class discussions reminds you of what you need
to complete and when. Rather than being overwhelmed at seeing coursework as a long checklist of things
you need to do, a calendar provides the space to plan for each due date at the appropriate time. Moreover,
having to remember every detail in your head, without writing them down, can elevate your stress in
balancing each area of your life.
22. Describe an impressive English lesson you had and enjoyed
Follow-up Q: Do you often study English at school?
You should say:
What it was about
When you had it
What the teacher did
And why you enjoyed the lesson
During one of our EL lessons, the regular teacher was sick so the school had to send in a teacher to take
over her place. And the substitute teacher, Mr…, delivered an amazing lesson in English about how he
thinks we should learn languages through watching films which has brought a paradigm shift to my
learning EL method.
Throughout the two hours, he explained to us how films can serve as an effective way to immerse
ourself in a language. Basic elements like vocabulary and grammar can be easily absorbed if we focus
on dialog in a TV show, and so in the long run, our overall language skills can be enhanced.
At first, we were all skeptical about the ideas he introduced, however, after watching a short video and
doing a trial test, we were all convinced that learning by watching movies was not hard at all and we
could apply this to enhance our performance at school.
I enjoyed this lesson so much because I find this method to be particularly cut out for me. I always felt
unmotivated when learning by traditional methods and my results were never desirable. But when I tried
learning English using my favourite movies, my English turned the corner and I was able to remember
thousands of new words and write really complicated essays at the double.
Part 3
1. Why are some kids better at English than others?
Kids who learn EL at early age tend to excel in EL skills more than those who learn later. Young children
are natural language acquirers; they are self-motivated to pick up language without conscious learning.
They have the ability to imitate pronunciation and work out the rules for themselves. While kids who
probably learned English academically at a later age through grammar-based text books might struggle
with it.
2. What human qualities do you think would a good teacher?
You need extensive knowledge of the grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation as well as an
understanding of the culture in countries and locales where the language is commonly spoken. Excellent
communication, organization, and teaching skills will help throughout your career.
3. Why do some parents want their children to be good at foreign languages?
Being able to communicate with more people brings new opportunities. With the unprecedented
globalisation pace, bilinguals have greater access to jobs and they earn higher salaries, have access to
study abroad programs and even scholarships to help them continue their language learning. Moreover,
when children can speak to people in their own language, they deepen connections and understanding.
Learning a foreign language as a child help them benefit from cross-cultural friendships, broader career
opportunities, exciting travel adventures and deeper insights into how others see the world.
4. What do you think about the situation of learning English in VietNam?
Teaching and learning English in Vietnam seems to take the exam and does not focus on other skills such
as listening and speaking. This is because quality of English teaching and exam-oriented curriculum in
my country. I mean the test is only a form of assessment used to check the quality of learning among
students, however high schools in Vietnam overemphasize grammars and test results. Therefore, students
cannot use EL practically such as speaking with foreigners.
23. Describe a time when you succeeded in doing something that was difficult
You should say:
What the difficult task was
When you succeeded
How you overcame the difficulties
And explain how you felt when you succeeded
I’d like to kick off with my experience being in my team named The Hera. As a high school student, I
have taken an interest in joining various extracurricular activities. However, the most demanding task so
far is taking part in the management project, which required us to resolve a certain issue in our social
daily life.
Out of the blue, I had to team up with three other members whom I had not met before. I believed we
could cooperate and complete our project without a hitch. Unfortunately, we had a hard time
understanding each other before we could officially join hands. What is more, the task turned out more
challenging than I thought.
The topic was assigned to us merely two weeks prior to our final exam. After much consideration, we
decided to resolve the case in just one week which was suitable for us to prepare our best for the test
without being concerned about other deadlines. Unexpectedly, we could neither reach the root cause nor
overcome our arguments when working together. Several days later, I could finally see eye to eye with
my teammates. At last, my team managed to resolve the issue and also passed our exams with flying
colors.
After that demanding project, I accumulated a great deal of hands-off experience. Furthermore, I learnt
to come out of my shell to join hands with others, which later contributed a lot to my current leadership.
Part 3
1. Is it easy to become a successful person?
From my perspectives, gaining success is not a facile task. With more and more vying people in a
competitive labor market nowadays, achieving any semblance of grand-scale success has become
monumentally difficult. And it will only get harder as the years go by. Besides, a successful person
requires a variety of characteristics for example willingness or, enough dedication or skills, and
knowledge and so on…
2. Would you do charity when you succeed?
Definitely, I would. I believe that doing charity is a way to pay forward once I succeed. It will help us
enrich our life, familiarize us with our community, and have a chance to connect to people and ideas that
will positively impact our perspective for the rest of our life. Helping our community is an opportunity for
me, to better understand the surrounding world, and especially, bridging the gap among people who have
different backgrounds.
3. Is there a lot of competition with others trying to achieve the same goals?
There are countless students around the world that are facing sleep deprivation, stress, anxiety due to the
fact that they are pushing themselves too hard in high school. And then, those students also compete their
way throughout college in order to set themselves up to be successful in life. Along with more people
interested in getting a job, there have also been unprecedented improvements in technology that also
take away jobs such as automatic devices and robots. This means that in this day and age, you are not
only competing with millions of other people for a job, but you may very well also be competing with
technology for a job.
4. Do young people today face a lot of difficult decisions?
I suppose yes, nowadays youngsters have to deal with academic stress and fierce employment
competition. Therefore they need to figure out carefully what subjects and career are best suited to them
and guarantees high possibility of decent jobs in the future.
5. What factors influence people's choices about difficult decisions?
There are numerous factors in fact, but I suppose the most influential one is another person’s advice.
When we encounter a situation with difficult decisions, we tend to rely on another one who has heaps of
knowledge and experience specialized in that field. Other factors include past experiences, a variety of
cognitive biases, individual differences, including age and socioeconomic status, and a belief in personal
relevance
6. How do people make difficult decisions?
There are numerous ways in fact, but I suppose the most effective one is another person’s advice. When
we encounter a situation with difficult decisions, we tend to rely on another one who has heaps of
knowledge and experience specialized in that field. Other methods are based on past experiences, a
variety of cognitive biases, individual differences, including age and socioeconomic status, and a belief in
personal relevance
There is no denying this conviction that special moments add colour to our life. A few times ago, I had a
special occasion for which I had been waiting for a very long time. It was my scholarship announcement.
I got that scholarship, so I invited my friends and my family to a cafe near my home for the celebration.
We were scheduled to have an appointment there, at 8 pm. I was so eager, that’s why I came early. Of
course, none of them was there, but it was no problem because I listened to my favourite music while
waiting for them. After I waited for an hour but nobody showed up still, I just worried, maybe I had
reached the wrong place, so I checked my invitation chats, but I was sure I was in the right place. The
clock ticked so fast I started to feel uncomfortable and lost my patience; I began to text and call each of
them to ask why they had not come yet. Unexpectedly, none of them answered, either my call or my
messages. I was really fed up; as you can imagine, I had already made the reservation, so it would be
impossible to cancel. I decided to wait for a couple more minutes until I couldn’t stand it anymore and
decided to leave. Suddenly, I heard the voice “Congratulations” cheer up in the coffee house. Out of
nowhere, all of my friends and family suddenly appeared with a gift. They hugged me and told me that
they were proud of me. It was such a surprise. My anger quickly gave way to laughter, and we had an
unforgettable meeting until the next hours, drinking coffee and many more
Part3
1. Do people in your country like to take public transportation?
I think it depends on the reason. There are some who are in favor of public transit services and they
commute by buses on a regular basis as the bus route is accessible and suitable for their daily travel needs.
However, there are those who strongly oppose using mass transit due to a number of reasons, from its
poor standards to security to inconvenience, also time-consuming in some cases.
2. Why do some people like a slow-paced life?
Well I suppose that slowing down helps you live a healthier life, improve your relationships, reduce stress
and anxiety, save time, save money, develop deeper experiences, and make better decisions.
3. Is being patient good for people? Why?
I think patient is apparently beneficial for people to some extent. Being able to show your composure
during intense circumstances surely would yield positive results. That being said, I personally think that if
a person is patient to the point of tolerance, it might be deleterious as well. Otherwise, let’s take global
warming as an example. If the public submissively waits around for the authorities to take action, we will
end up like a boiling frog. In this case, it is a better option to be urgent.
4. Are people less patient now than people in the past? Why?
It is hard to say. As far as I am concerned, it is indeed difficult for us to take our time in this day and age.
Considering how fast our internet connection is, and how quickly it takes to travel, it is only natural for
people to get hastier and hastier. I would say that the older generation used to live their lives at a much
slower pace and for that reason, they wouldn’t find it such a hassle to wait, you know, since it was the
norm.
26. Describe a historical period you would like to know more
You should say:
When it was
What you are interested in
What you have known
And explain why you would like to know more
Honestly, everytime I am asked about history, I am always eager to talk about Vietnam war, which ends
in 1975 and this is one of the historic milestones of our country.
Vietnam underwent hundreds of years under the colonization of foreign invaders and this is the last war
before a new era of peace and independence is opened for us. I’m really interested in how a small country
with new government can defeat strong western invaders. When compared to such a well-armed country
like America and France, we never thought that we could actually defeat them. However, with the
determination of the whole nation, we have our own peace back. April 30th 1975 was the day that we
gained independence from the invaders and from then on, we have held annual celebration to pay tribute
to those who sacrificed for the country.
However, there’s one aspect I want to know more. At that time our country was divided into Northern and
Southern part. Communication at that time was almost impossible and people across the country were so
impoverished and unable to make ends meet. So how could they communicate with one another and
unitedly fight for the war? I hope that I will gain further insight to this aspect.
Part 3
1. Should everyone know history?
Gaining insights to history helps us understand how events in the past made things the way they are
today. With lessons from the past, we not only learn about ourselves and how we came to be, but also
develop the ability to avoid mistakes and create better paths for our societies.
2. In what ways can children learn history?
History can be taught using the story method. As most of the children are curious beings, make stories out
of historical events, starting with Once upon a time. This method will tickle their fancy. In addition,
there are numerous sources in the Internet such as historical movies, cartoons and documentaries which
help children to gain further insights to history.
3. Is it hard to protect historical buildings?
Definitely yes, with the development of tourism, a large number of visiting tourists can cause some
damage to historical buildings. Not to mention that vacant land has become increasingly rare nowadays,
so people might knuckle down old buildings to erect cutting-edge skyscrapers
4. How do museums teach people history?
They can learn about numerous aspects such as different cultures, how people lived, what they ate, what
they wore, and what they believed in. History museums can also teach people about events that shaped
the world, such as wars, natural disasters, and the rise and fall of civilizations. Each category of museum
has its own chapter, which includes information about the significance and focus of that particular type of
museum. Students who visit museums are able to actively participate in the process of acquiring
knowledge and expressing their emotions.
5. Will museums be replaced by technology someday?
Because of unprecedented advances in technology, modern art and museum exhibits can now be viewed
at home. For me,museums cannot be replaced indefinitely. The idea that you can view an exhibition at
home is not as thrilling as seeing it in a museum. Museum exhibits serve to bring history to life in a way
that makes it more understandable. Those experiences cannot be replaced by technology. It is easy to
imagine and look at pictures of something, but by being physically present and able to see and touch it, it
becomes more meaningful.
27. Describe something that you did with one or more people
You should say:
What it was
Who you did it with
How long it took you to do this
And explain why you did it with one or more people
I would like to tell you about a time when I was carrying out a project at school. This happened a few
years ago when I was a freshman at my gifted school. My classmates and I had to make a short film
based on the plot of one of the stories that we learnt in the class. I was in charge of writing the script and
was also elected as the narrator because all my teammates considered me as someone who has a warm
and soothing voice.
Preparing for shooting, we spent a whole day traveling to the suburbs to find the location. We did not
have much time for preparation, and I had to finish writing the script within only two days in order that
everyone had enough time for rehearsal and making any necessary changes. Unfortunately, the female
protagonist in our team came down with illness right before the shooting day, so we had to select
another one and rehearsed late until midnight. It was doubly exhausting since I was up to my eyeballs in
deadlines and was kind of burnt out.
In the end, everything went well although at first I thought it would be difficult for all of us. Friends
and teammates are meant to support one another in order to achieve the best outcome.
Part 3
1. What kinds of jobs need people to work in a team?
I think the majority of works involves collaboration. Regarding jobs major in highly specialized expertise
such as doctors, they have to discuss to figure out the most effective treatment for patients. While blue-
collar workers such as builders involves each person performing certain roles so as to complete a building
construction.
2. How do you get along with your neighbors?
If we want to have be on good terms with our neighbors, try being friendly.
Offer to help if we see them in difficult situation. Such little help means a lot and is imperative in
improving our relationship with them. Also, it is neccesary to be respectful of our neighbors. We should
steer clear of doing things like having the music up too loud or having a party at night that causes a
disturbance for our neighbours
3. What can parents do with their children to make them happy?
Parents might be snowed under with work but they should try to take out some time and plan unique
activities to enjoy with their kids like games, bike ride, or some creative activities. Parents may also take
their offspring to shopping malls or water parks. In addition, they should rarely show children anger if
they talk any wrong things, and try to teach them about moral values or ‘what is wrong’ and ‘what is
right’. In this way, they will never try to hide anything and be a good companion to parents.
4. How can children improve their social skills?
There are numerous ways to help children enhance their social skills, but I think the most effective one
is to engage in extracurricular activities. There are countless club and projects at school as well as in the
community. Children should participate in some according to their interests and intentions, so they can
improve certain social skills such as communication and teamwork.
Facebook undoubtedly brings people a myriad of benefits. It is such a powerful means of communication
that it helps connect people from all over the world. Thanks to Facebook, I can keep in touch easily with
my family and friends or even reconnect with my long-lost ones.
Moreover, using Facebook is a good way to stay updated with what’s going on around the world since
news is ubiquitous here. Facebook also acts as a virtual space where people can voice their opinions
conveniently and freely about a variety of topics.
The most profound benefit of Facebook that I love is that it is an extremely helpful studying tool.
Facebook contains a reservoir of knowledge that could be found on self-study groups or educational
forums, for example. This provides students like me with a wide range of resources that can be used for
both our studies and comprehensive development.
All in all, I really enjoy surfing Facebook and my life would be tedious without it.
Part3
1. What are the most popular and least popular apps in VietNam?
With the arrival of smartphones, our use of apps has been going up every year. Some apps are more
popular than others and there is no debate about it. In my point of view, Tik Tok and Facebook are the
most prevalent ones in my country. Whereas Tik Tok is often served as a useful tool to create and share
short creative video clips, people mostly utilize FB for keeping in touch with their near and dear ones as
well as those who share the same hobbies with them. On the contrary, no matter how popular Telegram
and Whatsapp are in the world, in Viet Nam, only a handful of citizens opt for downloading them.
2. What’s the difference between the Internet and television?
In general, both Television and Internet are mass media; however, there are many differences. Compared
with TV, the speed of development and spread of the Internet is incredible. The Internet is a global
system of interconnected computer networks serving billions of users worldwide. Furthermore, the
propagation of information between them are two sides of the same coin . To TV, it is a passive way to
accept information. For example, if you want to watch a TV program which you are interested in, you
have to follow the show time and can only passively listen and watch news or any other TV programs.
You can not be involved and express a personal viewpoint on a topical issue which you follow with
interest. However, the Internet is an interactive way to accept information.
3. Why do people like to read the news on the Internet instead of on TV?
I suppose there are many reasons for this. First and foremost, online news is updated instantly and thus,
provides readers real-time updates. Therefore, people can easily keep up with the latest news much faster
compared to TV. Another factor is customisation. You can choose to hear, watch, or read news according
to your preferences since a news website publishes news stories as video reports or multimedia stories to
cater to different types of readers.
4. Is the library still necessary? Why?
Definitely yes. Nowadays, we are extremely dependent on the internet for information in our daily lives.
However, search engines such as Google tend to provide us with information depending on our
formulated questions or keywords, therefore the data we get is not always relevant. Instead, we should
lean on libraries. Furthermore, libraries offer free educational resources. They provide countless
resources, such as educational materials, training courses, scientific publications, etc. to visitors. Public
libraries provide their services not only face-to-face, but some of them have also integrated e-learning.
5. What kinds of people would still go to the library to read and study?
From my perspective, people of all ages would still pay a visit to the library down the road. People come
to libraries not only looking for information, but also, for finding themselves and their communities.
While teenagers meet up in libraries with their study groups for team building or school projects, readers
discuss current events in the periodical’s rooms. In addition, libraries serve as community centers for
diverse populations to help them integrate into the community.
29. Describe a piece of technology that you feel difficult to use
You should say
When you got it
What you got it for
How often you use it
And explain how you feel about it
Every sunrise a new feature is launched and various equipment are becoming more complicated. Here I
am going to talk about a microwave oven I purchased recently. It was New Year's Eve and heavy
discounts were available on various electronic equipment so I decided to order a microwave oven and I
got a good deal on a popular online shopping platform. It was delivered in a couple of days at my place.
I wanted to learn how to bake and grill dishes, so I purchased it. In the beginning it was so difficult to
operate since I did not understand how to handle it. So I Watched videos on YouTube and Learned how
to set the temperature for different dishes. Reading the user manual also helped me a lot to learn how to
use it. Now I am comfortable after understanding the whole system. I use it on a regular basis to heat my
food and on weekends. I feel it's an amazing piece of equipment in the kitchen and helps us to make
delicious dishes at home. When I order food online and it is delivered cold I use to heat it before
consuming. In the beginning it's a bit tricky but after understanding it works like magic.
Part 3
1. What technology do people currently use?
Technology has made inroads in our lives. Due to this, people from all walks of life use it to do trivial and
colossal tasks. For example, equipment like washing machines, microwave ovens, vacuum cleaners, and
refrigerators are integral to us, and spending lives without them is a daunting task for us since these ones
make sure that our essential needs, especially cooking, washing and entertainment are fulfilled.
2. Why do big companies introduce new products frequently?
The large companies’ central focus is on profit maximization; to achieve this aim, they need to sell more
products. Therefore, they leave no stone unturned to launch updated versions of their new products so
that people buy them to strengthen the bottom line of these companies.
3. Why are people so keen on buying Iphones even though they haven’t changed much from one to
the next?
In the contemporary epoch, technology has evolved radically in our lives. Due to this reason, many
people thrive primarily on the latest devices to show off their wealth and leave a good impression on
others. They think that using the latest devices help them to remain synchronized with the rest of
the world. Moreover, the latest version of these digital devices are souped up than the previous ones
with more engrossing features and processing capabilities despite not much.
30. Describe a place you would like to visit for a short time
You should say
Where is that place
Whom you will go there with
What you will do there
And explain why you would like to visit for a short time
I am a traveling buff. I feel alive when on the road rather than spending my days and nights in the same
city. Although I have plenty of to-visit places on my checklist, I would like to visit Rishikesh if I have to
choose only one.
Situated in the state of Uttarakhand, Rishikesh is a city in the Himalayan foothills beside the Ganges
river. The town is renowned as the yoga capital of the World. There are temples and ashrams on the
eastern bank of the city.
The town features plenty of mesmerizing places capable of holding your attention. Right from indulging
in adventurous activities, such as river rafting and bungee jumping, we can relish our breakfast at the
riverside cafes that offer sights to behold. And then, we can roam around several shops lined along the
Laxman Jhula. We can also visit the Ghat to submerge into the stunning tranquility of Ganga Aarti in the
evening.
My interest in this city grew manifold when I found out that my favorite English rock band – Beatles-
visited this place in the 60s. The band sought spirituality and spent their time at the Maharishi Mahesh
Yogi Ashram. Not just that, even Steve Jobs and Mark Zuckerberg have spent time in the ashrams of
Rishikesh, seeking their purpose in life.
One of the primary reasons to visit Rishikesh is to take a getaway from the hustle-bustle of my daily life. I
wish to spend some days connecting with my inner soul through spirituality and gain peace of mind.
Part 3
1. Do people prefer planned travel?
It depends actually. I suppose the majority may opt for this type of travel since planning a trip is really
important for travellers. If everything is in an organised way, we can switch to the travelling mindset with
ease. Traveling to different places and staying there for a few days will help us to rejuvenate and relax if
we arrange everything before the trip. However, the others, especially young people, may prefer
unprepared trips because they are adventure seekers and would give their eyeteeth for exploring and
coping with unexpected situations.
2. Why do places with historical attractions develop tourism more aggressively?
I suppose because of the unprecedented level of globalisation these days, everyone wants to grasp an
understanding about many nations in the world. Historical aspect might be the best method to discover a
country since it represents national identity regarding the formation and culture of the country. That’s
why…
3. Why do you think people usually travel?
There is no doubt nowadays individual trip frequency has increased. The main reason behind travelling
has been because of low-cost transportation and the media. Cheap airfare attracts a great number of
people to go to different places both for personal and professional reasons. An increasing number of
people travel to other cities or countries to attend business meetings, visit relatives, and enjoy holidays.
Moreover, the tourism industry in most of the countries is working hard to attract more foreign visitors
and they started taking several initiatives and advertisement strategies to reach global vacationers. This
approach and modernization of the tourism industry have been successful so far in appealing more
holidaymakers.
4. Why does living in tourist cities experience more noise?
Tourists destinations are often subject to significant noise pollution. Tourists vehicles entering and
leaving natural areas create a lot of noise. Such noise is the source of distress for wildlife. Loud music
played by tourists in forested areas also disturbs the animals living in the area. There are also countless
kinds of music and sound played in entertainment hubs, shopping stores and bars.
31. Describe an unusual meal you had
You should say
When you had it
Where you had it
Whom you had it with
And explain why it was unusual
Although I am not from a privileged family, I'm absolutely willing to splurge on stuff on special
occasions. Off the top of my head, I would like to go for a time when I went out for an extremely special
dinner with my near and dear ones without having to spend as much money as I expected.
We made up our mind to go for a newly opened restaurant within a stone's throw from my house. As
it's their opening day, there were special offers and discounts for us to claim, which really hit the spot as
most of us were running short of cash for the time being.
We ordered a total of 7 dishes, ranging from beef and pork to seafood and beer. We ate to our heart's
content as the delicacies were absolutely out of this world. After having relished the meal, we asked for
the bill to foot, and the sum came as a surprise to all of us. It was just 50 dollars which seemed too
inexpensive for a 7-course meal
The occasion was quite meaningful to me because I had the chance to chew the fat with my bosom
friends after such a long time as they are all studying abroad. All in all, we had a whale of a time without
having to shell out too much cash on the budget-friendly dinner.
Part 3
1. What are the advantages and disadvantages of eating in restaurants?
One of the most obvious advantages of eating at restaurants is that whether you live on your own or are a
busy bee, finding the time and energy to prepare home-cooked meals can seem like a daunting task. At
the end of a hectic day, eating out or ordering in might feel like the quickest, easiest option. Furthermore,
people usually prefer to go out and eat because they can see their friends and make nice conversations
while eating some delicious dishes. This can be an advantage if you want to go out with your near and
dear ones and try out of this world dishes from different restaurants. However, food can’t always be
healthy. This reason applies more to fast foods, but there are always chances of getting some unhealthy
type of meals. They can use some ingredients which may be dangerous for your health. Besides that
restaurants will always have high prices because of the whole process of making food. Places with 5 stars
will be the most expensive ones since they are trying to arrange the plates, in order to look spectacular.
2. Do you think having dinner at home is a good idea?
Well, definitely yes, home-made dishes are usually cleaner because we know how and when they were
processed. Eating in restaurants may be less time-consuming for people who are too busy at work or
study, but if the food they eat in restaurants is not hygienic enough, it will be harmful for their health.
Moreover, having dinner with family members is a very good way to reduce stress and find happiness
after work. If we are living with your family, a cozy dinner at home is very important.
3. Do young people like to spend time with their families or friends?
I believe this will depend on what kind of people we are talking about. I mean, to those with a sociable
personality, carving out time with friends is not only a good way to have fun and melt away the cares of
the world but also a time to cultivate their friendships which will help them at work. On the other hand,
family-oriented people prefer staying with their family members because we all know family is always
the most important. There are many kinds of young people, so I think their options are varied.
4. What do you think are the benefits of having dinner together?
I suppose having dinner together helps create bonds and increase well being for others in our families. We
are so busy with our lives that we forget how important it is to communicate with our family and friends.
Eating together is a chance to learn from one another and it gives you a sense of security that you are
always surrounded by the people who love you. It makes you internally satisfied and be lent a
sympathetic ear. Furthermore, mealtime is a great way to teach manners, promote communication, and
prevent behavioral problems. The predictability of sitting for mealtime at regular times during the day can
reassure a child. Conversation and teaching manners further equip children with the social expectations at
the table.
5. Do you think people are less willing to cook meals by themselves these days compared to the
past?
Yes, I think most people nowadays lead very hectic lifestyles so they get used to fast food, meals that they
can easily find at restaurants or even canned food. Many years ago, when many Vietnamese people were
farmers, food like rice or other produce sometimes were abundant in their own house, so it would take
them less time to prepare meals. Furthermore, cooking was a traditional activity of our ancestors, so they
spent more time cooking than people in our modern society.
32. Describe the first day you went to school that you remember?
You should say
When it happened
Where the school is
How you felt about the experience
And explain why you still remember the experience.
In our lives, each of us has experienced a great number of unforgettable and exciting things. However, the
first day of school is something we will always remember. Everyone experienced a mix of anxiety and
happiness. I wish to share my first-day-of-high-school memories because I don't have many clear
memories of my primary school since I was so small. My school name is VNG Gifted High School. On
my first day of high school, I went with a mix of anxiety and excitement. After looking for my class, I ran
across the friend I had studied with in my secondary classes. He assisted me in finding the classroom. I
was eager to meet my new classmates and teachers when I arrived at class. I was very nervous and scared
on my first day since my school was quite strict. Also, it was bigger than my previous school. On the
other hand, I was excited to make new friends and explore the playground, library, lab, etc. I'm missing
being in school right now. It provided me with many priceless friends and such splendid experiences.
Part 3
1. What are the reasons for job change?
U know it is very common to meet people who continue working for the sake of maintaining
employment status. Although not in large numbers, people suffering from job dissatisfaction may want to
switch jobs early. Moreover, while one is still at the beginning of one’s career or hasn’t yet reached the
peak of one’s career, it is so obvious that one wanders in search of better opportunities that could offer
more responsibility and job satisfaction.
2. Are big companies better than small companies? Why?
I suppose yes. Large companies can offer their employees “more,” because they have more resources. For
example, large companies generally offer higher salaries and bonuses. They can also kick in more for the
employer share of insurance and may be more likely to contribute to other perks. Moreover, working at a
large company gives you many professional opportunities. For starters, you will have access to a larger
network, which can pay dividends down the line. As a result, you can easily move up the career ladder.
3. What are the advantages and disadvantages coming along with changing jobs?
In my opinion, job-hopping assists one to discover their genuine passion in life. Some work environments
are incompatible if one's fortes are not harnessed or the corporate culture is unpleasant. The spur to be on
the lookout for greener pastures means more opportunities to discover a truly satisfactory job. For
example, when workers start a new job, they will be exposed to new co-workers and a different corporate
culture that shows them how to do things differently and multiple skills as well. On the contrary, frequent
job changes can make it difficult to build up a solid work history. This can make it hard to demonstrate
your abilities and value to potential employers. Job hopping can also lead to gaps in your employment
history, which can be viewed negatively by employers
4. What would parents prepare for their kids when they first go to school?
I think parents would go school shopping initially to ensure that their kids are armed to the teeth for the
first day at school. Designating items as “back to school,” like an outfit or backpack, makes preparing for
the school year a ritual and can stoke excitement. Parents would also converse with their children about
their feelings about school, friends, teachers, and new activities. When discussing back-to-school, they
might gauge their children’s thoughts about the classroom. Ask them what they are looking forward to
and what they are interested in learning, along with any concerns they might have.
5. How do children socialize with each other?
I suppose developing socially in kids is a gradual process. In early childhood, peers will begin to identify
one another as their friends. At this stage of development, friendship only goes as far as sharing toys and
playing together. Children are not always able to articulate their thoughts, feelings, and experiences, but
they are able to express them through play! Play is a powerful tool for learning, engagement, and growth.
6. Is socialization important for children?
There’s no doubt about it. By playing with other children, they learn skills that stick with them their
whole life. Young children are egocentric by nature. Sharing, setting boundaries, and problem solving all
come from socializing and interacting. Children learn to have empathy for other people; recognize when
their friends are sad or mad or even happy! Kids eventually will start to use these skills at home with their
parents, siblings, or even pets. It can also help them to learn discipline and consequences for their
behavior. As they develop and pick-up social cues they learn what behaviors or reactions are appropriate
and which ones aren’t.
33. Describe a time when you missed or were late for a meeting
You should say:
What happened
When it happened
Why you missed/were late for it
And explain what happened later and how you felt about it
Usually, I am quite punctual. But, one day I was really late for an important appointment. Today I will
talk about that incident.
Two months ago, I appeared in the IELTS test. My speaking exam was scheduled on Monday, 9:00 am. I
was supposed to report at the test venue, hotel Paradise, at 8:30 am.
It rained heavily on Sunday evening and the weather forecast predicted incessant rain for a few days.
Considering the bad weather, I set the alarm for 6:00 am and went to bed early. I was feeling very
nervous and I couldn’t sleep well. Despite that, I woke up on time. After getting ready, I left home to
catch the bus. When I reached the bus station, to my surprise, there was no bus and many commuters
were stranded.
It was quite chaotic as nobody knew the reason why buses were not plying as usual. It was 7:50 am and I
was still at the bus station. My anxiety was increasing enormously because there was no other means to
reach the test venue from my house. Fortunately, a bus arrived and we boarded the bus. It took a lot of
time to reach the hotel as there was a head-on collision of a truck and a car on the main road. Looking at
the site, I understood the reason why buses were running late.
Finally, I reached the center at 8:55 am. I explained the situation to the center manager and requested him
to allow me to appear in the interview. He was very understanding. Later, I was given the permission to
give the interview. Even though I was very late, I didn’t lose hope. In the end everything worked out well.
I did my best. I thanked god for everything and went home happily.
Part 3
1. Are you a punctual person?
Well, I always try my best to be on time. However, living in the hustle and bustle of the city where traffic
congestion is an unavoidable problem, it becomes difficult to be punctual. But I strongly believe that no
excuse can help you escape from the principles of life. So, I set my schedules keeping punctuality in
mind.
2. Do you think it is important to be on time?
Definitely. Being punctual shows that you respect your schedule as well as others' time. When you arrive
late to a place you automatically send the message “I don’t care about you” to the persons that were
waiting for you. Bear in mind that lateness will force other people to rearrange their plans, make
adjustments, be annoyed, frustrated, angry and so on. Don’t ever let this happen, because their time is just
as important as yours. Furthermore, being on time is one of the most basic manners showing that you are
a man of your word and can be relied on, i mean, highlight your trustworthiness and reliability.
3. Do you always avoid being late?
Absolutely. To be honest, I am pretty good at being on the dot for things because I respect both my time
and the time of other people. However, I can be late sometimes, but of course with a good reason for it. I
mean, for example, in some unexpected circumstances like getting stuck in a traffic jam or having an
ailment.
4. Why are people often late for meetings or appointments?
Lots of people are perpetually late for everything because of a number of reasons. Firstly, I guess maybe
because they think being early or on time is just a matter of wasting time. They suppose others are not
punctual like them. Secondly, they might be familiar with procrastination, and have poor time
management, so they lose track of time.
5. Why do people miss important events?
It depends on different situations. They can have a plausible reason for their lateness like getting stuck in
traffic congestion or being occupied with work unexpectedly. In that case, it is totally tolerable. However,
if he’s late just because of trivial stuff such as oversleeping or making-up, it would drive others’ nuts.
You know, time is precious, and no one wants to waste any minutes doing nothing.
6. Are people in your country often late for meetings?
Not really since we have strict regulations about punctuality in the workplace. The first time people are
late, there will be a warning. But if it happens again, there will be a punishment. In Vietnam, the most
popular penalty is that you must pay a fine for every time you go to work late, or you can get a salary cut.
The amount of money depends on how many times you are late and how late you are.
34. Describe a sport you enjoyed when you were young
You should say:
What it was
Where you did it
Who you did it with
And explain how you felt about it
Speaking of a sport that I enjoyed when I was a kid, swimming would spring to my mind first.
10 years ago when I was a freshman in primary school, my mom signed me up for a swimming course at
a sports center, which really pissed me off since I was not really into water back then.
However, I told myself that I would give it a try to please my mother. Then, the purpose of swimming
was explained to me that it would save my life some day in the future. To be honest, my mom was right,
because it really saved me twice when I was falling into the water while riding a sinking boat. And now, I
confidently say that I have mastered swimming and maintain the habit of going to the pool twice a week
as I love the feeling of swiftly sliding through the water.
Actually, this skill requires little investment, but the most important thing that you need to memorize is
that swimming is the combination of frequent practice and bravery.
At first, it could be a trouble for many people since they may be afraid of getting into a deeper water
body, but when they have overcome their fear, any place with water cannot pose any threat to them. In
terms of equipment, as I mentioned before, this kind of skill needs not much equipment except for those
protecting your eyes like goggles or ears like earbuds. Perhaps some people may need supporting devices
but then they have to leave them aside to truly swim.
Personally, I think this is a good skill to adopt which can save not only your life but also others.
Moreover, it is a nice sport for us to keep fit and benefit our cardiovascular system.
Part 3
1. Is it important to have a break during work or study?
Definitely yes. When working on a complex problem or when you feel that you have too much to do, it is
easy to convince yourself that you do not have the time to take breaks. However, micro-breaks, lunchtime
breaks and longer breaks, have all been shown to have a positive relationship with wellbeing and
productivity. By taking regular breaks you can boost your performance since breaks can reduce or prevent
stress, help to maintain performance throughout the day and reduce the need for a long recovery at the
end of the day
2. What sports do young people like to do now?
Many young people dedicate a large part of their time to physical activities. The options are diverse but,
undoubtedly, there are some disciplines that have become the most popular sports among adolescents.
The most prevalent ones may be basketball and soccer. They bring benefits to young people in both their
physical and emotional health while boosting their spirit of self-improvement and increasing their self-
esteem. Furthermore, they also reinforce teamwork and problem-solving skills, as well as greatly
encourage discipline.
3. Are there more activities for young people now than 20 years ago?
Absolutely. Due to technological advancements in the contemporary epoch, kids now have a wider range
of indoor activities; therefore, they are prone to spend more time playing alone at home. However, it is
undeniable that hi-tech infrastructure and abundance of sports courses and training have encouraged
children to take part in outdoor activities more than ever before.
35. Describe a person you met at a party who you enjoyed talking with
You should say:
What party it was
How you met this person
What you talked about
And explain why you enjoyed talking with him/her
Being an extrovert, I love to connect with others. I have met many people in my life but now I would like
to talk about Mr. Quan - who I’m into having a conversation with.
Well, I first met him a fornight ago when he visited my home for attending my grandfather’s 40th
wedding anniversary. It was a small party including my grandpa’s near and dear ones. You know,
luckily, I had a chance to chew the fat with Mr Quan while sitting with my grandparents. When talking
about the old, we usually have an image of people who are forgetful and weak, but Mr. Quan an
exception. During the colloquy, I found out that he was a war veteran in the Vietnam war, so needless to
say, he has a lot of compelling and constructive stories to tell. Mr. Quan was like a fountain of
knowledge. I think I was lucky enough to hold a 30-minute conversation with him since he educated me
on our country's history. He told me about the hardship of the war with a very proud voice, which kept me
engaged in the story with great attention. Thanks to him, I understand more about the blood, sweat and
tears that soldiers have to put in, and somehow, this instilled in me a sense of patriotism,
I could sense that he was a very disciplined man which made me look up to him very much.
I hope in the future I can have more chances to converse with him.
Part 3
1. Under what circumstances do people meet new people?
Personally, I suppose that is when people go to places that they can meet people who share similar
interests. For example, if someone gives their eyeteeth for volunteering, they can join a local volunteer
club or meeting and make friends with people who are also passionate about helping others. Besides,
young people also tend to meet new friends online. It’s like, they can join an online community where
people from all over the world share common interests, like house design or cooking, or fans of a
particular movie, then they can form lasting friendships with each other.
2. Where do you think people meet new people?
I think they are places such as leisure facilities that pp can meet the ones who share similar interests. You
could take a dancing class at a studio, a cooking class at a nearby culinary school, or a creative writing
class at your local community college… Moreover, we can make friends through social platforms .Social
media websites allow us to give comments, video calls, share our thoughts towards one another just like
in real life. And when we are online, we don’t have to worry about how to initiate the conversation with
someone new and how to keep the conversation going without any awkwardness.
3. Do you think it is difficult for foreigners to communicate with VietNam people?
Yes, to some extent. Among the problems when living in Vietnam that a foreigner might face, the
language barrier muts be at the top of the list, you know. Vietnamese is considered by many foreigners
as a difficult language to learn. Only a few Vietnamese people know foreign languages, including
international languages such as English. However, as VietNamese people have a reputation for our
friendliness and hospitality, we always lend foreigners a helping hand for improving their Vietnamese for
communication.
36. Describe your favorite place in your house where you can relax
You should say:
Where it is
What it is like
What you enjoy doing there
And explain why you feel relaxed at this place
In our life full of hustle and bustle , there are very few places that are meant for relaxation. When it
comes to a place in my house that gives me peace in mind, it is none other than my home garden.
Actually, my grandparents have made a beautiful and massive garden in our house. In order to keep the
beauty of this garden intact, I used to take care of them and now it has become my favorite place to spend
my quality time after dealing with heavy workload and hectic schedule at school. You know, as I am a
nature lover and always feel immense pleasure in the lap of nature, this garden helps me to unwind
myself and let off steam a lot…Maybe thanks to its full of flowering plants which add the sweet aroma in
the air, I guess so. Apart from attractive flowers, I have planted some vegetables and fruit bearing plants.
So, I usually do gardening over there as this activity acts as a stress buster for me. Additionally, In the
silence, I enjoy reading over there as it is really a great experience to study in the open sky. Sometimes, I
also watch the blissful sunrise and sunset which gives a soothing effect for the soul. Overall, my home
garden is the best place for relaxation of mind, body and soul.
Part 3
1. Why is it difficult for some people to relax?
Well, from my perspectives, the most common reason for having a hard time relaxing is that people have
to deal with a heavy workload and a hectic job, suffering from anxiety, boredom or feeling relied upon.
Some people have even become a “workaholic” because they do not have a sense of identity without
their job. What’s more, the demands of everyday life can feel never-ending. We have become trained to
equate success and happiness with achievement, to move up the career ladder so we constantly strive to
do more, accomplish more, and acquire more, putting our bodies and minds under constant pressure.
2. What are the benefits of doing exercise?
I suppose that being physically active can improve our brain health, help manage weight as the more
intense we engage in exercising, the more calories we burn. Additionally, exercise delivers oxygen and
nutrients to our tissues and helps our cardiovascular system work more efficiently so that doing exercise
helps reduce the risk of diseases and illnesses such as high blood pressure, heart attack, depression, or
anxiety. Besides, it can strengthen our bones and muscles, and improve our ability to do the activities day
in and day out.
3. Do people in your country exercise after work?
Yes, defintitely as exercise stimulates various brain chemicals, which may enable us to feel happier and
more relaxed than before we work out. We will look better and feel better when we exercise regularly,
also reduce feelings of depression, anxiety and stress when we deal with a heavy workload and hectic
schedule at the workplace.
4. What is the place where people spend most of their time in their home?
I would say it is our living room . It’s the room where we have meals and sit back at the end of the day,
talking about our ups and downs in a hardworking day. It creates a cozy atmosphere and a sense of
belonging. We also have reunions, gather and watch TV together in this room. It’s pretty small but homey
and comfortable.
37. Describe a character in a film or TV show
You should say:
What character it is
Who acted the character
When you saw the film
And explain whether you like this character
Considering myself as a movie–nerd, I have adored several characters so far. And today I want to share
about one person that makes a great impression on me in terms of appearance and characteristics – Juliet.
She is a remarkable character in Shakespeare’s earlier play – Romeo and Juliet. In fact, she is a very
well–developed one with real emotions and personality. The story of Romeo and Juliet happened in
Verona, Italy, and is a very sad love story due to the hatred between two important families: the
Montague and the Capulets. At first, I was really astonished to see how strongly she loves Romeo, Juliet
even goes against her whole family to protect her love. But then I notice that Juliet doesn’t start off as this
strong young woman, she changes in the story. When we first met Juliet, she was a 13 year – old girl, she
was quiet and usually does what her parents want her to do. But by the end of the film, she moves from
being this young girl to a mature, young woman who dares to stand up for her own happiness. It’s my
opinion that the strong and beautiful Juliet is the character who makes this love story so popular.
Part3:
1. Is it interesting to be an actor/actress?
Well, from my perspectives, working as an actor or actress can offer exciting opportunities to portray
interesting characters and work in unconventional environments. Many people become actors because
they give their eyeteeth for storytelling and enjoy taking part in creative performances.
2. What can children learn from acting?
Personally, I suppose acting teaches kids to adapt to changing situations. This allows them to be less
reactive when new things come up, and be more apt to accept change, both on stage and in life. This can
give our kids an advantage on the stage, plus an advantage when it comes to getting a job prospect when
they get a little bit older. Moreover, the more they act, the more confidence they will gain in themselves,
hence acting promotes their self-confidence and esteem.
3. Why do children like special costumes?
I suppose that it is because when children choose special costumes and characters to be, they are able to
explore different gender identities and the behaviors of those characters. Hence, it’s a nice way to express
their artistic side. Also, they can come up with their own ideas of how to do the make-up and pick
accessories to mix and match the costume they’re wearing, this helps considerably increase their
creativity.
4. What are the differences between actors/actresses who earn much and those who earn little?
5. What are the differences between acting in a theatre and in a film?
Drawing the differences between the two, I suppose that theatre actors must exaggerate their movements
and speak loudly in order that everyone in the audience can see the action and hear the dialogue on stage.
Films, on the other hand, use a camera to eliminate the distance between performer and observer, thus
don’t need to act like actors in the theatre.
38. Describe a time when you taught a friend/relative something
You should say:
Who you taught
What you taught
How the result was
And explain how you felt about the experience
Well, I consider myself as someone who enjoys teaching and imparting my knowledge with others. I still
remember one of my friends was in a difficult situation because of his poor understanding of
mathematics. It’s been quite long, around 5 years. You know, Mathematics is always a challenging
subject. Despite the fact that I had a head for figures and obtained excellent grades in mathematics, my
close friend, An, didn’t get good grades in her first semester exams. She was unable to understand the
fundamentals of calculus so she asked me if I could help her. And yeah, I willingly agreed. I started
teaching her in the evening. Initially, nothing seemed to move forward as An didn’t have a strong
foundation in math. But, her willingness to learn kept us going. We kept on trying and after a lot of hard
work for months, I could see a change in her level. Overall, I loved sharing my knowledge with An. This
help wasn’t out of obligation but out of true friendship to boost her confidence and help her develop
mathematical skills. Being a student, teaching her was a tough task for me as well. At times I had to come
up with new ideas to make her comprehend the question. She always gave her 100% and we managed to
successfully clear all mathematics exams together. I felt very proud when she made fast progress and her
passing the exams with flying colors was the icing on the cake. It was an achievement for both of us,
and I will never regret helping a friend in need.
Part3:
1. What pratical skills can young people teach old people?
Well, one of the lessons seniors can learn from the youth surrounding them is how to use technology to
better connect with near and dear ones. It’s no secret that many seniors struggle to keep up-to-date with
modern technology as it is equipped with confusing social media websites and endless mobile device
capabilities. Young people can adopt technology faster and they can teach their seniors how to use these
technologies to improve lifestyle. Also, younger generations are eager to learn and assimilate knowledge
no matter how daunting it might seem, thus kids teach older people to keep an open mind and get excited
to develop new skills or learn something new.
2. What skills can young people teach old people besides technology?
The older generation also can learn to accept things open-mindedly from the younger generations as they
tend to come up with more ideas to complete tasks in different ways and in a short time. Additionally,
old people can also learn how to dress up to impress. Young generations know how to dress up for
different occasions. Old people need to learn dressing sense so that they appear fresh and younger than
their age.
3. How can young people teach old people skills?
From my perspectives, with the development of technology in this day and age, young people can learn
anything through means of mass communication and we can teach the elderly again. Teenagers can take
advantage of such up-to-the-minute devices such as smartphones, laptop,... to teach seniors such skills in
order to record stunning moments of life.
4. How can we know what to do when we want to learn something new?
There are a lot of tips and techniques that will help us assimilate any new skill we desire. Today’s people
can learn via traditional methods ranging from taking a class, finding a mentor or maybe thanks to self-
teach. They can take advantage of lots of different learning materials from books to online videos. For
example, there are plenty of available resources if we want to master drawing. Find books on drawing
techniques at the library, look up video tutorials, and read a variety of how-to blogs online.
39. Describe a piece of good news that you heard about someone you are familiar with
You should say:
What it was
When you heard it
How you knew it
And explain how you felt about it
I would like to talk about such memorable time when I received good news about my near and dear one.
It was when my elder sister- Linh was accepted to a top-notch university in Vietnam.
Last summer, my sister ended her final school year and yeah, she had to take part in the national high
school graduation exam and also decide which university to enroll in. Actually, Linh was stucking
between a rock and a hard place at that time as she wondered whether to choose Economics or
Business as her major. However, after taking it into consideration for about 2 weeks, she then made up
her mind to send her applications to an economic university. It took about one month to receive the
matriculation letter from the university. After checking the emails ins and outs, my sister jubilantly
informed my family and we celebrated a small party for congratulating my sis. All in all, I feel so
overjoyed and proud of my beloved sister, the one who always tries her best to achieve her dreams. That
apparently inspires me a lot about hardwork and patience. Thus, I will relentlessly improve myself day by
day to give my best shot to pursue my dreams.
Part3:
1. Is it good to share something on social media?
To some extent, it is righteous to share such contents on social media, and also encourage sharing of your
own content. There are several benefits of sharing content on social media, including helping you reach
new customers, building brand awareness, and increasing conversion rates.
2. Should the media only publish good news?
Yes, absolutely. It is undoubtedly essential that the public is kept informed about some of the good things
which are happening in the world. For instance, breakthroughs have been achieved in the treatment of
certain types of cancer in recent years. Obviously you know, more hopeful news allows us to feel more
positive emotions, which improves our health and longevity, and can keep us from tuning out what's
happening in the world. Every now and then, it feels like the world is filled with just doom and gloom
and also burdened by bad news, but it’s important to remember that there’s a lot of good things in the
world.
3. How does the social media help people access information?
Well, social media has allowed millions of people to have a voice and spread the information that the user
feels is relevant and important. Social media does the work of providing newsworthy information to the
user. By taking advantage of plenty of social media platforms, we can access various information related
to numerous fields, ranging from politics, science to medical, education,...
4. What kind of good news do people often share in the community?
I suppose such news like people getting engaged, or married, or have a baby – all of these things are
celebratory news. It nearly always involves people getting together and sharing special food and drink.
On big occasions such as weddings, people usually make speeches about the couple and wish them well.
Getting a promotion at work or getting a new job is also the type of news that people generally share and
celebrate with others, especially with their near and dear ones like family or friends, or both. For smaller
everyday celebrations, people usually just share food and drink and enjoy each other’s company.
5. Do most people like to share good news with others?
Definitely yes, as sharing positive news with others is associated with benefits such as feeling more
optimistic and more satisfied with life, greater self-esteem, and also decreases in feeling lonely, thus
exerting a positive effect on your well-being and mental health. Also, spreading good things is a way to
get on well and promote the relationships with the beloved people surrounding us .
6. Do people like to hear good news from their friends?
Yes, definitely. As the relationships themselves can also benefit when people respond enthusiastically to
others’ good news. You know, just listening wholeheartedly when people share good news with us, and
responding with enthusiasm and sincerity, that can help strengthen our bonds and promote our friendship
with such near and dear ones.
40. Describe a place you visited that has been affected by air pollution (or not clean)
You should say:
Where it is
When you visited this place
What kinds of pollution you saw there
And explain how this place was affected
Well, if I have to talk about a polluted place I’ve been to, it would be Ho Chi Minh City. It is a metropolis
city located in the South of Vietnam.
You know, last month I took a summer trip to the city with my beloved family. It wasn’t the first time I
visited there but the experience I had there was so terrible that I even considered never coming back
again.
There are many kinds of pollution here: air pollution, water pollution and even noise pollution. There are
so many vehicles on the streets which are such hustle and bustle and they even emit fumes and exhaust
gas all the time. Besides, it’s easy to see trash in rivers and lakes because some people just throw their
waste into these community water sources without any awareness of the damage to the surrounding
environment. It’s even worse that some factories also dump dirty water and waste directly into rivers so
many of them are black and smelly. And I suppose the pollution affects people’s lives in a negative way.
Air pollution can cause serious respiratory diseases such as asthma or lung cancer, posing a great threat to
our physical health. Water is polluted so people may face water scarcity in the future and the noise can
drive people crazy because it’s really annoying. Many animals living in water are losing their habitats or
food source since the water is contaminated. Some of them may be on the verge of extinction if we do
not take action now. I hope the government will have some kinds of campaigns or TV shows to raise
people’s awareness of protecting the environment in the city to improve air quality.
Part 3:
1. How much air pollution in your country?
To be honest, I'm not much of an expert on this field but to the best of my knowledge, the issue of air
pollution in Viet Nam are at the alarming rate. Due to the increasingly high number of motorbikes and
other vehicles on the road, air conditions in Vietnam are deteriorating. Quite literally visible in the air,
pollution creates a cloud of smog in metropolis cities regularly, especially in Ha Noi and HCM City.
2. Different about pollution in the countryside and city? Why?
Traditionally, I suppose that the urban areas tend to be more polluted than the rural ones. Since cities have
to put up with a great amount of pollutants released from factories, companies and transportation due to
the urbanization and industrialization process while in the countryside, the density of industrial
enterprises seems to be smaller.
3. How can the government encourage people to keep their city clean?
Personally, I believe that the most important thing is that authorities should put trash bins at all public
places and at a proper distance on roads. Hence, it would not take people too much time to find a bin in
order that individuals can find it convenient to throw trash in the right place. Besides, the government
should allocate more money on raising public awareness of the importance of having a clean
environment. They should give some examples of illnesses that people may suffer from if their
surroundings are dirty.
41. Describe an interesting old person you met
You should say:
Who this person is
Where/when you met this person
What you did
And explain why you think this person is interesting
It is undeniable that we all have a person whom we come across just once or twice but we are curious to
apprehend more. Mr. Quan - my grandfather's near and dear one is the one I would like to go for today.
Well, I first met him a fortnight ago when he dropped in my house. Because my grandparents weren't
home so I chewed the fat with him while waiting for them to come back. When talking about the old, we
usually have an image of people who are forgetful and weak, but Mr. Quan is an exception. During the
colloquy, I found out that he was a war veteran in the Vietnam war, so needless to say, he has a lot of
compelling and constructive stories to tell. Mr. Quan was like a fountain of knowledge. I think I was
lucky enough to hold a 30-minute conversation with him since he educated me on our country's history.
He told me about the hardship of the war with a very proud voice, which kept me engaged in the story
with great attention. Thanks to him, I understand more about the blood, sweat and tears that soldiers have
to put in, and somehow, this instilled in me a sense of patriotism,
I could sense that he was a very disciplined man which made me look up to him very much. I hope in the
future I can have more chances to converse with him.
Part 3:
1. Do you think old people and young people can share interests?
I suppose yes. For example, people of all ages can be sports fans. Futhermore, both old and young can be
music enthusiasts, or create art, the joy of cooking, baking, writing, sewing. photography and so on. Even
if one is too young to fully participate or can no longer actively participate in an activity there are many
ways to share a love for a hobby that can create a bonding experience.
2. What can old people teach young people?
The most significant thing children can learn from older people is history, since they may be witnesses of
the past events. Furthermore, they have heaps of experience, thus they are as cool as a cucumber when
facing struggles, since they know how to handle them adroitly. Children can learn practical skills like
sewing, knitting, gardening, baking which parents nowadays either don’t know or are too busy to teach.
3. Are there benefits when one person is interested in another person? Why?
Certainly. When one person becomes attached to another, it doesn’t have to be love or you wanna date
them. It’s kinda like you have found someone whose frequency is the same as you and you really want to
sound out. There are certain merits when you build up a mutual relationship with those. If the person
you’re interested in leads a healthy life, it can be the motivation for you to maintain your resolve to
practice healthier habits and break harmful ones. As a result, this encouragement can bring about personal
development.
42. Describe a time someone give you a gift that you really want
You should say:
What it is
How you got it
What you did
And explain how you felt about it
I’m going to go for a T-shirt, which is an indispensable piece of clothing in my closet. On top of that, it
was also a surprising birthday gift from my mom when I turned 16, which made me over the moon.
I would say that I am not really fashion-conscious, and I don’t feel like keeping up with the latest trend.
But I did realize that it was a Boo T-shirt, which is a very prominent high-end brand in Vietnam. The T-
shirt is plain white, with a tiny hand embroidered cow in the upper left corner. Besides, it’s made from
cotton, hence very durable and perfect for the humid summer. I must say that it is really minimal and
exactly right up my alley.
To be honest, it is my most favorite item and it does go well with everything. I can match it with any kind
of skirt or pants like jeans, trousers, and overalls. As it is white, keeping the T-shirt clean is not a duck
soup. Therefore, I only choose to wear it on special occasions such as a date, a family meeting, or an
interview, like a way to boost my self-confidence.
All in all, it’s a very meaningful gift from my mother who I really adore, so I will treasure it and continue
wearing it in the future.
Part3:
1. Should employees have their own goals?
Definitely. When goal setting is transferred to local teams, ownership of the goals and the commitment to
reach them are greatly increased. Suffice to say of course, this doesn’t mean that senior executives have
no input into proceedings. Far from it. Setting goals and targets in this way avoids the traditional arbitrary
targets that teams are often lumbered with that can so often lead to unproductive behaviors as employees
and teams work to their targets rather than what is best for them and their organization.
2. How should bosses reward employees?
Employee reward and recognition have been proven to improve organizational values, enhance team
efforts, increase customer satisfaction and motivate certain behaviors amongst members of staff. I
suppose in order to develop an efficient recognition programme, a business owner or manager needs to
separate this from the business’ reward systems, which will be touched upon later.
This will ensure that the lines are not blurred when it comes to recognising and rewarding outstanding
work and performance.
3. What kinds of gifts do young people like to receive as rewards?
In my opinion, of course, some young workers will appreciate monetary staff rewards for good work, but
I guess the majority of them are simply seeking recognition when they go above and beyond. It can be
due to the fact that young people, especially the generation Z, are always in search of shared identity by
connecting their experience to the company's purpose and values, which instills a sense of belonging and
inspiring commitment and support in them. Moreover, progress feedback that communicates progress on
meaningful work contributes to young employees’ satisfaction and maintains momentum as well as
motivation.
43. Describe something you did that made you feel proud
You should say:
What it was
How you did it
How difficult it was
And explain why you felt proud of it
Life is a roller-coaster journey, and change is a constant. Every day, we all make changes in our lives.
So, now I’d want to discuss about a recent beneficial development in my life.
My adjustment is about making better use of one’s time. I used to be a slacker, who made no effort
focusing on time management. As a result, the majority of my job was either postponed or left undone.
But then I came upon an article in the New York Times , one of the prominent newspapers in the
world about Effective Time Management. I realized more the benefits of time management and how it
might improve someone’s life. Of course, the journey was arduous at the beginning. Firstly, I started to
get rid of my unhealthy routine . I began preparing a to-do list before going to bed and doing my best to
complete it the next day.
Needless to say, this has radically altered my life. Now that I have more time for taking up new
hobbies and even visiting my siblings, my grandparents and gather with my own family. All in all, I can
say that this has actually made me become a better version of myself.
Part3:
1. Which is more important, personal goals or work goals?
As we reach different milestones, we start to think about the life we want to build and how we plan to get
there, and we typically start by setting a variety of short and long-term goals that we hope to check off
along the way. In my opinion, two goals are equally vital. However, personal goals, in some ways, may
be harder to set and achieve than professional goals. When it comes to work, achieving goals often means
higher pay, a better position, or a new job. Those outcomes alone can be enough of an incentive to keep
you pushing forward. Whereas with personal goals, the benefits aren’t necessarily monetized so they can
often take a backseat to goals that have more tangible results
44. Describe a new development in the area where you live (e.g shopping mall,
park,...)
You should say:
What the development is
When/where you noticed it
How long it took to complete it
And explain how you feel about it
Well, when it comes to a recent development in my city, the first one that springs my mind is the
establishment of Vincom center. Located in the city center, this giant 30-floor building is a complex with
a shopping mall, stores and offices. The project was initiated in September 2017 and is now reaching
completion. For a small province like my city, the advent of Vincom is undoubtedly a welcoming
development.
I vividly remember that it was the Independence Day of my country, VietNam, when the announcement
of the new center was made by the authority. They had also added that this new development would be
equipped with many up-to-the-minute facilities, which acts as a shopping heaven and entertainment
center. Moreover, with a wider range of goods and services, the overall consumer spending would be
strongly stimulated, which favors the provincial economy.
And also, I myself suppose that the construction and operation of Vincom would offer several job
opportunities for the locals. Besides, the Vincom center with its state-of-the-art offices also provides a
modern, convenient, professional working environment for employees. And most importantly, the
success of Vincom would lay the very foundation for other large-scale investments in my city. As a part
of the city, I feel really excited about this progressive turn and I believe the center would enhance
people's living standards as a whole.
Part3:
1. What transportation do you use the most?
I mostly travel on my motorbike, especially commuting to school back and forth. It is because this
particular two-wheel vehicle provides me with the flexibility and convenience when it comes to travelling
at my own pace as well as parking.
2. Is public transportation popular in VietNam?
I can’t say for the entire country, but from my understanding, most people would be in favor of taking
public transportation such as bus as its route is accessible and suitable for their daily travel needs.
Unfortunately, at least in my city, people can’t rely on public transportation because of some reasons such
as ,its poor standards and security or inconvenience. Hopefully, the government would raise the quality
standards of public transport soon.
3. What can be improved in public transport services?
Well, coming to public transport service improvement, first and foremost, I think the authorities
should increase the more frequent bus route. You know, commuters always want the assurance that their
bus will arrive soon, preferably in less than 15 minute to avoid being late for work. Moreover, safety and
comfort have always been a concern for transit riders, and a post-pandemic public will have to be
convinced that it is safe to return. Once comfort levels are highly improved, more pp will opt for public
transportation for commuting.
4. What leisure facilities can be used by people of all ages?
I suppose they can be places for recreational activities such as leisure centres. As people, regardless of
their ages, have the need for entertainment. The young tend to hangout with their near and dear ones, or
maybe let their hair down after hardworking day, while the elderly pp would choose to unwind
themselves. Another preferable option is library. Yeah, it is true that everyone always wants to broaden
their horizon and widen their knowledge, thus visiting libraries would help them to fulfill their needs.
5. Do you think young people in your country like to go to the cinema?
Yes, of course. As watching films in the cinema may offer youngters better atmosphere and better audio-
visual effects compared to watching films on TV or electronic devices. Besides, sitting in the auditorium
in the proximity of others and enjoying laughter, shock, or excitement spreading across the audience is
really exhilarating.
45. Describe a noisy place you have been to
You should say:
What it is
When you went there
What you did there
And explain why you feel it’s a noisy place
The first hustle and bustle place that springs my mind is Ho Chi Minh City, one of the most popular
tourist destinations during the holiday season. It is a metropolis city located in the South of Vietnam.
Well, last month I took a summer trip to the city with my beloved family. It wasn’t the first time I visited
there but the experience I had there was so terrible that I even considered never coming back again.
Arriving at HCM city, the first thing we did was heading straight to the beach, as we were trying to
escape from the heat of the city. The scene in front of my eyes was such a chao. The swimming area was
filled with people, and we could barely find a spot to lie on the beach, let alone to swim. What bothered
me the most was the noise of people talking to each other as if they were screaming and the kids were
running around shouting out of joy.
I should have seen it coming because it was summertime but everything was out of hand and we ended
up leaving earlier than planned. I still remember how bad a headache the trip gave me and promise to
myself that I wouldn’t visit HCM city during the summer anymore. The place could have been much
quieter if visitors had behaved in a well-mannered way.
Part3:
1. Do you think it is good for children to make noise?
46. Describe a person you from know who is from a different cultures backgrounds
You should say:
Who he/she is
Where he/she is from
How you knew him/her
And explain how you feel about him/her
Since I give my eyeteeth for foreign languages, I always yearn for befriending as many people around
the world as possible. So, today I’m going to talk about one of my best pen pals, whose name is Tim.
Tim was born in Spain but he is currently studying for master degree in the USA after graduating from a
prestigious university with flying colours. Regarding our acquaintance, it was during an online gathering
which was organized by my English centre last year where he was a guest speaker. To my surprise, I was
really impressed by the way Tim broke the ice with all the strangers in the meeting. After the online
session was over, I got in touch with him and luckily he agreed to drop me a line whenever possible.
Since then, I have always considered him not only my best friend but also my mentor because I can count
on him for suggestions, aid and guidance.
What I mean is he supports me a lot when I feel under the pressure with an intense school schedule. He is
also very enthusiastic when sharing with me many fascinating stories or exotic experiences of his culture.
This not only reduces my study-related stress as well as broadens my horizons about places I have never
set foot in.
Part 3
1. Where and how can we get to know people of different cultures better?
As a youngster with a yearn for exploring the world, I’m personally of the opinion that participating in
international camps is a convenient means to get acquainted with representatives of all cultures around the
globe. What I mean is that such camps always attract like-minded participants who are really full of
beans to share and get acquainted with any customs however unique they are. Indeed, if fully exploited,
this kind of camp can allow us to comprehensively understand numerous cultures in the world.
2. What are the advantages and disadvantages of cultural diversity?
There is no doubt that cultural diversity has both pros and cons. Regarding the merits, a variety of
viewpoints in the workplace can boost creativity and drive innovation as employees with different
backgrounds can put forward out-of-the-box ideas. However, an inevitable side-effect of cultural
diversity is discrimination, which can pose a threat to less privileged communities. Another challenge is
the cultural barriers, language in particular, which can affect the efficiency of communication among
multicultural colleagues or friends.
3. How can traditional culture and other cultures coexist?
It has provoked a great deal of concern when it comes to the position of local cultures in the arrival of
exotic ones. From my viewpoint, they can all develop harmoniously however unique their characteristics
are. Firstly, coexistence can be realized by being open to cooperation which is built on shared values
among communities. In addition, people of one culture should come to terms
with other beliefs as such diversity in the world gives spice to life and induces revolution of all
civilizations. In short, through mutual support and understanding, diverse cultures can always progress in
harmony.
Part 3
1. What would you do if you disagree with someone?
When having disputes with anyone, instead of raising my voice to prove a point, I will often leave and
give myself some time to calm down. This makes sure that I steer clear of getting too emotional and
giving offence to others.
2. How do we stop an argument from escalating into a fight?
Well, let’s face it, disagreements are an indispensable part of all relationships, and sometimes, they can
have a detrimental impact on our relationships. Therefore, to steer clear of unwanted scenarios, people
should always stick to the issue they are discussing instead of taking it personally or driving the
conversation in a different direction. It is also highly recommended that two sides agree on a pause so
they can reconsider their stand or figure out better arguments.
3. Who do you think should teach children to respect their teacher?
It is believed that family is the very first school of every child. Therefore, I am of the opinion that parents
should be in charge of tutoring their children in moral lessons like how to respect their teachers. Indeed,
such early education at home will ensure that children will put all things they are taught into practice
right the moment they enter school.
4. What disagreements do parents and children usually have?
There is no doubt that the generation gap takes place when family members get older. As a result,
disagreements usually arise between parents and their children on various topics such as schooling,
lifestyle, future plan and so on. Different generations have their own set of attitudes towards aspects of
life, so it comes as no surprise that family disputes can occur on a frequent basis.
48. Describe an advertisement you don't like
You should say:
What type of advertisement it is
What product or service it advertises
Where and when you first saw it
And explain why you don’t like it
In this contemporary epoch, advertisements have become an integral part of our lives, and we thrive
primarily on them to gain knowledge regarding various products and services. You know, recently saw an
advertisement I didn’t like, and I left no stone unturned to condemn it. The advertisement is about a
tobacco product. The main character in the advert consumes a tobacco product from a pouch and gets a
boatload of energy after that. The immense power he gains from consuming that product helps him to
beat the robbers who are doing robbery from a bank. I saw it in a theatre where I went to watch the movie
with my near and dear ones. And this advertisement repeated many times during the movie. I didn’t like
that advertisement because it is well-known that tobacco products are detrimental to our health, and
consuming them can lead to several disastrous illnesses to our respiratory system. However, the advertiser
had yet to showcase tobacco as an energy booster. Influenced by such advertisements, teenagers and
youngsters can follow this approach to consuming tobacco products more and more. This could be
harmful to the current generation and posterity.
Hence I totally disagreed with that advertisement, and I wrote to the authorities to ban such kinds of
these. Fortunately, my request bore good results, and that advertisement was forbidden later on.
Part3:
1. What kind of things advertise most in your country?
You know there are many kinds of advertisements, from traditional to the more advanced digital ones that
are often spotted when we browse websites or social media. Personally ,I believe beauty products have
the highest number of TV advertisements in our country as whenever I turn on a channel, their adverts are
there. Apparently, the influence of social media and online celebrities plays a big role in the accelerated
growth of this industry. Another factor fueling the demand for cosmetics and beauty products is the need
for routines, particularly skin care routines.
2. Newspaper advertising or online advertising more effective?
Obviously you can see, online advertising is much more powerful. Social media is a powerful tool in
marketing and business. Especially in this day and age, companies can keep their clients updated
regarding newly-released products or promotions by posting their campaigns on Facebook or Instagram,
which helps save a great deal of time and expense compared to the traditional methods of advertising in
newspapers or magazines.
49. Describe a person you know who enjoys dressing well
You should say:
Who the person is
What job/studies the person does
What sort of clothes the person wears
And explain why you think this person enjoys dressing well
The first one that pops into my mind is my bosom friend who studied with me at secondary school .
She is a kind-hearted person with a lovely appearance. You know since we were deskmates at the age of
12 , we have always shared our common interests and our ups and downs in daily life, then we became
our near and dear ones. Of all of my friends, I suppose that she not only has a great sense of grooming
but also a unique skill for mixing western fashion styles with continental dresses. I've seen her wear
formal pants, shirts, ties and Italian designer shoes every now and then or maybe simply a pair of loose
trousers, t-shirts and simple sandals at other times. However, the outfits that tickle her fancy are formal
pants and shirts. When it comes to wearing wristwatches, I often wonder how many of them she has as
she owns a collection of them! To be honest I'm no fashion or dress expert but I can spot someone who
dresses fashionably. My bestie is one such person who would easily stand out from the crowd. It's not
because she always wears designer clothes, but perhaps because she has a nice fashion sense and she
always wears neat and clean dresses that fit her well. Moreover, she is the one who always lends me a
sympathetic ear and gives me advice to come up with the most suitable outfits. I owe a great gratitude to
her for always going with me through thick and thin.
Part 3
1. Do you think online shopping will replace in-store shopping in the future? Why?
Oh yes, from my perspectives. It is because shopping online is more convenient than the traditional one.
Instead of traveling to a brick and mortar store, customers can simply browse different shopping sites and
purchase items at their fingertips. This helps them save time and energy which could be spent on other
helpful activities such as reading or exercising. Moreover, online products are often sold at cheaper prices
compared to in-store ones. To attract customers to shop online, e-tailers and marketers offer discounts to
customers.
2. Are you a person who likes to follow fashion?
I’m not one to follow the current fashions, to be honest. I admire folks who try to look and dress stylishly
to attract attention and demonstrate their individuality, but I don’t put myself in that category. To obtain
acceptance from my peers, I don’t want to dress like the popular kids or wear skin tight outfits. Moreover,
I don’t bother trying to stay up with the newest fashion trends because it can cost me an arm and a leg,
which tends to put a high school student like me in a tight spot.
3. Are older people as fashionable as young people? Why?
Probably not. Young people give their eyeteeth for keeping the pace of trends. They are prone to trendy
clothes; in other words, they would love to follow the up-to-date fashion trendsetter to determine their
styles and personality; for example, rock chic or hip hop style. Compared with the young, old people
prefer to wear traditional and comfortable clothes. They generally lean toward simple, plain, and not
pricey clothes This is because the elderly in Vietnam used to experience the war, when our country was
torn apart by bombs and bullets and in dire need of support, so at that time, people literally wore
anything that could keep them warm and protect them from the heat.
4. Are women more fashionable than men? Why?
I suppose that women are more fashion-conscious than men. You know, women’s clothing styles change
every year and every season, forcing them to update their wardrobes so as not to appear behind the
times. And men have always interacted with trends at a much slower pace than women. To males, trends
come and go over the course of years, rather than seasons so every now and then do they change their
outfits
50. Describe something important that you learned (not in school or college)
Follow-up Q: Do you enjoy learning new things?
Yes, of couse. Acquiring new things always tickles my fancy. As I believe that it can broaden my
horizon and also widen my knowledge about the world surrounding me.
You should say:
What you learned
How easy/difficult it was to learn
How you learned it
And explain why learning this was important to you
In this contemporary epoch, it is highly imperative to acquire new skills in order to lead our growth
trajectory. Gardening would be the one I go for today since it has brought a paradigm shift in my life
During the COVID-19 lockdown last year, I had to while away the time by surfing the social media day
in day out. Thus I started feeling monotonous in a flash. That’s why I managed to accomplish
something beyond the conventional domain to break the monotony in my life.
Therefore, I decided to go to my native place. When I saw older people gardening, I developed an interest
in it. I urged them to teach me this skill, and they agreed to support me. I worked under the aegis of a
team of seven senior residents. They taught me to carry out some fundamental activities of gardening,
like when to put seeds or how to water the plants and maintain the garden. Within only one month, I had
a knack for it. After acquiring this skill in vain, I turned over a new leaf. As a result, I have immersed
myself in nature, and I have started believing in the real worship of god to take utmost care of the mother
nature created by him. Moreover, I have strengthened a strong bond with the elderly of my hometown.
Part 3
1. What can children learn from parents?
There is no denying this conviction that children spend the majority of their life under the aegis of their
parents. Children can learn from parents to work with determination, dedication and discipline. Apart
from this, they can learn how to handle conflicts adroitly. As parents have heaps of experience for
handling the pressing problems, they can set a good example on their children.
2. Do you think some children are well-behaved because they are influenced by their parents?
Definitely, I think children’s behaviors are influenced by parents. Mother and father influence their child's
basic values, like religious values, and issues related to their future, like educational choices. And the
stronger their relationship with their offpring, the more influence parents have, because their child will be
more likely to seek parental guidance and value their opinion and support.
3. Is it necessary for adults to learn new things?
Yes, absolutely. Learning something new, knowledge or skills helps adults break out of our normal
patterns of behaviour. It gives their brains something to think about other than ups and downs in daily
life. It might be a mere temporary distraction but it shows our mind and body that thinking about
something other than stressful things and pessimistic thoughts. Additionally, they are likely to keep up-to-
date with the latest information, new tendecy of the world, thus can comprehend their offpring more.
4. How can people learn new things?
Well, I suppose that they can take a class, find a mentor, or self-teach. With the ever-accelerating
development of technology in this day and age, there are a variety of different learning materials
available on the Internet from e-books to online videos, which can support you to acquire more
knowledge. Moreover, try teaching someone else to hone your understanding of the subject, and give
yourself tests. Also, you should constantly practice and evaluate what you have learned. For instance, you
might practice your communication skills by making conversation with new people or you might take
weekly self-assessments to test your new tech skills.
Template cho writing task 2
Dạng 1: Argumentative Essay
Introduction
Agree/ Disagree
People have different views about ST. It is understandable that many are suggesting that…(view B)…...
However, I adopt a firm position that………(view A)…………….
Balanced view
To a certain extent I agree that.....(view A)............... However, I also believe that...................(view
B).................
Body 1: On the one hand, it is true that …(view A)…………
First,…
Second,….
Body 2: On the other hand, …(view B)….just as important as…(view A)…
Firstly, …..
Secondly,…..
Conclusion
By way of conclusion, I am of the opinion that... (+ repeat your opinion).
Hoặc: In conclusion, I believe that...
Dạng 2: Discursive Essay (with opinion)
Introduction: It is true that ..(giới thiệu topic)... While it can be argued that ...(view A)..., I believe that ...
(view B)....
Body 1: There are several reasons why (view A)….... Firstly. Secondly. Finally.
Body 2: Despite the above arguments, I believe that ... (view B)...
Conclusion: In conclusion, it seems to me that...(view A)..., but ...(view B).
Dạng 3: Discursive Essay (without opinion)
Introduction: It is true that ...(giới thiệu topic)... While many people believe that ...(view A)..., other
people believe that ...(view B)....
Body 1: There are several reasons why (view A)...
Firstly,
Secondly,
Finally,
Body 2: Despite the above arguments, some believe that ... (view B)...
First, …
Second,…..
Conclusion: In conclusion, (view A)..., but ...(view B).
Dạng 4: Advantages and Disadvantages
Introduction: (Paraphrase câu topic của đề bài). While there are benefits to ...., there are also good
reasons why it might not be beneficial to
Body 1: On the one hand, ST....is attractive for several reasons / ......is beneficial in some ways
Hoặc: The arguments from opposers of …..(noun)….base on two main points
The first one is that…..
Second,…..
Let’s take something as a typical example,….
Body 2: On the other hand, there are a number of reasons why ....
Hoặc: …..bring significant advantages/ disadvantages
First,….
Moreover,….
For instance, ….
Conclusion:
In conclusion, it seems evident that .... (both views)....have their own unique advantages.
Dạng 5: Advantages and Disadvantages ( which one outweigh)
Introduction:
+ Paraphrase câu topic của đề bài
+ While there are benefits to ...., I would argue that these are outweighed by the disadvantages.
Body: On the one hand, ST....is attractive for several reasons / ......is beneficial in some ways
Hoặc: The arguments from advocates of …..(noun)….base on two main points
The first one is that…..
Second,…..
Let’s take something as a typical example,….
Body 2: On the other hand, I am of the opinion that the disadvantages are more significant than
advantages.
Hoặc: …..bring significant disadvantages
First,….
Moreover,….
For instance, ….
Conclusion:
In conclusion, it seems evident that the unfavorable outcomes of ….... are more significant than the
advantageous results
Dạng 6: Impacts and Solutions
Introduction: It is true that ... This phenomenon has left profound impacts on … as well as …..
(individuals and society). To address the matter, several solutions can be implemented.
Body 1: …… has a direct influence on ………………..
The first one is …..
To explain further,….
Second,…..
Body 2: Fortunately, several measures could be taken to prevent this problem
Hoặc : Some solutions can be implemented to ……
First,…
Second,….
For example,…
Conclusion: In conclusion, .........
Dạng 7: Causes and Solutions
Introduction: It is true that .... (Something) has inflicted considerable harm on ………..for a number of
reasons. Solutions to this problem call for ……...(government and citizen engagement)
Body 1: There are two main factors leading to….
The first one is …..
To explain further,….
Second,…..
Body 2: Fortunately, several measures could be taken to prevent this problem
Hoặc : Some solutions can be implemented to ……
First,…
Second,….
For example,…
Conclusion: In conclusion, .........