Unit 1: Extraordinary & Party

1. What was the most memorable event in your childhood? How

did u feel about it?
My most memorable event of my childhood was my first time riding a
bike. Learning to cycle often involves falls and injuries. Even now, I still
have a scar on my skin from my first ride. However, it was an
experience that gave me a sense of freedom and independence
2. Who is your role model? Why do you admire him/her?
My role model is my mom. She is a gentle, hard-working and successful
person. Whenever I have difficulties, my mother is always there for me
and gives me many advices. From a big motivation, I’m looking up my
mother and I will always try my best to make her proud.
3. Is it important to have role models? Are most famous people
good role models?
In my opinion, it’s important to have role models. Our role model are
usually beautiful, intelligent and successful people. We look up to them
and want to become success like them. From a big motivation, we
gradually improve ourself and make efforts for our goals in life.
I think good role models can be famous people, or not. We can see a lot
of famous people that have impressive talent and personality such as
My Tam, Den Vau, Bui Anh Tuan and Vu Cat Tuong. They inspire positive
motivation to their fans. On the other hand, there are many good role
models who are not famous. For example, I always admire my mom
because she is gentle, hard-working and successful. From a big
motivation, I’m looking up my mother and I will always try my best to
make her proud.
4. What do most people do during their holidays in your
country? Why?

In my country, during holidays, most people love to travel with their

families or friends. This is because holidays allow people to relax,
explore new places, and create lasting memories with their loved ones.

Besides, during holidays, many people choose to stay at home with their
family, cook traditional meals together, play games, and simply enjoy
each other's company.
5. What holidays are celebrated in your country but not in
others?
A holiday that is celebrated in my country but not in others is the Lunar
New Year. It takes place on the 1st of January in the Lunar Calendar.
That day, everybody always visits their grandparents, goes to the
pagoda, or gives and receives lucky money. In my opinion, it’s the most
special day of the year in Vietnam. In addition, there are some holidays
that are celebrated in my country but not in others such as
Independence day, Vietnamese Teachers' Day, and the Mid-Autumn
Festival.

UNIT 2: WHAT’S TRENDING? & YOUR ID

6. Do you agree with the saying “Street entertainers are usually
very talented”?
I absolutely agree with that saying. To put on a great show, street
performers need to practice a lot. They can do amazing and sometimes
dangerous things in front of big crowds, and they know how to keep
everyone interested. They can do lots of different things, like play music
or do magic tricks. They're good at making the crowd have fun, and
every show they do is special and exciting.
7. Do you think a good music video can make a song popular?
in my opinion, a good music video is not enough to make a song
popular. The quality of music products also comes from a lot of other
factors such as: lead vocalist, lyrics, story and melodies. A song's
popularity also depends on the reputation of the singers. Besides that,
sometimes, I only like watching a good music video because of its
meaningful story, video quality, and actors, but I don’t care about other
factors.
8. How have your viewing habits changed?
My viewing habits have changed over the years, reflecting technological
developments and my interests. Like other children, I used to like
watching cartoons and children’s music programs such as Tom and
Jerry, Barbie, and Disney series. I also used to watch TV series every
Sunday night with my family while we were having dinner.
And now, I usually binge–watch alone late at night when I have free
time and don’t have deadlines at school on my laptop. I love Netflix
because it is an on-demand viewing platform. But nowadays,
commercials appear a lot and sometimes make me feel annoyed and
uncomfortable.
9. How would you describe yourself?
I am a girl with a petite and active appearance. I am passionate about
my work. Because I love what I do, I have reality goals in my life that
drives me to do my best. Moreover, I am also serious and independent
in my work. For example, with new knowledge and skills, I often search
for information and self-study on books, the internet...
10. How did your personality change as you grow up?
In elementary school, I used to be the shyest kid in the class. Now, I can
express my opinion with my family, friends, teachers, even with
strangers. Maybe, I’ve gradually become more confident in myself. I’m
not as shy as I used to be. Sometimes, I still feel shaky and pessimistic
but I try to think positively and improve my self everyday.
11. How are you different from your family?
I'm different from my family in several ways. For one, while they enjoy
traditional interests, I like modern activities like digital art and social
media. My personality is also a bit more outgoing compared to their
reserved nature. Additionally, my views on certain topics, like career
choices and lifestyle, often differ from theirs. These differences create
interesting conversations and help me grow as an individual.

UNIT 3: PREPPING & CHANGES

12. Where do people usually have weddings in your country?
In my country, people usually choose a suitable place to celebrate their
wedding. Popular choices include event centers, restaurants, beaches,
churches, or even their own homes.
13. Talk about a social event that u attended.
One recent social event that I attended was a music festival in a nearby
city. It took place over the weekend in a large park in the city center. I
went with a group of friends, and we spent the day listening to music,
trying different food vendors, and enjoying the atmosphere. The event
was a lot of fun, and we discovered new singers and heard some their
songs performed live. Overall, it was a great experience, and I would
definitely attend again next year.
14. Is there usually a reception after the wedding in your
country? If so, what happens at the reception?
Of course, there's usually a reception after the wedding in my country.
At the reception, people eat, drink, and celebrate together. Guests
usually step on stage to sing love songs, dance, and give their best
wishes to the couple. The couple walks around the wedding ceremony
and make toasts with their guests. At the wedding gate, the bride also
tosses the bouquet to pass on good luck in love and marriage to
whoever receives them. The atmosphere is filled with joy and
celebration.
15. Has your hometown changed much since you were a child?
Of course. In my memory when I was a child, my town was mostly open
space with green fields, large lakes, and people’s traditional lifestyle
used to give an impression of a kind of rural life.
However, in recent years, it has changed much. Firstly, many
constructions such as factories, universities, hospitals, offices, and
shopping malls have been built. These changes have created more
employment opportunities for the residents there. Furthermore, the
government has built high-rise building, many parks, pedestrian areas
and playgrounds for children. This makes the space there become
emptier and greener for people to play and relax. Moreover, the biggest
change is that the roads have been paved with concrete for
transportation more freely and easily.
16. Have the changes in your hometown been negative or
positive?
In my opinion, changes in my hometown has been both positive and
negative results. The changes have evidently given a new and better
look to our town. This area's economy has become more developed.
People's lives and health have been improved, children have had a
better learning and development environment. However, we constantly
face lots of problems. The activities of factories, traffic, and humans
have severely polluted the environment. This has destroyed the natural
habitat of many fishes, plants, and animals. Traffic has been congested,
especially during rush hours. Overall, it is a concerning issue.

UNIT 4: GET TO WORK & DOWNTIME

17. Do you think you are career-ready? Name some of your job
skills, abilities, training and qualifications.
I think I am not really ready for a career. I am still in college, so I do not
have enough knowledge and skills to start my dream job. I will practice
and improve myself more to prepare for the job.
Up to now, I am quite confident about myself when I am a third-year
student. I have time management skills, communication skills, and
problem-solving skills. I also have a certain amount of knowledge about
Marketing through studying at college and doing internships. Now, I am
practicing some things together to improve myself: studying at college
to get a Marketing degree, studying E.L to communicate with others
more easily, and doing a part-time job to gain more experience.
18. Do you know anyone who has been successful with a non-
traditional career path?
In my world, I have admired my uncle, who has been successful with a
non-traditional career path.
In the past, my grandparents' family was poor and had many children.
So my uncle only graduated from high school and didn’t pursue a
university degree. After that, thanks to a relative's introduction, he flew
to Hungary to live and start his career.. Starting as a regular employee,
after 3 years, my uncle has prepared enough money and experience to
open his supermarket. In addition, During Tet 2023, he returned to his
hometown and donated a lot to charity for the people there. Everyone
loves and admires him. I feel lucky to have such an uncle, he is always
by my side and supports me a lot on my journey of growing up.

19. Do you think you are or could be a kidult? Why or why not?
In facts, I could be a kidult. Besides the hustle and bustle of my studies
and work, I still spend small moments relaxing with children's activities
such as coloring, drawing and playing games on my phone. I feel that
although I am grown up, sometimes finding the innocence of childhood
helps me feel more comfortable.
20. In your opinion, is it good or bad to do nothing?

In my opinion, our lives should have a balance between hard work and
doing nothing. If we spend too much time doing nothing, we may
become lazier and waste time and money on excessive entertainment.
Moreover, indulging in doing nothing can make us delay our plans and
miss many good opportunities to achieve our original goals.

On the other hand, if we know how to spend time doing nothing

reasonably, we can reduce stress, refresh ourselves, and improve our
mental health after tiring work hours. As a result, we will have better
creativity and productivity in our subsequent tasks. Additionally,
connecting with people while doing nothing is a good way to maintain
and expand our relationships.

UNIT 5: ROOM FOR ME & WELLBEING

21. Would you rather live alone or have roomates?

I would rather live alone. Because living alone give me a lot of privacy to
live and work comfortably. I think it very difficult to find a roomate who
is suitable with me, about personality, opinions and lifestyle. Maybe it’s
because I’m picky.

Futhermore, I think I’m going to work in the office all day and only go
home in the evening and on weekends. That makes me not to bored. I
can contact with my friends by texting or going to cafe in our free time.

22. What are the advantages and disadvantages of living with a

friend?

I think, about advantages, Living with a friend will be more fun and
supportive to have someone to share the living space with. Sharing the
living expenses with a friend can help reduce financial burden.
Moreover, Living with a friend will make my daily life more enjoyable
and less lonely. We can help each other with tasks like cleaning,
cooking, and chores, making them easier to manage. Plus, we'll have
more opportunities to hang out, do activities together, and have a
better overall quality of life.

On the other hand, Living alone allows me to have complete control

over my living space and make decisions without considering others. A
roommate can be difficult to match with you in terms of personality,
opinions and lifestyle.

23. What are some ways you can do to power up your brain?

Firstly, fuel for our brain comes from our daily diet. Eating at least 3 meals
a day and eating on time is the foundation of a scientific diet. We also
need around 6-8 glasses of non-sugary, non-alcoholic fluid each day.
Secondly, getting enough rest boosts our mood and helps us concentrate.
What’s more, when we are asleep, the brain practices what we did during
the day. If you have a hard time falling asleep, try listening to gentle
music, thinking positive thoughts, or reading something funny to relax.

The last way to power up our brains is to create an environment where you
work well. A room that is too warm might make you feel sleepy. Get rid of
any distractions, whatever they may be. For example, turn off your cell
phone and let people in your home know that you need to be left alone.

24. What are some ways you can do to get in shape?

You can make a few small adjustments everyday to get in shape. We

should spend at least 30 minutes a day exercising after a tiring work.
You can do some things such as going to the gym, practicing yoga,
walking, cycling, playing sports, or swimming...

Moreover, maintaining a balanced diet is a good way to get in shape.

We need to have a good nutrients meal such as fruits, vegetables, lean
proteins, and whole grains.... Limiting sugar and salt, processed and
high-fat foods.

The last way to get in shape is to improve our mental health. When
we're stressed or anxious, it can be hard to find the motivation to
exercise or eat healthy. By taking care of our mental well-being through
practices like meditation, or spending time in nature, we can create a
positive mindset that supports our physical health goals

UNIT 6: USE AND REUSE & I’M A MEMBER

25. Do you think people should reduce the amount of plasic
they use?

Definitely! We need to reduce the amount of plastic use because it

causes serious environmental pollution, depletes resources, and poses
health risks. Plastic can’t dissolve easily. Therefore, Switching to eco-
friendly alternatives is essential to protect our planet and our health.

26. What materials cause pollution where you live?

I live in a bustling and populated city center. So, there are quite a lot of
polluting materials here. Some examples include: plastic and nylon bags
from household waste, industrial smoke from surrounding factories and
insecticide spray.
27. What difference communities of interest do you belong to or
did you belong to in the past?

About 2 years ago, I was a member of a local music club. We would

meet and have activities 3 times a week. There, everyone supported
each other and passionately pursued their love for singing, playing
guitar, piano, and flute. I felt incredibly comfortable and happy being
part of this club. It helped me to relax and have fun after tiring hours of
studying and working.

28. Do you have a particular clothing style? Is it similar to your

friends’ clothing style?

Of course. I think everyone enjoys dressing in different styles, and I'm

no exception. Around my friends, there are people who have the same
or different dressing styles as me. My style tends to be a mix of gentle,
feminine and energetic. However, I'm currently changing to a more
elegant and professional look. I think each person will have unique
dressing styles according to their preferences and perspectives.

29. Is it a good idea or a bad idea to belong to a subculture?

In my opinion, Belonging to a subculture is both a good idea and a bad

idea. Firstly, when belonging to a subculture, we will have a connection
within a community that shares the same interests, values, and beliefs.
There, we can confidently explore and express ourselves. On the other
hand, some subcultures can have negative views, leading to deviant
behavior, conflict, and tension.

------- Talk about a memorable event ----------

Living would be rather boring if we didn't have any important and

memorable events in our lives. Thankfully, I also had a memorable
event at my graduation ceremony from high school in the summer of
2022. That day, I woke up early and felt both nervous and excited. I put
on a white Ao Dai – the most beautiful outfit of my student period. The
ceremony began with speeches from my teachers. After that, one by
one, students were called up to the stage to receive their high school
diplomas. When I stood on stage, I was looking down at my family, my
friends, and my teachers cheering and clapping for me. I was glad to
know that they were there to support me on this special day. When I
held the diploma, I almost burst into tears, tears of happiness and my
efforts during the past time. After the ceremony, my friends were
celebrating with our families and teachers while I was singing on the
stage. We also cried a lot to say goodbye to each other and our school.
This event was impressive for me to mark the end of a long journey and
the beginning of the next exciting journey. Looking back, it was one of
the happiest days of my life, and I will always remember the memories
of that special day.

---- Write a paragraph comparing your viewing habits in the past

and now --------

My viewing habits have changed over the years, reflecting

technological developments and my interests. Like other children, I
used to like watching cartoons and children’s music programs such as
Tom and Jerry, Barbie, and Disney series. When I came home from
school or finished my homework, I quickly turned on the TV to enjoy my
favorite movies. Sometimes, I used to invite friends to my house to
watch and discuss movies together. I also used to watch TV series
every Sunday night with my family while we were having dinner.
However, with the advent of the Internet, my viewing habits have
become more flexible. One of my favorite movie genres is romantic
movies. I am interested in beautiful love stories and breathtaking
cinematography. I usually binge–watch alone late at night when I have
free time and don’t have deadlines at school on my laptop. I love Netflix
because it is an on-demand viewing platform. Even so, I still appreciate
the experience of watching stream events, such as sports or award
shows, in real-time. Social media allows me to participate in discussions
and share my reactions with others. But nowadays, commercials
appear a lot and sometimes make me feel annoyed and uncomfortable.
In conclusion, my viewing habits have changed with technological
developments and my journey to adulthood.

------ What is something you regretted doing/not doing the most

in the past? -------

Two years ago, something I regretted doing the most was not
practicing carefully for the English graduation exam. At that time, I
really spent a lot of time learning English such as taking online English
courses, studying English at school, and self-studying. I was very
confident in my English ability. However, in that exam, the score I got
wasn’t as high as I wanted. I felt very depressed and disappointed in my
efforts in the past. This made me unable to achieve my goals and study
at my dream university. After that, I gradually accepted reality and
realized that I was very careless and inattentive while I was taking the
English graduation exam. Currently, When faced with challenges, I am
aware of what I need to do and really spend time focusing on work. In
conclusion, I learned a lot from that exam. Some opportunities only
come once in a lifetime, we have to grasp them and really focus on
them.

-------- The changes in your town (positive and negative)

---------------
Nowadays, most areas of our country are increasingly improved and
developed. My town is no exception, as it is also undergoing some
visible changes.
In my memory when I was a child, my town was mostly open space with
green fields, large lakes, plenty of trees, and people’s traditional
lifestyle used to give an impression of a kind of rural life.
However, in recent years, it has had some positive and negative
developments. Firstly, many constructions such as factories,
universities, hospitals, offices, and shopping malls have been built.
These changes have created more employment opportunities for the
residents there. The quality of educational facilities, medical facilities,
and essential needs of life have been improved significantly.
Furthermore, the government has demolished buildings that covered
large areas, replaced them with high-rise buildings; and built many
parks, pedestrian areas and playgrounds for children. This makes the
space there become emptier and greener for people to play and relax.
Moreover, the biggest change is that the roads have been paved with
concrete for transportation more freely and easily.
I can understand the necessity of the changes because it has evidently
given a new and better look to our town. This area's economy has
become more developed. People's lives and health have been improved,
children have had a better learning and development environment.
However, the development has brought many negative consequences,
so we constantly face lots of problems. The activities of factories, traffic,
and humans have severely polluted the environment. This has
destroyed the natural habitat of many fishes, plants, and animals.
Traffic has been congested, especially during rush hours. Overall, it is a
concerning issue.
In conclusion, changes in any town or city will bring both positive and
negative results. For my beloved town, I hope the government will
quickly have appropriate policies to overcome the negatives. My town
will become better and better. People will have a more stable and
developed living environment.

Write about a person you know about who has been successful
with a non-traditional career path.
I have read many stories about successful people following non-
traditional career paths. However, in my world, I have admired my
uncle, who has been successful with a non-traditional career path.
Currently, he is the owner of a supermarket in Hungary. As a child, I
heard my uncle talk about his career path. In the past, my
grandparents' family was poor and had many children. So my uncle only
graduated from high school and didn’t pursue a university degree. After
that, thanks to a relative's introduction, he flew to Hungary to live and
start his career. What truly makes my uncle successful is his motivation
and hard work. He’s worked long hours, constantly striving to find his
path. Starting as a regular employee, after 3 years, my uncle has
prepared enough money and experience to open his supermarket. In
addition, he is also a very kind person. During Tet 2023, he returned to
his hometown and donated a lot to charity for the people there.
Everyone loves and admires him. His success story is a testament to
hard work, dedication, and determination. He's not only achieved
remarkable professional success but has also motivated me to aim for
excellence. I feel lucky to have such an uncle, he is always by my side
and supports me a lot on my journey of growing up.

------------------ Do you like doing nothing? Why? Why not?

--------------------
I'm often up to my neck in work, so sometimes I like doing nothing to
recharge my energy. I usually do nothing on weekends or holidays,
when the hustle and bustle of work is put aside. To me, watching TV,
going to the supermarket to cook and enjoy meals at home, connecting
with my family, and sleeping are considered "doing nothing". In my
opinion, our lives should have a balance between hard work and doing
nothing. Firstly, if we spend too much time doing nothing, we may
become lazier and waste time and money on excessive entertainment.
Moreover, indulging in doing nothing can make us delay our plans and
miss many good opportunities to achieve our original goals. On the
other hand, if we know how to spend time doing nothing reasonably, we
can reduce stress, refresh ourselves, and improve our mental health
after tiring work hours. As a result, we will have better creativity and
productivity in our subsequent tasks. Additionally, connecting with
people while doing nothing is a good way to maintain and expand our
relationships. In conclusion, doing nothing, especially for short time, is
one of the important factors that help us relax, enjoy life better, and
improve our health. I believe that our personal development will
improve if we know how to manage our "doing nothing" time effectively.

---------- What are some ways you can power up your brain?
------------

In today's fast-paced world where mental agility and clarity are

paramount, powering up our brains has become more important than
ever. Firstly, fuel for our brain comes from our daily diet. Eating at least 3
meals a day and eating on time is the foundation of a scientific diet.
Although not all foods help the brain, some foods, such as vitamins and
minerals from fish, egg yolk, whole grains, nuts, vegetables, and fruits
might be especially good for concentration and memory. Drinking enough
water is also important. We need around 6-8 glasses of non-sugary, non-
alcoholic fluid each day. Secondly, getting enough rest boosts our mood
and helps us concentrate. What’s more, when we are asleep, the brain
practices what we did during the day. We actually learn in our sleep. If
you have a hard time falling asleep, try listening to gentle music, thinking
positive thoughts, or reading something funny to relax. The last way to
power up our brains is to create an environment where you work well.
Temperature can also have a significant impact. A room that is too warm
might make you feel sleepy. Lots of people find it helpful to listen to music
when they study while others prefer silence. Get rid of any distractions,
whatever they may be. For example, turn off your cell phone and let
people in your home know that you need to be left alone. With just a few
small changes in our daily life, we can power up our brains well to lead a
fulfilling and productive life.
Reducing plastic consumption is crucial to protecting the environment.
Each individual can make a significant impact by adopting simple but
effective measures. Firstly, we should carry reusable bags and bottles
whenever we shop or go out. Supporting eco-friendly brands that prioritize
minimal or plastic-free packaging is another crucial step. It's also
important to spread awareness about plastic pollution and inspire others
to make changes. Participating in clean-up events helps to solve the
existing plastic waste problem. Equally important is avoiding single-use
plastics such as straws and cutlery, and remembering that recycling is not
the only solution – reducing consumption in the first place is key. We
should avoid over-packaged products and make sure to use reusable items
for as long as possible instead of throwing them away after a few uses. By
making conscious choices and embracing sustainable habits, together we
can reduce plastic waste and work towards a healthier planet.