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PART 1 ........................................................................................................................................... 1
1. Home/ accommodation ........................................................................................................... 1
2. Study ....................................................................................................................................... 3
3. Work ....................................................................................................................................... 5
4. Working with old people ........................................................................................................ 7
5. Doing something well............................................................................................................. 8
6. Rules ....................................................................................................................................... 9
7. Going out .............................................................................................................................. 10
8. Growing vegetables/fruits .................................................................................................... 11
9. Museums............................................................................................................................... 12
10. Taking a break .................................................................................................................... 14
11. Public places ....................................................................................................................... 15
12. Advertisements ................................................................................................................... 16
13. Crowded place .................................................................................................................... 16
14. Sharing ................................................................................................................................ 17
15. Machines at home ............................................................................................................... 18
16. Flowers ............................................................................................................................... 19
17. Taking photos ..................................................................................................................... 20
18. Making lists ........................................................................................................................ 20
19. Staying up late .................................................................................................................... 21
20. Remembering ..................................................................................................................... 22
21. Free time ............................................................................................................................. 23
22. Busy .................................................................................................................................... 23
23. Cooking .............................................................................................................................. 24
24. Patience............................................................................................................................... 24
25. Say thank you ..................................................................................................................... 26
26. Phone .................................................................................................................................. 27
27. Praise .................................................................................................................................. 28
28. Lending and borrowing ...................................................................................................... 29
29. Shoes................................................................................................................................... 30
30. Things you bring................................................................................................................. 30
31. Chatting .............................................................................................................................. 31
32. Fruits and vegetables .......................................................................................................... 32
33. Feeling happy ..................................................................................................................... 33
34. Shoes................................................................................................................................... 33
35. Plants .................................................................................................................................. 34
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PART 2 & 3.................................................................................................................................. 37
1. Describe a place with a lot of trees that you would like to visit (e.g. a forest, oasis) .......... 37
2. Describe a friend of yours who is good at music/singing..................................................... 38
3. Describe a wild animal that you want to know more about ................................................. 39
4. Describe a good friend who is important to you .................................................................. 40
5. Describe an occasion when you lost your way ..................................................................... 41
6. Describe a trip you would like to make again ...................................................................... 42
7. Describe a person you know who runs a family business .................................................... 45
8. Describe a natural talent that you would like to improve (sports, music, etc.) .................... 46
9. Describe a great dinner you and your friends or family members enjoyed .......................... 48
10. Describe a long journey you had ........................................................................................ 49
11. Describe an interesting traditional story ............................................................................. 53
12. Describe a time when the electricity suddenly went off ..................................................... 54
13. Describe a time when someone apologized to you ............................................................ 56
14. Describe a friend of yours who has a good habit ............................................................... 59
15. Describe an exciting activity you have tried for the first time ........................................... 61
16. Describe a creative person (e.g. an artist, a musician, etc.) you admire ............................. 62
17. Describe an important old thing that your family has kept for a long time........................ 63
18. Describe the time when you first talked in a foreign language .......................................... 64
19. Describe a time you saw something interesting on social media ....................................... 67
20. Describe a time when you broke something ....................................................................... 69
21. Describe a book you read that you found useful ................................................................ 70
22. Describe a toy you liked in your childhood ........................................................................ 71
23. Describe a successful sportsperson you admire ................................................................. 73
24. Describe an area/subject of science (biology, robotics, etc.) that you are interested in and
would like to learn more about ................................................................................................. 77
25. Describe an outdoor place where you can get close to nature ( e.g.park, beach..) ............. 79
26. Describe an interesting building you saw during a trip ...................................................... 81
27. A disagreement between two of your friends ..................................................................... 82
28. Someone who enjoys dressing well .................................................................................... 83
29. A movie that makes you laugh ........................................................................................... 86
30. A beautiful object you have seen (e.g. a piece of jewelry or a painting or a car) .............. 87
5. A time you enjoyed looking at the sky (e.g. birds or a sunset) ............................................ 88
32. A website that sells secondhand products .......................................................................... 91
33. A time you planned an activity with others ........................................................................ 93
34. An intelligent person you know ......................................................................................... 94
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35. A skill you are good at that you can teach others (e.g. drawing or dancing etc.) ............... 97
36. A place you visited where you could see a lot of animals .................................................. 98
37. Something that you are happy that someone persuaded you to do ..................................... 98
38. A city you have visited and want to visit again ................................................................ 100
39. Someone you didn't like at first but later became your friend .......................................... 100
40. An interesting conversation you had ................................................................................ 101
41. A sports event you want to watch as part of the audience ................................................ 102
42. A goal you have set and achieved .................................................................................... 104
43. A singer or a musician you like ........................................................................................ 107
44. An advertisement you have seen ...................................................................................... 108
45. An old person with an interesting life that you enjoy talking to ...................................... 109
46. A time you saw a child misbehave in public .................................................................... 112
47. A shop or store you enjoy going to .................................................................................. 113
48. An important decision you made with the help of someone ............................................ 115
49. An interesting article about health that you have read ..................................................... 116
50. Someone who wears unusual clothes ............................................................................... 118
51. A dinner you have enjoyed with your friends .................................................................. 120
52. A friend you have always had .......................................................................................... 122
53. A time you waited for a special thing ............................................................................... 123
54. A good service you received in a shop/company ............................................................. 125
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PART 1
1. Home/ accommodation
What kind of housing/accommodation do you live in?
I live in a terraced house that has a living room, a kitchen, three bed rooms, two bathrooms and a
lovely back garden. It’s not really a spacious house, but it’s just right for me and my family.
Who do you live with?
I live with my parents and my siblings. We always get on well with each other and have a lot of
fun.
How long have you lived there?
I’ve lived there since I was a child, until I graduated from high school and moved to the city to
enroll at university, where I lived in a student dormitory during the semester.
(If you answer you haven't lived there long)
What’s the difference between where you are living now and where you have lived in the
past?
Living in a dorm with other roommates is totally different from living in my own house.
My current residential area is quite small and it’s very noisy because there are a lot of people there
and I don’t have my own space. Conversely, when I was living at home, I had my own spacious
room and it made me feel comfortable.
Do you plan to live there for a long time?
To be honest, I intend to buy an apartment in an urban area after I graduate from university. I can
decorate and design my ideal home with whatever facilities I want.
Which room does your family spend most of the time in?
It’s definitely the kitchen. Not only lunch or dinner time but all our family reunions take place in
the kitchen where all the family members get together to eat tasty meals, and chat to each other –
it’s a really harmonious atmosphere.
Are the transport facilities to your home very good?
To be honest, most of the transport facilities to my place are not very modern. The bus service
from my work place to home is irregular and usually overcrowded.
Do you prefer living in a house or a flat?
I prefer living in a house to a flat because I value my privacy and need my own space. Owning an
independent house, I can plan and design a house layout to suit myself. Moreover, I can modify a
house according to the size of the family.
Please describe the room you live in.
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My current room is actually more like a bedsit. It is a multi – purpose room, I use it to sleep and
study as well. It is painted in pink, that’s my favorite color with a bed, a cupboard and desk. It’s
not really spacious but it’s just right for me.
What part of your home do you like the most ?
I prefer my bedroom most due to its convenience and privacy. Because of my stressful work I want
to be in a quiet place and concentrate on my work. In my own room, I’m never disturbed by anyone
else.
Moreover, in my own space I can do whatever I want without bothering others.
VOCABULARY
1. Terraced house (noun): (ngôi nhà trong dãy nhà cùng kiểu) a house connected on both sides
by other properties
Ex: In England, most people seem to live in terraced houses with lovely back gardens.
2. Back garden (noun phrase): (vườn ở phía sau nhà) a garden at the rear of the house.
Ex: I live in a terraced house that has a living room, a kitchen, three bed rooms, two bathrooms
and a lovely back garden.
3. Spacious (adjective): (rộng rãi) (of a room or building) large and with plenty of space for
people to move around in
Ex: The hotel rooms are spacious and comfortable.
4. Sibling(s) (noun): (anh/ chị em) a brother or sister
Ex: The younger children were badly treated by older siblings.
5. Get on well with sb (phrasal verb): (hòa hợp với ai đó) to have a friendly relationship with
somebody
Ex: She and her sister have never really got on well with each other.
6. Dormitory (noun): (kí túc xá) a room for several people to sleep in, especially in a school or
other institution
Ex: I’ve lived there since I was a child, until I graduated high school and moved to the city to
enroll in university where I lived in a dormitory.
7. Residential area (noun): (nơi ở) (of an area of a town) suitable for living in; consisting of
houses rather than factories or offices
Ex: It was not safe to locate the chemicals factory in a residential area.
8. Urban area (noun): (vùng thành thị) connected with a town or city
Ex: Pollution has reached disturbingly high levels in some urban areas.
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9. Reunion (noun): (tụ họp, xum họp) a social occasion or party attended by a group of people
who have not seen each other for a long time
Ex: The College has an annual reunion for former students.
10. Harmonious (adjective): (ấm cúng, yên bình) friendly, peaceful and without any
disagreement
Ex: It is important to have harmonious relations between the country's ethnic groups.
11. Irregular (adjective): not happening at the arranged time intervals
Ex: His irregular attendance at school resulted in his failure in the final exams.
12. Overcrowded (adjective): with too many people or things in it
Ex: The train was so overcrowded this evening that I was unable to find an empty seat.
13. Privacy (noun): being alone and not disturbed by other people
Ex: I read the letter in the privacy of my own room.
14. Suit oneself (verb): to do exactly what you like/want
Ex: Everyone had a different opinion about what colour to paint my room, so in the end I decided
to just suit myself.
15. Modify (verb): (sửa đổi, thay đổi) to change something slightly, especially in order to make
it more suitable for a particular purpose
Ex: We found it cheaper to modify the existing equipment rather than buy new.
16. Bedsit (noun): (phòng vừa để ngủ vừa để học, tiếp khách) a room that a person rents and uses
for both living and sleeping in
Ex: He lives in a tiny student bedsit used for both sleeping and studying.
17. Multi-purpose (adjective): (đa chức năng) having many different uses
Ex: This room is multi-purpose – we use it for meetings, interviews and taking breaks.
2. Study
Describe your education
I started primary school when I was 7. 5 years later, I went to secondary school at 12. Then at 16,
I made it to a high school for gifted students in my hometown. In my country, highschool education
lasts 3 years, then I went onto higher education at the Foreign Trade University where I’m
currently studying economics.
What is your area of specialization?
Well, my major is External Economics. I have mastered the basics of economics and socioeconomics, combined with business knowledge mainly related to the import and export business.
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Why did you choose to study that major?
I think it would help to fulfill my dream of introducing my country’s agricultural products to the
world. Vietnamese goods have a real potential, but they still struggle to make a name for
themselves, you know.
Do you like your major? (Why?/Why not?)
Yes, of course. Studying economics, especially external economics is interesting and practical. It
helps me to keep up with current affairs and it improves my analytical and problem-solving skills
as well.
What kind of school did you go to as a child?
As a child, I attended a public elementary school. It’s quite a big school in my hometown which
provides both high quality education and a supportive environment, so I think I was quite lucky.
What was your favourite subject as a child?
Well, I used to be very passionate about drawing when I was a little girl. It was fun to work with
brushes and colors, you know, as it was the time when I could indulge in my own creative world.
Do you think your country has an effective education system?
To be honest, I don’t think so. Our system has somehow become unduly stressful, does not
promote creativity and the ability to be critical due to the fact that our society still cares way too
much about grades and schools consequently focuses on an exam-driven curriculum, which I
find quite impractical.
(Possibly) Are you looking forward to working?
Absolutely! It’s great to join the workforce, especially when I can do the job I love. Not only will
it pay the bills, but it’ll also give me the joy of making a contribution. It’s hard to be happy and
fulfilled without working, you know.
VOCABULARY
1. Higher education (chương trình đại học) [n] post-18 learning that take places at universities
Example: According to a research, nearly 50 percent of Vietnamese students in U.S. higher
education are studying either business or engineering, with business-related majors making up 38
percent of all enrollments in 2012/13
2. Master (tinh thông, nắm vững) [v] learn how to do sowmthing well
Example: She lived in Italy for several years but never quite mastered the language.
3. Make a name for oneself (trở nên nổi tiếng) [idiom] become famous and respected by a lot
of people
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Example: By the time he was thirty-five, he had made a name for himself as a successful railway
contractor
4. Keep up with (cập nhật thông tin về cái gì) [idiom] be aware of
Example: Even though he's been travelling, he's kept up with what's going on back home
5. Analytical (thuộc về phân tích) [adj] using analysis or logical reasoning
Example: Analytical skills are essential in the workplace to ensure necessary problem solving
occurs to keep productivity and other areas of the workforce functioning smoothly
6. Elementary school (trường tiểu học) [n] primary school, school for children between 7-11
years old (in Vietnam)
Example: It’s essential that children at the official entry age for elementary school attend classes
fully.
7. Unduly (quá mức, không chính đáng) [adj] excessively/ to a level that more than is necessary,
acceptable, or reasonable
Example:
For every new parents, the decision about whether to vaccinate his or herchild has been unduly s
tressful
8. Exam-driven curriculum (chương trình học để phục vụ cho các kỳ thi) [expression] the
courses taught a school, college, which focus on teaching what will be on the exam
Example: Many parents believe that exam-driven curriculum can change their kid’s attitude
towards school in profoundly negative ways.
9. Pay the bills (trang trải cuộc sống) [ idioms] provide enough income to sustain one’s lifestyle
Example: Being a dentist isn’t so glamorous, but it pays the bills
3. Work
What do you do?
I’m currently working as a graphic designer for a fashion magazine for youngsters
What are your responsibilities?
Well I’m mainly responsible for designing the cover of the magazine. I normally work with the
concept team to make sure that the final product will both attract the potential buyer’s attention
and express the theme of the magazine.
Why did you choose to do that type of work (or, that job)?
I guess it’s because of my artistic passion. The process of creating beautiful things is somehow
intriguing to me, so I chose to be a graphic designer, which combines both art and technology.
It’s quite interesting, you know.
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Is there some other kind of work you would rather do?
Well, if possible, I’d like to be a freelance writer. Actually I’m a big fan of action movies, and I
also care about healthy living, so, I’d love to write about these topics and share my stories with
people of the same interest.
Describe the company or organization you work for
My company is not huge, it’s just a small art designoffice, but is definitely an inspirational
workplace with a young, creative, and extremely passionate team. We work on the basis of mutual
understanding and respect for each other, so it’s kind of an ideal environment for me.
Do you enjoy your work?
Most of the time. It’s rewarding to co-work on projects with amazing people in an open and
supportive environment to bring out an art production that will ultimately give me a sense of
satisfaction and pride.
What do you like about your job?
Well, the perk of being a graphic designer is that you’ll surround yourself with inspiring images
everyday. My daily working life involves seeking out inspiration in all sorts of places, researching
incredible illustrations and graphics, and creating them too. It’s great, I think.
What do you dislike about your job
What I don’t like about this job is that our personal taste in design varies, and normally I’ll have
to do a thousand edits to get the final product that meets the demand of my boss while still *
relating / staying faithful to /remaining trueto the initial concept.
* conform means ‘to behave according to the usual standards of behaviour that are expected by a
group or society’ – this does not relate to things like ‘concepts’.
(Possibly)Do you miss being a student?
Sometimes, when I’m burdened with heavy workloads or the pressure of everyday life, I recall the
memories of being a student. We were all carefree and innocent back then. It’s a precious time that
I cherish.
VOCABULARY
1. theme (đề tài, chủ đề) [n] the main subject of a talk, book, film, etc
Example: The father-daughter relationship is a recurring theme in her novels.
2. Intriguing (hấp dẫn, gợi thích thú) [adj] very interesting because of being unusual or
mysterious
Example: The Huns are intriguing not only because of their notoriously hawkish history, but also
because of their place as middlemen between Mongol and Turkic ethnicity
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3. On the basis of (trên cơ sở) [idiom] base on
Example: Discrimination on the basis of race, gender, age or disability is not allowed.
4. Rewarding (bổ ích, đáng làm) [adj] giving pleasure, satisfation
Example: The most rewarding aspect of living forever is you have unlimited time to perfect your
abilities and accumulate wealth.
5. Ultimately (cuối cùng thì, rút cục) [adv] at the end of a process, period of time, etc.
Example: Everything will ultimately depend on what is said at the meeting with the directors
next week.
6. Perk (đặc quyền, thù lao thêm) [n] an advantage or something extra that you are given because
of your job
Example: A company car and a mobile phone are some of the perks that come with the job.
7. Conform (to sth) (tuân theo) [v] obey the rule or reach the necessary stated standard
Example: Before buying the baby's car seat, make sure that it conforms to the official
safetystandards.
8. Cherish (yêu mến, coi trọng) [v] keep hopes, memories in your mind because they are
important to you and bring you pleasure
Example: I cherish the memories of the time we spent together
1. Chatting
1. Do you like chatting with friends?
2. What do you usually chat about with friends?
3. Do you prefer to chat with a group of people or with only one friend?
4. Do you prefer to communicate face-to-face or via social media?
5. Do you argue with friends?
4. Working with old people
1. Have you ever worked with old people?
Sample answer:
Yes, I have. I used to do some voluntary work at a nursing home, where I helped elderly people
with small daily tasks.
Voluntary work: công việc tình nguyện.
Nursing home: viện dưỡng lão.
Elderly people: người lớn tuổi, cách nói trang trọng hơn “old people”.
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2. Are you happy to work with people who are older than you?
Sample answer:
Yes, I am. Older people are usually very patient and understanding, so working with them makes
me feel calm and respected.
Patient: kiên nhẫn.
Understanding: thấu hiểu.
3. What are the advantages of working with old people?
Sample answer:
I think the biggest advantage is their life experience. They often give good advice and share
valuable lessons that young people like me can learn from.
Life experience: kinh nghiệm sống.
Advice: lời khuyên.
Lessons: bài học.
5. Doing something well
1. Do you have an experience that you did something well?
Sample answer:
Yes, I remember once I gave a short presentation in English at university. I was quite nervous at
first, but in the end, everything went smoothly. My classmates paid attention, and I felt proud
because I had prepared carefully and managed to deliver my ideas clearly.
Presentation: bài thuyết trình.
Nervous: lo lắng.
Go smoothly: diễn ra suôn sẻ.
Deliver ideas clearly: truyền đạt ý tưởng rõ ràng.
2. Do you have an experience that your teacher thought you did a good job?
Sample answer:
Yes, my English teacher once praised me after I wrote an essay. She said my arguments were
logical and well-organized. That really boosted my confidence and made me want to put more
effort into writing in the future.
Praise: khen ngợi.
8
Arguments: lập luận.
Well-organized: sắp xếp hợp lý.
Confidence: sự tự tin.
3. Do you often tell your friends when they do something well?
Sample answer:
Yes, I often do. I think giving a compliment can motivate them and make our friendship stronger.
For example, when my friend cooks something delicious, I always say it tastes great. It’s a simple
way to show support and encouragement.
Compliment: lời khen.
Motivate: khích lệ.
Support and encouragement: sự ủng hộ và động viên.
6. Rules
1. Are there any rules for students at your school?
Sample answer:
Yes, of course. We had some common rules like wearing a uniform, arriving on time, and not
using mobile phones in class.
Uniform: đồng phục.
Arrive on time: đến đúng giờ.
2. Do you think students would benefit more from more rules?
Sample answer:
Not really. I think too many rules can make students feel stressed. A few clear and reasonable rules
are enough to create a good learning environment.
Reasonable: hợp lý.
Learning environment: môi trường học tập.
3. What rules did your teacher tell you when you were a child
Sample answer:
When I was a child, my teachers often told us to keep quiet during lessons, always do our
homework, and show respect to classmates and teachers.
Keep quiet: giữ trật tự.
Respect: sự tôn trọng.
4. Did any teacher require you to strictly follow these rules?
9
Sample answer:
Yes, my math teacher was quite strict. She always reminded us to finish homework on time, and
if we broke the rules, we had to stay after class.
Strict: nghiêm khắc.
Break the rules: vi phạm nội quy.
7. Going out
1. (Who do you usually want to go out with?)
(Answer) Well, I only love hanging out with my best friend.
(Give a reason for your answer) My best friend is Phuong Chau, in whom I can confide. We
have known each other since high school and maintained this special bond till now. To me, she is
a dependable and sincere friend who is always willing to do stupid things with me, who gave me
a lot of motivation to overcome fierce times. When I find myself going through a hard time, she
has never failed to cheer me up and sailed me through both emotional and academic setbacks.
2. (How often do you go out with your friends?)
(Answer) In fact, I don’t usually.
(Give a reason for your answer) I’m quite an introvert and somehow prudent in my
relationships, so I consider few to be my close friends. Actually, I usually don’t get on well with
complicated people. Therefore, there are few occasions that allow me to go out and interact with
others.
3. (Where do you like to go when you are out with your friends?)
(Answer) Well, that depends.
(Give a reason for your answer) We sometimes go to restaurants to enjoy tasty food if someone
finds a decent place; and if we have plenty of time, we like to plan a hike or camp in the nearby
forest park to enjoy the outdoor life. They make very memorable experiences.
4. (Do you like to go out with a big group or just with some friends?)
(Answer) To me, it's better to have 3 or 4 genuine friends than a lot of acquaintances.
(Give a reason for your answer) As I put it, I am generally more of an introvert, so I prefer to
get to know my smaller friend group better than hanging out with large groups all the time. We
enrich each other, support each other and like each other. I would never have maintained such
tight, enduring bonds if I hadn’t narrowed my circle. In the end, whether one has a small, cozy
group of friends or a larger, more boisterous gaggle may depend on individual personalities and
circumstances.
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VOCABULARY:
1. confide [v]: to tell something secret or personal to someone who you trust not to tell anyone
else: tâm sự
Eg: As sisters, they have always confided in each other.
2. dependable [adj]: if someone or something is dependable, you can have confidence in him, her,
or it: đáng tin cậy
Eg: I need someone dependable to take care of the children while I'm at work.
3. motivation [n]: enthusiasm for doing something: động lực
Eg: He's a bright enough student - he just lacks motivation.
4. setback [n]: something that happens that delays or prevents a process from developing: sự trở
ngại
Eg: There has been a slight/temporary setback in our plans.
5. introvert [n]: someone who is shy, quiet, and prefers to spend time alone rather than often being
with other people: người hướng nội
Eg: If introverts are easier to socialize, this level will be achieved with less effort and attention
than with extroverts.
6. prudent [adj]: careful and avoiding risks: thận trọng
Eg: It's always prudent to read a contract carefully before signing it.
7. get on (well) with [expression]: to have a pleasant relationship with someone; to be friends with
someone: hòa thuận với ai
Eg: I've always gotten on with Amanda—I think she's very nice.
8. decent [adj]: socially acceptable or good: tốt, tử tế
Eg: Everyone should be entitled to a decent wage/standard of living.
9. enduring [adj]: existing for a long time: lâu bền
Eg: I shall be left with many enduring memories of the time I spent in India.
10. boisterous [adj]: noisy, energetic, and rough: náo nhiệt, ồn ào
Eg: Disputes have once again broken out between the boisterous children in the class.
8. Growing vegetables/fruits
1. Are you interested in growing vegetables and fruits?
Sample answer:
Yes, I am quite interested. I think it’s a healthy hobby because you can eat fresh food that you
grow by yourself.
Healthy hobby: sở thích lành mạnh.
Fresh food: thực phẩm tươi.
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2. Is growing vegetables popular in your country?
Sample answer:
Yes, it is. Many people in Vietnam, especially in the countryside, grow vegetables in their gardens
for daily use.
Countryside: nông thôn.
For daily use: để dùng hằng ngày.
3. Do many people grow vegetables in your city?
Sample answer:
Not many. In big cities, most people live in apartments, so it’s hard to have space for a garden.
Some people grow vegetables in pots on their balconies, though.
Apartment: căn hộ.
Balcony: ban công.
4. Do you think it’s easy to grow vegetables?
Sample answer:
It depends. Some vegetables are quite easy to grow, like lettuce or spinach, but others need more
care and experience.
It depends: còn tùy.
Care and experience: sự chăm sóc và kinh nghiệm.
5. Should schools teach students how to grow vegetables?
Sample answer:
Yes, I think so. It can help students learn about nature, develop patience, and understand the value
of food.
Develop patience: rèn luyện sự kiên nhẫn.
The value of food: giá trị của thực phẩm.
9. Museums
1. (Do you go on field trips to museums to learn history?)
(Answer) Yes, I sometimes do.
(Give a reason for your answer) As I see it, this kind of educational trip is a beneficial way for a
student to acquire both knowledge and experience. History teachers in my school often organize
trips to museums with a view to familiarizing students with historical events or figures in a more
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fascinating way. I remember all students were always in eager anticipation before trips to
museums like this.
2. (Do you learn much history at school?)
(Answer) Well, history is actually my favorite subject at school
(Give a reason for your answer) I’m quite enthusiastic about delving into the past and learning
from the mistakes our forefathers used to make. Besides, my History teacher in high school always
delivered engaging lessons, and unlike other teachers who compelled students to learn to get good
grades, she showed the beauty of learning and encouraged us to pursue our own interests. After
entering higher education, I still contact her from time to time.
3. (When was the last time you read a history publication?)
(Answer) I’m genuinely interested in history books, so I read them on a frequent basis.
(Give a reason for your answer) The recent one I read has an unpredictable plot and it has
received widespread acclaim from book critics around the world.
VOCABULARY FROM EDUCATION:
higher education:
Meaning: education, usually in a college or university that is followed after high school or
secondary school
Example: Higher education is only suitable for those committed enough to learning.
OTHER VOCABULARY:
1. with a view to [expression]: with an intention to do sth: với mục đích làm gì đó
Eg: The politician reveals the truth with a view to gaining more faith from the public.
2. fascinating [adj]: extremely interesting and attractive: thú vị, lôi cuốn
Eg: Your trip to Alaska sounds absolutely fascinating.
3. anticipation [n]: a feeling of excitement about something that is going to happen in the near
future: sự mong chờ
Eg: The postponement of the film's sequel has held cinemagoers in eager anticipation for several
months.
4. (be) enthusiastic about [adj]: showing enthusiasm: hào hứng về
Eg: Marcias’s lifelong interest in science learning stems from growing up as the oldest child in a
family enthusiastic about learning.
5. pursue [v]: to try to achieve something: theo đuổi
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Eg: Liam plans to pursue a career in advertising.
6. from time to time [expression]: sometimes: thỉnh thoảng
Eg: I meet my old friends from time to time.
7. unpredictable [adj]: likely to change suddenly and without reason and therefore not able to be
predicted (= expected before it happens) or depended on: không đoán trước được
Eg: The weather there can be unpredictable - one minute it's blue skies and the next minute it's
pouring rain.
8. acclaim [n]: public approval and praise: sự nán dương
Eg: Despite the critical acclaim, the novel did not sell well.
9. Vinegar (n) a liquid with a bitter taste made from wine or malt, used to add taste to food or to
preserve it
onions pickled in vinegar
10. Taking a break
Do you prefer a long break or several breaks?
I think that I would choose several breaks rather than a long break. Life is getting harsh these days
and I believe that several breaks can help me relieve stress from working and studying effectively.
How often do you take a break?
Well, I often take breaks when studying or working for a long time to give my eyes a short rest. If
I had to focus on one task for a long time, I could not perform well.
What do you usually do during a break?
If it is a short break, I will drink a cup of coffee, which helps me stay awake and refresh my mind.
However, during long breaks, I will take a nap or grab something to eat to get more energy before
turning back to my work.
When do you usually have a break?
I am currently a student; therefore, my studying schedule is quite tense. However, we always have
long breaks in summers, which can take up to 2 or 3 months.
Vocabulary
Harsh (adjective): Khắc nghiệt
The children had had a harsh upbringing
To relieve stress (verb): Giải tỏa căng thẳng
I need to travel so that I can relieve stress.
Awake (adjective): Thức, tỉnh táo.
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Are the children still awake?
Take a nap (verb): Chợp mắt (1 giấc nghỉ ngắn)
I need to take a nap; otherwise, I would skip the afternoon class.
Tense (adjective): Căng thẳng.
Example: The situation between the USA and North Korea is getting tense.
11. Public places
1. Do you usually go to public places with your friends?
Sample answer:
Yes, I often do. On weekends, my friends and I usually go to cafés, shopping malls, or sometimes
public parks. I enjoy these places because they are lively and give us a chance to hang out and
relax together.
Cafés: quán cà phê.
Hang out: đi chơi, tụ tập.
Lively: sôi động.
2. Do you think your place should add more public places?
Sample answer:
Yes, definitely. In my city, there are not enough parks or open spaces. If we had more public
facilities, people could do more outdoor activities, which would improve their health and create a
stronger sense of community.
Public facilities: cơ sở hạ tầng công cộng.
Sense of community: tinh thần cộng đồng.
Outdoor activities: hoạt động ngoài trời.
3. Do you wear headphones when you are in public places?
Sample answer:
Yes, quite often. I usually wear headphones when I travel on buses or walk in crowded streets
because listening to music makes me feel more relaxed. But I try to keep the volume at a safe level
so I can still stay aware of my surroundings.
Headphones: tai nghe.
Crowded streets: những con phố đông đúc.
Aware of my surroundings: nhận biết xung quanh.
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12. Advertisements
Are there many advertisements in your country?
I would say yes. You can easily see a wide range of advertisements almost everywhere in my
hometown. For example, almost half of a newspaper is made up of ads.
Why do you think there are so many advertisements now?
I guess it’s due to their benefits. First, advertising is an essential part of promotional campaigns
for companies to reach their end users. It helps raise the visibility of a company's brand. Second,
advertisements can act as decoration on the street. I find a street better-looking with
advertisements.
What are the various places where we see advertisements?
Today advertising gets to people through different forms of communication, from print media to
electronic ones, soyou can see advertisements on websites, social networks or in the newspapers
and magazines. There are also ads you see outdoors as well, for example, large banners and posters
hung on the roads, on the buses or trains.
How do you feel about advertisements?
Most people may find those ways of product promotion annoying, but I’m an exception. I’m quite
into advertisements. They’re colourful, brilliantly designed, illustrated, photographed or typeset
pieces and often have useful, informative contents.
VOCABULARY
1. Promotional campaign: [noun] A series of advertisements using various marketing tools that
share the same message and ideas to promote a business or event to a target audience.
Example: Promotional campaigns play a crucial role in the marketing strategy of a company.
2. End users: [noun] Person or organization that actually uses a product
Example: We provide the best quality products to our end users.
3. Print media: [noun] refers to paper publications circulated in the form of physical editions of
newspapers, articles, journals, etc
4. Electronic media: [noun] refers to television, radio, etc
5. Informative: [adjective] giving useful information
Example: The professor’s lecture was very informative and I learned a lot from it.
13. Crowded place
1. What places do you think are often crowded?
→ Well, I think well-known tourist attractions and shopping malls usually attract a lot of people
since these are ideal sites for them to broaden their knowledge as well as entertain themselves.
2. When was the last time you were in a crowded place?
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→ It was actually yesterday when I visited Landmark 81, the tallest building in Vietnam. We had
to queue for 30 minutes before having a table at a restaurant there.
3. How do you feel when you are in a crowded place?
→ To be honest, it depends on the events or places that I am participating in. For example, I really
love big crowds at concerts or bars, where I can socialize and bond with people
VOCABULARY HIGHLIGHTS:
1. Ideal (adjective): Lí tưởng.
Example: Going to Singapore would be ideal for this summer’s vacation.
2. Broaden one’s knowledge (verb): Mở mang kiến thức.
Example: I think reading books can help me broaden my knowledge.
3. Queue (verb): Xếp hàng.
Example: Everyone who wants to buy shoes please queue here.
4. Bond (verb): Gắn chặt, thắt chặt (về mặt tình cảm)
Example: Going on a family trip is a great way to bond together.
14. Sharing
1. Have you had anything to share with others recently?
→ Yes. I was actually quite nervous about my upcoming finals. Therefore, I went to see my sister
to tell her my concerns and she gave me a pep talk.
2. Did your parents teach you to share when you were a child?
→ They did encourage me and my siblings to speak our minds if we needed to. My parents told
me that sharing can lift people’s spirits and get rid of negative energy.
3. What kind of things do you like to share with others?
→ I usually talk with my friends about how I spend my day. Sometimes I even share food with
my colleagues because I often buy snacks for the workplace.
4. What kind of things are not suitable for sharing?
→ Personally, I think people should keep personal information to themselves in case anyone takes
advantage of that information and intentionally does harmful things.
VOCABULARY HIGHLIGHTS:
1. Pep talk (noun): Lời động viên, cổ vũ.
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Example: The coach came and gave a pep talk to his team.
2. Speak one’s mind: Nêu ra suy nghĩ, ý kiến, quan điểm của ai đó.
Example: Everyone feels free to speak their mind in this section.
3. Lift one’s spirit: Làm ai đó vui hơn.
Example: My advice really lifted his spirits.
4. Get rid of: Bỏ đi.
Example: You should get rid of these clothes since they are old-fashioned.
5. Keep something to oneself: Giữ cái gì đó cho riêng mình.
Example: Keep your information to yourself! Don’t tell anyone about this
6. Take advantage of: Lợi dụng, tận dụng cái gì đó.
Example: You should take advantage of your time to travel more.
15. Machines at home
1. What machines do you have at home?
Sample answer:
At home, I have some common machines like a washing machine, a microwave oven, and of course
a vacuum cleaner. These machines save me a lot of time, especially when I’m busy with work.
Washing machine: máy giặt.
Microwave oven: lò vi sóng.
Vacuum cleaner: máy hút bụi.
Save time: tiết kiệm thời gian.
2. How often do you use them?
Sample answer:
I use them almost every day. For example, I use the washing machine twice a week, the microwave
almost daily, and the vacuum cleaner at least once a week to keep the house clean.
Almost daily: gần như hằng ngày.
Keep the house clean: giữ nhà sạch sẽ.
3. Do you think machines make people’s lives easier?
Sample answer:
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Yes, absolutely. Machines make life more convenient because they reduce the amount of manual
work we have to do. Without them, I think people would spend much more time on household
chores.
Convenient: tiện lợi.
Manual work: công việc thủ công.
Household chores: việc nhà.
16. Flowers
1. Do Vietnamese people like to send flowers to others as gifts?
Yes. I believe not only do the Vietnamese people but people from all cultures prefer to give flowers
or a bouquet as gifts. They convey meaning and that’s why people buy flowers – to say something
to the receivers. Something like “Best wishes to you” or “I hope you feel better soon” or “we’re
here for you”.
2. Have you ever sent flowers to people?
Yes. I used to order flowers through an online florist and it was quite a good experience. That time
I was studying in a foreign country and wanted to send flowers to my mother.
3. What kinds of flowers are popular in VietNam?
Well there are a lot of flowers in Vietnam, but I think the top most beautiful Vietnamese blossoms
that nature has bestowed on the country are Lotus flowers, Peach blossom, roses, Orchid and
Chrysanthemum.
4. Are fake flowers popular in VietNam?
Yes, they are. You will easily find lots of beautiful and handmade fake plants and flowers in
Vietnam market. They really look like you've just picked them from the garden. And they are not
only realistic for the eye to see but also made from materials that makes you think they are real
when you touch them.
VOCABULARY:
1. Convey (v) to make ideas, feelings, etc. known to somebody
Ex: Colours like red convey a sense of energy and strength
2. Bestow (v) bestow something (on/upon somebody) to give something to somebody, especially
to show how much they are respected
Ex: It was a title bestowed upon him by the king.
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17. Taking photos
1. Do you like taking photos?
Yes, I like taking photographs. For me, photographs are the memories of good times and special
events. I love to capture special moments, interesting things, beautiful scenery and my beloved
ones. They are reminders of good times.
2. Do you take a mirror with you?
I do not always bring a mirror with me. I only use them at home during putting my make-up on or
before leaving the house. When I go outside, I prefer to use my mobile’s front camera instead.
3. Do you want to improve your picture taking skills?
Yes, I do. I think whether your interest is professional or you simply like taking pictures for fun,
solid photography skills can be very useful.
18. Making lists
Do you make a list when you shop?
Yes, I do. Every time I go the super market, I make a shopping list so that I can focus on the stuff
I really need, thus saving a lot of my time and energy.
Do you make a list for your work? (Does it work?)
Not all the time. It depends on if my schedule is busy or not. For example, I always make my todo list work for November and December because at that time I have exams. Therefore, I make a
to-do list to get organized and help me focus on the most urgent things I have to get done first. By
doing this, I can get things done faster and more productively.
Why don't some people like making lists?
Well some of my friends never make to-do lists because they find it does not work for them. They
get so overwhelmed just by looking at all the things they need to do and they feel that they are
continuously adding to their list but not reducing it.
Do you prefer making a list on paper or mobile phone?
I prefer using a digital to-do list because it is extremely convenient. It gives me the liberty to
change and update my lists conveniently. Additionally, I can add tags to activities that need
attention as a priority. I can also have a daily set of tasks that repeat themselves and I can move
tasks, up and down, depending on their sequence.
VOCABULARY:
1. Overwhelmed (adj) to cause someone to feel sudden strong emotion
She was overwhelmed by the feelings of remorse for what she has done
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2. Priority (noun) something that is very important and must be dealt with before other things
We need to establish a new set of priorities.
19. Staying up late
1. Do you often stay up late at night? (Why/Why not?)
No, I don't usually stay up late at night. I prioritize maintaining a consistent sleep schedule to
ensure I get enough rest for my physical and mental well-being. Adequate sleep is essential for
cognitive function, mood regulation, and overall health. Therefore, I make a conscious effort to
establish a bedtime routine that allows me to unwind and relax before sleep, which typically
involves avoiding screens, engaging in calming activities like reading or meditation, and ensuring
my sleeping environment is conducive to restful sleep.
2. Did you stay up late more often when you were younger? (Why/Why not?)
Yes, when I was younger, I tended to stay up later than I do now. This behavior was partly
influenced by a more flexible schedule and fewer responsibilities. Additionally, as a teenager or
young adult, I may have been more inclined to stay up late due to social activities, academic
obligations, or simply enjoying the freedom of staying awake longer. However, as I've grown
older, I've come to appreciate the importance of prioritizing sleep and adopting healthier habits to
support my overall well-being.
3. What do you generally do when you stay up late? (Why/Why not?)
On the rare occasions when I do stay up late, I try to make the most of my time by engaging in
activities that are both enjoyable and productive. For instance, I might use the extra hours to catch
up on work or study if necessary. Alternatively, I might indulge in leisure activities such as
watching a movie, reading a book, or spending quality time with loved ones. However, I am
mindful of not engaging in stimulating activities that could disrupt my ability to fall asleep later
on. Overall, I strive to strike a balance between making the most of my time and ensuring that I
prioritize my sleep needs for optimal health and well-being.
VOCABULARY:
Cognitive
1. Definition: Relating to the mental processes of perception, memory, judgment, and reasoning.
2. Example: Regular exercise has been shown to improve cognitive function and overall brain
health.
Regulation
1. Definition: The act of controlling or maintaining something according to a set of rules or
standards.
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Example: The body's regulation of temperature is essential for maintaining homeostasis.
Conducive
Definition: Making a certain situation or outcome likely or possible.
Example: A quiet room with dim lighting is conducive to a good night's sleep.
Inclined
Definition: Feeling willing or favorably disposed toward something.
Example: He was inclined to accept the job offer after considering all the benefits.
Stimulating
Definition: Encouraging or arousing interest or enthusiasm.
Example: Caffeine is a stimulating substance that can keep you awake and alert.
Optimal
Definition: Best or most favorable.
Example: Drinking plenty of water and getting enough sleep are optimal practices for good health.
20. Remembering
1. Do you often try to remember things?
Sample answer:
Yes, I do. I often need to remember my daily tasks and appointments. To make it easier, I usually
write them down in a notebook or set a reminder on my phone.
Appointments: các cuộc hẹn.
Reminder: lời nhắc.
2. Why do some people have a good memory?
Sample answer:
I think it’s because they practice using their memory a lot. For example, some people read and
review things regularly, which helps them retain information better.
Practice: luyện tập.
Retain information: ghi nhớ thông tin.
3. Why do some people have poor memory?
Sample answer:
Maybe because they don’t pay attention, or they are under too much stress. When people are
distracted, it’s hard to recall details later.
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Distracted: mất tập trung.
Recall details: nhớ lại chi tiết.
4. Have you ever forgotten something important?
Sample answer:
Yes, once I forgot my friend’s birthday. I felt really guilty about it. Since then, I always put
important dates in my phone calendar so I won’t make the same mistake again.
Feel guilty: cảm thấy có lỗi.
Calendar: lịch.
21. Free time
What do you usually do on weekends?
Well literally anything. I’m supposed to do chores on Saturday and it takes me hours to do one.
On Sunday, I usually schedule a meeting with my friends. We mostly just eat out, drink craft beers
and play board games, but we occasionally watch a movie or go to an event in the city.
Would you say weekends are important to us?
Yes, I could say, that weekends are really important. Weekends give us the chance to improve on
ourselves as people rather than always improving our professional skills, to spend time with friends
and family, and to plan a weekend trip in a nearby place. Thanks to weekends, we are more relaxed
and productive when we go back to work.
Do you often go to the cinema on weekends?
I probably only go once every two or three months because I have less time now than I did when
I was a student, and when I do have free time, I usually want to hang out with my friends and have
a chat, rather than sit down and watch films.
VOCABULARY:
1. Take (time) to do something: to spend enough time to do something well or carefully
It took her two hours to travel from Hanoi to Phu Tho
2. Hang out with (phrasal verb) to spend a lot of time in a place or with someone
They spent the whole Saturday hanging out by the lake
22. Busy
1. Are you busier now than when you were a child?
Definitely, I’m much busier now with work and studies. As a child, life was more carefree with
fewer responsibilities.
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Carefree: Vô tư, không lo lắng
Responsibilities: Trách nhiệm
2. When was the last time you were busy?
Last week, I was swamped with deadlines for a project. I barely had time to unwind.
Swamped: Ngập đầu, rất bận rộn
Unwind: Thư giãn, nghỉ ngơi
3. How do you feel when you’re busy?
I feel energized when I’m productive, but too much work can make me overwhelmed.
Energized: Tràn đầy năng lượng
Overwhelmed: Quá tải, căng thẳng
4. Do you enjoy being busy?
Sometimes, I enjoy being busy as it keeps me motivated. But I prefer a balanced lifestyle with
some downtime.
Motivated: Có động lực
Balanced: Cân bằng
23. Cooking
1. Do you do some cooking/help your family cook at home now?
Well, I do help my mom with some cooking, but as an assistant; only because I’m not very
experienced in cooking actually. I would do some prep work like: rinsing vegetables, peeling the
fruit or something like that.
2. Did you do some house cleaning when you were young?
Yes, I did, but not frequently. I only did house cleaning at the weekend as I went to school every
day. And there were just some simple chores like: washing dishes, taking out the rubbish or
washing the clothes.
3. Do you have breakfast at home every day?
Well, not every day. If I get up late and don’t have much time, I grab a bag of toast on my way to
school. But If I’m not in a hurry, I’d eat breakfast at home with family members.
24. Patience
1. What do you think "patience" is?
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Well, I suppose “patience” indicates a person’s capacity to wait or to endure delay or something
tedious or annoying without complaining and getting riled about it.
2. Do you think patience is important?
Yes, being patient is vital because it is helpful in many situations.Being impatient does not solve
the problems but causes more trouble. Also, individual people tend to like patient people because
they usually have calm attitudes and an easy-going personality.
3. (Possibly) Do you think being patient is an important part of being polite?
Of course, being patient shows your respectful and thoughtful attitudes to others. For example,
at the coffee shop, people have to queue in line and wait patiently for their turn.
4. Would you say you are a patient person?
Generally, I’m an impatient person because I hate waiting for other people. I can easily get
annoyed if my friends do not turn up on time. However, in certain situations, I can remain patient,
like studying English every day without feeling bored.
5. Have you ever lost your patience?
Yes, I have. Last week, I planned to hang out with my friend at the KFC restaurant. But my friend
didn’t come and she made me wait for more than thirty minutes. I called her and she didn’t even
respond to it. Being tired of waiting for so long, I just left her a message reproaching her and
saying that she did not need to come any more. I was so angry that I did not talk to her for a few
days.
6. What do you become impatient about?
As I mentioned previously, I loathe waiting for individuals or something taking up too much time.
It usually makes me feel upset and irritated.
VOCABULARY:
1. tedious (adjective) boring
Ex: The problem is I find most forms of exercise so tedious.
2. get riled (expression) to get very annoyed (vô cùng tức giận)
Ex: I got riled when the shop assistant was rude to me.
3. easy-going (adjective) relaxed and happy to accept things without worrying (dễ gần, thoải mái)
Ex: She won’t get angry if you’re late, she’s very easy-going.
4. respectful (adjective) showing politeness or honor to someone or something (kính trọng)
Ex: There was a respectful two-minute silence as we remembered the soldiers who had died in
the war.
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5. thoughtful (adjective) carefully considering things (thận trọng, chín chắn)
Ex: He has a thoughtful approach to his work, planning everything well.
6. queue (verb) to wait in a line of people, often to buy something (xếp hàng nối đuôi nhau)
Ex: Dozens of people were queuing up to get tickets.
7. get annoyed (verb phrase): become angry (tức giận)
Ex: He got annoyed at the way she tried to take over the whole meeting.
8. turn up (phrasal verb): to arrive (đến, xuất hiện)
Ex: We arranged to meet at midday, but he didn’t turn up.
9. loathe (verb) hate somebody or something very much (ghét)
Ex: From an early age the brothers have loathed each other.
10. hang out with somebody (expression) spend time with somebody(đi chơi với ai)
Ex: When I have free time, I hang out with friends and we listen to music or chat.
11. reproach (verb) to criticize someone, especially for not being successful or not doing what
is expected (sự trách mằng, chỉ trích)
Ex: His mother reproached him for not eating all his dinner.
12. irritated (adjective) annoyed (giận dữ)
Ex: I began to get increasingly irritated at her foolish questions
25. Say thank you
1. Do you often say “thank you”?
Sample answer:
Yes, I say it almost every day. For example, I thank my friends when they help me, or even
strangers when they open the door for me. Saying thank you is a simple way to show good manners.
Good manners: cách cư xử lịch sự.
2. In what situations do you say “thank you”?
Sample answer:
I usually say it when someone does me a favor, like lending me something or giving me advice. I
also say thanks when I receive a gift, no matter how small or big it is.
Do someone a favor: giúp đỡ ai đó.
Small or big: dù nhỏ hay lớn.
3. How do you feel when people thank you?
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Sample answer:
I feel really happy and appreciated. A simple “thank you” can give me a sense of recognition and
motivate me to help again in the future.
Appreciated: được trân trọng.
Recognition: sự ghi nhận.
4. Do you think people should be taught to say “thank you”?
Sample answer:
Yes, definitely. Children should learn it from a young age because it teaches them respect and
helps build positive relationships with others.
Respect: sự tôn trọng.
Relationships: mối quan hệ.
26. Phone
1. Do you have a mobile phone (= “a cell phone”)?
→(Answer) Yes, I do. I currently have one which has recently come onto the technology market,
which is an IphoneX.
2. What do you use it for?
→ (Answer)Mostly, I use it for my study and work. (Give a reason for your answer) I check my
emails when I get up in the morning, search for information about my lessons. Moreover, I also
let off steam by playing games or watching movies on the phone.
3. How often do you use it?
→ (Answer) Obviously I use a mobile phone on a regular basis, (Give a reason for your answer)
I mainly use it to keep in touch with my family, friends, besides, I also entertain myself by playing
games on my phone to kill my free time.
4. When did you get your first mobile phone?
→ (Answer) I remember being bought a smartphone when I was a 10th grader. (Give a reason for
your answer) It was my birthday gift from my parents. It was an Iphone 5, which was quite highpriced at that time due to my family background.
5. How did you feel when you got your first mobile phone?
→(Answer) It was mind-blowing!. (Give a reason for your answer) I was a university student and
didn’t earn my living at that time. So, owning a mobile phone was really a shock for me.
Come onto the market (expression): Đưa vào thị trường
Example: This product just came onto the market 3 months ago.
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Let off steam (expression): Giaỉ tỏa căng thẳng.
Example: She decided to go to karaoke to let off some steam.
On a regular basis (expression): Thường xuyên.
Example: You should do homework on a regular basis.
Kill time (expression): Giết thời gian.
Example: Having nothing to do, she went shopping all day to kill time.
High-priced (adjective): Đắt đỏ.
Example: This TV is too high-priced to afford.
Mind-blowing (adjective): Sững sờ, ngạc nhiên.
Example: The surprise party was really mind-blowing for him.
Earn my living (expression): Tự kiếm ra tiền.
Example: Working is the only way to earn our living.
27. Praise
1. Have you ever received praise from your teacher?
Sample answer:
Yes, I remember once my English teacher praised me for writing a good essay. She said my ideas
were clear and well-structured, which really boosted my confidence.
Praise: lời khen.
Well-structured: có bố cục hợp lý.
Confidence: sự tự tin.
2. How did you feel when you were praised?
Sample answer:
I felt really happy and motivated. A simple word of praise can make me feel that my effort is
recognized and it encourages me to keep working harder.
Motivated: có động lực.
Recognized: được công nhận.
3. Do you think it is good to praise children?
Sample answer:
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Yes, I think so. Praising children can help them build self-confidence and develop a positive
attitude toward learning. But it should be honest, not too much, so that they still know the value of
real effort.
Self-confidence: sự tự tin vào bản thân.
Attitude: thái độ.
Real effort: nỗ lực thật sự.
28. Lending and borrowing
1. Have you borrowed books from others?
Yes, I have. I often borrow books from my friends or family, especially when I’m looking for
something specific that I don’t own. For example, last month, I borrowed a novel from my best
friend because it was highly recommended, and I didn’t want to spend money buying it. It’s a great
way to share knowledge and save money.
2. Have you ever borrowed money from others?
Yes, but only in emergencies or for small amounts. For instance, once I forgot my wallet at home
and had to borrow some cash from a colleague to buy lunch. I always make sure to pay it back as
soon as possible because I believe borrowing money can strain relationships if not handled
properly.
3. Do you like to lend things to others?
It depends on the item and the person. If it’s something I don’t use often and I trust the person, I’m
happy to lend it. However, I’m a bit hesitant with things that are valuable or sentimental. For
example, I wouldn’t lend my laptop to just anyone because it’s essential for my work.
4. How do you feel when people don't return things they borrowed from you?
It’s quite frustrating, to be honest. It makes me lose trust in that person, and I’d probably think
twice before lending them anything again. For example, I once lent a book to a classmate, and they
never returned it, which made me feel disappointed and disrespected.
VOCABULARY:
1. Frugal (adj): Tiết kiệm, không lãng phí.
Example: My friend is very frugal, so she rarely borrows money from others.
2. Reciprocate (v): Đáp lại, đền đáp.
Example: When someone lends me something, I always try to reciprocate by helping them in
return.
3. Default (v): Không trả nợ, vỡ nợ.
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Example: It’s frustrating when people default on returning borrowed items.
29. Shoes
What’s your favorite type of shoes? Do you know anyone who likes to buy a lot of shoes?
Well, I mostly wear sneakers rather than other kinds of shoes because I find them comfortable. I
also go for flip-flops so that I can slip them on and off whenever I need to. I have a friend who
buys shoes as if money is no object. I think she must own nearly 40 pairs of shoes.
Have you ever bought shoes online? How often do you buy shoes?
→ Yes, I buy shoes online on a regular basis because of the convenience and the diversity of
options. However, I don’t have money to throw around, so I only buy shoes if it’s necessary.
VOCABULARY HIGHLIGHTS:
1. Sneakers (noun): Giày thể thao.
VD: These sneakers look so fashionable! You should really buy one.
2. Flip-flops (noun): Dép lào.
VD: You shouldn’t wear flip-flops in formal situations.
3. Slip something on and off (phrase): Đeo vào hoặc cởi ra dễ dàng.
VD: I choose shoes that aren’t laces-up because I can slip them on and off easily
4. Money is no object (Idiom): Tiền bạc không thành vấn đề.
VD: She goes shopping every week as if money is no object.
5. On a regular basis (Expression): Thường xuyên.
VD: You should go to the gym on a regular basis so that you can lose weight.
6. Have money to splash around (Expression): Có tiền để phung phí.
VD: I don’t have money to splash around! Don’t ask me to hang out anymore!.
30. Things you bring
1. What things do you usually bring when you go out?
Sample answer:
I usually bring my phone, wallet, and keys. Sometimes I also carry a water bottle if it’s a hot day,
because I like to stay hydrated.
Wallet: ví.
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Water bottle: chai nước.
Stay hydrated: giữ đủ nước cho cơ thể.
2. Do you think people carry too many things nowadays?
Sample answer:
Yes, I think so. Many people bring a lot of stuff like power banks, cosmetics, or even snacks. It
makes their bags quite heavy and inconvenient.
Power bank: pin dự phòng.
Cosmetics: mỹ phẩm.
Inconvenient: bất tiện.
3. What is the most important thing you carry every day?
Sample answer:
Definitely my phone. It’s not just for communication but also for checking information, using
maps, and setting reminders. Without it, I would feel really uncomfortable.
Communication: giao tiếp.
Reminders: lời nhắc.
Uncomfortable: khó chịu, bất tiện.
31. Chatting
1. Do you often chat with friends?
Yes, I frequently talk to my friends, both online and in person. I'm a fairly social person, so I enjoy
chatting with them about life and exchanging ideas as well as listening to their problems when
they're feeling down.
2. Do you prefer to chat online or face to face?
I prefer face to face communication because I love hanging out with friends, meeting up with them
in coffee shops, over meals in a restaurant, or in bars. It brings me happiness every time when I
am with them.
3. Do you prefer group chat or individual chat?
I'm pretty social, so I do enjoy both group and individual chat. Depending on the situation, I would
choose a suitable one. For example, if it is an individual discussion, I prefer one-on-one
conversations, while I would go for group chats if it comes to organizing events and gatherings.
VOCABULARY:
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1. One-on-one conversation: If two people discuss something one-on-one, they discuss it
directly, without involving anyone else
Ex: It's best to talk with him about the problem one-on-one
32. Fruits and vegetables
1. Do you like fruits and vegetables?
Sample answer:
Yes, I really like them. I eat fruits every day, especially bananas and oranges, because they are
sweet and full of vitamins.
Vitamins: vitamin.
2. How often do you eat fruits and vegetables?
Sample answer:
Almost every day. I try to have some vegetables with lunch and dinner, and at least one or two
pieces of fruit as a snack. It’s a simple way to stay healthy.
Snack: bữa ăn nhẹ.
Stay healthy: giữ sức khỏe tốt.
3. Do you think fruits and vegetables are important for health?
Sample answer:
Yes, of course. They give us a lot of nutrients like fiber and vitamins, which help our body work
properly and prevent diseases.
Nutrients: chất dinh dưỡng.
Fiber: chất xơ.
Diseases: bệnh tật.
4. Did you eat fruits and vegetables when you were a child?
Sample answer:
Not much, to be honest. As a child, I preferred fast food. But as I grew older, I understood the
benefits of eating fruits and vegetables, so now I eat them more often.
Fast food: đồ ăn nhanh.
Benefits: lợi ích.
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33. Feeling happy
Is there anything that makes you feel happy lately?
Yes. There is. My mom visited me three days ago and will stay with me for one week. I am truly
happy to see her and have her by my side. The moment I get home after a long hard working day
and see her making dinner for me, this makes me really emotional, recalling the old days when I
was still a kid, living with the unconditional love of my mother.
What do you do to stay happy?
Well, I just stop caring about things that annoy me, disturb me or make me angry. I just leave them
alone if I can’t deal with them. This is mostly meant for people I dislike or requests I can’t fulfill;
maybe questions I can’t answer. Then I will try to focus my energy on something that gives me
fulfillment instead.
Can you stay happy all the time?
Truthfully, I believe it's impossible to remain always happy. There will always be times when
you'll feel sad, depressed. The feeling of sadness is inevitable in life, but I always try to be
optimistic about the situation I’m dealing with as much as possible. This helps not only myself but
others around too, being positive about life helps those around us by in a way somehow sharing
the positivity.
Is it important to be happy?
Yes. It is. In my opinion, happiness has been linked to better decision-making and improved
creativity. So, rather than success being the key to happiness, I believe that happiness could in fact
be the key to success.
VOCABULARY
1. Unconditional (adj) without any conditions or limits
She gave her children unconditional love.
2. Fulfillment (n) the feeling of being happy and satisfied with what you are doing or have done
to find personal fulfilment
34. Shoes
What’s your favorite type of shoes? Do you know anyone who likes to buy a lot of shoes?
Well, I mostly wear sneakers rather than other kinds of shoes because I find them comfortable. I
also go for flip-flops so that I can slip them on and off whenever I need to. I have a friend who
buys shoes as if money is no object. I think she must own nearly 40 pairs of shoes.
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Have you ever bought shoes online? How often do you buy shoes?
→ Yes, I buy shoes online on a regular basis because of the convenience and the diversity of
options. However, I don’t have money to throw around, so I only buy shoes if it’s necessary.
VOCABULARY HIGHLIGHTS:
1. Sneakers (noun): Giày thể thao.
VD: These sneakers look so fashionable! You should really buy one.
2. Flip-flops (noun): Dép lào.
VD: You shouldn’t wear flip-flops in formal situations.
3. Slip something on and off (phrase): Đeo vào hoặc cởi ra dễ dàng.
VD: I choose shoes that aren’t laces-up because I can slip them on and off easily
4. Money is no object (Idiom): Tiền bạc không thành vấn đề.
VD: She goes shopping every week as if money is no object.
5. On a regular basis (Expression): Thường xuyên.
VD: You should go to the gym on a regular basis so that you can lose weight.
6. Have money to splash around (Expression): Có tiền để phung phí.
VD: I don’t have money to splash around! Don’t ask me to hang out anymore!.
35. Plants
1. (Do you like plants?)
(Answer) Well, yes, I really love plants.
(Give a reason for your answer) Because I’ve always felt connected with nature, and I think plants
as a whole play an essential role in our life. Different varieties of plants have their own appeal,
but they all bring us a feeling of freshness.
2. (What plants do you like?)
My favorite plant is the cactus, a member of the succulent plant family known
as Cactaceae. There are more than 2000 varieties of cacti that grow up in various shapes and sizes.
Several hours of sunlight each day and well-draining soil are vital for the cactus to thrive. However,
some varieties of cacti can even be planted indoors as they necessitate little sunlight.
3. (Have you ever grown any plants?)
(Answer) Yes, quite often actually.
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(Give a reason for your answer) Gardening is one of my pastimes. I usually buy the seeds online
from reliable gardening websites and then grow easy plants with my sister. Right now, I’m taking
care of a small tomato plant, which is a demanding yet delightful task.
4. (Did you grow any plants when you were a child?)
Yes, and it was my father who instructed me to grow my very first plant. I still remember clearly;
it was a mango tree. At that moment, I watered the tree on a daily basis in the hope that it would
grow rapidly. It has been 12 years now, and guess what, the mango tree is still alive and bears
fruits every summer!
5. (Do you know how to grow any plants?)
(Answer) Yes, of course. I know quite thoroughly indeed.
(Give a reason for your answer) There are plenty of steps and techniques involved in growing
plants, from selecting quality seeds, soil; providing sufficient sunlight and water to spraying
suitable fertilizers. Gardening requires a lot of effort, but I think in the end it is a rewarding
experience.
VOCABULARY:
1. essential [adj]: necessary or needed: cần thiết
Eg: The books on this list are essential reading for the course.
2. freshness [n]: a state of being clean and cool; found outside rather than in a room: sự tươi mới,
sảng khoái
Eg: The garden is full of freshness.
3. succulent [n]: a plant such as a cactus in which the leaves and stem are thick and can store a lot
of water: cây mọng nước
Eg: My father is fond of planting succulent plants.
4. necessitate [v]: make sth necessary: đòi hỏi, yêu cầu
Eg: Recent financial scandals have necessitated changes in parliamentary procedures.
5. reliable [adj]: deserving trust; dependable: đáng tin cậy
Eg: Most of the main lines are fully electrified and service is generally efficient and reliable.
6. demanding [adj]: needing a lot of time, attention, or energy: đòi hỏi cao
Eg: She's hoping to find a job which is more demanding intellectually.
7. instruct [v]: to teach someone how to do something: to order or tell someone to do something,
especially in a formal way: hướng dẫn
Eg: I need someone to instruct me on how to use the computer.
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8. on a daily basis [expression]: repeated everyday: diễn ra hằng ngày
Eg: I go to work on a daily basis.
9. fertilizer [n]: a natural or chemical substance that is spread on the land or given to plants, to
make plants grow well: phân bón
Eg: Agriculture companies offer bundles of pesticides with seeds and fertilizer, with incentives for
volume purchases.
10. sufficient [adj]: enough for a particular purpose: đầy đủ
Eg: It was thought that he'd committed the crime but there wasn't sufficient evidence to convict
him.
11. technique [n]: a way of doing an activity that needs skill: kĩ thuật
Eg: She's a wonderfully creative dancer but she doesn't have the technique of a truly great
performer.
12. rewarding [adj]: giving a reward, especially by making you feel satisfied that you have done
something important or useful, or done something well: xứng đáng
Eg: Textbook writing can be an intellectually and financially rewarding activity.
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PART 2 & 3
1. Describe a place with a lot of trees that you would like to visit (e.g. a forest, oasis)
You should say:
Where it is
How you knew this place
What it is like
And explain why you would like to visit it
I’d like to talk about Cúc Phương National Park, which is located in Ninh Bình province, only
about three hours from Hanoi. I first knew about this place through my high school biology teacher,
who once organized a field trip there for our class.
Cúc Phương is actually the first national park in Vietnam, and it is home to a large variety of
ancient trees, wildlife, and even caves. The forest there is extremely dense and green, with giant
trees that are hundreds of years old. The air is very fresh, and when you walk inside, you can
immediately feel a sense of peace, almost like you’re completely cut off from the noisy, polluted
city life.
I would love to visit it again because nowadays I spend most of my time in Hanoi, which is
crowded and full of vehicles. Going back to a natural place like that would help me recharge,
breathe clean air, and maybe even learn more about wildlife conservation. I think it would be an
amazing short escape for both my physical and mental health.
Part 3
1. Why do people like visiting places with trees or forests?
I think the main reason is that people feel more relaxed in nature. Trees and forests usually bring
fresh air, quietness, and beautiful scenery, which are very different from the busy and stressful city
life. Besides, forests often give people a sense of adventure and discovery.
2. Are natural views better than city views?
Well, it depends. Natural views, like mountains, forests, or rivers, are refreshing and peaceful.
They give people a break from technology and concrete buildings. But city views, such as skylines
or colorful lights, can also be very impressive, especially for people who enjoy modern life.
Personally, I prefer natural views because they feel more authentic and calming.
3. Do all people need some nature?
Yes, definitely. Even if some people love living in big cities, I think everyone needs a little
connection with nature. Humans are part of nature, so spending some time outdoors can improve
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our health and reduce stress. That’s why even in big cities, people like to go to parks or plant trees
at home.
4. Are people hard-wired to protect the environment?
Not really. I think humans naturally want to survive, but protecting the environment is not always
their first instinct. Many people still exploit nature for short-term benefits. However, as awareness
increases, people start to realize that protecting the environment also means protecting themselves
and future generations. So, I’d say it’s more about education and responsibility than being hardwired.
2. Describe a friend of yours who is good at music/singing
You should say:
Who he/she is
When/where you listen to his/her music/singing
What kind of music/songs he/she is good at
And explain how you feel when listening to his music/singing
Sample Answer:
I’d like to talk about my close friend, Linh, who is really good at singing. I first realized her talent
when we were in high school, because she often sang at school events.
I usually listen to her singing at karaoke nights with friends, and sometimes she also posts short
clips on social media. Her voice is very clear and emotional, which makes every song sound
special.
She is especially good at singing ballads, because they match her soft voice. But she can also sing
pop songs quite well, so her style is very versatile.
Whenever I listen to her singing, I feel relaxed and touched. It’s almost like the music can lift my
mood and make me forget about stress for a while.
Ballads: nhạc trữ tình.
Versatile: đa tài, linh hoạt.
Lift my mood: làm tâm trạng tốt lên.
Part 3 – Discussion
1. What kind of music is popular in your country?
I think pop and ballads are the most popular in Vietnam. Many people enjoy listening to catchy
pop songs, while others prefer slow, emotional ballads.
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2. What kind of music do young people like?
Young people usually like K-pop, rap, and EDM, because these styles are energetic and easy to
dance to. They also enjoy following music trends on TikTok.
Energetic: tràn đầy năng lượng.
Trends: xu hướng.
3. Do you think music is beneficial for children at school?
Yes, definitely. Music can make learning more enjoyable and help children develop creativity. It’s
also a good way for them to express their feelings.
Beneficial: có lợi.
Creativity: sự sáng tạo.
4. What are the benefits of children learning a musical instrument?
Learning an instrument teaches children discipline and patience, because they need to practice
regularly. It can also improve their memory and give them a useful life skill.
Discipline: tính kỷ luật.
Patience: sự kiên nhẫn.
5. Do you know what kind of music children like today?
Yes, most children like songs with simple melodies and fun lyrics. They also enjoy cartoon
soundtracks or music that they hear on social media.
Melody: giai điệu.
Lyrics: lời bài hát.
6. Do you think the government should invest more money on concerts?
Yes, I think so. Concerts not only support local artists but also attract tourists. They can also bring
people together and promote the country’s culture.
Attract tourists: thu hút khách du lịch.
Promote culture: quảng bá văn hóa.
3. Describe a wild animal that you want to know more about
You should say:
What it is
When/where you saw it
Why you want to know more about it
And explain what you want to know more about it
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Sample Answer:
I’d like to talk about the panda, a wild animal that I really want to know more about. I first saw it
in real life when I visited a zoo in China a few years ago. Before that, I had only seen pandas on
TV or the internet.
I want to know more about pandas because they are very special. They are famous for eating
bamboo, and they look extremely cute. But at the same time, they are an endangered species, so
I’m curious why their number is still small even though many people try to protect them.
I’d like to know more about their daily habits, how they survive in the wild, and what conservation
programs are doing to help them. Learning about pandas makes me realize the importance of
protecting nature.
Panda: gấu trúc.
Endangered species: loài có nguy cơ tuyệt chủng.
Conservation programs: các chương trình bảo tồn.
Part 3 – Discussion
1. Why are some people more willing to protect wild animals than others?
I think it depends on their awareness and education. People who learn more about nature often feel
more responsible for protecting animals. But some people may care more about money or
convenience, so they don’t see it as important.
Awareness: nhận thức.
Responsible: có trách nhiệm.
2. Do you think it’s important to take children to the zoo to see animals?
Yes, I think it’s important. Children can see real animals instead of just pictures, which makes
learning more exciting. It also helps them develop respect for animals and understand why
protecting wildlife matters.
Respect: sự tôn trọng.
Wildlife: động vật hoang dã.
4. Describe a good friend who is important to you
You should say:
Who he/she is
How/where you got to know him/her
How long you have known each other
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And explain why he/she is important to you
Sample Answer:
I’d like to talk about my best friend, Nam. We first met at university because we studied in the
same class. At the beginning, we didn’t talk much, but later we worked on a group project together
and became close.
I have known him for almost ten years now. He’s a very reliable and supportive person. For
example, whenever I have a problem, he always listens and gives me honest advice.
He is important to me because he has been with me through both good and bad times. I feel lucky
to have a friend like him, and I know I can always count on him.
Reliable: đáng tin cậy.
Supportive: hay giúp đỡ, ủng hộ.
Count on someone: dựa vào, tin tưởng ai đó.
Part 3 – Discussion
1. Do you think it is better for children to have a few close friends or many casual friends?
I think it’s better to have a few close friends. Close friends can give real emotional support, while
casual friends are nice but the connection is not so deep. Quality matters more than quantity.
Emotional support: sự hỗ trợ tinh thần.
Quality matters more than quantity: chất lượng quan trọng hơn số lượng.
2. Do you think a child’s relationship with friends can be replaced by that with other people,
like parents or other family members?
Not really. Parents and family are very important, but friendships give children a different kind of
experience. With friends, they learn how to share, cooperate, and solve conflicts, which are all
important social skills.
Share, cooperate, solve conflicts: chia sẻ, hợp tác, giải quyết mâu thuẫn.
Social skills: kỹ năng xã hội.
5. Describe an occasion when you lost your way
You should say:
When and where you got lost
and explain why you got lost
(When and where you got lost)
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I am going to talk about an incident that happened to me, which I never forget. On a trip organized
to Bach Ma national park for all students in my high school three years ago, with a view to raising
students’ awareness of the importance of protecting the environment, I got lost and could hardly
find my bearings to get back to the class.
(and explain why you got lost)
In retrospect, climbing the mountain was great fun, although I was a little scared at first,
apprehensive to be exact. I still remember the route to reach the mountain peak was in twists and
turns, so students in my class almost felt the terminal point was approaching but it was endless.
I got a little exhausted and had to lean against a tree. My friends encouraged me to hold on, take a
deep breath and only think about the mountain peak to continue to climb. We were up at the
furthest point as the sun was starting to set. Too enthralled by the spectacular natural scenery, I
decided to go a bit further from our original reaching point to take pictures and forgot the time
until it began to turn dark. Suddenly, I realized that I was alone and I could not see any of my
classmates. Actually, I was truly scared at that very moment. Luckily, before I totally lost my
bearings, I tried my uttermost to find the trail again by using the digital map on my mobile
device to position, and managed to make it back after about two and a half hours, by which time
it was full night. I’m glad that I did overcome my fears then to find the way back.
VOCABULARY
Part 3:
Do people get lost more than in the past?
I don’t think so. Nowadays, we have a lot of digital GPS tools that help people to navigate so the
chances of getting lost are lower than in the past.
What should we do if one of our family members gets lost?
If the people we love are missing, the first thing we should do is to contact the police immediately.
If you suspect something is wrong for instance, if your father does not arrive home at his regular
time, say at around 8 p.m. and you cannot reach him, contact the authorities.
6. Describe a trip you would like to make again
Tham khảo bài: Describe a trip you made by public transportation. You should say:
When and where you went
What kind of transport you used
How your trip was
Explain why you chose to use public transport.
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(when and where you went) I am going to talk about the time when I commuted by public
transportation in Singapore for the first time, which took place 2 years ago. It is common
knowledge that Singapore is famous for its wide coverage of public transportation including bus
and railway systems, which help both local and foreign visitors travel around the city-state with
ease.
(What kind of transport you used) Apart from that, as a result of the government’s policy, which
imposes a limit on the number of vehicles on the road, a taxi didn’t seem affordable for those
travelling on a budget like me. I was left with no choice but to board an MRT train to get to the
city centre, which was the fastest and most convenient way, albeit not the most economical.
(How your trip was) I was not a frequent public transport commuter at that time, therefore, I
thought that the MRT would travel at a snail’s pace and it would take ages to arrive in downtown.
Also, as it was the first time that I had used the metro, I dreaded to think that I would board the
wrong train and get lost. But the fact that I only had to change the train once and that it only took
30 minutes to get to downtown really came as a surprise. The instructions were so clear that I did
not even rely on anybody to help me.
(Explain why you chose public transport) As I mentioned previously, I was left with no choice.
I could not drive a car while a taxi or hiring a private driver would cost a small fortune. Therefore,
boarding a train was the only option if I wanted to get to the city centre before midnight. However,
I kept commuting by MRT train as well as bus around Singapore because they were quite
convenient and affordable for me.
1. With ease (phrase): một cách dễ dàng.
Example: She defeated her opponent with ease.
Cô ấy đánh bại đối thủ một cách dễ dàng.
2. On a budget (phrase): không có nhiều tiền
Example: Mortgage advisers urge anyone
they know they can afford the repayments.
on
a tight budget
to choose a fixed rate so
Những người cho vay thế chấp thúc giục bất cứ ai không có nhiều tiền chọn một lãi suất nhất định
để họ biết là họ có thể trả lại số nhiều đã vay và lãi.
3. Economical (adj): tiết kiệm.
Example: There's increasing demand for cars that are more economical on fuel.
Nhu cầu cho xe hơi tiết kiệm nhiên liệu ngày càng tăng.
4. At a snail’s pace (idiom): rất chậm.
Example: The roads were full of traffic and we were travelling at a snail's pace for two hours.
Những con đường bị kẹt cứng và chúng tôi phải di chuyển rất chậm trong vòng 2 giờ.
5. To dread (v): sợ hãi.
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Example: I dread to think what would happen if he was left to cope on his own.
Tôi rất sợ hãi phải nghĩ chuyện gì sẽ xảy ra nếu anh ấy phải giải quyết 1 mình.
6. To come as a/no surprise (phrase): đến 1 cách (không) bất ngờ.
Example: If you didn't study for that test at all, your failing grade should come as no surprise.
Nếu bạn không học hành đàng hoàng thì việc nhận điểm kém là không bất ngờ xíu nào.
7. a small fortune (idiom): số tiền lớn.
Example: This house cost hardly anything when we bought it, but now it’s worth a small fortune.
Căn nhà này không quá mắc khi chúng tôi mua nó, nhưng bây giờ nó có giá trị rất lớn.
Part 3:
1. Why do people like travelling?
People like travelling because it helps them escape from their daily routine and discover new
things. When they visit new places, they can broaden their horizons, experience different
lifestyles, and sometimes even immerse themselves in local culture. Travelling is also a great
way to reduce stress and create memorable experiences with friends or family.
VOCABULARY:
1. broaden one’s horizons: mở rộng tầm nhìn
2. immerse oneself in: đắm mình vào, hòa mình vào
3. memorable experiences: trải nghiệm đáng nhớ
2. What should we prepare before a trip?
Before a trip, people should make some basic logistical arrangements, like booking
transportation and accommodation. It’s also important to pack suitable clothes and essential
items such as medicine or travel documents. In addition, travellers often check the weather
forecast and do a bit of research to anticipate potential problems.
VOCABULARY:
1. logistical arrangements: sắp xếp hậu cần
2. essential items: đồ dùng thiết yếu
3. anticipate potential problems: dự đoán vấn đề có thể xảy ra
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3. What would happen if no preparation were made before the trip?
If no preparation were made, travellers could face a lot of unforeseen circumstances, like missing
a train or being unprepared for bad weather. This lack of planning might lead to wasted time, extra
expenses, or even safety risks. Of course, some people enjoy spontaneous trips, but in most
cases, a little preparation can make the experience much smoother.
VOCABULARY:
1. unforeseen circumstances: tình huống không lường trước
2. safety risks: rủi ro an toàn
3. spontaneous trips: chuyến đi ngẫu hứng
4. Why do some people prefer to travel in their own country rather than going abroad?
Many people prefer domestic travel because it is more cost-effective and less complicated. They
don’t need to apply for visas or deal with language barriers. Travelling within one’s country also
allows people to support local tourism and discover cultural or natural beauty that they might
have overlooked. In addition, domestic trips usually feel more convenient and accessible.
VOCABULARY:
1. cost-effective: tiết kiệm chi phí
2. support local tourism: hỗ trợ du lịch địa phương
3. convenient and accessible: thuận tiện và dễ tiếp cận
7. Describe a person you know who runs a family business
You should say:
Who he/she is
What the business is
What products it sells
And explain what you have learned from him/her
ANSWER
I’d like to talk about my uncle, who runs a small family restaurant in my hometown. The restaurant
has been in the family for more than twenty years, and now he is the main person taking care of it.
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The business is a local Vietnamese restaurant. It mainly sells traditional dishes like pho, spring
rolls, and rice meals. The food there is always fresh and affordable, so the restaurant has many
loyal customers.
From my uncle, I’ve learned the importance of hard work and consistency. He wakes up very early
every day to prepare ingredients, and he always treats customers politely. Thanks to his efforts,
the restaurant has become quite successful.
Traditional dishes: món ăn truyền thống.
Hard work: sự chăm chỉ.
Consistency: sự kiên định, đều đặn.
Loyal customers: khách hàng trung thành.
1. Would you like to start a family business?
Yes, I think so. Running a family business sounds meaningful because you can work with people
you trust. But it also requires strong commitment and cooperation among family members.
Commitment: sự cam kết.
Cooperation: sự hợp tác.
2. What are the advantages and disadvantages of family businesses?
The advantage is that family members usually have trust and shared values, so they can work
closely together. However, the disadvantage is that personal conflicts may affect the business.
Sometimes it’s hard to separate family matters from business matters.
Shared values: giá trị chung.
Conflicts: xung đột.
Family matters: chuyện gia đình.
8. Describe a natural talent that you would like to improve (sports, music, etc.)
You should say:
What is it?
When you discovered it?
How do you want to improve it?
and explain how you will feel after improving it.
(What is it?)
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Honestly, there are several natural skills that I would love to improve to be a more well-rounded
individual. Today, I’m going to describe a specific skill for which I consider that there is room for
improvement. It is public speaking, which I have wanted to improve by any means in the interest
of my career prospects.
(When you discovered it?)
Looking back, I really don't remember how the thought of improving this skill sprang to mind,
but I’m glad it did. A few weeks ago, our class was required to present in front of all the classmates
to talk for about 3 minutes about their favorite celebrity. I am quite reserved by nature and can
hardly feel at ease in public, so I feel my public speaking is obviously inadequate.
(How do you want to improve it?)
Having gathered all of my determination, I discussed this with my teacher, and he suggested to me
a few tips to improve it. He told me that becoming a competent public speaker means engaging
your audience and retaining its attention. My teacher focused on 3 main things for me to improve,
which include: verbal delivery ( pitch, volume, pace, emphasis, etc.), physical delivery (stance,
movement, facial expressions and use of hands), and content. What he taught me was enlightening
and motivational at the same time, which gave me the incentive to overcome my speaking
hesitancy.
(And explain how you will feel after improving it)
I believe my future improvements in public speaking will give me a great sense of contentment.
With thorough preparation and practice, I think anyone can overcome their nervousness and
perform exceptionally well. The more you push yourself to speak in front of others, the better
you'll become, and the more confidence you'll have. Consistent practice in public speaking will
always be worth your while.
VOCABULARY:
1. well-rounded [adj]: involving or having experience in a wide range of ideas or activities: toàn
diện
Eg: She describes herself as a "well-rounded individual" who works hard but has a varied social
life.
2. by any means [expression]: at any costs: bằng bất cứ giá nào
Eg: We need to court that big investor by any means, so shameless flattery is a fine place to start.
3. career prospect [n]: the probability or chance for future success in a profession: triển vọng
nghề nghiệp
Eg: The training awards can improve career prospects for trainees and apprentices.
4. spring to mind [expression]: to come quickly into your mind: hiện ra trong tâm trí
Eg: Say the word "Australia" and a vision of beaches and blue seas immediately springs to mind.
5. at ease [expression]: relaxed: thư giãn
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Eg: She soon put/set me at ease (= made me relaxed).
6. inadequate [adj]: not good enough or too low in quality: không đủ
Eg: This work is woefully (= extremely) inadequate - you'll have to do it again.
7. enlightening [adj]: giving you more information and understanding of something: giúp khai
sáng
Eg: That was a very enlightening programme.
8. motivational [adj]: making sb want to do sth : có tính khích lệ
Eg: Her motivational support gives him strength to pass the difficult exam.
9. contentment [n]: a feeling of happiness and satisfaction: sự thỏa mãn
9. Describe a great dinner you and your friends or family members enjoyed
You should say:
What you had
Who you had the dinner with
What you talked about during the dinner
And explain why you enjoyed it
ANSWER:
I’d like to talk about a dinner I had with my family last year during the Lunar New Year. We
prepared a big meal at home with many traditional dishes, such as sticky rice cake, boiled chicken,
and spring rolls.
I had the dinner with my parents, my sister, and some relatives who came to visit us. Everyone sat
around the table, and the atmosphere was really warm and joyful.
During the dinner, we talked about many things — our plans for the new year, funny stories from
the past, and even shared some family memories. It was a chance for everyone to connect after a
busy year.
I enjoyed it because it made me feel close to my family. The food was delicious, but more
importantly, the dinner gave me a sense of togetherness.
Traditional dishes: món ăn truyền thống.
Family memories: kỷ niệm gia đình.
Togetherness: sự gắn kết.
1. Is it common for students to dine with each other on school days in your country?
Yes, it’s quite common. Students often have lunch together in the canteen or go out for street food
after class. It’s a way to relax and strengthen friendships.
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Canteen: căng tin.
Strengthen friendships: củng cố tình bạn.
2. Do people prefer to eat out at restaurants or eat at home during the Spring Festival?
Most people prefer eating at home, because the Spring Festival is about family reunion. Cooking
together is part of the celebration. However, some families also go to restaurants for convenience.
Family reunion: sự đoàn tụ gia đình.
Convenience: sự tiện lợi.
3. What food do you eat on special occasions, like during the Spring Festival or the Midautumn Festival?
On the Spring Festival, we usually eat sticky rice cake, pork, and chicken. On the Mid-autumn
Festival, people eat mooncakes, fruits, and sometimes sweet snacks.
Mooncakes: bánh trung thu.
Snacks: đồ ăn vặt.
4. Why do people like to have meals together during important festivals?
Because eating together creates a strong sense of belonging. It’s not only about the food but also
about spending time with loved ones and celebrating traditions.
Belonging: cảm giác thuộc về.
Traditions: truyền thống.
5. Is it a hassle to prepare a meal at home?
Sometimes, yes. Cooking a big meal can take a lot of time and effort, especially during festivals.
But many people still enjoy it, because preparing food is also a way to show love and care for the
family.
A hassle: phiền phức.
Love and care: tình yêu thương và sự quan tâm.
10. Describe a long journey you had
Tham khảo bài: A journey you made on public transport that you enjoyed
You should say:
Where you went
Who you were with
What you did
And how you felt about it
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(Where you went) One of the most memorable journeys I had using public transport was a day
trip to a charming mountainous town called Dalat with my younger brother, Minh. (Who you were
with) We decided to forgo the usual car trip and opt for the train instead, seeking a more relaxed
and scenic experience.
(What you did on the journey) The train ride itself was a delight. We took the early morning
train, which offered breathtaking views of the Vietnamese countryside as we climbed towards
the cooler mountain regions. Lush green valleys, cascading waterfalls, and picturesque villages
dotted the landscape. We spent the journey chatting, catching up on life, and admiring the beauty
of nature. We even brought some snacks and card games to keep ourselves entertained. The
rhythmic chug of the train and the ever-changing scenery created a peaceful and relaxing
atmosphere.
The entire experience was enjoyable for several reasons. First, it allowed us to completely unwind
and disconnect from the usual hustle and bustle. Unlike driving ourselves, we could sit back, relax,
and simply enjoy the view. Second, being on public transport offered a unique opportunity to
observe local life. We saw families heading out for picnics, people reading books, and vendors
selling snacks at the train stations. It definitely broadened our horizons and offered a glimpse
into Vietnamese everyday life.
(How you felt about the journey) Overall, the train journey to Dalat was much more than just a
way to get from point A to point B. It was a fun and memorable experience that allowed us to bond
over moments of shared laughter and conversation. Arriving at our destination felt even more
rewarding after the relaxing and scenic train ride. We started our exploration of Dalat feeling
refreshed and excited for a new adventure.
VOCABULARY:
1. forgo (v): từ bỏ, không làm gì
Ex: She decided to forgo flowers at the funeral and asked people to send money to a charity
instead.
Cô quyết định không tặng hoa trong đám tang và thay vào đó yêu cầu mọi người gửi tiền đến một
tổ chức từ thiện.
2. to opt for (v): lựa chọn
Ex: Mike opted for early retirement.
Mike lựa chọn về hưu sớm
3. delight (n): vui, hạnh phúc
Ex: Her faced had a look of pure delight.
Khuôn mặt cô ấy có vẻ vui mừng thuần khiết.
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4. breathtaking (a): đẹp như tranh vẽ, ngoạn mục
Ex: The view from the top of the mountain is breathtaking.
Khung cảnh nhìn từ đỉnh núi thật ngoạn mục.
5. broaden one’s horizons (phrase): mở mang đầu óc/ kiến thức
Ex: Travelling certainly broadens your horizons.
Du lịch chắc chắn sẽ giúp bạn có thêm nhiều kiến thức
Part 3:
1. Why do people choose to travel by public transport?
Public transport offers a variety of benefits that attract people. Firstly, it's often a more costeffective option compared to owning and maintaining a car. People could avoid the expense of
fuel, parking, and car maintenance. Secondly, public transport can be a more environmentally
friendly choice. Many cities are transitioning to electric buses and trains, reducing overall carbon
emissions. For some, convenience is a major draw. Public transport systems can be wellconnected, allowing easy access to different areas of the city without the hassle of finding parking
or navigating traffic. Additionally, it frees up time. Passengers can relax, read, or catch up on work
while commuting, instead of focusing on driving.
2. Why do more and more people like to travel by plane?
There are several reasons for the increasing popularity of air travel. Firstly, advancements in
technology have led to more affordable flights, making travel to distant locations more accessible.
This opens up a world of possibilities for exploration and cultural immersion. Secondly, airplanes
offer significant speed advantages. Traveling long distances by car or train can take days, while a
plane can cover that same distance in a matter of hours. This allows for more efficient travel,
especially for business trips or vacation time. Comfort is another factor. Modern airplanes offer
spacious cabins, in-flight entertainment systems, and even comfortable sleeping arrangements on
long-haul flights. For many travelers, the increased comfort justifies the cost of a plane ticket
compared to other modes of transportation.
3. Do you think offering free public transport will solve traffic problems in the city?
Offering free public transport is an interesting idea with potential benefits, but it's not a guaranteed
solution to traffic problems. On the positive side, free public transport could incentivize more
people to leave their cars at home, reducing overall traffic congestion. This would benefit everyone
with faster commute times and less pollution. However, there are potential drawbacks. Free public
transport could lead to increased ridership, exceeding the capacity of existing systems.
Overcrowding could become an issue, negating the benefits of convenience and comfort.
Additionally, with no financial incentive to use public transport efficiently, some people might
make unnecessary trips, further straining the system. Perhaps a more sustainable solution would
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be a combination of strategies. Free public transport could be considered alongside initiatives like
congestion charges for cars entering the city center, improved infrastructure for cycling and
walking paths, and promoting carpooling options.
4. What are the disadvantages of travelling by public transport?
5. What do you think are the cheapest and most expensive means of transport?
6. What are the difficulties that commuters face during rush hours?
VOCABULARY:
1. cost-effective (a): tiết kiệm chi phí
Ex: It wouldn't be cost-effective to buy an expensive new computer when all you want to do is
store your photos.
Sẽ không hiệu quả về mặt chi phí khi mua một chiếc máy tính mới đắt tiền khi tất cả những gì bạn
muốn làm là lưu trữ ảnh của mình.
2. immersion (n): sự đắm chìm
Ex: Total immersion in a videogame is almost like living another life.
Việc đắm chìm hoàn toàn vào trò chơi điện tử gần giống như sống một cuộc đời khác.
3. spacious (a): rộng rãi
Ex: A spacious house is comfortable.
Một ngôi nhà thoáng đãng thì thoải mái hơn.
4. ridership (n): lượng hành khách
Ex: This month ridership on the Chicago subway went down again.
Tháng này lượng hành khách đi tàu điện ngầm ở Chicago lại giảm.
5. strain (v): làm nặng nề thêm, căng thẳng
Ex: I've put on such a lot of weight recently - this dress is straining at the seams.
Gần đây tôi đã tăng cân rất nhiều - chiếc váy này đang bị căng ở các đường may.
6. carpooling (a): đi chung xe
Ex: Carpooling saves on travel expenses.
Đi chung xe giúp tiết kiệm chi phí đi lại.
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11. Describe an interesting traditional story
You should say:
What the story is about
When/how you knew it
Who told you the story
And explain how you felt when you first heard it
I’d like to talk about the Vietnamese legend of “Sơn Tinh and Thủy Tinh.” It’s a very famous
story about how mountains and rivers were formed. The story tells us about a competition between
two men who wanted to marry the king’s daughter. Sơn Tinh, the God of Mountains, brought gifts
of land and animals, while Thủy Tinh, the God of Water, brought gifts of fish and precious shells.
In the end, Sơn Tinh arrived first and married the princess. Out of anger, Thủy Tinh caused floods
every year to fight Sơn Tinh, but he never won.
I first knew this story when I was in primary school. My literature teacher told it during a lesson,
and I was really fascinated. At that time, I felt both curious and amazed because the story
explained natural disasters in such a creative way. It also carried a message about the power of
nature and the need for humans to adapt to challenges.
VOCABULARY:
1. fascinated: bị cuốn hút, say mê
2. curious and amazed: tò mò và kinh ngạc
3. adapt to challenges: thích nghi với thử thách
Part 3
1. What kind of stories do children like?
Children usually enjoy stories that are full of imagination, such as fairy tales or adventure stories.
They also like stories with magical creatures and clear distinctions between good and evil,
because it’s easy for them to understand and relate to.
VOCABULARY:
magical creatures: sinh vật huyền bí
2. What are the benefits of bedtime stories for children?
Bedtime stories help children develop imagination and improve their language skills. They also
create a strong emotional bond between parents and kids, making bedtime a comforting
routine rather than something stressful.
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VOCABULARY:
develop imagination: phát triển trí tưởng tượng
comforting routine: thói quen mang lại sự an ủi
3. Why do most children like listening to stories before bedtime?
I think it’s because bedtime stories make children feel safe and relaxed. Listening to a familiar
voice telling a story can give them a sense of security and warmth, which helps them fall asleep
more easily.
VOCABULARY:
security and warmth: cảm giác an toàn và ấm áp
4. What can children learn from stories?
Stories can teach children about moral values, such as honesty, kindness, and bravery. They also
help kids grasp life lessons in a simple way, since the messages are often delivered through
characters and events.
VOCABULARY:
grasp life lessons: tiếp thu bài học cuộc sống
5. Do all stories for children have happy endings?
Not really. While many stories do end happily to comfort children, some traditional tales have sad
or even dark endings. However, even those stories can be valuable, because they reflect real-life
difficulties and help children understand that life isn’t always perfect.
VOCABULARY:
reflect real-life difficulties: phản ánh khó khăn trong cuộc sống
6. Is a good storyline important for a movie?
Absolutely. A movie with stunning visuals but a weak plot won’t leave a strong impression. A
well-structured storyline helps the audience stay engaged, connect with the characters, and
remember the film for a long time.
VOCABULARY:
stay engaged: duy trì sự hứng thú, gắn kết
12. Describe a time when the electricity suddenly went off
You should say:
When/where it happened
How long it lasted
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What you did during that time
And explain how you felt about it
I remember one evening last summer when the electricity suddenly went off at my home. It
happened around 8 p.m., and the blackout lasted for about two hours.
At first, I felt a bit annoyed because I was watching a movie on my laptop. But then, my family
decided to sit together in the living room with some candles. We talked, told jokes, and even played
a small card game to pass the time.
Surprisingly, it turned out to be a nice experience. I felt relaxed and realized that sometimes being
away from screens helps us enjoy simple things, like family conversations.
Blackout: mất điện.
Pass the time: giết thời gian.
Relaxed: thoải mái.
Part 3 – Discussion
1. Which is better, electric bicycles or ordinary bicycles?
I think both have their own advantages. Electric bicycles are faster and more convenient for long
distances, while ordinary bicycles are cheaper and healthier because they require physical exercise.
Convenient: tiện lợi.
Physical exercise: tập thể dục.
2. Do you think electric bicycles will replace ordinary bicycles in the future?
Not completely. Electric bikes may become more popular, especially in big cities. But ordinary
bikes will still exist because many people enjoy cycling as a sport or hobby.
Popular: phổ biến.
As a sport/hobby: như một môn thể thao/sở thích.
3. Which is better, electric cars or petrol cars?
I think electric cars are better for the environment because they produce less pollution. However,
petrol cars are still more practical in some places because charging stations for electric cars are not
everywhere yet.
Pollution: ô nhiễm.
Charging stations: trạm sạc.
4. How did people manage to live without electricity in the ancient world?
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In the past, people relied on natural light during the day and used candles or oil lamps at night.
They also cooked with firewood and did most activities manually. Life was harder, but people
adapted because they didn’t know any other way.
Natural light: ánh sáng tự nhiên.
Adapted: thích nghi.
Manually: bằng tay, thủ công.
13. Describe a time when someone apologized to you
You should say:
When it was
Who this person is
Why he or she apologized to you
How you felt about it
(When it was and who this person is)
Apologizing is a part of good manners and I believe that it helps to pacify many bothersome
situations happening in everyday life. In several events, others have apologized to me but the
apology from my closest friend, Linh, was the most significant to me. This happened a few months
ago, my father presented me with two movie tickets, as an incentive to achieve a full-scored
performance in the English exam. The compelling trailer of this movie captured my attention right
away and I knew that I should enjoy it with my bestie. Unhesitatingly, I decided to invite Linh,
and we quickly made an appointment for the cinema before 6pm.
(Why he or she apologized to you)
As scheduled previously, Linh was supposed to show up at the cinema at 5:30, but somehow she
did not. I did give her so many rings, but she did not answer any of them. I kept waiting until 6
pm, in case she was busy on something else, but in vain. In the heat of the moment, I lost my
temper and furiously left her a message, saying how disappointed I was with her and asked
whether she respected our relationship. A day later, Linh called me and sent a heartfelt apology
to me. She explained that on that day, her younger brother was disturbed by a serious eating
disorder and she had to take care of him at the hospital. Because the incident was so sudden and
unexpected, she was too nervous to bring the phone with her and was unable to contact me. Linh
hoped that I could understand and sympathize with her.
(How you felt about it)
Honestly, I felt a little guilty for being too aggressive while knowing nothing about her situation.
From this incident, I also understand that everything happens for its own reason. We should not
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jump to a conclusion without careful consideration. Besides, I think a thank-you or a sincere
apology is truly an indication of respect from the individual for the relationship he or she is in.
Vocabulary from Personality:
to lose one’s temper:
Meaning: to suddenly become angry
Example: You should not lose your temper in situations like that.
OTHER VOCABULARY:
1. pacify [v]: to make sb who is angry or upset become calm and quiet : làm yên, làm nguôi ngoai
Eg: The speech was designed to pacify the irate crowd.
2. bothersome [adj]: special, good or unusual and therefore worth remembering or easy to
remember: đáng nhớ
Eg: This is a truly memorable occasion for all people involved.
3. incentive [n]: something that encourages you to do sth: động lực
Eg: In my country, there is literally no incentive for people to save fuel.
4. give sb a ring [expression]: phone sb: gọi điện cho ai đó
Eg: Minh promised to give me a ring as soon as he came home.
5. in the heat of the moment [expression]: be in the moment of strong feelings, especially of
anger or excitement : trong lúc giận dữ, kích động
Eg: In the heat of the moment, Linda forgot what she wanted to say to her mother.
6. furiously [adv]: in an angry way : một cách giận dữ
Eg: All the architects worked furiously during the week, complaining that their wages were
unsatisfactory.
7. heartfelt [adj]: showing strong feelings that are sincere : chân thành, thật tâm
Eg: In the ceremony, the director expressed heartfelt gratitude to all the employees, who worked
diligently on the project.
8. sympathize with [v]: to feel sory for sb; to show that you understand and feel sorry about sb’s
problem : thông cảm, đồng cảm
Eg: The reporter sympathized with the victim, because she herself has undergone such similar
unhappy experiences.
9. jump to a conclusion [expression]: to make a decision about sth/ sb too quickly, before you
know or have thought about all the facts: vội vàng đi đến kết luận
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Eg: The police neglectfully overlooked the situation and jumped to the conclusion that he was
guilty.
10. indication [n]: a remark or sign that shows that sth is happening or what sb is thinking or
feeling: sự biểu thị, dấu hiệu
Eg: Obviously, there are indications that the economy of this nation is improving.
Part 3: Apologize
1. On what occasion do people usually apologize to others?
(Give a direct answer to the question) Well, sometimes people apologize when realizing they may
have hurt another individual (i.e., physically, emotionally, mentally) by accident. A sincere
apology allows you to let people know you're not proud of what you did, and won't be repeating
the behavior. (Give an example (often a personal example)) For example, whenever I lose my
temper and behave inappropriately towards others, I send my apology to them afterwards.
2. Do people in your country like to say "sorry"?
(Give a direct answer to the question) Well, not very often (Explain your reason or reasons) I
assume it’s not a part of our culture. (Give an example (often a personal example)) From my
experience, Japanese people are more inclined to say sorry. Apologizing is built into the Japanese
language. Japanese people have it in their blood; they apologize all the time, even when it’s not
their fault. It’s almost like a reflex, but it’s not, because I could see the emotion in my Japanese
friends’ eyes every time they apologized to me. They even do it if they touch you by mistake or
have their back turned at you without being willing to.
3. Do you think people should apologize for anything wrong they do?
(Give a direct answer to the question) Yes, I do. (Explain your reason or reasons) If something
you've done has caused pain for another person, it's a good idea to apologize, even if whatever you
did was unintentional. This is because apologizing opens up the doors to communication, which
allows you to reconnect with the person who was hurt. In these ways, being adept at apologizing
when appropriate can bring the benefits that come with stronger relationships, reduced conflict,
and forgiveness—it's well worth the effort.
Vocabulary from Personality:
to lose one’s temper:
Meaning: to suddenly become angry
Example: You should not lose your temper in situations like that.
OTHER VOCABULARY:
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1. inappropriately [adv]: in a way that is unsuitable, or wrong in a particular situation: không phù
hợp
Eg: There is nothing to suggest the attorney acted inappropriately in the case.
2. (be) inclined to [adj]: likely or wanting to do something: có khả năng làm gì
Eg: No one seemed inclined to help.
3. reflex [n]: a physical reaction to something that you cannot control: phản xạ
Eg: I'm sorry I punched him, it was a reflex action/response.
4. unintentional [adj]: not done on purpose.: không cố ý
Eg: There's an unintentional feeling of sadness in Woody Allen's latest comedy.
5. adept [adj]: having a natural ability to do something that needs skill: khéo léo
Eg: She's very adept at dealing with the media.
6. worth the effort [expression]: If you say that something is worth the effort, you mean that it
will justify the energy that you have spent or will spend on it: xứng công
Eg: Fortunately, the chore of leaf sweeping is well worth the effort.
14. Describe a friend of yours who has a good habit
You should say:
Who he/she is
What good habit he/she has
When/how you noticed the good habit
And explain how you will develop the same habit
I’d like to talk about my close friend, Hoa, who has a very good habit of reading every single day.
I first noticed this habit when we were classmates in high school. During break time, while most
students played games or chatted, she usually read a novel or a magazine quietly in the corner of
the classroom.
Even now, as adults, she still keeps this routine. She spends at least thirty minutes a day reading
books, no matter how busy she is. Sometimes it’s a self-help book, sometimes a novel, or even
news articles. I really admire her self-discipline because she never lets a day pass without reading.
I think this habit has helped her a lot. She is very knowledgeable and always has interesting ideas
to share. Whenever we discuss a topic, she can bring in examples or stories that I’ve never heard
of before.
This inspires me to develop the same habit. I’m trying to start small by reading ten to fifteen
minutes before bed every night. I hope that over time, reading will also become a natural part of
my daily routine, just like it is for her.
Routine: thói quen hằng ngày.
Self-discipline: tính kỷ luật tự giác.
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Knowledgeable: có nhiều kiến thức.
Inspires: truyền cảm hứng.
Part 3:
1. What good habits should children have?
Children should develop habits like brushing their teeth, doing homework on time, sharing with
others, and saying polite words such as “thank you” or “sorry”. These habits build good manners
and responsibility.
Manners: cách cư xử.
2. What should parents do to help their children develop good habits?
Parents should set a good example, because children usually copy their behavior. They can also
give rewards or praise when children show good habits.
Set a good example: làm gương.
Rewards/praise: phần thưởng/lời khen.
3. Why do we develop bad habits?
I think it’s often because of stress or boredom. For example, some people bite their nails or smoke
when they feel anxious. Sometimes bad habits come from the influence of friends.
Stress/boredom: căng thẳng/chán nản.
Influence: ảnh hưởng.
4. What can we do to get rid of bad habits?
We can replace them with good ones. For instance, instead of snacking too much, we can drink
water or eat fruit. It also helps to set clear goals and avoid situations that trigger bad habits.
Get rid of: loại bỏ.
Trigger: gây ra, kích hoạt.
5. Do you think a person’s good habits would influence those around him or her? How?
Yes, definitely. Good habits are contagious. For example, if one person in a family exercises
regularly, others may join. It creates a positive environment and encourages everyone to improve
themselves.
Contagious: dễ lan truyền.
Positive environment: môi trường tích cực.
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15. Describe an exciting activity you have tried for the first time
You should say:
What it is
When/where you did it
Why you thought it was exciting
And explain how you felt about it
I’d like to talk about the first time I tried kayaking, which was a really exciting activity for me. It
happened two years ago when I went on a holiday trip to Ha Long Bay with some close friends.
Before that, I had only seen kayaking in movies, so I was quite curious. When I finally sat in the
small boat with a paddle in my hands, I felt both nervous and thrilled. At first, I found it difficult
to control the direction, but after a few minutes, I got used to the rhythm. Paddling on the calm,
blue water, surrounded by limestone mountains, was truly unforgettable.
I thought it was exciting because it gave me a sense of adventure and freedom. It was also
physically challenging, which made it even more fun. I felt proud that I could manage it without
any accidents.
Overall, that first kayaking experience made me realize that trying new activities can bring a lot
of joy and help me build more confidence.
Kayaking: chèo thuyền kayak.
Adventure: sự phiêu lưu.
Challenging: đầy thử thách.
Confidence: sự tự tin.
Part 3:
1. Why are some people unwilling to try new things?
I think it’s mainly because of fear of failure or lack of confidence. Some people also prefer comfort
and routine, so they feel safer doing what they already know.
Fear of failure: nỗi sợ thất bại.
Routine: thói quen thường ngày.
2. Why are some people keen on doing dangerous activities?
Because they enjoy the thrill and want to push their limits. Dangerous activities like skydiving or
bungee jumping give them a strong sense of excitement that normal activities can’t.
Thrill: cảm giác hồi hộp, phấn khích.
Push their limits: thử thách giới hạn bản thân.
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3. Do you think that children adapt to new things more easily than adults?
Yes, I believe so. Children are usually more open-minded and curious, so they are willing to try
new things without overthinking. Adults, on the other hand, may hesitate because of
responsibilities or past experiences.
Open-minded: cởi mở.
Curious: tò mò.
Hesitate: do dự.
16. Describe a creative person (e.g. an artist, a musician, etc.) you admire
You should say:
Who this person is
What creative things he/she has done
And explain why she is your favorite singer
(Who this person is)
There are so many people that I adore but the one I’m going to describe today is my all-time
favorite singer and song writer –Taylor Swift. Born in America in 1989, this 30-year-old woman
currently plays a very important role in American music. As one of the world's leading
contemporary recording artists, she is known for narrative songs about her personal life, which
have received widespread media coverage. No one would have believed that this small-town girl
would become a worldwide phenomenon.
(What creative things he/she has done)
Taylor's first single, "Tim McGraw," was a huge success, which cemented her position as an upand-coming country star. 4 years later, it was during the time between Speak Now and the release
of "We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together" that Taylor's personal style began to change. Her
signature ringlets were replaced with smooth, straight locks and her princess-like dresses were
replaced with trendy shorts and bowler hats. The new single's upbeat tempo and hard-hitting lyrics
also marked a change in Taylor, firmly establishing her as a pop princess.
(And explain why you admire her)
Taylor Swift interests me and numerous other fans for her amazing creative works. Her products
are awesome in both music and image, which show her complete commitment to her singing
career. Especially, with her recent inspirational songs, especially written for women, she really
gets out of her comfort zone and I feel her songs somehow express her inner true character. Above
all, Taylor always works with her gift through perspiration, which is the very factor in her
worldwide popularity. Her story encourages you never to lose yourself when you’re in trouble. To
make your dream come true is the best way to prove yourself.
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17. Describe an important old thing that your family has kept for a long time
You should say:
What it is
How/when your family first got this thing
How long your family has kept it
And explain why this thing is important to your family
ANSWER
I’d like to talk about an old family photo album that my family has kept for many years. It’s a thick
book with dozens of printed photos, mostly taken before smartphones and digital cameras became
popular.
My parents first started this album when they got married, about thirty years ago. They collected
photos from important events like birthdays, family trips, and even simple daily moments. Over
time, they added more and more pictures, so now the album is like a visual record of our family
history.
We have kept it for around three decades, and it is still in good condition because my mom takes
care of it carefully. She always reminds us not to leave it in the sunlight or touch the pages with
wet hands.
This album is important to my family because it holds a lot of memories. Whenever we look at it,
we can see how everyone has grown and changed. It also helps the younger generation, like my
little cousins, learn about the past. For me, it represents family bonds and reminds me how valuable
time with loved ones is.
Photo album: quyển album ảnh.
Visual record: tư liệu bằng hình ảnh.
Memories: ký ức.
Family bonds: sự gắn kết gia đình.
Part 3:
1. What kind of old things do people like to keep?
People often keep old photos, letters, jewelry, or furniture. These things usually have sentimental
value, not just material value.
Sentimental value: giá trị tinh thần.
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2. Why do people keep old things?
Because old things remind them of the past and give them a sense of identity. They also help
people feel connected to family traditions and history.
Identity: bản sắc, sự gắn bó.
Traditions: truyền thống.
3. What are the differences between the things old people keep and those young people keep?
Old people usually keep things like handwritten letters, antiques, or traditional clothes. Young
people, on the other hand, tend to keep digital items like photos on their phones or souvenirs from
travel.
Antiques: đồ cổ.
Souvenirs: đồ lưu niệm.
4. What are the differences between the things that people keep today and the things that
people kept in the past?
In the past, people mostly kept physical objects such as books, family heirlooms, or furniture.
Nowadays, many people keep digital memories, like photos and videos stored online. Technology
has changed the way we preserve our memories.
Heirlooms: đồ gia truyền.
Digital memories: kỷ niệm kỹ thuật số.
Preserve: lưu giữ, bảo tồn.
18. Describe the time when you first talked in a foreign language
Where you were
Who you were with
What you talked about
And explain how you felt about it
(Where you were) Well, I have been learning English for more than 7 years, but the time when I
first applied it to my life is still imprinted on my memory. This happened when I was chosen to
deliver an opening speech as a representative of the delegation from Vietnam in an exchange
programme at Nanyang Technological University, Singapore.
(Who you were with) I, a representative of the Vietnamese delegation, and Jia Jing, a
representative on the Singapore side, met each other backstage before our opening speech. We
made some small talk with each other and Jia Jing was very surprised and could not believe it was
the first time I had used English in my real life.
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(What you talked about) Our talk mainly revolved around how Jia Jing and I were chosen to be
in this programme as we tried not to cross the line as we had just got to know each other. Also,
because my degree of proficiency in the language was still relatively low, and I was not
accustomed to Jia Jing’s Singaporean accent, the conversation lasted only around 5 minutes.
(And explain how you felt about it) It was such an exciting experience to be honest, albeit a bit
weird. Although our conversation was not that long, we built up a good friendship that lasts till
now. Since that maiden attempt to speak English to a native speaker, I have been investing a large
amount of time into improving it so as to communicate with my international friends smoothly.
VOCABULARY
1. To imprint (v): ghi dấu
That look of grief would be imprinted on her mind forever.
Ánh nhìn giận dữ đó sẽ ghi dấu trong tâm trí cô ta mãi mãi.
2. Delegation (n): đoàn đại biểu
The delegation from Spain has/have arrived for a month.
Đoàn đại biểu từ Tây Ban Nha đã đến ở khoảng 1 tháng.
3. Small talk (n): chuyện xã giao
I don't enjoy parties where I have to make small talk with complete strangers.
Tôi không thích những bữa tiệc mà tôi phải nói chuyện xã giao với những người hoàn toàn xa lạ.
4. To cross the line (phrase): vượt quá giới hạn
This time, you've really crossed the line.
Lần này thì bạn đã thực sự vượt quá giới hạn rồi.
5. To build up (phrasal verb): xây dựng nên
It took her ten years to build up her publishing business.
Cô ấy phải dành ra 10 năm để xây dựng nên công việc kinh doanh báo chí của mình.
6. Maiden (adj): lần đầu
The first hydrogen-powered airplane will make its maiden flight this year.
Máy bay đầu tiên sử dụng năng lượng hydro sẽ bay chuyến bay đầu tiên trong năm nay.
7. Attempt (n): sự cố gắng
He made no attempt to be sociable.
Anh ấy không có cố gắng để trở nên hòa đồng hơn.
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Part 3
1. At what age should children start learning a foreign language?
I believe children should embark on learning a second language as soon as they reach 6 or 7 years
of age. During the first few years of their life, a child is able to learn a foreign language almost
effortlessly and accent free. It won’t overwhelm them, so as a parent it is unnecessary to be
concerned about it.
2. Which skill is more important, speaking or writing?
If a person wants to climb their career ladder, they will have to master both skills to make their
way to the top. From another perspective, if a person just wants to have an acceptable living
standard that can tide them over for a short period of time, speaking is definitely more important
than writing as it is used very frequently in daily life.
3. Does a person still need to learn other languages if he or she is good at English?
In light of globalisation, the more languages people can speak, the more chances they have. China
and the whole Asia are developing at such a fast pace and some Asian countries are emerging as
economic powerhouses such as India, South Korea and Singapore, which has encouraged many
English native speakers to learn Asian languages.
4. Do you think minority languages will disappear?
It is sad to accept the truth that minority languages will disappear and give way to more popular
languages. This works in the same way for Vietnamese people born in other countries in which
Vietnamese is not widely spoken. They tend to speak the first language of that country and become
unable to speak Vietnamese. This is the reason why hundreds of languages are teetering on the
brink of extinction.
VOCABULARY
1. To teeter on the verge/brink of sth (phrase): trên bờ vực cái gì đó.
What we are seeing now is a country teetering on the brink of civil war.
Tất cả những gì chúng tôi đang thấy là một quốc gia trên bờ vực nội chiến.
2. Powerhouse (n): cường quốc
Germany is an economic powerhouse.
Đức là một cường quốc kinh tế.
3. To tide someone over (phrasal verb): cung cấp một lượng (thường là tiền) để sống tạm
Can you lend me some money to tide me over till next month?
Bạn có thể cho tôi mượn một số tiền để tôi sống tới đầu tháng sau không?
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19. Describe a time you saw something interesting on social media
You should say:
When and where you saw it?
What is it about?
And explain why you think it was interesting?
(When and where you saw it?)
Today, I’m going to describe a time when I found out something very interesting through social.
It was last week when I was browsing through videos on Youtube- a global media platform.
Then, the video called “Inside the Mind of a Master Procrastinator”, captured my attention. The
video was delivered by Tim Urban, who exuded much confidence and experience through his
words, quite effortlessly. His talk impressed me right away, because it was hilarious yet insightful
at the same time.
(What is it about?)
In his Talk, Tim Urban explains what happens in the mind of a procrastinator—and why one
specific form of waiting until the last minute leaves a lot of people feeling unfulfilled. He explains
that for procrastinators and non-procrastinators alike, both brains have a rational decision-maker
in them. It’s just that procrastinators fall prey to the instant gratification monkey, a feeling that
encourages fun tasks over productive, sensible ones. Ultimately, he says rational decisions and
instant gratification are both needed— but just at the right times.
(And explain why you think it was interesting?)
I think his message in the video offered me a new perspective on procastination. Furthermore, it
has reasonably illuminated the consequences of short-term and long-term procrastination, which
may restrict my potential and eventually undermine my career. I have recommended this video
to many of my friends and many of them find it fascinating.
VOCABULARY:
1. browse through [v]: to casually or quickly peruse or look through something.: lướt qua
Eg: I like to browse through their clearance section and see if I can find any great deals.
2. exude [v]: if you exude love, confidence, pain, etc., you show that you have a lot of that feeling:
toát ra
Eg: She just exudes confidence and captivates everyone in the room.
3. hilarious [adj]: extremely funny and causing a lot of laughter: khôi hài
Eg: Daniell's evaluation of the many twentieth-century translations is sometimes hilarious.
4. insightful [adj]: showing a clear and usually original understanding of a complicated problem
or situation: sâu sắc
Eg: She has written an insightful account of the modern art world.
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5. rational [adj]: based on clear thought and reason: có lý trí
Eg: There must be some rational explanation for what happened.
Part 3
1. Why do people like to use social media?
People enjoy social media because it allows them to stay connected with friends and family, no
matter where they are. It also provides a platform to share updates about their lives and keep up
with the latest news or trends. For many, it’s also a source of entertainment and relaxation after
a long day.
Vocabulary:
stay connected: giữ liên lạc
share updates: chia sẻ thông tin, cập nhật
entertainment and relaxation: giải trí và thư giãn
2. What kinds of things are popular on social media?
I think short videos, funny memes, and lifestyle content are extremely popular these days. Many
people also follow influencers who give advice on fashion, travel, or fitness. Besides, social media
is full of viral trends that spread very quickly across platforms.
Vocabulary:
influencers: người có tầm ảnh hưởng
viral trends: xu hướng lan truyền nhanh
lifestyle content: nội dung về phong cách sống
3. What are the advantages and disadvantages of using social media?
One big advantage is that social media helps people access information instantly and
communicate more easily. However, the disadvantage is that it can become addictive, leading
people to spend too much time online. Another problem is misinformation, which spreads quickly
and may cause confusion.
Vocabulary:
access information instantly: tiếp cận thông tin ngay lập tức
addictive: gây nghiện
misinformation: thông tin sai lệch
4. What do you think of making friends on social network?
I think making friends online can be positive, especially for people who want to expand their
social circle beyond their local area. Online friendships can bring cultural exchange and support.
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But at the same time, people should be careful, because not everyone is who they claim to be, and
there are risks like privacy concerns and even online scams.
Vocabulary:
expand one’s social circle: mở rộng mối quan hệ xã hội
privacy concerns: lo ngại về quyền riêng tư
online scams: lừa đảo trực tuyến
20. Describe a time when you broke something
You should say:
What it was
When/where that happened
How you broke it
And explain what you did after that
I’d like to talk about the time when I accidentally broke my phone screen. It happened about a year
ago, at home. I was in a hurry to leave for class, and my phone slipped out of my pocket and fell
onto the hard floor.
At first, I thought it was fine, but when I picked it up, I saw that the glass was completely cracked.
The phone still worked, but the screen looked terrible and even cut my finger when I tried to swipe.
I felt really frustrated because it was an expensive phone, and I had just bought it a few months
earlier. After that, I took it to a repair shop to replace the screen. It cost me quite a lot, but I learned
a lesson: always use a strong phone case and be more careful.
Cracked: nứt, vỡ.
Repair shop: cửa hàng sửa chữa.
Replace the screen: thay màn hình.
Frustrated: bực bội, khó chịu.
Part 3 – Discussion
1. What kind of things are more likely to be broken by people at home?
I think glass items like cups, plates, or mirrors are easy to break. Electronic devices such as phones
or laptops are also fragile if people drop them.
Fragile: dễ vỡ.
2. What kind of people like to fix things by themselves?
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Usually people who are practical and enjoy hands-on work. They might also want to save money
instead of paying someone else to repair things.
Practical: thực tế.
Hands-on work: công việc thủ công, trực tiếp.
3. Do you think clothes produced in the factory are of better quality than those made by
hand?
Not always. Factory-made clothes are usually more consistent and affordable, but handmade
clothes can have better materials and more attention to detail.
Consistent: đồng đều.
Affordable: giá cả phải chăng.
Attention to detail: chú ý đến từng chi tiết.
4. Do you think handmade clothes are more valuable?
Yes, in many cases. Handmade clothes often have unique designs and show the maker’s effort and
skill. That’s why people are willing to pay more for them.
Unique designs: thiết kế độc đáo.
Effort and skill: công sức và tay nghề.
21. Describe a book you read that you found useful
You should say:
What it is
When you read it
Why you think it is useful
And explain how you felt about it
One of the most useful books I’ve ever read is “Atomic Habits” by James Clear. I read it about
two years ago when I was struggling to manage my time and stick to a healthy routine.
The book focuses on how small daily actions can gradually create big changes in our lives. It
introduces strategies like building habits through incremental progress, using positive
reinforcement, and designing an environment that makes good habits easier.
I found it extremely useful because it was practical and easy to apply. For example, after reading
it, I started exercising for just 10 minutes a day, and over time, it became a solid routine. I felt
both motivated and empowered, because the book showed me that success doesn’t come from
huge efforts, but from consistent small steps.
Vocabulary:
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incremental progress: tiến bộ từng chút một
positive reinforcement: sự khích lệ tích cực
motivated and empowered: có động lực và được tiếp sức
Part 3
1. What are the types of books that young people like to read?
I think young people often prefer novels, comics, or books that are easy to read and entertaining.
Recently, self-help books have also become popular, as many young people want to enhance
personal growth and improve their productivity.
2. What's the difference between the reading habits of old people and young people?
Older people usually prefer newspapers, history books, or biographies because they value indepth knowledge and real-life experiences. Young people, on the other hand, tend to enjoy
shorter, more dynamic content, sometimes even through social media instead of traditional books.
3. What's the difference between paper books and e-books?
Paper books provide a tangible reading experience, and many people enjoy the feeling of holding
a physical book. However, e-books are more convenient and portable, allowing readers to store
thousands of titles on one device. Both have advantages, so it really depends on personal
preference.
4. Some people say that it is easier for children who start reading from a young age to
succeed. Do you agree?
Yes, I agree. Early reading helps children develop critical thinking and expand their vocabulary.
It also builds discipline and concentration, which are useful skills later in life. Of course, success
depends on many factors, but early exposure to reading definitely provides a strong foundation.
Vocabulary:
enhance personal growth: nâng cao sự phát triển bản thân
in-depth knowledge: kiến thức chuyên sâu
tangible reading experience: trải nghiệm đọc hữu hình
develop critical thinking: phát triển tư duy phản biện
22. Describe a toy you liked in your childhood
You should say:
What kind of toy it is
When you received it
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How you played it
And explain how you felt about it
Describe a toy you liked in your childhood
One of my favorite toys when I was a child was a set of LEGO bricks. I received it as a birthday
gift from my parents when I was about seven years old.
I used to spend hours building houses, cars, and sometimes even imaginary cities with those
colorful pieces. It allowed me to be really creative and imaginative, because I could design
anything I wanted. Sometimes I played alone, and sometimes with my cousins, and it always
turned into a fun little competition to see who could build the best design.
I felt extremely excited and proud whenever I finished a project, even if it was just a simple
house. Looking back, I think LEGO helped me develop patience and problem-solving skills in a
very enjoyable way.
Vocabulary:
LEGO bricks: đồ chơi xếp hình LEGO
creative and imaginative: sáng tạo và giàu trí tưởng tượng
excited and proud: hào hứng và tự hào
Part 3
1. How do advertisements influence children?
Advertisements can strongly influence children by making them desire trendy products. Bright
colors, catchy jingles, and cartoon characters are often used to capture their attention. Sometimes,
ads even create a sense of peer pressure, because kids want toys their friends have.
2. Should advertising aimed at kids be prohibited?
I don’t think it should be completely banned, but it should definitely be regulated. Companies
should avoid misleading information and focus on promoting products that are safe and
educational. Otherwise, advertising can easily exploit children’s innocence.
3. What's the difference between the toys kids play now and those they played in the past?
In the past, toys were usually simple, like wooden dolls, marbles, or skipping ropes. Nowadays,
many toys are technology-driven, such as video games or robots. Modern toys are more
interactive, but sometimes they reduce physical activity and face-to-face interaction among
children.
4. Do you think parents should buy more toys for their kids or spend more time with them?
I believe spending time is more valuable. Toys can provide short-term joy, but quality bonding
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time helps children feel loved and supported. Parents can also guide kids in meaningful ways,
which no toy can replace.
5. What's the difference between the toys boys play with and girls play with?
Traditionally, boys often played with cars, action figures, or construction sets, while girls were
given dolls or cooking sets. But nowadays, this gender distinction is less rigid, and many parents
encourage their kids to play with whatever they like.
6. What are the advantages and disadvantages of modern toys?
The main advantage is that modern toys can be educational and stimulating, helping children
learn skills like coding or problem-solving. However, the downside is that some toys are
expensive, addictive, and may even expose kids to too much screen time, which can harm
their mental and physical well-being.
VOCABULARY:
1. desire trendy products: khao khát sản phẩm hợp mốt
2. peer pressure: áp lực từ bạn bè
3. regulated: được kiểm soát, điều chỉnh
4. exploit children’s innocence: lợi dụng sự ngây thơ của trẻ
5. technology-driven: dựa vào công nghệ
6. face-to-face interaction: tương tác trực tiếp
quality bonding time: khoảng thời gian gắn kết chất lượng
gender distinction: sự phân biệt giới tính
educational and stimulating: mang tính giáo dục và kích thích tư duy
mental and physical well-being: sức khỏe tinh thần và thể chất
23. Describe a successful sportsperson you admire
You should say
Who he/she is
What you know about him/her
What he/she is like in real life
What achievement he/she has made
And explain why you admire him/her
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(Who he/she is) I'd like to talk about Nguyễn Huy Hoàng, an incredible swimmer from my
country - Vietnam. He was born in the year 2000 in Quảng Bình, which is in North Central of
Vietnam. From when he was just a kid, everyone could see he had this natural talent for
swimming. He really caught the eye of a lot of people in the sports world.
(What you know about him/her) He's super humble and totally committed to becoming the best
in his field. People who know him always say good things about how disciplined and hard-working
he is. These qualities have played a huge role in his success.
(What achievement he/she has made) What really stands out is his performance in the 2019
World Aquatics Championships in South Korea. He didn't just qualify for the Tokyo Olympics;
he also broke his own national record in the 800m freestyle. On top of that, he won gold in the
400m and 1500m freestyle at the Southeast Asian Games the same year.
(And explain why you admire him/her) But what I find most impressive about him is that he's
like a trailblazer for sports in Vietnam, especially swimming. He's broken down barriers and set
an example for young athletes in a country where swimming isn't usually the go-to sport. He shows
that with the right attitude and work ethic, you can achieve amazing things, no matter where you
come from.
VOCABULARY
1. natural talent (n) : tài năng bẩm sinh
Example
Hoa has a natural talent for singing.
Hoa có tài năng bẩm sinh trong việc hát ca nhạc.
2. catch the eye (collocation): thu hút mọi ánh nhìn
Example
A sudden movement caught my eye.
Một cử động đột ngột đã thu hút ánh nhìn của tôi
3. be committed to (v): cam kết với
Example
We are committed to withdrawing our troops by the end of the year.
Chúng tôi cam kết rút quân đội vào cuối năm.
4. stands out (phrasal verb): nổi bật
Example
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We had lots of good applicants for the job, but one stood out from the rest.
Chúng tôi có nhiều ứng viên tốt cho công việc, nhưng một người nổi bật hơn so với những người
còn lại.
5. trailblazer (n): người tiên phong
Example
She was a trailblazer in bringing nursing into a degree program.
Cô ấy là một người tiên phong trong việc đưa ngành y vào chương trình đại học
6. go-to (adj): lựa chọn hàng đầu/ lựa chọn tốt nhất
Example
For 20 years, Wild Mountain was the go-to store for outdoor enthusiasts.
Trong suốt 20 năm, Wild Mountain luôn là cửa hàng lựa chọn hàng đầu cho những người yêu thể
thao.
7. work ethic (collocation): đạo đức nghề nghiệp
Example
Bill's work ethic was never very strong.
Đạo đức nghề nghiệp của Bill không mạnh mẽ lắm.
Part 3
1. Should students have physical education and do sports at school?
Absolutely, I think physical education should be a cornerstone in the school curriculum. Not only
does it promote physical well-being, but it also plays a crucial role in emotional and psychological
development. It helps kids blow off steam and improves focus, which in turn enhances academic
performance. For example, incorporating sports teaches children invaluable life skills like
teamwork and discipline.
2. What qualities make an athlete?
Well, being an athlete is not just about physical strength; the mental side is also crucial. The ability
to keep one's cool under pressure can make or break an athlete's performance. Additionally,
dedication and hard work are undeniable. Athletes need to put in the hours and go the extra mile
to hone their skills. Lastly, a competitive spirit is also essential. Wanting to outperform not just
others but also oneself can propel an athlete to greater heights.
3. Is talent important in sports?
Yes, of course. Talent is definitely a stepping stone, but it's not the be-all and end-all. Talent can
give you a head start, but it's the hard work and perseverance that will keep you in the game. I've
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seen many talented individuals fall by the wayside simply because they didn't put in the effort to
improve or they didn't handle setbacks.
4. Is it easy to identify children’s talents?
Well, that's a bit of a tricky question. Some kids are late bloomers, and their talents might not be
readily apparent. On the other hand, there are child prodigies who show clear signs of
extraordinary abilities from a young age. So, I think that parents and teachers should keep an eye
out for any sparks of talent. However, it's important not to judge children based on initial
impressions; they should be allowed to explore various interests.
VOCABULARY
1. cornerstone (n) : điểm cốt lõi
Example
In most countries, the family unit is still the cornerstone of society.
Ở hầu hết các quốc gia, gia đình vẫn là điểm cốt lõi của xã hội.
2. blow off steam (idiom) nghỉ xả hơi
Example
Call me anytime you need to blow off some steam
Gọi cho tôi bất cứ lúc nào bạn cần nghỉ ngơi xả hơi
3. go the extra mile (idiom) làm nhiều hơn cả những gì mong đợi
Example
He's a nice guy, always ready to go the extra mile for his friends.
Anh ấy là người tốt, luôn sẵn sàng làm nhiều hơn cả những gì mong đợi vì bạn bè.
4. hone (v) Mài giũa
Example
The bone had been honed to a point.
Cái xương đã được mài giũa đến một điểm nào đó.
5. competitive spirit (phrase) Tinh thần cạnh tranh
Example
The competitive spirit is an essential part of that contest.
Tinh thần cạnh tranh là một phần quan trọng của cuộc thi đó
6. propel (v): thúc đẩy
Example
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The film propelled him to international stardom.
Bộ phim đã góp phần đẩy anh ta vươn tầm thành một ngôi sao quốc tế.
7. stepping stone (phrase) : bước đệm
Example
I see this job just as a stepping stone to better things.
Tôi xem công việc này chỉ là một bước đệm để đạt được những điều tốt đẹp hơn.
8. be-all and end-all (idiom) cái quan trọng nhất, điều cốt lõi
Example
We all agreed that winning was not the be-all and end-all.
Chúng tôi đều đồng tình rằng việc chiến thắng không phải là quan trọng nhất
9. head start (idiom) : khởi đầu thuận lợi
Example
You've got a head start over/on others trying to get the job because you've got relevant work
experience.
Bạn đã có sự khởi đầu thuận lợi hơn so với những người khác cố gắng có công việc vì bạn đã có
kinh nghiệm làm việc liên quan
10. fall by the wayside (idiom) thất bại trong việc làm gì đó, hoặc dừng lại không làm nữa
Example
So why does one company survive a recession while its competitors fall by the wayside?
Vậy tại sao một công ty tồn tại qua một cuộc suy thoái trong khi đối thủ của họ thất bại và bị loại
bỏ?
11. keep an eye out (idiom) Cảnh giác
Example
Keep an eye out for spyware programs that install themselves on your computer.
Hãy cảnh giác với các chương trình gián điệp tự cài đặt trên máy tính của bạn.
24. Describe an area/subject of science (biology, robotics, etc.) that you are interested in and
would like to learn more about
You should say
(What subject it is) One science subject I'm particularly interested in is chemistry.
(How and where did you know this subject) Ever since I was a kid, I’ve always been fascinated
by the various chemical reactions that can occur from mixing a few substances together. My first
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official encounter with the subject, however, was not until my middle school years, precisely in
the 8th grade.
(How do you usually get information about this subject) As a child, I wasn't all that familiar
with technology aside from TVs - where I learned most about chemistry then, which made it rather
hard for me to acquire any new information. As life went on, technology also advanced and now,
with just a few taps on my smartphone, I can just look up anything I'm not clear about. I primarily
gather insights about chemistry through online platforms such as educational websites, sciencefocused YouTube channels and research journals.
(And explain why you are interested in this subject) My interest in chemistry stems from its
applications in real-life situations. The subject shows the interaction of matters with one another
as well as the formation of matters, atoms, molecules and chemical reactions. From there,
chemistry also reveals what is inside the food and drinks we consume daily and how they interact
when eaten together, or how we can avoid dangerous materials and how we can use little things
around us to make life easier. Even though it is quite complex, chemistry gives me a different
perception on the various happenings in life and in rare cases, makes my life easier.
Part 3
1. Did you ever tell anybody that you are interested in this subject?
Technically I have never outright told anyone that I like chemistry, but I figure anyone can tell
that I'm interested in it, with all the Youtube videos that I watch and all my ramblings about
chemical reactions. I also do rather well on chemistry tests in school, which I think is sufficient to
show my friends my passion for the subject.
2. Some children don't like to study science subjects in school, why?
Students disliking science subjects in school is nothing new, and reasonably so, especially in
Vietnam. It is due to the fact that the way in which these subjects are taught is rather dull and
monotonous, as oftentimes these children can only learn through textbooks or presentations
without any practical demonstrations of said subjects, making lessons rather boring and tedious.
3. Is it important to study science in school?
Absolutely, but I personally think that it doesn't owe much to the knowledge gained, but rather the
skills learned. Learning science subjects teaches children to think critically as well as how to solve
problems. Whether the knowledge will be used later in life or not depends on the interest of each
student, but critical thinking and problem-solving skills will come in handy regardless of their
choices.
4. Which science subject is the most important for children to study?
The importance of different science subjects can vary depending on the individual interests and
career goals of children. Chemistry, for instance, explores the properties and behavior of matter
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and how substances interact while biology is the study of living organisms and their interactions
with the environment. However, I believe they are all equal in terms of importance because they
all teach children crucial skills as I have previously mentioned, which are critical thinking and
problem-solving abilities.
VOCABULARY
1. look up (phrasal verb): tìm hiểu thêm
Example:
If you're not sure what the word means, look it up in a dictionary.
Nếu bạn không rõ từ đó có nghĩa là gì, hãy tra nó trong từ điển.
2. stem from (phrasal verb): bắt nguồn từ
Example:
Their disagreement stemmed from a misunderstanding.
Sự bất đồng của học bắt nguồn từ một sự hiểu lầm.
3. ramblings (phrase): nói huyên thiên, dông dài
Example:
Please forgive my incoherent ramblings over dinner last night.
Hãy thứ lỗi cho tôi vì đã nói chuyện huyên thiên vào bữa tối hôm qua.
4. come in handy (phrase): có ích
Example:
The money will come in handy when I want to travel.
Số tiền đó sẽ giúp ích khi tôi đi du lịch.
25. Describe an outdoor place where you can get close to nature ( e.g.park, beach..)
You should say
Where it is
What people can do there
How often do you go there?
And explain why you enjoy spending time in this place.
I’d like to talk about a park near my home called Thong Nhat Park in Hanoi. It’s one of the biggest
green spaces in the city, and people of all ages often go there to enjoy nature.
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In the park, people can do many activities. Some go jogging or cycling around the lake, others
practice yoga, or simply sit on benches to relax. Families usually bring their children to play, while
older people like to walk and chat with friends.
I go there about twice a week, usually in the morning or late afternoon. It’s a nice break from the
busy city life, because the air feels fresher and the environment is much quieter compared to the
streets outside.
I enjoy spending time in this place because it helps me feel relaxed and recharged. Being close to
trees, water, and birds gives me a sense of peace that I can’t really find in shopping malls or
crowded cafés.
Green spaces: không gian xanh.
Jogging: chạy bộ chậm.
Relaxed and recharged: thư giãn và nạp lại năng lượng.
Peace: sự yên bình.
Part 3 – Discussion
1. Do you think it’s important for people to spend time in nature?
Yes, definitely. Nature helps people reduce stress, improve their mood, and stay healthier.
Spending time outdoors is a good way to balance modern life.
Reduce stress: giảm căng thẳng.
2. How has urbanization affected people’s relationship with nature?
Urbanization has reduced the amount of green space. Many people now live in apartments and
don’t have gardens, so they have fewer chances to connect with nature.
Urbanization: đô thị hóa.
Green space: không gian xanh.
3. Why do some people prefer the countryside to the city?
Because the countryside offers cleaner air, less noise, and a closer connection to nature. Life there
feels more peaceful and simple compared to the fast pace of the city.
Peaceful and simple: yên bình và giản dị.
Fast pace: nhịp sống nhanh.
4. Do you think schools should organize more outdoor activities for children?
Yes, I think so. Outdoor activities can help children develop teamwork skills, become more active,
and learn to appreciate the environment. It’s better than spending too much time indoors.
Teamwork skills: kỹ năng làm việc nhóm.
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Appreciate the environment: trân trọng môi trường.
26. Describe an interesting building you saw during a trip
You should say:
Where you saw it
What it looks like
What you have known about it
And explain why you think it is interesting
I’d like to talk about the Lotus Temple that I visited during my trip to New Delhi, India, about
three years ago. It’s one of the most unique and beautiful buildings I have ever seen.
The Lotus Temple is shaped like a giant lotus flower, with white marble petals opening towards
the sky. From a distance, it looks like an artwork rather than just a building. Inside, the design is
very simple, with a huge hall where people can sit quietly and meditate.
What I know about it is that it’s a Bahá’í House of Worship, which means it welcomes people of
all religions. The idea is to create a space where everyone can feel peaceful and connected, no
matter their background.
I found it really interesting because the architecture combines modern design with cultural
symbolism. The atmosphere inside was so calm that it made me forget the noisy city outside. That
visit left me with a deep impression of how architecture can influence our emotions.
Lotus flower: hoa sen.
Marble: đá cẩm thạch.
Meditate: thiền.
Cultural symbolism: ý nghĩa văn hóa.
Part 3:
1. Should all scenic spots charge an entry fee?
Not all. Some famous places should charge a fee to cover maintenance costs, but public parks or
natural spaces can remain free so that everyone has access.
Maintenance costs: chi phí bảo dưỡng.
2. Is visiting scenic spots the best choice for us while travelling?
It’s a good choice, but not the only one. Apart from scenic spots, people can also enjoy local food,
festivals, or cultural activities to have a more well-rounded experience.
Well-rounded experience: trải nghiệm toàn diện.
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3. Why do some people like to live in big cities?
Because big cities offer better job opportunities, modern facilities, and more entertainment options.
Life may be busy, but many people find it more exciting.
Job opportunities: cơ hội việc làm.
Facilities: cơ sở vật chất.
4. Is it necessary for tourists to go to visit landmarks when travelling in a place?
I think it’s not strictly necessary, but most tourists do because landmarks represent the identity and
history of a city. Visiting them helps people understand the culture better.
Identity: bản sắc.
5. Which do most people prefer, living in a bungalow or in a tall building?
It depends. Some prefer bungalows because they are more private and spacious. Others like tall
buildings because they offer good views and are usually located in city centers.
Bungalow: nhà một tầng.
Private: riêng tư.
Spacious: rộng rãi.
27. A disagreement between two of your friends
When it was
What the argument was about
How it was solved
And how you felt about it
(When it was) Most of my friends are pretty easy-going and do not normally quarrel with one
another, but whenever they do, it is always a heated argument. The most heated one happened
during the Thailand trip in 2016, which nearly tore our friendship apart. While I was immersing
myself in a bath full of soft bubbles, I heard very loud Vietnamese shouts, quickly realising it was
my friend’s voice.
(What the argument was about) When I reached their room, Duyen, my best friend, was just
about to burst into tears, while Chau, my cousin, couldn’t stop hurling insults at Duyen while
having a fit. To the best of my memory, Chau was trying to talk Duyen out of going on a Tinder
date with a Thai boy because Chau believed it was disgraceful to do that and Duyen, by meeting
a stranger in a foreign country, could put herself in jeopardy. Duyen didn’t like her being judged
by Chau, so she started to defend herself before Chau exerted her influence as the team leader to
prevent Duyen from going out.
(How it was solved) I quickly calmed Chau down and brought her to my room and told my
roommate, who is her younger brother, to talk to her. In the meantime, I also tried to calm Duyen
down and brought her downstairs to buy her a big cup of milk tea, which she really liked. At that
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day’s dinner, we discussed a bit about the issue, in a peaceful and respectful manner, and
reconciled Chau and Duyen.
(And how you felt about it) I knew that Chau overreacted when concerned that Duyen would be
in trouble. Although it was an argument, I was able to understand how much we, as friends, care
about each other. After that day, people thought our friendship was on the brink of collapse, but it
turned out even stronger.
VOCABULARY
1. To hurl (v): quăng/phang
Example: In a fit of temper he hurled the book across the room.
Trong cơn nóng giận, anh ấy phang cuốn sách ngang phòng.
2. To have a fit (phrase): nổi điên
Example: My mom's going to have a fit when she sees what happened to the car!
Mẹ tôi sẽ nổi điên khi thấy những gì đã xảy ra với chiếc xe này!
3. In jeopardy (phrase): trong cơn nguy khốn
Example: Bad investments have put the company’s future in jeopardy.
Đầu tư không khôn ngoan sẽ đẩy tương lai của công ty vào cơn nguy khốn.
4. Reconcile (v): kết nối lại/dung hòa
Example: It's difficult to reconcile such different points of view.
Rất khó để dung hòa những quan điểm khác nhau.
28. Someone 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
(Who the person is)
The first person that pops up in my mind is my mother.
(What job/studies the person does) + (What sort of clothes the person wears)
She is a teacher teaching Physics in high school. Due to the peculiarities of teaching work, my
mother usually opts for “ao dai”, a traditional Vietnamese costome when giving lectures at
school. Many people argue that wearing cultural clothes has limited people's creativity as it is quite
complicated to change or redesign a skirt with long sleeves and a long gown. However, those
impediments could not prevent my mother from being attractive and unique with her own style
when wearing “ao dai”.
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I have a particular liking for the way she plays with color and how she combines fashionable
accessories with the main outfits. My mother also pays great attention to varying her hairstyle to
ensure a harmonious coordination. That’s why she always stands out in the crowd with her
elegant and trendy appearance.
(And explain why you think this person enjoys dressing well)
I really admire my mother for her creativity and passion for fashion. She has a good head for
knowing how to be fashionable and good-looking. I could even remember how many times I have
sought her advice whenever I have a party or important event to go to. For me, she’s like a fashion
chameleon who could carry off looks of different styles.
VOCABULARY:
1. peculiarities of work: đặc thù công việc
Ex: The clown control service and the peculiarities of its work.
Dịch vụ kiểm soát chú hề và tính đặc thù của công việc.
2. impediment (n) : khó khăn, thử thách
Ex: His criminal record could be an impediment to his finding employment.
Tiền sử phạm tội của anh ấy có thể là thử thách ngăn cản anh ấy tìm được công việc
3. harmonious: hài hòa
Ex: I generally had a harmonious relationship with my colleagues.
Tôi có một mối quan hệ hài hòa với các đồng nghiệp của mình
4. coordination (n): sự phối hợp
Ex: There are exercises to help maintain eye-to-hand coordination.
Có một vài bài tập giúp duy trì sự phối hợp giữa mắt và tay
5. chameleon (n) : tắc kè hoa
6. carry off: thành công trong việc gì đó
Ex: I carried off choosing the right dress for my party
Tôi đã thành công trong việc chọn một chiếc đầm phù hợp cho buổi tiệc
Part 3:
1. Do you think online shopping will replace in-store shopping in the future? Why?
I think it’s completely possible for this replacement, as shopping through the screen is becoming
more and more convenient and beneficial. The development of modern technology allows people
to purchase what they want by browsing different shopping websites, which helps them save a
lot of time and energy. Secondly, offline stores often sell products at a more expensive price due
to tough competition in the commercial industry, online retailers usually have more attractive
discount programs to retain consumers.
2. Are you a person who likes to follow fashion?
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Not really, to be honest. I am an energetic person so I am into wearing types of clothing that could
bring me a sense of comfort and give me free rein to move around easily. Thanks all the same,
I still think highly of how fashion trends inspire and vary daily lifestyles. In the future, I also want
to have a go at choosing my own style, which is not only comfortable but also fashionable as well.
3. Are older people as fashionable as young people? Why?
I do believe that young people will always be the ones who are more sensitive to fashion than the
old ones. One reason is that youngsters are more open-minded about what they want to put on
than their older counterparts. Meanwhile, the elderly usually have a nonchalance towards fashion
trends. Instead, they pay more attention to how to be economized when choosing clothes than
following the latest trend with luxury shoes from prestigious brands.
4. Are women more fashionable than men? Why?
Being fashionable depends on each individual and whether you know how to mix and match or
not. However, as females are inclined to be more curious about fashion, they might be better than
males in becoming more trendy. While men concentrate more on simple but elegant outfits, women
are usually ambivalent when choosing what kinds of dresses they should wear based on what
kinds of events they engage in.
VOCABULARY:
1. browsing different shopping websites: dạo qua nhiều trang web mua sắm khác nhau
Ex: People spend loads of time browsing different shopping websites every day.
Mọi người dành nhiều thời gian cho việc dạo qua nhiều trang web mua sắm khác nhau mỗi ngày
2. give somebody free rein: cho ai đó sự tự do
Ex: He gave her free rein to develop her own product
Anh ấy cho cô ấy sự tự do phát triển sản phẩm của riêng mình.
3. Thanks all the same: dù sao đi nữa tôi vẫn cảm ơn…
Ex: But thank you all the same.
Nhưng dù sao đi nữa cũng cảm ơn nhé.
4. be sensitive to: nhạy cảm với gì đó
Ex: I'm really sensitive to light.
Tôi thực sự nhạy cảm với ánh sáng.
5. open-minded (adj): cởi mở với những điều mới
Ex: She is a very modern and open-minded person
Cô ấy là một con người rất hiện đại và cởi mở với những điều mới
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6. nonchalance (n): sự thờ ơ, lãnh đạm
Ex: My friend Lynn was shocked by my nonchalance.
Bạn tôi Lynn đã bị sốc bởi sự thờ ơ của tôi.
7. prestigious (adj): uy tín, danh giá
Ex: It's the most prestigious trophy there is, especially for us after so many years.
Đó là chiếc cúp danh giá nhất, đặc biệt với chúng tôi sau nhiều năm.
8. ambivalent (v): đắn đo, mơ hồ
Ex: The feelings of people are often inconsistent and ambivalent.
Cảm xúc của mọi người thường không nhất quán và mơ hồ.
29. A movie that makes you laugh
One movie that always makes me laugh is Mr. Bean’s Holiday. I first watched it when I was in
secondary school, and even now, I sometimes rewatch it when I feel stressed.
The movie is about Mr. Bean, a very funny character who always gets into trouble in the most
ridiculous ways. For example, he tries to order food in a French restaurant but doesn’t understand
anything, which leads to a series of hilarious mistakes.
What makes it so funny is that the humor is very visual and simple. Mr. Bean doesn’t talk much,
but his facial expressions and body language are extremely entertaining.
I enjoy this movie because it helps me relax and forget about my problems for a while. No matter
how many times I watch it, I still laugh out loud.
Ridiculous: lố bịch, buồn cười.
Hilarious: cực kỳ hài hước.
Facial expressions: biểu cảm khuôn mặt.
Laugh out loud: cười lớn.
Part 3:
1. What kinds of movies do people in your country like to watch?
I think most people enjoy comedies, action films, and romantic dramas. Young people also like
sci-fi and superhero movies.
2. Why do comedies attract so many people?
Because they bring positive energy. People want to laugh and relax after a long day, and comedies
provide that escape.
Positive energy: năng lượng tích cực.
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3. Do you think comedy shows are more popular than comedy movies?
Not really. Comedy movies are still very popular, but shows are easier to watch because they’re
shorter and available online.
4. Do you think humor is important in life?
Yes, absolutely. Humor helps us reduce stress, improve relationships, and stay optimistic, even
during difficult times.
Stress: căng thẳng.
Optimistic: lạc quan.
30. A beautiful object you have seen (e.g. a piece of jewelry or a painting or a car)
One beautiful object that impressed me is a sports car I saw last year — a red Ferrari. I noticed it
when I was walking on a street in Hanoi. It was parked in front of a hotel, and many people stopped
to look at it.
The car had a very sleek design, with smooth curves and shiny metal. The bright red color made it
stand out immediately. I also remember the logo of the horse on the front, which looked really
stylish.
I think it’s beautiful because it represents not only modern technology but also art and design.
Even though I can’t afford such a car, just looking at it made me feel excited and inspired.
Sports car: xe thể thao.
Sleek design: thiết kế bóng bẩy, mượt mà.
Stand out: nổi bật.
Stylish: thời thượng.
Part 3:
1. Do you think there are more beautiful things today than in the past?
Yes, because technology and design have improved a lot. However, traditional objects like
paintings or handicrafts are still considered beautiful.
2. Why do people like to collect beautiful objects?
Because they bring pleasure and sometimes show status. Some people also see them as valuable
investments.
Pleasure: niềm vui.
Status: địa vị.
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3. What kind of beautiful objects do people usually keep at home?
Many people keep jewelry, artwork, or decorative furniture. These objects make the home look
more aesthetic and comfortable.
Artwork: tác phẩm nghệ thuật.
Aesthetic: có tính thẩm mỹ.
4. Do you think the definition of beauty is the same for everyone?
Not really. Beauty is subjective. Some people admire luxury cars, while others find beauty in
simple handmade crafts or nature.
Subjective: mang tính chủ quan.
5. A time you enjoyed looking at the sky (e.g. birds or a sunset)
Where you saw it
Who you saw it with
What you saw
And explain how you felt about it
(Where you saw it) I had a chance to participate in an outreach programme in Tra Vinh province,
which is a rural area in Vietnam. One of the most memorable moments in my life was that my
crush and I had such a great talk on the last night before he went back to Singapore. And on that
night, the sky happened to be also very beautiful.
(Who you saw it with) There were only my crush and me at that time. We were sitting in a garden
nearby the library which we had just finished constructing that day. Indeed, before that, there had
been some of the volunteers also, but they left us alone after we talked and played games for around
an hour.
(What you saw) The sky was illuminated with countless stars. In urban areas, due to the light
pollution, it is extremely hard for us to see those sparkling stars that illuminate the dark sky. Also,
there were also some fireflies that were supplementing the beauty of the sky. My crush pointed
to the sky and told me stories about those stars.
(And explain how you felt about it) As it was the first time that I had seen so many stars, I was
pretty excited. However, what made that night even more memorable was that I got to talk to my
crush for so long, which I never thought would happen. If there were one wish in the world, I
would wish that I could go back to that moment forever.
VOCABULARY:
1. Happen to (v): bất ngờ
They happened to look (= looked by chance) in the right place almost immediately.
Họ bất ngờ nhìn đúng chỗ gần như ngay và luôn.
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2. illuminate (v): thắp sáng
The streets were illuminated with strings of coloured lights.
Những con đường được thắp sáng với những ánh đèn màu.
3. Sparkling (adj): lấp lánh
Sparkling white teeth
Bộ răng trắng sáng lấp lánh.
4. Supplement (v): thêm vào
She got a second job to supplement her income.
Cô ấy có một công việc thứ 2 thể thêm thu nhập.
Part 3
1. Should kids know more about the stars and planets?
Definitely yes! Kids should learn about as many things as possible, especially the things that they
see on a daily basis. Exposure to such kinds of knowledge at a formative stage of their lives is
instrumental in nurturing their curiosity and eagerness to learn even more in the future. Parents
are advised to instruct children to learn more about the stars and planets by telling them stories
about those stars while looking at the stars with them, apart from giving them books to read about
them. Practical experience is always imprinted on people’s minds for a longer amount of time
than theoretical knowledge.
2. Is technology useful for looking at the night sky?
Of course, many well-off people are not reluctant to spend a fortune on a telescope to view meteor
showers. Actually, while much is visible with the naked eye, people will need a telescope to see
even more. Moreover, there is a kind of technology that is able to help enhance the quality of
images that these telescopes take. Astronomy has come a long way since it was first practiced
back in the ancient times, from the naked eye, to basic tools to measure the angle of the sunlight,
the telescope and today’s sophisticated technology.
3. What kinds of people are interested in the stars?
Those interested in natural science, especially physics and astronomy, would be interested in the
stars. Also, the kids who believe in fairy tales about those stars may also develop an interest for
learning more about the stars and imagine that one day they would set foot on those stars.
Moreover, an increasing number of videos about the stars and planets explain extremely
challenging concepts in such a simple fashion. Thus, a larger slice of the general public can now
access such kinds of knowledge that used to be suitable for scientists and gifted individuals only.
4. Why do some people like to watch movies about stars and planets?
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I believe that curiosity is part of human nature. Human beings tend to scratch their heads finding
out whether there is life out there in the universe. Thus, those intriguing videos about stars and
planets tend to catch the general public’s attention..The more they watch those videos, the more
eager to discover about the universe they become.
VOCABULARY:
1. on a daily/monthly/ongoing basis (phrase): theo từng ngày/tháng/liên tục
Example: Skills need to be updated on an ongoing basis.
Kĩ năng cần được cải tiến liên tục.
2. Instrumental in something (phrase): quan trọng trong việc gì đó
Example: She was instrumental in bringing about the prison reform act.
Cô ấy đóng vai trò quan trọng trong việc diễn ra cải tạo nhà tù
3. Imprint (verb): in sâu
Example: That look of grief would be imprinted on her mind forever.
Cái nhìn đau buồn nó sẽ in sâu vào tâm trí cô ấy mãi mãi.
4. a fortune (idiom): rất mắc
Example: The cars on this list won't cost a fortune to insure.
Việc đăng kí bảo hiểm cho những chiếc xe này không mắc lắm đâu.
5. Come a long way (phrase): phát triển hơn rất nhiều
Example: Information technology has come a long way in the last 20 years.
Công nghệ thông tin đã phát triển hơn rất nhiều trong vòng 20 năm qua.
6. Set foot on/in somewhere (phrase): đi đâu đó
Example: He refuses to set foot in an art gallery.
Anh ấy từ chối lời mời đi triển lãm nghệ thuật.
7. Fashion (n): cách làm
Example: The rebel army behaved in a brutal fashion.
Quân đội nổi dậy đã hành xử một cách tàn bạo.
8. The general public (n): công chúng
Example: This is a matter of great concern to the general public.
Đây thực sự là một mối lo cho công chúng.
9. To scratch his/her head (phrase): vò đầu suy nghĩ về cái gì đó.
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Example: A lot of people must be scratching their heads about which way to vote.
Rất nhiều người đang vò đầu suy nghĩ không biết nên bầu cho bên nào.
10. To catch sb’s attention (phrase): hút sự chú ý của ai đó.
Example: I knocked on the window to catch her attention.
Tôi gõ trên cửa sổ để thu hút sự chú ý của cô ta.
32. A website that sells secondhand products
You should say
What it is
How you found out about it
What people can buy from it
And explain whether you like it
I’d like to talk about Vinted, a popular online platform for selling second-hand items. I found out
about it through a friend who was raving about finding affordable clothes online. Vinted mainly
offers second-hand fashion, including clothes, shoes, and accessories, but you can also find books
and small home items.
I like Vinted because it’s user-friendly and promotes sustainable shopping by encouraging reuse.
The platform allows you to browse a wide variety of items at bargain prices, and the community
aspect makes it fun to connect with sellers. It’s a great way to declutter while saving money and
helping the environment.
This website has become my go-to for finding unique fashion pieces, and I appreciate how it
makes eco-conscious shopping so accessible.
VOCABULARY
1. Popular: Phổ biến, được ưa chuộng
2. Raving: Nói một cách hào hứng
3. Affordable: Giá cả phải chăng
4. User-friendly: Dễ sử dụng
5. Sustainable: Bền vững
6. Browse: Xem qua, lướt qua
7. Bargain: Món hời, giá rẻ
8. Unique: Độc đáo
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9. Eco-conscious: Ý thức về môi trường
10. Accessible: Dễ tiếp cận
Part 3
1. Some people think it’s a waste to buy too many clothes for children. What do you think?
I agree it can be wasteful since children outgrow clothes quickly. Buying durable or second-hand
clothes is more practical and saves money. It also reduces environmental impact.
Wasteful: Lãng phí
Durable: Bền, lâu dài
Practical: Thực tế
2. How do people usually handle the clothes they don’t want?
People often donate unwanted clothes to charities or sell them on platforms like Vinted. Some
repurpose them into new items, like bags or rags. Others simply throw them away, which isn’t
ideal.
Donate: Quyên góp
Repurpose: Tái sử dụng, sử dụng cho mục đích khác
Ideal: Lý tưởng
3. Why do people buy second-hand clothes?
People buy second-hand clothes for their affordability and to support sustainability. They also
enjoy finding unique or vintage pieces unavailable in regular stores. It’s a way to save money and
reduce waste.
Affordability: Giá cả phải chăng
Sustainability: Sự bền vững
Unique: Độc đáo
4. What problems will occur if people don’t recycle?
Without recycling, landfills will overflow, causing environmental pollution. Resources will be
depleted faster, and energy waste will increase. It also harms wildlife and ecosystems.
Landfills: Bãi rác
Pollution: Ô nhiễm
Depleted: Cạn kiệt
5. Should the government encourage people to recycle items?
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Yes, the government should promote recycling through campaigns and incentives. It helps
conserve resources and reduces environmental damage. Policies like recycling bins or tax benefits
could make a difference.
Promote: Thúc đẩy
Conserve: Bảo tồn
6. How do people in your country recycle various items they don’t want?
In my country, people recycle by donating clothes and electronics to charities or second-hand
shops. Some use online platforms like Vinted to sell items, while others segregate waste for local
recycling programs. However, awareness and facilities could be improved.
Donating: Quyên góp
Segregate: Phân loại
33. A time you planned an activity with others
I’d like to talk about the time when I planned a picnic with my university friends last year. We had
just finished our final exams, so everyone wanted to relax and do something fun together.
We decided to go to a park on the outskirts of the city. I was in charge of organizing the food,
while others prepared games and brought mats. We had a group chat to divide the responsibilities,
and everyone contributed something.
On the picnic day, we enjoyed homemade sandwiches, fruits, and drinks. After eating, we played
badminton and some team games. The weather was perfect, and we laughed a lot.
I think this activity was memorable because it showed me the importance of teamwork and
planning. Without proper organization, the picnic wouldn’t have been so smooth. It also brought
us closer as friends.
Outskirts: vùng ngoại ô.
Divide the responsibilities: phân chia trách nhiệm.
Teamwork: làm việc nhóm.
Memorable: đáng nhớ.
Part 3
1. Why do people like to plan activities with others?
Because it creates a sense of belonging and makes the activity more enjoyable. Sharing tasks also
reduces the workload.
Belonging: cảm giác thuộc về.
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2. What challenges do people face when organizing group activities?
Sometimes people have different schedules or opinions, which can lead to conflicts. It takes good
communication to solve these problems.
Conflicts: mâu thuẫn.
3. Do you think it is important for children to learn how to plan activities?
Yes, definitely. It helps them develop organizational skills and learn how to cooperate with others,
which are useful in school and later in life.
Organizational skills: kỹ năng tổ chức.
4. Do people prefer spontaneous activities or planned ones?
It depends. Some enjoy spontaneous activities because they feel more exciting, while others prefer
planned ones because they are more reliable and less stressful.
Spontaneous: tự phát, ngẫu hứng.
Reliable: đáng tin cậy.
34. An intelligent person you know
You should say:
Who is the person
When and where you first met him/ her
What kind of person he or she is
And explain why you think this person is intelligent
(Who is the person)
I’m going to describe a friend of mine, Phuong Chau, who is an intelligent girl. We have been
through thick and thin for about 15 years since primary school, so we know each other inside
out. Chau is full of energy and always displays a cheerful disposition towards others, which has
endeared her to people she comes into contact with.
(When and where you first met him/ her)
I met Chau on the very first day in primary school, and her warm gestures comforted me a great
deal. Despite her young age at that time, Chau seemed really mature and she helped me a lot during
the school years. We have maintained our friendship over a decade, and shared both successes and
hardships with each other. Practically, no words can describe the bond between us.
(What kind of person he or she is)
I found in Chau an important attribute, which distinguishes her from most of her peers. It is the
way she faced up to her scholarly setbacks with great decency and resilience. Her strenuous
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efforts and unflinching belief helped her to overcome obstacles, make progress, and seek out
opportunities to succeed, which inspired many of her schoolmates. I was greatly impressed by her
efforts and tremendous progress both in academic achievement and personal growth. She treats
other with grace and always looks on the bright side of the problem, so I think positivity is one of
her most attractive traits.
(And explain why you think this person is intelligent)
I have met individuals who are extremely intelligent by society’s standards: good at mathematics,
great memory, holders of PhDs and so on and so forth. Yet, how I measure a person’s intelligence
is not by the knowledge they possess, but by the manner with which they deal with people. In
Chau, you can see her interpersonal intelligence and cooperation capacity, which help her
negotiate with patience, insight and temperance different problems both academically and
socially. She is fully aware of her own direction and determined to achieve her targets by any
means.
VOCABULARY:
1. through thick and thin [expression]: If you support or stay with someone through thick and
thin, you always support or stay with them, even if there are problems or difficulties: trải qua vui
buồn cùng nhau
Eg: She has stuck with me through thick and thin.
2. disposition [n]: the particular type of character that a person naturally has: tính khí
Eg: She is of a nervous/cheerful/sunny disposition.
3. comfort [v]: to make someone feel better when they are sad or worried: an ủi, làm cho thoải
mái
Eg: The girl's mother was at home today, being comforted by relatives.
4. hardship [n]: (something that causes) difficult or unpleasant conditions of life, or an example
of this: khó khăn, gian khổ
Eg: The 1930s were a time of high unemployment and economic hardship.
5. resilience [n]: the ability to be happy, successful, etc. again after something difficult or bad has
happened: sự kiên cường
Eg: Trauma researchers emphasize the resilience of the human psyche.
6. strenuous [adj]: needing or using a lot of physical or mental effort or energy: hăng hái
Eg: Strenuous efforts were made throughout the war to disguise the scale of civilian casualties.
7. positivity [n]: the quality of having a positive attitude: sự lạc quan
Eg: I'm a great believer in positivity.
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8. negotiate [v]: to deal with something difficult: giải quyết vấn đề
Eg: The company's had some tricky problems to negotiate in its first year in business.
9. insight [n]: (the ability to have) a clear, deep, and sometimes sudden understanding of a
complicated problem or situation: sự sâu sắc
Eg: It was an interesting book, full of fascinating insights into human relationships.
10. by any means [expression]: at any costs: bằng bất cứ giá nào
Eg: We need to court that big investor by any means, so shameless flattery is a fine place to start.
Part 3:
1. Are smart people happier than others?
I don’t think smart people are necessarily happier than others. Happiness depends more on a
person’s attitude and how they manage stress in life. Sometimes, smart people can feel more
pressure to succeed, which doesn’t always lead to happiness.
2. Do you think smart people tend to be selfish?
Not really. I believe being smart doesn’t automatically make someone selfish. Some smart people
are very generous and like to share their knowledge with others, while others might focus more
on their own goals.
3. Who do you think plays a more important role in a child’s development, teachers or
parents?
I think both teachers and parents are important in a child’s development. Parents give children a
strong foundation and emotional support, while teachers provide valuable knowledge and
different experiences. It’s really a combination of both that helps children grow up well.
4. Why are some children more intelligent than others?
Some children might be more intelligent because of their genetics and natural abilities. But also,
children who have more encouragement and better learning environments tend to develop their
intelligence more. So it’s a mix of nature and nurture.
VOCABULARY
1. attitude: thái độ
2. generous: hào phóng
3. foundation: nền tảng
4. valuable knowledge: kiến thức quý giá
5. genetics: di truyền
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6. encouragement: sự khích lệ
7. nature and nurture: bản chất bẩm sinh và sự nuôi dưỡng
35. A skill you are good at that you can teach others (e.g. drawing or dancing etc.)
You should say:
What it is
Who you can teach?
How you can teach others
And explain how you feel about teaching others
(What it is)
Well, first of all, I have learned many skills that I can share or teach to others. And I would like to
talk about the one which took me a long time to master. It’s playing the piano.
(Who you can teach)
During my school days, I attended piano classes from a professional trainer at my school. I
remembered the sessions were full of laughter because there were other people who also tried to
play the piano with me. I had been learning the piano for more than 10 years, and didn’t skip for
a long time. I believe I have all the skills required to teach Piano either individually or in a group
now.
(How you can teach others)
Actually, my brothers intended to send their kids to my home to learn the piano sometimes. Well,
I am not hesitant to teach them. However, learning piano is quite challenging as you might find
the students difficult to teach and think of giving up sometimes. But if that happens to my nieces,
I’ll try to inspire them so that they can get rid of negative thoughts and get back on track soon.
And explain how you feel
Overall, from my point of view, playing piano is not too difficult if you are passionate about it. It
only takes people around 1 year to learn to play confidently and smoothly for the services.
Part 3
Should teachers be funny when they teach?
I think it depends on each teaching style. Educators should only use humor with which they are
comfortable. A teacher does not have to be funny to be effective.
What qualities should teachers have?
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Well, I think a teacher should have the ability to speak clearly and audibly, and can modulate voice
where necessary for effect. And they also should have the ability to explain difficult materials
succinctly. Avoid the over-use of technical jargon — if used, they must explain the meanings and
relevance.
Which age group is the best at learning new things?
Learning is a life-long process. There is no specific age to learning something new. However, it is
said that the age 5 to early twenties are the best for academic learning as at those ages,
concentration levels are better.
36. A place you visited where you could see a lot of animals
Describe a place you visited where you could see a lot of animals
Last year, I visited Thảo Cầm Viên, which is the zoo and botanical garden in Ho Chi Minh City.
It’s one of the oldest zoos in Asia, and I went there with some friends during a short holiday.
The zoo has a wide range of animals, from exotic species like giraffes, lions, and elephants, to
more common animals such as monkeys and birds. I remember being especially impressed by the
reptile house, where I saw snakes and crocodiles up close. The place also has a lot of greenery, so
it felt more like a natural habitat than just cages.
I felt both fascinated and a little nervous while observing the animals, especially the big ones
like tigers. But overall, it was a memorable trip because it allowed me to learn more about wildlife
and the importance of conservation.
VOCABULARY:
exotic species: loài động vật lạ, quý hiếm
natural habitat: môi trường sống tự nhiên
fascinated and a little nervous: vừa cuốn hút vừa hơi lo lắng
37. Something that you are happy that someone persuaded you to do
You should say
When it happened
What he/she persuaded you to do
Why he/she persuaded you to do it
And explain whether you did it at last
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Last year, my best friend persuaded me to join a hiking trip, which happened in a nearby national
park. Initially, I was reluctant because I thought hiking would be exhausting and I wasn’t very
outdoorsy. She convinced me it would be a refreshing way to unwind and enjoy nature.
She persuaded me because she knew I was stressed from studies and needed a break. After some
hesitation, I agreed, and we went on the hike together. I ended up loving it—the stunning views
and fresh air made me feel rejuvenated.
I’m so glad I listened to her because it was a memorable experience that broadened my horizons.
It taught me to be more open to trying new things.
VOCABULARY:
1. Reluctant: Do dự, không muốn
2. Exhausting: Kiệt sức, mệt mỏi
3. Refreshing: Sảng khoái, mới mẻ
4. Unwind: Thư giãn
5. Stressed: Căng thẳng
6. Loving: Yêu thích
7. Stunning: Ấn tượng, tuyệt đẹp
8. Rejuvenated: Trẻ hóa, hồi phục năng lượng
9. Memorable: Đáng nhớ
10. Broadened: Mở rộng
Part 3
1. What would parents persuade their children to do?
Parents often persuade their children to focus on studies or develop good habits like discipline.
They might encourage extracurricular activities to build skills. It’s usually to ensure their wellbeing and future success.
Discipline: Kỷ luật
Extracurricular: Ngoài giờ học, ngoại khóa
Well-being: Sức khỏe, hạnh phúc
2. Who will children listen to more, their parents or their teachers?
Children often listen to parents more because of the emotional bond and trust. However, some
may follow teachers for academic guidance or because they seem more objective. It depends on
the child’s personality and situation.
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Emotional: Thuộc về cảm xúc
Academic: Liên quan đến học thuật
Objective: Khách quan
3. What impact does advertising have on children and their parents?
Advertising can make children want trendy toys or gadgets, leading to pestering their parents.
Parents may feel pressured to buy to satisfy their kids. It can also shape children’s preferences
for certain brands.
Trendy: Thời thượng, hợp xu hướng
Pestering: Làm phiền, nài nỉ
Pressured: Bị áp lực
Preferences: Sở thích
38. A city you have visited and want to visit again
One city that I visited and really want to go back to is Đà Nẵng, which is located in central
Vietnam. I first went there about three years ago during my summer holiday with my family.
Đà Nẵng is a coastal city, so it has beautiful beaches like Mỹ Khê and Non Nước, which are perfect
for swimming and relaxing. What impressed me most was how clean and well-organized the city
was compared to many other cities in Vietnam. Besides the beaches, there are also famous
landmarks such as the Golden Bridge on Bà Nà Hills and the Dragon Bridge that actually breathes
fire at night.
I’d love to visit Đà Nẵng again because the atmosphere is both vibrant and peaceful. It offers a
nice balance: you can enjoy the lively nightlife downtown, but you can also escape to the sea or
the mountains if you want something quieter. For me, it’s the ideal place to recharge my
energy and spend quality time with loved ones.
VOCABULARY:
landmarks: địa danh, công trình nổi tiếng
vibrant and peaceful: vừa sôi động vừa yên bình
recharge my energy: nạp lại năng lượng
39. Someone you didn't like at first but later became your friend
I’d like to talk about a classmate named Minh. When I first met him in high school, I didn’t like
him at all because he seemed very arrogant and competitive. He always tried to answer every
question in class, and it made me feel a bit annoyed.
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However, after working together on a group project, I realized that Minh was actually very helpful
and reliable. He always made sure everyone understood the tasks and offered support whenever
someone struggled. Over time, we started chatting more often, and I found out that he was
also funny and kind-hearted.
Now, Minh has become one of my closest friends. I felt really surprised and grateful when I
realized that my first impression of him was completely wrong. It taught me an important lesson:
sometimes people are not what they seem at first, and giving them a chance can lead to meaningful
friendships.
VOCABULARY:
1. arrogant and competitive: kiêu căng và cạnh tranh
2. helpful and reliable: nhiệt tình và đáng tin cậy
3. funny and kind-hearted: vui tính và tốt bụng
4. surprised and grateful: ngạc nhiên và biết ơn
40. An interesting conversation you had
I’d like to talk about a conversation I had with my professor last year at university. It took place
in her office after class, during a discussion about my career goals. We talked about my passion
for environmental science and how I could contribute to sustainable development.
What made this conversation impressive was her ability to offer insightful advice while
encouraging me to think critically about my future. She shared her own experiences, which were
inspiring, and gave me practical tips to pursue my dreams. I left feeling motivated and more
confident about my path.
This conversation was memorable because it broadened my perspective and pushed me to take
my goals seriously. It was a turning point that shaped my career choices.
VOCABULARY:
1. Contribute: Đóng góp
2. Sustainable: Bền vững
3. Impressive: Ấn tượng
4. Insightful: Sâu sắc, đầy hiểu biết
5. Critically: Một cách phê phán, cẩn thận
6. Inspiring: Truyền cảm hứng
7. Motivated: Có động lực
8. Memorable: Đáng nhớ
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9. Broadened: Mở rộng
10. Turning point: Bước ngoặt
Part 3
1. What topics do young people like to talk about?
Young people often discuss trending topics like social media, music, or technology. They enjoy
sharing personal stories about travel or hobbies to connect with friends. These topics are engaging
because they reflect their interests and lifestyles.
Trending: Đang thịnh hành
Personal: Cá nhân, riêng tư
Connect: Kết nối
Engaging: Thu hút, thú vị
2. Is it important to have good communication skills at work?
Yes, good communication skills are crucial for teamwork and productivity. They help you convey
ideas clearly and build trust with colleagues. Poor communication can lead to misunderstandings
and conflicts.
Crucial: Quan trọng, thiết yếu
Convey: Truyền đạt
Trust: Sự tin tưởng
Misunderstandings: Sự hiểu lầm
41. A sports event you want to watch as part of the audience
You should say
What it is
Who you want to watch with
Why you want to watch it
And explain how you feel about it
One sports event that I have always wanted to watch live is the FIFA World Cup final. This is
arguably the most prestigious and widely anticipated football tournament worldwide, held every
four years, where the two best teams compete for the ultimate trophy.
I would love to watch it with my closest friends who share the same passion for football. Watching
such a thrilling event with them would definitely enhance the excitement because we could cheer
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together, analyze the players’ performances, and celebrate or console each other depending on the
outcome.
The main reason I want to watch the World Cup final is because it represents the pinnacle of
international football — the atmosphere is electrifying, the skill level is outstanding, and the
stakes are incredibly high. Moreover, this event unitesmillions of people around the globe,
creating a unique sense of community and national pride.
In terms of how I would feel, I imagine it would be a mixture of intense anticipation, adrenaline,
and joy. Watching the match live would be a once-in-a-lifetime experience, making me feel
connected not only to the sport but also to fans worldwide. Overall, it would be
an unforgettable moment full of passion and excitement.
VOCABULARY:
1. prestigious: danh giá
Example: Harvard is one of the most prestigious universities in the world.
2. thrilling: kịch tính, gây hứng thú
Example: The roller coaster ride was absolutely thrilling.
3. analyze: phân tích
Example: The scientists analyzed the data carefully before publishing their findings.
4. pinnacle: đỉnh cao
Example: Winning the Nobel Prize is the pinnacle of a scientist’s career.
5. electrifying: cực kỳ thú vị, làm người ta rất phấn khích
Example: The band’s performance was absolutely electrifying.
6. unites: kết nối, đoàn kết
Example: Music has the power to unite people from different backgrounds.
7. unforgettable: không thể quên được
Example: My trip to Japan was an unforgettable experience.
Part 3
1. What kinds of sports events are broadcast on TV or other media in your country?
In my country, there are a lot of sports events shown on TV, like football, badminton, and
volleyball matches. International events such as the Olympics and World Cup also get a lot
of media coverage. These events attract a lot of viewers, especially during big tournaments.
2. Do people in your country enjoy watching football games?
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Yes, football is probably the most popular sport to watch in my country. People love to watch the
national team and their favorite clubs play. Many even gather in groups to cheer for their teams
during important matches.
3. Does encouragement and applause from the audience have an impact on athletes? What
are the impacts?
Definitely! When athletes hear applause and cheers, it gives them a boost of confidence and
motivation. It helps them perform better and feel more supported. The energy from the audience
can really make a difference in their performance.
VOCABULARY:
1. media coverage: sự đưa tin của truyền thông
2. cheer for: cổ vũ
3. confidence: sự tự tin
4. perform better: thể hiện tốt hơn
42. A goal you have set and achieved
You should say:
what it was;
why you set this goal;
whether it was difficult to achieve this goal;
and explain how you felt about achieving this goal.
(What it was)
Well, I’m going to describe a goal, which I tried my uttermost to achieve and succeeded in the
end with. The goal was set during my high school’s years, where I entered the English National
Contest held yearly for gifted high school students, which is usually regarded as the most cut
throat competition for students nationwide.
(Why you set this goal)
I was a student in an English gifted class then and I have always had a keen interest in English.
Participating in such an honorable competition had been my long-held dream since secondary
school. Besides, earning a prize in this contest would open up more opportunities for me to study
abroad and get access to a more advanced education, which would be a golden opportunity for
personal development. Indeed, back then, for students specializing in English like me, studying
abroad could be a life-changing experience for students, allowing for tremendous academic,
professional, and personal growth.
(Whether it was difficult to achieve this goal)
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Of course, it can be very challenging and cumbersome to earn a spot in the national team to
compete, not to mention claim a prize. Falling short of my expectations to join the school team
for the National Contest, I was eliminated in the last round and had to wait for the next year.
Instead of being disappointed and demotivated, I displayed a firm commitment to change and try
harder. I sought advice and assistance with my essays and language skills. In grade 12, I improved
vastly and won a place in the school team for the National Contest.
(And explain how you felt about achieving this goal)
Well, this achievement means a lot to me because it reaffirms the faith that hard work does get
recognized and appreciated. I take pride in the way I faced up to my scholastic setbacks with
decency and resilience. My strenuous efforts and unflinching belief helped me to overcome
obstacles, make progress, and seek out opportunities to succeed, which laid the foundation for my
further progress in life.
Vocabulary from Business:
cut throat competition
Meaning: intense competition
Example: Entering the national football team is a cut throat competition for all.
OTHER VOCABULARY:
1. tried one’s uttermost [expression]: to do something as well as you can by making a great effort:
cố gắng hết sức
Eg: She tried her utmost to finish on time.
2. honorable [adj]: bringing or worthy of honor: danh dự
Eg: Military service was considered an honorable career choice.
3. a golden opportunity [expression]: a special, wonderful opportunity: cơ hội vàng, cơ hội tuyệt
vời
Eg: Businesses have a golden opportunity to expand into new markets.
4. tremendous [adj]: (of a state, quality, or emotion) very great or intense.: rất lớn
Eg: For these women and for hundreds of other men and women who have experienced tremendous
loss, the past year has piled myriad emotions on top of profound sadness.
5. cumbersome [adj]: difficult to do or manage and taking a lot of time and effort: nhọn nhằn, khó
khăn
Eg: Critics say that the process for amending the Constitution is cumbersome, but others defend
it.
6. falling short of [expression]: to be less than the amount or standard that is needed or that you
want: không đạt tới
Eg: He would sack any of his staff who fell short of his high standards.
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7. demotivate [v]: to make someone less enthusiastic about sth: làm nhụt chí
Eg: She was very demotivated by being told she had little chance of being promoted.
8. setback [n]: something that happens that delays or prevents a process from developing: sự trở
ngại
Eg: There has been a slight/temporary setback in our plans.
9. overcome [v]: to defeat or succeed in controlling or dealing with something: vượt qua
Eg: Eventually she managed to overcome her shyness in class.
Part 3
1. Do people in your country set goals?
Yes, I think most people in my country like to set goals for their lives. Setting goals helps them to
stay focused and motivated to work harder. It’s a common way for people to plan for their future.
2. Do people usually set long-term goals or short-term ones?
It depends on the person and their situation. Some people set long-term goals like buying a house
or getting a good job, while others set short-term goals like improving their health. Both types
are important for progress.
3. Why is setting goals important in the workplace?
Setting goals in the workplace is important because it gives employees a sense of direction and
purpose. It also helps managers to measure performance and see who’s achieving their targets.
Overall, it helps the team work better together.
4. What is the difference between goals set by old people and young people?
Older people often set goals related to health and family, like staying healthy or spending time
with grandchildren. Young people usually focus more on career goals or personal development.
Their goals reflect their priorities at different stages of life.
VOCABULARY:
1. focused: tập trung
2. long-term goals: mục tiêu dài hạn
3. short-term goals: mục tiêu ngắn hạn
4. direction: định hướng
5. measure performance: đo lường hiệu suất
6. health: sức khỏe
7. career goals: mục tiêu nghề nghiệp
8. priorities: ưu tiên
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43. A singer or a musician you like
I’d like to talk about Mỹ Tâm, who is one of the most famous Vietnamese singers. I first listened
to her music when I was in high school, around 10 years ago, and I was immediately impressed by
her powerful and emotional voice.
Mỹ Tâm sings in a variety of genres, from pop to ballads, and her lyrics often carry meaningful
messages about love, life, and hope. I especially love her live performances because she
always connects with the audience and creates an energetic yet heartfelt atmosphere.
I feel really inspired and relaxed whenever I listen to her songs. Her music not only entertains
me but also motivates me to face challenges in life with a positive attitude.
Vocabulary:
1. powerful and emotional voice: giọng hát mạnh mẽ và giàu cảm xúc
2. connects with the audience: kết nối với khán giả
3. inspired and relaxed: cảm thấy được truyền cảm hứng và thư giãn
Part 3
1. Why do people like listening to music?
People enjoy music because it can elevate their mood and reduce stress. Music also allows people
to express their emotions in ways that words sometimes cannot.
2. What kind of music is popular in your country?
Pop music and ballads are very popular in Vietnam, especially songs by famous singers like Sơn
Tùng M-TP or Mỹ Tâm. Traditional music also has a small but loyal fan base, particularly among
older generations.
3. Do people prefer to listen to music alone or with others?
It depends. Some people like listening alone to focus and reflect, while others enjoy listening with
friends or at concerts because it creates a shared experience and builds social connections.
4. Is it better to listen to live music or recorded music?
Live music is usually more immersive and exciting, as you can feel the energy of the
performance. Recorded music is more convenient for daily listening, but it cannot fully replace the
unique feeling of a live show.
VOCABULARY:
1. elevate their mood: nâng cao tâm trạng
2. express their emotions: thể hiện cảm xúc
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3. focus and reflect: tập trung và suy ngẫm
4. shared experience: trải nghiệm chung
5. immersive and exciting: sống động và hào hứng
44. An advertisement you have seen
You should say
When and where you saw the advertisement
What the product was
How you liked the advertisement
And explain how you felt about it
I’d like to talk about an advertisement for a sleek smartwatch I saw last month on Instagram. It
was a short, captivating video showing the watch’s features, like fitness tracking and notifications,
set against a vibrant city backdrop. The ad was engaging because it used upbeat music and
relatable scenarios, like jogging and working, to show how the watch fits into daily life.
I really liked the ad’s creative approach-it was visually appealing and made the product seem
practical yet stylish. After watching it, I felt intrigued and considered buying the smartwatch for
its convenience. The ad left a lasting impression because it showed how the product could
enhance my lifestyle.
VOCABULARY:
1. Sleek: Thanh lịch, gọn gàng
2. Captivating: Lôi cuốn, hấp dẫn
3. Vibrant: Sôi động, đầy màu sắc
4. Engaging: Thu hút, thú vị
5. Relatable: Dễ đồng cảm, gần gũi
6. Creative: Sáng tạo
7. Appealing: Hấp dẫn, thu hút
8. Practical: Thực tế, tiện dụng
9. Intrigued: Tò mò, bị lôi cuốn
10. Lasting: Dài lâu, đáng nhớ
11. Enhance: Nâng cao, cải thiện
Part 3
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1. Where do we often see advertisements?
Advertisements are ubiquitous, appearing on social media, billboards, and TV. They’re also
common in public spaces like buses or malls. Online platforms are especially prevalent due to
targeted ads.
Ubiquitous: Có khắp nơi
Prevalent: Phổ biến, chiếm ưu thế
2. What are the benefits of advertising?
Advertising informs consumers about new products and their features. It boosts businesses by
increasing sales and brand awareness. It also creates competition, leading to innovative products.
Informs: Cung cấp thông tin
Boosts: Thúc đẩy, tăng cường
Innovative: Đổi mới, sáng tạo
3. Are advertisements good or bad for children?
Advertisements can be harmful for children as they may encourage materialism or unhealthy
habits, like wanting junk food. However, some ads can educate them about useful products.
Parents should guide kids to understand ads critically.
Harmful: Có hại
Materialism: Chủ nghĩa vật chất
Educate: Giáo dục
4. How does advertising affect people?
Advertising influences people’s preferences and buying decisions by creating desire for products.
It can persuade them to try new things but may also lead to impulsive purchases. Some ads inspire
positive changes, like eco-friendly habits.
Preferences: Sở thích
Persuade: Thuyết phục
Impulsive: Bốc đồng, không suy nghĩ
45. An old person with an interesting life that you enjoy talking to
You should say:
Who this person is
Where/when you met this person
What you did
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And explain why you think this person is interesting
(Who this person is) I would say I was lucky to meet Steve Jobs – the CEO of Apple once in a
lifetime, and that was the most memorable memory ever. As you may know, Apple is one of the
tech-giants which have the best-selling iPhones from all over the world. He was also known for
producing animations and became incredibly successful.
(When/where you met this person) I met him during my summer trip to America in 2004 with
my family. My father then took me to a big party and I had the chance to meet the one whom I
admired. There are several reasons why I’ve always looked up to him. To kick off, many young
people from all over the world, including me, honoured him for his hard work and effort, which
made him become one of the most influential businessmen ever. Additionally, what I really
respect is his way of thinking, which was very creative and modern.
(What you did) There was a time that Apple was rumoured to have an electronic flaw in the
devices and Steve Jobs came up with a smart solution. I was astonished by his creativity, so I came
and had a talk with him. I asked him about the reason behind all of his decisions and learned a lot
from him. And there was a saying that marked a significant change in my mind that: “You must
be willing to ask for things you don’t understand. And like I said, always stay hungry, stay foolish”.
(Why this person is interesting) I have nothing but high regard for him. Unfortunately, it was
the only time I met him, as several years later, he suffered from various diseases and passed
away in 2011. However, he always had an optimistic outlook on life and never failed to spread
his inspiration and positivity to other people. My biggest dream is to work for Apple someday
and I’m doing my best!
VOCABULARY:
1. Once in a lifetime (phrase): một lần trong đời
Ex: An opportunity like this comes once in a lifetime: cơ hội này chỉ đến một lần trong đời
2. Tech-giants (n): ông trùm công nghệ
3. To look up to someone (phrase): kính trọng ai
Ex: He'd always looked up to his uncle: anh ấy luôn kính trọng bác anh ấy
4. To become one of the most influential businessmen: trở thành một trong những doanh nhân
có tầm ảnh hưởng nhất
5. To have nothing but high regard for someone (phrase): không có gì ngoài sự ngưỡng mộ
dành cho…
6. To suffer from various diseases: mắc một vài căn bệnh
Ex: He suffers from asthma: anh ấy bị bệnh hen suyễn
7. Pass away (phrasal verb): qua đời
Ex: His mother passed away last year: mẹ anh ta đã qua đời năm ngoái
8. To have an optimistic outlook on life (phrase): có một cái nhìn lạc quan về cuộc đời
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9. Never fail to spread his inspiration and positivity to other people: không bao giờ mà không
lan tỏa năng lượng tích cực đến mọi người
Part 3
1. Do you think old people and young people can share interests?
Definitely yes. Although there are certain generation gaps between the young and the old, they
can share things in common together. For example, some youngsters nowadays prefer playing
chess or massage like the old. Whereas some older people are interested in social media and online
shopping. With those interests, they can share and teach each other to be better every day, so that
they can strengthen their bonds.
2. What can old people teach young people?
Old people are those who have gone through many ups and downs in their life, which means
that they have a lot valuable experiences to pass on to their next generations. So, I think young
people can learn a lot from them. They can ask the elderly for advice about some topics like
marriage, business or anything they want to ask. However, they should consider their own ideas
against the old’s opinions, as the old’s advice is not always right, because they’re not in their
shoes.
3. Are there benefits when one person is interested in another person? Why?
There are a lot of upsides when a person is liked by someone. First of all, when someone makes a
good impression on someone, then they can easily get in touch later on. Secondly, they are more
biased towards people who are excited about them when it comes to some certain circumstances
like queuing, when being on the bus or train. And I would say leaving a good impression on other
people can help people get higher promotion in their fields, too.
VOCABULARY:
1. Generation gaps (n): những cách biệt về thế hệ
Ex: She’s a young politician who manages to cross the generation gap: cô ấy là một chính trị gia
luôn kiềm chế sự cách biệt về thế hệ
2. To share things in common (phrase): có cùng chung sở thích
Ex: We don’t really have much in common: chúng tôi không có cùng chung sở thích lắm
3. Strengthen their bonds (phrase): gắn kết mối quan hệ
4. To go through many ups and downs in their life (phrase): trải qua nhiều thăng trầm trong
cuộc sống
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46. A time you saw a child misbehave in public
I remember one time when I was at a shopping mall, and I saw a little boy misbehave in public.
He was around five or six years old. His mother wanted him to stop playing with a toy and leave
the store, but he refused.
The boy started to cry loudly, throw the toy on the floor, and even lay down in the middle of the
shop. Everyone around looked quite uncomfortable, and the mother seemed very embarrassed.
After a while, she managed to calm him down by buying him a small snack.
I found this situation interesting because it showed how children sometimes act out when they
don’t get what they want. It also made me realize how difficult parenting can be in public places.
Misbehave: cư xử không đúng.
Embarrassed: xấu hổ.
Act out: bộc lộ cảm xúc tiêu cực.
Parenting: việc nuôi dạy con.
Part3:
1. Why do some children misbehave in public?
Because they want attention or don’t know how to control their emotions yet. Sometimes they
copy what they see on TV or from other kids.
2. How should parents handle children’s misbehavior in public?
Parents should stay calm, talk to the child firmly, and set clear rules. Giving in every time may
encourage more misbehavior.
Firmly: dứt khoát.
Set clear rules: đặt ra quy tắc rõ ràng.
3. Do you think children behave better at home than in public?
Not always. Some behave better at home because they feel safe, but others may act out more at
home since they know their parents will forgive them.
4. Should schools play a role in teaching children how to behave properly?
Yes, of course. Schools should teach children discipline and social manners so they learn how to
respect others, not just in class but also in public.
Discipline: kỷ luật.
Social manners: phép tắc xã hội.
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47. A shop or store you enjoy going to
You should say
What the shop’s name is
Where it is
How often you visit it
And explain why you like to visit it
I’d like to talk about a cozy bookstore called “Book Haven” in my city. It’s located in a vibrant
neighborhood, just a short walk from my home. I visit it about once a week to browse new titles
or relax in its reading corner.
I love this shop because it has a welcoming atmosphere with charming decor and friendly staff.
They stock a wide range of books, from novels to thought-provoking non-fiction, which always
sparks my curiosity. Visiting Book Haven feels like a delightful escape from my daily routine.
This place is special to me because it nurtures my love for reading and helps me unwind. It’s a
haven where I can lose myself in a good book.
VOCABULARY:
1. Vibrant: Sôi động, đầy sức sống
2. Browse: Xem qua, lướt qua
3. Welcoming: Thân thiện, chào đón
4. Charming: Hấp dẫn, quyến rũ
5. Thought-provoking: Kích thích suy nghĩ
6. Sparks: Khơi gợi, đánh thức
7. Delightful: Thú vị, dễ chịu
8. Nurtures: Nuôi dưỡng
9. Unwind: Thư giãn
10. Haven: Nơi trú ẩn, nơi yên bình
Part 3
1. Do people in your country go to the shopping mall frequently?
Yes, many people in my country visit shopping malls regularly for shopping and entertainment.
Malls are convenient because they offer everything under one roof. Young people, especially,
enjoy the lively atmosphere.
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Regularly: Thường xuyên
Convenient: Thuận tiện
Lively: Sôi nổi, náo nhiệt
2. How have people’s shopping habits changed in recent decades?
People now prefer online shopping for its convenience and variety. Brick-and-mortar stores are
less popular, but some still enjoy the tactile experience of in-store shopping. Technology has made
purchasing streamlined and faster.
Convenience: Sự thuận tiện
Brick-and-mortar: Cửa hàng truyền thống (có cửa hàng vật lý)
Tactile: Liên quan đến xúc giác
Streamlined: Đơn giản hóa, hiệu quả
3. Do you think shops and shopping malls will disappear in the future?
I don’t think they’ll disappear completely, but their popularity might decline due to online
shopping. Malls may focus more on experiential activities like entertainment to attract customers.
Small shops could struggle unless they offer unique products.
Popularity: Sự phổ biến
Experiential: Liên quan đến trải nghiệm
Unique: Độc đáo
4. What are the differences between shopping in street markets and big shopping malls?
Street markets are more affordable and offer a cultural shopping experience with local products.
Malls provide a modern, air-conditioned environment with branded goods. Bargaining is
common in markets but rare in malls.
Affordable: Giá cả phải chăng
Cultural: Thuộc về văn hóa
Modern: Hiện đại
Branded: Có thương hiệu
5. What are the differences in the shopping habits of different age groups?
Younger people often shop online for trendy items and convenience. Older generations prefer inperson shopping for quality and trust. Teenagers focus on fashion, while adults prioritize practical
purchases.
Trendy: Thời thượng, hợp xu hướng
In-person: Trực tiếp, tại chỗ
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Practical: Thực tế, thiết thực
48. An important decision you made with the help of someone
Describe an important decision you made with the help of someone
I’d like to talk about a decision I made about choosing my university major. I wasn’t sure
whether to study marketing or design, and I felt really confused at the time. I discussed this with
my older cousin, who had experience working in the marketing field.
She helped me weigh the pros and cons of each option and shared her insights about career
prospects, personal interests, and long-term goals. With her advice, I finally decided to study
marketing, which turned out to be a great choice for me.
I felt really grateful and relieved because her guidance made me feel more confident and less
stressed about making such an important decision. Looking back, I realize that having someone
to consult and support me made a big difference.
Vocabulary:
weigh the pros and cons: cân nhắc ưu và nhược điểm
grateful and relieved: biết ơn và nhẹ nhõm
consult and support: tham khảo và hỗ trợ
Part 3
1. Do young people need guidance when making important decisions?
Yes, young people often lack experience, so guidance from family, teachers, or mentors can help
them make informed choices and avoid unnecessary mistakes.
2. Why is it sometimes difficult to make decisions alone?
Making decisions alone can be stressful because people may fear the consequences or worry
about making the wrong choice. Consulting someone with experience can provide clarity and
reassurance.
3. How can parents help their children make decisions?
Parents can help by listening carefully, giving advice without forcing their opinions, and
encouraging children to consider all options. This approach helps kids develop critical thinking
while feeling supported.
4. Do people usually regret the decisions they make?
Sometimes, yes. People may regret decisions if they were made impulsively or without enough
information. However, even mistakes can be valuable lessons if people reflect and learn from
them.
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VOCABULARY:
1. make informed choices: đưa ra quyết định sáng suốt
2. fear the consequences: sợ hậu quả
3. clarity and reassurance: sự rõ ràng và an tâm
4. consider all options: cân nhắc tất cả các lựa chọn
5. impulsively: một cách bốc đồng
6. reflect and learn: suy ngẫm và học hỏi
49. An interesting article about health that you have read
You should say
What it was
Where you read it
Why you read it
And explain how you felt about it
(What it was) Health is emerging as one of the most popular topics of magazines and newspapers
today. Articles on health have been all the rage these days, one of the most prominent ones was
an extract of a book on the use of tretinoin in treating skin problems.
(Where you read it) I stumbled on this article on Facebook. I’m a member of a group which
reviews beauty and cosmetics. Someone, who appeared to be a dermatologist, shared this article.
It was such a coincidence that I was also on medication using tretinoin to treat acne.
(Why you read it) Thus, I decided to spend a whole day off reading this article and finding other
articles about tretinoin so as to check the authenticity of the article. I wanted to read this article
because I heard that this substance was a double-edged sword because if you use it in a correct
way, it’ll deliver better-than-expected results. If you fail to use it properly, you’ll likely end up
having burnt and flaky skin.
(And how you felt about it) I believe that this article changed my life as it transformed my acneprone skin into healthier skin. Also, it also helped me set aside a large amount of money otherwise
spent on night skincare products as I’m not supposed to use any other products when using
tretinoin to maximise the strength of it.
Vocabulary from health:
1. To be on medication (phrase): đang uống thuốc
Example: He is currently on/taking medication for his heart.
Hiện nay thì anh ấy đang uống thuốc chữa bệnh tim.
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OTHER VOCABULARY:
1. To be all the rage (idiom): rất phổ biến
Example: In China, Mercedes-Benz cars are all the rage among the moneyed elite.
Ở Trung Quốc, xe Mercedes-Benz rất phổ biến ở giới thượng lưu nhiều tiền.
2. To stumble across/on (phrase): vô tình thấy cái gì đó.
Example: Look at what I stumbled across/on at the flea market!
Hãy nhìn coi mình thấy cái gì ở ngoài chợ trời nè!
3. Coincidence (n): sự trùng hợp
Example: You chose exactly the same wallpaper as us - what a coincidence!
Bạn có cái tấm dán tường y chang chúng tôi – thực sự là một sự trùng hợp!
4. Double-edged (adj): hai mặt
Example: The government's programme to grow cash crops for export is a doubleedged sword because it has created a local food shortage.
Chương trình chính phủ trồng các sản phẩm nông nghiệp để xuất khẩu là một con dao hai lưỡi/hai
mặt vì nó tạo ra sự thiếu hụt thực phẩm trnog nước.
5. To set aside (phrasal verb): dành
Example: He sets aside some time every day to read to his children.
Anh ấy dành một số thời gian mỗi ngày để đọc sách cho con.
Part 3
1. What can governments do to improve people's health?
It is common knowledge that governments play an integral role in people’s health, because they
can formulate essential policies that are beneficial for the well-being of their citizens. For
example, food should be subject to scrutiny so as to ensure safety for consumption. Also, heavy
fines should be imposed on companies that dump chemical waste into water bodies.
2. What activities can school organize for children to keep fit?
There are a wide range of activities school can organise. For example, Singapore’s education
system requires every student to participate in at least one sport as a requirement for graduation.
Also, on a smaller scale, classes can organise team-building activities so as to improve the physical
health of their members.
3. How can you tell whether a website is reliable or not?
The reliability of websites has sparked many boisterous debates for years. To the best of my
experience, a website is reliable if it is recognised by the government, such as Dân Trí, Tuổi Trẻ,
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CNN or the Straits Times. Also, a simpler way to check the reliability of a website is its ability to
use a language, in terms of grammar, coherence and cohesion, lexical resource.
4. Do you think people are healthier now than in the past?
I believe people are healthier now in the past in the sense that life expectancy of people is longer
than ever. Also, this can be attributed to the advances and breakthroughs witnessed in the medical
field.
VOCABULARY:
1. To formulate a policy (phrase): tạo ra một chính sách
Example: The Administration said it was formulating a new policy for the Middle East.
Chính quyền cho biết họ đang xây dựng một chính sách mới cho Trung Đông.
2. Scrutiny (n): sự xem xét/kiểm tra kĩ lưỡng
Example: The government's record will be subjected to/come under (close) scrutiny
the weeks before the election.
in
Hồ sơ chính phủ sẽ phải chịu sự kiểm tra chặt chẽ trong vài tuần trước cuộc bầu cử.
3. To dump (v): trút/đổ xuống
Example: He came in with four shopping bags and dumped them on the table.
Anh ta vào nhà với bốn túi mua sắm và trút xuống trên cái bàn.
4. Boisterous (adj): ồn ào/không kiểm soát
Example: The audience burst into boisterous laughter.
Khán giả bật cười một cách ồn ào/không kiểm soát.
5. in a sense that …: ở khía cạnh là …
Example: It's voluntary in the sense that the government will not require anyone to take the test
Đây là một bài kiểm tra tùy ý, ở khía cạnh là chính phủ không bắt buộc ai phải làm nó.
6. To be attributed to something (phrase): được gây ra bởi cái gì
Example: Her success can be attributed to three main factors.
Sự thành công của cô ấy được gây ra bởi ba yếu tố chính.
50. Someone who wears unusual clothes
You should say:
Who this person is
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What his/her clothes are like
And explain why you think his/her clothes are unusual
(Who this person is)
People around the world wear different sorts of clothes on special occasions and due to
geographical location and seasonal changes, the attires vary. Most often, I would dress casually,
except at social events which require a higher level of formality, where suits and formal shoes
would be indispensable items for my overall appearance. And if you ask me to think of a person
whose choices of clothes are quite peculiar, the name of Josh, my close friend, springs to mind.
What kind of clothes does he/she wear?
Well, I find his taste of fashion somewhat bizarre because he doesn’t follow the usual clothing
norms. For example, once I saw him wearing sandals with formals, or in a red or pink suit which
was to the amazement of his colleagues. When being asked by colleagues about his unique and
sometimes girlish style, he expressed that he just wears things according to his own will.
And explain why you think his/her clothes are unusual
According to John, his mother is a fashion designer, so he has been exposed to unconventional
styles of clothing and clothing brands since he was young. Therefore, he likes to experiment with
clothes and never fails to keep up with the latest fashions. The reason why I consider his clothing
unusual is because most often, men approach their dress with a casual, simple style with dark and
neutral colors. However, John goes against the established rules, with complete confidence and
energy. Despite all, he has an excellent physique and ideal height, so he frequently receives
commendation for his fashionista image. Every time I see his clothes, I feel like I wouldn’t wear
them, but I also feel that he is looking good, if not captivating in them.
VOCABULARY:
1. attire [n]: clothes, especially of a particular or formal type: áo quần, trang phục
Eg: I hardly think jeans are appropriate attire for a wedding.
2. indispensable [adj]: something or someone that is indispensable is so good or important that
you could not manage without it, him, or her: không thể thiếu được
Eg: This book is an indispensable resource for researchers.
3. spring to mind [expression]: to come quickly into your mind: hiện ra trong tâm trí
Eg: Say the word "Australia" and a vision of beaches and blue seas immediately springs to mind.
4. bizarre [adj]: very strange and unusual: kì lạ
Eg: That party was too bizarre for me!
5. girlish [adj]: girlish behaviour or characteristics are typical of a girl: giống con gái
Eg: His eyelashes were long and girlish.
6. colleague [n]: one of a group of people who work together: đồng nghiệp
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Eg: We're entertaining some colleagues of Carol's tonight.
7. brand [n]: the name of a product produced or sold by a particular company: nhãn hàng, thương
hiệu
Eg: It was to become the leading brand of specialty coffee in North America.
8. keep up with the latest fashion [expression]: dress in the latest fashion: bắt kịp xu hướng thời
trang
Eg: Jessica always keeps up with the latest fashion, which never disappoints her fans.
9. commendation [n]: praise, or an official statement that praises someone: sự khen ngợi
Eg: Several of the firefighters received commendation for their bravery.
10. captivating [adj]: holding your attention by being extremely interesting, exciting, pleasant, or
attractive: thu hút
Eg: Her voice was utterly/absolutely captivating.
Part 3:
Do you think what people wear can influence their mood?
Do you think it is a good idea to buy clothes online?
What kind of clothes do people wear in the workplace?
What are the differences between clothes worn by old people and those by young people?
51. A dinner you have enjoyed with your friends
When it was
What you ate
Who you were with
And explain why you enjoyed it
(When it was) Today, I would like to talk about one of the most memorable dinners I’ve ever had
in my life. That was my first date with my current husband which took place 10 years ago. I was
extremely nervous as he didn’t want me to know any information about the restaurant. He picked
me up at my house and drove to the restaurant without saying a word about it. To my surprise, he
took me to the Opera Restaurant, which is under the management of Park Hyatt Hotel - one of
the few world-renowned hotels in Vietnam. As I recall, it was on a Sunday evening and the sky
was illuminated by the gorgeous sunset glow.
(What you ate) Upon our arrival at the restaurant, we were given a warm welcome by the staff as
they directed us to our reserved table. The dinner was comprised of 5 dishes, starting with some
salad and white wine. The main course was Spaghetti Bolognese, which is the most popular kind
of spaghetti in the world. The sauce was made from ripe tomatoes grown in Da Lat, a hub of fruit
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and vegetable in Vietnam, and Australian beef. The meal ended with one of the best tiramisus I’ve
ever had in my life. The cake was tender, the cream was thick enough and mouthwatering. The
recipe balances the bitterness of the chocolate with the sweetness of the cream. No words can
describe how delicious the tiramisu was.
(Who you were with) We had such a romantic dinner with the atmosphere filled with classical
live music played by a professional pianist and a violinist. It was also my first time that my husband
and I had gone to such a luxurious restaurant. We were blown away by such high-quality food
and service offered by the Opera Restaurant.
(And explain why you enjoyed it) This is one of the most memorable dinners I’ve ever had in
my whole life. The food was just out of this world and the service of the Opera was unparalleled.
The dinner was just more than food. It was also the atmosphere and the happiness that made it so
special.
VOCABULARY
1. To someone’s surprise (phrase): ai đó ngạc nhiên
To my surprise the door was unlocked.
Tôi khá nhạc nhiên vì cánh cửa không khóa.
2. Under someone’s management (phrase): dưới sự quản lý của ai đó
The club prospered under Ferguson's management.
Câu lạc bộ này đạt sự thịnh vượng dưới sự quản lý của Ferguson.
3. World-renowned (adj): nổi tiếng toàn thế giới
He is a world-renowned expert on food safety.
Anh ấy là một chuyên gia an toàn thực phẩm nổi tiếng toàn thế giới.
4. Main course (n): món chính
I had salmon for my main course.
Tôi ăn cá hồi trong món chính.
5. Hub (n): trung tâm The City of London is the hub of the UK's financial world.
Thành phố London là trung tâm tài chính của Vương quốc Anh.
6. Mouthwatering (adj): ngon chảy nước miếngLook at those mouthwatering desserts.
Hãy nhìn những món tráng miệng ngon đến chảy nước miếng kìa.
7. To blow someone away (phrase): làm ai đó bất ngờ vì rất tốt.
Winning first prize and a full scholarship blew her away.
Việc chiến thắng giải nhất và chiếm luôn học bổng toàn phần đã làm cô ấy rất bất ngờ.
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8. Out of this world (idiom): tuyệt vời.
What a restaurant - the food was out of this world!
Nhà hàng này quá xuất sắc – đồ ăn của nó thực sự tuyệt vời!
9. Unparalleled (adj): vô đối/không thể so sánh
They enjoyed success on a scale unparalleled by any previous rock band.
Họ thành công một cách vô đối, tất cả những ban nhạc rock trước kia không tài nào so sánh được.
52. A friend you have always had
I’d like to talk about my lifelong friend, Lan, who I’ve known since primary school. From the
moment we met, we really hit it off, sharing interests like reading, drawing, and playing outdoor
games.
Over the years, our friendship has only stood the test of time. Lan is incredibly loyal and
dependable, always there to offer guidance or a listening ear when I face challenges. We
often spill our hearts out to each other, discussing everything from personal dilemmas to future
aspirations. Despite our busy schedules, we always make an effort to catch up and stay
connected.
Having a friend like Lan makes me feel truly blessed and grateful. She has been a constant source
of inspiration and reassurance, and I genuinely believe that her presence in my life has had
a profound and lasting impact on me.
Advanced Vocabulary / Idioms:
1. hit it off: hợp nhau ngay từ lần gặp đầu
2. stood the test of time: đứng vững qua thử thách thời gian
3. spill our hearts out: tâm sự hết lòng
4. catch up and stay connected: bắt kịp chuyện nhau và giữ liên lạc
5. truly blessed and grateful: thực sự may mắn và biết ơn
6. profound and lasting impact: ảnh hưởng sâu sắc và lâu dài
Part 3
1. What qualities make a good friend?
A good friend should be trustworthy, empathetic, and supportive, someone with whom you
can bare your soulwithout fear of judgment. Humor and honesty are also crucial to keep the
relationship light-hearted yet meaningful.
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2. How can friendships change as people get older?
Friendships naturally evolve due to life changes such as moving, career demands, or family
commitments. Some bonds may fade over time, but the strongest ones often grow deeper,
because people put in the effort to nurture the relationship despite busy schedules.
3. Do you think men and women can be just friends?
Absolutely. Men and women can have platonically close friendships, provided there are clear
boundaries and mutual respect. Gender doesn’t determine the depth or authenticity of a
friendship.
4. Why do some people have very few friends?
Some people have fewer friends because they are naturally introverted or selective about trust.
Others may struggle to maintain long-term relationships due to hectic lifestyles or personality
clashes. Ultimately, the quality of friendships often matters more than quantity.
Advanced Vocabulary / Collocations:
1. bare your soul: tâm sự, trải lòng
2. light-hearted yet meaningful: vui vẻ nhưng đầy ý nghĩa
3. platonically close friendships: tình bạn thuần khiết, không liên quan tình cảm lãng mạn
4. selective about trust: lựa chọn cẩn thận về niềm tin
5. maintain long-term relationships: duy trì các mối quan hệ lâu dài
6. put in the effort to nurture the relationship: bỏ công sức để nuôi dưỡng mối quan hệ
53. A time you waited for a special thing
(What the thing was) It was a few months back when I had to wait for a trip to Da Lat with my
friends.
(Why did you wait so long) My classmates and I started organizing the trip, on which we will go
in July, way back in January. We all knew that the upcoming months were going to be rough with
all the tests and assignments thrown at us, so we decided to plan on the trip in advance. It took us
quite a while to workshop this 4-day vacation with all the attractions for us to choose from, but
eventually we were done and finally ready for the last semester in high school.
(And explain how you felt) Since it was the final semester in high school, it was a frustrating
period. Aside from the occasional tests, we all had to make preparations for university. We were
practically drowning in paperwork, as the amount of forms and applications we had to fill were
enough to make us feel like we were working 9-to-5. As if the paperwork wasn't enough, we also
had to study extra hard for the approaching entrance exams. After half a year, when all was said
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and done, it was finally July and we were all eager for the long-awaited trip. It was an amazing
tour and since it was the last time all my classmates and I got to be together, we made sure to enjoy
ourselves. The wait was definitely tedious even though there were things to take my mind off it,
but as people might say: all’s well that ends well.
Part3
1. On what occasion do many people wait for a long time?
Waiting is part and parcel of living and cannot be avoided, unfortunately. In our day to day life,
we can experience waiting in a line to get a coffee, for instance. There are also traffic jams, which
are especially common in Vietnam, making commuting a rather tedious task for many people. One
might also wait for a date, an appointment, a book to be published or just for their days to run out.
Even if we don't like it, we all know that waiting is inevitable.
2. Do people like waiting for a long time or not?
It’s safe to say that no-one likes waiting for a long time, regardless of whatever they’re waiting
for, as it can be frustrating and inconvenient. We tend to want things done as soon as possible.
Long waits are also a waste of valuable time that can instead be spent on activities that are more
productive or enjoyable.
3. Why do children have difficulties waiting for a long time?
It really depends on the child in question but in general, children tend to be full of energy and as
such, become restless easily. They also have shorter attention spans and less patience than adults,
and waiting for a long time can be frustrating and tedious.
VOCABULARY:
1. in advance (phrase): làm trước
Example:
We planned this well in advance.
Chúng tôi đã lên kế hoạch từ trước.
2. 9-to-5 (adverb/adjective): ý nói làm việc công sở từ 9h tới 5h
Example:
I don't have the stamina to work a standard nine-to-five.
Tôi không có đủ sức để làm công việc văn phòng.
3. when all is said and done (idiom): khi mọi việc xong xuôi
4. take someone’s mind off (idiom): dừng nghĩ về
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Example:
A good meal will help me take my mind off work.
Một bữa ăn ngon sẽ giúp tôi ngừng suy nghĩ về công việc.
5. all’s well that ends well (idiom): Kết cục tốt là tốt
Example:
We almost didn't make it here, but all's well that ends well.
Chúng tôi suýt nữa đã không đến được đây, nhưng mọi chuyện đều kết thúc tốt đẹp.
6. part and parcel (idiom): tất yếu, không thể thiếu
Being recognized in the street is part and parcel of being a celebrity.
Được nhận ra trên đường là một phần không thể tránh khỏi khi làm người nổi tiếng.
7. run out (phrasal verb): được dùng hết
Example:
My phone ran out of battery.
Điện thoại tôi hết pin.
54. A good service you received in a shop/company
When
Where
What
And explain why you think it was good service.
Let me tell about this one time I experienced exceptional service at a restaurant. It was my 18 th
birthday and my family came up with the idea of celebrating the night by eating out. The first thing
to pop up into our minds was going to a fancy restaurant but somehow, we ended up having our
dinner at a reputable family restaurant nearby.
On entering the place, we were impressed by the restaurant’s cozy and homely decor as well as
the courteousness of the servers, who allocated us the limited window seats right away as a
privilege after hearing that it was my birthday. Additionally, the waiters were patient and attentive,
and we only had to wait for about 10 minutes to be served, even though we ordered quite a lavish
amount of food. Most importantly, the dishes were so succulent that we couldn’t have imagined
they were merely home food.
However, the real highlight of the meal would be the surprise discount offered by the restaurant
owner, which we refused in the end. Being able to enjoy delectable dishes while spending quality
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time with my family really made my day, not to mention not having to pay through the nose for
the experience.
VOCABULARY
1. Reputable (có danh tiếng) [adj]: generally considered to be honest, reliable, and famous
Example: Harvard is one of the most reputable universities in the world.
2. Cozy (ấm cúng) [adj]: warm and comfortable, and making you feel relaxed
Example: A cozy home is the greatest comfort after a hard working day.
3. Courteousness (sự lịch sự, ga-lăng) [noun]: the quality of being polite, especially in
a formal way
Example: Hotel staff must be courteous at all times to provide the customers with the best service.
4. To allocate somebody something (phân cho ai đó cái gì, việc gì) [phrase]: to officially give
something to someone, or to decide that something can be used for a specific purpose
Example: We allocate each student a personal tutor so that they can seek help with their studies.
5. Attentive (chăm chú, chu đáo) [adj]: behaving in a way that shows you care about someone
and are willing to help them
Example: Service at this small hotel is friendly and attentive.
6. A lavish amount of something (một lượng rất lớn, rất nhiều cái gì) [phrase]: a huge amount
of something
Example: We ordered a lavish amount of food to serve a party of 20 people.
7. Succulent (mọng và ngon) [adj]: full of juice and tastes good
Example: The hamburger was so succulent. It was juicy and absolutely delicious.
8. Delectable (ngon lành) [adj]: very pleasant, especially to eat or drink
Example: My mom is a talented cook; her dishes are always delectable.
9. To make one’s day (làm nên một ngày vui vẻ/đáng nhớ của ai đó) [expression]: To ensure
the pleasure and distinction of one's whole day
Example: Being gifted with flowers on Women’s Day really makes a girl’s day.
10. To pay through the nose for something (trả rất nhiều tiền cho cái gì) [expression]: to pay
a lot of money for something
Example: He had to pay through the nose for his new sports car.
Part 3:
1. What are the differences between the service in large shops and small stores?
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Well, I think there are certain differences in terms of attitude and hospitality between the service
in large shops and small ones. In large shops like malls or supermarkets, employees are trained
more carefully to cater for customers of all ranges. They usually welcome clients with attentiveness
and great courtesy. Whenever unexpected things happen, their very first reaction is to apologize
and then tactfully solve the problems. However, small-scale stores are not as professional and have
virtually no policy for customer service.
2. What do people do when they get bad service?
When receiving substandard service, what customers should do is not to put up with it, but to
immediately complain to the store’s workers or managers. These people will have the ability to
address the problem efficiently, either by upgrading the item’s quality, or by directly compensating
their clients. In cases when our rights are not protected or even infringed on, we can depend on the
judicial system or the power of the media. However, the main purpose is to help the store
acknowledge its problems and then come up with timely adjustments.
3. What are the qualities of being a good restaurant?
Firstly, I think the most important quality of a satisfying restaurant is the quality of the food.
Practically, flavors and food presentation play an essential part in ensuring that the customer will
want to return. Besides, clients also take the restaurant’s service into account. No one could tolerate
a restaurant filled with ill-mannered employees, who treat their customers with total negligence
and disrespect. Additionally, a restaurant with reasonable prices might attract people of different
incomes. Last but not least, picturesque and eye-catching views or a congenial atmosphere are also
in one’s mind when choosing a place to eat.
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