Speaking Ver-3.0 PDF

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I. Part 1 ......................................................................................................................................................... 7
1. Home/ Accommodation ............................................................................................................................. 7
2. Birthday .................................................................................................................................................... 10
3. Family ...................................................................................................................................................... 11
4. Bringing things ......................................................................................................................................... 13
5. Shoes ........................................................................................................................................................ 14
6. Television ................................................................................................................................................. 16
7. Housework ............................................................................................................................................... 17
8. Dreams ..................................................................................................................................................... 19
9. History ...................................................................................................................................................... 21
10. Mirror ....................................................................................................................................................... 23
11. Sports........................................................................................................................................................ 25
12. Birds ......................................................................................................................................................... 30
13. Food/Cooking........................................................................................................................................... 33
14. Indoor games ............................................................................................................................................ 36
15. Rain .......................................................................................................................................................... 39
16.Plans and goals ........................................................................................................................................ 42
17. Weather .................................................................................................................................................... 43
18. Robots ...................................................................................................................................................... 44
19. Shopping .................................................................................................................................................. 46
20. Names ....................................................................................................................................................... 47
21. Swimming ................................................................................................................................................ 49
22. Neighbors ................................................................................................................................................. 51
23. Collecting ................................................................................................................................................. 52
24. Concerts.................................................................................................................................................... 55
25. Clothes...................................................................................................................................................... 58
26. Email ........................................................................................................................................................ 60
27. Friends ...................................................................................................................................................... 61
28. Music ........................................................................................................................................................ 65
29. Politeness.................................................................................................................................................. 68
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30. Watches .................................................................................................................................................... 70
31. Garden ...................................................................................................................................................... 71
32. Internet ..................................................................................................................................................... 73
33. TV dramas ................................................................................................................................................ 75
II. Part 2 and Part 3 .................................................................................................................................... 79
1. Describe your favorite movie .................................................................................................................. 79
2. Describe an interesting song .................................................................................................................. 84
3. Describe a garden you visited and like. ................................................................................................... 89
4. Describe a famous person in your country ............................................................................................. 94
5. Describe a city or town you have been. ................................................................................................... 98
6. Describe a caf you like. ........................................................................................................................ 102
7. Describe a plan you made in your life (except work or study) .............................................................. 107
8. Describe a shop opened in your hometown............................................................................................ 111
9. Describe a talk or a speech ..................................................................................................................... 114
10. Describe an interesting neighbor you have/had ..................................................................................... 119
11. Describe an experience that when you spent time with a child. ............................................................. 123
12. Describe an activity that makes you feel excited ................................................................................... 127
13. Describe a historic event in your country............................................................................................... 132
14. Describe a quiet place. ........................................................................................................................... 139
15. Describe an experience that you are waiting for something................................................................... 143
16. Describe an experience of good service in a shop or a restaurant. ......................................................... 149
17. Describe a family member who has an important influence on you ...................................................... 153
18. Describe a book you want to read again ................................................................................................ 159
19. Describe a decision made by others that you disagreed with ................................................................. 162
20. Describe a time you had good experience in the countryside ................................................................ 168
21. Describe an experience in which the use of a mobile phone was not allowed ....................................... 172
22. Describe a kind of foreign food you have had ....................................................................................... 179
23. Describe a holiday/trip you want to go on in the future ......................................................................... 185
24. Describe an interesting house or apartment you visited ......................................................................... 190
25. Describe the most polite person you know ............................................................................................ 195
26. Describe a kind of weather you like ....................................................................................................... 201
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27. Describe a popular place where people like to go swimming. ............................................................... 211
28. Describe a well-paid job that you will be good at .................................................................................. 216
29. Describe a website that you like to visit. ................................................................................................ 217
30. Describe a cake that is special to you. .................................................................................................... 221
31. Describe a library that you have used. (A public library or a university or school library) ................... 223
32. Describe a painting or work of art that you have seen. .......................................................................... 225
33. Describe a piece of clothes that is your favorite .................................................................................... 227
34. Describe a building in your school or university ................................................................................... 233
35. Describe a character from a story you read or heard in your childhood ................................................ 235
36. Describe your favourite means of transportation ................................................................................... 237
37. Describe a couple you know who have a happy marriage ..................................................................... 242
38. Describe an important plant in your country (such as fruits, flowers or vegetables) ............................. 250
39. Describe an invention that has changed people's life ............................................................................. 254
40. Describe an occasion where everybody smiled. ..................................................................................... 261
41. Describe a place where you felt crowded............................................................................................... 265
42. Describe a TV program (TV Series) you have watched ........................................................................ 268
43. Describe a bicycle tour. .......................................................................................................................... 273
44. Describe an organization or company where you live that employs a lot of people. ............................. 281
45. Describe a sports match you have watched ............................................................................................ 290
46. Describe an important change in your life. ............................................................................................ 293
47. Describe a person who gave a clever solution to a problem. ................................................................. 297
48. Describe an English class you enjoy ...................................................................................................... 304
49. Describe an appointment that was put ahead of schedule ...................................................................... 310
50. Describe a time you talked to a stranger ................................................................................................ 314
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I. Part 1
1. Home/ Accommodation
1.1. 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. Its not really a spacious house, but its just right for me and my family.
1.2. 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.
1.3. How long have you lived there?
Ive 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.
1.4. (If you answer you haven't lived there long) Whats 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 its very noisy because there are a lot of people there
and I dont have my own space. Conversely, when I was living at home, I had my own spacious
room and it made me feel comfortable.
1.5. 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.
1.6. Which room does your family spend most of the time in?
Its 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
its a really harmonious atmosphere.
1.7. 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.
1.8. Do you prefer living in a house or a flat?
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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.
1.9. Please describe the room you live in.
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, thats my favorite color with a bed, a cupboard and desk. Its not
really spacious but its just right for me.
1.10. 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, Im never disturbed by anyone
else.
Moreover, in my own space I can do whatever I want without bothering others.
VOCABULARY
Terraced house (noun): (ngi nh trong dy nh cng kiu) a house connected on both sides
by other properties
Ex: In England, most people seem to live in terraced houses with lovely back gardens.
Back garden (noun phrase): (vn pha sau nh) 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.
Spacious (adjective): (rng ri) (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.
Sibling(s) (noun): (anh/ ch em) a brother or sister
Ex: The younger children were badly treated by older siblings.
Get on well with sb (phrasal verb): (ha hp vi ai ) to have a friendly relationship with
somebody
Ex: She and her sister have never really got on well with each other.
Dormitory (noun): (k tc x) a room for several people to sleep in, especially in a school or
other institution
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Ex: Ive 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.
Residential area (noun): (ni ) (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.
Urban area (noun): (vng thnh th) connected with a town or city
Ex:Pollution has reached disturbingly high levels in some urban areas.
Reunion (noun): (t hp, xum hp) 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.
Harmonious (adjective): (m cng, yn bnh) friendly, peaceful and without any
disagreement
Ex: It is important to have harmonious relations between the country's ethnic groups.
Irregular (adjective): not happening at the arranged time intervals
Ex: His irregular attendance at school resulted in his failure in the final exams.
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.
Privacy (noun): being alone and not disturbed by other people
Ex: I read the letter in the privacy of my own room.
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.
Modify (verb): (sa i, thay i) 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.
Bedsit (noun): (phng va ng va hc, tip khch) 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.
Multi-purpose (adjective): (a chc nng) having many different uses
Ex: This room is multi-purpose we use it for meetings, interviews and taking breaks.
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2. Birthday
2.1. How do children celebrate birthdays in your country?
It is popular for children in my country to have birthday parties at home or in restaurants and invite
friends, and relatives to join. On this occasion, they are usually given gifts and money.
2.2. How did you celebrate your last birthday?
On my last birthday, I had the best birthday ever. I and friends made an all day excursion to Phu
Quoc Island, the largest island of Vietnam. We celebrated with a barbecue party outside and danced
together under the moonlight.
2.3. What kinds of birthday gifts do you like to receive?
Im really interested in handmade gifts because they represent not only the creativeness but also the
passion of the senders. Therefore, I always appreciate receiving them and try to keep them as long
as I can.
2.4. Is there a difference between the way you celebrate your birthday in the past and in the
present?
Yes. In the past, when I was a child, I could only celebrate birthday parties at home and invited
friends to join. However, as Im mature now, I can decide to do more things to make it special such
as by travelling to explore new places.
VOCABULARY
Excursion (noun): (chuyn du lch ngn ngy) a short journey made for pleasure, especially
one that has been organized for a group of people
Ex: There are regular weekend excursions throughout the summer.
Barbecue (noun): (tic nng) an outdoor meal or party when food is cooked on a metal
frame over an open fire outdoors.
Ex: The supermarket sells a range of food ideal for summer barbecues.
Handmade (adjective): (lm bng tay) made by a person using their hands rather than by
machines.
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Ex: Im really interested in handmade gifts because they contain not only the creativeness but also
the passion of senders.
3. Family
3.1. How often do you meet with your family?
Its normally once a month. At present Im studying and working in another city, which is quite far
from my hometown, so I can only set aside time for my family at the end of the month, because of
the distance and heavy workload, you know.
3.2. How do you spend the time with your family?
We often spend quality time together on eating scrumptious meals prepared by my mother, talking
with each other while enjoying our favorite delicious foods. Its a precious time when we can
momentarily get away from the hectic whirlwind of daily activities.
3.3. Do you want to live with your family in the future?
Id prefer we live in the same city, so that we could take good care of each other, while making sure
our familys bond is secure and will not suffer from potential discrepancies in our individual
lifestyles or the generation gap.
3.4. What activities do your family like doing together?
My family often gather around the table enjoying a cozy mealtogether, communicating and
sometimes busting into laughter because of my fathers humorous stories. Were also particularly
into family game nights, when we huddle together to play cards or other family favorites.
3.5. Are you close to of your family members?
Most of them. Actually Im a little bit more distant with my brother as compared to other members.
We have personality conflicts, and different viewpoints so we often have arguments over even the
smallest things.
3.6. How has your family influenced you?
My family has definitely shaped who I am now. They have imprinted on me proper principles like
respect, moral values and good manners. I have also inherited humbleness from my mother , and
determination and patience from my father.
3.7. Do you want to be married or to be single in the future?
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Yes, I do want to get married. We all ultimately find our true love in life, you know, and marriage is
the ultimate commitment that we can make to our soulmate. Moreover, I want to build a loving and
supporting home for my children like my parents have done for us.
Vocabulary
Set aside ( dnh ra) [phrasal verb] reserve for a special purpose, put to one side
Example: Some doctors advise setting aside a certain hour each day for excercise
Scrumptious ( ngon tuyt ) (thc n) [adj] very pleasing, delicious
Example: From breakfast until dinner, hawkers sell an infinite variety of some of the world's most
scrumptious snacks.
Hectic whirlwind (of activity) (vng xoy bn rn ca cng vic ) [expression] a busy
schedule
Example: Within a hectic whirlwind of activity demanded by her vast portfolio, Powell makes time
for personal life with her husband, Richard.
Discrepancy (s khc bit ) [n] lack of agreement or balance/ difference
Example: WFI called in police last November after spotting apparent discrepancies between
donations made to the organisation and its expenditure.
Burst into laughter (ph ln ci) [idiom] suddenly begin to laugh
Example: The situation was so ridiculous, they simply burst into laughter.
Huddle together ( tm tm vo nhau) [v] gather/bunch together
Example: Four teens huddled together for comfort Sunday at the memorial service to honor victims
of the attack at Columbine High School.
Imprint ( cy vo, n su vo) [v] to establish securely, as in the mind or consciousness
Example: Its believed that most of our habits are imprinted early in childhood.
Ultimate ( cui cng, mang tnh nn tng) [adj] / fundamental, elemental/most significant
Example: Of course the ultimate responsibility for the present conflict without doubt lies with
the aggressor.
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4. Bringing things
1. What do you bring when you go out?
Well, the most important thing to bring with me whenever I go out is my cell phone, which is
indispensable for keeping in contact with everyone. Of course, I never forget my wallet, because
having no money when stepping out of the house will give you a sense of insecurity. Additionally, I
frequently equip myself with a book or a pocket dictionary just in case I get a few minutes to sit and
read.
2. Did you ever forget to bring things?
As a matter of fact, yes but not very often. I remember there was a time when I was hanging out
with classmates without my cell phone, and my parents were unable to contact me, which made
them very anxious until I turned up. Therefore, I always check my bag attentively before going
somewhere.
3. Will you bring different things in the daytime or at night?
Yes, definitely. For example, when I commute to my workplace/school in the morning, I will take
my laptop with me, which is essential for projects or group presentations. On the other hand, at
night, when meeting up with friends, or going to parties, I will bring some make-up and maybe
perfume to look attractive.
VOCABULARY:
1. INDISPENSABLE [adjective]: too important to be without. (+ for sth/doing sth)
Eg: A good dictionary is indispensable for learning a foreign language
2. INSECURITY [adjective]:
Eg: Walking alone at night gives me a feeling of insecurity.
3. ADDITIONALLY [adverb]: in addition
Eg: Additionally, the bus service will run on Sunday, every two hours.
4. (to) EQUIP [verb]: to provide yourself/sb/sth with the things that are needed for a particular
purpose or activity. (+ yourself/sb/sth WITH sth)
Eg: This center is well equipped with prominent teachers.
5. (to) HANG OUT [verb]: to go out with someone
Eg: The local kids hang out at the mall in the afternoon.
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6. UNABLE [adjective]: +to do sth: not having the skill, strength, time, knowledge, etc. to do sth.
Eg: I tried to contact him but I was unable to.
7. ANXIOUS [adjective]: worried by sth or afraid of sth (+ ABOUT/OF sth)
Eg: Consumers are very anxious about their health in this day and age.
8. (to) TURN UP [phrasal verb]: to arrive
Eg: We arranged to meet at midday, but she never turned up.
9. ATTENTIVELY [adverb]: listening or caring about something with interest
Eg: The students listened attentively to their tutors.
10. (to) COMMUTE [verb]: to travel to a place by transportation between your workplace and
home
Eg: She commutes from Oxford to London every day.
11. ESSENTIAL [adjective]: completely necessary in a particular situation or for a particular
activity (+ for sth)
Eg: Experience is essential for this demanding job.
12. PROJECT [noun]: a plan or piece of work
Eg: The final term will be devoted to a project on climate change.
13. MAKE-UP [noun]: substances used by women to make their face look more attractive.
Eg: Putting too much make-up on your face is not good for the skin
14. MEET UP [phrasal verb]: to meet someone, especially by arrangement
Eg: I met up with my cousin at the airport soon after his flight arrived.
15. ATTRACTIVE [adjective]: pleasant to look at
Eg: She is a very attractive and intelligent woman.
5. Shoes
1. Do you like shoes?
To be honest, Im really addicted to shoes. I started building up my huge collection of shoes when I
was eight years old. Now, whenever I have spare time, I often go shopping for shoes and spend a
whole lot more money than I should on them.
2. Which do you prefer, comfortable ones or fashionable ones?
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Well, it depends on different situations. For example, when Im at home, I definitely prefer wearing
flats because they are super comfortable. But when I go to work or parties, wearing fashion shoes
such as high-heels or leather boots would be a better option for me because they make me look
more confident and attractive.
3. Are people willing to buy expensive shoes?
Of course, some wealthy people can pay a lot of money to purchase shoes, which cost them an arm
and a leg. The reason behind this is that they want to look trendy and show off their status.
Vocabulary:
Words English meanings Vietnamese Example
meanings
Be addicted to something To cause to use Nghin ci g Ex: That show is so good
( expression) something on a regular that Im addicted to
basis watching it every week.
A whole lot Very much Rt nhiu Ex: He didnt like her a
(adverb) whole lot.
Flats (noun) Shoes that have a level Giy bt Ex: I like wearing flats
surface, without heels because I have to walk a
lot.
Fashion shoes (noun) Fashionable shoes Giy thi trang Ex: Celebrities often spend
a lot of money buying
fashion shoes.
Cost somebody an arm Extremely expensive t ct c Ex: I want to buy a new
and a leg (expression) Porsche, but it costs an arm
and a leg.
Trendy (adjective) Fashionable Ex: She always wears the
latest trendy clothes.
Show off (phrasal verb) to behave in a way that Khoe, th hin Ex: She is always showing
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is intended to attract at off her fashionable clothes
tention or admiration, to her friends.
and that
other people often find
annoying:
6. Television
1. Did you often watch television when you were a child?
Well, I used to be a couch potato when I was a little boy. When my parents went to work, I was left
alone at home with my TV all day long. Therefore, so as to kill time, I took an avid interest in
watching various TV programs. Some of the movies such as Sinbad, and Tom and Jerry are closely
associated with my childhood and have been indelibly imprinted on my mind until now.
2. Do you often watch TV nowadays?
Well, to be honest, my studies have been extremely demanding recently, so I dont watch much TV.
However, in my free time, I usually enjoy singing competition reality series such as American Idol
and The Voice, just so as to unwind, recharge my batteries and practice my English listening skills.
3. What kind of TV programs do you like most?
I have been an avid fan of reality shows and documentaries, especially anything to do with military
history. These programs have enabled me to broaden my horizons and obtain real experience about
life. I also love to enjoy dramas and thrillers with other people around, as the presence of others
adds a great sense of intensity and excitement.
Vocabulary
1. Couch potato [noun]: a person who spends a lot of time sitting and watching television
(ngi dnh nhiu thi gian xem truyn hnh)
Eg: He spends all day lazing around in front of the TV he is a typical couch potato.
2. Take an avid interest in [expression]: to enjoy something very much (say m, thch th ci
g )
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Eg: I take an avid interest in reading comic books.
3. Be associated with [expression]: if one thing is associated with another, the two things are
connected because they happen together or one thing causes the other. (gn lin, kt ni vi nhau)
Eg: The risks of developing cancer are associated with smoking.
4. Indelibly [adverb]: in a way that is impossible to forget or change (kh phai)
Eg: The day that I graduated from university is stamped indelibly on my memory.
5. Imprint [verb]: to have a great effect on something so that it cannot be forgotten, changed
(ghi khc, in su)
Eg: The horror scenes of the movie were permanently imprinted on his mind and sometimes he has
nightmares about them.
6. Demanding [adjective]: requiring a lot of effort, patience or skill
Eg: Her job is very demanding, and she often has to work overtime.
7. Unwind [verb]: to relax (th gin)
Eg: I like listening to music since it helps me unwind after a stressful day.
8. Recharge ones batteries [expression]: to rest and get back your energy (np li nng lng)
Eg: She took a holiday to France so as to recharge her batteries before the new semester.
9. Broaden ones horizons [expression]: to expand knowledge (m mang u c)
Eg: He wants to travel to broaden his horizons and learn more about the world.
10. Intensity [noun]: the state of being intense and having strong emotions (s cng thng/ gy
cn)
Eg: He looked at me with intensity, so I knew that he was a serious person.
7. Housework
1. Do you do housework at home?
Yes. Although I work/study full time, I still manage to help my parents with household chores. We
all think that sharing housework is a great way to reduce the collective burden and help develop a
sense of responsibility towards family.
2. What kind of housework do you often do?
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I can handle almost everything but I often cook dinner for my family because my parents usually
get off work late. I sometimes mop the floor and clean the bathroom with my family during
weekends. Its fun to spend time together, though I dont like cleaning at all.
3. Did you do housework when you were a child?
Yes. Every day I made up my bed, kept my bedroom clean and helped my mom preparing meals. I
was also assigned weekly domestic tasks - like dusting and vacuuming - to be completed on
Saturdays. As I look back on my childhood, Im proud that I was such a good child.
4. Do you think that children should do housework?
Definitely! Parents should assign chores to their children so that they can learn new skills and
become more responsible and independent. Doing chores gives a child the opportunity to return
their parents kindness and guidance. Kids begin to see themselves as important contributors to the
family. They feel a connection to the family. This helps form a bond for life!
Vocabulary
1. Chore [n]: a task that you do regularly (vic lt vt)
Eg: She let her husband manage the money while she handled other household chores.
2. To reduce [v]: to make something less or smaller in size, quantity, price, etc. (gim)
Eg: We need to reduce the speed slightly.
3. Burden [n]: a duty, responsibility, etc. that causes worry, difficulty or hard work. (gnh nng)
Eg: The main burden of caring for old people falls on the state.
4. Responsibility [n]: a duty to deal with or take care of somebody/something, so that you may be
blamed if something goes wrong. (trch nhim)
Eg: The responsibility for doing this rests with the department managers.
a sense of responsibility: tinh thn trch nhim
5. To get off [v]: to leave work with permission. (tan lm)
Eg: Could you get off (work) early tomorrow?
6. to mop (v): to clean something with a mop (lau, chi)
Eg: She wiped all the surfaces and mopped the floor.
7. To make up [v]: to prepare a bed for use; to create a temporary bed. (dn ging)
Eg: We made up the bed in the spare room.
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8. Meal [n]: an occasion when people sit down to eat food, especially breakfast, lunch or dinner.
(ba n)
Eg: Lunch is his main meal of the day.
prepare a meal: chun b mt ba n
9. To assign [v] to give somebody some work or responsibility (giao vic)
Eg: The teacher assigned a different task to each of the children.
10. To look back (on something): to think about something in your past
Eg: Its always sweet to look back on my childhood.
11. Contributor [v]: a person or thing that provides money to help pay for something, or support
something (ngi ng gp)
Eg: Older people are important contributors to the economy.
12. Connection [n]: something that connects two facts, ideas, etc. (s kt ni)
Eg: Scientists have established a connection between cholesterol levels and heart disease.
8. Dreams
1. Do you remember your dream when you wake up?
Well, I would say that I have had a lot of dreams since I was young, but I wouldnt say that I did
remember all of them. There are some dreams that I remembered vividly when I woke up, and there
are others that I recalled so gloomily, and there are even some I didnt remember after getting up.
2. Do you like hearing others dreams?

To be honest, I enjoy being told about others dreams because, in my opinion, dreams somehow
reflect a part of their life. For example, when people sleep on something too much while they are
awake, they will, in all likelihood, dream about it when they go to bed at night. So, hearing others
dreams, to me, is like getting to know a part of them, and they are literally sharing their life with
me, which would make me feel special.
3. Do you think a dream will affect life?
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Well, to some extent, I would say that dreams play an important part in peoples life. According to
some study, a dream has the power to influence peoples life as it makes people think about their
life in a negative or positive way depending on the type of dream they had. If they experienced a
good dream, then they would feel over the moon when they woke up. Otherwise, they would feel
the opposite.
4. Do you want to learn more about dreams?

As a matter of fact, I am really eager to gain more knowledge about dreams because of the fact that
they are so mysterious. They are something that relate to psychological concepts, and even some
renowned psychologists cant even fully explain why would some people have a dream that
forecasts the near future. It may sound crazy, but there are many cases in which prophetic dreams
can even save peoples life. I love mystery, and this is something I am really keen on learning more
about.
Vocabulary:
1. Vivid (ADJ): (sinh ng, r rng) vivid memories, dreams, descriptions etc are so clearly
that they seem real.
Eg: Ive got vivid memories of that summer.
2. Recall (V): (gi nh) to remember a particular fact, event, or situation from the past
Eg: I cant recall who gave me the information.
3. Gloomy (ADJ): (ti tm, mt m) dark, especially in a way that makes you feel sad.
Eg: It was a gloomy room with one small window.
4. Sleep on [expression]: (suy ngh v g ) to make a decision about something important.
Eg: We decided to sleep on it.
5. Awake (ADJ): (thc tnh) not sleeping
Eg: I hope hes awake now
6. In all likelihood [expression]: (trong mi kh nng) almost certainly
Eg: If I refused, it would in all likelihood mean Id lose my job.
7. Literally (ADV): (ngha en) according to the most basic or original meaning of a word or
expression.
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Eg: The name of the cheese is Dolcelatte, literally meaning sweet milk.
8. Toextent [expression]: used to say how true something is or how great an effect or change
is.
To a certain extent/to some extent/to an extent.
Eg: I do agree with him to some extent.
9. Over the moon [idiom]: very happy
Eg: Shes over the moon about her new job.
10. Eager (ADJ): (hng hi) very keen and excited about something that is going to happen or
about something you want to do.
Eg: Hes a bright kid and eager to learn
11. Mysterious (ADJ): (b n) mysterious events or situations are difficult to explain or
understand
Eg: Theres something mysterious going on
12. Concept (N): (khi nim) an idea of how something is, or how something should be done
Eg: The concept of infinite space.
13. Prophetic (ADJ): (tin tri, d on) correctly saying what will happen in the future.
Eg: It turned out to be a prophetic piece of journalism.
14. Mystery (N): (b n) an event, situation etc that people do not understand.
Eg: The way her mind worked was always a mystery to him.
9. History
1. Do you like (to learn about) history?
Definitely. I find past events extremely fascinating but what really intrigues me is finding out how
they actually came about. However, the way history is taught in most schools is rather tedious; we
are only briefly informed of historical events but not given a deeper insight into them.
2. What historical event do you find most interesting?

Its hard to choose only one but if I have to, Id go for Vietnams liberation in 1975. It could be
considered one of the biggest milestones in the history of Vietnam, marking our country free from
colonization.
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3. Do you think history is important?
Well, its impossible to deny the importance of history. Knowing our roots and how modern
civilisation has come to be surely makes us more appreciative of our predecessors and enables us to
learn from past mistakes. Regardless of that, I think people shouldnt delve too much into the past
but look to the future instead.
4. Do you like to watch programs on TV about history?

Absolutely, I think watching history documentaries is the perfect alternative to in-class history
lessons. Rather than reading textbooks, watching real recordings and illustrations of past events
evokes much stronger curiosity, which might be the reason why I really dig TV programs about
history.
5. How (or, from where) do you get information about history?

There are a few ways for me to obtain information about history. The easiest is by attending lessons
at schools, though it can be pretty dreary sometimes. Moreover, as I was saying, I enjoy history
documentaries and with the access to the Internet, I also visit reputable websites to read more about
past events.
Vocabulary
Tedious (di dng, chn ngt) [adj]: boring, tiresome
Example: The students found the headmasters speech extremely tedious.
To be given a deep insight into something (c cung cp hiu bit su sc v iu g)
[expression]: to be provided detailed and in-depth knowledge about something
Example: We were given a deep insight into the history of Hawaii in our last history class.
Liberation (s gii phng) [noun]: the act of freeing something/somebody
Example: One of the important results of the American Civil War was the liberation of slaves.
Colonization (s thuc a ha) [noun]: The action or process of establishing control over
the native people of an area
Example: Vietnam was subjected to colonization by China for a thousand years.
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To be appreciative of predecessors (bit n ng cha, nhng ngi di trc) [expression]: to
be grateful for ancestors
Example: We should be appreciative of our predecessors, who have greatly contributed to the
liberation of our nation.
To delve into something (tm hiu chi tit, nghin cu iu g) [expression]: to investigate,
to look into something very carefully
Example: I am now delving into a study of the Trojan War, being given it as an assignment in class.
To be an alternative to something (l mt la chn thay th cho iu g) [expression]: to be a
replacement for something
Example: Renewable energy sources are efficient alternatives to fossil fuels.
To dig something (thch th vi iu g) [expression]: to be interested in something
Example: I love rock songs and I especially dig those from Queen.
Dreary (u m, bun t, chn ngt) [adj]: gloomy, boring
Example: A day working in the office and dealing with tons of paperwork is dreary.
10. Mirror
1. Do you often look at yourself in the mirror?
No, I don't. To be honest I don't think I'm a good-looking girl and mirrors remind me of that so I
often just quickly glance at myself before heading out just to make sure I look appropriate.
2. Do you often buy mirror?

No, I don't. In fact I don't think I have ever bought a mirror before. It was my mum who bought one
for me.
3. Do you think mirrors are necessary ornaments?

Yes, absolutely. Whether we like it or not, appearance and being presentable matter. We're judged
partly by how we look and how we dress. That doesn't mean we need thick makeup and designer
clothing, but I think we should at least take a look at ourselves and notice which visible flaws the
mirror highlights.
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Vocabulary:
To glance: lic nhn, lic nhanh, nhn qua

a. To direct the eyes at or toward something briefly.
She glanced at her notes before entering the examination hall.
b. To read quickly
I glanced at the menu and decided to go with a portion of spaghetti.
Appropriate: thch hp, thch ng
Suitable for a particular person, condition, occasion, or place; fitting.
Its challenging to select an appropriate treatment for all patients since people can have
different responses to medicines.
Being presentable: thiu st, sai lm
Presentable: chnh t, bnh bao; trng by c, ph ra c, coi c, chn chu

suitable or socially acceptable in appearance, dress, manners, etc., as for being introduced
into society
I have to make myself presentable before our guests arrive.
Judge: xt, xt on, phn on, nh gi

form an opinion or conclusion about.
Judging from his facial expression, something is wrong.
Flaw: thiu st, sai lm

a fault, mistake, or weakness, especially one that happens while something is being planned
or made, or that causes something not to be perfect:
This report is full of flaws
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11. Sports
1. What sports do you like? (why ?)
Well, I would say that theres quite a variety of sports on my favorites list but to be honest, Im
particularly keen on basketball. I guess the reason for this could be that basketball is a demanding
and strenuous game, which helps me burn up lots of calories and keep myself in shape. Besides, it
is a group activity that gives me the chance to meet up with new friends and build up strong
relationships with others.
2. What sports are most popular in Vietnam?

It goes without saying that soccer is the most popular game across the globe and Vietnamese people
are not any exception in their passion for it. This is because football is an inexpensive sport to play
and everyone can get involved in the game as long as they want to. However, the most convincing
reason making it the leading sport in Vietnam should be that soccer gives our people an opportunity
to share in both the excitement and pride in our own country, especially when it comes to
international tournaments like the Sea Games or Asian Cup.
3. Are boys and girls good at the same sports?

Well, in all fairness, I would probably say no. Generally, theres no doubt that boys tend to perform
better at strenuous and active sports which require greater strength and stamina, such as football,
boxing or basketball. Whereas in contrast, girls seem to be past masters at more relaxing and gentle
activities, like yoga or ballet.
4. What sports do children prefer?

In my estimation, I guess that kids are particularly keen on engaging in group activities like soccer,
or basketball. I suppose the explanation for this is that these games can be played in a team of ten to
twelve people, not only giving children an opportunity to make friends but also bringing them great
pleasure.
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5. Do you like to do daily exercise? (why ?/why not?)
Well, to be quite honest, Im pretty enthusiastic about working out. This is because regular exercise
not only prevents me from being obese like those sitting glued to the screens but also allows me to
discipline myself as I have to follow a fitness plan. In addition, keeping myself physically active is
probably the most effective way to get me into shape and help me lead a healthy life.
6. What are the advantages of doing regular exercise?

Obviously there are a number of positive features. However, I guess the most evident would be that
doing a workout might minimize the risk of getting diseases like diabetes or eye-related problems,
which might help extend our life expectancy. Besides this, a second plus point could be that daily
exercise enables us to relieve stress and refresh our mind, motivating us to focus on our daily tasks.
7. Where do people in Vietnam usually exercise?

Well, I suppose I would have to say that it kind of depends really. It goes without saying that
Vietnamese young people are in favor of going to the gym and having their personal trainers to
motivate them to reach their fitness goals. Whereas on the contrary, the elderly are more given to
going for a walk or joining a dance club in the park.
Vocabulary:
Burn up lots of calories: [expression] getting rid of energy in order to keep fit / t chy
nhiu nng lng
Example: A good laugh can burn up as many calories per hour as brisk walking.
Demanding: [adjective] requiring much skill or effort / (cng vic) i hi, yu cu cao v
chuyn mn, sc khe,
Example: He was involved in technically demanding work for which he was plainly well qualified.
Strenuous: [adjective] requiring or using great exertion / i hi s rng sc, cng thng
Example: All your muscles need more oxygen during strenuous exercise.
Keep oneself in shape: [expression] keeping fit, having a healthy body / gi mt thn hnh
khe mnh, gi dng
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Example: I do exercises regularly in order to keep myself in shape.
Build up strong relationships with: [expression] establishing friendship with others / xy
dng cc mi quan h bn vng
Example: Participating in voluntary activities is a good opportunity to build up strong relationship
with others.
Get involved in: [verb phrase] participating in, take part in an activity / tham gia, tham d
Example: Young people are enthusiastic about getting involved in community work.
Convincing: [adjective] capable of causing someone to believe that something is true or real
/ lm cho ngi ta tin, c sc thuyt phc
Example: There is no convincing evidence that advertising influences total alcohol consumption.
When it comes to: [expression] to mention or to talk about something / khi nhc ti
Example: When it comes to fishing, he is an expert.
Tournament: [noun] (in a sport or game) a series of contests between a number of
competitors / (th dc, th thao) cuc u, gii u
Example: England beat them in the semi-final in one of the best games of the tournament.
Be good at something/doing something: [expression] to be very skilful at something / ti
gii, c nng lc v mt lnh vc no
Example: To be honest, Im not good at drawing.
Stamina: [noun] the ability to sustain prolonged physical or mental effort / sc chu ng,
kh nng chu ng
Example: Their secret to success is stamina rather than speed.
Be a past master at: [expression] to be very good at something because you have
been doing it for a long time / rt gii, c nng lc trong vic no y
Example: She is a past master at cooking omelets.
Gentle: [adjective] mild in temperament or behavior; kind or tender / nh nhng, du dng
Example: She was a gentle person who retained a well balanced perspective on life throughout her
long years.
Engage in: [verb] participate in, get involved in something / tham gia, tham d
Example: I'd be happy to engage in a discussion about the value of advertising.
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Meet up with: [verb phrase] hang out with, spend time with other people / gp g, lm quen
vi nhng ngi bn mi
Example: Travelling abroad is a golden opportunity to meet up with people of different cultures.
Bring somebody great pleasure: [verb] to make someone happy / mang li nim vui cho ai
Example: The new policy on tax reduction brings residents great pleasure.
Obese: [adjective] being grossly fat or overweight / bnh bo ph
Example: Children are becoming alarmingly more obese in developed countries.
Sit glued to the screens: [expression] spending too much time watching TV or playing
computers / ngi dn mt vo mn hnh
Example: Children nowadays often spend their free time sitting glued to the screens.
Discipline: [verb] train (someone) to obey rules or a code of behavior / rn luyn, a vo k
lut
Example: Physical punishment is not the most effective way to discipline children.
Get somebody into shape: [expression] keep fit / ly li vc dng
Example: I do regular exercise in order to get myself into shape.
Lead a healthy life: [expression] in good condition, living a healthy lifestyle / trong tnh
trng sc khe tt; n ung, vui chi lnh mnh
Example: Avoiding eating fast food enables people to lead a healthy life.
Minimize the risk of: [expression] avoiding a dangerous situation / lm gim nguy c, gim
thiu ri ro
Example: Giving disadvantaged children a chance to go to school is an effective way to minimize
the risk of them committing crimes.
Diabetes: [noun] a metabolic disease in which the bodys inability to produce any or enough
insulin causes elevated levels of glucose in the blood / bnh tiu ng
Example: Obese people are likely to suffer from illnesses such as cancer, heart disease, diabetes and
asthma.
Eye-related problems: [noun phrase] diseases relating to eyes / bnh v mt
Example: Playing computer games too much increases the risk of getting eye-related problems.
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Extend life expectancy: [expression] be able to live longer, prolong the life span / ko di
tui th
Example: Advanced biological sciences enable people to extend their life expectancy.
Refresh our mind: [expression] taking a break to relax and recharge energy / lm cho u c
tnh to, th gin
Example: Hanging out with friends at weekends is a common way to refresh our mind in order to
focus on daily demanding tasks.
Be in favor of: [expression] on the side of; in support of / thch ci g, ng h ci g
Example: Residents are in favor of the tax reduction policy.
Reach ones fitness goal: [expression] be able to have a healthy body by working out
Example: People have to work hard in order to reach their fitness goals. / c c thn hnh khe
mnh nh mc tiu ra
Be given to: [expression] be likely to do something / c khuynh hng lm g, nghing v
ci g
Example: Mysister is given to shopping at malls where there is a greater choice of products.
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12. Birds
1. How do you feel about birds? (why do you feel that way?)
I have to say Im a bird-lover. Its primarily because birds are absolutely beautiful creatures with
sweet songs. Watching them fly can evoke a feeling of freedom for me.
2. How do Vietnamese people feel about birds?

Well, its difficult to generalize. Some people are fond of keeping birds. Some only like to eat them.
And some develop a keen interest in taking pictures of birds.
3. Are there many birds near your home?

No. Birds are now a rare sight in my neighborhood or elsewhere in Hanoi center. I guess because
therere too many skyscrapers and the environment is heavily polluted. Youre more likely to find
them in zoos, national parks, unpolluted cities or in the countryside.
4. Have you seen many different kinds of birds? (near your home)
No, I havent unfortunately. I have only seen some sparrows play on my balcony, but very rarely.
When I was still living in my hometown, a small village on the outskirts of Hanoi, I spotted a
variety of birds like pigeons, red-whiskered bulbuls, and spotted doves.
Vocabulary
1. lover [noun]: (often in compounds) a person who likes or enjoys a particular thing (ngi yu
thch)
Eg: He was a devoted animal lover, and had a large number of pets at home.
2. primarily [adverb]: mainly (ch yu)
Eg: It was the first book of poetry primarily designed for children.
3. creature [noun]: a living thing, real or imaginary, that can move around, such as an animal (sinh
vt, loi vt)
Eg: Dogs are more social creatures than cats.
4. evoke something [verb]: to bring a feeling, a memory or an image into your mind (gi ln)
Eg: The music evoked memories of her youth.
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5. generalize [verb]: to use a particular set of facts or ideas in order to form an opinion that is
considered valid for a different situation (khi qut ho)
Eg: It would be foolish to generalize from a single example.
6. interest (in somebody/something) [noun]: the feeling that you have when you want to know or
learn more about somebody/something (s quan tm; s thch th)
Eg: He showed a polite interest in her story.
develop a keen interest in something: hnh thnh s thch v iu g
7. rare [adjective]: not done, seen, happening, etc. very often (him; t c)
Eg: Its extremely rare for it to be this hot in April.
8. sight [noun]: a thing that you see or can see (cnh, cnh tng)
Eg: The eagle is now a rare sight in this country.
9. skyscraper [noun]: a very tall building in a city (nh chc tri )
Eg: It's located in a square surrounded by towering skyscrapers.
10. national park [noun]: an area of land that is protected by the government for people to visit
because of its natural beauty and historical or scientific interest (vn quc gia)
Eg: The area was designated a national park because of the many rare creatures living there.
11. outskirts [noun]: the parts of a town or city that are furthest from the centre (vng ngoi )
Eg: We live on the outskirts of a big city and we take a bus to the centre.
12. spot [verb]: to see or notice a person or thing, especially suddenly or when it is not easy to do so
(nhn ra, pht hin ra)
Eg: Can you spot the difference between these two pictures?
13. pigeon [noun]: a fat grey and white bird with short legs. Pigeons are common in cities and also
live in woods and fields where people shoot them for sport or food. (chim b cu)
Eg: A pigeon strutted along the roof, singing rhythmically.
14. Red-whiskered bulbul [noun]: a songbird found in Asia (chim cho mo)
Eg:The red-whiskered bulbul has white cheeks, brown back, and a long white-tipped tail.
15. spotted [adjective]: having a regular pattern of round dots on it (lm m)
Eg: I received a black and white spotted dress as a gift from my father.
16. spotted dove [noun]: is a small and quite long-tailed pigeon which natively lives in the Indian
Subcontinent and Southeast Asia (chim cu gy)
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Eg: The spotted dove has a grey head and grey-brown neck and underparts.
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13. Food/Cooking
1. Is food important to you? (why?)
Yes, definitely. I believe food is an essential part of everyones lives. Without it, we wouldnt have
the energy and nutrients to grow and develop, be healthy and active, to move, work, play, think and
learn.
2. What kinds of food you like? (why?)

I have to say that Im a big fan of Vietnamese traditional food because its tasty, healthy and not
greasy at all. It is usually made with plenty of vegetables, and flavored with fresh herbs and spices.
Just thinking of it whets my appetite already.
3. Is there any food you dont like? (why?)

Yes, there is. Im not a fussy eater, but I cant stand onions and I have an allergy to seafood. I try to
avoid meals that might contain these products.
4. What kinds of food are the most popular in Vietnam?

I think Vietnamese traditional food is always everyones favourite in my country. But recently
foreign foods from Korea, Japan or Western countries are also gaining more and more popularity.
Eating the same kind of food can dull our appetite so we sometimes want to try something new.
5. Do you like cooking? (why?/why not?)

Well, I love to cook, especially for my family on special occasions, but I find everyday cooking a
real chore. I like to try out new recipes when Im in a relaxed mood.
6. Who usually does the cooking in your home?

Mostly my mother, but I take turns sometimes. To me shes the best cook ever who can always
guarantee lovely home-cooked food. Unlike her cooking, the quality of my food is a bit hit-and-
miss.
Vocabulary
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1. Essential [adjective]: completely necessary; extremely important in a particular situation or for a
particular activity (cn thit)
Eg: Even in small companies, computers are an essential tool.
2. Energy [noun]: the physical and mental effort that you use to do something (nng lng)
Eg: She put all her energies into her work, so she arrives home very tired.
3. Nutrient [noun]: a substance that is needed to keep a living thing alive and to help it to grow
(cht b dng)
Eg: Plants draw minerals and other nutrients from the soil.
4. Active [adjective]: always busy doing things, especially physical activities (nng ng)
Eg: Although he's nearly 80, he is still very active.
5. Fan [noun]: a person who admires somebody/something or enjoys watching or listening to
somebody/something very much (ngi hm m)
Eg: Im a big fan of Italian food, especially pizza and spaghetti.
6. Tasty (adjective): having a strong and pleasant flavour (ngon)
Eg: The food is tasty and well-presented.
7. Healthy [adjective]: good for your health (tt cho sc khe)
Eg: We have a very healthy diet, with lots of fruit and vegetables.
8. Greasy [adjective]: covered in a lot of grease or oil (bng m)
Eg: The sink was piled high with greasy dishes.
9. Flavor [verb] to add something to food to make it more tasty (hng v)
Eg: She likes to flavor her cooking with lots of spices.
10. Herb (noun): a plant whose leaves, flowers or seeds are used to flavour food, in medicines or for
their pleasant smell. Parsley, mint and oregano are all herbs. (tho mc)
Eg: Add a teaspoonful of mixed herbs before you put the pizza in the oven.
11. Spice [noun]: one of the various types of powder or seed that come from plants and are used in
cooking. Spices have a strong taste and smell ( gia v)
Eg: The shop sells a large range of herbs and spices.
12. Whet [verb]: to increase your desire for or interest in something, usually for food (kch thch)
Eg: The travel program will whet your appetite to visit Paris.
13. Appetite [n]: physical desire for something, usuall food (s ngon ming)
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Eg: He suffered from headaches and loss of appetite.
14. Fussy [adjective]: too concerned or worried about details or standards, especially unimportant
ones (kiu cch)
Eg: Our teacher is very fussy about exact punctuation.
fussy eater: ngi n ung kiu cch
15. Stand [verb]: used especially in negative sentences and questions to emphasize that you do not
like somebody/something (chu ng)
Eg: I can't stand the sight of blood, so I could never be a nurse.
16. Allergy [noun]: a medical condition that causes you to react badly or feel ill/sick when you eat
or touch a particular substance (d ng)
Eg: I have an allergy to animal hair and I start to sneeze.
17. Foreign [adjective]: in or from a country that is not your own (thuc v mt nc khc)
Eg: He drives a foreign car, which was imported from Germany.
18. Dull [verb]: to become or make something less bright or sharp
Eg: Dont eat anything before a meal it will dull your appetite.
19. Chore [noun]: a duty, responsibility, etc. that causes worry, difficulty or hard work (gnh nng)
Eg: I am sick and tired of all the chores in the house.
20. Recipe [noun]: a set of instructions that tells you how to cook something and the ingredients (=
items of food) you need for it (cng thc)
Eg: Each month we feature easy low-fat recipes.
21. Mood [noun]: the way you are feeling at a particular time (tm trng)
Eg: She's in a good mood today (= happy and friendly).
relaxed mood: tm trng thoi mi.
22. Turn [noun]: the time when somebody in a group of people should or is allowed to do
something (phin)
Eg: When it's your turn, take another card.
take turns: n lt
23. To guarantee [verb]: to make something certain to happen (m bo)
Eg: These days getting a degree doesn't guarantee you a job.
24. hit-and-miss [adjective]: not done in a careful and planned way (cu th, khng hiu qu)
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Eg: I may pass the exam, but my revision has been a bit hit-and-miss.
14. Indoor games

1. Do you play any indoor games?
Honestly, theres quite a wide range of indoor games that Im particularly into. However, the game
that attracts me the most is Monopoly, which is a real estate trading game. This is because
monopoly not only provides me with hours of entertainment, but it also teaches me valuable lessons
on risk assessment, timing and diversification - all useful tools for investing in the real world.
2. Do you prefer to play indoor games or outdoor games?
As a matter of fact, I prefer to engage in outdoor activities rather than staying inside. Playing
outdoor games keeps me physically active, which might prevent me from suffering from diseases
like obesity or diabetes later in life. In addition, participating in strenuous games such as tennis and
basketball is an effective way to get myself into shape and build up my muscles and strength.
3. What indoor games did you play when you were a child?
Well, looking back on my childhood, I remember I spent most of my leisure time on board games,
puzzles and cards. I suppose the reason why I found these games appealing was that they were so
challenging that when I had achieved the goal, I mean when I had solved the problem, I could feel
an enormous sense of accomplishment. Seeing the tangible results of mastering a new skill, hence,
strengthened my confidence to take on the next challenge.
4. Is there any particular indoor game that you liked (when you were a child)?
To be honest, as a child, I was fairly enthusiastic about playing chess, which was possibly the best
known board game at the time. The reason why I was into this brain game might be that I enjoyed
the challenge of thinking ahead and trying to outwit my opponent. Also, although I love winning,
chess taught me to learn from my losses and to congratulate the person who had beaten me.
5. What sorts of indoor games do children play now?

Well, it goes without saying that theres fairly broad range of indoor activities, however, in my
estimation, kids nowadays are pretty keen on board games. I guess the explanation for this could be
that these games have an ability to stimulate childrens curiosity and creativity. Besides, these kinds
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of games teach youngsters about the importance of following directions, taking turns, and
socializing with others all essential skills for succeeding in school and life.
Vocabulary:
Real estate: [noun] property consisting of land or buildings / bt ng sn
Example:She has been in real estate for 11 years, buying and selling houses.
Entertainment: [noun] the action of providing or being provided with amusement or
enjoyment / s gii tr
Example: Everyone just sits in front of the TV for entertainment.
Risk assessment: [noun phrase] a systematic process of evaluating the potential risks that
may be involved in a projected activity or undertaking / s nh gi ri ro
Example: Risk assessments are very important as they form an integral part of a good occupational
health and safety management plan.
Timing: [noun] the choice, judgment, or control of when something should be done / qun l
thi gian
Example: One of the secrets of golf is good timing, so that you maintain a steady rhythm when you
hit the ball.
Diversitification: [noun] the process of changing so that there is greater variety / s a dng
ha
Example: The company decided on a policy of diversification, producing a range of goods.
Engage in: [verb] participate in, get involved in something / tham gia, tham d
Example: I'd be happy to engage in a discussion about the value of advertising.
Suffer from: [verb] . To feel pain or distress; sustain injury or harm / mc, b (bnh); tri qua ci g
Example: He suffers from asthma, and so he can only do gentle exercises.

Obesity: [noun] the condition of being grossly fat or overweight / bnh bo ph
Example: Obesity is becoming an alarming problem among children in developed countries.
Diabetes: [noun] a metabolic disease in which the bodys inability to produce any or enough
insulin causes elevated levels of glucose in the blood / bnh tiu ng
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Example: Obese people are likely to suffer from illnesses such as cancer, heart disease, diabetes and
asthma.
Strenuous: [adjective] requiring or using great exertion / i hi s rng sc, cng thng
Get somebody into shape: [expression] keep fit / ly li vc dng
Example: I do regular exercise in order to get myself into shape.
Build up: [phrasal verb] to make something stronger than it was before / cng c
Example: I have to build up my confidence before I take the exam again.
Look back on: [phrasal verb] to think about something that happened in the past / nh li
qu kh
Example: It wasn't such a bad experience when I look back on it.
Appealing: [adjective] attractive or interesting / li cun, hp dn
Example: The rural life is somehow more appealing than my stressful life in the city.
Achieve the goal: [expression] to accomplish a purpose / t c mc tiu
Example: Having worked hard, he was finally able to achieve his goal.
Enormous: [adjective] very large in size, quantity, or extent / khng l, to ln
Example: He did an enormous amount of revision and, as a result, he passed the exam.
Tangible: [adjective] perceptible by touch / hu hnh, c tht, r rng
Example: Maybe one day he will understand that there are real and tangible consequences of
making mistakes.
Master a new skill: [expression] to be good at, excel at doing something / thnh tho mt k
nng mi
Example: With the help of her piano teacher, she mastered a new skill the ability to read music.
Be enthusiastic about: [expression] like something, have passion for something / thch, say
m ci g
Example: I am enthusiastic about playing basketball, as it is the best way to have fun and relieve
stress.
Think ahead: [phrasal verb] to have thoughts about something that is to happen in the future
/ ngh trc v tng lai, i trc mt bc
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Example: We're already thinking ahead to what will happen after the accident.
Outwit: [verb] deceive or defeat by greater ingenuity / nh bi, qua mt
Example: She had outwitted many an opponent.
Opponent: [noun] someone who competes against or fights another in a contest, game, or
argument; a rival or adversary / i th
Example: He beat his opponent by a landslide margin in the election.
Congratulate:[verb] give (someone) one's good wishes when something special or pleasant
has happened to them / chc mng, khen ngi
Example: I went into the living room to congratulate Bill on his marriage.
Have an ability to: [expression] be able to / c th, c kh nng lm g
Example: A pig has an ability to eat an enormous amount of food.
Stimulate: [verb] To rouse to action or increased activity; excite / khuyn khch, kch thch
Example: The courses stimulate a passion for learning.
Curiosity: [noun] a strong desire to know or learn something / s t m
Example: I left the museum with a great curiosity to know more about dinosaurs .
Youngster: [noun] a child, young person, or young animal / ngi tr tui
Example: Members are organising a transport survey to find out how youngsters get to school.
15. Rain
1. Does it rain much in Vietnam? (Where? When?)
As it is entirely located in the tropical belt, Vietnam receives quite a great amount of precipitation
every year. However, the part that records the highest rainfall is the northern section of Central
Vietnam when the northeast monsoon arrives, between September and December. This region can
also be affected by the typhoon season in the Western Pacific, which can see severe storms lashing
the coast from August to November.
2. Is there any part of Vietnam where it doesnt rain much? (Where?)

In general, I guess the driest place in Vietnam might possibly be Ninh Thuan province, which is
situated on the south-central coast. The weather there is quite extreme with a lot of wind as well as
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a hot and dry atmosphere during the year. Also, there is no winter here, and the average temperature
is considerably higher than most other parts of the country.
3. When (in what month/season) does it rain most in your hometown?

Well, currently, I am living in Hanoi, which is located in the northern part of Vietnam. I suppose
that in the north, the rainy season comes during the summer months, extending from mid-April to
mid-October. This is because during this time of the year, the citys climate is influenced by the
southwest monsoon, which brings moist air from the oceans to the land and causes torrential rain.
4. What about the other parts of Vietnam? (In which season does it rain most in other parts of
Vietnam?)
Well, the southern part of Vietnam, especially the Mekong Delta, gets plenty of rain and hot, humid
weather during the southwest monsoon from April to September, with June and July being
especially wet. Meanwhile, the centre of the country receives the most rainfall between September
and December, during which time the region suffers from severe storms and flooding.
5. Can you remember any time when it rained particularly heavily in your hometown? (When?)
Yes, of course. I suppose it was about a year or so ago, when we had several days of torrential rain,
almost non-stop, and so the whole of my neighbourhood got flooded. You know, the water was,
like, up to my knees, and so the traffic came to a complete standstill. So, yeah, that was probably
the worst time I can remember.
6. Does rain ever affect transportation in your hometown? (How?)
Yeah, for sure. As a matter of fact, rain often causes severe traffic congestion, especially when there
is heavy downpour. People should expect to be stuck for hours in a traffic jam. Im not exactly sure
why, but its possibly because vehicles tend to move slower in the rain.
Vocabulary:
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Tropical belt: [noun phrase] area between the Tropics of Cancer and the Tropics of Capricon
/ vnh ai nhit i
Example: The northern and southern populations were naturally separated by the warm tropical
belts in the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.
Precipitation: [noun] rain, snow, sleet, or hail that falls to the ground / ma
Example: In places where the warmer air extends to the ground, the precipitation will fall as rain.
Monsoon: [noun] a seasonal prevailing wind in the region of South and Southeast Asia,
blowing from the southwest between May and September and bringing rain (the wet monsoon), or
from the northeast between October and April (the dry monsoon ) / gi ma
Example: We get only very little rain during the southwest monsoon.
Typhoon: [noun] a tropical storm in the region of the Indian or western Pacific oceans / bo
Example: Severe tropical cyclones correspond to the hurricanes or typhoons of other parts of the
world.
Lash: [verb] to move suddenly and swiftly; rush, dash, or flash / vt qua, tn ph
Example: Strong winds and storms are lashing the east coast of the USA.
Province: [noun] a principal administrative division of certain countries or empires / qun
Example: The school is in a poor district of the province and students often go without the simplest
of items, let alone educational funds.
Situate: [verb] fix or build (something) in a certain place or position / c t , nm
Example: The pilot light is usually situated at the front of the boiler.
Extreme: [adjective] reaching a high or the highest degree; very great / cc, rt
Example: There is extreme cold in Hanoi during the winter.
Atmosphere: [noun] the envelope of gases surrounding the earth or another planet / khng
kh, bu kh quyn
Example: In dry weather the electric potential in the atmosphere is normally positive relative to the
earth, and increases with the height.
Rainy season: [noun phrase] the time during which there is a large amount of rainfall / ma
ma
Example: The traffic often gets congested during rainy season.
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Moist: [adjective] slightly wet; damp or humid / m t
Example: The air was moist and heavy after the storm passed.
Torrential: [adjective] (of rain) falling rapidly and in copious quantities / chy mnh, (ma)
nh trt xung
Example: The rest of the day torrential rain fell, the grass becoming a bog, the river turning to a
lake.
Come to a complete standstill: [idiom] to slow down and finally stop; to stop entirely / dng
li, tr tr
Example: As the strike began, the production line came to a complete standstill.
Congestion: [noun] the state of being overcrowded / s tc nghn
Example: The new bridge should ease congestion in the area.
Downpour: [noun] a heavy rainfall / ma ln
Example: A sudden downpour had filled the gutters and drains.
16. Plans and goals

1. What is your plan for the future and when will you start?
Im planning to start my own advertising agency when Im in my third year at university. Ive been
preparing this plan of mine ever since I was a high school student and Ive raised nearly enough
capital now.
2. How do you intend to achieve that?
Im working on raising capital, and I also need some partners to work on this project with me Ive
shared my plan with my friends and some of them seemed really interested in it. And once Ive got
someone, well take care of the rest together.
3. If you go abroad, do you plan to live in the countryside or in a big city? (Why?)
Id prefer living in the countryside, mostly because I want to experience the tranquility there.
Another reason is because the traffic and air pollution in some big cities are almost unbearable, and
I seriously dont want to get stuck with all the problems of city life.
Vocabulary:
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Agency [noun] (i l/mi gii) a business that represents one group of people when dealing
with another group
e.g. Mannya was representing a private legal consulting agency at the hearing.
Capital [noun] (vn) wealth in the form of money or other assets owned by a person or
organization or available for a purpose such as starting a company or investing
e.g. They all need capital to meet their needs for expansion and technical development.
Tranquility [noun] (s thanh bnh) the quality or state of being tranquil; calm
e.g. The main reason people come to visit the countryside is because of its beauty and tranquility.
Unbearable [adjective] (khng th chu ng c) too unpleasant or painful to cope with or
accept
e.g. At night, the noise in the street is unbearable and Im unable to sleep.
17. Weather
1. Whats the weather like today?
Its freezing, oh my God but luckily it hasnt rained today. It was raining all last week I was
soaked to the skin whenever I went out to go to work even though I was wearing a raincoat, and the
rain made it even colder!
2. Whats the weather (usually) like in your hometown?
It depends on the season, but most of the time its really hot in my hometown. And its been getting
hotter and hotter in recent years maybe one big reason is because of global warming.
3. (Similar to above) What is the typical weather in your country?
(Similar to above)
4. Whats your favorite season? (Why?)

I really like the fall, mainly because of its cool weather, which makes me feel really comfortable
and ready to go out any time of the day. The other seasons well, summers too hot, winters too
cold and springs too humid.
5. (Similar to above, but different) Whats your favorite weather? (Why?)
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Cool weather. It makes me feel really comfortable and ready to go out any time of the day. Just
imagine sitting in the park, reading a book in the sunshine with the wind gently blowing through
your hair. Isnt that awesome?
6. Do you like snow? (Why?)
Ive never seen or touched snow before so instead of saying whether I like it or not, I would say Im
really curious about it. Ive been dying to see the snow falling since forever but havent really got
the chance to do so.
7. Do you watch the weather forecasts?
Rather than the weather forecasts shown on TV, I often look at the ones on my smartphone you
know, therere some applications that help predict the weather conditions for up to a week!
8. Does the weather ever affect what you do?
Yes, of course. For example, I tend to get really lethargic and lazy in the winter, all because of the
cold weather. All I want to do is to get some nice sleep under my warm blanket and never have to
leave the comfort of my home, and this seriously affects my work and study sometimes.
Vocabulary:
Freezing [adjective] (lnh ngt) extremely cold
e.g. Its freezing in here can I close the window?
Soaked to the skin [expression] (t nhp) extremely wet
e.g. Im going to have to take these clothes off Im soaked to the skin!
Be dying for/to do something [expression] (mun lm g n cht i c) to be extremely
eager to have or do something
e.g. Im dying to hear your news, especially about your holiday in London.
Lethargic [adjective] (mt mi) without any energy or enthusiasm
e.g. After a big lunch, I always feel lethargic and sometimes fall asleep at my desk !
18. Robots
1. Are you interested in robots? Why?
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No, Im not really keen on robots because Im kind of a low-tech person. Also, a robot is a luxury
technological product that I have never been able to afford, so I dont feel like I want to know much
about them.
2. Would you like robots to work in your home?
If I had a lot of money, Id like to have a robot in my home. As Im always occupied with my work,
I need a robot to help me do chores and prepare meals whenever I come home at night. Thatd be
great!
3. Would you want to take a car where a robot is the driver?
No, I wouldnt want a robot to drive my car. It would be too dangerous and risky for me to take a
drive with a robot. Because a robot is programmed by humans, I dont think that it can handle road
incidents quickly and efficiently enough to ensure safety.
4. Will robots replace human beings in the workplace completely?
Well, I have to admit that robots play an important part in our modern life. However, they will
never completely replace the roles of humans at work as they are incapable of feeling emotions and
thinking deeply like humans. For example, in a conference, people have to discuss problems in
great detail before giving solutions and making decisions, but robots lack the capacity to respond to
all questions instantly and effectively.
Vocabulary:
1. low-tech (adjective) not using the most recent equipment or methods (ni v ngi bit t v
cng ngh)
Ex: It is low-tech economy without modern machinery or techniques.
2. luxury (adjective) very comfortable and expensive, which not everyone can afford (xa x)
Ex: They are staying in a luxury 5-star hotel in Paris.
3. afford (verb) to be able to buy or do something because you have enough money or time (c
kh nng mua hay lm th g)
Ex: I don't know how he can afford a new car on his salary.
4. do chores ( collocation) do housework (lm vic nh)
Ex: I'll go shopping when I've done my chores.
4. handle (verb) to manage, deal with sth or sb (x l)
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Ex: My wife handles all our household expenses.
6. incident (noun) an event that is either unpleasant or unusual (s vic xy ra bt ng)
Ex: A youth was seriously injured in a shooting incident on Saturday night.
7. to be incapable of verb + ing: be unable to do something (khng c kh nng lm vic g)
Ex: He seems to be incapable of walking past a music shop without going in and buyinganother
CD.
8.capacity (noun) the ability to perform sth (nng lc)
Ex: Ask John to help us he has a great capacity for hard work.
19. Shopping
1. Are there many shops near your home?
Yes, there are. As my city has increasingly developed, small stores and shopping malls are
omnipresent. In my neighborhood, products of these shops are very diverse and up to the mark,
accommodating the shopping demands of its residents.
2. Do you like shopping (Why/ Why not)?
Of course, I enjoy swimming a lot. Shopping activities relieve my stress, especially when feel
overloaded with work. In my opinion, it is also a chance for us to compare the quality of goods and
acquire a better taste in things.
3. Who usually does the shopping in your home?
Well, it may be my mother. Every morning, she goes to the store to choose hygienic and fresh food
for our familys meals. Her favorite pastime is buying second-hand clothes in small markets.
Sometimes, when Im free, I go with her to a big supermarket to purchase basic necessities like
shampoos or soaps.
4. How often do you buy something in a shop?
Very often, as I rarely have time for window-shopping. Practically, I always make a list-to-buy
before going to stores and markets, and hardly leave without a shopping bill.
VOCABULARY:
1. omnipresent [adj]: present everywhere: c mt khp mi ni
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Eg: Thes e da ys t he m edi a are om ni present .
2. diverse [adj]: very different from each other and of various kinds : a dng
Eg: People in America are from diverse cultures.
3. up to the mark [expression]: meet the requirements : t tiu chun
Eg: Most teachers in this school are up to the mark.
4. (to) accommodate [v]: to provide sth for sb: p ng cho
Eg: Our plan tries to accommodate the needs of minority groups.
5. (to) relieve [v]: to remove or reduce an unpleasant feeling: lm vi i
Eg: Completing the final examination relieves her great anxiety.
6. (be) overloaded with [expression]: be given too much of sth : b qu ti
Eg: Minhs overloaded with responsibilities these days.
7. (to) acquire [v]: to gain sth by your own efforts, ability or behaviour : t c
Eg: He has acquired a reputation for honesty.
8. hygienic [adj]: clean and free of bacteria : sch s, hp v sinh
Eg: Food must be prepared in hygienic conditions.
9. (to) purchase [v]: to buy sth: mua, sm
Eg: The equipment can be purchased from your local supplier.
10. basic necessities[expression]: things that you must have and cannot manage without :
dng cn thit
Eg: Many people cannot even afford basic necessities such as food and clothing.
11. window-shopping[n]:the activity of looking at the goods in shops, usually without
intending to buy anything: i ngm nhng khng mua hng ha
Eg: Phuong often wants to go window-shopping with her close friends.
12. practically [adv]: in a realistic or sensible way; in real situations: thc t l
Eg: Practically speaking, we cant afford this exorbitant house.
20. Names
1. Does your name have any particular meaning?
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Let me see Well I think it means bright pearl or shining pearl? I guess my parents wanted me
to become an intelligent and successful girl so they gave me this name.
2. Whats the origin of your name? (or, your surname)

Its pretty lame really Dad wanted to call me Ngoc or Chi back then but he couldnt decide
which one, then one cousin of mine asked him whether I had a name and he just blurted out Minh
Chau. My cousin then spread the news about my name to everyone, which was something Dad
didnt expect at all, and well, I am stuck with this name now.
3. Do you like your name?

At first no, because my friends often made fun of my name, like with some puns. But then I
gradually learnt to accept it, and now I cant imagine having a different name from this one.
4. What do your friends call you?

My friends back in secondary and high school tended to call me Cat or Fat Cat because of my
nickname on social networks - well I love cats after all. University friends dont really give me any
nicknames; they just call me Chau.
5. Did your family have a certain (nick) name that they called you when you were a child?
Hmm well, no? They just called me Chau. I think in some other families, parents would give
their children some kind of nick name but thats not the case in my family.
6. What names are popular to give to babies in your country?

I think people tend to choose some names like Linh or Trang for girls I dont know the actual
meanings of those names though. For boys, the two most popular names, I think, are Son, which
means the mountain and Hieu, which means to show affection and respect towards ones parents.
Vocabulary:
Lame [adjective] (v vn) unsurprising and dull

e.g. I found the programme pretty lame and not every informative.
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Blurt [verb] (tht ra/but ming ni ra) say something suddenly and without careful
consideration
e.g. He blurts things out without even meaning it, yet, he doesn't apologize!
Be stuck with sb/sth [expression] (mc kt vi ci g) to have to deal with someone or

something unpleasant because you have no choice or because no one else wants to
e.g. We were stuck with him for the entire journey!
Pun [noun] (chi ch) a humorous use of a word or phrase that has several meanings or that
sounds like another word
e.g. This is a well-known joke based on a pun: Whats black and white and read (= read) all over?
A newspaper.
21. Swimming
1. Do you like swimming?
Of course, I love swimming. It is a very healthy and motivational sport. I think swimming can
endear itself to many people because water-related activities always deliver a sense of excitement
and refreshment.
2. How often do you swim?
Well, it is largely dependent on the season and weather. In the summer, I usually go swimming with
my close friends. During the hot weather, immersing yourself in the cold water is irresistible.
However, in my country, it is virtually impossible to swim in the winter.
3. Where do you swim in your city?
My school possesses a standardized swimming pool, which is very popular among students. I often
go there and the public swimming pool near my house is also my favorite option. Although the
swimming pools in luxurious hotels are very appealing, they are beyond my means so I cannot
swim there.
4. Is it difficult to learn how to learn to swim?
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Well, a little bit, I think. Most sports require some form of physical exertion and swimming is not
without exception. The first time, I was confronted with a lot of difficulties in maintaining stamina
and also in holding my breath under water. However, with the assistance of my friends and
continuous practice, I think Im a good swimmer now.
VOCABULARY:
1. motivational [adj]: encouraging, making people want to do sth : c tnh ng lc cao
Eg: To most contenders, this intense competition is really motivational.
2. (to) endear [v]: sb/sth/ yourself to sb else : make sb/sth like you : khin ai yu thch
Eg: The teachers kindness endears him to most of his pupils.
3. refreshment [n]: the fact of making sb feel stronger or less tired or hot : s lm cho sng
khoi
Eg: Minh is trying to find a place for rest and refreshment.
4. dependent [adj]: +on sth/sb : affected or decided by sth: ph thuc vo
Eg: A childs development is dependent on many factors.
5. irresistible [adj]: so strong that it cannot be stopped or resisted : khng th cng li c
Eg: As a matter of fact, Linhs arguments were irresistible.
6. virtually [adv]: almost or very nearly : gn nh
Eg: Tuan virtually admitted that he was guilty.
7. Standardized [adj]: conforming to standard of measurement or value; or of the usual or
regularized or accepted kind;: lm cho cht lng
Eg: Ho Chi Minh Citys infrastructure is increasingly standardized.
8. option[n]: sth that you can choose : la chn
Eg: There are various options open to you.
9. exertion [n]: physical or mental effort, the act of making an effort: s n lc
Eg: Mai was breathless from the exertion of cycling uphill.
10. without exception [expression]: without the absence of sth : khng th khng c, khng th
thiu
Eg: Everybody has to go to work on time without exception.
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22. Neighbors
1. Do you know your neighbors?
Yes, of course I do. People in my neighborhood know each other quite well, and all of them are
very friendly and lovable. The family living next to my house is always willing to offer assistance
when we need, and sois my family.
2. Do you like your neighbors?
Well yes, I love them, because they are good neighbors. The family next door has a grandmother
whom I really respect, as she always gives me useful advice. I think that we live in harmony with
one another.
3. What do you think of your neighbors?
As I have said, they are warm-hearted people. They receive a lot of affection and admiration for
their kindness and generosity. I think it is quite good fortune for my family to live next to them.
4. How often do you see (or talk to) your neighbors?
I think very often. Each morning, we frequently greet when we meet each other. Whenever I am not
occupied with schoolwork, I will visit the grandmother to talk to her. Her life experience and advice
have helped me to overcome many difficulties and challenges.
5. When do you meet your neighbors?
We meet everyday, since we live next to each other. Particularly, at the weekends, the neighbors
will gather in the biggest house to hold a party or BBQ, which is very appealing to the children.
VOCABULARY:
CC T THUC CH : A. THE ARTS (sch collocations)
1. to live in harmony with one another
Meaning: to live with others in a way which avoids conflict or disagreement
Example: The students who share the house are all good friends and they are able to live in
harmony with one another.
Dch i
To live in harmony with one another: sng ha hp vi ngi khc
Ngha: sng vi nhng ngi khc mt cch ha hp, trnh gy mu thun vi nhau
V d: Sinh vin sng cng mt nh l nhng ngi bn thn v h c th sng ha hp vi nhau.
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CC T KHC:
1. lovable [adj]: having qualities that people find attractive and easy to love : ng yu
Eg: Minh is a really lovable child.
2. (be) willing to do sth[expression]: ready or pleased to help : sn lng lm g
Eg: They keep a list of people who are willing to work at night.
3. assistance [n]: help or support: s gip
Eg: We do offer financial assistance for people on low incomes.
4. affection [n]: the feeling of liking or loving sb/sth very much : tnh cm
Eg: Children need a lot of affection and sympathy.
5. generosity [n]: the fact of being generous : s rng lng
Eg: He treated them with generosity and thoughtfulness.
6. fortune [n]: chance or luck : s may mn
Eg: I did have the good fortune to work with some brilliant directors.
7. (be) occupied with sth [adj]: be busy with sth : bn rn vi ci g
Eg: Lan is always occupied with the housework.
8. (to) overcome: to succeed in dealing with or controlling a problem: vt qua ci g
Eg: She overcame injury to win the Olympic gold medal.
9. (to) gather [v]: to come together, or bring people together : t hp
Eg: His supporters gathered in the main square.
10. appealing [adj]: attractive or interesting : cun ht, th v
Eg: Spending the holiday in Britain is extremely appealing.
23. Collecting
1. Did you collect anything (such as stamps or CD's) when you were a child?
Of course I did. When I was a child, I and my sister really enjoyed collecting Barbie CDs. At that
time, the Barbie CD collection was considered as my biggest treasure. Before the Internet went
viral, watching CDs was one of teenagers favorite pastimes.
2. Do you still collect them now?
Well, I dont. I have grown out of the Barbie CDs. Moreover, thanks to advances in technology,
we can now watch everything on the Internet, so there is no need to collect CDs.
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3. Do you collect anything as a hobby now?
Yes, I do. As a girl, I am really fond of collecting gorgeous dresses in various styles. Whenever I
have time, I always go around shopping malls to keep myself up to date with the latest fashions.
Up to now, I have assembled a collection of more than 30 dresses.
4. Why do you like collecting things?
Well, collecting things gives me a sense of excitement. When you are able to gather things together
that you love, you feel extremely satisfied. Collecting things allows me to pursue anything that I
like, from the cheapest to the most luxurious.
5. Do people in your country like to collect things?
Yes, they do. However, the things collected vary from people to people. While the wealthy are
interested in collecting luxury cars and expensive stuff, others collect simpler things, even family
heirlooms, which is dependent on their own inclination or interest.
6. Why do you think people like collecting things?
Because collecting things is a pleasing hobby. As I have said, the feeling when collecting our
favorite stuff day by day is really appealing, which helps to relieve stress and pressure at work or
school. Moreover, I think collections can tell you a lot about their owners, such as characteristics
or personalities.
VOCABULARY:
CC T THUC CH TECHNOLOGY (sch collocations)
1. to go viral
Meaning: to become very popular on the internet
Example: One reason why people sometimes talk about the global village is that an image or news
on the internet sometimes goes viral and is seen by millions of people worldwide.
Dch i
To go viral: lan truyn
Ngha: tr nn rt ph bin trn mng
V d: Mt l do khin mi ngi ni v lng th gii l v i khi mt hnh hnh hay tin tc trn
mng lan truyn nhanh chng v c xem bi hng triu ngi khp th gii.
2. advances in technology
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Meaning: the improvement or development in technology
Example: Recent advances in medical technology are making a great contribution to the search for
a cure for Aids.
Dch i
Advances in technology: tin b cng ngh
Ngha: s tin b hay pht trin ca cng ngh
V d; Nhng tin b gn y trong cng ngh y hc ng gp ng gp rt ln cho vic tm
phng php cha bnh AIDS.
CC T THUC CH FAMILY
1. family heirlooms
Meaning: valuable objects that have been in the possession of a family for many years
Example: The painting in my living room is a family heirloom, which once belonged to my great-
grandparents.
CC T KHC:
3. treasure [n]: a collection of valuable things such as gold, silver and jewels : kho bu
Eg: Their daughter is the greatest treasure they have ever had.
4. (to) grow out of sth [expression]: be too old for sth : ln qu tui cho ci g
Eg: My sister Jane has grown out of pretty dresses.
5. gorgeous [adj]: beautiful and attractive, giving pleasure and enjoyment : kiu dim, xinh p
Eg: Linh is so gorgeous that every boy in the class likes her.
6. (to) keep oneself up to date with sth [v]: be aware of new things: cp nhp xu hng cho bn
thn
Eg: My father always tries to keep himself up to date with political news.
7. sense of excitement [n]: the sense of feeling excited : cm gic thch th
Eg: Children derive a great sense of excitement when going to the park.
8. luxurious [adj]: very comfortable, containing expensive things and enjoyable things : xa hoa
Eg: Minhs father possesses many luxurious hotels.
9. (be) dependent on sth [adj]: depend on sth: ph thuc vo ci g
Eg: You cant be dependent on your parents all your life.
10. inclination [n]: a feeling that makes you want to do sth : thin hng
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Eg: Your inclination and interest will partly decide your future career.
11. (to) relieve [v]: to remove or reduce an unpleasant feeling or pain: xoa du
Eg: Being able to say the truth at last seemed to relieve her.
12. characteristic [n]: a typical feature or quality that sb has : tnh cch
Eg: The two groups of students have quite different characteristics.
24. Concerts
1. Have you ever been to a live concert?
Yes, I have been to numerous concerts before. I really enjoy listening to live music with my
friends and my family members. To me, the atmosphere experienced in a live concert is extremely
exhilirating. In live concerts, the artist will have the chance to express himself more freely than in
recorded performances.
2. What sorts of concerts do you have in your country?
Well, the types of concerts that take place in my country are very diverse. There are different
genres of music in different shows, catering for the demand of audiences of all ages, such as: pop
music, rap, or classical music. Although there is also a revival of interest in traditional folk songs,
pop music concerts attract the largest crowds.
3. Are concerts ever held in your hometown?
Yes, quite often. Normally, there is a live concert with many renowned artists that is held in the
center of my city on special occasions, which never fails to appeal to audiences.
4. When was the last time you attended a concert?
Well, it was last month . My friends and I went to a live classical music concert to get away from
the burden of work, and the music did live up to our expectations. It was really engrossing to
enjoy the aesthetic qualities of classical musicplayed by a talented orchestra in a superb concert
venue.
VOCABULARY:
CC T THUC CH THE ARTS
1. to express oneself
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Meaning: to communicate some idea or emotion through speech, writing, painting, music or some
other form of art
Example: Schools should encourage pupils to express themselves through art, music or creative
writing in order to stimulate their imagination.
Dch i
To express oneself: th hin bn thn
Ngha: trnh by tng/ cm x qua pht biu, vn vit, hi ha, m nhc hay nhng hnh thc
ngh thut khc.
V d: Trng hc nn khuyn khch hc sinh th hin bn thn qua hi ha, m nhc hay sng tc
vn hc kch thch tr tng tng ca chng.
2. genres of music
Meaning: particular types or styles of music
Example: Different genres of music tend to be favoured by different age groups, with classical
music more popular among the elderly.
Dch i
Genres of music: th loi m nhc
Ngha: nhng th loi hay phong cch m nhc c th
V d: Nhng th loi m nhc khc nhau c yu thch bi nhng la tui khc nhau, nh l nhc
c in th c ngi cao tui a thch hn.
3. pop music
Meaning: music of the type which is listened to by large numbers of people, with a strong rhythm
and simple tunes
Example: It would be a pity if young people only listened to pop music and had no interest in other
genres.
4. folk songs
Meaning: songs in the traditional style of a country or community
Example: Traditional folk songs are part of part of the cultural heritage of a nation or region.
5. to appeal to audiences
Meaning: to attract or interest those who go to watch a play, film or other performance.
Example: Plays which deal with contemporary social issues are likely to appeal to audiences.
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Dch i
To appeal to audiences: hp dn khn gi
Ngha: hp dn ngi ti xem kch hoc phim
V d: Nhng v kch ni v cc vn ng thi thng hp dn ngi xem.
6. live music
Meaning: music that is not recorded, it is played at the same time that people listen to it
Example: Without funding from governments, it is doubtful whether live music would survive.
7. the aesthetic qualities of something
Meaning: The qualities related to beauty and understanding the beauty of something.
Example: One advantage of studying the arts is that students learn to appreciate the aesthetic
qualities of paintings, literature and music.
Dch i
The aesthetic qualities of something: cht lng thm m ca ci g
Ngha: Nhng c trng lin quan n v p v s thu hiu v p ca ci g
V d: Mt trong nhng u im ca vic hc ngh thut l hc sinh c th hiu v trn trng cht
lng thm m ca nhng bc ha, tc phm vn hc v m nhc.
8. concert venue
Meaning: a place where people go to listen to live music at an organized event
Example: The football stadium in my city is also sometimes used as a concert venue.
CC T THUC CH TRADITIONAL VS MODERN
1. a revival of interest in
Meaning: the process of something becoming more popular again
Example: There has recently been a revival of interest in traditional music and songs.
CC T KHC:
1. numerous [adj]: existing in large numbers : rt nhiu, v k
Eg: He has been absent on numerous occasions.
2. exhilirating [adj]: very exciting and enjoyable
Eg: Surfing must be one of the most exhilirating sports, even though it is dangerous.
3. diverse [adj]: very different from each other and of various kinds : a dng
Eg: America is a country of people from diverse cultures.
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4. (to) cater for[v]: to provide the things that a particular person or situation needs or wants: phc
v cho
Eg: The class caters for all ability ranges.
5. renowned [adj]: famous and respected: ni ting
Eg: She is renowned for her patience and honesty.
6. occasion [n]: a particular time when sth happens : dp
Eg: Ive met him on several occasions.
7. burden [n]: a duty, responsibility that causes worry, difficulty or hard work : gnh nng
8. (to) live up to ones expectation [expression]: the feeling of expecting that something will be
very good : meet sbs expectations: p ng k vng
Eg: Unfortunately, the event did not live up to our expectations.
9. engrossing [adj]: so interesting that you give it all your attention: rt li cun
Eg: The book was really engrossing, and I spent hours reading it yesterday.
25. Clothes
What kinds of clothes do you usually wear?
Primarily jeans, t-shirts, hoodies, sneakers, etc. I don't like wearing anything outlandish because I
don't like drawing attention, since Im not a social butterfly, but I don't go for a conventional look,
either.
Do people around you also wear the same type of clothes?
We are living in a multicultural society so people have a multiple choice of everything, from what
they eat, what they say to what they wear. Therefore, it is hard to say people around me also wear
the same kind of clothes.
What kinds of clothes do other people wear?
I guess it depends on each persons personality. For example, a woman who is soft-spoken and
likes to daydream usually gravitates towards frilly pieces like lace and ruffles. A culture-loving
person tends to dress more urban and sporty than most fashionistas.
In Vietnam, are students allowed to wear different clothes to other students?
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Almost all of Vietnamese schools require students to wear uniforms and there will be no exception.
Teachers suppose that wearing a uniform is a badge of pride, and creates an identity for a school
and is an important part of being a school student.
Do you think clothes are important to people? (Why?/Why not?)
Of course I would say yes. Clothing is a basic human need. For most people, clothing gives us
protection from the weather. While for some people, clothing defines their fashion sense and
creativity and they use it as a way to express their personality.
Do you prefer to wear formal or informal clothes?
I would choose informal clothes since being creative; mixing and matching what I already have;
and being able to come up with a new look after that is a huge satisfaction for me. Formal clothing
is often set in its own way and looks quite conservative to me.
Vocabulary
Cac t vng thuc ch Communication and Personality
1. A social butterfly
Meaning: refers to an extroverted person who loves to socialize
Example: A social butterfly is a person who is socially dynamic, loves networking, is charismatic,
and personally gregarious
2. set in ones way
Meaning: A person who is set in his or her ways is stubborn and committed to their current way of
doing things. They arent open to change, even if the change would be an improvement
Example: As people get older, they often become set in their ways and are reluctant to try anything
new
Cc t vng thuc ch Society
1. a multicultural society
Meaning: a society which includes people of different origins, traditions and languages
Example: Immigration has led to the development of multicultural societies in the US, Europe and
Australia.
Cc t khc
1. outlandish
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[adj] strange and unusual and difficult to accept or like
Eg: She wears an outlandish outfit that draws everyones attention.
2. Conventional
[adj] traditional and ordinary
Eg: He despises their conventional attitudes.
3. soft-spoken
[adj] having a quiet, pleasant voice
Eg: People who are soft-spoken have struggles only they can understand.
4. Gravitate
[verb] to be attracted to or move toward something
Eg: People tend to gravitate to the beaches here.
5. come up with
[phrasal verb] to suggest or think of an idea or plan
Eg: She's come up with some amazing schemes to double her income.
6. conservative
[adj] not usually liking or trusting change, especially sudden change:
Eg: Older people tend to be more conservative and a bit suspicious of anything new.
26. Email
1. Do you like to write a letter or email?
I really like writing letters to other people, especially on special occasions. I remember writing
many letters, like birthday letters, or farewell ones to any of my friends or relatives who had to go
somewhere far away from me. My friends and relatives always feel happy when they receive a
letter from me; they say that it makes them feel important and cherished.
2. Do you think emails are useful?
Emails are really useful and important to me. I can use emails to contact people who are staying far
away from me, and this really comes in handy as I have lots of foreign friends. Moreover, I can
receive notifications of special deals or interesting information through emails by subscribing to
any online channels that appeal to me.
3. What sorts of letters (or emails) do you think are the most difficult to write?
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Formal emails, like the ones you send to recruiters, to your boss, to your professor and so on, are
very difficult to write. You have to choose the right tone for the emails so that they do not appear
too casual or too serious, and you have to pay attention to the format of the emails too.
4. Do you prefer to write letters or emails? Why?
It depends. For special occasions, like on someones birthday, I prefer writing letters to congratulate
them as handwritten letters can show my sincerity. However, if I need to write something formal,
say to a recruiter to apply for a certain position, email is my first choice. Its instant, easy to format
and I can attach different files with it so it is very convenient too.
5. Do you think email might one day replace handwritten letters?
I dont think so. Handwritten letters still carry in themselves special meanings, one of which is that
they can show a writers sentiment. I always think that it feels different when you look at
someones handwriting, like you can actually sense their feelings when they wrote the letter. So
handwritten letters are irreplaceable, at least to me.
Vocabulary
1. Cherished [adj] (bringing the pleasure of love or caring about someone or something that is
important to you): cm gic c yu thng
E.g. Her most cherished possession is a 1926 letter from F. Scott Fitzgerald.
2. Tone [noun] (the general mood or main qualities of something): tng
E.g. I didn't like the jokey tone of the article - I thought it was inappropriate.
3. Sincerity [noun] (honesty): s chn thnh
E.g. So when I sat down to write my public letter of apology, it dripped with venomous sincerity.
4. Sentiment [noun] (tender feeling or emotion): tnh cm
E.g. That song is full of patriotic sentiment. It moved me deeply.
5. Come in handy [expression] (to be useful): c ch
E.g. Ill keep these bottles - they might come in handy.
27. Friends
1. Do you have many close friends?
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I have only one friend I would confide in. Im quite picky and more importantly, I have a
somewhat irrational fear that none of my friends really like me and that I'm just a guy they can
barely tolerate and it is hard for me to live in harmony with them.
2. Do you think friendship is important?
There is no doubt that friendships play a vital role in our life. They make our lives interesting and
wonderful. They help us develop a sense of sharing whether they are tangible things or just
inspirational or motivational words of wisdom.
3. Which do you prefer to spend time with: a friend or spend time alone?
It depends. Normally, I'm more of a loner and generally spend more time in solitude than with
friends. But when Im in a bad mood, lonileness makes me feel isolated from the whole world.
These days, I will hang out with my friends so that sad and unhappy thoughts cannot come into my
mind.
4. What kind of people do you like to have as friend?
I find myself attracted to people who are honest and who know how to behave with others. I always
avoid making friends with people who have a superiority complex.
5. Do you like face-to-face conversations with people?
Actually I like to talk with cyber friends more than having real-world conversations. I think others
observe me a lot, they judge me and hence I become very self conscious and shy away from
speaking face to face.
6. Are most of your friends from school or from outside school?
Most of my friends are from high school. People who I met at work or from clubs have less in
common with me, whereas at Uni we all shared interests in the same things and subjects.
7. How often do you meet with your friends?
When I was younger, I used to meet my friends almost everyday. Even friends outside of school
were a part of my daily social interactions. But now, as a 23 year old working professional, I barely
meet anyone during weekdays. I meet my closest friends only on some weekends. These meetups
are sporadic too.
8. What do you and your friends do together?
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My closest friends and I have a mutual interest which is we always have a thirst for clothes
shopping, so whenever we have time, we will go shopping together until we break the bank.
Sometimes when we are out of money, just window shopping is enough.
9. How do people in your country meet others and make friends?
I don't think it particularly matters what country you're from. In every country, you can make
friends just by sitting next to someone a few times during class, then a friendship logically happens.
Otherwise, you can make cyber friends through social networks like Facebook or Twitter.
10. Do adults and children make friends in the same way?
Adults use self disclosure to develop trust and loyalty among friends. This is quite complicated in
practice while children usually use common interests and goals as the basis of their friendships.
More importantly, kids have a whale of time with whoever, but adults have to use their time for
work and taking care of their family.
11. Do you think it is possible to become real friends with people you meet on the internet?
Of course it is possible to establish real friendships with someone online. What you need in a
friendship is truthfullness, reliability, empathy, respect and loyalty. If you're getting all that from
your online friends then you can consider them as genuine friends.
Vocabulary
Cc t thuc ch Communication and Personality
1. To live in harmony with one another
2. To have a superiority complex
Meaning: to have a feeling that one is superior to others
Example: She has a superiority complex, imagining that she is somehow better than her classmates
at everything .
Cc t thuc ch Tourism
1. To have a thirst for
Meaning: to have a strong desire for something
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Example: He has been all over the world, but he still has a thirst for seeing new places and enjoying
new experiences.
2. To break the bank
Meaning: to use up all one's money/ to cost too much.
Example: Having a winter vacation in the sun without breaking the bank is a dream come true.
3. To have a whale of time
Meaning: to have an exciting or fun time
Example: We had a whale of a time at Ninh Van Bay Resort.
Cc t khc
1. Confide
[verb] to tell something secret or personal to someone who you trust not to tell anyone else
Eg: He confided (to her) that his hair was not his own.
2. Picky
[adj] very careful about choosing only what they like
Eg: Big companies can afford to be picky about who they hire.
3. Tolerate
[adj] to accept behaviours and beliefs that are different from your own, although you might not
agree with or approve of them:
Eg: I will not tolerate that kind of behaviour in my class.
4. Tangible
[adj] real and not imaginary; able to be shown, touched, or experienced
Eg: We need tangible evidence if we're going to take legal action.
5. Isolate
[verb] to separate something from other things with which it is connected or mixed
Eg: A high wall isolated the house from the rest of the village.
6. Cyber
[adj] involving, using, or relating to computers, especially the internet
Eg: When she did venture forth from her digs, a favorite pastime was exploring the cyber world
with Fred and his computer.
7. Genuine
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[adj] If people or emotions are genuine, they are honest and sincere
Eg: He has demonstrated a genuine interest in the project.
28. Music
1. Do you like listening to music?
I love listening to music, especially US-UK. My favorite artists are Miley Cyrus and Troye Sivan;
their songs always sound awesome to me.
2. When do you listen to music?
Basically I listen to music whenever I feel like doing so, but maybe I most often do that before
going to sleep, when Im on the bus, or when I dont have any important tasks to work on.
3. Did you learn instruments?
I didnt take up any musical instruments, and havent still. I have always wanted to learn to play
the piano ever since I was a kid, but never got the chance too. Im planning on getting some piano
lessons this summer.
4. Did you have any music classes in school?
I used to have music classes back when I was in primary school and secondary school only. I really
loved my music class in secondary school - for our midterm and final tests, we had to form a group
of at least four and perform a certain song that we chose ourselves. It was so much fun.
5. Do you think it is necessary for children to have music classes?
In my opinion, children should always have music classes. Music has been scientifically proven to
have positive influences on ones way of thinking and feeling, so it will do people good if they can
experience music from an early age.
6. What do you think of Vietnamese traditional music?
Its not really to my taste, to be honest. I literally cannot listen to traditional kinds of music such as
ca tru, cai luong or cheo. I really like listening to songs created during the war though.
Maybe because my dad was a soldier, he often told me stories about his years in the army and so I
can somehow relate deeply to those kinds of songs.
7. How much time do you spend listening to music every day?
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It depends. I often listen to music when Im doing the housework or when Im on the bus. At that
time, I feel like I can immerse myself in my own world. When I need to really concentrate on
school work, I dont really listen to music as it can cause some real unwelcomed distraction.
8. What is your favorite kind of music?
I dont have a particular taste in music. I can pretty much listen to everything as long as it sounds
good to me. Still, I can hardly listen to Vietnamese traditional music, some countries folk songs
and several tracks belonging to the classical genre.
9. When did you start listening to this type of music?
[Lets just say Im into rock music]
The first time I heard a rock song was when my dad turned on the TV and there was a performance
of a very famous rock band in Vietnam called Buc Tuong. It was amazing. I started searching for
more songs from the Vietnamese band, and songs belonging to the same genre, and have decided
ever since that rock music would be a part of my spiritual life.
10. How do you feel when you listening to music?
Relaxed and free, I guess. Music, to me, is a way of hiding from all the hustle and bustle of
everyday life. I listen to music when Im under a lot of pressure, and I just feel so fine. Its the
feeling of finally coming home after years and years of living far away, I think.
Vocabulary
T vng thuc ch The Arts:
1. folk songs
Meaning: songs in the traditional style of a country or community
Example: Traditional folk songs are part of the cultural heritage of a nation or region.
Dch i
Folk songs: nhc c truyn/ dn tc
Ngha: nhng bi ht theo phong cch truyn thng ca mt t nc hay mt cng ng.
V d: nhng bi ht dn tc c truyn l mt phn di sn vn ha ca mt quc gia hay mt vng
min.
2. to take up a musical instrument
Meaning: to start to learn to play a musical instrument
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Example: Schools should encourage all those children who have an interest to take up a musical
instrument.
Dch i
To take up a musical instrument: hc chi mt nhc c
Ngha: bt u hc chi c mt nhc c no
V d: Trng hc nn khuyn khch nhng hc sinh m c hng th chi nhc c.
3. genres of music
Meaning: particular types or styles of music
Example: Different genres of music tend to be favoured by different age groups, with classical
music more popular among the elderly.
Dch i
Genres of music: th loi m nhc
Ngha: nhng th loi hay phong cch m nhc c th
V d: Nhng th loi m nhc khc nhau c yu thch bi nhng la tui khc nhau, nh l nhc
c in th c ngi cao tui a thch hn.
T vng khc:
1. Do sb good [expression] (to improve someones health or life): nh hng tt n sc kho
hoc cuc sng ca ai
E.g. You can't work all the time - it does you good to go out and enjoy yourself sometimes.
2. Be to ones taste [expression] (be something one likes): ng khu v/s thch ca ai
E.g. I'm not really into new cars - old vintage cars are more to my taste!
3. Relate [verb] (to be able to understand a situation or someone's feelings because you have
experienced something similar yourself): hiu c, cm nhn c
E.g. I often wake up very early - I'm sure most readers over 50 can relate.
4. Immerse yourself in something [verb] (to become completely involved in something):
chm m trong ci g
E.g. She got some books out of the library and immersed herself in Jewishhistory and culture.
5. Hustle and bustle [expression] (noise and activity): s n o
E.g. I love the hustle and bustle of the marketplace.
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6. Still [adv] (nevertheless; on the other hand): tuy vy
E.g. I dont really like weddings. Still, Ill have to go or theyll be offended.
29. Politeness
1. Do you think you are a polite person?
I do think Im a polite person. I treat other people nicely and patiently, and I do not insult anyone
unless they truly deserve it. Also, I properly apologize when I make mistakes and I show my
gratitude when other people help me.
2. Do you think people should be polite? Why?
People should always be polite - it shows that they have good manners and it helps them earn
others respect. Being polite is like having good social skills - it can help one widen their social
network, and this can positively influence ones private and professional life.
3. How do people in your culture show good manners towards others?
In Vietnam, showing good manners is when a junior properly greets a senior and talks to him/her
politely with sufficient and correct honorifics. Politeness also shows during a meal, when people
need to wish the others to have a nice meal and when the younger ones have to wait for the older
ones to finish before cleaning the table.
4. Have there been any changes in politeness in the past few decades?
I always have this feeling that people start being less and less polite to each other as time passes.
Maybe one of the reasons lies in the etiquette and codes of conduct that have gradually changed
over time. In the past, it was very important to behave according to ones social class, and those of a
lower rank had to obey those of a higher one. But todays society is different - you need to work
hard to earn somebodys respect.
5. Who taught you to be polite?
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This may sound weird but my friends actually taught me to be polite. I wasnt a very nice person
when I was a kid, and my parents often scolded me for being rude to elders. One day, I remember
watching one of my friends talking really nicely and politely to a senior. She was praised, and so I
started imitating her. My parents were really surprised when I changed my attitude, and they gave
me some sweets as I was being a good kid. I have been showing my politeness to everyone ever
since.
Vocabulary
T vng ch Communication and Personality:
1. codes of conduct
Meaning: voluntary rules which people accept in a situation
Example: The code of conduct is voluntary but it is seen as a sign of best practice.
Dch i
Codes of conduct: quy tc xng x
Ngha: nhng quy nh c mi ngi chp nhn mt cch t nguyn trong giao tip
V d: B quy tc ng x l t nguyn nhng n c coi l tiu chun thc hin.
2. to have social skills
Meaning: to have the personal skills required for successful communication and interaction
Example: In all jobs which involve dealing with the public, it is important to have good social
skills.
Dch i
To have social skills: k nng x hi tt
Ngha: c nhng k nng c nhn cn thit cho giao tip v tng tc thnh cng.
V d: Mi cng vic lin quan n quan h qun chng u yu cu k nng x hi tt.
T vng khc:
1. Insult [verb] (to treat (a person) rudely or contemptuously): xc phm
E.g. He insulted her by telling her she was not only ugly but stupid too.
2. Honorific [noun] (an expression of respect): knh ng
E.g. The Japanese use many honorifics in their speech.
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3. Etiquette [noun] (the set of rules or customs that control accepted behaviour in particular
social groups or social situations): quy nh, nghi thc
E.g. Social etiquette dictates that men cannot sit while women are standing.
30. Watches
How often do you wear a watch?
Since childhood I have had an affection for watches, so I wear my watch all the time. In fact Id
feel naked without my watch. But I usually reserve nicer watches or the ones with sentimental value
for special occasions or when I wear luxurious clothes.
What was your first watch like?
I developed my affection for watches with a little cute Mickey Mouse dial shaped watch. And I
guess everyone around my age used to own one like that as it was quite in at the time.
What kind of watches do you like to wear?
Im a big fan of dress watches with a leather strap. It completes me. It gives a classic look and
complements my outfit irrespective of the occasion.
Do people still wear watches in your country?
There are lot of watches being manufactured or imported and sold in my country since there are
tons of people who love wearing them. Some would love wearing them for their utility while others
would prefer to wear them as an accessory.
Did you receive any watch as a gift when you were a child?
Yes, the one I mentioned above, the Mickey Mouse dial shaped watch. My father rrecognised my
enthusiasm for watches and he gave it to me as a birthday gift when I was about 7. I remember
jumping around because of the excitement.
Vocabulary
1. Affection
[noun] a feeling of liking for a person or place:
Eg: She felt no affection for the child.
2. Irrespective
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[adj] without considering
Eg: The legislation must be applied irrespective of someone's ethnic origins.
3. Utility
[noun] the usefulness of something, especially in a practical way
Eg: The utility of this substance has been proven in a series of tests.
4. Accessory
[noun] something added to a machine or to clothing that has a useful or decorative purpose
Eg: She wore a green wool suit with matching accessories.
31. Garden
1. Does your family have a garden?
No, we dont have one at the moment, but I think my parents are planning to buy some land so that
we can have our own little garden. My moms really into flowers, you see; shes wanted to have a
garden for herself ever since she was young.
2. Do many people in Vietnam have their own garden?
In the inner city areas- no, theres no room for gardens, they are just concrete jungles. But in the
suburbs or in the countryside then yes, lots of people have their own garden. I mean my aunts and
uncles live in the countryside and they have very large gardens in which they plant tons of
vegetables and flowers.
3. If someone has a private garden in Vietnam, do they usually prefer to grow flowers or
vegetables?
It depends, I think. Ive never seen anyone with a private garden in the city, but if there is one, then
the owner must want to grow flowers. Taking care of vegetables in the city requires a lot of work
and effort. People from the countryside, on the other hand, often grow vegetables on their private
plots.
4. (Why?) Have you ever grown anything? (in a garden, or possibly in a flower pot)
I used to grow some sort of beans in a very small pot back when I was in primary school. We had
an assignment in which we had to grow beans and bring them to class. It wasnt very successful
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though; the rats in the yard just kept eating all the beans and I couldnt bring anything to class at the
time.
5. Do Vietnamese people like growing flowers?
Im not really sure, but I guess not many people like growing their own flowers. I think most of the
time they just go to the market and buy some flowers instead.
6. Do you like growing flowers?
I dont. Flowers are actually not my cup of tea. They surely look beautiful and some even smell
really good, but I just cant see the point of constantly looking at or taking care of flowers. I
prefercactuses.
Vocabulary
Cc t thuc ch Cities
1. inner city areas
Meaning: the parts near the centre of a city
Example: The inner city areas where I live have a lot of crime and social problems.
2. a concrete jungle
Meaning: a way to describe a city that has no parks, trees or green spaces, just ugly concrete
buildings
Example: My parents would never leave the open space and fresh air of the countryside to live in a
concrete jungle, full of ugly buildings.
T vng khc:
1. plot [noun] (a small piece of land used for a particular purpose)
E.g. My uncle has a plot of land on which he grows vegetables and flowers.
2. to be into something [expression] (to be enthusiastic or interested in): thch ci g
E.g. Jackies really into classical music - he listens to it all the time.
3. not be somebodys cup of tea [expression] (not the type of thing that somebody likes):
khng phi th ai thch
E.g. Thanks for inviting me, but ballet isnt really my cup of tea.
4. to see the point of something [expression] (to understand the purpose or aim of something)
E.g. I dont see the point of taking the exam again - its too difficult for me.
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5. cactus [noun] (any of many types of desert plant usually with sharp spines and thick stems
for storing water): cy xng rng
E.g. If you dont have any flower pots in the house, at least plant some cactuses!
32. Internet
1. Do you use the internet (very much)?
I am currently in my first year at college, so using the internet is a must. I need to hand in
assignments and sometimes complete the quizzes through the college intranet. Aside from that, I
also use the internet to gain access to entertainment resources such as movies, music or novels
online.
2. When was the first time you used the internet?
I first accessed the internet when I was in grade six, which was about 7 or 8 years ago. I was in my
English class and the teacher set up some online exercises for us, and it was the first time I learned
what the internet was and how to use it.
3. Is the internet very important (or, useful) to you?
It is so important to me that I cannot imagine living a day without using it. The first reason is
because most of my work and assignments require the use of the internet, like submitting an essay
to the professor, or doing some research using the information found on the Internet. Besides, I
actually live quite far from my parents right now but we are still a close-knitfamily, so with the
internet I can make video calls and keep in touch with all the family news.
4. Do think you can (or, could) live without the internet?
I actually experienced a time when I lived without the internet. It was before I entered grade six,
and I felt completely fine. Im not addicted to using the internet, but it would be impossible to
pursue my studies without it.
5. Do you often (or, do you ever) buy things on the internet?
Yes, I love shopping online. The first time I did that was when I wanted to purchase a book which
I coudnt find at any bookstores in my city. I ordered and received it in just a few days, and it was
in great condition. This was when I got really intoonline shopping - I started buying a lot of books
online, and then other types of consumer products ever since.
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Vocabulary
Cc t thuc ch Technology:
1. the college intranet
Meaning: a network of computers within a college that can only be accessed by the staff and
students to set and mark work, enter into contact etc.
Example: Distance learning in education has been made possible by innovations such as the college
intranet system.
Dch i
The college intranet: mng ni b trong trng cao ng
Ngha: mt mng li my tnh trong trng cao ng v ch c kt nibi nhn vin v sinh
vin trong trng lm vic
2. to gain access to the internet/to access the internet
Meaning: to have the opportunity to use the internet
Example: Millions of people are able to access the internet in cafes, libraries or other public
places.
Dch i
To gain access to the internet: kt ni mng
Ngha: c c hi s dng internet
V d: Hng triu ngi c th kt ni mng ti qun caf, th vin v nhng ni cng cng khc.
3. online shopping
Meaning: shopping while connected to the internet
Example: For people who are physically disabled, or even for people who are simply very busy,
online shopping is convenient and may also be cheaper.
Dch i
Online shopping: mua sm trc tip
Ngha: mua sm trn mng internet
V d: Mua sm trc tuyn thun tin v c th r hn cho nhng ngi khuyt tt v c nhng
ngi bn rn.
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Cc t thuc ch Family and Children
1. a close-knit family
Meaning: a family having strong relationships with each other
Example: We are aclose-knit family, spending a lot of time together.
Cc t thuc ch Health:
1. to be addicted to something
Meaning: to have a habit of being involved with something, so that you come to depend on it
Example: I dont know which is worse to be addicted to alcohol, tobacco, drugs or the Internet !
Cc t khc:
1. to keep in touch with (expression) to communicate with someone
E.g. She keeps in touch with her friends by texting, e-mails and calling them on her mobile.
2. into [prep] (enthusiastic or interested in): thch ci g
E.g. Jackies really into classical music - he listens to it all the time.
33. TV dramas
1. Are drama series popular in Vietnam? Why?
Yes, they are quite popular, especially among housewives. I think people like drama series because
of their diverse themes, entertaining storylines and because they are an escape from the stress and
pressure of daily life for the audiences.
2. What is the difference between the favorite TV dramas of young people and old people?
Why?
I think young people are more interested in action and adventure, which seems to match with their
age. On the other hand, old people would rather watch slow dramas, especially those which
dealwith family themes. The difference is due to the age gap.
3. Do you think TV dramas reflect what happens in the real world?
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Only partly. The themes of TV dramas are quite similar to reality, insofar as they often deal with
contemporary social issues, such as divorce, domestic violence or family conflicts.
4. Do you think people change their tastes in TV drama when they get older?
Yes, to some extent. As you get more mature, you will be more into slow, meaningful dramas.
However, whether we change our preference or not is largely dependent on our own interests.
5. What is the difference between Vietnamese and foreign TV dramas?
Well, Vietnamese drama series often exploit family themes. Meanwhile, foreign dramas consist of
broader topics, which include crime, law and medicine, catering for a wider demand from viewers.
6. What is the influence of foreign shows on Vietnamese viewers?

I think they give Vietnamese people a chance to know more about foreign cultures, lifestyles and
codes of conduct,Youngsters are more aware of the diversity of cultures in the world, thanks to
the influence of imported shows.
7. Some people say that soap operas dont reflect real life, what do you think? why?
Well, I think this might be true. The plotsin soap operas are quite light, which contrasts with the
harsh reality of everyday life. As a matter of fact, life is becoming increasingly demanding, while
soap operas rarely take people out of their comfort zone.
8. Do you think soap operas have a bad influence on children?
Well, I think it depends on how seriously children take soap operas. They must have some
influence, because they are shown on prime time television. However, parents should teach
children how to distinguish between the fantasy world of TV dramas and the real world.
VOCABULARY:
CC T THUC CH : COMMUNICATION AND PERSONALITY (sch collocations)
1. codes of conduct
Meaning: voluntary rules which people accept in a situation
Example: The Code of Conduct is voluntary but it is seen as a sign of best practice.
Dch i
Codes of conduct: quy tc xng x
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Ngha: nhng quy nh c mi ngi chp nhn mt cch t nguyn trong giao tip
V d: B quy tc ng x l t nguyn nhng n c coi l tiu chun thc hin.
CC T THUC CH : MEDIA AND ADVERTISING
1. prime time television
Meaning: the hours during which most people are watching TV.
Example: Serious discussion programs are rarely shown on prime time television.
CC T THUC CH : SOCIETY
1. domestic violence
Meaning: violence among family members in the home
Example: Children who witness domestic violence often have behavioural problems when they are
growing up.
CC T KHC:
1. diverse [adj]: very different from each other and of various kinds: a dng
Eg: The country includes people from diverse cultures.
2. similar [adj]: be like sb/sth but not the same: tng t
Eg: We have very similar interests.
3. taste [n]: what a person likes or prefers
Eg: She has very expensive tastes in clothes she would never wear anything cheap.
4. mature [adj]: behaving in a sensible way, like an adult : trng thnh
Eg: Jane is very mature for her age, and she always behaves responsibly.
5. (to) exploit [v]: to use something well, in order to gain as much from it as possible
Eg: The movie industry exploits the publics fascination with dinosaurs in order to make money
with movies like Jurassic Park.
6. demand [n]: the desire or need of customers for goods or services which they want to buy
or use : yu cu
Eg: There is a high demand for this product this season.
7. plot [n]: a series of events that form the story of a film, a play, a novel.
Eg: The plot of the book is based on a crime that actually took place in Paris.
8. light [adj]: not serious
Eg: The film is not serious the plot about the romance of a boy and girl is very light.
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9. comfort zone [n]: a situation in which you feel safe and comfortable and do not wish to
change
Eg: She was nervous about leaving the comfort zone of her steady job and familiar routine to move
to a new job and a different city.
10. (to) distinguish [v]: to know the difference between two people or two things : phn bit
Eg: Sometimes reality and fantasy are hard to distinguish.
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II. Part 2 and Part 3
1. Describe your favorite movie
You should say:
when and where you saw it;
what type of film it was;
what the film was about;
and explain why it is your favorite film
ANSWER (Trch t Describe a film you watched at home or in a cinema)

As a frequent moviegoer, I watch a lot of films. One of the movies that I enjoyed the most recently
was The Martian. The movie was based on a novel of the same title by Andy Weir. Just like many
other sci-fi films, it was about man travelling in space, however, this time; our main character was
stuck on Mars due to a dust storm which nearly killed him. All of the crewmates thought that he
was dead, so they went back to Earth without him. But fortunately he was still alive, thus two and a
half hours of the movie told the story of how he fought for his life in the brutal environment of
Mars, until NASA devised a plan to rescue him.
My best friend is a big fan of astronomy, so she had read the novel before. Thats why she insisted
on me going to see the movie with her. After watching the trailer and reading the plot, I was
hooked. It was maybe the best two and a half hours of my week so far.
After watching the movie, I was amazed at how ingenious and strong humans can be when it comes
to a life and death situation. Mark Watney, the hero of the movie, was a perfect portrayal of a
young, humorous, brilliant and skillful engineer cum botanist. Although the hostile environment of
Mars threatened his existence many times, he relentlessly refused to quit. Instead, he overcame one
problem at a time until he was successfully rescued. The message that I learned from the film is
never to give up, however hopeless things seem to be.
VOCABULARY:
moviegoer: [noun] a person who goes to the cinema.
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sci-fi: [noun] science fiction; based on imagined scientific discoveries of the future, such as space
travel or life on other planets.
Example: Sci-fi movies have become more popular since space travel has become possible.
stuck on Mars: the man was unable to escape from the planet.
Example: we were stuck in traffic and so we arrived late for work.
dust storm: [noun] a storm that carries clouds of dust in the wind over a wide area.
Example: a lot of plants die after a dust storm passes through an area.
crewmates: [noun] all the people working on a ship or, in this case, a spacecraft.
fought for his life: [verb phrase] he made a great effort to stay alive. Example: The man was
badly injured in the accident, but he fought for his life and herecovered later in hospital.
brutal: [adjective] if an environment is described as brutal this means that it is very dangerous and
it is difficult for a person to survive.
devised: [verb] NASA invented something new to rescue the man. Example: a new system has
been devised to control traffic in the city.
astronomy: [noun] the scientific study of the sun, moon, stars and planets.
trailer: [noun] a series of short scenes from a film or programme, shown in advance to advertise
it.
Example: after watching an exciting trailer, I decided to go to see the film.
plot: [noun] the events which form the story of a book, play or film.
Example: the book has a plot about a prisoner who escaped.
hooked: [adjective] enjoying something so much that you want to see or do it.
ingenious: [adjective] very clever at inventing new ideas.
Example: many ingenious researchers are working on ways to combat cancer.
portrayal: [noun] the act of describing or showing something or sb in a book, play or film.
Example: the actor gave a fantastic portrayal of a clever detective in the film.
botanist: [noun] a person who studies plants.
hostile: [adjective] a hostile environment is unsafe for humans, because there are many dangers.
Example: in the hostile environment of the desert, you must take a lot of water with you.
threatened his existence: the many dangers and difficult conditions on Mars were a danger to his
life.
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relentlessly: [adverb] in a way that continues strongly, without giving up. Example: the soldiers
relentlessly pursued their enemies after the battle.
hopeless: [adjective] without hope
Example: after searching for the lost plane for many days, the situation seemed hopeless and
itseemed that the rescuers would never find it.
QUESTIONS FOR PART 3

2.1. Do you think (watching) films have (has) any educational benefits?
Personally, I agree with the idea that films bring a lot meaningful lessons to the audience. For
example, romantic films can educate people about the value of love, honesty, and faithfulness. They
can make the audience sympathize with other people and respect what they have. Indeed, films can
teach people good virtues in order to be better citizens through stories.
2.2. In what ways are documentary films and films only for entertainment different?
Documentary films are different from entertaining films in various aspects, especially their
purposes.
Regarding their objectives, documentary filmmakers strive to document some aspects of reality,
primarily for the purposes of instruction, education or maintaining a historical record.
In contrast, entertaining films aim mainly to provide fun. Directors try to find funny storylines and
hire the best comedy actors, such as Jackie Chan, and use good scriptwriters to come up with
dialogues that will make audiences laugh.
2.3. Why do you think documentary films are not so popular?
Documentary films are not as popular as entertainment films because audiences may prefer to
watch films in order to escape from the harsh realities of everyday life and problems.
Documentary films are primarily aimed at educating audiences and they may, therefore, lack
entertaining features as well as dramatic elements. As a result, there is always a danger that
audiences may feel bored or distracted.
2.4. How are movies and real life different ?
Movies are not the same as reality in a number of ways.
Firstly, movies contain dramatic scenes which can make audiences experience various emotions,
through happiness to sorrow or excitement just in a few seconds. In real life, this rarely happens.
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Secondly, films will often dramatize and invent scenarios for the convenience of moving a story
along or making the audience feel sympathy or some other emotion for a character.
However, these scenarios contrast sharply with what would happen if these situations were
encountered in real life.
2.5. Do men and women like to watch the same kinds of films?
Personally, I think men and women have different preferences when it comes to films.
In general, men tend to watch action films with fast and dangerous scenes like car chases, or science
fiction films which relate to unrealistic stories with imaginative, futuristic plots.
On the other hand, a large number of women prefer romantic films or comedies which bring worthy
messages.
2.6. Do different age groups like the same kinds of films?
It is obvious that different generations prefer different kinds of films. For example, youngsters are
usually fond of funny cartoons or comedies. Adults tend to watch various types of films such as
action films, romantic films or films based on real events, depending on their interests.
2.7. Do you like any particular film star? Why?
Yes. My favorite film star is Emma Watson, who was the actress in the Harry Porter film series
which I have followed since I was a child. I particularly like her due to her superb performance and
admirable personal qualities.
In terms of performance, I have been really impressed by her acting ability, playing convincing
roles in all the films she has starred in. Moreover, she has also received various important awards
for the best actress.
In terms of her personality, she is a kind-hearted, generous person who is always willing to help
disadvantaged people.
Every time I see her on TV, I remember my childhood and that makes me happy. I think I will
continue to follow her career in the long run.
VOCABULARY
Sympathize (verb): (thng cm, ng cm) to feel sorry for somebody; to show that you
understand and feel sorry about somebodys problems
Ex: I know what it's like to have migraines, so I really sympathize (with you).
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Strive (verb): try very hard to achieve something
Ex: This restaurant strives to serve good food at reasonable prices.
Document (verb): (dn chng bng ti liu, ghi li chi tit s vic) to record the details of
something
Ex: Causes of the disease have been well documented.
Primarily (adverb): (chnh, ch yu) mainly
Ex: The report is primarily concerned with aircraft safety.
Storyline (noun): the basic story in a film/movie
Ex: Some of Shakespeares plays have a very sad and tragic storyline.
Scriptwriter (noun): a person who writes the words for films/movies
Ex: Every good actor needs an expert scriptwriter in order to play their
role well in a film.
Come up with (phrasal verb): find or produce an answer or idea
Ex: He came up with an idea for a movie about dinosaurs.
Dialogue (noun): conversations in a film/movie
Ex: The dialogues in romantic films are usually longer than the dialogues in action films.
Harsh realities (expression): the difficulties [of daily life]
Ex: For many elderly people, coping with poor health is one of the harsh realities of life.
Dramatize (verb): (son thnh kch) to present a book, an event, etc. as a play or
a film/movie
Ex: Jane Austens Emma was dramatized on television recently.
Scenario(s) (noun): (vin cnh c th xy ra) a description of how things might happen in
the future
Ex: The worst-case scenario (= the worst possible thing that could happen) would be for the
factory to be closed down.
Superb (adjective): (tuyt vi, xut sc) excellent; of very good quality
Ex: Taylor scored a superb goal at the end of the first half.
Admirable (adjective): having qualities that you respect
Ex: The dedication of the doctors and nurses in this hospital is admirable.
Convincing (adjective): that makes somebody believe that something is true
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Ex: The dinosaurs in the film are very convincing in fact, children are quite scared of them!
Star (verb): have one of the main parts in a film/movie
Ex: Next year, she plans to star in a new romantic movie filmed in Paris.
Kind hearted (adjective): (tt tnh) A kind-hearted person is one who likes other people a
lot and always wants to help them.
Ex: She is also a kind-hearted, generous person who is always willing to help disadvantaged
people.
Disadvantaged (adjective): not having enough money or skills to succeed in life
Ex: The free meals service is designed to help disadvantaged people in the local community.
2. Describe an interesting song

You should say:
What kind of song it is
How you found it
What it is about
And explain why it is interesting to you
ANSWER (Trch t Describe a song that has special meaning for you)
I love listening to music, so I like many songs. However, one of my favorite
songs that I want to talk about today is Hall of Fame by The Script and Will.i.am. This song was
written for the 2012 Olympic Games.
When it came out, it quickly became a hit on every single music chart throughout the world, not just
because of its catchy melody, but also for its meaningful lyrics. The song talks about how each of
us can be a champion or anything we want to be as long as we dedicate our time and efforts to
doing what we are passionate about. The song is played at big athletic events
to pump up the crowd, but you can easily relate to the song at other times as well, especially when
you are about to give up.
I think this song has such a powerful message that whenever I was tired or had decided to quit, it
would lift me up right away. It made me think about why I had started in the first place and that I
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needed to finish the job that I was currently doing.
VOCABULARY
became a hit: when a song becomes a hit, it means that it is super popular and that people are
listening to it on the radio and buying it on iTunes or elsewhere.
Example: Taylor Swifts song Bad Blood became a hit instantly.
catchy melody: the melody is the part that you sing along with and if it is catchy, it means that it
is easy to sing along with and people like it, you easily remember it and it sticks in your mind.
Example: The song Uptown Funk has a catchy melody that people love to sing.
meaningful lyrics: lyrics are the words in a song and if they are meaningful, it means that they
actually mean something or have some sort of importance or significance; they arent just silly,
meaningless words.
Example: His sister writes meaningful lyrics for her songs.
champion: someone who wins, a winner.
Example: He didnt see himself as a champion until he had reached his goals.
dedicate: to commit your time to doing something; to make a promise to yourself to do
something.
Example: You were able to get a high score on the test because you dedicated 2 hours every day to
studying and preparing yourself.
effort: the work that you put into doing something.
Example: The time and effort he spent improving his English paid off when he got a $10,000 raise.
passionate: if you are passionate about something it means you have a strong desire to do
something or a strong interest in something.
Example: Elite athletes are passionate about their sport and want to become the best.
played at: to play a song at an event means to broadcast it over loudspeakers so everyone can hear
it.
Example: They always play the song We Are the Champions at basketball games.
to pump up the crowd: to get the people excited about the game or event. Example: The
cheerleaders tried to pump up the crowd during the football game.
relate to: to see yourself in something or to understand it in a personal way. Example: She can
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relate to the lyrics of that song about love and loss.
give up: to quit; to stop doing something.
Example: He decided to give up smoking after 10 years.
quit: to stop doing something; to give up.
Example: She convinced her son not to quit the soccer team.
lift me up or lift someone up: to make someone feel better.
Example: His brother is good at lifting others up when they are feeling down.

2.1. What do old people like to listen to ?
Im not sure what the elderly like listening to most but itd be fair to say that they are keen on news
broadcasts like reports or weather forecasts, which help them to keep updated. They derive pleasure
from discussing these topics with their colleagues or telling their family about them. Other than
that, Ive noticed that elderly people are particularly fond of classical music. Unlike the young who
stream music videos on the internet, the old usually turn to radios or cassettes instead.
2.2. How would your grandfather feel if you gave him some hip hop music to listen to?
I have never thought carefully about this but if I were to play my grandfather some hip hop, I doubt
he would take to this genre. Hip hop is known to have picky listeners as not everyone can * warm
to the unfamiliar beats and rap lines. Additionally, some hip hop songs contain inappropriate
subject matter such as sex, drugs or discrimination, making it difficult for older people to enjoy
them.
* warm to someone/something - to begin to like someone or something
2.3. Why do you think old people like old songs?
I guess the main reason for this is because old songs serve as a memento of the past to elderly
people. Its a way through which they reminisce about their life so in terms of spiritual value, old
songs have an advantage over contemporary ones. Another reason may involve old people being
unreceptive towards new ideas and culture. They dismiss modern culture as inappropriate and
prefer to revisit old and familiar experiences instead.
2.4. Why do you think people of different age groups have different favourite songs?
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Personally, I think taste in music depends on the society in which people grew up. Old people
prefer classical songs since they were popular during their youth while the young prefer upbeat
songs, which are more in demand in modern times. The clash of two different mindsets might be
another reason. In the past, people used to be more reserved and conservative but now, they are
more open to express themselves, which results in such a difference.
2.5. What kinds of music do (small) children in Vietnam like to listen to ?
Originally, most Vietnamese children are fond of traditional folk songs that are especially
composed for them. However, with the advent of technology, more particularly the internet,
children have free access a variety of online streams, which means they can now listen to any kinds
of music they want. This is why childrens taste in music is slowly changing. They enjoy pop songs
that are going viral on the internet in place of traditional children songs.
2.6. What are the differences between popular music and the music that (young) children like to
listen to ?
Thats an interesting question. I think it would be fair to say that children songs tend to be shorter
and catchier so that its easy for children to memorise and sing along to the lyrics. Additionally, the
topics about which they are written are relatively simple such as family, friends or nature so that
children understand the meaning quickly. Popular music, on the other hand, sometimes contains
obscenities , which are inappropriate for children and revolves around more abstract topics, for
example relationships.
2.7. Why do you think some people like to play instruments in the open?
I guess there can be various explanations for this. It could be that the players simply want to
perform in front of an audience. This may serve as a kind of self-fulfillment to some people or as a
way to earn a living by * showing off their talents to others. It is also possible that they are seeking
publicity. Performing in the open can attract quite a number of people and this helps to boost a
player or a bands popularity in a much shorter time.
* to show sth off - to show people something that you are very proud of so that they will admire it
VOCABULARY
Stream (xem trn mng) [verb]: to watch something online
o Example: Teenagers often stream music videos instead of downloading them nowadays.
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Discrimination (s phn bit i x) [noun]: the practice of unfairly treating a person
or group of people differently from other people or groups of people
o Example: She sued the company for gender discrimination.
Compose (sng tc) [verb]: to create and write (a piece of music or writing)
o Example: She composed a letter to her sister.
To go viral (tr nn ni ting) [expression]: to become popular, widely known
o Example: The scandalous video of the star went viral on the internet.
Catchy (d nh, d thuc) [adjective]: appealing and easy to remember
o Example: The new slogan isn't as catchy as the old one.
Memorise (ghi nh, hc thuc) [verb]:
Example: The actress is memorising her lines.
Obscenity (li chi th) [noun]: an offensive word
o Example: Obscenity is a fundamental part of rap music
Abstract (tru tng) [adjective]: difficult to understand
o Example: Love and hate are abstract ideas.
Memento (k vt) [noun]: something that is kept as a reminder of a person, place, or
thing
Example: It was a memento of our trip.
Reminisce (hi tng) [verb]: to talk, think, or write about things that happened in
the past
Example: She reminisced about her time in Europe
Upbeat (si ng) [adjective]: positive and cheerful
o Example:I like a story with an upbeat ending
Clash (s xn t) [noun]: a situation in which there is fighting or disagreeing
o Example: There was a clash between the police and protesters yesterday.
Pulicity (s qung b) [noun]: attention that is given to someone or something by
newspapers, magazines, television news programs, etc.
o Example: The film has gotten some good publicity.
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3. Describe a garden you visited and like.
You should say:
Where the garden is.
How you felt about it.
Explain why you like it
ANSWER
I would like to share with you my impressions of a garden that I visited last summer, which was full
of colour and interest: Claude Monets house and garden in Giverny, France.
As a big fan of Monets paintings, especially the famous Water Lilies, I had always dreamed of
seeing the scene in real life. So, when some friends suggested a visit last year, I jumped at
thechance. After a journey of about an hour by train from our hotel, we arrived at Giverny. The
garden was exactly as he had painted it it was a riot of colour, from the peaceful white of the
water lilies to the striking reds and oranges which filled some of the flowerbeds.
The two parts of the garden complemented each other perfectly. We first admired the array ofbright
flowers and fruit trees in the Clos Normand, but my favourite part was the water garden, and we
enjoyed a leisurely stroll, taking in all the colours, perfumes and bird songs. Monet avidly collected
prints of Japanese gardens, and these inspired the Japanese bridges covered with wisterias, the
water lilies in the pond, and the bamboo and weeping willows which he planted.
For me, it was like a wonderland of colours and a dream come true after so many years.
VOCABULARY
impression: feeling or feelings (in the plural) about the garden (impressions) His impression of
the meeting was that it didnt go very well.
fan: although the word is often used in the context of football nowadays, here it means a person
who admires [ Monets paintings].
She is a huge fan of Maroon 5.
jumped at the chance: I enthusiastically accepted the opportunity to visit the garden.
He jumped at the chance to go to Las Vegas with his boss.
a riot of colour: a collection of many different colours.
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Sandras rose garden is a riot of colour.
striking: very attractive and unusual.
The woman he was with was wearing a striking outfit last night.
flowerbeds: a piece of a garden or park in which flowers are grown.
He loves digging in his flowerbeds.
complemented each other: each part of the garden added something different to the other part, so
that the garden as a whole became more attractive.
The wine and the fish complemented each other to form a perfect meal.
the array of bright flowers: the large and impressive collection of flowers. The array of bright
flowers in her garden surprised everybody. They didnt realize she had planted so many varieties.
a leisurely stroll: a slow, relaxing walk.
We went for a leisurely stroll along the beach this morning.
taking in all the colours: our eyes noticed all the colours and features of the garden.
We were taking in all the colours of his garden, when all of a sudden we heard a large crash
outside the garden gate. Two cars had just bumped into each other.
avidly: Monet collected prints of Japanese gardens enthusiastically.
He studied Englishavidly, from morning until late in the evening.
prints: copies of original drawings or paintings.
The artist offered her prints for $100 each.
wisterias: white or purple flowers which cover walls, bridges or trees.
The wisterias in the garden were in full bloom.
pond: a small area of still water, usually in a garden.
There are many beautiful fish in the pond.
bamboo: tall tropical plants which have hollow stems [the long, thin part of the plant] used for
building or furniture.
Pandas love to eat bamboo.
weeping willows: trees which grow near water and have branches which hang downwards.
There are two weeping willows on the property, but we should cut one down.
wonderland: an imaginary place in childrens stories.
The amusement park was a wonderland for both children and adults.
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3.1. Are there many public gardens in Vietnam?
To be honest, there are only a few public gardens in Vietnam, due to the shortage of residential
areas especially in large towns and cities. Vietnamese authorities seem to pay excessive attention to
economic growth and ignore the provision of green spaces for citizens enjoyment and relaxation.
For example, Ho Chi Minh City has a small number of public gardens, but a lot of high-rise
buildings.
3.2. Do you think there are enough public gardens in your hometown?
Personally, I think the number of public gardens in my hometown is insufficient. Due to the
shortage of housing and the increasing number of citizens, people tend to make use of land for
living or cultivation rather than giving priority to public areas such gardens or parks.
3.3. What do you think are the benefits of having gardens in the city?
Having sufficient urban green spaces will bring many ecological and health benefits for the city and
its residents. Regarding the environmental benefit, public gardens help to preserve various species
of wild plants, they have beautiful flowers and they keep the ecological balance of the area. City
gardens also have a positive impact on the health of city dwellers and factory workers.
3.4. Very often, public gardens are not designed in a simple way but, instead, are laid out in a
rather complex way. Why do you think this is the case?
In my opinion, a public garden built in a complex design pattern is very eyecatching and attractive
for people to visit. A garden consisting of sculptures, various rare species of plants and special
landscaping will be more appealing to visitors who wish to explore something unique. To make an
analogy, I believe that public gardens are designed to capture public attention in the same way that
architects design the structure of their buildings.
3.5. Do you think governments should provide more public gardens for people to visit?
Of course, I definitely agree with the idea that governments and authorities ought to provide more
public gardens for their citizens for the following reasons.
Public gardens are collections of plants and flowers; they are used not only for enjoyment but also
education so that people, especially children, can have the chance to understand and be close to
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nature. In this function as outdoor classrooms , they raise an awareness of environmental issues as
well as the conservation of special species.
Also, urban green spaces play an important role in leisure and recreation imagine the pleasure of
sitting and reading a book or strolling and chatting with friends, surrounded by the sight and smells
of beautiful flowers.
3.6. What do people do when they go to a public garden?
There are various reasons why citizens go to a public garden, but I think the main one is to find an
oasis of peace and tranquility amid the frenzy and chaos of city life. Residents in general can go
there to enjoy the fresh, tranquil atmosphere and relax themselves simply by appreciating the
beauty of the flowers and the songs of the birds.
Moreover, it is very practical for children and students to visit public gardens in order to be in touch
with nature and acquire knowledge about it. As a student, I would say that public gardens are also a
great place to read a book and to reflect on the lectures or seminars of the day.
3.7. How do people of different age groups use public gardens?
Different age groups will have dissimilar preferences in using public gardens. For example, elderly
people tend to go there to relax, go jogging or doing exercises like tai chi. Then again, when public
gardens also incorporate play areas, these are very safe environments in which parents can keep a
watchful eye on their children.
VOCABULARY
Residential areas [noun]: areas consisting of houses, not factories or offices
Example: She lives in a quiet residential area, but she has to travel a long way to work.
Excessive [adjective]: greater than what seems reasonable or appropriate
Example: They complained about the excessive noise made by their neighbours.
High-rise [adjective]: a building that is very tall, and has lots of floors
Example: She lives on the 10th floor of a high-rise apartment block.
Insufficient [adjective]: not large, strong or important enough for a specific purpose
Example: There was insufficient time in the exam to answer all the questions.
Urban green spaces [expression]: areas of open land within large towns or cities
Example: In our city there are insufficient urban green spaces for residents to enjoy.
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Preserve [verb]: to keep something in existence and in good condition
Example: The society was founded in order to preserve elephants from extinction.
Ecological [adjective]: the relationship between plants and animals to their environment
and to each other
Example: When rats were introduced to the island, they destroyed the ecological balance between
the animals already living there.
Eye-catching [adjective]: immediately noticeable, because it is very attractive
Example: The actors wore beautiful clothes in eye-catching colours.
Landscaping [noun]: the process of making a garden or other pieces of land more attractive
by changing the design or planting trees and flowers
Example: The new campus at the university has beautiful landscaping, making it a very attractive
place at which to study.
Appealing [adjective]: attractive and interesting
Example: The design of the doll is very appealing to young girls.
Unique [adjective]: very special or unusual
Example: As a fluent Russian speaker, he is in a unique position to sell our products in Russia.
Analogy [noun]: a comparison of two things that are similar
Example: Our biology teacher compared the human heart to a pump.
Raise (an) awareness of [expression]: create interest in or understanding of something
Example: The campaign aims to raise awareness of the dangers of smoking.
Conservation [noun]: the protection of the natural environment
Example: The conservation of elephants requires strong enforcement of the laws to protect them.
Oasis [noun]: a pleasant place in the middle of something unpleasant
Example: The park is an oasis of peace where you can escape from the noise of the city traffic.
Frenzy [noun]: a state of uncontrolled activity that is often violent or frightening
Example: When the President arrived, there was a frenzy of activity among the journalists and
photographers.
Chaos [noun]: a state of complete confusion and disorder
Example: The storm has caused complete chaos on the roads.
Appreciate [verb]: to recognise the good qualities of somebody or something
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Example: In just a short visit, you cant really appreciate the culture of Vietnam.
In touch with [expression]: feel a strong emotion for something
Example: They decided to go camping in the countryside in order to feel in touch with the beauty
of the mountains.
Incorporate [verb]: to include something as a part of that thing
Example: The car incorporates the latest safety features.
Keep a watchful eye on [expression] to watch somebody carefully
Example: She kept a watchful eye on her son while he was playing.
4. Describe a famous person in your country

You should say:
Who this person is
How you know this person
What this person is famous for
And explain why you like this person
ANSWER
Today I am going to talk about a famous person in my country who I have admired since I was
young. He is Professor Ngo Bao Chau.
I first heard about Ngo Bao Chau on the news 6 years ago when he received the Fields Medal,
which is often described as the mathematicians Nobel Prize. However, earlier in 2005, he was
granted the title of professor in Vietnam, becoming the countrys youngest professor ever.
Professor Ngo Bao Chau has been awarded the highest academic honor due to his great
mathematical research. He is best known for proving the Fundamental Lemma. His work has
achieved such a distinction that it has been listed as one of the top ten scientific discoveries of 2009
by Time magazine.
The story of Ngo Bao Chau has inspired me considerably. I remember in an interview after
receiving the Medal, Ngo Bao Chau said that he had been studying maths out of /due to / because
of/ owing to his passion but not out of /due to / because of/ owing to a desire to achieve. This
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statement impressed me a lot. Besides, another characteristic I like regarding this professor is his
persistence. During the time studying the Fundamental Lemma, became stuck and almost failed to
solve this complex problem. Despite the difficulties, he did not choose to give up so finally he got
through them. His personality has been an inspiration for me working harder towards my dream.
VOCABULARY:
Describe as (miu t l) [verb] to portrait a person or a thing as something in a more
particular state.
Example: My friend described our new teacher as a middle-aged woman wearing a thick pair of
glasses.
Mathematician (nh ton hc) [noun] an expert in Maths.
Example: Isaac Newton is not only a famous physicist but also a great mathematician whose book
called Mathematical Principles of Natural Philosophy became the catalyst to understanding
mechanics.
Best known for (ni ting v) [adjective] famous for.
Example: Nha Trang is one of interesting tourist attractions which is best known for stunning
beaches and fresh seafood.
Get over (vt qua) [phrasal verb] to find a way to solve or deal with a difficultproblem.
Example: You will get over the illness more quickly if you relax and follow the doctors
instruction.
Despite (d cho) [preposition] has a similar meaning to although or even though and
expresses a contrast between two things. It is always followed by a noun or a noun phrase.
Example: You must keep moving forward to make a success despite despondency.
Persistence (s kin tr) [noun] firm or obstinate continuance in a course of action in spite
of difficulty or opposition.
Example: Her persistence and enthusiasm have helped the group to achieve its international
success.

4.1. In general, how do people become famous?
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In the era of technology, being famous has never been easier. People who have extraordinary
skills or abilities /talents in any field would be able to become famous with the assistance of the
media. For example, Hoang Xuan Vinh, an Olympic shooter winning the very first gold medal for
Vietnamin the Olympics, was repeatedly referred to as a national world-class/outstanding/renowned
athlete on the news. Therefore, all Vietnamese know about his great dedication to the countrys
sporting reputation.
4.2. What kinds of people become famous?
In my opinion, there are two kinds of fame that are consistent with two types of people. The first
type is well-reputed people with admirable skills or dedication to furthering to/ contributing to the
civilization. They are usually scientists, researchers, athletes, or soldiers spending their lifetime
working toward success without the desire to become well-known. The other type is
attention/publicity-seeking people, who often are celebrities in the entertainment industry,
politicians or those becoming famous overnight.
4.3. Do you think. to be famous, a person needs to have some special talent (or ability)?
No, I dont think so. Besides incredible aptitudes, people can also be famous for other qualities
such as beauty or charity work.
4.4. What are some general qualities of famous people? Do they have any qualities that are
different from ordinary people?
The basic benchmark of famous people is special talent or ability, which not so many people can
possess. However, there are other qualities which are common that anyone can have such as beauty
or kindness because these are not difficult to achieve, for example, undergoing cosmetic surgery
or doing charity work.
4.5. Compare how people become celebrities today with how people became celebrities
years ago, for example, 30 or 50 years ago.
Nowadays, thanks to the modernization of technology, it takes only a few seconds to change a
persons life. The invention of smart devices as well as social networking has made a person
famous at one fell swoop whereas in the past, the only way to be celebrities was appearing on the
television or radio.
4.6. Can you give me some examples of celebrities in your grandfather's time (i.e.,about 50
years ago)?
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Hmm50 years represent a considerable generation gap, therefore, I only know a few celebrities
in that time. They are actress Marilyn Monroe, rock star Elvis Presley and the pop music band The
Beatles.
4.7. Compare what kinds of people were famous in China in the past (e.g when your
grandfather was young) to the kinds of people who are famous today.
In the my grandfathers era, only people who dedicated their talents and knowledge to achieve great
feats were respected by the public in China. However, theyoung Chinese generation today is
familiar with social networking where they can easily gain either good or bad public attention.
For instance, videos about a group of bullying girls were so popular on the Internet that school
violence became phenomenal in the country.
4.8. In your opinion, were the standards for judging who is famous before better than they
are now?
From my personal point of view, the qualities of being famous in the past were by far more
appropriate than they are at the present. Today, the invention of smart devices as well as social
networks has made it easier to be famous. People can gain public attention just by sharing
controversial photos or videos regardless of common sense.
VOCABULARY
extraordinary (phi thng) [adjective] very unusual, special, unexpected, or strange.
Example: She has an extraordinary memory that is able to remember small details in a novel after
the first time reading it.
with the assistance of (vi s tr gip ca) [phrase] helped by something
Example: With the assistance of her private tutor, she passed the final exams with flying colors.
prominent (ni bt) [adjective] very well known and important
Example: The shop occupies a very prominent position on the main street.
reputation (danh ting) [noun] the positive beliefs or opinions that are generally held about
someone or something
Example: Harvard University has a worldwide reputation for quality of higher education.
notorious (tai ting) [adjective] famous for something bad
Example: Although its dishes are delicious, the restaurant is notorious for poor customer service.
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becoming famous overnight (ni ting ch sau mt m) [phrase]
Example: There are various ways to become famous overnight on the Internet since many people
are using social networks.
aptitudes (thin ph, ti nng bm sinh) [noun] a natural ability or skill
Example: Apart from her passion for swimming, Nguyen Thi Anh Vien, the Vietnamese youngest
swimming athlete, also possesses an aptitude for this sport.
undergoing cosmetic surgery (phu thut thm m) [phrase]
Example: Being ashamed of her round face, Mary decided to undergo cosmetic surgery to obtain a
V-line jowl.
at one fell swoop (ch trong mt ln) [idiom] all at once.
Example: I got all my Christmas shopping done at one fell swoop.
considerable (ng k) [adjective] large amount or of noticeable importance
Example: You wouldnt have failed the exam if you had put considerable effort and time into
revision.
familiar with (quen thuc vi) [phrase] Having a good knowledge of something.
Example: Our English teacher tries not to use too much local idioms or slangs during lectures as
other students may not familiar with the language.
phenomenal (mang tnh hin tng) [adjective] extremely popular or special, especially in
a surprising way.
Example: His first movie was quite phenomenal which brought him two nominations for the Oscar.
by far (hn c) by a great amount
Example: She is by far the best student in the class.
regardless of (bt k) [phrase] without being influenced by any other events or conditions.
Example: She deserved to know the truth, regardless of how desperate it was.
5. Describe a city or town you have been.
You should say:
+Where it is
+When you visited it
+What you did there
And explain why you like it
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Trch : Describe a place in other countries where you would like to work
You should say:
Where you would like to go
What kind of work/ job you would like to have
When you would like to go
And explain why you want to work in that place.
ANSWER
Today, I would like to talk about a place in foreign countries where I would like to work. It is
Melbourne, the second largest city in Australia which has become home for millions of people from
various countries around the world.
In Melbourne, I would like to work for an environmental NGO, as my specialtyat/in university is
Environmental Resources. So, right after I finish my studies in Vietnam, I will go to Melbourne to
apply for a job there.
Well, the reasons why I would like to work in Melbourne are quite simple. First, I have a lot of
friends and relatives who live and work in Melbourne. They can help me whenever I need. They
also tell me that the community of Vietnamese overseas is very large in Melbourne. So, the multi-
cultural challenge wont be a big problem for me. And what's more, like Sydney, Tokyo or some
other cities in the world, Melbourne is a 'liveable city' due to / because of its high rankingin
education, research and healthy lifestyle/ way of life. So I think that to live, study or work there will
be an interesting experience.
VOCABULARY
Various (khc nhau, nhiu loi): [adjective] different, a variety of, many types of.
Example: My students come from various countries in the world, such as India, Laos, Thailand, etc.
Specialty (chuyn mn, chuyn ngnh):[noun] focus, special field of study
Example: Marie Cury was a well-known scientist with her specialty in radiation
Apply for a job/position(np n xin, ng k xin vic):[verb] to enroll in, to write a letter
asking for a job
Example: She submited a letter to apply for that post/ position
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Relatives (h hng, ngi nh)
Someone who is close in the family branch, such as aunt, uncle, cousin, and so on.
Example: Tet holiday is an occasion for us to visit our relatives' houses and to give them best
wishes
Vietnamese overseas (Vit kiu)[noun]
Vietnamese people who live in foreign countries
Example: Each year, the Vietnamese overseas contribute a large amount of money to the country's
development.
Multi-cultural challenge( th thch, kh khn v a vn ha) [adj+n] difficulties caused by
the clash between so many cultures
Example:Australia is an example of multicultural country
Liveable (ng sng, sng c) [adjective] + city: a city with favorable conditions for
living
Example: This city is a liveable place for the poor
Ranking (xp hng, th bc, cht lng)[noun] level, qualification
Example:
The ranking of education of Vietnam is still fairly low in the region
Healthy ( lnh mnh, khe mnh) [adjective] good for health, good for operation
Example: Investors require a healthy environment for their business activities in Vietnam

5.1. What kind of jobs are easy to get in a foreign country?
In todays society, thanks to the great strides in technology, I think that jobs related to this sector
will be the easiest ones for expatriates to get in foreign countries.
Especially, in English-speaking countries, there are abundant jobs for IT employees such as
computer programmers or mobile app developers, regardless of their nationalities, as long as they
have sufficient qualifications and skills.
5.2. Should young adults work abroad?
Yes. It is useful for youngsters to take up a job abroad at least once, because they are energetic and
enthusiastic enough to experience new things that may be obstacles when they get older.
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Working overseas is a great opportunity for young people to meet different types of people and gain
global understanding of their industry. It also provides them with experiences and skills that they
would never get at home.
Not only that, most young people are energetic and adventurous; therefore working abroad provides
them with opportunities to travel more, and be exposed to different cultures, which will result in
higher level of knowledge and cultural sensitivity.
5.3. Why do many Vietnamese people want to work abroad?
There are various reasons behind the preference of Vietnamese people to work in foreign countries.
Firstly, working abroad is good for their personal growth. In addition to a higher salary, moving
overseas or even getting a temporary contract abroad will give people opportunities to meet
potential customers or partners who will help them further their career.
Secondly, expatriates can experience new cultures and a greater mix of backgrounds that will give
them invaluable perspectives in all aspects of life, including work.
VOCABULARY
Strides (noun): advances or improvements in the way that something is developing
Example: Since I started at a new school, I have been making great strides in my studies.
Expatriate(s) (noun): (ngi khng sng nc mnh) a person living in a country that is
not their own
Example: My family lived as expatriates in Hong Kong before I was born.
Abundant (adjective): (phong ph, di do) existing in large quantities; more than enough
Example: We have abundant evidence to prove his guilt.
Take up (phrasal verb): (bt u th g mi) to start or begin something such as a job
Example: He takes up his duties next week as the head of the department.
Experience (verb): to have a particular situation affect you or happen to you
Example: When I lived in Japan, I experienced a very different way of life.
Obstacle (noun): (tr ngi) a situation, an event, etc. that makes it difficult for you to do or
achieve something
Example: A lack of qualifications can be a major obstacle to finding a job.
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Adventurous (adjective): (phiu lu, mo him) willing to take risks and try new ideas;
enjoying being in new, exciting situations
Example: For the more adventurous tourists, there are trips into the mountains with a local guide.
Be exposed to (expression): introduced to, not protected from
Example: I was exposed to a completely new culture when I first went to the USA.
Sensitivity (noun): (s nhy cm) the ability to understand other peoples feelings
Example: She pointed out with tact and sensitivity exactly where he had gone wrong.
Further (verb): to help something to develop and be successful
Example: Although the salary was low, she took the job to further her career by learning all about
the fashion industry.
Invaluable (adjective): (v gi, v cng hu ch) extremely useful
Example: The research should prove invaluable in the study of children's language.
Perspective (noun): a way of thinking about something
Example: The book gave me a new perspective on Indian culture.
6. Describe a caf you like.

You should say
Where it is located
How often you visit it
Im going to describe a caf that Ive been to recently; the name is Meow Coffee and its on Tay
Son Street, Hanoi.
I think you could easily recognize it just from the name that this coffee shop offers you many kinds
of drinks together with the chance of pampering the cats. Im a cat person so this place is like
heaven to me. Ive only been there twice; the first time was with one of my friends and the second
time all by myself.
I felt like I was in love the first time I went to Meow Coffee. You could see the cats sleeping or
playing with each other so happily and comfortably. The first cat I saw on my first visit was a
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British Short Hair; it was orange, looking so grumpy but cute. He was sound asleep on a stool, and
didnt even care a bit even if the guests entered and started to lightly pet him.
There are maybe dozens of cats in there together with some cute dogs that are really nice to people.
The place feels cozy and has a nice smell; its also very clean, in my opinion, for a place that has
pets. The owner has decorated the coffee shop with toys and supplied some particular facilities to
take care of the pets, and also a written set of rules with cute images on how to pamper the pets.
I had a really great time there, enjoying the drinks and playing along with the cute cats. I brought an
assignment to work on the second time I visited this place, and the cats were so nice: they didnt
bother me, some of them just lay or sat beside me or climbed into my lap and slept there, didnt
even move an inch.
I would recommend this place for any animal lovers, especially cat people. I will definitely go to
Meow Coffee again if I have time.
Vocabulary:
Easily recognize [phrase]- to be able to know someone or something easily because you
have seen or heard him or her or experienced it before.
e.g. Doctors can now easily recognize the symptoms of different diseases.
Pamper [verb] (nung chiu) to give someone/animal special treatment, making him/her/it
as comfortable as possible and giving them whatever they want
e.g. She pampered her dogs with the finest steak and salmon.
Cat person [noun] (ngi yu mo) a person who adores cats
e.g. Anne is a cat person; she yells happily whenever she sees a cat and immediately starts petting
it.
Feel like they/he / she are /is in love [phrase] - to feel attracted to someone
and begin to love them:
e.g. When they met they felt like they were in love for the first time in their lives.
Grumpy [adjective] (cu knh) bad-tempered and sulky
e.g. Hes grumpy because he hasnt heard from you for, like, ages.
Pet [verb] (vut ve) touch animal gently and kindly with hands
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e.g. Our dogs love to be petted and tickled behind the ears.
Cozy [adjective] (m cng) giving a feeling of comfort, warmth, and relaxation
e.g. They cater to people who want a safe and cozy place to relax after work.
Recommend sth - to suggest that someone or something would be good or suitable for a
particular job or purpose, or to suggest that a particular action should be done:
e.g. I can recommend the chicken in mushroom sauce - it's delicious.
Part 3:
1. Which one is better: home-made foods or foods from a restaurant?
Well, I think home-cooked meals are definitely a better choice as they will provide you with
benefits in the areas of nutrition, health and economics. Eating at home allows you to use natural
ingredients, or healthier cooking methods. For example, when most restaurants would use butter or
oils with trans fats, you can cook at home with non-fat cooking spray or healthy vegetable oils such
as olive oil. Lastly, few restaurant dishes are cheaper to buy rather than to make at home.
2. Why do people today go to cafs so often?

Therere many reasons for this coffee shop culture, but I guess its mainly because today cafs
provide better service with a great atmosphere, nice settings and helpful staff, so people can feel
really comfy and relaxed to do lots of things there like meeting friends, working, studying or simply
relaxing. In addition, disposable income allows you to pay for the relaxing surroundings, away from
home and office clutter, and away from at-home or at-work distractions.
3. What kinds of caf do you like?

It makes no difference to me whether its a chain or single coffee shop, as long as its quiet and
roomy. I love a caf where people can have kind of their private space to talk and work without too
many distractions from loud background music. Of course good drinks are also preferred, but its
never the first criterion when I choose a coffee shop.
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4. What do you do in a caf?
I often work on my laptop. I soon realized that I get my best work done at coffee shops because the
lively atmosphere here can surprisingly enhance my creativity and concentration. A change of
environment definitely alleviates the boredom of work. Sometimes I go there with my family or
friends and we will have a nice chat. Its a real treat for me to spend time with my loved ones.
Vocabulary
1. nutrition [noun]: the process by which living things receive the food necessary for them to grow
and be healthy (dinh dng)
Eg: This course provides advice on diet and nutrition to enjoy a healthier lifestyle.
2. economics [noun]: the way in which money influences, or is organized within, an area of
business or society (kinh t)
Eg: The economics of running a home are very different from the economics of running a country.
3. natural [adjective]: existing in nature; not made or caused by humans (t nhin)
Eg: My hair soon grew back to its natural colour.
4. ingredient [noun]: one of the things from which something is made, especially one of the foods
that are used together to make a particular dish (nguyn liu)
Eg: Coconut is a basic ingredient for many curries.
5. trans fat [noun]: a type of fat produced when oils are changed by a chemical process into solids,
for example to make margarine. (cht bo ha tan)
Eg: Trans fats are believed to encourage the harmful development of cholesterol.
6. non-fat [adjective]: containing no fat (khng cha cht bo)
Eg: One of the best ways to lose weight is to eat non-fat food.
7. spray [noun]: a substance that is forced out of a container such as an aerosol, in very small drops
(bi ni)
Eg: The police used pepper spray on demonstrators.
8. atmosphere [noun]: the feeling or mood that you have in a particular place or situation; a feeling
between two people or in a group of people (bu khng kh)
Eg: Use music and lighting to create a romantic atmosphere.
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9. setting [noun]: a set of surroundings; the place at which something happens (bi cnh, khung
cnh)
Eg: It was the perfect setting for a wonderful celebration.
10. comfy [adjective]: comfortable (thoi mi, d chu)
Eg: Youll be nice and comfy in this room.
11. disposable [adjective]: available for use (sn c dng)
disposable income [noun]: money that a person is free to spend after paying taxes, etc. (thu nhp
cn li sau khi tr tin thu)
Eg: The disposable income is increasing, which is a promising sign for a better economy.
12. clutter [noun]: a lot of things in an untidy state, especially things that are not necessary or are
not being used; a state of confusion (ting n o huyn no, s ln xn)
Eg: Try to avoid clutter in the workplace by keeping your work area clean and tidy.
13. distraction [noun]: a thing that takes your attention away from what you are doing or thinking
about (iu gy xao nhng)
Eg: I find that listening to music while I am studying is a distraction.
14. chain [noun]: a group of shops/stores or hotels owned by the same company (chui (nh hng,
ca hng)
Eg: This hotel is part of a large chain, which owns similar hotels in many cities in Asia.
15. roomy [adjective]: having a lot of space inside (rng ri)
Eg: The kitchen is roomy enough for five people to sit around the table comfortably.
16. background [noun]: a position in which people are not paying attention to somebody/something
or not as much attention as they are paying to somebody/something else (nn)
Eg: There was a lot of background noise from the traffic while we were trying to chat outside the
cafe.
17. criterion [noun]: a standard or principle by which something is judged, or with the help of
which a decision is made (tiu ch)
Eg: According to this criterion, very few people are suitable for the job.
18. enhance something [verb]: to increase or further improve the good quality, value or status of
somebody/something (thc y)
Eg: The attractiveness of the book is much enhanced by Mark Stevenss drawings.
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19. alleviate [verb]: to make something less severe
Eg: Take these tablets for your headache they should alleviate the pain.
20. boredom [noun]: the state of feeling bored; the quality of being very boring (s nhm chn)
Eg: Id die of boredom if I lived in the country.
21. treat [noun]: something very pleasant and enjoyable, especially something that you give
somebody or do for them (iu vui sng, iu vui thch)
Eg: I took the kids to the zoo for a special treat.
7. Describe a plan you made in your life (except work or study)

You should say
What it is
When you have the plan
Who you have told the plan to
And explain why you want to do this.
When I was in second year at university, my friends and I had some free time on our hands so we
decided to do something special besides studying. And so we came up with a fundraising plan.
Our plan was to run a nonprofit campaign. We were supposed to grow some little trees together,
and then give one of those trees to each person who donated money, books or clothes for our
campaign. Then we would give those donations to children and the poor in need. The purpose was
to help poor people and to raise peoples awareness of the need for trees and environmental
protection as well.
We were a group of four. At first, I was in two minds about whether or not to invite a girl called
Ann to join us. She is a creative person, she always thinks outside the box, but she is also a bit
capricious. She will never apply herself like we do, and will give up as soon as something
unpleasant happens. But my friends insisted on inviting her, so I had to agree with them. Not
unexpectedly, when we ran into some trouble, she was the first one to give up. More than that, she
told other people in my class that we took donated money, books and other stuff for ourselves. She
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upset my plan with her false stories. I havent considered her as a friend since then. And Ive
carried out all of my plans on my own, and never trusted any other person anymore.
Vocabulary
1. Time on our hands [idiom]: to have spare time when you have not planned or arranged to
do anything
Eg: The class was cancelled so, as we had some time on our hands, we decided to take a walk in
the park.
2. Fundraising [noun]: the act of collecting or producing money for a particular purpose,
especially for a charity
Eg: The dinner is a fundraising event for the museum.
3. In two minds [idiom]: If you are in two minds about something, you have difficulty deciding
what to do
Eg: I'm in two minds about whether or not to accept the offer.
4. Think outside the box [idiom]: think differently, unconventionally, or from a new
perspective
Eg: You won't come up with good ideas until you think outside the box.
5. Capricious [adjective]: it describes a kind of person who becomes passionate to do
something in the first place, but soon gets bored or lazy about it
Eg: She seems to have a new hobby each week and she is too capricious to remain interested in one
thing for too long.
6. Apply ones self [idiom]: to work hard and diligently at something
Eg: She applied herself to her work and the time passed very rapidly.
7. Run into [phrasal verb]: to experience an unexpected problem
Eg: During the exam, I ran into difficulties and I failed to answer all the questions.
8. Upset ones plan [idiom]: to ruin someones plan
Eg: I hope it doesn't upset your plans if I'm late for the meeting.
Part 3:
1. Do you think people should have plans or just do whatever they like immediately?
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I reckon that people should plan matters ahead for a wide range of reasons. First of all, to assess
risks and opportunities. Taking risks is necessary for growth, expanding your comfort zone, and
achieving success. Planning ahead gives us confidence to take the risks that others may not take.
Second, to become proactive. By becoming proactive, you will be able to take the right action in the
face of challenge and adversity. As a result, you welcome change because you are ready for any
type of challenge.
2. Do most people accomplish their plans? Why?

In fact, most people fail to stick to their plans. The first reason is that we often magnify our fears
more than we do our abilities. Fear robs us of our self-confidence and allows us to come up with
reasons why we cant do things or make them happen. The second reason is that we dont have
enough determination to press ahead with our plans. When we establish plans for the wrong reasons
and chase after things we dont really need or desire; we arent driven to pursue them, and end up
wasting a great deal of time, energy and money that could have been spent pursuing things that
resonate with us.
3. What are the factors that young people will consider when choosing jobs?
In the past, people used to think that the salary is of paramount importance when choosing a job.
But in modern life, the young tend to consider things like their passion, work environment, training
and educational opportunities, so on so forth. For example, young people often take some stock of
what theyre passionate about before choosing a job. They believe that what gets them fired up will
ensure their longevity and make them apply themselves to the job.
4. What are the impacts of families on people choosing jobs?

The effect of parents on a persons choice of career includes parents careers, activities a family
often engage in, parents encouragement and expectations, and the parent-child relationship. For
example, in terms of encouragement, when parents make it clear they have no specific expectations
for their childs career, she often feels free to explore a greater variety of professions, choosing one
based on her own preferences instead of those of her parents.
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5. What is the impact of salary on doing work?
Well, salary plays a distinctive role in how well employees perform. Incentivized pay, based on the
quantity of work delivered rather than on the time spent on the job, is particularly beneficial for
increasing worker productivity. In fact, the feeling of not being paid fairly in relation to workload
demotivates employees. But salary is not everything. Some employees might be prepared to trade
off lower salary against certain benefits, such as a higher retirement payout, an enjoyable job or
feeling less controlled at the workplace.
Vocabulary
1. comfort zone [noun] a situation in which you feel comfortable and in which your ability and
determination are not being tested
Eg: Rock climbing pushes many people beyond their comfort zones.
2. proactive [adj] taking action by causing change and not only reacting to change when it
happens
Eg: Companies are going to have to be more proactive about environmental management
3. stick to sth [phrasal verb] to do something that you promised or decided you would do, or
that you believe you should do
Eg: We said wed give her the cash, and we must stick to our agreement
4. press ahead with [phrasal verb] to continue to do something although there is opposition to
it
Eg: The company pressed ahead with plans to build the skyscraper.
5. Resonate [verb] to continue to have a powerful effect or value:
Eg: The significance of those great stories resonates down the centuries.
6. take stock of sth [idiom] to examine a situation carefully

Eg: After two days of record snowfalls, millions of Americans began digging out and taking stock
of storm damage.
7. fire someone up [phrasal verb] to motivate someone; to make someone enthusiastic.
Eg: See if you can fire John up and get him to rake the leaves
8. longevity [noun] long existence or service.
Eg: "her longevity at work now appeared as a handicap to her career"
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9. apply yourself - if you apply yourself to something, you work hard at it, directing your
abilities and efforts in a determined way so that you succeed:
Eg: You can solve any problem if you apply yourself.
10. preference [noun] - the fact that you like something or someone more than another thing
or person
Eg: Her preference is for part-time work at the moment. It suits her new role as a mother.
11. distinctive [adj] something that is distinctive is easy to recognize because it is different from
other things:
Eg: a distinctive smell/taste; she's got a very distinctive voice.
12. incentive[noun] something that encourages a person to do something:
Eg: Tax incentives have been very effective in encouraging people to save and invest more
of their income.
8. Describe a shop opened in your hometown

You should say
where the shop is
what items it sells
how often you go there
why you go there
Well, Im not a shopaholic, so theres no particular shop that has made a special impression on me.
Theres only one exception thats a shop called Vinmart +, which was opened in my hometown 2
months ago.
The shop is located at one of the prime spots for retailing. It is located right beside my previous
primary school, which is only 1km away from my house. I have to say that this shop makes its
mission to satisfy all customer needs anytime, anywhere. As well as meeting the customers
demand for necessary daily goods like other shops, it also supplies fresh vegetables, fruit and meat
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of a high quality at reasonable prices. These products have clearly-marked sources of origin and are
strictly controlled under the general process of the entire system.
This shop is in a chain of retail shops under Vingroup, which is recognized as one of the most
dynamic and successful companies in Vietnam, well-positioned for international integration and
comparable to the best regional and global competitors. Therefore, I suppose theres no doubt
about its quality. Actually, quality assurance is the most important benefit of shopping here. And
the quality of service is excellent as well. To the best of my recollection, 2 weeks ago, when I came
to buy some snacks, I met a middle-aged woman with her son at Vinmart. She said to the staff that
she only went window shopping to pamper her son, who always liked visiting supermarkets and
shops to see things. The staff were very welcoming and gave her son a candy as a gift. I could see
that her son was over the moon. That left me with a lasting and positive impression about Vinmart.
Vocabulary
1. Shopaholic [noun]: a person who enjoys shopping very much and does it a lot
Eg: A self-confessed shopaholic, Diane loved looking for new clothes with her two daughters.
2. Prime [adj]: main or most important
Eg: Though I'd like to know more about Spanish culture, this was not my prime motivation for
doing the course.
1. Retailing [noun]: the business of selling goods to the public
Eg: There are good career opportunities in retailing if you enjoy dealing with customers.
2. Integration [noun]: the process of combining two or more things into one
Eg: One of the company's weaknesses is poor integration of business processes with information
systems.
3. Competitor [noun]: an organization that competes against another, especially in business.
Eg: The business is successful because it sells better-quality goods than its competitors.
4. Window shopping [expression]: the activity of spending time looking at the goods on sale in
shop windows without intending to buy any of them
Eg: The office workers go window-shopping in their lunch hour, looking for things to buy when
they get paid.
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5. Pamper [verb]: to give someone special treatment, making that person as comfortable as
possible and giving them whatever they want
Eg: Why not pamper yourself after a hard day with a hot bath scented with oils?
6. Welcoming [adjective]: friendly to someone who is visiting or arriving
Eg: The hotel has a good reputation for being very welcoming to guests.
7. Over the moon [idiom]: extremely happy
Eg: Sarah was over the moon when she found out she'd got the job.
8. Lasting [adjective]: continuing to exist or have an effect for a long time.
Eg: I formed many lasting friendships at university and I often visit many of these old friends.
Part 3:
1. Do you like to visit large shops or small stores?
I think the size of the shop doesnt really matter to me I dont really care whether the shops are
large or small, I would just choose to visit the one that is closest to me. But well, if I was near
BOTH a large and a small shop, I guess Id prefer the larger one. The biggest reason is because I
think large stores may offer a wider range of choice with a higher quality of goods and services than
smaller shops.
2. What kinds of shops are popular in your country?

I think the most popular type is clothing stores. There are main branches of big and famous brands
such as Zara, UNIQLO, Forever 21 or Format and there are also small retail stores selling all kinds
of clothes regardless of the brands. Online clothing shops are also really popular nowadays and I
think some of them sell pretty decent clothes too.
3. Should the government in your country protect those small stores?

I really think the government should implement some laws to protect small shops. The main reason
is because the proliferation of supermarkets and megastores has prevented small shops from
thriving. For example, VinGroup in Vietnam has opened a large number of both small and large
stores named VinMart, and this has caused retail shops to lose their customers. Undoubtedly, this
action has taken a great toll on the living standard of people working in small shops, and thats why
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I believe the government should have some say in this matter to protect the right of small store
owners.
Vocabulary:
Implement [verb] (thc thi, thi hnh) to start using a plan or system
e.g. The changes to the national health system will be implemented next year.
Proliferation [noun] (s pht trin, gia tng) rapid increase in the number or amount of
something
e.g. The past two years have seen the proliferation of TV channels.
Megastore [noun] (siu th, thng tp trung bn mt loi sn phm nht nh) a very large
shop, typically one specializing in a particular type of product.
e.g. Theres a computer megastore in our city.
Thrive [verb] (pht trin) to grow, develop, or be successful
e.g. His business thrived in the year before the war.
Take a/its toll (on smth) [expression] (gy nh hng xu) to cause suffering, deaths, or
damage to smth
e.g. The deepening recession has also taken its toll in the south of the country, where
unemployment is rife.
Have a/some/any/etc. say in smth [expression] (c ting ni/tc ng vo vic g) to be
involved in making a decision about something
e.g. The employees have little say in the restructuring of the company.
9. Describe a talk or a speech

You should say
Who gave the speech
What the topic of the speech was
Whether it impressed you or not
and explain why did you like / dislike the speech.
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Three months ago, I attended a seminar organized by my university. The purpose of the
seminar was to present and discuss the job opportunities for undergraduate students in Vietnam. At
first, I hadnt planned on attending the seminar but on second thoughts, I decided to go with a friend
of mine since I believed that the talk would offer me some constructive advice on my future career
plan. The keynote speaker was a representative of an educational agency which places strong
emphasis on helping students accumulate real working experience after university graduation.
Before delivering the speech, the speaker forged the bonds between the students in the auditorium
by organizing some warm-up games, which I consider a good approach to capture the attention of
the audience and lighten the atmosphere. He then analyzed a great number of qualities an employer
expects from applicants and he went on to demonstrate the ways to impress employers in an
interview, thus enabling us to have a thorough preparation for our careers later on. Besides, he also
presented some information about long-term career opportunities in Vietnam and discussed the
highly skilled jobs for which there is a shortage of workers. Throughout the speech, what most
impressed me was his endless patience and dedication to delivering the information and helping the
audience understand every single matter clearly. He was always willing to answer any question
asked by the students no matter how minor the problems might be. This is one of the most
significant qualities of a speaker that he clearly possesses. In brief, I found the speech very
informative and useful as it answered a great number of questions I had at the back of my mind.
Vocabulary
1. Seminar [noun]: an occasion when a teacher or expert and a group of peoplemeet to study
and discuss something (bui hi tho, chuyn )
Eg: When I was a student, I used to attend a lot of seminars.
2. Plan on [phrasal verb]: intend or expect to do something
Eg: We are planning on driving to the coast on Sunday.
3. On second thoughts [expression]: used to say that you have changed your opinion (suy i
ngh li)
Eg: I am planning on staying at home tonight. Actually, on second thoughts, I will go out with you.
4. Constructive [adjective]: helpful (c ch, mang tnh xy dng)
Eg: My father usually gives me a lot of constructive advice.
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5. Representative [noun]: someone who does something on behalf of a group of people (ngi
i din)
Eg: She is the representative of the company.
6. Place emphasis on [expression]: special importance that is given to something/ to put stress
on (nhn mnh)
Eg: My English teacher places emphasis on grammar and word choices.
7. Accumulate [verb]: to get more and more of something over a period of time (tch ly)
Eg: By working assiduously, she accumulated a fortune.
8. Forge the bond [expression]: to connect people together (gn kt mi ngi)
Eg: The cultural exchange agreement has forged the bonds between Vietnam and Canada.
9. Auditorium [noun]: a large room where meetings are held (khn phng)
Eg: Smoking is prohibited in the auditorium.
10. Lighten [verb]: to reduce worry or tension (lm si ni)
Eg: His great sense of humor lightened the atmosphere.
11. Thorough [adjective]: careful (t m, k lng)
Eg: A lot of thorough preparation has been done for the meeting.
12. Shortage [noun]: lack of something (s thiu ht)
Eg: There is a shortage of water in the area.
13. Dedication [noun]: the state of giving a lot of time and energy to something because it is
important (s cng hin, tn ty)
Eg: Success in teaching lies in the power of hard work and dedication to students.
14. Minor [adjective]: not important or serious (nh nht)
Eg: Some minor changes have been made to the schedule.
15. Significant [adjective]: very large or important (ng k/ v cng quan trng)
Eg: There has been a significant increase in the number of immigrants in recent years.
16. Informative [adjective]: providing a lot of useful information (cung cp nhiu thng tin hu
ch)
Eg: The talk was both entertaining and informative.
17. At the back of ones mind [expression]: having an idea in your mind but not thinking about
it frequently (tn ng trong tm tr)
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Eg: The thought that he might leave was always at the back of her mind.
Part 3
1. How to achieve public speaking skills.
Therere several ways to achieve public speaking skills, in my opinion. First, you need to prepare
the content of your speech, which I think needs to be clear enough for the audiences to understand.
Second, you need to practice over and over again, so as to make sure you wont make any stupid
mistakes once you start delivering your speech. Most people are afraid of speaking in public
because they are worried they will be judged by their mistakes, so intense practice should guarantee
them a better performance.
2. What do you think is a good speech?

A good speech, in my opinion, needs to be clear, concise, and consistent. First, a speech needs to be
clear enough so that the audience wont find it too difficult to understand, and this can be achieved
by adding cohesive devices. The second characteristic would be conciseness as some people tend
to ramble on a topic and this can cause misunderstanding or annoyance to the audience. The final
requirement is consistency, meaning that a speech needs to be about one topic and to express one
opinion only, so as not to cause confusion for listeners.
3. What is the importance of public speaking skills?

Well, public speaking skills may help people a lot in their life. In some cases, this is a necessary
skill for work, and those who appear to be good at talking in public can create a very good
impression on other people because, say, they know how to persuade others. Moreover, those who
are good at speaking in public can easily motivate others, and this can come in handy when they
need to carry an idea forward to create a social reaction towards some specific problems.
4. Why are some people afraid of talking in the public?

I think the most common reason is because they are afraid of being judged, especially if they make
some mistakes, like stumbling over their words or forgetting some parts of their speech. Another
thing is that for some people, the seemingly hostile stares of the audience can sometimes be very
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daunting, and this is like adding fuel to the flames, especially for those who are already afraid of
talking in public.
Vocabulary:
concise [adjective] (sc tch) short and clear, expressing what needs to be said without
unnecessary words
e.g. You need to make your answers clear and concise, do not make them too long.
cohesive devices [noun phrase] (t ni) useful English language conjunctions, transitional
phrases, synonyms and pronouns that link ideas in a cohesive manner.
e.g. This piece of writing lacks cohesive devices, which is why it is so confusing.
ramble [verb] (ni lan man) to talk or write in a confused way, often for a long time
e.g. Sorry, Im rambling let me get back to the point.
come in handy [expression] (c ch) to be useful
e.g. This money will come in handy when we go on vacation.
stumble [verb] (ni vp) Make a mistake or repeated mistakes in speaking
e.g. She stumbled over her words because she was so nervous that she found it difficult to
pronounce even simple words that she knew well.
seemingly [adverb] (tng chng ) Appearing to be real or true, but not necessarily being so
e.g. It was a seemingly impossible task, but in the film he managed to escape and save the world.
hostile [adjective] (hn hc, th ch) very unfriendly and ready to argue or fight
e.g. When he was attacked by hostile gangsters, Jackie Chan used his Kung Fu skills.
daunting [adjective] (lm nn ch, lm thoi ch) making somebody feel nervous and less
confident
e.g. She had the daunting task of caring for seriously ill patients.
add fuel to the fire/flames [idiom] (xt mui vo vt thng) Cause a situation or conflict to
become more intense.
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e.g. The situation between the US and Russia was already tense, but the violent speech by the
President added fuel to the flames.
10. Describe an interesting neighbor you have/had

Who he/she is
And explain why he or she is interesting
Today Im going to tell you about about my lovely neighbor, whom I really adore and
respect. I live in a beautiful and peaceful street and most of my neighbors are kind,
benevolent and well-mannered. Among them, I would pick Mrs. Cam Nhung as the loveliest
neighbor I have ever met. She is a retired English teacher and she has acquired a reputation
as a very profound and dedicated teacher. Despite her advanced years, she looks really
young and is always full of energy.
She lives with her family next to our house. She moved into our neighborhood 5 -6 years ago
and since then she has endeared herself to everybody living in the community. What I find
most appealing about her is her great personality. Although she is not very wealthy, she
always shows compassion for others, especially the poor and the underprivileged. She has
opened a free English class for orphans in the hope of giving them more opportunities to
follow academic education.
Another of her lovely traits is definitely her positivity. She always looks on the bright side
of the problem even when it comes to her own misfortunes. Therefore, whenever I feel
discouraged, I go to her house and seek her advice. She usually greets me with an
irresistible home-baked cake or an encouraging piano song, from which I derive a great deal
of pleasure. I have learnt many useful things from her, not only in everyday things, but also
in attitudes to life.
To me, she is not just a normal neighbor, but a person for whom I feel a sense of empathy,
despite the gap between our ages. Being with her gives me a sense of security and I really
owe a lot of gratitude to this person.
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VOCABULARY:
1. (to) RESPECT [verb]: to have a good opinion of sth/sb, to admire sb/sth.
Eg: She has always been honest with me, and I respect her for that.
2. PEACEFUL [adjective]: not involving a war, violence or argument.
Eg: They hope for a peaceful settlement (s dn xp) of the dispute (cuc ci v)
3. BENEVOLENT [adjective]: kind, helpful and generous
Eg: Nhien has a benevolent attitude, which is her most distinct trait.
4. WELL-MANNERED [adjective]: having good manners, courteous
Eg: Minh was educated carefully, which is the reason why he is always well -mannered.
5. REPUTATION [noun]: the opinion people have about sth
Eg: Hoa soon established a reputation as a first-class (ng cp) cook.
6. PROFOUND [adjective]: showing great knowledge or understanding
Eg: This profound book is worth reading you will learn a lot from it.
7. DEDICATED [adjective]: working hard at sth because it is very important to you.
Eg: Ngoc is one of the most dedicated employees in this company.
8. (to) ENDEAR [verb]: sb/yourself TO sb else: make sb/yourself loved.
Eg: Their policies (chnh sch) on taxation did not endear themselves to voters.
9. WEALTHY [adjective]: having a lot of money, possessions ( ti s i), etc.
Eg: Most top footballers in the world are fabulously wealthy.
10. THE UNDERPRIVILEGED [noun]: people having less money and fewer op portunities
than most people in society.
Eg: The underprivileged in most nations are subject to suffer great inequality (s bt bnh
ng).
11. ORPHAN [noun]: a child whose parents are dead.
Eg: Mike was an orphan and lived with his uncle
12. MISFORTUNE [noun]: bad luck
Eg: Misfortunes in life are unavoidable, and each of us has to confront ( i mt vi) them
in order to be more mature (trng thnh)
13. DISCOURAGED [adjective]: feeling less confident of less enthusiastic (nhi t tnh)
about sth
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Eg: Dont be discouraged by the first failure try, try and try again!
14. (to) SEEK ONES ADVICE [verb]: ask sb for an opinion or suggestion about what sb should do
Eg: We were told to seek legal advice from a well-known lawyer.
15. IRRESISTIBLE [adjective]: so strong that it cannot be stopped or resisted
Eg: On such a hot day, the chance to swim in the sea is irresistible.
16. (to) DERIVE [verb]: sth FROM sth: get sth from sth
Eg: Huy derives great satisfaction (s tha mn) from painting.
17. ATTITUDE [noun]: the way you feel and think about sth.
Eg: Happiness depends largely on ones attitude to life, so always be positive.
18. EMPATHY [noun]: the ability to understand the emotions or situations of other people
Eg: Motivated by their feelings of empathy, many people donated money to the earthquake
victims.
19. A SENSE OF SECURITY [noun]: the state of feeling certain, safe.
Eg: The presence of surveillance cameras in the shopping mall gives me a sense of security.
20. (to) OWE GRATITUDE TO SB [v]: feel grateful( bit n) and want to express your thanks to
sb
Eg: First and foremost, I owe a huge debt of gratitude to my parents and teachers for my success in
the exams.
Part 3:
1. Do people living in small cities know more about their neighbors than people living in big
cities?
Well yes, maybe they really do. The chance of meeting someone familiar to you in a small city is
definitely higher than that in a bigger city, plus the fact that most people who live in a metropolis
tend to be too busy to actually pay attention to anyone that lives next door.
2. What are the benefits of having kind neighbors?

Having friendly and nice neighbors can bring about some certain benefits. First, a kind neighbor
can definitely offer help whenever youre suddenly in immediate need of something, for example
when you lose your keys and cannot go to a friends house because its late. Second, I think you can
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always make friends with whoever is living next door and isnt it even better if that person turns out
to be so nice? They can exert a positive influence on you and maybe help you with your problems,
like giving advice on your social life for instance.
3. Why do neighbors seldom talk to each other nowadays?

The first reason, I think, is because people are getting busier and busier. They can hardly take care
of themselves and their own family, let alone spare some time for their neighbors. Another reason is
that people, especially those living in big cities, tend to live in an apartment, which is a very closed
space and this hinders direct interaction among neighbors. The flourishing of social networks,
which poses a threat to face-to-face communication, can also be one factor leading to the lack of
interaction between someone and his/her neighbor.
4. How to improve the relationship among neighbors?
I think in order to strengthen the relationship among neighbors, people need to manage their time
better. As I said, they can hardly find the time to talk to their neighbors as they are too busy, so time
management is definitely something people need to work on. Another thing is that they need to
pluck up their courage to come and talk to their neighbors. If you want to make a change to a
relationship, I believe you have to be the one to make the first move talk to them first and they
will talk to you back, and the relationship can naturally be improved.
Vocabulary:
Metropolis [noun] ( th) a very large city, often the most important city in a large area or
country
e.g. Soon afterwards he left the countryside to begin his career in the metropolis.
Exert [verb] (s dng/p dng nh hng) to use something such as power, authority,
influence, etc. in order to make something happen
e.g. If you want to exert your influence they might change their decision.
Let alone do something [expression] (hung h/cha k n) and to an even greater degree
do something
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e.g. Brian would never read a newspaper, let alone a book.
Spare [verb] (dnh (thi gian)) to give time, money, or space to someone, especially when it
is difficult for you
e.g. Id love to come, but I cant spare the time.
Hinder [verb] (cn tr) to limit the ability of someone to do something, or to limit the
development of something
e.g. Her progress certainly hasnt been hindered by her lack of experience.
Work on something [phrasal verb] (luyn tp/thay i) to spend time repairing or improving
something
e.g. His dancing technique is good, but he needs to work on his stamina.
Pluck up your courage/Pluck up (the) courage to do smth [expression] (ly ht can m lm

g) to force yourself to be brave to do something, although you are frightened or worried about it
e.g. He finally plucked up courage to ask her to marry him.
Make the first move [expression] (hnh ng trc) to be the first to take action
e.g. Neither sides seemed prepared to make the first move towards reaching a peace agreement.
11. Describe an experience that when you spent time with a child.
- When it happened
- Where it happened
- What you did
And explain how you felt about it.
I would like to tell you about my nephew, who is 8 years old. I have been spending a lot of time
with him since he was born, and I love him to death.
My little nephew has a good sense of humor and he is always full of energy. Last Saturday, when I
had a day off, I planned to come to my sisters house to play and have fun with him. While I was
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sitting in front of the television and playing the pop song Worth it by Fifth Harmony, he suddenly
walked up, sang and danced around the room. His childish voice, together with the way he shook
his hips was so funny that everyone in the room burst out laughing. He sang the song so fluently,
which totally blew my mind. He also tried to imitate the sexy facial expressions of the five girls in
the video. He was so adorable and at that time I couldnt take my eyes off him. I couldnt be
happier watching him grow healthier and smarter every day. That was probably one of the most
memorable moments that will stay with me for a long time.
Vocabulary:
Word English meaning Vietnamese Example
meaning
Love somebody To feel extremely strong affection Yu ai nhiu, yu Ex: She gets along with all her
to death for someone cht i c colleagues, and everyone in the
(expression) office loves her to death.
A good sense of Be humorous, make people laugh. C khiu hi hc Ex: I love him because he has a
humor good sense of humor.
(expression)
Full of energy Completely mentally and Trn y nng Ex: Sometimes, Im tired of
(expression) physically active lng taking care of my baby brother
because he is always full of
energy and leaves a mess around
the house.
Childish Connected with or typical of a Tr con Ex: Her handwriting is so
(adjective) child childish.
Burst out Explode suddenly, loudly, with a Bt (ci) Ex: The comedy was so funny
(phrasal verb) strong feeling. that everyone burst out laughing.
Blow To overwhelm somebody, make Lm ai pht cung Ex: The view here is
somebodys somebody excited breathtaking, and it absolutely
mind blows my mind.
(expression)
Facial the look on Biu hin ca nt Ex: John always has a miserable
expression someone's face, showing what mt facial expression.
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(noun) they feel or think:
Take (my) eyes To stop looking at somebody Khng ri mt Ex: Mary is so gorgeous in her
off somebody c khi ai pink dress and I cant take my
(expression) eyes off her.
Memorable Special or unusual and therefore Ex: The Harry Potter films are
(adjective) easy to remember full of memorable characters.
Part 3:
1. Why is childhood important?
I think its important because any incidents that take place during ones childhood can have a
lasting and profound effect on ones personality and viewpoint. An example is child abuse which,
either mentally or physically, can adversely influence childrens psychology due to their vulnerable
and impressionable nature. Many abused children are reported to behave violently or suffer from
mental disorder for this reason. Thats why childhood is a really important formative period in our
lives.
2. How did you spend your childhood?

My childhood was really different from that of kids these days. There were no high-tech gadgets
like smartphones or tablets at that time; well, even televisions were kind of a rare item. Thats why I
spent most of my time outside, playing hide-and-seek with the neighborhood kids or sometimes
helping out my grandparents there was a time when I lived with them for several months because
Dad and Mom had to work somewhere far away. I guess most of my childhood was spent outside.
3. Who was your childhood hero? Did you want to be like him/her?
I didnt really have a childhood hero, either real or imaginary, unfortunately. However, what I did
have was what you might call a role model. That was my aunt and she was a teacher. She was really
cool and I was influenced to the point that I really wanted to be a teacher like her at that time. Back
then my parents got me a small blackboard and some pieces of chalk and I often pretended that I
was a teacher and I was explaining lessons in front of my attentive class of students. I did that
almost every day really.
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4. Why do children tend to be happier than adults?
Because they have fewer things to be worried about, perhaps? I mean adults have to cope with so
many things: household chores, the workload at their company, social relationships, financial
problems Meanwhile, children dont really have to worry about any of those things. Also, I think
its easier for children to be happy they can get all cheerful over little things like being given
some candies or being patted on the head.
5. Would you like to be a child again?

Not really. I mean childhood is awesome, but therere many things you cannot do when you are a
child. And right now I have a lot of ambitions and I cant wait to start working for things I want to
achieve in the future, so no I wouldnt want to be a child again. The present suits me perfectly.
Vocabulary:
Lasting [adjective] (di lu) Enduring or able to endure over a long period of time
e.g. His action towards the disabled made a lasting impression on me.
Profound [adjective] (mnh m) (of a state, quality, or emotion) very great or intense
e.g. The experience had a very profound effect on me, both emotionally and spiritually.
Adversely [adverb] (tiu cc) harmfully or unfavorably
e.g. His self-confidence was adversely affected for years to come after he failed the exam.
Vulnerable [adjective] (d b tn thng) Exposed to the possibility of being attacked or
harmed, either physically or emotionally
e.g. There is an issue as to the extent to which he remains vulnerable to drug abuse and self-harm.
Impressionable [adjective] (d b nh hng) Easily influenced
e.g. She was a naive and impressionable young girl, with little life experience behind her.
Nature [noun] (bn cht) The innate or essential qualities or character of a person or animal
e.g. It's not in her nature to listen to advice.
Disorder [noun] (s kh , s hn lon) An illness that disrupts normal physical or mental
functions
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e.g. My Dad always thought I had some sort of disorder because I was very slow at learning to
read and write.
Formative [adjective] (mang tnh hnh thnh) Having an important and lasting influence on
the development of somebodys character
e.g. I grew up in the countryside during the formative years of my childhood.
Gadget [noun] ( vt) A small mechanical or electronic device or tool, especially an
ingenious or novel one
e.g. As technology develops it gets harder and harder to work out what has changed when a new
gadget or widget goes on sale.
Role model [noun] (hnh mu) A person looked to by others as an example to be imitated.
e.g. He seemed touched to learn that a young newspaper reporter had grown up thinking of him as a
role model.
Attentive [adjective] (chm ch) Listening or watching carefully and with interest
e.g. The actor told the story of his life to an attentive audience of 500 people.
Pat [verb] (v nh) Touch quickly and gently with the flat of the hand
e.g. He patted me on the head affectionately.
Suit [verb] (ph hp vi) To be convenient or useful to somebody
e.g. If you would prefer to catch the train, that suits me fine we can travel together as far as
London.
12. Describe an activity that makes you feel excited

- What the activity is
- An explain why it makes you feel excited
Today Im going to talk about one of the most engaging activities Ive got involved in. Its cooking.
Every day after school, I would hurry home to make a simple but tasty meal for my parents, who
enjoy my food so much that theres always nothing left on the plates.
To some people my age, cooking can be such a nightmare, but my mom has been teaching me how
to cook since I was a little girl, so I find it just a piece of cake. I would say Im quite a good cook
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and Im proud of this. At times I even think of applying to Masterchef. Im best at cooking such
Vietnamese traditional food as beef noodles and spring rolls but I also try making exotic dishes in
my free time.
When I cook, both my mind and my body are so absorbed in it that I forget the surroundings. One
thing with cooking is that there are thousands and thousands of recipes to try. You may think you
know all the ways of making a certain meal, but different recipes can prove you wrong. The
excitement and nervousness when trying out a new recipe make cooking never seem dull to me.
And I feel over the moon when I see the end result.
VOCABULARY:
1. engaging [a]: interesting or pleasant in a way that attracts your attention (th v, cun ht)
Eg: It was always engaging to hear his funny stories.
2. to be/ become/ get involved in: take part in something (tham gia)
Eg: She first became involved in politics in 1998.
3. tasty [a]: having a strong and pleasant flavor (thm ngon)
Eg: Beef noodles is a really tasty dish for your family
4. nightmare [n]: a dream that is very frightening or unpleasant; an experience that is very
frightening and unpleasant, or very difficult to deal with (cn c mng)
Eg: Failing an exam is a nightmare for all students.
5. a piece of cake: a thing that is very easy to do (vic d lm)
Eg: Henry finds getting 10/10 in Maths just a piece of cake.
6. at times: sometimes (thnh thong)
Eg: The rain will become heavy at times in the afternoon.
7. exotic [a]: from or in another country, especially a tropical one; seeming exciting and unusual
because it is connected with foreign countries (t nc ngoi, k l)
Eg: She travels to all kinds of exotic locations all over the world.
8. absorbed in something/somebody [a]: very interested in something/somebody so that you are not
paying attention to anything else (ch tm, thch th lm g)
Eg: She seemed totally absorbed in her book.
9. surroundings [n]: everything that is around or near somebody/something (mi th xung quanh)
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Eg: I like to work in pleasant surroundings.
10. recipe [n]: a set of instructions that tells you how to cook something and the ingredients (=
items of food) you need for it (cng thc nu n)
Eg: I enjoy trying out new recipes.
11. prove [v]: to use facts, evidence, etc. to show that something is true (chng minh)
Eg: They hope this new evidence will prove her innocence.
12. try something out [phrase]: to use something to discover if it works or if you like it.
Eg: I like to try out creating new dishes when my friends come round to eat.
13. dull [a]: not interesting or exciting (nhm chn, t nht)
Eg: Life in a small town could be deadly dull.
14. over the moon: extremely happy and excited (cc k hnh phc)
Eg: Theyre over the moon about their trip to Japan.
15. End result [phrase]: a result of a series of events or a long process.
Eg: The cooking of those ingredients gave an excellent end result.
PART 3
1. Why do you think some people like doing new things?
I think some people look forward to new experiences because they expect the changes would be
enjoyable and for the better. Doing new things brings new opportunities, new knowledge and new
relationships. Another reason is that they merely find that in daily life doing familiar things is
boring, so they want to break away from routine. For example, my brother sometimes likes to shake
up his morning routine and he says that starting a day differently gives him a little thrill.
2. What problems can people have when they try new activities for the first time?
The first problem is that they dont have sufficient knowledge and experience. When trying new
things, people may come across an obstacle which may slow down the progress of their work and
restrict them from going ahead. In the short term, its hard to find workable solutions. Another
problem is that they might meet strong and strenuous objections from people around them. The last
problem could be that some people keep worrying about when they will get overcome the problem.
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They feel like it is becoming a headache. I suppose all of those difficulties hinder our willingness to
continue to try new things.
3. Do you think its best to do new things on your own or with other people? Why?
Well, it depends on what kind of new things you are going to try. What kind of person you are?
What do you want when trying new things? Each of them has their own pros and cons. Having a go
at a new thing on your own helps you to strengthen your ability to become better at adapting and
responding to immediate threats and extends your social network. On the other hand, doing new
things with your friends or family gives you confidence. Its also a way to enhance your
relationships with people experiencing new things with you.
4. What kinds of things do children learn to do when they are very young? How important are
these things?
There is a set of essential skills and things that I believe children should learn when they are very
young, that will best prepare them for any world of the future, such as asking questions, finding a
passion, being happy on their own and dealing with changes. All of those things play a crucial role
in the mental and physical development of a child. Things they learn from their early days will
prepare them to adapt to anything, to learn anything, and to solve anything.
5. Do you think children and adults learn to do new things in the same way? How is their
learning style different?
Obviously, adults arent used to taking direction in education like children are. Children learn
because they are told to learn things that will have some relevance in the distant future and will do
so without questioning why. Whereas adults need to be explicitly told what they are doing and why
so they can connect the desired learning outcomes to their own goals and progress. Another
difference is that adults are afraid to fail. Children dont have the same social filters and are more
willing to experiment. Adult learning needs to be scaffolded or they will lose their intrinsic
motivation and focus.
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6. Some people say that it is more important to be able to learn new things now than it was in
the past. Do you agree or disagree with that? Why?
I completely agree with the idea. In the past, things hardly changed and people could live without
stepping outside their comfort zone. But in this new world, its absolutely necessary to get used to
doing and learning new things. In this world of changes with the fast development of science,
people have to abandon the old-fashioned ways and methods while accepting the modern ways,
which could make peoples lives better. Adapting to these changes is the primary means for our
survival and advancement.
Vocabulary
1. Merely [adv] used to emphasize that you mean exactly what you are saying and nothing
more (ch, n thun)
Eg: The minister's speech had merely fogged the issue.
2. Break away from routine [idiom] to do things differently from the way you often do. (ph
v thi quen)
Eg: He is writing an article about tips for breaking away from the routine and living a totally
spontaneous life.
3. Sufficient [adj] enough for a particular purpose ()
Eg: It was thought that he'd committed the crime but there wasn't sufficient evidence to convict
him.
4. Come across [phrasal verb] to behave in a way that makes people believe that you have a
particular characteristic
Eg: He comes across as a bit of a bore in interview.
5. Strenuous [adj] needing or using a lot of physical or mental effort or energy (i hi s c
gng, cng thng)
Eg: Strenuous efforts were made throughout the war to disguise the scale of civilian casualties.
6. Hinder [verb] to limit the ability of someone to do something, or to limit the development of
something (cn tr)
Eg: High winds have hindered firefighters in their efforts to put out the blaze.
7. Have a go [idiom] make an attempt at something/ give it a try (th)
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Eg: Tyler is having a go at a career in music.
8. Relevance [noun] the degree to which something is related or useful to what is happening or
being talked about (s thch hp, lin quan)
Eg: The relevance of this novel to the current situation is striking.
9. Explicitly [adv] clear and exact (r rng, chnh xc)
Eg: I gave her very explicit directions how to get here.
10. Intrinsic [adj] being an extremely important and basic characteristic of a person or thing
(thuc v bn cht)
Eg: Most mothers have this intrinsic need to protect their children at all costs.
11. Comfort zone [noun] a situation in which you feel comfortable and in which your ability
and determination are not being tested (vng an ton, thoi mi)
Eg: Rock climbing pushes many people beyond their comfort zones.
13. Describe a historic event in your country
- When it happened
- Where it happened
- How do you know about it
- Why do you think it is important
I am going to talk about the day Ho Chi Minh President announced The Proclamation of
Independence, which was September 2, 1945. The event was held at Ba Dinh Square, Hanoi, in
front of the public.
When I was still a little kid, I heard a lot about it from my teachers, my parents, and all the adults
around me. Not only me but every Vietnamese kid, no matter when or where they were born all
grow up with the thought of September 2, 1945 as a memorable and important event; so important
that the Government made September 2 a national holiday. It is so well-known that actually I have
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never met anyone who doesnt know about it, even my classmate who is really bad at history. To be
precise, the day forms a part of Vietnamese peoples common knowledge.
It was in my high school years when I really got to learn about this day during my History and
Literature classes. It became as clear as crystal to me why September 2, 1945 and The Proclamation
of Independence was such an important event. The Proclamation was the start of Vietnams
independent era. Ive learnt that Vietnam was a colony of several countries such as China, France
and Japan, and that our country had to fight a lot to be a separate country, a country for ourselves
and finally on that day in 1945, Ho Chi Minh President who devoted a lot of his life to our
independence announced to not only Vietnam citizens, but also to the whole world that Vietnam
was a separate country, that we wouldnt be controlled by others anymore, that we would have the
right to speak our language, live our lifestyle like it used to be. My grandmother who was at Ba
Dinh square that time told me that she had felt like a slave who had finally successfully rebelled and
was able to live freely. I wasnt born at that time to directly witness it by myself but just thinking
about the time Vietnam suffered under the occupation of other countries and reading the extremely
heroic proclamation make me feel very proud.
In conclusion, this is, in my opinion, an event that we as Vietnamese people are not allowed to
forget. We have to know, to remember and to appreciate it because without it, there could be a
possibility that we wouldnt be here, living as proper humans but as slaves of others.
The Proclamation of Independence: Tuyn ngn c lp

A statement that states a country is now independent, no longer a colony of any other
country.
Ho Chi Minh President announced The Proclamation of Independence at Ba Dinh
Square.
Memorable: ng nh
Likely to be remembered or worth remembering.
The lavish production makes this musical truly memorable.
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Common knowledge: kin thc ph bin, mt iu mi ngi u bit.
A knowledge which is known by everyone.

The knowlege you learn during primary school is considered common knowledge.
As clear as crystal: r rang (nhn mnh)/ trong vt, trong veo
a. Very clear, easy to understand.
The explanation is as clear as crystal.
a. Very clear, transparent, easy to see through.
The streams water is as clear as crystal.
A colony: thuc a
A country, an area controlled politically by a more powerful country.
Vietnam was a colony of China.
To devote: cng hin
To give all of ones self to somebody/ something

Ho Chi Minh President devoted his life to the country.
To rebel: ni dy
To fight against the rule, refuse to obey the rule.

He was the kind of student who rebels against the rules of the school.
To suffer under something/somebody: chu ng kh cc v ci g, v ai
To endure something bad.

The citizens suffered badly under the rules of the cruel king.
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To appreciate: Hiu r gi tr, cm kch, trn trng
To realize/ to regconize the value of something/someone and to value it.

I really appreciate all of you for coming here despite being busy.
Proper: thch hp, thch ng, ph hp
Satisfactory, suitable, correct.

Its been a while since I last had a proper meal.
Part 3
1. Do you like history?
Actually, I am an avid fan of history. When I was a little girl, I used to spend my time at the library
and engross myself in some historical books. I think I am able to memorize historic events and
numbers quite well. Id like to explore the ancient history of Vietnamese because it helps me to
have a clearer insight into who I am and where I am from.
2. Do your parents think learning history is important?

Of course, we can learn a great deal from history. Firstly, understanding the past can develop a
sense of pride and patriotism and make people feel grateful for what they have at the present. In
addition, individuals can learn from mistakes made by previous figures of authority or leaders, and
therefore they can avoid disastrous consequences. A good example is many economists are
returning to the great depression period which occurred 80 years ago to understand the
tremendous effects of the financial crisis and look for practical solutions to this problem.
3. What are the benefits of museums?

There are numerous benefits that museums bring to our modern life. The first benefit is that they are
a great educational resource, which helps expand individuals horizons about what occurred in the
past. For example, if they go to Museum of Ethnology, they will have the opportunity to gain
practical knowledge about fifty ethnic groups in Vietnam and their various traditional customs.
Furthermore, museums have a particularly important place where they preserve traditional values
and pass them on to the next generation.
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4. Are museums in your country free of charge?
No, you must purchase entry tickets if you want to enter into museums in my country. A small
entrance fee will help museums to cover their costs and stay running. The admission charge varies
according to which museums youre going to visit, but I guess it ranges approximately from 2 to 6
dollars, which is quite reasonable and affordable for everyone.
5. Which way is better for learning history? Through reading books or visiting museums?
Honestly, I believe it would be more interesting to visit museums and acquire historical knowledge
instead of immersing yourself in history books. The reason behind this is when you see authentic
objects displayed in museums, you will have a better grasp of their historical significance rather
than merely focusing on theoretical knowledge. Another reason worth mentioning is that many
museums, for instance, the Ho Chi Minh museum in Ha Noi, also employ professional tour guides
to escort and explain the information clearly to visitors.
6. Do major cities in your country all have museums?

Yes, numerous museums are located throughout many big cities in Vietnam like Ha Noi or Ho Chi
Minh cities. Historical and ethnic museums are the most popular types attracting the largest number
of tourists as Vietnam is well-known for its diverse culture and glorious history. Apart from these,
there are also art museums and other kinds but just a few people want to pay a visit to these places.
7. Will current things be exhibited in future museums?

Yes, definitely. The museums in the future will become more modernized and attractive. Not only
will they display traditional work but they will also exhibit contemporary work. People going there
are likely to get fed up with the same old things. Consequently, the museums need to be newly
renovated to endure and attract more visitors.
8. Can individuals build museums?
Yes, people play integral part in the construction of museums because the government mainly
allocates state budgets to build and provide modern equipment for museums. Besides, museums
usually have a donation box, and the wealthy can invest their money to fund the erection of
museums.
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9. How to show life two thousand years ago in the museums?
Well, thats such a difficult question. In my opinion, to depict ancient life in the museums
successfully, it takes a lot of commitment and patience. The scientists have to travel to many further
places to explore and collect artifacts which were buried two thousand years ago. This is really
exhausting and can be discouraging because artifacts are extremely difficult to find. Then, they
return back to the laboratory and spend hours doing extensive research to understand the core of the
phenomenon and know how to show ancient life accurately.
Vocabulary:
1. an avid fan of something ( expression): a very enthusiastic fan of something.

(mt ngi hm m rt ho hng v iu g)
Ex: He misses not having enough books because he's an avid reader.
2. engross somebody in something (expression) to occupy someones time or thinking with
something.
( chim thi gian hoc ngh ca ai vi ci g)
Ex: Dont engross me in your issue.
3. memorize (v) to learn something so that you will remember it exactly
( nh ci g)
Ex: When I was at school, we had to memorize a poem every week.
4. ancient (adj) of or from a long time ago, having lasted for a very long time.
(xa,c)
Ex: People have lived in this valley since ancient times.
5. learn a great deal (expression): learn a lot
( hc c nhiu)
Ex: I have learned a great deal from my father about bravery and honesty.
6. sense(n) feeling.
( cm gic)
Ex: I have a sense of insecurity today.
7. patriotism (n) devoted love, support, and defense of one's country; national loyalty.
(lng yu nc)
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Ex: Learning history is a great way to create a sense of patriotism.
8. disastrous consequence (n) extremely bad or unsuccessful result.
( hu qu thm khc)
Ex: The storm can cause disastrous consequences.
9. tremendous effect (n) great effect.
(nh hng gh gm)
Ex: Pollution can have tremendous effects on the delicately balanced ecosystem.
10. expand somebodys horizon about something ( expression)
( m rng tm nhn ca ai v ci g)
Ex: It is hoped that the course will expand new horizons for students.
11. cover cost (expression) pay for something
( tr tin cho ci g)
Ex: He will cover the cost of the meal, so just feel free to eat anything you like.
12. stay running (expression): continue working and operating
( tip tc hot ng)
Ex: Thank to state money, museums stay running.
13. admission charge (n) the fees charged for admission.
( ph vo ca)
Ex: The admission charge is not expensive and you can totally afford it.
14. affordable (adj) not expensive.
( khng t)
Ex: These are nice clothes at affordable prices
15. immerse (yourself) in something: to become completely involved in something:
( hon ton ch tm vo vic g)
Ex: She got some books out of the library and immersed herself in Jewishhistory and culture.
16. authentic (adj) if something is authentic, it is real, true, or what people say it is
(c tht)
Ex: He was there and saw what happened, so his is the only authentic account.
17. have a grasp of something: understand something firmly.
( hiu ci g hon ton)
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Ex: Read this cook book and you will have grasp of how to make a birthday cake.
18. be well-known for something: known or recognized by many people.
( c nhiu ngi bit n)
Ex: Her views on the subject are already well-known.
19. be fed up with ( adj) bored, annoyed, or disappointed, especially by something that you
have experienced for too long:
( chn nn, bc mnh hay tht vng, c bit v th g bn tri nghim qu nhiu)
Ex: I'm fed up with my job.
20. donation box (n) box in which people donate their money.
( thng quyn gp)
Ex: There is a donation box on the corner of the room.
21. depict (v) to represent or show something in a picture or story
( m t)
Ex: Her paintings depict the lives of ordinary people in the last century.
14. Describe a quiet place.

Where it is
How often you visit there
What you do there
And explain the reason why you like or dislike the place.
To me, quiet places mean libraries. But Im not going to describe the library at my university as I
still havent visited it yet. The one Im going to describe is the library at my high school in
Haiduong City.
My school is very large and it consists of four big blocks named A, B, C, and D. The library
occupies a small space on the highest floor in block D, and its perhaps just about three or nearly
four times as large as a normal classroom. Theres a room used to store books and another for
students to read books and self-study.
I spent most of my time in the library when I was in grade 10. The next two years were filled
completely with competitions and extracurricular activities so I couldnt go to the library as often as
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before. I had my own favorite spot in the self-study section; it was the cubicle on the outermost row
that is near the window, and whenever I visited the library to study or to read some borrowed
books, I would choose that spot without hesitation. I even wrote some words or symbols that I liked
on the table; dont know whether theyre still there now though.
I specifically chose this library to describe because its really quiet, compared with some other
libraries in Haiduong City that Ive been to. It was really suitable for studying, and some even went
there to sleep! I had a great time self-studying in this library back then, I seriously would re-visit it
if I ever had a chance.
Vocabulary:
Cubicle [noun] (bung lm vic kn nh, cch cc bung khc bng vch ngn) a partially
enclosed workspace in an office which is separated from neighboring workspaces by partitions
e.g. He was in a cubicle of his own, and he could see at least a hundred more cubicles in this room
alone.
Outermost [adjective] (ngoi cng, cch xa trung tm nht) at the greatest distance from the
center
e.g. The city centre is Zone 1 and the outermost suburbs are Zone 6.
Occupy [verb] (chim) fill or take up (a space or time)
e.g. Every parking space was occupied here; you would have to park somewhere else.
Without hesitation [phrase] -If you say that someone does something without hesitation ,
you are emphasizing that they do it immediately and willingly.
e.g. The great majority of strikers would return to work without hesitation if they were offered a
better deal.
Specifically [adverb] (c bit) for a particular purpose
e.g. These picture books were created specifically for children.
Part 3
1. What are the places that are free of noise?
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With such a frantic pace of life in this day and age, noises are omnipresent. However, there are still
places that are free of noise. They are locations related to religion, like churches, pagodas or
shrines, where noise is strictly prohibited. People who are in need of absolute silence and intense
concentration can also go to the library or bookstore. Additionally, there are certain restrictions on
noise in hospitals and clinics. Besides, rural areas are places to escape from the noise of traffic and
crowds, which gives residents a sense of tranquility.
1. What are the causes of noises?

Factors of noise are manifold, many of which originate from humans and objects. Numerous places
are associated with noise, such as busy streets and construction sites. Places of entertainment say,
cafes, bars, and amusement parks, also use noise to attract people. The more people want to interact
and communicate, the more substantial the amount of noise generated. Therefore, some people
regard noise as an effective way to alleviate our stresses and strains in life.
2. What are the impacts of noise on people?

Whether caused unintentionally or deliberately, excessive levels of noise invariably exert adverse
influences on those exposed to it. Firstly, those affected by noise caused by others may be unable
to relax and take a proper rest. Secondly, noise could greatly diminish our concentration and
memory. Last but not least, long-term noise is said to pose serious health hazards. For example,
constant exposure to high pitched noise can result in auditory problems, and in the worst scenario,
hearing loss. As we all know, hearing-impaired individuals are very likely to experience difficulty
in life.
VOCABULARY:
1. frantic [adjective]: done quickly and with a lot of activity, but not well organized:
cung lon
Eg: The hot el m ade franti c preparat ions for t he unexpect ed arri val of the
P resi dent .
2. omnipresent [adjective]: everywhere: c mt khp mi ni
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Eg: Mobile phones are omnipresent in this day and age.
3. (to) prohibit [verb]: to stop sb/sth from doing sth: to stop sth from being done or used by law
: nghim cm
Eg: The policy prohibits students from smoking in schools.
4. intense [adjective]: very great, very strong : mnh lit, ht mc
Eg: The President is under intense pressure to resign.
5. Restriction [noun]: a rule or law that limits what you can do : gii hn
Eg: The government has agreed to ease restrictions on press freedom.
6. tranquility [noun]: the state of being quiet and peaceful: s yn bnh
Eg: I dream of the tranquility of lying on a deserted beach.
7. manifold [adjective]: many, of many different types: rt nhiu, a dng
Eg: The possibilities of genetic engineering are manifold.
8. (to) originate [verb]: start from : xut pht t:
Eg: The disease is thought to have originated in the tropics.
9. characteristic [adjective]: of sth: very typical of sth: c trng ca
Eg: The characteristic street markets of Vietnam are popular with tourists .
10. associate [verb]: if one thing is associated with another, they are connected because they
happen together (lin h, c lin quan ti)
Eg: Heart disease is associated with the dangers of smoking.
11. substantial [adjective]: large in amount, value or importance: ng k
Eg: There have been substantial changes since his arrival.
12. (to) generate [verb]: to produce or create sth: sn sinh ra, to ra
Eg: The proposal has generat ed a lot of i nt erest .
13. effective [adjective]: producing successful results: hiu qu

Eg: Aspirin is a simple but highly effective treatment.
14. (to) alleviate [verb]: to make sth less severe: lm du i
Eg: A number of measures were taken to alleviate the problem of drought.
15. stresses and strains [expression]: difficulties and problems : s cng thng
Eg: You will learn to cope with the stresses and strains of public life.
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16. deliberately [adverb]: done in a way that was planned : mt cch c
Eg: She has been deliberately ignoring him all day.
17. excessive [adjective]: greater than what seems reasonable or appropriate: qu
Eg: They complained about the excessive noise coming from the flat above.
18. invariably [adverb]: always (in a negative way): lun lun
Eg: It invariably rains these days, which is really frustrating.
19. adverse [adjective]: negative or unpleasant: tiu c
Eg: Lack of money will have an adverse effect on our research program.
20. expose [verb]: to put sb/sth in a situation where they are not protected from something
harmful or unpleasant
Eg: Small babies should not be exposed to strong sunlight it will harm them.
21. (to) diminish [verb]: make sth weaker, smaller: lm gim
Eg: I dont want to diminish the importance of their contribution.
22. hazard [noun]: a thing that can be dangerous or cause damage : s nguy him
Eg: Everybody is aware of the hazards of smoking.
23. Exposure [noun]: the state of being in a place or situation where there is no protection from
sth unpleasant or harmful: s hng chu
Eg: Exposure to too much sunlight is not good for our health.
24. hearing-impaired [adjective]: having problems or implications of hearing : thnh gic b suy
gim
Eg: Hearing-impaired people can have special audio devices on their TVs and computers
15. Describe an experience that you are waiting for something

You should say:
What you waited for
When and how long you waited for that thing
And explain why you waited for that thing
Waiting is an inevitable aspect of everyones life. We all have to be patient enough to get the thing
that we want. To some people, waiting is an awful experience, but to my mind, waiting is the
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perfect way to train our patience. One of my most vivid experiences of waiting was when I was
expecting the arrival of my universityentrance examination scores. To be honest, I would say that
this experience was stressful and somehow a bit scary because my scores were the determinant
factor of which university I would attend in the next 4 years. I felt stressed because Ihad put all of
my effort into these final examinations before being able to graduate from high school. Moreover,
to me, it was a reflection on my 12 years of going to school, and my parents expectationsof me. So
I had to excel at themto not let them as well as myself down. I had waited for about a month before
my scores were confirmed . It was quite a scary experience when days passed without receiving the
results. During that time, the only thing on my mind was the scores. I thought I would feel stress-
free when the exams were over but it seemed the opposite. Waiting for the scores was even worse
than sitting an exam. However, Ive learned from that experience that waiting is an essential part of
everyones life, and there is nothing we can do about it except for being patient. I was finally aware
of my scores after a month of waiting patiently, and they were good scores, they were not the
highest ones, but just enough for me to get into the university I always dreamed of.
Vocabulary:
16. Inevitable (ADJ): (khng th trnh khi) certain to happen and unable to avoid.
Eg: Its inevitable that doctors will make an occational mistake
17. Patient (ADJ): (kin nhn) able to wait calmly
Eg: Louise was very patient with me
18. Awful (ADJ): (kinh khng, ng s) very bad or unpleasant.
Eg: the weather was awful
19. Stressful (ADJ): (cng thng) a situation that makes you worry a lot
Eg: Moving to a new house is a very stressful experience.
20. Somehow (ADJ): (bng cch no ) in some way
Eg: Dont worry, well get the money back somehow
21. Determinant (N): (xc nh, phng thc) something that strongly influences what you do
or how you behave.
Eg: Social class is mahor determinant of consumer spending pattern.
22. Reflection (N): (s phn chiu) something that shows what something else is like
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Eg: His speech was a reflection of the public mood.
23. Expectations (N): (s k vng) what you think or hope will happen
Eg: She could never measure up to her mother's expectations.
24. Excel (V): (gii mt lnh vc no ) to do something very well
Eg: Rick has always excelled at foreign languages.
25. Let someone down [idiom]: (lm ai tht vng) to make someone feel disappointed
Eg: Please dont let me down, I know you can do it.
26. To sit an exam [expression]: (tham gia mt cuc thi) to take an exam
Eg: I have to sit a math exam tomorrow morning.
27. Except for [conjunction]: (ngoi tr) to make an exception for something
Eg: She felt fine except for being a little tired.
28. Be aware of [expression]: (bit) realize something
Eg: The children are aware of the danger of taking drugs.
Part 3
1. What are the things that people wait for everyday?
Day in day out, people have to wait for many things. The moment they step out of their home to
commute to work, they are made to wait for a bus, or hindered by the traffic lights and congestion.
When ordering something, they have to stand in a queue, sometimes for hours on end. Waiting
stems from little things in life and we all have to put up with it sometimes. For example, a high-
school student is anxious while waiting for her exam results, a mother longs for a reply from her
far-away son, a businessman is indignant at the delay to his flight, etc. I think waiting sometimes
gives us a sense of achievement, because it tests our patience, but it can also be a nuisance in our
life.
2. Are Vietnamese people accustomed to waiting?

Based on personal experience, I think the answer is no. Life in Vietnam is increasingly turbulent,
which necessitates efficiency and adaptability. Vietnamese people, particularly those living in
hectic cities, seem to be always on the move and very reluctant to wait for anything. Drivers readily
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jump the lights only to gain a few seconds, without concern for themselves or others. Queuing
frequently discomforts people, therefore some even go to great lengths to jump the queue .
3. Are people more patient than they used to be?

Well, I think they are less patient. As I have said, the frantic pace of life incessantly burdens us
with work and responsibility, so these days we seem more impatient with things. It is strange that
many youngsters can surf the Internet for hours on end, but feel exhausted when waiting for their
mother for merely 5 minutes. Most people are easily infuriated about any delay and want to perform
multi-tasking. Only a few can remain calm and unhurried to enjoy the wonders of life.
4. Have people become more impatient because of the conveniences of modern life?
Yes, I think they do lose patience more than they used to. It seems that the unprecedented advances
of the 21st century have made our life more leisurely and convenient but, in fact, people are
becoming busier. Time is too precious to be wasted. Whenever faced with challenging questions
and problems, many people usually resort to the Internet to save time, instead of thinking of
solutions by themselves. Alluring as they may be, technological devices and modern equipment are
actually eating away at our patience and self-reliance appreciably.
VOCABULARY:
1. day in, day out [expression]: everyday, when something is tedious: ngy qua ngy
Eg: Da y i n da y out , I have t o do the same bori ng j ob.
2. (to) hinder [verb]: to make it difficult for sb to do sth : cn tr

Eg: Some teachers feel hindered by a lack of resources.
3. congestion [noun]: the state of being crowded and full of traffic : s tc nghn giao thng
Eg: Congestion and pollution are Ho Chi Minh Citys biggest problems.
4. (to) put up with [phrasal verb]: to accept somebody or something that is unpleasant, without
complaining
Eg: We have to put up with our noisy neighbours, because we dont want to move to another flat.
5. indignant [adjective]: at/about sth: feeling or showing anger : tc ti, phn n
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Eg: Lan was very indignant at the rude way she was treated yesterday.
6. nuisance [noun]: a situation that is annoying or causes troubles or problems : s phin phc
Eg: Its a nuisance to be stuck in a traffic jam for hours on end.
7. turbulent [adjective]: in which there is a lot of sudden change : x b, nhiu bin chuyn
Eg: He experienced a short and turbulent career in politics.
8. (to) necessitate [verb]: to make sth necessary: lm cho cn thit
Eg: Recent scandals have necessitated changes in our policies.
9. adaptability [noun]: the state of being able to change with new situations: tnh thch
nghi
Eg: Minhs employer said that adaptability is essential in his job in order to deal with new
and unexpected challenges.
10. reluctant [adjective]: hesitating before doing sth because you do not want to do it: do d,
chn ch
Eg: She was reluctant to admit that she was wrong, but she finally apologised.
11. jump the lights [expression]: run through the traffic lights when they are still red : vt n
Eg: Last week, Tuan was fined for jumping the traffic lights and almost causing an accident.
12. (to) discomfort [verb]:to make sb feel anxious and uneasy: gy bt tin
Eg: The presence of my boss during my presentation discomforted me and everyone could see that I
was really nervous.
13. go to great lengths [expression]: + to do sth: to put lot of effort to do sth (usually in a
negative way): lm vi bt c gi no
Eg: This famous singer goes to great lengths to keep her life private.
14. jump the queue [expression]: to take the place ahead of other people in front of you in a
queue
Eg: When the bus arrived, he tried to jump the queue, but an old lady in front of him used her
umbrella to hit him !
15. frantic [adjective]: done quickly and with a lot of activity, but not well organised :
cung lon
Eg: Frant i c preparati ons were m ade for the sudden arrival of t he Queen.
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16. incessantly [adverb]: never stopping : lin tc
Eg: Phuong talked incessantly during the journey, which really annoyed me.
17. for hours on end [expression]: for many hours .
Eg: She waited for hours on end to receive treatment at the hospital.
18. infuriated [adjective]: be extremely angry : at sth: : cc k tc gin
Eg: The police were infuriated at the murderers silence.
19. multi-tasking [noun]: the ability to do several things at the same time : lm nhiu vic cng
mt lc
Eg: Multi-tasking is necessary in this job you often have to deal with visitors and take phone calls
at the same time.
20. unhurried [adjective]: relaxed and not rushing for time: thong th, ung dung
Eg: Sometimes I admire the unhurried lifestyle of Buddhist monks.
21. (to) lose patience [expression]: to become impatient
Eg: You must do your homework or your teacher will lose patience with you.
22. unprecedented [adjective]: that has never happended: cha tng c
Eg: This current rate of global warming is unprecented in history.
23. (to) be faced with [expression]: to have to confront and deal with a difficult situation
Eg: We were faced with a difficult choice, to buy or to rent the house.
24. (to) resort to [verb]: to make use of sth, when there is no other solution : nh cy n
(usually in a negative way)
Eg: They felt an urge to resort to violence when peaceful protest failed.
25. alluring [adjective]: attractive and exciting in a mysterious way
Eg: The smile of the face of the Mona Lisa is often described as alluring.
26. (to) eat away at [phrasal verb]: to reduce or destroy something slowly
Eg: Her failure in the exam has eaten away at her confidence.
27. self-reliance [noun]: the ability to do or decide things by yourself: s t lc cnh sinh
Eg: Self-reliance is often a special trait of rural people.
28. Appreciably [adverb]: considerably : ng k
Eg: The risk of infection is appreciably higher among children.
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16. Describe an experience of good service in a shop or a restaurant.
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 restaurants 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 couldnt 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
time with my family really made my day, not to mention not having to pay through the nose for the
experience.
Vocabulary
Reputable (c danh ting) [adj]: generally considered to be honest, reliable, and famous
Example: Harvard is one of the most reputable universities in the world.
Cozy (m cng) [adj]: warm and comfortable, and making you feel relaxed
Example: A cozy home is the greatest comfort after a hard working day.
Courteousness (s lch s, ga-lng) [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.
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To allocate somebody something (phn cho ai ci g, vic g) [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 personaltutor so that they can seek help with their studies.
Attentive (chm ch, chu o) [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.
A lavish amount of something (mt lng rt ln, rt nhiu ci g) [phrase]: a huge amount
of something
Example: We ordered a lavish amount of food to serve a party of 20 people.
Succulent (mng v ngon) [adj]: full of juice and tastes good
Example: The hamburger was so succulent. It was juicy and absolutely delicious.
Delectable (ngon lnh) [adj]: very pleasant, especially to eat or drink
Example: My mom is a talented cook; her dishes are always delectable.
To make ones day (lm nn mt ngy vui v/ng nh ca ai ) [expression]: To ensure
the pleasure and distinction of one's whole day
Example: Being gifted with flowers on Womens Day really makes a girls day.
To pay through the nose for something (tr rt nhiu tin cho ci g) [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?
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?
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When receiving substandard service, what customers should do is not to put up with it, but to
immediately complain to the stores workers or managers. These people will have the ability to
address the problem efficiently, either by upgrading the items 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 restaurants 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 ones mind when choosing a place to eat.
VOCABULARY:
1. hospitality [noun]: friendly and generous behavior toward guests, clients: s nim n
Eg: As part of the hospit alit y at t he conference cent re, del egat es were provi ded
wi th free coffee and biscuit s.
2. employee [noun]: a person who is paid to work for sb : nhn vin
Eg: This firm has over 500 employees.
3. (to) cater for [verb]: to provide the things that a particular person a situation needs or wants
: phc v, chm sc cho
Eg: The class caters for all ability ranges, so all students will benefit.
4. attentiveness [noun]: the state of being helpful, making sure people have what they need : s
tn tm chm sc
Eg: The hotel is famous for its staffs friendliness and attentiveness.
5. courtesy [noun]: polite behavior that shows respect for others : ..
Eg: Her rude behavior showed a total lack of courtesy for her guests.
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6. unexpected [adjective]: surprising, not expected : khng lng trc, bt ng
Eg: The Presidents resignation was entirely unexpected and even his staff new nothing about his
intentions.
7. tactfully [adverb]: in a careful way not to say or do sth that will upset or annoy
others: mt cch lch thip, thn trng
Eg: Minh tactfully handled the problem at the party yesterday and everyone enjoyed
themselves.
8. virtually [adverb]: almost or very nearly: gn nh
Eg: Virtually all the students will be exempt from the tax, and only a few of them will
have to pay.
9. substandard [adjective]: not as good as normal, not acceptable: di tiu chun
Eg: Substandard goods should be returned immediately to the shop where you bought them.
10. (to) put up with [phrasal verb]: to experience and deal with sth that is painful or unpleasant,
without complaining : chu ng
Eg: The teacher told the class that she would not put up with their bad behaviour.
11. (to) address [verb]: to deal with a problem or situation: gii quyt
Eg: Ho Chi Minh City must address its traffic problems and find solutions.
12. (to) upgrade [verb]: to make sth more powerful, efficient, better, etc: nng cp
Eg: At the airport, the airline staff upgraded my ticket to first class.
13. (to) compensate [verb]: to pay money to sb, because they have suffered some injury, loss
or inconvenience
Eg: The com pan y com pensat ed it s custom ers who ret urned the fault y TV set s.
1 4 .(to) infringe on/ upon sth [verb]: to limit sbs legal rights : xm phm quyn li ca ai
Eg: She refused to answer questions that infringed on her private life.
15. (to) acknowledge [verb]: to accept that sth is true: nhn thc c
Eg: Linh has finally acknowledged the truth about her background.
16.adjustment [noun]: a small change to make sth better : s iu chnh
Eg: Some adjustments to improve the plan may be necessary.
17. satisfying [adjective]: giving pleasure because it provides you sth you need or want : lm hi
lng
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Eg: Last Sunday, our family was greeted with a satisfying meal.
18. (to) take sth into account [verb]: to consider sth: quan tm ti
Eg: We take adaptability into account when hiring employees.
19. ill-mannered [adjective]: not behaving well or politely in social situations:
Eg: This ill-mannered boy must receive a more proper education.
20. (to) tolerate [verb]: to accept sth or sb that is annoying or unpleasant
Eg: I will not tolerate students using their mobile phones in the class.
21. negligence [noun]: the failure to give sb/sth enough care or attention: s l ng, th
Eg: The accident was caused by negligence on the part of the driver.
22. disrespect [noun]: a lack of respect for sb/sth : s thiu tn trng
Eg: We must not disrespect the law if we want to live in a safe society.
23. reasonable [adjective]: (of prices) not too expensive, affordable: phi chng
Eg: Our store always sells good quality food at reasonable prices.
24. picturesque [adjective]: pretty ( of a place, building, scene, etc.) : p nh tranh
Eg: We are looking for a picturesque village to go for a picnic this week.
25. congenial [adjective]: pleasant, in a way that makes you feel comfortable (thn thin)
Eg: Everyone in the office is friendly and I enjoy the congenial atmosphere.
17. Describe a family member who has an important influence on you

You should say
Who the person is
How long you have known him /her
What qualities this person has
and explain why this person has had such an influence on you.
Well, in my life, there are several family members who have made unmatched contributions to help
me go ahead, and among them my fathers impact is the most meaningful. He is the person whom I
love most in this world and I consider him to be a perfect father and role model with his honesty,
bravery, resourcefulness and responsibility.
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Together with my mother, he is the very person who brought me into this wonderful world. From
my childhood, he has raised me with his great care, affection and mentorship. He has taught me
moral lessons about the world, people and values. Despite having a busy schedule, he has always
given motivational support to me on my education and has dedicated his life to his family.
My father is an exemplary person who has led an honest life. As a high ranking government officer,
he had many chances to pile up personal riches but he has always known the right things to do and
never broke the rules. The basic notion of humanity and the importance of education were values he
delivered to me. He is now a retired person and leads his serene and peaceful like with contentment
and happiness. Whenever I have to confront difficulties, he always stands by me and encourages me
not to give up.
As a father, I would say he has done everything possible to raise me and my sister. He has spent his
entire life catering for our demands and looking after our interests while he went through much
hardship. His immense love and great sacrifice is an incentive for me to study and work harder.
VOCABULARY:
2. unmatched [adjective]: better than all others : khng th snh bng
Eg: He had a t al ent unm at ched b y an y ot her polit i ci an in t hi s count ry.
3. bravery [noun]: the will to do things that are dangerous, difficult or painful : lng
dng cm
Eg: His bravery in rescuing the survivors from the crash was reported on the news.
4. resourcefulness [noun]: the ability to be good at finding ways of doing things and solving
problems : s tho vt
Eg: Resourcefulness is an essential quality for a good employee.
5. affection [noun]: the feeling of liking or loving sth/sb very much : tnh yu thng
Eg: Children nowadays need a lot of attention and affection.
6. motivational [adjective]: making sb want to do sth : c tnh khch l
Eg: Her motivational support gave him strength to pass the difficult exam.
7. (to) dedicate [verb]: to give a lot of your time and effort to sth because you think it is
important : tn ty vi
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Eg: He has dedicated all his life to helping poor people.
8. exemplary [adjective]: providing a good example for sb to copy : gng mu
Eg: Minh is the most exemplary student in our class this semester.
9. contentment [noun]: a feeling of happiness and satisfaction: s tha mn
Eg: She looked back on her teaching career with contentment when she thought of all the
students that she had helped.
10. (to) confront sth [verb]: to deal with a problem or difficult situation: i mt
Eg: She knew that she had to confront her fear of heights and climb the ladder.
11. hardship [noun]: a situation that is difficult and unpleasant : s cc kh
Eg: People had to suffer many hardships to overcome that winter.
12. sacrifice [noun]: the fact of giving up sth important or valuable to you to get or to give it to
sb else : s hi sinh
Eg: His parents made sacrifices so that he could have a good education.
13. incentive [noun]: sth that encourages you to do sth : s khch l, c v
Eg: There is no incentive to continue doing this project our design will never be approved.
Part 3:
1. Who are more important to you, friends or family?
Well, definitely my family. You can have many friends but your family members are irreplaceable.
Friends can come and go at different stages of your life like secondary school, high school,
university but it is your family who never abandon you no matter what happens.
2. Have you ever traveled with your family?

Yes, I have a lot. We frequently visit different provinces in my country in the summer. Last year,
we had a whale of time in Nha Trang and Da Lat. While I enjoyed the sunny beaches with breath-
taking views in Nha Trang, my sister and my mom were charmed by Da Lats weather and food.
3. What kinds of family activities are popular in Vietnam?

Well, there are numerous family activities in our country, but they often take place on special
occasions. For example, on the Tet holiday, all the family members will gather around and then
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children will wish longevity for their grandparents. Conventionally, the old will also give their
children some lucky money.
4. How to get along well with family members?

Clearly, there are some differences in terms of interests, dispositions, and perspectives between
family members. Therefore, to preserve the familys harmony, each member should respect,
sympathize and sometimes sacrifice for others. What they should do is to focus on the good sides
instead of the drawbacks of their loved ones.
5. What do you usually do with your family during national holidays and festivals?
Well, we usually go to special places like supermarkets or restaurants to enjoy precious family time
on days-off. Or we can also hold some parties and invite our relatives to come to our house.
Sometimes my mom and I try out novel food recipes from the Internet for special family meals.
6. In Vietnam today, what is the structure of the typical family?

In the past, it was quite common to see many generations living together. However, nowadays, as
life is becoming increasingly modernized, especially in hectic cities, only parents and children live
together.
7. What are the advantages and disadvantages of big families as opposed to small ones?
Well, in big families, there are definitely more connections and interactions between family
members. Besides, grandparents could also teach valuable lessons and essential manners to their
children. However, the difference in age amongst family members could hinder understanding..
8. What are some pros and cons of three generations living together?
In terms of the advantages, we can see that the appearance of more family members will ease the
burden of raising kids. However, there exists some generation gaps when three generations are
living together, which sometimes increases the tension between family members.
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9. Whose responsibility do you think it should be to (financially) look after old people- the
governments responsibility or the familys?
Personally, I think it should be the familys responsibility. Unless in cases when the children are too
poor to cater for their parents, others have a moral responsibility to take care of their father and
mother. Those who intentionally ignore their parents well-being deserve extreme criticism.
10. How much do you think people should be responsible for the welfare of their parents?
Well, they should be responsible thoroughly. It is the parents who give them life and raise them
with unconditional love, so they should receive the same amount of love from their kids
11. Do you think familys relationships are important?

Yes, they are the most meaningful relationships in ones life. Without motherhood or brotherhood,
one will find themself extremely lonely and clueless. Everybody should treasure these relationships
and never harm them.
VOCABULARY:
1. irreplaceable [adj]: cannot be replaced: khng th thay th c
Eg: Her position in his heart is irreplaceable.
2. (to) abandon [v]: to leave sb, especially sb you are responsible for : ri b
Eg: The baby had been abandoned by its heartless mother.
3. have a whale of time [expression]: have great fun : c mt khong thi gian vui v
Eg: We were pleased to hear that he had a whale of time in Paris.
4. breath-taking [adj]: beautiful in an impressive way : p khng tng
Eg: The beach is famous for its breath-taking views.
5. (to) charm [v]: to please or attract sb in order to make them like you or do what you want:
quyn r
Eg: Minh was charmed by her beauty and wit.
6. longevity [n]: long life, the fact of lasting a long life : s trng th
Eg: We wish you both good health and longevity.
7. conventionally[adv]: in a traditional way: mt cch truyn thng
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Eg: Ao dai is conventionally dressed on the Tet holiday.
8. disposition [n]: the natural qualities of a persons character: tnh kh
Eg: Nhi is loved for her cheerful disposition.
9. harmony [n]: a state of peaceful existence and agreement: s ha thun
Eg: I wish my family to live together in perfect harmony.
10. (to) sympathize[v]: to show that you understand and feel sorry about sbs problem : thng
cm
Eg: I find it very hard to sympathize with him.
11. precious[adj]: valuable or important and not to be wasted: qu gi
Eg: Clean water is a precious commodity in the world.
12. novel [adj]: new, untried before: mi l
Eg: Novel things always bring me a sense of pleasure.
13. (to) modernize [v]: to make sth more modern and more suitable for use at the present time:
hin i ha
Eg: The factory is investing more money to modernize its facilities.
14. hectic [adj]: very busy, full of activity : si ng
Eg: Ho Chi Minh is a very hectic city.
15. valuable [adj]: very useful or important: c gi tr
Eg: The book provides valuable information on recent trends.
16. (to) hinder [v]: to make it difficult for sb to do sth or sth to happen: cn tr
Eg: There is a political situation that hinders economic growth.
17. burden [n]: a duty that causes worry, difficulty or hard work : gnh nng
Eg: I dont want to become a burden to my family when Im old.
18. tension [n]: a situation when people do not trust each other, or feel unfriendly towards each
other : s cng thng
Eg: There is mounting tension in the company.
19. moral [adj]: concerned with principles of right and wrong behavior: thuc v o c
Eg: Proper punishment by parents will teach children moral lessons.
20. criticism [n]: the act of expressing disapproval of sb/sth: s ch trch
Eg: The plan has attracted criticism from the consumer group.
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21. thoroughly[adv]: completely and with great attention to detail: mt cch hon ton
Eg: The work had been done very thoroughly.
22. unconditional [adj]: without any conditions or limits : v iu kin
Eg: Every mother gives her children unconditional love.
23. meaningful[adj]: serious and important: c ngha
Eg: Visiting Ha Noi is a meaningful experience for me.
24. (to) treasure [v]: to have or keep sth that you love and that is extremely valuable to you :
trn qu
Eg: I always treasure his loyal friendship.
18. Describe a book you want to read again

You should say
what the book is about
when you read it
how long you read it for
and explain why you want to read it again
Actually, Im not a bookworm but sometimes, I still seek comfort in reading books, especially
fiction books. Theres a book of this type that I read when I was a child and I read it over and over
again. It has many wonders in it and always makes me absorbed in its interesting content.
The book is called Diary of a cricket, written by To Hoai. It is a short novel, initially written for
children. However, I believe this book is suitable for all other ages thanks to the storytelling ability
of To Hoai. The book describes the adventure of a cricket through the world of animals and people,
of the good and bad, war and peace, ideals and life purpose in colorful yet insightful perspectives.
The cricket experienced countless setbacks and challenges but overcame them to eventually become
a force of good. In general, the main character has his own charismatic power. His adventure story
is so magical and enchanting that every page I turned tempted me to read further. The first time I
read this book, I found it extremely hard to put it down.
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It is such a great book that has been translated into more than 100 languages. In my opinion, it is a
good source of bilingual books for Vietnamese children. Parents who grew up with this story will
love to enjoy it again with their children. I believe that in the company of this book, a child, even a
hyperactive one, is never going to feel bored or restless.
Vocabulary
1. Bookworm [noun] a person who reads a lot (mt sch)

Eg: The girl who would rather stay inside and read than go out and play is an example of a
bookworm.
2. Absorbed in sth [adjective] very interested in something and not paying attention to
anything else (say m, chm ch)
Eg: Simon was so absorbed in his book that he didn't even notice me come in.
3. Storytelling [noun] the art of telling stories (ngh thut k chuyn)
Eg: The feasting and storytelling was over, and the crew turned in for the night.
4. Insightful [adjective] having or showing a clear, deep, and sometimes sudden understanding
of a complicated problem or situation (su sc)
Eg: Her analysis of the problem was very insightful and everything became clear to me.
5. Setback [noun] a difficulty or problem that delays something or makes a situation worse
(kh khn)
Eg: The team suffered a setback when their best player was injured.
6. Charismatic [adjective] having a personal quality to attract and impress other people (cun
ht)
Eg: He is a very charismatic leader who is very popular in his country.
7. Enchanting [adjective] very pleasant (lm say m)
Eg: It's described in the guide book as "an enchanting medieval city".
8. Company [noun] the fact of being with a person or people, or the person or people you are
with (s i cng, h tr)
Eg: Margot came to stay for a week as company for my mother while I was away.
9. Hyperactive [adjective] Someone who is hyperactive has more energy than is normal, gets
excited easily, and cannot stay still or think about work (hiu ng)
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Eg: Hyperactive children often have poor concentration and require very little sleep.
10. Restless [adjective] unable to stay still or be happy where you are, because you are bored or
need a change (thao thc, khng yn)
Eg: After 3 years in his boring job, he was feeling restless and unhappy.
Part 3
1. Who likes to read more often, young people or old people?
I think it doesnt matter; age, that is. No matter how old or young one is, if people are real book
lovers, they will manage to find themselves some free time to read books. Ive known young people
who are real bookworms, who have read maybe hundreds of books a year, and older ones who just
prefer watching TV or taking care of their garden. So I think its hard to tell who reads more
between youngsters and old people.
2. Who have some young people come to dislike reading books over recent years?
Well I guess its because of the appearance of modern technology, especially smartphones and
tablets with tons of interesting applications in their Play Store or App Store. These applications are
fun and addictive, and may be more appealing than books to some young people. Another reason is
that some youngsters with a short attention span tend to be attracted to films rather than books,
which consist of mere words and hardly any pictures.
3. Are there many libraries in Vietnam?
I dont think there are many libraries in Vietnam. Maybe theres one small library in most schools
and universities, but therere not many large libraries for dwellers of a city. For example, in my
hometown, theres only one small and really old provincial library, and therere not many books in
there. Whats more is that in some parts of Vietnam, especially poor villages in the middle of
Vietnam, libraries can even be regarded as the exception rather than the norm.
What kinds of books should children read?
I think children wouldnt find novels full of words attractive, so they should read picture books
first. They can get used to words through the illustrations, and gradually they might become
interested enough to read books which contain only words. Another option is comics, especially
Japanese comics. They are called mangas, and parents can buy some for their children to read.
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Some mangas are really good; they often try to deliver the message of friendship and love between
family members, which can definitely create a positive impact on a childs personality and
viewpoint.
Vocabulary:
Bookworm [noun] (mt sch) A person who loves reading
e.g. Jane always has her nose in a book shes a real bookworm.
Appealing [adjective] (hp dn) Attractive or interesting
e.g. Village life is somehow more appealing to people these days as an escape from the noise and
crowds of big cities.
Attention span [noun] (khong tp trung) The length of time that one can listen to or watch
something or somebody carefully and with interest
e.g. Before I learned to concentrate hard on my studies, I used to have a short attention span.
Mere [adjective] (ch) Used to emphasize how small or insignificant someone or something
is
e.g. The city is a mere 20 minutes from some stunning countryside.
Dweller [noun] (c dn) A person or animal that lives in or at a specified place
e.g. The majority of urban dwellers live in small apartments.
Illustration [noun] (tranh minh ho) A picture illustrating a book, newspaper, etc.
e.g. His magazine illustrations and the drawings he made for his paintings have much in common.
19. Describe a decision made by others that you disagreed with

You should say
When it was
What it was
Why you disagreed with the decision
And explain how you persuaded them
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Today, Im going to tell you about a time when I went against a decision made by my family
members. This happened after I had received my university entrance exam results last year in July. I
was supposed to apply for an instution for my tertiary education and as you can probably guess, I
had a big row with my parents about choosing one.
Initially, I specialised in a foreign language, English to be specific, during my time in high school.
While I was persistent in becoming an English teacher, my parents thought that a change of focus
would do me good. They insisted that I should try my hand at economics for a change, saying Id be
able to interact with people from all walks of life and enlarge my circle of friends.
Though I agreed that attending a university course in economics could help enlarge my social
network as well as provide me with very marketable qualifications to embark on a well-paid career,
concentrating on what I was passionate about was a bigger priority for me. My parents and I had a
heart-to-heart talk in the course of which I persuaded them that a teaching career was what I had set
my mind on and wanted to pursue. The conflict culminated in my parents giving in and letting me
decide for myself, given my predilection for languages and the fact that I have been majoring in
English for quite some time now. I successfully applied to an esteemed language university and am
now following my lifetime dream.
Vocabulary
1. To go against something (phn i iu g) [phrase]: to object, disagree
Example: My mother went strongly against my decision to have a tattoo.
2. To have a big row with somebody (ci c, tranh lun vi ai) [phrase]: to argue, quarrel with
somebody
Example: She had a big row with her boyfriend over another woman.
3. To do somebody good (c li cho ai) [expression]: to benefit somebody
Example: Exercising on a regular basis will undoubtedly do us good.
4. To try ones hand at something (th lm iu g ) [expression]: to try, to give something a
try
Example: I wanted to try my hand at knitting as I love hand crafting activities.
5. To enlarge ones circle of friends (m rng cc mi quan h bn b) [expression]: to make
more friends, to create more social connections
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Example: A good way to enlarge our circle of friends is to join clubs.
6. Marketable (c th qung co, qung b c) [adjective] attractive to employers or
customers
Example: Science graduates generally have more marketable qualifications than graduates in the
arts.
7. Embark on (bt u mt iu g kh khn/mi m) [phrasal verb] to start something new or
difficult
Example: Before embarking on this new business, make sure that you have enough money in the
bank.
8. A heart-to-heart talk (mt cuc ni chuyn, tm s chn tht) [expression]: a sincere and
honest talk, usually between close friends or family members
Example: I had a heart-to-heart talk with my parents about choosing my future career.
9. To set ones mind on something (t iu g lm mc tiu, quyt tm lm g) [phrase]: to
set something as a goal, to be determined to have or achieve something
Example: I have set my mind on becoming an doctor. Im determined to attend medicine school.
10. To pursue something (theo ui) [verb]: to chase, to try to achieve something
Example: Only when one is highly motivated and persistent can they pursue their goal till the end.
11. To culminate in something (kt thc trong iu g) [phrase]: to happen or exist as
the final result of a process or situation
Example: The negotiation of the two parties culminated in failure.
12. To give in (b cuc) [phrasal verb]: to give up, to quit
Example: My parents only gave in when they realized how serious I was in becoming an actor.
13. A predilection for something (s yu thch i vi iu g ) [phrase]: a feeling that
you like something, especially something a little unusual
Example: She has a predilection for wearing clothes with bright colours, like orange or red.
PART 3
1. Whats the most important factor in decision-making?
Well undoubtedly, there are a number of potential factors affecting the process of decision-making.
However, I guess the most significant would be that while making choices, people had better keep
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an objective view on the problem. Like for instance, when we are in two minds about something,
taking that issue into consideration from as many aspects as possible might provide us with a well-
rounded perspective. Hence, the risk of arriving at the wrong decision is likely to be reduced.
2. Should parents make decisions for their children?

From my point of view, that would be more of a hindrance than a help. Children should have the
chance to make their own decisions and choose the best way to live their life. If parents take control
of their kids, they may not only be put under pressure but they also dont have an opportunity to
learn from failure. Instead, parents had better provide support and keep an eye on their children in
order to make sure that they are still on the right track.
3. What can people learn from wrong decision?

Well, as a matter of fact, nobody is perfect and it is inevitable that people may encounter hardships
as a result of wrong decision-making before gaining success in life. Learning from past experience
is an effective way to minimize the risk of repeating the same mistakes.
Therefore, a poor decision not only teaches us the lesson of failure but it also gives us the courage
to pick ourselves up and keep moving forward in order to reach our long-term goals.
4. Do you like to make quick decisions?

To be honest, even though the ability to decide quickly is an essential life skill, Im not so keen on
making impulsive choices. Instead, I would rather weigh up the pros and cons of the issue before
arriving at the conclusion, especially when it comes to a life decision. Making choices on the spur
of the moment stands a chance of causing serious consequences which can have long-lasting
impacts on ourselves and make us regret them for the rest our lives.
5. Do you think adults always make better decisions than children?

Well, there is no doubt that adults have more experience than children as they live longer but it is
not the case that they are able to make right choices all the time. Undoubtedly, grown-ups have a
tendency to complicate the matter and hence sometimes screw up the situation. On the other hand,
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children tend to be more carefree and have simpler mindsets, which allow them to approach the
issue directly.
Vocabulary:
1. Keep an objective view: [expression] have a general perspective, consider the issue from
many aspects / c ci nhn khch quan
Example: In working places, employers should keep an objective view of every situation before
making decision.
2. Be in two minds about: [expression] to be unable to decide about something / phn vn,
cha quyt nh c
Example: I was in two minds whether or not to come this morning.
3. Take something into consideration: [expression] to think about a particular fact or detail
and allow it to have some influence when you are making a decision / cn nhc k vn
Example: The candidates experience must be taken into consideration.
4. Well-rounded: [noun] fully or broadly developed/ ton din
Example: Employers had better have a well-rounded perspective in any situation.
5. To be more of a hindrance than a help: [expression] something intended to be a positive
force has the opposite effect / coi ci g l tr ngi ch khng phi ci g c ch
Example: Many people consider computers to be more of a hindrance than a help.
6. Take control of: [expression] to get the power and right to direct someone or something /
kim sot ci g
Example: Will you take control of the project?
7. Put someone under pressure: [expression] try to make someone do something by forcing,
threatening / gy p lc cho ai
Example: He is put under pressure by his parents.
8. Keep an eye on: [expression] keep under careful observation / trng coi, mt n ai
Example: Dealers are keeping an eye on the currency market.
9. On the right track: [expression] do something in a way that will bring good results / i ng
hng
Example: These results suggest that we are on the right track.
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10. Inevitable: [adjective] certain to happen, unavoidable / chc chn xy ra, khng th trnh
c
Example: The inevitable end of human life is death.
11. Encounter hardships: [expression] be in trouble / gp kh khn
Example: Studying abroad means that we have to prepare for encountering hardships at any time
and we have to deal with them ourselves.
12. Minimize the risk of: [expression] avoiding dangerous situation / lm gim nguy c
Example: Giving disadvantaged children a chance to go to school is an effective way to minimize
the risk of them committing crimes.
13. Pick somebody up: [phrasal verb] make somebody recover from a failure / gip ai vt qua
c tht bi
Example: Best friends will always stand by your side and they will pick you up whenever you
encounter hardships.
14. Keen on: [phrasal verb] to be enthusiastic about someone or something / thch, am m ci
g
Example: I'm not too keen on going to Denver.
15. Weigh up the pros and cons: [expression] consider both advantages and disadvantages of /
phn tch li ch v bt li
Example: My parents made me weigh up the pros and cons of studying abroad.
16. Arriving at the conclusion: [expression] come to final decision / i n kt lun, quyt nh
cui cng
Example: After considering the benefits and costs of the issue, he finally arrived at the conclusion.
17. When it comes to: [expression] used to identify the specific topic that is being
talked about / cp, nhc n ci g
Example: When it comes to playing chess, he's the best I know.
18. On the spur of the moment : [expression] used to say that a decision, action, is sudden and
done without any planning / trong lc bc ng
Example: We just jumped in a car on the spur of the moment and drove to the seaside.
19. Stand a chance of: [expression] to have the possibility of doing something / c c hi
Example: Do you think he stands a chance of beating Mark?
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20. Have long-lasting impacts on: [expression] affect or influence somebody/something for a
long period of time / c tc ng, nh hng lu di n ai
Example: Global warming has a long-lasting impacts on the Earths ecology and human life.
21. Grown-up: [noun] adult / ngi ln
Example: I don't like it when grown-ups get all serious.
22. Have a tendency to: [expression] tend to do something, be prone to / c xu hng lm g
Example: As good as nation-states are, they do have a tendency to wage war.
23. Screw up: [phrasal verb] completely mismanage or mishandle a situation / lm ri tung mi
th
Example: You really screwed up my brothers day by not being on time.
20. Describe a time you had good experience in the countryside

You should say
Where it was
When it was
What you did
And explain why you liked/disliked the experience
Although I live in a very hectic city, I also feel attached to the countryside. Life in the rural areas
always brings me a sense of tranquility. Last summer, I got away from the overcrowded city by
spending all the time with my grandparents in the country. This experience has been a great
memory for me to look back on with fondness.
Well, as you can imagine, country life is quite different from that of the city, and living in the
countryside is sometimes really challenging. While in my city apartment, all I have to do is just
some light housework like washing dishes or cleaning the bathroom, but in the countryside I have
to take care of the garden every day and even help out with farm work. My grandparents have
instructed me to do this because it will help to develop self-reliance. Although there are some
hardships involved, finishing these tasks brings me closer to nature and I have gradually become
more adaptable to changes. Besides, without the distraction of the Internet, I found myself more
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open to people around me and understand them better. I have come to realize that alienation
between humans nowadays is partly caused by the dominance of technology.
Despite getting back to my normal life in the city, I still find the time spent in the countryside very
memorable. I believe that thanks to the precious time spent in my grandparents country home, I
have become more mature and dependable.
VOCABULARY:
10. (be) attached to sth [adjective]: be deeply connected with/ linked with sth : gn b vi
Eg: Am ong t he three kids, Nhi is t he m ost att ached t o her mot her.
11. tranquility [noun]: the state of being quiet and peaceful : s thanh bnh
Eg: Minh loves the tranquility of his homeland, where he is able to relax.
12. overcrowded [adjective]: with too many people or things in it : ng c, cht chi
Eg: Too many people are living in overcrowded conditions in my city.
13. fondness [noun]: a feeling of affection for somebody or something: s yu thch cho ci
g/ai
Eg: After her retirement, our teacher will be remembered with great fondness by all her students.
14. challenging [adjective]: difficult in an interesting way that tests your ability: thch thc
Eg: Teaching is a challenging and rewarding career.
15. (to) instruct [verb]: to tell sb to do sth : hng dn
Eg: You will be instructed where to go as soon as the plane is ready.
16. self-reliance [noun]: the ability to decide or do things by yourself, rather than depending on
others for help : s t lc cnh sinh
Eg: Rural people develop their self-reliance from a very young age due to the lack of facilities
which might provide assistance.
17. adaptable [adjective]: be able to change when necessary in order to deal with
different situations : bit thch nghi
Eg: Employees in this company have to be competent and adaptable to tackle a variety of
jobs.
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18. distraction [noun]: a thing that takes your attention away from what you are doing or
thinking about: s xao nhng
Eg: I find it hard to work at home because there are many distractions.
19. alienation [noun]: the feeling of the lack of friendliness and sympathy: s tch bit
Eg: Many immigrants suffer from a sense of alienation when they first arrive.
20. dominance [noun]: the state of being more powerful, important or noticeable than other
things : s thng tr
Eg: The dominance of social media has resulted in numerous problems.
21. memorable [adjective]: worth remembering or easy to remember : ng nh
Eg: This is truly a memorable occasion, and I will always remember this day with pleasure.
22. mature [adjective]: behaving in a sensible way, like an adult : trng thnh
Eg: Jane is really mature for her age and I think that she is the most responsible student in our class.
Part 3:
1. Is experience important?
Definitely yes! It goes without saying that experience is the best teacher as it comes from our way
of living, understanding and the adjustments we make. I wholeheartedly believe that good judgment
comes from experimentation with life. That includes poor decisions and bad judgment to ensure
that good judgment might then be recognized by a person and will remain a permanent fixture in
their lives. Good or bad, experiences are what help us learn lessons and form a better sense of
judgment.
2. What can you learn from experienced people?

Well, it seems undeniable that learning from experts in the fields that we pursue is one of the fastest
ways towards a successful career. Experienced people are those who have been through many ups
and downs, therefore, they can give us advice so that we will not be in the same trouble as they
were. Especially when it comes to business, consulting an old hand might save us a great amount of
time.
3. How to gain more experience in life?
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To be honest, I suppose the best way to gain experience is to have no hesitation in trying new
things. Stepping out of our comfort zone and giving ourselves an opportunity to learn and make
mistakes provides us with the chance to hone our life skills. Like for instance, signing up for a
volunteer project is a good way to open up ourselves to the possibility of learning new skills and
meeting new people.
4. Do you like to talk to inexperienced or experienced people?

As a matter of fact, every person we meet in this world has something to teach us, no matter
whether he is an ordinary employee or a genius. Honestly, I am fairly into meeting new friends as
talking to people from different backgrounds and with different perspectives from mine is an
effective way of learning. Undoubtedly, there is a world of knowledge outside and no one will be
able gain it all through books or the internet. However, by talking to diverse people, we might
gradually learn from their experience as every conversation gives us the chance to understand
someone better, broaden our horizons and become wiser.
Vocabulary:
1. Adjustment: [noun] a small alteration or movement made to achieve a desired fit,
appearance, or result / s iu chnh
I've made a few adjustments to my diet.
2. Experimentation: [noun] the process of trying methods, activities, etc.
to discover what effect they have / s th nghim
Example: Extensive experimentation is needed before new drugs can be sold
3. .Fixture: [noun] a permanently fixed piece of furniture in a house, such as a bath, that would
not be taken by someone when moving to a new home.
Example: All fixtures and fittings are included in the house price.
4. Ups and downs: [expression] a mixture of good and bad things / nhng thng trm
Example: Like most married couples we've had our ups and downs, but life's like that.
5. Be in trouble: [expression] in danger, in difficulty, due for punishment / gp rc ri
Example: If you don't be quiet, you're going to be in trouble.
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6. Old hand: [noun] someone who is very experienced and skilled in
a particular area of activity / tay lo luyn, ngi gii c nhiu nm kinh nghim trong mt lnh vc
no
Example: We should be able to trust Silva to negotiate a good deal for us - he's
an old hand at the game.
7. Have no hesitation in: [expression] do something immediately as you believe it is the right
thing to do / khng chn ch trong vic g
Example: The board said it had no hesitation in unanimously rejecting the offer.
8. Step out of ones comfort zone: [expression] push someone out of the situation in which he
feels comfortable, and in which his ability is not tested / bc ra khi vng an ton ca bn thn
Example: The ability to take risks by stepping out of your comfort zone is the primary way by
which we grow.
9. Hone our life skills: [expression] sharpen skills / mi gia k nng
Example: She is honing her skills as an actress by working in her community theater.
10. Signing up for: [expression] to agree to become involved in an organized activity / gia
nhp, tham gia ci g
Example: She's signed up for evening classes at the communitycollege.
11. A world of knowledge: [expression] an uncountable amount of information / khi lng
kin thc khng l
Example: Interesting programs on TV can help young people draw inspiration and easily access a
world of knowledge.
12. Broaden our horizons: [expression]
to increase the range of things that someone knows about, has experienced, or is able to do / m
rng tm nhn
Example: This trip to the Far East has certainly broadened our family's horizons.
21. Describe an experience in which the use of a mobile phone was not allowed
You should say
When it is
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Why mobile phone is not allowed
Whether you followed the rules
And explain how you felt about the experience
Today Im going to describe an occasion when mobile phones were not allowed. It was when I took
the university entrance exam, about 4 years ago.
The university entrance exam is very crucial in Vietnam as it can determine our future path, so it is
always organized in the fairest way possible. During the two-day exam, students were not permitted
to keep their mobile phones with them, let alone use them. Otherwise, they would be disqualified
from the test. The purpose was to prevent cheating, as students can store notes in their phones or
text to ask for answers. This rule was clearly stated in prior written notifications as well as repeated
by examiners on the exam days. However, to my surprise, some students still paid little attention to
it, or they underestimated its importance as some still tried to break the rule. If the examiners had
not checked every student carefully, some students could have brought the phones with them.
Not having mobile phones apparently hit some students hard. They kept bothering others to ask for
answers. So, the examiners had to walk around to monitor and remind these students. Unlike them,
I was totally fine the rule didnt cause me any inconvenience because I had studied everything
carefully.
I think that this rule was indeed beneficial and should as it helped students concentrate on the tests
without being distracted by phones ringing or people calling out. More importantly, as its main aim,
it helped to keep the exam fair in order to assess students true ability.
VOCABULARY
1. crucial (adjective): extremely important, because it will affect other things (quan trng)
Eg: Parents play a crucial role in preparing their children for adult life.
2. determine (verb): decide in a definite direction (quyet dinh)
Eg: His performance in the interview will determine whether he gets the job.
3. path (noun): a plan of action or a way of achieving something (con ng)
Eg: Working hard is the most certain path to success.
4. fair (adjective): treating everyone equally and according to the rules or law (cng bng)
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Eg: It's not fair! He always gets more than me.
5. permit (verb): to allow somebody to do something or to allow something to happen (cho php)
Eg: Visitors are not permitted to take photographs.
6. let alone (idiom): used after a statement to emphasize that, because the first thing is not true or
possible, the next thing cannot be true or possible either (cha ni n)
Eg: There isn't enough room at the table for us, let alone any guests.
7. disqualify (verb): to prevent somebody from doing something because they have broken a rule or
are not suitable (loi khi)
Eg: He was disqualified from the competition for using drugs.
8. prevent (verb): to stop somebody from doing something; to stop something from happening
(ngn chn)
Eg: No one can prevent you from attending this meeting if you wish to go.
9. state (verb): to formally write or say something, especially in a careful and clear way (tuyn b,
ni r)
Eg: The facts are clearly stated in the report.
10. prior (adjective): happening or existing before something else or before a particular time (trc)
Eg: Please give us prior notice if you need an evening meal.
11. notification (noun): the act of giving or receiving official information about something (thng
bo)
Eg: You will receive a notification of our decision in the next week.
12. surprise (noun): a feeling caused by something happening suddenly or unexpectedly (s ngc
nhin)
Eg: To everyone's surprise, the plan succeeded.
13. underestimate (verb): to not realize how good, strong, determined, etc. somebody really is
(nh gi thp)
Eg: Never underestimate your opponent or you will lose.
14. break a rule (expression): not follow a rule (ph lut)
Eg: He was punished for breaking school rules.
15. hit (verb): to have a bad effect on somebody/something (gy nh hng xu)
Eg: His death didn't really hit me at first, but when I realised I broke down and cried.
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16. bother (verb): to interrupt somebody; to talk to or distract somebody when they do not want to
talk to you (lm phin)
Eg: Stop bothering me when I'm working.
17. monitor (verb): to watch and check something over a period of time in order to see how it
develops, so that you can make any necessary changes (gim st)
Eg: Each student's progress is closely monitored.
18. remind (verb): to help somebody remember something, especially something important that
they must do (nhc nh)
Eg: I called to remind him about the party.
19. inconvenience (noun): trouble or problems, especially concerning what you need or would like
yourself (s bt tin)
Eg: I chose a different route to avoid the inconvenience of going through the town centre.
20. beneficial (adjective): having a helpful or useful effect (c li)
Eg: Work experience is usually highly beneficial for students.
21. distract (verb): to take somebodys attention away from what they are trying to do (gy xao
nhng)
Eg: Don't talk to hershe's very easily distracted.
22. assess (verb): to make a judgement about the nature or quality of somebody/something (nh
gi)
Eg: Interviews allow you to assess the suitability of candidates.
Part 3
1. Do you like having a mobile phone?

Yes, of course. I dont think I could live without it. It enables me to keep in touch with my family
and friends even when they live far away. Its also a convenient device that can be used for a
variety of tasks, such as listening to music, watching movies, playing games, browsing, storing
notes, making video calls, and even setting an alarm sometimes to wake me up. It has become my
daily personal assistant.
2. Is it a good or a bad thing to have a mobile phone? Why?
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Well, its hard to say, because it depends on how we use it. The advantages are numerous, but today
you can see that many people overuse it and have become slaves of this gadget, which is a worrying
trend I think. When were preoccupied by mobile phones, we tend to forget the immediate
surroundings, and easily get distracted. So, excessive use of mobile phones can lead to adverse
effects on relationships, health and work or study.
3. Do old and young people use mobile phones in the same way?
Well, although we all use mobile phones for various purposes like communication, entertainment
and work or study, I believe there are some differences in the way different generations utilize
mobile phones. Old people do not overuse these gadgets to the same extent as young ones. They
dont always stare at their phone screen for hours on end like teenagers. Whats more, from what
Ive seen, old people mainly use phones for work like calling their colleagues or checking emails,
while young people use phones for entertainment and communication.
4. What can be done to avoid children becoming inattentive in class because of mobile phones?
Childrens span of attention is becoming shorter and shorter due to their constant exposure to
electronic devices, so its crucial that we take some actions to prevent this. One way is limit the
time children spend on things like phones, TV or laptops. More importantly, children should not be
allowed to use these devices while studying. Instead, they should be encouraged to take active roles
in classroom activities.
5. Do you think translation applications on mobiles will make learning another language
unnecessary?
Definitely not! If someone communicates with foreigners only depending on machine translation,
he or she will always have a problem of making complete sentences or conveying clear information.
And of course there are benefits of learning a second language, not just opening new mental
horizons but also actually improving the function of the brain.
6. What do you prefer, using maps or asking people for directions? Why?
I would rather use maps because Im quite a good map user and above all, I dont want to bother
others by asking them for directions. When I travelled to Danang, I asked a local for directions but I
just received lukewarm responses. So since then, I have always used maps instead. Beside paper
maps, today we have such applications as Google Map in our phone, so its more convenient and
reliable to use them.
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Vocabulary:
1. Enable somebody to do something [verb]: to make it possible for somebody to do something

(lm cho c th (lm g))
Eg: This new programme will enable older people to study at college.
2. Browse (something) [verb]: to look for or to look at information on a computer, especially on the
Internet or a specific website (lt web)
Eg: I spent the whole evening just browsing on the Internet.
3. Store something [verb]: to keep information or facts in a computer or in your brain (lu tr)
Eg: We are conducting research into how information is stored in the brain.
4. Assistant [noun]: a person who helps or supports somebody, usually in their job (ngi ph t)
Eg: The company is expanding and the manager has employed an assistant to help with the office
work.
5. Numerous [adjective]: existing in large numbers (nhiu)
Eg: He has been late on numerous occasions because of the frequent train delays.
6. Overuse something [verb]: to use something too much or too often (dng qu nhiu)
Eg: Good is a very overused word.
7. Slave [noun]: a person who is so strongly influenced by something that they cannot live without
it, or cannot make their own decisions (n l)
Eg: Sue's a slave to fashion, so she is always buying the latest designs.
8. Gadget [noun]: a small tool or device that does something useful (cng c, thit b)
Eg: We live in a world filled with high-tech gadgets, like cell phones or satellite navigation systems
in cars.
9. Worrying [adjective]: that makes you worry (gy lo lng)
Eg: The recent high unemployment statistics are very worrying.
10. Trend [noun]: a general direction in which a situation is changing or developing (xu hng)
Eg: The data indicates a trend towards earlier retirement.
11. Preoccupied (with something) [adjective] thinking and/or worrying continuously about
something so that you do not pay attention to other things (bn tm)
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Eg: We live in a world preoccupied by sport instead of more serious matters.
12. Immediate surroundings [expression] the things which are near us at any particular time (nhng
th ngay xung quanh ta mt thi im no )
Eg: The immediate surroundings of the house were pleasant a park and a play area for children.
13. Distracted (by somebody/something) [adjective]: unable to pay attention to
somebody/something because you are worried or thinking about something else (b xao nhng)
Eg: She seemed slightly distracted, as if something was worrying her.
14. Excessive [adjective]: greater than what seems reasonable or appropriate (qu mc)
Eg: They complained about the excessive noise coming from the upstairs flat.
15. Adverse [adjective]: negative and unpleasant; not likely to produce a good result (bt li, c
hi)
Eg: This drug is known to have adverse side effects.
16. Utilize something (as something) [verb]: to use something, especially for a practical purpose (s
dng)
Eg: Vitamin C helps the body utilize the iron present in your body.
17. To the same extent [expression]: as much as (cng mc , cng )
Eg: He doesnt train to the same extent as he used to.
18. Stare (at somebody/something) [verb]: to look at somebody/something for a long time (nhn
chm chm)
Eg: Peter stared in disbelief at the message on the screen.
19. For hours on end [expression]: for a very long time, without a break (lin lc trong mt khong
thi gian di)
Eg: She talks for hours on end to her online chatroom friends.
20. Span [noun]: the length of time that something lasts or is able to continue (khong thi gian t
lc bt u n lc kt thc)
Eg: Small children have a short attention span, and they soon lose concentration.
21. Constant [adjective]: that does not change (khng thay i)
Eg: There was constant noise that continued all day during the festival.
22. Exposure (to something) [noun]: the state of being in a place or situation where there is no
protection from something harmful or unpleasant (s phi by, tip xc)
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Eg: The report recommends people to avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight.
23. Crucial [adjective]: extremely important, because it will affect other things (quan trng, cn
thit)
Eg: Parents play a crucial role in preparing their child to face the problems of adult life.
24. Limit something (to something) [verb]: to stop something from increasing beyond a particular
amount or level (hn ch)
Eg: They introduced measures to limit carbon dioxide emissions from cars.
25. Encourage [verb]: to give somebody support, courage or hope (ng vin)
Eg: Good girl, youre doing fine, he encouraged her.
26. Active [adjective]: always busy doing things, especially physical activities (nng ng)
Eg: Although he's nearly 80, he is still a very active member of the gym.
27. Convey [verb]: to make ideas, feelings, etc. known to somebody (chuyn ti)
Eg: He tried to convey to the police how urgent the situation was.
28. Horizon [noun]: the limit of your desires, knowledge or interests (s hiu bit)
Eg: Her trips to Asia have broadened her cultural horizons.
29. Function [noun]: a special activity or purpose of a person or thing (chc nng)
Eg: The function of the heart is to pump blood through the body.
30. Local [noun]: a person who lives in a particular place or district (ngi a phng)
Eg: The locals here are very friendly and are happy to help strangers.
31. Lukewarm [adjective]: not interested or enthusiastic (thiu nhit tnh)
Eg: She was lukewarm about the plan.
32. Response [noun]: a spoken or written answer (s phn hi)
Eg: What was their response to the question?
33. Reliable [adjective]: that is likely to be correct or true (ng tin)
Eg: Our information comes from a reliable source.
22. Describe a kind of foreign food you have had
You should say

What it is
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Where you had it
How often you have it/ Which occasion you had it
And say if you liked the dish or not
Or
And explain why you wanted to try this dish
One of my favorite types of foreign foods is tteokbokki, or spicy sticky rice cake. This is a popular
Korean food made from rice cake dipped in hot and sweet chili sauce, and some people may add
spring onions, sesame seeds or fish cakes according to their own tastes. I think this is a perfect dish
for the winter, especially for those freezing cold days.
The first time I had a chance to eat tteokbokki was when I was in grade 11. It was a typical winter
day and my friends asked me if I would like to try some Korean food that could warm me up
right away. I was kind of free and also a bit curious as the only type of Korean food that Id ever
tried was kimbap you know, the Korean sushi. Anyway I said yes, and they took me to a newly-
opened Korean food stall near my school. I was awestruck once I saw the dish it was full of chili
sauce and I myself was not a big fan of very spicy foods. I seriously struggled a lot to eat that dish.
It took me quite a long time to clean my plate and I had to drink lots of water while I was eating.
But something strange happened: I kind of missed the taste of that dish some weeks later. And you
know what, the more I ate it, the better it tasted to me! It was like I grew quite addicted to
tteokbokki in a sense.
And well, its been several years and I still like this dish very much. I still eat it now and then, and I
seriously would highly recommend it to everyone who can eat spicy foods.
Vocabulary:
Dip [verb] (nhng) To put something quickly into a liquid and take it out again.
e.g. Dip these strawberries into chocolate sauce they will taste delicious.
Sesame [noun] (vng) A tall annual herbaceous plant of tropical and subtropical areas of the
Old World, cultivated for its oil-rich seeds.
e.g. I bought some bread today, covered with sesame seeds.
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Newly [adverb] (mi/gn y) Only just; recently
e.g. If I continue with this newly acquired skill of holding my breath, I may still survive.
In a/one sense [expression] (theo mt cch no ) By a particular interpretation of a
statement or situation
e.g. In one sense, his death was a relief, because he was suffering with a lot of pain throughout his
long illness.
Part 3:
1. Describe what you think is a healthy diet.
I believe that a healthy diet needs to provide people with a sufficient amount of proteins,
carbohydrates, unsaturated fats like Omega 3, fibers and vitamins. And also, those who follow a
healthy diet should eat more in the morning and less at noon and in the evening, as I think
breakfasts - which provide people with energy for the whole day are the most important meal of
the day.
2. Are there many vegetarians in Vietnam?

I dont know the exact number so its pretty hard to answer this question but I must say that
therere more and more Vietnamese people who choose to become vegetarians. I myself also just
realized the significance of eating veggies a couple of months ago and Im thinking of having a
healthier diet Im considering becoming a vegan, you see. A vegan, not a vegetarian.
3. Why do you think some people choose to be vegetarians?

Well, therere some common reasons. One of them may be that vegetarians realize the importance
of vegetables Ive just read in some papers that eating vegetables, fruits, nuts and seeds can
provide people with all the nutrients they need. Also, becoming a vegetarian is one way to oppose
the brutal treatment of animals and promote a more humane way of eating and living.
4. Is the food that people eat today in Vietnam different to the food that people used to eat in
the past? (if yes, in what ways has it changed?)
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Vietnamese people have maintained their traditional foods, you know, chung cake, pho, bun cha
and so on. But therere also a lot of new dishes that have been introduced to the Vietnamese cuisine,
and also the food we eat today can be more hygienically cooked and the taste may have changed a
little. All of this, I think, results from the change in the style of cooking maybe because of new
technology and the supply of new ingredients coming from other countries.
5. How do you think the way we eat will change in the future?
I think more and more people will become vegetarians because of the reasons Ive just mentioned.
Another thing is that people may rely on modern technology more there will be machines to help
make cooking easier for people, and eating out may also become a more popular option, especially
for those who are really busy.
6. Is American-style fast food popular in Vietnam? (Why? Popular with whom?) What do
you think of this popularity - is it as good thing?
American-style fast food has been familiar to Vietnamese people for several years, and I think its
most popular with young adults. The elderly tend to prefer traditional foods, and most middle-aged
people also like homemade meals better than fast food. Well, I myself dont think this popularity is
a good thing, as fast food is seriously bad for health, and another reason is that this trend
discourages youngsters from learning to cook and take care of themselves.
7. More and more people are becoming overweight nowadays. What do you think might be the
causes of this?
Obviously, the increasing popularity of fast foods and the lack of exercise are both to blame. The
fast pace of life has caused more people to rely on fast food and also led them to work out less, and
so it is clear why more and more people are becoming obese. I think theres a lot of research which
has shown that fast foods cause obesity too.
8. What do people like to have for dinner/lunch in Vietnam?

I think most Vietnamese people like a 5-course meal for lunch: cooked white rice, a vegetable dish,
a meat dish, a fish dish and some fruits for desserts. The meal should include some soup, maybe
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made from vegetables with meat or fish, or from vegetables only. This type of meal is considered to
have enough nutrients and is very popular with Vietnamese people.
9. Do men and women all like to cook in your country?

I dont think gender affects whether one likes to cook or not. I mean, well, some people still hold
the opinion that women should do all the housework, including cooking, in Vietnam and so yes
therere a lot of families where the women are the only ones who do the cooking. However, this
doesnt mean that more women like to cook than men.
10. What are the benefits of eating out?

It saves time and effort, obviously. You just need to go to a restaurant or a food stall, order some
dishes and then wait. No need to buy and check the ingredients, or carefully cook the meal and
wash the dishes afterwards. Also, eating out is more suitable for a ceremony or celebration that
involves a lot of people its just impossible to cook meals for, say, every graduate on graduation
day, for example.
11. Why do more and more people like to eat out?

Because it is time-saving and involves no effort. People are getting busier and busier with their life
and work, so preparing a proper meal can sometimes be very difficult for them, and eating out
really comes in handy. Just imagine that you have to work hard from 9 to 5 every day, and you still
need to cook yourself something when you get home, and even need to wash the dishes after that?
Youd also prefer eating out sometimes too.
12. Are there many foreign restaurants in your country?

Yes, we have a lot of Korean or Japanese or Thai restaurants in Vietnam, but I think theyre popular
only in big cities like Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City. Therere hardly any foreign restaurants in rural
areas, maybe because people cant afford to eat those types of dishes, as foreign dishes are much
more expensive than traditional ones most of the time.
13. Which food do you think is healthier, restaurant food or home-cooked food?
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I think home-cooked food is healthier, as you can actually prepare the food so you can cook it in the
most careful and cleanest way possible. As to restaurant food, it may taste better but you dont
really know the origin or the preparation process of the dishes, so I dont think its as healthy as
home-cooked food.
14. How would you introduce a foreigner to the food and the food culture in (from) your
country?
I would take him/her for a tour in Hanoi you can taste almost every kind of traditional Vietnamese
food in Hanoi, especially in Pho Co (the Old Quarter). We have pho, bun cha, banh mi (Vietnamese
speciality bread), banh cuon, and so many other types of traditional foods here in Hanoi. Most
foreigners show their interest in pho, so I think I would probably take our visitor to a Pho
Restaurant first and then we can try other types of street foods later.
Vocabulary:
Unsaturated [adjective] (khng bo ho) Denoting fats containing a high proportion of fatty
acid molecules with at least one double bond, considered to be healthier in the diet than saturated
fats.
e.g. The fat is mainly unsaturated, so potentially healthier, although all fats are equally high in
calories (nine calories per gram).
Fiber [noun] (cht x) Dietary material containing substances such as cellulose, lignin, and
pectin, that are resistant to the action of digestive enzymes.
e.g. High consumption of dietary fiber regulates blood sugar levels, reduces cholesterol and can
prevent heart disease and cancer.
Significance [noun] (s quan trng) Importance
e.g. Adolescent education was felt to be a social issue of some significance.
Veggie [noun] (rau) vegetable [informal]
e.g. We grow our own veggies at home - and I know that I am lucky, but why not invest in a veggie
box delivered to your door?
Vegan [noun] (ngi n chay trng) A person who does not eat or use animal products
e.g. Many recipes use animal products, but almost all include vegetarian and vegan versions.
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Humane [adjective] (nhn o) Having or showing compassion or benevolence
e.g. For me the ban, when implemented, will represent a step towards a more humane treatment of
wild animals.
Cuisine [noun] (m thc) Food cooked in a certain way
e.g. The menu covers various international cuisines with an emphasis on South American recipes.
Hygienically [adverb] (mt cch v sinh) Conducive to maintaining health and preventing
disease, especially by being clean; sanitary
e.g. The campaign aims to provide children with hygienically prepared meals through their schools,
to encourage them to keep studying.
Discourage [verb] (lm nht ch, mt hng) To make somebody less confident or
enthusiastic about something.
e.g. The difficulty of the exam discourages some students from taking it.
Obese [adjective] (bo ph) Grossly fat or overweight
e.g. Children who are overweight but not obese should be evaluated for other factors as well.
Come in handy [expression] (hu dng) To be useful
e.g. Dont throw your old trousers away they may come in handy sometime.
Speciality [noun] (mn c bit) A type of food that a place is famous for, because it is so
good.
e.g. You can only buy goats cheese in a speciality cheese shop.
23. Describe a holiday/trip you want to go on in the future

You should say:
- Where this place is
- Who you would like to go with
- What you would do there
- explain why you want to go there
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Well, for a future vacation, as something of an ecotourist, Da Lat city is on the top of my list. It is a
renowned destination in the south of Vietnam. Im going to tell you some ideas about a great
vacation in Da Lat that popped up in my mind.
I would go there on my own and choose a homestay rather than a hotel in order to experience the
intimate and affectionate lifestyle of Da Lat farmers. Its kind of community-based tourism, which
means that during my homestay, I would mingle with simple farmers who make local agricultural
products; participate in their daily activities, go to market, buy food, cook traditional local dishes,
cultivate, look after and harvest crops; study, visit local tourist attractions and historic sites.
In short, I would become an amateur farmer. Very soon, I could be able to join new family
members to embark on harvesting agricultural products. And I would also help sort out products
prior to delivering them to wholesale outlets.
Moreover, I would be able to enjoy Da Lats distinctive mild climate along with misty weather
which makes this small city the ideal destination for a holiday escape away from the busy
metropolises. In terms of attractions, I would have tons of choices. The natural wonders of
Langbiang Mountain, Xuan Huong Lake, Doi Thong Hai Mo and the Valley of Love top the list.
On the cultural and historical side, Bao Dai Summer Palace, Domaine de Marie Church and Truc
Lam Monastery are the treasures that hold the rich history and culture of Da Lat and the region.
I believe the happy days shared in Da Lat would make me want to stay forever and never have to
say farewell. And with all the knowledge and valuable experience during my stay, I would enrich
my experiences in life and be more successful.
Vocabulary
1. ecotourist [noun] a person who goes on an organised vacation that is designed so that the
tourist damages the environment as little as possible
Eg: She is an ecotourist who spends every vacation helping on organic farms.
2. renowned [adjective] famous for something (ni ting)
Eg: The region is renowned for its outstanding natural beauty.
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3. pop up [phrasal verb] to appear or happen, especially suddenly or unexpectedly (bt ra, xut
hin t ngt)
Eg: She's one of those movie stars who pops up everywhere, on TV, in magazines, on Broadway.
4. affectionate [adjective] showing feelings of liking or love (yu thch)
Eg: His books show an affectionate understanding of rural life in Vietnam.
5. mingle [verb] to mix or combine, or be mixed or combined (trn ln)
Eg: The excitement of starting a new job is always mingled with a certain apprehension.
6. outlet [noun] a company or organization that sells goods of a particular type from a store or
shop
Eg: The farming cooperative have a large warehouse which is an outlet for all its products.
7. metropolis [noun] a very large city, often the most important city in a large area or country
( th)
Eg: Soon afterwards he left the countryside to begin his career in the metropolis.
8. farewell [noun] an occasion when someone says goodbye (tm bit)
Eg: He bid us both an affectionate farewell.
Part 3:
1. What is the importance of travelling?
There are several reasons why travel can be a powerful tool for personal development. Traveling
can feel empowering when surrounding yourself with people who don't know the encyclopedia of
your past. It reinforces your willingness to broaden your horizons, to get unstuck and to move in
new directions. It provides learning and education about places and history and connects us to other
cultures and people. Another importance that few people think about is that travelling gives us a
chance to face ones fears of the unknown, which enables us to test ourselves.
2. What type of places do you recommend people to visit on vacation?

Well, it depends. For example, if I have to give advice to a person who is an introvert at heart,
which means he or she tends to crave one-on-one conversations, personal time for reflection, and
really getting away from it all when they travel, then I would recommend Laos as an acceptably
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good choice. Laos is a landlocked country with rugged mountains and an enduring favorite of
introverted travelers. Travelers can walk through the markets without being overly hassled and feel
comfortable dining alone in restaurants while exploring the area.
3. Do Vietnamese people prefer to travel by car or by train?

Im not sure but I guess they would choose trains over cars. First, for a person who has motion
sickness, travelling by train is much more comfortable compared to travelling by car. Second, some
people find the rhythmic motion and noise of this mode of transport whilst viewing the changing
scenery totally enthralling. It is suitable for a landscape loving type of person. And finally, the most
common reason is the economic material benefit. Traveling by train is obviously cheaper.
4. What are the advantages of travelling with a group of people?

Taking in the sights with a group of people surely has tons of benefits. Safety in numbers is the first
one I think of. Travelling to unfamiliar destinations can sometimes seem daunting. A group of
tourist is less of a target than a single person. Also, if you get sick or hurt, there are people around
to help you out. The second one is that its cost effective. Holidaying with a group can help you
reduce travel expenses since everyone will be sharing the costs of accommodation, transportation,
food, and even tour tickets. It also allows you to take advantage of group rates and discounts.
5. Should young people travel abroad?

Certainly, yes! Travelling to a foreign country teaches the young things they cant get at school, for
example, budgeting skills. Most young travelers have relatively tight budgets. Dealing with budgets
is a vital travel skill to learn, and an imperative skill for a successful life financially. They can also
learn problem solving skills. Things dont always go as planned, which requires being able to
think under pressureanother important skill for every-day life.
6. Are international trips popular with people in your country?

In the past, it was something only for rich people, but thanks to technological advancements and
low-cost airlines, international travelling is now affordable to virtually all classes of Vietnamese
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people. Therefore its getting more and more popular with people in my country. I reckon it is a
positive trend due to the benefits of travelling abroad.
7. What do you consider when you take a trip?

Well, its is necessary to spend extra time up front considering how to plan your trip in order to
make your entire vacation run smoothly from start to finish. The first thing I would consider is
documentation, especially when travelling abroad. The second is the daily budget. I would need to
figure out what my total trip budget is and subtract the initial necessary costs like flights and visa
fees. The last one would review travel warnings and alerts just to be sure Id have a safe vacation.
Vocabulary
1. Reinforce [verb] to make something stronger (lm mnh thm, cng c)
Eg: The pockets on my jeans are reinforced with double stitching.
2. At heart [expression] used to say what someone is really like (thc s, bn cht thc)
Eg: He had dozens of friends, but he was a private person at heart.
3. Crave [verb] to have a very strong feeling of wanting something (khao kht)
Eg: Many young children crave attention.
4. Reflection [noun] serious and careful thought (s ngm ngh)
Eg: After 30 years as a judge, her reflections on justice were well worth listening to.
5. Acceptably [adv] in a way that can be accepted, approved of, or allowed to continue (tng
i, chp nhn c)
Eg: His communication skills are acceptably good.
6. Enthralling [adj] keeping someone's interest and attention completely (m hoc, cun ht)
Eg: I found your book absolutely enthralling!
7. Daunting [adj] making you feel slightly frightened or worried about your ability to achieve
something (lm thoi ch, nn ch)
Eg: The country was faced with the daunting prospect of overcoming four decades of division.
8. Imperative [adj] extremely important or urgent (cc k quan trng/ khn cp)
Eg: The president said it was imperative that the release of all hostages be secured.
9. Initial [adj] of or at the beginning (khi u)
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Eg: Initial reports say that seven people have died, though this has not yet been confirmed.
10. Alert [noun] a warning to people to be prepared to deal with something dangerous
(s bo ng)
Eg: The public were warned to be on the alert for (= watching carefully for) suspicious packages.
24. Describe an interesting house or apartment you visited

You should say
what it looked like
how big it was
where it was located
and explain why you find it interesting
Im going to talk about my uncles house, which I first visited when I had just graduated. It is a
palatial house which is located near the city centre.
It is a splendid house with a lovely swimming pool and a huge garage in Tay Ho District, Ha Noi.
The land area is 300 sq.m with 4 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, a living room and modern kitchen. I have
to say that is naturally illuminated , with its floor-to-ceiling windows. The walk out deck in the
back yard offers a pleasant and quiet space for the family beside the pool, while the downstairs
family room is a great place for kids or adults to play or watch movies. The house is spacious but
still cosy because it is elaborately decorated with wooden floors and antique furniture.
The most striking thing about the house is its gigantic fish tank wall. Its extremely eye-catching.
Right from the moment you enter the living room, you can see this unique feature. Its full of
saltwater fish. The tank is gorgeously framed in teak to match the woodwork of the room. My uncle
said that building an aquarium into a wall was always his dream, and he made it reality. I felt like
being one of his admirers after hearing those words because I was still on my way to purchasing my
own dream an average apartment in the city centre. I hope someday I can tell my nephew the
same thing that my uncle told me.
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Vocabulary
1. palatial [adjective] A palatial house is very large and beautiful (nguy nga, lng ly)
Eg: The President lives in a palatial residence, with no less than 30 rooms.
2. splendid [adjective] excellent, or beautiful and impressive (tuyt p, tuyt vi)
Eg: It is splendid to feel the wind blowing in my face and the lively movement of my horse.
3. illuminate [verb] to light something and make it brighter (chiu sng)
Eg: The streets were illuminated with strings of coloured lights.
4. floor-to-ceiling [adjective] used for describing things such as windows or pieces of furniture
that are the full height of a wall. (t sn n trn)
Eg: A dramatic floor to ceiling stone fireplace is the focal point in this living room.
5. cosy [adjective] comfortable and pleasant, especially (of a building) because of being small
and warm (m cng)
Eg: This small living room is nice and cosy in the winter.
6. elaborately [adverb] containing a lot of careful detail or many detailed parts (nhiu chi tit)
Eg: The dancers leading the procession were dressed elaborately in colorful costumes.
7. striking [adjective] interesting and unusual enough to attract attention (bt mt)
Eg: The hotel staff wore striking red and white uniforms.
8. eye-catching [adjective] very attractive or noticeable (bt mt)
Eg: She was very beautiful and the diamond ring on her finger was quite eye-catching.
9. unique [adjective] very special and unusual, often the only one of its type (c o)
Eg: He has a unique talent for painting, so it is not surprising that he wants to be an artist.
10. gorgeously [adverb] in a very beautiful and attractive way (mt cch tuyt p)
Eg: She was gorgeously dressed in the most fashionable designer clothes.
11. frame [verb] to put or make a frame or border around something (ng khung)
Eg: I have framed my favourite photo of my parents and put it in my living room.
Part 3:
1. What are some of the housing problems that exist in your city?
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Well, the citizens in my country have to confront numerous housing problems, one of which is
extortionate house prices. In fact, urbanization and overpopulation have caused house prices to
increase more than ever before. Besides, the houses of underprivileged people are normally
substandard.
2. What is the government doing to solve these problems?

Practically, the government has come up with some possible solutions like constructing low-cost
apartments for the middle class. Some projects have allowed the impoverished to borrow money for
housing with a low interest. However, at this stage, these solutions have not proved to be really
effective.
3. In cities in your country, are there many people who do not have a place to live?
Yes, there are. Thousands of beggars and homeless people in my country cannot afford even three
meals a day, let alone a place to sleep. A well-furnished house is usually regarded as a luxury in my
country, especially for the poor people.
4. Where do they sleep?

Having no place to live, they frequently sleep in the streets or near the station. Their shelters could
also be found near large places like supermarkets or malls. As you know, homeless people do not
have a stable place to live.
5. Do you think the prices of homes in your country are too expensive for the average person?
Yes, I do and this situation is common in big cities. The price of land is quite exorbitant these days.
Moreover, people also have to spend an enormous amount of money on building a house.
Sometimes, there are those who have to work diligently for their whole life to buy a house.
6. What are some of the reasons why the prices are so high?
Well, this might be due to the increasing shortage of land. Nowadays, stretches of land have been
used for industrialization to build offices, companies, enterprises, etc. Furthermore, I think
overpopulation also puts a great strain on accommodation demand.
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7. What is the government doing about this problem?
As I have said, the government has introduced some projects that assist poor people in buying a
house. Besides, reasonable prices for apartments are also offered to people with an average income.
8. What can the government do about this problem?

Well, I think the government should strictly regulate the cost of housing and most importantly, they
should try their best to enhance the overall standards of living for citizens. Only through these
actions will people have more chance of getting access to a house.
9. Do you think the government should help low income people to buy a home?
Well, I think they should, but to a certain extent. After all, it is neither realistic nor necessary to
help all poor people, as the government cannot shoulder the onerous burden of housing demand.
Money is also needed to invest in other areas, such as poverty, health, etc.
10. Do you think the government should supply low-cost housing for those who have low
income?
Yes, they should. However, houses and apartments which are low cost have to meet standard
requirements and the safety of the users must always be guaranteed.
VOCABULARY:
1. extortionate [adj]: very expensive: t ct c
Eg: This bank offers loans at extortionate rates of interest.
2. urbanization [n]: the movement to city : th ha
Eg: The increasing speed of urbanization in developing countries has led to many problems.
3. substandard [adj]: not as good as normal, as acceptable : di tiu chun
Eg: Substandard goods are not accepted in this prestigious market.
4. the impoverished [n]: the poor : nhng ngi ngho kh
Eg: Recent earthquakes have devastated the impoverished.
5. effective [adj]: producing successful results : hiu qu
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Eg: Aspirin is a simple but highly effective treatment.
6. beggar [n]: a person who lives by asking people for money or food : ngi n xin
Eg: In underdeveloped nations, people are reduced to be beggars.
7. (to) furnish[v]: to put furniture in a house, room: sm sa ni tht
Eg: The room was furnished with antiques.
8. luxury [n]: a thing that is expensive and enjoyable but not necessary: th xa x
Eg: I love having a long, hot bath-its one of lifes little luxuries.
9. shelter [n]: a place to stay or live: ch tr n, ni che chn
Eg: Human beings need food, clothing and a shelter.
10. stable[adj]: firmly fixed, not likely to move, change : n nh
Eg: The patients condition is not very stable.
11. exorbitant[adj]:much too high: t
Eg: The prices of this shop are extremely exorbitant.
12. enormous [adj]: extremely large: to ln
Eg: The problems facing the president are enormous.
13. diligently [adv]: in a way which shows care and much effort: mt cch cn mn
Eg: Lan always works diligently, which makes her stand out.
14. industrialization [n]: the development of industry : cng nghip ha
Eg: The rate of industrialization in Vietnam is increasing.
15. put a strain on sth[expression]: put pressure on sth: gy p lc ln
Eg: Grades put a great strain on her scholastic performances.
16. accommodation [n]: a place to live, work or stay in: ch
Eg: Accommodation prices have increased greatly in recent days.
17. (to) assist [v]: to help sb : tr gip
Eg: Minh assisted me a lot in this project.
18. reasonable [adj]: fair, practical and sensible : phi chng
Eg: We sell good quality food with reasonable prices.
19. (to) regulate [v]: to control sth by means of rules: kim sot
Eg: The activities of credit companies are regulated by law.
20. (to) enhance [v]: to increase or further improve the quality of sth: ci thin
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Eg: This is a good opportunity to enhance the reputation of the company.
21. realistic [adj]: sensible or appropriate, possible to achieve: thc t
Eg: We must set realistic goals.
22. burden [n]: a duty, responsibility that causes worry : gnh nng
23. requirement[n]: something you want or you need: nhu cu
Eg: All he needs is the basic requirements of life.
24. (to) guarantee [v]: to promise to do sth : m bo
Eg: We cannot guarantee that our flights will not be delayed
25. Describe the most polite person you know

You should say
who this person is
how you met him/ her
whether you enjoy his/ her company or not
and explain why do you think him/ her to be the most polite person.
Today Im going to talk about my college teacher, the most well-mannered person I know. Her
name is Xuan Dung and she is my speaking teacher and thesis advisor. She is my favourite teacher
at college because she is always nice to students and treats them with respect rather than as
someone inferior to her, as other teachers often do.
The way my teacher shows politeness is very natural, and does not seem forced at all. I have to say
her manners are impeccable. She always says Thank you when we do anything helpful or hand in
assignments by deadline, or greets us with Good morning, how are we all feeling today?. When
we give presentations in front of class, she is always all ears no matter how boring they are. This
really makes us feel warm and self-confident because in other classes, other teachers sometimes pay
little attention or even interrupt us. At the end of every presentation, she will give nice feedback
about both the strengths and weaknesses of each group. This encourages us a lot. I still remember a
time when she was so terribly sick that she couldnt come to class, she posted a notification on
Facebook in which she didnt forget to apologize.
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She is our role model for good manners, and how to be grateful/appreciative towards other people.
Im so lucky to have such a polite and sensible teacher like her. Thanks to her, I try to be always
polite with others even when they dont treat me well.
VOCABULARY:
1. well-mannered (adjective): having good manners (lch s)
Eg: My uncle is the most well-mannered gentleman I have ever known.
2. thesis (noun): a long piece of writing completed by a student as part of a university degree, based
on their own research (lun vn)
Eg: Students must submit a thesis on an agreed subject within four years.
3. advisor (noun): a person who gives advice, especially somebody who knows a lot about a
particular subject (ngi c vn)
Eg: Students can sit down with a careers advisor and discuss what to do next.
4. inferior (adjective): not good or not as good as somebody/something else (thua km)
Eg: Women are often regarded as inferior, although public attitudes are now changing.
5. forced (adjective): not sincere; not the result of genuine emotions (gi to)
Eg: She said she was enjoying herself but her smile was forced.
6. manner (noun): the way that somebody behaves towards other people (thi , c ch)
Eg: I got into trouble if I didnt show good manners towards/toward other people.
7. impeccable (adjective): without mistakes or faults (hon ho)
Eg: Her written English is impeccable and she should score 100% in the exam.
8. deadline (noun): a point in time by which something must be done (hn cui)
Eg: The deadline for applications is 30 April.
9. greet (verb): to say hello to somebody or to welcome them (cho)
Eg: She greeted us with a smile.
10. be all ears (idiom): to be waiting with interest to hear what somebody has to say (lng nghe)
Eg: Do you know what he said? Go onI'm all ears.
11. feedback (noun): advice, criticism or information about how good or useful something or
somebodys work is (phn hi)
Eg: The teacher will give you feedback on the test.
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12. strength (noun): a quality or an ability that a person or thing has that gives them an advantage
(th mnh)
Eg: The ability to keep calm is one of her many strengths.
13. weakness (noun): a weak point in a system, somebodys character, etc. (im yu)
Eg: We all have our weaknesses, and my weakness is that I have no patience.
14. terribly (adverb): very much; very badly (rt t)
Eg: The experiment went terribly wrong and some people were injured.
15. notification (noun): the act of giving or receiving official information about something (thng
bo)
Eg: You will receive a notification of our decision in the next week.
16. apologize (to somebody) (for something) (verb): to say that you are sorry for doing something
wrong or causing a problem (xin li)
Eg: She apologized for being late.
17. model (noun): a person or thing that is considered an excellent example of something (hnh
mu)
Eg: Hes a model student who works hard and participates actively in class.
18. grateful (adjective): feeling or showing thanks because somebody has done something kind for
you or has done as you asked (bit n)
Eg: I am extremely grateful to all the teachers for their help.
19. appreciative (adjective): feeling or showing that you are grateful for something (trn trng, bit
n)
Eg: My boss was very appreciative of my hard work on the new project.
20. sensible (adjective): able to make good judgements based on reason and experience rather than
emotion; useful and practical (sng sut, hp l)
Eg: Choose a sensible diet and stick to it.
Part 3:
1. Who taught you to be polite when you were a child?
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I think no one actually taught me. I learnt it by seeing people around me. My mother is very polite
and she talks to people very nicely. No matter what the other person is saying I never remember her
losing her patience. My grandmother is kind, too. She once told me never to raise my voice in an
argument, but rather improve myself. I have kept these things in mind and have benefited a lot from
my politeness.
2. Why is it important to be polite to people?

I think because of two simple reasons. First, most people tend to react to the way you talk to them.
So, if you want others to be nice to you, you have to start it by yourself. Secondly, well-mannered
people tend to have better relationships from which they can benefit a lot. If youre impolite, its
likely that the others may take offence, and the relationships may die.
3. Do you think people have become less or more polite since the time you were a child?
Well, its difficult to say. I believe people have become more open minded, less formal and more
bold in making statements. So, they tend to just say as it is. But, this does not necessarily mean that
they dont respect their parents or elders. I think the problem is that people are not able to express
what they feel in a more respectful way.
4. What according to you is politeness?

In my definition, politeness is basically treating people with respect, and the goal of politeness is to
make all people relaxed and comfortable with one another. For example, we can speak softly and
avoid using harsh words even when we cannot control our temper any more. We should show our
gratitude or regret when someone does something good for us or we do something which is not
good for others.
5. Do you think we should be polite to those who are not being polite to us?
Yes, definitely! Being polite can not only affect our relationships but also reflect our personality
and educational background. Even when you think you dont need to befriend someone, you
shouldnt be impolite because you may be considered rude or ignorant. You know bad news travels
fast. You can lose all others respect just due to a harsh word you use when losing your temper.
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6. In your countrys culture, how do you show that you are being polite?
We really value politeness and good manners in Vietnam, and there are many types of polite
behaviour. One of the first things we learn as children is to say such polite words as "thank you" or
please as well as use suitable personal forms of address. As adults, I think we are careful not to be
too direct in the language we use. For example, we would never say "Bring me the bill" in a
restaurant because this kind of direct instruction would sound rude. It would be much more polite to
say "Could we have the bill, please?".
VOCABULARY
1. patience (noun): the ability to stay calm and accept a delay or something annoying without
complaining (s kin nhn)
Eg: Teaching children with special needs requires patience and understanding.
2. argument (noun): a conversation or discussion in which two or more people disagree, often
angrily (cuc tranh ci)
Eg: We had an argument with the waiter about the bill.
3. react (verb): react (to something) (by doing something) to change or behave in a particular way
as a result of or in response to something (phn ng)
Eg: Her family reacted with horror when she told them about her accident.
4. well-mannered (adjective): having good manners (lch s)
Eg: My uncle is the most well-mannered gentleman I have ever known.
5. offence (noun): the act of upsetting or insulting somebody (s xc phm, lm bc mnh)
Eg: No one will take offence (= feel upset or insulted) if you leave early.
6. open-minded (adjective): willing to listen to, think about or accept different ideas (ci m)
Eg: I encourage the children to be open-minded about new ideas and experiences.
7. bold (adjective): not afraid to say what you feel or to take risks (dng cm)
Eg: I would like to try mountain climbing, but Im not bold enough to face the dangers.
8. express (verb): to show or make known a feeling, an opinion, etc. by words, looks or actions (th
hin)
Eg: Words cannot express how pleased I am that you passed the exam.
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9. respectful (adjective): showing or feeling respect (th hin s tn trng)
Eg: We all stood in respectful silence during the ceremony.
10. softly (adverb): in a soft way (nh nhng)
Eg: She closed the door softly behind her, making no noise.
11. harsh (adjective): cruel, severe and unkind; unpleasant to listen to (th l, kh nghe)
Eg: He later regretted his harsh words to the students with bad marks.
12. control (verb): to manage to make yourself remain calm, even though you are upset or angry
(kim sot, iu chnh cm xc)
Eg: He was finding it difficult to control his feelings of anger during the Presidents speech.
13. any more (adverb): often used at the end of negative sentences and at the end of questions, to
mean any longer (khng cn na)
Eg: She doesn't live here any more. She went to England 3 months ago.
14. gratitude (noun): the feeling of being grateful and wanting to express your thanks (s bit n)
Eg: They deserve our gratitude for all the useful work they do.
15. regret (noun): a feeling of sadness or disappointment that you have because of something that
has happened or something that you have done or not done (s hi tic)
Eg: She showed no regret about leaving her country.
16. reflect (verb): to show or be a sign of the nature of something or of somebodys attitude or
feeling (phn nh)
Eg: His music reflects his interest in Asian culture.
17. befriend (verb): to become a friend of somebody, especially somebody who needs your help
(lm bn)
Eg: Shortly after my arrival at the school, I was befriended by an older girl.
18. ignorant (adjective): with very bad manners (thiu lch s)
Eg: Too many of the staff were badly-trained and ignorant, so of course many customers
complained.
19. bad news travels fast (proverb): Information about trouble or misfortune travels quickly (Ting
xu n xa)
Eg: You are the third person telling me that Johnsons house was on fire this morning. Bad news
travels fast!
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20. lose ones temper (idiom): to fail to control your anger (mt bnh tnh)
Eg: She lost her temper with a customer and shouted at him.
21. value (verb): to think that somebody/something is important (coi trng)
Eg: During my serious illness I learned to value the ordinary things in life.
22. form of address (noun): the correct title when you talk to somebody (cc gi, cc xng h)
Eg: You will lose your job if you continue to use that disrespectful form of address to your boss.
23. direct (adjective): saying exactly what you mean in a way that nobody can pretend not to
understand (thng thn)
Eg: She has a very direct way of speaking and gives clear instructions to students.
26. Describe a kind of weather you like
You should say:
What is the type of weather
Why it is your favorite weather
Where you can experience such weather conditions.
I guess I could begin by saying something about what the type of weather is, and I suppose I would
have to choose cloudy weather. It may sound strange as most people hate it when the sky is full of
clouds because it is dreary and sometimes it gets people down,
However, the reason why my favorite weather is when it is cloudy, windy and drizzling is that it
makes me feel calm and relaxed. I am particularly into such weather especially at night because I
can hear the little raindrops falling and see them running down my window, which helps me to
sleep. It is very pleasant.
Also, I love fog, which often comes with cloudy weather . It's very romantic and gives me a sort of
feeling like I'm in an old black and white movie. On the other hand, I don't like heavy rains
and downpours as I would probably get drenched if I got caught in the rain. And I hate when the
temperature falls below zero, it's so cold that I tend to stay indoors as much as possible.
Probably, the type of weather I like is common for the United Kingdom and the best time to
experience it would be during the autumn there. However, in my hometown such weather only
occurs in the spring. Usually, we have dry and sunny days with occasional rainy spells.
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Vocabulary:
1. Dreary: [adjective] dull and making you feel sad or bored / m m, th lng
Example: I was living in a dreary apartment in a run-down part of town.
2. Get somebody down: [phrasal verb] Making people sad, shocked and upset / khin ai
bun
Example: The chaos in his house was starting to get him down.
3. Drizzle: [verb] rain lightly / ma phn
Example: Its drizzling outside, so take your umbrella because it may rain more heavily later.
4. Raindrop: [noun] a single drop of rain / ht ma
Example: The first thunderclap brought down raindrops and hailstones as big as marbles.
5. Downpour: [noun] a heavy rainfall / ma ln
Example: A sudden downpour had filled the gutters and drains.
6. Get drenched: [expression] to get very wet / t nhp
Example: The cat got drenched as it was caught in the rain.
7. Get caught in the rain: [expression] to be outside when it rains unexpectedly / dnh ma
Example: He has a cold as he got caught in the rain yesterday.
8. Fall below zero: [expression] to become negative / nhit xung m
Example: In recent years, the temperature of northern Vietnam has begun to fall below zero.
9. Rainy spells: [noun phrase] periods of rainy weather / t ma
Example: There are rainy spells during the summer.
Part 3:
1. What are some other examples of bad weather in the world?
Well, you know theres quite a wide range of extreme weather such as hurricanes, earthquakes, or
droughts. However, I suppose the worst natural disaster would be tsunamis. This is because
tsunamis are unpredictable and they can only be detected a few hours before they approach the
shore, making it difficult to evacuate the coastal residents. In addition, the effects
of a tsunami include loss of human and animal life, devastating property damage, severe flooding
and diseases.
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2. Do different parts of your country experience different types of bad weather?
Definitely yes. The weather varies greatly from North to South, depending on elevation and type of
landscape. The northern part of Vietnam often suffers from landslides and the cold spells during the
winter. Meanwhile, central Vietnam is usually affected by tornadoes, especially between September
and December, causing massive damage to property and crops. On the other hand, during the
summer, Southern Vietnam experiences flooding as a result of torrential rain and high tides .
3. Why do you think people call it "bad weather"?

Well, I suppose the explanation for this could be that those weather phenomena often have negative
impacts on our lives. Like for instance, torrential rain may cause flooding or traffic congestion,
tornadoes often ruin the farmers crops or earthquakes are likely to damage property. Therefore,
because of their devastating impacts, they are called bad weather.
4. Do you think bad weather can ever be dangerous?

Definitely yes. Bad weather can sometimes have devastating effects on societies and might even
pose a threat to human lives. For example, hurricanes, which normally involve very powerful winds
and water, can cause massive destruction to both property and livelihoods. That is the reason why
the weather forecast always advises people to stay indoors until the bad weather passes.
5. How does bad weather affect people's mood?

It affects our mood in various ways. Bad weather can indeed have a negative effect on our
emotions. For instance, when it gets dark and dreary outside, some people definitely have more
susceptibility to feeling lonely or down. That might be the reason why people often feel a little
depressed during the winter months and find it difficult to get out of their beds when its foggy and
bitterly cold in the morning.
6. Do you think there are any problems with the world's climate now?
As a matter of fact, the worlds climate is gradually changing as a result of global warming. Clearly,
recent years show increasing temperatures in various regions, and increasing extremes in weather
patterns. Higher temperatures mean that heat waves are likely to occur more often and last longer.
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In fact, heat waves can be dangerous, causing illnesses such as heat cramps and heatstroke, or even
death, and the elderly are particularly vulnerable .
7. How do you think these problems were caused?

Well, I guess those problems with the worlds climate now are primarily caused by human
activities. As we know, carbon dioxide is the main heat-trapping gas largely responsible for most of
the average warming over the past several decades. Therefore, when humans burn fossil fuels to
generate electricity or drive our cars, carbon dioxide is released into the atmosphere, which
accelerates global warming and puts humanity at risk.
8. Do you think the world's weather (or climate) is changing?

To be honest, I agree that the worlds climate is certainly changing. In my country, we have been
getting quite mild winters lately and although the temperatures are sometimes below freezing this
now occurs only occasionally. Meanwhile, during the summer it can get boiling hot with a lot of
older people even suffering from heatstroke.
9. What do you think is causing these changes?

Well, as a matter of fact, I suppose not only nature is responsible for changes in weather patterns
but humans are also to blame for this issue. Although there is hardly anything that can be done
about the natural causes, we might possibly be able to alleviate the impact of human activities on
the environment so that climate change can be slowed down.
10. Do you think this is a problem?

Well, climate change is definitely an alarming problem that needs international effort to address it.
The larger the change in climate, the more negative the consequences will become. Global warming
will probably make life harder, not easier, for most people. This is mainly because we have already
built enormous infrastructures based on the climate we now have.
11. What do you think governments should do to address this problem?/12. Do you think
governments can do anything to solve this problem?
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To be honest, I guess one of the first measures that must be taken is to invest more money in
environmental research in order to find long-term solutions for the problem. Besides, the
government should also tighten up the law and increase fines on illegal actions, such as
unauthorized burning of waste, so that we can prevent the Earth from becoming more polluted and
our living conditions deteriorating rapidly.
13. Would you like to live in a place where the the climate never changes?
Actually, this isnt something that Ive ever considered, but in short I suppose I would possibly
consider living in a place that has the same weather all year round. As I am prone to get sick
whenever there is a sudden change in weather patterns, especially during the winter, living in a
never-changing climate might minimize the risk of me having some allergy or going down with flu.
14. How do people change the way they live in different seasons?
As a matter of fact, weather affects the everyday lives of people by governing choices they make
about what clothes to wear, how to travel, and the activities in which they participate. In the warm
season, people tend to be more enthusiastic about outdoor activities which help them build up
muscles and strength. Meanwhile, during the cold season, staying indoors is much more common as
people are reluctant to leave their house in the cold weather.
15. What different activities do people do in the different seasons?

Well, I guess in the summer and fall, when the weather is quite warm, people have a tendency to
participate in strenuous activities like basketball, football or water sports like swimming, diving and
water skiing. On the other hand, during the cold weather of the winter and spring, people are
inclined to engage in indoor activities like board games, which might prevent them from getting a
cold.
Vocabulary:
1. Hurricane: [noun] a storm with a violent wind / bo
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Example: Tonight so many victims of the hurricane and the flood are far from home and friends and
familiar things.
2. Earthquake: [noun] a sudden and violent shaking of the ground / ng t
Example: Every year, hundreds of minor earthquakes occur and some are felt in this the region.
3. Drought: [noun] a prolonged period of abnormally low rainfall / hn hn
Example: The frequent droughts in this region are slowly turning the whole area into a desert.
4. Tsunami: [noun] a long high sea wave caused by an earthquake, submarine landslide / sng
thn
Example: The tsunami was caused by an earthquake and was unrelated to climate change.
5. Detect: [noun] discover or identify the presence or existence of / pht hin
Example: Medical advances mean that cancer may soon be detected in its earliest stages.
6. Evacuate: [noun] remove (someone) from a place of danger to a safe place / s tn, tn c
Example: Several families were evacuated from their homes to higher ground as the tsunami
approached the coast.
7. Coastal resident: [noun phrase] people who live along the coast / ngi dn sng ven b
bin
Example: This article examines coastal residents' awareness and knowledge about impacts of
seawater desalination.
8. Devastating: [adjective] highly destructive or damaging / hy hoi, c sc cng ph ln
Example: A devastating cyclone struck Bangladesh, killing many people.
9. Flooding: [noun] an event in which large amounts of water cover an area that is usually dry
/ lt
Example: The collapse of the dam caused flooding of a large surrounding area.
10. Elevation: [noun] a height above the level of the sea / cao
Example: The road climbs steadily to an elevation of 1,400 feet.
11. Suffer from: [expression] To feel pain or distress; sustain injury or harm / tri qua, chu
ng
Example: The writer suffered from ill health for most of his life.
12. Landslide: [noun] the sliding down of a mass of earth or rock from a mountain or cliff / st
l t
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Example: Heavy rain caused landslides which resulted in serious damage to those houses which
were built on the hillside.
13. Cold spell: [noun phrase] a period of several days or weeks when the weather is
much colder than usual / t lnh
Example: A cold spell simply halts flowering for a little while until warmer weather returns.
14. Property: [noun] a thing or things belonging to someone; possessions collectively / ti sn
Example: The hotel is not responsible for any loss or damage to guestspersonal property.
15. Torrential rain: [noun phrase] very heavy rain / ma ln
Example: My mum drove us to the airport in the torrential rain and wind.
2. Phenomenon: [noun] a fact or situation that is observed to exist or happen, especially one
whose cause or explanation is in question / hin tng
Phenomena: [plural form / s nhiu]
Example: Glaciers are unique and interesting natural phenomena.
3. Have an effect/impact on: [expression] to cause a result in someone or something / c tc
ng, nh hng ti
Example: The election of the new President had a negative impact on the economy.
4. Traffic congestion: [noun phrase] a number of vehicles so obstructed that they can scarely
move / tc ng
Example: In the rush hour, there is often traffic congestion, especially after torrential rain.
5. Pose a threat to: [idiom] to cause trouble or difficulty / gy nguy him cho
Example: Drunken drivers pose a serious threat to other road users.
6. Weather forecast: [noun phrase] a statement of what the weather is likely to be for the
next day or few days, usually broadcast on television or radio or printed in a newspaper / d bo
thi tit
Example: Have you heard todays weather forecast? Yes, I heard it on the radio.
7. Dreary: [adjective] dull, bleak, and lifeless; depressing / m m, th lng
Example: I was living in a dreary apartment in a run-down part of town.
8. Have susceptibility to doing something: [expression] tend to, is likely to / nghing v
Example: Vulnerable children have susceptibility to being badly affected by others criticism.
9. Foggy: [adjective] full of or accompanied by fog / sng m
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Example: It was a foggy, chilly day, without sunshine sothe sea was murky and opaque.
10. Bitterly cold: [expression] very cold and unpleasant / rt lnh
Example: It was bitterly cold when we visited Beijing during the winter.
11. Heatwave: [noun] a period of very hot weather / t nng nng
Example: When a heatwave occurs many people become increasingly bad-tempered.
12. Cramp: [noun] a painful, involuntary contraction of a muscle or muscles, typically caused
by fatigue or strain / chut rt
Example: People who play sports sometimes suffer from cramps in their legs when they are
playing..
13. Heatstroke: [noun] a serious condition caused by being too long in hot weather / say nng
Example: Feeling thirsty is the initial symptom of heatstroke.
14. Vulnerable: [adjective] weak and easily hurt, physically or emotionally
Example: This part of the coast is vulnerable to flooding after heavy rain.
15. Generate: [verb] to produce or create something / sn sinh ra, to ra
Example: The program would generate a lot of new jobs.
16. Atmosphere: [noun] the mixture of gases that surrounds a planet / bu kh quyn
Example: Part of the sun's energy is absorbed by the earth's atmosphere.
17. Accelerate: [verb] speed up, increase / tng tc, y nhanh tin
Example: Biotechnology will continue to advance and its rate of advance will accelerate .
18. Global warming: [noun phrase] the increase in temperature of the earths atmosphere, that
is caused by the increase of particular gases, especially carbon dioxide / s m ln ton cu
Example: The company is deeply concerned by the effects of global warming caused by the
greenhouse effect.
19. At risk: [idiom] in danger of something unpleasant or harmful happening / gp nguy him
Example: If we go to war, innocent lives will be put at risk.
20. Mild winter: [noun phrase] a winter that isnt particularly cold / ma ng khng lnh lm
Example: A mild winter is when the lowest temperature does not fall below zero.
21. Boiling hot: [expression] very hot / rt nng
Example: The weather gets boiling hot in the desert during the day and freezing cold at night.
22. Be responsible for: [expression] to be the cause of something / chu trch nhim cho vic g
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Example: Their family was responsible for the fire in the building.
23. Be to blame for: [expression] Be responsible for a fault or wrong / chu trch nhim cho vic
g
Example: He was to blame for their being late for school, because he did not get up early enough.
24. Alleviate: [verb] to make something less painful or difficult to deal with / lm du i, lm
gim i
Example: You can't cure a common cold, but you can alleviate the symptoms.
25. Alarming: [adjective] causing worry or fear / bo ng
Example: There has been an alarming rise in the rate of inflation.
26. Address: [verb] to think about something and decide how to deal with it
Example: The new government has promised to address the issue of global warming.
27. Consequence: [noun] a result of a particular action or situation, often one that is bad or
not convenient / hu qu, kt qu
Example: Not making a will can have serious consequences for your children and
other familymembers.
28. Infrastructure: [noun] the basic systems and services, such as transport and powersupplies,
that a country or organization uses in order to workeffectively / c s h tng
Example: The war has badly damaged the country's infrastructure.
29. Take measures: [expression] Take action to achieve a particular purpose / c cc bin php
Example: They took measures to improve performance by introducing new work practices.
30. Invest (in something): [verb] to buy shares, property, or goods because you hope that
the value will increase and you can make a profit / u t
Example: Oliver made a fortune by investing in antique furniture.
31. Tighten up: [phrasal verb] to make a rule, system, or law stronger and
more difficult to avoid or ignore / tht cht
Example: Are there any plans to tighten up on advertising controls?
32. Illegal: [adjective] contrary to or forbidden by law, especially criminal law / tri php lut
Example: The US President has promised to reduce the number of illegal immigrants.
33. Unauthorized: [adjective] without official permission / cha c cp php
Example: The unauthorized sale of alcohol in this city will be severely punished.
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34. Deteriorate: [verb] become worse / trm trng hn, ti t hn
Example: Air quality is rapidly deteriorating in our cities.
35. Be prone to: [expression] likely to do something / s lm g, nh lm g
Example: My boss is prone to get angry when my work isn't done on schedule.
36. Minimize the risk of: [expression] to reduce the chances of something bad happening / gim
thiu ti a kh nng ca vic g
Example: If you give up smoking, you will minimize the risk of respiratory problems later in life.
37. Allergy: [noun] a medical condition that causes you to react badly when you eat, breathe or
touch a particular thing / d ng
Example: I would like to have a cat, but unfortunately I have an allergy to animal hair.
38. Go down with: [phrasal verb] to become ill or sick with something / mc bnh g
Example: I cant stop sneezing I must be going down with a cold.
39. Govern: [verb] control or influence / tc ng ti; kim sot; quyt nh
Example: State laws and regulations govern the profession of nursing.
40. Enthusiastic: [adjective] having or showing intense and eager enjoyment, interest, or
approval / thch, c am m vi
Example: The promoter was enthusiastic about the concert venue it was a perfect place for the
performance.
41. uild up: [phrasal verb] to make someone well and strong again, especially after an illness /
ci thin, gia tng
Example: Taking exercise will build up your strength.
42. Be reluctant to: [expression] not willing to do something and therefore slow to do it / chn
ch, do d
Example: Im a bit reluctant to get involved, it could be dangerous.
43. Have a tendency to: [expression] tend to, be likely to do something / s lm g, c khuynh
hng lm g
Example: She is one of those authors who have a tendency to write too much about a subject.
44. Strenuous: [adjective] requiring or using great exertion / i hi s rang sc, cng thng
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45. Be inclined to: [expression] tending or wanting to do something / c thi quen, s thch lm
iu g
Example: Im inclined to be sleepy after a big lunch.
27. Describe a popular place where people like to go swimming.

You should say:
Where is it it is
What it is like
Who likes to go there
Why it is a popular place for swimming
Today Ill tell you about a place where a lot of people go to take a swim. Its My Khe beach in
Danang, which is a coastal city in central Vietnam. Danang is dubbed one of the worlds most
attractive cities to live in and I guess one of the biggest reasons why is the breath-taking My Khe
beach. The beach isnt private or secluded and is open to the public so it attracts hundreds of
thousands of tourists who flock there every year.
Though My Khe is not the only beach in Danang, its certainly a place not to be missed as My Khe
has always been extolled for its crystal clear water and fine sand dunes. Additionally, there is a
variety of recreational activities available for people coming here. There are, for example,
swimming or, for those who cant swim, taking a dip or a stroll along the shore, snorkeling,
sunbathing and building sand castles for young children. Not only is My Khe widely-known among
domestic travellers, it has a reputation among outbound tourists as well, so its fair to say that the
beach is loved by all kinds of visitors.
As I was saying, My Khe is famous for its clear water and splendid beach scenery and is ideal for
both swimming and beach activities, though, like most places, we are at the mercy of the weather.
The fabulous beach is undoubtedly the biggest reason why My Khe draws tourists like a magnet.
Vocabulary:
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1. Coastal city (thnh ph bin) [noun]: a city which is situated on the coast
Example: Being a coastal city, Danang has a number of beautiful beaches.
2. To be dubbed something (c gi l) [phrase]: to be given the name, to be called
Example: Michael Jackson is dubbed the king of pop for his numerous hit pop songs.
3. Secluded (ho lnh) [adj]: sheltered or screened from general activity, view, etc
Example: The cottage nestles at the foot of the mountain, secluded from the busy town.
4. To be open to the public (cng cng, ai cng c th n) [phrase]: to be available for
everyone
Example: Ba Dinh square is open to the public so anyone can go there.
5. To flock ( x n) [verb]: to go to or gather at a particular place in large numbers
Example: People flocked to the cinema to see the new James Bond film.
6. To extolled for something (c ca ngi v iu g) [phrase]: to be highly praised for
something
Example: The restaurant has always been extolled for its professional service and delicious food.
7. Crystal clear (trong nh pha l) [expression]: absolutely clear; transparent; lucid
Example: The water is crystal clear. You can see all the fish and turtles if you look down.
8. Domestic traveller (khch du lch trong nc) [noun phrase]: people who travel within their
native country
Example: The place is so remote even domestic travellers know little about it.
9. Outbound tourist (khch du lch t nc ngoi) [noun phrase]: a tourist from a foreign
country
Example: Being the most popular coastal city in Vietnam, Danang is well known to both native and
foreign travellers. It attracts a great number of outbound tourists every year.
10. The mercy of the weather (phi ph thuc vo iu kin thi tit) [expression]: to be
dependent on weather conditions good or bad.
Example: We are going for a picnic on Sunday, but rain is forecast so we will be at the mercy of the
weather.
11. To draw like a magnet (c sc thu ht v cng ln) [expression]: to strongly attract
somebody
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Example: The arrival of the circus in the town drew people like a magnet from all of the
surrounding areas.
Part 3:
1. Why do many people like swimming?

Well, I think first and foremost, it is a very healthy and motivational sport. This sport also stands
out since it is one of the few sports that take places in the water. Besides, I think swimming can
endear itself to many people because water-related activities always deliver a sense of excitement
and refreshment. Additionally, swimming does not require serious technical skills or extravagant
sport equipment from its participants.
2. Is swimming good for children, in your opinion?

Of course, swimming is really beneficial to health, especially for children. Firstly, the physical
exertion involved in swimming will improve their health and increase their fitness. Activities like
swimming require the movement of many parts of the body, thus shaping an attractive figure.
Besides, swimming is also the best medicine for enhancing kids height. The most important
benefit of swimming is that it helps children cope with water-related activities, especially potential
dangers like drowning.
3. Where can you swim?

Well, I have many places to go swimming. My school possesses a standardized swimming pool,
which is very popular among students. I often go there with my friends. Besides, the public
swimming pool near my house is also my favorite option. Although the swimming pools in
luxurious hotels are very appealing, they are beyond my means so I cannot swim there. In the
summer, my father will take me to renowned beaches to swim, which is very relaxing.
4. Why do some people hate swimming?

I think that is largely dependent on their inclination and interest. This might also due to the fact that
they have a preference for other sports, like tennis, basketball or football. Particularly, some people
innately have an apprehension towards water, so they cannot take part in swimming. Some of my
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friends, especially the girls, cannot stand swimming under the sun because they fear that it will
severely affect their skin.
5. Is swimming an important activity?

Yes, I think it is. On the one hand, it positively promotes our health. Thanks to swimming
activities, we can stay fit and gain the perfect figure. In actual fact, all sports are profitable to our
well-being, provided that we set our heart on practicing them. Most importantly, swimming equips
its learners with essential skills when in the water, which prevents unexpected problems.
VOCABULARY:
1. motivational [adj]: encouraging, making people want to do sth: c tnh ng lc cao
Eg: To most contenders, this competition is highly motivational.
2. (to) take place [v]: tp happen, to occur : xy ra
Eg: The wedding takes place at 5pm.
3. (to) endear oneself/sb to sb else [v]: make sb/sth like you: khin ai yu thch, c lng
ai
Eg: The teachers kindness endears him to most students.
4. refreshment [n]: the fact of making sb feel stronger or less tired : s lm cho sng khoi
Eg: My father is trying to find a place for rest and refreshment.
5. extravagant [adj: costing a lot more money than you can afford : xa x
Eg: He always bought me extravagant presents.
6. beneficial [adj]: having useful effect : c li
Eg: A good diet is beneficial to your health.
7. exertion [n]: physical or mental effort, the act of making an effort: s n lc
Eg: She was breathless from the exertion of cycling uphill.
8. fitness [n]: the state of being physically strong and healthy: s do dai
Eg: The magazines topic is largely health and fitness.
9. (to) enhance [v]: to increase or further improve the quality of sth : ci thin
Eg: This is an opportunity to enhance the companys reputation.
10. (to) cope with[v]: to deal with a problem : gii quyt vi
Eg: This problem is not too challenging for him to cope with.
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11. standardized[adj]: to be made standard: c tiu chun ha
Eg: This school is famous for its standardized facilities.
12. option[n]: sth that you can choose: la chn
Eg: There are various options open to you.
13. luxurious [adj]: very comfortable, containing expensive things: xa hoa, trng l
Eg: A meal in this luxurious hotel is the lifetime dream of many poor people.
14. renowned [adj]: famous : ni ting
Eg: He is renowned for his intelligence.
15. inclination[n]: a tendency to do sth: thin hng
Eg: One should take his own inclination into consideration when applying for any jobs.
16. preference [n]: a greater interest in sb/sth than sb/sth else : s u tin
Eg: Many people expressed a strong preference for the original plan.
17. innately[adv]: that you have when you are born : mt cch bm sinh
Eg: He believes that humans are innately violent.
18. apprehension [n]: worry or fear of sth: s s hi, lo lng
Eg: There is a growing apprehension that fighting will begin.
19. severely [adv]: in a very bad or serious way: mt cch nghim trng
Eg: He was severely injured in the accident.
20. (to) promote [v]: to help sth to happen or develop: khuyn khch pht trin
Eg: Their campaign goal is to promote awareness of environmental issues.
21. profitable [adj]: producing money, profit , benefit: c li
Eg: He succeeded in signing a profitable contract for his company.
22. set ones heart on doing sth [expression]: to be very set to do sth: quyt tm lm g
Eg: Nhi has set her heart on passing the test.
23. (to) equip sb with sth[v]: to provide sb with sth: cung cp cho ai ci g
Eg: This book equips its readers with the necessary knowledge of history.
24. essential [adj]: necessary : cn thit
Eg: Adaptability is essential for this demanding job.
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28. Describe a well-paid job that you will be good at
You should say
what the job was
how you knew this job
how you feel about this job.
and explain why you think you will be good at it
Well, I think I will be most successful at being an English teacher. From my own perspective,
whether you receive a satisfactory salary or not largely depends on your ability, interest,
temperament and inclination.
My major is English and Im also learning how to disseminate knowledge to others in an effective
way. Therefore, teaching English would be a suitable option, from which I can benefit a lot. In my
opinion, you will always succeed if you do what you love. Besides, as Im quite patient with kids,
there wont be much difficulty in teaching them. Although it can be challenging for the first time,
the experience will always be rewarding.
Practically, English is an international language, which requires ones pursuit of this language, if
he or she wants to make substantial career advancements. In my country, where English is not a
mother tongue, the demand for learning it is omnipresent. People learn English out of
communicative, academic, diplomatic and other considerations. In fact, numerous parents have
invested a lot of money for their children to learn English, in the hope of a better future for them. If
I try to enhance my knowledge and teaching ability over time, I believe that I will have more
students and have an enviable income.
VOCABULARY:
1. perspective [noun]: a particular attitude towards sth; a way of thinking about sth :
quan im
Eg: Hi s ex peri ence abroad provi des a wider p ersp ecti ve on the probl em.
2. satisfactory [adjective]: good enough for a particular purpose : tha mn
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Eg: Your work yesterday was satisfactory but not outstanding.
3. temperament [noun]: a persons or an animals nature as shown in the way they behave or
react to situations or people : tnh kh
Eg: Phuong is a dreamer and a romantic by temperament.
4. inclination [noun]: a tendency to do sth: khuynh hng, bn nng
Eg: There is an inclination to treat geography as a less important subject.
5. (to) disseminate [verb]: to spread information, knowledge, etc. : truyn b
Eg: Their findings have been widely disseminated by the media.
6. effective [adjective]: producing the result that is wanted or intende: hiu qu
Eg: Putting more police officers on the streets is an effective way to reduce crime.
7. patient [adjective]: able to wait for a long time or accept annoying behavior or
difficulties without becoming angry : kin nhn
Eg: Linh can become a good mother because she is very patient with children.
8. pursuit [noun]: the act of looking for or trying to find sth: s theo ui
Eg: She travelled the world in pursuit of her dreams.
9. substantial [adjective]: large in amount, value or importance : ng k
Eg: Substantial numbers of people showed their support for the reform.
10. omnipresent [adjective]: everywhere : xut hin khp mi ni
Eg: The mobile phone is omnipresent in this day and age.
11. (to) enhance [verb]: to increase or further improve the good quality, value or status of
sth/sb : ci thin
Eg: This is an opportunity to enhance the reputation of the company.
12. enviable [adjective]: sth that is enviable is the sort of thing that is good and that other
people want to have too : ng ghen t
Eg: He is in the enviable position of having two job offers to choose from.
29. Describe a website that you like to visit.
You should say:
What the website is
What it is used for
When you used it
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And explain why you think it was interesting.
ANSWER
Today, I am going to tell you about one website which Im really interested in. Its name is
m.ebay.com.
It is an e-commerce website used for online shopping purposes. This website advertises various
items classified by categories such as fashion, electronics, and motors. It allows people to order
products, and make transactions online.
I always give priority to shopping online whenever I have spare time instead of going to stores or
supermarkets. So, this website is very handy for me as I can take advantage of my mobile phone or
computer with an Internet connection to access it and purchase what I need.
I find this website very appealing due to its good layout and attractive images of products. There
is a box for me to enter what items Im looking for so I can avoid browsing items unnecessarily, as
Im able to find quickly the things I need. After that the items I have bought will be delivered right
to my door so I can save a lot of time.
Not only that, there is always the chance to get a good deal and discounts as there are various
promotion programs.
This website has important advantages for me, such as convenience and the benefits of saving time
and money. Now it plays a useful role in my daily life. In the future I will continue to visit the site
and of course recommend it to my friends.
VOCABULARY
E-commerce:the business of buying and selling goods and services on the internet
Example: Ebay is an e-commerce website used for online shopping purposes.
Transaction:a piece of business that is done between people, especially an act of buying or
selling
Example: You can call your bank and carry out a transaction using a Touch-Tone phone.
Give priority to: something that you think is more important than other things and should
be dealt with first
Example: The hospital gives priority to those patients who require urgent medical attention.
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Handy: convenient
Example: My flat is very handy for the shops and the park.
Appealing: attractive or interesting
Example: Brightly colored packaging made the pens especially appealing to children.
Layout: the structure of a website rather than its styling
Example: This page uses a 2 column layout with one sidebar to the left of the main content area.
Browse: the act of looking through a number of things in a book, a store or online
Example: I have only browsed through the new book on dinosaurs, but I intend to read it fully this
weekend.
Get a good deal: make a good agreement to buy or sell something
Example: I got a good deal on my new car I bought it for half the price that the man was asking
for it.

29.1. What are some of the different reasons why people use the internet?
Speaking of the internet, obviously it has already surpassed newspapers and television to be the
main source of information today. And thats the most common reason why people use the internet.
Another reason is that people use the internet as a superior means of communication. We no
longer require a place like cafes or offices to keep in touch with people. We can do it literally
anywhere we happen to be with the availability of Internet access.
29.2. Some people say that different age groups have different tastes on internet content.
What do you think?
I argree that how one uses the internet varies a lot by age. For example, young people rely almost
entirely on search engines for information about entertainment, study materials and job
opportunities, while older people prefer using the internet to get information about national and
international news.
29.3. What influence can (or, does) the internet have on children? And what about
teenagers?
Well, I guess most people immediately think of negative aspects when it comes to internet influence
on our younger generation. For example, using the internet too much makes them socially isolated
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and teenagers in particular seem to spend hours on social network sites. But actually, there are
plenty of positive ones as well. The internet's wealth of information can add to the child's store of
knowledge, while online games enhance their creativity and imagination.
29.4. Do you think parents should control what internet sites their children visit on the
internet?
I would say yes. Because the sources of internet information are not always reliable, its essential to
judge the suitability of those materials. As a result, parents should keep an eyeon their childrens
internet usage that until the child has learned to discriminate between good and bad information
sources.
29.5. What (kinds of) people don't use the internet and what are the disadvantages that
these people suffer because they don't use the internet?
Well, right off the top of my head, I can only think of older people, who are not accustomed to
using the internet, and people whose jobs are not relevant to the internet.
Personally, I think inability or unwillingness to use the internet will restrict their circle of friends
and also make it harder to access information. In some cases, they have to spend countless hours
looking for some news they need through printed materials, while they can do it in a matter of
seconds with search engines which are available on the internet.
VOCABULARY
Superior (vt tri) [adj] better than average or better than other people or things of the
same type
Example: The weapons of the government troops were superior to those of the enemy.
Literally (ng ngha en) [adv] used to emphasize the truth of something that may seem
surprising
Example: They were responsible for literally millions of deaths.
Suitability [noun] the quality of being right or appropriate for a particular purpose
Example: At the interview, he convinced them of his suitability for the job.
Keep an eye on sth (theo di, ) [idiom] to watch or give your attention to someone or
something
Example: The mother sat by the side of the playground, keeping an eye on her sons as they played.
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Discriminate (phn bit) [verb] to treat a person or particular group of people differently,
especially in a worse way from the way in which you treat other people, because of their skin
colour, sex, sexuality, etc.
Example: She felt she had been discriminated against because of her age.
Off the top of my head [idiom] if you say something off the top of your head, you say it
without thinking about it for very long or looking at something that has been written about it
Example: Off the top of my head I could probably only name about three women artists.
Accustomed (quen) [adj] familiar with something
Example: She quickly became accustomed to his messy ways.
Relevant (lin quan) [adji] connected with what is happening or being discussed
Example: Education should be relevant to the child's needs.
Circle of friends [expression] a group of people who like each other because they have the
same interests or hobbies
Example: She is very popular and she has a wide circle of friends.
30. Describe a cake that is special to you.

You should say
What it looks like
How it tastes
How you get the cake
And explain why you find it special
Everyone deserves a cake on their birthday so I find it nothing special to receive a cake on my
annual birthday, but theres one that is exceptional. Let me tell you about the story about it.
In the first year of university, I had a crush on one of my classmates. Unlike me, an introvert, he is
truly a social butterfly, who is socially dynamic, networking, charismatic, and personally
gregarious. He and I were like two people from two different worlds. I had never detected any
"real" signs of interest coming from him, such as trying to make small talk with me, and I always
thought it would be a forever unrequited love. In addition to that, I heard through the grapevine
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that he had someone he liked. Therefore, I had never made any moves or anything like that. But he
did the opposite. He made a big step on my birthday by making a small cake.
It was a cupcake topped with strawberry cream cheese frosting that was just as tasty as the red
velvet cupcake itself. It was rich,tender, and moist. Each bite seemed to completely melt in my
mouth though most of it ended up on my face and fingers. And every bite was better than the one
before.
In my area, it is believed that before eating the birthday cake, if you make a private wish, it will
come true if all the candles are extinguished in a single breath. He asked me what I had wished. I
said nothing. He continued Did you wish to be my lover?. I replied How did you know?. Then
he answered, Because I did the same. Thats how a cupcake broughtme a lover.
Vocabulary
1. A social butterfly
Meaning: refers to an extroverted person who loves to socialize
Example: A social butterfly is a person who is socially dynamic, networking, charismatic, and
personally gregarious.
2. Make small talk
Meaning: to talk in a polite way about unimportant matters such as the weather
Example: I enjoy a serious discussion and I dont like to make small talk or exchange pleasantries
with others simply in order to be polite.
3. To hear through the grapevine
Meaning: to hear news from someone who heard that news from someone else, to learn of
something informally and unofficially by means of gossip or rumor.
Example: Never believe the gossip that you hear through the grapevine always try to find the truth
from an official source.
Cc t khc
1. Exceptional (xut chng)
[adj] much greater than usual, especially in skill, intelligence, quality, etc.
Eg: The company has shown exceptional growth over the past two years.
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2. To have a crush on (cm nng ai)
[phrasal verb] to have a secretly burning desire to be with someone who you find very attractive
and extremely special.
Eg: My heart broke when I found out my crush was seeing another person.
3. Charismatic (li cun, cun ht)
[adj] used to describe a person who has a special power that some people have naturally that makes
them able to influence other people and attract their attention and admiration
Eg: Few were able to resist this charismatic and persuasive leader.
4. Unrequited (khng c p li)
[adj] If the love that you feel for someone is unrequited, it is not felt in the same way by the other
person
Eg: It's just another poem on the pain of unrequited love.
5. Tender (mm)
[adj] easy to cut or chew
Eg: The meat was well cooked and tender, which made up for the lack of seasoning.
31. Describe a library that you have used. (A public library or a university or school
library)
You should say:
where it was
what (type of) building it was in /what type of library it was
what books and facilities it had
what you did in the library
and explain what you liked and /or disliked about this library
Today I would like to talk about the one and only public library in my hometown, which used to be
my weekend hideaway during childhood. Located in the city centre, the two-storey building has
made itself a welcome contrast to concrete jungles. In terms of its exterior decoration, library
visitors would feel comfortable at the sight of its rustic simplicity with reddish-brown bricks and
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mortar. Once inside, people can be awestruck by its state-of-the-art facilities. The bottom half
provides computers with free Internet access and E-books if people prefer to conduct further online
research. The top half is occupied by stacks of books, newspapers, periodicals and other reading
materials where visitors can dig deep into every field. At the weekend, I prefer to be engrossed in
classic novels and develop my literary appreciation. As I grew up, I switched my focus to various
genres to broaden my horizons. Personally speaking, the highlight of the library was its unique
tranquility which was really thought-provoking to readers. However, as it is the sole shelter for
bookworms in the city, its frequent state of overcrowding allows little room to enjoy it at the
weekend.
Vocabulary
T vng thuc ch Reading:
broaden ones literary horizons [v] (m mang hiu bit vn hc): to widen the limit of your
desires, knowledge, or interests by reading widely
Eg: Schools should broaden the literary horizons of pupils by encouraging them to read in class and
at home.
to dig deep (into something) [v] (o su tm hiu v ci g): to search thoroughly for information
Eg: : Computer technology has enabled authorities to dig deep into all kinds of personal records
relating to ordinary citizens.
to be engrossed in sth [v] (m mi vo ci g): to be completely focused on something
Eg: A good work-life balance is important, because if people are too engrossed in their work their
family life may suffer.
literary appreciation [n] (cm th vn hc): pleasure that you have when your recognize and enjoy
the qualities of a good piece of writing
Eg: Although a literary genius like Shakespeare is rare, it is important for governments to
subsidise creative writing classes for all ages.
Cc t khc:
hideaway [n] (ni n np bnh yn): a place where you can go to hide or to be alone
Eg: He escaped to his hideaway in the country at weekends.
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concrete jungle [n] (t hp nh cao tng): a way of describing a city or an area that is unpleasant
because it has many large modern buildings and no trees or parks
bricks and mortar [n] (nhng ta nh): buildings, when you are thinking of them in connection
with how much they cost to build or how much they are worth; housing, when it is considered as an
investment.
Eg: Bricks and mortar are a sound investment.
awestruck [adj] (bt ng): feeling very impressed by something
Eg: People were awestruck by the pictures the satellite sent back to Earth.
state-of-the-art [adj] (hin i): using the most modern or advanced techniques or methods; as
good as they can be at the present time
Eg: The Physics Department has state-of-the-art facilities; what with the computer and projector.
tranquility [n] (s bnh yn): the state of being quiet and peaceful
Eg: The tranquility of the country brings peace of mind to us.
thought-provoking [adj] (ng suy ngm, kch thch t duy): making people think seriously about
a particular subject or issue.
Eg: Romeo and Julliet is a brilliant and thought-provoking play.
32. Describe a painting or work of art that you have seen.

You should say:
when you saw this work of art
where you saw it
what it looked like
and explain your impression of it.
My uncle is an art collector and a real connoisseur of arts so last year I had a once in a lifetime
chance to follow him to a private viewing of a famous Vietnamese Realism artists exhibition.
Among the collection was an oil painting called Father and daughter that has left a profounding
impression on me until now.
The exhibition was in the Old Quarter and offered a heart-warming portrayal of family
relationships during the Vietnam Subsidy period. As I walked in full of curiosity, the first painting
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that caught my attentionwas hung right in the centre of the room. It portrayed a poor father fetching
some meat to his little daughters rice bowl while he has barely anything for himself. I could see
how hard life was back then through his tired look, bony fingers and their old, torn clothes. The
painting was coated in plain, dark colors but the touching fatherhood it conveyed shone brightly. It
immediately touched my emotions because my father has also sacrificed a lot to give me a fulfilling
childhood. I believe that to ordinary art viewers, sometimes a valuable work of art isnt judged by
its price, techniques or colors, but by the emotional experience it gives to them.
Vocabulary
Cc t thuc ch Art:
to be a connoisseur of sth [expression] (ngi am hiu ci g ): an expert on matters involving
the judgment of beauty, quality or skill in art or music
Eg: In order to enjoy beautiful paintings, it is not necessary to be a connoisseur of works of art.
private viewing [n] (i xem trc trin lm): an occasion when a few people are invited to look at
an exhibition of paintings before it is open to the public.
Eg: Paintings are sometimes considered as a form of investment, and art dealers arrange private
viewings for art collectors to purchase works of value.
the portrayal of something/somebody [n] (miu t chn dung/ khc ha chn dung ai ): the act
of showing or describing something/somebody in a book, painting, play or film.
Eg: In the past, the portrayal of women in art was often as possessions, owned by rich men.
a work of art/a work of music/a work of literature [n] (mt tc phm hi ha/ m nhc/ vn
hc): a painting, sculpture, book, play, piece of music etc
Eg: Shakespeares plays are considered as some of the greatest works of literature in the English
language.
Cc t khc:
art viewers [n] (ngi thng thc ngh thut): people who come to admire works of art.
Realism [n] (Ch ngha hin thc): astyleofpaintingandsculpture developedin aboutthemid-
19thcenturyinwhichfiguresandscenes aredepictedastheyareexperiencedormightbeexperiencedin
everydaylife.
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33. Describe a piece of clothes that is your favorite
You should say
what it is and when you bought it
where you bought it from
why you decided to buy it
and explain why it is your favorite.
Im going to talk about one of my T-shirts which is actually a hand-me-down from my sister. To
be honest, I got fed up with my sisters hand-me-downs but this one is an exception.
My sister is a shopaholic so she purchases fashion items a lot of the time. You can never imagine
how much space her clothes take up and how wrinkled they get. So my mother often tells me to
wear them instead of buying new ones to make cutbacks on my pocket money. Normally, I will
refuse immediately but when I saw this one, I changed my mind.
It is a gender-neutral T-shirt with a minimalist design it has white color and only a small slogan
on it saying Im not trying to be differentit just comes naturally. With that simple design, I find
it extremely easy to mix and match this T-shirt with other items. I can wear it when going out with
my friends or going to university. A lot of my friends are into this T-shirt and they praise me that I
have a sense of style to wear this one.
Vocabulary
1. A shopaholic
Meaning: a person who spends too much time working/too much time shopping
Example: Although I take my studies seriously, I would not describe myself as a workaholic,
because I have other interests too.
Cc t thuc ch Business
1. To make cutbacks
Meaning: to decrease, to reduce
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Example: The company made cutbacks at their stores in New York and many employees were
dismissed
Cc t khc
1. gender-neutral (trung tnh)
[adj] not especially to men or to women
Eg: Emma Watson has won the first gender-neutral prize at the MTV TV & Movie Awards.
2. Minimalist (ngi theo ch ngha ti gin)
[adj] belonging or relating to a style in art, design, and theatre that uses the smallest range of
materials and colours possible, and only very simple shapes or forms
Eg: The set for the ballet is minimalist - white walls and a chair.
3. to mix and match (kt hp)
[idiom] to assemble a limited number of items, usually clothing, in a number of different ways
Eg: Gary always bought black, blue, and gray trousers and shirts so he could mix and match
without too many bad combinations.
Part 3
Do all people enjoy shopping for clothes?

I would say no. People have different priorities; some people like to go shopping, other people
prefer traveling. Take me for example. I just go shopping for clothing that is appropriate forthe
weather when I have to. Otherwise, I like to occupy my time with other things that interest me, like
reading a book, painting, creating house designs, or decorating.
Why do women like to do shopping?
It's one of the oldest stereotypes, but it's also probably one of the most accurate: women love to
shop for a number of reasons. First, girls like keeping themselves up to date with the latest trends in
the fashion world and to be the center of attraction, so they always need to go shopping to get new
clothes and keep up with the latest fashions. Another reason is that shopping lifts ones mood, but
here I dont share the sexist attitude that there are inherent differences between men and women
when it comes to spending money on consumer goods . Retailers increasingly target both genders
when promoting their products and it seems that everyone now enjoys shopping.
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Why do some women buy cheaper clothes and expensive ones at the same time?
The main reason for this may be the fact that some women do not care about designer labels,
because they are only into the designs and materials of the clothes they choose. Clothing can be
attractive at any price. Some people, however, are insecure about themselves and so try to make
themselves feel better by purchasing super expensive designer clothing. Other people have an eye
for what is flattering and know that what will look good on them can be bought at a sale price or at
a discount store, or even at a thrift shop.
Do you think it is good for people buy expensive clothes? Why?

Expensive clothes are worth the price provided that the quality correlates with the cost. This is not
always the case - sometimes the price seems to be justified only by the brand name and/or style.
However, regardless of whether or not there is a fancy label attached to an article of clothing, if the
material is top quality and it fits your body type well, then I would say there's nothing wrong with
paying top dollar for it.
Why do some people like shopping with friends?
Some people like browsing and window shopping with friends or family. Its fun to pick out
clothes or shoes that they might not otherwise notice, or play with make-up colours and just have
fun while doing it. Sometimes, if they are shopping for clothes they like having a second opinion,
especially if they are in two minds about a particular item.
Why do people shop for clothes online?
There are a lot of reasons why people opt for shopping for clothes online. For example, one can get
several brands and products from different sellers at one place and compare prices. You can shop
from retailers in other parts of the country or even the world without being limited by geographic
area...Another reason maybe to avoid buying goods impulsively. Many times when we go out
shopping we end up buying things which we do not really need, because of the sales skills of the
store assistants. Shopping online helps us to avoid these things since we have time to have second
thoughts.
What risks do you run when shopping online? Why?
When it comes to online shopping, there are several benefits, yet there are things all online shoppers
should beware of. At its simplest, the sizes they provide might be totally different from the ones
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you have, clothes in the pictures might not actually look exactly the same as they do when they
arrive, for example they may have stains or other defects.
Do you like jewelry?
Yes, I do, because beautiful jewelry is a work of craftsmanship, not just a fashion item. Its
aesthetic qualities do not depend on the price. Whether I need something as simple as a bracelet
for my nieces birthday, or as elaborate as a necklace for a very special occasion, theres a piece of
jewelry that I can buy or wear. Jewelry comes in such a wide variety of styles, colors, that theres
always something that meets my needs and that I can afford at the time.
Do you wear many jewels?
No, I just choose the one that is the best match with what Im wearing. I use jewelry to complement
even the most complex of outfits. But I dont go over the top. Too much jewelry distracts
attention from my clothes and makes my appearance cluttered, so that pieces lose their
individuality, hidden away in an assemblage of jewelry.
Why do some people wear a piece of jewelry for a long time?
The common reason is that each item of jewelry has its own meaning. For example, engagement
rings, wedding bands, and anniversary bands are all mementos of lifes most wonderful moments.
Jewelry that you wear regularly is there for every moment of your life, and you can start to even
feel incomplete without it. Each time you wear it, a piece of jewelry becomes less of an accessory
and more of a part of the wearer.
Vocabulary
T vng trong ch Gender
1. sexist attitude
Meaning: the belief that women are in some way inferior to men in the way they think or behave
Example: Traditional sexist attitudes in the workplace are disappearing and women are now given
equal opportunities at work.
2. inherent differences
Meaning: differences that exist as a natural or basic part of something
Example: Since there are no inherent differences between the intellectual abilities of both genders,
there is no reason why more women should not be encouraged to study maths or engineering.
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T vng trong ch Media and Advertising
1. to promote their products
Meaning: to make products more popular by advertising them
Example: Cosmetics companies are now increasingly promoting their products to male
consumers, using famous sports celebrities.
2. to buy goods impulsively
Meaning: to buy goods suddenly and without thinking if you really need or want them
Example: Stores display their goods in an attractive way, hoping the customers will buy goods
impulsively.
T vng trong ch Traditional vs Modern
1. works of craftsmanship
Meaning: objects made by people who are very skilled with their hands
Example: The museums of every city are full of beautiful hand-made works of craftsmanship
made by skilled workers in past centuries.
T vng trong ch Art
1. aesthetic qualities
Meaning: the qualities of beauty which something possesses
Example: One advantage of studying the arts is that students learn to appreciate the aesthetic
qualities of paintings, literature and music.
T vng khc:
1. lift ones mood
[verb] If something lifts your spirits or your mood, or if they lift, you start feeling more cheerful.
Eg: Shopping is sometimes called retail therapy, because it lifts ones mood when we buy
something that we want.
2. designer label
[noun] a famous company that makes expensive clothes, bags etc and that is a well-known brand
Eg: Some people are obsessed with designer labels like Nike or Gucci.
3. insecure
[adj] Insecure people have little confidence and are uncertain about their own abilities or if other
people really like them:
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Eg: I wonder what it was about her upbringing that made her so insecure.
4. thrift shop
[noun] a store selling secondhand clothes and other household goods, typically to raise funds for a
charitable institution.
Eg: I sometimes like to shop in thrift shops to pick up unusual things and save money.
5. correlate
[verb] if two or more facts, numbers, etc. correlate or are correlated, there is a relationship between
them:
Eg: Stress levels and heart disease are strongly correlated.
6. opt for
[phrasal verb] to choose something, especially over some other option
Eg: I opted for a king-sized bed when I made my hotel reservation.
7. browse
[verb] look at a lot of things in a store, without looking for one particular thing
Eg: I browsed the shelves of the bookshop for something interesting to read on the train.
8. window shopping
[noun phrase] looking at goods in the windows of shops without intending to buy anything
Eg: I went window shopping on Sunday, just to pass the time although I had no money to spend.
9. have second thoughts
[expression] to begin to have doubts about a decision you have made
Eg: The President is having second thoughts about the new health care policy.
10. go over the top
[expression] to do something in an exagerrated or excessive way
Eg: After he scored a goal, Messi went over the top with his celebrations, so the referee showed
him a yellow card.
11. distract
[verb] to make someone stop giving their attention to something:
Eg: He tried to distract attention from his own illegal activities.
12. cluttered
[adj] covered with a lot of things, in a way that is untidy
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Eg: The kitchen looked cluttered after the party had finished and the guests had left.
13. memento
[noun] a thing that you keep or give to somebody to remind them of a person or place
Eg: I keep his old watch as a memento of the happy times that I spent with my father.
13. incomplete
[adj] not having some parts, or not finished:
Eg: The decision was based on incomplete or inaccurate information.
34. Describe a building in your school or university

You should say:
where it is
what it looks like
what it is used for
Im going to describe the administrative building of my university - FPT University, which is a

famous building designed by a talented architect Mr.Vo Trong Nghia.
The building is located in the Hoa Lac Hightech Park, 34 kilometers from Hanoi. The project is a
modernisticseven-storey, eco-friendly building. Owing to its purpose and unique design, this
building has won several prizes, and Future Projects Education is one of them. It is considered as
representative of the efforts of Vietnamese architecture to take action on global warming.
Since the building serves as a gateway to the school, the architects used its prominent position in
the landscape to promote sustainabledevelopment in Vietnam, a country suffering from increasing
pollution due to rapid industrialization. What I like most is that the layout looks like a large garden
with greenery covering most of the area. With the combination of this green space and abundant
glass, sufficient natural light and wind are able to enter the building in order to reduce its reliance
on artificial lighting and air conditioning.
This building is loved due to its unique design and due to the fact that it brings about lots of benefits
to our students as well as our teachers. This creative place pushes the boundary of our creativity a
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lot. One of my teachers told me that she felt motivated and even tried to tailor her teaching styles
since she felt in a good mood whenever she looked at this building. Besides, some students are able
to work their way through the university by taking part time jobs such as taking care of the trees
and cleaning the building.
Vocabulary
Cc t thuc ch Environment
1. To take action on global warming
Meaning: to do what has to be done on problems related to global warming
Example: There have been numerous international conferences to warn of the dangers, but many
governments have refused to take action on global warming.
2. Sustainable development
Meaning: development that is achieved without depleting natural resources
Example: Organic methods should be introduced in agriculture in order to promote
sustainable development.
Cc t thuc ch Education
1. To tailor teaching styles
Meaning: to make or prepare teaching styles following particular instructions
Example: When faced with classes of students with different levels of ability, teachers should tailor
their teaching strategies to deal with this challenge.
1. To work ones way through the university
Meaning: to have a job when you are at college/university in order to help to pay for your studies
Example: He had to work his way through university because his family was so poor that they
could not afford his tuition fees.
Cc t khc
Modernistic [adj]
Meaning: designed in a very modern style
Example: My city has only a few modernistic buildings, but I hope that more will be built in the
near future.
Prominent [adj]
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Meaning: something that is in a prominent position can easily be seen (d thy, ni bt)
Example: New books are displayed in a prominent position on tables at the front of the store.
Greenery [noun] (cy cnh)
Meaning: attractive green plants
Example: The university campus is surrounded by greenery, which creates a peaceful study
environment.
35. Describe a character from a story you read or heard in your childhood
You should say:
who the character was
what the character looked like
what the character did in the story
and explain what influence this character had on you.
I believe most Vietnamese children read manga, which are also known as Japanese comic books, in
their childhood. And if youasked any manga-consumer to name the most representative manga
character of the last decade, the majority would probably reply the same: Monkey D. Luffy. And
Im no exception.
Luffy is the main character of One Piece, a renowned manga series written and illustrated by
Eiichiro Oda. The story follows the adventures of Monkey D. Luffy with his crew of pirates, named
the Straw Hat Pirates. Luffy explores the sea in search of the world's ultimate treasure in order to
become the next Pirate King. What impressed me in the very first chapters, is that Luffy is a kind
person, but hes also more complex than that - hes a selfless person. On journeys he set out on for
his own reasons, but he frequently did the equivalent of putting his own goals on the backburner,
just because he saw that someone else had needs greater than his own. For me, this aspect of
Luffys personality speaksvolumes forhis character and is likely to appeal strongly to readers.
Thanks to the main character, this manga is considered as one of the greatest works of Japanese
comic books and is even staged in school plays annually. In the past, it often took a long time to
get the new chapter translated from Japanese into Vietnamese and published. But nowadays, with
advances in technology, you can easily get access to the Internet and read it online. If you are
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computer-literate, you can even translate it on your own by applying a translation software to a
raw version, a chapter not translated and scanned.
I have to say that I learned a lot from this character, from his kindness and broad-mindedness. Its
a valuable lesson that it is better to be generous to a fault than to be selfish in life.
Vocabulary
Cc t thuc ch Art
1. A work of art/literature.
Meaning: a painting, sculpture, book, play, piece of music etc
Example: Shakespeares plays are considered as one of the greatest works of literature in the
English language
2. To appeal to audiences/ readers
Meaning: to attract or interest those who go to watch a play or film.
Example: Plays which deal with contemporary social issues are likely to appeal to audiences.
3. To stage a play
Meaning: to organize and present a play for people to see
Example: It is important to encourage children to be creative, for example by staging a schoolplay
or displaying their artwork on school open days.
Cc t thuc ch Technology
1. Advances in technology
a cure for Aids.
2. Computer-literate
Meaning: able to use computers well
Example: In todays competitive job market, it is essential to be computer-literate.
3. Apply sth to sth
Meaning: to use something or make something work in a particular situation
Example: The new technology applied to farming has led to a huge reduction in the agricultural
workforce.
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Cc t thuc ch Communication
1. To be generous to a fault
Meaning: to be very generous and helpful to others, even when it can cause problems for yourself
Example: My parents are generous to a fault and they have helped me a lot with my education.
Cc t khc
1. Manga-consumer [noun] a person who reads manga, especially one who reads it a lot (ngi
c truyn tranh)
Eg: Young boys account for the largest proportion of manga-consumers.
2. Renowned [adj] famous for something (ni ting)
Eg: The region is renowned for its outstanding natural beauty.
3. Selfless [adj] caring more for what other people need and want rather than for what you yourself
need and want. (v tha, lun ngh n ngi khc)
Eg: He was promoted because of his selfless devotion to duty.
4. Equivalent [noun] something that has the same amount, value, purpose, qualities, etc. as
something else (vt/t tng ng)
Eg: There is no English equivalent for "bon appetit" so we have adopted the French expression.
5. To put on the backburner [expression] to leave an idea or a plan until later ( lm sau)
Eg: Our holiday plans have been put on the backburner until the weather improves.
6. To speak volumes for [expression] to tell you a lot about something/somebody, without the need
for words (ni ln rt nhiu v)
Eg: His achievement speaks volumes for his determination to succeed.
7. Broad-mindedness [noun] being willing to accept other people's behaviour and beliefs (suy
ngh thong)
Eg: My parents always prided themselves on their broad-mindedness.
36. Describe your favourite means of transportation

You should say:
what this transport is
when you began to use it
the advantages and disadvantages of using this form of transportation
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and explain why it is your favourite form of transportation.
Today I am going to talk about the means of transportation that I like best. My favorite vehicle is
the very humble bicycle. Ever since I was in primary school, I have made use of a bicycle to travel
between places, mostly from home to school and vice versa. My house was about 2 kilometers
away from school, and every day I would wake up early to ride my bike to class. As a kid, I took
particularly great pride in owning a bicycle because I figured it was a remarkably mature and
sensational thing to do, by which I mean, I was thrilled by the sense of having something so
valuable of my own at such early age, and all my peers would hold me in high esteem for that.
In my opinion, there is no telling how many individual and social benefits the bicycle offers,
especially to modern citizens. In this era of urgent environmental problems and depletion
ofnatural resources, the bicycle has proved itself to be an optimum method of traveling,with
dedicated cycle lanes in most towns and cities. As it requires no intake of fuel and discharges no
emissions, riding a bike not only cuts societys carbon footprint, but also reduces the reliance on
fossil fuels. Whats more, travelling by bike is also a wonderful way to integrate a fitness regime
into your life. Riding a bike obligates you to really get your leg muscles and joints moving, making
them stronger and more flexible, which is particularly necessary given our modern sedentary
lifestyle. The only downsides of the bicycle that occur to me are its limited speed and the need to
exertyourself, which makes long journeys quite exhausting, especially if you are out of condition.
But as I mainly travel fairly short distances, that doesnt bother me too much!
To me, the real allure of cycling is its simplicity. A bicycle is incredibly simple to operate,
maneuver and repair. It is also, of course, much easier on the pocketto own a bicycle compared to
other vehicles.
Vocabulary:
1. to deplete natural resources
Meaning: To reduce the amount of natural resources.
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Example: Timber companies must not be allowed to deplete naturalresources by cutting down
trees without planting new trees to replace them.
Dch i
To deplete natural resources: lm suy gim ngun ti nguyn thin nhin
Ngha: lm gim tr lng ti nguyn thin nhin
V d: Cng ty Timber khng c php lm suy gim ngun ti nguyn thin nhin khi cht cy
m khng trng mi.
2. carbon footprint
Meaning: a measure of the amount of carbon dioxide that is produced by the daily activities of a
company or person
Example: By providing subsidies, governments should encourage companies to reduce their carbon
footprint through energy efficiency or other green measures.
Dch i
Carbon footprint: Du chn carbon
Ngha: s lng kh carbon c to ra t nhng hot ng thng ngy ca mt cng ty hay mt
c nhn no
V d: Bng vic tr cp, chnh ph cc nc khuyn khch cc doanh nghip gim du chn carbon
qua vic s dng nng lng hiu qu hay cc bin php xanh khc.
3. to reduce the dependence/reliance on fossil fuels
Meaning: to decrease peoples consumption of fossil fuels, like oil, coal or gas.
Example: Governments must invest heavily in solar and wind energy projects in order to reduce
our dependence/reliance on fossil fuels.
Dch i
To reduce the reliance on fossil fuels: gim s ph thuc vo nhin liu ha thch
Ngha: gim lng tiu th ca ngi dn v nhin liu ha thch, nh du, than v gas.
V d: Cc nc u t cao vo nng lng mt tri v nng lng gi gim s ph thuc vo
nhin liu ha thch.
Cc t thuc ch Health
1. sedentary lifestyle
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Meaning: involving little exercise or physical activity
Example: A sedentary lifestyle is a major factor in health problems such as obesity and heart
disease.
Dch i
Sedentary lifestyle: phong cch sng thiu vn ng
Ngha: t hoc gn nh khng tp th thao v cc hot ng tay chn khc
V d: Sng thiu vn ng l yu t chnh dn n cc vn v sc khe nh bo ph v cc bnh
v tim.
2. a fitness regime
Meaning: a method or routine of taking regular exercise
Example: Even elderly people can adopt a fitness regime by taking light exercise such as walking
or jogging.
Dch i
A fitness regime: ch tp luyn
Ngha: 1 phng php hay thi quen luyn tp thng xuyn
V d: Ngay c ngi gi cng c th c ch tp luyn bn cch tp cc bi tp nh nh i b.
Cc t thuc ch Sport and Exercise
1. to exert yourself
Meaning: to make a physical effort to do something
Example: If you dont want to exert yourself by strenuous physical exercise, try jogging or yoga.
2. to be out of condition
Meaning: to be physically unfit
Example: One of the causes of obesity is that many people are out of condition and fail to exercise
regularly.
Cc t thuc ch Transport
1. dedicated cycle lanes
Meaning: A section of a road, indicated by white lines, that only cyclists can use
Example: The introduction of dedicated cycle lanes in our city has made travelling by bike much
less dangerous.
Cc t khc:
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1. Vice versa [adv]: used to say that the opposite of what you have just said is also true (dng
ni iu ngc li cng vy)
Ex: You can cruise from Cairo to Aswan or vice versa (= also from Aswan to Cairo).
Ngha: dng ch ra rng chiu ngc li ca nhng g bn ni th cng ng.
VD: Bn c th i bng ng thy t Cairo n Aswan hoc ngc li (t Aswan n Cairo)
2. Take (a) pride in + N/Ger [expression]: to be proud of (t ho v ci g)
Ex: We take great pride in offering the best service in town.
Ngha: t ho v (ci g/lm g).
VD: Chng ti t ho v vic cung cp dch v tt nht trong khu vc.
3. To hold sb in high esteem [expression]: to pay great respect and admiration; to have a good
opinion of somebody (tn trng ai)
Ex: She is held in high esteem by her colleagues.
Ngha: ngng m, tn trng hay nh gi cao mt ngi no .
VD: C y c ng nghip ngng m.
4. Theres no telling [idm]: used to say that it is impossible to know what happened or will
happen (khng th ni trc c)
Ex: There's no telling how they'll react.
Ngha: dng ch ra mt iu khng th bit hay on trc c.
VD: Tht khng th on trc c phn ng ca h.
5. Obligate (sb to do sth) [v] = force sb to do sth. (b bt buc lm g)
Ex: She was obligated to marry him.
Ngha: bt buc ai lm g.
VD: C ta b p buc phi ci anh ta.
6. optimum [adj]:the best possible; producing the best possible results (tt nht)
Ex: What are the optimum conditions for economic growth?
Ngha: tt nht
VD: iu kin tt nht cho pht trin kinh t l g?
7. allure [n]: the quality of being attractive and exciting (s quyn r, s cun ht)
Ex: The country has lost its allure as a destination for foreign investment.
Ngha: s hp dn
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VD: thnh ph y mt i s hp dn ca mnh nh mt im thu ht vn u t nc ngoi.
8. maneuver [v]:to steer in various directions as required (iu khin, li)
Eg: The technology has made ships easier to maneuver.
Ngha: iu khin
VD: Cng ngh lm cho cc tu thy d li hn.
9. easy on the pocket [expression] cheap (r)
Eg: I take the bus rather than use my own car its easier on the pocket!
37. Describe a couple you know who have a happy marriage

You should say:
who they are
how you know them
how long they have been married
and explain why you think they are happily married.
Well, the first married couple that came to mind when I saw this topic were my grandparents,
because as far as I know, they are a very contented and devoted couple, so Id like to tell you a
little bit about them.
They were married by the arrangement of their parents as soon as they entered adult life, just like
most Vietnamese couples did at that time. Surprisingly, they both fell in love at first sight and
decided to tie the knot 2 weeks after their first encounter.
The one thing I find most admirable in their relationship is that though my parents had to live apart
from each other shortly after their marriage due to war, they still managed to maintain a healthy
relationship. While my grandfather left home for almost 10 years to fight in the South, his wife
faithfully waited for him and fulfilled her role as a working mother to 2 children. When the war
had finally come to an end, my grandparents had a tearful reunion and they lived in harmony ever
after. Until this day, they show their deepest care for each other in the smallest action. For instance,
my grandpa would always get up early and make tea for my grandmother, who is not a morning
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person, so that her day could start more pleasantly. Most importantly, they still hold hands when
walking side by side, as endearingly as they did decades ago.
As more and more couples are dissolving their marriage, I think that we can learn a great deal
about how pure love can survive hardships and socio-economic changes through the marriage of
my grandparents.
Vocabulary
Cc t thuc ch Communication and Personality:
1.to live in harmony with one another

Dch i
To live in harmony with one another: sng ha hp vi ngi khc
Ngha: sng vi nhng ngi khc mt cch ha hp, trnh gy mu thun vi nhau
V d: Sinh vin sng cng mt nh l nhng ngi bn thn v h c th sng ha hp vi nhau.
2. working mothers
Meaning: women who have a job and also have to take care of their children
Example: As more and more women have entered the workforce, working mothers have to balance
the demands of home and work.
Dch i
Working mothers: cc b m i lm
Ngha: ph n c cng n vic lm ng thi phi chm sc con h
V d: Khi ngy cng nhiu ph n tham gia vo lc lng lao ng, cc b m i lm phi cn
bng gia nhng yu cu ca cng vic v gia nh.
Cc t thuc ch Family and Children:

1. to enter adult life
Meaning:the stage when adolescents are just old enough to be legally independent of their parents
Example: Parents who have devoted time and thought to raising and educating their children have
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given them a good prepartion to enter adult life.
Dch i
To enter adult life: bc vo th gii ngi ln
Ngha: giai on khi thanh nin tui c t lp
V d: Nhng cha m dnh nhiu thi gian v suy ngh nui dy con ci chun b cho h tht
tt bc vo th gii ngi ln.
2. to dissolve a marriage
Meaning: to officially end a marriage
Example: Couples are sometimes unwilling to dissolve their marriage and they stay together for
the sake of the children.
Dch i
To dissolve a marriage: kt thc hn nhn
Ngha: chnh thc chm dt mt cuc kt hn
V d: i khi cc cp v chng khng sn sng chm dt hn nhn v h li cng nhau v l do
con ci.
Cc t thuc ch Society:
1. socio-economic changes
Meaning: changes relating to the society and economy of a country
Example: Mass migration to cities is a result of socio-economic changes, especially the growth of
industry.
Cc t khc
1. contented (adj): feeling or showing happiness and satisfaction (hi lng)
Example: Having finally retired from work, he was a very contented man.
2. devoted (adj): having great love for and loyalty to somebody (ht lng, tn ty)
Example: They were devoted to their children.
3. to fall in love at first sight: to be in love immediately after you meet someone (yu t ci nhign
u tin)
Example: He fell in love at first sight with the girl who lived next door.
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4. to tie the knot: to get married. (kt hn)
Example: After 4 years of dating, they decided to tie the knot.
5. a healthy relationship: a positive relationship. (mt mi quan h tt p)
Example: One secret of a healthy relationship is to always tell the truth.
6. a morning person: Some one who is particularly active in the morning (con ngi ca bui
sng)
Example: Since she is a morning person, she is always full of energy when she wakes up.
7. endearingly (adv): In a manner that inspires affection (mt cch yu chiu)
Example: She endearingly called her son my little treasure.
Part 3:
If you are 35 years old and still single, are you still waiting for your true love? Why?
Sometimes people tell me that I am set in my ways and even I myself have felt behind the timesin
my outlook, but I still cannot change my mind. I suppose a marriage without true love makes no
sense, therefore, I will still wait for my true love despite the fact that I am 35 or 45 years old. In my
opinion, the main reasons for getting married are fellowship, companionship, and mutual help and
comfort, not just to start a home and have children. It has to be done with the one you love,
otherwise it means nothing.
Who pays for the wedding costs? The man or woman or both? Why?
Traditionally, in my country, the groom and his family foot the majority of the bill. Of course, this
rarely applies these days since we are living in an egalitarian society. Rather than burden one
family with practically the entire cost of a wedding, it is common practice these days for both the
bride and groom to share expenses.
What do you think is the best age to marry?
In the past, people often used to marry at a very young age. But along with socio-economic
changes, thoughts about families and marriage have changed, too. In the modern world, the best
time to marry is when you're capable of having a healthy relationship and bringing up children well.
Waiting a long time does make it more difficult both for men and for women to have children, and
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increases the odds of birth defects. So I suppose the optimum age is somewhere around the late
20s.
Do you think that a Vietnamese wedding wastes lots of money?
Yes, I have to agree with that view. The traditional Vietnamese wedding is a significant day not
only for the couple involved but also for both families. Thus, it usually includes quite a few formal
ritual observances. And some of them involve unnecessary expenses. For example, on the wedding
day, the groom's family and relatives go to the bride's house, bringing a lot of gifts wrapped in red
paper. Those gifts often cost a lot of money, but they are actually just for show.
Why spend a lot of money on the wedding?
The main reason I would say is because it follows a long tradition. Since everyone does the same
thing, people often think that have to follow suit. And its also an occasion to show off a familys
wealth. And another reason is, I know for a fact that a lot of girls grow up imagining their perfect
wedding. They do not hesitate to spend untold money holding a luxurious wedding, since they think
of it as the most important event in their life.
In a traditional Vietnamese family, what do men do in the family? And what about women?
Why?
In traditional Vietnamese families, roles are rigid. The man of the house is primarily responsible
for the familys economic well-being and takes pride in his role as provider. The woman of the
house looks after her in-laws as well as her parents, husband and children. In rural areas, women
also do a lot of agricultural work. The reason is that Vietnamese people traditionally consider men
as the breadwinners while women are thought of as the weaker sex, who are 'smaller, weaker, less
intelligent' and are not capable of making money.
Do you think men should take care of babies? Why?
Well, I think men should give a hand to their wife in taking care of babies, to make it a bit less of a
burden to women. In addition, this really strengthens family bonds. More importantly, a fathers
care and love contributes as much to a childs intellectual and emotional development as moms
love does. The love and care of mom and dad have an equal impact on their childrens well-being,
happiness and, in later years, academic success.
Do you think men should do housework? Why?
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Actually, I think men should share some of the domestic responsibilities because, sometimes, its
absolutely necessary to help out. Nowadays, a dual-income family is becoming much more
common. This means that women have to work and take care of the house at the same time. If those
working mothers do not receive help from their husband, it will be extremely hard for them.
At a traditional wedding in Vietnam,what kind of dress does the bride wear?
There are 2 main kinds of dress Vietnames brides often wear: Ao dai or a western wedding dress.
After the Nguyn Dynasty, women began to wear elaborate o di for their weddings. This
tradition has been passed on through generations and continues to thrive these days. On the other
hand, some Vietnamese brides nowadays choose western wedding dresses, which are usually
designed in white color and are strapless or sleeveless.
Vocabulary
1. set in my ways
Meaning: A person who is set in his or her ways is stubborn and committed to their current way of
doing things. They arent open to changing, even if the change would be an improvement
Example: As people get older, they often become set in their ways and are reluctant to try anything
new.
2. behind the times
Meaning: refers to a person who is old-fashioned and has not adopted certain modern customs,
beliefs, or behaviors
Example: He was angry when they said that his accounting methods were behind the times
because he did not use computer software.
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Cc t thuc ch Society
1. an egalitarian society
Meaning: a society in which everyone has the same rights and opportunities
Example: I believe that crime would be reduced if we lived in a more egalitarian society.
2. socio-economic changes
Meaning: changes relating to the society and economy of a country
Example: Mass migration to cities is a result of socio-economic changes that include the
industrialisation of agriculture.
1. dual-income family
Meaning: a family where both the father and mother work
Example: Changes in society have resulted in the dual-income family becoming the most common
family type.
2. working mother
Cc t thuc ch Gender
1. the breadwinner
Meaning: the member of a family who earns the money that the family needs
Example: Men are often expected to be the breadwinner in a family.
2. domestic responsibilities
Meaning: household chores and other work relating to the home
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Example: Traditionally, wives have assumed most domestic responsibilities, while husbands have
taken the responsibility of providing income for the family.
Cc t thuc ch Traditional vs Modern
1. to pass on
Meaning: to give someone something that someone else has given you
Example: Traditional skills that are passed on to children by parents and elders need to be
preserved as the most valuable treasures in each community.
Cc t khc
1. companionship
[noun] the enjoyment of spending time with other people:
Eg: I lived on my own for a while but I missed the companionship of others.
2. mutual
[adj] (of two or more people or groups) feeling the same emotion, or doing the same thing to or for
each other:
Eg: Theirs was a partnership based on mutual respect, trust and understanding.
3. to foot the bill

[verb] to pay an amount of money:
Eg: His parents footed the bill for his college tuition.
4. ritual
[noun] a set of fixed actions and sometimes words performed regularly, especially as part of a
ceremony:
Eg: Coffee and the newspaper are part of my morning ritual.
5. to follow suit
Meaning: to act or behave in a way that somebody else has just done:
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Example: After my friend got a job in McDonalds, I decided to follow suit and apply.
5. rigid
[adj] stiff or fixed; not able to be bent or moved:
Eg: The rules of the company are very rigid no smoking in the workplace.
6. family bond
[noun] a close connection joining people in a family:
Eg: In societies with strong family bonds, people tend to live longer.
7. elaborate
[adj] containing a lot of careful detail or many detailed parts:
Eg: They're making the most elaborate preparations for the wedding.
8. thrive
[verb] to grow, develop, or be successful:
Eg: His business thrived in the years before the war.
38. Describe an important plant in your country (such as fruits, flowers or vegetables)
You should say:
what plant it is
how you first learned about this plant
where it grows and explain
why you think it is important.
Today I am going to elaborate on one of the most crucial plants in Vietnam: the rice plant. While I
have been familiar with rice grains ever since I was a preschooler, only when I reached fourth
grade did I learn about the rice plant in general science. It is unforgettable how fascinated I was to
discover how such a slender plant could produce so many rice grains that provide our population
with a healthy diet. Rice is considered the most popular and important national food, therefore, it
can be spotted over almost all the deltas of the country.
The rice plant is crucial to Vietnamese communities in various ways. Rice has become
indispensable in Vietnamese meals since as far back as anyone can remember. It can be said that
once you are Vietnamese, you will eat rice for most of your life, and it seems that we are so used to
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eating rice that our digestive systems would not cope without it. The cultivation of the rice plant
also has an enormous influence on our culture. As rice has long been grown since ancient times,
there are various traditions and worshiping ceremonies connected to peoples wish for a plentiful
rice harvest, and these still exist till the present day. The country farming life is also responsible for
shaping our simplicity and calmness in our personalities and lifestyle. Taking economic
contribution into consideration, rice is even more important as millions of Vietnamese citizens
earn their living by means of rice cultivation. As a matter of fact, rice is Vietnams leading export,
which brings about huge annualrevenues for the government. This stems from the fact that by
making the most of the abundant cheap labour force as well as the favourable climate, our rice
always gains a competitive edge over other nations. It cannot be denied that the rice plant plays an
integral part in our countys development.
Vocabulary
T vng trong ch Business and Money
1. Revenue
Meaning: the money that a government receives from taxes or which a company receives from its
business
Example: The tax revenues of the government have fallen as a result of the economic crisis.
Dch i
Revenue: Li nhun
Ngha: Tin m chnh ph nhn c t vic ng thu hoc tin m cng ty c c t vic kinh
doanh.
V d: Khon thu t thu ca chnh ph gim xung do khng hong kinh t.
2. To earn a living
Meaning: to earn money
Example: I used to earn a living as a teacher, but now I sell used cars.
Dch i
To earn a living: kim sng
Ngha: kim tin trang tri cuc sng
V d: Ti tng kim sng bng ngh gio vin, nhng gi th ti i bn t c, qua s dng.
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3. To gain a competitive edge
Meaning: to achieve an advantage over another company or organization, often by providing the
same goods or services at a lower price
Example: The high quality of VW cars, combined with their affordable price, has enabled the
company to gain a competitiveedge over all its rivals in world markets.
Dch i
To gain a competitive edge: c c li th cnh tranh
Ngha: t c li th hn cng ty hay t chc khc, thng do cung cp dch v hay sn phm
tng t vi gi thnh thp hn.
V d: Cht lng cao ca nhng chic t Volks Swagen, cng vi gi c hp l khin cng ty
c li th cnh tranh hn tt c i th trn th trng th gii.
4. To take something into consideration/ account
Meaning: to consider or remember something when judging a situation
Example: No business will succeed if it fails to take the needs of customers into account/into
consideration.
Dch i
To take something into consideration/account: xem xt ci g
Ngha: xem xt hay nh ti ci g khi nh gi 1 vn , 1 tnh hung
V d: Vic kinh doanh khng th thnh cng nu nh khng xem xt n nhu cu ca khch hng.
5. To make the most of something
Meaning: to make something appear as good as possible; to exploit something; to get as much out
of something as is possible.
Example: They designed the advertisements to make the most of the product's features.
Dch i
To make the most of something: tn dng ci g
Ngha: to ra ci g mt cch tt nht ci g hoc khai thc ci g mt cch trit .
V d: H thit k nhng qung co c th khai thc ti a cc c trng ca sn phm.
T vng trong ch Environment
1.To stem from
Meaning: to be caused by
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Example: Scientists say that global warming partly stems from the increase in car exhaust
emissions.
Dch i
To stem from: bt ngun t
Ngha: c to ra bi ci g
V d: Cc nh khoa hc cho rng s nng ln ton cu 1 phn bt ngun t lng kh thi ca xe
t tng ln.
T vng trong ch Food and Diet
1. To provide someone with a healthy diet
Meaning: to give someone a diet which is healthy
Example: Rice is a vital ingredient in providing the population of Vietnam with a healthy diet.
Cc t vng khc:
1. Preschooler [n] : A child in nursery school. (tr em mu gio)
Ex: By the time I was a preschooler, I had learned to count to 100.
Ngha : tr mu gio
VD : T khi ti cn l tr mu gio, ti hc m n 100 ri.
2. Elaborate on [v] = explain about (gii thch k hn v ci g)
Ex : Can you elaborate more on the companys policy ?
Ngha : Gii thch v iu g
VD : Anh c th gii thch thm v chnh sch ca cng ti c khng ?
3. Indispensable [adj] : too important to be without (khng th thiu)
Eg : A good dictionary is indispensable for learning a foreign language.
Ngha : khng th thiu
VD : Mt cun t in tt l khng th thiu i vi vic hc ngoi ng.
4. Digestive system [n] : all the organs that are involved in the process of digesting food. (h
tiu ha)
Eg : Eating food rich in fibre is good for your digestive system.
Ngha : h tiu ha
VD : n thc n giu cht x th tt cho h tiu ha ca bn.
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39. Describe an invention that has changed people's life
You should say:
What the invention is
Who invented it
What changes it brought
It is pretty difficult to pick out one particular invention among millions of advances in technology
that have had a profound impact on human life. Personally, I believe the computer is one of the
most vital and impactful inventions of mankind.
Although there is a lot of debate about who was responsible for their invention, computers have
certainly become an irreplaceable part of our everyday life. Just think of the time when nothing
like a computer existed, people relied on conventional skills to carry out their tasks manually and it
took forever to complete one. However, ever since the introduction of the computer, human life has
undergone radical changes. Almost every single task, from writing a letter to operating an entire
production process, can now be easily completed using computers. And computers can offer users
help with not only their work and study, but their entertainment activities as well. For example, on a
day with bad weather and you just dont want to go out, you can stay at home and read novels,
comics, watch movies, listen to music or play games all on your personal computer.
Another important impact of computers is in the workplace, where many of the old ways of
working have been made obsolete. Almost all factories and businesses are computerized, and it is
an inevitable consequence that most employees should be computer-literate in order to
successfully fulfill their tasks or to move up the career ladder. You can look at the description of
jobs for white-collar workers and most of the time you will see the requirement to be able to work
with computers.
For all the profound influences it has brought about to human life, I believe it is not exaggerating at
all to say that the computer - a technological breakthrough - has changed our lives for the
better.
Vocabulary
Cc t thuc ch Technology:
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1. to be computer-literate
Meaning: able to use computers well
Example: In todays competitive job market, it is essential to be computer-literate.
Dch i
To be computer-literate: s dng tt my tnh
Ngha: bit s dng thnh tho my tnh
V d: Trong th trng lao ng y cnh tranh hin nay, s dng thnh tho my tnh l rt cn
thit.
2. to computerize something
Meaning: to provide a computer or computers to do the work
Example: The factory has been fully computerized, enabling it to produce more efficiently.
Dch i
To computerize something: my tnh ha/ a my tnh vo lm vic
Ngha: cung cp my tnh hoc my tnh thc hin nhim v
V d: Nh my c my tnh ha hon ton, cho php vic sn xut hiu qu hn.
3. advances in technology
a cure for Aids.
Dch i
Advances in technology: tin b cng ngh
Ngha: s tin b hay pht trin ca cng ngh
V d; Nhng tin b gn y trong cng ngh y hc ng gp ng gp rt ln cho vic tm
phng php cha bnh AIDS.
4. a technological breakthrough
Meaning: an important new discovery in technology
Example: The development of the micro-chip was a technological breakthrough which
transformed the way in which people communicate.
Dch i
A technological breakthrough: mt t ph v cng ngh
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Ngha: mt pht hin mi quan trng v cng ngh
V d: S pht trin ca micro-chip l mt t ph trong cng ngh, thay i cch mi ngi
giao tip.
Cc t thuc ch Work:
1. to move up the career ladder
Meaning: to move through a series of stages by which you can make progress in your career
Example: She has moved up the career ladder, from being a secretary to a director of the
company.
1. to make something obsolete
Meaning: not in use any more, having been replaced by something newer
Example: The introduction of the computer has made the typewriter obsolete.
2. an inevitable consequence
Meaning: certain to happen and impossible to avoid or prevent
Example: The loss of traditional customs is an inevitable consequence of globalization.
Cc t khc:
1. Impactful [adj] (having a powerful effect on a situation or person): nh hng ln
E.g. The speech he made about information technology was very impactful.
2. Irreplaceable [adj] (too good, rare etc to be able to be replaced if lost or damaged): khng th
thay th
E.g. The stolen works of art are irreplaceable.
3. Change for the better [expression] (to improve): tin b, thay i theo hng tt hn
E.g. Her attitude has definitely changed for the better since she started this new job.
4. Radical [adj] (thorough; complete): trit
E.g. He has made radical changes to his business plans after joining that networking event.
5. White-collar [adj] ((of workers, jobs etc.) not manual; (working) in an office etc.): nhn vin
hnh chnh
E.g. She prefers being a white-collar worker; she hates to get her hands dirty!
Part 3
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1.Is your country changing rapidly?
Actually, technological breakthroughs have brought radical changes to Vietnam in the past few
decades. At home, labour-saving appliances such as washing machines or dishwashers have
facilitated household chores. Besides, portable electrical devices namely smart phones, laptops or
tablet computers are ubiquitous all over the country. Most of them are even developed by Apple
and Samsung, who are ahead of the game in the digital market. Obviously, Vietnam is adapting to
global advances in technology at a breakneck pace.
2.What can a smart phone do these day?
It is beyond a shadow of a doubt that people can derive substantial benefits from smart phones. First
and foremost, they offer a wide range of communication tools such as video calls, text-messaging
and video conferencing, rather than the conventional voice calls. Furthermore, if people are
desperate for a source of entertainment after brain numbing office hours, smart phones come in
handy. They can play video games, go online shopping or even carry out e-commerce on the spot.
In the modern world, besides youngsters, a section of the old generation have become real silver
surfers as they are so engrossed in the cyber world, scrolling down the screen to update the latest
news or chatter with friends.
3.Since most people do work on their computer, why do they still need to go to offices?
As a matter of fact, the number of those who are computer-literate is increasing, leading to the
prevalence of working from home. However, personally speaking, it is essential for them to go to
the office. The first reason is about human communication. Long hours spent in a computer-based
working environment really discourages real interaction while in the workplace, colleagues can
exchange words and enhance their interpersonal skills. Even, becoming over-relliant on computers
could trigger a mental illness such as autism if workers segregate themselves from the human
contact in the long run.
4.Do you think peoples work in the future will be heavily affected by technology?
Yes, of course. The boom in technology may bring about both positive and negative impacts on
peoples work in the future. On the one hand, robotics technology will greatly boost labour
productivity in manufacturing and workers may enjoy a superior working environment when the
workplace is computerized and equipped with state-of-the-art facilities. On the other end of the
scale, the introduction of new-fangled technological tools could be at the expense of an accelerating
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rate of unemployment. As the workforce is superseded by modern machines, more blue-collar
workers will be dismissed and, as a result, fall prey to social evils.
5. Compare the pace of technological progress in the past and now.
Compared to technological advances in the past, those of the present are much more rapid. It takes
even less than one year for an Iphone version to be introduced and people keep following suit,
forking out money in order not to buy things which are obsolete. Whereas in the past, television,
for example, took several decades to be invented. To me this is understandable because technology
in the olden days was in its infancy so it took ages for new inventions to be brought to life, which
became the backbone for modern applications to develop in leaps and bounds.
Vocabulary
T vng thuc ch Technology:
a technological breakthrough [noun] (mt t ph v cng ngh): an important new discovery in
technology
Eg: The development of the micro-chip was a technological breakthrough which transformed the
way in which people communicate.
advances in technology [expression] (tin b cng ngh): the improvement or development in
technology
Eg: Recent advances in medical technology are making a great contribution to the search for a cure
for Aids.
video conferencing [noun] (hi thoi thy hnh): to see and discuss with people in different
locations using the Internet.
Eg: In the worlds of business and education, video conferencing has enabled people to exchange
ideas without travelling across the world.
labour-saving appliances [noun] (thit b tit kim sc lao ng): machines that reduce the amount
of work or effort needed to do something.
Eg: The technological revolution in the home started with the introduction of labour-saving
appliances such as washing machines and dishwashers.
e-commerce [noun] (giao dch thng qua mng Internet): buying and selling products or services
using the internet
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Eg: Businesses which rely on e-commerce make huge savings on offices, retail outlets and rents
paid to landlords who own high-street properties.
online shopping [noun] (mua sm trc tuyn): shopping while connected to the internet
Eg: For people who are physically disabled, or even for people who are simply very busy, online
shopping is convenient and may also be cheaper.
text-messaging [noun] (gi tin nhn vn bn): the act of sending written messages using a
mobile/cell phone
Eg: The ability to write using accurate grammar is declining, partly as a result of text-messaging
instead of writing letters.
robotics technology [noun] (cng ngh r bt): the design, construction and operation of robots
Eg: There are examples of robotics technology everywhere, from space programs to manufacturing.
to be in its infancy [expression] (ang trong thi k thai nghn): to be in the early development of
something
Eg: It is clear that robotics technology is still in its infancy, and it is impossible to imagine the
possible future developments
to become over-reliant on [expression] (qu ph thuc vo): to need something so that your
survival or success depends too much on it
Eg: Businesses have become over-reliant on complicated computer systems, so that if these systems
fail the results will be disastrous.
to become obsolete [expression] (tr nn li thi): to be no longer used because something new has
been invented
Eg: Technological innovation is now so rapid, that even the latest electronic devices soon become
obsolete.
to be computer-literate [expression] (s dng thnh tho my tnh): able to use computers well
Eg: In todays competitive job market, it is essential to be computer-literate.
to computerize something [verb] (my tnh ho): to provide a computer or computers to do the
work
Eg: The factory has been fully computerized, enabling it to produce more efficiently.
silver surfer [noun] (ngi gi dng mng): an old person who spends a lot of time using the
Internet
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Eg: Although young people are often more computer-literate than the older generation, nevertheless
there are many silver surfers who use the internet all the time.
to be engrossed in [expression] (m mi vo ci g): to be completely focused on something
T vng thuc ch Work:
Labor productivity [noun] (nng sut lao ng): the rate at which a worker, a company or a
country produces goods, and the amount produced, compared with how much time, work and
money is needed to produce them
Eg: Wage rates depend on levels of labor productivity.
Working environment [noun] (mi trng lm vic): the conditions that you work in
Eg: If work is to be enjoyable, then a friendly working environment is essential.
To dismiss somebody (from something) [verb] (sa thi ai): to officially remove somebody from
their job
Eg: Employment legislation prevents employers from dismissing an employee without a good
reason.
T vng thuc ch Society:
segregate somebody (from somebody) [verb] (c lp mt ai ): to separate people of different
races, religions or sexes and treat them in a different way.
Eg: Although society no longer tolerates the policy of segregating whites from blacks, many people
of different origins live in their own separate communities.
T vng khc:
ahead of the game [expression] (chim v tr dn u): ahead of one's competitors or peers in the
same sphere of activity.
Eg: Coca cola has been ahead of the game in the beverage market for years.
follow suit [expression] (lm theo, a dua): to do the same thing
Eg: When one airline reduces its ticket prices, the rest usually follow suit.
come in handy (tr nn hu dng): to be useful.
Eg: I think that this gadget will come in handy in the kitchen.
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state-of-the-art [adj] (hin i): using the most modern or advanced techniques or methods; as
good as it can be at the present time
Eg: The Physics Department has state of the art facilities what with the computer and projector.
new-fangled [adjective] (mi l v c o): different from what one is used to; objectionably new.
Eg: I really don't understand these newfangled computergames that my grandchildrenplay.
leaps and bounds [expression] (nhanh chng): rapidly; by large movements forward
Eg: The profits of my company are increasing by leaps and bounds.
40. Describe an occasion where everybody smiled.

You should say
when this situation took place
what happened
how you reacted and why you found the situation funny.
Last weekend, my family had a good laugh together from what started as a heated argument
between my parents. I returned from the gym that afternoon to find my father red in the face and my
mother looking sullen. They exchanged curt words and didnt even look at each other. Reading
between the lines, it came to my knowledge that my father had got mad because he couldnt find
the hamburger he had just bought anywhere.
Since my mother had always been complaining about his liking for junk food, he assumed that it
was she who had hidden or thrown his hamburger away. He even held her responsible for
violating his freedom to eat, shouting that he felt suffocated because of her overprotective manner.
My mother, on the other hand, resolutely refuted his accusation and stated that it was unreasonable
of him to throw such a tantrum. That remark added fuel to the fire, with my father storming out
of the room. However, when he reached the door, he turned and said: You made me really mad.
Now give me some money so that I can go and have a beer with my friend!. After hearing that, I
couldnt keep a straight face, though he was very serious. He looked at me curiously, yet a few
seconds later, it dawned on him that he was in such an ironic situation.
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Like many dual-income families in our country, my father gives most of his salary to my mother
so she is the cashier of the family. Anyway, once my father realized that he had just asked my
mother for his own money when he was fighting with her, he couldnt stop laughing. Soon enough,
we three broke into laughter till our stomachs ached. In the end, we found out it was Lulu-our dog
- who had stolen the hamburger.
Vocabulary
T thuc ch Environment:
1. to hold sbdy accountable for + noun/gerund
Meaning: to consider someone responsible for something; to blame something on someone
Example: Companies which discharge chemical waste from their factories into the sea or into rivers
must be held accountable for their actions and be fined heavily.
Dch i
To hold sb accountable for: trch nhim cho ai
Ngha: coi ai c trch nhim cho ci g/ li cho ai v chuyn g
V d: Cc cng ty x rc thi ha cht t nh my ra bin hoc sng h cn phi chu trch nhim
cho hnh ng ca mnh v b pht nng.
1. dual-income family
Meaning: a family where both the father and mother work and earn money
Example: Changes in society have resulted in the dual-income family becoming the most common
family type.
Dch i
A dual-income family: gia nh c 2 thu nhp
Ngha: gia nh c c m v cha cng i lm c thu nhp
V d: Nhng thay i trong x hi dn ti vic gia nh c 2 thu nhp ang l loi gia nh ph
bin nht.
2.to be overprotective
Meaning: to be too worried about the safety of someone, especially a child
Example: If parents are overprotective of their children, there is a danger that the children will
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become too dependent on their parents.
Dch i
To be overprotective: bo v qu mc
Ngha: lo lng thi qu v s an ton ca ai , c bit l ca mt a tr
V d: Nu cha m bo v con ci qu mc, con ci s tr nn qu ph thuc vo cha m mnh.
Cc t thuc ch Reading
1.to come to somebodys knowledge
Meaning: to become known by somebody
Example: If it comes to the knowledge of your manager that you are honest and hard-working,
your promotion prospects will be improved.
Dch i
To come to somebodys knowledge: c ai bit ti
Ngha: c ai bit ti
V d: Nu c nh qun l bit ti l mt ngi chn thnh v chm ch th kh nng c thng
tin ca bn s tt hn.
2.to read between the lines
Meaning: to look for a meaning that is not openly stated
Example: Reading between the lines, the reports of recent international conferences are not
optimistic about achieving agreement on climate change.
Dch i
To read between the lines: hiu r nhng g c c/ nghe thy/ bit n
Ngha: hiu c ngha d khng bit chi tit
V d: Hiu r nhng g ang xy ra, cc bo co nhng hi tho gn y khng lc quan lm v
vic t c tha thun v thay i kh hu.
T thuc ch Food and Diet:
junk food
Meaning: food that is quick and easy to prepare and eat, but that is thought to be bad for your health
Example: The consumption of too much junk food is a major factor in the increase of childhood
obesity.
Dch i
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Junk food: n vt
Ngha: n ch bin v n nhanh nhng thng khng tt cho sc khe
V d: Vic tiu th qu nhiu n vt l mt trong nhng l do chnh dn n gia tng bnh bo
ph tr em
T thuc ch Communication and Personality:
to throw a tantrum
Meaning: to become very angry and unreasonable
Example: When you are a grown-up, you don't throw a tantrum if something offends you, you
discuss it.
Dch i
To throw a tantrum: tc gin v c
Ngha: cc k tc gin 1 cch v l
V d: Khi l mt ngi trng thnh, bn s khng cn tc gin v c nu c g khng va
lng, m s thng thn ni v iu .
Cc t khc
1.have a good laugh: to have fun. (ci vi v)
Example: I love spending time with my little sister, we always have a good laugh.
2.curt (adj): rudely brief (cc lc)
Example: his reply was curt, so it was not surprising that his boss was offended.
3.resolutely refute: to deny something strongly (phn i mt cch mnh m)
Example: he resolutely refuted the idea that men and women should have equal pay for doing the
same job.
4.add fuel to the fire: make an already bad situation worse ( du vo la)
Example: I'm even afraid to respond to this, for fear that it adds fuel to the fire.
5.storm out of sth: to burst out of some place or situation angrily. (i ra ngoi mt cch gin gi)
Example: Carol stormed out of the office in a rage.
6.keep a straight face: to avoid showing any emotion, esp. amusement (gi nghim tc)
Example: I thought it would be funny to tell him he had white suncream on his nose, but it was hard
to keep a straight face when I was talking to him.
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7.it dawn(s/ed) on sb that: to become apparent to someone, to realise something (ai nhn ra
rng)
Example: On the way home, it dawned on me that I had never returned your call, so when I got
home I called immediately.
8. ironic(adj) happening in an unexpected way (ma mai)
Example:it was ironic that now everybody had plenty of money for food, they couldn't obtain it
because everything was rationed.
9.break into laughter: to start laughing suddenly (ph ln ci)
Example: When my dog followed me into the classroom one day, the whole class broke into
laughter.
41. Describe a place where you felt crowded

You should say
where it was
why you went there
why it was crowded
and explain how you felt about being there.
Actually, coping with crowded places presents a challenge to me. Therefore, in my holidays, I often
stay at home or find peaceful places to take a trip, but last spring, I made a wrong decision when I
decided on Tam Coc, Ninh binh, as a quiet spot and paid a visit.
I thought I would escape the hustle and bustle of busy Hanoi for the relaxing pace of Tam Coc,
which is often referred to as the Halong Bay of the land, because of its spectacular and peaceful
scenery. But when I arrived, it turned out to be the most crowded place Ive ever encountered on
my travels.
Coming to Tam Coc, you have to board row boats for a journey of over an hour, passing through 3
caves to be able to see a breathtaking view of lush green rice paddies during the rice growing
seasons and stunning limestone karsts . But it was not easy to get a boat. In fact, I had to wait for
about 2 hours. The pier was always swarming with tourists and the noise was deafening at times.
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We were running out ofpatience and out of space. My family and I felt really tired; but we still
kept on waiting. Fortunately, we were rewarded by an unforgettable vista. But no matter how
stunning the scenery is, I wont go back there after that experience.
I think thelocal authoritiesshould introduce restrictions on the numbers of tourists. I visited Tam
Coc 2 months after the Tet holiday, which means that it was not the height of tourist season, but
the resort was still thronged with holidaymakers. In my opinion, Tam Coc has become too
touristy and commercial. I suppose that over-rapid development will hurt tourism and not ensure
sustainable development for the local people.
Vocabulary
Cc t thuc ch Tourism
1. Breathtaking view
Meaning: an extremely beautiful view
Example: From the top of the mountain, there is a breathtaking view of the coast.
2. To swarm with tourists
Meaning: when people swarm somewhere, they move there in a large group or in large numbers.
Example: During the summer, the little seaside town is swarming with holidaymakers.
3. To be rewarded by a vista
Meaning: to see a view, especially a beautiful view from a high position
Example: After a hard climb, we were rewarded by abreathtaking vista of the valley and river
below.
4. The height of tourist season
Meaning: the time of year when the greatest number of people visit a place and when the prices are
at their highest level
Example: Mid-summer in the UK is normally the height of the tourist season, so remember to
book a hotel in advance.
5. To be thronged with tourists
Meaning: refers to the situation of a place having a great number of visitors crowded together
Example: At weekends, London, in particular, is swarming with tourists and certain areas of the city
such as Oxford Street and Covent Garden are thronged with visitors.
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6. A (holiday) resort
Meaning: a place where lots of people go for a holiday
Example: If you like going to the beach, Thailand has some excellent resorts to offer.
7. To hurt tourism
Meaning: to have negative impacts on tourism
Example: A weaker dollar could hurt outbound tourism.
Cc t thuc ch Government
1. Local authorities
Meaning: government organizations acting in a small, local area
Example: Control over the development of tourism must be the responsibility of national and local
authorities.
2. To introduce restrictions on
Meaning: to limit what people can do or what can happen
Example: The authorities must introduce restrictions on smoking in public places.
1. To achieve/ensure sustainable development
Meaning: economic development without damaging the natural resources or natural beauty of a
place
Example: The government is adopting measures to ensure the sustainable development of
holiday resorts by controlling construction and pollution.
Cc t khc
1. Hustle and bustle
[idiom] busy and noisy activity (s nhn nhp)
Eg: There was a lot of hustle and bustle in the shopping mall, as loads of people walked by.
2. Deafening (rt to)
Meaning: very loud
Example: The noise of the machinery in the factory was deafening.
3. To run out of (dng ht ci g)
[phrasal verb] Exhaust a supply or quantity of
Eg: We're about to run out of coffee and sugar.
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4. Touristy (ng khch du lch)
[adj] A touristy place is not attractive because a lot of tourists visit it and it is full of things for them
to buy and do
Eg: This used to be a pretty little fishing town, but now it's become very touristy.
42. Describe a TV program (TV Series) you have watched

You should say
what kind of TV program it was, e.g. comedy, romantic
when you saw the TV program.
what the TV program was about
Im going to talk about The Suite life of Zack and Cody. Well, unlike kids nowadays who have
tons of ways to entertain themselves, back in 2005, we were totally glued to the Disney Channel, a
popular channel for kids which is loved by adults as well. Not only me, but also my siblings love
this channel and we often watch it together in family gatherings.
This channel has several programs. And one of our favorite comedy shows back then was The
Suite Life of Zack and Cody, which starred the lovable twins Dylan and Cole Sprouse living in an
exclusive hotel. Lasting three seasons, the show even had a spin-off. In the 4 parts, Zack was the
funny character and Cody was the smart one. Apart from the two main characters, this program had
lots of other supporting characters and each had their own distinctive personality, which gave the
program a wide audience appeal. I have to admit that the main reason I was a big fan of this
program was not because of Zack and Cody but a side character - London Tipton, who was an
obvious parody of the socialite Paris Hilton. She appeared in almost every episode of The Suite
Life of Zack & Cody and was presented as a ditzy, privileged girl with hidden depth. Another
reason is that I learnt countless new things by watching this show. At the age of 13, I learned about
how some Western people bring up their offspring. I was impressed by the way they treat and talk
to their children as a friend, which helps a lot to bridge the generation gap and make family
relationships much more intimate.
Vocabulary
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1. A family gathering
Meaning: a meeting of family members for a particular purpose
Example: In traditional societies, family gatherings are common to celebrate special occasions.
2. Bring up their offspring
Meaning: to bring up means to raise; this is what you do as a parent with your children; you educate
them, nurture them, etc.; offspring refers to your children;
Example: They are bringing up their offspring in a very strict household
3. The generation gap
Meaning: the experience of not understanding your parents or grandparents and them not
understanding you, due to being raised during different time periods, in a different cultural setting
Example: They were able to bridge the generation gap by watching old and new movies together
and discussing them.
Cc t khc
1. Spin-off
[Noun] a programme or other show involving characters from a previous programme (ngoi truyn,
chng trnh dn xut)
Eg: The stage show is a spin-off from a television programme.
2. Side character/ supporting character
[noun] a character in a narrative that is not focused on by the main storyline, but appears or is
mentioned in the story (nhn vt ph)
Eg: Most TV series have a number of supporting characters, in addition to the main characters in
the show.
3. Parody
[noun] humorous or satirical imitation of a serious piece of literature or writing (mt th loi nhi)
Eg: His hilarious parody of Hamlet's soliloquy is going viral.
4. Privileged
[adj] having an advantage that only one person or group of people has, usually because of their
position or because they are rich (c c quyn)
Eg: As an ambassador, she enjoys a very privileged status.
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2.8. Do you think (watching) films have (has) any educational benefits?
Personally, I agree with the idea that films bring a lot meaningful lessons to the audience. For
example, romantic films can educate people about the value of love, honesty, and faithfulness. They
can make the audience sympathize with other people and respect what they have. Indeed, films can
teach people good virtues in order to be better citizens through stories.
2.9. In what ways are documentary films and films only for entertainment different?
Documentary films are different from entertaining films in various aspects, especially their
purposes.
Regarding their objectives, documentaryfilmmakers strive to document some aspects of reality,
primarily for the purposes of instruction, education or maintaining a historical record.
In contrast, entertaining films aim mainly to provide fun. Directors try to find funny storylines and
hire the best comedy actors, such as Jackie Chan, and use good scriptwriters to come up
withdialogues that will make audiences laugh.
2.10. Why do you think documentary films are not so popular?
Documentary films are not as popular as entertainment films because audiences may prefer to
watch films in order to escape from the harsh realities of everyday life and problems.
Documentary films are primarily aimed at educating audiences and they may, therefore, lack
entertaining features as well as dramatic elements. As a result, there is always a danger that
audiences may feel bored or distracted.
2.11. How are movies and real life different ?
Movies are not the same as reality in a number of ways.
Firstly, movies contain dramatic sceneswhich can make audiences experience various emotions,
through happiness to sorrow or excitement just in a few seconds. In real life, this rarely happens.
Secondly, films will often dramatize and invent scenarios for the convenience of moving a story
along or making the audience feel sympathy or some other emotion for a character.
However, these scenarios contrast sharply with what would happen if these situations were
encountered in real life.
2.12. Do men and women like to watch the same kinds of films?
Personally, I think men and women have different preferences when it comes to films.
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In general, men tend to watch action films with fast and dangerous scenes like car chases, or
science fiction films which relate to unrealistic stories with imaginative, futuristic plots.
On the other hand, a large number of women prefer romantic films or comedies which bring
worthy messages.
2.13. Do different age groups like the same kinds of films?
It is obvious that different generations prefer different kinds of films. For example, youngsters are
usually fond of funny cartoons or comedies. Adults tend to watch various types of films such as
action films, romantic films or films based on real events, depending on their interests.
2.14. Do you like any particular film star? Why?
Yes. My favorite film star is Emma Watson, who was the actress in the Harry Porter film series
which I have followed since I was a child. I particularly like her due to her superb performance and
admirable personal qualities.
In terms of performance, I have been really impressed by her acting ability, playing convincing
roles in all the films she has starred in. Moreover, she has also received various important awards
for the best actress.
In terms of her personality, she is a kind-hearted, generous person who is always willing to help
Every time I see her on TV, I remember my childhood and that makes me happy. I think I will
continue to follow her career in the long run.
VOCABULARY
Sympathize (verb): (thng cm, ng cm)to feel sorry for somebody; to show that you
understand and feel sorry about somebodys problems
Ex: I know what it's like to have migraines, so I really sympathize (with you).
Strive (verb): try very hard to achieve something
Ex: This restaurant strives to serve good food at reasonable prices.
Document (verb): (dn chng bng ti liu, ghi li chi tit s vic)to record the details of
something
Ex: Causes of the disease have been well documented.
Primarily (adverb): (chnh, ch yu) mainly
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Ex: The report is primarily concerned with aircraft safety.
Storyline (noun): the basic story in a film/movie
Ex: Some of Shakespeares plays have a very sad and tragic storyline.
Scriptwriter (noun): a person who writes the words for films/movies
Ex: Every good actor needs an expert scriptwriter in order to play their
role well in a film.
Come up with (phrasal verb): find or produce an answer or idea
Ex: He came up with an idea for a movie about dinosaurs.
Dialogue (noun): conversations in a film/movie
Ex: The dialogues in romantic films are usually longer than the dialogues in action films.
Harsh realities (expression): the difficulties [of daily life]
Ex: For many elderly people, coping with poor health is one of the harsh realities of life.
Dramatize (verb): (son thnh kch)to present a book, an event, etc. as a play
or a film/movie
Ex: Jane Austens Emma was dramatized on television recently.
Scenario(s) (noun): (vin cnh c th xy ra)a description of how things might happen in
the future
Ex: The worst-case scenario (= the worst possible thing that could happen) would be for
the factory to be closed down.
Superb (adjective): (tuyt vi, xut sc)excellent; of very good quality
Ex: Taylor scored a superb goal at the end of the first half.
Admirable (adjective): having qualities that you respect
Ex: The dedication of the doctors and nurses in this hospital is admirable.
Convincing (adjective): that makes somebody believe that something is true
Ex: The dinosaurs in the film are very convincing in fact, children are quite scared of them!
Star (verb): have one of the main parts in a film/movie
Ex: Next year, she plans to star in a new romantic movie filmed in Paris.
Kind hearted (adjective): (tt tnh)A kind-hearted person is one
who likes other people a lot and always wants to help them.
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Ex: She is also a kind-hearted, generous person who is always willing to help
Disadvantaged (adjective): not having enough money or skills to succeed in life
Ex: The free meals sservice is designed to help disadvantaged people in the local community.
43. Describe a bicycle tour.

You should say:
When you had this trip
Whom went on with you
What did you do during this trip
I am going to talk about a tour on bike that I have fortunately had the chance to experience recently.
Last month, my mom and dad decided that it was time we left behind the hustle and bustle of the
city and lined up an intimate family outing in the countryside to get away from it all. Because my
mother has serious motion sickness and we did not want to break the bankfor the trip, instead of
renting a private car as usual, we decidedto travel asbackpackersby bike! It was such a brand new
experience for me.
We were up early in the morning to prepare our luggage and we were ready on our own bikes, and
them set off for our camping site in a park in the country. Riding a bike granted me the opportunity
to go sight-seeing without my view being blocked, which is far more satisfying than looking
through the window of a fast-moving car. As we entered the countryside region, a breath-taking
viewappeared in front of our eyes. Hours of riding our bikes absolutely paid off as we were
rewarded by a picturesque vistaof rolling hills towering above borderless green rice fields. That
was heavenly beautiful!
The real allure of the trip to me is how I got to spend really quality time with my family. We always
had to keep in mind that we were a team and we kepttogether. Every time we took a rest, I would
get a chance to see my father take care of my mom and that was the sweetest thing ever, which I
had not seen for a while. I could feel our bond growing stronger and stronger each time I or my dad
slowed down so that my mom could keep up. This trip is among the best trips that I have taken.
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Vocabulary:
T vng trong ch Tourism
Family outings
Meaning: family excursions for pleasure
Example: It's time to give your child a bigger world to discover by lining up a few fun family
outings that are tailor-made for the little ones in your life.
Dch i
Family outings: d ngoi gia nh
Ngha: nhng chuyn thm him vi c gia nh nhm mc ch gii tr
V d: ti lc cho con bn khm ph th gii rng ln bng cch t chc mt s chuyn d
ngoi gia nh, nhng chuyn i c lm li ph hp vi tr nh.
Motion/travel sickness
Meaning: an irritated feeling which is caused by repeated unusual movements during travelling
Example: During long car or bus journeys, she often suffers from motion sickness.
Dch i
Motion/ travel sickness: say xe
Ngha: say xe
V d: Trong nhng chuyn i di bng xe t hay xe bus, c y thng b say xe.
To break the bank
Meaning: to use up all one's money/ to cost too much.
Example: Having a winter vacation in the sun without breaking the bank is a dream come true
Dch i
To break the bank: dng ht sch tin
Ngha: dng ht tin/ ch ci g qu t
V d: C c mt k ngh ma ng di nh mt tri m khng phi chi ht sch tin bc l mt
gic m c thc.
Backpackers
Meaning: people who travel on holiday carrying all their equipment and clothes in a backpack, like
a large very strong bag which they carry on their back
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Example: London has cheap accommodation for backpackers who dont have much money to
spend on hotels.
Dch i
Backpackers: khch du lch ba l (ngi Vit Nam gi l ty ba l)
Ngha: ch nhng ngi i du lch mang theo tt c dng c v qun o trong 1 chic ba l (mt ci
ti rt to eo trn lng).
V d: London c nhng phng ngh gi r cho du khch ba l, nhng ngi khng c nhiu tin
khch sn.
To get away from it all
Meaning: to have a holiday in a very quiet place where you can relax.
Example: Tourists have always traveled to natural areas of beauty to avoid the noisy crowds and to
get away from it all.
Dch i
to get away from it all: thot khi cuc sng hin ti
Ngha: c mt k ngh ti mt ni v cng yn tnh c th hon ton th gin.
V d: Du khch lun ti nhng cnh p t nhin trnh m ng n o v thot khi nhp sng
vi v thng ngy.
To be rewarded by a vista
Meaning: to see a view, especially a beautiful view from a high position after a hard time
Example: After a hard climb, we were rewarded by a picture-postcard vista of rolling hills under a
deep blue summer sky.
Dch i
To be rewarded by a vista: c chim ngng mt cnh tng hng v
Ngha: c chim ngng mt cnh tng xinh p/hung v t mt v tr cao (kh khn mi ti
c)
V d: Sau khi vt v tro ln nh, chng ti c chim ngng cnh tng p nh trong
tranh ca nhng ngn i di bu tri xanh thm ca ma h.
T vng khc:
1. brand new [expression]: completely new
Ex: a brand new computer
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Ngha: hon ton mi
VD: Mt chic my tnh hon ton mi.
2. hustle and bustle [idm]: confusion and business.
Ex: I can't stand the hustle and bustle of big cities.
Ngha: s hn lon v cng vic
V d: Ti khng th chu ng c s n o bn rn ca thnh ph.
3. keep (it) in mind that [idm]: a statement emphasizing something that the speaker wants
remembered.
Ex: You should keep in mind that I am the boss.
Ngha: nh th g
VD: Anh nn nh rng ti mi l ng ch.
4. keep together [idm]: to remain as a group.
Ex: We will keep together to the very end.
Ngha: bm nhau thnh nhm
VD: chng ti bm st nhau nh 1 nhm n tn cng.
Part 3
1. Do you think it is important to develop transport? Why?

It goes without saying that the development of transport is of great significance to the well-being
of the community. As can clearly be seen, poor transport facilities have resulted in various traffic-
related problems such as congestion or accidents, which have put citizens under constant stress of
losing time and risking their life. By investing in transport infrastructure, governments can put a
dent in the problems of traffic jam and road dilapidation, which means a sped-up journey time
and safer streets.
2. What kind of transportation do you choose when you go out?
As for me, my favorite means of transport is the bus. I guess the primary attraction of this
transportation is how economical it is compared to the other options. As far as I can tell, the bus
fare is so much cheaper than taxi fare or the cost of motorbike fuel and maintenance. Moreover,
going by bus is extremely convenient and comfortable. As our government has made an effort to
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upgrade and expand public transport provision, buses with up-to-date air conditioners and soft
seats now extend to every corner of my city. I feel blessed to have access to this means of public
transportation.
3. Do people like to travel by bike in your hometown? Why?
Sadly, my neighboring citizens donot value the bicycle as an optimum means of transport. I guess
this stems fromthe bicycles limited speed. As people in my hometown are usually obliged to travel
considerable distances to their work places, motorcycles or the car are utilized to speed up their
journey time.Another possible reason is that there is yet to be a dedicated cycle lane, so cyclists
may find it difficult to compete with other faster and more powerful vehicles for road space.
4. What kinds of transportation are good for environment protection? Why?
Talking about environmentally friendlyforms of transport, the bicycle and electric means of
transportation are the outstanding examples. This is mainly because they do not discharge toxic
exhaust fumes into the environment like conventional vehicles do, which radically reduces humans
carbon footprint. Some may argue that thermal electricity may cause pollution, which is true, but
as our electricity production has now shifted to rely on alternative energy sources such as wind
and water, this is becoming less of a problem.
5. Do you think travel by bicycle is better in traffic? Why?
Well that is an interesting question. As far as I can tell, traveling by bike may ease traffic flow if it
is done widely among people. It can be easily seen that the bicycle is light-weight and takes up less
space than any other vehicles. By riding a bicycle instead of going in cars or taxi, travelers are able
to free a huge area of the road that is normally wasted by not fully occupied cars, giving way for
people to travel and alleviate congestion.
Vocabulary
T vng thuc ch Transportation:
to upgrade and expand public transport provision
Meaning: to improve bus and train services and to make these services more available
Example: One way to reduce traffic on the roads is to upgrade and expand public transport
provision.
Dch i
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To upgrade and expand public transport provision: nng cp v m rng h thng giao thng cng
cng
Ngha: ci thin dch v xe bus v tu v khin cc dch v y tr nn sn sng hn
V d: Mt cch gim lng phng tin trn ng l nng cp v m rng h thng giao thng
cng cng.
to invest in transport infrastructure
Meaning: to spend money on improving roads, railway lines, train and bus stations
Example: Governments must invest in transport infrastructure to make journeys by road and rail
safer.
Dch i
To invest in transport infrastructure: u t vo giao thng h tng
Ngha: chi tin cho vic ci thin ng b, ng ray, cc ga tu v bn xe bus.
V d: Chnh ph cn u t vo giao thng h thng vic di chuyn trn ng b v ng tu
ha an ton hn.
to have access to public transport
Meaning: the right or opportunity to use public transportation
Example: Many people who live in rural areas have no access to publictransport and have to rely
on private cars or taxis.
Dch i
To have access to public transport: tip cn vi giao thng cng cng
Ngha: quyn v c hi c s dng h thng giao thng cng cng
V d: Rt nhiu ngi vng ngoi khng th tip cn vi giao thng cng cng v phi da
vo xe c nhn hoc taxi.
dedicated bus lanes/cycle lanes
Meaning: a section of a road, indicated by white lanes that only buses or cycles are allowed to use.
Example: City authorities should create dedicated bus lanes and cycle lanes to encourage people
to take public transport or to cycle in cities.
Dch i
Dedicated bus lanes/ cycle lanes: ln u tin
Ngha: mt phn ng b c phn bng ng k trng dnh ring cho xe bus hoc xe th s.
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V d: Chnh quyn thnh ph nn dnh ra nhng phn ng u tin cho xe bus v xe p
khuyn khch mi ngi dng phng tin giao thng cng cng hoc p xe trong thnh ph.
to speed up journey times
Meaning: to reduce the amount of time spent travelling
Example: The creation of dedicated bus lanes would speed up journey times and encourage more
people to use bus services.
Dch i
To speed up journey times: tit kim thi gian di chuyn
Ngha: gim lng thi gian i li
V d: Vic to ra cc ln ng u tin cho xe bus s tit kim thi gian di chuyn v khuyn
khch mi ngi s dng xe bus nhiu hn.
to ease traffic flow
Meaning: to enable traffic to move more easily
Example: The introduction of bus and cycle lanes would help to ease traffic flow in city centres.
Dch i
To ease traffic flow: gim lu lng giao thng
Ngha: cho php cc phng tin di chuyn d dng hn
V d: Vic dnh ng u tin cho xe bus v xe p s gip gim lu lng giao thng ti cc
trung tm thnh ph.
T vng thuc ch Environment:
to stem from
emissions.
Dch i
t tng ln.
environmentally friendly
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Meaning: behavior or products that do not harm the environment
Example: We can help to protect the environment by using detergents and cosmetics that are
environmentally friendly.
Dch i
Environmentally friendly: thn thin vi mi trng
Ngha: cc hot ng hay cc sn phm khng gy hi ti mi trng
V d: Chng ti c th gip bo v mi trng bng cch s dng cc cht ha m phm thn
thin vi mi trng.
alternative energy sources
Meaning: refers to any energy source that is an alternative to fossil fuel
Example: Clean energy which does not pollute the Earth can only come from a greater reliance on
alternative energy sources.
Dch i
Alternative energy sources: cc ngun nng lng thay th
Ngha: ch cc ngun nng lng c th thay th cho nhin liu ha thch
V d: Nng lng sch, khng gy hi cho Tri t ch c l nhng ngun nng lng thay th.
carbon footprint
company or person
Example: By providing subsidies, governments should encourage companies to reduce their carbon
footprint through energy efficiency or other green measures.
Dch i
Carbon footprint: Du chn carbon
Ngha: s lng kh carbon c to ra t nhng hot ng thng ngy ca mt cng ty hay mt
c nhn no
V d: Bng vic tr cp, chnh ph cc nc khuyn khch cc doanh nghip gim du chn carbon
qua vic s dng nng lng hiu qu hay cc bin php xanh khc.
T vng khc:
1. go without saying [idm]: To be unambiguous, perfectly clear, or self-evident; to be already
acknowledged, established, or accepted.
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Ex: This should go without saying, but you will receive an automatic zero if you are caught
cheating on the exam.
Ngha: iu ny l rt r rng
VD: iu ny rt r rng, bn s t ng nhn im 0 nu bn b bt c gian ln trong thi c.
2. Dilapidation [n]: the state of being ruined.
Ex: The building is in a state of dilapidation.
Ngha: b xung cp
VD: Ta nh ang trong tnh trng b xung cp.
3. as far as I know, as far as I can remember, see, tell, etc. [expression]: used to say that you
think you know, remember, understand, etc. something but you cannot be completely sure,
especially because you do not know all the facts
Ex: As far as we knew, there was no cause for concern.
Ngha: Theo ti nh/c bit/ c th ni c th
VD; Theo chng ti c bit th khng c g ng lo ngi c.
44. Describe an organization or company where you live that employs a lot of people.
You should say:
What it is
How many employees work there
What its work is
And explain what you think about it.
The company Im going to tell you about is a merger of two start-up companies, which were
YoungAd and VietDesign, YoungAds focus was on advertising and marketing, while VietDesign,
as its name suggests, was aimed at designing logos and websites. Both companies spent 2 years
breaking into the market. Soon the directors realized that together they would make a prosperous
organization since their two domains were closely related. Therefore, to make the most of their
potential, YoungAd and VietDesign amalgamated in 2016 to make YAVD.
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The number of employees from both companies combined is nearly 100 at present, a pretty
impressive figure for a start-up business at that age. Collaborators are also recruited during big
marketing campaigns to support official employees. The company adopts a flexible policy when it
comes to human resource management: freelancers who perform beyond expectation are retained
as employees or paid generously.
In my opinion, YAVD is likely to grow and thrive for two reasons. Firstly, because the two former
companies had their stable markets, YAVD gains a competitive edge regarding its customer base.
Secondly, because marketing and designing make a perfect service package, YAVD is able to cater
for the need of their customers in a comprehensive manner, which probably singles them outin the
market.
Vocabulary
Cc t thuc ch Money and Business:
1.To break into a market
Meaning: to enter a market with the sense that entrance to the industry was difficult.
Example: It is difficult to break into the market for designer sportswear because there is too much
competition from leading brands like Nike.
Dch i
To break into a market: thm nhp th trng
Ngha: gia nhp vo th trng c ro cn gia nhp cao (kh thm nhp)
V d: Rt kh khn thm nhp th trng qun o th thao do s cnh tranh mnh t cc thng
hiu dn u nh Nike.
2.To make the most of something
Meaning: to make something appear as good as possible; to exploit something; to get as much out
of something as is possible.
Example: They designed the advertisements to make the most of the product's features.
Dch i
To make the most of something: tn dng ci g
Ngha: to ra ci g mt cch tt nht ci g hoc khai thc ci g mt cch trit .
V d: H thit k nhng qung co c th khai thc ti a cc c trng ca sn phm.
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3.A merger
Meaning: the action of joining two or more businesses into one
Example: The directors of Kentucky Fried Chicken and Burger King are considering a merger of
the two companies.
Dch i
A merger: s sp nhp
Ngha: lin kt/ sp nhp 2 hay nhiu cng ty thnh 1
V d: Cc nh qun l ca G rn Kentucky v Burger King ang xem xt vic sp nhp 2 cng ty
thnh 1.
4.To gain a competitive edge
Meaning: to achieve an advantage over another company or organization, often by providing the
same goods or services at a lower price
Example: The high quality of VW cars, combined with their affordable price, has enabled the
company to gain a competitiveedge over all its rivals in world markets.
Dch i
To gain a competitive edge: c c li th cnh tranh
Ngha: t c li th hn cng ty hay t chc khc, thng do cung cp dch v hay sn phm
tng t vi gi thnh thp hn.
V d: Cht lng cao ca nhng chic t Volks Swagen, cng vi gi c hp l khin cng ty
c li th cnh tranh hn tt c i th trn th trng th gii.
Cc t khc
1.amalgamate (verb)Combine or unite to form one organization or structure.
Example: numerous small British railway companies amalgamated.
2.Start-up (noun): A newly established business
3.Collaborator (noun) A person who works jointly on an activity or project; an associate.
Example: his collaborator on the book
4.Human Resource Management (HRM): the function within an organization that focuses on the
recruitment of, management of, and providing direction for the people who work in an organization.
5.thrive (verb) to prosper; be fortunate or successful.
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6.customer base: the group of customers who repeatedly purchase the goods or services of a
business.
7.Single sth out (phrasal verb): choose one person or thing from a group for special attention
Part 3
1. Do you think a good job means a high salary job? Why?
Well, personally, I think that a good job should be accompanied by a decent salary and other
financial bonuses. I dont consider a career as one of the top priorities in my life, so such factors as
promotion opportunities and job prospects dont matter much to me. Thus, provided that my job
enables me to support my family and travel several times a year, I would have little to complain
about.
However, many people think that a good job also means job satisfaction, good working
environment and job security. Those are also critical criteria to determine whether a job is good
enough. In short, a high salary job wouldnt necessarily mean a good job, but a good job should
definitely be well-paid.
2. What kind of job do most people like to do?
Its rather difficult to answer this question without over-generalization. I reckon that most people
would aspire for the job that helps them foot the bill. Salary, again, should be one of the biggest
concerns since people can hardly enjoy other aspects of their job or life in general if they dont earn
enough to cover their basic needs. Therefore, many people prefer to have a steady job to ensure a
stable income. In Vietnam especially, state jobs, namely government officers, policemen and civil
servants are highly desirable.
A great number of people, however, opt for jobs that challenge them and are willing to juggle
between jobs. In recent years, unconventional jobs, typically freelancers, are gaining loads of
attention. I assume that people who go after this career path probably put job satisfaction first on
their list.
Ultimately, it is what people are looking for that decides what kind of job they want. In my opinion,
there are two tendencies when it comes to popular jobs, as I have just mentioned.
3. What kind of job do you think is worth being well-paid? Why?
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I think that all types of job should be paid generously as they all serve our society. However, if
there is any kind of job that should be most worthy of high salary, I would say it is doctor. The first
reason is that the medical profession can directly influence peoples lives. This puts enormous
pressure on the doctors since they are held responsible for the fate of their patients. Hence, it is
understandable that we pay doctors a fair amount for their vital and highly stressful role.
The second reason relates to the sacrifice one has to make if he/she chooses to become a doctor.
Undeniably, doctors and surgeons are the top most demanding positions. Many people have to
forgo some aspects of their personal lives, typically marriage, to pursue their career. Hence, we
should compensate the struggles that doctors have to overcome with a high salary..
4. How to make an employee work with passion? Who takes responsibility for this?
Why?
In my opinion, passion comes from real interest and a sense of organizational justice. Therefore,
to make the employees passionate about their work, it is essential to assign them with tasks which
excite them. In addition, employees would contribute with much more enthusiasm if they thought
that there is fairness in their workplace and they are working towards a meaningful goal.
With that being said, managers should be accountable for instilling passion in the employees. It is
the managers job to deal with task distribution, making sure that most employees are happy with
their tasks. Also, managers must treat employees with respect, fairness and appreciation so that
employees feel they belong to the organization they are working for and would even be willing to
handle donkey work with enthusiasm.
5. Do you think it is hard for teenagers looking for a job?
I dont believe that teenagers are having a hard time getting a job. The demands for teenagers just
like tutors, waiters/waitresses, shop assistants and web designers, etc are burgeoning. Employers
favour teenagers for their energy and creativity. They are also more easy-going when it comes to
payment and job benefits. So as long as teenagers are active, there are many jobs that require little
extensive expertise waiting for them.
6. Do you think universities should support student seeking jobs?
Yes, I definitely think that universities should lend a helping hand when students, especially
graduates, enter the job market. By this I mean the universities can organize job fairs, offer
students professional connections and introduce them to internships. Those measures would
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greatly assist freshly-graduated students with a little knowledge of how to get a job. However, I am
a strong believer that the decisive role should be played by students themselves in order to land the
job that they desire,
7. What kind of jobs do young woman like? Why?
From my perspective, many young women go for exciting jobs such as flight attendants, designers
and marketers. Since young women, most of the time, are yet to have family commitments, they
tend to be fascinated by jobs that involve lots of traveling and meeting new people.
To those who are working mothers, I suppose they would choose stable jobs such as teachers,
accountants so that they have more free time to take care of their families.
Vocabulary
Cc t thuc ch Work:
1. Promotion opportunities
Meaning: chances to move to a more important position in a company or organization
Example: Perhaps the most important factor when choosing a job are the promotion
opportunities/promotion prospects.
Dch i
Promotion opportunities: c hi thng tin
Ngha: c hi c iu chuyn ln v tr cao hn trong cng ty
V d: C l yu t quan trng nht khi la chn cng vic l c hi thng tin hay trin vng cng
vic.
2.Job prospects
Meaning: the chances of being successful and having more opportunities at work
Example: People with qualifications and experience usually have the best job prospects.
Dch i
Job prospects: trin vng cng vic
Ngha: c hi thnh cng v c nhiu c hi hn trong cng vic
V d: Nhng ngi c bng cp v kinh nghim thng c trin vng cng vic tt hn.
3.Working environment
Meaning: the conditions that you work in
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Example: If work is to be enjoyable, then a friendly working environment is essential.
Dch i
Working environment: mi trng lm vic
Ngha: iu kin lm vic
V d: Nu mun hng th cng vic, th mt mi trng lm vic thn thin l rt cn thit.
4.Job satisfaction
Meaning: the good feeling that you get when you have a job that you enjoy
Example: A high salary is not necessarily the most important factor in job satisfaction.
Dch i
Job satisfaction: s hi lng trong cng vic
Ngha: cm gic hnh phc khi c lm cng vic m bn thy vui v
V d: Mc lng cao khng phi yu t quan trng nht v s hi lng trong cng vic.
5.To have a steady job
Meaning: to have a job which you are unlikely to lose, but which is usually the same routine
Example: Although some people prefer to change jobs, others prefer to have a steady job and a set
daily routine at work.
Dch i
To have a steady job: c cng vic n nh
Ngha: c vic bn chc chn khng b sa thi, nhng thng lm vic ging nhau
V d: D mt s ngi thch thay i cng vic, nhng ngi khc li thch cng vic n nh v
lm vic hang ngy nh nhau hn.
6.An internship
Meaning: a period of time in which a student or new graduate gets practical experience in a job
Example: In order to gain essential professional experience, graduates should do an internship if
they have the opportunity.
Dch i
An internship: k thc tp
Ngha: thi gian sinh vin hay ngi mi tt nghip ly kinh nghim lm vic thc t
V d: c c kinh nghim lm vic cn thit, nhng ngi mi tt nghip cn thc tp khi c
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thi gian.
1.to support a family
Meaning: to have enough money to be able to look after a family
Example: Young people often delay marriage because they do not earn enough money to support a
family.
Dch i
To support a family: nui sng gia nh
Ngha: c tui chm sc 1 gia nh
V d: Nhng ngi tr hin nay tr hon khng kt hn v h khng kim tin nui gia nh.
2.working mothers
Dch i
Working mothers: cc b m i lm
Ngha: ph n c cng n vic lm ng thi phi chm sc con h
V d: Khi ngy cng nhiu ph n tham gia vo lc lng lao ng, cc b m i lm phi cn
bng gia nhng yu cu ca cng vic v gia nh.
T thuc ch Environment:
to hold sbdy accountable for + noun/gerund
Meaning: to consider someone responsible for something; to blame something on someone
Example: Companies which discharge chemical waste from their factories into the sea or into rivers
must be held accountable for their actions and be fined heavily.
Dch i
V d: Cc cng ty x rc thi ha cht t nh my ra bin hoc sng h cn phi chu trch nhim
Cc t khc:
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1.Job security (n): s bo h cng n vic lm
Eg: Vietnamese people consider job security as the most essential feature of a good job.
2.Foot the bill (idiom): Thanh ton ha n
Eg: She earns just enough to foot the bill.
3.A stable income (noun): Thu nhp n nh
Eg: Working as a teacher provides her with a stable income
4.To juggle between jobs: chuyn cng vic lin tc
Eg: His parents feel uneasy because he constantly juggle between jobs.
5.To put enormous pressure on sb/sth: t gnh nng ln ai/ ci g
Eg: Her tuition fees put enormous pressure on her parents.
6.to forgo (verb) t b
Eg: She forgwent tertiary education to get married.
7.organizational justice (noun): mi trng lm vic cng bng (tm dch)
Eg: organizational justice contributes a great deal to employees performance.
8.task distribution (noun) S phn b, bn giao cng vic.
Eg: She isnt pleased with task distribution in her company.
9.donkey work (idiom) cc cng vic nhm chn, khng cn suy ngh nhiu nhng rt tn thi
gian.
Eg: Many newly-recruited employees complain that they are fed up with donkey work.
10.burgeoning (adj) booming, increasing
Eg: The new trend of miniskirts is burgeoning.
11.expertise (noun) chuyn mn.
Eg: Working in medical professions require grear expertise.
12.to lend a helping hand (idiom) gip
Eg: I thanked my roomate for lending a helping hand when I was sick.
13. ajob fair (noun) Hi ch vic lm
Eg: They attended several job fairs to decide on which kind of job they should apply for.
14. to land a job: c c vic lm
Eg: She landed a dream job at a prestigious law firm.
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45. Describe a sports match you have watched
I am going to talk about an absurd boxing match that I watched recently. As a matter of fact, since I
realized that I was quite out of condition, and I needed to take up regular exercise, I have taken
up boxing to get into shape. This has led me to develop such fondness for the sport that I decided
to go and watch a real bout.
As it was the final of the local tournament, the two contestantswere both extremely competent.
While we were waiting for the boxers to come into the ring, crowds of spectators started to cheer
and chant enthusiastically to show their support for the two fighters, which created an atmosphere
of excited anticipation. Eventually, after about 15 minutes, the boxers appeared. They looked
incredibly muscular, and admittedly I got a bit jealous of their athletic physique.
Since boxing involves a high possibility of injury, on safety grounds both athletes were
sufficiently equipped with essential sports gear for their protection, which may be one reason why
the sport continues to thrive, despite the dangers. After the introduction and rules reminder, the
contest started. It was obvious that the two participants were equally talented, so they had to really
exert themselves to win. However, just at the height of the contest, one boxer got a cramp and
tripped unexpectedly. The fall was so sudden that he couldnt react and ended up spraining his
wrist. Although it was not a life-threatening injury, it did prevent him from continuing the fight.
The other fighter was then declared the winner. Everybody was at a loss for words, and I have to
say that was the strangest match Ive ever seen! It was a little disappointing, but also funny and
fascinating in a way.
Despite that, I did not regret seeing that match. It was quite entertaining and valuable for me. As the
boxers were remarkably skillful, I was able to learn a lot from them to improve my own skills. I
will definitely watch another match in the near future.
Vocabulary
Cc t thuc ch Sports
1. to be out of condition
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Meaning: to be physically unfit
Example: One of the causes of obesity is that many people are out of condition and fail to exercise
regularly.
Dch i
To be out of condition: yu t
Ngha: th cht khng khe mnh
V d: Mt trong nhng nguyn nhn ca bnh bo ph l do rt nhiu ngi yu t v khng chu
tp th dc thng xuyn
2. to get into shape
Meaning: to become fit
Example: If people have a sedentary lifestyle, they must do regular exercise to get into shape.
Dch i
To get into shape: tr nn thon th
Ngha: tr nn khe mnh, thon th
V d: Nu con ngi c phong cch sng ngi nhiu, h phi thng xuyn tp th dc c
thon th
3. a high/low probability of injury
Meaning: you are very likely/not very likely to be injured
Example: If anyone plans to take up mountaineering or skydiving, they should be aware that there
is a high probability of injury.
Dch i
A high/low probability of injury: kh nng chn thng cao/thp
Ngha: bn c th/khng c th b chn thng
V d: Nu mt ai c nh th leo ni hoc nhy t do t my bay, h nn thc rng kh
nng chn thng s cao.
4. essential sports gear
Meaning: the equipment and clothing needed to practice a particular sport
Example: In order to reduce the risks associated with dangerous sports, participants should undergo
rigorous training and use all the essential sports gear required.
Dch i
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Essential sports gear: thit b th thao cn thit
Ngha: thit b hoc qun o cn c th tp mt mn th thao c th no
V d: gim thiu ri ro ca cc mn th thao nguy him, ngi chi cn phi tri qua mt kha
hun luyn k cng v s dng ton b cc thit b th thao cn thit c yu cu.
5. on safety grounds
Meaning: for reasons of safety
Example: Boxing is a very dangerous sport and must be outlawed on safety grounds.
Dch i
On safety grounds: v l do an ton
Ngha: trn c s an ton
V d: m bc l mt mn th thao nguy him v phi b cm v l do an ton.
6. life-threatening injuries
Meaning: injuries which are so serious that the person may die
Example: Paragliding and cliff-jumping are two examples of extreme sports in which life-
threatening injuries are sustained all too often by those who take part.
Dch i
Life-threatening injuries: chn thng cht ngi
Ngha: chn thng nghim trng n mc ngi bnh c th cht
V d: D ln v nhy xung vch ni l hai v d ca cc mn th thao mo him m nhng
ngi chi thng xuyn gp phi nhng chn thng cht ngi.
7. to exert oneself
Meaning: to make a big physical effort to do something
Example: I believe that sports professionals deserve high salaries, because constant hard training is
necessary so that they can exert themselves to the limit when they compete.
Dch i
To exert oneself: c gng ht mnh
Ngha: tp trung sc mnh th lc lm iu g
V d: Ti tin rng cc vn ng vin th thao xng ng c c mt mc lng cao bi thng
xuyn luyn tp nng nhc l cn thit h c th c gng ht gii hn ca mnh trong khi thi u.
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1. to continue to thrive
Meaning: to continue to grow, to develop, or to be successful
Example: His business continues to thrive, in spite of the economic crisis.
Cc t thuc ch Health
1. to take up regular exercise
Meaning: to do some physical activity on a regular basis
Example: Authorities should encourage people of all ages to take regular exercise by providing
facilities in each community.
46. Describe an important change in your life.

You should say
what is was about
how it affected your life
and explain why this was an important change in your life.
Going to university has been a turning point in my life. Personally, university life is a fresh start for
me. I parted from my family, I said goodbye to the mountain town where I was born and went on a
journey that taught me a great deal.
Luckily, I did not suffer from homesickness like most of my friends did, yet I was thrilled to hold
myself accountable for my own life. It was the perfect chance for me to grow up. Without my
parents, I had to take care of my body and mind on my own. I quitted the sedentary lifestyle I had
been leading since high-school years and took regular exercise, I even adopted a fitness
regime,working out at the gym twice a week. I replaced junk food with healthy eating habits.
Whenever I had mental health problems, I sought help from my friends who offered me
emotional support and guided me through my struggles. I was no longer addicted tosocial
networking sitessince the heavy workload and commitments I had from my studies and social life
occupied most of my time.
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The changes that university brought to me are indeed tremendous and significant. I have grown into
a much more mature and responsible version of myself. I will forever be thankful for this precious
time at university.
Vocabulary:
Cc t thuc ch Health:
1.sedentary lifestyle
Meaning: involving little exercise or physical activity
Example: A sedentary lifestyle is a major factor in health problems such asobesity and heart
disease.
Dch i
Sedentary lifestyle: phong cch sng thiu vn ng
Ngha: t hoc gn nh khng tp th thao v cc hot ng tay chn khc
V d: Sng thiu vn ng l yu t chnh dn n cc vn v sc khenh bo ph v cc bnh
v tim.
2.to take regular exercise
Meaning: to do some physical activity on a regular basis
Example: Authorities should encourage people of all ages to take regularexercise by providing
facilities in each community.
Dch i
To take regular exercise: tp th dc thng xuyn
Ngha: thc hin mt s hot ng tay chn hng ngy
V d: Chnh quyn nn khuyn khch ngi dn mi la tui tp th dcthng xuyn bng cch
cung cp trang thit b cho mi khu dn c.
3. to adopt a fitness regime
Meaning: a method or routine of taking regular exercise
Example: Even elderly people can adopt a fitness regime by taking lightexercise such as walking
or jogging.
Dch i
A fitness regime: ch tp luyn
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Ngha: 1 phng php hay thi quen luyn tp thng xuyn
V d: Ngay c ngi gi cng c th c ch tp luyn bn cch tp ccbi tp nh nh i b.
4.healthy eating habits
Meaning: eating healthy food at regular times of the day
Example: Health education involves teaching people about healthy eatinghabits, such as regular
mealtimes and eating fruit and vegetables every day.
Dch i
Health eating habits: thi quen n ung lnh mnh
Ngha: n thc n tt cho sc khe vo ng gi gic
V d: Gio dc sc khe cn dy cho mi ngi thi quen n ung lnhmnh, nh l gi n hp l
v cn n rau v tri cy mi ngy.
5. mental health problems
Meaning: related to illnesses of ones mind
Example: Overwork may sometimes result in mental health problems, such as anxiety and
depression.
6. to offer emotional support
Meaning: to give counselling and advice to someone who is suffering from a mental health
problem.
Example: Some schools in Europe now offer emotional support to children who are the victims of
bullying.
7. to be addicted to something
Meaning: to have a habit of being involved with something, so that you come to depend on it
Example: I dont know which is worse to be addicted to alcohol, tobacco, drugs or the Internet !
Cc t thuc ch Work
1. a heavy workload
Meaning: having many tasks to perform
Example: Many employees of the company take time off work because of illnessand stress due to
the heavy workload.
Dch i
A heavy workload: khi lng cng vic ln
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Ngha: c nhiu nhim v cn lm
V d: Rt nhiu nhn vin ca cng ty xin ngh do m au v p lc ti tkhi lng cng vic
qu ln.
1. to hold sbdy accountable for + noun/gerund
Meaning: to consider someone responsible for something; to blamesomething on someone
Example: Companies which discharge chemical waste from their factoriesinto the sea or into rivers
must be held accountable for their actions and befined heavily.
Dch i
V d: Cc cng ty x rc thi ha cht t nh my ra bin hoc sng h cnphi chu trch nhim
Cc t thuc ch Food and Diet
1. junk food
Meaning: food that is quick and easy to prepare, but that is considered to be bad for your health
Example: The consumption of too much junk food is a major factor in the increase in childhood
obesity.
Cc t thuc ch Sport and Exercise
1. to work out at the gym
Meaning: to train the body by physical exercise at the gym
Example: In order to keep fit and healthy, everyone should work out at the gym regularly.
1. social networking sites
Meaning: websites on which you communicate with people who share your interests
Example: Young people today waste too much time on social networking sites such as Facebook
or Twitter.
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47. Describe a person who gave a clever solution to a problem.
You should say:
who this person is
what the problem was
how he/she solved the problem
why you think their solution was clever.
I will tell you about the occasion when my roommate once saved my day. Though she was not keen
on cooking, she helped me out of a tough problem in the kitchen. So heres the story.
That afternoon, I was making a cake as a gift for my boyfriend, because he loves home-made food.
Since I had been baking for several months, I was rather confident and I didnt even need to follow
the recipe. When my roommate asked if she could watch and learn from me, I proudly agreed. All
was going well. After almost two hours of hard work, my cake came out of the oven, smelling and
looking incredible. I just couldnt wait to decorate and finish it. Unfortunately, when I was glazing
it with chocolate, I didnt take into consideration the fact that the cake was still hot. Normally I
would let it cool down, yet my eagerness made me totally forget the simplest rule of glazing. The
chocolate turnedmy hot cake into a liquidy and sopping mash of flour. It was catastrophic! With a
heart swollen with desperation, I was about to throw it all away when my roommate
suggested:How about cutting it into smaller pieces and baking it again? Maybe it would turn out
crispy, just like cookies!
I gasped and did as she said immediately. We both stooped down and looked at the oven with
anticipation. And she was right! My cake was not soft and light as intended, yet the flavor was
preserved and the added crunch was so unexpected. I was half delighted, half embarrassed since I
had had a superiority complex whenever I showed her how to cook. That she had been hiding her
light under a bushel pleasantly surprised me. Her solution was simple yet it worked like a charm.
From then on, she has been my cooking buddy and her cleverness continues to leave me in awe.
Vocabulary
Cc t thuc ch Food and Diet
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1. home-made food
Meaning: food which is made at home using individual ingredients
Example: I much prefer home-made food to eating out in restaurants.
2. to follow a recipe
Meaning: to cook something using instructions
Example: Whether you follow a recipe or invent your own meal, cooking is very satisfying.
1. to hide ones light under a bushel
Meaning: to conceal ones talents and skills
Example: Please dont hide your light under a bushelthe Society needsyour valuable expertise.
Dch i
To hide ones light under a bushel: giu ta
Ngha: che giu ti nng ca ai
V d: Xin ng che giu ti nng ca anh x hi cn nhng kin thc vgi ca anh.
2.to have a superiority complex
Meaning: to have a feeling that one is superior to others
Example: She has a superiority complex, imagining that she is somehowbetter at everything than
her classmates.
Dch i
To have a superiority complex: phc cm t tn (ngc vi phc cm t ti inferiority complex)
Ngha: c suy ngh, cm xc rng mnh vt tri hn ngi khc
V d: C y c phc cm t tn, o tng rng c y tt hn v mi mt sovi cc bn cng lp.
Cc t thuc ch Business and Money
1. to take something into consideration/ account
Meaning: to consider or remember something when judging a situation
Example: No business will succeed if it fails to take the needs of customers intoaccount/into
consideration.
Dch i
To take something into consideration/account: xem xt ci g
Ngha: xem xt hay nh ti ci g khi nh gi 1 vn , 1 tnh hung
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V d: Vic kinh doanh khng th thnh cng nu nh khng xem xt n nhucu ca khch hng.
Cc t khc
1.to be keen on sth: to be very interested in sth
Eg: My classmates are very keen on pop music, but I prefer jazz.
2.catastrophic (adj): causing a lot of damage and suffering
Eg: Did you hear about the catastrophic earthquake in Japan?
3.to swell with(phrasal verb): to be filled with a strong emotion
Eg: Her heart swelled with rage when she discovered that someone had been using her credit card.
4.gasp (v): to take a quick deep breath with your mouth open, especially because you are surprised
or in pain
Eg: I gasped in amazement at the brilliance of her idea.
5. to stoop (v) to bend your body forwards and downwards
Eg: When I dropped my wallet, I stooped down to pick it up.
6.to work like a charm: to work very effectively
Eg: This herbal tea should help you to sleep it works like a charm!
7.to leave sb in awe: admire somebody/something and be slightly frightened of them/it
Eg: After listening to her playing the piano, I was left in awe of her musical talent.
Part 3
1.Do you think childrens wisdom is influenced by their parents? What about those who
arent?
It is obvious that parents play the key role in shaping their personalities. During their formative
years, offspring, driven by their imitative instinct, mimic patterns of behaviours from their
parents. For instance, frequent exposure to domestic violence can turn a child into an aggressive
adult. As regards exceptional cases, childrens wisdom could stem from their living condition or
peer pressure. For example, if a friend of theirs play truant, there is great likelihood that they may
follow suit.
2.Do you think children have good habits nowadays? Why?
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To be honest, I do not think that our young minds are leading a healthy lifestyle nowadays. With the
advance of technology, most of them are equipped with leading-edge technology such as a smart
phone, tablet computer or personal computer. Because youngsters can become out of their
depthwith the potential risks of electrical devices , they become increasingly engrossed in the
cyber world, which discourages real interaction and results in a sedentary lifestyle. In contrast,
children in the past took regular exerciseduring outdoor activities and were really full of beans.
3.Why are children cleverer than before? Nature or nurture? Why?

In my opinion, superior intellectual ability among children should now mostly be attributed to
nurture. Except for those from poverty-stricken areas, most children are now receiving a diet rich
in protein, vitamins and omega 3, along with a proper education from infancy, enabling their
intelligence to progress.
4.What kind of skills are helpful for children? Why?

Concerning helpful skills for children, I think survival skills are quintessential. Some children
might be academically excellent but they lack certain abilities when it comes to escaping life-
threatening injuries in an earthquake, fire and drowning. Such skills should be given priority in a
formal education at school so that children, the shapers of a nations tomorrow, could secure their
lives first before contributing to the countrys prosperity.
5.Do you think parents should send their children to better schools? Why?
Personally speaking, a well-rounded education is what every parent is targeting but enrollment into
a so-called better school is not always the case. Indeed, what counts most in a childs cognitive
development is parental involvement. Whatever the type of formal education, parentss could also
implement homeschooling for children to study under their supervision. Additionally, moulding
the youngs morality and individuality should mostly be shouldered by parents. Moreover, the
choice of school really depends on financial status and the particular needs of each couple, which
greatly varies in society.
Vocabulary
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to shape a childs personality/ value [expression](hnh thnh tnh cch): to decide or influence the
form of a childs personality.
Eg: Parents are very influential in shaping their childrens personality through the example that they
set.
formative years [noun] (giai on hnh thnh): A period of a persons life, usually childhood, that
has a big influence on the person they become later in life
Eg: UNICEF states that the early childhood years from birth through to age 8 are formative years in
terms of intelligence, personality and social behavior.
patterns of behavior [noun] (c trng hnh vi): ways of acting and doing things (either positive
or negative)
Eg: Patterns of behaviour copied from parents often influence the way that children grow up.
shapers of a nations tomorrow [expression] (ch nhn tng lai ca t nc): refers to young
generations who decide a nations future
Eg: Celebrating children's month reminds us about the importance of children being the creators
and shapers of a nation's tomorrow.
parental involvement [noun] (s tham gia ca b m): the act or process of parents when taking
part in their childrens activities.
Eg: Parental involvement allows parents to monitor school and classroom activities, and to
coordinate their efforts with teachers to encourage acceptable classroom behavior and ensure that
the child completes schoolwork.
T vng thuc ch Society:
domestic violence [noun] (bo lc gia nh): violence among family members in the home
Eg: Children who witness domestic violence between parents often develop problems.
to be poverty-stricken [adjective] (kinh t kh khn): to be extremely poor, having almost no

money
Eg: Many non-government organisations work with people who are poverty-stricken in developing
countries.
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T vng thuc ch Sport and Exercise:
Life-threatening injuries [noun] (chn thng cht ngi): injuries which are so serious that the
person may die.
Eg: Paragliding and cliff-jumping are two examples of extreme sports in which life-threatening
injuries are sustained all too often by those who take part.
T vng thuc ch Health:
to take regular exercise [expression] (tp th dc thng xuyn): to do some physical activity on a
regular basis
Eg: Authorities should encourage people of all ages to take regular exercise by providing facilities
in each community.
sedentary lifestyle [noun] (li sng thiu vn ng): involving little exercise or physical activity
Eg: A sedentary lifestyleis a major factor in health problems such as obesity and heart disease.
to be engrossed in [expression] (m mi vo ci g): to be completely focused on something
T vng thuc ch Education:

to work/study under supervision [expression] (lm vic di s hng dn ca ai): work/ study
under the direction of a responsible person
Eg: At college, I discovered I did not have to work under supervision all the time, and I was free
to do independent research.
to be out of ones depth [expression] (vt qu kh nng nhn thc): to be unable to understand
something because it is too difficult
Eg: Streaming in schools enables pupils to study at the level which is appropriate for them, and
therefore students rarely find themselves out of their depth.
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T vng thuc ch Technology:
discourage real interaction [expression] (cn tr s tng tc trc tip): to result in less face-to-
face communication with other people
Eg: the availability of new communication technologies may also have the result of isolating people
and discouraging real interaction
leading-edge technology [expression] (cng ngh hng u tin tin nht): the most advanced
position in technology
Eg: Manufacturers of electronic devices always advertise their products as having the latest leading-
edge/cutting-edge technology.
Cc t vng khc:
Peer pressure [noun] (p lc t bn b): social pressure by members of one's peer group to take a
certain action, adopt certain values, or otherwise conform in order to be accepted
Eg:Peer pressure is a double-edged blade to students.
follow suit [expression] (lm theo, a dua): to do the same thing
Eg: When one airline reduces its ticket prices, the rest usually follow suit.
cyber world [noun] (th gii o trn mng): a virtual world created by the Internet
Eg: Nowadays more people are enslaving themselves to the cyber world while isolating themselves
from reality.
To be full of beans [idiom] (ho hng, nng ng): lively; in high spirits
Eg: My dog becomes full of beans whenever I come back home.
Quintessential [adjective] (quan trng nht): the most important, representing the perfect example
of something
Eg: a diet rich in fiber is quintessential for any vegetarians.
well-rounded [adjective] (ton din): providing or showing a variety of experience, ability, etc.
Eg: a well-rounded education should enrich both intellectual ability and spiritual life.
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48. Describe an English class you enjoy
I am going to talk about a lesson in English that I enjoyed when I was still in high school. I had
missed several lessons before that due to my absence, which stemmed from sickness, so I was
falling behind with my studies. Therefore, my uncle, who is an online English tutor, offered me a
lesson to help me catch up.
Although I was a bit set in my ways, and I had doubts about this comparatively new teaching
method, the lesson went amazingly well. We communicated by means of an online video call and
he gave me instructions and studying materials via email. As I was missing out on quite a few in-
class lessons, my online class had to cover a lot of ground. I had to learn many new words for the
topic Politics, which was quite exhausting for me because I did not have any interest in such
matters. Then we went on to revise inversion, which is also a tricky grammatical point. However,
as it was a private tutor lesson, my uncle had tailored his teaching style to suit my ability to take in
information. Knowing that I would get bored easily, he integrated a lot of visual aids and
discussion into the lesson to keep my attention. At the end of the lesson, he gave me a short quiz to
ensure that I had a good grasp ofwhat I had just learnt.
The thing that fascinated me most was the level of interactive learning that I experienced in my
online lesson. It is commonly believed that online learning hinders the interaction between teacher
and students, but I think that such an attitude is behind the times.When studying online, I feel more
relaxed, which enables me to participate more actively in discussions and activities with my
teacher. Moreover, with the advantage of time and cost saving, I think online lessons actually
surpass face-to-face learning in efficiency.
Vocabulary
T vng trong ch Education:
1. to fall behind with your studies
Meaning: to improve more slowly in studying than other people, so that you fail to learn the course
material at the necessary speed
Example: Irregular attendance at classes is one of reasons why some students fall behind with
their studies.
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Dch i
To fall behind with your studies: hc ui
Ngha: chm tin b trong vic hc hn ngi khc nn bn khng theo kp vic hc tin cn
thit
V d: Thng xuyn vng mt lp l mt trong nhng l do khin hc sinh hc ui hn cc bn.
2. to cover a lot of ground
Meaning: to deal with a lot of information and many facts.

Example: The history lecture covered a lot of ground today.
Dch i
To cover a lot of ground: s dng rt nhiu ti liu
Ngha: s dng nhiu thng tin, s tht v ti liu khc nhau
V d: Bi ging lch s hm nay s dng rt nhiu ti liu.
3. to tailor teaching styles/ strategies
Meaning: to make or adapt teaching styles for a particular person or purpose

Example: When faced with classes of students with different levels of ability, teachers should tailor
their teaching strategies to deal with this challenge.
Dch i
To tailor teaching styles: bin i phng php dy hc
Ngha: xy dng phng php dy hc theo nhu cu c th
V d: Khi phi dy nhng lp c hc sinh c trnh khc nhau, gio vin cn bin i phng
php dy i mt vi kh khn ny.
4. to have a good grasp of something
Meaning: to understand something thoroughly

Example: Children who begin to learn a foreign language in primary school are usually able tohave
a good grasp of the new language quickly.
Dch i
To have a good grasp of sth: thu hiu/ nm bt ci g
Ngha: hiu vic g 1 cch ton din v su sc
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V d: Tr em mi bt u hc ngoi ng ti trng tiu hc thng s nm bt c ngn ng mi
rt nhanh chng.
5. interactive learning
Meaning: Refers to a method of teaching and learning in which teachers ask questions in class,
assign and check homework, or hold class or group discussions.
Example: With or without the aid of technology, interactive learning helps students strengthen
problem solving and critical thinking skills.
Dch i
Interactive learning: hnh thc hc tng tc
Ngha: phng php dy v hc m trong gio vin a ra cu hi, giao v kim tra bi tp v
nh v t chc cc bui tho lun ti lp.
V d: D c hay khng s h tr ca cng ngh, hnh thc hc tng tc gip hc sinh ci thin
kh nng gii quyt vn v tng t duy phn bin.
6. face-to-face learning
Meaning: to study in the traditional way in a classroom with fellow students and a teacher
Example: Face-to-face learning motivates students and encourages interaction in the classroom.
Dch i
Face-to-face learning: hc trc tip
Ngha: hc theo cch truyn thng trong 1 lp hc c bn b v gio vin dy hc
V d: Hc trc tip to ng lc hc cho hc sinh v kch thch s tng tc trong lp hc.
T vng ch Environment:
1. to stem from
emissions.
Dch i
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t tng ln.
T vng trong ch Communication:

1. to be set in ones ways
Meaning: to be stubborn and unwilling to change the way in which you do things
Example: As people get older, they often become set in their ways and reluctant to try anything
new.
2. behind the times
Meaning: old-fashioned and not adapted to modern customs, behaviour or beliefs
Example: All the machinery was old and the production methods of the company were obviously
inefficient and behind the times.
T vng khc:
1. miss out on [phr.v]: to fail to benefit from something useful or enjoyable by not taking part
in it
Ex: Of course I'm comingI don't want to miss out on all the fun!
Ngha: b l
VD: ng nhin ti s ti Ti khng mun b l cuc vui!
2. Visual aid [n]: a picture, video, etc. used in teaching to help people to learn or understand
something
Ex: The use of visual aids will enliven your lesson.
Ngha: cc phng tin minh ha
VD: Vic s dng cc phng tin minh ha s lm bi ging ca bn sinh ng.
Part 3
1. Are you learning a foreign language? Why?
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Yes, I am learning English. In practical terms, learning a foreign language helps to broaden your
opportunity to become a global citizen. Without knowing at least one foreign language, you cannot
communicate with other people around the world.
2. Do you want to become a foreign language teacher in the future? Why?
Yes, if I could. Being a foreign language teacher, I could help others assimilate knowledge of a
foreign language in an effective way.
3. Why do some people learn quickly while others are slow?
I think it depends on our nature. Some people are innately good at languages while others find it
much harder to master a new language.
4. Do you think grammar is important when you learn a foreign language? Why?
Well, it is quite important because grammar is the foundationof all languages. However, the way
you apply grammar into daily conversation is just as crucial.
5. Why are there strong demands for language skills?
You have to see the big picture. I think there are strong demands for language skills nowadays
mainly because of business. English, for example, has become the universal language of
commerce and the tourism industry.
6. Do you think foreigners should learn Vietnamese when they arrive at Vietnam?
I think they should learn some basic sentences to prevent misunderstanding when travelling in
Vietnam. It will be more enjoyable if you know how to ask the locals about things in their country
and it will break down some of the language barriers if you learn a few phrases simply to get by.
7. What kind of qualities should a language teacher have?
In addition to linguistic ability and the ability to speak fluently in the language they are teaching,
teachers must be patient and dedicated to the needs of their students.
8. Why do people want to learn a foreign language?
As a matter of fact, acquiring a foreign language will be really beneficial for their education or
future career. Moreover, we all need to communicate and travel to other places.
VOCABULARY:
CC T THUC CH COMMUNICATION AND PERSONALITY (sch collocations)
1. to assimilate knowledge
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Meaning: to absorb and understand knowledge
Example: Some people claim that children assimilate knowledge more easily than adults, citing
studies into the way that young children learn.
Dch i
To assimilate knowledge: tip nhn kin thc
Ngha: tip thu v hiu c kin thc
V d: Mt s ngi khng nh rng tr em tip thu kin thc d dng hn ngi ln, cn c vo
nhng nghin cu v cch tr nh hc tp.
2. to see the big picture
Meaning: to understand all the important aspects of a situation
Example: To understand the present refugee crisis in the world, you have to see the big picture.
CC T THUC CH LANGUAGE
1. to master a language
Meaning: to learn and understand a language completely
Example: It is impossible to master a language without years of studying.
2. a universal language
Meaning: a language that is used and understood everywhere
Example: English has become the universal language used by researchers and academics.
3. linguistic ability
Meaning: the ability to master other languages
Example: People with linguistic ability seem to have a natural talent, whereas most students
struggle for many years to achieve fluency in a language.
4. to speak fluently
Meaning: to speak easily and well
Example: Interaction with other English speakers on Skype is a very effective way to learn to speak
more fluently.
5. to acquire a foreign language
Meaning: to be able to communicate in a new language as a result of your own efforts
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Example: It takes many years of study to acquire a foreign language, therefore students have to be
very motivated to learn.
CC T KHC:
1. broaden [v]: to increase knowledge, experience: m rng
Eg: Many people agree that travel broadens the mind.
2. effective [adj]: producing a successful result : hiu qu
Eg: Aspirin is a highly effective treatment for headaches.
3. innately [adv]: in a natural way, from the time that you were born: mt cch t nhin, bm
sinh
Eg: he believes that his children are innately smart.
4. foundation [n]: a principle that sth is based on and that it grows from : nn mng
Eg: Respect provides a solid foundation for marriage.
5. crucial [adj]: extremely important: th yu, quan trng
Eg: This is a crucial decision for all of us.
6. misunderstanding [n]: a situation in which a comment is not understood corectly : s hiu
nhm
Eg: There was an argument as a result of a misunderstanding between my two brothers.
7. to get by [phrasal verb] to manage to do something using the knowledge that you have
Eg: I can get by with difficulty when I try to speak French.
8. dedicated [adj] working hard at something because it is very important to you
Eg: He is very dedicated to his work, always arriving early and leaving late.
9. beneficial [adj]: having a helpful or useful effect : c ch
Eg: A good diet is beneficial to your health.
49. Describe an appointment that was put ahead of schedule
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A few months ago, my appointment with an old friend, Linh, was put ahead of schedule. She flew
back from America after 2 years of studying, and her arrival came earlier than expected. We met
each other in a coffee shop, and we talked a lot about the education she had followed abroad. Linh
commented that the transmission of knowledge in developed countries like America is much more
efficient and practical than in Viet Nam. A class consists of only a few students, which enables the
professors to give feedback to students. Similarly, she and all her friends in the university can also
consult their teachers more frequently.
When asked about her university life, Linh said she felt really contented with it. There are
numerous extra-curricular activities in her university, which is a chance for the students to
develop themselves in every aspect. However, if you are too engrossed in taking part in activities,
you will easily fall behind with your studies. At the moment, Linh was working her way
through university to pay for her accommodation and basic necessities, by doing a part-time job,
with flexible working hours in a convenience store. In the end, she realized that, although
studying abroad is not that easy, the experience is extremely rewarding.
VOCABULARY:
CC T THUC CH : E. EDUCATION (sch collocations)
1. transmission of knowledge
Meaning: the process of passing knowledge from one person to another

Example: I believe that the transmission of knowledge is more effective in face-to-face interaction
with teachers rather than online learning.
Dch i
Transmission of knowledge: truyn t kin thc
Ngha: qu trnh truyn t kin thc t ngi ny sang ngi khc
V d: Ti tin rng vic truyn t kin thc s din ra hiu qu khi c tng tc trc tip vi gio
vin hn l qua vic dy trc tuyn.
2. to give feedback
Meaning: to give guidance on the work of a student through comments or corrections
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Example: It is essential for teachers to give some feedback to students, so that students understand
their mistakes and can improve.
Dch i
To give feedback: a ra phn hi
Ngha: hng dn hc sinh hc bng cch nhn xt v cha bi
V d: Vic gio vin a ra phn hi v vic hc ca hc sinh l rt cn thit chng c th hiu
c li sai ca mnh v ci thin.
3. extra-curricular activities
Meaning: not part of the usual course work or studies in school or college
Example: Most UK universities offer a wide range of extra-curricular activities such as sport,
music and drama to help students enjoy university life to the full.
Dch i
Extra-curricular activities: hot ng ngoi kha
Ngha: khng phi l phn chnh thc thuc chng trnh hc trng
V d: a s cc trng i hc Anh u c nhiu hot ng ngoi kha a dng nh th thao, m
nhc v kch gip sinh vin tn hng cuc sng i hc.
4. to fall behind with your studies
Meaning: to improve more slowly in studying than other people so that you fail to learn the course
material at the necessary speed
Example: Irregular attendance at classes is one of reasons why some students fall behind with
their studies.
Dch i
To fall behind with your studies: hc ui
Ngha: chm tin b trong vic hc hn ngi khc nn bn khng theo kp vic hc tin cn
thit
V d: Thng xuyn vng mt lp l mt trong nhng l do khin hc sinh hc ui hn cc bn.
5. to work your way through university
Meaning: to have a job when you are at college/university in order to help to pay for your studies
Example: He had to work his way through university because his family was so poor that they
could not afford his tuition fees.
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Dch ai
To work your way through university: va lm va hc
Ngha: lm vic khi ang l sinh vin tr mt phn hc ph
V d: Anh y phi va lm va hc v gia nh anh y qu ngho nn khng th chi tr hc ph ca
anh y.
CC T THUC CH : J. READING (sch collocations)
1. to be engrossed in
Meaning: to be completely focused on something
Example: A good work-life balance is important, because if people are too engrossed in their
work, their family life may suffer.
Dch i
To be engrossed in: m mi vo ci g
Ngha: hon ton tp trung vo ci g
V d: Vic cn bng tt gia cuc sng vi cng vic l rt quan trng v nu qu mi m vi cng
vic, cuc sng gia nh s b nh hng.
CC T THUC CH : ? WORK
1. flexible working hours
Meaning: hours of work that can be changed by agreement between the employer and the employee
Example: It is necessary for students to have flexible working hours if they need to earn money to
pay for their studies.
CC T KHC:
1. efficient [adj]: doing sth well and thoroughly and without wasting time, money or energy :
hiu qu
Eg: People should put an emphasis on the efficient use of energy.
2. (to) consult sb [v]: to go to sb for information and advice: tham kho
Eg: If the pain continues, consult your doctor.
3. (be) contented with [adj]: be satisfied with : hi lng vi
Eg: Minhs mother was contented with his grades this semester.
4. accommodation [n]: a place to live, work or stay in : ch
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Eg: Hotel accommodation is included in the price of the holiday.
5.convenience store [noun phrase] a shop that sells food, newspapers etc and often stays open 24
hours a day
Eg: You can buy most things at a convenience store, at any time of the day or night.
6. rewarding [adj]: worth doing : xng ng, xng cng
Eg: This was a rewarding experience for me.
50. Describe a time you talked to a stranger
Last month, on the flight to Ho Chi Minh city, I had a chance to talk to an American
environmentalist, and I have to say that it was a very memorable conversation. In the course of the
conversation, she enlightened me as to the seriousness of our environmental problems. Practically,
she said that the relentless exploitation of human beings has depleted a lot of natural resources,
such as forests, water, plants and, of course, fossil fuels. Moreover, problems like global warming
also stem from various kinds of pollution, the most severe of which is air pollution. Undoubtedly,
these environmental problems would be extremely detrimental to our health, and affect overall
standards of living and quality of life.
When I asked her about how to alleviate such environmental problems, she said the decisive
factor is our awareness. People should bear in mind that every action they take will directly affect
the overall environment, in either positive or negative ways. She advised me to reduce my personal
carbon footprint, by cutting down on car emissions, if I have access to public transport. She
also gave me tips on saving energy as an essential way to put a stop to environmental
degradation. Although we had just met, she was really helpful and friendly towards me, and I think
that my talk with her was really informative.
VOCABULARY:
CC T THUC CH : THE ENVIRONMENT (sch collocations)
1. to deplete natural resources
Meaning: To reduce the amount of natural resources.
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Example: Timber companies must not be allowed to deplete natural resources by cutting down
trees without planting new trees to replace them.
Dch i
To deplete natural resources: lm suy gim ngun ti nguyn thin nhin
Ngha: lm gim tr lng ti nguyn thin nhin
V d: Cng ty Timber khng c php lm suy gim ngun ti nguyn thin nhin khi cht cy
m khng trng mi.
2. global warming
Meaning: the process by which the Earth is getting hotter, as a result of the greenhouse effect in
particular the increase in carbon dioxide in the air.
Example: Perhaps the major environmental challenge which faces humanity today is global
warming, because it threatens our survival.
Dch i
Global warming: Tri t nng ln/ s nng ln ton cu
Ngha: Qu trnh Tri t ang tr ln dn nng hn, l kt qu ca hiu ng nh knh c th l s
tng lng C02 trong khng kh.
V d: C l thch thc mi trng ln nht hin nay loi ngi phi i mt l s nng ln ton
cu, bi n e da ti s sng ca chng ta.
3. to stem from
emissions.
Dch i
t tng ln.
4. to alleviate environmental problems
Meaning: to make bad environmental problems less severe
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Example: Everyone can assist in the effort to alleviate environmentalproblems in the local
community through simple actions such as recycling waste or planting a tree in their garden.
Dch i
To alleviate environmental problems: gim nh cc vn mi trng
Ngha: Khin cc vn v mi trng nghim trng hn
V d: Mi ngi u c th gp phn lm gim nh cc vn mi trng ti a phng qua
nhng hnh ng nh nh ti ch rc v trng cy trong vn.
5. carbon footprint
company or person
Example: Companies should reduce their carbon footprint through greater energy efficiency.
6. to cut down on emissions
Meaning: to reduce the amount of gases sent out into the air
Example: People must be made aware of the need tocut down on emissions from their cars if we
are to reduce air pollution.
Dch i
To cut down on emissions: gim lng kh thi
Ngha: gim lng kh gas thi vo mi trng
V d: Mi ngi cn c thc v s cn thit ca vic gim lng kh thi t xe t nu chng ta
mun gim nhim khng kh.
7. environmental degradation
Meaning: the process or fact of the environment becoming worse
Example: Africa is a continent in which environmental degradation is evident in the spread of
deserts and the extinction of animal species.
Dch i
Environmental degradation: suy thoi mi trng
Ngha: qu trnh cht lng mi trng i xung
V d: Chu Phi l mt lc a m vic suy thoi mi trng c th hin r s sa mc ha v
tuyt chng mt s loi ng vt.
CC T THUC CH : HEALTH (sch collocations)
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1. to be detrimental to health
Meaning: to be harmful to health
Example: Lying in the sun for too long can be detrimental to health and result in skin cancers.
Dch i
To be detrimental to health: c hi cho sc khe
Ngha: c hi cho sc khe
V d: Nm di nh mt tri qu lu c th c hi cho sc khe v dn ti ung th da.
CC T THUC CH : TRANSPORT (sch collocations)
1. to have access to public transport
Meaning: the right or opportunity to use buses, trains or other forms of public transport
Example: Many people in rural areas have to use their cars because they have no access to public
transport.
CC T KHC:
1. memorable [adj]: special, worth remembering or easy to remember: ng nh
Eg: Graduation is a truly a memorable occasion.
2. severe[adj]: extremely bad or serious : nghim trng
Eg: Unfortunately, his injuries are severe.
3. (to) bear in mind sth [expression]: to remember sth: ghi nh ci g
Eg: You should bear in mind that this examination is really important.
4. essential [adj]: completely necessary, extremely important in a particular situation : khn
thit, quan trng
Eg: The museum is closed while essential repairs are being carried out.
5. informative [adj]: giving useful information : b ch, nhiu thng tin
Eg: The talk was both amusing and informative.
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( M BO NI DUNG SCH CHT LNG, CP

Nu cc bn mua sch t cc ngun ny th rt c th phin bn bn ang c hin ti c hoc

Do vy, nu cc bn mua sch khng phi t ngocbach.com, mnh khuyn cc bn nn khng s

Mt ln na cm n cc bn ng k mua sch ca mnh !

2. Do you like hearing others dreams?

3. Do you think a dream will affect life?

4. Do you want to learn more about dreams?

2. What historical event do you find most interesting?

4. Do you like to watch programs on TV about history?

5. How (or, from where) do you get information about history?

2. Do you often buy mirror?

3. Do you think mirrors are necessary ornaments?

To glance: lic nhn, lic nhanh, nhn qua

I glanced at the menu and decided to go with a portion of spaghetti.

Appropriate: thch hp, thch ng

Suitable for a particular person, condition, occasion, or place; fitting.

Being presentable: thiu st, sai lm

Presentable: chnh t, bnh bao; trng by c, ph ra c, coi c, chn chu

I have to make myself presentable before our guests arrive.

Judge: xt, xt on, phn on, nh gi

Flaw: thiu st, sai lm

2. What sports are most popular in Vietnam?

3. Are boys and girls good at the same sports?

4. What sports do children prefer?

6. What are the advantages of doing regular exercise?

7. Where do people in Vietnam usually exercise?

2. How do Vietnamese people feel about birds?

3. Are there many birds near your home?

2. What kinds of food you like? (why?)

3. Is there any food you dont like? (why?)

4. What kinds of food are the most popular in Vietnam?

5. Do you like cooking? (why?/why not?)

6. Who usually does the cooking in your home?

14. Indoor games

5. What sorts of indoor games do children play now?

Example: He suffers from asthma, and so he can only do gentle exercises.

2. Is there any part of Vietnam where it doesnt rain much? (Where?)

3. When (in what month/season) does it rain most in your hometown?

6. Does rain ever affect transportation in your hometown? (How?)

16. Plans and goals

4. Whats your favorite season? (Why?)

1. omnipresent [adj]: present everywhere: c mt khp mi ni

2. Whats the origin of your name? (or, your surname)

3. Do you like your name?

4. What do your friends call you?

6. What names are popular to give to babies in your country?

Lame [adjective] (v vn) unsurprising and dull

Be stuck with sb/sth [expression] (mc kt vi ci g) to have to deal with someone or

6. What is the influence of foreign shows on Vietnamese viewers?

ANSWER (Trch t Describe a film you watched at home or in a cinema)

QUESTIONS FOR PART 3

2. Describe an interesting song

QUESTIONS FOR PART 3

4. Describe a famous person in your country

QUESTIONS FOR PART 3

QUESTIONS FOR PART 3

6. Describe a caf you like.

2. Why do people today go to cafs so often?

3. What kinds of caf do you like?

7. Describe a plan you made in your life (except work or study)

2. Do most people accomplish their plans? Why?

4. What are the impacts of families on people choosing jobs?