Documenti di Didattica
Documenti di Professioni
Documenti di Cultura
ISSUE NO.1
- No 1-
• She designs most of her clothes, and absolutely, they are very
nice.
• She is an ideal woman of style in many young girls’ eyes.
Please spend at
• She always reminds girls of taking care of their beauty and youth.
least 5 minutes
-No 2-
• He can be said to be handsome with a cool face, fair complexion. thinking thoroughly
• He has a sweet smile with a tiny lovely tooth that ‘stands’ hap- before giving your
hazardly.
answers. Then, it’s
• He often gives a somehow enigmatic wink whenever you greet
him. time for you to read
-No 3- the key on page 4!
• He is kind of a wise leader and a mysterious man. Have fun!
• He can easily ask you a lot but it’s hard to find out the reasons
why he asks you, ^__^. ^____^
• He is said to be another handsome man as well.
-No
4-
• He designed his own house,
and everyone after leaving his
house said “What a house!”
FORUM:
• His signatures are both popu-
lar and scarce. Why? Because
“Part-time jobs or NOT?”
you can easily get any paper p 22
having his signature on but it is
also a tough mission to ask
him to sign for you.
• He wears a pair of glass,
is tall and extremely slen-
der in his ankle-length
trousers and his fair col- College Myths
ored shirt. p 25
1
Table of contents
1. Preface p 3
2. Teacher’s Day
• You Know Who p4
• 20 and More to go p6
• Messages to Teachers p8
• Teacher’s Day Around the World p9
• ED Sophomores’ on Future Career p10
3. News:
• Miss Hall p12
• News p14
4. Close‐up
• How can you master Two Languages? p16
• Lead Now to Lead Later p18
• She Who Creates p20
5. Forum: Part‐time Jobs p22
6. FAQ
• College Myth vs. Reality p25
• Where To Go? What To Know? p27
7. Fun
• Warm‐up Activities p29
• Song to Download p31
2
preface
What’s up, buddy? WASSSUP is first of all a greeting between friends. What’ up
with you guys? What’s up around campus? What’s up out there? Personal,
friendly and opening up – WASSSUP is the bulletin of K39 students and for all
students.
WASSSUP is the ground where students can express their ideas, opinions,
where they can share their experiences and find help. With WASSSUP, you will
really get involved in students’ life by writing to us or becoming our cooperators.
Almost all the articles are the products of amateur journalists among our stu‐
dents. And all the information is collected by an active and enthusiastic staff of
freelance reporters, not only K39 students but everyone who cares for students’
life.
The bulletin will be published every 3 months. The first edition is released on
November 20th to celebrate Vietnamese Teacher’s Day. In this issue, the most im‐
portant columns are dedicated to expressing our gratitude to our dear teachers.
Also WASSSUP No1 is aimed to be a welcome note to new members of CFL,
K40 students.
Fun, exciting, sentimental moments. Find them all in WASSSUP. Find yourself
in OUR bulletin.
WASSSUP Editorial Staff
3
TEACHER’S DAY
Byline: Ha Thu—39A20
‐1‐ ‐2‐
A fashion designer? A beauty consultant? A celebrity? A sportsman?
NO!!! She is a teacher of our English De‐ NOPE!!! He is our teacher of translation, Mr.
partment: Ms. Nguyen Thu Le Hang! Do Minh Hoang!
‐3‐ ‐4‐
Can you guess who he is? Well, he is our He is an eccentric architect, isn’t he? Or he
Vice Dean, Mr. Do Tuan Minh! I myself is an ascetic star?
haven’t got many chances to talk to the Simply, he is our vice rector, Mr. Nguyen
Vice Dean, but recalling times when I met Hoa.
him usually makes me smile.
I first had the chance to talk to Mr Hoa
The first time I met Mr. Minh was when when he was in the Jury board of the
our group had a small crisis, who would Speech Contest and this juryman asked me
leave and who would stay. It was only a a tricky question. For no reason, I have
short conversation among a teacher and liked him ever since. Looking at his gesture
students but the way he called us “các every early morning in the French Depart‐
bạn” and himself “mình” impressed me ment makes me feel amazingly pleasant.
much. Also, his loud and encouraging The way he walks, the way he smiles in re‐
voice always lingers in my mind. sponse to our greetings or the way he holds
Another time and also the funniest time I his bag, standing at the balcony, everything
met our Vice Dean was the conference on of his shows a great leisure and carefree‐
students’ scientific research. He arrived ness. Have you ever imagined a Buddha?
when the Q&A section started. No sooner As I feel, Mr. Hoa is like a Buddha in the
had he entered the room than he made a real life although a Buddha would be much
laughable chaos. He raised his hand al‐ older and stouter (or thinner?) than him.
most at the same time he sat down and Whenever you call him, he answers “Uh,
appeared quite enthusiastic. The pre‐ có việc gì thế?”; and if he calls, he always
senter, a funny guy as well, thought Mr. starts with “Uh, mình Hoà đây!”. The way
Minh was having a question. Immedi‐ he calls himself and his students is so
ately, he heartily invited our teacher. friendly, which can be quite contrary to his
Here is the witty comeback: “No, I don’t position as an important leader of our uni‐
intend to ask you. I just point to the but‐ versity.
terfly on your background! It can fly!”
If you have a chance to visit his house,
The hall seemed to be exploded then with don’t forget to ask him about the design of
unstoppable chains of laughter. Bravo our the house. It is his big pride! And you will
teacher! find out more about our teacher.
***
Above are four of my many lovely teachers. There are still so many others I want to write
about, but as you know, printing is luxury nowadays. Some of them you are familiar
with. Other maybe you do not know well. My point though is that I am writing this short
article simply because I want to bring to you guys a new vision of our teachers. They can
be strict, demanding, even sometimes seriously criticize you in front of the class. How‐
ever, they are still those who are willing to stay up late along with you, waiting to correct
your assignment; they are still normal people having simple lives, chasing big, even uto‐
pian dreams, telling jokes and making mistakes. Therefore, let’s open your souls more
widely from now on. Then, you will realize how sweet, how childish and how cute our
teachers are!
5
TEACHER’S DAY
concerned about students who are poor
but have a strong determination to learn. 5. As a woman and a teacher, do you find
They often struggle very hard to learn well it hard to balance your life and your
and to succeed. He is one of them. I taught work?
him extra economics about 7 or 8 years ago It is, for all women. Women in our society
when he was in his final year. He comes have to struggle hard to balance our pri‐
from a very poor family background. Dur‐ vate and professional life. We have to ful‐
ing four years in university, he had no sup‐ fill both roles at the same time. Not any of
port from family and he had to try hard to them is less important than the other. But I
find part time jobs to survive and to pay believe that if you are a well‐organized
for the fees. However, he showed a special person, you can make it.
interest in learning, particularly in English.
He borrowed me books, magazines, shares 6. If possible, what do you want to im‐
with me the ideas of the topics. Inside or prove in the teaching and study‐
outside class, we exchanged materials; not ing situation in our university?
only I gave him the materials, he gave me I’m more concerned about the learning of
as well, I learnt a lot from him. After he the students. I wish there would be more
graduated from university, he got inter‐ facilities and opportunities for the students
ested in a job in Vung Tau. He came and to learn independently. There should be an
asked me for advice. I said, “Go for it!” Af‐ association organized by teachers and stu‐
ter the talk, he decided to take the risk and dents to help the students achieve their
applied for that job. He was chosen among academic goals. I’ve been dreaming of a
a few hundred candidates. It was a well‐ learning center consists of experienced
paid but challenging job at the same time. consultants who provide the students with
After 6 months, I got a call from him, he assistance, advice, and help to improve
said ‘Teacher, I’m wondering now whether their learning strategies; similar to the
I should quit the job, this job is so difficult, model I saw in Australia. This association
I don’t think it’s the right thing for me, will hold frequent workshops related to
what I leant at university is not applicable academic study skills and the student’s
here. The English here is something differ‐ concerns.
ent, more technical, I have lost my confi‐
dence” I told him “Learn from your col‐ 7. Teacherʹs Day is coming, would you like
leagues, listen, observe, take in as much as to send a message to all students of our
possible. After 6 more months, give me an‐ department?
other call and tell me if it works, then you “Enjoy your time as a student, be a com‐
may quit.” Just one month later, he called mitted person in whatever you do so that
back and said things were progressing. 6 when you look back, you will see that
months passed, and he called to say “It is you’ve had a happy time, you’ve tried
OK now, I’m confident that I can do it. I hard and now you’re successful. I would
have been promoted.” We do not contact like to send my love to all the students in
very often; still, I’m very happy for him, our university. I wish you good luck.”
he’s been successful, earned a lot of money
to support his family well. After 8 years,
from an empty handed man, he now has
many things. He has taught me a lesson:
interviewer: Hoang Phuong ‐ A20
“There’s a will, there’s a way”
7
TEACHER’S DAY
Messages
To: Miss Minh Hien
Dear Miss Thu Hang, On the occasion of Viet-
Have I ever told you that you are the namese Teacher’s Day, we
most wonderful teacher in my life? You wish you all happiness and
have helped to turn my world into a success in life. We are look-
bright one filled with hope for the fu- ing forward to attending
ture. Every day, I wish you good your wedding party J Miss
health and good happiness with a you so much!
beautiful smile on your face. May one K39A13
day I would be such a great teacher like
you to do such wonderful things.
Tran Thi Cuc – K39A8
to
Teachers
To: Ms. Thanh Tu
Wish you all the best on Viet-
namese Teacher’s Day although
you’re very far away now! We To Ms. Tran Thi Hieu Thuy:
miss you so much! We will never “Although now you don’t teach
forget the saying you told us in me any more, all the good times
class: “Nothing succeeds like we shared will engrave in my
success” and its moral. It will be heart. On the occasion of
the motivation to help us keep on Teacher’s Day, I wish you more
going. Thank you for everything. and more beautiful, wish you hap-
Always admire you! piness in fullest measure and suc-
Your sweet students, cess in your career!”
K39A3 (Bui Thi anh Ngoc-K39A10)
8
TEACHER’S DAY
WORLD TEACHERS’ DAY TEACHER’ S DAY
AROUND THE WORLD
As a saying goes: “Training a man
we’ll get a human, training a woman All across the world, Teacher’s Day celebra‐
we’ll get a family and training a teacher tions are undertaken to commemorate the
we’ll get a generation.” It confirms the teachers for their efforts. By having celebra‐
teachers’ role in our society. Nowadays, tions on Teacher’s Day we convey the mes‐
the number of teachers world wide ex‐ sage that we care for our teachers. In some
ceeds 55 million (nearly 1% of the global countries, Teacher’s Day is celebrated on
population), serving over 1 billion stu‐ working days whereas, in other countries, it
dents. They hold in their hands the future is celebrated on holidays.
of our children, our prosperity, even of RUSSIA
our planet. To highlight such great devo‐ In Russia, Teacher’s Day is on October 5th.
tion of the teaching profession, in 1994 Before 1994, this day was assigned to the
UNESCO inaugurated October 5th as first Sunday of September.
World Teachers’ Day.
USA
According to UNESCO, World
In the United States, Teacher’s Day is a non‐
Teachers’ Day represents a significant to‐
official holiday on the Tuesday of the first
ken of awareness, understanding and ap‐
full week of May.
preciation displayed for the vital contri‐
bution that teachers make to education THAILAND
and development. It is also a time to sup‐ January 16th was adopted as Teacher’s Day
port teachers around the world. In some in Thailand by a resolution of the govern‐
countries, teachers face problems with ment on November 21st, 1956. The first
inequity of funding, voucher systems, Teacher’s Day was celebrated in 1957.
and lack of professional development. In
MALAYSIA
other countries, teachers are underpaid of
In Malaysia, May 16 is celebrated as
th
unpaid, work in overcrowded classrooms
Teacher’s Day. The day is a working day.
with few materials, and nay be jailed or
murdered of asserting their tight to be‐ In conclusion, apart from being the
long to a teacher’s union. World Teachers’ day when we give recognition to our teach‐
Day mobilizes support for teachers and to ers’ hard work, Teacher’s Day enables a
ensure that the needs of future genera‐ healthy interaction between students and
tions will continue to be met by teachers. teachers.
Every year, over 100 countries around the
globe celebrate World Teachers’ Day.
Byline: Bui Thi Anh Ngoc ‐ 39A10
9
TEACHER’S DAY
ED SOPHOMORES’ VIEW
ON FUTURE CAREER
Byline: nguyen le Huong
A questionnaire survey has been conducted Their scores in the entrance exam were not
among 200 second‐year students of the English high enough for them to attend their
Department (ED) in order to find out their dream college or university.
views on future careers. 125 questionnaires Even though the majority of the students
were issued to students of the teacher training asked are training to become language
division and 75 issued to students of the inter‐ teachers, only 19% of the teacher trainees
preter/ translator training division. With 158 said they would like to work as a full time
questionnaires collected, we were able to answer teacher in the future. The figure was much
some fundamental questions such as whether lower for interpreter/ translator trainees
ED sophomores have a clear view on what they with only 5% choosing a full‐time teaching
want to do, what are the main fields that attract career. Half of the teacher trainees seemed
them, why they want to go into a certain career to strive for a compromise since they
path as well as what they expect to gain from would like to work as a teacher and have a
their jobs. Some of the findings really go beyond part‐time job at the sane time. Unlike their
the reporter’s anticipation. peers, interpreter/ translator trainees
Contrary to the common belief that stu‐ showed great interest in working for for‐
dents choose a career before they enroll for eign companies with 44% claiming that
a certain college, HALF of the students they wanted to join this sector. Only 11%
asked said that EVEN NOW they are still chose to work as a full time interpreter/
not sure about what they would do in the translator even though that’s what they are
future. An equal proportion of 21% of both training for. Working for NGOs or running
teacher trainees and interpreter trainees self‐owned businesses seem not to be on
claimed that they only started thinking the vogue among ED sophomores since no
about their career when they finished high more than 11% of teacher trainees and as
school. Just about 30% of all students fol‐ few as 4% of interpreter/ translator trainees
lowed their childhood dream jobs. ticked these options.
Still, 40% of the teacher trainees said that Regarding the criteria for choosing their
they chose CFL because they wanted to be‐ jobs, interpreter/ translator trainees proved
come teachers. More surprisingly, as many themselves to be bolder than their teacher
as 45% of the interpreter/ translator train‐ trainee counterparts since quite a high
ees quoted their desire of becoming teach‐ number of them (47%) chose to follow their
ers as the reason why they entered this col‐ hobbies or interests and only 6% chose a
lege. It’s still open to question why they job because their parents wanted them to
ended up training as interpreters/ transla‐ do so. Meanwhile, 33% of the students
tors instead. 24% of the teacher trainees from the teacher training division chose
chose CFL because they didn’t have to pay their job following their parents’ wish. Also
tuition fee. 19% of the teacher trainees and 24% of the students from interpreter/ trans‐
13% of the interpreter/ translator trainees lator division are concerned about promo‐
considered CFL only the second choice. tion prospect and opportunity for studying
10
TEACHER’S DAY
abroad when they take up a job, doubling change their jobs until they find the most
the figure of the teacher trainees. suitable ones though the difference is mini‐
Another big difference is recorded when mal (98% of the teacher trainees and 88% of
students are asked about their expected the interpreter/ translator trainees). In con‐
salary. Students of the interpreter/ transla‐ trast, more students of the teacher division
tor training division appeared to be much want to settle down within one year (45%)
more ambitious since 63% of them ex‐ than those from the other division (33%).
pected a higher salary of over $300 a month The difference again is not significant. Up
to nearly 30% of students from both divi‐
and only 32% were satisfied with between
sions thought they need more than 2 years
$100 and $300 a month. The figures were
reversed among students of the teacher before they could settle down.
training division with 63% choosing the
$100‐$300 bracket and 32% expecting to re‐
ceive more than $300 a month. The Questionnaire was designed by Bui Anh
However, students of the teacher training Duong (K39A20) and conducted with the
division seemed to be more willing to help of Le Hai Yen (K39A19) and friends
FUN! FUN!
A BOSSY WIFE
BORROWING
An old man was lying on
his deathbed. With only
That man had an interesting
hours to live, he suddenly
novel that consisted of two vol-
noticed the scent of
umes. One of his friends knew that
chocolate chip cookies
and asked him to borrow. The
coming from the kitchen.
man intended to play a trick on
With his last bit of en-
the friend so he lent him just vol-
ergy, the old man pulled
ume one. The friend got very an-
himself out from his bed,
gry because he could just read
across the floor to the
half of the novel so he did not pay
stairs, and down the
it back.
stairs to the kitchen.
There, the old man's wife
After a long time, the man
was baking chocolate chip
asked the friend to give back the
cookies. With his last
first volume to him. His friend tore
ounce of energy, the old
the book into two and gave him
man reached for a cookie.
just a haft. The man got angry
and asked about the reason. The
His wife, however, quickly friend calmly answered
smacked him across the
back of his hand, and - I just do the same as you did,
exclaimed, "Leave them boy!
alone, they're for the fu-
neral!"
11
NEWS
Miss Hall
How was 20/10 celebrated in your hall? There were 25 pretty girls from 4
Maybe you will be jealous of girls in K39A1‐ classes: K39A1‐A4 recommended for 5
A4 after reading this article because on 19/10, different prizes, including: Miss Body
in order to celebrate the Vietnamese womenʹs Form, Miss Complexion, Miss Silky
day, male students organized a very thrilling Hair, Miss Fashionable and Miss Beau‐
contest, namely Miss Hall with the aim of tiful Face. Then 5 winners of these
honoring the beauty of girls in Hall #1. prizes continued to enter the final round
hand in hand. They are: Nguyen
Two Phuong Anh
scientific so‐ from A1 (Miss
cialism peri‐ Silky Hair), Tran
ods were so Thanh Thu from
different from A1 (Miss Beauti‐
usual. The ful Face),
Hall looked Nguyen Bich
like a ball‐ Hanh (Miss Com‐
room with plexion), Hoang
splendid Thuy Duong
flowers, bal‐ from A3 (Miss
loons and rib‐ Fashionable) and
bons. All girls Le Ngoc Han
in the Hall from A3 (Miss
were speech‐ Body Form).
5 Misses and 2 MCs
less with sur‐
prise! To become the beauty queen of
Hall #1, all the 5 contestants had to un‐
At the appointed time, two MC ‐ Mai
dergo two challenging and competitive
Lan and Xuan Truong both from K39A3,
rounds: talent round and social commu‐
smartly dressed in Ao Dai and suit, took the
nication round. During that time, the
stage and announced the rules of the contest
audience did have a chance to enjoy
and board of judges. A1‐A4 Miss Hall was
unique and surprising performances of
so lucky to have a very enthusiastic and fair
equipollent contestants. It took the
juryman: Mr. Cong, our teacher of Marxism
board of judges so much mental power
and Leninism. He was very generous and
to make their decision. However, every
easygoing when allowing us to hold this
competition has only one winner and
competition in his teaching time. No less im‐
the hand – made crown were awarded
portantly, three other members of the board
to NGUYEN BICH HANH. So happy
are the other three boys of the hall, includ‐
she was that she was quite lost for
ing Xuan Minh and Thai Vu from K39A1
words, knowing that “her life will
and Hau from K39A3.
change completely from this moment”,
quoted Truong once again.
12
NEWS
The contest
ended happily, leaving
a deep impression on all
the attendants, both the
audience and the con‐
testants about the sin‐
cere heart of boys for
the girls in Hall #1 on
this special occasion.
Also thanks to this com‐
petition that 4 separated
classes: A1‐A4 turned
into ONE united class.
Miss Body Form and her talent contest
Interesting facts
• More than 100 roses were consumed.
• More than 70 photos were taken (for a complete slide‐
show of the pictures, come to WASSSUP Blog!!!
• The most difficult question was handled by Mr. Thai
Vu for Ms. Hoang Thuy Duong “What is the principal
reason for the socialist revolution?” (scientific social‐
ism concerning)
• There was a modern voting sys‐
tem for the audience: no tele‐
phone, no television, no internet
but only papers and pencils. Ac‐
tually the most wanted girl was
Ms. Hoang Thuy Duong.
• Hundreds of television stations
had registered to live broadcast
this momentous event but all the
recommendations were denied
for security reason.
Receiving flowers on 20 - 10
Reported by Oanh & Thuy from K39A1
13
NEWS
Reported by: Fat Chickie
In the exciting atmosphere of Vietnamese women’s month, lots of interesting ac‐
tivities took place in our university.
On 14th Oct, the student football championship was held thanks to the great en‐
couragement from our handsome teachers of physical education. Answering the cam‐
paign, our English Department immediately registered
both female and male football teams. Surprisingly, our
female team did a really excellent job out of our expecta‐
tion. Under the instruction of Nguyen Thi Thanh Nhan
K38A19_ the captain, they won the 2nd prize out of 4
teamʹs participation. The 1st prize belonged to Russian
Dept., French Dept. ranked the 3rd.
Opposite to the very surprising score of our female
team, our male team seemed to get some trouble. How‐
ever, we still give them a big applause for their effort.
They are still fighting for our English Department pride
till now. Hurrah!!!! Big applause!.
On the night of the 17th, German Dept. also suc‐
Cuisine competition
cessfully celebrated “Oktoberfest” with the cooperation of
Au Co Central center of study abroad consultation and the agreement of our
Communist Youth Union.
In‐serivice training students also had a cuisine and flower arrangment contest to
welcome the Vietnamese Women’s Day with the attendance of nearly 30 teams.
Especially, English Dept. Also joined the contest with the performance of our 3 cool
boys. Two of them are Thao from K37 and Giang Nam from K38, there’s still one guy
our reporter hasn’t got the name yet. We will have an investigation later on. The meal
was quite simple, juz a dish of boiled pork, decorated in a very attractive way with
waky pumpkins, carrots, chilly and a tomato soup. Although they didn’t get any
award for the dish, it really tasted well. Have a look at the pix and see how hard they
had been preparing for it.
Thanks to: Thu Ha K38D2 and Phuong K19D(in‐service training), Quynh
K38A19 who help us to finish the report.
14
NEWS
1
FUN! FUN!
2
10
1. The character often appears in American movies.
2. The test you have to take if you want to study in Britain.
3. The famous album of Shakira “ ________ Service”.
4. The capital city of Australia.
5. The first name of the USA’s president.
6. The place where Pharaohs were buried.
7. The film about James Bond “ _____ another day”.
8. The traditional costume of Scottish men.
9. The year when the film “ Casablanca” was first shown.
10. The year when the play “ Macbeth” was first performed.
15
CLOSE‐UP
Minh : I have heard that you know two foreign languages – English and
Chinese. Do you find it difficult to pick up two languages at the
same time?
Mai : Yes, of course. English is of the Roman language system while Chi‐
nese is an ideographic language, so it is really hard for me to study
them at first. I sometimes encounter the problem of mixing up be‐
tween these two languages. I think of Chinese when doing an Eng‐
lish test and this confuses me much.
Minh : During your study, which language do you find more interesting?
Mai : I think it is Chinese, because I like Chinese culture and history.
Minh : So, why did you enter English Department instead of Chinese?
Mai : Firstly, it was because of my parents. They really wanted me to
study here. Moreover, after having studied English for 11 years, I
think it is better for me to choose English than Chinese, the lan‐
guage which I have learned for only 3 years.
Minh : Do you intend to continue studying English?
Mai : Yes, of course. I will study it myself, at home. I am really fond of
translating Chinese news about films or music on the Internet.
16
CLOSE‐UP
Minh : Now, let’s say something about English. You got a high grade for
the oral test on the entrance exam to the fast‐track system, which
means you can speak English very well. Do you have any tips for
this?
Mai : I think it is not tip, it is something like instinct. I am a quite talkative
and open‐minded girl. I find it easy to talk with other people and to
express my feelings. In fact, there are many members in my class
who can speak English much better than me.
Minh : Oh, I see. Many students say that life at the college is quite different
from life at high school. Do you feel the same say?
Mai : Yes, I do. I have to do everything and also take care of myself.
Sometimes I feel a little sad because my parents are far away but
thank goodness that I am living with my cousins now. This encour‐
ages me much.
Minh : As you have said, you are a talkative and open‐minded girl. So do
you have any intention of joining the Youth Union?
Mai : I am living a bit far from the university, which is very disadvanta‐
geous for me. However, I think I will still join the Union as it is an
interesting extra‐curriculum.
Minh : I have heard from your classmates that you sing very well.
Mai : Uhm, not really. I just simply love singing
Minh : So will you sing a song now, if you don’t mind?
Mai : Ok. I think I will sing it as a present for you.
(Mai sang the song “Close to you” and this moved me a lot)
Minh : Thank you for your beautiful present. And also for this interesting
interview. Wish you a semester of success.
Mai : Thanks. The same to you.
FUN! FUN!
Wise teacher
A wise school teacher sends this note to all parents on the
first day of school: ʺIf you promise not to believe every‐
thing your child says happens at school, Iʹll promise not
to believe everything he says happens at home.
Lead now
to lead later
Profile:
Name: Vu Thanh Cong
DOB : 21st, February, 1985
Group: K37A14
Hometown: Nam Dinh
Position: Vice chairman of CFL Student Union,
Chairman of ED Student Union, member of ED
Youth Union Committee
Being one of the most “powerful” students in ED, to our surprise, our chairman is
very funny and friendly. Therefore, we had a very interesting and open talk.
Minh : When did you start joining the Student Union?
I have been taking part in the union activities for three years.
Everything started when I was a freshman. At that time we had the
Cong : camping festival which was held to celebrate the 45th anniversary of
ED. After three years, having many important duties, encountering
many problems, I have learned much from these activities.
Minh : How have your tasks and your duties helped you?
They have taught me how to deal with different problems in the calm‐
est way. Besides, I have had many new relations with students and
Cong : even with teachers and leaders of our university. It is easy to
understand because my work requires much communication with
people.
Minh : You must have many difficulties doing your tasks, don’t you?
Right. The biggest trouble is that I have to balance my work and my
Cong :
study.
Minh : So I guess you have many experiences to share with our readers.
18
CLOSE‐UP
You should be active in managing your time in order not to let your
work have bad influences on your study. I also try to concentrate on
Cong : study to remember what I have learned, and then review carefully
before the exams. And I also think you should systemize your
knowledge to make it easier to remember.
After three years studying here, do you satisfy with what you have
Minh :
achieved?
Not really. But I am happy that I have held many exciting and useful
Cong :
activities which attracted many ED students.
Thank you, Cong, for talking and sharing your experiences with our
Minh :
readers.
Interviewer: Binh Minh—39A13
FUN! FUN!
KEY TO CROSSWORD
C O W B O Y
I E L T S
L A U N D R Y
C A N B E R R A
G E O R G E
P Y R A M I D
D I E
K I L T
1 9 4 1
1 6 0 6
TALK
Four surgeons were taking a coffee break and were discussing their work. The first said,
ʺI think accountants are the easiest to operate on. You open them up and everything in‐
side is numbered.ʺ The second said, ʺI think librarians are the easiest to operate on. You
open them up and everything inside is in alphabetical order.ʺ The third said, ʺI like to op‐
erate on electricians. You open them up and everything inside is color‐coded.ʺ The fourth
one said, ʺI like to operate on lawyers. Theyʹre heartless spineless, gutless, and their
heads and their ass are interchangeable.ʺ
19
CLOSE‐UP
Interviewer How long have you been doing
paper craft, Thu?
Anh Thu Well, I’m actually a newbie in this
field. I’ve been doing it for only
two months.
Interviewer Two months? That’s impressive.
How did you pick up this hobby?
Anh Thu It all started when a friend of mine
showed me her website on which
there were pictures of her paper
products. I got interested, and she
offered to give me the instruction
to make any model I chose. So I
picked up the cheetah ‘cause I
thought that could be the most
challenging one. It took me 4
hours to finish the cheetah. So
beautiful it was that it left my
friend speechless :D
Interviewer Yep. That’s awesome. We can feel
the strength and charm of the
cheetah as if it were moving…
Definitely! That’s why it was diffi‐
cult to make. The crabs as you can
see in the pictures look very com‐
plicated, but they took me just
about 2 hours each. It’s just me‐
ticulous work to put all the tiny
parts together, but not too chal‐
lenging.
Interviewer
So you say it’s harder to make
models that show some sort of
movement…
20
CLOSE‐UP
Anh Thu Yes. It’s always hard to capture the movement of
something. But the most difficult things, I would
say, are the simple machines – things that can ac‐
tually move using some kind of hand‐operated
machine. Like the dragon on the left. You can
make it move by turning the little button at the
end.
See how the dragon works here: http://
blog.360.yahoo.com/blog‐
H1ShpKw_dK4Y1E7xuvc_Sw‐‐?
cq=1&l=21&u=25&mx=232&lmt=5
Interviewer Would you say it requires special talents to make
such beautiful paper‐craft products?
Not quite. All you need is patience – it does take
much time and effort to cut and paste all the tiny
Anh Thư parts together – and vivid imagination. Imagina‐
tion helps since you need to envision the whole
thing just by looking at the separate parts.
Interviewer It’s also expensive, right? Since you have to print
all of the materials out on hard carton paper…
Anh Thu Oh, yeah. That may be a shortcoming of this
hobby.
Interviewer Have you ever thought of making a business out
of your hobby there? I mean you can receive or‐
ders and sell your products?
Anh Thư Yes, my friend and I have thought about opening
a paper‐craft business. You can see that we have
some aptitude for it :D However, we have to face
two big problems. First is time. We are too busy
now with study, part‐time jobs and extra‐
curriculum activities. The second big thing is
copyright. All of the models I’ve made have their
instructions open to public but they’re bound to
the condition that the products cannot be used for
commercial purposes. So if really want to open a
shop making and selling these products, we’ll
need to go through many legal processes!
Interviewer Gotcha! But anyway, it sounds like an exciting
plan. Kick it off the ground once you’ve got a
chance! Good luck and thanks for sharing!
Interviewer:
Nguyen Le Huong
21
FORUM
Raising topic
Last week, we received a letter from Thuy Linh, a first year student asking for advice about
her part‐time job. This is part of the letter:
“…..After one month of the first semester at the university, I am now thinking of finding a
part‐time job. Some of my parents’ friends have suggested me tutoring for their children.
Some friends told me that being a translator would be beneficial while some others have
mentioned shop assistant as an interesting part time job. I am now in two minds. Can you
give me some advice?”
Our second‐year students proved to be kind‐hearted and experienced seniors to give her a
lot of precious advice. Here are just some of the replies to Linh’s letter.
1. Tutor
Reply No.1 a lot of effective teaching methods.
These skills will definitely be useful for
Dear Linh,
their future career.
I myself have been teaching some stu‐
For these two advantages, I think tutor‐
dents for two years and I find this job
ing is the most suitable part‐time job for
really beneficial.
students. I hope you would take my
Firstly, tutoring is a good opportunity words into consideration and make a
for you to revise your knowledge. This is right choice for your job.
even more significant for college stu‐
By Thanh Thuy
dents of foreign languages. Language
study requires regular practice, and
teaching other people is the best way to Reply No.2
achieve it. For example, by preparing for
Dear Linh,
the lessons, tutors can revise some rules
of grammar which ‐ I could say for sure From your letter, I could see that you are
– are not taught again at college. More‐ wondering between being a tutor, a
over, tutoring could provide a wealth of translator and a shop assistant. I have no
experiences for those trained to become experience as a translator or a shop assis‐
teachers. The job helps them get used to tant. However, I just want to share with
delivering lessons. In addition, they can you some personal opinions on tutoring.
learn the way to plan a lesson and obtain
22
FORUM
Personally, I don’t benefit much from this part time job. At first, I thought being a tutor
will help me consolidate my English grammar and vocabulary. But it turned out that I
kept lecturing on very basic knowledge that I will never forget or need to be reminded
of, such as the use of present tenses or simple words like “book” and “school”. Besides,
taking up a part time job, particularly tutoring means a significant amount of time be‐
ing taken away from studying, which tends to diminish your performance at school.
What’s more, after having worked for two or three consecutive hours, and after all the
traveling back and forth between workplace and home, I felt rather exhausted and of‐
ten need a long rest before getting to any other work. As soon as I found out that I was
working at the expense of my own performance at school, I decided to quit and spend
all my time studying.
You and many of your friends may fancy the idea of a part time job. However, it is said
that everything has its price, so you should carefully consider the negative effects of
part time jobs on your study before deciding to take up one.
By Cheeryl
2. Translator
Reply No.3 Reply No.4
From my own experience, trans‐ Translation work is an interesting job but I don’t
lating work is really an ideal part‐ think it is very suitable for a first year student.
time job for a first‐year student This job, from my point of view, takes a lot of
like you. The first advantage of time. It requires the translator to have a good
this job that I can ensure is lin‐ background knowledge. Therefore, the work
guistic knowledge you can get. By would be challenging when you lack profes‐
translating authentic documents, sional knowledge. You would meet with serious
not only can you, obviously, en‐ difficulties in expressing the words in your first
rich your own specialized vocabu‐ language. Consequently, it would take you a
lary but your ability to express great deal of time to complete your translation.
your ideas in the mother tongue This problem could have some negative effect
will also improve much. After 2 on your study as you cannot spend enough time
years being a translator, I always studying.
get good marks at the subjects re‐
What’s more, translation work is not well‐paid.
lating to foreign languages in my
As you are not working as a professional trans‐
university. Moreover, translating
lator, you are paid only about 20,000 dong for
is not really as time‐consuming as
one translated page while it may take you two
other part‐time jobs because al‐
hours to complete your translation. The wage is
most every translation company
a bit low in comparison with other jobs. Tutor‐
allows you to work at home.
ing is a good illustration. With the amount of
Therefore, you can save your in‐
time of translating one page, you can earn twice
valuable time to study and can
if you work as a tutor.
still earn money to support your
family. As my opinion, you should consider carefully
before choosing translation work.
By Kieu Oanh
By Mooba
23
FORUM
3.Shop assistant
Reply No.5
Hi Linh,
At this time last year, I myself was wondering whether I should apply for a part‐time job
or not. Eventually, I decided work as an assistant in a cosmetic shop. Now I can say for
sure that I did make a right decision as I have benefited a lot from this job. To begin with,
this job provides me with many chances to communicate with others, which helps to
change myself from a pretty quiet girl into a more confident and sensitive one. The
chances were not only in communication but also in relationships. That is the chance to
meet, talk and make friends with many people. I am myself an example. It was the shop
where I first met my boyfriend who asked for my help to choose a present for his mother
on her birthday. Besides, in order to be able to offer good advice to my customers, I have
to have some basic knowledge about cosmetic and making up. For example, I can easily
differentiate between kinds of complexion and decide which kind of facial foam or face
powder is suitable. I can assure you that this knowledge is useful for any twenty‐ year‐
old girl in taking care of their appearance. All in all, being a shop assistant equipped me
with a lot of precious knowledge and skills which will, of course, be useful in my future
life. I hope that you could find some ideas about being a shop assistant from my experi‐
ences. Just weigh up all pros and cons and make a sensible decision. Good luck!
Thu Phuong
Reply No.6
It’s undeniable that a first‐year student has to face many obstacles when being a shop as‐
sistant. In the first place, working as a shop‐assistant means that you must stick to work
schedule, which is really inconvenient to students who sometimes don’t have fixed time‐
table at school. As a result, many of them, as far as I know, have to play truant in order to
fulfill their tasks at work. By this way, in my opinion, this part‐time job doesn’t give you
social experiences at all but negatively affects your study. What’s more, though this job
can help you to get many chances of building relationships, it hardly provides you with
academic knowledge which is necessary for your study in the university. To be honest, I
think you should think twice before deciding to work part‐time as a shop assistant.
By Starguide
Conclusion
On behalf of the editor staff, I would like to express our warmest thanks to all of you for
attending the forum and supporting this hot topic. You appear to be quite independent
and active when paying your attention to the topic of part‐time job. You are advised to
do part‐time job to earn money, get practical skills for your future career and learn the
way to manage your time effectively as well. However, please bear in your mind that
study is the most important task for you now, so don’t let anything interfere with it. I
also hope that after this forum, Linh can make a wise decision about applying for a
part‐time job. Good luck to all of you.
24
FAQ
MYTH 1: “I’m independent. Exploring panic when finding out three assignments
things I’ve never set eyes on may be more have to be due that week. Procrastination
important than just studying!” just piles stuff on you and you realize play‐
ing peek‐a‐boo with assignments is not al‐
In many cases, this is the very first time
ways pleasant.
you’ve stayed away from your parents’
oversight. You are regarded as grown up Tip: Establish Regular Study Habits From
and responsible to all of your actions. This The Start.
brings both good news and bad news: you
can do whatever you want to do.
MYTH 2: “I can afford to skip one
You may delude yourself with some kinds class or two” or “I never get anything out
of lame arguments like: of class when I do go”
“Should I force myself to be a NERD when Attend all the class. Why?
the Assignment Season hasn’t arrived yet?”
First, if you play truant, you miss assign‐
“This is a long run, 9 months, isn’t it? Why ments and adjustments to assignments.
should I start right now?” Things keep changing; you know it, don’t
“College isn’t just about studying. Socializ‐ you? Same thing with college, teachers
ing is just another important part of stu‐ have tentative syllabus, tentative assign‐
dent life.” ment requirements and they are subject to
changes to ensure the program’s smooth
And at last, you’re free to make your own
functioning. You must be there to get the
decisions. You may have no papers due in
“scoop”!
a month and most interestingly you can get
rid of parental supervision question “Did Second, you straggle behind. Not every‐
you do your homework? … let me see it.” thing is written in the book; even so, not
You allow yourself to put the feet back to everything written in the book is easy to
the point of idleness and extend the lei‐ comprehend. You miss class, you miss the
sured time till you’ve come to be a slacker lecturer’s explanation. You may have some
without your notice. There are many more friends take notes for you. It’s tough
cooler things to do than just studying, such enough to get the message out of your own
as: birth‐day parties, gathering, picnics, or notes, let alone someone else’s note. Little
just anything you can come up with rather by little, you fall behind and after a while
than studying. you’ll see there’s a big gap you cannot fill
and that you’ll never keep pace with your
Reality is: Not starting early may mean
friends.
failing later. Scenario is: one beautiful
morning you get up and get into a mad Reality is: Skipping classes is much similar
25
FAQ
to a slippery slope and itʹs hard to climb rors.
back up once youʹve slid down. There’s no point in getting depressed if one
Tip: piece of advice does not work with you.
Set a 100% show up goal. Keep in mind
you will show up to 100% of your classes
MYTH 4: “This is the WORST subject I’ve
100% of the time. Make class time your pri‐
ever learned”, “I’m not learning a thing in
ority. Put everything else in the second
that class”, “I’d rather have a lie‐in than
place. Imagine: if you were to miss work
go to this class”, “Why always me???”
every time you thought it was a nice day or
whenever you had a headache, or any ex‐ It’s human nature to rebel when someone
cuse you can fabricate, think about how says you must do it and when given room
long it would take your boss to fire you. Go to choose, people tend to have more inter‐
for perfect attendance. est and results are dramatically different.
My notion is people must like something to
Communicate with your teachers. You are do well. Don’t think that intelligence
not trying to make yourself the teacher’s
(ability) will substitute for a good attitude,
pet. You’re getting a message across: I care
because it is NOT. Why is there the case of
enough about this subject.
Văn Quyến who used to be a promising
Double check the handouts and assign‐ football star but is now outclassed by oth‐
ment requirements. ers? Why? Because attitude, not ability will
determine your success? It is the good atti‐
tude that will help you stand out in this
MYTH 3: ʺI donʹt need any helpʺ, ʺIf I world full of half‐baked geniuses, and po‐
keep studying, Iʹll get itʺ, ʺIʹm smart, Iʹll tential Olympic athletes.
figure it out.ʺ “Why should I ask if no
Reality: Attitude, not ability, will deter‐
friends give it a darn to ask?”
mine your success in college.
Asking for help is SMART, not stupid!
Tip:
We are brought up with the notion of “One
Look for long‐term benefits
shouldn’t wash their dirty linen in public”
and we fear to be looked at as abnormal or Remember the Tortoise and the Hare
deficient if we reach out for help. Gradu‐ Avoid making negative comments about
ally, our ignorance grows to the point of the course or the teachers.
“it’s too late to do anything now”.
Reality: We find what we expect to find, Adapted and synthersized by
and we receive what we ask for ( Elbert Vu Minh Huyen
Hubbard)
Tip:
Talk and ask for recommendation from
teachers. Do this as soon as possible. Dis‐
cuss your problems with your teacher.
Donʹt wait until youʹre literally bailing out
water from a sinking ship. Don’t wait until
it’s too late to ask for how to salvage your
grades.
Don’t be afraid to change if things don’t
work out. Life is a process of trial and er‐
26
FAQ
Training bureau Board of dean:
Mrs. To Thu Huong, PhD:
Location: office 105, 107, 108, 1st floor – • Head of the Department
College headquarters. • Expertise: Methodology
• In charge of Financial Organization
Politics and students’ assignment office.
Mrs. Hoang Xuan Hoa, MA
Location: office 106 1st floor ‐ college • Vice Dean of the Department
headquarters. • Expertise: Methodology
• In charge of Scientific Research
At every office’s door, there is notice‐
Mr. Do Tuan Minh, MA
board providing information on meetings
• Vice dean of the department
schedule and sketch of every office. Read • Expertise: Linguistic
to find out more detailed information. • In charge of Students’ activities
Office of department
is a division that assists board of dean in Multimedia center
students’ administration and all works re‐ Location: 2 floor – C2 – French Compound
nd
Permanent manager: Mr. Bui Ngoc Oanh
lating to study and students’ rights and
Tel: 8333983
responsibility.
Contact numbers: 8349874 – single machine
Location: 2nd floor – B2 building. 228.
Office of department is the division work‐ • 2 free Internet rooms with 15 computers
ing directly with you during 4 years. each one. Each student is allowed to use
this room one shift per day.
Office of department uses a range of no‐
• 1 Multimedia study room which is
tice‐boards to provide information for stu‐
equipped with high‐technology devices.
dents. To update information, check the
Teachers can book the room by submitting
notice‐boards on 2nd floor – B2 building at
a registration to Multimedia center and
least once a day. training bureau.
Study Assistance System • All kinds of documents: text books,
reference books, novels, etc. in differ‐
1. English Department reading room:
ent languages
• Address: third floor, B3 building
3. VNU Library:
• English newspapers, documents, cas‐
• Address: Library central building,
settes, and especially research pa‐
next to the parking lot number 3 and
pers.
G2 Lecture hall
2. CFL Library:
• Documents of a wide range of sub‐
• Address: A2 building – Study and jects, topics, mainly in Vietnamese
Library center
27
FAQ
STEAL
FOLLOWING are the first two ideas about warm‐up activi‐
ties sent to us by Lê Hương Thảo and Nguyễn Phương Hạnh.
If you have interesting, useful, innovative warm‐up activities,
THESE don’t hesitate to send us your entry. By the end of the year,
three awards will be given to the three most exciting and
IDEAS
educational warm‐up activities!
Send your ideas to wasssup_cfl@yahoo.com and wait for
them to appear on the next WASSSUP issue!
01 - BE QUICK TO STICK!
LE HUONG THAO
1. Preparations
‐ Short, simple questions concerning different fields in life. The questions should be
Wh_questions.
E.g.: How many continents are there in the world?
‐ A large board with as many numbers, word and phrases as you can think of, but
they must be written in no order. Among them are the correct answers to the questions
you have prepared.
‐ Several pieces of colored paper. One color represents one team and all the colors
must include the equal number of pieces.
‐ Pieces of each set (each color) are numbered successively from one. Make sure
that the back of every piece is adhesive.
2. Rules
‐ Divide the class into as many teams as you want. Each team is given the set of
pieces that has the color representing them. All the team stands in separate lines in front
of the board.
‐ The host of the game reads the questions out loud. After each question is read,
representatives of the teams must quickly run towards the board, find the answer written
on it and stick the pieces to the answer. The number on the pieces must indicate the order
of the question that has been read. Only the quicker/quickest player to stick the piece of
the correct number to the correct answer gets the point for his/her team. the piece of that
player remains on the board.
‐ All the numbers take turns in finding the correct answer and sticking the piece of
paper to it as quickly as possible.
‐ At the end of the game, the team which has the most pieces on the board will be
the winner.
3. Benefits
‐ Improves your E listening skill.
‐ Tests your general knowledge.
‐ Tests your ability to react quickly.
‐ Increases your team spirit.
29
FUN
02 - GUESS WHO I AM
NGUYEN PHUONG HANH
1. Preparations
• Make some pieces of paper, on which write the name of some popular jobs.
• Fold them up so that no one can read the letters inside.
2. Rules
• Divide the class into 2 teams.
• Each team takes turn to have a representative go to the board and open a piece of pa‐
per.
• Without saying a word, the representative have to take some action so that the other
members of his/her team can guess out what the job is.
• Each correct answer wins the team 1 point.
• If a team cannot give the correct answer within 2 minute, they will have a ‐1 point.
• At the end of the game, the team which has the highest points is the winner.
3. Benefits
• Encourage students’ imagination.
• Check students’ knowledge.
• Gain the solidarity and understanding among students.
FUN PICTURES
30
FUN
One good relaxing way to learn English is listening to English songs. Following is the
lyric of the song ʺTell himʺ by Céline Dion. Please go to WASSSUP blog
( http://360.yahoo.com/wasssup_cfl ) to download the song, listen to it and see if you can
fill in all the blanks there. A complete lyric of the song is also available in the blog.
31
Messages to Our Teachers...!!!
Dear Mr. Dung Tien,
You once told me that ‘We don’t always Dear Miss Minh Huyen,
win in our life but if we have strong belief
and determination, we will be nearest to From the first time you came into our class, I had a
the winners”. Thank you very much for nice impression of you. On this occasion, I would
such precious advice, which helps me over- like to show my special respect to my special
come difficulties on my way to success. teacher. I always wish you all the best things in life.
May all your dreams come true and the May every day with you be better than yesterday.
bright smile sparkle in your eyes forever. Yours,
Tran Thi Cuc – K39A8 Tran Thu Ha (A8)