MỤC LỤC
HƯỚNG DẪN SỬ DỤNG TÀI LIỆU ................................................................................... 4
1. Describe an interesting old person you know. .................................................................... 6
1.1. Describe a person you met at a party who you enjoyed talking with. ........................... 6
1.2. Describe a person who just moved into your community and brought positive
influence. ........................................................................................................................... 6
1.3. Describe a person you know who likes to help others (or, who often helps others). ..... 6
1.4. Describe a person you have met who you like to work or study. .................................. 6
1.5. Describe an interesting talk or speech. ........................................................................ 6
2. Describe a character from a film. ....................................................................................... 8
2.1. Describe a popular person (who) you know. ................................................................ 8
3. Describe the type of clothes that you usually (like to) wear.............................................. 10
3.1. Describe a gift you received. ..................................................................................... 10
3.2. Describe an expensive gift that you want to give someone if you save a lot of money.
........................................................................................................................................ 10
4. Describe a historical period you want to know more about. ............................................. 11
4.1. Describe a book you want to read again. ................................................................... 11
5. Describe a time when you spent time with a child............................................................ 12
5.1. Describe a time when you taught a friend or relative something. ............................... 12
5.2. Describe a time when you received some positive feedback. ..................................... 12
5.3. Describe something you did that made you feel proud............................................... 12
5.2. Describe a time when you received some positive feedback. ..................................... 13
5.3. Describe something you did that made you feel proud............................................... 13
6. Describe an occasion when you got lost........................................................................... 14
6.1. Describe an occasion when you received incorrect information. ................................ 14
7. Describe a water sport you would like to try in the future. ............................................... 15
7.1. Describe an activity you enjoyed in your free time when you were young. ................ 15
7.2. Describe a sport you enjoyed watching. .................................................................... 15
8. Describe a crowded place you have been to. .................................................................... 16
8.1. Describe a noisy place you have been to. .................................................................. 16
9. Describe a city you would like to go to for a short time. .................................................. 18
9.1. Describe a place away from your home and you want to visit in the future. ............... 18
9.2. Describe a place you want to visit with you friends or family in the future. ............... 18
10. Describe a development in the area where you live. ....................................................... 19
10.1. Describe a new store/shop that just opened in your area. ......................................... 19
11. Describe a complaint that you made. ............................................................................. 20
11.1. Describe a movie you watched that disappointed about. .......................................... 20
12. Describe a long car journey you went on. ...................................................................... 22
12.1. Describe something you did with someone or a group of people. ............................ 22
12.2. Describe an exciting adventure you would like to go on. ......................................... 22
13. Describe a game you played in your childhood. ............................................................. 23
13.1. Describe a happy experience in your childhood that you remember well. ................ 23
14. Describe a piece of technology that you feel is difficult to use. ...................................... 24
14.1. Describe something you would like to learn in the future. ....................................... 24
15. Describe your first day at school. ................................................................................... 26
16. Describe a time you were late for a meeting. ................................................................. 27
17. Describe a game you played in your childhood. ............................................................. 27
18. Describe a perfect /dream house you saw (an ideal house/apartment where you want to
live). ................................................................................................................................... 28
19. Describe a favorite place in your house where you can relax. ........................................ 28
20. Describe a place you visited that was affected by pollution. ........................................... 29
21. Describe an unusual meal you had. ................................................................................ 29
22. Describe a website you often visit.................................................................................. 30
23. Describe a piece of good news that you heard about someone you know well. ............... 30
24. Describe a routine you have in your life that you enjoy. ................................................. 31
25. Describe an advertisement you do not like. .................................................................... 31
26. Describe an invention that changed people's lives. ......................................................... 32
27. Describe an important decision. ..................................................................................... 32
28. Describe a job you think is interesting. .......................................................................... 33
29. Describe an occasion when you received incorrect information. .................................... 33
HƯỚNG DẪN SỬ DỤNG TÀI LIỆU
Thực tế, học sinh, sinh viên Việt Nam chúng ta thường gặp phải nhiều trở ngại khi học kỹ năng
Speaking trong kỳ thi IELTS. Việc thiếu môi trường giao tiếp tiếng Anh và cơ hội tham gia
vào các cuộc trò chuyện làm giảm khả năng lưu loát và tự nhiên trong việc nói. Hay việc không
biết cách tổ chức ý và triển khai ý tưởng một cách logic và rõ ràng khiến cho bài nói trở nên
mập mờ và không thuyết phục. Hơn nữa, tâm lý chung của nhiều bạn cho rằng, đây là một kĩ
năng khó. Do vậy, nhiều bạn có xu hướng dồn tâm sức của mình vào những kỹ năng còn lại
với hy vọng vớt vát được bao nhiêu tốt bấy nhiêu. Thấu hiểu được vấn đề này, IELTS Xuân
Phi đã biên soạn bộ giải đề tinh gọn nhằm mục đích rút ngắn đáng kể thời gian học tập cho các
bạn thí sinh trong quá trình chuẩn bị cho kì thi cũng như giúp các bạn có đủ thời gian phân bổ
đồng đều cho cả 4 kĩ năng. Tất cả các bài viết trong bộ tài liệu này đều được viết và kiểm tra
lại kỹ càng bởi toàn bộ đội ngũ học thuật của IELTS Xuân Phi, sau đó gửi cho cựu giám khảo
Hội đồng Anh chấm và chữa. Do vậy, các bạn có thể hoàn toàn yên tâm với chất lượng của các
bài viết này cả về cách diễn đạt, từ vựng, ngữ pháp và đặc biệt là cách triển khai ý tưởng chặt
chẽ, bám sát với yêu cầu của đề bài.
Bộ tài liệu này sẽ cung cấp cho các bạn cách gộp đề kèm gợi ý chi tiết ý tưởng cho các câu hỏi
của Speaking Part II quý 2. Học viện hy vọng rằng các sĩ tử có thể tận dụng tối đa tài liệu này
và đạt band điểm cao cho kỹ năng Speaking.
Trong mỗi nhóm câu hỏi sẽ được trình bày dưới dạng bảng biểu bao gồm các mục như sau:
Cách sử dụng tài liệu:

Bước 1: Tự lên ý tưởng cho đề gốc.

Bước 2: Đọc câu trả lời mẫu và cách gợi ý gộp đề

Bước 3: Tham khảo ý tưởng và ghi chép từ vựng ở bài mẫu phù hợp với ý tưởng của
bản thân vào 1 cuốn sổ rồi học thuộc từ vựng.

Bước 4: Tự trả lời lại câu hỏi theo ý tưởng và từ vựng đã tích lũy được.
1. Describe an interesting old person you know.
1.1. Describe a person you met at a party who you enjoyed talking with.
1.2. Describe a person who just moved into your community and brought positive influence.
1.3. Describe a person you know who likes to help others (or, who often helps others).
1.4. Describe a person you have met who you like to work or study.
1.5. Describe an interesting talk or speech.
ĐỀ GỐC
ĐỀ ĐƯỢC GỘP
1. Describe an interesting old person you 1.1. Describe a person you met at a party
know
who you enjoyed talking with.
This topic reminds me of an old man named
Wang, whom I consider really intriguing. He
is an immigrant from China. He has lived in
Vietnam for years since he moved to my
neighborhood for retirement.
Bạn có thể điều chỉnh phần mở bài thành:
“This topic reminds me of an old man named
Wang I encountered at a party and whom I
was really into talking with.”
However, it was not until last week when I
met and got to know him by chance at a block Ở đoạn 2, bạn cần chỉnh lại một chút như sau:
“If my memory serves me right, it was about
party.
6 months ago. At the time, I was attending a
At the party, we had some chit-chat together block party and I got to know him by chance.
and I’ve just realized that he was rather nice. From that moment we struck up a
He told me of his previous life, in which he conversation.”
was a former member of the Chinese Army,
who served for five years and then left his Bạn nên lược bỏ đoạn cuối và triển khai các
hometown to open a laundromat in Vietnam lý do vì sao bạn thích nói chuyện với ông ấy
almost 40 years ago. Being touched by the dựa trên gợi ý sau:
country’s friendly people and peaceful life,
He decided to live here for the rest of his life
and raised a family of his own. His
laundromat located downtown is still in
operation, although he no longer runs it after
deciding to retire at the ripe age of 70.
Every now and then, I would visit his home
to tend to his needs. He and I enjoy some tea
and discuss our lives and interests, however,
what engrosses me the most is every time we


What struck me most was his vast
knowledge about different topics.
He was a good listener. He patiently
heard out my thoughts and opinions,
offering thoughtful responses and
insights.
This
fostered
an
environment of open and meaningful
conversation.
meet, there is always something about him
surprise me. Turns out he shares the same
interest in playing chess as well as books
since he is a bookaholic and also a big fan of
chess. He even owns a large garden at the
back of his home and I help him take care of
it every weekend. I’m not bragging when
praising that his garden is absolutely
gorgeous because any other words can’t
describe its beauty, which is created from
various flowers and fruits with diverse colors,
such as orchids, roses, oranges and apples. I
find Mr. Wang to be a pretty interesting guy
because of his life story and rather jovial
attitude to life. In spite of his advanced age,
he approaches every new day with vigor and
excitement. I aspire to be like him when I
retire and reach my 70s.
1.2. Describe a person who just moved into
your community and brought positive
influence.
Bạn cần chỉnh sửa thông tin về thời gian
trong đoạn 2 thành: “If my memory serves
me right, it was about 2 years back. At the
time, I was attending a block party in my
neighborhood and I got to know Mr Wang by
chance, who is a newcomer here.”
Bạn có thể thay đổi đoạn cuối của đề gốc
thành những đóng góp của ông Wang cho
cộng đồng khu mình sống, ví dụ như:
Since he relocated to our neighborhood, he
brought about a positive impact on my
locals.



One of Wang’s notable contributions
to our community is his dedication to
organizing various events and
initiatives aimed at bringing people
together.
He has encouraged us to protect the
environment by introducing various
eco-friendly initiatives.
He has actively participated in
voluntary
works
in
my
neighborhood.
1.3. Describe a person you know who likes
to help others (or, who often helps others)
Với đề này, bạn chỉnh sửa một chút ở mở bài
thành: “Today, I’d like to talk about an old
man named Wang who is known for his
incredible willingness to help others.”
Bạn có thể bỏ đoạn cuối của đề gốc và chỉnh
một số thông tin giống với đề 1.2
Cuối cùng, bạn cần nêu thêm một số lí do vì
sao Mr Wang thích giúp đỡ người khác:


His natural empathy and genuine
concern for others bring him joy in
making a positive impact, even
through small acts of kindness
Wang believes in "paying it forward"
and setting an example for others,
fostering a ripple effect of kindness
1.4. Describe a person you have met who
you like to work or study.
Bạn nên chỉnh introduction của đề gốc thành
“I would like to talk about an old man named
Wang, who I believe would be an
excellent partner if I had a chance to work
with.”
Bạn có thể bỏ đoạn 2,3 của đề gốc để bài nói
không bị quá dài. Sau đó, bạn nên thêm một
số lý do tại sao bạn lại thích làm việc với ông
Wang như:



His vast knowledge and
experiences
Shared interests
His positive outlook in life
life
1.5. Describe an interesting talk or speech.
Ở bài này, bạn hoàn toàn có thể phát triển ý
giống như đề 1.1 và điều chỉnh một chút cho
phần mở bài thôi nhé.
2. Describe a character from a film.
2.1. Describe a popular person (who) you know.
ĐỀ GỐC
ĐỀ ĐƯỢC GỘP
2. Describe a character from a film
There have been many iconic characters in
movies throughout the years such as Luke
Skywalker, Indiana Jones, Iron Man and
Batman but today I’m not gonna talk about any
one of them. Instead, I’ll talk about another
iconic character on the same level which is
James Bond.
He is a spy working for the British government
tasked with stopping bad guys and their plans
for world domination. He also goes by his
iconic codename 007. He is described as a
handsome gentleman who likes to live the high
life of luxury, fast cars and loose women, yet is
still dedicated to finishing the mission at all
costs. Though he originally started out as a
book character created by Ian Fleming in the
1950s, he became a movie character audiences
would love in his first movie Dr. No, which was
released in 1962.
Since then, there have been 25 movies in the
James Bond franchise released in the span of 60
years with six actors playing the role. My
favorite actor who played the role is Daniel
Craig since he brought a great mix of hardedged brutality and vulnerability to the
character. His debut as the character Casino
Royale is my favorite in the franchise as it
brought a semblance of realism to James Bond
and the story, tackling real-world issues such as
terrorism.
I first saw it when I was 10 years old on DVD
and I loved it so much that I rewatched it about
10 times as I grew up. Needless to say, I love
the character of James Bond because he is
effortlessly cool and he gets to do things that
mere mortals like me would never dream of
doing in our lives.
2.1. Describe a popular person (who)
you know.
Bạn sửa mở bài thành mô tả một người
nổi tiếng mà bạn yêu thích, diễn viên
Daniel Craig. Ví dụ: Today, I’m gonna
talk about a renowned actor whom I
really love, Daniel Craig.” Bạn không
cần lấy thông tin của đoạn 1 và 2 của bài
mẫu đề gốc.
Sau mở bài, bạn bổ sung thông tin về
thời gian bạn biết diễn viên này. Ví dụ:
“I know him through his debut as the
character Casino Royale in the franchise
Jame Bond.” Ngoài ra, bạn có thể lấy
phần thông tin ở đoạn 4 của bài mẫu đề
gốc.
Tiếp theo, bạn bổ sung thông tin cơ bản
về diễn viên này:
Quê quán (tùy chọn thêm hoặc không)
Hoạt động trong sự nghiệp: các phim
tham gia, vai diễn, thành tựu nổi bật
Cuối cùng, bạn giải thích lý do diễn viên
này được biết đến và yêu thích:
Phong cách diễn: Bạn có thể lấy thông
tin này ở câu 2 và 3 đoạn 3. Bổ sung
thêm những câu và tính từ mô tả cách
diễn của diễn viên này khiến ông ấy
được nhiều người biết đến. Ví dụ: Daniel
Craig's acting style is characterized by
his ability to convey intense emotions
and bring a raw authenticity to his
characters.
Tính cách:
Trong công việc: nghiêm túc, hết mình,
lăn xả vì vai diễn.
Ngoài đời: kín tiếng, tham gia nhiều hoạt
động thiện nguyện.
3. Describe the type of clothes that you usually (like to) wear.
3.1. Describe a gift you received.
3.2. Describe an expensive gift that you want to give someone if you save a lot of money.
ĐỀ GỐC
ĐỀ ĐƯỢC GỘP
3. Describe the type of clothes that you usually
(like to) wear
Today I would like to talk about a jacket which
is my favorite choice of clothing for regular
wear. If my memory serves me right, I got it just
about a year back. At the time, it was my 18th
birthday and Linh - one of my best buddies decided to take me by surprise and gave it to
me.
3.1. Describe a gift you received
To be more specific, it’s a white windbreaker
with a heart-shaped pattern along the sleeves. It’s
polyester - lightweight and water-resistant fabric
so good for rainy overcast days when it isn’t that
chilly.
Bạn nên viết lại đoạn 1 thành:
Bạn hoàn toàn có thể sử dụng đề gốc để
trả lời cho đề này nhé.
3.2. Describe an expensive gift that you
want to give someone if you save a lot
of money
“ Today, I’d like to talk about a luxurious
brand jacket which I would love to give
my best friend, Linh, on her birthday if I
were able to save a substantial amount of
There are several reasons why I have a thing for money.”
this jacket. First of all, it has an attractive design
so it adds a touch of fashion to my overall Ở đoạn 3 bạn cần điều chỉnh một số thông
appearance and classes me up a bit. Another tin về chủ ngữ sao cho người nhận quà là
great feature of this jacket is that it is neither too “She” nhé.
thick nor too thin so I can wear it comfortably in
various weather conditions - breezy days, long Và bạn có thể sửa lại đoạn cuối thành:
hikes, drizzling rain, etc. On hot days it's more
“It would not only serve a functional
about keeping me out of the sun so I won’t get
purpose but also a constant reminder of
burned. Besides, it's white so it’s easy to mix and
our special bond. I eagerly anticipate the
match with whatever else I’ve got on - jeans, a
moment when she receives it and
floral dress... On top of all that, it’s a reminder of
sincerely hope that it will exceed her
my friendship with Linh, so I really cherish it.
expectations and bring her a sense of
Needless to say, I wear this jacket on a near-daily delight every time she wears it. Therefore,
basis and it has become an essential item I will make every effort to save up enough
whenever I head out of my house to school or on
errands. It not only serves a functional purpose money to purchase it as a gift for her as
but also makes me look good. All in all, this soon as possible.”
windbreaker is definitely up there with some of
the best gifts I’ve ever received.
4. Describe a historical period you want to know more about.
4.1. Describe a book you want to read again.
ĐỀ GỐC
ĐỀ ĐƯỢC GỘP
4. Describe a historical period you want to 4.1. Describe a book you want to read
know more about.
again
When I was in school, history was a compulsory
subject and me and my classmates had to learn
about key events in our nation’s history.
However, there weren’t really any lessons
pertaining to global history in the curriculum so
we missed out on learning about major
worldwide events such as the Renaissance, the
Industrial Revolution and the Cold War. One
particular period in history that I would like to
learn more about is the era of European
colonization in the previous millennium. As
suggested by the title, it was a period when
European kingdoms scrambled to colonize every
part of land in the world to exploit various
resources to trade and consume. It took place
between the 18th and 20th centuries and it
involved some of the heavy hitters such as
Britain, France, Spain, Portugal and Germany.
During that period, those countries were in a
race to occupy as much land as possible to
support their economy by mining that land for
its resources. As such, they had to scour all over
Bạn lấy thông tin ở 3 câu cuối đoạn 1 để
tạo thành đoạn giới thiệu ngắn gọn về tên,
tác giả và nội dung của quyển sách mà bạn
muốn đọc lại như gợi ý dưới đây:

“The book I would love to read
again is “The era of European
colonization in the previous
millennium” by David Houston.
It’s a history book which details a
period
when
European
kingdoms…”
Sau đó, bạn lấy thông tin ở 2 câu đầu đoạn
1 để nêu lý do vì sao bạn đọc quyển sách
này.

I was initially drawn to “The era of
European colonization in the
previous millennium” because
when I was in school, …
the world for such precious land, going as far as Tiếp theo đó bạn sửa phần thông tin ở 3
South America and Asia. In the process of câu đầu của đoạn 2 để nêu ra những điều
exploiting that land, the colonizers had to hire mình học được từ quyển sách.
the local people to do the work for them and they
 From reading this book, I gained a
were often subjected to poor treatment and
deeper understanding of the
abject brutality at their hands. Despite this, I find
historical context of colonialism,
it fascinating to learn about this particular period
the pursuit of resources, and the
in history because of how much it has shaped our
impacts it had on both the
present. For example, countries such as Mexico,
colonizers and the colonized.
Argentina, Colombia and Peru have Spanish as
 The book provided insights into
their main language thanks to them being
the exploitative nature of colonial
colonized by Spain. The same can be said for
enterprises and the suffering
Canada, America and Australia having English
endured by the local populations
as their main language thanks to British
caught in the midst of these power
colonization.
struggles.
Cuối cùng, bạn bổ sung thêm lý do vì sao
bạn muốn đọc lại quyển sách này dựa vào
các ý còn lại của đoạn 2.


I would like to reread it since it is
a page-turner that skillfully
broadens my horizons and shows
how much it has shaped our
present…
Additionally, by revisiting the
book, I hope to uncover subtleties
that may have escaped my
attention during the initial
reading.
5. Describe a time when you spent time with a child.
5.1. Describe a time when you taught a friend or relative something.
5.2. Describe a time when you received some positive feedback.
5.3. Describe something you did that made you feel proud.
ĐỀ GỐC
ĐỀ ĐƯỢC GỘP
5. Describe a time when you spent time with a 5.1. Describe a time when you taught a
child
friend or relative something
Today, I’d like to talk about a time I spent with Bạn nên điều chỉnh một chút trong phần
my niece which was a rewarding experience for mở bài thành “Today, I’d like to talk
me.
about the time I taught my niece which
was a rewarding experience for me.”
If I’m not mistaken, it was just a few months
back when my niece, Sarah, had a school break. Sau đó, bạn có thể hoàn toàn sử dụng lại
At the time, she was struggling with her reading các ý tưởng của đề gốc để áp dụng cho bài
skills, and her mother reached out to me for help. này nhé.
I gladly offered to set aside some time with her
to assist her in improving her reading skills. We 5.2. Describe a time when you received
decided to meet twice a week for an hour-long some positive feedback.
session.
Bạn cần điều chỉnh lại một chút ở phần
During our sessions, I did my best to foster a mở bài “Today, I’d like to talk about a
structured learning environment that was also time I got praising feedback for teaching
fun and engaging for Sarah. I started by assessing my nice which was a rewarding
her current reading level and then identifying the experience for me.”
areas where she needed the most support. I
utilized various teaching methods, such as using Và chỉnh sửa thêm đoạn cuối ngắn gọn
colorful flashcards, playing interactive online thành “Receiving such positive feedback
games, and reading aloud together. Moreover, I from Sarah's mother was rewarding and
provided lots of positive reinforcement and motivating. It brought me a great sense of
praise for her efforts, which boosted her fulfillment and encouraged me to
continue supporting her educational
confidence and motivation.
growth.” nhé.
As the weeks went by, Sarah's reading skills
showed significant improvement. She began to 5.3. Describe something you did that
read more fluently and with better overall made you feel proud.
comprehension. Her mother noticed the positive
Bạn nên chỉnh đoạn mở bài thành “One
changes and expressed her gratitude for my help.
particular moment that filled me with a
She shared how Sarah's newfound confidence in
sense of pride was when I was teaching
reading had positively impacted her overall
my young niece, Sarah, and witnessed his
academic performance and self-esteem as a
significant progress in reading.”
result.
Receiving such positive feedback from Sarah's
mother was incredibly rewarding. It validated the
time and effort I had put into teaching and
mentoring her. Witnessing Sarah’s progress and
knowing that I had made a positive impact on her
Sau đó bạn nên lược bỏ đoạn cuối và thêm
vào đó là những cảm xúc tự hào của mình
khi đã giúp được Sarah tiến bộ.
“Knowing that I played a part in his
advancement filled me with immense
educational journey really made my day and I pride. I was truly satisfied to make a
hope to keep teaching her in the future.
meaningful difference in someone's life.”
6. Describe an occasion when you got lost.
6.1. Describe an occasion when you received incorrect information.
ĐỀ GỐC
6. Describe an occasion when you got lost
ĐỀ ĐƯỢC GỘP
Describe an occasion when
received incorrect information
you
I would like to share an incident when I found
myself lost while exploring the intricate streets Bạn sửa lại mở bài thành câu giới thiệu
of Hanoi's Old Quarter.
như sau: “I would like to share an incident
when I found myself misguided during a
It was during my visit to the old quarter, a place search for local attractions in the Hanoi's
I’d been a few times before but never really Old Quarter.”
properly explored. This part of Hanoi is known
for its narrow streets filled with local markets Bạn có thể sử dụng câu 1, 3, 4 ở đoạn 2
and historical landmarks. As I immersed myself để nêu ngắn gọn về tình huống mà mình
in the bustling atmosphere, I unknowingly nhận được thông tin sai lệch đó và bổ
strayed from the main route I had mapped out in sung thêm 1 câu sau: “Then I searched the
my head and found myself in unfamiliar way on Google Map, and it told me to
surroundings. The maze-like streets made it turn right at the intersection ahead.”
challenging to get my bearings and figure out
Bạn bổ sung thêm 1 đoạn để làm rõ vì sao
where I was.
bạn nhận ra thông tin đó là sai.
Initially, a mix of excitement and slight unease
 As I followed its instruction, I
washed over me as I realized I was lost in the
found myself venturing deeper
heart of Hanoi. The crowded streets, exotic
smells, and the unique architecture added to the
excitement but also heightened my confusion. In
the end, I embraced the situation as an
opportunity for adventure and discovery,
reminding myself that getting lost can often lead
to unexpected encounters and memorable
experiences.
To find my way back, I approached a friendly
local vendor selling traditional Vietnamese
handicrafts. With a warm smile, they kindly
offered directions to the main landmarks and
guided me towards familiar territory. Following
their instructions, I navigated through the crisscrossing alleyways coming out by a familiar
landmark that I recognized. In hindsight, maybe
I’m overselling the adventure element of it - I
just had to ask someone to point the way out for
me and I could have taken out my phone at any
time to check the map too.
into unfamiliar territory, away
from the main tourist areas.
However, as I continued, doubts
started to creep in. The
surroundings didn't match the
descriptions given in the map. It
became clear that the information
I had received was incorrect,
leading me astray in my
exploration.
Bạn sử dụng 3 câu đầu của đoạn 4 để mô
tả cách bạn tìm lại được đúng đường.
Bạn bổ sung thêm 1 đoạn nói về cảm nhận
của bản thân về trải nghiệm này, chẳng
hạn như cảm giác ngạc nhiên thất vọng.
7. Describe a water sport you would like to try in the future.
7.1. Describe an activity you enjoyed in your free time when you were young.
7.2. Describe a sport you enjoyed watching.
ĐỀ GỐC
7. Describe a water sport you would like to
try in the future.
I'm going to talk about surfing, a pastime that
I’ve been thinking about having a crack at for a
while now. Just so you know - well, as you
know, actually - it's a water sport where one
stands on a long plastic or wooden board and
rides waves in the ocean. The idea of gliding
across the water and catching the perfect wave
is exciting because it’s so out of the ordinary.
Surprisingly, it's widely popular in Western
countries but not as much in Vietnam, which
ĐỀ ĐƯỢC GỘP
7.1. Describe an activity you enjoyed
in your free time when you were
young
Với đề này, bạn nên điều chỉnh một chút
ở câu “introduction” thành “a pastime
that I enjoyed when I was little”.
Thêm vào đó, bạn nên bỏ đoạn 2 của đề
gốc và thay bằng việc đưa thông tin về:
Địa điểm mình thường chơi surfing
Ai là người chơi cùng
seems unusual considering our extensive
coastline and all the stunning beaches dotting
the country.
I don't know about you but I think of surfing as
a challenging and potentially hazardous water
sport. I’ve stumbled upon loads of online videos
showing individuals attempting surfing and
failing miserably. So I really think that
enrolling in a surfing course should be my first
step if I want to give it a real go. That would be
better for my safety and my confidence. In
terms of the equipment, for a beginner, you'll
need a surfboard, a surfboard leash, fins and a
wetsuit. If possible, I’d love to practice surfing
in Nha Trang, one of the more popular coastal
beach towns in Vietnam.
There are several reasons why I’m eager to give
surfing a go. For one, it provides an incredible
connection with nature - I can immerse myself
in the waves, feel their force and take in the
sights around me - I imagine it to be a
rejuvenating and exhilarating experience. For
another, surfing offers many mental and
physical health benefits. It forces me to use
different muscles - rarely used ones - so in a
sense, it's a total body workout. On top of that,
it's also a great way to put my feet up and
relieve stress as I can enjoy being out in the
sunshine and having fun in the waves.
Hopefully one day I can paddle out, catch my
first wave, and embark on the thrilling journey
of becoming a surfer. Just the thought of it
already fills me with excitement and dread.
8. Describe a crowded place you have been to.
8.1. Describe a noisy place you have been to.
Và cuối cùng, đừng quên điều chỉnh một
số từ ở đoạn cuối như “give surfing a
go” hay “Hopefully I can…” thành cụm
từ khác sao cho phù hợp với hoạt động
mà đã xảy ra trong quá khứ nhé.
7.2. Describe a sport you enjoyed
watching
Bạn điều chỉnh mở bài thành “I'm going
to talk about surfing, a sport that I was
really into watching.”
Bạn có thể lược bỏ đoạn 2 và thay vào
đó, bạn nên nói về việc bạn thường xem
môn thể thao này ở đâu và với ai:
More often than not, I particularly enjoy
watching surfing on television or
highlight reels on online platforms of
professional surfers.
While I sometimes watch surfing
programs alone, I also enjoy sharing the
experience with friends or family who
appreciate the sport. Watching surfing
with like-minded individuals allows for
engaging discussions and the
opportunity to appreciate the technical
aspects of the sport together.
Cuối cùng, bạn chỉ cần chỉnh sửa một
chút ở câu đầu của đoạn cuối sao cho
phù hợp với đề bài thôi nhé:” There are
several reasons why I enjoyed watching
surfing.”
ĐỀ GỐC
ĐỀ ĐƯỢC GỘP
8. Describe a crowded place you have been to 8.1. Describe a noisy place you have
been to.
One of the most memorable crowded places
I’ve been to is Hanoi’s pedestrian square, also
Bạn điều chỉnh mở bài thành: “One of
known as Hanoi Walking Street. It’s a vibrant
the most memorable noisy places I’ve
and bustling area located in the heart of the
been to is…”
historic Old Quarter in Hanoi and a popular
Bạn có thể lấy thông tin ở đoạn 1 và 2,
destination for both locals and tourists alike as
giới thiệu về Hanoi Walking Street, thời
it offers a lively and pedestrian-friendly
gian bạn đến địa điểm này và hoạt động
environment. A place to get your head right
bạn tham gia ở đây. Bạn nên diễn đạt
after a long day.
ngắn gọn lại thông tin của đoạn 2. Bạn
có thể bỏ thông tin đoạn 3 từ “Coming to
the avenue…challenging side.”
If my memory serves me right, I visited it first
when I participated in the annual Hanoi
Bạn bổ sung lý do tại sao nơi này ồn ào
Carnival with my friends. The Hanoi Carnival
bằng cách điều chỉnh 1 phần của thông
is a colorful street festival that celebrates the
tin đoạn 3 thành “I found this place
spirit of Hanoi and showcases the diverse
boisterous since I was packed in huge
cultures and traditions of Vietnam. The event
crowds and moved in synchronized
typically takes place in the pedestrian zone
chaos.” Bạn có thể bổ sung thêm 1 lý do
around Hoan Kiem Lake and attracts thousands nữa là do sự kiện bạn tham gia là sự kiện
of spectators each year.
lớn thu hút nhiều khách tham quan nên
sự ồn ào là khó tránh khỏi.
Coming to the avenue for the first time, I
realized that navigating the crowd was actually
going to be both exhilarating and a bit on the
challenging side. It was packed, huge crowds
moving in synchronized chaos. However,
amidst the tides of people, it felt fun. People
regardless of nationality interacted with one
another, engaging in conversations, laughing,
and sharing cultural knowledge with each other.
That made me feel that the Hanoi pedestrian
square is not only a place for commerce and
entertainment but also a space for community
engagement.
Overall, the Hanoi pedestrian square is a
captivating and lively destination that offers a
sensory feast of sights, sounds, and tastes - I
forgot to mention all the great food on offer
Bạn có thể lấy thông tin ở đoạn 3
“However, ... engagement” để mô tả cảm
xúc khi tham gia sự kiện tại phố đi bộ
này.
Bạn điều chỉnh lại kết bài như sau:
“Overall, although the Hanoi pedestrian
square is often filled with cacophony, it
is still a captivating and lively
destination that offers a sensory feast of
sights, sounds, and tastes - I forgot to
mention all the great food on offer there.
If anyone asks me about it, I’ll definitely
recommend it!”
there. If anyone asks me about it, I’ll definitely
recommend it!
9. Describe a city you would like to go to for a short time.
9.1. Describe a place away from your home and you want to visit in the future.
9.2. Describe a place you want to visit with you friends or family in the future.
ĐỀ GỐC
9. Describe a city you would like to go to for
a short time
One city that I would like to visit for a couple of
days is Manchester in northern England. It is
more specifically located in the northwest of the
country, next to the cities of Liverpool and
Sheffield. Manchester is home to over 500,000
people, and it is often labeled as the industrial
and financial centre of northwestern England
since it is where all of the major companies are
based for their operations in that area.
ĐỀ ĐƯỢC GỘP
9.1. Describe a place away from your
home and you want to visit in the
future
Bạn có thể lấy hầu hết thông tin ở bài
mẫu đề gốc.
Bạn nên rút ngắn thông tin giới thiệu về
Manchester ở đoạn 1 “Manchester is
home…in that area” bằng cách chuyển
nó thành 1 cụm danh từ “an industrial
city with many company bases” và ghép
với câu trước.
Bạn điều chỉnh câu đầu thành “One city
that I would like to visit with my friends
for a couple of days is Manchester in
northern England.”
One thing I would like to do when I visit is
watch a football game. Manchester is home to
two of the most successful football clubs in
England, Manchester United and Manchester
Bạn cần bỏ câu đầu đoạn 3.
City. I’m more of a United fan since I don’t like
how City play the game and the way they
conduct business. It is a must for any United fan
to make the trip to Old Trafford and watch
players like Marcus Rashford and Raphael
Varane work miracles on the pitch. Another
thing I would like to do is visit the Science and
Industry Museum as it highlights the pivotal
role Manchester played in the Industrial
Revolution. I’ve been told that people can see
exhibits of modern technology at its earliest
stages.
I like to visit Manchester with my friends
because they are also interested in going there
and doing the things that I would like to do. My
best friend Jon is a fellow United fan and he
wants to watch a football match at Old Trafford
with me. I would like to visit this city because
not only is it a vibrant metropolis where there is
always something going on, but also it is
helping to shape England’s cultural identity in
numerous ways, whether it would be its music
or its long-standing sporting tradition.
9.2. Describe a place you want to visit
with you friends or family in the
future
Bạn có thể lấy hầu hết thông tin ở bài
mẫu đề gốc.
Bạn nên rút ngắn thông tin giới thiệu về
Manchester ở đoạn 1 “Manchester is
home…in that area” bằng cách chuyển
nó thành 1 cụm danh từ “an industrial
city with many company bases” và ghép
với câu trước.
Bạn điều chỉnh câu đầu thành “One city
that I would like to visit with my friends
for a couple of days is Manchester in
northern England.”
10. Describe a development in the area where you live.
10.1. Describe a new store/shop that just opened in your area.
ĐỀ GỐC
ĐỀ ĐƯỢC GỘP
10. Describe a development in the area where 10.1. Describe a new store/shop that
you live.
just opened in your area.
My hometown used to be a quiet place but it
has changed a lot over time. There are many
new facilities and amenities constructed in this
area, making it more vibrant and energetic. One
of them is Aeon Mall shopping center.
Bạn thay “Aeon Mall shopping center”
bằng tên 1 cửa hàng ăn uống ở trung tâm
thương mại này ở câu cuối đoạn mở bài.
Bạn nên sửa câu đầu đoạn 2 thành “I first
saw this when I visited my friend’s
I first saw this mall when I visited my friend’s
house. I was really impressed that the building
was extremely spacious and cutting-edge. This
place serves for a multiple of purposes, where
customers can purchase a wide range of items
from luxurious to popular brands from both
local and global merchandisers. The food stalls
here are also very diverse as people can enjoy
the dishes of many countries around the world
such as Japan or Korea. Nevertheless, what
interests me the most is the amusement areas
for both adults and children, regarded as an
ideal place for people to let off steam at the
weekend.
house and decided to have a meal in
there.”
Bạn bỏ thông tin mô tả về trung tâm
thương mại này ở đoạn 2, từ “I was
really impressed…at the weekend.”
Bạn thêm thông tin như: các thức ăn/sản
phẩm nhà hàng này cung cấp, trải
nghiệm của bạn khi thưởng thức món ăn
và dịch vụ ở đây.
Bạn bỏ thông tin đoạn 3.
Bạn sửa lí do bạn thích đến nhà hàng này
dựa trên ý tưởng đoạn 4 thành: “All in
all, I love this place for several reasons.
For one, it is a suitable place for family
union. For another, the food here is also
scrumptious. Therefore, if anyone asks
However, not everyone knows that it took about
me about it, I’ll definitely recommend
2 years to build this mall until it officially
it!”
opened to the public in 2019. Not a long time
for a big project like Aeon Mall but such a great
effort.
All in all, I love this place for several reasons.
For one, I can browse all the shops and buy any
items from clothes, cosmetics to foods. For
others, Aeon Mall is also a suitable place for me
to spend quality time with my beloved ones,
dropping by a coffee shop to chat with my
friends or having a cozy dinner with family at
any eatery here.
11. Describe a complaint that you made.
11.1. Describe a movie you watched that disappointed about.
ĐỀ GỐC
ĐỀ ĐƯỢC GỘP
11. Describe a movie you watched that
disappointed about.
11.1. Describe a complaint that you
made.
A movie that I watched that I was disappointed
by was Jurassic World. I’m a massive Jurassic
Park fan but the two movies prior to Jurassic
World - The Lost World and Jurassic Park 3 were pretty mediocre so when I heard that a
new Jurassic Park movie was being made with a
new cast and a new setting, I was excited since I
believed at the time that the franchise was
heading in the right direction. I was truly
looking forward to a reimagining and updating
of a classic.
Bạn sửa lại câu đầu đoạn 1 như sau: “I
would like to talk about a complaint that
I made when I watched the movie
Jurassic World last week.” và bạn có thể
lấy thông tin còn lại trong đoạn này để
nói về việc bạn rất mong chờ được xem
bộ phim.
When it finally came out, I bought my tickets
beforehand and went to the theatre with my
friends who were also excited for a new
Jurassic Park movie. However, as the film
dragged on, I was more and more disappointed
with every passing minute. It became so boring
by the halfway mark that I desperately wanted
the movie to end so that I could go home and
watch an actual good movie instead. I thought
about walking out but opted not to. Some of my
friends felt the same way but others enjoyed it
purely because of the dinosaur special effects.
I was disappointed in Jurassic World because
the characters were poorly developed and
inconsistent. They were basically twodimensional cliches without any believable
backstory to set them apart from any other
typical action movie. The romantic plotline was
forced and the main stars lacked any real
chemistry - I could have done without that part.
I also wasn’t blown away by the visual effects
in the movie though they weren’t awful or
anything. All of the dinosaurs were computer
generated and none of them were made with
models or robots - they seemed lifeless and
weightless when projected on the big screen. I
think the franchise has lost its charm and they
should pack it in at this point.
Bạn sửa lại một chút ở đoạn 2 thành về
việc bạn phàn nàn với bạn của bạn về bộ
phim này:
However, as the film dragged on, I was
more and more dissatisfied with every
passing minute. It became so boring by
the halfway mark that I told my friend
that I desperately wanted the movie to
end so that I could go home and watch
an actual good movie instead.
Bạn sử dụng thông tin trong đoạn 3 để
nói rõ bạn phàn nàn về điều gì và vì sao
theo gợi ý sau:
I made that complaint to my friend
because the characters were poorly
developed and inconsistent …
12. Describe a long car journey you went on.
12.1. Describe something you did with someone or a group of people.
12.2. Describe an exciting adventure you would like to go on.
ĐỀ GỐC
ĐỀ ĐƯỢC GỘP
12. Describe a long car journey you went on.
12.1. Describe something you did with
someone or a group of people
Well, I’d like to talk about a long car trip to
SaPa which was one of the most unforgettable
journeys that I have ever taken - with my best
friends. If I’m not mistaken, it was a couple
years back now. At the time, we had just
finished our final exams, so my friends and I
decided to go somewhere to unwind after all the
nerve-racking hours of studying diligently and
procrastinating even more diligently. We chose
SaPa as our destination. As you know, Sa Pa is
renowned for its ethereal beauty, characterized
by the awe-inspiring landscapes adorned with
rice terraces - for a lot of people, it’s their
favorite place to travel in Vietnam and totally
unique culturally.
Because it was a long journey, we set off early
in the morning at more or less the crack of
dawn. We were all massively excited about this
trip so although we felt really sleepy at first, we
revved up pretty quick.
One of the main reasons why we chose a car
trip was because cars are more comfortable and
safe compared to motorbikes - though not as
fun and you can get motion sickness on all the
bumpy, winding mountain roads. Flights there
are also crazy expensive so we went by car. The
road trip there was cool in itself - we passed by
lots of quaint old buildings and breathtaking
views of the towering mountains, fast-flowing
rivers and terraced rice fields, the captivating
natural beauty that brings in most tourists going
there. On top of that, you can do lots in a car
Bạn có thể lấy hết nội dung đoạn 1, 2 và
4.
Bạn bỏ nội dung đoạn 3 và thay bằng 1
đoạn giải thích cảm xúc của bạn trong
chuyến đi (về khung cảnh và con
người).
Ví dụ: When I ventured into Sapa,
feelings of anticipation and curiosity
intertwine in me. The picturesque
landscapes unfold before my eyes,
revealing terraced rice fields that cascade
down the slopes like a patchwork quilt,
their vibrant green hues blending
harmoniously with the surrounding
forests. Besides, I had a chance to
interact with the friendly villagers,
making me feel a sense of hospitality
and belonging. In there, time seems to
stand still so that I can fully absorb the
beauty and essence of this captivating
place and escape from the hustle and
bustle life of the city.
12.2. Describe an exciting adventure
you would like to go on
Bạn điều chỉnh mở bài thành “I would
like to go on a trip to Sapa with my best
friends.
Bạn bỏ hầu hết thông tin đoạn 1 và 2 và
chỉ giữ lại thông tin giới thiệu về Sapa
“As you know… culturally.
that you can’t on a motorbike or in a plane. For
example, besides taking a look at the landscape
outside, I can listen to music, chat with my
friends to unwind or simply turn on the AC and
sleep if I'm feeling drowsy.
As a matter of fact, this is the most exciting
journey that I’ve ever taken and we took loads
of photos and videos to capture all the moments
- all that before we even got to SaPa and were
able to take in the local culture, the various
ethnic minorities living up there, etc.
Bạn bỏ nội dung đoạn 3 và thay bằng 1
đoạn giải thích tại sao chuyến đi này thú
vị (về khung cảnh và con người).
Ví dụ: I think the trip would be so
gripping. It is because when I just
imagine venturing into Sapa, feelings of
anticipation and curiosity completely
intertwine in me. The picturesque
landscapes unfold before my eyes,
revealing terraced rice fields that cascade
down the slopes like a patchwork quilt,
their vibrant green hues blending
harmoniously with the surrounding
forests. Besides, I would have a chance
to interact with the friendly villagers,
making me feel a sense of hospitality
and belonging. I also heard that the
scenes here are so tranquil, so time
seems to stand still. Therefore, if I
visited this place, I could fully absorb the
beauty and essence of this captivating
place and escape from the hustle and
bustle life of the city
13. Describe a game you played in your childhood.
13.1. Describe a happy experience in your childhood that you remember well.
ĐỀ GỐC
13. Describe a game you played in your
childhood
During my childhood, I used to play a game
called "Hide and Seek," - everyone has heard of
it - and even though every kid plays it, that’s
one that stands out for me. It was a favorite
activity that I enjoyed with my siblings,
cousins, and neighborhood friends.
ĐỀ ĐƯỢC GỘP
13.1. Describe a happy experience in
your childhood that you remember
well.
Bạn sửa lại mở bài thành: "I fondly
remember the time I played "Hide and
Seek for the first time - everyone has
heard of it - and even though every kid
We would gather in our backyard or the nearby
park to play the classic game. The rules were
simple: one person is the seeker, while the rest
of us scatter to find hiding spots. After counting
to a designated number, the seeker begins
searching us out. The objective is to remain
hidden for as long as possible without being
discovered.
Playing hide and seek filled me with a thrilling
mix of adrenaline and anticipation, I remember
getting sweaty palms playing. I delighted in
finding the perfect hiding spot, trying to stay
silent and blending in with my surroundings.
The game required a fair amount of creativity
and quick thinking as I had to strategize to
outwit the seeker and find the cleverest, least
likely hiding places.
Beyond the exhilaration of the game itself, hide
and seek fostered a strong sense of camaraderie
among us. It brought us closer together,
strengthening bonds and I have lots of fun
memories from playing. We would cheer for
one another's successful hiding spots and enjoy
the suspense while hiding. The game also
improved our social skills as we took turns
being the seeker, communicated during
gameplay, and learned the importance of fair
play and cooperation.
plays it. The memory of it is seared into
my brain - in a good way, haha.
Bạn sử dụng thông tin trong đoạn số 2 và
3 để nói về các hoạt động mà bạn đã làm
và người mà bạn chơi cùng. Bạn có thể
bổ sung thêm 1 số thông tin sau để các ý
được rõ ràng hơn:
I quickly scanned the area, and looked
for nooks and crannies, behind furniture,
or amidst the foliage to keep me wellhidden. Once I settled into my hiding
spot, a mix of nervousness and
excitement set in. I held my breath as I
heard the seeker's footsteps drawing
closer, my heart was pounding in
anticipation. Every creaking floorboard
or rustle of leaves outside made my heart
skip a beat, wondering if I'd been found
or if it was just a false alarm.
Bạn sử dụng thông tin ở đoạn 5 để nói về
lý do tại sao bạn vẫn nhớ kỷ niệm này.
All in all, hide and seek holds a special place in
my childhood even to this day. It provided
endless hours of laughter, excitement, and a
sense of adventure lacking in other parts of my
day. I’m a bit on the old side to play now, so I
really just have those memories to hold onto.
14. Describe a piece of technology that you feel is difficult to use.
14.1. Describe something you would like to learn in the future.
ĐỀ GỐC
14. Describe a piece of technology that you
feel is difficult to use
One piece of technology that I struggle to use is
my motorcycle. I got it as a present from my
friend who told me that I needed one to get
around town easier. However, it’s been almost
15 years since I last drove a motorcycle since I
had gotten used to commuting on my bicycle in
addition to other modes of transport like taxis
and buses. I enjoyed being on a bicycle
throughout those 15 years as it was a great form
of exercise, better for the environment (as it
doesn’t need any fuel) and it was less expensive
to maintain. Nevertheless, I tried going on my
new motorcycle and let me just say, it was a bit
difficult to get it started.
It took me seven turns of the key to start the
engine so that was taxing. What’s more, I
almost fell over many times trying to find my
balance while accelerating. It was difficult for
me to find my sense of balance as I would
swerve the steering wheel wildly from left to
right. Despite this, I would drive my motorbike
at least twice a week to and from work and I
had gotten into a few close scrapes while on the
road. Fearing for my life from that point on, I
then told my friend that I intended to sell the
new motorcycle to someone else because I
couldn’t drive it at all. Needless to say, he was
sad about it but he understood my predicament.
I guess I’ll stick to riding my bicycle to go to
and from work.
ĐỀ ĐƯỢC GỘP
14.1. Describe something you would
like to learn in the future
Bạn điều chỉnh mở bài thành “In the
future, I’m gonna learn how to ride a
motorbike.”
Bạn sẽ không thể lấy hầu hết ý tưởng từ
bài mẫu này.
Do đó, bạn bổ sung các ý sau sau khi
điều chỉnh mở bài:
Cách bạn học lái xe: học từ bố.
Nơi bạn học lái xe: quảng trường/công
viên/nơi có đường rộng và ít người qua
lại để tập xe hằng ngày.
Lý do tại sao bạn muốn học lái xe: xe
máy là phương tiện đi lại phổ biến ở Việt
Nam, đây là kỹ năng cần thiết trong cuộc
sống.
Lý do tại sao học lái xe máy khó: Bạn có
thể tham khảo ý này ở đoạn cuối và điều
chỉnh như sau:
“Riding a motorbike is such a challenge
since I’ve tried to do that thousands of
times before but failed. It took me seven
turns of the key to start the engine so that
was taxing. What’s more, I almost fell
over many times trying to find my
balance while accelerating as I would
swerve the steering wheel wildly from
left to right. Despite this, I guess I’ll
stick to riding my motorbike to go to and
from work in the future if I learn how to
operate it successfully.
15. Describe your first day at school.
Answer:
My first day of school took place around 19 years ago. I was joining the 1st grade at my local
school after being in kindergarten at a different place. The school was located downtown about
15 minutes away from my home. It consisted of one main building and a courtyard where
students can play sports or outdoor games. It is also very green since there are many trees and
plants dotted around the walls of the school, thus keeping it from being visually drab. The
school has 5 grades from the 1st to the 5th with 3 classrooms for each grade. By the end of 5th
grade, students then proceed to middle school and then high school.
When I first arrived at my new school, I was greeted by my soon-to-be teacher and classmates.
The teacher was a lady named Ms. Wallace and she was very welcoming towards me. She
made sure that I was getting accustomed to the new environment and showed me around the
school. My new classmates were eager to talk to me as the new kid since they were interested
in where I came from and what my likes and dislikes were. Thus, I was able to make new
friends quickly. Shortly afterwards, there was an inauguration ceremony where the principal
made a speech about what it means to start school and how important it was to study in it. At
that moment I felt both unsure and excited about starting school because while I’ll get to make
lasting memories with my friends there, I also knew that I had to work hard to succeed in my
education which meant doing assignments and homework which I wasn’t thrilled about.
16. Describe a time you were late for a meeting.
Answer:
About 5 years ago, I had to attend a meeting at my office but I was so late that I missed it
entirely. To give some context, I worked at a company that specializes in imports and exports
and the meeting was about a potential partnership with a new client that specializes in selling
salmon caught from Norway to the world. At the time, my company saw it as a golden
opportunity to expand its portfolio and to boost its revenue and they wanted me to attend the
meeting as I was an expert in the Norwegian fish market. The meeting was set to take place at
3 in the afternoon at the office so there was no way I was going to be late right?
On that day, I had to go to the Canadian Embassy to apply around noon for a short-stay visa
because I was supposed to attend a trade expo in Vancouver the following month. However,
the application process was super long since I had to fill out numerous forms with my personal
details, my employment history and my financial details which took me about an hour to
complete. What’s worse was the line for applying was so long that I had to wait another 30
minutes to get to my turn to meet the desk officer to hand in my papers. To add to the
frustration, when I was done with my application and heading back to the office, there was a
massive traffic jam which was caused by a bus which toppled over. It took about 2 hours for
the traffic to clear and another 30 minutes to get to the office which at that point I had missed
the meeting entirely.
17. Describe a game you played in your childhood.
Answer:
During my childhood, I used to play a game called "Hide and Seek," - everyone has heard of it
- and even though every kid plays it, that’s one that stands out for me. It was a favorite activity
that I enjoyed with my siblings, cousins, and neighborhood friends.
We would gather in our backyard or the nearby park to play the classic game. The rules were
simple: one person is the seeker, while the rest of us scatter to find hiding spots. After counting
to a designated number, the seeker begins searching us out. The objective is to remain hidden
for as long as possible without being discovered.
Playing hide and seek filled me with a thrilling mix of adrenaline and anticipation, I remember
getting sweaty palms playing. I delighted in finding the perfect hiding spot, trying to stay silent
and blending in with my surroundings. The game required a fair amount of creativity and quick
thinking as I had to strategize to outwit the seeker and find the cleverest, least likely hiding
places.
Beyond the exhilaration of the game itself, hide and seek fostered a strong sense of camaraderie
among us. It brought us closer together, strengthening bonds and I have lots of fun memories
from playing. We would cheer for one another's successful hiding spots and enjoy the suspense
while hiding. The game also improved our social skills as we took turns being the seeker,
communicated during gameplay, and learned the importance of fair play and cooperation.
All in all, hide and seek holds a special place in my childhood even to this day. It provided
endless hours of laughter, excitement, and a sense of adventure lacking in other parts of my
day. I’m a bit on the old side to play now, so I really just have those memories to hold onto.
18. Describe a perfect /dream house you saw (an ideal house/apartment where you want
to live).
Answer:
I bumped into a house a week ago while I was taking a walk around my local area. The house
caught my attention because of the modern design - a glass façade, three balconies, four floors
and an ornate wooden front gate. It was located right on the main street in my hometown where
all the shops and offices are. The location is convenient - whoever lives can easily go shopping
and commute to work. I figure it must be some rich person who owns the place since the design
and majesty of the house really stands out on a really modest residential street.
Like I said before, the house has a glass façade so that plenty of natural light can pour in and
that must cut down on the electricity bill - crucial I’m sure given the cost of the house. It also
has three balconies with one on each floor minus the ground floor, and many trees and plants
outside including an herb garden and flower beds. The inhabitants can sit outside, enjoying the
fresh air and immersing themselves in the natural world with a cup of coffee - that’s how I’d
use it at least. In contrast to the house itself, the front gate is entirely made of wood, which sort
of juxtaposes the traditional and the modern in a really nice way.
I love the house because it's an interesting mix of both conventional and cutting-edge
architectural stylings, and it also has some nifty features like the glass façade so that the people
living there don’t have to rely on artificial lights - you don’t want to feel like you're living in
an office. Perhaps if it ever goes up for sale and I have enough money, I’ll try to put in a bid.
Wishful thinking, I know.
19. Describe a favorite place in your house where you can relax.
Answer:
In my house, I have a special place where I can relax, which is my bedroom. To give some
context, I live in a three-story house with my parents right by a small alley. It is painted white
on the outside and it has a small garden at the front of it. On the inside, the house has a living
room, an atrium, a dining room and the kitchen on the ground floor. Go one floor up and you’ll
find my bedroom, my dad’s office, a bathroom and my parents’ bedroom. When you reach the
top floor, there’s a guest bedroom and a storage closet. Like I said before, my bedroom is on
the second floor at one end of the hallway.
In my bedroom, there is my bed which is on the bottom right corner of the room. I also have a
TV and a PlayStation 4 directly facing the bed which allows me to comfortably watch TV or
play games on my bed. Right next to the TV is my desk where I do my work and on the desk
is a lamp and some of my mementos from childhood such as pictures from previous trips and
school certificates. Finally, on the left wall is my cabinet where all my clothes are kept.
Whenever I’m in my room, I would usually watch TV or play on the PS4 to pass the time.
However, on school nights I would do my homework and finish it as early as possible so that I
can have some free time. I feel relaxed in my room because it is my sort of happy place where
I can lie on my bed, decompress and escape from my problems for the time being. Being in my
room helps put my mind at ease.
20. Describe a place you visited that was affected by pollution.
Answer:
Last year me and a few colleagues visited Bai Chay Beach, which was a famous beach in Ha
Long City, Vietnam. My friends and I were all drained due to our hectic schedule from school
so we decided to take a weekend getaway there. We were all stressed out from writing our final
essays and taking the final exams so we thought it would be nice to decompress by going to
the beach and basking in the sun and water.
The beach is popular among both domestic and international tourists who can have a splendid
time walking under the sunlight and enjoying the refreshing atmosphere from the ocean.
However, as we approached the beach, we felt extremely awful as it was covered in plastic that
was carelessly littered by the beachgoers. There was a wide variety of plastic items that could
be found strewn about on the sand such as wrappers, bags, small boxes, lids and bottles. The
fact that people dump their waste with such little thought did not only destroy the scenic beauty
but also deteriorated the marine environment as fish and aquatic plants were slowly dwindling
in numbers.
As me and my friends felt we had to do something about it, we approached the tourist
department office and requested the director to keep this place clean by advising the visitors
and notifying them. All in all, after that experience, it dawned on me that environmental
protection isn’t the sole responsibility of the authorities but also individuals should join hands
since they are just as if not more culpable in contributing to the problem.
21. Describe an unusual meal you had.
Answer:
I remember a meal I once had that was so unusual, it still gives me shivers to this day. This was
when I was on holiday in France about 5 years ago. I was there visiting a friend of mine who
lived in Provence, a region of France that is celebrated for its food the world over. When we
were together, we basically explored the region through its nature and its culture. We were
basically wining and dining our way through the French countryside while savouring the
landscape along the way.
One night, me and my friend were visiting a farmer who was a lifelong acquaintance of his
from childhood. He invited us to his house for dinner and he wanted us to try his nettle and
snail soup. It was made with snails, nettles, bay leaf, carrots and beef stock. When I smelled it,
it was so pungent that it almost activated my gag reflex but I was strong enough to hold it back.
Come dinner time and we were served with not only the soup but also some fresh bread, roasted
vegetables and some cold cuts. I tasted the soup and I’ll say this, it is an acquired taste. It took
some time getting used to but once I got the hang of it, I started to like it quite a bit. Still, the
thought of putting snails and nettles together in a soup was way too strange for me to
comprehend. Other than that, the dinner proceeded without a hitch and we were all merrily
eating and drinking away. The meal was rather unusual looking back since the headlining dish
of the snail and nettle soup was so foreign to me as a delicacy people would enjoy.
22. Describe a website you often visit.
Answer:
A website that I like to browse almost every day is Reddit. It is basically a website that hosts
forums for almost any topic that you can think of, whether it be the news, food, movies, music,
art, politics or science to name a few. It is a place where anyone can host discussions regarding
their favorite topics and people of disparate backgrounds can talk to each other about those
topics. For example, there is a forum on Reddit dedicated to Dungeons and Dragons and anyone
who plays that game can engage in conversations with each other about the rules and characters
of the game.
I first found out about it through my friends in high school who visited it pretty much everyday.
I was curious as to what they were browsing and they told me that they were on Reddit, which
hosts forums for almost everything. Seeing how it was designed and the kinds of things they
were talking about, I was interested in signing up and joining the conversation. Once I became
an official Reddit user, I subscribed to multiple forums about movies, music, video games,
food, international news, photography and cats. I now go on Reddit almost everyday, although
I don’t really make posts or comments on it. I’m what is described as a ‘lurker’, where I
basically skulk around various forums to see what people are talking about.
I like going on Reddit because it is a great hub where people can come together to talk about
their favorite things. It is also a place where two people of radically different backgrounds can
become newfound friends over their shared love of a particular thing.
23. Describe a piece of good news that you heard about someone you know well.
Answer:
Well, I received some good news from my soulmate Annie that she got a job offer from Apple,
which is a multinational tech behemoth in the world. You know, it is very competitive to land
a job in this corporation as it requires potential candidates to not only have outstanding
academic qualifications but also to attend in-depth interviews for hours, so I took a lot of pride
in her.
At that time, we were seniors at the university, and it was exactly in the middle of finals. To be
honest, we were up to our ears in finals and thesis. Needless to say, it was a nerve-racking time
because we felt vague about our future careers after graduation. Therefore, when I heard the
news, I knew that she could relieve her burden and stress.
Actually, she had applied for that position since the beginning of the semester, but she felt
insecure after having face-to-face interviews. I remembered that night, I suddenly got a call
from her, and she was so eager to tell me about that news. She said that she had been so anxious
when checking the inbox via email, and she couldn’t believe it when she saw that she was
hired. She even took a screenshot of her computer and shared it with me to confirm that this
piece of information was true. We were over the moon and talked to each other for more than
two hours regarding this news and our future plans.
It was definitely the best news of the year. Getting a job at Apple meant she would have a
lucrative income and good prospects. Hence, she was excited about the future without worrying
about the money. To this day, although she hasn’t worked for this company, she still keeps this
lucky email in her inbox to remind her of that special occasion.
24. Describe a routine you have in your life that you enjoy.
Answer:
Well, I am a health-conscious person. Therefore, I definitely have a daily routine, which I find
most beneficial for my health. It’s doing yoga.
Yoga is an ancient practice that involves physical poses, concentration, and deep breathing.
After a long time worrying about my weight, I have decided to take up this sport to shed some
pounds. I intend to do yoga on a daily basis in the morning so I try my best to wake up early
and spend at least 15 to 30 minutes on this activity. Needless to say, this practice requires
people to be patient as there are many steps to do. First is wearing yoga clothes. Next is doing
some stretches to warm up. I prioritize some exercises related to burning calories or promoting
my spine and bones because they can help me to boost both physical and mental health. On top
of that, I feel really thankful for myself owing to my little but determined effort to turn yoga
into my daily ritual. It’s not a piece of cake to stay in this habit, but just thinking that a couple
of minutes spent on a yoga mat will bring immediate and irrefutable benefits motivates me so
much.
Now, I feel a lot sprier, and my energy levels are up. My endurance has been enhanced
significantly, I can exercise for longer and get lean more easily without interrupting any
biological mechanism of my body like fasting or going on a diet. More importantly, my mood
has improved a lot. I gradually feel calmer and less mentally ill. Therefore, it is 100% that I
still want to stick to this routine thanks to its advantages to my health in the future.
25. Describe an advertisement you do not like.
Answer:
These days, we see ads everywhere we go. Many are appealing and easily go viral among the
public, but there are some advertisements that irritate people like the commercial of the
Kangaroo corporation.
The first time I saw this ad was when the final match of Champions League between Barcelona
and Manchester United occurred several years ago. To be honest, I’m a die-hard fan of football
and a supporter of Manchester United football club, so when this team went to the final match,
I was so eager to watch them. Until now, the feeling of frustration still come back to me when
reminishing about that day, when the match took place and this ad interrupted right after my
father and I sat in front of the box.
To tell you more detailedly, this commercial is advertising the latest water purifier of the
Kangaroo brand. It is a vintage advert which is only 5 seconds long with quite loud jingles and
the slogan “Kangaroo - the best water purifier in Vietnam”. The ad uses only two colours:
yellow words and green background.
Indeed, this advertisement is quite tedious and ridiculous compared to recent ads which have
attractive visuals and hilarious stories. I can’t bear this ad as it appeared too many times before
the match and during the 15-minute interval with a lengthy duration of up to 30 times. At that
time, listening to the deafening sound of the commercial became such a sheer torture for me.
Although after the match, this ad caused a barrage of criticism among the public, the brand is
ironically still a common name in every Vietnamese household these days.
26. Describe an invention that changed people's lives.
Answer:
Well to be honest, there are tons of wondrous inventions that have changed our lives for the
better I could highlight, but to single out one, then I would definitely go for an airplane - one
of the greatest awe-inspiring inventions of our time. I've read up about it on the internet before
but I can't remember exactly when it was first built or who invented it. Some Americans I think
and probably in the neighborhood of the early 20th century or so.
There are several reasons why I consider the airplane to be one of the most influential
inventions thus far. For one thing, it has significantly shortened travel time for overseas
journeys. In the past, moving from one country to another would take us weeks or even months
or years and most people would probably pass away on the journey, but with airplanes, you
can hop on a flight and be there in a matter of hours. Lots of people take that for granted these
days - trips that were almost impossible in the past now are nearly effortless. Something to
think about when complaining that your flight is a few hours late or there isn’t enough leg
room… On top of that, it encourages people to travel abroad more often, which leads to the
growth of the tourism industry in various countries and generates significant economic benefits
for locals. Besides, the risk of having an accident while traveling by plane is much lower
compared to other modes of transport so it's a safer way to travel - naturally you can’t really
fly to work as part of a daily commute though.
As an avid traveler, I feel so grateful to the ones who came up with manned flight - not grateful
enough to learn their names but still - because it enables me to set foot in disparate cultures and
learn more about people from all walks of life. All in all, had it not been for the invention of
the airplane, the world would be a smaller, dimmer place to live.
27. Describe an important decision.
Answer:
Today I want to share with you one of the most significant decisions in my life, which related
to my results in the National Entrance Exam in 2015. At that time, I was a fresh high-school
graduate without any life experience and interest in any specific subject. I got quite a high mark
in the exam; therefore, many opportunities were opened up for me. My family advised me to
take a course in Economics at Foreign Trade University, which is one of the leading institutions
in Vietnam. But figures and formulas were not my forte back then, so I was reluctant to follow
their advice. My parents and sister said that I could get a job with a lucrative income after
university, but I decided to attend Hanoi University to study English instead. I was of two
minds at that time, being afraid of making a wrong decision and my whole life could be turned
upside down. I even imagined myself not being able to find a job and being unemployed
someday without any specific set of skills. My family tried to convince me to follow their
advice, but I was determined and said I would be responsible for my life decisions. I was
wondering about it for the first two years of university, but the results turned out to be good.
Thanks to enthusiastic lecturers, my interest for research and pedagogy were stimulated and I
have honed my skills to become a capable teacher of English.
I now have a good income and a high level of job satisfaction. I am thankful that my family
always supports me, and I am also elated at my current job status and living standards.
28. Describe a job you think is interesting.
Answer:
A job that I find interesting is that of a pilot for a commercial airline. Basically - as you don’t
need me to tell you, I hope - a pilot is tasked with flying a plane to a certain destination with
its passengers and cargo on board. I first became interested in this job when I heard from some
of my friends who were also pilots how cool it is. They told me about how you get to fly to
amazing destinations and see the clouds and mountains and ocean pass by you while also being
served mediocre food by the attendants. I thought to myself that sounds like an interesting job
and I would like to apply for it.
However, I was also told that there’s a high barrier of entry to being a pilot which includes
being in tip-top shape and having extensive knowledge of mathematics since it is useful in
navigating the skies. I’m not sure that I’ll ever get a chance to really commit to that course of
action in the future, but maybe.
I find the job of a pilot to be interesting for a few reasons. You get to fly to beautiful destinations
for one and you get paid to do it, which is the cherry on top of the whole thing. Essentially you
get paid to travel to places that you like which is just the life for a person who loves traveling
like myself. There are drawbacks naturally - I’d hate for the plane to crash into a mountain and
we’d all have to do whatever it takes to survive in the wild for months or even years. From the
movies and shows I’ve seen, that kind of thing is pretty common.
29. Describe an occasion when you received incorrect information.
Answer:
One year ago, I came across a so-called “fake news article” while searching for Covid-19
updates online. The article claimed that drinking bleach or disinfectant could cure or prevent
the virus in some unscientific way. It cited questionable sources and provided totally
misleading information about the safety and effectiveness of these substances. Although I was
initially alarmed and skeptical, I felt a strong urge to verify the information, just to see if it
checked out at all.
To my surprise, some people actually fell for and followed this dangerous advice, despite
warnings from health experts. The article had been widely shared on social media platforms,
spreading misinformation in certain communities rife for that kind of content. The incident
exemplified the prevalent issue of misinformation and fake news in the digital age - no good
solution that I know of off the top of my head.
In response, I took immediate action. I shared more reliable sources and accurate information
with my family and friends to ensure they wouldn’t be fooled or indoctrinated. I also flagged
the fake news to the relevant authorities and platforms to limit its spread. Recognizing the
importance of critical thinking and media literacy, I always try to educate myself and others on
the essential skills for navigating and shifting through the vast amount of information available
online.
Looking back, this experience taught me the value of being vigilant and discerning when
consuming and sharing information, particularly during times of crisis. It also motivated me to
actively combat the dissemination of false information and promote the values of truth,
accuracy, and integrity in the media and thus society as a whole.