TOPIC 1: EDUCATION
TOPIC VOCABULARY
 Nouns
Academic standards
Extracurricular activities
Postgraduate
Assessment system
Faculty/Faculty council
Qualification
Assignment
Field of study
Research paper/work
Association
Field trip
Scholarship
Auditorium
Graduate
School timetable/schedule
Branch of study
Grant
Schoolwork
Campus
Group work
Semester
Certificate
Guidance counsellor
Social/life skills
Class attendance
Halls of residence/dormitory
Soft skills
Course/intensive course
In-service course/learning
Subject
Credit
Intern/Internship
Syllabus
Curriculum
Learning atmosphere
Teaching staff
Deadline/due date
Lecture hall/theatre
Term
Degree
Lecture/lecturer
Theory
Diploma
Lesson
Transcript
Discipline
Major/specialization
Tuition fees
Distance learning
Online course
Tutor
Dropout
Period
Undergraduate
Academic
Highly qualified
Optional/selective
Compulsory
Highly regarded
Reputable
Hands-on/practical
Job-related
Theoretical
Affect
Enrol in
Pass
Apply (to) (for)
Fail
Play truant
Attend classes
Fall behind with
Pursue
Become skilled in
Give feedback
Reach one’s full potential
Comply with
Graduate
Register for
Comprehend
Keep up with (your studies)
Revise
Develop (talents/interests)
Learn something by heart
Sit/take an exam
Do/carry out research
Make progress
Skip classes
Do/take a course
Participate in
Take a year out/off
 Adjectives
 Verbs
~1~
 Idioms
Pass with flying colours (= pass with a high score)
Sail through (= finish something easily and quickly)
To flunk (= to fail/ perform badly)
PART 1
1. Do you work or are you a student?
 Currently, I’m a grade-12 student at (...) High School in Bien Hoa City, I’ll graduate next year and my
dream is to pursue my study at an American college.
 I’m at university at the moment, but I’m graduating next year. I hope I can get a good job in an
international corporation.
2. What do you study?
 In fact, I have to learn many subjects at high school; all of them are required, but only three of them
are compulsory at the graduation examination, including maths, literature, and English.
 Well, I major in Computer Science, so I have to study quite many related subjects, for example,
logic, probability, statistics, and of course software programming. This is one of the hottest fields in
the job market, so I hope I can get a job easily right after graduation.
3. Is it a popular major at your university?
 Definitely, in fact it’s one of the most sought after courses. I think lots of students select this
specialisation since Computer Science plays a key role in any industry, so they have a better
chance after graduation. There are nearly 500 students in my department at present.
4. What’s your favourite subject at school?
 I’m quite smart at maths, so I quite like it. I think it’s the most important subject that every student
should focus on because it provides them with logical thinking and sufficient persistence,
necessary for learning other science subjects like physics, chemistry, biology, and so on. Besides,
English is also my favourite.
 To be quite honest, I’m not interested in science subjects like mathematics or physics. My favourites
are language and literature. Learning English helps me broaden my knowledge about the world and
different cultures, and it’s really interesting to compare them with ours.
5. What subject(s) do you not like at school?
 To be honest, I hate studying literature and history simply because they make me feel boring and
pretty tired as there are too many things to learn by heart, like who wrote this poem, what school it
represented for, how long this dynasty lasted, something like that. Also, I’ve never got a good mark
with such subjects; I wish they didn’t exist in the school syllabus.
 Well, for me, mathematics is the most complicated. I have to do lots of calculation and remember
many rules and formulas. I find its tests and exams too difficult even when I know the laws. I’ve tried
really hard to do all homework, but the situation seems doesn’t improve much.
6. Do you enjoy your study? (= What do you like about your study?)
 For the most part, I quite fancy my study because I can discover something new and interesting
every day. However, I have a burden of work to do, such as homework, assignments, reports and
something like that. In particular, I’ll take the graduation examination next year, so sometimes I feel
~2~
really stressful.
 It’s such a huge subject that there will always be parts you like and parts you don’t like. I find
programming fascinating because it can really help me in my future career. On the other hand,
modules like Hardware and Material are really boring.
7. Would you say you are a good student?
 I’m OK, I think. I’m pretty good at meeting deadlines and always try to keep up with my study. Plus,
I find it quite easy to learn things by heart which is useful when learning certain subjects like
literature, history, language and something with many details to memorise. I never play truant or
violate the school’s regulations, so for the most part, I’m a good student indeed.
 It’s hard to say, but my teachers never complain about my conducts at school. Sometimes I’m late
for class because I live quite far from the school and the traffic is usually terrible especially on
Monday mornings and that’s all.
8. Do you get along well with your classmates?
 Absolutely, we are at the same age, so we share a lot of things together, such as music, fashion, TV
programmes and so on. I have my own group of close friends, four of us, and we always hang out
together, visiting a coffee shop and chatting, going shopping or eating lunch in a fast food restaurant,
all sorts of things especially on weekends.
 That’s for sure. They are all really great. Most people like to socialise together in the evenings and
this makes us a very tight group. If you know someone socially, it is much easier to work together in
class.
9. What do you like and not like about your school?
 Well, there are many things to say about it. Since my school is one of the best educational
institutions in the region, we are equipped with new facilities serving the teaching and learning
process, including a big library, a modern laboratory, audio-visual rooms, and even a sports centre.
Besides, I’m quite satisfied with the teaching staff because they are enthusiastic and knowledgeable.
However, the school syllabus is too heavy for schoolchildren. We have to learn too many subjects,
and all of them are compulsory. This poses a burden on the students. Instead, in my opinion,
students should be allowed to choose the subjects suitable with their interest and future career
orientation.
10. Why did you choose your school/university?
 Mostly because it is close to my home and most of my friends were going there. I kind of regret it
now. It’s a great school, but because it’s so close to home, it doesn’t give you many a chance to
experience new things and meet new people. If I were to choose again, I’d study abroad.
 Well, it’s not easy to enrol in my school; we all have to pass the entrance examination which is
quite demanding, but it provides the best teaching and learning environment in the city. It is
renowned for the highly qualified teaching staff and modern facilities. I’m very happy to become a
student here.
11. What would you like to study in the future?
 Well, I’m going to study abroad, maybe, in America or in Australia. I think they are developed
countries, so their educational system must be far better than what we have in my country. This is an
opportunity for me to fulfil my dream since my childhood to become a successful entrepreneur.
Although I haven’t made up my mind yet, it would be Business Administration or International Trade
or something like that.
~3~
TOPIC 2: JOB/OCCUPATION
TOPIC VOCABULARY
 Nouns
Administration
In-job training
Profession
Business associates
Job orientation
Prospects
Client
Job satisfaction
Responsibility
Colleague/co-worker
Line of business
Sense of accomplishment
Commuting time
Line of work
Sick leave
Daily routine
Manual work
Sick pay
Dead-end job
Maternity leave
Team spirit
Dream job
Medical/health insurance
Temporary work
Duty
Nine-to-five job
Training course
Flexi-time
Paid holiday
Voluntary work
Freelancer
Paperwork
Work experience
Fringe benefits
Partner
Working conditions
Heavy workload
Pay rise
Working environment
Holiday entitlement
Pension scheme
Working hours
Challenging
Freelance
Taxing
Demanding
Hectic
Undemanding
Engaging
Intricate
Well-paid
Exhausting
Rewarding
Workaholic
Be called for an interview
Make/earn for a living
Share responsibility for
Be in charge of/involved in
Manage
Take early retirement
Be self-employed
Meet a deadline
Take some time off
Be stuck behind a desk
Promote/get promoted
Travel on a business trip
Be your own boss
Resign
Work from nine to five
Commute to work
Retire
Work overtime
Fill in for
Run one’s own business
Work in team
 Adjectives
 Verbs
 Idioms
Work flat out (= work very hard)
On the go (= very busy)
Get to the bottom of (= solve)
Pull out all the stops (= make a special effort)
~4~
Take charge of (= manage)
Pick up the pieces (= take responsibility)
One of the perks of the job (= an extra benefit from a job)
Be/ get stuck in a rut (=to be in a boring job that is hard to leave)
PART 1
1. Do you work or are you a student?
 Well, I graduated from college a few years ago and I’m now in full time employment.
 Actually, I quit my permanent job roughly five years ago, and now I work for myself as a freelance
teacher of English.
2. What is your job?
 I currently work for ABC Company, which specialises in manufacturing electronic fans. My
responsibility is to take care of customers’ inquiries and orders and collaborate with the Production
Department to fill them on time. I work official hours, but sometimes especially during summer
months I have to stay late until 7 or so.
 I have my own students and run my own classes. To many extents, it’s quite a demanding job since I
have to take care of students of all levels, from those lacking basic knowledge to those wanting to
pass the entrance exam to college or win a scholarship to study abroad … all walks of life I can say
so.
3. Why did you choose that job?
 I used to work for a big company and found it to be really stressful with lots of duties and never had
any free time, so after quitting that job I thought working in an office might be the complete opposite
of being a salesperson, you know, not as stressful and having more time off with my family.
 To be honest, it’s not the job I’ve been dreaming of. I used to major in Electronics but after
graduation, I couldn’t get a job suitable with my expertise. So I enrolled in college again, and this
time I studied English. This is my second choice, but it’s helped me earn for a living.
4. Do you enjoy your job?
 Most of the time, it’s very rewarding to have a chance to deal with all kinds of people and especially
when they are satisfied with your jobs. Also, my colleagues are very energetic and helpful, so the
atmosphere in my office is always friendly. But sometimes responsibilities and work pressure can
wear you out. You know the sun does not always shine brightly!
 Well, to be honest I should really say that I’m quite proud of what I am doing. Teaching is a noble
career because, as we often say that the young are our future, I am helping them get ready for their
further development, dream and ambition. Part of my lessons is also to provide them with necessary
skills necessary for their career and logical thinking adaptable to solving their own problems.
Besides, another advantage is that it’s well-paid and I don’t have to wait until the payday every
month.
5. What responsibilities do you have at work?
 Well, as I said before, I’m in charge of handling inquiries and orders from customers nationwide and
overseas. To be more exact, it’s a kind of paperwork, requiring much attention to small details and
professional manner. All invoices are then transferred to the Production and Delivery departments
to meet the deadline. Of course, I have to keep track of the progress and write a weekly report to
my supervisor.
~5~
 As a teacher, I have to take care of the progress of my students. Besides planning good lessons and
teaching them to the best of my ability, I frequently give them drilling exercises and tests to ensure
that everything is under control. On top of that, we have several tasks to carry out like marking
homework, reading reference materials, and updating the course syllabi.
6. Would you like to change your job in the future?
 In my opinion, every job is a good job if we’re fully dedicated to it. However, anything can happen
beyond our wish and expectation. If that happened to me, I think, I would open a business of my own
in the field of education or international trade because I like working by myself and being my own
boss. With my experience accumulated for years, I believe I would manage it successfully. It would
be a big chance or big challenge. Let’s wait!
 Teaching is really a demanding job, so sometimes it makes you feel stressful and tired. I have to
confess that I used to think of changing my job. If I had the chance, I would apply for a managing
position in an international corporation in education because this is a potential market and
lucrative business in Vietnam and my ability and experience would be utilised to the most.
7. What is your typical day like at work?
 I’m an office worker, so I always start work at 8 sharp and finish at 5, normally 8 hours a day with a
one-hour break for lunch. The first thing to do when I sit behind the desk is to check emails and
proceed with the work I haven’t completed. I’m usually busier in the morning than in the afternoon
since most of our customers want their demands processed as soon as possible. Dealing with
customers’ orders either by email or by phone, forwarding them to other departments, keeping track
of the progress, having one or two meetings a week, and writing reports to the supervisor are what I
do every day.
 Well, it depends on how many classes I have. Normally, I start work at 7 am and finish at 9:30 pm.
When I don’t have classes, I often do some lesson planning or reading reference materials to come
up some new ideas for bettering the current curricula since the students’ demands are getting higher
and higher, and I myself want to improve my knowledge and ability. I usually have two classes in the
evening, one or two in the morning and afternoon, from Monday to Sunday, quite a busy schedule.
8. Is there anything you dislike about your job?
 Overall, everything seems alright except the work routine. You have to do the same jobs, meet the
same people, and talk the same things almost every day. This is not new for office workers, but it
really affects their work performance and effectiveness. Besides, I sometimes have to work overtime
and quite busy even at the weekend. Fortunately, this doesn’t happen very often.
 Of course, everything comes at a price especially working hours. I’m almost busy all week;
Monday is the same as Sunday. While people can spend their free time with friends, I’m over head
and ears at work. Sometimes I have 5 or even 6 classes a day ... On top of that, I have to prepare
everything myself such as teaching materials, syllabuses, curricula and so on. Each class requires
its own features and level, but a common goal – how to build up and improve students’ ability as
soon as possible, so it’s quite strenuous.
9. On a basic level, what skills do you think your job demands?
 Well, working in an office, especially for a big company, you should not only be good at your
specialization, but also get on well with others, I mean, good communication skills. You cannot
complete your mission without coordinating with your colleagues. A sense of responsibility is also
a need. We are like a link in the whole chain, so if anyone ignores his or her duty, the entire process
will be affected severely.
~6~
 There are quite many indeed. To become a good teacher, firstly one should have much patience
particularly with those lacking basic knowledge. They themselves sometimes feel discouraged or
even lost because they can’t catch up with their peers. Such a case is very hard to deal with if a
teacher is not a good psychologist full of energy and enthusiasm to understand each student’s
trouble and help him or her get over it. Besides, creativity and innovation are two of the key factors
that motivate students to come to class with fun and eagerness.
10. What are your strengths at work?
 Honestly, it’s quite a hard question since no one can exactly know what he or she is good at.
Personally, I can just say that I’m a hard-working man and a kind of goal-oriented. I strongly believe
that hard work contributes at least 90% of any success, and especially if you are aware of what you
need to overcome, all your efforts will be paid off some day. To many people around, I’m always
open-minded. This is because no one is perfect, and nothing is forever. We’re living in a
changing world; the new was born to replace the old, so we can’t resist this universal rule.
11. What are your weaknesses at work?
 Frankly speaking, there are quite many. I sometimes lose my control when things are not done
properly as expected although as a teacher I should keep calm in any situation. Besides, I’m quite
strict about things like homework, punctuality, and responsibility. I can’t stand people messing
things up, but I myself am a bit messy as my wife usually complains.
 MORE IDEAS
Generally, the best thing about my job is the opportunity to...
 Boost my people skills. I enjoy interacting/ communicating/ mingling with different types of people/
clients.
 Expand my social network. I may establish sound relationship with many people of the same
interest/ hobby/ ambition...
 Meet my requirements: financial security/ promotion opportunity/ self-improvement/basic and
daily necessities/ sense of safety and security/ love and sense of belonging/ self-esteem and
respect from others/ sense of fulfilment or self-actualisation.
Honestly, the worst I have to say about my job is the fact that it is quite monotonous/ boring/
stressful/ under pressure.
 I’m a little bore with sitting in front of a computer screen all day long, do the same job, meet the
same people, so, I’m longing for a job that involves dealing with more people/ a change for better
with more challenges and opportunities to discover myself.
 Frankly speaking, I’m currently experiencing some bottlenecks at work, and I want to actively look
for some breakthrough, so I have chosen to improve my competence through studying abroad/
further training/ trying out something newer and more challenging in a competitive working
environment.
 I hunger for escaping from my daily life routine and leading a different life.
~7~
TOPIC 3: FILM
TOPIC VOCABULARY
 Types of Film
Action picture/movie
Documentary
Musical
Adventure film
Feature film
Romantic film
Animation
History film
Science-fiction film
Cartoon
Hollywood blockbuster
Thriller
Comedy
Horror film
Tragedy
Detective film
Martial art/Kung fu film
TV series
Actor/actress
Film crew
Producer
Celebrity
Film critic
Body double
Film star/superstar
Supporting
role/character/cast
Director
Hero/heroine
Distributor
Leading role/character
 Film-related people
 Other nouns
Acting
Film industry
Scenery
Box-office
Film festival
Sequel
Belief and faith
Forgiveness and tolerance
Shooting
Casting
Genre/type
Sound effect
Censorship
Performance
Soundtrack
Close-up/close shot
Plot/storyline
Special effect
Costume
Rating
Studio
Courage and persistence
Release
Subtitle
Dubbing
Sacrifice and rebirth
Theme music
Emotion and care
Scene
Visual effect
Adventurous
Intriguing
Terrifying
Educational
Lifelike
Thought-provoking
Enlightened
Light-hearted
Touching/ moving
Ethical
Magical
Twisting
Hilarious
Meaningful
Violent
 Adjectives
PART 1 ( T.01)
1. Do you enjoy watching films?
~8~
 Yes, I really do. I am a big fan of films, especially comedies.
 No, not really. I am not keen on films. I’d rather spend my spare time reading. I think reading is more
imaginative than watching films.
2. Which type of film do you like best?
 I am completely taken with documentaries. You know the sort: animals, plants, and far-away
places. I saw a wonderful one about penguins last month. It was really amazing.
 Comedies are my favourite. I love anything that makes me laugh. They are a lot of fun and help me
relieve stress.
3. Which type of film is popular among young people in your city?
 Well, I’m not quite sure about that, but I guess it’s romantic stories. The themes of loyal and
enduring love are the most fascinating of all.
 Nowadays most young people are interested in science-fiction films. Thanks to the adoption of
special-effects technology, the films are dazzling and enchanting.
4. Do you prefer to watch DVDs at home or to go to the cinema?
 I prefer to watch DVDs at home. I feel at ease lying on the sofa, eating some snacks. I can laugh
loudly without worrying about disturbing others. Besides, it’s more economical than going to the
cinema.
 I prefer to see a film at the cinema. It’s the authentic environment, and best visual and sound
effects that attract me most. And more importantly, I enjoy the feeling of sharing a film with others.
5. What’s the difference between watching a DVD at home and going to the cinema?
 As for me, watching a DVD at home is more like a personal activity to kill time, while enjoying films at
the cinema offers you more pleasure of sharing and communication.
PART 2 ( T.02)
Topic Card
Describe one of your favourite films. You should say:

What the title is

What the plot is

What the setting is
And explain why you like it.
Sample Answer 1
If you ever wanted to take a break from the real world and enter a fantastic one, the film The Chronicles
of Narnia is what you shouldn’t miss. I watched it last year and was fascinated by its magic and myth.
The film opens dramatically with bombs dropping on London during World War II and siblings Peter,
Susan, Edmund, and Lucy fleeing to the countryside to escape the bombing. Lucy is the first of the four
children to discover a portal in a wardrobe that takes them to a magical land called Narnia. When they
enter Narnia, time stands still in the world you’ve left. Narnia used to be a land of beauty, but the White
Witch has made it winter all the time. The fauns, beavers, and many other creatures of Narnia need the
four children to help the lion bring Narnia back to a happy, peaceful, green place. So, the adventurous
journey begins.
This is a story of betrayal and the path to redemption. The children must engage in a war with the
~9~
White Witch. They ultimately grow closer through these experiences and the adventures.
This film is shot in New Zealand and has gorgeous scenery. When I finished the film, I was also moved
by the rich emotions in it: temptation, betrayal, sacrifice, redemption, and forgiveness.
Sample Answer 2
One of my favourite films is called Mountain Patrol: Kekexili. It is directed by a young Chinese director
Lu Chuan. Based on depressingly true events, it tracks the heroic efforts of a small group of Tibetans
who struggle to save the Tibetan antelopes.
The film is set against the exquisite backdrop of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau. The director Lu tells the tale
of brave local Tibetans who face death and starvation to save the endangered antelope herds from a
band of ruthless poachers. The way into this story is through a young Beijing photojournalist. At first an
observer, distanced by the lens of his camera, slowly he becomes personally involved in the struggle.
He gradually becomes aware that this is not just a regular patrol but a journey about life. To the patrol
members, Kekexili is their homeland as well as the habitat of the antelopes. They will always be on
guard for their homeland. Through the eyes of the patrolmen, the journalist witnesses the real beauty of
their lives: their faith.
The film is more than anything a work of creative imagination. It is filled with strange and horrible visions.
It provokes every viewer’s sorrow and righteous answer. I was drawn by this film not only because of
the characters, but because of the set of pieces that distil the story’s life-and-death struggle to its
essence.
A similar topic*
Describe a film you watched recently. You should say

What the film is

When you watched this film

What happened in the film
And explain why you found this film interesting.
Sample Answer
Well, the film that I am going to share with you is called “Real Steel”, which is a sci-fi film starring Huge
Jackman, and it was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Visual Effects in 2012. I don’t
remember exactly when I saw it, perhaps 2 or 3 months ago, but I saw it twice on HBO channel.
Basically, this film combines different elements of drama, science fiction, action, and even fantasy. The
story is set some time in the future when the sport of boxing has gone high-tech, and a frustrated father
called Charlie eventually won a comeback with his estranged son named Max after beating the
invincible robot with an abandoned robot, Atom.
I am really impressed with not only strong visual effects when watching a bunch of robots fighting
against each other but also moving scenes when the father and son teamed up together to win the final
fight. It was particularly emotional when Max claimed a challenge in the middle of the arena with the
strongest Zeus. More importantly, this is a Cinderella story in the machinery age. Atom, as a broken
robot picked up from a trash field, eventually won the mission with courage and persistence. I myself find
it quite motivating since I learned that I should never give up no matter how hard a situation is. Just as
the film’s slogan says: Spirit is stronger than steel, and that’s “real steel”.
~ 10 ~
PART 3 ( T.03)
1. Who do you think are more interested in watching films, young people or elderly ones?
 Well, in my view, it’s the young who have more interest in seeing films. The film, as a versatile form
of media, meets the young’s thirst for new concepts, creativity, and imagination. They enjoy
experiencing the unknown world by seeing films.
 I think it’s hard to say because the interest in seeing films depends more on one’s taste than age.
For those who dig life, no matter how old they are, films are always a good means to learn about
the world. The only difference is that they would enjoy different genres.
2. What’s the difference between the young and the old in the types of film they enjoy?
 Usually the young think more about the genres of new trends, like some experimental or avantgarde films. The type of film with creative subjects and filming always attracts the young. On the
contrary, the elderly prefer the nostalgic and realistic films, especially those about the events of their
times.
3. What influences do you think the film industry has on a nation?
 The flourishing of the film industry in a nation will certainly promote its economic development and
allow the spread of its culture. Hollywood in America is a case in point. The films are not only an
entertaining tool but also a carrier of culture and ideology.
4. How do you think one can develop a nation’s film industry?
 Well, it’s a big issue beyond me, I think. Many factors contribute to the development of the film
industry, but to my mind, the most important one is enough funding support. Besides, tolerant and
encouraging government policies are essential.
5. Do you like watching old films?
 I think it depends. Older people enjoy seeing old films for their nostalgia. For most young people,
old films are less attractive because the lack of thrilling scenes and special effects.
 I think classic films, no matter how old they are, always attract film fans of all ages. They draw the
viewers not with glittering scenes, but with the eternal themes and incomparable performances of
actors and actresses.
6. What’s your opinion on showing films in class?
 I think it’s an effective way to promote interaction in class, especially when students have individual
activity sheets. The courses would become more vivid and delightful because of the illustration of
the films.
 Although films make class more lively, I don’t think playing films helps much to the course teaching.
They distract students’ attention and make it hard to assess students’ achievements.
7. What are the effects of films as an educational means in English teaching and learning?
 As a visual communication means, films make English teaching and learning authentic and
interactive, but for reading and writing, I think seeing films helps little.
8. What is the difference between learning English by reading and seeing a film?
 Learning by seeing a film is more effective for speaking and listening because films offer the most
authentic and lively materials. Reading, on the other hand, provides a systematic way to learn
English more reasonably.
9. Why do young people nowadays adore film stars?
~ 11 ~
 To most young people, film stars stand for a form of success. They lead a luxurious life, which is
admired by young people. Besides, film stars present fashion and trends. Young people tend to take
them as models and copy their behaviours. Thus, young people feel themselves to be in trend and
recognised.
10* What are the differences between Vietnamese and foreign films?
 Well, compared with foreign films, Vietnamese films tend to be monotonous and uneventful. For
example, audiences can predict the end easily due to the lack of imagination and creativity, while
most foreign films, both romance and action, contain mystery and suspense, which can only be
revealed much later. Besides, most Vietnamese films are dubbed, which make them sound
unnatural, whereas foreign ones provide authentic voice by actors themselves. Most importantly,
due to the lack of visual and sound effects, most Vietnamese films can’t provide lively shots
especially action scenes, some of which look ridiculous and funny.
 OTHER POSSIBLE STATEMENTS ( T.04)
1. Detailed Descriptions
 The film is the true story of John Nash, one of the great geniuses of the 20th century.
 The film is an amazing/ a funny story about...
 The film tells a story about..., who...
 This epic story traces the history of...
 It boasts an immoral cast in a timeless, classic tale of a love-hate romance.
 The film begins with...
 The film’s themes include discovery, rescue, and escape.
 The film E.T. portrays the love between a young, fatherless boy and a lost and homesick visitor
from another planet who is mistakenly left on Earth.
 It is adapted from the best-selling novel...
 It is based on the true story of...
 Based on depressingly true events, Mountain Patrol: Kekexili tracks the heroic efforts of a small
group of Tibetans who struggle to save the Tibetan antelopes.
2. Comments
 Gone with the Wind is often considered the most beloved, enduring, and popular film of all time.
 Star Wars is one of the most popular, profitable, entertaining, and successful science-fiction films of
all time.
 It is an impressive, engrossing piece of filmmaking.
 The Hollywood product is inspirational and uplifting. It is a combination of prison film and
character study.
 The successful film, both critically and financially, soon became the second biggest hit of the year.
 It proved to be an intelligent, exciting, and dramatic piece of filmmaking.
 E.T. is the immensely popular magical fantasy movie myth.
 The Sound of Music was the high point of the Hollywood musical.
~ 12 ~
 This is a patient, graceful nature documentary.
 Undoubtedly, The Lord of the Rings is a true masterpiece of book-to-film adaptation.
 The film Transformers advanced special-effects technology to a degree unseen before with
computerised and digitally timed special effects.
 It’s special in the use of colour for the enhancement of dramatic mood.
 The film is full of humorous lines. Many of them have become the buzzwords of the year.
 The camerawork of the film is breathtaking. You cannot help being amazed by the picturesque
scenes.
 It is a work of creative imagination with astonishing views.
 Filmed in New Zealand, this movie has gorgeous scenery.
3. Expressing Feelings
 I’m an avid fan of sci-fi films. You know the sort: aliens, monsters, and disasters. The first sci-fi film I
saw was E.T., which was amazing.
 I love romantic comedies and amusing animation. In fact, I love anything that makes me laugh and
helps bring my spirits up. I watch films to veg out (relax) and I have the least desire to figure out
the plot.
 I am keen on horror films mainly because I enjoy the spine-chilling effects of the films. It’s
experiencing the sensation of being thrilled or scared in ways that I don’t get to experience in real
life. At the same time, I know that a film can never really hurt me and so it adds to the fun.
 I’m really taken with thrillers with great suspense which keep the viewers on the edge of their seat.
 I’m interested in films with adventurous and action elements. I find them great fun.
 Adventure films are usually exciting stories, with new experiences. I especially love searches or
expeditions for lost continents, “jungle” and “desert” epics. Treasure hunts, disaster films, or
searches for the unknown.
 Comedies are light-hearted plots consistently and deliberately designed to amuse and provoke
laughter by exaggerating the situation, the language, action, relationships and characters.
 I like movies that move me deeply – to shed tears, to laugh till my stomach aches, to feel joy, to
feel enlightened by a glimpse into human soul – that’s my idea of a good movie.
 I also like movies that can evoke feeling and emotion whether they’re action, drama, or love stories.
I really don’t get into horror flicks.
4. Reasons for Watching Films at Home and at the Cinema
 Being at home is the very best part about watching movies in your home. It provides you the benefit
of being in your own comfortable home, where you have your favourite place to sit, your favourite
relaxing clothes and hopefully have a snuggle with a special person.
 You don’t have to worry about loud teenagers or wild kids running around. You also don’t have to
worry about that inconsiderate guy in the back that doesn’t turn off his phone or takes personal
calls during the movie. You don’t have to worry about sticky floors or overpriced popcorn and sodas.
You don’t have to worry about finding a parking space, and unless you have roommates, you don’t
have to worry about being around other people.
 If you watch a movie at home, you have the option on the volume, you can have it loud or quiet, or
~ 13 ~
using headphones would be possible. Having the lights off or low is your choice or you can have
bright light. Every consideration is up to you to make the experience of movie watching enjoyable.
You will have the place to yourself and eat a pizza while you are enjoying the movie.
 Theatres do not guarantee quality. The sound systems of theatres are often very good, but, then and
again, they can set so loud that they are painful.
 There’s something magical about the movie theatre. Once the curtain rises and the lights dim,
the collective masses of moviegoers stop talking, rush to their seats, and cast the eyes upon the
giant screen. Then, when a stream of projector light hits the screen’s silver surface, everyone in the
theatre is transported to another world.
 There’s really no comparison between watching a movie at the theatre and watching it at home. One
feels more like an experience while the other is more like a pastime. The movie theatre experience
allows one to escape from the burden of life for a few hours.
 Finally, movie theatres are constantly evolving. Whether it’s 3D, digital film, or IMAX, movie theatres
keep up with the times and offer the latest and greatest entertainment technology.
 Movies are magic. A good film will always transport you to another place, time, or setting. And it is
there you live the life of the characters. At home, you can look around and realise you’re still at
home; at the movie theatre, you are somewhere else beyond the theatre, beyond reality.
 When you watch a powerful, breathtaking movie at the theatre, you share the experience with a few
hundred other people. As you’re leaving the theatre, do you steal glances at your theatre-mates?
Don’t you sometimes want to smile at a random stranger and say, “Wow, pretty awesome, huh?”
It’s good to share experiences with your fellow men and women. It keeps us from becoming too
isolated in our lives.
~ 14 ~
TOPIC 4: A FAVOURITE TV PROGRAMME/WEBSITE
TOPIC VOCABULARY
 TV Programme & Websites
Channel
Public affairs
Variety show
Commercial
Quiz show
Blog site
Cross talk
Reality show
Community site
Documentary
Situation comedy/sitcom
Download site
Drama
Soap opera
Fanpage
Episode
Sports highlight
Forum
Game show
Sports programme
Game site
Mainstream
Talent show
Network
Music programme
Talk show
Personal homepage
News bulletin/ news report
TV series
Search engine
Audience
MC (Master of Ceremony)
TV host
Guest
Newsreader
Viewer
Accessible
Funny
Mind-numbing (= boring)
Attention-grabbing
Gossipy
Objective
Educational
Hilarious/humorous
Realistic
Efficient
Information-rich
Sensational
Enlightening
Informative
Tear-shedding
Entertaining
Instructive
Televised live-broadcast
Entertainment-oriented
Interactive
Witty
Access
Download/upload
Search
Broadcast
Log on/off
Surf the Internet
Browse
Register
Tune in
 Related people
 Adjectives
 Verbs
PART 1 ( T.05)
1. When do you watch TV?
 I seldom watch TV. In my spare time, I browse the Internet for amusement or chat with friends
online.
 I usually watch TV after supper when I want to have a relaxing moment without too much thinking.
2. Which type of TV programme do you enjoy?
~ 15 ~
 I pay a lot of attention to news programmes, which offer me updated information on what’s going on
in the world.
 TV series are my favourite, especially the South Korean soap opera. They have care-free stories
and witty lines. They are so appealing that I even feel lost when I finish a whole story, but I have to
admit that they occupy a lot of my spare time.
 I am not interested in a certain programme. I watch TV just for relaxation. I often flip from one
channel to another without a particular aim. I’d like to say the remote control is a really great
invention.
3. Do you prefer to watch sports events on TV or on the spot?
 Well, I definitely prefer to watch them on the spot to experience the authentic feeling, which you
cannot find in front of the TV set.
 I prefer to watch them on TV. Although not as authentic as on the spot, it’s more comfortable and
easy. Besides, you can get a better view of the performance because of the action replay and slow
motion on TV.
4. Do many people listen to the radio nowadays?
 I don’t think so. With the appearance of diverse media like TV or the Internet, the radio has become
a bit out of place. I know many young people don’t even have a radio at all.
 Although not as popular as TV or the Internet, the radio still has its place in people’s lives because it
is more available and affordable, especially to people in rural areas.
5. Do you think the radio will be replaced by other media like TV or the Internet?
 I don’t think so. To those who live in rural areas, the radio plays an important role as a form of
entertainment and communication. In cities, drivers learn about the traffic situation from radio
broadcasts.
6*. What is the most popular TV programme in your country?
 Well, it really depends on one’s taste, personality, and age. I think young people prefer watching
something entertaining them the most like game shows, music programmes, fashion shows, TV
sitcoms or TV series simply because they want to relax as much as they can and tend to catch up
with the latest trends nationwide and worldwide.
Yet, for the elderly, I guess they might fancy serious or current-affairs related programmes such as
news bulletin, traditional performances like folksong festivals or concerts, or just a cooking show.
That’s because they have different preferences and daily routines.
For both, documentaries and films of high quality are greatly appreciated.
PART 2 ( T.06)
Topic Card 1
Describe your favourite TV programme. You should say:

What the name of the programme is

What type of programme it is

What it is mainly about
And explain why you like it.
Sample Answer
~ 16 ~
I seldom watch TV because I have a computer and spend most of my free time in front of the computer,
browsing websites and chatting with friends. Anyhow, I do have a favourite TV programme, and it’s
called Magic Dictionary. It’s a quiz show. The hostess of this programme is my favourite; she is an
incredible hostess.
At the beginning of the programme, they will introduce five participants and then ask them a question.
The person who first answers the question correctly will be given an opportunity to take the quiz. The
quiz is divided into three or four stages. In each stage you will get a prize. The prizes are decided by the
participants, e.g. a computer, laptop, digital video camera, or a free package holiday, you know, things
like that.
The most interesting part of the programme is the way the hostess asks these questions. For example,
after you have given an answer, she will ask whether you are sure or not sure about the answer, and the
person starts getting confused and may change his or her right answer to a wrong one. It’s funny and
interesting. I really enjoy this part. The way the participants answer questions is unusual, too. They are
given three kinds of aids: calling a friend by phone, asking the audience on the spot and letting the
computer erase one of the wrong answers. They can use each way only one.
The other reason why I like this programme is that it can enhance my general knowledge.
Topic Card 2
Describe your favourite website. You should say:

What website it is

What the website is about

How often you log on it
And explain why you like it.
Sample Answer
As for me, surfing the Internet has become a must-do in daily life. Nearly every part of my life is linked to
the Internet – to get news and entertainment, to do shopping, to communicate with friends, etc. My
favourite website is Facebook, which is a free-access social networking website. You can join networks
on the basis of city, workplace, school, or region to connect and interact with other people. You can also
add friends and send them messages, and update the personal profiles to notify friends about you.
What I like best about this web is that it provides an authentic social contact, in which I connect and
interact with my friends in other cities or countries. By logging on the web and searching, I can also find
some of my old friends. Imagine what a surprise it is to bump into or trace a primary school classmate
online! Another good thing is that I can share my personal interests of music, films and books with
others. By checking the comments on my site and skimming others, I get to know more like-minded
friends. .
Surfing the web gets me informed as well as entertained. It offers me a healthy way to spend my leisure
time.
Topic Card 3*
Describe your favourite TV programme. You should say

What kind of TV programme it

How often you watch it

What the TV programme is about
And explain why you like it.
~ 17 ~
Sample Answer
Well, the TV programme I’d like to watch the most is a game show called “Who Wants to be a
Millionaire”, the Vietnamese version hosted by Mr. Lai Van Sam – my favourite MC and broadcast every
Tuesday at 8 p.m. on Channel VTV3, and I hardly ever miss the show. It offers a huge cash prize that is
worth 150 million VND (approximately $75,000) for any contestant who correctly answers 15 multiplechoice questions of increasing difficulty.
During the game, each contestant has four lifelines – 50/50, phoning a friend, asking the audience and
an additional one – asking three people who know the answer from the audience after the contestant
correctly answers the fifth question. Each question is worth a specified amount of money, but the
contestant may only walk away with 2 million VND (about $100) after answering the fifth question
correctly. If not, no prize is given; however, no one leaves the game without any money since the first
five questions are very basic. From the sixth question, the contestant may withdraw at any time he or
she can’t find the answer, and the amount of money received is guaranteed by the last correctly
answered question. Up till now, no one in this game show has won the top prize, the best players have
correctly answered 14 questions and received 150 million VND (around $75,000).
This has been one of the highest-rated game shows broadcast on TV since 2005 and looks like
continuing in the years to come because it still attracts millions of viewers. What I like best is the wide
range of knowledge I can learn from its questions. They cover almost all of the fields a person needs to
know.
PART 3 ( T.07)
1. What programmes do you dislike?
 I dislike watching news programmes because they always make you depressed and tense. Just as
an old English proverb goes – “No news is good news.” So if I don’t watch news programmes, I have
no news about what’s happening in the world.
2. What are the functions of TV?
 First and foremost, TV is a means of social communication. It conveys information on government
policies, public affairs, and education. Plus, TV offers individuals entertainment and ease. It
enriches people’s leisure time and makes it possible to get amusement at home.
3. What influences do you think TV has on children?
 Although it is commonly believed that TV harms children’s health, I think TV does good to children
provided that parents select appropriate programmes and control the time children spend watching
TV. TV offers resources for children to think, create, and imagine. To some degree, young children
can conceive the world by watching TV.
 Although some TV programmes do offer benefits for children’s education, I think the harm largely
surpasses the benefits. Watching TV doesn’t need much thinking and doesn’t encourage children to
create. Also, passive watching occupies children’s time which should be spent reading or doing
outdoor activities.
*
Personally, I do believe that today’s programmes have a great influence on children, both positive
and negative. Speaking about its benefits, many educational programmes on the telly provide
children with interesting and useful knowledge, helping them understand more about the outside
world, for example Animal World, Discovery, or travelling programmes, their horizon can therefore
be broadened. Besides, their imagination and creativity are also boosted with shows like cartoons,
puppet shows, or fairy tale stories. They can develop a sense of beauty and morality.
~ 18 ~
Unfortunately, children may be affected in undesirable ways. Some TV scenes are filled with
violence and even pornography, and children tend to imitate those dangerous behaviours. In
addition, some TV commercials are so misleading that they provoke children into some needs that
are not suitable for their age.
4. Do you think TV will be the leading medium in the future?
 TV used to be the dominant medium for several decades after its invention, but its influence seems
to have decreased slowly because of the impact of the Internet. I think it will play less of an important
role in people’s lives in the future.
 Although it seems that people spend less time in front of the TV set, I believe it has been and will be
the leading medium for families. Unlike the computer, TV can be incorporated into family life and
offer every member entertainment.
5. What’s the difference between TV and the Internet?
 As a form of mass media, TV has more popularity than the Internet because it is more accessible
and available. Also, it is more reliable. The Internet, on the other hand, is more personal and it can
be customised. Another difference is that TV is a one-way medium, while the Internet can be
interactive.
6. What are the differences between TV programmes nowadays and before?
 The biggest difference lies in the form. Present programmes are more diverse in style and content
than before. Many novel-styled programmes have appeared, like the reality show Super Voice
Girls. I think today’s programmes are greatly influenced by European and American TV
programming.
7. What do you think of the development of TV programming?
 On the whole, TV programming has improved greatly in content and style. There are more
specialised channels and original programmes. Plus, thanks to high technology, programmes
have become more pleasing in sound and picture.
8. Which aspects do you think should be improved?
 Many of the entertainment programmes are copied from American and European ones. I would like
to have more original programmes. Besides, the style and content of programming should be more
viewer-oriented. That is, they should be more diverse to meet the taste of different groups of
viewers.
 OTHER POSSIBLE STATEMENTS ( T.08)
1. Impacts of TV
 Television is an inescapable part of modern culture. We’ve depended on TV for entertainment,
news, education, culture, weather, sports, and even music, since the appearance of music videos.
 TV enriches people’s leisure time, making it possible to get amusement at home.
 TV enables young people to share cultural experiences with others.
 Shared viewing gives family members of all ages an opportunity to spend time together.
 TV helps viewers to shake off the pressure and tension because it does not always ask for much
thinking.
2. Benefits of TV for Children
~ 19 ~
 To many children, TV is a great source for thinking, imagination, and creativity.
 Great TV programmes can teach kids important values and life lessons.
 TV programmes often explore controversial or sensitive issues, and make it easier for parents
and kids to discuss them.
 Educational programming can develop young children’s social and learning skills.
 News, current events and historical programming can help make young people more aware of other
cultures and people.
 Documentaries can help develop critical thinking about society and the world.
 Cultural programming can open up the world of music and art for young people.
 Parents should also encourage their adolescent children to watch programmes that foster thinking,
like the Discovery Channel or other networks with science-based shows.
3. Negative Impacts of TV on Children
 Television can affect learning and school performance if it cuts into the time kids need for activities.
These activities are usually crucial to healthy mental and physical development.
 Most of the children’s free time, especially during the early formative years, should be spent in
activities, such as playing, reading, exploring nature, learning about music or participating in sports.
 TV viewing is a sedentary activity and has been proven to be a significant factor in childhood
obesity.
4. Comparison between TV and Other Mass Media
 TV is a private medium. It can be consumed in the comfort of a viewer-controlled environment.
 It is easy to watch, and if its content does not always provide viewers with much to think about,
television does not ask much of them, either – they may eat, sleep, and unwind in front of it.
 In contrast to movies and books, the cost for which must be renewed with every new “show”,
television requires only a one-time investment. Once you own one, its programming is virtually
cost-free.
 Television is also diverse – at any given time, programming from station to station ranges from the
deep to common issues.
 The rich colour, sound, and location shooting of television programming make it a greater medium.
5. Merits and Defects of the Internet
 The Internet provides instant communication to almost everywhere.
 The Internet has the ability to spread news quickly. If something happens in Washington, or Bagdad,
or Hobart, it can be instantly communicated around the globe with a few keystrokes.
 Now we can communicate in a fraction of a second with a person who is sitting in another part of
the world. Today for better communication, we can avail the facilities of email; we can chat for hours
with our loved ones. There are plenty of messenger services offered. With the help of such services,
it has become very easy to establish a kind of global friendship where you can share your thoughts
and can explore other cultures of different ethnicity.
 The Internet gives greater access to more knowledge.
 With a little practice and patience, you can find reliable reference sources and thus navigate a good
~ 20 ~
path through the wire world.
 The Internet offers wide commercial opportunities.
 Factories and merchants now connect directly, cutting shipping time and saving money in many
ways.
 The Internet opens doors to other cultures.
 The Internet helps people find music from unknown or hard-to-locate artists within seconds and
read the work of authors and poets from other cultures. It has enabled religions to share their faith
and points of view across the world.
 Entertainment is a popular reason why many people prefer to surf the Internet. When people surf
the Web, there are numerous things that can be found. Music, hobbies, news and more can be
found and shared on the Internet.
 Many services are now provided on the Internet such as online banking, job seeking, purchasing
tickets for your favourite movies, and hotel reservations. Often these services are not available
offline or could cost you more.
 If you use the Internet, you may be facing grave danger as your personal information such as
name, address, credit card number, etc. can be accessed by hackers.
 Computers attached to the Internet are more prone to virus attacks, and they can end up
infecting your whole hard disk, causing you a considerable headache.
 Pornography is perhaps the biggest threat related to your children’s healthy mental life. There are
thousands of pornographic sites on the Internet that can be easily found, and this can be a
detrimental factor to letting children use the Internet by themselves.
~ 21 ~
TOPIC 5: A FAVOURITE SPORT/ GAME
TOPIC VOCABULARY
 Sports
Team Sports
Ball game
Cricket
Rugby
Baseball
Football/soccer
Softball
Basketball
Hockey
Volleyball
Aerobics
Cycling
Skiing
Archery
Diving
Swimming
Badminton
Gymnastics
Tennis
Billiards
Marathon
Weightlifting
Canoeing
Sailing
Windsurfing
Chess
Skating
Wrestling
Boxing
Karate
Tai chi
Judo
Taekwondo
Kung fu
Bungee jump/jumping
Motor racing
Rock climbing
Extreme sports
Mountaineering
Sky diving
100-metre sprint
Discuss throw
Javelin throw
400-metre relay
High/long jump
Pole vault
Cross-country
Hurdles
Relay race
Brisk walk
Jogging
Sit-up
Hiking
Push-up
Treadmill exercise
Athlete
Final/semi-final
Health benefit
Character building
Fitness
Physical activity
Elimination series
Fitness centre
Playground
Energy
Game
Practice
Fairness
Gymnasium
Referee
Individual Sports
Martial Arts
Dangerous Sports
Athletics
Other Physical Exercises
 Other Important Nouns
~ 22 ~
Spectator
Stadium
Tournament
Spirit
Stimulant
Trophy
Sportsmanship
Team
Umpire
Build my body
Get into shape
Pursue
Challenge
Keep in good shape
Relax oneself
Cheer oneself up
Increase body flexibility
Release one’s pressure
Compete
Lose weight
Stay healthy
Ease my mind
Maintain a well-balanced life
Wind down
Get/keep fit
Play for fun
Work out = exercise
 Verbs
PART 1 ( T.09)
1. Do you like doing sports?
 Yes, certainly. I enjoy doing sports with my friends at the weekends, like playing football, badminton,
or swimming.
 No, I am not very keen on sports. I don’t like the strenuous and sweaty feeling. I’d rather spend my
leisure time reading or listening to music.
2. How do you keep fit?
 I go to the gym twice a week. I use the treadmill and do some weight training to keep fit.
 I go to a fitness centre near my home nearly every day. I practise yoga and do aerobic dance under
an instructor’s guidance.
 I have no time to go to a gym regularly, but I do manage to do some exercise such as jogging or
brisk walking. Sometimes I climb stairs rather than using the lift to my office which is on the ninth
floor.
3. What is your favourite sport?
 Swimming is definitely my favourite. It’s a marvellous way to keep fit and relieve stress.
 I’m fond of outdoor sports like cycling or hiking. I often ride a bicycle to the suburbs with my friends
at the weekend. I feel refreshed in the fresh and cool air.
4. Are there any sports facilities in your neighbourhood?
 Yes. In the centre of the neighbourhood, there is a playground with many sports facilities in it. Elderly
people and kids enjoy going there and exercising. Also, there is a fitness club not far from the
community.
5. What are the benefits of doing sports?
 First, doing sports, especially some aerobic sports, helps you get rid of body fatigue. Besides,
doing sports is the best way to relieve stress because playing sports takes your mind off the things
that bother you, and afterwards you can concentrate on whatever you do.
6. Do you think children should do sports?
 Yes, that’s for sure. Playing sports is particularly important for children. Besides developing physical
fitness in a way that’s fun, playing sports helps children develop interpersonal skills and team
~ 23 ~
spirit. And more importantly, playing sports is a primary way for children to socialise with others.
7. What’s the difference between men and women in doing sports?
 From my point of view, men prefer “hard” sports like soccer or rugby, while women go for “softer”
sports which are less strenuous and fierce.
PART 2 ( T.10)
Topic Card 1
Describe one of your favourite sports or games. You should say:

What it is

What equipment is needed

How it is played
And explain why you like it.
Sample Answer 1
Swimming is my favourite sport. I think it is one of the best forms of physical exercise and a versatile
sport. Swimming is a strenuous sport, but unlike land sports such as running, I believe it reduces the
wear and tear on the human body. It’s marvellous way to relax and keep fit.
Apart from a formfitting bathing suit or bathing trunks, you need no other special equipment for
swimming. The indoor fitness centres in the city offer standardised swimming pools with a pleasant
temperature. What you need to do is just to overcome your fear of water. I remember when I first started
learning to swim, I screamed and struggled like crazy in the pool. Fortunately, I had a good instructor,
who gave me lots of encouragement and guidance. He instructed me how to keep the best possible
position by getting the body straight and long. Then he taught me the fundamentals of breathing
patterns above and under water, and how to remain calm and balanced. When I got the hang of these
things, I felt comfortable and mastered swimming strokes quickly.
Now I can do things like breaststroke, backstroke, freestyle, and even butterfly that is difficult to master. I
enjoy swimming not only because it keeps me fit, but because it builds up my tenacity and confidence.
The feeling of overcoming fear and managing to touch the end wall is thrilling.
Sample Answer 2
Cycling is my favourite sport. Not only a popular Olympic event, it’s also a beneficial daily exercise to
help people keep fit and have fun.
Nowadays, there are three different kinds of cycling in the Olympics. They are road racing, track racing,
and mountain racing. Mountain biking is the most thrilling, I think. The race course is pretty rough. It
includes some mountainous areas, some very narrow dirt roads with uphill, downhill, and even some
wooded areas. I am impressed by the riders’ excellent fitness and tenacity when I watch the events.
Road cycling is the most popular cycling competition worldwide. I enjoy the Tour de France best. Track
cycling seems more complicated and it’s not just speed that is important. Some of the events can involve
some pretty elaborate tactics.
Cycling has been a major form of transportation for decades. But as a competitive sport, it has
developed rather late. Nowadays, the sport is slowly gaining more and more fans. I enjoy riding a
mountain bike to the suburbs with my friends at weekends. It is a terrific outdoor sport for the whole body
and helps me run off the tension accumulated in the muscles.
~ 24 ~
Sample Answer 3
I’m hooked on Sudoku Puzzles. Last year a friend from Japan sent me a strange puzzle. In a box of 9
multiplied by 9 grids, there were a few numbers listed randomly. She told me, “Fill in the grid so that
every row and every column contains the digits 1 through 9, and each number can appear once in a row
or column.”
“It’s fun. It’s challenging. It’s addictive!” my friend warned me. For the next few days, I was totally stuck
with the puzzle, trying to solve the mystery. I was helpless without any guide or help, but I was excited.
There were a few moments I felt like giving up, but I came back eventually. I have been completely
taken by this game since then. With the immense surge in popularity of Sudoku, I have had lots of
like-minded friends around me to play it together.
There are tons of benefits of playing the game. Firstly, it develops your reasoning skills and
concentration while you’re having fun. On top of that, you can gain huge satisfaction from completing a
Sudoku puzzle. For the 2-hour-each-day commuters, playing Sudoku is also the greatest way to kill
time.
I think Sudoku is like playing golf. You play against yourself and also challenge others in the solving
time. No cheating is necessary. Your skill can only be better and better through regular playing.
Topic Card 2*
Describe a sports event you watched. You should say:

What event it was

When you watched it

What the most impressive thing in the event was
And state your feelings about it.
Sample Answer
Well, the best and the most dramatic football match that I’ve ever watched is the UEFA Champions
League Final between Manchester United (my favourite team) and Bayer Munich, which took place in
1999.
MU was led by one goal right very early in the first half of the match. Despite the bad start, United
began to dominate possession but failed to create any clear-cut chances because the Bayern defence
remained strong and well organised. The second half was even worse when the German team always
put the Schmeichel’s goal under threat with dangerous shots. Sir Alex Ferguson decided to bring on
striker Teddy Sheringham and later Ole Gunnar Solskjær within the 10 minutes remaining. When
everyone believed that the cup was in the hands of the German team, a miracle happened. United won
a corner just as the fourth official indicated three minutes of injury time, and Teddy evened the score
after David Beckham’s shot. It looked as if, having been behind for most of the match, United had forced
the extra time. Less than 30 seconds after the subsequent kick-off, United forced another corner.
Beckham again swung the corner in, Solskjær reacted fastest to poke the ball into the roof of the
Bayern’s goal for United to take the lead, two consecutive goals in less than 2 minutes!
I was extremely excited, not only because my favourite team won the cup but also because of the fact
that miracle always exists around us. Nothing is impossible, and if you try hard, success will come at the
right time.
~ 25 ~
PART 3 ( T.11)
1. Do people in your country like sports?
 Yes, I think so. People are more and more sport-conscious. A lot of people are even crazy about
some international sports events like the World Cup or NBA matches. And more and more people
participate in doing sports indoors and outdoors. There are more stadiums, gyms, and fitness
centres as well.
2. Does the government pay much attention to the development of sports?
 Yes. Besides holding sports events, the government has made good efforts to raise the public’s
awareness of sports. One example is that more sports facilities and fitness centres are established
in the communities to encourage people to play sports. Plus, TV stations broadcast more sports
programmes than before.
3. Are team sports important to children? What are the benefits?
 Yes, I think so. In a team, kids learn about cooperation, friendship, give-and-take and so on. Team
sports also give kids the opportunity to develop leadership. Finally, participating in team sports
offers kids a sense of belonging to a certain group.
4. What influence do competitive sports have on children?
 First, competitive sports give kids a satisfying and enjoyable way to develop their own talents. Doing
something well makes them feel good about themselves. And more importantly, it also provides an
unmatched model for kids to deal with disappointment and misfortune if they fail.
5. How do people around you play sports?
 Well, some of my friends and co-workers have joined the gym and do sports regularly. To most
people, I think the most popular way is to do some casual sports like swimming or jogging.
6. How is sport harmful?
 Everything has its downside. Too much physical exercise will of course wear the body and bring
fatigue. Besides, improper ways of doing sports may lead to physical harm like the occurrence of
sprains and strains. Lastly, being addicted to sports events is harmful psychologically.
7. What do you think of sports stars in advertising?
 I don’t think it’s a bad thing for sports stars to advertise. They make profits by advertising or
becoming image ambassadors for a certain commodity; the customers and users get the
satisfaction of being recognised and in trend if the stars are fortunately their idols.
 I don’t like seeing sports stars, especially the ones I love, appear in advertisements. They should
spend time training and competing rather than appearing in advertisements. Besides, if they are
indiscriminative and speak for low-quality products, their fame and image will be damaged.
8*. What is the most popular outdoor activities in your country?
 Well, it really depends on age and sex. I think young men prefer something more energetic such as
playing football, basketball or trying some extreme sports like rock climbing or skate boarding.
Middle-aged men like playing tennis with their friends after work, while women might fancy relaxing
activities like shopping, playing badminton or jogging. Generally, swimming and picnicking are
popular outdoor activities for all people in my country.
9*. How has people’s way of exercising changed?
 In the past, people used to exercise in traditional ways, like taking outdoor activities or doing a
physical job. Yet, nowadays, they have in hand a wider range of selections such as bodybuilding at a
~ 26 ~
gym or fitness centre; besides, some new ways of exercising are becoming more popular among
urban citizens, including yoga, aerobics, modern or sports dancing. Moreover, some exercise
equipment has been available for people’s use in many parks around a city.
10*. How could the government promote a healthy lifestyle?
 Well, from my perspective, I believe the government can do lots of things to encourage the public to
live a healthier life. Firstly, they should instil and propagate the concept and idea of healthy lifestyle
by producing TV programmes to show the importance of doing physical exercise, teach healthier
eating and provide health-training courses. Besides, the government also needs to establish wellequipped sports facilities for the public, such as basketball courts, stadiums, gymnasiums, parks,
and some other leisure facilities. They need to be affordable or free of charge to encourage more
people to take advantage of them. More importantly, the government should put in more restrictions
on the consumption of tobacco, alcohol, and junk food, or prohibit advertising campaigns for those
products.
11*. Should public leisure centres be free of charge?
 No, I don’t think that’s a good idea simply because they need a funding source for management
and maintenance. Besides, money is needed for upgrading equipment and facilities, paying
employees, covering miscellaneous expenses and all sorts of things. Yet, for certain groups of
people like senior citizens and kids, it is unreasonable to charge them since they are entitled to gain
social benefits.
 OTHER POSSIBLE STATEMENTS ( T.12)
1. Physical Benefits of Sports
 Those who play sports develop general physical fitness in a way that’s fun, and they establish
lifelong habits for good health.
 Sports allow people to clear their minds of academic and social pressure, to run off the tension
that’s accumulated in their muscles.
 Playing sports takes your mind off things that bother you; afterwards you can concentrate on
whatever you do better.
 Because sports increase an awareness of one’s body and how it responds to different
circumstances, sports help prevent drug and alcohol abuse.
 Biking develops strength, balance, and overall fitness.
 It helps burn up calories.
 It strengthens the heart, lungs, and lower-body muscles and bones.
 It develops and strengthens the muscles surrounding the knees without impact.
2. Benefits of Sports for Individuals
 Kids who participate in organised sports do better in school, have better interpersonal skills, are
more team-oriented, and are generally healthier.
 Participation in sports provides opportunities for leadership and socialisation, as well as the
development of skills for handling success and failure.
 Sports give people a satisfying and enjoyable way to develop their own talents – doing something
well makes them feel good about themselves.
 Playing sports teaches people about the process of how to improve themselves and work more
~ 27 ~
effectively.
 Sports provide an unmatched model for dealing with disappointment and misfortune.
 Playing sports improves one’s attitude to life because they learn that self-confidence improves their
performance.
 Being part of a group is very important to everyone, and sports make one feel like they belong to a
certain group.
 Playing sports improves one’s self-esteem and discipline.
3. Benefits of Sports for the Society
 For children, sports are a primary way of socialising with others. Playing sports improves their social
skills.
 In a team, kids learn about cooperation, friendship, give-and-take and so on.
 Sports foster a sense of community; they give both participants and spectators the experience of
belonging to something larger than themselves.
 Organised sports offer players an opportunity to meet a variety of people from different backgrounds.
4. Benefits of Games
 Games tend to involve mental and/or physical stimulation which is beneficial in helping develop
skills, encourage exercise, and educate the participants.
 Good games have a variety of ways to play along and contribute, so everyone can join in and enjoy
them.
 The use of games for children and adults alike is a great way to improve a great number of mental
and physical skills, and often bring with them a lot of significant benefits.
 Games have a far greater educational influence than most people are aware of.
 Games improve people’s quick response.
 Games also contribute a great deal to social development. They improve children’s social skills and
cooperation.
 Games teach children to follow certain limits and levels of self-control. A child who has to take his
turn will think more carefully about his turn.
 There is no other better way to teach a child self-control and moral reasoning than playing games.
 When children have a chance to play games, going to school is a joy, and learning is easier.
 Cooperative games provide openness, trust, and safety.
~ 28 ~
TOPIC 6: A FAVOURITE FORM OF TRANSPORTATION
TOPIC VOCABULARY
 Forms of transportation
Aeroplane
Sports utility vehicle (SUV)
Tram
Compact car
Subway/underground
Truck/lorry
Coach
Taxi/cab
Trolleybus
Ferry boat
Trailer
Van
Sedan
Train
Vehicle
Bikeway
Fare
Signpost
Car pool
Intersection
Speed limit
Carriageway
Parking place/lot/garage
Tollbooth
Crossroad
Passenger
Traffic congestion/jam
Delay
Peak/off-peak hour
Traffic light
Drink driving
Pedestrian
Traffic regulation
Driver
Petrol/gas station
Traffic sign
Dual carriageway
Rear-end collision
Underpass/overpass
Excessive speed
Roundabout
Zebra crossing
Blocked
Deserted
Jam-packed
Bumpy
Downgrading
Rough
Crowded
Government-subsidised
Slippery
Break down
Commute
Make a U-turn
Catch (a bus/taxi...)
Fill it up
Travel
 Transportation-Related Lexis
Nouns
Adjectives
Verbs
PART 1 ( T.13)
1. What forms of transportation do you often use?
 I usually use the subway and bus to commute to work. I have got a commuter ticket for both
subways and buses. It’s very economical.
 I drive to work. In most cases, the traffic is smooth and it spares me more time than taking buses.
2. What form of transportation do you like best?
 I enjoy taking public transport, especially the subway. It’s obviously the fastest and safest form of city
transportation although it’s crowded in rush hours.
 Despite traffic jams, I still prefer to drive the car. It offers me more mobility and freedom. Besides, I
~ 29 ~
needn’t worry about being sandwiched between other passengers in the bus or subway.
3. What are the traffic problems in your city?
 I think like other big cities, traffic congestion is the biggest headache. This problem seems to have
got more and more serious recently. Sometimes you have to wait desperately for half an hour or
even longer in the endless line of cars. It’s really annoying.
PART 2 ( T.14)
Topic Card 1
Describe your favourite form of transport. You should say:

What it is

What the benefits are

How it differs from other forms of transportation
And explain why you enjoy the experience.
Sample Answer 1
Whenever travelling a long distance, my initial choice is the train. Although it can’t beat an airplane in
speed, there are advantages to taking the train.
Although the travel time by air is much shorter than that by train, you have to set aside the time to travel
to the airport, which is often far away from the city centre. I also hate the long security lines and strict
rules for carry-on items. Trains, on the other hand, have shorter lines.
Unlike the plane, train’s soft seats and berths are more comfortable as well as roomier. Adjustable
footrests, tables, and chair recliners are all within easy reach. Trains allow me to travel in safety and
comfort. They rarely suffer from weather delays and won’t give me jet lag. I can talk to my companions,
read a book, or have a snooze.
Trains can also be an inexpensive way to see the world. With large windows on both sides, I can view
the passing scenery. It displays different views in different seasons. If the scenery palls, I can go for a
stroll in the compartment.
Many people today care more about their destination instead of the journey to get there. I think if you
can afford the extra time, travelling by train is a delightful experience.
Sample Answer 2
Travelling by air is my favourite form of transportation for a long distance. Although it’s a bit expensive,
nothing can match it for speed and comfort.
Travelling at a height of 30,000 feet far above the clouds is an exciting experience. I don’t have to
devise ways of taking my mind off the journey because the plane gets me to my destination rapidly. For
a few hours, I can settle down in a deep armchair to enjoy the flight. I can also plan my work or just do
some puzzle word games in the magazines.
Even when these things are not available, there is plenty to keep myself occupied. The plane offers me
an unusual and breathtaking view of the world. I really see the shape of the land when the plane takes
off and lands. During the flight, I enjoy the gorgeous sight of unbroken cloud plains that stretch out for
miles.
Unlike the cramped and stuffy train compartment, planes offer clean and comfortable space. Although
the food is not always tasty, anyway, it is free of charge and you may get unlimited drink service if you
~ 30 ~
like. The best part of travelling by plane is that you arrive at your destination fresh and vigorous. You
will not have to spend the next few days recovering from a long and dull journey.
Topic Card 2*
Describe a vehicle you want to buy. You should say

What kind of vehicle it is

How much it will cost

What you will mainly use it for
And explain why you want to buy this vehicle.
Sample Answer
Well, if I can afford to buy a car, a Vios will immediately come to my mind, which is one of the most
prevalent urban sedans for 5 passengers presented by Toyota, the world leading automobile
manufacturer. Honestly speaking, I have no idea about the precise price, yet I guess the range is
between 30,000 and 40,000 USD.
Possessing a car would be the most feasible and effective to my current situation since I have to
commute to work every day, and the weather sometimes has been quite unfavourable recently. Besides,
I will be able to drive my small family to the countryside on the weekends.
I am interested in Vios for a number of reasons. First, the price is acceptable in comparison with my
savings and annual income. The car not only offers me with more freedom and convenience, but also
saves me a lot of time. In addition, thanks to the upgrade of the road infrastructure in recent years,
driving a car hasn’t been a hassle and so dangerous as it used to be. Lastly, Vios is made by Toyota, a
world-renowned trademark, so I’m quite confident about its quality and safety.
PART 3 ( T.15)
1. Why do more and more people like to own a private car?
 A private car really offers convenience for its passengers. You have more freedom and mobility with
a car. For those who live in the suburbs, the private car is an important commuting tool.
 Besides the comfort and mobility a car offers, I think the most important reason is that owning a car
expresses your status and identity. It makes you feel recognised and trusted.
2. Who do you think should be blamed for traffic jams?
 It’s hard to say. Many factors contribute to traffic congestion. In my opinion, the increasing number of
private cars is the main cause.
 I think it’s the low efficiency of roads and poor city planning that leads to traffic congestion. Private
cars shouldn’t be blamed for everything.
3. How do you think the problem can be solved?
 I think to develop public transportation is the only effective way to improve the present traffic
situation. Public transportation takes cars off the road and helps to relieve the crowded network of
roads by providing transportation choices.
 The government should improve city planning, making network of roads more efficient and
reasonable. Besides, some government departments and big businesses should be encouraged to
move out of the city centre. Thus, the traffic situation could be relieved.
4. What aspects of transportation should be improved in your city?
~ 31 ~
 Apart from the worsening traffic congestion, I think the public’s awareness of traffic rules should be
raised. In fact, the lack of rule awareness in drivers and especially pedestrians is one of the
contributing factors of traffic congestion. If everyone follows the rules, the traffic will be smoother.
5. How do you think people can be encouraged to use public transportation?
 First, I think the government should invest more in the development of public transportation to make
it more available and affordable. For example, bus and train frequency should be increased, and the
ticket price should be lowered. In addition to that, the use of private cars should be limited by
restricting the registration of license plates and increasing the parking price.
6* Should all people take public transport?
 For the time being, yes, it is more economical and environment-friendly since less gas emission will
be produced. Plus, it may promote the efficiency of traffic because it carries more passengers at a
time. Without public transport, there would be more vehicles on the road, so traffic congestion will
take place more often, and undoubtedly, road travel will be much more problematic: more car
accidents and downgraded infrastructure.
7* Should public transport be free of charge?
 No, I don’t think that is a good idea simply because if we run the system free, there will be less
money for the basic expenses, including buying new buses or trains, paying employees, maintaining
and repairing the infrastructure. As a result, the consequence is that the service quality will be
lowered; the system will be less reliable and tend to be out of control more frequently. Therefore, it is
better if it is reasonably charged and managed.
 OTHER POSSIBLE STATEMENTS ( T.16)
1. Features of Different Forms of Transportation
 A private vehicle provides the rider with more mobility, comfort, and privacy.
 It makes it possible to travel without being limited by time and weather.
 Riding a bike offers personal mobility and freedom.
 Besides individual health benefits, riding a bike has lots of strong points. Best of all, it will contribute
o reducing air and noise pollution, reducing energy consumption and ultimately helping save the
environment.
 Riding a bike, you needn’t worry about looking for a parking place.
 Big cities like... or ... are not cyclist-friendly. There are no cycle lanes in many traffic arteries.
 They are vulnerable to bad weather and unsuitable for long distances.
 The subway is obviously the fastest and safest form of commuting traffic.
 They are scheduled and frequent, not being affected by bad weather or heavy traffic.
 The train is definitely the most available and affordable form of transportation for long distances.
 Planes are known for long security lines and strict rules for carry-on items. Trains, however, have
very short lines.
 Speaking of food, airplanes have long been known for small meals that lack taste. First class is
supposed to have something with higher quality, but that means paying the extra cost for first-class
seating.
 Trains, however, have a rather large choice when it comes to dining.
~ 32 ~
 With large windows on both sides, train passengers can view the passing scenery if they choose to.
 While taking a train can be cheaper, nothing beats an airplane for speed.
2. Merits of Public Transportation
 Public transportation continues to be one of the safest modes of travel.
 Most public coaches or buses are larger, newer and more substantial than autos or vans.
 For the government or individuals, public transportation is more economical and efficient.
 Public transportation takes cars off the road.
 Public transportation helps relieve traffic congestion, reducing hours of delay in major travel
corridors.
 Public transportation helps to relieve the crowded network of roads by providing transportation
choices.
 Emissions from road vehicles are the largest contributors to smog.
 Public transportation helps promote cleaner air by reducing automobile use.
 Public transportation helps lead the nation towards its goals and policies of protecting the
environment, conserving energy, and ensuring the health, safety, and security of its citizens.
 The supply of oil is finite. Public transportation is crucial in helping save energy by using it wisely.
 Public transportation is an immediate means of protecting our environment and conserving energy.
 Transportation facilities and corridors are natural focal points for economic and social activities.
 These activities help create strong neighbourhood centres that are more economically stable, safe
and productive.
 Studies have shown that the ability to travel in an area conveniently, without a car, is an important
component of a community’s liveability.
 Public transportation provides opportunity, access, choice and freedom, all of which contribute to an
improved quality of life.
~ 33 ~
TOPIC 7: A FAVOURITE BOOK/MAGAZINE/NEWSPAPER
TOPIC VOCABULARY
 Books
Anecdote
Content
Manga
Author
Cover design
Novel
Autobiography
Detective story/novel
Original edition
Bestseller
Edition
Paperback/hardback
Biography
Encyclopaedia
Prose
Book review
Folklore
Publication
Chapter
Historical novel
Revised edition
Classical literature
Illustration
Science fiction
Comic
Light literature
Short story
Contemporary literature
Literary criticism
Travel guidebook
Accessories
Distribution
Reporter/correspondent
Banner headline
Editorial
Section
Big/hot news
Exclusive news
Special coverage
Brief
Express
Sports commentary
Classified ad
Feature
Street snap
Column
Front page
Sunday features
Commentator
Headline
The sports page
Continued story
Newsflash
Times
Current affairs
Periodical
Topicality
Daily
Quality newspaper
Weekly
 Newspaper/Magazines
PART 1 ( T.17)
1. Do you enjoy reading?
 I am really keen on reading, especially reading fiction. I love reading in bed before falling asleep.
 Frankly speaking, I haven’t got the habit of regular reading. I hope to have some time to do reading,
but it seems that my life always goes into overdrive.
2. What kind of book do you enjoy?
 I am completely taken by fiction because it provides a good escape from the day-to-day routine of
life. Reading fiction is also a great way to take immediate break, to be instantly transported into
another world.
 I love reading poems and prose. The beauty and rhythm of language had the ability to clam and
relax me.
 I am fond of biographies. They take my mind on a wonderful journey through others’ lives. I also
~ 34 ~
learn how to deal with success and failure in life.
3. What are the benefits of reading?
 I think, firstly, reading keeps your mind active and smart. Besides, it stretches your imagination in
new and wonderful directions.
4. What is the difference between books and newspapers?
 They provide different information. Newspapers offer us real and hard news in our daily life and the
world around us. Books, on the other hand, make us think and imagine by telling stories with
inspirational and beautiful language.
5.* How often do you read books?
 To be quite honest, nowadays I don’t read very often since almost all my time is dedicated to
teaching my students. However, I have tried to keep up with my hobby since I was a student by
reading one or two good books a month. I enjoy reading thrillers and detective stories especially the
adventures of Sherlock Holmes – my favourite character. I always read a few pages before falling
into sleep. I find them very exciting and a useful way to relax after many hours of work.
6.* Who is your favourite writer?
 My hero is Sherlock Holmes, the main character in the series of fictional detective stories written by
Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. As a physician and a writer, he always leads the readers to amazing
discoveries based on a firm scientific and medical foundation. His main characters, both heroes and
criminals, are developed in a lively way and the crime scenes are so real that you may think that
they are happening somewhere around you.
7.* When do you usually like to read?
 Actually, it really depends. On weekdays, I’m always busy with my teaching job, so I sometimes read
a few pages in one of my favourite novels before going to bed. On the contrary, on weekends or
holidays when I have much free time and the weather is unfavourable, I usually spend the whole
afternoon devouring two or three chapters of the latest bestsellers. Especially, when I’m travelling, a
good book is always the best companion that helps me to kill the time.
PART 2 ( T.18)
Topic Card 1
Describe a book you read that has a great influence on you. You should say:

What the title is

What the content of the book is

What the most valuable part of the book is
And state what influence it has on you.
Sample Answer
The most impressive book I read is a small paperback called Who Moved My Cheese? It was written by
Dr. Spencer Johnson, a physician and psychologist in America and one of the world’s most influential
thinkers and beloved authors.
Before I read the book, I believed the so-called inspirational books were for losers. This small book
made me sit up and admit how wrong I was. This simple, short story presents four types of people in the
characters of mice and little people. The four of them travel inside the maze in search of cheese.
~ 35 ~
The “cheese” symbolises what we desire to achieve in our life; it may be a good job, a loving
relationship, money, or spiritual peace of mind. The maze is where we spend time looking for what we
want. It may be the organisation we work in, the relationships we have in our life, or the community we
live in. The “cheese” is what we think will make us happy, and when circumstances take it away,
different people deal with the changes in different ways. Through this analogy, the author illustrates the
common reactions that people experience as they face unexpected changes in their lives and provides
some timeless truths on how to be an over-comer.
The beauty of this book lies in its simplicity. The use of mice and little people makes the book childlike,
and that’s what the author wants. Become a child when you read this book because only as a child will
you have an open mind.
The most valuable part of the book is that, I think, it attempts to pose and to answer various questions.
Which of the mice or little people are you similar to? How do you manage changes? Are you ready for
changes? What would you do if your cheese was moved? And the most important question: Are you
ready for the day when your cheese is moved?
The book made me think a lot. After all, in this world, nothing is certain but death, taxes, and change.
Topic Card 2
Describe a book you read when you were a child. You should say:

What it is

What the main content is

How you think about it
And state what influence it has on you.
Sample Answer
The first book I got when I was a child called Andersen’s Fairy Tales, which was a birthday gift from my
mother. I was fascinated by the beautifully illustrated book at first sight. It had got a hard cover with the
images of the tales on it – Snow Queen, Ugly Duckling, and my favourite, Little Mermaid.
I enjoyed reading the story of Little Mermaid so much that I read it over and over again. The heroine is a
fun-loving mermaid and the youngest daughter of the King of the Sea. She is enchanted by all human
things. Disregarding her father’s order to stay away from the world of humans, she swims to the surface
of the sea. In a ragging storm, she rescues the prince of her dreams. In order to be a human and live
happily ever after with her prince, she strikes a bargain with a sea witch. She trades her fins and
beautiful voice for legs. She must win the prince’s love in three days, or she will lose her life. The ending
of the story is not as happy as other fairy tales. That’s why it impressed me deeply, I think.
After I read the story, I often thought about it. I always forgot that it was only a tale. It seemed the story
had become an intimate part of my life. When I grew up, I had a deeper understanding of the author
and the story. Mr. Andersen was a firm believer in drama mixed with hard knocks of real life. Here he’s
just transformed them into a fantastic story that every child needs to be told. Sometimes we need a good
dose of something that isn’t wholesome. I recommend this book to everyone, including both children and
adults.
Topic Card 3
Describe a magazine you enjoy reading. You should say

What the magazine is

When you read it
~ 36 ~

What it is about
And explain why you enjoy reading it.
Sample Answer
My favourite magazine is Vogue, which is a well-known fashion and lifestyle magazine. Vogue is widely
published; today, it is published in nineteen countries. It was described as “the world’s most influential
fashion magazine”.
I subscribe to the magazine; it can be delivered to me the very day it’s out each month. The thick copy
with the glossy cover and fancy pictures always fascinates me. Vogue is most famous as a presenter
of images of high fashion and high society, but also publishes writings on art, culture, and ideas. It
keeps me in touch with the latest trend. The magazine really functions as a bible for those who worship
at the altar of luxury, celebrity, and style. Another thing I enjoy in reading this magazine is the fancy
pictures. You cannot help being allured by the fine photography. Lastly, I’d like to mention the wellwritten articles. They represent a kind of fashion culture.
Now reading the magazine has become more of a hobby than anything else to me. Although at least half
of the magazine is advertising, and all the items in the magazine are out of my price range, it keeps
nourishing my eyes and enriching my leisure time.
Topic Card 4*
Describe a book you want to read again. You should say

What the book is and when you first read it

Who the author is

What the book is about
And explain why you want to read it again.
Sample Answer
Well, the book that I want to read the second time is the biography of Steve Jobs – the co-founder and
CEO of Apple Computers, a legend of the Information Age and one of the brightest brains in the
human history. I remember reading that book the first time in October 2011, when the book was
published soon after his death.
Speaking of the author, to be honest, I can’t remember the name of the author since it is not the key
point to me, but I do know that he is a famous journalist who used to work for the Time magazine.
This book summarises the whole life of Steve Jobs, from his childhood as an adopted boy to his
journey as a grown-up, from his early ideas to change the world to his ups and downs with Apple Inc.
It objectively and comprehensively presents readers who Steve Jobs really was.
I am longing to read this book again for several reasons. First, his life and philosophy about life, in my
opinion, are worth taking into further consideration. He told us that we should listen to our heart and
intuition instead of living someone else’s life; it seems too simple and easy, but not all of us dare to. At
this point, Steve shared a common characteristic with many other geniuses I know like Julius Cesar,
Napoleon, or Albert Einstein. His life also proves one of the human oldest sayings “failure is mother of
success” as long as we love what we’re doing. His spirit will be my impetus and strength in the rest of
my life.
This time I’ll read the English Version with hope that I am able to improve my reading skill as well as
learn some new vocabulary and expressions.
~ 37 ~
Topic Card 5*
Describe your favourite newspaper or magazine. You should say

What it is

What information it contains

What kind of people like to read it
And explain why you like it.
Sample Answer
Well, the newspaper I want to talk about is called Tuoitrenews, which is written and edited by both
Vietnamese and foreign journalists. It is always my first choice whenever I stop by a newsstand.
Basically, it focuses on reporting current affairs in my country as well as around the world just as others
do, yet being in English makes it unique. Besides, it also covers a variety of topics, from sports express
to cultural insights, from entertainment to technology, from social events to international breaking
news, all sorts of things a person may want to know.
With regard to readers, I think it is among the most popular quality newspapers with the largest
circulations in Vietnam. Its loyal readers are from all walks of life, including workers, students, officials,
specialists, and foreigners.
I love reading Tuoitrenews for several reasons. First, it is quite comprehensive and reliable. Just as I
mentioned, it covers a wide range of topics, and all articles are written carefully and impartially
reflecting the true face of what has been going on with deep analysis and professional reviews.
Besides, it is very useful for English learners. To learn another language, it is really important to input
original expressions and native ways of thinking, and Tuoitrenews is readily available for me and other
learners to improve reading and writing skills.
PART 3 ( T.19)
1. What’s the influence of reading on people?
 While the advanced technology is wonderful, I really think reading is the only entertainment which is
also an essential life skill. Also, reading makes one think, imagine, and experience different
emotions. It enables a person to become wise, witty, and rational.
2. What’s the difference between electronic media and traditional media?
 The electronic media, like the Internet, is based on the advanced digital technology. It is more timely
and updated in presenting information. The traditional media, like newspapers and magazines, is
printed. It is more reachable than electronic ones.
3. Do you think electronic media will replace traditional ones?
 No, I don’t think so. Although the electronic media is more timely and interactive, the traditional
media has its advantages that the electronic one lacks. For example, it is more affordable and
accessible. For old people, the traditional media is still the main resource from which they get
information and news. As far as I’m concerned, reading on the computer screen can’t match the
feeling of “curling up with a book”, which evokes a warm and cosy image in people’s mind.
4. What’s the reading habit like nowadays?
 I think people’s reading level has dropped dramatically recently. It seems that when people are
overdriven, reading is the first activity to be given up. Although the number of books has increased
greatly, people spend less time reading than before. That’s sad because reading is an activity that
~ 38 ~
can make life richer and more enjoyable.
5. What are the differences between people’s reading habits nowadays and before?
 The biggest difference is that people spend less time reading. Another difference lies in the reading
form. With the development of digital technology, people read more on the Internet. It provides ebook downloading services and things like that.
6. What kinds of books do people like reading nowadays?
 It’s hard to say because it’s very individual. But generally, I think inspirational books are popular,
especially among young people because they desire such spiritual guidance. Besides, fantasy
books are likely to become bestsellers, like Harry Porter and The Lord of the Rings. They help
people take a break from dull reality.
7. What do you think people’s reading habits will be like in the future?
 I think after the period of decline, people will resume their enthusiasm for reading. After all, people
will realise that reading is the only entertainment which is also an essential life skill. And it can keep
people’s minds active and engaged well into old age.
 I am pessimistic about this issue. I think people will spend less time reading in the future. Besides
the lure of more effortless and interesting entertainments, the quickened life pace will also kill
people’s interest in reading.
8* How do people in your country get the news?
 Nowadays, people have a wide range of choices to approach the news they are interested in. Since
the widespread use of computers, the Internet and smart phones, most people especially office
workers usually browse articles of their interest on the web. Other people, mostly the old, like
reading a newspaper while having a cup of tea in the morning. Various magazines are the choice of
some professionals or fans of a certain field like sports or fashion. The radio remains a favourite
channel for drivers or people living in remote areas. The most popular one, I believe so, is television
that can update the latest news and events happening within the country and all over the world.
9* Compare newspapers and TV as news sources
 Personally, I find both of them are useful sources of information. Television has its own advantages
since it is much faster and provides more lively news story with illustrating clips. Some TV channels
also have a few minutes to summarise a situation or an argument. However, newspapers can deal
with issues in more depth. Many people in my country see certain newspapers as being more
reliable than the TV news. Another thing worth mentioning is the fact that newspapers can be read
almost anywhere, at the bus stop, on the platform while you are waiting for the train, and at anytime
you want.
10* Do you think that the different media (newspapers, TV, radio, the Internet) are reliable
sources of news?
 To a certain extent, each type of media has its own population of readers or viewers. Generally, I
think that some quality newspapers such as Thanh Nien, Tuoi Tre are quite reliable since each
piece of news is verified carefully. They usually look at news stories in depth and from different
angles. Some people say TV is more reliable because you can see a scene on the spot; the
problem is that you only get to see a limited amount of footage and it may also be censored in
favour of one party. The Internet, in my opinion, is the least reliable because often there is no control
over what is posted on it.
11* What are the qualities of a good journalist or reporter?
~ 39 ~
 First, a good journalist or reporter should be impartial and independent. I mean they should present
both sides of a story, and what they write or say must be true and only the truth because the
readers or viewers want to know the exact nature of the information. They also need to be
observant, noticing things that people might not see. Most of all, they should have an inquisitive
mind, willing and capable of continuing to investigate an affair to the end with the only goal to
discover the truth for the public.
12* How do you think most people will get the news in the future?
 Well, it’s quite an interesting question. Through advances and breakthroughs in technology, it’s very
difficult to predict how people will approach the news in the years to come. I think more and more
people use the Internet especially as hand-held devices such as Tablet or Ipad become more
popular. TV will continue to be popular with smarter models, but the future seems less certain for
newspapers. My guess is that they will survive online, but the number of printed ones will decline
sharply.
 OTHER POSSIBLE STATEMENTS ( T.20)
1. Reading Benefits
 Leisure activities like reading can help people relax when they are overdriven, and what’s more,
reading can make life richer and more enjoyable.
 In spite of the rapid development of science and technology, reading is the only entertainment which
is also an essential life skill.
 Besides the above-mentioned benefits, reading boosts intelligence and inspires imagination, which
cannot be achieved by any electric medium.
 The more you read, the more you know; the smarter you become.
 Reading can keep your mind active and smart.
 Reading a good story can help you forget the unhappiness in life.
 While life is becoming bleak and dreary, reading a poem can pick you up.
 As you read something inspirational, you will find you feel much better about yourself and your
overall situation.
 Reading fiction provides an escape from day-to-day routine of life, which is a great way to take an
immediate break, to be instantly transported into another world.
 The beauty and rhythm of language have the ability to calm and relax us.
 Reading opens your mind to new possibilities. It stretches your imagination in new and wonderful
directions and takes your mind on a wonderful journey through others’ lives.
 Entertaining fiction is capable of provoking many and varied emotional responses – they can make
you laugh out loud; they can also make your tears spill onto the pages.
 Enjoyable reading is deeply satisfying pursuit. The expression “curling up with a book” evokes a
warm and cosy image in people’s minds.
2. Reading Benefits for Teenagers
 When parents open a book for their kids and read it with them, they’re giving shape and dimension
to the routine events of everyday life, making it possible for kids to discover the meaning of their
childhood.
~ 40 ~
 Books place kids at the centre of the world of imagination.
 The early years involve the highest rates of learning, and the habits formed at a young age will stay
with kids for a lifetime.
 Research shows that avid readers:
 Read better, write better, and concentrate better;
 Have easier time processing new information;
 Have a better chance for a successful and fulfilling adult life;
 Have many interests and do well in a wide variety of subjects;
 Develop an ability to understand how other people think and feel;
 Tend to be more flexible in their thinking and more open to new ideas.
 Reading expands people’s vocabularies. It also shows them how writers put down their thoughts
differently, from which they can learn better writing skills.
 Teens who read more serious literary works gain skills in handling complex ideas.
 The more teens read, the more information they pick up. This leads to a solid core of knowledge
that is useful in a wide variety of classes.
 Besides helping teens to do well in school, reading also helps them expand their horizons as they
learn more about people and the world.
 Plus, reading can show teens that everyone has problems in his or her life and even help them find
solutions to their own problems.
 Finally, reading is enjoyable. It can bring a great deal of pleasure to teens.
3. Benefits for Newspapers/Magazines
 A magazine is the ideal companion to a cup of coffee or a break in the garden.
 When your life is beset by problems, it is an escape to read about other people’s lives and how even
celebrities have headaches and bad relationships.
 Why lay out good money to look at fashions you can’t afford? Why look at houses only the rich can
live in? Because magazines also cater for dreams, and almost every woman has the creative urge to
improve her environment. So reading about the latest styles gives women a chance to dream about
being young, beautiful, and cashed up.
 While many people are resorting to getting all the news online, newspapers seem to be falling by
the wayside. I still read newspapers. There are lots of benefits of reading newspapers.
 The first benefit of a newspaper is that it’s more accessible to read.
 Another benefit of reading a newspaper in print is I have found that the paper version allows me to
study the articles more because I can highlight certain sections.
 Newspapers provide me information as to where I may receive help from many different agencies,
like renting, sales, performance or other information.
 The world moves so fast, events happen so quickly in every sphere of life that man should keep
himself in touch with the latest developments. The function of a newspaper is to provide news,
views, and advertisements.
~ 41 ~
TOPIC 8: A PIECE OF FURNITURE
TOPIC VOCABULARY
 Pieces of Furniture
Armchair
Couch/sofa
Rocking chair
Barstool
Cupboard
Rotary chair
Bench
Dining/kitchen table
Shoe rack
Bookcase
Dresser
Stool
Bunk bed
Easy chair
TV stand
Cabinet
Folding chair
Wardrobe
Coffee table
Nightstand/ night table
Writing desk
Aesthetic design
Distinct grain pattern
Long-lasting
Appealing design
Economical
Luxurious
Artisan craftsmanship
Functional
Marbled effect
Classic trend
Imitate
Neoclassical style
Design trend
Innovative
Versatile
 Descriptive Lexis
PART 2 ( T.21)
Topic Card 1
Describe a piece of furniture at your home. You should say:

What it is

What its functions are

Where you place it
And state how you feel about it.
Sample Answer 1
I’ve got a large chest of drawers in my living room. I bought it two years ago when I picked up furniture
for my new flat. I was attracted by its distinct grain pattern at first sight in the furniture store. It’s made of
solid cherry wood with authentic hand cravings. It’s short and wide with lots of drawers side by side.
What appeals to me most is its bronze handles. The classical trend matches my flat’s style perfectly.
The chest of drawers is put in my living room. On the outside, it’s an interesting piece that occupies a
corner. On the inside, it’s a great storage space. It provides lots of extra storage space right in my living
space. It’s large enough to hold all my clothes and also hide some of my hobby items. And its top is a
great place to put plants on. Not only functional, the piece of furniture is quite decorative. It enhances
my living room and attracts guests’ eyes.
The chest of drawers is easy to move from room to room and useful in every place I put it.
Sample Answer 2
In one corner of my study stands an antique table. It looks pretty. It’s not the most useful table in the
room, but it has some sentimental attachment for me. It was handed down from my great~ 42 ~
grandfather, so it embodies a complex family history.
It is a typical Ming-style furniture called eight-immortal table, because eight people can sit around it on
benches or stools. It is made of hardwood, and is dense and resistant to decay. Just like typical Ming
furniture, the table features simple, smooth, and flowing lines, and has plain and elegant engraving on
each leg.
The table used to be in my living room and has served as a writing desk, a dining table, or sometimes
just a stand to put plants and books on it. I still remember I practised calligraphy on it under my
grandfather’s instruction when I was a child. After we moved into a new flat, the table was put in my
study.
Despite its age and old fashion, the table interestingly fits into my study and friends of mine all think the
design is kind of timeless. They also admired that I own such a piece of antique furniture. Really, it may
be antique furniture, but the way it looks never gets old.
Topic Card 2*
Describe an old thing in your home. You should say:

What it is

What its functions are

When and how your family got it
And explain why your family likes it.
Sample Answer
Well, the only old thing, I believe so, in my house is a desk that my father got in a furniture shop years
ago when I was a schoolchild. Although the lacquer finish is chipping off, I still keep it in my room.
The desk is grained on the surface. The soft colour matches the surroundings in the room perfectly and
offers comfort to the eyes. It has no appealing design, but it is economical and efficient. It is also
durable and keeps in good shape after several flat moving.
The height of the desk is proper, allowing me to read or write on it with a comfortable posture. The wide
top provides me with a large space to pile my things up from books to file folders and even snacks. With
three drawers on each side, the desk can hide all my personal hobbies and study items. Sometimes I
use it as a computer desk and a nightstand to put my clothes on.
The desk has survived with all ups and downs in my family. For us, it is like a good and loyal friend.
Now, it is really my personal space, where I work, entertain, and daydream, as I want.
PART 3 ( T.22)
1. Why do you think people like buying furniture?
 In my opinion, furniture is the most important part in a house. Without home furniture, your house
would look rather bare. Home furniture makes your house look lively and decorates an otherwise
empty space.
2. Do many people spend a lot of money on decorating their houses?
 Yes. All my friends invest a lot of money in interior decoration. People enjoy creating a pleasant
and harmonious ambience to live in. Besides, people like showing their own individualities by
different decorations.
3. When are people likely to change furniture?
~ 43 ~
 People usually change furniture when they move into a new living space or when they redecorate
the house. A whole new set of furniture is needed to fit into the newly decorated house. Sometimes
they hate some furniture that looks out of place or kind of rickety. They would sell it and buy a
more stylish piece.
4. What are the differences between contemporary furniture and antique furniture?
 Well, I haven’t seen many pieces of old furniture, but I suppose the biggest difference is the material.
Old or antique furniture is made of hardwood or bamboo. Some have lacquer on the surface.
Contemporary furniture is usually made of compound materials. Although they look fancier, I
think they produce a more harmful smell than natural materials.
5. Who usually makes the final decision to buy furniture in most families?
 It’s quite an interesting question, I’d like to say. As for my family, my mother makes the final
decision, and I think it is the same in most families. Women are born artists in decorating the house
and exploring the new functions of furniture. They are also keener on this than men.
6. What are the determinants when shopping for a piece of home furniture?
 I think the most essential factor is its style. It should match your whole house’s decorating scheme.
If you’re inclined to country style, the furniture made of bamboo or wood looks perfect. If your style is
more formal, you might consider a beautiful antique reproduction piece.
 As for me, the purpose is the most essential. You should consider wisely what you need it for when
selecting. A slick piece of furniture always looks unwanted and makes you regret the purchase.
7. Why do you think this factor is crucial?
 I think home furniture is the expression of one’s personality and taste. By choosing different styles of
furniture, people can also create pleasant surroundings for themselves.
8. What are the influencing factors when you choose a piece of office furniture?
 When I choose a piece of office furniture, I will consider its function in the first place. It should be
efficient and functional. I also take into consideration the comfort when I select desks and chairs.
They should be ergonomic.
9. Why do you think the function/comfort is the most important for office furniture?
 I think a proper piece of office furniture allows you to concentrate on the work at hand, making you
much more productive.
 It’s definitely true that most young people nowadays spend more time in their office than at home.
Scientifically designed furniture makes you not so tired when working. For example, a chair having a
relaxed posture in every seating position makes you relaxed during your coffee break.
 OTHER POSSIBLE STATEMENTS ( T.23)
1. Functions
 On the outside, the chest of drawers is an interesting piece that occupies a large wall. On the inside,
it’s got great storage space.
 Bathroom furniture can turn your bathroom into a room that you will actually want to spend time in,
relaxing and enjoying your surroundings. Bathroom furniture really does have an amazing effect.
 A proper computer desk allows you to concentrate on the work at hand, making you much more
productive and profitable.
 I’ve got a full-size computer workstation in the office. It’s functional and efficient.
~ 44 ~
 Cabinets, whether for the kitchen or any other room in the house, are a vital necessity to keep our
things off the floor.
 The old wicker rocking chair on the balcony has a lot of uses. I love to lie in it to sip a cup of tea and
share a good conversation with a close friend.
 Without furniture, a home would be nothing more than a bunch of empty rooms.
 It has to be said that without home furniture, your house would look rather bare. Home furniture
makes your house look lively and decorates an otherwise empty space.
 Furniture is an expression of one’s personal style and taste.
2. Features
 The chair has a relaxed posture in every seating position.
 It allows an ambience to be harmoniously created.
 It is functional and focuses on the essential.
 It is an ideal combination between tradition and fashion.
 It meets the standards of the modern world of work.
 It possesses a natural feeling of warmth and texture.
 It reflects a way of life in its simplicity and the harmony of its design.
 We love to sit on barstools when we go out. It is a fun way to be entertained.
 Its history can be traced back to the... dynasty, so it’s really old and very expensive.
 Barstools swivel around, so you can slide out from under to the top of the bar. I like the swivel
action.
 It was handed down from my great-grandfather, so it embodies a whole complex history.
 Antique furniture is a great conversation starter, especially if your antique furniture has some weird,
semi-fictional story behind it.
~ 45 ~
TOPIC 9: A PIECE OF ARTWORK/ AN EXHIBITION
TOPIC VOCABULARY
Calligraphy
Jade carving
Pottery
Clay figurine
Kite
Sculpture
Basket weaving
Lacquer painting
Seal carving/engraving
Embroidery
Lacquer ware
Silk painting
Fancy lantern
Oil painting
Statue
Flower arrangement
Paper cutting/ origami
The shadow play
Handicraft
Porcelain
Water puppetry
Ice carving
Potted landscape
Woodcarving
PART 2 ( T.24)
Topic Card 1
Describe a traditional piece of artwork. You should say:

What it is

What the functions are

When it originated
And explain why people like it.
Sample Answer
The kite is a popular traditional art. It first appeared in the wars and was used for military purposes.
Nowadays, it has mainly become a plaything and attracts enthusiasts of any age.
Various-styled kites can be seen in the sky. Making and flying kites reflects the pleasing mood of spring.
The delicate procedure of making a kite can be divided into three parts. Firstly, pare and flex bamboo
into thin strips for the frame. Kites can have shapes as diverse as that of a dragonfly, swallow, or
butterfly. The second step is the covering of the frame. This is normally done with paper, sometimes with
silk. Silk kites are more durable and generally of higher artistic value. Finally, decorate the kites with
colourful paintings.
In the past, it was believed that flying a kite and then letting it go might send off one’s bad luck and
illness. Nowadays, flying kites is seen as a healthy and beneficial outdoor activity. It’s a delightful thing
to enjoy the fresh air and watch the floating kite in the sky.
PART 3 ( T.25)
1. Would you like to give the handicraft you make to friends as a present?
 I think it is a pleasant thing to send something made by myself to my friends, though I’m not good at
making things. I once made a card with red and yellow leaves. I picked up some fresh-falling leaves
and pasted them together to make up a picture. When I sent the special gift to my best friend, I could
see that she was moved.
2. What are the differences between handmade things and mass products?
 I think handmade things are more individual and particular. They contain more personal feelings,
especially if they are mad by the gift senders themselves. But if you want to but a handicraft, it’s
~ 46 ~
usually more expensive than a product made by machine.
3. Do you think it’s good for children to learn to make handicrafts?
 Yes, I think it is a good idea. Making things helps children improve imagination and creation. It’s also
a good way for children to relieve the tension from study. Besides, I think children can learn team
spirit by making things with others. They can help each other and find solutions to problems
together. It’s a kind of cooperation.
4. Why is DIY so popular nowadays?
 In fact, I think it’s just because we lack DIY today. Almost all the things are made by machines. They
look similar and there is no individuality in them. Now people have realised the importance of DIY. It
adds fun to life and more people take it as a hobby.
5. Do you think advertisements are useful to popularise the products?
 Yes, in modern society, advertisements are useful tool to popularise the products. They make the
products known by more customers. Sometimes celebrities like movie stars or singers advertise for
some products. These familiar faces make people remember the products easily.
 OTHER POSSIBLE STATEMENTS
 Embroidery is said to be originated in the Tran dynasty.
 Vietnamese paintings have had a long history and may be divided into three genres – figures,
landscapes, and birds-and-flowers; each type possesses its distinctive characteristics.
 Lacquer ware first appeared long ago with the primary colours being black and red. It is of various
types, possibly applying to different materials but mostly on wood and has a wide range of uses. It is
favoured by people throughout the entire world.
 Porcelain is characterised with fine texture, bright colours and distinctive shapes and styles.
 Pottery had a long history and is known as the oldest artwork of human beings.
 The artists’ use of ink, colour, and brush to paint a landscape and especially their shading
techniques highlight implicit beauties of the scenery and the blending between models and the
background at different points of time of a day, season, and weather.
 The most impressive one is called Spring Outing. It shows an enchanting spring scene with people
enjoying popular activities, gentlemen riding horses and ladies boating. A waterfall behind a bridge,
nearby slopes full of blooming flowers and distant mountains are drawn with clear, fluent lines.
 Most of the sculptures are made of Vietnamese traditional materials, such as clay and stone, and
their sizes are quite varied; some are as small as a vase while others are as big as a human body.
Favourite themes include historic figures, traditional and religious symbols, and beliefs.
 Different from Western style, most Vietnamese paintings are not restricted by the focal point in its
perspective; instead, the adoption of shifting perspective. It can be said that this is one of the
characteristics favoured by many Vietnamese artists.
 I saw a painting on a long and narrow silk scarf showing all the scenes along the Red River at
different times of years. It was really amazing, a delicate panorama of the Vietnamese Northern
countryside in miniature.
~ 47 ~
TOPIC 10: A USEFUL TOOL/ HOUSEHOLD APPLIANCE
TOPIC VOCABULARY
 Electric Products
Computer/Mobile phone
All-in-one machine
Monitor
Smartphone
Desktop
Mouse
Speaker
Hard disk
Processor
Touch screen
Keyboard
Projector
USB drive/USB stick
Laptop
Screen
USB flask disk
Automatic redial
Chord music ringtone
Keypad
Bluetooth
Incoming/outgoing call
Touch-tone
Aperture
Flashlight
Shutter
Battery charger
Focusing ring
Telephoto lens
Bulb
Handgrip
Tripod
Cord
Microphone
Wide-angle lens
Filter
Rubber cup
Zoom lens
Brand-new
Intelligent
Reasonable/affordable
Cutting-edge
Moderate
Sleek and neat (surface)
Durable
Multifunctional
Stylish
Eye-catching
Posh
Trendy/fashionable
Handy/mobile/portable
Practical
Versatile
Innovative
Pricey/costly
Phone-Related
Camera
Designs/Features/Prices
 Other Household Appliances
Air-conditioner
Electric shaver
Soymilk maker
Blender
Fridge/refrigerator
Stove
Coffee maker
Hairdryer
Toaster
Dishwasher
Microwave oven
Vacuum cleaner
DVD player
Rice cooker
Washing machine
PART 1 ( T.26)
1. Who uses the telephone most in your home?
 I think it’s me. I often chat with my friends in the evenings. I like to call friends to have a casual talk
~ 48 ~
about shopping, films, or anything in life.
 It’s my father. Most of the incoming calls in my home are for him. We all hate him talking business
during family time, but we have to stand it.
2. What’s the difference between talking on the phone and talking face to face?
 Talking face to face is obviously more intimate, especially with chummy friends. But in modern life,
it’s difficult to find much time to meet with friends. Talking on the phone becomes a good alternative.
3. Do you prefer to write letters or send emails?
 Well, it depends on what type of information I want to send. I often send emails to work partners or
clients, because they’re faster and more productive. But if it’s for old friends or family members, I
prefer to write letters. I think letters express emotions better and contain more personal feelings.
PART 2
Topic Card 1 ( T.27)
Describe a useful tool in your home. You should say:

What it is

What you usually do with it

What it looks like
And explain why it is useful.
Sample Answer 1
The most useful tool in my life is definitely my mobile phone. Not only a communication device, it is also
an entertaining gadget and working tool. I have a Nokia mobile phone. It has an extremely pretty
appearance, with rounded corners, black side buttons, and a single navigation wheel. It is a slider
phone, which means the keyboard slides out from underneath. It slides open and shut with a satisfying
click.
I was enticed by this model at first sight not only because it is such eye candy, but because it has all
the advanced features that I’d expected – Bluetooth capabilities, text-messaging, a still and video
camera, a web browser, and polyphonic ringtone capabilities. Yes, the ringtone is something worth
mentioning. It’s one of the clearest sounding phones I’ve heard. Like most young people nowadays, I am
fascinated by the mobile phone. It brightens up my life. With a mobile phone, I don’t need an alarm
clock, an MP3 player, or a camera. Its web browsing function makes the Internet accessible at your
fingertips.
If there was ever the greatest invention in the modern age, I think it is the mobile phone. It turns the vast
world into a tiny village and even changes people’s lifestyle. Although it’s said that the long-term use of
mobile phones raises the risk of brain tumours, I still hang on to my mobile phone. Anyway, it’s the best
and most useful gadget.
Sample Answer 2
Being loved or hated, the car is definitely the greatest invention in modern times. I own a compact car
from Volkswagen, which has been an indispensable part of my life.
Although most of my peers go for sedan cars, I still stick to the advantages of compact cars. They are
more power-saving, space-saving, and lighter. My car is that of sleek style. It is painted a stunning
blazing copper. The design of the sidelights is quite unique. They are called “beauty’s eyes”. On the
whole, it has flowing lines and posh interior. The cockpit is pretty traditional, but instruments are nicely
~ 49 ~
placed. The front seats are exceptionally comfortable, and the rear seat is roomy enough for two adults
with enough elbowroom. I’ve also got a quality MP3 player. It is delightful to play some soft music
during a dull ride.
I drive to work every morning. Although being caught by traffic congestion from time to time, I feel lucky
not to be sandwiched in the subway or bus. Anyway, the car widens my range of activity. Sometimes
I cruise the suburbs with my friends on weekends. Without worrying about the weather or being
restricted by the scheduled times of the buses, we can enjoy our time to our hearts’ content.
What concerns me most now is the soaring fuel price and limited parking places. Just as the saying
goes, you have to pay for what you get.
Topic Card 2 ( T.28)
Describe an item of electronic equipment that you would like to have. You should say:

What it is

Where you would get (buy) it from

What features it would have (or, special features you would like it to have)
And explain why you would like to have it.
Sample Answer
Since I was very small, I have had a special interest in cooking. So, it is no surprise that, now that I have
grown up, I dream of having an oven with rings for cooking on top, which is in very popular use
overseas. In Vietnam, this kind of oven is only sold at big electronic and appliance centres.
Different from the normal oven, this one provides more stable and exact temperatures, which is one of
the critical factors in baking. Besides, it has four oven top elements, which is highly convenient
because it allows you to cook and bake at the same time. It also saves a lot of space in your kitchen
because it is freestanding. Another feature that I would like the oven to have is a self-cleaning system.
If you cook frequently, you will definitely appreciate this facility. It is inevitable that when you cook, your
oven/cooker will get dirty. As a result, with the self-cleaning feature, it is much easier for us to clean.
Topic Card 3*
Describe an electronic product. You should say

What it is

What you can use it for

How much it will cost
And explain why you want to have it.
Sample Answer
Well, the electronic product I’d like to own is called Macbook Air, which is called “the thinnest laptop in
the world”, a masterpiece created by Steve Jobs.
It functions like other computers, so I can easily and comfortably use it for my work, personal
communication, and entertainment. Frankly speaking, I cannot recall the accurate price, but I guess the
price range is around 600 USD.
Well, I want to have a Macbook Air for several reasons. Firstly, I need a laptop because it is a necessity
since my job requires much travel and I have to keep in contact with my students abroad. This computer
provides me with all the office software and applications with battery life more than 7 hours, so I can
~ 50 ~
bring it with me anywhere I go. Apart from work, it’s a multifunctional source of entertainment, such as
watching films, chatting with friends using Google Hangouts, and surfing the net. It seems a laptop is an
indispensable tool for everyone nowadays, especially for netizens like me.
PART 3 ( T.29)
1. Do you think people nowadays rely too much on machines?
 Yes, that’s for sure. Machines, whatever they are, have dominated our life. we travel by car, cook
with microwave ovens, and wash with washing machines. I can’t imagine what a mess life would be
without machines.
 I don’t think so. Machines just aid and enrich our life. I don’t think people’s creativity will be
surpassed by machines. We can live without machines, but it may take some time for people to get
used to it.
2. Do you think old machines will be eliminated with the appearance of new technology?
 Yes, new technology will definitely wash out the old machines. Just think of the old TV set, cassette
recorder, and electric oven that are waiting to be disposed of in our cellar. With the accelerated
development of technology, old machines become out of place sooner.
 No, I don’t think so, maybe because I am a nostalgic type of person. Although new technology
makes multifunctional and fancy machines possible, I still hang on to my old ones as long as they
work well. I don’t care whether it’s glossy looking and I am not keen on machines with too many
functions.
3. What are the differences between household machines and those in the office?
 In my opinion, the biggest difference lies in their design principles. Household machines are
usually light and trendy looking to fit in living places, while the machines for office use focus on the
durability and multifunction.
4. What changes will happen to household machines?
 They will get more environmentally friendly, I think. Besides being power-saving, the machines will
create less or even no noise and pollution. Besides, they tend to become easier to operate and
repair.
5. What do you think of e-tools for communication?
 Like it or not, e-tools have rushed into almost everyone’s life and play an important part. They are
definitely useful and efficient in many ways. They have turned the world into a tiny village.
However, while the world shrinks, the distance between people widens. In many cases, we are
occupied with talking with a guy on the other side of the line while ignoring the person just sitting
opposite us.
6. How does e-communication affect people’s lives?
 I think all of us benefit a lot from e-communication. We talk to faraway friends just like they are near
at hand; we send faxes to another country in a few seconds; we watch the live sport events played
thousands of kilometres away. E-communication makes us know the world without stepping out of
the door.
 Although e-communication makes a miracle in turning the world smaller, it makes us more strained
than before. We are overwhelmed by tons of information, most of which is irrelevant. We spend a
large amount of time on it while ignoring our real daily life.
7. What do a lot of people long for a car?
~ 51 ~
 Not only a useful tool, a car also reflects your status. At least, owning a car indicates that you have a
decent job and steady income. Besides, the car’s style and brand also reveals your taste.
8. Do you think the government should limit the use of private cars?
 I don’t think it is reasonable to blame private cars for the worsening traffic situation. The government
should figure out more effective methods to improve the road efficiency and optimise the plan of the
city.
 OTHER POSSIBLE STATEMENTS ( T.30)
1. Functions of Cell Phones
 Nowadays, cell phones are not just about phone calls; they’re about messaging, videos, songs,
games, alarm clocks, notes, calendar, reminder, etc. so one piece of equipment, lots of use!
 Cell phones have rapidly been developed from portable phones into devices that also function as
alarm clocks, music players, GPS, e-readers and much more.
 Most cell phones come with cameras. You can take pictures and upload them online, send them to
your friends, or set them as your phone’s background image.
 Most phones support GPS navigation tools. GPS navigation services provide directions, traffic
information, and information about nearby stores or restaurants.
 Many cell phones are equipped with media players for music video files. Cell phones often offer
multiple playing options, including repeat and shuffle.
 If you’re net-savvy, you can have the Internet handy at all times and anywhere.
 Smartphones and the iPhone offer direct connection to the Internet, which is the first line of research
with today’s students. There are many applications for BlackBerry phones and iPhones that are
made specifically for studying, such as Evernote and MyHomework.
 Cell phones allow college students to have an always-on connection to their social network. They
can send text messages, access websites such as Facebook and MySpace or talk on the phone
with their friends at any time.
 Trendy and stylish cell phones can be used as a bait to receive attention. It can be part of fashion
and styling. The iPhone is really a case in point.
2. Negative Impacts of Cell Phones
 Some people, especially teens, get so addicted to cell phones for talking, video, messaging, games,
etc. that they forget the real purpose of the phone and waste a large part of their time in
unnecessary interaction over their cell phones.
 While remaining in touch is a good thing, sometimes it becomes annoying to have to deal with
continuous incoming phone calls. If you are on vacation and your boss calls up, that sounds really
awful.
 A cell phone can be helpful while driving and talking in case of urgent matters, but it is becoming a
cause of accidents because it deviates the attention of a driver.
 The mobile phone advertisements through message are becoming a pain for cell phone users.
3. Descriptions and Functions of Cars
 It has a streamlined and sleek body.
~ 52 ~
 The design of headlights is quite unique. They are like a beauty’s eyes.
 It has flowing lines and posh interior.
 The exterior is awesome/classy/gorgeous, and the interior is neat as well.
 It is painted a stunning blazing copper/ metallic grey/ royal blue, with chrome wheels.
 The cockpit is pretty traditional, but the instruments are nicely placed.
 The front seats are exceptionally comfortable, and the rear seat is roomy enough for two adults,
adequate for three.
 It can seat up to five adults with more elbowroom than a compact car.
 The ride is smooth, very quiet, and driving is effortless, even on long trips.
 The safety equipment includes side and side-curtain air bags, stability control, traction control,
and antilock brakes.
 With four-wheel drive, it is ready for long trips or cross-country rides.
4. Advantages and Disadvantages of Electronic Equipment
 From hand-held computers to touch phones, technological advancements in the field of
communication are endless. The means and the modes of communication are unlimited.
 Technological advancements in the field of education are fast evolving. Today, e-learning is a
familiar and popular term.
 Learners are able to take control and manage their own learning. They set their own goals, manage
the process and content of learning, and communicate with peers.
 Most e-learning programmes provide immediate feedback on learner assessments. Similarly,
there are features such as chat, discussion boards, e-libraries.
 Learners can chart courses at their own pace. This ensures higher levels of motivation, both in
terms of completing the course as well as in performance.
 Today technology pervades almost every aspect of our daily life from shopping, banking, making
travel arrangements to university admissions.
 Technology provides a great deal of convenience in expediting personal and business
transactions.
 The world is a smaller place and technology allows everyone to keep in touch with their families and
friends at a more affordable cost.
 Technology has brought about development in many fields, such as medicine, e-commerce,
education, etc.
 The growth of cybercrime is probably close to the top of the negative issues associated with
technology.
 Technology brings speed and efficiency, but at the same time, it can be a big time waster. Many
people find themselves engaging for hours on Facebook, playing video games or spending too much
time with other technological gadgets.
 Technology adds such a high level of convenience; many activities can be completed right from the
comforts of home, like shopping and banking. So people become lazier and less active.
~ 53 ~
TOPIC 11: SHOPPING/ CLOTHES/JEWELLERY/HOMEMADE OBJECTS
TOPIC VOCABULARY
 Shopping
Bargain/ real bargain
Counterfeit
Luxury goods
Boutique
Department store
Multifunction
Brand name/trademark
Essential
Necessity
Chain/supermarket chain
Flea market
Outlet
Commercial complex
Fondness
Retail store
Convenience
Grocery store
Shopping mall/centre
Convenience store
Handiness
Stall
Blouse
Leggings
Sportswear
Cardigan
Leisurewear
Suit/business suit
Casual clothes
Pullover
Sweater
Costumes
Pyjamas
Swimsuit
Dress
Sandals
Tailcoat
Evening suit/evening dress
Scarf
Tights
Flip-flop
Shorts
Traditional clothes
Formal clothes
Skinny jeans
Trousers/pants
Gloves
Skirt
T-shit
Jacket
Slipper
Tuxedo
Jersey
Sneakers
Vest
Jumper
Socks
Waistcoat
Bangle
Fine silver/sterling silver
Opal
Bracelet
Gemstone
Oval
Brooch
Genuine diamond
Pendant
Chain
Gold-plated
Ring
Crystal
Jade
Ruby
Earring
Moonstone
Sapphire
Emerald
Necklace
Teardrop
Belt
Purse
Wallet
Handbag
Sunglasses
Wristwatch
 Clothes and Footwear
 Jewellery
 Accessories
~ 54 ~
 Related Adjectives
Aristocratic
Dazzling
Mysterious
Avant-garde
Dedicate
Prestigious
Chic
Elegant
Sophisticated
Classy
Indescribable
Stylish
Dandy
Luxurious
Unparalleled/incomparable
PART 1 ( T.31)
1. Do you enjoy shopping?
 Yes. Shopping is an enjoyable pastime to me. I’m fascinated by window-shopping. I enjoy strolling in
shopping malls with my friends after work or on the weekends.
 Definitely not, I think shopping is a waste of time. Except for purchasing some necessities, I seldom
go shopping. I hate aimless window-shopping.
2. What do you usually buy when you go shopping?
 Besides some daily necessities, clothing is what I’m interested in. I enjoy trying on different styles of
clothes in fashion houses and then pick out my favourite one.
 I am keen on digital stuff when I go shopping. Although some of them are unaffordable for me, I just
like looking at the latest gadgets and learning about their functions.
3. Where do you usually shop?
 I usually go to the shopping malls. The shopping environment there is pleasant, and they offer more
choices. I trust the quality of the goods sold in big shopping malls. Besides, there are end-ofseason sales and therefore I can get a good deal.
4. What kind of clothes do you like best?
 Casual clothes are my favourite. They are loose and comfortable. The styles of casual clothes are
usually trendy. I feel confident in them. Besides, they are easy to wash.
 Formal clothes make me look mature and professional. We are required to wear formal clothes at
work. I think wearing formal clothes shows our respect to the clients.
5. Are there any other kinds of clothes that you like?
 Yes, I like wearing casual clothes after class. Casual clothes are more free-styled. I think they make
me look lively and energetic. Besides, compared with formal clothes, casual clothes are easier to
wash and maintain. They don’t need dry-cleaning or ironing. When I go to the cinema or pubs with
my friends, I usually wear casual clothes, like jeans and a sweater.
6. What kind of clothes are popular nowadays in your city?
 Well, it’s hard to say what kind is popular because there are various styles. Generally, I think clothes
made of natural fabrics are more popular, and the clothes with simple designs and bright colours
are also welcomed.
7. What do you think of school uniforms?
 Personally, I don’t like school uniforms. Although they save the students’ time on choosing clothes,
they restrict children’s personalities as well. Children should have the right to choose their favourite
types of clothes.
~ 55 ~
 It’s necessary for schoolchildren to wear school uniforms. Firstly, school uniforms offer children a
kind of identity and a sense of belonging. And more importantly, with school uniforms, children
needn’t spend too much time on choosing clothes.
PART 2 ( T.32)
Topic Card 1
Describe a piece of clothes or jewellery. You should say:

What it is

On what occasion you wear it

Where you got it
And state how you feel about it.
Sample Answer
My favourite jewellery in my jewellery box is a pair of jade bracelets. They were handed down from my
grandmother.
The bracelets are made of hard jade, a kind of beautiful and valuable stone. They are bright in colour
and lustre, revealing the good quality. And the polish and brilliance reflect the delicate craft. When one
of them strikes the other, they give forth a pure and prolonged sound like pleasant music. Although not
custom-made for me, they interestingly fit on my wrist, neither tight nor loose. I sometimes wear them to
match my formal dress. They look nostalgic yet classy.
I love the bracelets not only because of their beauty, but also, more importantly, their culture and
meaning. For our ancestors, the jade’s perfect compactness and extreme hardness represent the
sureness of intelligence; its colour represents loyalty; its interior flaws, always showing themselves
through the transparency, call to mind sincerity. Although more expensive, diamonds and gold cannot
be compared with jade – jade is animated with a soul, as a saying goes: “Gold has a value; jade is
invaluable.”
In ancient time, jade bracelets were often sent to fiancées as engagement gifts. They stand for beauty,
grace, and purity.
Topic Card 2*
Describe your favourite shopping centre. You should say

What that is

Where it is located

What can you buy there
And explain why you like it.
Sample Answer
I’m not quite keen on shopping actually, so I don’t know much about those fancy department stores in
my hometown. If I have to go shopping, it’s just for daily necessities like food or shampoo, and things
like that. The supermarket where I do most of my shopping is Big C, a chain supermarket, I suppose.
It’s not very far from where I live. From a walking distance, you can see a 3-storey white building
emerging in the neighbourhood. Big C is the first supermarket operating in my hometown, so it has
attracted a large number of regular customers. In addition, it provides a wide variety of goods, from
packaged food to luxurious electronic devices, from casual clothing to renowned brand names, and the
~ 56 ~
prices are very competitive. There is always a sales area offering 10 to 40% discounts on a wide range
products.
I quite like this supermarket. First, it takes only five minutes to get there. Second, Big C has everything I
need. It’s like a one-stop shop; I don’t have to buy groceries in one store and CDs in another. It’s
convenient especially for those like me, who don’t want to waste a lot of time shopping. Also, the goods
quality is guaranteed especially food products, so I don’t have to worry about the food poisoning which
is quite prevalent nowadays. Another reason why I like shopping here is that there are a number of fast
food restaurants and bookstores near the entrance. Therefore, if I feel tired, I can grab something to
eat or pick up a book and have a nice cup of coffee. I like that.
PART 3 ( T.33)
1. What is the primary factor that influences your selection of clothes?
 I think, the style is what I care about most. My clothes should be suitable for me and reflect my taste
and personality.
 I think the function is the most essential. Clothes must be useful in the first place. I don’t buy clothes
just for fashion. I don’t like to turn my wardrobe into a warehouse!
2. Why do many young people try to look different?
 I think that because young people are more liberal-minded, and they are keen on new trends. Most
young people are fashion-conscious, but sometimes it is superficial and shallow if one pays too
much attention to appearance and deliberately makes oneself different.
3. What are the differences between men and women in choosing clothes?
 I think men consider more the function and fabric of the clothes, while women pay more attention to
style and colour. Men usually don’t buy many pieces of clothing unless they need them, but women
are easily attracted by sales.
4. What are the differences between the young and the old in choosing clothes?
 Young people enjoy fashionable clothes and like keeping the pace of trends. Compared with the
young, old people prefer to wear traditional and comfortable clothes, and they don’t spend too much
on clothes.
5. What do you think of fashion? Do you like following fashion?
 Fashion is becoming an industry, I think. There are more glossy magazines and shows on fashion.
Personally, I don’t care for fashion very much. It is always changing. One cannot follow fashion all
the time. When I choose clothes, what I care about is whether their styles and colours are suitable
for me. It doesn’t matter whether they are in fashion.
 Yes, I really do. I like following fashion. Fashion is a symbol of being modern and trendy. I enjoy the
feeling of keeping up with the trends. I feel confident and different from others when I’m in
fashionable clothes.
6. What do you think decides fashion or what’s in?
 At first, I think it’s fashion designers who greatly influence what direction fashion will go. They are
leaders of the fashion industry, and then celebrities take on the roles of spreading the fashion. They
appear in the media and spur the buying public into accepting emerging trends. But ultimately, it is
the individuals, the customers, who will decide what is “in” when they choose whether or not to buy
into a trend.
7. What are the differences between clothes people wear nowadays and 20 years ago?
~ 57 ~
 As I said just now, the clothes people wear nowadays are more colourful and more free-styled.
People are not content to wear the same clothes as others. People’s style of dressing has become
more individual. But 20 years ago, all people’s clothes looked the same in style and colour. There
were fewer clothes stores, too.
8. Do you think clothes are important for people?
 Yes, I think so. Although we cannot judge a person by his or her appearance, a properly dressed
person will surely leave a good impression on us. A person’s appearance does say plenty about him.
It tells us a lot about his personality, education, taste, and judgement, and I think wearing wrong
clothes to the wrong occasion is embarrassing.
 No, I don’t think so. I believe personal beauty is not just a matter of good looks or well-chosen
clothes. Inner beauty is more important than appearance.
9. Do you think men care more about women’s appearance than women do about men’s?
 Yes, I think so. For women, a man’s intelligence or ability is more important than his appearance. In
reality, women would not admire a man just because he is handsome. But for men, things are quite
different. On whatever occasion, a pretty woman will immediately attract men’s attentions. It seems
that girls with an attractive appearance tend to get more chances.
10. What clothes do you think can make a woman more attractive?
 I think it depends on individuals. One sexy dress may make a party hostess or a movie star eyecatching, but if an ordinary woman wears it, it probably looks improper and not pretty at all. In my
opinion, each woman has her own best side if she’s properly dressed according to her
temperament. It’s not a good idea to copy others’ dressing style. The most important thing is to find
out what suits you best.
11. Why do young people like brands?
 The young people love brands and consider the brands as a representation of quality. Also, they
wish to be trendy and thus recognised. They believe the brands can create a sense of intangible
honour and pride, which will increase their value and confidence.
12* Do you prefer shopping online or at a real store?
 Well, mostly I prefer online shopping, a prevailing trend in modern society. Firstly, it is very
convenient: prices are lower, the quality is quite trustworthy (if not, you can have an exchange
easily), and the delivery service is quick. For example, most of the prices are usually 20% less than
the market price; besides, you can get something ordered in the morning delivered in the afternoon
or the following day at the latest.
If I go shopping at real stores, it might be a lot of trouble since I will have to visit different places, but
online shopping can really save me time by doing comparison sitting in front of a computer. Yet, for
some items like clothes, I guess it is more reliable to try them on before making the final decision on
which size fits me best.
13* What do you think of online shopping?
 Well, the most advantage of Internet shopping is convenience. People usually do online shopping
from their homes or offices to save time and the hassle of going to a mall. Customers have a better
choice of products with the same quality and prices with the same product. However, the main
disadvantage is that computer images of products cannot tell consumers exactly what the goods
really are, for example, wonderful pictures hardly compare with piles of racked and shelved clothes
that can be touched for quality and tried on for comfort.
~ 58 ~
14* How has people’s way of shopping changed?
 Well, there have been some significant changes in the people’s way of shopping in recent years.
Traditional places like traditional markets, groceries, retail outlets and department stores are now
less prevalent choices especially in big cities. Instead, shoppers usually visit modern shopping malls
and supermarkets where they have a wider selection of stocks and prices. Consumer shopping
habits have also been transformed by the Internet and e-commerce. However, in the countryside,
traditional markets are still local residents’ first choice.
15* What are the main differences between men’s and women’s shopping habits?
 Compared with men, women are probably more partial towards shopping, and they are more willing
to spend an excessive amount of time on shopping. Some even consider shopping a good way for
them to entertain. On the other hand, men are more likely to be target-oriented or purpose-driven
when they go shopping, and they usually find it laborious and boring. Men probably have more
interests in stuff like electronic products or pricey things like cars, while women focus more on
household stuff, clothes, and especially cosmetics.
 Well, most women like window-shopping. They rarely make a sudden decision to buy something and
are interested in comparing prices at different places. As for men, what they are concerned about
most is the quality and how soon they can get it. As a result, men usually go directly to a certain
store and make their purchasing decision as soon as they think the products are of good quality.
16* Why are there many big stores?
 As competition is fierce in modern society, shop owners are trying every means to cut costs in
order to get greater profits. The mode of operation employed by big stores may guarantee this with
the help of modern technologies, for example camera surveillance instead of shop assistants
watching for shoplifters.
17* What are the main differences between small and big stores?
 Well, there are many differences between them. First, big stores provide a greater variety of goods
while the choices are limited when one goes shopping in a small outlet. In addition, big stores offer
big sales more often than small ones, and the prices are lower, too. However, shopping in small
boutiques is sometimes more enjoyable since the shop assistant can help you select the item you
want to purchase, and although the clothes here are more expensive, but more fashionable.
18* Do you think small stores will disappear in the future?
 Well, it’s hard to say. You know, small stores have their own advantages. For example, it’s easier to
run a small store than a big one for it occupies less space. Investment may be smaller, so the risks
may be lower. Small shops are usually family-owned businesses, handed down from generation to
generation, particularly those specialising in traditional handicrafts. They have made a considerable
contribution to the local economy and culture.
19* What do you think of the use of credit cards?
 First of all, there’s the advantage of convenience. We don’t have to carry a lot of cash along. They
are also good for organising our budgets. If I charge everything each month, I’ll have a complete
record along with my checking account of where my money went. However, one huge
disadvantage of credit cards is that because it’s so convenient, it is easy to make purchases and
start buying things without careful consideration. Another problem is that personal information is
always under threat of hacking, so it’s not really safe to use a credit card.
 OTHER POSSIBLE STATEMENTS ( T.34)
~ 59 ~
1. Expressing Likes
 I like sweatshirts because they don’t require ironing and they don’t wrinkle.
 Definitely, my favourite thing to wear is jeans and my sneakers. I like to be comfy!
 Since I have to wear formal clothes at work all week long, when at home, I wear the most ridiculous
things... mismatched everything, lots of colours, and T-shirts with funny things printed on them.
 I definitely like jeans, T-shirts, hoodies and sneakers. I’m a comfort kind of person. Occasionally, I
like to dress up a bit and put on a skirt of heels, but that’s only once in a blue moon.
 If I go to a party or perhaps a formal occasion, I might go dressed to the nines, or in other words,
smartly dressed in formal clothes.
 When I am better dressed, I feel more confident and have a better time. Also, formal clothes can be
as comfortable as casual wear.
2. Shopping Habits
 Each woman’s passion is going shopping for new clothes, accessories, and shoes. Women love
going shopping, especially when they feel annoyed about something. In this case, going shopping is
like a relaxation for them because spiritually they feel fulfilled after buying something wonderful for
themselves.
 I enjoy going shopping for new clothes. I generally buy magazines or navigate on the Internet to find
out what is better to wear and what is not.
 I love brand names and high quality, but I can’t afford them. I have recently discovered a shopping
website, and find everything I need for 60 percent of the cost. The only thing is, you have to be very
careful and knowledgeable about distinguishing fake from non-fake items.
 I always shop in department stores because there are a lot of clothes. The design, the colour, the
quality and the service are not as bad as some people think. I always shop for clothes there, which is
timesaving and buck saving as well.
 I find shopping for clothes incredibly boring. When I have to, I do it all as quickly as I can, just pick
the first things that look vaguely OK, fit, and aren’t too expensive, then run to the till and run out.
3. Online Shopping
 For people working long hours, it is difficult to go out shopping during normal business hours. Online
shopping can be done twenty-four hours a day and shoppers are able to shop at their own pace
whenever they are free.
 Shopping on the Internet, shoppers are able to compare prices of items easily.
 Online shopping has become an everyday pastime. It is not only more convenient for most people
on a busy schedule, but the savings in time and gasoline from driving around town also make it
hard to pass up.
 Using the Internet puts vast amounts of information at your fingertips. It’s like being at the mall
without the crowds. With a couple of clicks of the mouse, you can book a hotel, make an airline
reservation, and send gifts to friends and family.
 Another benefit you won’t find in shopping in a store or at the mall is that the Internet is open
around the clock, seven days a week, 24 hours a day.
 The variety of the goods you are looking for is more diverse because the market is national or global
and not just local.
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 Online shopping is accessible round the clock. You can buy whatever you want even at 3 a.m. in the
morning. You can choose from a wider variety of things which may not be available in local stores.
 Shopping for clothes online goes against everything. I’m used to, everything I associated with
shopping! When thinking of shopping, I think of chatting with friends while browsing, sifting
endlessly through racks until one amazing top makes it worth my time.
 I like shopping, but I’ve never bought things online. It is because I think it’s not safe and sometimes
the products are not the real goods that I want.
 Many people enjoy shopping with friends, and it is often a good way to make social connections.
When shopping independently online, the enjoyment is lost.
4. Opinions on Uniforms
 The advantages of uniforms are that they can be mass produced and so inexpensive. The
disadvantages are that uniforms squash individuality.
 I wear uniform and I think the benefit is that you don’t have to feel bad or feel poor or anything
because the uniform makes everyone seem equal.
 If you’re on a school trip and you get separated from your group, you can easily find them again
because of their uniform.
 They’re really not that comfortable. When the skirts or pants are new, they feel like starch and
usually have to be altered. Also it’s annoying wearing the same thing as everyone else every day.
 Some students often don’t like their uniforms and even resent wearing them. They prefer wearing
their own clothes with their own style.
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TOPIC 12: A FAVOURITE PHOTO
TOPIC VOCABULARY
 Types of Photos
Advertising photography
Feature photo
Portrait photo
Aerial photography
Get-together photo
Snapshot
Art photography
Graduation photo
Travel photography
Black-and-white photography
Landscape photo
Wedding photo
Angle
Filter
Representative
Artificial light source
Flash(light)
Setting
Auto focus
Focal length
Shutter speed
Background
Focus
Telephoto lens
Balance
Lens
Theme
Content
Light exposure
Viewfinder
Contrast
Natural light
Wide-angle lens
Expressive
Pixel
Zoom in (on)
 Photo-Related Lexis
PART 1 ( T.35)
1. Do you enjoy taking pictures?
 Yes, I do, very much so. I’m keen on taking pictures. I have a good-quality film camera and a handy
digital camera. I use them to take photos for different purposes.
 No, not really. I’m not very fond of taking pictures, especially when travelling. I’d rather record the
pretty scenes in my mind.
2. What type of photos do you like?
 I’m fascinated by landscape photos. I think excellent landscape photos, especially the framed ones,
are just as artistic as paintings or sculptures. They enable me to experience the extreme beauty of
the places that I haven’t been to.
 I am interested in various event photos. They are evocative and engaging because they all have
unique stories.
3. When do you take photos?
 I usually take photos when travelling. They help me capture every priceless memory of my trip, and I
can share them with my friends and family.
 I usually take photos on some important occasions, like at family get-togethers or birthday parties.
They make me relive the moments I live for. Looking at the pictures of vacations and family events
provides me with pleasure.
4. Why do people take photos?
 An important reason for people to take photos is for family memories. Looking at the photos that
record important family events brings people delight and sweet memories.
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 Sometimes people take photos for insurance or legal reasons. They need the photos as evidence in
court.
5. What is the importance of photos?
 Different photos definitely have different meanings and value, but on the whole, photos allow us to
hold on to the past, to remember and respect.
PART 2
Topic Card 1 ( T.36)
Describe a photo you like best. You should say:

What it is about

Where you took it

What features it has
And explain why you like this photo.
Sample Answer 1
I am completely taken with taking travel photos, including those of architecture, natural beauty, and local
people’s lives. My favourite photo in my album is a travel photo I took in the Old Town of Lijiang, a wellpreserved small old city of ethnic minorities with brilliant culture.
The focus of the photo is an old wooden bridge over a stream. The sturdy rail tells a long history. An old
bicycle stops casually at one side of the bridge, showing the peaceful and serene life of indigenous
people. Another stone arch bridge can be seen in the depth of field. Along both sides of the stream
stand well-decorated buildings.
The photo is the best epitome of the Old Town of Lijiang. Water is just like its blood, flowing past every
house and every street in the town. There are almost 350 varied and inimitable bridges in the little town.
The buildings on each side of the stream are some handicraft shops and elegant cafés. They
incorporate the best parts of the architectural traits of ethnic groups of Han, Bai, and Tibet into the
unique Naxi style. Naxi people pay much attention to the decoration. The spacious and practical
houses are mostly timber and tile structure. Each has engraved vivid figures of people and animals
on doors and windows. The lane between the houses and stream is narrow and winding. They are
paved with the local bluestones which are neither muddy in the rainy season nor dusty in the dry
season. The massive and fine-grained stones add a sense of antiquity and mystery to the Old Town.
The photo always evokes my memory of the tour. I think once you have visited the Old Town of Lijiang,
it will capture your heart for the rest of your life.
Sample Answer 2
I have cherished a valuable photo in my album. It is a get-together photo taken at the college farewell
party 5 years ago. Whenever I see this photo, it will bring me back to the good old days.
The background of the photo is the lecture hall in which I spent most of the four-year college life. In the
photo, a group of students including myself held glasses to toast each other. I have forgotten who took
the photo because too many photos were taken that night, but I cherish this one because it captured
the glimpse of the happy and sentimental feelings of everyone.
In the centre of the photo is our course tutor. She is caring lady with a generous and kind heart. Beside
her is a tall boy called Ernest. Just like his name, he is sincere in personality and always helps those
who have difficulties in study. The girl next to him is called Catherine. She is a real softie. I remember
~ 63 ~
she was the first to shed tears at the party. There are still teardrops on her cheek in the photo.
At the instant when the shutter was pressed, the expression of everyone was accurately recorded. It is
a complex expression with both excitement and sentiment. We were excited to begin a whole new
life and reluctant to part with the old classmates.
Time flies and I sometimes can’t believe it has been 5 years since graduation. Most of us in the photo
still keep in contact and often say hello to each other over the phone.
Topic Card 2 ( T.37)
Describe a photograph in your home. You should say:

What is in the photo

Where this photo is in your home

How this picture was taken
And explain what this photo means to you.
Sample Answer
Like many other Vietnamese families, I have a big photograph of my family which is hung on the wall of
my living room. It is the first thing that you notice when you walk in the room.
This photo was taken a year ago on the occasion of my cousin’s wedding. It was the first time for ages
that my whole family had gathered together. Even my relatives who are living further away came home
to attend the wedding. It was possibly the first picture of my extended family with my grandmother, all of
my grandmother’s children and the in-laws, and I have lost count of how many grandchildren are in it.
It’s a brilliant photo, with everyone smiling and laughing, taken by a professional photographer who put
everyone at their ease.
As a typical traditional Vietnamese, I treasure my family. Our ties are worth more than gold. No matter
what happens, I strongly believe that my parents, my siblings, and relatives will always be on my side
supporting me. Every time I look at the photograph of my loving family, I feel blessed and proud.
PART 3 ( T.38)
1. Do you think photos are important in people’s lives?
 Yes, photos play an extremely important role in our lives today. They’re used in advertising,
magazines, newspapers, science and research, and even in people’s own work. This medium is
much more than point and shoot. The photo allows us to archive the moments and people in our
lives.
2. How useful do you think photos are in advertising?
 Photos can illustrate and highlight advertisements, making them more impressive and striking.
When people choose goods, they tend to be attracted by the advertisements with glossy photos.
3. What is the function of news photos?
 Whether a photojournalism piece displays a sports event, a fire, or an award ceremony, the photo
must tell a story to the viewer before he reads the news article. It allows the readers to understand
the world “news” more deeply.
4. What do you think is most important for taking a good photo?
 I am not professional at taking photos at all, but in my opinion, the right composition is the key.
When framing the subject, the photographer should centre it and try to make a balance.
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 Besides the basic elements, I think creativity matters most. A good photographer should be good at
capturing the glimpse of the beauty of the subjects.
5. What are the differences between the photos taken by the amateur and professional
photographers?
 The photos taken by professional photographers look definitely more artistic. They can be used in
newspapers, magazines, or displays. The photos by amateur photographers, however, are just a
record of personal memories to share with friends and family members.
6. What kind of camera do you usually use?
 I used to have a point-and-shoot with flash and auto focus. It’s convenient to use. At present, I’ve
got a more advanced digital camera. I also have a cell phone with a built-in camera.
7. Now that many people are using digital cameras, what changes or differences has this
caused in the way people take photos?
 Well, the changes that digital photography has brought along are immense. Professional
photographers used to take photos only if they were sure it was a good shot. Amateur
photographers did not want to waste one shot on a roll of film. Photography was an expensive
hobby. Today, however, people take masses of images because storing them on digital memory
cards costs next to nothing.
 Now more people have their camera with them all the time. Taking snapshots at concerts, dinners,
and sporting events has become very popular. Young people record videos of a birthday party and
upload them to Youtube or Facebook minutes later.
8. Do you think photographs play a very important part in the media?
 Yes, definitely. I think most readers just glance through magazines or newspapers. Photos are like
ads in that glancing moment. If a photo is interesting enough, a reader will stop and read the
caption, and if the interest stays there, the title of the article is read next.
 OTHER POSSIBLE STATEMENTS ( T.39)
1. Meanings of Photos
 Photographs can communicate powerfully whatever story you are telling.
 Vacations come and go too quickly, but great pictures can last a lifetime.
 If you want to relive the moments you live for, be prepared to capture every priceless memory of
your trip.
 Photos allow us to archive the moments and people in our lives.
 This medium of ours is so much more than just and point and shoot. This allows us to hold onto
the past, to remember, to respect.
 Looking at pictures taken by a good photographer is like looking at a painting – the photo evokes a
certain mood and often carries a special message.
 A framed photo can be just as artful as a painting or sculpture.
 One reason that people take photographs is for family memories.
 Looking at pictures of vacations, wedding ceremonies, births and family events provides people with
pleasure.
 Taking pictures for family albums is also an investment in the future – family albums often become
~ 65 ~
cherished heirlooms and links to a family’s past.
 Looking at pictures of the past provides us with an understanding of how previous generations lived,
as well as details of past historical eras.
2. Importance of Photography
 Photography plays an extremely important role today. It is used in advertising, magazines, science
and research, newspapers and perhaps even in your own work.
 Without photography, our lives would certainly not be so exciting.
 Photography has affected our lives greatly. It records the scenes in the past that have touched us all.
 Priceless memories are saved thanks to photography.
 Photography is the art of recording an image in history which we’ll find captivating, amusing, or
thought-provoking.
 Unlike many other media, it provides us with a “true-to-life” image, which is not too different from
what our own eyes would see.
3. Advantages of Digital Cameras
 Digital photography is changing the way people take photos.
 Because digital photography doesn’t need the time or money that traditional film development tends
to consume, people are less hesitant about taking pictures with digital cameras.
 Cell phone also allows people to immediately take and share pictures over long distances.
 Digital cameras are usually smaller than film cameras.
 Digital image files can be backed up and copied.
 Digital images can be altered with editing software for specific effects.
 Digital photography enables you to experiment without concern for time or the cost of developing
flawed pictures.
 Digital printing can be done from home computer with either a standard or digital printer.
 LCD screens on digital cameras allow instant picture review and deletion.
 Many digital cameras have AV-out capabilities for television viewing.
 Photographers can print certain pictures without printing all of them.
 Today, looking at pictures often means using a computer to view images.
 Modern photos are often stored on CD-ROM or uploaded to personal websites.
 Digital photos are also one of the most common email attachments, bringing a family and friends
together quickly over long distances.
~ 66 ~
TOPIC 13: AN ANIMAL
TOPIC VOCABULARY
 Pets
Bird
Goldfish
Mice
Cat
Hamster
Rabbit
Dog
Horse
Reptile
Animal kingdom
Feather
Safari park
Aquarium
Fur
Tusk
Claw
Habitat
Wild animals
Conservation
In captivity
Zoo
Aggressive
Faithful
Rare
Alert
Fierce
Sensitive
Docile
Loyal
Smart
Endangered
Noble
Tamed
 Animal-Related Lexis
 Characteristics of Animals
PART 1 ( T.40)
1. Do you have a pet?
 Yes, I have a Persian cat. She’s a cute little thing.
 No, I don’t you know. I live in the college dormitory. We’re not allowed to keep a pet there, but I hope
I can keep a dog after I have my own flat.
2. Do you think it fun to keep a pet?
 Yes, certainly! The pet brightens up my life. i will not feel lonely if I stay at home alone. My kitty,
which is called Lily, always crouches at my feet when I am reading.
 Well, it’s hard to say. Having a pet really brings some fun, but there are troubles, too. When I had a
dog, I had to walk it every evening, prepare food for it and bathe it regularly. Frankly speaking, it cost
a lot of time.
3. What do you think are the benefits for children to keep pets?
 Well, keeping pets helps children develop a sense of responsibility because they have to take
care of the pets. Besides, I think the children who keep pets tend to be more considerate and
understanding.
4. Why do you think people like keeping pets?
 I think it’s mainly for diverting loneliness. Pet can brighten up life and bring great fun to the owners.
For lonely elderly people, pets are good companions.
5. What pets do people like keeping at home?
 Dogs and cats are the most familiar pets. Besides, some families keep goldfish or tropical fish in an
aquarium to decorate rooms. I also know some young people who keep bizarre pets likes snakes or
~ 67 ~
lizards.
6. Do you think we should protect birds?
 Yes, for sure. Primarily, birds brighten up our life and lots of people enjoy birds’ chirps. Besides,
birds are necessary part of nature. They protect trees and maintain the balance of ecological
systems.
7* Are wild animals protected in your region/country?
 Definitely, yes. We have plenty of laws to protect wild animals, but, unfortunately, they are not
always enforced. Poachers often kill wild animals such as tigers, cobras, monkeys and so on to get
their fur, skin, bones, to eat or to use in medicine, some of which can cost a fortune, so it’s very
difficult to stop this inhuman practice. If they are caught, they can be punished very harshly, but
that doesn’t happen very often.
8* Do you often visit zoos or wildlife parks?
 Not very often, perhaps just once or twice a year with my small daughter. Like most kids, she likes
watching animals and sometimes tries to imitate their movement and behaviour. I think she’s best at
copying monkeys. Zoos are useful for teaching children about wild animals and wildlife, but often the
conditions are not very good.
9* Which is your favourite animal?
 I like tigers the most. In Vietnam, we call them the king of jungle, and we believe that they are the
most powerful. I really fancy the way they move, the way they look, a kind of supremacy, and
especially their yellowish fur with black stripes look very smooth though I never dare to touch it.
10* Are there animals that you are afraid of?
 No, I don’t think so although I’m not sure I’d like to be in the sea with a shark or in a cage with a
tiger. I do know how dangerous they can be if they are hungry or if they feel threatened. In Vietnam,
there are many legends of tiger or snake revenge on local residents, but I don’t really believe them.
If you are cautious, you have nothing to be afraid of.
PART 2 ( T.41)
Topic Card 1
Describe a kind of wild animal. You should say:

What the name of the animal is

Where you can find them

What their life habit is
And state what people have done to protect them.
Sample Answer 1
Giraffes are the most interesting animals I have ever seen. They are one of the world’s tallest
mammals. Male giraffes can stand up to 19 feet tall. They are well known for their long neck, long legs
and spotted patterns. Giraffes have small “horns” or knobs on the top of their heads that grow to be
about 5 inches long. These knobs are used to protect their heads in fights.
Giraffes can be found in central, eastern, and southern Africa. They usually live in Africa, where they
roam freely among tall trees, arid lands, dense forests, and open plains. The long necks help giraffes
eat leaves on tall trees, typically acacia trees. If they need to, giraffes can go for several days without
drinking water. Instead of drinking, giraffes stay hydrated by the moisture from leaves. Giraffes are
~ 68 ~
social animals. They travel in large herds that are not organised in any way.
Like other wild animals, giraffes are facing threats from human beings. They are hunted for their meat,
hide, and tails. The tail is prized for good luck bracelets. Fortunately, the government has enacted laws
to protect them. The poachers will be punished severely and several nature reserves have been
established to protect their habitat.
Sample Answer 2
Dolphins have a universal appeal, symbolising freedom, joy, grace, and serenity. They uplift the spirits
of people all around the world.
Dolphins are mammals, not fish. They are warm-blooded like man. They are highly sociable animals,
living in pods which are fairly fluid.
Dolphins’ skin is completely smooth, allowing them to move easily through the water, and also reduce
heat loss. Their bodies are very streamlined, so they may swim at high speed through the water.
Dolphins have powerful tails which also help them swim fast. They also use their tails when hunting,
hitting a fleeing fish up into the air.
The most interesting thing about dolphin is that they must shut down half of their brains when they sleep
as their breath is under voluntary control. Dolphins take short catnaps, floating just below the surface,
and then slowly rise to breathe.
We all love to see dolphins by visiting an aquarium. However, in the past, many of these dolphins were
mostly violently captured from the wild and forced to live in small barren tanks. Nowadays, things are
thankfully not as bleak. In many countries, it is now illegal to catch or import any more dolphins for
captivity, and standards of care and housing are high. We look to a future of coastal marine reserves
rather than concrete tanks. We could observe the dolphins in their natural environment.
Topic Card 2*
Describe a wild animal. You should say

Where the animal comes from

When you saw this animal

What the animal looks like
And explain why you want to talk about it.
Sample Answer
Well, the wild animal that I will describe is elephant, one of the biggest mammals on Earth, which can be
found mostly in Asia and Africa.
Honestly, I’ve seen these loveable animals many times on TV programmes, but the first time I had a
chance to touch it in person and rode on it was in my trip to Ban Don in DakLak province last summer.
The elephant is distinguished by its massive body, large ears and a long trunk, which has many uses
ranging from using it as a hand to pick up objects, as a horn to trumpet warnings, or an arm raised in
greeting to a hose for drinking water or bathing.
The first reason why I want to share my ideas with you is because these animals are very friendly and
useful. They can get along so well with humans, even giving us a hand with things like transport and
labour. Domesticated elephants are very loyal and close-knit; it seems they have a special way of
communicating and understanding human beings. However, they are now facing distinction because of
human greed. Poachers kill them just to get their tusks for decoration. It seems too inhumane to me
~ 69 ~
since we are a kind of living creature on Earth like them. Instead, protection and conservation of
endangered species should be priority for us.
PART 3
1. What animals can be seen in Vietnam?
 Vietnam is abundant in animal resources because of her vast territory. I think many animals seen
in other regions can be found in Vietnam, like tigers, bears, elephants and other large mammals.
Vietnam also has a rich resource of birds and fish.
2. What animals have special meaning in Vietnam?
 In Vietnam, the dragon, a legendary animal, has particular symbolism. While in western cultures,
dragons are usually regarded as the embodiment of evil, in Vietnam the dragon is held in high
esteem for its dignity and majesty. In the olden days, it represents for the absolute power of the
King. Likewise, phoenix, a mythical bird, is the symbol of the empress, also standing for high
position and prosperity.
3. What animals do you like best?
 Cats are definitely my favourite pets. They are chubby and fluffy. I love my cat because he is
always quick to sense my feelings.
 I think no animals are as close to humans as dogs. They are not only reliable guards, but also loyal
companions to you whether you are poor or rich. Your best friend may betray you, but a dog never.
Dogs are very intelligent, too.
 I’ve been fascinated by dolphins since I first saw them in an aquarium. They look charming and
intelligent, and dolphins never fail to arouse my imagination by the stories about how they save
shipwrecked sailors.
4. What animals do you dislike?
 I think little of hairy animals like dogs and cats. I’m allergic to their fur.
 Well, I have to confess that I hate snakes the most. Not only are they poisonous and they often bite
people, but I can’t stand the way they move on the ground, something repulsive and wicked.
5. What’s the role of animals in your country?
 Like any other countries, animals have been used to help and serve people in many ways. For
example, pigs, cows, chickens, and ducks are bred to provide meat, milk, and egg. Larger farm
animals, such as oxen, water buffalo and horses, can pull ploughs and carry heavy loads. Dogs,
the most faithful friend of human beings, are used to guard houses, to entertain and to be great help
to the police.
5. What are people’s attitudes toward animals in your country?
 I believe that most people are conscious of protecting animals. More nature reserves and wildlife
parks have been established in Vietnam to rescue and take care of wild animals. Keeping pets has
become more popular, especially in big cities.
 OTHER POSSIBLE STATEMENTS ( T.42)
1. Natural Habitat
 Giraffes can be found in central, eastern and southern Africa.
 Giraffes live in the grasslands of Africa, where they roam freely among tall trees, arid land, dense
~ 70 ~
forests and open plains.
 Today, the only naturally occurring lions are found in Africa.
 Elephants can live in nearly any habitat that has adequate quantities of food and water. Their ideal
habitat consists of plentiful grass.
 Dolphins are able to dive to great depths and also leap to great heights.
 Koalas prefer to live in eucalyptus forests, on coastal islands, and low woodlands.
 Kangaroos are found in Australia and Tasmania, as well as on the surrounding islands.
 Kangaroos live in varied habitats, from forests and woodland areas to grassy plains and savannas.
2. Foods
 Lions feed on a variety of large and medium-sized preys.
 Giraffes’ long necks help them to eat leaves on tall trees, typically acacia trees.
 Elephants consume about 5% of their body weight and drink 30-50 gallons of water per day.
 Young elephants must learn how to draw water up with their trunks and pour it into their mouths.
They eat an extremely varied vegetarian diet, including grass, leaves, twigs, bark, fruit, and
seedpods.
 Staple food of dolphins is fish and shrimps. They eat their fish whole, head first.
 Koalas consume eucalyptus leaves and bark from 12 different eucalyptus tree species.
 Kangaroos’ diet consists of mainly grass. They can survive long periods without water.
3. Life
 Lions are the only cats that live in large family groups.
 The giraffe is social; it lives in very loose and open herds with no specific leaders.
 Elephants are social and form small family groups consisting of an older female elephant and
several generations of relatives.
 Dolphins are highly sociable animals, living in pods which are fairly fluid.
 Koalas have soft, wool-like fur that is grey above and white below. They are rather small, round
animals.
 Kangaroos live and travel in organised groups or mobs, dominated by the largest male.
4. Features
 Lions’ size and strength have captured human imagination since ancient times. They are nicknamed
“King of the Beasts”.
 Giraffes are magnificent in appearance, bizarre in form, and inoffensive in character.
 Dolphins have a universal appeal, symbolising freedom, joy, grace, and serenity. They uplift the
spirits of many people all around the world.
 The African elephant is the largest living land mammal.
 Of all its specialised features, the muscular trunk is perhaps the most extraordinary. It serves as
nose, hand, extra foot, signalling device and tool for gathering food, dusting, and digging.
 Koalas sleep for up to 16 hours a day. They do not live in big groups but rather prefer to be alone.
~ 71 ~
 Kangaroos have powerful hind legs and short forelimbs. Kangaroos can travel at speeds of up to
30 miles per hour and can leap some 30 feet. Kangaroos use their long tail for balancing.
 Female kangaroos carry their newborns in a pouch on the front of their abdomens.
 The research shows that people who live with their pets are more active, have less stress, use less
medicine, and recover from illness faster.
 Stroking a pet or simply watching a fish swim in an aquarium helps us to relax.
 The benefits of having a dog are that they are a companion, and they can be helpful (bring you the
paper or slippers, bark when strangers are near). Also, they need a daily walk and that is a healthy
thing for you too!
 Pets help fight depression and loneliness, promoting an interest in life. When seniors face
adversity, affection from pets takes on great meaning.
 There are so many benefits of keeping pets. Pets have been proven to reduce stress. They give
you responsibility; they are loyal companions; they are always waiting for you when you get home
and they make you exercise. Imagine chasing your kitten around the house or taking your dog for a
walk.
 Children who own pets are often less self-centred than those who do not. Owning a pet can teach a
child about responsibilities of life and mutual trust. By feeding a pet, children can also help develop
an understanding of daily care.
 I like to watch pets playing with each other and read about their habits and lives, but I don’t like to
keep them in my own house. Keeping pets is a great responsibility and costs time and energy that I
can’t afford now.
~ 72 ~
TOPIC 14: A PARK/GARDEN
TOPIC VOCABULARY
 Kinds of Parks
Amusement park
Disneyland
Theme park
Botanical garden
Ocean Park
Water Park
Ancient tree
Fountain
Sculpture
Arch bridge
Lawn
Shrub
Artificial hill
Lush
Spring
Bench
Pavilion
Stream/brook
Blossom
Pond
Tower
Bush
Pool
Waterfall
Flowerbed
Rail fence
Weeping willows
Ferris wheel
Mini-train
Seesaw
Giant stride
Revolving boat
Sliding board
Merry-go-round
Roller coaster
Swing
Enjoy the fresh air
Go camping
Play chess
Exercise
Go on a date
Play hide-and-seek
Fish/go fishing
Hang out
Roller skate
Fly kites
Have a picnic
Take a walk
Go boating
Jog/ go jogging
Walk dogs
 Features
 Facilities at the Park
 Activities at Parks
 Reasons for visiting a place
I like this place because in my daily life,
 I get used to a sedentary lifestyle, specially...
 sitting in front of a computer all day long.
 being stuck in an office/ a classroom all the time.
 seldom interacting with peers.
 To improve the situation, I need (to)...
 (breathe) some fresh air (and be close to nature)
 an opportunity to appreciate the beauty surrounding me
 escape from boring daily life routines/ hectic city crowds
 Accordingly, I’d better...
~ 73 ~
 get/walk around/ go for a walk
 stretch out/ get some exercise
 interact with friends/family
 Then, I may (get)...
 relaxation/inner peace/sharing moments with loved ones
 keep fit and be in a good shape
 be inspired and in a good mood/ be revitalised
PART 1 ( T.43)
1. Do you often go to parks?
 Yes, I often hang out in a small park near my home with my friends on weekends. The fresh and
cool air in the park makes me refreshed.
 Frankly speaking, no. I haven’t been to a park for ages, and there is no park near my home.
2. Do you think it necessary to have a park in the neighbourhood?
 Yes, that’s for sure. Parks are the oasis of a city. They provide a soothing place for local residents
to take a pleasant walk in.
3. Is there a park or garden in your neighbourhood?
 Yes, there is. We fortunately have got a garden in the heart of the neighbourhood. Although not
large, it provides an open and relaxing space.
 No, there isn’t any. I live in a newly-built community without too many amenities. I hope it will
improve in this aspect.
4. What do people usually do in parks?
 I think most people like to have a walk in the park after supper, especially on summer evenings. Kids
like to roller-skate in the open field of the park. For elderly people, the park is an ideal place for
morning exercise like playing Tai chi or jogging.
 I think most people like to relax in the park. As for me, a park is a soothing place where I can get
close to nature and find piece in mind.
PART 2 ( T.44)
Topic Card 1
Describe a park or garden you visited. You should say:

Where it was

Why you went there

What you did there
And explain why you liked it.
Sample Answer
I would like to share with you my impressions of a garden that I visited last summer, which was full of
colour and interest: Claude Monet’s house and garden in Giverny, France.
As a big fan of Monet’s paintings, especially the famous “Water Lilies”, I had always dreamed of seeing
~ 74 ~
the scene in real life. So, when some friends suggested a visit last year, I jumped at the chance. After a
journey of about an hour by train from our hotel, we arrived at Giverny. The garden was exactly as he
had painted it – it was a riot of colour, from the peaceful white of the water lilies to the striking reds
and oranges which filled some of the flowerbeds.
The two parts of the garden complemented each other perfectly. We first admired the array of bright
flowers and fruit trees in the Clos Normand, but my favourite part was the water garden, and we enjoyed
a leisurely stroll, taking in all the colours, perfumes, and bird songs. Monet avidly collected prints of
Japanese gardens, and these inspired the Japanese bridges covered with wisterias, the water lilies in
the pond, and the bamboo and weeping willows which he planted. For me, it was like a wonderland of
colours and a dream come true after so many years.
Topic Card 2*
Describe a park or garden you visited. You should say:

Where it is

What the main views are

What people do there
And explain why you like visiting the park/garden.
Sample Answer
Well, the garden I want to share with you is the one in my community, which is only a five-minute walk
from where I live.
In the garden, well, everybody can enjoy a plenty of beautiful flowers such as daisies, tulips, roses, lilies
and a lot of others. Besides, it is enclosed by all sorts of trees and shrubs along gravel paths. In the
middle of the garden, there is a wooden bridge, spanning over a small pond with lotus flowers. Yet in
autumn and winter, it has almost bare-branched trees.
The garden is a favourite destination for many people living in the surrounding area especially in the
early morning or late afternoon. They can do lots of outdoor activities here, such as jogging, doing Tai
Chi, walking their dogs, playing games, or just reading books.
I like the garden very much for a number of reasons. First, this place is very peaceful and refreshing.
The aroma and fragrance of the flowers bring me a sense of freshness and purity. Almost every
morning, after I walk through the garden, it puts me into a good mood for a new day. Personally,
whenever feeling tired out from studies or life, I like to come to this garden to get around and relax
because being close to nature is an essential part of my life. More importantly, it really meets the
demand of the public. Local residents, especially kids and senior citizens, need a place and room for
sharing and interacting, so this garden is the perfect place. It is like an oasis in the middle of a busy and
noisy city, providing the local residents with no better ways of relaxing, socialising and improving their
health conditions.
PART 3 ( T.45)
1. What are the main functions of a park?
 It depends on what type of park it is. An amusement park provides kids with fun and thrills. A wildlife
park offers animal lovers a chance to view wild animals closely. A community park enables local
residents to refresh and unwind there.
 On the whole, a park is for people to get close to nature and enjoy a soothing feeling. For the
residents in big cities, parks are especially important. It’s nice to have a mass green in the heart of a
~ 75 ~
city.
2. Do you think the government should build more parks in the city?
 Yes, I strongly agree that more parks should be built. Parks are the highlight of a city. They make the
city more vital and lively. Without parks, the city will become a cement jungle.
 No, I don’t think so. I think the government should invest more in the fields more relevant to people’s
lives like education and public health. If people like to get close to nature, they can go to the suburbs
or countryside.
3. Do you think parks should be free to all visitors?
 Yes, the government should make parks more available to the public because they pay taxes and
have the right to enjoy public facilities.
 Well, I think it depends. The community parks should be free to visitors, but some theme parks need
money to maintain, and the funds from the government are not enough. It’s reasonable to charge
tourists a small sum.
4. Do you think it good to establish many amusement facilities in a community park?
 Personally, I am strongly against that. A park should be a natural and peaceful place for people to
relax. The amusement facilities just make the park noisy and messy.
 In my opinion, small-sized facilities like swings or slides are okay, but not big ones. If people like to
have fun or thrills, they can go to an amusement park.
5. Do you think people should be encouraged to go to a park or go to the suburbs to relax?
 As we know, the suburbs are a better place to relax. Far away the noise and pollution in the city, you
can enjoy the beauty of nature.
 Although the suburbs are more natural, for most city dwellers, a park is more available. Besides, a
park is better managed and designed.
 OTHER POSSIBLE STATEMENTS ( T.46)
1. Locations
 The park lies in the centre of the neighbourhood, offering a soothing place for local residents.
 The park is situated in the suburbs. People can get away from all the noise and pollution of the city.
 The park is located in the rural area. It takes over one hour to drive there.
 Situated in the western outskirts of..., the... is 10 kilometres from the city centre.
 It’s rather secluded and quiet.
2. History
 Hundreds of years ago, the Royal Parks used to be the private grounds for the royal family to go
hunting in, but in the 1800s, they were opened up for the general public.
 Disneyland has seen 54 summers pass since its gates first opened in 1955.
3. Layouts
 Hyde Park’s got a little bit of everything. It’s 142 hectares in size, with over four thousand trees, a
lake, a meadow and even horse rides.
 Regent’s Park is even bigger than Hyde Park. It’s also the venue for the Open-Air Theatre and the
~ 76 ~
home of London Zoo.
 Although not large, the park offers an open feeling.
 The park is around 10 square miles. There is a river running through it.
 The scenery here is dominated by hills and water.
 It’s really more like the open countryside than a city park.
4. Views
 A gurgling stream traverses the park.
 At the gate of the park stand several graceful sculptures.
 You can see an artificial hill upon entering the main gate. A waterfall runs down it.
 In the centre is a lake, which adds vitality to the whole park. The water is glimmering under the
moonlight.
 Around the park, there are lush bushes.
 The wide meadow covers the large part of the park, with several winding paths through it.
 There is a green water pool surrounded by weeping willows in the garden.
 The winding corridors with pavilions link the hills and pools together.
5. People’s Activities at the Park
 It’s elderly people’s favourite haunt. They practice Tai Chi in the open field in the mornings and play
chess on the stone tables.
 Kids do roller-skating on the square in the park.
 In spring, plenty of local residents fly kites in the park. The sky is dotted with various colourful kites,
like a kite exhibition.
 Friends of mine like to hang out here. I also like to just unwind and relax here.
 I like to sit by the lake and watch the world go by.
 People enjoy the chirping of birds and the fragrance of flowers.
 In summer, there are free pop and classical music concerts. The open-air theatres are great fun. In
autumn, the yellow and red fallen leaves decorate the garden. In winter, it’s a paradise for outdoor
skiing.
 People like to go and have a picnic there in spring or autumn.
 For those who have dogs, it’s nice for them to go for a long walk with their dogs.
6. Why I Like the Park
 I really like the park because it’s quite wild.
 I really like this park because it has some ponds where you can go and swim in the summer, and it’s
also massive.
 It’s really nice to have a lot of greenery in a big city.
 The park forms a clear contrast to the nearby city. It offers people an idyllic place to get away
from busy and noisy life.
~ 77 ~
TOPIC 15: A CITY/TOWN
TOPIC VOCABULARY
 Types of Cities
Ancient city/town
Famous historical city
Mountain village
Coastal city
Metropolis
Small town
County
Mountain city
Tourism city
Apartment complex
Estate
Residential area
Art gallery
Exhibition centre
Shopping mall
Beauty salon
Ferry
Skyscraper
Bookstore
Flyover
Square
Bridge
Gas station
Subway/underground
Café
Green belt
Telephone booth
Church
Highway
Theatre
Concert hall
Office building
Tram
Cultural and sports centre
Opera house
Trolley bus
Elevated railway
Public library
Underpass
Air quality
Historical site/relics
Pace of life
Amenities
Holiday/seaside resort
Population
Architecture
Infrastructure
Public transport
City service
Inhabitant/resident
Scenery
City-dweller
Landscape
Sense of community
Commercial centre
Lifestyle
Sightseeing
Cost of living
Living standard
Suburb
Cultural atmosphere
Local cuisine
The locals (= local residents)
District/business district
Neighbourhood
Tourist attraction
Downtown
Nightlife
Winding street
Affluent
Cosmopolitan
Lively
Ancient
Distinctive
Provincial
Built-up
Dynamic
Regionally important
Bustling
Hasty (life)
Run-down
Chic
Hectic
Situated/located
Commercial
Industrial
 City Facilities and Structures
 Other Related Lexis
 Adjectives
Spectacular
~ 78 ~
Sprawling
Up-market
Well worth a visit
Unique
Vibrant
Well-preserved
Change
Modernise
Satisfy
Develop
Move/relocate
Settle down
Enjoy
Renovate/remodel
Upgrade
Improve
Reside
Visit/pay a visit to
 Verbs
PART 1 ( T.47)
1. Do you like your hometown city?
 Yes, certainly, I am fond of my hometown. Being a metropolis, it has tons of advantages. You can
enjoy the latest films and music, and there’s always something going on. With a variety of different
people and cultures, it’s difficult to get bored in this city.
 Yes, I do. I’m quite happy with the life in my hometown. The life pace in the small town is gentle
and relaxing. People seem to have more time to chat, and it’s easy to make friends.
2. Is there anything you don’t like about your hometown?
 Yes, like other big cities, there is a lot of crime, and it’s dangerous. Besides, the relationship
between people seems distant.
 Yes, the life in the small town is quite boring. You don’t have the same range of entertainment as is
available in big cities. In addition, there are not many job opportunities unless you move out to a big
city.
3. Do you prefer the life in a big city or in the countryside?
 I think city life is what I want. I enjoy the convenient shopping and abundant entertainment in a big
city. Besides, good education and training are more available in a big city.
 Well, it’s difficult to say. Although a big city provides modern living and more opportunities, one can
get a more peaceful life in the countryside. I prefer to lead a life without too much pressure and
stress.
4. Have there been any changes in your hometown recently?
 Yes, great changes have taken place in the city. ...has made great improvement in basic facilities.
More subway lines are under construction. I think it will become more liveable.
 Well, no. The city has changed a little, except that the roads have become more crowded.
5. What is the change that interests you most?
 I think it is the people’s lifestyle. With more fashions from abroad, young people have more choices
in clothes, entertainment, and food.
6. Is there any change that you don’t like?
 Yes, the city is expanding, with more high buildings and glossy cars. It’s getting more noisy and
crowded. I miss the peaceful life when I was a child.
7. Is there any place in your city that’s suitable for kids to play in?
 Yes, in the city there are a number of amusement parks in different sizes, which offer great fun for
~ 79 ~
kids. Besides, a wildlife park has been established in the south of the city, where kids can enjoy
seeing thoroughly different wild animals from other countries and regions.
 No, I don’t think so. Although there are some amusement parks and a zoo in the city, they are
usually crowded. The increasing number of private cars occupies most of the open ground of the
neighbourhood, so it’s difficult for kids to find a safe place to play outdoor games.
8* Where are you from? (Tell me about your hometown.)
 I was born in Hue, a small yet beautiful city in the central part of Vietnam. I suppose the first thing I
would mention is that it’s absolutely romantic and peaceful, perhaps because it’s part of my
childhood full of unforgettable experiences. Although the city has changed quite a lot in recent years,
I still find its serene life every time I pay it a visit. For many tourists, especially foreign visitors, Hue
is said to be a destination that no one would miss when visiting our country.
9* Is it a big city or small town?
 Well, it is not as huge and busy as Ho Chi Minh City or Da Nang, but I believe that it is not small at
all while the city has undergone many changes in recent years.
10* What is the best thing of living in your hometown?
 Certainly, I would definitely say that Hue is famous for its peaceful life pace. Everything seems
slower and less competitive than any other city in Vietnam, from commuting to work to doing
business. Simplicity, harmony, and delicacy have rooted in the local residents’ mind since it was
the capital city of the Nguyen dynasty in the early 1700s. The environment is well-protected, so you
can find the green of trees, plants, and grass almost everywhere together with Huong River flowing
smoothly across the city, creating a no better place for those wanting to escape from a busy and
hasty life common in cosmopolitan cities.
11* Is it suitable for young people to live in?
 No, I don’t think the youth may find my hometown an interesting place to settle down even those
having been born and growing up here. First and possibly the most common reason is the fact that
they can hardly find a well-paid job in my hometown since it has neither industrial zones nor
multinational corporations. In addition, even it can be called a cultural centre with many timehonoured historic relics and beautiful natural landscapes; the local tourism industry has yet to
develop in accordance with its potentials. There is almost no nightlife and few entertainment
options, not suitable for dynamic young lifestyle.
PART 2 ( T.48)
Topic Card 1
Describe a city or a town where you have lived. You should say:

Where it is located

What problems there are in the city or town

What the most important landmarks or places to visit are
And explain what makes that city or town special to you.
Sample Answer
Well, I’d like to talk about Chongqing, a city I used to live for a few years from 1994 to 2001. It’s a busy
mountainous city located in the southwest of China, one of the four cities directly under the
jurisdiction of the central government. Indeed, its mountainous landscape with Jialing River running
through makes it so attractive and unique, especially at night, with its bright lights along the riverbanks
~ 80 ~
and on the buildings. Recently, many modern buildings have sprung up, but there are very few
traditional buildings left, which is really a shame, as they have to pull down the old ones to make room
for the new and high-rise commercial buildings.
As a rapidly changing city, Chongqing is famous for its auto, chemical, and textile industries. But a
serious problem in this city is pollution and overpopulation. In fact, there have been cases of acid rain
in the past few years. The temperature in summer can go up to as high as 37 degrees centigrade.
Rush-hour traffic is another problem yet to be solved. Sometimes, you can walk faster than the buses
during the peak periods. People in this city live a stressful and fast-paced life as there is very keen
competition for jobs. They have to work long hours sometimes. However, people are very hospitable
and ready to treat you with one of the local specialities – Chongqing hotpot. They are also quite openminded, willing to accept new ideas and cultures.
The nightlife here is fantastic and you can find anything you want in this city, whether it’s pubs, tea
houses, discos, theatres, museums, or cinemas. On the whole, Chongqing is quite a good place to live
in.
PART 3 ( T.49)
1. Why do you think more people flood into big cities?
 Well, I think the main reason is big cities offer more job opportunities and better education. Another
important cause is the backwardness and poverty in most rural areas, which drive young people
to seek fortune in big cities.
2. What problems does it cause?
 One of the direct results is that big cities are getting over-crowded. And consequently, the problems
of traffic, unemployment, and public security will arise.
3. Do you think the government should prevent people from rushing into big cities?
 No, I don’t think it’s a good idea. People in a civilised society should own their freedom and rights
to choose their living and working place. I know there is no Permanent Residence Permit in many
countries.
4. What do you think the government should do to improve the situation?
 I think the basic reason for this flood is the enormous gap between cities and rural areas, which is
getting wider and wider. So what the government should do is to make efforts to bridge the gap.
More attention should be put in and more money should be invested in those underdeveloped areas.
Besides, those who are willing to work in the countryside should be encouraged.
 OTHER POSSIBLE STATEMENTS
1. History
 Hanoi’s long and illustrious history started some 1,000 years ago/ The history of Hanoi can be
traced back to 1,000 years ago when the emperor Ly Thai To built his capital here and named the
city as Thang Long (A flying dragon).
 Hue is an important cultural city with a history of over 700 years. It was chosen as the capital city
during the Nguyen dynasty, the last feudal reign in Vietnam. Some of the Vietnam's most renowned
landmarks are slap-bang in the middle of the city – Hue Royal Citadel along with historic and
architectural relics recognized as the world cultural heritage by UNESCO in 1993.
 Built in around 1595, Hoi An is an ancient town with a history of over 400 years. It is an
exceptionally well-preserved example of a South-East Asian trading port dating from the 15th to
~ 81 ~
the 19th century. Its buildings and its street plan reflect the influences, both indigenous and foreign,
that have combined to produce this unique heritage site.
2. Sights/ Features of the City
 A must-see in Hue is the Royal Citadel. It is the largest and best-preserved imperial palace
complex. Hue attracts both domestic and foreign tourist with its centuries-old history, unique
cultural relics, and traditional values. The biennial Hue Festival makes the city the Mecca for
tourists in summer. You can enjoy great festivities to your heart’s content.
 Da Nang has all the benefits of a thriving and vibrant commercial centre. Here you can find the
delights of modern living alongside an abundance of reminders of its historic past. The city on the
banks of Han River is known as the most liveable city in Vietnam with splendid beaches and
famous tourist resorts, Ba Na Hill is a good case in point.
 Nha Trang is well known for its beautiful beaches along the city and wonderful scuba diving in
crystal-like waters. It has developed into a popular destination for international visitors, attracting
large numbers of backpackers as well as more affluent travellers on the Southeast Asia circuit; it is
already very popular with Vietnamese tourists, with Nha Trang Bay widely considered as one of the
world’s most beautiful bays.
 In addition to its profound historical and cultural background, the natural beauty abounds in
surrounding areas. You can find green mountains, crystal clear waters and limestone caves.
 As of 2005, Bien Hoa has become an important industrial centre in the southern part of Vietnam,
attracting many foreign investors from Japan, Thailand, America, and others. As a result, the city has
attracted a large number of workers from other provinces, especially from the North. However, it is a
place worth visiting. Lying on the bank of Dong Nai River, one of the longest rivers in Vietnam, the
city has several amusement and theme parks scattered in the surrounding areas, including Dong Nai
Culture and Natural Reserve, Buu Long Mountain, Giang Dien Waterfall, etc.
3. Climate
 Vietnam is situated in the tropical and subtropical zone. / Vietnam has a tropical monsoon
climate with only two typical seasons: dry and rainy seasons.
 The climate in the city is not enjoyable. The highest temperature in summer can reach 40 degrees
centigrade, while it’s chilly in winter when the temperature may drop to 20 degrees Celsius with high
humidity, over 80%, in the atmosphere.
 Unlike most other provinces and cities in Vietnam which only have two seasons: dry and rainy one,
Da Lat enjoys four distinct seasons over a year, cool in spring and warm in summer, creating
favourable conditions for thousands of plants and flowers to flourish. I especially like the changing
of seasons in this city.
 Generally, the warm spring and cool autumn are the more comfortable seasons in Hanoi. Summer
and winter are far less pleasant. Overall, Hanoi enjoys a mild and moist climate. Interestingly,
November and December are the peak tourist months when it’s chilly but not often rainy.
 Hanoi is damp, cold in winter and hot, muggy in summer.
 Nha Trang does not have bitter cold in winter or extreme hot in summer. However, the weather is
not so pleasant. It’s usually muggy and scorching in late July. I think its best seasons are spring
and autumn, when the weather is mild, but there are occasional sand storms in spring.
 Overall, the climate in my hometown is oceanic. Unlike other northern cities in Vietnam, it’s mild
and humid throughout the year. I suppose it’s a liveable city.
~ 82 ~
4. Expressing Personal Opinions
 If I had a choice, I’d live in...
 What I like best about (living in) a big city/small town is...
 What I enjoy best in a big city/small town is...
 It seems that the life in a big city/small town is...
 In a big city/small town, people tend to...
 Well, it’s hard to say, but big cities and small towns have their own advantages as well as
disadvantages.
Merits
Big Cities
Small Towns
 Tons of job opportunities
 Gentle life pace/lazy days
 Dynamic life
 Less traffic
 People are easily exposed to culture
(like theatres, galleries, museums, all
sorts of things like that.)
 Less pressure from work
 Tighter community
 Lively and modern lifestyle
 People tend to be friendlier.
 Well-developed public services
 Amazing cityscape (luxury facilities,
skyscrapers, elevated railway...)
 Modern and efficient health care
 The air is less polluted.
 The living cost is more affordable, i.e.
lower standard of living.
 The public life is much safer since there is
less crime.
 Better education and training
 People tend to be exhausted by the
hustle and bustle of city life.
 Distant personal relationship
Defects
 Well-preserved old houses
 More competitive atmosphere in job
searching
 Lack of job opportunities
 Lack of social life/ entertainment/ nightlife
 Less developed public services, like
medical care and education
 Life there is pretty boring.
 Large gap between upper and lower
classes/the rich and the poor
 Time lost in heavy traffic
 Sky-high living cost (especially the
housing and accommodation price)
5. Transportation
 Ho Chi Minh City definitely has the most developed transport in our country. Many bus routes lead
to every corner of the city, and several trail lines connect the city centre with outlying areas. The
city is developing modern elevated railways and a subway that is expected to complete in the next
few years. However, the main problem is that the buses are always crowded in the rush hours. You
usually have to be packed like sardines.
~ 83 ~
 The public transport in the city is becoming much better. With varied public forms of transport, it’s
now easy to get around the city. The fares are also reasonable, so more and more people use public
transits to commute to work or school.
 The most convenient and available means of transportation is certainly the bus. You can easily find
a bus stop in all main streets. Furthermore, it’s safe and punctual, so it’s the popular choice of
commuters especially when it’s raining. If you want to get from A to B faster or at night, you have a
list of taxi phone numbers to choose from. Of course, it is more expensive, but more comfortable.
Motorbike-taxi is a special feature of the Vietnamese transportation. It’s available at any corner of
the city; it’s cheaper than traditional taxi but not very convenient if you travel a long distance. In
addition, motorbike renting services are emerging. They offer more freedom and mobility and have
become more preferable among foreign tourists.
6. Major Changes
 My hometown has totally changed since my childhood. Fields I used to go hiking in are now
industrial units. Housing and other development has concreted over the countryside where we
played. Neighbours seem to more distant and superficial even they live next door.
 My hometown has become unrecognizable. Lots of courtyards have been pulled down and
replaced with high-rise buildings. Masses of green places have disappeared into car parks.
 The biggest change is the size of the population. More and more people from rural areas and other
parts of the country have flooded into the city. The traffic has become horrible and there are lots of
more flyovers. Bicycles have rarely been seen even among schoolchildren; instead, motorbikes and
automobiles have been lined up bumper to bumper during rush hour.
 Not a lot except that more stores, restaurants and shopping malls spring up. Roads and streets are
wider and cleaner. Life is now more enjoyable; overall, most changes are for the good.
 Like other cities in Vietnam, it’s expanding; the life pace is getting more rapid, which brings more
pressure to the locals; the nightlife is more entertaining but less secure.
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TOPIC 16: LIBRARY/MUSEUM
TOPIC VOCABULARY
 Library Facilities
Audio-visual resource centre
Information desk
Photocopying room
Catalogue
Interactive software
Reference section
Circulation desk
Internet access
Silent zone
Index
Loans and returns
Student lockers
Atlas
E-book
Paperback
Bestsellers
Hardcover
Popular novels
Classical works
Historical record
Reading materials
Collections of essays/poetry
Old publication
Reference materials
Current magazines
Original versions
Textbook
Borrow/ check out
Overdue
Renew
Library card
Pay a fine
Returns and loans
Art museum
History museum
Natural history museum
Folk museum
Military museum
Science museum
Geological museum
National museum
Wax museum
Antique
Calligraphy works
Historical document
Art masterpiece
Collection
Specimen
Artworks
Fossil
Unearthed relics
 Library Materials
 Other Library-Related Lexis
 Types of Museums
 Exhibits
PART 1
1. Do you often visit a library?
 Well, I have to confess that recently I haven’t gone to a library very often. When I was at college,
about 20 years ago, library was the only place where you could find all the reference materials, but
now with a click of mouse you can access to a huge resource of the human knowledge on the
Internet.
 Actually, I’m a regular visitor to the city public library. Although we’re living in the age of Information
technology, I always find libraries an indispensable part of human life. To a certain extent, libraries
store all human knowledge from the ancient time until the contemporary. I usually go there twice or
three times, depending on my study plan. The library is equipped with a computerised catalogue,
so it’s quite convenient for me to look for my references. Some of them may be accessed to online,
but they’re not as authentic and reliable as what you can find here. Furthermore, you are able to
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approach to historical records and original versions. They are so valuable for my research.
Another reason why I like visiting the library is that it has a silent zone on the second floor where
you can concentrate on study and work in an entirely quiet atmosphere.
2. Do you like museums?
 Well, I have to confess that I’m not very fond of visiting a museum. Some people joke that we’re now
so burdened with present duties that we have no time to look back. Although museums may
represent the whole lifestyle and traditional culture of a region or a historical period, they seem
boring with many people like the young, and people are busy earning for a living rather than
appreciating art and beauty in museums. I’m not an exception!
3. How often do you visit museums?
 Once in a blue moon, I think so. This does not mean that I’m not interested in art or history, but
because what they have on display there hasn’t changed, so it’s a waste of time seeing what you’ve
already known! However, whenever travelling to a foreign country, visiting a museum is really an
interesting experience since you can discover more about the local historical and cultural values.
4. What types of museum can be found in your country?
 In Vietnam, you can find different sorts of museums. Probably, the most prevalent one is something
called the revolutionary museum that displays evidences and objects found in many wars our
country experienced. Art galleries in big cities like Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City help you enjoy different
art schools, instruments or lacquer paintings. Besides, there are many other types, for example,
Vietnamese ethnic and folk museum and Ho Chi Minh museum in Hanoi, Vietnamese history
museum, southern women’s museum, the Cham culture museum in Da Nang, and of course, some
natural history museums.
5. Why are museums important?
 In my opinion, museums are of special importance for many reasons. First of all, artefact
collections help us to learn more about our history, elaborate traditions, and connect to the
lifestyle of our ancestors. In natural history museums, fossils provide us with evidence about
biosphere processes and help us to understand the evolution of Earth and all its creatures. Finally,
we can learn lessons from our ancestors, who struggled for the independence and freedom of our
country.
PART 2
Topic Card
Describe a library or museum you often visit. You should say:

Where it is

How it looks from the exterior and interior

What its functions are
And explain why you like visiting it.
Sample Answer
 Library
Here I’m going to talk about my college library, which is my favourite haunt. It is situated right at the
centre of the campus. It’s a modern-style building with marble pillars at the front. With the same long
history as the college, the library has witnessed the growth of students year by year.
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In front of the library stands a big stone, on which the name and foundation date of the library are
engraved. It has six floors and the book collections occupy four floors. Upon arrival at the spacious
entrance hall where you can find the touch-screen information service and catalogues. The
computerised catalogue system can help you locate particular items easily. The ground floor is
reserved for administration work such as loans and returns and membership registration.
Newspapers and magazines are also available on the shelves here for both members and nonmembers.
The library has four main sections: art and history, social science, economics, techniques and
technology, and scientific subjects; each section is located on a separate floor. All the reading materials
are arranged neatly and in an orderly fashion. They are updated quite frequently, so you can have in
hand even the latest publications national and international. Most of them can be checked out, but
those marked R (for reference) can only read on the spot. Each floor is also equipped with a
photocopying and audio-visual room and a silent zone where students can concentrate on their work.
The library is not only a gateway to knowledge but also a meeting place where students can discuss
their lessons and work together. For me, the college library is the place where I can be determined to get
some hard-core work done and where great ideas originate. If I have some thinking, writing, reading,
or researching, I go to the library and get down to business.
 Museum
Well, a public place I usually visit is the natural history museum, one of the oldest buildings in the city
facing the river. Built in the 19th century by a French architect, the building itself is an artwork
combining the local traditional with western architectural styles. The structure is also the city
landmark, attracting thousands of tourists every year.
In the middle of the courtyard stands a baroque-styled water fountain surrounded by big garden with
scattered stone sculptures. The front side of the museum is decorated by colossal pillars and
sophisticated engravings, highlighting its beauty and historical value.
Like others of the same type all over the world, it has a huge collection of flora and fauna typical in
tropical and subtropical areas on the ground floor. The specimens are specifically preserved and
arranged by climatic conditions. You have no better chance to appreciate the beauty and diversity the
nature offers. Unfortunately, some of them have become extinct due to the need and greed of human
beings. The first floor accommodates the display of historical artefacts, some of which date back to
the Bronze Age, representing the evolution and development of the Vietnamese culture in different
historical periods. Visitors can find colourful traditional costumes, daily clothes, accessories, and
manufacturing tools of different ethnic communities in Vietnam.
The museum welcomes hundreds of visitors daily, especially on weekends when groups of
schoolchildren often have some extracurricular activities here. For me, the museum has a more
special meaning. It houses both the natural richness and the cultural heritages and values of our
country that do not stand for a simple nostalgia or respect, but the pride of a nation reminding each
individual to live more responsibly.
 OTHER POSSIBLE STATEMENTS ( T.50)
1. Functions of Libraries or Museums
 The library is the Mecca for knowledge-craving students.
 The library is multi-functional. It also includes a cultural centre, where book exhibitions and free
lectures are held.
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 The library is a treasure palace of wisdom.
 The library offers a soothing environment for people to enjoy their reading.
 The computer lab provides access to the Internet. Readers can search for information online.
 The conference room makes it possible for a small number of students to work on group projects
without disturbing others.
 In the audio-visual resource centre, readers can listen to a tape or watch videos.
 Through exhibitions and educational programmes, art museums enhance visitors’ understanding,
appreciation, and enjoyment of art.
 History museums are dedicated to promoting a greater appreciation and knowledge of history and its
importance to understanding the present and anticipating the future.
 Science museums are dedicated to furthering the public understanding of science and scientific
achievements.
 Interactive exhibition techniques and participatory experiences are used to stimulate curiosity.
And people are allowed to learn at their own pace while exploring the principles, concepts, and
implications of science and technology.
2. Detailed Descriptions
 Art museums contain many kinds of artworks, including paintings, sculptures, prints, drawings,
photographs, ceramics and glass, metal works and furniture.
 Art museums represent diverse cultural traditions from all parts of the world.
 History museums usually collect a wide range of objects, including fine art, furniture, clothing,
documents, and other materials.
 Outdoor museums, where history is presented in the context of a community, are another popular
type of history museum. They are also called historic villages or living history museums.
 Science museums are active environments with hands-on exhibitions and activities that encourage
learning by doing.
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TOPIC 17: A PLACE WITH A LOT OF WATER
TOPIC VOCABULARY
 Waters-Related Lexis
Branch
Gorge
River channel
Canyon
Island
River mouth
Dike
Marsh
Stream valley
Downstream
Pond
Upstream
Freshwater lake
Rapid
Waterfall
Calm
Leisurely/slowly
Rapid/torrential
Choppy
Limpid
Twist
Crystal clear
Peaceful
Wavy
 Features of Water
PART 2
Topic Card 1
Describe a place with a lot of water. You should say:

What the name of the place is

Where it is located

What the main attractions are
And explain why you like visiting it.
Sample Answer
Well, one of the most popular destinations attracting thousands of visitors in hot summer months in Ho
Chi Minh City is Dam Sen Water Park. Located in a fresh and green oriental landscape garden of 3
hectares not very far from the city centre, this amusement park is a perfect choice for families to come
and enjoy themselves, especially on weekends. It is also a well-known place for tourists both inside and
outside the country, winning the “Traveller’s Choice Attractions Award” by TripAdvisor in 2014.
Dam Sen Water Park offers visitors with a wide variety of entertainment and especially a wave pool of
3,000 m2 appropriate for all ages. There are many games to choose from such as Wandering River,
Aqua dance, Kamikaze, Boomerang, Tornado, and so on. Children are fascinated by a water palace
with colourful slides. Adults can take a paddleboat ride or go fishing in the lakes. At the weekend and
in the evening, visitors can see a range of variety shows featuring on the stage. Besides, there are a
number of theme areas, such as orchid gardens, an aviary, and a dinosaur park.
My friends and I often come to Dam Sen on weekends. I like this park because it is truly a great place to
escape the heat of summer and the noise of the city by spending the whole day relaxing in the water,
enjoying water slides, or just having a picnic by one of the lakes there. Also, the admission is quite
reasonable and new games are always added, which makes the park an attractive destination among
the city dwellers and visitors.
Topic Card 2
Describe a river/lake in your country. You should say:
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
What the name of the river/lake is

Where it is situated

What it is like
And explain its importance to the country/why you like this river or lake.
Sample Answer
 A River
Well, I’d like to share with you some of my knowledge about Dong Nai River, the longest inland river in
Vietnam. It is derived from Lam Vien Plateau, northwest of Da Lat, flowing through many provinces in
the south before emptying into the sea.
It is the lifeblood of the whole region as the major source of drinking water for the residents living along
the riverside, a provider of fresh water for fisheries and farming, and especially Tri An Hydroelectric
Plant on the riverhead, the main power station in the south of Vietnam. For me, the river is part of my
unforgettable childhood. As we live in an islet, the river is like our “huge swimming pool” where we used
to go swimming on hot summer days. I have still remembered the hard days when the river was in
spate! The water rose as high as a one-storey building and almost everything was submerged by
floodwater.
However, it looks really nice in spring and summer when the lush trees, green orchards, and beautiful
parks on the banks add vitality to the river. If weather permits, having a cruise on a pleasure boat to
appreciate the beautiful sights of the river is a fantastic experience.
The river provides a lifeline for not only fishermen or farmers but all people living around as it helps
improve the air quality and makes people’s lives more enjoyable. Any damage to the river or its water
should be banned for the benefit of our and future generations.
 A Lake
If you plan to visit Hanoi, one of the places you shouldn’t miss is Hoan Kiem Lake. Its name means
“Lake of the Returned Sword”. According to a legend, this is the place where the emperor Le Loi
returned his magic sword that brought him victory over the invaders of the Chinese Ming Dynasty to
the Golden Turtle God. The Tortoise Tower standing on a small island near the centre of lake is also
linked to this legend.
The lake is located in the historical centre of Hanoi and serves as one of the major scenic spots and a
focal point for the public life in the capital of Vietnam. In the north of the lake lies Jade Island on which
the Temple of the Jade Mountain (Ngoc Son Temple) stands. The temple was erected in the 18th
century to honour Tran Hung Dao, a military leader Tran Hung Dao who distinguished himself in the fight
against the Yuan Dynasty. The island is connected to the shore by the wooden red-painted bridge called
The Huc, meaning Morning Sunlight. Next to the bridge, visitors can enjoy a high stone structure named
Pen Tower representing the importance of literature in the feudal regimes in Vietnam.
I like the lake not only because of its historic values but also because of its natural beauty and peaceful
atmosphere right in the middle of a hectic city like Hanoi. Groups of people from all ages take part in
various outdoor activities like going for walks, jogging, doing Tai Chi or aerobics, or just resting on the
benches reading a newspaper. If you are lucky, you can catch sight of a giant tortoise, the sacred totem
of this lake as well as the city, and If you have time and really want to observe Hanoi’s life, sit down on
one of the stone benches, enjoy the view and have a good talk with some locals over an ice-cream
cone.
~ 90 ~
PART 3 ( T.51)
1. What do you think of water resources in the world?
 I’m not very optimistic about the future of water resources. Many people take it for granted that we
have inexhaustible water supply, but in fact water resources in the world are limited. If we don’t pay
more attention to them, we are likely to have no water to drink in the future.
2. What do you think causes the shortage of water resources?
 Well, there are many causes. The main one, I think, is the expansion of the population. People
require more water to meet the demands of life, and then more resources are exploited. Another
cause is the development of industry. A large number of factories not only use large quantities of
water but also pollute water resources.
3. What should the government do to protect water resources?
 First, the government should make strict laws to punish the factories and enterprises that waste and
pollute water resources. The government should also fund research into recycling wastewater
and desalinating ocean water. In addition, the ordinary public should be encouraged to save water.
4. What did the government do to protect water in your city?
 As far as I know, more recycled water pipes have been established so that more families can flush
their toilets or water the gardens with recycled water rather than fresh water. The government has
also increased the charge of water, especially to water-consuming businesses like car washes. I
think it teaches people the values of water and makes them save water.
5. What should the public do to protect water resources?
 First, every one of us should be aware of the problem of water shortages. It should be realised that
water resources, especially fresh water resources in the world, are limited. We should also have the
consciousness to save water in our daily lives.
6. Did you do anything to save water?
 Yes, I am very conscious of saving water in my daily life. i usually use a small flow of tap water when
I wash my hands. After I wash clothes or vegetables, I save the used water to flush the toilet. I think
protecting water resources requires everyone’s efforts.
7* What do you think are the functions of rivers nowadays?
 Rivers have various functions. In Vietnam as well as in many parts of the world, they create a
system of waterways for transportation of goods and passengers. Rivers can be used as a source
of renewable energy in the production of hydroelectric power; they are also a source of fresh
water for drinking, irrigation, and aquaculture. Leisure activities are another function, including
fishing, canoeing, swimming, and so on. I am sure there are many other things I haven’t thought of.
8* What do you think of boats and ships as forms of transportation?
 I am not really a fan of boats and ships because I am seasick. If I go on vacation, I like to travel
either by train or by plane. Of course, ships are vital for the transportation of oil and other heavy
cargo, especially from country to country.
9* Why do some people like living near rivers, lakes or the sea?
 Well, the view is probably a major factor; most people like to look out to sea, or across a river or
lake. I’d much prefer to look out of my window onto a natural landscape than an apartment building
in a city. Then there’s the lifestyle; if you live by the sea, for example, you can lie on the beach, go
for a swim, or do water sports like surfing or waterskiing. I definitely wouldn’t mind living near a
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beach at some point in my life!
 OTHER POSSIBLE STATEMENTS ( T.52)
1. Locations or History
 The lake is situated in the northern part of the province.
 The river is the largest river in the city area and is the lifeblood of the city.
 The river is a branch of the great... River.
 The river was originally called...
 The river was named after...
 It is a large, shallow body of water surrounded by mountain chains.
2. Importance
 The river is so fascinating that it captures the imaginations of people both at home and abroad.
 There are many famous sites of interest along the banks of the river.
 While floating on a pleasure boat, you will have the opportunity to fully appreciate the beautiful sights
of the river.
 The mist and fog rises from the surface of the lake, making the sky and the water the same colour.
 Under the moon, the light reflecting from the water captivates the viewer.
 You can enjoy the region’s natural abundance by watching the birds on the lake.
 The lake and the surrounding magnificence will bewitch your eyes when you climb the islet in the
centre of the lake.
 It’s a pure lake with clean, fresh water.
 It is a beautiful lake with many islets showing different views in different seasons.
 It is a rich lake abounding with fish and surrounded by trees – tea, mulberry, and other fruit trees.
 When the soft breezes blow, waves roll and the hills in the distance look like an overlapping
landscape painting.
~ 92 ~
TOPIC 18: A HISTORICAL BUILDING/ A MODERN BUILDING/ HOUSING
TOPIC VOCABULARY
 Types of Structure
Cathedral
Office building/block
Skyscraper
Mansion
Opera house
Temple
Monastery
Pagoda
Tower/ Bell tower
Monument
Palace
Town hall
Corridor
Lotus pond
Railing
Courtyard
Memorial archway
Rooftop
Eaves
Ornamental column/pillar
Stone guardian lion
Enclosure wall
Outer flank
Stone tablet
Glazed tile
Passage
Wooden structure
Layout
Pavilion
Wooden architecture
Asymmetrical
Elegant
Simply designed
Balanced
European style
Symmetrical
Contemporary
Gothic
Unique
Delicate (design)
Harmonious
Unsightly
Diversified
Ingenious (layout)
Well-preserved
 Inside of a Structure
 Other Features
PART 2
Topic Card 1
Describe a historical building. You should say:

What it is and where it is

When it was built

What kind of building it is
And explain why you like to talk about it.
Sample Answer
Well, the historical building I had a chance to visit is The Temple of Literature, which is one of the most
famous old structures in Vietnam. It is a must-see travel destination for almost all visitors arriving in
Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam.
The temple was built in 1070 in the reign of King Ly Thanh Tong. Then, it was reconstructed during the
Tran and in subsequent dynasties. Located to the south of Thang Long Citadel, it was originally served
as a university dedicated to Confucius, scholars and sages. Despite wars and natural disasters, the
ancient architectural styles have still been well preserved, and along the paths are hundred-year-old
trees that have witnessed the ups and downs of the Vietnamese history.
~ 93 ~
I’d like to talk about this sacred place for a few reasons. First, the Temple of Literature is a superb
example of traditional style of Vietnamese architecture. The ornamental pillars and wooden structures
show the excellent workmanship of Vietnamese artisans and their high development levels. Besides,
it was the first national university. The stone statues and inscriptions retain the fondness and respect
for learning that the young generations nowadays should follow. Above all, the temple is the symbol and
pride of all Vietnamese people about their long-standing history and culture.
I’m pretty convinced that The Temple of Literature is attractive for many visitors from over the world who
want to discover more about Vietnamese culture and tradition.
Topic Card 2
Describe a modern building. You should say:

What it is and where it is

What kind of building it is

What it looks like
And explain why you like to talk about it.
Sample Answer
Well, the modern building I once came to visit is the Bitexco Financial Tower, a skyscraper in Ho Chi
Minh City. Although it is not the tallest building in Vietnam, its distinction lies in the Helicopter pad on
the 52th floor, making the whole structure resemble a blossoming lotus bud.
It is a multifunctional building. Apart from business purposes, like offices and convention centres, it
also accommodates other entertainment facilities, such as boutique shops, restaurants, food courts,
cafes, and especially an observation deck on the 49th floor, where visitors can enjoy the view of the
city.
In fact, the tower is not only an iconic embodiment of Ho Chi Minh City, but also the symbol of the
Vietnam’s rapid economic growth, sending a meaningful message to the world that Vietnam is no
longer an isolated war-torn country; instead, it is now an integrated part of the global economy.
From an architectural perspective, it’s a masterpiece of art, combining modern elements in
construction with the cultural identity, which was received the “Excellence in structure engineering
awards 2011” in the “International structure over $100 million” category by The National Council of
Structure Associations (NCSEA) of the United States on 22 October 2011.
Topic Card 3
Describe the house/flat you live in. You should say:

Where it is located

What the interior structure is like

What there are in it
And explain why you want talk about it.
Sample Answer
Well, I live in a two-storey house, not very far from the centre of Bien Hoa city. Actually, it is located in a
quiet neighbourhood on a closed lane, so I can avoid the noise and dust of traffic.
On the ground floor, there is a living room, a kitchen and a studying room. The living room is beautifully
decorated with some paintings hanging on the wall and a wooden sofa with two armchairs in the middle.
Facing the front door by the stairs between two big wooden vases stands a cupboard, on which we put a
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television set and some sculptures. There is no partition between the living room and the kitchen, so
the space looks much wider. The studying room, which is the largest in the house, is reserved for my
children learning their lessons and playing games. I sometimes have some classes there, as I’m a
teacher of English.
We have three bedrooms with a private shower and a toilet in each on the first floor. There is also a
small room with a balcony dedicated to worshipping the Buddha and my ancestors. The house is
refreshed by a front yard with flowerbeds and a long terrace where my wife is planning to grow some
vegetables while I use the remaining as my gym.
Of course, I love my house very much. It is not the cosy place where my small family gathers together to
share our love and care, but, more importantly, it is the fruit of years of my hard work to accommodate
my family with the best living facilities.
Topic Card 4
Describe your ideal house. You should say:

What it is and where it is

What kinds of room it has

What the surrounding looks like
And explain why this house is ideal.
Sample Answer
Well, the house in my dream is a villa located in a peaceful area by the sea, where I can breathe fresh
air and enjoy an ocean view from my bedroom every morning. To be more specific, the location I have
in mind is somewhere in Nha Trang, the most beautiful beach city in Vietnam. It should face the ocean,
and I would be accessible to every kind of public facilities including shopping malls, offices, schools,
hospitals, and so on in a short distance.
Basically, apart from the bedroom and living room, which would be decorated in a modern style, I want
the interior laid out according to different functions. For entertainment, I dream of having a video
game room and a home theatre; for study, there would be a small library for reading. Most importantly, it
would be ideal if all the balconies faced the ocean. Around the house should be the green of lawns and
trees so that I could feel happy enjoying the garden with some features as a pond, flowerbeds, and
several exotic plants and bonsais.
Such a place has always been in my dream for several reasons. First, I’m fed up with the noise and
business that make me feel stressed every day; one day I would move to live in a tranquil and serene
community. Besides, I love nature and its beauty. In my opinion, a house will never be perfect if it is not
connected with nature, natural light, wind, and smell of flowers. Most importantly, since it’s not very far
from public facilities, my life routine will not change so much, my children will still have access to good
schools, and my friends can visit me every week to enjoy a barbecue in the garden.
PART 3 ( T.54)
1. What role do you think traditional constructions play in society?
 They symbolise ancient culture and civilisation. They remind us of the ancient people’s wisdom and
craft. From them, we learn about people’s lifestyle, customs, and even social structure in the past.
2. Do you think it necessary to protect the traditional constructions?
 Yes, no doubt about that. The government should fund to preserve the traditional constructions.
They are representative of the history and culture of a nation. Besides, they are of research value.
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Finally, they can bring tourism income for the city.
3. How important are traditions and cultural relics?
 Traditions and cultural relics are part of history. Modern society has derived from and been built
upon the past. We should respect what we have by tradition. Of course, it doesn’t mean we should
stick to tradition and cultural relics. Actually, tradition and modern things can coexist and even
interact in a positive way. For example, one good way for preserving historical buildings is to develop
a sound local tourism industry.
4. What has been done to preserve the cultural and historical relics in your country?
 The government has organised experts in anthropology, architecture, and art to preserve traditional
folk cultures. In addition, the government has funded to maintain cultural relics and historical sites.
Museums and cultural centres have also been established in various places for the collection of
cultural relics of ethnic groups.
5. What are the differences between the constructions in your city nowadays and 20 years ago?
 The constructions 20 years ago in my city were quite the same style, and there were not many highrise buildings. But a lot of changes have taken place in the past decades and many stylish
constructions have been built. The National Stadium is a good example.
6. What are the differences between a house and a flat?
 A house is evidently more comfortable than a flat. You own a private garden, a garage and even a
swimming pool. And the surroundings are usually pleasant because a house is usually located in the
suburbs. But the shortcoming is that it’s more troublesome and costly to maintain.
7. Do you think the building style has influence on the people living in a building?
 Yes, the building style influences people in many ways, especially the interior decorations of the
building like colour, height, etc. The excessively bright colours of the walls dazzle people, but
darkish colours make people depressed. If the ceilings of the rooms are not high enough, people
living in it may feel stuffy.
8. What are the differences between the north and the south in building style?
 The building styles in the north and the south differ in many ways due to the different climates. The
roofs of most houses in the south are steep to allow rain to run off, while in the north the roofs are
usually flat. Besides, the windows of the houses in the south are wider in order to get more
sunshine. In the northeast, the windows are double layered to keep off the freezing cold in winter.
9. What do you think of high buildings in big cities?
 I think there is no need to build such high buildings. At first, the construction cost is very high. And
the power consumption is also high. Besides, high buildings or skyscrapers are vulnerable to
earthquakes and other emergencies. Lastly, high buildings take the place of some old buildings and
make the city a concrete forest.
 I think it’s a good change that we have more skyscrapers in cities. They have become the landmark
of a city and the symbol of a fast-increasing economy. They are more efficient because they
occupy less land space. As for tourism, skyscrapers will become an attraction.
10* What are the differences between modern and historical buildings?
 Actually, I think that the main distinction lies in its function. Unlike historical buildings, modern
structures tend to be more practical and multifunctional. They are built not only for residential
purpose but also for business, commerce, and entertainment. Compared to modern structures,
historical buildings like temples, pagodas, and ancient houses have more value regarding culture
~ 96 ~
and tradition. They are more likely to be designed with sophisticated decoration, while modern
buildings tend to be plainer and more westernised such as skyscrapers, commercial, and office
complexes.
 OTHER POSSIBLE STATEMENTS ( T.55)
1. History
 The tower has a very long and complicated history. It was built in...
 It was originally built during the... dynasty.
 It was initially built in... and rebuilt in...
2. Importance
 It has been considered a symbolic construction of the old city and is a nice place to fill out a day of
sightseeing.
 The tower is magnificent and unique, and of great cultural significance in the city.
 It’s a cultural as well as a historical relic. It houses the authentic works and paintings of many
ancient calligraphers.
 It’s a masterpiece of the...-style architecture.
 The engravings on the doors of the tower reflect the decorative fashion of the... and ... dynasties.
 It enjoys the fame of... because...
 The pavilion is an embodiment of the perfect skill of the ancient craftsmen and contributes greatly
to the study of the architectural style and materials used during the... dynasty.
 Its attraction lies not only in its natural beauty but also in the historical value of its architecture.
3. Descriptions
 The tower consists of the foundation and a three-storey pavilion.
 The construction houses a massive bronze bell. It is a three-storey tower rising 20 metres high.
 It has a square base made of grey bricks.
 On each side of the base, there is an arched door of 6 metres high.
 It stands at a height of about 35 metres.
 The pavilion is a three-storey, rectangular building which reaches 15 metres in height and is
constructed entirely of wood.
4. Views
 Green tiles, red pillars, and engraved windows make the tower superb and striking.
 When night falls, lanterns hung from the eaves illuminate the tower, making it even more enchanting.
 You can climb to the top of the pagoda via a wooden staircase, where you can enjoy the whole view
of the city.
 Seen from a distance, the pavilion seems like a giant bird in flight.
 The red building with its yellow glazed roof tiles is a splendid and colourful sight.
 It is a combination of historical cultural relics and beautiful landscapes.
~ 97 ~
TOPIC 19: A JOURNEY/TRAVEL/TOURISM
TOPIC VOCABULARY
 Types of Travel
Adventure travel
Cycling tour
Extreme travel
Backpack travel
Driving tour
Guided tour
Bush walking
Eco-tourism
Inbound tourism/travel
Business travel
Excursion/outing
Leisure travel
Camping
Exotic travel
Outbound tourism/travel
Charter tour
Expedition
Self-guided tour
Cruise
Exploring travel
Walking tour
Ancient architectural complex
Fascinating scenery
Scenic spots
Ancient monument
Historical & cultural heritage
Shopping Mecca
Ancient town
Historical relics
Spectacular
Cave
Hot travel route/spot
Summer resort
Citadel
Isolated
Theme park
Cultural landscape
Must-see destination
Tourist attraction
Delightful
Natural landscape/scenery
Traditional architecture
Deserted
Places of attraction
Unearthed cultural relics
Emperor’s mausoleum
Royal tomb
Vacation destination
Air travel
Ferryboat
Low-cost airline
Excursion train
Hovercraft
Tour bus
Express train
Long-haul coach
Yacht
Guidebook
Package tour
Tourist
Holidaymaker
Passport
Travel agency
Itinerary
Route
Traveller’s cheque
Journey/trip/tour
Self-service
Visa
Airfare
Check in
Duty-free shop
Airport tax
Claim tag
Excess baggage charge
Airport terminal
Coach/economy class
First class
Aisle seat
Connecting flight
Flight number
Boarding pass
Departure lounge
Half-price ticket
Book the ticket
Direct/non-stop flight
Hand/carry-on luggage
Business class
Domestic arrival
International arrival
 Destination-Related Lexis
 Means of Travel
 Tourist-Related Lexis
 Air Travel
~ 98 ~
Layover/stopover
One-way/single ticket
Toll
Luggage barrow
Round-trip/return ticket
Touch down
Luggage label
Saver ticket
Vacant seat
Make a reservation
Take off
Window seat
B&B (Bed and Breakfast)
Headwaiter
Residential hotel
Baggage check
Hotel lobby
Single room
Boarding house
Information/reception desk
Suite
Check in
Inn
Tavern
Check out
Luxury hotel
Vacant room
Double room
Motel
Youth hostel
 Where to Stay
PART 1 ( T.56)
1. Do you enjoy travelling?
 Yes, I’m really into travelling. It’s exciting to visit different places and meet different people.
 Frankly speaking, no. I’m not very keen on travelling. I think it tiresome to travel. I’d rather spend my
leisure time at home curling with a book on the sofa or surfing the Internet.
* Undoubtedly, yes, travelling is always a burning desire in my mind. In fact, I love visiting beautiful
places, trying new experiences, tasting different cuisines, and meeting different types of people. I
have been to many of the famous tourist destinations in Vietnam like Hoi An ancient town, Hue, Ha
Long Bay, Huong Pagoda Festival. However, there are still many others in the list of worthwhile
destinations to discover such as Phong Nha and Son Doong Caves in Quang Binh Province, Sa Pa
in the northern highlands, and, if there is a chance, my family and I will travel to other countries like
Singapore, Malaysia, France, Italy, and so on.
Travelling is one of the basic and essential needs of human beings, and it helps you to experience
new cultural values and enjoy many interesting and amazing things that you have never seen and
known in your hometown or country. You can have no better opportunities to discover mysterious
lands and traditions that they have only watched in a documentary, a sense of freshness and
newness.
2. What are the benefits of travel?
 At first, travel makes people relax and take life easy. It offers a chance to escape from the day-today routine of life. In addition to that, travel helps enrich life.
3. Do you think it good to take children travelling?
 Yes, that’s for sure. In the first place, travel helps children increase road and personal safety
awareness. Besides, travel offers children a chance to learn about history and past culture by
visiting museums or old towns.
 Well, it depends. If children are too young, it’s meaningless to take them travelling because they
can’t remember and conceive what they see. And they are very likely to become the troublemakers
during the trip.
4. What form of travel do you prefer?
 Personally, I prefer solo travel. I can indulge myself fully. I can sleep as much or as little as I like,
~ 99 ~
rest when I want. Besides, the solitary status in the trip encourages me to open up to new things
and people.
 I prefer to have a package tour. It provides a tension-free holiday. Choosing a tour operator to do
most of the planning for the holiday saves me time and hassle.
PART 2 ( T.57)
Topic Card 1
Describe an interesting trip. You should say:

When you took the trip

Where the place you visited was

What you did during the trip
And explain why it was interesting.
Sample Answer
Last year, I had a pleasant trip to Paris. It was a package tour organised by our college. We took the
aeroplane for about 10 hours. Stepping out of the terminal in Airport Charles de Gaulle, I was amazed by
the gorgeous scenes of the airport.
We stayed in a hotel in the area called Montmartre. It’s near the centre of town and dotted with elegant
café and teahouses. Despite the jet lag, we visited the streets and local shops near the hotel with great
joy. On the second day of our stay, we had a boat trip up the River Seine and climbed the Eiffel Tower,
the famous monument in the middle of Paris. The view from up there was terrific. The third day we went
to Notre Dame, which is a large cathedral with beautiful glass windows. I have been dreaming of visiting
it since I read the renowned novel by Victor Hugo – The Hunchback of Notre Dame. The cathedral
impressed me deeply for its grand exterior and magnificent history. We also visited the famous
gallery, the Louvre. The valuable artefacts and masterpieces in it dazzled our eyes.
We stayed in Paris for only four days, which was too short for visiting a city with brilliant history. I hope to
have a chance to appreciate the city’s culture thoroughly in the future.
Topic Card 2
Describe a long journey you had. You should say:

When you made the journey

What you did during the journey

How long the journey lasted
And explain why you enjoyed the journey.
Sample Answer
Here I’m going to talk about my trip around Europe last summer, travelling by train. I went for a whole
month, going all around Europe from London, where I was studying in a language school, to Eastern
Europe and then back.
After spending 9 months in London, I felt it was high time I embarked on a long trip to experience some
more of the world and its people. Travelling by train, I kept myself occupied by looking out of the
window at the landscapes as they flashed by. The countryside was mostly fields, but once I got to the
Alps then it became breathtaking. There were towering cliffs of rocks with fast-flowing rivers cutting
between valley walls. I could see a castle on one of the hillsides. Each city I visited brought a new style
of architecture and type of person on the street.
~ 100 ~
I’ll never forget this trip because it was the first time I was travelling without a home base. I went with a
good friend and we spent a lot of time together. We had memorable conversations on the long train
journeys about life, society and religion – all very deep stuff. I also had the chance to see some of the
world’s most famous sights like the Eiffel Tower in Paris and the Charles Bridge in Prague. It was
fascinating waking up on a moving train knowing that the next stop I got off at was going to present me
with a whole new country with many surprises. It was a unique experience.
Topic Card 3*
Describe a foreign country you want to visit. You should say

Where you want to travel to

When you will travel

What you will do while you are travelling
And explain why you want to travel to this place.
Sample Answer
Well, the country I long to visit is Japan, which is one of the most attractive and fascinating travelling
destinations for many Asians, and I am no exception.
Actually, I’m planning to spend two weeks touring around the country of sunrise and sakura with my
small family.
During my trip, I will definitely try to enjoy myself to the most by taking part in all sorts of activities the
package tour offers, including hiking and skiing on Mount Fuji, going shopping in Tokyo, visiting the old
temples and pagodas in the ancient city, Kyoto, or hanging around some world-renowned tourist
attractions.
Well, I’m dying to travel to Japan for a number of reasons. First, Japanese culture is one of the most
well-known and well-preserved cultures all over the world, which shares many things in common with
our traditional culture. Hopefully, I can discover underlying values that make them become one of the
most prosperous countries in the world. I really admire the Japanese ways of communicating and
behaving especially with foreigners. They seem to be a humble nation with extraordinary latent
power. Everything I know about this country and people has come from literature and movie; now it’s
the right time for me to discover myself. Therefore, I’m very eager for this trip.
Topic Card 4 ( T.58)
Describe a long car journey you went on. You should say

Where you went and why you went there

Who you travelled with

What you saw on the trip/on the way
And explain why you went by car.
Sample Answer
Like many other young people, I don’t have the habit of waking up early every day, only for special
occasions. Last weekend, a group of my friends and I decided to go on a trip to the mountainous area of
Vietnam called Mu Cang Chai. We had to leave very early in the morning so that we did not get stuck in
the traffic. In addition, we would have more time to spend there.
It wasn’t easy to get up early in the morning, because I had been so excited about the trip that I had
barely slept that night. I had never been to Mu Cang Chai before. It is located in the northern part of
~ 101 ~
Vietnam, so I knew that we faced a long drive ahead. We had decided to go by car since, that way; all
five of us could travel together. Moreover, everyone reckoned that it would be safer than going by
motorbike. / Waking up early did not feel that bad at all, even though it was the first time I had done so
for many months. To begin with, I felt a bit sleepy, but then the pure morning air freshened me
completely.
After five hours driving, we arrived at our destination. We were amazed to see a vast land filled with the
yellow colour of terraced rice fields, ready to be harvested. Under the sunlight, these rice fields
sparkled like gold.
We stayed for one night with a local host and helped the family with their regular tasks before setting out
for home the next day. It was such an amazing trip, and it helped us to learn more about the countryside
and the way of life of those who live there. I’d love to make more trips like that in the future.
PART 3 ( T.59)
1. Where do you want to travel in the future?
 I hope to have an exotic tour in the near future to experience different cultures and customs. One of
my dream destinations is Egypt. The country appeals to me because of her long and mysterious
history, splendid culture, and unique landscapes.
 I have an ambitious wish to travel to the moon in the future. I don’t think it unrealistic because the
development of space technology makes it possible for ordinary people to travel in space.
2. What changes will happen in the ways of travelling in the future?
 I believe the ways of travelling will be more diverse in the future. As well as the traditional forms,
there will be more customised transport forms for travellers to choose from. They can not only meet
the travellers’ demands for high speed but provide more comfortable and individual ways of
travelling.
3. Did the generation of your parents enjoy travelling when they were your age?
 I suppose they also fancied travelling to strange places and exploring unknown things just like the
young today. But due to their low budget and inconvenient transportation, they were not likely to
travel as frequently and widely as today’s young people.
 Well, frankly speaking, I never think about this issue. I guess they were not so craving for travel as
today’s young people because they were exposed to less temptation and encouragement from the
media or friends.
4. Do you enjoy travelling alone or with others?
 I prefer to travel alone. I enjoy the solitude status in the trip, which encourages others to make first
contact and increases your opportunity to make new friends. Besides, without the distraction of a
group or partner, I can be more sensitive to new things around.
 I prefer to travel with my friends. I enjoy the feeling of sharing the pleasure of the trip with my
companions. Besides, we can share the expense of the trip.
5. Where do tourists like to travel nowadays?
 It’s hard to say because there are so many choices for travellers to select. But on the whole, more
and more tourists go travelling abroad to experience exotic cultures. Western Europe is the most
popular destination because of its abundant historical and cultural relics.
 I think most tourists enjoy sightseeing travel rather than leisure tours. They are fond of the “famous”
travel spots such as the Eiffel Tower in Paris or the Tower in London. But with the growth of tourism,
~ 102 ~
I think the tourists will become more sensible when choosing destinations.
 In my opinion, more and more travellers prefer to tour natural beauties instead of manmade
places of interest. After all, the natural beauties are ideal for relaxation.
6. What do you think of the tourism industry?
 Tourism has two sides just like any other things. On one hand, it has positive effects in creating
employment and improving local infrastructure. But on the weaker side, it destroys the local
environment and culture. From my point of view, the worst point is that tourism leads to global
mono-culture.
7. What types of accommodation are available for tourists in your city?
 Being a metropolis offers various types of accommodation from youth hostels to luxury hotels. It’s
likely that tourists will choose their favourite ones based on their budgets.
 The city I live in is not a tourist one, so there are not many choices for tourists. The most common
ones are medium-sized hotels. There are neither five-star hotels nor budget hotels.
8* What are the most popular travelling destinations in your country?
 Well, it really depends on one’s hobby and age group. I believe young people prefer travelling to
well-known tourist destinations like Nha Trang, Da Nang, Ha Long and Sa Pa where they can satisfy
their desire for discovering something new or enjoy stimulating and intriguing experiences.
While, for the elderly, I guess they would choose destinations with stunning natural landscapes or
memorable historic relics such as Da Lat, Hue, and Hoi An to reminisce about the past golden
days. In general, quite a number of Vietnamese people of all ages have a special sentiment
towards resorts surrounded by the sea where they can spoil themselves in swimming and enjoying
seafood.
9* How has people’s way of travelling changed?
 Actually, there has been significant change in the way people satisfy their wants to discover the
world. While some years ago, people travelled by slow and crowded trains or wrecked coaches
from A to B around the country, now they have more choices of means of transport as well as
destinations. More passengers fly the air since this is the fastest and most comfortable for long
distances. Besides, thanks to the higher standard of living, foreign tour packages have become
more prevalent among not only the wealthy but also the middle class.
10* Is tourism always good for places?
 In many cases, the answer is yes because tourism industry can boost the local economy and
contribute to reducing the unemployment rate. However, if we rely too much on tourism, the local
environment both natural and cultural may be negatively affected. More tourists mean more littering
and polluting with the downgrading of some traditional values. So, in my opinion, we need a bit of
balance for that. Some appropriate polices should be implemented to keep tourist operations under
stricter control and raise local residents’ and tourists’ awareness of eco-protection.
 OTHER POSSIBLE STATEMENTS ( T.60)
1. Advantages of Travelling
 Travel cleanses the mind, touches the soul and lightens the heart.
 Travel can mean new friends and reconnecting with that old one, yourself.
 Travel makes us relax and take life easy.
 Travel offers one an escape from the monotony of our daily life.
~ 103 ~
 Travel offers us a chance to learn about the history and past culture by visiting museums or old towns.
 Walking or cycling travel helps children improve health and fitness.
 Travel also improves children’s lives and social skills.
2. Advantages and Disadvantages of Different Types of Travel
Advantages
 Solo travel is the quickest and easiest way to develop independence.
 Solo travel is good. It’s a rest cure, offering recovery from routine pressure. You use the time to
relax, refresh, and recharge.
 If you join a package tour, all your needs are cared for by the travel agency. Tour operators make
use of bulk bookings from hotels and are able to get good deals for food, sightseeing tours,
transportation, and any other services.
 You can enjoy a tension-free holiday: choosing a tour operator to do most of the planning for the
holiday saves you time and hassle. You might be travelling to the holiday spot for the first time and
have no idea about the place.
 If you choose to travel during the peak season, there are little chances of securing accommodation
and travel tickets. Opting for a holiday package would make it easier to travel in such a situation.
 If you choose a holiday package through a tour operator, you can plan your budget for the trip. In
fact, you can choose your holiday package based on your budget.
 A tour operator offering a holiday package can give better information and suggestions. He can give
you a wide variety of options to choose according to the type of holiday you have in mind.
 Self-guided tours are suitable for couples, families, or groups of friends.
 Baggage transfers and accommodation arrangements mean you don’t have to carry a heavy
backpack or sleep in hostels along the way.
 You tour at your own pace.
Disadvantages
 The package tour is potential for superficial visits or for moving on too quickly to the next place.
There is a lack of free time to rest or for independent exploring.
 Chances are that you’ll get stuck with incompatible travelling companions.
 There is no flexibility to change travel plans along the way.
 If you travel alone, you have to be your won guide. You may have to handle foreign languages and
currency without help. Safety and security will be the biggest problem.
3. Impacts of Tourism
 Tourism has a positive effect on the economy where many new jobs have been created, especially
in hotels, travel agencies and craft and entertainment.
 Tourism improves the infrastructure development such as roads, water, electricity, and telecoms.
 Tourism may lead to environmental destruction. Plenty of naturally beautiful spots are converted into
resorts for golf and playgrounds.
 Tourism also leads to cultural destruction. It creates a global mono-culture.
 Although tourism creates job opportunities, they are seasonal.
 The quietness of the scenic spots is destroyed. They become crowded.
~ 104 ~
TOPIC 20: A WEDDING/BIRTHDAY PARTY/EATING OUT
TOPIC VOCABULARY
 Wedding-Related Lexis
Bow down to parents
Honeymoon
Wedding anniversary
Bride
Live band/music
Wedding cake
Bridegroom/groom
Officiator
Wedding ceremony
Bridesmaid
Pastor
Wedding etiquette
Exchange rings
Propose a toast
Wedding march
Feast
Reception
Wedding ring
Groomsman/best man
Trousseau
Weeding dress/gown
Cafeteria/eatery/canteen
Eat out/dine out
Sample
Cuisine
Feast on
Service
Décor
Food court
Setting
Delicacy
Luncheon
Speciality
Dish/special dish
Regional
Western-style
Appetising
Fragrant
Savoury
Bitter
Fresh
Sour
Bland/light
Greasy
Spicy
Delicious/tasty/yummy
Healthy/wholesome
Succulent
Disgusting/revolting/yucky
Hot
Sweet
Flat
Salty
Tasteless
Bake
Fry/deep-fry/stir-fry
Steam
Barbecue
Grill
Stew
Boil
Roast
Toast
 Restaurant-Related Lexis
 Food Quality
 Cooking Methods
PART 1 ( T.61)
1. How often do you eat at a restaurant?
 I have at least one meat at a restaurant each day. It may be a fast-food restaurant or a snack bar. I
spend a sizeable part of the day away from home, so it’s inevitable to eat out as well.
 I seldom eat at a restaurant. I eat lunch in the cafeteria in our office block and cook supper at home.
2. Do you enjoy cooking?
 Yes, it’s enjoyable to do cooking at home. I enjoy the feeling of creating something. Plus, it’s more
hygienic to cook at home than to eat out.
~ 105 ~
 No, I have no interest in cooking at all. I don’t want to spend my leisure time in the kitchen, and my
cooking skill is very limited. Now that the restaurants provide a rich variety of foods, I’d rather take
advantage of them.
3. Which type of food do you like best?
 Fresh vegetables and fruits are my favourites. But it doesn’t mean that I am a vegetarian. I just
keep a regular intake of them daily.
 Seafood is my favourite, especially shrimps. As well as the delicious taste, they are low in calories
and fat. They are natural healthy food.
 I love anything spicy, from curry beef to hot pot. They are appetising.
4. Do you think there are many changes in the restaurants nowadays compared with before?
 Yes, today’s restaurants have become more individual in decoration and menu. When I was a child,
the restaurants resembled each other, but nowadays we have different-style restaurants with
ethnic or foreign cuisine.
 Yes, there are more restaurants with exotic flavours nowadays. In..., you can find Thai restaurants,
Japanese restaurants, and western-style restaurants. They provide a rich variety of food for us.
5. Do people often go to the restaurants?
 Yes, I think today’s people eat out more often than before, especially the young generation. With a
sizeable part of the day away from home, it’s inevitable to eat at the restaurants.
 Well, it depends. For the middle-class families, it’s very common to eat at the restaurants for
convenience. But for most lower-class families and workers, frequent eating out is unaffordable.
PART 2
Topic Card 1
Describe a wedding you attended. You should say:

When you went to this wedding

Who the new couple was

What people did at this wedding
And explain why you want to talk about this wedding.
Sample Answer 1
Well, the special wedding ceremony I’d like to share with you was my best friend Long’s because it was
the first time, and maybe the only, I had been a best man.
Long and I have been close friends since childhood. We have known each other for more than four
decades. Therefore, when he invited me to be his best man, I accepted without any hesitation.
At the beginning, I was quite nervous since I had never been in this post before, and it seemed like I was
going to have a big day. Before the ceremony, we had laboriously decorated the banquet hall and
arranged everything in order. The ceremony procedure was quite conventional, just like others in
Vietnam; the bride and groom welcomed all the guests, and then I took them to their seats. When the
lucky time came, my friend and his wife appeared on the stage, exchanged rings, bowed down to
parents, cut the wedding cake and poured Champaign into a glass tower. Afterwards, they
accompanied by their parents stopped by each table to propose a toast with the guests and take
pictures.
~ 106 ~
Since Long had invited many friends from college, we turned the wedding reception into a big reunion
party. Most of us were present to share this valuable moment with him and wished him a good start in
his private life. Eventually, we all got drunk, and it was one of the most unforgettable moments in my
whole life.
Sample Answer 2
I attended my best friend Jane’s weeding last summer. It was an imposing ceremony with a
combination of both Vietnamese and western features.
The wedding ceremony was held in a five-star hotel. When the bride stepped out of the luxurious car
decorated with flowers, confetti was scattered on the newly-weds. Jane wore a white wedding dress
and carried a bouquet. When the newly-weds exchanged wedding rings and kissed, all the guests
applauded. Then according to the Vietnamese tradition, they served wine to the parents of both sides.
The feast was served after the etiquette, which was the climax of the ceremony. The bride changed
her dress into a traditional one – “ao dai”. The dress added charm to her. According to Vietnamese
wedding customs, they should toast every guest present. The guests also gave their sincere wishes to
the newly-weds, congratulating them for finding the perfect other half.
It was really a neatly crafted wedding. In my opinion, a wedding is a wonderful occasion. It is an
important ritual filled with hopes, dreams, and excitement.
Topic Card 2
Describe a birthday party. You should say:

Whose birthday it was

Where it was held

What people did at the party
And explain why it was interesting/ unforgettable.
Sample Answer
Well, I’d like to tell you about the 3rd birthday of my small daughter that marked a significant change in
my life and my career.
At first, my wife didn’t agree with me about holding a party at a restaurant since we were living in a
rental house and the budget was limited. However, the final decision was mine, and I invited my
parents who live in Hue, about 600 km far away, some of my best friends and my students to share this
special occasion.
It was the biggest ever party I had ever been to, full of joy and happiness. The restaurant reserved a
separate hall on the first floor and prepared a special menu with their favourite dishes and, of course, a
birthday cake for my loving daughter. The number of guests was far more than I had expected and we
needed three more tables for old students and surprising guests. The atmosphere was really great;
everybody was delighted with all the foods, especially the music and service there.
Of course, the happiest person was my daughter because she received many gifts ... but no one knew
that I was even happier than she was.
~ 107 ~
Topic Card 3
Describe your favourite restaurant. You should say

What it is and where it is

How often you go there

What kinds of food you have there
And explain why you like this restaurant.
Sample Answer
Well, the restaurant I usually go out to is called Que Huong (meaning Homeland in English), a familyowned restaurant specialising in different cuisines of different regions in Vietnam. It is conveniently
located in one of the main streets in Bien Hoa and just 5-minute walk from my home.
Normally, whenever my friends or relatives pay me a visit, it is my first choice to treat them an excellent
meal there. It’s also the place where my family and I usually have a get-together on weekends or
holidays.
Just as I mentioned, they have a diverse menu, including tasty and yummy dishes from well-known
cuisines in Vietnam like Hue’s cooking, northern style, or southern hotpots. Particularly, they always
offer some new dishes every week.
I really like this restaurant for several reasons. Firstly, the food there is plentiful and well-prepared. Most
of the taste, flavour, and decor quite resemble the origin as the owner is a gourmet, and all the dishes
are healthy and nutritious. It is set in a large garden with the green and exotic plants, bringing you a
cosy atmosphere suitable for family gatherings, meetings among friends and even celebrations.
Unlike many others, it’s a family-style restaurant, so you don’t get bothered with noise and chaos from
the drunken. More importantly, the prices are quite affordable and the services are quick and hospitable.
Topic Card 4
Describe your favourite foreign food. You should say

What the food and which country it comes from

Where you can get it

What ingredients it is made from
And explain why you like it.
Sample Answer
Well, I have tasted a wide range of foreign dishes like spaghetti, kebab, hamburger, and so on, but the
food I like most is sushi, a symbol of Japanese cuisine. It is regarded as the healthiest in the world.
Actually, nowadays it can be easily found in many kinds of places in big cities like Japanese restaurants,
supermarkets, and cafeterias. The food is a combination of different vegetables and seafood such as
cucumber, seaweed, salmon, shrimp and so on served with rice.
I love sushi for several reasons. Firstly, I think sushi is nutritious. It provides us with all sorts of daily
essential vitamins, protein, minerals, fibre and it is low in fat and calories. I am currently trying to
lose weight, so it is perfect to feed myself and makes me worry-free regarding my diet. In addition,
eating sushi means you are enjoying a distinctive feature of Japanese culture. Everything is processed
with care and respect to satisfy the eater with all the five senses: decor, flavour, sound, taste, and
feeling.
~ 108 ~
PART 3
1. Are there any changes in the eating habits of Vietnamese people?
 Yes, the eating habits of the Vietnamese have generally changed a lot recently. First, we pay more
attention to having a healthy diet. The quality, not the quantity, has become the main concern of
more and more people. Besides, with the popularity of international fast-food chains and
restaurants and thanks to higher income, people eat out more frequently than ever before.
 No, I don’t think so. I don’t think there is a significant change in Vietnamese people’s eating habits.
Rice and glutinous rice-based products are still the staple food of most Vietnamese families. We
adhere to the typical traditional food on special festivals, such as square cakes at Tet holiday.
2. What will people’s eating habits be like in the future?
 I suppose people will put more emphasis on a healthy diet. Most people will go for a more
wholesome food with sufficient nutrients such as vitamins, fibres, and minerals. Fast food high in
fat and calories will be cast off slowly.
 I suppose people will tend to eat out much more often in the future. One reason is the pace of
people’s life, especially those living in big cities, is getting faster and faster, so cooking at home will
become “mission impossible” for many families. It’s also because today’s young people are less
self-sufficient and lack necessary cooking skills.
3. Why do lots of people like to eat out?
 Primarily, it takes a lot less time and hassle to eat out. You needn’t go shopping for food, prepare a
big meal for the whole family and especially do the tiring washing-up afterwards. Besides, you are
more likely to savour foods from other ethnic groups or cuisines or another country while dining out.
4. What are the benefits of eating at home?
 First, meals prepared and eaten at home are usually more nutritious and healthier. They contain
more fruits, vegetables, and dairy products along with additional nutrients. Besides, it’s cheaper to
buy foods in the market or supermarket, and they are fresher and safer. Most importantly, a family
meal is an intimate occasion to foster warmth, security and love as well as the feelings of
belonging among the family members. It can be an underlying experience for all family members.
5. What do you think is the most important thing for a good restaurant?
 A good restaurant should be special in its menu. It can offer specialties that other restaurants lack.
Therefore, the skill of the chef is most critical. Its menu should always be updated with new dishes
and the quality can only be higher and higher. In addition, the decoration style should be charming
and unique.
 I think good service is the key to the success of a restaurant. Now that most restaurants have similar
foods and menus, the considerate service is something that can impress the guests and appeal to
them, so they will come for a second visit.
6. What do you think is a healthy diet?
 Well, fresh fruits and vegetables are naturally healthy food because they are high in vitamins and
minerals. For example, fibre-rich tomatoes are natural wholesome food low in calories and high in
vitamins C and A.
 Studies have shown that fish is one of the world’s healthiest foods. Fatty fish such as salmon is
packed with protein. Eating fish once a week may even slow the rate of cognitive decline. It’s
really a great natural healthy diet.
 A healthy diet should be organic and less processed. Food should not be contaminated by
~ 109 ~
chemicals or additives during the growth and processing.
 For me, healthy eating means two things: eating a balanced diet and eating the right amount of food.
A balanced diet means eating a variety of foods, including meat, vegetables, fruit, cereals, and
dairy foods. Obviously, the amount of food we should eat depends on many factors, such as age,
job and on how active we are.
7. What’s the difference between weddings in the past and now?
 I think weddings have changed a lot over time. When I was a child, weddings were mostly held at
home and most relatives came to the groom’s or the bride’s house to give a hand. It was a special
occasion in the community. Now, receptions are usually held in an expensive restaurant and there is
not much preparation of cooking at home. In addition, the new couples take a lot of photos not only
before the wedding party but also during the ceremony and reception. In short, compared to the
past, there are more western elements in today’s weddings, like a white wedding dress, bouquet,
wedding rings, and other things. At the same time, some old-aged Vietnamese customs are no
longer followed.
8. How have weddings change recently?
 Well, in the past, people in my country used to have their wedding reception in a simple way. They
invited some close friends and relatives to their house for the traditional wedding ceremony and later
on a small party. Now, people are more likely to spend a fortune on a series events and
celebrations, including taking expensive wedding photos at romantic scenes, holding luxurious
parties in a restaurant or wedding centre, going on honeymoon, and so on. They seem like more
westernised and superficial.
9. How do people celebrate birthdays in your culture?
 Well, people usually throw a party to celebrate this important event with their family members,
friends, or colleagues. The kind of party depends on the age of the person and his or her position in
society. Children often have some friends join them at home or in a fast food restaurant where they
can sing or play with their peers. Adults prefer a formal meal at a nice restaurant to welcome their
guests. A birthday cake is a must, but not everybody likes sweet things so much.
10. Do people in your family celebrate birthdays in different ways?
 To tell you the truth, we always hold a party for every member in my family at my favourite
restaurant. The only differences are the number of guests and the menu selected for each occasion.
I have the most friends, so my birthday party is usually the biggest and the most exciting while my
wife’s is just among the relatives.
 OTHER POSSIBLE STATEMENTS ( T.62)
1. Healthy Food
 The benefit of olive oil may go way beyond its wonderful taste.
 Regular consumption of garlic is believed to protect against cancer.
 Studies have shown that fish is one of the world’s healthiest foods. Fatty fish such as salmon is
packed with protein. Eating fish once a week may even slow the rate of cognitive decline. It’s really
a great natural healthy diet.
 Fibre-rich tomatoes are a natural health food low in calories and high in vitamins C and A.
 When I feel like snacking, I usually grab a handful of nuts. They are natural health food. Eating nuts
is a convenient way to make sure that you get enough protein.
~ 110 ~
 I often start my day with a bowl of fresh cooked oatmeal.
 I enjoy eating non-starchy vegetables such as spinach, carrots, broccoli, or green beans with
meals.
 I prefer wholegrain food to processed grain products.
 I usually choose lean meats like cuts of beef. I like to remove the skin from chicken and turkey.
 I choose non-fat dairy such as skimmed milk, non-fat yogurt, and non-fat cheese.
2. Advantages and Disadvantages of Different Types of Travel
Eating out
 We all love to have food prepared for us, whether it is take-out, fast food or at a sit-down
restaurant. We don’t have to cook and wash dishes – it’s great.
 International fast-food chains have also become popular and offered a quick and hygienic option for
people on the move.
 Eating out does have its advantages: it takes a lot less time and hassle. You needn’t prepare and
wash up afterwards.
 Some street food and restaurant hygiene standards are a little dubious. Food sold on sidewalks
may be at risk of being contaminated by dust and other pollutants.
 Some ready-to-eat foods have more oil, salt, and sugar than home-cooked food.
 A common problem with eating out is a greater temptation to eat more than one would at home.
Large extra-value portion sizes can seem tempting because of cost savings.
Eating at Home
 Conversations during the meal provide opportunities for the family to bond, plan, connect, and learn
from one another.
 Family meals foster warmth, security, and love, as well as feelings of belongings. It can be a
unifying experience for all.
 Family mealtimes are the perfect opportunity to display appropriate table manners and meal
etiquette.
 Meals prepared and eaten at home are usually more nutritious and healthier. They contain more
fruit, vegetables, and dairy products along with additional nutrients.
 Meals purchased away from home cost two to four times more than meals prepared at home.
~ 111 ~
TOPIC 21: AN ADVERTISEMENT/CULTURAL DIFFERENCES
TOPIC VOCABULARY
 Types of Advertisements
Billboard/hoarding
Neon light ad
Poster
Classified ad
Pamphlet
Print ad
Leaflet
Pop-up
Television ad/commercial
Advertising feedback
Consumer behaviour
Mislead consumers
Advertising frequency
Consumption pattern
Nuisance
Advertising market
Creative advertising
Offensive
Advertising media
Deception
Product awareness
Advertising message
Deceptive/cheating
Product design
Advertising strategy
Entertainment value
Product recognition
Appealing
Exaggerating
Puffery
Arouse purchasing desire
Icon
Raise awareness of
Boast
Impressive
Sales promotion
Campaign
Impressive
Slogan
Communication media
Inducing
Sponsorship
Consumer attitude
Legal/illegal
Untruthful
Acculturation
Cultural integration
Integrate
Assimilate
Cultural misconception
Language barrier
Be derived from
Cultural specificity
Local culture/tradition
Be handed down
Cultural uniqueness
National identity
Bias
Culture shock
Oral tradition
Belief
Custom
Prejudice
Civilisation
Discrimination
Race conflict/behaviour
Code of manners
Diversity
Racism
Conflict
Eliminate
Ritual
Cultural assimilation
Ethnocentric
Social convention
Cultural difference
Folk culture
Stereotype
Cultural exchange
Inherit/inheritance
Traditional value
 Advertisement-Related Lexis
 Culture
PART 2 ( T.63)
Topic Card 1
Describe an advertisement you think is good. You should say:
~ 112 ~

Where you saw it

What it is about

What is advertised
And explain why you think it is good.
Sample Answer 1
The most impressive advertisement I ever saw was an online touring advertisement of Australia. It was
the slogan that struck me at first sight: “Where the bloody hell are you?” When I followed the link, I
found it rather creative and not as offensive as it appeared to be.
It was a series of scenes about Australia. The first one is a punter in a remote outback pub, who
stands at the bar and says, “We’ve bought you a beer,” and turns to face the smiling female bartender.
Then a camel train walks down the beach with the sunset in the background. A woman says, “And
we’ve had the camels shampooed.” Next, you can see bare legs swish through the surf. A woman in
bikini top tells you, “We’ve saved you a spot on the beach.” And a boy with sunscreen on his face dives
into the pool and emerges to say, “And we’ve got the sharks out of the pool.” In the next scenes, you can
see kangaroos, a yellow seaplane, and a dazzling fireworks display that arouse your endless longing.
And then suddenly, I think like most overseas viewers, I was stunned by the aboriginal girl in a bikini
when she says, “So where the bloody hell are you?”
I think it’s an entertaining way to showcase everything that Australia has to offer the vacationers. As for
“bloody hell”, I suppose it has something to do with the bold and direct nature of the Australian culture.
It’s really an impressive and seductive advertisement, at least to me.
Sample Answer 2*
There are several advertisements that we see on TV daily. Some of them are very boring and others are
average while some are very interesting and creative. One such advertisement that I really liked was
regarding the unmatched contributions of mothers for their kids which I saw a few months ago. The
advertisement was broadcast in honour of the Vietnamese Women before their day of celebration (the
20th of October).
This ad was a very creative one and it was not like other ads that publicise a product of some kind. It
sketches the story of a young widow working night and day on to nurture her small son. She only
returns when the son has already slept or he isn’t at home and changes her ragged clothes.
Time passes by until the day the son discovers all the truth. Rather it was an advertisement dedicated to
the mothers and it reminded us that the toughest job of the world is the job done by mothers. They take
care of their kids with the utmost care and dedication. They sacrifice their own wishes to bring up the
kids properly.
I saw this ad on VTV 5, the channel for the overseas Vietnamese. This was such a moving ad that my
eyes filled with tears anytime I saw it, and I believe that many people felt the same like me because we
can’t grow up without our mothers and this world doesn’t exist without women.
Topic Card 2*
Describe one thing you find interesting about cultural differences. You should say:

What it is

When you experienced this

How you learned about this cultural difference
And explain why you want to talk about it.
~ 113 ~
Sample Answer
In my current college, which participates in a number of cooperation programmes with international
institutions, I have had some opportunities to get in touch with foreign students and lecturers from Asia,
Europe, and America. Besides language barrier, cultural differences although regarded as obstacles
help me understand more about new friends in the global village.
Recently, one of my classmates failed a course because he got a problem identified as plagiarism by
an American professor. He copied parts of an article on the Internet to complete his assignment without
quoting the source. For many Vietnamese students, this mistake is not so serious because none of my
Vietnamese teachers drew our attention to this issue while we were at school. However, for my foreign
professors plagiarists are called intellectual thieves, and this is strictly banned. In my opinion, this is a
good and fair practice since everyone should respect others’ work as a kind of intellectual property and
should be honest with themselves about their real ability.
To a certain extent, this ethical code helps protect the fruit of each individual’s labour and effort,
contributing to strengthen equality, a basic value of any society. If children are taught to keep way from
plagiarism, they will become more honest, more responsible, and more creative.
PART 3 ( T.64)
1. Where else can you see advertisement besides on TV?
 Apart from TV and radio commercials, other forms of media advertising can be seen everywhere,
such as print advertising on newspapers and magazines, and electronic advertising online. In
addition, outdoor advertising is very popular nowadays especially in big cities, like platform
advertising, neon light advertising and advertising on vehicles.
2. What are the benefits of advertisements?
 For manufacturers, advertisements allow them to reach a large number of potential buyers and can
be especially effective when targeted to people that have a need for the product. For consumers,
advertisements provide information that helps them make an informed buying decision. For a city
as a whole, I think the out-of-home advertisements like posters and neon light advertisements add
dynamic and vital scenes.
3. What are the negative sides of advertisements?
 Today’s advertisements surround us wherever we go. They are intruders and disturb our peaceful
life. Besides, the prevailing advertisements arouse our purchasing desire and create a materialist
atmosphere.
4. What influences do commercials pose on teens?
 I think TV commercials pose lots of negative influences on teens. Some commercials promote fatty
foods while at the same time tell people they need to lose weight and be thin, which makes teens
form an unhealthy life habit. Some commercials send the message that smoking and drinking
make a person sexy and cool and that “everyone does it”. They sway teens to smoke and drink.
5. What measures should the government take to monitor advertisements?
 I think the government should ban alcohol and tobacco advertising. Besides, the commercials with
the scenes of violence and naked bodies should be restricted. Misleading or even deceiving
advertisements should be punished heavily.
6. What advertisements are popular in...?
 The advertisements on cars are more popular in... nowadays. With more individuals owning a car,
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car manufacturers are eager to induce new buyers. Car advertisements can be seen at subway
platforms, on posters and various media.
7. What do you think of celebrity endorsement for a certain product?
 The advertisements for cars are more popular nowadays. I think it is a common phenomenon.
Advertising is part of the celebrities’ job, and they have the rights to advertise for a certain product.
Personally, however, I will not be lured by a product just because it is advertised by a star.
 I think celebrities shouldn’t advertise for a certain product unless they know clearly its functions and
features. The celebrities, especially popular movie or sports stars, have more rallying points than
ordinary people and their behaviour is more likely to be imitated by their fans, so they should be
responsible for what they say and do.
 OTHER POSSIBLE STATEMENTS ( T.65)
1. Functions of Advertising
 The first basic function of advertising is to identify the product. It tells the audience what product or
service each business wants to sell.
 Advertising differentiates one product from the others.
 Advertising communicates information about the product, its features, and its location of sales.
 Advertising induces customers to try new products.
 Advertising plays an important role in increasing the sales or product use. As people love
advertisements, they will buy or use the product more.
 Advertising lowers the overall cost of sales, as advertising reaches mass media, many audiences or
customers.
2. Negative Impacts of Advertising
 I believe currently that advertising has become so powerful and so subtle that we accept most of it
without thinking it over.
 It is our environment. We buy shirts and bags with large “logos” to show off.
 Most of us own a TV. Some programmes that exist are only to get us to see ads.
 Our newspapers are covered with ads and we still call it news. My point of view is that advertising is
in no way positive. It creates “want” in a society that doesn’t understand the true meaning of “need”.
 Our life is thick with commercial and advertisements. They are disturbing and offensive.
 TV commercials lead people to follow suit and create wasteful consumerism.
~ 115 ~
TOPIC 22: A POSITIVE CHANGE/AN IMPORTANT DECISION
TOPIC VOCABULARY
 Adjectives of Changes
Acceptable
Dramatic
Sudden
Anticipated
Negative
Uncertain
Desired
Positive
Unexpected
Disastrous
Stressful
Worrying
Adapt
Modify
Replace
Adjust
Occur/happen
Resist
Alter
Remodel
Shift
Amend
Renew
Transform
Cope (with)
Renovate
Vary
 Verbs of Change
PART 2 ( T.66)
Topic Card 1
Describe a positive change/important choice in your life. You should say:

What the change/choice was

When and where it happened

What actually happened
And explain why you think it is positive or important.
Sample Answer 1
I guess the most important choice I made was to study abroad. I made the choice last year when I just
graduated from university. I faced a fork in my future way: to pursue my postgraduate study abroad or
to start a decent job like most of my classmates.
Actually, it had been my dream to further my study in Britain or Australia. But I had received at least two
offers from different companies with whom I interviewed, which was really hard-won in such a
competitive job hunting market. It was really a touch choice, so I asked my parents and friends for
their advice. Unsurprisingly, most of them talked me into getting a job. Studying abroad, they said, would
take lots of time and money. In addition, it was unpredictable whether I would get such a good job even
if I returned with a master’s degree.
What they said seemed reasonable, but to my mind, the experience of improving myself mattered more.
I didn’t want to be stuck in a nine-to-five grind at such an early age. What’s more, I had prepared for
studying abroad for over one year, learning English and taking courses on relevant subjects. There was
no reason to give up my dream. After some sound consideration, I made my choice to further my
study. Although it’s still hard to say whether it was a good choice or not, I feel pleased that I held onto
my wish.
Sample Answer 1
One of the positive changes in my life happened at the beginning of this year after I made the New
~ 116 ~
Year’s resolutions. We know it’s a great idea to use the transition to the New Year as a trigger for
personal renewal. Yet the pattern for most of us is weak: the initial enthusiasm fades with the old year
and excuses quickly replace any real change. For this year, I decided to make just one realistic change
in my life – to do more reading.
At first, I set myself specific goals rather than general ones. I wrote them down on a piece of paper
and posted in on my living room wall: switch off the TV half an hour earlier than usual and do the
reading, take a book with me whenever I take the bus or subway, visit a bookstore every Saturday. I also
carried a copy with me in my purse so the reminder is always close by. After doing all these, I told my
colleagues and my best friends about my plan. I thought if I made my intentions public, it would be
much more difficult to break them.
At the end of the first month, I checked my progress. I was amazed to find the results were even beyond
my expectations. I finished two books which I bought years ago. I visited the bookstore four times and
bought three new books. Using the travel time, I nearly finished one of them. I’ve stuck to the habit of
reading till now. I think it is the most positive change in my life.
Topic Card 2 ( T.67)
Describe a change that you think would improve your local area. You should say:

What local area

What change

How the change could be made
And explain how this change would be an improvement to your local area.
Sample Answer
I was born and raised in Hanoi and have been here for 27 years. I have watched the city develop from a
small town and grow into a modern metropolitan area in the new era. With the skyrocketing
population of recent years, the city’s environment has become significantly polluted. As a result, I think
environmental laws should be enacted immediately to solve this problem.
First of all, Hanoi’s mayor should consider putting more trash bins out in the streets so that people won’t
throw rubbish anywhere anytime. In addition, the city police should heavily fine those who are caught
littering the streets. By doing so, not only could we save a lot of money on cleaning costs but we could
also improve the surrounding public scenery. Secondly, the city should run a campaign to educate
people on how to classify and separate garbage before throwing it out. This is necessary because
unsorted garbage contributes to the pollution of underground water and the earth.
In my opinion, although these above actions are minor, they would contribute to diminishing the
impacts of pollution in our local area if they were done on a collective level.
Topic Card 3*
Describe an important decision you made. You should say:

What the decision was

When and under what circumstances you made it

What you actually did
And explain why it was an important decision.
Sample Answer
Well, one of the most important and, perhaps, the courageous decisions that I have ever made was to
~ 117 ~
quit my job to do a refresher course two years ago. I had been working for an export company for three
years and I had been promoted to the head of my department. Everything had been going smoothly until
I saw a notice in a local newspaper saying that a top university of the city in cooperation with a famous
American college would open a one-year full-time course on Business Administration for those in
employment.
I was attracted by the notice because I know about these two schools quite well and the course was
really a need for my work and my future career. I went to my manager first and inquired whether it was
possible to have the course with paid-leave. He had been keen for me to get some more qualifications
but, regretfully, he told me that I could only take unpaid-leave if I wanted to study full-time and another
would fill my post.
I felt irresolute whether I dared to quit my job and paid a sizeable amount of tuition to apply for the
course, and to give up such a promising position was really a great loss to me. I asked my parents for
their advice. They said they wouldn’t make the decision for me, but they were always ready to support
me if I needed any financial help. My father said, “You are still young and your future is still ahead of
you. A lucrative job cannot last for a whole life, but knowledge and improved capability will accompany
you wherever you go.” His words encouraged me to listen to my heart and follow my intuition.
The course proved of enormous benefit to my development. It enriched my expertise and offered me a
valuable chance to meet the elite professors and experts in the field. With the certificate of Excellence, I
was offered a good position in a multinational corporation. My life has changed a lot since then.
PART 3 ( T.68)
1. Do you enjoy changes in your life?
 Yes, I do. I like to view changes as positive and take th em as opportunities. Although change is
rarely easy, life would be pretty boring without it.
 No, I don’t. Like most people, I resist changes in life. I find it far more comfortable to drift along
day after day in the same old routines.
2. How would you deal with the unexpected changes in your life?
 If an unexpected change happens in my life, good or bad, I will try to accept it. After all, change may
occur at any time. I’ll assess the situation and come up with a plan to help me cope with the
change.
 Well, to be honest, I never think about it. If there are some unexpected changes in my life, I will
consult my family and get support from them.
3. Why do people like changes in life more than before?
 Well, making changes means firstly giving up what you have possessed or been used to. Today’s
people have more choices than before, no matter in employment or in lifestyle, which means the risk
of making changes is lower. So they are more likely to try changes.
4. What is the difficulty in making changes in life?
 I suppose the biggest difficulty comes from the human nature of resisting change. Most people
enjoy sticking to their routine and are afraid of change.
 I think the influence from the surroundings makes it difficult to change our life, especially in the small
towns where most people, including our friends or family, don’t welcome change. Your intention of
making changes in life will be discouraged.
5. Why are young people more likely to make changes in life?
~ 118 ~
 Well, I think first today’s young people grow up in a world with more uncertainty than before. They
are facing more changes and are willing to experience change. Besides, for young people, changing
is the best way to find the most suitable job or lifestyle.
6. Do people like to change their jobs?
 No, I don’t think so. Most people like to keep their jobs for as long as possible because the severe
competition makes it difficult to find a new one. Besides, the traditional culture doesn’t encourage
frequent changes in life.
 Well, it’s hard to say because it depends on one’s age and workplace. To the young people in big
cities, job-hopping is very common because they have more choices and opportunities.
7. What are the effects of changing jobs?
 I think changing jobs is a valuable experience especially to young people. Changing jobs helps them
accumulate experiences in various fields and then find their preference. Besides, by changing jobs,
they can enlarge their social network and become more mature.
 I think changing jobs frequently has lots of negative effects. First, the job-hoppers will lose the
opportunity of gaining further professional skills. And more importantly, a CV with lines of jobhopping experiences is likely to produce a negative impression on would-be employers.
 OTHER POSSIBLE STATEMENTS ( T.69)
1. Viewpoints on Change
 Our life is constantly changing.
 When change hits your life, you have to acknowledge and accept it.
 You have to assess the situation and come up with a plan to help you cope with the change.
 Change is rarely easy, but life would be pretty boring without it.
 Many people resist change, finding it far more comfortable to drift along day after day in the same
old routines.
 Some people view changes as being positive and call them opportunity. Others see changes as
threatening and something to be feared.
 Your attitude towards change plays a big part in how you’ll deal with it. If you view all change as bad,
it for sure won’t happen easily for you. If you look at change as opportunity, you’ll be more open to it
and willing to make it work.
 Change produces stress, which can have very real and serious health consequences.
2. Advice to Change
 Try not to be afraid of change. Accepting that change may occur any time can help you to adapt
when it does.
 Get a support system in place. It’s better to have a support system in place before change occurs
than it is to try to establish one when it does.
 Take care of yourself. When change occurs, it’s important to pay attention to your physical and
emotional health.
 Doing something is almost always better than doing nothing because it gives you a sense of having
some control over the situation. Don’t blame yourself for changes you can’t control.
~ 119 ~
 Positive mood has been proven to reduce stress, help people live longer, and improve your overall
well-being and ability to cope with difficulties.
 The first step to changing your life is to admit that you are negative or that you have negative
thoughts.
 Once you’ve admitted you are negative, or at least have some negative tendencies, you can
resolve to change the way you think.
 Become conscious of your daily thoughts, and when a negative thought enter your mind, quickly turn
it around. Remove yourself from negative influences.
 If you have friends or co-workers who are always complaining about their job, boss, or life, then
begin to slowly weed out the group of people and seek out those who are positive.
 Learn to meditate. Meditating allows you to clear your mind, lower your stress, become more
focused, and stay positive. It’s a very positive and powerful medium.
 By taking just 15 minutes a day to meditate, you’ll find yourself handling stress much better. You’ll
also gain a more positive outlook on life.
~ 120 ~
TOPIC 23: ADVICE/ HAPPY AND UNHAPPY EXPERIENCES
PART 2 ( T.70)
Topic Card 1
Describe a piece of good advice you received. You should say:

What it was

Who gave it to you

What actually happened
And explain why you think it was a piece of good advice.
Sample Answer 1
The best advice I’ve received was from my boss: be careful of what you criticise because you never
know whose baby it is. I got it five years ago when I had just entered the workforce. I was confident
and ambitious at the age of being a know-it-all.
I was involved in producing an industrial show. I was responsible for scripting the show. The producer
was a woman I despised for a variety of reasons – her hairstyle, her dresses, and her belief that the
quickest way to the top was on her back, which was a practice she indulged at every opportunity.
One day she handed me a poor piece of work and asked me to incorporate it into the show book. I read
it and went to tell my boss just how bad it was. He listened patiently for fifteen minutes as I tore her
hallowed words to pieces. Then he said, “Miss Trang didn’t do it. I wrote that piece. Be careful of what
you criticise because you never know whose baby it is.”
I scurried back to my office and hid for two days.
That was the single best piece of advice I ever received regarding producing media of any kind. If you
aren’t prepared to say it to the producer’s face, don’t say it.
Sample Answer 2
“Everything happens for the best,” my mother said whenever I faced disappointment. “If you carry on,
one day something good will happen, and you’ll realise that it wouldn’t have happened if not for that
previous disappointment.” That was the best advice I’ve received in my life.
Mother was right as I discovered it after graduating from college with a degree in Mass Media. I had
decided to try for a job in a magazine, then work my way up to sports editor. I submitted my CV to no
fewer than ten popular magazine publishing houses and got turned down every time. In one publishing
house, a kind lady told me that big magazines couldn’t risk hiring an inexperienced person. “Go and find
a small publishing house that’ll give you a chance,” she said.
But I was rejected even in small publishing houses. As I left the last office I visited that day, my
frustration boiled over. I asked aloud, “How can a fellow get to be a sports editor if he can’t get a job in
a publishing house!” I was waiting for the elevator when I heard the director calling, “What was that you
said about sports?”
“Do you know anything about football?” Then he offered me a piece of paper and asked me to write a
comment on an imaginary game. After he read what I had written, he allowed me a probation period of
three months.
On my way home, as I have many times since, I thought of my mother’s words: “If you carry on, one day
something good will happen. Something wouldn’t happen if not for that previous disappointment.”
~ 121 ~
Topic Card 2 ( T.71)
Describe a situation (or time) when you received some useful advice. You should say:

What the situation was

Who gave you the advice

What the advice was
And explain how this advice was useful to you.
Sample Answer
It was five years ago when I was in my junior year of college, I was struggling to find out what career I
would follow in the future. As juniors, we had to choose courses related to our business concentration
such as marketing, finance, human resources, or management. At that moment, I was confused since I
did not specifically like any of them.
As the deadline closely approached, I had to quickly make my decision. I decided to talk with my father,
a wise man, about my problem. Different from many other parents who always make decisions for their
children; my father guides me to the answer and lets me choose what I want. He asked me what I would
like my life to be like when I graduated, then analyzed my personality, discussed my strengths and
weaknesses. He also showed me some career paths I could follow if I chose certain options.
After an hour of talking to him, everything had become clearer and I finally made my decision to follow a
career in finance. Thanks to the conversation that day, I understood more about myself. Five years have
passed, I am now a financial analyst for an entertainment company, and I have never regretted my
decision.
Topic Card 3*
Describe an occasion when you got angry. You should say:

When that was

Where that was

What happened then
And explain how you felt about that.
Sample Answer
Well, the occasion that made me mad happened several months ago when I was about to board a flight
at the airport.
I was waiting impatiently to fly home on Tet Holiday. Before the departure time, we heard an
announcement that our flight would be delayed due to unfavourable weather conditions. At the
beginning, I was sympathetic as flight delay was somewhat common, and we could do nothing against
the weather, so we, all passengers were quite co-operative.
Yet, five hours later, we started to get angry simply because we were put aside without any concern
on the part of the staff and the airlines. At the very least, they should have taken care of us, like
arranging accommodation, offering compensation, or providing some refreshments, but no one did. We
tried to contact with the airlines officers, but we were told that there was nothing they could do. Their
attitudes really made almost all of us feel so furious because we were abandoned by their
indifference, sloppy management, slow reaction, and irresponsibility.
Eventually, our flight took off eight hours behind schedule. I wonder if anything like that would happen to
me gain in the future, but this was the most unforgettable experience of getting angry I’ve ever had.
~ 122 ~
 Reasons for getting angry:
Be deceived/betrayed /misunderstood/ ignored/ overlooked/ neglected/ despised
Be out of patience
Be annoyed by someone’s misbehaviour
Topic Card 4*
Describe an occasion when others celebrated for you. You should say:

When that was

What the celebration was for

What you did
And explain why you want to talk about it.
Sample Answer
Well, the celebration I want to share with you happened in my childhood when I was about 10 years old.
My dad celebrated my winning the second prize in a local mathematic competition.
My dad was a teacher at a primary school in the neighbourhood, so he held some tutorial classes for
those preparing for the local mathematic competition. My duty was to clean up the classroom after those
students had already left; therefore, I picked up some knowledge from his lessons.
One day, when I was impatiently waiting for the class-end to do my job, my dad came behind me and
asked why I was so upset. I said the problems were so easy and why the students did so long. He was
very surprised because I had never learned those problems at school because I was only in grade 4.
Later, he allowed me to attend his class and took part in the contest. To all my teachers’ surprise, I won
the second prize. My dad was so happy and proud of me that he decided to throw a small party and give
me a special gift: a bicycle.
Although it was lost some years later, this experience has always remained in my mind as a start of my
mathematics-teaching career. In fact, I’d like to tell you this story because it was my father who first
discovered my talent in this subject and encouraged me to follow his career.
Topic Card 5*
Describe the most difficult time in your life. You should say:

When that was

What happened

How you dealt with the difficult time
And explain how you felt at that moment.
Sample Answer
I have experienced many ups and downs in my life, but perhaps the worst time of my life was when I
decided to quit my job at the school I had been teaching for over ten years because I had a conflict over
a misconception regarding assessment criteria with the board of management.
In fact, I had been thinking about it carefully and seriously, weighing all possible options before
making my final decision. I have always believed that an appropriate assessment system should reflect
the exact level of a student, and that as a teacher we should firstly be courage to face the drawbacks
and shortcomings to improve them instead of getting rid of our responsibility just due to somewhat
~ 123 ~
achievement for ourselves. However, the problem was that without a job how I could bring up my family
and cover all daily expenses since I was the breadwinner; even my father did not agree with my
decision. I felt totally and utterly lost although I knew from my heart that I was right. Later was the
hardest time in my life. I had been running from one training centre to another to earn enough money for
my small family before opening my own classes.
Now, having a house of my own with sufficient facilities, I think that I was right; and this was the boldest
decision I have ever made.
Topic Card 6*
Describe an exciting experience. You should say:

When that was

Where that was

What happened
And explain why you felt excited.
Sample Answer
Well, one of the most exciting and unforgettable experiences I want to share with you happened long
time ago when I was studying at university. I was on a basketball team with some of my classmates
playing in the final match of the school tournament.
At first, I wasn’t a starter in the game, and actually, I rarely had such a chance to play on the court due to
my incompetence compared with others in the team. Yet, when we were lagging behind by 10 points, I
was unexpectedly called by the coach to switch with one of the players. I have to admit that I was so
nervous since I had been longing for this moment all the time, and it came to me so suddenly.
Later on, our team coordinated more harmoniously, and gradually, we caught up with the rivals with
only one point behind. During the last seconds, I received a pass from a friend of mine and scored the
winning points right at the buzzer. They were the only two points I attempted in that final game. You can
imagine how happy we all were. In short, it is wonderful for me to recall such an exciting moment.
Topic Card 7 ( T.72)
Describe a happy family event from your childhood. You should say:

What the event was

Where it happened

What you saw and did
And explain why you remember this event so well.
Sample Answer
A happy family event that I still remember clearly from my childhood was making Chung cake for Tet
holiday at my grandparents’ house.
When I was small, our family would get together to make Chung cake for Tet holiday. My grandparents
had six children; therefore, I had many cousins. And the great thing was that my cousins and I were
around the same age. At that time, we were too small to do anything, so basically, we played with each
other while we watched the adults prepare the ingredients for the cake. Sometimes, we got to eat the
leftover food after all the cakes were finished. Tet holiday was the only time of the year that we were
allowed to stay up late, one reason why it is so memorable. Although the winter was cold, we all felt
cosy inside; we had so much fun together.
~ 124 ~
Since my grandfather passed away a couple of years ago, we stopped our family tradition. In addition,
some of my cousins had already gotten married and had their own families, and some had gone to study
abroad. Consequently, it was very difficult for us to get together like old times. Missing this special family
tradition makes it so unforgettable for me and I hope we can start doing it again in the future.
Topic Card 8 ( T.73)
Describe a time when you got lost. You should say:

Where it was

Who was with you

How you felt
And explain how you eventually found your way.
Sample Answer
It was during the summer of 2009 when my friend and I were travelling in Venice, Italy. We were running
all around the city taking pictures. The weather was so pleasant and the scenery was so stunning that
we lost track of where we were going. We did not even realize we were lost until dusk, when we
stopped to rest.
Since Venice is a small city with a lot of small alleyways and not many streetlights, we started to feel
worried as the sky turned darker and darker. We tried to use the map to locate our place but it was so
complicated. We looked around but we didn’t see anybody, there weren’t any direction signs either.
Fortunately, when we were starting to lose our patience and about to give up, we found a policeman.
Although his English was not very good, he helped us find our hotel and showed us the way back. After
thirty minutes of walking, we safely arrived at our hotel and felt completely relieved. Thankfully, we did
not have to spend the night out in the street that day.
Topic Card 9 ( T.74)
Describe the stage of life that you have enjoyed the most. You should say:

What stage it was

What you used to do and where you were during that stage

Who you spent time with
And explain why you enjoyed that stage so much.
Sample Answer
Well, speaking of the stage of life that I have enjoyed the most I would say that was when I was in
elementary school.
Since my father has five siblings and each of them has two children, I have many cousins who are
around my age. I remember that every summer, my cousins and I would get together at my
grandmother’s house. We basically lived together the whole summer holiday until we had to go back to
school. As we were full of energy, we could never sit still for the whole day. My grandparents constantly
got mad at us since it was too much for them to control six kids at the same time. We used to run wild
playing mischievous little games that we had made up. Fighting among each other was inevitable
but then things all worked out in the end.
The older we get, the less time we spend together, because everyone has his or her own personal life
and concerns.
~ 125 ~
Now, every time we have a chance to meet up, we talk about how crazy it was when we were little, and
that makes me miss my childhood a lot. It was the only time we could really live without worrying about
tomorrow.
Topic Card 10 ( T.75)
Describe a time when you did something to help someone you didn’t know. You should say:

Where it happened

Who the person was

How you helped this person
And explain how you felt after helping this person.
Sample Answer
Today, I’m going to share with you my own story about how I helped a stranger in the street. It was an
elderly woman whom I met on the way while driving to work.
She was trying to cross the road to go to a pagoda nearby. Unfortunately, it was a big road with four
lanes of traffic and it was during the rush hour. At that time, I was driving to work and stopped for a
red light. She slowly approached me and asked if I could take her to the other side of the road. I
hesitated at first since I didn’t know her. Well, life in a big city is very complicated, you don’t really know
if the person you are trying to help is good or bad. So it’s hard to trust people these days. However, after
a moment’s hesitation, I decided to give her a lift to the door anyway, since she was an elderly lady
and I would feel bad if I turned her down.
When I dropped her off at the pagoda, she thanked me and said “God bless you”. I was glad that I had
made the decision to help her, although it did not bring any dramatic change to the world! Any kind
action, however small, brings its own reward in terms of the satisfaction derived from helping others. Her
gratitude made me feel that my help had meant a lot to her and I determined that, in future, I would be
less suspicious of strangers.
Topic Card 11 ( T.76)
Describe a time when you think someone didn’t tell you the truth. You should say:

What the situation was

Who the person was

How you knew about it later
And explain how you felt about that.
Sample Answer
Being lied or telling a lie to somebody is a common situation in our daily life. I myself have experienced it
before and I remember vividly one occasion when I was a pupil in secondary school.
One day, I came to class and saw that my friend had a big bruise under her left eye. I was really
worried, so I asked my friend what had happened to her. She said that she was fine; she had
accidentally hit her head on the wall that morning. She pretended that it had been nothing more than a
simple mishap. Later that day, after class, I found her crying in the corner of the parking lot. Knowing
that something terrible had occurred, I ran to her and hugged her. She sobbed and told me that that
morning her parents had been fighting and she had tried to stop them. Somehow, her father had
accidentally hit her in the face.
~ 126 ~
At that moment, I felt sorry for her although she had lied to me earlier. For the first time, I thought to
myself that, sometimes, being lied to is not that bad at all, especially when the lie is not intended to hurt
anybody.
Topic Card 12 ( T.77)
Describe a situation when a child made you laugh. You should say:

Who the child was

When and where it happened

What he or she did to make you laugh
And explain why you laughed.
Sample Answer
One of my best friends has a 3-year-old baby girl, so every time we went out, she would take her with
us. Her little girl is such a witty kid, and she is always full of energy. As she begins to be aware of the
outside world, she asks a lot of questions just to satisfy her curiosity.
It happened one day when we went out shopping. While her mother and I took turns trying clothes on,
she was sitting quietly on the bench. Then she looked at me and her mother and started to express her
opinions on our clothes. The way she talked was so funny that we couldn’t stop laughing. She was so
used to playing with her Barbie doll that she suggested we should dress like one of her dolls. She even
taught us how to walk like models because she thought that was pretty. All the customers who walked in
the store noticed her, even the store owner couldn’t stop laughing at her since she was still a baby girl,
but she talked and acted like a grown-up woman.
That was probably the best part of the shopping trip that I will never forget.
Topic Card 13 ( T.78)
Describe a time when you waited for something or someone. You should say:

What or who you waited for

Where you waited

Why you waited
And explain how you felt while you were waiting.
Sample Answer
Having to wait for somebody is a common situation in our daily lives. There was this one time I had to
wait for my friends, which was so special I’d like to share the story with you today.
It was my birthday and I had invited a group of friends to a coffee house to celebrate it. We were
scheduled to meet there at 8 that evening. I was so eager that I came early. Certainly, none of them
were there, but it was easy to understand because I was early. However, I waited for half an hour, but
nobody showed up, and then I started to feel uncomfortable and worried. As I was losing my patience,
I began to call each of them to ask why they had not come yet. To my surprise, none of them picked up
the phone. I was really fed up, as you can imagine, because it was my birthday and my friends had
treated me like that.
I waited for a couple more minutes until I couldn’t stand it anymore, and decided to leave. As soon as I
called the waiter for the bill, I heard the “Happy birthday” song start up in the coffee house. Out of
nowhere, all of my friends suddenly appeared with a birthday cake. They hugged me and wished me
~ 127 ~
happy birthday. It was such a surprise. My anger quickly gave way to laughter and we had an
unforgettable night chatting until the early hours, drinking coffee and, of course, eating cake.
Topic Card 14 ( T.79)
Describe an occasion when you unexpectedly met someone you know. You should say:

Who it was

Where you met this person

What you were doing when you met him/her
And explain why you were surprised to meet this person.
Sample Answer
Well, it doesn’t happen a lot when you unexpectedly meet someone you know. But a couple of days ago
when I was out for lunch, I bumped into a high school classmate whom I haven’t seen since we
graduated.
I was walking along the street when I saw him standing in front of a restaurant. He hasn’t changed a bit,
so I recognized him right away. I approached him and said “Hi”; however, it took him a while to realize
that I was his high school classmate. At that moment, I felt very awkward. Luckily, it didn’t last long and
we started to give each other a quick update about our lives recently, such as where we are working
currently, our families and, of course, we swapped phone numbers and promised to keep in touch in
future.
Since we were both in a hurry, we didn’t spend much time chatting to each other. However, it always
feels good when you unexpectedly meet a long-lost friend. If we had had more time, we’d probably
have reminisced about our high school memories with all the crazy things that we did back then.
Topic Card 15 ( T.80)
Describe a (recent) time when you looked at the sky. You should say:

What you were doing when you looked at the sky

Who you were with

What you saw
And explain how you felt when you looked at the sky.
Sample Answer
Last week, my friends and I decided to go camping on the outskirts for the weekend.
Living in a big city doesn’t offer me much of a chance to enjoy the sky at night because of the pollution,
the lights, and the skyscrapers. That’s the reason why I liked this short trip so much because I could
enjoy looking up at the clear sky, searching for stars and observing the moon.
Luckily for me, there was a full moon that night. We made a small campfire and sat around the fire,
grilled potatoes, and marshmallows, happily chatting with each other. When the moon had risen high up
in the sky, we all looked up, and started counting stars. I had never seen so many stars in the sky as I
did that night. They twinkled while the moon shone brightly.
At that moment, I felt at peace. My mind was blank; I wasn’t thinking of anything else, all my sadness
and disappointments disappeared. All I thought of was that I was content in that moment.
Topic Card 16 ( T.81)
~ 128 ~
Describe a recent event or something you did that made you happy. You should say:

What you did

Where you were

Who you were with
And explain why it made you happy.
Sample Answer
Today, I am going to share with you a recent event that made me happy. A month ago, my friend and I
attended a hip-hop and contemporary dance performance sponsored by the Japan Foundation Centre,
Goethe Institute, and L’ Espace Centre called “Europe Meets Asia”.
The tickets were free so we did not see any reason for not going; we both like dancing a lot. The
performance was given by artists from Japan and Israel. It was a combination of hip-hop and
contemporary dance.
With their talents, they created such an amazing performance. We were surprised to see how flexible
they were while performing. The dance also delivered a message which could be interpreted differently
by different people. To me, it was about young people in the modern world, bored with the daily routine
of life and trying to escape from this boredom in order to do something spectacular or at least pursue
their passions.
After a 40-hour workweek, this event was like a fresh breeze in my life. It was a new experience that I
had rarely had before, because in Hanoi we don’t get to see art performances by foreign artists that
often.
Topic Card 17 ( T.82)
Describe a disagreement that you had with a friend. You should say:

Who you disagreed with

What the disagreement was

How it happened
And explain how this disagreement was resolved.
Sample Answer
Today, I am going to share with you my experience when I disagreed with my friends. As a student, I
have to engage in a variety of teamwork projects. As a result, having disagreements with other team
members is inevitable.
We were supposed to gather a team of 3 to 4 people to work on a simulation project in our management
class. The simulation worked like this: each group in our class would run a shoe production company on
the Internet. We had to make decisions as the simulation market changed and each group’s
performance would be compared weekly. At the end of the semester, we would have to prepare a
presentation on our simulation project.
We decided to meet each other once a week to work on the project; sometimes we would discuss urgent
matters over e-mails. Despite the fact that we were at daggers drawn many times, we successfully led
our company to the 2nd place overall in our class, so that was not a bad effort.
If you have ever had a chance of working in a team to make a decision, you would know how difficult it
was to make sure everyone was pulling together. Running a simulative company was not as easy as
we thought. A wrong decision on pricing would significantly affect our profit. Three of us fought for days
~ 129 ~
on pricing decisions. My friends wanted our products to be sold at a premium while I preferred a medium
price, targeting the mid-end market. After carefully reviewing the market itself as well as material prices,
we weighed the costs and benefits of each price to come up with a final selling price.
From this experience, I learned that it was hard to persuade people with your subjective reasons.
However, if your decision is backed up by sound numbers, it will be more convincing.
PART 3 ( T.83)
1. What advice do parents usually give their children?
 Advice on choosing college majors and careers is what parents give most to their children. At such
turning points of decision-making, parents always give their advice according to their experience.
2. Who else often gives advice to young people besides parents?
 Schoolteachers and college tutors are obviously the next important advisers for many young people.
They give students advice on how to select courses, how to accomplish assignments, and how to
combine study with a degree.
 It seems that society is packed with advisers nowadays. Celebrities advise the brand of cosmetics,
suits, and medicines in advertising; specialists write books on how to be a specialist; successful
enterprisers tell you how to succeed. Frankly speaking, I despise this kind of advice.
3. Whose advice would you accept?
 Besides parents and teachers, I take advice from some people although I don’t know them
personally. They’re not strangers, but they are individuals I’ve never met. What gives them
credibility is their experiences and insights. These people include authors, leaders, and speakers.
Their public record of accomplishment gives them credibility, and their advice may not have been
given specifically for me, but I can still learn from it by watching, listening to, and reading those
people.
4. Do you think young people should take advice given by others?
 Yes, I think so. I think there is no bad advice, just people who are bad at sifting advice. Teachers
and parents can always give young people some practical advice based on their rich experiences.
And even if you are surrounded by friends who are as lost as you are, you still might find them
useful. Friends can be a great resource. Sometimes just hearing yourself talk it out with friends is
helpful.
 No, I don’t think so. Personally, I will take any advice with a grain of salt. Each person has their
own perspective, including parents. You need to know your own values to figure out how each
person’s input applies to your situation.
5. What’s your opinion on the advice given by specialists or celebrities in some fields?
 The advice given by specialists is useful to some extent, but I think we still have to assess the advice
and reach a decision, using our own rational thought process. The advice may be sound or may
be misleading and we have to “ponder on” what they say.
 I think one should be selective in seeking advice and that applies to whether it is a celebrity or a
so-called expert. Personally, I wouldn’t follow the advice that celebrities give me because they are
generally paid to give the advice. But the sad fact is that most children would do.
6. Do you think our society needs advice from specialists?
 Yes, I think so. There are times when we all need to seek advice from someone who knows more
about a subject than ourselves – a doctor, a bank manager, a tradesman, etc. After all, it is
~ 130 ~
impossible for us to be a know-it-all, and advice from specialists helps us to avoid mistakes.
 No, not at all. Today’s society is dominated by the so-called special knowledge. It governs most of
the world and actually shapes how we think, and what we do and what we buy. We need to think for
ourselves rather than follow specialists’ advice.
7. Which one do you think is more important, the advice or practical training?
 In my opinion, the advice, especially that from professional advisers, is more helpful. One cannot get
training in all fields and one’s wisdom and perspective is limited. It’s beneficial to gain experience
from others’ advice.
 Well, I think it’s hard to compare them. One should combine both to reach this own opinion.
8. Do you think it is necessary for advisers like doctors or teachers to take relevant training?
 Yes, I think it is necessary for professional advisers to take training on giving advice. Besides the
advice itself they give, they should master the skills on how to give the advice technically and
persuasively.
 OTHER POSSIBLE STATEMENTS ( T.84)
1. Some Pieces of Advice
 Listen twice as much as you talk.
 Work smarter not harder.
 Have low expectations and high hopes.
 Don’t cry over spilt milk.
 No matter how bad things seem, they could always be worse.
 You can change your actions, but you can never change the actions of others.
 Everything happens for a reason.
 Show me who you hang out with and I’ll tell you who you are.
 Enjoy the journey.
 Today is the tomorrow you dreamt of yesterday.
 A little will show what a lot will be.
 “You’ve got to be apple pie.” This was my mom’s advice for handling challenging situations. You
can stay soft and sweet on the inside, but you have to develop a thicker outer crust. You can still be
you – just stronger. These are the words I hold on to when faced with difficult circumstances.
 The best advice my mom ever gave me was eight simple words: “God bless the child who’s got
his own.” My mom was a firm believer that every woman should have her own money, her own
career, and her own ambitions so that she should never be dependent upon anyone. Having this sort
of independence can make companionship and motherhood more rewarding. It’s wisdom that has
served me well.
 My mother would always claim, “A little will show what a lot will be.” In other words, be aware of
the little clues to a person’s true character. Over the years, this good advice has helped me make
sound career decisions and saved me from a lot of heartache.
2. General Advice for Life
 You will receive a body. You may like it or hate it, but it will be yours for the entire period of this
~ 131 ~
time around.
 You will learn lessons. You are enrolled in a full-time informal school called Life. Each day in the
school, you will have the opportunity to learn lessons. You may like the lessons or think them
irrelevant and stupid.
 There are no mistakes, only lessons. Growth is a process of trial and error – experimentation.
The “failed” experiments are as much as part of the process as the experiment that ultimately
“works”.
 A lesson is repeated until learned. A lesson will be presented to you in various forms until you
have learned it. When you have learned it, you can then go on to the next lesson.
 Learning lessons does not end. There is no part of life that does not contain its lessons. If you are
alive, there are lessons to be learned.
 “There” is no better than “here”. When your “there” has become a “here”, you will simply obtain
another “there” that will again look better than “here”.
 Others are merely mirrors of you. You cannot love or hate something about another person unless
it reflects something you love or hate about yourself.
 What you make of your life is up to you. You have all the tools and resources that you need.
What you do with them is up to you. The choice is yours.
 Your answers lie inside you. The answers to life’s questions lie inside you.
~ 132 ~
TOPIC 24: FAMILY/A FAMILY MEMBER/ A CHILD/ AN ELDERLY PERSON
TOPIC VOCABULARY
 Family Members
Adopted daughter/son
Grandchildren
Nephew
Ancestor
Granddaughter/grandson
Niece
Couple
Grandfather/grandpa
Offspring
Cousin
Grandmother/grandma
Sibling
Daughter-in-law
Granny
Sister/son-in-law
Descent
Great-grandfather
Spouse
Father-in-law
Great-grandmother
Stepdaughter/son
Foster father/mother
Heir
Stepfather/mother
Generation
Mother-in-law
Uncle
Arrogant
Innocent
Potential
Close-knit
Isolated
Self-based
Curious
Maternal
Self-centred
Democratic
Naughty
Self-conscious
Harmonious
Optimistic
Subordinate to
Independent/dependent
Passive
Trustworthy
Indifferent
Pessimistic
Unrealistic
Adopt
Develop
Nurture
Be addicted to
Discriminate
Overlook/neglect
Break down
Educate
Spoil
Bring up/raise
Endure
Stimulate (interest)
Burden
Go astray
Supervise
Communicate
Inherit
Support a family
Cultivate
Look after/take care of
Treat
A sense of security
Character
Guidance of parents
Adolescence
Childhood
Household chores
Adulthood
Connection
Inequality
Bond
Divorce
Instinct
Brotherhood
Family gathering
Interaction
Burden
Feminist
Late marriage
 Family-Related Lexis
Adjectives
Verbs
Nouns
~ 133 ~
Marital relationship
Relative
Solitary
Maternal instinct
Rivalry
Striking resemblance
Motherhood
Self-control
Talent
Nature
Self-reliance
Temperament
Negative role model
Self-respect
Ties
Parenthood
Separation
Upbringing
Peer
Single-parent family
Widow/widower
Active
Disturbing
Naughty
Adorable/lovely
Courageous
Smart/brainy
Annoying
Curious
Talkative
Amiable
Generous/good-tempered
Smart/brainy
Considerate
Kind/warm-hearted
Sociable
Diligent/industrious/studious
Open-minded
Tough
Easy-going
Persistent/patient
Versatile/all-round
Experienced
Responsible/reliable
Wise/knowledgeable
 To describe a child
 To describe an elderly
Roles of the elderly in a family:
 A good listener/soul mate/brainpower
 Providing suggestions and recommendations with wisdom and abundant life experiences
 Taking care of the family
 Being indispensable for household issues and decision-making
 Offering nurturing and education
Disadvantaged of living with the elderly:
 Having different life timetables/ schedules/ interests and hobbies
 May be a generation gap/ have some conflicts
 May be domineering
 May interfere in young people’s lives too much due to the different opinions
PART 1 ( T.85)
1. Do you live in a big or small family?
 I live in a small family – that kind of nuclear family with my parents and me. I enjoy the simple
family relationship.
 I live in an extended family with my parents and grandparents. It’s great to live in a big family. You
are surrounded by many members who care about you.
2. Do you think it important for the whole family to live under the same roof?
~ 134 ~
 Yes, that’s for sure. The family members can support one another, trust one another, care for each
other when things get tough, and share their resources.
 No, I don’t think so. When the young are getting independent and mature, they are eager to move
out to lead their own life. They need more space and individuality as well. I think young people
should be encouraged to live separately after they are 18.
3. What does family mean to you?
 Family really counts for me. It provides me with a sense of belonging. It gives me identity and
provides support and security.
4. Do you think family meals are important?
 Yes, no doubt about that. Eating a dinner together every evening is an opportunity to open the
doors of communication. Family members can talk about their problems and get others’ advice.
Besides, discussion about family affairs can bring the members closer together.
 Although family meals provide opportunities for communication, it’s difficult to follow the tradition
nowadays because of the rapid life pace. I don’t think it matters a lot for the whole family to have
meals together. Family members can communicate by other means like leaving messages pasted
on the fridge or texting cell phone messages.
5. Do you often spend much time with your family?
 Yes, I manage to spend my time after work with my family, preparing dinner, talking about family
plans, and playing games. I think a harmonious family relationship is the most valuable property,
which requires time and energy to cultivate.
 Although I hope so, I spend little time with my family. I live in the college dormitory and return home
twice a month. I usually talk over the phone with my parents and they care about me as much as I
do about them.
PART 2 ( T.86)
Topic Card 1
Describe one of your family members who has a great influence on you. You should say:

What he/she is

What he/she is like

What his/her personality is
And state how he/she influences you.
Sample Answer
My mother is short. She used to be slim, but time and tide have put some weight on her. Now she is a
little plump. She had a square face and a pointed nose. For most of the time, you can see a smile on her
face, which shows her kindness and pleasant character.
When I was a child, my mother spent a lot of time teaching me poetry. Although I couldn’t fully
understand the meaning of the poems, the graceful words and rhymes exerted a subtle influence on
me. I benefited a lot from them in later studies.
In my eyes, my mother is a strong-willed and self-disciplined woman. She didn’t receive college
education, but she made full use of her leisure time doing a lot of refresher courses. Due to her ability
and working experience, she was constantly promoted in her job. Five years ago, she became the chief
manager of a big hotel. The work is extremely heavy for her, and her daily schedule is always full.
~ 135 ~
I always worry about her health, but my mother looks happy and energetic every day. Sometimes she
buys my father and me little presents. She always feels sorry that she spends so little time with us, but
we understand her.
My mother is a caring boss, a dedicated wife, and to me, a witty teacher and a great mother.
Topic Card 2
Describe a child you are familiar with. You should say:

What he/she is

How old he/she is

How he/she looks
And tell what his/her character is.
Sample Answer
I’m going to talk about my niece, Rose.
She is 5 years old. She has a round face, with a small red mouth and a straight nose. Her sparkling
eyes are the first things you’ll notice about her, and they make her look smart and cute.
Rose is fond of drawing. When she was only two years old, she began drawing on paper, on walls, or on
desks. Although she couldn’t hold the pencil very well, she drew very carefully. It was not easy for us to
tell what she was drawing. She told us “this is a duck, this is a horse,” or “this is who I am sleeping”. With
her explanation, we found that the pictures looked like what she had suggested. She always draws
pictures out of imagination, not from copying books. I think she is a creative girl. Once she pointed at a
cloud in the sky and said, “It looks like mom and me. We walk together and hold hands.” Yes, it was
really like that. I admire her boundless imagination.
Last month, Rose sent me a picture drawn by herself as my birthday present. I was touched. It was a
lovely monkey. There was a line of words below, “A lovely monk”. Aha, she misspelled the word
“monkey” as “monk”!
Topic Card 3*
Describe a small child you know. You should say:

How old he/she is

What he/she looks like

What you often do together
And explain why you want to talk about him/her.
Sample Answer
Well, the small child I’d like to talk about is my niece named Hang (means Luna in English), who is the
daughter of my younger sister. She is currently eight years old and is studying at primary school.
She is really adorable with sparkling eyes and rosy cheeks. She is always outstanding among other girls
at her age because she is little taller with long black hair and bright skin. I especially like her smile
because it makes her look like an angel.
We haven’t seen each other very often since she lives with my sister in another city, but generally
speaking, when we get together, we do a number of things, such as playing games, watching cartoons,
or hanging out in a park.
~ 136 ~
I want to talk about her for many reasons. First, I feel that Hang is fairly smart. I still remember when she
was around five or six; she was even able to learn a few English words just by copying the way
characters spoke in English animated cartoons. It was really amazing. Besides, she is very active and
brainy; she’s just received an award for her excellent result at school. One more thing to mention, I
always think that she is a curious and fast-learning girl.
Every time I see her, she keeps asking me all types of questions even though some of them are quite
childish or tricky to answer, like how French fries have such a name, or why kangaroo has a pouch.
When I am talking with her, I just see a pure and simple mind, which is totally different from the adult
world.
Topic Card 4*
Describe an old person you want to talk about. You should say:

Who the person is

How long have you know this person

What you often do together
And explain why you want to talk about this person.
Sample Answer
Well the person I’d like to talk about is my father, who is currently 75 years old, and he is one of the most
important and influential people in my life. Just as I mentioned, he is my father, so I have known him for
my whole life.
Now, we don’t live together because I’ve moved to Bien Hoa since I got married. However, when I come
back to my hometown, we often do a variety of things together, such as chatting, going fishing, and
watching TV programmes.
Well, the first reason why I want to talk about him is not because he is my father, but because of his
personality. He used to be a teacher like me today, so he’s an example for me to follow when I
encounter any trouble in my teaching career and whenever I have some questions, he will be the first
person I turn to for help. With his wisdom and experience, everything seems clear as he always says
any problem has its root, and if we can find the root it’s easy to understand. More importantly, I always
believe that he is a generous and patient person. As far as I can remember, he has never been mad at
me no matter how naughty I used to be, and he’s always nice and gentle to people around him.
Topic Card 5*
Describe an elderly person you are familiar with. You should say:

Who he/she is

What his/her personality is

What he/she has done in his/her life
And state how he/she influences you.
Sample Answer
Well, the person I am familiar with and admire the most is my aunt, who is over 70 years old. She looks
younger than her real age because of lively and optimistic character. Her grey hair is always neatly
combed and she is properly dressed all the time.
She used to be a professor of history at a university. After retirement, she still tutors some students
voluntarily. Whenever I visit her on Sundays, her room is always packed with college students coming to
~ 137 ~
seek advice on writing papers, conducting surveys or even hunting jobs. In order to communicate
better with students, she began to learn using Twitter or Facebook online. She often says, “One is never
too old to learn.”
Like many elderly people of her age, she experienced many ups and downs in life. Her husband passed
away many years ago, and they have no kids. However, she never complains about unhappy things and
accepts them, as they should be. Her pursuit of knowledge encourages me a lot in my study. Her
words often ring in my ears when I feel frustrated in learning. Besides, she tries to be independent and
hates causing trouble to others. We have invited her to live with us for fear that she would be lonely, but
she has always rejected and said she is still young enough to manage her life.
I really enjoy chatting with her. She teaches me how to be firm and independent person. Especially, her
experience and wisdom are invaluable to help me deal with and overcome many difficulties in my own
life.
Topic Card 6 ( T.87)
Describe a member of your family you would like to work with. You should say:

Who this person is

Whether you have worked together before

What work would you like to do together
And explain why you would like to work with this person.
Sample Answer
If I had a chance to choose a family member to work with, I’d prefer to work with my father. Although we
have never worked together in a professional working environment before, we have done a lot of
housework and class assignments together over the years.
Since we share a common interest in finance, I’d like to work with him in the finance field. My father is an
investment banker and I am currently working as a financial management accountant. I’d like to work
with my dad on an M&A deal, because I know that I’d gain a lot of technical knowledge from him.
My dad is a very dedicated and generous person and he is always willing to give guidance to young
people like me. Most importantly, however, I know that I can trust him in doing business; he will watch
my back and enhance my skills. Though I know we would need to separate our personal and
professional relationships, I believe that my father is experienced enough to not let our relationship
interfere with any business deals.
PART 3 ( T.88)
1. What’s the influence of family on kids?
 Family has a major influence on the formation of kids’ characters and attitudes towards life. Kids
learn at home about respecting and caring for others, and taking responsibility, which feeds into their
relationships at school, on the sports field, at work and, eventually, into their own families as adults.
2. What are the changes in family structure recently?
 The biggest difference, I suppose, lies in the family size. Today’s families are getting smaller and
smaller. There are fewer families with three generations living under the same roof, and young
people move out at an early age. DINK (Dual Incomes No Kids) families are not uncommon in big
cities.
 I think an obvious change is that women’s status in the family has increased. Women haven’t been
~ 138 ~
confined to the kitchen and have got more involved in family decisions. In some families, females
even become the breadwinner and take a central role in making decisions.
3. Should parents reward kids if they get some achievements?
 Yes, it’s beneficial to reward children for their good conducts and achievements. Children will feel
encouraged and then become positive and enthusiastic to life.
 I prefer oral praise to material or financial rewards. Parents should breathe into children the
ideas that they should be responsible for their conduct and not expect awards for their own duty.
4. What is the influence of grandparents on children?
 Although it’s difficult for grandparents and children to find the common ground, children can still
learn a lot from their grandparents. Their wisdom and experience provide rich story resources for
children. From them, children can learn a lot about his or her family history and tradition.
5. Do you think children should play more outdoor or indoor games?
 In my opinion, outdoor games are more beneficial to children’s physical and mental health. Their
level of fitness will be enhanced if they often do hiking or jogging outdoors. Besides, outdoor games
usually require cooperation within the group or team, which improves children’s team spirit and
social skills.
 I think children should play indoors because the outside world is not safe anymore. It’s full of
dangerous strangers, road accidents, and unexpected deception. Children should be accompanied
by parents or teachers when playing outdoor games.
6. What do you think of children playing electronic games or toys?
 I think electronic games or toys reduce the learning opportunities for children because they require
less interactions and involvement. Besides, most of the electronic games are addictive, which
induces children to spend too much time on them.
7. What are people’s attitudes to elderly people?
 It is a traditional moral attitude to respect the elderly and care for the young. In most families,
elderly people are highly respected. Although they are not as authoritative as before, their
suggestions are still followed in most cases.
8. What are the main problems elderly people face now?
 I think the common problem of elderly people is that they’re lonely. With the growing up of the
children, many families become “empty nests”. That means only old couples live together. They are
financially solvent but mentally lonely. Besides, there is little special entertainment for elderly
people.
9. What should the government do to improve elderly people’s lives?
 I think the government should improve the welfare system to allow more elderly people to enter
nursing homes or something like this. Thus, they can get good care and companionship. Society
should be friendlier to elderly people, for example, they should put aside seats particularly for the
aged on buses and subways; they should set up separate counters for senior citizens in clothes
stores, and they should also construct sports facilities for the aged.
10* Do you think it is good for young people to live with their grandparents?
 Yes, I think it is good for both. First, grandparents can get better care at home. They will feel
needed and respected with children and grandchildren surrounding them. For young people who
live with their grandparents, they can get helpful advice from the elders, which may help them make
~ 139 ~
fewer mistakes in life.
 Personally, I don’t like living in an extended family with grandparents. Although every member can
get more care from one another, there will be conflicts. Anyway, it’s difficult to find the common
ground between the young and the elderly. I prefer to live separately but pay frequent visits to them.
 OTHER POSSIBLE STATEMENTS ( T.89)
1. Importance of Family
 Family provides a sense of belonging. It gives one identity and provides him/her with support and
security.
 Your family is made up of the people you care about and who care about you.
 Family counts. It’s where you start. It shapes you and nurtures you.
 Family members support one another, trust one another, care for each other when things get tough,
and share their resources.
 Family are a source of emotional support and comfort, warmth and nurturing, protection and
security.
 Family has a major influence on children’s achievements in school and throughout life.
 Children can learn at home about respecting and caring for others, and taking responsibility, which
feeds into their relationships at school, on the sports field, at work and, eventually, into their own
families as adults.
 Children are sponges. They soak up parents’ actions and choices.
 Family is a place where each member feels he or she is special and is encouraged to pursue his or
her own dreams; it is a place where everyone’s individuality is permitted to flourish.
 The family instructs children and gives guidance about personal values and social behaviour.
 Family helps children develop positive interpersonal relationships, and it provides an environment
that encourages learning both at home and at school.
 Family gives children a sense of history and a secure base from which to grow and develop.
2. Maintaining Family Relationships
 An important way to ensure family closeness is creating special family traditions.
 As your children reach adulthood, become more of a friend than a parent to them.
 While modern communication technology will never replace the warmth of a mother’s hug or the
pat on the back from the father, keeping close is possible. When a family is built on love,
respect, and devotion, they will always find a way to be close – if not in body, then in spirit.
 We can learn how to communicate so that our messages and feelings are understood and we
understand how other people are feeling and what they are trying to tell us.
 Many teenagers complain that their parents are always telling them off and saying they never did
such-and-such when they were young.
 Eating dinner together every evening is an opportunity to open doors of communication.
 Food planning, preparation, and clean-up are great ways for families to spend time together.
 Family meals can create many opportunities for family intimacy.
~ 140 ~
Today’s children may face such problems as:
They should:
 sitting in front of a computer all day long
playing computer games
 interact/ mingle/ co-operate with their
playmates/ classmates/ friends
 watching TV programmes excessively,
resulting in an increasing rate of obesity
 have more outdoor activities/get close to
nature
 experiencing peer pressure to have better
material goods and financial support
 take part in/join extracurricular activities such
as sightseeing, hiking, going camping...
 lacking interaction/communication/coordination with their peers
 be supervised and restricted from accessing to
dangerous websites (special software, time
allocation, timetable/ schedule)
 living under pressure from their parents/
parents’ expectation
 being asked to focus on academic fields only
 being self-centred and spoiled
 get in touch with a wide range of sources of
information to broaden their knowledge/
horizons
 learn how to respect, behave, and love in an
appropriate way
~ 141 ~
TOPIC 25: FRIENDS/ TEACHERS/ NEIGHBOURS
TOPIC VOCABULARY
 Describing People
Children
Ponytail
Innocent smile
Sparkling eyes
Chubby face
Rosy cheeks
Curly hair
Appealing
Good-looking
Plain
Average
Gorgeous
Slim/skinny/bonny
Charming
Handsome
Sporty
Elegant/graceful
Medium height
Stout/stocky
Fat/plump
Muscular/well-built
Stunning
Glamorous
Overweight
Tall and thin
Adventurous
Eccentric
Lively
Caring
Extroverted
Pleasant
Conservative
Frank
Rational
Curious
Gentle
Sensitive
Dominant
Introverted
Strict
Adorable
Cool-minded
Hard-working
Ambitious
Cooperative
Honest
Amiable
Courageous
Humble/modest
Amusing
Courteous
Humorous
Aspiring
Dedicated
Independent
Audacious
Determined
Industrious/diligent
Brave
Earnest
Inner-directed
Candid
Easy-going
Knowledgeable
Capable
Energetic
Large-hearted
Career-minded
Enthusiastic
Lenient/merciful
Charismatic
Faithful
Liberal
Charitable
Frugal
Motivated
Competent
Generous
Open-minded
Confident
Gentle
Optimistic
Conscientious
Gifted/talented
Outgoing
Considerate/thoughtful
Good-tempered
Passionate
Figure and Appearance
Personality and Characteristics
 Describing Strong Points
~ 142 ~
Patient
Self-reliant
Trendy/fashionable
Persistent
Sincere
Versatile
Prudential
Smart/brainy
Virtuous
Punctual
Sociable
Visionary
Reliable
Straight/upright
Warm-hearted
Responsible
Strong-willed/-minded
Well-organised
Righteous
Sympathetic
Wise
Self-disciplined
Tough
Witty
Aggressive
Irritable
Self-important
Arrogant
Jealous
Self-interested
Boastful
Mean
Selfish
Childish/babyish
Moody
Stubborn
Deceitful
Narrow-minded
Superior
Envious
Obstinate
Taciturn
Fickle
Offensive
Talkative
Fussy
Opportunistic
Timid
Hot-tempered
Pessimistic
Tricky
Inquisitive
Rude
Wicked
Ill-tempered
Self-conceited
Wordy
 Describing Shortcomings
 Other Special Features
Quick leaner
Indoor man/woman
Good listener
Geek/nerd
Creative and innovative genius
Pal/mate/buddy
Die-hard fan
Mr. Know-All
Tech-head
Patriot
 Some Reasons for Your Interest in Someone
I think he is...
knowledgeable
tough
wise
Simply because/for example
By this, I mean/ Personally...
He is Mr. Know-All.
Whenever I come across problems, he
will be the first person I turn to for help.
He has been through all sorts of
ups and downs, such as...
I really admire/ highly appreciate his
toughness and tenacity, a necessary
quality to deal with difficulties.
He can always explain something
difficult and complicated in an easy
and simple way.
Occasionally, I come across some
bottlenecks in life, and he is helpful to
give me valuable advice.
~ 143 ~
...spare no effort to give others a
hand, such as...
He is really a role model for me to learn
from. We need more people like him to
alleviate life’s unhappiness.
charitable
He and his foundation managed to
help the needy, such as donating
money, raising funds for poor kids.
An increasing number of people have
been influenced to take part in the
charity organisation.
cool-minded
No matter how tough the situation
is, he is able to keep calm and
come up with a suitable solution.
This is incredibly crucial for a person in
the leader’s position.
He has never been mad with others.
People around him are impressed by his
patience and consistency.
...is able to get along well with all
types of people/ walks of people.
His strong interpersonal communication
skills make him pretty popular among
friends/colleagues.
generous
He is the type of person who likes to
share with others, not only in a
material way, but also in many other
aspects, such as...
His willingness is really appreciated.
diligent
He is always the first to come to the
classroom and the last to leave.
I was often told by him that genius
comes from 1% of inspiration but 99%
of perspiration.
persistent
It is hard for him to waver his mind
in pursuit of his goal. He believes
that “I will persist until I succeed.”
It seems that nothing could quench his
burning passion and desire for success
inside his heart. I like that.
smart
As a quick learner, he is able to get
hang of new knowledge in the
shortest time.
For the same question, he is more likely
to have more creative and independent
ideas than any others.
versatile
Apart from being excellent in his
own expertise, he is also famous for
/good at...
He is the person I always want to be.
talented
It seems like he was born to be/
become a leader/ an inventor...
I have to say that he probably is the most
intelligent person I’ve ever met.
amusing
He is full of a sense of humour; it
is a treat talking with him.
Throughout the trip, I never feel bored
with his company.
Although he might experience
failure, he always has a positive
attitude and looks forward to
tomorrow.
I don’t believe many can achieve that
given that situation.
kind/warm-hearted
patient
sociable/
open-minded
optimistic
~ 144 ~
humble/modest
He is always thankful for what he
has got in his life and is grateful to
people around him.
He told me that the sense of
contentment is the source of being
happy and cheerful.
responsible
If anyone in his team blows things
up, he boldly covers it up.
His sense of responsibility makes him a
reliable and trustworthy person.
gorgeous/charming
She is so glamorous under the
spotlight; it seems like she were
born to work in the showbiz.
I was deeply mesmerised by her, and
she is my dream girl.
extraordinary
performance skills
He and his classic image have left
a lasting impression on our minds.
Through his acting, people can easily
become deeply involved in the film.
PART 1 (Friends and Friendship) ( T.90)
1. Do you have many good friends?
 Yes, I really do. I have lots of good friends. They are either my college classmates or my co-workers.
Although we don’t meet frequently, we keep in touch over the phone and via the Internet. I can talk
about my problems with them and get lots of useful advice.
 Well, I think it depends on what you define as a “good friend”. I think good friends are those to whom
you can say “Will you give me a ride out of town with all of my possessions and pets?” or “Can I stay
with you for a couple of months?” In this sense, I think I can name one or two as good friends.
2. What do you think is the most important quality as a good friend?
 Honesty is obviously the most important. A good friend should tell frankly your faults and
shortcomings and offer sincere advice. You should not pretend between yourselves in front of
each other.
 A good friend should be considerate and understanding. He or she understands your problems and
is always willing to help even if you are in disagreement.
3. How do people make friends?
 I think most make friends with their classmates, colleagues, or working partners. Because traditional
people are introverted in making friends, they don’t usually make friends with strangers.
 With the development of e-communication, the way people make friends has changed. Not
confined to classmates and colleagues, young people expand their social network to online friends
and form online relationships.
4. What’s the importance of friendship?
 Friendship is one of the key components in one’s life besides family. It provides people emotional
support and security. Also, it offers a space for one to share his or her interests with others.
5. Which one is more important to you, family or friends?
 It’s hard to compare the two because they both play important roles in my life. Family provides me
with a sense of belonging and security; friends make me feel needed and compose my social
network.
6. What do you think can make friends break up?
 I think distance is the top killer of friendship. Friends are those who you have known for a long time
~ 145 ~
and those who you see often. Close face-to-face chats and common involvement in activities
nourish friendship. If you are separated from one friend for a long time, the friendship will fade away.
 In my opinion, betrayal and cheating kill friendship. No one likes to have a liar as his or her friend.
7. Why do people have fewer friends?
 I think part of the cause is that we are working more, communing longer distances and having less
leisure time. Seeing friends has become a luxury for many people.
8* Do boys and girls have the same kind of friendships?
 I think that girls tend to have more intense and verbal relationships than boys do. Boys often
bond by doing physical exercises together, whereas girls like to gossip and spend more time
texting or chatting on the phone than boys do. Girls also argue much more often than boys, and they
frequently change their alliances while boys are less obsessed with their friends.
9* Have friendships changed between your parents’ time and today?
 I think that the fundamental nature of friendship today is very similar to the past. People still make
friends with their neighbours and at work, and they still value friendships and want to nurture them.
However, there are some small differences. For example, people can communicate more easily over
long distances today, so they can maintain their friendships for longer periods even when they move
country or city.
( T.91)
10. Can you tell me some of the common ways that people make lasting friendships with others?
 Well, one common way to make friends is to study or work together. Maybe this is because you have
to spend a lot of time together at those places, and of course, if you are studying the same subjects
with the same teachers, you always have lots to gossip about! Kids love to complain to each other
about the teachers they don’t like or to share stories about their friends, for example. I guess another
common way is to meet friends through your family. Young children, in particular, don’t really have
the skills to make friends on their own, so they mostly play with the people around them, such as the
children of family friends, and lasting friendships can develop from this. So, for young children,
proximity is a very important factor in making friends.
11. You’ve been talking about children, but what about adults? Can adults make lasting
friendships, too?
 Of course, they can. I guess a lot of them meet through work, or maybe shared activities such as
sports clubs or choirs or something like that. I suppose one of the most common ways for women to
makes friends as young adults is when they have babies, and they meet other mothers. I know that
my mother is still close friends with the other women she met when I was a baby, even though those
children have mostly left home by now. So, shared experience is one way to make friends, and
then, if you have similar values and ideas, those friendships will last the distance.
12. What other factors might influence whether or not people make friends?
 Well, personality is an important factor. For example, quiet people sometimes find that the noisy
ones are irritating or too loud, so they tend to avoid them. I’ve seen that a lot at school; the more
outgoing people often hang out together, while the quieter ones make another group. Another factor
might be shared interest, like enjoying computers or watching sports or the same TV programmes. I
think this one is important because it’s much easier to talk to people if you both enjoy the same
things. For instance, I love soccer, and most of my friends do, too. We always talk about the big
games after the weekend, and analyse how the game went and what the players might have done
differently.
~ 146 ~
13. Do you think friendships have changed since computers became so popular?
 Yes, in lots of ways. Facebook and other social networking sites have made a huge difference to
friendships, haven’t they? We can chat to people all over the world without leaving the house, and
we can find friends through shared interests or online gaming. I suppose, for some people, this is
more satisfying than a face-to-face friendship.
14. And you? Do you prefer online or face-to-face friendships?
 Well, I like both. They are very different, and they fulfil different needs. Face to face is the best way
when you have a real problem or something really exciting to share, but it’s fun to chat to lots of
people you don’t know well and to make jokes online. They’re different, that’s all, and we have more
options now. We can have both in our lives.
15. And what about the future? What do you see as the future of friendship?
 Well, I suppose we might be able to do all sorts of things in the future, like virtual chatting with 3D
holograms or group chats with video. But, whatever happens, the basic nature of friendships won’t
change. We’ll still be attracted to the people who are similar to us or who share our interests, and I
think we’ll still need face-to-face contact whatever happens in the cyber world.
PART 2
Topic Card 1 ( T.92)
Describe a person you were friendly to although you didn’t really like him/her. You should say:

Who the person was

What happened

Why you didn’t like him/her
And explain why you had to be friendly to this person.
Sample Answer
I would like to describe a person who I had to be friendly to, although I did not really like her. I think this
situation is quite common in our lives, especially when we have to act as part of a team.
A couple of months ago, I was assigned to a team at my workplace in order to tackle a big project. As
part of the team, I had to cooperate closely with this person. However, we had never really liked each
other for several reasons. Firstly, she is much older than I am, so she always thinks she is right and
disregards the opinions of others. I would describe her as both bossy and officious, although she did
not have a more senior position than I did in the company. Secondly, I considered her irresponsible
because she did not appear to me to pay serious attention to the project. So, although it was supposedly
a group project, I ended up working all on my own as much as possible in order to see the task
through.
As the work was vital for our company, we had to be successful. I therefore had no choice except to
collaborate with her in order to finish the job. I would rather have done all the work alone, but if I had
refused to work with her as part of the team, then the evaluation of my job performance would have
been affected at the end of the year. So, knowing her personality as I did, I swallowed my pride and
tried to be patient.
Despite our many arguments, we completed the task on time. I learned that sometimes people can work
together, even though they don’t get on with each other. It just needs a little bit of time and patience to
work things out, and each person has to compromise to achieve a common goal.
~ 147 ~
Topic Card 2 ( T.93)
Describe a teacher whom you admire. You should say:

What subject he/she taught

How he/she taught
And explain why you admire him/her.
Sample Answer
I have come to believe that a great teacher is a great artist. It might even be the greatest of arts since
the medium is the human mind and spirit.
I shall talk about my English teacher at high school because he brought us a new way of learning
English and changed dramatically our attitudes to study.
Unlike most teachers who taught us grammar and vocabulary only, he managed to arouse our interest
in the English language. By reading poems and playing graceful songs, he made us feel positive and
enthusiastic about learning the language. Never torturing us by dictation or assignment deadlines, he
encouraged us to memorise whatever literature we liked. He aroused us to shout and have discussions
in class. He had the noisiest class in the school, and he didn’t even seem to know it. We could never
stick to the textbook.
Bu he left a passion in us for the language, and he inflamed us with a curiosity which has never left. I
had hated memorising new words, but through him, I sensed that the vocabulary was very much like
music.
I feel lucky that I have such a miracle teacher who lightens up my interest in English learning and makes
me feel motivated about study.
Topic Card 3 ( T.94)
Describe a person who helped you. You should say:

Who the person is

How you got to know each other

What he/she actually helped you
And explain why the help was important to you.
Sample Answer
Here I’d like to talk about my uncle. He is the person I admire most and get the most help from. The
most helpful advice I’ve got from him is “enjoy every moment of your life”.
He has worked as a postman for over 20 years. I’m always wondering how he can keep a lasting
passion for that tedious job. He tells me that his secret is “enjoy everything you can”. Enjoy your work,
study or whatever you are doing. Do everything in an enjoyable manner whenever possible and try to
transform many silly moments of your routine into precious moments.
He once told me such a story: in the same company, one employee works with a smile and is kind and
friendly with customers while another one works with his eyes on the watch, waiting to leave and always
trying to avoid working too much. Who feels better? Which one of them would you like to be?
Under his influence, I learnt to pay attention to what is good and savour it. I find that everything can give
you a little bit of pleasure and joy if you want. Sometimes, a good meal, a pleasant afternoon, or simply
a fine day without anxiety is enough to make me pretty happy.
~ 148 ~
Topic Card 4*
Describe a neighbour of yours. You should say:

Who he/she is

When you knew each other

What help he/she ever gave you
And state how you feel about him/her.
Sample Answer
Well, I’d like to talk about my present neighbour, who lives right next door to me. Her name is Ms. Lan,
and she works as a tailor.
Frankly speaking, we didn’t a pleasant acquaintance at the beginning. Last April, I made complaints to
her because of the annoying sound her kids made when they practiced playing the piano in late
evenings.
Several months later, unhappy thing happened to me when I returned home from the college on a rainy
weekend evening. I forgot to take the key with me while my parents were out on business. Standing in
front of the locked door, I felt frustrated and dismayed. The college is two-hour ride away, so it was
impossible for me to return to my dorm on such as terrible evening. I hesitated to turn to my neighbour
because of the unpleasant contact we had before. Unexpectedly, my neighbour treated me warmly when
she saw me getting soaked to the skin. She invited to come in her house and said “Don’t worry. You
can stay in our guest room for the night if you like. It’s unsafe to travel outside in the late evening.” She
even cooked me a bowl of noodles. She seemed to forget my rudeness and impatience when I had
complained several months before.
My neighbour’s hospitality and warm heart touched me deeply. I learned that one should be tolerant and
generous to others.
PART 3 (Teachers and neighbours) ( T.95)
1. What are the key qualities a good teacher should possess?
 I think a good teacher should be knowledgeable, especially in the subject he or she teaches.
Besides, he or she should know how to communicate with students and understand their demands.
A good teacher should be capable of attracting students’ attention and inspiring their interest. Thus,
the teaching can be more efficient.
 The most important quality of a good teacher should be upright personality. Teachers’ influence on
children is even greater than parents. They should be righteous at first to be a model in behaviour
for children before teaching them knowledge.
2. Do many young people in your country want to be teachers?
 Yes, I think more and more young people would like to choose teaching as a career. It is mainly
because the government pays more attention to developing education and improving teachers’
positions. Besides, it is a rewarding job. You’ll get a sense of achievement when you see your
students obtain achievements.
3. What do you think of the educational system in your country?
 In my opinion, it is quite good. We have a nine-year compulsory education. After receiving the
primary and secondary education, students can choose either to enter technical schools or to go to
high schools preparing for an advanced education. On the whole, the education is reasonable and
efficient.
~ 149 ~
 Well, I think there are more problems with it. The main one is our primary education. It is examorientated. Students only learn subjects relevant to exams, and they have few chances to think for
themselves. Another problem is that many students from poverty-stricken areas cannot afford the
high tuition fee in college.
4. What do you think should be done to solve the problems?
 I think more creative subjects should be taught in primary schools. Students’ practical ability should
be encouraged. The purpose of education is not only to teach students knowledge but also to teach
them how to be persons with independent thinking ability. Besides, the government should provide
more scholarships to help students from poor families.
5. How can teachers encourage creativity in students?
 At first, teachers should adopt a sound approach to combine the basics with activities so that
students can use their imagination. In addition, teachers should manage to create an atmosphere in
which there is no risk in being creative. The students can let their imagination run wildly, and their
wild ideas are honoured and valued, but not scorned or dismissed.
6* How have people’s ways of studying changed?
 Actually, people nowadays have much better opportunities to pursue their academic goals.
Instead of studying in traditional ways, such as attending a class or course, listening to teachers’
lecturing, or reading reference books, they now have in hand different methods to broaden their
knowledge. If they are busy earning for a living, they can register for online courses or through
distance education. Classes are now smaller with fewer all sorts of state-of-the-art equipment that
can help them study more effectively and efficiently. Reference materials, which used to be a
problem, now are available everywhere on the Internet with a click of mouse. If they can afford, they
study abroad in America, France, or Finland without any problems.
7. Do you think it important to get along well with the neighbours?
 Yes, definitely. Neighbours are those who can give you a hand when you are in trouble or when you
have an emergency. It’s also beneficial for the safety of your house and children if neighbours look
out for one another. A concerned community helps to create a sense of well-being and safety for
all.
8. What should people do to improve the relationship with their neighbours?
 At first, neighbours should know each other. They don’t have to become best friends, but it’s
necessary for neighbours to communicate regularly. Besides, people should understand and follow
the community rules, for example, where can they park, where can their pets go? And more
importantly, people should observe reasonable hours for noisy activities in order not to disturb their
neighbours.
9. What do you think of the communities in cities?
 Generally, the sense of community is not very strong in cities. With the development of society,
communities in cities have become less stable than before. People in the same neighbourhood
seldom communicate with each other. And children playing with peers in the neighbourhood has
become a thing of the past.
10. What are the differences in the neighbours’ relationship between city and countryside?
 I think, in the countryside, the relationship between neighbours is closer than that in the cities. The
neighbours know each other very well, and they are more helpful. They like visiting each other and
share some talks. But in cities, most people have no time to communicate with their neighbours
because they leave home early in the morning and return late in the evening.
~ 150 ~
11. What do you think of the neighbours’ relationship in the countryside?
 Maybe some people enjoy the close relationship between neighbours in the countryside, but as far
as I’m concerned, I don’t care for it very much. I think good fences make good neighbours. In the
countryside, people sometimes pay too much attention to their neighbours’ family affairs. I like a
friendly neighbour but not a nosy one.
12. Is there any department in ... that is responsible for coordinating the neighbourhood
relationship?
 Yes, the communities in cities have their own neighbourhood committees that deal with minor
conflicts among neighbours. They are usually appointed and paid by the local government. Most
members are retired people, who have enough free time and enthusiasm to do the job.
 OTHER POSSIBLE STATEMENTS ( T.96)
1. Meanings of Friendship
 I consider friendship to be one of the most important things in life.
 Difficulty in making and keeping friends leads to feelings of low self-esteem, and these feelings
usually continue into adulthood.
 Friendship is a wonderful thing and is virtually important for personal growth and success.
 A good friendship is one where you accept and forgive faults, understand moods, and don’t feel
hurt if a friend doesn’t feel like seeing you.
2. Characteristics of a Good Friend
 As the saying goes “A friend in need is a friend indeed.” This is partly true, as a real friend should be
able to share your happy moments without feeling jealous.
 Honesty is an essential part of any relationship. We should learn to accept our friends for what they
are.
 A good friend is one who’s selfless, understanding, and genuine; he or she shouldn’t be a
hypocrite.
 A good friend listens to you, really cares, always shows an interest in you, puts your needs first and
is there for you when you need him or her the most.
 A good friend should be considerate, understanding, willing to help, kind, and trustworthy.
3. Importance of Education
 Education is the process of instruction aimed at the all-round development of children.
 Learning includes the moral values and the improvement of character and the methods to increase
the strength of mind.
 A good moral-based education is a must.
 Education forms students’ characters, increases their strength of mind and knowledge, and makes
them independent.
 Generally, at the start of a very young age, children learn to develop and use their mental, moral,
and physical powers, which they acquire through various types of education.
 Education is commonly referred to as the process of learning and obtaining knowledge at school, in
a form of formal education. However, the process of education does not start when a child first
~ 151 ~
attends school; education begins at home.
 One not only acquires knowledge from a teacher; one can learn and receive knowledge from a
parent, family member or even an acquaintance.
 Learning subjects in school is not enough. One can learn history, maths, and science in school, and
be “book-smart”. In addition, one can learn how to live a life by knowing what to say when acting a
certain way in certain situations and be “street-smart”. These two types of knowledge are extremely
essential in order for one to be successful in life. For example, you can have all the “book”
knowledge in the world about a certain profession, but if you don’t know about how to behave with
your co-workers and your supervisors, having “book” knowledge won’t get you too far.
 But no matter what, education is the key that allows people to move up in the world, seek better
jobs, and ultimately succeed fully in life.
 Education is the treasure which can be preserved without fear of loss.
 Education is a preparation for a living and life, here and hereafter.
 Education leads to “liberation” – liberation from ignorance, liberation from superstition, liberation
from prejudices, which blind the vision of truth.
 Education is the foundation of good citizens.
~ 152 ~
TOPIC 26: SUCCESS/ A SUCCESSFUL PERSON
PART 2 ( T.97)
Topic Card 1
Describe a successful person you know. You should say:

Who he/she is

How you knew each other

What is special about him/her
And explain why you think he/she is successful.
Sample Answer
Success is different for each individual person. For some, it means increasing position in career; for
others, it means being respected and admired. In my humble opinion, I think a successful person is the
one who sets himself firmly reasonable goals and works hard toward them. My uncle George is such a
guy.
Lame for an accident, George walks with the aid of a cane, which prevents him from going to college
and getting a decent job, but never destroyed his ambition and willpower. In fact, he is the most strongwilled person I’ve ever seen. I go hiking with him as a companion every Sunday morning. He always
tells me to set the pace and he will follow. He walks slowly but firmly. My invitation to have a break is
often rejected. Sometimes I even feel that he, rather than I, is the pace-setter.
Last year, George told me that he was writing a book. To be honest, I didn’t take it seriously. On the
New Year Festival, to our surprise, the present George sent us was his newly released book. George is
the type of person who maintains a positive attitude and reduces negativity from life. He knows what he
wants and tries to achieve it. I think he is a successful person.
PART 3 ( T.98)
1. Are you an adventurous person?
 No, I don’t think so. I am not the type of daring person. I usually behave cautiously. I prefer a
prudent and peaceful life to the adventurous one.
 Yes, I am. I am quite adventurous. I can’t stand life without change. I am inclined to experience
changes and take risks. To me, life without odd adventures is dull.
2. Do you think an adventurous spirit is born or nurtured?
 In my opinion, it is mainly a born character. Some people have great passion for risks under
nobody’s instructions or influence. I think the extroverted people are more likely to be adventurous,
and on the contrary, the introverted are less likely to take risks.
 In my opinion, one’s liking for adventure is the result of the influences of his or her surroundings. No
one is born to be like this or that. The surroundings in which he or she grows and the people around
him or her have great influences on his or her perspectives and behaviour.
3. Do you agree that children should be encouraged to be adventurous?
 Yes, I do. The habit and thinking one forms in his or her childhood is most likely to last the whole life.
If children are encouraged to take responsible risks and gain benefits from them, they will become
enterprising and innovative in their later career.
 Well, I don’t agree with it wholly. It’s true that children benefit from experiencing new things, but it’s
~ 153 ~
more important to instruct them to be sensible and analytic. Irrational adventurers can only lead to
hot-headed characters.
4. How do you think we should cultivate children’s adventurous character?
 First of all, parents should give children enough freedom to experiment on their own. The strict
custody from parents often restricts children’s creativity and innovation. Besides, schools should
organise some outdoor activities like hiking or excursions to bring children’s adventurous nature into
full play.
5. What’s your definition of success?
 Success means different things to different people. As for me, it means knowing exactly who you are
and what you really want, and managing to achieve it.
 Success is a state of mind. It’s about achievement for sure, but exactly what needs to be achieved
in order to feel successful varies with each individual.
6. What are the characteristics of successful people?
 First, successful people have a dream. They have a well-defined purpose and definite goal.
Besides, successful people have specific knowledge, training, skills, and talents.
8. What kinds of people are more likely to succeed?
 I think those who are self-disciplined are more likely to achieve what they want. You will never be
successful if you’re not willing to commit and work hard.
 OTHER POSSIBLE STATEMENTS ( T99)
1. Definitions of Success
 Success is difficult to define because it means different things to different people. It even means
different things to the same people at different times.
 Success is a state of mind. It’s about achievement for sure, but exactly what needs to be achieved in
order to feel successful varies with each individual.
 Success, in the action sense, is achieving something you have set out to do and wanted to do.
 Success can and should be found everywhere: at home, at work, at play, at school, and in personal
relationships.
 Success comes from when you’re doing your absolute best, which is something only you can
determine and control.
 A successful person knows what he or she wants, knows how to get it, has achieved the goals and
dreams that were the driving force of their life.
 If a person is content to be content, grateful when happy, and knows how to pass through bad times
without changing their attitude towards life, he is successful.
2. How to Be Successful
 Becoming a successful person is not as difficult as you might think it is, but it does require
commitment and willingness to work hard.
 Successful people have a dream. They have a well-defined purpose. They have a definite goal.
 Successful people are strongly motivated towards achievement.
 Successful people are focused. They concentrate on their main goals and objectives.
~ 154 ~
 Successful people take responsibility for their actions.
 Successful people have the courage to admit they’ve made a mistake.
 Successful people have specific knowledge, training, skills and talents.
 Successful people know how to love, give, share, be kind and forgive. They are very pleasant to be
around and enjoy others, and enjoy life.
 Become enthusiastic about what you’re doing. Enthusiasm is life’s biggest turn-on. Do whatever
you’ve always wanted to do.
 Be self-disciplined. You will never be successful if you’re not willing to commit and to work hard at
what you want to achieve.
 Believe in yourself. Tell yourself that you can do it and that nothing will stop you from being
successful.
 Improve yourself. Do two things every day to improve yourself. People who want to be successful
must attend the school of continuous learning. Read the newspaper every day and enrol in a course
to improve your skills. You are the only one who can improve your life and make it better.
3. Benefits of Being Adventurous
 Adventurous experiences bring fun and brighten up life.
 It’s a great challenge for one to do something adventurous.
 The accomplishment of adventures can bring a sense of achievement.
 Adventurous experiences enable you to gain new insights.
 You can get a sense of well-being by doing adventurous things.
 You can achieve increase physical fitness when doing adventurous activities.
~ 155 ~