Quyen 1

SPEAKING CHAMPION QUYỂN 1

VOCABULARY DOESN’T MAKE A GOOD SPEAKER IZONE - IELTS TRAINING ACADEMY

Cuốn sách này của

SPEAKING CHAMPION Quy!n 1

VOCABULARY DOESN’T MAKE A GOOD SPEAKER

IZONE - IELTS TRAINING ACADEMY

INTRODUCTION

THÂN G!I NH"NG S# T! V$I M%C TIÊU TRÊN 6.5 SPEAKING! Với kỳ thi IELTS, Speaking luôn được đánh giá là phần khó “ăn điểm”, đặc biệt với các bạn có mục tiêu từ 6.5 trở lên. Một nguyên nhân chính là chúng ta thường quá chú trọng vào từ vựng “khủng” và ngữ pháp “phức tạp” nhưng lại bỏ qua sự mạch lạc trong câu trả lời.

Bộ sách Speaking Champion bao gồm hơn 200 đề thi được tổng hợp thành 51 topics chủ đạo; biên soạn bởi đội ngũ giảng viên 8.5 Speaking và được trực tiếp chỉnh sửa bởi chính giám đốc đào tạo của học viện IELTS IZONE. Chúng tôi tập trung vào sự đơn giản, mạch lạc trong ý tưởng và sự tinh tế trong việc sử dụng từ vựng. Khi các bạn làm chủ được hai yếu tố quan trọng này, điểm thi của các bạn sẽ tăng đáng kể.

Hướng tới tính ứng dụng trong các phần của bài thi IELTS; khi học viên áp dụng tốt phương pháp sử dụng ý để dùng từ thích hợp; học viên sẽ trở nên tự nhiên hơn trong các tình huống giao tiếp thực tế.

Cuối cùng, IZONE xin cảm ơn các bạn đã tin tưởng và chọn bộ sách Speaking Champion. Chúng tôi tin rằng bộ sách này sẽ trở thành công cụ hữu hiệu trong hành trình chinh phục kĩ năng speaking IELTS của bạn.

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CONTENTS

Introduction TOPIC 1

Marriage

5

TOPIC 2

Food

11

TOPIC 3

Technology

17

TOPIC 4

Art

23

TOPIC 5

Foreign language/English

28

TOPIC 6

TV series/programs

34

TOPIC 7

Plans/goals

40

TOPIC 8

Clothing/jewelry/uniform

45

TOPIC 9

Nature/Nurture & Intelligence

50

TOPIC 10

Business

58

TOPIC 11

Children

65

TOPIC 12

Body of water

71

(lakes, rivers or ocean) TOPIC 13

Plant

76

TOPIC 14

Changes & Technology revise

82

TOPIC 15

Accommodation

88

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TOPIC 16

Countryside/cities

94

(Urban & rural areas) TOPIC 17

(Goods) news & (social) media

99

TOPIC 18

Help/A helpful person & Charity

105

TOPIC 19

Crowded & spacious places

111

TOPIC 20

Smile/laugh & happiness

117

TOPIC 21

Sports, indoor/outdoor sports (men & women comparison)

122

TOPIC 22

Appointments

128

(making appointments & coming early/late...)

TOPIC 23

Communication & sociability

134

(Men & women comparison) TOPIC 24

Gift giving (why, values, attitudes….)

140

TOPIC 25

Neighbors

146

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1

TOPIC

MARRIAGE

Part 2 Describe a couple you know who have happy marriage You should say: Who are they How you know them What they usually do together Explain how you feel about their marriage.

The phrase “happy marriage” actually reminds me of my close friend and her husband. It all started when they got to know each other in high school. At first, it seemed to be an unrequited love as the guy completely fell for her but he didn’t let her know because he thought she was out of his league. But then, they eventually started dating and were in a romantic relationship for over 6 years before they decided to tie the knot. They have settled down for 2 years now with a loving home and a newborn baby. As far as I know, this couple often share the household chores, and if my friend is busy, her husband would be the one that run errands for her. My friend once shared to me the recipe of a happy marriage, beginning with being respectful and supportive

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to her spouse. Another key is that the couple do not live in each other’s pockets. This means giving her spouse some space in her marriage, even if her significant other means the world to her. In addition, life is not easy for a newly-wed couple as their married life sometimes has ups and downs. In such cases, they tend to work out the problems together rather than walking away from it. Obviously, they treasure the presence of their partner in their life. Personally, I think they are leading a healthy married life with admirable attitudes, especially when more and more people are losing faith in marriage in these days.

S K E L E T O N

Who are they How you know them What they usually do together And Explain how you feel about their marriage

Other ideas

to remind sb of sb/sth: nhắc ai đó nhớ đến cái gì to get to know each other: được biết đến nhau; tìm hiểu nhau unrequited love: một tình yêu đơn phương, không được đáp trả out of one’s league: không xứng tầm, không cùng đẳng cấp in a romantic relationship: trong một mối quan hệ yêu đương tie the knot: kết hôn, “chốt” a newborn baby: em bé mới sinh to settle down: ổn định cuộc sống (thường bằng việc lập gia đình) a loving home: tổ ấm thân yêu share the household chores: chia sẻ việc nhà run errands: chạy việc vặt (VD: ra ngoài mua gói đường) be supportive to: ủng hộ spouse: từ chung chỉ vợ/chồng

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live in each other’s pockets: dính lấy nhau suốt, dựa dẫm lệ thuộc vào nhau (to be clingy) giving sb some space: cho ai đó một chút tự do cá nhân one’s significant other: một nửa đặc biệt của ai đó to mean the world to sb: là cả thế giới với ai đó, rất quan trọng đối với ai a newly-wed couple: cặp đôi mới cưới married life: cuộc sống hôn nhân has ups and downs: có những thăng trầm tend to V: có xu hướng làm gì work out the problems: giải quyết vấn đề to treasure: trân quý cái gì (như kho báu) a life partner: bạn đời to lead a/an adj life: sống một cuộc đời như thế nào healthy marriage: một cuộc hôn nhân, hoà thuận, vui vẻ… to lose faith in sb/sth: đánh mất niềm tin vào cái gì

Part 3 QUESTION 1: What is do you think is the role of marriage?

Marriage between a man and a woman is the foundation for a healthy family, the cornerstone of a well-functioning society. Moreover, marriage provide children with ideal opportunities to be raised in a two-parent family. As a matter of fact, these children might turn out to be happier, more financially secured and live longer. Finally, marriage is a lifelong commitment, which might activate people’s sense of responsibility to a certain extent.

S Idea 1 (including evidence/example) K E L Idea 2 (including evidence/example) E T O N

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an ideal opportunity: một cơ hội lý tưởng, phù hợp to raise a child: nuôi con a two-parent family: gia đình có đủ cả 2 bố mẹ as a matter of fact: dung để thêm thông tin, thường là thú vị financially secured: được đảm bảo về mặt tài chính, tiền bạc a lifelong commitment: một sự gắn kết suốt đời to activate sth: khởi động, kích hoạt cái gì a sense of responsibility: nhận thức về trách nhiệm

QUESTION 2: How different is the attitude towards marriage of people in the past and people today?

There is a noticeable difference between people in the past and people today regarding their attitudes towards marriage, especially in terms of cohabitation before marriage. This experimental phase used to be unacceptable and was called “living in sin”, but it is no longer frowned upon. People have learned to embrace the fact that the number of unmarried couples living together is on the increase.

S Idea 1 (including evidence/example) K E L Idea 2 (including evidence/example) E T O N

a noticeable difference: một sự khác biệt đáng chú ý in terms of: trên phương diện (gì đó) cohabitation before marriage: sống thử trước hôn nhân sin: tội lỗi frown upon: không đồng tình với cái gì experimental phase: giai đoạn thử nghiệm

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embrace the fact: đối mặt/ chấp nhận thực tế là unmarried couples: cặp đôi chưa kết hôn (thường đã sống cùng nhau) on the increase: trên đà tăng lên

QUESTION 3: Are there any advantages for delayed marriage?

Actually, there are definite advantages of delayed marriage. First, delayed marriage allows women a chance to pursue a higher education. In fact, getting married while trying to obtain any sort of degree will present a nuisance to most women, as the two activities together would rob these women of all of their time. Second, the possibility of divorce might be decreased thanks to delayed marriage. There are several reasons to explain the connection of youth with martial instability. Young couples are usually ill-prepared for marriage and tend to have financial difficulties, and the problem is compounded if they have children early.

S Idea 1 (including evidence/example) K E L Idea 2 (including evidence/example) E T O N

definite advantage: một lợi ích rõ nét, hiển nhiên delayed marriage: kết hôn muộn, trì hoãn hôn nhân to pursue sth: theo đuổi điều gì to obtain a degree: lấy một bằng cấp nào đó to present a nuisance to sth/sb: gây ra rắc rối cho ai/cái gì rob sb of sth = steal sth from sb: lấy khỏi ai cái gì martial instability: hôn nhân không ổn định ill-prepared: chưa chuẩn bị kĩ to be compounded: phức tạp thêm

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QUESTION 4: Do women prefer to be single or be married?

Well, actually it depends. Some women express/have a preference for being single so that they can focus on their career path. Nowadays, a lot of traditional obstacles to female employment have been removed over the years. As a result, women have increasingly entered the labor force and have discovered the benefits of having their own paychecks. However, other women who are not career-oriented have an inclination to enter into a marriage. They tend to settle down and start a family soon.

S Idea 1 (including evidence/example) K E L Idea 2 (including evidence/example) E T O N express/have a preference for: thể hiện sự ưa chuộng đối với cái gì to focus on: tập trung vào career path: con đường sự nghiệp to remove an obstacle to: xoá bỏ một trở ngại đối với female employment: việc thuê lao động nữ as a result: kết quả là enter the labor force: gia nhập lực lượng lao động career-oriented: có xu hướng tập trung vào sự nghiệp have an inclination to: có xu hướng làm gì enter into a marriage: bước vào cuộc sống hôn nhân start a family: có con

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TOPIC

FOOD

Part 3 QUESTION 1: What are the foods for special festivals in Vietnam?

Actually, there are quite a variety of special occasions in Vietnam, and each event calls for different special dishes. As an example, moon-cake is a delicacy exclusively served during the Mid-autumn festival, as it has become customary for the Vietnamese people to flock to bakery stores in August (Lunar Calendar) to line up for these mouth-watering cakes. Another traditional Vietnamese dish could be Banh Chung, which is made from various ingredients such glutinous rice, green bean and pork. Considered especially popular during Tet holiday, the making and eating of Chung cake is a time-honoured/well-preserved tradition of the Vietnamese people.

S Idea 1 (including evidence/example) K E L E Idea 2 (including evidence/example) T O N

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special dishes: các món đặc biệt moon-cake: bánh trung thu delicacy: đặc sản địa phương exclusive: đặc biệt mid-autumn festival: lễ trung thu flock to bakery stores: đổ đồn đến các tiệm bánh mouth-watering: ngon chảy nước dãi/nước miếng ingredients: nguyên liệu time-honoured/well-preserved tradition: truyền thống lâu đời/được giữ gìn

QUESTION 2: What do you think makes a healthy diet?

We all have different body types, and the definition of a healthy diet varies depending on our body type. Still, generally speaking, I would define a healthy diet as one that provides sufficient nutrition to keep the body functioning well. That would have to include green vegetables/greens, which would supply our body with the needed amount of fiber and vitamin. A healthy diet is also one that involve moderate intakes of food, since excessive or inadequate food consumption could lead to obesity or malnutrition. For those who hit the gym/work out routinely, protein is necessary for the build-up of muscles.

S Idea 1 (including evidence/example) K E L Idea 2 (including evidence/example) E T O N

vary (v): còn tùy, thay đổi/đa dạng to define something as sth: định nghĩa cái gì là cái gì nutrition: chất dinh dưỡng

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keep the body functioning well: để giữ cho cơ thể hoạt động khỏe mạnh green vegetables/greens: rau xanh/chất xanh fiber/fibre: chất xơ vitamin: vi ta min moderate: điều độ intakes of food: sự hấp thụ đồ ăn obesity (n): bệnh béo phì malnutrition (n) suy dinh dưỡng protein (n): đạm build-up of muscles: việc tăng cơ excessive: thừa thãi inadequate: khôn đủ hit the gym: đi tập gym

QUESTION 3: More and more people are becoming overweight nowadays. What do you think might be the causes of this?

As a matter of fact, most people are leading a fast-paced life, and therefore get caught up in the hustle and bustle of life and have little time left to take care of their diet. To save time, many’d settle for fast food and fattening food rather than healthy choices of food. The problem is further compounded by a sedentary lifestyle, which means that belly fat is built up without any chances to burn. The result of this, over time, causes many people to put on weight non-stop.

S Idea 1 (including evidence/example) K E L Idea 2 (including evidence/example) E T O N

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a fast-paced life: nhịp sống hối hả get caught up in the hustle and bustle: bị cuốn vào nhịp sống vọi settle for: đành phải làm gì/chọn fattening: đồ ăn ây béo to compound a problem: làm (một) vấn đề xấu trở nên xấu hơn a sedentary lifestyle: cuộc sống lười vận động belly fat: mỡ bụng built up: tích lũy put on weight: tăng cân

QUESTION 4: Is American-style “fast food” popular in Vietnam?

(Why? Popular with whom?)

One of the impacts of globalization is that multinational fast food chains have expanded their presence to developing countries, and Vietnam is not an exception. These days, you could see multiple fast food stores, such as Mc Donald and KFC, on many Vietnamese streets, and these stores are crawling/ swarmed with young people, who find it fashionable and trendy to dine in these stores. Another reason why fast food is popular with the young is the level of convenience it offers: the queue is often shorter at fast food stores, and it is generally faster to bolt down a fast food meal, especially when you’re in a rush.

S Idea 1 (including evidence/example) K E L Idea 2 (including evidence/example) E T O N globalization: toàn cầu hóa fast food chains: chuỗi thức ăn nhanh fast food stores: cửa hàng thức ăn nhanh to be crawling with/to be swarmed with: tràn ngập người

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fashionable and trendy: sành điệu, thời thượng the queue: hàng (khi chờ dịch vụ) bolt down: ăn vội ăn vàng be in a rush: đang vội

QUESTION 5: Do you think it’s important to have family meals?

Family meals are crucial as they help strengthen the bond between/among family members. For one thing, these meals are the perfect time for family get-togethers, as everyone can dig in while talking about their day. But what’s upsetting is that family meals are often neglected/overlooked by a large part of the young these days, who only occasionally drop by to grab a bite, before they continue on with their busy day.

S Idea 1 (including evidence/example) K E L Idea 2 (including evidence/example) E T O N strengthen the bond: thắt chặt tình cảm for one thing: giới thiệu (khi đưa ra một lý do) get-together (n): buổi tụ tập dig in: bắt đầu ăn/chu đầu vào ăn neglected/overlooked: bị xem nhẹ grab a bite: ăn một miếng (kiểu nhón một miếng ăn rồi thôi)

QUESTION 6: How often do people in your country eat with their (work) colleagues or with their fellow students?

It is quite standard/conventional for us Vietnamese to eat together during break time. For university students who are often on a strict budget, cooking

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and dining together are the norm, especially if you live in the dorm. As for office workers, going out for lunch together is quite a standard practice. Most are given a one and a half hour lunch break, and would often make the best use of their time to socialize with their friends by dining out together.

S Idea 1 (including evidence/example) K E L Idea 2 (including evidence/example) E T O N standard/conventional: phổ thông/phổ biến the norm: qui ước xã hội live in the dorm: sống ở kí túc xá office worker: người làm công sở lunch break: giờ nghỉ trưa socialize with their friends: hòa đồng/đi chơi với bạn bè

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TOPIC

TECHNOLOGY

Part 2 Describe an invention changed people’s life You should talk about: What the invention is Who invented it When it was invented And clarify how it affected people’s lives Well to be honest, there are a lot of wondrous inventions that have changed our lives for the better, but to single out one, then I would definitely go for TVone of the greatest inventions of our time.

People watch TV every day, regarding it as a magic box. The inventor’s name is on the tip of my tongue, but it’s just slipped my mind though I remember having read an article speaking highly of him for coming up with such a groundbreaking invention.

The greatest value of TV perhaps has to do with the fact that that it is one of the major information sources that people can always turn to. Through TV, we are able to keep ourselves updated with the current affairs that are taking place

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all around the world. On top of that, TV entitles us to broaden our horizon by showing us the picturesque scenery and wonders of the nature, which was out of the question before the advent of TV. TV can also offer people refreshing experience. When we get carried away with nerve-racking period of study, then TV can do us plenty of good by easing/ alleviating the tension.

All in all, had it not been for the invention of TV, people would definitely be behind the ages.

S K E L E T O N

What the invention is Who invented it When it was invented And clarify how it affected people’s lives

Other ideas

wondrous inventions: những phát minh kì diệu to be on the tip of one’s tongue: biết chắc chắn là nhớ nhưng không nói ra được to slip one’s mind: quên speak/think highly of: nghĩ tốt về/ nói tốt về groundbreaking invention: phát minh vĩ đại, đột phá keep oneself updated with the current affairs: được cập nhật tình hình thời sự on top of that: hơn nữa entitles sb to broaden our horizon: cho phép ai đấy mở rộng tầm mắt/ kiến thức out of the question = impossible: không thể

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get carried away with: bị cuốn đi bởi cái gì nerve-racking: căng thẳng do one good: có lợi cho ai đấy ease/alleviate tension: làm giảm căng thẳng be behind the ages: lạc hậu, đi sau thời đại.

Part 3 QUESTION 1: What impacts do you think technology will have on the way people work in the future?

I’m sure you could notice that it has already transformed the way people work in a variety of domains and the trend is expected to continue in the foreseeable future. For instance, most of the graphic design tasks were performed manually a decade or two ago, but many such tasks can be digitally performed these days. In the years to come, I would expect computers to catch on even further and a complete and total transformation in this area would be the result. This means computers will take over humans in the area of design, thus putting a large number of designers out of work/making a large number of designers redundant.

S Idea 1 (including evidence/example) K E L Idea 2 (including evidence/example) E T O N

domain: phạm vi, lĩnh vực the foreseeable future: tương lai gần (tương lai có thể nhìn thấy được)

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manually: bằng tay digitally performed: được thực hiện số hóa in the years to come: Trong 1 vài năm tới catch on: trở nên phổ biến take over: tiếp quản put sb out of work/make sb redundant: Làm ai đấy bị thất việc

QUESTION 2: In what way do you think technology has made people’s life easier?

It’s a total blessing that technology has come to our life. As an example, with the use of (electromagnetic) technology, we were able to invent the remote control, thereby saving people the troubles of having to move/get up to adjust the volume for TV or to switch on the air-conditioner. These days, in an attempt for further convenience, the multi-purpose smartphone has been integrated the functions of a remote control, allowing control of all in-house appliances from a single device. Another case can be the advanced telecommunications system that has paved way for telecommuting where people just need to submit work through the Internet.

S Idea 1 (including evidence/example) K E L Idea 2 (including evidence/example) E T O N be a blessing : là 1 điều chúc phúc electromagnetic: điện từ saving sb the troubles: giúp ai đấy khỏi phải làm gì integrate: kết hợp, tích hợp submit: nộp in an attempt for: trong nỗ lực

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QUESTION 3: Do you think there is any difference between the pace of technological progress in the past and now?

Different as they may seem, it’s safe to say that technologies of the past and now are essentially based on the similar principles, and the most noticeable difference lies in the speed at which technologies advance. In the past, it took forever for a new invention to come along. Take, for instance, the landline telephone and the mobile phone, their inventions are almost a century apart; but it took only a few years to transform the standard bulky cellphone to a sleek smartphone that we’re enjoying these days. I’d say that this difference can be attributed to the wide coverage of the Internet in this day and age, which allows people to communicate and pass on new knowledge instantly, regardless of any geographical barriers.

S Idea 1 (including evidence/example) K E L Idea 2 (including evidence/example) E T O N it’s safe to say: có thể nói rằng principle: nguyên tắc sth takes forever : cái gì đấy mất rất nhiều thời gian come along: xuất hiện bulky: cồng kềnh sleek: kiểu dáng đẹp, bóng bẩy be attributed to: là do… wide coverage of: mức độ phủ sóng rộng của… pass on: truyền regardless of : bất kể geographical barriers: rào cản địa lí

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QUESTION 4: What could be the advantages and disadvantages of new inventions?

When it comes to new advances, I think it all boils down to the convenience and comfort these inventions offer users. So on the positive side, technological devices bring marvelous benefits to people in (the sense) that it replaces manual labor. On the flip side, however, people’s excessive reliance on high- tech gadgets can cause addiction. Many youngsters can’t take their eyes off the computer screen all day long, which is an alarming issue. Another case is that people are becoming couch potatoes: they hardly lift a finger to do housework, falling back on machines to do it for them. This equals to a sedentary lifestyle, and poses a threat to their health.

S Idea 1 (including evidence/example) K E L Idea 2 (including evidence/example) E T O N when it comes to: khi nói đến it all boils down to: cái chính cuối cùng on the positive side>< on the flip side: mặt tích cực, mặt tiêu cực marvelous benefits: những lợi ích kì diệu in (the sense) that: về mặt, ở khía cạnh manual labor: lao động chân tay excessive reliance on: sự quá phụ thuộc vào can’t take their eyes off: dính mắt vào, không thể rời mắt khỏi alarming issue: vấn đề đáng báo động couch potato: người ngồi yên không làm gì lift a finger to do: động tay làm gì fall back on: dựa dẫm vào sedentary lifestyle: cách sống ì ( ngồi 1 chỗ ) poses a threat to: đặt, tạo mối đe dọa cho

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ART

Part 2 Describe a painting or a work of art You should say

When you first saw this work of art Where you saw it What it looked like Explain your feelings about this work of art when you saw it The most memorable piece of artwork that I have come across would probably be the Mona Lisa, which was painted by the internationally-renowned Italian artist, Leonardo Da Vinci. This masterpiece was acclaimed as the most recognized and most visited artwork in the history of art.

I first got to know this painting when I was in primary school: my art teacher was covering the subjects of DaVinciâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s paintings when he/she claimed that the Mona Lisa would be the most prominent work of Da Vinci.

At first glance, it was just nothing more than a boring portrait of a woman. But then, as I lingered my eyes a little longer, there was something special that captured my attention. It was none other than Mona lisaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s charming smile,

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which is not only the most beautiful feature on her face but also embodies lots of mysteries.

Some people said that her smile would look different from different angles, causing famous art critics across the globe to have different interpretations.

In other words/to put it another way, it is a painting that’s worth a thousand words and has been put into the center of much debate.

For these reasons, I personally think the Mona Lisa is truly an impressive painting,– without it the world just wouldn’t be the same.

S K E L E T O N

Who they are How much these two people have similar personalities How much they look similar And explain how the two people get along with each other

Other ideas

piece of artwork (n): một tác phẩm nghệ thuật internationally-renowned (adj): nổi tiếng khắp thế giới masterpiece (n): tác phẩm nghệ thuật to be acclaimed (v): được hoan nghênh, được tôn lên lingered my eyes a little longer (v): đưa mắt nhìn kĩ hơn art critics: nhà phê bình nghệ thuật a painting that’s worth a thousand words: bức tranh đáng giá bằng hàng nghìn từ ngữ put into the center of much debate (v): được tranh luận nhiều the world just wouldn’t be the same (n): thế giới sẽ khác đi

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Part 3 QUESTION 1: Do young people and older people have same tastes in art?

Probably no. The younger and the older sections of the population tend to enjoy different tastes in art. The youth are likely to be into contemporary arts, such as graffiti, which express the freedom, individuality and personality of artists. As far as they are concerned, arts are a medium of expression or statement to the world around them about who they are. By contrast, the elderly possibly prefer traditional arts, which are all about societal norms and age-old values. These are the values that they’ve held dear to ever since they were born, and so it makes sense that they’d prefer this form of art.

S Idea 1 (including evidence/example) K E L Idea 2 (including evidence/example) E T O N

contemporary arts (n): nghệ thuật đương đại express the freedom, individuality and personality (v): thể hiện sự tự do, tính cá nhân traditional arts (n): nghệ thuật truyền thống

QUESTION 2: What is the value of art for society at large?

From my perspective, there are two principal/primary values of art for society.

Firstly, with its inherent aesthetic features/beauty, art can mesmerize its beholders, serving to refresh people (‘s mind) and remind them of better things or transcendent realities. Secondly, art is able to express important historical

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values within that society to people in ways that are memorable. For instance, artwork can commemorate great accomplishments, such as military victory of the Vietnamese army against the two giant armies, the French and the American colonists. It is thanks to arts that young generations in Vietnam may have a great sense of pride and patriotism towards their country.

S Idea 1 (including evidence/example) K E L Idea 2 (including evidence/example) E T O N

mesmerize (v) mê hoặc, thôi miên transcendent realities (n): hiện thực siêu việt commemorate (v): kỉ niệm, tưởng nhớ accomplishments (n): thành tựu please people with beauty (n): giúp con người cảm thấy thoải mái, thư giãn vì cái đẹp great sense of pride and patriotism: niềm tự hào lớn lao

QUESTION 3: Do schools in Vietnam have field trips to museums?

Yes, most Vietnamese students are taken to museum field trips once or twice a year by courtesy of their schools. Museums may help children boost their creativity and imagination by letting them exploring items of the past showcased in the thousands. As well as that, several historical museums in Vietnam could encourage the patriotism among children. To name an example, I had a trip to Ho Chi Minh museum when I was in primary school, which gave me a great sense of admiration to the late great leader of the country.

The trip instilled in me important values, and I promised myself to become an exemplary citizen when I grow up.

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S Idea 1 (including evidence/example) K E L Idea 2 (including evidence/example) E T O N boost their creativity and imagination (v): thúc đẩy tính sáng tạo và tưởng tượng explore items of the past (v): khám phá thứ thuộc về quá khứ patriotism (n): lòng yêu nước a great sense of admiration (n): lòng ngưỡng mộ lớn lao exemplary citizen (n): công dân mẫu mực

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TOPIC

FOREIGN LANGUAGE/ENGLISH

Part 3 QUESTION 1: What do you think teachers can do to help students who do not have any interest in learning foreign languages?

There are a number of methods that teachers can apply to inspire the students who are not language enthusiasts. One of them is to engage these students in various kinds of activities so that they can acquire language in the most natural way possible. This means that through all the daily games like role playing or story-telling, the kids can experience the foregin language rather than merely memorizing all the challenging grammar rules, thereby improving their use of language in real-life. Also, having all the original materials like newspapers or movies presented in a lesson can help expose learners to the language that is actually currently in use. As a result, they will gradually come to realize the substantial benefits and the need to pay more attention to the subject.

S K E L E T O N

Idea 1 (including evidence/example)

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Idea 2 (including evidence/example)

language enthusiasts: tín đồ/người yêu thích học ngôn ngữ engage students in various kinds of activities: để học sinh tham gia vào nhiều loại hoạt động khác nhau acquire language: học được ngôn ngữ original materials: tài liệu, tư liệu đời thực/gốc expose learners to: làm người học được tiếp xúc với cái gì substantial benefits: những lợi ích to lớn the need to pay more attention to: sự cần thiết phải chú ý nhiều hơn vào điều gì

QUESTION 2: Do you think learning grammar is necessary for a language learner?

I believe that grammar is a solid foundation for any languages, which enables learners to further develop their proficiency. In the case that a person just picks up the language from foreign movies or songs without learning the rules of the sentence structures, he will find it challenging to get his ideas across in an unfamiliar situation. On top of that, having a grasp of the syntax should play a key role in building up a profound and thorough understanding of the language. Studying a grammar rule may stimulate our creativity when we apply the grammar rule to express ourselves across a range of different contexts.

S Idea 1 (including evidence/example) K E L Idea 2 (including evidence/example) E T O N

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solid foundation: nền tảng vững chắc enable sb to do st: cho phép ai, tạo điều kiện cho ai làm gì further develop their proficiency: phát triển hơn nữa sự thành thục picks up the language: học/nhặt nhạnh ngôn ngữ get his ideas across: diễn đạt ý tưởng having a grasp of the syntax: có sự hiểu biết về ngữ pháp play a key role in: đóng vai trò then chốt trong việc gì building up a profound and thorough understanding: tích lũy sự hiểu biết toàn diện và sâu sắc stimulate our creativity: khơi gợi sự sáng tạo của chúng ta

QUESTION 3: Do older people have more difficulty in learning new languages?

Yes, definitely, the older the people are, the more problematic it is to acquire new information, let alone handle the complexity of a language. This is mainly because the old age tends to impair the memory function of their brain, making it difficult for them to retain what they have learnt. Aged learners usually shy away from making mistakes, which may slow down their process of learning as we normally make progress from numerous trials and errors.

That said, the experiences and understanding accumulated over time do help ones with comprehending intricate elements of a language.

S Idea 1 (including evidence/example) K E L Idea 2 (including evidence/example) E T O N problematic (adj): khó khăn, nhiều vấn đề acquire new information: lĩnh hội thông tin mới handle the complexity of a language: xử lý sự phức tạp của ngôn ngữ

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the old age tends to impair the memory function: tuổi già có xu hướng làm chức năng bộ nhớ kém đi make progress from numerous trials and errors: tiến bộ bằng nhiều lần thử và sai that said = however accumulated over time: tích lũy dần qua thời gian comprehending intricate elements: hiểu những thành phần phức tạp

QUESTION 4: Why has the need for a foreign language increased over the years?

The competence in language skills has become increasingly valuable recently mainly because of globalization. As international trade is growing, more and more multi-national companies have emerged in developing countries, providing countless job opportunities for the locals who possess a decent command of global languages such as English. These kinds of jobs are often appealing not only because of the desirable salary offered, but also of the professional working environment. This explains for the fact that a considerable number of people study day and night in order to master a language other than their mother tongue.

S Idea 1 (including evidence/example) K E L Idea 2 (including evidence/example) E T O N competence in: sự thành thạo về cái gì become increasingly valuable: trở nên càng ngày càng giá trị international trade: thương mại quốc tế more and more multi-national companies have emerged: càng ngày càng nhiều công ty đa quốc gia mọc lên/xuất hiện

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providing countless job opportunities: cung cấp vô vàn cơ hội nghề nghiệp possess a decent command of global languages: có khả năng sử dụng những ngôn ngữ toàn cầu tốt desirable salary offered: mức lương đáng khao khát được trả study day and night: học ngày học đêm (rất chăm chỉ) master a language: thành thạo, xuất sắc 1 ngoại ngữ mother tongue: tiếng mẹ đẻ

QUESTION 5: At which age do people in your country start learning English?

Children in Vietnam normally first come into contact with English when they enter primary school. Some may start sooner if they go to an Englishoriented kindergarten at the age of three. My 4-year-old niece, for example, is studying the English alphabet, cardinal numbers and the names of some animals in English through songs and games. However, I would say that children in rural and mountainous areas with limited access to education wouldn’t be as fortunate, as they don’t get to study the language before secondary school.

S Idea 1 (including evidence/example) K E L Idea 2 (including evidence/example) E T O N first come into contact with: lần đầu tiếp xúc với english-oriented kindergarten: nhà trẻ định hướng học tiếng anh at the age of three, 4-year-old niece: những cách diễn đạt tuổi đáng lưu ý cardinal numbers: số đếm with limited access to education: với sự giới hạn tiếp cận về giáo dục get to study: có cơ hội học

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QUESTION 6: When do you think is the most suitable time to start learning a foreign language?

I suppose people should adopt a second language as soon as possible, but the golden age for language acquisition is usually around three. That’s when a child’s brain is remarkably acute in absorbing anything new. A 4-year-old Russian girl in a recent reality show is a living example of this, being able to speak 7 languages fluently, which her parents attribute to her early exposure to foreign languages. Also, what we learn from such an early stage of our life tends to leave a lasting impact later on. This may be the reason why adults generally find it difficult to fix the mistakes instilled in them in the early phase of learning.

S Idea 1 (including evidence/example) K E L Idea 2 (including evidence/example) E T O N adopt a second language: học ngôn thứ thứ 2 golden age: độ tuổi vàng/lý tưởng nhất language acquisition: sự học/lĩnh hội ngôn ngữ acute in absorbing: nhanh nhạy trong việc hấp thụ/tiếp thu cái gì đó an early stage of our life: giai đoạn sớm của cuộc đời chúng ta leave a lasting impact: để lại sự ảnh hưởng lâu dài

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6

TOPIC

TV SERIES/PROGRAMS

Part 2 Describe TV series you like You should say: What the series are Who act these series What is the plot Explain how you feel about it I’m a big fan of TV series. As Vietnamese TV series show little originality, I have recently turned to American ones. Off the top of my head, I wouldn’t hesitate to say that the most captivating TV series that I’ve ever watched is “Friends” Regarding/With regards to/Concerning the cast, I have to say that it is an all-star cast. Jennifer Aniston, my favorite actress and also one of the leads in the series, carried it off brilliantly, which makes sense as she is an accomplished one. The rest of the star-studded cast gave a dazzling display of their talents too.

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Although the TV series only revolves around daily happenings of a group of 6 friends, it keeps me on the edge of my seat whenever I watch it. Each episode is packed with hilarious jokes and idle chatter. It gives me unstoppable bursts of laughter and it really works whenever I need to find something to take my mind off work.

What appeals to me most is the close bond among friends, which enables the characters in the TV series to get over all the difficulties in their life. If you are in need of an exhilarating TV series to wind down a bit, I would highly recommend “Friends” and I’m sure it wouldn’t fail to live up to your expectation.

S K E L E T O N

What the series are Who act these series What is the plot Explain how you feel about it

Other ideas

a big fan of: fan cuồng của show little originality: không độc đáo/mới lạ lắm turn to: chuyển sang off the top of my head: xuất hiện ngay trong đầu tôi captivating: lôi cuốn An all-star cast/the star-studded cast: dàn diễn viên toàn sao lead: diễn viên chính carry it off brilliantly: thực hiện rất tốt An accomplished actor: diễn viên tài giỏi dazzling display: trình diễn thành công chói lọi revolves around daily happenings: xoay quanh chuyện thường ngày keeps me on the edge of my seat: làm tôi thích thú, háo hức (xem

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rất tập trung) be packed with hilarious jokes: tràn ngập những câu chuyện hài hước idle chatter: cuộc nói chuyện phiếm unstoppable bursts of laughter: những tràng cười không ngừng take my mind off work: thư giãn, bỏ công việc ra khỏi đầu appeal to: hấp dẫn ai exhilarating: thú vị, hài hước wind down a bit: relax wouldn’t fail to live up to your expectation: sẽ không làm bạn thất vọng

Part 3 QUESTION 1: Why do some people hate watching TV? In my view, there exist two main principal causes for the reduced popularity of television programs these days. First of all, many people become frustrated as popular programs are packed with obnoxious commercial breaks. They interfere with the flow of the series and waste a lot of viewers’ valuable time.

The second reason is that the rate of couch potatoes becoming obese is so alarming, which has been linked to a lack of physical exercises. That’s why some health-conscious people keep from watching/stay away from TV in order to lead a healthier life.

S Idea 1 (including evidence/example) K E L Idea 2 (including evidence/example) E T O N

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be packed with sth: đầy cái gì obnoxious commercial breaks: khoảng giải lao mà chiếu quảng cáo gây phiền toái interfere with the flow of: làm ngắt quãng cái gì couch potatoes: người ngồi một chỗ obese: béo phì health-conscious: quan tâm, nhận thức cao về sức khỏe keep from/stay away from sth: tránh cái gì lead a healthier life: sống một cuộc sống khỏe mạnh hơn

QUESTION 2: What are the benefits for family members watching TV together?

I think it gives every family member multiple benefits. For one thing, it helps to strengthen the bond between/among family members as it is precious moment of a day when family members get together to enjoy their favorite movies. TV viewing also allows every member to let off steam and share their stories with each other while watching, which, in my opinion, explains why these collective experiences are so rewarding.

S Idea 1 (including evidence/example) K E L Idea 2 (including evidence/example) E T O N for one thing: giới thiệu (khi đưa ra một lý do) strengthen the bond: thắt chặt tình cảm get together: tụ họp let off steam: relax collective experiences: trải nghiệm cùng nhau

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QUESTION 3: Do you think there should be a ban on advertisements on TV? I don’t think so. Although it can be a real bummer for keen TV viewers to have their programs disrupted by commercials (especially during the climax of their favorite movies), we shouldn’t put a ban on it. Without the income from sponsoring companies, TV viewers would have to pay considerably more for programs of the same quality. Therefore, instead of prohibiting it, an ad-free channel could be introduced to serve deep-pocket viewers, who wouldn’t mind paying a lot (in order) not to be disturbed by nonsense advertisements.

S Idea 1 (including evidence/example) K E L Idea 2 (including evidence/example) E T O N a real bummer: sự cụt hứng be disrupted by commercials: bị ngắt quảng bởi quảng cáo (trên tv) climax: cao trào (trong phim, truyện) put a ban on: cấm sponsoring company: công ty tài trợ ad-free channel: kênh không quảng cáo nonsense advertisements: quảng cáo vô bổ, vớ vẩn

QUESTION 4: Do you think watching TV to get the news become popular in the future?

From my observation, there has been a growing trend among the young to choose Facebook feeds over TV to catch up with latest news and current affairs.

This is mainly because the information source on TV tends to twist the facts as it is censored by the government. As a result, the public no longer place their trust in the information (featured) on TV.

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S Idea 1 (including evidence/example) K E L Idea 2 (including evidence/example) E T O N a growing trend: xu hướng ngày càng tăng lên choose sth over sth: chọn cái gì hơn là/thay vì cái gì current affairs: thông tin thời sự twist the facts: làm sai, làm méo sự thật be censored: được kiểm duyệt no longer place their trust in: không còn tin cái gì

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7

TOPIC

PLANS/GOALS

Part 3 QUESTION 1: Should parents set goals for children?

Yeah I think itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d be okay if parents set goals for their kids because that could serve the purpose of teaching the young how to lead a better life. However, parents should keep in mind a few things in doing so. First, they should not overburden their young by setting improbable, unachievable goals, for that would result in their children bitterly failing, and thus lose confidence in their abilities. Second, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d be better if parents could act as mentors to their children, teaching them what to do in order to accomplish the set goals. For instance, parents could support children by breaking down the goals into smaller & more manageable objectives and help them build solutions for those.

S Idea 1 (including evidence/example) K E L E Idea 2 (including evidence/example) T O N

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overburden sb: đặt quá nhiều gánh nặng lên ai đó improbable: không khả thi bitterly failing: thất bại cay đắng (hoặc thê thảm, contextually) break down: chia nhỏ

QUESTION 2: Why do people set goals?

Simply put, I believe in order to live a fulfilled life, one must at least have something to pursue, be it for small or grander cause. We humans ’ve got this far all thanks to our constant efforts to keep pushing toward something better.

I can’t imagine what a man/woman’s world would be like if they’re okay with just living on day by day aimlessly, but that must be boring as hell, for sure.

S Idea 1 (including evidence/example) K E L Idea 2 (including evidence/example) E T O N push toward sth: cố gắng đạt được điều gì đó aimlessly: không có mục đích fulfilled life: một cuộc đời trọn vẹn

QUESTION 3: Is making money the most important thing in society?

Kind of. Even though I would say it’s not the ultimate goal, making money is surely the key to our desire, unless you’d rather live a hermit/nomad life.

However, it’s quite sad to see that some parts of our society have come to think that the ultimate goal of life is making money. For what? To buy superficial stuff that would not be of any use to them at all? Or to buy houses that they would eventually pass on to their children when they die? Regardless, I’d rather not fall into oblivion in the history of mankind by leading such a mediocre/ mundane life.

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S Idea 1 (including evidence/example) K E L Idea 2 (including evidence/example) E T O N hermit: ẩn sĩ superficial: vật chất fall into oblivion: rơi vào lãng quên mediocre: tầm tường mundane: bình thường

QUESTION 4: Do you have any plan? Why? I do - I‘ve got a handful of them in fact. I have a grand/overarching plan which I believe is the cause of my existence, and a few back-up plans to deal with any contingent problems that could get in/impede my way (to that goal). Why? I’m quite skeptical, so while I believe I could do the thing I set out to do, I’d also like to brace myself for the worst, rather be safe than sorry, am I rite?

S Idea 1 (including evidence/example) K E L Idea 2 (including evidence/example) E T O N grand: same as big, but bigger contingent problems: vấn đề phát sinh impede: cản trở (= get in one’s way) brace myself for the worst: chuẩn bị tinh thần cho điều xấu nhất

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QUESTION 5: Do you think people should do their own plan everyday?

Why? Nah, I think it’s nice sometimes to take a break from the plan. Getting all worked-up and rushing towards your objective are, in my opinion, not a wise thing to do. While it’s good to be whole-hearted with whatever your plan is, sometimes it’d benefit you more to take a step back, look at your progress and reflect on it. Maybe those breaks could give you some insights on what to do next.

S Idea 1 (including evidence/example) K E L Idea 2 (including evidence/example) E T O N worked-up: phấn khích whole-hearted: toàn tâm reflect on (trong ngữ cảnh trên): tự đánh giá take a break from: nghỉ ngơi khỏi cái gì đó to get wordked- up: xồn xồn lên take a step back: lùi 1 bước reflect on: suy ngẫm lại

QUESTION 6: Someone says you cannot success without a plan. What do you think?

I’d say otherwise, for sometimes you could still screw up because you’re being too cautious, as in the case that drawing up a detailed plan costs you the window of opportunity and there’s no going back. What’s more, being too shielded with plans would get your senses dull, I guess. For these reasons, I believe that knowing to follow your hunch/guts when the time is right is another key to success.

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S Idea 1 (including evidence/example) K E L Idea 2 (including evidence/example) E T O N screw up: làm hỏng chuyện cautious: cẩn trọng there’s no going back: không còn đường quay về hunch/guts: linh cảm

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8

TOPIC

CLOTHING â&#x20AC;&#x201C; JEWELRY UNIFORM Part 2 Describe a favourite item of clothing You should say: What it is When you bought it Why you bought it And say why you like it so much Well, I love every single item in my wardrobe, so itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s far from easy to pick only one item as my favourite. However, if I had to, I would choose my parka coat.

It is a classic long-sleeved jacket that often reminds people of the one worn by Eskimos. It features a detachable fur hood and a two zipped pockets. Like many coats of the same kind, my parka is made from waterproof fabric, and so it can act as a raincoat as well.

As far as I can remember, I got this coat sometime during the last winter. At that time, it was so cold that I had no choice but to wrap myself in layers of sweaters, cardigans and then ended up looking huge. So I thought to myself that it was time for me to refresh my winter wardrobe with some coats that

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could keep me warm and give me a stylish look at the same time. I then headed for a clothing store in the neigborhood in search of such items, and as luck would have it, I came across that coat.

I decided to buy this one due in large part to/for its color. Back then, colorful coats were all the rage, and for a fashion-conscious person like me, a yellow parka was definitely something that I couldn’t afford to ignore. Also, the coat was reasonably priced given the high quality it has. I am so much in love with the coat. Firstly, it is incredibly versatile in the sense that I can literally pair it with almost every item. If I want to nail the sporty look, I’m gonna match the coat with skinny jeans along with metallic sneakers. Another combination could be a flowy dress and the parka, which together render a rather graceful look.. Aside from being an easy wear, \ the coat can also work as a raincoat thanks to its water resistance (ability). Lastly, the coat does splendidly what it supposed to do: stuffed with goose feather, it is sure to keep me warm when there’s frigid chill in the air.

S K E L E T O N

What it is When you bought it Why you bought it And say why you like it so much

Other ideas

far from easy to V = not easy to V detachable fur hood: mũ lông có thể tháo rời a two zipped pockets: hai túi có khóa all the rage: rất được thịnh hành couldn’t afford to ignore: không nên bỏ qua versatile: linh hoạt

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Part 3 QUESTION 1: Is wearing uniform important to children?

Absolutely, uniforms are of great importance for the following reasons.

Firstly, they do not have to rack their brains to decide what to wear every morning. This can save them a great deal of time, which increases students’ punctuality. Besides, uniforms might free students from peer pressure associated with their clothes since there is no competition about keeping up with the latest fashion trends when everyone is dressed in the same way.

So the distraction from school works could be reduced, allowing students to perform better academically.

S Idea 1 (including evidence/example) K E L Idea 2 (including evidence/example) E T O N back one’s brains: suy nghĩ rất nhiều, vò đầu bứt tai peer pressure: áp lực từ bạn bè keeping up with the latest fashion trends: bắt kịp xu hướng

QUESTION 2: Why do many youngsters attempt to look different?

I think that there are many reasons why young people want to be different in terms of physical appearance. Firstly, many think that looking different can be an effective way for them to seek attention from others. This is particularly true for people who suffer from the lack of parents’ attention and care during their childhood. Besides, some people, especially those who wish to pursue a career in the entertainment industry, might assume that eccentric fashion or make-up style can help them to stand out in the crowd, and become better known by people around. Given the highly competitive entertainment world these days, these efforts to strike a chord with the audience would seem to

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make sense, but they often overlook the fact that true fame are more the results of talent and hardwork than of self presentation.

S Idea 1 (including evidence/example) K E L Idea 2 (including evidence/example) E T O N pursue a career in...: theo đuổi sự nghiệp eccentric (a): kì dị, khác người stand out in the crowd: nổi bật

QUESTION 3: How do males and females differ when choosing clothes?

There are certain distinctions in the way men and women select clothes. While men can reach a decision regarding clothes in a flash, it takes ages for women to decide what to wear. That is the reason why men are more likely to be on time during appointments. Another difference might be that women ponder over different criteria such as fabric, color, size or its suitability to the context. In contrast, males’ clothing choice is made on the spur of the moment, without giving much thoughts to these factors.

S Idea 1 (including evidence/example) K E L Idea 2 (including evidence/example) E T O N

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in a flash: rất nhanh chóng on the spur of the moment: nhanh chóng không cần suy nghĩ

QUESTION 4: Do you think online shopping can replace traditional shopping?

Well, I think that brick-and-mortar stores prove to be irreplaceable even in a time when virtual stores have been gaining major strides in popularity. This is due to the fact that a number of consumers still remain skeptical about the actual quality of the products sold online. Unless they visit the store and take a close look at the product, they are not likely to make any purchases. Also, there are concerns regarding the security risks such as having personal and financial information stolen by online frauds or swindlers. As a result, many tend to stick to the conventional method of shopping, going to physical stores and making transaction in person.

S Idea 1 (including evidence/example) K E L Idea 2 (including evidence/example) E T O N

brick-and-mortar stores = physical store: cửa hàng ở ngoài đời thực skeptical about: nghi ngờ về frauds: lừa đảo swindlers: lừa đảo, bịp bợm stick to: gắn liền với make transaction: giao dịch

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9

TOPIC

NATURE/NURTURE & INTELLIGENCE Part 2 Describe a person who solve a problem in a clever way Who the person is When you met the person Where you met the person Explain why do you think the person is clever I am really not an expert when it comes to tricky problem which needs to be solved quickly. Fortunately, I have had chances to work with many people with excellent problem-solving skills, and can learn from seeing them dealing with troubles by simple but effective way. One of them was my close buddy at school, Linh, who managed to help me out of many troublesome situations.

One time, I was given an assignment of conducting a survey about studentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; interest in opening a dancing class at school. I was a freshman so actually, I did not have much contact with other students to survey on a large scale. As a result, I decided to choose the traditional way of waiting at school gate and asked every student when they walked by.

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After several days, it turned out that I just finished a very small number of surveys required for my assignment while the deadline was just 3 days away.

I was so worried that I decided to call for the support of friends immediately.

Luckily, Linh was the first person to turn up. When I was so desperate waiting at the school gate, she appeared with a smile and said: “Don’t panic, let me help you out of this trouble”. After that, she quickly helped me to work out a more effective plan to approach targeted respondents. Instead of waiting for them to come, we actively found ways to reach them through a variety of communication channels such as posting on university forums or students’ groups, visiting class to ask for direct support from teachers, etc. Thanks to her prompt action and quick-witted strategy, I could finally finish my survey on time, and even got a flying-color score for this course.

I had to admit that Linh was quite a natural genius, especially when facing unpredicted challenges. She always tried to figure out creative methods rather than traditional ways to approach situations. That is what really inspires and motivates me to improve myself with that type of clever thinking.

S K E L E T O N

Who the person is When you met the person Where you met the person Explain why do you think the person is clever

Other ideas

when it comes: liên quan đến chủ đề, khi nói đến tricky problem: những vấn đề rắc rối problem-solving skills: kỹ năng giải quyết vấn đề help sb out: giúp ai đó

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conducting a survey: thực hiện 1 khảo sát call for: nhờ đến turn up: có mặt approach targeted respondents: tiếp cận đối tượng phỏng vấn flying-color score: điểm cao

Part 3 QUESTION 1: Why some children are clever than others? Do you think it is nature or nurture?

I would say that there are many factors affecting the intelligence of a kid, but among which the most important ones might be genes and environment. In the first case, if a kid is identified as a prodigy since his birth, genes are mostly likely the underlying factor for the exceptional cognitive ability. In fact, studies have shown that parents who are academically accomplished tend to pass on their genes to children, resulting in their offspring having a higher IQ. Apart from the hereditary factor, environmental factors such as children’s exposure to chess or jigsaw puzzle or chess could act as a mental stimulus, and therefore help with children’s intelligence quotient.

S Idea 1 (including evidence/example) K E L Idea 2 (including evidence/example) E T O N identified as a prodigy: được phát hiện là thần đồng underlying factor: nhân tố ẩn sau/ ẩn dưới academically accomplished: có thành tựu về mặt học thuật pass on their genes: truyền các yếu tố gen

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offspring: đời sau/ con cái hereditary factor: yếu tố di truyền exposure to: sự tiếp xúc với jigsaw puzzle or chess : trò chơi ghép hình hoặc cờ vua mental stimulus: yếu tố kích thích về tinh thần intelligence quotient: chỉ số thông minh

QUESTION 2: Children are said to be strongly influenced by their parents’ behaviors, do you agree with this statement?

Yes, I would definitely agree with this idea. In most cases, the bond between parents and kids is strong and can stand the test of time. Whenever a kid runs into troubles, his parents are usually the first one he turns to for advice and guidance. Through these interactions, parents could guide children on the right path, keeping them from getting involved in any actions that might have a damming effect on the latter part of their life.

S Idea 1 (including evidence/example) K E L E Idea 2 (including evidence/example) T O N stand the test of time: vượt qua thử thách của thời gian runs into troubles: gặp rắc rối turns to: nhờ đến through these interactions: nhờ những sự tương tác này guide children on the right path: dẫn dắt trẻ đi theo hướng đúng đắn damming effect: tác động bất lợi

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QUESTION 3: Do you think you are smart?

Well, I’d hate to admit that I used to be considered a very slow and clumsy person, but things have taken a change for the better. When I was a kid, it seemed quite difficult for me to absorb new knowledge or sort out things. For instance, it might have taken me hours and hours to struggle with relatively straightforward math exercises or a trivial task assigned by teachers. My parents were worried-sick that they started asking me to participate in more outdoors creative games and educational activities. I think these measures did really help to develop my cognitive power, as I have now turned into a more perceptive person who could figure thing out quickly and at ease.

S Idea 1 (including evidence/example) K E L Idea 2 (including evidence/example) E T O N slow and clumsy person: người chậm chạp, vụng về taken a change for the better: chuyển hướng tích cực absorb new knowledge: tiếp thu kiến thức sort out things: giải quyết vấn đề struggle with: gặp khó khăn làm gì trivial task: bài tập nhỏ, đơn giản develop my cognitive power: phát triển khả năng nhận thức turned into: trở thành at ease: một cách dễ dàng

QUESTION 4: Do you think smart kids are happy?

In my opinion, there would be two main scenarios happening to gifted children.

If one is endowed with inborn special talents, one may stand a higher chance

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of leading a phenomenal life, with numerous opportunities to challenge new things and achieve success in many fields like science, art, etc.

But that is only viable if the child receives proper upbringing from their parents, for if these gifted children are abused with intense/rigorous training to satisfy their parents’ expectations, they might suffer from stress or depression which makes their life so miserable.

S Idea 1 (including evidence/example) K E L Idea 2 (including evidence/example) E T O N scenarios: viễn cảnh endowed with inborn special talents: có sẵn tài năng đặc biệt lead a phenomenal life: có cuộc sống không tầm thường abused with intense training: bị lạm dụng bởi đào tạo quá tải suffer from stress or depression: chịu đựng stress hoặc trầm cảm miserable: đáng thương

QUESTION 5: What can schools do for students’ intellectual development?

It is fair to say that schools can exert an influence on promoting students’ intellectual growth, and therefore, threre should be a few important principles.

The key is to provide supportive school environment, which focuses on the development of individuals, so that they can easily explore their exclusive talents. For example, for students majoring in science, arts, or sports, some degree of personalization should be introduced to promote students with differing abilities.

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S Idea 1 (including evidence/example) K E L Idea 2 (including evidence/example) E T O N exert an influence : gây ra ảnh hưởng promoting students’ intellectual growth: phát triển khả năng nhận thức keep in mind: nhớ rằng

QUESTION 6: Is it nature or nurture which is more important for children’s development?

To be honest, I think that both nature and nurture are equally involved in the development of a child. For example, if identical twins are reared apart, they may still share the same appearance and develop similar characteristic traits as they both inherit the same genes from their parents. On the other hand, parental upbringing style, or nurture, also contributes significantly to the development of a child, in terms of providing orientations for their children so that they can grow up to become exemplary students.

S Idea 1 (including evidence/example) K E L Idea 2 (including evidence/example) E T O N

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equally involved in: có vai trò (liên quan)bằng nhau identical twins: sinh đôi cùng trứng (giống hệt nhau) reared apart: được tách ra nuôi dạy characteristic traits: đặc điểm tính cách inherit the same genes: thừa hưởng gen tốt từ parental upbringing style: cách nuôi dạy của bố mẹ in terms of: trong việc exemplary students: học sinh gương mẫu

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10 TOPIC

BUSINESS

Part 2 Descibe a big company that you are interested in You should say: What is the company called How did you know this company What kind of business does this company do What kind of interesting activities does this company have Speaking of a big enterprise, the one that I am particularly keen on is A, whose head office I had a chance to pay a visit to lately.

A went into business in 2000 and was increasingly recognized as a competent multinational mobile game developer and publisher. To be more specific, the company specializes in creating games for all digital platforms. After almost 2 decades of development, the company is still going strong, as it has been ranked as one of the top innovators in its field with an average number of 140 million monthly users/gamers.

In order to survive cut-throat competition, the company actually makes an effort to be detail-oriented. It carries out market research on a regular basis,

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often before launching a new product. According to the company’s leaders, the company has too much integrity to cut corners in any circumstances, and as a consequence, the employees are sometimes snowed under with work, scrambling to meet deadlines and to satisfy customer’s demands.

What makes an impression on me most about this company is its strong corporate culture, which can result in improved employee’s communication, collaboration and performance. Perhaps the most suitable word to describe A’s culture is “supportive/understanding”, which means that the company acknowledges their employees’ desire to contribute at work as well as their pursuit of personal interests, as it is the company’s motto that job satisfaction enhances professional output. On top of that, there is a variety of networking activities to bridge the gap among people, including team-buildings, outing trips, gaming and professional contests.

S K E L E T O N

What is the company called How did you know this company What kind of business does this company do What kind of interesting activities does this company have

Other ideas

enterprise: một công ty, doanh nghiệp be particularly keen on: đặc biệt quan tâm, hứng thú với go into business: bắt đầu hoạt động, kinh doanh was increasingly recognized as: ngày càng được công nhận như là multinational: đa quốc gia

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specializes in: chuyên môn, chuyên hoá về vấn đề gì go strong: hoạt động tốt, vững mạnh be ranked as: được đánh giá, xếp hạng như là (một điều gì đó) survive cut-throat competition: “sống sót” sau một hồi cạnh tranh khốc liệt makes an effort: cố gắng, nỗ lực detail-oriented: tập trung vào tiểu tiết, cẩn trọng đối với tiểu tiết carry out market research: tiến hành nghiên cứu thị trường launch a new product: tung ra một sản phẩm mới have too much integrity: có đạo đức, giữ vững đạo đức cut corners: đi đường tắt, đốt cháy giai đoạn, cắt giảm công đoạn (thường đem lại tác động xấu) be snowed under with work: ngập đầu ngập cổ, bị “chôn vùi” trong công việc to scramble to meet deadlines: cố gắng làm đúng hạn chót satisfy customer’s demands: làm thoả mãn yêu cầu của khách hang makes an impression on: tạo ấn tượng lên cái gì corporate culture: văn hoá doanh nghiệp job satisfaction: sự hài lòng, thoả mãn có được từ công việc đang làm networking activities: những hoạt động kết nối nhân viên, giúp nhân viên mở rộng quan hệ và liên kết với nhau bridge the gap: nối liền khoảng cách

Part 3 QUESTION 1: What are the benefits of working for a big company?

It is undeniable that giant companies can provide their employees with various opportunities for career growth and income prospects that can hardly be matched by smaller counterparts. In addition, big corporations can offer their employees a sizeable benefit package, ranging from pensions, childcare, corporate discounts to private health care for high-ranking executives.

But most importantly, it’s about the well-funded training programs of many large companies, which is synonymous with a lot of room for employee’s personal growth.

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S Idea 1 (including evidence/example) K E L Idea 2 (including evidence/example) E T O N

It is undeniable that...: thật khó có thể phủ nhận rằng career growth: sự thăng tiến, phát triển sự nghiệp income prospects: tiềm năng kiếm thêm thu nhập big corporations: tập đoàn lớn benefit package: gói dịch vụ chăm sóc lợi ích của nhân viên pensions: lương hưu childcare: chăm nom trẻ nhỏ (khi cha mẹ đi làm) corporate discounts: giảm giá, ưu đãi dành cho nhân viên công ty private health care: việc chăm sóc sức khoẻ cá nhân high-ranking executives: chuyên viên giữ chức vụ cao be synonymous with: đồng nghĩa với

QUESTION 2: How do big companies benefit the public?

As far as I know, big companies can do a great deal that is in the public interest. One of them is that large businesses generate a large number of jobs for the domestic labor market, and extremely large multinational businesses create various positions in foreign countries as well. Another common way to do good to the public is making a monetary donation to charitable funds.

This kind of help is very easy to offer and allows the beneficiary to spend the money in a way that is most suited to their needs.

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S Idea 1 (including evidence/example) K E L Idea 2 (including evidence/example) E T O N as far as I know: theo tôi được biết generate/create a job/a position: tạo ra việc làm domestic labor market: thị trường lao động trong nước do good to: làm lợi cho cái gì monetary donation: sự đóng góp bằng tiền bạc charitable funds: quỹ từ thiện beneficiary: bên được hưởng lợi suited to one’s needs: phù hợp với nhu cầu của ai đó

QUESTION 3: What are the differences between big companies and small companies?

Compared to big companies, small businesses are typically less regulated, and thus their employees tend to enjoy more of a work-life balance as well as more flexibility in working hours. Knowing that they can’t provide the same benefits a large corporation do, these companies will do everything in their power to improve their working conditions. On the other hand, working for large companies means there are almost always more opportunities for an individual to move up his career ladder.

S K E L E T O N

Idea 1 (including evidence/example) Idea 2 (including evidence/example)

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compared to n: so sánh với cái gì regulated: quản lý work-life balance: sự cân bằng giữa công việc và cuộc sống working hours: giờ làm việc do everything in one’s power: làm mọi thứ có thể trong khả năng working conditions: điều kiện làm việc career ladder: nấc thang sự nghiệp

QUESTION 4: Should big companies be punished more seriously if they break the law?

From my perspective, it would be a definite yes to this question. To remain competitive, big enterprises that are in pursuit of cost-cutting tricks are more likely to pull some shady deals that violate the laws, as in the case of child labor, and the violations/breaches could cause lasting impacts to the community if not properly contained. To deter this self-serving corporate behavior, laws should be put in place to ensure that cost-cutting does not lead to law offences, or else the offenders could be subject to unlimited fines and, in the worst cases, imprisonment of company’s board of directors.

S Idea 1 (including evidence/example) K E L Idea 2 (including evidence/example) E T O N

from my perspective: trên quan điểm của tôi in pursuit of: theo đuổi cái gì cost-cutting tricks: những mánh lới giảm chi phí

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pull some shady deals: thực hiện những hợp đồng phạm pháp, không trung thực violate/break the laws: vi phạm pháp luật child labor: lao động trẻ em lasting impacts: những tác động lâu dài self-serving (adj): ích kỷ, chỉ làm những việc có lợi cho mình laws be put in place: luật được thi hành unlimited fines: khoản tiền phạt không giới hạn imprisonment: 1. Việc bỏ tù ai 2. Tình trạng bị giam trong tù board of directors: hội đồng quản trị

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11 TOPIC

CHILDREN AND MEMORY

Part 3 QUESTION 1: How can we improve our memory?

Well, on the Internet there are tons of tips and exercises to boost our knack for memorization but most of them donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t work on me. These mnemonic tricks are often intended for short-term and immediate rote, but in the long run, I think the best way to sharpen our mind is to identify which damning factors cause us to be senile as we age and do our best to keep from them. Stress, for example, is found to be one of our brainâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mortal enemies, so it is of vital/pivotal importance to constantly keep our stress in check by taking short breaks throughout the day, expressing emotions instead of bottling them up, and most importantly, setting realistic goals.

S Idea 1 (including evidence/example) K E L Idea 2 (including evidence/example) E T O N

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knack for: khả năng work on sb: có tác dụng với ai be intended for: thiết kế dành cho rote learning: học vẹt sharpen our mind: rèn luyện trí não damning factors: các yếu tố rõ ràng senile: lão hóa, suy yếu keep from sth: tránh cái gì mortal enemies: kẻ thù truyền kiếp, không đội trời chung keep our stress in check: giữ bình tĩnh setting realistic goals: đặt những mục tiêu thực tế

QUESTION 2: Are today children less happy in their lives than children in the past?

I think it’s arbitrary to compare children’s level of satisfaction these days with that of earlier generations. Children are now exposed to a wider range of products through commercials and product placements, which pressure them into getting their hands on newly released products. This could result in an invisible burden on children, for it would leave children constantly feeling incomplete. Moreover, school work, examinations and parental pressure further compound the problem. In contrast to these modern stressors, during earlier times, poverty and hunger could have made teenagers just as, if not more, anxious, as they could mean the difference between life and death.

S Idea 1 (including evidence/example) K E L Idea 2 (including evidence/example) E T O N arbitrary: tùy tiện level of satisfaction: độ hài lòng

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exposed to: tiếp cận với product placements: bày bán sản phẩm getting their hands: có được newly released products: sản phẩm mới phát hành invisible burden: gánh nặng vô hình feeling incomplete: cảm giác thiếu thốn compound the problem: làm vấn đề nặng nề hơn

QUESTION 3: Why do you think some people can remember things easily?

Well, I suppose some people are born with an exceptional memory. In talent shows, for example, some can remember a number with hundreds of digits, while some others, with just a brief glance, are capable of solving a Rubik’s Cube in a matter of seconds, all the while being blindfolded. These are mind-blowing feats that would be impossible for an average person to achieve, no matter how hard he tries/works on his skills. However, to a certain extent, I believe that memonic tips can be taught, and as long as people pay enough attention, they are certainly able to remember things easily. Some common memory improvement tips involve linking numbers with objects then creating a story using them, I guess.

S Idea 1 (including evidence/example) K E L Idea 2 (including evidence/example) E T O N digits: con số being blindfolded: bị bịt mắt mind-blowing feats: những chiến công gây sững sờ to a certain extent: ở một mức độ nào đó memonic tips : mẹo giúp trí nhớ

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QUESTION 4: What things do adults often keep from their childhoods?

I think the items vary, depending on how you’d define ‘valuable’. Some may keep diaries they wrote or pictures they drew when they were small, while some others may hold on to their childhood toys or picture books. Whatever they are, those childhood collections must have a sentimental attachment with the owners that can make memories come flooding back upon revisiting.

S Idea 1 (including evidence/example) K E L E Idea 2 (including evidence/example) T O N

hold on to: giữ sentimental attachment: gắn kết tình cảm come flooding back: đổ về

QUESTION 5: Why do children feel happy easily?

There are different reasons why children are easily pleased. First, it is generally agreed they have a happy-go-lucky attitude towards life, which means they live for the moment and are free of any concerns, be it financial stress or personal conflicts. Next, due to their innocent nature, it‘s not typical of children to set high expectation, and it is therefore easy to crack them up with just a silly joke. And finally, being born with an unworldly nature allows kids to see happiness in the least expected ways.

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S Idea 1 (including evidence/example) K E L E Idea 2 (including evidence/example) T O N

happy-go-lucky attitude: thái độ sống vô tư lạc quan free of any concerns: không phải lo nghĩ financial stress: áp lực tài chính personal conflicts: xung đột cá nhân innocent nature: bản tính ngây thơ set high expectation: đặt kỳ vọng cao crack them up with just a silly joke: làm chúng cười chỉ bằng 1 câu đùa ngớ ngẩn unworldly nature: bản chất vô tư in the least expected ways: với những cách không ngờ tới nhất

QUESTION 6: What should adults remember?

Basically, things that adults have to keep in mind are for the most part related to their family, work and social life like birthdays of family members, deadlines for on-going projects, just to name a few. If it weren’t for memory-aid tools and applications, we would be swarmed with the massive volume of information, so much so that many of us would forget the birthdays of our most beloved one without the Facebook reminder.

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S Idea 1 (including evidence/example) K E L Idea 2 (including evidence/example) E T O N

keep in mind: nhớ for the most part: hầu như on-going projects: dự án đang thực hiện just to name a few: vân vân if it weren’t for: nếu không phải nhờ có memory-aid tools: những công cụ hỗ trợ trí nhớ be swarmed with: bị đè bẹp bởi (vì có quá nhiều) beloved one: người thân yêu

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12 TOPIC

Body of water (lakes, rivers or ocean)

Part 3 QUESTION 1: What kind of people rely on the sea? Why? Fishermen rely heavily on the sea for their livelihood. Many fishermen who are living from hand to mouth by fishery. Sometimes sell the fish to merchants, or otherwise fishermen are also fishmongers themselves. In Vietnam, the situation for fishermen is a bit dire right now as there has been an ongoing territorial dispute between the Vietnamese and the Chinese Marine over the South China Sea.

S Idea 1 (including evidence/example) K E L Idea 2 (including evidence/example) E T O N

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rely on: dựa vào livelihood: kiếm sống living from hand to mouth: sống thiếu thốn merchant: con buôn fishmongers: người bán cá dire situation: tình trạng tàn khốc ongoing: đang diễn ra territorial: liên quan đến lãnh thổ

QUESTION 2: Is there a lot of Vietnamese working near the sea?

The number of people working inland in Vietnam far exceeds that of working by the ocean. However, the figure of seaside workforce has shown a relentless growth in recent years due to the economic prosperity in tourism hotspots.

As an example, since Ha Long Bay was listed in 7 Wonders of Nature, the influx of tourists coming to Vietnam also triggers the manpower in the area to go up.

S Idea 1 (including evidence/example) K E L Idea 2 (including evidence/example) E T O N working inland: làm việc ở đất liền far exceeds: hơn rất nhiều seaside workforce: lực lượng lao động ở biển relentless growth: tăng trưởng không ngừng economic prosperity: sự thịnh vượng kinh tế tourism hotspots: những điểm du lịch nổi tiếng 7 Wonders of Nature: 7 kỳ quan thế giới the influx of: dòng chảy của triggers: thúc đẩy manpower: nhân lực

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QUESTION 3: Do you like working near the sea? Why? It would be a (great) pleasure for me to work by the sea, actually. I would trade everything to leave the buzz of the city behind and head towards a seaside area. The job I’m doing right now is really stressful, to the point that it’s unbearable at times, and that’s why I long to work near the ocean, which is said to have a mind-calming effect. Besides, I love swimming, as so working by the sea could afford me the chance to immerse myself in the cool water everyday.

S Idea 1 (including evidence/example) K E L Idea 2 (including evidence/example) E T O N trade everything to: đánh đổi mọi thứ để the buzz of the city: sự ồn ào của đô thị to the point that: đến mức mà unbearable: không thể chịu đựng được at times: thỉnh thoảng long to: mong mỏi mind-calming effect: tác dụng làm thanh thản trí óc immerse myself in: ngâm mình vào

QUESTION 4: Do you think children and old people do the same types of things when they go to a beach?

Usually no. Children and the elderlies are poles apart when it comes to hobbies. It’s of common sense that old people would usually enjoy resting by the beach and enjoy the comfortable breeze from the ocean. However, most kids are more active. Thus, it’s more likely that they would go for a swim or fly a kite rather than just behold the sceneries.

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S Idea 1 (including evidence/example) K E L Idea 2 (including evidence/example) E T O N poles apart: đối lập nhau it’s of common sense that: là chuyện đương nhiên breeze: gió thoảng go for a swim: đi bơi fly a kite: thả diều behold the sceneries: chiêm ngưỡng phong cảnh

QUESTION 5: Why do so many people like going to places with water such as lakes, river or the ocean?

Many people, myself included, find the appeal of lakes, rivers or the ocean irresistible for several reasons, one of which is the relaxing vibes that water has.

Submerging oneself in a body of water is a great get away from daily problems such as stressful work, financial concerns, so on and so forth. This is because water is famous for its cooling effects: just merely being near the water, people can already feel their stress melting away.

S Idea 1 (including evidence/example) K E L Idea 2 (including evidence/example) E T O N

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relaxing vibes: cảm giác thư giãn submerging oneself in a body of water: ngâm mình vào nước a great get away from sth: là cách tuyệt vời để tránh cái gì đó so on and so forth: vân vân melting away: tan biến

QUESTION 6: What kinds of leisure activities do people like to do in places such as at a beach, at a river, at a lake etc?

There are numerous activities you can do at a beach, but the first one that pops up in my mind is playing sports. A common sight you’d see at the beach is a dozen of youngsters playing volleyball, with other people gathering around to watch them. You can also try doing some beach crafts, such as decorative seashells or beach sand footprints. Take myself for example, collecting shells and decorating them is the first thing on my list every single time I go to the beach. But for my sisters, they prefer to build sand castles or play treasure hunt.

S Idea 1 (including evidence/example) K E L Idea 2 (including evidence/example) E T O N pops up in my mind: xuất hiện trong đầu tôi beach crafts: đồ biển thủ công decorative seashells: vỏ sò trang trí sand footprints: dấu chân tren cát sand castles: lâu đài cát treasure hunt: truy tìm kho báu

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13 TOPIC

PLANT

Part 2 Describe an important plant in your country You should say What the plant is How you know it Why it is important Explain how much you like the plant As a native Vietnamese who is interested in plantation, Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve seen many species of plants in my life but to single out one, then I would definitely go for rice plant, one of the most important plants in my country.

I first got to know this plant when I was in primary school, my biology teacher was covering the subject of crops when he/she taught us that/pointed out that rice plants play the most vital role in Vietnam.

There exist 2 principal causes for the importance of rice plant in my country.

The first reason is that it produces rice, a staple food for most Vietnamese people, which is high in/rich in carbohydrate and suit our appetite.

Secondly, agricultural products like rice are what we focus and pride on in the

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international market. In fact, Vietnam is the second most productive country in rice production and our rice has been exported all over the world, which generates a lot of return for our country.

Whenever the plant crosses my mind, it gives me a pleasant nostalgic feeling.

As we Vietnamese are internationally-renowned for the long-standing rice civilization, rice plant has become a symbol of our country.

S K E L E T O N

What the plant is How you know it Why it is important Explain how much you like the plant

Other ideas

species of plants: loài cây first got to know: lần đầu được biết covering the subject of sth: dạy chủ đề point out that: chỉ ra rằng staple food: thức ăn chính high in/rich in sth: (thức ăn) giàu chất gì suit one’s appetite: hợp khẩu vị pride on: tự hào về the second most productive country in rice production: nước sản xuất gạo năng suất đứng thứ 2 trên thế giới generates a lot of return: tạo nhiều lợi nhuận crosses my mind: xuất hiện trong đầu nostalgic: nhớ nhà a pleasant feeling: cảm giác dễ chịu internationally-renowned: nổi tiếng thế giới the long-standing rice civilization: nền văn minh lúa nước lâu đời

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Part 3 QUESTION 1: Do you want to be a farmer in the future?

Yeah, definitely. Although farming is a painstaking and investment-intensive area, it is a profitable activity, as evidenced by plenty of agricultural moguls in Vietnam who have access to advanced agriculture. Of course, to be rich in any field, you first gotta know all the tricks of the trade, and so by farming, I don’t really mean traditional/conventional farming, but rather all the latest approaches and know-hows in the area. For someone who has an inquisitive nature about farming like me, this shouldn’t be a big deal.

S Idea 1 (including evidence/example) K E L Idea 2 (including evidence/example) E T O N a painstaking and investment-intensive area: lĩnh vực đòi hỏi nhiều công sức và sự đầu tư a profitable activity: hoạt động mang lại lợi nhuận agricultural moguls: nguời giàu trong ngành nông nghiệp (đại gia nông nghiệp) advanced agriculture: nông nghiệp tiên tiến the tricks of the trade: kĩ xảo, kĩ thuật trong nghề; bí kíp nhà nghề traditional/conventional farming: nông nghiệp truyền thống know-hows: bí quyết an inquisitive nature about sth: bản tính tò mò về cái gì this shouldn’t be a big deal: đó không phải vấn đề lớn

QUESTION 2: Are there any important trees in your country?

I think bamboos are of the greatest importance in Vietnam. The use of bamboo ranges from making chopsticks, chopping boards, musical instruments to

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building traditional construction, though for the last purpose, they have been large replaced by more sturdy materials. Also, not only can bamboo trees add greenery to concrete jungles but they symbolize hope in ancient Vietnam as well. As such, it’s no accident that there are many poems complimenting bamboo in Vietnamese literature.

S Idea 1 (including evidence/example) K E L Idea 2 (including evidence/example) E T O N of the greatest importance: quan trọng nhất ranges from… to…: từ … đến …. chopsticks: đũa chopping boards thớt gỗ sturdy materials: nguyên liệu chắc chắn, bền add greenery to sth: thêm cây cối xanh cho nơi nào đó concrete jungles: một cách để miêu tả một khu vực đem lại cảm giác khó chịu vì có quá nhiều tòa nhà lớn mà không có cây xanh hay công viên (khu rừng bê tông – thành phố) symbolize hope: tượng trưng cho hi vọng it’s no accident that: không phải tự nhiên mà… complimenting sth: ca ngợi

QUESTION 3: Where do people often grow plants?

The first place that comes to my mind is spacious gardens, in which many big trees are grown merely for their shade and breezes. On top of that, small potted plants like cactus are a common sight in the living room, serving as a good adornment for the room as well as making it more alive and airy.

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S Idea 1 (including evidence/example) K E L Idea 2 (including evidence/example) E T O N come to my mind: xuất hiện trong đầu tôi shade and breezes: bóng râm và gió mát small potted plants: chậu cây nhỏ be a common sight: thường được thấy serving as: dùng làm a good adornment: vật trang trí tốt alive and airy: sống động và thoáng khí

QUESTION 4: What is the importance of trees nowadays?

Trees are undoubtedly more important than ever to human beings these days.

Not only do trees offer people the opportunities to get closer to nature, they’ve also served as a good means to convert carbon dioxide into oxygen, without which the human race would reach the end of the world. Despite its importance, however, trees have been cut down at an alarming rate as the importance of them has been taken for granted in recent years.

S Idea 1 (including evidence/example) K E L Idea 2 (including evidence/example) E T O N

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undoubtedly: không còn nghi ngờ gì nữa get closer to nature: gần gũi hơn với thiên nhiên convert carbon dioxide into oxygen: chuyển hóa CO2 thành Oxy be cut down at an alarming rate: (cây) bị chặt với tốc độ đáng báo động be taken for granted: bị coi nhẹ

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14 TOPIC

CHANGES AND TECHNOLOGY-REVISED

Part 2 Describe a positive change in your life What it was When it happened How it happened Clarify why it was a positive change Of all the changes Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve made for the past few years, a shift to a healthier lifestyle was the most positive one to me.

Prior to my university entrance, I had a whole year of stuffing myself with snacks and fast food. This was because those food were ready-made, which was really convenient and time-saving, especially for a hyper-active high-schooler like me. But everything comes at a cost. As a result of my excessive junk food consumption, I put on a lot of weight and even had a metabolism issue. The latter one was a wake-up call for me, and I decided that it was time to make a change for the better.

I started by replacing junk food with home-cooked meals as well as tried my best to cut down on snacks. In addition to that, I also took up swimming and

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yoga to burn those extra fats of my body. The first few months were a nightmare because I had to keep my appetite in check and endure the muscle sore from workouts. However, it was all worth it when I spotted the progress.

The sedentary lifestyle of mine is just a thing of the past. I now lead a healthy lifestyle, which has changed my life for the better, and I’m gonna stick to it no matter what.

S K E L E T O N

What it was When it happened How it happened Clarify why it was a positive change

Other ideas

prior to: trước (cái gì đó) stuff oneself with: nhồi ăn ready-made: có sẵn hyper-active: quá hiếu động everything comes at a cost: cái gì cũng có giá của nó excessive consumption: tiêu thụ quá mức put on a lot of weight: tăng rất nhiều cân metabolism issue: vấn đề tiêu hóa a wake-up call: hồi chuông cảnh tỉnh make a change for the better: thay đổi để tốt hơn home-cooked meals: thức ăn nấu nhà cut down on: giảm bớt cái gì took up: bắt đầu 1 sở thích mới

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keep my appetite in check: kiểm soát khẩu phần ăn uống endure the muscle sore: chịu đựng sự đau cơ sedentary lifestyle: cách sống ỳ, lười hoạt động a thing of the past: là chuyện trong quá khứ, là chuyện đã qua stick to st: kiên trì với cái gì

Part 3 QUESTION 1: Are there any rapid changes in in your country?

Apparently, Vietnam is going through a swift transformation, with visible changes in terms of transportation, services and finance… but I suppose the same thing can’t be said about the environment that we are living in. Vietnam used to be in pristine condition with fresh air and clean rivers. But things have gone terribly wrong since technology advances came along, as water is being severely contaminated by untreated chemicals from factories, and as the air is becoming polluted from car’s exhaust fumes …. As a result, pollution has become a pressing issue in Vietnam for years. All in all, as much as I ‘d like to believe that VN is changing for the better in various aspects, I still think that the environment is being destroyed faster than ever.

S Idea 1 (including evidence/example) K E L E Idea 2 (including evidence/example) T O N

swift transformation: sự thay đổi nhanh chóng the same thing can’t be said about: Không thể nói điều tương tự với

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to be in pristine condition: ở trong tình trạng sạch sẽ, không bị phá hủy things have gone (terribly) wrong: mọi thứ đã đi sai hướng come along: xuất hiện contaminated: bị ô nhiễm pressing issue: vấn đề đáng quan tâm, lo ngại

QUESTION 2: What are the functions of smartphones nowadays?

There are a lot that smartphones can offer, but I suppose the most primary/ principal function of smart mobiles nowadays, as always/as has been the case for decades, is communication facilitation. Besides major improvements made in phone calls and text messaging, smartphones have paved the way for a revolutionary change in communication in (the sense) that they bring about free calls and messages worldwide through apps like Skype, Viber and Facebook messages. Another point worth mentioning is that smartphones today, with its high configuration, can function almost like a computer with massive memory capacity. As a result, smartphones save students and workers the troubles of carrying bulky books, document folders or laptops around, thereby offering great convenience.

S Idea 1 (including evidence/example) K E L E Idea 2 (including evidence/example) T O N

has been the case for decades: đúng trong hàng thập kỷ communication facilitation: chức năng liên lạc

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paved the way for: giúp cho cái gì trở nên dễ dàng hơn revolutionary change: thay đổi mang tính cách mạng bring about: gây ra, đem lại another point worth mentioning: Một điểm đáng nói nữa là high configuration: cấu hình cao massive memory capacity: khả năng lưu trữ thông tin lớn save sb the troubles of doing st: giúp ai đấy tránh khỏi phiền hà khi phải làm gì

QUESTION 3: Do you think it is good/ necessary for people to try new things?

Definitely. If people keep doing the exact same things that they always have, they are likely to get into a rut, and a mundane routine can kill enthusiasm as well as creativity in the long run. That said, just little changes can go a long way: trying your hands at new things like picking up a new hobby, or just simply changing your everyday look can do a great deal to help you feel refreshed. And who knows, these little changes help people take a step back, which may help you to identify the potentials you’ve had all along. Though, changes are rarely easy, but a run-of-the-mill life would be pretty boring and sometimes even suffocating, and having a change every now and then is certainly worthwhile.

S Idea 1 (including evidence/example) K E L E Idea 2 (including evidence/example) T O N get into a rut: sống theo lối mòn (làm lặp đi lặp lại 1 việc) mundane routine: 1 công việc nhàm chán in the long run: xét về mặt lâu dài

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that said = however: tuy nhiên go a long way: có tác dụng lâu dài trying your hands at: thử cái gì đó do a great deal: giúp đỡ nhiều take a step back: lùi 1 bước (nghĩa bóng) run-of-the-mill: quá đỗi bình thường, tẻ nhạt suffocating: ngạt thở, ngột ngạt every now and then: thi thoảng worthwhile: xứng đáng

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15 TOPIC

ACCOMMODATION

Part 3 QUESTION 1: What are the advantages of living with old people?

There are certain social skills that the young generations would gain through living with the elderlies. Owing to the generation gap between the old and the young, the two groups might differ a great deal in their thinking, and living with older people afford the young the chance to settle these differences through social skills. These social skills, which involves understanding how to interact with the older group, enjoying their company both in good and bad times, negotiating and making compromises, are vital for the youngâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sociability.

S Idea 1 (including evidence/example) K E L E Idea 2 (including evidence/example) T O N

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owing to: bởi vì generation gap: khoảng cách thế hệ interact with: tương tác enjoying their company: hòa đồng với bạn bè negotiating: đàm phán make compromises: cam kết

QUESTION 2: Should young adults live on their own?

Absolutely yes. Firstly, living independently teaches the young vital skills, one of which is problem-solving skill that’s necessary for the ease of life. Being good at problem-solving means that one can learn to handle such daily chores such as cooking, cleaning, handling your own finances, all of which contribute towards leading an independent life and knowing how to take care of oneself.

Secondly, it would ease/alleviate strain on parents. Not all young adults come from a wealthy background where their parents can cover their expenses definitely. As such, rather than mooching off their parents, many of the young decide to move out, sometimes to a cheap accommodation that they can afford, to partly relieve their parents of the financial strain/burden. This usually works out well for both groups as coming into their own helps the young to be independent and the parents would have less of a financial concern.

S Idea 1 (including evidence/example) K E L E Idea 2 (including evidence/example) T O N

daily chores: các công việc hàng ngày ease/alleviate strain on parents: giảm áp lực cho bố mẹ

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cover their expenses: trả các chi phí mooching off: vòi tiền move out: rời ra ở riêng financial strain/burden: gánh nặng tài chính coming into their own: trở nên độc lập

QUESTION 3: Which option do you think is better, to live in a small house or a big house?

Personally, staying in a small little place works better for me for several reasons.

Firstly, a small house can help build relationships. When all you have is a little space with a lot of shared facilities, you learn to work around each other, and that would prevent/inhibit problems from arising in the first place. A small house can also give a feeling of coziness and intimacy that larger homes lack, which strengthen the bonds/ties between family members.

S Idea 1 (including evidence/example) K E L E Idea 2 (including evidence/example) T O N

build relationships: xây dựng mối quan hệ prevent/inhibit: tránh, ngăn cấm a feeling of coziness and intimacy: cảm giác ấm áp, thân thiết strengthen the bonds/ties: thắt chặt mối quan hệ

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QUESTION 4: Where do old people like to live, city or the countryside?

Everyone of us holds a different preference, depending on our demands at the moment, but generally speaking, I’d say senior citizens would choose the countryside over the city. Being home to hundreds of modern hospitals with cutting-edge facilities and dozens of accomplished doctors, the city could enjoy a much higher state of medicine, but its nuisances are just too overwhelming for aged citizens to look the other way. To start with, the city has too much bustle and crazy drivers, which many senior citizens consider a breach of peace. By comparison, the countryside would most likely enjoy a slower and more peaceful pace of life. But what’s even more important is more vegetation, and consequently, fresher air. These are the ideal conditions to lead a healthy life, which are the elderly’s top priority.

S Idea 1 (including evidence/example) K E L E Idea 2 (including evidence/example) T O N

senior citizens: người già choose sth over sth: chọn cái gì hơn cái gì cutting-edge facilities: các thiết bị hiện đại accomplished doctors: các bác sĩ giỏi nuisance: vấn đề look the other way: có 1 cái nhìn khác bustle: sự ồn ào náo nhiệt breach of peace: phá rối trật tự công cộng pace of life: nhịp sống

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QUESTION 5: Do you like to move house frequently?

Absolutely not. It is just shocking how much stuff can be stored in your house when you have to move it. Moving all these bulky furniture, fittings, and possibly fixtures really takes time and leave you exhausted/gasping for breaths when you’re done with it. Besides, a house is also where your memories are attached to. So call me sentimental, but it is likely heartbreaking/disheartening to say goodbye.

S Idea 1 (including evidence/example) K E L E T O Idea 2 (including evidence/example) N

bulky : cồng kềnh fittings: phụ tùng fixtures: thiết bị leave you exhausted: kiệt sức gasping for breaths: thở hổn hển attached to: gắn với so call me sentimental: cứ cho là tôi đa cảm đi disheartening: làm chán nản

QUESTION 6: Why do people move to a new home?

There are several reasons why people move to a new house. Firstly, it’s pretty common to relocate to another city or state when one lands a new job, while long commutes and heavy traffic mean more and more people are looking to move closer to their workplace. Of the second motivation stems from relationship changes. Resettlements are often the result of changes in one’s relationship status, like getting married or divorced, moving in with your significant other or separating from one.

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S Idea 1 (including evidence/example) K E L E Idea 2 (including evidence/example) T O N

lands a new job: có công việc mới long commutes: chuyến di chuyển dài bằng tàu điện ngầm, hoặc xe bus từ vùng ngoại ô vào thành phố làm việc heavy traffic: phương tiện đông đúc stems from: bắt nguồn từ resettlements: tái định cư significant other: người ấy

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16 TOPIC

COUNTRYSIDE/CITIES (URBAN & RURAL AREAS) Part 3 QUESTION 1: What are the advantages of living in a city or big town?

I think the advantage of living in cities mainly lies in the range of opportunities it provides. Cities are normally teeming with activities and people, so it’s very likely that you can find something for yourself among those, be it jobs or relationships. I’m not saying that you can’t find those elsewhere, but statistically speaking, you have better shots at finding them in cities. I bet that’s why many of young people these days, no matter where they’re from, do what they can to reside in the city, despite the exorbitant living expenses.

S Idea 1 (including evidence/example) K E L E Idea 2 (including evidence/example) T O N

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teeming with: tràn ngập among: giữa (phân biệt với between) statistically speaking: theo như số liệu better shots: tương tự như better chances/possibilities – có nhiều cơ hội hơn reside in: định cư ở exorbitant living expenses: chi phí sinh hoạt quá cao

QUESTION 2: What do you think are the biggest difference between urban and rural areas?

In my opinion, the biggest difference between those two is the ability to access a multitude of services. It’s more common to see various kinds of services flourish in the metropolises, where the average level of income is way higher than in far-flung areas, whereas the spectrum of services on offer in the countryside is rather limited. On the other hand, while rural areas are still growing to become more modernized, it might have a hard time catching up with the current establishment of urban areas. This makes sense as big cities are often where most of the cash flow funneled into.

S Idea 1 (including evidence/example) K E L Idea 2 (including evidence/example) E T O N access: tiếp cận multitude: nhiều flourish: nở rộ. (ngữ cảnh trong câu) phát triển mạnh mẽ metropolises: đô thị far-flung areas: những vùng sâu vùng xa

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catching up with: bắt kịp với current establishment: (ngữ cảnh trong bài) sự phát triển đã có

QUESTION 3: How do you think cities will change in the future?

I’ve recently watched a documentary about the ways our cities will evolve in the future, and it’s rather promising. First and foremost, as humans are becoming more aware of our impact on the environment and how seriously/severely we’ve been punished for damaging it, and so green cities, which provide the answer to our worsening environmental issue, will become a trend in the future. Next, I think cities would definitely grow larger, not in size, but the sheer number of people they could shelter. Growing larger in size is off limits because, in reality, we are running out of space. So I think the next step in the evolution of cities will be how they could utilize the little space we have left to accommodate more people. For example, there is a design concept in which cities will be compacted inside a giant building, and as they are not taking up much space on the ground, the limit only be subject to how high we could build.

S Idea 1 (including evidence/example) K E L Idea 2 (including evidence/example) E T O N evolve: phát triển (ngữ cảnh bài) -> nghĩa gốc: tiến hóa promising: có triển vọng aware of: nhận thức được the sheer number of: số lượng rất lớn của off limits: bị cấm utilize: tối ưu hóa accommodate: chứa chấp compacted: nén

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QUESTION 4: What do you think about living in the countryside?

Having spent most of my life in cities, I think living in the countryside will spice things up a bit. I’ve been to places where I had fewer access to all the amenities I’m used to having (back in the city). At first, it’s sort of hard to get used to not having wifi connection, or not being able to go out to buy stuffs at the nearest supermarket/convenience store. But eventually when things settle down a bit, you’ll learn to appreciate what you’re having and perhaps, discover exotic things you may missed growing up.

S Idea 1 (including evidence/example) K E L Idea 2 (including evidence/example) E T O N

spice things up: làm thú vị hơn amenities: tiện nghi get used to: làm quen với convenience store: cửa hàng tiện lợi, hàng tạp hóa settle down: ổn định

QUESTION 5: What benefit it brings when a city become famous?

I wouldn’t say benefits, but more like troubles it’d bring. The apparent economic advantages that comes with the fame of the city would be overshadowed by social instability. As cities become more well-known, they attract more people, be it immigrants or tourists. Without a proper method to manage these inflows and outflows, cities might face a decline in living standards as they have to accommodate more than their actual capacity. This could leave many people without a shelter, and their struggle for a living may mean a rise in crime rate.

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S Idea 1 (including evidence/example) K E L E Idea 2 (including evidence/example) T O N settle down đi cùng với be overshadowed by: bị lu mờ bởi social instability: sự bất ổn xã hội inflows and outflows: lượng vào và lượng ra capacity: dung lượng

QUESTION 6: Why many people like living in cities?

I think it’s mainly due to the fact that we generally associate urban life with better job opportunities and higher living standards and. And in this case, the association turns out to be rather true as there are, in fact, more things to do in cities than in the countryside. So, for job seekers who are longing/yearning for a well-paid job, cities are utopia. With regards to social needs, cities also do a better job than rural areas at addressing these needs. You can find pretty anything you want on sale in the city.

S Idea 1 (including evidence/example) K E L E Idea 2 (including evidence/example) T O N longing/yearning for: mong muốn utopia: thế giới trong mơ address these needs: thỏa mãn các nhu cầu này

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17 TOPIC

(GOODS) NEWS & (SOCIAL) MEDIA Part 2 Describe a piece of goof news that you receivedt You should say: What this news was When and where you heard it How you heard it And explain why you think it was good news Today I would like to tell you about one of the most overwhelming and unforgettable piece of news in my entire life: when I received the exam results that afforded me a full-tuition scholarship to study abroad in Finland.

Back in my first year at university, studying abroad was a dream for every student, especially my friend and me. One day, we came across a scholarship that we tried to apply for later on. This scholarship offered a great study environment, and more importantly, a generous monthly allowance, which was priceless to me because our family financial situation did not allow us to afford both studying fee and living costs at the same time. For that reason, it had such a low acceptance/ admission rate that we did not look forward to making

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it, thinking that it was a trial to gain experience for other opportunities in the future.

On that destined day, when I was walking home from school as usual, I suddenly received a call from my friend telling me to check the updates on the university websites, as rumor had it that the final acceptance list was already publicized.

I was so excited to see the results that I decided to sprint home. The second stepped past the threshold, I turned on my computer immediately, all the while clicking the mouse constantly out of thrill. Then, I could hardly believe in my eyes when I saw the name of both my friends and me on the winners.

I was so overwhelmed with joy that I almost burst into tears. It was like a dream come true for me. With hindsight, it was a life-changing opportunity for me to step out of my comfort zone and go out to discover the world. More importantly, I never expected that this chance would come out of the blue, when I expected it the least.

S K E L E T O N

What this news was When and where you heard it How you heard it And explain why you think it was good news

Other ideas

a full-tuition scholarship: học bổng toàn phần come across: tình cờ thấy apply for: đăng ký, ứng tuyển để đạt được/ nhận được gì (phân biệt với apply to: ứng tuyển vào trường học/ công việc) monthly allowance: trợ cấp hàng tháng

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a low acceptance/admission rate: tỷ lệ chấp nhận thấp to make it: thành công, đạt được rumor had it that: tin đồn là sprint: chạy thật nhanh all the while: trong suốt khoảng thời gian đó burst into tears: bật khóc, òa khóc nức nở with hindsight: ngẫm lại thì, nhìn lại thì life-changing opportunity: cơ hội đổi đời step out of my comfort zone: thử sức ở việc mới lạ out of the blue (informal): xảy ra một cách bất ngờ expected it the least: không hề trông mong chuyện gì đó sẽ xảy ra

Part 3 QUESTION 1: How do people share good news?

Well, thanks to the rapid advancement of technology and the Internet, we are now living in a world surrounded by a variety of communication tools which can help to share information in a matter of seconds. The most common way to share a piece of good news is via social networks like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc… As an example, when my brother was admitted to a prestigious university, he posted a status on Facebook sharing the joy with everyone, and within an hour, hundreds of his friends commented on his status congratulating him for his success.

S Idea 1 (including evidence/example) K E L Idea 2 (including evidence/example) E T O N

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advancement of technology: sự tiến bộ của công nghệ communication tools: công cụ liên lạc in a matter of seconds/minutes/hours/week: chỉ sau vài giây/phút... social networks: mạng xã hội prestigious university: trường đại học uy tín, hàng đầu

QUESTION 2: How does modern technology affect the delivery of information?

Technology today can affect every single aspect of modern society, especially in the way news is delivered. In the past, it used to take a long time to pass news from one region to another through historical means like sending letters or using pigeons. However, many breakthroughs in modern technology have turned the world into truly a true global village where news can spread across continents with the click of a computer mouse. For example, many of my friends go livestream, the “trendy” function on Facebook, every now and then to share their life events on this social media platform. Livestreaming works like a charm because it can helps others to get instant updates and react immediately to the video.

S Idea 1 (including evidence/example) K E L Idea 2 (including evidence/example) E T O N every single aspect of modern society: từng khía cạnh của cuộc sống hiện đại deliver news: truyền tải thông tin historical means: phương tiện trước đây sử dụng breakthroughs in modern technology: các đột phá trong kỹ thuật hiện đại

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turn sth into sth: biến cái này thành cái kia a global village: (tạm dịch) một ngôi làng toàn cầu- nơi ảnh hưởng của khoảng cách địa lý được giảm thiểu nhờ công nghệ with the click of a computer mouse: chỉ bằng một cú nhích chuột every now and then/every so often: thi thoảng (không thường xuyên) social media platform: nền tảng truyền thông mạng xã hội works like a charm: rất hiệu quả, tác dụng như một phép màu get instant updates: nhận các cập nhật liên tục

QUESTION 3: When do people share good news?

I think that social sharing of emotions is a common behavior seen in people, especially when it comes to positive feelings inherent in good news. It could be the case when you have just accomplished an important goal or achieved such a huge success that you feel so overwhelmed, and need to keep others posted about that news. For instance, if you update status about passing the final exam with flying colors on social networking sites like Facebook, chances are you’ll get various “congrats” comments and reactions after a couple of minutes. These praises would work like a positive reinforcement, encouraging you to spread goods news the next time you get one.

S Idea 1 (including evidence/example) K E L Idea 2 (including evidence/example) E T O N when it comes to/as regards: về vấn đề inherent in (formal): tồn tại cố hữu it could be the case: điều đó có thể đúng khi accomplished an important goal: đạt được một mục tiêu quan trọng feel so overwhelmed: cảm thấy choáng ngợp

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to keep others posted (spoken): cập nhật thông tin cho mọi người, liên tục báo tin cho mọi người passing the final exam with flying colors: đạt điểm cao trong kỳ thi a positive/negative reinforcement: biện pháp động viên tích cực/ tiêu cực (tích cực: khen, thưởng/tiêu cực: phạt, quở trách) spread news: lan truyền tin tức

QUESTION 4: What kinds of good news have you received before?

During my life, I have come across with many sorts of good news, but most of which relates to my work or study. Call me boring, but I was an exemplary student for all 12 years of schooling as well as 4 years of university. During this time, I’d narrow the scope of my joy to getting good grades at school, which I often did. When I grew up a bit and started working, I always made it a point to of attaining the highest KPI (Key Performance Indicators) so that my boss would pay me some compliments. I daresay that positive comments and public recognition are my main source of good news these days

S Idea 1 (including evidence/example) K E L Idea 2 (including evidence/example) E T O N call me boring/superstitous,...: cứ cho là tôi nhàm chán/ mê tín,... đi exemplary student: học sinh gương mẫu narrow the scope of: thu hẹp phạm vi của cái gì made a point to of : quyết tâm làm gì pay me some compliments: khen ngợi ai I daresay/I dare say: tôi cho rằng, nghĩ rằng public recognition: sự thừa nhận của xã hội source of good news: nguồn tin tốt/ xấu

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18 TOPIC

HELP/A HELPFUL PERSON & CHARITY Part 3 QUESTION 1: Do you like helping others?

Of course I do. I love the feeling of being helpful to people in need. When my friends, for instance, ask for my help/turn to me for help, I am willing to reach out to them instantly without the slightest hesitation. And while I’m at it, I’d never expect people to return the favor (after helping them). I really think that helping others should be the result of goodwill rather than quid pro quo.

S Idea 1 (including evidence/example) K E L Idea 2 (including evidence/example) E T O N

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be helpful to: có ích đối với ai/ cái gì in need: cần (được giúp đỡ) ask for my help/turn to me for help: nhờ tôi giúp đỡ reach out to: đề nghị giúp đỡ ai đó without the slightest hesitation: không mảy may do dự return the favor: đáp trả ân huệ while I’m at it: (while I’m doing it) khi tôi làm điều đó goodwill: thiện chí quid pro quo: sự sòng phẳng, có đi có lại

QUESTION 2: In your view, should children be taught to help others?

The answer (to this question) would be a big yes. To nurture children’s sense of helpfulness/community, early education should be provided. This should be a joint effort between schools and families. At school, children could be encouraged to take part in teamwork, which would involves these children in collaborating and looking out for each other when necessary. At home, parents should set different examples of helping one another so that children can follow suit.

S Idea 1 (including evidence/example) K E L Idea 2 (including evidence/example) E T O N a nurture: nuôi dưỡng (để phát triển) a sense of: ý thức làm gì a joint effort: một nỗ lực chung, một sự chung tay nỗ lực be encouraged to sth: được khuyến khích làm gì involves sb in doing sth: khiến ai đó tham gia một hoạt động gì đó collaborate: cộng tác

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looking out for each other: quan tâm lẫn nhau to set an example of: làm gương về cái gì follow suit: bắt chước

QUESTION 3: What can parents do to cultivate children’s quality of helping people?

To foster children’s sense of helpfulness, parents should first become their primary role model. To do this, it is expected of parents to show their children the importance of putting others first, like giving in/making compromises to their sibling’ needs or letting the sibling have his way. Also, parents should involve their kids in different real-life situations, such as asking them to pitch in in cooking or other house chores. This is to let them learn how to help other people by trial and error.

S Idea 1 (including evidence/example) K E L Idea 2 (including evidence/example) E T O N to foster: thúc đẩy, cổ vũ cái gì a role model: một tấm gương để học hỏi to putting sbd first: ưu tiên ai đó give in/make compromises to sb’s needs/demands: chấp nhận/ thỏa hiệp với nhu cầu/ đề nghị của ai đó let sb have his/her way: nhường ai đó có được cái họ muốn real-life situations: tình huống thực tế pitch in: góp tiền bạc, công sức... vào để cùng làm house chores: công việc nhà to learn sth by trial and error: học cái gì thông qua phép thử-sai

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QUESTION 4: How can charitable organization help people?

Charitable organizations are believed to improve the standards of living for people living in poverty-stricken or flood-stricken areas. These organizations tend to respond appropriately to the needs of local communities. To name an example, in the recent natural calamity/flash flood that took place in the middle region of Vietnam, a system of agencies succeeded in obtaining enough funding for relief packages sent to these areas. Without charitable organizations, it would be difficult to find a means to channel private donations to help people.

S Idea 1 (including evidence/example) K E L Idea 2 (including evidence/example) E T O N charitable organizations: tổ chức từ thiện poverty-stricken/flood-stricken areas: vùng nghèo khó/ bão lũ tend to: có xu hướng làm gì respond appropriately: phản ứng một cách thích hợp natural calamity/disaster: thảm họa thiên nhiên flash flood: lũ quét to obtain the funding: lấy nguồn tiền (đóng góp) relief package: gói cứu trợ private donations: khoản ủng hộ cá nhân to channel sth to V/sb: vận chuyển cái gì để làm gì/ cho ai đó

QUESTION 5: What do you think are the benefits of having unpaid volunteer workers? How do you think the volunteers themselves benefit?

In my opinion, volunteering offers a great deal of values for the beneficiaries, the charity bodies and the volunteers themselves. The benefits the recipients

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of volunteering stand to gain is obvious, so I’m just going to skip that. As for the charitable organizations, having unsalaried volunteer workers may save a considerable amount of money. Lastly, volunteers themselves can reduce stress, combat depression, and are mentally stimulated. This is because the activity itself provides a sense of purpose, as you know that your efforts go towards helping others and making their lives better.

S Idea 1 (including evidence/example) K E L E Idea 2 (including evidence/example) T O N beneficiary: người được hưởng lợi charity body: tổ chức từ thiện recipient: người nhận stand to gain/win/lose/make: có xu hướng nhận được/ đạt được/mất/ làm được cái gì unsalaried workers: lao động không lương combat depression: chiến đấu với sự suy sụp, trầm cảm mentally stimulated: kích thích, khuyến khích về phương điện tinh thần to have a sense of purpose: cảm giác cuộc sống có ý nghĩa

QUESTION 6: Do you think international aid (e.g. from a national government to another) is important?

I think international relief, especially to impoverished countries, is important. This is because these foreign aids enable the locals to have access to basic necessities such as electricity and running water. Moreover, thanks to international aid, life-saving support can come to those affected by natural disasters, and emergency shelters can be built for those who wish to take refuge.

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S Idea 1 (including evidence/example) K E L Idea 2 (including evidence/example) E T O N international relief: cứu trợ quốc tế impoverished countries: những nước rất nghèo foreign aids: viện trợ nước ngoài basic necessities: nhu cầu cơ bản running water: nước máy life-saving support: hỗ trợ để cứu mạng (ai đó) emergency shelter: nơi trú ẩn, tị nạn trong tình huống khẩn cấp take/seek refuge: tìm nơi trú ẩn

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19 TOPIC

CROWDED & SPACIOUS PLACES Part 2 Describe a place where you feel crowded/ you went to that was crowded.

You should say: Where its is When do you usually go there What you do there And explain why it is crowded Being an introvert, something I inherit from my (biological) father, I enjoy a quiet environment. And as such, Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve hardly been to any crowded places actually, with the only exception of the live concert my mom took me to when I was a kid, which I still vividly remember.

My mom took me to see a certain artist who, at that time, was her idol. This particular singer was praised as the most successful pop singer of all time in my country. Thousands of people were cramming in this huge concert, trying to squeeze in for a spot. Since I was a tiny kid and couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t see the stage, my mom lifted me up on her shoulder as the concert was about to start.

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The crowd was waiting in anticipation. I could really feel the suspense building up. Then, all of a sudden, a tall handsome man emerged from the stage mist.

The crowd erupted in a deafening roar. The 5-year-old me, who knew very little about him and his music, still got goosebumps: my tiny brain was blown away by his dazzling performance: He was a really talented singer. When he started singing and dancing, the whole crowd went crazy and some even burst into tears.

Since that day, I’ve developed a liking for the singer. Unfortunately, the concert was the first and the only time I got to enjoy a packed place, as tickets to live concerts are exorbitant and I couldn’t afford them as a student. But once I start working again, I’ll make it a point to attend every single show of his.

S K E L E T O N

Where it is When do you usually go there What you do there And Explain why it is crowded

Other ideas

introvert: người sống khép kín, hướng nội inherit sth from sb: thừa hưởng, thừa kế (từ ai cái gì) (biological) father: cha ruột vividly remember: nhớ rõ mồn một praised: được ca tụng cramming in: chen chúc vào squeeze in for a spot: chen lấn để lấy được một chỗ in anticipation: mong đợi suspense: sự háo hức build up: tăng dần

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stage mist: làn khói trên sân khấu deafening roar: tiếng reo hò chói tai got goosebumps: bị nổi da gà dazzling performance: màn trình diễn hào nhoáng burst into tears: òa khóc packed place: nơi đông đúc exorbitant: đắt đỏ

Part 3 QUESTION 1: Why do some people dislike going to crowded place?

I’d say I’m not in a position to generalize why many might not like jammed public spaces, but as an introvert myself, I suppose I have a pretty good idea about this inclination/proclivity. Unlike my siblings who are extremely outdoorsy, I personally enjoy staying indoor, where I can read my books peacefully. For someone who gets carried away easily/with a short attention span, reading in silence helps me to concentrate better, especially when I have something important coming up like an exam. Furthermore, it gives me the perfect opportunity for a little self-reflection. It’s the best time to turn my focus inwards since I don’t normally spend much time thinking about others’ opinion of me. In other words, solitude provides the perfect environment for reflection and self-growth.

S Idea 1 (including evidence/example) K E L Idea 2 (including evidence/example) E T O N jammed public spaces: nơi công cộng đông đúc inclination/proclivity [formal]: có xu hướng

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outdoorsy [informal]: người thích hoạt động ngoài trời gets carried away easily: dễ kích động, cuốn theo cảm xúc short attention span: khả năng tập trung kém self-reflection: tự ngẫm bản thân turn my focus inwards: tập trung chú ý, lắng nghe bản thân solitude: sự tĩnh mịch

QUESTION 2: Is it more dangerous these days to go to crowded places?

Yes absolutely. Heading to crammed places full of people in this day and age/ in this era is much more dangerous than it used to be. This is because packed locations are the number one target of terrorist organizations, of which the name that strikes fear the most is ISIS. In order to draw as much attention as possible, they only perform their horrendous attacks in public places, aiming to spread fear under the banner of a holy cause. (These acts of terrorism are often carried out to send a message to the government demanding their so-called justice). Luckily, there has not been any incident of ISIS terrorism in Vietnam yet, but just to stay on the safe side, I’d do my best to avoid public places crawling with people.

S Idea 1 (including evidence/example) K E L Idea 2 (including evidence/example) E T O N

in this day and age/in this era: vào thời đại này terrorist organizations: các tổ chức khủng bố strikes fear: khuấy động sự lo lắng

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draw attention: thu hút sự chú ý perform their horrendous attacks: thực hiện các cuộc tấn công kinh hoàng spread fear: gieo rắc nỗi sợ hãi under the banner of a holy cause: Dưới danh nghĩa sứ mệnh thần thánh so-called justice: cái gọi là công lý stay on the safe side: để đề phòng be crawling with sth: đầy lúc nhúc cái gì

QUESTION 3: Do you like large places?

For me, it a yes. However, these spacious spaces had better be clear of people, or otherwise they would give me a sense of mental suffocation. The reason why I am into large open-air environments is the ease of mind that it affords me. There, I could just sit back, clear my thoughts and find my own peace. To me, a getaway trip to large outdoor areas like the ocean or the mountains is a great escape ticket from stressful work.

S Idea 1 (including evidence/example) K E L Idea 2 (including evidence/example) E T O N

spacious spaces : những chỗ rộng rãi mental suffocation: cảm thấy bức bách, ngột ngạt be into sth: thích cái gì large open-air: ngoài trời rộng rãi the ease of mind: sự thanh thản, thả lỏng tâm trí sit back: thư giãn clear my thoughts: thông thoáng đầu óc

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getaway trip: chuyến đi chơi ngắn (để tạm thoát khỏi cuộc sống bận rộn,...) a great escape ticket: một cơ hội chạy trốn tuyệt vời

QUESTION 4: What place will attract many people in Vietnam?

Breathtaking natural sceneries used to be all the rages in Vietnam, but things have taken a turn for the worse since industrialization, which severely lower the number of areas with unspoiled environment. These days, a handful of natural reserves that are left are fully utilized/capitalized on: contractors have been putting up close-to-nature resorts that attract millions of visitors every year. Most would flock to these resorts to enjoy nature for a few days before getting on with their hectic life.

S Idea 1 (including evidence/example) K E L Idea 2 (including evidence/example) E T O N breathtaking natural sceneries: những phong cảnh thiên nhiên đẹp nghẹt thở, ngoạn mục all the rages: trào lưu taken a turn for the worse: đi theo hướng xấu unspoiled environment: môi trường nguyên sơ a handful of sth: rất ít natural reserves: khu bảo tồn utilized/capitalized on: được tận dụng put up: xây dựng close-to-nature resorts: các khu nghỉ dưỡng gần gũi với tự nhiên flock to somewhere: (người) đổ đến đâu đó getting on with: tiếp tục với hectic life: cuộc sống tất bật

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20 TOPIC

SMILE/LAUGH & HAPPINESS Part 3 QUESTION 1: Why do people smile?

I think people smile for various reasons. First of all, it’s done when they’re genuinely happy with their life, for it’s a way for us to express our feelings to others. You know, that’s just what we do as social animals. However, a smile could also be used to conceal true feelings. A person doesn’t necessarily put on a smile only when he/she is happy, but rather at times when they’re distressed and do not want others to know. On top of that, smiling could also be used to comfort a person in distress, for sometimes, we do need to lend some positivity to others, particularly when the going gets tough.

S Idea 1 (including evidence/example) K E L Idea 2 (including evidence/example) E T O N

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various: dùng tương tự như many: nhiều genuinely: thật for: (hơi văn) because express our feelings: thể hiện cảm xúc social animals: động vật sống bầy đàn conceal: che giấu put on a smile: nở một nụ cười at times: đôi khi distressed: phiền não, buồn lòng on top of that: hơn thế nữa comfort: an ủi, làm nhẹ lòng positivity: sự lạc quan, sự suy nghĩ 1 cách tích cực when the going gets tough: khi cuộc sống trở nên khó khăn

QUESTION 2: What is the difference between a fake smile and a true smile?

I think the most profound difference lies in the purposes they serve. A genuine smile is just a simple indicator of the fact that someone is feeling fulfilled. On the other hand, a fake smile, despite being almost indistinguishable from the genuine one, often serves other purposes, may it be hide to your true feelings, please/grovel someone of a higher status than you/or even, to deceive others.

S Idea 1 (including evidence/example) K E L Idea 2 (including evidence/example) E T O N profound: lớn nhất, căn bản nhất genuine smile: nụ cười thật lòng>< fake smile: nụ cười giả tạo

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to feel fulfilled: cảm thấy thỏa mãn indicator: dấu hiệu indistinguishable: không phân biệt được serves other purposes: phục vụ những mục tiêu khác please/grovel someone of a higher status: làm vui lòng/ nịnh nọt người có địa vị cao hơn bạn deceive : lừa dối

QUESTION 3: Do you think people should control their moods?

Yeah, absolutely. I believe that as an adult, it’s necessary to start learning to exert some control over your emotions because if you don’t, they’ll get the better of you and cloud your judgment. At other times, hiding (away) those true feeling might just be the right decision, or you’d risk being read like an open book. Lastly, being too fickle is not a good idea as well. Just a personal preference, I’d rather not get involved with people who rely too much on their personal feelings in decision making.

S Idea 1 (including evidence/example) K E L Idea 2 (including evidence/example) E T O N

exert some control over: đặt sự điều khiển lên get the better of sb: đánh bại ai đó cloud your judgment: ảnh hưởng đến óc phán xét của bạn, làm mờ mắt be read like an open book: bị nhìn thấu suy nghĩ fickle: người dễ thay đổi

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QUESTION 4: Do you think money can make people happy?

Partly, and it’d only be the case when those people are not too absorbed in/obsessed with/fixated on money making that they’d lose sight of enjoyments that life has to offer. What’s even more important is that while having money can surely guarantee that you can do the things your heart desires, being well-off doesn’t necessarily translate into happiness. Instead, the key to happiness lies in how you’d live your life. So money is sort of like a means to an end, not the end itself, I guess.

S Idea 1 (including evidence/example) K E L Idea 2 (including evidence/example) E T O N To be absorbed into/absorbed in/obsessed with/fixated on (ngữ cảnh): bị cuốn vào lose sight of: quên đi mất well-off: giàu có a means to an end, not the end itself: chỉ là công cụ để thực hiện mục tiêu chứ không phải mục tiêu

QUESTION 5: Why do some people say happiness never last long?

Because they’re totally right. I also chose to believe that happiness is not eternal, for what life probably does best is to screw you over, not to please you, at least that’s how it is in my personal experience. Secondly, it’d be sensible for happiness to be brief, as it’d make us value those happy moments more, don’t you think?

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S Idea 1 (including evidence/example) K E L Idea 2 (including evidence/example) E T O N eternal: vĩnh cửu screw sb over: hành hạ ai đó sensible: tương tự ‘make sense’: hợp lý brief: ngắn ngủ value those happy moments: trân trọng khoảnh khắc hạnh phúc

QUESTION 6: Is it possible to be happy during one’s whole life?

Not really, I think it’d take a fool to be on cloud nine all the time. So it wouldn’t be possible unless you were incredibly gullible, and from my observation, those have bad times as well. Furthermore, I don’t think being happy all the time is good whatsoever, because what’s the point of feeling happy if you’ve never experienced sadness? Would it even mean anything at all? I guess no.

S Idea 1 (including evidence/example) K E L Idea 2 (including evidence/example) E T O N on cloud nine: sung sướng gullible: khờ dại, cả tin

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21 TOPIC

SPORTS, INDOOR/OUTDOOR SPORTS Part 2 Describe a sport/game you enjoy playing?

You should say: What kind of sport that is Who you play it with Where you play it To be honest, I am not a big fan of sports in general, but there is an exception to this. Some time ago/back when I was in ………, I was once captivated by swimming, the most fascinating sport of all. Not only is it good for our health, but it is also a great way to have fun/to blow off steam. I may be exaggerating a little bit when I say this, but swimming is literally my life.

Swimming is like a get-away ticket from stressful work. When I dip myself in the refreshing water, all of my thoughts, worries and run-of-the-mill problems disappear quickly. To me, swimming is not just a sport, it is also a fantastic way to clear my head.

The first time that I tried it was around the age of 5, at a swimming pool. At first, I was numbed by frightening thought of going into the deep water. You

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know, I could barely feel the bottom of the pool, I was on tiptoe the whole time. Seeing me shiver in fear, my mother still profusely encouraged me to try harder. Having such an amazing cheerleader, my fear gradually went away and I finally got used to the water. Turned out it wasn’t as scary/mind-numbing as I thought. The harder I tried, the more I grew to like it.

Now that I have/am a grown up/grown-up, I swim 2 to 4 times every week. No matter how awful the weather is, I cannot go a week without swimming. Even in winter time, I still do/try my best spare some time to go for a swim. I usually go swimming alone as my schedule can hardly fit my friends’.

S K E L E T O N

What kind of sport that is Who you play it with Where you play it And Explain why you think it’s enjoyable

Other ideas

a big fan of sth: thích cái gì be captivated by: bị cuốn hút bởi exaggerating: nói quá let/ blow off steam: xả hơi literally: thật sự (theo nghĩa đen) là dip myself in sth : ngâm mình vào run-of-the-mill: đời thường numbed: bị tê cứng, chết lặng on tiptoe: đi nhún chân, rón rén shiver in fear: run rẩy profusely: một cách dồn dập

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cheerleader: (đen) đội trưởng đội cổ vũ/ (bóng- trong bài) người cổ vũ go away: ~ disappear: biến mất scary/mind-numbing: đáng sợ now that (because of) : bởi vì, giờ đây khi spare some time: dành một ít thời gian go for a swim: đi bơi my schedule can hardly fit my friends’: lịch của tôi khó mà sắp xếp được với bạn bè

Part 3 QUESTION 1: What are the benefits of playing sports?

Sports have been around with us for more than 5 million years. Ever since then, it has been offering us tremendous benefits, one of which is the inarguable health benefits. Participating in sports improves your health in many ways, like stimulating muscle growth and boosting metabolism. Furthermore, exercising is a natural way to loosen up and let go of stress. Also, you will most likely make many new friends with the same passion, who can be there for you if need be.

S Idea 1 (including evidence/example)

K E L Idea 2 (including evidence/example) E T O N

have been around: đã xuất hiện, tồn tại tremendous benefits: nhiều tác dụng to lớn inarguable: không thể chối cãi stimulating muscle growth: thúc đẩy sự phát triển cơ bắp

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boosting metabolism: đẩy mạnh sự trao đổi chất loosen up and let go of stress: thả lỏng và xả stress if need be: nếu cần thiết

QUESTION 2: Do children need to exercise?

Of course! More than anyone else, children could use some exercise We’re all probably aware (of the fact) that physical activities help children build healthy bodies and prevent chronic diseases. It is also a fact that helping our kids to stay energetic sets them up to be fitter and healthier teens and adults. On top of that/what’s more, as children exercise, they can be in (good) shape/ their fitness will go up, and so does their self-esteem. They gain confidence and become more comfortable in their own skin.

S Idea 1 (including evidence/example) K E L Idea 2 (including evidence/example) E T O N

could use (~need): cần aware (of the fact) that: nhận thức được rằng physical activities: các hoạt động thể chất chronic diseases: các bệnh kinh niên stay energetic: giữ cơ thể tràn đầy sinh lực sets them up to: cung cấp năng lượng cho họ để on top of that/what’s more: hơn thế nữa be in (good) shape: khỏe mạnh, sung sức self-esteem: lòng tự trọng in their own skin: với ngoại hình của họ

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QUESTION 3: In what ways can we encourage more young people to participate in sport activities?

There are numerous ways to attract more of the youth to take up a sport. It is highly recommended that schools and community organizations expand the scope of physical activities to cover a wider range of sports that could suit everyone’s needs. This could be done by injecting more cash flow to found more sports clubs to cater for different needs. Furthermore, recognition of efforts, especially from someone such as a coach, parents or senior players, is a significant factor in motivation. To do this, it is necessary to build an environment with positive reinforcement where compliments are given to students for hard work in sports.

S Idea 1 (including evidence/example) K E L Idea 2 (including evidence/example) E T O N take up: bắt đầu làm cái gì (vì thấy hứng thú) it is highly recommended that: điều này được đánh giá cao expand/widen/extend the scope of: mở rộng phạm vi của suit everyone’s needs: hợp với nhu cầu của tất cả mọi người injecting cash flow to: bơm thêm tiền vào để cater for different needs: đáp ứng các nhu cầu khác nhau recognition of efforts: sự thừa nhận nỗ lực motivation: động lực

QUESTION 4: What is the most popular sport in Vietnam?

Vietnam has not been particularly famous for being a sport country. That said/ that being said/having said that, sports are gaining more and more attention from the public, (with more money being invested in a range of sports), among

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which football is the most popular one. If you happened to visit Vietnam, you’d see football matches almost everywhere, from a small school yard to a big stadium, proving its appeal to all age groups. That is, football fans can range from babies to adults and even elderly. The majority of them would voluntarily stay awake at night to watch an important football match shown at midnight.

S Idea 1 (including evidence/example) K E L Idea 2 (including evidence/example) E T O N that said/that being said/having said that (however): mặc dù vậy school yard: sân trường stadium: sân vận động appeal to: lôi cuốn, thu hút that is (to say): có nghĩa là voluntarily: một cách tự nguyện

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22 TOPIC

APPOINTMENTS (MAKING APPOINTMENTS & COMING EARLY/LATE…) Part 3 QUESTION 1: Is it easy to make appointment in Vietnam?

Well, generally speaking, the culture with regards to appointments and meetings in Vietnam is quite straightforward. Most of us are quite easy-going about making an appointment. All you need to do is to keep from/avoid making last-minute appointments/appointments at a moment’s notice, and tell people you expect to see sometimes in advance. Most would arrange their own schedule to make time for you.

S Idea 1 (including evidence/example) K E L Idea 2 (including evidence/example) E T O N

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generally speaking: nhìn chung mà nói straightforward: đơn giản easy-going: thoải mái making last-minute appointments/ appointments at a moment’s notice: báo hẹn muộn, báo hẹn vào phút chót in advance: (báo) trước make time: dành thời gian

QUESTION 2: Do you think it is important to be on time? (Is it important to be punctual in your country?)

I would say that no one can deny the importance of punctuality in modern life, especially when it comes to academic or business situations. Being punctual can be virtue/quality that helps uphold your credibility in the eyes of others.

As an example, if you tell your friends that you will meet them at a certain time, you have essentially made them a promise. In case you do not turn up as promised, it can exhibit lack of respect, or worse still, an offence to your friends, and it damage your credibility as a result.

S Idea 1 (including evidence/example) K E L Idea 2 (including evidence/example) E T O N punctuality: sự đúng giờ virtue: đức tính uphold your credibility in the eyes of others: giữ độ đáng tin cậy của bạn trong mắt người khác made them a promise: tạo một lời hứa turn up: xuất hiện exhibit: thể hiện

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lack of respect: thiếu tôn trọng offence: sự xúc phạm damage your credibility: hủy hoại uy tín

QUESTION 3: How do you feel when you are late for an appointment?

To be honest, I rarely turn up late for any appointment no matter if they are professional or private occasions. However, there are still times when unexpected things happen out of your control, preventing you from travelling to the appointment on time, such as extreme weather conditions, traffic jam, etc.

In these cases, you can do nothing but to find the smartest way to get out of troublesome situations and proceed to your appointment as quickly as you can.

Be in a professional meeting or a private occasion, I hardly turn up late for any appointment, unless unexpected things like extreme weather conditions or traffic jam just get in the way. In these cases, I would be mortified myself and be apologetic to the person expecting to see me. I would do what I can to make it up to them, like offering them a sincere apology and buying them a warm beverage.

S Idea 1 (including evidence/example) K E L Idea 2 (including evidence/example) E T O N

out of one’s control: nằm ngoài sự điều khiển extreme weather conditions: điều kiện thời tiết khắc nghiệt get out of troublesome situations: vượt qua tình huống khó khăn proceed to [formal]: tiến đến get in the way: cản trở

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mortified myself [formal]: cảm thấy hối lỗi be apologetic to sb: thể hiện sự biết lỗi, xin lỗi to make it up to sb: đền bù ai đó sincere apology: lời xin lỗi chân thành beverage [formal]: đồ uống

QUESTION 4: How do you feel when others are late?

In a professional context, I would have zero tolerance for latecomers. Being not punctual is a sign of unprofessionalism as you keep other people waiting for you for long time, which equals to a major loss in opportunity cost. On the other hand, if it is just a casual situation, I can be a bit more forgiving of lateness caused by unpredictable factors like a sudden downpour/flash flood or a traffic congestion at peak hours.

S Idea 1 (including evidence/example) K E L Idea 2 (including evidence/example) E T O N professional context: môi trường chuyên nghiệp zero toleranc: không thể chịu đựng latecomers: người đến muộn unprofessionalism: tính không chuyên nghiệp equals to: tương đồng với opportunity cost: chi phí cơ hội forgiving of: tha thứ cho unpredictable factors: những yếu tố không lường trước được downpour/flash flood: mưa rào/ lũ quét peak hours: giờ cao điểm

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QUESTION 5: On what occasion should people arrive early?

I think that people should do their best to show up early whether in a professional or business context. To illustrate, when a job seeker arrives a few minutes earlier than the scheduled time in a job interview, that is going to create a favorable impression, and consequently give you a clear advantage over other candidates who may not be as punctual. In other instance like business dealing, coming early would show that you take your business partner and the transaction very seriously, paving the way for building rapport among strategic partners.

S Idea 1 (including evidence/example) K E L E Idea 2 (including evidence/example) T O N job seeker : người đi tìm việc scheduled time: giờ hẹn create a favorable impression: tạo ấn tượng có lợi business partner: đối tác kinh doanh take sb seriously: tôn trọng, coi trọng ai đó paving the way: dọn đường cho building rapport: xây dựng mối quan hệ

QUESTION 6: Do you think it’s women’s privilege to be late in your country?

This may sound a bit gender-biased, but as a woman, I’d say it is the norm that women are the weaker sex in society, so it is more tolerable that they arrive late in some daily situations. To take an example, when my boyfriend and I go on a date, it is quite customary for him to have to wait half an hour for me while I’m putting on my make-up and choosing the best outfit to go out.

About that, I feel a bit guilty, but if the roles were to be reversed, I don’t think I can put up with him being half an hour late.

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But in more formal cases, however, I would argue that regardless of genders, one should always turn up on time to show respect for the meeting’s participants and to build a professional and trust-worthy image to others.

S Idea 1 (including evidence/example) K E L Idea 2 (including evidence/example) E T O N gender-biased: phân biệt giới tính the norm: chuyện thường tình the weaker sex: phái yếu tolerable: có thể thông cảm customary: thông lệ putting on my make-up:trang điểm outfit: trang phục put up with: chịu đựng ai build a professional and trust-worthy image: xây dựng hình ảnh chuyên nghiệp và đáng tin cậy

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23 TOPIC

COMMUNICATION & SOCIABILITY (MEN & WOMEN COMPARISON) Part 2 Describe an interesting conversation you had with a stranger You should say: Who the person is What you talked about What kind of person he/she is Why the conversation was interesting Today I’d like to tell you about a conversation that I made with a stranger during the first day of my university’s life. Being fresh from provinces, I didn’t have any means of transport to get around Hanoi except public buses, where I ran into this guy who was the very first guy I talked to in Hanoi. His eyes were glued to his phone screen. Turned out he was playing a role-playing game that I also happened to play, and that just prompted me to initiate a conversation with him, discussing the overall strategy of the game, the most efficient way to level up, the most powerful character to play and what not. One thing led to another, we turned to the subject of ourselves and our personal lives, and surprisingly, he was also a freshman in the same class as me! And

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that’s actually the story of how I met my best friend in college. After that fateful day, we became very close and supported each other/had each other’s back through thick and thin. Up until now, we still share many interesting stories and he’s still my trusted confidant. In retrospect/looking back, I thank my lucky stars that I had the nerve to talk to him that day, though I’m pretty shy around strangers. I guess the takeaway lesson from my story is that people should be proactive in striking a conversation with strangers from time to time, for you’d never know what you ‘d miss out on if you don’t.

S K E L E T O N

Who the person is What you talked about What kind of person he/she is Why the conversation was interesting

Other ideas

run into: tình cờ gặp eyes was glued to: dán mắt vào máy tính, ti vi...) turned out: hóa ra a role-playing game: game nhập vai happened to: tình cờ prompt: thôi thúc initiate/strike a conversation: bắt đầu nói chuyện and what not [spoken language]: vân vân one thing led to another: chuyện này lại dẫn đến chuyện kia had sb’s back : hỗ trợ, đảm bảo ai đó được an toàn, thành công through thick and thin: qua sướng khổ, thăng trầm trusted confidant: bạn tâm tình đáng tin cậy miss out on sth: bỏ lỡ điều gì

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in retrospect: hồi tưởng lại, nhìn lại thank my lucky stars: cảm ơn số mệnh takeaway lesson: bài học dắt túi had the nerve to do sth: có can đảm làm gì

Part 3 QUESTION 1: How do friends communicate with each other?

With the popularity of smartphones and social network platforms such as Facebook, the majority of private conversation among friends are now carried out wirelessly through text messages or instant meassagings applications/ apps rather than the conventional means of correspondence. For more public matters that appeal to a broader audience, a post/status update on Facebook is arguably the most convenient method to collect responses, evidenced by the high level of interactions in the forms of emoticons and comments. That said, there, traditional means of communication, be it letters or postcards, are still in use, but they are largely used to deliver more sentimental and personal messages.

S Idea 1 (including evidence/example) K E L Idea 2 (including evidence/example) E T O N social network platforms: nền tảng mạng xã hội wirelessly: không dây applications/apps: ứng dụng conventional: truyền thống means of correspondence: phương tiện thư từ sentimental: thuộc về tình cảm

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QUESTION 2: What kind of social networking websites do you like to use?

It really depends on the form/format of the content I want to share. For a blog post or long note, I’d prefer Blogger because they support customization of post very extensively, from formating to font display. This wide range of text-editing tools available at my fingertips just do a great deal in helping me with my wordy posts. As for image sharing, I like Instagram because of the photo filters they provide. If I want to ask for advice, Quora is the place to go to, since there are many experts volunteer to answer any questions there, from cooking to rocket science. In short, the social network I like to use depends on the nature of the post.

S Idea 1 (including evidence/example) K E L Idea 2 (including evidence/example) E T O N form/format : dạng, mẫu customization: sự điều chỉnh extensively: một cách rộng rãi text-editing tool: phương tiện chỉnh sửa bài viết available at my fingertips: trong tầm tay wordy posts: bài đăng dài chữ photo filters: bộ lọc ảnh nature of the post: tính chất của bài đăng

QUESTION 3: Do you think it is important to share your problem with others? Why? Yes definitely. Often times, when people try to solve their problems, their judgment is largely the result of their limited perspective, influenced by

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their own experiences, beliefs and biases. Having other opinions, especially those from an expert, provide deeper insights and can help avoid overlooked pitfalls. Even when the additional views are inferior, they can still help add another dimension to the discussion and raise the chances of successfully devising a solution. Ultimately, people can make a more informed decision after comparing and contrasting different viewpoints.

S Idea 1 (including evidence/example) K E L Idea 2 (including evidence/example) E T O N limited perspective: quan điểm bị hạn chế bias: định kiến insight: hiểu biết avoid overlooked pitfalls: tránh các cạm bẫy dễ bị bỏ qua inferior: không tốt bằng add another dimension: thêm góc nhìn raise the chances of: tăng cơ hội devise a solution/method: hình thành một giải pháp/ phương án informed decision: quyết định có cân nhắc viewpoint: quan điểm

QUESTION 4: Which do you think is better for communication, face to face or make a phone call?

In my opinion, each mode of communication comes with its own advantages..

On one hand, personal communication can foster relationship (bond/ties) more effectively though means of sharing anecdotes or expressing emotions, therefore I do my best to bond with my family and friends as much as I can, given the amount of work I’m subject to. On the other hand, phone calls are faster and more convenient, and should be reserved for short memos, emergency situations or requests.

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S Idea 1 (including evidence/example) K E L Idea 2 (including evidence/example) E T O N come with: đi kèm với foster relationship (bond/ties): hình thành mối quan hệ anecdotes: chuyện phiếm be subject to sth: bị bắt chịu đựng, bị ảnh hưởng -> bối cảnh bài: bị bắt làm short memos: yêu cầu ngắn

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24 TOPIC

GIFT GIVING (WHY, VALUES, ATTITUDESâ&#x20AC;Ś) Part 3 QUESTION 1: Do Vietnamese people often give gifts? (On what occasions?)

People in my country tend to give gifts whenever we feel like it. Gift giving is important in Vietnam because of the emotional values that they represent.

Given that most of us are occupied with work these days and have little time for bonding, gifts could partly make up for it by sending the message of affection to our beloved ones. These receivers often feel appreciated, and thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s exactly why gifts are exchanged quite often upon informal meetings and encounters.

The financial value that the gift carries does not matter though, since to us, it is the thought that counts.

S Idea 1 (including evidence/example) K E L E Idea 2 (including evidence/example) T O N

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occupied with: bận rộn với việc gì message of affection : thông điệp tình cảm beloved ones: người thân yêu encounter: cuộc gặp mặt the thought that counts: tấm lòng là chính

QUESTION 2: What is the value of giving presents?

From my perspective, it’s the joy you give to the receiver and the delight the giver gets from the look of happiness and amazement on the receivers’ face.

While it feels good to be on the receiving end, to some people, it can even feel better if you’re on the giving end. This has to do with a feeling of fulfilment for the one doing the giving, which can hardly be measured by monetary value.

The satisfying experience that the receiver gets is often more lasting, unlike the fleeting happiness upon unwrapping the gift that the giver receives.

S Idea 1 (including evidence/example) K E L Idea 2 (including evidence/example) E T O N

the look of happiness and amazement: vẻ vui sướng và bất ngờ to be on the receiving end: là người nhận/ gửi feeling of fulfilment: cảm giác thỏa mãn monetary value: giá trị tiền bạc fleeting happiness: hạnh phúc thoáng qua unwrapping the gift: mở quà

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QUESTION 3: Do men and women have same attitudes towards gift giving?

When it comes to gift-giving, men and women differ a great deal, from their favorite presents to how much money and time to spend on shopping. While women are more likely to be into ornaments, craft objects, food, plants and flowers, men tend to favour utilitarian objects like household appliances or sports equipment. At the same time, window shopping could bore many men to death, but for the majority of women, they could spend hours and hours browsing for an item without ever getting bored.

S Idea 1 (including evidence/example) K E L Idea 2 (including evidence/example) E T O N differ a great deal: khác biệt rất lớn are more likely to be into: có xu hướng thích ornament: đồ trang trí craft object: đố thủ công utilitarian object: đồ thực dụng household appliances: đồ dùng trong nhà sports equipment: thiết bị thể thao window shopping: ngắm hàng hóa bore sb to death: làm ai chán ngấy browse for sth: lướt qua tìm cái gì đó getting bored: bị chán

QUESTION 4: Is there any special gift in Vietnam?

Hundred years ago, Vietnamese, most living in rural areas, had a convention of exchanging agricultural products as the gifts whenever the Lunar New Year

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came. A pair of sticky rice square cakes, a cock or wine kept in pottery gourd was believed to contained the essence of heaven and earth; thus would show the amiability among families and signified their dream of prosperity and a full future.

For hundreds of years, it has been a convention/tradition for Vietnamese, most of whom reside in rural areas, to give agricultural produce or fruits as presents. This tradition probably started from a time when Vietnam was still an underdeveloped country, and as such homegrown fruits and produce were considered valuable sustenance for most people. Since then, the tradition has lived on and become an essential and unique part of our culture.

S Idea 1 (including evidence/example) K E L Idea 2 (including evidence/example) E T O N

convention: phong tục pottery gourd: bình đựng bằng gốm hình quả bầu the essence of heaven and earth: tinh chất của đất trời amiability: sự thân thiết prosperity: sự thịnh vượng full future: một tương lai đủ đầy reside in: sống ở agricultural produce: sản phẩm nông sản underdeveloped country: nước kém phát triển sustenance [formal]: thực phẩm

QUESTION 5: What do people want to express by sending gifts?

To show that you value your relationship or friendship, you should always show the other person how much you care for him or her by sending a gift. This is

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because gifts are considered expression of love or appreciation to others, and as such gift giving helps strengthen the relationship among people. A nice little birthday gift like a podcast, for example, could go a long way as it is a proof that you care about the person enough to remember their birthday.

Gifts are generally considered as an expression of love. Gift giving is an act of self-gratification. It is a good way of strengthening relationships. If you are in a friendship or a relationship, you should always show the other person how much you care for him or her.

S Idea 1 (including evidence/example) K E L Idea 2 (including evidence/example) E T O N

appreciation to: sự trân trọng strengthen the relationship: thắt chặt mối quan hệ go a long way: có ý nghĩa lớn an act of self-gratification: một hành động tự thỏa mãn

QUESTION 6: Why do some companies want to give the free gift for people?

Free gifts serve to draw the customers’s attention to the business by making a good impression on potential customers and offering them the opportunity to establish a relationship. The actual agenda/(ulterior) motive is blatantly obvious – (that is) advertisements. Give people free t-shirts or shopping bags with your logo and they become walking promoters for your brand. Give people complimentary pens or notepads with your logo, and they’ll at least remember your brand, which will have a presence in their office or home.

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S Idea 1 (including evidence/example) K E L Idea 2 (including evidence/example) E T O N draw sb’s attention to sth: để thu hút sự chú ý của ai đấy potential customers: khách hàng tiềm năng agenda/(ulterior) motive: động cơ đằng sau blatantly obvious: hiển nhiên, rành rành walking promoters: quảng cáo sống complimentary: quà biếu

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25 TOPIC

Neighbors

Part 2 Describe an interesting neighbor Who this person is How you know this person What this person likes to do And explain why you think this neighbor is interesting Generally speaking, my neighborhood is full of exciting/fun people and I do have great relationships with most of them. However, to single out one that’d stand out in the crowd, I wouldn’t be hesitant to go for Joe, who is also my best friend.

At first, we were, to each other, nothing more than acquaintances, who happened to live in the same neighborhood. But on a close encounter, we struck up a friendship upon realizing that we had been classmates. That is to say, we go back years/go way back.

What strikes me about Joe is that he is approachable and has a great sense of humor. Whenever he cracks a joke, he gives everyone around him uncontrollable bursts of laughter. That’s why everyone in my neighborhood

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enjoys his company as a way to wind down a bit after stressful working hours.

It is no other thing than his sense of humor that keeps others interested in him.

An unforgettable memory I had with him happened when I was undergoing a nerve-racking period with my university entrance exam. To my recollection, he dropped by my house every day to help out with my exam preparation. But it didn’t stop there, he was also a trusted confidant who I could pour my heart out to. It was him, that enabled me to forget all the hardships and kept me motivated in grooming myself for the exams. As luck would have it, we both passed the exam that year, with him being one of the top achievers.

It was at this point that it hit me that John is talented, humorous, insightful, and most of all, kind-hearted.

S K E L E T O N

Who this person is How you know this person What this person likes to do Explain why you think this neighbor is interesting

Other ideas

to single out: chọn một người stand out in the crowd: nổi bật trong đám đông be hesitant to: lưỡng lự go for: chọn acquaintance: người quen biết chứ không thân struck up a friendship: kết bạn that is to say: nói rõ hơn thì go back years/go way back: rất nhiều năm trước, từ lâu về trước

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approachable: dễ gần a great sense of humor: khiếu hài hước tuyệt vời cracks a joke: kể chuyện cười uncontrollable bursts of laughter: cười phá lên không kìm được enjoys sb’s company: thích chơi cùng ai đó wind down: thư giãn nerve-racking period: một giai đoạn căng thẳng university entrance exam: kỳ thi xét tuyển đại học to my recollection: theo trí nhớ của tôi drop by: rẽ vào chơi pour my heart out to: kể lể hết tâm tình to groom sb for sth: chuẩn bị sẵn sàng để làm gì top achievers: người đạt thành tích trong hàng đầu it was at this point: khi đó là lúc

Part 3 QUESTION 1: Do you think it is important to get along well with the neighbors?

Yeah, definitely. As people that you are around every day, neighbors can reach out to you when you are in need, and if you manage to be on good terms with your neighbors, they will be even more inclined to help you. In fact, if it hadn’t been for my neighbor’s help when my house went on fire last year, my house would have burnt down to the ground. Also, it’s also beneficial for the safety of your house if your neighbors look out for you when you’re away. That’s why you should always make an effort to get on well/get along with your neighbors.

S Idea 1 (including evidence/example) K E L Idea 2 (including evidence/example) E T O N

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reach out to you: giúp đỡ in need: gặp khó khăn be on good terms with: có quan hệ tốt với inclined to: có xu hướng if it hadn’t been for: nếu không phải nhờ burnt down to the ground: cháy rụi be beneficial for: tốt cho look out for sb: trông nom hộ ai get on well/get along with: có quan hệ tốt với ai

QUESTION 2: What are differences in the neighbors’ relationship between city and countryside?

I think in the countryside, the bond among neighbors is much closer than that in the cities. While it’s kind of the norm for people in the countryside to socialize with their neighbors, like visiting each other and doing communal activities, most city dwellers are out working and have little time to communicate with their neighbors or involve themselves in their affairs. All in all, it’s safe to say those who live in rural areas are more likely to have a sense of local community, but the same doesn’t apply to their urban counterparts.

S Idea 1 (including evidence/example) K E L Idea 2 (including evidence/example) E T O N socialize with: xã giao với communal activity: hoạt động cộng đồng city dwellers: người thành phố out working: làm việc chăm have a sense of local community: có ý thức cộng đồng counterparts: tương ứng

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QUESTION 3: What are qualities of a good neighbor?

First of all, I think a good neighbor must be someone nice, which means that he or she is pleasant to be around with and gives me harmonious vibes whenever I see him. Besides, he should understand and comply with social protocols, like not to take others’ parking spots or refrain from making too much noise that could result in a breach of peace. Last but not least, it takes kindness and goodwill to help out whenever his neighbours are in trouble.

S Idea 1 (including evidence/example) K E L Idea 2 (including evidence/example) E T O N

gives me harmonious vibes: đem lại cảm giác ôn hòa comply with social protocols: tuân theo lễ nghi xã hội refrain from: kìm lại a breach of peace: phá hoại sự yên bình

QUESTION 4: What sorts of problems can people have with their neighbors?

The first one that comes to my mind is that some people make incessant noises by playing music all day long at max volume, disturbing many surrounding residents, even at sleeping time. Secondly, although caring about your neighbours is quality in itself, paying too much attention and even poking your noses into your neighbours’ family affairs are uncalled for and can cause conflicts among neighbors.

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S Idea 1 (including evidence/example) K E L Idea 2 (including evidence/example) E T O N comes to one’s mind: nghĩ đến, xuất hiện trong đầu incessant noises: tiếng ồn liên tục surrounding residents: hàng xóm xung quanh poking your noses into: chọc mũi vào chuyện người khác family affairs: chuyện gia đình uncalled for: không được ủng hộ cause conflicts: gây bất đồng

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