Contents

HƯỚNG DẪN SỬ DỤNG TÀI LIỆU....................................................................................... 5

PART 1 ...................................................................................................................................... 2
1. Work and studies ......................................................................................................... 2
2. Hometown ................................................................................................................... 3
3. Home and accommodation .......................................................................................... 4
4. Watch .......................................................................................................................... 5
5. Neighbor ...................................................................................................................... 6
6. Weekend ...................................................................................................................... 6
7. Noise............................................................................................................................ 7
8. Arts .............................................................................................................................. 7
9. Outer space and stars ................................................................................................... 8
10. Chocolate..................................................................................................................... 8
11. Music ........................................................................................................................... 8
12. Staying Up Late ........................................................................................................... 9
13. Jewellery.................................................................................................................... 10
14. Keys ........................................................................................................................... 10
15. Library ....................................................................................................................... 11
16. Small Business .......................................................................................................... 11
17. Happy ........................................................................................................................ 12
18. T-shirt ........................................................................................................................ 12
19. Books and Reading habits ......................................................................................... 12
20. Doing sports .............................................................................................................. 13
21. Evening time ............................................................................................................. 13
22. Advertisement ........................................................................................................... 14
23. Meeting places........................................................................................................... 15
24. Sitting down .............................................................................................................. 15
25. Computers ................................................................................................................. 16
26. Old buildings ............................................................................................................. 17
27. Talents ....................................................................................................................... 17
28. Collecting things ....................................................................................................... 18
29. Boring things ............................................................................................................. 18
30. Hair salon .................................................................................................................. 19
31. Science ...................................................................................................................... 19
32. Daily Routine ............................................................................................................ 20
PART 2&3 ............................................................................................................................... 22
CORE QUESTIONS BY SIMON....................................................................................... 22
PART 2&3 PREDICTION QUESTIONS ............................................................................... 24
TOPIC 1: DESCRIBE A PERSON ......................................................................................... 24
1. Describe a popular/well-known person in your country ................................................. 24
2. Describe a friend from your childhood who you remember very well ........................... 26
3. Describe an interesting old person you know ................................................................. 28
4. Describe a person you met at a party who you enjoyed talking with.............................. 30
5. Describe a person you have met who you like to work or study. ................................... 33
6. Describe a famous actor .................................................................................................. 35
TOPIC 2: DESCRIBE AN OBJECT ....................................................................................... 38
1. Describe a piece of technology that you feel is difficult to use ...................................... 38
2. Describe a gift you received ............................................................................................ 40
3. Describe a traditional product in your country................................................................ 42
4. Describe a photo you took that you are proud of ............................................................ 44
TOPIC 3: DESCRIBE AN EVENT/TIME .............................................................................. 47
1. Describe a historical period you want to know more about. ........................................... 47
2. Describe a time when you received some positive feedback. ......................................... 49
3. Describe a time when you taught a friend or relative something .................................... 52
4. Describe a time you were late for a meeting ................................................................... 54
5. A time somebody gave you something you really wanted/ A reward you got ............... 57
6. Describe a time when you moved to a new home/school. .............................................. 59
7. Describe a time you were very busy ............................................................................... 60
8. Describe a time when you helped a child ........................................................................ 62
9. Describe a special day out that cost you little money I didn't cost you much ................. 64
10. Describe a time you used your cellphone/smartphone to do something important ...... 66
11. Describe a time when you had to spend a long time in a traffic jam ............................ 69
12. Describe a time when someone asked you for your opinion......................................... 70
TOPIC 4: DESCRIBE AN ACTIVITY ................................................................................... 72
1. Describe an activity you enjoyed in your free time when you were young .................... 72
2. Describe a contest/competition you would like to participate in .................................... 74
3. Describe an important event you celebrated ................................................................... 76
TOPIC 5: DESCRIBE A PLACE ............................................................................................ 79
1. Describe a city you would like to go to for a short time ................................................. 79
2. Describe a place you visited that was affected by pollution ........................................... 81
 3. Describe a noisy place you have been to......................................................................... 83
4. Describe a favorite place in your house where you can relax. ........................................ 85
5. Describe a quiet place you like to go to .......................................................................... 87
TOPIC 6: OTHER TOPICS ..................................................................................................... 89
1. Describe something you did that made you feel proud ................................................... 89
2. Describe a complaint that you made ............................................................................... 91
3. Describe an unusual meal you had .................................................................................. 93
4. Describe a website you often visit................................................................................... 96
5. Describe something you did with someone or a group of people ................................... 97
6. Describe a piece of good news that you heard about someone you know well .............. 99
7. Describe a routine you have in your life that you enjoy ............................................... 101
8. Describe a development in the area where you live. ..................................................... 103
9. Describe an advertisement you do not like ................................................................... 105
10. Describe something you would like to learn ............................................................... 107
 HƯỚNG DẪN SỬ DỤNG TÀI LIỆU

Bộ tài liệu này sẽ cung cấp cho các bạn câu trả lời mẫu cho 32 chủ đề Speaking part 1,
40 chủ đề Speaking part 2 và part 3 của bộ đề dự đoán sớm Quý 2/2023. Đây là tài
liệu vô cùng chất lượng và tâm huyết được biên soạn bởi đội ngũ Học thuật của
IELTS Xuân Phi. Vì vậy, học viện rất mong các sĩ tử có thể tận dụng tối đa tài liệu
này và đạt band điểm cao (8.0+) cho kỹ năng Nói, một kỹ năng khó nhằn nhất trong
kỳ thi IELTS.

Trong mỗi chủ đề sẽ có các mục như sau:

Câu hỏi của chủ đề - Câu trả lời mẫu.

Cách sử dụng tài liệu:

• Bước 1: Tự brainstorm ý tưởng cho câu trả lời của mình.

• Bước 2: Đọc câu trả lời mẫu.

• Bước 3: Tham khảo ý tưởng và ghi chép từ vựng ở bài mẫu phù hợp với ý tưởng
của bản thân vào 1 cuốn sổ rồi học thuộc từ vựng.

• Bước 4: Tự brainstorm lại ý tưởng dựa trên những ý tưởng tham khảo và từ vựng
mới đã học được. (Chú ý: chỉ ghi từ 5-6 từ khóa, không ghi cả câu)
1
PART 1

1. Work and studies

• Do you work or are you a student?
Well, currently I’m working a part-time job as a teaching assistant in an English center
in Hanoi. I’ve been doing so for 3 years.
• What work do you do? What subjects are you studying? Why did you choose
that job?
Besides being a part-time teaching assistant, I’m also employed full-time as an
academic assistant.
My area of specialization is English linguistics, which means I have to master numerous
subjects related to the major including the basics of Phonology, Grammar, English for
specific purposes, etc.
There are several reasons I opted for that profession. Firstly, my major is English
linguistics. Secondly, I have been passionate about English since I was in high school.
On top of that, my job also helps me to get a well-paid salary so it is really an ideal job
for me now.
• Why did you choose to study that subject? Do you like your job?
I decided to study that subject as it helps me to fulfill my dream of promoting our
national image to the world. Plus, studying English is also a way for me to train myself
into becoming an active person.
Of course, I love my job now. One of the most rewarding aspects of my job is that I
have a chance to meet people from all walks of life. And you know, they are all very
different, which brings a unique dynamic to the classroom.
• What do you like about your studies?
One of the most fascinating aspects I find in my studies is that I can keep up with current
affairs. Plus, I can also improve my analytical and problem-solving skills.
• What do you dislike about your studies?
I just find it challenging the first time I studied my major as it was so theoretical and
perplexing. That’s why I had a hard time dealing with it when I was a freshman.

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 • What was your dream job when you were young? Have you changed your mind
on your dream job?

I was always ambitious about being a doctor when I was a kid. Just imagining one day
I would wear a blouse and find a cure for patients, I feel like I am on cloud nine.

Absolutely. As you can see, my current job is academic assistant. However, my dream
was to become a doctor. That’s because I changed my major when enrolling in
university, which marked an important milestone and turned my life into a new leaf.

2. Hometown
• Please describe your hometown a little. What is your town well-known for?
I was born and raised in Quang Ninh province, which is located in Northern Vietnam.
This province is also famous for its abundant seafood and a variety of tourist attractions.
• Do you like your hometown?
I really love my hometown as I’ve grown up there since I was a kid. All of my life has
been associated with this place from my family, my school, and my friends to my house,
my street, etc.
• Is that a big city or a small place? How long have you been living there?
It’s a large city facilitated by a top-notch infrastructure and numerous convenient
services. As I mentioned before, I’ve lived there since I was a kid. Having said that, I
lived there for almost 18 years until I moved to Hanoi to enter a university.
• Do you think you will continue living there for a long time?
I don’t think so. I tend to live in Hanoi because this city provides me with a lot of job
opportunities and services, allowing me to enjoy a high living standard.
Would you like to live in the countryside in the future?
• What is the difference between living in the countryside and the city? What do
you like to do in the countryside?
From my perspective, the former differs from the latter in some aspects. Firstly, it’s
apparently the environment. Needless to say, the atmosphere in an urban area is far
more polluted than that in a rural one due to industrial production and systems of
transportation. However, living in the city is way more convenient than in the

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countryside thanks to its cutting-edge facilities, like hospitals, food and beverage
delivery, etc.
I enjoy taking some walks as the clean atmosphere in the countryside makes me feel so
refreshed and relaxed. What’s more, I can also get away from it all after experiencing a
hectic daily routine in the city.
• What do people living in the countryside like to do? How has your town changed
over the last 20 years?
Well, most of the people in rural areas are farmers so I think they probably enjoy doing
farmwork, you know, like irrigating, gardening or plowing, etc.
To be honest, the last 20 years have seen significant development in my town. The
frequent parks and open spaces have been replaced by modern buildings and
commercial establishments, more industries have been established and people seem to
have a fast pace of life these days.

3. Home and accommodation

• Who do you live with?
I am currently living with my sister. She is a good housemate who fully takes care of
my cats or prepares the meals whenever I am occupied.
• What kinds of accommodation do you live in?
I am residing in a run-of-the-mill house in the outskirts of Hanoi. It is a fully-furnished
house with all the mod cons including air conditioner, refrigerator, washing machine
and even oven that my sister and I have accumulated for several months. These
household appliances play a vital role in reducing our amount of household tasks.
• Do you plan to live there for a long time?
No, I would say, I have an intention of leaving my house in maybe 7 years. This is not
because of the living costs or surrounding amenities. It is about my future career plan.
I plan to move to another city; therefore, leaving this cozy neighborhood would be a
must.
• What kind of house or flat do you want to live in in the future?
My dream house would be a spacious house in a big city. I am a sucker for the glamour
of metropolises; therefore, I would strive to work hard and buy one. Although housing

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costs in cities are criminally expensive, I would consider it as a trade-off so I am willing
to live there.
• What's your favorite room in your apartment/house?
It’s the dining room where my family spends quality time together. This is not only
the place where every family reunion takes place but also the place where every family
can enjoy a harmonious atmosphere during meals. My family members always take
precedence over family so despite ups and downs, we always try to eat together.
• Do you think it is important to live in a comfortable house?
Yes, of course. Although maybe we don’t spend most of our time staying at home, I
still believe that a comfy house would help us to let off some steam after a day of back-
wrecking labor. It would be a hassle if we are physically and emotionally drained and
still endure irritating household things.

4. Watch
• Do you wear a watch?
I do wear a watch for most of the day, especially when I’m at work or traveling
somewhere. However, when I’m at home I would just take it off and leave it on my
bedroom desk.
• Have you ever got a watch as a gift?
I have gotten a watch as a gift a couple of times. The first time I got one it had maroon-
coloured straps and a gleaming white watch face. The second time I got one it had grey
plastic straps and a digital display and it could also function as a stopwatch.
• Why do some people wear expensive watches?
Some of those people like to wear extravagant watches to flaunt how wealthy they are.
For example, a businessman would typically wear an Omega watch to show that he
makes a lot of money on his job.
• Do you think it is important to wear a watch?
I find it to be important to wear a watch because it is a handy way to keep track of time.
If you can’t keep track of time then it wouldn’t be possible for you to do the things you
want or need to do.

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 5. Neighbor
• Do you think neighbors are important?
Of course. Because your neighbors live next door, they can keep an eye on your property
when you’re far away. Therefore, they can detect and inform you of any unpredictable
things.
• How can we get along with our neighbors?
I assume that we all should find common ground from which to enhance the
relationship. The better mutual understanding we and our neighbors have. the more you
can get support in adversity.
• Do you think it's important to have a good relationship with one's neighbors?
Yes, getting along with neighbors is absolutely vitally crucial. To be honest, despite not
having belief, hobbies in common, I think it is better for neighborhoods to be gentle and
polite to avoid considerable disputes.

6. Weekend
• What do you usually do on weekends?
I normally go out to some picturesque natural sceneries in urban areas to let my hair
down after an exhausting week. Besides, I also spend most of the weekend recharging
my batteries by sleeping all day and having dinner with pizza as a retreat.
• Did you do anything special last weekend?
As my memory serves me correctly, last weekend, I engaged in a cake-making
workshop. That was the first time that I have ever successfully made a cake by myself.
Thanks to meticulous guidance from teachers, I gradually took it step by step and
accomplished a cake finally.
• What will you do next weekend?
I haven’t had any certainty for my upcoming week plan. Perhaps, an eco-tour would be
an ideal reward for my hard working days. Hopefully this plans would provide me with
a refreshing escape from the hustle and bustle that I have to endure in my densely-
populated city.

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 7. Noise
• Do you think the city is noisy?
Yes, definitely. Noise pollution is increasingly becoming a pressing issue that the
government and individuals constantly strive to mitigate. This type of pollution is due
to densely-populated cities and a massive amount of daily transportation. It is
transparent that the public health would be adversely affected if the presence of noise is
still perpetuated.
• What makes the city noisy?
Well, the noise of cities can be attributed to a myriad of factors. The main culprit is
traffic, especially during the rush hours. The prolonged vehicle horns always make me
cringe and give me a headache. The second is noise from construction workers drilling
which never fails to distract me from working even when all windows are closed.
• Are there any sounds you like?
Personally speaking, there is nothing better than listening to the gentle sound of drizzles.
I usually cherish it whenever it rains on my balcony. I also play such tunes on my laptop
to focus more on studies.

8. Arts
• What forms of visual art are popular in your country?
Traditionally, pictures created with unique materials such as lacquer and fabric are
commonplace. These days however, we are beginning to embrace modern art forms
such as graffiti and photography.
• Are there any differences between the art in your country and the art in Western
countries?
The biggest difference between Vietnamese and Western art is that we use more
unconventional materials such as lacquer and fabric. Thus, our art is usually more
experimental because of this.
• Do you want to be an artist?
I would not want to become an artist because I have a lousy eye for composition and
color. I do not know which color goes with which and I do not know which patterns or
shapes to use to make a beautiful picture.

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 9. Outer space and stars
• Have you ever learnt about outer space and stars?
I did learn about outer space in elementary school. I learned about the solar system as
well as the types of stars and extraterrestrial objects that are commonly found. However,
that’s where my knowledge of outer space ends.
• Are you interested in films concerning outer space and stars?
I do have an interest in movies set in outer space. One of my favorites of all time is The
Martian, in which a NASA astronaut played by Matt Damon has to survive on Mars
after being left stranded there by accident.
• Do you want to go into outer space in the future?
I do not want to venture into space in the future because the thought of floating in the
darkness of space somewhat frightens me. Therefore, I’m more than happy with staying
on Earth thanks.

10. Chocolate
• Do you like chocolate?
Yes, I do. Chocolate is my favorite kind of sweet treat in the world. I do especially like
dark chocolate as long as it doesn’t have over 80% cocoa in it.
• Did you like chocolate when you were a child?
My love for chocolate began when I was a kid so yes, I did like it back then. I would
eat it almost all the time but my parents were worried that I was getting fat so they
compelled me to eat less of it.
• Have you ever given chocolate as a gift to someone?
I gave chocolate as a gift to people many times before, mostly during special occasions
like birthdays or Christmas. It is pretty much my go-to gift for people since it is easy to
find and pretty cheap.
• How popular is chocolate in your country?
It is a fairly popular treat in Vietnam, although local snacks and fruits like sunflower
seeds, papaya, watermelon and dragonfruit are more commonly eaten. However, we are
starting to make our own chocolate and become less dependent on imports from abroad.

11. Music
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 • How often do you listen to music?
I listen to it almost everyday. My life would be rather dull without it. I have my own
Spotify account so I can listen to music on my phone or computer whenever I like.
• What kind of music do you like most?
I have a strong preference for classic rock, mostly British bands like the Beatles, the
Rolling Stones, Pink Floyd and Led Zeppelin. However, I’m open to newer genres like
hip hop and techno.
• When do you listen to music?
I mostly listen to it in the morning and afternoon when I’m working. Music helps me to
concentrate on whatever I’m doing at the moment. At night, I prefer to watch TV to be
entertained because it is more stimulating.
• What types of music are most popular in your country?
Among the youth, they are highly receptive to music from abroad such as American and
British pop as well as K-pop. Older people however like music produced by local artists
like My Linh and Hong Nhung as that’s what they grew up listening to.

12. Staying Up Late

• How often do you stay up late?
I mostly stay up late during the weekends as I have no work to do. I would usually go
out on the town with my friends hopping by bars and pubs till the break of dawn.
• When did you last stay up late?
I last stayed up late last Saturday. I was watching a Premier League match between
Tottenham and Manchester City on TV and it was on from 3 to 5 am.
• How do you feel after staying up late?
I normally feel exhausted after staying up late, especially after having one too many
drinks. I would then feel desperate to have a good night’s sleep, going as far as ignoring
brushing my teeth and not taking off my clothes.
• Does anything make it difficult for you to fall asleep?
When it is too noisy or too bright in my bedroom, I would have trouble falling asleep
and when I don’t get enough sleep. I wouldn’t be able to work effectively and would
struggle to stay awake.

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 13. Jewellery
• Do you like wearing jewellery?
Not really. I find it to be uncomfortable and garish. I instead prefer to wear a watch
since it is more useful and it is nicer to look at in its unassuming design.
• Have you ever bought jewellery as a gift?
No, I have not because it’s way too expensive for me to afford. I instead prefer to buy
something much cheaper like a book or a box of chocolate, which are just as nice as
jewellery in my estimation.
• What type of jewellery would you like to buy?
None of them because like I said before, they’re all too expensive to buy. If I earned
more money, then maybe I would buy a ruby ring because I like the color of it.
• What type of jewellery is most popular in your country?
Anything that has diamonds in it, we’ll go out of our way to get it. We like the
appearance of diamonds and the connotation it brings in terms of social and financial
status.
14. Keys
• Do you have a lot of keys?
No, I don’t. I only have my house keys which are all I need. I don’t own anything else
that might need a key like a motorcycle or a miniature safe.
• Do you always take your keys when you go out?
Yes, I do because I need them to lock and unlock the door to my house regardless of
the situation. If I didn’t have them with me then how would I be able to come inside my
house?
• Have you ever lost a key?
I have never lost my keys. I always check that I have them at all times and it has worked
for me so far. Also, I keep them hidden from public view in case someone wants to steal
them.
• Do you do anything to avoid losing keys?
I always keep my keys in either my pocket or handbag so that I know where to find
them and pull them out whenever I’m leaving or entering my house.

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 15. Library
• How often do you go to the library?
I hardly ever go to the library. Whenever I need to search for information, I can just use
my phone or computer and go on Google to find what I need.
• When was the last time you went to a library?
I last went to a library nearly five years ago when I was studying abroad. I was at my
university’s library to conduct research for my final dissertation.
• Did you go to the library when you were a child?
I did go to my school’s library quite often when I was a kid. I would go there just to
borrow books or magazines that are interesting to me.
• How popular are our libraries in your country?
Libraries are not well-visited by people in Vietnam. We instead search for the
information we need online which is faster than scouring for a particular book across
numerous shelves.

16. Small Business

• How often do you shop at small businesses?
I shop at small businesses almost twice a week but I shop at supermarkets or malls more
often. They have a wider range of products on offer and so they have more choices for
consumers.
• Do you prefer buying things from small businesses or big businesses?
I prefer to buy stuff from small businesses because they show greater sincerity in the
products that they sell and they are usually more stringent towards quality control than
big businesses which tend to cut corners in this regard.
• Are there many small businesses where you live?
In the district where I live, there are many small businesses owned by independent
entrepreneurs and families selling everything from sunglasses to candles. Hence there
are plenty of opportunities to support these kinds of businesses.
• Would you prefer to work for a small business or a large business?

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I would prefer to work for a small business because I like rooting for the little guys.
These big businesses are already making millions so why not let these smaller ones get
the spotlight?

17. Happy
• What made you happy when you were little?
As a kid, I would always get happy whenever I got to play outside with the other kids
from the neighborhood. They were really fun to play with and the games we played
were just as exciting.
• What do you think will make you feel happy in the future?
I think that if I get a better paying job in the near future, I’ll feel happier because I’ll
have more money to pay the bills as well as have more money to buy things I most
desire like a new phone or computer.

18. T-shirt
• Do you usually wear T-shirts?
I do often wear T-shirts, especially during the summer where I need something light to
wear. In the winter I would wear something heavier like a sweater.
• Do you like T-shirts with pictures or prints?
I do like T-shirts with pictures on the front because they make them unique from other
similar T-shirts and they add some pizzazz to the shirt as well.
• Do you think older people who wear T-shirts are fashionable?
I don’t think so because it comes across as them trying too hard to be trendy like today’s
youth. It is better for these older people to wear whatever they like and not have to be
forced to wear clothing more appropriate for young people.

19. Books and Reading habits

• Do you often read books? When?
Yes, definitely. As books are my perennial favorite pastime, I am usually engrossed in
the world of fantasies especially before my bedtime. Personally speaking books really
exert a therapeutic effect that could easily lull me to sleep.
• Has your reading habit changed since you were young?

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One of the significant changes in my reading routine is that I have diverted my
enthusiasm from comics to self-help genres. This hands down marks a watershed of
becoming mature in choosing books.
• Have you ever read a novel that has been adapted into a film?
As a bookworm, I won’t miss any chance to watch film adaptations from classic novels.
The one that leaves the most impression on me is hands down The thorn birds, which
received highly critical claims. The film has enabled me to relive the life of characters
in a far more very vivid, animated way.

20. Doing sports

• What sports do you like?
Well, I’m a sports enthusiast. Although I’m just an amateur, my favorite activity is
playing soccer. Undoubtedly my health would reap benefits from practicing a sport
regularly. It not only keeps me as fit as a fiddle but also mitigate potential negative
health conditions. And last but not least, it refreshes my mind after a day of back-
breaking labor.
• Do you think students need more exercise?
Yes, absolutely. Taking regular exercises surprisingly does wonders for a student's
cognitive development. This is because exercise can promote the multiplication of brain
cells in specific parts which control the formation, retention and recall of memories.
Therefore, it is singularly essential for students in learning.
• What sports are popular in your country?
I would say football without a doubt. Football is such a special sport that can unite all
walks of life together and enhances national pride. The victory cheering and chanting
of the crowd totally left Vietnamese people with an indelible experience at least once
in their lifetime.

21. Evening time

• Do you like the morning or the evening?
I have no preference for either time of day. I treat both the morning and evening the
same since they can both be invigorating and exhausting, depending on what happens
in either period.
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 • What do you usually do in the evening?
I would usually stay at home, eat dinner and watch TV until 11:30 at night to
decompress from my busy schedule. On the weekends I would sometimes hang out with
my friends in the evening for dinner or a drink.
• What did you usually do in the evening when you were a kid?
I basically did the same things that I do now because they were a surefire way for me
to let my hair down. However, I also had to do my homework since I was at school
when I was young and I had to learn to grow up.
• Are there any differences between what you do in the evening now and what you
did in the past?
I wouldn’t say there are stark differences between what I do in the evening now and
what I did in the past. The biggest difference I would say is that I’m going out more
now because there’s plenty of fun to be had by going outside to meet with friends.

22. Advertisement
• Do you like watching TV advertisements or Internet advertisements?
I am not interested in advertisements on either platform because I find them a bit of a
nuisance so I would avoid them wherever they come up. If they’re on TV then I would
get up and do something else. If they’re online then I would just ignore them and move
on to whatever I am doing online.
• What kinds of advertisements do you dislike?
I particularly dislike advertisements selling medication because they are typically not
honest about what they do to your body to make it healthier. They would often
exaggerate the capabilities and effects of the medication to convince consumers that
they are the best thing in the world.
• Do you share advertisements with others?
I don’t share advertisements with other people because nobody ever really does that.
They would find it uncouth to do something like that because they are not interested in
what products these advertisements are marketing.
• Do you want to work in advertising in the future?

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I do not intend to work in advertising because it seems like it’s an industry that is based
on manipulating people to buy a certain product and I find it somewhat repugnant to
mislead people into doing that.

23. Meeting places

• Where is your favorite place to meet with your friends?
I like to meet my friends at a coffee shop because it’s the kind of place where we can
easily gather and talk over a drink. Also, a coffee shop has a nice and quiet atmosphere
that I like when I want to talk with my friends.
• Why are some meeting places better than others?
I wouldn’t say one meeting place is better than the other. If anything, it really boils
down to one’s personal preference. For example, some like to meet in restaurants while
others don’t, it’s that simple.
• Do you think there are some places more suitable for meeting people than
others?
I wouldn’t say there are more suitable places but rather there are those that are equally
suitable because it depends on what the person likes. Some of those other places include
libraries, restaurants, bars and pubs.
• Are there any differences between your favorite meeting places now and the ones
when you were little?
During my childhood, I loved to meet with my friends in arcades and amusement parks.
Nowadays I like to meet my friends at coffee shops. The main difference between these
places is that coffee shops are quiet and mellow as opposed to arcades and amusement
parks being loud and buzzing.

24. Sitting down

• Where is your favorite place to sit down and relax?
I like to sit on my office chair in my bedroom because it’s the one place I can retreat to
after coming home from work. Once I sit on it I can finally rest and chill out for the rest
of the day.
• Do you always sit down for a long time?

15
I do tend to sit down for a long time because my work necessitates me to do it. I have a
job where I have to sit down and answer calls from my company’s clients for many
hours straight.
• Do you feel sleepy when you have to sit still for too long?
Not always, but when I sit in an air-conditioned room for a long time I do start to get
sleepy because the cold environment causes my body to get comfortable to the point
where I will doze off.
• Did you sit on the floor when you were a kid?
I did sit on the floor quite often as a kid, especially during my time in kindergarten and
elementary school. It was a way for the teachers to assert their authority over the
students including myself.

25. Computers
• When do you have to use computers?
I would use my computer for work as well as for entertainment. It can be used for
anything from finishing an assignment to watching a movie or TV show. However, I
would never use it whenever I’m going somewhere from point A to point B.
• When was the first time you used a computer?
The first time I used a computer was when I was five years old. My dad taught me how
to use his computer to write a sentence and to play Solitaire. From then on, I became
fascinated with computers.
• What would your life be like without computers?
I think that my life would be much more difficult without a computer because I do a lot
of my work on it. I also use it a lot to communicate with my friends and family and
without it I would struggle in reaching out to people.
• In what conditions would it be difficult for you to use a computer?
It would be difficult for me to use a computer in a setting where there is a lot of noise.
It would be too much of a distraction for me to do anything on my computer. I prefer if
there was little to no noise so that I can focus on whatever I’m doing.

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 26. Old buildings
• Have you ever seen any old buildings in your city?
My city has many old buildings that are still intact for many decades. Most of them are
designed in the local style to the area with long roofs and a gray color scheme.
• Do you prefer to live in an old building or a modern house?
I prefer to live in a modern house because the facilities will be typically nicer. For
example, the toilets in a modern house are usually cleaner and cozy than those in older
buildings.
• Are there any old buildings you want to see in the future? Why?
I would like to visit the Palace of Versailles in France in the near future because the
architectural style looks splendid and it is of historical importance since it is where the
treaty that ended World War 1 was signed.
• Do you think preserving old buildings is important?
Yes, definitely. This is because old buildings are witnesses to the aesthetic and cultural
changes of a region, therefore, it would provide citizens with a sense of place and
connection to the past.

27. Talents
• Do you have any special talent?
I am particularly good at doing magic tricks. I know almost every trick and I would do
them to impress my friends or young children.
• Did you learn about it when you were young or recently?
I first started learning magic when I was 15 years old since I always found it so
fascinating. For the next 8 years I trained myself to do magic tricks and eventually I
mastered them.
• Do you think your talent can be useful for your future work?
My talent for doing magic would never be useful for my future career because it’s only
for show. I would only do it for fun and I never intend to make a career out of it.
• Do you think anyone in your family has the same talent?
No one in my family has the same talent as I do. None of them are particularly skilled
nor interested in doing magic tricks to show off to people.

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 28. Collecting things
• Do you collect anything?
I collect things from time to time. I actually have a collection of old postage stamps
from Britain that I gathered over the three years I was in university there. Some of them
were dated as far back as 1910.
• Is there anything that you keep from childhood?
I still have my old childhood photos; they are valuable in that they remind me of a
simpler time in my life. I also keep some of my old miniature cars because they also
remind me of my days as a kid.
• Would you keep old things for a long time? Why?
I do tend to keep old things for a long time for a few reasons. First, they might come in
handy in the near future whenever I’m doing something. Second, I would develop an
emotional attachment to these things that is so strong, it prevents me from willingly
disposing of them.
• Where do you usually keep things you need?
I would usually keep my things in a storage closet since it’s spacious enough to fit a
multitude of items there. The things I would keep in that closet are my old files and
childhood mementos.

29. Boring things

• What kinds of things are boring to you?
There are many things that bore me out such as watching anime, reading comic books
and listening to discussions about mathematics and science. These things bore me
because I have no interest in them at all so I would avoid them whenever I run into
them.
• What will you do when you feel bored?
Whenever I’m bored, I would find something else to do that would be more interesting.
For example, I would go on Netflix to watch a TV series whenever I feel bored while
stuck at home. I would also go outside for a walk in the same situation.
• What was the most boring thing you did when you were young?

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The most boring thing I ever did when I was young was painting my bedroom wall. It
was so boring to me because I only had to paint one color and I was doing the same
motion over and over again to cover the wall which was to go up and down with the
roller. It was so boring that I almost fell asleep doing it.
• Do you think school is boring?
Going to school can be boring at times because some of the lessons are never really
interesting and feel very routine. Also, that boredom stems from the fact that going to
school is something we are obliged to do rather than something we can do for
enjoyment. However, that boredom can be balanced with the fact that we get to see our
friends everyday which is always fun.

30. Hair salon

• Do you often go to the hair salon?
Yes, I would say. Although I’m occupied with mountains of deadlines at work, I always
make the most of my time retreating by going to the hair salon. Thanks to the dexterity
of washing techniques, I not only have my hair done beautifully but also feel
rejuvenated afterwards.
• Would you like to have your hair dyed/colored?
No. This lies in the fact that I am a pretty conservative person; therefore, I usually have
bias against rebellious hairstyles. Hopefully, I will be more open-minded and have a
crack at new things.

31. Science
• What did you learn in science class?
To be honest with you, I nearly acquired nothing from science class. Although I am
eager to discover new things and obtain an in-depth understanding of the world, science
classes are always filled with theoretical knowledge that can promptly lull me to sleep.
• Do you want to know more about science?
Yes absolutely. As I am infatuated with getting insights of natural phenomena, I usually
watch science programs with intriguing experiences and chemical reactions.
• Which science subject is most interesting to you?

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It’s pretty hard for me to choose. But I would go for biology. This subject can provide
students with a closer look about the process of the human body and different organs.
Eventually, we can get a better understanding of our health and; therefore, implement
some healthy living habits to have a good holistic health.

32. Daily Routine

• What is your daily routine?
Yeah, I have a fixed routine that I more or less stick to when I can. I get up early, try to
get the day off on the right foot by doing some reading for my classes. Then I do the
most intensive work that requires the most concentration. For the rest of the day, I just
work through my busy-work and listen to music at the same time.
• Do you usually have the same routine everyday?
I used to have a fixed schedule when I was a student… but recently, since I started work,
I’ve been trying to be more disciplined with my time. It’s tough though as my working
hours are always up in the air. I rarely get in dinner at the same time every day for
example - but what does it really matter in the end?
• What part of your day do you like best?
My favorite time of the day would have to be after 7 p.m, when I come back home from
school and catch up with family. That helps me recharge and feel grounded.
• Have you ever changed your routine?
Yes, in fact I’m trying to fix my sleeping routine right now. In the past, I pulled a lot of
all-nighters, and then would doze off in class during the day sometimes. Now, I turn off
my computer at 10, read a book and put on some ambient noise to fall asleep faster.
• Do you like to plan what you will do each day?
Yeah, because it gives me a feeling of control and organization. But at other times, I
sometimes feel robotic following a plan. It’s good to be spontaneous and not just rigidly
- stubbornly - stick to what you jotted down on a slip of paper - that’s no way to live
your life.

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21
PART 2&3
CORE QUESTIONS BY SIMON
• Describe an object (a gift, something you use etc.)

Eg: Describe a useful electronic device that you have.

You should say:

• What it is
• How long you have used it
• What you use it for
And explain why it is useful

• Describe a person (someone you admire, a leader etc.)

Eg: Describe a famous person that you admire.

You should say:

• Who the person is

• How you got to know about him or her
• Why that person is famous
And explain why you admire that person

• Describe an event (a festival, celebration etc.)

Eg: Describe an event that you enjoyed.

You should say:

• When it happened
• Who was in the event
• What you did
And explain why you enjoyed the event

• Describe an activity (a hobby, a game etc.)

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Eg: Describe a sport that you enjoy

You should say:

• What the sport is

• How to play
• What equipment is required
And explain why you enjoy the sport

• Describe a place (somewhere you visit, a holiday etc.)

Eg: Describe a place that you love to visit

You should say:

• What the place is

• Where the place is
• How to get to the place
And explain why you would love to visit that place.

• Describe your favorite (book, film, advertisement, website etc.)

Eg: Describe your favourite book

You should say:

• Which book it is
• How you got the book
• What the main content is
And explain why you like the book

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PART 2&3 PREDICTION QUESTIONS

TOPIC 1: DESCRIBE A PERSON

1. Describe a popular/well-known person in your country

You should say:
• Who this person is
• What he/she has done
• Why he/she is popular
And explain how you feel about this person
Answer:
One of our most celebrated national icons is footballer Nguyen Cong Phuong. He plays
for the Vietnam national football team as well as Hoang Anh Gia Lai Club as a striker,
meaning that he is responsible for putting the ball back to the net. However, Vietnamese
people mostly know him for his performances for the national team since Vietnamese
club football is not particularly popular. During his tenure in the national team, he has
helped them win the 2018 AFF Championship as well as make it to the quarter-finals
of the 2019 Asian Cup, which were pretty impressive considering how they are not
typically one of the best national teams in Asia. Cong Phuong is often compared to the
legendary Lionel Messi due to their similar physique and style of play, as they both
swiftly cut through the defense and score goals.
Nguyen Cong Phuong is considered a popular figure in Vietnam because not only his
footballing skills are superlative but also because of how instrumental he was in
elevating the prestige of the national team. His performances alone have brought the
team to a whole new level on the international stage, so much so that native non-football
fans are now paying attention to how the team is performing in Asian and global
competitions. As for myself, I quite like seeing Cong Phuong running on the pitch and
clinically scoring goals to boost our national pride. I also like how he is a nice guy off
the field, as shown by how he takes the time to greet the fans as well as give money to
various local charities to help those who are financially disadvantaged.

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Part 3:
• What kinds of people are popular at work?
I would say that the ones who are easygoing and willing to make new friends are often
the most popular people at work. They are people who like to start conversations and
don’t take themselves too seriously. In addition, they are the most likely to organize
office parties. They know how to have a good time and make everyone else momentarily
forget their stress. It’s no wonder why these people are well-liked by everyone in the
office.
• Are bosses more popular than employees at work?
It depends on what the boss is like. If he or she is easygoing and friendly to the staff,
then he or she will be well-liked. If he or she is a stickler of the rules and is not concerned
with the well-being of the staff at all, then he or she will be massively despised. Thus it
is important for a boss to both maintain guidelines and decorum in the office and to
ensure that the employees are cared for and well-compensated for their efforts.
• Which one is more important, keeping a good relationship with colleagues or
doing well at work?
I think both are equally important and none are greater than the other. It is vital for a
worker to maintain friendly relations with colleagues because they are all in the same
boat so to speak and they must stick together to overcome obstacles at work. At the
same time, it is important for a person to do well at work because they are cog in a
massive machine that is the company and if that cog fails to work then the rest of the
machine will fail as well.
• What benefits are there when a child is popular at school?
One such benefit is that they are less likely to be a target of bullying. If a child that is
well-liked by the majority of students gets beaten up, then the perpetrators will face a
major lynching by those students. Another benefit is that they more easily ask for favors
from other students. Since that child is adored by most of the other students and they
want to be liked as well, they are more willing to do anything that the popular child asks
them to do.

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2. Describe a friend from your childhood who you remember very well

You should say

• Who he/she is
• Where and how you met each other
• What you often did together
And explain what made you like him/her
Answer:
I have made many friends from my childhood but my closest one was a guy named
Bruno. Bruno lived in the same neighborhood as me and our families were rather close
as they often visited each other on weekends for dinner. Bruno was a tall and thin kid
as he exercised a lot and ate very healthily. I, on the other hand, was rather short and
slightly pudgy. Bruno was from a Portuguese background whereas I was from Vietnam.
Nevertheless, these differences didn’t get in the way of our friendship and we were able
to get along with each other just fine.
Besides having dinner together on weekends, we would go out in the street to play an
assortment of sports such as football, badminton and basketball. Bruno was more
athletic than I was but I still had fun playing with him as he was very much a team
player. We would also play board games at each other’s houses. My favorite was
Battleship, while his was Connect Four. Still, we were willing to play each other’s
favourite games. Finally, we love to watch movies either at home or at the cinema. Our
favorite movie genre was action so we would go out of our way to either watch a new
action movie or an old classic like something from Jackie Chan or Arnold
Schwarzenegger.
One thing that made me like Bruno was his sense of creating camaraderie. He knows
how to start a conversation and tells a good joke to lift everybody’s spirits up. Heck,
even one of his stupid fart jokes will be enough to get me and the neighborhood kids
laughing like mad. Another thing I liked about Bruno was how protective he was of his
friends. Whenever I or any of the other neighborhood kids got into trouble, Bruno would
always be there to save us and we would be grateful towards him. He knows how to
come up with ingenious solutions to various problems, basically a real-life MacGyver.

26
Part 3:
• Which one is more important, old friendships or new ones?
Both old and new friendships are equally important in my eyes because - while it is nice
to make new friends - we shouldn’t abandon those who’ve been with us through thick
and thin. The larger one’s social circle is, the better. Though that gets harder as you get
older and have to prioritize work or family or friendships. Also, who knows, maybe
your old friends and your new friends will meet and take a liking to each other.
• How important is childhood friendship to children?
I would say it’s extremely important since children can learn the value of talking and
playing with other kids their own age. In the process, they can learn to forge new
relationships that might last a lifetime. This is why oftentimes in elementary school,
teachers pair students up so that they can begin to build long-lasting friendships. I mean,
that’s what happened to me and my best friend - we’ve known each other since grade
school.
• Do you think the development of social media affects friendships nowadays?
I would say yes in both positive and negative ways, mainly the latter of course. On the
one hand, social media allows two or more friends to maintain communication
regardless of distance or time, which is rather convenient - group chats, video calls,
learning from their posts what they’ve been up to. On the other hand, if social media is
used too often then it will ironically cause friendships to deteriorate due to lack of direct
interaction between people.
• Do you think social media will replace face-to-face communication?
I would argue that it almost already has for the most part. These days it’s impossible for
most people to go a single day without checking social media and it’s a common sight
for friends to be huddled together peering over their phones together. It’s not that they
don’t talk to each other but they prioritize the virtual world and online interaction. But
maybe this shift is somewhat overstated by older generations who feel left behind or
people who want to make a point of criticizing the sad state of affairs we find ourselves
in these days.

27
3. Describe an interesting old person you know
You should say:
• Who this person is
• How you know this person
• What you do together
And explain why you think this person is interesting.
Answer:
This topic reminds me of an old man named Wang, whom I consider really intriguing.
He is an immigrant from China. He has lived in Vietnam for years since he moved to
my neighborhood for retirement. However, it was not until last week when I met and
got to know him by chance at a block party. At the party, we had some chit chat together
and I’ve just realized that he was rather nice. He told me of his previous life, in which,
he was a former member of the Chinese Army, who served for five years and then left
his hometown to open a laundromat in Vietnam almost 40 years ago. Being touched by
the country’s friendly people and peaceful life, He decided to live here for the rest of
his life and raised a family of his own. His laundromat located downtown is still in
operation, although he no longer runs it after deciding to retire at the ripe age of 70.
Every now and then, I would visit his home to tend to his needs. He and I enjoy some
tea and discuss our lives and interests, however, what engrosses me the most is every
time we meet, there is always something about him surprise me. Turns out he shares the
same interest in playing chess as well as books since he is a bookaholic and also a big
fan of chess. He even owns a large garden at the back of his home and I help him take
care of it every weekend. I’m not bragging when praising that his garden is absolutely
gorgeous because any other words can’t describe its beauty, which is created from
various flowers and fruits with diverse colors, such as orchids, roses, oranges and
apples. I find Mr. Wang to be a pretty interesting guy because of his life story and rather
jovial attitude to life. In spite of his advanced age, he approaches every new day with
vigor and excitement. I aspire to be like him when I retire and reach my 70s.

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Part 3:
• Do you think old people and young people can share interests?
I would say yes because in the end both old and young people are just that, people. They
can easily share common interests if they know where to look. For example an old man
and a young woman can bond over their love for chess, and a young boy and an old
woman can build a friendship based on their common affinity for fantasy novels. The
belief that young and old people can’t share the same interests is pure nonsense in my
opinion.
• What can old people teach young people?
The old can teach the young valuable life lessons that they themselves have learned
from experience. They can teach the youth lessons about personal finance, relationships
and practical things among many other topics. For example, a senior citizen who has
been married to his wife for 40+ years can teach his grandson how to maintain a long-
lasting relationship because he has that experience.
• Are there benefits when one person is interested in another person? Why?
If we’re talking about being romantically interested then I would say yes, with the main
one being that person has a goal to attain and a new purpose in life. If a man is newly
attracted to a woman then he’ll make it his mission in life to win her heart. However,
this can bring about feelings of jealousy if another person is interested in the same
person as you so it’s ultimately a 50/50 situation.
• What are the advantages of having an elderly person at home?
For one, that person can act as the de facto nanny for a family. Instead of hiring an
independent nanny which costs money, a grandparent can look after the children instead
which is doubly beneficial since it is cheaper and strengthens familial bonds. For
another, the old person can step in to resolve arguments since they have greater authority
in the household on account of their age. In most societies, the elderly have the most
decision-making power in a family so they have the authority to mediate an internal
scuffle.
• Is there anything that older people should learn from the younger generation?
The elderly can learn from the youth how to be more proficient in technology. Since its
usage is not going away any time soon, it would be beneficial for the elderly to know

29
how to use the newest devices and they can learn to do this from the younger generation
since they are the most savvy in using such technology. As a result, everyone can be on
the same page when it comes to taking advantage of technology.
• What can the younger generation learn from the older generation?
This is similar to a previous question so I’ll say the same things as before. The youth
can learn valuable lessons from the elderly about life, love and money to name a few
because they have the experience to back those lessons up. For example, a grandson can
learn from his grandfather how to manage his expenses because he has the practical
experience to prove that his advice has worked before.
• What qualities does a person need to take care of old people?
For one, a person needs to be patient in looking after the elderly. Since they move and
behave slower than younger people, a caregiver must have bottomless patience to be
more accommodating towards old people’s weaker physical and mental health. For
another, a person needs to have empathy for the problems that old people are facing.
That person needs to understand what they are struggling with and why so that they can
do all they can to help.
• Do you think elderly people should be allowed to work?
I think so because it’ll give them something to do and they won’t feel stuck being at
home doing nothing. However, they shouldn’t do physically strenuous jobs because
they are much weaker than they were in the past. Instead, they can do more leisurely
jobs such as a shopkeeper or a baker and they can set their own schedules to
accommodate their age.

4. Describe a person you met at a party who you enjoyed talking with
You should say:
• What party it was
• How you met this person
• What you talked about
And explain why you enjoyed talking with him or her

30
Answer:
Seven years ago, I was in college in Birmingham, England starting my bachelor’s
degree. I was living in a dorm right by the main campus and I was told by my fellow
flatmates that there was an inauguration party held every beginning of the academic
year. Naturally I was excited to join and once the day came everyone was in a jovial
mood. Everyone was drinking, dancing, talking and pulling pranks to lift up their spirits.
As the party was going down, I came across a fellow flatmate named Aidan who was
sitting by himself amidst all the festivities. He looked kind of bored with the party and
wanting to make new friends, I then joined alongside him, exchanged introductions,
talked about what we were studying and our lives in general.

It turns out that he was studying chemical engineering as a Master’s course and he’s
originally from London but moved to Birmingham as he was tired of the fast-paced
lifestyle in the capital. Aidan chose to study chemical engineering since it was his
father’s field of expertise and he shared the same passion as him. He also told me that
his parents were originally immigrants from Ireland who moved to London to start a
new life. Looking back on it now, I liked talking with Aidan because he was a good
listener and he showed great interest in others’ lives. He also liked to crack a joke every
now and then to make the conversation more fun and his jokes were quite witty indeed.
I still keep in touch with Aidan even long after we’ve both graduated from college.

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Part 3:
• Under what circumstances do people meet new people?
Normally, people would meet new people in public occasions such as parties, dinners
or festivals because they normally host a mix of familiar and unfamiliar faces and the
familiar ones can introduce people to the unfamiliar ones as they may share mutual
acquaintances. That way, people can make new friendships with the ones they don’t
know much about.
• Where do you think people meet new people?
Like I said before, people would meet new people during public events like dinners,
parties and festivals. They host friends and friends of friends and people can meet those
friends of friends and forge new connections with them. For example, at a dinner party,
friends of the host gather together and they can become friends with each other on
account of them sharing a mutual acquaintance.
• Do you think it is difficult for foreigners to communicate with Vietnamese
people?
I would say yes if they don’t know the language. If foreigners are fluent in Vietnamese
then no it’s not that difficult. However, these days there are more Vietnamese people
becoming fluent in English, mostly among the younger generation. So it may not be
entirely necessary to learn Vietnamese to converse with the locals.
• What types of people interact easily with each other?
For one, people who share a common interest in something can get along pretty easily.
For instance, it is pretty easy for a Manchester United fan to be friends with another
Manchester United fan since they share the same passion. For another, people who are
of the same race typically get along very well on account of them sharing the same
cultural experiences. For example, an Indian man studying abroad can easily be friends
with another Indian man because they are of the same origin.
• What kind of people are hard to get along with?
I would say it is difficult to get along with people who are arrogant because they think
they are better than everyone else and they can’t empathize with others. They’ll talk
highly of themselves and care little about what others have to say. I would also say it is
difficult to get along with people who lie all the time because you can’t trust a word

32
they say. Trust is important in a relationship and if it’s not there, then what’s the point
in maintaining such a relationship?
• Do people now have enough time for communication?
I would say yes, but there is less and less of it nowadays because people are living a
hectic lifestyle and are burdened with a heavy workload that they need to get through.
With whatever amount of time they have left, they tend to spend it conversing with
other people about general topics such as work, current events and pop culture.
• Does technology make it easier to communicate with family and friends?
On the whole, I would say yes since it facilitates greater convenience in communication.
For example, when a student is studying abroad, he can easily talk with his family
through the phone or computer at any time despite the geographical barriers. Therefore,
familial bonds can still be maintained despite the vast distance between members.

5. Describe a person you have met who you like to work or study.
You should say:
• Who this person is
• Where you work/study together
• What you often do together
And explain why you like so much to work/study with him/her.
Answer:
I work at an accounting firm as a junior accountant downtown and it has about 100
employees as part of its staff. However, out of all of them, I’m only really close with
one guy and his name is Jimmy. Like me, he is also a junior accountant and he’s two
years my senior. He lives rather close to the office so he could easily walk there as
opposed to myself who has to take the bus to get there because I live further away.
Unlike me, he is happily married and has two kids studying in kindergarten. I on the
other hand live alone in my apartment and am fine with it. Jimmy joined the firm two
years ago after working in a financial consultancy company for half a decade. He told
me he wanted to work in accounting as it was less stressful for him.
At work, we would go over the accounting numbers for our clients who range from
small businesses to global conglomerates. We would examine a client’s revenues, costs

33
and profits and determine whether or not they are financially stable and advise them on
how to maintain that stability. Outside of work we would normally hang out at the local
bar and talk about work, our personal lives and current events. Sometimes, we would
have dinner together with our other colleagues from work and do the same thing. I like
working with Jimmy because not only does he care about work to a high degree but also
he’s a great conversationalist and likes to listen to others as he is very sociable.
Part 3:
• What kinds of co-workers do people like to work with?
In general, people like to work with co-workers who are friendly and cooperative
because they are easier to get along with and they can help them with anything they
need, such as particularly difficult tasks. If one’s co-workers are annoying and
disruptive, then it will be much more difficult to enjoy working with them since their
behavior towards others is rather poor.
• Which one is more important to you at work, development in work-related skills
or recognition from your supervisors?
I think both skill development and recognition from your superiors are equally
important; none is greater than the other. Developing work-related skills is important
because they are necessary for an employee to complete their tasks to the best of their
ability. Recognition from one’s supervisors is also important because it validates the
hard work they have done and it gives them motivation to continue putting their effort
in their job.
• Do you think managers should be friends with their subordinates?
I would say yes to a degree because in that way, the bonds between staff members can
be strengthened and managers can more easily empathize with their junior staff.
However, they shouldn’t be too close because it is necessary to maintain a hierarchy in
the workplace and the subordinates should still recognize the authority of their
managers.
• Should children be allowed to choose whom they want to sit with or it should be
decided by the teacher?
I think children’s seating arrangements should be dictated by the teacher because it
encourages children to make new friends and not always stick to the ones they are
34
already closest to. If children are given free rein to sit wherever they want, they’ll more
than likely sit with their best friends on account of their familiarity with them. Also,
they’ll more likely be disruptive during the class because they’ll start chatting with them
a lot.
6. Describe a famous actor

You should say:

• Who this person is
• How do you know about this person
• What this person is famous for
• Why are you interested in this person

Answer:
The famous person I really enjoy watching is the British actor, Daniel Craig. He’s
mostly known for playing James Bond in the last few Bond movies but he’s got a lot of
range - I’ve seen him in some other pics recently where he could really show that off
and play against type.

I first heard about him when he was announced as the new lead actor for the James
Bond franchise and then watching the first of his Bond movies - the one that’s set in a
casino I think - I took to him right away because of his intensity - he’s got deep-set blue
eyes and projects vulnerability and strength at the same time - the formula for any good
Hollywood leading man. Since then, I’ve followed his career closely and he has gone
on to make lots of films outside the Bond universe.

One of my favorite performances of his is from the movie Knives Out, where he plays
a detective looking into the murder of a powerful, cruel family patriarch. It’s radically
different from his standard image as a handsome leading man and puts on an over-the-
top Southern drawl that’s funny and makes the movie in my opinion.

I really enjoy watching Daniel Craig as an actor, since he comes off as charming and
humorous like tons of other English actors. I can’t speak to what kind of a person he is
in real life - you never know with celebrities in general - but he definitely gives off
sensitive, good guy vibes. I’m really looking forward to where his direction heads next
35
since I believe he’s filmed his last Bond movie and should be on to bigger and better
things with his upcoming projects.

Part 3:
• Are actors or actresses very interested in the work? Why?
It is understandable why some would like to be an actor/actress because it is an outlet
where they can express themselves creatively and they can be challenged in portraying
characters that are vastly different from their reallife personalities. Personally, I don’t
find it that interesting because I get very shy when performing or presenting something
in front of many people.
• What can children learn from acting?

Children can learn presentation skills from acting. For example, when acting on stage,
the performers have to use their body language, facial expressions and a loud voice to
convey the story clearly to the audience. These skills are equally applicable to doing a
presentation in front of an audience because it is meant to convey a particular message
or theme to them.

• Why do children like special costumes?

Children like to wear special costumes because they allow them to imagine themselves
as the characters who wear these costumes. For example, when a young boy wears the
Batman costume, he can imagine himself as Batman. When a young girl wears the Sailor
Moon costume, she can pretend to be Sailor Moon for that special occasion.

• What are the differences between actors or actresses who earn much and those
who earn little?

One major difference between actors’ salaries is the projects they perform in. Actors
who get paid a lot tend to star in widely-seen movies and TV shows, which usually
include major franchises as opposed to those who get paid very little. For example,
actors like Robert Downey Jr. and Dwayne Johnson earn millions for the movies they
star in. Another difference is that actors who are paid a lot are more recognized than
those who are not. Brad Pitt and Tom Cruise for instance make millions of dollars for

36
their movies and are more widely known as opposed to unknown actors in a theater
troupe making only hundreds.

• What are the differences between acting in the theatre and that in the film?

When acting in a theatre, the performers have to be much more expressive to more
clearly tell the story to a large audience. This usually means that they have to speak
louder and move more exaggeratedly. When acting in a film, the performers are allowed
to be more subtle because they are only performing in front of a camera and they don’t
have to project so much in their expressions and body language.

37
TOPIC 2: DESCRIBE AN OBJECT

1. Describe a piece of technology that you feel is difficult to use

You should say:
• What it is
• What you got it for
• How often you use it
And explain how you feel about using it
Answer:
One piece of technology that I struggle to use is my motorcycle. I got it as a present
from my friend who told me that I needed one to get around town easier. However, it’s
been almost 15 years since I last drove a motorcycle since I had gotten used to
commuting on my bicycle in addition to other modes of transport like taxis and buses.
I enjoyed being on a bicycle throughout those 15 years as it was a great form of exercise,
better for the environment (as it doesn’t need any fuel) and it was less expensive to
maintain. Nevertheless, I tried going on my new motorcycle and let me just say, it was
a bit difficult to get it started.
It took me seven turns of the key to start the engine so that was taxing. What’s more, I
almost fell over many times trying to find my balance while accelerating. It was difficult
for me to find my sense of balance as I would swerve the steering wheel wildly from
left to right. Despite this, I would drive my motorbike at least twice a week to and from
work and I had gotten into a few close scrapes while on the road. Fearing for my life
from that point on, I then told my friend that I intended to sell the new motorcycle to
someone else because I couldn’t drive it at all. Needless to say, he was sad about it but
he understood my predicament. I guess I’ll stick to riding my bicycle to go to and from
work.
Part 3:
• What technology do people currently use?
In daily life, most people use smartphones and computers to do their work or to
communicate. They would use those devices to send messages or make calls to others
and they would write stuff on those devices as well. Some jobs utilize specialized

38
technology to complete necessary tasks. For example, a photographer would use a
camera to take pictures while a factory worker would use electronic tools to assemble
products.
• Why do big companies introduce new products frequently?
Large companies launch new products frequently to maintain their sales figures and to
compete with each other. For example, Apple and Samsung often release new
smartphone offerings to compete for customers’ attention and their money. Such
competition allows for greater variety in the marketplace since it would be unfair for
one company to have complete control of a market.
• Why are people so keen on buying Iphones even though they haven’t changed
much from one to the next?
I would say that people do this because they see the iPhone as a trendy product and they
want to project themselves as such. They feel that if they don’t buy the new iPhone then
they’ll be behind everyone else and be stuck with the current version that they have,
despite it having the exact same functions and features as the new one.
• In what ways has technology changed your society?
One way would be that it has made daily tasks more convenient to a degree. For
example, people can shop online through their computers or phones instead of going to
the store and have their purchases delivered to their doorstep. Another way would be
that it has expedited the way we work. For example, workers in a factory can assemble
things faster and more precisely thanks to the introduction of electronic tools that can
speed up the production process.
• How has technology changed the way we communicate?
In some ways technology has made communication more convenient. Instead of having
to travel long distances to meet a friend, a person can talk to that friend through his
phone or computer. However, it has also facilitated greater isolation between people
since they may be less inclined to meet each other in person thanks to the convenience
technology brings.
• How has technology changed the nature of long-distance relationships?
Technology has helped close the gap that is inherent in a long-distance relationship.
Friends or lovers who live far apart can still talk with each other through their phones,

39
computers or tablets, thus they can still keep close contact with each other despite the
geographical barriers. Therefore, maintaining a long-distance relationship will be less
of a chore.
• What are the limitations of technology when it comes to interpersonal
relationships?
For one, people can be so immersed in using technology that they may inadvertently
isolate themselves from others and not make much of an effort to reach out. They may
struggle to have a face-to-face conversation with another person. For another, it can be
easy to misinterpret a message sent online because when conversing with somebody in
person, that other person uses their facial expressions or body language to convey a
message more clearly, which is not the case with online communication.

2. Describe a gift you received

You should say:
• What it is
• How you got it
• What you did
And explain how you felt about it
Answer:
On Christmas Day almost eight years ago, I received a sweater from my aunt. It was a
wool sweater that she knitted and decorated herself. The sweater was white all around
except for the front where emblazoned on it was the shape of a red bird. Specifically, it
was a sparrow since they are frequently seen flying around my aunt’s neighborhood. It
looked rather shaggy since there were strands of wool sticking out, but it didn’t really
matter because it was nice and warm. Ever since I got that sweater, I wear it every winter
and now it is one of my favorite pieces of clothing that I own.
I didn’t really do anything to earn that sweater. Actually, that’s not entirely true. What
I did was I behaved nicely and supported my aunt as much as I could. The sweater was
given to me as a reciprocal expression of her adoration of me as a family member. As
for why I was given the sweater, my aunt often knits her own clothing and gives it to
her friends and family as gifts. I will also say that she is very good at knitting. She can

40
make the most complex patterns out of any material she can get her hands on such as
wool, cotton, polyester, you name it. As for whether I liked it, I would say yes since it
has a really cool design, it keeps me warm through the winter and I still have it to this
very day.
Part 3:
• Should employees have their own goals?
I would say yes because it’s the only way to push forward in life. If people have
something to work towards, they will very likely strive to achieve it and make
significant progress along the way. For example, if a worker wants to be the best in his
field, then that worker will persevere in attaining that goal until he feels satisfied with
what he has achieved along the way.
• How should bosses reward employees?
Obviously, bosses should reward employees with a hefty salary for the good work they
have done. However, there are other kinds of rewards that are just as valid. For example,
if a company manages to exceed their sales target for the month, the boss should reward
their staff with a nice dinner someplace or a really cool gift such as a watch for each
member. It all really depends on what the boss likes to give and what they can get.
• What kinds of gifts do young people like to receive as rewards?
It depends on the context. For example, if a high school student manages to do
exceedingly well in their academic performance, then it would be right to reward them
with a scholarship to a prestigious university abroad. For another example, if a young
worker manages to exceed his targets for the month, then it would be appropriate to
reward him with a bonus on top of his monthly salary.
• What is the purpose of gift giving?
I would say it is intended to show appreciation for the one you are giving the present to.
For example, a child would give a scarf to his mother to express his love for her. On top
of that, it is a tradition across different kinds of occasions and holidays, such as
Christmas and birthdays.
• How has gift giving changed since your grandparents’ time?
In the past, people would go out of their way to find the most extravagant or amazing
gift they could find, no matter how much it cost. It was intended to be the ultimate token

41
of appreciation for the recipient of the present. However, these days, people are much
less extravagant with the gifts they give. Sometimes they wouldn’t give a gift at all since
either it is too expensive or they can’t muster the effort to find one.
• How important is gift giving in a relationship?
I would say it is important since a gift is a form of affirmation for the strength of the
relationship. However, I wouldn’t go as far as to say it is the most important thing in a
relationship since there are other factors such as communication, mutual understanding,
having common likes and dislikes and general chemistry between the two people in
question.
• What is more important when it comes to giving a gift, cost or effort?
I would say effort because it is much more demonstrative of a person’s appreciation for
another. For example, it would be so easy for a wife to buy an expensive watch for her
husband; however, if she were to make her own gift for him such as a scarf or a painting,
it is much more telling of how much the wife loves her husband.
• Do you think it's suitable to give money as a gift?
I would say yes since it is a useful gift in itself. Money can be used to purchase anything
you want or need. However I can understand why some might say it is a lazy gift to give
since it shows that the person giving it has put little to no effort in finding a nice gift.
Still, I don’t think it is an invalid gift to give to someone.
• Do you think it's a good idea for people who are doing business with each other
to exchange gifts?
I would say yes because it shows that they have mutual respect for each other as
businessmen. However, when these gifts are given in exchange for rather dubious
business favors, then I have a problem with that because it is akin to essentially a bribe
and if those favors aren’t repaid then it will present a major problem for both parties.

3. Describe a traditional product in your country

You should say:
• What it is
• When you tried this product for the first time
• What it is made of

42
And explain how you feel about it
Answer:
In Vietnam, we are known for many of our traditional art and craft products. However,
the one product that is most emblematic of our country is the conical hat, also known
as nón lá in Vietnamese. It is worn by almost every farmer in the country as it is very
affordable and it provides complete protection from the sun. As such it became a symbol
of industriousness and agriculture in Vietnam.
I first tried on a conical hat when I was seven years old. I was out on a trip to some
paddy fields in my grandfather’s home province and it was extremely sunny as it was
in the middle of summer. Needing something to cool my head after sweating so much,
I asked my mom if I could borrow her conical hat and when she said yes, I immediately
wore it. While it did provide more than adequate protection for my head, it was too big
since I couldn’t really see anything in front of me. Nevertheless, I managed to cool
down and sweat a little bit less.
A conical hat is traditionally made out of multiple bundles of straw and they are bound
together with thread that is sewn in by the craftsman. To prevent the straw from breaking
apart and thus destroying the hat, it is submerged in water for many hours so that it can
be durable. Once the cone has been fully formed, a thin silk strap is then glued to the
hat from one side to the other. That way, people can easily wear the hat and then the
strap will keep it from falling off their heads.
In regards to how I feel about the conical hat, I don’t really have a strong opinion about
it. I don’t have much to say about it other than I am proud of how it represents the hard-
working and resilient nature of Vietnamese people. In addition, it’s not the most
appealing kind of hat although that is the point. It’s meant to be more functional than
fashionable.
Part 3:
• What are some kinds of traditional products in Vietnam?
I’m afraid that I’ll run out of time so I would like to name some according to my
knowledge. There are 3 main types including costumes, foods and musical instruments.
Regarding each type in the same order, I can proudly say that ao dai, banh chung and
the monochord top the list when it comes to traditional goods.

43
 • Why are traditional products important?
I believe that traditional products are crucial since they are emblematic of a particular
country’s culture. For example, fine art ceramic products reflect Vietnamese culture
through vivid patterns portraying the daily lives of ancient Vietnamese people in the old
days. This reason also entails another justification, which relates to the national image
of a country. To illustrate, the ao dai is a typical example that springs into people’s
minds whenever a Vietnamese introduces the country to a foreign visitor.
• Why is it important for children to learn about traditional products?
Learning about traditional products is of paramount significance for some reasons.
Firstly, traditional products tell children about their forebears’ history, thereby arousing
their patriotism and pride. More importantly, this also sparks an interest among kids in
the products, thus cultivating their passion to pursue and preserve the occupation of
making traditional goods.

4. Describe a photo you took that you are proud of

You should say:
• When you took it
• Where you took it
• What is in this photo
And explain why you are proud of it

Answer:

I remember taking a photo of a vast landscape that I was proud of. It was taken around
3 years ago while I was on holiday. I was hiking in the Sierra Nevada mountains in
southern Spain for about 3 hours straight and I wanted to take a break. The mountain
range is a popular tourist spot in southern Spain as people can go skiing there and it
contains the tallest mountain in the country which stands at 3.5 km high. I was there
with two of my friends and my sister as we all enjoy a good hike, especially one that
challenges our endurance.

As for the photo itself, it was a wide angle shot of the mountains and valleys below
them. The mountain tops were covered in snow whilst the valleys below were green and
lush with vegetation. Also, the sky was overwhelmingly blue and the sun was shining
44
bright on the land, making it glow with pristine beauty. I took the photo with a wide-
angle lens so that my camera could capture all of the landscape in a single frame. As for
the camera itself, it was my trusty Canon EOS 50D, which has many functions that can
be used depending on the situation. The image quality is very sharp, meaning that the
pictures themselves are very clean to look at.

I was proud of that photo because for one, it was just a beautifully composed photo. The
mountains, land, sky and sun were all clear to see and it manages to highlight the
splendor that nature has to offer. For another, it was taken during rather difficult
circumstances. It was during a 3-hour hike in the mountain tops where oxygen is rather
scarce and the slopes are so steep. Nevertheless, I managed to overcome these obstacles
and take the photo.

Part 3:
• Why do some people like to record important things with photos?
People often record important things in photographic form primarily to keep them as a
memento that they could look back on fondly. For example, parents would often take
pictures of their newborn baby so that they could remember how it happened and how
joyous it was for them. The same can be said for how they would take photos of their
kids graduating from high school as a keepsake that commemorated a new chapter in
their lives.
• Is taking photos the best way to remember something?
While photographs are a good way to remember something, I wouldn’t say they are the
best way. People can remember things in other ways such as making a mental note of
it, recording it on their phone, writing it down so that there can be a permanent record
of it and recounting it to other people. Each person has their own preferred way of
remembering something so there is no actual best way to do just that.
• What can people learn from historical photographs?
A lot can be gleaned from looking at a historical paragraph. First, people can learn what
life was like during that period in history. They can easily comprehend what their
forebears had to struggle with in their lives as well as the kind of labor they had to do
to maintain their standards of living at that time. Secondly, people can learn what the
aesthetic trends of the time were like. They can see what the buildings looked like and
45
what the clothing looked like and then understand why these things looked the way they
did.
• What are the advantages and disadvantages of taking photos with mobile
phones?

One advantage is that it is easier to pull out your phone to take a photo as opposed to
using a camera. While cameras are often bulky and take a long time to set up with the
lens and lighting settings and all that, a person can just take out their phone and then
take a snapshot in a flash. However, a disadvantage is that the image quality on a phone
is lesser than that of a camera. Since phones have smaller camera sensors the images
are less detailed and clean, whereas with an actual camera the images are almost always
guaranteed to be crisp and sharp to look at.

46
TOPIC 3: DESCRIBE AN EVENT/TIME

1. Describe a historical period you want to know more about.

You should say:
• Which period is it
• When did it occur
• Why are you interested in it
• Who all were involved in it
Answer:
When I was in school, history was a compulsory subject and me and my classmates had
to learn about key events in our nation’s history. However, there weren’t really any
lessons pertaining to global history in the curriculum so we missed out on learning about
major worldwide events such as the Renaissance, the Industrial Revolution and the Cold
War. One particular period in history that I would like to learn more about is the era of
European colonization in the previous millennium. As suggested by the title, it was a
period when European kingdoms scrambled to colonize every part of land in the world
to exploit various resources to trade and consume. It took place between the 18th and
20th centuries and it involved some of the heavy hitters such as Britain, France, Spain,
Portugal and Germany.
During that period, those countries were in a race to occupy as much land as possible to
support their economy by mining that land for its resources. As such, they had to scour
all over the world for such precious land, going as far as South America and Asia. In
the process of exploiting that land, the colonizers had to hire the local people to do the
work for them and they were often subjected to poor treatment and abject brutality at
their hands. Despite this, I find it fascinating to learn about this particular period in
history because of how much it has shaped our present. For example, countries such as
Mexico, Argentina, Colombia and Peru have Spanish as their main language thanks to
them being colonized by Spain. The same can be said for Canada, America and
Australia having English as their main language thanks to British colonization.

47
Part 3:
• How is history taught in Vietnam?
I would say that Vietnamese history is generally passed down from generation to
generation through history lessons at school and the occasional word-of-mouth
anecdote. Like other countries, in Vietnam, students spend a lot of time learning about
past wars, leaders, big events and so on. These lessons typically involve some reading
in a textbook, maybe a short writing assignment and then lectures from teachers in class
- class discussions are pretty rare but it depends on the school in question.
• Is there any difference between teaching history through books and movies?
Well, definitely, on the one hand, textbooks are dry and monotonous with lots of dates,
names, and places to memorize. A typical complaint amongst students is that there is
too much to remember. On the other hand, movies demand more attention and are way
more engaging - that’s one of the reasons that Hollywood makes them and teachers will
sometimes let the class watch them in class as a reward. But they tend to be at best a
little historically inaccurate - so teachers have to clarify some parts, I’m sure.
• Why are there many children who do not like to learn history?
I suppose the first reason would be the traditional way history is taught - in my country
at least. In Vietnam, school children have to listen to endless lectures but it’s often in
one ear, out the other. Also, a lot of the events aren’t relevant anymore. Kids don’t hear
about them in the news and would rather follow news that is important to them - about
new movies and singers and products they want to buy. Since it’s hard to know if what
you learn in history class is really true, and it’s boring, it’s hard to work up much
motivation.
• Do young people like historical stories in your country?
I’d say in general - not really - though it’s hard to speak for everyone in a nation of
nearly a hundred million. As far as I can tell though - most people don’t read old books
about history - even historical fiction. And the movies that come out about history aren’t
the most popular. This might be the lingering effects of learning about and being bored
by history lessons at school. To most people, the main interaction they have with history
is just the street names - which come mostly from history.
• Do you think history matters in a country’s future development?

48
I couldn’t agree more because it’s crucial to not repeat the mistakes of the past. What’s
that quote? Those who don’t learn from their mistakes are doomed to repeat them.
Something like that. There are a lot of examples of this - especially when it comes to
foreign policy. Countries can look at how they interacted in the past with other nations
and then alter their strategy to move forward. This is especially true in places like the
Middle East where there has been a lot of conflict in the past and they need to sort
through those issues to have a bright future.
• Are there other ways people can learn about history, apart from at school? How?
With the advent of the Internet and advanced technology generally, people can learn
about history via online media. For example, people can watch loads of videos related
to historical events on YouTube shared by schools and other organizations. It’s also
possible for the public to learn about history by visiting museums and well-preserved
historical sites. In Vietnam, there are certain cities like Hue, Hanoi, and Hoi An that are
famous for their old architecture and if you hire a tour guide, I’m sure they could take
you around and tell you all about the historical events that happened there.
• Do you think history will still be a school subject in the future? Why?
Yes of course, I’d argue it will always be a core subject. There are certainly more
immediately useful subjects, like math and science and art, but history forms the basis
of a person’s understanding of the world and their own place in it. Without that
background knowledge, you’ll feel slightly out of touch at all times with the world and
your ancestors and even with popular culture - like when there are references in a
popular show that you don’t get.

2. Describe a time when you received some positive feedback.

You should say:

• When it was
• What the feedback was related to
• Who gave you the feedback
And explain how you felt about it.

Answer:

49
When I was in college around 7 years ago, I had to write an essay for my course which
was philosophy. It was about the strengths and weaknesses in the belief of nihilism and
it had to be almost 3,000 words long. I had worked on it for five days straight since the
deadline was rather tight in that I had to submit it by the end of the week. I did my
research exhaustively and I had to write my essay non-stop to the point where I was
almost about to fall asleep by the end. It was my final paper of the academic year and it
was the most important since it decided whether or not I would pass my course.
Needless to say I put as much effort in it as possible which was a lot.

When I sent it in, I waited for about a week for the results and feedback to come back
and when they came, I was elated since most of it was positive overall. My professor
noted that my essay was well-organized and easy to follow, therefore he wasn’t lost as
to what the arguments were and why. He also noted that the arguments were well-
researched and convincing so there was no doubt regarding their validity. Finally, my
professor also liked the examples I used to support my arguments in which I use quotes
and events in history to demonstrate the value and lack thereof in nihilism. Like I said
before, when I received that feedback, I was happy because it validated the hard work I
put into my essay and if the feedback was more negative then I would’ve felt crushed
and more eager to give up on my effort.

Part 3:
• Do children need encouragement when they grow up? Why?
I suppose encouragement plays an important role in a child’s formative years but I’m
no expert honestly. Children need motivation when they encounter challenges
especially. For example, when I was a child, I wasn’t good at math so whenever I had
to work through difficult questions, my father always gave me little pep talks to boost
my confidence. It’s counterintuitive but I suppose this could also be counter-productive.
Kids need to develop their own resilience and self-reliance and not just seek the praise
and support of their parents. So, balance is needed.
• Which kind of feedback people tend to believe, positive or negative feedback?
Hmm, trick one… it depends. When a person needs motivation, then they are more
likely to believe positive feedback as it will give them a boost - whether it’s true or not.

50
However, when a person is more self-critical and looking to make changes in life then
they might be more open to criticism. Of course, most people generally just believe the
positive parts and discount the negative comments - unless they have really low self-
esteem.
• Do you think public recognition is important for people nowadays?
Sure, that’s a tried and tested truth. I don’t know the reasons why but it seems natural
to me that a person would crave some external validation for their work. It can even
serve as a motivator - people work hard in order to secure the esteem of others. For
instance, when a student is honored in front of the whole school for a good performance,
he will feel motivated to get better results in the future. So in the end, I guess achieving
things in life is a sign of deep insecurity.
• Do you think those who have received public recognition should take on more
social responsibilities?
Yes, definitely. The more public recognition people get, the more social responsibility
they should assume. This is because they can be a positive role model as most people
imitate the actions of well-known personalities. If a celebrity engages in volunteering,
donating to the poor or looking out for the environment, there will be a huge positive
influence on the public. For example, My Tam is a widely acclaimed singer in Vietnam.
So, when she was involved in volunteer programs in remote areas in 2020, it inspired
thousands to follow suit and either volunteer themselves or at least donate some money.
• Do you think positive feedback is more useful than negative feedback?
In my opinion, both kinds of feedback are more or less equally important, though I’d
give a slight edge to positive. When it comes to positive feedback, compliments and
praise can lift a person’s mood and make them more productive in their work and study.
Meanwhile, through negative comments, people can become more aware of their
weaknesses and improve them. For example, whenever I get negative feedback about
my work from my boss, I can acknowledge my shortcomings and usually avoid making
the same mistakes later on.
• Should bosses give positive feedback to employees? Why?
In my opinion, both kinds of feedback are more or less equally important, though I’d
give a slight edge to positive. When it comes to positive feedback, compliments and

51
praise can lift a person’s mood and make them more productive in their work and study.
Meanwhile, through negative comments, people can become more aware of their
weaknesses and improve them. For example, whenever I get negative feedback about
my work from my boss, I can acknowledge my shortcomings and usually avoid making
the same mistakes later on.

3. Describe a time when you taught a friend or relative something

You should say:
• Who you taught
• What you taught
• How you taught him or her
And explain how you felt about it
Answer:
I remember a moment in my childhood where I taught my little sister how to play
Monopoly. I was 10 years old at that time and she was seven and I had gotten into
playing Monopoly with my friends from school. I enjoyed playing it since the objective
was to earn the most money out of everyone else in the game and who doesn’t want to
do that when they grow up? On a Saturday afternoon, I was playing Monopoly with my
friends at my house and my sister was watching me play. She saw how I and the others
could earn or spend money while playing the game and that caught her eye so she asked
if she could play and I said sure.
I then proceeded to teach her what Monopoly was about which was to earn the most
money out of all the players. I showed my sister that the main way to do this was to buy
a plot of land which was represented by the squares on the board and then proceed to
build houses or hotels which allows you to earn money whenever the other players get
to your plots since they have to pay a tax to stay there. I also taught my sister the other
ways to earn money such as buying utilities like electricity, gas and water, buying train
stations and passing Go on the board every new time. Once she understood the rules,
she got to playing Monopoly and already became good at it. I felt proud to teach my
sister a new game because in my mind it’s important to have moments like this to forge
a sibling relationship that will last forever.

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Part 3:
• What qualities do you think a good teacher should have?
Well, the first thing that comes to mind is responsibility. I mean this can be shown in
the way teachers prepare lessons, are attentive to students and keep in contact with their
parents for regular feedback. I guess good teachers should also possess deep insight into
their profession so that they can impart useful knowledge and skills to students. That’s
a given though.
• Who do you think can learn better? Old or young people?
I guess younger generations because they are physically and mentally healthier, so their
minds are sharp and capable of taking on new skills and ideas more readily. A lot of the
elderly suffer from memory-related conditions such as Alzheimer’s and often forget
things and definitely find it hard to learn something new.
• What do you think is the best age for children to go to school?
From my perspective, around age 6 is the sweet spot. First and foremost, kids around
this age can walk and talk and have greater opportunities to explore and play than they
would if they started school earlier. To me, play can increase children’s motivation to
learn. On top of that, children at this age possess the self-control to take part in learning
activities. Without this discipline, class is almost pointless.
• What courses/subjects will be helpful in future work?
I suppose classes on foreign languages and intercultural communication are most useful
in this day and age. The world is becoming more and more globalized, so being able to
speak at least one foreign language will make them better future candidates when they
apply for work after university. As for intercultural communication, knowledge about
cultural norms and the ways in which people think and see the world can prevent
miscommunication.
• Do you think students should choose subjects they like?
To a certain extent, yes. I think subjects like math, reading, and at least one foreign
language should be compulsory for all. Other subjects such as art and music should be
optional, as I think many students do not intend to work in a creative industry or see it
as a viable career path. Everything should be focused on one’s future career as that is
all that ever really matters in life.

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4. Describe a time you were late for a meeting
You should say:
• What the meeting was for
• When the meeting was
• Where the meeting was
And explain why you were late
Answer:
About 5 years ago, I had to attend a meeting at my office but I was so late that I missed
it entirely. To give some context, I worked at a company that specializes in imports and
exports and the meeting was about a potential partnership with a new client that
specializes in selling salmon caught from Norway to the world. At the time, my
company saw it as a golden opportunity to expand its portfolio and to boost its revenue
and they wanted me to attend the meeting as I was an expert in the Norwegian fish
market. The meeting was set to take place at 3 in the afternoon at the office so there was
no way I was going to be late right?
On that day, I had to go to the Canadian Embassy to apply around noon for a short-stay
visa because I was supposed to attend a trade expo in Vancouver the following month.
However, the application process was super long since I had to fill out numerous forms
with my personal details, my employment history and my financial details which took
me about an hour to complete. What’s worse was the line for applying was so long that
I had to wait another 30 minutes to get to my turn to meet the desk officer to hand in
my papers. To add to the frustration, when I was done with my application and heading
back to the office, there was a massive traffic jam which was caused by a bus which
toppled over. It took about 2 hours for the traffic to clear and another 30 minutes to get
to the office which at that point I had missed the meeting entirely.
Part 3:
• Are you a punctual person?
To be honest, I’m always running behind because I often forget things to bring with me
whenever I head out of the house. I have to go back to get my phone or my parking card
or my laptop. I’m making more of an effort these days but sometimes it’s not my fault

54
- I might be late due to some unexpected circumstances like getting stuck in a traffic
jam or being pulled over by the traffic police.
• Do you think it is important to be on time?
No doubt about it! Being on time is a basic courtesy you can show to others - to show
you value their time and you have your own life in order. Being punctual makes a good
impression on other people and they, in turn, are likely to be on time when meeting up
with you.
• Do you always avoid being late?
Well, I do my best but sometimes it’s unavoidable. I’ve been in the habit the last year
or so of heading out for work appointments 30 minutes sooner than I used to to have
more time just in case I get stuck in a traffic jam. That’s best case scenario though and
I do lapse into bad habits every now and then.
• Why are people often late for meetings or appointments?
The usual reasons we all hear are traffic jams, being sick, over-sleeping - we’ve all
heard them and given them at various points in our lives. I think part of it is also because
some think being early or on time is a waste since everyone comes late. Coming on time
just sets you up to be taken advantage of. I think ultimately most people just have poor
time management, so they lose track of time and it happens naturally.
• Why do people miss important events?
There is no one specific psychological or social reason but I can speculate a little.If you
get sick then that’s a good excuse. There might also be some other emergency which
comes up in life which requires attention. Apart from that, something more interesting
might come along at the same time - a better option - or they never intended to go in the
first place.
• Are people in your country often late for meetings?
I’d say yes - Vietnamese people aren’t always known for their punctuality. There are
always excuses for it. It’s part of the pace of life here and everyone expects it though at
some companies there are strict rules to counterbalance this tendency.
• What kinds of activities do you consider a waste of time?
Procrastinating, for sure. It’s human nature to be lazy and delay and dread getting on
with a task. But that in turn creates a feeling of dread and guilt and even self-loathing.

55
I also look down on people who worry too much when there’s nothing to worry about.
If your worry is a life-or-death situation, then share it with a friend for support. If it’s
not, then find another way to deal with it. Go for a run or have a glass of wine.
• What usually makes people feel pressured?
The reasons can vary from person to person. Some feel stressed from little financial
stresses or big ones like managing the expenses for a whole family. For students, it’s all
about trying to get into university and then applying for jobs later on. I think people
respond to stress differently so what is a big deal for one person might not be for another
and vice versa.
• Do you think young people or old people are better at managing time?
When it comes to time management, I believe older people are more economical than
their younger counterparts. This is mainly because they tend to be more disciplined and
have cultivated self-discipline over time. Older adults have so many experiences both
in their personal and professional lives and wisdom comes with age. They know what
is important and should be given top priority, and what is trivial. On top of that, they
are better at making plans, which is essential to effective time management.
• Why do young people waste more time than old people?
To be honest, I don’t think this really the case, in my experience at least. Young people
work hard and are good at multitasking. Therefore, they achieve more in life at a young
age compared with previous generations. But at the same time young people might think
they have their whole life ahead of them and wasting a day doesn’t matter. Lots of young
people are somewhat aimless and not sure what to do with all the hours in a day - if they
don't have a good job or a family to support. When they have nothing to focus on or
devote their spare time to, it’s natural for them to just do whatever to kill time and just
mess around on their phone on all day.
• How can people manage their time better?
Of course, different people have different methods to make the most of their time but
I’d say that the most common and effective practice is making clear plans. It’s crucial
to set priorities and have a timeframe for every task and goal in life, and then to stick to
the plan. There are tons of applications and sites people can utilize to plan out their time
more effectively. Apart from this, they can also master certain techniques or tricks to

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curb their inclinations to procrastinate and improve their concentration abilities. When
you set your mind to doing something, it’s important to really take it seriously.

5. A time somebody gave you something you really wanted/ A reward you got
You should say:
• Who gave it to you
• What was the thing
• When you received it
• Why you needed it
• How you felt about it

If I’m not mistaken, it was my 18th birthday that my parents buy a pair of Ipod as a
present for me. Since the first time the airpods 2 were released, I always wanted to have
them. However, this product is prohibitively expensive so I can’t afford to buy a pair.
On the occasion of my birthday as well as my high school graduation, my parents
secretly accumulated money for purchasing the airpods. It was the first time in my life
that I received such a pricey present. My parents made my birthday a special day as the
airpod was carried in a beautiful envelope with my name on it. I was on cloud nine and
so touched, that tears started rolling down my cheeks. Out of excitement, I snapped a
picture of the airpods and posted it on facebook to share my happiness to my relatives
and friends.

I was really grateful for my parents for their affection and care they had shown me. I
also loved them because of their unconditional love and support. They understand my
needs even though I don’t tell them. That gift is indeed special to me but even more so
is the person who gave it to me.

Part 3:
• Should employees have their own goals?
I would say yes since these goals give them direction as to what they want to achieve in
life. If they don’t have any goals of their own, then their life will remain stagnant in
terms of personal and professional progress. Some examples of goals that employees

57
can pursue are asking for a promotion at work and/or a raise in salary because they are
major sources of motivation for people to continue working.
• How should bosses reward employees?

I think the best kind of reward bosses can give to their employees is to give them a raise
because it is a sign of acknowledgement that the staff have done an excellent job and
they deserve to have their salaries increased for all the hard work they have done.
Alternatively, employees can reward their staff with paid vacations since it is nice to
take a break every once in a while and they should still able to earn their salary
simultaneously.

• What kinds of gifts do young people like to receive as rewards?

Most of the time young people like to receive money as a reward because it is extremely
useful for any situation. They can use it to buy things that they want to make their lives
easier. Young people also like to receive sweets as rewards since they are so tasty. They
are known for having a sweet tooth so it’s nice to receive candy and eat some.

• How should children spend their allowance money?

Since children have yet to understand the value of money and how to spend it wisely,
they should spend it under the watchful eye of their parents so that they can teach them
what it means to spend money. As such, children should first spend their money on
useful things for their education such as books and stationery and then when they get
older they can start to spend their money on things they like such as candy, comic books
and movies.

• What should parents do when their children ask for things their friends have?

It depends on what their children are asking for. If it’s something like a new book or
stationery, then parents should be quick to get them for their children because they may
be immediately vital to their educational development. If it’s something like a new toy
or game, then parents shouldn’t rush to get them because they are not that important in
the grand scheme of things for their children. They can afford to wait until they become
cheaper for parents to buy.

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6. Describe a time when you moved to a new home/school.
You should say:
• When you moved
• Where you moved
• Why you moved
And how you felt about it
Answer:
Through my early childhood, I lived in a gated neighbourhood with houses bunched
together in multiple blocks. My house was a three-story building placed at the very end
of the alley and it was a peaceful neighborhood where I got along well with the other
kids who lived there. However, my family decided to move house once turned 14 years
old since they wanted me to be closer to my school which was 30 minutes away from
home.
After we have packed everything, me and my family moved to a new apartment which
was only 5 minutes away from my school on foot. It was situated six stories above
ground within a 20-story building, meaning that we had a nice view overlooking the
landscape which included my school. It also had two bedrooms, one for my parents and
one for me and my sister. It was indeed a nice apartment and to have it that close to my
school would make the commute a lot more convenient.
At first, I wasn’t thrilled about the move to a new home because I thoroughly enjoyed
roving around the neighborhood and playing with the other kids. I got along with them
very well and I was sad to leave them behind. I was also already satisfied with the living
conditions of the neighborhood; it was quiet and clean, giving me much needed peace
of mind. However, looking back, I was glad to have moved since I made precious
memories in the new apartment and it was more convenient for me to go to school.
Part 3:
• Why do people move to a new home?
People move to a new home for all sorts of reasons. One of the most common is that
they have a landed new job and it requires them to move to a new location so they need
to find accommodation to be able to work long-term. Another common reason is that

59
they want a change of scenery. They are bored with where they are living at the moment
and thus want to move to someplace new to refresh their life.
• What problems do people face after moving to a new place? How do people solve
these problems?

The most common problem people face when moving to someplace new is culture
shock. It is when people are unfamiliar with the traditions and customs of the new place
they are living in. This can be solved by talking with the local people and hanging out
with them during traditional events and festivals so as to be more immersed in the
culture.

• What are the advantages and disadvantages of living in the same place?

One advantage of living in the same place is it can facilitate a routine that people can
follow. As they are already familiar with the place, they can use it to do their daily tasks
like going to the office or going to the store to get groceries. A disadvantage to living
in the same place is it can induce boredom. If one lives a single place for so long, then
they are predisposed to feeling stuck and find it difficult to explore since they are
already so familiar with the place.

• Is it good to move to a new place frequently? Why?

I would say no because it creates instability. If one has to constantly change places, then
it precludes them from truly settling down, familiarizing themselves with the
surroundings and making a new life for themselves. Thus it’s best to only move to a
new place if the circumstances truly call for it like a new job offer or if the living
conditions in the current place are truly terrible.

7. Describe a time you were very busy

You should say
• When it happened
• Where you were
• What you did
And explain why you were busy

Answer:
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I remember a day where I was busy doing multiple tasks in succession at work. This
happened 3 years ago when I was an intern for an engineering company. This was during
the summer holidays after I had finished my first year of college and I was given the
opportunity to intern for a local engineering company by my college. On that day, I was
given three tasks to do; one was to edit the resumes of all the employees of the company,
another was to write a report to submit to a client and the final task was to carry multiple
boxes of old documents into the storage room.

The first task where I had to edit the CVs of the company’s employees took me two
hours to complete as there were 30 employees in the firm and I had to comb over old
documents to update their most recent projects. Nevertheless, I pressed on and finished
it as fast as I could. The second task where I had to write a report took me an hour to
finish since all I had to write was what project the company will do for the client and
how long it will take to finish. The final task however took me nearly four hours to do
since I had to carry nearly 70 boxes of documents to the storage room which were three
floors below my office. Bear in mind that each box weighs nearly 7 kilograms. Still, I
managed to carry all of the boxes down to the storage room and I was tired by the end
of it. Needless to say, it was a busy day that day.

Part 3:
• What are the advantages and disadvantages when people keep being busy?
From my perspective, there are some merits and demerits of a hectic schedule.
Regarding the merits, a busy schedule can boost our brain function, thereby stimulating
individuals’ creativity. What’s more, after crushing a solid day of work and school,
people might feel a sense of enthusiasm to participate in other activities such as outdoor
pursuits like sports or games. However, it’s inevitable that people may suffer from
prolonged stress if they are unable to manage their timetable. Accordingly, people won’t
have the chance to spend quality time with their family and friends.
• Do you think children should learn through playing games or under pressure?
In my opinion, it is advisable that children should learn through playing games because
of its various benefits. For one, games can improve children’s essential skills such as
teamwork, problem-solving and communication. For another, games like crosswords
and sudoku also spur cognitive development as well as entail active engagement of
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players, especially students in class, helping them to absorb knowledge better without
feeling bored. Nevertheless, if children are stressed when learning, they will be
demotivated and their academic performances can also be seriously affected.
• What kind of pressure people may experience at work?
Well, work-related stress may vary from person to person and different kinds of
workplaces. However, I believe that there are 2 main types. The first one involves a
high volume of work. Specifically, when a work assignment exceeds an employee’s
knowledge and capability, it may challenge his ability to cope with and make him fall
into depression. Another type of stress may be relationship conflicts, which happen
between colleagues or between staff and bosses about job satisfaction or promotion
opportunities. Hence, if this stress lasts for a long time, it is unlikely that companies can
ensure employee retention.
• Is it easy to achieve work-life balance today?

Honestly speaking, maintaining work-life balance these days is a challenging task for
every person. It’s simply because we’re now living in an increasingly competitive world
with a hectic pace of life. Therefore, if individuals do not attempt to work hard, they
will fall behind and stand no chance to keep up with the rat race as well as progress up
the corporate ladder. Japan is a typical example for a country, which has a lot of
workaholic people who spend hours in offices but have almost no time for family.
Consequently, this situation not only causes workers’ burnout but also has an adverse
impact on their mental health.

8. Describe a time when you helped a child

You should say:
• When it was
• How you helped him/her
• Why you helped him/her
And how you felt about it

Answer:

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Helping others is a gesture of kindness and I’m willing to give a hand to those in need,
especially children. So let me share with you an experience when I helped a kid with
his English skills.

It was summer vacation and my neighbor told me to tutor his 6-year-old son so that he
could learn English well. Honestly, I’m not a teacher but I’m quite good at English
skills, so I decided to help him in my spare time. The optimal way is to set a routine and
follow it strictly so I intended to spend only 30 minutes a day teaching him as most
young children have a short attention span.

I sometimes had English conversations with him and read stories for him, as these
activities facilitated not only speaking skills but also the ability to listen and
comprehend English speeches and texts. More importantly, I always tried to be
enthusiastic and gave him lots of compliments and incentive. As a result of this, he
gradually picked up on my passion for the language.

He was also fascinated by my teaching method that I incorporated which made learning
playful in order to make lessons become fun and thrilling experiences. Therefore, games
like crossword and puzzles were always the best way to teach him as well as children
in general practice English without getting bored.

All in all, I felt so elated and proud that I can arouse a kid’s interest in learning English.
I also understand that dealing with children needs a lot of creativity and patience.

Part 3:
• Do you often help kids? How?
Well, once in a while, I must say. It’s because my family has few children that I rarely
get to see them. However, sometimes I also try to assist neighbor kids with their
homework as I’m quite good with academic knowledge and school-related stuff. Added
to that, I won’t be hesitant if kids ask me to join in some physical activities like sports
and have fun with them. That would be such a fascinating experience.
• Why is it necessary to do volunteer services?
Of course, it is essential for every citizen to take part in voluntary activities for some
reasons. Firstly, volunteering provides individuals who are in destitute circumstances
with fundamental necessities, thereby partly facilitating their basic needs and helping

63
them overcome difficulties. For example, the Vietnamese government allocated a large
sum of money to households in the middle provinces during the catastrophic floods last
month, assisting them in recovering quickly. What’s more, young volunteers can learn
a wide range of skills during the process of philanthropy such as teamwork and
problem-solving. Hence, voluntary activities are extremely beneficial to the moral
development of the young generation.
• What can schools do to develop students' awareness of volunteering?
I suppose there’s a lot. Specifically, schools can organize some voluntary activities for
pupils such as raising funds for underprivileged children or simply just donating
students’ old clothes and stationery to their less fortunate peers. Furthermore, another
crucial duty that schools can do to raise students’ awareness is educating them about
moral codes deliberately, thus they could become kind-hearted citizens in the future.
• Who benefits more from the volunteer services, the volunteers or the people
helped?
It’s really hard to choose but if I have to pick one, it may be the people who receive
help. The first reason is that unlike the volunteers, recipients don’t have to mobilize any
financial or human resources. Instead of that, they gain various benefits from the donors
such as money, necessities and so on.

9. Describe a special day out that cost you little money I didn't cost you much
You should say:
• When the day was
• Where you went
• How much you spent
And explain how you feel about the day

Answer:

One time I was walking all across the center of town with a couple of my friends. It was
in the early afternoon and the sun was out hovering in the blue sky. My friends and I
thought to meet up for a chat by the park and we all got there after lunch. After a short
chat we started to walk around the park and saw what other people were doing as well

64
as the variety of trees that had grown there. 30 minutes passed and we then decided to
saunter around the town center for a bit to see what’s happening there.

When we got to the town center, there was a bazaar going on where everyone had
something to sell whether it would be food, jewelry, art or clothing. There were many
people passing by each stall looking for something to buy but in our case, none of us
wanted to buy anything because a lot of the items on sale either didn’t look appealing
or they were too expensive. Therefore, neither I nor my friends spent any money on that
day. Still, we had a fun day going out across town. It kind of goes to show that you
don’t need to spend money to have fun while you’re out and about.

Part 3:
• Do people like to spend their leisure time out in your country?
It would be a lie if I said no. Everyone loves spending their spare time on outdoor
activities as their recreational pursuits. But at the same time, many would prefer to stay
inside to avoid the dirt and dust. Also, the weather would be a significant factor to
people’s choice of pastimes. If it has torrential downpour then a lot of folks would
definitely not go outside.
• How do Vietnamese people like to spend their leisure time?
Well, there are many ways. Some simply choose to have dinner with their beloved ones
while the others may find it more relaxing to indulge themselves in some pursuits like
going to the cinema or taking a short trip. For me, as I am a bone idle, I would love to
stay at home, chill out in my room, lay on my bed and listen to some soothing music.
• How does technology affect the way people spend their leisure time?
Technology has definitely transformed how people entertain themselves. Back in the
days, the number of options for people was so limited like indoor recreation, music,
dancing or reading. Now with the revolution of technology, people have endless choices
of pastimes at home such as Netflix, video games and so on, which makes them become
more lazy and passive when it comes to having fun.
• Do you think only old people have time for leisure?

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I don’t think so. People from all ages can and should have leisure time. It’s just all a
matter of priority. If we pay enough attention to our health and mind, we will allot a
reasonable amount of time to unwind. However, in opposite cases, when some people
focus too much on work, they may drown in pressure and their lives will be nothing
more than tedious days passing by with hectic schedules.

10. Describe a time you used your cellphone/smartphone to do something

important
You should say:
• What happened
• When it happened
• What you used your cellphone/smartphone for
• How important the cellphone/smartphone was

Answer:

Last year, Vietnam was in a state of lockdown due to the spread of COVID-19
pandemic. I remember vividly that people were tremendously stressed because they
couldn’t go to markets for necessities like vegetables, groceries and other things. So do
I. It was frustrating because I wanted to buy skincare products. I desperately need them
to soothe my skin irritation, which was due to the extremely hot weather in summer.
Fortunately, my friend introduced me to the app Shopee on his phone and showed me
how to use it for online shopping.

In case you don’t know, Shopee is a leading e-commerce platform in Southeast Asia.
This site allows consumers to purchase a wide range of products from retailers in other
parts of the country without geographical constraints with very affordable shipping fees.
In addition, comparing and researching products as well as their prices are also much
more convenient online. It is attributed to the fact that Shopee tags each item with a
tracking number and segments them into various categories - “to pay”, “to receive”,
“delivered”, and “to rate” for easy identification, so there was no need to fuss over-
inflated shipping cost or wait for months, wondering where my parcel is.

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Shopping is indeed at my fingertips on Shopee. Thanks to this app, I could eventually
find appropriate skincare products for myself but still ensure social-distancing during
the complicated development of the pandemic. It is undeniable that with the advent of
technology, smartphones have been part and parcel of each individual’s life in a modern
society.

Part 3:
• What are the occasions when people are not allowed to use smartphones?
I have to say that there are several situations when smartphones are prohibited. Take
formal examinations in the Vietnamese education system as a typical example. Students
are not allowed to bring their smartphones into exam rooms, which helps ensure the
quality and equality of the exam and its participants. One more good exemplification
for this is formal meetings or conferences for business or political purposes. As a matter
of fact, using phones is a no go in these cases for confidentiality.
• What are the differences between the way young people and old people use a
cellphone?
I believe that the way younger generations utilize their phones is fundamentally
different from that of the older ones. As a member of the former group, I use my phone
to surf the Internet or social networking apps such as Facebook or Instagram on a regular
basis. I love scrolling through the feed and following what people are up to. This is a
far cry from the case of the elderly. They seem to be not well-versed in technology and
don’t have the faintest idea of social apps. In keeping with popular belief, they mostly
use their phones for reading online news websites or playing some games.
• What is more common, using a cellphone to make calls or to send messages?
Although voice calls were the initial reason why phones were made, nowadays they are
primarily used for texting instead. Phone users find it more convenient to text others
rather than making a phone call. This is due to the fact that people nowadays are
addicted to social apps which are integrated with texting features. They are more likely
to use text messages to keep in touch with their friends, family, relatives or make friends
with other people on social apps.
• Do you think there should be a law to stop people from making phone calls in
public?
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I believe that there should not be any laws to ban people from making voice calls in
public places because handheld devices can be of great convenience for users in some
emergencies. Imagine that when you are walking in the park on a Sunday afternoon,
you receive a phone call from your boss about your on-going projects with some
unexpected problems. You have to promptly answer the phone to solve your problems.
I believe that a business phone call is considered one of urgent situations that need to
be answered immediately.

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11. Describe a time when you had to spend a long time in a traffic jam
You should say:
• When it happened
• Where you were stuck
• What you did while waiting
And explain how you felt in the traffic jam

Answer:

I would like to tell you about a time when I got stuck in a traffic jam for what felt like
an eternity.

As my memory serves me right, it was a normal day and I caught a grab bike from my
office to get home but unfortunately, at that time, it started pouring outside. The sky
was gloomy and overcast with dark clouds and there were strong winds like storms.
Right after I got on the bike, the rain poured more heavily and roads were flooded. As
if things weren’t bad enough, the bike mired in gridlock at one of the roundabouts along
the way. I was extremely exhausted having to wait for half an hour on a crowded road,
which was chock-a-block with people, vehicles and toxic fumes. Though having been
accustomed to this situation after living in Hanoi for 4 years, I can’t stand the feeling
of frustration and boredom whenever there is congestion. Therefore, I took my phone
out of my pocket and surfed the internet to kill time while people were all upset and
annoyed because the road was bumper to bumper with cars honking.

Finally, the rain began to stop, so I ended up coming home late at about 7 p.m. It was
such an irritating experience that I will never forget it.

Part 3:
• What are the causes of traffic jams?
Traffic jams are a situation where a lot of vehicles crowd into such close proximity to
each other that movement becomes impossible for some time. Therefore, I believe there
exists multiple catalysts behind traffic jams. To start, too many cars are on the roadway
due to inadequate mass transit options or other reasons. Obstacles in the road usually
cause a blockage. Moreover, these can be any of the following: double parking, road
work, lane closure due to utility work, the narrowing of roads and accidents. Traffic

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signals also get out of sync many times on purpose or occasionally when the computers
are malfunctioning.
• What are the ways traffic jam problems can be solved?
Personally speaking, two solutions can be applied to the traffic jam problem. The first
one must be the improvement of the road infrastructure. This movement consists of the
upgrading of light signals or physical signals or the expansion of roads and bridges.
More importantly, the awareness of commuters needs to be increased for opting for
public transport more frequently, or selecting a more suitable time frame to commute,
lowering the traffic volume in rush hour.
• Do you think developing public transport can solve traffic jam problems?
As I have mentioned in the previous question, public transport is one of the most
effective methods to tackle traffic congestion. This solution has the ability to greatly
lower the traffic volume, organize the traffic in a more systematic way and put all the
transportation infrastructure in sync.
• What are the good ways to manage traffic flows in cities?

It is clear that the traffic problems in cities are more serious than the issue in rural areas,
due to a much greater traffic volume. Therefore, traffic flow management is an
appropriate solution in advance. To effectively manage traffic flows, it is important to
lay laws and regulations that make specific types of vehicles to transport in a specific
time frame. Moreover, dividing a big road into different tracks and lanes can also be a
good solution.

12. Describe a time when someone asked you for your opinion
You should say:
• When she/he asked you
• What the opinion she/he asked you was
• How she/he felt while listening to your opinion
And explain why she/he needed your opinion

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Answer:
Some time ago, I was shopping at a DVD store in my hometown looking for an old
Jackie Chan movie.
I was in need of something different to watch after viewing many blockbuster movies
over the last couple of months. A couple of minutes later, a patron of the store came up
to me and asked for my opinion on the DVD he had in his hands. It was a copy of Raging
Bull, a classic American movie starring Robert De Niro. Apparently the guy had never
seen it before and he told me he was interested in watching it since he heard it was one
of the best movies ever made. I, having watched it before, told him that it was a
masterpiece and that he should watch it to pay attention to how it is shot and acted.
Having taken my advice, the guy went ahead and bought the DVD of Raging Bull and
I presumed that he went home and enjoyed it.
In the end, I learned that I don’t mind being asked for my opinion on something because
it can be helpful to a person who has a problem to solve.
Part 3:
• Have you ever asked someone for his/her opinion?
Anytime I second guess myself, especially after a failure. Getting a second opinion from
outside your head can provide validation for the course of action you have chosen to
take and re-energize you with newfound confidence. An advisor can assist with
decision-making by confirming that your plan makes sense or sharing a success story.
When someone provides advice, they become more deeply involved and, in turn,
motivated to see you succeed. It works both ways—you also become accountable for
either following or dismissing the advice and especially for taking action.
• Why do some people react impolitely when listening to someone’s story?
I think there are two primary reasons to behave in such an impolite way. To begin with,
sometimes, people want to be a part of the conversation, to share, to show a connection,
to get the attention from others, but are inept at that. They therefore unintentionally
disrupt the conversation in an impolite way. Moreover, they may lack empathy or are
so excited about sharing that they miss the signs that others are not pleased. This action
is also the driver behind an impolite listener.

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TOPIC 4: DESCRIBE AN ACTIVITY

1. Describe an activity you enjoyed in your free time when you were young
You should say:
• What it was
• Where you did it
• Who you did it with
And explain why you enjoyed it
Answer:
When I was a kid, I loved to play football with the other kids in my neighborhood. Every
afternoon after school, we would have a couple of football matches before dinner and
be split into two teams of five. We didn’t play on a football pitch but rather on the streets
of our neighborhood because they offered enough space for us to run around on and
they were right by our houses so that we could get home in a jiffy.
Like I said before I played with the other kids in the neighborhood. They were roughly
the same age as me and each of them played in the positions they were best at. For
example, one of the kids named Mike played best as a striker and another kid named
Jay was best at defending. My preferred position was either a goalkeeper or defender
because I don’t really have good attacking ability but I can stop an attacking player dead
in his tracks or a ball flying into goal. Some of the players I looked up to at that time
were John Terry, Roberto Carlos, Edwin van der Sar and Victor Valdes because they
were the best at playing defensively or as a goalkeeper.
At that time, I massively enjoyed playing football with my friends because it is a fun
sport that is easy to play and encourages friendly competition between players. It was
also a way for me to remain close with my fellow neighborhood kids and because of
our time playing football together, I’m still close with them to this very day.
Part 3:
• Is it important to have a break during work or study?
Absolutely, it’s crucial to take breaks during work or study. The reason is that it can
help you unwind and recharge your battery after a lengthy studying or working period,
thus increasing productivity as well as concentration. In the long-run, it actually saves

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time. At work, my colleagues and I often take a nap after lunch for an hour or so to
make sure that we won’t become office zombies in the afternoon. It doesn’t always
work to be honest.
• What sports do young people like to do now?
It’s hard for me to know or speak for so many people but from what I’ve noticed... Most
young people in Vietnam are into football and badminton - not so different from past
generations. Most schools and universities are equipped with pitches and courts. Plus,
these sports are affordable for young kids who don’t want to shell out a bunch of money
to rent expensive courts or pay for pricey equipment. That’s why it’s not unusual to see
groups of young people playing these sports together everywhere in Vietnam.
• Are there more activities for young people now than 20 years ago?
Well, I guess so - there are definitely many more pursuits for young people in this day
and age than there were a couple of decades prior. The ones that come to mind are
different sports like bowling and archery, watching films, etc. The reason is that with
the advent of technology and more disposable income, a wide range of cutting-edge
facilities and conveniences have been created for different purposes, whereas20 years
ago, the number of these facilities was modest by comparison. For those who are sports
fanatics, gyms are ideal places but if you’re into something else, you can always find a
club on Facebook and meet people with like-minded interests.
• What type of leisure activities are popular in your country?
There are a number of free time activities in Vietnam but I would say… that the most
common are going to the cinema to catch the newest releases, visiting trendy new cafés
and restaurants, and getting in some physical exercise to balance all the relaxing out. It
all boils down to the fact that these are cheap, easy to do, and don’t take up that much
time. Also, people today are less busy than they were in past generations so they have
more time to take up a hobby or hang out with friends.
• Why is it important for people to have leisure activities?
I suppose that it’s because of the mental and physical benefits - the ones everyone is
aware of these days. For one, they help the average person to let off steam and get away
from everything weighing them down - family, work, their own expectations of

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themselves. But it’s about more than just mental health - I guess the two are always
linked - but it’s important to stay fit if you want to remain active as you get older.
• Why are some leisure activities more popular than others?
Well, I reckon it’s a matter of personal preference. But some activities become
mainstream and then everyone copies each other. For instance, football is the most
popular sport in Vietnam as people and that’s why every time the national football team
wins a competition, the people always flood the streets to celebrate and enjoy the victory
together. Over time, that has a psychological influence on people in general that makes
them want to watch, talk about and play football.
• Do you think that parents should choose leisure activities for their children?
Why/Why not?
Yes, I do think that parents should have a role to play in selecting leisure activities for
their kids. This lets parents monitor their children in situations where they may
otherwise pick up bad habits or hang out with the wrong people. If a kid wants to spend
all their time on their phone or playing video games, then their parents can put a stop to
this since it’s bad for their physical and mental health in the long-term.
• Has free time activities among people in your country changed much more than
that of 2 decades ago?
Yes, largely thanks to technology and the burgeoning middle class in Vietnam. Back in
the day we didn’t have that many modern facilities to take part in leisure activities like
watching movies or playing computer games, but at the present, our recreational
activities have become more diverse, ranging from normal outdoorsy activities to some
requiring high-tech gadgets like VR goggles. I’d always opt for the former given the
chance but I see more and more people going for the latter these days.

2. Describe a contest/competition you would like to participate in

You should say:
• What the contest/competition is about
• Where it will take place
• When it will be held
And explain why you would like to participate in it

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Answer:
At least one time in my life, I’d love to take part in the Global Chicken Wing Eating
Contest - if possible this year! It’s pretty self-explanatory but each competitor must stuff
as many chicken wings as they can in one hour into their mouth - and chew and eat them
naturally. As the name implies, it’s a global competition and the venue moves between
cities around the world every year. This year it’ll take place in Bangkok so it’s doable
for me - just a couple hours flight - and I could stay there for a week during the
competition to take in the sights around town too. The contest usually takes place in the
summer, typically in the middle of June as that’s when summer holidays start and well
I don’t know their reasoning but maybe that’s when there are enough students out of
school then who might be interested in attending it - I can’t see many older people
bothering to show up or tune in to the broadcast.
As for why I want to participate in it… it seems like a somewhat hilarious competition
- something that no one takes seriously but it could also be a mark of pride and make
for a great story later on - so I thought it’d be fun to munch on buckets upon buckets
of chicken wings till I’m sick of them. They’re one of my go-to foods when I go out but
that might ruin them for me. I first heard about the contest from a friend of mine who
competed in it last year in Houston. He said that it was a lot of fun because he got free
food and the vibe was energetic and fun - not like other competitions where they take
themselves too seriously and everyone is overly competitive. That’s enough to
convince me to give it a shot and see if there is potential for me to become the Lionel
Messi of chicken wing eating competitions. Who knows if it might turn into a lucrative
career path…I’ve definitely got a passion for it!
Part 3:
• What are the popular contests on TV programs?
I think these might be singing and talent competitions. These competitions draw the
audience’s attention by bringing to them tons of benefits like snazzy awards or
reputation. For example, America's Got Talent is one of the most ubiquitous
competitions in the U.S.
• Why are competition shows popular?

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Like I said earlier, it’s explained by the fact that such competition shows are the easiest
way for people to gain reputation as well as receive various awards, thereby helping
them realize their dreams of becoming millionaires or something like that. What’s more,
thanks to these shows, participants can enjoy thrilling experiences as well as have
chances to expand their knowledge about different aspects in life, ranging from music
to socioeconomic. Olympia is a typical example in this case. After the competition,
winners receive not only a $100,000 prize but also a scholarship to study at a prestigious
university in Australia.
• What kinds of industries need competition? Why?
If I have to choose, these may be software engineering and commerce. As for the former,
alongside technological advancement, our need for using modern products is on the rise,
especially the increasing demand for virtual entertainment. Therefore, more software
developers are needed, resulting in increasing competition in this industry (e.g.:
established developers compete against smaller studios.) Regarding the latter, the rapid
development of technology along with the pandemic stimulates the competition in
shopping. Specifically, this happens between traditional and online shopping as we can
see the number of online shoppers has increased substantially since the outbreak of
COVID-19.
• Do you think it is necessary to encourage people to compete with others in
companies?

I surely agree with this idea since incentivising a healthy level of competition among
employees might bring a lot of benefits. Competitions are a driver to boost people’s
creativity, thereby catching up with new ways of doing things. Besides, when competing
with each other, people will put more effort in their tasks, work harder and improve
their productivity. This is also evidence for the managers to spot top performers and
decide on promotions.

3. Describe an important event you celebrated

You should say:
• What the event was
• When it happened

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 • Who attended the event
And explain how you feel about the event

Answer:

Six years ago or so I graduated from high school - and there was a big ceremony to
mark the event. It was in the middle of May - only a couple of weeks after my friends
and I’d mercifully finished our final exams. The ceremony was held in our auditorium
and over 300 people attended it, including our families, teachers and younger students.
From my family, my parents and sister came along - though none of my extended family
could make it.

The ceremony commenced with a speech by the head of our class - that’s a person
elected in Vietnamese schools to represent an entire grade - pontificating on the theme
of how crucial it is to forge your own unique path in life. Pretty clichéd stuff. This was
followed by a speech from our principal, which touched on the same general theme and
preceded a speech from the valedictorian, a close friend of mine named Andrew. After
that, diplomas were handed out one by one while our principal simultaneously
announced where each of us would be going for university. The ceremony then ended
with a short performance by a band - my friend’s their frontman and one of my cousins
plays the bass for them. They sang ‘Don’t You Forget About Me’ - originally by Simple
Minds, which was fitting considering how we were all going to go our separate ways
from that point on.

Looking back, I was a little jaded and cynical at the time but now I appreciate that we
marked the occasion with a special event. It was a way to show the value of our hard
work and perseverance through not just high school but all those difficult years of
school we went through - in Vietnam, there is tons of pressure on students beginning
from a young age and this event was like a release valve for a lot of that pressure (though
naturally university brings its own pressures). Also, the ceremony itself was one of the
nicer I’ve been to. The speeches were life-affirming and encouraging for students
starting a new chapter in life. And the band was a highlight for sure - a good reminder
to stay in touch with old school friends even as we spin off in different directions and
get swept up in a world of new responsibilities and commitments.

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Part 3:
• What kinds of events do people in your country usually celebrate?
There are numerous reasons for Vietnamese people to celebrate. I would say that they
always throw parties to mark important milestones such as personal achievements or
special days such as birthdays or weddings. Plus, in Vietnam, people also organize
public events such as traditional festivals like the Tet holiday and the Moon Festival or
national days like Labour Day or Independence Day to name a few.
• What kinds of activities do Vietnamese people do to celebrate important events?
Mostly eating and drinking, I guess. On special occasions, Vietnamese residents often
spend most of their time cooking a big meal for their guests like their family and friends.
Besides, drinking beer in these celebrations has become a norm in Vietnamese eating
culture. They will take a chance to escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life and
drink to the full content of their hearts.
• Do people often celebrate events with a large group of people or just a few
people?
I think it depends on a couple of other factors. Some people prefer a cozy atmosphere
when holding an amicable party with their loved ones such as a few best friends or
family only. Meanwhile, others love the hectic and explosive atmosphere of a party
thrown with a cheering crowd. This can be apparently exemplified in most events
organized by young people such as all-night birthday parties or graduation celebrations.

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TOPIC 5: DESCRIBE A PLACE

1. Describe a city you would like to go to for a short time

You should say:
• What city it is
• What you would like to do there
• Who you would go there with
And explain why you would like to go there
Answer:
One city that I would like to visit for a couple of days is Manchester in northern England.
It is more specifically located in the northwest of the country, next to the cities of
Liverpool and Sheffield. Manchester is home to over 500,000 people, and it is often
labeled as the industrial and financial centre of northwestern England since it is where
all of the major companies are based for their operations in that area.
One thing I would like to do when I visit is watch a football game. Manchester is home
to two of the most successful football clubs in England, Manchester United and
Manchester City. I’m more of a United fan since I don’t like how City play the game
and the way they conduct business. It is a must for any United fan to make the trip to
Old Trafford and watch players like Marcus Rashford and Raphael Varane work
miracles on the pitch. Another thing I would like to do is visit the Science and Industry
Museum as it highlights the pivotal role Manchester played in the Industrial Revolution.
I’ve been told that people can see exhibits of modern technology at its earliest stages.
I like to visit Manchester with my friends because they are also interested in going there
and doing the things that I would like to do. My best friend Jon is a fellow United fan
and he wants to watch a football match at Old Trafford with me. I would like to visit
this city because not only is it a vibrant metropolis where there is always something
going on, but also it is helping to shape England’s cultural identity in numerous ways,
whether it would be its music or its long-standing sporting tradition.
Part 3:
• Do people prefer planned travel?

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Hard to say honestly but I think that there are obviously a number of reasons why many
individuals opt for planning out a holiday. The main one is probably because a packaged
tour or clear itinerary provides a sense of safety and control. This is especially helpful
when visitors are looking to travel across multiple countries, such as exploring Scotland
and Ireland or embarking on an epic post-graduation European trip from Italy to
England since they don’t have to worry so much about the logistics. I don’t know if
those kinds of tours really exist though. On top of that, they won’t have to worry about
missing out on certain activities or sights because they can expect an expert guide to
chaperone them throughout the trip. The drawback is that it’s restrictive - you can’t just
wander around - there’s a fixed itinerary.
• Why do places with historical attractions develop tourism more aggressively?
I’d have to say that there are probably a number of factors involved besides the obvious
one of providing for local residents. There’s also helping visitors to have a deeper
understanding and appreciation of the local culture. One other less well-known
incentive might be because they give a place a sense of identity. Y’know, each historical
site has its own unique design that sets it apart from other places. Hoi An ancient Town,
for example, is famous for the architecture - the old yellowing walls and red-tiled roofs
- that are totally different from the styles of any other ancient buildings around the
world.
• Why do you think people usually travel?
Well, it comes down to the person but there are some general commonalities. Lots of
people want to broaden their horizons and meet people from all walks of life, try
different cuisines, learn different languages and get to know new cultures. But travel
also serves as a way to unwind. Life can get monotonous if you just hang around the
same place and you might start to feel you’re stuck in a rut, and through traveling, it can
be revitalizing, refreshing.
• Why does living in tourist cities experience more noise?
I’d say that there are two primary reasons why people in popular tourist attractions have
to endure greater noise levels generally. The first one relates to the higher volume of
traffic that comes with lots of visitors - taxis and even just people walking around and
talking to each other. Another reason is the loud music played by shops and restaurants

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to attract customers. This is certainly the case in Vietnam, where it’s a common strategy
to draw attention by playing really loud club music throughout the day - not sure of its
effectiveness to be honest…

2. Describe a place you visited that was affected by pollution

You should say:
• Where the place is
• What the pollution was
• Why you went there
And explain how you felt about the pollution
Answer:
Last year me and a few colleagues visited Bai Chay Beach, which was a famous beach
in Ha Long City, Vietnam. My friends and I were all drained due to our hectic schedule
from school so we decided to take a weekend getaway there. We were all stressed out
from writing our final essays and taking the final exams so we thought it would be nice
to decompress by going to the beach and basking in the sun and water.
The beach is popular among both domestic and international tourists who can have a
splendid time walking under the sunlight and enjoying the refreshing atmosphere from
the ocean. However, as we approached the beach, we felt extremely awful as it was
covered in plastic that was carelessly littered by the beachgoers. There was a wide
variety of plastic items that could be found strewn about on the sand such as wrappers,
bags, small boxes, lids and bottles. The fact that people dump their waste with such little
thought did not only destroy the scenic beauty but also deteriorated the marine
environment as fish and aquatic plants were slowly dwindling in numbers.
As me and my friends felt we had to do something about it, we approached the tourist
department office and requested the director to keep this place clean by advising the
visitors and notifying them. All in all, after that experience, it dawned on me that
environmental protection isn’t the sole responsibility of the authorities but also
individuals should join hands since they are just as if not more culpable in contributing
to the problem.

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Part 3:
• What kinds of pollution are serious in your country?
I don’t know where to start because Vietnam is unfortunately suffering from all sorts of
pollution problems. But I guess the most severe one is the recent world record we set
for air pollution in a single day, one that has led many citizens to wear masks every time
they go out. One of the major culprits is undoubtedly more rapid industrialization and
the use of private vehicles - cars mainly - which in turn means more exhaust fumes
being emitted.
• What can individuals do to protect the environment?
Through little actions everyday I believe each individual can do their part to curb
environmental degradation. There are several things we, as individuals, can do to
achieve this. Specifically, besides not driving a car, we can also shift towards more eco-
friendly products such as those made from recycled materials like containers made from
bagasse - which comes from sugarcane. As an eco-friendly consumer, we should also
buy more organic foods and local foods as these options often are more sustainably
produced and require less transportation, which obviously means a reduced carbon
footprint.
• Why should the government be involved in environmental protection?
I’m afraid that just individual citizens’ attempts to adjust their habits won’t be enough
to save the planet so it’s up to the government to make long-lasting systemic changes.
Bureaucrats are responsible for industrialization policies, which regulate the amount of
carbon being produced by various industries, a major contributor to pollution compared
with the negligible amounts made by citizens. Therefore, whole-scale changes to our
national energy grid, tax breaks for green businesses, and higher taxes for cars are some
examples of visionary policies that could actually make a difference as they get to the
root of the problem.
• Is it important to teach students about environmental protection at school?
Absolutely yes. I believe that the fate of the Earth depends on our children and with the
help of environmental programs at schools, they will have the ability to make a
substantial difference in the future. As long as we don’t leave them too much of a mess
to clean up. Students should be introduced to the environmental impact of their daily

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actions and the concept of sustainability from an early age so that they can stay informed
about potential future hazards such as water and air pollution. From there, they will be
more motivated to adopt lifelong, eco-friendly habits. Without such education, the crisis
is only likely to worsen.
• Do you think it is a good idea or bad idea to relocate factories far from cities?
I think it’s a great idea for several reasons. The chief one is that it can mitigate the
detrimental effects of industrial production on residents’ health. That’s the key one.
Plus, land prices and human resources in suburban and urban areas are also much more
economical, which is beneficial to the businesses. Nonetheless, some of the possible
disadvantages of relocating businesses are also worth discussing. Workers in urban
areas are abundant but they might lack professional skills - that could be a big problem
for some companies. On top of that, moving to other areas also means moving away
from some enterprises’ loyal customer base so a location change might not be feasible
in these specific cases.

3. Describe a noisy place you have been to.

You should say:
• What it is
• When you went there
• What you did there

And explain why you feel it’s a noisy place

There was one time around 6 years ago where I went to a nightclub with some friends
of mine. We were there to celebrate making a massive million-dollar deal at our
company with a new client and we always did this whenever we made such lucrative
deals. The nightclub was called The Snail and it was a popular spot in the downtown
area. Most of the patrons were usually high society types - businessmen, politicians,
stockbrokers and socialites. Sometimes a celebrity would visit the club and they would
attract the attention of everyone else there. However on that night, there was no such
person there but the club was still buzzing all the same.

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Like I said before I went to this club with my friends from work. They were Ronnie,
who was the VP of the company and Clint, the chief accountant. Ronnie was friends
with the owner of The Snail so he got us the VIP section. However, what I didn’t like
about the club was the noise level which was head-splitting. The music was playing so
loud and the bass that was pulsating through the speakers was so deep it almost felt like
I was getting punched in the chest. Even worse, what added to the noise was the constant
conversations going on between people in the club. The voices of the other patrons
bounced around the walls which made it very hard for me to hear my friends talking.
As a result of this experience, I swore off going to nightclubs and I now prefer going to
bars or restaurants which are comparatively less noisy.

Part 3:
• Do you think it is good for children to make noise?
Well, I’d say yes because it’s a way of communicating and expressing themselves and
having fun. For example, toddlers who are relatively new to this world, and are just
beginning to find their voice and identity definitely do enjoy being noisy and screaming
at high-pitches when they’re upset or yelling to make other people aware of their
presence. Or when children play with each other, they usually yell all the time and laugh
out loud. The noisier the more fun the thinking goes I guess. But to be honest, it drives
me up the wall to be around a bunch of screaming kids.
• Should children not be allowed to make noise under any circumstances?

There are some situations where this is true - when it seriously disturbs other people.
For example, when in a library, if children can’t sit still and constantly break out into
laughter or are too talkative, it can disrupt the quiet atmosphere required for
concentration and learning. That’s what librarians are for - to shush kids and other noisy
people. But children should be free to make noises during their playtime and to be kids.

• What are some common sources of noise?

In my opinion, human activity is the main source of noise, especially in densely

populated urban areas. To be specific, traffic noise is arguably the biggest one that we
have to cope with on a daily basis. The streets of Hanoi are always buzzing with the
honking and engine sounds from motorbikes or cars passing by - it can be a nightmare.
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In addition, there’s always noise coming from busy construction sites because of the
equipment - bulldozers, air compressors, jack hammers, loading trucks, the workers
themselves, and so on.

• What are the effects of loud noise?

There is little doubt that noises at loud levels can be really harmful. The ear-splitting
noise of industrial machinery is closely linked to occupational risks such as hearing loss
and poor mental health. Furthermore, the risk of developing more serious conditions
related to stress, hypertension, and depression can also rise with prolonged exposure to
disruptive noise from traffic or entertainment venues. Loud speakers, TVs, and washing
machines can produce noise indoors that can disturb our work, study, conversation, rest,
and sleep as well.

4. Describe a favorite place in your house where you can relax.

You should say:
• Where it is
• What it is like
• What you enjoy doing there
And explain why you feel relaxed at this place
Answer:
In my house, I have a special place where I can relax, which is my bedroom. To give
some context, I live in a three-story house with my parents right by a small alley. It is
painted white on the outside and it has a small garden at the front of it. On the inside,
the house has a living room, an atrium, a dining room and the kitchen on the ground
floor. Go one floor up and you’ll find my bedroom, my dad’s office, a bathroom and
my parents’ bedroom. When you reach the top floor, there’s a guest bedroom and a
storage closet. Like I said before, my bedroom is on the second floor at one end of the
hallway.
In my bedroom, there is my bed which is on the bottom right corner of the room. I also
have a TV and a PlayStation 4 directly facing the bed which allows me to comfortably
watch TV or play games on my bed. Right next to the TV is my desk where I do my
work and on the desk is a lamp and some of my mementos from childhood such as
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pictures from previous trips and school certificates. Finally, on the left wall is my
cabinet where all my clothes are kept. Whenever I’m in my room, I would usually watch
TV or play on the PS4 to pass the time. However, on school nights I would do my
homework and finish it as early as possible so that I can have some free time. I feel
relaxed in my room because it is my sort of happy place where I can lie on my bed,
decompress and escape from my problems for the time being. Being in my room helps
put my mind at ease.
Part 3:
• Why is it difficult for some people to relax?
I personally believe that this is because we live in a busy world that makes it hard to
really unwind. We spend hours working at hectic jobs, dealing with problems that come
up, and having too much on our plate without enough time dedicated to rest. Over time
this can lead to elevated stress and increase chances of conditions like depression. A
non-stop pressured life physically interferes with the body’s relaxation mechanisms as
well.
• What are the benefits of doing exercise?
Everyone knows that exercising is essential for maintaining a healthy mind and body as
well as preventing disease. Research has proven time and time again that walking for at
least thirty minutes each day can boost your metabolism, resulting in weight loss. And
it also stimulates the release of hormones including endorphins which help reduce stress
and lift up a person’s mood. Accordingly, we can be more productive at work and lead
healthier lives.
• Do people in your country exercise after work?
For sure, everyone tries to get in some exercise outside of their work. Most people head
over to a gym to get in a workout - or to play sports with friends. Some people like
jogging on their own - it’s a cheap way to stay fit that just requires a good pair of running
shoes to get started. That’s the kind of habit that is hard to keep up but if you can do it,
it can become a lifelong passion - I know lots of really committed runners.
• What is the place where people spend most of their time in their home?
The bedroom, I’d say, just by default. People unwind there - lying in bed on their laptop
or phone. Some people have space to lay out a yoga mat and do some exercise. Lots of

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people have TVs in the bedroom too. And it’s the most private place in the house for
most people - they know they will be left alone there and can enjoy some me-time
without any distractions. And naturally everyone sleeps there and that takes up a good
8 hours or so each day.

5. Describe a quiet place you like to go to

You should say
• Where it is and how you knew about it
• How often you go there
• What you do there
And explain how you feel about the place

The quiet place I like to go to every now and then is a local cafe in the center of town
called Morning Brew. I go there at least twice a week but once in a while I may make
it out there around four times if I’m feeling a little listless about my work and study. I
first heard about it when I was riding my bike around the city and I just happened to
pass by - I stopped for a traffic light and it caught my attention. On the outside the
building looks rather modern and interior is inviting and cozy with wooden floors and
neutral colors on the walls and for the materials inside. From what I’ve seen, young
people flock there probably because there are a couple of nearby universities and the
coffee is reasonably cheap and it’s one of those spots where people like to post up and
work for hours while the ice in their coffee melts.

When I’m there, I usually order a cold lemon tea and a snack - some cranberry cookies
or a chocolate muffin- and settle in to try and get some work done. I try to work through
at least one assignment - finishing off an essay or shooting out a couple of emails - and
then reward myself with the tea and snack - this can get me through most of the morning
and well into the afternoon. Sometimes I’ll invite a friend over so we can catch up
though I know I’ll never get any work done those times. As for how I feel about the
place, I quite like it in general because the interior clean and comfortable, the drinks
and snacks aren’t out of this world or anything but they’re decent, and the atmosphere
is really chilled out - feels more like a library that serves coffee than a cafe most of the
time.

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Part 3:
• Is it easy to find a quiet place in your country? Why?
For sure. I think discovering a serene place is not a big deal if you look close enough.
It’s because tranquility can be encountered everywhere you go, even in big cities like
Hanoi where some people consider it loud and noisy. For me, it’s so peaceful when I
stumble upon people strolling around in the park or doing exercise every morning. The
key here is that you need to find a perfect time slot to visit such places.
• Why do old people prefer to live in quiet places?
The elderly have a strong preference for quiet places as they can find peace of mind in
these places and escape from the hustle-bustle of the city. Some like to pay a visit to
tranquil destinations to enjoy their vacation in the lap of nature. Added to that, many
studies have also proven that when getting older, it’s more difficult for people to filter
distractions than the young. It explains why seniors easily get annoyed when going to
noisy and crowded spaces.
• Why are there more noises made at home now than in the past?
There are a few reasons why there may be more noise made at home now than in the
past. One reason could be that the number of households has been growing rapidly in
recent years. With more people living in close quarters, there are bound to be more
noises made. Additionally, homes now are equipped with more cutting-edge gadgets
than ever before, and those devices can make a lot of noise. Whatever the reasons, it
seems that noise pollution is on the rise.
• Why do some people like to use noises as background sound when they are
working or studying?

It all boils down to the fact that background noise leads to various benefits regarding
work and study. Notably, background sound can improve your cognitive performance.
Indeed, listening to background noise has been shown to foster people’s recognition
memory as well as their abstract processing, which is the ability to think about abstract
concepts. In addition, using noises as a background sound also enhances work
efficiency as it helps people to stay focused for long periods of time. Other than that,
some noises have also been illustrated to be a way to relieve stress, for example, natural
sounds like running water and chirping birds.
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TOPIC 6: OTHER TOPICS

1. Describe something you did that made you feel proud

You should say:
• What you did
• When you did it
• How difficult it was
And explain why it made you feel proud
Some time ago, I was getting into baking and I would learn to bake different kinds of
cakes and pastries as a hobby. A little bit later, a friend of mine who knew about my
new hobby asked if I could bake a chocolate cake for his son’s birthday. Out of
politeness, I said yes and immediately afterwards I bought the necessary ingredients of
chocolate, eggs, flour, milk and yeast. I then gathered some bowls to mix the ingredients
in, a baking tray and a tin to hold the cake batter and bake it in the oven.
The first step I took was to mix the ingredients together at the right amounts so that the
consistency was balanced between smooth and fluffy. Secondly, I poured the batter into
the tin and finally I put the tin on the tray and slid it into the oven. I set the oven to 180
degrees Celsius and let it bake for about 45 minutes. After those 45 minutes were up, I
pulled the tray out and tasted a small piece of the newly baked cake. I was happy with
how it turned out but it was all down to how my friend’s son liked it. When I arrived at
the birthday party the next day with the cake, the boy tasted a piece of it and said he
loved it so much. That made my day and I felt proud with how the cake turned out since
I did my best to make it satisfying to taste. It also wasn’t that difficult to bake the cake
since I had plenty of practice beforehand.
Part 3:
• Which is more important, personal goals or work goals?
I think both work and life goals are equally important in their own ways. Life goals are
important in that they ensure personal development and character building. Work goals
are just as important as they are necessary in advancing one’s career. Both contribute to
the development of a person across all aspects and neither really supersede each other.
• Have your life goals changed since your childhood?

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I would say yes to an extent. When I was a kid, I had dreams of going to Harvard and
wanting to become a pilot for an airline. Needless to say I had an active imagination.
As I grew older, my life goals were less fantastical and more realistic. Instead of aspiring
to go to Harvard, I opted for going to not an uber-prestigious but still good college in
England. Instead of dreaming of becoming a pilot, I aspired to become a writer for a
newspaper.
• Does everyone set goals for themselves?
I would say yes because they are the only way a person can move forward in their lives.
Goals are necessary in building character and for personal development so if a person
does not set goals for himself then how can they improve as people? For example, a
worker can set a goal to be the best in his field and if he achieves that, he’ll become a
better person by the end of it.
• Do you think material rewards are more important than other rewards at work?
I would say yes since material rewards are a clearer indication that someone is doing
good work as opposed to, say words of encouragement. For example, if a salesperson
manages to exceed his sales targets for the month and is rewarded with an expensive
watch, then it is a more tangible sign that he is doing very well at his job. If that
salesperson is just rewarded with kind words for instance, then it would ultimately feel
less meaningful.
• What makes people feel proud of themselves?
People tend to feel proud whenever they accomplish a goal or do something
monumentally difficult. This is usually because they overcame the obstacles that stand
in the way of that particular goal or task and the feeling of overcoming those obstacles
can be akin to that of euphoria and elation and they can be satisfied with the fact that
they achieved something important in the end.
• What qualities are needed to become successful?
For one, a person needs to be perseverant in achieving their goals. They must
continually make an effort to pursue their targets and if they don’t, then they’ll never
reach those targets and succeed. For another, a person needs to be passionate about the
work they are doing. If they do not enjoy what they do, then they’ll be much less

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inclined to work hard to achieve their goals in their work or maybe in their lives in
general.
• Do you think the way people gain success has changed?
I would say the way people achieve success has changed somewhat since luck plays a
more important role these days. While there are still people who succeeded on the basis
of their hard work, there are others who succeeded by pure accident. For example, it is
now possible for someone to forge a career in comedy out of a video they made years
ago that went wildly viral by pure coincidence.
• How important is goal-setting to achieve success?
I think it is important to set goals for yourself to achieve success because it’ll give you
something to work towards. Goals can serve as objectives for a person to achieve in
order to attain a larger target. For example, if somebody wants to lose 5 kilograms by
the end of the month, he’ll need to set a series of goals to reach that target which can
include tasks like cycling 20 kilometers three times a week and running 10 kilometers
four times a week.
• Is it important for society to celebrate individuals who have achieved success?
I think so because it promotes a more communal spirit as opposed to knocking
somebody down because they achieved success and you didn’t. It’s a beautiful thing
when we can celebrate somebody for their achievements because it demonstrates our
capacity for supporting others in both their highest and lowest moments. For example,
people often idolize footballers like Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo because of what
they managed to achieve on the pitch.

2. Describe a complaint that you made

You should say:
• When it happened
• Who you complained to
• What you complained about
And explain why you make a complaint about

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Answer:
One time I was out having dinner with a friend at a bistro downtown. This was not long
ago, like about 5 months. The bistro was near the city center square and it was a popular
spot frequented by both locals and tourists alike. They specialized in serving French
and Italian cuisine with their signature dish being the steak and fries. On this occasion,
it was actually my first time being at this bistro despite hearing many things about it
being good. My friend recommended it to me having been a regular guest there over
many years.
Cut to this dinner we were having and my friend somewhat goaded me into ordering
the steak and fries since it was the signature dish of the restaurant. I then ordered the
steak and waited for it to come for about 20 minutes, having high expectations of it
being good. When it arrived, it did look very appetizing and I then dug into it. While
the fries were excellent, I was somewhat miffed at the fact that the steak was a bit too
rare. So then I called the waiter and complained politely to him that the beef was too
rare to my liking. The waiter understood and then quickly brought the steak back to the
kitchen.
I made that complaint to the waiter because I tend to dislike steak that is cooked rare. It
feels a bit icky to bite something that isn’t well-cooked. I prefer to eat steak that is
cooked medium and no higher. I’m not mad enough to enjoy beef that is well-done
because it is so dry and tasteless.
Part 3:
• What products or services do people in your country like to complain about?
The service we like to complain about the most is e–commerce services like Amazon,
Shopee and Lazada. A big reason why we like to complain about them is their incessant
advertising across all platforms like magazines, TV and the Internet. They appear
almost all the time to the point that they are drilled into our heads. Another reason is
that their customer service is subpar. A lot of the complaints we make to these services
never get addressed at all, which annoys us when it shouldn’t.
• Would you buy things in the shops which you have complained about before?
I wouldn’t buy something that I complained about before because it is a sign that a
product is bad in some way. I don’t see the point in buying something that I had

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grievances over in the past because it would be torturous for my life if I did. For
example, if I complained about my TV being broken, then it would be enough to
convince me to not buy that particular TV again.
• Complaint online or in the shop which is better complaint by talk or writing?
I think that complaining to the shop directly is more effective because they are more
likely to pay attention to the complaint and rectify their problem faster. If someone were
to complain online, then that grievance will more likely be ignored because the store
will not take it that seriously and focus on more pressing matters like their sales numbers
and marketing strategies.
• Do you think customers’ complaints will improve products or services?
I like to think so because as long as the complaints are valid and constructive, the
companies offering these products or services will take them into account and work
towards making them better. However, if the complaints are general and mean for no
particular reason, then they will not be helpful for companies to take meaningful steps
to ameliorate their products or services.
• Are there any disadvantages to set up customer service?
I think it’s more advantageous than disadvantageous to set up customer service as it
serves as a direct line of communication between a company and its customers. Instead
of going through third-party channels to communicate with a company, customers can
easily reach out to its customer service division and make queries or complaints to them.
So no, I don’t think there are genuine disadvantages to setting up customer service.

3. Describe an unusual meal you had

You should say:

• When it was
• Where you had the meal
• What happened during the meal
And explain why it was unusual

Answer:

I remember a meal I once had that was so unusual, it still gives me shivers to this day.
This was when I was on holiday in France about 5 years ago. I was there visiting a friend
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of mine who lived in Provence, a region of France that is celebrated for its food the
world over. When we were together, we basically explored the region through its nature
and its culture. We were basically wining and dining our way through the French
countryside while savouring the landscape along the way.

One night, me and my friend were visiting a farmer who was a lifelong acquaintance of
his from childhood. He invited us to his house for dinner and he wanted us to try his
nettle and snail soup. It was made with snails, nettles, bay leaf, carrots and beef stock.
When I smelled it, it was so pungent that it almost activated my gag reflex but I was
strong enough to hold it back. Come dinner time and we were served with not only the
soup but also some fresh bread, roasted vegetables and some cold cuts. I tasted the soup
and I’ll say this, it is an acquired taste. It took some time getting used to but once I got
the hang of it, I started to like it quite a bit. Still, the thought of putting snails and nettles
together in a soup was way too strange for me to comprehend. Other than that, the dinner
proceeded without a hitch and we were all merrily eating and drinking away. The meal
was rather unusual looking back since the headlining dish of the snail and nettle soup
was so foreign to me as a delicacy people would enjoy.

Part 3:

• What are the advantages and disadvantages of eating in restaurants?

One advantage of eating in restaurants is people can get to try cuisines that are different
from their own. As restaurants serve food from a variety of different countries and
cultures, they can serve as an outlet for people to discover new flavors and ingredients.
One disadvantage of eating out is it is generally more expensive than eating at home.
Some restaurants charge higher than average prices for most typical meals because they
may use premium ingredients or novel cooking techniques.

• Do you think having dinner at home is a good idea?

I think so because it is a cheaper alternative than eating out all the time. Other than
having to buy ingredients and groceries, it costs no money to cook at home and the food
itself is readily available to you. Also, it is more preferable to eat at home if you happen
to be introverted and are reticent about going out and meeting new people. Like I said

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before, the food is readily available at home so there isn’t much of an incentive to eat
out.

• Do young people like to spend time with their families or friends?

I think that young people like to equally spend time with both their families and friends.
With their families, young people can share their developments and problems with them
and they can get advice from their families on what to do to solve these problems. With
their friends, young people can bond with them over shared interests and experiences
and they can confide their problems to each other as well.

• What do you think are the benefits of having dinner together?

One benefit is it reinforces a communal spirit among the diners. They can forge bonds
with each other by having conversations during the meal and each person can chime in
with their opinion and be heard by everyone. Another benefit is that it is less expensive.
When eating at a friend’s house, the food doesn’t cost anything as it is made by the
friend. When eating at a restaurant, the diners can split the bill amongst themselves
instead of having one person pay for everyone.

• Do you think people are less willing to cook meals by themselves these days,
compared to the past?
I think so because people are getting busier day by day. They have heavier workloads
to get through these days and as such they have little time to cook a proper meal. Instead
they opt for ready-made meals or eating out to satisfy their food-related needs as it is
less time-consuming. It is a shame because cooking can be an enjoyable activity and it
is a vital survival skill for people to acquire.

• Why do you think some people choose to be vegetarians?

One reason why some people choose to be vegetarians is they are appalled by how farm
animals are treated and they believe that all life is sacred so it is wrong to kill an animal
for food. As such, they choose to take a stand against such cruel treatment by not eating
meat. Another reason is a vegetarian diet is generally more healthy than an all-round
diet. A vegetarian diet is rich in vitamins, which are essential to our health and some
people believe that consuming more vitamins is beneficial in the long term.

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 • Is the food that people eat today different to the food that people used to eat in
the past?
I would say yes, but not radically so. People still eat the staples and traditional dishes
of their home country because that’s what they grew up eating; however, thanks to
globalization, they are now more receptive to international cuisines. For example,
people in Vietnam are now open to eating Western foods such as pizza, pasta and
hamburgers as they were introduced by foreign expats and Western food chains like
McDonald’s and Pizza Hut, even though they still eat their national dishes and staples
like rice and noodles.

4. Describe a website you often visit

You should say:

• What the website is

• How you first found out about it

• How often you visit it

And explain why you like it

Answer:

A website that I like to browse almost everyday is Reddit. It is basically a website that
hosts forums for almost any topic that you can think of, whether it be the news, food,
movies, music, art, politics or science to name a few. It is a place where anyone can
host discussions regarding their favorite topics and people of disparate backgrounds can
talk to each other about those topics. For example, there is a forum on Reddit dedicated
to Dungeons and Dragons and anyone who plays that game can engage in conversations
with each other about the rules and characters of the game.

I first found out about it through my friends in high school who visited it pretty much
everyday. I was curious as to what they were browsing and they told me that they were
on Reddit, which hosts forums for almost everything. Seeing how it was designed and
the kinds of things they were talking about, I was interested in signing up and joining
the conversation. Once I became an official Reddit user, I subscribed to multiple forums

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about movies, music, video games, food, international news, photography and cats. I
now go on Reddit almost everyday, although I don’t really make posts or comments on
it. I’m what is described as a ‘lurker’, where I basically skulk around various forums to
see what people are talking about.

I like going on Reddit because it is a great hub where people can come together to talk
about their favorite things. It is also a place where two people of radically different
backgrounds can become newfound friends over their shared love of a particular thing.

5. Describe something you did with someone or a group of people

You should say:

• What it was
• Where you did it
• Who you’re with
And explain how you felt about it

Answer:

When talking about doing something in groups, it’s not exaggerating that I’m quite
experienced. So today I will tell you about an activity I worked on with Hoa, a university
friend of mine.

To the best of my recollection, Hoa and I worked together as volunteer sellers at a fair
organized at the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology. Specifically, the fair started at about
7 am and finished at 4 pm. Besides, there was also a 1-hour lunch break for all
participants at 12 a.m. Our duties included managing the store we were initially assigned
and selling handicrafts made by the disabled for visitors, and we were thoroughly
instructed by the store owner. Despite that since I was completely out of my depth when
it came to selling and persuading people to buy things, I felt so confused and clumsy at
first. Fortunately, thanks to the enthusiastic support of my fellow volunteer and the store
owner, I could overcome my weakness and collaborate with them smoothly.

Standing from early morning till late afternoon, my feets were extremely painful and
almost numb but I was so proud of myself and blissful that our hard work paid off. Our
products were sold out in the blink of an eye. That day marked not only a record-high

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revenue of our sales team, around 70 million Vietnam dongs but also the first time I
worked in a group. What’s more, I’ve learned valuable experiences and lessons,
especially teamwork and communication skills. I really hope I can have more
opportunities to participate in such useful activities in the future.

Part 3:

• What kinds of jobs need people to work in a team?

I’d say more or less all jobs. If I had to single one out…. it’d be jobs to do with IT,
marketing, and human resources. For all these jobs, it’s important to work closely with
clients but also with your co-workers. If you’re doing marketing, someone will have to
come up with the content or designs, a manager will need to micromanage, there will
be people working on the analytics and targeting audience segments - and all these
people have to stay in touch and help each other out.

• How do you get along with your neighbors?

Personally, I do my best to be as friendly and outgoing as possible. I do it through little

actions like offering to help if I see them struggling with something like balancing a
baby on their hip while rolling the garbage cans out. Small gestures mean a lot - a lot
more than over-the-top grand ones.

• What can parents do with their children to make them happy?

Hmm, what immediately comes to mind for me would be offering them unconditional
love rather than positive or negative reinforcement. By letting your kids express
themselves freely, they will figure out on their own what makes them happy. Parents
are just there to serve as guides and helpers in this process. And mold them in the long
term into well-adjusted adolescents and later adults.

• How can children improve their social skills?

I’d say the best way is to make sure they get plenty of time to socialize by going
outdoors, doing sports, doing extracurricular activities like campings or going on
picnics. What’s more, parents should also restrict time spent on phones as excessive
hours in front of screens can exert a detrimental effect on their interpersonal and
teamwork skills. A good example of this would be during COVID-19 pandemic, when
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children had to use their devices for online learning every day, leading to their less
interaction with people around and reduced communication skills. That’s how it
appeared to me at least - and I think I saw some articles online about that too.

6. Describe a piece of good news that you heard about someone you know well

You should say:

• What it was

• When you heard it

• How you knew it

And explain how you felt about it

Answer:

Well, I received some good news from my soulmate Annie that she got a job offer from
Apple, which is a multinational tech behemoth in the world. You know, it is very
competitive to land a job in this corporation as it requires potential candidates to not
only have outstanding academic qualifications but also to attend in-depth interviews for
hours, so I took a lot of pride in her.

At that time, we were seniors at the university, and it was exactly in the middle of finals.
To be honest, we were up to our ears in finals and thesis. Needless to say, it was a nerve-
racking time because we felt vague about our future careers after graduation. Therefore,
when I heard the news, I knew that she could relieve her burden and stress.

Actually, she had applied for that position since the beginning of the semester, but she
felt insecure after having face-to-face interviews. I remembered that night, I suddenly
got a call from her, and she was so eager to tell me about that news. She said that she
had been so anxious when checking the inbox via email, and she couldn’t believe it
when she saw that she was hired. She even took a screenshot of her computer and shared
it with me to confirm that this piece of information was true. We were over the moon
and talked to each other for more than two hours regarding this news and our future
plans.

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It was definitely the best news of the year. Getting a job at Apple meant she would have
a lucrative income and good prospects. Hence, she was excited about the future without
worrying about the money. To this day, although she hasn’t worked for this company,
she still keeps this lucky email in her inbox to remind her of that special occasion.

Part 3:

• Is it good to share about yourself on social media?

Well, I think it really depends on your objectives. Like, for instance, if you’re selling
some products and services, then part of your marketing strategy should include letting
your potential customers know about them. So posting fun and useful things like
pictures or your experiences are effective tools - for instance if you sell clothes online
and want to keep friends, family, followers updated. If you’re just connecting with
friends and family, then posting about your day-to-day life is a nice easy way to stay in
touch. However, it can be taken to an extreme and that can lead to addiction or in very
rare cases make you vulnerable to online crimes - people can steal your private
information and then engage in identity theft.

• What kind of good news do people often share in the community?

Well in Vietnam, citizens tend to report on key milestones in life. For instance, people
usually post information about big big events such as engagements, weddings,
graduations, and birthdays. Such posts often get a lot of attention from relatives and
friends and they usually react or leave positive comments to wish the posters well. On
top of this, news about getting a promotion at work or landing a new job is also popular
as people generally want to inform and celebrate with others. Nothing to do with
showing off of course…

• Do most people like to share good news with others?

I’d say generally yes though I can’t speak for everyone. Sharing good news means
sharing happiness. Sharing is part of the process. This type of news fosters positive
feelings of satisfaction that can boost your self-esteem and make you feel less alone in
life. For instance, telling your friends and family about a new job is likely to make them

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feel excited for you - they can live through you vicariously for a minute. And your own
happiness will then grow and last longer as a result.

• How do most people get their news in your country?

I would say that in this age of technology and the Internet, people mostly get their news
from various media outlets. For example, on Facebook, many government pages have
shared up-to-date information about both international and national affairs, which
allows their citizens to keep informed of these events and adjust their own plans
accordingly. This has replaced the role of traditional newspapers in the vast majority of
cases.

• How has social media changed the way we get and share the news?

Well, obviously there are a number of clear differences about the way people obtain and
spread information. In the past, people did exchange information mainly through word
of mouth or via printed newspapers. Therefore, that information was potentially
unreliable or readers needed a few days to keep track of current events around them.
But in modern society, we can easily stay abreast of current affairs both domestically
and internationally within minutes through ipads and smartphones. This helps the
general public become more generally cognizant of the world and broadens their
horizons.

• Do you think printed newspapers will disappear in the future?

I’m not sure I think they will even though it seems obvious… because I think
newspapers still play an indispensable role in our lives. Due to their reliability.
Newspapers have a more stringent editorial process and tend to be more factually
accurate - not nearly as much fake news as on the Internet nowadays. For people that
tech has left behind - older people like my grandparents, they find it really complicated
to read online newspapers on their smartphones. They’re still in favor of reading
physical papers instead.

7. Describe a routine you have in your life that you enjoy

You should say:

• What it is
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 • How often do you do it

• Is it easy to stick to that routine

And explain how you feel about it

Answer:

Well, I am a health-conscious person. Therefore, I definitely have a daily routine, which

I find most beneficial for my health. It’s doing yoga.

Yoga is an ancient practice that involves physical poses, concentration, and deep
breathing. After a long time worrying about my weight, I have decided to take up this
sport to shed some pounds. I intend to do yoga on a daily basis in the morning so I try
my best to wake up early and spend at least 15 to 30 minutes on this activity. Needless
to say, this practice requires people to be patient as there are many steps to do. First is
wearing yoga clothes. Next is doing some stretches to warm up. I prioritize some
exercises related to burning calories or promoting my spine and bones because they can
help me to boost both physical and mental health. On top of that, I feel really thankful
for myself owing to my little but determined effort to turn yoga into my daily ritual. It’s
not a piece of cake to stay in this habit, but just thinking that a couple of minutes spent
on a yoga mat will bring immediate and irrefutable benefits motivates me so much.

Now, I feel a lot sprier, and my energy levels are up. My endurance has been enhanced
significantly, I can exercise for longer and get lean more easily without interrupting any
biological mechanism of my body like fasting or going on a diet. More importantly, my
mood has improved a lot. I gradually feel calmer and less mentally ill. Therefore, it is
100% that I still want to stick to this routine thanks to its advantages to my health in the
future.

• What routines do people have at home?

Naturally it varies from person to person. But most people, in the morning, have to go
through the normal routine of getting up, showering, brushing their teeth, having
breakfast, and getting dressed for work or school. When they come back home in the
evening, they might do any number of things. Lots of kids have homework to get out of
the way and can then engage in recreational activities such as playing video games or

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chilling with friends. Many young people and adults, on the other hand, will take
advantage of this quality me-time after a hard day at work by cooking for themselves
and enjoying a quiet evening reading or watching a movie - those are just a couple
possibilities though.

• What routines do the elderly have?

I’d say that older people might value routines more than other age groups, except young
children. They often have a more fixed daily schedule, one that’s more balanced and
healthier. In the morning, lots of them get up early to do some simple exercise like yoga
or taking a walk. Then, they might prepare breakfast for their family and do some
tidying up around the house - doing the dishes or sweeping the floor. A lot of old people
are really into gardening or have some old-fashioned habits such as reading newspapers
or playing chess during the day with friends. In the evening, after having dinner, they’re
more likely to turn in earlier compared to younger people.

• What are the benefits of having a routine for kids at school?

I think it’s mainly about fostering good future work and study habits. When kids have
a set routine, they learn to organize their time and take responsibility. If the routine is
disturbed, then their whole day can end up out of watch. As they get older, this can help
them a lot when they embark on a professional career. That’s the goal at least - it’s hit
and miss how many kids actually keep these habits up as they get older.

• Do you think it is good to have a 9-to-5 job?

It’s hard to generalize for everyone but I’d say that it’s a good option. First, these jobs
can offer excellent work-life balance. Many employees find it more productive to spend
a particular period of time (8 hours per day) devoting themselves to work and then they
can compartmentalize and enjoy their personal life by spending quality time with family
members and friends. Having this set period of time for work forces individuals to get
everything done before they head home for the day. The time limit means that they
really have to focus in on what they’re doing and that can boost their problem-solving
abilities and efficiency.

8. Describe a development in the area where you live.

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You should say:

• What the development is

• When/where you noticed it

• How long it took to complete it

And explain how you feel about it

Answer:

My hometown used to be a quiet place but it has changed a lot over time. There are
many new facilities and amenities constructed in this area, making it more vibrant and
energetic. One of them is Aeon Mall shopping center.

I first saw this mall when I visited my friend’s house. I was really impressed that the
building was extremely spacious and cutting-edge. This place serves for a multiple of
purposes, where customers can purchase a wild range of items from luxurious to popular
brands from both local and global merchandisers. The food stalls here are also very
diverse as people can enjoy the dishes of many countries around the world such as Japan
or Korea. Nevertheless, what interests me the most is the amusement areas for both
adults and childrens, regarded as an ideal place for people to let off steam at the
weekend.

However, not everyone knows that it must took about 2 years to build this mall until it
officially opened to the public in 2019. Not a long time for a big project like Aeon Mall
but such a great effort.

All in all, I love this place for several reasons. For one, I can browse all the shops and
buy any items from clothes, cosmetics to foods. For others, Aeon Mall is also a suitable
place for me to spend quality time with my beloved ones, dropping by a coffee shop to
chat with my friends or having a cozy dinner with family at any eatery here.

Part 3:

• What transportation do you use the most?

I commute to work by bike just about every day. I do it mainly because it’s
environmentally friendly and I’m trying to be more conscientious. Obviously, bikes
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don’t burn fossil fuels in the ways that private vehicles like cars do. It’s also quite a bit
cheaper. No gas, no fees for parking, no expensive repairs - so I can set aside some
money every month this way.

• Is public transportation popular in Vietnam?

Yes, to a degree and among certain segments of the population. Buses are cheaper than
using a private vehicle or booking a Grab. Tickets cost next to nothing and there are a
million routes that will take you all around the city. You can save a lot by taking buses
and you don’t have to stress about paying for repairs if the bus breaks down - something
you will have to worry about if you own a car or a motorbike.

• What could be improved in public transport services?

There are several ways to make public transport a more attractive option to my mind.
The first one is increasing their frequency and ease of access. The time spent waiting
for the bus is a major part of a person’s total transit time; more buses would save time
and in turn encourage more people to use public transport. But the buses themselves
have to be more attractive options. For example, in Vietnam, some buses are quite old
and sometimes don’t have air conditioning - when they get crowded on a scorching hot
day, it can be an awful experience - a memorable one. Fix these issues and maybe more
people would be convinced to give up driving cars.

• What leisure facilities can be used by people of all ages?

The one that first comes to mind for me personally is parks. There’s so much you can
do at parks! No matter your age. The elderly can get in some light exercise by strolling
around while younger people can play sports like badminton or have a picnic with
friends or family. I think cities would be much nicer places to live in if local
administrators prioritized having lots of open green spaces - and kept them well-
maintained - then people would be able to get away from the hectic pace of life of cities
without leaving the city itself.

9. Describe an advertisement you do not like

You should say:

• What type of advertisement it is

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 • What product or service it advertises

• Where and when you first saw it

And explain why you don’t like it

Answer:

These days, we see ads everywhere we go. Many are appealing and easily go viral
among the public, but there are some advertisements that irritate people like the
commercial of the Kangaroo corporation.

The first time I saw this ad was when the final match of Champions League between
Barcelona and Manchester United occurred several years ago. To be honest, I’m a die-
hard fan of football and a supporter of Manchester United football club, so when this
team went to the final match, I was so eager to watch them. Until now, the feeling of
frustration still come back to me when reminishing about that day, when the match took
place and this ad interrupted right after my father and I sat in front of the box.

To tell you more detailedly, this commercial is advertising the latest water purifier of
the Kangaroo brand. It is a vintage advert which is only 5 seconds long with quite loud
jingles and the slogan “Kangaroo - the best water purifier in Vietnam”. The ad uses only
two colours: yellow words and green background.

Indeed, this advertisement is quite tedious and ridiculous compared to recent ads which
have attractive visuals and hilarious stories. I can’t bear this ad as it appeared too many
times before the match and during the 15-minute interval with a lengthy duration of up
to 30 times. At that time, listening to the deafening sound of the commercial became
such a sheer torture for me.

Although after the match, this ad caused a barrage of criticism among the public, the
brand is ironically still a common name in every Vietnamese household these days.

Part 3:

• What kind of things are advertised most in your country?

That would probably be consumer electronics. On just about every site I visit, I see
adverts for new smartphones, laptops, desktops, iPads, etc. Maybe the reason is that in

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our current technological society, everything involves the internet. People can shop
online, pay their bills through apps, order delivery for dinner, and get work done with
the aid of a smartphone or computer - not to mention the uses of social media.

• Are newspaper or online ads more effective?

I suppose that online advertising is a much better choice for marketers compared to print
advertising. Firstly, everyone is online these days all the time - searching for
information and chatting with their friends, so it’s the most practical, viable method for
business owners to get the message and their products out there. They can easily reach
millions of customers and target specific audience segments using more advanced tools.
Fewer people read newspapers and you can’t really determine who you are reaching
with the same level of specificity.

• Why do some people hate advertisements?

I think that is more or less all people, to be honest. Ads are ubiquitous and irritating -
they get under your skin. Pop-ups on websites, auto-playing ads on YouTube - those
are all annoying interruptions to the content you want to be engaging with. Plus, they
may not be the target customer of this advert, so they are truly useless distractions.

• Is music useful in advertising?

Yeah, I suppose it is and that’s why so many companies use music in their ads. A song
can draw attention and increase the chances that it will be memorable and persuasive.
For instance, Shopee, a famous e-commerce platform, has remixed the popular song
“Baby Shark” in their latest advert, and lots of people have shared it on social media -
ironically and unironically I think. Even if you think the ad isn’t affecting you, it has
wormed its way into your brain and might influence your buying decisions and habits
later on.

10. Describe something you would like to learn

You should say:
• What it is
• How you would like to learn it
• Why you would like to learn it
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And explain whether it’s difficult to learn it.

Indeed, learning is a lifelong process, and as an innovative person, I love to pick up

knowledge regarding any concept. Here, I would like to talk about an important thing I
have learnt, not in school or college. That crucial thing is cooking. Actually, I have been
interested in cooking since my childhood. However, being in the kitchen was not my
cup of tea. So, I generally watched cooking videos on youtube and helped my mother
with kitchen chores to improve my cooking skills. However, it was nearly impossible
to follow the instructions from internet-based materials as professional chefs and
content creators have many unfamiliar and nowhere-to-be-found utensils and
ingredients. Moreover, thinking that a male should not be in the kitchen, my mom taught
me simply nothing about cooking. But things changed on a summer vacation that I spent
in my hometown. The vacation lasted one month and I stayed with my grandmother.
Once, when my grandma was preparing our meal, I tried to sneak into the kitchen,
meticulously looking at her way of cooking and even raising my voice to ask about her
techniques. Unlike my mother, she welcomingly responded to all of my requests. She
then promised to pass down all her abilities written in what she called “The cooking
bible.” And in the next one month, I learnt a library of cooking tips from her, even in
the cuisine of other nations. This cooking ability now seems indispensable to me as I
am about to become an exchange student for the next semester, which requires me to
do a lot of cooking myself to survive in such an unfamiliar situation.

Part 3:
• What’s the most popular thing to learn nowadays?
It's difficult to pinpoint the most popular thing to learn nowadays as it can vary
depending on a person's interests, career goals, and cultural context. However, there are
2 main subjects that are crucial for people to become global citizens today. The first one
is learning a new language since it opens up opportunities for travel, work, and personal
growth. The second relates to Technology and coding. It is the fact that with the
increasing reliance on technology in all aspects of life, learning coding and other tech-
related skills has become highly valuable.

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 • At what age should children start making their own decisions? Why?

I think that children should be able to make their own decisions when they reach 7 or 8
years of age because at that point they are mature enough to know right from wrong and
that their choices have consequences. If they start too young, then they won’t be careful
with their decisions. If they start too old, then their development into mature, well-
rounded adults will be delayed substantially.

• Which influences young people more when choosing a course, income or

interest?

I think that their interest has more of an influence on people’s choice of course in
college. If one shows interest in a particular course, then they are more motivated to
complete that course the best they can and then they can find a job they will enjoy doing
since it is related to that course. That job could very likely have a high income attached
to it already so that person won’t regret the course they’ve chosen.

• Do young people take their parents’ advice when choosing a major?

I would say it used to be case in the past since parents had more life experience and they
were wiser as such so young people would look up to them as examples in choosing
their major. Nowadays, however, young people are following their own instincts when
it comes to choosing a major as they want to forge their own path in life and not do what
their parents tell them to.

• Besides parents, who else would people take advice from?

People are willing to take advice from anyone who served as an authority figure to them.
They can be teachers, managers or mentors and people tend to look to them because
they have plenty of life experience and they know what exactly to do in a given
situation. People also tend to take advice from their friends because they are keen to
help them and those people need such help with their problems.

• Why do some people prefer to study alone?

Some like to study alone because they don’t want to be disturbed by other people and
they want to focus as much as they can on their work. If they are working with other
people, then they are more likely to be distracted and thus struggle to complete their
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assignments. Therefore, it is suggested that those who like to work alone would find a
quiet place like a café or library as they have areas where people can isolate themselves
from everyone else.

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