Lesson 5 – Practice Speaking

Part 1:

1. Do you think you have done enough to protect the environment?

Well, you know, it’s kind of like a drop in the ocean. I mean, I’ve learned for the
past couple of years environmental protection is an individual responsibility of
all human beings (trách nhiệm của mỗi cá nhân), so I tried my best to reduce
my carbon footprint as much as I can in my daily life like finding and using
environmentally friendly recycled products, even my cosmetic and household
items. But when I think about the bigger picture, it feels like there’s always more
that can be done, right?

2. Do you or your family take steps to help the environment?

Oh, totally. I’m proud to say that each member of my family is aware of
environmental protection. My parents are big on that. We’ve tried to limit our use
of plastic whenever possible, especially after seeing all those horrifying pictures of
plastic waste in the oceans on TV. Also, I often go to my university by bus or
electronic motorbike because these modes of transport are more environmentally-
friendly. Little steps, but they add up.

3. What do you think about people who throw trash in wrong places?

To be honest, it just rubs me the wrong way. I mean, how hard is it to find a bin?
Especially when people are old enough, educated, and everyone knows about the
importance of keeping our cities clean. It’s just basic respects for our surroundings.

4. Did you receive any education about environmental protection at

school?
Yeah, back when I was a student in middle school, I remember we had some
lessons in our biology classes, but in my time it was definitely less. We talked a lot
about water preservation, plastic pollution, carbon dioxide, and heating up of our
atmosphere, and more; however, all that was discussed in just a few classes. And
we should need more than that.

5. Are there any serious environmental problems where you live?

Oh, absolutely. Air pollution, for one. The air is quite polluted due to motorcycles’
exhaust fumes (khói thải từ xe máy), and it gets worse during wet seasons. Plus,
noise pollution’s another. You see, an apartment resident like me in a central
district in Hanoi often experiences constant noise from both the floor above and
street traffic.

6. Would you like to work in a company related to environmental

protection?

You know, I’ve toyed with this idea. Making a living while making a
difference? Sounds like a dream. Having an opportunity to work in NGOs or
companies that care about the environment would be a great privilege to me.
Especially nowadays, with so many cool startups coming up, paying more attention
to green tech and sustainable solutions. It’s definitely something I’d be keen on
exploring.

Part 2:

Describe a person who cares about the environment

You should say

Who this person is

How you know him/her

What he/she does

And explain why you think this person cares about the environment.

Alright, so, you know how we all have that one family member who’s super into
something? Well, for me, that’s my grandmother. She’s all about the environment.

I have known my grandmother all my life, and she, like my parents has had a
significant impact on me. I still remember very vividly the day she arrived at my
house for the first time. Most people who visit someone's house for the first time
look around to see how the rooms are furnished and organized, but my
grandmother meticulously checked every single room to see if anybody had
forgotten to turn out the lights when they left. That was probably the first hint I got
about her for the obvious concern about the environment.

So, my grandmother, right, she doesn’t just talk the talk, she walks the walks.
She’s always involved in these community clean-up events. Every Sunday morning
at 8 o’clock, she and other elderly folks in the neighborhood gather to sweep and
pick up all the trash and fallen leaves on the way into the alley. And she’s big on
recycling too. When my grandmother comes to our house, she usually takes home
old cups that my parents and I would throw away after completing our bubble tea
or coffee so she could use them to burn dry leaves in order to make ash for the
plants and vegetables in her garden.

But it doesn’t stop there. Moreover, she has even organized different workshops in
her neighborhood with her friends to teach people how to compost and make eco-
friendly choices in their daily lives.

Now, the million-dollar questions: Why is my grandmother so fired up about the

environment? From our countless daily chats, it boils down to this: She believes
that even the smallest action can help protect our environment. Everything humans
have needed to survive, and thrive, was provided by the natural world around us:
food, water, medicine, materials for shelter, and even natural cycles such as
climate and nutrients. And these natural resources are priceless for the next
generation. But if we don't appreciate and use them properly, they will become
nothing, and we'll pay a heavy price for destroying them. That is the reason why
she can’t stand by and watch. The way she sees it, if not her, then who? And if not
now, then when?

Part 3:

1. Do many people care about the environment in your country?

You know, Vietnam has come a long way. I mean, it used to be that people didn’t
think twice about tossing trash carelessly on the streets. But now, especially in the
large cities, there’s a real buzz about going green. Young folks, in particular, are
stepping up to the plate. They are participating in many community events and
government campaigns like recycling, reducing plastic use, and exchanging papers
for trees, which can be easily seen in many schools and universities. That being
said, in some rural areas, there’s still a long way to go.

2. Do you think more people will care about the environment in the
future?

Definitely, yes! The tide’s turning, you know? As more people get clued up about
climate change and its impact, I reckon they’ll likely become more conscious of
their actions. Governments and organizations are doing their bit by intergrating
environmental education into the curriculum and implementing stricter
environmental regulations, motivating more people to adopt eco-friendly
lifestyles.
 3. What are the best ways to teach people to be more environmentally
friendly?

Well, in my opinion, you’ve gotta hit close to home. People need to see the direct
effects on their lives. Workshops, community drives, even simple things like
showcasing how much money you can save by being eco-friendly can work
wonders. Oh, and hands-on experiences, like planting trees or cleaning up
beaches? Those are .

4. Do you think television documentaries are a good way to teach people

about the environment?

Oh, for sure! There’s nothing like a hard-hitting documentary to open someone’s
eyes. Shows like “Planet Earth” and “Discovery Channel” are prime examples
that have made waves globally. Their programs not only take the viewer into
unknown natural habitats that are home to various plants and animals but also raise
awareness about the importance of preserving the wonders of the Earth. A good
documentary can stir emotions and spur action.

5. Should governments do more to protect the environment?

Absolutely, no two ways about it. The government has a big role to play. They
can enforce laws to reduce the emissions caused by industry and transportation,
promote recycling through big campaigns, and, of course, invest more funds in
renewable and greener energy sources. I mean, if they don’t lead the charge, who
will?

6. What is the connection between the environmental problems and public

health?
Well, this one’s clear as day. Environmental pollutants, such as polluted air and
contaminated water, they all boil down to health issues like respiratory diseases,
heart disease, and some types of cancer. Even water-borne diseases and mental
health challenges can stem from environmental degradation. It’s all
interconnected, really.

7. Do you think that people should be personally responsible for their

environmental impact?

I’m all for personal responsibility, but it’s also about the bigger picture. While
individuals can chip in and make a difference by recycling more, buying more
energy-efficient household items, or planting more trees in our gardens, big
corporations and industries have to be held accountable too. This combined effort
ensures that everyone plays a part in creating a more sustainable future.

8. How important do you think it is for people to conserve resources?

With the way the world’s resources are dwindling, conserving’s not just good; it’s
crucial. Our planet contains abundant (more than enough) resources, but it
doesn't contain unlimited resources. There are only so many trees that we can cut
down before we run out and only so many metals we can extract. Living on such a
planet, it's an inescapable truth that we need to conserve the resources that we
have available to us. If we selfishly take everything we can as quickly as we can,
the human race will eventually cease to exist.