Lesson 9 – Practice Speaking

Part 1:

1. Do you like travelling?

Yes, absolutely. I love nothing more than getting away from it all: on domestic
beach holidays. Last summer holiday I travelled to majestic (beautiful, powerful,
or causing great admiration and respect) Sun Premier Village Ha Long to not
only relax and unwind but also to improve my mental and physical health by
enjoying the breathtaking atmosphere and indeed the facilities.

2. Where was the last place you visited on holiday?

For my latest holiday, I took a trip to Na Ka Plum Valley in Moc Chau. You know,
with its well-maintained pathways and the visual feast (something that is very
enjoyable to see, hear, experience, etc) of blooming plum trees. The valley offers
a tranquil (calm and peaceful and without noise, violence, worry, etc)
atmosphere, providing an ideal setting for relaxation, and appreciation of nature's
wonders.

3. Would you like to go back there again?

Without a doubt! There’s still so much I haven’t ticked off my bucket list there. I
mean, I barely scratched the surface! So yeah, I’d jump at the chance to head
back.

4. What kind of tourist destination do you usually prefer?

I usually lean towards places with a mix of natural beauty and cultural experiences.
Places with stunning landscapes, like mountains or beaches, really captivate me.
It’s always exciting to discover something unique and off the beaten path (not
known or popular with many people).
 5. What is your favourite type of holiday?

Hmm, that’s a tough one. But if I had to pick, I’d probably say road trips. There's
something freeing about hitting the open road and incredibly refreshing about
being surrounded by natural beauty. Plus, I enjoy the tranquility that come with
this kind of holiday. And last but not least, the roadside eateries, must try for sure.

6. What do you do on holidays?

Well, it kind of depends on where I am. I enjoy sightseeing (the activity of

visiting interesting places, especially by people on holiday), love exploring new
places, trying different cuisines, and participating in outdoor activities like hiking
or swimming. If I stay at home, I might spend some time relaxing, catching up on
reading or watching movies.

Part 2:

Describe a journey you went on.

You should say:

Where you went

Why you went to this particular place

What you did and with whom and

Describe why you enjoyed your journey? Or, if not, why?

Last week, I had the chance to visit Moc Chau, a breathtakingly beautiful plateau
(a large flat area of land that is high above sea level) in northern Vietnam,
known for its tranquil atmosphere and cool weather. This trip wasn’t just a casual
getaway—it was something I desperately needed.
To be honest, it’s hard to sum up (to quickly form an opinion about someone or
something) why I chose this place. You see, I had just finished five months of
night shifts at the hospital, coupled with the stress of preparing for a huge amount
of reports and exams. My mind was empty, and I felt like I was totally burnt out
(extreme tiredness or mental or physical illness caused by working too hard or
trying to do too much). Moc Chau seemed like the perfect escape—a place where
I could breathe deeply, unwind, and improve my mental health.

I went on this journey with my beloved family, who, thankfully, shared my love
for nature. We had visited the Glass Bridge, also known as Bạch Long Bridge. It’s
over 600 meters long, with transparent (If a substance or object is transparent,
you can see through it very clearly) glass panels beneath your feet that give you a
bird’s eye view (a view from a very high place that allows you to see a large
area) of the surroundings. At first, we were all extremely frightened (feeling fear
or worry)—especially my younger brother, who was convinced the glass might
crack! But as we walked further, the fresh air and stunning views of majestic
mountains and natural rock caves distracted us from our fears. By the time we
reached the middle of the bridge, we were completely captivated by the
breathtaking landscape. And then we headed to the next stop, which was the Na Kà
Valley, where we explored a local fruit garden and the famous canola (hoa cải)
fields. I’ve never seen anything like it before—endless fields of bright, colorful
flowers that seemed to last forever. It covered the entire space with a picturesque
scenery that I felt like I was in another world. And last but not least, the evenings
were just as magical. On a freezing night, we gathered around a campfire and
enjoyed some of Moc Chau’s most famous local cuisine. The highlight, though,
was joining the locals for a traditional cheraw dance (nhảy sạp). I was a bit
clumsy (awkward in movement or manner) at first, but everyone was so
adorable that I ended up dancing for 20 minutes—and honestly, it didn’t feel tiring
at all because it was so much fun.

All in all, this trip was exactly what I needed. It wasn’t just the beautiful
landscapes or the delicious food—it was more about letting my hair down, getting
away from the daily grind (hard, boring work or duties that you have to do
every day), and making some lasting memories with my family. It’s one of those
trips where the journey was just as delightful, if not more, than the destination.

Part 3:

1. Which method of travel do you consider safest?

I suppose flying is the safest way of travelling. First of all, the advancements in
aviation technology are remarkable. I mean, for example, modern aircraft (any
vehicle, with or without an engine, that can fly, such as a plane or helicopter)
like the latest models from Airbus and Boeing are equipped with advanced safety
features that surpass those of the safest cars nowadays. And you know, air travel
has a significantly lower accident rate compared to other modes of transportation
like cars and motorbikes. I think it’s because it involves more comprehensive
checks and balances than road vehicles. And, by the way, I read an article the
other day, and it says that the aviation industry is heavily regulated, with
authorities enforcing strict safety protocols, which I guess can make everyone feel
at ease (relaxed) up in the air.

Multiple examples

2. What are the pros and cons of low-cost air travel?

Well, honestly, low-cost air travel can be a double-edged sword. I understand that
the most glaring (used to say that something bad is very obvious) advantage is
the affordability. Because this approach makes travel accessible to more people,
especially for short-haul flights (travelling a short distance) or budget-
conscious travelers. However, it doesn’t seem to be the case. The downside is the
often unexpected added fees. While the base fare may be attractively low, budget
airlines often charge additional fees for services such as checked baggage, seat
selection, and even printing boarding passes, which makes these extra costs start
inching up. Also, these flights may face frequent delays or cancellations due to
smaller fleets (a number of buses, aircraft, etc. under the control of one person
or organization) and tighter schedules, which can reach the potential of
overcrowding (a situation when a place contains too many people or things)
during peak seasons.

Multiple views

3. How do you think people will travel in the future?

Multiple cases

In my opinion, the future of travel is likely to be shaped by several innovations. I

doubt that the rise of electric vehicles and sustainable transportation options will
play a significant role in reducing carbon emissions and promoting environmental
sustainability, and this is definitely good for daily short trips. Moreover, perhaps,
in the future, advancements in metro liner and air travel may provide faster and
more efficient transportation options for long-distance travel.

4. Why do you think people go on holiday?

Multiple cases

As far as I’m concerned, the main reason to pack up and head-off depends on the
destination people choose to have a memorable holiday. When it comes to urban
areas, many people might tend to seek out (to look for someone or something,
especially for a long time until you find him, her, or it) cultural experiences and
go shopping. But, at the same time, rural areas offer relaxation, a myriad of (a
very large number of something) breathtaking landscapes and interesting outdoor
activities. After all, both areas provide unique opportunities for personal growth, a
break from routine and quality time with loved ones. You know, life is too short to
spend doing the same things over and over again for all of our lives and become
“bored” to death.

5. How important is it for families to go on on holiday together?

Multiple factors

I guess I can think of a few reasons to explain why it is crucially important for
families to spend quality time together on holiday these days. Firstly, it goes to
show that family vacations not only build lifelong (lasting for the whole of a
person's life) memories; they can also break your family away from the usual
routine, opening your minds to new cultures, foods, and experiences without the
distractions of daily life. And you know what? Family holidays naturally tend to
involve “green exercise,” for example like being active outdoors—which has been
proven to improve our mental and physical health. Obviously, it’s a no-brainer
(something such as a decision that is very easy or obvious) that people return
from this kind of vacation happier and more relaxed. No surprise there, but some
scientists claim that these same folks were more productive and had closer family
relationships.

6. Why do some people go on holiday alone?

Multiple factors
Many people prefer to become solo travelers for some main reasons. First,
enjoying a holiday alone can develop their independence. I mean, they can decide
everything on their own, make extensive plans outside of their comfort zone to
travel economically, and if they don't take care of themselves, nobody will. For
example, if they want to get from place to place, they need to figure out how to do
it by navigating, asking local people, and using different transportation as soon as
possible. In addition, these people often find the opportunity to reconnect with
themselves, gain new perspectives, and truly absorb the essence of their
surroundings in peaceful places where they can honestly reflect, away from the
troubled noise and distractions of crowded tourist hotspots.

7. What kind of holidays will be popular in the future?

Multiple views

Well, in the future, the popularity of some types of holidays are debatable (not
clear or certain because different people may have different opinions) really. I
know that some people might foresee eco tourism taking center stage. You know,
I mean, there’s a growing desire to travel responsibly, opting for experiences that
don’t harm the environment and even give back to local communities. But,
wellness retreats (du lịch chữa lành) like yoga or spa vacations is also a good
idea to consider. It might attract a significant number of travelers looking for
relaxation and self-care experiences.

8. Is it better to take a holiday in your own country or in a foreign

country? Why?

1 idea

I guess the choice between having vacations in my own country and traveling
abroad on my holiday depends on personal preference, really. Traveling within
Vietnam, well, for me, there’s a comfort in familiarity. I can understand the
language, the customs, and the culture, and support the local economy. But, when
it comes to international travel, people often find that going to another country for
their holiday is harder because it often involves higher costs for flights,
accommodation, and other travel-related costs. And the challenge of navigating a
new language, the exposure to different ways of life, makes it equally appealing.
So, both options have their own benefits, but the choice boils down to individual
preference really.

9. What problems can people have on holiday in a foreign country?

1 idea

There are several problems that many people might face when travelling abroad,
especially for the first time. The language barrier tops the list, from ordering food
to asking for directions. And then, cultural differences can sometimes cause
discomfort or offense if local customs are not understood. Moreover, getting sick
or injured can turn a dream vacation into a bit of a nightmare. I mean, if you are
unfamiliar with the place you are travelling to, it becomes difficult to find a doctor
who can help you immediately. Finally, safety concerns like petty crimes can also
pose significant risks, especially if you are not aware of their native language.