Topic 1: People and relationships.

Speaking part 1:

Who are you closest to in your family?

I am closest to my mother. She has always been my biggest supporter ( a tower of strenth )and
someone I can rely on for advice and encouragement. I admire her for her resilience and the way she
manages to stay calm in stressful situations. We often talk about everything, from personal challenges
to our dreams for the future. Her ability to understand me without judgment makes our relationship
incredibly special. I feel fortunate to have such a strong connection with her, as she is not just my
parent but also my best friend.

A tower of strength : something that give you strength or provide you with assistance the most

If you have any brothers or sisters, what things do you enjoy doing together?

Yes, I have a younger brother, and we share a very close bond. We enjoy spending time together
doing things like watching movies, playing video games, or even trying out new recipes in the
kitchen. One of our favorite activities is going for long walks or bike rides, where we often talk about
our aspirations and challenges. These moments are not just fun but also help us understand and
support each other better. Our shared sense of humor makes every activity enjoyable, and I truly
cherish the time we spend together.

Who has had the greatest influence on your life so far?

The person who has had the greatest influence on my life is undoubtedly my father. He has always
been a role model for me because of his strong work ethic, integrity, and positive outlook on life. He
has taught me the importance of perseverance and the value of staying grounded, no matter how
successful one becomes. I often find myself reflecting on his advice during challenging times, and his
wisdom has guided me through many difficult situations. His ability to balance work, family, and
personal growth is something I aspire to emulate.

Do you have many close friends? What makes a good friend?

I have a small circle of close friends, and I value quality over quantity when it comes to friendships.
We often consider ourselves the kindred spirits, tobe honest. A good friend, in my opinion, is
someone who is trustworthy, empathetic, and supportive. They should be able to celebrate your
successes without envy and stand by you during tough times without hesitation. I also believe that
good friends challenge you to grow and improve while accepting you for who you are. My close
friends embody these qualities, and I feel lucky to have them in my life.

Kindred spirits : những tâm hồn đồng điệu,bạn tâm giao

Do you think you still have the same friends in ten years’ time?

I genuinely hope so. My closest friends and I have already shared many meaningful experiences, and I
believe our bond is strong enough to withstand the test of time. However, I also understand that life
circumstances, such as moving to different cities or pursuing different career paths, can sometimes
create distance. That said, I think as long as we make an effort to stay connected and prioritize our
friendship, we’ll continue to be an important part of each other’s lives even a decade from now
Do you and your friends share the same interests? Is this a good thing?

Yes, my friends and I share several common interests, such as a love for traveling, exploring new
cuisines, and watching movies. I think it’s a good thing because it gives us plenty of opportunities to
spend quality time together doing things we all enjoy. However, we also have our individual hobbies
and passions, which I believe adds variety to our friendship. Sharing interests creates a sense of
camaraderie, but having different pursuits keeps our conversations diverse and interesting.

How do you like to spend your time with your friends?

I enjoy spending time with my friends in a variety of ways, depending on the mood and occasion.
Sometimes, we go out to explore new restaurants or cafes, while other times, we prefer staying in and
having long, meaningful conversations. We also enjoy outdoor activities like hiking or playing sports,
which allow us to bond while staying active. Occasionally, we plan trips together, which are always
memorable because they give us a chance to create new experiences and strengthen our connection.

Would you prefer to spend your free time with your family or with friends? Why?

It’s a difficult choice because both my family and friends are important to me, but it depends on the
situation. If I’m looking for emotional support or simply want to relax, I prefer spending time with my
family. On the other hand, if I’m in the mood for fun and adventure, I enjoy being with my friends.
Both play distinct yet equally valuable roles in my life, and I try to balance my time between them as
much as possible.

When you have trouble in life, who do you turn to for help – family members or friends?

When I face serious challenges, I usually turn to my family for help because I trust their advice and
know they always have my best interests at heart. My parents, in particular, have a wealth of
experience and can provide practical solutions. For less critical issues, I often talk to my friends
because they offer a fresh perspective and emotional support. I think having both family and friends to
rely on is a great advantage, as they complement each other in different ways.

How important is your family to you?

My family is incredibly important to me. They are my foundation and have played a significant role in
shaping who I am today. Their love, guidance, and support have been constant throughout my life,
and I deeply value the bond we share. No matter where life takes me, I know my family will always
be there for me, and that sense of security is irreplaceable. For me, family isn’t just about blood
relations but also about the unconditional love and understanding that we share.

2. Parents and children

Work in groups of three or four. Which of the following statements do

you agree with?

a. Children like to feel that they are in charge.

b. It is important for parents to discipline children. c. Parents should be friends,
not leaders.
d. Children are seen, not heard.

a. Children like to feel that they are in charge.

I partially agree with this statement. Children often enjoy feeling a sense of autonomy because it helps
them develop confidence and decision-making skills. However, they also need guidance from adults
to ensure they make safe and appropriate choices. For example, allowing a child to choose their outfit
for the day or decide on a hobby fosters independence, but major decisions should involve parental
oversight.

b. It is important for parents to discipline children.

I strongly agree with this statement. Discipline is essential for teaching children about boundaries,
respect, and responsibility. Without discipline, children might struggle to understand the
consequences of their actions. However, discipline should be constructive and focused on teaching
rather than punishment. Positive reinforcement and clear communication are effective ways to guide
children while maintaining their self-esteem

c. Parents should be friends, not leaders.

I disagree with this statement. While it’s important for parents to build a friendly and approachable
relationship with their children, they also need to act as leaders and role models. Children require
structure and guidance to navigate life’s challenges, and this leadership role cannot be fulfilled solely
through friendship. Striking a balance between being a supportive friend and a responsible authority
figure is key.

d. Children are seen, not heard.

I completely disagree with this statement. Children’s voices are valuable, and they should be
encouraged to express their thoughts and feelings. Listening to children helps them feel respected and
builds their communication skills. Suppressing their voices can lead to a lack of confidence and
hinder their ability to articulate themselves in the future.

Task 3
1. Responsibilities

Ideal parents understand their responsibilities toward their children. This includes providing basic
needs like food, shelter, and education, as well as emotional support and guidance. Being responsible
also means being a positive role model and making decisions that prioritize the child’s well-being.
Parents who fulfill their responsibilities consistently create a stable and secure environment for their
children to thrive.

Discussion Points:

 How can parents balance their responsibilities with their personal goals?
 Should responsibilities be shared equally between both parents?

2. Sympathy

Sympathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of others. For parents, this means being
attuned to their child’s emotions and showing compassion, especially during difficult times. When
parents are sympathetic, children feel valued and supported, which fosters emotional intelligence and
trust.

Discussion Points:

 How can parents show sympathy without being overly protective?

  Does being sympathetic help children handle their emotions better?

3. Tolerance

Tolerance is a vital quality for ideal parents, as it helps them accept their children’s differences and
individuality. It also involves staying calm and composed during challenging situations, such as
dealing with tantrums or rebellious behavior. Tolerant parents are more likely to maintain a positive
relationship with their children and encourage open communication.

Discussion Points:

 How can parents maintain tolerance while enforcing rules?

 Why is tolerance especially important during a child’s teenage years?

4. Patience

Patience is crucial for parents, as raising children involves dealing with unpredictable and sometimes
frustrating situations. Whether it’s teaching a child a new skill or handling a tantrum, patience allows
parents to respond thoughtfully rather than react impulsively. A patient approach helps children feel
safe and supported, even when they make mistakes.

Discussion Points:

 How can parents develop more patience in stressful situations?

 Does a lack of patience affect a child’s confidence or behavior?

5. Encouragement

Encouragement is essential for building a child’s self-esteem and confidence. Ideal parents praise
their children’s efforts and achievements, no matter how small, and motivate them to keep trying.
Encouragement helps children develop a positive mindset and resilience, which are crucial for facing
life’s challenges.

Discussion Points:

 How can parents encourage their children without creating pressure to succeed?
 Does encouragement from parents influence a child’s future aspirations?

1. How does a mother working and being away from home all day affect her and her family?

When a mother works full-time and is away from home, it can have both positive and negative effects
on her and her family:

Positive Effects:

 Financial Stability: A working mother contributes to the household income, which can
provide better opportunities for the family, such as improved education, healthcare, and
leisure activities.
 Role Modeling: Children often see their mother as a role model of independence, resilience,
and ambition, which can inspire them to pursue their goals.
 Personal Fulfillment: Working allows mothers to pursue their careers, achieve personal
goals, and maintain a sense of identity beyond their role as a parent.
Negative Effects:

 Reduced Time with Children: Being away from home may lead to less time spent with
children, which could affect emotional bonding and supervision.
 Stress and Fatigue: Balancing work and family responsibilities can be physically and
emotionally draining for mothers.
 Dependence on External Care: Families may need to rely on daycare or other caregivers,
which can impact the child’s upbringing and the family’s dynamics.

2. Would it be better for the family to have less money but have the mother at home?

This question depends on the family’s priorities and circumstances:

Arguments for the Mother Staying at Home:

 Stronger Emotional Bond: A mother at home can spend more quality time with her children,
fostering a stronger emotional connection.
 Better Supervision: She can oversee her children’s activities, education, and behavior more
closely.
 Lower Stress for Children: Children may feel more secure knowing a parent is always
available.

Arguments for the Mother Working:

 Financial Needs: In many cases, a single income may not be sufficient to meet the family’s
needs, especially in urban areas with a high cost of living.
 Personal Growth: Staying at home might limit the mother’s personal and professional
development, which could lead to dissatisfaction over time.
 Shared Responsibilities: In modern families, both parents often share caregiving roles,
making it possible for mothers to work without compromising family well-being.

3. Why is the number of single mothers increasing nowadays?

Several social, cultural, and economic factors contribute to the rising number of single mothers:

1. Changing Social Norms:

 Society is becoming more accepting of diverse family structures, including single-parent

households.
 Women are increasingly empowered to make independent choices, including raising children
on their own.

2. Higher Divorce Rates ( not likely to happen )

 Divorce has become more common and socially acceptable, leading to an increase in single-
parent families.

3. Financial Independence of Women:

 Many women are financially independent and capable of supporting themselves and their
children without a partner.
4. Unplanned Pregnancies:

 In some cases, unplanned pregnancies result in women deciding to raise the child
independently, especially if the father is unwilling or unable to take responsibility.

5. Delayed Marriages and Parenthood:

 Some women prioritize their careers or personal goals and choose to have children later in
life, sometimes without a partner.

6. Lack of Suitable Partners ( depend on the criteria of the person when seeking parters or
soulmates )

 Women may prefer to raise a child alone rather than settle for an unsuitable or unstable
relationship.

7. Support Systems:

 Improved social support systems, such as government assistance and community resources,
make it more feasible for single mothers to raise children independently.