Unit 1: Volunteer/Community service/Happiness giving time to help people

who are less fortunate, usually don’t have enough money. Services may be for
individuals or for institutions such as schools or hospitals

Can you:

2. Describe a community service/project/institution that you know/want to

join? -> the GREEN SUMMER CAMPAIGN

I’d like to tell you about a community service I have joined. When summer comes,
it is the time when the trips of the Green Summer campaign are launched. This
campaign brings positive messages and meaningful projects for society. There are
meaningful trips of the Vietnamese students Association, going to the places where
people are still facing difficulties.

The Green Summer campaign aims for students to participate in social

humanitarian programs. Volunteers do manual work like helping build charity
houses, planting trees in local parks, cleaning our environment fresher and a
number of other community activities. And it is a good way to make friends. It
looks very good on your application for college, graduate school, or employment. It
brings a lot of experience and life skills for themselves, having an opportunity
thinking of yourself, enhancing solidarity with other people, and improving our
society. This is also an opportunity for students to apply what’s learned into real
life.

3. Describe a time you participated in community service?

I’m going to share with you today about a volunteering experience that I had when
I participated in a voluntary project at a primary school in a rural area last summer.
This volunteer project involved teaching and guiding students on basic subjects
such as Vietnamese, English, math, and science. Most of the children were from
poor families in rural areas, and they didn't have the opportunity to attend
extracurricular classes. Therefore, I wanted to use my knowledge and skills to help
children in remote areas where education is not as developed as in big cities.
Throughout the time of being a free tutor for children in remote areas, I felt very
happy and proud of myself, proud of the volunteering work I did. I just felt great.
Especially, I admire the children because of their effort and dedication during
studying in order to develop their future. Overall, the experience of being a free
tutor has been amazing. I hope to have more chances to participate in more
meaningful projects.
4. Describe a time you donate something to a person you know/ don’t know?
->
I still remember when I was in high school, one of my classmates had trouble with
her family finance. In order to help her family to overcome this difficult situation,
my class decided to donate money so that all the money would be sent to her
family. Everyone in my class totally agreed with this plan, including me. because at
that time I didn’t have a large amount of money to donate so I told this story of my
friend’s family to my mom to ask for her help and she definitely supported our
plan. She gave 100.000 dong to me and she wanted me to donate for her. At that
time I had 50.000 VND so I sent 150.000 in total to our class’s fund. This was the
first time that I donated money to someone, therefore, I felt very proud of myself
and I really love my mom also because she is always ready to help people in need
and she set a good example for me to follow. i was happy because thanks to our
fund, she could keep up her study goals and deal with her hardship.

5. Describe a person who does community service?

I have a best friend whose name is Nhi. She always finds happy in helping others.
To cover her living expenses, she works part-time as an English tutor for children.
Even though her study schedule is hectic, I know that she always spends a Sunday
evening teaching English to poor children in her neighborhood who are not able
to afford extra class fees. Through our conversations, she told me that she planned
to set up a summer voluntary campaign which would call for university students to
join a nonprofit teaching courses in a mountainous area. Nhi’s work is a very noble
occupation because teaching for free makes society a better place. I feel very
proud of my friend because she is always ready to help people in need and she
sets a good example for me to follow.

6. Describe a charity / organization that people should donate to? THE

GREEN SUMMER CAMPAIGN

I’d like to share a charity that people should donate to. When summer comes, it is
the time when the trips of the Green Summer Campaign are launched. This
campaign brings positive messages and meaningful projects for society. There are
the trips of the Vietnamese students association, going to the place where humans
are still facing difficulties.

The green summer campaign aims for people to participate in social humanitarian
projects. Participants give time and may donate money , textbooks, foods to help
the poor families have a better life. Volunteers do manual work like helping build
charitable houses, planting trees in local parks, preserving our environment. And
one of the main advantages from volunteering projects is bringing a better life for
the people who are less fortunate. Students,who take part in the Green summer
campaign, have more experience and life skills for themselves. It would be
beneficial for them to apply what’s learned into real life.

7. Discuss the benefits and drawbacks of doing community service?

BENEFITS: Yeah, definitely! It’s a must-do for students in today’s world.

[Explanation] Doing community service helps students to acquire knowledge, life

skills and provide service to people who need it most. Besides, community service
and volunteering for students give young people the opportunity to become active
members in their communities, creating a positive societal impact. => instill the
empathy within the young generation

8. Explain whether community service is important/unimportant to society?

The act of volunteering has become an increasingly important part of our society,
and its impact is far-reaching.

Volunteering benefits both the recipients and the volunteers themselves. It gives
people the opportunity to impact society by helping others while also giving them a
sense of sympathy and compassion. Additionally, it allows individuals to gain
valuable experience and build relationships with others.

One of the biggest goals of volunteering is to create communities that are

connective. By offering help and support, volunteers can help break down social
barriers between different individuals or groups. This creates a sense of unity
among members of these communities by encouraging the social interactions
between people from different backgrounds.
It can also help reduce poverty by improving access to services such as education
or healthcare that would be too expensive for many people in disadvantaged areas.

9. Describe the type of charity work that is suitable for you and supports your
future jobs?

I think the work of tutoring underprivileged kids in some rural areas where
education isn’t as developed as in big cities is the type of charity work. I started to
tutor poor children a long time ago when I first attended college. I spent the whole
summer becoming an unpaid tutor in my countryside where the internet and
education system haven’t developed. My major is English, so it is easy for me to
teach English to them and it’s undeniable that foreign language has an important
effect on each individual’s future career.

By volunteering my time and skills, I will gain invaluable experience that looks
great on resumes and CVs through the challenges and responsibilities I encounter
while volunteering.

10. Discuss whether money can buy happiness for people?

Money compensation allows individuals to meet their needs such as food,

accommodation and healthcare. In addition, money provides the means to achieve a
higher standard of living, enjoy leisure activities, save for the future

For example, a worker can work long hours to ensure they can support their family
and pay for their children’s education.

11. Describe your feeling about giving money to others?

12. Discuss why some people enjoy donating money to others?

because

this is the convenient way and also the fastest way to donate to someone

they don’t have time to prepare other things for people in need

the receivers can use money that are donated for any purposes
13. Discuss different ways people could help other people?

donate money the most essential way (câu 12)

Providing Meals and Clothing

teaching job skills

take part in community projects

spread love on social media

call for help via social accounts

UNIT 2: FOOD

14. Describe a time you / someone threw food out. -> buy/ cook too much -> lead
to the redundant food that we didn’t consume all of food. Besides, foods were not
preserved properly. Many foods need to be preserved at a suitable temperature, so
when the foods are stored in the wrong temperature, it is easily spoiled. They went
bad, went moldy, and became stale. The foods which went bad, had a negative
effect on our health. Therefore, the food couldn’t be reused again -> we threw it
out. I wish I didn’t waste food.

15. Describe a policy that is used by a country to reduce food waste. ->

In recent years, France has emerged as a model of food sustainability. In 2015, they
became the first country to ban edible food waste from supermarkets, forcing stores
to instead donate food to charities. On the production side of things, French farmers
are adapting to climate change, and the government is promoting the growth of
forests, which are vital for maintaining soil quality and water integrity.

16. Describe a kind of food that is good for your brain. -> One kind of food that
is good for my brain is fatty fish like salmon that contains a good source of omega-
3 fatty acids. Omega-3s are important for brain health because they support the
health of brain cells. Eating fish can help improve memory, concentration, and
overall brain function.

17. Describe a time you ate a kind of brain food. -> I ate a kind of brain food
once. It was called fish. Fish is good for my brain because it has something called
omega-3 fatty acids. These help keep my brain healthy and working well. I had
some grilled salmon for dinner one night. The salmon tasted really good, and I felt
like it gave me a little boost of energy and focus afterwards. Eating brain foods like
fish can help you think better and feel more alert.

18. Describe a strategy that can help reduce food waste in your area.

-educate people through campaigns and programs to raise people’s awareness about
the importance of avoiding food waste.

- implement food preservation policy and punishment for organizations and

individuals that throw food away unreasonably.

-each individuals and organizations must have responsibilities for

preserving/protecting our environment and health.

19. Explain the problems caused by wasting food.

-environmental effects : Many foods on the landfill site can cause the air pollution/
environmental effects because of its smell, leads to air pollution

-the food waste releases methane -> a substance that can contribute to global
warming ( toxic/ damaging than CO2)

-People living in poor areas don’t have enough food to survive if we always throw
the food away unreasonably.

20. What can the government, supermarkets, restaurants, and individuals do to

reduce waste of food?

government: implement food preservation policy and punishments for

organizations and individuals that throw away food unreasonably

supermarkets: offer discounts for food that are close to expiration date (HSD)
→ avoid storing too much food
restaurants:

set rules for customer to eat up food on the table ( and they will be fined (by
money) if they leave too much food on the plates)

store food properly

-> Individuals:

● Plan meals and make grocery lists to buy only what you need
● Store food properly to make it last longer
● Compost food scraps instead of throwing them away
● Use leftovers instead of letting them go bad
● Donate extra non-perishable foods to food banks

21. Does your country have an environmental problem due to wasted food?
(giống câu 19)

I would say yes. the activity of wasting food has a significantly impact on our
country environment

22. Name some brain food. Discuss the benefits of eating brain food.

brain Foods:

● Fatty fish - Rich in omega-3 fatty acids that support brain health and
function.
● Nuts and seeds - Contain healthy fats, antioxidants, and vitamins that nourish
the brain.
● Berries - High in antioxidants that can protect the brain from damage.

● leafy vegetables

● hot chocolate

● yogurt and cheese

Benefits of Eating Brain Foods:

● Improved memory consolidation and focus - The nutrients in brain foods can
enhance memory, attention, and overall cognitive abilities.
● Enhanced mood and energy - The vitamins and healthy fats in these foods
can boost mood and provide steady energy.
● Better brain development - Certain brain foods are crucial for proper brain
growth and function, especially in children and adolescents.

23. Does brain food have an impact on intelligence?

definitely yes

● Better brain development - Certain brain foods are crucial for proper brain
growth and function, especially in children and adolescents.
● Improved memory and focus - The nutrients in brain foods can enhance
memory, attention, and overall cognitive abilities.

UNIT 3: BUSINESS (WORK SPACE / A BIG BUSINESS)

24. What kind of office space would you like to work in? Why?
open space

-Advantages:

+ to provide us with flexibility and convenience

+ to have the freedom to choose where they want to work
+ to have more chances to develop social skills ( communication, teamwork
skills,...) → enhance/improve their work productivity.
+ to have supervision and restrictions from their manager -> to easy for/
facilitate working exchange and enhancing employer-employee
relationships.(promote collaboration and accessibility)
+ practical for place saving
25. What kind of office space do you know? Which kind is common in your
country?

close

open ( most common) →

cubicle

26. Advantages and disadvantages of open and closed office space.

*OPEN SPACE:

-Advantages:

+ to provide us with flexibility and convenience

+ to have the freedom to choose where they want to work
+ to have more chances to develop social skills ( communication, teamwork
skills,...) → enhance/improve their work productivity.
+ to have supervision and restrictions from their manager -> to easy for/
facilitate working exchange and enhancing employer-employee
relationships.(promote collaboration and accessibility)
+ practical for place saving

-Disadvantages:

+ to negatively affect their work performance and productivity

+ not own workspace → lead to concentration ability entirely on their
work.
+ cannot keep confidential information a secret.

*CLOSED SPACE:

-Advantages:

+ to have no supervision and restrictions

+ provide privacy ( don’t be interrupted by others)
+ increase concentration ( less noise ) → enhance work productivity
-Disadvantages:

+ takes up quite a lot of space

+ to be difficult to develop social skills ( communication, teamwork skills,...)
+ might experience feelings of loneliness and isolation sometimes
+ to have less chance to interact and communicate with their colleagues and
managers. (difficult to collaborate with others)

27. Do people of different professions require different kinds of office space?

Why?

Certainly yes. In my opinion, it’s better to offer different kinds of office space
based on an individual’s profession, personality, and work style.

Example

Some jobs require closed space such as accountants, financial workers, writers,
artists, president, coders: closed space → need quiet space to focus better

Social media, designers, content creators: open space→ work with others to
easily share ideas and generate new ideas. teamwork encourages people to work
more productively

28. Should a boss have a separate office space from his/her employees? Why?

The decision of whether a boss should have a separate office space from employees
may depend on the organization’s culture, communication needs, and the boss’s
leadership style.

Private Office:

○ Pros:
■ Silence and Tranquility: Having a private office allows the
boss to take important calls in peace without office noises. It
also provides privacy for confidential conversations with
accountants, lawyers, or customers.
■ Less Distractions: A private office minimizes distractions from
background buzz, ensuring focused work.
 ■ Clear Boundary: A separate office sets a physical boundary
between the boss and the team, enhancing authority.
○ Cons:
■ Distance from the Team: While it enhances authority, a
separate office can create a distance between the boss and team
members, potentially affecting relationships.
■ Impact on Communication: Being closed off in a private
office may lead to missing out on important communications
that reach the team first
2. Open Plan Office:
○ Pros:
■ Flexible Communication: Being surrounded by employees
allows the boss to stay informed about what’s happening in the
business.
■ Natural Awareness: In an open plan, the boss naturally picks
up on things that might otherwise be out of reach.
○ Cons:
■ Lack of Privacy: An open plan lacks privacy for confidential
conversations.
■ Perceived Approachability: While it makes the boss seem
more approachable, it’s essential to strike a balance between
approachability and authority.
Ultimately, the choice depends on the organization’s culture, communication
needs, and the boss’s leadership style.
29. Describe the study space on your campus (what kind of space it is, its
advantages and disadvantages, your feeling) -> basement building
This is a big space equipped with so many facilities such as desks, bookshelves and
a space for resting.
Advantages
-Open learning space→ stimulate learning spirit (you will be inspired by other
students who are trying to study)
-When you feel tired after a long time of studying, you can have a small nap
because the basement building provides pillows (gối) for student to sleep if they
want
-Located next to canteen → easier for students to buy food and drinks
-water for free (provide WATER PURIFIERs)
- internet for free
- large and clean that can make students feel comfortable and enjoy studying

Disadvantages
-noisy (caused by people who just use this place for other purposes such as talking
or eating)
-the internet is not stable

30. Describe an office that you want to work in. (describe its space, what it looks
like, why you want to work there)

located in city center

i want to work in open space

work in teams to exchange ideas and keep myself motivated at work

have window to get the natural sunshine to feel relaxed and refreshed
have modern facilities next to my working place

have enough equipments

The open spaces are large enough and the friendly environment of this office gave
a very positive impression of this company.

To me, it is an ideal working environment that maintains a good balance among the
working environment, facilities and options for recreation and study. I find it to be
a very pleasant and friendly workplace where employees are self-motivated to work
for the company.

WHY: stimulate the creation

improve communication skills ( improve social interactions)

31. Describe a business that you are interested in / want to work for.
Starbucks is a business that I would be very interested in working for.

1. Starbucks is a globally recognized brand that is popular with high-quality

coffee and excellent customer service.

2. Starbucks is quite a large space. The decorations are nice and modern. The
vibe here is nice, with a moderate amount of noise, enough to prevent you
from feeling lonely but not too much to distract you from your work.

3. Starbucks is known for its strong company culture that values employee
empowerment, diversity, and social responsibility.

4. As a large, multinational corporation, Starbucks offers potential

opportunities for career growth. I would be excited by the prospect of taking
on increasing levels of responsibility, learning new skills

32. What are some benefits a big company can offer workers?

- worker’s compensation insurance

- medicare contributions
- overtime pay
- health insurance
- retirement savings
- flexible working environment (work from home/online/work remotely)
- Disability & Workers' Compensation (if they get injured on the jobs)
- commuter benefits (traveling/commuting expenses)
- vacation benefits

33. What can a company do to make employees feel happier and motivated at
work?

provide comfortable working place

listen to staff’s opinion

Offer rewards and recognition. Give praise or small rewards when they do a good
job

Provide opportunities to learn and grow. Offer training or chances to take on new
responsibilities.
Be flexible. Allow some freedom in work schedules or the ability to work from
home.

1. Overall Company Culture

The surrounding environment plays a huge role in creating employee

happiness. Everyone should make more of an effort to stay positive and avoid
situations that could make others uncomfortable. In order to do this,
managers should set the tone by practicing what they preach. For serious
issues, like sexual harassment and forms of bullying, zero-tolerance policies
set a cultural standard.

2. Leadership communication

Leaderships communication and transparency are important to employees.

When transparency is prioritized, employee buy-in and company alignment
will increase. Employees need to know the “why” behind important decisions
to feel like they are a part of the big picture. When employees are left in the
dark, they are more likely to have feelings of negativity or resentment toward
leadership.

3. Effective two-way feedback

Two-way feedback is a win-win situation. Leaders can give feedback to coach

employees toward optimal performance and employees likely have insight
into possible steps toward improving the employee experience. When two-
way feedback is leveraged, insight toward growth is uncovered. Plus,
employees and managers build a foundation of trust that drives happiness in
the workplace.

4. Path for Upward Mobility

People don’t want to be stuck in the same position their entire careers, it’s
definitely not a recipe for employee happiness. By demonstrating that your
organization can and will promote deserving employees, you give your
employees' work purpose, which leads to happiness.

5. Adequate recognition
Employees need to be recognized for their wins. When their hard work goes
unnoticed, morale decreases and employees may risk losing motivation in
upcoming projects. But when adequate recognition is prioritized, employees’
happiness surges and their motivation grows. And when you give employees
recognition, they are less likely to go searching for this validation elsewhere.

6. Flexible Schedules

Flexible schedules allow employees to work at times that are more

compatible with their lives, and this sense of control increases employee
happiness. Many people have long commutes that lead to stress, setting a
bad tone for the day before it even gets started. Allowing those people to
come in later to miss rush hour is an easy way to improve employee
happiness. Furthermore, remote work is becoming more and more favorable
among employees. If it’s easier for an employee to work from home, this
could be a great option.

7. Ongoing growth and development opportunities

Leaders should outline available opportunities that employees have to learn

more skills and perfect their craft. Not only does this close skills gaps and
mitigate the need to hire new talent, your employees will feel valued when
you recognize their potential for growth. Provide opportunities like online
training and webinars, manager coaching and mentorship, cross training, and
stretch assignments to increase employee happiness across the board.

8. Health Benefits

A great way to keep employees happy is by offering them health benefits. In

fact, 1 in 3 workers would quit their job if it wasn’t for healthcare. By offering
an affordable benefits package for employees and their families, you give
them one less thing to worry about and an incentive to stay at your
organization.

34. What benefits/factors make you want to work for a company?

1. Company location
 When you have to go to the office every day, it’s important to choose a company near
your house or a good location, because you can save your time and travel costs. In
addition, you don’t have to be afraid of being late.

2. Company culture and working environment

A great company culture and working environment can contribute to your job satisfaction.
Therefore, you need to choose carefully which company can provide a suitable
environment for you
3. Benefits
It's a factor that can decide how long you can stay in this company. Workers tend to be
more productive and satisfied if the benefits meet their demand, that’s why they are
willing to stay at the company long term
4. Salary
a great company will pay a salary that aligns with your ability and your job tittle, which is
why this is one of the factors young people should focus on when choosing a company to
work for.
5. working hours
It's crucial to find out working hours before you want to apply for a company, which
means you have to look for a company that suits you best, and make sure that you can
balance your work and your life effectively.
6. Professional development and opportunities for growth
This is a factor that young people shouldn’t overlook.

THE MOST IMPORTANT FACTOR WHEN CHOOSING A

COMPANY TO WORK FOR
35. Brainstorm 2 problems that may occur in a company. Suggest solutions to
each problem. (Speaking task)
First problem: People are always feeling stressed out and burnt out. They're working long hours and
not feeling happy at work.

Solution: The company could try to create a more relaxed and enjoyable work environment. This
could mean:

● Offering flexible work hours so people can manage their work and personal lives better.
● Having team-building activities or social events to help people connect and feel less
stressed.
● Giving people more time off to rest and recharge.

Second problem: The company has a lot of ideas but they aren't sharing them or working together
very well. This can lead to missed opportunities and less creativity.
Solution: The company could focus on encouraging teamwork and collaboration. This could mean:

● Creating a space where people can easily share their ideas and get feedback.
● Organizing regular meetings where different departments can share their thoughts and
brainstorm together.
● Recognizing and rewarding teamwork so that people feel motivated to work together.

UNIT 4: TRENDS (CAR SAFETY / URBAN SPRAWL)

36. Describe something that has been invented recently and changed people’s
life.

1. the trend of shopping from home

● Variety of products: Online stores offer a wider range of products than
traditional stores.
● Convenience: Online shopping is easier and faster than traditional shopping.
● Discounts: Online stores often offer discounts and promotions.
● Shopping secrecy: Online shopping allows people to shop without being seen
by others.
● Easy replace and refund: Online stores often have easy return policies.

2. the presence of robot

Well, I do think that our society will experience dramatic changes owing to
robots’ presence. A large proportion of human labor would be replaced by
artificial intelligence in the workplace, especially in manufacturing zones. Labor-
intensive work could be done precisely by robots which would save a lot of money.
Beside, automatons can replace humans in dangerous working sites, such as
underground mines or outer space.Overall, the development and adoption of
artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies have had a profound
impact on society, transforming industries, improving efficiency and productivity,
and enhancing the way we live, work, and interact with technology.

Sample answer Vocabulary

Human labor(n) Nhân lực lao động

 Manufacturing zones (n) Các khu chế xuất

Labor-intensive (adj) (Chỉ công việc) Cần nhiều

lao động

Automatons (n) Rôbot

37. What safety features exist in cars today?

1. Airbag: Cars typically have front airbags for the driver and front passenger, with
some vehicles also having side airbags and curtain airbags for additional protection.
2. Anti – lock Braking System (ABS): ABS prevents the wheels from locking up
during hard braking, helping the driver maintain control of the vehicle.
3. Rearview Cameras: These cameras help drivers see objects behind the vehicle
while backing up, reducing the risk of accidents

38. Describe a car trip that you enjoyed / didn’t enjoy / never forgot.

Didn’t enjoy

This actually happened the last time my family traveled in Nha Trang by car. It
started at 8 in the morning so naturally I had to get up at 6. When I got out of the
house it was still dark outside.

The trip took place in Nha Trang, which is 4 hours from my home. So actually if
everything had gone according to plan, we would have had much more time to
relax in our car. But unfortunately, it didn't.

After riding for about 30 ms, the driver was careless when stopping immediately. It
was making our family feel uncomfortable and restless. In addition, the strong
smell of gasoline was making me feel a bit queasy (buồn nôn) during the whole
trip.

39. What are 4 different areas of a typical city? Where would you like to live?
1. Residential Area: This area consists of homes, apartments, and other residential
buildings where people live.
2. Commercial Area: The commercial area includes businesses, shops, restaurants,
and other commercial establishments.
3. Industrial Area: This area is dedicated to factories, warehouses…
4. Recreational Area: The recreational area encompasses parks, playgrounds, sports
facilities and other spaces for leisure and recreation.
I would like to choose living in a residential area because it offers a sense of
community, peace, and privacy. It is often quieter and more family-friendly
compared to other areas of the city. Additionally, residential areas are usually close
to amenities such as schools, parks, and grocery stores, making it convenient for
daily living.

40. Describe a trend in your city that you know.

One trend in Vietnam that has been gaining popularity in recent years is the rise of
e – commerce and online shopping.
With the increasing availability of internet access and the growing popularity of
smartphones, more and more Vietnamese consumers are turning to online platforms
to make purchases.
E-commerce platforms like Shopee, Lazada, and Tiki have seen significant
growth in Vietnam, offering a wide range of products from electronics and
fashion to groceries and household items.
The convenience of online shopping, along with the availability of various
payment options and fast delivery services, has made it a preferred choice for
many consumers. Moreover, the COVID-19 has affected the shopping habits of
customer.
 This trend is expected to continue to grow as more businesses and consumers
embrace the digital economy and online retail platforms.

41. Advantages and disadvantages of urban sprawl.

a) Advantages of Urban Sprawl:

provide more housing options for residents, including single – family homes
with larger yards, which may be appealing to some individuals and families.
the development of new commercial areas, shopping centers, and business
districts, creating job opportunities and stimulating economic growth.
3. Green space: Some urban sprawl developments incorporate parks, green
space, and recreational areas, providing residents with access to nature and outdoor
activities.
b) Disadvantages of Urban Sprawl:
traffic congestion, and higher transportation costs as people have to travel
longer distances to work, school, or amenities.
The expansion of urban areas can contribute to habitat destruction, loss of
biodiversity, increased air and water pollution…
costs for maintaining new roads, utilities, and public services in outlying
areas.

42. Is there a considerable amount of immigration into your city?

Vietnam has experienced a significant increase in immigration in recent years,

driven by various in recent years, driven by various factors such as economic
opportunities, business investments, tourism, and international education. While
historically known as a country of emigration, Vietnam has seen a rise in the
number of expatriates, foreign workers, and long – term residents moving into the
country. While immigration into Vietnam has been on the rise, the country also
faces challenges related to managing cultural diversity, ensuring social integration,
and addressing issues such as language barriers, discrimination, and access to
services for foreign residents. The Vietnamese government has been taking steps to
improve regulations, promote cultural exchange, and facilitate the integration of
immigrants.

43. Describe a timeline of development of your city (include about 4-5 points of
time)

- In the mid – 19th century to mid – 20th century 🡪 Saigon was a major port city and
the capital of French Indochina 🡪 During this time, the city experienced significant
urban development, with the construction of wide boulevards, colonial buildings,
and infrastructure.
- In the 1950s to 1970s, the city was a major hub for the South Vietnamese
government and American military operations 🡪 it experienced rapid urbanization
and population growth during this time.
- In the late 1970s to 1990s, after the end of the Vietnam War, Saigon was renamed
HCM City 🡪 the city underwent reconstruction and development 🡪 become a
major center for commerce, finance, technology with modern skyscrapers,
shopping malls…

UNIT 5: SUCCESS (SKILL, EFFORT, OR LUCK?/

44. What do you do to prepare for a test?

1. to perform well on the test, the first and foremost thing that i need to do is to
review all the lessons and materials that i have learnt during the couses.
 reviewing before the test make me feel more confident and reduce exam
stress
2. Practice with past exams or sample questions (do mock tests frequently)
to familiarize myself with the format of the test and types of questions that may be
on the test.
3. get enough rest the night before the test and eat a healthy meal to ensure
that I am alert and focused during the exam.

45. Describe a time when you studied for an exam.

46. Describe an exam that was very hard for you.

One exam that was particularly challenging for me was a

47. Among the three factors that contribute to academic success—skill, effort,
and luck—which one do you consider the most crucial?

All 3 factors play a vital role in determining one’s achievement 🡪 if I had to choose
the most crucial, I would say that effort is the most important 🡪 effort is the driving
force behind skill development and the application of that skill to achieve
success 🡪 without putting in consistent effort, even the most talented individuals
may struggle to reach their full potential 🡪 effort involves hard work, dedication,
perseverance, and a willingness to push through challenges and setbacks --? Skill is
important in academic success 🡪 effort that allows individuals to hone their skills,
improve knowledge, master complex concepts 🡪 encompasses effective study
habits, time management, proactive approach to learning, all of which are essential
for academic achievement 🡪 Luck, on the other hand, is a factor that is often
beyond our control 🡪 luck can sometimes play a role in academic success, relying
solely on luck without putting in the necessary effort and developing the required
skills is not a sustainable or reliable strategy for achieving long – term success.

48. What is your definition of success?

Success, to me, is a deeply personal and subjective concept that goes beyond
external achievements or material possessions 🡪 it is about setting meaningful
goals, working towards them with passion and dedication 🡪 ultimately feeling a
sense of fulfillment and contentment in the process 🡪 true success is not solely
defined by societal standards or conventional markers or achievement, but rather by
one’s own values, aspirations, and sense of purpose. It is about living authentically,
making a positive impact on others, and finding joy and satisfaction in the journey
of growth and self – improvement.
Chấp nhận sai lầm của mình (𝐀𝐜𝐜𝐞𝐩𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐬) có nghĩa là bạn đang
trưởng thành (𝐦𝐞𝐚𝐧𝐬 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐠𝐫𝐨𝐰𝐢𝐧𝐠). Khi bạn phạm sai lầm (𝐖𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐲𝐨𝐮
𝐦𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐚 𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐤𝐞), thật dễ cảm thấy buồn bã hoặc thất vọng (𝐢𝐭’𝐬 𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐲 𝐭𝐨 𝐟𝐞𝐞𝐥
𝐮𝐩𝐬𝐞𝐭 𝐨𝐫 𝐟𝐫𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐝). Nhưng nếu bạn dành một chút thời gian (𝐁𝐮𝐭 𝐢𝐟 𝐲𝐨𝐮
𝐭𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐚 𝐦𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭) để hiểu điều gì sai sót đã xảy ra (𝐭𝐨 𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐰𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐰𝐞𝐧𝐭
𝐰𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐠), bạn có thể học hỏi từ đó (𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐧 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐢𝐭). Học hỏi từ sai lầm
(𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐬) giúp bạn tránh mắc phải những lỗi tương tự trong
tương lai (𝐡𝐞𝐥𝐩𝐬 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐚𝐯𝐨𝐢𝐝 𝐦𝐚𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐚𝐦𝐞 𝐞𝐫𝐫𝐨𝐫𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐟𝐮𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞). Nó
cũng cho thấy rằng (𝐈𝐭 𝐚𝐥𝐬𝐨 𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐰𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭) bạn sẵn sàng cải thiện và trở nên tốt hơn
(𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐨 𝐢𝐦𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐛𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐛𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫). Sự trưởng thành đến từ
việc thử những điều mới (𝐆𝐫𝐨𝐰𝐭𝐡 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐬 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐭𝐫𝐲𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐧𝐞𝐰 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬) và đôi khi
cả thất bại (𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐬𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞𝐬 𝐟𝐚𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠). Mỗi sai lầm là một bài học (𝐄𝐚𝐜𝐡
𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐢𝐬 𝐚 𝐥𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐨𝐧) đưa bạn đến gần hơn với mục tiêu của mình (𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭
𝐛𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐜𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐨 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐠𝐨𝐚𝐥𝐬). Vì vậy, đừng ngại thừa nhận khi bạn sai nhé
(𝐒𝐨, 𝐝𝐨𝐧’𝐭 𝐛𝐞 𝐚𝐟𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐚𝐝𝐦𝐢𝐭 𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐲𝐨𝐮’𝐫𝐞 𝐰𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐠).

49. How is success defined in your community? Do you agree with that
definition?

Success in my community is often defined by a combination of factors that include

academic and career achievements, financial stability, family harmony, and social
status 🡪 education is highly valued in Vietnamese culture, and individuals are often
encouraged to pursue higher education and professionals careers as a measure of
success.

50. Do you think that people in all kinds of jobs are equally successful if they are
doing what they planned to do?

51. Do you think it is possible to be more successful than another person?

52. What can a student do to gain academic success?

53. Describe a successful person you know.

53.1 73. Describe a situation when you celebrated your achievement

Ok, so I'm going to talk about a time when I got promoted and invited my friends to
have dinner at a famous pizza restaurant called Pizza 4p's.

I had been working for this NGO (short for Non-government organisation) for half
a year as an intern. Because of my good performance, I was promoted to assistant,
officially becoming a member of the organisation. The position came with an
attractive package; apart from my salary, social insurance and holiday leave,
other benefits were all quite generous.

This is obviously a cause for celebration. I called my friends to organize a party at

a pizza restaurant. We arrived at 6 in the evening and were led to our table,
located near the entrance of a big dining room, with tall trees planted around us
and some layers of black net overhead to prevent leaves from falling into our food.
I was told that there is a glass roof above the trees to stop rain from coming in as
well. A nice environment, polite waiters and waitresses, everything was going
great.

We ordered cheese, pizza, pasta and some wine. I think the food here is a blend of
Italian and Japanese cuisine, which somehow appeals to Vietnamese consumers.
The portions were moderate, leaving us satisfied but not full.

Everyone was so happy for me, we talked and joked and laughed. It was actually
one of the rare occasions when you could meet so many friends at the same time,
and we all appreciated it.
UNIT 6:

54. Describe a time when you were under great pressure.

i have a fear of public speaking so that i feel really nervous when a presentation is
coming. and i know that i cannot avoid presenting in front of a number of

55. What is peer pressure?

Peer pressure is the influence that your friends, classmates, or other people your
age have on you to do something you might not want to do. It's like a force that
tries to push you to act in a certain way, sometimes even against your own better
judgment.

Peer pressure can be positive or negative. It can encourage you to try new things or
be more involved in activities, but it can also lead you to do things that are
dangerous or harmful.

56. 2 types of peer pressure (direct and indirect). Examples of each type.

Here are the two types of peer pressure with simple examples:

1. Direct Peer Pressure: This is when someone tells you what to do.

● Example: Your friends say, "Come on, let's skip school!" They are directly
asking you to do something you might not want to do.

2. Indirect Peer Pressure: This is when you feel pressure to do something because
of what others are doing.
 ● Example: All your friends wear a certain kind of shoes. You might feel like
you should wear those shoes too, even if you don't really like them. You're
not being told to, but you feel pressure to fit in.

57. Effects of peer pressure. Can peer pressure be a positive thing?

58. Ways to avoid/manage peer pressure.

59. Is peer pressure a big problem in your college?

60. What can teachers and parents do to help young people manage peer
pressure?

61. What can cause exam stress? Effects of exam stress?

causes:

expect to get the highest score

The level of exam stress depends on the important level or the difficult level of the
exam. when you know this exam can significantly change your life such as graduation
exam, you will feel more stressful

It can be related to a negative previous experience of exams (maybe you didn’t

perform well in your previous exam that make you feel obsessed with the upcoming
exam)

you feel overwhelmed with the knowledge you have to revise in short period of time

worry about failure ( you are unconfident about your ability to pass the exam)

pressure from your peers ( you are afraid that they will do the exams better than you)

high expectations/ambitions from parents (you worry that the exam grades might
disappoint your parents)

effects
effect your memory consolidation

physical health problems

62. Ways to avoid/manage/reduce exam stress?

Eat a balanced diet and stock up on the best brain foods, like leafy greens, berries
and nuts

During exam period, it’s critical that you get enough sleep. Sleep deprivation can
decrease energy levels, make you irritable and diminish your concentration. Getting
at least seven to nine hours of sleep every night will recharge your body and
decrease your anxiety.

The more physical activity you do during exam season, the more positive and
energized you’ll feel. This is because exercise decreases the production of stress
hormones like cortisol, while releasing endorphins — brain chemicals that act as
natural painkillers and mood elevators

If possible, dedicate a few hours a week to studying with friends. Remember:

they’re going through exam stress, too!

it;’s important that you take regular breaks from the monotonous routine of
studying. Meet friends for an hour or two, watch your favorite TV show or go for a
walk outside

put your phone on silent and ignore notifications. Where you can, limit your phone
usage in general as this can improve sleep quality and decrease your risk for
depression.

study with music can lift your mood and there are countless playlists on Spotify
and YouTube created especially for study sessions.

When you’re suffering from exam stress, avoid doing too many things at once.
(don’t multitasking)

Cut out caffeine, alcohol and nicotine

Do mock exams at home

Talk to friends or mentors for advice

63. How is exam stress similar to peer pressure?

64. Describe a time when you were stressed.

65. What kind of pressure does a student usually have?

academic pressure: we all know that many students from elementary school to high
school and even college students have experienced stress at school. Some causes
that lead to stress among students can be listed such as upcoming tests, too much
homework, bad sleep and eating routine, lack of support from parents and
teachers,..

peer pressure:

UNIT 7: FEAR OF PUBLIC SPEAKING

66. Do you think it’s a good idea for students to involve the audience in their
presentation?

67. What tips would you recommend for a person who’s giving a speech in public
for the first time?

carefully outline what you want to deliver in the presentation

keep your health in good condition ( stay away from bad habit that can affect your
concentration)

allow yourself to make mistakes, instead of blaming yourself, try to learn from
them

68. Why are some people afraid of public speaking?

lack of confidence

afraid of making mistake and being criticized

don’t prepare carefully

lack of experience
lack of the ability to deal with unexpected situations that may occur during the
presentation

unbelieve in themselves

69. Describe a time when you give a speech/presentation. (when, what it’s about,
any difficulties, feelings)

70. Describe a successful speech/presentation that you like.

Nguyen Thuc Thuy Tien of Vietnam has made history as she became the first
Vietnamese woman to win the Miss Grand International 2021 crown.

At the final night of Miss Grand International 2022, Miss Thuy Tien had
impressive performances, especially the final walk speech. she was very
gorgeous in the vietnamese traditional outfit AO DAI, bring the image of
vietnamese woman to the world

At the beginning of Nguyen Thuc Thuy Tien's speech, she said: "Mr Nawat once
said, to be worthy of MGI's crown, a girl needs to have all 3Bs: Beauty - Beauty,
Brain - Intelligence and Body - During the journey of carrying out the missions
of Miss Grand International, I have learned many things to improve myself and
find my own 3B formula to achieve my current success. in".

Accordingly, her own 3Bs include: Be yourself, Always be yourself; Be ready -

Always be ready; Be surrounded by great people - Be surrounded by great
people!

At the end of the sharing, Thuy Tien was emotional and sent her thanks to the
contest organizers and fans in English, Thai, Vietnamese and Indonesian. She
also thanked the people she had the opportunity to meet while visiting 13
countries as MGI 2021.

71. What is something you are afraid of? Do you think you have a phobia?

72. Describe a person who is good at speaking in public. What makes a person
confident in speaking?