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(Who he/she is) Since my passion for foreign languages was ignited, I have tried my best to
befriend as many people around the world as possible. So, today I’m going to talk about one of
my best pen pals, whose name is Carmen.
(Where he/she is from) Carmen was born in Spain but he started his career as a journalist in the
US after graduating from a well-known university with flying colours. Although his office is in
Boston, he rarely stays put in one city for a fortnight.
(How you knew him/her) Regarding our first rendez-vous, it was during an online gathering
which was organized by my English centre 3 years ago where he was a guest speaker. To my
surprise, I was really impressed by the way Carmen broke the ice with all the strangers in the
meeting. To be honest, I must admit that he is the kind of person who never struggles in starting
small talks with someone he meets for the first time. After the online session was over, I got in
touch with him and luckily he accepted to drop me a line whenever possible.
(And explain how you feel about him/her) Since then, I have always considered him not only
my best friend but also my mentor because I can rely on him for suggestions, aid and guidance.
What I mean is he supports me a lot when I feel under the weather or stressed at an intense school
schedule. He is also very enthusiastic when sharing with me many fascinating stories or exotic
experiences of every destination where he is embedded. This frequent correspondence allows me
to not only reduce my study-related stress as well as broaden my horizons about places I might
never set foot in.
Vocabulary
Không lâu sau khi đến trường mới, tôi đã kết bạn được với tất cả các bạn cùng lớp.
Example:
Just stay put with the suitcases while I go and find a cab.
Cứ đứng yên ở đó với chỗ hành lý trong khi tôi đi tìm một chiếc taxi.
3. Break the ice (idiom): phá tan bầu không khí ngượng ngùng.
Ai đó gợi ý rằng chúng ta nên chơi một trò chơi để phá tan bầu không khí ngượng ngùng.
Example:
Tôi cảm thấy không khỏe - tôi nghĩ mình bị cảm lạnh rồi.
Example:
Part 3
1. Where and how can we get to know people of different cultures better?
As a youngster with a desire to explore the world, I’m personally of the opinion that participating
in international camps is a convenient means to get acquainted with representatives of all cultures
around the globe. What I mean is that such camps always attract like-minded participants who are
willing to share and get acquainted with any customs however strange they are. Indeed, if fully
exploited, this friendly atmosphere will offer campers golden chances to get to know more friends
from various cultures.
There is no doubt that cultural diversity has both pros and cons. On the bright side, a variety of
viewpoints in the workplace can boost creativity and drive innovation as employees with different
backgrounds can put forward out-of-the-box ideas. Additionally, a culturally diverse working
environment always requires faster adaptability, so the development of each individual in the
company will be a natural fruit. However, an inevitable side-effect of cultural diversity is
discrimination, which can pose a threat to less privileged communities. Another challenge is the
cultural barriers, language in particular, which can affect the efficiency of communication among
multicultural colleagues or friends.
It has provoked a great deal of concern when it comes to the position of local cultures in the arrival
of exotic ones. From my viewpoint, they can all develop harmoniously however disparate their
characteristics are. Firstly, coexistence can be realized by being open to cooperation which is built
on shared values among communities. In addition, people of one culture should come to terms
with other beliefs as such diversity in the world gives spice to life and induces revolution of all
civilizations. In short, through mutual support and understanding, diverse cultures can always
progress in harmony.
Vocabulary
Example:
Trở thành thành viên của câu lạc bộ giúp bạn gặp được những người cùng chung quan điểm.
Example:
Let’s hear all the pros and cons before we make a decision.
Hãy cùng nghe mọi ưu và nhược điểm trước khi chúng ta đưa ra quyết định.
Example:
The proposals that you have put forward deserve serious consideration.
Example:
Anh ấy hầu như không muốn chấp nhận những lời phê bình.
Life would be tedious if everyone shared the same views on all topics. I think there is nothing
wrong with voicing disagreements, but we should try to resolve them peacefully. Many years ago,
I had a quite heated exchange with Huy, one of my friends about our future.
Huy is rather conservative and he insists that the reason why our country does not prosper is brain
drain. I, on the other hand, believe that there is a lack of opportunities in Vietnam for youngsters
and thus they rightfully can opt for foreign countries to study and start a career.
What happened
The disagreement took place when we discussed our future plans after graduating high school.
Huy told me he was planning to join the armed forces while my plan was to settle abroad as soon
as I completed my higher education. This was the moment the debate grew intense. To my surprise,
normally Huy is a placid person, but on this issue, he lost his cool. I think we had an argument for
about 1 hour. At last, we both reached a consensus on the idea that we had the right to choose what
was best for our own future.
That minor disagreement of course cannot spoil our friendship and we often recall it when having
chances to catch up with each other. Obviously, differences in viewpoints are inevitable, but the
way we handle them can be decisive to the quality of relationships.
Vocabulary
Example:
Nước Anh đang phải hứng chịu một đợt chảy máu chất xám lớn trong những năm gần đây.
Example:
3. lose one’s cool (idiom): mất bình tĩnh và trở nên tức giận.
Example
Example:
Cô ấy dành hàng giờ nói chuyện điện thoại để liên lạc với những người bạn cũ.
Part 3
When having disputes with anyone, instead of raising my voice to prove a point, I will often leave
and give myself some time to calm down. This makes sure that I will not get too emotional and
give offence to others.
Well, let’s face it, disagreements are an integral part of all relationships, and sometimes, things
can take a turn for a worse. Therefore, to avoid unwanted scenarios, people should always stick to
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the issue they are discussing instead of taking it personally or driving the conversation in a different
direction. It is also highly recommended that two sides agree on a pause so they can reconsider
their stand or figure out better arguments.
It is believed that family is the very first school of every child. Therefore, I am of the opinion that
parents should be in charge of tutoring their children in moral lessons like how to respect their
teachers. Indeed, such early education at home will ensure that children will put all they are taught
into practice right the moment they enter school.
There is no doubt that the generation gap shows up when family members get older. As a result,
disagreements usually arise between parents and their children on various topics such as schooling,
lifestyle, future plan and so on. Different generations have their own set of attitudes towards
aspects of life, so it comes as no surprise that family disputes can take place on a frequent basis.
Vocabulary:
Example:
Example:
Tôi không có ý xúc phạm vì tôi chỉ muốn nêu ra quan điểm của mình thôi.
Example
Let’s face it. You won’t be able to achieve anything unless you work hard.
Hãy chấp nhận sự thật đi. Bạn sẽ không thể đạt được gì nếu bạn không làm việc chăm chỉ.
I usually go out for walking in the morning every day and play some outdoor games every now
and then, but what I did last Saturday was something different. That day, I went out on my bicycle
as part of the morning exercise. When cycling past a park, I saw a group of cyclists discussing
something enthusiastically, so I came closer. After a few minutes, I found out that they were
planning to round the city in 3 hours with their bicycle and they would start that in the next 30
minutes.
The team leader asked me to join them just when I were about to leave. They said it was free so I
started cycling with them through the major parts of the city.
Cycling for the whole 3-4 hours was not as easy as I expected but that was not a problem. I tried
my best to finish the route all by myself, though other group members were willing to give me a
hand. Before the roads got crowded, we managed to come back to the park and I found that I was
dead-tired, yet completely proud of myself.
After that thrilling experience, I felt lucky to meet new friends from every walks of life with the
same hobby. I was also very impressed by the beauty of my city, which I had never had a chance
to appreciate during rush hours. This is certainly an invaluable memory and I definitely will join
the group in their future gatherings.
Vocabulary
Example
Sau 10 tiếng làm việc ở văn phòng, anh ấy kiệt sức trở về nhà.
Example
Members of the gym include lawyers, teachers, plumbers, and hairdressers - people from all walks
of life.
Thành viên của phòng tập thể hình có cả luật sư, giáo viên, thợ sửa ống nước và thợ cắt tóc - những
người từ đủ thành phần, tầng lớp trong xã hội.
Part 3
In my country, many people are fond of playing badminton, riding bicycles, and walking in the
mornings and afternoons. Some sports that have been adopted from other cultures are also popular,
such as basketball, especially among youngsters. One outdoor activity that is enjoyed by all
generations is volleyball. It can be adjusted in various ways to suit the players’ sex and age without
any change in the health benefits.
2. What are the differences between after-class activities done by middle and older children?
3. Do you think it's better for people to change jobs when there are new chances?
I am certainly in favour of job hopping whenever the timing is right. Firstly, if one employee has
outgrown his role in the company, it will be reasonable to look for more room to prosper in a new
position. Also, people switch jobs with a view to gaining valuable experience. It makes sense in
case the company they are at is not advancing in technology or size and they feel stagnant.
From my point of view, doing new things frequently will help the young broaden their horizons,
so I am totally leaning towards this suggestion. First, trying unfamiliar things helps them gain
valuable experience, which becomes a vital preparation for adulthood. Additionally, succeeding
in something you have never done before will give you the chills that can help to ease pain and
stress.
Vocabulary
Example:
2. with flying colours (idiom): rất thành công, với thành tích cao.
Example:
Họ đã thành công đỗ kỳ thi tuyển sinh đại học với thành tích cao.
Example:
Many graduates view job hopping as a quick way to develop their career at the start.
Example:
The ending of the movie gives me the chills whenever I think about it.
Cái kết của bộ phim làm tôi rất phấn khích mỗi khi nghĩ về nó.
I am going to talk about a photo of my family that I took two years ago. This is a priceless
possession to me and I would like to keep it with me for the rest of my life.
I have seen it thousands of times and still, I look at it with indescribable delight. The picture
captured the memory of a very happy family when we went on holiday to My Khe beach.
In the picture, my parents were smiling cheerfully. My father’s eyes were sparkling and the corners
of his eyes crinkled. To tell the truth, it was very rare to see my father’s smile as he always kept
a serious facial expression. Needless to say, my mother was standing next to him with warm
happiness glowing on her face. In the background, the sun looked like it was gradually receding
into the waters below. The sky was a blend of reds, oranges and yellows. The water below was
mirroring this effect. The scene was breathtaking.
The reason I take pride in this photo is that it is the first time I have afforded a trip for my family.
My parents have devoted their whole life to my brother and me, which makes it impossible for
them to have an appropriate holiday. Therefore, as soon as I managed to save enough money, I
booked a package tour in Da Nang in the summer for the whole family. It will always be a
memorable relaxing time in our minds.
Vocabulary
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1. to tell the truth (phrase): thực sự
Example
Thực sự, tôi đã quên tuần trước là sinh nhật của bạn.
Example
Không cần phải nói, anh ấy sẽ nghỉ việc trong một thời gian.
Example
If you don't take pride in your work, you're probably in the wrong job.
Nếu bạn không tự hào về công việc của mình, bạn chắc đang làm sai việc.
Example
We bought a cheap package tour to Spain and stayed in a big hotel by the sea.
Chúng tôi đặt một chuyến du lịch trọn gói giá rẻ đến Tây Ban Nha và ở trong một khách sạn lớn
gần biển.
Part 3
There are several reasons why people prefer photographs to other means when it comes to
capturing invaluable moments. In the first place, most people want to preserve vividly the
important memories in their lives such as weddings, birthdays or even funerals of loved ones.
Moreover, I think there are times that we need to be reminded of these precious memories, either
to reflect upon our progress in life or to find the motivation to keep on trying and make ourselves
better.
Pictures can be a helpful assistant when there are lots of moments needed reminding. Nevertheless,
I am not fully convinced that it is the best option. What I’m trying to say is that focusing on taking
photos can make us neglect the details as we are assigning the camera to remember them for us.
Additionally, when our brain is spared the task of capturing the moments, our memory will be
seriously impaired and completely dependent on electronic devices.
From my own experience, both have their pros and cons that should be taken into consideration.
There is no doubt that using a camera is much faster than writing with a pen. However, giving
yourself some time to reflect on past events and putting them down in your own words are more
meaningful and emotional.
Vocabulary
Example:
When it comes to playing chess, he’s the best I’ve ever known.
Khi nhắc đến chơi cờ vua thì anh ấy là người chơi giỏi nhất mà tôi từng biết.
Example:
Có câu nói rằng thời gian sẽ chữa lành mọi vết thương.
Example:
Solutions which seem self-evident to humans are often beyond the grasp of computers.
Những giải pháp trông có vẻ rõ ràng với con người thì thường lại ngoài khả năng của máy tính.
Example:
You must take his illness into consideration before dismissing him.
Cô phải lưu tâm đến bệnh tình của anh ấy trước khi sa thải.
12. Describe a friend from childhood who you remember very well
Who he/she is
Childhood has its speciality and magic and sometimes childhood friends are unforgettable. One
such friend of mine was Minh who I still remember. Our friendship lasted only for a year and after
that, he moved to a different city with his parents.
Our first encounter took place on the very first day of secondary school. I was late for school due
to bad traffic and I thought that all of the seats in the classroom were occupied. Thankfully, Miss
Loan, my new teacher asked my name and gave me a hand. Then, one of the boys was asking me
to go over there and sit beside him. That boy was Minh.
At lunchtime, I shared my food with him and talked about lots of things. From that time onwards,
we started sitting next to each other and our friendship began to flourish. I also found out that we
had many hobbies in common. At school, we were on the same football and volleyball team. In
the afternoon, we made kites and flew them together near the riverbank. Furthermore, as amateur
collectors, our pastime was to spend hours looking for unique stamps in the library. We became
very close friends but after one year I heard that he would be moving to Da Nang as his father had
been transferred there. Since then, I have lost touch with him.
Although I no longer catch up with him, he has always been the treasure of my childhood. Minh
is a kind-hearted and open-minded person, so he really made that one year a delightful period for
me. I really hope one day, I can contact him and keep our friendship forever.
Vocabulary
Example
Nhà vệ sinh ở phía sau máy bay đã có người, nên tôi đã đợi.
Example
They have nothing in common – I don’t know why they’re getting married.
Họ không có điểm chung gì - tôi không biết tại sao họ lại cưới nhau.
Example
Example
I don't know what I'd have done without Lizzie when I was ill - she was an absolute treasure.
Tôi không biết tôi sẽ làm được gì lúc bị bệnh nếu không có Lizzie - cô ấy thật sự giúp ích rất nhiều.
Part 3
1. Do you still keep in touch with your friends from childhood? Why or why not?
It’s a pity that I lost touch with most of my childhood friends when I moved to this city 10 years
ago. Getting acquainted with the new surroundings occupied the little amount of free time I had
after school, so I could only catch up with them once in a blue moon. Gradually, the more time I
spend with new relationships, the fewer chances I have to call old friends.
Some state that online platforms will soon be the most popular rendez-vous for daily conversations.
However, in my opinion, that scenario can hardly happen. Humans have a social nature so we are
always looking for interactions with others, both verbal and non-verbal. Therefore, virtual
conversations can never replicate the intimacy of face-to-face talks.
Along with the family and school, it is undeniable that childhood friends play a vital role in
children’s early development. What I mean is that learning to befriend others at a young age helps
to build up the child’s ability to socialize. Moreover, spending time with a group of friends can
certainly create countless precious childhood memories. Recalling these moments can help to
cheer you up when you are blue and need emotional support.
Vocabulary
Example:
Thật đáng tiếc khi chúng ta không thể ở lại Boston lâu hơn.
Example:
Tôi mất liên lạc với Katie sau khi cô ấy chuyển đến Canada.
Example:
The government’s program to boost exports is a double-edged sword because it has created a local
food shortage.
Example:
She was sick so I sent her some flowers to cheer her up.
13. Describe the home of someone you know well and that you often visit
Whose home it is
My older sister, Lan, who is married to a doctor, lives in a large apartment and this is quite an
elegant apartment in my opinion. Therefore, I would like to talk about this apartment which is
located in the centre of Ho Chi Minh City.
The apartment is on the third floor of a six-storied building. It is only 20 minutes' walking distance
from my school. On average, I visit my sister and her husband twice a month.
What it is like
Originally, my sister and her husband had wanted to buy a house in the suburb but they changed
their mind and settled down in the city centre. The apartment is comparatively spacious but it
has a cosy atmosphere. The rooms all have attached bathrooms with them and most of the furniture
was bought from the most renowned and branded shops. My sister had an interior design diploma
and she has put every effort to make her own house look beautiful. From a neutral point of view,
I would say she is a talented interior designer as she has been quite successful to make the interior
of her own house impressive. The large wooden furniture, the modern and sophisticated design of
most of the furniture and handpicked wall frames gives a rich impression to a guest who visits this
apartment.
I like this apartment because it has got a large space, unlike in many other apartments I have
visited. The rooms give complete privacy to the house members as they are not adjacent to each
other. The interior of the apartment is quite attractive. Moreover, my sister, as an interior designer
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has designed it perfectly. The apartment gives me the impression of beauty and comfort. For these
reasons, I love this apartment.
Vocabulary
Example
I was planning to work late tonight, but I changed my mind. I’ll do extra work on the weekend
instead.
Tôi đã dự định tối nay sẽ ở lại làm muộn nhưng tôi đã đổi ý. Thay vào đó tôi sẽ làm thêm việc vào
cuối tuần.
Example
Example
Make every effort to take care of yourself physically, mentally and emotionally.
Hãy cố hết sức để tự chăm sóc thể chất, tinh thần và cảm xúc của bản thân.
Example
Part 3
1. What are the differences between houses or buildings in the city and in the countryside?
The atmosphere in the countryside is preferable for me. But it’s much easier to earn a living in
big cities. That’s why I’ve opted to stay in the city centre and work for a branch of a multinational
corporation. However, I’ve made up my mind that once I can afford a house in the countryside,
I will definitely settle down there.
Although high-rise buildings are constructed in compliance with strict safety standards, there are
still chances that some unwanted problems such as electricity failure, pipe leakage or lift
breakdowns occur in such crowded residences. Among them, fire can be considered the most
hazardous incident as it can inflict heavy damage on a large scale.
It really depends on the size of the house and the owner’s intentions to figure out the total cost of
decoration. For some people with high incomes, it can cost an arm and a leg to realize their dream
house with luxurious furniture. On the other hand, some with a small budget opt for more
affordable decorative items.
Vocabulary
Example:
Example:
Example:
Example:
14. Describe a time when you saw a lot of plastic waste (e.g. in a park, on a beach etc.)
The experience I will tell you about happened three years ago when I was paying a visit to Vinh
Hy, a small bay in the south of Vietnam. To get a good view of the sea, I chose a hotel on the coast,
where I could enjoy the wonderful sunset from my balcony. But when I actually sat on the terrace
and watched the sun sinking into the sea, it caught my eye when a strip of white plastic waste
constantly rose and fell with the waves at the rim of the shore, which completely ruined the
ambience.
It seemed that the ocean returned what human beings had dumped into it. And because this was
not a famous tourist spot, the government had not employed anyone to clean the waste. As time
passed, the plastic bags, bottles, jars, and packages piled up, forming an ugly scene.
Although I felt sad about it, I did nothing. It was far beyond my capability to change the situation,
and I did not know which government department I should complain to.
Vocabulary
Example
Anh ấy ghé thăm điểm đến nổi tiếng nhất ở New York.
Example
Example
Despite being a busy city, Dublin has the ambience of a country town.
Dù là một thành phố tấp nập, Dublin có nét đẹp của một thị trấn vùng nông thôn.
4. reap what you have sown (idiom): gánh chịu hậu quả
Example
It seems to me that if we continue exploiting fossil fuel at this speed, we should expect to reap
what we have sown.
Tôi thấy rằng nếu chúng ta tiếp tục khai thác nhiên liệu hóa thạch với tốc độ này thì chúng ta sẽ
sớm gánh chịu hậu quả.
Part 3
Instead of boycotting plastic products, I highly recommend we should focus on using them in an
environmentally-friendly way. People tend to think that many companies have shifted to using
more plastic packaging just because it’s cheaper. It is cheaper, but there are other good reasons.
Plastic is durable and provides protection from contaminants. It reduces food waste by preserving
food and protecting food against pests and humidity.
It seems to me that cutting down on the consumption of plastic products doesn’t require too much
effort. Indeed, such insignificant actions as avoiding single-use plastics or using cloth bags for
shopping can contribute to the overall reduction of plastic waste. And if you have no choice but to
buy a plastic bottle or a plastic container at the supermarket, try to reuse it instead of throwing it
away.
In a developing country like Vietnam, there are multiple sources of plastic waste, the most
alarming of which is single-use plastics. Due to the modern lifestyle, it is easy to see food
containers or drinking bottles lying on the pavements or floating in the rivers. Another recently-
appeared problem is the overuse of cheap face masks which are partially made of plastics as people
are advised to use them once only.
From my viewpoint, there are an uncountable number of reasons why people opt for plastic items.
Firstly, plastic packaging helps to preserve food longer and reduce the potential for product waste.
Moreover, plastic containers can protect vulnerable things during transportation at a more
affordable cost than other materials like metal or cardboard boxes.
Vocabulary
Example
Một số quốc gia tẩy chay những cuộc thảo luận hòa bình quốc tế.
Example
Example
Nhận thức về tác động đến môi trường của túi sử dụng một lần đang dần tăng lên.
Example
She always buys nice clothes at affordable price when going to the market.
To begin with, I’d like to say that I’m always on the internet, but if I have to mention a specific
time I used it, there is one piece of info that I can remember searching for. It was when I was
starting to learn how to do some basic coding.
A couple of months ago, I was desperately trying to find a structured course where I could learn
how to code. The course had to not only be free or low-cost but also up to date with the trends of
2022.
I relied on my trusty Google Chrome browser alongside some technology magazines for this task.
Thankfully, in the end, after skimming over a dozen articles, I ended up finding what I was looking
for.
Vocabulary
Example
The hotel was awful! To begin with, our room was far too small.
Khách sạn quá tồi tệ! Đầu tiên, phòng của chúng tôi quá nhỏ.
Example
Thập niên 90 chứng kiến mức tăng khổng lồ về số lượng hãng hàng không giá rẻ.
Example
Cấu trúc hiện tại không hỗ trợ luồng công việc hiệu quả.
Example
We are taking advantage of the strong euro and are going to visit the US.
Chúng tôi tận dụng đồng euro mạnh và sẽ ghé thăm nước Mỹ.
Part 3
Along with traditional ways of reading a reference work or turning to experts, there are numerous
means to look for information thanks to the increasing popularity of the Internet. In fact, nowadays
with only one click, people can get access to millions of results in one second provided by search
engines. Moreover, social media are proven to be suitable platforms to update news daily.
There is no doubt that television has played the role of an important source of news, education
and so on since its introduction. To begin with, tuning in to local news allows people to stay
informed about what is happening in their city while international news shows keep you up-to-
date with breaking news around the world. Furthermore, with the wide range of TV channels, you
can certainly find the perfect mix of educational programming for your children or for yourself.
Some people reckon that libraries will soon give way to modern online archive sites. I myself
disagree with that assumption because of several reasons. First, public libraries play an important
role in supporting education and literacy. They provide countless resources, such as educational
materials, training courses, scientific publications, etc. in an academic environment where you can
expand your network with like-minded people. Besides, anyone in need of free Internet access can
seek support from the libraries as well.
4. Does the development of the Internet have any impact on disadvantaged people?
Although the Internet is gaining increasing popularity, of course, there will be some obstacles for
some groups of the population that cannot keep up with the progress of the Internet. I mean that
in this technological era, the elderly and less privileged will have difficulty getting access to
education, job opportunities and so on. Indeed, they are likely to be left behind in the rapidly-
changing world.
Vocabulary
Example
Without someone to turn to for advice, making the most appropriate choice can be difficult.
Khi không có ai để hỏi xin lời khuyên, đưa ra lựa chọn thích hợp nhất có thể rất khó khăn.
Example
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There is no doubt that the world is warmer.
Example
My excitement gave way to fear when I drove a car for the first time.
Sự hào hứng bị nỗi sợ lấn át khi tôi lần đầu tiên lái xe ô tô.
Example
What it is
Today I’m going to talk about the vase that I have at my home which I find very beautiful. That
vase is a gift from my grandmother to my mother when my mother got married. I am unsure about
the meaning behind the gift. If my memory serves me right, I think my mother told me that because
the word vase is a homophone to the word peaceful in Vietnamese. So, in other words, the vase
acts like a blessing from my grandmother to my mother. The vase is not very big, only around ten
inches tall. And it’s not very big either – I don’t think that it is more than five inches wide. But it’s
really heavy because it is made of fine porcelain. There are two things about this vase that I find
very eye-catching. First, the mouth of the vase bends outward so when you look from the top, it
looks like a blossoming flower. The second thing about the vase that I like is the outer decoration.
I remember when I was young, I always spent hours studying the paintings that the potters
decorated on the vase’s body and every time, I always found something new. One time I even
Definition:
A word that is pronounced the same as another word but has a different meaning or spelling, or
both.
Example:
Definition:
A hard but delicate, shiny, white substance made by heating a special type of clay to a high
temperature, used to make cups, plates, and decorations.
Example:
They use traditional skills and produce porcelains in some 40 traditional firewood kilns.
Definition:
Example:
Definition:
Definition:
To make a surface shiny by putting a liquid substance onto it and leaving it or heating it until it
dries.
Example:
The pottery was famous for the rich glaze of its vases and jugs.
Definition:
Example:
Part 3
1. Do you think there are more beautiful things now than in the past? Why?
I do think that there are more beautiful things now than in the past. But I do know that some people
disagree with me, because they see modern architecture, for example, or anything modern as
essentially visually unappealing, which I think is the opposite. One reason that I can think of that
explains why there are more beautiful now is that people have more time, more opportunity, and
more resources to engage in creative works. In the past, because people have to work very hard to
make ends meet, they do not have time to explore or enjoy beautiful things. Further, compared to
the past, we now have more art forms such as film or animation, which allows people to engage in
creative works.
3. Where do you think people usually come into contact with beautiful things?
In my opinion, beautiful things are everywhere so I don’t think that there is any way that people
“come to contact.” Like Phong Nha – Ke Bang or the vase that I told you about earlier, beautiful
things are meant to appreciate. Even the simplest thing, the most mundane thing of daily life can
be beautiful, as long as people spend time studying and understand it with their hearts.
I think that people create beautiful things for one main reason. Beautiful things often require
extensive imagination and creative hands to produce. In other words, to make beautiful things,
people have to think outside the box. By breaking the boundaries that are so prevalent in modern
life today, beautiful things, therefore, allow people to be themselves. As a result, the eventual
spiritual and psychological values are immense.
Make ends meet (idiom): kiếm tiền (nhưng chỉ đủ sống, đủ xoay sở)
Definition:
To have just enough money to pay for the things that you need.
Example:
It’s not easy to make ends meet with a big family but somehow, we manage.
Definition:
Relating to geology, or to the geology of a particular area or place (geology = the study of the
rocks and similar substances that make up the earth's surface).
Example:
This geological map provides a good sense of how rich the natural resources are in the country.
Definition:
Example:
Definition:
Green plants, or branches that have been cut off from plants, esp. when used as decoration.
Example:
All housings are enhanced in beauty by having greenery and trees around them.
Definition:
Example:
Mundane matters such as paying bills and shopping for food do not interest her.
Definition:
Example:
We set firm boundaries, and if the children cross them there are consequences.
Example:
Definition:
Example:
We are concerned with the physical and psychological well-being of our employees.
What it was
To get the ball rolling, today, I’m going to talk about the thing that I once had to share and I have
lots of memorable moments in doing it. Growing up, I have a lot of things that I share with people
around me, from my friends to my siblings. But perhaps the most memorable thing that I have to
share with someone else is the diary in high school. It’s not a personal diary but a joint diary, which
is requested by my homeroom teacher to encourage students to know and get along with each
other better. For my turn, I shared this joint diary with my best friend who by that time just moved
to my school. The basic idea of this joint diary is that every week, each of us would take turns
keeping it. When it was my turn to keep it, I would log in everything that I had in mind, ranging
from personal reflection to thoughts on our academic performance. At the same time, I would also
read my friend’s entries and give comments and words of encouragement. I remember that I have
come to understand my friend as someone who loves poetry and doodles; on every page of his
Definition:
Example:
To get the ball rolling, the government was asked to contribute a million dollars to the fund.
Definition:
A classroom in which a group of students assembles daily with the same teacher before dispersing
to other classes.
Example:
Homeroom teachers play many roles, acting as counselors, administrators, and disciplinarians.
Encouragement (n): sự cổ vũ
Definition:
Example:
I could never have achieved this without the encouragement of my husband and family.
Definition:
The entries in the cash book need to be presented to the tax office every year.
Doodles (n): hình vẽ nguệch ngoạc được làm ra khi nhàm chán, rảnh rỗi
Definition:
A picture or pattern that someone has drawn while thinking about something else or when they are
bored.
Example:
Part 3
I think it is kids’ instinct to share. Kids in general are very social. At the same time, very young
children are often captivated by new and unfamiliar stuff, whether it is a toy or else. Seeing other
kids having something that catches their eyes, they will be very eager to get to know each other.
They will pool in the toys and other eye-catching stuff together so that way they can get what they
have with what other kids have.
Teaching children how to share is something that is not easy, I must admit. But I think that as with
any good social behaviour, parents can encourage their children through practical experiences. For
instance, one way that my parents teach me the meaning and value of sharing with other people is
by taking me to a charitable kitchen. While as a kid, I cannot help in the kitchen, I still participated
by serving food to those in need. That way, by being able to see people’s hardship as well as seeing
how hard it is to make food, I understand why it is important to share.
Sharing brings about many benefits to children, especially their emotional and social well-being.
By understanding deeply the value of sharing, they can be more caring and kinder. In our modern
world when everyone is too occupied with making ends meet and where work is extremely
competitive, these are the two qualities that need to be re-emphasized, especially from a young
age. Additionally, because sharing means not only using many tangible kinds of stuff together but
also getting to know others, students develop sympathy as a result.
Definition:
The way people or animals naturally react or behave, without having to think or learn about it.
Example:
All his instincts told him to stay near the car and wait for help.
Captivate (adj): làm say đắm, làm thu hút (một thứ gì, một ai đó)
Definition:
To hold the attention of someone by being extremely interesting, exciting, pleasant, or attractive.
Example:
With her beauty and charm, she captivated film audiences everywhere.
Definition:
Example:
Definition:
Giving money, food, or help free to those who are in need because they are ill, poor, or have no
home.
Example:
Definition:
Busy or interested.
Example:
Tangible (adj): chỉ vật có thật, chạm hoặc cảm nhận được
Definition:
Example:
Other tangible benefits include an increase in salary and shorter working hours.
Definition:
Example:
The president has sent a message of sympathy to the relatives of the dead soldiers.
18. Describe a story or novel you have read that you found interesting
To me, the most interesting story that I have read was the story about the origin of milk fruit. The
story was part of the primary school literature curriculum and if I remember it correctly, I read it
in my second grade. On the issue of the author, I am unsure who wrote it because the story is a
Vietnamese folktale, so I guess someone from a very far past created this tale and later, everyone
learns about it. However, the reason that I remember this story so fondly is because of its magical
element, especially the transfiguration of the story’s character. In short, the story follows a very
naughty boy who frequently upsets his mom. One day, he was scolded very badly by his mom,
and the boy decides to run away. Only after getting bullied by other older runaways, the boy
realizes that he cannot live without the support and care of his mom and find a way to return. And
when he returns, he could not find his mom’s whereabouts; the only thing that he finds new is a
tree standing in the middle of the field. Hungry and tired, the boy hugs the tree, which magically
shivers and gives him the foodstuff and the embrace that he longs for. The basic idea of this
folktale is to explain why when you cut it in half, the juice of the milk fruit will be white and sweet
like milk, and why the milk fruit tree’s leaves are one side green while the other side is very red.
It also teaches everyone to be obedient and nice to one’s parents.
Definition:
The subjects studied in a school, college, etc. and what each subject includes.
Example:
In primary schools, the class teacher teaches all the subjects in the curriculum to the class,
regardless of his preferences, flair and interests.
Definition:
A traditional story that people of a particular region or group repeat among themselves.
Example:
Transfiguration (n): phép biến hình, với hàm ý ma thuật, phép thuật
Definition:
The act or process of transfiguring someone or something (changing their appearance very much,
especially in a spiritual way).
Example:
Definition:
Example:
If young people can find a way of playing the system, that will result in an increased number of
runaways.
Definition:
Example:
Definition:
When people or animals shiver, they shake slightly because they feel cold, ill, or frightened.
Definition:
Example:
Embrace (v): ôm ấp
Definition:
To hold someone tightly with both arms to express love, liking, or sympathy, or when greeting or
leaving someone.
Example:
Part 3
I do technology helps people tell stories in many ways. One way that technology helps with
storytelling is that it gives the story a more visual and aural basis. Instead of relying on words
only, or some still figures, animation or short clips allow people to not only imagine the faces and
the shapes of the characters more easily but also the sound and ambience where the story plot
takes place. This, I believe, allows people to focus on other more important parts of the story, such
as the actions of the story’s characters.
I think the reason that people tend to read more mystery books nowadays stems exactly from their
mysterious characters.
Mystery books, to my knowledge, often depict the unfamiliar landscape and include phenomenon
that is not explainable or possible in real life. As a result, this literary genre forces people to
imagine more intensely and think more creatively. In other words, mystery books help people
develop the two skills that I think people in our modern-day lack a lot, precisely because a lot of
things can be easily searched online or easily explained by science.
On which genre can be made into films, I personally don’t have any preference or objection, as
long as the adaptation follows closely the plot of the written publication, chooses the actors that
reflect the characters well, and includes visually pleasing effects. However, the genre that I am
most wary about the film adaptation of novels is autobiography. This is because when it becomes
a cinematic production, a lot of meaningful reflection on the autobiography’s main character is
lost at the expense of visual effects. Also, for a more historical figure, new actors cannot always
reflect and capture the spirit and stamina accurately.
Definition:
Relating to hearing.
Example:
She doesn’t speak English well, but her aural comprehension is good.
Definition:
Example:
Despite being a busy city, Dublin has the ambience of a country town.
Definition:
Example:
Definition:
Example:
Definition:
Example:
Her paintings depict the lives of ordinary people in the last century.
Phenomenon (n): hiện tượng, thường chỉ những sự kiện kỳ lạ hoặc đáng chú ý
Something that exists and can be seen, felt, tasted, etc., especially something unusual or interesting.
Example:
There's evidence to suggest that child abuse is not just a recent phenomenon.
Definition:
Example:
The cinematic effects in her films are clearly borrowed from the great filmmakers of the past.
At the expense of sth (phrase): miêu tả một hành động mà nếu thực hiện đối một vật, đối tượng
A sẽ gây hại cho một vật, đối tượng B khác.
Definition:
If you do one thing at the expense of another, doing the first thing harms the second thing.
Example:
Definition:
The physical and/or mental strength to do something that might be difficult and will take a long
time
Example: