Unit 5: PSYCHOLOGY

Discussion board 1:

Write responses to the two questions below. You should write between 100-150 words.
1. What does "take a risk" mean?
2. Are you a risk-taker? If so, what kinds of risks do you take?
IS "TAKE A RISK" BAD?
"Take a risk" means "do something even though you know that something bad could happen as a result",
according to the Oxford Dictionary. However, in my opinion, "take a risk" means to accept the challenge,
seize the chance, and experience life. As a risk-taker, I believe that there are always potential risks
surrounding every aspect of our lives. It is no possibility of guaranteeing what choice completely safe is.
Accidents, for instance, are the risks we have to take if we want to leave our house. Even if we decide to
stay at home, earthquakes are likely to happen. Therefore, I assume that it is important to evaluate risks,
plan precautions, and prepare ourselves to overcome possibly bad results. In conclusion, a leap in the dark
can also be the chance of success or a marvel memorable experience if we are brave enough to venture.
Q Classroom
T: Today, we’re going to talk about Unit 5 question why do people take risks? Marcus, what do you think?
M: Well, people take risks for excitement. You know, climbing mountains, riding motorcycles, going
skydiving, that kind of thing. The risk is worth the experience.
T: Yes, that is the reason people take physical risks. What about other kind of risk, Sophia?
S: People take risks like moving to a new place or getting a new job because there is a possibility of
improving their lives. They can lose everything, but they can also gain a lot.
T: Felix, what do you think? Why do people take risks?
F: I agree with Sophia, and I think If people don’t take risks, they can’t succeed. Sometimes, it’s
necessary to take risks to get what you want. For example, if you don’t move to a new city, then you
won’t have a chance to get a good job there. Taking a risk and succeeding makes you feel stronger.
T: Juna, did you take a risk by coming here to go to school?
J: Yes. I did. It was very expensive and a lot of work.
T: Why do you take that risk?
J: My education is very important to me.
T: Sounds like a good reason to me
1. Taking risks for excitement is a common reason for many people. The thrill and adrenaline rush
that come with taking risks can be very appealing. This tendency can be attributed to various
psychological factors, including the release of dopamine associated with pleasure and reward.
 Adventure sports, gambling, or exploration is the typical examples of risks for excitement which
often provide a sense of accomplishment, personal growth, and a unique sense of living life to the
fullest. The desire for excitement and the experience of overcoming fear and uncertainty can be
powerful motivators for people to take risks.
2. Starting a new job or moving to a new place is also considered risky and can brings uncertainty
and potential challenges. That types of risks involve stepping out of one's comfort zone and
facing the unknown. When you decide to switch to a new job or move to a new place, you might
not know whether this change is as stable as anticipated, you have to adjust to a new environment
and bear the pressure to prove yourself and meet new expectations.
Of course, when I was a provincial student, I had to move to Ho Chi Minh City to study at the
university. During that time, I encountered numerous challenges, including adapting to a new
culture, adjusting to a different style of learning, building a new social network, and dealing with
the pressure of new expectations. However, taking risks is synonymous with opportunities. We
can get significant rewards or new experiences.
READING 1: FEAR FACTOR: SUCCESS AND RISK IN EXTREME SPORTS
B. Bungee jumping is extremely risky for several reasons. Jumping off a cliff from very high areas can be
dangerous if the protective equipment is not secure. Additionally, the sudden change in atmosphere can
affect your senses and diminish the overall thrill and excitement of the jumping. However, if you can
overcome these difficulties, you will be rewarded with a spectacular view and a memorable experience.
Write what you think
1. One activity that I think is risky is skydiving because there is a possibility of accidents which can
cause injuries and even death. Jumping out of an airplane at a thousand-foot-high altitude and
free fall is synonymous with potential hazards. Moreover, there is not much margin of error. If
equipment malfunctions occur or the players are over room to make a mistake such as the failure
to throw the parachute or misjudging weather conditions, accidents can happen. Additionally,
sudden atmosphere change is likely to exceed players' tolerance. This may detract from the
overall experience. However, the perspective of those who do this activity frequently is very
different because they take every precaution to prepare and practice much enough to have a lot of
control that helps them minimize the risks. Therefore, we can also enjoy this activity if we have
the careful preparation and the guidance of experts in the field.
Improved answer:
One activity that I believe carries a high level of risk is skydiving. This is due to the potential for
accidents that can result in serious injuries or even death. The act of jumping out of an airplane at
a height of one thousand feet and free falling is inherently dangerous. There is very little room for
error in this activity. If there is a malfunction with the equipment or if the skydiver makes a
mistake, such as failing to deploy the parachute, misjudging weather conditions, etc., accidents
can occur. Additionally, the sudden change in atmosphere can be overwhelming and may detract
from the overall experience. However, those who engage in this activity regularly have a different
perspective. They take every precaution to prepare and practice extensively, which allows them to
have a greater level of control and minimize the risks involved. Therefore, with careful
preparation and the guidance of experts in the field, it is possible for anyone to enjoy this activity.
2. Of course, like many people, I perceive fishing as a very perilous job for several reasons. One
risky thing fisherman have to confront every voyage is harsh weather conditions. The severe
harsh and unpredictable climate on the seas usually varies dramatically and rapidly. The crew on
the boat has to bear the baking-hot weather during the day and the freezing frost at night. They
 are also likely to encounter erratic natural disasters such as thunders, storms, heavy rains, etc.,
which are unanticipated and hazardous. Moreover, the continuous working intensity is the confine
of health, tolerance, and resilience. In every course, they have to work continuously 24 hours a
day, seven days a week, for about several months. This can lead to fatigue, which increases the
risk of accidents and injuries. Furthermore, the limited access to medical care forces them to
endure more serious injuries or even death. When an incident occurs, the injured only receive the
first aid and wait until the boat reaches the harbor for deeper treatment. Sometimes, the waiting
time makes the cure impossible. Overall, it is undeniable that fishing is very dangerous, but it is
also possible for those who engage in this activity to minimize risks by developing their skills and
knowledge and taking necessary precautions before the journey.
Improved answer:
Of course, like many people, I perceive fishing as a very perilous job for several reasons. One
risky thing fisherman have to confront every voyage is harsh weather conditions. The
unpredictable and severe harsh climate on the seas usually varies dramatically and rapidly. The
crew on the boat has to bear scorching heat during the day and freezing temperatures at night.
They are also at risk of encountering unpredictable erratic natural disasters such as
thunderstorms, hurricanes, heavy rainfalls, etc., which can be extremely dangerous. Moreover, the
demanding work schedule can take a toll on the physical and mental health, tolerance, and
resilience of the screw. During every voyage, they must work continuously for about several
months, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. As a result, this can lead to fatigue, which increases
the risk of accidents and injuries. Furthermore, the limited access to medical care can leave them
vulnerable to more serious injuries or even death. In the event of an incident, the injured crew
members are only able to receive basic first aid and must wait until the boat reaches the harbor
for more extensive treatment. In some cases, the waiting time makes the cure impossible as the
injury becomes too serious. Overall, it is undeniable that fishing is a dangerous job, but it is also
possible for those who engage in minimize the risks by developing their skills and knowledge and
taking necessary precautions before embarking on a voyage.
3. In my opinion, I assume that most people tend to overestimate the risk of activities like mountain
climbing due to various psychological factors. One major reason is pre-existing prejudice. Many
people tend to spread dramatic stories and most of us easily trust them and form biases about the
danger of these activities. Dramatic events, accidents, and losses drive us to avoid the extremes
and misunderstand their risk rate. On the other hand, lack of familiarity is also a considered factor
elevating the perceived risk than it actually is. Instead of that professional climbers have skills,
experience, and control which help them minimize and evaluate correctly the risks, we do not
have enough expertise and acquaintance to do this exactly. Additionally, fear makes us seek
reasonable reasons to explain not to participate in these activities. These are synonymous with
risks. However, we can have a memorable experience if passing these barriers.
Improved answer:
In my opinion, many people tend to overestimate the risk of activities such as mountain climbing
due to various psychological factors. Our major reason for this is pre-existing prejudice. People
often spread dramatic stories about these activities, and we tend to trust them and form biases
about their danger. Dramatic events, accidents, and losses can also contribute to our perception
these activities as extremely risky. Moreover, it is important to note that professional climbers
have skills, experience, and control that allow them to minimize and accurately evaluate the risks
involved. On the other hand, our lack of familiarity can lead us to perceive them as riskier than
they actually are. Additionally, fear can also play a role in out perception of risks as we may seek
rational reasons to avoid participating in these activities. Yet, these perceived risks are not
 synonymous with actual risks. In fact, if we are able to overcome these barriers, we may have a
memorable and enjoyable experience.
READING 2: THE CLIMB OF MY LIFE
Write what you think
At the age of 18, I faced the first failure in my life. I failed to pass the university entrance exam
for the University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh City, which my family and I had
been looking forward to attending. Yet, I passed another exam and enrolled in the business law
major at the University of Law and Economy. After gradually familiar with the new environment
and the different lifestyle there, the dream of becoming a doctor was still my appetite. After the
first semester, it began to consume all of my thoughts. I made the difficult decision to take a
break from my current studies and try again for the university entrance exam. It was a huge risk,
but I presumed that studying the desired major was worth the challenge.

OUTLINE: AN ESSAY ABOUT QUITTING A JOB

" Pursuit excellence and success will follow," Rancho said in the film "Three Idiots". This sentence
became my motivation, so at the age of 30, I decided to quit the boring and stable job and . It was a huge
risk, but I presumed that pursuing the dream was worth the challenge.
The perennial dilemma between having a stable paycheck and chasing my loving job.
Title:
Taking the Risk: Quitting My Job for a New Beginning
I. Introduction
 A. Hook:
Begin with a brief, engaging statement to capture attention.
Example: "Leaving a steady paycheck behind was the scariest decision of my life."
 B. Background and Thesis:
Introduce the context of the job and the desire for change. Clearly state the main idea that quitting
was a significant risk taken for personal growth.
Example: "After years of feeling stuck in a dead-end job, I decided to take the leap and pursue a
new path, even though it meant venturing into the unknown."
II. The Decision and Action
 A. The Internal Conflict:
Briefly describe the doubts and fears before making the decision.
Example: "The fear of financial instability and the uncertainty of the future kept me up at night,
but so did the thought of staying stagnant."
 B. Quitting the Job:
Describe the moment of resignation and immediate emotions.
Example: "Handing in my resignation was both liberating and terrifying, but I knew it was the
first step toward a more fulfilling life."
III. The Challenges and Growth
 A. Facing the Aftermath:
Discuss the immediate challenges faced after quitting.
Example: "The days that followed were filled with uncertainty and doubt, but they also brought a
sense of freedom and possibility."
  B. Personal Growth and Realizations:
Explain how the risk led to growth and new opportunities.
Example: "Though the journey was tough, I discovered strengths I didn’t know I had, and I
finally began to see the rewards of my decision."
IV. Conclusion
 A. Reflection:
Summarize the experience and what was learned from taking the risk.
Example: "Quitting my job was a leap of faith that tested my resolve, but it ultimately led to a life
of greater fulfillment and purpose."
 B. Closing Thought:
End with a reflective statement or lesson learned.
Example: "Sometimes, the biggest risks lead to the most rewarding journeys."
OUTLINE: AN ESSAY ABOUT TAKING AN EXAM AGAIN
Paragraph 1: Introduction
 Hook: Start with a compelling statement or question about taking risks in life.
 Context: Introduce the situation where you initially took the university entrance exam but were
not satisfied with the results.
 Thesis Statement: Briefly mention the difficult decision to retake the exam and the risks involved,
setting up the story of your experience.
Paragraph 2: The Decision to Retake the Exam
 Topic Sentence: Describe the moment you realized you wanted to retake the exam.
 Details: Discuss the challenges and fears you faced, such as the fear of failing again, the
judgment of others, and the time commitment required.
 Internal Conflict: Explain the internal struggle between staying with the current result or taking
the risk for a better future.
Paragraph 3: The Preparation and Experience
 Topic Sentence: Narrate the experience of preparing for the exam the second time.
 Details: Highlight the hard work, sacrifices, and determination it took to prepare again. Include
any doubts or setbacks you faced along the way.
 Climax: Describe the day of the exam and how you felt, emphasizing the pressure and the stakes
involved.
Paragraph 4: The Outcome and Reflection
 Topic Sentence: Reveal the outcome of the second attempt at the entrance exam.
 Details: Discuss how the result impacted your life, whether it was a success or failure.
 Conclusion: Reflect on the value of taking the risk, what you learned from the experience, and
how it shaped your perspective on challenges and opportunities in life.
The university entrance exam is known to be one of the harshest exams for Vietnamese high school
students. How risky university students have to face if they retake this exam. The idea of taking off the
current university to prepare with no guarantee of success was terrifying. Yet, I certainly knew it would
have been regrettable if I did not attempt the best for my dream. That is why I decided to take the
subsequent adventure.

Unit 6: PHILOSOPHY

Unit question: WHY DO PEOPLE HELP EACH OTHER?

A. Discussion board 1
B. Listen to The Q Classroom
T: The Unit 6 question is Why do people help each other? What do you think, Marcus?
M: Well, sometimes people help others because that way they’ll get help when they need
it. You know the more people I help the more likely I’ll be able to get help when I’m in
trouble.
T: That’s true. But we also know there are other reasons people help each other. What do
you think, Sophia?
S: I think people help each other because they feel in need to watch out for each other.
It’s part of how we work together as a group.
T: Yuna, why do you help people?
Y: I help people because I care about them. It’s just natural to care about people.
T: That’s an interesting point. Maybe it’s just in our nature to help each other. We should
certainly sometimes help people we don’t know or care about personally. Why do we do
that. What do you think, Felix? Why do people help each other?
F: We all want to feel that we are good people. I want to be proud of myself and I want to
make my family proud and part of that is being a good person, so I think one reason we
help others is, so that we can feel good about ourselves.

WHEN WE SHOULD HELP OTHERS

When I was a kid, my mother always said that you reap what you sow. This instruction
prompts me to be a kind person and support those around me. I believe that being helpful
grows out of upbringing and experiences rather than purely human nature because it is
more yet complex to be an altruistic person than being willing to harm others or turn a
blind eye to those in need. However, when I got older and had kids, the question
“whether or not we should help others” started to consume my thoughts on the ground
that people helping others can receive too much retaliation. For instance, when the
pickpocket knows that someone has reported his illegal conduct, he can stalk that
individual and toss them out of the bus in the coming days as it is moving. Thus, before
opting to assist others, we frequently need to ensure our safety and select a workable
solution.
Unit 7:
GIVING MONEY
I assume that it is necessary and productive for individuals and organizations to raise funds within society
to achieve their particular purposes. I usually donate to the local catholic church supporting its frequent
activities and charitable groups. As I saw my church becoming more spacious and august, I felt the money
from my earnings was more valuable. However, there are plenty of other organizations besides religious
organizations that need to ask for money such as non-profits, charities, and humanitarian groups. These
funds are typically used to provide necessities, shelter, education, and healthcare for those in need.
Moreover, these bodies are also likely to use the money for environmental activities and research on
sustainable energies. Overall, our act of sharing part of our income for societal purposes is respected and
welcomed, but we need to ensure that our money is used in the right way.

It is important for individuals and organizations to raise funds in order to achieve

their specific goals. Personally, I choose to donate to my local Catholic church, as
they frequently engage in charitable activities. As I witnessed the growth and expansion of my church, I
felt that my contributions were making a valuable impact. However, there are numerous other
organizations, beyond religious institutions, that also rely on fundraising, such as non-profits, charities,
and humanitarian groups. These funds are crucial in providing necessities, shelter, education, and
healthcare for those in need. Additionally, these organizations often use the money for
environmental initiatives and research on sustainable energies. While our act of sharing a portion of our
income for societal purposes is commendable, it is important to ensure that our donations
are being used effectively.

Unit 8: BEHAVIORAL STUDIES

Unit question: WHAT DOES IT TAKE TO BE SUCCESSFUL?

A. Discussion board 1
B. Listen to The Q Classroom

Teacher: The unit question 8 is what does it take to be successful? To talk about this, we have to
agree on what the success means. So, what do you think, Felix? What is success? How can we be
successful?
F: I think that success is achieving your goal. If you want something, and you are able to do it, then
you are successful. It doesn’t have to be about the money, or career
question is what does it take to be successful talk about this we have to agree on what successful
means so what do you think Felix what is success and how can we be successful if you want
something and you are able to do it then you are successful it doesn't have to be about money or a
career what does it take to be successful be successful you need to be determined you trying even if
it's difficult okay good Insight Sophie what else what does it take to be successful besides
determination I think you need to have good relationships I don't think people can be successful by
themselves to have other people around you to support you you agree with that you know our
relationships with others and important part of being successful yes I agree from me family is very
important and support from others what else Marcus what do you think anything changes can't
adapt