13.

23/4/2022
Question: Young people learn good behavior more from movies and books than real-life
experiences. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
WORD LIST

ENGLISH TIẾNG VIỆT

Shape behaviors Định hình hành vi

Hands-on experiences Những trải nghiệm thực tế

Idealized or exaggerated Lý tưởng hóa hoặc phóng đại

Possess a set of behaviors Sở hữu một tập hợp các hành vi

Have dire consequences Có hậu quả nghiêm trọng

A combination of senses Sự kết hợp của các giác quan

Những trải nghiệm đầu tiên, trực tiếp trải

First-hand experiences
nghiệm

Learning through experience Học hỏi thông qua trải nghiệm

Control behavior and attitudes Kiểm soát hành vi và thái độ

Optimize the experiences Tối ưu hóa trải nghiệm

 EXAMPLE

It is argued that films and books are a better approach for the young to shape their
behaviors than learning them on their own. I completely disagree with this idea since
movies and books often focus on extreme characters and learning through hands-on
experiences is more impactful.

To begin with, films and books are not a superior way for young people to learn good
behaviors as there are many negative role models in most of them. To be more specific,
characters in such forms are usually idealized or exaggerated to appeal to audiences;
therefore, they often possess a set of behaviors that are regarded as immoral and violent
in reality. For example, the image of the Joker in the movie with the same name is cruel
and aggressive but admired by numerous young people in the world since he is considered
to be a hero in some ways. As a result, many tend to imitate his actions in real life without
realizing that these are wrong and have dire consequences.

Another reason why I disagree is that people have a stronger emotional reaction to real
experiences which means they learn more from them. First, they can remember what they
gained more vividly. In fact, if they behave badly and are criticized by others, they could
realize that their actions are totally wrong and annoy others to a significant extent; thus,
they are more likely to avoid making the same mistakes in the future. It is also scientifically
proven that knowledge is stored for a longer period of time if people experience it on their
own due to a combination of senses. Furthermore, first-hand experiences enable young
people to decide which behaviors suit them the most. This is because they will be learning
behavior in areas that they need whereas books and movies might be showing behavior in
contexts that are not relevant to them.

In conclusion, I completely disagree with the idea that movies and books instill good
behaviors in young people since characters are often presented with violent behaviors,
and learning through experience is more effective to control behavior and attitudes as
they can be better stored and are more suitable for each individual. Therefore, parents
should try to optimize the experiences that their children have so that they can develop
into moral citizens.

(Word count: 385)

18. 04/03/2023
Question: Some students choose to take a gap year after graduating high school to work
and/or travel. Do you think the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?
WORD LIST

ENGLISH TIẾNG VIỆT

Gain work experience Tích lũy kinh nghiệm làm việc

Academic progress Tiến độ học tập

The accumulation of life experience Sự tích lũy kinh nghiệm sống

A high earning potential Tiềm năng thu nhập cao

Embarking on their formal university Bắt đầu giáo dục đại học chính thức của
education họ

College coursework Khóa học đại học

Acquire deeper insight into new cultures Có được cái nhìn sâu sắc hơn về các nền
văn hóa mới

Exposure to different ways of living Tiếp xúc với những cách sống khác nhau

Have a broader perspective Có tầm nhìn rộng hơn

Competencies Kĩ năng
 EXAMPLE
A number of pupils have a tendency to take a year off to gain work experience or travel
after they graduate from high school. Although this propensity can trigger drawbacks such
as the detrimental impacts on students’ academic progress, I consider its benefits
including the accumulation of life experience and the development of new skills are more
significant.

On the one hand, taking a year off can be detrimental to students since their academic
development can be adversely affected. This is because they start their university
education a year behind their peers causing a delay in acquiring their bachelor’s degree.
This can hinder them from future career opportunities and a high earning potential.
Additionally, taking a brief time to work or travel before embarking on their formal
university education can engender the loss of momentum. More specifically, some
students may find it difficult to return to academic studies and struggle to adjust to the
pace of college coursework afterwards.

On the other hand, having a break between high school and university can bring two
benefits. Most noticeably, it can provide students with the opportunity to gain life
experience. To be more specific, they can acquire deeper insight into new cultures and
exposure to different ways of living and thinking by travelling. Consequently, they are
more likely to have a broader perspective and better understand themselves and the
world around them, becoming more well-rounded individuals. Furthermore, they can
learn new skills by working. In other words, their communication skills, time management
and problem-solving skills are often strengthened by cooperating with others to fulfil
tasks at work. These competencies can be beneficial in preparing for college and future
careers.

In conclusion, the inclination to work and travel for a year after high school in lieu of going
directly to college can have negative impacts on students’ academic development.
However, I consider it is more beneficial since it can enhance their life experiences and
enables them to learn crucial skills. It is advisable that high school graduates should take
time to experience the real world by travelling or working.

(Word count: 346)

1. 20/03/2021
Question: Many people are working longer and longer hours. What are the reasons and
effects?
WORD LIST

ENGLISH TIẾNG VIỆT

Excessive workloads Khối lượng công việc quá lớn

Stem from increasing demand in the Xuất phát từ nhu cầu ngày càng tăng tại nơi
workplace làm việc

Assume a high volume of work Đảm nhận khối lượng công việc lớn

Lack of sufficient rest Thiếu sự nghỉ ngơi đầy đủ

Spinal injuries Chấn thương cột sống

Arthritis Viêm khớp

Increased risk of strokes Tăng nguy cơ đột quỵ

Weaken bonds between Làm suy yếu mối quan hệ giữa các thành
family members viên trong gia đình

A feeling of general Cảm giác không hài lòng chung ở các cá

dissatisfaction in individuals nhân

Become a catalyst for stress and Trở thành chất xúc tác cho căng thẳng và
depression trầm cảm

Lead a healthy and balanced life Sống một cuộc sống lành mạnh và cân bằng

Weekly overtime standards Tiêu chuẩn làm thêm giờ hàng tuần cho các
for corporations công ty
 EXAMPLE

Working longer hours is a growing tendency in society nowadays. The primary cause of
this change is excessive workloads and the effects on one’s health and quality of life are
decidedly detrimental.

The need to work additional hours often stems from increasing demand in the
workplace. To keep up with competition in an increasingly globalised marketplace,
employees are expected to assume a high volume of work, often with inadequate staff
levels and support. This has resulted in employees having to work extra hours to
compensate, which is exemplified clearly in IT-related sectors. A program developer in
Vietnam generally spends an average of 10 hours at work per day integrating complicated
software systems, which would not be necessary if he was accompanied by a colleague.
Extra office hours can adversely affect workers’ health, as well as their personal lives.

However, working overtime can be detrimental for two reasons. Chief of these is that it
lead to a lack of sufficient rest, decrease in energy and eventually health conditions in
extreme cases. This is illustrated in research conducted in Japanese white-collars workers,
who have to sit in their offices for up to 14 hours, resulting in spinal injuries, arthritis and
increased risk of strokes. In addition, as more time is spent at work, workers necessarily
have less time for their loved ones, which can weaken bonds between family members
and friends. As a result, this can generate a feeling of general dissatisfaction in
individuals, potentially becoming a catalyst for stress and depression in the long run.

In conclusion, extended working hours are associated with increasing demands in the
workplace, preventing employees from leading a healthy and balanced life. Therefore, I
believe governments should enact laws that impose weekly overtime standards for
corporations.

(Words count: 282)

5. 26/3/2022
Question: Today people live away from their friends and family to find a job in other
cities. Do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?
WORD LIST

ENGLISH TIẾNG VIỆT

To be vulnerable to sth Dễ bị tổn thương bởi một điều gì đó

To be susceptible to sth Dễ bị ảnh hưởng hơn bởi một cái gì đó

Mental health issues Các vấn đề sức khỏe tâm thần

In the company of friends and family Gần với bạn bè và gia đình

To be comforted by sth/sb Được an ủi bởi ai đó/cái gì đó

Get immediate help Nhận trợ giúp ngay lập tức

Medical emergency Cấp cứu y tế

Next of kin Họ hàng gần nhất

Outside assistance Hỗ trợ bên ngoài

To endeavour to do sth Cố gắng làm một việc gì đó

Conducting their own research Thực hiện những nghiên cứu của riêng họ

Grow into self-reliant people Trở thành những người tự lập

Varying ideas about what kind of

Nhiều ý tưởng khác nhau về nghề nghiệp
employment

To be held back by sth Bị cản trở bởi điều gì đó

 EXAMPLE
It is observed that nowadays people are living away from their friends and family to search
for employment. This essay will explore the merits and demerits of this tendency and
explain why the merits are greater.

To begin with, there are a few drawbacks to living away from loved ones to find work.
Firstly, people can be vulnerable to various mental health issues. This is because they can
miss being in the company of friends and family and sharing with them their
developments and problems in life, as well as being comforted by them when life
becomes tough. Therefore, these people can experience feelings of anxiety and
depression, which may disrupt their motivation to find work. Secondly, it may be difficult
for people to get immediate help when they are away from home. For instance, if they
have a medical emergency, their next of kin or close friends may not be there to help
them. Hence, they will have to rely on outside assistance such as medical services or close
neighbours, which can be inconvenient and expensive.

However, the benefits of this practice are greater than the drawbacks. Firstly, isolating
oneself from others in search of a job can allow them to endeavour to live more
independently. By finding a place of their own and conducting their own research to find
a job, they can learn what it means to struggle to earn their own living and maintain their
own lifestyle. In the process, they are more likely to grow into self-reliant people.
Secondly, individuals are less likely to be influenced by their friends and family. Since
different people may have varying ideas about what kind of employment one should
pursue, workers may be held back by others’ many suggestions. By living away from
friends and family, they will be able to more freely forge their own career path.

In conclusion, while people can be more susceptible to mental health problems and have
a lack of immediate assistance, it is more advantageous for people to live away from
friends and family in looking for work, as they can become more independent in their
lifestyle and be free to pursue whatever job they desire.

(Word count: 363)

1. 06/11/2021
Question: The best way to solve the world’s environmental problems is to increase the
cost of fuel for cars and other vehicles. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
WORD LIST

ENGLISH TIẾNG VIỆT

Harmful fumes Khói độc hại

Global awareness campaign Chiến dịch nâng cao nhận thức toàn cầu

Emissions from private vehicles Khí thải từ các phương tiện cá nhân

Distance and frequency at which people Khoảng cách và tần suất mọi người di
travel on the roads chuyển trên đường

Cost per kilometer Phí trên mỗi ki lô mét

Cost-effective and greener means of Phương tiện giao thông tiết kiệm chi phí
transportation và thân thiện môi trường

Noxious fumes Khói độc

Solve a limited part Giải quyết một phần

Complex environmental issues Các vấn đề môi trường phức tạp

Environmental cost of their shopping Hậu quả lên môi trường do thói quen
habits mua sắm

Consumption of noxious chemicals Sự tiêu thụ hóa chất độc hại

Greener cultivating and manufacturing Phương pháp trồng trọt và sản xuất thân
methods thiện môi trường hơn
 EXAMPLE

Many people argue that an increase in fuel prices will solve the problem of the
environment. While this idea could help reduce the amount of harmful fumes, I maintain
that a global awareness campaign is the most feasible option.

On the one hand this policy might help cut down the emissions from private
vehicles which pollute the air in big cities. Indeed, as the cost per kilometer increases,
people would have to consider reducing the distance and the frequency at which they
travel on the roads. If there is a need to travel, commuters might also turn to more cost-
effective and greener means of transportation such as buses or electric bikes. In both of
these cases, the total amount of noxious fumes that cause air pollution is limited.

However, an increase in fuel prices can only solve a limited part of the complex
environmental issues. In fact, causes of pollution are diverse, involving the use of plastic
bags in shopping or chemicals in both agriculture and industry which contaminate both
water and land. Therefore, the most effective solution would be running a world-wide
campaign that raises the consumer awareness about the environmental cost of their
shopping habits and presses companies to reduce the consumption of noxious
chemicals and resolve to greener cultivating and manufacturing methods.

In conclusion, while increasing fuel costs can partly solve the environmental problems
by discouraging private vehicle usage, the ideal solution would be making the public and
enterprises aware of these issues. I am also convinced that once more resolute
actions are taken, humans can reverse the effect of climate change and environmental
problems.

(Word count: 268)

2. 27/11/2021
Question: Nowadays, a lot of offices have open-space design instead of separate rooms.
Do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?
WORD LIST

ENGLISH TIẾNG VIỆT

In lieu of Thay vì

Heighten the level of distraction Nâng cao mức độ mất tập trung

The fostering of closer collaboration Thúc đẩy sự hợp tác chặt chẽ hơn giữa
among colleagues các đồng nghiệp

To congregate Tụ họp, họp nhóm

To lose focus and engagement in their Mất tập trung và mất sự kết nối với công
work việc của họ

Various pathogens Nhiều mầm bệnh khác nhau

Ample opportunity Nhiều cơ hội

Potential rate of infection Tỷ lệ lây nhiễm tiềm năng

Increased absences from work Gia tăng tỉ lệ vắng mặt/nghỉ làm

Engender better social relations Tạo ra các mối quan hệ xã hội tốt hơn

Construction and utility expenses Chi phí xây dựng và chi phí tiện ích

Fosters greater inclusion Thúc đẩy sự hòa nhập nhiều hơn

Thrive on innovation Phát triển nhờ sự đổi mới

 EXAMPLE

Many modern offices are now adopting open spaces in lieu of separate working areas for
employees. While some would say that such a setting can heighten the level of
distraction as well as pose risks to employees’ health, I contend that the fostering of
closer collaboration among colleagues and reducing costs outweigh the disadvantages.

Open-space offices can result in more distractions which consequently affect productivity
and health. Owing to a lack of private space, employees often have to contend with
distractions, such as nearby conversations and co-workers congregating. These
diversions may cause them to lose focus and engagement in their work. Furthermore,
employees can potentially suffer from poorer health in an open-space office. As they are
situated closer together, it gives various pathogens ample opportunity to spread and
maximise the potential rate of infection. This can lead to increased absences from work,
which in turn may negatively affect overall productivity.

However, open-space offices engender better social relations and cost less. Having an
open office can reduce construction and utility expenses as well as the need for office
equipment. All employees can share equipment and resources such as printers and
stationery. Open-space offices can also engender closer communication and teamwork
between workers. Such an environment makes it easier for them to exchange ideas
and fosters greater inclusion. Since most businesses thrive on innovation, having all
employees in a single space can help those ideas to flow faster and get everyone involved
in the process.

In conclusion, despite the disadvantages related to loss of concentration and adverse

risks to health, I would assert these are outweighed by how such a setup can stimulate
closer collaboration between employees and reduce costs. In the near future, it is likely
offices with separate rooms will completely be phased out in favour of open offices.

(Word count: 299)