IDEAS FOR IELTS SPEAKING BY

NGOCBACH PHIÊN BẢN 2023

Contents
PART 1 .......................................................................................................................................................... 5
1. Describe an object (a gift, something you use etc.) ............................................................................... 5
1.1. Shoes ............................................................................................................................................... 5
1.2. Mirrors ............................................................................................................................................ 5
1.3. Robots ............................................................................................................................................. 5
1.4. Clothes ............................................................................................................................................ 6
1.5. Watches........................................................................................................................................... 6
2. Describe a person (someone you admire, a family member etc.) .......................................................... 7
2.1. Celebrity/Pop Stars ......................................................................................................................... 7
2.2. Neighbors........................................................................................................................................ 7
3. Describe an event (a festival, celebration etc.) ...................................................................................... 8
3.1. Birthday .......................................................................................................................................... 8
3.2. Concerts .......................................................................................................................................... 9
4. Describe an activity (e.g. a hobby) ........................................................................................................ 9
4.1. Study ............................................................................................................................................... 9
4.2. Work .............................................................................................................................................10
4.3. Activities near water .....................................................................................................................10
4.4. Family ...........................................................................................................................................10
4.5. Housework ....................................................................................................................................11
4.6. Sports ............................................................................................................................................11
4.7. Cooking.........................................................................................................................................12
4.8. Indoor games ................................................................................................................................12
4.9. Shopping .......................................................................................................................................13
4.10. Swimming ...................................................................................................................................14
4.11. Sunny days ..................................................................................................................................14
 4.12. Email ...........................................................................................................................................15
4.13. Friends ........................................................................................................................................15
4.14. Internet ........................................................................................................................................16
5. Describe a place (somewhere you visited, a holiday etc.) ...................................................................17
5.1. Home/ Accommodation ................................................................................................................17
5.2. Work .............................................................................................................................................18
5.3. Garden...........................................................................................................................................19
6. Describe your favourite (book/film/advertisement/website) ...............................................................19
6.1. Advertisements .............................................................................................................................19
6.2.Newspapers and magazines ...........................................................................................................20
6.3. Television .....................................................................................................................................21
6.4. History ..........................................................................................................................................21
6.5. Birds ..............................................................................................................................................22
6.6. Weather .........................................................................................................................................23
6.7. Names ...........................................................................................................................................24
6.8. Collecting ......................................................................................................................................25
6.9. Music ............................................................................................................................................25
PART 2 ........................................................................................................................................................27
1. Describe an object (a gift, something you use etc.) .............................................................................27
1.1. Describe a book you want to read again .......................................................................................27
1.2. Describe a cake that is special to you ...........................................................................................27
1.3. Describe a painting or work of art that you have seen..................................................................28
1.4. Describe a piece of clothes that is your favorite ...........................................................................29
1.5. Describe an important plant in your country (such as fruits, flowers or vegetables) ...................30
1.6. Describe an invention that has changed people's life ...................................................................31
2. Describe a person (someone you admire, a family member etc.) ........................................................32
2.1. Describe a famous person in your country ...................................................................................32
2.2. Describe an interesting neighbor you have/had ............................................................................32
2.3. Describe a family member who has an important influence on you ............................................33
2.4. Describe the most polite person you know ...................................................................................34
2.5. Describe a character from a story you read or heard in your childhood .......................................35
2.6. Describe a couple you know who have a happy marriage ............................................................36
 2.7. Describe a person who gave a clever solution to a problem. ........................................................37
3. Describe an event (a festival, celebration etc.) ....................................................................................38
3.1. Describe a historic event in your country .....................................................................................38
You should say ....................................................................................................................................38
3.2. Describe an occasion where everybody smiled. ...........................................................................39
3.3. Describe a sports match you have watched ..................................................................................40
3.4. Describe a wedding that you have attended..................................................................................41
4. Describe an activity (e.g. a hobby) ......................................................................................................42
4.1. Describe a plan you made in your life (except work or study) .....................................................42
4.2. Describe a talk or a speech ...........................................................................................................42
4.3. Describe an experience that when you spent time with a child. ...................................................43
4.4. Describe an activity that makes you feel excited..........................................................................44
4.5. Describe an experience that you are waiting for something .........................................................45
4.6. Describe an experience of good service in a shop or a restaurant. ...............................................45
4.7. Describe a time you had good experience in the countryside ......................................................46
4.8. Describe a holiday/trip you want to go on in the future ...............................................................47
4.9. Describe a well-paid job that you will be good at ........................................................................48
4.10. Describe a plan you haven’t done yet .........................................................................................49
4.11. Describe a bicycle tour. ..............................................................................................................49
4.12. Describe an important change in your life..................................................................................50
4.13. Describe an appointment that was put ahead of schedule .........................................................51
4.14. Describe a time you talked to a stranger .....................................................................................52
4.15. Describe an activity near the sea.................................................................................................52
5. Describe a place (somewhere you visited, a holiday etc.) ...................................................................53
5.1. Describe a city or town you have been. ........................................................................................53
5.2. Describe a garden you visited and like. ........................................................................................54
5.3. Describe a café you like. ...............................................................................................................54
5.4. Describe a shop opened in your hometown ..................................................................................55
5.5. Describe a quiet place ...................................................................................................................56
5.6. Describe an interesting house or apartment you visited ...............................................................57
5.7. Describe a popular place where people like to go swimming. .....................................................58
5.8. Describe a library that you have used. (A public library or a university or school library) .........58
 5.9. Describe a building in your school or university ..........................................................................59
5.10. Describe a place where you felt crowded ...................................................................................60
5.11. Describe an organization or company where you live that employs a lot of people. .................61
6. Describe your favourite (book/film/advertisement/website) ...............................................................62
6.1. Describe your favorite movie .......................................................................................................62
6.2. Describe an advertisement you have seen ....................................................................................63
6.3. Describe an interesting song .........................................................................................................64
6.4. Describe a decision made by others that you disagreed with .......................................................64
6.5. Describe a kind of foreign food you have had ..............................................................................65
6.6. Describe a kind of weather you like .............................................................................................66
6.7. Describe a website that you like to visit. ......................................................................................67
6.8. Describe your favourite means of transportation..........................................................................67
6.9. Describe a TV program (TV Series) you have watched ...............................................................68
6.10. Describe an English class you enjoy ..........................................................................................69
PART 1
1. Describe an object (a gift, something you use etc.)
1.1. Shoes
Do you like shoes?

To be honest, I’m really addicted to shoes. I started building up my huge collection

of shoes when I was eight years old. Now, whenever I have spare time, I often go
shopping for shoes and spend a whole lot more money than I should on them.

Which do you prefer, comfortable ones or fashionable ones?

Well, it depends on different situations. For example, when I’m at home, I definitely
prefer wearing flats because they are super comfortable. But when I go to work or
parties, wearing fashion shoes such as high-heels or leather boots would be a better
option for me because they make me look more confident and attractive.

1.2. Mirrors
Do you often look at yourself in the mirror?

No, I don't. To be honest I don't think I'm a good-looking girl and mirrors remind
me of that so I often just quickly glance at myself before heading out just to make
sure I look appropriate.

Do you think mirrors are necessary ornaments?

Yes, absolutely. Whether we like it or not, appearance and being presentable matter.
We're judged partly by how we look and how we dress. That doesn't mean we need
thick makeup and designer clothing, but I think we should at least take a look at
ourselves and notice which visible flaws the mirror highlights.

1.3. Robots
Are you interested in robots? Why?

No, I’m not really keen on robots because I’m kind of a low-tech person. Also, a
robot is a luxury technological product that I have never been able to afford, so I
don’t feel like I want to know much about them.
Would you like robots to work in your home?

If I had a lot of money, I’d like to have a robot in my home. As I’m always occupied
with my work, I need a robot to help me do chores and prepare meals whenever I
come home at night. That’d be great!

1.4. Clothes
What kinds of clothes do you usually wear?

Primarily jeans, t-shirts, hoodies, sneakers, etc. I don't like wearing anything
outlandish because I don't like drawing attention, since I’m not a social butterfly, but
I don't go for a conventional look, either.

Do you prefer to wear formal or informal clothes?

I would choose informal clothes since being creative; mixing and matching what I
already have; and being able to come up with a new look after that is a huge
satisfaction for me. Formal clothing is often set in its own way and looks quite
conservative to me.

1.5. Watches
How often do you wear a watch?

Since childhood I have had an affection for watches, so I wear my watch all the time.
In fact I’d feel naked without my watch. But I usually reserve nicer watches or the
ones with sentimental value for special occasions or when I wear luxurious clothes.

What was your first watch like?

I developed my affection for watches with a little cute Mickey Mouse dial shaped
watch. And I guess everyone around my age used to own one like that as it was quite
in at the time.

What kind of watches do you like to wear?

I’m a big fan of dress watches with a leather strap. It completes me. It gives a classic
look and complements my outfit irrespective of the occasion.

Did you receive any watch as a gift when you were a child?
Yes, the one I mentioned above, the Mickey Mouse dial shaped watch. My father
recognised my enthusiasm for watches and he gave it to me as a birthday gift when
I was about 7. I remember jumping around because of the excitement.

2. Describe a person (someone you admire, a family member etc.)

2.1. Celebrity/Pop Stars
Who is your favorite celebrity in Vietnam?

Well, to be honest, I adore quite a number of Vietnamese stars. Regarding music,

young and celebrated singers like Toc Tien and Dong Nhi are definitely my top
choices whereas if it’s acting, veteran actors like Binh Minh or Manh Truong always
give a really convincingperformance.

Do you like any foreign celebrities?

As a matter of fact, yes. I’ve been an avid fan of Western contemporary pop singers
for quite a time now, especially those who have excellent vocal skills like Adele,
Bruno Mars or John Legend.

I even created a special playlist on my phone which contains onlytheir songs to listen
to whenever I want.

2.2. Neighbors
Do you know your neighbors?

Yes, of course I do. People in my neighborhood know each other quite well, and all
of them are very friendly and lovable. The family living next to my house is always
willing to offer assistance when we need, and sois my family

Do you like your neighbors?

Well yes, I love them, because they are good neighbors. The family next door has a
grandmother whom I really respect, as she always gives me useful advice. I think
that we live in harmony with one another.

What do you think of your neighbors?

As I have said, they are warm-hearted people. They receive a lot of affection and
admiration for their kindness and generosity. I think it is quite good fortune for my
family to live next to them.

How often do you see (or talk to) your neighbors?

I think very often. Each morning, we frequently greet when we meet each other.
Whenever I am not occupied with schoolwork, I will visit the grandmother to talk to
her. Her life experience and advice have helped me to overcome many difficulties
and challenges.

When do you meet your neighbors?

We meet everyday, since we live next to each other. Particularly, at the weekends,
the neighbors will gather in the biggest house to hold a party or BBQ, which is very
appealing to the children.

3. Describe an event (a festival, celebration etc.)

3.1. Birthday
How do children celebrate birthdays in your country?

It is popular for children in my country to have birthday parties at home or in

restaurants and invite friends, and relatives to join. On this occasion, they are usually
given gifts and money.

How did you celebrate your last birthday?

On my last birthday, I had the best birthday ever. I and friends made an all – day
excursion to Phu Quoc Island, the largest island of Vietnam. We celebrated with a
barbecue party outside and danced together under the moonlight.

What kinds of birthday gifts do you like to receive?

I’m really interested in handmade gifts because they represent not only the
creativeness but also the passion of the senders. Therefore, I always appreciate
receiving them and try to keep them as long as I can.
Is there a difference between the way you celebrate your birthday in the past and in
the present?

Yes. In the past, when I was a child, I could only celebrate birthday parties at home
and invited friends to join. However, as I’m mature now, I can decide to do more
things to make it special such as by travelling to explore new places.

3.2. Concerts
Have you ever been to a live concert?

Yes, I have been to numerous concerts before. I really enjoy listening to live music
with my friends and my family members. To me, the atmosphere experienced in a
live concert is extremely exhilirating. In live concerts, the artist will have the chance
to express himself more freely than in recorded performances.

What sorts of concerts do you have in your country?

Well, the types of concerts that take place in my country are very diverse. There are
different genres of music in different shows, catering for the demand of audiences
of all ages, such as: pop music, rap, or classical music. Although there is also a
revival of interest in traditional folk songs, pop music concerts attract the largest
crowds

When was the last time you attended a concert?

Well, it was last month . My friends and I went to a live classical music concert to
get away from the burden of work, and the music did live up to our expectations. It
was really engrossing to enjoy the aesthetic qualities of classical musicplayed by a
talented orchestra in a superb concert venue.

4. Describe an activity (e.g. a hobby)

4.1. Study
Describe your education

I started school when I was 7. I finished my primary education 5 years later and I
went to secondary school at 12. Then at 16, I made it to a high school for gifted
pupils in my hometown. In my country, highschool education lasts 3 years, then I
went onto higher education at the Foreign Trade University where I’m currently
studying economics.

What is your area of specialization?

Well, my major is External Economics. I have mastered the basics of economics and
socioeconomics, combined with business knowledge mainly related to the import
and export business.

4.2. Work
What do you do?

I’m currently working as a graphic designer for a fashion magazine for youngsters

What are your responsibilities?

Well I’m mainly responsible for designing the cover of the magazine. I normally
work with the concept team to make sure that the final product will both attract the
potential buyer’s attention and express the theme of the magazine.

4.3. Activities near water

What activities would you do if you were spending some leisure time at a beach or
near the ocean?

To be honest, I have always dreamt of surfing and chasing big waves as well as
enjoying a glass of wine leisurely in the sunshine on the beach. Therefore, if I have
chance to spend myspare time at a beach, I will give priority to do these things.

4.4. Family
How often do you meet with your family?

It’s normally once a month. At present I’m studying and working in another city,
which is quite far from my hometown, so I can only set aside time for my family at
the end of the month, because of the distance and heavy workload, you know.

How do you spend the time with your family?

We often spend quality time together on eating scrumptious meals prepared by my

mother, talking with each other while enjoying our favorite delicious foods. It’s a
precious time when we can momentarily get away from the hectic whirlwind of daily
activities.

What activities do your family like doing together?

My family often gather around the table enjoying a cozy mealtogether,

communicating and sometimes busting into laughter because of my father’s
humorous stories. We’re also particularly into family game nights, when we huddle
together to play cards or other family favorites.

4.5. Housework
Do you do housework at home?

Yes. Although I work/study full time, I still manage to help my parents with
household chores. We all think that sharing housework is a great way to reduce the
collective burden and help develop a sense of responsibility towards family.

What kind of housework do you often do?

I can handle almost everything but I often cook dinner for my family because my
parents usually get off work late. I sometimes mop the floor and clean the bathroom
with my family during weekends. It’s fun to spend time together, though I don’t like
cleaning at all.

4.6. Sports
What sports do you like? (why ?)

Well, I would say that there’s quite a variety of sports on my favorites list but to be
honest, I’m particularly keen on basketball. I guess the reason for this could be that
basketball is a demanding and strenuous game, which helps me burn up lots of
calories and keep myself in shape. Besides, it is a group activity that gives me the
chance to meet up with new friends and build up strong relationships with others.

Do you like to do daily exercise? (why ?/why not?)

Well, to be quite honest, I’m pretty enthusiastic about working out. This is because
regular exercise not only prevents me from being obese like those sitting glued to
the screens but also allows me to discipline myself as I have to follow a fitness plan.
In addition, keeping myself physically active is probably the most effective way to
get me into shape and help me lead a healthy life.

What are the advantages of doing regular exercise?

Obviously there are a number of positive features. However, I guess the most evident
would be that doing a workout might minimize the risk of getting diseases like
diabetes or eye-related problems, which might help extend our life expectancy.
Besides this, a second plus point could be that daily exercise enables us to relieve
stress and refresh our mind, motivating us to focus on our daily tasks.

4.7. Cooking
Do you like cooking? (why?/why not?)

Well, I love to cook, especially for my family on special occasions, but I find
everyday cooking a real chore. I like to try out new recipes when I’m in a relaxed
mood.

Who usually does the cooking in your home?

Mostly my mother, but I take turns sometimes. To me she’s the best cook ever who
can always guarantee lovely home-cooked food. Unlike her cooking, the quality of
my food is a bit hit-andmiss.

4.8. Indoor games

Do you play any indoor games?

Honestly, there’s quite a wide range of indoor games that I’m particularly into.
However, the game that attracts me the most is Monopoly, which is a real estate
trading game. This is because monopoly not only provides me with hours of
entertainment, but it also teaches me valuable lessons on risk assessment, timing and
diversification - all useful tools for investing in the real world.

Do you prefer to play indoor games or outdoor games?

As a matter of fact, I prefer to engage in outdoor activities rather than staying inside.
Playing outdoor games keeps me physically active, which might prevent me from
suffering from diseases like obesity or diabetes later in life. In addition, participating
in strenuous games such as tennis and basketball is an effective way to get myself
into shape and build up my muscles and strength.

What indoor games did you play when you were a child?

Well, looking back on my childhood, I remember I spent most of my leisure time on

board games, puzzles and cards. I suppose the reason why I found these games
appealing was that they were so challenging that when I had achieved the goal, I
mean when I had solved the problem, I could feel an enormous sense of
accomplishment. Seeing the tangible results of mastering a new skill, hence,
strengthened my confidence to take on the next challenge.

Is there any particular indoor game that you liked (when you were a child)?

To be honest, as a child, I was fairly enthusiastic about playing chess, which was
possibly the best known board game at the time. The reason why I was into this brain
game might be that I enjoyed the challenge of thinking ahead and trying to outwit
my opponent. Also, although I love winning, chess taught me to learn from my losses
and to congratulate the person who had beaten me.

4.9. Shopping
Do you like shopping (Why/ Why not)?

Of course, I enjoy swimming a lot. Shopping activities relieve my stress, especially

when feel overloaded with work. In my opinion, it is also a chance for us to compare
the quality of goods and acquire a better taste in things.

Who usually does the shopping in your home?

Well, it may be my mother. Every morning, she goes to the store to choose hygienic
and fresh food for our family’s meals. Her favorite pastime is buying second-hand
clothes in small markets. Sometimes, when I’m free, I go with her to a big
supermarket to purchase basic necessities like shampoos or soaps.

How often do you buy something in a shop?

Very often, as I rarely have time for window-shopping. Practically, I always make a
list-to-buy before going to stores and markets, and hardly leave without a shopping
bill.
4.10. Swimming
Do you like swimming?

Of course, I love swimming. It is a very healthy and motivational sport. I think

swimming can endear itself to many people because water-related activities always
deliver a sense of excitement and refreshment.

How often do you swim?

Well, it is largely dependent on the season and weather. In the summer, I usually go
swimming with my close friends. During the hot weather, immersing yourself in the
cold water is irresistible. However, in my country, it is virtually impossible to swim
in the winter.

Where do you swim in your city?

My school possesses a standardized swimming pool, which is very popular among

students. I often go there and the public swimming pool near my house is also my
favorite option. Although the swimming pools in luxurious hotels are very
appealing, they are beyond my means so I cannot swim there.

Is it difficult to learn how to learn to swim?

Well, a little bit, I think. Most sports require some form of physical exertion and
swimming is not without exception. The first time, I was confronted with a lot of
difficulties in maintaining stamina and also in holding my breath under water.
However, with the assistance of my friends and continuous practice, I think I’m a
good swimmer now.

4.11. Sunny days

Do you like sunny days?

To be honest, I’m not into sunny weather. I’d prefer a partially cloudy day without
rain, when the weather is pretty cool, so that I could pleasantly take part in outdoor
activities without getting sunburn or sweating from the heat of the sun’s rays.

What do you like to do when it's a sunny day?

On a sunny day, I like to wake up early and take a walk around my neighborhood to
enjoy the warmth of the sunshine , when the temperature isn’t too high. I also prefer
to do the laundry as clothes dry faster due to the lower humidity on these days.

Would you like to stay at home or go outside when the weather is great?

I’ve always had the urge to go outside on a nice day, as the beautiful weather makes
mefeel really comfortable from the inside. Also, there’s no hindrance of crappy
weather to outdoors activities, so I think I just can’t stick to staying in bed and
missing such an occasion.

4.12. Email
Do you like to write a letter or email?

I really like writing letters to other people, especially on special occasions. I

remember writing many letters, like birthday letters, or farewell ones to any of my
friends or relatives who had to go somewhere far away from me. My friends and
relatives always feel happy when they receive a letter from me; they say that it makes
them feel important and cherished.

Do you prefer to write letters or emails? Why?

It depends. For special occasions, like on someone’s birthday, I prefer writing letters
to congratulate them as handwritten letters can show my sincerity. However, if I
need to write something formal, say to a recruiter to apply for a certain position,
email is my first choice. It’s instant, easy to format and I can attach different files
with it so it is very convenient too.

4.13. Friends
How often do you meet with your friends?

When I was younger, I used to meet my friends almost everyday. Even friends
outside of school were a part of my daily social interactions. But now, as a 23 year
old working professional, I barely meet anyone during weekdays. I meet my closest
friends only on some weekends. These meetups are sporadic too.

What do you and your friends do together?

My closest friends and I have a mutual interest which is we always have a thirst for
clothes shopping, so whenever we have time, we will go shopping together until we
break the bank. Sometimes when we are out of money, just window shopping is
enough.

How do people in your country meet others and make friends?

I don't think it particularly matters what country you're from. In every country, you
can make friends just by sitting next to someone a few times during class, then a
friendship logically happens. Otherwise, you can make cyber friends through social
networks like Facebook or Twitter.

Do adults and children make friends in the same way?

Adults use self disclosure to develop trust and loyalty among friends. This is quite
complicated in practice while children usually use common interests and goals as
the basis of their friendships. More importantly, kids have a whale of time with
whoever, but adults have to use their time for work and taking care of their family.

Do you think it is possible to become real friends with people you meet on the
internet?

Of course it is possible to establish real friendships with someone online. What you
need in a friendship is truthfullness, reliability, empathy, respect and loyalty. If
you're getting all that from your online friends then you can consider them as genuine
friends.

4.14. Internet
Do you use the internet (very much)?

I am currently in my first year at college, so using the internet is a must. I need to

hand in assignments and sometimes complete the quizzes through the college
intranet. Aside from that, I also use the internet to gain access to entertainment
resources such as movies, music or novels online.

When was the first time you used the internet?

I first accessed the internet when I was in grade six, which was about 7 or 8 years
ago. I was in my English class and the teacher set up some online exercises for us,
and it was the first time I learned what the internet was and how to use it.

Is the internet very important (or, useful) to you?

It is so important to me that I cannot imagine living a day without using it. The first
reason is because most of my work and assignments require the use of the internet,
like submitting an essay to the professor, or doing some research using the
information found on the Internet. Besides, I actually live quite far from my parents
right now but we are still a close-knitfamily, so with the internet I can make video
calls and keep in touch with all the family news.

Do you often (or, do you ever) buy things on the internet?

Yes, I love shopping online. The first time I did that was when I wanted to purchase
a book which I coudn’t find at any bookstores in my city. I ordered and received it
in just a few days, and it was in great condition. This was when I got really intoonline
shopping - I started buying a lot of books online, and then other types of consumer
products ever since.

5. Describe a place (somewhere you visited, a holiday etc.)

5.1. Home/ Accommodation

What kind of housing/accommodation do you live in?

I live in a terraced house that has a living room, a kitchen, three bed rooms, two
bathrooms and a lovely back garden. It’s not really a spacious house, but it’s just
right for me and my family.

What’s the difference between where you are living now and where you have lived
in the past?

Living in a dorm with other roommates is totally different from living in my own
house.
My current residential area is quite small and it’s very noisy because there are a lot
of people there and I don’t have my own space. Conversely, when I was living at
home, I had my own spacious room and it made me feel comfortable.

Which room does your family spend most of the time in?

It’s definitely the kitchen. Not only lunch or dinner time but all our family reunions
take place in the kitchen where all the family members get together to eat tasty meals,
and chat to each other – it’s a really harmonious atmosphere.

Are the transport facilities to your home very good?

To be honest, most of the transport facilities to my place are not very modern. The
bus service from my work place to home is irregular and usually overcrowded.

Please describe the room you live in.

My current room is actually more like a bedsit. It is a multi – purpose room, I use it
to sleep and study as well. It is painted in pink, that’s my favorite color with a bed,
a cupboard and desk. It’s not really spacious but it’s just right for me.

What part of your home do you like the most ?

I prefer my bedroom most due to its convenience and privacy. Because of my

stressful work I want to be in a quiet place and concentrate on my work. In my own
room, I’m never disturbed by anyone else.

Moreover, in my own space I can do whatever I want without bothering others.

5.2. Work
Describe the company or organization you work for

My company is not huge, it’s just a small art designoffice, but is definitely an
inspirational workplace with a young, creative, and extremely passionate team. We
work on the basis of mutual understanding and respect for each other, so it’s kind of
an ideal environment for me.

What do you like about your job?

Well, the perk of being a graphic designer is that you’ll surround yourself with
inspiring images everyday. My daily working life involves seeking out inspiration
in all sorts of places, researching incredible illustrations and graphics, and creating
them too. It’s great, I think.

What do you dislike about your job?

What I don’t like about this job is that our personal taste in design varies, and
normally I’ll have to do a thousand edits to get the final product that meets the
demand of my boss while still * relating / staying faithful to /remaining true to the
initial concept.

* conform means ‘to behave according to the usual standards of behaviour that are
expected by a group or society’ – this does not relate to things like ‘concepts’.

5.3. Garden
Does your family have a garden?

No, we don’t have one at the moment, but I think my parents are planning to buy
some land so that we can have our own little garden. My mom’s really into flowers,
you see; she’s wanted to have a garden for herself ever since she was young.

Have you ever grown anything? (in a garden, or possibly in a flower pot)

I used to grow some sort of beans in a very small pot back when I was in primary
school. We had an assignment in which we had to grow beans and bring them to
class. It wasn’t very successful though; the rats in the yard just kept eating all the
beans and I couldn’t bring anything to class at the time.

Do you like growing flowers?

I don’t. Flowers are actually not my cup of tea. They surely look beautiful and some
even smell really good, but I just can’t see the point of constantly looking at or taking
care of flowers. I prefer cactuses.

6. Describe your favourite (book/film/advertisement/website)

6.1. Advertisements
Are there many advertisements in your country?
I would say yes. You can easily see a wide range of advertisements almost
everywhere in my hometown. For example, almost half of a newspaper is made up
of ads

What are the various places where we see advertisements?

Today advertising gets to people through different forms of communication, from

print media to electronic ones, soyou can see advertisements on websites, social
networks or in the newspapers and magazines. There are also ads you see outdoors
as well, for example, large banners and posters hung on the roads, on the buses or
trains.

How do you feel about advertisements?

Most people may find those ways of product promotion annoying, but I’m an
exception. I’m quite into advertisements. They’re colourful, brilliantly designed,
illustrated, photographed or typeset pieces and often have useful, informative
contents.

6.2.Newspapers and magazines

Do you often read newspapers?

Yes, I read the newspaper everyday to keep up to date with the latest news and see
what the hottest topic of the day is. I’ve been in the habit of doing this for a long
time.

Do you prefer to read local news or international news?

Well, I suppose that I have an inclination towardsinternational news, especially news

about relationships among countries around the world. This is probably because I’m
quite fond of diplomatic issues and want to keep track of what’s happening outside
my country.

Which is more popular where you live, newspapers or magazines?

Well, I think that people read newspapers more often than magazines, normally
because newspapers provide information that is relatively easy to understand for
almost everyone. On the other hand, magazines contain longer articles and
specifically focus on a particular topic which may be quite difficult or unfamiliar to
some readers.

Do you think newspapers will be very important to you in the future?

Well, honestly, I haven’t ever thought about that before, but I love my routine of
reading newspapers while drinking coffee every morning, it’s completely relaxing
… so I’ll try to keep reading newspapers as a regular habit as long as possible.

6.3. Television
Did you often watch television when you were a child?

Well, I used to be a couch potato when I was a little boy. When my parents went to
work, I was left alone at home with my TV all day long. Therefore, so as to kill time,
I took an avid interest in watching various TV programs. Some of the movies such
as Sinbad, and Tom and Jerry are closely associated with my childhood and have
been indelibly imprinted on my mind until now.

Do you often watch TV nowadays?

Well, to be honest, my studies have been extremely demanding recently, so I don’t

watch much TV. However, in my free time, I usually enjoy singing competition
reality series such as American Idol and The Voice, just so as to unwind, recharge
my batteries and practice my English listening skills.

What kind of TV programs do you like most?

I have been an avid fan of reality shows and documentaries, especially anything to
do with military history. These programs have enabled me to broaden my horizons
and obtain real experience about life. I also love to enjoy dramas and thrillers with
other people around, as the presence of others adds a great sense of intensity and
excitement.

6.4. History
Do you like (to learn about) history?

Definitely. I find past events extremely fascinating but what really intrigues me is
finding out how they actually came about. However, the way history is taught in
most schools is rather tedious; we are only briefly informed of historical events but
not given a deeper insight into them.

What historical event do you find most interesting?

It’s hard to choose only one but if I have to, I’d go for Vietnam’s liberation in 1975.
It could be considered one of the biggest milestones in the history of Vietnam,
marking our country free from colonization.

Do you think history is important?

Well, it’s impossible to deny the importance of history. Knowing our roots and how
modern civilisation has come to be surely makes us more appreciative of our
predecessors and enables us to learn from past mistakes. Regardless of that, I think
people shouldn’t delve too much into the past but look to the future instead.

How (or, from where) do you get information about history?

There are a few ways for me to obtain information about history. The easiest is by
attending lessons at schools, though it can be pretty dreary sometimes. Moreover, as
I was saying, I enjoy history documentaries and with the access to the Internet, I also
visit reputable websites to read more about past events.

6.5. Birds
How do you feel about birds? (why do you feel that way?)

I have to say I’m a bird-lover. It’s primarily because birds are absolutely beautiful
creatures with sweet songs. Watching them fly can evoke a feeling of freedom for
me.

Are there many birds near your home?

No. Birds are now a rare sight in my neighborhood or elsewhere in Hanoi center. I
guess because there’re too many skyscrapers and the environment is heavily
polluted. You’re more likely to find them in zoos, national parks, unpolluted cities
or in the countryside.

Have you seen many different kinds of birds? (near your home)
No, I haven’t unfortunately. I have only seen some sparrows play on my balcony,
but very rarely. When I was still living in my hometown, a small village on the
outskirts of Hanoi, I spotted a variety of birds like pigeons, red-whiskered bulbuls,
and spotted doves.

6.6. Weather
What’s the weather like today?

It’s freezing, oh my God… but luckily it hasn’t rained today. It was raining all last
week… I was soaked to the skin whenever I went out to go to work even though I
was wearing a raincoat, and the rain made it even colder!

What’s the weather (usually) like in your hometown?

It depends on the season, but most of the time it’s really hot in my hometown. And
it’s been getting hotter and hotter in recent years … maybe one big reason is because
of global warming.

What is the typical weather in your country? (Similar to above)

What’s your favorite season? (Why?)

I really like the fall, mainly because of its cool weather, which makes me feel really
comfortable and ready to go out any time of the day. The other seasons… well,
summer’s too hot, winter’s too cold and spring’s too humid.

What’s your favorite weather?

Cool weather. It makes me feel really comfortable and ready to go out any time of
the day. Just imagine sitting in the park, reading a book in the sunshine with the wind
gently blowing through your hair. Isn’t that awesome?

Do you like snow? (Why?)

I’ve never seen or touched snow before so instead of saying whether I like it or not,
I would say I’m really curious about it. I’ve been dying to see the snow falling since
forever but haven’t really got the chance to do so.

Does the weather ever affect what you do?

Yes, of course. For example, I tend to get really lethargic and lazy in the winter, all
because of the cold weather. All I want to do is to get some nice sleep under my
warm blanket and never have to leave the comfort of my home, and this seriously
affects my work and study sometimes.

6.7. Names
Does your name have any particular meaning?

Let me see… Well I think it means “bright pearl” or “shining pearl”? I guess my
parents wanted me to become an intelligent and successful girl so they gave me this
name.

What’s the origin of your name? (or, your surname)

It’s pretty lame really… Dad wanted to call me “Ngoc” or “Chi” back then but he
couldn’t decide which one, then one cousin of mine asked him whether I had a name
and he just blurted out “Minh Chau”. My cousin then spread the news about my
name to everyone, which was something Dad didn’t expect at all, and well, I am
stuck with this name now.

Do you like your name?

At first no, because my friends often made fun of my name, like with some puns.
But then I gradually learnt to accept it, and now I can’t imagine having a different
name from this one.

What do your friends call you?

My friends back in secondary and high school tended to call me “Cat” or “Fat Cat”
because of my nickname on social networks - well I love cats after all. University
friends don’t really give me any nicknames; they just call me “Chau”.

Did your family have a certain (nick) name that they called you when you were a
child?

Hmm… well, no? They just called me “Chau”. I think in some other families, parents
would give their children some kind of nick name but that’s not the case in my
family.
6.8. Collecting
Did you collect anything (such as stamps or CD's) when you were a child?

Of course I did. When I was a child, I and my sister really enjoyed collecting Barbie
CDs. At that time, the Barbie CD collection was considered as my biggest treasure.
Before the Internet went viral, watching CDs was one of teenagers’ favorite
pastimes.

Do you still collect them now?

Well, I don’t. I have grown out of the Barbie CDs. Moreover, thanks to advances in
technology, we can now watch everything on the Internet, so there is no need to
collect CDs.

Do you collect anything as a hobby now?

Yes, I do. As a girl, I am really fond of collecting gorgeous dresses in various styles.
Whenever I have time, I always go around shopping malls to keep myself up to date
with the latest fashions. Up to now, I have assembled a collection of more than 30
dresses.

Why do you like collecting things?

Well, collecting things gives me a sense of excitement. When you are able to gather
things together that you love, you feel extremely satisfied. Collecting things allows
me to pursue anything that I like, from the cheapest to the most luxurious.

6.9. Music
Do you like listening to music?

I love listening to music, especially US-UK. My favorite artists are Miley Cyrus and
Troye Sivan; their songs always sound awesome to me.

When do you listen to music?

Basically I listen to music whenever I feel like doing so, but maybe I most often do
that before going to sleep, when I’m on the bus, or when I don’t have any important
tasks to work on

Did you learn instruments?

I didn’t take up any musical instruments, and haven’t still. I have always wanted to
learn to play the piano ever since I was a kid, but never got the chance too. I’m
planning on getting some piano lessons this summer.

Did you have any music classes in school?

I used to have music classes back when I was in primary school and secondary school
only. I really loved my music class in secondary school - for our midterm and final
tests, we had to form a group of at least four and perform a certain song that we
chose ourselves. It was so much fun.

How much time do you spend listening to music every day?

It depends. I often listen to music when I’m doing the housework or when I’m on
the bus. At that time, I feel like I can immerse myself in my own world. When I need
to really concentrate on school work, I don’t really listen to music as it can cause
some real unwelcomed distraction.

What is your favorite kind of music?

I don’t have a particular taste in music. I can pretty much listen to everything as
long as it sounds good to me. Still, I can hardly listen to Vietnamese traditional
music, some countries’ folk songs and several tracks belonging to the classical genre.

When did you start listening to this type of music?

[Let’s just say I’m into rock music] The first time I heard a rock song was when my
dad turned on the TV and there was a performance of a very famous rock band in
Vietnam called “Buc Tuong”. It was amazing. I started searching for more songs
from the Vietnamese band, and songs belonging to the same genre, and have decided
ever since that rock music would be a part of my spiritual life.

How do you feel when you listening to music?

Relaxed and free, I guess. Music, to me, is a way of hiding from all the hustle and
bustle of everyday life. I listen to music when I’m under a lot of pressure, and I just
feel so fine. It’s the feeling of finally coming home after years and years of living
far away, I think.
PART 2
1. Describe an object (a gift, something you use etc.)
1.1. Describe a book you want to read again
You should say

what the book is about

when you read it

how long you read it for

and explain why you want to read it again

Actually, I’m not a bookworm but sometimes, I still seek comfort in reading books,
especially fiction books. There’s a book of this type that I read when I was a child
and I read it over and over again. It has many wonders in it and always makes me
absorbed in its interesting content.

The book is called “Diary of a cricket”, written by To Hoai. It is a short novel,

initially written for children. However, I believe this book is suitable for all other
ages thanks to the storytelling ability of To Hoai. The book describes the adventure
of a cricket through the world of animals and people, of the good and bad, war and
peace, ideals and life purpose in colorful yet insightful perspectives. The cricket
experienced countless setbacks and challenges but overcame them to eventually
become a force of good. In general, the main character has his own charismatic
power. His adventure story is so magical and enchanting that every page I turned
tempted me to read further. The first time I read this book, I found it extremely hard
to put it down.

It is such a great book that has been translated into more than 100 languages. In my
opinion, it is a good source of bilingual books for Vietnamese children. Parents who
grew up with this story will love to enjoy it again with their children. I believe that
in the company of this book, a child, even a hyperactive one, is never going to feel
bored or restless.

1.2. Describe a cake that is special to you

You should say

What it looks like

How it tastes

How you get the cake

And explain why you find it special

Everyone deserves a cake on their birthday so I find it nothing special to receive a

cake on my annual birthday, but there’s one that is exceptional. Let me tell you about
the story about it. In the first year of university, I had a crush on one of my
classmates. Unlike me, an introvert, he is truly a social butterfly, who is socially
dynamic, networking, charismatic, and personally gregarious. He and I were like
two people from two different worlds. I had never detected any "real" signs of
interest coming from him, such as trying to make small talk with me, and I always
thought it would be a forever unrequited love. In addition to that, I heard through the
grapevine that he had someone he liked. Therefore, I had never made any moves or
anything like that. But he did the opposite. He made a big step on my birthday by
making a small cake. It was a cupcake topped with strawberry cream cheese frosting
that was just as tasty as the red velvet cupcake itself. It was rich,tender, and moist.
Each bite seemed to completely melt in my mouth – though most of it ended up on
my face and fingers. And every bite was better than the one before. In my area, it is
believed that before eating the birthday cake, if you make a private wish, it will come
true if all the candles are extinguished in a single breath. He asked me what I had
wished. I said nothing. He continued “Did you wish to be my lover?”. I replied “How
did you know?”. Then he answered, “Because I did the same.” That’s how a cupcake
broughtme a lover.

1.3. Describe a painting or work of art that you have seen.

You should say

when you saw this work of art

where you saw it

what it looked like

and explain your impression of it.

My uncle is an art collector and a real connoisseur of arts so last year I had a once
in a lifetime chance to follow him to a private viewing of a famous Vietnamese
Realism artist’s exhibition. Among the collection was an oil painting called “Father
and daughter” that has left a profounding impression on me until now. The exhibition
was in the Old Quarter and offered a heart-warming portrayal of family relationships
during the Vietnam Subsidy period. As I walked in full of curiosity, the first painting
that caught my attentionwas hung right in the centre of the room. It portrayed a poor
father fetching some meat to his little daughter’s rice bowl while he has barely
anything for himself. I could see how hard life was back then through his tired look,
bony fingers and their old, torn clothes. The painting was coated in plain, dark colors
but the touching fatherhood it conveyed shone brightly. It immediately touched my
emotions because my father has also sacrificed a lot to give me a fulfilling childhood.
I believe that to ordinary art viewers, sometimes a valuable work of art isn’t judged
by its price, techniques or colors, but by the emotional experience it gives to them.

1.4. Describe a piece of clothes that is your favorite

You should say

what it is

when you bought it

where you bought it from

why you decided to buy it

and explain why it is your favorite.

I’m going to talk about one of my T-shirts which is actually a hand-me-down from
my sister. To be honest, I got fed up with my sister’s hand-me-downs but this one is
an exception. My sister is a shopaholic so she purchases fashion items a lot of the
time. You can never imagine how much space her clothes take up and how wrinkled
they get. So my mother often tells me to wear them instead of buying new ones to
make cutbacks on my pocket money. Normally, I will refuse immediately but when
I saw this one, I changed my mind. It is a gender-neutral T-shirt with a minimalist
design – it has white color and only a small slogan on it saying “I’m not trying to be
different…it just comes naturally”. With that simple design, I find it extremely easy
to mix and match this T-shirt with other items. I can wear it when going out with my
friends or going to university. A lot of my friends are into this T-shirt and they praise
me that I have a sense of style to wear this one.

1.5. Describe an important plant in your country (such as fruits, flowers or

vegetables)
You should say

what plant it is

how you first learned about this plant

where it grows

and explain why you think it is important.

Today I am going to elaborate on one of the most crucial plants in Vietnam: the rice
plant. While I have been familiar with rice grains ever since I was a preschooler,
only when I reached fourth grade did I learn about the rice plant in general science.
It is unforgettable how fascinated I was to discover how such a slender plant could
produce so many rice grains that provide our population with a healthy diet. Rice is
considered the most popular and important national food, therefore, it can be spotted
over almost all the deltas of the country. The rice plant is crucial to Vietnamese
communities in various ways. Rice has become indispensable in Vietnamese meals
since as far back as anyone can remember. It can be said that once you are
Vietnamese, you will eat rice for most of your life, and it seems that we are so used
to eating rice that our digestive systems would not cope without it. The cultivation
of the rice plant also has an enormous influence on our culture. As rice has long been
grown since ancient times, there are various traditions and worshiping ceremonies
connected to people’s wish for a plentiful rice harvest, and these still exist till the
present day. The country farming life is also responsible for shaping our simplicity
and calmness in our personalities and lifestyle. Taking economic contribution into
consideration, rice is even more important as millions of Vietnamese citizens earn
their living by means of rice cultivation. As a matter of fact, rice is Vietnam’s leading
export, which brings about huge annualrevenues for the government. This stems
from the fact that by making the most of the abundant cheap labour force as well as
the favourable climate, our rice always gains a competitive edge over other nations.
It cannot be denied that the rice plant plays an integral part in our county’s
development.

1.6. Describe an invention that has changed people's life

You should say

What the invention is

Who invented it

What changes it brought

It is pretty difficult to pick out one particular invention among millions of advances
in technology that have had a profound impact on human life. Personally, I believe
the computer is one of the most vital and impactful inventions of mankind. Although
there is a lot of debate about who was responsible for their invention, computers
have certainly become an irreplaceable part of our everyday life. Just think of the
time when nothing like a computer existed, people relied on conventional skills to
carry out their tasks manually and it took forever to complete one. However, ever
since the introduction of the computer, human life has undergone radical changes.
Almost every single task, from writing a letter to operating an entire production
process, can now be easily completed using computers. And computers can offer
users help with not only their work and study, but their entertainment activities as
well. For example, on a day with bad weather and you just don’t want to go out, you
can stay at home and read novels, comics, watch movies, listen to music or play
games – all on your personal computer. Another important impact of computers is
in the workplace, where many of the old ways of working have been made obsolete.
Almost all factories and businesses are computerized, and it is an inevitable
consequence that most employees should be computer-literate in order to
successfully fulfill their tasks or to move up the career ladder. You can look at the
description of jobs for white-collar workers and most of the time you will see the
requirement to be able to work with computers. For all the profound influences it
has brought about to human life, I believe it is not exaggerating at all to say that the
computer - a technological breakthrough - has changed our lives for the better.
2. Describe a person (someone you admire, a family member etc.)
2.1. Describe a famous person in your country
You should say:

Who this person is

How you know this person

What this person is famous for

And explain why you like this person

ANSWER

Today I am going to talk about a famous person in my country who I have admired
since I was young. He is Professor Ngo Bao Chau. I first heard about Ngo Bao Chau
on the news 6 years ago when he received the Fields Medal, which is often described
as the mathematician’s Nobel Prize. However, earlier in 2005, he was granted the
title of professor in Vietnam, becoming the country’s youngest professor ever.
Professor Ngo Bao Chau has been awarded the highest academic honor due to his
great mathematical research. He is best known for proving the Fundamental Lemma.
His work has achieved such a distinction that it has been listed as one of the top ten
scientific discoveries of 2009 by Time magazine. The story of Ngo Bao Chau has
inspired me considerably. I remember in an interview after receiving the Medal, Ngo
Bao Chau said that he had been studying maths out of /due to / because of/ owing to
his passion but not out of /due to / because of/ owing to a desire to achieve. This
statement impressed me a lot. Besides, another characteristic I like regarding this
professor is his persistence. During the time studying the Fundamental Lemma,
became stuck and almost failed to solve this complex problem. Despite the
difficulties, he did not choose to give up so finally he got through them. His
personality has been an inspiration for me working harder towards my dream.

2.2. Describe an interesting neighbor you have/had

You should say

Who he/she is
And explain why he or she is interesting

ANSWER

Today I’m going to tell you about about my lovely neighbor, whom I really adore
and respect. I live in a beautiful and peaceful street and most of my neighbors are
kind, benevolent and well-mannered. Among them, I would pick Mrs. Cam Nhung
as the loveliest neighbor I have ever met. She is a retired English teacher and she has
acquired a reputation as a very profound and dedicated teacher. Despite her advanced
years, she looks really young and is always full of energy. She lives with her family
next to our house. She moved into our neighborhood 5-6 years ago and since then
she has endeared herself to everybody living in the community. What I find most
appealing about her is her great personality. Although she is not very wealthy, she
always shows compassion for others, especially the poor and the underprivileged.
She has opened a free English class for orphans in the hope of giving them more
opportunities to follow academic education. Another of her lovely traits is definitely
her positivity. She always looks on the bright side of the problem even when it comes
to her own misfortunes. Therefore, whenever I feel discouraged, I go to her house
and seek her advice. She usually greets me with an irresistible home-baked cake or
an encouraging piano song, from which I derive a great deal of pleasure. I have learnt
many useful things from her, not only in everyday things, but also in attitudes to life.
To me, she is not just a normal neighbor, but a person for whom I feel a sense of
empathy, despite the gap between our ages. Being with her gives me a sense of
security and I really owe a lot of gratitude to this person.

2.3. Describe a family member who has an important influence on you

You should say

Who the person is

How long you have known him /her

What qualities this person has

and explain why this person has had such an influence on you.

Well, in my life, there are several family members who have made unmatched
contributions to help me go ahead, and among them my father’s impact is the most
meaningful. He is the person whom I love most in this world and I consider him to
be a perfect father and role model with his honesty, bravery, resourcefulness and
responsibility.

Together with my mother, he is the very person who brought me into this wonderful
world. From my childhood, he has raised me with his great care, affection and
mentorship. He has taught me moral lessons about the world, people and values.
Despite having a busy schedule, he has always given motivational support to me on
my education and has dedicated his life to his family. My father is an exemplary
person who has led an honest life. As a high ranking government officer, he had
many chances to pile up personal riches but he has always known the right things to
do and never broke the rules. The basic notion of humanity and the importance of
education were values he delivered to me. He is now a retired person and leads his
serene and peaceful like with contentment and happiness. Whenever I have to
confront difficulties, he always stands by me and encourages me not to give up. As
a father, I would say he has done everything possible to raise me and my sister. He
has spent his entire life catering for our demands and looking after our interests while
he went through much hardship. His immense love and great sacrifice is an incentive
for me to study and work harder.

2.4. Describe the most polite person you know

You should say

who this person is

how you met him/ her

whether you enjoy his/ her company or not

and explain why do you think him/ her to be the most polite person.

Today I’m going to talk about my college teacher, the most well-mannered person I
know. Her name is Xuan Dung and she is my speaking teacher and thesis advisor.
She is my favourite teacher at college because she is always nice to students and
treats them with respect rather than as someone inferior to her, as other teachers
often do. The way my teacher shows politeness is very natural, and does not seem
forced at all. I have to say her manners are impeccable. She always says “Thank
you” when we do anything helpful or hand in assignments by deadline, or greets us
with ‘Good morning, how are we all feeling today?’. When we give presentations in
front of class, she is always all ears no matter how boring they are. This really makes
us feel warm and self-confident because in other classes, other teachers sometimes
pay little attention or even interrupt us. At the end of every presentation, she will
give nice feedback about both the strengths and weaknesses of each group. This
encourages us a lot. I still remember a time when she was so terribly sick that she
couldn’t come to class, she posted a notification on Facebook in which she didn’t
forget to apologize. She is our role model for good manners, and how to be
grateful/appreciative towards other people. I’m so lucky to have such a polite and
sensible teacher like her. Thanks to her, I try to be always polite with others even
when they don’t treat me well.

2.5. Describe a character from a story you read or heard in your childhood
You should say

who the character was

what the character looked like

what the character did in the story

and explain what influence this character had on you.

I believe most Vietnamese children read manga, which are also known as Japanese
comic books, in their childhood. And if youasked any manga-consumer to name the
most representative manga character of the last decade, the majority would probably
reply the same: Monkey D. Luffy. And I’m no exception. Luffy is the main character
of One Piece, a renowned manga series written and illustrated by Eiichiro Oda. The
story follows the adventures of Monkey D. Luffy with his crew of pirates, named
the Straw Hat Pirates. Luffy explores the sea in search of the world's ultimate
treasure in order to become the next Pirate King. What impressed me in the very first
chapters, is that Luffy is a kind person, but he’s also more complex than that - he’s
a selfless person. On journeys he set out on for his own reasons, but he frequently
did the equivalent of putting his own goals on the backburner, just because he saw
that someone else had needs greater than his own. For me, this aspect of Luffy’s
personality speaksvolumes forhis character and is likely to appeal strongly to
readers. Thanks to the main character, this manga is considered as one of the greatest
works of Japanese comic books and is even staged in school plays annually. In the
past, it often took a long time to get the new chapter translated from Japanese into
Vietnamese and published. But nowadays, with advances in technology, you can
easily get access to the Internet and read it online. If you are computer-literate, you
can even translate it on your own by applying a translation software to a raw version,
a chapter not translated and scanned. I have to say that I learned a lot from this
character, from his kindness and broad-mindedness. It’s a valuable lesson that it is
better to be generous to a fault than to be selfish in life.

2.6. Describe a couple you know who have a happy marriage

You should say

who they are

how you know them

how long they have been married

and explain why you think they are happily married.

Well, the first married couple that came to mind when I saw this topic were my
grandparents, because as far as I know, they are a very contented and devoted couple,
so I’d like to tell you a little bit about them.

They were married by the arrangement of their parents as soon as they entered adult
life, just like most Vietnamese couples did at that time. Surprisingly, they both fell
in love at first sight and decided to tie the knot 2 weeks after their first encounter.

The one thing I find most admirable in their relationship is that though my parents
had to live apart from each other shortly after their marriage due to war, they still
managed to maintain a healthy relationship. While my grandfather left home for
almost 10 years to fight in the South, his wife faithfully waited for him and fulfilled
her role as a working mother to 2 children. When the war had finally come to an end,
my grandparents had a tearful reunion and they lived in harmony ever after. Until
this day, they show their deepest care for each other in the smallest action. For
instance, my grandpa would always get up early and make tea for my grandmother,
who is not a morning person, so that her day could start more pleasantly. Most
importantly, they still hold hands when walking side by side, as endearingly as they
did decades ago.

As more and more couples are dissolving their marriage, I think that we can learn a
great deal about how pure love can survive hardships and socio-economic changes
through the marriage of my grandparents.

2.7. Describe a person who gave a clever solution to a problem.

You should say

who this person is

what the problem was

how he/she solved the problem

why you think their solution was clever.

I will tell you about the occasion when my roommate once saved my day. Though
she was not keen on cooking, she helped me out of a tough problem in the kitchen.
So here’s the story. That afternoon, I was making a cake as a gift for my boyfriend,
because he loves home-made food. Since I had been baking for several months, I
was rather confident and I didn’t even need to follow the recipe. When my
roommate asked if she could watch and learn from me, I proudly agreed. All was
going well. After almost two hours of hard work, my cake came out of the oven,
smelling and looking incredible. I just couldn’t wait to decorate and finish it.
Unfortunately, when I was glazing it with chocolate, I didn’t take into consideration
the fact that the cake was still hot. Normally I would let it cool down, yet my
eagerness made me totally forget the simplest rule of glazing. The chocolate
turnedmy hot cake into a liquidy and sopping mash of flour. It was catastrophic!
With a heart swollen with desperation, I was about to throw it all away when my
roommate suggested:”How about cutting it into smaller pieces and baking it again?
Maybe it would turn out crispy, just like cookies!” I gasped and did as she said
immediately. We both stooped down and looked at the oven with anticipation. And
she was right! My cake was not soft and light as intended, yet the flavor was
preserved and the added crunch was so unexpected. I was half delighted, half
embarrassed since I had had a superiority complex whenever I showed her how to
cook. That she had been hiding her light under a bushel pleasantly surprised me. Her
solution was simple yet it worked like a charm. From then on, she has been my
cooking buddy and her cleverness continues to leave me in awe.

3. Describe an event (a festival, celebration etc.)

3.1. Describe a historic event in your country

You should say

When it happened

Where it happened

How do you know about it

Why do you think it is important

ANSWER

I am going to talk about the day Ho Chi Minh President announced The Proclamation
of Independence, which was September 2, 1945. The event was held at Ba Dinh
Square, Hanoi, in front of the public.

When I was still a little kid, I heard a lot about it from my teachers, my parents, and
all the adults around me. Not only me but every Vietnamese kid, no matter when or
where they were born all grow up with the thought of September 2, 1945 as a
memorable and important event; so important that the Government made September
2 a national holiday. It is so well-known that actually I have never met anyone who
doesn’t know about it, even my classmate who is really bad at history. To be precise,
the day forms a part of Vietnamese people’s common knowledge. It was in my high
school years when I really got to learn about this day during my History and
Literature classes. It became as clear as crystal to me why September 2, 1945 and
The Proclamation of Independence was such an important event. The Proclamation
was the start of Vietnam’s independent era. I’ve learnt that Vietnam was a colony of
several countries such as China, France and Japan, and that our country had to fight
a lot to be a separate country, a country for ourselves and finally on that day in 1945,
Ho Chi Minh President – who devoted a lot of his life to our independence –
announced to not only Vietnam citizens, but also to the whole world that Vietnam
was a separate country, that we wouldn’t be controlled by others anymore, that we
would have the right to speak our language, live our lifestyle like it used to be. My
grandmother who was at Ba Dinh square that time told me that she had felt like a
slave who had finally successfully rebelled and was able to live freely. I wasn’t born
at that time to directly witness it by myself but just thinking about the time Vietnam
suffered under the occupation of other countries and reading the extremely heroic
proclamation make me feel very proud. In conclusion, this is, in my opinion, an event
that we – as Vietnamese people – are not allowed to forget. We have to know, to
remember and to appreciate it because without it, there could be a possibility that we
wouldn’t be here, living as proper humans but as slaves of others.

3.2. Describe an occasion where everybody smiled.

You should say

when this situation took place

what happened how you reacted

and why you found the situation funny.

Last weekend, my family had a good laugh together from what started as a heated
argument between my parents. I returned from the gym that afternoon to find my
father red in the face and my mother looking sullen. They exchanged curt words and
didn’t even look at each other. Reading between the lines, it came to my knowledge
that my father had got mad because he couldn’t find the hamburger he had just
bought anywhere. Since my mother had always been complaining about his liking
for junk food, he assumed that it was she who had hidden or thrown his hamburger
away. He even held her responsible for violating his freedom to eat, shouting that he
felt suffocated because of her overprotective manner. My mother, on the other hand,
resolutely refuted his accusation and stated that it was unreasonable of him to throw
such a tantrum. That remark added fuel to the fire, with my father storming out of
the room. However, when he reached the door, he turned and said: “You made me
really mad. Now give me some money so that I can go and have a beer with my
friend!”. After hearing that, I couldn’t keep a straight face, though he was very
serious. He looked at me curiously, yet a few seconds later, it dawned on him that
he was in such an ironic situation. Like many dual-income families in our country,
my father gives most of his salary to my mother so she is the cashier of the family.
Anyway, once my father realized that he had just asked my mother for his own
money when he was fighting with her, he couldn’t stop laughing. Soon enough, we
three broke into laughter till our stomachs ached. In the end, we found out it was
Lulu-our dog - who had stolen the hamburger.

3.3. Describe a sports match you have watched

You should say

When it was

Where it was

How you felt while watching this match

I am going to talk about an absurd boxing match that I watched recently. As a matter
of fact, since I realized that I was quite out of condition, and I needed to take up
regular exercise, I have taken up boxing to get into shape. This has led me to develop
such fondness for the sport that I decided to go and watch a real bout. As it was the
final of the local tournament, the two contestantswere both extremely competent.
While we were waiting for the boxers to come into the ring, crowds of spectators
started to cheer and chant enthusiastically to show their support for the two fighters,
which created an atmosphere of excited anticipation. Eventually, after about 15
minutes, the boxers appeared. They looked incredibly muscular, and admittedly I
got a bit jealous of their athletic physique.

Since boxing involves a high possibility of injury, on safety grounds both athletes
were sufficiently equipped with essential sports gear for their protection, which may
be one reason why the sport continues to thrive, despite the dangers. After the
introduction and rules reminder, the contest started. It was obvious that the two
participants were equally talented, so they had to really exert themselves to win.
However, just at the height of the contest, one boxer got a cramp and tripped
unexpectedly. The fall was so sudden that he couldn’t react and ended up spraining
his wrist. Although it was not a life-threatening injury, it did prevent him from
continuing the fight. The other fighter was then declared the winner. Everybody was
at a loss for words, and I have to say that was the strangest match I’ve ever seen! It
was a little disappointing, but also funny and fascinating in a way. Despite that, I did
not regret seeing that match. It was quite entertaining and valuable for me. As the
boxers were remarkably skillful, I was able to learn a lot from them to improve my
own skills. I will definitely watch another match in the near future.

3.4. Describe a wedding that you have attended.

You should say

whose wedding it was

who was there

what happened

and explain how you felt.

ANSWER

Today, I’m gonna share with you a wedding of my friend that I attended. Last month,
I received a wedding invitation from my old friend from primary school. The
wedding was held at the beginning of April. We have been close to each other for
over 15 years, therefore, I definitely wanted to attend at all costs, due to the fact that
we hadn’t had a chance to get together for ages. Her wedding ceremony took place
at The Sum Villa, located near West Lake. It was decorated impressively with a lot
of lights, candles and flowers around the room. There were three glamorous wedding
photo albums, showing tables right at the centre of the official gate. The principal
colours were likely to be white and violet, so all the guests were requested to wear
clothes with one or both of these colours. Personally, I wore a white dress with small
accessories. It was meant to be a casual wedding, which I had never attended before.
It turned out to be refreshingly informal. One of the best moments that really
touched me was when the bridegroom sang a song for the bride and all the guests
sang along with him. Also, he made a photo clip by himself marking their 4-year
romance, to show to everyone in the room. It was no surprise that everyone clapped
their hands and cheered them. Of course, I was no exception. It was also a good
chance to catch up with my old friends and we all had a great time. We definitely
made the most of the occasion and took a lot of pictures with the bride and the
bridegroom. I gave my friend a gift to celebrate her wedding day. I had given much
thought to my wedding present when I was choosing it, and I wished her lots of
happiness for the future.
4. Describe an activity (e.g. a hobby)
4.1. Describe a plan you made in your life (except work or study)
You should say

What it is

When you have the plan

Who you have told the plan to

And explain why you want to do this.

ANSWER

When I was in second year at university, my friends and I had some free time on our
hands so we decided to do something special besides studying. And so we came up
with a fundraising plan. Our plan was to run a nonprofit campaign. We were
supposed to grow some little trees together, and then give one of those trees to each
person who donated money, books or clothes for our campaign. Then we would give
those donations to children and the poor in need. The purpose was to help poor
people and to raise people’s awareness of the need for trees and environmental
protection as well. We were a group of four. At first, I was in two minds about
whether or not to invite a girl called Ann to join us. She is a creative person, she
always thinks outside the box, but she is also a bit capricious. She will never apply
herself like we do, and will give up as soon as something unpleasant happens. But
my friends insisted on inviting her, so I had to agree with them. Not unexpectedly,
when we ran into some trouble, she was the first one to give up. More than that, she
told other people in my class that we took donated money, books and other stuff for
ourselves. She upset my plan with her false stories. I haven’t considered her as a
friend since then. And I’ve carried out all of my plans on my own, and never trusted
any other person anymore.

4.2. Describe a talk or a speech

You should say

Who gave the speech

What the topic of the speech was

Whether it impressed you or not

and explain why did you like / dislike the speech.

ANSWER

Three months ago, I attended a seminar organized by my university. The purpose of

the seminar was to present and discuss the job opportunities for undergraduate
students in Vietnam. At first, I hadn’t planned on attending the seminar but on
second thoughts, I decided to go with a friend of mine since I believed that the talk
would offer me some constructive advice on my future career plan. The keynote
speaker was a representative of an educational agency which places strong emphasis
on helping students accumulate real working experience after university graduation.
Before delivering the speech, the speaker forged the bonds between the students in
the auditorium by organizing some warm-up games, which I consider a good
approach to capture the attention of the audience and lighten the atmosphere. He
then analyzed a great number of qualities an employer expects from applicants and
he went on to demonstrate the ways to impress employers in an interview, thus
enabling us to have a thorough preparation for our careers later on. Besides, he also
presented some information about long-term career opportunities in Vietnam and
discussed the highly skilled jobs for which there is a shortage of workers.
Throughout the speech, what most impressed me was his endless patience and
dedication to delivering the information and helping the audience understand every
single matter clearly. He was always willing to answer any question asked by the
students no matter how minor the problems might be. This is one of the most
significant qualities of a speaker that he clearly possesses. In brief, I found the speech
very informative and useful as it answered a great number of questions I had at the
back of my mind.

4.3. Describe an experience that when you spent time with a child.
You should say

When it happened

Where it happened

What you did

And explain how you felt about it.

ANSWER

I would like to tell you about my nephew, who is 8 years old. I have been spending
a lot of time with him since he was born, and I love him to death. My little nephew
has a good sense of humor and he is always full of energy. Last Saturday, when I
had a day off, I planned to come to my sisters’ house to play and have fun with him.
While I was sitting in front of the television and playing the pop song “Worth it” by
Fifth Harmony, he suddenly walked up, sang and danced around the room. His
childish voice, together with the way he shook his hips was so funny that everyone
in the room burst out laughing. He sang the song so fluently, which totally blew my
mind. He also tried to imitate the sexy facial expressions of the five girls in the video.
He was so adorable and at that time I couldn’t take my eyes off him. I couldn’t be
happier watching him grow healthier and smarter every day. That was probably one
of the most memorable moments that will stay with me for a long time.

4.4. Describe an activity that makes you feel excited

You should say

What the activity is

And explain why it makes you feel excited

ANSWER

Today I’m going to talk about one of the most engaging activities I’ve got involved
in. It’s cooking. Every day after school, I would hurry home to make a simple but
tasty meal for my parents, who enjoy my food so much that there’s always nothing
left on the plates. To some people my age, cooking can be such a nightmare, but my
mom has been teaching me how to cook since I was a little girl, so I find it just a
piece of cake. I would say I’m quite a good cook and I’m proud of this. At times I
even think of applying to Masterchef. I’m best at cooking such Vietnamese
traditional food as beef noodles and spring rolls but I also try making exotic dishes
in my free time. When I cook, both my mind and my body are so absorbed in it that
I forget the surroundings. One thing with cooking is that there are thousands and
thousands of recipes to try. You may think you know all the ways of making a certain
meal, but different recipes can prove you wrong. The excitement and nervousness
when trying out a new recipe make cooking never seem dull to me. And I feel over
the moon when I see the end result.

4.5. Describe an experience that you are waiting for something

You should say:

What you waited for

When and how long you waited for that thing

And explain why you waited for that thing

Waiting is an inevitable aspect of everyone’s life. We all have to be patient enough

to get the thing that we want. To some people, waiting is an awful experience, but
to my mind, waiting is the perfect way to train our patience. One of my most vivid
experiences of waiting was when I was expecting the arrival of my
universityentrance examination scores. To be honest, I would say that this
experience was stressful and somehow a bit scary because my scores were the
determinant factor of which university I would attend in the next 4 years. I felt
stressed because Ihad put all of my effort into these final examinations before being
able to graduate from high school. Moreover, to me, it was a reflection on my 12
years of going to school, and my parents’ expectationsof me. So I had to excel at
themto not let them as well as myself down. I had waited for about a month before
my scores were confirmed . It was quite a scary experience when days passed
without receiving the results. During that time, the only thing on my mind was the
scores. I thought I would feel stressfree when the exams were over but it seemed the
opposite. Waiting for the scores was even worse than sitting an exam. However, I’ve
learned from that experience that waiting is an essential part of everyone’s life, and
there is nothing we can do about it except for being patient. I was finally aware of
my scores after a month of waiting patiently, and they were good scores, they were
not the highest ones, but just enough for me to get into the university I always
dreamed of.

4.6. Describe an experience of good service in a shop or a restaurant.

You should say

When it happens
Where the shop or restaurant is

What the experience is

And explain why you think it was good service.

Let me tell about this one time I experienced exceptional service at a restaurant. It
was my 18th birthday and my family came up with the idea of celebrating the night
by eating out. The first thing to pop up into our minds was going to a fancy restaurant
but somehow, we ended up having our dinner at a reputable family restaurant nearby.
On entering the place, we were impressed by the restaurant’s cozy and homely decor
as well as the courteousness of the servers, who allocated us the limited window
seats right away as a privilege after hearing that it was my birthday. Additionally,
the waiters were patient and attentive, and we only had to wait for about 10 minutes
to be served, even though we ordered quite a lavish amount of food. Most
importantly, the dishes were so succulent that we couldn’t have imagined they were
merely home food. However, the real highlight of the meal would be the surprise
discount offered by the restaurant owner, which we refused in the end. Being able to
enjoy delectable dishes while spending quality time with my family really made my
day, not to mention not having to pay through the nose for the experience.

4.7. Describe a time you had good experience in the countryside

You should say

Where it was

When it was

What you did

And explain why you liked/disliked the experience

Although I live in a very hectic city, I also feel attached to the countryside. Life in
the rural areas always brings me a sense of tranquility. Last summer, I got away from
the overcrowded city by spending all the time with my grandparents in the country.
This experience has been a great memory for me to look back on with fondness.

Well, as you can imagine, country life is quite different from that of the city, and
living in the countryside is sometimes really challenging. While in my city
apartment, all I have to do is just some light housework like washing dishes or
cleaning the bathroom, but in the countryside I have to take care of the garden every
day and even help out with farm work. My grandparents have instructed me to do
this because it will help to develop self-reliance. Although there are some hardships
involved, finishing these tasks brings me closer to nature and I have gradually
become more adaptable to changes. Besides, without the distraction of the Internet,
I found myself more open to people around me and understand them better. I have
come to realize that alienation between humans nowadays is partly caused by the
dominance of technology.

Despite getting back to my normal life in the city, I still find the time spent in the
countryside very memorable. I believe that thanks to the precious time spent in my
grandparents’ country home, I have become more mature and dependable.

4.8. Describe a holiday/trip you want to go on in the future

You should say

Where this place is

Who you would like to go with

What you would do there

explain why you want to go there

Well, for a future vacation, as something of an ecotourist, Da Lat city is on the top
of my list. It is a renowned destination in the south of Vietnam. I’m going to tell you
some ideas about a great vacation in Da Lat that popped up in my mind.

I would go there on my own and choose a homestay rather than a hotel in order to
experience the intimate and affectionate lifestyle of Da Lat farmers. It’s kind of
community-based tourism, which means that during my homestay, I would mingle
with simple farmers who make local agricultural products; participate in their daily
activities, go to market, buy food, cook traditional local dishes, cultivate, look after
and harvest crops; study, visit local tourist attractions and historic sites.

In short, I would become an amateur farmer. Very soon, I could be able to join new
family members to embark on harvesting agricultural products. And I would also
help sort out products prior to delivering them to wholesale outlets.
Moreover, I would be able to enjoy Da Lat’s distinctive mild climate along with
misty weather which makes this small city the ideal destination for a holiday escape
away from the busy metropolises. In terms of attractions, I would have tons of
choices. The natural wonders of Langbiang Mountain, Xuan Huong Lake, Doi
Thong Hai Mo and the Valley of Love top the list. On the cultural and historical side,
Bao Dai Summer Palace, Domaine de Marie Church and Truc Lam Monastery are
the treasures that hold the rich history and culture of Da Lat and the region.

I believe the happy days shared in Da Lat would make me want to stay forever and
never have to say farewell. And with all the knowledge and valuable experience
during my stay, I would enrich my experiences in life and be more successful.

4.9. Describe a well-paid job that you will be good at

You should say

what the job was

how you knew this job

how you feel about this job

and explain why you think you will be good at it

Well, I think I will be most successful at being an English teacher. From my own
perspective, whether you receive a satisfactory salary or not largely depends on your
ability, interest, temperament and inclination.

My major is English and I’m also learning how to disseminate knowledge to others
in an effective way. Therefore, teaching English would be a suitable option, from
which I can benefit a lot. In my opinion, you will always succeed if you do what you
love. Besides, as I’m quite patient with kids, there won’t be much difficulty in
teaching them. Although it can be challenging for the first time, the experience will
always be rewarding.

Practically, English is an international language, which requires one’s pursuit of this

language, if he or she wants to make substantial career advancements. In my country,
where English is not a mother tongue, the demand for learning it is omnipresent.
People learn English out of communicative, academic, diplomatic and other
considerations. In fact, numerous parents have invested a lot of money for their
children to learn English, in the hope of a better future for them. If I try to enhance
my knowledge and teaching ability over time, I believe that I will have more students
and have an enviable income.

4.10. Describe a plan you haven’t done yet

You should say

What it is about

When you plan to do

Why you want to do it

And explain why you haven’t done now

I have been planning on starting a blog for a couple of years now, yet I haven’t really
got to do it for several reasons. Two years ago, I happened to come across an article
on the Internet which talked about blogging as a career. I was pretty interested in
writing - I already wrote some short stories and I also managed to consistently write
diaries at the time. The idea of earning a living out of what I loved doing was really
appealing to me. As a result, after searching for more in-depth information about
blogging, I chose to receive newsletters from one site which claimed to teach people
detailed steps towards becoming a blogger. I started following the instructions listed
in every newsletter I received, yet after some time, I began having difficulty
continuing writing blogs. I realized that blogging required a high level of
commitment, marketable ideas and also good writing skills. I was a high school
student at the time, and with a completely full schedule of studying and part-time
working, it was out of the question for me to devote myself to blogging. There were
also some other reasons, one of which was that I couldn’t produce good ideas for my
articles, maybe because I wasn’t knowledgeable enough about breaking news or
because I couldn’t provide up to the minutenews coverage. That led to my decision
to cease my blogging process - I decided that I should at least work on my writing
skills or broaden my literary horizons first, and that I would only start my blogging
career when I was well-prepared.

4.11. Describe a bicycle tour.

You should say
When you had this trip

Whom went on with you

What did you do during this trip

And explain why you like it

I am going to talk about a tour on bike that I have fortunately had the chance to
experience recently. Last month, my mom and dad decided that it was time we left
behind the hustle and bustle of the city and lined up an intimate family outing in the
countryside to get away from it all. Because my mother has serious motion sickness
and we did not want to break the bank for the trip, instead of renting a private car as
usual, we decided to travel as backpackers by bike! It was such a brand new
experience for me. We were up early in the morning to prepare our luggage and we
were ready on our own bikes, and them set off for our camping site in a park in the
country. Riding a bike granted me the opportunity to go sight-seeing without my
view being blocked, which is far more satisfying than looking through the window
of a fast-moving car. As we entered the countryside region, a breath-taking view
appeared in front of our eyes. Hours of riding our bikes absolutely paid off as we
were rewarded by a picturesque vistaof rolling hills towering above borderless green
rice fields. That was heavenly beautiful! The real allure of the trip to me is how I got
to spend really quality time with my family. We always had to keep in mind that we
were a team and we kept together. Every time we took a rest, I would get a chance
to see my father take care of my mom and that was the sweetest thing ever, which I
had not seen for a while. I could feel our bond growing stronger and stronger each
time I or my dad slowed down so that my mom could keep up. This trip is among
the best trips that I have taken.

4.12. Describe an important change in your life.

You should say

what is was about

how it affected your life

and explain why this was an important change in your life.

Going to university has been a turning point in my life. Personally, university life is
a fresh start for me. I parted from my family, I said goodbye to the mountain town
where I was born and went on a journey that taught me a great deal. Luckily, I did
not suffer from homesickness like most of my friends did, yet I was thrilled to hold
myself accountable for my own life. It was the perfect chance for me to grow up.
Without my parents, I had to take care of my body and mind on my own. I quitted
the sedentary lifestyle I had been leading since high-school years and took regular
exercise, I even adopted a fitness regime,working out at the gym twice a week. I
replaced junk food with healthy eating habits. Whenever I had mental health
problems, I sought help from my friends who offered me emotional support and
guided me through my struggles. I was no longer addicted to social networking sites
since the heavy workload and commitments I had from my studies and social life
occupied most of my time. The changes that university brought to me are indeed
tremendous and significant. I have grown into a much more mature and responsible
version of myself. I will forever be thankful for this precious time at university.

4.13. Describe an appointment that was put ahead of schedule

You should say

What it was about

When it was

Where it was

And explain why you put it ahead

A few months ago, my appointment with an old friend, Linh, was put ahead of
schedule. She flew back from America after 2 years of studying, and her arrival came
earlier than expected. We met each other in a coffee shop, and we talked a lot about
the education she had followed abroad. Linh commented that the transmission of
knowledge in developed countries like America is much more efficient and practical
than in Viet Nam. A class consists of only a few students, which enables the
professors to give feedback to students. Similarly, she and all her friends in the
university can also consult their teachers more frequently. When asked about her
university life, Linh said she felt really contented with it. There are numerous extra-
curricular activities in her university, which is a chance for the students to develop
themselves in every aspect. However, if you are too engrossed in taking part in
activities, you will easily fall behind with your studies. At the moment, Linh was
working her way through university to pay for her accommodation and basic
necessities, by doing a part-time job, with flexible working hours in a convenience
store. In the end, she realized that, although studying abroad is not that easy, the
experience is extremely rewarding.

4.14. Describe a time you talked to a stranger

Last month, on the flight to Ho Chi Minh city, I had a chance to talk to an American
environmentalist, and I have to say that it was a very memorable conversation. In
the course of the conversation, she enlightened me as to the seriousness of our
environmental problems. Practically, she said that the relentless exploitation of
human beings has depleted a lot of natural resources, such as forests, water, plants
and, of course, fossil fuels. Moreover, problems like global warming also stem from
various kinds of pollution, the most severe of which is air pollution. Undoubtedly,
these environmental problems would be extremely detrimental to our health, and
affect overall standards of living and quality of life. When I asked her about how to
alleviate such environmental problems, she said the decisive factor is our awareness.
People should bear in mind that every action they take will directly affect the overall
environment, in either positive or negative ways. She advised me to reduce my
personal carbon footprint, by cutting down on car emissions, if I have access to
public transport. She also gave me tips on saving energy as an essential way to put
a stop to environmental degradation. Although we had just met, she was really
helpful and friendly towards me, and I think that my talk with her was really
informative.

4.15. Describe an activity near the sea

Among the numerous leisure activities by the seaside, I like camping near the sea
the most. My family usually goes to popular beaches to camp in the summer, which
is theheight of the tourist season. Of course, there are many people who also camp
like us, making the beach a crowded and interesting place, ideal for a family
gathering. The preparation for a perfect camping trip is quite easy: a tent, flashlight,
blanket, snacks,…Well, a tent is indispensablefor any camping holiday, while a
flashlight can come in handy when darkness falls. You should also prepare a snack
in case you want to eat something at night, because it is quite inconvenient to buy
something near the beach, where there aren’t many shops. I think the beach is usually
regarded as a place just to swim, sunbathe or to play sports, and it is a great place
for the elderly to take some gentle exercise,strolling or jogging along the shore.
However, watching the night fall on the beach with your loved ones is also a really
great idea. My family always has a whale of a time when we organize a camping trip
by the sea. We just chill outand enjoy the freshness of the air, and we all feel
extremely relaxed and forget all the burdens of work and daily life for a day or two.
Above all, I never tire of the breathtaking view, proving that you don’t have to spend
a fortune on extravagant journeys to enjoy the beauty of nature.

5. Describe a place (somewhere you visited, a holiday etc.)

5.1. Describe a city or town you have been.
You should say

Where you would like to go

What kind of work/ job you would like to have

When you would like to go

And explain why you want to work in that place.

ANSWER (Trích đề: Describe a place in other countries where you would like to
work)

Today, I would like to talk about a place in foreign countries where I would like to
work. It is Melbourne, the second largest city in Australia which has become home
for millions of people from various countries around the world. In Melbourne, I
would like to work for an environmental NGO, as my specialtyat/in university is
Environmental Resources. So, right after I finish my studies in Vietnam, I will go to
Melbourne to apply for a job there. Well, the reasons why I would like to work in
Melbourne are quite simple. First, I have a lot of friends and relatives who live and
work in Melbourne. They can help me whenever I need. They also tell me that the
community of Vietnamese overseas is very large in Melbourne. So, the multicultural
challenge won’t be a big problem for me. And what's more, like Sydney, Tokyo or
some other cities in the world, Melbourne is a 'liveable city' due to / because of its
high rankingin education, research and healthy lifestyle/ way of life. So I think that
to live, study or work there will be an interesting experience.

5.2. Describe a garden you visited and like.

You should say:

Where the garden is.

How you felt about it.

Explain why you like it

ANSWER

I would like to share with you my impressions of a garden that I visited last summer,
which was full of colour and interest: Claude Monet’s house and garden in Giverny,
France. As a big fan of Monet’s paintings, especially the famous „Water Lilies‟, I
had always dreamed of seeing the scene in real life. So, when some friends suggested
a visit last year, I jumped at thechance. After a journey of about an hour by train
from our hotel, we arrived at Giverny. The garden was exactly as he had painted it
– it was a riot of colour, from the peaceful white of the water lilies to the striking
reds and oranges which filled some of the flowerbeds. The two parts of the garden
complemented each other perfectly. We first admired the array ofbright flowers and
fruit trees in the Clos Normand, but my favourite part was the water garden, and we
enjoyed a leisurely stroll, taking in all the colours, perfumes and bird songs. Monet
avidly collected prints of Japanese gardens, and these inspired the Japanese bridges
covered with wisterias, the water lilies in the pond, and the bamboo and weeping
willows which he planted. For me, it was like a wonderland of colours and a dream
come true after so many years.

5.3. Describe a café you like.

You should say

Where it is located

How often you visit it

And explain why you like it

ANSWER
I’m going to describe a café that I’ve been to recently; the name is Meow Coffee and
it’s on Tay Son Street, Hanoi. I think you could easily recognize it just from the
name that this coffee shop offers you many kinds of drinks together with the chance
of pampering the cats. I’m a cat person so this place is like heaven to me. I’ve only
been there twice; the first time was with one of my friends and the second time all
by myself. I felt like I was in love the first time I went to Meow Coffee. You could
see the cats sleeping or playing with each other so happily and comfortably. The first
cat I saw on my first visit was a British Short Hair; it was orange, looking so grumpy
but cute. He was sound asleep on a stool, and didn’t even care a bit even if the guests
entered and started to lightly pet him. There are maybe dozens of cats in there
together with some cute dogs that are really nice to people. The place feels cozy and
has a nice smell; it’s also very clean, in my opinion, for a place that has pets. The
owner has decorated the coffee shop with toys and supplied some particular facilities
to take care of the pets, and also a written set of rules with cute images on how to
pamper the pets. I had a really great time there, enjoying the drinks and playing
along with the cute cats. I brought an assignment to work on the second time I visited
this place, and the cats were so nice: they didn’t bother me, some of them just lay or
sat beside me or climbed into my lap and slept there, didn’t even move an inch. I
would recommend this place for any animal lovers, especially cat people. I will
definitely go to Meow Coffee again if I have time.

5.4. Describe a shop opened in your hometown

You should say

where the shop is

what items it sells

how often you go there

why you go there

ANSWER

Well, I’m not a shopaholic, so there´s no particular shop that has made a special
impression on me. There’s only one exception – that’s a shop called Vinmart +,
which was opened in my hometown 2 months ago. The shop is located at one of the
prime spots for retailing. It is located right beside my previous primary school, which
is only 1km away from my house. I have to say that this shop makes its mission to
satisfy all customer needs anytime, anywhere. As well as meeting the customers’
demand for necessary daily goods like other shops, it also supplies fresh vegetables,
fruit and meat of a high quality at reasonable prices. These products have clearly-
marked sources of origin and are strictly controlled under the general process of the
entire system. This shop is in a chain of retail shops under Vingroup, which is
recognized as one of the most dynamic and successful companies in Vietnam, well-
positioned for international integration and comparable to the best regional and
global competitors. Therefore, I suppose there’s no doubt about its quality. Actually,
quality assurance is the most important benefit of shopping here. And the quality of
service is excellent as well. To the best of my recollection, 2 weeks ago, when I came
to buy some snacks, I met a middle-aged woman with her son at Vinmart. She said
to the staff that she only went window shopping to pamper her son, who always liked
visiting supermarkets and shops to see things. The staff were very welcoming and
gave her son a candy as a gift. I could see that her son was over the moon. That left
me with a lasting and positive impression about Vinmart.

5.5. Describe a quiet place

You should say

Where it is

How often you visit there

What you do there

And explain the reason why you like or dislike the place.

ANSWER

To me, quiet places mean libraries. But I’m not going to describe the library at my
university as I still haven’t visited it yet. The one I’m going to describe is the library
at my high school in Haiduong City. My school is very large and it consists of four
big blocks named A, B, C, and D. The library occupies a small space on the highest
floor in block D, and it’s perhaps just about three or nearly four times as large as a
normal classroom. There’s a room used to store books and another for students to
read books and self-study. I spent most of my time in the library when I was in grade
10. The next two years were filled completely with competitions and extracurricular
activities so I couldn’t go to the library as often as before. I had my own favorite
spot in the self-study section; it was the cubicle on the outermost row that is near the
window, and whenever I visited the library to study or to read some borrowed books,
I would choose that spot without hesitation. I even wrote some words or symbols
that I liked on the table; don’t know whether they’re still there now though. I
specifically chose this library to describe because it’s really quiet, compared with
some other libraries in Haiduong City that I’ve been to. It was really suitable for
studying, and some even went there to sleep! I had a great time self-studying in this
library back then, I seriously would re-visit it if I ever had a chance.

5.6. Describe an interesting house or apartment you visited

You should say

what it looked like

how big it was

where it was located

and explain why you find it interesting

I’m going to talk about my uncle’s house, which I first visited when I had just
graduated. It is a palatial house which is located near the city centre.

It is a splendid house with a lovely swimming pool and a huge garage in Tay Ho
District, Ha Noi. The land area is 300 sq.m with 4 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, a living
room and modern kitchen. I have to say that is naturally illuminated , with its floor-
to-ceiling windows. The walk out deck in the back yard offers a pleasant and quiet
space for the family beside the pool, while the downstairs family room is a great
place for kids or adults to play or watch movies. The house is spacious but still cosy
because it is elaborately decorated with wooden floors and antique furniture.

The most striking thing about the house is its gigantic fish tank wall. It’s extremely
eye-catching. Right from the moment you enter the living room, you can see this
unique feature. It’s full of saltwater fish. The tank is gorgeously framed in teak to
match the woodwork of the room. My uncle said that building an aquarium into a
wall was always his dream, and he made it reality. I felt like being one of his admirers
after hearing those words because I was still on my way to purchasing my own dream
– an average apartment in the city centre. I hope someday I can tell my nephew the
same thing that my uncle told me.

5.7. Describe a popular place where people like to go swimming.

You should say

Where is it

What it is like

Who likes to go there

Why it is a popular place for swimming

Today I’ll tell you about a place where a lot of people go to take a swim. It’s My
Khe beach in Danang, which is a coastal city in central Vietnam. Danang is dubbed
one of the world’s ‘most attractive cities to live in’ and I guess one of the biggest
reasons why is the breath-taking My Khe beach. The beach isn’t private or secluded
and is open to the public so it attracts hundreds of thousands of tourists who flock
there every year.

Though My Khe is not the only beach in Danang, it’s certainly a place not to be
missed as My Khe has always been extolled for its crystal clear water and fine sand
dunes. Additionally, there is a variety of recreational activities available for people
coming here. There are, for example, swimming or, for those who can’t swim, taking
a dip or a stroll along the shore, snorkeling, sunbathing and building sand castles for
young children. Not only is My Khe widely-known among domestic travellers, it
has a reputation among outbound tourists as well, so it’s fair to say that the beach is
loved by all kinds of visitors.

As I was saying, My Khe is famous for its clear water and splendid beach scenery
and is ideal for both swimming and beach activities, though, like most places, we
are at the mercy of the weather. The fabulous beach is undoubtedly the biggest
reason why My Khe draws tourists like a magnet.

5.8. Describe a library that you have used. (A public library or a university or
school library)
You should say
where it was

what (type of) building it was in /what type of library it was

what books and facilities it had

what you did in the library

and explain what you liked and /or disliked about this library

Today I would like to talk about the one and only public library in my hometown,
which used to be my weekend hideaway during childhood. Located in the city centre,
the two-storey building has made itself a welcome contrast to concrete jungles. In
terms of its exterior decoration, library visitors would feel comfortable at the sight
of its rustic simplicity with reddish-brown bricks and mortar. Once inside, people
can be awestruck by its state-of-the-art facilities. The bottom half provides
computers with free Internet access and E-books if people prefer to conduct further
online research. The top half is occupied by stacks of books, newspapers, periodicals
and other reading materials where visitors can dig deep into every field. At the
weekend, I prefer to be engrossed in classic novels and develop my literary
appreciation. As I grew up, I switched my focus to various genres to broaden my
horizons. Personally speaking, the highlight of the library was its unique tranquility
which was really thought-provoking to readers. However, as it is the sole shelter for
bookworms in the city, its frequent state of overcrowding allows little room to enjoy
it at the weekend.

5.9. Describe a building in your school or university

You should say

where it is

what it looks like

what it is used for

I’m going to describe the administrative building of my university - FPT University,

which is a famous building designed by a talented architect – Mr.Vo Trong Nghia.
The building is located in the Hoa Lac Hightech Park, 34 kilometers from Hanoi.
The project is a modernisticseven-storey, eco-friendly building. Owing to its purpose
and unique design, this building has won several prizes, and Future Projects
Education is one of them. It is considered as representative of the efforts of
Vietnamese architecture to take action on global warming. Since the building serves
as a gateway to the school, the architects used its prominent position in the landscape
to promote sustainabledevelopment in Vietnam, a country suffering from increasing
pollution due to rapid industrialization. What I like most is that the layout looks like
a large garden with greenery covering most of the area. With the combination of this
green space and abundant glass, sufficient natural light and wind are able to enter
the building in order to reduce its reliance on artificial lighting and air conditioning.
This building is loved due to its unique design and due to the fact that it brings about
lots of benefits to our students as well as our teachers. This creative place pushes the
boundary of our creativity a lot. One of my teachers told me that she felt motivated
and even tried to tailor her teaching styles since she felt in a good mood whenever
she looked at this building. Besides, some students are able to work their way
through the university by taking part time jobs such as taking care of the trees and
cleaning the building.

5.10. Describe a place where you felt crowded

You should say

where it was

why you went there

why it was crowded

and explain how you felt about being there.

Actually, coping with crowded places presents a challenge to me. Therefore, in my

holidays, I often stay at home or find peaceful places to take a trip, but last spring, I
made a wrong decision when I decided on Tam Coc, Ninh binh, as a quiet spot and
paid a visit. I thought I would escape the hustle and bustle of busy Hanoi for the
relaxing pace of Tam Coc, which is often referred to as the Halong Bay of the land,
because of its spectacular and peaceful scenery. But when I arrived, it turned out to
be the most crowded place I’ve ever encountered on my travels. Coming to Tam
Coc, you have to board row boats for a journey of over an hour, passing through 3
caves to be able to see a breathtaking view of lush green rice paddies during the rice
growing seasons and stunning limestone karsts . But it was not easy to get a boat. In
fact, I had to wait for about 2 hours. The pier was always swarming with tourists and
the noise was deafening at times. We were running out ofpatience and out of space.
My family and I felt really tired; but we still kept on waiting. Fortunately, we were
rewarded by an unforgettable vista. But no matter how stunning the scenery is, I
won’t go back there after that experience. I think thelocal authoritiesshould introduce
restrictions on the numbers of tourists. I visited Tam Coc 2 months after the Tet
holiday, which means that it was not the height of tourist season, but the resort was
still thronged with holidaymakers. In my opinion, Tam Coc has become too touristy
and commercial. I suppose that over-rapid development will hurt tourism and not
ensure sustainable development for the local people.

5.11. Describe an organization or company where you live that employs a lot
of people.
You should say

What it is

How many employees work there

What its work is

And explain what you think about it.

The company I’m going to tell you about is a merger of two start-up companies,
which were YoungAd and VietDesign, YoungAd’s focus was on advertising and
marketing, while VietDesign, as its name suggests, was aimed at designing logos
and websites. Both companies spent 2 years breaking into the market. Soon the
directors realized that together they would make a prosperous organization since
their two domains were closely related. Therefore, to make the most of their
potential, YoungAd and VietDesign amalgamated in 2016 to make YAVD. The
number of employees from both companies combined is nearly 100 at present, a
pretty impressive figure for a start-up business at that age. Collaborators are also
recruited during big marketing campaigns to support official employees. The
company adopts a flexible policy when it comes to human resource management:
freelancers who perform beyond expectation are retained as employees or paid
generously. In my opinion, YAVD is likely to grow and thrive for two reasons.
Firstly, because the two former companies had their stable markets, YAVD gains a
competitive edge regarding its customer base. Secondly, because marketing and
designing make a perfect service package, YAVD is able to cater for the need of
their customers in a comprehensive manner, which probably singles them outin the
market.

6. Describe your favourite (book/film/advertisement/website)

6.1. Describe your favorite movie
You should say:

when and where you saw it;

what type of film it was;

what the film was about;

and explain why it is your favorite film

ANSWER (Trích từ đề “Describe a film you watched at home or in a cinema”)

As a frequent moviegoer, I watch a lot of films. One of the movies that I enjoyed the
most recently was The Martian. The movie was based on a novel of the same title
by Andy Weir. Just like many other sci-fi films, it was about man travelling in space,
however, this time; our main character was stuck on Mars due to a dust storm which
nearly killed him. All of the crewmates thought that he was dead, so they went back
to Earth without him. But fortunately he was still alive, thus two and a half hours of
the movie told the story of how he fought for his life in the brutal environment of
Mars, until NASA devised a plan to rescue him. My best friend is a big fan of
astronomy, so she had read the novel before. That’s why she insisted on me going
to see the movie with her. After watching the trailer and reading the plot, I was
hooked. It was maybe the best two and a half hours of my week so far. After
watching the movie, I was amazed at how ingenious and strong humans can be when
it comes to a life and death situation. Mark Watney, the hero of the movie, was a
perfect portrayal of a young, humorous, brilliant and skillful engineer cum botanist.
Although the hostile environment of Mars threatened his existence many times, he
relentlessly refused to quit. Instead, he overcame one problem at a time until he was
successfully rescued. The message that I learned from the film is never to give up,
however hopeless things seem to be.

6.2. Describe an advertisement you have seen

You should say:

What the advertisement is

What it is for

And explain how you think about it.

ANSWER

Today I’m going to tell you about an advertisement I’ve seen recently. It was actually
a commercial to promote iPhone 7, the latest smartphone manufactured by Apple –
the well-known technology giant. The ad was broadcasted prior to the launching of
the product in order to provoke curiosity among consumers, especially loyal users
of the brand.

The advertisement didn’t convey any meaningful message but was rather designed
to highlight all the updated features of iPhone 7 compared to previous models in the
series. Besides, the commercial wasn’t directed towards any specific age group or
gender, so the target audience was quite large. As soon as the commercial was aired,
the news about the new product immediately made front page headlines and became
the leading article of many technology websites, magazines and online. Since Apple
was already one of the most reputable technology companies with a high level of
brand awareness, it didn’t take much time for the publicity to circulate. The
advertisement generated a craze for iPhone 7, everyone was talking about it on the
Internet. People were eager to see how the latest model would differ from earlier
ones as well as to compare it with the latest smartphones of other respected brands
such as Samsung or Sony.

As for me, I thought it was a little plain and lacked creativity the first time I saw the
ad, since it only focused on the updated features. Later, I found the ad to have a
certain feeling of elegance to it, simple and straightforward but it was still able to
attract an incredible number of consumers. I have to admit that I was a little swayed
by the advertisement, even though I’m a Samsung fan.
6.3. Describe an interesting song
You should say:

What kind of song it is

How you found it

What it is about

And explain why it is interesting to you

ANSWER (Trích từ đề “Describe a song that has special meaning for you”)

I love listening to music, so I like many songs. However, one of my favorite songs
that I want to talk about today is “Hall of Fame” by The Script and Will.i.am. This
song was written for the 2012 Olympic Games. When it came out, it quickly became
a hit on every single music chart throughout the world, not just because of its catchy
melody, but also for its meaningful lyrics. The song talks about how each of us can
be a champion or anything we want to be as long as we dedicate our time and efforts
to doing what we are passionate about. The song is played at big athletic events to
pump up the crowd, but you can easily relate to the song at other times as well,
especially when you are about to give up. I think this song has such a powerful
message that whenever I was tired or had decided to quit, it would lift me up right
away. It made me think about why I had started in the first place and that I needed
to finish the job that I was currently doing.

6.4. Describe a decision made by others that you disagreed with

You should say

When it was

What it was

Why you disagreed with the decision

And explain how you persuaded them

Today, I’m going to tell you about a time when I went against a decision made by
my family members. This happened after I had received my university entrance
exam results last year in July. I was supposed to apply for an instution for my tertiary
education and as you can probably guess, I had a big row with my parents about
choosing one.

Initially, I specialised in a foreign language, English to be specific, during my time

in high school. While I was persistent in becoming an English teacher, my parents
thought that a change of focus would do me good. They insisted that I should try my
hand at economics for a change, saying I’d be able to interact with people from all
walks of life and enlarge my circle of friends. Though I agreed that attending a
university course in economics could help enlarge my social network as well as
provide me with very marketable qualifications to embark on a well-paid career,
concentrating on what I was passionate about was a bigger priority for me. My
parents and I had a heart-to-heart talk in the course of which I persuaded them that
a teaching career was what I had set my mind on and wanted to pursue. The conflict
culminated in my parents giving in and letting me decide for myself, given my
predilection for languages and the fact that I have been majoring in English for quite
some time now. I successfully applied to an esteemed language university and am
now following my lifetime dream.

6.5. Describe a kind of foreign food you have had

You should say

What it is

Where you had it

How often you have it

Which occasion you had it

And say if you liked the dish or not

Or And explain why you wanted to try this dish

One of my favorite types of foreign foods is tteokbokki, or spicy sticky rice cake.
This is a popular Korean food made from rice cake dipped in hot and sweet chili
sauce, and some people may add spring onions, sesame seeds or fish cakes according
to their own tastes. I think this is a perfect dish for the winter, especially for those
freezing cold days.
The first time I had a chance to eat tteokbokki was when I was in grade 11. It was a
typical winter day and my friends asked me if I would like to try some Korean food
that could “warm me up” right away. I was kind of free and also a bit curious as the
only type of Korean food that I’d ever tried was kimbap – you know, the Korean
sushi. Anyway I said yes, and they took me to a newlyopened Korean food stall near
my school. I was awestruck once I saw the dish – it was full of chili sauce and I
myself was not a big fan of very spicy foods. I seriously struggled a lot to eat that
dish. It took me quite a long time to clean my plate and I had to drink lots of water
while I was eating. But something strange happened: I kind of missed the taste of
that dish some weeks later. And you know what, the more I ate it, the better it tasted
to me! It was like I grew quite addicted to tteokbokki in a sense.

And well, it’s been several years and I still like this dish very much. I still eat it now
and then, and I seriously would highly recommend it to everyone who can eat spicy
foods.

6.6. Describe a kind of weather you like

You should say

What is the type of weather

Why it is your favorite weather

Where you can experience such weather conditions.

I guess I could begin by saying something about what the type of weather is, and I
suppose I would have to choose cloudy weather. It may sound strange as most
people hate it when the sky is full of clouds because it is dreary and sometimes it
gets people down, However, the reason why my favorite weather is when it is
cloudy, windy and drizzling is that it makes me feel calm and relaxed. I am
particularly into such weather especially at night because I can hear the little
raindrops falling and see them running down my window, which helps me to sleep.
It is very pleasant. Also, I love fog, which often comes with cloudy weather . It's
very romantic and gives me a sort of feeling like I'm in an old black and white movie.
On the other hand, I don't like heavy rains and downpours as I would probably get
drenched if I got caught in the rain. And I hate when the temperature falls below
zero, it's so cold that I tend to stay indoors as much as possible. Probably, the type
of weather I like is common for the United Kingdom and the best time to experience
it would be during the autumn there. However, in my hometown such weather only
occurs in the spring. Usually, we have dry and sunny days with occasional rainy
spells.

6.7. Describe a website that you like to visit.

You should say

What the website is

What it is used for

When you used it

And explain why you think it was interesting.

Today, I am going to tell you about one website which I’m really interested in. It’s
name is m.ebay.com. It is an e-commerce website used for online shopping purposes.
This website advertises various items classified by categories such as fashion,
electronics, and motors. It allows people to order products, and make transactions
online. I always give priority to shopping online whenever I have spare time instead
of going to stores or supermarkets. So, this website is very handy for me as I can
take advantage of my mobile phone or computer with an Internet connection to
access it and purchase what I need. I find this website very appealing due to its good
layout and attractive images of products. There is a box for me to enter what items
I’m looking for so I can avoid browsing items unnecessarily, as I’m able to find
quickly the things I need. After that the items I have bought will be delivered right
to my door so I can save a lot of time. Not only that, there is always the chance to
get a good deal and discounts as there are various promotion programs. This website
has important advantages for me, such as convenience and the benefits of saving
time and money. Now it plays a useful role in my daily life. In the future I will
continue to visit the site and of course recommend it to my friends.

6.8. Describe your favourite means of transportation

You should say

what this transport is

when you began to use it

the advantages and disadvantages of using this form of transportation

and explain why it is your favourite form of transportation.

Today I am going to talk about the means of transportation that I like best. My
favorite vehicle is the very humble bicycle. Ever since I was in primary school, I
have made use of a bicycle to travel between places, mostly from home to school
and vice versa. My house was about 2 kilometers away from school, and every day
I would wake up early to ride my bike to class. As a kid, I took particularly great
pride in owning a bicycle because I figured it was a remarkably mature and
sensational thing to do, by which I mean, I was thrilled by the sense of having
something so valuable of my own at such early age, and all my peers would hold me
in high esteem for that. In my opinion, there is no telling how many individual and
social benefits the bicycle offers, especially to modern citizens. In this era of urgent
environmental problems and depletion ofnatural resources, the bicycle has proved
itself to be an optimum method of traveling,with dedicated cycle lanes in most towns
and cities. As it requires no intake of fuel and discharges no emissions, riding a bike
not only cuts society’s carbon footprint, but also reduces the reliance on fossil fuels.
What’s more, travelling by bike is also a wonderful way to integrate a fitness regime
into your life. Riding a bike obligates you to really get your leg muscles and joints
moving, making them stronger and more flexible, which is particularly necessary
given our modern sedentary lifestyle. The only downsides of the bicycle that occur
to me are its limited speed and the need to exertyourself, which makes long journeys
quite exhausting, especially if you are out of condition. But as I mainly travel fairly
short distances, that doesn’t bother me too much! To me, the real allure of cycling is
its simplicity. A bicycle is incredibly simple to operate, maneuver and repair. It is
also, of course, much easier on the pocketto own a bicycle compared to other
vehicles.

6.9. Describe a TV program (TV Series) you have watched

You should say

what kind of TV program it was, e.g. comedy, romantic

when you saw the TV program

what the TV program was about

I’m going to talk about “The Suite life of Zack and Cody”. Well, unlike kids
nowadays who have tons of ways to entertain themselves, back in 2005, we were
totally glued to the Disney Channel, a popular channel for kids which is loved by
adults as well. Not only me, but also my siblings love this channel and we often
watch it together in family gatherings. This channel has several programs. And one
of our favorite comedy shows back then was “The Suite Life of Zack and Cody”,
which starred the lovable twins Dylan and Cole Sprouse living in an exclusive hotel.
Lasting three seasons, the show even had a spin-off. In the 4 parts, Zack was the
funny character and Cody was the smart one. Apart from the two main characters,
this program had lots of other supporting characters and each had their own
distinctive personality, which gave the program a wide audience appeal. I have to
admit that the main reason I was a big fan of this program was not because of Zack
and Cody but a side character - London Tipton, who was an obvious parody of the
socialite Paris Hilton. She appeared in almost every episode of “The Suite Life of
Zack & Cody” and was presented as a ditzy, privileged girl with hidden depth.
Another reason is that I learnt countless new things by watching this show. At the
age of 13, I learned about how some Western people bring up their offspring. I was
impressed by the way they treat and talk to their children as a friend, which helps a
lot to bridge the generation gap and make family relationships much more intimate.

6.10. Describe an English class you enjoy

You should say

When it was

How it was

And explain why you enjoyed this class

I am going to talk about a lesson in English that I enjoyed when I was still in high
school. I had missed several lessons before that due to my absence, which stemmed
from sickness, so I was falling behind with my studies. Therefore, my uncle, who is
an online English tutor, offered me a lesson to help me catch up. Although I was a
bit set in my ways, and I had doubts about this comparatively new teaching method,
the lesson went amazingly well. We communicated by means of an online video call
and he gave me instructions and studying materials via email. As I was missing out
on quite a few inclass lessons, my online class had to cover a lot of ground. I had to
learn many new words for the topic “Politics”, which was quite exhausting for me
because I did not have any interest in such matters. Then we went on to revise
‘inversion’, which is also a tricky grammatical point. However, as it was a private
tutor lesson, my uncle had tailored his teaching style to suit my ability to take in
information. Knowing that I would get bored easily, he integrated a lot of visual aids
and discussion into the lesson to keep my attention. At the end of the lesson, he gave
me a short quiz to ensure that I had a good grasp ofwhat I had just learnt. The thing
that fascinated me most was the level of interactive learning that I experienced in
my online lesson. It is commonly believed that online learning hinders the
interaction between teacher and students, but I think that such an attitude is behind
the times.When studying online, I feel more relaxed, which enables me to participate
more actively in discussions and activities with my teacher. Moreover, with the
advantage of time and cost saving, I think online lessons actually surpass face-to-
face learning in efficiency.