SPEAKING

Part 1:

4. Let’s talk about your hometown

What do you like the most about your hometown?

I was born in Nghe An and of course it is my hometown. I like the most about my
hometown is people here. I love the friendly and welcoming atmosphere of my
hometown.

What are some popular places to visit in your hometown?

Nghe An has a lot of tourist attraction and historical monuments such as Bai Lu beach,
Cua Lo beach, Uncle Ho’s house,… If anyone visit Nghe An, they will not forget to try
some local specialities.

Do you think you will continue to live in your hometown in the future? Why?

I'd like to live in my hometown. Because most of all, in my hometown, there are my
parents and family but I need to finish my studies and gain some work experience first.

5. Let’s talk about gifts

Do you enjoy giving gifts to others? Why?

Yes, I love giving gifts to others. It's a great way to show someone that you care about
them and It brings me a sense of satisfaction.

Is it important to spend a lot of money on a gift? Why?

No, it's not necessary to spend a lot of money on a gift. Because i think the attention to
choosing a gift is much more important than the price.

What kind of gifts do you usually give to your friends and family?

I usually give gifts that my friends or family like on important days

6. Let’s talk about your shopping habits

Do you enjoy shopping? Why?

Like other girls, I also like shopping. It's a fun way to relax and treat myself. I also enjoy
finding new products and discovering trends.

Can you describe a shopping center you often go to?

My favorite shopping center is GigaMall. This is a big shopping center with 2 basements
and 7 floors. And the reason this place has a lot of things, then I can find things I want
there for example clothes, cosmetic, household appliances, furnitures, etc

Do you prefer online shopping or in-store shopping?

I prefer in-store shopping because I can try on clothes and see the products in person
before I buy them.

Part 2:

6. You want to improve your English skills. There are three options for you to choose
from: watching English movies, practicing with friends, or reading English books.
Which is the best choice?

For me, watching English movies is a great way to improve my English skills. I can listen
to native speakers and learn new vocabulary in a natural context. Plus, it's a fun and
enjoyable way to practice. Practice with friends but your friends don't always have free
time to practice with you and friends may not always be able to provide accurate
corrections or explanations of grammar and vocabulary. Reading English books is not as
interesting as watching movies or practicing with friends, and can easily cause boredom.
Reading English books can be a slower pace of learning compared to watching movies,
as it requires more concentration and effort.
7. You want to buy some clothes for an upcoming event. There are three options for
you to choose from: shopping online, visiting a mall, or buying from a second-hand
store near your house. Which is the best choice?

For me, visiting a mall is the best option for buying clothes. Visiting a mall allowing me
to try on clothes and assess their quality. Additionally, the atmosphere and entertaiment
options make the shopping experience more enjoyable. Shopping online doesn't allow
you to try on clothes or physically inspect the quality of materials. Returns and exchanges
can be inconvenient, especially if you need to ship items back. And Second-hand stores
may not have the latest styles or specific sizes you're looking for.

8. You and your friends want to go out for a meal together. You have three options
for where to eat: a fast food restaurant, a buffet restaurant, or a BBQ at a public
park. Which is the best choice?

For me, a BBQ at a public park is the best choice. Because it offer a social and relax
atmosphere, Enjoying a meal outdoors in a park offers a chance to connect with nature,
relax, and enjoy the fresh air. Eating in a fast food restaurant will not feel as comfortable
as eating outdoors. Fast food is generally higher in calories, fat, and sodium, making it
less healthy compared to other options. and Buffets can become crowded and noisy,
especially during peak hours. The quality and freshness of food at buffets can vary, and
there's a risk of overeating.

Part 3:

Topic: Online learning brings more choices for people to improve their knowledge.

Suggested ideas:

- low cost

- flexible

- continuous
- (your own ideas)

Online learning will bring many conveniences such as low cost, flexibility and continuity.
Online courses often have lower tuition fees, eliminating the need for costly commuting
expenses and on-campus accommodation. Additionally, many online platforms offer free
or low-cost courses. Online courses allow learners to study at their own pace and on their
own schedule, making them ideal for busy individuals or those with irregular schedules.
Online learning platforms offer a vast array of courses and resources, enabling learners to
continuously update their knowledge and skills. Online learning can benefit learners of
all ages. Children can use online platforms to supplement their formal education, while
adults can acquire new skills or advance their careers. While online learning offers many
advantages, it is unlikely to completely replace traditional classroom-based education. We
can combine online learning and classroom learning may become more prevalent in the
future, offering the best of both worlds.

Writing

Part 1:

Topic 1: Email of complaint: Complaining about poor service experienced during a

recent trip You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. You have received an
email from a friend, Alicia, asking you about your recent trip. Read her email below.

Hi Alicia,

I hope you’re having a good day. Thanks for asking about my trip. It was quite
disappointing. The service at the hotel was awful. The staff was rude and unhelpful, and
our room wasn’t cleaned prroperly. We also had issues with our reservations for activities
because the hotel didn’t confirm them even though we booked in advance.

Despite the problems, we did some fun activities. We visited a local museum, went on a
guided nature hike, and spent a day at the beach . thesr were enjoyable, but they didn’t
make up for the poor service we experienced.
In total, we spent about $1,200 on the trip, including flights, accommodation, and
activities. I hope my next trip will be better.

Talk to you soon!

Take care,

Mai

Topic 2: Email of apology: Apologizing for being late to an event or meeting You
should spend about 20 minutes on this task. You have received an email from an
uncle, Peter, asking you about not being at the family party and your new job in
HCM City. Read his email below.

Hi Peter,

I hope you’re doing well. I’m really sorry I missed the family party and didn’t answer
your calls. Things have been very busy since I moved to HCM City. My new job is going
well, but it’s a lot of work. I’m working at a marketing firm, and the projects keep me
busy all the time.

Living in HCM City is exiting but also a bit challenging. The city is lively and full of
enrgy, and I’m still getting used to everything and finding my way around.

I miss everyone and hope to visit soon. Thanks for understanding, and I appreciate your
offer to help. I’ll reach out if I need anything.

Take care, and hope to see you soon!

Best,

Mai

Topic 3: Email of giving information: Giving information about a healthy lifestyle

You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. You have received an email from a
friend, Jack, asking you about having a healthy lifestyle. Read his email below
Hi Jack,

I hope this email finds you well. I'm happy to help you on your journey to a healthier
lifestyle.

When it comes to a balanced diet, I focus on incorporating a variety of fruits, vegetables,

whole grains, and lean proteins. It's also important to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of
water throughout the day.

As for exercise, I try to aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise most
days of the week. This could be anything from going for a brisk walk to doing some yoga
or strength training.

Staying motivated can be a challenge, but here are a few tips that have helped me:

 Set realistic goals: Start with small, achievable goals and gradually increase the
intensity or duration of your workouts.

 Find an exercise buddy: Having a workout partner can make it more enjoyable
and help you stay accountable.

 Reward yourself: Celebrate your successes and reward yourself for reaching your
goals.

If you have any other questions, please don't hesitate to ask.

Best,

Mai

Part 2:

Topic 1: With the rise of digital marketplaces, shopping from home is becoming
more common, leading to fewer visits to traditional stores. Do you believe this trend
towards online shopping is a positive or negative development overall?
The rise of digital marketplaces has revolutionized the way we shop, transforming the
traditional retail landscape. With the convenience of online shopping, consumers can now
browse through a vast array of products, compare prices, and purchase items from the
comfort of their homes. While this trend offers numerous benefits, it also raises concerns
about the potential negative consequences for both consumers and businesses.

One of the most significant advantages of online shopping is the increased convenience it
offers. Consumers can shop at any time of day or night, without having to travel to
physical stores. Additionally, online retailers often provide faster delivery times and
return policies, making the shopping experience more efficient and hassle-free.
Furthermore, online shopping can provide access to a wider range of products, including
niche items that may not be available in local stores.

However, the rise of online shopping has also led to concerns about its potential negative
impacts. One such concern is the decline of traditional brick-and-mortar stores. As more
consumers opt to shop online, many physical stores are facing closure, leading to job
losses and a decline in local communities.

Another potential drawback of online shopping is the environmental impact. The

increased reliance on delivery services can lead to higher levels of pollution and
greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, the packaging materials used for online orders
can contribute to waste and environmental degradation.

In conclusion, the rise of online shopping is a complex development with both positive
and negative implications. While it offers convenience, accessibility, and a wider range of
products, it also poses challenges for traditional businesses and the environment. To
mitigate the negative consequences, it is essential to promote responsible online shopping
practices, support sustainable delivery methods, and encourage the development of
innovative business models that can thrive in the digital age.
Topic 2: More and more people are moving to cities because they believe that living
in cities offers more advantages in comparison to rural life. What do you think
about this movement?

The migration of people from rural areas to cities is a global phenomenon, driven by a
variety of factors, including economic opportunities, educational advancements, and
social amenities. While this urban exodus offers numerous benefits, it also raises
concerns about the sustainability and quality of life in cities.

One of the primary reasons for the urban shift is the abundance of economic opportunities
available in cities. Urban centers often have a more diverse range of industries, leading to
a higher demand for skilled labor and greater job prospects. Additionally, cities provide
access to educational institutions, healthcare facilities, and cultural attractions that are
often lacking in rural areas.

Moreover, cities offer a more vibrant and dynamic lifestyle. With a larger population,
cities can support a wider range of social activities, entertainment options, and cultural
events. The diversity of people in urban areas also fosters a more cosmopolitan and
tolerant society.

However, the rapid urbanization also presents significant challenges. Cities often face
overcrowding, traffic congestion, and pollution, which can negatively impact the quality
of life for residents. The high cost of living in urban areas can also make it difficult for
low-income individuals to afford housing and other basic necessities. Furthermore, the
concentration of people in cities can increase the risk of crime and social unrest.

In conclusion, the migration of people to cities is a complex phenomenon with both

positive and negative consequences. While cities offer numerous benefits in terms of
economic opportunities, education, and social amenities, they also face challenges such
as overcrowding, pollution, and social inequality. To ensure sustainable and equitable
urban development, it is essential to address these challenges and promote policies that
promote inclusivity and improve the quality of life for all city dwellers.