Đề bài

There is no need to attend a live performance (e.g. a play or concert) because

seeing it at home on television is better. To what extent do you agree or
disagree?
Some people question the necessity of experiencing a live performance when
watching it at home on television is supposedly superior. While acknowledging
why many people prefer the convenience of experiencing plays, concerts, and other
events through their TV screens, I ultimately disagree that this is better than being
present at a live show.

One can understand the appeal of viewing performances on television. One

obvious benefit is that it allows people to avoid traveling, paying high ticket prices,
and dealing with large crowds. When watching at home, viewers have the option to
pause, rewind, or replay parts of the show as desired from their own living rooms,
which would not be possible in a live setting. An additional advantage is that
television offers close-up camera angles and editing that may provide a more
intimate viewing experience than being seated far away at a live venue. This is
especially true with today’s cutting-edge recording technology, which offers
exceptionally good audio and video quality for audiences watching at home.

Despite these advantages, I believe there are even more compelling reasons why
attending a live performance is superior. A key factor is the energy and atmosphere
of being part of a live audience. At a live concert, there is an electric, communal
experience of laughter, applause, and spontaneous reactions that simply cannot be
replicated when watching through a screen. Live performances are also more
authentic as they have an intensity, passion, and risk involving real human
performers in the present moment. Even minor issues, whether they arise from
technical errors or from the performers’ mistakes, can make each live show feel
unique and genuine. Once aired on television, these moments are often refined or
removed altogether, which can result in a more polished but significantly less
authentic performance.

In conclusion, while the convenience and production quality of television viewings

are notable benefits, they ultimately cannot match the unparalleled experience of
attending a live performance in person. Specifically, the dynamism of live shows,
coupled with their authenticity, make live attendance vastly preferable to merely
watching at home.

Đề bài
Some people think that newspapers are the best way to learn about news.
However, others believe that they can learn news more effectively through
other media. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
The question of how people consume news in the digital age is a subject of
ongoing debate. While some argue that newspapers remain the most effective
medium, others contend that alternative sources provide a more efficient way to
stay informed. In my view, each platform has its own merits, and a combination of
sources is likely the most comprehensive approach.

Advocates of newspapers emphasize their longstanding role as reliable purveyors

of information. Print journalism has a tradition of upholding rigorous editorial
standards, ensuring that readers receive well-researched and balanced reporting.
Moreover, newspapers offer an in-depth analysis of current events, allowing
readers to delve into complex issues and explore various perspectives. This depth
of coverage is often lacking in other media forms.

On the other hand, proponents of alternative media argue that platforms like online
news websites, podcasts, and social media offer immediacy and a broader range of
viewpoints. With real-time updates and multimedia elements, these platforms
provide a dynamic and interactive way to engage with news. Additionally, social
media allows for the rapid dissemination of information, enabling stories to reach a
global audience within seconds.

In my opinion, the most effective approach involves a judicious combination of

both traditional and alternative news sources. Newspapers, with their rigorous
editorial standards and in-depth reporting, offer a solid foundation for
understanding complex issues. Meanwhile, alternative media provides the speed
and diversity of perspectives necessary to keep up with the fast-paced nature of
contemporary news.

In conclusion, while newspapers continue to serve as a cornerstone of reliable

journalism, alternative media platforms offer unique advantages in terms of
immediacy and diversity of viewpoints. A balanced consumption of news from
various sources allows individuals to stay well-informed in today's rapidly
evolving information landscape.

Đề bài
Nowadays, celebrities earn more money than politicians. What are the
reasons for this? Is it a positive or negative development?
In contemporary society, the income disparity between celebrities and politicians
has reached appreciable proportions. This essay delves into the underlying factors
behind this phenomenon and presents a perspective on whether it is a positive or
negative development.

There are a host of reasons contributing to the significant income gap between
celebrities and politicians. Notably, celebrities often derive their income not only
from their primary profession but also from lucrative endorsement deals with
corporate giants. Take, for instance, Cristiano Ronaldo, an iconic footballer whose
earnings extend beyond the pitch. In addition to his salary as a player, he amasses
substantial wealth through sponsorship agreements with major brands like Adidas,
where he promotes their products on his social media platforms such as Instagram
and Twitter. Even less well-known celebrities could also generate multiple sources
of income in a similar fashion. This diversification of income streams is a primary
driver of celebrities' superior earnings when compared to politicians, who
predominantly rely on fixed salaries and are constrained by their roles in the
political arena, which seldom intersect with the commercial world.

From my perspective, while the growth in income for celebrities means better
living standards for such individuals, the lopsided income distribution has the
potential to yield adverse effects on a societal level. Chief among these is that the
disproportionate gap between the salaries of politicians and celebrities might drive
an increasing number of people, especially young ones, towards the entertainment
industry rather than politics as well as other fields. This can be seen in Vietnam
where many young adults, especially those in Generation Z, attempt to become
influencers on popular social media platforms such as TikTok and Instagram due
to the high stream of income. This might contribute to the imbalance in the job
market. More worryingly, a society that excessively rewards fame and fortune over
public service and leadership may prioritize materialistic values over qualities such
as integrity, empathy, and altruism. This shift in values can have detrimental
effects on societal cohesion.

In conclusion, the substantial income gap between celebrities and politicians arises
from the diverse revenue streams available to celebrities and the constraints of a
political career. This phenomenon could pose serious challenges to the job market
and the development of society.

Đề bài
Some say that music plays an important role in society whilst others think it
is simply a form of entertainment. Discuss both views and give your own
opinion.
The role of music in society is a topic that elicits contrasting opinions. Some argue
that music holds a significant position, serving various purposes beyond mere
entertainment, while others perceive it solely as a form of amusement. This essay
will explore both perspectives and explain why music's role in society cannot be
reduced to a mere form of entertainment.

On one hand, detractors may argue that music primarily serves as a form of
entertainment. They argue that its primary function is to provide enjoyment and
serve as a means of relaxation or escape from daily routines while its broader
societal impact is limited. From this perspective, music is seen as a commodity that
caters to individual preferences and tastes, meaning that it is mainly consumed for
personal pleasure rather than for its societal impact or cultural significance. Critics
contend that the emphasis on the recreation aspect of music has overshadowed the
artistic and cultural value, compromising its authenticity and significance.

Nevertheless, I believe that music plays a multifaceted role in society, most

notably in terms of social advancements and cultural significance. Regarding the
former, music has the potential to inspire and educate, instilling profound messages
and promoting social change. Throughout history, songs have acted as catalysts for
social movements, thereby advocating for social justice and equality. Secondly,
music is deeply intertwined with the cultural fabric of societies around the world,
reflecting their traditions, beliefs, and values. Traditional music genres and songs
are passed down through generations, thus acting as a link to the past and
providing insights into the social, religious, and historical contexts of a
community.

In conclusion, although some may place a significant emphasis on the recreational

role of music, I believe that what it can contribute to society is not confined to
mere entertainment. While it brings joy and amusement, its influence extends
beyond personal enjoyment, inspiring positive changes and shaping cultural
identities.

Đề bài
Some people say free time activities for children should be organized by
parents. Others say that children should be free to choose what they do in
their free time. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Some individuals believe that parents should plan children's free time activities,
while others believe children should be able to pick their activities. A balanced
approach is the most effective method to guarantee that children's leisure time is
useful and pleasurable.

On the one hand, those in favor of parent-organized activities argue that parents are
better equipped to choose appropriate and productive activities for their children.
This is because parents can select enjoyable and educational activities, thus
contributing to their children's development. Additionally, organizing a schedule
for children's free time can instill a sense of discipline and time management skills,
which are valuable traits children can carry into adulthood. For example, parents
may organize a weekly family game night where they play board games or engage
in other group activities that develop social and cognitive skills.

On the other hand, proponents of child-led free time argue that children should
choose what they want to do. Children can benefit from exploring their interests
and discovering new hobbies, which can help them develop a sense of
independence and self-confidence. Furthermore, allowing children to make
decisions can foster creativity and critical thinking skills. For instance, children
may participate in extracurricular activities such as sports or music lessons, which
can help them discover and develop their talents. Nevertheless, while both
approaches have advantages, parents can take responsibility for organizing
educational activities while permitting children to explore their interests is the best
way to ensure that children have productive and enjoyable free time.

In conclusion, parents can ensure that their children's free time is productive and
enjoyable by planning educational activities while still allowing them to pursue
their interests.

Đề bài
The most important function of music is that it helps people reduce stress. To
what extent do you agree or disagree?
Many people feel that music is largely used for stress relief. I completely agree
with this opinion because even though there are various uses for music, they can all
be broadly classified as methods of relaxation.

Music can be arguably used for more than simply relaxing, as it also provides other
numerous claimed applications. Many individuals, for example, listen to music and
dance in more dynamic contexts, such as casinos and bars. Other people resort to
music to cope or boost their spirits through difficult emotional times, such as after
a messy divorce or the passing of a beloved family. Furthermore, for some, music
is also a humanly engineered creative process concerned with harmonizing voice
or instrumental sounds to show emotional expression. Countless studies have
shown that regardless of artistic medium, creating a piece of art, or in this example,
a musical performance, may lessen one's stress levels by focusing on creativity.

Even so, the circumstances listed above may all be regarded as forms of stress
relief, and music's most prevalent objective is pure relaxation. People relax in
various ways, which might include dancing, emotionally engaging with music, or
admiring art. The majority of adults, on the other hand, just consume music
throughout the day to alleviate the stresses and obligations of parenthood and
work. Additionally, research confirms that listening to music seems to be able to
change brain functioning to the same extent as medication, thus concluding that
music is an easy stress reduction tool that almost anybody can access. This
explains why music appeals to children, teenagers, and adults, particularly after a
long day of work or study.
In conclusion, from my perspective, while music can be used for a variety of
purposes, they can all be generically classed as ways of relaxing. Music's most
significant role is, therefore, to help people relax.

Đề bài
Some people claim that public museums and art galleries will be no longer
necessary because people can see historical objects and works of art by using
a computer. Do you agree or disagree?
As the Internet and computer are becoming more prevalent than ever, many people
question the necessity of cultural and historical museums. I strongly oppose the
idea that information that is now easily accessible via the use of computers can
replace museums.

The first reason museums are irreplaceable is that the experience of visiting a
museum is unique. Most museums nowadays offer a wider variety of information
than that on the Internet. For example, museums have more exhibits, simply
because some do not have the right to be posted online. Moreover, many
exhibitions, especially cultural ones, use a combination of audio, lighting, or even
scents to introduce the subject. Also, museum collections are carefully curated,
which is not a feature found online. Curators work tirelessly to acquire and sort
exhibits to present culture or a historical period as objectively and scientifically
accurate as possible. All of these factors are mostly not available online, which is
why museums are necessary.

The second reason computers cannot replace museums is the information provided
through the Internet is insufficient. A major problem with information online is
that, unless it is posted on an academic or government-affiliated website, it is
largely unverifiable. As a result, readers cannot grasp the full picture of the topic
presented. Another problem with only relying on information online is that
researching online requires people to first think of the subject. Few people do that.
On the other hand, visiting museums can teach people things they might not
expect. For example, many US tourists reportedly said that they surprisingly felt a
need to review their understanding of the Vietnam War after they visited the US
War Museum in Ho Chi Minh City. Without going to that museum, they might
never think about such a topic for the rest of their lives.
In conclusion, although the implementation of computers helps find general
information on global culture and different historical periods, it cannot replace the
experience of visiting a museum.

Đề bài
Some people believe that pop stars deserve to earn more money than classical
music performers. Some disagree. Discuss both views and give your own
opinion.
Some individuals opine that celebrities performing pop music should be paid
higher salary in comparison to those majoring in classical music, while others are
not in consummate accord with the aforementioned idea. This essay would delve
into discussing the two perspectives as well as stating my support for the former
one.

It is reasonable for classical music performers to earn more money due to their
huge effort in mastering instruments and traditional values that they preserve.
Chief among these is that those who pursue traditional music has spent a plethora
of time and attempt to be adept at using instruments and the specific style of each
category of classical music. Obviously, traditional music requires not only
thorough understanding of its nature but also the talent as well as constant practice
to deliver the best piece of music enjoyed by the public. Concerning the second
viewpoint, classical music plays a paramount importance in preserving traditional
values of a country. It is true that the more money artists performing classical
music can earn, the more possible that they would not change jobs. As a result,
there are chances that future generations can still enjoy one of some masterpieces
in music field.

Nevertheless, I strongly believe that more financial means should be paid for pop
celebrities due to their short-term contribution and great attempt in maintaining
positive images. With regard to the former, the majority of pop stars have to face
the challenge of a short-lived career since the entertainment industry is constantly
changing. Consequently, for around one or two decades of contribution, most of
those well-known artists would be replaced by other more talent and dynamic ones.
Another point is that performers of pop music always trying to set good examples
especially when presenting in public. Since they aware of their significant impact
on people, particularly teenagers, great effort in creating and maintaining
favourable figure has been made by these individuals. Therefore, it is logical that
stars performing pop music should earn more money.

In conclusion, although artists of classical music have to make great attempt in

mastering their skills and retaining traditional value, I suppose that pop
performners should be paid with higher salary due to their contribution in a short
period of time and their responsibility maintain positive images.

Đề bài
Nowadays, we can watch entertainment performances from the screen
(laptop, etc), and no need to watch it live. To what extent do you agree?
The development of technology has fostered various innovations. One of which is
being able to enjoy entertainment performances at home from one’s laptop. From
my point of view, even though watching concerts online offers viewers flexibility
and comfort, attending a live performance has more benefits for the audience and
performers.

On the one hand, online performances have their own advantages. To start with,
people can save a lot of money and time from opting for shows’ online versions.
Due to its minimal requirements - a screen-based device and internet connection,
people can entertain themselves anywhere and anytime. Moreover, fees for online
performances are significantly lower than for live ones, meaning that more people
will get to see shows without having to pay handsomely. Furthermore, online
performances allow people who cannot come to the show’s venue to still have fun.
For example, during the Covid-19 pandemic, a number of performances from
Kpop idols were broadcasted online, satisfying their fans’ need for entertainment.

On the other hand, advocates of live performances have grounds to believe that this
will be more beneficial to both the artist and the viewer. First, only by watching
live can the audience feel the atmosphere of the show, which is a vital factor in a
performance’s appeal. Thanks to the crowd effect, people are more likely to gain
more satisfaction and delirium compared to watching shows alone at home. A
direct effect of this is that people can relieve stress and mental exhaustion at work,
while strengthening bonds with their friends when they attend live shows together.
As for artists, since a large portion of live shows’ audiences are people who love
the atmosphere, therefore, when switching to performing on online platforms, the
number of viewers and amount of profit will drop significantly.

All in all, despite the advantages that watching performances online can bring,
admiring them in real life offer the audience irreplaceable experiences and
performers can gain more handsome profits.

Đề bài
Some people feel that the government should regulate the level of violence
for films of television and cinema. Others feel that violent films should be not
released. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
There have been increasing concerns about the circulation of movies with elements
of violence. While some contend that the government should establish boundaries
for violent content, others argue that these films have to be banned. In my opinion,
violence in movies should only be limited, not prohibited.

On the one hand, it is understandable why violent films should be banned, because
it can leave a negative influence on people’s psyche. Due to the internet and
pirated movie websites, if not supervised carefully, children can gain access to age-
inappropriate films. In the case of adults, the popularity of villain protagonists can
lead to misunderstandings that the antisocial behaviors portrayed are encouraged.
What is alarming is these young people are impressionable and therefore, can
establish riotous behaviors after prolonged exposure. For example, in Japan, a 24-
year-old man dressed up as “The Joker” - a notorious fictional villain - and set a
train on fire after stabbing fellow passengers. However, the majority of individuals
can set a boundary between real life and fiction, thus, banning violent films is
rather excessive.

On the other hand, violent films are a form of entertainment for a part of audiences
and therefore, should not be prohibited. These viewers find joy from the thrill and
excitement offered by violent elements in movies, so forbidding their hobbies for
the sake of a minority of audiences equals practicing injustice upon these
individuals. Furthermore, without actions, movie makers will lack a key ingredient
in building films’ charms. Nowadays, 90% of movies are sprinkled with violence,
as even the slightest form of physical conflicts can be considered violent.
Consequently, filtering savage elements will be a tantalizing task and oftentimes
impossible as it would dull the plotline. Therefore, the optimal solution would be
to restrict the appearance of gratuitous and extreme violence in movies.

In conclusion, although there are reasonable arguments as to why violent films

must be banned, the best solution is to regulate violent contents based on their
levels.

Đề bài

Some people think that newspapers are the best way to learn news. However,
others believe that they can learn news better through other media. Discuss both
views and give your opinion.

While some people claim that newspapers remain the best source of news, others
argue that other media are better hubs of information. In my opinion, both sources
have their own advantages, yet newspapers are superior thanks to its ability to
verify news.

On the one hand, other media offer readers many benefits in terms of speed, fee,
and reading experience. First of all, people reap the benefits of getting news free of
charge and in an instantaneous manner. It does not matter where the reader lives,
as long as there is access to the internet, any news from all over the world can be
updated on his phone. And plus, as online news channels operate mostly with
profits from advertisements, users can oftentimes catch up with happenings for
free. Another advantage is that people can have a better reading experience on
modern media. Whether the reader is keen on learning news visually or auditorily,
there are enough alternatives to cater to their preferences. Such convenience makes
obtaining news from other media sources an enjoyable experience.

On the other hand, I opine that traditional newspapers remain the best source of
information thanks to its accessibility and reliability. This is because traditional
newspapers are more accessible for computerphobes and the older generations
whose majority are technologically illiterate. Newspapers also have one more
advantage over modern media, which is its reliability. While the internet is
vulnerable to fake news and false information, newspapers, which have to undergo
a rigorous examination by professionals and the government, can offer readers
great accuracy. To illustrate, YouTube - one of the largest online platforms in the
world - has just been dubbed as a major conduit of disinformation. During the US
presidential election, multiple false narratives were spread around in order to
mislead voters using this channel.

To summarize, although both newspapers and other forms of media are

advantageous to an extent, newspapers prove to be superior since they can filter
out fake news and are more accessible.

Đề bài
Nowadays, there is a trend that reports of media focus on problems and
emergencies rather than positive development. Some people think it is
harmful to individuals and to society. To what extent do you agree or
disagree?
The question of whether emergencies or positive stories should be featured on the
news have been a recent topic of debate. Many believe we should try to focus on
issues and situations of negative stories, whilst others believe that constant
exposure to darker content on the news would cause people to turn away from
news altogether. Personally, I believe that the news should maintain a balance of
both positive and negative stories.

On the one hand, depressing or upsetting news might turn people away from
watching them entirely, leading to a large contingent of people being under-
informed. This is something cable news and traditional print media have failed to
solve, as they prefer to maintain a pessimistic, sensationalist style of reporting in
order to increase revenue. As a result, there has also been a recent sharp increase
in, for example, the number of American youths who get their news through
comedic news shows, as an effort to offset the gravity of the situations we are
faced with every day.

On the other hand, it can be argued that focusing on ignoring negative issues will
not make them go away, and informing the people of their existence might lead to
better solutions. Countries and societies constantly need to change to adapt to
pressing problems, and only by informing its citizens and involving them in the
decision making process can solutions be found. For example, the prospect of a
climate catastrophe is gloomy, however, if there was no coverage on it, it could be
judged that there would not have been as many environmental movements as there
are today.

In conclusion, I argue that news outlets have a delicate balance to strike - they
must achieve their goal of remaining objectively informative, whilst also
presenting an image of the world that does not negatively affect their viewership.

Đề bài
Nowadays the differences between countries are becoming less evident
because people follow the same media. Do the advantage of this trend
outweigh the disadvantages?
With the current globalization trend, boundaries between countries are becoming
more blurred as people around the world consume the same media. Despite some
possible drawbacks of this development, I still think the benefits outweigh the
downsides.

There are various reasons why this trend is advantageous to the whole society.
Firstly, by following news globally, we can learn about social issues happening in
other countries and apply the solutions to our own. For example, many
Vietnamese, especially teenagers and young adults, were interested in the recent
US presidential election. Many people have reported that they became more
engaged in political issues in general. As a result, this year’s election in Vietnam
saw a peak in engagement among young adults, with many discussions in online
forums. Secondly, more people are watching the same media, like Youtube, which
can be an opportunity for us to promote our own culture. For example, more
international food bloggers and reviewers are going to Vietnam because they saw
videos and TV series broadcasted about Vietnamese food on these global media
outlets. As a result, the number of tourists to Vietnam has significantly increased.

However, I must admit that there are some disadvantages to this trend. Firstly,
limiting one’s media consumption to outlets that feature news from around the
world can mean being ignorant about local news. For example, a small piece of
local information, like a recent robbery, can get lost amongst various news coming
from around the world. As a result, many can become insensitive to changes in the
local community. Secondly, one might lose one’s cultural identities if following
global media outlets carelessly. With the rising trend of the Korean entertainment
industries, many people in Vietnam are adapting to the Korean lifestyle, for
example. This overall is still a harmless trend, but in extreme cases, it has led to
young adults degrading their own cultural identities and chasing after foreign
cultures.

In conclusion, I understand that there are some disadvantages to this globalization

trend in media consumption. However, I think that the advantages brought by this
development far outweigh the disadvantages.

Đề bài
In some countries, there are fewer young people who listen to or play
classical music these days. Why is this? Should young people be encouraged
to play or perform classical music?
It is a fact that nowadays, rarely any young people can be seen listening to or
performing classical music. I think there are two main reasons for this
phenomenon. Although I think children should be introduced to classical music, I
still think young people should be encouraged to listen to or perform the genre of
music they want.

There are two main reasons why young people are not interested in classical music.
The first reason is there are a lot of other widely available genres. For example, the
K-pop wave is unbeatable in Vietnam, with almost all teenagers having listened to
this genre at least once. Classical music is not as widely appreciated, often called
"music for people with taste”. This discourages young people from learning more
about classical music as it distances itself from the general public. Another reason
is that people cannot relate themselves to classical music due to it having no lyrics
and there is little interaction between the artists and the audience. As a result, the
artist distances himself or herself from the audience, which is why people find it
hard to be fans of classical music, but they readily become K-pop fans.

However, I do think that classical music should still be introduced to teenagers.

The first reason is that, for those who have a heightened sense of music, classical
music is a way for them to discover whether or not they are interested in a music
career. Also, classical music has been proven to aid in learning things. However, I
do not think that teenagers should be encouraged to listen to classical music. I
think that people should be encouraged to explore multiple genres of music, but at
the end of the day, people's preferences and art should not be encouraged or be
guided.

In conclusion, I think that there are two main reasons why young people do not
listen to or perform classical music. However, I think that more people should be
exposed to classical music, despite not being encouraged or motivated to listen to a
performance of anything that they do not like.

Đề bài
Some say that news has no connection with most people’s lives and it is a
waste of time for most of us to read newspapers and watch television news
programs. Do you agree or disagree?
Fewer people are currently engaging with news, as they believe news is no longer
relevant to their day to day life. In my opinion, this is the wrong way to think, for
watching the news is beneficial to a country’s social and democratic life.

Firstly, uninformed citizens who do not watch the news can often make bad
political decisions. A well informed populace that watches what is happening in
the world, on the other hand, can help formulate policy that benefits society, for
they are able to appreciate the intricate nuances that comes with any political
decision. Switzerland’s ability to implement policies based on direct democracy,
for example, has been reliant upon a populace that keeps up with current events.
This model has worked well in the past, and provides testament to the benefits of a
large population being politically informed.

Secondly, reading the news also allows people to become more sociable, for it
allows more things for people to talk and debate about. More specifically, by
knowing more about what is happening about the world, individuals can talk to
their friends on specific news items and its impacts. The prevalence of news in our
daily conversations means that they are yet to be obsolete, and will only be more
important over time as the world expands and there are more stories to be explored.
This is one of the reasons why national news media such as the BBC in the UK is
such a cherished institution, for it helps to stimulate conversation and lively
debates.

In summary, I argue that news stories should remain an important part of people’s
lives, for they help instigate more lively discussions, forming a stronger basis for a
vibrant society.

Đề bài
Many people believe that film is a less important art than other forms such as
literature and painting. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
As a medium of art, there are many who believe that film is inferior to literature
and paintings in terms of importance. In my opinion, this is demonstrably false,
given how much film is a crucial part of pop culture today.

On the one hand, it could be argued that literature and paintings have been a form
of societal expression for many societies for decades, and as such, can be
considered more important to them. Films in contrast might be said to be quite a
recent invention, and therefore, the richness and diversity of the industry is
incomparable to the other two forms of art. Furthermore, it might also be argued
that literature and paintings provide more details to the viewer. This is why, for
instance, there is a widespread pattern that books are often better than their movie
adaptations, since the latter fail to provide the intricacies of the former.

On the other hand, it could be said that films contain elements that other mediums
do not have, and as such, are more suitable for certain forms of artistic expression.
Therefore, films could be said to be more culturally relevant today, in the age of
the internet, where complex forms of media can easily be transmitted. For instance,
while music and sounds can be incorporated into films, setting off a number of
emotions in the viewers, the same cannot be done with literature or paintings.
Furthermore, certain ways of writing a script or shooting a scene might be akin to
literature or paintings themselves.

Therefore, I argue that while literature and paintings might have a richer history
and a higher level of detail, films are more culturally important due to its ability to
contain within itself a wide variety of components.
Đề bài
Some believe that it is beneficial to show foreign films while others feel this
can have a negative impact on local culture. Discuss both views and give
your own opinion.
With the rising popularity of foreign films, many are concerned whether this is a
positive or negative development towards local culture. While I think that in
extreme cases, watching foreign films is harmful, I still believe that this has
generally a positive impact.

Consuming foreign films is, surprisingly, beneficial for the local culture. Firstly,
foreign films introduce to the audience a new culture or a social problem. From
this, many can have crucials insights into their society and culture. For example,
the Korean film Parasite presents class conflict through a setting that resonates
with many Vietnamese families. After watching the movie, many reported being
able to identify class conflicts in their community. Moreover, when filmmakers
watch critically acclaimed foreign films, they can take notes on the techniques. For
example, Song Lang is a Vietnamese movie that adopts foreign cinematographic
techniques to tell a story about preserving a form of Vietnamese art.

However, I can understand why many people are concerned about foreign movies
being detrimental to local culture. The first reason is the audience can mimic
certain features of the film, which sometimes are not appropriate in the local
culture. For example, Vietnamese students may want to dye their hair and dress
more revealingly after watching movies set in US high schools, despite the action
being against school rules. Another reason is that the popularity of foreign movies
can squash the growth of domestic ones. Many Vietnamese directors have
expressed this concern, saying that even if an interesting Vietnamese film appears
in the cinema, younger audiences tend to prefer foreign ones.

In conclusion, although overconsumption of foreign films can be detrimental to

local culture, I still think that foreign films can help to develop and preserve local

culture in many ways.

Đề bài
Some think that quality art can be made by anyone while others think that it
requires special talent and ability. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
A discussion today involves whether or not art should be practiced by everyone,
rather than only by a talented few. In my opinion, given that art is not only a tool
of self-expression but also a medium of talent, the widespreadness of its production
helps to provide a diversity of viewpoints.

On the one hand, some individuals may argue that by leaving art to talented
people, less time is wasted by those whose art would not get attention anyway.
These people might argue that some individuals are simply hard-wired to create
good art, and as such, no amount of training can allow those less talented to reach
the same level as them.

On the other hand, it could be said that art might simply need to challenge people’s
perspectives instead of purely being a showcase of skill and talent. It could be
argued that traditionally, those who are able to pursue art are people from more
affluent backgrounds, as such, despite their works being of high quality, they
nonetheless can often be repetitive. Thus, many artists might use their art as a
valuable tool of self-expression, although it might not necessarily take a lot of
talent to make it. For instance, one of the most visited art museums in London is
the Tate Modern, containing many art pieces that are simply swirls of one colour
on a canvas.

Overall, I would argue that although not everyone can be a great artist, great
artistry can come from anyone.

Đề bài
Some people believe that reading stories from a book is better than watching
TV or playing computer games for children. To what extent do you agree or
disagree?
According to some, reading stories from books is superior to watching TV or
playing video games for children. I disagree with this sentiment, however, since
there is not much evidence to the idea that books are inherently more beneficial to
children, and that they should be given both mediums in order to aid their
developmental processes.

On one hand, child psychologists now believe that there may be far more benefits
to playing video games which could be beneficial to their long-term development.
Games are famous for improving spatial awareness and logic amongst younger
children and can also serve to teach morality on a far better level than many books,
for they purposely place the player in ethical scenarios with long-term
consequences. For example, games such as Undertale are revered for their
capabilities in teaching hard-hitting moral philosophy in a hands-on, a proactive
approach that teaches the player the consequences of their actions.

On the other hand, reading books is the only real way of improving literacy, which
is essential for young children if they want to have a well-paying job in the future.
Child literacy is often used as a measure to compare the educational performance
of different countries, as a literate population can better absorb instructions needed
to carry out their future professions. Therefore, improving a child's ability to read
in the home through stories can be an effective way to improve their chances of
financial success in the future.

Đề bài
Nowadays it is not only large studios that are able to make films. Digital
filmmaking now enables anyone to make films. Do you think this is a
positive or negative development?
With the advancement in film-making technologies, there is a marked growth in
the number of independent studios. Although this poses a risk of content violation,
I believe that this is generally a positive development.

There are various reasons why I support the growth of independent film studios.
Firstly, independent filmmakers touch more on controversial social issues that
Hollywood films do not. Major film studios care mostly about profitability rather
than the artistic aspect. As a result, many films that released independently, like
Moonlight, discusses then-experimental themes like homosexuality and racial
issues. This makes independent films far more interesting than those made with a
formula in mind. Secondly, films made independently ensure fairer wages. Large
studios require an enormous amount of staff and would always feature celebrities.
As a result, staff members that play a minor role, such as script ghostwriters, post-
production engineers, or costume designers, get paid less than the work they put in.
Independent filmmakers pay better due to their smaller budget, little involvement
with famous actors, and smaller staff.

However, that is not to say that this is an entirely positive development, as large
studios will not cease to exist. Firstly, major film studios, like Walt Disney, can
combine entertainment and art in their films, resulting in high profitability, which
sustains the whole company. By contrast, some independent films tend to be art
films, which attract a smaller audience, therefore not sustainable. Secondly, now
that anyone can make a film, there is a crucial problem of controlling the films’
content. For example, if anyone can freely make films, we might run a risk of
future generations enjoying films with an obscene amount of nudity and violence,
which can be damaging to their mindset.

In conclusion, I believe that the growth of independent film studios is mostly

beneficial and is a positive development. However, some drawbacks to it should be
seriously considered.

Đề bài
Because most information about culture and history can be found on the
internet today, museums are not necessary. To what extent do you agree or
disagree?
As the Internet is becoming more prevalent than ever, many people question the
necessity of cultural and historical museums. I strongly oppose the idea that
information that is now easily accessible on the Internet can replace museums.

The first reason why museums are irreplaceable is that the experience of visiting a
museum is unique. Most museums nowadays offer a wider variety of information
than that on the Internet. For example, museums have more exhibits, simply
because some do not have the right to be posted online. Moreover, many
exhibitions, especially cultural ones, use a combination of audio, lighting, or even
scents to introduce the subject. Also, museum collections are carefully curated,
which is not a feature found online. Curators work tirelessly to acquire and sort
exhibits to present culture or a historical period as objectively and scientifically
accurate as possible. All of these factors are mostly not available online, which is
why museums are necessary.

The second reason why the Internet cannot replace museums is that its information
is not sufficient. A major problem with information online is that, unless it is
posted on an academic or government-affiliated website, it is largely unverifiable.
As a result, readers cannot grasp the full picture of the topic presented. Another
problem with only relying on information online is that researching online requires
people to first think of the subject. Few people do that. On the other hand, visiting
museums can teach people things they might not expect. For example, many US
tourists reportedly said that they surprisingly felt a need to review their
understanding of the Vietnam War after they visited the US War Museum in Ho
Chi Minh City. Without going to that museum, they might never think about such a
topic for the rest of their lives.

In conclusion, although the Internet helps find general information on global

culture and different historical periods, it cannot replace the experience of visiting
a museum.

Đề bài
Some people think that the most important function of music is to help people
relax. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
With the widespread popularity of music nowadays, people think that the most
important function of music is for the audience’s relaxation. I strongly disagree
with the statement, however, due to two main reasons.

The first reason why I think music should be something more than a relaxation
means is that music is a way for artists to express themselves. When writing music,
composers often share their anecdotes, usually with comments on the side. Some
of these stories can make the audience enraptured, some can make them feel
miserable, or even some can make them skeptical about themselves. However,
these are all the raw feelings that the artists want to share for the audience to
sympathize with them, and I think this should be the chief function of music.
Listening to music is like having a deep and personal conversation with its creator,
just like any other forms of art.

The second reason why I think music is not just for relaxation is that music is a
way to deliver and spread awareness about political and social issues. This notion
is especially ubiquitous in Western music, where artists have more freedom to
express their views and beliefs with little censorship. It is a fact that political and
social issues can spark strong feelings, and music is a way to deliver those feelings
to the general public. This of course will put the listeners in an uncomfortable
position because most Vietnamese still hesitate to talk openly about social issues.
However, gradually, it will change this perception and encourage people to openly
discuss social problems.

In conclusion, I think that among various reasons why I disagree with the
statement that music’s most important function should be for people’s relaxation,
these are the two main ones.

Đề bài
Although more and more people read the news on the internet, newspapers
will remain the main source of news for the majority of people. Do you agree
or disagree with the statement?
Despite the overall increase in digital news, many people believe that society will
still get most of its information from newspapers. I personally contend that
newspapers are struggling to find traction in the modern world due to their cost and
inflexibility, and as time goes on, they will flounder and be replaced.

Firstly, newspaper subscriptions of all kinds are decreasing since they are more
expensive than the free online news. There is little benefit to getting newspapers
delivered to the front door today, as with a touch of a smartphone, information
from all over the world can be readily available at one’s fingertips. Thus, digital
news is both more affordable and more convenient to the masses, and companies
who refuse to make the transition to online platforms suffer dramatically from
lower financial returns. This is, for instance, why we see many traditional news
sources going bankrupt and being replaced by online social media platforms such
as Twitter or Facebook.
Secondly, digital news allows for more varied content to be offered than print
media. More specifically, the former can incorporate video recordings, digital
audio and high quality images, something that is simply not possible on
newspapers. To read the news in newspapers is to miss out on the range of what
can be communicated by news apps nowadays, which are able to provide a much
more illustrative depiction of the real world. This is why traditional newspapers
such as the Guardian or the Washington Post have moved many of their operations
online: to make their content more diverse and thus to attract more readers.

Overall, I argue that the benefits of digital news, both in cost and variety,
compared to newspapers are significant. Thus, I argue that in the future, internet
news will become the primary source of information for most people in society.

Đề bài
Many museums charge for admission while others are free. Do you think the
advantages of charging people for admission to museums outweigh the
disadvantages?
Nowadays, there are lots of debates around whether museums should charge for
admission. I think the advantages of this action far outweigh the disadvantages.

Having an admission fee, no matter the price, has various benefits to the museums.
This admission fee can cover most basic operating costs, such as staff wages,
electricity for complex lighting systems, and security. Museums can also utilize
this financial support for renovation. For example, Vietnamese museums can
benefit from this renovation since most of them are old. Another advantage is that
museums can use this money to enhance their performance. They can hire more
curators to bring in more interesting collections, create more kids-friendly
galleries, or even apply new technologies, like virtual reality or artificial
intelligence. For example, many famous museums, like MoMA, provide audio
tours for visitors. Science museums around the world also offer a virtual reality
tour into the past.

However, there are some disadvantages to charging too high for museum

admission. If the admission fees are too high, this might discourage people from
visiting museums. This is especially true for poor people or those who do not have
a source of income, such as high school and college students or starving artists. As
a result, setting admission tickets too high will defeat the purpose of a museum: to
provide a source of education and entertainment to the public. Another
disadvantage is that it can affect tourism because museums are usually tourist
attractions. For example, Washington DC is a city that offers many free museums,
although it has gift shops. These free museums are what lure tourists, especially
those traveling with kids.

In conclusion, although charging museum visitors has some downsides, I think the
advantages that this decision brings to the museums far outweigh the
disadvantages.

Đề bài
People say that reading for pleasure helps people to develop imagination and
better language skills than watch TV. To what extent do you agree or
disagree?
Many people today contend that reading would be better than watching TV in
developing one’s imagination and language skills. I personally do not believe that
any one format is inherently better at improving these creative capabilities, for it
ultimately depends on the type of content and the mental age of the viewer that
consumes the media.

I argue that TV, through its ability to illustrate realistic or colourful depictions of
life through an entertaining manner, can be beneficial for children in improving
their mental capabilities. Those who are of early age might not be able to read, and
as such, might pick up their spoken vocabulary from TV instead. Children’s shows
on channels such as Nickelodeon are hugely popular for this reason, as parents
allow their kids to tune in to not only be entertained but to improve their skills at
the same time.

Nonetheless, it is true that some forms of creative and linguistic expression are
conveyed better in writings than on TV. These are things such as character
backgrounds or subtle details that can be obsessively explored in books. It would
be more difficult for audio-visual mediums such as films to convey the same
features in similar lengths. This is why many people often complain that movie
adaptations often do not live up to the standards of the book, for the latter is able to
delve into the nitty-gritty of the storyline better than a movie more often than not.
Books could therefore be better for imagination and development past a certain
age.

Overall, I argue that both mediums have their own sets of advantages and
disadvantages, and it is dependent upon the maker of either books or TV shows to
develop intellectually engaging material.

Đề bài
In many countries, visitors to art galleries has been declining steadily. What
are the reasons for this? What could be done to improve this development?
Nowadays, there has been a drop in the number of people visiting art galleries.
Although I think there are many reasons for this phenomenon, solutions to improve
this problem are feasible.

There are many reasons why I think that people are not interested in going to art
galleries anymore. Firstly, the most famous art galleries charge visitors for an
admission ticket or some form of entry fee. Because of this, many people hesitate
to visit the galleries. This mindset especially applies to foreign tourists because
they would rather spend time at other attractions. Secondly, young people
nowadays have various entertainment forms to choose from, leading to art galleries
receiving less attention than before. Many people also feel that these places are
only for the elites or artistic people, so they would prefer to seek entertainment in
movie theaters, coffee shops, or bookstores.

Regardless of the reasons, there are many solutions that both art galleries’ owners
and society can take to attract more visitors. Firstly, schools can plan more
excursions to art galleries, especially contemporary art exhibitions, to instill an
interest in art in students. For example, schools can ask students to take notes while
touring the gallery, then ask them to submit a summary of what they thought of the
art pieces there. Secondly, art galleries should give out more discounts to the
audience that are most likely to volunteer their time, such as senior citizens,
students, or foreign tourists. For example, many famous art galleries and
museumsworldwide hold a “pay as you wish” day, where visitors can pay as little
as one US cent for their visit. As a result, more people would willingly go to see art
galleries.

In conclusion, I believe there are many reasons why people are reluctant to pay a
visit to art galleries. However, there are solutions that both owners and schools can
adopt to tackle this problem.

Đề bài
The media should include more good stories which report good news. To
what extent do you agree or disagree?
It is now not uncommon to see negative news hit the headlines and appear
frequently in the mass media. For this reason, many people believe that media
positivity should be encouraged and I do agree with this idea for two main reasons.

First, audiences are increasingly bombarded with negative stories and therefore,
good news should be reported more often to balance out. In fact, journalism’s
commitment to being society’s watchdog is understandable, but excessive
negativity in the news can be harmful. For instance, after a tragic plane crash in
Malaysia was broadcast, news agencies the world over started to report similar
accidents during the next months. This created collective fear for air travel, which
consequently hurt the aviation industry despite the fact that air transport is still the
safest option, with incident rates far lower than those for road and rail transport. In
this way, an excessive amount of bad news causes distorted views and this is why
the more good news is worth reporting.

Secondly, happiness is highly contagious, hence the need for positive media
coverage. Good news can inspire readers or viewers to take action, which can
benefit themselves and even society as a whole. The success of Flappy Bird, a
mobile game created by Dong Nguyen that caused a global sensation in 2013, has
been an encouraging story. Thousands of Vietnamese app developers have
subsequently tried to start their own businesses in order to follow in Dong
Nguyen’s footsteps. Although very few of them can achieve similar success,
entrepreneurship is promoted, which comes as good news for both developers
themselves and the country’s economy.
In conclusion, my belief is that news agencies should dedicate more to positive
news because it can create a healthy journalism balance and also spread positivity.

Đề bài
Museums and art galleries should concentrate on works that show history and
culture of their own country rather than the works of the other parts in the
world. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion?
Museums and art galleries play an important role in offering multifaceted
knowledge to the public. Some individuals opine that these institutions should
primarily focus on their local history and art instead of global works of art.
However, I disagree with this viewpoint as international works provide various
benefits to the public.

Museums and art galleries offer a medium for understanding cultural heritage. By
focusing on local history and art only, such institutions limit the knowledge of the
public to the domestic borders. Conversely, if art and history from other parts of
the world are displayed, museums and art galleries exhibit multiculturalism,
allowing people to understand distinct histories and cultures, and thus, enhancing
globalization. For example, the Vatican museum exhibits works from several
European countries, allowing the smallest country in the world to be a bridge to
explaining cultural values of distinct nations under one roof.

Moreover, international historical and cultural works would allow individuals to

gain information on critical international issues that many countries face together.
Many museums choose to have educational international exhibitions of important
political and social issues, which may be more informative than the media. For
instance, the War Remnants Museum in Vietnam has collections from across the
country and globe in order to depict thoughts on poverty, war, and trade, and in a
survey, 88% of visitors declared that they felt more informed about such issues
from the museum than from the news.

In conclusion, I disagree to a large extent with the belief that museums and art
galleries should focus on the history and art of their own country rather than
international works, as with the latter, these museums, and galleries build a
platform for globalization and multinational knowledge.