UNIVERSITY OF LANGUAGES AND INTERNATIONAL STUDIES

FACULTY OF ENGLISH LANGUAGE TEACHER EDUCATION

Issue No. 3

A Farewell Gift to
QH2009F1E Students
Official publication of English Division I
[For internal circulation only]

July, 2010
 Editors’ Forewords
Issue No. 3 - July 2010

Dear teachers and students,

It is our pleasure to bring you the last issue of E -Magazine in this academic year, which has
become one of the most memorable periods of time in our life thanks to the presence of all
QH2009F1E students.

This issue has been published as a farewell gift to all first -year students and a wish for them to
continue enjoying their student life in the years to come at our home - ULIS.

Hopefully, you can find something useful herein; or at least you can find a little of yourself and your
memories of English Division 1 .

To all QH2009F1E students: Keep in mind that you were, are and will always be members of English
Division 1. All of your contr ibution to our E-Magazine is welcome in order to make better issues in
the future for you and for us all .

Yours faithfully,

Editorial board
Teachers’ Corner

It takes me so long to love teaching

I
Ngô Ngọc Mai _ 06.1.E1

have been a student teacher for three weeks. From the first day I entered this

university, I had known that I would be one; but I have

never thought that being a student teacher is so exciting

and happy like what I am feeling now.

Let me tell you my story. My way to our university

seems very straight and peaceful. I started learning in a

class of specialized English since I was in grade six,

which was also the moment that I decided to be ULIS’s

student (of course, at that time our university had a

different name). Then, I just tried my best, without

reconsidering my choice. It was like my destiny to study

this university, to study in this department , and to study

English teaching. Yes, I know it really was.

Though I study English teaching, on the contrary, I

love translation. Many classmates were surprised when I told them that I did not love

teaching at all. Well, the reasons were simple. I passed the exam, and I was arranged to

study in my class, so I did! I wanted to have a good job with a high salary, and the fast -

track program diploma would give me both, so I did! Three years passed and I still kept

one thought: I would be a translator, never be a teacher.

In year three, we studied English Language Teaching, which was a nightmare for me. I

felt asleep in almost every ELT lessons, I got a bad mark for ELT 1, and I even hated it

more than History of Communist Party ! My attitude

I would make
changed when we started ELT 2, in which we had
so many
microteaching sessions (we mistakes. The
Students may
became “teachers” and taught our classmates). I felt like
laugh at me.
joining a battle when preparing lesson plans and

choosing teaching materials. My classmates became my enemies

whenever my teaching sessions started. Funnily, my teachers and classmates said that I
 was really in when staying there and playing the role of a teacher . That made me

confused and excited at the same time. I am a type of person who cannot do anything

well without loving it, so I asked myself, “It couldn’t be! How can they say I have the

ability to become a teacher?” I doubted. It is irregular when I doubt what I have decided to

do, but at that time, I really doubted.

After many microteaching sessions, there came a very big challenge for me: the

tutoring program (It is a traditionally program of Fas t-track classes, in which we design

syllabus, do PR things to attract students and teach them like “real teacher’). I was

nervous. I was obsessed that I would make so many mistakes, and the students would

laugh at me. I trembled when beginning my first les son, but to my surprise, the Tutoring

Program ended successfully. It was successful because students remembered my name,

and it was successful because I suddenly realized that teaching was so inspiring.

“…Best wishes to my teachers, and my With many good memories from my

students (who were, who are, and who will tutoring program’s students, I feel more
be)…” confident to begin my Practicum. I did feel

nervous, but it was not the only emotion. I

felt excited, too. When writing a lesson plan, I think of how my students would react

when they joined my activities, how they would laugh when I told some jokes, and

especially, how lovely they would be when they call me “teacher”. The word “teacher”

turns out to make me more emotional than I thought. It helps me understand that it is

time I became an adult. It let s me know that I can help younger students, maybe help

some of them realize how interesting teaching is. ... I feel

Though the practicum has not finished yet, it has more
confident …
already given me so many things to remember. That I am so

lucky to teach a great and active class, that I am so lucky to be guided by a caring

teacher, and that I am so lucky to know why destiny chose this university for me to study

in. It takes me so long to love teaching, but as my former teacher said before, “You will

never know whether you are suitable for a job until you really d o it yourself.” It is great

that I tried, so I did not miss a chance to become an “inspirer”.

Best wishes to my teachers, and my students (who were, who are, and who will be).
When I agreed to teach you, I did not realize the
enormity of responsibility I was going to undertake. I
am already busy with my thesis, my practicum, my
part-time job and a myriad of other trivial things.
Therefore, I sometimes feel dead tired and terribly
depressed when I am unable to sleep in at the
weekend because our lessons are scheduled on
Saturdays and Sundays. I think you disrupt my life
and deprive me of the moments I want to do
something for myself. I also often have deep hatred
for you because you are so demanding. In the
evenings, I am totally immersed in my work when
you first startle me with a “buzz” even though I tell
you not to do so again and again, then continually
bombard me with questions about English grammar
and require full, clear explanations until you are
satisfied. Usually, I try to remain patient but one
time my anger with you for wasting my valuable time
led to a quarrel. The result was you were too angry
to continue learning and I was left fuming at you.
Instead of reaching a compromise, you and I
exchanged angry words about each other, which was
also a waste of time and a mental constraint for both
of us. You blamed me for not taking teaching you
seriously and complained about my inability to give
clear explanations; I accused you of not being
sympathetic with me because I already have my
hands full without giving you free lessons at the
weekend and in the evening. After a heated “debate”
about who was wrong, you decided to have no more
lessons with me and received my immediate consent
because both of us were too angry at that time to
admit our mistakes.
It happened a long time ago, but looking back to
that memory, I can still feel my face redden. I
wonder how I could be such a bad teacher given that
I have always determined to become one who is
highly committed to her career. But things are
different now. After that big argument, both of us
calmed down and decided to talk in earnest. We
listened to each other’s feelings, admitted our
mistakes and tried to work out a feasible solution.
Never before had I had the chance to get to
understand my student so thoroughly. Your
reasonable words awakened me to the true meaning
of teaching. I realize that knowledge is important but
not enough to make a good teacher. That is to say,
being a teacher requires great commitment,
knowledge and love for their students as well. Now,
each lesson is no longer a burden but a valuable
experience for me. Even though I sometimes get
annoyed with you, I know how to express it in a
suitable way so that you do not feel discouraged. I
am also learning how to explain things clearly. And,
although I am still very busy and sometimes long for
a day entirely to myself, I put a lot of effort into
teaching you. Thank you for opening my eyes about
what teaching is.
Nguyen Thi Dung – 061.E1
 “Life would be a severe trial … I realized a lot of hardship and happiness…”
It’s nearly six months - over a semester since I left the high school behind me and went to university.
To tell the truth, it’s not easy for me to adapt myself to this new environment. Everything – from
classmates, teachers to teaching methods, was so strange to me at first. I come from Quang Binh - a
province in central Vietnam, which made it very difficult for me to make friends with the others - just
because of my accent. However, after a long time, I felt very happy to have the chance to learn in this
new class. My classmates’ friendliness gradually helped bridge the distance between us. Besides,
every lesson was so relaxing that all of us were eager to be taught by enthusiastic teachers. They are
young, talented and sympathetic. They are the people who always help us when we are in trouble.
Our skills have improved considerably thanks to their help. Therefore, I do not consider sitting at
auditoriums and listening to lectures a waste of time.

Before going to university, I used to envision that life would be a severe trial. That’s right - but only in
some ways. I experienced a lot of hardships and found happiness at the same time. I really felt
blessed with coming across so many hardships. There are no days passing without me learning more
and more. This environment helps me widen not only my bookish knowledge but also my
understanding about people around me and the society. It enriches my mind and beautifies my soul a
lot. I am very proud to be a student at this university. I know that there will be a lot of difficulties in the
road ahead but I’ll always try my best in order to have a successful future.

Like many other first-year students at this
university, I find it difficult to be confident in
myself. I feel as if there was an invisible shell
covering me. I made me feel so shy that I
often kept silent even when I was asked to
perform a simple task like describing a picture.
In each speaking lesson, time seemed to pass
slowly; the atmosphere seemed to be
oppressive. Oh, each speaking lesson was
really a burden to me. This situation had still
continued until two weeks ago when two
trainee teachers came to our class. At first
sight, I took notice of the teacher who looks
rather quiet and strict with her arms folded in
front of her chest. However, when I looked into
her eyes and her smile, I felt something
contrasting. After adding her yahoo
messenger address, I found something
interesting. She is only two years older than
me. I consider her as a friend and a sister so I
can be free to tell her my thoughts and my
problems as well. She realized my lack of
confidence and encouraged me a lot. “It is
quite difficult but try to overcome yourself, be
confident to say anything you like”, she said.
She used to be as shy as me and therefore
she lost some opportunities. She does not
want me to make the same mistake. You
cannot imagine how happy I was when
hearing that. Before talking to me, I was really
confused; I needed a sharing, an advice or
only an encouragement. And she gave me all I
need. Those simple things brought me a
strange power. Since then, I have gained
belief and confidence to speak what I think, to
do what I like and to be myself. Believe me or
not, this change has an important meaning.
Now, I want to tell you that “Be confident to
overcome yourself, believe in your ability, the
wonder will come”.
 Vu Linh Giang – 09E23
My dear readers,
What do you feel about the campus life? About me, I think it is an interesting and
challenging life. There are not only chances but also challenges and difficulties, so we should
prepare carefully to be able to achieve the best results. In this article, I give you five vital skills for
students (“vital” – it is just my idea, :D). Maybe I don’t have a lot of experiences to be sure that they are
necessary for all students but I do hope that they are useful for you.

Firstly, it is stress management skill.

When you are a student, there are many activities for you to do, for example:
studying (of course), doing part-time work, going out, volunteering, etc... Day
after day, all make you tired and stressful, you can also be confused with
deadlines. So, you should:
Find yourself “a peaceful corner”: listening to your favorite songs, sleeping
with hugging a warm pillow or going out with your closest friends, even
eating your favorite foods, etc ... Do things which help you feel comfortable
and be yourself!
Press button “stop”: stop all for a moment then rearrange them in a logical
way. Working scientifically helps you save your time and discharge stress
effectively.
Secondly, leadership skill is also very important. It is
necessary at university and it is helpful for you to apply a
good job after graduating, too.
Be a good member: in order to become a successful
leader, you should be a good member firstly. You
had better learn good points from leaders and avoid
their bad points.
Be confident, be prestigious. They are keys for every
success.

Thirdly, this is communicative skill.

It is very necessary for you to persuade everyone and make them
understand what you mean.
Practice speaking skill: you can practice this skill with your friends, your Then, time management skill is one of “five
family, and even strange persons. Try to think and choose topics which vital skills for students”.
attract everyone; you shouldn’t ask questions such as “How are you?” or
You should have term calendars at the beginning
“What did you do yesterday?” etc. because they are quite boring.
of a term, weekly schedules, daily schedules or
Practice listening skill: listen to everyone, listen to their problems. to-do-list to make the best use of your time.
These help you know more about them, thereby you can communicate
with them easily and effectively.
Persuade and debate: begin with bargaining when you go to markets,
you will improve skills of persuading and debating.

Finally, it is...
What should you do when you fail or have difficulties? Be silent or share your trouble with someone? No one can help
you solve your problems thoroughly. All are up to you.
List things which encourage you, for example: your favorite maxims, your idols, your previous failures, etc...
Achieve small successes everyday: you should plan small targets everyday and finish them. They are motivations for
you to be more confident and have more elation for next plans.
There is no the word “fails” in “your dictionary”.

If you want to have these skills, you need practice them every day and it is not simple and easy.
However, you will win when you want. Nothing is impossible. Nothing is unreachable. Fighting!
 Life in the future
The future is the field that I think no one
can know how it will be. Our own future life
belongs to ourselves . However, to some extent,
it also depends on our own luck. And I am sure
that all of us hope to have a beautiful life.
As for me, I wish I would have a settled and
happy life. Now I have a happy family with my
parents, my sister and my brother. All of us
always love and take care o f each other, which
is enough for me.
Furthermore, in the future, I expect to have
a good husband. I think maybe I will have a
perfect family.

Now I am a first- year student at University of Language s and

International Studies. In the future I will becom e a teacher. That means
if I try my best to study, I will get a good job. Moreover, t eaching has
been my dream since I was a child. As for me, there is nothing that can
make me happier than doing my favorite job. In addition, I love my
hometown, which makes me want to live and work there. I want to devote
my ability to my beloved country.
I always feel happy because I have many friends who all the time
stand by and help me whenever I have difficulties. They also share with
me pleasure and experience in our life. I hope in the future our
friendship will never change and we can be good friends forever.
I know, there are a lot of difficulties which I must overcome in the
future. Maybe I will have failure and sadness, however, I believe if I
make effort I will get a good future life.

Bui Thi Nhu Ngoc – 09.1.E4

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Nguyen Thi Thuong – 09E7

 MY OPINION ABOUT UNIVERSITY
⊱Written by Nguyen Huong Thao – 09.E21 ⊰

There is a famous quote, saying “Life is the most effective school”. It is undeniable that people often learn
much from the reality ; however, from what I have experienced, I find myself warmly appreciate what the
academic schooling, especially the university, has taught me. Since I stepped into the university, I have learned
big lessons of active self-stydying and effective communication skills thanks to the knowledge I have learn at the
university.

My first benefit from tertiary education is the ability to learn something by myself. As you may know, self-
study is a must at university. In addition to attending various classes, I have to prepare for any of them; do a lot
of reading, finish all the required exercises and assignments, make reports, do research, take part in seminars, etc.
These activities gradually build up my habit of self-study. This habit allows me to work independently and
creatively in whatever field I choose to get involved in because I am able to gain further knowledge and skill
through my own study.

Adding to that, I have also learned how to think clearly and express myself briefly and precisely. As people
are getting busier and busier in their fast-track lives, I am always highly aware of saving time for both myself and
the ones I communicate with. In order to save my time, I have to think as clearly and critically as I can. To save
the precious time of whom I have an opportunity to communicate with, either orally or in the form of any written
document, I always try my best to guarantee that what I say is brief, relevant, and clear enough to be understood
immediately. In other words, I force myself to provide my listener or reader with as much information as needed in
such a way that both my energy and his/her time and effort can be saved.

Generally speaking, people may hold different views on education: it is only a waste of time to some while
to others it is one of the inevitable/necessary factors strongly influencing their success or failure in life. I belong to
the later, highly valuing what tertiary education brings to me. Therefore, it deserves my great efforts to meet all its
requirements, the initial requirements of any well-educated person.
 The dream of being rich
A man is put in prison for 12 years. The first day in prison, he catches
an ant and has an idea: “12 years in prison will be really boring and
after that, I will be very poor. Why don’t I teach this ant speaking
human language? And I will be financial! Yes! That is a wonderful
idea!”
Then he embarks on his work immediately. After 12 years, his ant can
speak human language and he is released.
The first free day after 12 years, he jumps into a luxury restaurant. He
sits at the table at the centre of the restaurant and put the ant in a
dish. He asks a waiter:
- What is this?
The waiter kills the ant by his finger and says:
- I’m sorry! We will pay more attention to
Still falling! food hygiene!!!!!!!!!!!!
Two people were climbing a rock- - !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
mountain. Suddenly, one slipped and Thanh – 09E8
felt…
A: Are you OK?
B: I don’t know! I am still falling!- he I don’t know!
shouted…
A: :-o In a physics class…
Le Thuy – 09E8 Teacher: Do you know the speed of sound,
Anne?
Anne: Well, I don’t know. Because I have
never tried running after sound!

Le Thuy – 09E8
 Never teach a policeman!
In one sunny morning, after a stressful exam, my Math teacher
told us one real story, which happened to her when she was very
young...
On that day, she crossed over a red light and had to pay the
charge by an old judge of the traffic court. She explained to him
that she was a school teacher and she had to get back to her class,
so she asked the judge to take care of her case quickly.
"Well, well," the judge said. "So you are a school teacher? I have
been waiting for many years to fine a teacher in my court. Please sit
right down at that table and write, “I will not run a red light again”,
500 times." That’s it: Never teach a traffic policeman!”
Ngoc – 09E8
Reason!
Three students were late for school. The teacher asked
them:
-Why did you go to school late, guys?
The students answered one by one.
Student one said:
-Teacher, because I got up late. Last night I dreamt of
an exciting football match. This match ended in a draw.
Then, the referee let the match turn to extra time. I had
to see it until the end so I couldn't get up and go to
school on time.
Student two:
-When I was walking near to the school, I saw a sign
that says ''Slow down! Ahead is school!''. I followed it
and was late.
Teacher:
-Ok, and the last one? What's your reason?
Student three:
-Teacher, it's said that ''you are never too old to learn!''
So why do I have to go to school early?
Teacher: ???...
LET’S SMILE WITH US! Minh Ha – 09E8