WRITING Task 2 BAND 8 Biquyetielts80 PDF

BAND 8.
0 WRITING IELTS 2016

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BAND 8.0 WRITING IELTS 2016
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8.0-9.0 rồi nhé.

I. IELTS WRITING ACTUAL TESTS 2016

1. It is more important for schoolchildren to learn about local history than
world history. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Teaching history for schoolchildren has been a heated topic constantly. There is a
common belief that local history is more important to children than world history.
However, I disagree with this belief.
I believe the notion that local history is more valuable than world history should
be rejected. Some people may claim that the insights into the local historical
values are completely enough for one to live. Their claim could be true a few
decades ago when most interpersonal communications were between people of
the same race and origin. However, this view is now outdated, as the world has
become globalised and international business and migrant workers have made
any community a global village. In this context, an understanding of a foreign
country‘s history would enable future local workers to reinforce the relationship
between them and the expatriates from that country.
In addition, I am strongly convinced that children would benefit the most only
when the learning of local history is placed parallel to that of world history. To
understand a local historical event, children should put the regional and
sometimes even world context in that historical era into consideration. For
example, children should acknowledge that the event that Vietnam regained its
independence after defeating the Japanese troops in Indochina in 1945 only
happened after a series of relevant events in the World War II, one of which is the
surrender of Japan to the Allies. In this way of learning, children
would understand history more deeply and thoroughly.
All the existing data has provided a concrete foundation that the study of local
history should always be parallel to that of world history. This practice

would guarantee that children learn history more comprehensively and be able
to tighten the bond with migrant workers in their country.
notion = sụ nhận biết
rejected = từ chối
insights into = nhìn sâu vào
historical values = giá trị lịch sử
interpersonal communications = liên hệ trao đồi người-người
race and origin = chủng tộc và nguồn gốc
migrant workers = người làm di cư
global village = ―làng thế giới‖
reinforce the relationship = củng cố quan hệ
expatriates = người bị trục xuất
parallel = song song
regional = thuộc vùng
world context = bối cảnh thế giới
historical era = kỷ nguyên lịch sử
understand deeply and thoroughly = hiểu sâu và toàn diện
concrete foundation = nền tảng vững chắc

comprehensively = một cách dễ hiểu
tighten the bond = thắt chặt mối liên hệ
2. Many museums and historical sites are mainly visited by tourists but not
local people. Why is this the case and what can be done to attract more local
people to visit these places?
Tourists are generally drawn to museums and historical locations when visiting
new countries. However, records have shown local people‘s low attendance at
these attractions. Some explanations will be brought about before solutions can be
drawn to tackle this problem.
There are several reasons as to why tourists, instead of the local people, come to
museums and historical places. First, these locations can provide visitors with a
comprehensive overview of the traditions in the particular locality they are
situated. As a result, such destinations are generally more appealing to the
newcomers than to the locals, those without the need to familiarise themselves
with the traditional values of the region. Moreover, because the layout of museums
and historical houses is likely to remain unchanged through years, they can be
visually unattractive to the local inhabitants, who may have been to these sites for
at least once in their younger years.
Several measures can be prompted to promote locals‘ attendance rate at buildings

for historic relics and museums. The main solution is to change the public‘s
perception of such places as sites for only monotonous activities. Should civic
events including weddings, anniversaries and concerts be allowed to be held in
these locations, they would attract substantial public attention to historical values.
Another resolution is that historians and preservationists should be featured more
frequently on the media, with their articles on the tremendous worth of museums
and historical remains.
To conclude, historical areas and museums can be uninteresting for local citizens
because they can be too familiar with the culture that these places depict. To better
this, there should be more media coverage on historical assets, and also more
open-door policies
tackle this problem = xử lý vấn đề
comprehensive overview = đánh giá đầy đủ
the newcomers = người mới
familiarise = làm quen
be prompted = được nêu ra
historic relics = tàn dư, sản vật lịch sử
perception = cách nhìn nhận
monotonous = đơn, một
civic events = sự kiện trong nước
depict = thể hiện
media coverage = bài báo
open-door policies = chính sách mở cửa

3. Although more and more people read the news on internet, newspapers will
remain the most important source of news for the majority of people. Do you
agree or disagree?
It is true that a growing number of people are using the Internet in order to find out
the latest news. While newspapers are still popular, I strongly disagree that most
people will continue to rely on them as a source of news.
The first reason for my view relates to the increasing use of the Internet around the
world. Today, a growing number of people have access to online news via
technological gadgets such as smart phones or tablets, so they do not need to buy a
newspaper to obtain news. Even in more remote corners of the world, access to
the Internet is becoming more widespread and the online community is growing
daily.
Secondly, online news is always up-to-date while printed news needs time for
editing, printing and delivering. In this fast changing world, readers tend to expect
updated information about what has just happened or is happening around them.
Online news can be broadcast immediately with vivid pictures and relevant stories,
making it more appealing to readers than printed news.
Finally, the Internet is a repository of information for people to dig for

information that they need. Digital information can be stored in mass quantity,
which allows internet users to search for events that occurred in the past. In
contrast, newspapers are generally hard to preserve because of the corrosive
effects of the environment and their sheer bulk makes storage difficult. This once
again confirms the edge of online news.
In conclusion, I firmly believe that the Internet is even now replacing newspapers
as the principal medium for accessing all the latest news.
remote corners of the world = những nơi xa côi trên thế giới

up-to-date = cập nhật
vivid = rõ ràng
repository = chỗ chứa
Digital information = thông tin kỹ thuật số
mass quantity = số lượng lớn
corrosive effects of the environment = sự xuống cấp của môi trường
sheer bulk = gốc rễ
the edge of = lợi thế của
principal medium = nhân tố quantrọng nhất
4. Some people believe government should spend money on building train and
subway lines to reduce traffic congestion. Others think that building more and
wider roads is the better way to reduce traffic congestion. Discuss both views
and give your opinion.
The high volume of traffic is a huge problem for many big cities. Therefore, there
is a widely held view among a number of people that governmental bodies
should pour money in building such public transport systems as train and subway
lines. Others, however, argue that road expansion is the more proper way. To my
mind, though widening streets benefits us, this can not alleviate traffic congestion.
It is not by chance that developing public vehicles is considered one of the

common approaches to reduce traffic jams. Today, people have indeed used too
many private vehicles whose disadvantages can be listed. The long line of cars at
peak hours is a typical example, which may lead to lengthy delays. This can also

cause other serious consequences such as traffic accidents. Accordingly, it is

widely believed that building underground tunnels can solve heavy traffic jams
due to empty spaces beneath the ground.
However, according to others, road extension is a better alternative because this

solution does not demand more efforts. Also, extending road does not seem as
costly as developing underground transport systems. Another reason for this is that
bigger roads will create more spaces for vehicle owners, helping them to circulate
easily during peak hours. By doing so, traffic congestion can be alleviated.
In my opinion, road expansion is not a long-term measure because people tend to

drive their vehicles regularly on newly widened streets. In other words, traffic jams
might continue to occur. Therefore, government should take other solutions into
consideration for safer transportation.
a widely held view = quan điểm phổ biến
governmental bodies = các tổ chức, bộ phận chính phủ
pour money in = invest in = đầu tư vào
alleviate = giải quyết
by chance = ngẫu nhiên
underground tunnels = đương ngầm dưới đất
alternative = lựa chọn khác
circulate = di chuyển
5. More and more young people from wealthy countries are spending a short
time doing unpaid work such as teaching and building houses for communities

in poorer countries. What are the reasons for this? Who benefits more from
this, the communities or these young people?
There has been an ongoing trend of many young people from prosperous nations
deciding to spend their time doing voluntary work in underprivileged countries.
Some of the prominent reasons for this phenomenon will be discussed, before the
benefits of both individuals and developing countries are analysed.
There are several convincing reasons associated with this practice. The most
significant factor is that doing such unpaid work in poor countries would be a
comparative advantage for the young when applying for a job in the future. In
other words, in this fierce and competitive job market, a candidate possessing an
application file accompanied by only great scores could not be the ideal one that a
recruiter is finding; therefore, he or she needs outstanding volunteering
experience to be able to compete with other rivals. Another reason that is worth
mentioning is that young generations could engender the feeling of community
when participating in unpaid work. Their voluntary efforts help to give
prominence to the value of sharing and the sense of social responsibility to
secure improved humanity and international awareness about disadvantaged
places.
It is undoubted that both the young volunteers and underdeveloped or developing

countries could equally gain from this phenomenon. Regarding the young, it is
apparent that the aforementioned meaningful work not only brings the
volunteers unforgettable life lessons, gives them hands – on experience but also
helps expand their network of relationships. As a result, they gradually grow
more mature and confident, realizing the diversity of life by getting to know many
walks of people. In regard to poorer countries, they may have a chance to raise the
living standards of their dwellers. For instance, knowledge related to environment
protection or health care which they have acquired from overseas volunteers
possibly improves their living conditions afterwards.

To sum up, the requirement of more competitive profile and the determination to
support financially disadvantaged countries are the two principal elements that
make young people join a wide range of voluntary activities. I would contend that
both the volunteers and the community are the beneficiaries of the practice
above.
prosperous nations = nước giàu
underprivileged countries = nước nghèo
fierce and competitive job market = thị trường việc làm cạnh tranh
possessing = sở hữu
recruiter = nhà tuyển dụng
rivals = đối thủ
engender the feeling of community = làm tăng tính cộng đồng
give prominence to the value of sharing = khẳng định giá trị việc chia sẻ
the sense of social responsibility = cái nhìn về trách nhiệm xã hội
aforementioned = đã nêu từ trước
hands – on experience = trải nghiệm thực tế
network of relationships = mạng lưới quan hệ
diversity of life = sự đã dạng của cuộc sống
walks of people = cuộc đời mỗi người
dwellers = cư dân
beneficiaries = người hưởng lợi

6. In recent years, the family structure and the role of its members are
gradually changing. What kinds of changes can occur? Do you think these
changes are positive and negative?
It is true that these days the family structure has considerably shifted, and the
changing roles of men and women in the family has become increasingly similar.
There are several new forms of family composition, and in my opinion, these
developments are not always desirable.
In the past, nuclear families where parents and their offspring live together under
the same roof used to be prevalent. However, there is now a huge trend towards
single-parent families due to more marriages ending in divorce, while the increase
in cohabiting couple families and stepfamilies is probably a result of cohabitation
and remarriage becoming much more acceptable. In addition, the number of single-
mother families has increased as many mothers want to have children without
getting married. In terms of changing parental roles in a family, there has been a
rise in the number of stay-at-home dads in recent years when it has become
normal for women to gain qualifications and pursue their own career path. This
is in sharp contrast to about half a decade ago when men were breadwinners and
women were in charge of household chores in their families.
In my view, the changes described above could have both positive and negative
consequences. On the one hand, due to the lack of emotional attachment and
legal binding, non-traditional households such as stepfamilies and cohabiting
parents are more prone to breaking down. Consequently, children of these
families are more likely to be involved in antisocial behaviors while their parent
may experience feelings of loneliness and worry. On the other hand, the changes in
the roles of members in the family could be seen as progress because women are
not put under pressure to sacrifice their own careers to take up childcare and
domestic responsibilities.

In conclusion, I believe that the changes in the roles of family members and the
family structure are both positive and negative.
family composition = kiểu kết hợp gia đinh
nuclear families = gia đình cơ bản
live together under the same roof = sông cùng một mái nhà
single-parent families = cha me đơn thân
cohabiting couple families = cặp đôi sống chung
stepfamilies = gia đình ―đi bước nữa‖
parental roles = vai trò cha mẹ
stay-at-home dads = người chồng nội trợ
gain qualifications and pursue their own career path = có bằng cấp và sự
nghiệp riêng
breadwinners = trụ cột
household chores = việc nhà
emotional attachment and legal binding = sự gắn kết về cảm xúc và quan hệ
pháp lý
are prone to = dễ bị
antisocial behaviors = hành vi xa rời xã hội
7. Some people say that humanitarian subjects such as philosophy, history and
literature that people study in universities have no value for their future

career. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement? Give
your own opinion and relevant examples.
Humanitarian education teaches various social topics from

a humanitarian perspective. However important our academic careers may be for
us, a certain iota of humanity is always expected from us as being the superior
living beings on earth. Whether we need to study specialized subjects for such a
quality to develop in us is a debatable issue.
The people who opine that studying such subjects is a waste of time may believe
so, keeping in mind that many academic curriculum is set and rarely changes.
Therefore, the history, literature or philosophy that is taught is done from a text-
bookish perspective, and does not give in-depth knowledge of the same. Also,
people feel that memorizing dates and facts, sources of the origin of a language,
or brooding on lessons derived from life hardly matter when we go out in search
of work.
On the contrary, humanitarian education particularly relates to offering assistance

to others in an emergency or crisis and is also used to refer to the skills, knowledge
and attitudes needed for individuals and communities to help themselves. In
the hostile environment we are living nowadays, the goal of humanitarian
education of communities increasing their resilience and individuals and groups
becoming confident, able and willing to help themselves and others when faced
with a crisis, is something that can obviously not be developed on our own.
I believe we need to look beyond the established stereotyping of history,

literature and philosophy as subjects and need to broaden our mentality. Apart
from the much popular career choices that rake in our desired amount of money,
the historians, literary scholars and philosophers too play an important role in our
societies. The teachings and observations of Karl Marx, Aristotle, Socrates, Robert

Louis Stevenson, Mark Twain and many such other personalities are still cited
today for reference.
Summarizing this essay we can conclude that classifying humanitarian subjects as

having no value for future careers is narrow minded. These subjects are also as
important as any other, when being chosen for a thorough study so as to make a
career out of them.
academic careers = sự nghiệp liên quan đến học thuật
a certain iota = một lượng nhỏ nhất định
superior living beings = sinh vật cấp cao
opine = có ý kiến
a waste of time = sự lãng phí thời gian
keep in mind = ghi nhớ
curriculum = chương trình chính quy
text-bookish = tính lý thuyết
in-depth = có chiều sâu
to brood on = to worry about = lo lắng về
be derived from = trích từ, lấy từ
in search of = tìm kiếm
hostile = khắc nghiệt
resilience = sự bền bỉ
to look beyond = nhìn xa hơn

stereotyping = ―vơ đũa cả nắm‖
broaden our mentality = mỏ rộng tâm thức
rake = cắt tỉa
be cited = được nêu
narrow minded = suy nghĩ hạn hẹp
thorough study = nghiên cứu toàn diện
make a career out of = làm nên sự nghiệp từ
8. Some people think that it is good for a country’s culture to import foreign
movies and TV programmes. Others think that it is better to produce these
locally. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
For the past decades, the importance of a country developing its own motion
picture expertise versus importing foreign entertainment programs has been the
center of attention in the entertainment industry. I believe that having the best of
both worlds would work most effectively.
There are certain grounds supporting the view of featuring foreign films and TV
shows. Firstly, globalization supports the widespread of cultural products that
integrate within themselves the essence of the nation from which they originates.
Viewers, therefore, while enjoying the entertaining element of these programs can
simultaneously learn more about the world and its various cultures. For instance,
an Asian viewer can be amazed by the individualism conveyed in western
blockbuster movies while an American can explore the significance of collective
eastern values from a Chinese or Korean drama. Furthermore, the international
trade of these items has not only aided the development of globalized culture but

also broadened people‘s understanding of the diverse world around them. It is not
deemed daring to say that without cultural exchange through TV channels, feeling
and learning about other cultures would turn less visually impressive.
On the other hand, it is justifiable, though maybe considered ethnocentric, that

domestic entertainment products retain an equally indispensable role in a
country‘s film segments. The most obvious reason is that the act of a country
developing its own movies and broadcasting industry is of necessity to preserve its
culture. Through local films and TV shows, children and adolescents develop their
cognition of local customs and traditional values and have a tendency to practice
them. Another endorsing reason is that domestic films and shows are irreplaceable
products that bring people true feelings and complete understanding of contexts
and clichés used. Since people can more easily relate themselves to others who
speak their language and whose behavior they could totally understand, viewers
can reflect themselves and their society in a lively way through local TV programs.
In conclusion, I believe it is crucial for a country to find a balanced coexistence of

both ways, not only advancing towards globalization but also preserving one‘s
unique film and TV industry.
motion picture expertise = chuyên ngành phim ảnh
the best of both worlds = điều tốt nhất của cả hai thế giới
grounds = nền tảng
integrate within themselves = mang trong mình
essence = tinh túy
to originate = sinh ra
simultaneously = đồng thời

individualism = chủ nghĩa cá nhân
to convey = truyền tải
blockbuster movies = phim bom tấn
to aid = trợ giúp
diverse = đa dạng
deemed = đánh giá, nghĩ
to dare to = dám
ethnocentric = liên quan đến văn hóa bản sắc
domestic = của nhà/nước
retain = mang giữ
indispensable = không thể thiếu
cognition = nhận thức
to endorse = ủng hộ
contexts and clichés = văn cảnh và những câu sáo
lively = sống động
9. People in the community can buy cheaper products nowadays. Do

advantages outweigh disadvantages?
The development of technology combined with living in the city gives people the
chance to purchase products at cheaper prices. While I agree that this opportunity
is advantageous to some extent, I am seriously concerned that the drawbacks it
brings can be detrimental to the living society.
It is understandable that being able to buy cheaper product is substantially

beneficial. Saving money is probably the first and foremost merit of this trend.
Instead of spending a significant amount of monthly expenditure on clothes or
basic necessities as they used to do in the previous years, consumers can now
spare a larger proportion of their budget on important needs including better
education and nutrition. In addition, the availability of low-priced products grants
consumers more spending choices and boost overall consumption. Since products
become more affordable and accessible, even low-income people now can
purchase a certain range of consumer goods to satisfy their different needs. Thanks
to this, people from all walks of life can enjoy sufficient living without paying
much.
However, I strongly believe that purchasing cheaper goods has its downsides
which seem overshadow the benefits. Firstly, health threats to consumers and
workers are two major problems of this trend. To save costs, manufactures may
accept the usage of unsafe cheap chemicals and low-quality ingredients which
undoubtedly affect customers‘ health. Moreover, mass production is also
associated with worker exploitation and international outsourcing systems that
render poor countries labour-intensive. Secondly, cost-effectiveness of this
practice is not guaranteed since products of lower prices usually come with short
shelf life and low quality. Therefore, in certain cases, customers may not save
money but also have to spend more than they should have to fix or to purchase new
products.
In conclusion, people‘s access to cheaper products has its own good sides.
However, the shortcomings are more remarkable that they should be taken into
serious consideration.
detrimental = gây tổn hại
first and foremost = trước hết

spare = dành ra
grants = ban, mang đến
boost = đẩy mạnh
affordable and accessible = có thể chi trả và truy cập
low-income people = người thu nhập thấp
people from all walks of life = người từ khắp nơi
sufficient living = đủ sống
overshadow = vượt quá
exploitation = sự khai thác
international outsourcing systems = hệ thống sử dụng nguồn lực nước ngoài
render = make = khiến cho
labour-intensive = trọng lao động
cost-effectiveness = hiệu quả về giá
shelf life = tuổi thọ hàng hóa
10. Nowadays the differences between countries are becoming less evident
because we see the same TV shows, advertisements, fashion and follow the
same brands. To what extent the advantages of this trend outweigh its
disadvantages?
We are now living in a global village where geographical barriers have become
insignificant. All over the world, people wear the same kind of clothes, eat the

same foods and watch the same films. In my opinion, this trend has made life
easier for us all.
There are several benefits following global fashion trends. It makes traveling
easier. For example, now Indians and Americans or Europeans have more or less
the same tastes in fashion, food and music. As a result, young Indian professionals
can travel to the US or Europe and still feel at home there. The biggest advantage
of following a global lifestyle is that it eliminates culture shock when you travel
to other countries. It also protects you from discrimination. When you wear the
same kind of clothes or eat the same kind of foods as everyone else, you will not
stand out. This will actually protect you from various forms of discrimination that
you might experience when you are in a foreign country. An Indian woman living
in the US will be at a disadvantage if she insists on wearing only traditional Indian
clothes and eating only vegetarian foods. This will limit the choices she has, but if
she is willing to follow the culture of the country she lives in, life will be easier for
her.
The only disadvantage of this trend is the loss of ethnicity. Every nation has its
traditional styles of fashion and clothing. When everyone wears the same kind of
clothes, this cultural legacy gets lost.
To conclude, the benefits of following global trends in lifestyle and fashion are
many. It makes life easier for the globetrotting youngsters. There are, nonetheless,
a few disadvantages, but there is an easy way to get around them. People who are
proud of their ethnic fashion and lifestyle can follow it when they are in their own
country.
geographical barriers = rào cản địa lý
more or less = nhiều hay ít
tastes = sở thích

feel at home = thấy thoải mái
eliminates culture shock = loại bỏ cú sốc văn hóa
discrimination = sự phân biệt
the loss of ethnicity = sự đánh mất bản sắc
cultural legacy = di sản văn hóa
globetrotting = thường xuyên đivòng quanh thế giới
to get around = khắc phục, tránh
11. Many people believe that schools should teach children to become good
citizens and workers rather than independent individuals. To what extent do
you agree or disagree? Give your own opinion and relevant examples.
Educational institutions like schools and colleges have a duty to mold students
into law abiding citizens and hardworking employees. However, I don‘t think that
this should be at the cost of their individuality.
Individuality helps people stand out in a crowd. Independent thinking fuels their
creativity and helps them become good writers, thinkers and artists. Their creative
pursuits will bring glory to the nation and give patriots even more reasons to be
proud of their country.
Children spend a great deal of time in schools. The text books, the teachers and the
general atmosphere at school have a major impact on their impressionable minds.
If schools don‘t encourage creativity and independent thinking, the nation will
suffer.

Just because someone thinks independently, it doesn‘t mean that they can‘t become
good citizens or good employees. I can‘t understand how independent thinking will
make a person anti-national or anti-social. Some of the greatest patriots we have
seen were highly creative people who thought independently. There are numerous
examples of such men and women in the annals of World history.
A nation needs great thinkers, writers, artists, scientists and philosophers to take its
culture and legacy forward. We can‘t accomplish much by being mechanized
patriots and workers.
To conclude, I don‘t agree with the argument that schools should only teach
students to become good citizens and workers. Yes, these institutions should teach
these values, but they should also encourage independent thinking. A person can
be an independent thinker and a patriot at the same time. If one studies world
history one can find several examples of thinkers who were also great patriots and
citizens. Since students spend a great deal of their time at school, it is the right
place to learn all of these values.
mold sb into law abiding = rèn ai đó thành người tuân thủ luật
to fuel = tiếp sức
pursuits = sự nỗ lực
glory = vinh quang
atmosphere = bầu không khí
impressionable = dễ bị ảnh hưởng, ấn tượng
suffer = gánh chịu
anti-national = phản quốc

annals = ghi chép lịch sử
12. Students in schools and universities learn more from their teachers than
through other means such as the Internet, libraries and TV. To what extent
you agree or disagree?
There are many who prefer supplementary methods such as the TV, internet and
books for enhancing their learning. However, teachers have, and always will be an
inseparable part of the classroom. This essay shall advocate how the teachers
provide more than just academic learning.
Graphical representation of the academic content always helps the students to

grasp better. For example, learning about Geography and History from the
Discovery channel, or reading articles about tricks to solve math problems on the
internet, makes students more interested to study. There are also many students
who prefer a background or in-depth knowledge of certain concepts, so they prefer
to read books on that particular subject outside of their academic curriculum. We
can say all these things assist students to self-learn, but somewhere without a
teacher, this method may go haphazard.
There is a flood of information on the internet and thousands of books published

on a single subject. What content is authentic on the internet or what books are
relevant for reading, is supposed to be guided by the teachers. Teachers know the
content and know how to explain it. They motivate the students for high levels of
performances. Good teachers are great performers and storytellers that rivet their
students‘ attention. Apart from academic learning, teachers teach the students
about the techniques of amplifying information, and when to execute the
knowledge they have. These are life lessons that the students won‘t know about
unless taught to them by an experienced professional.

Therefore, in closing I‘d say that more than the books, TV and internet, teachers
are more of our mentors. Teachers don‘t teach the school or university subjects,
they teach how to learn them on your own. Teachers engineer learning experiences
that maneuver the students into the driver’s seat and then step aside.
supplementary methods = phương pháp bổ sung
inseparable = không thể tách rời
Graphical representation = trình bày bằng hình ảnh
to grasp = nắm bắt
in-depth = có chiều sâu
self-learn = tự học
haphazard = vô nghĩa, vô hướng
a flood of information = ―cơn lũ‖ thông tin
authentic = có bản sắc riêng
motivate = cổ vũ
to rivet = kết chặt
amplifying = đặt mũi nhọn
mentors = người hướng dẫn
maneuver into the driver’s seat and then step aside = hướng dẫn làm chủ và rời
đi

13. Some people believe that anyone can create art such as painting, poetry,
music and so on. Others think that a person should have special abilities to
create art. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Art is a diverse range of creative activities that express the creator‘s imaginations.
Naturally one can assume, to create art all you need is a good imagination.
However, some others believe that you need to learn special skills to become an
artist. This essay shall discuss both the views in detail.
Any person with a creative vision and ingenuity can create art forms such
as writing poetry, painting, or composing a song or two. Drawing up a mental
picture of your feelings and expressing them effectively on paper will make you an
artist. For example some people are sometimes driven by longing or grief for
someone, which makes them spill their feelings out in a song or a painting. This
is why people feel that creating art is not that hard and can be attempted easily.
On the contrary, there are people who firmly opine that without learning how to
express creatively, imagination alone cannot help one become an artist. It requires
years of training for people to become great artists. To become a musician for
instance, one needs to learn all the fundamentals of rhythms and melodies; to play
a guitar one needs to learn all the right chords. It doesn‘t help if your imagination
is vivid; you need to know the correct technique of expressing the same to
distinguish your creation from the ordinary mediocrities.
To conclude, I‘d like to say that as easy as it sounds, creating art is definitely not a
piece of cake. Sure, one might be innate in some art forms, but enhancing that
skill is very important to create masterpieces.
a creative vision and ingenuity = một cái nhìn sáng tạo và khác biệt
are driven by = được dẫn dắt bởi
longing or grief for someone = chờ đợi và thương tiếc ai đó

spill their feelings out = thể hiện cảm xúc
opine = có ý kiến
fundamentals = điều cơ bản
mediocrities = những thứ tầm thường
a piece of cake = dễ như ăn bánh
innate = bẩm sinh
masterpieces = kiệt tác
14. It is impossible to help all people in the world, so governments should only
focus on people in their own countries. To what extent do you agree or
disagree?
The role of one government to support citizens of other countries has been a major
topic of concern in today‘s society. From my perspective, this practice
is feasible and there are compelling reasons why governments should help people
in the global community rather than only focusing on the citizens of their own
countries.
In this context of globalisation and international integration, the provision of

assistance for peoples of all countries in the world is not an impossible task
anymore. One explanation for this is that modern means of
transport have transformed the way that international assistance could be given,
and now assistance could reach even the most remote places on Earth. For
example, thousands of victims of a deadly earthquake in a mountainous city in
Nepal were rescued by US and German military helicopters in 2014. One further
explanation is that thanks to international banking, the international community

could offer a helping hand to any country where the financial system is on the
verge of collapse. An excellent example of this is that the saving money of
millions of taxpayers and pensioners in Greece was saved by a timely act of the
European Commission of injecting a huge amount of bailout money into Greek
banks in 2009.
I strongly believe any government must assume the responsibility of helping

citizens in other countries. This is mainly because assisting inhabitants in other
countries, to some extent, is synonymous to assisting people in the home country.
In 2014, hundreds of US and UK doctors and nurses were sent to African countries
to cope with the outbreak of Ebola, a dreadful plague, which had killed many
thousands by that time. This action prevented the plague from further spreading to
other nations, including the US and the UK themselves, considering that there was
a free movement of people between countries and there were millions of African
migrant workers in the US and the UK at that time. In addition, the act of
supporting people all around the world may promote a sense of humanity, which
is essential to the sustainable development of the world, because humanity is the
foundation of peace and stability.
To conclude, governments must provide assistance for citizens of other countries

for a clear reason that this feasible act could simultaneously enhance a global
sense of humanity and assure their own nationals of a proper living environment.
feasible = hợp lý
compelling = hay ho
globalisation = sự toàn cầu hóa
international integration = sự kết hợp liên quốc gia
on the verge of collapse = trên bờ vực sụp đổ

timely act = hành động đúng lúc
bailout money = tiền bảo lãnh
dreadful plague = dịch bệnh kinh khủng
sense of humanity = cái nhìn về nhân loại
feasible act = hành động đúng đắn
15. In the future, it seems more difficult to live on the Earth. Some people
think more money should be spent on researching other planet to live, such as
Mars. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?
Advances in technology make the prospect to find the second Earth potentially
viable. While I agree that terrestrial life has become increasingly difficult, I do
not believe that we should invest money in finding a new planet to live.
On the one hand, there is no doubt that life is not as easy as it was in the past. The
main problem is the growing level of environmental pollution that adversely
affects humankind in all parts of the world. The rising consumption of natural
resources such as gas, oil and coal has resulted in an enormous amount of carbon
emissions being released into the atmosphere, which impairs the air quality and
accelerates climate change. The consequences of this are grave. People in many
big cities are suffering respiratory diseases; more lands are being shrunk due to
the rise of sea levels; and there are frequent heat waves in tropical countries.
Apparently, human life is now put in danger.
On the other hand, I would contend that spending money finding another home for
all creatures on the Earth is not an effective measure. There is little hope of seeking
a planet that has favorable conditions for life while the expenditure can be
extremely huge. In contrast, a much better solution would be that we should invest

in environmental projects and encourage people to lead a more environmentally

friendly lifestyle. For example, green energy should be harnessed and made
more available to replace our dependence on fossil fuels, and individuals ought to
opt for public transport rather than driving their vehicles. Such actions can cut
exhaust emissions and slow down the effects of global warming, making the
earth a more desirable place for us all.
In conclusion, although global warming is a global malady, it seems ludicrous to

suggest that people should find another planet to settle down.
potentially viable = có khả năng sống được
terrestrial life = cuộc sống trên mặt đất
to accelerate = đẩy nhanh
impairs = gây tổn hại
grave = nghiêm trọng
diseases = bệnh tật
shrunk = thu nhỏ lại
heat waves = đợt nóng
to contend = thấy tự tin
to lead a more environmentally friendly lifestyle = sống một cuộc sống thân
thiện với môi trường hơn
green energy = năng lượng xanh
harnessed = nắm bắt
exhaust emissions = khí thải

malady = sự sai lầm, lỗi
ludicrous = ridiculous = nực cười
16. Nowadays, more and more older people who need employment compete
with the younger people for the same jobs. What problems this causes? What
are solutions?
It is true that competition is a significant attitude in a workplace which is more

prevalent between young and old employees. There are numerous reasons
regarding this issue and various measures can be taken by governments to improve
this situation.
The first predictable consequence is the abundance of mature aged employees.

Even though, there is no disputing the fact that aging workforce is highly
experienced, they seem to be less productive due to their health deterioration.
This would negatively influence their job performance as a result. The other
outcome is the increasing rate of unemployment among junior workers which is
often reported to be the major cause of teenage crimes. Because of joblessness,
youngsters often lack money and thus they may misbehave and commiting crimes
for a living. Consequently , not only does our society indirectly incite crime in
youths, but we also do not effectively exploit young workers who seem to be non-
experienced but dedicated to work.
To mitigate these problems, I think, companies would soon implement early

retirement incentive programs for devoted elderly laborers. Special healthcare and
other social welfare payments should be given to ensure that they live healthily
for the rest of their life. Besides, employers should also create more job
opportunities for young employees. Take, for example, fast-track scheme, a
system for rapid training and job promotion of talented young staff. By this way,
they can develop their potential to the fullest and make significant contributions to
the company they are working for.

In conclusion, young and old workers play an equally important role in each
company‘s growth. Therefore, it is necessary for managers to lead multi-
generational workforce by training activities as well as staff incentive schemes.
abundance = sự thừa thãi
there is no disputing the fact that = không thể bàn cãi việc
deterioration = dự xuống cấp
junior workers = nguòi làm trẻ
misbehave = cư xử kém
for a living = để kiếm sống
incite = khuấy động
mitigate = làm thuyên giảm
social welfare payments = chi phí xã hội
fast-track scheme = ké hoạch nhanh
incentive = có tính khích lệ
17. Nowadays, more and more people decide to have children later in their
life. What are the the reasons? Do advantages of this outweigh
disadvantages?
Having babies later in life is regarded as a new trend of marriage, especially in

these days when soon becoming adolescent parents might leave people with
plenty of troubles. It is easily seen that financial burden is one of the reasons why
many spouses tend to delay their childbirth because giving birth early forces them

to tighten budget. In this essay, I will lend more other detailed reasons and effects
to this trend.
The fact that pregnancy has been more common in older women stems from late–
life marriage whose benefits are huge. Tying the knot early, in some cases,
would cause constant quarrels about rights of child-rearing between young
couples due to their immature thoughts on marital values. In contrast, delayed
marriage may secure better conditions for children‘s future. This would help
singles have more time to seek a financially stable job and broaden behavioral
experience before deciding to live with someone forever. Besides, high remarriage
rate led by the rise of divorce in recent years partly contributes to late childbirth.
The reason is that the lack of compatibility forces many couples to end their first
love and marry again. Therefore, they may start having children after age 35.
As mentioned above, the benefits of late childbirth are undeniable, however,

elderly parents, as well as society also face threats that they can foresee. Indeed,
raising kids at old age is more arduous than that at young age, not only because
their health will decline but also because their children are too little to self-
manage. Moreover, having children when reaching over 35 can affect pregnancy
due to aging health . As a result, babies are not healthy enough or even die
premature death.
In conclusion, stable income and settled life make delayed marriage more
appealing. The thing is we need to consider pros and cons of this to decide what is
right for a happy union.
adolescent parents = cha mẹ trẻ
financial burden = gánh năng tài chính
spouses = cô dâu/chú rể
stems from = bắt nguồn từ

late–life marriage = hôn nhân muộn
Tying the knot = kêt hôn
quarrels = cuộc cãi va
child-rearing = nuôi con
marital values = giá trị hôn nhân
singles = người độc thân
compatibility = sự tương hợp
foresee = thấy trước
arduous = cần nhiều sức
self-manage = tự lo cho bản thân
premature death = chết trẻ
stable income = thu nhập ổn định
settled life = cuộc đời ổn định
pros and cons = lợi và hại
union = sự đoàn tụ
18. Some people think that there is a great influence of news media on
people’s lives and this is a negative development. Do you agree or disagree
with this statement? Give your opinion and relevant examples.
The influence of media is growing stronger and stronger as time passes. The speed
at which news travels around the world has become faster with the advancement in

technology. A lot of people believe this influence to have more drawbacks than the
merits. This essay shall discuss both views and offer a reasonable conclusion.
Gaining information on current events has become quicker and easier as people
have a host of resources on which they can depend on for news about the world,
like TV news channels, radio broadcasts, newspapers, internet, smartphone
applications and so on. Sharing and exchanging of views on the same has also
become quite popular. Apart from panel discussions on news channels, public
forums on the internet also let us know the various reactions people have to a
certain piece of news – like the comments on Facebook under any news article –
that shape our opinions. However the pressing question is whether these
determinants are for the better or worse.
Too much dependence on anything is never good, which exactly sums the scenario
of people‘s growing dependence on news media. For instance, many news
channels nowadays keep on looping the same (maybe insignificant) news piece all
day long, hammering it in the minds of unsuspecting people. The many small
media houses that are cropping up are deemed to be corporate sell-outs that
publish news relating to the interests of the party that funds it, and cater to the
masses by putting out the most sensational news stories.
The freedom of sharing opinions about any issue also can be feared to seed
stereotypical judgements into people‘s thinking. This is bad especially for
developing and under-developed nations, where the majority of people are not
rational enough to be exposed to the press. For example, news about a plane crash
focusing on the casualties and the dangers of the crash, instead of the relevant
things like structural stability, changes the attitudes of such kind of people
towards that risk regardless of its real probability.
Weighing all the arguments presented above, I can conclude that the growing
influence of news media is definitely a bad development on people‘s lives. Unless

the news informants take a firm hold of their responsibilities towards journalism,
over-reliance on such news sources can be detrimental.
panel discussions = bàn luận của ban
shape our opinions = hình thành ý kiến
the pressing question is = câu hỏi quan trọng là
determinants = yếu tố quyết định
keep on looping = đào sâu
hammering = nhấn mạnh
unsuspecting = không nghi ngờ
small media houses = những bên truyền thông quy mô nhỏ
cropping up = cắt ghép
corporate sell-outs = tập đoàn phá sản
cater to = phục vụ
sensational news stories = những tin giật gân
freedom of sharing opinions = tự do chia sẻ ý kiến
seed stereotypical judgements into = gieo mầm mống của sự đánh giá theo khuôn
mẫu
rational = thông thái
structural stability = sự ổn định về cấu trúc
take a firm hold = nắm chắc

journalism = ngành báo chí
19. Some people say that computer games are bad for children by all means,
others believe that these games are contributing to children’s development.
Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Children nowadays spend several hours playing video games; since the last few
years these games have become increasingly popular. While some experts think
that these games corrupt the brain, some others also feel that computer games may
actually teach kids high-level thinking skills for their future. This essay shall
consider both perspectives and end at a personal approach.
Parents usually complain of their child being addicted to video games, like playing
for 2 hours at a stretch, but practically the time issue is a red herring. This is a
normal time for a child to play – video game or otherwise. Another issue is of these
games being too violent. Although there‘s no concrete research linking violent
games to violence in real life, common sense says we should limit a child‘s
exposure as such games glamorize violence and are not realistic. Playing video
games can be considered to be an addiction or detrimental if it disrupts or
compromises other important things in children‘s life, for instance if they can‘t
concentrate on their homework because of gaming or have no friendships.
When a child plays video games, it gives his brain a real workout. In many video
games, the skills required to win involve abstract and high level thinking. In
shooting games, the character may be running and shooting at the same time,
which develops hand-eye coordination, fine motor and spatial skills. In
strategy games, for example, while developing a city, an unexpected event like an
enemy attack might emerge. This forces the player to be flexible and quickly
change tactics enabling quick thinking and making fast analysis. Because of all
these factors, video games are deemed to be more constructive than harming.

In closing, I‘d say computer games are contributing to children‘s development,

though in an unconventional sort of way. We cannot deny that we are now living
in a high-tech, sophisticated world so an all-out negative attitude towards
computer gaming is not reasonable. Level-headedness in such matters can help
curb the damaging effects.
at a stretch = liên tục
red herring = misleading clue = yếu tố gây nhiễu
concrete research = nghiên cứu đáng tin cậy
common sense = hiểu biết thông thường
glamorize = vi diệu hóa
disrupts = gây rối
compromises = thoat hiệp
workout = bài luyện tập
abstract and high level thinking = suy nghĩ tầm cao và trừu tượng
shooting games = trò choi bắn súng
hand-eye coordination = sự phối hợp tay mắt
fine motor and spatial skills = kỹ năng về chuyển động và không gian
strategy games = trò chơi chiến thuật
tactics = chiến thuật
constructive = có tính xây dựng
harming = gậy hại

unconventional = không hông thường
sophisticated = phức tạp
all-out negative attitude = thái độ tiêu cực hoàn toàn
Level-headedness = sự khách quan
curb = ngăn cản
20. Nowadays businesses face problems with new employees who just finished
their education and lack some interpersonal skills such as the ability to work
in a team. What do you think is the main cause of the problem? How can it be
resolved?
The modern workforce faces a serious problem — many of today‘s graduates don‘t
have the basic skills they need to succeed at entry-level positions in the
workforce. The main reason can be pinpointed towards universities that fail to train
their students adequately. This reason shall be discussed further, following some
potential solutions.
Interpersonal skills are the tools people use to interact and communicate with
individuals in an organizational environment. Young adults entering the
workforce are reported to have problems extending beyond the academic level.
Employers complain that they lack many applied skills, such as the ability to work
well in teams, communicate effectively, and uphold a professional demeanour,
adding that this unpreparedness harms the day-to-day productivity of businesses.
What is unsettling is that universities – the places that are expected to train you for
the real job environment, are not placing enough emphasis on critical thinking or
independent research skills, resulting in delivering aspirants devoid of the
necessary soft skills. A productive solution at this level can be to administer

implemented skills assessment tests, after requisite training for the same of
course, that students must pass before they can graduate and be recruited.
Another approach can be of businesses and colleges partnering, to help ensure

that students gain the real-world experience and hard skills that employers require.
While soft skills are difficult to grade and assess, it is critical that students be
made aware of how their behaviour should match the expectations of employers.
In closing I‘d say, interpersonal behavioural development is a complex

phenomenon that is becoming increasingly common. Practical solutions need to
be put into effect to improve non-cognitive skills in the employees for yielding an
efficient workforce.
entry-level positions = vị trí cho người mới
Interpersonal skills = kỹ năng liên hệ
organizational environment = môi trường tổ chức
professional demeanour = phong cách ứng xử chuyên nghiệp
unsettling = khó để yên được
emphasis = nhấn mạnh
critical thinking = tư duy chuẩn xác
aspirants = người muốn thăng tiến
be devoid of = bị lấy đi
soft skills = kỹ năng mềm
administer implemented skills assessment tests = tổ chức những bài kiểm tra kỹ
năng

be requisite for = cần thiết cho
partnering = hợp tác
match the expectations = đạt kỳ vọng
non-cognitive skills = kỹ năng ngoài tư duy
21. Some people believe that international trade and communication with
other countries is a positive trend, while others think it is harmful to nations
and they might lose their identities. To what extent do you agree or disagree
with this statement? Give your own opinion and relevant examples.
Global communication and trade, at the turn of the 21st century, have brought
about many effects. On one hand, they‘re blurring technological, economic,
political, and cultural boundaries, however on the other they‘re said to be
crushing a country‘s individuality. I personally believe in the former opinion
more, which shall be reasoned out further in this essay.
Outsourcing is one of the negative impacts of world trade, where a country loses
majority of its jobs to workers in foreign; a stark example is the outsourcing of
companies from the US to Indian BPO (Business Process Outsourcing) units.
Another, is the increasing reliance on foreign brands compared to local
equivalents, for example imported chocolate cookies have more consumption rates
than the ones produced by local companies. A large blame is to be put on social
communications for creating an overhyped necessity for foreign brands in one‘s
lifestyle. Such factors are considered to be a significant blow to a country‘s own
economy and morale of its producers thereby giving rise to the statement in the
question.
Looking at the pace international trade is increasing tells us a different story

though. In contrast to the ill-effects mentioned above, a number of advantages are
put forward by people beckoning world trade to boom. International trade is
beneficial to world economy. It adds to the money coffers of the world at large.
Every country can benefit monetarily if it is able to dispose of its surplus goods
after meeting the requirements of the local people. Consequently the wages and
lifestyles of the people automatically start climbing. There‘s no stopping
globalization so as to consider it; a practical approach would be to take on its
positive aspects and work in an according direction to prevent this phenomenon
from becoming harmful.
Concluding this topic as a positive trend for the world economies, I would like to
say that countries cannot live in isolation. They have to mutually share their
prosperity, technical know-how and undertake trade in order to sell their surplus
products. The world economy is inter-dependent. Economic progress of a nation
would depend upon its ties with other countries.
the turn of = sự chuyển giao(thời gian)
blurring boundaries = làm mờ biên giới
to crush = nghiền nát
individuality = tính cá nhân
be reasoned out = được giải thích
Outsourcing = dùng nhân công nước ngoài
a stark example = ví dụ điển hình
equivalents = vật tương tự, thay thế
overhyped = phấn khích quá độ
morale = tinh thần vượt khó
giving rise to = làm nảy sinh

pace = tốc độ
beckoning = ra hiệu
boom = bùng nổ
benefit monetarily = có lợi về tiền
surplus goods = của cải dư thừa
meet the requirements = đạt yêu cầu
take on its positive aspects and work in an according direction = chấp nhận
những mặt tích cực và hành động theo hướng tương quan
isolation = sự tách biệt
mutually share = chia sẻ đôi bên
prosperity = sự thịnh vượng
technical know-how = hiểu biết về công nghệ
22. Some people think that governments must insist on preserving traditional
appearance of old buildings undergoing renovation or redevelopment. To
what extent do you agree or disagree with the statement?
Preserving historic buildings is vital to understanding our nation‘s heritage. In the

process of restoring them, some people believe that the authorities should not
compensate on any changes done in their original appearance, and that the
buildings should be restored as they were. This essay shall advocate a practical
approach to this scenario.

Restoration is said as the process of accurately depicting the form, features, and
character of a property as it appeared at a particular period of time by
reconstruction of missing features from the restoration period. All around the
world, there are many active redevelopment projects undertaken by the
government to preserve the sanctity of these ancient treasures. However, it is not
reasonably possible to restore each and every detail of these buildings as it was.
Primarily, the construction of these century-old buildings begins to wear in time.

In such cases, some parts of the buildings might not be in a recoverable condition.
Here, the architects need to reconstruct that particular part to give a complete look
to the puzzle of these primeval structures. Therefore, it is unaccommodating for
the government to demand accurate traditional appearance of the buildings.
Sometimes, a few relevant contemporary touches need to be added to make the
older buildings appeasing enough.
In closing we can safely say the government should not be insistent on

minute preservation of traditional appearance of old buildings. Minor
modifications can definitely be made to adapt existing buildings to compatible
new uses. This not only makes good economic sense, but preserves our legacy
also.
restoring = khôi phục
compensate on = bù đắp cho
advocate = dành cho, hướng đến
accurately depicting = diễn tả chuẩn xác
property = tài sản
sanctity = sự tôn nghiêm
ancient treasures = kho tàng cổ đại

wear in time = bị xuống cấp theo thời gian
recoverable = có khả năng hồi phục
puzzle = câu đố
primeval structures = kiến trúc cổ
unaccommodating = khó vừa lòng
contemporary touch = những nét chấm phá hiện đại
to appease = xoa dịu
modifications = sự canh cải
be compatible = tương hợp
legacy = di sản
23. It is observed that in many countries not enough students are choosing to
study science subject. What are causes? And what will be effects on society?
In several parts of the world, there is currently a lack of students choosing to study
science in universities and colleges. This problem happens due to some reasons,
and it can have some adverse impacts on society.
There are several reasons why fewer university students are choosing science as
their major. Firstly, these subjects are usually more difficult and demanding, which
requires students to put much effort into their study. For example, my friend who is
doing a course in Biology said that he had to conduct too many experiments and
complete numerous projects, which prevented him from having any free time. As a
result, science subjects seem to be less attractive to students compared to
economics or business-related subjects. Secondly, as there are currently fewer
employment opportunities available for graduates in science fields, learners are

less likely to decide to select these majors. Instead, they tend to choose other
subjects which allow them to find jobs more easily.
A shortage of learners in science fields can result in some negative effects. The
first impact is that when fewer students decide to learn about science, there would
be a serious shortage of employees working in these fields. This would lead to
fewer technological developments, which would also prevent improvements in
people‘s life quality. For instance, it would be difficult for humans to produce
newer smart phones with better functions. Additionally, while a significantly
increasing number of students are choosing economics and business to study, the
number of job vacancies in these areas is limited. Therefore, many university
graduates would have to face unemployment, which increases burden on society.
In conclusion, the shortage of students choosing science subjects is caused by

several factors, and this problem might bring about serious impacts.
adverse impacts = tác động ngược
business-related subjects = môn học liên quan đến kinh doanh
job vacancies = vị trí còn trống
burden = món nợ
24. In developing countries, children in rural communities have less access to

education. Some people believe that the problem can be solved by providing
more schools and teachers, while others think that the problem can be solved
by providing computers and Internet access. Discuss both views and give your
own opinion.
It is true that rural children are significantly less likely than urban children to
receive adequate education opportunities and resources in developing nations.
While some argue that the issue could be fully addressed by providing computers

and Internet access, I personally believe that building more schools and recruiting
competent teachers would be a more practical solution.
On the one hand, some individuals‘ main mottos for dealing with the problem are
to spread computer literacy in rural regions. Firstly, mastering computer use
allows children from remote areas to compete against other candidates in the race
for decent future jobs. It is mainly because a modern job will require employees to
be familiar with at least some computer applications to boost their productivity at
work. Secondly, the main attribute of E-learning is to offer the youth a wide range
of knowledge and also the flexibility of accessing information and resources. For
example, utilizing free search engines could supply users valuable and up-to-date
information within few minutes. Studying via Internet also have the capacity to
support children‘s language development as there are numerous websites aiding in
learning foreign languages.
On the other hand, children could not access a well-rounded education without
dedicated teachers and renowned schools. The first reason is that spending
prolonged periods in front of faceless computers screens could take away critical
human interaction which is beneficial to our children. Moreover, children could
be easily distracted and exposed to largely unregulated material in an unsafe
environment. Secondly, it is the trust and bond between teachers and learners that
creates the learning environment while virtual learning simply cannot do that.
Good teachers apparently inspire our young people, promote their enthusiasm
and build their self-esteem to succeed in their educational goals.
In conclusion, although computers have been helping several children to progress

more quickly compared to traditional methods, teachers still have a pivotal role
to play in education development.
competent = có khả năng cạnh tranh
mottos = động cơ

computer literacy = hiểu biết về máy tính
to master = làm chủ
remote areas = vùng hẻo lánh
decent = good = tốt
to attribute = đóng góp
to utilize = tận dụng
search engines = công cụ tìm kiếm
up-to-date = có tính cập nhật
to aid = trợ giúp
well-rounded = toàn diện
dedicated teachers = giáo viên tận tụy
renowned schools = tường nổi tiếng
prolonged periods = giai đoạn kéo dài
critical human interaction = tương tác cần thiết giữa mọi người
unregulated material = tài liệu chưa qua kiểm chứng
trust and bond = lòng tin và mối liên kết
inspire = tryền cảm hứng
promote = khuyến khích, cổ vũ
enthusiasm = nhiệt huyết

self-esteem = lòng tự trọng
have a pivotal role to play = đóng vai trò quan trọng
25. Nowadays, young people admire stars though they often do not set a good
example. Do you think this is a positive or negative development?
In the modern society, youngsters often look up to well-known entertainers and

athletes. Many people believe that these celebrities are not good role models for
young individuals. Thus, they are concerned about the influence of such
admiration. From my perspective, whether that idolisation is beneficial or
detrimental depends merely on the young generation‘s attitudes.
On the one hand, youngsters‘ adoration towards celebrities can bring about
several positive effects to themselves. First of all, individuals who are selective
will filter out all the negative characteristics and only opt for good traits in
famous figures to emulate. This consciousness ensures that adolescents will not
blindly reduplicate improper actions from celebrities. For example, even though
singer Michael Jackson was involved in several allegations, his talent,
perseverance and work ethic still inspire many youngsters around the world.
Secondly, teenagers can also take valuable lessons from their idols‘ mistakes.
Since celebrities‘ actions are often publicized, adolescents have the opportunities
to observe various examples of misconducts and learn from them. For instance,
upon hearing the doping accusation of Louis Armstrong, many of the biker‘s fans
realize that there is no shortcut which leads to success and honesty should be of
paramount importance.

On the second hand, idolizing entertainers and sportsmen may result in adverse
effects. To begin with, since most adolescents are malleable, bad examples from
celebrities can develop moral issues in them. Many teenagers who look up to
Hollywood figures such as Paris Hilton believe that they should pursue a
glamorous, material life with parties and nightclubs. Other celebrities like Kim
Kardashian present a wrong message to the young generation, suggesting that
using scandals and PR stunts are the most effective methods to gain attention and
be successful. Furthermore, there are considered to be better role models for the
young to hold in high regards, such as activists or philanthropists. However, the
popularity of celebrities may sway teenagers‘ interest away from these individuals.
To be more specific, many teenagers do not care much about politics and other
social issues since their attention is solely devoted to entertaining figures.
All things considered, I believe that the adoration which youngsters dedicate to
media and sports stars have both strengths and weaknesses. While this admiration
allows youngsters to emulate celebrities‘ good traits and draw a lesson from
their mishaps, it also develops moral issues in them and takes the spotlight away
from the more deserving role models.
look up to = noi theo
entertainers = người lamg nghê giải trí
celebrities = người nổi tiếng
idolisation = sự thần tượng hóa
adoration = sự mến mộ
filter out = lọc ra
opt for good traits = lựa chọn những đặc tính tốt
famous figures = những hình tượng nổi tiếng
adolescents = người mới trưởng thành
blindly reduplicate = bắt chước mù quáng
improper actions = hành vi thiếu chuẩn mực
allegations = sự bao biện
perseverance = sự kiên cường
work ethic = đạo đức nghê nghiệp
take valuable lessons from = học những bài học quý giá từ
misconducts = hành vi sai trái
doping accusation = cáo buộc sử dụng chất kích thích
be of paramount importance = là tối quan trọng
malleable = dễ bị lừa
pursue a glamorous, material life = theo đuổi một cuộc sống rực rỡ và trọng vật
chất
scandals and PR stunts = những vụ bê bối và chiêu trò quảng cáo
role models = tấm gương
activists or philanthropists = nhà hoạt động và từ thiện
sway something away from = đưa cái gì đi xa khỏi
emulate = mô phỏng, tái lập

draw a lesson from their mishaps = rút ra bài học từ lỗi lầm
moral issues = vấn đề đạo đức
spotlight = điểm sáng, ánh đen sân khấu
deserving = xứng đáng
26. Some people say that when children under 18 are committing a crime they
should be punished, while others believe they should be educated. To what
extent do you agree or disagree with this statement? Give your own opinion.
Cases of juveniles committing crimes are on the rise lately. While it is absolutely
necessary to punish those guilty of committing crimes, an argument put forward in
this case suggests underage criminals should be made aware about their actions
rather than being punished straightaway. This essay shall discuss the extent of
feasibility of both solutions in the interest of the society.
Over the last few years, there has been a worrying increase in the numbers of
young offenders being reported, where many of them are involved in instances of
burglaries, robberies, shoplifting and even street muggings. In the hostile
environment that we live in, it becomes necessary to nip such problems in the
bud, lest the youngsters become full-fledged criminals when they grow up. Many
believe that the children of today‘s generation are very much aware and intelligent,
than the ones 30 years ago, to comprehend the actions around them. Many a time
they aren‘t even remorseful for their actions. Therefore, they should be tried in
courts as adults and punished according to the severity of the offence regardless of
them being underage.
In contrast, a lot of people also believe that such treatment of teenage offenders
might not be the best solution. Knowing the reason behind the crime committed is
an essential factor in deciding the punishment to be given. The environment during
the upbringing of a child too influences his mentality to a great extent. Most of the
research cases in this matter have indicated that children who commit crimes,
mostly do so because of some trauma they have themselves suffered from in the
past. It is only logical that the judgement of right and wrong of such children
becomes impaired; therefore they should be educated about the same, and not
punished. Rehabilitating them and flushing all aggression from their minds is
giving them a deserved chance to live a better life, as they still have a lot of
growing up to do.
To conclude, this being a sensitive and debatable issue, in my opinion, I feel the
primary course of action for underage criminals is to provide them guidance
regarding the consequences of their actions. I don‘t fully agree with not punishing
them at all; the extent of the punishment should be decided by the circumstances
and the attitude of the offender, whether he is penitent or not.
juveniles = underage criminals = young offenders = tội phạm trẻ
feasibility = tính khả thi
hostile = khắc nghiệt, không thân thiện
nip such problems in the bud = xử lý ngay từ đầu
full-fledged = toàn diện
to comprehend = hiểu
remorseful = tội lỗi
be tried in courts = bị đưa ra tòa xét xử
severity = sự nghiêm trọng
trauma = vêt thương lòng, chấn động
judgement = sự phân định

impaired = thiếu sót, bị lỗi
Rehabilitating = tái hòa nhập
flushing something from = giải tỏa cái gì khỏi
aggression = sự hung hãn kích động
be penitent = hối lỗi
27. Nowadays university education is very expensive. Some people say that
universities should reduce their fees, especially for the less fortunate students
or those coming from rural areas. To what extent do you agree or disagree
with this statement?
There has been a significant increase in the university fees in the recent years,
making it difficult for people of limited means to consider getting educated. This
essay shall explain the fee rise in the universities along with offering solutions in
the advantage of poorer students.
As the requirements of the world have become dynamic, so has the education
industry in terms of curriculum and facilities. Renowned universities now provide
far more diverse courses with many advanced facilities to aid students. This
encourages student migration; therefore the universities have to add the tuition fees
and accommodation charges in the fee structure. Naturally, the university fees will
rise. With more and more students taking admissions every year, this hike in fees
seems unlikely to go down.
However, this is not a very beneficial situation for the less privileged students.
Most students who opt for university studies do so in hopes of getting good jobs,
so as to be able to recover their study expenses. But high fees make it
incredibly expensive and burdensome for these students to pursue higher
education from the start. One solution can be of getting student loans, but in many
cases it is observed that students‘ parents simply don‘t have the collateral to get
loans.
Some alternatives in favour of reducing university fees for students can be to raise
income from third party sources; this can be comparatively easy for top
universities. Getting government funding is another option. Also, instead of
a blanket reduction in fees, if possible, a nominal hike can be made in the
general fee structure, excluding the poor students, for their better targeted support.
To conclude, I‘d say the cost of a degree is an important determinant of the

decision to apply to university. In order to grow their talent pools and attract the
best talent, rich or poor, universities should provide a consideration for students
that cannot take admissions due to financial constraints, but could have otherwise
performed remarkably.
hike in fees = sự đi lên của giá
expensive and burdensome = đắt đỏ và phiền toái
student loans = khoản vay cho học sinh
collateral = có tính hợp tác
third party sources = nguồn từ bên thứ ba
a blanket reduction = sự giảm chung
a nominal hike = sự tăng lên danh định
talent pools = ―bể‖ tài năng
financial constraints = những hạn chế tài chính

28. Some believe buildings should be built in a way that serves their purpose
rather than just look beautiful. Others, however, say buildings should
represent art too. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Constructing buildings is a complex process that needs to cater to the primary

purpose of the construction as well as the requirement of looking distinguished.
While some buildings successfully integrate both, some however are inclined
towards only one of the two factors. This essay shall discuss the relevant
conditions for constructing a building.
There are a lot of examples in the world regarding buildings that are artistically
rich as well as sturdy in their construction. The Florence Cathedral in Italy, the
Taj Mahal in India, the palace of Westminster in England are renowned examples
of cultural symbols and works of art in the field of architecture, along with being
sufficiently equipped to serve the primary cause of their establishment. These
buildings are many decades old but are still standing strong and for this reason they
are famous worldwide. Therefore we can say that building any structure with both
purpose and art is not rare.
On the contrary, the world has also seen many architectural disasters that were
caused due to poor planning and construction, even though they were intended to
be assembly of artwork. A near-accurate guess can be that the architects put so
much emphasis on the appearance of the building that they neglected the other
important features that need to be well thought-out as well. The Leaning Tower of
Pisa is a stark example of how the foundations of the building weren‘t paid
adequate attention, resulting that the building couldn‘t hold up its own
weight. Many such buildings have suffered collapses due to serious
miscalculations in the architectural planning. These illustrations make us wonder
whether appearance should totally be sidelined for structural stability of any
building.

In my view, I feel a building should be a combination of style and stability. The

primary purpose of a building and the appearance both should be kept in mind
while planning and equal weight age should be given to both.
cater to = nhằm mục đích
integrate = kết hợp
are inclined towards = tend to = có xu hướng
are artistically rich = giàu tính nghệ thuật
sturdy in their construction = vững vàng trong kiến trúc
cultural symbols = biểu tượng văn hóa
works of art = kiệt tác
assembly = sự hội tụ
to neglect = thờ ơ, bỏ qua
thought-out = được tư duy
foundations = nền móng
hold up = giữ vững
miscalculations = sự sai lầm trong tính toán
sidelined = bị đặt ngoài lề
structural stability = sự vững vàng từ trong cấu trúc

29. There are more and more effective security measures in large cities
to reduce the crime. Does this endeavor bring more benefits than
problems?
Recently, the society has witnessed the rapid proliferation of various measures
targeting to prevent victimisation. It is followed by a protracted debate over its
benefits and drawbacks. In my opinion, this is just a reflection of the inflated fear
of crime and not the actual levels.
To some extent, the soaring presence of anti-crime devices somehow fuels the
fear of crime and has a devastating effect on people‘s quality of life. Crimes
maybe concentrated on particular areas, but the fear of crime can spread across the
community and affects nearly every resident. The most harmful aspect of this
phenomenon is that people‘s freedom is restricted and sometimes, their privacy is
invaded. There is little, if any, proof explaining that the threat people feel has a
real life counterpart.
Meanwhile, although some measures are believed to put an end to crime, they too
often produce opposite results. For instance, lighting in a dark area may create
peace of mind for lots of people, but it also enables criminals to target their prey
more easily, leading to a higher probability of attacks. The benefits of self-
protective measures such as gun ownership and martial arts training are also
doubtful due to the fact that nobody can confirm its net effect of decreasing harm.
Usually, most personal defensive equipment is either too difficult to use or less
effective than expected.
Crime reduction and prevention also rely mainly on other approaches rather than
just security methods. It is necessary to know that criminals tend to choose their
targets based on time and whereabouts. Therefore, citizens will be more vulnerable
to victimization if they bypass those places where crimes frequently occur. In the
inner city, where violation are epidemic, eliminating the dilapidated building

used by criminals for hiding or selecting a target seems to be more practical than
requiring shops and residents nearby to install expensive security system. The
integral part of crime prevention is altering the environment, by which the root
causes or at least the facilitators of crime can be erased.
As discussed above, it is not easy to measure the effectiveness of anti-crime

equipment and users should examine it regularly. The crime prevention
framework should play great importance on making the environment safe, not just
to go against violating behaviors.
proliferation = sự bùng nổ
victimisation = sự bị nạn nhân hóa
a protracted debate = một vấn đề được tranh luận từ lâu
inflated = bị thổi phồng
soaring presence = sự gia tăng
devastating = đang sợ, kinh khủng
to invade = xâm phạm
counterpart = đối tác, bản sao
to put an end to = chấm dứt
peace of mind = sự bình yên tâm hồn
net effect = hệ quả
defensive equipment = công cụ phòng thủ
bypass = đi qua

epidemic = vô cùng lớn
dilapidated building = tòa nhà xuống cấp
facilitators = nguồn cung cấp
framework = khung
30. Some people think that museums’ main function is to educate people, the
others suggest that they can also serve for entertainment purposes. What is
your opinion?
Museums have long been considered as center of education and research. Through
the activities of acquiring, conserving, researching and exhibiting a myriad of
tangible items like artefacts and specimens, it is not doubtful to confirm that
museums are of great education value. However, this notion has been challenged
by some people recently, who tend to think that museums are operated for
recreation as well. From my point of view, a museum can serve multi – purposes
although education seems to account for a substantial part.
No one can deny that museums impart knowledge to visitors through various
methods. One of them is collecting and displaying objects of historical, scientific
or artistic side from a particular site. People working for museums are usually
trained to interprete about those collected specimens to the general public. Viewing
these items allows visitors to acquire knowledge of a specific subject, such as art,
history, technology and environment. Another approach that can be taken by a
museum is to invite specialists to lecture regularly about various fields, which is
instructive as well. An entertainment business, by comparison, hardly serves such
education purpose.
In addition to the way it operates, a museum is distinguished from any other

operator in the entertainment industry from some other aspects. First and foremost,
museums are usually not-for-profit. Although sometimes charging an admission
fee, very often a museum has free entrance, and does not get involved in any
profitable activity. It barely targets any specific visitors like an entertainment
business usually does. Instead, it is supposed to be open to the general public. In
addition, the criteria of selecting displayed items does not based on their
commercial values but according to the line of items they mainly concentrate on.
For instance, a history museum would focus only on those items that are of
historical value, although those items might not have significant market value.
However, to some extent the remarkable development of museums lately can be

related to some entertainment purposes. Similar to other academic institutions,
museums have to balance their budget. Many museums therefore have resorted
to operate more activities with a view to attracting more visitors, in order for an
additional entry fee to compensate for the costs. In addition to the conventional
services, such as exhibiting selected for public viewing, and organizing lectures, a
museum is also interested in such entertaining activities like documentary
broadcasting, musical or dance performances, most of which are related to the
culture of its host region. Art museums, for instance, bear a close resemblance to
art galleries, in exhibiting an enormous range of artworks. Museums falling in this
category give visitors pleasure, and can be taken as provider of both knowledge
and entertainment.
As outlined above, there are many benchmarks against which a museum can be
made different from a recreation provider. It is indeed almost impossible to give
the extreme confirmation to the functions that museums nowadays are serving.
myriad = lượng nhiều vô kể
tangible items = vật sờ nắn được
artefacts and specimens = những cổ vật và mẫu vật
has been challenged = được thử thách

impart = liên kết
give lecture = giảng
instructive = đầy tính chỉ dẫn
not-for-profit = phi lợi nhuận
commercial values = giá trị cho buôn bán
market value = giá trị thị truòng
balance their budget = ngân bằng ngân sách
resorted to = cuối cùng đành phải đến với
compensate for = bù đắp cho
conventional services = dịch vụ thông thường
host region = xuất xứ
bear a close resemblance = giống
31. The only way to improve road safety is to impose severe punishments for
driving offences. Do you agree or disagree?
Road safety has long been an issue of concern to the public, and to the government
as well. Nothing qualifies as a sufficient compensation when a road accident
occurs. Despite the painstaking effort to reduce the death, injury and trauma rate
across the world, many countries are seeing traffic accidents increase
exponentially. In improving road safety, some people advocate harsh punishment.
In my opinion, it is nearly one of the many counter measures and cannot prevent
all criminal offences on the road.

In many cases, many automobile accidents occur not because drivers belittle or
defy road regulations but because those are unfamiliar to them. It is an everyday
occurrence that rule-breaking acts and traffic crashes are linked to poor driving
skills. Many drivers have limited experience in coping with different situations
and an inaccurate estimation of the complexity of road conditions, despite having
passed license tests. It alerts people to the loop holes in policies, such as the loose
control over car used, low requirements on driving training and low license
standards. In tackling those problems, it is imperative to require license applicants
to attend more safe-driving courses and pass strict tests.
Besides education, other endeavors such as improving road infrastructure and

transportation systems are equally important. Road conditions should be improved
to allow different users, including drivers, cyclists and pedestrians, to use roads
safely. Other facilities such as stop lights and stop signs, can be used wherever
appropriate to curb speed driving. Furthermore, authorities can sponsor the
research on road safety measures and effective precautions, such as identifying risk
factors of different driving patterns. By translating these findings into policies and
practices, the government is in a stronger position to protect vehicle occupants and
vulnerable road users.
It can therefore be made clear that punishment is not the only way to cut the
accident rate and improve people‘s safety on road. Some other measures, such as
increasing road users‘ knowledge of rules and improving road infrastructure are all
important.
painstaking effort = sự nỗ lực hết mực
exponentially = một cách nhanh chóng
automobile accidents = tai nạn xe cộ
belittle or defy = coi nhẹ hoặc bỏ qua

rule-breaking acts = hành vi phá luật
coping with = xử lý, đối phó với
loop holes = lỗ hổng
loose control = sự kiểm soát long lẻo
imperative = quan trọng, không thể thiếu
endeavors = những nỗ lực
infrastructure = cơ sở hạ tầng
sponsor = tài trợ
vehicle occupants = người sử dụng phương tiện đi lại
32. It is suggested that everyone wants to have a car, a television and a fridge.
Do disadvantages of this development for society outweigh advantages?
It is true that almost everyone wants a car, a TV and a fridge as some of the basic
essentials of a good lifestyle. Despite the benefits, I believe that on a long-term
view these are outweighed by the disadvantages.
On the one hand, the growing consumption of cars, televisions and fridges has
several benefits. At its simplest, the rise of the consumer society stimulates
economic growth. The increasing sales figures of cars and household equipment
are often associated with more jobs and wealth being created for society. Another
advantage is that people can have a higher standard of living than before.
Travelling on the road is no longer tedious because individuals can sit in a
car, listening to music and enjoying the comfort of air conditioning. In the same
way, people may watch television to relax or to gain knowledge, and fridges
help them preserve food longer without being stale.

On the other hand, I believe that the above benefits are outweighed by potential
problems. Primarily, the use of cars is often held responsible for environmental
pollution. Exhaust emissions from automobiles impair the air quality and
consequently affect people‘s health. For example, in many big cities in the world,
urban citizens are suffering from chronic respiratory problems due to the poor
air quality. Using fridges and televisions also places a pressure on electricity
supply in the world. The growing use of these devices in the home merely
compounds the problem of insufficient electricity that has become intractable in
many parts of the world.
In conclusion, taking a long-term perspective, I would argue that the drawbacks of

this trend outweigh the advantages.
essentials = necessities = nhu yếu phẩm
At its simplest = đơn giản nhất mà nói
stimulates = kích thích
tedious = buồn chán, mệt mỏi
chronic respiratory problems = những vấn đề dây chuyền về hệ hô hấp
intractable = khó kiểm soát
33. Some people think that studying from the past offers no benefits to today’s
life while others believe that history is a valuable source of information for us.
Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Function of history in modern life has become a heated topic of discussion in the
modem world. Despite the arguments refuting the importance of
historical knowledge, I am more convinced that history is an invaluable source of
information for contemporary humans.

On the one hand, some people believe that historical knowledge is of no useful
benefits for modern life. One noticeable reason is that learning about historical and
sorrowful events in the past would bring painful feelings and loss of faith in
humanity rather than certain benefits. For example, memorizing terrorist attacks
or inhumane events in the past seems to leave doleful emotion and render
modern people miserable since they cannot reverse the history. In addition, most
knowledge legacies in the past have become outdated in the modem contexts in
which breakthroughs take place daily. Therefore, findings from researching
history would be deemed unnecessary and have limited values to modem
development.
On the other hand, I am of the opinion that one of the most valuable references
nowadays comes from history. Firstly, young generation can have more
opportunities to access and inherit legacies from their ancestors. Past knowledge
and discoveries could create a concrete foundation on which people can further
develop further advances with the goal of generating considerable contributions to
modem humankind. Secondly, learning mistakes in the previous growing process
are immensely precious experience that modem people can use to avoid previous
generations mistakes. For example, by analyzing causes leading to disastrous
world wars, governmental officials can withdraw lessons learnt, trying to
compromise and abstain from provocations triggering another war.
In conclusion, from the above reasons, even though the role of history is
undermined by some people, I would embrace the contribution of history as
humankind‘s precious source of information.
refuting = phản đối, nghi ngờ
contemporary = hiện đại, đương thời
sorrowful events = những sự việc đáng buồn

loss of faith in humanity = sự mất niềm tin vào con người
terrorist attacks = những vụ tấn công khủng bố
inhumane events = những vụ việc phi nhân tính
leave doleful emotion = để lại cảm xúc bi thảm
render someone miserable = make s.o miserable = khiến ai khổ sở
breakthroughs = những bước đột phá
inherit legacies = thừa kế tài sản
immensely precious = cực kỳ quý báu
disastrous = thảm họa
abstain from = tự kìm chế trước
provocations = sự kích thích
to trigger = kích hoạt
embrace = bảo vệ, ủng hộ (quan điểm, ý kiến, hành động)
34. New technologies have changed the way children spend their free time. Do
advantages of this outweigh disadvantages?
It is thought by some people that modern technologies have a huge impact on how
children use their free time in both negative and positive ways. From personal
perspective, this issue could bring more disadvantages than advantages. To be
specific, this essay will discuss both side of the matter and show the reason why
disadvantages outweigh benefits.

On the one hand, one evident benefit to children with this change is that it could
help children develop a variety of essential skills. For example, when children use
computers, they can learn new words and proper ways to pronounce them which
means that their language skills improve. Another realistic advantage is that
technologies could expand children‘s horizon about the world. Typically, they
can access multimedia from internet to explore many different destinations around
the world.
On the other hand, there are many obvious disadvantages to children if they use
computer frequently. Firstly, becoming addicted to screens can lead children to an
unhealthy lifestyle and some particular diseases such as obesity. Moreover,
spending more time in front of computers or other devices can affect kids‗s mental
health in some special cases. Secondly, poor social skills is another passive effect
on kids who use most of their free time for playing video games or watching TVs
instead of socializing with their peers. Consequently, when they grow up, they
could find it hard to deal with people so basically this routine maybe harmful to
their lives in the long run.
To sum up, it is quite clear that this issue has both pros and cons but obviously the
disadvantages have a stronger effect on kids‗s lives especially in their future.
expand children‘s horizon = mở mang thế thới quan của trẻ
to access multimedia = truy cập đa phương tiện
obesity = bệnh béo phì
passive effect = ảnh hưởng khó nhận biết
peers = bạn đồng lứa

35. Most large companies nowadays operate multi-nationally. To what
extent multinational companies have responsibility toward local communities
in which they operate?
Today it is not uncommon to see many large-sized enterprises often base their
offices in numerous countries. Coca Cola, Samsung or Google, to name but a few,
are typical examples of these multinational corporations which are present in
almost all comers of the world. It is suggested that such companies should have
social responsibility, especially to the local communities.
One social obligation that owners and managers have is to create job opportunities
to the locals and treat them well, rather than exploiting them. For example, they
could pay a ―living wage‖ to ensure that the local workers have a good quality of
life. I also like the idea that businesses could use a proportion of their profits to
support local charities environmental projects or education initiatives. Finally,
instead of trying to minimise their tax payments by using accounting loop holes. I
believe that company bosses should be happy to contribute to society through the
tax system.
On the one hand, the degree of responsibility should be limited because businesses
must make money in order to survive in a competitive world. If a company is
unable to pay its bills or meet the changing needs of customers, any concerns
about social responsibilities become irrelevant. In other words, a company can only
make a positive contribution to society if it is in good financial health. Therefore,
it must guarantee its work productivity first. This would mean that the local
workers have to meet a certain standard like graduating from secondary school to
be given a job. Another point is that not all large companies are well-known or
financially successful, so it is not reasonable to expect a huge economic incentive

from them. They have the need to invest in improvements and innovations if they
wish to remain competitive.
In conclusion, multinational companies with good reputation and high revenues

should make their contribution as much as possible, whereas it unreasonable to
force other less successful or well-known ones fulfil this responsibility.
large-sized enterprises = tập đoàn lớn
living wage = mức lương đủ sống
education initiatives = công tác đổi mới trong giáo dục
minimise = tối thiểu hóa
accounting loop holes = lỗ hổng trong tính toán tài chính
pay bills = chi trả
financial health = tình hình tài chính
36. In many countries, government are spending a large amount of money on

improving internet access. Why is it happening and is it the most appropriate
use of government money?
Government nowadays are said to have heavily invested in improving Internet

access in many areas of the world. This may possibly due to the endless benefits
the online sphere can bring to countries and their development, however I do not
think it is the best use of government funds.
A possible explanation as to why government may be spending large amounts of

money on improving internet access is due to the advantages that it can bring to
communities. Internet connectivity is becoming an intergral part of modern
society in enabling better access to wider information sharing that we are used to.

For instance, households no long need televisions these days, as having an online
connection can allow people to subscribe to online streaming service like Netflix,
enabling them to watch TV shows or intellectual documentaries from computer or
portable gadgets. Thus, as simple as an Internet connection may be, it opens up
other avenues that benefits people.
Whilst truly useful, it is undoubtedly so that there are better uses of this money to
allocate to priorities like improving welfare. This is particular vital for developing
countries that are in poverty. For example, it would be hopeless to have access to
the Internet if starving families in war-torn countries like Africa or Syria have no
means of getting food, drink or shelter. Priorities should definitely be given to
basic human rights like these first. Hence, although Internet connectivity is
beneficial, it is not a necessity in many nations that are still developing.
In conclusion, from the above arguments, I belive that the Internet has its many
uses to many communities; yet, governments should prioritize their expenditure on
human welfare first and foremost as Internet access is not a necessity in life.
the online sphere = thế giới mạng
an intergral part = một phần không thể tách rời
opens up other avenues = mở ra những đại lộ khác
war-torn countries = những quốc gia bị chiến tranh tàn phá
II. TỔNG HỢP SAMPLE WRITING BAND 9 SIMON
1/ Some people believe that hobbies need to be difficult to be enjoyable.

To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Some hobbies are relatively easy, while others present more of a challenge.
Personally, I believe that both types of hobby can be fun, and I therefore disagree
with the statement that hobbies need to be difficult in order to be enjoyable.
On the one hand, many people enjoy easy hobbies. One example of an
activity that is easy for most people is swimming. This hobby requires very little
equipment, it is simple to learn, and it is inexpensive. I remember learning to swim
at my local swimming pool when I was a child, and it never felt like a demanding
or challenging experience. Another hobby that I find easy and fun is photography.
In my opinion, anyone can take interesting pictures without knowing too much
about the technicalities of operating a camera. Despite being straightforward,
taking photos is a satisfying activity.
On the other hand, difficult hobbies can sometimes be more exciting. If an

activity is more challenging, we might feel a greater sense of satisfaction when we
manage to do it successfully. For example, film editing is a hobby that requires a
high level of knowledge and expertise. In my case, it took me around two years
before I became competent at this activity, but now I enjoy it much more than
I did when I started. I believe that many hobbies give us more pleasure when
we reach a higher level of performance because the results are better and the
feeling of achievement is greater.
In conclusion, simple hobbies can be fun and relaxing, but difficult hobbies
can be equally pleasurable for different reasons.
inexpensive = phải chăng
technicalities = kỹ thuật
straightforward = thẳng thắn
a sense of = một cách nhìn, cách hiểu về
pleasure = sự thoải mái
pleasurable = thỏa đáng

2/ Universities should accept equal numbers of male and female students in

every subject. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
In my opinion, men and women should have the same educational

opportunities. However, I do not agree with the idea of accepting equal proportions
of each gender in every university subject.
Having the same number of men and women on all degree courses is simply
unrealistic. Student numbers on any course depend on the applications that the
institution receives. If a university decided to fill courses with equal numbers of
males and females, it would need enough applicants of each gender. In reality,
many courses are more popular with one gender than the other, and it would not be
practical to aim for equal proportions. For example, nursing courses tend to attract
more female applicants, and it would be difficult to fill these courses if fifty per
cent of the places needed to go to males.
Apart from the practical concerns expressed above, I also believe that it would be
unfair to base admission to university courses on gender. Universities should
continue to select the best candidates for each course according to their
qualifications. In this way, both men and women have the same opportunities, and
applicants know that they will be successful if they work hard to achieve good
grades at school. If a female student is the best candidate for a place on a
course, it would be wrong to reject her in favour of a male student with
lower grades or fewer qualifications.
In conclusion, the selection of university students should be based on merit, and it

would be both impractical and unfair to change to a selection procedure based on
gender.
unrealistic = impractical = không thực tế
merit = điểm cộng
unfair = bất công

3/ Foreign visitors should pay more than local visitors for cultural and
historical attractions. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this
opinion?
It is sometimes argued that tourists from overseas should be charged more

than local residents to visit important sites and monuments. I completely
disagree with this idea.
The argument in favour of higher prices for foreign tourists would be that
cultural or historical attractions often depend on state subsidies to keep them
going, which means that the resident population already pays money to these
sites through the tax system. However, I believe this to be a very shortsighted
view. Foreign tourists contribute to the economy of the host country with the
money they spend on a wide range of goods and services, including food,
souvenirs, accommodation and travel. The governments and inhabitants of every
country should be happy to subsidise important tourist sites and encourage people
from the rest of the world to visit them.
If travellers realised that they would have to pay more to visit historical
and cultural attractions in a particular nation, they would perhaps decide not to go
to that country on holiday. To take the UK as an example, the tourism industry
and many related jobs rely on visitors coming to the country to see places like
Windsor Castle or Saint Paul‘s Cathedral. These two sites charge the same price
regardless of nationality, and this helps to promote the nation‘s cultural heritage.
If overseas tourists stopped coming due to higher prices, there would be a risk
of insufficient funding for the maintenance of these important buildings.
In conclusion, I believe that every effort should be made to attract tourists from
overseas, and it would be counterproductive to make them pay more than local
residents.
important sites and monuments = những địa điểm quan trọng và đài tưởng niệm
people from the rest of the world = mọi người đến từ khắp nơi trên thế giới
insufficient funding = quỹ thiếu hụt

counterproductive = phản năng suất
4/ We cannot help everyone in the world that needs help, so we should

only be concerned with our own communities and countries. To what extent
do you agree or disagree with this statement?
Some people believe that we should not help people in other countries as long as
there are problems in our own society. I disagree with this view because I believe
that we should try to help as many people as possible.
On the one hand, I accept that it is important to help our neighbours and fellow
citizens. In most communities there are people who are impoverished or
disadvantaged in some way. It is possible to find homeless people, for example, in
even the wealthiest of cities, and for those who are concerned about this
problem, there are usually opportunities to volunteer time or give money to
support these people. In the UK, people can help in a variety of ways, from
donating clothing to serving free food in a soup kitchen. As the problems
are on our doorstep, and there are obvious ways to help, I can understand why
some people feel that we should prioritise local charity.
At the same time, I believe that we have an obligation to help those who live
beyond our national borders. In some countries the problems that people face are
much more serious than those in our own communities, and it is often even easier
to help. For example, when children are dying from curable diseases in
African countries, governments and individuals in richer countries can save lives
simply by paying for vaccines that already exist. A small donation to an
international charity might have a much greater impact than helping in our local
area.
In conclusion, it is true that we cannot help everyone, but in my opinion

national boundaries should not stop us from helping those who are in need.
as many people as possible = nhiều người nhất có thể
neighbours and fellow citizens = hàng xóm và bạn bè công dân các nước
impoverished = nghèo đói
the wealthiest of cities = những đô thị giàu có nhất
be on someone’s doorstep = đang ở đây, chuẩn bị xảy ra
prioritise = ưu tiên
those who live beyond our national borders = người ngoài nước
5/ Many people decide on a career path early in their lives and keep to it. This,
they argue, leads to a more satisfying working life. To what extent do you
agree with this view? What other things can people do in order to have a
satisfying working life?
It is true that some people know from an early age what career they want to pursue,
and they are happy to spend the rest of their lives in the same profession. While I
accept that this may suit many people, I believe that others enjoy changing
careers or seeking job satisfaction in different ways.
On the one hand, having a defined career path can certainly lead to a satisfying
working life. Many people decide as young children what they want to do as
adults, and it gives them a great sense of satisfaction to work towards their goals
and gradually achieve them. For example, many children dream of becoming
doctors, but to realise this ambition they need to gain the relevant qualifications
and undertake years of training. In my experience, very few people who have
qualified as doctors choose to change career because they find their work so
rewarding, and because they have invested so much time and effort to reach their
goal.
On the other hand, people find happiness in their working lives in different ways.
Firstly, not everyone dreams of doing a particular job, and it can be equally
rewarding to try a variety of professions; starting out on a completely new
career path can be a reinvigorating experience. Secondly, some people see
their jobs as simply a means of earning money, and they are happy if their
salary is high enough to allow them to enjoy life outside work. Finally, job
satisfaction is often the result of working conditions, rather than the career itself.
For example, a positiveworking atmosphere, enthusiastic colleagues, and an

inspirational boss can make working life much more satisfying, regardless of the
profession.
In conclusion, it can certainly be satisfying to pursue a particular career for the

whole of one‘s life, but this is by no means the only route to fulfilment.
a defined career path = một phương hướng sự nghiệp rõ ràng
starting out = bắt đầu
reinvigorating = truyền lại cảm hứng, truyền sức mạnh
fulfilment = sự hoàn thiện
6/ Some people think that all teenagers should be required to do

unpaid work in their free time to help the local community . They believe this
would benefit both the individual teenager and society as a whole. Do you
agree or disagree?
Many young people work on a volunteer basis, and this can only be beneficial for
both the individual and society as a whole. However, I do not agree that we should
therefore force all teenagers to do unpaid work.
Most young people are already under enough pressure with their studies, without
being given the added responsibility of working in their spare time. School is just
as demanding as a full-time job, and teachers expect their students to do homework
and exam revision on top of attending lessons every day. When young people do
have some free time, we should encourage them to enjoy it with their friends or to
spend it doing sports and other leisure activities. They have many years of work
ahead of them when they finish their studies.
At the same time, I do not believe that society has anything to gain from obliging
young people to do unpaid work. In fact, I would argue that it goes against the
values of a free and fair society to force a group of people to do something against
their will. Doing this can only lead to resentment amongst young people, who
would feel that they were being used, and parents, who would not want to be told

how to raise their children. Currently, nobody is forced to volunteer, and this is
surely the best system.
In conclusion, teenagers may choose to work for free and help others, but in my
opinion we should not make this compulsory.
work on a volunteer basis = đi làm tình nguyện
on top of = bên trên
ahead of = phía trước
has anything to gain = được lợi
oblige = ép buộc
resentment = sự hối lỗi
7/ Nowadays animal experiments are widely used to develop new medicines

and to test the safety of other products. Some people argue that these
experiments should be banned because it is morally wrong to cause animals to
suffer, while others are in favour of them because of their benefits to
humanity. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
It is true that medicines and other products are routinely tested on animals before
they are cleared for human use. While I tend towards the viewpoint that animal
testing is morally wrong, I would have to support a limited amount of
animal experimentation for the development of medicines.
On the one hand, there are clear ethical arguments against animal
experimentation. To use a common example of this practice, laboratory mice may
be given an illness so that the effectiveness of a new drug can be measured.
Opponents of such research argue that humans have no right to subject animals
to this kind of trauma, and that the lives of all creatures should be respected. They
believe that the benefits to humans do not justify the suffering caused, and that
scientists should use alternative methods of research.

On the other hand, reliable alternatives to animal experimentation may not

always be available. Supporters of the use of animals in medical research
believe that a certain amount of suffering on the part of mice or rats can be
justified if human lives are saved. They argue that opponents of such research
might feel differently if a member of their own families needed a medical
treatment that had been developed through the use of animal
experimentation. Personally, I agree with the banning of animal testing for
non-medical products, but I feel that it may be a necessary evil where new
drugs and medical procedures are concerned.
In conclusion, it seems to me that it would be wrong to ban testing on animals for

vital medical research until equally effective alternatives have been developed.
morally wrong = sai về đạo đức
ethical arguments = những tranh luận về đạo đức
Opponents = Người phản đối
medical treatment = phương pháp chữa trị
banning of = việc cấm
8/ Some people think that governments should give financial support to

creative artists such as painters and musicians. Others believe that creative
artists should be funded by alternative sources. Discuss both views and give
your own opinion.
People have different views about the funding of creative artists. While
some people disagree with the idea of government support for artists, I
believe that money for art projects should come from both governments and
other sources.
Some art projects definitely require help from the state. In the UK, there are many
works of art in public spaces, such as streets or squares in city centres. In
Liverpool, for example, there are several new statues and sculptures in the docks
area of the city, which has been redeveloped recently. These artworks represent

culture, heritage and history. They serve to educate people about the city, and act
as landmarks or talking points for visitors and tourists. Governments and local
councils should pay creative artists to produce this kind of art, because without
their funding our cities would be much less interesting and attractive.
On the other hand, I can understand the arguments against government funding for
art. The main reason for this view is that governments have more important
concerns. For example, state budgets need to be spent on education,
healthcare, infrastructure and security, among other areas. These public
services are vital for a country to function properly, whereas the work of
creative artists, even in public places, is a luxury. Another reason for this opinion is
that artists do a job like any other professional, and they should therefore earn their
own money by selling their work.
In conclusion, there are good reasons why artists should rely on alternative
sources of financial support, but in my opinion government help is sometimes
necessary.
landmarks = dấu mốc
talking points = chủ điểm bàn luận
state budgets = government funds = ngân sách/quỹ nhà nước
9/ Several languages are in danger of extinction because they are spoken

by very small numbers of people. Some people say that governments
should spend public money on saving these languages, while others
believe that would be a waste of money. Discuss both these views and give
your opinion.
It is true that some minority languages may disappear in the near future. Although
it can be argued that governments could save money by allowing this to happen, I
believe that these languages should be protected and preserved.
There are several reasons why saving minority languages could be seen as
a waste of money. Firstly, if a language is only spoken by a small number
of people, expensive education programmes will be needed to make sure that
more people learn it, and the state will have to pay for facilities, teachers and
marketing. This money might be better spent on other public services. Secondly, it
would be much cheaper and more efficient for countries to have just one language.
Governments could cut all kinds of costs related to communicating with each
minority group.
Despite the above arguments, I believe that governments should try to preserve
languages that are less widely spoken. A language is much more than
simply a means of communication; it has a vital connection with the cultural
identity of the people who speak it. If a language disappears, a whole way of life
will disappear with it, and we will lose the rich cultural diversity that makes
societies more interesting. By spending money to protect minority languages,
governments can also preserve traditions, customs and behaviours that are part
of a country‘s history.
In conclusion, it may save money in the short term if we allow minority

languages to disappear, but in the long term this would have an extremely
negative impact on our cultural heritage.
a waste of money = sự lãng phí tiền
way of life = lối sống
cultural diversity = sự đa dạng văn hóa
minority languages = ngôn ngữ thiểu số
cultural heritage = di sản văn hóa
10/ Some people think that museums should be enjoyable places to entertain
people, while others believe that the purpose of museums is to educate.
Discuss both views and give you own opinion.
People have different views about the role and function of museums. In my
opinion, museums can and should be both entertaining and educational.

On the one hand, it can be argued that the main role of a museum is to
entertain. Museums are tourist attractions, and their aim is to exhibit a
collection of interesting objects that many people will want to see. The average
visitor may become bored if he or she has to read or listen to too much educational
content, so museums often put more of an emphasis on enjoyment rather than
learning. This type of museum is designed to be visually spectacular , and may
have interactive activities or even games as part of its exhibitions.
On the other hand, some people argue that museums should focus on education.
The aim of any exhibition should be to teach visitors something that they
did not previously know. Usually this means that the history behind the museum‘s
exhibits needs to be explained, and this can be done in various ways. Some
museums employ professional guides to talk to their visitors, while other museums
offer headsets so that visitors can listen to detailed commentary about the
exhibition. In this way, museums can play an important role in teaching people
about history, culture, science and many other aspects of life.
put an emphasis = nhấn mạnh
visually spectacular = ấn tượng trông thấy
interactive activities = hoạt động tương tác
commentary = lời bình
11/ There are many different types of music in the world today. Why
do we need music? Is the traditional music of a country more important than
the international music that is heard everywhere nowadays?
It is true that a rich variety of musical styles can be found around the world. Music
is a vital part of all human cultures for a range of reasons, and I would argue that
traditional music is more important than modern, international music.
Music is something that accompanies all of us throughout our lives. As children,

we are taught songs by our parents and teachers as a means of learning language,
or simply as a form of enjoyment. Children delight in singing with others, and it
would appear that the act of singing in a group creates a connection between
participants, regardless of their age. Later in life, people‘s musical preferences

develop, and we come to see our favourite songs as part of our life stories.
Music both expresses and arouses emotions in a way that words alone cannot. In
short, it is difficult to imagine life without it.
In my opinion, traditional music should be valued over the international music that
has become so popular. International pop music is often catchy and fun, but it is
essentially a commercial product that is marketed and sold by business people.
Traditional music, by contrast, expresses the culture, customs and history of a
country. Traditional styles, such as ...(example)..., connect us to the past and
form part of our cultural identity. It would be a real pity if pop music became so
predominant that these national styles disappeared.
In conclusion, music is a necessary part of human existence, and I believe that

traditional music should be given more importance than international music.
as a means of = như một cách/phương tiện trong
delight in = hứng thú với
expresses and arouses emotions = thể hiện và làm dân trào cảm xúc
catchy = vui tai
market = quảng bá
predominant = chiếm ưu thế
12/ Some people believe that studying at university or college is the best route
to a successful career, while others believe that it is better to get a job
straight after school. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
When they finish school, teenagers face the dilemma of whether to get a job or
continue their education. While there are some benefits to getting a job
straight after school, I would argue that it is better to go to college or university.
The option to start work straight after school is attractive for several
reasons. Many young people want to start earning money as soon as
possible. In this way, they can become independent, and they will be able to
afford their own house or start a family. In terms of their career, young people
who decide to find work, rather than continue their studies, may progress more
quickly. They will have the chance to gain real experience and learn practical
skills related to their chosen profession. This may lead to promotions and a
successful career.
On the other hand, I believe that it is more beneficial for students to continue their
studies. Firstly, academic qualifications are required in many professions. For
example, it is impossible to become a doctor, teacher or lawyer without having
the relevant degree. As a result, university graduates have access to more and
better job opportunities, and they tend to earn higher salaries than those with
fewer qualifications. Secondly, the job market is becoming increasingly
competitive, and sometimes there are hundreds of applicants for one position in a
company. Young people who do not have qualifications from a university or
college will not be able to compete.
For the reasons mentioned above, it seems to me that students are more
likely to be successful in their careers if they continue their studies beyond school
level.
straight after = ngay sau khi
13/Nowadays the way many people interact with each other has changed
because of technology. In what ways has technology affected the types of
relationships that people make? Has this been a positive or negative
development?
It is true that new technologies have had an influence on communication between

people. Technology has affected relationships in various ways, and in my opinion
there are both positive and negative effects.
Technology has had an impact on relationships in business, education and

social life. Firstly, telephones and the Internet allow business people in
different countries to interact without ever meeting each other. Secondly,
services like Skype create new possibilities for relationships between students

and teachers. For example, a student can now take video lessons with a teacher in a
different city or country. Finally, many people use social networks, like
Facebook, to make new friends and find people who share common interests,
and they interact through their computers rather than face to face.
On the one hand, these developments can be extremely positive. Cooperation

between people in different countries was much more difficult when
communication was limited to written letters or telegrams. Nowadays,
interactions by email, phone or video are almost as good as face-to-face
meetings, and many of us benefit from these interactions, either in work or
social contexts.
On the other hand, the availability of new communication technologies can

also have the result of isolating people and discouraging real interaction. For
example, many young people choose to make friends online rather than mixing
with their peers in the real world, and these ‗virtual‘ relationships are a poor
substitute for real friendships.
In conclusion, technology has certainly revolutionised communication

between people, but not all of the outcomes of this revolution have been positive.
face to face = mặt đối mặt, trực tiếp
isolate = xa lánh, làm xa cách
mixing with their peers = hòa nhập với bạn dồng lứa
virtual = ảo
a poor substitute = sự thay thế nghèo nàn, dưới tầm
revolutionised = cách mạng hóa
14/ Some people regard video games as harmless fun, or even as a useful
educational tool. Others, however, believe that videos games are having an
adverse effect on the people who play them. In your opinion, do the
drawbacks of video games outweigh the benefits?

Many people, and children in particular, enjoy playing computer games. While I
accept that these games can sometimes have a positive effect on the user, I believe
that they are more likely to have a harmful impact.
On the one hand, video games can be both entertaining and educational. Users, or
gamers, are transported into virtual worlds which are often more exciting
and engaging than real-life pastimes. From an educational perspective, these
games encourage imagination and creativity, as well as concentration, logical
thinking and problem solving, all of which are useful skills outside the gaming
context. Furthermore, it has been shown that computer simulation games can
improve users‘ motor skills and help to prepare them for real-world tasks, such as
flying a plane.
However, I would argue that these benefits are outweighed by the

drawbacks. Gaming can be highly addictive because users are constantly
given scores, new targets and frequent rewards to keep them playing. Many
children now spend hours each day trying to progress through the levels of a game
or to get a higher score than their friends. This type of addiction can have effects
ranging from lack of sleep to problems at school, when homework is sacrificed
for a few more hours on the computer or console. The rise in obesity in
recent years has also been linked in part to the sedentary lifestyle and lack of
exercise that often accompany gaming addiction.
virtual worlds = thế giới ảo
real-life pastimes = hoạt động giải trí đời thực
simulation games = trò chơi mô phỏng
real-world tasks = việc thật
The rise in = sự gia tăng
obesity = bệnh béo phì
sedentary lifestyle = lối sống văn phòng (ngồi quá nhiều)

15/ In the developed world, average life expectancy is increasing. What

problems will this cause for individuals and society? Suggest some measures
that could be taken to reduce the impact of ageing populations.
It is true that people in industrialised nations can expect to live longer than ever
before. Although there will undoubtedly be some negative consequences of this
trend, societies can take steps to mitigate these potential problems.
As people live longer and the populations of developed countries grow

older, several related problems can be anticipated. The main issue is that there
will obviously be more people of retirement age who will be eligible to
receive a pension. The proportion of younger, working adults will be
smaller, and governments will therefore receive less money in taxes in
relation to the size of the population. In other words, an ageing population
will mean a greater tax burden for working adults. Further pressures will
include a rise in the demand for healthcare, and the fact young adults will
increasingly have to look after their elderly relatives.
There are several actions that governments could take to solve the problems
described above. Firstly, a simple solution would be to increase the
retirement age for working adults, perhaps from 65 to 70. Nowadays, people of
this age tend to be healthy enough to continue a productive working life. The
second measure would be for governments to encourage immigration in order
to increase the number of working adults who pay taxes. Finally, money from
national budgets will need to be taken from other areas and spent on vital
healthcare, accommodation and transport facilities for the rising numbers of older
citizens.
In conclusion, various measures can be taken to tackle the problems that are certain
to arise as the populations of countries grow older.
mitigate = làm thuyên giảm
be anticipated = be precedented = được dự đoán
arise = nảy ra

16/ Explain some of the ways in which humans are damaging the
environment. What can governments do to address these problems? What can
individual people do?
Humans are responsible for a variety of environmental problems, but we can also
take steps to reduce the damage that we are causing to the planet. This
essay will discuss environmental problems and the measures that governments
and individuals can take to address these problems.
Two of the biggest threats to the environment are air pollution and waste. Gas
emissions from factories and exhaust fumes from vehicles lead to global warming,
which may have a devastating effect on the planet in the future. As the human
population increases, we are also producing ever greater quantities of waste, which
contaminates the earth and pollutes rivers and oceans.
Governments could certainly make more effort to reduce air pollution. They
could introduce laws to limit emissions from factories or to force companies to use
renewable energy from solar, wind or water power. They could also impose ‗green
taxes‘ on drivers and airline companies. In this way, people would be encouraged
to use public transport and to take fewer flights abroad, therefore reducing
emissions.
Individuals should also take responsibility for the impact they have on the
environment. They can take public transport rather than driving, choose products
with less packaging, and recycle as much as possible. Most supermarkets now
provide reusable bags for shoppers as well as ‗banks‘ for recycling glass, plastic
and paper in their car parks. By reusing and recycling, we can help to reduce
waste.
In conclusion, both national governments and individuals must play their part in
looking after the environment.
address these problems = xử lý vấn đề
contaminates = làm nhiễm bẩn

17/ Economic progress is often used to measure a country's success.

However, somepeople believe that other factors are more important.
What other factors should also be considered when measuring a
country's success? Do you think one factor is more important than others?
The relative success of different countries is usually defined in economic terms.

There are several other factors, apart from the economy, that could be used to
assess a country, and in my opinion education is the most important of all.
Standards of education, health and individual human rights should certainly be

considered when measuring a country‘s status. A good education system is vital
for the development of any nation, with schools, colleges and universities
bearing the responsibility for the quality of future generations of workers.
Healthcare provision is also an indicator of the standard of living within a country,
and this can be measured by looking at average life expectancy rates or
availability of medical services. Finally, human rights and levels of equality could
be taken into account. For example, a country in which women do not have
the same opportunities as men might be considered less successful than a country
with better gender equality.
In my view, a country‘s education system should be seen as the most important

indicator of its success and level of development. This is because education
has a considerable effect on the other two factors mentioned above. It affects
people‘s health in the sense that doctors and nurses need to be trained, and
scientists need to be educated to the highest levels before they can carry out
medical research. It also affects the economy in the sense that a well-educated
workforce will allow a variety of companies and industries to flourish, leading to
trade with other countries, and increased wealth.
assess = đánh giá
bearing the responsibility for = chịu trách nhiệm về
life expectancy = tuổi thọ
indicator = nhân tố quyết định

flourish = phát triển tột bực
18/ In recent years, there has been growing interest in the relationship
between equality and personal achievement. Some people believe that
individuals can achieve more in egalitarian societies. Others believe that high
levels of personal achievement are possible only if individuals are free to
succeed or fail according to their individual merits.What is your view of
the relationship between equality and personal success?
In my opinion, an egalitarian society is one in which everyone has the same rights
and the same opportunities. I completely agree that people can achieve more
in this kind of society.
Education is an important factor with regard to personal success in life. I believe

that all children should have access to free schooling, and higher education should
be either free or affordable for all those who chose to pursue a university degree. In
a society without free schooling or affordable higher education, only children
and young adults from wealthier families would have access to the best learning
opportunities, and they would therefore be better prepared for the job market. This
kind of inequality would ensure the success of some but harm the prospects of
others.
I would argue that equal rights and opportunities are not in conflict with people‘s
freedom to succeed or fail. In other words, equality does not mean that
people lose their motivation to succeed, or that they are not allowed to fail. On the
contrary, I believe that most people would feel more motivated to work hard
and reach their potential if they thought that they lived in a fair society. Those
who did not make the same effort would know that they had wasted their
opportunity. Inequality, on the other hand, would be more likely to
demotivate people because they would know that the odds of success were
stacked in favour of those from privileged backgrounds.
In conclusion, it seems to me that there is a positive relationship between equality

and personal success.
an egalitarian society = một xã hội bình quyền

ensure the success of some but harm the prospects of others = đảm bảo sự
thành công của một số nhưng làm tổn hại những triển vọng của số khác
be in conflict with = có xung đột với
demotivate = làm chùn bước
the odds of = khả năng xảy ra
be stacked = xếp chồng
privileged background = có thân thế tốt
19/ These days more fathers stay at home and take care of their children while
mothers go out to work. What could be the reasons for this? Do you think it is
a positive or a negative development?
It is true that men are increasingly likely to take on the role of househusband,
while more women than ever are the breadwinners in their families. There could
be several reasons for this, and I consider it to be a very positive trend.
In recent years, parents have had to adapt to various changes in our

societies. Equal rights movements have made great progress, and it has become
normal for women to gain qualifications and pursue a career. It has also become
socially acceptable for men to stay at home and look after their children. At the
same time, the rising cost of living has meant that both marriage partners usually
need to work and save money before starting a family. Therefore, when couples
have children, they may decide who works and who stays at home depending on
the personal preference of each partner, or based on which partner earns the most
money.
In my view, the changes described above should be seen as progress. We should be

happy to live in a society in which men and women have equal opportunities, and
in which women are not put under pressure to sacrifice their careers. Equally, it
seems only fair that men should be free to leave their jobs in order to assume
childcare responsibilities if this is what they wish to do. Couples should be left to
make their own decisions about which parental role each partner takes, according
to their particular circumstances and needs.

In conclusion, the changing roles of men and women in the family are a result
of wider changes in society, and I believe that these developments are desirable.
househusband = người chồng nội trợ
breadwinner = trụ cột
Equal rights movements = những hoạt động vì quyền bình đẳng
pursue a career = theo đuổi sự nghiệp
assume childcare responsibilities = nhận trách nhiệm chăm con
parental role = vai trò phụ huynh
20/ Nowadays celebrities are more famous for their glamour and wealth than
for their achievements, and this sets a bad example to young people.
To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?
It is true that some celebrities are known for their glamorous lifestyles rather than
for the work they do. While I agree that these celebrities set a bad example for
children, I believe that other famous people act as positive role models.
On the one hand, many people do achieve fame without really working for it.
They may have inherited money from parents, married a famous or wealthy
person, or they may have appeared in gossip magazines or on a reality TV
programme. A good example would be Paris Hilton, who is rich and famous for
the wrong reasons. She spends her time attending parties and nightclubs, and her
behaviour promotes the idea that appearance, glamour and media profile are more
important than hard work and good character. The message to young people is that
success can be achieved easily, and that school work is not necessary.
On the other hand, there are at least as many celebrities whose accomplishments
make them excellent role models for young people. Actors, musicians and sports
stars become famous idols because they have worked hard andapplied themselves
to develop real skills and abilities. They demonstrate great effort, determination
and ambition, which is required for someone who wants to be truly successful in
their chosen field. An example is the actor and martial artist Jackie Chan, who has
become world famous through years of practice and hard work. This kind of self-

made celebrity can inspire children to develop their talents through application
and perseverance.
In conclusion, it seems to me that the influence of celebrities on young people can

be positive as well as negative.
role model = hình mẫu, tấm gương
achieve fame = giành được sự nổi tiếng
gossip magazines = tạp chí ―buôn chuyện‖
reality TV programme = chương trình truyền hình thực tế
accomplishments = thành tựu
demonstrate = thể hiện
self-made celebrity = người tự thân nổi tiếng
application = sự nỗ lực
perseverance = sự kiên cường
21/ Some people think that strict punishments for driving offences are the key
to reducing traffic accidents. Others, however, believe that other measures
would be more effective in improving road safety. Discuss both these views
and give your own opinion.
People have differing views with regard to the question of how to make our roads
safer. In my view, both punishments and a range of other measures can be used
together to promote better driving habits.
On the one hand, strict punishments can certainly help to encourage people to drive
more safely. Penalties for dangerous drivers can act as a deterrent, meaning that
people avoid repeating the same offence. There are various types of driving
penalty, such as small fines, licence suspension, driver awareness courses, and
even prison sentences. The aim of these punishments is to show dangerous drivers
that their actions have negative consequences. As a result, we would hope that
drivers become more disciplined and alert, and that they follow the rules more
carefully.
On the other hand, I believe that safe driving can be promoted in several different
ways that do not punish drivers. Firstly, it is vitally important to educate people
properly before they start to drive, and this could be done in schools or even as part
of an extended or more difficult driving test. Secondly, more attention could be
paid to safe road design. For example, signs can be used to warn people, speed
bumps and road bends can be added to calm traffic, and speed cameras can help
to deter people from driving too quickly. Finally, governments or local councils
could reduce road accidents by investing in better public transport, which would
mean that fewer people would need to travel by car.
In conclusion, while punishments can help to prevent bad driving, I believe that
other road safety measures should also be introduced.
driving habits = thói quen khi lái xe
deterrent = vật cản
disciplined and alert = quy củ và cẩn thận
speed bumps = mấu giảm tốc độ
road bend = khúc cua
deter people from = ngăn cản mọi người khỏi
22/ When choosing a job, the salary is the most important consideration. To
what extent do you agree or disagree?
Many people choose their jobs based on the size of the salary offered. Personally, I
disagree with the idea that money is the key consideration when deciding on a
career, because I believe that other factors are equally important.
On the one hand, I agree that money is necessary in order for people to meet their
basic needs. For example, we all need money to pay for housing, food, bills, health
care, and education. Most people consider it a priority to at least earn a salary that
allows them to cover these needs and have a reasonable quality of life. If
people chose their jobs based on enjoyment or other non-financial factors, they
might find it difficult to support themselves. Artists and musicians, for instance,
are known for choosing a career path that they love, but that does not always
provide them with enough money to live comfortably and raise a family.

Nevertheless, I believe that other considerations are just as important as what we

earn in our jobs. Firstly, personal relationships and the atmosphere in a
workplace are extremely important when choosing a job. Having a good manager
or friendly colleagues, for example, can make a huge difference to workers‘ levels
of happiness and general quality of life. Secondly, many people‘s feelings of job
satisfaction come from their professional achievements, the skills they learn, and
the position they reach, rather than the money they earn. Finally, some people
choose a career because they want to help others and contribute something positive
to society.
In conclusion, while salaries certainly affect people‘s choice of profession, I do not

believe that money outweighs all other motivators.
meet basic needs = cover needs = chi trả đủ cho nhu cầu
non-financial factors = những yếu tố ngoài tài chính
raise a family = nuôi dưỡng gia đình
atmosphere = bầu không khí
job satisfaction = sự hài lòng với công việc
23/ In many countries, a small number of people earn extremely high salaries.
Some people believe that this is good for the country, but others think that
governments should not allow salaries above a certain level.
Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
People have different views about whether governments should introduce a

maximum wage. While in some ways it may seem reasonable to allow people to
earn as much as companies are willing to pay, I personally believe that employee
remuneration should be capped at a certain level.
There are various reasons why it might be considered beneficial to allow people to
be paid extremely high salaries. If companies offer excellent pay packages, they
can attract the most talented people in their fields to work for them. For example,
technology companies like Google are able to employ the best programmers
because of the huge sums that they are willing to pay. Furthermore, these well-
paid employees are likely to be highly motivated to work hard and therefore drive
their businesses successfully. In theory, this should result in a thriving economy

and increased tax revenues, which means that paying high salaries benefits
everyone.
However, I agree with those who argue that there should be a maximum wage. By
introducing a limit on earnings, the pay-gap between bosses and employees can
be reduced. Currently, the difference between normal and top salaries is huge, and
this can demotivate workers who feel that the situation is unfair. With lower
executive salaries, it might become feasible to introduce higher minimum wages,
and everybody would be better off. One possible consequence of greater equality
could be that poverty and crime rates fall because the general population will
experience an improved standard of living.
In conclusion, it seems to me that it would be better, on balance, for governments

to set a limit on the wages of the highest earners in society.
maximum wage = mức lương tối đa
remuneration = việc phát lương thưởng
be capped = bị giới hạn
well-paid = được trả lương cao
thriving economy = nền kinh tế đang đà phát triển
tax revenues = thu nhập thuế
introducing a limit = đặt định mức
pay-gap = sự khác biệt về mức lương
demotivate = discourage = làm chùn bước
earners = người kiếm tiền
24/ Some people think that instead of preventing climate change, we need to
find a way to live with it. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Climate change represents a major threat to life on Earth, but some people argue
that we need to accept it rather than try to stop it. I completely disagree with this

opinion, because I believe that we still have time to tackle this issue and reduce
the human impact on the Earth's climate.
There are various measures that governments and individuals could take to
prevent, or at least mitigate, climate change. Governments could introduce laws to
limit the carbon dioxide emissions that lead to global warming. They could impose
―green taxes‖ on drivers, airline companies and other polluters, and they could
invest in renewable energy production from solar, wind or water power. As
individuals, we should also try to limit our contribution to climate change, by
becoming more energy efficient, by flying less, and by using bicycles and public
transport. Furthermore, the public can affect the actions of governments by voting
for politicians who propose to tackle climate change, rather than for those who
would prefer to ignore it.
If instead of taking the above measures we simply try to live with climate change, I
believe that the consequences will be disastrous. To give just one example, I am
not optimistic that we would be able to cope with even a small rise in sea levels.
Millions of people would be displaced by flooding, particularly in countries that
do not have the means to safeguard low-lying areas. These people would lose
their homes and their jobs, and they would be forced to migrate to nearby cities or
perhaps to other countries. The potential for human suffering would be huge, and it
is likely that we would see outbreaks of disease and famine, as well as increased
homelessness and poverty.
In conclusion, it is clear to me that we must address the problem of climate change,

and I disagree with those who argue that we can find ways to live with it.
represents = đại diện cho
tackle this issue = xử lý vấn đề
mitigate = làm giảm nhẹ
polluters = nhân tố gây ô nhiễm
energy efficient = có hiệu quả trong sử dụng năng lượng
be displaced by = bị mất nhà, bị buộc di rời
safeguard = bảo vệ
low-lying areas = khu vực trũng thấp

outbreaks of disease and famine = sự bùng phát dịch bệnh và nạn đói
find ways to live with = tìm cách để sống chung với


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BAND 8.

0 WRITING IELTS 2016

IELTS OVERALL COURSE: http://www.goo.gl/uftJwj

IELTS OVERALL COURSE: http://www.goo.gl/uftJwj

I. IELTS WRITING ACTUAL TESTS 2016

IELTS OVERALL COURSE: http://www.goo.gl/uftJwj

notion = sụ nhận biết

insights into = nhìn sâu vào

historical values = giá trị lịch sử

interpersonal communications = liên hệ trao đồi người-người

race and origin = chủng tộc và nguồn gốc

migrant workers = người làm di cư

global village = ―làng thế giới‖

reinforce the relationship = củng cố quan hệ

expatriates = người bị trục xuất

parallel = song song

regional = thuộc vùng

world context = bối cảnh thế giới

historical era = kỷ nguyên lịch sử

understand deeply and thoroughly = hiểu sâu và toàn diện

concrete foundation = nền tảng vững chắc

IELTS OVERALL COURSE: http://www.goo.gl/uftJwj

comprehensively = một cách dễ hiểu

tighten the bond = thắt chặt mối liên hệ

Several measures can be prompted to promote locals‘ attendance rate at buildings

tackle this problem = xử lý vấn đề

comprehensive overview = đánh giá đầy đủ

the newcomers = người mới

familiarise = làm quen

be prompted = được nêu ra

historic relics = tàn dư, sản vật lịch sử

perception = cách nhìn nhận

monotonous = đơn, một

civic events = sự kiện trong nước

depict = thể hiện

media coverage = bài báo

open-door policies = chính sách mở cửa

IELTS OVERALL COURSE: http://www.goo.gl/uftJwj

Finally, the Internet is a repository of information for people to dig for

IELTS OVERALL COURSE: http://www.goo.gl/uftJwj

up-to-date = cập nhật

repository = chỗ chứa

Digital information = thông tin kỹ thuật số

mass quantity = số lượng lớn

corrosive effects of the environment = sự xuống cấp của môi trường

sheer bulk = gốc rễ

the edge of = lợi thế của

principal medium = nhân tố quantrọng nhất

It is not by chance that developing public vehicles is considered one of the

IELTS OVERALL COURSE: http://www.goo.gl/uftJwj

cause other serious consequences such as traffic accidents. Accordingly, it is

However, according to others, road extension is a better alternative because this

In my opinion, road expansion is not a long-term measure because people tend to

a widely held view = quan điểm phổ biến

governmental bodies = các tổ chức, bộ phận chính phủ

pour money in = invest in = đầu tư vào

alleviate = giải quyết

by chance = ngẫu nhiên

underground tunnels = đương ngầm dưới đất

alternative = lựa chọn khác

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It is undoubted that both the young volunteers and underdeveloped or developing

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