NO LEARNER IS LEFT BEHIND!

PART 1
STUDY ................................................................................................................................... 2

ACCOMMODATION ............................................................................................................... 5

ART ....................................................................................................................................... 8

HOLIDAY & FESTIVALS ........................................................................................................ 11

HISTORY AND MUSEUMS ................................................................................................... 14

MUSIC ................................................................................................................................. 17

TRANSPORTATION ............................................................................................................. 21

WEATHER & SEASONS ........................................................................................................ 28

FOOD AND COOKING .......................................................................................................... 32

MOVIES............................................................................................................................... 34

SPORT ................................................................................................................................. 36

FASHION ............................................................................................................................. 38

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STUDY
1. What are you studying at the moment?

I major in
I’m studying
English at university
I specialize in
I’m a freshman/sophomore/ junior/ senior in

Promotion:
• Get good job promotion/ opportunities
• Get a well-paid job
• Be a sunrise industry/ be promising/ highly demanded/ highly regarded
• Be a megatrend in society
Environment:
• Have chance to socialize with talented people
• Enjoy active and professional environment
Passion:
• Have a passion for it
• Be into it
• Be born for it
Other:
• Follow in my father’s footsteps
• Boost my communication skills
• Meet my requirements about job security
• Give me self-improvement in terms of soft skills

2. What is your favorite subject?

Literature:
• Immerse in the world of poets and extracts of novels/ poems and novelists
• Learn with lots of interest
• Have a familiar ring to me
• Pass with flying colors at school
History:
• Turn back the hand of time and learn about historical events and figures.

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• Help me to see what sort of mistakes we have made in the past

• Understand the difficulty our forefathers overcame
Art:
• Express myself through it, especially when I can’t put into words
• Have chance to use my creativity to draw things I dream about
• Give my mind a break from my subjects
Drama:
• Love being onstage performing
• Bring laughter and happiness into people’s lives

3. Would you say that you are a good student?

No:
• Play truant to hang out with my friends
• Miss some deadlines
• Don’t obey the rules
• Tell negative things behind teachers’ back
Yes:
• Try my best to get good test results
• Be all ears and all eyes to what teachers say and how my friends correct the mistakes
• Be well-prepared for new lessons
• Do careful revisions before going to class

4. What kind of school do you prefer to study at, public school or private school?
Private school:
• Class sizes are usually smaller; one-on-one time with students has been proven to
boost test performance.
• Private schools often have a good reputation in global higher education institutions,
with many schools boasting a 100 per cent rate of students attending their first-
choice university
• Provide various educational options, including international exchange programs
• Excellent extracurricular activities or special programs–e.g., arts, sports, clubs, music
• Dedicated and well-trained teachers, many with advanced degrees
• Increase parental involvement in children's education, at home and within school
community

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Public school:
• Be cost-effective
• Offer specialized courses or programs–e.g., math and science, special needs and the
arts
• Public schools don't usually require prospective students to undergo entrance
interviews or tests in order to attend the school, so students may be exposed to a
wider range of people.
• Public schools are overseen by provincial governments and local school boards
• Top public schools may have a wide range of resources and cutting-edge equipment

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ACCOMMODATION
1. What kind of accommodation do you prefer to live in?

I prefer to live/ reside in a big detached house.

My choice would be … in a neatly- furnished/ fully-furnished flat.
In terms of preference for accommodation, I in a house furnished with modern/ antique
would want to stay … furniture.
in a house with sound-proof walls.
in a two-room flat.
in a freehold flat in a block of flats.
on the 7th floor of a high-rise/ skyscraper.
a semi-detached house with three
bedrooms and a small garden.
on campus.
in a single room in halls of residence.
a mobile home.

House:
• Have privacy and space with no neighbors against my walls.
• Have a sense of ownership
• Change/ decorate to my liking without having to ask for permission.
• Not have to suffer from noise caused by neighbor.
• Have a lot of space to like a garden or a garage.
• Show my status symbol.
Apartment:
• Have a sense of safety – don’t worry about housebreaking burglary.
• Enjoy specific amenities like pools, gym, convenience stores….in very close
proximity.
• Have a sense of belonging to a community – enhance the probability of creating life-
long connections.
• Be offered more choices on transportation
Campus:
• Form long-life friendship

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• Make long lasting memories

• Have opportunities to learn about other cultures and lifestyles
• Form the concepts of self-respect and respect for others
• Be easy to access campus resources such as faculty and academic advisors, the
library, computer labs….
• Participate in a variety of campus-wide and residence hall programs.

2. Where is the house/flat situated?

It’s located/ situated in the suburb/ on the outskirts of Hanoi.

in the southern part of the town.
in a housing estate.
in the center/ heart of the town.
in student digs.
in a residential area of a busy town in the south of Hanoi.
in a small village in a peaceful countryside.
in a coastal area.

Outskirts:
• Feel more like a community.
• Be cheaper than living in the city and more convenient than living in the countryside.
• Have bigger space to live/ grow plant.
Center of city:
• Offer how to spend free time because there are a lot of entertainment places.
• Have more job opportunities
• Have chances to enjoy top quality restaurants and shopping
• Be able to attend social events
• Enjoy the best possible medical care
A housing estate:
• Be family -friendly – be designed with families in mind – often include playgrounds for
kids
• Have a good social interaction with other residents
• Include amenities such security and fitness centers
Countryside:

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• Have a chance to enjoy fresh air

• Have less traffic
• Have lots of places for kids
• Have a sense of peace and quietness
• Enjoy breathtaking landscapes such as huge meadows, peaceful hills or forests
Coastal area:
• Enjoy recreational activities like sunbathing, swimming or sailing to improve my
health and manage my weight over the years.
• Enjoy delicious and fresh seafood
• Enhance your social status because real estate by the coast can cost more than real
estate farther inland

3. Which room does your family spend most of the time in?
Living room:
• Hold some family reunions/ gatherings to tighten the bonds
• Enjoy our favorite movies/ TV programs together
Kitchen:
• Prepare/ have meals together after working
• Be the heart and soul of the family
• Feed not only family’s physical but also emotional need

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ART
1. Do you like art?
Yes
• contemplate pictures and try to work out the hidden message behind it
• beautiful pictures give intense aesthetic pleasure
• enjoy ingenious combinations of colours
• impressed by hyper realistic paintings
• admire the amazing talent of artists and painters
• an artwork manifests a person’s perception of a beautiful experience
• paintings, sculptures and other art masterpieces make life more colourful
• life would be dull without art
No
• I’m indifferent to art as I don’t regard it as something practical
• aside from its aesthetic value, art is not helpful in real life
• most artworks are too abstract for me to comprehend
• every painting looks the same to me
• many works of art is simply overrated
• art reflects the beauty of the world, but that’s all to it
2. Can you draw or paint pictures?
Yes
• enjoy it as a pastime although I’m not really a gifted painter
• consider myself as an amateur artist
• can’t really produce a beautiful picture but enjoy this activity nonetheless
• take art lessons at school, which equips me with fundamental drawing skills
• trained by a famous local painter
• doodle random stuff on a piece of paper to pass the time
• keep a small sketch book
• draw or paint pictures in my spare time or when I feel like letting out some emotions
• drawing or painting pictures is like meditation to me

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• a way for me to express myself and how I perceive the world

• sell some of my paintings for a little profit
No
• I’m not talented in this regard
• drawing or painting is not my cup of tea
• a waste of time/ an activity that does not produce any practical benefits
• see no point in spending time on art, while there are numerous more useful skills to
acquire
• my drawing looks like that of a five-year-old
• drawing and painting pictures is a difficult skill that requires remarkable patience
• have no time to learn or practise drawing
3. When did you last visit an art gallery or an exhibition?
Positive Response
• frequent local art galleries or go to exhibitions at weekends
• paid one visit to an exhibition out of sheer curiosity
• came across an exhibition while taking a stroll on a Sunday morning
• going to an art gallery is in my to-do list, but I’ve never got a chance to visit one
• appreciate artworks and worship aesthetic beauty
• impressed by the number of artworks and the intriguing ideas that they presented
• accumulate more knowledge about art and heighten my level of art appreciation
• art galleries are always full of novelty
• look forward to visiting another art exhibition
• will definitely pay more regular visits to art galleries and exhibitions
Negative Response
• paid one visit but was not at all impressed
• never has the idea of visiting an art gallery crossed my mind
• not a fan or art and artworks => art galleries and exhibitions don’t appeal to me
• boring experience => gaze stupidly at static pictures that convey no obvious
meanings
4. What kind of pictures would you like to hang at home?

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Positive Response
• hang contemporary pieces of artwork in my bedroom
• have a collections of paintings by local amateur artists
• have a few replicas of classical art pieces on the walls
• put a few Vietnamese traditional paintings on the walls
• hang pictures whose theme colours match that of my room
• I’m not picky when choosing a picture; anything will do
• decorate my room/ house and make it less empty/more vibrant
• stay in/create aesthetic harmony with the design of my house and the furniture
Negative Response
• just have family photos or some landscape pictures to brighten the house up
• have no desire to hang any pictures at home
• hanging pictures is unnecessary and is a waste of money and space
• some portraits give me the creep as if someone is watching me
• I’m a minimalist so I don’t fancy frivolous objects

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HOLIDAY & FESTIVALS

1. What public holidays/public celebrations do you have in your country?
Independence Day
• celebrate the birth of our country as an independent nation
• the public holiday in every country around the world, although the date might be
different
• people flock to Ba Dinh Square, where our late president Ho Chi Minh read aloud the
Independence Declaration to the people in 1945
• watch army parade on the streets around Ba Dinh Square
• many ceremonies are organised in commemoration of all Vietnamese who gave their
lives to bring liberty to the motherland
• normally get one day off work and school, or get two days off it falls on a Saturday or
Sunday
• some people use this free time to travel or come back to their hometown
Reunification Day & Labour Day
Reunification Day
• also known as Victory Day or Liberation of the South
• 30 April marks the Fall of Saigon and the downfall the puppet state South Vietnam
• celebrate the reunification of our country after over 20 years of division due to the
Treaty of Geneva
• activities are quite similar to these on Independence Day
Labour Day
• celebrate the achievements of the workers’ 8-hour day movement
• is the official public holidays in many countries
• comes right after Reunification Day, so people often have at least two days off
• people could get as many as four days off in some years, so this is an ideal time to
travel
Tet
• longest and most significant public holiday in Vietnamese culture
• also known as Lunar New Year or Vietnamese New Year because it celebrates the
arrival of Spring based on the Vietnamese calendar
• often last for seven to ten days, depending on the decision of the Ministry of Labour
for each year
• usually occurs in late January or early February in the Gregorian calendar

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• an occasion of pilgrims and family reunions

• a time to forget about the mishaps of the previous year and hope for a better
upcoming year
• people prepare for Tet by cleaning their house and cooking special dishes like Bánh
Chưng
• many customs are practised such as visiting others on the first day (xông nhà),
ancestor worship (cúng tổ tiên), giving lucky money (lì xì), or wishing New Year
greetings, and so on
• most anticipated holiday in Vietnam
New Year
• Vietnamese people also celebrate the western New Year
• there’s usually only one day off, that is the 1 January
• not many activities take place, and people often travel or stay at home on this day
• there has been a proposal to incorporate New Year and Tet into one public holiday,
but it has met with charged opposition from the majority of the population
Hung Kings’ Commemoration Day
• Hung Kings, or the Mighty Kings, are the ancestors of Vietnamese according to
folklore and legend
• people usually get only one day off, and the holiday falls on different day each year
because it’s on the 10 March in the Vietnamese calendar
• typically an occasion of pilgrims, when people travel to Hung Temple to pay homage
by offering prayers and incense
Women’s Day
• celebrated twice a year, on 8 March and 20 October
• a time for men to express their gratefulness towards their female counterparts
• buy bouquets of flowers to gift our mother/grandmother/wife/girlfriend
• some men volunteer to do all the housework to let their wife enjoy a complete work-
free day
Teachers’ Day
• occurs on the 20 November
• an occasion for everyone to honor their teachers
• visit our teachers, especially ones whom we appreciate/admire
• buy flowers or send small gifts to our teachers
• a chance to meet old classmates
• reflects how much Vietnamese people value the role of a teacher

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2. Do you like public holidays?

Yes
• time for me to relax and blow off some steam
• spend quality time with my family or meet up with my buddies
• take part in leisure activities or stay at home and enjoy a complete rest day
• go on trips to either domestic or foreign tourist destinations
• all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy
• a short break in which I can refresh my mind
• use holidays to finish tasks that I do not have time accomplishing on working days
• get a much higher wage when working on public holidays
No
• a waste of time => I rest or travel on my four-week annual leave
• it’s crowded everywhere, from restaurants to tourist attractions
3. Do people in Vietnam celebrate Christmas?
• Christmas celebration begins to catch on in recent years
• most people celebrated it in a non-advent way
• Christians attend church and partake in religious activities
• non-religious people also decorate their house with a Christmas tree
• buy Christmas related items like Santa Claus outfit
• not an official holiday so people do not get a day off
• eat out with friends or go to the cinema
4. What do you do when you have some days off?
• stay at home and enjoy a relaxing time alone
• hang out with friends or my girlfriend/boyfriend
• lie on the couch and watch TV/a football match
• go on holidays somewhere in Vietnam, or abroad if I have money
• read a book while sipping my favourite drink
• work on my personal project or try to finish work that I could not get done earlier

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HISTORY AND MUSEUMS

1. Do you like learning history?
Yes
• I’m a history buff/an avid history learner
• I take a very keen interest in history
• History is my favourite subject at school
• I major in history/ History is my primary field of study

• read about historical events that took place many years ago
• study about glorious battles and famous army commanders
• know about the origin of nations and countries
• learn about the stories behind well-known historical sites in my hometown
• events that happened in the past can help anticipate future developments
• learn from our forefathers’ achievements and be proud of them
• learn from our ancestors’ mistakes to avoid repeating them
• history instills in me a sense of national identity and patriotism
No
• I have no interest in history
• History lessons at school are tormenting and nightmarish to me
• History teachers often lull me to sleep with their monotonous teaching voice
• History is boring and irrelevant to our lives at present
• History lessons are full of events and dates that are difficult to tell apart
• Perform badly in this subject
2. How do you learn about history?
At school
• attend compulsory/mandatory history lessons at school
• school is the only place where I spend time learning history
• conventional way of learning history
• ask teachers about details that textbooks do not elaborate adequately
Movies\ Documentaries
• movies based on actual events
• more captivating way to learn about historical events

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• help me visualise historical events, making them easy to remember for me

• combine acting and music to create a vivid learning experience
• cool illustration of historical events
• entertained while being educated => this is killing two birds with one stone
• some contents are exaggerated => might cause misconceptions
Books
• buy history books or novels based on actual events every now and then
• frequent the local library, where rare history books can be found
• books provide valuable insights into many events and historical figures
• authors always give references for further reading and researching
• contents are censored => less falsified information
• strict censorship makes books a reliable source to learn about history
Internet
• convenient and rapid way to learn about any historical events or figures
• every piece of information is just one click away
• offer a variety of ways to learn about history, ranging from video clips to reading
materials
• join groups and online clubs created by history buffs around the world
• many contents are fabricated and misleading
• should not automatically accept everything on the Internet as fact
• should check the authenticity and credibility of online information
3. Do you often visit museums or historical sites?
Yes
• museums illustrate historical events or periods
• storehouses of valuable artefacts and relics
• collect objects of religious, cultural and historical value
• preserve and promote our cultural heritage
• historical sites are remnants of bygone ages
• going to museums and historical sites are entertaining ways to learn about history
• helps create a more vivid imagination of the events
• I can enquire experts working at these venues for further information
No
• not many museums and historical sites where I live

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• the museums/sites are not taken care of

• not interested in local history because I’m already fed up with lessons at school
4. Which historical events/figures do you find interesting?
Events
• pivotal event that altered the course of our history
• a glorious triumph that opened up a new era for my country
• an earth-shattering feat that awed the world
• accounts for a series of events that took place later
• a remarkable achievement of our nation
• frequently come up in mid-term or end-of-term tests
Figures
• a highly revered national hero
• an august commander/general/politician/leader
• an admirable example that young people should follow

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MUSIC
1. Do you like listening to music?
Confirm
• an avid/ passionate music lover
• Everyone likes music, and I’m not an exception.
• immersing myself/ get myself immersed/ lose myself in music
• Music is an integral/essential part of my daily life.
When/How often
• whenever I feel like doing so/ when I feel up to it
• when I feel blue/ when I have a down mood
• in my spare/leisure/free time
• when I’m on the move/ commuting to work/ traveling to school
• while I do housework/ get my homework done/ get my home assignments finished
• on a daily basis/ daily/ everyday
• before bedtime/ during my meditation session
Benefits
• a great way to unwind and alleviate stress/ reduce my stress level
• help me blow off some steam
• help relax my mind/ put my mind at rest
• improve my mood when I feel down/ cheer me up
• give me inspiration/ motivation to carry out my work
• make my mundane tasks less boring/ make my commute a bit less boring
2. What is your favourite type of music?
Confirm
• ... is my all-time favourite genre
• My favourite genre of music is...
• I’m a diehard fan of...
Pop music
• have catchy tune and arouse many feelings
• the melody is soothing the lyrics is fairly simple
• can relate to the lyrics
• can be a bit mainstream

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• love/romance is the most common theme

• suit the taste of most people/ suit all tastes
Rock/Metal music
• fast and dynamic tempo
• vibrant and captivating rhythms
• the lyrics conveys profound and vexing messages
• sing about serious matters such as wars, poverty, crimes and so on
• some songs tell poignant story that stirs my thought
• give me goosebumps
Classical music
• a lot of monumental pieces that are super technically demanding
• often sounds solemn and uncompromising
• lengthy performance, and might not suit everyone’s taste
• provoke intense emotions
• evokes my thoughts and tickles my imagination
Revolutionary music
• inspire patriotism and the will to protect my country
• are not to the liking of the majority of young people
• remind me about incredible feats and sacrifices
3. Do you prefer live music or recorded music?
Confirm
• This is a matter of taste
• I find ... to my liking
Live music/ Concerts/ Live performances
• attend live concerts when the band/ singer comes to town
• wonderful atmosphere/vibes and sound effects at live shows
• interaction with music idols
• thrilled to see music idols in action
• chanting and crazy clapping from the crowd
• energy exchange between the stage and the audience
• tickets to concert cost an arm and a leg
Records/ Recorded music
• stream music on websites or download free tracks on the Internet

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• purchase CDs and singles of my music idol

• watch high-definition music video on my music idol’s Youtube channel
• economical way to enjoy music
• studio versions are remastered to sound perfect
• studio versions are so flawless that they sound empty and soulless
4. Can you play any musical instruments?
Yes
• professional music students at the National Academy of Music
• amateur/novice violin player learning the instrument out of personal interest
• take up the guitar/the violin/the piano
• afford/take private lessons with a master from the National Academy of Music
• get some lessons at a music school in my neighbourhood
• learn by myself using online materials
• a member of the local church’s orchestra
• play simple pieces of music, mostly contemporary works
• master a handful of technically demanding pieces
• harbour a dream of becoming a guitar/violin/piano virtuoso
Benefits
• a great way to divert myself after stressful working hours
• provide me with an alternative source of income as I often perform in local pubs/café
• impress my peers and the girl whom I have a crush on
• express my soul’s delicate beauty through my unique interpretation of famous pieces
• feel amazing when I nail a difficult piece
Difficulties
• struggle with sight-reading
• reading music sheets/scores is a nightmare to me
• I’m a bit tone-deaf, so I envy people blessed with perfect pitch
• I was born with short fingers, which equals poor reach; hence, I often play out of
tune
• find it hard to hit/ strike the right note
• too occupied with work/ study => have little time to spent honing my skill
No
• not cut out for/ don’t have a knack for

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• cannot spare time to practise

• cannot afford music lessons, which often cost dearly
• have no interest in taking up an instrument
• learning music has no practical benefits, does not guarantee a future career
5. Do you like singing?
• humming my favourite tune while working/ in the bathroom
• helps release tension in my soul
• like a therapy for my soul when I’m stressed out
• enjoy jamming with my friends in a karaoke
• swaying and singing along when listening to my favourite songs
• confident with my beautiful vocal
6. Who is your favourite singer/musician/band?
• is all the rage at the moment
• a band/group/singer that has huge following
• have a wealth of massive hits
• top the Billboard for several weeks
• an amazing entertainer/ the person who epitomises modern pop star
• a music prodigy
• an iconic music artist/ a global figure of pop culture

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TRANSPORTATION
1. How did you get here today? / How do you travel to work or school every
day?/ What’s your favourite daily means of transport?
Motorbike
Why?
• able to get through traffic quickly, especially in highly congested areas
• avoid sitting behind a sea of cars waiting for the traffic to get moving
• travel through the gap between cars to get ahead
• easy to find a parking lot because motorbikes take up little space
• conveniently park my motorbike in front of the entrance, or on the side of the road
• an affordable means of travel with lower service cost and cheaper spare parts
• more reasonably priced than cars since they are not taxed as heavily
• fuel efficient, consumes less petrol than cars
• vary in type, design, colour and price range
• can obtain a motorbike license without much difficulty
• lower fine when violating traffic rules
Disadvantages
• more dangerous to travel by motorbike due to the lack of protection for riders
• face higher risk of serious injury or fatality in case of collision
• must put on a helmet for personal safety and to comply with the law
• wearing helmet make my hair look bad
• constantly exposed to the environment
• hot and sweaty on scorching summer days
• soaked and muddy on rainy days
• life threatened by falling objects or tree branches on windy/stormy days
• release emissions into the atmosphere
• a cause of air pollution, greenhouse effect, and global warming
Bicycle
Why?
• my school/university/workplace is close to/near my house
• bicycles are environment friendly because they emit no exhausts

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• cycling is an inexpensive way to commute

• bicycles’ price is quite low compared to that of other modes of transport
• cheap maintenance/ A bike can be maintained at a cheap cost
• can escape heavy traffic even more easily than a motorbike
• can ride on the pavement or walk my bike through congested areas
• short trips, e.g. to the grocery store, take even less time than by auto
• lots of health benefits, especially good for cardiovascular system and bones
• help me combat modern sedentary lifestyle
Disadvantages
• subject to the weather and the same perils that threaten motorists (see Motorbike)
• I’m a lazy person, and I hate to expend energy when I commute
• not suitable for long trips because it takes a long time to get to my destinations
• there’s a practical limit to how far I should travel by bicycle
• bicycles are easily stolen
Electric bike/ 50cc Motorbike
(kết hợp các ý ở Motorbike và Bicycle)
Why?
• economical modes of transport, cost less than motorbikes and consume less fuel
• need not a license, and police often ignore when I commit traffic misdemeanours
• capable of travelling at a decent speed/velocity
Disadvantages
• not as durable as motorbikes
• need to recharge every once in a while
• some e-bikes take a long time to recharge
On foot
Why?
• my school/university/workplace is just a few blocks away
• I often just commute within walking distance
• helps me stay fit and improves my overall health
• helps protect the environment because more walkers means the fewer vehicles
• helps me save a lot of money as I don’t have to buy fuel or maintain my vehicle
• enjoy the morning view and greet my neighbours on my way to school/work
• my area is so congested during peak time that walking is actually much faster

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Disadvantages
• sweat/perspire a lot in the summer
• sweat/perspiration gives off pungent ordours
• on rainy day, my pants and shoes are covered in mud
• ignorant drivers splash water on me
• walking takes a long time, is not suitable for travelling long distance
• not a good idea if I’m in a hurry
• walking is tiring/physically demanding
• vulnerable to perils such as falling objects or tree branches
Car
Why?
• travelling by car is very convenient and safe
• car provides shelter from the weather
• car provides protection from hazards such as falling objects and collisions
• helps maintain a good look on rainy days
• air conditioners are a lifesaver on hot summer days
• makes me feel proud because a car is a status symbol in my country
• helps me avoid exposure to harmful emissions from other vehicles
Disadvantages
• cost the Earth in Vietnam due to being heavily taxed
• maintenance and service costs are also expensive
• the police impose heavy penalty/fine in case of traffic rule violation
• traffic jam is a nightmare because roads in Vietnam are narrow
• not as mobile as bikes or motorbikes, so I cannot get through a congestion easily
In someone else’s vehicle
(Có thể sử dụng kết hợp với ý và từ ở các mục trên)
• takes me to school on her/his motorbike
• drives me to school
• gives me a lift every morning/ pick me up every day
• my school and his/her workplace are on the same route
• doesn’t feel safe to let me travel to school on my own
• my family cannot afford another vehicle, so we have to share
• I’m lazy to travel by myself

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Bus, Taxi, Metro (see Question 6)

2. Is [means of transport] popular your hometown or your country?
Motorbike
• most popular means of transport in Vietnam because it’s affordable for most people
• motorbikes are ubiquitous => you can see it everywhere
• a special thing about Vietnam that intrigues tourists
• the majority of Vietnamese people are still poor => unable to purchase a car
• traffic infrastructures in Vietnam are still more suitable for motorbikes
(Kết hợp phần Motorbikes ở câu 1 để extend)
Electric bike
• started to gain popularity within the past 10 years
• began to become popular around a decade a ago
• now it’s as ubiquitous as motorbikes
• even more economical than motorbikes
• most widely used by teenagers and students
• parents, especially in cities, buy an E-bike for their children to allow them to travel to
school more conveniently
• old people prefer E-bikes because they are easier to manoeuvre
Bicycle
Yes
• more and more people opt for this means of travel
• starts to regain its popularity
• in big metropolises where traffic jam is a serious issue
No
• very few people choose to cycle to work/school
• used to be the primary means of transport two or three decades ago, but its role has
been replaced by motorbikes
(Kết hợp phần Bicycles ở câu 1 để extend)
Car
Yes
• is becoming increasingly popular
• can be seen anywhere from cities to even remote and mountainous areas
• the economy has developed considerably => more people can afford a car nowadays

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No
• still not affordable for most people in Vietnam
• a luxury that only a few can afford
• taxed heavily by the governments, especially high-market brands
• infrastructures, such as roads, in Vietnam are still underdeveloped
(Kết hợp phần Cars ở câu 1 để extend)
Public Transport (see Question 6)
3. Have there been any changes in transportation in your hometown or
country in the past few years?
Yes
• there have been remarkable advancements in the transport system in Vietnam
• the number of cars is increasing rapidly as people are wealthier
• more infrastructures, especially express ways, have been built
• travelling between cities takes far less time than before
• electric vehicles are very popular due to their versatility
• traffic situation in major city is getting worse
• traffic jams/congestions occur more frequently
• road safety has been improved since the government imposed stricter punishments
on violators
No/ Not sure
• I see no considerable changes in the transport system in Vietnam
• I don’t think anything has changed yet
• a host of problems are still there or even exacerbated instead of being resolved
• traffic jam is still a serious issue in big cities
• traffic accidents are still claiming thousands of lives annually, and no effective
measures have been taken
4. How much time do you spend travelling on a normal day?
• not much because my office/workplace/ school is just a few blocks away
• about 15 minutes as my university is nearby
• it takes around half an hour since the road to my workplace is congested every
morning
• more than an hour because of the long distance between my home and my office
• it takes over an hour because I work in another city

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• my company’s bus picks me up every day

• I only spend a little time travelling to the supermarket because I’m self-employed/I
work at home
5. Do you often use public transport?
• I hate/detest/am afraid of driving on my own for fear of accidents
• I don’t own a motor vehicle, so I opt for mass transit for daily commuting
• I want to contribute to mitigating pollution caused by emissions from private vehicles
• My school is far away, and my parents don’t allow me to ride bicycle to school
Bus
• a cheap mass transit option, and I even have a monthly ticket
• the quality of service is not very high
• many buses are over-crowded and filthy, especially during rush hours
• little guidance about bus routes is provided => confusing if you’re taking the bus for
the first time
• there are criminals on the bus who may pickpocket you
• girls are at risk of being molested/sexually harassed by perverts
• not suitable for people with motion sickness
Taxi/ Motor taxi
• convenient because it’s almost a door-to-door service
• call the taxi depot or look for a motor-taxi rider parking at a street corner
• usually not cheap/ very costly => not suitable for people with average income level
• must bargain with some riders if I don’t want to be ripped off
Uber/Grab/Go-Viet
• a formidable contender of conventional taxi service
• even more convenient than taxi because I can book a vehicle by using an app
• normally costs less than a taxi drive, and you know how much the fare is before
entering the car
• a lot of promotion programmes offering discounted fares or free rides
6. Which means of transport do you prefer for long-distance trips?
Airplane
• the most rapid, convenient and the safest means of transport
• the optimal choice for long-distance trips
• travelling by plane often takes hours instead of days

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• may have to spend at least half an hour to check in

• air passengers must be very punctual or else they will miss the flight
• a very expensive means of travel that many people in Vietnam still can’t afford
• delays or cancellation can be very annoying
• people with air sickness or severe motion sickness might not enjoy travelling this way
• airports are often located in the suburbs => take another trip to the city center
Train
• an economical alternative for road and air travel
• can enjoy breathtaking views of the country while travelling
• usually very safe because train accidents rarely happen
• rail transport in Vietnam is under-developed and poor
• passenger cars are old and filthy
• trains are sluggish => even slower than travelling by car
• good option for medium-distance travel
Coach
• quick and convenient way to travel medium-distance or even long-distance trips
• costs more or less the same as travelling by train
• frequent departures, every 15 minutes to half an hour
• road accidents occur occasionally => drivers often drive in careless manner
Car
• drive our own car to wherever we want
• hire a car to travel to our destination
• can be quite fatiguing
Motorbike
• I’m a road trip lover => enjoy exploring my country on my motorbike
• quite dangerous but also adventurous
• can reach extremely remote areas

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WEATHER & SEASONS

1. What is the weather like in your hometown/country?
• Vietnam is located in the tropics and is heavily influenced by the East Sea (or South
China Sea)
• has a monsoon-influenced tropical climate
• it rains a great deal annually
• high precipitation/rainfall throughout the year
• in the north, the climate is monsoonal with four distinct seasons
• boiling hot in Summer, when the temperature may exceed 40 degree Celsius
• bitterly cold in Winter, but there’s no snowfall
• in the south, the climate is tropical monsoon with only two seasons (dry and rainy)
• the temperature remains high all year round
2. What is your favourite/least favourite season?
Spring
• neither too hot nor too cold; the weather is just right for outdoor activities
• everything is in bloom; trees, flowers and all plants begin to bud
• the time of the year when nature starts to shake off the hold of Winter
• birds chirp all around, and animals awake from the hibernation
• Vietnamese festive season => New Year and Tet occur in these months

• drizzling rains for days, or even weeks

• the humidity is high; and moisture in the atmosphere makes people uncomfortable
• clothes take forever to dry
• a number of sicknesses/illnesses thrive in this season
• have to deal with the outbreaks of various diseases
Summer
• enjoy the glorious sunshine at dawn and the gorgeous setting of the Sun at dusk
• long daytime makes the day seem longer
• always feel energetic and motivated to work/study in Summer
• awakened every day by sunlight instead of an alarm clock
• the weather is perfect for my favourite activities

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• travel or take a long break during Summer vacation

• high temperature/muggy weather makes me sweaty and tired

• only want to stay in an air-conditioned room rather than go out
• paying electric bills is a huge burden in this season
• hot weather also makes people hot-tempered
• heavy rain sometimes causes flooding on the streets
• get caught in the rain => might get soaked/drenched
• occasional thunderstorms are dangerous and can inflict considerable damages
• water outage or blackout can be a real nightmare
• travelling under the scorching Sun can cause heatstroke
Autumn
• the season with the most pleasant weather
• a milder and more enjoyable version of Summer
• perfect time for taking scenic photos and for any outdoor activities
• street filled with yellow leaves is always the most poetic and melancholy view
• time to return to school and begin a scholar year afresh
• watching the trees change colour is rejuvenating and relaxing
• mid-Autumn festival is the highlight of this season
• time for taking yearbook photos
• the smell from the flowers of the white cheesewood tree is tormenting
Winter
• cold/freezing/frigid in Winter
• like putting on a lot of clothes, especially gloves and scarf
• enjoy sipping a hot cup of tea/chocolate while folding myself in a thick blanket
• the best time to eat a filling hot pot with family or friends
• the day seems shorter because of late sunrise and early sunset
• find it extremely difficult to get out of bed in the morning
• often get sick => catch a cold, a running nose, a blocked nose, a sore throat,...
• taking a shower or using the toilet is a real torment
• cold weather makes me feel lonely and homesick
3. What is your favourite/least favourite type of weather?
Hot

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• have more energy to carry out tasks

• love sitting in air-conditioned room
• go to the beach or resorts to chill out
• the best time to hit the pool => swimming is my favourite sport
• enjoy a well-chilled drink, like a glass of iced soda or cocktail
• always sweaty because I perspire all the time
• sweat makes people give off bad ordours
• lie in one place and try not to move too much
Cold
• makes me want to cuddle my boyfriend/girlfriend
• gather around a grill or hot pot with my family or friends
• sipping hot drinks while watching my favourite shows on TV
• take a short walk/stroll and enjoy the cold breeze of Winter
• just want to sleep as much as possible/ don’t want to get out of bed
• often feel lonely and homesick
Wet
• clothes takes a long time to dry
• feel uncomfortable when the moisture is high in the atmosphere
• the floor and the walls are wet and dirty
• have to keep the dehumidifier running to protect furniture and books from moisture
Rainy
• motorbike is my primary means of transport so it bothers me a lot when it rains
• travelling in the rain makes me soaked and muddy
• watching the rain arouses sad feeling, but it is poetic at the same time
• enjoy a cup of hot chocolate while watching raindrops on the window pane
• a nightmare for people who wear glasses like me
4. Have there been any changes in the weather in the past few years?
• there have been dramatic changes in the weather in recent years
• Vietnam is also affected by climate change and global warming
• Summer arrives earlier and it gets more sweltering each year
• vehicles’ tires melt after rolling on asphalt roads
• Winter arrives later but there are intensely cold days
• ice and snow appear more frequently in mountainous areas

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• more typhoons hit the country, and they are fiercer than ever
• droughts and floods occur in many parts of the country
Reasons
• emissions from factories and an increasing number of motor vehicles cause the
greenhouse effect
• people cut down forests to harvest lumber or build hydroelectric dam
• citizens don’t cut down on their energy and fuel consumption

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FOOD AND COOKING

1. Do you prefer eating at home or in a restaurant?
Eat at home:
• Can control what I put into my food
• Can manage how much I eat by customize appropriate portions
• Avoid food allergy
• It is cheaper than dining out
• Can spend time with family members to share happiness or trouble in their life
Eating out:
• Experience cooks preparing food
• Have chance to enjoy a variety of food
• Have a private space to discuss something such as business
• It takes time to cook at home
2. What kind of food do you like?
Ready meals:
• The ability to save time and energy that cooking requires
• Be more convenient and handy for people who work late nights or unconventional
hours.
• Be an excellent way to deal with fussy eaters
Home-cooked food:
• Often cheaper than eating in a restaurant or buying processed foods
• Much healthier compared to eating out
• Avoid food allergies and sensitivities
• Bring the family together

Seafood:
• Be low in fat so it is beneficial for keeping fit
• Be high in protein, vitamins and minerals so it is good for health
• Be good for skin, eyesight and heart health
•
Fast food:

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• It tastes delicious so it never fails to leave me wanting more.

• The ability to save time and energy that cooking requires
• Much convenient because I can buy it in almost all the corners and streets in the city
3. Do you like cooking?
Yes:
• Clear my head to get rid of the tension or stress built up
• Help me to break up the routine of the day
• Bring my family together and give us the much needed time to socialize with each
other -> closer relationship
• Stimulate my creativity when creating new recipes and dishes
• Cheaper than eating out
• Healthier than ordering food or ready meals
• Be more independent in my own life
No:
• It is a time-consuming chore
• Too busy at work
• Have no flair for cooking
• Cooking for one is not worth the effort
• Deciding what to cook is too much of a burden and requires too much planning
• The grocery is a pain because it takes too long and requires multiple trips to different
stores.

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MOVIES
1. Do you like watching film?
Yes:
• Get a sense of relaxation
• Improve my vocabulary when watching foreign films
• Expand my knowledge about the culture of many different country
• Give me more inspiration and motivation in life
• Have a good time with family and friends -> strengthen your bond
• Kill time
• Take me on a rollercoaster of emotions
• Draw/Apply some valuable lessons in real life
No:
• Keep hovering over the concept of the movie for some next hours -> affect my mood
and life
• Some kinds of film motivate children act violently.
• Some films portray certain subjects or themes in a far-from-real way -> encourage
racism and other anti-social sentiments.
• Waste money and time
2. What kind of film do you like?
Cartoon:
• Enter a fantasy world to forget everything in a couple of hours
• Nurture many good qualities in the minds of people who watch them like standing up
for the weak
• Include a lot of valuable lessons for life such as about friendship
Documentary:
• Dive deep in the area of your interest
• Give lots of information for me to discuss with other people
• Experience so many real stories in a short narration
Action:
• Making jokes on facts that the action is fake is entertaining.
• Lack suspense so I can watch it again and again
• Have a simple plot so it is easy to remember or understand

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Horror films:
• Numb all of my senses
• Lose weight because watching horror film can burn lots of calories
• Help me to conquer/face my worst fears
Comedy:
• Make me laugh my head off -> relieve stress
• Alleviate pain -> laughter is the best medicine

3. Do you prefer to watch film at home or going to the cinema?

At home:
• Flexible to watch any film at any time
• Save lots of money for other purposes
• Have more time with family
• Be able to pause the film to do other things like emergency situations
In cinema:
• Able to enjoy latest movies/blockbusters
• More entertaining when watching with a lot of people because their reactions to
different scenes in a movies keep me engaged
• Have a different experience from watching films at home because I can enjoy a larger
display and amazing sound effects.
• Enjoy advancements in technology like 3D, IMAX or 4DX

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SPORT
1. Do you like sport?
Yes:
• Have a chance to unwind and take part in an activity that improve my fitness
• Bring a mixture of people from different communities, background and beliefs so it
offers a new way to meet others and make friends with them
• Reduce stress after working
• Improve metal health like my mood, sense of well-being
• Team sports can build leaders or closer relationship
• Increase resistance to diseases like the common flu
No:
• Have a lot of pressure to win
• Have some injuries or long-term damage
• Demand a big investment of time/ a huge commitment
• Sometimes lead to intense loneliness and isolation when training alone

2. What kind of sport do you prefer?

Team sport:
• Improve teamwork skills through setting goals and sticking to them
• Agreeing on a unified mission and making decision as a team can increase the chance
of achieving ambitions.
• Help me to stay focused on the sport
• Develop social skills like communication
• Have chance to learn leadership skills
Individual sport:
• Feel comfortable in the spotlight
• Improve self-reliance -> be responsible for my own actions and decisions
• Have a chance to learn how to motivate myself on my own
• Develop my own playing style
3. Do you like extreme sport?

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Yes:
• Gain the ability to stay calm and centered during stressful situations
• Push your physical and mental limits
• Enhance my fear management skills
• Increase balance
• Have new experience and a sense of achievement
• Stay cool
No:
• It is too dangerous -> easy to get injured
• It is quite expensive to buy things stuffs

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FASHION
1. Do you like buying clothes?
Yes:
• Makes me a fashionista
• Release stress/ pressure after long hours studying
• Be a good way to relax/ escape from my stressful life for a while
No:
• Waste of time
• Have to wait for a long line to have my turn
• Have to make decisions when there are too many things to choose

2. Do you think we should wear branded clothes?

Yes:
• Often provide a higher quality item
• Expensive -> enhance individual image in others’ eyes
• Make a statement and show off your original flair and individuality
• Easy to make an impression on other people
No:
• Expensive -> waste of money
• Sometimes you’re buying the image, not the actual quality of the clothes

2. What kind of clothes you often wear?

Casual clothes
• Comfortable to do everything
• Express my individual personalities and creativity through clothing I choose
• Lower status barriers between levels
Uniform
• Cost-effective
• Reduce peer pressure
• Create an environment where discipline is emphasized
• Take less time to choose clothes

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