Tổng Hợp 20 Chủ Đề Speaking Part 1 Quy 2 2017 by Ngocbach

TỔNG HỢP 20 CHỦ ĐỀ SPEAKING PART 1 SẼ RA
THÁNG 5 – THÁNG 9/2017 BY NGOC BACH

1. Rain ............................................................................................................................................................ 4
2. Plans and goals .......................................................................................................................................... 6
3. Weather ...................................................................................................................................................... 7
4. Robots ........................................................................................................................................................ 9
5. Shopping .................................................................................................................................................. 10
6. Names ....................................................................................................................................................... 11
7. Swimming ................................................................................................................................................ 13
8. Neighbors ................................................................................................................................................. 14
9. Sunny days ............................................................................................................................................... 16
10. Collecting ................................................................................................................................................. 17
11. Concerts.................................................................................................................................................... 19
12. Clothes...................................................................................................................................................... 22
13. Email ........................................................................................................................................................ 24
14. Friends ...................................................................................................................................................... 25
15. Music ........................................................................................................................................................ 28
16. Politeness.................................................................................................................................................. 31
17. Watches .................................................................................................................................................... 32
18. Garden ...................................................................................................................................................... 33
19. Internet ..................................................................................................................................................... 35
20. TV dramas ................................................................................................................................................ 37
Written by Ngoc Bach

Để cập nhật các bài viết mới khi có -> truy cập website ngocbach.com
Group IELTS Ngoc Bach: https://www.facebook.com/groups/ieltsngocbach/[Type text] Page
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GIỚI THIỆU
Hi các bạn,
Mình là Ngọc Bách.

Gửi tặng các bạn 20 cue card part 1 bao gồm các bài mẫu band 8.0~9.0 do mình viết (đã được
review bởi giám khảo bản xứ) cho 20 topics khác nhau của phần thi IELTS Speaking part 1
có thể ra từ tháng 5/2017 đến tháng 9/2017 . Các bạn cũng có thể dựa vào tài liệu này để soạn
câu trả lời cho các đề khác. Tất cả các bài mẫu này đều đi kèm phần giải thích và ví dụ chi
tiết cho các từ vựng tốt trong script
Các bạn có thể bắt gặp 1 số bài mẫu trong bộ cue card này trên các page, các website ở Việt
Nam, thậm chí là website ở nước ngoài. Cần khẳng định luôn 100% bài viết trong bộ này
do mình viết hoặc correct lại từ bài viết của học sinh, tuyệt đối không sao chép từ bất cứ
nguồn nào. Các nguồn khác nếu giống bài viết của mình -> đều là sao chép lại từ bài viết của
mình mà không ghi nguồn (Mặc dù mình biết điều này không quan trọng với 1 số bạn, mình
thực ra lúc đầu cũng không quan tâm. Tuy nhiên, một số bạn đọc ở website nước ngoài thấy
giống -> lại bảo mình đi copy của người khác. Điều này thực sự không chấp nhận được)
Tài liệu được mình cùng team soạn và gửi tặng đến các sĩ tử IELTS hoàn toàn miễn phí. Cac
bạn lưu ý một số script có ghi giải thích từ vựng theo chủ đề . Ví dụ từ vựng thuộc chủ đề
Technology, Education…đây là các từ vựng trong bộ sách Topic Vocabulary mới ra mắt của
mình. Mục đích của mình là muốn sử dụng thật nhiều các từ vựng này trong nhiều ngữ cảnh
khác nhau -> mọi người hiểu cách học và áp dụng

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Tài liệu này cũng nằm trong bộ ‘HƯỚNG DẪN IELTS TOÀN TẬP 2017 BY
NGOCBACH” miễn phí do mình mất rất nhiều thời gian biên soạn gửi đén các bạn đang tự
học IELTS . Các bạn có thể xem link gốc trên group IELTS Ngoc Bach ở đây:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/ieltsngocbach/permalink/1951695464901106/
Hoặc trên website ngocbach.com ở đây
http://ngocbach.com/chuyen_muc/view/70000306/Ngoc-Bach039s-IELTS-Ebook.html
Các tài liệu mới nếu có sẽ đều được cập nhật trên 2 link này. Các bạn follow hoặc share về
facebook để tiện theo dõi nhé
Chúc các bạn học tốt !
-Ngọc Bách-

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1. Rain
1. Does it rain much in Vietnam? (Where? When?)
As it is entirely located in the tropical belt, Vietnam receives quite a great amount of
precipitation every year. However, the part that records the highest rainfall is the northern
section of Central Vietnam when the northeast monsoon arrives, between September and
December. This region can also be affected by the typhoon season in the Western Pacific,
which can see severe storms lashing the coast from August to November.
2. Is there any part of Vietnam where it doesn’t rain much? (Where?)

In general, I guess the driest place in Vietnam might possibly be Ninh Thuan province, which
is situated on the south-central coast. The weather there is quite extreme with a lot of wind as
well as a hot and dry atmosphere during the year. Also, there is no winter here, and the
average temperature is considerably higher than most other parts of the country.
3. When (in what month/season) does it rain most in your hometown?

Well, currently, I am living in Hanoi, which is located in the northern part of Vietnam. I
suppose that in the north, the rainy season comes during the summer months, extending from
mid-April to mid-October. This is because during this time of the year, the city’s climate is
influenced by the southwest monsoon, which brings moist air from the oceans to the land and
causes torrential rain.
4. What about the other parts of Vietnam? (In which season does it rain most in other parts of
Vietnam?)
Well, the southern part of Vietnam, especially the Mekong Delta, gets plenty of rain and hot,
humid weather during the southwest monsoon from April to September, with June and July
being especially wet. Meanwhile, the centre of the country receives the most rainfall between
September and December, during which time the region suffers from severe storms and
flooding.
5. Can you remember any time when it rained particularly heavily in your hometown?
(When?)
Yes, of course. I suppose it was about a year or so ago, when we had several days of
torrential rain, almost non-stop, and so the whole of my neighbourhood got flooded. You

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know, the water was, like, up to my knees, and so the traffic came to a complete standstill.
So, yeah, that was probably the worst time I can remember.
1. Does rain ever affect transportation in your hometown? (How?)
Yeah, for sure. As a matter of fact, rain often causes severe traffic congestion, especially
when there is heavy downpour. People should expect to be stuck for hours in a traffic jam.
I’m not exactly sure why, but it’s possibly because vehicles tend to move slower in the rain.
Vocabulary:
 Tropical belt: [noun phrase] area between the Tropics of Cancer and the Tropics of
Capricon / vành đai nhiệt đới
Example: The northern and southern populations were naturally separated by the warm
tropical belts in the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.
 Precipitation: [noun] rain, snow, sleet, or hail that falls to the ground / mưa
Example: In places where the warmer air extends to the ground, the precipitation will fall as
rain.
 Monsoon: [noun] a seasonal prevailing wind in the region of South and Southeast
Asia, blowing from the southwest between May and September and bringing rain (the wet
monsoon), or from the northeast between October and April (the dry monsoon ) / gió mùa
Example: We get only very little rain during the southwest monsoon.
 Typhoon: [noun] a tropical storm in the region of the Indian or western Pacific oceans
/ bão
Example: Severe tropical cyclones correspond to the hurricanes or typhoons of other parts of
the world.
 Lash: [verb] to move suddenly and swiftly; rush, dash, or flash / vụt qua, tàn phá
Example: Strong winds and storms are lashing the east coast of the USA.
 Province: [noun] a principal administrative division of certain countries or empires /
quận
Example: The school is in a poor district of the province and students often go without the
simplest of items, let alone educational funds.
 Situate: [verb] fix or build (something) in a certain place or position / được đặt ở, nằm
ở
Example: The pilot light is usually situated at the front of the boiler.

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 Extreme: [adjective] reaching a high or the highest degree; very great / cực, rất
Example: There is extreme cold in Hanoi during the winter.
 Atmosphere: [noun] the envelope of gases surrounding the earth or another planet /
không khí, bầu khí quyển
Example: In dry weather the electric potential in the atmosphere is normally positive relative
to the earth, and increases with the height.
 Rainy season: [noun phrase] the time during which there is a large amount of rainfall /
mùa mưa
Example: The traffic often gets congested during rainy season.
 Moist: [adjective] slightly wet; damp or humid / ẩm ướt
Example: The air was moist and heavy after the storm passed.
 Torrential: [adjective] (of rain) falling rapidly and in copious quantities / chảy mạnh,
(mưa) như trút xuống
Example: The rest of the day torrential rain fell, the grass becoming a bog, the river turning to
a lake.
 Come to a complete standstill: [idiom] to slow down and finally stop; to stop entirely /
dừng lại, trì trệ
Example: As the strike began, the production line came to a complete standstill.
 Congestion: [noun] the state of being overcrowded / sự tắc nghẽn
Example: The new bridge should ease congestion in the area.
 Downpour: [noun] a heavy rainfall / mưa lớn
Example: A sudden downpour had filled the gutters and drains.
2. Plans and goals

1. What is your plan for the future and when will you start?
I’m planning to start my own advertising agency when I’m in my third year at university. I’ve
been preparing this plan of mine ever since I was a high school student and I’ve raised nearly
enough capital now.
2. How do you intend to achieve that?
I’m working on raising capital, and I also need some partners to work on this project with me
– I’ve shared my plan with my friends and some of them seemed really interested in it. And
once I’ve got someone, we’ll take care of the rest together.
3. If you go abroad, do you plan to live in the countryside or in a big city? (Why?)

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I’d prefer living in the countryside, mostly because I want to experience the tranquility there.
Another reason is because the traffic and air pollution in some big cities are almost
unbearable, and I seriously don’t want to get stuck with all the problems of city life.
Vocabulary:
 Agency [noun] (đại lí/môi giới) a business that represents one group of people when
dealing with another group
e.g. Mannya was representing a private legal consulting agency at the hearing.
 Capital [noun] (vốn) wealth in the form of money or other assets owned by a person
or organization or available for a purpose such as starting a company or investing
e.g. They all need capital to meet their needs for expansion and technical development.
 Tranquility [noun] (sự thanh bình) the quality or state of being tranquil; calm
e.g. The main reason people come to visit the countryside is because of its beauty and
tranquility.
 Unbearable [adjective] (không thể chịu đựng được) too unpleasant or painful to cope
with or accept
e.g. At night, the noise in the street is unbearable and I’m unable to sleep.
3. Weather
1. What’s the weather like today?
It’s freezing, oh my God… but luckily it hasn’t rained today. It was raining all last week… I
was soaked to the skin whenever I went out to go to work even though I was wearing a
raincoat, and the rain made it even colder!
2. What’s the weather (usually) like in your hometown?
It depends on the season, but most of the time it’s really hot in my hometown. And it’s been
getting hotter and hotter in recent years … maybe one big reason is because of global
warming.
3. (Similar to above) What is the typical weather in your country?
(Similar to above)
4. What’s your favorite season? (Why?)

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I really like the fall, mainly because of its cool weather, which makes me feel really
comfortable and ready to go out any time of the day. The other seasons… well, summer’s too
hot, winter’s too cold and spring’s too humid.
5. (Similar to above, but different) What’s your favorite weather? (Why?)
Cool weather. It makes me feel really comfortable and ready to go out any time of the day.
Just imagine sitting in the park, reading a book in the sunshine with the wind gently blowing
through your hair. Isn’t that awesome?
6. Do you like snow? (Why?)
I’ve never seen or touched snow before so instead of saying whether I like it or not, I would
say I’m really curious about it. I’ve been dying to see the snow falling since forever but
haven’t really got the chance to do so.
7. Do you watch the weather forecasts?
Rather than the weather forecasts shown on TV, I often look at the ones on my smartphone –
you know, there’re some applications that help predict the weather conditions for up to a
week!
8. Does the weather ever affect what you do?
Yes, of course. For example, I tend to get really lethargic and lazy in the winter, all because
of the cold weather. All I want to do is to get some nice sleep under my warm blanket and
never have to leave the comfort of my home, and this seriously affects my work and study
sometimes.
Vocabulary:
 Freezing [adjective] (lạnh ngắt) extremely cold
e.g. It’s freezing in here – can I close the window?
 Soaked to the skin [expression] (ướt nhẹp) extremely wet
e.g. I’m going to have to take these clothes off – I’m soaked to the skin!
 Be dying for/to do something [expression] (muốn làm gì đến chết đi được) to be
extremely eager to have or do something
e.g. I’m dying to hear your news, especially about your holiday in London.
 Lethargic [adjective] (mệt mỏi) without any energy or enthusiasm
e.g. After a big lunch, I always feel lethargic and sometimes fall asleep at my desk !

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4. Robots
1. Are you interested in robots? Why?
No, I’m not really keen on robots because I’m kind of a low-tech person. Also, a robot is a
luxury technological product that I have never been able to afford, so I don’t feel like I want
to know much about them.
2. Would you like robots to work in your home?
If I had a lot of money, I’d like to have a robot in my home. As I’m always occupied with my
work, I need a robot to help me do chores and prepare meals whenever I come home at night.
That’d be great!
3. Would you want to take a car where a robot is the driver?
No, I wouldn’t want a robot to drive my car. It would be too dangerous and risky for me to
take a drive with a robot. Because a robot is programmed by humans, I don’t think that it can
handle road incidents quickly and efficiently enough to ensure safety.
4. Will robots replace human beings in the workplace completely?
Well, I have to admit that robots play an important part in our modern life. However, they
will never completely replace the roles of humans at work as they are incapable of feeling
emotions and thinking deeply like humans. For example, in a conference, people have to
discuss problems in great detail before giving solutions and making decisions, but robots lack
the capacity to respond to all questions instantly and effectively.
Vocabulary:
1. low-tech (adjective) not using the most recent equipment or methods (nói về người biết ít
về công nghệ)
Ex: It is low-tech economy without modern machinery or techniques.
2. luxury (adjective) very comfortable and expensive, which not everyone can afford (xa
xỉ)
Ex: They are staying in a luxury 5-star hotel in Paris.
3. afford (verb) to be able to buy or do something because you have enough money or time
(có đủ khả năng mua hay làm thứ gì)
Ex: I don't know how he can afford a new car on his salary.
4. do chores ( collocation) do housework (làm việc nhà)
Ex: I'll go shopping when I've done my chores.
4. handle (verb) to manage, deal with sth or sb (xử lý)
Ex: My wife handles all our household expenses.

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6. incident (noun) an event that is either unpleasant or unusual (sự việc xảy ra bất ngờ)
Ex: A youth was seriously injured in a shooting incident on Saturday night.
7. to be incapable of verb + ing: be unable to do something (không có khả năng làm việc
gì)
Ex: He seems to be incapable of walking past a music shop without going in
and buyinganother CD.
8.capacity (noun) the ability to perform sth (năng lực)
Ex: Ask John to help us – he has a great capacity for hard work.
5. Shopping
1. Are there many shops near your home?
Yes, there are. As my city has increasingly developed, small stores and shopping malls are
omnipresent. In my neighborhood, products of these shops are very diverse and up to the
mark, accommodating the shopping demands of its residents.
2. Do you like shopping (Why/ Why not)?
Of course, I enjoy swimming a lot. Shopping activities relieve my stress, especially when feel
overloaded with work. In my opinion, it is also a chance for us to compare the quality of
goods and acquire a better taste in things.
3. Who usually does the shopping in your home?
Well, it may be my mother. Every morning, she goes to the store to choose hygienic and fresh
food for our family’s meals. Her favorite pastime is buying second-hand clothes in small
markets. Sometimes, when I’m free, I go with her to a big supermarket to purchase basic
necessities like shampoos or soaps.
4. How often do you buy something in a shop?
Very often, as I rarely have time for window-shopping. Practically, I always make a list-to-
buy before going to stores and markets, and hardly leave without a shopping bill.
VOCABULARY:
1. omnipresent [adj]: present everywhere: có mặt khắp mọi nơi

Eg: Thes e da ys t he m edi a are om ni present .
2. diverse [adj]: very different from each other and of various kinds : đa dạng
Eg: People in America are from diverse cultures.
3. up to the mark [expression]: meet the requirements : đạt tiêu chuẩn

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Eg: Most teachers in this school are up to the mark.
4. (to) accommodate [v]: to provide sth for sb: đáp ứng cho
Eg: Our plan tries to accommodate the needs of minority groups.
5. (to) relieve [v]: to remove or reduce an unpleasant feeling: làm vơi đi
Eg: Completing the final examination relieves her great anxiety.
6. (be) overloaded with [expression]: be given too much of sth : bị quá tải
Eg: Minh’s overloaded with responsibilities these days.
7. (to) acquire [v]: to gain sth by your own efforts, ability or behaviour : đ ạt được
Eg: He has acquired a reputation for honesty.
8. hygienic [adj]: clean and free of bacteria : sạch sẽ, hợp vệ sinh
Eg: Food must be prepared in hygienic conditions.
9. (to) purchase [v]: to buy sth: mua, sắm
Eg: The equipment can be purchased from your local supplier.
10. basic necessities[expression]: things that you must have and cannot manage without :
đồ dùng cần thiết
Eg: Many people cannot even afford basic necessities such as food and clothing.
11. window-shopping[n]:the activity of looking at the goods in shops, usually without
intending to buy anything: đi ngắm nhưng không mua hàng hóa
Eg: Phuong often wants to go window-shopping with her close friends.
12. practically [adv]: in a realistic or sensible way; in real situations: thực tế là
Eg: Practically speaking, we can’t afford this exorbitant house.
6. Names
1. Does your name have any particular meaning?
Let me see… Well I think it means “bright pearl” or “shining pearl”? I guess my parents
wanted me to become an intelligent and successful girl so they gave me this name.
2. What’s the origin of your name? (or, your surname)

It’s pretty lame really… Dad wanted to call me “Ngoc” or “Chi” back then but he couldn’t
decide which one, then one cousin of mine asked him whether I had a name and he just
blurted out “Minh Chau”. My cousin then spread the news about my name to everyone,
which was something Dad didn’t expect at all, and well, I am stuck with this name now.
3. Do you like your name?

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At first no, because my friends often made fun of my name, like with some puns. But then I
gradually learnt to accept it, and now I can’t imagine having a different name from this one.
4. What do your friends call you?

My friends back in secondary and high school tended to call me “Cat” or “Fat Cat” because
of my nickname on social networks - well I love cats after all. University friends don’t really
give me any nicknames; they just call me “Chau”.
5. Did your family have a certain (nick) name that they called you when you were a
child?
Hmm… well, no? They just called me “Chau”. I think in some other families, parents would
give their children some kind of nick name but that’s not the case in my family.
6. What names are popular to give to babies in your country?

I think people tend to choose some names like Linh or Trang for girls – I don’t know the
actual meanings of those names though. For boys, the two most popular names, I think, are
Son, which means the mountain and Hieu, which means to show affection and respect
towards one’s parents.
Vocabulary:
 Lame [adjective] (vớ vẩn) unsurprising and dull

e.g. I found the programme pretty lame and not every informative.
 Blurt [verb] (thốt ra/buột miệng nói ra) say something suddenly and without careful
consideration
e.g. He blurts things out without even meaning it, yet, he doesn't apologize!
 Be stuck with sb/sth [expression] (mắc kẹt với cái gì) to have to deal with someone or
something unpleasant because you have no choice or because no one else wants to
e.g. We were stuck with him for the entire journey!
 Pun [noun] (chơi chữ) a humorous use of a word or phrase that has several meanings
or that sounds like another word
e.g. This is a well-known joke based on a pun: “What’s black and white and read (= read) all
over?” – “A newspaper.”

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7. Swimming
1. Do you like swimming?
Of course, I love swimming. It is a very healthy and motivational sport. I think swimming
can endear itself to many people because water-related activities always deliver a sense of
excitement and refreshment.
2. How often do you swim?
Well, it is largely dependent on the season and weather. In the summer, I usually go
swimming with my close friends. During the hot weather, immersing yourself in the cold
water is irresistible. However, in my country, it is virtually impossible to swim in the winter.
3. Where do you swim in your city?
My school possesses a standardized swimming pool, which is very popular among students. I
often go there and the public swimming pool near my house is also my favorite option.
Although the swimming pools in luxurious hotels are very appealing, they are beyond my
means so I cannot swim there.
4. Is it difficult to learn how to learn to swim?
Well, a little bit, I think. Most sports require some form of physical exertion and swimming is
not without exception. The first time, I was confronted with a lot of difficulties in
maintaining stamina and also in holding my breath under water. However, with the assistance
of my friends and continuous practice, I think I’m a good swimmer now.
VOCABULARY:
1. motivational [adj]: encouraging, making people want to do sth : có tính động lực cao
Eg: To most contenders, this intense competition is really motivational.
2. (to) endear [v]: sb/sth/ yourself to sb else : make sb/sth like you : khiến ai đó yêu thích
Eg: The teacher’s kindness endears him to most of his pupils.
3. refreshment [n]: the fact of making sb feel stronger or less tired or hot : sự làm cho
sảng khoái
Eg: Minh is trying to find a place for rest and refreshment.
4. dependent [adj]: +on sth/sb : affected or decided by sth: phụ thuộc vào
Eg: A child’s development is dependent on many factors.
5. irresistible [adj]: so strong that it cannot be stopped or resisted : không thể cưỡng lại
được
Eg: As a matter of fact, Linh’s arguments were irresistible.

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6. virtually [adv]: almost or very nearly : gần như
Eg: Tuan virtually admitted that he was guilty.
7. Standardized [adj]: conforming to standard of measurement or value; or of the usual
or regularized or accepted kind;: làm cho chất lượng
Eg: Ho Chi Minh City’s infrastructure is increasingly standardized.
8. option[n]: sth that you can choose : lựa chọn
Eg: There are various options open to you.
9. exertion [n]: physical or mental effort, the act of making an effort: sự nỗ lực
Eg: Mai was breathless from the exertion of cycling uphill.
10. without exception [expression]: without the absence of sth : không thể không có,
không thể thiếu
Eg: Everybody has to go to work on time without exception.
8. Neighbors
1. Do you know your neighbors?
Yes, of course I do. People in my neighborhood know each other quite well, and all of them
are very friendly and lovable. The family living next to my house is always willing to offer
assistance when we need, and sois my family.
2. Do you like your neighbors?
Well yes, I love them, because they are good neighbors. The family next door has a
grandmother whom I really respect, as she always gives me useful advice. I think that we live
in harmony with one another.
3. What do you think of your neighbors?
As I have said, they are warm-hearted people. They receive a lot of affection and admiration
for their kindness and generosity. I think it is quite good fortune for my family to live next to
them.
4. How often do you see (or talk to) your neighbors?
I think very often. Each morning, we frequently greet when we meet each other. Whenever I
am not occupied with schoolwork, I will visit the grandmother to talk to her. Her life
experience and advice have helped me to overcome many difficulties and challenges.
5. When do you meet your neighbors?
We meet everyday, since we live next to each other. Particularly, at the weekends, the
neighbors will gather in the biggest house to hold a party or BBQ, which is very appealing to
the children.

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VOCABULARY:
CÁC TỪ THUỘC CHỦ ĐỀ: A. THE ARTS (sách collocations)
1. to live in harmony with one another
Meaning: to live with others in a way which avoids conflict or disagreement
Example: The students who share the house are all good friends and they are able to live in
harmony with one another.
Dịch đại ý
To live in harmony with one another: sống hòa hợp với người khác
Nghĩa: sống với những người khác một cách hòa hợp, tránh gây mâu thuẫn với nhau
Ví dụ: Sinh viên sống cùng một nhà là những người bạn thân và họ có thể sống hòa hợp với
nhau.
CÁC TỪ KHÁC:
1. lovable [adj]: having qualities that people find attractive and easy to love : đáng yêu
Eg: Minh is a really lovable child.
2. (be) willing to do sth[expression]: ready or pleased to help : sẵn lòng làm gì
Eg: They keep a list of people who are willing to work at night.
3. assistance [n]: help or support: sự giúp đỡ
Eg: We do offer financial assistance for people on low incomes.
4. affection [n]: the feeling of liking or loving sb/sth very much : tình cảm
Eg: Children need a lot of affection and sympathy.
5. generosity [n]: the fact of being generous : sự rộng lượng
Eg: He treated them with generosity and thoughtfulness.
6. fortune [n]: chance or luck : sự may mắn
Eg: I did have the good fortune to work with some brilliant directors.
7. (be) occupied with sth [adj]: be busy with sth : bận rộn với cái gì đó
Eg: Lan is always occupied with the housework.
8. (to) overcome: to succeed in dealing with or controlling a problem: vượt qua cái gì
đó
Eg: She overcame injury to win the Olympic gold medal.
9. (to) gather [v]: to come together, or bring people together : tụ họp
Eg: His supporters gathered in the main square.
10. appealing [adj]: attractive or interesting : cuốn hút, thú vị
Eg: Spending the holiday in Britain is extremely appealing.

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9. Sunny days
9.1. Do you like sunny days?
To be honest, I’m not into sunny weather. I’d prefer a partially cloudy day without rain,
when the weather is pretty cool, so that I could pleasantly take part in outdoor activities
without getting sunburn or sweating from the heat of the sun’s rays.
9.2. What do you like to do when it's a sunny day?
On a sunny day, I like to wake up early and take a walk around my neighborhood to enjoy the
warmth of the sunshine , when the temperature isn’t too high. I also prefer to do the laundry
as clothes dry faster due to the lower humidity on these days.
9.3. Would you like to stay at home or go outside when the weather is great?
I’ve always had the urge to go outside on a nice day, as the beautiful weather makes mefeel
really comfortable from the inside. Also, there’s no hindrance of crappy weather to
outdoors activities, so I think I just can’t stick to staying in bed and missing such an
occasion.
9.4. Are there many sunny days in your hometown?
My hometown is in the middle region of a tropical country which means there’s usually
sunshine. In fact, due to its coastal location, it’s the driest and hottest region in my country,
especially in the summer, so the weather is somewhat extreme.
VOCABULARY
 Be into something ( thích cái gì) [idiom] be interested or involved with
Example: Once you retire, it’s important to be into some hobby you’ve always wanted to try.
 Sunburn (cháy nắng) [n] painful red skin caused by spending too long in the hot sun
Example: Her face was red with sunburn, and the salt air made it worse.
 humidity (độ ẩm) [n] moistness/ the amount of water vapor in the air
Example: Dehydration, in heat and humidity as well as dry winter weather, is a major
headache trigger.
 Have the urge to do something (cảm thấy muốn làm gì) [idiom] suddenly want to do
something
Example: She had the urge to hit the road as she wanted to experience paddleboard on
Lake Tahoe.
 Hindrance (sự cản trở) [n] an impeding, stopping, preventing, or the like.
Example: Ignorance was no hindrance to advancement, socially and pecuniarily

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 Crappy (dở, không hấp dẫn) [adj] extremely bad, unpleasant
Example: We booked a really crappy studio with no air conditioning and we just plotted up
there.
 Stick to (bám chặt lấy, trung thành với cái gì) [idiom] remain faithful to/ keep one’s
attachment to
Example: They vowed to stick to one another no matter what happened.
 Coastal (thuộc bờ biển, ven biển) [adj] relating to/ located near a coast
Example: Policies that presently encourage development in low-lying floodplains and
coastal areas should be immediately reexamined.
10. Collecting
1. Did you collect anything (such as stamps or CD's) when you were a child?
Of course I did. When I was a child, I and my sister really enjoyed collecting Barbie CDs. At
that time, the Barbie CD collection was considered as my biggest treasure. Before the
Internet went viral, watching CDs was one of teenagers’ favorite pastimes.
2. Do you still collect them now?
Well, I don’t. I have grown out of the Barbie CDs. Moreover, thanks to advances in
technology, we can now watch everything on the Internet, so there is no need to collect CDs.
3. Do you collect anything as a hobby now?
Yes, I do. As a girl, I am really fond of collecting gorgeous dresses in various styles.
Whenever I have time, I always go around shopping malls to keep myself up to date with
the latest fashions. Up to now, I have assembled a collection of more than 30 dresses.
4. Why do you like collecting things?
Well, collecting things gives me a sense of excitement. When you are able to gather things
together that you love, you feel extremely satisfied. Collecting things allows me to pursue
anything that I like, from the cheapest to the most luxurious.
5. Do people in your country like to collect things?
Yes, they do. However, the things collected vary from people to people. While the wealthy
are interested in collecting luxury cars and expensive stuff, others collect simpler things, even
family heirlooms, which is dependent on their own inclination or interest.
6. Why do you think people like collecting things?
Because collecting things is a pleasing hobby. As I have said, the feeling when collecting our
favorite stuff day by day is really appealing, which helps to relieve stress and pressure at

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work or school. Moreover, I think collections can tell you a lot about their owners, such as
characteristics or personalities.
VOCABULARY:
CÁC TỪ THUỘC CHỦ ĐỀ TECHNOLOGY (sách collocations)
1. to go viral
Meaning: to become very popular on the internet
Example: One reason why people sometimes talk about ‘the global village’ is that an image
or news on the internet sometimes goes viral and is seen by millions of people worldwide.
Dịch đại ý
To go viral: lan truyền
Nghĩa: trở nên rất phố biến trên mạng
Ví dụ: Một lí do khiến mọi người nói về “làng thế giới” là vì đôi khi một hình hảnh hay tin
tức trên mạng lan truyền nhanh chóng và được xem bởi hàng triệu người khắp thế giới.
2. advances in technology
Meaning: the improvement or development in technology
Example: Recent advances in medical technology are making a great contribution to the
search for a cure for Aids.
Dịch đại ý
Advances in technology: tiến bộ công nghệ
Nghĩa: sự tiến bộ hay phát triển của công nghệ
Ví dụ; Những tiến bộ gần đây trong công nghệ y học đã đóng góp đã đóng góp rất lớn cho
việc tìm phương pháp chữa bệnh AIDS.
CÁC TỪ THUỘC CHỦ ĐỀ FAMILY
1. family heirlooms
Meaning: valuable objects that have been in the possession of a family for many years
Example: The painting in my living room is a family heirloom, which once belonged to my
great-grandparents.
CÁC TỪ KHÁC:
3. treasure [n]: a collection of valuable things such as gold, silver and jewels : kho báu
Eg: Their daughter is the greatest treasure they have ever had.
4. (to) grow out of sth [expression]: be too old for sth : lớn quá tuổi cho cái gì đó
Eg: My sister Jane has grown out of pretty dresses.

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5. gorgeous [adj]: beautiful and attractive, giving pleasure and enjoyment : kiều diễm, xinh
đẹp
Eg: Linh is so gorgeous that every boy in the class likes her.
6. (to) keep oneself up to date with sth [v]: be aware of new things: cập nhập xu hướng cho
bản thân
Eg: My father always tries to keep himself up to date with political news.
7. sense of excitement [n]: the sense of feeling excited : cảm giác thích thú
Eg: Children derive a great sense of excitement when going to the park.
8. luxurious [adj]: very comfortable, containing expensive things and enjoyable things : xa
hoa
Eg: Minh’s father possesses many luxurious hotels.
9. (be) dependent on sth [adj]: depend on sth: phụ thuộc vào cái gì đó
Eg: You can’t be dependent on your parents all your life.
10. inclination [n]: a feeling that makes you want to do sth : thiên hướng
Eg: Your inclination and interest will partly decide your future career.
11. (to) relieve [v]: to remove or reduce an unpleasant feeling or pain: xoa dịu
Eg: Being able to say the truth at last seemed to relieve her.
12. characteristic [n]: a typical feature or quality that sb has : tính cách
Eg: The two groups of students have quite different characteristics.
11. Concerts
1. Have you ever been to a live concert?
Yes, I have been to numerous concerts before. I really enjoy listening to live music with my
friends and my family members. To me, the atmosphere experienced in a live concert is
extremely exhilirating. In live concerts, the artist will have the chance to express himself
more freely than in recorded performances.
2. What sorts of concerts do you have in your country?
Well, the types of concerts that take place in my country are very diverse. There are different
genres of music in different shows, catering for the demand of audiences of all ages, such
as: pop music, rap, or classical music. Although there is also a revival of interest in
traditional folk songs, pop music concerts attract the largest crowds.
3. Are concerts ever held in your hometown?
Yes, quite often. Normally, there is a live concert with many renowned artists that is held in
the center of my city on special occasions, which never fails to appeal to audiences.
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4. When was the last time you attended a concert?
Well, it was last month . My friends and I went to a live classical music concert to get away
from the burden of work, and the music did live up to our expectations. It was really
engrossing to enjoy the aesthetic qualities of classical musicplayed by a talented orchestra
in a superb concert venue.
VOCABULARY:
CÁC TỪ THUỘC CHỦ ĐỀ THE ARTS
1. to express oneself
Meaning: to communicate some idea or emotion through speech, writing, painting, music or
some other form of art
Example: Schools should encourage pupils to express themselves through art, music or
creative writing in order to stimulate their imagination.
Dịch đại ý
To express oneself: thể hiện bản thân
Nghĩa: trình bày ý tưởng/ cảm xú qua phát biểu, văn viết, hội họa, âm nhạc hay những hình
thức nghệ thuật khác.
Ví dụ: Trường học nên khuyến khích học sinh thể hiện bản thân qua hội họa, âm nhạc hay
sáng tác văn học để kích thích trí tưởng tượng của chúng.
2. genres of music
Meaning: particular types or styles of music
Example: Different genres of music tend to be favoured by different age groups, with
classical music more popular among the elderly.
Dịch đại ý
Genres of music: thể loại âm nhạc
Nghĩa: những thể loại hay phong cách âm nhạc cụ thể
Ví dụ: Những thể loại âm nhạc khác nhau được yêu thích bởi những lứa tuổi khác nhau, như
là nhạc cố điển thì được người cao tuổi ưa thích hơn.
3. pop music
Meaning: music of the type which is listened to by large numbers of people, with a strong
rhythm and simple tunes
Example: It would be a pity if young people only listened to pop music and had no interest in
other genres.
4. folk songs

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Meaning: songs in the traditional style of a country or community
Example: Traditional folk songs are part of part of the cultural heritage of a nation or region.
5. to appeal to audiences
Meaning: to attract or interest those who go to watch a play, film or other performance.
Example: Plays which deal with contemporary social issues are likely to appeal to
audiences.
Dịch đại ý
To appeal to audiences: hấp dẫn khán giả
Nghĩa: hấp dẫn người tới xem kịch hoặc phim
Ví dụ: Những vở kịch nói về các vấn đề đương thời thường hấp dẫn người xem.
6. live music
Meaning: music that is not recorded, it is played at the same time that people listen to it
Example: Without funding from governments, it is doubtful whether live music would
survive.
7. the aesthetic qualities of something
Meaning: The qualities related to beauty and understanding the beauty of something.
Example: One advantage of studying the arts is that students learn to appreciate the aesthetic
qualities of paintings, literature and music.
Dịch đại ý
The aesthetic qualities of something: chất lượng thẩm mỹ của cái gì
Nghĩa: Những đặc trưng liên quan đến vẻ đẹp và sự thấu hiểu vẻ đẹp của cái gì
Ví dụ: Một trong những ưu điểm của việc học nghệ thuật là học sinh có thể hiểu và trân trọng
chất lượng thẩm mỹ của những bức họa, tác phẩm văn học và âm nhạc.
8. concert venue
Meaning: a place where people go to listen to live music at an organized event
Example: The football stadium in my city is also sometimes used as a concert venue.
CÁC TỪ THUỘC CHỦ ĐỀ TRADITIONAL VS MODERN
1. a revival of interest in
Meaning: the process of something becoming more popular again
Example: There has recently been a revival of interest in traditional music and songs.
CÁC TỪ KHÁC:
1. numerous [adj]: existing in large numbers : rất nhiều, vô kể
Eg: He has been absent on numerous occasions.
2. exhilirating [adj]: very exciting and enjoyable

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Eg: Surfing must be one of the most exhilirating sports, even though it is dangerous.
3. diverse [adj]: very different from each other and of various kinds : đa dạng
Eg: America is a country of people from diverse cultures.
4. (to) cater for[v]: to provide the things that a particular person or situation needs or wants:
phục vụ cho
Eg: The class caters for all ability ranges.
5. renowned [adj]: famous and respected: nổi tiếng
Eg: She is renowned for her patience and honesty.
6. occasion [n]: a particular time when sth happens : dịp
Eg: I’ve met him on several occasions.
7. burden [n]: a duty, responsibility that causes worry, difficulty or hard work : gánh nặng
Eg: The main burden of caring for old people falls on the state.
8. (to) live up to one’s expectation [expression]: the feeling of expecting that something
will be very good : meet sb’s expectations: đáp ứng kì vọng
Eg: Unfortunately, the event did not live up to our expectations.
9. engrossing [adj]: so interesting that you give it all your attention: rất lôi cuốn
Eg: The book was really engrossing, and I spent hours reading it yesterday.
12. Clothes
What kinds of clothes do you usually wear?
Primarily jeans, t-shirts, hoodies, sneakers, etc. I don't like wearing anything outlandish
because I don't like drawing attention, since I’m not a social butterfly, but I don't go for a
conventional look, either.
Do people around you also wear the same type of clothes?
We are living in a multicultural society so people have a multiple choice of everything,
from what they eat, what they say to what they wear. Therefore, it is hard to say people
around me also wear the same kind of clothes.
What kinds of clothes do other people wear?
I guess it depends on each person’s personality. For example, a woman who is soft-spoken
and likes to daydream usually gravitates towards frilly pieces like lace and ruffles. A culture-
loving person tends to dress more urban and sporty than most fashionistas.
In Vietnam, are students allowed to wear different clothes to other students?

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Almost all of Vietnamese schools require students to wear uniforms and there will be no
exception. Teachers suppose that wearing a uniform is a badge of pride, and creates an
identity for a school and is an important part of being a school student.
Do you think clothes are important to people? (Why?/Why not?)
Of course I would say yes. Clothing is a basic human need. For most people, clothing gives
us protection from the weather. While for some people, clothing defines their fashion sense
and creativity and they use it as a way to express their personality.
Do you prefer to wear formal or informal clothes?
I would choose informal clothes since being creative; mixing and matching what I already
have; and being able to come up with a new look after that is a huge satisfaction for me.
Formal clothing is often set in its own way and looks quite conservative to me.
Vocabulary
Cac từ vựng thuộc chủ đề Communication and Personality
1. A social butterfly
Meaning: refers to an extroverted person who loves to socialize
Example: A social butterfly is a person who is socially dynamic, loves networking, is
charismatic, and personally gregarious
2. set in one’s way
Meaning: A person who is set in his or her ways is stubborn and committed to their current
way of doing things. They aren’t open to change, even if the change would be an
improvement
Example: As people get older, they often become set in their ways and are reluctant to try
anything new
Các từ vựng thuộc chủ đề Society
1. a multicultural society
Meaning: a society which includes people of different origins, traditions and languages
Example: Immigration has led to the development of multicultural societies in the US,
Europe and Australia.
Các từ khác
1. outlandish
[adj] strange and unusual and difficult to accept or like
Eg: She wears an outlandish outfit that draws everyone’s attention.
2. Conventional

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[adj] traditional and ordinary
Eg: He despises their conventional attitudes.
3. soft-spoken
[adj] having a quiet, pleasant voice
Eg: People who are soft-spoken have struggles only they can understand.
4. Gravitate
[verb] to be attracted to or move toward something
Eg: People tend to gravitate to the beaches here.
5. come up with
[phrasal verb] to suggest or think of an idea or plan
Eg: She's come up with some amazing schemes to double her income.
6. conservative
[adj] not usually liking or trusting change, especially sudden change:
Eg: Older people tend to be more conservative and a bit suspicious of anything new.
13. Email
1. Do you like to write a letter or email?
I really like writing letters to other people, especially on special occasions. I remember
writing many letters, like birthday letters, or farewell ones to any of my friends or relatives
who had to go somewhere far away from me. My friends and relatives always feel happy
when they receive a letter from me; they say that it makes them feel important and cherished.
2. Do you think emails are useful?
Emails are really useful and important to me. I can use emails to contact people who are
staying far away from me, and this really comes in handy as I have lots of foreign friends.
Moreover, I can receive notifications of special deals or interesting information through
emails by subscribing to any online channels that appeal to me.
3. What sorts of letters (or emails) do you think are the most difficult to write?
Formal emails, like the ones you send to recruiters, to your boss, to your professor and so on,
are very difficult to write. You have to choose the right tone for the emails so that they do not
appear too casual or too serious, and you have to pay attention to the format of the emails too.
4. Do you prefer to write letters or emails? Why?
It depends. For special occasions, like on someone’s birthday, I prefer writing letters to
congratulate them as handwritten letters can show my sincerity. However, if I need to write
something formal, say to a recruiter to apply for a certain position, email is my first choice.
It’s instant, easy to format and I can attach different files with it so it is very convenient too.
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5. Do you think email might one day replace handwritten letters?
I don’t think so. Handwritten letters still carry in themselves special meanings, one of which
is that they can show a writer’s sentiment. I always think that it feels different when you look
at someone’s handwriting, like you can actually sense their feelings when they wrote the
letter. So handwritten letters are irreplaceable, at least to me.
Vocabulary
1. Cherished [adj] (bringing the pleasure of love or caring about someone or something
that is important to you): cảm giác được yêu thương
E.g. Her most cherished possession is a 1926 letter from F. Scott Fitzgerald.
2. Tone [noun] (the general mood or main qualities of something): tông
E.g. I didn't like the jokey tone of the article - I thought it was inappropriate.
3. Sincerity [noun] (honesty): sự chân thành
E.g. So when I sat down to write my public letter of apology, it dripped with venomous
sincerity.
4. Sentiment [noun] (tender feeling or emotion): tình cảm
E.g. That song is full of patriotic sentiment. It moved me deeply.
5. Come in handy [expression] (to be useful): có ích
E.g. I’ll keep these bottles - they might come in handy.
14. Friends
1. Do you have many close friends?
I have only one friend I would confide in. I’m quite picky and more importantly, I have a
somewhat irrational fear that none of my friends really like me and that I'm just a guy they
can barely tolerate and it is hard for me to live in harmony with them.
2. Do you think friendship is important?
There is no doubt that friendships play a vital role in our life. They make our lives interesting
and wonderful. They help us develop a sense of sharing whether they are tangible things or
just inspirational or motivational words of wisdom.
3. Which do you prefer to spend time with: a friend or spend time alone?
It depends. Normally, I'm more of a loner and generally spend more time in solitude than
with friends. But when I’m in a bad mood, lonileness makes me feel isolated from the whole
world. These days, I will hang out with my friends so that sad and unhappy thoughts cannot
come into my mind.
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4. What kind of people do you like to have as friend?
I find myself attracted to people who are honest and who know how to behave with others. I
always avoid making friends with people who have a superiority complex.
5. Do you like face-to-face conversations with people?
Actually I like to talk with cyber friends more than having real-world conversations. I think
others observe me a lot, they judge me and hence I become very self conscious and shy away
from speaking face to face.
6. Are most of your friends from school or from outside school?
Most of my friends are from high school. People who I met at work or from clubs have less
in common with me, whereas at Uni we all shared interests in the same things and subjects.
7. How often do you meet with your friends?
When I was younger, I used to meet my friends almost everyday. Even friends outside of
school were a part of my daily social interactions. But now, as a 23 year old working
professional, I barely meet anyone during weekdays. I meet my closest friends only on some
weekends. These meetups are sporadic too.
8. What do you and your friends do together?
My closest friends and I have a mutual interest which is we always have a thirst for clothes
shopping, so whenever we have time, we will go shopping together until we break the bank.
Sometimes when we are out of money, just window shopping is enough.
9. How do people in your country meet others and make friends?
I don't think it particularly matters what country you're from. In every country, you can make
friends just by sitting next to someone a few times during class, then a friendship logically
happens. Otherwise, you can make cyber friends through social networks like Facebook or
Twitter.
10. Do adults and children make friends in the same way?
Adults use self disclosure to develop trust and loyalty among friends. This is quite
complicated in practice while children usually use common interests and goals as the basis of
their friendships. More importantly, kids have a whale of time with whoever, but adults have
to use their time for work and taking care of their family.
11. Do you think it is possible to become real friends with people you meet on the
internet?
Of course it is possible to establish real friendships with someone online. What you need in a
friendship is truthfullness, reliability, empathy, respect and loyalty. If you're getting all that
from your online friends then you can consider them as genuine friends.

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Vocabulary
Các từ thuộc chủ đề Communication and Personality
1. To live in harmony with one another
Meaning: to live with others in a way which avoids conflict or disagreement
Example: The students who share the house are all good friends and they are able to live in
harmony with one another.
2. To have a superiority complex
Meaning: to have a feeling that one is superior to others
Example: She has a superiority complex, imagining that she is somehow better than her
classmates at everything .
Các từ thuộc chủ đề Tourism
1. To have a thirst for
Meaning: to have a strong desire for something
Example: He has been all over the world, but he still has a thirst for seeing new places and
enjoying new experiences.
2. To break the bank
Meaning: to use up all one's money/ to cost too much.
Example: Having a winter vacation in the sun without breaking the bank is a dream come
true.
3. To have a whale of time
Meaning: to have an exciting or fun time
Example: We had a whale of a time at Ninh Van Bay Resort.
Các từ khác
1. Confide
[verb] to tell something secret or personal to someone who you trust not to tell anyone else
Eg: He confided (to her) that his hair was not his own.
2. Picky
[adj] very careful about choosing only what they like
Eg: Big companies can afford to be picky about who they hire.
3. Tolerate
[adj] to accept behaviours and beliefs that are different from your own, although you might
not agree with or approve of them:
Eg: I will not tolerate that kind of behaviour in my class.

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4. Tangible
[adj] real and not imaginary; able to be shown, touched, or experienced
Eg: We need tangible evidence if we're going to take legal action.
5. Isolate
[verb] to separate something from other things with which it is connected or mixed
Eg: A high wall isolated the house from the rest of the village.
6. Cyber
[adj] involving, using, or relating to computers, especially the internet
Eg: When she did venture forth from her digs, a favorite pastime was exploring the cyber
world with Fred and his computer.
7. Genuine
[adj] If people or emotions are genuine, they are honest and sincere
Eg: He has demonstrated a genuine interest in the project.
15. Music
1. Do you like listening to music?
I love listening to music, especially US-UK. My favorite artists are Miley Cyrus and Troye
Sivan; their songs always sound awesome to me.
2. When do you listen to music?
Basically I listen to music whenever I feel like doing so, but maybe I most often do that
before going to sleep, when I’m on the bus, or when I don’t have any important tasks to work
on.
3. Did you learn instruments?
I didn’t take up any musical instruments, and haven’t still. I have always wanted to learn to
play the piano ever since I was a kid, but never got the chance too. I’m planning on getting
some piano lessons this summer.
4. Did you have any music classes in school?
I used to have music classes back when I was in primary school and secondary school only. I
really loved my music class in secondary school - for our midterm and final tests, we had to
form a group of at least four and perform a certain song that we chose ourselves. It was so
much fun.
5. Do you think it is necessary for children to have music classes?

28
In my opinion, children should always have music classes. Music has been scientifically
proven to have positive influences on one’s way of thinking and feeling, so it will do people
good if they can experience music from an early age.
6. What do you think of Vietnamese traditional music?
It’s not really to my taste, to be honest. I literally cannot listen to traditional kinds of music
such as “ca tru”, “cai luong” or “cheo”. I really like listening to songs created during the war
though. Maybe because my dad was a soldier, he often told me stories about his years in the
army and so I can somehow relate deeply to those kinds of songs.
7. How much time do you spend listening to music every day?
It depends. I often listen to music when I’m doing the housework or when I’m on the bus. At
that time, I feel like I can immerse myself in my own world. When I need to really
concentrate on school work, I don’t really listen to music as it can cause some real
unwelcomed distraction.
8. What is your favorite kind of music?
I don’t have a particular taste in music. I can pretty much listen to everything as long as it
sounds good to me. Still, I can hardly listen to Vietnamese traditional music, some countries’
folk songs and several tracks belonging to the classical genre.
9. When did you start listening to this type of music?
[Let’s just say I’m into rock music]
The first time I heard a rock song was when my dad turned on the TV and there was a
performance of a very famous rock band in Vietnam called “Buc Tuong”. It was amazing. I
started searching for more songs from the Vietnamese band, and songs belonging to the same
genre, and have decided ever since that rock music would be a part of my spiritual life.
10. How do you feel when you listening to music?
Relaxed and free, I guess. Music, to me, is a way of hiding from all the hustle and bustle of
everyday life. I listen to music when I’m under a lot of pressure, and I just feel so fine. It’s
the feeling of finally coming home after years and years of living far away, I think.
Vocabulary
Từ vựng thuộc chủ đề The Arts:
1. folk songs
Meaning: songs in the traditional style of a country or community
Example: Traditional folk songs are part of the cultural heritage of a nation or region.
Dịch đại ý

29
Folk songs: nhạc cổ truyền/ dân tộc
Nghĩa: những bài hát theo phong cách truyền thống của một đất nước hay một cộng đồng.
Ví dụ: những bài hát dân tộc cổ truyền là một phần di sản văn hóa của một quốc gia hay một
vùng miền.
2. to take up a musical instrument
Meaning: to start to learn to play a musical instrument
Example: Schools should encourage all those children who have an interest to take up a
musical instrument.
Dịch đại ý
To take up a musical instrument: học chơi một nhạc cụ
Nghĩa: bắt đầu học để chơi được một nhạc cụ nào đó
Ví dụ: Trường học nên khuyến khích những học sinh mà có hứng thú chơi nhạc cụ.
3. genres of music
Meaning: particular types or styles of music
Example: Different genres of music tend to be favoured by different age groups, with
classical music more popular among the elderly.
Dịch đại ý
Genres of music: thể loại âm nhạc
Nghĩa: những thể loại hay phong cách âm nhạc cụ thể
Ví dụ: Những thể loại âm nhạc khác nhau được yêu thích bởi những lứa tuổi khác nhau, như
là nhạc cố điển thì được người cao tuổi ưa thích hơn.
Từ vựng khác:
1. Do sb good [expression] (to improve someone’s health or life): ảnh hưởng tốt đến sức
khoẻ hoặc cuộc sống của ai đó
E.g. You can't work all the time - it does you good to go out and enjoy yourself sometimes.
2. Be to one’s taste [expression] (be something one likes): đúng khẩu vị/sở thích của ai
đó
E.g. I'm not really into new cars - old vintage cars are more to my taste!
3. Relate [verb] (to be able to understand a situation or someone's feelings because you
have experienced something similar yourself): hiểu được, cảm nhận được
E.g. I often wake up very early - I'm sure most readers over 50 can relate.
4. Immerse yourself in something [verb] (to become completely involved in
something): chìm đắm trong cái gì

30
E.g. She got some books out of the library and immersed herself in Jewishhistory and
culture.
5. Hustle and bustle [expression] (noise and activity): sự ồn ào
E.g. I love the hustle and bustle of the marketplace.
6. Still [adv] (nevertheless; on the other hand): tuy vậy
E.g. I don’t really like weddings. Still, I’ll have to go or they’ll be offended.
16. Politeness
1. Do you think you are a polite person?
I do think I’m a polite person. I treat other people nicely and patiently, and I do not insult
anyone unless they truly deserve it. Also, I properly apologize when I make mistakes and I
show my gratitude when other people help me.
2. Do you think people should be polite? Why?
People should always be polite - it shows that they have good manners and it helps them earn
others’ respect. Being polite is like having good social skills - it can help one widen their
social network, and this can positively influence one’s private and professional life.
3. How do people in your culture show good manners towards others?
In Vietnam, showing good manners is when a junior properly greets a senior and talks to
him/her politely with sufficient and correct honorifics. Politeness also shows during a meal,
when people need to wish the others to have a nice meal and when the younger ones have to
wait for the older ones to finish before cleaning the table.
4. Have there been any changes in politeness in the past few decades?
I always have this feeling that people start being less and less polite to each other as time
passes. Maybe one of the reasons lies in the etiquette and codes of conduct that have
gradually changed over time. In the past, it was very important to behave according to one’s
social class, and those of a lower rank had to obey those of a higher one. But today’s society
is different - you need to work hard to earn somebody’s respect.
5. Who taught you to be polite?

31
This may sound weird but my friends actually taught me to be polite. I wasn’t a very nice
person when I was a kid, and my parents often scolded me for being rude to elders. One day,
I remember watching one of my friends talking really nicely and politely to a senior. She was
praised, and so I started imitating her. My parents were really surprised when I changed my
attitude, and they gave me some sweets as I was “being a good kid”. I have been showing my
politeness to everyone ever since.
Vocabulary
Từ vựng chủ đề Communication and Personality:
1. codes of conduct
Meaning: voluntary rules which people accept in a situation
Example: The code of conduct is voluntary but it is seen as a sign of best practice.
Dịch đại ý
Codes of conduct: quy tắc xứng xử
Nghĩa: những quy định được mọi người chấp nhận một cách tự nguyện trong giao tiếp
Ví dụ: Bộ quy tắc ứng xử là tự nguyện nhưng nó được coi là tiêu chuẩn thực hiện.
2. to have social skills
Meaning: to have the personal skills required for successful communication and interaction
Example: In all jobs which involve dealing with the public, it is important to have good
social skills.
Dịch đại ý
To have social skills: kỹ năng xã hội tốt
Nghĩa: có những kỹ năng cá nhân cần thiết cho giao tiếp và tương tác thành công.
Ví dụ: Mọi công việc liên quan đến quan hệ quần chúng đều yêu cầu kỹ năng xã hội tốt.
Từ vựng khác:
1. Insult [verb] (to treat (a person) rudely or contemptuously): xúc phạm
E.g. He insulted her by telling her she was not only ugly but stupid too.
2. Honorific [noun] (an expression of respect): kính ngữ
E.g. The Japanese use many honorifics in their speech.
3. Etiquette [noun] (the set of rules or customs that control accepted behaviour in
particular social groups or social situations): quy định, nghi thức
E.g. Social etiquette dictates that men cannot sit while women are standing.
17. Watches
32
How often do you wear a watch?
Since childhood I have had an affection for watches, so I wear my watch all the time. In fact
I’d feel naked without my watch. But I usually reserve nicer watches or the ones with
sentimental value for special occasions or when I wear luxurious clothes.
What was your first watch like?
I developed my affection for watches with a little cute Mickey Mouse dial shaped watch. And
I guess everyone around my age used to own one like that as it was quite in at the time.
What kind of watches do you like to wear?
I’m a big fan of dress watches with a leather strap. It completes me. It gives a classic look
and complements my outfit irrespective of the occasion.
Do people still wear watches in your country?
There are lot of watches being manufactured or imported and sold in my country since there
are tons of people who love wearing them. Some would love wearing them for their utility
while others would prefer to wear them as an accessory.
Did you receive any watch as a gift when you were a child?
Yes, the one I mentioned above, the Mickey Mouse dial shaped watch. My father rrecognised
my enthusiasm for watches and he gave it to me as a birthday gift when I was about 7. I
remember jumping around because of the excitement.
Vocabulary
1. Affection
[noun] a feeling of liking for a person or place:
Eg: She felt no affection for the child.
2. Irrespective
[adj] without considering
Eg: The legislation must be applied irrespective of someone's ethnic origins.
3. Utility
[noun] the usefulness of something, especially in a practical way
Eg: The utility of this substance has been proven in a series of tests.
4. Accessory
[noun] something added to a machine or to clothing that has a useful or decorative purpose
Eg: She wore a green wool suit with matching accessories.
18. Garden
33
1. Does your family have a garden?
No, we don’t have one at the moment, but I think my parents are planning to buy some land
so that we can have our own little garden. My mom’s really into flowers, you see; she’s
wanted to have a garden for herself ever since she was young.
2. Do many people in Vietnam have their own garden?
In the inner city areas- no, there’s no room for gardens, they are just concrete jungles. But
in the suburbs or in the countryside then yes, lots of people have their own garden. I mean my
aunts and uncles live in the countryside and they have very large gardens in which they plant
tons of vegetables and flowers.
3. If someone has a private garden in Vietnam, do they usually prefer to grow
flowers or vegetables?
It depends, I think. I’ve never seen anyone with a private garden in the city, but if there is
one, then the owner must want to grow flowers. Taking care of vegetables in the city requires
a lot of work and effort. People from the countryside, on the other hand, often grow
vegetables on their private plots.
4. (Why?) Have you ever grown anything? (in a garden, or possibly in a flower pot)
I used to grow some sort of beans in a very small pot back when I was in primary school. We
had an assignment in which we had to grow beans and bring them to class. It wasn’t very
successful though; the rats in the yard just kept eating all the beans and I couldn’t bring
anything to class at the time.
5. Do Vietnamese people like growing flowers?
I’m not really sure, but I guess not many people like growing their own flowers. I think most
of the time they just go to the market and buy some flowers instead.
6. Do you like growing flowers?
I don’t. Flowers are actually not my cup of tea. They surely look beautiful and some even
smell really good, but I just can’t see the point of constantly looking at or taking care of
flowers. I prefercactuses.
Vocabulary
Các từ thuộc chủ đề Cities
1. inner city areas
Meaning: the parts near the centre of a city
Example: The inner city areas where I live have a lot of crime and social problems.
2. a concrete jungle

34
Meaning: a way to describe a city that has no parks, trees or green spaces, just ugly concrete
buildings
Example: My parents would never leave the open space and fresh air of the countryside to
live in a concrete jungle, full of ugly buildings.
Từ vựng khác:
1. plot [noun] (a small piece of land used for a particular purpose)
E.g. My uncle has a plot of land on which he grows vegetables and flowers.
2. to be into something [expression] (to be enthusiastic or interested in): thích cái gì
E.g. Jackie’s really into classical music - he listens to it all the time.
3. not be somebody’s cup of tea [expression] (not the type of thing that somebody
likes): không phải thứ ai đó thích
E.g. Thanks for inviting me, but ballet isn’t really my cup of tea.
4. to see the point of something [expression] (to understand the purpose or aim of
something)
E.g. I don’t see the point of taking the exam again - it’s too difficult for me.
5. cactus [noun] (any of many types of desert plant usually with sharp spines and thick
stems for storing water): cây xương rồng
E.g. If you don’t have any flower pots in the house, at least plant some cactuses!
19. Internet
1. Do you use the internet (very much)?
I am currently in my first year at college, so using the internet is a must. I need to hand in
assignments and sometimes complete the quizzes through the college intranet. Aside from
that, I also use the internet to gain access to entertainment resources such as movies, music or
novels online.
2. When was the first time you used the internet?
I first accessed the internet when I was in grade six, which was about 7 or 8 years ago. I was
in my English class and the teacher set up some online exercises for us, and it was the first
time I learned what the internet was and how to use it.
3. Is the internet very important (or, useful) to you?
It is so important to me that I cannot imagine living a day without using it. The first reason
is because most of my work and assignments require the use of the internet, like submitting
an essay to the professor, or doing some research using the information found on the Internet.

35
Besides, I actually live quite far from my parents right now but we are still a close-
knitfamily, so with the internet I can make video calls and keep in touch with all the family
news.
4. Do think you can (or, could) live without the internet?
I actually experienced a time when I lived without the internet. It was before I entered grade
six, and I felt completely fine. I’m not addicted to using the internet, but it would be
impossible to pursue my studies without it.
5. Do you often (or, do you ever) buy things on the internet?
Yes, I love shopping online. The first time I did that was when I wanted to purchase a book
which I coudn’t find at any bookstores in my city. I ordered and received it in just a few days,
and it was in great condition. This was when I got really intoonline shopping - I started
buying a lot of books online, and then other types of consumer products ever since.
Vocabulary
Các từ thuộc chủ đề Technology:
1. the college intranet
Meaning: a network of computers within a college that can only be accessed by the staff and
students to set and mark work, enter into contact etc.
Example: Distance learning in education has been made possible by innovations such as the
college intranet system.
Dịch đại ý
The college intranet: mạng nội bộ trong trường cao đẳng
Nghĩa: một mạng lưới máy tính trong trường cao đẳng và chỉ được kết nốibởi nhân viên và
sinh viên trong trường để làm việc
2. to gain access to the internet/to access the internet
Meaning: to have the opportunity to use the internet
Example: Millions of people are able to access the internet in cafes, libraries or other public
places.
Dịch đại ý
To gain access to the internet: kết nối mạng
Nghĩa: có cơ hội sử dụng internet
Ví dụ: Hàng triệu người có thể kết nối mạng tại quán café, thư viện và những nơi công cộng
khác.

36
3. online shopping
Meaning: shopping while connected to the internet
Example: For people who are physically disabled, or even for people who are simply very
busy, online shopping is convenient and may also be cheaper.
Dịch đại ý
Online shopping: mua sắm trực tiếp
Nghĩa: mua sắm trên mạng internet
Ví dụ: Mua sắm trực tuyến thuận tiện và có thể rẻ hơn cho những người khuyết tật và cả
những người bận rộn.
Các từ thuộc chủ đề Family and Children

1. a close-knit family
Meaning: a family having strong relationships with each other
Example: We are aclose-knit family, spending a lot of time together.
Các từ thuộc chủ đề Health:

1. to be addicted to something
Meaning: to have a habit of being involved with something, so that you come to depend on it
Example: I don’t know which is worse – to be addicted to alcohol, tobacco, drugs or the
Internet !
Các từ khác:
1. to keep in touch with (expression) to communicate with someone
E.g. She keeps in touch with her friends by texting, e-mails and calling them on her mobile.
2. into [prep] (enthusiastic or interested in): thích cái gì
E.g. Jackie’s really into classical music - he listens to it all the time.
20. TV dramas
1. Are drama series popular in Vietnam? Why?
Yes, they are quite popular, especially among housewives. I think people like drama series
because of their diverse themes, entertaining storylines and because they are an escape from
the stress and pressure of daily life for the audiences.
2. What is the difference between the favorite TV dramas of young people and old
people? Why?
37
I think young people are more interested in action and adventure, which seems to match with
their age. On the other hand, old people would rather watch slow dramas, especially those
which dealwith family themes. The difference is due to the age gap.
3. Do you think TV dramas reflect what happens in the real world?
Only partly. The themes of TV dramas are quite similar to reality, insofar as they often deal
with contemporary social issues, such as divorce, domestic violence or family conflicts.
4. Do you think people change their tastes in TV drama when they get older?
Yes, to some extent. As you get more mature, you will be more into slow, meaningful
dramas. However, whether we change our preference or not is largely dependent on our own
interests.
5. What is the difference between Vietnamese and foreign TV dramas?
Well, Vietnamese drama series often exploit family themes. Meanwhile, foreign dramas
consist of broader topics, which include crime, law and medicine, catering for a wider
demand from viewers.
6. What is the influence of foreign shows on Vietnamese viewers?
I think they give Vietnamese people a chance to know more about foreign cultures, lifestyles
and codes of conduct,…Youngsters are more aware of the diversity of cultures in the world,
thanks to the influence of imported shows.
7. Some people say that soap operas don’t reflect real life, what do you think? why?
Well, I think this might be true. The plotsin soap operas are quite light, which contrasts with
the harsh reality of everyday life. As a matter of fact, life is becoming increasingly
demanding, while soap operas rarely take people out of their comfort zone.
8. Do you think soap operas have a bad influence on children?
Well, I think it depends on how seriously children take soap operas. They must have some
influence, because they are shown on prime time television. However, parents should teach
children how to distinguish between the fantasy world of TV dramas and the real world.
VOCABULARY:
CÁC TỪ THUỘC CHỦ ĐỀ: COMMUNICATION AND PERSONALITY (sách
collocations)
1. codes of conduct
Meaning: voluntary rules which people accept in a situation
Example: The Code of Conduct is voluntary but it is seen as a sign of best practice.
Dịch đại ý

38
Codes of conduct: quy tắc xứng xử
Nghĩa: những quy định được mọi người chấp nhận một cách tự nguyện trong giao tiếp
Ví dụ: Bộ quy tắc ứng xử là tự nguyện nhưng nó được coi là tiêu chuẩn thực hiện.
CÁC TỪ THUỘC CHỦ ĐỀ: MEDIA AND ADVERTISING
1. prime time television
Meaning: the hours during which most people are watching TV.
Example: Serious discussion programs are rarely shown on prime time television.
CÁC TỪ THUỘC CHỦ ĐỀ: SOCIETY
1. domestic violence
Meaning: violence among family members in the home
Example: Children who witness domestic violence often have behavioural problems when
they are growing up.
CÁC TỪ KHÁC:
1. diverse [adj]: very different from each other and of various kinds: đa dạng
Eg: The country includes people from diverse cultures.
2. similar [adj]: be like sb/sth but not the same: tương tự
Eg: We have very similar interests.
3. taste [n]: what a person likes or prefers
Eg: She has very expensive tastes in clothes – she would never wear anything cheap.
4. mature [adj]: behaving in a sensible way, like an adult : trưởng thành
Eg: Jane is very mature for her age, and she always behaves responsibly.
5. (to) exploit [v]: to use something well, in order to gain as much from it as possible
Eg: The movie industry exploits the public’s fascination with dinosaurs in order to make
money with movies like ‘Jurassic Park’.
6. demand [n]: the desire or need of customers for goods or services which they want to
buy or use : yêu cầu
Eg: There is a high demand for this product this season.
7. plot [n]: a series of events that form the story of a film, a play, a novel.
Eg: The plot of the book is based on a crime that actually took place in Paris.
8. light [adj]: not serious
Eg: The film is not serious – the plot about the romance of a boy and girl is very light.
9. comfort zone [n]: a situation in which you feel safe and comfortable and do not wish
to change

39
Eg: She was nervous about leaving the comfort zone of her steady job and familiar routine to
move to a new job and a different city.
10. (to) distinguish [v]: to know the difference between two people or two things : phân
biệt
Eg: Sometimes reality and fantasy are hard to distinguish.

40
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TỔNG HỢP 20 CHỦ ĐỀ SPEAKING PART 1 SẼ RA

THÁNG 5 – THÁNG 9/2017 BY NGOC BACH

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2. Is there any part of Vietnam where it doesn’t rain much? (Where?)

3. When (in what month/season) does it rain most in your hometown?

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1. Does rain ever affect transportation in your hometown? (How?)

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2. Plans and goals

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4. What’s your favorite season? (Why?)

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1. omnipresent [adj]: present everywhere: có mặt khắp mọi nơi

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2. What’s the origin of your name? (or, your surname)

3. Do you like your name?

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4. What do your friends call you?

6. What names are popular to give to babies in your country?

 Lame [adjective] (vớ vẩn) unsurprising and dull

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