UNIT 1: WEATHER AND CLIMATE

I. READING

1. Pre-reading:
1. Work with a partner and answer the following questions:
a) How many seasons are there in Vietnam? What’s the weather like in each season?
b) What is the climatic difference between Vietnam and other tropical countries?
c) Tell your partner about the weather in your favorite season in your hometown.
2. Read through the reading passage, what do these words mean?

Latitude precipitation strike distinct collide with

2. While-reading
Vietnam’s climate

Vietnam lies between roughly eight and

twenty-three degrees north latitude,
which places it within the tropical
monsoon belt. Vietnam’s climate is
generally hot and humid. Due to
differences in latitude and uneven
topography, Vietnam’s climatic
conditions are far from uniform.

In central and southern Vietnam,

seasonal variations are slight and marked
only by a dry and a wet period. The
average daily temperatures in the
Mekong Delta range from 17° to 34° C
(63° to 93° F) in January and from 22° to
33° C (72° to 91° F) in July. Along the
central coast, temperatures range from
18° to 28° C (64° to 83° F) in January
and from 24° to 37° C (76° to 99° F) in
July.
The northern plains experience greater
seasonal variations and generally have
cooler nighttime temperatures. The average daily temperatures at Hanoi, for example,
range from 13° to 20° C (56° to 68° F) in January and from 25° to 33° C (78° to 91°
F) in July.

In general, rainfall is plentiful throughout the country, although most precipitation in

southern and central Vietnam occurs during the summer months when monsoon winds
sweep in from the sea. The Mekong Delta has the longest rainy season, typically

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lasting from May to October. Central Vietnam receives heavy precipitation from
September to December. The average annual rainfall is about 1,680 mm (66 in) in the
Red River Delta, 1,650 mm (65 in) along the central coast, and 1,980 mm (78 in) in
the Mekong Delta. Hue is probably the “wettest” major lowlands city, receiving more
than 110 inches if precipitation per year. Typhoons periodically strike the central
coast, and in recent years some have caused considerable loss of life and destruction
of cropland.
Monsoon (Arabic mauism,”season”), is the wind that changes direction with the
change of seasons. The monsoon prevails mainly in the Indian Ocean. It blows from
the southwest, generally from April to October, and from the opposite direction, the
northeast, from October to April. The southwest, or summer, monsoon is usually
accompanied by heavy rain in areas of India and the East Indies, constituting the
dominant climate event of the area. The appearance of this wind pattern over
geological time has been linked, through sedimentary evidence, to the uplift of the
Himalayas and the Tibetan Plateau (Qing Zang Gaoyuan) as the Indian subcontinent
began to collide with the Asian crustal plate about 20 million years ago. The northern
land mass was high enough by about 6 million years ago to cause air rising from the
southern land mass to be replaced by the monsoon, establishing this wind pattern.

The following brief description of the climate in major cities in Vietnam illustrates the
variety of Vietnam’s climate.
HANOI
In Hanoi there are four distinct seasons: spring, summer, autumn, and winter. But it is
possible to divide the climate here into two main seasons: the rainy season from May
to September (it’s hot, heavy rain), and the dry season from October to April (it’s cold,
little rainfall). The annual average temperature is 23.2 oC, but in winter the average
temperature is 17.2oC. The lowest temperature ever recorded was 2.7 oC in 1955. The
average summer temperature is 29.2 oC, with the highest ever recorded temperature of
42.8oC in 1926. On average, there are 114 rainy days a year with around 1,800 mm of
rainfall.
QUANG NINH
The climate is typical for the climate of North Vietnam, featuring all four seasons. In
summer (from May to September), it's hot, humid and rainy, while monsoons flourish.
In winter (from October to April), it's cold, dry with little rainfall. The average
temperature is over 25oC. Annual rainfall totals between 1,700 and 2,400 mm.
HUE
Its tropical monsoon climate is characterized during all four distinct seasons: spring,
summer, autumn and winter. The spring is cool and warm, the summer is hot, the
autumn is cool and the winter is cold. The average temperature is of 25 oC. The best
time for tourists is from November to the next April.
LAM DONG (DA LAT)
The climate here is cold, with an average annual temperature of 18 oC. Dalat is the
capital town with mild temperature and there are beautiful natural landscapes with the
waterfalls, lakes and pine groves, and it is well known as Vietnam’s flower city.
HO CHI MINH

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 The climate is divided into two seasons, with the rainy season lasting from May to
November. The average annual temperature is 27.5 oC without winter, and yearly
rainfall totals 1,979 mm. Tourism is convenient for all 12 months of the year.
VUNG TAU
The climate here is tropical monsoon. The average annual temperature is 27 oC, it is
rarely stormy, and rich in sunshine. Vung Tau does have wintertime, so resorts can
open throughout the year.
(Adapted from Vietnam culture and customs by Nguyen Thi Dieu)

Activity 1: Based on the information from the passage, answer the

following questions
1. Why do the climatic conditions in Vietnam vary from region to region?
2. What was the lowest ever temperature in Hanoi?
3. What climatic phenomenon was recorded in 1926?
4. When does the monsoon blow to Vietnam in northeast directions?
5. What is the appearance of monsoon linked with?
6. When is the best time to visit Hue?
7. Which climatic phenomenon is thought to cause serious damages in Vietnam for
the last few years?

Activity 2: Based on the information from the passage, write these letters next to
each statement
T: if the statement is true
F: if the statement is false
NG: if there is no information about this in the passage
1. The north and the central region experience the greater seasonal variation than the
south.
2. The Red River Delta receives as much rain as the central coast every year.
3. In Quang Ninh, the summer monsoon flourishes in September.
4. In most part of Vietnam, there are four distinct seasons in a year.
5. Climatic conditions in Vung Tau are one of the tourism advantages.
6. Pine groves are popular in Dalat due to the monsoon climate.

3. Post-reading:
1. Choose one city or region to fill in the table with the information in the reading
passage.

Region/city: Vietnam
Seasons in
a year
Months

Weather

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 Temperatures

Rainfall
Others

2. Work in groups, use the information in the chart and discuss the tourism
advantages and disadvantages due to the weather conditions in the area.

II. SPEAKING:
Activity 1: Group-work. Work in groups of 4 or 5 to make an introductory
presentation about a town or city’s weather in Vietnam. Your presentation may
follow the following outline:
 Seasons in a year
 Coldest months
 Hottest months
 The best time to visit
 kinds of plants and animals live there
 What people do to adapt this kind of weather

Activity 2: Work with a partner; compare the weather in Hanoi with the weather in
your hometown. What activities are popular in each season? Write down the
information in the chart.
Hanoi Your hometown
What’s the weather
like in the spring?
What are the
popular activities? (
such as clothes to
wear? Food to eat?
Sports to play?)
What’s the weather
like in the summer?
What are the
popular activities? (
such as clothes to
wear? Food to eat?
Sports to play?)
What’s the weather
like in the autumn?
What are the
popular activities? (
such as clothes to
wear? Food to eat?
Sports to play?)

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What’s the weather
like in the winter?
What are the
popular activities? (
such as clothes to
wear? Food to eat?
Sports to play?)

* Language in use:
Weather collocation

Vocabulary:
1. Match each group of adjectives with one of the nouns on the right
1. light, steady, heavy, torrential e a. storm
2. light, stiff (khắc nghiệt) d b. fog
3. dense, thick, patchy b c. sky
4. severe, tropical a d. breeze
5.clear, blue, grey, cloudless c e. rain
6.beautiful, bright, brilliant g f. temperature
7. High, low, warm, humid, mild, cool j g. sunshine
8. high, strong, terrible f h. weather
9. lovely, good, perfect, awful i i. wind
10. hot, warm, cool, cold, harsh h j. climate
11. What miserable/horrible/terrible, k. Good weather
foul weather! L
12. What l. Bad weather
lovely/beautiful/glorious/fabulous
weather! K

Note: a breeze is a fairly strong wind. It is not as strong as a gale.

Fog is much thicker than mist. It’s often misty in the morning or in the mountains.
Drizzle is a very fine rain.
If it is overcast, it is very dull.
Wintry showers is used on weather forecasts to mean a little snow.
2. Here are some more expressions to describe the weather. Find the
Vietnamese meaning.
1. A gust of wind
2. A ray of sunshine
3. A sheet of ice
4. A blanket of snow
5. A spell of bad weather

3. Ways of describing weather

1. verbs to describe the weather

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 The sun is shining It's drizzling

It's raining (The rain is

The wind is blowing
falling.)

It's pouring (The rain

It's hailing
is pouring down.)

It's snowing (The snow

It's thundering
is falling.)

2. Using adjectives to describe the weather

Sweltering = It's Freezing = It's

sweltering. or It's a freezing. or It's a
sweltering day. freezing day.

Warm = It's warm. or It's a Cold = It's cold. or It's

warm day. a cold day.

Sunny = It's sunny. or It's a Cloudy = It's cloudy.

sunny day. or It's a cloudy day.

Clear = It's clear. or It's a Stormy = It's stormy.

clear day. or It's a stormy day.

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 Misty = It's misty. or It's a Foggy = It's foggy. or
misty day. It's a foggy day.

Breezy = It's breezy. or It's Windy = It's windy.

a breezy day or It's a windy day.

Showery = It's showery. or Rainy = It's rainy. or

It's a showery day. It's a rainy day.

Frosty = It's frosty. or It's a Snowy = It's snowy.

frosty day. or It's a snowy day.

Icy = It's icy. or It's an icy Drizzly = It's drizzly.

day. or It's a drizzly day.

. Dry = It's dry. or It's a Wet = It's wet. or It's a

dry day. wet day.

3. Note: We can talk about weather with a noun.

Example: There’s 90% chance of snow in Paris today.

4. Weather forecast
Use the correct form of the verbs to complete the forecast

Tomorrow the south will again (1reach warm and dry. Temperature could
(2)…. Rise.25 0 C during the afternoon. In the north, the day will start quite cool, but
temperature will(3Remain gradually during the day. Later in the week, the weather will
turn cold and night time temperature could (4)……. fall as low as 8 0 C.

No use these words to complete the next forecast:

Wintry Icy Melt sleet frost

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 To night will be cold and most parts of the country can expect an overnight (5)……
Tomorrow will also be bitterly cold with (6)……..showers in many places. Rain or
(7)……will turn to snow, especially on high ground, later in the day. Road will be
(8)…….and drivers are advised to take extra care. At the weekend day time
temperatures could fall below zero and there will be snow in most parts of the country.
Monday will be a little warmer and and by Tuesday morning the snow will begin to
(9)…….

Language in use: Comparative and Superlative
1. Look at the list of the following prices of hotel rooms. Write true (T) or false
(F) for each of the sentences below.

Gateway Sheraton
Prices 14 nights
Dates 14 nights
1 Oct-31 Dec $ 495 $ 546
1 Jan-31 Mar $464 $ 515
1 Apr – 30 Apr (closed) ----- ---
1 May – 31 May $ 518 $573
1 Jun – 30 Sep $609 $695

a. The Sheraton hotel is cheaper than the Gateway hotel F

b. The most expensive time in both hotels is from January to the end of March. F
c. The cost of a room in the Gateway is less in September than in March. F
d. No one can stay in either hotel during April. T
e. A fortnight in the Sheraton in August costs almost $700. t
f. Fourteen nights in the Gateway in February are not as expensive as fourteen nights
in the same hotel in July T
g. From January to March, it is cheaper to spend two weeks in the Gateway than
from June to September. T
h. It costs less to stay in both the Gateway and the Sheraton in November than in
February. F
i. It is dearer to stay in the Sheraton in July than it is in the February. T
j. Both hotels are open for eleven months of the year. T
k. The lowest price you can pay at anytime is for two weeks in October at the Gateway
Hotel. f

2. Revise the rules for comparative and superlative

1. How do you form the comparative and superlative of short adjectives (adjectives
with one syllable or two syllables ending with –y, -ow, -er )?
2. What is the comparative and superlative of expensive?
3. What is the comparative and superlative of bad?
4. Which is incorrect? Friendlier, likelier, or happier

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5. What should we do when we form the comparative and superlative of
an adjective/adverb which ends with –e or -y?
6. Can you name some structures that can be used for comparison?

Stop and check

1. Match a part in A with one in B to have a compound
1. weather a. storm
2. Thunder b. scale
3. Snow c. forecast
4. rain d. coat
5. Richter e. wind
6. earth f. wave
7. monsoon g. land
8. Lao h. storm
9. tidal i. quake
10. low j. season

1. ____ 2.____ 3.____4.____ 5.____ 6.____ 7.___ 8.____ 9.____ 10.____

2. Match a noun or phrase in A with a definition in B

1. Tornado a. it happens when an area becomes covered in water, often making
people leave their home.
2. Volcano b. an extremely large wave caused by movement of the earth under the
sea, often caused by an earthquake.
3. flood c. a long period with little or no rain
4. forest fire d. a very powerful storm, often at sea.
5. drought e. very strong circular winds which suck things up into them.
6. tidal wave f. a big wave in the sea over thousands of miles.
7. earthquake g. the measured amount of heat in a place or in the body.
8. typhoon h. a large mountain which erupts from time to time and sends rocks up
into the air.
9. temperature i. A sudden violent movement of the surface of the earth, making
houses and bridges collapse.
10. tsunami j. it occurs when areas of woodland are burned.

1. ____ 2.____ 3.____4.____ 5.____ 6.____ 7.___ 8.____ 9.____ 10.____

3. The words on the left refer to a word or phrase on the right. Write the word or
phrase on the right.
Ex. Blue, red, black, white Colours
1. rain, flow, drown, water
2. wind, lighting, tree, blow down
3. mount, crater, active, dormant
4. shake, crack, Richter scale, surface

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 5. funnel, powerful, circular, suck
6. burn, spread, woodland, smoke
7. dry, land, drop failure, thirsty
8. tsunami, wave, coastal, village, sea
9. regular pattern, weather
conditions, particular place
10. ball of ice, fall like rain, cold

4. Choose the best answer among A, B, C, D.

1. The ______ time to visit Hanoi is around September to November or from March
to April for their milder temperatures and pleasant weather.

2. Ho Chi Minh city is generally warm, and has a _______ season from May
to November and a dry season from December to April.
A. monsoon B. sunset C. rain D. storm
3. The ____ in Sapa is famous for changing frequently and quickly. It is said that only in
Sapa, one can experience many different seasons within only one day.
A. weather B. rain C. climate D. latitude
4. The ________ windy months of the year in Nha Trang are May, April and June.
A. little B. less C. least D. lest
5. Da Nang whose average rainfall is 2,505mm per year that concentrates during October
and November is reputed ____ Ba Na resort.
A. for B. with C. from D. by
6. On the Hon Ba Mountain (30km from Nha Trang), the climate of Khanh Hoa is ____
in Dalat and Sapa.

7. Hai duong province lies in the Red River delta, from 20o36 to 21o33 ______ and
from 106o30 to 106o36 longitude.
A. attitude B. attribute C. latitude D. degree

8. Vietnam is _____ of the top ranking countries which are strongly impacted by the
climate change because it possesses long seashore.

9. In rainy season, the island acts as the gateway to West-South West monsoon.
The annual average rainfall is around 3,000 mm.

10. The______ you watch the weather forecast the ____ advantage you have.

11. Today is _____cold than yesterday. So, I’m wearing my shorts.

A. little B. least C. less D. the least
12. The wind was blowing so _____that I could _____walk.
A. hard/hard B. hardly/hard C. hard/hardly D. hardly/hardly
13. This morning is ____________than yesterday morning.
A. most peaceful B. peaceful C. peacer D. more peaceful
14. The weather gets ____and ___________.
A. warm /warm B. warmer/warm C. warm/warmer D. warmer/warmer

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15. Hanoi has __________seasons than Ho Chi Minh.
A. more B. most C. many D. much
16. In the dry season, the average annual humidity of Binh Duong is in the range of
76%-80%, with the _________ at 86% in September and the lowest at 66% in
February.

17. In Vietnam, the lunar calendar is used mainly to ……..the year into
seasons for agriculture purposes.
A. put B. cut C. divide D. chop
18. Yesterday was the ______day of the year.
A. hot B. hotter C. hottest D. hottest
19. The Winter in Hanoi is said to be different ____ in other country, which make
foreign travelers – who are familiar with the winter in their countries – still have to
spend times to adapt to this special coldness.

20. The Mekong Delta has_____longest rainy season, typically lasting

from September to December.
A. a B. an C. the D. some

Follow-ups:
1. Access Internet and find out the weather forecast for London, Ho Chi Minh city
and Sydney for the next five days.
2. Write a brief weather forecast in words for one of them.

IV. WRITING AND TRANSLATION

Activity 1: Complete the following sentences using the prompts given.
1. The average/ temperature /Hue /25 0 C.
2. The Bac Bo /plain/ northern Trung Bo/down to/ Ngang Pass/have /two/
clearly/distinct/season/cold/hot.
3. Underground/waters/Vietnam/abundant/enough/supply/rivers/the dry season/keep the
vegetation/green/all the year round.
4. Dalat/reputed/the waterfalls/lakes/love valley.
5. The climate/major cities/Hanoi/Hue/Ho Chi Minh city/illustrate/the
variety/Vietnam/Climate.

Activity 2: Translate the following sentences into English and vice versa
1. Though situated in the tropical zone, Vietnam has two climate regimes connected with
two different topographic features: North Vietnam has cold and hot seasons while in
the South Vietnam the climate is hot all round the year.
2. The coastal areas of Bac Bo and almost all Trung Bo are visited every year by
typhoons coming from the East Sea at the end of the summer and the beginning of
autumn; at least two or three storms, sometimes seven or eight hurricanes at this time
with the most violent ones causing tidal waves to sweep kilometers over the shore.
3. The Binh Tri Thien area from Ngang to Hai Van Pass is hot and dry in summer but
rainy in autumn, as the Truong Son range checks the north- eastern monsoon, pushes
the humid clouds upwards. This results in continual rains at the end of the year.
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4. Vào đến khu cực nam Trung Bộ, thì nóng rát, lại mưa ít, chỉ độ 720mm một năm,
phần lớn thời gian trong năm là hạn hán.

5. Với khí hậu nhiệt đới mưa nhiều, tổng lượng dòng chảy ở Việt Nam khá lớn, đạt tới
867 tỷ m3 mỗi năm. Bốn hệ thống sông dài nhất: Sông Cửu Long, sông Hồng, sông
Mã, sông Lam hay sông Cả. Các sông ngòi ở Việt Nam chảy mạnh, sói mòn địa hình,
cuốn cát bùn trôi theo mỗi năm, ứơc tính đến 300 triệu tấn.

V. Listening
A. Choose the best answer (a, b, c, d) for each of the following or statements.
1. According to the text in which season is the sky blue and cloudless?
A. Spring B. Summer C. Autumn D. Winter
2. In …………, the farmers work in the fields from morning till night.
A. Spring B. Summer C. Autumn D. Winter
B. Write T in front of a statement if it is true according to the recording and
write F if it is false.
1. According to the text, it is in the autumn that millions of stars shine at night.
2. It is in spring that the grass must be cut and the hay must be made.
3. In winter, the days get shorter and the nights longer.
4. Autumn brings with its harvest time.
5. We spend more time indoors when winter comes.
C. Fill in the missing words
In spring, (1)…………..wakes from her long winter (2)……………. The trees
are(3)………..with new life, the (4)……………….is warned by the (5)…………..of
the sun, and the weather gets gradually (6)………………. The fields and
(7)…………are covered with (8)…………………green grass. The
(9)…………….and forests are filled with the (10)…………….of birds. The sky is
blue and (11)……………. At night (12)…………..of stars shine in the darkness.

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 UNIT 2 MAJOR RIVERS IN VIETNAM

 Reading
I. Pre-reading. Before you read, ask and answer the following questions with
your partner.
1. Name some major rivers in Vietnam. Where are they? Red River – the longest river
in Northern Vietnam, plays an important role for the daily life of local people
living in the northern area
a. What are the roles of rivers in general?

b. March is the month in which the Red River carries the smallest volume of water.
c. One of the world largest rivers, the Mekong is more than 2,700 miles long from its
recently discovered source in Tibet to its mouths on the South China Sea.
d. Dikes have stood along the Red River since 1108.
e. The river enters Vietnam at Ha Khau (Lao Cai Province) and gets into the Gulf of
Tokin at Ba Lat (Nam Dinh Province).
2.
II. While-reading. Read the following passage and do the activities below.

Vietnamese describe Vietnam as resembling a shoulder pole with a rice basket

at each end. The image is useful, for the heavily populated, grain-production areas of
modern Vietnam are in the extreme North (in the Red River Delta) and South (the
Mekong Delta).
The Red River (Song Hong), originating in China’s Yunnan Province, is about
750 miles long. The Red River and its major tributaries, the Clear (Song Lo) and
Black River (Song Da), are vital for irrigation, transportation and hydroelectric power
but are subject to violent unpredictable flooding.
The flood season lasts for 5 months, from June to October. The peak of the
season, with the highest average water run-off, is August, when the Red River’s
volume of water account for 15% of the total annual volume and is equal to the total
volume of the seven dry months (from November to May of the following year).
Flood control has always been crucial to the delta’s habitation and exploitation,
and a vast system of dikes and canals contains the Red River and irrigates the Delta’s
flatland. At present, Vietnam has 1,267 km of dikes along both banks of this river.
Despite its danger, the River deposits rich silt on the lowlands. Its alluvium enhances
the fertility of the paddy fields and helps build up and enlarge the delta area. The fry
of the Red River constitutes an important source of fish strains for fresh water fish
farming in the delta.
The South’s major river is the Mekong, known in Sino Vietnamese as Song
Cuu Long, or “Nine Dragon” River, given its many branches that open on the South
China Sea. The Mekong River’ annual floods, usually calmer and more predictable
than the Red River’s due to the flatter local terrain and the stabilizing influence of
Cambodia’s Tonle Sap Lake, deposit its rich silt throughout the Mekong Delta,
 making it one of the world’s most fertile regions. The Mekong Delta is modern
Vietnam’s second great agricultural and population center, although the Viet did not
begin significant settlement here until 1600s. In addition to rice, still the main crop,
sugarcane, bananas, and coconuts are produced abundantly.

2. Explain how you decide where the sentences belong.

Activity 2: Based on the information from the passage, write these letter next to
each statement:
T: if the statement is true.
F: if the statement is false.

1. Vietnam is like a shoulder pole in shape. F

2. The Red River has its source in Yunnan Province. T
3. The Cuu Long River is vital for irrigation, transportation but not for hydroelectric
power. NG
4. Violent flooding in both the Red River and the Mekong River is predictable. T
5. The dike and canal systems have helped fishermen a lot in fish farming NG
6. The flood in the Mekong River Delta is calmer than that in the Red River due to the
steeper terrain. F
7. Both rivers deposit their rich silt that makes the deltas two of the world’s most fertile
regions T
 Activity 1: From paragraph 2 to 5, each one has a sentence missing.
3. Read the passage carefully and write the number of each sentence in the correct
place.

Activity 3: Find words or expressions in the passage that mean the same as:
1. a stream or river that flows into a larger river.
2. rain or other liquid that flows off the land into rivers.
3. to supply land or crops with water.
4. soil left by rivers, lakes, floods etc.
5. a field in which rice is grown in water.
6. in large quantities.
7. the ability of the land or soil to produce good crops.
III. Post-reading. Discuss the following questions.
1. How can the river system in Vietnam help develop economy?
2. What can the river system in Vietnam help develop tourism?

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  Speaking
Activity 1: Work in pair. Think of a famous river or lake in Vietnam or in the world.
Activity 2: Make an introductory presentation on the river or lake chosen.

 Language in use:
Asking for someone’ opinions; giving your opinions; trying to change
someone’s opinions
1. Asking for someone’s opinions: The following expressions are used when you want
to ask someone’s opinions:
Example:What do you think about that?

What do you feel/ think about…? How do you feel about….?

What are your views/ feelings about..? Have you got any comments on…?
What’s your opinion of …? What is your reaction to…?
What do you reckon to…? Do you have any particular views
What about….? on…?
What would you say to…?
Practice. What do you say in the following situations?
a. You are attending a language school in England. Your class has been asked to
interview people in the street about their attitude to the existence of language school
in their town.
b. You’re chatting over coffee to a friend a work, Mick, about recent
government financial measures.
c. You are a junior executive in a large company which has announced pay increases for
its employees. You ask various people for their opinion of the increase.
d. You work for a financial journal. You ring up a Mr Blake, managing director of
a large textiles firm, whom you have never met, to ask him about the rumors that
another firm is making a takeover bid for his firm.
2. Giving your opinions: The following expressions are used when you want to
give your opinions:
Example: What do you think of the theater in London?
As I see, it’s probably the best in the world.

In my view/ opinion,… If you ask me, …

Personally, I believe/ I feel…. I reckon…
It seems to me… What I reckon is…
Well, I must say… I’d say..
Don’t you think..? I’m convinced that…
I’d just like to say… I consider…
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 From my point of view,…
As far as I concerned,….
To my mind,…
The way I see it, …
From where I stand, ….
I’m of the opinion/ view
My own view of the matter is…
It’s my considered opinion that…
With all due respect, ….
If I may say so,…

Practice. What do you say in the following situations?

a. You’re at the theater. Before the performance starts, you are having a conversation
with the person who happens to be sitting next to you. He asks what you think
about the theater.
b. You are attending a scientific conference on energy, and talking to another delegate.
c. The government has just announced an increase in income tax. You think this move
is a mistake. You want to tell various people your opinion.

3. Trying to change someone’s opinions: The following expressions are used

when you want to change someone’s opinions:
Example: I think Canada is a boring place.
But don’t you think the Rockies are beautiful?

Yes, but do you really think …. But if we look at it in another light, …

Surely you don’t think….
Is/ isn’t it possible that…?
Another way of looking at it would
be that…
Surely not, I mean…
On the other hand…
Hold on,…
Well, think of it this way,…
But look at it like this, …
Don’t you really think…?
Are you kidding?
But seen from another angle, one
might say…
But there are other considerations.
For example, ….
I wonder if you have taken
everything into account/
consideration. For instance,…
Yes, but if we look at the whole
picture, …
I wonder if that view /opinion
is justified in the light of….
I respect your opinion view of course.
However, ….
Well, I think others might say…

Practice. What do you say in the following situations?

a. Someone sitting next to you in a bus shows you a newspaper headline: The killed
in climbing disaster.
b. At your friend, Birth’s house you have just watched England being beaten 3-0 in
an international match. You friend is very disappointed.
16
c. You are on a visit to London and are talking to another guest in your hotel. He
doesn’t like the parks in London.
d. You are at an informal party. The conversation is about education and one guest
says that the English system of comprehensive school has been a total failure.

III. STOP AND CHECK:

Activity 1: Put the given words into each gaps:

tributaries / enters / flows / distributaries / route / silt-laden /
agricultural / emptying / eponymous / between
The Red River begins in China's province in the mountains south of Dali. It
(1)……. generally southeastward, passing through Dai ethnic minority areas before
leaving China through Yunnan's Honghe Autonomous Prefecture. It (2)……. Vietnam
at Lào Cai Province. It forms a portion of the international border between China and
Vietnam. Once reaching the lowlands near Viet Tri, the river and its (3)………….
spread out to form the Red River Delta. The Red River flows past the Vietnamese
capital Hanoi before (4)……… into the Gulf of Tonkin. Tonkin is the former name of
the northern provinces of Vietnam and thus the (5)………. body of water receiving
the main river of "Tonkin".
The reddish-brown heavily (6)……... water gives the river its name. The Red
River is notorious for its violent floods with its seasonally wide volume fluctuations.
The delta is a major (7)……… area of Vietnam with vast area devoted to rice. The
land is protected by an elaborate network of dikes and levees.
In the 19th century, the river was thought to be a lucrative (8)…… to China. It was
the forced opening of the Red River to European commerce that prompted the 1883–
1886 wars (9)……… France and the Vietnamese court, culminating in the conquest of
Vietnam.
The Black River and Lô River are the Red River's two chief (10)………… .

Activity 2.Put the verbs into their correct forms .1 is 2drains 3runs 4established 5
The Mekong (be is a river in Southeast Asia. It is the world's 10th-
longest river and the 7th-longest in Asia. Its estimated length is 4,909 km (3,050 mi),
and it (drain)…… an area of 795,000 km2 (307,000 sq mi), (discharge)
……….475 km3 (114 cu mi) of water annually.
From the Tibetan Plateau this river (run)…….. through China's Yunnan
province, Burma, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam. Laos, Thailand, Cambodia
and Vietnam (establish)……. the Mekong River Commission (MRC) in 1995
(assist)……. in the management and coordinated use of the Mekong's resources. In
1996 China and Burma (become)…….. "dialogue partners" of the MRC and the six
countries now work together within a cooperative framework.

17
 The extreme seasonal variations in flow and the presence of rapids and
waterfalls in this river (make)……… navigation difficult. Two hundred Chinese
border police and 100 policemen from Myanmar, Laos and Thailand (escorte)……. a
convoy of 10 Chinese cargo ships (depart)…….. Guanlei, China, recently. The river is
a major trading route (link)…….. China’s southwestern province of Yunnan to the
South China Sea via Myanmar, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam, and (provide)
…….. locals with an invaluable outlet to the sea and international trading.

IV. WRITING AND TRANSLATION.

Activity 1: Complete the following sentences using the prompts given.

1. Victoria Lake/ also/ know as/ Victoria Nyanza lake/ in east central Africa/ border/ by/
Uganda/ Kenya/ Tanzania.
2. It /have/ area/ 69,490 sq km/ and/ lie/ 1,130 m/ sea level.
3. The lake/ 337 km/ long/ stretch/ about/ 240 km.
4. Victoria/ world's second largest/ freshwater lake/ after/ Lake Superior.
5. It/ drain/ by/ the Nile River/ and/ its chief affluent/ the Kagera River.
6. Lake Victoria/ economical/ important/ the surrounding region/ which/ have/ one of
Africa's highest population densities.

Activity 2: Translate the following sentences into Vietnamese.

1. For centuries the Mekong has provided inland transportation for people, and
merchandise for millions living along its banks, and tributaries. It also provides them
with their only outlet to the sea, at Vietnam.
 Trong hàng thế kỉ, sông Cửu Long
2. The Mekong Basin can be divided into two parts: the 'Upper Mekong Basin' in Tibet
and China, and the 'Lower Mekong Basin' from Yunnan downstream from China to
the South China Sea.
3. Agricultural expansion and population pressure are the major reasons for land use and
landscape change.
4. The Red River (Vietnamese: Sông Hồng; Chinese: 红河; pinyin: Hóng Hé), also known as
the Sông Cái - Mother River (Vietnamese), or Yuan River (Chinese), is a river that flows
from southwest China through northern Vietnam to the Gulf of Tonkin.

18
 UNIT 3 FAMOUS GROTTES AND CAVES IN VIETNAM

I. READING

1. Pre-reading:
1. Work with a partner and answer the following questions:
d) Name some Vietnam’s famous grottoes and caves you know.
e) Have you been there? When? With whom?.
2. Read the following passage quickly and fill in the table below.
Location Special Features Admission

Bich Cave

Phong Nha
Cave

Dau Go Grotto

2. While-reading

Bich Cave (Green Pearl Cave)

Bich Cave is in the Ngu Nhac Mountains, in Dam Khe village, Ninh Hai
quarter, Hoa Lu District. In 1773, Mr. Nguyen Nghiem visited this cave. After
viewing the whole scenery of the mountains, waterways, fields, and sky covered in
green mist, he gave the cave a very beautiful and romantic name, Bich Dong (Green
Pearl Cave). Bich Cave is said to be the most beautiful cave in Vietnam.
Take a boat from Van Lam wharf to reach the Tam Coc Caves, consisting
of the Hang Ca, Hang Hai and Hang Ba. These caves are adorned with beautiful
stalactites and stalagmites of different shapes and colours that sparkle like
gemstones. Tam Coc is 3 km from Van Lam wharf. Renting a boat costs 25,000
VND and admission is 1,000 VND.

Phong Nha Caves

This set of 14 caves is situated in a region of limestone mountains in Ke
Bang, 50 kilometers from Dong Hoi. The grottoes are 10 to 40 meters high. The
Phong Nha Caves are among the deepest caves in the world, about 4,500 meters.
In April 1997, a scientific seminar was organized at the renowned tourist
sight of Phong Nha -Xuan Son in Quang Binh. The research showed that the
caves were the longest water-caverns with the highest and broadest entrance and
the longest underground river in Vietnam. It also showed that the underground
sand and stone beaches were the widest and the most beautiful. Other research has

19
 suggested that these caves contained the most magnificent underground lake
and the most beautiful and magical stalactites and stalagmites.
Phong Nha Caves are 50 km from Dong Hoi. Admission costs US$ 6 per person. The
entrance of the cave can only be reached by boat (3 km), which takes 30 minutes.

Dau Go Grotto
Dau Go Grotto is found on Driftwood island, formally known as Canh Doc
Island. The name Driftwood Grotto comes from the popular story of the resistance
war against the Nguyen Mong aggressors.
The entrance is reached via 90 steps up the island. The grotto is divided into
three main parts. In the first chamber, exposed to natural light, many forms can be
seen in the rock according to the imagination of the observer. In the middle of the
chamber, on the top of the pillar, there appears to be a monk draped in a long, dark
cloak, with his right hand clasping a cane. Moving into the second chamber,
visitors pass through a narrow "door", naturally formed through erosion. The light
here is mysterious and new images appear in the stone. At the end of the grotto is a
well of clear water.
Dau Go Grotto is 40 minutes from Bai Chay. Admission is 15,000 VND per
person, 5,000 for children and it is free for children under 6.

Activity 1: Read the reading passage again. Find words or phrases that mean the
same as:
1. specious stone
2. the cost of entrance
3. to be covered
4. invaders
5. a sharp pointed object hanging down from the roof of a cave
6. a piece of clothing like a coat without sleeves

Activity 2: Based on the information from the reading passage, write these letters
next to each statement.
T: if the statement is true
F: if the statement is false

1. Bich Dong was given its name because of the color of the scenery.
2. Stalactites and stalagmites in Bich Dong are gemstones.
3. It takes 15 minutes to get to Bich Dong from Van Lam wharf.
4. The Phong Nha Caves, which include 14 caves, are the deepest caves in the world.
5. The most recent research on Phong Nha caves was in 1997.
6. You can enter the cave by both waterway and roadway.
7. The name Dau Go was originally a Chinese name.

20
8. Dau Go Grotto includes three chambers full of nature light.
9. Many forms and images can be seen in the grotto.

3. Post-reading. What do you think?

1. What is the most attractive place to you?
2. Which place would you go? If so, who would you go with? How long for?
3. How would you recommend the places to visitors?

II. SPEAKING
Activity 1: Group-work. Work in groups of 4 or 5 to make an introductory
presentation about a famous Grotto and cave in Vietnam. You should
say:
 Where it is
 What kind of place it is
 What makes it special

* Language in use:
Inviting- Accepting and declining an invitation; Offering-Accepting and declining an
offer.
1. Inviting someone: These expressions are used to invite someone.

lease do… I’d very much like you to……

You will…..won’t you? Won’t you….?
Shall we…? We should be very pleased if you
We should be delighted if you were could….
able to/ could… Would you care to…?
Perhaps you’d care to...? D’you fancy (coming along)?
Like to…? What about…?
You must….. Come and…
Why don’t you…? p. …request the pleasure of (your
q…have/ take pleasure in inviting company at a reception)
(Mr John Davis) to ( a reception) r …invite ….to …
s. You are cordially invited to (attend
a reception).
2. Accepting and declining an
invitation. Accepting Declining
a. I’d like to (very much) a. Thank you (very much) but …
b. I would, very much b. That’s very kind of you but…
c. That would be very c. I’m terribly sorry, I don’t think I
nice can.

21
 d. That sounds a nice idea
e. I’d like nothing better
…
f. Yes, I will/ do
g. You’re on
away.
h. All right/ Great/ Lovely
i. I’ll take you on that
j. With the greatest of pleasure
3. Offering: These expressions are used to offer to do something for someone.
a. Can I help?
b. Let me
c. Shall I..?
d. If you like I could…
e. What can I do to help?
way?
f. Would you like any help?
d. I wish I could but..
e. I’m afraid I’ve already promised to
f. I’d love to but ….
g. Oh, what a shame. I’m going to be
h. Sorry, I can’t. But thanks anyway.
i. Unfortunately, ….
j. Much to my regret, …
g. Is there anything I can do?
h. Can I help out?
i. May I be of assistance?
j. Want a hand?
k. Perhaps I could assist in
some
m. If we can be of any assistance, please…

4. Accepting and declining an offer of help.

Accepting Declining
a. Thank you a. No, thank you
b. That’s very kind of you b. I don’t think so, thank you
c. If you’re sure it’s no trouble c. No, don’t bother, really
d. Yes, please d. No, it’s all right, really
e. Just what I needed… e. Thanks a lot, but…
f. I’d be delighted if …. f. Please don’t trouble yourself about..
5. What do you say in the following situations?
1. Invite Pia, a friend you’ve met on your package tour of England to do something nice
this evening.
2. You’re going to a disco with some friends. On the way there, you run into another
friends, Sally.
3. At the end of a summer school in England, you invite the Director of Studies to a fare
well dinner with some of the students.
4. Your friend, Sally, invites you for a ride on the Ghost Train at the local fair. You
don’t like the idea.
22
5. You company is holding an exhibition of its products. A stranger, who you think might
be an important client, is looking very lost.
6. You are going through customs. The man in front of you in the queue cannot speak
English very well. Your English is better than his.
7. You are in a bookshop. You want a book on the top shelf but can’t reach. The
assistant comes up with a step-ladder.
8. A friend offers to post a letter for you but you can quite easily do it yourself.
9. You and your wife are at the theater. It is full inside except for two seats on either side
of an old lady. The lady offers to move so that you and your wife may sit together.
10. You are underneath your car trying to repair it. You’re trying to loosen a nut with a
torch in one hand and a spanner in the other. You sister sees you are in difficulty.

III. GRAMMAR
Adjectives
How adjectives are used
We can use adjectives:
- before nouns:
There are so many historical buildings
It was well worth the trip, especially if you like local crafts.
- after the following verbs: be, become, get, seem, appear, look, smell, taste,
feel The mosques in particular are very beautiful.
- after find/make/keep + object
Work hard on your research if you want to make your trip enjoyable and
rewarding. The order of adjectives
When we use more than one adjective to describe characteristics or type, they usually
follow this order:
Size – temperature – age – shape – colour – nationality – material – type
Small mountain villages
Hot black coffee
Practice
Exercise 1: Write the words in correct order.
1. Cultural a policy systematic assiminating
2. Old prisoners political American

23
3. Indigenous class an feudal ruling
4. Domination Chinese temporary imperialist
5. General free our elections democratic

Exercise 2: Place the adjectives between the brackets correctly.

1. Ancestor worship has come to occupy a position. (prominent)
2. The nation overcame the grave consequences of 30 years of war. (entire)
3. The agreements included military and political provisions. (signed)
4. The agreements recognized the independence, sovereignty, unity and integrity of the
three countries of Indochina. (territorial)
5. Throughout the world, terrorism reinvents itself in new forms. (dangerous)

IV. STOP AND CHECK

Complete the following sentences using the prompts given.
1. This /recently /discover/ grotto/ be/ one of/ most beautiful/ Halong Bay.
2. Thien Cung/ be/ situate/ the south -west side/ of/ the Bay.
3. It/ be/ find/ small range of islands/ that/ resemble/ throne/ embrace/ two superb
grottoes/ at its core.
4. The way/ Thien Cung/ be/ a bit/ strenuous/ go up/ a path covered on both sides/ thick
forest.
5. But it/be/ very rewarding/ after/ enter/ narrow gate/ the magnificent/ grotto /open up.
6. According to legend/ beautiful young lady/ name/ Moly/ catch/ the eye of Dragon
Prince/ he/ fall in love with her.
7. They/ betrothed/ get married/ the very center of the grotto.
8. All/ the scenes/ the wedding/ which/ last/ seven days and seven nights/ have been
seemingly fossilized/ the grotto.
9. In the center/ there/ be/ four large pillars/ support/ "the roof of heaven".
10. On/ northern wall / the grotto/ group of fairies/ appear/ to be singing/ dancing/ honour
of the wedding.
11. And /wind / blow/ through the stone/ produce/ the sound of a beating drum.
12. In/ the last chamber/ grotto/ babble/ nature gushing stream of water/ there/ be/ three
small ponds of clear water.

24
 UNIT 4 VIETNAMESE DYNASTIES

I. Reading
Pre-reading

1. Make a list of Vietnamese dynasties from 938 up to 19th century

2. What do you know about each dynasty, its characteristics, its lasting –life?
While-reading. Read the following passage and do the activities below it.
The historic victory of the Bach Dang River, secured in 938 under the
leadership of Viet king Ngo Quyen, brought to an end almost 1,000 years of Chinese
suzerainty over what is now northern Vietnam and led to the establishment of the first
truly independent Vietnamese state. On the death of Ngo Quyen in 944, 12 warlords
divided the country themselves and began to fight one another, but in 967 the kingdom
was reunified under the name Dai Co Viet by Dinh Tien Hoang (Dinh Bo Linh), who
established a new capital at Hoa Lu (modern Ninh Binh Province) and reached an
accommodation with the Chinese. Ðinh Tien Hoang survived only until 980, when his
government was overthrown by the short-lived Early Le (980-1009), but Ðinh Tien
Hoang's legacy survived and was consolidated by Ly Thai To, founder and first king
of the Ly dynasty, who in 1010 established the kingdom of Dai Viet (literally great
Viet), moving the royal capital to Thang Long (now Ha Noi). Henceforward, thanks
largely to the success of such illustrious kings as Ly Thuong Kiet (1030-1105), Tran
Hung Dao (1226-1300) and Le Thai To (Le Loi(1385-1433) ) in repulsing successive
invasions from China and Mongolia, the north was to enjoy a more or less unbroken
period of independence lasting until well into the 19th century.
However, notwithstanding their newfound autonomy, successive rulers of Dai
Viet continued to model their courts and system of government on the Chinese
pattern. Indeed, under the patronage of successive kings of the Ly dynasty (1010-
1225) Thang Long's Temple of Literature-Royal College (Van Mieu – Quoc Tu Giam
established in 1070) became the intellectual and spiritual centre of the kingdom's
growing mandarin class. Vietnam became a powerful nation from the 11 th century to
the 15th century under Ly, Tran, Le dynasties. Administrative system was reformed,
traditional Vietnamese culture flourished.

25
 Taking advantage of weak central authority during the sixteenth century under
the Posterior Le kings, two powerful aristocratic families, the Trinh and the Nguyen,
became locked in a bitter power struggle. Following a sporadic civil war Dai Viet was
eventually partitioned in 1674, with the Trinh lords controlling the north from Thang
Long under the titular kingship of the Le and the Nguyen lords (who also nominally
recognized the Le kings) controlling the south from their stronghold at Hue.
After the failure of the Tay Son Uprising (1771-1802), a popular revolt against
misgovernment by the Nguyen lords which overthrew the Le dynasty, Nguyen Anh
succeeded in restoring central authority with military assistance from the French.
Unifying virtually the entire territory now embraced by the modern Vietnamese state,
he took the throne as King Gia Long (1802-1819), moved the capital from Thang
Long to Hue and changed his country's name to Viet Nam (literally 'the Viets of the
south').
(Adapted from the Internet)
Activity 1: Based on the information from the reading passage, answer the
following questions.
1. When was the first truly independence of Vietnamese state established?
2. What situation followed the death of Ngo Quyen?
3. Under which dynasty was the name of the country changed to Vietnam?
4. What was the purpose of Tay Son Uprising?
5. Which event do these years suggest you in the reading passage?
938; 1010; 1070;
Activity 2: Based on the information from the reading passage, write these letters
next to each statement.
T: if the statement is true

1. Anarchy followed Ngo Quyen’s death lasted three years.

2. The Capital was established in Hoa Lu by Dinh Bo Linh.
3. Dinh Tien Hoang’s legacy disappeared after his death.

26
4. Trinh lords controlled the South of Thang Long and Nguyen Lords controlled the
North of Thang Long.
5. Gia Long was the illustrious King.

Activity 3: Contextual reference: Find the words/ phrases in the text which have the
same meaning as:
1. made strong (paragraph 1) ………………….……… ..……..........………...…..

2. distinguished/ renowned (paragraph 1)

…………...……………….

3. following one after another (adj) (paragraph 2)

4. great and sudden disaster (paragraph 3) …………………………... …………………………...

5. divided (into parts) (paragraph 4)

Post-reading: Work in groups. Discuss the following questions:

1. Which King do you think contributed the most to the nation?
2. Which dynasty do you think the most prosperous in Vietnamese history? Why?
3. What can you say about Vietnamese people’s patriotism and cultural identity?

II. Speaking

Work in groups. Choose one of Vietnamese dynasties from 938 up to early 19 th

century and present about it in front of class (for example, about its King, its lasting
life, its characteristics…)
III. Stop and check:
Grammar: Active and passive
1. Passives are used whenever an action is more important than the agent – for
example, in reporting the news or scientific experiments:
E.g. Different places in the country are often excavated by archaeologists.
E.g. Dinh Tien Hoang’s government was overthrown by the Early Le

2. Passive –ing forms are possible:

E.g. Pre-historical artifacts are being exhibited at Museum of History.
E.g. Peace was being enjoyed by Hanoians when …

27
 3. Intransitive verbs, e.g. arrive, cannot become passive, because they have no object.
Certain verbs, e.g. let, fit, lack, resemble, suit, cannot normally become passive.

4. After modal verbs, passive infinitives are used.

E.g. Many patriotic peasants ought to be arrested.

5. Many verbs, like give, award, lend, can have two objects. When putting these verbs
into the passive, it is more usual to make the ‘person object’, rather than the ‘thing
object’, the subject of the passive verb.
E.g. Bao-dai was given economic aid by the United States.

6.Passive constructions are often used with verbs like say, believe, and know.
It + passive + that-clause:
E.g. It is said that a large number of unknown soldiers died in the war.
Subject + passive + to + infinitive:
E.g. It is known that in 967 the kingdom was reunified under the name Dai
Co Viet by Dinh Tien Hoang.
The kingdom is known to have been reunified in 967 under the name Dai Co Viet by
Dinh Tien Hoang.

7. Other verbs which are used in this way include: consider, think, understand, report,
allege, expect, fear, claim, and deny. The verb be rumoured only exists in the passive
form.

Exercise 1: Change these sentences into passive voice.

1. Dinh Tien Hoang reunified the Kingdom under the name Dai Co Viet.
2. Agriculture developed as people were building dikes and ploughing virgin sails.
3. King Ho could not organize resistance against the Minh invasion and the Minh
Empire conquered the country.
4. Tay Son army had defeated Thai forces in the Rach Gam – Xoai Mut before his army
marched to Dang Ngoai and overthrew the Trinh dynasty.
5. Researchers describe the Vietnamese mother-worship cult as a primitive religion.

28
 Exercise 2: Rewrite each sentence so that it contains a passive form, and does not
contain the words underlined.
1. Apparently, Dong Son culture played a very important role in the history of
Indochina.
2. Nobody knows anything about the shelter of Bin Laden, the most dangerous terrorist
in the world.
3. People say that Quang Trung was one of the greatest Kings in Vietnam’s history.
4. We know that the exhibits in History Museum need preserving.

Exercise 3: Put one suitable verb in one sentence using the following verbs.
1. The sophisticated Bronze Age Dong Son culture (1)………. around 13th century BC.
2. The Hindu Kingdom of Champa (2)……….around Danand in the late 2nd century.
3. The Chinese (3)………… the Red River Delta in the 2nd century BC.
4. These pro-Vietnamese also (4)…………. on trade with other people in the area.
5. In 938 AD, Ngo Quyen (5)……… the Chinese amies at a battle of the Bach Dang
River.
6. Ngo Quyen (6)…………. an independent Vietnamese State.
7. They (7)………… the administrative system, (8)………… the nation’s first university
(the Temple of Literature) in Hanoi.
8. The Tran Dynasty (9)…………. the Ly Dynasty. The Tran (10)………. the land under
cultivation to feed the growing population and (11)……….. the dikes on the Red
River.
9. The ruling Chinese (12)……….. Le Loi to join the mandarinate but he (13)
…………… .
10. During the Ly and Tran Dynasties, Buddism (14) ……… and (15)………… a great
impact on literature and arts.

29
. Writing and Translation
Activity 1: Complete the following sentences using the prompts given.
1. During/ Ly Dynasty/ Buddhism/ flourish/ and/ monks/ hold/ political position/ act/ as/
King's advisers.
2. Tran dynasty / be/ know/ its/ successful struggle/ the Mongol conqueror.
3. Le Loi/ help/ create/ golden age/ Vietnamese/ dynasty.
4. During/ Le dynasty/ traditional/ Vietnam/ law/ be/ use/ instead/ Chinese/ legal/
system.
5. The/ early/ 1500s/ the/ Portuguese/ come/ their colony/ Macau/ trade/ our country.

Activity 2: Translate the following passage into English.

1. Vào thời hậu Lê, các giáo sĩ công giáo đã tới Việt Nam cùng với các thương
gia phương Tây.
2. Cuộc khởi nghĩa Tây Sơn đã được đông đảo nhân dân, đặc biệt là nông dân ủng
hộ mạnh mẽ.
3. Sau khi Nguyễn Ánh lật đổ triều đại Tây Sơn, Phú Xuân (Huế) được chọn làm kinh
đô.
4. Ngày 11-12-1993, quần thể di tích cố đô Huế được UNESCO công nhận là Di sản
Văn hóa Thế giới.

30
 UNIT 5 VIETNAMESE’S KINGS

I. READING
 Pre-reading: Ask and answer the following questions with your partner.

1. What are the names of some Vietnamese Kings you know well?
2. What are the contributions of the King in the picture above?

 While-reading: Read the text and do the activities below it.

He was born at Co Phap Pagoda (Ran Pagoda or Dan Pagoda). At the age of 3, Ly
Khanh Van, head monk of the pagoda, adopted him and named him Ly Cong Uan and
became a Buddhist disciple. Later, he was put under the guardianship of the pagoda's
new headmaster Ly Van Hanh, the religious advisor for the Le royal court. In 1009,
Le Ngoa Trieu died because of his brutality and cruelty. Van Hanh seized the
opportunity and imposed their power and political influence to enthrone their trusted
disciple Ly Cong Uan without much resistance, thus ended the Le Dynasty.

At first, Ly Cong Uan named his era "Thuan Thien" meaning "Will of Heaven". Then
his royal title became Ly Thai To and the first year of his reign was in Hoa Lư.

Ly Thai To is best known for relocating the imperial capital from Hoa Lu to Thang
Long (modern day Ha Noi) in 1010 AD and is viewed as the founder of the city of Ha
Noi. In 2010, the city of Ha Noi celebrated its 1000th anniversary and in honoring Ly
Thai To.

Although Hoa Lu was a strategic citadel surrounded by mountains and

marshland that was difficult for invading armies to attack or conquer, Hoa Lu was
geographically too small and difficult for commerce and urban development to
31
flourish. Ly Cong Uan, who had wished to implement civic development and
economic growth within the realm, soon realized that Hoa Lu was not a suitable place
for such aspirations. This prompted him to move the capital to a more spacious
landscaped settlement called Dai La. Dai La was an ideal location for the new capital
since it was on flatland and surrounded by rivers and lakes, which was advantageous
for transportation, commerce, and military mobilization. In 1010, he issued a royal
decree called “Edict on the Transfer of the Capital” for moving the imperial capital
from Hoa Lu to Dai La. While travelling from Hoa Lu to the imperial settlement, he
claimed to have had a vision of "a yellow dragon ascending" which inspired him to
change the new settlement's name from Dai La to Thang Long which means
"Ascending Dragon". Ly Cong Uan also built Truong An Citadel in the former capital
Hoa Lu to further fortify the garrison for military defense and Thien Đuc Citadel in
Co Phap village as a tributary honor to his childhood home town.

Having begun life as a Buddhist monk, Ly Thai To practiced Buddhism and

promoted it as the national religion. As a result, he gave much support to the
Buddhist clergy and institutions. He donated money to build pagodas throughout Dai
Viet. Many citizens joined monastic institutions during this reign since he was a
strong patron of the Buddhist religion. Clerical officials such as Nguyen Dao Thanh
and Pham Hac were sent to China (Song Dynasty court) to study and bring back the
sutra named Tam Tang to Dai Viet.

During the reign of Ly Thai To, the Song Dynasty were pre-occupied with
maintaining internal stability and left the kingdom alone and political relations
between the two kingdoms revived. Ly Thai To sent many envoys to the Song court
and demanded that its government officially recognize Dai Viet's status as a vassal
independent kingdom rather than an autonomous Chinese province of Song. The
Emperor of the Song Dynasty consented and sent envoys in return to be formally
entitled Ly Thai To as the "King of Dai Viet" superseding the title "Lord of Giao Chi",
In turn, some vassal kingdoms of Dai Viet to the south such as Champa (modern-day
central Vietnam) and Chenla (modern-day Cambodia) brought annual tributes to Dai
Viet, which he brought good relations between these neighboring kingdoms. Ly Thai
To's political skills enabled Dai Viet to secure peace with its neighboring kingdoms to
the north and south. During his reign, Dai Viet had a stabilized political infrastructure
and good relations with its neighbors, which enabled Dai Viet's economic
development to flourish.

There were some small rebellions in Nghe An and in highland areas in the
southwest. Ly Thai To himself led the army and quelled these rebellions successfully.
During the Ly Dynasty, all royal princes were granted the title “Vuong” or "King", a
title given emperors' kin or occasionally some primary officials or commanders who
had achieved meritorious services or victories. The princes themselves were granted
and led their own army regiments into battles. The royal institution enabled the princes
to learn and many became experts in army tactics and martial arts as a result.

32
 Ly Thai To also paid close attention to civic development, he issued many
royal decrees and edicts that amended many of the previous Le Dynasty's rigid and
primitive policies, such as reforming the royal administration system, establishment of
the national university for higher education, and division of the realm into 24 “lo” or
commanderies, in particular Hoan Chau and Ai Chau, to strengthen strategic military
defenses. He also reformed the tax system by creating six tax classifications, which
enabled the royal court to efficiently collect taxes and citizens to clearly know which
tax classification affected them.

Ly Thai To died in 1028 at the age of 55 according to the royal official

accounts. He was buried at “Tho Lang” meaning the Mausoleum of Longevity,
outside of Thien Duc Palace. His designated regal name was "Thai To" meaning "The
Supreme Forefather"; his posthumous imperial title was “Than Vu Hoang De”
meaning "The Revered Martial Emperor".

Activity 1: Find words or phrases in the passage which mean:

1. brought out an official document

2. suffered from spiritual death / came to an end

3. payment by one nation for protection by another

4. the activity of providing for or maintaining by supplying with money or necessities

5. a state in which things are improving

Activity 2: Based on the passage, answer the following questions:

1. Why did Ly Thai To get his name?

2. Why did he move the capital to Dai La from Hoa Lu?
3. What did he do to promote Buddhism as the national religion?
4. What political policies did Ly Thai To have to ensure peace with his
neighboring countries?
5. How did Ly Thai To pay his attention to civic development?

 Post-reading. Work in groups of three and discuss the following questions.

1. What contributions did Ly Thai To have during his reign?
2. Why is Ly Thai To considered as the founder of Thang Long?

II. SPEAKING :

33
 Activity 1: In groups of 3 or 4, choose a Vietnamese King and discuss about his
(her) early age / contributions and policies during his (her) reign.
Activity 2: Each group has a representative to raise your discussion.

III. GRAMMAR – VOCABULARY

1. Adverbial clauses .
a. Adverbial clauses of places: where / wherever.
Eg: She will go where you tell her.
You can go wherever you like.
b. Adverbial clauses of concession:
 Although/ Even though/ Though
Eg: Although (Though / Even though) he was ill, he wasn’t absent from school.
 Despite / In spite of (+N / Ving / the fact that + Clause).
Eg: In spite of the interesting film, she felt sleepy.
Despite the bad weather, they continued to play football.
Despite the fact that they played well, they didn’t win the game.
 No matter
Eg: No matter what you say, I won’t believe in that story.
= Whatever you say, I won’t believe in that story.
c. Adverbial clauses of reasons: Because / Since / As / For / Seeing that +
Clause. Eg: Because it rained, we stayed at home.
d. Adverbial clauses of purposes: So that/ In order that( + S + may / might /
shall / should / can / could / will / would + V_bare ).
Eg: He studies hard so that he can pass the examination.
They started the journey early in order that they would get there on time.
e. Adverbial clauses of time: When / After / Before / While / Till (Until) / As soon
as / Since / Whenever / Just as /
Eg: When he came, I had gone out.
After he had had breakfast, he went to school.
I’ll study English before I fly to England.
While they were watching TV, the telephone rang.

34
 Don’t leave here until I come back.
I will call you as soon as I arrive at the place.
We haven’t seen her since we left for Ha Noi capital.
You can use my computer whenever you like.
She turned the light off just as she entered the room.
g. Adverbial clauses of manners: As / As if.
Eg: They acted as she was asked.
It looks as if it’s going to rain.
He said as if he were my father. (He looks as if he had known what
happened.)
Exercise 1: Complete the sentences below with one suitable adverb.
1. People may buy a lottery ticket ………… the new machines are installed.
2. The lettuce is wilted …………… Joe left the groceries in the car.
3. …………….. the comedian told jokes in the den, a singer performed in the living
room.
4. Her brother had got married ………………. he finished college.
5. I got my new glasses, I can see what I am reading
6. ………….. Bob works hard, his boss rarely rewards him.
7. The charges will be dropped ………… all parties agree to the settlement.
8. Flowers have begun to bloom ……………. the weather is still chilly.
9. ………….. I go to that mall, I have a hard time finding a parking place.
10. No one may leave the area …………. the police have checked all of the buildings.
2. Time expressions.
Past Present Future
yesterday today tomorrow
last week this week next week
an hour ago now in an hour
recently as we speak soon
a little while ago at this moment in the near future
way off in the
a long time ago these days
future
in the past nowadays eventually
this morning at this time later this evening

35
 Exercise 2 : Draw a line to the time expression with the sentence fragment.
Complete by drawing a line to the correct tense identification.

Sentence Fragment Time Expression Tense Used

John will have completed the
...at the moment.
fourth grade... future intention
As soon as I arrive,...
We are studying Roman history... present perfect
...when I was a child.
They haven't finished continuous present simple
their homework...
...for two hours when you
past simple future
arrived.
Jack gets up early...
perfect future time
When I arrived,...
...I will give you a ring.
clause present
...three times this year.
I began skiing...
perfect present
...by next June.
...she was reading a book.
continuous past
at this time tomorrow.
He had been waiting...
perfect future
...since 1997.
I used to play tennis every day...
continuous past
When we arrived,...
Maria has been living in Pisa...
continuous
...on Saturdays.
I will be sleeping...
present perfect
...yet.
We've been to Paris ...
continuous past perfect
...five years ago.
I'm going to visit Germany...
continuous past simple
...in April.
....she had already eaten dinner.

IV. WRITING AND TRANSLATION

Activity 1: Choose the adverb and combine the two simple sentences into one
complex sentence.
1. He always did well on his English tests. His parents were not surprised that he got an
A. (When / Since)
…………………………………………………………………………………………
36
2. You should keep the milk in the refrigerator. It doesn't go bad. (Since / So that)
…………………………………………………………………………………………
3. He thinks he's smart. He isn't. (Although / After)
…………………………………………………………………………………………
4. You should say goodbye to your brother. You leave for Europe. (Before / Since)
…………………………………………………………………………………………
5. My father has high blood pressure. He has to watch what he eats. (Before / Since)
…………………………………………………………………………………………
6. I came to this country. I haven't spoken a word of English. (Before / Since)
…………………………………………………………………………………………
7. I'll let you know. I come back. (Because / After)
………………………………………………………………………………………
8. He doesn't understand. He doesn't speak French very well. (Because / So that)
…………………………………………………………………………………………
9. He spoke slowly. She would understand. (Because / So that)
…………………………………………………………………………………………
10. You stop crying. I'll buy you an ice cream. (If / Since)
…………………………………………………………………………………………

Activity 2: Complete these sentences using the given time expression.

1. …………………………………………………………...when I was younger.
2. ………………………………………………………….....for many years.
3. ……………………………………………………………...this time next week.
4. ………………………………………………………………...at(on) weekends.
5. After he finishes his homework, ...........................................................................
6. By the time you receive this letter, .......................................................................
7. ………………………………………………………………….three years ago.
8. ………………………………………………………………………...this week.
9. ……………………………………………………………………....since 1996.
10. ………………………………………………………..while I was watching TV.

37
Activity 3: Translate the following passage into Vietnamese.
In 1427, after 10 years of war, Vietnam regained its independence and China officially
acknowledged Vietnam as an independent state. Le Loi took the throne and was
declared Emperor of Dai Viet (though King is a more accurate term for the ruler of
Vietnam).
Le Loi formally established the Le Dynasty as the Ming Xuan de Emperor officially
recognized Le Loi as the new ruler of Vietnam. In return, Le Loi sent diplomatic
messages to the Ming Court, promising Vietnam's loyalty as a vassal state of China
and cooperation. The Ming accepted this arrangement, much as they accepted the
vassal status of Korea under the Joseon Dynasty. The Chinese largely left Vietnam
alone for the next 500 years, intervening only about once every hundred years.
Le Loi embarked on a significant reorganization of Vietnamese government, clearly
based on the Confucian system of government which was developed by the Tang
Dynasty and Sung Dynasty. He also elevated his longtime comrades and generals such
as Nguyen Trai, Tran Nguyen Han, Le Sat, Pham Van Sao, and Trinh Kha to high
official rank.
The Le government rebuilt the infrastructure of Vietnam: roads, bridges, canals. Land
distribution were rewarded to soldiers that contributed in the war against the Ming.
New money currency was minted and new laws and reforms were passed. The system
of selecting government administrators by examination was restored and exams were
held at regular intervals throughout Le Loi's reign.
From 1430 to 1432, Le Loi and his army fought a set of campaigns in the hills to the
west of the coastal area. Then, in 1433, he became sick and his health declined. On his
death bed he appointed Le Sat as the regent for his second son, who would rule after
him as Le Thai Tong.

38
 UNIT 6 EDUCATION IN VIETNAM

I. READING
Pre-reading. Before you read, answer the following questions with your partner:
1. At what age do Vietnamese children start their school?
2. How many levels are there in the education system of Vietnam?
While-reading. Read the following passage and do the activities below it.
1. _____________________________________
The funding and administration of education in
Vietnam is coordinated by the Ministry of
Education and Training. Approximately 15% of
the state budget is allocated to education. Money
is paid directly to institutions through local
People’s Committees, which provide guidance in
making administrative decisions. Because much
of the funds allocated for education come from local sources, relatively poor areas
have less money available for educational purposes. Primary and lower secondary
schools although established by local authorities, fall under the responsibility of the
Department of General Education as regards staffing, curriculum, textbooks,
examinations and certificates. At higher educational institutions, the amount of tuition
paid by students is determined by a committee of university administrators. All
universities charge the same amount of tuition. The Ministry of Education and
Training provides over half of the funding needed for institutional operating expenses.

2. _____________________________________
Pre-higher education in Vietnam is divided into primary, lower secondary, upper
secondary and technical and vocational secondary education. Students enter primary
programmes at age six and must remain in school until completion of primary
education, which marks the end of compulsory education. Students who continue
beyond compulsory education and complete the secondary cycle of education sit for
the ‘Tot Nghiep Pho Thong Trung Hoc’ examination, a universal graduation

39
examination. Successful completion of this examination is the general admission
requirement for admission into higher education. Public education at the primary and
secondary level is free.

Higher education is provided by universities, polytechnics,

teacher training institutes, and colleges. There are also many
private institutions. Higher education institutions are under
the authority of the Ministry of Education and Training and
educational authorities at the provincial level. There are over
100 higher education institutions. The universities in Hanoi
and Ho Chi Minh City have been granted greater autonomy
than other higher education institutions. Faculties of Medicine
are under the authority of the Ministries of Health and Education. In addition, some
academic institutions are under the control of other ministries, such as the Ministry of
Law or the Ministry of Transportation.

In addition to formal university study, distance education is offered at two open

universities. There are also provincial centers that offer distance education. Several
universities offer non-formal education in areas such as rural development,
agriculture, and animal husbandry. Vietnamese is the language of instruction at all
levels of education.

3. _____________________________________
The school year at all levels of education consists of two terms or semesters; the first
begins in September and ends in February, and the second begins after the end of Tet
(the Vietnamese lunar New Year celebration) and concludes in late June.

4. _____________________________________
Four-to five-year university courses are offered for teaching at secondary school level
to graduates of secondary school. Provincial and municipal administrations offer
three-year courses to train graduates of upper secondary schools to teach one main

40
 subject, plus a subsidiary subject in primary schools. Two-year courses taught at post-
secondary institutions are available to enable teachers to teach at primary schools.

(Adapted from World Education Service- May, 06, 2004)

Activity 1: Read the passage quickly and match the following titles with
the paragraphs.
a. Teacher Education
b. Academic Year
c. Finance and Administration
d. Structure

Activity 2: Based on the information from the passage, write these letters next to
each statement:
T: if the statement is true
F: if the statement is false
NG: if there is no information about this in the passage
1. There exists a disparity between local funds for educational purposes.
2. The Department of General Education is in charge of providing guidance in making
administrative decisions.
3. Students in universities pay the same amount of tuition, which is determined by a
committee of university administrators.
4. 58% of the funding needed for institutional operating expenses is paid by the Ministry
of Education and Training.
5. Primary education is compulsory in Vietnam.
6. All higher education institutions are under the authority of the Ministry of Education
and Training.
7. To teach in primary school you have to finish a three-year teacher training
course. Activity 3: Based on the passage, answer the following questions:
1. Why there has been a disparity in funds for educational purposes between areas?
2. What is the responsibility of the Department of General Education?
3. What is the requirement for admission into higher education?
4. Which education institutions offer distance education?

41
 Post-reading. Discussion. Work in groups of three and discuss the following questions
within your group.
1. Do you think the quality of education in Vietnam is being improved? Give example?
2. Why do many young people want to study abroad? If you have chance, which country
will you go to? Why?

II. SPEAKING
Activity 1: You are attending a workshop to improve the quality of education in
universities. As students, in groups of 3 or 4, make an outline of the things you
want to change or improve.

Activity 2: Each group has a representative raise your proposal

III. GRAMMAR –
VOCABULARY 1. Purpose clauses
You use a purpose clause when you want to state the purpose of the action in the
independent clause. The most common type of purpose clause is a to-infinitive clause.
Sarah went to the computer lab to print out her research report.
In formal writing, in order to and so as to are often used.
The company conducted a detailed survey in order to gauge its clients’ views.
In formal writing, you can also introduce a purpose clause with so that or in order
that. These finite purpose clauses usually contain a modal.
Dr Chan adjusted the overhead projector so that the students would be able to see the
chart more clearly.
The difference between so and so that is that so that implies that the cause was
deliberately done by someone in order to get a specific result. These are some of the
most common ways of expressing purpose:
with a view to, with the intention of, with the object/aim of, for the purpose
of If you use these phrases, make sure that the verb is in the -ing form.
The university introduced two new English courses with a view to enhancing
students’ proficiency in the language.

42
2. Reason clauses
In your written and spoken assignments you will often need to answer the question
‘Why?’. When you want to explain why something happens, you can use a reason
clause introduced by the conjunctions because, as or since.
As she wanted to practise her spoken English, Carrie regularly took part in the ELC’s
Big Mouth Corner.
Mark joined the English Drama Club because he wanted to improve his intonation.
Don’t use so in sentences beginning with since, as or because. Here is a common
mistake:
Since he was interested in movies, so David joined the PolyU International Film
Society.
You can also use the prepositional phrases because of and on account of to express
reason.
We were unable to carry out the experiment on account of a malfunction in the
computer.
Do not confuse subordinate conjunctions and prepositions. The grammar is different.

Subordinate Conjunction of Reason Prepositions of Reason

because because of
in order to; to
due to
owing to
as a result of
Prepositional phrases - Examples

Melissa went to college in order to study chemistry.

(no subject and verb after “in order to”)
Melissa went to college to study chemistry.
(no subject and verb after “to”)
Dr. Sand was in trouble because of prescribing the wrong medicine.
(no subject and verb after “because of”)
Dr. Sand was in trouble due to prescribing the wrong medicine.
(no subject and verb after “due to”)

43
 EXERCISE
Exercise 1: Compare each pair of sentences and tell if the bold parts in these
sentences are prepositional phrases (PP) or dependent (subordinate) clauses
(SC).
1. _________ John visited his friend because they needed to discuss their homework.
2. _________ John visited his friend because of their homework assignment.
3. _________ Because computers were stolen from the lab, the police questioned
students.
4. _________ Police questioned students because of the theft.
5. _________ Because of her good work, Melissa got the job.
6. _________ Melissa got the job because she had excellent grades and participated in
many activities.
Tell which sentences are correct (YES) and which are not correct (NO).
_________ John visited his friend because their homework assignment.
_________ As a result of her college record, Melissa got the job.
_________ Due to John told the truth, he was not arrested.
_________ Because John told the truth, he was not arrested.

Exercise 2: Complete the following sentences with expressions of purpose and

reason above.
1. Kelvin changed his major from Geography to Business Studies ………………………
improving his job prospects.
2. Dr Leung arranged some extra tutorials ……………………… give her students more
opportunities to ask questions before the examination.
3. ……………………… Tony has a very good foundation in English, he had little
difficulty in passing the examination.
4. Professor Li repeated the point in Cantonese ………………………the students would
fully understand.
5. David was ……………………… busy with his final-year project that he was unable
to take part in extra-curricular activities.

44
 6. Amy joined the English Club ……………………… she wanted to increase her circle
of friends.

IV. WRITING AND TRANSLATION

Activity 1: Rewrite the following sentences using the prompts in the brackets
1. He opened the window. He wanted to let fresh air in. (in order
to) He opened the window
………………………………………………….……………...
2. I took my camera. I wanted to take some photos. (so that)
I took my camera
……………………………………………………………………….
3. He studied really hard. He wanted to get better marks. (in order
to) He studied really hard
…………………………………………………………………..
4. Jason learns Chinese. His aim is to work in China. (to)
Jason learn Chinese
…………………………………………………………………….
5. I’ve collected money. I will buy a new car. (so that)
I’ve collected money
…………………………………………………………………..
6. Many people left Turkey in 1960s.They wanted to find jobs in Germany. (in order to)
Many people left Turkey in 1960s
……………………………………………………..
7. She attends to a course. She wants to learn to play chess.(to)
She attends to a course
………………………………………………………………....
8. Linda turned on the lights. She wanted to see better. (so that)
Linda turned on the
lights……………………………………………………………….
9. I will come with you. I want to help you. (in order to)

45
 I will come with
you…………………………………………………………………….
10. We are going to the cinema. We will watch a horror film.
(to) We are going to the
cinema...…………………………………………………………...

Activity 2: Complete these sentences using because adverb clauses.

Example: We are in this course because we want to improve our writing skills.
1. Fanny had a badly bruised back and was in pain because ……………………………...
2. Sarah advised Philomena to get out of the Fanny’s house because …………………....
3. Sarah said she saw nothing because ……………………………………………………
4. Fanny runs out of her house because …………………………………………………...
5. The men used dogs because …………………………………………………………....
6. The dogs smelled the man’s scent on Aaron because ………………………………….

Activity 3: Translate the following passage into Vietnamese.

As from implementing the renovation guidelines, under the leadership of the
Communist Party of Vietnam, with great efforts of the whole people, Vietnam has
developed comprehensively in all aspects, including education and training. After
implementing the Strategy for educational development from 2001 to 2010, Vietnam's
higher education has developed gradually and obviously in terms of scope, diversified
types of institutions and training type, more mobilized social sources and achieved
many positive results, provided high-level human resources for the national
industrialization and modernization, making important contribution to the economic
growth, social stability, ensuring national security and defense and victorious world
economic integration.
However, higher education also shows many restrictions and shortcomings: Training
quality in general remains low and fails to keep pace with the socio-economic
development of the country; State management mechanism towards higher
educational system and the management of universities and colleges remains
persistently inadequate, impossible to create sufficient driving force to bring into full

46
play creativity and self-responsibility of the lecturers, managers and students to
renovate higher education strongly and basically. Investment potential of the society
and foreign investors for developing higher education has not brought into full play.
There are many reasons for this situation, mostly the weakness in the State
management of higher education and the weakness in the management of universities
and colleges by themselves.

47
 UNIT 9 VIETNAM’S ECONOMY

I. READING

I.1. Pre-reading.
Before you read, ask and answer the following questions with your partner.
1. How many economic sectors are there inVietnam’s economy?
2. What is Vietnam’s economic pattern?
3. What does GDP stand for? What was the GDP of Vietnam in 2003?

I.2. While-reading.
Read the following passage and do the activities
below. Economic Activities in Vietnam
During the centuries of Chinese and Vietnamese imperial rule, Vietnam’s society was
predominantly agrarian. Its major source of wealth was rice. Although some
manufacturing and trade existed, they received little official encouragement and
occupied minor segments of the gross domestic product (GDP). Under French
colonial rule, agriculture continued to occupy the primary place in the national
economy, although emphasis shifted to the cultivation of export crops. In addition to
rice, these crops included coffee, tea, rubber, and other tropical products. Small
industrial and commercial sectors developed, notably in the major cities, but their
growth was limited because colonial officials were determined to avoid competition
with goods produced in France.
After partition in 1954 the governments of North and South Vietnam sought to
develop their national economies, although they established different economic
systems with different resources and trading partners. The North operated under a
highly centralized, planned economy, whereas the South mostly maintained a free-
market system that had some government involvement. After reunification in 1976 the
North gradually extended its centrally planned economy throughout the country. In
1986, however, the government launched a reform program to move toward a mixed
economy that operates under private as well as collective or state control. As a result,
Vietnam has entered a period of rapid development and some observers predict the
country will soon emerge as one of Asia’s developed nations. Using funds derived
from customs revenue and the limited tax base, as well as a recent infusion of foreign
capital, the government is energetically seeking to modernize the infrastructure as a
means of attracting additional investment. By 2001 GDP had risen to $32.7 billion,
increasing at an annual rate of 7.7 percent in the 1990s. However, per capita income
has remained low, averaging about $410 a year. The services sector contributes 39
percent of GDP; industry, 38 percent; and agriculture, forestry, and fishing, 24
percent.

48
Vietnam’s current leadership insists that the trend toward a market-based approach
will remain but maintains that state-run enterprises will continue to play the flagship
role in the economy.

Activity 1: Vocabulary. Fill each gap in the following sentences with the best
word or phrase from the passage.
1. In feudal time, Vietnam was mainly a(n) _________ country.
2. Trade and manufacture accounted for __________ of the GDP.
3. Before the reunification of Vietnam, the South maintained a __________
economic system.
4. After 1976, Vietnam extended the __________ economy through out the country.
5. Since the 1986 reform, Vietnam has entered a period of rapid development
thanks to the operation of a __________.

Activity 2: Based on the passage, answer the following questions.

1. What was the situation of the Vietnam’s economy before 1986?
2. What has the 1986 reform brought about?
3. Which economic pattern that has brought success in economic growth do
we pursue?
4. According to some observers, what is the economic prospect of Vietnam?
5. What is the Vietnamese government’s policy on economic development?

Activity 3: Based on the information from the reading passage, write these
letters next to each statement.
T: if the statement is true
F: if the statement is false
NG: if there is no information about it
1. Vietnam’s major source of wealth was rice during the time under feudal and
French colonial rule.
2. The French encouraged industrial and commercial development because they
want to compete with goods produced in France.
3. Before 1976, the South and the North developed their economies in different
way due to difference in economic policy.
4. The 2001 GDP had risen to $32.7 billion, almost doubles that of 2000.
5. State-run enterprises will continue to play the most important role in the economy.

I.3. Post-reading.
What do you think?
1. What do you know about the Vietnamese government’s policy on
economic development?
2. What are the changes thanks to the economic development?

49
3. In your opinion, what should the government do to promote Vietnam’s economy?

II . SPEAKING.
The reforms has brought about possitive effects in many sectors of
Vietnam’s economy, particularly in education, health care and agriculture.
Discuss the followings:
Activity 1: Education:
1. curriculum and textbooks.
2. more schools / more equipment and facilities
3. teaching and learning methods.
4. teacher’s salaries.
5. more schoolarships for poor and disadvantaged students .
Activity 2: Health care:
1. more hospitals / more highly qualified doctors.
2. more medical equipment and facilities.
3. doctors’ and nurses salaries.
4. sensitivity of doctors and nurses to their professional responsibilities.
5. health insurance.
Activity 3: Agriculture:
1. appropriate policies to encourage farmers to work effectively.
2. new and advanced farming and techniques/ farcilities and equipment..
3. more dykes and damp, irrigation and drainage system.
4. ferlitizers, pesticides and insecticides.

 Language in use:
1. Asking for permission; Giving and refusing permission.
1.1. Asking for permission: The following expressions are used when you want to
ask someone for permission:
Example: Excuse me, do you think I could try this one on?
Yes. There is a fitting room over there.

a. Can I….please? i. Can I go ahead…?

b. Would it possible ….? j. May/ Might I …
c. Could I…? k. Do/ may/might I have your
d. I wonder if I could…? permission….?
e. Do you mind if I… l. With your permission I should like
f. Any change of….? to…?
g. Mind if…? m. Do you have any objection to…?
h. Let me…would you? n. Is there any objection if…?

50
1.2 . Giving and refusing permission
Giving permission Refusing permission
a. Yes, certainly. a. Sorry, I’m afraid….
b. Of course ! b. I’m afraid you can’t.
c. You’re welcome to…. c. I’m afraid that is not possible for
you….
d. Please don’t hesitate to… d. You are not really supposed/
allowed to…
e. Sure/ OK/ Fine/ All right.. e. No way (I’m afraid)/ That’s
not on.
f. Go ahead/ Why not?/ Feel free.. f. We can’t / couldn’t permit/ allow
that.
g. I can’t see any objection (to…) g. We don’t have the authority….
h. That seems perfectly acceptable.
i. Yes, indeed you may.

2. Comparison structure words and phrases

Sometimes, we can compare things by using certain structure words and phrases.
2.1. To express preferences.
To like sth/doing sth better than sth/doing sth
To prefer sth/doing sth to sth/doing sth
Would rather/sooner do sth than do sth
E.g. I like visiting historical sites better than watching them on TV.
I prefer visiting historical sites to watching them on TV.
I’d rather/sooner visit historical sites better than watch them on TV.
2. 2. To express differences.
to differ from sth
to be different from sth
E.g. Tylor’s diffusionism differs from what archeologist found in 1960s.
Tylor’s diffusionism is different from what archeologist found in 1960s.
(Note: Tylor’s diffusionism and what archaeologist found in 1960s are different.)

51
3. To express similarities

To be similar to sth/sb To be identical (with)

To be alike To resemble
To be like sth/sb To be the same as
E.g. Frankfort’s conclusion about the development of civilization is the same as
Ruz’s.
The decoration patterns on these pots resemble those on the artifacts found in Iraq.
The decoration patterns on these pots are similar to those on the artifacts found in Iraq.

II. STOP AND CHECK.

Exercise 1: Choose the word or phrase - A, B, C or D - that best completes the
sentences.
1. The recent economic crisis has brought ………. a slump in world trade.
A. about B. in C. over D. out
2. The government introduced a wage freeze ……….. inflation might be brought
under control.
A. so that B. although C. while D. because
3. The government is aiming ……… 50% reduction ………… unemployment.
A. to – in B. at – in C. at – of D. for - of
4. ………… the rise in unemployment, people still seem to be spending more.
A. Nevertheless B. Meanwhile C. Despite D. Although
5. The government made serious attempts to raise the ……….. of living.
A. standard B. cost C. level D. mode
6. The government cut spending through deductions in state …………. to industry.
A. enormous B. inadequate C. substantial D. worthwhile
7. Reforms went through ……….. opposition from teachers.
A. because of B. in spite of C. due to D. but for
8. The government has ……….. top priority to reforming the tax system.
A. given B. formed C. planned D. taken
9. Our main ……….. is to increase sales in Europe.
52
A. aim B. purpose C. intention D. all are correct
10. There has been a ……….. of emphasis from manufacturing to service industries.
A. move B. shift C. movement D. A & B

Exercise 2:Read the passage and do the tasks below.

By 1986, Vietnam had begun to recognize that major changes were needed. At a
national congress held in December, new party leaders launched the Doi moi
(economic renovation) program to reform Vietnamese society and stimulate economic
growth. The leaders declared their intention to bring about a mixed economy,
involving a combination of state, collective, and private ownership. Foreign
investment was encouraged, and a more tolerant attitude was adopted toward the free
expression of opinion in the country.
Vietnam also sought to improve its position in foreign affairs. Vietnam made serious
attemps to improve relations with China and with the United States, which ended its
economic embargo in 1994. Full diplomatic relations were established the following
year. In 1995, Vietnam joined in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations
(ASEAN), a regional organization dedicated to promoting the economic growth of its
member states.
While stating the intention to create a modified market economy, Vietnam insists that
state-run industries will hold the “commanding heights” in the system. There is an
open concern at the corrosive influence of decadent ideas from the West, which is
viewed as a plot by “dark forces” in the United States to destroy the Vietnamese
revolution. Vietnam had declared its support for a policy of “economic reform,
political stability”.

I. Decide these sentences TRUE (T) or FALSE (F).

1. The purpose of the economic renovation program is to change Vietnamese society
completely to and stimulate economic growth.
2. Vietnam has followed the economic policy allowing a mixed economy, involving a
combination of state, collective, and private ownership.
3. Vietnam has tried to improve diplomatic relations with all countries in the world,
especially the neibouring nations and the United States.
53
4. The United States established full diplomatic relations with Vietnam in 1994.
5. There is still concern about “dark forces” from some Western countries to destroy
the Vietnamese revolution.
II. Answer the following questions.
1. When was the economic renovation launched?
…………………………………………………………………………………………
2. What was the aim of Doi Moi program?
…………………………………………………………………………………………
3. What was the economic policy?
…………………………………………………………………………………………
4. When were full diplomatic relations with the United States established?
…………………………………………………………………………………………
5. What is the role of state-run industries in order to create a modified market
economy?
…………………………………………………………………………………………

IV . TRANSLATION.
1. The July, 13th, 2000 signing of the Bilateral Trade Agreement (BAT) between
the U.S and Vietnam was a significant milestone for Vietnam’s economy. It provided
for Normal Trade Relations status of Vietnamese goods in the US market.
2. Access to the US market will allow Vietnam to hasten its transformation into a
manufacturing-based, exported-oriented economy and also concomitantly attract
foreign investment to Vietnam, not only from the US but also from European, Asia
and other regions.
3. Vietnam’s access to WTO should provide an important boost to Vietnam’s
economy and should help to ensure the continuation of liberalizing reforms and create
options for trade axpansion.
4. Tuy nhiên, việc gia nhập WTO cũng mang đến những thách thức lớn, đòi hỏi
các thành phần kinh tế Việt Nam mở cửa để tăng sức cạnh tranh quốc tế.
5. Chính phủ có kế hoạch cải cách thành phần kinh tế nhà nước bằng cách tư nhân
hóa một phần hàng ngàn các doanh nghiệp sở hữu nhà nước, trong đó bao gồm cả
năm ngân hàng thương mại sở hữu nhà nước.
54
 UNIT 10: RENOVATION
I. Reading
Pre –reading: Discuss the following questions with your partner.
1. When did the idea of reform come into being?
2. Which events do these dates remind you of?
30/4/1975; 12/1986; 1994; 7/1995; 2001
While –reading: Read the following passage and do the activities below it.
With the great victory of Ho Chi Minh campaign in April 1975, for the first
time since the French colonization in 1850s, Vietnam was once again a unified nation.
The Socialist Republic of Vietnam with Hanoi as its capital came into being. The
entire nation overcame the grave consequences of 30 years of war and started
rebuilding the country. At the Fourth Communist Party Congress held in December
1976 southern Vietnam was economically restructured in line with the North:
privately owned land as confiscated; collectivization of agriculture was introduced.
The state took control of industry and trade. Productivity wasn’t helped any by the
devastation wreaked on the nation’s forestry and farmland by the lingering effects of
chemical warfare waged by the Americans. In 1978 Vietnam joined COMECON, the
Eastern European Economic Community. Soviet aid was all that was available to the
country. At the Sixth Party Congress in December, the reformist Nguyen Van Linh
took over as general secretary, and a raft of market based economic reforms known as
“Doi moi” or “Renovation”, followed. There were limited moves towards
decentralization and privatization, collectivized agriculture was abandoned in favour
of individual land – holding and attempts were made to attract foreign capital by
liberalizing foreign investment regulations.
International rehabilitation, which had already begun with the withdrawal of
troops from Cambodia in 1989, gathered momentum in the 1990s as efforts to aid the
US search teams looking for remains of 2000-plus American soldiers still unaccounted
for MIAs (or Missing in Action) were stepped up. In 1993, a year after the reformist
Vo Van Kiet became Prime Minister, the Americans duly lifted their veto on aid, and
Western cash began to flow. By the year’s end, inflation was down to five percent.
The rapprochement with the US continued into 1994, as the US trade

55
embargo was lifted by President Clinton, and in February 1995 the two countries
opened liaison offices in each other’s capitals. Vietnam was admitted into ASEAN
(the Associate of Southeast Asian Nations) in July 1995, and the same month saw the
full diplomatic relations restored with the US. During the next two years foreign
investment continued to flood in, pushing economic growth rates close to ten percent
per annum. Revenues from oil manufacturing and tourism took off and everyone was
forecasting Vietnam as the next Asian Tiger. The dual process of international
reconciliation and liberalization of trade moved forward apace with the ratification in
2001 of crucial bilateral trade agreement between Vietnam and America. As a result,
exports of certain products subject to low tariffs (including oil, coffee, fish and
textiles) to the US have already doubled, while foreign investment is also on the rise,
notably from Singaporean and Hong Kong garment manufacturers in anticipation of
continued growth.
There’s no doubt, that Vietnam has achieved a great deal in comparatively
short time. The economy is faring reasonably well in the face of increasingly stiff
international competition – not least from China – with annual growth rates holding
around seven percent. The country has also made good progress in reducing
population growth and levels of rural poverty, at the same time as pulling in record
rice harvests.
(Adapted from Vietnam Tourist Guidebook, 2000, pp.56-
57) Activity 1: Based on the information from the reading passage, check your
answer to the question 2 in the pre-reading.
(Which historical events took place in the following points of time: 30/ 4/ 1975, 12/
1986, 1994, 7/ 1995, 2001?)

Activity 2: Based on the information from the reading passage, answer the
following questions
1. What were the core ideas of renovation?
2. What was the economic growth rate of Vietnam in 1996?
3. In which month was the diplomatic relations with the US restored?
4. Which organization did Vietnam join in July 1995?
5. What was the inflation rate of Vietnam by the end of 1993?

56
Activity 3: Based on the information in the reading passage, write these letters next
to each statement.

T: if the statement is true

F: if the statement is false

1. The Forth Communist Party Congress was held in November 1976 to decide the
policy in economy.
2. Vietnam is an Asian Tiger.
3. The reformist Nguyen Van Linh initiated the Renovation in Vietnam in 1986.
4. MIAs is an organization which is aimed at helping the poor soldiers from the USA.
5. Vietnam economic growth rate in 1997 was 10 % per annum.
6. The reformist Vo Van Kiet became Prime Minister in 1992.
7. The trade agreement between Vietnam and American was held in NewYork in
2001.
8. Vietnam holds the world record in rive harvests.
9. Vietnam has gained a lot of achievements since Renovation.
10. Vietnam had the ambition to join the WTO by 2005.

Post-reading. Work in groups. Discuss the following questions

1. What have been the major achievements of Vietnam since 1986 to now?
2. How the following subjects in Vietnam have changed since 1986?
a. Transport d. The cost of living
b. Television and newspapers e. The living standard
c. Education f. Telecommunication

II. Speaking
Activity 1: Divide the class into two groups
- Group A: Discuss the benefits and the negative points of Market Economy.
- Group B: Discuss the chances and the challenges of Vietnam when it joins WTO.
Activity 2: Students from group B exchange information by asking and answering
questions.

57
 III. Stop and Check.
Activity 1:Choose the word or phrase A, B, C or D that best fits the blank space.
In 1986, Vietnam launched a political and economic renewal campaign (Doi Moi) that
introduced (1)…………. intended to facilitate the transition from a centralized
economy to a “socialist-oriented market economy”. Doi Moi combined government
planning with free-market (2)…………. . The program abolished agricultural
(3)………….., removed price controls on agricultural goods, end enabled farmers to
sell their goods in the marketplace. It encouraged the (4)………… of private
businesses and foreign investment, including foreign-owned enterprises.
By the late 1990s, the success of the business and agricultural reforms ushered in
under Doi Moi was (5)…………. . More than 30,000 private businesses had been
created, and the economy was growing (6)…………. an annual rate of more than 7%.
From the early 1990s to 2005, (7)………. declined from about 50% to 29% of the
population. However, progress varied geographically, with most prosperity
(8)………….in urban areas, particularly in and around Ho Chi Minh City. In general,
rural areas also made progress, as rural (9)………….living in poverty declined from
66% of the total in 1993 to 36% in 2002. By contrast, concentrations of poverty
(10)………..in certain rural areas, particularly the northwest, north-central coast, and
central highlands.
1. A. reforges B. reforms C. restructuring D. renovations
2. A. incentives B.impediments C. depressions D. recessions
3. A. co-ordinates B. cooperation C. collectives D. coexistence
4. A. foundation B. creation C. production D. establishment
5. A. evident B. evidence C. evidential D. evidently
6. A. in B. at C. of D. with
7. A. shortage B. necessity C. poverty D. sufficiency
8. A. concentrated B. contributed C. attributed D. centralized
9. A. housecrafts B. housemen C. housewares D. households
10. A. relied B. remained C. removed D. relocated
Activity 2:Complete the sentences with the correct form of the given word.
1. During the recession, many small companies were …………………… (dissolve)
2. Before Doi Moi, the economy of our country was under agricultural
………………(dominate)

58
3. The level of ………….given to farmers is to be reduced.(subsidize)
4. Poor economic policies led to a long period of …………… and declined.(stagnate)
5. Wages are not keep pace with ………………….(inflate)
6. Vietnam is one of the fastest growing …………….. in Southeast Asia.(economic)
7. Before the inplement of the Doi Moi policy, the people in that region had to suffer
severe …………..(employ)
8. Loans from the World Bank stimulate economic…………..(grow)
9. Reducing ………… is central to the government’s economic policy. (inflate)
10. The push for …………… in Vietnam started in 1996. ( renovate)

III. Writing and Translation

Activity 1: Rewrite each of the following sentences in such a way that keeps their
original meaning.
1. After Vietnam was reunified, the entire nation overcame the grave consequences of 30
years of war.
After ……………………………………………………………………………...
2. The government created New Economic Zones in the central highlands and along the
Chinese border.
 New Economic Zones …………………………………………………………...
3. The living standard now is much higher than that before Doi Moi.
 The living standard before Doi Moi ……………………………………………..
4. It’s years since Vietnam began to carry out renovation.
Vietnam has ……………………………………………………………………..
5. If interest rates are cut, the economic situation may improve.
Unless ……………………………………………………………………..

Activity 2: Translate the following sentences into Vietnamese and English.

1. Before Doi Moi, our country experienced a lot of difficulties: the economy was under-
developed and was dominated by traditional agriculture; the country was poor; the
people led a poor life, production was stagnant; there was a shortage of schools and
hospitals, and inflation could be seen in every sectors of the economy.

59
2. The Government introduced a number of renovation measures: they eliminated the
government subsidies; they shifted economic priority from heavy industry to three
major economic programmes: production of food, consumer goods and exports; they
reduced state intervention in business; they opened trade relations with all countries in
the world and encouraged foreign and domestic private investment.
3. Since Doi Moi, our countries has undergone substantial changes: productivity and
agricultural exports have constantly increased, the farmers have enjoyed land use
rights and have had greater choice on how to use their agricultural land, the workers
have had worked harder as their time is money, and the children, particularly those
from ethnic minorities have had more opportunities to enjoy education and training.
4. Một trong những biện pháp quan trọng nhất được tiến hành để thúc đẩy sự phát triển
của đất nước là không ngừng tiến hành các cải cách kinh tế.
5. Chúng ta tin rằng với sự khẳng định quyết tâm của Đảng và Chính phủ đối với công
cuộc Đổi mới, chúng ta sẽ đạt được những thành tựu lớn và tạo lập một cuộc sống tốt
đẹp hơn cho nhân dân.

60
 UNIT 11: THE PROCESS OF RENOVATION IN VIETNAM

I. Reading
1. Pre-reading:
1. When did the process of renovation begin in Vietnam? What do you think gave rise
to this implementation?
2. How much change could we find in Vietnam's big cities as the result of the process
of renovation?
2. While - Reading
Vietnam on the path of renovation and socio-political stabilization
In the mid-1980's, from the specific situation in Vietnam and the international context,
the Communist Party of Vietnam recognized and openly pointed out its errors and
defects and laid down the line of renovation which started with the 6th Party Congress
in 1986. Since then, Vietnam has entered a new stage, the stage of renovation in
which overall tasks and objectives are to stabilize all socio-economic aspects, to
establish premises for the promotion of socialist industrialization.
After nearly two decades of implementation, the socio-economic situation of the
country and the political system has undergone significant changes. Effective
implementations of renovation policies have scored important economic and social
achievements. Galloping inflation was halted right from 1989 and gradually reduced
in the following years. Vietnamese economy was stabilized and developed in the pre-
1991 period with little assistance from foreign sources. Reforms have provided the
economy with new motive forces as reflected in the rapid growth of agricultural and
industrial production and services. Agricultural production had fairly good growth
rate: an average annual rate of 3.7% during the 1986-1990 period; 4.25 during 1991-
1994 period. Progress in food production has resulted in the fact that Vietnam no
longer had to import food. It could even have sizable food reserves and export rice.
After several years of decline, industrial production started growing by 9% in 1991,
and achieved higher rate in the following years: 14% (1992), 13,1% (1993), 14%
(1994). In foreign trade, from 1989, Vietnam's export volume and value exceeded one

61
billion USD and continuously increased in subsequent years. Notably, in 1992
Vietnam could balance its exports and imports.
Economic growth will be a condition for strong development of human education.
Heading for the 21st century, Vietnam is strongly determined to observe its human
strategy, to invest more in human resource development through various programmes,
such as popularization of primary education, better people's health care and
development of science and technology by the year 2010. At present, Vietnam's
average per capita income ranks 150th among 173 countries, average life expectancy
is lower than that in some other countries. Yet Vietnam's strategy for human
development will surely give impetus to a swift change. One of the solutions is to
enhance knowledge. According to UNDP, in 1993, Vietnam's index of knowledge was
2.10, approximately equal to that of Thailand, and having surpassed those of
Malaysia, China, etc. This orientation clearly indicates Vietnam's views on man: man
is both the objective of and the impetus to socio-economic development.

Activity 1: Reading for details

Find the correct answer according to the reading.
1. When did the process of renovation start in
Vietnam? a. in the mid-1980's
b. when the liberation war ended.
c. in 1986
d. when the Communist Party of Vietnam recognized and openly pointed out its errors
and defects.
2. What are the aims of the process?
a. to stabilize all socio-economic aspects, to establish premises for socialist
industrialization.
b. to strengthen the country's economy
c. to stabilize the country's political life
d. to show the world Vietnam's power
3. In what industry have there been significant
changes? a. industry

62
b. agriculture
c. foreign trade
d. all three above
4. What are the main programmes of Vietnam's human resource development? a.
popularization of primary education and better people's health care
b. better people's health care and development of science and technology
c. popularization of primary education and development of science and technology
d. popularization of primary education, better people's health care and development of
science and technology
5. On what level of development is Vietnam at the moment?
a. group of developed countries
b. group of new industrial countries
c. group of developing countries
d. group of slowly developing countries

Activity 2: Find words or expressions in the reading passage that mean the same as:
1. to raise somebody to a higher position
2. having a particular meaning
3. producing the intended results
4. calculated every year
5. to improve further the good quality

Activity 3: True or False

Relying on the information in the reading, write these letters next to each statement:
T: if the statement is true
F: if the statement is false

1. Vietnam had not really entered the process of renovation until the 6th Party
Congress.
2. The aim of implementation is to stabilize the socio-economic aspects.
3. There has been a lot of foreign assistance since 1991.

63
4. Vietnam now ranks the 30th in the league of the biggest exporting countries in the
world.
5. In 1993 Vietnam's index of education was higher than that in some other Asian
countries.

3. Post-reading
How have big cities in Vietnam changed since the start of the process of renovation,
considering job-patterns, social services, living standard, environment, education,
transportation, etc? Discuss with your partner.
II. Speaking
You are going to role-play an informal meeting of four foreign visitors. They meet on
their holiday in Vietnam. Two of them had been to Vietnam once or twice before the
process of renovation started. The others have never been there before.
1. The visitors who had come to Vietnam give their remarks on changes taking place
in Vietnam since the process of renovation.
2. The other two compare the facts they see in Vietnam to what they had expected
about it before they came.
 Language in use: Ways of convincing

1. Useful structures
When we want to convince or try to get someone to do something we use one of t he
following forms:

Let's ………………. To reply, we say:

Why don't you ………………? That's a good idea.
Why not ………………? Good idea (less formal)
What/ How about ………………ing? It/That might be interesting.
I suppose you could……………. I think I will.
I think it's better if you……………… All right but only if ………………… .
If I were you, I would……………. To express the idea of rejection, we can
You'd better (not)……………. say:
You should/ ought (not)……………….. . I don't like…………… (only among
It would be better if …………………. . friends)
It's my belief that it would be much better I'mnot verykeenon/fond of
if ……………… . ……………….. (more tactful)
I don't feel like it.
There's no point.
I'd rather…………….. .
64
 I'd rather not.
I don't think that's a very good idea.
I'm afraid I can't./I haven't got time./it's
too late./I can't afford it.
Perhaps I'd better.
I think/Perhaps you are right.
OK. (informal and casual)
All right. (willing but not enthusiastic)

2. Practice:
Persuade your partner doing one of these things:
1. cancel his business meeting because of health reasons.
2. take more exercise to lose weight.
3. give up smoking.
4. take a language course.
5. change his/her holiday destination.

III. GRAMMAR: The passive

Summary of verb tenses

Form: Be + past participle (P2)

Tenses Active Passive

S + V (s,es) +O O + Is/am/are +P2 by S
The He drives me to work I am driven to work everyday.
present everyday.
simple
tesnse
present S+Is/am/are + v-ing O+ Is/am/are +being+ P2 (by S)
continuous Tom is making a cake. A cache is been made (by tom)
present S+ Has/have +P2 O+ Has/ have + been +P2

65
perfect Mary has written a book. A book has been written (by mary.
the past S+ V-ed Was/were + P2 (by S)
simple she bounght car yesterday. A car was bougth yesterday.
the past S+ Was/were + V-ing O+ Was/were + being + P2 (by S)
continuous We were preparing our Our dinner was being prepared at 7
dinner at 7 p.m that evening. p.m that evening.
past S+ Had + P2 O+ Had + been + P2 (by S)
perfect I had finished my meal before My meal had been finished before she
she arrived. arrived/
simpole S+ Will + V O+ Will+ be +P2 (by S)
future Jim will buy a house soon. A house will be bought soon (by jim)

future S+ Will + be + V-ing + O O+ Will + be + being +P2 (by S)

continuous She will be making some
clothes at this time tomoow.
future S+ Will + have +P2 + O
perfect We will have taken an exam
by the end of next week.
passive of S+Can/could/need/must/should
modal /have to/ had better /ought to/
verbs be going to +V +O
You can collect your parcel
now.
Some clothes will be being made at
this time tomorrow.
O+ Will + have + been + P2 (by S)
An will have taken next weekend.
+
O+Can/could/need/must/should+be+P2
(by S)
You parcel can be collected now.
The letter must be posted asap.
The washing up should be done right
after every meal

Special passive structures:

1. Have some done: (ask somebody to do something for you)
e.g. you have had your hair cut.
2. Get something done
E.g. We must have another key made.

66
We must get another key made.
(The sentences have the same meaning but “get” is more informal than “Have”
3. Have meaning “experience” (often somehting unpleasant)
E.g. We had all our money stolen.
The car had its mirror pulled off.
Exercise 1: Underline the correct or phrase in each sentences.
1. I’m having my hair cutting/cut/ to have cut tomorrow.
2. The children were took/taken/taking to the seaside for the day.
3. I was sending/sent/send here by the manager.
4. Kate is having her car services/serviced/servicing tomorrow.
5. Sue had her windows breaking/broken/broke by vandals.
6. David has been offer/offering/offered a new job in Brazil.
7. Where exactly were you born/did you born/did you bear?
8. I’ve just had my bike repaired/repair/repairing.
9. I was given/gave/did give/this book by Emily.
10. This cake makes/made/was made for her birthday.
11. Their new house hasn’t been finished/wasn’t finished yet.
12. The robbers were arrested/ have been arrested as soon as they left the bank.
13. Sue told us her baby is born/had been born two weeks earlier than expected.
14. If there is too much snow, the match has been cancelled/ will be cancelled.
15. By the time we got here, the rain had stopped/ had been stopped.
16. When were you told/have you been told about the new rules?
17. Most of the passengers were swimming/ were swum easily to the shore.
18. The winning horse was ridden/ was riding by Pat Murphy.
19. I looked again for the old man, but he was vanished/ had vanished.
20. I don’t think that you will be asked/ are being asked to show your passport.
Ecercise 2. Complete the sentences with the following, using the verbs in the
past passive from).
Eiffel Tower /design/Alexandra Gustave Eiffel /1889
-> Eiffel Tower was designed by Alexandra Gustave Eiffel in 1889
1. Angkor Wat/build/ the 10th and 11th centuries.

67
……………………………………………………………………….
2. Golden Gate Bridge/open/1937.
……………………………………………………………………….
3. Grand Canyon /excavate /the Colorado River.
……………………………………………………………………….
4. The faces of four Americian presidents/carve/Gutzon Borglum/1927.
……………………………………………………………………….
5. Emprize State Building/ complete/1931.
……………………………………………………………………….
6. Temple of Artemis /destroy/the Goths/AD262.
……………………………………………………………………….
7. The Statue of Liberty/make/French people.
……………………………………………………………………….
8. Quoc Tu Giam/establish/1076.
……………………………………………………………………….

IV. Writing and Translation

Activity 1: Complete the following sentences using the prompts given.
1. Reform/provide/ the economy/new/motive/forces/reflected/the
rapid/growth/agricultural/industrial/production/services.
2. The policy/multi-section/economy/encourage/the
creativeness/dynamics/diligence/the Vietnamese labourers.
3. After several years/decline, industrial production/ start/grow/by 9 %
/1991/achieve/higher rate/the following year/14 % (2992), 13.1 % ( 1993)/ 14
% (1994)
4. Along/ the economic/renovations/achievements/positive
change/made/the field/culture/social affairs, security/defense.
5. The success/the pricing reform/ play/ a decisive role/the formation/ a market
economy.

68
Activity 2: Translate the following sentences into English and vice versa
1. In the period of 1986- 1990, the renovation was oriented “to concentrate human
and material resources on the implementation of the three target programme of food
and foodstuffs, and consumer goods and goods for exports.

2. In recent years, in order to create conditions for the development of the multi-
sector economy, the Vietnamese government has created a legal framework to ensure
all the enterprises and citizens of business freedom and equality in according with the
laws.

3. In the same years, Vietnam had to cope with the impact of rapid changes in the
world, notably in the USSR and Eastern European countries. Grants and credits from the
latter rapidly decreased in 1989, 1990 and 1991 and ended in 1991. Indeed, the collapse
of Eastern European socialist states and the disintegration of the Soviet Union
deprived Vietnam of huge financial aid which, in the 1970’s, accounted for over 40 %
of its budget revenues, 70 % and 50 % Of Vietnam’s imports and exports respectively.
4. Như vậy công cuộc cải cách giai đoạn đầu ở Việt Nam là sự gặp gỡ của sự tìm tòi
sang tạo của quần chúng, cán bộ ở cơ sở và địa phương- những người gắn bó với thực
tế và lợi ích của người lao động - với sự đổi mới tư duy của những nhà lãnh đao đẩt
nước. Đó chình là đặc trưng quan trọng đầu tiên của công cuộc đổi mới ở Việt Nam.
5. Nhờ kịp thời cải cách cả ở tầm vi mô và vĩ mô, Việt Nam đã nhanh chóng chuyển
đổi thị trường, đảm bảo cho nền kinh tế và xã hội hoạt động bình thường.

V. Listening
1. Pre-listening task
In small groups, discuss
Renovation politics
The rate of economic growth
The rate of the annual nation income
What does ASEAN stand for?
In frastructure

69
2. Listen and choose the correct answer
1. The rate of the annual national income was of ………from 1995 to 1999.

2. As for foreign investment, they reached $ US 10 billion, or ……..of the total

investment, in 10 years.
A. a quarter B. three quarter C. two quarter
3. Vietnam has been admitted in the ASEAN since …………..
A. 28th June 1994 B. 28th July 1995 th
C. 28 July 1994
4. The law on foreign investment was issued on ……………..
A. December 28th, 1987 B. November 28th 1987 C. December 29th 1985 5.
The law has been changed and supplemented three times since, in ……….
A. July 1990, December 1993, November 1995
B. June 1990, December 1992, November 1996
C. June 1990, November 1992, December 1996

70
 UNIT 12: VIETNAM’S ECONOMIC SITUATION

AND FUTURE PROSPECTS

I. READING
Pre-reading. Ask and answer the following questions with your partner.
a. When did Vietnam join the WTO?
b. Which countries in the world does Vietnam have trade relation with?
While –reading
1. _____________________

In January 2007, Vietnam joined the World Trade Organization (WTO) following a
long and tedious negotiation process which lasted over ten years. New opportunities
and challenges created by international economic integration have had significant
impacts on the economy. The growth in GDP was maintained at a constant rate even
during the darkest hours of the financial crisis and the global economic recession. The
increase in GDP per capita also led to a rapid expansion of the middle class. Upon
accession into the WTO, Vietnam was able to negotiate reasonable preferential terms
based upon regional and bilateral investment agreements, which in turn further
attracted foreign direct investments.

Although accession into the WTO positively

influenced the country’s economic growth, it also
had negative consequences. The national
unemployment rate followed an upward trend,
reaching 6.4% in 2010. In addition, WTO
membership places greater attention on the
structural limitations of the Vietnamese economy
and the actual quality of its products, human
resources and infrastructure. It also revealed the
true proportion of the difficulties and challenges
that lay ahead. Acute imbalances in trade
relations with some partners became worryingly damaging for the national economy
as a whole and for various state owed and private firms.

2. _____________________

Today Vietnam’s largest trading partners include the United States, China, Singapore,
Japan, Australia, Thailand, Germany, Malaysia, the UK and Hong Kong. Trade with
Asian economies constitutes about 80% of Vietnam’s total trade.

Economic relations with the United States are improving, but are not without
problems. The governments in Washington and Hanoi reached a bilateral trade
agreement in December 2001, which significantly boosted exports to the United

71
States. Bilateral trade between the two countries increased from $2.1 billion in 2002 to
$15.4 in 2009. Despite disagreements over textiles and catfish exports, the U.S. has
become the second largest trading partner of Vietnam, after China.

Considering the rapid economic growth in China, economic relations with its northern
neighbor are of utmost importance to Vietnam’s economic success. Following the
resolution of most of their territorial disputes, trade with China has begun to take off
and, since 2004, Vietnam has imported more goods from China than from any other
country.

In November 2004, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) – of which

Vietnam is a member – and China announced their intention to create the largest free
trade area in the world before the end of 2010. Earlier, in 2003 and 2004, the
European Union (EU) concluded bilateral agreements with Vietnam which eliminated
quotas on Vietnamese import of textiles and clothing. Before the end of 2015 sales
volume should reach $1.26 billion, or 1.4 times more than in 2010, and imports will be
kept at a level set by the Ministry of Planning and Investment (MPI).

3. _____________________

The MPI expects Vietnam’s GDP to reach $200 billion on condition that the average
annual rate of growth attains 7-8% over the next five years. For 2011, the agriculture,
forestry and aquaculture sectors combined could account for 18-19% of the GDP
production structure; the construction industry for 40-41% and services the remaining
40-41%.

Inflation could still be a serious threat to macroeconomic stability and is expected to

grow during the early months of 2012 due to recurring seasonal factors. There is also
a possibility that inflationary pressures could be mitigated to varying degree when
high interest rates on loans taken out in 2010 begin to mature. Keeping inflation below
7% continues to be the target set by the National Assembly. The Vietnamese
government is in principle obliged to achieve this benchmark.

Vietnam’s membership in the WTO is considered only as a first step towards the
establishment of a larger regional trade zone. The country will need to promote its
strengths and confront its challenges, accelerate reforms, improve the quality of
growth towards sustainable development and the competitiveness of its industries and
businesses. Also, a greater emphasis on private sector development is essential for
creating more jobs.

To offset the negative impacts of WTO entry, such as higher unemployment rates, the
quality of infrastructure and institutional capacity must be further expanded and
improved. Vietnam has to be more effective in implementing its policies of
international economic integration, focusing on the quality of growth and the degree
of foreign investment. It must take measures consistent with macroeconomic and
financial stabilization. Vietnamese companies should prioritize joint ventures with

72
 foreign partners, while the government should more aggressively seek foreign partners
and enhance business cooperation with them.

Vietnam has yet to face many economic challenges, including that of striking a
balance between its fiscal policies, which are designed to keep interest rates at
reasonable levels and hold inflation in check, and its overall monetary policy, so to
prevent a credit crunch that would have a crippling effect on the economy. However,
when all is said and done, the Vietnamese economy is still held in high esteem within
the international business community, mainly because of its high growth rate and
overall macroeconomic stability, two fundamental conditions required for sustainable
economic development.

With the economic recovery gathering momentum in many neighboring countries, the
increased flow of FDI, a more balanced and pragmatic trade policy and easier access
to foreign markets will be conducive to creating appropriate conditions for the
Vietnamese economy to take off. This may well result in a substantial reduction in the
level of the country’s public debt.

(Adapted from:
http://www.diplomaticourier.com/news/regions/asia/386)

Activity 1: The passage includes three sections. Scan the passage quickly and put
each heading in the correct places.
a. Business Partners
b. Future Prospects
c. Accession to the World Trade Organization

Activity 2: Match each of the words in BOLD with its definition below.
a. argument against something claimed by another
b. a force that increases the rate of development of a process
c. a standard by which something can be measured or judged
d. having two sides or affecting two sides or two parties
e. actions taken to achieve a purpose
f. the act of acceding and becoming joined

Activity 3: Based on the information from the reading, answer the following
questions.
a. What did Vietnam benefit and suffer after joining WTO?
b. Which region in the world accounts for the most of Vietnam’s trade value?
c. What did Vietnam and the US have disagreements over?

73
d. On which condition, will Vietnam’s GDP reach $200 billion?
e. What is the inflation rate targeted by the National Assembly?
f. How can Vietnam offset the negative impacts of WTO entry?
g. What are the two fundamental conditions for sustainable economic development?

Activity 4: Based on the information from the reading passage, decide whether the
following statements are True, False or No Information.
a. After WTO entry, Vietnam could further attract foreign investors.
b. There were fewer and fewer unemployed people in Vietnam after WTO entry.
c. The US and China are the first and the second largest trading partners of Vietnam
respectively.
d. Sales volume with the EU, the US and Japan is expected to reach $1.2 billion by 2015.
e. Inflation which is expected to grow in 2012 has no impact on the macroeconomic
stability.
f. Vietnam has dealt with many economic challenges of which striking a balance
between its fiscal policies and its overall monetary policy is the toughest.
 Post - reading: Work in pairs or in small groups to summarize the passage.

II. SPEAKING
Work in pairs. Look at the Annual Sales Revenue Presentation for a computer
company given by the Sales Director in Grammar and Vocabulary section below. Use
all the vocabulary in that section to make a similar presentation on the monthly
number of visitors to the Art Gallery in the exercise below.

III. GRAMMAR – VOCABULARY: Describing trends

The following words and expressions are commonly used when we need to
describe trends in business and the economy.
Verbs
to go up (to) to increase (to) to rise (to) to strengthen
to recover to boost to peak (at) to rocket
to soar to surge to go down to decrease (to)

74
to fall (to) to weaken to drop (to) to slow
to bottom out at to plummet to stagnate to level out
to decline (to) to gain to double to remain stable (at)
to fluctuate to jump to edge to dip (to)
Adjectives & Adverbs
dramatic dramatically moderate moderately
slight slightly rapid rapidly
gradual gradually steady steadily
constant constantly sudden suddenly
slow slowly swift swiftly
Nouns
a rise an increase a climb a boom
a peak (at) a fall (of) a decline (of) a decrease (of)
a dip (of) a drop (of) a reduction (of) a slump
a jump (of) a climb (of)
Read the following Annual Sales Revenue Presentation for a computer company given
by the Sales Director. Focus on how the Sales Director describes the increases and
decreases of the data/information in the chart below. Think about the meaning of the
words and their prepositions in BOLD and how they compare to the chart.

Sales Director:

75
 'So now we're going to look at the annual sales figures for last year. As you can see
from the chart, in January sales revenue was €300,000. In February it fell by
€100,000 to €200,000. By March there was another decline of €100,000, which is
normal for that time of year. But things started to improve and by April it edged up by
€10,000. And in May there was a jump of €300,000 to €410,000. By June, it went up
to €560,000. As we know summer is a slow time for us. So, in July there was a drop of
€60,000. But in August it plummeted by €420,000 to €80,000. By September there was
an improvement, with a climb of €200,000. It then dipped by €10,000 in October, but
then there was a rise to €350,000 in November. But in December, I'm pleased to say
that sales revenue rocketed by €450,000 to €800,000. Overall, I think we've had a
good year.'

EXERCISE
Fill each of the following sentences below so that they can match with the data in the
below chart for Monthly Visitor Numbers to an Art Gallery.
climbed fall b drop went up
y
plummeted to o di edged up
f p

1. In February, the number of visitors declined ____________ 1,960.

2. In March, there was a rise in visitor numbers ____________1,519.
3. In April, the number of visitors rocketed ____________16,000.
4. In May, there was a ____________ of 2,711.
76
5. In June, the number of visitors ____________ by 7,274.
6. In July, the number of visitors ____________ by 135.
7. In August, there was a ____________ of 145.
8. By September, the number of visitors ____________ by 1,994.
9. In October, the number of visitors ____________ by 1,511.
10. In November, there was a ____________ in the number of visitors of 1,692.

IV. WRITING AND TRANSLATION

Activity 1: Rewrite the following sentences in such a way that keeps the same
meaning of the original sentences.
1. Though the State Bank stipulated that commercial banks must not pay more than 14
percent per annum in interest rate for deposits, the banks ignored the regulation.
Despite the State Bank’s ………………………………………………………………..
…………………………………………………………………………………………..
2. In order to ease the fever, the State Bank decided to sell gold reserves and granted
quotas for importing gold.
The State Bank decided ………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………..
3. Vietnam joined the World Trade Organization in January 2007 following more than a
decade-long negotiation process.
After …………………………………………………………………………………..
…………………………………………………………………………………………..
4. Even though Vietnam has exported more products, there is serious concern over the
country’s ability to retain its position.
Regardless of …………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………..
5. Vietnam has been doing well so far because it was able to keep prices low.
Because of ………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………..
6. The private sector has contributed 22% to the total tax payments, up four percentage
points against 2011.

77
Four percentage points higher …………………………………………………………..
………………………………………………………………………………………...

Activity 2: Translate the following passage into Vietnamese.

Vietnam’s economy expanded at the slowest pace in 13 years in 2012 as a slump in

bank lending damped domestic demand, adding pressure on the government to
revamp the financial system and attract more foreign investment.

Gross domestic product rose 5.03 percent this year, down from 5.89 percent in 2011
and the least since 4.77 percent in 1999, the General Statistics Office said in Hanoi
yesterday. GDP increased 5.44 percent in the fourth quarter from a year earlier, up
from a revised 5.05 percent in July-to-September.

Foreign investment pledges fell 14 percent this year and Vietnam’s credit rating was
cut by Moody’s Investors Service as mounting bad debt and weakened state-owned
enterprises limited room for policy makers to boost growth. The government has said
it may form an asset manager to clean up lenders, and the World Bank and
International Monetary Fund are preparing their first review of the banking system as
a blueprint for the sector.

78
 UNIT 13 RURAL LIFE IN VIETNAM

I - READING
I.1. Pre-reading: Before you read, answer the following questions.
1. What do you know about the rural life in Vietnam?
2. How has rural life been changed since 1986?
I.2. While-reading: Read the following passage and do the activities below.

An adventure through rural life

In Vietnam three quarters of its land is used for farming and most Vietnamese people
live in the villages. Vegetables, fruit and mainly rice are for sale at markets.
Conditions in rural areas are tough and farmers need to work long hours, and the
children must work in order to earn money for their struggling families. Houses in the
rural areas of the South where it is warm are built of wood, and in the North where it
is colder, they are built out of brick. Houses in the countryside are simply built of
wood with palm leaves or straw on the roof, a dirt floor and no electricity or running
water. Villagers collect water from the local well or river, and it is boiled to kill the
germs. Each house usually has two or three rooms, a small garden where crops are
grown for the family to eat and sell, a few chickens, a pig or two as well as a water
buffalo or oxen which are kept in an area beside the house. Every village has a market
where people can buy rice, vegetables, fruit and seafood. Very few people in Vietnam
own a car, most of those who do also own a business. Many families ride a motorbike
or travel by bicycle. In rural areas a lot of people walk long distances, or use oxen
carts to travel. After the war finished in 1975 the government had a policy of 'Doi
Moi' (new thinking). They wanted people to grow crops so gave them an area of land
to farm, but the land still belongs to the government. The children that live in rural
areas go to school from 7:30am to 11:30am or in the afternoon they start at 1:00pm
and go to 5.00pm. In primary school they learn how to read, write and do maths. In
High School they learn about history, mathematics, biology, science, chemistry,
drawing and either English, French or Russian. Not all children in rural areas go to
school because they are needed to help their family on the farm. Along the roads
children are seen riding or leading oxen carts to the fields and back home again. Some
fields have tombs in them, as the Vietnamese people believe their ancestors will look
after the farms and produce good crops. Scarecrows called “hình nộm” which means a
human figure are in some fields. There is one scarecrow for rice fields and another for
the fruit and vegetables gardens.

Activity 1: The passage consists of six paragraphs, read it quickly and identifies the
paragraphs

Activity 2: Based on the passage, answer the following questions

1. What is the proportion of non-farm land?
79
 2. What are the economic activities in rural areas?
3. What is the living condition like?
4. What do the farmers benefit from Doi Moi policy?
5. Why do not all children go to school?

I.3. Post-reading: What do you think?

1. Why do so many people from the countryside flow to cities?
2. Where would you prefer to live the countryside or the cities? Why?
3. Why do many graduates try to stay in cities? What difficulties will they encounter?

II - SPEAKING

Activity 1: Group-work.
Make a presentation of the agricultural development and hunger and poverty
elimination policy of Vietnam.

Activity 2:
The government is holding a meeting for farmers from all over the country. You are
farmers attending the meeting in which you can raise your opinions of agricultural
development in your locality as well as problems you are facing now. In groups of
four or five, bring up your problems and suggest solutions for other groups.

 Language in use: Encouraging

Example: I didn’t realize it was so difficult. I don’t think I’ll ever learn!
No! You’re doing fine!
The following expressions are used when you want to encourage someone to do
something:

Well done! Great!/ Terrific!/ Lovely!

You’re doing very well. I’m right behind you.
That’s fine/ good/ lovely/ all right You have our whole-hearted support.
I wish I could do as well. You have our backing.
That’s better than I could do. We feel you should go ahead.
Don’t worry, I’m sure you’ll better this First class!
time. That’s most encouraging!
You can do it. There’s no thing/ reason to feel/
Come on!/ Go on!/ Stick to it!/ Keep it be discouraged (about).
up!
Keep at it!/ Don’t give up!/ Nearly there!

Practice. What do you say in the following situations?

1. You’re teaching your boss’s wife, to whom you have just been introduced, how to
play tennis. She has never served before.

80
 2. You’re on a cycling tour with your friend, Dave. You are going up a steep hill and
Dave is finding it difficult. It’s getting late and you don’t want to stop.
3. You’re presenting your international company at a meeting in England. You have
been told to encourage expansion in the English subsidiary firm.

III – STOP & CHECK

Activity 1: Fill each of the gaps with a given word.

underdeveloped / agrarian / introduction / migration / farmers / entrepreneurs /
healthcare / poverty / turned / transformed
Vietnam remains a predominantly (1) …………. society. As much as
80% of the country’s population lives in rural areas and two-thirds of them depend on
farming for a living. Since the (2) …………….. of Doi Moi in 1986, and particularly
in the last decade, rural areas have experienced dramatic changes. One of the key
agents for the change was the passing of the 1993 Land Law, giving (3)………… new
rights over their land.
In response, agricultural productivity has increased spectacularly, and
Vietnam has been (4)………….. from a net rice importing country into the world’s
second largest rice exporter. Food security has been achieved at national level, and
incomes and wellbeing have been approved in rural areas. More people have accessed
to clean water, better sanitation and improved (5)…………….
Despite the significant changes for the better, however, poverty in
Vietnam still has a rural face. According to a UN publication, Expanding choices for
the Rural Poor, a striking 90% of families classified as living below the (6)
…………….. line are located in rural areas.
The challenges facing rural areas are plentiful. Following years of wars
and fiscal constraint, the infrastructure is (7) ……………….. and in a state of
disrepair. Land is increasingly scarce supply. While the rural population continues to
grow, off-farm employment opportunities remain extremely limited. Access to credit
extension, vocational training, technology as well as basic social services remains
poor. Unemployment and land shortages have led to an increase in (8)
……………….. from rural to urban areas.
A better future for the rural poor is, however, within reach. With an
enabling framework for rural development, strengthened institution and policies in
support of private farmers and (9) ……………., further economic reform and sound
rural investment, the destiny of rural areas can be (10) ……………. around.

Activity 2: Combine the pairs of sentences below using words or phrases indicating
contrasts.
(despite, inspite of, whereas, nevertheless, however,but , while , although, ….)

1. Pesticides have been used widely. Insects are breeding quickly.

2. The government had invested a lot in agriculture. The rice productivity stayed low.
3. The farmers work hard. Their efforts are not very productive.

81
4. The women do 95% housework. The men do 5%.
5. Life in rural areas has been improved. Many farmers move to cities.

Activity 3: Rewrite the following sentences in such a way that keeps their original
meaning.

1. Though rural children continue to be deprived of a formal education, the education

system of this province is an exception.
Despite …………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………
2. Other rural areas can learn from Van Giang (Hung Yen) but the success can’t
always be duplicated.
Although ………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………
3. While Van Giang served as a model for other rural areas, many of the wealthier
parts of Vietnam didn’t.
Whereas ………………………………………………………………………………..
…………………………………………………………………………………………
4. Despite constant droughts, the farmers made a good crop.
Even though ……………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………
6. Though fertilizers are available, some of the land is impossible to cultivate.
………………………………………. Nevertheless, …………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………

IV – WRITING & TRANSLATION.

Activity 1: Complete the following sentences from given words or phrases.

1. After 10 years/ urbanization / Hanoi / certainly become / modern / less healthy / in

terms of environment.
2. The water surface / green foliage of trees / not only / constitute / aesthetically pleasant
atmosphere / but also / help / regulate Hanoi’s climate.
3. In major cities / green trees / water surface / help / reduce / city temperature / 3.3 to
4.9oC / if / it / cover / 20 to 50% city’s area.
4. It / also / help / reduce / sun radiation / 40 to 50 % / absorb / as much as / 70 to 75% /
solar energy.
5. When Hanoi’s villages develop / urban areas / the city’s payoff / be / loss of its unique
appearance / lifestyle.

82
 Activity 2: Translate the following sentences.
1. There is a recognition that agriculture can no longer continue to absorb the growing
rural labour force and that more off-land income opportunities are needed.
2. There is an urgent need to increase access to basic social and physical infrastructure,
to extend the system for secure and exchangeable land-use rights, and to develop the
rural financial sector.
3. Building on the success of previous reform will have positive effects – on equity and
social development, as well as on rural productivity. The potential benefits for the
poor rural dwellers are huge.
4. Đói nghèo, thất nghiệp, bùng nổ dân số, ô nhiễm môi trường và buôn bán ma túy vẫn
là những thách thức lớn chúng ta phải đương đầu trong thế kỉ 21.
5. Trong thời gian tới, chúng ta còn có những dự án phát triển cộng đồng nhằm xóa bỏ
dần sự khác biệt giữa đô thị và nông thôn.

83
 UNIT 14: VIETNAMESE LEGAL SYSTEM
I. READING
Pre-reading. Before you read, answer the following questions with your partner:

1. How many types of courts are there in Vietnam? What are they?
2. Who has the right to make or amend laws?
3. What is the main difference between the National Assembly and the Government?

While-reading. Read the following passage and do the activities below it.
A. The National Assembly is the supreme representative body of the people and the
supreme state power organ of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam. The National
Assembly is the sole body vested with the right to make constitution and to make
laws. The National Assembly decides on the basic home and external policies, socio-
economic tasks, national defense and security of the country, the main principles on
organization and operation of the State apparatus, on the social relations and activities
of citizens. The National Assembly exercises the supreme right to supervise the entire
operation of the State.
B. The Supreme People’s Court, the local People’s Courts, the military courts and other
law-prescribed courts are adjudicating bodies of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam.
The courts adjudicate criminal, civil, marriage and family, labor, economic and
administrative cases and settle other matters as prescribed by law. Within the scope of
their functions, the courts have the task to protect the socialist legislation; to protect
the socialist regime and the people’s mastery; to protect the property of the State and
collectives; to protect the lives, property, freedom, honor and dignity of citizens.
Through their activities, the courts shall contribute to educating citizens in the loyalty
to the Fatherland, the strict observance of law, the respect for social conducts and the
sense of struggle to prevent and combat crimes and other law offenses.
C. A legal document is a document issued by a competent State agency according to the
procedure and order prescribed by law, including the common rules of conduct, the
implementation of which is guaranteed by the State and aims to regulate social
relations along the socialist orientation.
The system of legal documents includes:
1. The documents promulgated by the National Assembly: the Constitution, laws and
resolutions;
The documents promulgated by the Standing Committee of the National Assembly:
ordinances and resolutions;
2. The documents issued by the other competent State agencies at central level to
implement the legal documents of the National Assembly and the Standing Committee
of the National Assembly;
a/ Orders and decisions of the State President;
84
b/ Resolutions and decrees of the Government; decisions and directives of the Prime
Minister;
c/ Decisions, directives and circulars of the Ministers, the Heads of the ministerial-
level agencies and the Heads of the agencies attached to the Government;
d/ Resolutions of the Justice Council of the Supreme People’s Court; decisions,
directives and circulars of the Chairman of the Supreme People’s Procuracy;
e/ Inter-agency resolutions and joint circulars of competent State agencies and
between competent State agencies and socio-political organizations;
3. The documents issued by the People’s Councils and the People’s Committees to
implement the legal documents of the National Assembly, the Standing Committee of
the National Assembly and the documents of higher-level State agencies; and the
documents issued by the People’s Committees to implement the resolutions of the
People’s Councils of the same level.
a/ Resolutions of the People’s Councils;
b/ Decisions and directives of the People’s Committees.
( Adapted from http://www.chinhphu.vn/portal/page/portal/English/legaldocuments)

Activity 1: Decide who are responsible for issuing the following types of law.
Then match them with their Vietnamese equivalents.
English Issued by Vietnamese
The
Nghị định
Constitution
Ordinance Nghị quyết

Resolution Quyết định

order Sắc lệnh

Decision Pháp lệnh

Decree Chỉ thị

Directive Thông tư

Circular Hiến pháp

Thông tư liên
Joint circular
tịch

Activity 2: Based on the information from the passage, find the correct answers by
circling A, B, C or D.

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1. The National Assembly_________________________________________
A. is the only body that has the right to issue laws.
B. is organized and operates according to the principle of democratic centralism.
C. supervises the Government with the Communist Party.
D. teaches the citizens to obey the law.
2. The Socialist Republic of Vietnam has the following courts:
A. The local People’s Courts, the military courts, the Supreme People’s Court
B. The Supreme People’s Court, the local People’s Courts, the military courts
C. The local People’s Courts, the army courts, the Supreme People’s Court and other
law-prescribed courts.
D. The local People’s Courts, the Supreme People’s Court and other law-prescribed
courts.
3. The courts
A. Judge on criminal, civil, marriage and family, labor, economic and administrative
cases.
B. Force people to observe laws.
C. Are in charge of protecting the socialist legislation
D. A & C are correct
4. The Constitution was promulgated by____________________
A. the Standing Committee of the National Assembly.
B. the National Assembly.
C. the State
D. The Supreme People’s Court
5. Documents issued by the People’s Councils and the People’s Committees
include A. Circulars, resolutions and decisions
B. Resolutions, decisions and joint circulars
C. Resolutions, decisions, directives
D. Resolutions, decisions, decrees
Activity 3: Based on the information from the passage, answer the following questions
1. What organ has the right to supervise the State performance?
2. What documents can the State President issue?

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3. What shall the courts do to prevent and combat crimes and other law offenses?
4. What is a legal document? Who issues it?
5. Why are the legal documents issued by the People’s Committees?
 Post-reading. Work in groups and discuss types of laws. You should say:
- What type of law is it?
- Who issues it?
- What for?

II. SPEAKING
Activity 1: Work in pairs. Students take turn to talk about the procedure of making
laws in Vietnam.
Use passive voice and following words to talk about a procedure:
First,
Then/ next/ after that…
Finally,
Program on the elaboration of resolutions and decrees (National Assembly)

Draft resolutions and decrees

Evaluate draft resolutions and decrees

Giving comments on the elaboration of draft resolutions and decrees

Consider and adopt draft resolutions and decrees

Draft and issue decisions and directives (the Prime Minister)

 Activity 2: Work in groups. Work in groups and discuss the reponsibilities of different
bodies:
- The National Assembly
- The Government

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- Different types of courts

III. GRAMMAR – VOCABULARY

CLEFT SENTENCES
Cleft sentences are used to emphasise what we want to say by introducing it or
building up to it with a kind of relative clause. They are particularly useful in writing
due to the absence of intonation.
Cleft sentences often focus on subjects, objects or adverbs.
1. Subject focus
a. It + is / was + Noun / pronoun (person) + who/ that + V + O …
Eg: The State President can issue orders and decisions.
 It is The State President who/that can issue orders and decisions.
b. It + is / was + Noun (thing) + that + V + O …
Eg: The National Assembly has the right to make laws.
 It is The National Assembly that has the right to make laws.
2. Object focus
a. It + is / was + Noun / pronoun (person) + who(m)/ that + S + V…
Eg: I met the President in my hometown last year.
 It was the President who(m)/ that I met in my hometown last year.
b. It + is / was + Noun (thing) + that + S + V …

 It is the Constitution that The National Assembly issues.

3. Adverbial focus
It + is / was + Adverbial phrase + that + S + V …
Eg. We first met in December.
 It was in December that we first met.
 It was in this village that he was born.
Exercise 1: Rewrite the sentences to focus attention on the underlined
information. Using structure” it is / was ... that”
1. She bought the car from Tom.

_______________________________________________________________
2. My secretary sent the bill to Mr. Harding yesterday.

_______________________________________________________________
3. We are coming to stay with Jane this weekend.

_____________________________________________________________
4. The president makes the important decisions.

_______________________________________________________________
5. I’m looking forward to Summer holiday.

_______________________________________________________________
6. I lost my wallet somewhere in there.

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 _______________________________________________________________
7. I was born and grew up in the village.

_______________________________________________________________
8. My teacher helped me a lot of with my study last semester.

_______________________________________________________________
9. The headmaster gave Tam a bicycle as a scholarship.

_______________________________________________________________
10. Your carelessness caused the accident

_______________________________________________________________

Exercise 2: Choose the best answers:

1. ________ I bought the golden fish.
A. It was from this shop that B. I was from this shop where
C. It was this shop which D. It was this shop that
2. It was Tom _______ to help us.
A. comes B. that comes C. to come D. who came
3. _______ the police had rescued from the fire.
A. The baby B. The baby that
C. It was the baby whom D. The baby whom
4. ________ my parents gave me the fish tank.
A. It was on my birthday when
B. It was my birthday on that
C. It was my birthday that
D. It was on my birthday that
5. _______ I first met my girlfriend.
A. It was in London that B. It was in London where
C. It was London that D. It was London which
6. _________ on the phone.
A. It is his mother whom is B. It was his mother whom is
C. It was his mother who is D. It is his mother who is
7. ________ a high level of blood cholesterol.
A. It is eggs that contain B. Those are eggs it contains
C. It is eggs that contains D. It is eggs contain
8. _________ England won the World Cup.
A. It was in 1966 that B. It was on 1966 that
C. It was in 1966 when D. It was 1966 in that
9. __________ we all look for.
A. It is happiness that B. That happiness
C. Happiness it is that D. Happiness it is
10. ____________ me how to play the drum.
A. It was my uncle who taught B. My uncle who taught
C. It was my uncle taught D. It is my uncle teaching

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 IV. WRITING AND TRANSLATION
Activity 1: Rewrite the sentences using the cleft sentences
1. The Government shall be organized and operate on the principle of democratic
centralism.

2. The ministers and the heads of the ministerial-level agencies shall take part in the
operation of the Government collective

3. A legal document must be sent in time to the State agency of immediate higher level
and to the concerned State agencies and socio-political organizations.

4. The Prime Minister has to chair the Government’s meetings.

5. The Government shall create favorable conditions for Vietnam Fatherland Front.

Activity 2: Write a paragraph about how a type of law is issued.

Activity 3: Translate the following passage into Vietnamese

The Government is the executive body of the National Assembly, and is the highest
State administrative agency of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam.

The Government shall exercise the unified management of the performance of the
State’s political, socio-economic, defense, security and external relation tasks; ensure
the effectiveness of the State apparatus from the central to grassroots level; ensure the
respect for, and the observance of, the Constitution and laws; promote the people’s
mastery in the cause of building and defending the Fatherland, thus ensuring stability
and improving the people’s material and spiritual lives.

The Government shall take responsibility before the National Assembly and report on
its activities to the National Assembly, the National Assembly Standing Committee
and the State President.

Article 2. The Government’s organizational structure is composed of:

- The ministries;

- The ministerial-level agencies.

The National Assembly shall decide on the establishment or abolition of ministries

and ministerial-level agencies at the proposal of the Prime Minister.

Article 7. The Government shall perform the function of State management by laws;
apply all administrative, economic, organizational, propagation and educational
measures; coordinate with Vietnam Fatherland Front’s Central Committee, Vietnam
Labor Confederation’s Executive Committee and central committees of mass
organizations in the performance of its tasks and the exercise of its powers.

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