Giang Ơi, Đà Lạt

7:00 SA
1. Describe a person who you follow on social media
2. Describe a person who contributes to the society
3. Describe someone you really like to spend time with
4. Describe a person you only met once and want to know more about
5. Describe a neighbor you are interested in
6. Describe a family member who you want to work with in the future
7. Describe a city that you think is very interesting
8. Describe a time you visited a new place
9. Describe a place in a village that you visited
10. Describe a house or an apartment you would like to live in
3 ,5: chị tiếp viên
6: aunt: baker
- spend most time with => understand me most and have the same mindset
- worked with b4, assisst her in the kitchen
- job: apply for a position in her bakery
+ straightforward, friendly, as bright as a button, strict => more disciplined
+ creative
+ persevere
9 => want to see her again
I don’t have a lot of memories traveling, since I am a homebody and prefer to stay
put if I can help it. However, a destination really stands out among the rare occasions
that I actually go on trips. It is a local market in Sapa, which is a small town in the
mountainous area of northern Vietnam. I visited Sapa 2, 3 years ago, I believe, to see
the snow that is, you know, quite few and far between in our tropical country. During
our stay, we stopped by an outdoor market where locals usually buy an assortment of
goods. It was a particularly intriguing and new experience to me.
The first thing I’d like to mention is that the market was a stark difference compared
to what I was used to seeing in the city. Hordes of locals were walking around in
their traditional attires, which were incredibly colorful and brightened up the whole
atmosphere. Around you were all sorts of products, like from special clothing items
to fresh ingredients that could not be found elsewhere. But what really attracted me
was the collection of traditional ornaments and handicrafts there. After walking
around a few stalls, I decided to buy a scarf with distinct tribal patterns and some
local souvenirs for my family, all of which were good bargains.
All in all, I was glad to visit the market since it offered a chance for me to interact
with the very welcoming people in Sapa and immerse myself in an authentic, local
environment. For a city girl born and raised like me, the market was a definite eye-
opening experience. Besides, I could also support the local communities by buying
souvenirs and gifts. If there’s a chance, I would love to revisit this place.
1, 2, 4: Giang Ơi
- youtuber, channel’s name: Giang is my first name, “oi” is a Vietnamese interjection. “Giang Oi” is 10
short, memorable, and inherently Vietnamese. It sounds endearing. - apartment in a high-rise overlooking the river
- record of everything, in her own words: the adulthood of of a weirdo - Design:
- How I know her: came across the video in which she shared her experience of adopting 4 stray cats
=> touching, left me with a striking/profound impression
=> watched more
=> follow, sub
- An authentic, yet positive outlook on life is the secret behind Giang Oi’s charisma for her young
audience.
+ authenticity: simple, mundane, sometimes frustrating like caring for thin hair or going shopping.
She gives the audience a lense into her personal journey. I turn to her channel for authentic, yet
positive thoughts and advice. Sometimes I find themselves in my stories.
+ relatable: don’t invest a lot in a professional setup. my videos not fancy and distant from the life
of an average person
+ admire: quit hẻ day job to pursue freelance. not a spur-of-the-moment decision, was a manageable
risk when she took it because she was very well -prepared. => learn: As long as I’m still alive and
kicking, nothing is an impossible risk.
+ enlighten me: experience and appreciate life on a deeper level (environment: have a bee in your
bonnet, animal, lifestyle)
=> wonder what my sense of purpose in life is
- Contribution: youth empowerment, gender equality, animal welfare (youth programs, fundraising
events, charity: sell her yt gold play button, … )
- Visit my school: share her studying abroad experience (excited and looking forward to, not only me:
exploded and screamed our head off)
+ motivating (accent, be different, bully)
+ relatable
https://vietcetera.com/en/giang-oi-day-in-the-life-of-a-youtuber
https://drjeff.com/blog/why-its-important-to-adopt-not-shop/#:~:text=It%20costs%20less%3A%
20Adopting%20a,animal's%20lives%20can%20be%20saved.
+ minimalistic but modern, no need to be spacious but cozy
+ unfurnished => decorate and furnish it in my own way
+ color: neutral color: white, cream, gray
+ living room:
○ natural lights instead of artificial ones => well-lit with a french window
○ projector instead of TV => feeling in a cinema
○ many plants, table/floor lamp
○ comfy and big sofas to lie on, fluffy cushions
+ kitchen:
○ wonderful open-plan kitchen => fumes and smoke can come into the living room but not a big
deal with a ventilation hood + fry less bc of the move to a healthier lifestyle => open space:
talk to friends ỏ fam mem while cooking, bring e1 on board, preparation is always the funniet
part
○ a kitchen island in the middle 4 prep
○ cutting-edge kitchen gadgets (wall oven and microwave…)
○ on the countertop: plant some herbs (…) => fresh supply of herbs, no need dry ones
+ a bedroom and a working room (now: study and work in my bedroom: convenient but I don’t want to
associate your place of work with your place of rest, affect my mood …)
=> dotted with many plants, green, reduce stress, boost mood, increase creativity

From < https://prep.vn/blog/describe-a-place-in-a-village-you-visited/>

Kĩ thuật nâng cấp Speaking Band 5.0 lên 7.0 (Topic: HOBBIES)

IELTS Speaking Topic - Home and Accommodation

MAY-AUG 2022 Page 1

OUTLINE PART 2
8:47 CH

TOPIC PART 2
01. Describe a time • Background:
when you gave - When: 2 years ago
advice to others. + just graduated
- Who: cousin
47. Describe a time + in grade 9 => high school entrance exam
when someone asked • Goal: give advice to cousin
you for your opinion. • Tension:
- Problem:
15. Describe an + Context: / between a rock and a hard place regarding highschool options
interesting / cbi graduate => sensitive time <= a lot on plate / pretty full diary
discussion you had => matter of time b4 overwhelmed & exhausted
with your friend. + Prob: didn't know what to choose
/ top-ranking schools <= apple of her parents' eye + peer pressure
(advice chọn / suitable (admission score in line with ability)
highschool cho => tore me apart, turn a deaf ear
cousin) - Advice:
+ been thru all => relate to => lend a sympathetic ear
-Fulfilling and impactful
conversation are the + help:
ones u have with who u / asked: in your heart of heart …
love and admire / break the prob down (beyond ability, within capabilities / her grasp, slow but
-have a good chinwag sure steps to make her way up the career ladder)
(one that has stayed • Finish:
with me)
-confab
- Cousin: low-ranking school, knuckle down, put her mind to it, X slack off => close
-be faced with a rapport + learn E & … => no regret
dilemma - Happy 4 her => lesson: get out of comfort zone q/(.) (new things, push boundaries,
-talk sb out of sth upgrade urself), but …
-her words were burnt
into my memory
-fascinating chat
51. Describe a place • Background:
you have visited that - When: summer vacation
you would - What: trip with family
recommend as a - Why: let off steam, recharge …
good place to live. • Des (acquire a reputation for):
- Location (geographical feature): located in the highland region to the south of vn
23. Describe a city - Weather: all year round (stand in stark contrast to the tropical climate elsewhere)
that you think is very => attract tourists from neighboring provinces
interesting. => perfect retreat from heat and humidity that we have to live with day in day out
- Activities:
(Da Lat) + crisp morning: kick off the day with a little stroll / a jog => soak up fresh air => rec for
e1 w their significant other
+ get to be in touch with nature => therapeutic
+ after sundown is when things get rly exciting/bustling (market):
/ get crowded => travel by foot => browse all nooks and crannies
/ vendors spread out an assortment of things: finest varieties of coffee, fresh
produce, delicate handicrafts (by local artisans)
/ food (there's a plenty of food to keep me going as I explore): fresh grilled meat
skewers, grilled rice paper, soy milk (on vacation => pig myself out => no guilty
when indulging in this dish)
=> invigorating way to end a day
+ organic strawberry farms: handpick different types of strawberries => savor unique
texture and flavors
• Finish: no best time to pay a visit / reasons to live here
- lovely and friendly indigenous ppl
- cool all year round, w a little dip in temp towards the end of the day
- food options
- cheap
02. Describe a • Background:
famous person in - Why: big fan of Youtube => perennial fav pastime
your country you are

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 - Why: big fan of Youtube => perennial fav pastime
your country you are - When: 14/15
interested in. - Where: on Youtube
- What: a video of Giang Oi
05. Describe a + experience of adopting 4 stray cats
person you only met => touching, left me with a striking/profound impression
once and want to • Des:
know more about. - Channel:
+ Name: Giang is her first name, “oi” is a Vietnamese interjection. “Giang Oi” is short,
12. Describe a person memorable, and inherently Vietnamese. It sounds endearing.
who contributes to + About: record of everything, in her own words: the adulthood of of a weirdo
society. => An authentic, yet positive outlook on life is the secret behind Giang Oi’s charisma
for her young audience.
21. Describe a person - Giang Oi:
who you follow on + 1 of the most well-liked
social media. + ambivert
+ gloomy highschool years (a dog's life) (heavily bullied and segregated <= different,
(Giang Oi) weird, not belonged, like an outcast)
=> get away to the UK, art school (all weird but shine own way)
=> feel accepted, ppl with different colors
=> shape herself (not judgemental, optimistic outlook on life …)
- Contribution: youth empowerment, gender equality, animal welfare (youth programs,
fundraising events, charity: sell her yt gold play button, … )
- Visit my school: share her studying abroad experience (excited and looking forward
to, not only me: exploded and screamed our head off)
+ motivating (accent, be different, bully)
+ relatable
=> want to see her again

Famous for
+ authenticity: simple, mundane, sometimes frustrating like caring for thin
hair or going shopping. She gives the audience a lense into her personal
journey. I turn to her channel for authentic, yet positive thoughts and advice.
Sometimes I find themselves in my stories.
+ relatable: don’t invest a lot in a professional setup. my videos not fancy and
distant from the life of an average person
+ admire: quit her day job to pursue freelance. not a spur-of-the-moment
decision, was a manageable risk when she took it because she was very well-
prepared. => learn: As long as I’m still alive and kicking, nothing is an
impossible risk.
+ enlighten me: experience and appreciate life on a deeper level (environment:
have a bee in your bonnet, animal, lifestyle)
=> wonder what my sense of purpose in life is
48. Describe a - Past status quo: to keep/lose/recover/regain your composure
positive change that - junior highschool student
you made in your life. - hot-blooded, lose self control easily, probs <= hot temper
- lost my cool => different person
18. Describe a skill - scream my head off, snapped at sb and couldn't think straight
that you learned • Inciting incident: lost a friend (had a bad day => take out on her to give vent to my
from older people. anger => said things that hurted her feeling so bad)
• Raise the stake: if hadn't changed
(anger management - would have lost more friends => alone => out of place
skill) • Mmt of truth: steer clear of it, change myself and turned over a new leaf
• Skill: ask grandma who is composed, calm & collected, cooled me down: step by step
guidance
- keep my mouth shut and get away from them
- take a deep breath, take a stroll and contemplate the root cause …
• Finish / New status quo:
- able to control my temper
- apologize the friend
- change for the better => grateful to grandma
29. Describe a • Past status quo:
way/change that - get distracted easily => distractions derail a whole workday
helps you save a lot + digital distractions (wall to wall social media => whenever I'm up to my eyeballs on a
of time. tight deadline and find yourself wandering off (into) a social media black hole or a

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 tight deadline and find yourself wandering off (into) a social media black hole or a
YouTube binge )
44. Describe => take a lot of time but cannot deal with anything => leave it to tommorrow
something you do • Inciting incident (the climax was when)
that can help you to - 1 day before final exams for (subjects) => found myself sw on FB, YT black holes
concentrate in work (had a whole day off to prepare for exam, sit in front of the desk with all textbooks …,
or study. so tempting the phone was that I couldn't exist => It wasn't until 11pm that started to
burying myself in my books + learn by rote, without know inside out)
(pomodoro) => cram for …, burned the midnight oil
=> attempts were of no avail
=> failed at 2/3 subjects the next day
• Raise the stake:
- not the first time => never learned
- down in the dumps, climbing walls with frustration and blamed myself for not
knucking down to my study more seriously => the mmt when receiving result + the look
of grief and dissapointment of teacher and parents have imprinted on my mind until
now
- not only abt letting them down, my study, my future (livelihood)
• Mmt of truth:
- take up a new habit, knew when came across a vid intro this method (wanted to snap
out of it)
• Pomodoro:
- The Pomodoro Technique was developed in the late 1980s by then university student
Francesco Cirillo. Cirillo was struggling to focus on his studies and complete
assignments. Feeling overwhelmed, he asked himself to commit to just 10 minutes of
focused study time. Encouraged by the challenge, he found a tomato (pomodoro in
Italian) shaped kitchen timer, and the Pomodoro technique was born.
- Steps:
+ Get a to-do list and a timer.
+ Set your timer for 25 minutes, and focus on a single task until the alarm goes off.
+ When your session ends, mark off one pomodoro and record what you completed.
+ Then enjoy a five-minute break.
+ After four pomodoros, take a longer, more restorative 15-30 minute break
• Finish: Why it works:
+ Easy to start: break down your big tasks, projects, or goals into something you only
have to do for the next 25 minutes. It keeps you hyper focused on the one next thing
you need to do rather than get overwhelmed by the enormity of what you're taking on
+ The idea behind the technique is that the timer instills a sense of urgency. Rather
than feeling like I have endless time in the workday to get things done and then
ultimately squandering those precious work hours on distractions, I know you only
have 25 minutes to make as much progress on a task as possible.
+ Additionally, the breaks help to cure the burnt-out feeling I may experience toward
the end of the day. It’s impossible to spend hours in front of my computer without
even realizing it, as that ticking timer reminds me to get up and take a breather.
=> get more done in less time, while also fostering a sense of accomplishment and
reducing the potential for burnout, avoid squandering precious time on other
distractions.
=> save time (still spend the same amt of time but doing sth worth rather than on FB..)
32. Describe • Past status quo:
something you do - sedentary lifestyle
that you think is - when: 2 years ago
important for + highschool entrance exam
keeping fit and • Inciting incident: nonstop studying => sucked the life out of me
healthy. => climax: almost fained <= utterly exhausted + suffer from burnout + forced myself too
much
(jogging) • Raise the stake:
- needed a change <= affected my health, my study => wanted to snap out of this situa
- body: flabby => sapped me of my confidence
=> breath of fresh air <= stuck in a groove
• Mmt of truth:
- do sth invigorating to let off steam …
- have a crack at jogging
- challenging <= sedentary <= sat in front of the computer
- didn't give up <= didn't want to burn my parents out
- after a few weeks of suffering from muscle aches, I got used to jogging and kept
doing it in the evenings with my dog.
• Finish: has done wonders for my physical health as well as my mental health
- shed a few pounds => streamlined body

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 - shed a few pounds => streamlined body
- elevating your mood, enhancing your sense of well-being and combating negative
emotions
=> on the road to a healthier lifestyle
45. Describe a time • Past status quo:
when you were very - not a social butterfly so I tend to avoid attending social events
busy. - rarely attend a party, let alone throwing a party
- But life is full of unexpected things. One day, I had to set up a party to celebrate my
03. Describe a time younger sister's birthday.At first, I tried to turn down this request but my mom talked
when you organized me into it and told me that this event was only between close relatives and I should
a happy event not have a hard time preparing. In the end, I agreed to do it => new to it +
successfully. inexperienced => busy as a bee
• Process:
49. Describe an - Things would have been easier if we had organized a cozy party at home.
important event in - But my sis insisted on us holding her 10th birthday party outside.
your life that you - Being somewhat a perfectionist, I wanted to ensure everything went smoothsailing
celebrated. (sửa - I was clueless about organizing an event so Google became my life-saver.
mom's birthday - I literally had to read an article on how to throw a party and I followed that guide
thành my highschool step-by-step.
acceptance party <= - First, I finalized the list of guests, the venue and food items.
not a party animal - digital invitations => time-saving
but this is a - I single-handedly prepared everything because I was afraid others
milestone in my life: might rain on my parade. => up to my ears/eyeballs/neck/eyes in things.
gifted => want to - Fortunately, during the party, nothing terrible happened, we all had fun.
craft unforgettable => I guess I could call that a success because my family had a blast.
memory)

(organize mom's
birthday party)
11. Describe someone - go back a long way, since I was born
you really like to - 5 years older than me => not a very big age gap => relate to each other … => get on like
spend time with. a house on fire / woman after my own heart / bosom friend
- job: flight attendant
35. Describe a + help passengers when they are flying
neighbor you are + provide excellent customer service in cramped conditions and is also responsible
interested in. for keeping all the passengers comfortable and safe
=> job shape her into an optimistic, as bright as a button, witty, amiable …
33. Describe a family => Being a flight attendant, she has a great chance to go country-hopping: kể tên
member you might countries => speak E fluently => go a long way towards broadening her horizon,
like to work with in profound knowledge.
the future. => talking with her: opportunity to know more abt the job of …, learning E
=> she's bilingual => my motivation to take up learning Korean (not sure if I will use it
(tiếp viên) but if I can have it under my belt => competitive edge)
- look up to her:
+ industrious person
+ set her heart on becoming a flight attendant when she was 17
+ has put her mind to it and endeavored to achieve the goal a lot since then
=> effort paid off
=> best to work with her => learn abt her life experience + professionalism
36. Describe an • Background:
important river/lake - When: 2 years ago (trip - summer vacation)
in your country. - Where: Da Lat <= cool year round => got away from the heat and humidity
- Who: with my fam
37. Describe a quiet • Lake:
place you like to go - When: in a crisp morning: take a stroll + soak up fresh air + hotel: in the vicinity of
to. Xuan Huong lake
=> seeing with the naked eye astonished at the historic beauty of the lake
26. Describe a story - Des:
someone told you + tranquil (early in the morning ?) => hardly ever experienced b4: wake up late => went
and you remember. to school, did everything in a rush
+ owns a prime location in the heart of the city
Describe an + an artificial lake
interesting + elegant beauty: out of this world
conversation you + a pang of nostaligia <= ancient ambience + poetic and romantic beauty
had with a stranger. + immerse pine forests, green lawns, and wonderful flower gardens
+ appealing tourist attraction
Describe an

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 + appealing tourist attraction
Describe an => go-to place for the elderly to do physical exercise,play chess … / youngsters to
interesting gather end get away from the hustle and bustle of the city
conversation that => hold a special place in VNese ppl's heart
you remember well. - conversation with foreigner (American thru and thru) (highlight of the trip) engage sb
in conversation
(Xuân Hương lake) + hit it off / got on like a house on fire
+ stuck in VN
/ like going country-hopping => paid a visit to VN (1-2 weeks)
/ third wave of Covid 19 broke out => put in lockdown for a month => set her plan
to go back to her homecountry back
/ at first: climbing the walls with worry and paniced => wanted to snap out of the
situa right away
/ surprisingly, after 1 month: better off + travel normally => prolonged her visit:
stay for another 2 months
/ fell in love with Da Lat <= help and support from VNese friends during social
distancing, vid-call, shared cooking photos and introduced some VNese
youtubers to while away the time
=> 1st time felt excited and comfortable having a conversation with a native speaker
=> proud of my country => manage to project a friendly image to tourists
=> still remember
38. Describe • Background:
something that - hooked on baking: my forte
surprised you and - bake a cake every special occasions
made you happy. - my birthday: bake myself a cake
=> relaxing, calming
14. Describe a special => rarely receive a cake
cake you received • Inciting incident:
from others. - drew up the best-laid plan 4 my birthday
- felt out of sorts / under the weather the day b4 but thought it would be OK
(cake) - the important day which I had been looking forward to came
- messed up: was heavy as lead, burnt up and threw up several times => sick as a dog
https://prep.vn/blog/descr => went down with a head cold
ibe-a-special-cake-you-re - things couldn't go according to plan <= so ill that couldn't get myself up and do …
ceived-from-others/
- stayed in bed
• Twist:
https://onthiielts.com.vn/l - told friends that couldn't throw a party => thought my friends would just send me
uyen-thi-ielts/luyen-thi-iel birthday wishes
ts-speaking/ielts-speakin - but took me aback
g-part-2-describe-a-cake - lying on bed and suffer from headache
.html - received message: do you want any surprise => suddenly showed up in front of me
- special cake with a drawing of me on it => so cute + touched my heart
- suddenly forgot about the illness, felt as fit as a fiddle => magic of friendship ?
- best cake I've ever eaten => had a whale of a time => hope they didn't contract ...
=> after a few days: on the mend
13. Describe an - both music-conscious, share a lot abt kpop/vpop, but hardly ever talk abt our fav
interesting song. USUK singers tho avid fan of this type of music
- after final exams: still go to school but don’t have to study
(Break my heart - watching YT together => came across the MV of " BMHM"
myself) => asked if she knew Bebe (me fan too) but hadn't watched yet
=> watched together
=> mind-blown (concept)
- bipolar disorder:
+ In 2019, Bebe Rexha was unfortunately diagnosed with a mental condition known as
bipolar disorder which causes manic and depressive episodes. However, she didn’t
opt to accept such as something to be ashamed of. Rather Rexha has decided to
publicly confront it head on, with “Break My Heart Myself” being part of said effort.
+ There is a sliver of hope as presented in the pre-chorus. Or put differently, she is
fighting to remain balanced throughout this harrowing ordeal. And all things
considered we can say she is winning the battle – for instance being able to some
degree make light of the situation. And to note, she is also simultaneously engaged in
mental-health awareness activities.
=> Interesting thing is the story and message behind it that she stries to convey:
+ She wanted to write a song about it, about how we can be our own worst
enemies.
+ speak the truth: acp it as a part of life that she's constantly dealing with
16. Describe a thing sign up for/join/enroll on / attend/take

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16. Describe a thing sign up for/join/enroll on / attend/take
you did to learn • Lý do:
another language. trc đây: E là đủ, but then I realize that: hyper competitive job market => recruiters
looking for all-round candidates => having a good command of at least 2 languages
22. Describe a course having it under my belt may give me a competitive edge => that really gives me food for
that impressed you a thought
lot. fav singers, TV dramas, reality shows: RM => watch without subtitles and understand all
the layers of meaning and pun. => enjoy the experience to its fullest.
• How:
want: offline course >< dịch covid => online course to ensure my safety.
zero knowledge: take a course with VNese => easy to ask questions
watch more contents on yt in Korean. pretty sure effective cuz it works for me with E.
• Còn thời gian:
but first, I have to concentrate on E and hope that I’ll achieve my target to embark on
a new journey of learning K.
after K, sth satisfy my interests and strengthen my resume, learn more like … to be a
polyglot.
50. Describe an • INTRO: Well, this question does take me down the memory lane.
occasion when • Past status quo:
somebody said - deep-seated hatred for Math
something positive + thought didn't have a knack for figures => didn't study intensively
about some work + strict teacher => constructive tho barbed cmts abt on my scores => put me off
that you did. => managed to pass the exams by the skin of my teeth, never with flying colors
• Inciting incident:
His rudeness when
- in grade 9 => 1 year to prepare for my highschool entrance exam
we first met didn't
- gifted highschool = ace at Math (achieve mark 9)
dispose me very
kindlyto/towards him. Raise the stake: burn parents out <= their pride => didn't want to let them down
•
• Mmt of truth:
- decided to knuck down to studying, set my heart on scoring as high mark as possible
- burned the midnight oil, buried my self in my books
=> my Math competence came on by leaps and bounds after each mock test
=> 1st time receive a compliment from her: appreciated my effort and knew that that
was within my capabilty but I had never tried my best => happy and content abt my
result
=> changed my attitude towards her => realized that she didn't mean sth bad, hoped
that her strictness could bring out the best in us
=> motivation to keep me going
• Finish:
- achieved the goal that I had set
=> On receipt of the results, I was over the moon
=> I owe my M teacher a debt of gratitude/thanks
25. Describe a time • Background:
you visited a new - I don’t have a lot of memories traveling, since I am a homebody and prefer to stay
place. put.
- When: visited Sapa 2, 3 years ago, I believe, to see the snow that is, you know, quite few
17. Describe a place and far between in our tropical country. During our stay, we stopped by an outdoor
in a village that you market.
visited. - What: a local market in Sapa, which is a small village in the mountainous pocket of
northern Vietnam => a particularly intriguing and new experience
25. Describe a time • Long walk: arrduous journey to get there
you visited a new - smoothsailing: home to Sapa
place. - hotel -> local market (by foot instead of car <= narrow roads => browse all the little
nooks and crannies) => started to mess up / fail to go according to plan
19. Describe a long + I: gg map and showed e1 the way to the place
walk you had. + kept going => wound up in the middle of nowhere => confused
+ no sooner had I checked than I went dumbfounded <= entered the woring address
(sa pa) => scared as I was, had to break the news
=> e1: climbing the walls with frustration (already made a 4km walking)
=> came back and asked the indigenous asap on the off chance that: shortcut
=>. apologized all my fam => felt guilty and sorry, blamed myself along the way
=> Not until my dad told me some jokes did my mood brightened up a bit
=> met a local => had a sigh of relief
=> manage to get there
• Des:
- an assortment of goods.
- the market was a stark difference compared to what I was used to seeing in the city.

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 - the market was a stark difference compared to what I was used to seeing in the city.
+ Hordes of locals were wandering around in their traditional attires, which were
incredibly colorful and brightened up the whole atmosphere.
+ Around me were all sorts of appealing products, like from special clothing items to
fresh produce that could not be found elsewhere.
+ But what whetted my appetite was the collection of
traditional ornaments and handicrafts there.
+ After walking around a few stalls, I decided to buy a scarf with distinct tribal
patterns and some local souvenirs for my friends, all of which were good bargains.
• Finish:
- All in all, I was glad to visit the market since it offered a chance for me to interact with
the very hospitable people in Sapa and immerse myself in an authentic, local
environment.
- For a city girl like me, the market was hands down, an eye-opening experience.
Besides, I could also support the local communities by buying souvenirs and gifts.
- If there’s a chance, I would love to pay another visit to this place.
20. Describe an item • Background 1: history of ao dai
of clothing that - no one is sure when the Vietnamese Ao Dai first sprouted its roots bt sure dates back
someone gave you. a long time ago
• Background 2:
09. Describe - compulsory: wear the opening ceremony of the new academic/school year
something you - mom passed down her AD to me <= same type of body shape => fits me perfectly
received for free. • Des: achieve international critical acclaim as VN national costume
- literally translates as "long dress"
43. Describe a - indeed a long figure hugging dress that is worn over a pair of loose fitting trousers.
traditional product - material-wise: made of silk,which of course is suitable to wear in Vietnam's tropical
you like, which is climate
made in your - Shape: two splits above the waist which makes movement more comfortable.
country.
- Decor: comes in all colors and patterns (students: white)
- Today, to adapt to the diverse demand of Vietnamese people and the energetic
(ao dai)
festival’s activities in Tet holiday, many kinds of stylized and fashionable Ao Dai
Vietnam have appeared. Ao Dai worn in Tet holiday is simplified by cutting off the
Traditional length of the front and back layers and also, is sewn by the cool and comfortable
costume materials like silk, linen, chiffon etc., just below the knee
- wear on Tet holiday, engagement parties
=> But, traditional one still holds a sentimental and special value to VNese women
=> It gives the wearer a simple yet flattering profile while still showing the curves of
the body => accentuate the beauty of VNese women
• Personal thought;
- at first, hesitated to wear <= not confident in my body
=> mom told me no such thing to be ashamed of => shine in my own way => love urself
=> gained a lot more confidence => catch on to the value of AD
30. Describe a friend - When: go back a long way (entered junior high school => shy and timid, wouln't say
you like to talk with. boo to goose … => came up to me and started a conversation => hit it off and got on
like a house on fire => bosom friend since then)
46. Describe a friend - Des:
you enjoy talking + on the same wavelength (share the same taste for music, movies…)
with. + not always see eye to eye: different opinions => middle ground
+ same age but seems more mature and experienced than me
+ helps me to develop a keen interest in English: while talking, has enlightened me
about many things, from how to incorporate …, tips and tricks to improvise, think on
your feet and act as if you are laid-back when encountering tough questions that can
make you lost for words, and some reliable sources.
+ tactful + straightforward => on the lookout for her whenever I need a sound advice
<= look at the scenarios from a third-party perspective => objective => tell me bluntly
that I'm wrong => at first: take offence at it, but then it gives me food for thought
+ witty, humorous side to her, speak english in a natural and fluent way as if it runs in
his blood, as bright as a button.
+ lend a sympathetic ear
+ Tension: bicker a lot, once: misunderstanding leaded to a bitter conflict => 1st time
fallen out that seriously => neither was willing to sit down and analyze the prob
=> give each other the cold shoulder
=> after a week: couldn't tolerate anymore (emotions and built-up frustration) => met
and navigated the situation and resolved the argument
- Finish: can't never find another 1 like her => appreciate the friendship
=> friendship is not about steering clear of any quarrels
=> it’s far too easy to fuel the fire instead of extinguishing it => true friendship: think of

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 => it’s far too easy to fuel the fire instead of extinguishing it => true friendship: think of
arguments as opportunities to really hear what the other person has to say
39. Describe a • Background:
competition (e.g. - avid fan of cooking + baking: forte
music, cooking, - have watched for 3 4 years <= learn E, get immersed in the language and let it come
sport) you would like naturally to me
to take part in. => the more I watch, the more I want to join and be a part of it
• Des: cooking competition originating from the UK MC
07. Describe an - cooking competition involving children above 18, judge panel varies
ambition that you - The following challenges have all been regularly featured on the show:
haven't achieved. + Skills Test
+ Mystery Box
(Masterchef Junior) + Elimination Test
+ Team Challenge
+ Pressure Test
- Prize: Once the competition is reduced to the final two competitors, the finalists will
compete against each other in a three-course cook-off. All courses of the meal are
judged and an overall winner is crowned the victory. The winner of each season wins
$100,000, the MasterChef trophy, and the title of MasterChef.
- adult-version => dramatic
+ self-confident + energetic, not always patient and organized => part of the fun
+ competitive as cooking against … => boil down to ambition and
determination/singled-minded will to materialize their dream
+ cooperative
+ sometimes jealous but in the end helpful and always willing to lend others a helping
hand
+ open minded
=> chance to make new friends
=> want to have a new exp + push my boundaries get out of the comfort zone
=> pursue my passion
=> afraid it would set my studying back + require my parents' presence on set during
the whole journey => affect their work => still havent joined yet
04. Describe a toy • Background:
you liked in your - When: 7
childhood. + went back to my hometown and spent the summer with my grandparents
- How: afternoon:
+ wind tenderly blew
+ kids ran to the field with kites
• Des:
- come in all different shapes and colors => they attract children
- As I grew older, I noticed that children are no longer interested in flying kites because
they are more into technology devices >< the International Kite Festival, which is held
annually in Vung Tau to promote unique and diverse kites, still attracts many local
and foreign tourists.
- Nowadays, people make more sophisticated kites in the shape of phoenixes,
butterflies and even dragons. They also replace thick bamboo strings with thinner
ones or plastic ropes. Unlike the traditional ones, modern kites are light and cost
little since the materials to make them are available everywhere.
• Memory:
- in awe seeing them flying kites => triggered my curiosity
- decided to join them and immersed myself into the peaceful atmosphere of the
countryside while flying the kite which I pestered my grandma to buy for me
=> felt happy, excited, grateful, show off it / biggest flex
- brings back a nostalgic memory: girl living next to me (spent the summer with
grandparents too) => best friend there + wanted to play with me
+ selfish => pride and joy => didn't want anyone to touch, just wanted to play on my
own => not fun
+ came home, found her to apologize and asked her if … => she had already returned
to her house in the city => came back with a heavy heart => havent met her since then
=> it's been on my conscience ever since => learned my lesson
• Fisnish: All in all, kites are easy to make and are often seen flying high in the sky
during summertime.
28. Describe a time • Lead-in: ppl can be forgetful sometimes
you used your cell • Background:
phone/smartphone - When: 2 years ago
to do something - What: were out doing some shopping in a huge shopping mall
important.

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to do something - What: were out doing some shopping in a huge shopping mall
important. + spent a few hours there and just before we were fixing to head home
• Tension:
42. Describe an - Mention mom's phone: wanted to borrow mom's phone <= photos <= her cam higher
occasion when you definition
lost something in a => my mother realized her phone was gone.
public place. - Find: returned to some places that we visited in the mall on the off chance that some
staff member might have found it and was waiting for us to come back
(28: mk mất đt => phải - Feeling: didn't happen => My mom was deeply down in the dumps <= phone was
dùng đt của mk tìm important <= had been using it for a few years => contained a lot of information that
cho mẹ was uneasy to be restored. (thousands of photos,videos and contact details of her
42: mk mất đt => phải friends and relatives)
dùng lap của mk để - Twist: Then, it occurred to me that I could use an app on my phone to track her
locate) phone's location
=> I opened the app, signed into her Apple ID account
=> after a few seconds,it gave me the exact location of my mother's phone.
- Without any hesitation, we followed the directions shown on the app and it led us to a
mobile store just a stone's throw from from the mall.
- We asked the staff there how he got the phone and he told us that just half an hour
ago,there was a guy coming to his store and selling it to him at a cheap price so he
bought it.
- In the end,we told him the story and paid him some money to get it back.
=> Needless to say, my mother was over the moon when she found it.
• Finish: This experience did teach us a lesson that we should be more careful when it
comes to protecting our personal items.
34. Describe a • Background:
special day out which - When: 2 years ago : day when we receive the result
didn’t cost very + pass highschool (gifted) w flying colors => over the moon receiving => milestone
much. => laid a plan to celebrate that day at a fancy steak house (not very loaded but q/(.) =>
splashed out on a fancy steakhouse => a mouth watering juicy slab of beef => on
cloud nine)
• Tension:
- she came over my house to pick me up => got there => struck dumb => was closed
- climbing the walls with frustration => not wanted anything to ruin our red-letter day
- headed to a fastfood restaurent just a stone's throw away => this was closed down
=> utterly dismayed
• Twist:
- friend: no matter what place we were, just wanted to spend the day with me
=> bought snacks
- spent the afternoon at the park near our junior highschool
- talked abt the old days …
• Finish: matter who u are with
41. Describe a time

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41. Describe a time
when you helped a
child.

40. Describe an • Lead-in: AI is a real game changer. It has been critical in ushering in an era of
invention which unprecedented technological development. AI, by using algorithms to deliver top-
changed the world in quality recommendations to human, is developing in a way that is augmenting what
a good way. humans are already doing, making it easier or more effective in a variety of ways. The
best examples of AI in daily life are travel navigation, smart home devices,
(AI) smartphones, drones and smart cars.
• Benefits:
The Top 5 Benefits of - AI is facilitating major advances in healthcare
Artificial Intelligence + When looking at healthcare in 2020, managing COVID-19 has been a major focus –
and AI has been fighting the pandemic alongside us. Using machine learning
algorithms, AI is able to take data from a variety of seemingly disconnected sources
such as news reports, airline information, and healthcare data and connect the dots
to create meaningful insights we can use. In relation to COVID-19, AI has been helping
us forecast what further spread is going to look like, and tracking its development
around the world.
- It makes our lives easier and more enjoyable in ways that we already take for granted
+ smart homes to virtual assistants like Siri and Alexa to GPS
+ AI is becoming smarter when it comes to making custom recommendations that
really fit individual needs. From movie, food, and music suggestions to recommended
products on eCommerce websites, AI is helping us figure out what we want –
sometimes before we even know what that is. That recommended playlist on Spotify
you absolutely love? You can thank artificial intelligence for it. AI is even helping us in
our love lives by matching us with the most suitable partners via dating apps.
- AI is reducing the consequences of human error => boost productivity
+ AI is immune to factors that affect performance in humans such as stress and
fatigue. This leads to higher productivity, more efficient work, and increased safety
across the board. It can aid humans in making more informed decisions in high-
stress situations.
- AI is giving us our time back
+ Some cities have started using AI to help with traffic management, using the
technology to analyze the existing data and create a more efficient system, taking
into account car crashes, weather conditions and helping to ensure that traffic lights
are synchronized. Looking further into the future, self-driving vehicles may be the
ultimate way that AI will help give us time back on the road, ensuring safer driving
conditions, fewer traffic jams and the ability to relax on our commute.
• Finish:
- sometimes goes wrong => machine learning is not foolproof, in part bc the humans

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 - sometimes goes wrong => machine learning is not foolproof, in part bc the humans
who design it aren't
- In the future, the benefits of AI will surely continue to outweigh its downsides and the
governments can preempt the disadv with bold new policies.
10. Describe a house - apartment in a high-rise overlooking the river
or an apartment you - Design:
would like to live in. + minimalistic but modern, no need to be spacious but cozy
+ unfurnished => decorate and furnish it in my own way
+ color: neutral color: white, cream, gray
+ living room:
○ natural lights instead of artificial ones => well-lit with a french window
○ projector instead of TV => feeling in a cinema
○ many plants, table/floor lamp
○ comfy and big sofas to lie on, fluffy cushions
+ kitchen:
○ wonderful open-plan kitchen => fumes and smoke can come into the living
room but not a big deal with a ventilation hood + fry less bc of the move to a
healthier lifestyle => open space: talk to friends or fam mem while cooking,
bring e1 on board, preparation is always the funniet part
○ a kitchen island in the middle 4 prep
○ cutting-edge kitchen gadgets (wall oven and microwave…)
○ on the countertop: plant some herbs (…) => fresh supply of herbs, no need
dry ones
+ a bedroom and a working room (now: study and work in my bedroom:
convenient but I don’t want to associate your place of work with your place of
rest, affect my mood …)
=> dotted with many plants, green, reduce stress, boost mood, increase creativity
08. Describe • Background:
something that was - baking: forte
broken in your home - 2 years ago: sis's bd => gift = cake (covid => couldn't invite any1 to her bd => wanted to
and then repaired. make her a special cake)
- had all ingredients prepared => make the batter first => while waiting for it to cool
down: frosting => save time
- smoothsailing until I put in the air fryer, twiddled the temp and time knobs
• Tension:
- didn't work
- unplugged then plugged into another socket => nothing changed
- couldn't call the electricians due to Covid restrictions, mom and dad were working
from home => didn't want to affect them
=> panicked and … (didn't bargain for this) + all shops were closed due to Covid 19
lockdown, even good delivery was ceased
- After thinking for along time => decided to find an issue.
=> was not working due to cut in the wire.
+ I thought, that wire got damaged due to short circuit or it was too old which
resulted cut in the wire.
- it was not a big deal for me to repair <= had seen dad repairing many times
+ Then, I connected the wire from that cut and covered with Cello tape.
=> plugged it in => worked
=> was a weight off my mind
=> It was baked to perfection. And on the inside, it was really moist.
=> sis loved => manage to bake the cake => over the moon
27. Describe a gift • Background:
you would like to buy - self-described avid reader => have read a lot of books and I took enormous
for your friend. enjoyment in reading them
- switched from physical print books to my ereader-kindle
06. Describe • When:
something that you - pass highschool (over the moon, beyond my dream …) => dad gave me an ereader
can't live without (not => taken aback => been using until now
a computer/phone) • Des:
- obsessed with reading books => indispensable
(book) - look like a small tablet, touch screen
Flip thru the pages - black => minimalist => like (colorful not my cup of tea)
with your hand - access to all types of books
+ E books => nifty, go-to device
<= quality of E books in VN doesn't hold a candle to that of versions sold in US …
<= frustrating to come across a word that you don’t know while reading a print

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 <= frustrating to come across a word that you don’t know while reading a print
book. -> have to find a physical dictionary or pull up my phone or tablet to look it up.
Most modern eReaders have built-in dictionaries that allow you to look up words by
tapping on any word you don’t know. The dictionary definition will appear right on the
screen without you even needing to leave the app.
=> goes a long way towards my learning E journey make it more fun
- twice bigger than my hand => takes up much less space in my backpack => portable
=> facilitate reading habit anytime anywhere
- reading: whenever I have time, parennial pastime => let off steam, broaden my
horizon, enrich my imagination => bringing heavy books with me everywhere I go: out
of the question => ereader: lifesaver + present that my dad gave me => holds
sentimental value to me
31. Describe a time • Background:
when you were stuck - 2 years ag
in a traffic jam. - night owl => spent the night b4 binge watching bc thought waking up early the next
day was no big deal
=> needless to say, woke up late for school
=> rushed around, brush …, did the morning routine hastily, headed towards school
against the clock
• Tension:
- was just a tone's throw away from school: accident the other side of the street =>
blocked
=> thought the road blockage would clear out in a few minutes, but actually it took
take hours
=> traffic was bumper to bumper
=> queue was getting longer => couldn't come back, followed the vehicle flow
=> got on my nerves + the heat, fumes … peeved e1 => bellyaching add fuel to the fire
- after hours of waiting, finally made it my school
=> had already been mentally prepared for punishment
• Finish: learned my lesson, since then sleep earlier => feel ...
24. Describe a rule • Intro: Well, every school enacts hundreds of rules to discipline the students and my
that you don’t like. school was not an exception. Though most rules are imposed to benefit us in some
way yet I found one rule extremely unfair and that was of no casual clothes on
Saturday.
• Uni: public school's uniforms in my city are quite similar: dark-colored pants + white
shirt, sandals
• material: not moisture-wicking fabric => the dog days of summer: were all drenched in
sweat => pet peeve
• uni develops a sense of discipline and eliminate discrimination but a dress down day
OK
=> young ppl conscious about how they look, aware of their own style and preference
=> want to show off to other ppl = express ourselves. On top of that, choose what
makes us feel comfortable (material wise)
• Finish: instead of wearing .. 6 days a week, better to opt for own outfit on Saturday
- A rainy day: a time when money might unexpectedly be needed
- The blind leading the blind: used to describe a situation where a person who knows
nothing is getting advice and help from another person who knows almost nothing
- Life's too short to be anything but happy
- Competent communicator
- Take sth to the next level
- Underlying message
- a real feather in my cap

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