OWS INTERMEDIATE

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
for

OXFORD WORD SKILLS

INTERMEDIATE

FULL VERSION

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Contents
Unit 1: I can talk about vocabulary learning........................................4
Unit 5: I can talk about appearance......................................................5
Unit 6: I can talk about character..........................................................7
Unit 7: I can describe my feelings........................................................9
Unit 8: I can talk about relationships..................................................14
Unit 9: I can talk about families.........................................................15
Unit 10: I can talk about weddings and funerals................................16
Unit 11: I can describe the universe...................................................18
Unit 12 & 13: Environment problems................................................19
Unit 15. I can describe animals and insects........................................21
Unit 16. I can describe a range of food...............................................23
Unit 18: I can talk about money.........................................................24
Unit 19: I can talk about sleep............................................................25
Unit 20: Health problems...................................................................27
Unit 22: I can describe travel problems and accidents.......................28
Unit 23: I can talk about clothes and fashion.....................................29
Unit 24: I can describe a visit to the dentist.......................................30
Unit 25: I can describe hospital procedure.........................................32
Unit 26 &27: I can explain household chores....................................34
Unit 29: I can describe urban life.......................................................37
Unit 30: I can describe a building.......................................................39
Unit 31: I can describe objects...........................................................42
Unit 32: I can describe the senses.......................................................43
UNIT 33: ART....................................................................................44
UNIT 35 & 36: CRIME & PUNISHMENT.......................................45

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UNIT 37: HEALTH ISSUES.............................................................47

UNIT 40: HISTORY..........................................................................49
UNIT 41: NEWSPAPER....................................................................50
Unit 51: I can apply for a job..............................................................52
Unit 52: I can describe jobs & career.................................................53
Unit 53 & 54: I can describe working conditions...............................54
Unit 54 - 57: I can talk about business...............................................55

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Unit 1: I can talk about vocabulary learning

1. How many languages can you speak?

2. What are your difficulties when you study a foreign language? How can you overcome
them?

3. Can you suggest some ways for remembering new words?

4. Do you think making mistakes is important in learning a foreign language?

1. How many languages can you speak?

To be honest, I am just able to speak two languages. The first one is Vietnamese – my
mother tongue and the second one is English. I have been studying this language for nearly
5 years yet I am not totally fluent speaking it. Recently, I started learning Japanese, but of
course, I am just an amateur.

Mother tongue: tiếng mẹ đẻ

Amateur: nghiệp dư

2. What are your difficulties when you study a foreign language? How can you overcome
them?

I find learning English not easy at all. I have trouble with many skills, one of them is
listening. Since people from different regions have different accent, it is challenging to me to
catch up with every word that they speak. Moreover, there are many new words in the
conversation, so sometimes I cannot understand deeply the content.

Acknowledging my limitation, I’ve been trying to overcome it by spending time regularly

watching foreign movies and listening to songs in order to be familiar with those accents. I
use a mobile app to boost my vocabulary as well.

Catch up with: bắt kịp

Acknowledge: nhận biết

Boost: tăng cường

3. Can you suggest some ways for remembering new words?

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As I’ve said before, I am using an application available on mobile phones to learn new words,
and I think this method is very convenient and helpful. The software offers a wide range of
vocabulary in different topics, and there are many activities that we can do such as Flash
cards, or Games. The more interaction we have with the words, the longer we can remember
them.

4. Do you think making mistakes is important in learning a foreign language?

Making mistakes is unavoidable in the progress of learning everything, and learning foreign
language is not an exception. For me, mistake is not harmful at all; in contrast, it enables us
to recognize our misconception, thus we could learn how to self-correct.

Unavoidable: không thể tránh được

(be) not an exception: không ngoại lệ

enable Sb to: cho phép ai làm gì

misconception: quan niệm sai

Unit 5: I can talk about appearance

1. Describe one of your family members.

2. Do you think one’s beauty has a strong impact on their success?

3. What do you do to be in good shape?

4. What do you do to make your appearance more attractive?

1. Describe one of your family members.

Suggested Answer:

“OK … I’d like to talk about my aunt … her name’s Marta and she’s quite a character …
she’s middle-aged but has a very youthful appearance … she’s a little overweight I
suppose but not too much … she has a friendly round face framed by thick blonde hair …
she has a lovely complexion and she’s always well-turned out … she actually always looks

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like she’s going out for the evening to somewhere special … there’s never a hair out of
place … I’ve always thought she bears a striking resemblance to someone on TV … I can’t
remember the name now … she wears glasses and always seems to have a different pair on
every time I see her … I like the way she looks because she wears clothes that are right for
her age and manages to look glamorous without it looking like she’s too done up … yes …
I’ll be happy if I look like her when I’m her age …”

  Hair
 Curly: Having irregular curves or waves in the grain.
 Straight:  Having absolute vertical hair.
 Blonde:   Hair with golden color or of any light shade of pale yellowish brown.
 Wavy:  Hair having curls, curves or undulations.
                 Skin
 Healthy: Someone is possessing good skin.
  Pale: Skin with Whitish in complexion or of a low intensity of color; light.
 Tanned: To make skin brown by exposure to sun.
 Spotty: Skin having spots.
 Olive: A yellowish green of low to medium lightness and low to moderate saturation
color of skin.
 Dark:  Skin tending towards black in comparison with other shades.
 Fair: Skin with light complexion.
              Body
  Skinny: Someone who is very thin.
 Overweight: Weighing more than normal, necessary, or allowed, especially having more
body weight than is considered normal or healthy for one’s age or build.
 Stocky: Body that is solidly built; sturdy.
 Broad: Someone who is wide in extent from side to side.
 Lean:  Someone who is thin but muscular.
 Muscular: Having well-developed muscles.
              Face
 Pretty:  Face that is pleasing or attractive in a graceful or delicate way.
 Ugly: Face that is displeasing to the eye; unsightly.
 Plain: Face that is average or ordinary

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 Pale: Losing the charm on the face (due to illness)
 Narrow: A face that is small or of limited width.
 Oval: An egg-shaped or elliptical face.

2. Do you think one’s beauty has a strong impact on their success?

Suggested Answer:

Life is good when you’re good-looking—most of us don’t need a study to prove that
theory. Nonetheless, studies have shown that, on average, beautiful people get better jobs,
are better compensated and receive more praise than their less-photogenic counterparts.
However, it takes hard work, strong will and positive attitudes to be successful in the long
run.

3. What do you do to be in good shape?

Suggested Answer:

Swimming is a complete and perfect exercise. I don’t like sweating, but I still want to work
out, then swimming is a good choice. The greatest thing about swimming is that water keeps
me cool while my body and my heart are working out.

As a bonus, swimming makes me more flexible, and it will also help me lower bad
cholesterol. I recommend everyone to visit any local pool, go swimming, and make their
muscles work.

4. What do you do to make your appearance more attractive?

Suggested Answer:

I drink a lot of water every day so my skin can be moisturized. Also, I’ve learned how to
clean my face in a correct way with facial cleaner and apply toner to my face. Moreover, I
buy clothes that fits my body shape so I can look good and still be comfortable when I go
out.

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Unit 6: I can talk about character

1. How do you see yourself?
2. Are you intolerant of anything? If so, what?
3. Are you ambitious? If so, in what way?
4. Which qualities of a good friend do you think are the most important?
5. Which qualities of a leader do you think are the most important?

1. How do you see yourself?

“I think I’m an introvert person. I enjoy hanging out with my family members and friends
to some extent but I prefer staying at home, reading books or watching a movie by myself.”
2. Are you intolerant of anything? If so, what?
“I can get annoyed very easily when people are late. I think punctuality is a must when you
work with other people. I can only accept one’s apology if they notify me in advance that
they might be late.”
3. Are you ambitious? If so, in what way?
“I think I am. Because I’m a student and I want to stay on top of my class, I always try my
best in every exam so I can get high scores, which help me get into a prestigious university
in the future.”
4. Which qualities of a good friend do you think are the most important?
To be a good friend you should develop certain qualities.

Be honest: Good friends will tell you the truth always. Even if it may displease you,
she/ he will tell you truth. An honest friend is a great asset in your life.
Be truthworthy: A good friend is one on whom you can rely for help anytime. A friend
who breaks trust will lose credibility. Friendship will not survive widout trust. We
should keep the confidentiality of what our friends share with us.
Be respectful: Good friends respect each other. We should learn to be respectful in our
dealing with friends. Never degrade your friends in front of others.
Be a good listener: We should have patience to listen to our friends. Just as you would
like your friend to listen to you, spare time to listen to your friends joys and woes also.

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Be non-judgemental: Being honest does not mean that you should be overly critical
and judgemental. Your friend may have his/ her own reasons for behaving in a
particular way. Stand by them even when they commit mistakes.
Be appreciative, not jealous : When your friend, does better than you, you may feel
jealous. But be encouraging and appreciative. Develop genuine interest in
the progress of your friend.
Be supportive : Be at the side of your friend in good times as well as in bad
times. Sometimes they may need encouragement from you.

5. Which qualities of a leader do you think are the most important?

The supreme quality of leadership is unquestionably integrity. Leaders succeed when
they stick to their values and core beliefs and without ethics, this will not be possible.
To be an effective leader, you should be confident enough to ensure that other follow
your commands. If you are unsure about your own decisions and qualities, then your
subordinates will never follow you.
Probably the most difficult job for a leader is to persuade others to follow. It can only be
possible if you inspire your followers by setting a good example. When the going gets
tough, they look up to you and see how you react to the situation. If you handle it well, they
will follow you. 

Unit 7: I can describe my feelings

1. HAPPINESS
1. What are the things that make you happy? 
2. Describe an activity or an event that made you happy. 
3. Do you think people who have more talent are happier than others?

Part 1
What are the things that make you happy? 
Sample answer
(Answer) Actually there are many things that Let off some steam (v)

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can make me happy. (Example) For example,
it is hanging out with friends and have some
coffee or being given a small gift that helps
Satisfaction (n)
me let off some steam or just the feeling of
trying a good dish brings me a great deal of
satisfaction.
 

Part 2
Describe an activity or an event that made you happy. 
Sample answer
(Answer) Today I’m gonna talk about a happy Huge fan of (n)
event which occurred recently. Honestly, I’m Part and parcel (n)
a huge fan of  hiphop dance. Ever since I was Have got a kick out of
young, dancing has always been part and (St) (v)
parcel of my life and I have got a kick out of Have something to do
performing on stage. Without any doubt, most with (v)
of my memorable moments have something Fall apart (v)
to do with dancing. Felt a strong urge (v)
(Example) One of those just happened a Tackle (v)
couple of weeks ago and I still recall it Settled down (v)
vividly. It was when my dance team, decided
to sign up for a popular dance competition
held in Hanoi. We were all determined to
create an impressive and unique performance.
However, things started to fall apart when
unexpected conflicts occurred among us.
What was even more shocking is that one of
us decided to leave because he couldn’t bear
the situation at that time. And it is that
moment when I felt a strong urge to make
everyone sit down and tackle the situation.
This is also a golden chance for everybody to
get to know more about each other. We talked
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about our feelings, how we wanted to

overcome those difficulties together and how
much we wanted this performance to be
delivered in the best version of itself.
Luckily, everything was settled down and
things went by smoothly during the last week
before the show. And you know what…
 
Part 3                       
Do you think people who have more talent are happier than others?
Sample answer Vocabulary
(Answer) I think talent bears little relation to Bears little relation (v)
happiness. There are a number of examples of
renowned singers or actresses who are talented
but do not lead a happy life at all. (Example)
They may resort to drugs or even commit
suicide to escape from the pressure that they Resort to (v)
encounter. However, there are people who are
not so talented but still have a happy life with
their family. In short, being more talented
doesn’t mean having a happier life.

2. STRESS
1. How do you handle stress? 
2. Describe a situation when you are under pressure. 
3. What do you think are the reasons of stress? 

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Part 1
How do you handle stress? 
Sample answer Vocabulary
(Answer) To me, participating in an outdoor Cope with (v)
sport such as badminton is a great way tocope Refreshes my mind (v)
with stress. (Reason) It refreshes my
mind and cheers me up a lot. Besides,
cooking delicous dishes for the family also Cheers me up (v)
helps me feel relaxed after stressful hours at
my workplace.
 
Part 2
Describe a situation when you are under pressure. 
Sample answer
(Answer) Well, I would like to talk about a Overslept (v)
terrible day when I was a freshman in the Cramming for the
university. Actually, I overslept on the day exams (v)
that I had to take the first test. It was the worst Sweating (v)
feeling you know! Crying my eyes out (v)
(Reason) I was so busy with my study as the Rushing (v)
final exams were coming. I had been To make the matter
cramming for the exams for weeks before the worse (adv)
test date. Therefore, the night before my test, I Mental breakdown (n)
was so tired that I forgot to set my alarm clock
and the next morning I overslept as a result.
(Example) When I got up, I was sweating and
felt so scared since I knew that I was late. I
was crying my eyes out while rushing to the
exam room. I was 15 minutes late and my
biggest fear was that I would not be allowed to
take the test. To make the matter worse, I
wasn’t allowed to come into the test hall by

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the examiner and at that time I was depressed

and I thought I would suffer from mental
breakdown. That was actually the worst day of
my life till now! However, after a few days I
received an announcement from the Training
Department that I could take the test on a day
 at the end of that month. I was on cloud nine
 Part 3
What do you think are the reasons of stress? 
Sample answer
(Answer) I think there are a myriad of things Financial burden (n)
that could generate stress for us. (Example)
Well, some people may have to face problems
related to financial burden, in which they
may not have enough money to pay for their
children’s education and increasing house
rent. (Example) Besides, other people have Heavy workload (n)
stress because of the heavy workload and
related responsibility at workplace. Those are
two  among a number of justifications in the
modern life that can put many people under
pressure.

Unit 8: I can talk about relationships

1. Do you see your friends very often?

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2. What do you like about your close friends?
3. Which do you think is important, love or friendship? Why?

4. Describe a person you are very close to.

1. Do you see your friends very often?

Yes. We meet up most weekends. Me and my friends all get on really well and have
a lot in common so we’re always happy doing the same things and going to the same
places.
2. What do you like about your close friends?
I think we enjoy each other’s company. We see eye-to-eye on most things so we rarely fall
out with each other.
3. Which do you think is important, love or friendship? Why?
I believe that friendship is more important. Finding love is great and all, but the thing is,
those things fall apart a lot. And when they do, it is often our friends who help us out of the
depressed state we enter after a breakup. Think of friends as a foundation. You need to
have your own life, your own circle, before you devote yourself to a relationship.

4. Describe a person you are very close to. You should say:

 who this person is

 when you met them
 where you met them

and say what it is about them you like so much.

My best friend is a guy called Rick. We met in 2015 on our first day of university. We were
both seventeen at the time and we met in the halls of residence, which is where we stayed
during that first year. He was an art student and I was studying literature. We got along well
from the very first moment. I remember him wearing a Guns n Roses t-shirt, and they were
my favorite band at the time. We lived together for two years and have stayed best friends
ever since. Rick is a very generous and creative person. He plays in a band and paints. A
few years ago, he got married and now he has a child. He’s changed a lot since we were
students, but in many ways, he has stayed the same. I liked him back then because he was

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such a nice guy, and the same is true now. Everyone who knows him thinks he is patient and
open-minded, so he’s very easy to get along with.

Unit 9: I can talk about families

1. Could you tell me something about your family?

2. What do you like doing most with your family?

3. Do you prefer spending time with your friends or family?

4. How are you getting well with your parents?

5. Would you prefer to live in a small or large family

1. Could you tell me something about your family?

Yes, I come from a nuclear family which consists of my parents, one older sibling and me.
We get on well with each other and have interests in common. For example, we all like
Korean movies so we usually gather at night and watch TV together, or reading is our cup of
tea so we now have a big bookshelf with thousands of books.

2. What do you like doing most with your family?

As I mentioned before, many things run in my family. We always have meals and watch TV

together after a long working day and Korean movies are usually our common choice.

Furthermore, I usually read books with my father and soon I become a bookworm as he is.

You know, the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.

3. Do you prefer spending time with your friends or family?

Well I think it quite depends on what I want to do at that time. If I like hitting the

town and mingling with the busy life, I would choose to go with my friends who are mostly

at the same age with me. We can go shopping, eat out, catch the latest movies on big

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screen or whatever I like. However, home is where my heart belongs when I’m exhausted. I

mean I will spend time with my family when I am in bad mood and just want a warm and

tranquil atmosphere to slow me down.

4. How are you getting well with your parents?

If you ask me that question when I was at schools, my answer would be totally different from

my view now. I mean when I was a student, I had many conflicts with them because what

they wanted me to do was different from what I liked. However, when now I get mature, I

realize that they are really kind – hearted and just want the best things for me. Therefore, I

now live in harmony with my parents.

5. Would you prefer to live in a small or large family?

Actually, I prefer my family remains unchanged. Although I also want to live in a large

family with many relatives in which people can support others, I’m a bit worried

about generation gaps which normally lead to unnecessary conflicts and arguments. And

of course, it is harder to find privacy due to too many people. Thus, I want to live in

a nuclear family as I am doing now.

Unit 10: I can talk about weddings and funerals

1. Have you ever been to a wedding?
2. What do people usually do at weddings in your country?

3. What clothes do people usually wear at weddings in your country?

4. Describe a wedding you attended.

1. Have you ever been to a wedding?

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I’ve been to many weddings of my relatives and close friends. We come to share
happiness with groom, bride, their families and wish them a love and luck forever. We also
bring some wedding gifts to their best ceremony ever.
2. What do people usually do at weddings in your country?

In the weddings, groom and bride walk down the aisle together. Next, the groom puts
the wedding ring onto the bride’s finger. The guests witness and give them the sincere
congratulations from the bottom of their heart on marriage. They all have meal, sing and
dance together through reception.

3. What clothes do people usually wear at weddings in your country?

Actually it depends on each person. However, the most important thing to remember is that
guests should not draw attention for the wrong reasons. That means they should not
wear exotic or untidy clothes such as tearing jeans. Instead, a shirt and black pants for men
and a beautiful dress mixing with high – heeled shoes are common for guests who are invited
to a wedding.

4. Describe a wedding you attended.

You should say:
 When it was
 Who got married
 What happened at the wedding
 And explain whether it was a typical wedding ceremony
I would like to talk about the wedding of my best friend who stayed with me when we were
at high school.

She decided to start a family with a close friend 2 months after their engagement. They got
to know each other 4 years ago and easily fell in love, then this relationship led to a
memorable wedding that I attended two weeks ago.

When I came to the wedding party, I was so excited because I met a lot of old friends whom
I lost contact with for a long time. Her relatives, new friends and colleagues were in the guest
list and I could say that it was the biggest and most crowded wedding I’ve ever attended. I

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saw the couple walking down the aisle together. The groom put the wedding ring onto the
bride’s finger. The guests witnessed and gave the newlyweds sincere congratulations from
the bottom of their heart. As for me, I gave them a pair of pillows as wedding present and
wish them a permanent love in their family life. We all had meal and wedding wine together
through reception.

I enjoyed this wedding a lot. Firstly, it was a chance to witness my beautiful close friend
happy in a wedding dress after ups and downs in love and could send her the best wishes that
I’ve never made before. Secondly, I could meet my old friends again, talked with them a lot
and promised to keep in touch more regularly. Lastly, I was the luckiest person who caught
the wedding bouquet, so I would be the next woman to get married soon.

Unit 11: I can describe the universe

1. Do you believe there is another life in universe? 
2. How many planets do you think are in our galaxy? How about the universe?
3. Do you think humans will travel to another planet in your lifetime?
4. What do you think will happen if aliens and humans meet?
5. Why are humans so fascinated by aliens?

1. Do you believe there is another life in universe? 

I think there is a possibility of another life in universe. Because, it does not makes sense
that in this entire universe with millions of galaxies, there is only one Milky way galaxy,
with one planet, called Earth having life. There surely are chances of another life in universe.

2. How many planets do you think are in our galaxy? How about the universe?

In our galaxy, till date we have found eight but there could be many more. I think when it
comes to solar system, universe and galaxies, there is lot of possibility. There is so much
that is hidden and so much more that needs to be discovered. But, for planets I think there
might not be more than 1000 planets in the universe.

3. Do you think humans will travel to another planet in your lifetime?

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I think within twenty years, humans will be able to travel to another planet. Because, the
research is going with such a high speed that there are very big possibilities of space travel.
But, one thing is for sure that it is going to be very expensive and only few will be able to
afford it.

4. What do you think will happen if aliens and humans meet?

Initially, it will be lot of fascination and curiosity from both sides. The way we have when a
new baby is born. But, with time I think we will jell up together and most probably start
living together or may be have inter galaxy friends who come to meet us every year in
summer or winters. But, like in movies, it might be even possible that there is war between
both of us. Either for the planets or ours. Possibilities, I think, there are many.

5. Why are humans so fascinated by aliens?

Most likely because there is a sense of hidden identity in aliens. We don’t know who they,
what they look like. There are so many possibilities, so many things that could be or could
not be. There is fascination, curiosity and the possibility of using creative juices to let
imagine things.

Unit 12 & 13: Environment problems

1. What causes environmental problems?

2. What should the government do to protect the environment?

3. What should we do to protect the environment?

4. What other measures can you think of to protect the environment?

5. How should we educate children to protect the environment?

6. What’s the difference between the old and the young as regards
environmental protection?

1. What causes environmental problems?

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I think that there are many things that are harming the environment, including
greenhouse gases, fossil fuels and pollution. One of the main causes that I have
an interest in is pollution caused by plastic. This is a huge issue that is making
the environment suffer, on beaches, in the sea and in other places. People not
choosing to use reusable shopping bags is having a huge effect on the amount
of plastic that is going to waste.

2. What should the government do to protect the environment?

In my opinion, they should make more incentives for people to learn about how
they can help at individual level. If they could educate people and make more
rules about recycling or using plastic bags, then perhaps we would see a
difference. I read in the news recently about how Kenya has passed a law,
making it illegal to use plastic bags . In the UK they have a price for a plastic
bag. But maybe this type of law, making them illegal should be implemented
everywhere. The governments should unite and work together to combat these
problems before it is too late.  

3. What should we do to protect the environment?

A: Obviously we all have a responsibility to do something to prevent the

deterioration of the environment. Ever little bit that we can do as individuals
could help, for example by recycling our household waste, donating clothes to
charity, going on litter clean-ups and using reusable shopping bags. I always use
cotton bags for my grocery shopping instead of plastic bags and recycle as much
as I can. 

4. What other measures can you think of to protect the environment?

A: We can all do something to help, for instance, get together with groups of
friends to collect litter from beaches or other public places. We can also walk or
cycle more, rather than driving, use less electricity, recycle waste and limit the
use of plastic bags. On a wider level, the government should impose more laws
that protect the environment.

5. How should we educate children to protect the environment?

Children should be taught in school about the effects of things we do that can be
harmful to the environment. They can complete projects and work together to
learn about how to recycle and the importance of it. They could also complete
work outside, looking at how to preserve wildlife, plants and flowers. It is really
important that they learn about this at an early age so that they can grow up with
some awareness of the impact their actions can have.  

6. What’s the difference between the old and the young as regards
environmental protection?

In my view, I think that older people seem to be more aware and have a larger
concern about protecting the environment, whereas younger people are very self-

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obsessed nowadays. They are more interested in looking at their social media
apps and taking selfies, than about caring for the environment. Older people run
groups that meet and pick up litter, clean beaches of plastic waste and run charity
events. Some younger people may also do these things, but most are too self-
involved to actually do something that can make a difference.

Unit 15. I can describe animals and insects

1. Describe your favourite animal. You should say:
what it is
where it lives
what it eats
And explain why you like it

2. What effects do you think humans have on wild animals?

3. What measures could we take to protect wildlife?
4. Is it the responsibility of schools to teach children about protecting wildlife?

1. Describe your favourite animal. You should say:

what it is
where it lives
what it eats
And explain why you like it

My favourite animal is without a doubt the rhinoceros, or rhino, as it is more commonly

known. It’s found in many countries around the world, although unfortunately it is an
endangered species and so its numbers are generally decreasing. You can find rhinos across
Africa, including South Africa and Zimbabwe, as well as throughout Asia, in places like
Northeast India and Nepal. Typically they live in grasslands because they subsist on a diet of
grasses and leaves. I like rhinos a lot because but they are quite gentle and trusting animals,
and I feel a great deal of sympathy for them. They have lived on this planet for millions of

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years humans are now hunting them to extinction. Their gentle, peaceful way of life should
be an inspiration for us; not something we take advantage of in order to kill them.

Rhinoceros /raɪˈnɒs.ər.əs/: tê giác

Endangered species /ɪnˈdeɪn.dʒəd/ : Loài đang có nguy cơ bị tuyệt chủng
Subsist on /səbˈsɪst/: to get enough food or money to stay alive, but no more
Feel a great deal of sympathy for /ˈsɪm.pə.θi/: cảm thấy rất thông cảm cho
Extinction  /ɪkˈstɪŋk.ʃən/: tuyệt chủng
Be an inspiration for /ˌɪn.spɪˈreɪ.ʃən/ : là nguồn cảm hứng cho
Take advantage of: lợi dụng/ tận dụng

2. What effects do you think humans have on wild animals?

Humans have a huge impact on wild animals. We have destroyed a lot of natural habitats,
and many animals are in danger of extinction. Tigers and rhinos, for example,
are endangered species because of humans. The pollution and waste that we produce also
have an effect on animals. In some places there are no fish in the rivers.

have a huge impact on: có tác động rất lớn đến

Natural habitats: môi trường sống tự nhiên

3. What measures could we take to protect wildlife?

I think we need stricter rules to protect natural areas and the wild animals that live there. For
example, we should stop cutting down trees in the rain forest. National parks are a good idea
because they attract tourists while protecting wildlife.
4. Is it the responsibility of schools to teach children about protecting wildlife?
Yes, schools can play a big part in educating children about this issue. Children should
learn how to look after the natural environment. I think schools already teach children
about endangered species and the destruction of rain forests, so hopefully future generations
will do a better job of protecting wildlife.
Play a big part in educating children about this issue: đóng một vai trò lớn trong việc giáo
dục trẻ em về vấn đề này.
look after the natural environment: chăm sóc môi trường tự nhiên

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Unit 16. I can describe a range of food

1. What’s your favourite food?

2. Have you always liked steak?

3. Are there any foods you dislike?

4. What are some traditional foods in your country?

5. Do you have a healthy diet?

1. What’s your favourite food?

I would have to say that it’s definitely steak. It’s quite expensive, so it’s a real treat when I

get the chance to have steak and I love all the things that come with it like pepper sauce,

chips, mushrooms, and onions.

2. Have you always liked steak?

I didn’t really like meat when I was younger. My mum said that I only liked to eat sweet

things or breakfast cereal when I was a child. Naturally, Coco Pops were my absolute

favourite.

3. Are there any foods you dislike?

I like most foods, but if I had to pick some I don’t like, it would have to be vegetables,

especially green ones like broccoli or cabbage. They either taste of nothing at all or really

bitter. Although, I try to force them down when I have to because they are very healthy.

4. What are some traditional foods in your country?

Everything seems to revolve around the potato where I’m from, but there’s much more to

Irish cuisine than just one vegetable. If you come to Ireland you have to try a full Irish

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breakfast. It’s made up of lots of fried meats, plus a range of bread like wheaten, soda and

potato bread, of course.

Revolve around  /rɪˈvɒlv/: xoay quanh

5. Do you have a healthy diet?

No, not at all. I like all of the things that are unhealthy like sweets, fatty foods, and junk food.

I don’t really have a lot of discipline when it comes to my diet, which is probably why I’m a

little overweight.

Discipline /ˈdɪs.ə.plɪn/: kỷ luật

Unit 18: I can talk about money

1. Describe a method to save money.
You should say:
What the method is
When you started to use it
How you knew it
and explain why it is helpful

2. Is it a bad thing to reward children by giving them money?

1. Describe a method to save money.

You should say:
What the method is
When you started to use it
How you knew it
and explain why it is helpful

Well, i’m not good at saving money and I tend to buy things without considering carefully.
It’s hard to save if you don’t know exactly what you are saving for so  what I do is to  set
savings goals to motivate myself in every  financial decision that I make. Going to Japan has
always been my biggest dream but I’ve postponed so many times due to lack of money. I
tried to keep money myself but I still overspent and was out of money at the end of every
month. I asked my mom to keep money for me as she is better at controlling expense. She is
like my accountant and  helps me to balance the expense. She also gives me advice
whenever I go shopping to make sure it doesn’t set me back .  We have an agreement that
whenever I withdraw a sum of money, I have to save double that amount. This works
wonders with me as my savings goes up every month . Now I  always ask myself whether

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it’s necessary to buy things or I can save for a rainy day. After a while, I realize I’ve set
aside more money everyday . I buy things within my budget and don’t waste  money for
unnecessary things. This method of saving money makes me feel good about myself and I
feel financially secured.

overspend: spend more than the expected or allotted amount

set someone back: (of a purchase) cost someone a particular amount of money.
withdraw:  to take money from a bank account
works wonders with: to have a very good effect on someone or something
save for a rainy day:
to reserve something, especially money, for use in a time or period of unforeseen difficulty, tr
ouble, or need
set aside: to keep or save something from a larger amount or supply in order to use it later for
a particular purpose

2. Is it a bad thing to reward children by giving them money?

I don’t think it’s bad at all! If you’re smart about it, you can teach kids how to manage the
money that they get as a reward and even save it up for the future. In that way, you can help
them become responsible spenders so as they grow up, they can take care of themselves and
all their material needs. I believe it can be very positive to give kids money, especially for
doing important things like chores.

Unit 19: I can talk about sleep

1. Do you often take a nap during the day?
2. How many hours do you sleep a day?
3. Describe a night when you could not sleep at all.
You should say:

 when it happened
 where you were then
 why you could not sleep that night
and explain how you felt about it.

 1. Do you often take a nap during the day?

To be honest, I hardly ever nod off during the day but, I suppose, if I’ve had a really
exhausting day, which is pretty rare, I may have a short siesta after lunch.

 Nod off: go to sleep – often used for daytime sleeping

 Siesta /siˈes.tə/ : short sleep after lunch

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2. How many hours do you sleep a day?

“I try to get the recommended 8 hours of sleep every night, but my sleep habits are not
great. I tend to use my phone in bed and the bright screen makes it difficult for me to fall
asleep. On an average night, I probably only get about 6 hours of sleep.”

3. Describe a night when you could not sleep at all.

You should say:

 when it happened
 where you were then
 why you could not sleep that night
and explain how you felt about it.

I often go to bed after midnight and a sleepless night is not a rare experience for me.
Remaining awake to prepare for an approaching exam is the most common reason I
spent many sleepless nights. However, for this cue card topic, I would like to talk about
a night I spent at a hospital and could not sleep even for a minute.

It was 2016, probably the mid-July, and all of a sudden my grandfather got severely ill.
The doctor who came to our house to check my grandfather advised us to take him to the
city hospital. We called for an ambulance and took my grandpa to the hospital. My
parents, two cousins, my eldest uncle and my youngest aunt were in the hospital that
night. They were all very worried and my aunt was sobbing ceaselessly. We were all
concerned about the well-being of my grandpa. The doctor told us that it was wise of us
to bring the patient to the hospital without any delay as it could have been disastrous
otherwise. He also informed us that a panel of doctors who were observing my grandpa's
medical history had decided to operate him that night. He also assured us that it was a
minor operation and we had nothing to worry about as the best doctor in the town
happened to be there that night. In spite of the doctor's assurance, we were very anxious.

At around 11.00 pm the doctor operated my grandpa and he was unconscious. I stayed at
the hospital until the next noon and could not sleep at all.

Frankly speaking, I did not want to sleep at all and the experience did not bother me. A
hospital is not a place where a patient's relatives and family members can sleep. I prayed
to the Almighty to help my grandpa get well soon. At around 4.30 in the morning, a
nurse came to us and gave us the good news; my grandpa was conscious at that time and
he wanted to see us. That was a great relief and we thanked the nurse who gave us this
news.

It was a sleepless night but I did not feel dizzy or sleepy at all. My brain must have been
busy thinking about the sickness and wellbeing of my grandfather and the expresso
coffee also released some of my tiredness. I slept the next day at around 3.30 pm and my
grandfather was out of the danger then. Interestingly I slept almost 14 consecutive hours
the next day as I can recall.

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Unit 20: Health problems

1. Describe a time when you were ill. You should say:

 when this was

 what your symptoms were
 how long the illness lasted

and say how it affected your life at the time.

2. What costs are involved when you are ill in your country?

1. Describe a time when you were ill. You should say:

 when this was

 what your symptoms were
 how long the illness lasted

and say how it affected your life at the time.This is a tricky one really as I’m usually quite
healthy … I’ve never been seriously ill … like everyone else I sometimes get a few aches
and pains or catch a cold … I can remember a few months ago I had to have time off work
with a heavy cold … I had the usual symptoms … a blocked nose … sore throat … it lasted
quite a while … about 2 weeks I think though I didn’t have that much time off work … for a
few days I remember feeling poorly but I was over the worst of it after a few days and went
back to work … I always find it’s better to be active when you feel ill as it keeps your mind
off your symptoms … I think my family get a little fed up with me when I’m ill though … I
tend to feel sorry for myself and lie on the sofa all day as if I’m at death’s door … but as I
said earlier … on this occasion it was nothing serious and didn’t really cause me any
problems …

aches and pains: sự đau đớn kéo dài, dai dẳng

a blocked nose: hội chứng mũi bị ngạt
a heavy cold: một cơn cảm nặng
a sore throat: cơn viêm họng
to be over the worst: vượt qua được giai đoạn khó khăn nhất của trận ốm
to be at death’s door: cảm thấy ốm yếu thực sự

2. What costs are involved when you are ill in your country?
Anya: Well … people have to pay prescription charges which can be quite expensive … but
fortunately general healthcare is free … unless you want to go private of course and then
you can pay a fortune for your treatment …

 prescription charges: money the patient pays for medicine authorised by a doctor

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 to go private: to choose to be treated by commercial healthcare rather than by services
offered by the state

3. In your experience are people too quick to take time off work when they’re ill?
Alicia: Yes .. I’ve got friends who have a day off work if they wake up with a runny nose …
and in most cases they seem to make a speedy recovery after they’ve phoned in sick …

 a runny nose: a nose that has liquid coming out of it

 to make a speedy recovery: to recover quickly from an illness
 to phone in sick: to call work to explain you won’t be attending work due to illness

Unit 22: I can describe travel problems and accidents

1. Describe a trip that didn’t go as you had planned/expected.
You should say:
where you were traveling to
who was travelling with you
what didn’t happen according to plan
what you did
and explain how you felt

Last year, I had a 5-day-trip to Nha Trang – a lovely coastal city located in the South of
Vietnam. This is one of the most famous tourist destinations in my country, so I was really
glad that I finally had chance to visit there. Since it is more than 1000 kilometers from Hanoi,
we decided to go there by plane instead of any other modes of transportation. The flight
was informed to take off at 7:30 am, so I got up really early to be best prepared. However,
when we arrived at the airport, we realized that our flight had been delayed for over 3 hours.
It was quite shock to us as we had to cancel many activities then. Moreover, when we got to
the hotel that we had booked in advance, the receptionist could not find our reservation.
Fortunately, they still had enough vacancy for us to stay. Except for those unexpected things,
the time we spent in Nha Trang was a blast. We got to try out so many sports games like
surfing and diving to see the coral reef. Besides, traditional cuisine there was so unique and
tasty. We even bought fresh ingredients from a local market and grilled them by the beach. I
think this was one of the most memorable moments of that trip. We definitely enjoyed this
trip and will go back there if we have chance.

Unit 23: I can talk about clothes and fashion

1. Do you enjoy buying clothes?
2. What kind of clothes do you like to wear?
3.  Are there many clothes shops where you live?
4. Describe someone you know who dresses well. You should say

 who they are

 how you know them

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 what kind of clothes they wear

and say why you like the way they dress.

1. Do you enjoy buying clothes?

I used to … yes … like most young people I was a bit of a slave to fashion and I’d always
have to buy that must-have shirt or pair of shoes … I’m not so bothered now though … I
wouldn’t feel comfortable wearing something old fashioned but I’m not as bothered as I used
to be about what I wear …

 a slave to fashion: someone who always feel the need to wear the latest fashions
 must-have: something that is highly fashionable and therefore in demand
 old fashioned: not in fashion any more

2.  What kind of clothes do you like to wear?

I prefer casual clothes actually … I hate getting dressed up for special occasions …
personally I think it’s possible to look good in a pair of jeans … but that’s my opinion … I
don’t think my wife would call me a fashion icon that’s for sure …

 casual clothes: not formal

 to get dressed up: to put on nice clothes, often to go out somewhere special
 to look good in: to wear something that suits you
 fashion icon: a person who is famous for their sense of fashion

3.  Are there many clothes shops where you live?

Yes … there are lots in my town … apart from the big chain stores we’ve got a couple of
really nice shops that sell vintage clothes … old clothes but in a classic style that never
really go out of fashion … I love going there …

 vintage clothes: trang phục cổ điển

 classic style: phong cách đơn giản/cổ điển
 to go out of fashion: lỗi mốt

Describe someone you know who dresses well. You should say

 who they are

 how you know them
 what kind of clothes they wear

and say why you like the way they dress.

I’d like to talk about one of my teachers … Miss Evans … she teaches us English in the
school I go to … we always look forward to seeing what she’s going to wear when our
lessons start … she’s always very well dressed and takes a lot of pride in her
appearance … it’s not that she dresses in very smart clothes … she doesn’t come to
school dressed to kill or anything like that … but what she wears really suits her … and she
has a great sense of style as well … we often ask her where she gets some of her clothes and
most of the time they’re just off the peg … and she says she’s not interested in designer

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labels or anything like that … she doesn’t seem too concerned about keeping up with the
latest fashion … she just wears clothes that are timeless … yes … Miss Evans is the person I
think looks great in the clothes she wears …

 dressed to kill: mặc trang phục rất có sức hút = Dress to the nines - ăn diện
 well-dressed: ăn mặc đẹp
 to take pride in one’s appearance: chú ý tới vẻ bề ngoài
 smart clothes: the kind of clothes worn for a formal event

 off the peg: đồ may sẵn

 to have a sense of style: có gu ăn mặc
 designer labels: nhãn hàng thiết kế
 to keep up with the latest fashion: bắt kịp xu hướng mới nhất
 timeless: không bao giờ lỗi mốt

Unit 24: I can describe a visit to the dentist

1. How often do you have a check-up?
2. Do you dread or look forward to going to the dentist? Why (not)?
3. When did you last have toothache?
4. Is it ever painful when you bite or chew your food?

1. How often do you have a check-up?

From my point of view, it depends on different medical needs. However, you should
make your physical schedule and stick to it in order to keep your health in a good
condition. For example, if you’re generally healthy, you may only need occasional
preventive screenings based on your age.

- depend on (v.): to rely on somebody/something and be able to trust them (phụ thuộc)

- physical schedule (n.): a plan that lists all the work that you have to do connected to a
person’s body (lịch kiểm tra sức khỏe)

- occasional (adj.): happening or done sometimes but not often (thỉnh thoảng)

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 OWS INTERMEDIATE
- preventive screening (n.): the testing or examining of people or things in order to stop
the illness from happening (kiểm tra phòng ngừa)

2. Do you dread or look forward to going to the dentist? Why (not)?

As a matter of fact, dental anxiety prevents many people from seeking the care they
require to restore or maintain a healthy smile and I’m not an exception. In order to help
me get over my fear, I regularly distract myself during the treatment by listening to music
or watching TV.

- dental anxiety (n.): the state of feeling nervous or worried that something bad is going to
happen connected with teeth (nỗi lo lắng đi khám răng)

- restore (v.): bring somebody/something back to a former condition, place or position

(hồi phục)

- get over one’s fear: deal with or gain control of the bad feeling that you have when you
are in danger (vượt qua nỗi sợ)

- to distract (v.): to take somebody’s attention away from what they are trying to do (làm
xao lãng)

3. When did you last have toothache?

As far as I can remember, I had a really bad pain in my tooth three months ago and it’s
gotten much worse in the last couple of days. One of my friends told me that I grind my
teeth a lot when I sleep. Maybe that is the problem.

- to grind so’s teeth: to rub one’s teeth together, often producing an unpleasant noise
(nghiến răng).

4. Is it ever painful when you bite or chew your food?

Obviously, the tooth may hurt when you bite or chew, with mild or intense sensitivity.
The pain does not usually linger, but disappears quickly when chewing stops. You may
find yourself chewing food on the opposite side of your mouth or avoiding certain foods
on the affected side.

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- sensitivity (n.): the quality of reacting quickly or more than usual to something (độ
nhạy)

- to linger (v.): to continue to exist for longer than expected (kéo dài)

Unit 25: I can describe hospital procedure

1. Describe a time when you had to go to the doctor’s/hospital

You should say:

What was wrong with you

How you felt at that time

What happened at the doctor’s/hospital

And explain what treatment you were given to help you get better.

Sample Answer:

Hospital is a place where no one would like to visit. I personally hate going to the doctor’s.
But I had to visit one recently. Due to frequent travelling to varied altitudes and atmosphere,
I got home having terrible cold and viral infection. It was accompanied by heavy head,
continuous sneezing and a runny nose which left me in moderate discomfort.

I felt too sick and in pain. Due to the ever-growing headache I couldn’t concentrate on any
thing and found it impossible to do even the smallest everyday task. My head felt like it
weighed a ton and I could barely keep my eyes open due to the developing stress. After no
more resistance, I decided that I need to visit the doctor’s.

The doctor checked me and asked me how I was feeling. He checked my pulse and my body
temperature. He asked me to open my mouth, take my tongue out and checked it
subsequently for any possible infections and if there are any possible symptoms of typhoid.
He further checked my blood pressure and concluded that I have developed intense allergy
infections probably due to the temperature changes and dust inhaled during the travels. He
prescribed me some medicines and a cough syrup to be taken at regular interval for 3 days.

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He advised me to avoid any cold food items and beverages. He also suggested that I drink
turmeric milk and ginger lemon honey tea for instant healing. He asked me to take plenty of
rest and avoid going out in the dirt. The suggestions were useful and my health improved
significantly in a couple of days.

- altitude (n.): a place that is high above sea level (nơi có độ cao hơn mực nước biển)

- viral infection (n.): an illness that is caused by a virus and that affects one part of the body
(bệnh truyền nhiễm virus)

- accompany sth with/by sth (v.): happen or appear with something else (đi kèm với cái gì đó)

- a runny nose (n.): produce a lot of liquid in one’s nose when you have a cold (chảy nước
mũi)

- developing stress (n.): pressure or worry gradually grow or become bigger (căng thẳng tăng
lên)

- resistance (n.): the power not to be affected by something (sự kháng cự)

- subsequently (adv.): afterwards; later; after something else has happened (sau đó)

- typhoid (typhoid fever) (n.): a serious infectious disease that causes fever, red spots on the
chest and severe pain in the bowels, and sometimes causes death (bệnh thương hàn)

- intense allergy infection (n.): a very strong medical condition that causes you to react badly
or feel ill/sick when you eat or touch a particular substance (bệnh truyền nhiễm dị ứng
nghiêm trọng)

- to prescribe (v.): to tell somebody to take a particular medicine or have a particular

treatment (kê đơn)

- regular interval (n.): an often/ frequent period of time (khoảng thời gian liên tục)

- instant healing (n.): an immediate process of becoming or making somebody/something

healthy again (hồi phục ngay lập tức)

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Unit 26 &27: I can explain household chores

1. Do you do housework at home?

2. What kind of household work do you often do?

3. Did you do household work when you were a child?

4. Do you think that children should do housework?

5. Do you like doing housework?

6. How do you think housework could be made more interesting?

7. Do you think children should do some household work?

8. In the future, do you think machines will replace humans in doing household work?

1. Do you do housework at home?

A: Yes, I always help my parents with the household chores and other routine work. I
actually consider it as a part of my vital responsibilities.

B: No, I usually don’t get time to participate in housework as I’m quite busy with my work.

- household chore (n.): a task that you do regularly connected with a house or flat (việc nhà)

- vital (adj.): necessary or essential in order for something to succeed or exist (cần thiết)

2. What kind of household work do you often do?

I generally help with laying the table, washing the car and buying grocery. Additionally, I
also drop and pick my younger sister from school while helping her with her studies. Also,
sometimes when a lot of guests came in together, we would help our mother in hosting the
guests.

- lay the table (v.): put something in a table, especially when it is done gently or carefully
(dọn bàn ăn)

- drop and pick (v.): stop so that somebody can get out of a car and collect somebody who is
waiting for you (đưa và đón)

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- host the guest (v.): organize an event to which others are invited and make all the
arrangements for them (đón khách)

3. Did you do household work when you were a child?

Not really. I didn’t do any housework in childhood except taking care of my younger sister
when my mother was busy with cooking or other household chores.

4. Do you think that children should do housework?

Well, housework should not be a part of any child’s routine but helping the family once in a
while is fine. Parents may involve kids in petty tasks such as taking care of the younger
siblings, watering plants, laying table or washing the car.

- once in a while (exp.): occasionally, sometimes (thỉnh thoảng)

- a petty task (n.): a small and unimportant piece of work that somebody has to do (nhiệm vụ
nhỏ nhặt)

- a sibling (n.): a brother or sister (anh, chị em)

5. Do you like doing housework?

Housework is something I do not do out of love for the work but for my family members. It is
a way of showing to them that I am responsible as well for matters of family. More are the
number of people helping towards housework, less is the burden on a single individual. I
sometimes help with mopping the floor or cleaning the bathroom with my family.

- burden (n.): a duty, responsibility, etc. that causes worry, difficulty or hard work (gánh
nặng)

- single individual (n.): only one person (cá nhân)

- mop the floor (v.): clean something on the surface of a room that you walk on (lau nhà)

6. How do you think housework could be made more interesting?

The best way to make housework interesting would be to involve a lot of members. If only a
certain set of people always do the work, it creates a lot of irritation or dissatisfaction

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among individuals. Making housework as a chore that everyone does for the place they live
in, will make it more interesting and strengthen the bond among family members.

- to involve (v.): make somebody take part in something (lôi kéo)

- a certain set (n.): a group of similar things that belong together in some way without doubt
(nhóm chắc chắn)

- irritation (n.): the state of being annoyed (sự tức giận)

- dissatisfaction (n.): a feeling that you are not pleased and satisfied (sự thất vọng)

- strengthen the bond: something that forms a connection between people or groups become
stronger (thắt chặt mối quan hệ)

7. Do you think children should do some household work?

In my opinion, I would say definitely yes. If not the serious work like the chores of cleaning
and dusting, children can always help with certain things. For example, cleaning their own
room or a part of it. They may help with making the bed or cleaning the refrigerator. A child
need not do it entirely but he or she can always help.

- to dust (v.): to clean furniture, a room, etc. by removing dust from surfaces with a cloth
(phủi bụi)

- make the bed: arrange a bed so that it is neat and ready for use (dọn giường)

- entirely (adv.): in every way possible; completely (hoàn toàn)

8. In the future, do you think machines will replace humans in doing household work?

We are moving towards automation and the IT industry has surely seen a setback with it.
Machines will definitely become part of our lives in future and would seep in our daily
routine. At present we do find machines like vacuum cleaner helping us with work, with time,
I believe there will be many more devices to make our work simpler.

- setback (n.): a difficulty or problem that delays or prevents something, or makes a situation
worse (khó khăn, trở ngại)

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- to seep (v.): flow slowly and in small quantities through something or into something
(ngấm, thấm)

Unit 29: I can describe urban life

1.Is your hometown a city or town?

2.Do you prefer to live in a city or town?

3.Would you say your hometown is a good place to live?

4.Why do some people prefer to live in a city?

5.How can traffic be reduced in a city?

1. Is your hometown a city or town?

The population of my hometown is approximately 18,000 people, so it’s definitely a small

town. Some people around the world may even call it a village based on its size.

- approximately (adv.): almost, but not completely, accurate or correct (ước lượng, khoảng)

2 .Do you prefer to live in a city or town?

By far, I would rather live in a tranquil town, namely one that is situated alongside a river or
lake. It’s my dream to live in a home with a view of the water in the countryside or close to
the mountains.

- tranquil (adj.): quiet and peaceful (thanh bình)

- situated (adj.): in a particular place or position (nằm, ở)

3. Would you say your hometown is a good place to live?

It depends on what you are looking for. If you want to live a busy lifestyle, I would say no.
Although, if you want a laid-back and peaceful life, I would say yes

- laid-back (adj.): calm and relaxed; seeming not to worry about anything (thư giãn)

4. Why do some people prefer to live in a city?

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I’d say that city dwellers for some reason enjoy the hustle and bustle of city life. Despite the
fact that there are rush hour traffic jams and sidewalks jam-packed with people, city lovers
seem to exist solely for the excitement and adrenaline offered by an asphalt jungle.
Personally, they can have it. I’ll stick to my quaint little town

- city dweller: a person that lives in the city (người dân thành phố)

- to be jam-packed with (adj.): very full or crowded (đông đúc)

- solely (adv.): only; not involving somebody/something else (chỉ)

- hustle and bustle (n.): busy noisy activity of a lot of people in one place (nhộn nhịp và sôi
động)

- asphalt (n.): a thick black sticky substance used especially for making the surface of roads
(nhựa đường)

- quaint (adj.): attractive in an unusual or old-fashioned way (nhìn hay hay là lạ)

5. How can traffic be reduced in a city?

This is a really good question, and I don’t feel there’s a good solution to cut down on the
amount of cars driving on the city roads. One possible way would be for more people to use
public transportation instead of using their private vehicles. In order for this to work, some
cities might have to undergo major urban development to build more subway and bus lines
because these transportation systems may become too crowded

- to cut down on (v.): to reduce the size, amount or number of something (cắt giảm)

- to undergo (v.): experience something, especially a change or something unpleasant. (thực

hiện, trải qua)

6. What advantages does living in the countryside have, compared to living in a city?

I think there are some clear advantages to live in the countryside. First, with the clean air and
lack of traffic or industry, countryside areas are much healthier places than the average city.
Another benefit would be the sense of community that comes with living in a small village
where everyone knows each other. Finally, it seems to me that the pace of life in the

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countryside is slower, and the people are more laid-back and friendly, compared to the hustle
and bustle and the stress of city life.

- the sense of community (n.): a feeling of forming a group of people who share the same
religion, race, job, etc. (cảm giác cộng đồng)

- pace of life (n.): the speed of life. (nhịp sống)

Unit 30: I can describe a building

1. What types of building are there in your city?

2. Do you prefer old or new building?

3. Are historical building important?

4. Would you like to live in an old building?

5. Tell about a building you want to build.

1. What types of building are there in your city?

Well, when it comes to my city, a developing metropolis with a mixture of the historical and
modern buildings will be the first thing that comes to people’s mind. The historical buildings
consist of many temples, pagodas,... meanwhile the modern ones include many high rises,
commercial complexes…

- metropolis (n.): a large important city (often the capital city of a country) (thủ đô)

- consist of (v.): to be formed from the people or things mentioned (bao gồm)

- a high rise (n.): a building that is very tall and has a lot of floors (tòa nhà cao tầng)

2. Do you prefer old or new building?

Normally, I prefer contemporary buildings mainly because I am partial towards modernly

delicate structure, especially many state-of-the-art high rises. Yet, old buildings make me
feel so nostalgic wherever I pay them visits that modern building couldn’t.

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- contemporary (adj.): modern, belonging to the present time. (đương thời)

- be partial to somebody/something: like somebody/something very much (thích)

- delicate (adj.): small and having a beautiful shape or appearance. (nhỏ nhắn)

- state-of-the-art (adj.): using the most modern or advanced techniques or methods; as good
as it can be at the present time. (hiện đại)

- nostalgic (adj.): having or bringing a feeling of sadness mixed with pleasure and affection
when you think of happy times in the past. (hoài niệm)

3. Are historical building important?

Absolutely yes, historical buildings are actually important to every city, region and even
country. They are the evidence of the past and it’s very crucial and practical for inheriting
and passing on those knowledge to the next generations.

- crucial (adj.): extremely important, because it will affect other things (rất quan trọng)

- to inherit (v.): have qualities, physical features, etc. that are similar to those of your parents,
grandparents, etc. (thừa kế)

- to pass on (v.): give something to somebody else (chuyển giao)

4. Would you like to live in an old building?

Though an olden building is likely to be an intriguing experience, I don’t think it’s a good
choice to dwell. They have often been built for ages, which is unaffordable and secure for a
modern life with many creature comforts around.

- olden (adj.): existing a long time ago in the past (lâu đời)

- intriguing (adj.): very interesting because of being unusual or not having an obvious answer
(kích thích trí tò mò)

- to dwell (v.): to live somewhere (sống)

- creature comforts (n.): all the things that make life, or a particular place, comfortable, such
as good food, comfortable furniture or modern equipment (tiện nghi vật chất).

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Tell about a building you want to build.

• What kind of building it will be?

• When and where it will be?

• What features it must have?

• Why you want to build it?

Sample Answer

Though, I am not aware of the fundamentals of construction, but I would love to build my
dream house. I will be head over heels if I ever get the opportunity to build my own house. It
is a place of fervor, amenity, and tenderness that supports us and provides us shelter.

I love peace and solitude. Therefore, I will build my house in the outskirts of the city. I have
a dream to own a big and luxurious house with a green lush lawn in the front .The lawn will
be decorated by beautiful flowers and trees. A big statue of Buddha will be placed on the
main entrance of the house. Consequently it will symbolize serenity and spiritualism
prevalent in the house. In addition to that, Interior design of the house will be a mix of both
contemporary and modern styles. The drawing room will be spacious to accommodate
multiple visitors at a time.

Thereafter, a big modular kitchen will be made on the ground floor whose back door will
open in the backyard. Next to the kitchen, I will make a small bar decorated by colorful
furniture and lights. Moreover, I will arrange a separate mini theatre where my friends and
family members can enjoy their favorite movies. Bedrooms and library will be upstairs with
side glass walls to enjoy the greenery around. To further beautify my house, I will opt for an
open green roof with an open dining space.

I want to build and present this house to my parents on their 25th anniversary. My parents
brought me into this world and nurtured me in the best possible way. Hence, this dream house
will be a small token of love and sentiments, to pay my debt of gratitude to them.

- to be aware of (adj.): knowing or realizing something (nhận thức)

- to be head over heels (adj.): happy, cheerful, thrilled, delighted (vui sướng)

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- fervor (n.): very strong feelings about something (sự nhiệt tình, sôi nổi)

- amenity (n.): a feature that makes a place pleasant, comfortable or easy to live in (tiện nghi)

- solitude (n.): the state of being alone, especially when you find this pleasant (1 mình)

- serenity and spiritualism (n.): the quality of being calm and peaceful and the belief in
special powers (sự thanh bình và tâm linh)

- prevalent (adj.): common, popular, be all the rage (phổ biến)

- to accommodate (v.): to provide somebody with a room or place to sleep, live or sit (chứa)

- to opt for (v.): to choose to take or not to take a particular course of action (lựa chọn).

- sentiment (n.): feelings of pity, romantic love, sadness, etc. which may be too strong or not
appropriate (ủy mị)

Unit 31: I can describe objects

1. Describe an object you own that is important to you

You should say:

What it is and who gave it to you

Where and when you use it

Explain why it is important to you

MODEL ANSWER

I'd like to talk about my laptop, which is a high-end MacBook pro. I bought this laptop when
I realized that my older MacBook and my iMac were both very slow and became a chore to
use. I researched the Macs online before I decided to get the best choice for me and it was a
really good choice. I use it every day for work and it is really fast and able to connect to
many programmes simultaneously.

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I mainly use my laptop at my desk when I work during the day, it connects to a larger
monitor and I work between two screens. I love how versatile it is though, for example when
I travel I can easily take it with me or if I am ill, I can work from my bed. Having a laptop
makes like easier when you move around a lot for work. In my opinion, it is the best tool I
have for my working day, it connects me to my email accounts, clients, students and various
other sites. I can also complete video calls effortlessly with the built in HD camera.

If for any reason my laptop was not working, it would be very difficult for me to complete
my work and so it is a very important object for me to be able to survive and complete my
tasks. It is also a great learning tool when paired with internet use, I can research and learn a
great number of things daily. Without it, I would be lost and I would be straight down to the
apple store to get a replacement.

- simultaneously (adv.): at the same time as something else (đồng thời)

- versatile (adj.): having many different uses (đa năng)

- effortlessly (adv.): in a way that needs little or no effort, and that seems easy (1 cách dễ
dàng)

Unit 32: I can describe the senses

1. What kinds of thing make you laugh?

2. Do you like making other people laugh?

3. Do you think it's important for people to laugh?

4. Is laughing the same as feeling happy?

1. What kinds of thing make you laugh?

I laugh most when I'm with friends talking about funny things that have happened to us. I
also like watching comedians and comedy films.

2. Do you like making other people laugh?

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Yes, it's a nice feeling when you can make someone laugh because you can see that you've
made them happy. It's great to share a funny moment with someone.

3. Do you think it's important for people to laugh?

Yes, of course. It's important to see the funny side of things; humour helps us not to take life
too seriously. I think that laughter is good for our health.

4. Is laughing the same as feeling happy?

It's not exactly the same because you can be happy without laughing, and sometimes we
laugh when something bad has happened; a sense of humour can help us to cope with
difficult situations

- to cope with (v.): deal successfully with something difficult (giải quyết, xử lý)

UNIT 33: ART

Question 1: Do you like art?

 Question 2: How often do you visit art galleries?
Question 3: Is it easy to learn how to draw?
Question 4: What benefits can you get from painting as a hobby?

Question 1: Do you like art?

I have a lifelong passion for art since I was a child. Beside official art class in school, I also
joined a drawing class and my teachers were very pleased with my drawings. I
also participated in some drawing competitions back then. Until now, I still draw in my free
time, although not as often as I used to do.
Have a passion for (v): có đam mê
To participate in (v) tham gia

 Question 2: How often do you visit art galleries?

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When I was a child, my parents took me to local art exhibition several times. Although
now I have no chance to keep that hobby, I still remember well how excited I was.
Watching masterpieces with my own eyes and listening to the guide was absolutely an
amazing experience.
art exhibition (n) : triển lãm nghệ thuật (tranh)
masterpiece (n) tuyệt tác

Question 3: Is it easy to learn how to draw?

I think I must say it’s even challenging for many people. I absolutely failed when it came to
drawing still life paintings like fruit or flowers. I think those who succeed in drawing or arts
in general might have God-gifted talent, then comes to the long-term commitment to arts
that requires extreme practice and high patience.
still life  (n): tranh tĩnh vật
God-gifted talent (n): tài năng
Commitment (n): cam kết

Question 4: What benefits can you get from painting as a hobby?

I get relief by doing painting. While I am painting, I forget about the world and surroundings,
it’s just me, the painting, and colors. It’s like meditation. Also, it gives me the amazing
feeling of creating something and owning it. 
relief (n): sự thanh thản
meditation (n): trị liệu về tâm lý

UNIT 35, 36: CRIME & PUNISHMENT

Question 1: What do you think the most common crime in your country is?

Question 2: What do you think makes people commit crimes?

Question 3: What do policemen do to keep your neighborhood safe?

Question 4 (Speaking Part 2): Describe a way to reduce crime in your country.

You should say:

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- What the way is
- When you knew about it
- How it works

and how it helps to reduce crime

Question 1: What do you think the most common crime in your country is?

When it comes to the most prevalent crime in my country, I guess it is about traffic offence,
such as drunk driving or running the red light. This mainly happens among young adults who
have inadequate acknowledgement about the traffic safety. They seem to make light of their
own life and others’.

Prevalent (a): common

traffic offence (n): vi phạm luật giao thông

make light of: coi thường

Question 2: What do you think makes people commit crimes?

There are numerous reasons behind their illegalities. Some people commit crimes to make
quick money as they are struggling to earn their living. Others, may imitate violent acts
shown on TV or the Internet since their minds are obsessed by those behaviors.

Illegality: vi phạm pháp luật

Question 3: What do policemen do to keep your neighborhood safe?

I personally think that the presence of policemen is already a great way to keep our
residential area secure. They have the deterrent effect that hinder potential inmates from
committing crimes. The camera system situated in public places also set the inhabitants’
mind at rest.

deterrent effect (n): effect that makes you not want to do something

hinder … from: ngăn cản

inmate (n) = criminal = offender: tội phạm

set/put one’s mind at rest/ease: làm cho ai cảm thấy thanh thản, thoải mái

Question 4 (Speaking Part 2): Describe a way to reduce crime in your country.

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Well, you know, in order to minimize crime, government has already released some effective
actions. And the one I’m thinking about is the installment of CCTV in public places.

CCTV stands for Closed circuit television, a TV system monitored by policemen for
surveillance and security purposes.

In more details, there will be cameras situated in crowded spots which are potential places for
petty crimes like pickpocketing. Acknowledging that all guilty actions can be recorded,
people intending to commit crime may reconsider to go down the path. Therefore, local
citizens and visitors will definitely feel safer while taking a stroll through the city.

This TV system is also located in deserted roads where people rarely pass by. These desolate
areas used to be ideal scenes for murders or rapists to conduct their heinous actions. Thus,
this method not only has a deterrent effect on people, hindering them from flouting the
laws, but it also acts as strong evidences against defendants trying to get away with their
misdeed.

This innovation has gained social endorsement and I reckon that it is contributing
significantly to the citizen’s security.

Surveillance (n): sự giám sát

Petty (v): nhỏ, không nghiêm trọng

take a stroll: đi dạo

desolate areas: khu vực vắng vẻ

heinous action: hành vi tàn ác

flout the law: coi thường luật pháp

get away with: trốn thoát (tội, phạt)

UNIT 37: HEALTH ISSUES

Question 1: What health problems are common among young people in your country?

Question 2: Is it important to you to eat healthy food?

Question 3: Do you pay attention to public information about health?

Question 4: What could you do to have a healthier lifestyle?

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Question 1: What health problems are common among young people in your country?

Well, owing to the escalating popularity of fast food, more and more youngsters in my
country are suffering from obesity. Mental health problem is also a serious issue since many
students are now under high pressure from studying and family.

Suffer from: chịu đựng

Be under pressure: gặp nhiều áp lực

Question 2: Is it important to you to eat healthy food?

It is essential for everyone to eat healthy food, such as home-cooked food or food made
of organic ingredients. It helps us stay fit and healthy and steer clear of some serious
diseases.

steer clear of : tránh điều gì (không tốt)

Question 3: Do you pay attention to public information about health?

Yes, I'm really interested in health information and I'm also following public forums about
improving mental and physical health. They usually provide effective diet plans for the
public.

Question 4: What could you do to have a healthier lifestyle?

Personally, I think I could change my diet and get some exercise to have a healthier lifestyle.
I'm a couch potato, so going out for a walk with my friends is also a good way to enhance
my health.

couch potato (n): a person who watches a lot of television and does not have an active life
enhance (v): increase

UNIT 40: HISTORY

Question 1: Do you like to learn about history?

Question 2: What historical event do you find most interesting?

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Question 3: Do you think history is important?

Question 4: Do you think the internet is a good place to learn about history?

Question 1: Do you like to learn about history?

I must say that I’m not an avid fan of history. During my student’s life, I just spent time
learning historical books to be prepared for examinations. However, I do think that exploring
the ancient history can help us have a profound insight into our origin and cultivate the pride
for our country.

An avid fan: fan hâm mộ lớn

have a profound insight into: có cái nhìn sâu sắc về điều gì

Cultivate (v): trau dồi, tu dưỡng

Question 2: What historical event do you find most interesting?

Personally I’m fond of the Vietnamese Independence Day, which happened on the 2 nd
September, 1945. This day marked a milestone of freedom, liberty, happiness and opened a
new era for our country.

mark a milestone: đánh dấu mốc quan trọng, sự kiện lớn

era: thời kỳ

Question 3: Do you think history is important?

It’s obvious that history is essential in our part of life. It forms a cultural identity and keeps
the unique record of country. We can also learn experience from history to correct our current
actions.

cultural identity: bản sắc văn hóa

Question 4: Do you think the internet is a good place to learn about history?

In this cutting-edge world, Internet is a vital tool to supply information for people, including
history. It is becoming a way to learn history going along with traditional forms of
information. However, we need to be aware of some misled information appearing on the
Internet, which tells us wrong truth of the past.

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cutting-edge: hiện đại nhất

Mislead: làm ai có ấn tượng sai về ai/điều gì

UNIT 41: NEWSPAPER

Question 1: How do you usually get your news?

Question 2: What type of news do you prefer to read?

Question 3: Do you pay much attention to headlines?

Question 4: Is news on newspaper reliable?

Question 5: Describe a magazine or newspaper that you like (or, often) read.

You should say:

- What magazine or newspaper it is

- What the magazine or newspaper is about
- How often you read it
- What kinds of people read it and explain why you like to read it.

Question 1: How do you usually get your news?

Well, it depends on my day. If I have time, I buy a newspaper and read through most of the
pages and articles, but if I’m short of time, I just go online to take a quick look at the main
headlines.

Question 2: What type of news do you prefer to read?

Actually, I read just about anything: international news, domestic news, news about
Vietnamese people abroad. I also enjoy reading information about fashion, movies, and
music.

domestic news: tin trong nước

Question 3: Do you pay much attention to headlines?

You know, content writers always try to grab readers’ attention by making thrilling
headlines. And I am also attracted to those giving me curious sensation. Reading the

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headlines might help me skip articles whose contents seem to be not eye-catching or my
favorite topic.

Grab/catch one’s attention:  thu hút sự chú ý của ai

eye-catching: bắt mắt

Question 4: Is news on newspaper reliable?

I must say that whether news on newspaper reliable or not depends on the source of
information. I mean, academic journal articles are probably the most credible source while
tabloid journalism seems to be less trustworthy.

Credible (a): reliable – đáng tin cậy

Tabloid journalism (n): báo lá cải

Question 5: Describe a magazine or newspaper that you like (or, often) read.

To be honest, I don’t read magazines or newspapers much these days, but there is one I still
read called kenh14, which is an online information channel for the young.

This newspaper contains all we need to know in terms of entertainment among teenagers,
such as music or movie news, the hottest and latest update of celebrities in both Vietnam and
other nations around the world. There are also reviews of numerous famous destinations for
ones who are addicted to travelling.

Talking about the objects of this newspaper, I must say that not only youngsters but also
adults find it interesting since it provides a wide range of information that keeps them
always stay up-to-date. The free-of-charge online version can also explain their preference to
other conventional newspapers. I really enjoy kenh14 and visit this website on a daily
basis. With a quick look at the catchy headlines, I can have the general ideas about
everything happening around me.

in terms of: về khía cạnh, về mặt nào

are addicted to travelling: yêu thích du lịch

a wide range: một phạm vi rộng

conventional newspapers: báo truyền thống

on a daily basis: thường xuyên, hàng ngày

Unit 42: I can talk about film

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1. Do you like watching film?

2. What kinds of movies do you like best?

3. Do you prefer foreign films or films made in your country?

4. How often do you watch films?

5. Do you prefer watching movies alone or with your friends?

6. Do people in your country like to go to a cinema to watch a film?

Sample answer:

1. Absolutely. I’m into watching movies. It’s a fun, relaxing way to spend time together
with my friends after a long day working. Afterwards, we can discuss and debate the film that
we’ve just watched.

2. Well, I would like to say I’m still a kid at heart (a person who still feels like a child in
their heart), so I really enjoy watching kids’ movies for example: Tom & Jerry, …

3. Since my country doesn’t have a huge film industry, I’ve always been really into
American films. American ones are incredibly entertaining and well-made. Moreover, I only
watch films in English so it helps me to learn new slang and expressions.

4. Well, I am quite a busy bee (a busy person), but I manage to see about one or two
films a week at home. After a long day of studying, watching a film is considered as the best
way to reduce stress.

5. Not too often actually. As the prices in my country are quite high, I usually watch a
movie at home instead to save on costs. Actually, I think it’s kind of a waste of money to see
a movie at a cinema when you can watch it from the comfort of your living room.

6. I would say so. Since people like to go out with their families on the weekends, this is
often an activity that they would choose. Moreover, teenagers enjoy this activity as a way to
get out of the house. Furthermore, it’s often a popular date option for many people!

Unit 43: I can talk about art and photography.

1. Do you like art?

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2. Do you think art is an important part of life?

3. How do you think art classes affect children’s development?

4. Is art popular in your country?

5. Do people in Vietnam like visiting museums and art galleries?

6. Do you prefer to take photos using a camera or a mobile phone?

7. Do you share your photos with other people on the Internet?

Sample answer:

1. Yes, I like all types of arts, modern art, ancient art, cultural art, performance art,
etc…. The fact is there is art everywhere and in everything. Whether it is a structural art of a
building or a special way a chef creates a delicacy. I believe art is a beautiful thing and that it
is the greatest form of human expression.

2. Yes, if there was no art, everyone and everything would be the same. There would be
no entertainment. Life would be dull; we would all just work and go crazy. If we didn’t have
art, we would all be robots.

3. Art is very essential for the development of a child. It helps children in learning a
language. It is through the colors and shapes, action that they learn activities. Moreover, it
can help them enhance their creativities and cognitive development.

4. I would say, art surely does gets importance as people really like to see great art work
but when it comes down to choosing arts as a career it is not a very popular choice among
people. They prefer pursuing their art goals a mere hobby.

5. Not all schools in Vietnam have field trips to museums, and I think every school
should. Many children get bored of the everyday routine of school. Field trips give children a
chance to learn outside of traditional classroom setting and can spark new interests in.

6. I would say a mobile phone is better. The reason is that the mobile phone is much
more portable than a camera, and it also doesn’t cost you an arm and a leg to afford, so you
can use and buy it easier.

7. Many people do, but I don’t. I prefer to keep those memories to myself rather than
share them with others, especially people on the Internet that I don’t really know to avoid
online dangers sometimes.

Unit 44: I can talk about music

1. Do you like music? Why/ Why not?

2. What kind of music do you often listen to?

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3. How often do you listen to music?

4. Do you play any kind of musical instrument?

5. Has the kind of music changed since you were young?

Sample answer:

1. I really love music and it also plays an important role in my life. Going to outdoor music
festival is my thing. (My favorite one) Even if I’m busy with my study and work, I still listen
to some recorded version in my laptop all the time.

2. Well. It’s hard for me to find my favorite genre of music. I love music in general but if I
need to choose I would say that I’m a big fan of pop music. Honestly, this kind of music is
really catchy and easy to sing along. For that reason, it has a huge adoring fans including me.

3. As far as I mentioned before, music is a part of my life so I listen to it every single day.
Whenever I feel sad or depressed, I would choose some of my songs in my phone to cheer me
up.

4. Well. What a pity that I didn’t. I’ve always wished that I’ve taken up a musical instrument.
I’d love able to play the guitar but I think I have no potential to play it,

5. Of course. Since the development of society, people at different ages will have taste in
music variation. When I was a little kid, I often listen to some kiddy songs that its melody is
fun and catchy. Then I would sing along and dance.

Unti 45: I can talk about people and places in sport.

1. Do you like sports?

2. Do you often watch sports on TV?

3. How often do you play sports?

4. What is the most popular sport in your country?

5. Do you think it’s difficult to learn a new sport?

Sample answer:

1. Yes. I’m really keen on sports. I play badminton twice a week and go swimming
every weekend in the summer. I think It’s very essential to keep fit and stay healthy which
help to raise your mood in work and study.

2. Well, football is the only sport program that I watch on TV. I’m terrible at playing
football but watching it on TV is my favorite. Moreover, I’d prefer watching sport with my
family in my freetime.

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3. Actually it depends on my schedule and my health status. Every morning I wake up,
the first thing I take up is doing morning exercises to get into shape.

4. In my country, football is considered as the King of Sport as it’s the famous sport.
People prefer football than any kind of sport because of animating atmosphere it brings back.

5. Definitely it is tough to learn a new sport. Everyone needs to take up tremendous

exercise and have a crack at practicing to meet the demand of the new sport.

Unit 46: I can describing sport events

Describe an exciting competition or sporting event you have witnessed.

You should say:

• what the competition or sporting event was

• when and where it took place

• and explain why it was exciting.

A few years ago my father took me to a basketball game that was being played at a
university.

The teams were the Shanghai Sharks and another university team. I can’t remember what the
team’s name was but they were all dressed in purple and looked quite funny. The game was
quite short and only had 2 halves (instead of 4 quarters). I can’t remember who won, but it
was obvious that the Sharks were playing very soft on the other team. At halftime some of the
Shark team members started throwing signed jerseys into the crowd, I think there were about
10 in all. I really wanted one hut we were so far bock that they never reached us. A friend of
mine got one though and I got to try it on. The atmosphere in the stadium was so exciting.
Everyone was shunting, whistling, cheering, and just making noise. I was cheering for the
Sharks and my dad was whistling so loudly that people started looking at us. I was kind of
embarrassed, but he didn’t care. After the game we stopped at a snack shop and got some
drinks and a snack.

Unit 47: I can talk about books.

1. Do you like reading books? Why or why not?

I am deep into reading book, especially the real page-turners because this bring me a lot of
advantages. Firstly, it gives me relief from stress and slows me down after the daily rat race.
Secondly, it also broadens my knowledge about different cultures and lives.

2. What kinds of books do you like to read?

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As I mentioned before, reading book is my cup of tea, but I love reading Japanese comic
books the most. It is really entertaining and exciting which brings me a lot of different
emotions. Moreover, by reading those books, I can broaden my knowledge about the people
and culture in Japan – the country that I desire to visit once in my life.

3. Did you read much book when you were a child?

Yes, I was a bookworm when I was a little kid, as my father bought me a lot of books and he
also taught me to love reading. I was inherited those good habits from my father. You know,
the apple doesn’t fall far from tree.

4. Do children in your country like reading books?

Previously, there was nothing much to play with, so I think books become children’s best
friends. However, the state- of- the-art world while the technology and Internet dominating,
children tend to read less and spend most of their time playing game or doing other activities.

5. What do you think are benefits to children when their parents read books for them?

Totally, parents should read books for their children ,especially bedtime reading books. It not
only nurtures their children soul about cultures and people in other places but also makes a
close-nit relationship between children and parents.

Part 2

Describe an exciting book

You should say:

• What it is about

• How you knew this book

• When you read it for the first time

• And explain why you think this book is very interesting.

When talking about my all-time favorite book, the first one that comes into my mind is “ the
Diary of a wimpy kid”

It the New York Time best seller story books written by Jeff Kiney. The target reader of this
book is for America children at the age from 12 to 15 years old. The first time I read this
book I felt it was a real page-turner because it was so hilarious and fascinating. This book
reminds me of my childhood and I see myself in the character of Greg, who is a mischevious
boy and he is really into making jokes and playing tricks. He has his own diary which he
writes all his stories at school or at home and express his emotions and thought. He wishes to
become popular at school and he tries his best to do anything to make his dream come true
but in the end he is stuck into trouble. What I find the most interesting about him is that he is

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loyal and realiable friend. Despite bickering with his closest friend, he is willing to give
Rowley a hand when he encounters difficulties and needs support. They always have each
other standing by whenever they face challenges. So far, I have completed twelves book of
the Diary of the wimpy kid and I find it hard to put it down. If my friend asks me any good
English book, I would highly recommend him to read this book.

Unit 48: I can talk about festival.

Describe a festival that is important in your country.

You should say:

- When the festival occurs

- What you did during it

- What you like and dislike about it

- And explain why this festival is important.

I think the main festival in my country is Christmas, which is in late December. The main day
that is celebrated in the UK is Christmas Day, on 25th December, though we also have the
day off the following day, on Boxing Day, when many people visit friends and extended
family.

I spent last Christmas with my family, and will also spend this one there too. We all get
together at my parents’ house, because it is large enough to host everyone. On Christmas
morning, we start preparing the meal, as it takes a long time to cook. We put the turkey or
goose in the oven, and then some of us go to church for a Christmas mass. The rest of us stay
behind to carry on cooking. At around midday, we gather round the Christmas tree, which is
decorated with baubles, tinsel, and fairy lights, and we open our presents, which are all
placed under the tree the night before. After that we have our Christmas dinner, which is
always the same meal as it is a traditional feast.

I love nearly everything about Christmas. There is a sense of anticipation and excitement in
the period leading up to Christmas, and then during the festival itself, families and friends
spend time together and most people have time off work. One thing I don’t like about
Christmas is that it is very commercialized,and it can be stressful getting ready for it!

This festival is important for many people, even for non-Christians. Many non-Christian
people in the UK enjoy the festive season without attaching any religious significance to it. It
is our only national holiday involving resting, feasting and the giving of gifts, and I think
such times nurture our souls.

Vocabulary:

• Boxing day: Ở Canada và Anh, ngày 26/12 được gọi là ngày Boxing day

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• Extended family: Đại gia đình (gồm ông bà, các cô, các chú, etc.)

• We all get together: Tụ họp cùng nhau

• To host everyone: Tổ chức tiệc cho mọi người.

• Baubles: Trái châu

• Tinsel: Dây kim tuyến

• Fairy lights: Đèn dây (loại dùng để trang trí Giáng Sinh)

• Feast: Bữa tiệc

• There is a sense of anticipation and excitement: Cảm giác háo hức và phấn khích

• Commercialized: Thương mại hóa.

• Non-Christians: Người không theo đạo Thiên Chúa

• Religious significance: Ý niệm tôn giáo

• Nurture our souls: Nuôi dưỡng tâm hồn chúng ta

Unit 49: I can get through exams

1. You are going to take an IELTS test. What should you do to get the best final results? Use
some suggested verb below to talk about your strategies.

Follow – forbid – cheat – communicate – read – devote – have

2. What will happen if you use your mobile phone while doing a test?

3. What is the best way to achieve success in an exam?

4. Why will a positive attitude help you be more successful?

5. You are studying English at AMES. In your opinion, what should you do to become an
active learner and improve your language skills besides the assistance of AMES teacher

Unit 50: I can describe university life

1. What kind of school did you go to as a child?

I have studied in public school from pre-school till 6th grade. Before that time, I have
attended nursery school for 5 years. Moreover, it used to the most popular and the best
elementary at school that parents should consider their children to gain fundamental
knowledge.

2. What is your favorite subject at school?

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I like Maths a lot when I am a student. Solving number problems sounds quite interesting to
me. Moreover, I often get high scores in exam.

3. Imagine that you are a university student. Using the following nouns to talk about your
university life.

Lecture- seminar – debate- discussion – note- thesis- research

4. Do students usually live at home or away from home?

5. Would you like a chance to study abroad?

6. Why should students learn how to manage their money?

7. What are advantages and disadvantages of living in a hall residence?

Unit 51: I can apply for a job

1. Have you ever applied for a job/jobs?

2. What factors do you think that can make a good interview?

3. Imagine you are an employer from Company X. What are your criteria to choose
candidates?

4. Which is more important: CV or ability? Why?

1. Have you ever applied for a job/jobs?

I used to work as a waiter/waitress in a coffee shop during the summer vacation at grade
10. It was the first time that I applied for a job so it was pretty stressful for me when I
came for the interview. At first, I was quite confused when being asked about my
experience, but then my honesty and enthusiasm convinced the employers. After 3 months
of working, I went back to my study at school, which was a great memory I think.

2. What factors do you think that can make a good interview?

Personally I think, being honest is the most important during an interview and it will
definitely leave a good impression on interviewers. Whether long or short time you work,
honesty proves that you will work seriously and efficiently, especially for the sake of your

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company/organization. Besides, being on time and dressing nicely will show your respect
towards interviewers as well as your good manner.

3. Imagine you are an employer from Company X. What are your criteria to choose
candidates?

I believe that a person who is willing to learn and is responsible will serve as a good worker.
Those kinds of people always try their best to adapt to new environment and complete their
tasks punctually and productively. They don’t need anyone to tell or remind them of what
they have to do.

4. Which is more important: CV or ability? Why?

It’s obviously his/her ability. Having good CV doesn’t make any big differences since things
written in CV can be made up. More importantly, actions speak louder than words, we cant
judge a book by its cover, just like we cant assess a person’ capacity by his/her words.

Unit 52: I can describe jobs & career

1. Are ‘job’, ‘career’ and ‘profession’ the same?

2. How do people determine their jobs?

3. What, in your opinion, does a ‘challenging’ job involve?

4. Which kind of job do you think you have experience or qualifications in?

1. Are ‘job’, ‘career’ and ‘profession’ the same?

A job is a task or practice that is done to earn money. It’s a part of your career. So, when you
decide for a career path, you look for different jobs within its circumference.

A career is something you’ll undertake for an extended period of time. Say for example you
go to a trade school or university you’ve chosen a field of study and that will be your career
for the foreseeable future.

A profession is a sub-set of a career. It’s all the skills, knowledge and experience you’ll
acquire during your career.

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You may have many careers in your life, but you’ll continue to build your profession

2. How do people determine their jobs?

It's hard for people to choose a career because they tend to focus on money instead of the job
itself, especially in an open world where the young find it difficult to figure out what they’re
really interested in. However, I think when we choose a job we should consider a number of
factors such as our ability and competence, working conditions and the compatibility between
our wish with that of companies.

3. What, in your opinion, does a ‘challenging’ job involve?

Challenging job will require you to change and learn new things, to be able to work
under lots of pressure. It may consist of tasks that are not familiar with you or beyond your
expertise, that’s when you decide whether to give up or to cope and overcome challenges.

4. Which kind of job do you think you have experience or qualifications in?

English is my major at school so I think English tutor will suit me best. I am also into helping
students and seeing them making progress every single day. Being a teacher also requires
persistence and I think I meet that demand well. At the same time, teaching provides me
chances to improve and consolidate my English proficiency as well.

Unit 53 + 54: I can describe working conditions

1. In your opinion, which motivate and demotivate employees in working?

2. Is working overtime good or bad? Do you want to work overtime?

3. What might happen in these following situations?

4. How can bonus and sick pay affect the workers of a company?

1. In your opinion, which motivate and demotivate employees in working?

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Employees should be respected and acknowledged, in other words, employees must be given
the right to raise their voice, express their own opinions and abilities. Giving rewards to
individuals with excellent performance and high working productivity can also encourage
them to devote more.

2. Is working overtime good or bad? Do you want to work overtime?

It depends, but not too much. When there’s much work to do and must be done in time, in
some specific cases, it’s ok. But working overtime may cause people to feel overwhelmed
and they tend to be less concentrated when it comes to rest time. Both physical and mental
health will be damaged leading to a decline in working efficiency.

3. What might happen in these following situations?

a. You are ill and cannot work.

I will write an email to my boss and tell him about my health status, I’m sure he/she will
sympathize if I promise to complete my work when I get over the illness.
b. Workers want to improve working conditions.
Open a meeting and let them share freely what they want and wish to improve in terms of
working conditions. If it’s under my authority, I will try to implement, but if I can’t,
propose to my senior leader to see if they can help.
4. How can bonus and sick pay affect the workers of a company?

Bonus show that employers recognize and acknowledge their employees’ contributions and
efforts while sick pay comfort them and make them feel to be cared.

Unit 54 - 57: I can talk about business

1. How important is marketing to business?

2. What are some common mistakes that lead to the failure of a business? Use given
adjectives to give your answers.

3. By which way is your company able to keep ahead of rivals?

4. Why is setting a business a risk?

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1. How important is marketing to business?

Marketing helps to boost business’ sales by promoting its products and services’ images,
providing customers with adequate information and keep it tight in their mind.

2. What are some common mistakes that lead to the failure of a business? Use given
adjectives to give your answers.

inadequate poor wrong over-optimistic

Inadequate qualified workers and staff, poor working conditions, wrong policies and
marketing campaign and over-optimistic attitudes about their chances of getting successful.

3. By which way is your company able to keep ahead of rivals?

There’re always rivals in bussiness. If I lead a company, I will launch various atrractive and
efficient strategies and projects as well as keep an eye on our rivals. However, the things that
I concern the most about are always the market and customers.

- efficient: có hiệu quả

- market: thị trường

4. Why is setting a business a risk?

Forming a bussiness always requires a profuse amount of capital. This leads to a numberless
pressure on bussinessmen such as: attracting investigation, business premises, staff salaries,
capital withdrawing,… That’s the risk that a bussiness have to take.

- bussiness premises: mặt bằng kinh doanh

- capital: vốn

- profuse: dồi dào

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