SPEAKING PART 1

@tlinh
1. Hometown......................................................................................................................................2
2. Home/Accommodation................................................................................................................5
3. The area you live in..........................................................................................................................8
4. Work or study..................................................................................................................................9
5. Watches.........................................................................................................................................12
6. Talents...........................................................................................................................................14
7. Sitting down...................................................................................................................................16
8. Old buildings..................................................................................................................................18
9. Evening time.................................................................................................................................20
10. Computers.................................................................................................................................22
11. Collecting things.......................................................................................................................24
12. Boring things..............................................................................................................................25
13. Advertisements..........................................................................................................................27
14. Meeting places.........................................................................................................................29
15. Street market.............................................................................................................................31
16. Cinema.......................................................................................................................................33
17. Taking photos...........................................................................................................................34
18. Time management...................................................................................................................35
19. Lost and found...........................................................................................................................36
20. Mirrors.......................................................................................................................................37
21. Dreams......................................................................................................................................38
22. Emails........................................................................................................................................39
23. Art..............................................................................................................................................40
24. Sports.........................................................................................................................................41
25. Mobile phone...........................................................................................................................43
26. Websites....................................................................................................................................44
27. Cars............................................................................................................................................45
28. TV program................................................................................................................................46
29. Daily routine..............................................................................................................................47
30. Memory.....................................................................................................................................48
1. Hometown
➢ Nouns
+ heart of the city
+ shopping center = shopping mall
+ high - rise flat
+ sprawling city
+ office block
+ multi - story car park
+ chain store
+ fashionable boutique
+ upmarket shop
+ places of interest
+ lively bars/restaurants
+ the rat race
+ suburb = outskirt
+ in the suburbs = on the outskirts of + a place
+ out - of town shopping center/ retail park
+ inner-city
+ poor housing
+ local facility
+ residential area
+ neighborhood = surroundings
+ pavement café
+ tourist attraction
+ boarded up shops
+ cost of living
+ pace of life
+ sense of community
+ overcrowding = overpopulation
➢ Prepositions
+ in the suburbs = on the outskirts of + a place
+ out - of town shopping center/ retail park
➢ Adjectives
+ quiet = peaceful = tranquil
+ green (green city)

+ lively = bustling = vibrant

+ industrial (or industrial zone)
+ provincial
+ historic
 + cosmopolitan
➢ Idioms
+ clean as a whistle= be immaculate/honest and legal
+ cut and dried = be evident, understandable, and uncomplicated.
+ been through the war = be significantly damaged.
+ dead as a dodo = be out of fashion
+ hive of activity
+ second to none = the best
+ worth its weight in gold = be very valuable and useful
+ middle of nowhere

1, Please describe your hometown a little. (Question type 7)

Well, as you can probably guess, I come from Edinburgh and I have lived here since I was
knee-high to grasshoppers. First of all, the main thing you need to know about my hometown
is that it’s a typical metropolitan city which means the city is open 24-7, and is home to
many cafes and restaurants serving food from all around the world. Its amazing amenities and
job opportunities encourage a huge number of people to immigrate. That said, the larger
Edinburgh city’s population gets, the more problems it has regarding pollution and traffic
congestion.

2, How long have you been living there? (Question type 4)

Oh, I've lived there. Well ... I've lived there on and off for about twenty four, twenty five
years before I moved to Russia. So quite a long time, actually. Probably about more than 70
percent of my life.

3, Do you think you will continue living there for a long time? (Question type 6)
To be honest with you, I hope I could come back there one day to visit my relatives and
friends, but to settle down my life there is not my plan. I am getting familiar with city life
and there are more job opportunities for my future career.

4, Do you like your hometown? (Question type 1)

Most of the time, yes, actually. There are some cultural aspects I wish people wouldn't
indulge in so much. Like, I don't know, there's this thing about ... People think … It's like the
superior virtue of being from a bad area or having a bad background or things like that. So
sometimes people think they feel that they are superior to other people because they've
come from a rough part of the city. But that's just like a small part of what is otherwise quite
a really good tapestry - a cultural tapestry of the area. Lots of, sort of, cultural events happen
in my hometown, for example, and there's lots of things to do and see there. So in general,
yeah, I feel really positive about it.

5, Do you like living there?/ What do you like (most) about your hometown?
(Question type 1) (Yes, probably yes.) I loved the coast or living near the sea front or this
idea of living near the water.
Although, actually,I suppose it's more like living near the river site because we live at the
mouth of the river, or I lived there. My family still lives there to this day. It's full of all these
little nooks and crannies that you could get lost in and have adventures. For example,there
are some gorse bushes near the burn, close to my home, and we used to play there all the
time. So I think that's my favorite thing. And then more broadly, the people there are really
cool. I really like the attitude and the atmosphere there.

6, Is there anything you dislike about it? (Question type 1)

Well, the cost of living is way too high. In fact, Edinburgh is ranked one of the most
expensive cities to live in. Whether you want to buy a house or rent a room, the city is very
expensive. The closer you are to the center, the more expensive it gets. The cost of living can
also be high in other ways. Food, healthcare and transportation are just a few examples.

7, Where is your hometown? (Question type 3)

I come from Edinburgh, the capital city of Scotland and it is located in southeastern Scotland,
near the Firth of Forth, close to the North Sea. Plus, it is Scotland's second most populous
city and the seventh most populous in the United Kingdom.

8, Is that a big city or a small place? (Question type 6)

It is the capital of Scotland, and one of the biggest cities in Scotland. It has something for
everyone with its vibrant culture. To me, Scotland is pure magic and that’s why it’s one of
the most visited cities in Scotland. From history and culture to fine food and exceedingly
good times Edinburgh has everything.
2. Home/Accommodation
➢ Nouns
+ (all the) mod cons = amenities
+ apartment block
+ detached house >< terraced house
+dream home
+ hall of residence
+ house-warming party
+ home comforts
+ house-hunting
+ ideal home
+ mobile home
+ permanent address
+ property market
+ rented accommodation
+ single/double room
+ student digs = student accommodation
+ the suburbs
➢ Verbs-Phrasal verbs
+ to do up a property
+ to get on the property ladder
+ to live on campus
+to move into
+ to own your own home
+ to pay rent in
advance
+ to put down a
deposit
+ to take out a mortgage
➢ Adjectives
+ fully-furnished
+ cozy = comfy
+ homely
+ gigantic = huge
+alluring
+ prodigious = enormous
+ exquisite = extremely beautiful or carefully made
+ sumptuous = very expensive
➢ Idioms
+ home, sweet home
+ home away from home
+ home is where the heart is
1, Please describe the place where you live / Describe the room you live in. (Question type
7)
Briefly, my humble house is located in a small and quiet street, so coming home to me is like
all the craziness happening outside is left behind. Just beside my house stands a big old tree. I
have my own room with walls painted violet, which is kind of a peaceful colour. The air
outside is fresh. I usually open the window to enjoy the wind and sunshine, which will help
cool down my room without an air conditioner. Since I spend most of my time staying at home,
my room means the whole world to me. It’s like a friend who is always there to share ups and
downs with me. So yeah, I would always miss my house, my room whenever I’m away.

2, How long have you lived there? (Question type 4)

Although during my childhood my family had to move a lot, I’ve lived in the most recent
house for almost ten years. Compared to the old houses, I think this house has been the best
so far.

3, Do you plan to live there for a long time? (Question type 6)

The answer would be yes if the respondent is my parents since moving in and out is too time-
consuming and exhausting. Cleaning and arranging everything all over again would be like
torture to them. For me, on the other hand, as I’m thinking of moving out to start my adult
life, hopefully soon I’ll be able to afford to live in a flat or an apartment.

4, What’s the difference between where you are living now and where you lived in the
past? (Question type 3)
As I’ve already mentioned my family moved several times when I was younger. And the
most current house where we’ve been living for about ten years is the best house so far. All
of us have separate rooms for our need of privacy yet a big dining room where we can spend
the whole evenings together watching TV or having dinner.

5, Do you prefer living in a house or a flat? (Question type 2)

I believe most people would prefer to have their own house rather than to rent a place and so
do I. Hence, if I have my way, a house with a small garden would be my choice since I don’t
enjoy the constant disturbance from next-door apartments and elevator rides every time
coming home.

6, What kind of house or flat do you want to live in the future? (Question type 2)
For the past 21 years, I have been living in a house with my family, and I think if I can move
out and start making a living on my own, I would try my best to have an independent place
where I can plan and design a house layout that suits myself since sharing a room or a flat with
strangers sounds troublesome to me.

7, What part of your home do you like the most? (Question type 3)
It’s the dining room where my family spends our time together. Not only lunch or dinner but
all our family reunions take place in the dining room where we can enjoy a harmonious
atmosphere. We always try to keep the family dinner as something we cannot go a day
without, since for us it’s the family bonding that lies behind.

8, What room does your family spend most of the time in? (Question type 3)
I would say it is our living room. It’s the room where we have meals and sit back at the end
of the day, talking about study, work, and future plans. We also watch TV together in this
room. It’s pretty small but homey and comfortable.

9, Are the transport facilities to your home very good? (Question type 6)
Not even slightly! The bus stations are always crowded with people who are really
inappropriate and always talking out loud. The floors are so dirty that I don’t even want to step
inside a station.
 3. The area you live in
1, Where do you like to go in that area? (Question type 3)
My favorite spot is our local park. It provides an excellent place for my family and me to take
a walk, run and play in the fresh air. Sometimes I just sit on the bench and watch the children
having fun at the playground, and sometimes I don’t need any company, and just want to sit
quietly and gather my thoughts, which helps me reduce my tension.

2, Do you know any famous people in your area? (Question type 6)

Even though there are several famous people in my place, I don’t know them in person.
Honestly, I don’t really like to invade someone’s privacy, even if they are really famous,
cause to me, it’s quite immoral and inappropriate to try to disturb and get their attention just
for photos. Besides, I don’t want to waste my time on stalking or talking with famous people
as we would never ever have a chance to be close friends or so.

3, What are some changes in the area recently? (Question type 3)

There have been considerable changes in the area. The most significant one is that there are
more residential buildings than ever. I don’t really like it when my city is gradually becoming
a concrete jungle and all the big trees on the roads have been cut down to make space for
more shopping malls, which makes the summer even hotter and hotter. Besides, there has
been a surge in the number of cars, which has made the city more polluted and caused serious
congestion.

4, Do you like the area that you live in? (Question type 1)
One of the greatest things about my area is that dining options are endless. Within a few blocks
of my apartment are Vietnamese food, pizza, Korean BBQ, and Thai restaurants. Having
endless dining options means I’ll never get bored of what I eat and always having a chance to
try something new. Besides, entertainment comes in a lot of forms. From cinemas to shopping
malls to public parks and everything in between, my city is plain fun. So, my friends and I can
find many favorite places to catch up and share some quality time together.
4. Work or study
➢ Nouns
+ a freshman/ sophomore/ junior/ senior
+ undergraduate/ postgraduate
+ a bachelor's degree/ master degree
+ hybrid courses
+ distance learning
+ face-to-face classes
+ a boarding school/ public school/ state school/ private school
+ tuition fees
+ lecturer/ subject specialist
+ a dead-end job
+ a good team player
+ a heavy workload
+ a high-powered job
+ a nine-to-five job
+ platform= program
+ extensions= addition/ add-on
+ materials= handouts/ data
+ theories= thesis/ conjecture
+ labor force= employees/ workers
+ handsome salary= generous pay
+ perks= benefits
➢ Verbs-Phrasal verbs
+ to be surplus to requirements
+ to fall behind with your studies
+ to give feedback
+ to keep up with your studies
+ to take a year out
+ to play truant
+ to work your way through university
+ to be your own boss/ to run your own business/ to be self-employed
+ to do a job-share
+ to be stuck behind a desk
+ to be/get stuck in a rut
+ utilize= make use of
+ deal with= handle
+ deliver= transport/ distribute
+ attend classes= go to class
+ land a job= secure a job
+ get involved in= to participate in
+ investigate= do research
 + conquer= defeat/ overcome
➢ Adjectives
+ purpose-built
+ full-time/ part-time
+ potential
+ hands-on
+ tedious
+ optimal
+ world-class

1, What subjects are you studying? (Question type 3)

I’m majoring in French which ranks the third in the school’s language major options. I've
also been trying to dabble in programming since my school offers optional IT classes.

2, Why did you choose to study that subject? (Question type 3)

It’s mostly because I couldn’t get enough points to meet the English major’s requirements
but I also came to find French interesting to learn. Although I have other options such as
applying to another school in the city, I chose to stay since the highschool for the gifted
would offer me more opportunities.

3, Do you like your subject? (Question type 1)

Albeit not my first choice, it did help open the door to many horizons because language
difference is no longer my barrier. I can easily listen to or read materials in French,
communicate with people in French in both written or spoken forms. Even more, I can choose
between studying abroad or going to universities in Vietnam.

4, Is it very interesting? (Question type 6)

Most of the time. As for my major, I get to read tons of different books. It’s really interesting
to see how many different perspectives are out there. Plus, storytelling is a really big part of
culture. I like reading books from other countries and learning about the culture there. It’s
definitely expanded my horizons.

5, Are you looking forward to working? (Question type 6)

If I get the chance to obtain my dream job then absolutely! I really look forward to joining
the labor force because I want to relieve my parents’ financial burden. Not only will it pay
the bills, but it’ll also give me the joy of making a contribution.

6, Do you prefer to study in the mornings or in the afternoons? (Question type 1)

I definitely prefer studying in the morning. Since I am a morning person which means my
body is at its optimal level of performance when I first wake up in the morning after a cup of
coffee. So, I like to get my studying out of the way (to get something done so you don’t have
to worry about it) so I can relax more throughout the day. When I try to study in the evening,
I tend to be too tired and unfocused.

7, What technology do you use when you study? (Question type 3)

Well in truth, thanks to the technological revolution, there are lots of websites and apps that
can quiz you and test your knowledge. All you have to do is input your terms and then you
can use online flashcards. I’ve used a couple of them to memorize important terms before an
exam. They’re definitely a life-saver when you’re in a rush to catch up on some class content.

8, What work do you do? (Question type 3)

I am working as a Business Analyst in a large IT company and I joined there 2 years ago. Apart
from that, I work as a part-time consultant in a Business organization and do some professional
content writing as a freelancer.

9, What technology do you use at work? (Question type 3)

Actually, I need to start off by pointing out that I’m a technophobe so I don’t use anything
super complex at work. There’s an online application that we use to chat with each other in
our company, and it’s not difficult to use. Plus, It’s the fact that I’m not a tech wizard by any
means, standard word processors and other typical office software are enough for me. Most
of my job involves phone calls and emails. It’s nothing fancy at all.

10, Why did you choose to do that type of work (or job)? (Question type 3)
It’s mostly because I couldn’t get enough points to meet the English major’s requirements
but I also came to find French interesting to learn. Although I have other options such as
applying to another school in the city, I chose to stay since the highschool for the gifted
would offer me more opportunities.

11, Do you like your job? (Question type 1)

Most of the time. It’s very rewarding to be able to help people every day and the
students here are very hardworking and fun to teach, but you sometimes have lessons
that do go so well and the money could always be better.

12, Is it very interesting? (Question type 6)

Absolutely. The fact that the field I chose is my lifelong passion, and that position in my
company has been well-paid makes every working day seem much more appealing. That
being said, sometimes, I’m just over it because of the monotonous tasks I have to fill out. I
guess it’s normal for humans when at some points in our life, we feel like our job is less of
a choice than a necessity.

13, Do you miss being a student? (Question type 6)

I missed student life once I got involved in the workplace. I think when I was a student, I
had someone to guide me, whereas at work you must guide yourself. The academic
environment was a comfort zone, and I struggled at first to try and fit in the working
environment.
5. Watches
➢ Nouns
+ alarm
+ horologist = watchmaker
+ hour hand = the hand of clock or watch
+ hourglass
+ jewel = gem
+ second hand
+ shockproof
+ waterproof
+ smartwatch
+ nooze
+ stopwatch
+ timekeeper
+ necessity
+ mankind = human beings
+ automatic watch
+ external power = batteries/charger
+ analog watch
+ the dial/the face = part that displays the time
+ strap/watch strap = watch bracelet
+ smartwatch
➢ Phrases
+ every now and then = from time to time
+ in terms of
+ back then
➢ Verbs-Phrasal verbs
+ made of
+ made from
+ to keep track
+ to fritter away = to waste time on unnecessary things
+ to run out of time
➢ Adjectives
+ outdated
+ handy
+ accustomed
+ time-conscious
+ detail-oriented
+ organized
+ deadline-conscious
+ sumptuous = very expensive
➢ Idioms / Collocations
 + do sth against the clock = do it as fast as possible
+ at/on the stroke of sth = exactly at a particular time

1, Do you wear a watch? (Question type 6)

Not at all, I really don't need to wear one as I have my mobile phone to check the time every
now and then. For me, watches nowadays are already outdated since people are too
dependent on using their smartphones in terms of checking the time since it's more
convenient or handy.

2, Have you ever got a watch as a gift? (Question type 6)

Yes. My brother bought me a watch when he received his first paycheck. It was my pride
and joy because it had sort of an expensive look with real-leather straps and crystal face. It
stopped working long ago but I still keep it.
3, Why do some people wear expensive watches? (Question type 6)
As some sort of indication about yourself. People buy luxury watches to show how they have
made it in the world. Rolex and other brands are portrayed to be worn by the wealthy or
people who inherited them. They are symbols of power and wealth. In addition to this, People
buy these watches because they truly are better than most watches out there. Watches can last
decades with appropriate care and upkeep. Rolex is one of those brands.

4, Do you think it is important to wear a watch? Why? (Question type 6)

Well in actual fact, I must say that watches take an essential part in our life. The main reason
for this is that they are very useful for telling the time without having to look at a clock or dig
out your phone. If you are swimming, your phone may be switched off in your car, and if you
are somewhere in the bush with no phone coverage, your phone is probably switched off in
your bag.
 6. Talents
➢ Nouns
+ ability = capability = strength = talent = aptitude = competence = strong suit =
proficiency
= knack
+ accomplishment =triumph
+ adroitness = the quality of being skilful and quick in thinking or movement
+ acumen = skill in making correct decisions and judgements
+ artistry = the skill of an artist
+ bandwidth = the energy or capacity that you need to do sth
+ dexterity = skill
+ star quality = a special ability that makes someone seem very successful or
better than other people
+ métier = a person’s work, especially when they have a natural skill or ability for
it
➢ Verbs-Phrasal verbs
+ have a knack for sth = have a special or natural ability
+ to have/possess talent
+ to demonstrate/display/reveal/show
+ to flaunt/show off/ showcase
+ to exhibit
+ to cultivate/nourish/cherish
➢ Adjectives
+ ambitious
+ adroit = skilful
+ accomplished = having a lot of skills/ very good at a particular thing
+ adept (at/in sth/doing sth)
+ articulate
➢ Idioms/ Collocations
+ a magic touch = a special ability to do sth very well
+ know your stuff
+ have an ear for sth
+ have a (good) nose for sth
+ have another/more than one string to your bow
+ turn your hand to sth = can do sth well without having experience of it
+ what sb is (really) made of

1, Do you have a talent, or something you are good at? (Question type 6)
I think I have a few talents, to be honest, and the one I am most proud of is my ability to
draw. I'd say I am pretty amazing at drawing. Since I was a kid, I've always been good at
drawing, and I started having art lessons about five years ago and became entirely
professional.
2, Was it mastered recently or when you were young? (Question type 6)
Neither in recent times nor a long time ago. During my elementary school days, my dad used
to teach me a lot about the world of art. Though at that time, he brought me to several
museums and art galleries, drawing for me was just no more than an interest. Only after
attending an art university and being professionally trained, my ability in drawing has been
nurtured and flourished.

3, Do you think your talent can be useful for your future work? Why? (Question type 6)
Perhaps. Artists don't usually make that much money unless they are really popular and
successful. So if I only want to become rich, it is certainly not so helpful! However, in terms
of career, I will focus on architecture - I will be able to combine my talent with a reasonably
lucrative career.
4, Do you think anyone in your family has the same talent? (Question type 6)
My father is an architect, and for as long as I can remember, my father was always drawing
architectural sketches and technical drawings. When I was a child, my father found that I
liked to draw things on paper very much, and then he started to teach me to draw.
 7. Sitting down
➢ Nouns
+ stress-buster
+ respite = downtime = leisure time
+ sedentary lifestyle
➢ Verbs-Phrasal verbs
+ to stretch out
+ to loosen up = unwind = to relax
+ to sit back
+ to recline
+ to set things aside
+ to kick back
+ to chill out
+ to mellow out
+ to disconnect
+ to destress
➢ Adjectives
+ therapeutic/healing/soothing
+ enjoyable/pleasurable
+ relaxing/calming/soothing
+ rewarding/satisfying
➢ Idioms/ Collocations
+ let oneself go
+ let one’s hair down
+ put one’s feet up
+ take it easy
+ let/blow off some steam
+ take the weight off one’s mind
+ release my pent up energy = to release tension
+ while away the time = to spend time in a relaxed way

1, Where is your favorite place to sit? (Question type 3)

Of course, my leather chair in my room since it's extremely comfortable and beautifully
designed. Normally, I sit in this chair to read or write something, watch movies on the phone,
make lists and make phone calls.
Moreover, sometimes I sit on it to unwind myself after performing a tiresome task.

2, Do you always sit down for a long time? (Question type 6)

Actually, I will not say yes because I don’t wanna have a sedentary lifestyle. I only sit down in
the morning as well as in the evening for a few minutes when I need to release my pent up
energy.
3, Do you feel sleepy when you are sitting down? (Question type 6)
It happens occasionally when I’m extremely/dead tired and I’m sitting down on a chair or couch
for some time to set things aside, and loosen up both physically and mentally. At that time I
tend to feel sleepy and wanna take a nap.

4, When you were a kid, did you usually sit on the floor? (Question type 6)
Definitely yes, as many others do, I always loved to sit on the bare surface in general,
especially the floor. When I was knee-high to grasshoppers, I used to enjoy playing,
eating or even doing every activity that I could on that surface.
 8. Old buildings
➢ Nouns
+ architecture
+ structural design
+ skyscraper > high-rise
+ office
+ block
+ residence
+ historical milestone/ event
+ turning point
+ concrete jungle
➢ Verbs-Phrasal verbs
+ construct
+ erect
+ renovate
+ demolish
+ put up = build
+ do up = repair
+ pull down = demolish
➢ Adjectives
+ elegant
+ well-design
+ unsightly
+ contemporary
➢ Idioms/ Collocations
+ pay homage (to someone or sth)
+ go down in history
+ stand the test of time

1, Have you ever seen some old buildings in the city? (Question type 6)
Yeah of course, in Chengdu, there are many old buildings that have been well preserved and
Actually, some of them are even vibrant. If you go to places like Sino-ocean Taikoo Li
Chengdu, It is famous as an urban hub, but the best thing about this place is that it actually
has kept its thousand-year-old temple, which I believe is something we should be proud of.

2, Do you think we should preserve old buildings in cities? (Question type 6)

It really depends, if we are talking about old buildings that have cultural and historic
flavour or some unique architectural style, it should be kept. But when it comes to
buildings that are unsafe and in very bad condition, why not just demolish them and build
more high-rise buildings to solve the housing problems in cities?

3, Do you prefer living in an old building or a modern house? (Question type 1)

Modern house, no doubt! I want to enjoy the conveniences of modern, high-rise buildings,
where I can enjoy the spacious and well-ventilated rooms equipped with modern facilities
such as air conditioning and lift. These are things that you can hardly enjoy in an old
building, though most old buildings can be refurbished, so why not choose the modern one
and enjoy it?

4, Are there any old buildings you want to see in the future? Why (Question type 5)
I guess “Yes”, there are many of them as I’m really interested in taking pictures of these old
architectures and I just simply adore the historic backgrounds behind them. Right now, off
the top of my head I would say that Hoa Lo Prison is where I wanna set foot on my next trip
to Hanoi. Actually, a couple hours ago, I had just watched a video on Tiktok about its night
tour called “Scared Night - Glorious Vietnamese Spirit” and the idea of visiting Hoa Lo
popped up in my head. Particularly, the tour is where visitors can witness the harshness of the
colonial region during the wars in Vietnam and appreciate the noble sacrifice of the national
heroes.
 9. Evening time
➢ Nouns
+ early riser = early bird
+ mud
+ chirping= twittering/ cheeping
+ workload= duty/ load/ tasks
+ night owl= nighthawk
➢ Verbs ( phrasal verbs)
+ doze off= nod off/ drowse/ snooze
+ let my hair down= relax/ have a good time
+ sleep in
+ set aside= put aside/ lay aside
+ pick up= fetch/ take up
+ kill the time= consume time/ pass the time
+ occupied with= kept busy by something
+ engage in= participate/ partake in
+ Hit the hay = Go to sleep
➢ Idiom
+ Early bird gets the worm

1, Do you like the morning or evening? (Question type 1)

My favorite part of the day is the bright and early mornings. I am an early riser as I often get to
enjoy the feeling of sunshine on my skin. The atmosphere is quiet as compared to the evening
or night time because everyone is busy getting ready for the day. The only sound you hear is
the lovely chirping of the wind. Often, one it has rained the previous night you can also smell
the mud and trees in the air that give a feeling of warmth.

2, What do you usually do in the evening? (Question type 3)

Something that I often do in the evening is read books. I have always enjoyed reading, and
although I don't have much time for it nowadays, I try to set aside 20 minutes each evening for
reading. Almost every evening, before I go to sleep, I sit in bed and pick up a good book.

3, What did you do in the evening when you were little? Why? (Question type 3)
Wow, it’s been a long time, I don’t think I can remember clearly. But I do know that I had
lots of homework when I was a little kid. I think I spent at least 2 to 3 hours each night on
doing homework. I guess that would kill the entire night already since I usually went to bed
around 9:30pm when I was young.

4, Are there any differences between what you do in the evening now and what you did in
the past?
Definitely yes. There is quite a huge difference between what I did then and what I do now.
Since I am working now and mostly occupied with work, I don't get enough time to do fun
activities. When I was young, I always used to engage in activities like playing a game with
my friends and was less stressed than I am now.
 10.Computers
➢ Nouns
+ operation = performance
+ sitcoms = situation-comedy
+ software
+ hard copy = computer printout/ paper copy
+ world wide web
+ online applications
+ computer-literate = well-educated on computer knowledge
+ forum = public meeting place/ conference/ convention/ seminar
➢ Verbs (phrasal verbs)
+ submit assignments= hand in your assignments
+ carry out operations= execute/ go through
+ tend to (take care of someone)
+ online shopping
+ surf/browse the web
+ sit in front of the computer
+ Conk out on= of a machine to stop working properly
➢ Adjectives
+ exclusive= dedicated/ especial
+ doom and gloom= pessimism
+ Virtual
+ Electronic
+ digital
➢ Collocation
+ In all honesty= to be honest/ honestly

1, In what conditions would you use a computer? (Question type 3)

In all honesty, I use it everyday, I use it for studying, because these days many things have
to be done with computers. This is particularly true during the lockdown, during which I
use it to listen to lectures, discuss with my classmates and submit my assignment.

2, When was the first time you used a computer? (Question type 4)
Way back to my primary school. I remember we had a computer class once a week, and we
were all excited about this class, because computers were exclusive, and very few families
could afford it. But at that time, our teacher just taught us how to turn on the computer, how to
type and how to carry out some basic operations such as copy and paste.

3, What would your life be like without computers? (Question type 3)

It will be full of doom and gloom, like I said, most of my studies are now being done with my
computer, So without a computer, I couldn’t finish anything. And besides, I tend to use
computers to do other things, such as watching sitcoms, online shopping, or just scrolling
social media websites. To be honest I just can’t imagine what my life would be like without
my computer.

4, In what conditions would it be difficult for you to use a computer? (Question type 3)
I would say, making notes, although I’ve tried some software such as Pdf Expert or Adobe
Acrobat to take notes on my computer, it just is not as smooth as I do it with my pen and paper.
So when I am reading some papers, I would rather print it out and make notes on the hard copy.
 11.Collecting things
➢ Nouns
+ dinosaur models= toys/ figures
+ perfume bottles
+ collection/ album
+ postage stamp= imprint
+ autograph= signature/ autobiography
+ Hoarder (n)
➢ Verb (phrasal verbs)
+ fade away= gradually diminish/ disappear
+ accumulate = hoard
+ classify= systematize/ put in order
+ have an obsession for something = obsess over something = have a fixation with
➢ Adjectives
+ an one-off= solo/ unaccompanied
+ here and there
➢ Idiom
+ once in a blue moon

1, Do you collect things? (Question type 6)

Well I used to,when I was in high school, I used to collect perfume bottles, and whenever I
went on a vacation, I used the opportunity to buy another perfume. I remember that at some
point I counted over 300 bottles.

2, Are there any things you keep from childhood? (Question type 6)
Say, let me see, I was really into dinosaurs ever since I was a child, I am sure that my favorite
toys back then were all dinosaurs. I still keep a few of the dinosaur models now as they now
hold a lot of memories.

3, Would you keep old things for a long time? Why? (Question type 5)
I honestly would, personally, I have a short memory and as time passes I forget about certain
things that might have been important. Memories fade away. So we should keep old things to
help us remember the memories or time we had.

4, Where do you usually keep things you need? (Question type 3)

Well as a student, I am used to keeping important items in my school bag, like my mobile
phone, laptop, some lipsticks and pens. Additionally, I use a small wallet for my credit cards
and money. Keeping necessary things along makes me feel more secure as I'm not afraid of
losing them.
 12.Boring things
➢ Noun:
+ politician= legislator/ lawmaker
+ debate= discussion
+ speech show
+ seminars= congress/ convention
+ arts and crafts
+ dentist
+ waiting room
+ dentistry
+ appointments
+ queue= line
+ living hell= miserable life
➢ Phrasal verb
+ Binge watch
➢ Adjectives:
+ dull= boring/plain
+ tiny= extra small
+ energetic= active/ dynamic
+ thrill = enjoyment/ excitement
+ take ages= take centuries/ go on forever
➢ Idioms/ Collocations
+ patience cannot be stretched

1, What kinds of things are boring to you? (Question type 3)

Many items are boring for me. First is the speech of a politician. When my father watches a
debate or speech show of a leader, it is very dull for me because I cannot change the channel
at that time and cannot leave the room. Another thing, read books without pictures.
Moreover, seminars are also boring for me.

2, What will you do when you feel bored? (Question type 3)

Well, I do many things when I feel bored, and my favorite thing is arts and crafts. I love arts
and crafts, so when I feel sad or bored, I collect old items and try to make something new.
Another thing that I do when I feel bored is music. I watch my favorite songs’ videos.

3, What was the most boring thing you did when you were young? (Question type 3)
Going to the dentist was definitely the worst. The waiting room was so tiny, and the options
for entertainment were usually very limited. The entire dentistry had only one dentist, so my
appointments often got pushed back, and waiting could take ages. I was a very energetic
child, you see, so it was almost a living hell every time I went to the dentist.
4, Do you think school is boring? (Question type 6)
Of course not, school life is awesome for me, though exams and tests are always my
nightmares. You know, school is the best place where I can express myself, make friends and
get memories with my peers. As a highschooler, I try to capture every moment in the school
life in order to keep my salad days alive forever.
 13.Advertisements
➢ Nouns
+ sensational headlines
+ impulsive decision
+ pop-up advertisements
+ snake oil salesman= scammer
+ merit= goodness
➢ Verbs
+ take criticism
+ prioritize= rank/ rate highly
+ promote/ publicize
+ endorse
+ catch sight of= spot/ notice
+ encounter= run into/ come across
+ interrupt= cut in/ intervene
+ interact= correspond to/ associate with
➢ Adjectives:
+ ubiquitous = a slew of

+ eye-catching = attractive
+ well-received= beloved/ favored
+ forced onto= impose
+ big on= to like something very much
+ drawn to= become fonder of someone/ something
➢ Idioms:
+ at one’s own pace= at a speed that suits someone

1, Are you interested in watching TV advertisements or internet advertisements?

(Question type 6)
I give more preference to the internet as compared to television. I rarely watch TV, so most
of the ads that I see are on the internet while surfing through youtube videos or any other
website. And because I can't skip the advertisements on Tv, I definitely prefer those on the
Internet more, even though I don't really enjoy any of them.

2, What kinds of advertisements do you dislike? (Question type 2)

My answer would be pop-up advertisements, they interrupt my experience on the Internet. The
ad shows up and I have to interact with it in order to get back to what I was doing. I always feel
like the advertisements are forced onto me every time they appear.

3, Do you share advertisements with others? (Question type 4)

Yeah, sometimes I tell my friends about some advertisements as a topic to start a conversation.
Especially advertisements about fashion and movies, because those are the interests we have in
common, we can discuss them.

4, Do you want to work in advertising in the future? (Question type 1)

Well, I'd have to say no to that question. Advertising is not an industry for people who can not
take criticism. Not every idea I have will be well-received. It might affect me mentally and I
really prioritize my personal health, both physically and mentally.
 14.Meeting places
➢ Nouns
+ movie nights
+ extrovert >< introvert
+ value
+ ambient = surrounding area
+ Art gallery/ museum
+ Vibe(s)
➢ Verbs (phrasal verb)
+ hang out
+ Gather
+ Meet up with Sb
➢ Adjectives
+ gregarious
+ Warm and cozy

+ Inviting
➢ Idioms / Collocations
+ down the street
+ In terms of
+ When it comes to

1, Where is your favorite place to meet with your friends? (Question type 3)
My favorite place to hang out is definitely my own little living room. Either alone or with
friends, my living room is the most perfect place to be. I have a really nice fireplace, a good
variety of drinks, fluffy pillows, blankets and ambient music. Books everywhere and a big
couch for movie nights! Everyone that sits there for a while always says they don’t feel like
leaving, ever. Some fairy lights keep the place cozy and sensually dark- ish. It’s where I am
most comfortable.

2, Do you think there are some places more suitable for meeting with others? (Question
type 6)
I do believe there are, for example: the café down the street. I think one of the primary reasons
why coffee shops have become so popular over the last decade is the feeling of comfort and
relaxation they can provide. This feeling is especially prevalent when you compare coffee
shops to other competing locations, such as restaurants, pubs and fast-food chains.

3, Are there any differences between your favorite meeting places in the present and in
your childhood? (Question type 6)
There are quite a few differences. Now that I have a home of my own, it's easier for me and
my friends to hang out since it doesn't take much to pick a place for us to gather around. We
would have a space for ourselves. In the past, however, we could only meet up at school or at
one's parent's house and that meant we couldn't be as loose as we are now.

4, Why are some meeting places better than others? (Question type 6)
Well, I think it totally depends on personal feelings. Some people would prefer open areas
whereas others value privacy. So, different people may have different preferences in terms of
the meeting place.
 15.Street market
➢ Nouns
+ A bargain
+ Assortment
+ handcraft
+ Wet market (sells fresh meat, fish, produce…)
+ Flea market
+ Locally grown produce
+ Arts and crafts
+ Second-hand items
+ Local delicacy (special local food)
+ Salesmen
+ Shop / store / boutique
+ Street vender

➢ Verbs
+ haggle with Sb over Sth = to bargain
+ drop by = pass by
+ Be handcrafted
➢ Adjectives
+ flourish
+ Diversified = varied
+ crucial
+ indispensable
➢ Idioms / Collocations
+ more often than not
+ A wide variety/ range of products

1, What do people usually buy on the street market? (Question type 6)

More often than not, people buy homemade products like bread, cookies, jam, and the likes.
They also buy some handicrafts, clothes, and inexpensive electronic devices. In my opinion,
buying those stuff from street markets is good because customers are helping small
businesses to flourish.

2, Do you prefer to go shopping in the shopping mall or on the street market? (Question
type 2)
I can't really choose between the two because I love shopping in both of those places. Well,
what I like about the shopping mall is that it has a wide variety of choices. I can buy anything I
want and it's pretty convenient. Shopping at the street markets is incredibly fun because I get to
discover some valuable things that are cheaper. Besides, I enjoy haggling with salesmen which
I can't do in the shopping mall.
3, When was the last time you went to a street market? (Question type 4)
Just yesterday! I was so stressed out thinking of this IELTS exam that I needed to divert my
attention. I went to the nearest street market in our town and bought some snacks which I've
brought with me today. I guess after this exam, I'll drop by some street markets near here
before I go home.

4, Are there many street markets in Vietnam? (Question type 6)

Absolutely, Vietnam has many street markets in spades. They’re a crucial part of our
culture, or Asian cultures, for that matter. Even though supermarkets and convenience
stores have become ubiquitous nowadays, shopping for food at street markets still remains
an indispensable part of many Vietnamese' day- to-day life.
 16.Cinema
➢ Nouns
+ real treat=something you rarely do but bring happiness
+ Cinematography
+ inside joke
➢ Verbs-Phrase verbs
+ to have company=to have someone to come over
+ to carry on
+ to be obsessed with

➢ Adjectives
+ dull=boring(a)
+ pointless=meaningless=trivial
+ decent=acceptable(a)
➢ Idiom-Collocation
+ popcorn movies

1, Did you usually go to the cinema when you were a kid? (Question type 6)
Yes, sometimes my parents would take my sister and I to the cinema on the weekends. We
were always excited because it didn’t happen often so it was a real treat. One of my earliest
memories is of watching the Lion king in the cinema when I was a very small child.

2, Do you usually go to the cinema with your friends? (Question type 6)

Yes! On one hand, I find it extremely relaxing to chill out and fall asleep to a film by myself,
but it’s also enjoyable to have company. So, all in all, I prefer films with friends, since they are
also into movies.
Afterwards, we can discuss the meaning and carry on inside jokes from quotes from the film
later on!

3, Do you still like watching the movie which you liked when you were a kid? (Question
type 6)
I think my taste in films has matured as I’ve grown older. I’m not interested in the superhero
films or popcorn movies that so many young people are obsessed with.I find the endless CGI
action sequences dull and kind of pointless. I prefer character driven stories that are enhanced
by beautiful cinematography and a decent screenplay.

4, Do you prefer to watch films in the cinema or at home? (Question type 2)

Well I think it really depends on different occasion.For instance,if I want a place that I can hang
out with my friends,I would definitely go for the cinema.However,I still prefer to watch films at
home, because the I can choose any movie I want to watch and I can pause it if I need to go get
something.
 17.Taking photos
➢ Nouns
+ compact digital camera
+ viewfinder
➢ Adjective
+ memorable
➢ Verbs-Phrasal verbs
+ to capture
+ to invest in
+ to be keen to
+ to cover every aspect
+ to have company
➢ Idiom-Collocation
+ A picture is worth a thousand words

1, Do you like taking photos? (Question type 1)

Yes definitely! Photography is my first love, I can't imagine my life without taking pictures. In
fact, I've invested in high quality cameras such as compact digital cameras with viewfinder
because I want to capture perfect shots.

2, Do you like taking selfies? (Question type 1)

Well, sometimes yes. Especially when I am hanging out with my friends, everyone of us will
take selfies with some fashionable background and post it on some social platforms like
Instagram or Twitter

3, What is your favourite family photo? (Question type 3)

You know,a picture is worth a thousand word.If my memory serves me well,I believe that it
is the photo of our Thailand trip.That was memorable since it was our first family trip
abroad.To be more specific,our picture was taken in front of a beautiful scene behind with
pagodas and blue sky.

4, Do you want to improve your picture taking skills? (Question type 6)

Certainly, I’m always keen to improve my skills. I have followed other photographers on
platforms such as Instagram and Flickr for inspiration. I also read blogs about different
cameras and techniques and watch videos that cover every aspect of the subject in great detail.
 18.Time management
➢ Nouns
+ platform
➢ Verbs-Phrasal verbs
+ to allocate
+ to be stuck in
+ to think for oneself
+ to feel full inside
➢ Adjective
+ emotionally unstable
+ strict(a) with Sb about Sth
+ active=energetic(a)
➢ Idiom-Collocation
+ to beat the clock

1, How do you plan your time in a day? (Question type 6)

I am strict with myself, so I’ve got a daily planner to beat the clock for each single day.
Basically speaking, I will finish the most difficult things in the mornings because I feel very
active at that moment. As for easier tasks, I would like to put them in the afternoons or
evenings.

2, Is it easy to manage time for you? (Question type 6)

It’s pretty easy for me to do so, because I’m good at making plans and I have been doing time
management since I was a little kid.Furthermore,APPs, to-do list, and notebook are all useful
for me to manage time.

3, When do you find it hard to allocate time? (Question type 3)

Probably when I am stuck in some disappointments or shocking things. I mean, it’s not about
how hard the things are, but it’s all about how bad I feel. Sometimes I will be emotionally
unstable, and that’s the moment I feel hard to allocate time, because I can’t even think for
myself.

4, Do you like being busy? (Question type 1)

It depends on the situation. But mostly, I enjoy being busy, no matter if it's for work or for my
personal life, being busy makes me feel full inside.
 19.Lost and found
➢ Nouns
+ Belongings
+ a lost-and-found
➢ Verbs-Phrasal verbs
+ to trace
+ to keep an eye on=pay attention to
+ to try one’s best
➢ Adjectives
+ clueless:=confused(a)
+ trivial=unimportant
+ absent-minded = forgetful(a)
➢ Idiom-Collocations
+ put somebody in somebody else’s shoes (idiom)=empathize=top have empathy
+ take a lot of time and effort.
1, What will you do if you find something lost by others? (Question type 5)
It depends on what item I might find. If it is a phone, I will keep it until the owner makes a
phone call. However, if it’s something else like a wallet, money, jewelry, or important
paper, I will send it to a lost-and- found nearby or the police station. In general, I will try
my best to give it back to the owner because just putting myself in their shoes, I know how
disappointing it is when I lose something valuable.

2, Do you report to the police when finding something lost by others? Why?
It really depends on the circumstance. If I could find any contact number or address on the
item, I would manage to return it by myself without reporting it to the police. Otherwise, I
will send it to the police officers who are often excellent at tracing and finding lost items like
animals or even people. If I do it on my own, it will take a lot of time and effort.

3, Have you ever lost things? (Question type 4)

Yes, definitely. I am quite absent-minded, and there have been many times I left my
belongings, like a key or sunglasses, in public places, and when I realized I lost them, I
couldn’t find them even though I left my contact in the nearby lost-and-found. Last year, I lost
my phone when going on a trip to Nha Trang. I was just forgetful and left my phone in a
coffee shop, and I couldn’t find it. From then on I always keep an eye on my personal stuff
when I’m in public places.

4, Will you post on social media if you lose your item? (Question type 5)
It really depends on where I lose my stuff. For example, if I’m clueless about where I lose it or
I lose it when I’m on a holiday then I will not make a post on social media because I think
people in the virtual world just don’t pay too much attention to such trivial things as that.
However, if my item is lost in my town or my neighborhood, I will undoubtedly post it on
social media, especially in a group that my neighbors are in.
 20.Mirrors
➢ Nouns
+ personal hygiene
+ durability
➢ Verbs-Phrasal verbs
+ to be within reach
+ to glance
+ to double-check
+ to complement
➢ Adjectives
+ rectangular
+ handcrafted
+ long-lasting
+ amiss
➢ Idiom-Collocation
+ to add an inviting touch to
+ to acts as my assistant
1, Do you like looking at yourself in the mirror? How often? (Question type 1 + 3)
Of course, who doesn’t? I mean especially for girls like me. Whether you like it or not,
everyone needs at the very least to glance in the mirror when doing personal hygiene such
as washing your face or shaving your beard. Funnily enough, I often have a habit of double-
checking my appearance in the mirror before going out to make sure I have the best look
possible, especially somewhere important such as parties or socially.
Different places and times need different dresses. Therefore, the mirror helps me set the right
tone for the outing and make any adjustments with items that might be unfamiliar.

2, Have you ever bought mirrors? (Question type 4)

Yes, I bought a mirror for my room. I love shopping online, so I bought a mirror two months
ago through a shopping website. It is a wooden frame rectangular wall mirror that is 100%
handcrafted and constructed from high-quality materials to ensure long-lasting durability.

3, Do you usually take a mirror with you? (Question type 6)

Yes, of course. l wouldn’t be able to live without one, cause it acts as my assistant who tells
me when something is amiss with the way I’m dressed or when my makeup doesn’t
complement the hairdo l am wearing. That’s why l always have a mirror in my bag so that it is
within reach all the time.

4, Would you use mirrors to decorate your room? (Question type 5)

Absolutely yes, I think it is a very useful decorative item. Mirrors aren’t only making the
room beautiful, but they’re the perfect solution for making space feel brighter and more
significant. Personally, I would like to place a simple square mirror with mirror windows
because they will add an inviting touch to my bedroom
 21.Dreams
➢ Nouns
+ sinking feeling:
+ manifestation
+ fortune teller
➢ Verbs-Phrasal verbs
+ to make effort
+ to put somebody in a bad mood
+ to catch one’s attention
+ to attach to
➢ Adjectives
+ subconscious
+ mysterious
➢ Idiom-Collocation
+ once in a blue moon

1, Do you often remember your dreams? (Question type 6)

To be honest, I only remember my dreams once in a blue moon. I quite often remember
them when I first wake up but as soon as I get out of bed and begin my day, the memory
disappears. Actually, I make no effort to remember them either. Rather than remembering the
dreams themselves, I usually just remember the people or places I dreamt about.

2, Do you want to make your dreams come true? (Question type 6)

For me, the answer is obviously no. This is mainly because I often dream about the bad
experiences in the past, which makes me have a sinking feeling when waking up and puts
me in such a bad mood all day long.

3, Do you share your dreams with others? Or are you interested in others’ dreams?
(Question type 6) Surprisingly, there are those whose dreams can be a fortune teller.
Therefore, I prefer listening to mysterious dreams of people surrounding me. They can predict
what will happen in the future, which makes me very excited. Hearing other’s dreams really
catches my attention.

4, Do you think dreams have special meanings? (Question type 6)

Definitely not. I do not believe that dreams mean anything significant. I think that they are
simply a manifestation of our subconscious worries, thoughts, fears, desires, etc. For
example, if I’m worried about my job, I may have a nightmare about it. All in all, I don’t
really attach any kind of high significance to dreams.
 22.Emails
a. Nouns
+ message exchange
+ medium=means of…
+ admission officers
b. Verbs-Phrasal verbs
+ to get feedback from somebody
+ get sth. across=make sb understand or believe something
c. Adjectives
+ prevalent=popular=common
d. Idiom-Collocation
+ To do something on a daily basis

1, Do you often send emails? (Question type 6)

Definitely. I send and receive email on a daily basis, especially for my study. Emails are a
message exchange medium where I can get my point of view across to my friends and
lecturers.

2, When would you need to send an email ?(Question type 3)

From my point of view, I use it almost everyday and almost exclusively for study because you
know, it is very popular to send my homework to my teachers in order to get feedback from
them as soon as possible,especially during this covid 19 pandemic.

3, Is sending emails popular in your country? (Question type 6)

It has now become a very popular way of communication in Vietnam. Students, office workers,
they all send emails very often. I know in many schools in my country, students will be taught
how to write an email to teachers, to admission officers in their future college, which means
we take this very seriously.

4, Do you think sending emails will be more or less popular in the future? (Question type
6)
Well, I guess that in the future, emails will not be so prevalent. It’s basically because of social
media such as messenger, instagram or wechat and so on, people can have more options to
communicate with others more easily. Therefore, these social apps may replace emails in the
future.
 23.Art
➢ Nouns
+ message exchange
+ medium
+ lifelong passion
+ culture vulture
+ decorative arts
+ pottery
➢ Verbs-Phrasal verbs
+ to be mesmerized=to be captivated
+ to interpret=explain
+ to comprehend
+ to be entrance
+ to participate in
➢ Adjectives
+ abstract=conceptual=theoretical
+ futuristic
+ mosaic
+ ceramic
➢ Idiom-Collocation
+ heaven on earth
1, Do you like drawing? (Question type 1)
Yes, I have had a lifelong passion for drawing since I was a child. Beside the official art class
in school, I also joined a drawing class in The Children’ 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.

2, Do you like to go to the gallery?(Question type 1)

Definitely yes, I’m a culture vulture so for me, the gallery is a heaven on earth. I’ve been
to several art galleries in different countries but the digital art museum in Tokyo is my
favorite because it’s futuristic, creative and dreamy. I couldn’t help myself but be entranced
by the beauty of that kind of art.

3, Do you want to learn artistic things? (Question type 6)

Oh yes, I always want to know more about art, especially decorative arts. Well, I've collected
some pieces of abstract art since I'm mesmerized by the beauty of it – it does fire my
imagination interpreting the meaning and comprehending the emotion of the artist that is
depicted in the masterpiece. I also enjoy keeping some ceramics, pottery, and mosaic art at
home.
4, Did you learn drawing when you were a child ? (Question type 6)
Yes. We did had an arts subject during our school days and we were taught lot of basic things
like how to color, shade or different kinds of paintings
 24.Sports
➢ Noun
+ coordination
+ football pitch
+ booking
+ circuit training
+ glory
+ athlete = sportsman
+ medal
+ extreme sports = dangerous sports
+ team sports >< individual sports
+ sedentary lifestyle

➢ Verb-Phrasal verb
+ cheer on
+ get carried away
+ to take possession of the ball
+ pass to
+ to score a goal
+ to win a match
+ to play fair
+ to blow away
+ to build up their strength and muscle
+ to get into shape
+ to eliminate
+ to commit a foul
➢ Adjective
+ avid
+ strenuous
+ being out of condition
+ to be highly dangerous and life-threatening
➢ Idioms
+ to push themselves to their limits
+ to step out of their comfort zone

1, Do you like watching sports programs on TV? (Question type 1)

Definitely! I love watching basketball and soccer on TV with my dad. My dad and I have
established a very good relationship because of our interest in sports and that’s something
I’m so happy about.

2, Do you like to watch live sports games?(Question type 1)

Sure, why not? I mean who doesn’t like to? Although I’m happy to watch sports programs
on TV, watching sports live is truly incomparable. The last time I watched soccer live was 3
years ago. I was cheering on my favorite soccer team and that was the last sports event I
went to since the news about the pandemic broke.

3, Who do you like to watch sports games with? (Question type 1)

Well, no one else but my dad! When my dad and I watch sports either on TV or in a sports
stadium, we’re just too noisy. We easily get carried away by our emotions and we just
love it!

4, What kind of games do you expect to watch in the future? (Question type 3)
I’m actually a big fan of baseball, soccer, and basketball so for sure I’ll expect to watch more
matches of these sports in the future. Recently, I’ve developed an interest in boxing as well so
I guess I’ll watch it more often in the future.
 25.Mobile phone
➢ Noun
+ utility
+ snap

➢ Verb-Phrasal Verb
+ to leave a message
+ to make a phone call
+ to pick up the phone/to pick up the receiver
+ to press the redial button
+ to put through
➢ Adjective - Adverb
+ Outdated
+ portable
+ productively
➢ Idioms
+ to come in handy
+ be glued to something

1, What was your first mobile phone? (Question type 3)

My first mobile phone was the Nokia bar phone in 2000. It was quite expensive then because
I was a university student and didn’t have much money. I got a part-time job to earn money
and bought it in a shopping mall. Fortunately, the mobile phone turned out to be well worth
what I had done then.

2, Do you often use your mobile phone for texting or calls? ((Question type 6)
I use it for calling on a daily basis. I think that it is easier to deliver the message or be
understood by someone as I am actually talking with them over the phone. Unlike texting
messaging that sometimes the message is interpreted wrongly and that sometimes causes
troubles.

3, Will you buy a new one in the future? (Question type 5)

Yes, my phone is relatively outdated, so I just want to update to the latest in the near future.
It has a larger screen so I believe it would be much more comfortable to read news or type
text messages to my friends on it.

4, How has your mobile phone changed your life? (Question type 4)
My smartphone has changed my life a lot. In terms of my study, I enrolled in one online
course to learn Korean thanks to this phone. I mean I don’t have to go to traditional classes
anymore, and it helps me save a great deal of time. About relationships with others, this
phone enables me to easily make new friends and keep in touch with them.
 26.Websites
➢ Noun
+ website = forum = platform = internet site
+ means of communication
+ inactivity
+ cyberbully
+ cybercrime
+ spam
➢ Verb-Phrasal Verb

+ to keep in touch
+ to get updated
+ to surf the internet
+ to access the internet
+ to spend time online
+ to make new connections
+ to widen your circle of friends
➢ Adjective
+ cutting-edge
+ state-of-the-art

1, What kinds of websites do you often visit? (Question type 2)

Well, a lot. I am active on many different platforms like Facebook, YouTube or Instagram. I
mainly use these sites to keep in touch with others and stay updated on what is going on in the
world.

2, What is your favorite website? (Question type 7)

Honestly, I have a lot of favorite websites but if I were to choose only one, I think it would be
Youtube. That video-sharing website is the best in my opinion since I can be informed,
entertained and educated. Actually, I’ve learned so many things from that site that I hadn’t
learned in school and it’s amazing to watch Youtubers who are exceptional in their field. That
inspires me so much.

3, Are there any changes about the websites you often visit? (Question type 6)
I’m not sure, but according to what I see, there’s a huge difference in the layout of
webpages between the past and the present. It’s much more colorful, with clear fonts and
pictures. Descriptions are shorter than before, an entire paragraph of information will no
longer be on a page.

4, What kinds of websites are popular in your country? (Question type 2)

Well, it varies. It’s easy for us to find what preferences we have on the Internet. Kids like
cartoons or video games, young adults prefer vlogs or pets, while the elderly tend to see content
about nature or peaceful things.
27.Cars
➢ Noun
+ number plate
+ driving licence
+ petrol station
+ maintenance service
+ pedestrian crossing
+ speed limit
+ speeding fine
➢ Verb-Phrasal verb
+ zone out
+ to make a U-turn
+ fill it up
➢ Adjective-Adverb
+ dashing
+ off-road
+ convertible
+ over-speed

1, Did you enjoy traveling by car when you were a kid? (Question type 6)
Yeah, I was into traveling by car when I was little. My mum says I’d shout and jump for joy
if we had a car trip on the weekends. I guess that’s because I could enjoy the changing
scenery out of the window and stop for a while to have a picnic with my parents. Honestly, I
had many model cars at that time and I just loved everything that can move.

2, What types of cars do you like? (Question type 2)

I really fancy sport utility vehicles because the people who drive this car
look so dashing and smart. I’m just thinking if I plan to buy a car in the future, I’d choose this
type, specifically black and pink. And MINI also deeply wins my heart. I just love its adorable
appearance and the delicate interior design.

3, Do you prefer to be a driver or a passenger? (Question type 2)

Well I think I have no preference because each has its attractive point. A car driver can have a
better field of vision, but he or she must be responsible for the safety of everyone in the car. A
passenger, especially the one taking the front passenger seat is more likely to get injured in the
accident, but this person can be carefree and even take a nap during the whole car trip.

4, What do you usually do when there is a traffic jam? (Question type 6)

At first, I just zone out for a moment. Then I become a little anxious and impatient probably
because the traffic is crawling along. And I can do nothing but wait. For the most part, I listen
to some soothing music to calm down.
 28.TV program
➢ Noun
+ airtime
+ quiz show
+ current affairs
➢ Verb-Phrasal verb
+ to watch the box = to watch TV
+ to channel-surf
➢ Adjective-Adverb
+ appealing = attractive
+ insightful
+ mind-numbing = boring
+ Attention-grabbing = interesting
+ star-studded
+ interactive

1, What kinds of TV programs do you often watch? (Question type 2)

I love watching news on televisions as I want to be informed about what’s happening around
me, especially in this tumultuous time of the Covid pandemic. I want to have information that
can be used to keep me and my family safe.

2, Do you think kids are watching too much television? (Question type 6)
Yes! Based on my observation, children nowadays are addicted to watching TV. They watch
their favorite TV programs for hours and that’s saddening because they become physically
inactive. As a result, some of them become obese, or worse some of them suffer from some
serious illnesses due to being unhealthy.

3, What are the impacts of watching TV programs on children? (Question type 6)

There are both positive and negative impacts on children. The positive part would be to give
children knowledge and transfer the latest information that happened in the world. And the
negative part would be some violent, brutal, bloody scenes on TV, all of them would do harm
to children when kids don’t have the ability to distinguish good and bad things.

4, What kinds of TV programs do you think should be broadcast more? (Question type 2)
I think it would be nice if educational programs or those programs that bring awareness to
people about social issues should be given more airtime. If that’s the case, I think a lot of
people will become knowledgeable and socially aware of the many issues that their country is
having.
 29.Daily routine
➢ Noun
+ all-nighter
➢ Idioms
+ an early bird >< a night owl
+ to burn the midnight oil
+ to be up to ears with sth
+ to recharge my batteries
+ to doze off
➢ Adjective
+ disorganized

1, What is your daily study routine? (Question type 7)

My study routine is quite repetitive. I always start the day with having my breakfast at 7:00
am and then I go to school. Until 11:30 am, I come back home to have lunch and take a short
nap. Subsequently, I continue my study at school until 5:00 pm and go to some extra classes.
After a whole day, I'd go back home and do my homework before bed time.

2, Have you ever changed your routine? (Question type 4)

Yes, lately I am trying to change my sleeping habit. In the past, I pulled a lot of all-nighters,
and would often doze off in class during the day. These days, I force myself to go to bed early,
and you know what, I have never felt so refreshed in the morning!

3, Do you think it is important to have a daily routine for your study? (Question type 6)
Yes,of course. A proper daily routine will help you arrange your activities in the most sensible
way. Without a daily routine, people usually do things spontaneously, which could waste their
time and reduce their work efficiency. I think those who are disorganized can gain more
benefits from creating a daily routine.

4, What part of your day do you like best? (Question type 1)

My favorite time of the day would be 7 p.m., which is when I come back from school and
gather around the dinner table with my family. Seeing them after a long hard-working day
can help me feel recharged, so I look forward to this time of the day the most.
 30.Memory
➢ Noun
+ memory = recollection
+ reminiscence
+ retrospection
+ hindsight
+ aide-memoire
➢ Verb-Phrasal verb
+ recall
+ reminisce
+ retrace
➢ Adjective
+ memorable
+ unforgettable
+ absent-minded
➢ Idioms
+ to have a memory like a sieve
+ to have a memory of a goldfish
+ if my memory serves my right
+ to slip your mind
+ to put/get something out of your mind
+ to push something to the back of your mind
+ to keep something in mind = remember
+ be etched on/in sb’s memory
+ a blast from the past
+ to jog sb’s memory

1, Why do some people have good memories while others just don’t? (Question type 3)
It may sound funny but I think some people are born absent-minded while others have
excellent memories. This is because memory skills are somewhat of a talent or related to each
person’s genes. However, I believe people can remember things more easily and longer if they
boost their memory each day by studying and practicing some brain exercises.

2, Why do more people rely on cell phones to memorize things? (Question type 3)
Probably due to the reason for being busy every day. People are all busy dealing with their
work, family, friends and so on. We need to put too many things in our minds, but it’s just hard
to keep everything clear. With some APPs on cell phones, we can make notes or record
anything in need instantly, that’s a good way to memorize things.

3, Are you good at memorizing things? (Question type 6)

Pretty good, I think. I can easily remember things. I believe this is because I’m a wide reader.
When you’re into reading, your memory becomes so active. Reading is a very good exercise
for one’s brain and that makes me develop my skills in memorizing things.

4, Have you ever forgotten something that was important? (Question type 4)
Yes, I have and I think that is human nature. No one’s perfect at remembering things always.
This question reminds me of the time I forgot my flight schedule, business meeting and
anniversaries. And the price to pay for being careless is too much.
 31.Books and Reading Habits

- Do you often read books? When?

- Has your reading habit changed since you were young?
- Have you ever read a novel that has been adapted into a film?
- Which do you prefer, reading books or watching movies?