Topic 1: Young people are often influenced in their behaviors and situations by others in the

same age group. This is called “peer pressure”. Do the disadvantages of peer pressure outweigh
the advantages?

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

Write at least 250 words.

Writing

Useful phrases:

- Adopt positive behavior and work towards their goals (more goal-oriented)
- Better health outcomes and academic performance
- Think differently and expand their horizons  personal growth
- Promote negative behaviors and encourage individuals to resort to morally questionable approaches
to fulfil their goals  harmful outcomes
Topic 2: More people put their personal information online (address, telephone number…) for
everyday activities such as socializing on social networks or banking.
Do you think it is a positive or negative development?

Introduction: Positive development in terms of convenience and

Cybercrime and privacy breaches can’t be omitted

Conclusion:

Language:

- Data synchronization
- privacy invasion/breaches
- online fraud
- cybercrime
- malware tools
- rumor dissemination
- unauthorized access
- personal identities
- tax evasion
- instant message tools and dial-up devices

Writing (7.5)

With the advent of digital technology, more people are inclined to store their private information on online
platforms such as social networking sites or banking applications. Though I view it as a positive trend regarding
convenience and data synchronization, the risk of privacy breaches brought by this development cannot be
omitted.

On the one hand, by putting personal information online, users might be exposed to a high risk of information
leakage and privacy invasion, which is the root cause of cybercrime. Online criminals collect users’ data such as
names, phone numbers, and emails through their browsing history on websites and use different malware
tools to generate toxic links for financial fraud and rumor dissemination. A prime example of this can be TikTok
which has been blamed for harvesting personal information and unauthorizedly access their data for selling.
Moreover, it is reported that stolen personal identities are frequently traded on dark websites for illegal
activities such as blackmailing or tax evasion.

On the other hand, storing personal data online is time-saving and cost-effective. To be more specific, the
amount of time and money spent on information delivery or financial transfer is significantly decreased thanks
to the Internet, which allows users to perform tasks within a few clicks. Regarding socializing, instant message
tools and dial-up devices with personal information can bring real-time connection so that people can enjoy to
the fullest their conversation. In addition, data synchronization resulting from putting private data online offers
individuals great convenience when browsing among online platforms. For instance, users can sign into Google
and link their accounts to Facebook and Instagram without re-entering the account name or password. The
same scenario happens when people purchase items online and their name, address, and phone number are
automatically filled as long as they provided the information at the previous order.

In summary, despite the high likelihood of data loss and cybercrime, putting personal information online is a
positive trend that should be further promoted because of its convenience and speedy synchronization.
However, it would be better if people stayed cautious when storing personal data and clicking into strange links
to prevent information leakage.
Topic 3: Some people say that the increasing business and cultural contact between countries is a
positive development, while others think that many countries will lose their national identities as
a result. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Useful language:

- Business cooperation
- Cultural interaction
- Coupled with
- Assuage the concerns of identity loss
- Win-win result

Introduction:

With an ever-increasing level of globalization  cultural integration and business contact between countries
gain in popularity. While some argue that this development can bring enormous in terms of economic growth
and mutual understanding, others believe that the risk of national identity loss and politic interference are too
significant to be ignored

Body 1:

- Benefit 1: Economic growth

+ Business cooperation offers a wider variety of opportunities in trade, tourism and other economic
sectors. For instance, Vietnam-the US via Comprehensive Partnership Agreement
+ Introducing new innovative technology to foster partners for win-win benefits. A prime example can
be seen in semi-conductive which are favored by European market  experience shared to Southeast
Asian countries
- Business 2: Mutual understanding
+ More frequency of cultural interaction  eliminate the cultural bias/shock and language barrier
between two nations, promote cultural exchange programs
+ Same voice on global issues, human rights

Body 2:

- The risk of national identity loss: Without selectiveness and careful consideration, people can be more
likely to be attracted by exotic cultures and show disregard for domestic ones. In some tourist
destinations, it is easily spotted that a number of tourists ….
- Politic interference: A comprehensive cooperation in multi-sector, on the other hand, might pose a
threat to the politics of a country when its counterpart attempts to get involved in its national affairs.

Conclusion:

- Opinion: I believe that benefits > demerits, can be overcome by raising awareness on the value and
uniqueness of culture and carefully negotiation business collaboration opportunities.
With an increase in the level of globalization, it has become a trend that countries in the world encourage
business contact and cultural integration. While some believe that it can bring enormous benefits in terms of
economic growth and mutual understanding, others argue that the risk of national identity loss is too
significant to be ignored.

It is undeniable that business cooperation paves the way for economic development. Collaboration, especially
in trade, offers a wider variety of opportunities for economies to expand their market and gain revenues. A
prime example of this case can be seen in Vietnam's economy greatly benefiting from the trade agreement in
which the US has made pledges to extend tariff exemption on imports of Vietnamese goods for more
convenience in trading. In addition, more frequency of cultural contact can promote mutual understanding
among countries, serving as an effective tool to eliminate common cultural sock and language barriers that are
commonly seen in exchange citizens.

However, increasing business and culture contact can pose a threat to the national identity. Without thoughtful
selection, people are more likely to be attracted by exotic cultural practices and show disregard for domestic
ones. For instance, in some cultural destinations, though tourists are encouraged to preserve their local
culture, it is easily spotted that tourists imitate the fashion styles of other cultures and spread them on social
media. The worst scenario is that a country loses its national identity and is dominated or swayed by those of
its counterparts. Therefore, the government should take measures to raise public awareness of national
identity protection as well as the importance of preserving domestic culture.

In summary, I take the view that the economic benefits that business collaboration and culture contact bring
outweigh the demerits of national identity loss. One country can take full advantage of business and cultural
contact by enhancing its people's understanding of cultural protection.
Topic 4: Some people argue that they should do research into their family history. Others agree
with the view that we should focus on the present and future generations
Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

Opinion: Preserve family history while make contributions for present and future

Family history:

- Have understanding of past events that shape the current family  offers teachable lessons & serve as
necessary stumble for descendants on their way to improvement in the future
- Way to educate younger generations about the accomplishments and struggles of precedents to
 Nurture gratitude + appreciate inherited past + protect family lineage

Focus on present and future generations:

- Upholding a belief that history is unchangeable, many people argue that present and future should be
focused and prioritized. It is obvious that people seem to be more reluctant to invest in delveing into
their ancestry due to the extravagant cost incurring from DNA analysis and verification.

Counter-argument: Sole investment in present and future growth without taking family root seriously could
lead to degradation of gratitude and pride towards traditions and values passed down to the next generations.

SAMPLE ESSAY
Technology has brought about breakthroughs in ancestral research, piquing the public interest in
researching their family history. However, some people argue that it is better to focus on the
present and future generations rather than the past. In this essay, I will discuss both views and
give my opinion.
On the one hand, having an understanding of lineage or past events that shaped the current family
can offer teachable lessons for descendants on their way to improvement in the present and future.
Younger generations should learn about the accomplishments and struggles recorded in family
histories to nurture their gratitude and appreciation toward inherited values, as well as a sense of
responsibility to protect family lineage. In addition, delving into family history research can serve as a
unique window into t e broader historical context of a nation or era, as individual family stories often
intersect with significant historical events and trends. Through examining ancestral records, personal
diaries, and other family documents, researchers can uncover firsthand accounts and perspectives
that provide a more nuanced and personal understanding of historical periods. This exploration not
only enriches the personal knowledge of one's heritage but also contributes valuable insights and
details to the collective historical narrative, potentially filling gaps in existing historical documents and
records.
9
On the other hand, some people think the priority should be placed on present and future
generations. First, many individuals hesitate to explore their ancestry due to the potential high costs
involved, such as the expenses associated with DNA testing, which can be a significant financial
barrier to uncovering one's genetic heritage. The restoration and upkeep of ancestral graves, often
seen as a respectful way to honor one's lineage, can entail considerable expenditure, further
discouraging people from engaging deeply with their family history. These financial challenges,
combined with the potential costs of accessing historical records or hiring professional genealogists,
make the pursuit of ancestral knowledge a daunting endeavor for many, leading to a reluctance to
fully explore one's family history. Furthermore, in a world characterized by rapid change and constant
evolution, people are increasingly focusing on creating and embracing values that not only enhance
their current lives but also lay a solid foundation for future generations. This shift in priorities reflects a
growing awareness of the long-term impact of today's decisions, leading individuals and communities
to invest in sustainable practices, education, and technologies that promise a better future. As a
result, there is a greater emphasis on fostering values such as environmental stewardship, social
responsibility, and innovation, all aimed at ensuring that the legacy left for future generations is one of
prosperity, health, and a well-preserved planet.
However, sole investment in present and future growth without taking family roots seriously can
probably lead to the degradation of pride and honor toward values and traditions that were passed
down to younger generations. Present generations will be treated the same way they treated previous
ones; therefore, people should try to maintain a balance of preservation of lineage and investment for
the present and future.
In conclusion, doing research into family history and focusing on the present and future generations
are equally crucial. If a nation can encourage its citizens to perform these two tasks at the same time,
it will be empowered with more chances of sustainable development.