Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Table of Contents
WORK............................................................................................................................................................3
1. Why did you choose to do that type of work (or, that job)?............................................................................3
2. Is it very interesting?......................................................................................................................................3
3. Do you work or study?.....................................................................................................................................3
1. Do you like your job/study?.............................................................................................................................4
2. Why did you choose to do that type of work?..................................................................................................4
3. Is there some other kind of work you would rather do?...................................................................................4
4. Do you miss being a student?/ Do you enjoy being a student?.........................................................................5
5. Do you study or work?.....................................................................................................................................6
6. What do you like about your study?.................................................................................................................6
7. What is the most difficult part of your subject?................................................................................................6
8. Why did you choose to study that major?........................................................................................................6
9. Do you like your major? (Why?/Why not?).......................................................................................................7
10. What kind of school did you go to as a child?...............................................................................................7
11. What was your favorite subject as a child?...................................................................................................7
12. Do you think your country has an effective education system?.....................................................................7
13. Are you looking forward to working?...........................................................................................................8
14. Do you prefer to study in the mornings or the afternoons?........................................................................8
ACCOMMODATION........................................................................................................................................9
1. Do you live in a house or an apartment?..........................................................................................................9
2. Tell me about where you live...........................................................................................................................9
3. What kind of accommodation do most people live in your city?.......................................................................9
4. What kind of house or flat do you want to live in in the future?.......................................................................9
5. What part of your home do you like the most?...............................................................................................10
6. What's the difference between where you are living now and where you have lived in the past?...................10
HOMETOWN................................................................................................................................................14
1. What is your hometown?.............................................................................................................................14
THE AREA YOU LIVE IN.................................................................................................................................17
TRANSPORT.................................................................................................................................................20
Clothing.......................................................................................................................................................22
MAP............................................................................................................................................................24
1. Do you often use maps?.................................................................................................................................24
2. How often do you use maps on your phone?..................................................................................................24
3. Do you use paper map?..................................................................................................................................24
4. Do you have maps at home?..........................................................................................................................24
5. Are you good at reading a map?.....................................................................................................................24
Chatting.......................................................................................................................................................26
1. Do you like chatting with friends?...................................................................................................................26
2. What do you usually chat about with friends?................................................................................................26
3. Do you prefer to chat with a group of people or with only one friend?...........................................................26
4. Do you prefer to communicate face-to-face or via social media?....................................................................26
5. Do you argue with friends?.............................................................................................................................26
Music Instruments.......................................................................................................................................28
TEA AND COFFEE..........................................................................................................................................30
FILMS...........................................................................................................................................................32
Running.......................................................................................................................................................34
Robots.........................................................................................................................................................36
GIFTS...........................................................................................................................................................38
HELPING OTHERS.........................................................................................................................................41
FISHING.......................................................................................................................................................43
GEOGRAPHY................................................................................................................................................46
NOISE..........................................................................................................................................................49
TRAVELLING.................................................................................................................................................52
MEMORY.....................................................................................................................................................55
ADVERTISEMENT.........................................................................................................................................57
VIDEO GAMES..............................................................................................................................................59
FEELING BORED...........................................................................................................................................61
CROWDED PALACE.......................................................................................................................................62
COLLECTING THINGS....................................................................................................................................64
CAKES..........................................................................................................................................................66
1. Do you like to eat cakes or other sweet foods?...............................................................................................66
2. Did you like to eat cakes as a child?................................................................................................................66
3. Can you make cakes?.....................................................................................................................................66
4. Are there any traditional Vietnamese cakes?..................................................................................................66
5. Do you like to have some desserts after meals?..............................................................................................67
COLOUR.......................................................................................................................................................68
SOCIAL MEDIA.............................................................................................................................................70
SUNGLASSES................................................................................................................................................72
MONEY........................................................................................................................................................74
1. How do you save money?...............................................................................................................................74
SINGING......................................................................................................................................................76
1. Do you like singing? Why?..............................................................................................................................76
2. Have you ever learnt how to sing?..................................................................................................................76
3. Who do you want to sing for?.........................................................................................................................77
CELEBRITY NEWS.........................................................................................................................................78
1. Who is your favourite celebrity in your country?............................................................................................78
2. What kind of famous people do you often see in the news?...........................................................................78
3. Do you pay attention to famous people in the news?.....................................................................................79
4. Do you believe that the news about famous people in the media is true?.......................................................79
5. Would you like to be a famous person in the news?.......................................................................................79
WORK
1. Why did you choose to do that type of work (or, that job)
2. Is it very interesting
3. Do you work or study?
- I’m currently working as a content writer at a small private English center, which is a prevalent job in
Vietnam. My main job is to compile academic materials for the English learners at the center.
- I'm currently working as an intern for a marketing company. It's an entrance position so the workload is not
too much and the salary is quite low. I've been holding this position for about 3 years and I’m looking forward
to being promoted real soon.
1. Do you like your job/study?
Absolutely. I get to work in such a dynamic environment alongside people who are so creative and unique. This
makes me feel like I need to try harder to think outside of the box and to innovate more.
The satisfaction of making a contribution (noun phrase): sự thỏa mãn vì có thể đóng góp một phần công sức
Have a particular liking for somebody/ something (verb phrase): đặc biệt thích ai/ cái gì
Motivation for (doing) something (noun phrase): động lực cho cái gì/ để làm gì
6. What's the difference between where you are living now and
where you have lived in the past?
The main difference between where I am living now and where I have lived in the past is the size and pace of
the city. Previously, I lived in a small town with a close-knit community and a slower lifestyle. The current city
I reside in is much larger, bustling with activity and offering a wider range of amenities and opportunities.
- I’m from Nha Trang, which is a beautiful coastal city located in Vietnam. Nha Trang is renowned for its
stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters( nước trong), and vibrant marine life. It’s a popular tourist destination in
my country, and I feel fortunate to call it my hometown. The combination of natural beauty, delicious seafood,
and a welcoming community makes Nha Trang a truly special place.
- I’ve been living in my hometown since I was born. I’ve never thought about leaving my hometown because
my entire social circle ( vòng tròn xã hội) is there and the cost of living is pretty low. However, I also want to
work in a different city for a few years to broaden my horizons.( mở rộng tầm nhìn/kiến thức/ chân trời)
100% yes. I have everything I need right in my neighborhood. SInce I was born and raised here in Ho Chi Minh
city, I love the food, the people and all of the conveniences we have here. It is also one of the most worth-living
city( thành phố đáng sống) in Vietnam with many career opportunities and fascinating entertaining services.
( dịch vụ giải trí hấp dẫn) I just can’t imagine the day that I have to move to anywhere else.
- There have been some remarkable changes (thay đổi lớn)in this area. When I was a kid, there were some lakes
and paddle fields/paddy field (cánh đồng lúa) right in front of my house. The neighborhood was so deserted.
Then more and more immigrants from other provinces, even other cities, came and together we have built up
such a crowded, close-knit community now. Deserted: vắng vẻ
3. Do you know any famous people in the area you live in?
-No, I don’t know any famous people who live near me. It would be so cool to live near a celebrity. But as far
as I know, there aren’t any famous people around me. I’ll have to keep an eye out for. I would definitely love to
hang out with a celebrity.
- No, I don’t think public figures will choose to live in my neighborhood. Don’t get me wrong. It is still a lovely
place for me. But you know, celebrities love luxurious, top-class real estates. And my place is just a mid-tier
area. I have never seen any movie stars or famous singers close to my house.
Public figure = celebrity: người nổi tiếng
Luxuriou: sang trọng
Top-class: cao cấp
Real estate: bất động sản
Mid-tier: tầm trung
- Well there is a brand new park close to my place. And that quickly become one of my favorite spots in the
area. I usually take a morning walk out there with my dog. It is pretty chilled in the morning, you know. The
atmosphere is super comfy and quiet. Sometimes I see a small group of elderly practicing tai chi. I just enjoy
being there alone, sitting on a couch. What a peaceful moment among the hustle and bustle of the city.
Elderly: người cao tuổi
Tai chi: Thái Cực Quyền
Hustle and bustle of the city: nhịp sống hối hả nơi thành thị
5. Do you think the place you are living at right now is suitable for a family with children?
Yes I do think so. I believe my neighbourhood is fairly safe and I live around the corner from a great elementary
school. It’s a top-notch school district. So there are a lot of families with kids in this neighbourhood already. I
moved here when I was a child myself. There are also beautiful parks near the neighborhood which are
awesome for kids.
TRANSPORT
1. How do you go to work/school?
Most days I will travel to school by riding a bike. My campus is huge (to), and it will take me more than 30
minutes to walk to the faculty building from my dorm. There are shared bikes that students can use at the front
entrance of my dorm building, which are very helpful.
- Well, I typically use public transport, specifically the bus. I find it super convenient because there’s a bus stop
right near my home. Plus, it’s an eco- friendly option and helps me avoid the morning rush hour. Occasionally,
when I’m in a hurry, I might hop on a bike.
2. What means of transport do you use when going for a trip from your workplace/school?
- Bikes and subways are among the most popular types of transportation because my hometown is a crowded
city where traffic is jammed all the time. It is much quicker to ride a bike to the subway station, take the
subway, then ride another bike to the destination than driving.
- In my hometown, the most popular means of transportation is motorcycles. They are incredibly versatile and
well-suited to navigate through the narrow streets and heavy traffic. Additionally, they are more affordable
compared to cars and offer a quick way to get around.
- The distance from my home to my workplace/ school is approximately 10 kilometers. I usually cover this
distance in about 30 minutes by taking the subway. It’s a reasonable commute, and I find it quite manageable.
- I like to wear clothes that are minimalistic and simple. I prefer these types of clothing because they’re easy to
style and match with one another. I also love feminine clothing that comes with simple patterns like flowers or
hearts.
- I like to wear good-quality cotton t-shirts because of their soft and breathable texture, which adds extra
comfort to my skin. As a student, I’m busy with my studies and various projects every day, so dressing
comfortably is essential to me.
- I prefer wearing comfortable and casual clothes because I feel more relaxed in them. I don’t normally dress in
smart clothes except for special occasions. I usually stick to casual clothes because they are cheap, practical,
and comfortable to wear when I’m out and about.
- I definitely lean more towards comfortable and casual for my everyday wear. Don’t get me wrong, dressing up
smartly for special occasions or important events is great, but on a typical day? Give me a pair of joggers and a
cozy sweater any day.
- Yes, I much prefer T-shirts to collared shirts. My job has a smart-casual dress code, so we’re expected to wear
semi-formal shirts while in the office and during video calls. I don’t mind wearing them in winter, but during
summer, it can get unbearably hot wearing long-sleeve shirts. So, I get changed into a T-shirt the second I get
home after work. T-shirts are just so much more comfortable. Your arms aren’t restricted as much, you can feel
the cool, refreshing breeze on your skin, and you don’t really have to iron them! The only time I would
willingly wear formal shirts is if there is a special occasion, like at a wedding, a formal event or conference, or
for a job interview.
- Yes, I do use maps quite frequently, especially when I’m in unfamiliar places or when I’m planning a
trip to a new location. It helps me get a sense of the area and find my way around.
-Yeah, I actually tried my hand at learning the guitar back in high school. My friend had an old acoustic guitar
that he let me borrow. I found some beginner chord charts online to practice with. For a while there, I was really
digging it – I’d sit in my room for hours trying to get the chord changes down and strumming along to songs.
Got some blisters on my finger from the strings. But I didn’t care. I even learned how to play a few tunes like
“Wonderwall” by Oasis and “Knockin” on Heaven’s Door.
-It’s really up to the guest. I have various types of tea at home, such as Chai, green tea, black tea, Thai tea, and
more. I also have an espresso machine with various capsules that can make iced or hot coffee beverages. If the
guest does not have a preference, I usually serve a latte as it’s well-liked by most people.
3. When was the last time you had a cup of coffee or tea?
Actually, I had coffee this morning, because I got up real early for my morning class and I’d get drowsy without
the coffee. This perfect pick-me-up is really a lifesavor.
Do you think going to the cinema is a good way to spend time with friends?
Yes, I think going to the cinema is a fantastic way to spend time with friends. It’s a social activity that allows
you to enjoy a film together and then discuss it afterward. It gives you a shared experience to talk about, and
you can even grab a meal or coffee to chat about the movie. It’s a fun and enjoyable way to bond with friends.
Running
1. Do you go running a lot?
-Yes, I do enjoy running, and I try to make it a regular part of my fitness routine. I usually go for a run at least
three to four times a week. It helps me stay in shape and relieves stress.
- Yes, I go running frequently. It has become an integral part of my daily routine. Running helps me stay fit and
maintain a healthy lifestyle. It improves my cardiovascular endurance, strengthens my muscles, and boosts my
energy levels.
- I usually run on the treadmill at my gym because I can track my time, heart rate, and other health metrics
while running. Since I want to make my exercise as effective as possible, the gym is definitely the best place for
running.
- I believe running is an excellent sport. It’s accessible to people of all fitness levels, and you don’t need any
special equipment other than a good pair of running shoes. It’s a great way to improve cardiovascular fitness,
build endurance, and burn calories. Additionally, it can be done alone or with others, making it a versatile
activity.
Robots
1. Are robots important?
Definitely, robots are making a huge difference to the world and really plays an essential role nowadays. They
are being used as labour saving devices in various industries. Such as manufacturing, agriculture and even space
exploration.
- Yes, I have! I find handmade gifts to be more heartfelt and unique. It’s a way to add a personal touch and
show the person that I really care. Plus, the process of making the gift itself is quite enjoyable and therapeutic.
- Yes, I’ve received great gifts several times. One of the best gifts l’ve ever received was a beaded handbag that
my best friend made from scratch. She put many hours into making that bag, and I was extremely touched and
grateful when she gifted it to me.
When selecting a gift, I take into account the recipient’s interests, hobbies, and preferences. I also think about
the occasion and the relationship I share with the person. It’s important to choose something meaningful and
appropriate. Additionally, I consider the budget to ensure it’s within my means.
4. Do you think you are good at choosing gifts?
-Yes, i believe that i have a knack for picking out gifts. Instead of going for flashy or pricey options, i tend to
send my friends practical and functional gifts that really hit the sport. For instance, i would like to choose a
bottle of perfume or a stunning necklace that complements their style or even something they have been eyeing
on their wish list for a long period. Of course, it takes time to choose the perfect gift. But when i see the big
smile on their face, it’s all worth it and makes me feel like i’ve done a great job.
- I'm very hit-and-miss. As I said earlier, I am trying to give thoughtful, practical gifts, but sometimes that's not
what excites a person the most. Like, If I bought something useful for the family, but didn't consider just the
person as an individual, then that person might not be so excited about the gift. It is difficult to balance at times,
and of course, at times I buy a gift that the person already has. That has happened before and it is a little
disappointing for sure.
- I believe I’m quite skilled at selecting gifts. I make an effort to pay attention to the details and sentiments that
matter to the recipient. While there may be occasional misses, I generally strive to choose gifts that reflect
thoughtfulness and consideration for the person’s tastes and interests.
- Yes, I do whenever I can. I think I’m an empathetic (showing an ability to understand and share the feelings of
another) person as I easily feel sorry for those people who are in need. Well, I do help my friends when money
is tight for them, I donate something in kind (given in goods or commodities instead of money) to homeless
people, and, of course, I help my family or relatives in different ways.
2. How do you help people around you, such as neighbors, family, and friends?
- When I was young, my parents always taught me being kind and helpful leading by example , such as
watching neighbors’ homes while away, or even just providing a listening ear when needed. Because of them, I
learned how to help others and appreciate the value of sharing as well.
4. Did your parents help you a lot when you were young?
Yeah, my parents were always there to help me when I was young. From the basics like feeding me, dressing
me, and making sure I was safe, to helping with schoolwork and guiding me through life's challenges, they were
my go-to support system. My parents have always been there to guide me through life's challenges, offering
wisdom and encouragement when I needed it most
- In Vietnam, people, the youth in particular, are hooked by fishing. I guess, that’s because we do have lots of
rivers, ponds and lakes, providing great places for fishing. But beyond that, more people take fishing as a
hobby, since it’s a great way to connect with nature and free themselves away from hectic work schedule.
- Well, I am not sure, but from what I’ve observed, fishing has always been popular, but not on a large scale.
However, I do notice that it has gone viral among middle-aged men. Interestingly enough, they either wake up
at the crack of dawn or even stay up late still midnight, find a river or lake in the city and spend hours alone
fishing. I guess, just like some people suddenly start to show passion for running marathons, fishing is also one
of the activities that allow them to indulge in a world on their own without worrying about reality, like a way to
deal with midlife crisis. As for me, I still cannot figure out why people just can stand or sit there for hours
without moving. That sounds so torturing.
- Yes, I enjoy eating fish. I heard from my mom that it is a good source of protein and is also rich in omega-3
fatty acids, which are beneficial for heart health. Fish tastes great as well and I know there are many delicious
ways to prepare fish, such as grilling, baking, or frying.
-Absolutely, I am a big fan of fish. As I am a gym freak and addicted to building muscles, fish is definitely a
great source of protein. Mv favorite is salmon which is rich in Omega-3, it’s tasty, easy to cook and gives me a
sharper mind. – Not really, fish is not my cup of tea, although I was always told that eating fish can make me
smarter. I still can’t tolerate the smell of it, and also I am such an impatient person, picking up fishbones would
drive me crazy. I would rather take fish oil pill on a daily basis to balance my diet.
3. Have you ever been to a place where there are lots of fish around you?
- I do have been to places where there are lots of fish around. For example, I’ve visited aquariums many times
and diving in areas with diverse marine life. It’s not easy to describe what I’m feeling in the moment, just so
fascinating to see various species of fish swimming around and observing their behavior in their natural
habitats.
- Yeah, I have been to an aquarium a while a go with my friends. It was my first time getting closer to marine
animals. I was fascinated by how extraordinary the fish is, some of them are extremely big, some of them have
stunning colored scales. I even screamed when they swam up above my head. I wish I could learn diving so that
I could get even closer to those beautiful creatures again.
- Sure. When I was young, I watched a movie called Finding Nemo. It’s an animated film that tells the story of
the clownfish named Marlin who, along with his friend named Dory, searches for his abducted son Nemo all the
way to Sydney Harbour. In this movie I saw lots of fish. By the way, I really recommend that you check out this
movie.
GEOGRAPHY
How do you like geography?
Do you think geography is useful?
Have you ever learned geography?
Do you want to be a geography teacher?
- To me, this subject is like an eye-opener. It just explains a lot of mysterious phenomenons in this world like
how the icebergs are formed, where the water comes from, and how the latitude and landform affect the local
climate.
- Absolutely! Geography is incredibly useful in many ways. It is indispensable in daily life. For instance, we all
need some basic concepts of direction to navigate through different places. It also plays a vital role in urban
planning. Moreover, learning geography opens one’s mind and helps us see a more diversified planet.
- Of course. it was a compulsory course back in high school. We had to rack our brains to memorize the names
of the capitals. But the cultural part was really engaging for me, and it offers an avenue to broaden my horizon.
4. Do you want to be a Geography teacher? Sample 1: Being a geographical teacher means that I need to have
excellent knowledge of the subject, help students learn about the Earth and its features and develop lesson plans
so I can present lessons to my students in an engaging manner. This job is just too hard for me, so of course, I
don’t want to be a geography teacher.
5. Did you study Geography at school? Sample 1: Yes, I did study geography at school, and it used to be one of
my favorite subjects. We can never underestimate the value of Geography as it gives us insights into our
world’s landscapes, climates, and cultures and helps us understand our planet better.
- No, I prefer quiet and peaceful environments. Excessive noise can be distracting and stressful for me. I find it
easier to concentrate and relax in quieter surroundings. Whether at home or while studying, a calm atmosphere
allows me to be more productive and at ease
2. What kinds of noises are there in the area where you live?
-The first kind of noise I can think of is the sound from construction sites, you know, like from the diggers and
bulldozers. What’s even worse, some outdoor commercial performances can drive people nuts because of the
deafening music.
-Well, in my neighborhood, we have occasional traffic noise, and sometimes dogs barking can be a bit
bothersome, but we're all pretty understanding. It's all part of community life, and we find ways to cope and get
along.
barking (n): tiếng sủa
bothersome (adj): phiền phức, khó chịu
cope (v): đối phó
- Yes, I believe there is an increasing amount of noise in today's world. With the constant buzz of technology,
urban environments, and social media, it's challenging to find moments of quiet and solitude. This noise can be
overwhelming and impact our well-being."
buzz (n): tiếng ồn (tiếng vù vù)
urban (adj): (thuộc về) đô thị
well-being (n): sức khỏe
-Making noise can be considered a right, but it should be controlled. Everyone has the freedom to express
themselves and engage in activities that may produce noise. However, it should be balanced with consideration
for others, leading to noise regulations and etiquettes."
consideration (n): sự quan tâm
regulation (n): quy định
etiquette (n): nghi thức
TRAVELLING
Cuisines /kwɪˈziːnz/ - đặc sản, ẩm thực
Cherish /ˈʧerɪʃ/ - trân trọng, quý trọng
Diverse destinations /daɪˈvɜrs ˌdɛs.tɪˈneɪʃənz/ - những điểm đến đa dạng
Neighboring countries /ˈneɪbərɪŋ ˈkʌntriz/ - các nước láng giềng
Sense of excitement /sɛns ʌv ɪkˈsaɪtmənt/ - cảm giác phấn khích
Journey of self-discovery and adventure /ˈʤɜrni ʌv sɛlf-dɪsˈkʌvəri ənd ədˈvɛnʧər/ - hành trình tự khám phá và
phiêu lưu
Refreshed mind and heart /rɪˈfrɛʃt maɪnd ənd hɑrt/ - tinh thần và tâm hồn được làm mới
Create memories together /kriˈeɪt ˈmɛməriz təˈɡɛðər/ - tạo kỷ niệm cùng nhau
Discover new things collectively /dɪsˈkʌvər nu ˈθɪŋz kəˈlɛktɪvli/ - khám phá điều mới mẻ cùng nhau
Bustling cities /ˈbʌsəlɪŋ ˈsɪtiz/ - các thành phố hối hả
Tranquil beauty /ˈtræŋkwɪl ˈbjuti/ - vẻ đẹp yên bình
Unique charm /juːˈniːk ʧɑːrm/ - sự quyến rũ độc đáo
Immerse myself in the local culture /ɪˈmɜrs maɪˈsɛlf ɪn ðə ˈloʊkl ˈkʌltʃər/ - đắm chìm trong văn hóa địa phương
Historical sites /hɪsˈtɔrɪkəl saɪts/ - các địa điểm lịch sử
Capturing the moments through photography /ˈkæptʃərɪŋ ðə ˈmoʊmənts θruː ˈfotəˌɡrəfi/ - bắt lấy khoảnh khắc
bằng nhiếp ảnh
Fantastic destination /fænˈtæstɪk ˌdɛs.tɪˈneɪʃən/ - điểm đến tuyệt vời
Rich blend of history, culture, breathtaking landscapes, and delicious cuisine /rɪʧ blɛnd ʌv ˈhɪs.təri, ˈkʌltʃər,
ˈbreθˌteɪkɪŋ ˈlændsˌkeɪps, ənd dɪˈlɪʃəs kwɪˈzin/ - sự kết hợp phong cách đa dạng về lịch sử, văn hóa, cảnh đẹp
tuyệt đẹp và ẩm thực ngon
is what life is all about.
I’ve been crazy about it
have to put off all my upcoming travels due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
I think that travelling is a great way to explore new places and cultures.
It’s not just about visiting tourist attractions or ticking off destinations from a list.
It’s about the experience of stepping out of my comfort zone and embracing the unknown
travel far and wide to experience new things.
Im not much of a traveler
overcome the post-holiday blues.
brings me a lot of happiness and fulfilment.
-Absolutely! It’s one of my favourite things to do. I try to go on three to four trips every year. It’s not just about
visiting tourist attractions or ticking off destinations from a list. It’s about the experience of stepping out of my
comfort zone and embracing the unknown. l enjoy the anticipation and the sense of adventure that comes with
each new journey, and I always look forward to my next trip.
- From ancient wonders to modern marvels, there is no shortage of incredible places to explore in Vietnam
- Traveling brings me a sense of excitement and wonder. It's like a journey of self-discovery and adventure. I
feel alive, embracing new experiences, and I often return with a refreshed mind and heart, full of memories and
stories to share.
MEMORY
Do you need to remember things often?
Like most people, I often need to remember things. Whether it's daily tasks, appointments, or important details,
keeping track helps me stay organized. Sometimes, I jot things down or set reminders to ensure I don't forget
crucial information or commitments.
appointment (n): buổi hẹn lịch
keep track: theo dõi
jot sth down (phrasal v): ghi lại
- Absolutely, I’m pretty good at memorizing things. I tend to rely on visual cues, noticing details that others
might overlook. This comes in handy when I need to recall information for various purposes.
- Oh, definitely! I think we've all had those moments. I once forgot my passport before a trip and had to rush
back home to get it. It was quite a scare, but it taught me the importance of double-checking and being more
organized.
double-check (v): kiểm tra lại, kiểm tra kỹ
organized (adj): ngăn nắp, gọn gàng
Do you think people spend too much time playing video games?
Totally. People do waste too much of their valuable time playing video games. Each match, lasting
approximately 30-45 minutes, can lead to a cycle of wanting to win after a loss and seeking additional victories
after a win. So, people can find themselves spending over 3 hours a day on gaming which equals to roughly
1,000 hours a year. They can engage in so many more meaningful activities with that much time!
- Occasionally, I do experience moments of boredom. While I try to stay engaged in various activities, there are
times when the routine or lack of stimulating tasks leads to a sense of boredom.
- People’s preferences vary widely. Some thrive on the energy and dynamism of crowded places, finding it
exciting and stimulating. Others may find crowded environments stressful and overwhelming, preferring
quieter, more serene settings. It often comes down to personal temperament and the context of the situation. For
instance, a crowded beach on a sunny day might be more appealing than a crowded train on a Monday morning.
-The last time I was in a crowded place was during a local festival last month. The streets were filled with
people celebrating, enjoying street performances, and exploring various stalls, It was a festive and vibrant
atmosphere that added to the enjoyment of the event.
- The last time I found myself in a crowded place was just last weekend at a local food market. The aisles were
packed with people exploring the various food stalls, offering everything from artisan bread to exotic street
food. Navigating through the crowd was a bit of a challenge, but the lively atmosphere and the tantalizing
aromas made it an enjoyable experience.
COLLECTING THINGS
Do you collect things?
-I wouldn’t say I’m an avid collector, but I do have a penchant for collecting books. My bookshelf is a
testament to my love for literature, with an eclectic mix of classic novels, contemporary fiction, and some non-
fiction thrown into the mix. There’s something about the feel and smell of books that I find incredibly
appealing. Plus, they’re a great conversation starter when people visit.
- No, now I don’t collect anything, because I am not very into any particular things. But when I was a kid, I
used to collect stamps, because at that time, collecting stamps was the thing, so I was jumping on a bandwagon
but later I did not find it interesting anymore
- Absolutely, I have a sweet tooth, so I really enjoy eating cakes. Cakes are a delightful treat, and they come in
such a wide variety of flavors and styles that there’s always something for everyone.
-My favorite color is blue. There's just something calming and serene about it. Whether it's the sky or the ocean,
blue always resonates with me. Plus, it pairs well with many other colors, making it versatile and appealing in
various contexts.
serene (adj): thanh bình
resonate with (phrasal v): có ý nghĩa, vang vọng, cộng hưởng
- I really like blue. It’s a very calming colour, and it comes in so many different shades . Blue also reminds me
of lots of things in nature, like the sky and the ocean. Plus, it’s a good colour to wear because it matches with a
lot of different ones.
- I don’t like orange that much. I don’t think that it looks good with many other colours. And personally, it
doesn’t look good with my skin tone. So in a practical sense, orange is kind of useless to me. But I also don’t
think it’s that nice to look at.
I don’t think I would like a room that was painted lime green . To me, it’s too bright and bold. It’s harsh on the
eyes and it would be uncomfortable to see that everywhere. Another bad colour for a room would be black. I
think that would feel really dark and creepy .
SOCIAL MEDIA
- There was a time when I got a little addicted to social media. I could clearly feel my attention span was
narrowing and I even got restless if I didn’t check the social media for a while. Then I told a friend of mine
about this problem and she suggested I should uninstall all of the social apps on my smartphone. It was really
hard at the beginning. I tried to occupy myself with anything but fiddling with my phone. Now I can confidently
say I’ve got rid of social media addiction.
Yeah, my friends and I are all active users of social media. It allows us to stay up to date with the latest news
and current affairs, find entertaining content, stay in touch with what our friends and families are doing and
share photos or videos with other people. It has become an indispensable part of our life.
- I don’t wear sunglasses very often, only really when the sun is particularly glaring. I’m quite selective about
when to wear them because l prefer to enjoy natural light. However, on those bright, sunny days or when l’m
driving against the strong sunlight, I find them absolutely necessary to shield my eyes and improve visibility.
- I don’t tend to splurge excessively on sunglasses. While I appreciate the craftsmanship of high-end brands, I
find that moderately priced ones often do the job just as well. It’s more about finding a pair that’s comfortable
and suits my face shape. Plus, considering how easy it is to misplace them, I think it’s more sensible to go for
something mid-range.
- I hardly use credit card except in special cases: It is easy to develop bad habits like overspending or impulse
consumption. As l get used to using credit cards, as long as I get paid, the first thing I have to do is to pay bills.
You know stress and I don’t want to be those people that can’t save money.
- Yes, I actually took music lessons during my primary and secondary school years. However, if I have a
chance, I’ll definitely join another singing class. I was told that I had no sense of rhythm, so hopefully one day
I’ll stop being this tone deaf and know how to hit the right note.
–Nope. I can hardly carry a tune when I sing, and my voice breaks on high notes. I always find it difficult to
breath properly when singing, you know, often running out of breath. I wouldn’t say I’ve got a talent for
singing.
–Yes, I have. Every child in China takes music lessons in primary school/ kindergarten. If my memory serves
me right, we started to learn singing at pretty young age. I’ve forgotten most of what I learnt though.
- I would say that not only rich and powerful people, but music artists, movie stars, cultural celebrities,
successful sports people also usually popping up in the news. However, there still exist the type of
“infamous‘” people that would likely do controversial things to gain fame, even in a short time but it
would help them make a good amount of money.
To fall into (v): rơi vào (một thể loại nào đó)
Infamous (adj): khét tiếng, tai tiếng
Controversial (adj): gây tranh cãi
To gain fame (v): tìm kiếm sự nổi tiếng
A good amount of money (n): một khoản tiền kha khá
4. Do you believe that the news about famous people in the media is
true?
- While I believe that some news about famous people in the media is true, I am also aware that misinformation
can occur. So, I reckon it’s important to check out the facts from different reliable sources before I make up my
mind about anything
- I think it's a mixed bag. While news outlets aim for accuracy, sometimes there are errors or biases. It's
essential to cross-check information from multiple sources. Staying informed is crucial, but being discerning
and critical of what we consume is equally important.”
Từ vựng:
news outlet: thị trường, hãng, đài tin tức
accuracy (n): sự chính xác
biase (n): thành kiến
cross-check (n): kiểm tra, xác nhận lại
discerning (adj): nhận thức rõ, sáng suốt
- No, not worth it. I prefer having an ordinary life with my loved ones rather than being a public figure
and risking suffering from various problems when the curtains close.