Part 2

Exercise 1 This is part of a letter you receive from your pen-friend.

My favorite subject is art but I also enjoy history. What subjects

do you study and what do you like best?

Now write a letter, answering your pen-friend's questions.

Write your letter in about 120 words.

Dear ……
How are you? I was very happy when I got a letter from you.

Exercise 2 This is part of a letter you receive from an English pen-friend.

Could you give me some advice? I want to travel around your

country for a month. Where should I go? What should I see?

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Now write a letter, answering your pen-friend's questions.
Write your letter in about 120 words.

Dear…
How are you doing? I am so glad to receive your letter.

There are several famous tourist destinations in Vietnam that I would love to recommend. In the north,
Hanoi-the capital of my country is definitely worth visiting. This is a renowned spot for typical cuisine,
home to fascinating attractions and hospitable people, and a diverse region with a combination of multi-
communities. In the central region, which is where I am currently living, I suggest you should come to Nam
Dan- Ho Chi Minh president’s hometown, and visit Cua Lo beach. Also, it is highly advisable to try eel
soup, as well as the delicious seafood near the beach. As regards the southern region, Ho Chi Minh City is
also an ideal place. There are a lot of shopping malls, restaurants, cinemas, etc here. You will be indulged
in the hasty atmosphere of this wonderful city. Moreover, you can take a flight to Phu Quoc Island. Phu
Quoc Island in Kien Giang Province is Viet Nam’s largest island. It is blessed with beautiful scenery, rich
natural resources, and comfortable weather. Visitors to Phu Quoc love its peaceful sea and long sandy
beaches which distinguish it from other seaside resorts like Nha Trang and Da Nang. Remember to bring
your sunglasses, swimsuits, and sunscreen if you come to PQ for vacation.

Hope to meet you up in Vietnam and look forward to receiving your letter

With love,

Yen
 Exercise 3 This is part of a letter you receive from your pen friend.
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In your next letter, could you give me some advice?

Tell me how you keep fit and healthy!

Now write a letter, answering your pen-friend's questions.

Write your letter in about 120 words.
Dear…
How are you these days? Honestly, it is so good to receive your previous letter.
You have asked me the ways to keep fit and stay healthy. In my opinion, there are several methods
which can be adopted to achieve good health. Firstly, you should do exercises on a regular basis.
The nearby park can be an ideal place to go running or walking after stressful hours at work. Also,
consider taking up some new sports. Many studies have shown that doing sports can effectively
improve your physical well-being. You can play tennis, and badminton or go swimming with your
family and friends to keep fit as well as strengthen your relationships. Secondly, a good lifestyle is
also of utmost importance. You should go to great lengths to avoid going to bed late, have a
balanced diet that includes lots of vegetables, drink a lot of water, and avoid any stress. Only when
your physical and mental states are relaxed can you keep fit and stay healthy.
I hope you don’t encounter any health problems and it would be nice if you went to a doctor for a check-up
if there are any symptoms.
Best regards,
Yen

Exercise 4. This is part of a letter you receive from an English pen friend.

I've just bought a new computer game. It's fantastic. What do you
think of computer games? What kinds of things do you do on your
computer?
Now write a letter, answering your pen-friend's questions.
Write your letter in about 120 words.
Dear…

How are you doing? It is so good to hear that you have been able to purchase a new computer game.
Nowadays, it is widely acknowledged that there are a variety of computer games of all kinds. And personally,
they can be both advantageous and disadvantageous. On the one hand, they can act as a wonderful source of
relaxation. After long and exhausting hours at work, I can let my hair down by spending half an hour on my
computer playing games. They effectively help me relieve the stress that I encounter. However, on the other
hand, computer games can have several drawbacks. Because of looking at the screen for too long, I am
suffering from impaired eyesight and sometimes, I also have severe backache.
Usually, I use my computer to look for information online through some giant search engines like Google or
ChatGpt. There is an abundance of articles, documents, and books that can be very helpful for my work and my
study. Also, it can help me entertain with many social media platforms, music videos, etc. I can contact my
family, friends, and colleagues through Facebook and Instagram. Therefore, I use my computer frequently.
What about you? What do you use your computer for?
Answer me in the next letter. Really looking forward to hearing from you
Love
Yen.
 Exercise 5. This is part of a letter you receive from an English pen-friend.

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In your next letter, please tell me about

what you like doing in your free time. Do you
stay at home or do you like going out?

Now write a letter, answering your pen-friend's questions.

Write your letter in about 120 words

Dear…
How are you doing? I am so glad to hear from you again.
In your previous letter, you asked me what I fancy doing in my spare time. I am a bookaholic, so
whenever I have free time, I usually go to the local library to read some new books. I have read
books of all kinds, ranging from science fiction books, and romantic novels to comic ones.
However, books that provide readers with scientific knowledge are what captivate me the most.
Last week, I spent 3 hours reading a long book about psychology and the human brain. And
honestly, the information and findings were so interesting that I could remember all the details. And
after reading it, I have found a new passion in this field and I am planning to take up some more
courses related to this. Furthermore, as I am very sociable and outgoing, I also hang out with my
friends. We usually take part in social gatherings in the city center to discuss some current
problems, or simply just gather around in cafes or restaurants to confide in each other. I truly
appreciate those moments.
What about you? What do you do in your free time?
Answer me in your next letter.
Love
Yen

Exercise 6
This is part of a letter you receive from an English pen-friend.
 My parents want me to go on holiday with them this
summer but I'd prefer to go somewhere with my
friends. I have to choose. What do you think I should
do?

Now write a letter, answering your pen-friend's questions.

Write your letter in about 120 words.

Dear…
How are you doing? I am so glad to hear from you again
You have asked me whether to go on vacation with your parents or your friends. If I were you, I would
definitely choose to spend time going on holiday with my family. This is because family holidays can improve
relationships between family members with improved communication, relaxed time together, and the joy of
shared experiences. You can create core memories with your parents while visiting other cities or countries,
trying out new activities, delicious food, etc. In addition, family vacations naturally tend to involve outdoor
activity– which has been proven to give mental and physical well-being a real boost. Connecting with nature,
by all accounts, has a whole heap of benefits - from improving your mood and giving you a confidence boost.
Those are the reasons why I suggest you should go on vacation with your family instead of your friends.
Remember to write back soon. Looking forward to hearing from you.
Love
Yen.
 Exercise 7
This is part of a letter you receive from an English penfriend.
We're doing a project on life in the UK at school and I wondered if you could tell me
something about a particular festival you celebrate as a family.

Write a letter to this pen-friend in about 100-120 words.

Dear…
How have you been? It is so good to hear from you.
In your letter, you asked me to describe a festival which I celebrate as a family. There are a variety of
festivals, however, among them, Tet is definitely the most popular one. The Vietnamese New Year,
more popularly known around the world as Tet, is probably the only festival that best concludes
Vietnam’s rich, colorful culture and long history. It marks the beginning of spring as well as a new year
in the lunar calendar. Officially, Tet is a three-day celebration, but along with lengthy preparations, the
festivities could stretch up to over a week. Drinking, splurging on traditional Vietnamese food,
traveling, and relaxing commonly take place during this time, but on top of that, spending time with
family and friends, gift-giving, and paying respect to ancestors by bringing them offerings is something
they give more importance. Visiting shrines and local pagodas is always part of the activities to allow
people to pay homage to their Gods. During Tet, I usually visit other relatives with my family
members, exchange lucky money with them and enjoy delicious food like Banh Chung. I truly
appreciate those precious moments, as Tet is an opportunity for me to relax and spend time with my
family after a long, hard-working year.
What about you? Can you tell me about a festival that you celebrate with your family members?
I really look forward to receiving your letter soon.
Love
Yen.

Exercise 8
Your Scottish pen friend has written to you for advice

Next month, I'm moving with my family to a different area. I have

to choose between going to a small school in the countryside or a
large school in the center of town. What should I do?

Now write a letter to your pen friend about 120 words, giving your advice.
Dear…
How are you and your family doing? I hope this letter finds you in the best of health and spirits.
In your last letter, you mentioned that your family was moving to a different area, and you also asked me whether a small
school in the countryside or a large school in the town center would be a better option. If I were you, I would definitely
opt for the latter choice. This is largely because of the better education and experience that you will receive in a large
school. Firstly, it is an undoubted fact that teachers in the town center tend to be more qualified. Therefore, they are more
knowledgeable and can assist you better with your study and help you solve any problems. Secondly, the surrounding
peers are also more likely to be intelligent. They usually excel at every subject compared to students attending smaller
schools in the countryside. As a result, these excellent pupils help create a highly academic and competitive environment
that can further motivate you, or you can seek advice from outstanding peers in order to improve your performance.
Thirdly, all the smart gadgets and the latest technology are available in larger schools. Students going to this kind of
school can gain access to the latest technological devices that may not be provided in smaller ones. For all those reasons,
I think that it is more beneficial to sign up for a large school in the center of the town.
Looking forward to hearing from you soon
Love
Yen.
 Exercise 9
This is part of a letter you receive from an English friend.

I know you often go to the cinema. Tell me about the last film
you saw and whether you enjoyed it.

Now write a letter to your friend.

Write your letter in about 120 words.
Dear…
How are you these days? So glad to receive your letter.
I am writing this letter to tell you about the last film that I saw. Last weekend, I went to the cinema
with my friends to watch the famous romantic film “Gone with the Wind”. And honestly, that
wonderful film definitely lived up to my expectations. Gone with the Wind, a novel by Margaret
Mitchell was published in 1936. It won a Pulitzer Prize in 1937. Gone with the Wind is a
sweeping romantic story about the American Civil War. In particular, it is the story of Scarlett O’Hara,
a headstrong Southern belle who survives the hardships of the war and afterward manages to establish a
successful business by capitalizing on the struggle to rebuild the South. Throughout the book, she is
motivated by her unfulfilled love for Ashley Wilkes, an honorable man who is happily married. After a
series of marriages and failed relationships with other men, notably the dashing Rhett Butler, she has a
change of heart and is determined to win Rhett back. This novel was changed into a film many years
ago, and since then, it has attracted great attention from the public and worldwide success. Many people
have gone to cinemas to be able to watch this masterpiece. For me, what sets this film apart from the
others are the interesting plot, the excellent acting skills of the actors, the dialogues, etc. Although I
have watched a variety of films of all kinds, Gone with the Wind will forever be my favorite one.
What about you? What is your favorite film?
Looking forward…

Exercise 10
This is part of a letter you receive from an English friend.

I want to find out about music in your country. Are there many live concerts?
What music do you like listening to?

I
 Now write a letter to your friend.
Write your letter in about 120 words.

Dear…
How are you? I am so glad to hear from you again.

In your last letter, you expressed the desire to find out more about music in Vietnam. And you also asked if
there were many live concerts. According to my own knowledge, there are many kinds of music in
Vietnam: imperial court music, folk music, classical music or Yellow Music, revolutionary songs or Red
Music… But recently, the new generation of people in Vietnam prefers modern music – pop music or rock
heavy metal.

There are so many live concerts which happen all year round, from the city to the country. If you live in
Ha Noi, or Ho Chi Minh City, you can go to live concerts every week. You can also listen to live music in
small bars, where you can hear from unknown singers. Or you can go to big stages like a stadium to listen
to the big stars or even worldwide celebrities.

As for me, I tend to listen to classical music, old songs which were written many years ago, mostly during
the war to seek a feeling of nostalgia. Also, those songs bring about a sense of relaxation and peacefulness,
so they act like a kind of therapy for me after long and stressful hours at work

What about you? What are your favorite songs? Write back to me soon

Love

Yen.
 Exercise 11
This is part of a letter you receive from an English friend.

I've just finished reading a really good book. What kinds of thing do you
enjoy reading? Do you prefer books or magazines? Tell me something
about a famous writer from your country.

Now write a letter

to your friend. Write
your letter in about
120 words.

Dear…
How are you these days? It is so good to hear that you have developed a passion
for reading and even finished reading a good book.
I am writing this letter to tell you about the things that I would love to read about.
Recently, I have been able to watch a famous series about psychology on Netflix,
and since then, I have wanted to find out more about this particular field. So among
all the books that I have read, the book Body Aware by Erica Hornthal is my most-
liked one. I am interested in the way the author uses different images, words, and
details to depict the content and convey the message to readers. Also, Sherlock
Holmes is another novel that I am really fond of. The process in which the talented
detective Sherlock, along with his companion, solves many crimes is truly very
fascinating. I am always captivated by the thrill that this novel brings about and the
outstanding skill of the character Sherlock Holmes.
Personally, if I had to choose between a book and a magazine, I would definitely
opt for the book. This is because magazines tend to be full of advertisements which
can easily annoy me. In contrast, books specialize in certain subjects and I often use them
for reference material or simply for entertainment.
Moreover, there are many talented writers in Vietnam, however, Nguyen Nhat Anh is
probably one of the most famous writers. Nguyễn Nhật Ánh writes for teenagers and
adults. He also works as a teacher, poet, and correspondent. His works include
approximately 30 novels, 4 essays, 2 series, and some collections of poems. He is
regarded as one of Vietnam's most successful writers. His best-known series, Kính Vạn
Hoa, which contains 54 volumes, has been made into 3 drama series of the same name.
Since its first publication, it has received great media attention and huge success
 Exercise 12
This is part of a letter you receive from an English friend.

I've won some prize money in a competition, and I'm not

sure what to do. My family think I should save the
money, but I want to spend it all on an exciting holiday.
What should I do?

Now write a letter to your friend,

giving your advice.. Write your
letter in about 120 words.
Dear…

How are you? I am so glad to hear that you have won some prize money in a contest. And
you are uncertain about what to do

I am writing this letter to advice you how to spend that amount of money. If I were you, I
would definitely save that money. First and foremost, saving money is important because
it helps protect you in the event of a financial emergency. By saving in a disciplined
manner, you can make sure that your family is well provided for. In unfortunate times,
your savings can act as a cushion for your loved ones and help them overcome any
financial difficulty. Additionally, saving money can help you pay for large purchases,
avoid debt, reduce your financial stress, leave a financial legacy, and provide you with a
greater sense of financial freedom. If you do not set aside money, you will be very likely
to encounter several financial burdens, which will eventually put you under huge
pressure. In some worse cases, many people are forced to go bankrupt because of the
inability to pay debts. Therefore, I suggest that you should keep your money safe in a
bank, or any lockers in your house, and avoid spending it on unnecessary purposes.

Hope my advice will be helpful.

Look forward…