Essay 2:

1/ Describe a place that has significance for you. Describe where it is, what the place looks like, the
people who live there, and the feelings you have about the place.

Dong Van, nestled amongst the whispering stone giants of Ha Giang province, isn't just a place on a map;
it's a tapestry woven from rugged beauty, vibrant culture, and the soul-stirring whispers of the past. This
highland township, cradled by the majestic Ma Pi Leng Pass, is where my heart finds its rhythm.
The journey to Dong Van itself is a pilgrimage. Winding roads, etched by time and tire tracks, snake
through emerald valleys and pierce through misty mountain passes. The air, crisp and invigorating, carries
the scent of pine and the distant melody of unseen birds. As I crest the final ridge, Dong Van unfolds like
a hidden treasure – a patchwork quilt of ochre-tiled roofs and verdant rice terraces clinging to the
mountainside.
The people of Dong Van, their faces etched with the wisdom of generations, are the living embodiment of
the land. Hmong women, adorned in kaleidoscopes of hand-woven brocade, tend their fields with
practiced hands. Elders, their eyes twinkling with stories untold, share cups of rice wine under the shade
of ancient banyan trees. Children, their laughter echoing through the valleys, chase butterflies and dreams
with equal abandon.
Dong Van is a place where time slows down, where the rhythm of life beats to the pulse of the earth.
Mornings are painted with the rose-gold hues of the rising sun, bathing the stone houses in a warm glow.
Evenings are draped in the velvet cloak of a star-studded sky, a silent symphony played out in the vast
amphitheater of the mountains.
Yet, Dong Van isn't just a tranquil haven. Its heart beats with the vibrant pulse of the Sunday market.
From the first blush of dawn, the town transforms into a kaleidoscope of color and sound. Hmong stalls
overflow with exotic fruits, hand-carved crafts, and steaming bowls of pho. The air hums with a
symphony of bartering, laughter, and the infectious melody of traditional music.
Dong Van is more than just a place; it's a feeling. It's the wind whispering secrets through ancient pines,
the sun warming my skin on a chilly morning, the shared smile with a stranger over a steaming cup of tea.
It's the feeling of belonging, of being embraced by a community that thrives on tradition, resilience, and
the unyielding spirit of the mountains.
As I leave Dong Van, I carry with me not just memories, but a piece of its soul. The echoes of laughter,
the scent of pine, the warmth of shared smiles – these are the treasures I hold close, reminders that even in
the most remote corners of the world, stories find their home. And in the tapestry of my life, Dong Van
will forever be a vibrant thread, woven from the whispers of mountains and the song of a people who call
the wild their home.

2/ Describe a tourist destination that you think is especially beautiful, historic, or significant. What is
remarkable about it? Where is it? How do you get there? Describe the experience people have when
they visit this place. Why do you think people should visit it?

Imagine waking to a scene ripped straight from a dream: emerald peaks rising from jade waters, their
limestone teeth piercing a sky painted with cotton candy clouds. This isn't a fantasy, my friend, but the
reality of Ha Long Bay, a jewel nestled in the Gulf of Tonkin, Vietnam. Let me paint you a picture of why
this is a place that should grace every bucket list.
Getting to Ha Long is like choosing your adventure. Sail in from bustling Hanoi, watching the cityscape
dissolve into emerald rice paddies. Or, for a touch of the divine, descend from the clouds via seaplane,
landing amidst the mythical beauty.
Now, close your eyes. Feel the sun warm your skin as your junk boat glides through a labyrinth of
limestone islands, each one sculpted by time and tide into fantastical shapes. Dragons slumber, their tails
trailing into the water, while hidden caves beckon with promises of ancient secrets. Paddle closer to a
floating village, where life ebbs and flows with the tide, and fishermen mend their nets with eyes that
have seen generations of sunrises paint the bay gold.
Ha Long, though, is more than just a feast for the eyes. It's a playground for the soul. Kayak through
hidden grottoes, their emerald walls dripping with prehistoric stalactites. Dive into the turquoise depths,
where vibrant coral reefs hum with the symphony of a thousand fish. At night, under a velvet cloak of
stars, gather on deck, feast on fresh seafood hauled from the very water you sail on, and share stories with
fellow adventurers under the watchful gaze of the moon.
Ha Long Bay is a canvas, vast and ever-changing, where each sunrise paints a new masterpiece. It's a
whisper of history in the wind, echoing from ancient legends and the lives of the seafaring people who
call it home. It's a tapestry woven from emerald water, jade peaks, and the laughter of a thousand waves.
So, dear traveler, if you seek a place where beauty stuns the senses, where history whispers in the stones,
and where every sunrise feels like a gift, make Ha Long Bay your next adventure. Because, trust me, this
is no ordinary tourist trap; this is a journey that will leave you breathless, humbled, and forever changed.

3/ Compare two restaurants that serve the same type of food. What points of comparison do you use
when you decide on a restaurant? Use these points of comparison to evaluate the restaurants.

In Saigon's steamy belly, where the scent of star anise and lemongrass hangs heavy in the air, two titans of
pho face off: Pho Hoa, a family-run gem, and Pho 2000, a bustling behemoth. Both serve the city's soul in
steaming bowls, but choosing between them is like picking between a gentle lullaby and a foot-stomping
jig.
Pho Hoa, tucked away on a quiet side street, is a symphony of slow tempos. Sunlight filters through the
worn shutters, painting the worn wooden tables with warm stripes. Grandma Hoa herself, a woman with
eyes that hold the secrets of a thousand broths, presides over the kitchen, her ladle a metronome to the
rhythm of simmering spices. The pho here is a love poem whispered in your mouth – the broth, a gentle
caress of star anise and ginger, the noodles, silken threads that dance with every slurp. It's a pho that
lingers, a memory etched in your soul, like a grandmother's lullaby.
Across town, Pho 2000 is a whirlwind of neon and chrome, a stage where the pho is the star performer.
The air crackles with the energy of a thousand orders, waiters weaving through the throng like seasoned
dancers. The broth here is a bold declaration, a punch of chilies and cinnamon that grabs you by the throat
and demands attention. The noodles, thick and springy, are a chorus of textures, each bite a celebration of
life. It's a pho that makes you want to stand up and cheer, a symphony played on the strings of your
senses.
So, which one wins? It depends on the day, the mood, the symphony your soul craves. On a rainy
afternoon, Hoa's hushed melody is a balm, a warm hug in a steaming bowl. But when the city's energy
thrums through your veins, Pho 2000's vibrant crescendo is the only thing that can match the rhythm of
your heart.
Ultimately, it's not a battle, but a beautiful duet. Pho Hoa, with its whispered secrets and soulful broth, is
the seasoned storyteller, the keeper of generations-old traditions. Pho 2000, with its bold flavors and
vibrant energy, is the young maestro, reimagining the classics with a modern twist. Both, in their own
way, are Saigon's soul, pouring the city's spirit into every steaming bowl. So, the next time you're in Ho
Chi Minh City, don't pick a side. Just close your eyes, listen to your heart, and let the pho guide you.

4/ Compare two national monuments (e.g., statues, war memorials, buildings). Where are they, and
what do they represent? When and how were they built?

In Vietnam, a land stitched together by resilience and memory, two monuments stand sentinels,
whispering tales of triumph and tragedy. One, in Hanoi's bustling heart, rises like a phoenix from the
ashes of war. The other, nestled amidst verdant Ha Giang mountains, cradles the ghosts of ancient kings.
The Temple of Literature, a serene oasis in Hanoi's urban jungle, whispers of ink-stained fingers and
scholar dreams. Built in the 11th century, it's a tribute to Vietnam's long-held veneration of knowledge.
Carved dragons writhe upon its ancient walls, guardians of a wisdom passed down through generations.
Inside, stele turtles bask in sunlight, their backs etched with the names of scholars who've ascended the
ivory tower. The temple isn't just a testament to the past; it's a living legacy, its courtyards echoing with
the chants of students, their voices a bridge between eras.
A thousand miles north, perched atop Ma Pi Leng's dizzying heights, the Lung Cu Flagpole paints a
different story. Erected in 1979, it's a defiant red star etched against the emerald canvas of Ha Giang. The
climb to its base is a pilgrimage, each step a tribute to the soldiers who bled to defend this land. From its
lofty perch, the flag unfurls like a crimson phoenix, its vibrant hues echoing the sacrifices made to secure
Vietnam's sovereignty. It's a monument not just to victory, but to the indomitable spirit of a people who
refused to be bowed.
These two monuments, born of vastly different eras, whisper a unified truth: Vietnam is a land woven
from threads of hardship and hope. From the contemplative inkwells of the Temple of Literature to the
defiant flutter of Lung Cu's flag, they speak of a nation that treasures its past and embraces its future with
unwavering resolve. Standing beneath their gaze, you understand that history isn't just static stone and
faded ink; it's a living, breathing symphony, echoing through the hearts of a people who rise, phoenix-
like, from the ashes.

5/ Traffic is a problem everywhere in the world. It creates pollution, and noise. In response to this
problem, some cities charge an expensive tax to cars in downtown areas. Do you agree with this tax?

C1: Transportation congestion is one of the major problems in virtually every city. In an attempt to tackle
the over-abundance of vehicles commuting on the streets, it is recommended that heavy cost should be
imposed on cars in the city centre. While this solution can be justified to some extent, I believe that there
are other optimal solutions which can minimize gridlock problems.
On the one hand, I hold a belief that a hike expense on cars may decrease the rate of service jam and level
of noise pollution. Should the rate on cars increase, it may cut the number of private vehicles on roads.
This interns can decrease noise and congestion problems. However, it may lay a financial burden on
commuters working in certain areas which are far away from the centre and inaccessible to public
shipment such as countryside and rural areas. Despite a high-duty rate, they still need cars to travel to
work. If their work is required to travel several times, they may encounter financial difficulties because of
the heavy toll charge.
On the other hand, I contend that a more effective measure that could be taken to eradicate these problems
resulted from transportation is a government subsidy for public transit services. Governments can
improve public transit by having more public transit available, making it more punctual and reducing the
price of the tickets. Were this solution to be applied, numerous citizens would use public transit systems
as primary means transportation, which ultimately reduce the level of pollution and ease the increasing
congestion on roads.
To conclude, while hiking levy on cars can help to remedy transportation problems to some degrees, I am
certain that there are better and more effective solutions to solve these problems than this solution.
C2: Traffic congestion and noise pollution have become a global problem therefore, in response to this
issue, the government has increased the tax on vehicles in an aim to address the problem. I strongly
disagree with this point of view as I believe that these concerns can be resolved differently without
making unnecessary demands of the public.
Firstly, globalization has negatively created issues like overpopulation. Therefore, traffic congestion and
noise pollution are the by-prouducts of this problem. As people are constantly migrating from one place to
another due to diverse reasons like; better amenities, employments and healthcare purposes.However,
taxing of private car owners heavily have some negative sides for the individual and the society. For
instance, many people live in areas which are not covered by public transportation, such as those who
lived in rural areas or countryside. Should there be any public buses or trains that pass through that areas,
the schedule might be only once or twice in a day. These people need private cars and if the tax for
motorised vehicles is raised significantly then it would be a big burden and problem for them.
Furthermore, it is a fact that automotive industries have absorbed so many employments. As the demand
for motor vehicle decreases due to the high tax rate, many automobile companies would reduce their
employment number. As a consequence, the country's unemployment rate would be high.
In conclusion, the solution of charging private car owner with high vehicle tax rate to reduce traffic
problems has significant drawbacks. In my opinion, advantages of the solution are that people could
travel faster and air pollution would be reduced. However, the disadvantages of it are that it would
become a big problem for those who lived in remote areas since public transports are rarely reaching them
and also cause unemployment issue.

6/ Traffic is a problem everywhere in the world. It creates pollution, and noise. In response to this
problem, some cities charge an expensive tax to cars in downtown areas. Do you agree with this tax?

It is true that animals are used for research in a variety of sitting, including tests to determine the safety of
drugs, cosmetics and other substances. Although reasons can be given to justify this view, I personally
believe that these experiments should be banned because it is ethically unacceptable.
There are several reasons why some people support using the animal in the medical research and other
products testing. Firstly, the human is the important being on the planet so everything should be done to
ensure human safety and survival. Animal testing enables scientific and researchers to test the safety of
medication and other substance with which humans have regular contacts. Drugs, for instance, may pose
significant harm to humans, so testing them on animals first give researchers good chance to determine
drug safety before human trials are performed.
Secondly, researchers aim to minimise the suffering that animals experience in experiments by giving
painkiller and anesthetic drugs. However, I would strongly agree with those who believe that animal
experiments should be banned. Animal right activists (who defend animal right) argue that the lives of
animals should be respected. The benefits of research using animals do not justify the suffering caused
and the ethical debate against animals testing. Also, there are alternative non-animals methods of testing.
For instance, computerised human - patient simulators and In vitro testing which is defined as a research
using human cells and tissue can be used instead of using animals.
In conclusion, there are some convincing arguments for and against animal testing, but I strongly believe
that we as humans have no moral right to do experiments on animals and we should do everything we can
to protect them.
Thesis Statements 1: Write thesis statements for the following prompts (3 marks)

1. Describe an inspiring friend or family member.

2. Describe a happy memory.

3. Describe a beautiful location in nature.

4. Describe a famous restaurant you have known.

5.Describe the best place to explore in your hometown.

6. Compare and contrast the benefits of reading books and watching movies.

7.Compare and contrast the two skills: learning to read and learning to write.

8. Compare and contrast individual and team sports.

9. Compare and contrast the two classroom environments: Secondary and university.

10. Compare and contrast the two places you have visited.

11. Explain why education plays an essential role in an individual's life.

12. Explain why a healthy diet is important.

13. Convince your reader whether school uniforms should be mandatory in public schools.

14. Does technology make us more alone?

15. Explain the importance of going home for dinner to a family.

Possible examples:
1/ My friend Thanh was an inspiring friend and family member, who taught me the value of courage,
kindness, and loyalty, even after he passed away from a terminal illness.
2/ A trip to Da Lat with my classmates before we graduated was a happy memory that I will always
cherish, as we had fun exploring the city, bonding with each other, and celebrating our achievements.
3/ Dong Van Stone Plateau in Ha Giang is a beautiful location in nature, where you can witness the
stunning landscape of rocky mountains, deep valleys, and ancient villages, as well as the rich culture and
history of the ethnic minorities who live there.
4/ Pho Hoa in Ho Chi Minh City is a famous restaurant that I have known for a long time, where you can
enjoy the best pho in town, with its flavorful broth, tender meat, and fresh herbs.
5/ The best place to explore in my hometown is the War Remnants Museum, where you can learn about
the history and impact of the Vietnam War, as well as the resilience and spirit of the Vietnamese people.
6/ Reading books and watching movies are both beneficial ways to entertain and educate ourselves, but
they have different advantages and disadvantages. Reading books can stimulate our imagination,
creativity, and critical thinking, but it can also be time-consuming and boring for some people. Watching
movies can provide us with visual, auditory, and emotional effects, but it can also be distracting and
passive for some people.
7/ Learning to read and learning to write are two interrelated skills that are essential for communication
and learning, but they have different processes and outcomes. Learning to read involves decoding,
comprehending, and interpreting texts, while learning to write involves encoding, expressing, and
organizing ideas.
8/ Individual and team sports are both physical activities that can improve our health, fitness, and skills,
but they have different characteristics and requirements. Individual sports can foster our independence,
self-reliance, and personal goals, but they can also be lonely and stressful for some people. Team sports
can promote our cooperation, collaboration, and social skills, but they can also be challenging and
frustrating for some people.
9/ Secondary and university are two different levels of education that have different classroom
environments. Secondary classrooms are usually more structured, standardized, and teacher-centered,
while university classrooms are usually more flexible, diverse, and student-centered.
10/ Da Lat and Nha Trang are two popular tourist destinations in Vietnam that I have visited, but they
have different attractions and atmospheres. Da Lat is a mountainous city that is known for its cool
climate, pine forests, and flowers, while Nha Trang is a coastal city that is known for its warm weather,
sandy beaches, and islands.
11/ Education plays an essential role in an individual’s life, because it can provide us with knowledge,
skills, and opportunities that can improve our personal and professional development, as well as our
contribution to society.
12/ A healthy diet is important, because it can affect our physical, mental, and emotional well-being, as
well as our prevention and treatment of various diseases and conditions.
13/ School uniforms should be mandatory in public schools, because they can create a sense of equality,
discipline, and identity among students, as well as reduce the problems of bullying, peer pressure, and
dress code violations.
14/ Technology can make us more alone, because it can reduce our face-to-face interactions, social skills,
and emotional connections with other people, as well as increase our isolation, addiction, and dependence
on devices and platforms.
15/ Going home for dinner to a family is important, because it can strengthen our family bonds, values,
and traditions, as well as improve our nutrition, communication, and happiness.