LETTERS & EMAILS

Topic 9:
You have recently been to stay with an old friend in his/her hometown for a few
days. You hadn’t seen each other for a long time. Write an email to the friend
including:
say how you felt about the visit
refer to something enjoyable that you did while staying with him/her
invite your friend to visit you someday
Dear,
It's been an incredible experience to have met you in Singapore after a long hiatus ( gián đoạn),
probably after half a decade. The week we spent together seems to have vanished in no time. I
am writing to thank you for an amazing time and your hospitality during the trip and would like
to invite you to my house.
The whole week was absolutely awesome. In particular, the trip to Garden by the Bay would
remain etched in my memory forever. That evening we had a fabulous dinner at Golden Mile
cuisine center. and this was the best meal I have had in a decade. I wish I could make the time
stop! Apart from this, I’d also like to give my sincere gratitude to your wife who had been an
excellent host during the trip.
As you have mentioned, you have a plan to visit Vietnam next July.
There are plenty of places we can go and my parents would really love to see you. We will have
fun and enjoy our time together.
Warm wishes,
Topic 10:
Your best friend’s mother who you respect a lot has just passed away after six
months at the hospital. Write an email of condolence to him/her including:
 condole with him/her on her/his mother’s death
 share with him/her some memories from his/her mother
 willingly give help to him/her to overcome the sorrow
Dear,

I'm so sorry to hear about the passing of your mother I know she had been sick for a while, but
our whole family was hoping she’d pull through. I lost my grandmother last year, but I know that
doesn’t mean I know what you’re going through.

Elizabeth is one of the most kind and caring people we know and is always trying to help her
friends and neighbors. She used to take care of our little flower garden when we were on
vacation, the garden was always green and the flowers bloom beautifully when we returned. We
have many lovely memories of her, and will always remember her willing smile and open heart.
If you need someone to keep an eye on your mother's house, listen ìf you want to talk or doing
something, please do not hesitate to get in touch.
Condolences to everybody in your family.

With my affection and sympathy,

Topic 11:
You eat at your college cafeteria every lunch time. However, you think it needs
some improvements. Write a letter about 150 words to the college magazine. In
your letter:
explain what you like about the cafeteria
say what is wrong
suggest how it could be improved

Dear,
I am writing this letter to bring a couple of issues to your attention with regards to our college
cafeteria. I am hoping that you would publish an article related to this in our college magazine in
its next publication.
I have been going to our college cafeteria since the time I started college, and I have always liked
it since then. In fact, the perfect location of the cafeteria, its hygiene and cleanliness, and
varieties of the menu – all have contributed greatly in attracting many students from our college.
However, when it comes to prices of some of the food items as well as the customer service, the
cafeteria could certainly do some improvements.
Now, I understand that the price of the food can be a bit tricky issue to address but I believe that
everyone would also agree that some of the foods are overpriced, especially, for college students,
many of whom don’t have their own source of income.
So, based on the issues above, I would appreciate it if you publish an article that addresses how
this cafeteria is serving us, how the prices of a few food items could be reduced a little and how
its staff can be a bit more proactive sooner than later. That would be helpful to all students who
eat in the college cafeteria.

Yours sincerely,

Topic 12:
You are looking for a part-time job. Write a letter to an employment agency. In
your letter:
introduce yourself
explain what sort of job you would like
say what experience and skills you have
Dear Sir or Madam,

I am writing to express my interest to get registered to your employment agency as I am looking

for a suitable part-time job. I am hoping you would enlist me in your database and notify me of
suitable job announcements and forward my resume to prospective employers.
I am …(tên)………., a student at the University of Hutech and my major is Business
Administration. To support my education cost and to gain some job experience, I am seeking a
suitable part-time position.
I can work as an administrative assistant, customer experience manager or as a salesperson in a
retail shop. I can spare time from 4.30 pm onwards on weekdays and full-time on weekends.
I have previously worked as a customer support officer in a call centre in Japan and as a sales
executive in a supermarket in Ho Chi MInh City. I have attached my Curriculum Vitae with this
letter for your kind consideration which further details my education and work experience.
I look forward to hearing from you with the details process to register with your job agency.
Thank you in advance.
Yours faithfully,

Topic 13:
You have received a letter from your bank asking you to acknowledge receipt of
a new bank card. However, the card was missing from the envelope. Write a letter
to the bank’s head office. In your letter:
explain why you are writing
express concern about the missing card
ask them what they intend to do
Dear Sir,
I am writing to inform you that I received a letter from my bank today, which was supposed to
contain my new bank card. Unfortunately there was no bank card enclosed in the envelope when
I opened it.
I telephoned the bank to explain the problem, but I could not get through to the right department,
even though I waited on the line for over half an hour, which was extremely annoying.
In the letter, you asked me to acknowledge the receipt of the card, but obviously I cannot do this
as I have not received it. I am now very worried because it is a possibility that my card has gone
to another customer or got lost. What will happen if somebody has already used the card and
spent my money? Will the bank repay me?
Is it possible for the bank to cancel this card so nobody else can use it? Could you also send me a
new card by secure means?
I hope to hear from you soon.

SPEAKING
Topic 38: Should the death penalty be used to punish violent criminals?
 Part 1: Why or why not?
 Part 2: What can we do to prevent or decrease the increasing criminality nowadays?

I agree with the view that without it we will become more vulnerable to violence.
I believe that capital punishment is necessary in the society. Firstly, it is an effective deterrent of
major crimes. The best method to prevent a person from committing crime is to show the
consequences of his or her actions. Secondly, the governments spend large sums of national
budget on maintenance of prisoners. Instead, this money can be used for the development of the
society and welfare of the people.
I think that it proves to be the best way of controlling criminals, lessening governmental
expenses and preventing other people from doing crimes.
1. Have you ever been fined by the police?
2. Have you ever broken the traffic law? such as: Crossing a red light, going in the wrong lane
or turning on a signal when entering a turn……
3. According to you, what is latest law of Vietnam? It is the law to wear a face- mask when
going out
Topic 39: Should schools raise money by selling candy and sugary soft drinks to students?
 Part 1: Why or why not?
 Part 2: In what way do candy and sugary soft drinks affect students’ health badly?
Yes, because They are cheap to buy for fundraisers and convenient for students and staff.
Also, children and teens are more attached to junk food than to healthy food. In the long run,
selling candy and sugary drinks will improve the school's environment resulting in a better
education for students based on the funds collected.
Although these sugary foods and drinks may be nice the after effects such as being
overweight, having high blood sugar, heart disease or even cancer aren't worth it.
So be careful and don't eat too much sugary foods and sugary drinks students increase their
risk of developing diet related diseases such as obesity, heart disease, cancer and diabetes.
1. Do you often like eating fast food?
2. What kind of fast food do you usually eat?
3. Tell some fast food restaurants in this city?

Topic 40: Should state colleges be free to attend?

  Part 1: What are its advantages?
 Part 2: What are its disadvantages?
A. I disagree that the government should take responsibility for students’ university education
fees
Providing free tertiary education might either push the government to the verge of bankruptcy or
levy higher taxes on citizens because the costs for the government to maintain facilities or
employ qualified teachers are certainly exorbitant.
Additionally, education quality would also suffer owing to the increased number of students in
one class, which prevents teachers from giving out thorough care for everyone.
So far, there have been ample opportunities for scholarships or exemptions; and I think that is
the best method to support students.
B. As with any major decision, especially relating to higher education, there are pros and cons to
consider. Let’s break down the positives and negatives of tuition-free college.
 Pro's of Tuition Free College ( its advantages)
Reduces student debt,
Improved college graduation rates
More freedom to choose a major you enjoy
Allows more people access to college
 Con's of Tuition Free College (its disadvantages)
Increase in taxes
College might not seem as important
Potential that younger generations will not understand how to handle finances
More people would go to college
So far, there have been ample opportunities for scholarships or exemptions; and I think that is the
best method to support students.
Pro's of Tuition Free College (ưu điểm của nó)

Topic 41:Should girls be allowed to play on boys sports teams?

 Part 1: Why or why not?

 Part 2: Why should both boys and girls play sports?
It's a proven fact girls are not as tough as boys That’ s why they have boys and girls sports
separate. Boys are physically stronger than girls. It takes girls a longer time to get as strong as
boys. It would be a lot easier for girls and boys to just have their sports separate.
They are some sports i think that girls and boys can play together like tennis or like soccer until a
certain age.
In general I think girls should not play on boys' sports teams. I think, it depends on the age of
the participants. .and, to be honest, I think girl should not be allowed on boys sport teams
Topic 42:Should female construction workers earn the same wages as males?

 Part 1: Why or why not?

 Part 2: Do you think that only men should work as construction workers?
I say YES
People should be paid based on their hard work, etc.
The war between men and women about the wage difference would continue and possibly get
more violent if there was no change in the near future.
If the wages were not raised it could possibly lead to a total strike of women not working
because of the unfairness they are receiving.
On the other hand wage earnings can be compared by how well the person performs regardless of
gender.
Topic 43:Describe a time you lost something

 Part 1: What did you lose? Where and when did you lose it? How did you feel?
 Part 2: Could you find it back? By what way?
I lost my ID card when I was in the 4th semester at my university. I remember putting the ID
card in my pocket while leaving home and to reach the University. I took a public bus I don’t
know exactly where I lost it. But to my dismay, I could not find it anywhere.
This ID card was pretty important to me as it was required to enter the University building,
library or even in exam rooms and labs.
I felt pretty bad and was blaming myself for being such a careless person. I wrote an application
to the University authority and the nearest police station. after almost fifteen days. This event
happened problems that made me remember this event pretty vividly.
1. Do you often lose your money? Almost never, I am very careful about my money.
2. Have you ever forgotten something precious? may be, I somtimes forgot my phone at
school , but fortunately, ny friends hold it for me. From now on, I am always more careful.
3. Could you find it back? By what way? Almost I completely hopeless, bue unluckily, the
police found it .
4. Where and when did you lose it? Actually, I lost it on the bus, on the way home, when I
was in the 4th semester at my school
5. How did you feel ? I felt pretty bad and was blaming myself for being such a careless
person
Topic 44:Describe a time you changed your plan
 Part 1: What plan was it? Why did you change it?
 Part 2: Did you get any better results with your change?

I would like to tell about a time that I had to change my plan, which still left a lasting
memory on me.
Last month, I was going to have a picnic with my friends at a camping site on the outskirts of the
city. In fact, we planned to have a picnic to refresh ourselves and to relax after the nerve-racking
exams. Everything needed such as food, drinks was well prepared. However, on the next day,
unfortunately, due to bad weather, we had to cancel our plan. It was raining cat and dog, As a
result, we made a decision to put off our plans. Instead, we threw a party at my friend’s house..
We all enjoyed this party a lot, which helped us to chill out and get ready for the new semester.
This memory is still fresh in my mind now.
1. Did you get any better results with your change?
Yes, actually, I can learn a lesson that we can adapt the changes easily and make fun together despite
some difficulties.
2. What plan was it? we planned to have a picnic to refresh ourselves and to relax after the
nerve-racking exams.
3. Why did you change it? Because of the heavy rain, we had to cancel our plan.

Topic 45:Describe an occasion that you borrowed something from friends or family members
 Part 1: What did you borrow? Who did you borrow it from?
 Part 2: What did you do with it? Did you return it right after your use?
I'd like to talk about the time when I borrowed a book from my close friend, Minh. During my
final exam for English Grammar, . Then I realised that one of my friend who was also my senior
and had given the same exam last year. So I thought to explain my condition to him and lend the
book from him. To my surprise, he had kept the book from last year. After explaining my
situation, he not only gave me the book but also many valuable tips and tricks to tackle the exam.
I returned the book immediately after completion of the exam, after a few weeks when results
had declared, I discovered that I got good grades in that exam. At that time, I couldn't wait to
give this news to my friend. I visited him back with a surprise gift to show my gratitude.
1. What did you borrow? I borrowed an English Grammar book
2. Who did you borrow it from? From my best friend, my senior.
3. What did you do with it? I learned it carefully from my friend’s explanations and
instructions and valuable tricks as well.
4. Did you return it right after your use? Yes, of course, right after completion of the exam
with a surprise gift to show my gratitude.