10 ĐỀ SPEAKING PART 2 THI NHIỀU NHẤT
10 ĐỀ SPEAKING PART 2 THI NHIỀU NHẤT
10 ĐỀ SPEAKING PART 2 THI NHIỀU NHẤT
MỤC LỤC
1. Describe a piece of furniture in your room .................................................................. 2
3. Describle an interesting job that you want to have in the future .................................. 8
4. Do you think job satisfaction is more important than salary when choosing a job? . 12
9. Decribe a sport that you like to watch. You should say ............................................. 31
10. Describe an experience when you taught someone to do something new ............... 33
What is it?
I’m currently living in an apartment, which is fully equipped with modern furniture. Today, I’d like to tell you
about my study table.
What material is?
This table is made out of wood and metal, but it is not too fancy. Unlike most plastic tables, which are easily
prone to breaking, this table is incredibly solid. It’s a great combination of both traditional and contemporary
designs. So, the wood has a very natural color and rustic charm, which makes it look very modern and highly-
priced.
Who bought it?
It was by mother who bought this table as a birthday present for my 18th birthday. She is a selective person. We
accidentally went to a furniture showroom, which just happened to have a huge sale and everything was on a
heavy discount. This table immediately drew her attention and she decided to buy it without hesitation as we
had scored a really good deal on it.
How you feel about it?
It was mind-blowing! I really love this table; it’s just perfect I have to say. It has completely given my room a
new look. Moreover, it has made me a more organized person than in the past.
Whenever someone comes by my house, they always give compliments on my table and its quality. They even
ask me where I bought it. At this moment, I can assume that I’ll keep using this table in the long term.
Topic vocabulary:
Be equipped with something (phrasal verb): Được trang bị với cái gì đó.
Example: People who are involved in extreme sports are prone to injuries.
Example: We have a solid relationship since we’ve been together for years.
Example: Hoi An Ancient City is a great combination of both traditional and modern architecture.
Example: It takes you hours to shop with my mother since she is a very selective person.
Example: You should go shopping in Singapore from June to August since it’s the end of season, so everything
will be on heavy discount.
Score a deal on something (expression): Mua được cái gì đó với giá tốt (rẻ hơn bình thường).
Example: I went shopping on Black Friday and scored a great deal on a flat-screen TV.
Example: My parents gave compliments on my success as I passed the exam with flying colors.
Answer
(where the place is)
I’m going to describe a coffee shop called Tranquil, where I often spend my time engrossed in reading and
writing. It’s actually quite a long way from my house, but that doesn’t put me off visiting there again and again.
(how you know this place)
This coffee shop came highly recommended by one of my friends, a writer. She loves cosy places which
possess real character, in which she can spend hours writing film scripts, and this is one of her favourite
haunts. She took me there about three months ago, and I fell in love with it at first sight. It is a romantic old
spot with wooden tables, vintage book desks, and beautiful windows, all works of traditional craftsmanship..
Each floor has separate areas, and I felt like I was lost in a wonderland, with many seats specially situated to
offer beautiful views through various windows. (what you do there)
As a freelancer, I visit Tranquil frequently to read over my documents and do my online jobs. Sometimes, I
even come across some fascinating reading matter on their desks, because there are a large number of books
and documents donated to this coffee shop by loyal customers and book lovers. So, I broaden my literary
horizons in some unexpected directions. I have also joined a literary appreciation circle there, which meets
every month to discuss books which we have all read. (and explain why you think it is a good place for reading
and writing)
I have to admit that, though I’m hard to please, I’m always satisfied when I go there, secure in the knowledge
of a pleasurable visit . Not only is its design uniquely relaxing, but Tranquil’s service is second to none. You
always get good, consistently delicious food at Tranquil, whether you have lunch or just morning coffee or
afternoon tea. The atmosphere is warm and homely with gentle music and quiet people, which suits bookworms
like me down to the ground.
Meaning: not worried because you are sure that nothing bad will happen
Example: Students who work hard throughout the year will be confident when they take exams,
secure in the knowledge that they are well-prepared.
much better to have a small cosy room than a big cold one.
Haunt [noun]
Meaning: a place that somebody often visits or where they spend a lot of time. Example: This bar is one of the
favourite haunts of staff from the college nearby.
Spot [noun]
Meaning: a particular area or place
Example: She always sits in the same spot in the library, near the window so that she can look out over the
gardens.
Freelancer [noun]
Meaning: someone who works on different projects with different companies instead of being a company
employee
Example: He started off his career working as a freelancer with several design firms.
Come across [phrasal verb]
Meaning: to meet or find somebody/something by chance
Example: I came across some interesting old photos while I was looking through the drawers of my desk.
Pleasurable [adjective] Meaning: giving pleasure
Example: A visit to the Tower of London is a very pleasurable experience, because the Tower has a real
feeling of history.
Second to none [expression]
Meaning: as good as or better than all others
Example: The delicious Thai food in this restaurant is second to none.
Homely [adjective]
Meaning: plain or ordinary, but pleasant
Example: The hotel is homely and comfortable rather than luxurious.
Down to the ground [expression]
Meaning: if something suits you down to the ground, it suits you perfectly because it is convenient or the best
option for you
Example: As he has classes in the morning and afternoon, his part-time job in the evenings suits him
down to the ground.
(What it is)
Since I was young, I have always dreamed of becoming a tour guide. Being a backpacker, I have a very
strong thirst for travelling, so I believe it would be wonderful to have the opportunity to do it as a job.
As a matter of fact, my city is an increasingly –popular holiday destination and is swarming with
holidaymakers. Therefore, it would not be too hard for me to find a vacancy in almost any of the travel
agencies based in my city.
Although it may be easy to find a job vacancy in this field, to do the job is much more challenging. First and
foremost, a tour guide must act professionally by adhering to proper codes of conduct.
As they have to make direct contact with customers, it is extremely important that tour guides show that they
are trained and take their job seriously. Secondly, they also have to be a team player because guiding tours
involves the participation of many parties. To keep abreast of everything that is going on, smooth teamwork is
specially required to prevent any breakdown in communication.
As I have said, my city is thronged with tourists. And because of their stressful lifestyles, tourists
now are prepared to really break the bank to enjoy a well-organized trip. So I believe as long as I do
my job decently, I would get a good income.
In fact, I am quite confident that I have all the qualities required to be a tour guide. I have really good
communication skills and a smart appearance as well. Therefore, I believe if I train properly, I will be a good
tour guide!
Vocabulary
backpackers
Meaning: people who travel on holiday carrying all their equipment and clothes in a backpack, like a large very
strong bag which they carry on their back.
Example: London has cheap accommodation for backpackers who don’t have much money to spend on hotels.
Ví dụ: Anh ấy đã đi khắp thế giới, nhưng vẫn khao khát được đặt chân tới những nơi mới lạ và tận hưởng
những trải nghiệm mới.
Example: He has been all over the world, but he still has a thirst for seeing new places and enjoying
new experiences.
Ví dụ: London có những phòng nghỉ giá rẻ cho du khách ba lô, những người không có nhiều tiền để ở khách
sạn.
Meaning: refers to the situation of a place having a great number of visitors crowded or considered together
Example: At weekends, London, in particular, is thronged with tourists and certain areas of the city such as
Oxford Street and Covent Garden are swarming with visitors.
Ví dụ: Vào cuối tuần, cụ thể ở London, đầy những du khách và một số khu vực tong thành phố như Oxford
Street hay Convent Garden thì chật ních người.
Meaning: when people swarm somewhere, they move there in a large group or in large numbers. Example:
During the summer, the little seaside town is swarming with holidaymakers.
Ví dụ: Vào mùa hè, thị trấn nhỏ ven biển đầy những vị khách tới nghỉ mát.
Từ vựng chủ đề Government:
1. to adhere to
Example: Governments which fail to adhere to their election promises generally become unpopular very
quickly.
codes of conduct
Example: The code of conduct in this company is voluntary but it is seen as a sign of best practice. Ví dụ: Bộ
quy tắc ứng xử là tự nguyện nhưng nó được coi là tiêu chuẩn thực hiện.
to be a team player
Example: Employees who are good team players are more likely to be selected for promotion. Ví dụ: Những
nhân viên có khả năng làm việc tốt sẽ có nhiều cơ hội được chọn để thăng tiến hơn.
to keep abreast of something
Example: This new service helps doctors keep abreast of the newest drugs available. Ví dụ: Dịch vụ mới cho
phép bác sĩ cập nhật tin tức về những loại thuốc mới nhất.
a breakdown in communication
Meaning: a misunderstanding which results from people failing to discuss and resolve something
Example: The dispute between the workers and the employer was the result of a breakdown in
communication over wages.
Ví dụ: Mâu thuẫn giữa công nhân và ông chủ là do sự thất bại trong giao tiếp về mức lương.
Vocabulary
challenging (adjective): difficult in an interesting way that tests your ability Eg: She had a
challenging and rewarding career as a teacher.
lifestyle (noun): the way in which a person or a group of people lives and works Eg: It was a big
change in lifestyle when we moved to the countryside.
Do you think women should be able to do all the same jobs that men do?
(Give direct answer to the question) No, I wholeheartedly believe that women shouldn’t do all the jobs that
men do. (Explain your reasons) It seems obvious that the nature of men enables them to work in specific jobs
that women cannot because of their relative weakness; both physically and mentally. (Give an example) For
example, operating heavy machines, building houses or farming are not suitable for women since they are not
likely to be able to endure the hardship of these jobs. (Explain the opposite or alternative) If they perform a
man's job for a long time, they may become exhausted and overloaded.
Vocabulary:
S+wholeheartedly believe that Clause: hoàn toàn tin rằng… Example: she wholeheartedly believes
that aliens exist.
Operate machines: vận hành máy móc
Example: he can operate this machine even though he has never seen it before.
Endure hardship: chịu đựng khó khăn
Example: trainees who can endure hardship will have a chance of officially getting the job.
Perform the job: làm việc
Example: my sister performs the job so well that she has been offered a higher salary.
Be exhausted: kiệt sức
Example: I was exhausted after running 2 kilometers.
Be overloaded: quá tải
Example: she was overloaded by the work as the manager’s secretary.
(What it is)
Well, I’m quite into shopping, especially when it comes to clothes and household goods. I have a never-
ending list of things that I wish to replace and among them, the one that springs to mind first is my washing
machine. The washing machine was made in Japan by a popular brand name and it has been in use for about 8
years now.
The washing machine was a present from a group of friends when I moved to a new house 8 years ago. They
told me that at first they were going to buy a television, but on second thoughts, a washing machine was more
practical. At that time, this was such a valuable gift and was actually one of the most expensive, if not
extravagant things in my house. The machine has relieved much of my housework, but as time goes by, I
start to feel the need to replace it with a new one.
For one thing, this washing machine has now become a bit obsolete because some operations have to be done
by hand, so and I am planning to buy a more up-to-date model that is fully automatic. The pile of laundry that
needs washing has increased dramatically over the years, and it has become cumbersome for me to do all my
washing using my old machine. I need a modern labour-saving appliance, because I have to take the trouble
to take all the dresses on the roof top and dry them out in the sunshine. The rainy season sometimes make it
very difficult and that’s why I am planning to replace my old washing machine with a new one that will dry my
stuff automatically as well.
Vocabulary:
a labour-saving appliance
Meaning: a machine that reduces the amount of work or effort needed to do something.
Example: The technological revolution in the home started with the introduction of labour-saving appliances,
such as washing machines, dishwashers and microwave ovens.
Vocabulary:
when it comes to [expression]: as for something; speaking about something khi xét đến, nhắc đến cái
gì
Eg: Say the word "Australia" and a vision of beaches and blue seas immediately springs to mind.
on second thoughts [expression]: used when you want to change a decision you have made: không
thể thiếu được
Eg: Can I have a cup of coffee, please? - actually, on second thoughts, I'll have a beer.
Eg: The product does not live up to the extravagant claims of the advertisers.
to relieve [verb]: to provide relief for a bad situation or for people in need: làm dịu đi, bớt đi Eg:
Wealthy countries offered emergency food aid to help relieve the famine.
as time goes by [expression]: when time passes: khi thời gian trôi qua Eg: As time goes by, he will
forever be one of the greatest artists in my heart.
up-to-date [adjective]: modern, fashionable
laundry [noun]: clothes, sheets, towels etc that need to be washed or which have recently been
washed
Eg: There is always a lot of extra laundry to do when my sister’s family come to stay at our house.
cumbersome [adjective]: difficult to do or manage and taking a lot of time and effort: nhọn nhằn, khó
khăn
Eg: Critics say that the process for amending the Constitution is cumbersome, but others defend it.
to take the trouble to do sth [expression]: to make an effort to do something (that one might not
otherwise do): cố gắng vượt qua
You should say: When it was Where it was What you bought
How you felt about the shopping experience
(When it was)
I first paid a visit to a street market in spring two years ago, when I was traveling abroad. I was lucky to have
arrived in time for such warm, sunny weather, which really enhanced my overall experience.
(Where it was)
The market was called the Chinatown Market in Singapore, located not so far from the iconic Merlion. Being
the shopaholic that I am, I was extremely excited to see a crowded, busy shopping area full of different
merchandise.
As Singapore is famous as a tourist attraction, the market was thronged with tourists looking for souvenirs. I
guess that’s the reason why the market was so full of souvenir shops. Strolling through the length of the street,
I was bombarded with a diverse range of things for sale at prices to suit every pocket. Here, you can find
everything you could ever imagine, ranging from food, bags and clothes to keychains and jewelry. I was told
that the market was understood to be a place which offers acceptable quality at relatively low prices, which is
rare in such a pricey place as Singapore. I ended up buying lots of t-shirts for my friends back home.
The visit was unforgettable. Visiting the market was a unique opportunity for me to dig deeper into
Singaporean culture. Besides buying goods, I also managed to make small talk with the local stallholders and
residents, which gave me a view into their daily lifestyle. That was far more interesting and vivid than any
written description I have ever read about the country so far. In my opinion, a trip to Chinatown market would
come highly recommended for anyone with a thirst for cultural experiences.
Vocabulary:
to be a shopaholic/a workaholic
Meaning: a person who spends too much time shopping/too much time working
Example: Although I sometimes enjoy shopping for bargains, I would not describe myself as a shopaholic
because I have other interests too.
Meaning: to talk in a polite way about unimportant matters such as the weather
Example: I enjoy a serious discussion and I don’t like to make small talk or exchange pleasantries with others
simply in order to be polite.
Ví dụ: Tôi thích những cuộc nói chuyện nghiêm túc chứ không thích nói chuyện xã giao với người khác chỉ vì
phép lịch sự.
Meaning: refers to the situation of a place having a great number of visitors crowded or considered together
Example: At weekends, London, in particular, is thronged with tourists, and certain areas of the city such as
Oxford Street and Covent Garden are swarming with visitors.
Ví dụ: Vào cuối tuần, cụ thể ở London, đầy những du khách và một số khu vực tong thành phố như Oxford
Street hay Convent Garden thì chật ních người.
to have a thirst for something
Meaning: to have a strong desire for something
Example: He has been all over the world, but he still has a thirst for seeing new places and enjoying new
experiences.
Ví dụ: Anh ấy đã đi khắp thế giới, nhưng vẫn khao khát được đặt chân tới những nơi mới lạ và tận hưởng
những trải nghiệm mới.
Example: Every day it seems as if we are bombarded with e-mail messages warning of computer
viruses.
Ví dụ: Ngày nào chúng tôi cũng như thể bị khủng bố bằng những tin nhắn qua email về việc cảnh báo có virus
máy tính.
Meaning: to think or believe that something is true because you have been told that it is Example: The
President is understood to be in favour of more spending on the military. Ví dụ: Chủ tích nước được cho là sẽ
chi nhiều hơn cho quân sự
to dig deep (into something)
Meaning: to search thoroughly for information
Example: Computer technology has enabled authorities to dig deep into all kinds of personal records relating
to ordinary citizens.
Ví dụ: Công nghệ thông tin đã cho phép chính quyền các nước tìm hiểu sâu về các loại thông tin cá nhân liên
quan đến công dân của họ.
Example: Books by classic authors always come highly recommended, but work by new and talented writers
should not be overlooked.
Ví dụ: Sách viết của các tác giả cũ thường được đánh giá cao, nhưng cũng không nên bỏ qua những tài năng
mới.
Vocabulary:
to stroll [verb]: to walk in a leisurely, unhurried and relaxed way
Eg: I was really stressed after the exam, so I took a leisurely stroll in the park to relax.
to suit every pocket [expression]: at prices which either rich or poor people can afford
Eg: Oxford Street in London has a range of cheap and expensive shops with goods to suit every pocket.
acceptable [adjective]: satisfactory, reasonable
Eg: Although the journey was dangerous, he was well-prepared and he considered the risks involved to be
acceptable.
pricey [adjective]: expensive Eg: As a poor student, I never eat in pricey restaurants.
stallholder [noun]: a person who has a small area for selling goods in a market.
Eg: We bought some fish from a stallholder in the famous fish market near the port.
It may sound unbelievable, but of all the subjects I learned at school, I was really into Math. My friends and
the general public nowadays may tend to complain that Math covers too much ground and is too difficult, but
my love for Math remains unchanged.
The person who played the biggest role in inspiring me to study Math was my teacher in my second year at
school. She always tried to integrate interactive learning into our lessons and involve us in lots of exciting
activities. Also, we were never bombarded with too many new things, and our teacher never failed to explain
to us again the points that we found difficult to understand. This helped us to have a good grasp of everything
we were taught.
The main reason why Math was fascinating to me is that this subject was logical and easy to study. Whenever I
had to sit an exam, I only had to memorize the formula and know how to apply it in order to solve problems.
Meanwhile, getting good grades in art or literature tests required great talent,skills and background knowledge.
Therefore, I found it much easier to make the grade in Math compared with other subjects. So, because I was
always a high-flyer in Math, I guess I always found it more interesting than subjects in which I was only an
average student in the class.
Vocabulary:
Meaning: to deal with much information and many facts. Example: The history lecture covered a lot of
ground today. Ví dụ: Bài giảng lịch sử hôm nay sử dụng rất nhiều tài liệu.
interactive learning
Meaning: refers to a method of teaching and learning in which teachers ask questions in class, assign and check
homework, or hold class or group discussions.
Example: With or without the aid of technology, interactive learning helps students strengthen problem
solving and critical thinking skills.
Ví dụ: Dù có hay không sự hỗ trợ của công nghệ, hình thức học tương tác giúp học sinh cải thiện khả năng giải
quyết vấn đề và tăng tư duy phản biện.
Example: Every day it seems as if we are bombarded with e-mail messages warning of computer viruses.
Ví dụ: Ngày nào chúng tôi cũng như thể bị khủng bố bằng những tin nhắn qua email về việc cảnh báo có virus
máy tính.
Example: Children who begin to learn a foreign language in primary school are usually able to have a good
grasp of the new language quickly.
Ví dụ: Trẻ em mới bắt đầu học ngoại ngữ tại trường tiểu học thường sẽ nắm bắt được ngôn ngữ mới rất nhanh
chóng.
to be out of one’s depth
Example: Streaming in schools enables pupils to study at the level which is appropriate for them, and therefore
students rarely find themselves out of their depth.
Ví dụ: Phân lớp tại trường học cho phép học sinh học ở trình độ phù hợp với mình, và ít khi bị rơi vào tình
trạng vượt quá khả năng nhận thức.
to sit an exam
Example: Some students claim that they feel more motivated to study when they have to sit an exam at the end
of their course.
Ví dụ: Một số sinh viên khẳng định rằng họ cảm thấy có động lực học hơn khi họ cần tham gia kì thi vào cuối
kì.
Example: Nobody can succeed in their studies if they rely on luck rather than hard work to make the grade.
Ví dụ: Không ai có thể thành công trong việc học nếu họ chỉ dựa vào vận may chứ không chăm chỉ cố gắng để
đạt được kết quả.
a high-flyer
Meaning: someone who has the desire and ability to be very successful in their studies
Example: The problem with our teacher is that she explains things too quickly for most of the students and she
pays most attention only to the academic high-flyers in the class.
Ví dụ: Vấn đề của cô giáo chúng tôi là cô ấy giảng bài quá nhanh và chỉ quan tâm tới những học sinh ham học
trong lớp.
what kind of TV program it was, e.g. comedy, romantic when you saw the TV program.
what the TV program was about
I’m going to talk about “The Suite life of Zack and Cody”. Well, unlike kids nowadays who have tons of ways
to entertain themselves, back in 2005, we were totally glued to the Disney Channel, a popular channel for kids
which is loved by adults as well. Not only me, but also my siblings love this channel and we often watch it
together in family gatherings.
This channel has several programs. And one of our favorite comedy shows back then was “The Suite Life of
Zack and Cody”, which starred the lovable twins Dylan and Cole Sprouse living in an exclusive hotel. Lasting
three seasons, the show even had a spin-off. In the 4 parts, Zack was the funny character and Cody was the
smart one. Apart from the two main characters, this program had lots of other supporting characters and each
had their own distinctive personality, which gave the program a wide audience appeal. I have to admit that the
main reason I was a big fan of this program was not because of Zack and Cody but a side character - London
Tipton, who was an obvious parody of the socialite Paris Hilton. She appeared in almost every episode of “The
Suite Life of Zack & Cody” and was presented as a ditzy, privileged girl with hidden depth. Another reason is
that I learnt countless new things by watching this show. At the age of 13, I learned about how some Western
people bring up their offspring. I was impressed by the way they treat and talk to their children as a friend,
which helps a lot to bridge the generation gap and make family relationships much more intimate.
Vocabulary
A family gathering
Meaning: to bring up means to raise; this is what you do as a parent with your children; you educate them,
nurture them, etc.; offspring refers to your children;
Example: They are bringing up their offspring in a very strict household
Meaning: the experience of not understanding your parents or grandparents and them not understanding you,
due to being raised during different time periods, in a different cultural setting
Example: They were able to bridge the generation gap by watching old and new movies together and
discussing them.”
Các từ khác
Spin-off
[Noun] a programme or other show involving characters from a previous programme (ngoại truyện, chương
trình dẫn xuất)
Eg: The stage show is a spin-off from a television programme.
[noun] a character in a narrative that is not focused on by the main storyline, but appears or is mentioned in the
story (nhân vật phụ)
Eg: Most TV series have a number of supporting characters, in addition to the main characters in the show.
Parody
[noun] humorous or satirical imitation of a serious piece of literature or writing (một thể loại nhái) Eg: His
hilarious parody of Hamlet's soliloquy is going viral.
Privileged
[adj] having an advantage that only one person or group of people has, usually because of their position or
because they are rich (có đặc quyền)
Eg: As an ambassador, she enjoys a very privileged status.
Do you think (watching) films have (has) any educational benefits?
Personally, I agree with the idea that films bring a lot meaningful lessons to the audience. For example,
romantic films can educate people about the value of love, honesty, and faithfulness. They can make the
audience sympathize with other people and respect what they have. Indeed, films can teach people good
virtues in order to be better citizens through stories.
In what ways are documentary films and films only for entertainment different?
Documentary films are different from entertaining films in various aspects, especially their purposes.
Regarding their objectives, documentary filmmakers strive to document some aspects of reality,
primarily for the purposes of instruction, education or maintaining a historical record.
In contrast, entertaining films aim mainly to provide fun. Directors try to find funny storylines and hire the
best comedy actors, such as Jackie Chan, and use good scriptwriters to come up withdialogues that will make
audiences laugh.
Why do you think documentary films are not so popular?
Documentary films are not as popular as entertainment films because audiences may prefer to watch films in
order to escape from the harsh realities of everyday life and problems.
Documentary films are primarily aimed at educating audiences and they may, therefore, lack entertaining
features as well as dramatic elements. As a result, there is always a danger that audiences may feel bored or
distracted.
How are movies and real life different ?
However, these scenarios contrast sharply with what would happen if these situations were encountered in real
life.
Do men and women like to watch the same kinds of films?
Personally, I think men and women have different preferences when it comes to films.
In general, men tend to watch action films with fast and dangerous scenes like car chases, or
science fiction films which relate to unrealistic stories with imaginative, futuristic plots.
On the other hand, a large number of women prefer romantic films or comedies which bring
worthy messages.
It is obvious that different generations prefer different kinds of films. For example, youngsters are usually fond
of funny cartoons or comedies. Adults tend to watch various types of films such as action films, romantic films
or films based on real events, depending on their interests.
Do you like any particular film star? Why?
Yes. My favorite film star is Emma Watson, who was the actress in the Harry Porter film series which I have
followed since I was a child. I particularly like her due to her superb performance and admirable personal
qualities.
In terms of performance, I have been really impressed by her acting ability, playing convincing roles in all the
films she has starred in. Moreover, she has also received various important awards for the best actress.
In terms of her personality, she is a kind-hearted, generous person who is always willing to help
disadvantaged people.
Every time I see her on TV, I remember my childhood and that makes me happy. I think I will continue to
follow her career in the long run.
VOCABULARY
Sympathize (verb): (thông cảm, đồng cảm)to feel sorry for somebody; to show that you understand
and feel sorry about somebody’s problems
Ex: I know what it's like to have migraines, so I really sympathize (with you).
Document (verb): (dẫn chứng bằng tài liệu, ghi lại chi tiết sự việc)to record the details of
something
Ex: Causes of the disease have been well documented.
Ex: Some of Shakespeare’s plays have a very sad and tragic storyline.
Scriptwriter (noun): a person who writes the words for films/movies Ex: Every good actor needs an
expert scriptwriter in order to play their role well in a film.
Come up with (phrasal verb): find or produce an answer or idea Ex: He came up with an idea for a
movie about dinosaurs.
Dialogue (noun): conversations in a film/movie
Ex: The dialogues in romantic films are usually longer than the dialogues in action films.
Ex: For many elderly people, coping with poor health is one of the harsh realities of life.
Dramatize (verb): (soạn thành kịch)to present a book, an event, etc. as a play or a film/movie
Ex: Jane Austen’s ‘Emma’ was dramatized on television recently.
Scenario(s) (noun): (viễn cảnh có thể xảy ra)a description of how things might happen in the future
Ex: The worst-case scenario (= the worst possible thing that could happen) would be for the factory to be
closed down.
Superb (adjective): (tuyệt vời, xuất sắc)excellent; of very good quality Ex: Taylor scored a superb
Ex: The dedication of the doctors and nurses in this hospital is admirable. Convincing (adjective):
that makes somebody believe that something is true
Ex: The dinosaurs in the film are very convincing – in fact, children are quite scared of them!
Ex: Next year, she plans to star in a new romantic movie filmed in Paris.
Kind – hearted (adjective): (tốt tính)A kind-hearted person is one who likes other people a lot and
always wants to help them.
Ex: She is also a kind-hearted, generous person who is always willing to help disadvantaged people.
Disadvantaged (adjective): not having enough money or skills to succeed in life
Ex: The free meals sservice is designed to help disadvantaged people in the local community.
What sport it is
Where and when you first watched it Who you watched it with
Explain why you like it.
(What sport it is) Tennis used to be regarded as a sport for the wealthy and aristocratic individuals in Europe,
especially in the U.K., where a tournament called The Championships originated. It is the oldest and most
prestigious tennis tournament in the world, held annually in Wimbledon, London. However, as the costs of
becoming involved with tennis have come down, the sport has become more accessible to and increasingly
popular with the general public.
(Where and when you first watched it) It just so happens that the first tennis tournament I watched was The
Championships in 2012, when I was a grade-7 boy who had no clue what he was watching on TV. It is my
cousin who made the rules clear to me, which helped me work out how the match
was played and led me to fall in love with the sport. In the Wimbledon tournament, all of the competitors are
required to wear white outfits and there are no billboards or banners around the courts. The Brits call the type
of tennis played on grass “lawn tennis” and The Championships, a grass tournament, is held it high national
esteem.
(Who you watched it with) As mentioned previously, I first watched tennis with my cousin, who laid the
foundation for my love for tennis. She is one of the best tennis partners I have ever met, although neither of us
are able to engage in the sport as much as we’d like due to a lack of funds. Despite this, we usually watch the
high-profile tournaments in which our favourite players participate, sharing our love of the sport after a long
day at work.
(Explain why you like it) It difficult for me articulate the reasons why I love it, but I will try my best. First of
all, tennis players, like football stars, are eye-catching! This is, apparently, one of the more common reasons for
girls to find a love for a sport: not only do we love tennis, but we also love tennis players. Secondly, tennis, until
now, is a sport for those who have a strong financial background and it is common knowledge that one’s
financial background corresponds with one’s education; most tennis players are thus well-educated and know
how to behave themselves. Last, but not least, tennis also makes a contribution, albeit to a very small extent, to
the improvement of my English proficiency due to that fact I that read about it in English.
aristocrat (n): giới quý tộc.
Many aristocrats were killed in the French Revolution.
Rất nhiều giới quý tộc đã bị xử tử trong cuộc Cách Mạng Pháp.
prestigious (a): uy tín.
a prestigious university một trường đại học uy tín .
the general public (n): công chúng.
This is a matter of great concern to the general public.
Đây là một vấn đề gây nhiều lo lắng trong giới công chúng.
It just so happens that: dùng để nói một việc nào đó có thật và mang tính bất ngờ.
Tôi muốn làm rõ vấn đề này với bạn, vì thế cứ hỏi nếu bạn thắc mắc.
Kết quả của các học sinh tại cuộc thi PISA thường liên kết với GDP quốc gia của thí sinh.
I’m not very good at teaching. However, I was once successful at teaching my nephew a new skill: reading.
I started trying to teach my nephew to read about a year ago, having him sound out the titles of books before we
read them, having him sound out words within the books here and there, and following along with my finger so
he’d be able to see where we were. However, it didn’t work. He was constantly frustrated, wanting to get to
the fun part, and it seemed like we never made any forward progress. I mentioned this to my friend, who
happens to be a primary teacher. She lent me some books
thatcame highly recommended, with repeating patterns (“I see the cat.” “I see the dog.” “I see the bird.”)
paired with pictures that help little readers grasp the meaning of the story. The words and pictures stuck in my
nephew’s mind and his reading moved on by leaps and boundsin a matter of weeks. The books made him
feel good about himself – they moved him forward incrementally, because they were designed to make kids
feel confident in their abilities while gradually introducing new concepts. I’m glad that my nephew approached
reading for enjoyment, not as a task he must do without fun or excitement.
Vocabulary
frustrated [adjective]
Meaning: feeling annoyed or less confident because you cannot achieve what you want (khó chiu) Example:
Are you feeling frustrated in your present boring job?
(to) grasp [verb]
Meaning: to understand something completely
Example: The talk was interesting, but as the topic was new to me, I did not grasp everything that the speaker
told us.
by leaps and bounds [expression] Meaning: very quickly
Example: Since she has started doing exercise, her health has improved by leaps and bounds.
in a matter of weeks [expression]
Meaning: in a short time (several weeks) (chỉ trong vài tuần)
Example: The government will introduce the new environmental law in a matter of weeks.
(to) approach [verb]
Meaning: to start dealing with a task in a particular way
Example: We must approach the exam by making a study timetable of what to do each week.
Part 3
Why do you think some people like doing new things?
Obviously, humans are curious by nature. Besides, most people do new things because of their thirst for the
unknown and the unseen. Practically, first-hand experience never fails to offer new insights and perspectives.
Trying something new will enliven our seemingly repetitive routine. However, there are some other people as
well who are reluctant to do new things and are introvert by nature.
What problems can people have when they try new activities for the first time?
Well, certain problems will crop up when people try new things for the very first time. It is usually expected
that there would be some challenges for anything to be done for the first time, and it is important to take
sensible precautions. One’s unfamiliarity and inexperience can sometimes lead to failure, injuries or
accidents when people decide to take up sport, for example. Yet, more often than not, novices will get better
with time.
Do you think it’s best to do new things on your own or with other people? Why?
I think this varies from person to person. Some people like to do things on their own in order to meet different
people and extend their social network, or maybe to experience the activity by themselves. Other people only
do things with their friends or family because they feel more comfortable in the company of others. In my case
I don’t mind, I’ll try something new on my own or with friends if they are interested in doing it too.
What kinds of things do children learn to do when they are very young? How important are these things?
When children are young, they mostly learn through the actions and reactions of their parents and family
members. Appropriate social practices from their family will enable children to establish long-lasting
relationships and good behaviour. On the other hand, if children are neglected at any early age, they will be
slow to pick up vital skills such as walking, speaking and literacy.
Do you think children and adults learn to do new things in the same way? How is their learning style different?
Personally, I think children and adults have different learning styles. Children have much less fear and they just
try anything new without worrying about the result. As adults, we are much more rational and tend to consider
things carefully before doing them. The benefits, risks or opportunities involved are always taken into
account. Meanwhile, children have a much more adventurous spirit naturally and are eager to experience new
things
Some people say that it is more important to be able to learn new things now than it was in the past. Do you
agree or disagree with that? Why?
Well, I disagree. We should always learn new things in life. Maybe nowadays it’s more important to learn new
things quickly, faster than before, because the pace of life and rate at which new things are introduced is
increasing, thanks to technology and science. Without the desire to adapt to changes, we will lag behind in the
rat race and our personal development will suffer as well.
Thereby, capacities should be increased to learn about new things and this is crucial for everyone, I believe.
Vocabulary:
E.g. Governments should provide more sports facilities to encourage people to take up
sport.
Vocabulary:
curious[adjective]: having a strong desire to know about something: tò mò Eg: They were very
curious about the people who lived upstairs.
insight[noun]: the ability to see and understand the truth about people or situations: sự thấu hiểu
repetitive [adjective] doing the same thing many times, so that it becomes boring E.g: Housework is
never finished, because there are always some repetitive chores to do.
(to) crop up [phrasal verb]: to appear or happen, especially when it is not expected : nổi lên, xảy ra
bất chợt
Eg: I'll be late because something's cropped up at home.
unfamiliarity [noun]: the fact of having no knowledge or experience of something: sự không quen
thuộc
Eg: Bob admits his relative unfamiliarity with fixing electrical appliances.
(to) extend [verb]: to make something longer or larger: mở rộng Eg: There are plans to extend the
no-smoking area.
company [noun]: the fact of being with somebody else and not alone: sự dồng hành Eg: I enjoy Jo's
company when travelling.
appropriate [adjective]: suitable, acceptable or correct for the particular circumstances:phù hợp
Eg: Now that the problem has been identified, appropriate action can be taken.
to pick up [phrasal verb]: to get information or a skill by chance rather than by making a deliberate
effort
Eg: She picked up a little French when she was on holiday in Paris.
rational [adjective]: (of a person) able to think clearly and make decisions based on reason rather than
emotions: lý trí
Eg: Linh is a rational girl, she knows how to handle problems properly.
(to) take sth into account [expression]: to consider particular facts, circumstances, etc. when making
a decision about something : cân nhắc, xem xét
Eg: Coursework is taken into account as well as exam results at the end of the course.
(to) lag behind [verb]: to move or develop slowly or more slowly than other people, organizations,
etc: bị bỏ lại phía sau
Eg: We still lag far behind many of our competitors in using modern technology.
capacity [noun]: the ability to understand or to do something: năng lực Eg: Mary has an enormous
capacity for hard work.