ChartsGraphs Gilhooly

Describe a piece of furniture in your room.
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: This school is equipped with expensive facilities.

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Be made out of something (phrasal verb): Được làm từ gì đó.
Example: This ring is made out of 24K gold.
Fancy (adjective): Sang chảnh.
Example: We went to a fancy restaurant last night.
Prone to (verb): Dễ bị gì đó.
Example: People who are involved in extreme sports are prone to injuries.
Solid (adjective): Vững chắc, bền.
Example: We have a solid relationship since we’ve been together for years.
A great combination of (expression): Một sự kết hợp tuyệt vời.
Example: Hoi An Ancient City is a great combination of both traditional and modern architecture.
Rustic charm (expression): Vẻ quyến rũ mộc mạc.
Example: Ha Noi still maintains a rustic charm after many decades.
Highly-priced (adjective): Đắt tiền.
Example: This brand only sells highly-priced clothes.
Selective (adjective): Kỹ tính.
Example: It takes you hours to shop with my mother since she is a very selective person.
On a heavy discount (expression): Giảm giá sâu.
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.
Draw someone’s attention (expression): Thu hút sự chú ý của ai đó.
Example: His appearance absolutely draws my attention.
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.
Mind-blowing (adjective): Sững sờ, ngạc nhiên.
Example: It was a mind-blowing feeling when he showed up.
Come by (phrasal verb): Ghé thăm.
Example: You can come by my house anytime you want.
Give compliments on (expression): Khen ngợi về cái gì đó.
Example: My parents gave compliments on my success as I passed the exam with flying colors.
PART 3:
1. In your country, where do people buy furniture for their homes?
Answer: (Give a direct answer to the question) I believe that most people in my country usually
pay a visit to a furniture showroom (Explain your reason or reasons) since there are many offers
and diversity in design. However, for those who are on a tight budget, flea markets are ideal places
where they can purchase furniture at a reasonable price.
2. What factors do people need to consider when buying furniture for the home? (In what situations
do people in your country buy furniture?)
Answer: (Give a direct answer to the question) First things first, they will obviously think about
what kind of furniture they need for their houses. (Explain your reason or reasons) They will also
look at which room it will go in and how much space they have. In Vietnam as well as other Asian
countries, color and style are also taken into serious consideration in order to suit the Feng Shui of
the owner of the house. (Give an example (often a personal example)) For example, in my house,
we are recommended to buy furniture in red, purple, and a blue color, which will bring luck and
safety for all members.
3. Why do some people like to buy expensive furniture?
Answer: (Give a direct answer to the question) I can say that maybe they just simply want to lavish
money upon their pleasures. (Explain your reason or reasons) However, I believe that everything
has its own price; highly-priced furniture goes with good quality. (Give an example (often a
personal example)) For instance, my family purchased a TV 20 years ago with a costly price at that
time. Still, it has been incredibly sturdy until now and we still use the TV on a regular basis.
4. Do you think style is important?
Answer: (Give a direct answer to the question) Yes, I do think that style is essential when
decorating your house. (Explain your reason or reasons) Everyone has their own cup of tea, so
style is an ideal way that reflects or symbolizes the different personalities of the owner. ( Explain
the opposite or alternative ) When you come by a house that is filled with furniture designed as
minimalist, it will show that the owner of this house is a person who likes simplicity for example. In
addition, having a house with your favorite type of furniture can lift your spirits whenever you get
home.
5. Do people in your country prefer traditional or modern styles of furniture?
Answer: (Give a direct answer to the question) Well, that mainly depends on the people and the
families. I don’t think there is any set preference. (Explain your reason or reasons) From my
experience, I’d say that I prefer modern furniture as it goes along with other trends in my country. I
mean, foreign fashions usually attract our attention since we always want to catch the trend and try
something new.
TOPIC VOCABULARY:
Pay a visit (Expression): Ghé thăm.
Example: Barack Obama paid a visit to Vietnam 2 years ago.
On a tight budget (expression): Tiết kiệm, thắt chặt chi tiêu.
Example: We are travelling on a tight budget!
A flea market (noun): Chợ trời.
Example: The flea market is on the left of this road, just go straight and you’ll find it.
Reasonable price (expression): Gía cả thích hợp.
Example: We bought a flat-screen TV with a reasonable price because yesterday was Black Friday.
First things first (Expression): Điều quan trọng nhất là.
Example: First things first, we need to know how to ride the boat.
Feng Shui (noun): Phong thủy.
Example: The Feng Shui is really important when you move to a new house.
Lavish money upon something (expression): Tiêu phí tiền vào việc gì đó.
Example: They lavish money upon buying cars.
Everything has its own price (Idiom): Cái gì cũng có cái giá của nó.
Cup of tea (Expression): Sở thích riêng.
Example: Don’t make him buy that T-shirt! He has his own cup of tea.
Reflect (verb): Phản ánh.
Example: This news really reflects how the world is going on.
Lift your spirits (expression): Làm cho cảm thấy hứng thú, hung phấn hơn.
Example: She decided to go shopping as she wants to lift her spirits.
Catch the trend (expression): Bắt kịp với xu hướng.
Example: You are so outdated! You should change your clothes to catch the trend.
Describe a place in your city you want to go to

(Tham khảo bài: Describe a place where you can read and write|)
You should say
· Where the place is
· How you know this place
· What you do there
· And explain why you think it is a good place for reading and writing
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.
Từ vựng chủ đề Reading:

1. to be engrossed in
Meaning: to be completely focused on something
Example: A good work-life balance is important, because if people are too engrossed in their work,
their family life may suffer.
2. to come highly recommended
Meaning: to be praised enthusiastically by one or more people
Example: Books by classic authors always come highly recommended, but works by talented young
writers should not be overlooked.
3. to read over
Meaning: to read something carefully from beginning to end to look for mistakes or to check details
Example: Attention to detail is important in many jobs, so the practice of reading over one’s written
work should be taught at school and university.
4. to broaden one’s literary horizons
Meaning: to extend the limit of your knowledge or interests by reading widely
Example: Schools should broaden the literary horizons of students by encouraging them to read in
class and at home.
5. literary appreciation
Meaning: pleasure that you have when you recognise and enjoy the qualities of a good piece of writing
Example: Children develop literary appreciation if they are encouraged by parents and teachers to
love reading.
6. secure in the knowledge
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.
Từ vựng chủ đề Traditional vs Modern:

1. to possess character
Meaning: to have an interesting or unusual quality
Example: Whereas most modern buildings look the same, the architecture that survives from the past
possesses real character.
2. works of craftsmanship
Meaning: objects made by people who are very skilled at making things by hand
Example: The museums of every city are full of beautiful works of craftsmanship made by skilled
workers in past centuries.
Vocabulary
1. Put off [phrasal verb]
Meaning: to cause someone to lose interest or enthusiasm
Example: She wanted to be a nurse, but the thought of night shifts put her off.
2. Cosy [adjective]
Meaning: comfortable and pleasant, especially (of a building) because of being small and warm
Example: It's much better to have a small cosy room than a big cold one.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. 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.
9. Homely [adjective]
Meaning: plain or ordinary, but pleasant
Example: The hotel is homely and comfortable rather than luxurious.
10. 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.
Describe an interesting job that you want to have in the future
You should say:

What it is
How you might find this job
What qualities it requires
Explain why it is a well-paid job
Why you think you will be good at it
(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.
(How you might find this 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.
(What qualities it requires)
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.
(Explain why it is a well-paid job)
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.
(Why you think you will be good at it)
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
Tự vựng chủ đề Tourism:
1. 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.
2. 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: London có những phòng nghỉ giá rẻ cho du khách ba lô, những người không có nhiều tiền để
ở khách sạn.
3. to swarm with holidaymakers/tourists
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.
i liệu.
4. to be thronged with tourists
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.
5. To break the bank
Meaning: to use up all one's money/ to cost too much.
Example: Having a winter vacation in the sun without breaking the bank is a dream come true
Ví dụ: Có được một kì nghỉ mùa đông dưới ánh mặt trời mà không phải chi hết sạch tiền bạc là một
giấc mơ có thực.
Từ vựng chủ đề Government:
1. to adhere to
Meaning: to behave according to a particular law, rule or set of instructions
Example: Governments which fail to adhere to their election promises generally become
unpopular very quickly.
Từ vựng chủ đề Communication and personality:
1. codes of conduct
Meaning: voluntary rules which people accept in a situation
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.
2. to be a team player
Meaning: a person who willingly cooperates with others
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.
3. to keep abreast of something

Meaning: to have the most recent information about 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.
4. 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.
Part 3:
Do you think job satisfaction is more important than salary when choosing a job?
(Give direct answer to the question) Yes, from my viewpoint, job satisfaction plays a crucial role
in choosing a job rather than salary. (Explain your reasons) It is undeniable that job contentedness
will lead to greater productivity at work and help you maintain a healthy lifestyle. (Give an
example) For instance, I am passionate about my job as an English translator because my company
offers me a good working environment and my work with pleasure and also have time to enjoy my
leisure time. (Explain the opposite or alternative) If people give the prioritygave priority to
salary, they may have to work under pressure for their whole life and be a slave to money.a slave to
money.
Vocabulary:
 Play a crucial role in Ving: đóng vai trò quan trọng trong việc gì
Example: reading books plays a crucial role in developing the intelligence of children.
 Job contentedness= job satisfaction
Example: job contentedness is measured by the affective feelings about the job
 Productivity: năng suất lao động
Example: the productivity of Vietnamese people is considered as lower than that of other
countries.
 Be passionate about something: say mê, hào hứng với cái gì
Example: my mother is passionate about baking cakes.
 With pleasure: thoải mái, hài lòng
Example: she gave me a hand with pleasure.
 Gave priority to something
Example: the government gave priority to the development of economy.
What skills do you think are needed to get a job nowadays?
(Give direct answer to the question) In my opinion, communication skills are crucial to most
careers, which means that it is necessary to gain these skills to get a job. (Explain your reasons)
Employers want people that can listen and observe to gain an understanding, relate their ideas
effectively, and devise strategies for working together. Thus, those who have communication skills
can interact with others to complete work effectively. (Give an example) Last month, I was given a
bonus and promoted to a higher position because I could communicate with my colleagues and gain
a great number of new contracts. (Explain the opposite or alternative) When candidates lack
interaction skills, they are likely to feel awkward when attending a job interview and lose the
chance of getting the job.
Vocabulary:
 It is necessary to do something: cần thiết làm gì
Example: it is necessary to save forests and wild animals.
 Communication skills=interaction abilities: kĩ năng, khả năng giao tiếp
Example: she is trying to improve her communication skills in order to prepare for the
scholarship interview.
 Gain an understanding: hiểu được cái gì
Example: people should gain an understanding of cyber bullying.
 Be promoted to a position: được đề bạt vào vị trí nào
Example: he has been promoted to be the sales manager of this branch.
 Colleague: đồng nghiệp
Example: she is a warm-hearted person that can get on well with all of her colleagues.
 to lack something: thiếu cái gì
Example: I tend to lack patience when talking with him.
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.
How has technology changed the way we work?

(Give direct answer to the question) Thanks to the technology, whether it’s a laptop or even
mobile phone, we can do business almost anywhere without the obstacle of time and distance.
(Explain your reasons) In the past, people had the problem of wasting time on finding and sharing
information by sending letter or making an appointment. However, nowadays, we can easily collect
data, share information and do transactions via internet-connected gadgets. (Give an example) My
father, for example, often conducts video conferencing with his employees so that he doesn’t have
to go to the office regularly. (Explain the opposite or alternative) When modern people don’t
use technology, definitely productivity and work output is often affected.
Vocabulary:
 Thanks to something: nhờ có/cảm ơn…
Example: thanks to her help, I reached the office on time.
 Obstacle: trướng ngại
Example: she overcame the mental obstacles after losing her mother.
 Encounter difficulty: gặp phải khó khăn
Example: they encountered difficulty in communicating with foreigners.
 Make an appointment: hẹn gặp
Example: you should make an appointment with the doctor to know more about this disease.
 Do transactions: kinh doanh
Example: businessmen today can do transactions online.
 Gadget: thiết bị
Example: high-tech gadgets allow users to enjoy life more easily.
What is the difference between white collar and blue collar jobs?
(Give direct answer to the question) The differences between white collar and blue collar jobs
include features of the work, remuneration and the payment cycle. (Explain your reasons) Blue
collar work means that workers perform a job manually and get an hourly or daily wage, based on
the performance of their work whereas employees of white collar jobs perform clerical work in an
office and draw monthly salary at a fixed rate (Give an example) For instance, as a translator, I am
paid 10 million dong per month while my uncle who is a harbor worker is given 100.000d per day.
Vocabulary:
 Remuneration: thù lao
Example: he is not satisfied with this rate of remuneration.
 Payment cycle: vòng lương
Example: many youngsters cannot manage their spending before the next payment cycle
 Manual labor: lao động chân tay
Example: Manual labor is gradually being replaced by machines.
 Daily wage: lương trả theo ngày
Example: he got a daily wage when working at this factory.
 Clerical work: công việc văn phòng
Example: I don’t like clerical work because of the cramped environment.
 Draw a monthly salary: nhận lương theo tháng
Example: she offers the trainee to draw monthly salary.
Describe something you own that you want to replace
You should say:
- What it is
- When you had it and how you got it
- And explain why you want to replace it
(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.
(When you had it and how you got it)
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.
(And explain why you want to replace it)
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:
Các từ thuộc chủ đề Technology:

1. to become obsolete
Meaning: to be no longer used because something new has been invented.
Example: Technological innovation is now so rapid that even the latest electronic devices soon
become obsolete.
2. 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: When it comes to fishing, John is an expert.
 never-ending [adjective]: having or likely to have no end: không kết thúc
Eg: Children are a never-ending burden on parents.
 to spring to mind [expression]: to come quickly into your mind: hiện ra trong tâm trí
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.
 extravagant [adjective]: extreme and unreasonable: đắt đỏ, xa xỉ
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
Eg: You can find the most up-to-date fashions in Paris.
 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
Eg: I wish I had taken the trouble to study this matter more ca
Describe a time you were shopping in a street market
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.
(What you bought)
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.
(How you felt about the shopping experience)
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:
Từ vựng chủ đề Communication & Personality:
1. 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.
2. to make small talk/to exchange pleasantries
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.
Từ vựng chủ đề Tourism:
1. to be thronged with tourists
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.
2. 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.
Từ vựng chủ đề Education:
1. to bombard someone with something
Meaning: to continually send someone something, esp. to inform or influence them.
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.
Từ vựng chủ đề Reading:
1. to understand somebody/something to be/have something
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
2. 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.
3. to come highly recommended
Meaning: to be praised by a lot of people
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.
 to end up [phrasal verb]: to finish by doing something, after facing a decision.
Eg: I couldn’t decide where to go on holiday, so I ended up by choosing Thailand.
 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.
Describe an interesting subject that you learned at school
You should say:

What the subject was
What your teacher was like
How long you studied this subject
Explain it was interesting to you
(What the subject was)
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.
(What your teacher was like)
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.
(How long you studied this subject)
To be honest, I did not always like this subject. I started learning it when I was very small, at the
age of five maybe. At that time, I found the mathematical formulas out of my depth and extremely
hard to memorize. However, as time went by, I gradually managed to understand them all and
started to be interested in this subject.
(Explain it was interesting to you)
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:
Tự vựng chủ đề Education:
1. to cover a lot of ground
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.
2. 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.
3. to bombard someone with something
Meaning: to continually send someone something, esp. to inform or influence them.
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.
4. to have a good grasp of something
Meaning: to understand a problem deeply and completely
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.
5. to be out of one’s depth
Meaning: to be unable to understand something because it is too difficult
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.
6. to sit an exam
Meaning: to take 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.
7. to make the grade
Meaning: to successfully reach the necessary standard
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.
8. 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.
Vocabulary:
 to be into something [expression]: to be very interested in something
Eg: My friend is really into video games – he plays them for hours every day.
Describe a TV program (TV Series) you have watched

You should say
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
Các từ thuộc chủ đề Family and Children
1. A family gathering
Meaning: a meeting of family members for a particular purpose
Example: In traditional societies, family gatherings are common to celebrate special occasions.
2. Bring up their offspring
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
3. The generation gap
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
1. 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.
2. Side character/ supporting character
[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.
3. 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.
4. 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 ?
Movies are not the same as reality in a number of ways.
Firstly, movies contain dramatic scenes which can make audiences experience various emotions,
through happiness to sorrow or excitement just in a few seconds. In real life, this rarely happens.
Secondly, films will often dramatize and invent scenarios for the convenience of moving a story
along or making the audience feel sympathy or some other emotion for a character.
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.
Do different age groups like the same kinds of films?
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).
Strive (verb): try very hard to achieve something
Ex: This restaurant strives to serve good food at reasonable prices.
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.
Primarily (adverb): (chính, chủ yếu) mainly
Ex: The report is primarily concerned with aircraft safety.
Storyline (noun): the basic story in a film/movie
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.
Harsh realities (expression): the difficulties [of daily life]
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 goal at the end of the first half.
Admirable (adjective): having qualities that you respect
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!
Star (verb): have one of the main parts in a film/movie
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.
Describe a sport that you like to watch. You should say:
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.
1. 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.
2. prestigious (a): uy tín.

a prestigious university
một trường đại học uy tín .
3. 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.
4. It just so happens that: dùng để nói một việc nào đó có thật và mang tính bất ngờ.
It just so happens that I have a bike I can lend you.
Khá là bất ngờ là tôi có một chiếc xe và có thể cho bạn mượn.
5. Make something clear to somebody: làm rõ cái gì đó đến ai đó.
I want to make it clear to you, so ask questions if you want.
Tôi muốn làm rõ vấn đề này với bạn, vì thế cứ hỏi nếu bạn thắc mắc.
6. Billboard (n): biển quảng cáo.

At the entrance to Golden Gate Park stands a billboard, twenty feet high and a hundred feet long.
Có một biển quảng cáo rất to ở ngay lối vào công viên Cổng Vàng, 20 feet cao và 100 feet dài.
7. Lay the foundation(s) of/for something: đặt nền móng cho cái gì đó.
He helped to lay the foundations of English drama.
Ông ấy đã đặt nền tảng cho nền nhạc kịch nước Anh.
8. Correspond with (v): liên kết với.

Students’ performance at PISA usually corresponds with their country’s GDP.
Kết quả của các học sinh tại cuộc thi PISA thường liên kết với GDP quốc gia của thí sinh.
Describe an experience when you taught someone to do something new

You should say
When and where it happened
Whom you taught
What you taught him/her
How that person felt about it
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
• CÁC TỪ THUỘC CHỦ ĐỀ: READING (sách collocations)
1. (to) come highly recommended [expression]: to be praised by a lot of people
Eg: Books by classic authors always come highly recommended, but books by new authors should
not be forgotten.
2. (to) stick in one’s mind [expression]: a memory or image which is remembered for a long
time
Eg: Some of the stories that I read as a child still stick in my mind today.
1. 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?
2. (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.
3. by leaps and bounds [expression]
Meaning: very quickly
Example: Since she has started doing exercise, her health has improved by leaps and bounds.
4. 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.
5. (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
1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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
6. 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:
• CÁC TỪ THUỘC CHỦ ĐỀ: SPORT AND EXERCISE (sách collocations)
to take sensible precautions [expression]: to do something in advance in order to prevent problems

or to avoid danger
E.g. Anyone engaging in an extreme sport must take sensible precautions and seek expert advice
2. to take up sport [expression]: to start doing sport
E.g. Governments should provide more sports facilities to encourage people to take up
sport.
Vocabulary:
1. curious[adjective]: having a strong desire to know about something: tò mò
Eg: They were very curious about the people who lived upstairs.
2. insight[noun]: the ability to see and understand the truth about people or situations: sự thấu
hiểu
Eg: With a flash of insight, I realized what the dream meant.
3. 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.
4. (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.
5. 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.
6. (to) extend [verb]: to make something longer or larger: mở rộng
Eg: There are plans to extend the no-smoking area.
7. company [noun]: the fact of being with somebody else and not alone: sự dồng hành
Eg: I enjoy Jo's company when travelling.
8. 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.
9. 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.
10. 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.
11. (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.
12. (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.
13. capacity [noun]: the ability to understand or to do something: năng lực
Eg: Mary has an enormous capacity for hard work.

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Describe a piece of furniture in your room.

What material is?

Who bought it?

How you feel about it?

Example: This school is equipped with expensive facilities.

Example: This ring is made out of 24K gold.

Fancy (adjective): Sang chảnh.

Example: We went to a fancy restaurant last night.

Prone to (verb): Dễ bị gì đó.

Solid (adjective): Vững chắc, bền.

A great combination of (expression): Một sự kết hợp tuyệt vời.

Rustic charm (expression): Vẻ quyến rũ mộc mạc.

Example: Ha Noi still maintains a rustic charm after many decades.

Highly-priced (adjective): Đắt tiền.

Example: This brand only sells highly-priced clothes.

Selective (adjective): Kỹ tính.

On a heavy discount (expression): Giảm giá sâu.

Draw someone’s attention (expression): Thu hút sự chú ý của ai đó.

Mind-blowing (adjective): Sững sờ, ngạc nhiên.

Example: It was a mind-blowing feeling when he showed up.

Come by (phrasal verb): Ghé thăm.

Example: You can come by my house anytime you want.

Give compliments on (expression): Khen ngợi về cái gì đó.

1. In your country, where do people buy furniture for their homes?

3. Why do some people like to buy expensive furniture?

4. Do you think style is important?

5. Do people in your country prefer traditional or modern styles of furniture?

Pay a visit (Expression): Ghé thăm.

Example: Barack Obama paid a visit to Vietnam 2 years ago.

Example: We are travelling on a tight budget!

A flea market (noun): Chợ trời.

Reasonable price (expression): Gía cả thích hợp.

First things first (Expression): Điều quan trọng nhất là.

Feng Shui (noun): Phong thủy.

Example: They lavish money upon buying cars.

Cup of tea (Expression): Sở thích riêng.

Reflect (verb): Phản ánh.

Example: She decided to go shopping as she wants to lift her spirits.

Catch the trend (expression): Bắt kịp với xu hướng.

Describe a place in your city you want to go to

Từ vựng chủ đề Reading:

Từ vựng chủ đề Traditional vs Modern:

Describe an interesting job that you want to have in the future

You should say:

(How you might find this job)

(What qualities it requires)

(Explain why it is a well-paid job)

(Why you think you will be good at it)

Tự vựng chủ đề Tourism:

2. to have a thirst for something

Meaning: to have a strong desire for something

3. to swarm with holidaymakers/tourists

4. to be thronged with tourists

5. To break the bank

Meaning: to use up all one's money/ to cost too much.

Từ vựng chủ đề Government:

Meaning: to behave according to a particular law, rule or set of instructions

Từ vựng chủ đề Communication and personality:

Meaning: voluntary rules which people accept in a situation

Meaning: a person who willingly cooperates with others

3. to keep abreast of something

 challenging (adjective): difficult in an interesting way that tests your ability

Eg: She had a challenging and rewarding career as a teacher.

Eg: It was a big change in lifestyle when we moved to the countryside.