SITUATIONSYou now have ONE minute to read the task carefully and another ONE minute to do the task as you are instructed to. 1 If you could invest on one of the followings – planting forests, building zoos and researching about biodiversity, which one might be your best choice? Why?2 You are going to recommend a university for your cousin to study. Among a university in USA, a university in Japan and a university in Vietnam, which one do you recommend? Why?3 You are going to buy a book for your little brother as a present. Among the following kinds of book: a comic book, a fairy tale and a scientific book, which one might be your best choice? Why?4 You are looking for a place to live in Hanoi. Among a small house in the city centre, a flat near your university a company and a big house in the countryside, which one would be your best choice? Why?5 You are going to take a foreign friend to a festival. Which one might be your best choice: MidAutumn festival, Hung King temple festival or Lim festival? Why?6 You are going to buy a CD as a present for your parents on their birthday. Among a rock CD, a rap CD and a folk music CD, which one is your best choice? Why?7 As a member of a Green organization, which one do you think is the most practical to protect the environment: going to school by bike, using paper package and planting more trees. Why?8 As a member of a Green organization, which one do you think is the most practical to protect the environment: going to school by bike, using paper package and planting more trees. Why?TOPICS You have 2 minutes to deliver a speech of the topic given. You are expected to include three parts of a speech, namely Introduction, Development and Conclusion with the use of some linking words. 1 “There are a lot of complaints about restaurants in Vietnam”Present your view with clear arguments and specific, reallife examples to support your view. After finishing your speech, answer the following questions:1.Which are most popular in your country: fast food restaurants or traditional ones?2.Some people say that food in an expensive restaurant is always better than that in a cheap one – would you agree?2 “There are many changes of shopping over the last decade”Present your view with clear arguments and specific, reallife examples to support your view. After finishing your speech, answer the following questions:1.What are your shopping habits?2.Do you think online shopping will replace small shops in the future? Why?3 “There are a lot of complaints about restaurants in Vietnam”Present your view with clear arguments and specific, reallife examples to support your view. After finishing your speech, answer the following questions:1.Which are most popular in your country: fast food restaurants or traditional ones?2.Some people say that food in an expensive restaurant is always better than that in a cheap one – would you agree?4 “There are many problems with education in Vietnam”Present your view with clear arguments and specific, reallife examples to support your view. After finishing your speech, answer the following questions:1.What are the differences between the traditional and modern educational system in Vietnam?2.What should be done to reduce educational problems in Vietnam?5 “There are many changes in housing in housing in your hometown”Present your view with clear arguments and specific, reallife examples to support your view. After finishing your speech, answer the following questions:1.Are people more or less interested in attending the festival? Why?2.What should be done to promote a regional festival?6 “There are many changes in traditional festivals”Present your view with clear arguments and specific, reallife examples to support your view. After finishing your speech, answer the following questions:1.Are people more or less interested in attending the festival? Why?2.What should be done to promote a regional festival?7 “Reading books brings many benefits”Present your view with clear arguments and specific, reallife examples to support your view. After finishing your speech, answer the following questions:1.Are children more or less interested in reading? Why?2.What should be done to encourage children to read?8 “There are many effects of living in a noisy environment”Present your view with clear arguments and specific, reallife examples to support your view. After finishing your speech, answer the following questions:1.What kinds of noises do you dislike the most?2.Why do people still go to noisy places like big cities or cinemas even when they don’t like noises?9 “There are many advantages of the internet”Present your view with clear arguments and specific, reallife examples to support your view. After finishing your speech, answer the following questions:1.Do you think the Internet is safe for children to use? Why (or Why not)?2.How has the Internet changed the way we live and work?10 “There are many causes of pollution in cities”Present your view with clear arguments and specific, reallife examples to support your view. After finishing your speech, answer the following questions:1.What is the biggest environmental problem in your hometown?2.Are there any measures you would like to take about this problem?11 “There are many drawbacks of working overtime”Present your view with clear arguments and specific, reallife examples to support your view. After finishing your speech, answer the following questions:1.What should people do to avoid working overtime?2.Will people work more or less in the future? Why?12 “There are many problems with food in Vietnam”Present your view with clear arguments and specific, reallife examples to support your view. After finishing your speech, answer the following questions:1.What is a balanced diet?2.What is a typical diet of people in your country?13 “There are many reasons for protecting the nature world”Present your view with clear arguments and specific, reallife examples to support your view. After finishing your speech, answer the following questions:1.What should be done to protect the nature and environment? Why?2.Is it the responsibility of school to teach children to protect the nature and environment? Why? (or Why not?)14 “There are many benefits of studying music or learning to play a musical instrument”Present your view with clear arguments and specific, reallife examples to support your view. After finishing your speech, answer the following questions:1.Do you think that pop rock stars can have bad influence on the young people?2.How much does the internet influence how you listen to music?15 “There are many effects of weather on people’s lives”ePresent your view with clear arguments and specific, reallife examples to support your view. After finishing your speech, answer the following questions:1.Have there been any changes in weather over the past few years? What are they?2.What should be done in bad weather?16 “Many things should be changed about education in Vietnam.”Present your view with clear arguments and specific, reallife examples to support your view. After finishing your speech, answer the following questions:1.Is it a good practice for students to wear uniform at schools? Why why not?2.Which do you prefer: a singlesex school or a coeducational school? Why?
Trang 1PREPARATION FOR SPEAKING 3
Task 1: Pronunciation
1 Jane Tegal: Do you ship door-to-door?
Arthur Mitchell: Yes, all shipments are door-to-door Delivery dates depend on your location, but we can usually deliver within 14 business days.
Jane Tegal: Great! Thank you for your help.
Arthur Mitchell: My pleasure We can email you more information if you would like.
Jane Tegal: Yes, that would be great! My email is jane@excelleratorco.com.
Arthur Mitchell: Okay You can expect an e-mail by 5 this afternoon.
Jane Tegal: Thank you again for your help.
2 Jane Tegal: Hello, this is Jane Tegal from Excellerator Co calling May I speak to Mr Mitchell?
Arthur Mitchell: Hello Ms.Tegal, this is Arthur Mitchell.
Jane Tegal: Hello, I'd like to place an order for a number of your Millennium desk units Arthur Mitchell: Certainly How many were you interested in ordering for purchase?
Jane Tegal: Quite a few Do you have many available in the warehouse?
Arthur Mitchell: We keep a large supply in stock There's also a showroom with quite a few
on hand It shouldn't be a problem.
Jane Tegal: Well then I'd like 75 units by the end of the month Could I get an estimate before I place an order?
Arthur Mitchell: Certainly I'll have it for you by the end of the day.
Jane Tegal: What does the estimate include?
Arthur Mitchell: Estimates include merchandise, packaging, and shipping, duty if required, any taxes, and insurance.
3 Sam: Good morning I have an appointment with Dr Peterson at 10.30.
Receptionist: Good morning, can I have your name, please?
Trang 2Sam: Yes, it's Sam Waters.
Receptionist: Yes, Mr Waters Is this the first time you've seen Dr Peterson?
Sam: No, I had my teeth cleaned and checked last year.
Receptionist: OK, just a moment, I'll get your chart.
Receptionist: Have you had any other dental work done during the past year?
Sam: No, I haven't
Receptionist: Have you flossed regularly?
Sam: Of course! I floss twice a day and use a water-pick
Receptionist: I see you have a few fillings Have you had any trouble with them?
4 Receptionist: We'll need to schedule an appointment to come in for the fillings you need?
Sam: OK Do you have any openings next week?
Receptionist: Let's see How about next Thursday morning?
Sam: I'm afraid I have a meeting
Receptionist: How about two weeks from today?
Sam: Yes, that sounds good What time?
Receptionist: Can you come at 10 o'clock in the morning?
Sam: Yes Let's do that
Receptionist: Perfect, we'll see you on Tuesday, March 10th at 10 o'clock.
Sam: Thank you.
5 Barbara: Hi, Katherine, how are you today?
Katherine: I'm great and you?
Barbara: VERY busy! I'm jogging now, but later I have to do a lot!
Katherine: What do you have to do?
Barbara: Well, first of all, I have to do the shopping We don't have anything to eat at home.
Katherine: and then?
Trang 3Barbara: Little Johnny has a basketball game this afternoon I'm driving him to the game Katherine: Oh, how is his team doing?
Barbara: They're doing very well Next week, they're traveling to Toronto for a tournament.
Katherine: That's impressive.
Barbara: Well, Johnny likes playing basketball I'm happy he's enjoying it What are you doing today?
Katherine: I'm not doing much I'm meeting some friends for lunch, but, other than that, I don't have much to do today.
6 Henry: Hi Tom! It's great to see you again I've been away on business.
Tom: Really, where did you go?
Henry: Well, first I flew to New York for two meetings After that, I flew to Atlanta, where I had to make a presentation at a company conference.
Tom: It sounds like you've been busy.
Henry: Yes, I've been very busy It's good to be home again What have you been doing lately?
Tom: Oh, nothing much I've been working in the garden these past few days Alice has been away for the past two weeks visiting her relatives in Chicago.
Henry: I didn't know she has family in Chicago.
Tom: Yes, that's right We met at university in California She was born in Chicago and lived there until she went to college.
Henry: How long have you lived here in Colorado?
Tom: We've lived here for over 10 years We moved here in 1998 because I had a new job as a sales representative.
7 Martha: What horrible weather today I'd like to go out, but I think it will just continue raining.
Jane: Oh, I don't know Perhaps the sun will come out later this afternoon
Trang 4Martha: I hope you're right Listen, I'm going to have a party this Saturday Would you like to come?
Jane: Oh, I'd like to come Thank you for inviting me Who is going to come to the party? Martha: Well, a number of people haven't told me yet But, Peter and Mark are going to help out with the cooking!
Jane: Hey, I'd like to help, tool
Martha: Would you? That would be great!
Jane: I'm going to make lasagna!
Martha: That sounds delicious! I know my Italian cousins are going to be there I'm sure they'll love it.
Jane: Italians? Maybe I'll bake a cake.
8 Carol: This is a lovely house!
Martha: Thank you Carol, we call it home
Carol: It's very close to work, isn't it?
Martha: Yes, it is I always walk to work - even when it rains!
Carol: I usually take the bus It takes so long!
Martha: How long does it take?
Carol: Oh, it takes about 20 minutes.
Martha: That is a long time Well, have some cake.
Carol: (taking a bite of some cake) this is delicious! Do you bake all of your own cakes? Martha: Yes, I usually bake something at the weekend I like having sweets in the house Carol: You're a wonderful cook!
Martha: Thank you, it's nothing really.
Carol: I never cook I'm just hopeless My husband, David, usually does all the cooking.
9 Jared: (knocks on the room door) May I come in, madam?
Ms Anderson: Yes, thanks for coming so quickly.
Jared: Certainly, madam How can I help you?
Ms Anderson: I'd like some fresh towels in the suite when I get back this evening.
Trang 5Jared: I'll get them immediately Would you like me to also change the bed sheets?
Ms Anderson: Yes, that would be nice Could you also turn down the covers?
Jared: Is there anything else I can do for you? Perhaps you have some laundry I can take
to be cleaned.
Ms Anderson: Now that you mention it, I do have some clothes in the laundry bag.
Jared: Very good, madam I'll have them cleaned and folded when you return
2/ You are going to recommend a university for your cousin to study Among a university in the USA, auniversity in Japan, and a university in Vietnam, which one do you recommend? Why?
I will recommend my cousin should study at universities in the USA because of the following reasons
1 The American education system is a first-rate education It is renowned across the world for its highacademic standards with modern facilities and forward-thinking technologies
2 A degree from a US university is extremely impressive for your future career Besides that, studying
in the USA offers you an exciting opportunity to discover an array of cultures, learn differentlanguages, and meet people from a variety of backgrounds
3 One of the most popular reasons to study abroad in the USA is to improve your English By studying
in the USA, you’ll immerse yourself in the culture, meet native English speakers, and broaden yourvocabulary
Trang 64 The USA is a huge country offering an incredibly diverse range of landscapes, cultures, andexperiences If you choose to study abroad in the USA, you’ll have many opportunities to explore thisfascinating country.
3/ You are going to buy a book for your little brother as a present Among the following kinds of books:
a comic book, a fairy tale and a scientific book, which one might be your best choice? Why?
I will buy a fairy tale I think fairy tales are not only for girls, they are essential stories for childhood forall children These stories are more than just happily ever after, they portray real moral lessons thru thecharacters and virtue shown in the stories They not only captivate the imagination of young minds butalso enhance their creativity and reasoning skills Albert Einstein said “If you want your children to beintelligent, read them fairy tales If you want them to be more intelligent, read them more fairy tales.”
4/ You are looking for a place to live in Hanoi Among a small house in the city center, a flat near youruniversity/ a company and a big house in the countryside, which one would be your best choice? Why?
I will choose is a flat near my company because of the following reasons
1 I can save up a lot of time if I stay close to my workplace and use the time in a more productivemanner For example, I will have more time for doing exercise and having breakfast
2 Morning and evening time are the rush hours in most places The mode of transport used by manypeople creates a lot of pollution and traffic at the same time By staying closer to the workplace, it isnot only beneficial for me but also for the environment, I can save time, and money and contribute toreducing air pollution by riding a bicycle or walking to work
5/ You are going to take a foreign friend to a festival Which one might be your best choice: Autumn festival, Hung King temple festival or Lim festival? Why?
Mid-I think Mid-I will take her to Lim Festival because this is a special opportunity to introduce many localgames like tug-of-war, bamboo fighting, and wrestling, especially, the main highlight of this event is
‘Quan Ho’ singing - the choir singing where people dress up in colorful traditional costumes and singlocal folk songs It is one of the amazing ways for travelers to explore and learn about the traditions andculture of Vietnam
6/ You are going to buy a CD as a present for your parents on their birthday Among a rock CD, a rap
CD, and a folk music CD, which one is your best choice? Why?
Trang 7I think I will buy a rock CD because my mom and dad both love rock music, especially, Soft RockBallads - a niche genre of rock music that was mastered in the 80s with hidden emotions through somemellow music I was also influenced by them since I was a child I have heard many immortal songs thatare still popular today like November Rain by Guns N’ Roses, I’ll Stand By You by The Pretenders, orWind of Change by Scorpions.
7/& 8/ As a member of a Green organization, which one do you think is the most practical to protect theenvironment: going to school by bike, using the paper packages or planting more trees Why?
Idea 1:
I think the most practical and simple to protect the environment is using paper packages because the following reasons:
1 They can be reused and biodegradable, especially, and breaks down much quicker than plastic
packages so they are very Eco-Friendly
2 Paper packages are unlikely to cause harm to wildlife if discarded outside
While plastic bags can take between ten and one thousand years to decompose, they not only affect our common natural surroundings but also kills numerous creatures, especially, since land fertility is
degraded due to plastic deposits in the soil
Idea 2:
Private transport is one of the world’s biggest sources of greenhouse gases, with emissions rising every year As a member of a Green organization, I think there's an immediate contribution that we could all make to reduce our personal carbon emissions by walking or riding a bike more of those short journeys,whether it is to school, to the shops, or to work Especially, journeys that you just wouldn't have made
by bike before, now it is easy to make by e-bike
Cycling not only brings many climate benefits but also helps people can be healthier and are less likely
to be overweight Moreover, fewer personal vehicles around the school gate also mean less local air pollution
TOPICS
You have 2 minutes to deliver a speech on the topic given You are expected to include three
parts of a speech, namely Introduction, Development, and Conclusion with the use of some linking
words.
1/ & 3/ “There are a lot of complaints about restaurants in Vietnam”
Trang 8Although it’s known as a peaceful and beautiful country with plentiful and varied cuisine, there are alot of complaints about restaurants in Vietnam that can leave bad experiences for foreigners Here arethe most common complaints.
Firstly, the hygiene and food safety problem is a matter of concern in Vietnam Some restaurants aredelicious, but the selection of food sources as well as the processing food is not clean and healthy.Secondly, there are a lot of complaints about small, crowded spaces filled with cigarette smoke at manyVietnamese restaurants Especially, customers find uncomfortable due to long waits and table shareswith strangers
In conclusion, from my perspective, hygiene and food safety is the problem that should be solved first.Creating quality dishes with good service is not only the right and responsibility of each restaurantowner but also their safety and respect for their customers
After finishing your speech, answer the following questions:
1. Which are most popular in your country: fast food restaurants or traditional ones?
I think traditional restaurants are most popular in my country because, as I mentioned before,Vietnamese cuisine is very plentiful and varied Moreover, they are relatively tastier and offer morenutritional value than those foods that are served at fast-food restaurants
2. Some people say that food in an expensive restaurant is always better than that in a cheap one– would you agree?
I think this argument is not always right in all cases Although many expensive restaurants offerdelicious meals, and good service with luxury spaces, from my experience, there are a lot of cheaperones that bring quality food and good services at cheaper prices
2 / “There are many changes in shopping over the last decade”
Changes are essential for development One of the clear changes that must mention is the shoppinghabit of users from small shops, supermarkets, and shopping centers to shopping online with e-commerce stores like Amazon, eBay, and Bestbuy In the last decade, shopping has gone through aserious evolution with some changes
The first change in shopping is the rise of e-commerce, as well as the decline of the department store.The proof is online shopping overtook general merchandise sales in many countries in the world.Customers have many best choices with reasonable prices, a variety of goods, and no geographicalrestrictions
Secondly, because the Covid-19 pandemic situation is spreading all over the world that makes shoppinghas a big change, a turning point affirming the position of online shopping
Trang 9In conclusion, I think the big change is the development of online shopping All over the world, onlineshopping is being encouraged Stores and brands are being propelled into a new era of shopping, onewhere traditional stores must adapt to survive.
After finishing your speech, answer the following questions:
1. What are your shopping habits?
I am used to shopping online because of being convenient and save my time I can shop everything athome through e-commerce sites instead of visiting shops or supermarkets Next, I have more choicesand can compare prices and brands of products on many different websites In particular, I can easilyfind the promotions of the stores just by sitting at home and accessing the internet
2. Do you think online shopping will replace small shops in the future? Why?
As I mentioned before, I think online shopping will replace small stores in the future because of thedevelopment of the internet, and the proliferation of e-commerce stores with the advantages that bring
to customers, for example, advantages in terms of time, price, variety of goods without geographicalrestrictions Especially, the growing development of freight transport creates a great advantage foronline businesses
4/ “There are many problems with education in Vietnam”
The Vietnamese education system has several serious problems that can make bad effects not only atpresent but even in the future I would like to highlight two major problems
Firstly, the number of pupils or students over the limit, outmoded teaching systems with a heavycurriculum, and a lecturer-centered method than on active interaction and discussions from learners Secondly, our education system has focused mainly on theory than practice so they lack many skillsand ways of thinking Moreover, the Vietnamese degrees are not equal to international qualificationswhich makes it difficult for Vietnamese people to find jobs or get higher education abroad
In conclusion, we should do some solutions to improve our education system such as innovating thetraining programs for teachers, overhauling the national curricula as well as establishing internationallyrecognized universities
After finishing your speech, answer the following questions:
1. What are the differences between the traditional and modern educational systems inVietnam?
Modern education relies on computers and the internet, the learners are able to learn in flexibletimings, take different courses at the same time, and save time and cost, especially, unlimited sources
of learning material Whereas traditional education has a fixed timing, the learners are only able to
Trang 10learn a single course at a fixed time, it takes much more time Especially, traditional learning sourcesare limited and costly such as the course books, tuition fees, the classroom setup, etc /ˌet ˈsetərə/
2. What should be done to reduce educational problems in Vietnam?
Reforming the education system is very necessary to reduce current educational problems inVietnam Some reforms solutions such as innovating the training programs for teachers, overhaulingthe national curricula for all subjects at all levels, and establishing internationally recognizeduniversities, and improving quality standards for teachers through continuing education andcompetition
5/ “There are many changes in housing in your hometown”
Changes are essential for development My hometown has changed a lot in many aspects, one of thehighlight changes is housing
Firstly, my hometown is a tourist city, although it does not play a significant role in the nationaleconomy, more and more people have arrived here for a living, because the service industry is herequite developed Therefore, infrastructure in housing is more and more evolving, so many high-risebuildings and apartments grow up like mushrooms
Next, in the past, houses with a ground floor or houses with an attic is very popular in my hometown.Today, houses are planned into separate areas, for example, apartment buildings, villas, townhouses,etc with modern designs with many different styles, especially from Europe and America
In conclusion, my hometown likes a house that has all new modern furniture, brings the feeling ofchanging for the better But, I still remember the city with its simple and rustic look in the past
After finishing your speech, answer the following questions
1. Are people more or less interested in attending the festival? Why?
I think people are more interested in attending the festival, especially young people who lovediscovering and experiencing Life today is better than in the past, people almost are not still strugglingwith the lack of food The living situation has been improving Therefore, they can think about otherdemands, entertainment, discovery, or experience, including festivals for example
2. What should be done to promote a regional festival?
I think people should promote the festival information by word of mouth, and on social media likeFacebook, Tiktok, Instagram, etc On the other hand, if I am in a professional team that is sponsored, Iwill conduct some campaigns that cost money, for example, a website, a print campaign, and promote
on TV, in newspapers, and so on/ etc
Trang 116 / “There are many changes in traditional festivals”
Traditional festivals currently have many changes due to the standard of living has been improving and
no small impact by western lifestyles toward the young people I would like to mention some clearestchanges
Firstly, in Vietnam, older adults always place great emphasis on preserving traditional customs andpractices and passing them down to future generations However, a growing number of young peopletend to pay less attention to practicing old traditions They may travel instead of staying at home tocelebrate the Lunar new year, or today’s festive foods are often ordered from catering services instead
of being prepared by the family, for example
Secondly, the ancients valued the tradition of the nation They came to traditional festivals with theirreverence /ˈrev(ə)rəns/ mind But today may people come to the festival with all kinds of mentality likecuriosity, to seek fame, to rescue, to develop wealth, for love The festival is no longer the same
In short, in my opinion, positive changes in traditional festivals should be encouraged such assimplifying cumbersome procedures and organizing reasonable savings However, negative changesshould be limited because they can adversely affect the meaning of the festival and awareness of thetraditional values of the next
After finishing your speech, answer the following questions:
1. Are people more or less interested in attending the festival? Why?
The way I think it, traditional festivals are not interesting the young people Less and less younggenerations know exactly the meaning of almost national festivals They are dynamic and love toexplore, but when asked about traditional holidays and anniversaries of their country, they areconfused On the other hand, they are completely enthusiastic and understand the festivals importedfrom abroad like Valentine's Day, Christmas, etc
2. What should be done to promote a regional festival?
I think people should promote the festival information by word of mouth, and on social media likeFacebook, Tiktok, Instagram, etc On the other hand, if I am in a professional team that is sponsored,
I will conduct some campaigns that cost money, for example, a website, a print campaign, andpromote on TV, in newspapers, etc
Trang 12
7/ “Reading books brings many benefits”
Nowadays, people have lots of sources to get information and take entertainment such as television, theInternet, etc but nobody can deny the importance as well as the benefits of reading books In myopinion, there are some following major advantages of reading books
Firstly, books can be described as a door opening to the world and even outside the world and theyhave a huge source of information, so reading gives us new knowledge
Secondly, reading books is a good habit that can provide a great sense of educational value It helps usimprove our expression abilities like writing and speaking
Finally, reading books helps relax and release stress Some books have fun like jokes, romantic novels,
or comics that make you happy and release depression
In conclusion, reading books is so important and has many benefits It not only helps us enrich ourknowledge but also brings us relaxation The more books we have read, the more knowledge we haveobtained Therefore, everyone should be encouraged to read books as much as possible
After finishing your speech, answer the following questions:
1. Are children more or less interested in reading? Why?
I think children are reading less than they used to because they are spending a lot of their time eachday on screen-based activities instead, including gaming and watching TV, and as they get older,using social media, watching YouTube, and messaging people
2. What should be done to encourage children to read?
Firstly, I think we should make children feel reading brings joy Secondly, encouraging them to readbooks every day as a habit, maybe they can start with a fairy tale, a scientific book, or a comic, and
as they get older, we should encourage them to read magazines, newspapers, or other kinds of booksthat make they are interesting like mystery, science-fiction The more interested they are in a subject,the more they will be excited to read!
8/ “There are many effects of living in a noisy environment”
A noisy environment is an invisible danger It cannot be seen, but it is present nonetheless Noisepollution (The roar of a jet plane, the rumble of a big rig, that shrill scream from the siren of a speeding