BỘ ĐỀ SPEAKING QUÝ 2 MỚI

NHẤT (DÀNH CHO THÁNG 6,7,8,9)

BY NGOCBACH
PART 1 ................................................................................................................................. 5
1. HOME/ ACCOMMODATION .................................................................................. 5
2. STUDY .......................................................................................................................... 8
3. WORK ........................................................................................................................ 10
4. MUSIC ........................................................................................................................ 12
5. HAIRCUT ................................................................................................................... 15
6. JEANS ......................................................................................................................... 17
7. CONCENTRATION.................................................................................................. 19
8. WALKING ................................................................................................................. 21
9. LANGUAGES ............................................................................................................ 23
10. FRIENDS .................................................................................................................... 25
11. ANIMAL ..................................................................................................................... 27
12. MUSEUMS ................................................................................................................. 29
13. WATER SPORT ........................................................................................................ 31
14. PEN OR PENCIL ....................................................................................................... 32
15. RUNNING................................................................................................................... 34
16. SCENERY................................................................................................................... 35
17. NUMBERS .................................................................................................................. 37
18. SCIENCE .................................................................................................................... 39
19. LAUGH ....................................................................................................................... 40
20. ALONE ....................................................................................................................... 42
21. CAKE .......................................................................................................................... 43
22. MOVIES ..................................................................................................................... 45
23. PERFUME .................................................................................................................. 47
24. STREET MARKET ................................................................................................... 48

+ Để tìm hiểu thông tin về các khóa học, bộ sách mới nhất của thầy Bách, các bạn truy cập: www.ngocbach.com
+ Hotline tư vấn đăng ký học: 0974657403 (email tư vấn: [email protected]) 1
 25. SKY ............................................................................................................................. 49
26. PLAN ........................................................................................................................... 52
27. HOLIDAY................................................................................................................... 54
28. SLEEP ......................................................................................................................... 54
29. PATIENCE ................................................................................................................. 57
30. PHOTOS/PICTURES ................................................................................................ 59
31. HANDWRITING ....................................................................................................... 59
32. WATER SPORT ........................................................................................................ 60
33. AMUSEMENT PARK ............................................................................................... 61
34. CELEBRITIES .......................................................................................................... 62
35. COOKING .................................................................................................................. 64
36. COLORS ..................................................................................................................... 65
37. TRAVELING ............................................................................................................. 66
38. PLANT ........................................................................................................................ 67
39. GARDEN .................................................................................................................... 69
40. COUNTRYSIDE ......................................................................................................... 71
41. HISTORY .................................................................................................................... 72
42. DESSERTS .................................................................................................................. 74
43. SCIENCE ..................................................................................................................... 74
44. TAKING A BREAK ................................................................................................... 76
45.WATER ......................................................................................................................... 76
46. THE AREA YOU LIVE IN ........................................................................................ 78
47. AGE .............................................................................................................................. 79
48. FISH ............................................................................................................................. 80
49. ART .............................................................................................................................. 81
50. JOKE AND COMEDIES ........................................................................................... 82
51. INSECTS ...................................................................................................................... 83
52. LANGUAGES ............................................................................................................. 83
53. NEWSPAPER & MAGAZINE .................................................................................. 84
54. STARS .......................................................................................................................... 85
PART 2 ............................................................................................................................... 86

+ Để tìm hiểu thông tin về các khóa học, bộ sách mới nhất của thầy Bách, các bạn truy cập: www.ngocbach.com
+ Hotline tư vấn đăng ký học: 0974657403 (email tư vấn: [email protected]) 2
 1. Describe an experience that you had with your friends and had a good time: .... 86
2. Describe a special day that you remember well. You should say: ......................... 90
3. Describe an occasion when you lost something and then got it back. You
should say:.......................................................................................................................... 93
4. Describe a family member you spend a lot of time with. You should say: ........... 97
5. Describe something exciting you did. You should say: ............................................ 100
6. Describe a beautiful sky you enjoyed seeing. You should say: ............................... 104
7. Describe a trip you made by public transportation. You should say: .................... 107
8. Describe a challenging thing you have done ............................................................. 111
9. Describe a goal you set that you tried your best to achieve. .................................... 113
10. Describe a job you would not like to do in the future ............................................ 116
11. Describe a member of a team who you know about .............................................. 118
12. Describe a time when you gave advice to someone ................................................ 120
13. Describe an occasion when you invited your family or friends to dinner ............ 122
14. Describe an advertisement you remember well ...................................................... 124
15. Describe the information that was incorrect that you got ..................................... 126
16. Describe a historical building. You should say: ..................................................... 128
17.Describe a performance you watched recently ........................................................ 130
18. Describe an interesting animal you have ever seen ................................................ 134
19. Describe a crowded place you have been to ............................................................ 139
20. Describe a time when someone apologized to you .................................................. 142
21. Describe a change that can improve your local area ............................................. 146
22. Describe a person who taught you something (knowledge or principles) ............ 150
23. Describe a ideal house or apartment you would like to live in the future ............ 155
24. Describe a successful small company that you know ............................................. 159
25. Describe a person on the news that you’d like to meet .......................................... 162
26. Describe the article on health you read on magazine or the Internet .................. 166
27. Describe a piece of important news you got through a text message ................... 169
28. Describe a uniform (in school or company) you wear ........................................... 173
29. Describe a photograph you like in your room ........................................................ 176
30. Describe a popular product (e.g. food, handicraft -) made in your region .......... 180

+ Để tìm hiểu thông tin về các khóa học, bộ sách mới nhất của thầy Bách, các bạn truy cập: www.ngocbach.com
+ Hotline tư vấn đăng ký học: 0974657403 (email tư vấn: [email protected]) 3
 31. Describe an unusual experience of travelling/vacation/holiday ............................ 187
32. Describe an experience you played an indoor game with others .......................... 191
33. Describe a place you remember well that full of color .......................................... 191
34. Describe something useful you borrow from others .............................................. 194
35. Describe a gift that you took a lot of time to choose .............................................. 197
36. Describe an experience that you got bored when you were with others .............. 198
37. Describe a person who is good at his/her job .......................................................... 200
38. Describe an interesting conversation with a stranger ............................................ 201
39. Describe a special day that made you happy .......................................................... 202
40. Describe a person who often travels by plane ........................................................ 203
41. Describe a situation when you celebrate your achievement .................................. 205
42. Describe a time when you first met someone .......................................................... 207
43. Describe a new public building in your place ......................................................... 208
44. Describe a time you were sleepy but had to stay awake ........................................ 211
45. Describe a practical skill you learned...................................................................... 214
46. Describe a school you went in your childhood........................................................ 217
47. Describe something special you took home from a tourist attraction. You
should say:........................................................................................................................ 221
48. Describe a dinner that you really enjoyed. You should say: ................................. 225
49. Describe a friend who is a good leader. You should say: ...................................... 228
50. Describe a foreign country (culture) you want to know more about. You should
say: .................................................................................................................................... 233
51. Describe an occasion you wore your best clothes. You should say:...................... 236
52. Describe a difficult challenge you met ..................................................................... 240
53. Describe a person who has interesting ideas or opinions ...................................... 244
54. Describe something you bought but difficult to use at first .................................. 248
55. Describe a time you did not tell a friend the truth ................................................. 251
56. Describe an important journey that has been delayed .......................................... 256

+ Để tìm hiểu thông tin về các khóa học, bộ sách mới nhất của thầy Bách, các bạn truy cập: www.ngocbach.com
+ Hotline tư vấn đăng ký học: 0974657403 (email tư vấn: [email protected]) 4
 PART 1

1. HOME/ ACCOMMODATION

What kind of housing/accommodation do you live in?

I live in a terraced house that has a living room, a kitchen, three bed rooms, two bathrooms
and a lovely back garden. It’s not really a spacious house, but it’s just right for me and
my family.
Who do you live with?
I live with my parents and my siblings. We always get on well with each other and have
a lot of fun.
How long have you lived there?
I’ve lived there since I was a child, until I graduated from high school and moved to the
city to enroll at university, where I lived in a student dormitory during the semester.
(If you answer you haven't lived there long)
What’s the difference between where you are living now and where you have lived
in the past?
Living in a dorm with other roommates is totally different from living in my own house.
My current residential area is quite small and it’s very noisy because there are a lot of
people there and I don’t have my own space. Conversely, when I was living at home, I
had my own spacious room and it made me feel comfortable.
Do you plan to live there for a long time?
To be honest, I intend to buy an apartment in an urban area after I graduate from
university. I can decorate and design my ideal home with whatever facilities I want.

+ Để tìm hiểu thông tin về các khóa học, bộ sách mới nhất của thầy Bách, các bạn truy cập: www.ngocbach.com
+ Hotline tư vấn đăng ký học: 0974657403 (email tư vấn: [email protected]) 5
 Which room does your family spend most of the time in?
It’s definitely the kitchen. Not only lunch or dinner time but all our family reunions take
place in the kitchen where all the family members get together to eat tasty meals, and chat
to each other – it’s a really harmonious atmosphere.
Are the transport facilities to your home very good?
To be honest, most of the transport facilities to my place are not very modern. The bus
service from my work place to home is irregular and usually overcrowded.
Do you prefer living in a house or a flat?
I prefer living in a house to a flat because I value my privacy and need my own space.
Owning an independent house, I can plan and design a house layout to suit myself.
Moreover, I can modify a house according to the size of the family.
Please describe the room you live in.
My current room is actually more like a bedsit. It is a multi – purpose room, I use it to
sleep and study as well. It is painted in pink, that’s my favorite color with a bed, a
cupboard and desk. It’s not really spacious but it’s just right for me.
What part of your home do you like the most ?
I prefer my bedroom most due to its convenience and privacy. Because of my stressful
work I want to be in a quiet place and concentrate on my work. In my own room, I’m
never disturbed by anyone else.
Moreover, in my own space I can do whatever I want without bothering others.
VOCABULARY
Terraced house (noun): (ngôi nhà trong dãy nhà cùng kiểu) a house connected on both
sides by other properties
Ex: In England, most people seem to live in terraced houses with lovely back gardens.
Back garden (noun phrase): (vườn ở phía sau nhà) a garden at the rear of the house.
Ex: I live in a terraced house that has a living room, a kitchen, three bed rooms, two
bathrooms and a lovely back garden.
Spacious (adjective): (rộng rãi) (of a room or building) large and with plenty of space for
people to move around in
Ex: The hotel rooms are spacious and comfortable.
Sibling(s) (noun): (anh/ chị em) a brother or sister
Ex: The younger children were badly treated by older siblings.

+ Để tìm hiểu thông tin về các khóa học, bộ sách mới nhất của thầy Bách, các bạn truy cập: www.ngocbach.com
+ Hotline tư vấn đăng ký học: 0974657403 (email tư vấn: [email protected]) 6
 Get on well with sb (phrasal verb): (hòa hợp với ai đó) to have a friendly relationship with
somebody
Ex: She and her sister have never really got on well with each other.
Dormitory (noun): (kí túc xá) a room for several people to sleep in, especially in a school
or other institution
Ex: I’ve lived there since I was a child, until I graduated high school and moved to
the city to enroll in university where I lived in a dormitory.
Residential area (noun): (nơi ở) (of an area of a town) suitable for living in; consisting of
houses rather than factories or offices
Ex: It was not safe to locate the chemicals factory in a residential area.
Urban area (noun): (vùng thành thị) connected with a town or city
Ex:Pollution has reached disturbingly high levels in some urban areas.
Reunion (noun): (tụ họp, xum họp) a social occasion or party attended by a group of
people who have not seen each other for a long time
Ex: The College has an annual reunion for former students.
Harmonious (adjective): (ấm cúng, yên bình) friendly, peaceful and without any
disagreement
Ex: It is important to have harmonious relations between the country's ethnic groups.
Irregular (adjective): not happening at the arranged time intervals
Ex: His irregular attendance at school resulted in his failure in the final exams.
Overcrowded (adjective): with too many people or things in it
Ex: The train was so overcrowded this evening that I was unable to find an empty seat.
Privacy (noun): being alone and not disturbed by other people
Ex: I read the letter in the privacy of my own room.
Suit oneself (verb): to do exactly what you like/want
Ex: Everyone had a different opinion about what colour to paint my room, so in the
end I decided to just suit myself.
Modify (verb): (sửa đổi, thay đổi) to change something slightly, especially in order to
make it more suitable for a particular purpose
Ex: We found it cheaper to modify the existing equipment rather than buy new.
Bedsit (noun): (phòng vừa để ngủ vừa để học, tiếp khách) a room that a person rents and
uses for both living and sleeping in
Ex: He lives in a tiny student bedsit used for both sleeping and studying.

+ Để tìm hiểu thông tin về các khóa học, bộ sách mới nhất của thầy Bách, các bạn truy cập: www.ngocbach.com
+ Hotline tư vấn đăng ký học: 0974657403 (email tư vấn: [email protected]) 7
 Multi-purpose (adjective): (đa chức năng) having many different uses
Ex: This room is multi-purpose – we use it for meetings, interviews and taking breaks.

2. STUDY

Describe your education

I started primary school when I was 7. 5 years later, I went to secondary school at 12.
Then at 16, I made it to a high school for gifted students in my hometown. In my country,
highschool education lasts 3 years, then I went onto higher education at the Foreign
Trade University where I’m currently studying economics.
What is your area of specialization?
Well, my major is External Economics. I have mastered the basics of economics and
socio-economics, combined with business knowledge mainly related to the import and
export business.
Why did you choose to study that major?
I think it would help to fulfill my dream of introducing my country’s agricultural
products to the world. Vietnamese goods have a real potential, but they still struggle to
make a name for themselves, you know.
Do you like your major? (Why?/Why not?)
Yes, of course. Studying economics, especially external economics is interesting and
practical. It helps me to keep up with current affairs and it improves my analytical and
problem-solving skills as well.
What kind of school did you go to as a child?
As a child, I attended a public elementary school. It’s quite a big school in my hometown
which provides both high quality education and a supportive environment, so I think I
was quite lucky.
What was your favourite subject as a child?
Well, I used to be very passionate about drawing when I was a little girl. It was fun to
work with brushes and colors, you know, as it was the time when I could indulge in my
own creative world.
Do you think your country has an effective education system?
To be honest, I don’t think so. Our system has somehow become unduly stressful, does
not promote creativity and the ability to be critical due to the fact that our society still

+ Để tìm hiểu thông tin về các khóa học, bộ sách mới nhất của thầy Bách, các bạn truy cập: www.ngocbach.com
+ Hotline tư vấn đăng ký học: 0974657403 (email tư vấn: [email protected]) 8
 cares way too much about grades and schools consequently focuses on an exam-driven
curriculum, which I find quite impractical.
(Possibly) Are you looking forward to working?
Absolutely! It’s great to join the workforce, especially when I can do the job I love. Not
only will it pay the bills, but it’ll also give me the joy of making a contribution. It’s hard
to be happy and fulfilled without working, you know.
VOCABULARY
Higher education (chương trình đại học) [n] post-18 learning that take places at
universities
Example: According to a research, nearly 50 percent of Vietnamese students in U.S.
higher education are studying either business or engineering, with business-related
majors making up 38 percent of all enrollments in 2012/13
Master (tinh thông, nắm vững) [v] learn how to do sowmthing well
Example: She lived in Italy for several years but never quite mastered the language.
Make a name for oneself ( trở nên nổi tiếng) [idiom] become famous and respected by
a lot of people
Example: By the time he was thirty-five, he had made a name for himself as a successful
railway contractor
Keep up with (cập nhật thông tin về cái gì) [idiom] be aware of
Example: Even though he's been travelling, he's kept up with what's going on back home
Analytical (thuộc về phân tích) [adj] using analysis or logical reasoning
Example: Analytical skills are essential in the workplace to ensure necessary problem
solving occurs to keep productivity and other areas of the workforce functioning smoothly
Elementary school (trường tiểu học) [n] primary school, school for children between 7-
11 years old (in Vietnam)
Example: It’s essential that children at the official entry age for elementary school attend
classes fully.
Unduly (quá mức, không chính đáng ) [adj] excessively/ to a level that more than is
necessary, acceptable, or reasonable
Example:
For every new parents, the decision about whether to vaccinate his or herchild has been
unduly stressful

+ Để tìm hiểu thông tin về các khóa học, bộ sách mới nhất của thầy Bách, các bạn truy cập: www.ngocbach.com
+ Hotline tư vấn đăng ký học: 0974657403 (email tư vấn: [email protected]) 9
 Exam-driven curriculum (chương trình học để phục vụ cho các kỳ thi) [expression] the
courses taught a school, college, which focus on teaching what will be on the exam
Example: Many parents believe that exam-driven curriculum can change their kid’s
attitude towards school in profoundly negative ways.
Pay the bills (trang trải cuộc sống) [ idioms] provide enough income to sustain one’s
lifestyle
Example: Being a dentist isn’t so glamorous, but it pays the bills.

3. WORK

What do you do?

I’m currently working as a graphic designer for a fashion magazine for youngsters
What are your responsibilities?
Well I’m mainly responsible for designing the cover of the magazine. I normally work
with the concept team to make sure that the final product will both attract the potential
buyer’s attention and express the theme of the magazine.
Why did you choose to do that type of work (or, that job)?
I guess it’s because of my artistic passion. The process of creating beautiful things is
somehow intriguing to me, so I chose to be a graphic designer, which combines both art
and technology. It’s quite interesting, you know.
Is there some other kind of work you would rather do?
Well, if possible, I’d like to be a freelance writer. Actually I’m a big fan of action movies,
and I also care about healthy living, so, I’d love to write about these topics and share my
stories with people of the same interest.
Describe the company or organization you work for
My company is not huge, it’s just a small art designoffice, but is definitely an inspirational
workplace with a young, creative, and extremely passionate team. We work on the basis
of mutual understanding and respect for each other, so it’s kind of an ideal environment
for me.
Do you enjoy your work?
Most of the time. It’s rewarding to co-work on projects with amazing people in an open
and supportive environment to bring out an art production that will ultimately give me a
sense of satisfaction and pride.

+ Để tìm hiểu thông tin về các khóa học, bộ sách mới nhất của thầy Bách, các bạn truy cập: www.ngocbach.com
+ Hotline tư vấn đăng ký học: 0974657403 (email tư vấn: [email protected]) 10
 What do you like about your job?
Well, the perk of being a graphic designer is that you’ll surround yourself with inspiring
images everyday. My daily working life involves seeking out inspiration in all sorts of
places, researching incredible illustrations and graphics, and creating them too. It’s great,
I think.
What do you dislike about your job
What I don’t like about this job is that our personal taste in design varies, and normally
I’ll have to do a thousand edits to get the final product that meets the demand of my boss
while still * relating / staying faithful to /remaining trueto the initial concept.
* conform means ‘to behave according to the usual standards of behaviour that are
expected by a group or society’ – this does not relate to things like ‘concepts’.
(Possibly)Do you miss being a student?
Sometimes, when I’m burdened with heavy workloads or the pressure of everyday life, I
recall the memories of being a student. We were all carefree and innocent back then. It’s
a precious time that I cherish.
VOCABULARY
theme (đề tài,chủ đề) [n] the main subject of a talk, book, film, etc
Example: The father-daughter relationship is a recurring theme in her novels.
Intriguing ( hấp dẫn, gợi thích thú) [adj] very interesting because of being unusual or
mysterious
Example: The Huns are intriguing not only because of their notoriously hawkish
history, but also because of their place as middlemen between Mongol and Turkic
ethnicity
On the basis of (trên cơ sở) [idiom] base on
Example: Discrimination on the basis of race, gender, age or disability is not allowed.
Rewarding (bổ ích, đáng làm) [adj] giving pleasure, satisfation
Example: The most rewarding aspect of living forever is you have unlimited time to
perfect your abilities and accumulate wealth.
Ultimately (cuối cùng thì, rút cục) [adv] at the end of a process, period of time, etc.
Example: Everything will ultimately depend on what is said at the meeting with
the directors next week.
Perk ( đặc quyền, thù lao thêm) [n] an advantage or something extra that you are given
because of your job

+ Để tìm hiểu thông tin về các khóa học, bộ sách mới nhất của thầy Bách, các bạn truy cập: www.ngocbach.com
+ Hotline tư vấn đăng ký học: 0974657403 (email tư vấn: [email protected]) 11
 Example: A company car and a mobile phone are some of the perks that come with the
job.
Conform (to sth) (tuân theo) [v] obey the rule or reach the necessary stated standard
Example: Before buying the baby's car seat, make sure that it conforms to
the official safetystandards.
Cherish (yêu mến, coi trọng) [v] keep hopes, memories in your mind because they are
important to you and bring you pleasure
Example: I cherish the memories of the time we spent together.

4. MUSIC

1. Do you like listening to music?

I love listening to music, especially US-UK. My favorite artists are Miley Cyrus and
Troye Sivan; their songs always sound awesome to me.
2. When do you listen to music?
Basically I listen to music whenever I feel like doing so, but maybe I most often do that
before going to sleep, when I’m on the bus, or when I don’t have any important tasks to
work on.
3. Did you learn instruments?
I didn’t take up any musical instruments, and haven’t still. I have always wanted to
learn to play the piano ever since I was a kid, but never got the chance too. I’m planning
on getting some piano lessons this summer.
4. Did you have any music classes in school?
I used to have music classes back when I was in primary school and secondary school
only. I really loved my music class in secondary school - for our midterm and final tests,
we had to form a group of at least four and perform a certain song that we chose ourselves.
It was so much fun.
5. Do you think it is necessary for children to have music classes?
In my opinion, children should always have music classes. Music has been scientifically
proven to have positive influences on one’s way of thinking and feeling, so it will do
people good if they can experience music from an early age.

+ Để tìm hiểu thông tin về các khóa học, bộ sách mới nhất của thầy Bách, các bạn truy cập: www.ngocbach.com
+ Hotline tư vấn đăng ký học: 0974657403 (email tư vấn: [email protected]) 12
 6. What do you think of Vietnamese traditional music?
It’s not really to my taste, to be honest. I literally cannot listen to traditional kinds of
music such as “ca tru”, “cai luong” or “cheo”. I really like listening to songs created
during the war though. Maybe because my dad was a soldier, he often told me stories
about his years in the army and so I can somehow relate deeply to those kinds of songs.
7.How much time do you spend listening to music every day?
It depends. I often listen to music when I’m doing the housework or when I’m on the bus.
At that time, I feel like I can immerse myself in my own world. When I need to really
concentrate on school work, I don’t really listen to music as it can cause some real
unwelcomed distraction.
8.What is your favorite kind of music?
I don’t have a particular taste in music. I can pretty much listen to everything as long as
it sounds good to me. Still, I can hardly listen to Vietnamese traditional music, some
countries’ folk songs and several tracks belonging to the classical genre.
9.When did you start listening to this type of music?
[Let’s just say I’m into rock music]
The first time I heard a rock song was when my dad turned on the TV and there was a
performance of a very famous rock band in Vietnam called “Buc Tuong”. It was amazing.
I started searching for more songs from the Vietnamese band, and songs belonging to the
same genre, and have decided ever since that rock music would be a part of my spiritual
life.
10.How do you feel when you listening to music?
Relaxed and free, I guess. Music, to me, is a way of hiding from all the hustle and bustle
of everyday life. I listen to music when I’m under a lot of pressure, and I just feel so fine.
It’s the feeling of finally coming home after years and years of living far away, I think.
Vocabulary
Từ vựng thuộc chủ đề The Arts:
folk songs
Meaning: songs in the traditional style of a country or community
Example: Traditional folk songs are part of the cultural heritage of a nation or region.
Dịch đại ý
Folk songs: nhạc cổ truyền/ dân tộc
Nghĩa: những bài hát theo phong cách truyền thống của một đất nước hay một cộng đồng.

+ Để tìm hiểu thông tin về các khóa học, bộ sách mới nhất của thầy Bách, các bạn truy cập: www.ngocbach.com
+ Hotline tư vấn đăng ký học: 0974657403 (email tư vấn: [email protected]) 13
 Ví dụ: những bài hát dân tộc cổ truyền là một phần di sản văn hóa của một quốc gia hay
một vùng miền.
to take up a musical instrument
Meaning: to start to learn to play a musical instrument
Example: Schools should encourage all those children who have an interest to take up a
musical instrument.
Dịch đại ý
To take up a musical instrument: học chơi một nhạc cụ
Nghĩa: bắt đầu học để chơi được một nhạc cụ nào đó
Ví dụ: Trường học nên khuyến khích những học sinh mà có hứng thú chơi nhạc cụ.
genres of music
Meaning: particular types or styles of music
Example: Different genres of music tend to be favoured by different age groups, with
classical music more popular among the elderly.
Dịch đại ý
Genres of music: thể loại âm nhạc
Nghĩa: những thể loại hay phong cách âm nhạc cụ thể
Ví dụ: Những thể loại âm nhạc khác nhau được yêu thích bởi những lứa tuổi khác nhau,
như là nhạc cố điển thì được người cao tuổi ưa thích hơn.
Từ vựng khác:
Do sb good [expression] (to improve someone’s health or life): ảnh hưởng tốt đến sức
khoẻ hoặc cuộc sống của ai đó
E.g. You can't work all the time - it does you good to go out and enjoy yourself
sometimes.
Be to one’s taste [expression] (be something one likes): đúng khẩu vị/sở thích của ai đó
E.g. I'm not really into new cars - old vintage cars are more to my taste!
Relate [verb] (to be able to understand a situation or someone's feelings because you have
experienced something similar yourself): hiểu được, cảm nhận được
E.g. I often wake up very early - I'm sure most readers over 50 can relate.
Immerse yourself in something [verb] (to become completely involved in something):
chìm đắm trong cái gì
E.g. She got some books out of the library and immersed herself in Jewishhistory and
culture.

+ Để tìm hiểu thông tin về các khóa học, bộ sách mới nhất của thầy Bách, các bạn truy cập: www.ngocbach.com
+ Hotline tư vấn đăng ký học: 0974657403 (email tư vấn: [email protected]) 14
 Hustle and bustle [expression] (noise and activity): sự ồn ào
E.g. I love the hustle and bustle of the marketplace.
Still [adv] (nevertheless; on the other hand): tuy vậy
E.g. I don’t really like weddings. Still, I’ll have to go or they’ll be offended

5. HAIRCUT

1. Have you ever had an unhappy haircut experience?

2. How long have you had your current haircut?

3. How often do you have a haircut?

4. Do you like having your haircut?

1. Have you ever had an unhappy haircut experience?

(Answer) Yes, I have.
(Give a reason for your answer) My hair is quite curly by nature, so I've encountered
quite a few difficulties in finding someone who can actually cut it properly. The first time
I ever got my hair professionally cut, I walked out of the salon disappointed. I went in
for a trim but left with basically a short curly mullet. It was quite awful.

2. How long have you had your current haircut?

(Answer) Since quite recently. But it was not a happy experience, either

(Give a reason for your answer) I just stopped by my salon to get my bangs cut, my
regular stylist was out. I saw someone else and she mutilated my bangs! They are so
incredibly, ridiculously, comically short. Obviously there’s nothing I can do at this point
but laugh about it.

3. How often do you have a haircut?

(Answer) Not often, I think.

+ Để tìm hiểu thông tin về các khóa học, bộ sách mới nhất của thầy Bách, các bạn truy cập: www.ngocbach.com
+ Hotline tư vấn đăng ký học: 0974657403 (email tư vấn: [email protected]) 15
 (Give a reason for your answer) In comparison with my close friends, who have a
genuine obsession with hair, I don’t have any particular need for changing hairstyle, so
I just visit the salon when I really need to.

4. Do you like having your haircut?

(Answer) Well, not at all.

(Give a reason for your answer) I don’t really feel at ease in having my hair cut. The
previous haircut experiences were somehow frustrating, so I would rather let my hair
grow naturally to a certain extent before making any changes to it.

Vocabulary:

1. encounter [v]: to experience something, especially something unpleasant: trải qua

Eg: When did you first encounter these difficulties?

2. professionally [adv]: by people with particular skills or qualifications: một cách
chuyên nghiệp

Eg: I t hi nk next ti m e we need any decorat ing we'll get i t done

profes si onall y.
3. trim [n]: an act of making something, especially someone's hair, tidier or more level by
cutting a small amount of it: sự cắt ngắn

Eg: I asked the hairdresser for a trim.

4. regular [adj]: usual or ordinary: thường nhật

Eg: Her regular secretary was off sick for a week.

5. in comparison with [expression]: when compared with sth: khi được so sánh với
Eg: The paintings he made later pale in comparison with his earlier work.
6. genuinely [adv]: really and sincerely: thật sự

Eg: I'm genuinely sorry for what I said.

7. obsession [n]: something or someone that you think about all the time: sự ám ảnh

Eg: He has an obsession with cleanliness.

+ Để tìm hiểu thông tin về các khóa học, bộ sách mới nhất của thầy Bách, các bạn truy cập: www.ngocbach.com
+ Hotline tư vấn đăng ký học: 0974657403 (email tư vấn: [email protected]) 16
8. particular [adj]: special, or this and not any other: đặc biệt
Eg: In the light of recent incidents, we are asking our customers to take particular care of
their personal belongings.
9. at ease [expression]: in a relaxed, comfortable, unencumbered, unembarrassed
position, manner, or situation: thoải mái

Eg: I'm not under too much pressure; they told me to submit the report at my
ease.
10. frustrating [adj]: making you feel annoyed or less confident because you cannot achieve
what you want: gây bực bội

Eg: He doesn't listen to what I say and it's so frustrating.

6. JEANS

1. Do you wear jeans?

(Answer) Yes, I do.

(Give a reason for your answer) I usually wear jeans made with stretch fabric, because
I am always chasing comfort and ease of movement. I can't stand feeling trapped in my
clothes. Always be comfortable so your light can shine.

2. How often do you wear jeans?

(Answer) On a daily basis, I guess.

(Give a reason for your answer) I wear jeans with commitment and obsession. I really
give them a workout. I tend to choose a pair that I like, then wear them every single day,
until they feel like an extension of my body. I just can’t break the habit of choosing
jeans as my main outfit of the day.

3. Do you like wearing jeans, why?

(Answer) Yes, I do love wearing jeans a lot.

+ Để tìm hiểu thông tin về các khóa học, bộ sách mới nhất của thầy Bách, các bạn truy cập: www.ngocbach.com
+ Hotline tư vấn đăng ký học: 0974657403 (email tư vấn: [email protected]) 17
 (Give a reason for your answer) I wear jeans because they are convenient. They go with
everything, and are perfectly versatile. I travel often, and I like to pack light, so jeans are
a great staple for mixing and matching.

4. Why do you think jeans are popular?

(Answer) The reasons are varied.

(Give a reason for your answer) Jeans stand out as a preferable option for many people
because they are durable, both in style and in utility. Besides, they’re neutral, while also
showing allegiance to a classic, functional aesthetic.

Vocabulary:

11. fabric [n]: cloth or material for making clothes, covering furniture, etc.: vải

Eg: The fibres are woven into fabric.

12. can't stand + V-ing [expression]: used to say that you do not like someone or
something at all, or that you think that something is extremely unpleasant: không thể chịu
đựng

Eg: Lily can’t stand working in an office.

13. commitment [n]: a promise or firm decision to do something: sự cam kết

Eg: Players must make a commitment to play for a full season.

14. obsession [n]: something or someone that you think about all the time: sự ám ảnh

Eg: He has an obsession with cleanliness.

15. break the habit of [expression]: to stop doing a routine action or activity: phá
vỡ thói quen

Eg: I struggled to break the habit of biting my nails, but getting regular manicures
helped.
16. versatile [adj]: able to change easily from one activity to another or able to be used
for many different purposes: linh hoạt

+ Để tìm hiểu thông tin về các khóa học, bộ sách mới nhất của thầy Bách, các bạn truy cập: www.ngocbach.com
+ Hotline tư vấn đăng ký học: 0974657403 (email tư vấn: [email protected]) 18
 Eg: He's a very versatile young actor who's as happy in highbrow dramas as he is in TV
comedies.
17. staple [n]: a main product or part of something: sản phẩm chính

Eg: Phosphate has been a staple of this area for many years.
18. preferable [adj]: better or more suitable: được ưa thích hơn

Eg: Surel y a di pl omat i c soluti on i s preferabl e to war.

19. durable [adj]: able to last a long time without becoming damaged: bền

Eg: The machines have to be made of durable materials.

20. neutral [adj]: having features or characteristics that are not easily noticed: trung tính

Eg: wants dark red walls, but I'd like a more neutral colour like cream.

7. CONCENTRATION

1. What do you need to be focused?

(Answer) Well, I think there are certain ways that keep myself always fixated on a task.

(Give a reason for your answer) I would normally set aside a specific time and place and
request to be left alone for a period of time. Another alternative for me is to seek out a
quiet location where I know I will be able to work undisturbed.

2. What might distract you when you are trying to stay focused?

(Answer) Well, there are many things.

(Give a reason for your answer) I sometimes abandon a task because I am disturbed by
either a noise or sound, or other thoughts creeping into my mind suddenly.

3. What do you do to help you concentrate?

(Answer) Whenever my work requires complete concentration, I played the finger

gyroscope for about 5 minutes to be mentally well-prepared to undertake the task.

+ Để tìm hiểu thông tin về các khóa học, bộ sách mới nhất của thầy Bách, các bạn truy cập: www.ngocbach.com
+ Hotline tư vấn đăng ký học: 0974657403 (email tư vấn: [email protected]) 19
 (Give a reason for your answer) All you need to do when playing this toy is holding the
spinner in one hand and the other hand spinning rapidly using small continuous strikes
with indefinite practice. What really amazes me is that it keeps rotating for a long time
and seems to go on non-stop. All my vision is captivated by this little instrument.

4. Is it difficult for you to stay focused on something?

(Answer) For a very long period of time, I suffered great concentration issues and was
not able to focus on one thing for a long period of time.

(Give a reason for your answer) Until now, my focus capacity has become sharper as I
have been trying different ways to concentrate on my important work. The key here is to
prioritize and carry out your task in order with absolute commitment.

Vocabulary:

1. fixate [v]: to think about something too much and find it difficult to stop: suy
nghĩ cố định
Eg: High achievers sometimes fixate on their own flaws.
2. alternative [n]: an alternative plan or method is one that you can use if you do not
want to use another one: phương án thay thế
Eg: The opposition parties have so far failed to set out an alternative strategy.
3. abandon [v]: to leave a place, thing, or person, usually for ever: rời bỏ, bỏ mặc
Eg: By the time the rebel troops arrived, the village had already been abandoned.
4. indefinite [adj]: not exact, not clear, or without clear limits: vô định
Eg: The project has been postponed for an indefinite period.
5. rotate [v]: to turn or cause something to turn in a circle, especially around a fixed
point: quay vòng
Eg: The satellite slowly rotates as it circles the earth.
6. captivate [v]: to hold the attention of someone by being extremely interesting,
exciting, pleasant, or attractive: quyến rũ, thu hút
Eg: With her beauty and charm, she captivated film audiences everywhere.

+ Để tìm hiểu thông tin về các khóa học, bộ sách mới nhất của thầy Bách, các bạn truy cập: www.ngocbach.com
+ Hotline tư vấn đăng ký học: 0974657403 (email tư vấn: [email protected]) 20
 7. concentration issues [expression]: problems related to one’s concentration: vấn đề
tập trung
Eg: Tiredness and emotional stress can cause concentration issues in most people
8. capacity [n]: someone's ability to do a particular thing: năng lực
Eg: She has a great capacity for hard work.
9. prioritize [v]: to decide which of a group of things are the most important so that
you can deal with them first: ưu tiên
Eg: You must learn to prioritize your work.
10. commitment [n]: a promise or firm decision to do something: sự cam kết
Eg: Players must make a commitment to play for a full season.

8. WALKING

1. Where do you usually take a walk?

(Answer) Well, I don’t walk in any particular place. I like to walk with my friends to the
park so that we can talk and feel less exhausted on the way.

(Give a reason for your answer)

2. Do you think people will walk more or not in the future?

(Answer) No, I don’t think so.

(Give a reason for your answer) Under the pressure of such a fast-paced life, people seem
to be increasingly reluctant to have a walk regularly. Modern citizens think that driving
is a more preferable way of travelling which just eliminates the hurdle that you may
otherwise face if there is no public transportation available or pedestrian roads.

3. Do you walk more often in the past?

(Answer) Surprisingly, I walk more often these days than I used to in the past.

(Give a reason for your answer) For a very long period of time, I suffered great
concentration issues and was not able to focus on one thing for a long period of time. So

+ Để tìm hiểu thông tin về các khóa học, bộ sách mới nhất của thầy Bách, các bạn truy cập: www.ngocbach.com
+ Hotline tư vấn đăng ký học: 0974657403 (email tư vấn: [email protected]) 21
 I took up walking 6 months ago and thanks to this activity, my focus capacity became
sharper.

4. Do you walk a lot?

(Answer) As often as necessary - which mostly means longer distances, but the walking
experience is worth it.

(Give a reason for your answer) Otherwise, I try to use my bicycle, even in winter, to
remain in good shape. I just happen to like biking, as a sport. Also it proves to be
economical and environmentally-friendly.

Vocabulary:

21. particular [adj]: special, or this and not any other: đặc biệt
Eg: In the light of recent incidents, we are asking our customers to take particular care of
their personal belongings.
22. exhausted [adj]: extremely tired: kiệt sức

Eg: By the time they reached the summit they were exhausted.
23. preferable [adj]: better or more suitable: được ưa thích hơn

Eg: Surel y a di pl omat i c soluti on i s preferabl e to war.

24. eliminate [v]: to remove or take away someone or something: loại bỏ

Eg: Students only have 8 hours of tutorials a week.

25. hurdle [n]: a frame or fence for jumping over in a race: hàng rào

Eg: There are still a few technical hurdles to be surmounted before the product can be put
on sale to the public.
26. concentration issues [expression]: problems related to one’s concentration: vấn đề
tập trung

Eg: Tiredness and emotional stress can cause concentration issues in most people
27. capacity [n]: someone's ability to do a particular thing: năng lực
Eg: She has a great capacity for hard work.

+ Để tìm hiểu thông tin về các khóa học, bộ sách mới nhất của thầy Bách, các bạn truy cập: www.ngocbach.com
+ Hotline tư vấn đăng ký học: 0974657403 (email tư vấn: [email protected]) 22
 28. in good shape [expression]: to be prepared and ready to do something: có sức
khỏe tốt

Eg: All our bags are packed, and we don't have to leave for another hour, so
we're in good shape.
29. economical [adj]: not using a lot of fuel, money, etc.: tiết kiệm

Eg: There's i ncreasing dem and for cars t hat are more economical on fuel .
30. environmentally-friendly [adj]: not harmful to the environment: thân thiện với
môi trường

Eg: There are a growing number of investors backing firms that are
environmentally-friendly.

9. LANGUAGES

1. Will you learn other languages in the future?

(Answer) Well, my foremost choice would be French.

(Give a reason for your answer) On the one hand, I am really into travelling to France
because this nation boasts a diverse range of culture like literature, architecture, fashion,
and cooking. A good command of French will equip me with the necessary languages to
interact with its native speakers. Besides, I know a lot of engaging French movies so
that’s quite a compelling reason to learn their language.

2. Do you think it is difficult to learn a new language?

(Answer) Yes, of course it is. Well, there are different challenges for different people
and for different languages.

(Give a reason for your answer) For the language itself, grammar may baffle many
learners, while others can’t pick up pronunciation and struggle to memorize vocabulary.
Alphabets can be challenging, especially the complicated ones like Kanji or Tibetan.

+ Để tìm hiểu thông tin về các khóa học, bộ sách mới nhất của thầy Bách, các bạn truy cập: www.ngocbach.com
+ Hotline tư vấn đăng ký học: 0974657403 (email tư vấn: [email protected]) 23
 Besides, other obstacles like the lack of time and resources generally present themselves
during the learning process.

3. What language can you speak?

(Answer) I can speak Vietnamese and English and just a bit of Korean.

(Give a reason for your answer) I try to expose myself to the language according to my
hobbies and interests. Watching movies with subtitles, reading books on my favorite
topics or listening to music are of great help to my linguistic command.

4. Why do you learn English?

(Answer) There are many reasons to learn English nowadays.

(Give a reason for your answer) I learn English out of academic, diplomatic, commercial
or other practical considerations because it is the preferred language when communicating
with most foreigners. Practically, learning foreign language helps to broaden my
opportunities for becoming a global citizen.

Vocabulary:

1. (be) into [adj]: to be interested in something: yêu thích cái gì

Eg: My daughter is into sports all of sudden and really wants to take tennis lessons.
2. equip [v]: to provide a person or a place with objects that are necessary for a
particular purpose: trang bị

Eg: All the police officers were equipped with shields to defend themselves against the
rioters.
3. engaging [adj]: pleasant, attractive, and charming: cuốn hút

Eg: He has an engaging manner.

4. compelling [adj]: If a reason, argument, etc. is compelling, it makes you believe it
or accept it because it is so strong: thuyết phục

Eg: It's a fairly compelling argument for going.

+ Để tìm hiểu thông tin về các khóa học, bộ sách mới nhất của thầy Bách, các bạn truy cập: www.ngocbach.com
+ Hotline tư vấn đăng ký học: 0974657403 (email tư vấn: [email protected]) 24
 5. baffle [v]: to cause someone to be completely unable to understand or explain
something: làm lạc hướng

Eg: She was completely baffled by his strange behaviour.

6. complicated [adj]: involving a lot of different parts, in a way that is difficult to

understand: phức tạp
Eg: The rules are rather complicated to follow.
7. obstacle [n]: something that blocks you so that movement, going forward, or action
is prevented or made more difficult: chướng ngại
Eg: The biggest obstacle in our way was a tree trunk in the road.
8. expose [v]: to create conditions that allow someone to have the opportunity to learn
or experience new things: tiếp xúc

Eg: Kate was exposed to new ideas when she went to college.
9. diplomatic [adj]: involving diplomats or the management of the relationships
between countries: ngoại giao

Eg: All diplomatic attempts at a peaceful solution to the crisis have been fruitless.
10. broaden [n]: to increase knowledge, experience: mở rộng

Eg: Many people agree that travel broadens the mind.

10. FRIENDS

1. What do you think makes good friends?

(Answer) Well, there are some specific attributes that make good friends.

(Give a reason for your answer) To me, a good friend should be dependable and sincere
who is always willing to do stupid things with you and give you a lot of motivation to
overcome fierce times. I usually don’t get on well with over-sensitive or complicated
people.

2. Do you keep in contact with friends from your childhood?

+ Để tìm hiểu thông tin về các khóa học, bộ sách mới nhất của thầy Bách, các bạn truy cập: www.ngocbach.com
+ Hotline tư vấn đăng ký học: 0974657403 (email tư vấn: [email protected]) 25
 (Answer) To be honest, I don’t stay in touch with a lot of my childhood friends.

(Give a reason for your answer) I’m quite an introvert and somehow prudent in
relationships, so I just talk to one old friend, Phuong Chau, in whom I can confide. We
have known each other since primary school and maintained this special bond till now.

3. What kinds of people do you like to make friends with?

(Answer) I like people who are honest with themselves and others and not pretentious.
Besides, I’m also attracted to those who share a good rapport with everyone but at the
same time don't get afraid to take a stand, who handle stressful situations with humor,
who have self-respect but no ego and are willing to explore the world around them.

4. Do you think you are a good friend to others?

(Answer) Well, I hope so.

(Give a reason for your answer) From my perspective, good friends are especially
important during times of crisis and turbulence. When my friends go through a hard time,
they never failed to cheer me up and helped sail me through both emotional and academic
setbacks.

Vocabulary:

1. attribute [n]: a person that you have met but do not know well: người quen
Eg: He gradually lost contact with all his old acquaintances.

2. get on (well) with [expression]: to have a pleasant relationship with someone; to be

friends with someone: hòa thuận với ai
Eg: I've always gotten on with Amanda—I think she's very nice.
3. introvert [n]: someone who is shy, quiet, and prefers to spend time alone rather than
often being with other people: người hướng nội
Eg: If introverts are easier to socialize, this level will be achieved with less effort and
attention than with extraverts.

+ Để tìm hiểu thông tin về các khóa học, bộ sách mới nhất của thầy Bách, các bạn truy cập: www.ngocbach.com
+ Hotline tư vấn đăng ký học: 0974657403 (email tư vấn: [email protected]) 26
 4. prudent [adj]: careful and avoiding risks: thận trọng
Eg: It's always prudent to read a contract carefully before signing it.
5. confide [v]: to tell something secret or personal to someone who you trust not to tell
anyone else: tâm sự
Eg: As sisters, they have always confided in each other.
6. pretentious [adj]: trying to appear or sound more important or clever than you are,
especially in matters of art and literature: tự phụ
Eg: John is a pretentious art critic
7. rapport [n]: a good understanding of someone and an ability to communicate well
with them: mối quan hệ
Eg: We'd worked together for years and developed a close/good rapport.
8. take a stand [expression]: to take a position in opposition to someone or something;
to oppose or resist someone or something: đứng lên phản đối
Eg: The treasurer took a stand, and others agreed.
9. turbulence [n]: a state of confusion without any order: sự xáo trộn
Eg: The era was characterized by political and cultural turbulence.
10. setback [n]: something that happens that delays or prevents a process from
developing: sự trở ngại
Eg: There has been a slight/temporary setback in our plans.

11. ANIMAL

1. Have you ever kept pets?

(Answer) Yes, I used to have one.

(Give a reason for your answer) My father got a dog for me when I was 5. Yet, I
remember he was so aggressive that we rarely played with him. He was kept only for
guarding the house. Later on, when he started recognizing us, he allowed us to approach
him. I remember my sister actually felt attached to him a great deal, so when he died, it
was a true shock for her.

+ Để tìm hiểu thông tin về các khóa học, bộ sách mới nhất của thầy Bách, các bạn truy cập: www.ngocbach.com
+ Hotline tư vấn đăng ký học: 0974657403 (email tư vấn: [email protected]) 27
 2. Do you like to go to the zoo?
(Answer) Actually, I don't like going to the zoo.
(Give a reason for your answer) It is so sad to see the miserable animals sitting, running
about sadly in their cage, hoping for some scraps from the visitors. They don't deserve it.
But on the other side, some of them will live in danger if they are allowed to live in their
natural environment.

3. Have you ever seen any wild animals before?

(Answer) Honestly, not even once in person but of course plenty of times on TV through
National Geographic TV shows.
(Give a reason for your answer) In my twenty years of existence, I still haven’t seen one
real wild animal before with my naked eyes. Some of the amazing wild animals that I’ve
seen on television are zebras, gorillas, giraffes, coyotes, hedgehogs, otters, and lions. I
really don’t get a chance to visit any zoos in this country.
4. What wild animal do you like the most?

(Answer) Actually, I do not have any particular kinds of wild animal that I like.

(Give a reason for your answer) If I have to pick one, I prefer to choose elephants. They
look different from any other animal you’ve ever seen, they have a trunk, tusks and
they’re massive in size. They are closely related to the extinct mammoth and that is why
elephants are so unique. Besides, in comparison with other kinds of animals, they are
much more intelligent.

Vocabulary:
aggressive [adj]: behaving in an angry and violent way towards another person: hung
hăng
Eg: If I criticize him, he gets aggressive and starts shouting.
approach [v]: to come nearer to something or someone: tiếp cận, lại gần
Eg: Under no circumstances should you approach the man.
(be) attached to [adj]: to like someone or something very much: gắn kết

+ Để tìm hiểu thông tin về các khóa học, bộ sách mới nhất của thầy Bách, các bạn truy cập: www.ngocbach.com
+ Hotline tư vấn đăng ký học: 0974657403 (email tư vấn: [email protected]) 28
 Eg: Steve really gets attached to his cats.
miserable [adj]: very unhappy: đau khổ
Eg: She's miserable living on her own.
deserve [v]: to have earned or to be given something because of the way you have
behaved or the qualities you have: xứng đáng
Eg: After all that hard work, you deserve a holiday.
with the naked eyes [expression]: without using any special device for making images
larger: với mắt thường
Eg: We live miles away, but on a clear night, you can see the city skyscrapers with the
naked eye.
coyote [n]: a small wild animal like a dog that lives in North America: chó sói
Eg: Chickens need protection from predators such as coyotes, foxes, and owls.
particular [adj]: special, or this and not any other: đặc biệt
Eg: In the light of recent incidents, we are asking our customers to take particular care of
their personal belongings.
massive [adj]: very large in size, amount, or number: to lớn
Eg: If the drought continues, deaths will occur on a massive scale.
in comparison with [expression]: when compared with sth: khi được so sánh với
Eg: The paintings he made later pale in comparison with his earlier work.

12. MUSEUMS

1. (Do you go on field trips to museums to learn history?)

(Answer) Yes, I sometimes do.

(Give a reason for your answer) As I see it, this kind of educational trip is a beneficial
way for a student to acquire both knowledge and experience. History teachers in my
school often organize trips to museums with a view to familiarizing students with
historical events or figures in a more fascinating way. I remember all students were
always in eager anticipation before trips to museums like this.

2. (Do you learn much history at school?)

+ Để tìm hiểu thông tin về các khóa học, bộ sách mới nhất của thầy Bách, các bạn truy cập: www.ngocbach.com
+ Hotline tư vấn đăng ký học: 0974657403 (email tư vấn: [email protected]) 29
 (Answer) Well, history is actually my favorite subject at school

(Give a reason for your answer) I’m quite enthusiastic about delving into the past and
learning from the mistakes our forefathers used to make. Besides, my History teacher in
high school always delivered engaging lessons, and unlike other teachers who compelled
students to learn to get good grades, she showed the beauty of learning and encouraged
us to pursue our own interests. After entering higher education, I still contact her from
time to time.

3. (When was the last time you read a history publication?)

(Answer) I’m genuinely interested in history books, so I read them on a frequent basis.

(Give a reason for your answer) The recent one I read has an unpredictable plot and it
has received widespread acclaim from book critics around the world.

Vocabulary from Education:

 higher education:
Meaning: education, usually in a college or university that is followed after high school
or secondary school
Example: Higher education is only suitable for those committed enough to learning.

Other vocabulary:
31. with a view to [expression]: with an intention to do sth: với mục đích làm gì đó

Eg: The politician reveals the truth with a view to gaining more faith from the public.
32. fascinating [adj]: extremely interesting and attractive: thú vị, lôi cuốn

Eg: Your t ri p to Al aska sounds absolut ely fasci nati ng.

33. anticipation [n]: a feeling of excitement about something that is going to happen in
the near future: sự mong chờ

Eg: The postponement of the film's sequel has held cinemagoers in eager anticipation for
several months.
34. (be) enthusiastic about [adj]: showing enthusiasm: hào hứng về

+ Để tìm hiểu thông tin về các khóa học, bộ sách mới nhất của thầy Bách, các bạn truy cập: www.ngocbach.com
+ Hotline tư vấn đăng ký học: 0974657403 (email tư vấn: [email protected]) 30
 Eg: Marcias’s lifelong interest in science learning stems from growing up as the
oldest child in a family enthusiastic about learning.
35. pursue [v]: to try to achieve something: theo đuổi

Eg: Liam plans to pursue a career in advertising.

36. from time to time [expression]: sometimes: thỉnh thoảng

Eg: I meet my old friends from time to time.

37. unpredictable [adj]: likely to change suddenly and without reason and therefore not
able to be predicted (= expected before it happens) or depended on: không đoán trước
được

Eg: The weather there can be unpredictable - one minute it's blue skies and the next
minute it's pouring rain.
38. acclaim [n]: public approval and praise: sự nán dương
Eg: Despite the critical acclaim, the novel did not sell well.

13. WATER SPORT

1. Have you ever played water sports?

Definitely yes. My childhood was linked with swimming because I participated in many
swimming competitions during my school years.

2. What water sports do you like playing?

I would say swimming, of course. However, it seems like my preference is shifting to

water polo from swimming. However, till now, swimming remains the most favourite of
mine.

3. Are water sports popular in Vietnam?

I don’t think so, at least for the time being. Water sports facilities are not widely available
nor invested in in my country. I bet that many people have no clue what water polo is.

Vocabulary:

1. To be linked with something (phrase): có mối quan hệ với cái gì đó

+ Để tìm hiểu thông tin về các khóa học, bộ sách mới nhất của thầy Bách, các bạn truy cập: www.ngocbach.com
+ Hotline tư vấn đăng ký học: 0974657403 (email tư vấn: [email protected]) 31
 Example: Her name is being linked to one of the top jobs in the company.

Tên tuổi của cô ấy được gắn với những công việc hàng đầu trong công ty

2. to shift (v): thay đổi/dịch chuyển

Example: She shifted (her weight) uneasily from one foot to the other.

Cô ấy dịch chuyển trọng lượng một cách không hề dễ hàng từ chân này qua chân kia.

3. to have no clue/don’t have a clue (phrase): không biết

Example: Who invented algebra?" "I don't have a clue."

“Ai là người đã sáng lập ra số học?” “Tôi không biết”

14. PEN OR PENCIL

1. (When was the last time you bought a pen or pencil?)

(Answer) Well, I just bought numerous pencils this morning because I had to take a
written examination that required the use of pencils.

(Give a reason for your answer) I bought 3 pencils in case I may break one or two during
the exam. I wanted to feel self-assured so having extra pencils was the best guarantee I
could give for myself and that helped me stop thinking of problems that I might
encounter while taking the exam.

2. (Do you usually use a pen or pencil?)

(Answer) Well, I use a pencil more often as compared to a pen.

(Give a reason for your answer) As a student, I need to jot our lessons down in my
notebook. When it comes to note taking, the pencil is a more preferable choice. I have
grown accustomed to relying on the pencil to write down things ever since high school
and I find it very handy. Strangely, I always outperform others in examinations that
require the use of pencils, so they are also my lucky items.

3. (What do you think if someone gives you a pen or a pencil as a gift?)

(Answer) For me, that’s quite a strange present to give someone.

+ Để tìm hiểu thông tin về các khóa học, bộ sách mới nhất của thầy Bách, các bạn truy cập: www.ngocbach.com
+ Hotline tư vấn đăng ký học: 0974657403 (email tư vấn: [email protected]) 32
 (Give a reason for your answer) Well, I’ve never tried giving a pen or a pencil as a
present to my loved ones or friends. However, if I did receive one, I would be glad and
grateful. Well, I always believe that it’s the thought that counts, and receiving a present
from a heartfelt individual will always give you a sense of contentment.

Vocabulary from Personality:

 self-assured
Meaning: confident
Example: I certainly would want my children to be self-assured and responsible.
Other vocabulary:
39. encounter [v]: to experience something, especially something unpleasant: đối
mặt với

Eg: The army is reported to be encountering considerable resistance.

40. when it comes to [expression]: as for something; speaking about something khi
xét đến, nhắc đến cái gì

Eg: When it com es to fi shing, John i s an ex pert .

41. preferable [adj]: more desirable or suitable: phù hợp hơn

Eg: The chairman of the board said voluntary redundancies were preferable over
compulsory redundancies.
42. (be)/ grow accustomed to [expression]: familiar with something: trở nên quen với
Eg: She quickly became accustomed to his messy ways.
43. handy [adj]: useful or convenient: tiện

Eg: We found it handy to have a cellular phone.

44. outperform [v]: to do well in a particular job or activity compared to others of a
similar type: làm tốt hơn

Eg: The company has consistently outperformed its rivals this season.
7. heartfelt [adj]: showing strong feeling that are sincere : chân thành, thật tâm
Eg: In the ceremony, the director expressed heartfelt gratitude to all the employees,
who worked diligently for the project.

+ Để tìm hiểu thông tin về các khóa học, bộ sách mới nhất của thầy Bách, các bạn truy cập: www.ngocbach.com
+ Hotline tư vấn đăng ký học: 0974657403 (email tư vấn: [email protected]) 33
 8. contentment [n]: a state of happiness and satisfaction.: sự hài lòng
Eg: Reddy was an avid reader and got many hours of contentment and enjoyment from
books and newspapers.
15. RUNNING

1. Do you like running?

Honestly speaking, I have never thought I will ever take up a running hobby. I don’t
like it because each running session really drains me.

2. Have you ever taken a running class?

Well, no actually. I dread to think of having to run around 10 km on a daily basis. I don’t
think I’ll ever take part in any running class in the foreseeable future.

3. When was your last long run?

I haven’t run since my last physical education class in my second year. Now I’m in my
3rd year. Thus, my last long run was like one year and a half ago.

4. Why do people need to run?

Running has been scientifically proved to be one of the very few sports which requires
nearly all the muscles to function, thus benefiting almost the whole body. Therefore,
people need to run to stay healthy through a very simple activity.

5. Where do you think is a good place to run?

Without a doubt, parks are the most ideal for runs. Since a larger amount of oxygen is
needed when running, it is better to run inside a place where the air is fresh and has enough
oxygen rather than polluted with carbon dioxide.

6. Do you think running is a good way to stay healthy?

While the gym is eclipsing running in terms of popularity nowadays, I believe running is
still an effective way to stay healthy. It is also significantly more economical than gym.

Vocabulary:

1. to take up a hobby (phrase): bắt đầu một sở thích

Example: Why don’t you take up a hobbby?

+ Để tìm hiểu thông tin về các khóa học, bộ sách mới nhất của thầy Bách, các bạn truy cập: www.ngocbach.com
+ Hotline tư vấn đăng ký học: 0974657403 (email tư vấn: [email protected]) 34
 Tại sao bạn không bắt đầu một sở thích nào đó đi?

2. To dread (v): sợ hãi.

Example: I dread to think what would happen if he was left to cope on his own.

Tôi rất sợ hãi phải nghĩ chuyện gì sẽ xảy ra nếu anh ấy phải giải quyết 1 mình.

3. to stay healthy (phrase): giữ khỏe mạnh

Example: Eating a recommended amount of vegetables helps you stay healthy.

Ăn một lượng rau củ được khuyến nghị giúp bạn khỏe mạnh.

4. to eclipse (v): che mờ

Example: The economy has eclipsed all other issues during this election campaign.

Kinh tế đang che mờ tất cả các vấn đề khác (kinh tế quan trọng hơn) trong chiến dịch
tranh cử lần này

16. SCENERY

1. (Is there any beautiful scenery in your hometown?)

(Answer) My hometown is renowned for its breathtaking scenery.

(Give a reason for your answer) It is an area of outstanding natural beauty and for me,
one of the most beautiful places on earth. It has everything; historical sites, fantastic
beaches, rolling mountains, dense forests and picturesque countryside, extraordinary
cuisine and hospitable people. There are also golden palaces, temples, shrines, and an
impressive dancing stage, majestic tombs, and ancient meditative landscapes.

2. (How can you try to live in a house with a good view?)

(Answer) A good location can mean different things to different people, of course, but
there are also objective factors that determine a home's value. For me, it is the
accessibility, appearance, and amenities of the residential area that are inextricably
linked with how good the view of my house is.

3. (Do people like to take photos of beautiful scenery?)

+ Để tìm hiểu thông tin về các khóa học, bộ sách mới nhất của thầy Bách, các bạn truy cập: www.ngocbach.com
+ Hotline tư vấn đăng ký học: 0974657403 (email tư vấn: [email protected]) 35
 (Answer) Well, I think most people do.

(Give a reason for your answer) Shooting landscapes forces you to get outside and find
the beauty around you. Sometimes this means discovering places right in front of your
eyes that you just never noticed were beautiful before. For me, whenever I get out and set
up to shoot a landscape scene, I find that my mind is freed of worry and distractions.

4. (Why do people prefer to use mobile phones to take photos of beautiful scenery?)

(Answer) I think this is a matter of personal choice.

(Give a reason for your answer) For one thing, handy gadgets like phones help one to
capture beautiful scenery at any time they want. Then, they can share the photos
immediately on social networking sites such as Facebook, Instagram. And when the
pictures are stored in your cell phone, it is much easier to see them as compared to a
professional camera.

Vocabulary from Town and City:

 residential area
Meaning: an area where people live
Example: I live in a residential area of a busy town in the south of Spain

Vocabulary from Technology:

 gadget
Meaning: a technological tool like a mobile phone or camera
Example: Such a gadget would help you considerably in studying.

Other vocabulary:
11. renowned [adj]: famous : nổi tiếng
Eg: She felt pressure because of her renowned father.
12. outstanding [adj]: clearly very much better than what is usual: nổi bật

Eg: Her outstanding performances set a new benchmark for singers throughout the world.
13. picturesque [adj]: (esp. of a place) attractive in appearance: đep như tranh

Eg: The city is known for its picturesque surroundings and pleasant climate.

+ Để tìm hiểu thông tin về các khóa học, bộ sách mới nhất của thầy Bách, các bạn truy cập: www.ngocbach.com
+ Hotline tư vấn đăng ký học: 0974657403 (email tư vấn: [email protected]) 36
 14. majestic [adj]: beautiful, powerful, or causing great admiration and respect:
hùng vĩ, tráng lệ

Eg: The m aj esti c Mont ana scenery wi l l l eave you breathl ess.
15. inextricably [adv]: in a way that is unable to be separated, released, or escaped from:
chặt chẽ

Eg: The Louis Armstrong legend is inextricably linked with his recordings.
16. distraction (n): something that prevents someone from giving their attention to
something else: chuyện gây xao nhãng
Eg: You can turn the television off if you find it a distraction.
17. handy [adj]: useful or convenient: tiện

Eg: We found it handy to have a cellular phone.

17. NUMBERS

1. (Are you good at remembering numbers?)

(Answer) Yes. I’m quite good when it comes to numbers. But it depends on how the
numbers are administered to me.

(Give a reason for your answer) When I look at a sequence for only 1 or 2 seconds or
hear 2-3 numbers said in 1 second, I can easily remember them. My immediate
information intake is enormous and very fast compared to the average. I can easily
remember sequences of 15-20 digits in a moment, but beyond that I haven't yet tried to
see how far I can go without trouble.

2. (Do you often use numbers?)

(Answer) Well, I must say I seldom use numbers.

(Give a reason for your answer) Honestly, my work doesn’t involve the use of numbers
or certain calculations. Still, numbers play an important role in our lives. I assume that
whether we like it or not, our life revolves around numbers and there are numerous
numbers directly or indirectly connected to our lives.

+ Để tìm hiểu thông tin về các khóa học, bộ sách mới nhất của thầy Bách, các bạn truy cập: www.ngocbach.com
+ Hotline tư vấn đăng ký học: 0974657403 (email tư vấn: [email protected]) 37
 2. (Is there any special number you like?)

(Answer) Yes, absolutely.

(Give a reason for your answer) My favorite number is 9 because it has unique
attributes. Multiply 9 by any number and then keep adding the digits of the number
produced until there is only one left. It will always be 9. Interesting, isn’t it?

Vocabulary:
18. when it comes to [expression]: as for something; speaking about something khi
xét đến, nhắc đến cái gì
Eg: When it com es to fi shing, John i s an ex pert .
19. intake [n]: an amount of food, air, or another substance taken into the body:
sự hấp thụ, tiếp thu

Eg: It all adds up and t he excessive food and al cohol i nt ake takes i ts toll
on t he bod y.
20. sequence [n]: a particular order in which related events, movements, or things
follow each other: chuỗi

Eg: A logical, progressive sequence is followed, in accordance with how I was

trained in the Vaganova school.
21. seldom [adv]: almost never: hiếm khi

Eg: Seldom do we receive any apology when mistakes are made.

22. calculation (n): a mathematical determination of the size or number of something.:
sự tính toán
Eg: A calculation is a deliberate process that transforms one or more inputs into one or
more results, with variable change.
23. assume [v]: to accept something as true without question or proof: cho rằng

Eg: We can’t assume (that) he’s innocent simply because he says he is.
24. attribute [n]: a quality or feature regarded as a characteristic or inherent part of
someone or something: phẩm chất

+ Để tìm hiểu thông tin về các khóa học, bộ sách mới nhất của thầy Bách, các bạn truy cập: www.ngocbach.com
+ Hotline tư vấn đăng ký học: 0974657403 (email tư vấn: [email protected]) 38
 Eg: Attractive, well built, pleasant character… all the attributes required for a successful
and happy life.
25. multiply [v]: obtain from (a number) another that contains the first number a
specified number of times.: phép nhân

Eg: If you multiply seven by 15 you get 105.

18. SCIENCE

1. Have you ever taken science courses?

I have never taken any science courses before. I am a major in International Relations.
The syllabus of my major is not comprised of any science courses.

2. Is science important?

Although I am not a science student, I believe that it is of great significance to today’s

world, which is driven by science and technology. Without science, people would be still
in the stone age.

3. Should we learn science?

Of course, everyone should know science, to some degree. Science explains the
phenomenon that happens around us, helps build a strong human society and brings
prosperity to countries.

4. Did you have any science classes in elementary or high school?

Science is a compulsory subject in elementary school while high school science is divided
into different subjects namely physics, biology and chemistry, which are also obligatory.
Thus, yes, I did study science in elementary and high school.

5. What kind of science do people usually study?

Normally, people usually focus on physics because it is more applicable in real life than
biology and chemistry, and easier also, I guess.

Vocabulary:

1. To be comprised of something (phrase): được cấu thành bởi

+ Để tìm hiểu thông tin về các khóa học, bộ sách mới nhất của thầy Bách, các bạn truy cập: www.ngocbach.com
+ Hotline tư vấn đăng ký học: 0974657403 (email tư vấn: [email protected]) 39
 Example: The class is comprised mainly of Italian and French students.

Lớp học này được cấu thành bởi đa số học sinh Ý và Pháp.

2. To be of significance for/to something: có ý nghĩa rất quan trọng với cái gì đó

Example: The discovery of the

new drug is of great significance for/to people suffering from heart problems.

Việc tìm ra được loại thuốc mới có ý nghĩa rất quan trọng với những người đang mắc
phải bệnh tim.

19. LAUGH

1. (Do you like to watch movies or TV shows that make people laugh?)

(Answer) Yes, I do.

(Give a reason for your answer) I have a cheerful disposition and I’m quite fun-loving,
so comedies are my favorite choices to feel at ease. I think the message in these kinds of
movies remind people that life isn't simple and it doesn't come without obstacles, so
smiling keeps you always optimistic. As I see it, comedians radiate warmth that draws
others to them instantly.

2. (Do you usually make your friends laugh?)

(Answer) Yes, in various contexts.

(Give a reason for your answer) Yes, being able to make someone laugh is a kind of
talent, I guess. Frequently, I try to tell a funny joke or a story that I find interesting to
uplift my friends’ mood. In our meetings, I do funny actions to amuse them as I utterly
enjoy spending time with them and like to see them happy.

3. (Are you the kind of person who makes people laugh?)

(Answer) Yes, I think I am.

(Answer) It takes a lot of mental energy to come up with quick-witted quips that keep
grins on others' faces. Seeing others laugh at your jokes gives a sense of refreshment. I

+ Để tìm hiểu thông tin về các khóa học, bộ sách mới nhất của thầy Bách, các bạn truy cập: www.ngocbach.com
+ Hotline tư vấn đăng ký học: 0974657403 (email tư vấn: [email protected]) 40
 count myself as fortunate to have a good sense of humor. As the old saying goes, "life's
better when you're laughing" -- and no one knows that more than good-humored
individuals.

Vocabulary from Personality:

 fun-loving
Meaning: enjoy having fun
Example: I’d say we’re fun-loving and tend to be a bit extroverted

Other vocabulary:
45. disposition [n]: the particular type of character that a person naturally has:
tính khí

Eg: She i s of a nervous/ cheerful /sunny dispositi on.

46. at ease [expression]: relaxed: thoải mái

Eg: She soon put/set me at ease (= made me relaxed).

47. obstacle [n]: something that blocks you so that movement, going forward, or
action is prevented or made more difficult: chướng ngại

Eg: The biggest obstacle in our way was a tree trunk in the road.
48. radiate [v]: to express strongly an emotion or quality, or (of an emotion or quality)
to be expressed strongly by someone: phát ra

Eg: He simply radiates integrity.

49. context [n]: the situation within which something exists or happens, and that can
help explain it: ngữ cảnh

Eg: It is important to see all the fighting and bloodshed in his plays in historical context.
50. uplift [v]: elevate or stimulate (someone) morally or spiritually.: làm ai phấn chấn

Eg: The people went home, uplifted by what the priest said.
51. utterly [adv]: completely or extremely: cực kì

Eg: She was utterly devastated when her husband died.

+ Để tìm hiểu thông tin về các khóa học, bộ sách mới nhất của thầy Bách, các bạn truy cập: www.ngocbach.com
+ Hotline tư vấn đăng ký học: 0974657403 (email tư vấn: [email protected]) 41
 52. quick-witted [adj]: showing or characterized by an ability to think or respond
quickly or effectively.: nhanh trí

Eg: Undemonstrative, quick-witted, alert and intelligent: he has it all.

53. refreshment [n]: the fact of making sb feel stronger or less tired or hot: sự làm cho
sảng khoái
Eg: Minh is trying to find a place for rest and refreshment.

20. ALONE

- When was the last time you were alone?

Answer: Maybe it was about one month ago when I made a solo trip to Thailand. I stayed
there for 5 days and explored Bangkok on my own.
- What do you like to do when you are alone?

Answer: I really enjoy being alone in the weekend morning, reading some books and
playing computer games.
- Do you wish to have more time alone?

Answer: Well, I’d rather hang out with my friends than being alone since friends entertain
me a lot, and you need to be sociable in the society.
- Is it important to have some time alone?

Answer: Absolutely. There are moments that you get stressed out and being alone can be
an ideal way to let your hair down.

VOCABULARY HIGHLIGHTS:
1. Solo trip (n): Chuyến đi 1 mình.
You should make a solo trip to Thailand sometimes! I’m sure it’ll be fun.
2. To entertain somebody (v): Giaỉ trí, mua vui cho ai đó.
They entertained us to a party last night.
3. Stressed out (adj): Căng thẳng quá mức.
He has been up to his ears with studying recently, no wonder he gets stressed out.
4. Let your hair down (Idiom): Thư giãn, nghỉ ngơi.

+ Để tìm hiểu thông tin về các khóa học, bộ sách mới nhất của thầy Bách, các bạn truy cập: www.ngocbach.com
+ Hotline tư vấn đăng ký học: 0974657403 (email tư vấn: [email protected]) 42
 Well, it’s the weekend. You should just let your hair down and relax.

21. CAKE

1. (Do you like desert?)

(Answer) Yes, I do.

(Give a reason for your answer) Eating desserts after meals makes me feel more
productive and positive. I’m sure you’ve turned to a box of chocolates or gobbled down
an apple pie on a “bad day” just so you could feel like there’s still hope left in the world.
Nothing can give you more pleasure than eating your favorite dessert. And this feeling is
vital to your well-being.

2. (Do you like eating cakes?)

(Answer) I must admit that I have a sweet tooth, so cakes are my favorite kind of food.

(Give a reason for your answer) I’m even in the habit of eating different kinds of cakes
at the end of the week as a treat to myself. Somehow, this is my unique strategy to cope
with stress related to the work-life balance. In fact, almost every kind of cake suits my
tastes.

3. (Have you ever made cakes?)

(Answer) Unfortunately, I haven’t.

(Give a reason for your answer) I have read the recipes for my favorite cakes sometimes
but they are by no means simple. However, I would love to try baking cookies or making
a mousse in the future.

4. (What are the special cakes in your country?)

(Answer) There is a wide range of Vietnamese cakes you shouldn’t miss when you visit
my country.

(Give a reason for your answer) Firstly, the square glutinous rice cake (banh chung) is a
must-eat dish at Tet festival in Vietnam. It has a square shape and symbolizes the earth.

+ Để tìm hiểu thông tin về các khóa học, bộ sách mới nhất của thầy Bách, các bạn truy cập: www.ngocbach.com
+ Hotline tư vấn đăng ký học: 0974657403 (email tư vấn: [email protected]) 43
 This cake is made from glutinous rice wrapped in green “dong” leaves. The filling is made
from mung bean, pork belly. Besides, banh xeo is famous with Vietnamese people and
tourists from around the world for its great taste. Banh xeo is a crispy yellow turmeric
crepe with nutritious ingredients such as shrimps, pork belly, mushrooms, bean sprouts.

Vocabulary from Food:

 have a sweet tooth
Meaning: enjoy sugary food
Example: My brother has a sweet tooth and I’m afraid that he will become obese.

Other vocabulary:

54. productive [adj]: resulting in or providing a large amount or supply of

something: có hiệu quả, năng suất

Eg: He had an am az ingl y producti ve fi ve years in whi ch he m anaged to

writ e four novels.
55. well-being [n]: the state of feeling healthy and happy: sức khỏe

Eg: People doing yoga benefit from an increased feeling of well-being.

56. in the habit of [expression]: if you are in the habit of doing something, you do it
regularly or often: có thói quen làm gì

Eg: They were in the habit of giving two or three dinner parties a month.
57. cope with [v]: deal with: đối mặt với

Eg: It must be really hard to cope with three young children and a job.
58. (to) suit one’s tastes [expression]: be suitable to what sb likes or prefers : theo đuổi
Eg: A beautifully striped dress will be likely to suit Linda’s taste.
59. by no means [expression]: not at all: không hề

Eg: It is by no means clear what the president can do to end the strike.
60. nutritious [adj]: very good for you, containing many of the substances which help
the body to grow : bổ dưỡng
Eg: My mother always gives us tasty and nutritious meals.

+ Để tìm hiểu thông tin về các khóa học, bộ sách mới nhất của thầy Bách, các bạn truy cập: www.ngocbach.com
+ Hotline tư vấn đăng ký học: 0974657403 (email tư vấn: [email protected]) 44
 22. MOVIES

1. What is your favorite movie?

(Answer) Well, I am an avid movie fan, and my favorite movie is Parasite, a 2019 South
Korean black comedy thriller film directed by Bong Joon-ho.

(Give a reason for your answer) It received widespread critical acclaim and won the
Palme d'Or at the 2019 Cannes Film Festival, becoming the first Korean film to receive
the award.

2. Do your friends like this movie?

(Answer) Well, it was actually my close friends who introduced me to this movie, and
we watched it together in the cinema right on the day it was premiered.
(Give a reason for your answer) We both shared an immense love for movies with exotic
themes and twisting plots, as these excited our curiosity. As expected, Parasite is
generally gripping and finely crafted, which left an unforgettable impression on us.

3. What kinds of movies do you think young people like?

(Answer) Well, Action and Comedy are possibly the most popular genres of films among
youngsters.

(Explain your reason or reasons) The young will feel relaxed or genuinely interested in
these styles of film. I also think that movies which depict real life stories or have an
unpredictable plot also capture the attention of those of a younger age.

4. Do you want to be a movie star?

(Answer) Well, not really.

(Give a reason for your answer) I do not have any particular talent for acting, singing,
or dancing. Besides, I value privacy, but being an actor means you are constantly

+ Để tìm hiểu thông tin về các khóa học, bộ sách mới nhất của thầy Bách, các bạn truy cập: www.ngocbach.com
+ Hotline tư vấn đăng ký học: 0974657403 (email tư vấn: [email protected]) 45
 surrounded with paparazzi and public attention. I just can’t imagine having that kind of
life.

Vocabulary:
26. avid [n]: extremely eager or interested: say mê
Eg: He took an avid interest in the project.
27. acclaim [n]: public approval and praise: sự nán dương
Eg: Despite the critical acclaim, the novel did not sell well.
28. premiere [v]: if a show, film, etc. premieres or if it is premiered, the first public
performance or showing takes place: trình chiếu lần đầu
Eg: The play was premiered in New York.
29. immense [adj]: extremely large in size or degree: to lớn
Eg: They spent an immense amount of time getting the engine into perfect condition.
30. gripping [adj]: something that is gripping is so interesting or exciting that it holds
your attention completely: thú vị
Eg: I found the book so gripping that I couldn't put it down.
31. genre [n]: a style, especially in the arts, that involves a particular set of
characteristics: thể loại
Eg: What genre does the book fall into - comedy or tragedy?

32. genuinely [adv]: really and sincerely: thật sự

Eg: I'm genuinely sorry for what I said.
33. unpredictable [adj]: likely to change suddenly and without reason and therefore not
able to be predicted (= expected before it happens) or depended on: không đoán trước
được
Eg: The weather there can be unpredictable - one minute it's blue skies and the next
minute it's pouring rain.
34. capture one’s attention [expression]: to interest someone: thu hút ai
Eg: Most of the textbooks we looked at were too dull to capture students' attention.
35. particular [adj]: special, or this and not any other: đặc biệt

Eg: In the light of recent incidents, we are asking our customers to take particular care of
their personal belongings.

+ Để tìm hiểu thông tin về các khóa học, bộ sách mới nhất của thầy Bách, các bạn truy cập: www.ngocbach.com
+ Hotline tư vấn đăng ký học: 0974657403 (email tư vấn: [email protected]) 46
 23. PERFUME

1. (Do you use perfume?)

(Answer) Yes, I do, but not very often.
(Give a reason for your answer) I try not to wear perfume around people who might have
a sensitivity to it. I know a few people who get a headache when they're around people
wearing fragrances, so if I'm not sure I just don't. But there is no doubt that perfumes can
be a woman's best friend at certain times. It is an effective method to capture attention
or form a good impression.
2. (What kind of perfume do you like?)
(Answer) I am not a perfume enthusiast, so I don’t possess many kinds of perfume. I
received a bottle from Zara as a gift and I use it sparingly, whenever on special occasions.
It just makes me feel bold yet airy and comfortable. I can detect hints of vanilla and
cinnamon and a top note of orange gives this a nice citrusy twist but it is by no means a
fruity scent.
3. (What does perfume mean to you?)
(Answer) Fragrance or perfume, is evocative of an innumerable amount of things;
memories, places, people, the list goes on. There’s always one particular scent that
reminds you of a perfect holiday you took last summer or of your lovely ex-boyfriend.
And the same goes for the perfume that makes you feel sexy; your ‘going out’ perfume
and even your ‘everyday’ perfume will conjure up some memories of people and places,
and good times.
4. (Do you give perfume as a gift?)
(Answer) Well, not really.
(Give a reason for your answer) I only know some mainstream fragrances and I could
hardly guess one's tastes, so it's a risky kind of gift most of the time. A perfume could be
an option as a gift for our spouse, parents or children and eventually siblings or very close
friends. It is an inappropriate present for a colleague, someone we barely know or
someone we have work relationships with.
Vocabulary:

+ Để tìm hiểu thông tin về các khóa học, bộ sách mới nhất của thầy Bách, các bạn truy cập: www.ngocbach.com
+ Hotline tư vấn đăng ký học: 0974657403 (email tư vấn: [email protected]) 47
 sensitivity [n]: the quality of being easily upset by the things people say or do, or
causing people to be upset, embarrassed, or angry: s ự nhạy cảm với
Eg: I s hould have warned you about her sensit ivit y t o crit i cism.
capture [v]: if something captures your imagination or attention, you feel very
interested and excited by it: thu hút
Eg: The American drive to land a man on the Moon captured the
imagination/attention of the whole world.
sparingly [adv]: in small amounts, or without wasting any: rất ít
Eg: There wasn't enough coal during the war, so we had to use it sparingly.
detect [v]: to notice something that is partly hidden or not clear or to discover something:
phát hiện ra
Eg: Some sounds cannot be detected by the human ear.
by no means [expression]: not at all: không hề
Eg: It is by no means clear what the president can do to end the strike.
evocative [adj]: making you remember or imagine something pleasant: một cách khơi gợi
Eg: On this model, two or more different symbolic systems can be equally expressive and
evocative of genuine religious experience.
conjure up [v]: to make a picture or idea appear in someone's mind: làm hiện lên
Eg: The glittering ceremony conjured up images of Russia's imperial past.
mainstream [adj]: considered normal, and having or using ideas, beliefs, etc. that
are accepted by most people: theo thị hiếu
Eg: The story was largely ignored by the mainstream press.
spouse [n]: a person's husband or wife: bạn đời
Eg: In 60 percent of the households surveyed both spouses went out to work.
inappropriate [adj]: unsuitable: không phù hợp
Eg: His casual behavior was wholly inappropriate for such a formal occasion.

24. STREET MARKET

- Do you currently live in a house or a flat/ apartment?

+ Để tìm hiểu thông tin về các khóa học, bộ sách mới nhất của thầy Bách, các bạn truy cập: www.ngocbach.com
+ Hotline tư vấn đăng ký học: 0974657403 (email tư vấn: [email protected]) 48
 Answer: I’m living in an apartment which is fully-furnished and has all the mod cons. I
share my bed room with another person and we have been living there for over 1 year.
- Are street markets common in your country?

Answer: Yes, definitely. They exist everywhere and Vietnamese people go to street
markets on a daily basis.
- What is usually sold there?

Answer: Well, you can find trendy clothes at a reasonable price in any street markets in
Vietnam.
- Do you think people like street markets? Why?

Answer: I do think people enjoy street markets since they are ideal places to let off steam
and bargain with sellers to get a discount.

VOCABULARY HIGHLIGHTS:
1. Fully-furnished (adj): Trang bị đầy đủ.
The flat is fully-furnished, therefore, we don’t have to buy anything.
2. All the mod cons (n):Những vật dụng làm cho công việc nhà đơn giản như máy rủa
chén, máy giặt đồ.
Don’t worry! Our house has all the mod cons, which is very convenient.
3. On a daily basis (adj): Thường xuyên, hằng ngày.
You should do exercise on a daily basis in order to improve your physical health.
4. Let off steam (v): Thư giãn.
We should go for a drink tonight to let off some steam.
5. Bargain (v): Trả giá.
Bargain hard when you go to Ben Thanh Market; otherwise you may get ripped off.

25. SKY

1. Do you like to watch the sky?

(Answer) Yes, I have to say I am a fan of watching the sky.

+ Để tìm hiểu thông tin về các khóa học, bộ sách mới nhất của thầy Bách, các bạn truy cập: www.ngocbach.com
+ Hotline tư vấn đăng ký học: 0974657403 (email tư vấn: [email protected]) 49
 (Give a reason for your answer) To me, the sky is a magnificent work of art and I really
appreciate the aesthetic qualities of it. The color, the clouds… are just so beautiful.
2. What is the sky like at night in your hometown?
(Answer) The night sky where I live is simply a breathtaking view.
(Give a reason for your answer) As I live in the countryside, the sky is not affected by
light pollution, so there are numerous shining stars in a broad blackish background.
Therefore, the view is perfect for anyone who has a thirst for freedom.
3. Do you like to watch stars?
(Answer) I find star-watching extremely interesting.
(Give a reason for your answer) I believe that every star in the cosmos has its own
function and holds a unique mystery to be discovered. This is a great inspiration to me.
4. Have you ever taken a course about stars?
(Answer) I haven’t ever enrolled in such courses, but I would love to in the future.
(Give a reason for your answer) I have always wanted to know how constellations retain
their shape in zero gravity without floating through space.
5. What’s your favorite star?
(Answer) The Sun is my favorite star, I would say.
(Give a reason for your answer) This is because of its power and importance to life. If we
could find a star similar to the Sun out there in space, we would be able to discover alien
life forms and complete our quest for a new homeland.

Vocabulary
Từ vựng trong chủ đề Arts:
1. a work of art/a work of music/a work of literature (expression): a painting,
sculpture, book, play, piece of music etc
Nghĩa: một bức họa, tác phẩm điêu khắc, cuốn sách, vở kịch, đoạn nhạc…
Example: Shakespeare’s plays are considered as one of the greatest works of literature
in the English language.
2. the aesthetic qualities of something (expression): The qualities related to beauty and
understanding the beauty of something.
Nghĩa: Những đặc trưng liên quan đến vẻ đẹp và sự thấu hiểu vẻ đẹp của cái gì
Example: One advantage of studying the arts is that students learn to appreciate the
aesthetic qualities of paintings, literature and music.

+ Để tìm hiểu thông tin về các khóa học, bộ sách mới nhất của thầy Bách, các bạn truy cập: www.ngocbach.com
+ Hotline tư vấn đăng ký học: 0974657403 (email tư vấn: [email protected]) 50
 Từ vựng trong chủ để Tourism:
1. a breathtaking view (expression): an extremely beautiful view
Example: From the top of the mountain, there is a breathtaking view of the coast.
Nghĩa: cảnh đẹp vô cùng
2. to have a thirst for something (expression): 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.
Nghĩa: khao khát mãnh liệt được làm gì
Từ vựng chủ đề Space Exploration:
1. The cosmos (noun): the universe, especially when it is thought of as an ordered system
Example: Although the challenge of exploring and understanding the cosmos is exciting,
it is also very expensive
Nghĩa: Vũ trụ, đặc biệt khi chỉ vũ trụ là một hệ thống có trật tự
2. To be an inspiration to (expression): to make somebody excited about something,
especially thinking of the future
Example: The images of the first men on the moon were an inspiration to people, and
made them more hopeful about the future.
Nghĩa: khiến ai đó hưng phấn vì điều gì, đặc biệt là khi nghĩ về tương lai
3. Zero gravity (expression): having no force to pull objects to the ground, so that they
float.
Example: Living in conditions of zero gravity in space must be extremely tiring and
uncomfortable.
Nghĩa: không có lực tác động kéo vật xuống mặt đất nên chúng trôi nổi
4. To float through space (expression): to move slowly in the air
Example: Space tourism would be really boring, simply floating through space and
looking out of the window of the spacecraft.
Nghĩa: di chuyển chậm rãi trong không khí
5. Alien life forms (expression): creatures from another world
Example: One of the most exciting possibilities of the space program is finding alien life
forms on other planets.
Nghĩa: những sinh vật ở ngoài hành tinh
6. The quest for a new homeland (expression): the search for a new place to inhabit

+ Để tìm hiểu thông tin về các khóa học, bộ sách mới nhất của thầy Bách, các bạn truy cập: www.ngocbach.com
+ Hotline tư vấn đăng ký học: 0974657403 (email tư vấn: [email protected]) 51
 Example: As humans are destroying their own planet, the quest for a new homeland in
the universe is essential.
Nghĩa: cuộc tìm kiếm địa điểm khác để định cư

26. PLAN

1. (Do you make plans every day?)

(Answer) Yes, I do, for many reasons.
(Give a reason for your answer) I always carry a small notebook which I plan my daily
schedule with, plans and notes. It sounds quite conventional but it works for me. Writing
stuff down helps me remember tasks better than typing on some kind of productive app.
I spend about 5 minutes at the beginning and end of every day to plan that day and the
next day’s tasks. The important thing is you need to keep your to-do list small, it's about
prioritizing.
2. (Are you good at managing your time?)
(Answer) Objectively speaking, I am quite good at it.
(Give a reason for your answer) I think once you are in the habit of controlling yourself
according to your time table, life becomes very easy. Good time management will help
you with various other skills and competencies that graduate employers seek, from
perseverance, resilience, reliability and coping with stress to problem solving and
teamwork.
3. (What is the latest plan you made?)
(Answer) Well, I’ve recently planned to travel across the country before the age of 30. I
want to visit different places as much as possible to gain first-hand knowledge and
experience. Travelling fascinates me more than anything else. In reality, it would be quite
challenging for me to fulfil the plan, but I will try my best to organize everything even it
takes several years for me.
4. (What is the hardest part about making plan?)
(Answer) Well, there are a lot of considerations when preparing for a plan, but I think it
is establishing goals.

+ Để tìm hiểu thông tin về các khóa học, bộ sách mới nhất của thầy Bách, các bạn truy cập: www.ngocbach.com
+ Hotline tư vấn đăng ký học: 0974657403 (email tư vấn: [email protected]) 52
 (Give an example (often a personal example)) Establishing clear, concise and
understandable goals — is extremely necessary. When people can't see the vision of the
plan, they won't take action to pursue the plan. Clear objectives should be come up with,
whereas teammates or members should also be gathered and delegated tasks
appropriately, if needed.

Vocabulary:
productive [adj]: resulting in or providing a large amount or supply of something:
có hiệu quả, năng suất
Eg: He had an am az ingl y producti ve fi ve years in whi ch he m anaged to
writ e four novels.
prioritize [v]: to decide which of a group of things are the most important so that
you can deal with them first: ưu tiên
Eg: You must learn to prioritize your work.
in the habit of [expression]: if you are in the habit of doing something, you do it regularly
or often: có thói quen làm gì
Eg: They were in the habit of giving two or three dinner parties a month.
perseverance [n]: continued effort and determination: sự kiên trì
Eg: Through hard work and perseverance, he worked his way up to the top.
cope with [v]: deal with: đối mặt với
Eg: It must be really hard to cope with three young children and a job.
first-hand [adj]: obtained personally, or directly from someone who is personally
involved in something: trực tiếp
Eg: He has firsthand experience of what war is like.
fascinate [v]: to interest someone a lot: lôi cuốn, hấp dẫn ai
Eg: Anything to do with planes and flying fascinates him.
concise [adj]: expressing what needs to be said without unnecessary words; short
and clear: súc tích
Eg: She wrote up a concise summary of the day’s events.
objective [n]: something that you plan to do or achieve: mục tiêu
Eg: Can the sales team achieve/meet its financial objectives?
delegate [v]: to give a particular job, duty, right, etc. to someone else so that they do it
for you: phân công việc

+ Để tìm hiểu thông tin về các khóa học, bộ sách mới nhất của thầy Bách, các bạn truy cập: www.ngocbach.com
+ Hotline tư vấn đăng ký học: 0974657403 (email tư vấn: [email protected]) 53
 Eg: Authority to make financial decisions has been delegat ed to a special
committee.

27. HOLIDAY

What kinds of places do you like to go to on holiday?

I like beaches; therefore, I would go to a peaceful island or beautiful beaches so I can let
my hair down.
Who would you like to go on a holiday with?
Well, I prefer going on solo trips rather than holidaying with my friends or family since
they are annoying sometimes.
Where you plan to go for holidays in the future?
 I’ve always dreamed of going to France, where I can taste delicious croissants and
contemplate the sunset from the Eiffel Tower.

VOCABULARY HIGHLIGHTS:
To let one’s hair down (idiom): Thư giãn, nghỉ ngơi.
VD: I’ve been too busy with my new job. So, tonight I’m going to let my hair down and
enjoy myself.
A solo trip (expression): Đi du lịch 1 mình.
VD: I find it strange when you are making a solo trip to Europre.
Contemplate sunset (expression): Ngắm hoàng hôn.
VD: This is the best place to contemplate sunset.

28. SLEEP

How long should people sleep for the benefit of their health? Why?
(Answer) I’m not too sure, but according to what I have read, around 8 hours of sleep per
day would be optimal. (Give reason for your answer) This is said to be the perfect amount
of time for people to rejuvenate and recharge their minds and bodies. If people constantly

+ Để tìm hiểu thông tin về các khóa học, bộ sách mới nhất của thầy Bách, các bạn truy cập: www.ngocbach.com
+ Hotline tư vấn đăng ký học: 0974657403 (email tư vấn: [email protected]) 54
 sleep a lot more than this recommended amount of time, they are more likely to be prone
to obesity, which will certainly carry serious health risks.
Do you think that the old should sleep more than the young? Why?
(Answer) No, I don’t think that should be the case. (Give reason for your answer) I believe
that the amount of time people spend resting should correlate with how much they exert
themselves during the day. Usually, young people spend more of their energy on physical
activities so it’s more reasonable for the young to sleep more than the elderly.
What do you do to improve sleeping quality?
(Answer) There are several measures that can be taken to assure a quality sleep. (Give
reason for your answer) First, I make sure that I work out at the gym or take gentle
exercise as I usually find myself drifting to sleep faster and sleep more soundly after I
have taken regular exercise during the daytime. In addition, I find that some soothing
music and comfy pillows are really helpful in ensuring a good night’s sleep.
Do you think it's effective?
(Answer) Yes, from my personal experience, the solutions I mentioned have proved to be
quite effective. (Give reason for your answer) When I’m drained after a long day or I’ve
done a hardcore work-out at the fitness centre, I am often sore all over and crave for
some rest. Then, nothing is more satisfying than to crash out at night, falling asleep while
listening to slow and relaxing melodies.

Vocabulary
Từ vựng chủ đề Health
1. to be prone to obesity (expression)
Meaning: to be likely to become fat in an unhealthy way
Example: Children who are addicted to watching television, instead of playing outdoor
games, are more prone to obesity.
2. to carry health risks (expression)
Meaning: to have effects which could be bad for one’s health
Example: Smoking and drinking alchohol are potentially dangerous habits, because they
carry serious health risks.
3. to take regular exercise (expression)
Meaning: to do some physical activity on a regular basis

+ Để tìm hiểu thông tin về các khóa học, bộ sách mới nhất của thầy Bách, các bạn truy cập: www.ngocbach.com
+ Hotline tư vấn đăng ký học: 0974657403 (email tư vấn: [email protected]) 55
 Example: Authorities should encourage people of all ages to take regular exercise by
providing facilities in each community.

Từ vựng chủ đề Sports and exercise

1. to exert oneself (reflexive verb)
Meaning: to make a big physical effort to do something
Example: I believe that sports professionals deserve high salaries, because constant hard
training is necessary so that they can exert themselves to the limit when they compete.
2. to work out at the gym (expression)
Meaning: to train the body by physical exercise at the gym
Example: As part of a healthy lifestyle, people of all ages should work out at the gym
on a regular basis.
3. to take gentle exercise (expression)
Meaning:to do exercise which is not physically demanding or tiring
Example: Even the elderly can keep fit by taking gentle exercise, like jogging or even
a walk in the park.

Other vocabulary:
1. optimal (tối ưu) [adjective]
Meaning: best; most likely to bring success or advantage
Example: The optimal temperature for the development of larvae is in the range 18–26˚C.
2. to rejuvenate (làm trẻ lại, khỏe lại) [verb]
Meaning: to make somebody/something look or feel younger, more lively or more
modern
Example: Special creams can be used to rejuvenate the skin.
3. to sleep soundly (ngủ ngon lành, yên lành)
Meaning: if you sleep soundly, you sleep very well and very deeply
Example: The baby was sleeping soundly after listening to his mother’s lullaby.
4. soothing (dịu dàng, êm ái) [adjective]
Meaning: making somebody who is anxious, upset, etc. feel calmer/ making a tense or
painful part of your body feel more comfortable
Example: The soothing voice of the singer made everyone in the audience feel relaxed.
5. drained (kiệt sức, mệt mỏi) [adjective]

+ Để tìm hiểu thông tin về các khóa học, bộ sách mới nhất của thầy Bách, các bạn truy cập: www.ngocbach.com
+ Hotline tư vấn đăng ký học: 0974657403 (email tư vấn: [email protected]) 56
 Meaning: very tired and without energy
Example: The death of her father left her emotionally drained.
6. crave for something (thèm cái gì) [phrasal verb]
Meaning: to have a very strong desire for something
Example: Pregnant women can occasionally crave for weird food.
7. to crash out [phrasal verb]
Meaning: to throw yourself down to sleep in an exhausted state
Example: After the late-night party at my house, several of my friends crashed out on
the floor.

29. PATIENCE

1. What do you think "patience" is?

Well, I suppose “patience” indicates a person’s capacity to wait or to endure delay or
something tedious or annoying without complaining and getting riled about it.
2. Do you think patience is important?
Yes, being patient is vital because it is helpful in many situations.Being impatient does
not solve the problems but causes more trouble. Also, individual people tend to like
patient people because they usually have calm attitudes and an easy-going personality.
3. (Possibly) Do you think being patient is an important part of being polite?
Of course, being patient shows your respectful and thoughtful attitudes to others. For
example, at the coffee shop, people have to queue in line and wait patiently for their turn.
4. Would you say you are a patient person?
Generally, I’m an impatient person because I hate waiting for other people. I can easily
get annoyed if my friends do not turn up on time. However, in certain situations, I can
remain patient, like studying English every day without feeling bored.
5. Have you ever lost your patience?
Yes, I have. Last week, I planned to hang out with my friend at the KFC restaurant. But
my friend didn’t come and she made me wait for more than thirty minutes. I called her
and she didn’t even respond to it. Being tired of waiting for so long, I just left her a

+ Để tìm hiểu thông tin về các khóa học, bộ sách mới nhất của thầy Bách, các bạn truy cập: www.ngocbach.com
+ Hotline tư vấn đăng ký học: 0974657403 (email tư vấn: [email protected]) 57
 message reproaching her and saying that she did not need to come any more. I was so
angry that I did not talk to her for a few days.
6. What do you become impatient about?
As I mentioned previously, I loathe waiting for individuals or something taking up too
much time. It usually makes me feel upset and irritated.

Vocabulary:
1. tedious (adjective) boring
Ex: The problem is I find most forms of exercise so tedious.
2. get riled (expression) to get very annoyed (vô cùng tức giận)
Ex: I got riled when the shop assistant was rude to me.
3. easy-going (adjective) relaxed and happy to accept things without worrying (dễ
gần, thoải mái)
Ex: She won’t get angry if you’re late, she’s very easy-going.
4. respectful (adjective) showing politeness or honor to someone or something (kính
trọng)
Ex: There was a respectful two-minute silence as we remembered the soldiers who
had died in the war.
5. thoughtful (adjective) carefully considering things (thận trọng, chín chắn)
Ex: He has a thoughtful approach to his work, planning everything well.
6. queue (verb) to wait in a line of people, often to buy something (xếp hàng nối đuôi
nhau)
Ex: Dozens of people were queuing up to get tickets.
7. get annoyed (verb phrase): become angry (tức giận)
Ex: He got annoyed at the way she tried to take over the whole meeting.
8. turn up (phrasal verb): to arrive (đến, xuất hiện)
Ex: We arranged to meet at midday, but he didn’t turn up.
9. loathe (verb) hate somebody or something very much (ghét)
Ex: From an early age the brothers have loathed each other.
10. hang out with somebody (expression) spend time with somebody(đi chơi với ai)
Ex: When I have free time, I hang out with friends and we listen to music or chat.
11. reproach (verb) to criticize someone, especially for not being successful or not
doing what is expected (sự trách mằng, chỉ trích)

+ Để tìm hiểu thông tin về các khóa học, bộ sách mới nhất của thầy Bách, các bạn truy cập: www.ngocbach.com
+ Hotline tư vấn đăng ký học: 0974657403 (email tư vấn: [email protected]) 58
 Ex: His mother reproached him for not eating all his dinner.
12. irritated (adjective) annoyed (giận dữ)

Ex: I began to get increasingly irritated at her foolish questions

30. PHOTOS/PICTURES

How do you keep your photos?

Well, I usually store my photos by printing them out and making an album if the pictures
are important. If not, I keep them on my iPhone.
In what situations do you take photos?
I snap a photo whenever I see something that catches my eye when I’m in a good mood.
Normally, I take pictures with my friends when we hang out or when my family go to a
fancy restaurant.
How often do you take photos?
Not too often I have to say. I’m an introvert who doesn’t like to share too many photos,
so I only take photos when I find something interesting.
Do you prefer to take photos yourself or to have other people take photos?
To be honest, I have faith in my photography skills, so I choose to take photos by myself.
In addition, it is more comfortable to see my expression, which is unflattering sometimes.

VOCABULARY HIGHLIGHTS:
- Snap a photo (phrase): Chụp ảnh.
VD: He snapped a photo of me while I was sleeping.
- Catch one’s eyes (phrase): Thu hút ánh nhìn của ai đó.
VD: This costume really catches my eyes.
- In a good mood (expression): Trong tâm trạng tốt.
VD: Dinner is on me! I’m in a good mood today.

31. HANDWRITING

1. Do you often write things?

(Answer) Absolutely yes.

+ Để tìm hiểu thông tin về các khóa học, bộ sách mới nhất của thầy Bách, các bạn truy cập: www.ngocbach.com
+ Hotline tư vấn đăng ký học: 0974657403 (email tư vấn: [email protected]) 59
 (Explain) Writing is one of the things that I love doing in my leisure time. I practice
writing every day to sharpen my language and writing skills as well as relieve stress
after a hardworking day.
2. Do you prefer to write by hand or write using computer?

(Answer) It depends.
(explain) When writing about everyday things or practicing for the IELTS test, I’d rather
write by hand. I only use a computer to write academic reports.
3. Do you think computers might one day replace handwriting?

(Answer) I don’t think so.

(Explain) It’s true that the computer has been doing a good job in helping people to write.
However, I don’t think that it will totally replace the traditional way of writing as there
will be no computers to rely on in urgent cases.
4. When do children begin to write in your country?

(Answer) Vietnamese kids start learning to write at the age of around 5 to 6, (explain)
which is considered quite early by some European experts. But Vietnamese kids know
how to do it well actually.

Vocabulary:
1. To sharpen a skill: cải thiện kĩ năng.

 To sharpen my communication skills, I participate in a lot of extra-curricular

activities.

Để cải thiện kĩ năng giao tiếp, tôi tham gia rất nhiều hoạt động ngoại khóa

2. To rely on: dựa vào.

 I don’t think we should always rely on theories in books because there are many
unexpected situations which cannot be solved by them in real life.

32. WATER SPORT

+ Để tìm hiểu thông tin về các khóa học, bộ sách mới nhất của thầy Bách, các bạn truy cập: www.ngocbach.com
+ Hotline tư vấn đăng ký học: 0974657403 (email tư vấn: [email protected]) 60
 1. Have you ever played water sports?

Definitely yes. My childhood was linked with swimming because I participated in many
swimming competitions during my school years.

2. What water sports do you like playing?

I would say swimming, of course. However, it seems like my preference is shifting to

water polo from swimming. However, till now, swimming remains the most favourite of
mine.

3. Are water sports popular in Vietnam?

I don’t think so, at least for the time being. Water sports facilities are not widely available
nor invested in in my country. I bet that many people have no clue what water polo is.

Vocabulary:

1. To be linked with something (phrase): có mối quan hệ với cái gì đó

Example: Her name is being linked to one of the top jobs in the company.

Tên tuổi của cô ấy được gắn với những công việc hàng đầu trong công ty

2. to shift (v): thay đổi/dịch chuyển

Example: She shifted (her weight) uneasily from one foot to the other.

Cô ấy dịch chuyển trọng lượng một cách không hề dễ hàng từ chân này qua chân kia.

3. to have no clue/don’t have a clue (phrase): không biết

Example: Who invented algebra?" "I don't have a clue."

“Ai là người đã sáng lập ra số học?” “Tôi không biết”

33. AMUSEMENT PARK

- Do you like amusement park?

+ Để tìm hiểu thông tin về các khóa học, bộ sách mới nhất của thầy Bách, các bạn truy cập: www.ngocbach.com
+ Hotline tư vấn đăng ký học: 0974657403 (email tư vấn: [email protected]) 61
 Answer: Definitely. It is one of my favorite spots to spend on weekends. There are many
kinds of recreational activities which help me let off some steam.
- How often do you go to an amusement park? What do you usually do at an
amusement park?

Answer: I don’t really often pay a visit to an amusement park these days because I mostly
spend my time at the workplace. Roller coasters and other extreme games are always my
favorites when visiting an amusement park, which give me excitement and energy.
VOCABULARY HIGHLIGHTS:
1. Recreational activity (noun): Hoạt động giải trí.
Example: You should go out and take part in some recreational activities such as riding
or playing sport instead of having your eyes glued to TV screen.
2. Let off steam (verb): Giải tỏa căng thẳng.
Example: I think I should take a short trip to an island to let off some steam.
3. Roller coaster (noun): Tàu lượn siêu tốc.
Example: I don’t want to go on a roller coaster because I’m scared of heights.
4. Extreme game: Trò chơi cảm giác mạnh.
Example: Extreme games can actually help people relieve stress.

34. CELEBRITIES
1.1. Who is your favorite celebrity in Vietnam?
Well, to be honest, I adore quite a number of Vietnamese stars. Regarding music, young
and celebrated singers like Toc Tien and Dong Nhi are definitely my top choices whereas
if it’s acting, veteran actors like Binh Minh or Manh Truong always give a really
convincing performance.
1.2. Do you like any foreign celebrities?
As a matter of fact, yes. I’ve been an avid fan of Western contemporary pop singers for
quite a time now, especially those who have excellent vocal skills like Adele, Bruno Mars
or John Legend. I even created a special playlist on my phone which contains only their
songs to listen to whenever I want.
1.3. Would you want to be a celebrity in the future?
I’ve never given this much thought but I’d have to say that entering showbiz isn’t really
the path I’d choose. Rising to stardom means losing a great deal of privacy as well as

+ Để tìm hiểu thông tin về các khóa học, bộ sách mới nhất của thầy Bách, các bạn truy cập: www.ngocbach.com
+ Hotline tư vấn đăng ký học: 0974657403 (email tư vấn: [email protected]) 62
 having less time with family and friends, so I guess I’d prefer to stay as a part of the
general public.
1.4. Do you think we should protect famous people's privacy?
Well, definitely. It’s a human right to have your private information kept confidential and
to have freedom in whatever you want to do, without being followed by paparazzis all the
time. Just because celebrities are public figures doesn’t mean their private life has to be
exposed to everyone for gossip.
1.5. How do celebrities influence their fans in Vietnam?
In Vietnam, as in any other countries, admirers consider celebrities a source of inspiration
as well as consolation. For example, they might watch videos or read articles about their
favourite artists to cheer themselves up when they feel down. Additionally, fans can be
affected in the way they behave or dress, since most of these fans are impressionable
teenagers who want to appear like their idols.

VOCABULARY
To adore [v]: to love or admire (someone) very much
Eg: He's a good doctor. A ll his patients adore him .
Celebrated [adj]: known and praised by many people
Eg: He is one of today's most celebrated young writers.
Veteran [adj]: someone who has a lot of experience in a particular
activity, job, etc.
Eg: He's been an event organiser for over 20 years and, as a veteran, he is widely respected
for his vast experience.
Convincing [adj]: that makes somebody believe that something is real or true.
Eg: The actor gave a convincing performance as 007 in the latest James Bond film.
To be an avid fan sth [expression]: to be very enthusiastic about sth
Eg: I like to play the electric guitar as I’m an avid fan of rock.
Contemporary [adj]: modern, happening or beginning now or in recent times
Eg: ‘Vogue’ is a magazine devoted to contemporary fashions.
Vocal skills [n]: singing skills
Eg: Having great vocal skills is the most important talent for a singer.
To rise to stardom [expression]: to become famous
Eg: He rose to stardom in such a short time after winning a TV talent show.

+ Để tìm hiểu thông tin về các khóa học, bộ sách mới nhất của thầy Bách, các bạn truy cập: www.ngocbach.com
+ Hotline tư vấn đăng ký học: 0974657403 (email tư vấn: [email protected]) 63
 Human right [n]: The basic rights and freedoms to which all humans are considered to be
given
Eg: Everybody should be entitled to free medical care as a basic human right.
Public figure [np]: a well-knowned and notable person
Eg: She is a famous public figure as a result of her appearances on TV.
To be exposed to [expression]: Make (something) visible or know by uncovering it
Eg: The real truth about the war was exposed to the public through a series of newspaper
articles.
Gossip [n]: an informal talk about other people’s private lives, that may be unkind or
untrue.
Eg: He had been spreading gossip about his co-workers.
Consolation [n]: something that makes a person feel less sadness, disappointment, etc
Eg: His kind words were a consolation to me.
To feel down [expression]: to feel blue, to feel sad
Eg: I listen to upbeat songs when I feel down.
Impressionable [adj]: easily influenced by someone or something
Eg: Teenagers are at an impressionable age and they often copy their friends or even their
favourite celebrities.

35. COOKING

Who taught you how to cook? Do you like cooking?

My mother is the person who inspires me a lot when it comes to cooking because she
always makes mouthwateringly delicious dishes. I also enjoy cooking. Whenever I have
free time, I always don my apron and make traditional dishes as a way to reduce stress.
Is it difficult to cook?
I don’t think so. It mostly depends on how passionate you are about it. The more you
cook, the more delicious your dishes are.
Do you want to learn how to cook?
 Absolutely! I’ve always been curious about different cuisines, and it would be great to
have a person who shares my interests and could teach me more about it.
VOCABULARY HIGHLIGHTS:
- To make my mouth watering (expression): Chảy nước miếng (ý nói về đồ ăn ngon)

+ Để tìm hiểu thông tin về các khóa học, bộ sách mới nhất của thầy Bách, các bạn truy cập: www.ngocbach.com
+ Hotline tư vấn đăng ký học: 0974657403 (email tư vấn: [email protected]) 64
 VD: This dish really makes my mouth watering.
- Apron (noun): Tạp dề.
VD: You should get an apron so that your clothes don’t get dirty.
- Cuisine (noun): Nền ẩm thực.
VD: It is a fact that Vietnam has one of the best cuisines in the world.
- Share my interests (expression): Có cùng sở thích.
VD: I really like travelling. I’m looking for a person who shares my interests.

36. COLORS

What is your favorite color?

Red is probably my favorite color since it reflects my dynamic personality. In addition,
red also inspires me in many things.
Do you like dark colors?
Not really because they are usually associated with bad luck. In my country, people wear
black when a person in their family has passed away.
Do you usually wear clothes in your favorite color?
No, not really. I just wear red clothes in when I’m not in a good mood, which gives me
confidence and perks me up.
Are there any colors you dislike?
Well, if I had to choose, I would choose brown. Although it’s a nice color, for me it does
not hold any meaning and I really cannot associate it with anything.
VOCABULARY HIGHLIGHTS:
Dynamic (adjective): Năng động.
VD: He loves socializing with people. He’s a dynamic person.
Associate with something (phrase): Đi kèm với, xem như là cái gì đó.
VD: People usually associate same-sex relationship with sickness.
- To pass away (phrase): Qua đời.
VD: My grandfather passed away because of heart attack.
- In a good mood (expression): Trong tâm trạng tốt.
VD: Dinner is on me! I’m in a good mood today.
- Lift up someone’s spirits (phrase): Làm cho tâm trạng ai tốt hơn.
VD: These advice really lift up my spirits.

+ Để tìm hiểu thông tin về các khóa học, bộ sách mới nhất của thầy Bách, các bạn truy cập: www.ngocbach.com
+ Hotline tư vấn đăng ký học: 0974657403 (email tư vấn: [email protected]) 65
37. TRAVELING
1. Do you like to travel?

(Answer) Yes, absolutely.

(Explain) Travelling is my top hobby because whenever I travel, I can meet and get to
know many new people from different cultures and nations, which helps me to broaden
my horizons.
2. Do you often travel by air?

(Answer) No, not much.

(Explain) Travelling by air too often is out of my reach for a student like me. However,
I do travel by air once or twice a year to an ASEAN member because the airfares to these
destinations are quite affordable.
3. How long was the longest trip you took?

(Answer) I went on a 9-day trip to Thailand and this was my longest trip ever.
(Extend) I spent 3 days in Bangkok, 2 days in Pattaya and 3 days in Phuket. The
remaining one day was allocated for moving.
4. Which country would you like to travel to in the future?

(Answer) Italy is my dream destination (explain) as it is home to the most stunning

churches in the world. Also, I love the Italian culture, language and friendly people whom
I’ve met in Vietnam.
5. Would you like to travel to space?

(Answer) Yes, it sounds a bit weird and scary though.

(Explain) I am curious about how other planets look and how I would be when there is
no gravity. This idea really scares me off but as it sounds pretty intriguing, I would like
to try travelling to space once.

Vocabulary
3. To leave for: rời khỏi một nơi để đi đến nơi nào khác.
 Before leaving for Singapore, we had to check if we had all the documents needed at
least twice.

+ Để tìm hiểu thông tin về các khóa học, bộ sách mới nhất của thầy Bách, các bạn truy cập: www.ngocbach.com
+ Hotline tư vấn đăng ký học: 0974657403 (email tư vấn: [email protected]) 66
 Trước khi đi đến Singapore, chúng tôi đã phải kiểm tra hơn 2 lần là đã có đủ giấy tờ cần
thiết.
4. To broaden my horizons: mở rộng tầm nhìn.
 We should go to other countries, getting to know more people and their cultures to
broaden our horizons.

Chúng ta nên đi nước ngoài, làm quen với nhiều người và với nền văn hóa của họ để mở
rộng tầm nhìn hơn.
5. Out of someone’s reach: ngoài tầm với của ai đó.
 We should make sure that all the dangerous things are kept out of children’s reach.
Compromising on safety can make us pay a high price.

Chúng ta nên chắc chắn rằng tất cả những vật nguy hiểm được đặt ngoài tầm với của trẻ
em, việc Xem nhẹ sự an toàn có thể khiến chúng ta trả giá đắt.
6. To go on a trip: đi du lịch.
 We went on a long trip to Thailand last summer.

Chúng tôi có một chuyến đi dài ngày đến Thái Lan hè năm ngoái.
7. Be home to: là nơi ở của.
 A rain forest is home to a wide range of species of animals and plants.

Rừng mưa nhiệt đới là nơi ở của nhiều loài động vật và thực vật.

38. PLANT

1. (Do you like plants?)

(Answer) Well, yes, I really love plants.

(Give a reason for your answer) Because I’ve always felt connected with nature, and I
think plants as a whole play an essential role in our life. Different varieties of plants have
their own appeal, but they all bring us a feeling of freshness.

2. (What plants do you like?)

My favorite plant is the cactus, a member of the succulent plant family known
as Cactaceae. There are more than 2000 varieties of cacti that grow up in various shapes
and sizes. Several hours of sunlight each day and well-draining soil are vital for the cactus

+ Để tìm hiểu thông tin về các khóa học, bộ sách mới nhất của thầy Bách, các bạn truy cập: www.ngocbach.com
+ Hotline tư vấn đăng ký học: 0974657403 (email tư vấn: [email protected]) 67
 to thrive. However, some varieties of cacti can even be planted indoors as they necessitate
little sunlight.

3. (Have you ever grown any plants?)

(Answer) Yes, quite often actually.

(Give a reason for your answer) Gardening is one of my pastimes. I usually buy the seeds
online from reliable gardening websites and then grow easy plants with my sister. Right
now, I’m taking care of a small tomato plant, which is a demanding yet delightful task.

4. (Did you grow any plants when you were a child?)

Yes, and it was my father who instructed me to grow my very first plant. I still remember
clearly; it was a mango tree. At that moment, I watered the tree on a daily basis in the
hope that it would grow rapidly. It has been 12 years now, and guess what, the mango
tree is still alive and bears fruits every summer!

5. (Do you know how to grow any plants?)

(Answer) Yes, of course. I know quite thoroughly indeed.

(Give a reason for your answer) There are plenty of steps and techniques involved in
growing plants, from selecting quality seeds, soil; providing sufficient sunlight and water
to spraying suitable fertilizers. Gardening requires a lot of effort, but I think in the end it
is a rewarding experience.

Vocabulary:
61. essential [adj]: necessary or needed: cần thiết

Eg: The books on thi s li st are essenti al reading for t he course.

62. freshness [n]: a state of being clean and cool; found outside rather than in a room:
sự tươi mới, sảng khoái

Eg: The garden is full of freshness.

63. succulent [n]: a plant such as a cactus in which the leaves and stem are thick and can store
a lot of water: cây mọng nước

+ Để tìm hiểu thông tin về các khóa học, bộ sách mới nhất của thầy Bách, các bạn truy cập: www.ngocbach.com
+ Hotline tư vấn đăng ký học: 0974657403 (email tư vấn: [email protected]) 68
 Eg: My father is fond of planting succulent plants.
64. necessitate [v]: make sth necessary: đòi hỏi, yêu cầu

Eg: Recent financial scandals have necessitated changes in parliamentary procedures.

65. reliable [adj]: deserving trust; dependable: đáng tin cậy

Eg: Most of the main lines are fully electrified and service is generally efficient and
reliable.
66. demanding [adj]: needing a lot of time, attention, or energy: đòi hỏi cao

Eg: She's hoping to find a job which is more demanding intellectually.

67. instruct [v]: to teach someone how to do something: to order or tell someone to
do something, especially in a formal way: hướng dẫn

Eg: I need someone to instruct me on how to use the computer.

68. on a daily basis [expression]: repeated everyday: diễn ra hằng ngày

Eg: I go to work on a daily basis.

69. fertilizer [n]: a natural or chemical substance that is spread on the land or given to plants,
to make plants grow well: phân bón

Eg: Agriculture companies offer bundles of pesticides with seeds and fertilizer, with
incentives for volume purchases.
70. sufficient [adj]: enough for a particular purpose: đầy đủ

Eg: It was thought that he'd committed the crime but there wasn't sufficient evidence to
convict him.
71. technique [n]: a way of doing an activity that needs skill: kĩ thuật

Eg: She's a wonderfully creative dancer but she doesn't have the technique of a truly great
performer.
72. rewarding [adj]: giving a reward, especially by making you feel satisfied that you have
done something important or useful, or done something well: xứng đáng

Eg: Textbook writing can be an intellectually and financially rewarding activity.

39. GARDEN

+ Để tìm hiểu thông tin về các khóa học, bộ sách mới nhất của thầy Bách, các bạn truy cập: www.ngocbach.com
+ Hotline tư vấn đăng ký học: 0974657403 (email tư vấn: [email protected]) 69
 1. Does your family have a garden?
No, we don’t have one at the moment, but I think my parents are planning to buy some
land so that we can have our own little garden. My mom’s really into flowers, you see;
she’s wanted to have a garden for herself ever since she was young.
2. Do many people in Vietnam have their own garden?
In the inner city areas- no, there’s no room for gardens, they are just concrete jungles.
But in the suburbs or in the countryside then yes, lots of people have their own garden. I
mean my aunts and uncles live in the countryside and they have very large gardens in
which they plant tons of vegetables and flowers.
3. If someone has a private garden in Vietnam, do they usually prefer to grow
flowers or vegetables?
It depends, I think. I’ve never seen anyone with a private garden in the city, but if there
is one, then the owner must want to grow flowers. Taking care of vegetables in the city
requires a lot of work and effort. People from the countryside, on the other hand, often
grow vegetables on their private plots.
4. (Why?) Have you ever grown anything? (in a garden, or possibly in a flower
pot)
I used to grow some sort of beans in a very small pot back when I was in primary school.
We had an assignment in which we had to grow beans and bring them to class. It wasn’t
very successful though; the rats in the yard just kept eating all the beans and I couldn’t
bring anything to class at the time.
5. Do Vietnamese people like growing flowers?
I’m not really sure, but I guess not many people like growing their own flowers. I think
most of the time they just go to the market and buy some flowers instead.
6. Do you like growing flowers?
I don’t. Flowers are actually not my cup of tea. They surely look beautiful and some even
smell really good, but I just can’t see the point of constantly looking at or taking care of
flowers. I prefercactuses.

Vocabulary
Các từ thuộc chủ đề Cities
1. inner city areas
Meaning: the parts near the centre of a city

+ Để tìm hiểu thông tin về các khóa học, bộ sách mới nhất của thầy Bách, các bạn truy cập: www.ngocbach.com
+ Hotline tư vấn đăng ký học: 0974657403 (email tư vấn: [email protected]) 70
 Example: The inner city areas where I live have a lot of crime and social problems.
2. a concrete jungle
Meaning: a way to describe a city that has no parks, trees or green spaces, just ugly
concrete buildings
Example: My parents would never leave the open space and fresh air of the countryside
to live in a concrete jungle, full of ugly buildings.
Từ vựng khác:
1. plot [noun] (a small piece of land used for a particular purpose)
E.g. My uncle has a plot of land on which he grows vegetables and flowers.
2. to be into something [expression] (to be enthusiastic or interested in): thích cái gì
E.g. Jackie’s really into classical music - he listens to it all the time.
3. not be somebody’s cup of tea [expression] (not the type of thing that somebody
likes): không phải thứ ai đó thích
E.g. Thanks for inviting me, but ballet isn’t really my cup of tea.
4. to see the point of something [expression] (to understand the purpose or aim of
something)
E.g. I don’t see the point of taking the exam again - it’s too difficult for me.
5. cactus [noun] (any of many types of desert plant usually with sharp spines and thick
stems for storing water): cây xương rồng
E.g. If you don’t have any flower pots in the house, at least plant some cactuses!

40. COUNTRYSIDE

- Would you like to live in the countryside in the future?

Answer: No, not really. I think that I am familiar with the fast-paced life in big cities;
therefore, I find the slow and tranquil life in rural area so unbearable.
- What do people living in the countryside like to do?
Answer: Well, I think that villagers can enjoy many outdoor activities or maybe just
simply spend time with family and have meals together.
- What are the benefits of living in rural areas?
Answer: I think that living in the countryside can greatly benefit people in many ways.
First of all, the cost of living there is much more affordable than in metropolitan cities.

+ Để tìm hiểu thông tin về các khóa học, bộ sách mới nhất của thầy Bách, các bạn truy cập: www.ngocbach.com
+ Hotline tư vấn đăng ký học: 0974657403 (email tư vấn: [email protected]) 71
 Moreover, people could also enjoy better air quality due to the low level of pollution,
which is beneficial to their health.
- What are the differences between living in the city and the countryside?
Answer: I think the most obvious difference is that life in big cities is harsher than in
rural areas. Urban dwellers have to work under pressure to make ends meet while rural
citizens can enjoy a slow pace of life. In addition, people have to put up with air pollution
and traffic congestion that rarely happen in the countryside.
TOPIC VOCABULARY:
1. To be familiar with something (phrase): quen với cái gì đó.
Example: Are you familiar with Windows software?
2. Fast-paced (adj): nhanh, hối hả.
Example: It is believed that living in a fast-paced city could be beneficial in some ways.
3. Tranquil (adj): yên tĩnh.
Example: The hotel is in a tranquil rural setting
4. Unbearable (adj): không chịu nổi, không chịu đựng được.
Example: The atmosphere at work at the moment is almost unbearable.
5. Cost of living (noun): Mức, chi phí sinh hoạt
Example: The increase in interest rates will raise the cost of living.
6. Afforable (adj): Ở mức có thể chấp nhận được.
Example: The price of Iphone 11 is affordable.
7. Harsh (adj): khắc nghiệt
Example: The children had had a harsh upbringing.
8. Rural area: vùng nông thôn.
Example: There are more and more people from rural areas migrating to big cities.
9. Dweller (noun): Cư dân (ở thành thị, thành phố).
Example: Eighty-five per cent of city dwellers breathe heavily polluted air.
10. To make ends meet (idiom): kiếm tiền đủ để sống.
Example: After her husband was unemployed, she managed to make ends meet.

41. HISTORY

- Do you like learning history?

+ Để tìm hiểu thông tin về các khóa học, bộ sách mới nhất của thầy Bách, các bạn truy cập: www.ngocbach.com
+ Hotline tư vấn đăng ký học: 0974657403 (email tư vấn: [email protected]) 72
 Answer: Yes, I have to admit that I am an avid history reader. It helps me widen my
horizons about national history and also other countries.
- What historical event do you find most interesting?
Answer: I think that it would be Vietnamese Independence Day which happened on 2nd
September 1945. This event marked a milestone of our freedom, liberty and happiness
and began a new era of my country.
- Do you think history is important?
Answer: Definitely. It is an invaluable source of information about our origins and the
historical victories of our ancestors. Moreover, it also reflects the cultural identity of a
nation.
- Do you like to watch programmes on TV about history?
Answer: Yes. I believe that documentaries about history broadcast on TV can display
historical events in a more vivid way than in textbooks.
- Do you think the internet is a good place to learn about history?
Answer: I think so. In this day and age, people can have access to a wide range of
information including history on the Internet. However, learners need to be careful in
choosing a reliable source of information.
TOPIC VOCABULARY:
1. Avid (adjective): đam mê, có hứng thú.
Example: I am an avid reader.
2. Widen sb’s horizons: mở mang kiến thức, tầm hiểu biết.
Example: Travelling certainly widens your horizons.
3. Mark a milestone: Đánh dấu 1 cột mốc.
Example: The day he got accepted to Harvard marked a milestone in his life.
4. Era (noun): kỉ nguyên.
Example: The development of technology has brough the world into a new era.
5. Invaluable (adjective): vô giá.
Example: The new job will provide you with invaluable experience.
6. Origin (noun): nguồn gốc, cội nguồn.
Example: What is your country of origin?
7. Cultural identity: Bản sắc văn hóa.
Example: The adaptation of Western culture may lead to a loss of cultural identity.
8. Documentary (noun): phim tư liệu.

+ Để tìm hiểu thông tin về các khóa học, bộ sách mới nhất của thầy Bách, các bạn truy cập: www.ngocbach.com
+ Hotline tư vấn đăng ký học: 0974657403 (email tư vấn: [email protected]) 73
 Example: They showed a documentary on animal communication.
9. Vivid (adjective): phong phú, sinh động.
Example: He's one of those people with a very vivid imagination10. Reliable (adjective):
Đáng tin cậy.
Example: Gideon is very reliable - if he says he'll do something, he'll do it.

42. DESSERTS
- Do you like dessert?
Answer: Well, I must say that I am a big fan of desserts. Eating desserts helps me improve
my mood, especially on bad days.
- Do you like eating cakes?
Answer: Yes, definitely. Cakes are my favorite kind of dessert. Nothing is better than
having a slice of cake after a meal.
- Do you know how to bake a cake?
Answer: No, not really. I would say that I am not a professional baker and baking a cake
is not what I usually do. If I wanted to make a cake, I would follow tutorials on Youtube.
- When do you usually have desserts?
Answer: I think desserts are usually had on special occasions such as weddings,
birthdays, or parties. Sometimes it can be a slice of passion fruit cheesecake or just simply
some tropical fruits.
TOPIC VOCABULARY:
1. A big fan of something/someone: 1 người hâm mộ, yêu thích ai/ cái gì đó.
Example: I am a big fan of Adele, who has a beautiful voice.
2. Professional (adjective): Chuyên nghiệp.
Example: He is such a professional singer.
3. Tutorial (noun): hướng dẫn.
Example: You can search for some origami tutorials on Youtube.
4. Occasion (noun): Dịp.
Example: I have a suit but I only wear it on special occasions.

43. SCIENCE
- Do you like science?

+ Để tìm hiểu thông tin về các khóa học, bộ sách mới nhất của thầy Bách, các bạn truy cập: www.ngocbach.com
+ Hotline tư vấn đăng ký học: 0974657403 (email tư vấn: [email protected]) 74
 Answer: Yes, I do. I love science in general. I am more into learning science because it
helps me have a good grasp on the world that I’m living in.
- What science have you studied?

Answer: At the beginning of high school, I started to learn Physics and some basic
principles. Somehow, Physics just became one of my favorite subjects.
- How do you study science?

Answer: I mostly spend my time learning at school and in the lab room, where I can make
some experiments.
- What’s the most difficult part of studying science?

Answer: Well, I think that most science courses are theoretical and you have to
remember formulas and sophisticated calculations. Therefore, you may feel frustrated
and want to give up sometimes.
- How has the science that you have studied helped you?

Answer: It has helped me to explain those things and build my logical thinking. It helps
me a lot, not only with the school’s curriculum, but also with problems I face in my life.
TOPIC VOCABULARY:
1. Have a good grasp on something: Hiểu rõ về 1 cái gì đó.
Example: I thought I had a pretty good grasp on English idioms, but I don't understand
this one at all!
2. Principle (noun): quy tắc.
Example: This house needs to have some principles.
3. Theoretical (adjective): Mang tính lý thuyết.
I can’t see any realistic applications in Math since it’s all theoretical.
4. Formula (noun): công thức (toán hoặc, vật lí,…)
Example: You need to know the formula for converting gallons to litres.
5. Sophisticated (adjective): phức tạp.
Example: I think a more sophisticated approach is needed to solve this problem.
6. Logical thinking (n): Lối tư duy lô-gíc.
There are some games which actually enhance your logical thinking skill.
7. School curriculum (n): việc học hành ở trường.
Luckily, we don’t have to study Japanese since it’s not in our school curriculum.

+ Để tìm hiểu thông tin về các khóa học, bộ sách mới nhất của thầy Bách, các bạn truy cập: www.ngocbach.com
+ Hotline tư vấn đăng ký học: 0974657403 (email tư vấn: [email protected]) 75
 44. TAKING A BREAK
- Do you prefer a long break or several breaks?
Answer: I think that I would choose several breaks rather than a long break. Life is getting
harsh these days and I believe that several breaks could help me relieve stress from
working and studying effectively.
- How often do you take a break?
Answer: Well, I often take breaks when studying or working for a long time to give my
eyes a short rest. If I had to focus on one task for a long time, I could not perform well.
- What do you usually do during a break?
Answer: If it is a short break, I would drink a cup of coffee, which helps me stay awake
and refresh my mind. However, during long breaks, I would take a nap or grab something
to eat to get more energy before turning back to my work.
- When do you usually have a break?
Answer: I am currently a student; therefore, my studying schedule is quite tense.
However, we always have long breaks in summers, which could take up to 2 or 3 months.
TOPIC VOCABULARY:
1. Harsh (adjective): Khắc nghiệt
Example: The children had had a harsh upbringing
2. To relieve stress (verb): Giải tỏa căng thẳng
Example: I need to travel so that I can relieve stress.
3. Awake (adjective): Thức, tỉnh táo.
Example: Are the children still awake?
4. Take a nap (verb): Chợp mắt (1 giấc nghỉ ngắn)
Example: I need to take a nap; otherwise, I would skip the afternoon class.
5. Tense (adjective): Căng thẳng.
Example: The situation between the USA and North Korea is getting tense.

45.WATER
- Do you drink a lot of water every day?
Answer: Absolutely! As you know, water is indispensable for our bodies. Therefore, I
always drink 2 liters a day to help me stay hydrated.
- Do you drink tap or bottled water?

+ Để tìm hiểu thông tin về các khóa học, bộ sách mới nhất của thầy Bách, các bạn truy cập: www.ngocbach.com
+ Hotline tư vấn đăng ký học: 0974657403 (email tư vấn: [email protected]) 76
 Answer: Well, I would say that I drink bottled water more often than tap water due to its
safety and availability. In my country, you can easily purchase a bottle of clean water
at a convenience store while tap water is rarely available.
- Do you ever drink other kinds of water?

Answer: Yes. My family really enjoys drinking mineral water, which contains dissolved
minerals that are believed to be good for our health.
- Have you ever been thirsty but you didn’t have anything to drink?

Answer: Yes, I have. There was a time when I was running with my friends in the
countryside. However, we realized that we had left our bottles at home and there was no
convenience store on the road. Needless to say, my mouth was parched at that time.
- Is bottled water very expensive in your country?

Answer: I think that most of bottle water brands here are pretty affordable, especially
when bought in a large quantity.
TOPIC VOCABULARY:
1. Indispensable (adjective): cần thiết.
Example: This book is an indispensable resource for researchers.
2. Hydrated (adjective): Duy trì nước (uống nhiều chất lỏng).
Example: Be sure to stay hydrated during the race by drinking plenty of fluids.
3. Safety (noun): Sự an toàn.
Example: For your safety and others, please do not bring any hazardous material on the
plane.
4. Availability (noun): Sự khả dụng, phổ biến.
Example: The ready availability of guns has contributed to the escalating violence.
5. Purchase (verb): mua.
Example: I just purchased 2 tickets to next week concert.
6. Mineral water (noun): Nước khoáng.
Example: I prefer drinking mineral water to tap water.
7. Parched (adjective): khát khô.
Example: Excuse me, do you have anything to drink? My mouth is kind of parched.
8. Affordable (adjective): Có thể chấp nhận được (giá tiền).
Example: The price of Iphone 11 is affordable.

+ Để tìm hiểu thông tin về các khóa học, bộ sách mới nhất của thầy Bách, các bạn truy cập: www.ngocbach.com
+ Hotline tư vấn đăng ký học: 0974657403 (email tư vấn: [email protected]) 77
 46. THE AREA YOU LIVE IN
1. Do you like the area that you live in?
 Well, I am staying in District 2, and I must say that I enjoy staying in this area a lot
since there are a lot of entertaining places to visit besides the peaceful atmosphere of
this area.
2. What have been some changes in the area recently?
 There are more and more high-rise buildings being built in the area in order to meet
the demand of the affluent and expats. In addition, a new shopping mall was just opened
last week.
3. Do you know any famous people in your area?
 Interestingly, I live next door to Toc Tien, who is one of the most famous pop
singers in Vietnam. However, I don’t see her very often because of her busy schedule.
4. Where do you like to go in that area?
 I really love visiting Saigon Outcast, a place where I can do some rock climbing as
well as socialize with foreigners.
VOCABULARY HIGHLIGHTS:
- High-rise (adjective): Nhà cao tầng

Example: A high-rise building was built last month, which will be the tallest building
when it finishes
- Meet the demand of: Đáp ứng nhu cầu.

Example: They have to work night shift to meet the demand of buyers.
- The affluent (noun): Người giàu.

Example: The affluent is increasing in our country, which widens the gap between the
rich and the poor.
- Expat (noun): Người nước sống ở 1 nước khác lâu năm.

Example: Expats who live in Vietnam usually have well-paid jobs.

- Live next door to (Idiom): Sống kế bên cạnh (phòng, nhà,…)

Example: I live next door to your friend, that’s why I see him every day.
VOICE

+ Để tìm hiểu thông tin về các khóa học, bộ sách mới nhất của thầy Bách, các bạn truy cập: www.ngocbach.com
+ Hotline tư vấn đăng ký học: 0974657403 (email tư vấn: [email protected]) 78
 1. Has your voice ever changed?
 Yes. Needless to say, it’s a part of life that every boy has to go through during his
puberty.
2. Do you like your own voice?
 Not really. I wish that my voice could be a little bit lower and more enticing so that I
could be more confident when speaking in front of people.
3. Do you enjoy recording your voice and listening to it?
 I do. It is actually a part of my daily learning. I usually record my speaking and play
it back to correct any mistake. I find it hilarious because whenever I speak English, my
voice always sounds much higher-pitched compared to my usual voice.
4. Does your voice sound similar to your parents?
 I don’t think so. My parents originally come from the North, so their voices are
thicker than mine. Sometimes, they even use local accents from the North, while I don’t
do that.
VOCABULARY HIGHLIGHTS:
- Puberty (noun): tuổi dậy thì.

Ex: Boys usually start his puberty at the age of 14.

- Enticing (adjective): lôi cuốn.

Ex: You should apply for that job. They have really enticing offers.
- Play something back (phrasal verb): nghe lại

Ex: You can record the talk and play it back later to find out your mistakes.
- High-pitched (adjective): giọng cao, nghe bị chói tai.

Ex: She has a high-pitched voice, which I find irritating.

- Local accent: giọng địa phương, vùng miền.

Ex: She has a heavy local accent from the Central Part of Vietnam; therefore, I cannot
understand clearly what she said.
47. AGE
1. What do you think is the best age to learn driving?

+ Để tìm hiểu thông tin về các khóa học, bộ sách mới nhất của thầy Bách, các bạn truy cập: www.ngocbach.com
+ Hotline tư vấn đăng ký học: 0974657403 (email tư vấn: [email protected]) 79
  In my opinion, 18 is the perfect age to start learning driving. I believe that when
people turn 18, they have already become full-grown adults and no longer need their
parents to pick them up.
2. How do you feel about getting older?
 Well, I think that when people grow older, they may have more serious concerns to
worry about, such as finding a job or paying monthly bills.
3. Should we treat people of different ages in the same way?
 Well, I believe that people should be treated fairly and equally regardless of their
age. This could create fairness in society and everyone would respect others’ values.
VOCABULARY HIGHLIGHTS:
- Full-grown (adjective): trưởng thành.

Ex: A full-grown giraffe is 5.5 m tall.

- Pick someone up (verb): Đón ai đó.

Ex: Hey, can you come and pick me up? I don’t have a car to drive.
- Equally (adverb): 1 cách công bằng.

Ex: All employees should be treated equally regardless their backgrounds.

- Fairness (noun): sự công bằng.

Ex: He had a real sense of fairness and hated injustice.

48. FISH
1. Why do people go fishing?
 I think that many people consider going fishing a leisure activity, which helps them
escape from the hustle and bustle of city life and contemplate nature.
2. Do you like eating fish?
 I must say that I am a fish eater. Eating fish is believed to provide nutrition and
calcium to support our bodies.
3. Where can you see fish?
 Well, fish can be easily found in any rivers, ponds and oceans. In addition, an estuary
might also be an ideal place to see fish.
VOCABULARY HIGHLIGHTS:
- Leisure activity (noun): hoạt động giải trí, thư giãn.

+ Để tìm hiểu thông tin về các khóa học, bộ sách mới nhất của thầy Bách, các bạn truy cập: www.ngocbach.com
+ Hotline tư vấn đăng ký học: 0974657403 (email tư vấn: [email protected]) 80
 Ex: I have many leisure activities in my free time, such as listening to music or cooking.
- Hustle and bustle (noun): sự bận rộn, tấp nập.

Ex: I think I prefer the tranquil atmosphere in the countryside to the hustle and bustle of
metropolitan cities.
- Contemplate (verb): Chiêm ngưỡng, suy ngẫm.

Ex: This is the perfect spot to contemplate the sunset.

- Nutrition (noun): Chất dinh dưỡng.

Ex: Athletes need to eat healthy food to provide sufficient nutrition to support their
bodies .
- Pond (noun): Ao.

Ex: There is a small pond near my house; many kids usually go there to swim during
summertime.
- Estuary (noun): Cửa sông.

Ex: An estuary is the wide part of a river where it joins the sea.

49. ART
1. Do you like art?
 Absolutely. I do believe that art allows people to be creative; therefore, they can
comprehend the emotion of the artist that is depicted in a masterpiece.
2. Have you ever visited an art gallery?
 Well, I had a chance to visit the Louvre Museum during a trip to France where I saw
many magnificent artworks. Needless to say, it was such an unforgettable experience.
3. Is there any artwork on the wall in your room?
 Actually, I have a painting which depicts Ha Long Bay, one of the most beautiful
landscapes in Vietnam, hung on the wall. Whenever looking at it, I always feel at ease.
4. Have you ever had art classes?
 Yes, I still remember joining an art class after school and being taught by really
awesome teachers. Until now, I still draw in my free time, but not as often as I used to
do.
VOCABULARY HIGHLIGHTS:

+ Để tìm hiểu thông tin về các khóa học, bộ sách mới nhất của thầy Bách, các bạn truy cập: www.ngocbach.com
+ Hotline tư vấn đăng ký học: 0974657403 (email tư vấn: [email protected]) 81
- Masterpiece (noun): kiệt tác.

Ex: Leonardo's "Last Supper" is widely regarded as a masterpiece.

- Magnificent (adjective): tráng lệ.

Ex: They live in a magnificent Tudor house.

- A painting (noun): bức tranh.

Ex: The walls are covered in oil paintings.

- At (one's) ease: thư giãn

Ex: I did my best to make him feel at ease.

50. JOKE AND COMEDIES

1. Are you good at telling jokes?
 I think so. My friends usually say that I have a good sense of humor. It's a nice
feeling when you can make someone laugh because you can see that you've made them
happy
2. Do your friends like to tell jokes?
 Well, I guess that my friends are those who enjoy telling jokes. We do not take it too
seriously, so telling jokes sometimes helps us break the ice.
3. Do you like to watch comedies?
 Definitely. Watching comedy movies helps relieve stress after a hard-working day
and discover the subliminal messages.
4. Have you ever watched a live show?
 Yes. Our school organized a live concert last year and all students were invited to
come without charge. Needless to say, it was such an unforgettable experience to see
famous singers performing in person.
VOCABULARY HIGHLIGHTS:
- Sense of humor (noun): khiếu hài hước.

Ex: You had a great sense of humor: we had many good laughs together.
- Take something too seriously: Xem cái gì/ việc gì quá nghiêm trọng, quan trọng.

Ex: He takes his religious faith seriously.

- In person: trực tiếp.

+ Để tìm hiểu thông tin về các khóa học, bộ sách mới nhất của thầy Bách, các bạn truy cập: www.ngocbach.com
+ Hotline tư vấn đăng ký học: 0974657403 (email tư vấn: [email protected]) 82
 Ex: You must apply for the license in person.

51. INSECTS

1. How do you like insects?

 Not really, I would say. Just hearing the word insect gives me chills and thinking
about those cockroaches, beetles, wasps, is hair-raising. I can’t stand those kinds of
insects.
2. Are there many different insects where you live?
 Well, my house has a big yard and we plant many trees; therefore, butterflies and
dragonflies can be easily found in our home.
3. Do you think insects are useful?
 Yes they are, I think every living organism in this world has its purpose. They all
contribute to the beauty of environment and humans.
VOCABULARY HIGHLIGHTS:
- Give someone chills (verb): làm ai đó ớn lạnh.

Ex: The way he looked at me gave me chills

- Cannot stand with something (verb): không thể chịu được cái gì đó.

Ex: I cannot stand with noisy surroundings

- Dragonfly (noun): châu chấu.

Ex: After a rain, you can easily see many dragonflies flying around our garden.
- Organism (noun): sinh vật.

Ex: Amoebae and bacteria are single-celled organisms.

52. LANGUAGES

1. What languages do you speak?

 Well, I speak Vietnamese, which is my mother tongue, and English as well. At the
moment, I am learning French to work for a French company.
2. Do you think it’s difficult to learn a new language?

+ Để tìm hiểu thông tin về các khóa học, bộ sách mới nhất của thầy Bách, các bạn truy cập: www.ngocbach.com
+ Hotline tư vấn đăng ký học: 0974657403 (email tư vấn: [email protected]) 83
  I think that all languages are difficult to learn. It might be easy to have a good grasp
of vocabulary and grammar, but becoming a fluent speaker could be a challenge for
learners.
3. Will you learn other languages in the future?
 I think so. I’ve always wanted to learn Korean, but I don’t have enough time yet.
4. Why do you learn English?
 English has become a popular language these days. Therefore, learning English can
provide me with better job opportunities and allow me to communicate with others.
VOCABULARY HIGHLIGHTS:
- Mother tongue (noun): tiếng mẹ đẻ.

Ex: My mother tongue is Vietnamese, one of the most difficult languages in the world.
- Have a good grasp of something (verb): hiểu rõ về 1 cái gì đó.

Ex: This online course helps me have a good grasp of marketing.

- Fluent (adjective): trôi chảy, nhuần nhuyễn, thành thạo.

Ex: He has been learning French for almost 6 years, that’s why he can become a fluent
French-speaker.
- Communicate with (verb): trao đổi, giao tiếp với ai

Ex: Learning English allows me to communicate with foreign speakers.

53. NEWSPAPER & MAGAZINE

1. Do you prefer to read a newspaper or magazine?

 I think I would choose magazines. The way magazines display information looks
really appealing to me. Moreover, they always have in-depth articles to broaden my
horizons about specific fields such as education or science.
2. Do you prefer to read news online or in a newspaper?
 I’ll probably go with reading news online. Electronic newspapers are updated
frequently, which means I can keep abreast of new information immediately compared
to obsolete traditional newspapers.
VOCABULARY HIGHLIGHTS:
- Display (verb): trình bày, chưng ra.

+ Để tìm hiểu thông tin về các khóa học, bộ sách mới nhất của thầy Bách, các bạn truy cập: www.ngocbach.com
+ Hotline tư vấn đăng ký học: 0974657403 (email tư vấn: [email protected]) 84
 Ex: The exhibition displays many exotic items which draw a lot of attention of people.
- In-depth (adjective): chuyên sâu.

Ex: He has an in-depth knowledge about marketing so I am sure you can count on him.
- Broaden one’s horizons (verb): mở mang kiến thức cho ai đó.

Ex: Travelling abroad helps me broaden my horizons about different customs, culture.
- Electronic newspaper (noun): báo điện tử.

Ex: There are more people reading electronic newspapers than printed newspapers.
- Keep abreast of something (verb): cập nhật cái gì đó

Ex: Please keep me abreast of any change in his condition

- Obsolete (adjective): Lạc hậu, lỗi thời.

Ex: These T-shirts are so obsolete. You should buy new ones.

54. STARS

1. Who is your favorite movie star?

Well, I have to say that I am a big fan of Chris Hemsworth who plays Thor in the
Avengers. I really love his acting, which is very attractive and natural.
2. Are international superstars popular in your country?
Absolutely. Some K-pop singers are very famous in my country for not only their
beautiful voices but also their appearance. For example, the presence of Wanna One last
year drove their fans crazy.
3. Have you ever met a celebrity/superstar in real life?
Yes. I was lucky to meet Toc Tien, one of the most famous pop singers in Vietnam
when I was at a coffee shop with my friends. Honestly, my mind was blown away when
I saw her in person.
4. Do you want to be a superstar?
Not really. It has never come across my mind that I would rise to stardom in the future
since it is not my life goal.
VOCABULARY HIGHLIGHTS:
- A big fan of something (expression): Người hâm mộ cuồng nhiệt.

+ Để tìm hiểu thông tin về các khóa học, bộ sách mới nhất của thầy Bách, các bạn truy cập: www.ngocbach.com
+ Hotline tư vấn đăng ký học: 0974657403 (email tư vấn: [email protected]) 85
 Example: I am a big fan of Adele, I listen to every song of her.
- Blown away (phrasal verb): Ấn tượng (mạnh)

Example: I was blown away to see the decoration of the restaurant.

- In person: Gặp mặt trực tiếp.

Example: You should come to see her in person rather than just text her.
- Come across one’s mind: Có suy nghĩ.

Example: It has never come across my mind that you will be a singer.
- Rise to stardom: Trở nên nổi tiếng.

Example: After releasing new song, he is rising to stardom.

PART 2

1. Describe an experience that you had with your friends and had a good time:

⁃ When it was
⁃ Where you went

⁃ Who you were with

⁃ And how you felt about the journey.
(When it was) I would like to talk about one of the best journeys I had with my friends
and cousins. A while ago, one year to be precise, we went on a five-day trip to Bali,
Indonesia, which is renowned for its crystal clear beaches and architecturally unique
multi-tiered Hindu temples.
(Where you went) Due to the long distance between the tourist attractions in Bali, we
had to rely on car rental services offered there. One service lasted 8 hours, any extra hour
would cost an additional 20 dollars. When working on the itinerary, I did factor traffic
jams in, for which Bali is famous. Yet, my trip from Denpasar to Ubud lasted up to 10
hours because of a traffic jam, although I had decided to drop some sites. In spite of such
a limitation of time, we got to visit some of the best Hindu temples in Bali and immersed
ourselves in the cool weather of the highlands in Ubud.

+ Để tìm hiểu thông tin về các khóa học, bộ sách mới nhất của thầy Bách, các bạn truy cập: www.ngocbach.com
+ Hotline tư vấn đăng ký học: 0974657403 (email tư vấn: [email protected]) 86
 (Who you were with) I travelled with six friends and some of my cousins. They all said
the landscapes of Ubud were jaw-dropping and that they had a pretty good time enjoying
the scenery with each other. As mentioned, I was stuck in the jam and the car was moving
at a snail’s pace, however thanks to them keeping telling jokes, we still made the most
of our time in the car.
(How you felt about the journey) Overall, I believe we had a pretty good time and that
is one of the most memorable outings we’ve ever had in our lives, partly thanks to the
time we got stuck in the traffic.
1. Renowned (adj): nổi tiếng

Example: The region is renowned for its natural beauty.

Vùng này rất nổi tiếng vì vẻ đẹp tự nhiên của nó.
2. Crystal clear (idiom): rất trong

Example: Crystal clear water

Nước rất trong
3. Rental (n): sự thuê mướn

Example: Property rental is quite expensive here.

Thuê nhà ở khá mắc ở đây.
4. Work on (phrase): làm/luyện tập cái gì đó

Example: His dancing technique is good, but he needs to work on his stamina.
Kĩ thuật nhảy của anh ấy khá ổn, nhưng cần phải luyện tập thêm sức chịu đựng.
5. Drop (v): bỏ

Example: I'm going to drop yoga and do aerobics instead.

Tôi sẽ bỏ tập yoga và tập aerobics thay vì yoga.
6. Factor something in (phrase): tính cái gì (vào cái gì đó)

Example: People are earning more, but when inflation is factored in, they are
no better off.
Con người đang làm ra nhiều tiền hơn, nhưng khi tính lạm phát vào, thì cũng chả tốt hơn
gì.
7. Immerse oneself in sth (phrase): đắm chìm (vào cái gì đó)

+ Để tìm hiểu thông tin về các khóa học, bộ sách mới nhất của thầy Bách, các bạn truy cập: www.ngocbach.com
+ Hotline tư vấn đăng ký học: 0974657403 (email tư vấn: [email protected]) 87
 Example: She got some books out of the library and immersed herself
in Jewish history and culture
Cô ấy lấy vài cuốn sách ra khỏi thư viện và đắm chìm vào lịch sử và văn hóa Do Thái.
8. At a snail’s pace (idiom): siêu chậm

Example: The roads were full of traffic and we were travelling at a snail's pace for
two hours.
Các nẻo đường bị tắc nghẽn hoàn toàn và chúng tôi di chuyển siêu chậm trong vòng 2
tiếng đồng hồ.

PART 3
1. What kinds of people do you like to be friends with?

It is those who have a sense of humour and sympathy that I like to make friends with.
With these people, my life is full of laughter and happiness and I believe that sympathy
will be of great assistance to me when I am down in the dumps.

2. Do you prefer to expand your social circle or be friends with a small group of people?

I would like to have a small group of friends who are willing to stand by me when I am
in need rather than having a big social network as the smaller the group is, the more
chances we have to understand each other better. When I encounter any problem, my
friends can give me a helping hand.

3. What do you think are the most important qualities for friends to have?

I believe that a friend indeed is a friend in need. He should be willing to give me a

helping hand and support me when I am faced with such challenges. Also, a friend should
put honesty first and under no circumstances should he ever lie to me.

4. Do you think that friendship is important for people to be happy?

Definitely, yes! While a person can rely on a family in formal situations, he places his
trust in friendship when it comes to informal situations, such as love life or even sex life.
It would be extremely awkward for a person to tell their parents about their sex life,
wouldn’t it? Thus, I think that friendship, along with family, is a source of happiness for
a lot of people.

5. Would you say anyone in your family is also your friend?

+ Để tìm hiểu thông tin về các khóa học, bộ sách mới nhất của thầy Bách, các bạn truy cập: www.ngocbach.com
+ Hotline tư vấn đăng ký học: 0974657403 (email tư vấn: [email protected]) 88
 Well yes, the majority of my closest friends are my cousins. It is easy to place your trust
in the ones that are closely related to you, especially those around your age. The
likelihood of relatives betraying you is significantly lower than that of friends that you
get to know out there in society.

1. To be of assistance (phrase) = help someone: giúp đỡ

Example: Can I be of assistance?

Tôi có thể giúp đỡ được gì không?

2. To be down in the dumps (idiom): buồn

Example: She's a bit down in the dumps because she failed one of her exams.

Cô ấy khá buồn vì bị rớt một môn trong kì thi.

3. To stand by someone (phrasal verb): ủng hộ, giúp đỡ.

Example: She has vowed to stand by her husband during his trial.

Cô ấy thề sẽ ủng hộ và đứng bên chồng mình trong lúc anh ấy bị cáo.

4. In need (phrase): cần giúp đỡ.

Example: Are you in need of help?

Bạn có cần giúp đỡ không?

5. To give someone a (helping) hand (phrase): giúp đỡ ai đó.

Example: Could you give me a hand with these suitcases?

Bạn có thể giúp đỡ tôi với những cái vali này không?

6. A friend indeed is a friend in need (idiom): một người bạn thật là một người bạn có mặt
trong lúc bạn cần.
7. Put something first (phrase): đặt cái gì lên trước

Example: She all too often puts others first and never stops to think of herself.

Cô ấy thường đặt người khác lên trước và không bao giờ dừng lại để nghĩ cho bản thân
mình.

8. Place/put one’s trust in (phrase): đặt lòng tin vào cái gì đó

Example: He placed/put his trust in his closest friends.

+ Để tìm hiểu thông tin về các khóa học, bộ sách mới nhất của thầy Bách, các bạn truy cập: www.ngocbach.com
+ Hotline tư vấn đăng ký học: 0974657403 (email tư vấn: [email protected]) 89
 Anh ấy đặt long tin vào những người bạn thân nhất của anh ấy.

2. Describe a special day that you remember well. You should say:
- When that day was
- What you did
- Who was with you
- And explain why you felt happy about it.

(When that day was) Today, I would like to talk about one of the most memorable days
ever in my life. It is the day that I was accepted to participate in an outreach programme
in which I had the chance to deliver lessons for the first time as well as go through what
a construction worker has to. I was chosen as one of the Vietnamese volunteers in charge
of interpreting as well as helping Singaporean students prepare their lessons prior to class.
The programme lasted from 25th November to 5th December.

(What you did) This is also the day on which we started to prepare for a community
service programme, which was carried out in Ben Tre province. Prior to the programme,
the participants held many activities to raise funds, which catered for the trip as well as
the school. During the programme, our responsibilities consisted of teaching English,
cooking and constructing.

(Who was with you) On the day when I received the offer letter, I was alone at my house.
However, during the programme, I worked with more than 30 students from Temasek
Junior College, along with their teachers and 4 other Vietnamese volunteers. We were
divided into 4 groups, which would take different responsibilities in rotation. Everyone
was bouncing off the walls waiting for the first day of work. However, as the programme
intensified, some students showed signs of exhaustion but never swerved an inch from
their duty.

(And explain how you felt about it) This was the first time I had been accepted to
participate in such an outreach activity. What turned out was far beyond what I had
expected. Everyone was so outgoing and hardworking, especially my teammates. Another
reason why this occasion was quite exciting to me was that the students who always asked

+ Để tìm hiểu thông tin về các khóa học, bộ sách mới nhất của thầy Bách, các bạn truy cập: www.ngocbach.com
+ Hotline tư vấn đăng ký học: 0974657403 (email tư vấn: [email protected]) 90
 for our autograph couldn’t be any more excited about us as our arrival at their classroom
always caused a stir.

1. Deliver a lesson (phrase): giảng bài

Example: You should pay attention to the teacher when she delivers the lesson.

Bạn cần phải tập trung mỗi khi cô giảng bài.

2. Go through (phrase): trải nghiệm/trải qua

Example: She’s been going through a difficult time since her brother’s illness.

Cô ấy đang trả qua một thời gian khó khăn từ khi anh cô ấy lâm bệnh.
3. Cater (v): phục vụ/cung cấp

Example: I'm catering for twelve on Sunday - the whole family is coming.
Tôi sẽ phục vụ cho 12 người vào ngày Chủ Nhật – cả gia đình sẽ đến.
4. In rotation (phrase): theo lượt

Example: There are ten employees and they do the various jobs in rotation.
Có mười nhân viên, và họ sẽ làm các công việc các nhau theo lượt.
5. Bounce off the walls (idiom): rất hăng hái

Example: Danny can't wait to start his new job. He's bouncing off the walls.
Danny không thể chờ đợi được nữa. Anh ấy thực sự rất hăng hái bắt đầu công việc mới.
6. Swerve an inch from sb’s duty (phrase): bỏ qua nhiệm vụ

Example: They work really hard and seem not to swerve an inch from their duty.
Họ làm việc rất chăm chỉ và dường như không bao giờ bỏ qua nhiệm vụ của mình.
7. Cause a stir (idiom): tạo ra nhiều sự quan tâm

Example: The scandal caused quite a stir at the time.

Vụ lùm xùm tạo ra nhiều sự quan tâm vào thời điểm đó

Part 3:

1. Do people spend too much money on their birthday parties or weddings?

I personally do not think that many people with an average income will break the bank
on their birthday parties because this is an occasion that repeats on an annual basis. Thus,
it does not make any sense and is a waste of time and money to organise such a huge

+ Để tìm hiểu thông tin về các khóa học, bộ sách mới nhất của thầy Bách, các bạn truy cập: www.ngocbach.com
+ Hotline tư vấn đăng ký học: 0974657403 (email tư vấn: [email protected]) 91
 birthday party every single year. However, a wedding is a once-in-a-lifetime affair, thus
people are likely to spend a small fortune on such an important event in their lives.

2. How much do you think someone should spend on a birthday party or wedding?

Honestly speaking, I cannot use my own opinion as a yardstick. However, it is highly

suggested that people should not use more than 50% of their monthly income for a birthday
party. In terms of a wedding for an Asian couple, it is imperative that the couple evaluate
how much money their guests would give them, also known as angpaos, so that they will
not spend beyond their means.

3. Are photos and videos the best way to remember an event?

So far, I believe that photos and videos are the best way to remember an event. A human
being’s brain is unable to store too much information over a long time. Photos and videos
are created to jog someone’s memory and let them immerse themselves in the moments
recorded again. On top of that, people may also have a good time looking at those photos
with each other.

4. What can a forgetful person do to better remember things?

It is true that smartphones nowadays are becoming increasingly useful and affordable for
people from nearly all walks of life. Thus, absent-minded people can make use of their
functions to write down and organise information right on their own smartphones which
will inform them of important dates and events. For example, they should write down a
list of things they would like to buy when going to the supermarket so that they won’t
return home with several necessary things missing.

Vocabulary:

1. break the bank (idiom): chi rất nhiều tiền

Example: There are insurance policies available that will not break the bank.

Có một số chính sách về bảo hiểm mà sẽ không yêu cầu quá nhiều tiền.

2. once-in-a-lifetime (adj): ngàn năm có một

Example: A tour of Australia is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Một chuyến đi Australia là một cuộc trải nghiệm ngàn năm có một.

3. a small fortune (idiom): rất mắc

+ Để tìm hiểu thông tin về các khóa học, bộ sách mới nhất của thầy Bách, các bạn truy cập: www.ngocbach.com
+ Hotline tư vấn đăng ký học: 0974657403 (email tư vấn: [email protected]) 92
 Example: The cars on this list won't cost a fortune to insure.

4. Yardstick (n): hệ quy chiếu/tiêu chuẩn

Example: Productivity is not the only yardstick of success.

Năng suất không phải là hệ quy chiếu/tiêu chuẩn duy nhất của thành công.

5. Beyond your means (phrase): trên số tiền mình làm ra

Example: Too many people live beyond their means.

Rất nhiều người chi tiền nhiều hơn số họ kiếm được.

6. Jog someone’s memory (phrase): làm ai nhớ cái gì đó

Example: Seeing her again jogged my memory, and I recalled my life as a child on
a farm in Minnesota.

Gặp lại cô ấy khiến tôi liền nhớ lại cuộc sống của tôi khi còn nhỏ trên nông trại ở
Minnesota.

7. Immerse oneself in sth (phrase): đắm chìm (vào cái gì đó)

Example: She got some books out of the library and immersed herself
in Jewish history and culture

Cô ấy lấy vài cuốn sách ra khỏi thư viện và đắm chìm vào lịch sử và văn hóa Do Thái.

8. Walks of life (phrase): cấp bậc, địa vị xã hội

Example: In my work I see people from all walks of life.

Trong công việc, tôi gặp nhiều người đến từ mọi cấp bậc, địa vị xã hội khác nhau.

3. Describe an occasion when you lost something and then got it back. You should say:
- What you lost
- How you lost it
- Where you found it
- And how you felt about the experience

(What you lost) I’m a forgetful person who puts his stuff all over the place. Over the
years, I have lost quite a few valuable things. Only a minority of those lost things have

+ Để tìm hiểu thông tin về các khóa học, bộ sách mới nhất của thầy Bách, các bạn truy cập: www.ngocbach.com
+ Hotline tư vấn đăng ký học: 0974657403 (email tư vấn: [email protected]) 93
 found their way back to me, and the rest has disappeared forever. There was a time I
thought I had lost my Macbook Pro 16’ forever, which cost a small fortune.
(How you lost it) As mentioned, I’m pretty absent-minded. I went to a coffee shop and I
left it right on the table. After that, I went to the toilet and headed straight to the car park
and drove home without remembering leaving my laptop in the coffee shop.
(Where you found it) All of a sudden, the laptop sprang to my mind and I rushed back
to the coffee shop right before I reached home. En route to the coffee shop, I nearly
collided with some vehicles. While I was driving, a staff member of the coffee shop called
me to inform me about the laptop saying that the unattended laptop caught his attention
when he was cleaning the table.
(And how you felt about the experience) I would say that I was so scared as Ho Chi
Minh city is notorious for its higher crime rate compared to the nation’s average.
However, when realising that my laptop had been unattended for nearly 30 minutes
without getting stolen by anyone, I felt over the moon and swore that I would never leave
it unattended in public places like that again in the future.
Vocabulary:
1. all over the place (idiom): khắp mọi nơi

Example: There were dirty dishes and clothes all over the place.
Áo quần và đĩa dơ vương vãi khắp mọi nơi.
2. Find your way (phrase): tìm tới chỗ nào đó

Example: I had a map but I still couldn't find my way back to the hotel.
Tôi có cái bản đồ nhưng vẫn không thể tìm lại đường về khách sạn.
3. Cost a small fortune (idiom): rất mắc

Example: The cars on this list won't cost a fortune to insure.

Việc đăng kí bảo hiểm cho những chiếc xe này không mắc lắm đâu.
4. All of a sudden (phrase): rất nhanh

Example: It seemed to happen all of a sudden - I felt dizzy and I just collapsed.
Nó có vẻ đã xảy ra một cách rất nhanh – tự dưng tôi liền cảm thấy choáng váng và xỉu
ngay.

5. To spring someone’s mind (idiom): đập vào đầu ai đó.

+ Để tìm hiểu thông tin về các khóa học, bộ sách mới nhất của thầy Bách, các bạn truy cập: www.ngocbach.com
+ Hotline tư vấn đăng ký học: 0974657403 (email tư vấn: [email protected]) 94
 Example: Say the word "Australia" and
a vision of beaches and blue seas immediately springs to mind.

6. Unattended (adj): không được chú ý

Example: Please do not leave your luggage unattended.

Vui lòng không để hành lý của bạn không được chú ý. (Luôn chú ý hành lý của bạn)
7. To catch sb’s attention (phrase): hút sự chú ý của ai đó.

Example: I knocked on the window to catch her attention.

Tôi gõ trên cửa sổ để thu hút sự chú ý của cô ta.
8. To be over the Moon (idiom): rất hạnh phúc/hài lòng

Example: She was over the moon about/with her new bike.
Cô ấy rất hạnh phúc/hài long với chiếc xe đạp mới toanh của mình.

Part 3:

1. Why do people lose their things?

The most common reason why people lose their things is that they tend to put things all
over the place and do not have a specific plan to organise their stuff. For example, after
returning home, people just drop off their grocery items anywhere and head straight to the
bathroom. Another reason is that they tend to leave their belongings unattended, creating
such a chance for thieves to run off with them.

2. What kinds of things do people usually lose?

I believe that people tend to lose anything that they are not used to having. For example,
if a person does not use a specific book often, they will be likely to put it somewhere and
totally forget about it. One day, they will need it again and fly into a panic. Viewed from
another perspective, valuable belongings such as smartphones or laptops are most targeted
by thieves because they can earn a huge amount of money from reselling them to other
people.

3. What can people do to find things they’ve lost?

+ Để tìm hiểu thông tin về các khóa học, bộ sách mới nhất của thầy Bách, các bạn truy cập: www.ngocbach.com
+ Hotline tư vấn đăng ký học: 0974657403 (email tư vấn: [email protected]) 95
 Nowadays, technology firms have introduced some built-in functions, such as Apple’s
Find My Phone, that allow them to locate their lost device from another device. This is
one of the most effective ways to retrieve their lost technological devices. In terms of
other kinds of stuff, people can rely on the security cameras installed in a building or staff
members of a store to help them reunite with the things.

4. What can people do to avoid losing their stuff?

One root cause of losing stuff is people’s disorganisation. Thus, it is imperative that they
start to place their belongings in an organised way, especially their work-related stuff,
depending on the frequency of them being used. Also, whenever they go out, they should
never leave their belongings unattended and always double-check before leaving a place,
making sure that they do not leave anything behind.

Vocabulary:

1. Drop off (phrasal verb): thả

Example: I’m about to leave – can I drop you off somewhere on my way home?

Tôi chuẩn bị đi về nè, liệu tôi có thể thả bạn ở đâu đó trên đường về nhà không?

2. Fly into a panic (phrase): hoảng hốt

Example: He flew in(to) a panic that he would forget his lines on stage.

Anh ấy chợt hoảng hốt lo sợ sẽ quên lời thoại trên sân khấu.

3. Built-in (adj): có sẵn

Example: Most new laptops have built-in Wi-Fi.

Đa số các laptop đời mới đều có sẵn chức năng kết nối Wi-Fi.

4. Retrieve (v): tìm thấy

Example: The company has taken legal action to retrieve the stolen cash.

Công ty đã sử dụng luật pháp để tìm thấy lại số tiền mặt bị cướp.

5. Disorganisation (n): sự bất tổ chức

Example: There was total disorganisation in the schools.

Các trường học không hề có sự tổ chức chặt chẽ.

+ Để tìm hiểu thông tin về các khóa học, bộ sách mới nhất của thầy Bách, các bạn truy cập: www.ngocbach.com
+ Hotline tư vấn đăng ký học: 0974657403 (email tư vấn: [email protected]) 96
6. Double-check (v): kiểm tra kĩ (không nhất thiết phải đúng là 2 lần)

Example: I always double-check to make sure I locked the door.

Tôi luôn kiểm tra kĩ để chắc chắn là mình đã khóa cửa.

7. Leave sth behind (phrase): để quên cái gì.

We left in a hurry and I must have left my keys behind.

Chúng tôi vội vã rời đi, và có thể là tôi đã đẻ quên cái chùm chìa khóa rồi.

4. Describe a family member you spend a lot of time with. You should say:
- Who this person is
- What kind of person they are
- What you usually do together
- And explain why you spend the most time with them

(Who this person is) I think I spend the most time with my younger sister, although she’s
10 years younger than me. Frankly speaking, I don’t interact much with my family
members, but somehow my younger sister is an exception. We hadn’t talked much
previously before she started to study at primary school.
(What kind of person they are) I would say my sister is a cherub as she is so lovely
and well-behaved. She’s also an affable child, which makes it so easy for people to talk
to her, not only me. As a child prodigy, she is able to speak a foreign language, which is
English, as fluently as her native language, which is Vietnamese.
(What you usually do together) As I’m pretty much obsessed with academic excellence,
and don’t want my sister to lag behind myself and her fellows, whenever I meet her, I
always ask her about her school life and try to stimulate her whenever I feel she is losing
momentum in her studies. I try my best to make her academically excellent without
placing too much of a burden on her shoulders.
(And explain why you spend the most time with time) I don’t really know the reason
why I gravitate towards her instead of others. Perhaps it is because we are both girls,
thus it is easier to talk to each other.
Vocabulary:

+ Để tìm hiểu thông tin về các khóa học, bộ sách mới nhất của thầy Bách, các bạn truy cập: www.ngocbach.com
+ Hotline tư vấn đăng ký học: 0974657403 (email tư vấn: [email protected]) 97
1. Cherub (n): thiên thần (trẻ em mà dễ thương như thiên thần)

Example: Here, the child, a cherub with a halo of dark curls, comes into focus
gradually.
Đây, đứa trẻ này, một thiên thần với vầng hào quang là lọn xóc xoắn đen, đang dần dần
thu hút sự chú ý.
2. Affable (adj): dễ thương, thân thiện

Example: She was quite affable at the meeting.

Cô ấy khá than thiện trong buổi họp.
3. Child prodigy (n): thần đồng

Example: A child prodigy, he made his first professional tour as a pianist at the age of
six.
Là một thần đồng, anh ấy đã đi tour chuyên nghiệp như là một đàn sĩ piano khi còn 6 tuổi.
4. Lag (verb): lục đục ở sau

Example: He's lagging behind - I think we'd better wait for him to catch us up.
Anh ấy đang lục đục ở sau – tôi nghĩ mình nên đợi ảnh theo kịp mình.
5. Momentum (n): lực đẩy (thăng tiến)

Example: The play loses momentum (= becomes less interesting, energetic,

etc.) by its half way stage.
Màn kịch bắt đầu mất lực đẩy (= trở nên ít thu hút hơn) ở lúc giữa.
6. Gravitate towards (phrasal verb): hướng về ai đó

Example: Susie always gravitates towards the older children in her playgroup.
Susie luôn hướng về những đứa trẻ lớn hơn trong nhóm của mình.

+ Để tìm hiểu thông tin về các khóa học, bộ sách mới nhất của thầy Bách, các bạn truy cập: www.ngocbach.com
+ Hotline tư vấn đăng ký học: 0974657403 (email tư vấn: [email protected]) 98
5. Why do people lose their things?

The most common reason why people lose their things is that they tend to put things all
over the place and do not have a specific plan to organise their stuff. For example, after
returning home, people just drop off their grocery items anywhere and head straight to the
bathroom. Another reason is that they tend to leave their belongings unattended, creating
such a chance for thieves to run off with them.

6. What kinds of things do people usually lose?

I believe that people tend to lose anything that they are not used to having. For example,
if a person does not use a specific book often, they will be likely to put it somewhere and
totally forget about it. One day, they will need it again and fly into a panic. Viewed from
another perspective, valuable belongings such as smartphones or laptops are most targeted
by thieves because they can earn a huge amount of money from reselling them to other
people.

7. What can people do to find things they’ve lost?

Nowadays, technology firms have introduced some built-in functions, such as Apple’s
Find My Phone, that allow them to locate their lost device from another device. This is
one of the most effective ways to retrieve their lost technological devices. In terms of
other kinds of stuff, people can rely on the security cameras installed in a building or staff
members of a store to help them reunite with the things.

8. What can people do to avoid losing their stuff?

One root cause of losing stuff is people’s disorganisation. Thus, it is imperative that they
start to place their belongings in an organised way, especially their work-related stuff,
depending on the frequency of them being used. Also, whenever they go out, they should
never leave their belongings unattended and always double-check before leaving a place,
making sure that they do not leave anything behind.

Vocabulary:

8. Drop off (phrasal verb): thả

Example: I’m about to leave – can I drop you off somewhere on my way home?

Tôi chuẩn bị đi về nè, liệu tôi có thể thả bạn ở đâu đó trên đường về nhà không?

+ Để tìm hiểu thông tin về các khóa học, bộ sách mới nhất của thầy Bách, các bạn truy cập: www.ngocbach.com
+ Hotline tư vấn đăng ký học: 0974657403 (email tư vấn: [email protected]) 99
9. Fly into a panic (phrase): hoảng hốt

Example: He flew in(to) a panic that he would forget his lines on stage.

Anh ấy chợt hoảng hốt lo sợ sẽ quên lời thoại trên sân khấu.

10. Built-in (adj): có sẵn

Example: Most new laptops have built-in Wi-Fi.

Đa số các laptop đời mới đều có sẵn chức năng kết nối Wi-Fi.

11. Retrieve (v): tìm thấy

Example: The company has taken legal action to retrieve the stolen cash.

Công ty đã sử dụng luật pháp để tìm thấy lại số tiền mặt bị cướp.

12. Disorganisation (n): sự bất tổ chức

Example: There was total disorganisation in the schools.

Các trường học không hề có sự tổ chức chặt chẽ.

13. Double-check (v): kiểm tra kĩ (không nhất thiết phải đúng là 2 lần)

Example: I always double-check to make sure I locked the door.

Tôi luôn kiểm tra kĩ để chắc chắn là mình đã khóa cửa.

14. Leave sth behind (phrase): để quên cái gì.

We left in a hurry and I must have left my keys behind.

Chúng tôi vội vã rời đi, và có thể là tôi đã đẻ quên cái chùm chìa khóa rồi.

5. Describe something exciting you did. You should say:

- Who was with you
- What you did
- Why you did it
- And explain how you felt about this.

(Who was with you) Helping my classmate to improve his English proficiency is one of
the most exciting things I’ve ever done in my life. My classmate, John, struggled with

+ Để tìm hiểu thông tin về các khóa học, bộ sách mới nhất của thầy Bách, các bạn truy cập: www.ngocbach.com
+ Hotline tư vấn đăng ký học: 0974657403 (email tư vấn: [email protected]) 100
 every single English test due to his low language command. It can be said that John’s
exposure to English was too little for him to have the chance to practice his skills, the
reason for which was probably his financial background. I was assigned to take
responsibility for tutoring him by the teacher.
(What you did) John and I went to a café each weekend in order to review all the
knowledge acquired during the whole week. John offered to treat me but as I could
recognise his suffering from hardship; we reached a consensus on this and agreed that
we would take turns to treat each other. During week days, we would go to the park in
which an immense number of foreigners jogged so that John could have the chance to
practice his listening and speaking skills, as well as to expand his vocabulary. At
weekends, as aforementioned, we would review the phrases he had learned throughout
the whole week so that they would be imprinted on his memory clearly and always be
ready for use.
(Why you did that) I love helping others, because it somehow really excites me. That’s
the first reason. Another reason is that English has been of great significance to me, so I
believe that if John can develop a strong command of English, he will open up a new
chapter in his life.
(And explain how you felt about this) And finally, my belief has turned out to be true,
at least in the case of John. He emerged as one of the best performers in class, which
resulted in the fact that he was chosen for the provincial examination for the best English
learners. This is one of the most meaningful and exciting things I’ve ever done in my life.
And whenever someone happens to ask me what the most exciting thing I’ve ever done
in my life is, I always talk about this with such pride.
1. Command (n): một lượng kiến thức về môn học/ngôn ngữ

Example: She has an impressive command of the English language.

Cô ấy có lượng kiến thức Anh ngữ tuyệt vời.
2. Assign (v): ra nhiệm vụ

Example: UN troops were assigned the task of rebuilding the hospital.

Quân đội của Liên Hợp Quốc được ra nhiệm vụ là xây lại bệnh viện.
3. Reach a consensus on sth (phrase): thỏa thuận được về cái gì đó.

Example: Could we reach a consensus on this matter? Let's take a vote.

Liệu chúng ta có thể thỏa thuận chung được về vấn đề này không? Hãy bầu chọn đi.

+ Để tìm hiểu thông tin về các khóa học, bộ sách mới nhất của thầy Bách, các bạn truy cập: www.ngocbach.com
+ Hotline tư vấn đăng ký học: 0974657403 (email tư vấn: [email protected]) 101
4. Take turns (phrase): theo lượt

Example: The mothers in our group take turns driving the children to school.
Những người mẹ trong nhóm chúng tôi theo lượt chở tụi nhỏ đến trường.
5. Expand sb’s vocabulary (phrase): mở rộng vốn từ.

Example: Reading books plays a pivotal role in expanding your vocabulary.

Đọc sách đóng vai trò quan trọng trong việc mở rộng vốn từ.
6. imprint (phrase): ghi vào.

Example: That look of grief would be imprinted on her mind forever.

Cái nhìn đầy giận giữ đó sẽ bị ghi vào trí nhớ của cô ấy mãi mãi.
7. Turn out (phrase): thành ra

Example: The truth turned out to be stranger than we had expected.

Sự thật thành ra lạ hơn so với những gì chúng tôi dự đoán.

PART 3

1. Why do you think some people like doing new things?

It is apparent that people naturally gravitate towards new things. If they can conquer
those new things, they will achieve such a sense of satisfaction. Without such a desire to
explore new things, we would be still living in the Stone Age. This desire has been passed
down in humankind for generations and has become part of human nature.

2. What problems can people have when they try new activities for the first time?

First attempts at any activities may cause people to have butterflies in their stomach. Also,
if they are not determined and well-prepared enough, the likelihood of them giving up
midway is significantly high because of the obstacles and challenges of those activities.
For example, a lot of people feel faint and even lose consciousness when they enter the
speaking test room. Thankfully, I haven’t!!

3. Do you think it’s best to do new things on your own or with other people? Why?

I think it’s best to try new things with other people who are experienced in that field.
Those people will make essential interventions if they believe you are in trouble and

+ Để tìm hiểu thông tin về các khóa học, bộ sách mới nhất của thầy Bách, các bạn truy cập: www.ngocbach.com
+ Hotline tư vấn đăng ký học: 0974657403 (email tư vấn: [email protected]) 102
 need assistance from them. This will reduce the possibility of undesirable situations such
as sustaining an injury.

4. Do you think children and adults learn things in the same way? How is their learning
style different?

Absolutely no! Children learn things heedless of the consequences and they are always
eager to try new things without hesitation, while adults are more rational as they evaluate
their own capabilities as well as the impacts of those new things on their own lives before
making a final decision whether to do them or not. This is the reason why children learn
more new things than adults.

Vocabulary:

1. Gravitate towards (phrasal verb): hướng về ai đó

Example: Susie always gravitates towards the older children in her playgroup.

Susie luôn hướng về những đứa trẻ lớn hơn trong nhóm của mình.

2. Pass down (phrasal verb): truyền cái gì đó cho thế hệ sau

Example: Should I pass down wealth now or wait until I die?

Liệu tôi có nên truyền lại tài sản bây giờ hay đợi tới khi tôi qua đời?

3. Feel faint (phrase): cảm thấy choáng váng như sắp xỉu

Example: She felt faint with hunger.

Cơn đói làm cô ấy choáng váng như sắp xỉu.

4. Consciousness (n): sự tỉnh

Example: He lost consciousness after his accident and never recovered/regained it.

Anh ấy bất tỉnh sau cú tai nạn và mãi mãi không tỉnh lại nữa.

5. in trouble (phrase): gặp rắc rối.

Example: He's never been in trouble with his teachers before.

Anh ấy chưa bao giờ gặp rắc rối với những người giáo viên của anh ấy.

6. Sustain an injury (phrase): bị chấn thương

Example: She sustained multiple injuries in the accident.

+ Để tìm hiểu thông tin về các khóa học, bộ sách mới nhất của thầy Bách, các bạn truy cập: www.ngocbach.com
+ Hotline tư vấn đăng ký học: 0974657403 (email tư vấn: [email protected]) 103
 Cô mấy bị một vài chấn thương trong cuộc tai nạn.

7. Heedless (adj): không quan tâm đến hậu quả.

Example: Journalists had insisted on getting to the front line of the battle,
heedless of the risks.

Các nhà báo khăng khăng tiến đến tuyến đầu, không quan tâm đến những rủi ro.

6. Describe a beautiful sky you enjoyed seeing. You should say:

- Where you saw it
- Who you saw it with
- What you saw
- And explain how you felt about it

(Where you saw it) I had a chance to participate in an outreach programme in Tra Vinh
province, which is a rural area in Vietnam. One of the most memorable moments in my
life was that my crush and I had such a great talk on the last night before he went back to
Singapore. And on that night, the sky happened to be also very beautiful.
(Who you saw it with) There were only my crush and me at that time. We were sitting
in a garden nearby the library which we had just finished constructing that day. Indeed,
before that, there had been some of the volunteers also, but they left us alone after we
talked and played games for around an hour.
(What you saw) The sky was illuminated with countless stars. In urban areas, due to the
light pollution, it is extremely hard for us to see those sparkling stars that illuminate the
dark sky. Also, there were also some fireflies that were supplementing the beauty of the
sky. My crush pointed to the sky and told me stories about those stars.
(And explain how you felt about it) As it was the first time that I had seen so many stars,
I was pretty excited. However, what made that night even more memorable was that I got
to talk to my crush for so long, which I never thought would happen. If there were one
wish in the world, I would wish that I could go back to that moment forever.
Vocabulary:
1. Happen to (v): bất ngờ

+ Để tìm hiểu thông tin về các khóa học, bộ sách mới nhất của thầy Bách, các bạn truy cập: www.ngocbach.com
+ Hotline tư vấn đăng ký học: 0974657403 (email tư vấn: [email protected]) 104
 They happened to look (= looked by chance) in the right place almost immediately.
Họ bất ngờ nhìn đúng chỗ gần như ngay và luôn.
2. illuminate (v): thắp sáng

The streets were illuminated with strings of coloured lights.

Những con đường được thắp sáng với những ánh đèn màu.
3. Sparkling (adj): lấp lánh

Sparkling white teeth

Bộ răng trắng sáng lấp lánh.
4. Supplement (v): thêm vào

She got a second job to supplement her income.

Cô ấy có một công việc thứ 2 thể thêm thu nhập.

PART 3

1. Should kids know more about the stars and planets?

Definitely yes! Kids should learn about as many things as possible, especially the things
that they see on a daily basis. Exposure to such kinds of knowledge at a formative stage
of their lives is instrumental in nurturing their curiosity and eagerness to learn even
more in the future. Parents are advised to instruct children to learn more about the stars
and planets by telling them stories about those stars while looking at the stars with them,
apart from giving them books to read about them. Practical experience is always
imprinted on people’s minds for a longer amount of time than theoretical knowledge.

2. Is technology useful for looking at the night sky?

Of course, many well-off people are not reluctant to spend a fortune on a telescope to
view meteor showers. Actually, while much is visible with the naked eye, people will need
a telescope to see even more. Moreover, there is a kind of technology that is able to help
enhance the quality of images that these telescopes take. Astronomy has come a long way
since it was first practiced back in the ancient times, from the naked eye, to basic tools to
measure the angle of the sunlight, the telescope and today’s sophisticated technology.

3. What kinds of people are interested in the stars?

+ Để tìm hiểu thông tin về các khóa học, bộ sách mới nhất của thầy Bách, các bạn truy cập: www.ngocbach.com
+ Hotline tư vấn đăng ký học: 0974657403 (email tư vấn: [email protected]) 105
 Those interested in natural science, especially physics and astronomy, would be interested
in the stars. Also, the kids who believe in fairy tales about those stars may also develop an
interest for learning more about the stars and imagine that one day they would set foot on
those stars.

Moreover, an increasing number of videos about the stars and planets explain extremely
challenging concepts in such a simple fashion. Thus, a larger slice of the general public
can now access such kinds of knowledge that used to be suitable for scientists and gifted
individuals only.

4. Why do some people like to watch movies about stars and planets?

I believe that curiosity is part of human nature. Human beings tend to scratch their heads
finding out whether there is life out there in the universe. Thus, those intriguing videos
about stars and planets tend to catch the general public’s attention..The more they watch
those videos, the more eager to discover about the universe they become.

Vocabulary:

1. on a daily/monthly/ongoing basis (phrase): theo từng ngày/tháng/liên tục

Example: Skills need to be updated on an ongoing basis.

Kĩ năng cần được cải tiến liên tục.

2. Instrumental in something (phrase): quan trọng trong việc gì đó

Example: She was instrumental in bringing about the prison reform act.

Cô ấy đóng vai trò quan trọng trong việc diễn ra cải tạo nhà tù

3. Imprint (verb): in sâu

Example: That look of grief would be imprinted on her mind forever.

Cái nhìn đau buồn nó sẽ in sâu vào tâm trí cô ấy mãi mãi.

4. a fortune (idiom): rất mắc

Example: The cars on this list won't cost a fortune to insure.

Việc đăng kí bảo hiểm cho những chiếc xe này không mắc lắm đâu.

5. Come a long way (phrase): phát triển hơn rất nhiều

Example: Information technology has come a long way in the last 20 years.

+ Để tìm hiểu thông tin về các khóa học, bộ sách mới nhất của thầy Bách, các bạn truy cập: www.ngocbach.com
+ Hotline tư vấn đăng ký học: 0974657403 (email tư vấn: [email protected]) 106
 Công nghệ thông tin đã phát triển hơn rất nhiều trong vòng 20 năm qua.

6. Set foot on/in somewhere (phrase): đi đâu đó

Example: He refuses to set foot in an art gallery.

Anh ấy từ chối lời mời đi triển lãm nghệ thuật.

7. Fashion (n): cách làm

Example: The rebel army behaved in a brutal fashion.

Quân đội nổi dậy đã hành xử một cách tàn bạo.

8. The general public (n): công chúng

Example: This is a matter of great concern to the general public.

Đây thực sự là một mối lo cho công chúng.

9. To scratch his/her head (phrase): vò đầu suy nghĩ về cái gì đó.

Example: A lot of people must be scratching their heads about which way to vote.

Rất nhiều người đang vò đầu suy nghĩ không biết nên bầu cho bên nào.

10. To catch sb’s attention (phrase): hút sự chú ý của ai đó.

Example: I knocked on the window to catch her attention.

Tôi gõ trên cửa sổ để thu hút sự chú ý của cô ta.

7. Describe a trip you made by public transportation. You should say:

- When and where you went
- What kind of transport you used
- How your trip was
- Explain why you chose to use public transport.

(when and where you went) I am going to talk about the time when I commuted by
public transportation in Singapore for the first time, which took place 2 years ago. It is
common knowledge that Singapore is famous for its wide coverage of public
transportation including bus and railway systems, which help both local and foreign
visitors travel around the city-state with ease.

+ Để tìm hiểu thông tin về các khóa học, bộ sách mới nhất của thầy Bách, các bạn truy cập: www.ngocbach.com
+ Hotline tư vấn đăng ký học: 0974657403 (email tư vấn: [email protected]) 107
 (What kind of transport you used) Apart from that, as a result of the government’s
policy, which imposes a limit on the number of vehicles on the road, a taxi didn’t seem
affordable for those travelling on a budget like me. I was left with no choice but to board
an MRT train to get to the city centre, which was the fastest and most convenient way,
albeit not the most economical.
(How your trip was) I was not a frequent public transport commuter at that time,
therefore, I thought that the MRT would travel at a snail’s pace and it would take ages
to arrive in downtown. Also, as it was the first time that I had used the metro, I dreaded
to think that I would board the wrong train and get lost. But the fact that I only had to
change the train once and that it only took 30 minutes to get to downtown really came as
a surprise. The instructions were so clear that I did not even rely on anybody to help me.
(Explain why you chose public transport) As I mentioned previously, I was left with
no choice. I could not drive a car while a taxi or hiring a private driver would cost a small
fortune. Therefore, boarding a train was the only option if I wanted to get to the city
centre before midnight. However, I kept commuting by MRT train as well as bus around
Singapore because they were quite convenient and affordable for me.
1. With ease (phrase): một cách dễ dàng.

Example: She defeated her opponent with ease.

Cô ấy đánh bại đối thủ một cách dễ dàng.
2. On a budget (phrase): không có nhiều tiền

Example: Mortgage advisers urge anyone on a tight budget to choose a fixed rate so
they know they can afford the repayments.
Những người cho vay thế chấp thúc giục bất cứ ai không có nhiều tiền chọn một lãi suất
nhất định để họ biết là họ có thể trả lại số nhiều đã vay và lãi.
3. Economical (adj): tiết kiệm.

Example: There's increasing demand for cars that are more economical on fuel.
Nhu cầu cho xe hơi tiết kiệm nhiên liệu ngày càng tăng.
4. At a snail’s pace (idiom): rất chậm.

Example: The roads were full of traffic and we were travelling at a snail's pace for
two hours.
Những con đường bị kẹt cứng và chúng tôi phải di chuyển rất chậm trong vòng 2 giờ.

+ Để tìm hiểu thông tin về các khóa học, bộ sách mới nhất của thầy Bách, các bạn truy cập: www.ngocbach.com
+ Hotline tư vấn đăng ký học: 0974657403 (email tư vấn: [email protected]) 108
5. To dread (v): sợ hãi.

Example: I dread to think what would happen if he was left to cope on his own.
Tôi rất sợ hãi phải nghĩ chuyện gì sẽ xảy ra nếu anh ấy phải giải quyết 1 mình.
6. To come as a/no surprise (phrase): đến 1 cách (không) bất ngờ.

Example:
If you didn't study for that test at all, your failing grade should come as no surprise.
Nếu bạn không học hành đàng hoàng thì việc nhận điểm kém là không bất ngờ xíu nào.
7. a small fortune (idiom): số tiền lớn.

Example: This house cost hardly anything when we bought it, but now it’s
worth a small fortune.
Căn nhà này không quá mắc khi chúng tôi mua nó, nhưng bây giờ nó có giá trị rất lớn.

PART 3

1. In which way can we fix traffic problems?

There are a wide range of solutions for traffic problems and countries should have a
strong grasp of their own problems to devise suitable and cost-effective policies which
will prove influential in the future. Investment in constructing a sophisticated public
transit system stands out as one of the most applicable ways for countries. Nearly all the
countries around the world can make use of this approach to alleviate traffic congestion.

2. Is it fair to limit the use of cars?

I totally agree with the idea of limiting the use of cars. First, cars release a huge carbon
footprint into the atmosphere, thus exacerbating the problem of air pollution. Singapore
is a perfect exemplar for this policy. They introduced an annual quota on the number of
cars the whole population can buy. When the number of cars bought gets closer to the
limit, it becomes more expensive to buy a car. This policy is instrumental in maintaining
good air quality in the city-state.

3. Should governments encourage people to use public transport?

Definitely! They build up and continuously upgrade their public transit systems with a
view to encouraging more people to switch to public transport so as to ease the burden
on the environment as well as the traffic infrastructure.

+ Để tìm hiểu thông tin về các khóa học, bộ sách mới nhất của thầy Bách, các bạn truy cập: www.ngocbach.com
+ Hotline tư vấn đăng ký học: 0974657403 (email tư vấn: [email protected]) 109
4. What is the most popular means of transportation in your country?

Vietnam is well-known for its chaotic streets flooded with motorcycles. You can find
motorcycles everywhere in my country. This mode of transport is used by the majority of
the Vietnamese population because of its high flexibility as well as convenience.

5. Do you prefer public or private transportation? Why?

It depends. I prefer public transportation if I have to travel over a long distance. The idea
of driving more than 30km on my own has never sprung to my mind honestly. However,
I will pick a private vehicle if I hang out with my friends at their places because I wouldn’t
have to be concerned about the operating hours of public transportation.

Vocabulary:

1. Have a strong grasp of something (phrase): biết rõ cái gì đó.

Example: He has a good grasp of the issues.

Anh ấy biết khá rõ về những vấn đề đó.

2. Devise (v): đề ra

The scheme is devised for young people in the 15 - 20 age band.

Cái kế hoạch này được đề ra cho những người trẻ trong nhóm tuổi 15 – 20.

3. To be flooded with something (phrase): tràn ngập

Example: He was flooded with (= suddenly felt a lot of) joy when his
first child was born.

Anh ấy tràn ngập niềm vui khi con đầu lòng được sinh ra.

4. Exemplar (n): mẫu hình

Example: It is an exemplar of a house of the period.

Nó là một mẫu hình của một căn nhà vào thời đó.

5. Quota (n): giới hạn

Example: The country now has a quota on immigration.

Quốc gia này đặt một giới hạn trên việc nhập cảnh.

6. Switch (v): chuyển

+ Để tìm hiểu thông tin về các khóa học, bộ sách mới nhất của thầy Bách, các bạn truy cập: www.ngocbach.com
+ Hotline tư vấn đăng ký học: 0974657403 (email tư vấn: [email protected]) 110
 Example: She started studying English, but switched to History in her second year.

Cô ấy ban đầu học tiếng Anh, nhưng sau đó chuyển qua Lịch sử vào năm 2.

7. Ease the burden (phrase): giảm gánh nặng

Example: By training additional staff, management could significantly ease the burden
on its over-worked personnel.

Bằng cách training thêm nhân viên, ban quản lí có thể giảm gánh nặng đè lên những nhân
viên đang phải làm quá việc.

8. Chaotic (adj): lộn xộn

Example: The house is a little chaotic right now – we’re in the middle of repainting.

Căn nhà khá lộn xộn ngay lúc này – vì chúng tôi đang sơn lại nó.

9. To spring to my mind (phrase): đập vào đầu tôi

Say the word "Australia" and

a vision of beaches and blue seas immediately springs to mind.

Nói chữ Australia là hình tượng biển cả xanh biếc liền đập vào đầu tô

8. Describe a challenging thing you have done

You should say:

What it was

When and where you did it

And explain why you think it is a challenging thing

(What it was)

Today I’m going to describe a challenging thing that I have done. Well, it was last
semester when the important final exams approached, and there were so many
demanding subjects to handle. Therefore, I decided to get up earlier than usual in the
morning to prepare for the exams for the last week.

+ Để tìm hiểu thông tin về các khóa học, bộ sách mới nhất của thầy Bách, các bạn truy cập: www.ngocbach.com
+ Hotline tư vấn đăng ký học: 0974657403 (email tư vấn: [email protected]) 111
 (When and where you did it)

During that stressful week, I was totally exhausted and even suffered a headache. My
brain was burdened with numerous subjects such as Maths, History, Literature and so
on. Memorizing historical dates or Maths formulas in just a week required a lot of
persistence and determination. I remember drinking coffee many times a day to keep me
wide awake.

(And explain why you think it is a challenge)

Actually, I’m not a morning bird, so I found it really challenging to get up early. It was
quite discomforting at that time, as I had to wake exactly at 3 or 4 am to cram from all
the books. It turned out that mornings are the most productive time of day to study for
me. Fresh air and a great sense of tranquility in the morning made me feel invigorated,
optimistic and creative, so I could concentrate more on my study. I enjoyed doing some
reading and memorizing in the morning, when there were no distractions. Looking back,
I think I did take advantage of all that extra time. It was a complete nightmare but
fortunately, I passed the exam with flying colors.

Vocabulary:
36. approach [v]: to come near or nearer to something or someone in space, time, quality, or
amount: sắp đến
Eg: We could just see the train approaching in the distance.
37. demanding [adj]: needing a lot of time, attention, or energy: đòi hỏi cao
Eg: Police work is physically demanding and stressful.
38. burden [v]: to give someone problems, trouble, or responsibilities: bắt gánh vác
Eg: Borrowers are already burdened with mortgage extras such as arrangement
fees and life assurance cover.
39. persistence [n]: the fact that someone or something persists: sự kiên trì
Eg: Most financial analysts have been surprised by the persistence of the
recession.
40. wide awake [expression]: fully awake: cực kì tỉnh táo

+ Để tìm hiểu thông tin về các khóa học, bộ sách mới nhất của thầy Bách, các bạn truy cập: www.ngocbach.com
+ Hotline tư vấn đăng ký học: 0974657403 (email tư vấn: [email protected]) 112
 Eg: I could not relax and still felt wide awake.
41. cram [v]: to do many things in a short period of time: nhồi nhét
Eg: I had to cram three countries into a week's business trip.
42. productive [adj]: having positive results: năng suất
Eg: We had a very productive meeting - I felt we solved lots of problems.
43. tranquility [n]: the quality or state of being tranquil; calm.: sự yên bình
Eg: The tranquility of the forest helps me relax.
44. invigorate [v]: to make someone feel fresher, healthier, and more energetic: làm cho sảng
khoái
Eg: We were invigorated by our walk with friends yesterday.
45. with flying colors [expression]: if you do something such as pass an exam with flying
colours, you do it very successfully: đậu điểm cao, với kết quả tốt
Eg: Samantha was rather nervous taking her final exam, but she passed with flying colors!

9. Describe a goal you set that you tried your best to achieve.

You should say:

what it was;

why you set this goal;

whether it was difficult to achieve this goal;

and explain how you felt about achieving this goal.

(What it was)

Well, I’m going to describe a goal, which I tried my uttermost to achieve and succeeded
in the end with. The goal was set during my high school’s years, where I entered the
English National Contest held yearly for gifted high school students, which is usually
regarded as the most cut throat competition for students nationwide.

(Why you set this goal)

+ Để tìm hiểu thông tin về các khóa học, bộ sách mới nhất của thầy Bách, các bạn truy cập: www.ngocbach.com
+ Hotline tư vấn đăng ký học: 0974657403 (email tư vấn: [email protected]) 113
 I was a student in an English gifted class then and I have always had a keen interest in
English. Participating in such an honorable competition had been my long-held dream
since secondary school. Besides, earning a prize in this contest would open up more
opportunities for me to study abroad and get access to a more advanced education, which
would be a golden opportunity for personal development. Indeed, back then, for students
specializing in English like me, studying abroad could be a life-changing experience for
students, allowing for tremendous academic, professional, and personal growth.

(Whether it was difficult to achieve this goal)

Of course, it can be very challenging and cumbersome to earn a spot in the national team
to compete, not to mention claim a prize. Falling short of my expectations to join the
school team for the National Contest, I was eliminated in the last round and had to wait
for the next year. Instead of being disappointed and demotivated, I displayed a firm
commitment to change and try harder. I sought advice and assistance with my essays and
language skills. In grade 12, I improved vastly and won a place in the school team for the
National Contest.

(And explain how you felt about achieving this goal)

Well, this achievement means a lot to me because it reaffirms the faith that hard work
does get recognized and appreciated. I take pride in the way I faced up to my scholastic
setbacks with decency and resilience. My strenuous efforts and unflinching belief helped
me to overcome obstacles, make progress, and seek out opportunities to succeed, which
laid the foundation for my further progress in life.

Vocabulary from Business:

 cut throat competition
Meaning: intense competition
Example: Entering the national football team is a cut throat competition for all.

Other vocabulary:

+ Để tìm hiểu thông tin về các khóa học, bộ sách mới nhất của thầy Bách, các bạn truy cập: www.ngocbach.com
+ Hotline tư vấn đăng ký học: 0974657403 (email tư vấn: [email protected]) 114
46. tried one’s uttermost [expression]: to do something as well as you can by making
a great effort: cố gắng hết sức
Eg: She t ri ed her utm ost to fi ni sh on tim e.

47. honorable [adj]: bringing or worthy of honor: danh dự

Eg: Military service was considered an honorable career choice.
48. a golden opportunity [expression]: a special, wonderful opportunity: cơ hội vàng, cơ hội
tuyệt vời
Eg: Businesses have a golden opportunity to expand into new markets.
49. tremendous [adj]: (of a state, quality, or emotion) very great or intense.: rất lớn
Eg: For these women and for hundreds of other men and women who have experienced
tremendous loss, the past year has piled myriad emotions on top of profound sadness.
50. cumbersome [adj]: 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.
51. falling short of [expression]: to be less than the amount or standard that is needed or that
you want: không đạt tới
Eg: He would sack any of his staff who fell short of his high standards.
52. demotivate [v]: to make someone less enthusiastic about sth: làm nhụt chí
Eg: She was very demotivated by being told she had little chance of being
promoted.
53. setback [n]: something that happens that delays or prevents a process from developing:
sự trở ngại
Eg: There has been a slight/temporary setback in our plans.
54. overcome [v]: to defeat or succeed in controlling or dealing with something: vượt qua
Eg: Eventually she managed to overcome her shyness in class.

+ Để tìm hiểu thông tin về các khóa học, bộ sách mới nhất của thầy Bách, các bạn truy cập: www.ngocbach.com
+ Hotline tư vấn đăng ký học: 0974657403 (email tư vấn: [email protected]) 115
 10. Describe a job you would not like to do in the future

You should say:

What it is?

Is it difficult or easy?

And explain why you do not want to get this job?

(What it is?)

Well, if I had to choose one particular job among the many jobs that I would not enter as
my committed career path, I suppose it would be a doctor. As I see it, this job does not
really suit my ability, interests, temperament and inclination.

(It is difficult or easy?)

Needless to say, being a doctor is one of the most stressful and demanding jobs that you
could ever imagine, not to mention the lengthy process one has to undergo to get to
being one. To become a fully-fledged practicing physician, you have to finish four years
of college, four years of medical school, and sometimes a fellowship (lengths also depend
on specialty). Until all of this is finished, you won’t be on a doctor’s salary. Some people
believe that all that time is not worth it.

(And explain why you do not want to get this job?)

As I see it, a lot is expected of doctors. Many doctors are constantly on call. Most doctors
work more than 40 hours a week. Their work is stressful because they deal with sick and
often frustrated people. They carry a substantial burden on their shoulders because
people lives’ are in their hands. The pursuit of the medical profession is only meant for
those individuals who can cope with the extremes. Currently, I’m doing a bachelor’s

+ Để tìm hiểu thông tin về các khóa học, bộ sách mới nhất của thầy Bách, các bạn truy cập: www.ngocbach.com
+ Hotline tư vấn đăng ký học: 0974657403 (email tư vấn: [email protected]) 116
 degree in English, so I would prefer to embark on jobs related to English and international
communication like being a tour guide or an interpreter. This allows for a more enviable
income and more prospective career advancements for me personally.

Vocabulary from Education:

 bachelor’s degree:
Meaning: an undergraduate course which usually lasts 3-4 years
Example: I was doing a Bachelor’s Degree and it was a bit of a challenge

Other vocabulary:

55. inclination [n]: a tendency to do sth: khuynh hướng, bản năng

Eg: There is an inclination to treat geography as a less important subject.
56. not to mention [expression]: used when you want to emphasize something that you are
adding to a list: chưa kể đến là
Eg: He's one of the kindest and most intelligent, not to mention handsome, men I know.
57. undergo [v]: to experience something that is unpleasant or something that involves a
change: trải qua
Eg: She underwent an operation on a tumour in her left lung last year.
58. fully-fledged [adj]: completely developed or trained: chính thức, đủ tư cách
Eg: Within months the student had become a fully-fledged instructor.
59. (be) on call [adj]: If a worker such as a doctor is on call, he or she is available to
work or make official visits at any time when needed: trực, làm nhiệm vụ
Eg: She's a doctor, so she's often on call at the weekend.
60. substantial [adj]: large in amount, value or importance: đáng kể
Eg: Substantial numbers of people showed their support to the reform.
61. pursuit [n]: the act of looking for or trying to find sth: sự theo đuổi
Eg: She travelled the world in pursuit of her dreams.
62. cope with [v]: deal effectively with something difficult: giải quyết
Eg: We highly regard his ability to cope with stress.

+ Để tìm hiểu thông tin về các khóa học, bộ sách mới nhất của thầy Bách, các bạn truy cập: www.ngocbach.com
+ Hotline tư vấn đăng ký học: 0974657403 (email tư vấn: [email protected]) 117
63. enviable [adj]: sth that is enviable is the sort of thing that is good and that other people
want to have too: đáng ghen tị
Eg: He is in the enviable position of having two job offers to choose from.

11. Describe a member of a team who you know about

You should say:

Who it is?

What role does he/she play in this team?

And how do you feel about him as a team member?

(Who it was?)

I’m going to describe a member of a team who I know about. Recently, I experienced my
internship in a marketing company with a view to gathering more experience in this
challenging field. Luckily, I joined a team of several competent individuals. But the
person that I was impressed with the most in this team was Gia Huan.

(What role does he/she play in this team?)

Despite his young age, he was the team leader then. During our discussion for the project,
he always initiated great ideas and delivered them convincingly. As I see it, Gia Huan
stood out as the strongest intern, with his articulate and assertive speech in English
whenever we had a meeting with foreign customers. Being the team leader, he was
responsible for undertaking crucial negotiations with other partners, which required both
interpersonal skills and work experience.

(And how do you feel about him as a team member?)

Gia Huan was well respected by all the team members for his professionalism, which was
shown in numerous respects. Under any circumstance, he would maintain his
punctuality, which not only endeared him to clients but also set a good example for
other employees. During the project, he kept regular track of our work and offered

+ Để tìm hiểu thông tin về các khóa học, bộ sách mới nhất của thầy Bách, các bạn truy cập: www.ngocbach.com
+ Hotline tư vấn đăng ký học: 0974657403 (email tư vấn: [email protected]) 118
 assistance if there were any signs of negligence or frustration. I felt really lucky to have
him as a team member and an exemplary leader.

Vocabulary:

1. with a view to [expression]: with an intention to do sth: với mục đích làm gì đó
Eg: The politician reveals the truth with a view to gaining more faith from the
public.
2. initiate [v]: to begin something: khởi xướng
Eg: The automaker initiated a program to improve their life.
3. convincingly [adv]: in a way that makes you believe that something is true or right: một
cách thuyết phục
Eg: They argued convincingly that free markets are not always efficient.
4. articulate [adj]: able to express thoughts and feelings easily and clearly, or showing this
quality: ăn nói lưu loát
Eg: Selena is an intelligent and highly articulate young woman.
5. negotiation [n]: the process of discussing something with someone in order to reach an
agreement with them, or the discussions themselves: sự thương lượng
Eg: The agreement was reached after a series of difficult negotiations.
6. interpersonal skills [expression]: skills that are connected with relationship between
people: kĩ năng giao tiếp
Eg: Interpersonal skills are necessary for employees of every field.
7. punctuality [n]: the habit of arriving or happening at the time that has been agreed:
sự đúng hẹn, đúng giờ
Eg: There is a bonus scheme for employees who show good performance and
punctuality.
8. endear oneself to sth [v]: make sb like oneself, sth: khiến ai yêu thích
Eg: His courtesy endears himself to other girls in he class.
9. set a good example for [expression]: to behave in a way that other people should copy:
làm gương tốt

+ Để tìm hiểu thông tin về các khóa học, bộ sách mới nhất của thầy Bách, các bạn truy cập: www.ngocbach.com
+ Hotline tư vấn đăng ký học: 0974657403 (email tư vấn: [email protected]) 119
 Eg: You should be setting a good example to your younger brother.
10. keep track of sth/ sb[expression]: to continue to be informed or know about someone
or something: theo dõi, quan sát ai, cái gì
Eg: My brother always keeps track of his weight.

12. Describe a time when you gave advice to someone

You should say:

- Who you gave it to

- What was the advice about

- What that person did after receiving it

- And how you felt about it

(What it was and who you gave it to)

Today, I would like to talk about some advice on studying that I gave to my younger
sister. It was 2 years ago, when she completed her university graduation and had to decide
what she wanted to do in her life. At that time, I had been working for 5 years and
accumulated a certain amount of experience, so my sister decided to consult me.

(What was the advice about)

Back then, she was at a crossroads, where she had to choose between embarking on
further studies abroad or starting working full-time with her bachelor’s degree. She
wanted an option, which would provide her with a promising future. Understandably,
higher academic qualifications nowadays are virtually a prerequisite for employment,
especially in grey-matter fields where rivalry is cut-throat for graduates. On receiving
her question, I talked to her a lot to find out what she really loved doing. Eventually, I
advised her to continue to study for a Master’s degree instead of working early.

+ Để tìm hiểu thông tin về các khóa học, bộ sách mới nhất của thầy Bách, các bạn truy cập: www.ngocbach.com
+ Hotline tư vấn đăng ký học: 0974657403 (email tư vấn: [email protected]) 120
 (What that person did after receiving it)

I told her to do so because I believed that a master's degree can open many career doors
for young people, including certain career fields, offer advancement opportunities, and
higher salaries. Although taking a master's degree is by no means an easy task, this would
challenge her to by step out of her comfort zone. She trusted me and followed my advice.

(And how you felt about it)

I felt really happy to be there when she needed me the most and sailed her through such
a challenging phase of decision-making in life. After following my advice, my sister has
achieved more on her academic journey and she always feels grateful for my help. She
told me that she always wanted to see from my perspective before making any vital
moves, as I often gave her insightful thoughts.

Vocabulary:

64. accumulate [v]: to collect a large number of things over a long period of time:
chất lũy
Eg: As people accumulate more wealth, they tend to spend a greater proportion
of their incomes.
65. consult [v]: to discuss something with someone before you make a decision: tham khảo
ý kiến
Eg: This afternoon the president was consulting with his advisers.
66. at a crossroads [expression]: to be at a stage in your life when you have to make a very
important decision: đến bước ngoặc, đến bước quyết định
Eg: After earning her degree, I'm at a crossroads.
67. prerequisite [n]: something that must exist or happen before something else can exist or
happens: điều kiện tiên quyết

+ Để tìm hiểu thông tin về các khóa học, bộ sách mới nhất của thầy Bách, các bạn truy cập: www.ngocbach.com
+ Hotline tư vấn đăng ký học: 0974657403 (email tư vấn: [email protected]) 121
 Eg: Passing a written test is a prerequisite for taking the advanced course.
68. cut-throat [adj]: competing in a strong and unfair way, without considering any harm
caused to others: quyết liệt
Eg: Scrapping of price fixing legislation led to a cut-throat battle for supermarket
customers.
69. advancement [n]: the development or improvement of something: sự thăng tiến
Eg: All she was interested in was the advancement of her own career.
70. by no means [expression]: not at all: không hề
Eg: It is by no means certain that we'll finish the project by June.
71. comfort zone [expression]: a situation in which you feel comfortable and in which your
ability and determination are not being tested: vùng an toàn
Eg: Rock climbing pushes many people beyond their comfort zones.
72. grateful [adj]: feeling or showing an appreciation of kindness; thankful: biết ơn
Eg: I'm very grateful to you for all your help.
73. insightful [adj]: having or showing an accurate and deep understanding; perceptive.: sâu
sắc
Eg: This is a very thoughtful, insightful analysis.

13. Describe an occasion when you invited your family or friends to dinner

You should say:

- Who did you invite

- When and where was the dinner

-And how you felt about it

(Who did you invite)

Well, last month, I decided to treat my whole family to a dinner at a famous restaurant
with my first month’s salary. The dinner included all of my family members, especially
my aunt. We had not seen each other for 3 years and she tried her best to arrange time to
fly back to attend this gathering, so I felt really indebted to her kind participation. Until
now, I can still retain every detail of that lovely dinner.

+ Để tìm hiểu thông tin về các khóa học, bộ sách mới nhất của thầy Bách, các bạn truy cập: www.ngocbach.com
+ Hotline tư vấn đăng ký học: 0974657403 (email tư vấn: [email protected]) 122
 (When and where was the dinner)

The dinner was in a small, cozy Japanese restaurant, which created a pleasurable
atmosphere for its customers. That day was in mid-October, so the weather was quite
chilly. The restaurant that I had chosen is particularly renowned for its sushi, sashimi,
desserts and more importantly, its view overlooks the mountain. Actually, I had to
reserve the table 1 week in advance, as the tables in this special place are always full.
That was also my first experience in such a first-class restaurant, and it was all the more
rewarding to share it with my family.

(And how you felt about it)

This dinner means a lot to me, as it not only marked my transition to adulthood by being
financially independent, but it was also a family reunion with all of the family members.
We had a whale of time at the restaurant with extraordinary dishes and professional
service. I realize that family bonds, after all, are such an irreplaceable treasure for each
person. Especially in this day and age, when technology seems to overwhelm our
interaction and attention for others, quality time with your own flesh and blood is all the
more important.

Vocabulary:

74. treat [v]: to buy or pay for something for another person: thiết đãi
Eg: I'm going to treat myself to (= buy for myself) a new pair of sandals.
75. indebted to [adj]: grateful because of help given: biết ơn
Eg: We're deeply indebted to you for your help.
76. retain [v]: to keep something; to continue to have something: lưu giữ
Eg: The house retains much of its original charm.
77. (be) renowned for sth [expression]: be famous for sth: nổi tiếng về
Eg: Lan is renowned for her English proficiency.
78. reserve [v]: to ask for a seat, table, room, etc. to be available for you or somebody else at
a future time: đặt trước
Eg: I'd like to reserve a table for three for eight o'clock.
79. first-class [adj]: in the best group; of the highest standard: hạng nhất, đẳng cấp
Eg: I know a place where the food is first-class.

+ Để tìm hiểu thông tin về các khóa học, bộ sách mới nhất của thầy Bách, các bạn truy cập: www.ngocbach.com
+ Hotline tư vấn đăng ký học: 0974657403 (email tư vấn: [email protected]) 123
 Eg: I am extremely grateful to all the teachers for their help.
80. transition [n]: a change from one form or type to another, or the process by which this
happens: sự dịch chuyển
Eg: There will be an interim government to oversee the transition to democracy
81. family reunion [expression]: the act of family members coming together after they
have been apart for some time: sự hội ngộ gia đình
Eg: Family reunion is quite a common sight at the airport.
82. irreplaceable [adj]: too valuable or special to be replaced: không thể thay thế
Eg: These pictures are irreplaceable to Jessie.
83. all the more [expression]: even more than before: càng
Eg: Several publishers rejected her book, but that just made her all the more determined.
14. Describe an advertisement you remember well

You should say:

Where you saw it

What it advertised

And why you remember it

(Where you saw it)

Nowadays, every time you watch TV, you feel like being bombarded by a series of
advertisements. From time to time, I come across some adverts that amuse me. Today, I
will talk about one such compelling TV commercial today which I saw at my home a
while ago.

(What it advertised)

This is a “car advertisement” where a Mercedes Car is congratulating the “BMW” Car
company, the fierce competitor of Mercedes cars, on its 100th anniversary with a very
cheeky message that writes “Thanks for 100 years of competition. The previous 30 years
were somewhat dull”. The ad also displays the signature “kidney grille” symbol of BMW

+ Để tìm hiểu thông tin về các khóa học, bộ sách mới nhất của thầy Bách, các bạn truy cập: www.ngocbach.com
+ Hotline tư vấn đăng ký học: 0974657403 (email tư vấn: [email protected]) 124
 car, which is located at the front and in the middle of the two front headlights, while also
very cleverly ‘illuminating’ the message right below the signature “grille” in order to
remind the BMW car company that Mercedes is the “senior campaigner” in the car
manufacturing industry. The advertisement was displayed on a plain dark background
with a contrasting white color message in order to keep it as much simple as possible.

(And why you remember it)

The advertisement impressed me right away, because it was largely hilarious yet
insightful at the same time. I like this advertisement because of its “unique theme” where
it shows that a particular company is very much able to promote its products while
actually congratulating its competitors also at the same time in a very graceful, and yet,
clever manner. Mercedes has managed to throw a “subtle’ challenge in a “congratulatory”
tone that BMW would never really be able to “outcompete” its unparalleled senior
competitor no matter how hard it tries. Whoever came up with the idea for this
advertisement must have put in a lot of imagination and originality.

Other vocabulary:

84. bombard [v]: address with continuously or persistently, as if with a barrage: bị tấn công
dồn dập
Eg: We were bombarded with information and statistics.
85. compelling [adj]: evoking interest, attention, or admiration in a powerfully
irresistible way: hấp dẫn, thú vị
Eg: She gave a compelling and intensely dramatic performance.
86. cheeky [adj]: slightly rude or showing no respect, but often in a funny way: tráo
trở, táo tợn
Eg: I thought that that was particularly cheeky.
87. illuminate[v]: to explain and show more clearly something that is difficult to
understand: giải thích

+ Để tìm hiểu thông tin về các khóa học, bộ sách mới nhất của thầy Bách, các bạn truy cập: www.ngocbach.com
+ Hotline tư vấn đăng ký học: 0974657403 (email tư vấn: [email protected]) 125
 Eg: Do you believe in the article which illuminates the issues at stake?
88. hilarious [adj]: extremely funny and causing a lot of laughter: khôi hài
Eg: Daniell's evaluation of the many twentieth-century translations is sometimes
hilarious.
89. insightful [adj]: having or showing an accurate and deep understanding; perceptive.: sâu
sắc
Eg: This is a very thoughtful, insightful analysis.
90. unparalleled [adj]: better than all others: không thể sánh bằng
Eg: He had a t al ent unparall el ed b y an y ot her polit i ci an i n this count r y.
91. originality [n]: the quality of being special and interesting and not the same as
anything or anyone else: sự độc đáo
Eg: W e were i mpressed b y t he ori ginality of t he chil dren's work.

15. Describe the information that was incorrect that you got

You should say:

- Where you got the information

- What was it about

-And explain how you felt about it

(When and where you got the information)

Nowadays, it is not uncommon for we as Internet users to be bombarded by articles that

are more or less sensationalism. I remember that I was taken in by an incorrect piece of
information a month ago when I was surfing the Internet. It was from a tabloid, and my
friend sent that link to me.

(What was it about)

The information was about the sudden death of a well-known Vietnamese singer, who
drew her last breath at the age of 40. To me, she was one of the most talented and kind-
hearted artists in the entertainment industry, and she deserves such great affection from
her audience around the country. Therefore, I felt very shocked and appalled to then

+ Để tìm hiểu thông tin về các khóa học, bộ sách mới nhất của thầy Bách, các bạn truy cập: www.ngocbach.com
+ Hotline tư vấn đăng ký học: 0974657403 (email tư vấn: [email protected]) 126
 attempt to verify the accuracy of the news and I even informed some of my other friends
about it. Later, I found out that it was just a baseless and scurrilous rumor.

(And explain it how you felt about it)

At first, I was quite pissed off, but later, I felt quite relieved indeed, because such a
wrenching piece of news was inaccurate. After this incident, I learned to be more
prudent when processing different sources of information from the Internet. Practically,
we have to come to terms with the fact that many current articles with intriguing titles
are designed to stir up emotion in readers and prey on their biases.

Vocabulary:

92. bombard [v]: address with continuously or persistently, as if with a barrage: bị tấn công
dồn dập
Eg: We were bombarded with information and statistics.
93. sensationalism [n]: the act by newspapers, television, etc. of presenting
information in a way that is shocking or exciting: tin giật gân
Eg: The newspaper has been accused of sensationalism in its coverage of the
murders.
94. (be) taken in by sth [expression]: be fooled, swindled, cheated, or beguiled (by someone
or something): bị lừa bởi cái gì/ai
Eg: You spent $1,000 on some cure-all pill you bought off the Internet? How could you
be taken in by that scam?
95. verify [v]: to prove that something exists or is true, or to make certain that something is
correct: xác thực
Eg: These numbers are surprisingly high and they'll have to be verified.
96. scurrilous [adj]: rude and cruel, and sometimes damaging: ác độc
Eg: He complained that he'd been receiving scurrilous phone calls.
97. (be) pissed off [adj]: very annoyed; angry: bực tức
Eg: He'd kept me waiting for an hour so I was pissed off to start with.
98. wrenching [adj]: extremely stressful: gây căng thẳng
Eg: It was the most wrenching decision of the president’s life.
99. prudent [adj]: careful and avoiding risks: cẩn trọng

+ Để tìm hiểu thông tin về các khóa học, bộ sách mới nhất của thầy Bách, các bạn truy cập: www.ngocbach.com
+ Hotline tư vấn đăng ký học: 0974657403 (email tư vấn: [email protected]) 127
 Eg: His decision was prudent and timely.
100. come to terms with [expression]: come to accept (a new and painful or difficult
event or situation); reconcile oneself to: chấp nhận cái gì
Eg: It's advisable to book seats at least a week in advance.
101. intriguing [adj]: very interesting because of being unusual or mysterious: lý
thú
Eg: S he has a reall y i nt ri gui ng personal ity.

16. Describe a historical building. You should say:

- What the building is
- Where it is located
- What the significance of this building is
- Describe your experience with the building

(What the building is) Historical sites, relics and buildings have remained an important
kind of cultural tourism resource as they are always a centre of attraction and attention
for tourists and authorities. Among many historical buildings in Vietnam, the Hue Citadel
Complex stands out as the most prominent one. Therefore, I would like to share some
information about such a stunning complex like this.

(Where it is located) The citadel complex is based in Hue, which was the capital of
Vietnam for hundreds of years in times of feudalism. Many buildings are condensed into
just one complex, conjuring up such a large and stunning place of residence for the kings,
in which the Meridian Gate is the most important building that leads people to the citadel.
It was modelled after the Meridian Gate of the Forbidden City in Beijing, China. Like
the original in Beijing, the Meridian Gate in Huế is composed of a main, central section
and two protruding wings, representing Que towers, traditional towers marking the
entrance of palaces, temples and tombs.

(What the significance of this building is) The complex holds great cultural and
historical value as it has witnessed many monarchs of Vietnam as well as the transfer of
power between the last monarch and the democratic government. Also, its cultural value
is also of great importance as most cultural characteristics of Vietnam are presented in
and reflected by the complex, such as the Ying-Yang balance, the use of patterns, colours
and materials.

+ Để tìm hiểu thông tin về các khóa học, bộ sách mới nhất của thầy Bách, các bạn truy cập: www.ngocbach.com
+ Hotline tư vấn đăng ký học: 0974657403 (email tư vấn: [email protected]) 128
 (Describe your experience with the building) I have never had the chance to pay a visit
to this building before. However, having heard of its significance, I have nurtured the
dream of leaving my footprints at this UNESCO heritage site.

1. A centre of attention (phrase): trung tâm sự chú ý.

Some children love being the centre of attention.

Một số đứa trẻ thích làm trung tâm sự chú ý.

2. Stand out (phrasal verb): nổi bật

We had lots of good applicants for the job, but one stood out from the rest.

Chúng tôi có rất nhiều ứng viên tốt cho công việc, nhưng một người trong số họ đã nổi
bật hơn.

3. Citadel (n): thành quách

The town has a 14th century citadel overlooking the river.

Thị xã này có một thành quách từ thế kỉ thứ 14 nhìn qua song.

4. Feudalism (n): phong kiến.

Marxist theory states that feudalism leads to capitalism and then socialism.

Chủ nghĩa Marxist cho rằng chế độ phong kiến sẽ dẫn đến tư bản và cuối cùng và xã hội
chủ nghĩa.

5. Condense into (phrase): gôm lại.

I condensed ten pages of comments into/to two.

Tôi gôm 10 trang comment còn lại thành 2 trang.

6. Conjure up (phrase): xây dựng nên

China is dreaming of conjuring up the next Silicone valley in its own country.

Trung Quốc đang mơ về việc xây dựng nên thung lũng Silicone thứ hai ngay trong lòng
quốc gia họ.

7. To be modelled after something (phrase): làm giống với cái gì đó.

You can model your lesson plans after ones from previous teachers.

Bạn có thể làm giáo án giống với mấy cái đã từng có của giáo viên.

+ Để tìm hiểu thông tin về các khóa học, bộ sách mới nhất của thầy Bách, các bạn truy cập: www.ngocbach.com
+ Hotline tư vấn đăng ký học: 0974657403 (email tư vấn: [email protected]) 129
 8. Hold a value (phrase): giữ giá trị

They hold very middle-class values.

Họ nắm giữ giá trị rất rõ ràng của tầng lớp trung lưu.

9. Transfer of power (phrase): sự chuyển giao quyền lực.

The transfer of power to a civilian government

Một sự chuyển giao quyền lực cho chính phủ nhân dân.

10. Leaving someone’s footprints (idiom): đặt chân (để lại dấu chân).

He has left his footprints in more than 30 countries around the world.

Anh ấy đã để lại dấu chân tại hơn 30 quốc gia trên thế giới.

17.Describe a performance you watched recently

Describe a performance you watched recently

You should say:

What it was and when you watched it

Who you were with

And explain why you watched it

(What it was a when you watched it)

Well, when it comes to watching live performances or music shows, the very experience
that springs to my mind first is the play 'Romeo & Juliet' by William Shakespeare that I
enjoyed at the city theatre three years ago. Romeo and Juliet is a play written by William
Shakespeare. The setting is in Italy and is about the love between two young people from
noble families that are enemies. Romeo and Juliet has always been one of Shakespeare's
most popular plays. It has been also adapted to the opera, ballet, television productions,
and movies.

(Who you were with)

+ Để tìm hiểu thông tin về các khóa học, bộ sách mới nhất của thầy Bách, các bạn truy cập: www.ngocbach.com
+ Hotline tư vấn đăng ký học: 0974657403 (email tư vấn: [email protected]) 130
 I watched this play with my closest friend, Jennie. At that time, we were studying for a
Masters Degree in London in the same university, and when we heard that a team would
come to London to perform Romeo and Juliet, we planned to watch it without hesitation.
It was quite cumbersome to book the tickets as the play was so popular, but we managed
eventually.

(And explain why you watched it)

There are several factors that made this play a worth-watching theatrical performance.
The professional acting, captivating dialogues, intense romantic tale, wrenching
separation and the tragic twist of the tale make the play unforgettable and timeless. The
costumes of the performers were just the way they should be. Their dresses, stage, music,
their makeup, their accent, and the passionate acting created the illusion of the real
Romeo-Juliet era. The production and acting were superb and totally worthy of
commendation. I still remember a news article later on that acclaimed the actors, and
actresses of the London team and the superb professionalism and artistic production of a
great play.

Vocabulary from Books and Films:

 the setting
Meaning: where the action takes place
Example: It’s a historical novel and the setting was a fictional town called Casterbridge.

Other vocabulary:

102. when it comes to [expression]: as for something; speaking about something khi
xét đến, nhắc đến cái gì
Eg: When it com es to fi shing, John i s an ex pert .

103. 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.
104. noble [adj]: (especially in former times) a person of noble rank or
birth.: cao quý

+ Để tìm hiểu thông tin về các khóa học, bộ sách mới nhất của thầy Bách, các bạn truy cập: www.ngocbach.com
+ Hotline tư vấn đăng ký học: 0974657403 (email tư vấn: [email protected]) 131
 Eg: The great nobles essentially use poets and poetry in the early seventeenth
century to wage a war of prestige.
105. adapt [v]: make (something) suitable for a new use or purpose; modify.: chuyển thể
Eg: Davies is busy adapting Brinkworth's latest novel for television.
106. without hesitation [expression]: if you say that someone does something without
hesitation, you are emphasizing that they do it immediately and willingly.: không do dự
Eg: The great majority of players would, of course, sign the contract without hesitation.
107. cumbersome [adj]: 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.
108. captivating [adj]: holding your attention by being extremely interesting, exciting,
pleasant, or attractive: thu hút
Eg: Her voice was utterly/absolutely captivating.
109. wrenching [adj]: extremely stressful: gây mệt mỏi, đau đớn
Eg: It was the most wrenching decision of the president’s life.
110. passionate [adj]: having very strong feelings or emotions: đầy nhiệt huyết
Eg: The child's mother made a passionate plea for help.
111. commendation [n]: praise, or an official statement that praises someone: sự
khen ngợi
Eg: Several of the firefighters received commendation for their bravery.

PART 3: WATCHING PERFORMANCE

1. What's the difference between watching performance live and watching it on

TV?
(Give a direct answer to the question) To my opinion, attending live performance and
watching TV broadcast are two completely different ways of fun. (Give an example
(often a personal example)) As we all know; live exhibitions and events are festive
occasions. Think of the claps and cheers; the hoots and hollering; the laughs the singing
along with a live performance which is quite absent when this is watched on a TV set. It
all creates and recreates a recreational aura whereby people forget the hurdles of life and

+ Để tìm hiểu thông tin về các khóa học, bộ sách mới nhất của thầy Bách, các bạn truy cập: www.ngocbach.com
+ Hotline tư vấn đăng ký học: 0974657403 (email tư vấn: [email protected]) 132
 up heave their morals. In other words, these occasions are best suitable for extroverts,
social people, who enjoy the crowd.
2. Which do you prefer: traditional performance or concert?
(Give a direct answer to the question) Well, a concert would be my choice. (Explain
your reason or reasons) Seeing your favorite band, artist or DJ is such a life-changing
and exhilarating experience. (Give an example (often a personal example)) If you’ve
ever been to a concert, you’ll know the sense of togetherness you get from the rest of the
crowd. Out of a huge crowd, every single fan is there for the same reason, and when the
crowd erupts for the artist or a favorite song, it’s a sense of community you won’t get
anywhere else.
3. Should government provide financial support to promote traditional
performance?
(Give a direct answer to the question) Yes, I reckon so. (Explain your reason or reasons)
The gradual disappearance of traditional performances is at the expense of national
culture. Therefore, the government should give financial incentives to traditional artists
to preserve the diversity of traditional forms of entertainment.
4. ls learning drama or dancing helpful for children?
(Give a direct answer to the question) Yes, it is (Explain your reason or reasons) Art
instruction helps children with the development of motor skills, musical talent, language
skills, social skills, decision-making, risk-taking, and inventiveness. Besides, art
education connects students with their own culture as well as with the wider world.

Vocabulary from Personality:

 extrovert
Meaning: an energetic person who likes the company of others
Example: I’d say I tend to be an extrovert.

Vocabulary from Music:

 musical talent
Meaning: skilled at music
Example: Her musical talent is beyond imagination.

+ Để tìm hiểu thông tin về các khóa học, bộ sách mới nhất của thầy Bách, các bạn truy cập: www.ngocbach.com
+ Hotline tư vấn đăng ký học: 0974657403 (email tư vấn: [email protected]) 133
 Other vocabulary:

112. aura [n]: the distinctive atmosphere or quality that seems to surround and be
generated by a person, thing, or place.: không khí, cảm giác
Eg: There was an aura of pride surrounding him, a glow that made him look happy and
that ended up making me feel a little better too.

113. exhilarating [adj]: making you feel very excited and happy: gây phấn khích
Eg: Hong Kong in the late seventies was an exhilarating place to be.
114. togetherness [n]: the state of being close to another person or other people.:
sự gắn kết
Eg: The sense of family togetherness was strong in the past.
115. at the expense of [expression]: in a way that harms (something or someone): khiến
ai chịu thiệt
Eg: Malls flourished at the expense of small stores downtown.
116. incentive [n]: something that encourages you to do sth: động lực

Eg: In my country, there is literally no incentive for people to save fuel

117. preserve [v]: maintain (something) in its original or existing state.: gìn giữ
Eg: We need to preserve our liberties as free citizens.
18. Describe an interesting animal you have ever seen

Describe an interesting animal you have ever seen

You should say:

What it was

Where you saw it

What it did

And why you think it was interesting

(What it was)

I’m going to talk about an occasion on which I got to see elephants. I have had the chance
to see a lot of animals with my naked eyes, but the most intriguing one for me are
intelligent elephants. Elephants are mammals as well as herbivores, meaning they only

+ Để tìm hiểu thông tin về các khóa học, bộ sách mới nhất của thầy Bách, các bạn truy cập: www.ngocbach.com
+ Hotline tư vấn đăng ký học: 0974657403 (email tư vấn: [email protected]) 134
 eat plants rather than meat. Elephants are the largest land animals on Earth, and they're
one of the most unique-looking animals, too. With their characteristic long noses, or
trunks; large, floppy ears; and wide, thick legs, there is no other animal with a similar
physique.

(Where you saw it)

It was last summer when my whole family had a trip to Ho Chi Minh City, and we decided
to visit the city’s renowned zoo, Thao Cam Vien. It was ranked eighth among the oldest
zoos in the world. Up to now, it is 132 years old. It is the house to rare orchids,
ornamental plants and hundreds of species of mammals, reptiles and birds. The main
aim of Thao Cam Vien is to conserve animals and plants, especially endangered species
and educate the public. One way to protect these species is using breeding programs.

(What it did)

I got the chance to see a group of elephants swimming, which is quite unexpected for me
as I didn’t know that they have this ability. Elephants move all four legs to swim and are
able to move quite fast. Their big bodies provide enough flotation while the trunk acts
like a snorkel. From my observation, baby elephants especially enjoy playing in water.
They will often try to climb on the backs of older and bigger elephants and then splash
back intos the water. Calves will suck water into their trunks and spray each other
playfully.

(And why you think it was interesting)

Elephants feature many characteristics that are similar to humans. Apart from their
gigantic bodies, they also boast extraordinary memories. Besides, they are recognized as
being among the most intelligent creatures on earth. Elephants are capable of a range of
emotions, including joy, playfulness, grief and mourning. In addition, elephants are able
to learn new facts and behaviours, mimic sounds that they hear, self-medicate, play with
a sense of humour, perform artistic activities, use tools and display compassion and self-
awareness.

Vocabulary from Environment:

+ Để tìm hiểu thông tin về các khóa học, bộ sách mới nhất của thầy Bách, các bạn truy cập: www.ngocbach.com
+ Hotline tư vấn đăng ký học: 0974657403 (email tư vấn: [email protected]) 135
  endangered species
Meaning: categories of animals or plants that are in danger of becoming extinct
Example: Many tourists expressed their concern about the increasing rate of
endangered species in this zoo.

Other vocabulary:

118. with one’s naked eyes [expression]: without using any special device for making
images larger: bằng mắt thường
Eg: We live miles away, but on a clear night, you can see the city skyscrapers with the
naked eye.
119. herbivores [n]: an animal that eats only plants: động vật ăn cỏ
Eg: Cows and sheep are herbivores.
120. physique [n]: the form, size, and development of a person's body: vóc dáng, thể chất
Eg: By 1540, Henry had become fat and he had lost the muscular physique he had when
he was younger.
121. ornamental [adj]: beautiful rather than useful: dùng để trang trí
Eg: The handles on each side of the box are purely ornamental
122. conserve [v]: protect (something, especially an environmentally or culturally
important place or thing) from harm or destruction: bảo tồn
Eg: As a result, their main impulse is to conserve wilderness from destruction by humans.
123. snorkel[n]: a short curved tube for a swimmer to breathe through while keeping the
face under water.: ống thở
Eg: But yesterday he donned his snorkel and flippers to defend his title as World
Champion Bog Snorkeller.
124. gigantic [adj]: of very great size or extent; huge or enormous.: to lớn,
đồ sộ
Eg: The hunt for a house has been a gigantic part of my life for the last year so
I'm bound to feel as if there's something missing.
125. grief [v]: deep sorrow, especially that caused by someone's death.: nỗi buồn
Eg: Grief over a traumatic death does not follow an accepted timeline.
126. mimic [v]: imitate (someone or their actions or words), typically in order to entertain
or ridicule.: bắt chước

+ Để tìm hiểu thông tin về các khóa học, bộ sách mới nhất của thầy Bách, các bạn truy cập: www.ngocbach.com
+ Hotline tư vấn đăng ký học: 0974657403 (email tư vấn: [email protected]) 136
 Eg: I've just mimicked him all my life, so he was a herpetologist, one who studies reptiles
127. compassion [n]: sympathetic pity and concern for the sufferings or misfortunes of
others.: long trắc ẩn
Eg: After supping her fill of horrors, her capacity to feel compassion was deeply affected.

PART 3: ANIMALS
5. How do you like taking care of animals?
(Give a direct answer to the question) To me, taking care of animals is an arduous task.
Besides providing all the necessary things, like food, water, shelter and safety, you also
need to provide quality health care for them. To be honest, I am not a very particular
animal lover to be honest. I get frightened by different kinds of animals due to my past
experience with them, and the only kind that I feel easy to be with are birds. (Give an
example (often a personal example)) I admire them for their beautiful voices and the
unique ability to fly.
6. What kinds of pets are most popular in Vietnam?
(Give a direct answer to the question) Vietnamese people loves their pets, especially
dogs. They appreciate dogs for the company and loyalty they provide. You could find a
dog, a cat or a cow being owned by a Vietnamese family. I think it is not for any monetary
reasons but rather because they like being surrounded by animals and taking great care
of them. Animals do bring a certain amount of happiness and togetherness in a family.
(Explain the opposite or alternative) Fish are another common pet in Vietnam even
though they don’t do much for their owners. Besides, some foreigners are surprised to
know that birds and reptiles are prefered by many Vietnamese.
7. What are some of the advantages and disadvantages of having a pet?
(Give a direct answer to the question) On the one hand, having domesticated animals at
home is interesting. Some people decide to own pets because they need a companion at
home. Playing with pets is a kind of refreshment. (Explain the opposite or alternative)
On the other hand, the disadvantages of having pets relate mostly to the responsibility of
caring for them. Pet owners must discharge their duties responsibly by feeding these
animals under their care with proper food, exercising them and ensuring they get medical
treatment, as well as the required yearly vaccination.

+ Để tìm hiểu thông tin về các khóa học, bộ sách mới nhất của thầy Bách, các bạn truy cập: www.ngocbach.com
+ Hotline tư vấn đăng ký học: 0974657403 (email tư vấn: [email protected]) 137
 Vocabulary:
73. arduous [adj]: involving or requiring strenuous effort; difficult and tiring.:
gian truân
Eg: Before becom ing a Mass server one had t o l earn the Lat i n responses
and t hi s was a l ong and arduous t ask.
74. shelter [n]: a place giving temporary protection from bad weather or dan ger.:
nơi trú ẩn
Eg: A year after the earthquake that devastated Gujarat, local people still live in
tents or temporary shelters.
75. particular [adj]: special, or this and not any other: đặc biệt
Eg: In the light of recent incidents, we are asking our customers to take particular care of
their personal belongings.
76. appreciate [v]: to recognize how good someone or something is and to value him,
her, or it: trân trọng
Eg: There's no point buying him expensive wines - he doesn't appreciate them.
77. surround [v]: to be everywhere around something: bao quanh
Eg: She said that she wanted to die surrounded by the people she loves
78. togetherness [n]: the pleasant feeling of being united with other people in friendship
and understanding: sự bên nhau
Eg: War had given to the community a greater sense of togetherness.
79. reptile [n]: an animal that produces eggs and uses the heat of the sun to keep
its blood warm: động vật bò sát
Eg: Reptiles are cold-blooded animals – they need the sun to stay warm.
80. domesticated [adj]: (of an animal) tame and kept as a pet or on a farm.: được thuần
hóa
Eg: However, milk-producing ruminant animals were domesticated about 10,000
years ago, according to archaeological evidence.
81. refreshment [n]: the fact of making sb feel stronger or less tired or hot: sự làm cho
sảng khoái
Eg: Minh is trying to find a place for rest and refreshment.
82. vaccination [n]: the process or an act of giving someone a vaccine (= a substance
put into a person's body to prevent them getting a disease): tiêm chủng
Eg: All the children were given two vaccinations against measles.

+ Để tìm hiểu thông tin về các khóa học, bộ sách mới nhất của thầy Bách, các bạn truy cập: www.ngocbach.com
+ Hotline tư vấn đăng ký học: 0974657403 (email tư vấn: [email protected]) 138
 19. Describe a crowded place you have been to

You should say:

When you went there

Who you went there with

Why you went there

And how you felt about it

(When you went there)

Most often, crowded places are public venues that attract a great number of people.
Megacities like New York, Beijing, and Tokyo are known for being exceptionally
crowded. Photos of massive crowds of people depict these cities' residents doing
everything from walking down the street to marching in parades and even sitting in traffic.
My experience at a crowded place was in one of these cities, Tokyo.

(Who you went there with)

Last month, my family decided to choose Tokyo as our holiday destination. Tokyo is
Japan's capital and the world's most populous metropolis. Today, Tokyo has become one
of the world’s most active major cities, home to cutting-edge technology, information,
culture, and fashion, as well as a high level of public safety.

(Why you went there)

Visiting Tokyo has always been one of my biggest travel dreams. It is a modern, fast-
paced city that still embraces its traditional roots. Even though the city is large, there’s a
sense of cleanliness and order about Tokyo that makes it extremely accessible to visitors.

(And how you felt about it)

+ Để tìm hiểu thông tin về các khóa học, bộ sách mới nhất của thầy Bách, các bạn truy cập: www.ngocbach.com
+ Hotline tư vấn đăng ký học: 0974657403 (email tư vấn: [email protected]) 139
 There are many things to talk about the once in a life time experience in Tokyo. Perhaps
best of all is its structure: lacking a clearly marked center, it’s made up of a patchwork
of different neighborhoods, each distinct in identity and atmosphere. “Animated" is
perhaps the best word to describe Tokyo. The most crowded place must be Shibuya
crossing, the biggest and busiest crossing in Tokyo, where sometimes 1000 or more
people cross the intersection at once. My family also experienced Tokyo’s crowded
trains during rush hour once, and the commotion was so bothersome. Apart from its
overwhelming number of people, I have nothing to complain about this city. Indeed, I am
particularly impressed with the civility and orderliness of the people here.

Part 3

PART 3: CROWDED PLACE

8. Do people like to go to crowded places? Why?
(Give a direct answer to the question) Yes, I think most modern people are into crowded
places and the reasons are manifold. (Explain your reason or reasons) Practically,
vibrant young people prefer sharing their activities with the crowd and take it as
collective enjoyment. (Explain the opposite or alternative) However, while young
people like adventure & loudness, older people value their privacy and their time by
themselves.
9. How can the problem of traffic congestion be solved?
(Give a direct answer to the question) On the one hand, adequate investment on road
improvements might help reduce chaotic traffic congestion in cities significantly
(Explain the opposite or alternative). Besides, implementing rail and subway systems
could guarantee that traffic congestion is properly addressed. (Explain your reason or
reasons) In fact, trains do not have to go through intersections and traffic lights, and
dedicated lines ensure their travel is hardly interrupted.
10. Why do people still like to live in big cities even though there are severe traffic
jams? (Give a direct answer to the question) Apparently, for many city dwellers, life in
the city is increasingly accessible and offers a plenty of opportunities. (Explain your
reason or reasons) Inarguably, when living in major cities, one will be presented with
better career prospects. For example, for those working in urban areas with more
qualifications, job positions in multinational companies would be more approachable.

+ Để tìm hiểu thông tin về các khóa học, bộ sách mới nhất của thầy Bách, các bạn truy cập: www.ngocbach.com
+ Hotline tư vấn đăng ký học: 0974657403 (email tư vấn: [email protected]) 140
 11. What public facilities does your city have?
(Give a direct answer to the question) Well, my city offers quite a wide range of public
facilities for its residents (Explain your reason or reasons) Thanks to the governmental
financial investment in improvements in systems of public transport, like bus or
underground services; our daily travel has been greatly facilitated.

Vocabulary from Town and City:

 public transport
Meaning: public vehicles such as buses and trains that operate at regular times on a fixed
route.
Example: This city offers an excellent system of public transport.

Other vocabulary:

128. manifold [adj]: many and of several different types: đa dạng, nhiều
Eg: Despite her manifold faults, she was a strong leader.

129. vibrant [adj]: full of energy and enthusiasm.: đầy nhiệt huyết
Eg: The director says that he has always been inspired by the vibrant energy of the youth
and the charm of campuses.
130. collective [adj]: of or shared by every member of a group of people: của chung

Eg: It was a collective decision/effort.

131. privacy [n]: the state of being alone: sự riêng tư

Eg: I hate sharing a bedroom - I never get any privacy.

132. chaotic [adj]: in a state of complete confusion and lack of order: h ỗn loạn
Eg: The traffic in the city is chaotic in the rush hour.
133. implement [v]: to start using a plan or system: triển khai thực hiện
Eg: The changes to the national health system will be implemented next year.
134. properly [adv]: correctly, or in a satisfactory way: một cách phù hợp
Eg: I'm not properly dressed for this kind of weather.
135. intersection [n]: a point or line common to lines or surfaces that intersect: ngã tư

+ Để tìm hiểu thông tin về các khóa học, bộ sách mới nhất của thầy Bách, các bạn truy cập: www.ngocbach.com
+ Hotline tư vấn đăng ký học: 0974657403 (email tư vấn: [email protected]) 141
 Eg: If you remember back to an economics class you might have taken, much time was
spent on the intersection of lines in those graphs.
136. approachable [adj]: (of a place) able to be reached from a particular direction or by
a particular means.: dễ tiếp cận
Eg: The headland it was built on forms a natural stronghold with the sea on three sides
and is only approachable from the north.
137. facility [n]: something such as a place, building, or equipment used for a particular
purpose or activity: cơ sở
Eg: His facility for memorizing dates was astonishing.

20. Describe a time when someone apologized to you

Describe a time when someone apologized to you

You should say:

When it was

Who this person is

Why he or she apologized to you

How you felt about it

(When it was and who this person is)

Apologizing is a part of good manners and I believe that it helps to pacify many
bothersome situations happening in everyday life. In several events, others have
apologized to me but the apology from my closest friend, Linh, was the most significant
to me. This happened a few months ago, my father presented me with two movie tickets,
as an incentive to achieve a full-scored performance in the English exam. The compelling
trailer of this movie captured my attention right away and I knew that I should enjoy it
with my bestie. Unhesitatingly, I decided to invite Linh, and we quickly made an
appointment for the cinema before 6pm.

(Why he or she apologized to you)

+ Để tìm hiểu thông tin về các khóa học, bộ sách mới nhất của thầy Bách, các bạn truy cập: www.ngocbach.com
+ Hotline tư vấn đăng ký học: 0974657403 (email tư vấn: [email protected]) 142
 As scheduled previously, Linh was supposed to show up at the cinema at 5:30, but
somehow she did not. I did give her so many rings, but she did not answer any of them.
I kept waiting until 6 pm, in case she was busy on something else, but in vain. In the
heat of the moment, I lost my temper and furiously left her a message, saying how
disappointed I was with her and asked whether she respected our relationship. A day later,
Linh called me and sent a heartfelt apology to me. She explained that on that day, her
younger brother was disturbed by a serious eating disorder and she had to take care of
him at the hospital. Because the incident was so sudden and unexpected, she was too
nervous to bring the phone with her and was unable to contact me. Linh hoped that I could
understand and sympathize with her.

(How you felt about it)

Honestly, I felt a little guilty for being too aggressive while knowing nothing about her
situation. From this incident, I also understand that everything happens for its own reason.
We should not jump to a conclusion without careful consideration. Besides, I think a
thank-you or a sincere apology is truly an indication of respect from the individual for
the relationship he or she is in.

Vocabulary from Personality:

 to lose one’s temper:
Meaning: to suddenly become angry
Example: You should not lose your temper in situations like that.

Other vocabulary:

1. pacify [v]: to make sb who is angry or upset become calm and quiet : làm yên, làm
nguôi ngoai
Eg: The speech was designed to pacify the irate crowd.
2. bothersome [adj]: special, good or unusual and therefore worth remembering or
easy to remember : đáng nhớ
Eg: This is a truly memorable occasion for all people involved.
3. incentive [n]: something that encourages you to do sth: động lực
Eg: In my country, there is literally no incentive for people to save fuel.

+ Để tìm hiểu thông tin về các khóa học, bộ sách mới nhất của thầy Bách, các bạn truy cập: www.ngocbach.com
+ Hotline tư vấn đăng ký học: 0974657403 (email tư vấn: [email protected]) 143
 4. give sb a ring [expression]: phone sb: gọi điện cho ai đó
Eg: Minh promised to give me a ring as soon as he came home.
5. in the heat of the moment [expression]: be in the moment of strong feelings,
especially of anger or excitement : trong lúc giận dữ, kích động
Eg: In the heat of the moment, Linda forgot what she wanted to say to her mother.
6. furiously [adv]: in an angry way : một cách giận dữ
Eg: All the architects worked furiously during the week, complaining that their wages
were unsatisfactory.
7. heartfelt [adj]: showing strong feelings that are sincere : chân thành, thật tâm
Eg: In the ceremony, the director expressed heartfelt gratitude to all the employees, who
worked diligently on the project.
8. sympathize with [v]: to feel sory for sb; to show that you understand and feel sorry
about sb’s problem : thông cảm, đồng cảm
Eg: The reporter sympathized with the victim, because she herself has undergone such
similar unhappy experiences.
9. jump to a conclusion [expression]: to make a decision about sth/ sb too quickly,
before you know or have thought about all the facts: vội vàng đi đến kết luận
Eg: The police neglectfully overlooked the situation and jumped to the conclusion that he
was guilty.
10. indication [n]: a remark or sign that shows that sth is happening or what sb is
thinking or feeling: sự biểu thị, dấu hiệu
Eg: Obviously, there are indications that the economy of this nation is improving.

PART 3: APOLOGIZE
12. On what occasion do people usually apologize to others?
(Give a direct answer to the question) Well, sometimes people apologize when realizing
they may have hurt another individual (i.e., physically, emotionally, mentally) by
accident. A sincere apology allows you to let people know you're not proud of what you
did, and won't be repeating the behavior. (Give an example (often a personal example))
For example, whenever I lose my temper and behave inappropriately towards others, I
send my apology to them afterwards.
13. Do people in your country like to say "sorry"?

+ Để tìm hiểu thông tin về các khóa học, bộ sách mới nhất của thầy Bách, các bạn truy cập: www.ngocbach.com
+ Hotline tư vấn đăng ký học: 0974657403 (email tư vấn: [email protected]) 144
 (Give a direct answer to the question) Well, not very often (Explain your reason or
reasons) I assume it’s not a part of our culture. (Give an example (often a personal
example)) From my experience, Japanese people are more inclined to say sorry.
Apologizing is built into the Japanese language. Japanese people have it in their blood;
they apologize all the time, even when it’s not their fault. It’s almost like a reflex, but it’s
not, because I could see the emotion in my Japanese friends’ eyes every time they
apologized to me. They even do it if they touch you by mistake or have their back turned
at you without being willing to.
14. Do you think people should apologize for anything wrong they do?
(Give a direct answer to the question) Yes, I do. (Explain your reason or reasons) If
something you've done has caused pain for another person, it's a good idea to apologize,
even if whatever you did was unintentional. This is because apologizing opens up the
doors to communication, which allows you to reconnect with the person who was hurt.
In these ways, being adept at apologizing when appropriate can bring the benefits that
come with stronger relationships, reduced conflict, and forgiveness—it's well worth the
effort.

Vocabulary from Personality:

 to lose one’s temper:
Meaning: to suddenly become angry
Example: You should not lose your temper in situations like that.

Other vocabulary:

138. inappropriately [adv]: in a way that is unsuitable, or wrong in a particular situation:

không phù hợp
Eg: There is nothing to suggest the attorney acted inappropriately in the case.

139. (be) inclined to [adj]: likely or wanting to do something: có khả năng làm gì
Eg: No one seemed inclined to help.
140. reflex [n]: a physical reaction to something that you cannot control: phản xạ
Eg: I'm sorry I punched him, it was a reflex action/response.

+ Để tìm hiểu thông tin về các khóa học, bộ sách mới nhất của thầy Bách, các bạn truy cập: www.ngocbach.com
+ Hotline tư vấn đăng ký học: 0974657403 (email tư vấn: [email protected]) 145
 141. unintentional [adj]: not done on purpose.: không cố ý
Eg: There's an unintentional feeling of sadness in Woody Allen's latest comedy.
142. adept [adj]: having a natural ability to do something that needs skill: khéo léo
Eg: She's very adept at dealing with the media.
143. worth the effort [expression]: If you say that something is worth the effort, you
mean that it will justify the energy that you have spent or will spend on it: xứng công
Eg: Fortunately, the chore of leaf sweeping is well worth the effort.

21. Describe a change that can improve your local area

Describe a change that can improve your local area

You should say:

What it is

How it can be made

What benefit it will bring

And how you feel about it

(What it is)

I’m going to describe a change that can improve my local area, which is the construction
of a new giant building in the city center. Located in the city center, this building would
be a complex of shopping malls, hotels and offices. For a small area like my city, the
advent of a modern, state-of-the-art shopping mall would be an undoubtedly favorable
development. It would consists mainly in changes related to social, economic, as well as
functional and spatial spheres.

(How it can be made)

Well, I think it is the local authorities’ responsibility to initiate such a large-scale project.
The construction of this building would require a professional architectural firm, a team

+ Để tìm hiểu thông tin về các khóa học, bộ sách mới nhất của thầy Bách, các bạn truy cập: www.ngocbach.com
+ Hotline tư vấn đăng ký học: 0974657403 (email tư vấn: [email protected]) 146
 of subcontractors, a knowledgeable contractor, and a cooperative developer/owner to get
the job done in a reasonable time frame.

(What benefit it will bring)

There are many benefits that follow such a development for a small area. First, this
complex would incorporate ample parking in its design and construction. This would
make it advantageous for people who choose to shop there instead of a single store. With
a wider range of goods and services, the overall consumer spending would be strongly
stimulated, which favors the provincial economy. The center would also allow foreign
visitors to purchase goods with greater diversity, as compared to other supermarkets in
the past.

(And how you felt about it)

Apparently, such an improvement would exert a long-term influence on the lives of local
people in plenty of aspects, such as the economy, tourism. As a part of the city, I feel
really excited about this progressive turn and I believe the building would enhance
people’s living standards as a whole. Most importantly, the success of this building would
lay the very foundation for other large-scale investments in my city.

Vocabulary from Town and City:

 shopping malls
Meaning: large indoor shopping centres
Example: There are many shopping malls in the city centre.

Other vocabulary:

144. favorable [adj]: to the advantage of sb/sth: thuận lợi

Eg: The speaker announced the favorabl e est abli shm ent of a new coll ege.
145. spatial [adj]: of or relating to space: thuộc về không gian
Eg: The exhibition has great spatial sense.

+ Để tìm hiểu thông tin về các khóa học, bộ sách mới nhất của thầy Bách, các bạn truy cập: www.ngocbach.com
+ Hotline tư vấn đăng ký học: 0974657403 (email tư vấn: [email protected]) 147
 146. initiate [v]: to make something begin: đề xuất, khởi xướng
Eg: The government has initiated a program of economic reform.
147. incorporate [v]: include/ take sth in as a form: kết hợp, tích hợp
Eg: The building incorporates a lot of state-of-the-art facilities.
148. consumer spending [expression]: the spending of consumer: chi tiêu của người tiêu
dùng
Eg: Consumer spending this year has increased exponentially.
149. stimulate [v]: to make something develop or become more active; to encourage
something: kích thích, khuyến khích
Eg: The article can be used to stimulate discussion among students.
150. long-term [adj]: that will last or have an effect over a long period of time: dài hạn
Eg: At the moment, long-term investment in education would favour the overall
development of this nation.
151. progressive [adj]: happening or developing steadily: đang phát triển
Eg: There is a progressive reduction in the size of the workforce.
152. large-scale [adj]: involving many people or things, especially over a wide area: có
quy mô, kích cỡ lớn
Eg: This building is a large-scale development for our nation.
153. lay the foundation for sth [expression]: set, start a principle, an idea or a fact
that something is based on and that it grows from: đặt nền tảng cho cái gì
Eg: Respect and friendship lay a solid foundation for marriage.

PART 3: COMMUNITY

15. Why are people living in a community friendly with others?

(Give a direct answer to the question) Well, it is quite easy to understand the importance
of living in a community (Explain your reason or reasons) Being a part of a community
can make us feel as though we are a part of something greater than ourselves. It can give
us opportunities to connect with people, to reach for our goals, and makes us feel safe and
secure. (Give an example (often a personal example)) In the age where technology both
connects us and separates us, a friendly residential area can greatly benefit our well-
being and can increase our contentment in day-to-day life.

+ Để tìm hiểu thông tin về các khóa học, bộ sách mới nhất của thầy Bách, các bạn truy cập: www.ngocbach.com
+ Hotline tư vấn đăng ký học: 0974657403 (email tư vấn: [email protected]) 148
 16. Do people like living in community?
(Give a direct answer to the question) I think the majority do. (Explain your reason or
reasons) It seems that our sense of self-worth and well-being is inextricably linked to
the feeling that we are part of a group. This sense of belonging allows us to feel
acknowledged and recognized for who we truly are. This sense of belonging is very much
part and parcel of being a member of an intentional community. Through sharing our
lives on a daily basis we can also enjoy mutually supportive relationships that can be
more trusting than usual.
17. Where do people in a community usually have a social gathering?
(Give a direct answer to the question) Well, the organization of a social gathering would
be in the interest of the people involved. (Explain your reason or reasons) Social
gatherings develop social skills and empathy—the outward-oriented dimensions of
emotional intelligence. Participating in social events enables individuals to meet people
who can help them academically, or even professionally. Relationship-building is a good
habit that students need to learn because the world of work requires aptitude in
negotiation, communication and, well, more networking.

Vocabulary from Town and City:

 residential area
Meaning: an area where people live
Example: I live in a residential area of a busy town in the south of Spain

Other vocabulary:

154. contentment [n]: a state of happiness and satisfaction.: sự hài lòng

Eg: Reddy was an avid reader and got many hours of contentment and enjoyment from
books and newspapers.

155. inextricably [adv]: in a way that is unable to be separated, released, or

escaped from: chặt chẽ
Eg: The Louis Armstrong legend is inextricably linked with his recordings.
156. part and parcel [expression]: to be a feature of something, especially a feature that
cannot be avoided: là một phần của

+ Để tìm hiểu thông tin về các khóa học, bộ sách mới nhất của thầy Bách, các bạn truy cập: www.ngocbach.com
+ Hotline tư vấn đăng ký học: 0974657403 (email tư vấn: [email protected]) 149
 Eg: Being recognized in the street is part and parcel of being a celebrity.
157. supportive [adj]: showing agreement and giving encouragement: có tính giúp đỡ
Eg: Children with supportive parents often do better at school than those without.
158. in the interest of [expression]: if you do something in the interests of a particular
result or situation, you do it in order to achieve that result or maintain that situation: có
lợi cho ai
Eg: A call for all businessmen to work together is in the interests of national stability.
159. aptitude [n]: a natural ability or skill: năng lực
Eg: We will take your personal aptitudes and abilities into account.
160. negotiation [n]: the process of discussing something with someone in order to reach
an agreement with them, or the discussions themselves: sự thương lượng
Eg: The agreement was reached after a series of difficult negotiations.

22. Describe a person who taught you something (knowledge or principles)

Describe a person who taught you something (knowledge or principles)

You should say:

Who this person is

What he/she is like

What he/she taught you

And how you felt about him/her

(Who this person is)

Teaching and imparting knowledge with others is an essential part in life. Today I’m
going to talk about a person who taught me public speaking. He is Mr Minh Quan, the
CEO of my company. Despite his young age, he holds an important position in the

+ Để tìm hiểu thông tin về các khóa học, bộ sách mới nhất của thầy Bách, các bạn truy cập: www.ngocbach.com
+ Hotline tư vấn đăng ký học: 0974657403 (email tư vấn: [email protected]) 150
 company and is highly valued by other people. Apart from being my superior, he is also
my university senior, and we get on very well with each other.

(What he/she is like)

Being a chef executive, he is always occupied with work, but I rarely see him displaying
tiredness. Mr Quan is in charge of directing the company as well as delegating tasks to
personnel. Besides, he also undertakes crucial negotiations with other partners, which
requires both interpersonal skills and working experience accumulated over the years.

(What he/she taught you)

Well, I first met him through a start-up competition, in which his team convincingly won
the first prize. In his team, Mr Quan stood out as the most competent contestant, with his
articulate and assertive performance in public speaking, which mainly contributed to his
team’s astounding victory. Therefore, I tried to make friends with him after the
competition and asked for his tips with regards to public speaking. Luckily, he accepted
without hesitation and from then on, he has been very accommodating.

(And how you felt about him/her)

I feel really fortunate to get to know him and be instructed by him to speak more
confidently in front of the public. Under any circumstances, he would maintain his
punctuality, which not only endears himself to clients but also sets a good example for
other employees. Most importantly, he always handles every situation with responsibility
and complete impartiality.

Vocabulary from Relationship:

 to get on well with
Meaning: to understand someone and enjoy similar interests
Example: We all get on really well and have a lot in common so we’re always happy
doing the same things and going to the same places

Other vocabulary:

+ Để tìm hiểu thông tin về các khóa học, bộ sách mới nhất của thầy Bách, các bạn truy cập: www.ngocbach.com
+ Hotline tư vấn đăng ký học: 0974657403 (email tư vấn: [email protected]) 151
 161. impart [v]: as for something; speaking about something khi xét đến, nhắc đến
cái gì
Eg: When it com es to fi shing, John i s an ex pert .

162. delegate [v]: to give a particular job, duty, right, etc. to someone else
so that they do it for you: giao việc
Eg: As a boss, you have to delegate responsibilities to your staff.
163. interpersonal skills [expression]: skills that are connected with the relationship
between people: kĩ năng giao tiếp
Eg: Interpersonal skills are necessary for employees of every field.
164. accumulate [v]: to collect a large number of things over a long period of time: tích
lũy
Eg: As people accumulate more wealth, they tend to spend a greater proportion of their
income.
165. articulate [adj]: able to express thoughts and feelings easily and clearly, or showing
this quality: ăn nói lưu loát
Eg: Selena is an intelligent and highly articulate young woman.
166. without hesitation [expression]: if you say that someone does something without
hesitation, you are emphasizing that they do it immediately and willingly.: không do dự
Eg: The great majority of players would, of course, sign the contract without hesitation.
167. punctuality [n]: the habit of arriving or happening at the time that has been
agreed: sự đúng hẹn, đúng giờ
Eg: There is a bonus scheme for employees who sho w good performance and
punctuality.
168. endear oneself to sth [v]: make sb like oneself, sth: khiến ai yêu thích
Eg: His courtesy endears himself to other girls in his class.
169. set a good example for [expression]: to behave in a way that other people should
copy: làm gương tốt
Eg: You should be setting a good example to your younger brother.
170. impartiality [n]: the state of not supporting any of the sides involved in an argument:
sự công bằng, không thiên vị
Eg: The state must ensure the independence and impartiality of the justice system.

+ Để tìm hiểu thông tin về các khóa học, bộ sách mới nhất của thầy Bách, các bạn truy cập: www.ngocbach.com
+ Hotline tư vấn đăng ký học: 0974657403 (email tư vấn: [email protected]) 152
 13. Describe an achievement when you put great effort to gain (Describe a goal you
set and achieved.)
Describe an achievement when you put great effort to gain

You should say:

what it was;

why you set this goal;

whether it was difficult to achieve this goal;

and explain how you felt about achieving this goal.

(What it was)

Well, I think sometimes people spend their whole life earning money and fame. No doubt,
money is necessary for living but it is not the thing that is the biggest achievement
according to me. So far, my most fulfilled achievement is overcoming cut throat
competition to receive the fully-funded scholarship to study in the US for a semester I
recently received.

(Why you set this goal)

Studying abroad has always been one of my biggest ambitions and if I can achieve this, I
will be able to get access to a more advanced education, which is a golden opportunity
for personal development. Studying in a foreign country is not merely a change of location
but also of language, culture, and perspective, which is likely to have a profound impact
on one’s identity and future. Indeed, studying abroad can be a life-changing experience
for students, allowing for tremendous academic, professional, and personal growth.

(Whether it was difficult to achieve this goal)

Of course, it is very challenging and cumbersome to receive a foreign scholarship.

Applying to a foreign university is a lengthy procedure, which not only requires an
excellent academic performance, but also your active participation in extracurricular

+ Để tìm hiểu thông tin về các khóa học, bộ sách mới nhất của thầy Bách, các bạn truy cập: www.ngocbach.com
+ Hotline tư vấn đăng ký học: 0974657403 (email tư vấn: [email protected]) 153
 activities. Besides, the intense level of competition is unavoidable, as there are numerous
potential and competent applicants. Besides, for my family’s financial situation, money
for education was always too much of a privilege. But I always study with perseverance,
believing that knowledge would serve me well regardless of my surroundings.

(And explain how you felt about achieving this goal)

Well, this achievement means a lot to me because it not only fulfills my long-held dream
of studying abroad, but also reaffirms the faith that hard work does get recognized and
appreciated. This allows me the chance to get access to a network of like-minded, hard-
working, and dedicated peers. I believe that I am fully equipped to overcome all the
obstacles that may arise during my time abroad. I am confident that the experience not
only can help me advance in my academic and career development but also widen my
perspective of the world and of myself.

Vocabulary from Business:

 cut throat competition
Meaning: intense competition
Example: Entering the national football team is cut throat competition for all.

Other vocabulary:

171. fully-funded [expression]: fully funded means everything is paid for: được tài
trợ toàn diện
Eg: Full y Funded S chol arships m ean t he S chol arshi p whi ch covers your
whol e stud y, t ravel and li vi ng cost.

172. a golden opportunity [expression]: a special, wonderful opportunity: cơ hội vàng,

cơ hội tuyệt vời
Eg: Businesses have a golden opportunity to expand into new markets.
173. profound [adj]: (of a state, quality, or emotion) very great or intense.: rất lớn
Eg: For these women and for hundreds of other men and women who have experienced
tremendous loss, the past year has piled myriad emotions on top of profound sadness.

+ Để tìm hiểu thông tin về các khóa học, bộ sách mới nhất của thầy Bách, các bạn truy cập: www.ngocbach.com
+ Hotline tư vấn đăng ký học: 0974657403 (email tư vấn: [email protected]) 154
 174. cumbersome [adj]: 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.
175. level of competition [n]: the extent, degree of a competition between people : mức
độ cạnh tranh
Eg: The level of competition in this class is getting more intense.
176. competent [adj]: having enough skills or knowledge to do sth well: có năng lực, trình
độ
Eg: Nam is regarded as the most competent employee.
177. perseverance [n]: the effort to overcome difficulties and obstacles: sự kiên trì,bền bỉ
Eg: They showed great perseverance in the face of difficulties
178. regardless of [expression]: irrespective of: bất kể
Eg: W e recrui t all quali fi ed em pl oyees regardl ess of race.
179. like-minded [adj]: having similar tastes or opinions.: cùng chí hướng
Eg: Do Australians surround themselves with like-minded people and what
unites and divides them?
180. equip [v]: to provide a person or a place with objects that are necessary for a
particular purpose: trang bị
Eg: All the police officers were equipped with shields to defend themselves against the
rioters.

23. Describe a ideal house or apartment you would like to live in the future

You should say:

 What it is like
 Where it is
 When you want to live there
 And explain why it is ideal to you

(What it is like) Now, I would like to share with you a bit about a house that I would
love to live in. The walls will be painted in white, which will make my house look a lot

+ Để tìm hiểu thông tin về các khóa học, bộ sách mới nhất của thầy Bách, các bạn truy cập: www.ngocbach.com
+ Hotline tư vấn đăng ký học: 0974657403 (email tư vấn: [email protected]) 155
 brighter and reduce the absorption of heat. Also, the doors will all be glass because there
is nothing more elegant than glass. I follow the minimalism of the Japanese, and I am
lazy, so there will be nothing much inside my house apart from a kitchen, creamy lights,
and some very essential necessities. There is no question of paintings or complicated
furniture being in my house.

(Where it is) I’ve dreamed of having a big detached house with spacious rooms in the
resort city of Danang since it was crowned the most liveable city in Vietnam, and has
won this title for 5 years, leaving far behind its rivals such as Vung Tau, which is my
hometown, and Ho Chi Minh city, which is the wealthiest city in Vietnam. Danang is
such a stunning coastal city with magnificent views of the sea and the mountains. It’s
natural and modern at the same time, that’s why I would love to live there.

(When you want to live there) I would love to live in this house when I graduate from
university and have a stable job. Only at that time will I be able to leave Ho Chi Minh
city for Da Nang because I have to finish my degree at a university in Ho Chi Minh city.

(And explain why it is ideal to you) From what I’ve said, there are two main reasons.
This house is located in the city of Danang, which is a coastal city with beautiful beaches
and mountains. The house is built in deference to Japanese minimalism and I’m a couch
potato who does not want to spend time on tidying up the house too frequently.

Vocabulary from accommodation:

1. Detached house (n): a house that is not physically connected to another property

Example: Prices are rising so fast that people can't afford detached houses.

2. Spacious room (n): a large room

Example: a spacious house/living room

3. To be crowned (v): được trao vương miện/thắng cái gì đó

Example: Queen Elizabeth II was crowned (queen) (= made queen in

a special ceremony) in 1953.

Nữ hoàng Elizabeth II được trao vương miện vào năm 1953.

4. To leave someone far behind (n): bỏ xa ai đó.

Example: Three years later, the company had left all its close rivals far behind.

+ Để tìm hiểu thông tin về các khóa học, bộ sách mới nhất của thầy Bách, các bạn truy cập: www.ngocbach.com
+ Hotline tư vấn đăng ký học: 0974657403 (email tư vấn: [email protected]) 156
 Ba năm sau đó, công ty này đã bỏ xa các đối thủ.

5. Absorption (n): sự hút

Example: Some poisonous gases can enter the body by absorption through the skin.

Một số loại khí có thể đi vào cơ thể qua đường hút của da.

6. In deference to something (phrase): theo cái gì đó.

Example: She covered her head in deference to Muslim custom.

Cô ấy che đầu lại theo luật Hồi giáo.

7. Couch potato (n): người lười biếng.

Example: A couch potato is a person who watches a lot of television and does not have
an active life

Một “couch potato” là người xem TV rất nhiều và không có một cuộc sống năng động.

PART 3

1. Where do people in Vietnam like to live, in a house or an apartment?

People in Vietnam are considered to give their preference to private houses due to the
overwhelming part of the population dwelling in private houses. However, an increasing
number of citizens, especially in cities, choose to live in apartments as a result of the
population explosion, which has triggered a substantial rise in the prices of private houses.

2. What are the benefits of living in a house?

The first benefit of living in a house is that one can feel a clearer sense of privacy as they
do not face as much neighbour-driven trouble as those living in apartments. Also, it is
worth highlighting the extent to which citizens living in their own houses can save money
normally spent on different areas such as security or public area cleaning services.

3. Why do many people like to live in the city?

The answer is more than simple - it’s convenience. Not only can people enjoy more
convenience in terms of shopping and services, but they can also have the chance to send
their children to elite schools. Viewed from another perspective, those who prefer a hectic
life tend to live in the city as it offers them enough hustle and bustle.

4. Where do people like to live, in the city center or the suburbs?

+ Để tìm hiểu thông tin về các khóa học, bộ sách mới nhất của thầy Bách, các bạn truy cập: www.ngocbach.com
+ Hotline tư vấn đăng ký học: 0974657403 (email tư vấn: [email protected]) 157
 Many people want to live in the city centre. This can be clearly seen in the case of Ho Chi
Minh city. Since a majority of companies and offices are based in central districts such
as District 1, District 3, people tend to live as close to those districts as possible, mostly
in District 2 and District 7.

Vocabulary:

1. To give preference to something (phrase): ưu tiên

Example: The city gives preference to job applicants who live there.

Thành phố này ưu tiên những người xin việc sống ở đó.

2. To dwell (v): trú ngụ

Example: She dwelt in remote parts of Asia for many years.

Cô ây trú ngụ tại những hơi hẻo lánh ở Châu Á trong nhiều năm

3. To feel a/an + adj + sense of something (phrase): cảm thấy cái gì đó rõ ràng hơn

Example: He felt a deep sense of relief after the phone call

Anh ấy cảm thấy một sự nhẹ nhàng rõ ràng sau cuốc điện thoại.

4. -driven (suffix): được gây ra, ảnh hưởng bởi cái gì đó.

Example: The company's policies are essentially cost-driven.

Những chính sách của công ty chủ yếu là bị ảnh hưởng bởi chi phí (chi phí là cái quyết
định chính sách)

5. Elite (adj): ưu tú

Example: Ha Noi – Amsterdam and Le Hong Phong are two of the elite schools in
Vietnam.

Hà Nội – Amsterdam và Lê Hồng Phong là hai trong số các trường ưu trú ở Việt Nam.

6. Hectic (adj): bận rộn

Example: The area has become a haven for people tired of the hectic pace of city life.

Khu vực này đã trở thành thiên đường cho những người mệt mỏi với nhịp sống bận rộn
của thành phố.

7. Hustle and bustle (idiom): hối hả và nhộn nhịp

+ Để tìm hiểu thông tin về các khóa học, bộ sách mới nhất của thầy Bách, các bạn truy cập: www.ngocbach.com
+ Hotline tư vấn đăng ký học: 0974657403 (email tư vấn: [email protected]) 158
 Example: I love the hustle and bustle of the marketplace.

Tôi yêu cái sự hối hả và nhộn nhịp của khu chợ này.

24. Describe a successful small company that you know

You should say

 What it is
 How you knew about it
 How it became successful
 And explain how you felt about it

(what it is) the term entrepreneur has been all the rage recently as thousands of
successful start-ups deliver motivational speeches to inspire entrepreneurship. Among
different kinds of small start-ups, Trinh homestay, located in the Mekong Delta, has
emerged as one of the most successful ones in the prime age of tourism in Vietnam.

(how you knew about it) As AirBnB, an app which supports homestays, has succeeded
in running marketing campaigns and offering lots of deals for both customers and
homeowners, it is regarded as an ideal alternative to traditional hotels, which will cost
customers an arm and a leg. Facebook and Instagram have been flooded with thousands
of posts about AirBnB services and some months ago, I stumbled on Trinh homestay.

(how it became succesful) An article on CNN cast a spotlight on Trinh homestay,

helping her homestay gain independence from AirBnB. First, Trinh homestay was just
like millions of other homestays on AirBnB, however, Trinh’s creativity and ardour for
the Vietnamese culture lifted her first homestay out of AirBnB as Trinh homestay
expanded. Trinh has built many homestays in other provinces in the Mekong Delta.

(and explain how you felt about it) I believe that Trinh homestay, albeit operated on a
small scale, should be an exemplifier of the importance of creativity as well as a profound
knowledge of the local culture. Also, her success can be attributed to the fact that she
alone has built a small niche business that caters for culture enthusiasts and ran her
business on her own during the first days of Trinh Homestay. Other homestays in
Vietnam should follow this model using the cultural traits of their own regions to apply
to their own homestays, creating an atmosphere that represents the local region’s culture
right in the place where tourists stay.

+ Để tìm hiểu thông tin về các khóa học, bộ sách mới nhất của thầy Bách, các bạn truy cập: www.ngocbach.com
+ Hotline tư vấn đăng ký học: 0974657403 (email tư vấn: [email protected]) 159
 Vocabulary from business:

1. Entrepreneur (n): khởi nghiệp

Example: He’s an entrepreneur who made his money in computer software.

Anh ấy là một nhà khởi nghiệp mà tự làm ra tiền từ phần mềm máy tính.

2. Niche business (n): một doanh nghiệp phục vụ một thị trường cụ thể (doanh nghiệp
ngách)

Example: It’s a small niche business that runs courses in how to cook.

Nó là một doanh nghiệp ngách mà có những lớp dạy nấu ăn.

3. To run business (phrase): điều hành một công ty

Example: He runs a dry cleaning business.

Anh ấy điều hành một công ty giặt khô.

Other vocabulary:

1. To be all the rage (idiom): rất phổ biến

Example: In China, Mercedes-Benz cars are all the rage among the moneyed elite.

Ở Trung Quốc, xe Mercedes-Benz rất phổ biến ở giới thượng lưu nhiều tiền.

2. To cost someone an arm and a leg (idiom): rất mắc

Example: I'd love to buy a Porsche, but they cost an arm and a leg.

Tôi muốn mua một chiếc xe Porsche nhưng nó rất mắc.

Mọt cộng đồng người nước ngoài đã sống ở đó.

4. To stumble across/on (phrase): vô tình thấy cái gì đó.

Example: Look at what I stumbled across/on at the flea market!

Hãy nhìn coi mình thấy cái gì ở ngoài chợ trời nè!

Anh ấy cho thuê nhà dài hạn.

5. To cast spotlight on something (phrase): làm cái gì đó được nổi tiếng

Example: New high-res cameras cast a spotlight on fiery Popocatepetl volcano near
Mexico City.

+ Để tìm hiểu thông tin về các khóa học, bộ sách mới nhất của thầy Bách, các bạn truy cập: www.ngocbach.com
+ Hotline tư vấn đăng ký học: 0974657403 (email tư vấn: [email protected]) 160
 Các máy ảnh độ phân giải cao mới làm núi lửa Popocatepetl gần Mexico City trở nên nổi
tiếng.

6. Exemplifier (n): ví dụ

Example: Singapore is an exemplifier for the ability to prevail of a small country.

Singapore là một ví dụ điển hình cho khả năng thành công của một quốc gia nhỏ.

Part 3

1. Which do you prefer, family firms or non-family ones?

I prefer non-family businesses because they tend to be more professional and organised.
Meanwhile family firms are significantly less professional as employees in this kind of
business are not trained in a standard way.

2. What are important factors in making a company successful?

The most important factor which springs to my mind is the human. While it’s undeniable
that technology plays an integral role in delivering success to a company, it is the human
that has the control over technology and operates it.

3. What kinds of qualities should a successful businessman have?

Common sense, of course. This is a quality which everyone should have, not only
successful businessmen. Moreover, a successful businessman should also be able to
formulate visionary policies and strategies.

4. What emerging industries do you know?

To the best of my knowledge, some emerging industries are tourism and beauty.
Vietnam’s tourism industry has been expanding at a double-digit rate, at least 10% for
the past 5 years. Meanwhile the beauty industry is also growing very fast as the
consumption of cosmetics is growing 5% per year.

Vocabulary:

1. to spring to mind (phrase): nảy ra trong đầu

Example: Say the word "Australia" and

a vision of beaches and blue seas immediately springs to mind.

Chỉ cần nói chữ Australia là một ý nghĩ về biển xanh lập tức nảy ra trong đầu

+ Để tìm hiểu thông tin về các khóa học, bộ sách mới nhất của thầy Bách, các bạn truy cập: www.ngocbach.com
+ Hotline tư vấn đăng ký học: 0974657403 (email tư vấn: [email protected]) 161
 2. to have control over something (phrase): kiểm soát

Example: She doesn't have any control over that child - it's embarrassing.

Cô ta chẳng thể kiểm soát được đứa trẻ đó, thật là xấu hổ.

3. common sense (phrase): sự biết điều, suy nghĩ cơ bản

Example: Common sense and creativity are the essential qualities we need in
an employee.

Sự biết điều và sự sáng tạo là hai thứ quan trọng mà chúng tôi cần ở một nhân viên.

4. visionary (adj): có tầm nhìn

Example: A visionary thinking

Một suy nghĩ có tầm nhìn

5. to formulate a policy (phrase): tạo ra chính sách

Example: The government has just formulated a policy which requires all foreign
passengers to have a health certificate when entering the country.

Chính phủ vừa tạo ra chính sác bắt buộc tất cả các vị khách từ nước ngoài phải có giấy
khám sức khỏe khi tới nước họ.

6. double-digit (adj): hai số.

Example: The Asian tigers have seen a double-digit growth in the past decades.

Những con rồng châu Á đang phát triển ít nhất 2 số (vd: >=10%) trong những thập niên
qua.

25. Describe a person on the news that you’d like to meet

You should say:

 Who this person is

 Where you knew him/her
 What he/she is like
 And explain why you want to meet him/her

+ Để tìm hiểu thông tin về các khóa học, bộ sách mới nhất của thầy Bách, các bạn truy cập: www.ngocbach.com
+ Hotline tư vấn đăng ký học: 0974657403 (email tư vấn: [email protected]) 162
 (Who this person is) Following the strong emergence of feminism during the past 10
years, females have gained a strong foothold in the world’s politics. Among all of the
female leaders in the world, Theresa May is the one I would like to meet the most.

(Where you knew him/her) I know Theresa May from the BBC. She is a former Prime
Minister of the United Kingdom. She filled the void after her predecessor, David
Cameroon, resigned upon the UK’s choice to leave the EU. She was mainly in charge of
negotiations for a Brexit deal with EU leaders so as to bring the most benefits to the UK,
which seemed to be an unfeasible thing to do.

(What he/she is like) She is really famous for wearing a suit with her huge necklace and
short hair. Albeit in her 60s, she is deemed to look much older for her age, probably due
to the stress she has suffered. However, she has a fair complexion that Asians really like
and looks pretty well-turned out. She always gets dressed up to the nines whenever she
appears in public.

(Explain why you would like to meet him/her) Although the UK kept pouring scorn
on her capabilities, I hold an opinion that she strived to deliver Brexit in a way that the
UK wanted. Yet, she was in a position that no one else would have wanted to be in and I
believe that she did make pretty much of an effort to deliver Brexit. So I would like to
meet her because she was a patient and dedicated politician who worked towards the
mutual benefit of the whole UK.

Vocabulary from physical appearance:

1. Look older for someone’s age (phrase): Trông già hơn tuổi

Example: The makeup makes Lyn look older for her age.

Việc trang điểm làm Lyn trông già hơn tuổi.

2. A fair complexion (phrase): một làn da trắng

Example: A majority of Korean women want to have a fair complexion.

Phần lớn phụ nữ Hàn Quốc muốn có một làn da trắng.

3. To be well-turned out (phrase): trông thông minh

Example: She’s always well-turned out.

Cô ấy trông khá thông minh.

+ Để tìm hiểu thông tin về các khóa học, bộ sách mới nhất của thầy Bách, các bạn truy cập: www.ngocbach.com
+ Hotline tư vấn đăng ký học: 0974657403 (email tư vấn: [email protected]) 163
 4. To get dressed up to the nines (idiom): mặc đồ chỉnh tề

Example: I really don’t see the point in getting dressed up to the nines unless you’re
going somewhere special.

Tôi thực sự thấy việc mặc đồ chỉnh tề luôn cần thiết, ngoại trừ khi bạn đi đâu đó đặc biệt.

Other vocabulary:

1. Emergence (n): sự vượt lên

Example: During his 10-year tenure at Disney, he oversaw the company's emergence
as a major producer of TV programming.

Trong vòng nhiệm kì 10 năm tại Disney, ông ấy nhận thấy được sự nổi lên của công ty
trở thành một nhà sản xuất chính trong các chương trình TV.

2. Gain a strong foothold in something (phrase): chiếm được một chỗ đứng chắc trong
một cái gì đó.

Example: In buying their business, the company gains a major foothold in

a market it considers critical to the future of the industry.

Bằng việc mua lại kinh doanh của họ, công ty đã chiếm được một chỗ đứng chắc trong
thị trường mà họ xem quan trọng với tương lai của họ.

3. Resign (v): từ chức

Example: He resigned from the company in order to take a more challenging job.

Anh ấy từ chức trong công ty để tiếp nhận một công việc đầy thử thách hơn.

4. Pour scorn on something (phrase): chỉ trích cái gì đó

Example: Critics of the president have been pouring scorn on the plan ever since it was
first proposed.

Những nhà phê bình của tổng thống chỉ trích gay gắt về kế hoạch ngay từ khi nó được đề
xuất lần đầu tiên.

Part 3

1. What kind of people do you usually see in the news?

+ Để tìm hiểu thông tin về các khóa học, bộ sách mới nhất của thầy Bách, các bạn truy cập: www.ngocbach.com
+ Hotline tư vấn đăng ký học: 0974657403 (email tư vấn: [email protected]) 164
 People that appear in the news vary significantly, from criminals to heroes. However,
most of the time, we’re most likely to see celebrities in their glamorous outfits and
politicians delivering speeches.

2. Are stories about celebrities in the news always true?

The question of should one believe stories about celebrities in the news is always a topic
of debate in society. I don’t think so since celebrities may pay the broadcasters to boast
about their lives in order to build a good image of themselves.

3. ls news often about famous people? Why?

The news is not always about famous people, sometimes it covers the stories of other
people also such as those suffering in the bushfires that have raged on in Australian
forests. This is the case because people want to know about not only celebrities but also
events. happening around the world.

4. Could superstars bring a positive influence to the public?

Yes, I believe they are capable of bringing a positive influence to the public, especially
through their charity programmes. For example, Novak Djokovic, a super tennis star who
has been the World No.1 for three years in a row, has founded a charity organisation
called the Novak Djokovic Foundation which aims at helping children in Serbia, which
was a war-torn country some years ago.

1. glamorous (adj): lộng lẫy

Example: She was looking very glamorous.

Cô ấy trông lấy rộng lẫy.

2. to deliver a speech (phrase): phát biểu

Example: The Governor of New York delivered a rousing speech to

the national convention.

Thống đốc New York đã có một bài phát biểu sôi nổi trước hội nghị quốc gia.

3. to boast about sth/sb (phrase): khoe khoang

Example: Parents enjoy boasting about their children's achievements.

Những bậc phụ huynh thường thích khoe khoang về thành tích của con cái họ

+ Để tìm hiểu thông tin về các khóa học, bộ sách mới nhất của thầy Bách, các bạn truy cập: www.ngocbach.com
+ Hotline tư vấn đăng ký học: 0974657403 (email tư vấn: [email protected]) 165
 4. bush fire (n): cháy rừng

Example: Many animals are fleeing the bushfires in Australia.

Rất nhiều động vật đang chạy trốn khỏi cái bụi cháy rừng ở Úc.

5. to rage on (phrsal verb): xảy ra một cách bạo liệt

Example: The argument rages on (= continues strongly).

Cuộc cãi nhau xảy ra một cách bạo liệt.

6. in a row (phrase): liên tiếp

Example: She's been voted Best Actress three years in a row.

Cô ấy thắng giải Diễn viên nữ xuất sắc nhất trong 3 năm liên tiếp.

7. war-torn (adj): xé toạc bởi chiến tranh

Example: It is a long-term task to rebuild the infrastructure of a war-torn country such

as Angola.

Việc xây dựng lại cơ sở hạ tầng cho một quốc gia bị xé toạc bởi chinh chiến như Angola
là một nhiệm vụ lâu dài.?

26. Describe the article on health you read on magazine or the Internet
You should say:

 What it was
 Where you read it
 Why you read it
 And how you felt about it

(What it was) Health is emerging as one of the most popular topics of magazines and
newspapers today. Articles on health have been all the rage these days, one of the most
prominent ones was an extract of a book on the use of tretinoin in treating skin problems.

(Where you read it) I stumbled on this article on Facebook. I’m a member of a group
which reviews beauty and cosmetics. Someone, who appeared to be a dermatologist,
shared this article. It was such a coincidence that I was also on medication using tretinoin
to treat acne.

+ Để tìm hiểu thông tin về các khóa học, bộ sách mới nhất của thầy Bách, các bạn truy cập: www.ngocbach.com
+ Hotline tư vấn đăng ký học: 0974657403 (email tư vấn: [email protected]) 166
 (Why you read it) Thus, I decided to spend a whole day off reading this article and
finding other articles about tretinoin so as to check the authenticity of the article. I wanted
to read this article because I heard that this substance was a double-edged sword because
if you use it in a correct way, it’ll deliver better-than-expected results. If you fail to use it
properly, you’ll likely end up having burnt and flaky skin.

(And how you felt about it) I believe that this article changed my life as it transformed
my acne-prone skin into healthier skin. Also, it also helped to me set aside a large amount
of money spent on night skincare products as I’m not supposed to use any other products
when using tretinoin to maximise the strength of it.

Vocabulary from health:

1. To be on medication (phrase): đang uống thuốc

Example: He is currently on/taking medication for his heart.

Hiện nay thì anh ấy đang uống thuốc chữa bệnh tim.

Other vocabulary:

1. To be all the rage (idiom): rất phổ biến

Example: In China, Mercedes-Benz cars are all the rage among the moneyed elite.

Ở Trung Quốc, xe Mercedes-Benz rất phổ biến ở giới thượng lưu nhiều tiền.

2. To stumble across/on (phrase): vô tình thấy cái gì đó.

Example: Look at what I stumbled across/on at the flea market!

Hãy nhìn coi mình thấy cái gì ở ngoài chợ trời nè!

3. Coincidence (n): sự trùng hợp

Example: You chose exactly the same wallpaper as us - what a coincidence!

Bạn có cái tấm dán tường y chang chúng tôi – thực sự là một sự trùng hợp!

4. Double-edged (adj): hai mặt

Example: The government's programme to grow cash crops for export is a double-
edged sword because it has created a local food shortage.

Chương trình chính phủ trồng các sản phẩm nông nghiệp để xuất khẩu là một con dao hai
lưỡi/hai mặt vì nó tạo ra sự thiếu hụt thực phẩm trnog nước.

+ Để tìm hiểu thông tin về các khóa học, bộ sách mới nhất của thầy Bách, các bạn truy cập: www.ngocbach.com
+ Hotline tư vấn đăng ký học: 0974657403 (email tư vấn: [email protected]) 167
 5. To set aside (phrasal verb): dành

Example: He sets aside some time every day to read to his children.

Anh ấy dành một số thời gian mỗi ngày để đọc sách cho con.

Part 3

1. What can governments do to improve people's health?

It is common knowledge that governments play an integral role in people’s health,

because they can formulate essential policies that are beneficial for the well-being of
their citizens. For example, food should be subject to scrutiny so as to ensure safety for
consumption. Also, heavy fines should be imposed on companies that dump chemical
waste into water bodies.

2. What activities can school organize for children to keep fit?

There are a wide range of activities school can organise. For example, Singapore’s
education system requires every student to participate in at least one sport as a
requirement for graduation. Also, on a smaller scale, classes can organise team-building
activities so as to improve the physical health of their members.

3. How can you tell whether a website is reliable or not?

The reliability of websites has sparked many boisterous debates for years. To the best of
my experience, a website is reliable if it is recognised by the government, such as Dân
Trí, Tuổi Trẻ, CNN or the Straits Times. Also, a simpler way to check the reliability of a
website is its ability to use a language, in terms of grammar, coherence and cohesion,
lexical resource.

4. Do you think people are healthier now than in the past?

I believe people are healthier now in the past in the sense that life expectancy of people
is longer than ever. Also, this can be attributed to the advances and breakthroughs
witnessed in the medical field.

Vocabulary:

1. To formulate a policy (phrase): tạo ra một chính sách

Example: The Administration said it was formulating a new policy for the Middle East.

+ Để tìm hiểu thông tin về các khóa học, bộ sách mới nhất của thầy Bách, các bạn truy cập: www.ngocbach.com
+ Hotline tư vấn đăng ký học: 0974657403 (email tư vấn: [email protected]) 168
 Chính quyền cho biết họ đang xây dựng một chính sách mới cho Trung Đông.

2. Scrutiny (n): sự xem xét/kiểm tra kĩ lưỡng

Example: The government's record will be subjected to/come under (close) scrutiny in
the weeks before the election.

Hồ sơ chính phủ sẽ phải chịu sự kiểm tra chặt chẽ trong vài tuần trước cuộc bầu cử.

3. To dump (v): trút/đổ xuống

Example: He came in with four shopping bags and dumped them on the table.

Anh ta vào nhà với bốn túi mua sắm và trút xuống trên cái bàn.

4. Boisterous (adj): ồn ào/không kiểm soát

Example: The audience burst into boisterous laughter.

Khán giả bật cười một cách ồn ào/không kiểm soát.

5. in a sense that …: ở khía cạnh là …

Example: It's voluntary in the sense that the government will not require anyone to take
the test

Đây là một bài kiểm tra tùy ý, ở khía cạnh là chính phủ không bắt buộc ai phải làm nó.

6. To be attributed to something (phrase): được gây ra bởi cái gì

Example: Her success can be attributed to three main factors.

Sự thành công của cô ấy được gây ra bởi ba yếu tố chính.

27. Describe a piece of important news you got through a text message
You should say:

 What it was
 When you got it
 Who you got it from
 And how you felt about it

(What it was) I believe that everyone must have received news via a text message at
some point in their life, I’m not an exception. Several months ago, I applied to become a
part-time essay corrector at an English centre. The application process was comprised of

+ Để tìm hiểu thông tin về các khóa học, bộ sách mới nhất của thầy Bách, các bạn truy cập: www.ngocbach.com
+ Hotline tư vấn đăng ký học: 0974657403 (email tư vấn: [email protected]) 169
 up to 4 steps. After all the previous steps, the result was displayed via email. However,
the final result from recruitment was informed via text message, which came as a great
surprise to me.

(When you got it) This text message was received some months ago as I’ve said. It was
on a Friday late afternoon, after I had hopped on a bus departing for my own hometown
from Ho Chi Minh city.

(Who you got it from) Until now, I have no clue exactly who was the person that sent
the text message to me as there was no name stated in the message. However, I can guess
that it was the TA supervisor that sent the message to me.

(And how you felt about it) Upon receiving the message, I felt over the moon since I
was desperate for money. My trip to Korea cost me an arm and a leg while I also had
to pay tuition fees and cover different living expenditures. Thus, no words could describe
how happy I was when receiving the information that I had been selected for the job.

Vocabulary:

1. To be comprised of something (phrase): được cấu thành bởi

Example: The class is comprised mainly of Italian and French students.

Lớp học này được cấu thành bởi đa số học sinh Ý và Pháp.

2. To come as a surprise to someone (phrase): đến một cách bất ngờ với ai đó

Example: The decision came as a great surprise to us all.

Quyết định này đến một cách bất ngờ với tất cả chúng tôi.

3. To hop on (phrasal verb): trèo lên / lên xe

Example: I hopped on my bike and took off for the park.

Tôi leo lên xe và chạy đến công viên.

4. To depart for (phrase): khởi hành tới đâu đó

Example: When does your plane depart for San Francisco?

Khi nào thì máy bay của bạn khởi thành đến San Francisco?

5. To have no clue/don’t have a clue (phrase): không biết

+ Để tìm hiểu thông tin về các khóa học, bộ sách mới nhất của thầy Bách, các bạn truy cập: www.ngocbach.com
+ Hotline tư vấn đăng ký học: 0974657403 (email tư vấn: [email protected]) 170
 Example: Who invented algebra?" "I don't have a clue."

“Ai là người đã sáng lập ra số học?” “Tôi không biết”

6. To be/feel over the moon (idiom): rất vui sướng

Example: I've been over the moon ever since I got engaged—
I just can't stop looking at my ring!

Tôi cảm thấy rất vui sướng thì khi đính hôn – Tôi chẳng thể ngừng nhìn vào chiếc nhẫn.

7. Desperate (adj): khao khát

Example: They are desperate for help.

Họ khao khát sự giúp đỡ.

8. To cost (someone) an arm and a leg (idiom): tốn rất nhiều tiền

Example: The repair work cost an arm and a leg.

Công việc sửa chữa tốn rất nhiều tiền.

Part 3

1. Do you think traditional letters are a good way to send messages?

They remain important in some formal cases. For example, it is essential that a nationally
important announcement has a hard copy other than a soft copy. However, I do not think
that traditional letters are an efficient way to carry out daily communication as it takes a
very long amount of time for snail mails to be delivered.

2. Why do people make phone calls instead of sending messages when there is
something important?

Personally, this question sometimes leaves me scratching my head. But to the best of
my experience, I can say that phone calls give one a chance to offer information to
receivers, so that information can be understood easily. Meanwhile, people usually get
confused when they have to text many messages.

3. Are phone calls more polite than text messages?

I do not think so. They are equally polite. The difference is that they are used in different
circumstances, depending on the amount of information that needs to be delivered. For

+ Để tìm hiểu thông tin về các khóa học, bộ sách mới nhất của thầy Bách, các bạn truy cập: www.ngocbach.com
+ Hotline tư vấn đăng ký học: 0974657403 (email tư vấn: [email protected]) 171
 example, short bursts of information can be sent via text messages, but large amounts of
information need delivering by phone calls.

4. Does technological development have a negative impact on communication

among people?

It depends. If people are able to make proper use of technology without abusing it, it
will be beneficial for people’s communication. By contrast, an over-reliance on
technology may be detrimental to people’s face to face communication skills.

Vocabulary:

1. Carry out (phrasal verb): thực hiện

Example: Our soldiers carried out a successful attack last night.

Quân đội của chúng đôi đã thực hiện một cuộc tấn công thành công tối qua.

2. Snail mail (n): thư gửi tay qua bưu điện

Example: We agreed the deal online, but we'll have to wait for snail mail to get
the paperwork.

Chúng tôi đã thỏa thuận được online, nhưng phải chờ thư gửi qua bưu điện để có giấy tờ.

3. To scratch someone’s head (phrase): suy nghĩ rất nhiều

Example: A lot of people must be scratching their heads about which way to vote.

Rất nhiều người phải suy nghĩ rất nhiều về cách bỏ phiếu.

4. To make use of something (phrase): sử dụng cái gì đó

Example: We might as well make use of the hotel's facilities.

Chúng tôi cũng có thể sử dụng các tiện nghi của khách sạn.

5. Over-reliance on sth (phrase): sự quá phụ thuộc vào cái gì đó

Example: The region's over-reliance on tourism is unwise.

Sự phụ thuộc quá nhiều vào du lịch của vùng này là không khôn ngoan.

6. Detrimental to something (phrase): có hại với cái gì đó

Example: Their decision could be detrimental to the future of the company.

Quyết định của họ có thể gây bất lợi cho tương lai của công ty.

+ Để tìm hiểu thông tin về các khóa học, bộ sách mới nhất của thầy Bách, các bạn truy cập: www.ngocbach.com
+ Hotline tư vấn đăng ký học: 0974657403 (email tư vấn: [email protected]) 172
 28. Describe a uniform (in school or company) you wear
You should say:

 When you usually wear it

 Who bought it for you
 What it is like
 And how you feel about it

(When you usually wear it) Majoring in tourism, I have to always keep in mind that I
should appear debonair in chic yet formal outfits whenever I go to school. My faculty
requires us to wear uniform on Monday sessions. Like most young people, I am a bit of
a slave to fashion and I’d always have to buy that must-have uniform.

(who bought it for you) As it was the class uniform, one representative from the class –
the monitor - was in charge of contacting the company to place an order. As it was a
uniform-oriented company, the clothes there were off the peg. So, the fact that our clothes
reached us only after one week of registration came as no surprise at all.

(what it is like) The uniform requires students to wear a white ironed shirt along with
black trousers as well as black or brown leather shoes. Anyone who failed to comply with
the dress code would be denied admission to Monday lectures.

(and how you feel about it) Albeit awkward, the uniform makes me look a lot more
mature. Since I had the uniform, I’ve decided to revamp my image, first by wearing
formal clothes to school more often, next by avoiding wearing shorts to school. The
change has come as a surprise to a great number of people, especially to those who have
not seen me for ages. Because of this, I owe my faculty a debt of gratitude for giving
me the incentive to look better and to be more professional.

Vocabulary from clothes/fashion:

1. Chic (adj): hợp thời trang.

Example: I like your haircut - it's very chic.

Tôi rất thích kiểu tóc của bạn, nó rất hợp thời trang.

2. To put on (phrase): mặc quần áo.

+ Để tìm hiểu thông tin về các khóa học, bộ sách mới nhất của thầy Bách, các bạn truy cập: www.ngocbach.com
+ Hotline tư vấn đăng ký học: 0974657403 (email tư vấn: [email protected]) 173
 Example: He put on his jacket.

Anh ấy mặc cái áo khoác.

3. Dress code (n): quy định về trang phục

Example: Most evenings there's a party and the dress code is strict - black tie only.

Hầu hết các buổi tối đều có một bữa tiệc, và quy định về trang phục rất nghiêm ngặt – chỉ
được mang cà vạt đen.

4. Off the peg (phrase): đồ may sẵn

Example: You can find really stylish clothes off the peg, if you look hard enough.

Bạn sẽ tìm được đồ may sẵn rất stylish nếu bạn chịu khó tìm một xíu.

5. A slave to fashion (phrase): nô lệ của thời trang

Example:
Jeremy is a total slave to fashion. He can't leave the house without making sure every p
art of his outfit matches perfectly.

Jeremy thực sự là một nô lệ của thời trang. Anh ấy không thể rời nhà mà không chắc chắn
rằng mọi thứ trên trang phục của anh khớp với nhau.

Other vocabulary:

1. To keep something in mind (phrase): luôn luôn nhớ rằng.

Of course, repair work is expensive and you have to keep that in mind.

Đương nhiên, việc sửa chữa rất tốn kém và bạn luôn luôn phải biết điều đó.

1. Debonair (adj): sang trọng, quý phái.

a debonair young man

một người đàn ông trẻ và sang trọng.

2. To place an order (phrase): đặt hàng

Example:
We placed an order nearly an hour ago, but we still haven't gotten anything to eat.

Chúng tôi đã đặt hàng từ gần một tiếng rồi mà chưa có gì ăn hết.

3. To comply (v): tuân theo.

+ Để tìm hiểu thông tin về các khóa học, bộ sách mới nhất của thầy Bách, các bạn truy cập: www.ngocbach.com
+ Hotline tư vấn đăng ký học: 0974657403 (email tư vấn: [email protected]) 174
 There are serious penalties for failure to comply with the regulations.

Sẽ có hình phạt nghiêm khắc cho những trường hợp không tuân theo quy định.

4. To revamp (v): thay đổi (vì cái tốt hơn)

We revamped the management system, but the business is doing no better than it was
before.

Chúng tôi đã thay đổi hệ thống quản lý, nhưng công việc dường như cũng không tiến triển
tốt hơn trước.

5. To come as a/no surprise (idiom): gây bất ngờ/không gây bớt ngờ.

If you didn't study for that test at all, your failing grade should come as no surprise.

Nếu bạn không học bài, thì việc thi rớt sẽ không bất ngờ xíu nào.

6. To owe someone a debt of gratitude (idiom): nợ một ân huệ.

We owe you a debt of gratitude for all you have done for us.

Chúng tôi nợ bạn một ân huệ vì những gì bạn đã làm cho chúng tôi.

Part 3

1. Why should students wear school uniforms?

To be honest, there are many reasons why students should wear uniforms. Firstly, this is
a way to blur the disparity between children from well-off families and those from
underprivileged ones, promoting equality in education. Also, school uniforms instill
pride, unity and school vanity. Uniforms give a sense of belonging, and a code of conduct
is imposed on the students.

2. On what occasion should people wear uniforms?

People should wear uniforms at school and work. However, I believe that on some special
occasions, such as a marathon, participants should be required to wear the organizer’s
running t-shirt.
3. Should companies ask for employees' opinions about the design of uniforms?

Yes, definitely. It is the employees that wear the uniform. Thus, it is a wise decision to
ask for their opinions about the design of the uniform. This makes sure that they’re always

+ Để tìm hiểu thông tin về các khóa học, bộ sách mới nhất của thầy Bách, các bạn truy cập: www.ngocbach.com
+ Hotline tư vấn đăng ký học: 0974657403 (email tư vấn: [email protected]) 175
 well-dressed and take pride in their contributions towards the design of the uniform. Also,
some employees may have an eye for fashion and come up with an eye-catching design.

4. Can people tell a person's personality by his/her clothes?

Yes, one can tell a person’s personality by their clothes. For example, if that person wears
hand-me-downs most of the time, he will be probably someone who is tight-fisted.
Meanwhile, a person who finds it more important to “wear to live” than to “live to wear”
may be mindful of their expenditure.

Vocabulary from clothes/fashion:

1. Well-dressed (adj): mặc đồ đẹp

Example: Caricaturists and satirists appealed to their patrons, mocking the stylish servant,
the well-dressed sailor, the respectable shopkeeper.

Những người làm tranh biếm họa và những người châm biếm đã lôi cuốn khách quen của
họ, chế giễu người hầu sành điệu, thủy thủ ăn mặc bảnh bao, người bán hàng đáng kính.

2. To have an eye for sth (phrase): giỏi thấy cái gì đó

Example: She has an eye for detail.

Cô ấy rất giỏi thấy những tiểu tiết.

3. Eye-catching (adj): bắt mắt

Example: an eye-catching poster

Một cái poster rất bắt mắt.

4. Tight-fisted (adj): keo

Example: Don't wait for Gillian to buy you a drink - she's too tight-fisted.

Đừng bao giờ đợi Gillian mua cho bạn một ly nước – cô ta keo lắm

29. Describe a photograph you like in your room

You should say

 What the photo is about

 Who took that photo

+ Để tìm hiểu thông tin về các khóa học, bộ sách mới nhất của thầy Bách, các bạn truy cập: www.ngocbach.com
+ Hotline tư vấn đăng ký học: 0974657403 (email tư vấn: [email protected]) 176
  Where you put it at home

And explain how you feel about it

(What the photo is about) Everyone at least takes a picture once in their lives, and of
course, I am not an exception. However, there is one picture which imprinted on my
memory is a group photo in Malaysia with the Petronas Twin Towers in the background.
My cousins and I went on a trip to Malaysia last year and we paid a visit to Malaysia’s
biggest pride – the Petronas Towers. The towers used to notch up as the world’s tallest
building before witnessing the strong rise of other skyscrapers. Kuala Lumpur’s top
tourist attraction and most photographed landmark is located in the heart of the capital
city, surrounded by a cluster of smaller, but by no means small, skyscrapers. People say
that you haven’t been to Kuala Lumpur if you haven’t got a picture with the towers. I’ve
printed this photo and hung it on the wall in my room.

(Who took that photo) We all wanted to be in the photo. Therefore, we had to get other
tourists to take photos for us. I told my cousin who could not speak English at all to get
other tourists to take a photo for us. And what turned out was that she came across a
Vietnamese one.

(Where you put it at home) Before I printed the photo, I had posted it on social media
and to my surprise, it went viral within just some minutes. I backed up all the photos on
the trip as soon as the trip came to an end so that I can access photos whenever going
online and prevent them from getting lost in case my phone is stolen. The photo was so
special that I decided to print it out and put it right on the wall in my bedroom.

(And explain how you felt about it) This photo was more than just an ordinary photo. It
was a bridge between my cousin and her husband. The Vietnamese tourist I mentioned
was immediately impressed and asked my cousin for her contact details. They got married
afterwards. This is what made that photo so special.

Vocabulary from technology:

1. To back up (phrasal verb): sao lưu

Example: Backing up is to make a copy of information in a computer that

is stored separately.

+ Để tìm hiểu thông tin về các khóa học, bộ sách mới nhất của thầy Bách, các bạn truy cập: www.ngocbach.com
+ Hotline tư vấn đăng ký học: 0974657403 (email tư vấn: [email protected]) 177
 Sao lưu (back up) là việc làm một bản copy thông tin trong một máy tính mà nó có thể
được lưu cách riêng biệt.

2. To go online (phrase): kết nối mạng

Example: I went online to look for a cheap flight.

Tôi kết nối mạng để tìm một chuyến bay giá rẻ.

Other vocabulary:

1. imprint (phrase): ghi vào.

That look of grief would be imprinted on her mind forever.

Cái nhìn đầy giận giữ đó sẽ bị ghi vào trí nhớ của cô ấy mãi mãi.

2. Pay a visit to someone/something (phrase): ghé qua

I think I'll pay a visit to the library while I'm in town.

Có thể là tôi sẽ ghé qua thư viện khi vào trung tâm thành phố.

3. To notch up (phrase): đạt được cái gì đó

The company notched up over £10 million in profits last year.

Công ty đạt được lợi nhuận hơn 10 triệu Bảng Anh vào năm vừa rồi.

4. Cluster (n): cụm

There was a cluster of fans around him, asking for autographs.

Có nguyên một cụm fan bao quanh anh ấy, đang xin chữ ký.

Part 3

 Does your house have a lot of pictures?

My parents have hung quite a few photos around the walls actually. Most photos are of
my young sister and some wedding photos are of my brothers.

 What are some disadvantages of taking pictures by mobile phones?

I can’t call myself a techie or a photography buff but to the best of my knowledge,
pictures taken on mobile phones are apparently unparalleled by those taken by digital
cameras. Also, smartphone cameras have limited manual control options. Unlike regular

+ Để tìm hiểu thông tin về các khóa học, bộ sách mới nhất của thầy Bách, các bạn truy cập: www.ngocbach.com
+ Hotline tư vấn đăng ký học: 0974657403 (email tư vấn: [email protected]) 178
 cameras, you can’t control the aperture, depth of field, lighting amongst other features.
Smartphones only allow you to zoom in or out and maybe regulate the shutter speed.

 What are some disadvantages of taking selfies?

Taking selfies too often may lead to addiction and harm one’s self-confidence.
Additionally, the desire to take novel selfies in order to draw people’s attention can
actually lead to dangerous behaviors and may even cause death. Recently, some tourists
attempting to take a selfie with a bison in the background were so distracted by the process
that they were attacked by the bison!

 Do primary students need to study art?

It is essential that primary students study art as it is instrumental in boosting their

imagination as well as creativity. Such activities can encourage patience and build a
strong foundation for children’s future careers.

 Why should children learn painting for relaxation?

I believe that painting is one of the most effective ways to relieve stress and temporarily
get away from schoolwork. While many others keep their eyes glued to screen for
relaxation, which may pose a threat to their health, those who relax by painting not only
let off steam after a hard working week at school but also avoid wearing spectacles.

Vocabulary from technology:

1. Techie (n): một người biết nhiều về máy tính

Example: To run a successful IT team, you need to be more than just a techie.

Để điều hành một nhóm công nghệ thông tin, bạn cần nhiều hơn chỉ là một kĩ thuật viên.

2. Buff (phrase): fan

Example: a computer/opera/film buff

Một fan của máy tính/opera/phim

3. Aperture (n): khẩu độ

Example: Computer-controlled motors help in individually moving the cameras,

changing the focus, zoom, aperture, or tilting the stereo pair.

+ Để tìm hiểu thông tin về các khóa học, bộ sách mới nhất của thầy Bách, các bạn truy cập: www.ngocbach.com
+ Hotline tư vấn đăng ký học: 0974657403 (email tư vấn: [email protected]) 179
 Động cơ điều khiển bằng máy tính giúp di chuyển từng camera, thay đổi tiêu cự, thu
phóng, khẩu độ hoặc nghiêng cặp âm thanh nổi.

Other vocabulary:

1. Let off steam (phrase): xả stress

Example: She jogs after work to let off steam.

Cô ấy đi bộ sau khi tan làm để xả stress.

2. Draw people’s attention (phrase): thu hút sự chú ý

Example: They're organizing a campaign to draw people's

attention to the environmentally harmful effects of using their cars.

Họ đang tổ chức một chiến dịch để thu hút sự chú ý của mọi người về tác hại của môi
trường khi sử dụng ô tô.

30. Describe a popular product (e.g. food, handicraft -) made in your region
You should say:

 what it is

 what it is used for

 how it is made/produced

and explain why your country produces this thing.

(What it is) Today, I would like to share with you some information about a popular food
made in my country. It is bún, Vietnamese for the rice noodle which bears a striking
resemblance to Singapore’s bee hoon. However, bún is much bigger than bee hoon and
it’s also more tender.

(What it is used for) Bún is a main ingredient in many Vietnamese dishes, from Bún
Bò Huế (Hue beef rice noodles) to spring rolls. It would be a huge mistake if someone
went to Vietnam without trying at least one dish that had bún inside. It makes my mouth
water just to think about the savory Bún Bò Huế that I had right in the city of Huế, which
is the origin of this dish.

+ Để tìm hiểu thông tin về các khóa học, bộ sách mới nhất của thầy Bách, các bạn truy cập: www.ngocbach.com
+ Hotline tư vấn đăng ký học: 0974657403 (email tư vấn: [email protected]) 180
 (How it is made/produced) Normally bún is mass produced because it is comprised of
many different stages which require a heavy amount of force. Firstly, rice will be put in
a massive bucket of water and it chills there for two days. When it is tender enough, it
will be ground into powder. In the following step, the powder will be put in a machine as
it produces the noodles that we know. During this stage, the noodles are heated inside the
machine so that they are safe for consumption. As soon as they are taken out of the
machine, they will be soaked in cool water. At this stage, the noodles are ready for
consumption.

(And explain why your country produces this thing) Vietnam produces this special
food because it was simple to make in the past and the ingredients could be easily found.
Bún is made of only one ingredient – it is rice.

Vocabulary from food:

1. Ingredient (n): nguyên liệu

Example: The list of ingredients included 250 g of almonds.

Danh sách nguyên liệu có bao gồm 250 g hạnh nhân.

2. Make sb’s mouth water (phrase): làm bạn thèm chảy nước.

Example: The smell of that bacon cooking is making my mouth water.

Mùi thịt xông khói đó làm tôi thèm chảy nước.

3. Savory (adj): ngon

Example: a savoury dish

Một món ăn ngon

4. Soak (v): nhúng vào

Example: Soak the fruit in brandy for a few hours before you add it to the mixture.

Nhúng trái cây vào rượu trong vài giờ trước khi thêm nó vào hỗn hợp đó.

Other vocabulary:

1. To bear a striking resemblance to someone (phrase): trông rất giống ai đó

Example: She bears a striking resemblance to her mother.

Cô ta trông rất giống mẹ mình.

+ Để tìm hiểu thông tin về các khóa học, bộ sách mới nhất của thầy Bách, các bạn truy cập: www.ngocbach.com
+ Hotline tư vấn đăng ký học: 0974657403 (email tư vấn: [email protected]) 181
 Part 3:

Food Production:

Q. What are some of the main food products ("foods") that your country produces?

As our economy is mostly driven by agriculture and our culture is heavily linked with
rice, most foods from Vietnam are made of rice. Phở, which is known as one of the best
dishes worldwide, and hủ tiếu, spring rolls are all made of rice. Apart from rice-based
foods, we also make pretty good candied coconut, which is a traditional food on Lunar
New Year.

Q. What are some food products that come from different parts of your country?

The North is famous for Bún Riêu, which is rice noodles with crab soup, while Central
Vietnam is well-known for Bún Bò Huế aforementioned. Meanwhile, Bún Nước Lèo,
once fascinated Gordon Ramsay, is a delicacy in which the floating villages in the
Mekong Delta, Southern Vietnam take pride.

Q. What widely consumed food products are mainly imported into your country?

Previously, dairy products such as cheese and other milk-based products could not be
made in Vietnam because of the climate conditions, thus all dairy products were imported
directly from Soviet Union. However, as food manufacturing technology has witnessed
some significant progress, we can curb our reliance on other countries for such products.

Q. Do you think it's important that a country is self-sufficient in food?

It is very important for a country to become self-sufficient in food. If a war happens to

break out, or relationships between countries turn bad, all trading activities will be
halted. Thus, maintaining an amount of food sufficient enough for a country to use for
up to 5 years is of great importance in such cases.

Other Products /International Trade:

Q. Besides food and the product you mentioned earlier, what else is made in your
country?

My country is also well-known for high-quality dried fruit such as mango, banana and
jack fruit. Da Lat is a hub of dried fruit as many food manufacturers set up their businesses

+ Để tìm hiểu thông tin về các khóa học, bộ sách mới nhất của thầy Bách, các bạn truy cập: www.ngocbach.com
+ Hotline tư vấn đăng ký học: 0974657403 (email tư vấn: [email protected]) 182
 in this temperate. This city is also located in a province which has the largest amount of
tea and coffee produced in the whole of Vietnam.

Q. Do you think the globalisation of industry and commerce is a good thing?

The globalisation of industry and commerce is, without a doubt, a positive development.
Thanks to such a trend, countries can exchange goods with each other, thus giving each
other the things that it does not have. Also, this is an effective way to boost the bilateral
and multilateral relationships between countries.

Q. Do you think every country should make everything it needs or should it import
some things?

There is no point in putting too much effort and money into producing food that can
hardly be produced because of the local natural conditions. Importing such kinds of food
from foreign countries is more cost-effective.

Q. What are the disadvantages of a country producing everything it needs?

The efforts put into producing everything a country needs may end up going to waste.
For example, it is impossible to grow kiwis in a tropical climate like Vietnam’s. Thus,
however hard governments try to draw scientists’ attention, the likelihood of success of
such expensive projects remains low. Not only may such an idea lead to a waste of time,
it is also costly and leads to nowhere.

Vocabulary from food:

1. Delicacy (n): đồ ăn ngon

Example: a dinner of Vietnamese delicacies

Một bữa tối với đồ ăn Việt Nam ngon

2. Dairy (adj): sản phẩm từ sữa

Example: I'm trying to cut down on dairy products, which is difficult because
I adore cheese.

Tôi đang cố gắng cắt giảm các sản phẩm từ sữa, tuy nhiên nó khá khó vì tôi rất thích phô
mai.

Other vocabulary:

+ Để tìm hiểu thông tin về các khóa học, bộ sách mới nhất của thầy Bách, các bạn truy cập: www.ngocbach.com
+ Hotline tư vấn đăng ký học: 0974657403 (email tư vấn: [email protected]) 183
 1. Break out (phrasal verb): nổ ra

Example: World War 1 broke out in 1914.

Thế chiến thứ nhất nổ ra vào năm 1914.

2. Turn bad (phrase): chuyển xấu

Example: His conditions turned bad as he could not give up his smoking habit.

Tình hình của ông ấy chuyển xấu vì ông ta không thể ngừng hút thuốc lá.

3. Halt (v): chặn lại

Example: Security forces halted the demonstrators by blocking the road.

Lực lượng an ninh đã chặn đứng những người biểu tình bằng cách chặn đường.

4. Bilateral (adj): song phương

Example: France and Germany have signed a

bilateral agreement to help prevent drug smuggling.

Pháp và Đức đã ký một thỏa thuận song phương để giúp ngăn chặn buôn lậu ma túy.

5. Multilateral (adj): đa phương

Example: Seven countries are taking part in the multilateral talks.

Bảy quốc gia đang tham gia các cuộc đàm phán đa phương.

 Cost-effective (adj): đáng đồng tiền

Example: It wouldn't be cost-effective to buy an expensive new computer when all

you want to do is store your photos.

Sẽ không đáng tiền nếu mua một máy tính mới đắt tiền khi tất cả những gì bạn muốn làm
là lưu trữ ảnh của bạn.

 Go to waste (phrase): lãng phí.

Example: You can even make stock from the bones, so that nothing goes to waste.

Bạn thậm chí có thể tạo ra cổ phiếu từ xương, để không có gì để lãng phí.

32. Describe a toy you like in your childhood

+ Để tìm hiểu thông tin về các khóa học, bộ sách mới nhất của thầy Bách, các bạn truy cập: www.ngocbach.com
+ Hotline tư vấn đăng ký học: 0974657403 (email tư vấn: [email protected]) 184
 You should say
- What the toy was
- Who gave it to you
- How you used this
- And explain how you felt when you got this toy

(What the toy was)

Although I have received numerous toys, the one I treasure the most was a Lego car. I
can’t remember exactly how old I was, but I was probably about eight or nine. Back in
those days, before the latest advances in technology, Lego was one of the most desirable
toy brand names for children of my age, to the extent that every kid would cast envious
glances at their peers who possessed a Lego toy. I guess that Lego has become obsolete
and has been superseded by computerised playthings today.
(Who gave it to you)
It was a birthday gift from my parents. Even though I lived in a dual-income family, a
Lego car was still considered an extravagant thing at that time. To hold a birthday party
for me and afford the gift, my parents sacrificed a portion of their savings, because they
knew I really wanted to have that car for my toy collection.
(How you used this)
The special thing about this car was that I had to build it myself out of hundreds of pieces
of Lego. The pieces came in a box with a picture of the finished car on the front, and I
had to put all the pieces together in the correct way. This was not an easy task ,because
the car even had an engine, movable seats and gears. It took me a day or two to make,
which required a lot of concentration. When the car was finished it looked great, and I
felt a sense of accomplishment.
(And explain how you felt when you got this toy)
As a kid that time, I was on cloud nine to receive such a gift. Honestly, that Lego car was
beyond my wildest expectations, as I thought that only rich kids were supposed to get
toys like that. Most importantly, I was extremely grateful to my parents, who always
gave me unconditional and immeasurable love.

Vocabulary
• CÁC TỪ THUỘC CHỦ ĐỀ: Technology

+ Để tìm hiểu thông tin về các khóa học, bộ sách mới nhất của thầy Bách, các bạn truy cập: www.ngocbach.com
+ Hotline tư vấn đăng ký học: 0974657403 (email tư vấn: [email protected]) 185
 1. advances in technology
Meaning: improvements or developments in technology
Example: Recent advances in medical technology are making a great contribution to the
search for a cure for Aids.
2. (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.
3. (to) be superseded by
Meaning: to be replaced by something which is better or newer
Example: The latest technological innovations are usually superseded by new and more
advanced devices.

• CÁC TỪ THUỘC CHỦ ĐỀ: G. Family and Children (sách collocations)

1. a dual-income family
Meaning: a family where both the father and mother work
Example: Changes in society have resulted in the dual-income family becoming the most
common family type.
Dịch đại ý
A dual-income family: gia đình có 2 thu nhập
Nghĩa: gia đình có cả mẹ và cha cùng đi làm có thu nhập
Ví dụ: Những thay đổi trong xã hội dẫn tới việc gia đình có 2 thu nhập đang là loại gia
đình phổ biến nhất.

• CÁC TỪ KHÁC:
1. (to) treasure [verb]:
Meaning: to highly value sb/sth : trân quý, coi trọng cái gì
Example: Liz treasured all her happy memories of her years at high school.
2. desirable [adjective]:
Meaning: that you would like to have or do; worth having or doing: đáng mong muốn,
thèm khát
Example: The house has many desirable features, and lots of people would love to buy
it.

+ Để tìm hiểu thông tin về các khóa học, bộ sách mới nhất của thầy Bách, các bạn truy cập: www.ngocbach.com
+ Hotline tư vấn đăng ký học: 0974657403 (email tư vấn: [email protected]) 186
 3. envious [adjective]:
Meaning: wanting to be in the same situation as somebody else; wanting something that
somebody else has: ghen tị
Example: Minh saw the envious look in the other boy's eyes when he won the prize.
4. (to) possess [verb]:
Meaning: to have or own something: sở hữu
Example: Belgium was the first European country to possess a fully-fledged rail network.
5. extravagant [adjective]:
Meaning: costing a lot more money than you can afford or is necessary : xa xỉ, quá đắt đỏ
Example: That diamond ring was such an extravagant present that she could not receive
it.
6. a sense of accomplishment [expression]:
Meaning: a feeling of success in sth or when you complete sth: cảm giác mãn nguyện
Example: Graduating from high school gave Matty a sense of accomplishment.
7. on cloud nine [expression]:
Meaning: extremely happy : cực kì sung sướng, ở tận mây xanh
Example: Minh was on cloud nine when he heard that he had passed the exam.
8. beyond one’s wildest expectations [expression]:
Meaning: unexpected, unbelievable: không tưởng tượng được
Example: Receiving such a prestigious scholarship was beyond her wildest
expectations.
9. (to be) grateful to [adjective]:
Meaning: feeling or showing thanks because somebody has done something kind for you
or has done as you asked: cảm thấy biết ơn
Example: I am extremely grateful to all the teachers for their help.
10. immeasurable [adjective]:
Meaning: too large, great, etc. to be measured: quá to lớn, không thể đo đếm được
Example: Her contribution to the success of the project was of immeasurable
importance.

31. Describe an unusual experience of travelling/vacation/holiday

You should say

+ Để tìm hiểu thông tin về các khóa học, bộ sách mới nhất của thầy Bách, các bạn truy cập: www.ngocbach.com
+ Hotline tư vấn đăng ký học: 0974657403 (email tư vấn: [email protected]) 187
  Where you went

 Who you went with

 What was unusual

And explain how you feel about it

(Where you went) I would like to talk about one of the worst journeys of mine. I went
on this journey a while ago, one year to be precise, during my trip to Bali, Indonesia. Due
to the fact that tourist attractions in Bali were located quiite far away from each other,
we had to rely on car rental services offered there. One service lasted 8 hours, any extra
hour would cost an additional 20 dollars.

(Who you were with) I was travelling with other 6 cousins, which eased the burden
placed on me. They were also relatively surprised that the traffic in Bali was that horrible.

(What was unusual) When working on the itinerary, I did factor traffic jams in, for
which Bali is notorious. Yet, my trip from Denpasar to Ubud lasted up to 10 hours
because of traffic jam, although I had decided to drop some sites. I nearly died in the car
because my bladder was full but the car did not seem to be moving.

(And explain how you feel about it) In general, I still dread to think of commuting
around Bali by car. Although I went out of season in the monsoon season, there were still
hordes of tourists, which was the reason for the congestion on routes between attractions.
I thought it would be the holiday of a lifetime, but Bali turned out so disappointing
because of the congestion as well as low-quality services.

Vocabulary from holidays:

1. Tourist attraction: điểm hút khách du lịch

Example: Florida has numerous tourist attractions.

Florida có rất nhiều điểm hút khách du lịch.

2. Rental (n): sự thuê mướn

Property rental is quite expensive here.

3. Out of season (phrase): ngoài mùa cao điểm/trái mùa

Example: Tomatoes are out of season now.

+ Để tìm hiểu thông tin về các khóa học, bộ sách mới nhất của thầy Bách, các bạn truy cập: www.ngocbach.com
+ Hotline tư vấn đăng ký học: 0974657403 (email tư vấn: [email protected]) 188
 Tomatoes đang trong lúc trái mùa.

4. Hordes of tourists (phrase): đám đông khách du lịch

Example: Hordes of tourists are taking the buffet food as if there was no tomorrow.

Đám đông khách du lịch đang lấy đồ ăn buffet như thể là không có ngày mai.

3. Factor something in (phrase): tính cái gì (vào cái gì đó)

Example: People are earning more, but when inflation is factored in, they are
no better off.

Con người đang làm ra nhiều tiền hơn, nhưng khi tính lạm phát vào, thì cũng chả tốt hơn
gì.

4. Work on (phrase): làm/luyện tập cái gì đó

Example: His dancing technique is good, but he needs to work on his stamina.

Kĩ thuật nhảy của anh ấy khá ổn, nhưng cần phải luyện tập thêm sức chịu đựng.

5. Drop (v): bỏ

I'm going to drop yoga and do aerobics instead.

Tôi sẽ bỏ tập yoga và tập aerobics thay vì yoga.

Bonus question: Would you choose to have an unusual holiday like such again?

I personally do not think that I will have an unusual holiday like this again. I will try to
avoid cities or regions that are notorious for congestion because it is such a waste of time
and money. We should spend money to enjoy breathtaking scenery rather than be stuck
in traffic.

Part 3

 Do Vietnamese people have a lot of holidays?

No. Vietnamese people only have a handful of holidays in a year, pretty little compared
to their neighbours. The number of public holidays in Vietnam is only 11 days, compared
to 50 days in Malaysia.

 Where do Vietnamese people often go for holidays?

+ Để tìm hiểu thông tin về các khóa học, bộ sách mới nhất của thầy Bách, các bạn truy cập: www.ngocbach.com
+ Hotline tư vấn đăng ký học: 0974657403 (email tư vấn: [email protected]) 189
 Public holidays in Vietnam are relatively short, normally ranging from one to two days
only, apart from the Lunar New Year holiday, which grants people 5 days off. Therefore,
Vietnamese people only make use of those short holidays to go to weekend destinations
such as Vũng Tàu, which is an ideal coastal destination for those who like the beach. Đà
Lạt is also another popular choice for people from Ho Chi Minh city.

 How does tourism help a country?

At its most basic level, tourism brings much needed foreign money into a country.
International visitors and their hefty wallets are the perfect solution for developing
countries’ desperate in need for foreign money. The presence of these tourists in areas
with limited resources can also help improve local conditions such as roads,
transportation and access to modern conveniences.

 Talking about eco-tourism, does it have more benefits or drawbacks?

Eco-tourism definitely brings more benefits to the economy, the environment and society
as a whole. As a major in tourism, I learn that eco-tourism activities have to involve
educating tourists about the ecosystem, thus increasing their awareness of the
responsibility for preserving the ecosystem. Meanwhile, ordinary tourist activities are
merely visiting places and taking photos.

Vocabulary from holidays:

1. Public holiday: ngày lễ quốc gia

Example: New Year's Day is a public holiday in many countries.

Ngày năm mới là ngày nghỉ lễ tại rất nhiều quốc gia.

2. Weekend destination: điểm đến cuối tuần

Example: Vung Tau has long been an ideal weekend destination for people in Ho Chi
Minh city.

Vũng Tàu từ đâu đã là điểm đến cuối tuần lý tưởng cho những người ở thành phố Hồ Chí
Minh.

3. Hefty (adj): lớn

Example: Her salary will go up by a hefty 13 percent.

Lương của cô ta sẽ tăng một lượng lớn, khoảng 13%.

+ Để tìm hiểu thông tin về các khóa học, bộ sách mới nhất của thầy Bách, các bạn truy cập: www.ngocbach.com
+ Hotline tư vấn đăng ký học: 0974657403 (email tư vấn: [email protected]) 190
 32. Describe an experience you played an indoor game with others
What the indoor game was
Who you played it
How you felt about it
(What the indoor game was) For this cue card, I would like to tell you about a
Vietnamese traditional fork game, which is bamboo jacks. It is not as popular as it used
to be in the past; however, it always reminds me of my childhood.
(Who you played it with) This game includes ten thin, well-sharpened, round bamboo
sticks and a ball, which traditionally is a fig. These days, tennis balls are becoming more
popular as a substitute. The player tosses the ball into the air. While the ball is in the air,
she must quickly pick up the sticks and then catch the ball. In the first round, the player
picks up the slicks one by one. Next, she gathers two sticks at a time, and so forth up to
ten. In these stages she plays with only one hand. Meanwhile, her face reddens and her
eyes become intense as she performs in front of her friends.
(How you felt about it) I think the main reason why I feel content and absorbed with this
game is that it teaches you how to be patient and focus on what you are doing. With this
game, I can let off some steams after studying at school.
1. Bamboo jacks (noun): Banh đũa
Bamboo jacks is one of my favorite Vietnamese folk games.
2. Childhood (noun): Tuổi thơ
She had an unhappy childhood.
3. Substitute (noun): Vật thay thế
You can substitute oil for butter in this recipe.
4. Intense (adjective): Mạnh, căng thẳng
He suddenly felt an intense pain in his back.
5. Patient (adjective): Kiên nhẫn
Dinner will be ready in half an hour - just be patient!
6. Let off steam (verb): Gỉai tỏa căng thẳng.
She jogs after work to let off steam.
33. Describe a place you remember well that full of color
You should say
 Where it is

+ Để tìm hiểu thông tin về các khóa học, bộ sách mới nhất của thầy Bách, các bạn truy cập: www.ngocbach.com
+ Hotline tư vấn đăng ký học: 0974657403 (email tư vấn: [email protected]) 191
  What it is like
 What it is used for
And explain why you remember it well
(Where it is): During my trip to Singapore last year, I had an opportunity to visit the
Singapore Botanic Gardens, which impressed me with tons of different colors. The
gardens are located quite far away from tourist traps, but very accessible by bus.
(What it is like): Being the biggest botanic garden in Singapore, covering more than
74.000 square meters, it showcases Singapore’s biggest collection of flowers comprising
hundreds of species with a wide variety of colors, such as red, yellow, orange, pink, or
even blue, and their shades. The national flower of Singapore, which is the orchid, can be
found easily in this garden. Moreover, the park’s entrance is also naturally decorated with
colorful flowers.
(What it is used for): Besides bringing a green environment to the city, which is always
humid around the year, the Botanic garden is also an ideal spot for not only foreign
visitors but also Singapore citizens to immerse themselves in natural beauty and get
away from it all after hard-working days. You can easily see hordes of tourists going
sightseeing or leisure activities being taken place at this place, especially on the
weekends.
And explain why you remember it well
Well, I think the primary reason why the memories about this place are still vivid in my
mind is because it was the first time I have ever witnessed such a wide variety of colorful
flowers in my life, although I have travelled to different countries. The moment I entered
the garden, I was completely blown away by its beauty. To be honest, it was a once in a
life time experience. I hope that I will have opportunities to visit this garden again.
Part 3 questions:
 Is color important for clothing?
 Yes, I do think that colors play a vital role in clothes since it shows how the clothes
make us look and appear to other people. Sometimes the colors of your outfits even
express your feelings. For example, when I’m not in a good mood, I will choose a black
outfit. It will be dull if a person wears the same colors on a daily basis.
 Should course books be colorful?
 Absolutely. I believe that course books should be lively in order to help the
transmission of knowledge to readers be more effective. Using illustrations helps to aid

+ Để tìm hiểu thông tin về các khóa học, bộ sách mới nhất của thầy Bách, các bạn truy cập: www.ngocbach.com
+ Hotline tư vấn đăng ký học: 0974657403 (email tư vấn: [email protected]) 192
 in learning and may be more effective than just describing something. For example, kids
are usually in favor of books with colorful pictures rather than those with only words. If
course books include colorful contents, they will be more likely to be sold faster than
other ones.
VOCABULARY FROM HOLIDAY:
 Tourist trap
Meaning: somewhere where too many tourists go
Example: There are a lot of people visiting Hoi An Ancient Town these days, which
makes this town become a tourist trap.
 Accessible
Meaning: possible to approach, enter, or use
Example: The island is accessible only by ferry.
 To get away from it all
Meaning: to take a holiday to escape a busy or stressful lifestyle
Example: Why don’t you get away from it all and have a weekend in the mountains?
 Hordes of tourist
Meaning: crowds of tourists
Example: During summer, we can see hordes of tourists in these islands.
 To go sightseeing
Meaning: to look around the tourist sites
Example: Last year we went to London, and we spent most of the trip going sightseeing,
there was so much to see!
OTHER VOCABULARY:
 To showcase
Meaning: to show the best qualities or parts of something
Example: The main aim of the exhibition is to showcase British design.
 Immerse oneself in something
Meaning: to become completely involved in something
Example: She got some books out of the library and immersed herself in Jewish history
and culture.
 Vivid

+ Để tìm hiểu thông tin về các khóa học, bộ sách mới nhất của thầy Bách, các bạn truy cập: www.ngocbach.com
+ Hotline tư vấn đăng ký học: 0974657403 (email tư vấn: [email protected]) 193
 Meaning: brightly colored or (of descriptions or memories) producing clear, powerful,
and detailed images in the mind
Example: He gave a very vivid and often shocking account/description of his time in
prison.
 To be blown away
Meaning: To be surprised so much
Example: Winning first prize and a full scholarship blew her away.
 Once-in-a-lifetime
Meaning: An once-in-a-lifetime experience or opportunity is very special because you
will probably only have it once
Example: A tour of Australia is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
 Dull
Meaning: not interesting or exciting in any way
Example: I find his art rather dull and conventional.
 Lively
Meaning: full of energy and enthusiasm; interesting and exciting
Example: There was some lively discussion at the meeting.

34. Describe something useful you borrow from others

You should describe
- What you borrowed
- Who you borrowed it from
- What you borrowed it for
- And explain why it was useful to you

Answer:

To be honest, I can recall many occasions when I had to borrow important things from
someone else. I’ll talk about when my father lent me 2 million VND (what you
borrowed). First, I asked my mother for the loan, but she was on a tight budget.
Therefore, I ended up borrowing from my father, who gave me the money as if money
was no object (who you borrowed it from). After finishing the National Exams, myself
and another friend planned to run a business, which was to sell milk tea. I remember

+ Để tìm hiểu thông tin về các khóa học, bộ sách mới nhất của thầy Bách, các bạn truy cập: www.ngocbach.com
+ Hotline tư vấn đăng ký học: 0974657403 (email tư vấn: [email protected]) 194
 that, last year, I convinced by my friend who came up with the idea of making milk tea
to save money for our trip to Singapore. We were struggling with the stall in the
beginning. Each day, the store continued on track, and we gradually earned a profit.
Within a month, I was able to return the money that I borrowed from my father. The
moment he received the money from me, he seemed a bit surprised. I explained to him
how we earned it. He told me that he was quite astonished that our little stall eventually
saw the light of success. (what you borrowed it for).

I was over the moon to tell him how we worked together to make it a success. I also
showed my gratitude and mentioned that, if not for his money, I could not have had the
chance to fulfill my dream, which was traveling to Singapore. Numerous other times, I
borrowed books, laptops, music players, money, CDs, and so on from my friends and
relatives. But the 2 million VND that I borrowed from my father was quite memorable,
and I am lucky that I decided to borrow it from my father for a good reason. (and explain
why it was useful to you)

VOCABULARY HIGHLIGHTS:
1. Recall (verb): Gợi nhớ.

Example: Do you recall the old days that were together?

2. On a tight budget (expression): Tiết kiệm, thắt chặt chi tiêu.

Example: He is on a tight budget, don’t ask him to hang out with us.
3. Money was no object (Idiom): Tiền bạc không là vấn đề.

Example: She goes shopping every week as if money is no object.

4. Run a business (phrase): Khởi nghiệp, bắt đầu kinh doanh.

Example: They started to run a small business 2 months ago.

5. Struggle with something (phrase): Gặp trục trặc, khó khăn với cái gì đó.

Example: He’s struggling with his homework.

6. On track (expression): Ổn định.

Example: Everything was on track until we came into a conflict.

7. Gain profit (expression): Có lợi nhuận.

Example: The company started to gain profit after many failures.

+ Để tìm hiểu thông tin về các khóa học, bộ sách mới nhất của thầy Bách, các bạn truy cập: www.ngocbach.com
+ Hotline tư vấn đăng ký học: 0974657403 (email tư vấn: [email protected]) 195
 8. See the light of success (expression): Thành công

Example: Having failed for several times, he finally saw the light of success.
9. Over the moon (idiom): Hạnh phúc.

Example: I was over the moon when I heard your news.

10. Memorable (adjective): Đáng nhớ.

Example: The exchange trip was such a memorial experience in my life.

PART 3:

1. What will you do if people do not return the money they borrow from you?

If the amount of money is not too big and the person is underprivileged, I will not ask
for a return anyway. However, I will definitely keep asking for the return and bothering
him if the amount of money is large. If that person does not seem to want to return the
money, I will have to confide in the police.
2. Why are people embarrassed when they borrow money from others?

People feel embarrassed when borrowing money due to some reasons. First, they feel
that their financial situation is not as good as others, as a result, the thought of being at a
lower level arises. Second, it can be hard for them to ensure when they can return the
money, which is another reason why borrowing money may make them feel not
comfortable.
3. What do you think of the sharing economy?

I believe that although the sharing economy seems to be working now in the age of
technology. However, it is expected that “the gig economy” is going to overtake sharing
economy as it is believed to be more sufficient and effective in meeting the demands of
customers and raising living standards.
4. Why do some people like to borrow things instead of buying them?

People prefer to borrowing to buying as they believe that the things that they would like
to borrow will not be necessary all the time and it is a waste of money to buy them. For
example, if one only needs to use a laptop once or twice a month, it is not worth spending
a small fortune buying a laptop.
1. Underprivileged (adj): kém may mắn (về mặt tài chính)

+ Để tìm hiểu thông tin về các khóa học, bộ sách mới nhất của thầy Bách, các bạn truy cập: www.ngocbach.com
+ Hotline tư vấn đăng ký học: 0974657403 (email tư vấn: [email protected]) 196
 Example: Children from an
underprivileged family background are statistically more likely to become involved
in crime.
Trẻ con trong những gia đình kém may mắn, theo thống kê, thường dễ rơi vào con đường
tội phạm hơn.
2. To confide in (phrasal verb): tin tưởng.

Example: She's nice, but I don't feel I can confide in her.

Cô ấy tốt thật, nhưng tôi không nghĩ mình nên tin tưởng cô ấy.
3. To arise (verb): nổi lên.

Example: When a thought arises in the mind, it is not easy to get rid of it.
Khi một suy nghĩ rôi lên trong đầu, nó không dễ để bị gạt bỏ.
4. Sufficient (adj): đủ

Example: This recipe should be sufficient for five people.

Công thức nấu ăn này sẽ đủ phần 5 người.
5. To spend a small fortune (idiom): trả nhiều tiền.

Example: You'll have to spend a small fortune in legal fees if

you decide to sue for compensation.
Bạn phải trả nhiều tiền cho lệ phí nếu bạn quyết định đòi tiền bồi thường.

35. Describe a gift that you took a lot of time to choose

What it was
Who you gave it to
How you prepare
Explain why you spent a lot of time preparing it

(What it was)Today, I would like to tell you the time I bought an Iphone for my sister
when she turned 18, which took me almost 2 months to prepare.
(Who you gave it to) My sister was heavily fascinated about this wonderful cutting-edge
device and dreamed about owning one someday. Besides, it is also a useful tool which

+ Để tìm hiểu thông tin về các khóa học, bộ sách mới nhất của thầy Bách, các bạn truy cập: www.ngocbach.com
+ Hotline tư vấn đăng ký học: 0974657403 (email tư vấn: [email protected]) 197
 can help her studies be more efficient and keep in touch with foreign friends by making
long-distance video calls.
(How you prepare ) One day, I did a part-time job, which is tutoring English for children
and started saving money from there. After one month I found that I had saved a very
small amount to purchase the IPhone! Then, I actually had to spend time working at a
restaurant at the same time. When I finally saved enough money, I went to a mobile phone
store when they were having special deals and purchased an Iphone 7+ as hardly could I
have another chance to buy this item at such a good bargain price.
(Explain why you spent a lot of time preparing it )Well, you know that cutting-edge
devices, especially Apple products might cost an arm and a leg. I was on a tight budget
that moment to make my sister’s dream turn into reality. However, what was special was
that as she grew up, she understood how much love I had put in the phone when buying
it for her.

VOCABULARY HIGHLIGHTS:
1. Cutting-edge device (noun): Những thiết bị điện tử hiện đại.
Example: Communication through cutting-edge devices is the primary culprit for the loss
of direct communication these days.
2. Keep in touch with sb (expression): Giữ liên lạc với ai đó.
Example: We still keep in touch with each other after graduation.
3. Bargain (noun): Gía rẻ
Example: This shirt was half-price - a real bargain.
4. Cost one’s an arm and a leg (idiom): Đắt đỏ.
I'd love to buy a Porsche, but they cost an arm and a leg.
5. On a tight budget (expression): Thắt chặt chi tiêu, tiết kiệm.
Example: He decided to stay at a hostel since he was on a tight budget.

36. Describe an experience that you got bored when you were with others
You should say:

⁃ When it was

⁃ Who you were with

+ Để tìm hiểu thông tin về các khóa học, bộ sách mới nhất của thầy Bách, các bạn truy cập: www.ngocbach.com
+ Hotline tư vấn đăng ký học: 0974657403 (email tư vấn: [email protected]) 198
 ⁃ What you did

⁃ And explain why you were bored.

(When it was) Right now, I’d like to share with you one of my biggest problems
whenever I go on a date with someone - boredom. Some time ago, during the Lunar New
Year to be exact, I tried seeing a guy who I found the most boring individual on Earth.

(Who you were with) I matched this guy on Tinder, which was my maiden Tinder
experience. Having read his profile, I could know this guy is definitely not a catfish but
rather a well-educated boy who seemed to be a person I could talk to. However, he was
just too shy to initiate a conversation and I had to continuously ask questions until I ran
out of ideas.

(What you did) All of our dates were movie sessions rather than face-to-face time. After
movies, we would just head out for dinner and drinks at which both of us hardly cast a
glance at each other while we spent most of our time keeping eyes glued to our screens,
literally without knowing what to say to each other.

(And explain why you were bored) I would say that the lack of connection between us
was the cause of the boredom. Also, there was no chemistry between us. I expected him
to be a lot more active as he had seemed to talk a lot in chat, but the way he turned out
left me quite disappointed.

1. To go on a date (phrase): đi hẹn hò

He asked her out on a date.

Anh ấy mời cô ấy đi hẹn hò.

2. To see (v): tìm hiểu

I think Jane wants to date Jack after spending three months seeing him.

Tôi nghĩ Jane muốn hẹn hò với Jack sau ba tháng tìm hiểu.

3. Catfish (n): lừa đảo (sử dụng hình người khác trên ứng
dụng hẹn hò)

Falling for a catfish has nothing to do with intelligence or rational thinking – it’s all
about hope.

+ Để tìm hiểu thông tin về các khóa học, bộ sách mới nhất của thầy Bách, các bạn truy cập: www.ngocbach.com
+ Hotline tư vấn đăng ký học: 0974657403 (email tư vấn: [email protected]) 199
 Lỡ yêu một người lừa đảo thì không có gì liên quan với thông minh hay suy nghĩ lý trí –
nó hoàn toàn là hy vọng.

4. To initiate (v): bắt đầu

We shall initiate urgent discussions with our European partners.

Chúng tôi sẽ bắt đầu những cuộc thảo luận gấp với đối tác Châu Âu.

5. To cast a glance at sb/sth (phrase): liếc nhìn ai đó/cái gì đó.

She cast a glance at her watch.

Cô ấy liếc mắt nhìn đồng hồ.

6. To keep eyes glued to screen (phrase): dán mắt vào màn hình

You can see many train commuters in S.Korea keep their eyes glued to their phone
screens on board.

Bạn có thể thấy rất nhiều người đi tàu ở Hàn Quốc dán mắt vào màn hình điện thoại.

7. Chemistry (n): hợp

Finding out that there was chemistry between them, they decided to break up.

Nhận thấy rằng không hợp nhau, họ quyết định chia tay.

37. Describe a person who is good at his/her job

Who
What his/ her job is
How he/ she likes the job
Explain why
(Who) For this cue card, I would to tell you about my English teacher, Jason, for whom
I have a huge amount of admiration for his work. I got to know him when I registered
on an online IELTS class to study in the US.
(What his/ her job is) Well, he told me he has been an English teacher since he graduated
from university, which is almost 7 years until now.
(How he/ she likes the jobs) Jason is a really amazing teacher. He always tailors his
teaching styles to help the transmission of knowledge to students be more efficient and
lively. Hardly ever did I see a moment when he lost his temper during studying. I have

+ Để tìm hiểu thông tin về các khóa học, bộ sách mới nhất của thầy Bách, các bạn truy cập: www.ngocbach.com
+ Hotline tư vấn đăng ký học: 0974657403 (email tư vấn: [email protected]) 200
 to admit that Jason really loves his job, and he said he’d be an English teacher even if
when he is retired. To be honest, I was quite taken aback by this comment. I always get
a feeling somewhere between admiration and sympathy for teachers who dedicate almost
every aspect of their life to their work.
(Explain why)I believe that Jason loves to socialize with different people, which is why
he is passionate about his job. Moreover, his work and his life are intimately linked, and
if Jason wants to lead a good life, this is almost synonymous with him being a good
teacher.
1. Admiration (noun): Sự mến mộ
Example: My admiration for that woman grows daily.
2. Teaching styles (noun): Phương pháp giảng dạy
Example: You should have different teaching styles based on the students.
3. Transmission of knowledge: Truyền đạt kiến thức.
Example: Teachers these days can use the Internet to help the transmission of knowledge
be more efficient.
4. Lose one’s temper (verb): Tức giận
Example: He lost his temper and shouted at me.
5. To be taken aback (phrasal verb): Ngạc nhiên
Example: I was a little taken aback at the directness of the question.
6. Passionate (adjective): Đam mê
Joe is passionate about baseball.

38. Describe an interesting conversation with a stranger

Who this person was
What the conversation was about
Why you had this conversation
How you felt about it

(Who this person was) Well, I’m going to tell you a moment when I had a chat with a
woman selling beverages during my very first trip to Bangkok, Thailand. It just happened
2 months ago I can still remember it quite well.
(What the conversation was about) I was just an 18-year-old boy back then, and I was
unable to find my way to the Bus Station where I was about to hop on a bus and go to

+ Để tìm hiểu thông tin về các khóa học, bộ sách mới nhất của thầy Bách, các bạn truy cập: www.ngocbach.com
+ Hotline tư vấn đăng ký học: 0974657403 (email tư vấn: [email protected]) 201
 Pattaya. However, Google Maps wasn’t as popular as it is nowadays, so the only way I
could figure out the way was by asking a local. Luckily, there was a lady who was selling
beverages at a food cart near where I was standing. I resorted to asking the lady if she
would be so kind as to tell me the way to the Bus Station and she kindly replied by
pointing to a building across the road and saying ’it’s over there’. Without her help, I
could not possibly have completed my trip in Thailand.
(Why you had this conversation) I was talking to my friend in Vietnamese that moment,
and suddenly she replied to me in Vietnamese. It turned out that she was also from
Vietnam. And then, I decided to sit down and order a drink from the old lady and have a
chat with her. So we ended up chatting for ages about our lives and about how and why
we had come to Bangkok.
(How you felt about it) Well, I just simply found the conversation so enjoyable and
inspiring since the lady was such a gentle women. Despite having quite a tough life, she
still had such a nice personality to overcome her struggles.

1. Find one’s way: Tìm đường.

Example: He was an expert at finding his way, even in strange surroundings.
2. Local (adjective): Người bản địa.
Example: You should talk to the locals to make new friends.
3. Resort to (verb): Làm 1 điều gì đó mà mình không muốn vì không còn cách nào khác.
Example: I had to resort to violence/threats to get my money.
4. Gentle (adjective): Tử tế
Example: He's very gentle with his kids.
5. Tough (adjective): Khó khăn
Example: You have to be tough to be successful in politics.
6. Struggle (noun): Khó khăn
Example: It was a terrible struggle for him to accept her death.

39. Describe a special day that made you happy

When
Who
What
Explain why

+ Để tìm hiểu thông tin về các khóa học, bộ sách mới nhất của thầy Bách, các bạn truy cập: www.ngocbach.com
+ Hotline tư vấn đăng ký học: 0974657403 (email tư vấn: [email protected]) 202
 (When) I would like to talk about a special day when I received an amount of money
from my university, which is possibly one of the happiest events in my entire life. It was
only 2 months ago and I still remember that day rather clearly.
(Who) It was the principal of my university who awarded the money to me. To be honest,
I didn’t expect him to give us a lot of money since my school was on a tight budget to
help unprivileged students. The moment I got announcement from my head teacher, I was
over the moon.
(What) After completing an English Test competition with flying colors, I was rewarded
an amount of 2 million VND. I consider myself a competitive person; therefore, I always
try my best in every single English competition. I still remember the moment of the
principal walking into my class and giving me a handshake. Then, he gave me a small
envelope and a certificate. While returning home, I found myself flying in joy.
(Why) To be honest, I have never received such a huge amount of money in my entire
life, and what happened that day just really made it a once-in-a-life-time experience.
1. On a tight budget (expression): Thắt chặt chi tiêu, tiết kiệm.
Example: It is important that we travel on a tight budget.
2. Over the moon (idiom): Hạnh phúc.
Example: She was over the moon when her boyfriend proposed marriage to her.
3. Flying colors (expression): Điểm số cao.
Example: He made his parents proud by passing the test with flying colors.
4. Flying in joy (expression): Ngập tràn trong niềm vui.
Example: They found themselves flying in joy when their son got admitted to FTU.
5. Once-in-a-life-time (adjective): Có 1 lần duy nhất trên đời.
Example: We have a once-in-a-lifetime test, the number plate test, and it is not even a
very good one.

40. Describe a person who often travels by plane

Who he/ she is
Where he or she goes
Why he or she travels by plane
And how he/ she feels about it

+ Để tìm hiểu thông tin về các khóa học, bộ sách mới nhất của thầy Bách, các bạn truy cập: www.ngocbach.com
+ Hotline tư vấn đăng ký học: 0974657403 (email tư vấn: [email protected]) 203
 (Who he/ she is) I think this person would probably be my brother, who works as an
engineer for a multinational corporation. Due to his work, he has to travel by air on a
regular basis.
(Where he or she goes) His company has some important clients around Southeast Asia,
namely Singapore, Cambodia,… or even in Europe. He is usually on a business trip to
meet clients, attend meetings and tackle some pressing problems.
(Why he or she travels by plane ) Well, I think the main reason why he opts for
travelling by plane so often is that it helps him save time and he is able to finish his work
with a high level of efficiency, compared to trains or night buses which might bring him
a sense of discomfort. He even told me sometimes he got the chance to fly on a 5-star
airline with such a good bargain.
(And how he/ she feels about it) He obviously really enjoys the service on the plane
compared to other means of transportation. Every flight is always accompanied with an
in-flight meal and water. He told me that the hospitality of flight attendants always brings
him a sense of comfort and relaxation when travelling between countries. However,
sometimes he also suffers from jet lag on long-haul flights and turbulence when the
plane is flying through bad weather areas.
1. Business trip (noun): Chuyến công tác
I will have a business trip to the UK for 2 weeks.
2. Opt for something (verb): Lựa chọn
Mike opted for early retirement.
3. Discomfort (noun): Không thoải mái, sự bất tiện.
You may feel a little discomfort for a few days after the operation.
4. Bargain (noun): Gía rẻ.
This shirt was half-price - a real bargain.
5. To be accompanied with something (verb): Đi kèm với cái gì đó.
The course books are accompanied by four CDs.
6. Hospitality (noun): Lòng mến khách
The local people showed me great hospitality.
7. Jet lag (noun): Sự mệt mỏi bởi 1 chuyến bay dài do sự lệch múi giờ.
When traveling on business, schedule in some time to allow yourself to get over the
effects of jet lag.
8. Turbulence (noun): Nhiễu loạn không khí

+ Để tìm hiểu thông tin về các khóa học, bộ sách mới nhất của thầy Bách, các bạn truy cập: www.ngocbach.com
+ Hotline tư vấn đăng ký học: 0974657403 (email tư vấn: [email protected]) 204
 There were 4 people who got injured because of heavy turbulence on the flight last night
to Osaka.

41. Describe a situation when you celebrate your achievement

You should say:

What you did

When and where you celebrated it

Who you celebrated it with

And how you felt about it

(What you did)

I’m going to describe an occasion on which I celebrated my small achievement. I worked

so diligently for an international organization for a duration of 2 months and received a
substantial amount of salary. At that time, I was just 16, so receiving this was really
rewarding and I wanted to share it with my beloved ones.

(When and where you celebrated it)

The celebration was in a small, cozy Italian restaurant, which creates a pleasurable
atmosphere for its customers. That day was in mid-October, so the weather was quite
chilly, yet suitable for such an intimate gathering. Well, the restaurant that I had carefully
chosen is particularly renowned for quality pizza, flavorful pasta and unique beverages
and more importantly, its view overlooks the sea. Actually, I had to reserve the table for
1 week in advance, as the tables in this special place are always full.

(Who you celebrated it with)

I decided to treat my whole family to a dinner at a famous restaurant with my very first
salary. The dinner included my grandparents, parents and what made me happy the most
about it was the very presence of my sister, who had just come back from a one-year
exchange study program in Portugal. She tried her best to arrange time to fly back to join
in my celebration, so I felt extremely grateful.

+ Để tìm hiểu thông tin về các khóa học, bộ sách mới nhất của thầy Bách, các bạn truy cập: www.ngocbach.com
+ Hotline tư vấn đăng ký học: 0974657403 (email tư vấn: [email protected]) 205
 (And how you felt about it)

This small celebration means a lot to me, as it not only marked my little accomplishment,
but it was also a family reunion. We had a whale of time at the restaurant with
extraordinary dishes and professional service, which pleased every member. I realize that
family bonds, after all, are such an irreplaceable treasure for each person. Especially in
this day and age, when technology seems to overwhelm our interaction and attention to
others, quality time with your own flesh and blood to celebrate something is all the more
important.

Vocabulary:

1. diligently [adv]: in a way that is careful and uses a lot of effort: một cách tận
tụy
2 . Eg: He worked di ligent l y t o prepare hi mself for t hi s t hree -week
t ournam ent .

3. substantial [adj]: large in size, value, or importance: đáng kể

4. Eg: The findings show a substantial difference between the opinions of men
and women.
5. cozy [adj]: warm, comfortable and safe, especially because of being small or
confined: ấm cúng
6. Eg: We sit in this cozy little room every Christmas.
7. (be) renowned for sth [expression]: be famous for sth: nổi tiếng về
8. Eg: Lan is renowned for her English proficiency.
9. reserve [v]: to ask for a seat, table, room, etc. to be available for you or somebody
else at a future time: đặt trước
10. Eg: I'd like to reserve a table for three for eight o'clock.
11. grateful [adj]: feeling or showing thanks because somebody has done
something kind for you or has done as you asked: biết ơn
12. Eg: I am extremely grateful to all the teachers for their help.
13. family reunion [expression]: the act of family members coming together after
they have been apart for some time: sự hội ngộ gia đình

+ Để tìm hiểu thông tin về các khóa học, bộ sách mới nhất của thầy Bách, các bạn truy cập: www.ngocbach.com
+ Hotline tư vấn đăng ký học: 0974657403 (email tư vấn: [email protected]) 206
 14. Eg: Family reunions are quite a common sight at the airport.
15. have a whale of a time [expression]: to enjoy yourself very much: cảm thấy vui vẻ
16. Eg: We had a whale of time at the meeting yesterday.
17. irreplaceable [adj]: too valuable or special to be replaced: không thể thay thế
18. Eg: These pictures are irreplaceable to Jessie.
19. all the more [expression]: even more than before: càng
20. Eg: Several publishers rejected her book, but that just made her all the more
determined.

42. Describe a time when you first met someone

- Who that person was

- Where you met him/her

- What you talked about

- How you felt about it

(Who this person is) Today, I would like to share with you about a time I first met one
of my best Singaporean friends - Wenxin. She’s a 17-year old Singaporean student who
studies 3 core subjects: Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry. However, an abiding
passion for environmental science gave her the incentive to take Geography along with
the aforementioned 3 subjects in preparation for her entrance exam for the School of
Design and Environment of the National University of Singapore.

(Where you met him/her) We were on the same trip called Temasek Overseas Outreach
Programme in order to teach English to the children and helped concrete a school yard in
Ben Tre province, Vietnam. Wenxin and I were in the same group, which meant that we
joined hands to prepare and deliver the lessons.

(What you talked about) Our first talk took place when we stopped over at a rest stop
en route to Ben Tre from Ho Chi Minh city. We talked a lot about school stuff since we
were both students. Hardly would I expect an Asian student to study Geography as it is
not deemed a promising subject like Maths or Science, therefore it really did come as a
surprise to me that she turned out to be a Geography student.

+ Để tìm hiểu thông tin về các khóa học, bộ sách mới nhất của thầy Bách, các bạn truy cập: www.ngocbach.com
+ Hotline tư vấn đăng ký học: 0974657403 (email tư vấn: [email protected]) 207
 (How you felt about it) Never will I forget that first meeting of mine with Wenxin
because I found out I had a lot more things in common than expected. Also, she was
one of the most outgoing and friendly people I’d ever met.

1. Abiding (adj): vĩnh cửu

My abiding memory is of him in the garden.

Kỷ niệm vĩnh cửu của tôi là hình ảnh anh ấy trong khu vườn.

2. Join hands (phrase): cùng chung làm việc gì đó

This folk dance begins with everyone joining hands to form a circle.

3. En route to (phrase): trên đường tới

He stopped in Turkey en route to Geneva.

Anh ấy dừng lại ở Thổ Nhĩ Kì trên đường tới Geneva.

4. To come as a/no surprise (phrase): (không) gây bất ngờ

The news will come as no surprise to his colleagues.

Cái tin này sẽ không gây bất ngờ với đồng nghiệp anh ấy.

5. To have things in common (phrase): có chung cái gì đó

We don't really have much in common.

Chúng tôi không có nhiều điểm chung

43. Describe a new public building in your place

You should say:
where the place is
how you get there
what it looks like
and explain why you like this place and often go there.

+ Để tìm hiểu thông tin về các khóa học, bộ sách mới nhất của thầy Bách, các bạn truy cập: www.ngocbach.com
+ Hotline tư vấn đăng ký học: 0974657403 (email tư vấn: [email protected]) 208
 (Where):
I’m going to tell you about a new skyscraper located at the heart of Ho Chi Minh City,
which is called Landmark 81, and it’s currently the highest building in Southeast Asia,
with 81 floors. I actually got to know this building when I moved to Ho Chi Minh City
for my university life.

(How you get there):

It is very accessible to get to the building since public transport is always available. I
usually take bus, which drops me off directly at the building.

(What it looks like)

The bottom half of the tower is filled with shopping malls and advanced types of
entertainment and the top half is offices for lease. The offices are really high-priced due
to the location and views, which make them very desirable. Not only is it one of the
highest skyscrapers in the city but it also possesses an eye-catching architectural design,
which is likely to absorb any one’s attention. The original design of this tower is inspired
by bamboo trees, which symbolizes the solidarity and strength of the Vietnamese people.

(and explain why you like this place and often go there)
I have definitely fallen for the design of this tower since it absolutely stands out.
Recently, it has become a famous landmark in the city. Moreover, meeting friends is just
a piece of cake thanks to its exotic appearance. Especially, there are lively bars,
restaurants on the 77th floor, which will give you a magnificent view as there are no
walls, so you can enjoy the city in any direction. I would highly recommend anyone who
visits this tower to go there and give it a try.

VOCABULARY FROM TOWN AND CITY

 Public transport

Meaning: public vehicles such as buses and trains that operate at regular times on fixed
routes

Example: Greater investment in public transport would keep more cars off the roads.

 Shopping malls

+ Để tìm hiểu thông tin về các khóa học, bộ sách mới nhất của thầy Bách, các bạn truy cập: www.ngocbach.com
+ Hotline tư vấn đăng ký học: 0974657403 (email tư vấn: [email protected]) 209
 Meaning: large indoor shopping centres

Example: A shopping mall is no longer just a place to go to buy something, it’s a

community and entertainment center.

 Lively bars, restaurants

Meaning: Bars or restaurants with a good atmosphere

Example: Bui Vien Street has many lively bars, restaurants.

VOCABULARY FROM RELATIONSHIP

 To fall for

OTHER VOCABULARY:

 Skyscraper

Meaning: a very tall modern building, usually in a city

Example: Building a skyscraper can take years to complete.

 High-priced

Meaning: expensive

Example: Apartments in District 2 are really high-priced, which is why there are many
wealthy people living there.

 Eye-catching

Meaning: Very attractive or noticeable

Example: The design of this dress is very eye-catching.

 Landmark

Meaning: a building or place that is easily recognized, especially one that you can use to
judge where you are

Example: The Statue of Liberty in New York is a famous landmark.

+ Để tìm hiểu thông tin về các khóa học, bộ sách mới nhất của thầy Bách, các bạn truy cập: www.ngocbach.com
+ Hotline tư vấn đăng ký học: 0974657403 (email tư vấn: [email protected]) 210
  Magnificent

Meaning: very good, beautiful, or deserving to be admired

Example: The view from the top of the building is magnificent.

44. Describe a time you were sleepy but had to stay awake
You should say
 When it was
 Why you had to stay awake
 How you kept yourself awake
And explain how you felt about it
(When):
I consider myself a night owl; therefore, having a white night is not a rare experience for
me. Today, I would like to talk about a night I had to stay awake all night to cook home-
cooked food, specifically Chung Cake for Lunar New Year.
(Why you had to stay awake):
You probably know that Tet or Lunar New Year is one of the biggest festivals in Vietnam.
There are a lot of activities taking place before the Lunar New Year, and making Chung
Cake is one of them, which excites me the most. However, the process of making Chung
cake is time-consuming and requires the contribution of several people. It takes up to 12
hours for the cake to be cooked. Therefore, I and my cousins had to spend the whole night
watching the cake.
(How you kept yourself awake):
In order not to fall asleep while waiting for the Chung Cake to be cooked, I actually drank
a cup of Vietnamese black-iced coffee, which was a savior to keep me being conscious
for the whole night. Moreover, my cousins also spent a white night with me, and we kept
talking until dawn.
And explain how you felt about it
After the cake had been cooked, I became immediately worn out and just wanted to hit
the bed as quick as possible. I had to say that I slept like a rock after having a white
night. However, it was a memorable experience for me to recall the traditional activities
of Tet and have an opportunity to bond with family members.
Part 3 questions:

+ Để tìm hiểu thông tin về các khóa học, bộ sách mới nhất của thầy Bách, các bạn truy cập: www.ngocbach.com
+ Hotline tư vấn đăng ký học: 0974657403 (email tư vấn: [email protected]) 211
  What are some advantages of getting enough sleep?
 Obviously, getting enough sleep plays an important role in shaping people’s health.
It helps us recharge our energy after a nerve-racking day, avoid being overloaded. For
example, an 8 hour sleep is believed to help people work efficiently and boost their
productivity. If people don’t get enough sleep, they can find it difficult to concentrate on
their tasks.
 How people in your country keep track of their sleep?
 I believe that in this day and age, people in my country can take advantage of cutting-
edge devices to be aware of their sleep. Such applications have been invented to analyze
their sleep patterns and even give them some recommendations such as listening to the
ocean waves or rain drops which helps them sleep better. If it were not for those
applications, they might not know what problems they are facing.
 How do you avoid falling asleep when you are at a meeting?
 I think that the key factor which keeps people awake at a meeting is that they should
go to bed earlier than usual, or the tiredness because of insufficient sleep will drain their
energy the next day. Moreover, caffeine may also be another option to help people avoid
nodding off at the meeting. For example, I usually drink a cup of coffee before going to
work, which keeps me conscious all day.
VOCABULARY FROM FOOD
 home-cooked food
Meaning: Food cooked at home from individual ingredients
Example: The menu offers a range of home-cooked meals, from hearty soups to stacked
sandwiches to sizzling steaks.
OTHER VOCABULARY
 A night owl
Meaning: A person who prefers to be awake and active at night
Example: My wife's a night owl, but I like to be in bed by 10 o'clock.
 A white night
Meaning: A sleepless night.
Example: I had a white night because of stomachache
 Time-consuming
Meaning: Takes a lot of time to do
Example: Producing a dictionary is a very time-consuming job.

+ Để tìm hiểu thông tin về các khóa học, bộ sách mới nhất của thầy Bách, các bạn truy cập: www.ngocbach.com
+ Hotline tư vấn đăng ký học: 0974657403 (email tư vấn: [email protected]) 212
  To fall asleep
Meaning: To begin sleeping
Example: I'd better get out before I fall asleep.
 Conscious
Meaning: Awake, thinking, and knowing what is happening around you
Example: He's still conscious but he's very badly injured.
 Worn out
Meaning: Extremely tired
Example: They were worn out after their long walk.
 Sleep like a rock
Meaning: To experience a very deep and restful sleep; to sleep soundly.
Example: I have to set numerous alarms for the morning because I sleep like a rock every
night!
 Nerve-racking
Meaning: difficult to do and causes a lot of worry for the person involved in it
Example: My wedding was the most nerve-racking thing I've ever experienced.
 Overload
Meaning: To give someone more work or problems than they can deal with
Example: Try not to overload yourself with work.
 Analyze
Meaning: To examine carefully and in detail so as to identify causes, key factors, possible
results
Example: In the article, several experienced diplomats analyzed the president’s foreign
policy.
 Drain (someone or something) of (something)
Meaning: To cause someone or something to lose some ability or quality, often energy.
Example: Eleanor has such a pessimistic attitude that being around her just drains me of
energy.
 Nod off
Meaning: To begin sleeping, especially not intentionally

Example: After our busy day, we both sat and nodded off in front of the TV.

+ Để tìm hiểu thông tin về các khóa học, bộ sách mới nhất của thầy Bách, các bạn truy cập: www.ngocbach.com
+ Hotline tư vấn đăng ký học: 0974657403 (email tư vấn: [email protected]) 213
 45. Describe a practical skill you learned

- What the skill was

- Where you learnt it

- How you learnt it

- And explain how useful it was

(what it is) More than 11 years ago, whenever I came across a street pianist, it took me
quite long to take my eyes off him. I was passionate about music, especially the piano.
Luckily, I had the chance to learn the piano from a classically trained pianist who was
willing to train me for free as there was a shortage of pianists for the church choir. Without
hesitation, I made up my mind to follow him.

(where you learnt it) As I mentioned previously, I was trained to play the piano for the
choir in my church’s services. Also, because I did not have the instrument at that time, I
had to learn the piano at the church. Albeit learning at a church, which is supposed to be
a quiet and solemn place, all the sessions were full of laughter because there were also
other fellows trying to play the piano with me.

(how you learnt it) Filled with effervescence, I was eager to play the first notes of my
life. However, things did not go as expected as I started to realise that the piano was a lot
harder than I had thought. Keeping in mind that the more I played, the better I would
become, however, classical songs again posed a great challenge even when I felt that my
ability to play the instrument was already competent. The thought of giving up sprang
to my mind but luckily, the trainer was making lots of effort to keep the fire burning
inside me and I quickly got rid of that negative thought before being back on track.

(and explain how useful it was) I have been learning the piano for more than 10 years.
Yet, I never stop learning new challenging classical songs apart from playing simple
songs for the services so that I can ensure that my skills will not worsen. Indeed, it only
took me around 1 year to play for the services quite confidently and smoothly.

1. To come across sth/someone: vô tình gặp ai đó/thứ gì đó.

+ Để tìm hiểu thông tin về các khóa học, bộ sách mới nhất của thầy Bách, các bạn truy cập: www.ngocbach.com
+ Hotline tư vấn đăng ký học: 0974657403 (email tư vấn: [email protected]) 214
 Example: I came across him in the library after work, and we got into a
great conversation about Hemingway.

Tôi vô tình gặp anh ấy trong thư viện sau khi làm và chúng tôi đã có một cuộc nói chuyện
về Hemingway.

2. To take someone’s eyes off sth/someone (phrase): đưa mắt ra khỏi ai đó/gì đó.

Example: Ken couldn't take his eyes off Judy.

Ken không thể đưa mắt khỏi Judy.

3. To make up someone’s mind (idiom): quyết định.

Example: I'm not sure what flavor I want—I'm still making my mind up.

Tôi vẫn chưa chắc là mình muốn vị nào, tôi vẫn đang quyết định.

4. Solemn (adj): trang nghiêm

Example: a solemn procession

Một cuộc diễu hành trang nghiêm

5. Effervescence (n): khí thế, năng lượng.

Example: he was filled with such effervescence

Anh ấy tràn đầy năng lượng.

6. To be competent at something: có khả năng làm việc gì đó tốt.

Example: I wouldn't say he was brilliant but he is competent at his job.

Tôi sẽ không nói là anh ấy quá xuất sắc nhưng anh ấy thực sự có khả năng làm việc tốt.

7. To spring to someone’s mind (idiom): đập vào đầu ai đó.

Example: Say the word "Australia" and

a vision of beaches and blue seas immediately springs to mind.

+ Để tìm hiểu thông tin về các khóa học, bộ sách mới nhất của thầy Bách, các bạn truy cập: www.ngocbach.com
+ Hotline tư vấn đăng ký học: 0974657403 (email tư vấn: [email protected]) 215
 Mỗi khi ai đó nói về Australia là hình ảnh của biển và đại dương xanh lại đập vô đầu tôi.

8. Keep the fire burning (idiom): giữ cháy ngọn lửa (đam mê).

Example: when I was about to give up on my dream, my parents immediately took actions
to keep the fire burning.

Khi tôi chuẩn bị bỏ cuộc với ước mơ của mình, bố mẹ tôi liền can thiệp và nuôi dưỡng
ngọn lửa đam mê của tôi.

PART 3

1. What is the most practical skill in this modern world?

I would say that the most practical skill in this modern world is technology literacy. It is
pressing that everyone should acquire a good grasp of technology so as not to fall
behind the times and stay relevant to the whole world’s trends.

2. What kinds of skills are difficult to learn?

Computer skills are probably the hardest to learn. They require a sophisticated brain that
is capable of analysing numbers and digits as well as an ability to remember a process
well.

3. What kinds of professions require practical skills?

Technology and arts-related professions usually require practical skills. For example, a
singer needs to train his vocal skills while a programmer needs special computer skills.

1. Technology literacy (phrase): khả năng sử dụng công nghệ

Technology literacy is now one of the most important criteria for many jobs.

Khả năng sử dụng công nghệ là một trong những điều kiện rất quan trọng cho nhiều công
việc.

2. To acquire a good grasp of something (phrase): nắm chắc cái gì đó.

He has a good grasp of the issues.

+ Để tìm hiểu thông tin về các khóa học, bộ sách mới nhất của thầy Bách, các bạn truy cập: www.ngocbach.com
+ Hotline tư vấn đăng ký học: 0974657403 (email tư vấn: [email protected]) 216
 Anh ấy nắm chắc được vấn đề.

3. Fall behind (phrase): thụt lùi

Companies that failed to modernize fell behind quite dramatically.

Những công ty không chịu đổi mới đã thụt lùi khá nhiều.

46. Describe a school you went in your childhood

You should say:
Where the school was
When you went there
What the school and the teachers were like
And explain whether you enjoyed your time there
(Where) I went to Chau Thanh high school in my childhood and studied there from grade
10 to grade 12. I was around 16 years old when I first went to this school and was there
till I turned 18 years old.

(What it was like) The school was a 4-story building in a U-shape with over 1000 students
and more than 40 awesome teachers. In addition, we even have a big hall room where we
used to gather together and gossip with friends. The canteen was our favorite place where
school provided us with snacks and drinks, which were delicious. There was a large green
field where we often played and ran there. I still remember doing physical exercise every
day on that field, which made me sick of it.

(What you learned there) I was really impressed with the way our teachers treated us and
how they expanded our horizons through interesting lessons. Besides Natural Science
and Social Science subjects, we were also provided extra-curricular activities such as
art classes or volunteer works. Our teachers always tailored their teaching styles in order
to help the transmission of knowledge be more efficient and lively.

(How you felt about it) Well, I have to say I really enjoyed the time I spent in the school.
I had many good friends and I liked the environment and teachers there.

Part 3

+ Để tìm hiểu thông tin về các khóa học, bộ sách mới nhất của thầy Bách, các bạn truy cập: www.ngocbach.com
+ Hotline tư vấn đăng ký học: 0974657403 (email tư vấn: [email protected]) 217
 Q. How are education priorities today different from those in the past?
 In a fast-changing world we are in today, education priorities have transformed as well.
In our current society, education opens more opportunities to gain a wider skill set that
were not offered in the past. For example, colleges and universities have more specific
majors or courses as compared before. Education now involves the use of the modern
technology such as computers and other gadgets that were not present in the past.
Q. What is your opinion on the way languages are taught in schools?
 Personally, I think that there should be some adjustments on how students approach
language courses at school. Obviously, at some schools, students and teachers sole rely
on theoretical lessons without focusing on other skills such as writing or speaking. For
example, during my high school years, speaking was not highly stressed on my school
curriculum; as a result, I was a fish out of water in English conversations with foreign
friends.
Q. How can the type of school you go to affect career success?
 Well, I am currently pursuing my bachelor’s degree at a state school, and I think
there are certain aspects which can affect career success. In a state university, there are
fewer chances for students to connect with alumni compared to private school. If a
school has enthusiastic alumni, they can help students find internships or even jobs.
Q. What changes do you think will happen in the classroom in the near future?
 I believe that there will be some significant changes in the classroom related to
technology. Teachers may not need to travel back and forth to impart knowledge to their
students. For example, in this day and age, students can attend classes regardless of
distance to widen their horizons, which are more accessible than traditional classes.
Q. What important lessons can we learn from schools?
 Obviously, besides helping students become well-rounded people, schools also shape
their personalities. At schools, they are taught how to solve problems by themselves, or
to work efficiently as a group. For example, thanks to my time at university, I have
become mature and financially independent. If it were not for schools, I would not have
the chance to expand my horizons.
VOCABULARY FROM EDUCATION
 Bachelor degree
Meaning: An undergraduate course which usually lasts 3-4 years
Example: He is studying for his bachelor degree at a prestigious university.

+ Để tìm hiểu thông tin về các khóa học, bộ sách mới nhất của thầy Bách, các bạn truy cập: www.ngocbach.com
+ Hotline tư vấn đăng ký học: 0974657403 (email tư vấn: [email protected]) 218
  State school
Meaning: A school paid for by public funds and available to the general public
Example: You should go to state school because it is be more affordable than private one.
 Private school
Meaning: Exclusive independent schools in the UK
Example: Almost all of the rich, able students attend the elite private school.
 Attend classes
Meaning: To go to classes
Example: You should attend classes every day to keep up with your studies

OTHER VOCABULARY
 To be sick of something

Meaning: To have experienced too much of someone or something with the result that
you are annoyed

Example: I’m sick of him whining about money.

 Expand someone’s horizons (expression): Mở mang tầm nhìn, hiểu biết của ai đó.

Meaning: Meaning: to increase the range of things that someone knows about or has
experienced

Example: Travelling certainly expands your horizons.

 Extra-curricular activity

Meaning: An extracurricular activity or subject is not part of the usual school or college
course.

Example: Popular extracurricular activities include pottery, chess, choir, tennis, and
swimming.

 Teaching styles

Meaning: The way teachers impart knowledge to students.

Example: You should have different teaching styles based on students.

+ Để tìm hiểu thông tin về các khóa học, bộ sách mới nhất của thầy Bách, các bạn truy cập: www.ngocbach.com
+ Hotline tư vấn đăng ký học: 0974657403 (email tư vấn: [email protected]) 219
  Efficient

Meaning: Working or operating quickly and effectively in an organized way

Example: Modern-day engines are so much more efficient.

 Lively

Meaning: Full of energy and enthusiasm; interesting and exciting

Example: It's hard work teaching a class of lively children.

 A fish out of water

Meaning: Someone who is uncomfortable in a specific situation

Example: I felt like a fish out of water at my new school.

 Alumni

Meaning: A graduate or former student, especially a male one, of a particular school,

college, or university.

Example: He invited all the alumni of the library staff to the party.

 Internship

Meaning: A period of time during which a student works for a company or organization
in order to get experience of a particular type of work

Example: The business students often do an internship during their long vacation in e-
commerce companies.

 Back and forth

Meaning: Moving first in one direction and then in the opposite one
Example: She swayed gently back and forth to the music.

 Well-rounded
Meaning: Involving or having experience in a wide range of ideas or activities
Example: The article is well rounded and is fair to both sides of the dispute.

+ Để tìm hiểu thông tin về các khóa học, bộ sách mới nhất của thầy Bách, các bạn truy cập: www.ngocbach.com
+ Hotline tư vấn đăng ký học: 0974657403 (email tư vấn: [email protected]) 220
 47. Describe something special you took home from a tourist attraction. You
should say:
 What it was
 When you bought it
 Where it was
 What it was like
 And explain why you think it was special

(What it was) I, like many other Vietnamese tourists, am predisposed to bringing back
souvenirs from a tourist attraction. One kind of souvenir that I always buy when going
to a new country is magnets. I have collected quite a few refrigerator magnets from 5
different countries I’ve been to. The best one, which is also the one I’m going to talk
about, is the Chiang Mai magnet.

(When you bought it) I went on a trip to Chiang Mai not so long ago, actually it could
have put me in jeopardy as I travelled there in the midst of the first wave of the
COVID-19 outbreak. Thankfully, I went back to Vietnam safe and sound, with my
most favourite magnet so far and without any kind of special repatriation flight that
may have cost me a small fortune. The trip was from the 23rd to the 28th of February
2020. I bought the magnet on my last day of the trip, just before heading to the airport
for departure.

(Where it was) It took me quite a long time to find out which places sold magnets. I
asked some locals for help and they all had different pieces of advice. Finally, I ended
up getting the magnet in a shopping mall called One Nimman, whose Western
architecture stands out from the Thai houses nearby. This mall is quite trendy among the
locals and tourists alike, so the price there was also higher than other places by a wide
margin.

(What it was like) The magnet represents Doi Suithep Temple, which is renowned for
its stunning architecture and location.

+ Để tìm hiểu thông tin về các khóa học, bộ sách mới nhất của thầy Bách, các bạn truy cập: www.ngocbach.com
+ Hotline tư vấn đăng ký học: 0974657403 (email tư vấn: [email protected]) 221
 (And explain why it was special) I think it was special because whenever I see it, it
helps me recall one of the most difficult decisions I’ve ever made in my life. I nearly
dropped the flight as everyone in my family cast doubt on the possibility of me coming
back safe and sound. Regardless of that, I tried to look for information and kept track
of the COVID-19 outbreak in Chiang Mai. I overcame such a fear and made up my
mind to go to Thailand.

1. Be predisposed to sth (phrase): có xu hướng gì đó

Example: Researchers have discovered that the children of

these patients are genetically predisposed to cancer.
Các nhà nghiên cứu phát hiện trẻ em của những vị phụ huynh này có xu hướng bị ung
thư theo di truyền.

2. Refrigerator magnet (n): nam châm dán tủ

Example: We use a refrigerator magnet to hang our kids’ latest drawings.

Chúng tôi sử dụng nam châm dán tủ để treo những bức tranh mà con chúng tôi vẽ.
3. In jeopardy (phrase): trong cảnh hiểm nghèo

Example: Bad investments have put the company’s future in jeopardy.

Những sự đầu tư không khôn ngoan đã đưa tương lai công ty này vào cảnh hiểm nghèo.
4. In the midst of (phrase): giữa cái gì đó

Example: The country is in the midst of an economic crisis.

Đất nước đang ở giữa một cuộc khủng hoảng kinh tê.
5. Safe and sound (idiom): bình an

Example: After three days lost in the mountains, all the climbers arrived home safe
and sound.
Sau khi bị lạc trnog núi ba ngày, tất cả những người leo núi đdduocwjtrowr về nhà một
cách bình an.

6. a small fortune (idiom): số tiền lớn.

Example: This house cost hardly anything when we bought it, but now it’s
worth a small fortune.

Căn nhà này không quá mắc khi chúng tôi mua nó, nhưng bây giờ nó có giá trị rất lớn.

+ Để tìm hiểu thông tin về các khóa học, bộ sách mới nhất của thầy Bách, các bạn truy cập: www.ngocbach.com
+ Hotline tư vấn đăng ký học: 0974657403 (email tư vấn: [email protected]) 222
7. Repatriation (n): hồi hương

Example: Repatriation of refugees is essential to rebuilding the country.

Sự hồi hương những người tị nạn rất cần thiết với sự xây dựng lại quốc gia.

8. Renowned (adj): nổi tiếng

Example: The region is renowned for its natural beauty.

Vùng này rất nổi tiếng vì vẻ đẹp tự nhiên của nó.

9. By a wide margin (phrase): một khoảng xa

Example: She won the presidency by a wide margin.

Cô ấy thắng cuộc bầu cử tổng thống với một khoảng cách xa (đối thủ)

10. To cast doubt on something (phrase): nghi ngờ về cái gì đó.

Example: Witnesses have cast doubt on the accused's innocence.

Những nhân chứng nghi ngờ về sự vô tội của người bị cáo.
11. Keep track of sth (phrase): theo dõi cái gì đó

Example: My sister has had so many different jobs, it's hard for me to keep track
(of what she's doing).
Chị gái tôi có rất nhiều công việc khác nhau, rất khó để tôi theo dõi cô ấy đang làm gì.

Part 3:
1. What are the pros and cons of taking professional cameras when travelling?

The advantage of bringing along a professional camera is that it will help produce jaw-
dropping photos, take the beauty of the attraction to another level and promote the name
of the photographer. It is apparent that smartphone cameras have come a long way, but
they remain nowhere near professional cameras.
However, the main disadvantage of this is that it will occupy a lot of space in one’s
suitcase and it may get damaged during travel. And as everyone already knows,
repairing a professional camera may cost a small fortune!
2. Is it good that the locals sell things to tourists?

From an economic perspective, this apparently creates a source of income for the locals,
thus improving their living standards and contributing to the government budget.

+ Để tìm hiểu thông tin về các khóa học, bộ sách mới nhất của thầy Bách, các bạn truy cập: www.ngocbach.com
+ Hotline tư vấn đăng ký học: 0974657403 (email tư vấn: [email protected]) 223
 However, the way that the locals sell things to tourists determines whether it is good or
bad. If the goods are offered at a reasonable price, and the local salesclerks show a
hospitable attitude towards tourists rather than being pushy, it will be good. Otherwise,
tourists will try not to be ripped off by steering clear of visiting those shopping places.
3. Why do people like to take photos when travelling?

Ed Shereen says “We keep this love in photographs, we keep the memories for
ourselves”. So yes, people take photos when travelling to keep the memories in
photographs. Also, it is to remind them of the good times they have when travelling, so
that whenever they reminisce about that, they will appreciate each other more.
4. What souvenirs would people buy from tourist attractions?

Handcrafts, apparently. Those little cute Russian dolls or Japanese sumos tend to draw
the tourists’ attention most. Also, people would also buy refrigerator magnets and
postcards for their friends and families. Moreover, they would send those postcards to
their friends back home.
Vocabulary
1. Have come a long way (phrase): phát triển

Example: Information technology has come a long way in the last 20 years.
Công nghệ thông tin đã phát triển khá nhiều trong vòng 20 năm qua.
2. Nowhere wear (phrase): không cách nào

Example: The operation had already been going on for eight hours, and it was nowhere
near finished.
Việc hoạt động đã diễn ra được 8 tiếng, nhưng vẫn chưa gần đâu hoàn thành.

3. A small fortune (idiom): số tiền lớn.

Example: This house cost hardly anything when we bought it, but now it’s
worth a small fortune.

Căn nhà này không quá mắc khi chúng tôi mua nó, nhưng bây giờ nó có giá trị rất lớn.

4. Rip sb off (phrasal verb): “chém” (nghĩa bóng)

Example: Bob's tickets cost much less than ours - I think we've been ripped off.
Giá vé Bob mua rẻ hơn của chúng ta rất nhiều – tôi nghĩ chúng ta bị chém rồi.

+ Để tìm hiểu thông tin về các khóa học, bộ sách mới nhất của thầy Bách, các bạn truy cập: www.ngocbach.com
+ Hotline tư vấn đăng ký học: 0974657403 (email tư vấn: [email protected]) 224
5. To steer clear of (phrase): tránh xa.
Example: Steer clear of the boss today—he's yelling at everyone he sees.
Hôm nay nhớ tránh xa ông chủ – ông ấy la rầy mọi người mà ông gặp.

6. Reminisce (v): hoài niệm quá khứ

Example: My grandfather used to reminisce about his years in the navy.

Ông tôi thường hoài niệm về những năm tháng trong hải quân.

48. Describe a dinner that you really enjoyed. You should say:
 When it was
 What you ate
 Who you were with
 And explain why you enjoyed it

(When it was) Today, I would like to talk about one of the most memorable dinners
I’ve ever had in my life. That is the first date with my current husband which took place
10 years ago. I was extremely nervous as he didn’t want me to know any information
about the restaurant. He picked me up at my house and drove to the restaurant without
saying a word about it. To my surprise, he took me to the Opera Restaurant, which is
under the management of Park Hyatt Hotel - one of the few world-renowned hotels
in Vietnam. As I recall, it was on a Sunday evening and the sky was illuminated by the
gorgeous sunset glow.
(What you ate) Upon our arrival at the restaurant, we were given a warm welcome by
the staff as they directed us to our reserved table. The dinner comprised 5 dishes,
starting with some salad and white wine. The main course was Spaghetti Bolognese,
which is the most popular kind of spaghetti in the world. The sauce was made from ripe
tomatoes grown in Da Lat, a hub of fruit and vegetable growing in Vietnam, and
Australian beef. The meal ended with one of the best tiramisu’s I’ve ever had in my life.
The cake was tender, the cream was so thick and mouthwatering. The recipe balances
the bitterness of the chocolate with the sweetness of the cream. No words can describe
how delicious the tiramisu was.
(Who you were with) We had such a romantic dinner with the atmosphere filled with
classical live music played by a professional pianist and a violinist. It was also the first

+ Để tìm hiểu thông tin về các khóa học, bộ sách mới nhất của thầy Bách, các bạn truy cập: www.ngocbach.com
+ Hotline tư vấn đăng ký học: 0974657403 (email tư vấn: [email protected]) 225
 time that my husband and I had gone to such a luxurious restaurant. We were blown
away by such high-quality food and service offered by the Opera Restaurant.
(And explain why you enjoyed it) This is one of the most memorable dinners I’ve ever
had in my whole life. The food was just out of this world and the service of the Opera
was unparalleled. The dinner was more than just food. It was also the atmosphere and
the happiness there that made it so special.
Vocabulary
1. To someone’s surprise (phrase): ai đó ngạc nhiên

Example: To my surprise the door was unlocked.

Tôi khá nhạc nhiên vì cánh cửa không khóa.
2. Under someone’s management (phrase): dưới sự quản lý của ai đó

Example: The club prospered under Ferguson's management.

Câu lạc bộ này đạt sự thịnh vượng dưới sự quản lý của Ferguson.
3. World-renowned (adj): nổi tiếng toàn thế giới

Example: He is a world-renowned expert on food safety.

Anh ấy là một chuyên gia an toàn thực phẩm nổi tiếng toàn thế giới.
4. Main course (n): món chính

Example: I had salmon for my main course.

Tôi ăn cá hồi trong món chính.
5. Hub (n): trung tâm

Example: The City of London is the hub of the UK's financial world.
Thành phố London là trung tâm tài chính của Vương quốc Anh.
6. Mouthwatering (adj): ngon chảy nước miếng

Example: Look at those mouthwatering desserts.

Hãy nhìn những món tráng miệng ngon đến chảy nước miếng kìa.
7. To blow someone away (phrase): làm ai đó bất ngờ vì rất tốt.
Example: Winning first prize and a full scholarship blew her away.
Việc chiến thắng giải nhất và chiếm luôn học bổng toàn phần đã làm cô ấy rất bất ngờ.
8. Out of this world (idiom): tuyệt vời.
Example: What a restaurant - the food was out of this world!

+ Để tìm hiểu thông tin về các khóa học, bộ sách mới nhất của thầy Bách, các bạn truy cập: www.ngocbach.com
+ Hotline tư vấn đăng ký học: 0974657403 (email tư vấn: [email protected]) 226
 Nhà hàng này quá xuất sắc – đồ ăn của nó thực sự tuyệt vời!
9. Unparalleled (adj): vô đối/không thể so sánh
Example: They enjoyed success on a scale unparalleled by any previous rock band.
Họ thành công một cách vô đối, tất cả những ban nhạc rock trước kia không tài nào so
sánh được.
PART 3
1. Why do people like to have food on special occasions?

Food is an important part of any celebration in all nations of the world, regardless of the
culture or religion. It can unite and strengthen community bonds and help to maintain a
common identity among a group of people. Different countries use food in different
ways to help celebrate special occasions like Christmas, New Year, weddings and
birthdays.
2. What’s the difference between eating at home and eating out on special occasions?

Homemade celebrations are more wholesome and intimate. People can feel free to
drink without any concern and do not have to be worried about others around them.
However, celebrating a special occasion in a restaurant can significantly reduce the
burden placed on family members as they do not have to spend hours cooking and then
cleaning up the mess. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages, depending on the
amount of time that family members have.
3. What national identity can be seen in a nation’s cuisine?

There are a lot of cultural traits in a nation’s cuisine, especially East Asian traditional
food. East Asian food is based on the yin-yang balance. Yin represents “cold” food,
such as strawberries or tamarinds, while Yang represents “hot” food like chillies. East
Asian cuisine tends to mix yin-yang foods together so as to maintain the yin-yang
balance inside the body, which is an important factor in a person’s health.
4. Why do global leaders like to gather around for dinner?

To my surprise, a lot of deals have been made on the dinner table instead of in the
office. It is clear that the point of a small banquet with a foreign entourage is to create a
friendly atmosphere to facilitate the process of dealing with each other. Many
delegations could not achieve their goal in the office but succeeded in reaching a
consensus on a final decision at the dinner table.

+ Để tìm hiểu thông tin về các khóa học, bộ sách mới nhất của thầy Bách, các bạn truy cập: www.ngocbach.com
+ Hotline tư vấn đăng ký học: 0974657403 (email tư vấn: [email protected]) 227
1. Bond (n): sự gắn kết

Example: There has been a close bond between them ever since she saved him
from drowning.
Có một sự gắn kết chặt chẽ giữa họ từ khi cô ấy cứu anh ấy khỏi đuối nước.
2. Wholesome (adj): lành mạnh

Example: Wholesome food helps keep you healthy.

Đồ ăn lạnh mạnh giúp bạn khỏe mạnh.
3. Intimate (adj): thân mật

Example: The restaurant has a very intimate atmosphere.

Nhà hàng này có một bầu không khí rất thân mật.
4. Burden (n): gánh nặng

Example: Buying a house often places a large financial burden on young couples.
Mua nhà tường đặt gánh nặng tài chính lớn lên những cặp vợ chồng trẻ.
5. Entourage (n): phái đoàn

Example: The star arrived in London with her usual entourage

of dancers and backing singers.
Ngôi sao ấy đến London cùng với phái đoàn vũ công và ca sĩ hát bè.

6. Reach a consensus on sth (phrase): thỏa thuận được về cái gì đó.

Example: Could we reach a consensus on this matter? Let's take a vote.

Liệu chúng ta có thể thỏa thuận chung được về vấn đề này không? Hãy bầu chọn đi.

49. Describe a friend who is a good leader. You should say:

 Who this person is
 How you know this person
 How this person behaves
 And why you think this person is a good leader

(Who this person is) I have had the chance to meet Jia Jing, a student of one of the
most prestigious universities in the world – Nanyang Technological University, who I
think is one of the best leaders I’ve ever got to encounter so far.

+ Để tìm hiểu thông tin về các khóa học, bộ sách mới nhất của thầy Bách, các bạn truy cập: www.ngocbach.com
+ Hotline tư vấn đăng ký học: 0974657403 (email tư vấn: [email protected]) 228
 (How you know this person) I met Jia Jing in an outreach programme in Vietnam. He
was in the same group as me, meaning that we worked together a lot. We were mainly
in charge of teaching activities.
(How this person behaves) Jia Jing was such an indomitable leader who was able to
communicate effectively with me as well as his Singaporean fellows, even when faced
with such challenges. There was a time Jia Jing led an English lesson which received
quite a lot of negative feedback from the students. He remained surprisingly calm and
gathered everyone in the team in an attempt to come up with a solution instead of
pouring scorn on the team that devised the lesson plan. Also, during construction, Jia
Jing never swerved an inch from his own duty while keeping an eye on other
volunteers to make sure they adhered to the safety procedures.
(And why you think this person is a good leader) Back to the lesson plan, Jia Jing
finally himself came up with an idea that made the students happy and no adjective
describing his and his team’s effort will suffice. I cannot be any more appreciative of
what Jia Jing did to boost the efficiency of the class. Never would I forget that night in
which we had to revisit the lesson plan and discuss the right direction in vain, literally
without a clue what would happen next. It turned out that our effort paid dividends as
the next team followed our direction and were able to nail it! Without his effort, wise
direction and outstanding communication and problem-solving skills, we would have
made such a real mess.
Vocabulary

1. Encounter (v): gặp gỡ/biết đến

Example: She was the most remarkable woman he had ever known.
Cô ấy là người nổi bật nhất mà anh ấy từng biết đến/gặp được.

2. Indomitable (a): kiên cường

Example: The indomitable Mrs Furlong said she would continue to fight for justice.
Bà Furlong kiên cường nói rằng bà sẽ tiếp tục đấu tranh cho công lý.

3. Pour scorn on something (phrase): chỉ trích cái gì đó

Example: Critics of the president have been pouring scorn on the plan ever since it was
first proposed.

+ Để tìm hiểu thông tin về các khóa học, bộ sách mới nhất của thầy Bách, các bạn truy cập: www.ngocbach.com
+ Hotline tư vấn đăng ký học: 0974657403 (email tư vấn: [email protected]) 229
 Những nhà phê bình của tổng thống chỉ trích gay gắt về kế hoạch ngay từ khi nó được
đề xuất lần đầu tiên.

4. Devise (v): đưa ra

Example: He set about devising a plan to revive the automaker

and improve its profitability.
Anh đặt ra một kế hoạch để hồi sinh nhà sản xuất ô tô và nâng cao lợi nhuận của nó.

5. Swerve an inch from sb’s duty (phrase): bỏ qua nhiệm vụ

Example: They work really hard and seem not to swerve an inch from their duty.
Họ làm việc rất chăm chỉ và dường như không bao giờ bỏ qua nhiệm vụ của mình.

6. In vain (n): trong vô vọng

Example: They tried in vain to persuade her to go.

Họ nỗ lực thuyết phục cô ấy đi cùng trong vô vọng.

7. Pay dividends (phrase): có lợi

Example: Exercising regularly will pay dividends in the end.

Tập thể dục thường xuyên sẽ có lợi về sau này.

8. Nail it (phrase): thành công

Example: Good luck on your performance today, Jimmy. I hope you’ll nail it!
Chúc may mắn với màn biểu diễn ngày hôm nay, Jimmy. Tôi hi vọng bạn sẽ thành
công!

PART 3:
1. Who is the head of family in your culture?
The father is the head of family in my culture. He is also the main breadwinner in a
family. However, it is worth noting the extent to which it was women that had the
strongest influence in Vietnamese families thousands of years ago before Chinese
culture, which underestimated the role of women in the family, spilled over into
Vietnam, transforming them into the less influential members of families compared to
men.
2. Are men better at decision making in a family?
I would say that men and women today have the same opportunities to pursue
education, thus both of them are equally competent at making decisions. It is their

+ Để tìm hiểu thông tin về các khóa học, bộ sách mới nhất của thầy Bách, các bạn truy cập: www.ngocbach.com
+ Hotline tư vấn đăng ký học: 0974657403 (email tư vấn: [email protected]) 230
 knowledge and experience in their own favourite or chosen fields that make them better
at making decisions than the other gender. For example, women are better at making
housekeeping-related decisions than men, while men outperform women when it comes
to the electronic sphere, such as the decision to buy a new device.
3. Do you think this (more men than women are leaders) will change in the future?
Absolutely yes. It is very clear that the leaders of some of the economic powerhouses
such as Germany, New Zealand or Finland are female, and that females are gaining a
strong foothold in the governments of many countries. The growth of female leaders
around the world has yet to show any signs of stagnation. The fact that female leaders
will outnumber males is a foregone conclusion.
4. Should a leader discuss with team members when making decisions?
It is imperative for a leader to discuss with team members when making decisions,
especially at seminal moments. I believe that a leader should only exercise such a right
to make a decision without the agreement of other team members when push comes to
the shove. Team members are at a leader’s beck and call, so they know him or her
most and should give him/ her the best advice before making any decision that may
influence the whole world.
Vocabulary:
1. Spill over (phrasal verb): tràn vào
Example: The conflict threatens to spill over into neighboring regions.
Cuộc xung đột có nguy cơ tràn sang các nước lân cận.

2. Competent at something: có khả năng làm việc gì đó tốt.

Example: I wouldn't say he was brilliant but he is competent at his job.
Tôi sẽ không nói là anh ấy quá xuất sắc nhưng anh ấy thực sự có khả năng làm việc tốt.

3. Gain a strong foothold in something (phrase): chiếm được một chỗ đứng chắc trong
một cái gì đó.

Example: In buying their business, the company gains a major foothold in

a market it considers critical to the future of the industry.
Bằng việc mua lại kinh doanh của họ, công ty đã chiếm được một chỗ đứng chắc trong
thị trường mà họ xem quan trọng với tương lai của họ.

4. Stagnation (n): sự đình trệ

+ Để tìm hiểu thông tin về các khóa học, bộ sách mới nhất của thầy Bách, các bạn truy cập: www.ngocbach.com
+ Hotline tư vấn đăng ký học: 0974657403 (email tư vấn: [email protected]) 231
 Example: Despite more than 10 years of economic stagnation,
the unemployment rate remains low
Mặc dù kinh tế trì trệ hơn 10 năm, tỷ lệ thất nghiệp vẫn thấp.
5. Foregone conclusion (n): kết thúc có thể đoán được từ trước.
Example: The result of the election seems to be a foregone conclusion.
Kết quả của cuộc bầu cử dường như là một thứ có thể đoán được từ trước.
6. Seminal (adj): có ảnh hưởng
Example: He played a seminal role in the formation of the association.
Ông ấy đóng vai trò ảnh hưởng nhất trong quá trình hình thành hiệp hội này.
7. When/if push comes to the shove (idiom): khi đến đường cùng (không còn lựa chọn
nào khác)
Example: If push comes to shove, we can always sell the car.
Khi đến đường cùng, không còn lựa chọn nào khác, chúng ta cần phải bán xe.
8. To be at someone’s beck and call (idiom): sẵn sàng giúp đỡ ai đó (là cánh tay phải của
ai đó)
Example: She was confined to a wheelchair but had a private nurse at her beck
and call.
Mặc dù cô ấy phải ngồi xe lăn nhưng luôn có y tá là cánh tay phải của cô ấy.

+ Để tìm hiểu thông tin về các khóa học, bộ sách mới nhất của thầy Bách, các bạn truy cập: www.ngocbach.com
+ Hotline tư vấn đăng ký học: 0974657403 (email tư vấn: [email protected]) 232
 50. Describe a foreign country (culture) you want to know more about. You should
say:
 What it is
 Where it is
 How you know it
 And why you want to know more about it
(What it is) Although I have travelled to Singapore up to 10 times and spent an
accumulated number of 4 months there, I am still eager to learn even more about its
culture, especially the Peranakan culture. I am sure that a lot of tourists in Singapore or
Malaysia crave for Peranakan food, sometimes called Nyonya food.
(Where it is) The Peranakan can be found in the Chinese majority regions in Malaysia,
such as Penang and Melaka, and Singapore. Sometimes they are also called the Straits
Chinese, which is a term that refers to the progeny of Chinese immigrants settling along
the Straits of Melaka. The flag carriers of both countries have used the traditional
Peranakan female outfit as their official uniform for years. Singapore Girls, who are
stewardesses of Singapore Airlines, continue to introduce the Peranakan heritage to the
world.
(How you know it) While I was looking for some food in a food court, I stumbled upon
a Nyonya stall and asked my friend what Nyonya was. Luckily, my friend was a major
in humanities, so he was able to tell me about Nyonya food as well as the Peranakan
culture. We had a very good talk.
(And why you want to know more about it) Actually, I set about researching about
the Peranakan culture right after I returned home from my 10th Singapore trip. As the
Peranakan culture is an indispensable part of the history of Singapore, learning about it
also helps me broaden my horizons about this tiny city-state. Moreover, knowing more
about the Peranakan will also help me to acquire knowledge about not only the Chinese
tradition, but also the Malay one, since the Peranakan is a hybrid of these two cultures.
Vocabulary
1. Majority (adj): đa số
Example: Penang is the only Chinese majority state in Malaysia.
Penang là bang duy nhất có đa số dân là người gốc Hoa trong toàn Malaysia.
2. Progeny (n): hậu duệ
Example: His numerous progeny are scattered all over the country.

+ Để tìm hiểu thông tin về các khóa học, bộ sách mới nhất của thầy Bách, các bạn truy cập: www.ngocbach.com
+ Hotline tư vấn đăng ký học: 0974657403 (email tư vấn: [email protected]) 233
 Hậu duệ đông đảo của ông ấy dàn trải khắp quốc gia.
3. Flag carrier (n): hãng hàng không quốc gia
Example: Korean Air is the flag carrier of South Korea.
Korean Air là hãng hàng không quốc gia của Hàn Quốc.
4. Set about (phrasal verb): bắt đầu
Example: I have no idea how to set about changing a tyre on a car.
Tôi không biết cách để bắt đầu thay lốp xe từ đâu.
5. Indispensable (a): không thể tách rời
Example: This book is an indispensable resource for researchers.
Cuốn sách này là một tài nguyên không thể tái rời của những nhà nghiên cứu.
6. Broaden someone’s horizons (phrase): mở rộng tầm mắt
Example: Travelling certainly broadens your horizons.
Đi du lịch chắc chắn giúp bạn mở rộng tầm mắt.
7. Hybrid (n): hỗn hợp
Example: His work is an interesting hybrid of popular and classical music.
Bản nhạc của anh ấy là một hỗn hợp khá đặc biệt giữa nhạc pop và cổ điển.
PART 3:
1. What do you think is the best way to learn a foreign culture?
I would say the best way to learn a foreign culture is reading and travelling. It is very
hard for me to pick one as these two approaches complement each other. It is
suggested that travellers should find information about a culture before their journey.
During the trip, they are encouraged to participate in the local lifestyle and steer clear
of tourist traps as much as possible in order to immerse themselves in the culture. After
returning home, reading up on more advanced knowledge about that culture is
encouraged as not only will it help them consolidate the knowledge acquired, but also
help them draw even more inspiration from that culture.
2. What do you think is the biggest problem in working in a foreign country?
Culture shock and the language barrier are the most challenging obstacles that a
newcomer has to deal with when working in a foreign country. It seems like the foreign
language they learn back home is hardly enough for real-life conversations due to the
fast-paced change in the number of new trendy words and slang. Also, a person who
does not equip themselves with essential knowledge about the culture of their

+ Để tìm hiểu thông tin về các khóa học, bộ sách mới nhất của thầy Bách, các bạn truy cập: www.ngocbach.com
+ Hotline tư vấn đăng ký học: 0974657403 (email tư vấn: [email protected]) 234
 destination is predisposed to giving up and returning home before they are able to
adjust themselves to the way of life there.
3. Some people say that reading is the best way to know about a culture, do you
agree?
As mentioned above, I would say that reading alone is not the best way to know about a
culture. Knowledge acquired will soon fade away if a person is unable to apply it to his
real life. Thus, reading has to go hand in hand with travelling or a cultural exchange
experience if a person desires to explore a new culture.
Vocabulary
12. Complement (v): bổ sung
Example: Strawberries and cream complement each other perfectly.
Dâu tây và kem bổ sung cho nhau một cách hoàn hảo.
13. To steer clear of (phrase): tránh xa.
Example: Steer clear of the boss today—he's yelling at everyone he sees.
Hôm nay nhớ tránh xa ông chủ – ông ấy la rầy mọi người mà ông gặp.

14. Immerse oneself in sth (phrase): đắm chìm (vào cái gì đó)

Example: She got some books out of the library and immersed herself
in Jewish history and culture
Cô ấy lấy vài cuốn sách ra khỏi thư viện và đắm chìm vào lịch sử và văn hóa Do Thái.

15. Consolidate (v): củng cố

Example: The success of their major product consolidated the firm's position in
the market.
Sự thành công của sản phẩm chính đã giúp củng cố vị trí của công ty này trên thị
trường.
16. To draw inspiration from sth (phrase): có cảm hứng từ cái gì đó
Example: The movement draws much of its inspiration from the Greek
philosophers.
Phong trào này được lấy cảm hứng chủ yếu từ các nhà triết học Hy Lạp.
17. Language barrier (n): rào cản ngôn ngữ
Example: The language barrier and an unfamiliar foreign bureaucracy can provide
obstacles to achieving immediate understanding and a good working relationship.

+ Để tìm hiểu thông tin về các khóa học, bộ sách mới nhất của thầy Bách, các bạn truy cập: www.ngocbach.com
+ Hotline tư vấn đăng ký học: 0974657403 (email tư vấn: [email protected]) 235
 Rào cản ngôn ngữ và một bộ máy quan liêu xa lạ có thể là những trở ngại để đạt được
sự kiến thức sớm và một mối quan hệ làm việc tốt.

18. Be predisposed to sth (phrase): có xu hướng gì đó

Example: Researchers have discovered that the children of

these patients are genetically predisposed to cancer.
Các nhà nghiên cứu phát hiện trẻ em của những vị phụ huynh này có xu hướng bị ung
thư theo di truyền.

19. Adjust to sth (phrase): làm quen với cái gì đó

Example: Her eyes slowly adjusted to the dark.

Mắt của anh dấy dần làm quen với bóng tối.

20. Go hand in hand with sth (phrase): đi liền với với cái gì đó

Example: Prosperity goes hand in hand with investment.

Sự thịnh vượng đi liền với sự đầu tư.

51. Describe an occasion you wore your best clothes. You should say:

- when it was
- what you wore
- what it looked like
- and explain why you wore it
(when it was) Majoring in tourism, I have to always keep in mind that I should appear
debonair in chic yet formal outfits whenever I go to school. Well, I first wore my best
outfit on Vietnamese teachers’ day last year, when I was still a freshman. As the
purpose of the day was to give thanks to Vietnamese teachers and to celebrate the 60-
year development of my school, everyone was asked to put on their formal uniform for
the celebration. Being a student of a university that has numerous overseas students,
especially those from Korea, who are well-known for their outstanding fashion, I had
the chance to learn a lot of from them.

(what you wore) I had to comply with the dress code which required participants to
wear a white ironed shirt along with black trousers as well as black or brown leather

+ Để tìm hiểu thông tin về các khóa học, bộ sách mới nhất của thầy Bách, các bạn truy cập: www.ngocbach.com
+ Hotline tư vấn đăng ký học: 0974657403 (email tư vấn: [email protected]) 236
 shoes. Anyone who broke the dress code would be denied admission. That being said, I
believe that my uniform is the best item in my wardrobe.

(what it looked like) It is just basically a white shirt with long black pants. However,
these are all branded clothes as my white shirt is made by Lacoste and long black pants
are from Zara. They are just mid-range clothes but they do a pretty good job at
transforming me into another person who looks super professional.

(and why you wore it) As I’ve mentioned, it was compulsory for me to wear formal
clothes to the Vietnamese teachers’ day celebration. Actually, that very day made me
realise that I truly look best in those clothes. Since that day, I decided to revamp my
image, first by wearing formal clothes to school more often, next by avoiding wearing
shorts to school. The change has come as a surprise to a great number of people,
especially to those who have not seen me in ages. Because of this, I owe my faculty a
debt of gratitude for giving me the incentive to look better and to be more professional.

6. To keep something in mind (phrase): luôn luôn nhớ rằng.

Example: Of course, repair work is expensive and you have to keep that in mind.
Đương nhiên, việc sửa chữa rất tốn kém và bạn luôn luôn phải biết điều đó.
7. Debonair (adj): sang trọng, quý phái.
Example: a debonair young man
một người đàn ông trẻ và sang trọng.
8. Chic (adj): hợp thời trang.
Example: I like your haircut - it's very chic.
Tôi rất thích kiểu tóc của bạn, nó rất hợp thời trang.

9. To put on (clothes) (phrase): mặc quần áo.

Example: He put on his jacket.

Anh ấy mặc cái áo khoác.

10. To comply (v): tuân theo.

Example: There are serious penalties for failure to comply with the regulations.
Sẽ có hình phạt nghiêm khắc cho những trường hợp không tuân theo quy định.

11. To revamp (v): thay đổi (vì cái tốt hơn)

+ Để tìm hiểu thông tin về các khóa học, bộ sách mới nhất của thầy Bách, các bạn truy cập: www.ngocbach.com
+ Hotline tư vấn đăng ký học: 0974657403 (email tư vấn: [email protected]) 237
 Example: We revamped the management system, but the business is doing
no better than it was before.
Chúng tôi đã thay đổi hệ thống quản lý, nhưng công việc dường như cũng không tiến
triển tốt hơn trước.

12. To come as a/no surprise (idiom): gây bất ngờ/không gây bớt ngờ.

Example:
If you didn't study for that test at all, your failing grade should come as no surprise.
Nếu bạn không học bài, thì việc thi rớt sẽ không bất ngờ xíu nào.

13. To owe someone a debt of gratitude (idiom): nợ một ân huệ.

We owe you a debt of gratitude for all you have done for us.
Chúng tôi nợ bạn một ân huệ vì những gì bạn đã làm cho chúng tôi.

14. Branded (adj): có thương hiệu

Example: Most supermarkets sell branded goods such as Heinz ketchup or

Kellogg's cornflakes.
Đa số các siêu thị đều bán những hàng có thương hiệu như tương cà Heinz hay bánh
ngô Kellogg’s.
PART 3:

1. Do you think people need to wear formally in workplaces?

It depends on the kind of work that they are in. Most of the time, I would say that it is
necessary for people to be formally dressed because this makes them look significantly
more professional, which is also a way to show respect to their clients. However, there
are some exceptions. In particular, those working in a creative job such as design or art
do not need to wear formally most of the time.

2. Why do some people like to wear traditional clothes?

Cultural preservation, I guess. The idea of wearing traditional clothes, ao dai, has never
sprung to my mind honestly. My professor is well-known for wearing ao dai to work
nearly every day, which arouses many students’ curiosity. He says that he does this in
remembrance of his late father who told him to make a lot of effort to preserve the
fading Vietnamese culture.

3. Will traditional clothes disappear in the future?

+ Để tìm hiểu thông tin về các khóa học, bộ sách mới nhất của thầy Bách, các bạn truy cập: www.ngocbach.com
+ Hotline tư vấn đăng ký học: 0974657403 (email tư vấn: [email protected]) 238
 I do not think traditional clothes of many countries will disappear in the future, not least
Asian economic powerhouses such as China, Korea or Japan. These countries are
renowned for their cultures, which are similar to each other yet unique in their own
ways, and are pouring huge amounts of money and effort into not only preserving their
own cultures, national costumes especially, but also spreading them to many parts of the
world. I believe they are step by step achieving this goal.

4. Do old people change their style of dress?

Only a small percentage of old people change their style of dress. They only change the
clothes they wear at home, as many are already switching from traditional clothes to
simple a outfit which gives them a greater sense of comfort. In terms of the outfit they
wear to church or temple, their style has not witnessed much of a change as traditional
clothes remain the most popular.
Vocabulary

9. Spring someone’s mind (idiom): đập vào đầu ai đó.

Example: Say the word "Australia" and
a vision of beaches and blue seas immediately springs to mind.
Mỗi khi ai đó nói về Australia là hình ảnh của biển và đại dương xanh lại đập vô đầu
tôi.

10. Arouse someone’s curiosity (phrase): làm ai đó tò mò

Example: Their curiosity was aroused by his strange behaviour.

Sự tò mò của họ bị kích thích bởi cách hành xử lạ lùng của anh ấy.

11. In remembrance of (phrase): để tưởng nhớ

Example: A church service was held in remembrance of the victims.

Một buổi lễ cầu nguyện được tổ chức để tưởng nhớ những nhạn nân.

12. Powerhouse (v): cường quốc

Example: Germany is an economic powerhouse.

Đức là một cường quốc kinh tế.

13. Renowned (adj): nổi tiếng

Example: The region is renowned for its natural beauty.

Vùng này rất nổi tiếng vì vẻ đẹp tự nhiên của nó.

+ Để tìm hiểu thông tin về các khóa học, bộ sách mới nhất của thầy Bách, các bạn truy cập: www.ngocbach.com
+ Hotline tư vấn đăng ký học: 0974657403 (email tư vấn: [email protected]) 239
14. Sense of comfort (phrase): cảm giác thoải mái

Example: For these respondents, the course clearly delivered a greatly

increased sense of comfort and confidence.
Những người trả lời câu hỏi này cho rằng khóa học đã giúp họ có một cảm giác thoải
mái và tự tin hơn hẳn.

52. Describe a difficult challenge you met

You should say:

What it was

When you met it and where you met it

And explain why you think it is a challenge

(What it was)

Challenging things never fail to give me a thrill. I’m going to describe a challenge that
pushed me out of my comfort zone lately. I usually go out for a walk in the evening every
day and play some outdoor games sometimes, but the outdoor activity that I took up for
the first time 3 months ago presented another level of difficulty and excitement, is
mountain climbing.

(When you met it and where you met it)

The idea of mountain climbing sprang to my mind at that time because I just simply
wanted to do something different from what I have always done before. At that time, I
liked to get away from it all and prefer going somewhere off the beaten track. After
doing intensive research on the Internet and asking advice from those with experience, I
realized that mountain climbing requires a lot of stamina and perspiration. You don’t
need to equip yourself too much for this sport. It was great fun, although I was a little
scared at first, my special instructor was really experienced and I started practising on the
ground and very low on the wall to gain my confidence so there was very little risk. On

+ Để tìm hiểu thông tin về các khóa học, bộ sách mới nhất của thầy Bách, các bạn truy cập: www.ngocbach.com
+ Hotline tư vấn đăng ký học: 0974657403 (email tư vấn: [email protected]) 240
 the day that I climbed on a mountain with my friends, the route to reach the mountain
peak was in twists and turns, but we managed to get to the top eventually.

(And explain why you think it is a challenge)

Well, climbing a mountain is by no means an easy task. Long stretches of constant

vertical climbing can be the most exhausting and hardest thing you do. Not only the
physical difficulties but also the mental difficulties will also test you. There’s nothing
quite like standing at the top of a mountain, with the clouds and the rest of the world
stretched out below you. The exhilaration of completing a difficult climb, the
camaraderie of your new climbing friends, the knowledge that you’ve done something
that few other people do, and the feeling that you’re truly on the top of the world.

Vocabulary from Holiday:

 to get away from it all:
Meaning: to take a holiday to escape a busy or stressful lifestyle
Example: How can I get away from it all and just simply relax at the end of the day?
 off the beaten track:
Meaning: in or into an isolated place
Example: The farmhouse we stayed in was completely off the beaten track.

Other vocabulary:

181. comfort zone [expression]: a situation in which you feel comfortable and in which
your ability and determination are not being tested: vùng an toàn
Eg: Rock climbing pushes many people beyond their comfort zones.
182. 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.
183. intensive [adj]: involving a lot of work or activity done in a short time: tập trung,
chuyên sâu
Eg: These are highly intensive courses for business and professional people.

+ Để tìm hiểu thông tin về các khóa học, bộ sách mới nhất của thầy Bách, các bạn truy cập: www.ngocbach.com
+ Hotline tư vấn đăng ký học: 0974657403 (email tư vấn: [email protected]) 241
184. perspiration [n]: the process of sweating: sự đổ mồ hôi
Eg: He failed to do this, but found that shed blood and perspiration had no more
attraction for females than had water.
185. equip [v]: to provide a person or a place with objects that are necessary for a
particular purpose: trang bị
Eg: All the police officers were equipped with shields to defend themselves against the
rioters.
186. twist and turns [expression]: curves and frequent changes of direction: những chỗ
quanh co khúc khuỷu
Eg: The road through the mountains has many twists and turns.
187. by no means [expression]: not at all: không hề
Eg: It is by no means certain that we'll finish the project by June.
188. exhilaration [n]: excitement and happiness: sự phấn khích
Eg: His appreciative rapport with the values at stake gives him a kind of exhilaration
that carries him to victory and to his death.

PART 3: CHALLENGES

18. Do you think parents should give kids challenges?

(Give a direct answer to the question) Parents have the responsibility of creating an
environment where children are properly challenged. (Explain your reason or reasons)
When faced with intense training, children can feel stimulated to fully commit to making
effort. (Give an example (often a personal example)) The experience of overcoming
setbacks and cut throat competition no doubt prepares children for the real world.
19. What challenges do you think children might have to face up to? What is the most
challenging thing for kids?
(Give a direct answer to the question) Youngsters nowadays are presented with a lot of
opportunities and challenges at the same time. (Explain your reason or reasons)
Nowadays youngsters’ issues such as the lack of motivation at school, poor relationships
with teachers or peers, loss of interest in schoolwork, connecting with other kids, low
self-confidence and comparisons can hinder their overall progress. Among them, peer
pressure seems to be the most common and outstanding.

+ Để tìm hiểu thông tin về các khóa học, bộ sách mới nhất của thầy Bách, các bạn truy cập: www.ngocbach.com
+ Hotline tư vấn đăng ký học: 0974657403 (email tư vấn: [email protected]) 242
20. Can parents reduce the challenges that kids have? Why?
(Give a direct answer to the question) Well, I presume they can. (Explain your reason
or reasons) They should give more commendation, instead of criticism, which would
likely dishearten the young. Besides, they should not misplace their children with
challenges for which they are overmatched, otherwise they may be inadvertently
inhibiting, rather than facilitating, their interests, achievements, and enjoyment of the
activity.

Vocabulary from Business:

 cut throat competition
Meaning: intense competition
Example: Entering the national football team is a cut throat competition for all.

Other vocabulary:
1. intense [adj]: of extreme force, degree, or strength.: dữ dội
Eg: His head slammed against the window; breaking the glass before he flew forward,
his ribcage hitting the steering wheel with intense force.
2. setback [n]: something that happens that delays or prevents a process from developing:
sự trở ngại
Eg: There has been a slight/temporary setback in our plans.
3. motivation [n]: enthusiasm for doing something: động lực
Eg: He's a bright enough student - he just lacks motivation.
4. hinder [v]: to limit the ability of someone to do something, or to limit the development
of something: cản trở
Eg: High winds have hindered firefighters in their efforts to put out the blaze.
5. outstanding [adj]: clearly very much better than what is usual: nổi bật
Eg: Phong has an outstanding appearance as compared to his classmates.
6. presume [v]: to believe something to be true because it is very likely, although you are
not certain: cho rằng
Eg: The universe is presumed to contain many other planets with some form of
life.
7. commendation [n]: praise, or an official statement that praises someone: sự khen
ngợi

+ Để tìm hiểu thông tin về các khóa học, bộ sách mới nhất của thầy Bách, các bạn truy cập: www.ngocbach.com
+ Hotline tư vấn đăng ký học: 0974657403 (email tư vấn: [email protected]) 243
 Eg: Several of the firefighters received commendation for their bravery.
8. dishearten [v]: to make a person lose confidence, hope, and energy: làm nản lòng
Eg: She was very disheartened by the results of the test.
9. inadvertently [n]: without intention; accidentally.: vô tình
Eg: His name had been inadvertently omitted from the list.

53. Describe a person who has interesting ideas or opinions

You should say:

- Who this person is

- How do you know about his/ her ideas/ opinions

-And explain why you think his/ her ideas/ opinions are interesting

(Who this person is)

Creativity and originality can benefit one person appreciably in many aspects in life.
For me, I always cast an envious look at my close friend, Nam, who never fails to come
up with intriguing ideas and opinions.

(How do you know about his/ her ideas/ opinions)

My daily interaction with Nam as a close friend has allowed me to know about his ideas
and perspectives. At school, he initiated many large scale projects, which were highly
praised by teachers and friends. Among the friends I have been in close interaction with,
Nam stands out with an incredible comical inclination and he can transform any serious
situation into a light-hearted and humorous one. Nobody ever gets bored when he’s
around. You can talk at length with him for about almost anything you can think of.

(And explain why you think his/ his ideas/ opinions are interesting)

From my observations, Nam is not merely endowed with the ability to originate
interesting ideas, but I also recognize his efforts to become an articulate and convincing

+ Để tìm hiểu thông tin về các khóa học, bộ sách mới nhất của thầy Bách, các bạn truy cập: www.ngocbach.com
+ Hotline tư vấn đăng ký học: 0974657403 (email tư vấn: [email protected]) 244
 speaker. Instead of becoming set in his ways, he constantly reminds himself to try
something different and develop new skills. Besides, his interesting ideas may have
originated from his readings of different sources. He says that reading allows him see
from several points of view and afterwards he can derive his own opinions on breaking
news and current topics.

Vocabulary:

1. originality [n]: the quality of being special and interesting and not the same as
anything or anyone else: sự độc đáo
Eg: W e were i mpressed b y t he ori ginality of t he chil dren's work.
2. appreciably[adv]: considerably: đáng kể
Eg: The risk of infection is appreciably highis among children.
3. envious [adj]: wanting to be in the same situation as somebody else; wanting
something that somebody else has: ghen tị
Eg: Minh saw the envious look in the othis boy's eyes when he won the match.
4. intriguing [adj]: very interesting because of being unusual or mysterious: lý thú
Eg: He has a reall y i nt ri guing personali ty.
5. initiate [v]: to begin something: khởi xướng
Eg: The automaker initiated a program to improve the recyclability of its automobiles at
the end of their useful life.
6. inclination [n]: a tendency to do sth: khuynh hướng, bản năng
Eg: There is an inclination to treat geography as a less important subject.
7. (be) endowed with [adj]: to have a particular quality or feature: được trời phú
Eg: Some lucky people are endowed with both brains and beauty.
8. articulate [adj]: able to express thoughts and feelings easily and clearly, or showing this
quality: ăn nói lưu loát
Eg: Selena is an intelligent and highly articulate young woman.
9. set in one’s ways [expression]: to do the same things every day and to not want to change
those habits: bảo thủ, không thay đổi
Eg: As people get older, they often become set in their ways.
10. originate [v]: start from: xuất phát từ:
Eg: The disease is thought to have originated in the tropics.

+ Để tìm hiểu thông tin về các khóa học, bộ sách mới nhất của thầy Bách, các bạn truy cập: www.ngocbach.com
+ Hotline tư vấn đăng ký học: 0974657403 (email tư vấn: [email protected]) 245
 PART 3: IDEAS
21. Is there someone with good ideas that has changed people’s lives?
(Give a direct answer to the question) Needless to say, geniuses with their extraordinary
inventions have exerted a substantial influence on many people’s lives. Among them,
English scientist Tim Berners-Lee with his invention of the World Wide Web in 1989 has
changed our society a great deal. (Explain your reason or reasons) As we have already
seen, the World Wide Web has freed up information exchange between people around
the world. It has enabled anyone with an Internet connection the ability to access a wealth
of information, to freely communicate within anyone else on the web, and, if they desire,
start their own business or platform.
22. When do children begin to have their own ideas?
(Give a direct answer to the question) I think children begin to form certain ideas when
they absorb and accumulate knowledge, normally in the first year of elementary school.
(Explain your reason or reasons) By the time a child is around eight-years-old, they will
have a relatively stable idea of their own personality traits and dispositions, and whether
they feel like a valuable and competent person. (Explain the opposite or alternative)
However, some kids with desirable intelligence and cognition tend to have ideas from a
very young age as compared to their peers.
23. What are the advantages and disadvantages of setting rules for children?
(Give a direct answer to the question) On the one hand, rules provide the framework for
children to understand what is expected of them at home, with friends and at school. Rules
teach children self-discipline and self-management. (Give an example (often a personal
example)) It can be a big help if parents write down a thorough note of the kids’ duties
— make the bed, keep their room tidy, turn off lights, flush the toilet, feed the cat — so
they cannot claim ignorance. (Explain the opposite or alternative) However, rules or
constraints from parents that are arbitrary or unreasonable will likely carry far more
adverse effects.

Vocabulary:
189. needless to say [expression]: of course: dĩ nhiên, tất nhiên

+ Để tìm hiểu thông tin về các khóa học, bộ sách mới nhất của thầy Bách, các bạn truy cập: www.ngocbach.com
+ Hotline tư vấn đăng ký học: 0974657403 (email tư vấn: [email protected]) 246
 Eg: Needless to say, he'll be off work for a while.
190. substantial [adj]: large in size, value, or importance: đáng kể
Eg: The findings show a substantial difference between the opinions of men
and women.
191. platform [n]: the type of computer system or smartphone you are using, in relation
to the type of software (= computer programs) you can use on it: diễn đàn
Eg: This new personal banking software can be used with any Windows platform.
192. accumulate [v]: to collect a large number of things over a long period of time:
chất lũy
Eg: As people accumulate more wealth, they tend to spend a greater proportion
of their incomes.
5. disposition [n]: the particular type of character that a person naturally has: tính
khí
Eg: She is of a nervous/cheerful/sunny disposition.
6. competent [adj]: having enough skill or knowledge to do sth well : có năng lực, trình độ
Eg: Nam is regarded as the most competent employee.
7. desirable [adj]: that you would like to have or do; worth having or doing: đáng mong
muốn, thèm khát
Eg: The house has many desirable features.
8. self-management [n]: management of or by oneself; the taking of responsibility for one's
own behavior and well-being.: sự tự quản lý
Eg: Self-management is about making a choice to do more than you need to
9. thorough [adj]: detailed and careful: tường tận
Eg: They did a thorough search of the area but found nothi ng.
10. constraint [n]: something that controls what you do by keeping you within particular
limits: sự hạn chế
Eg: The constraints of politeness wouldn't allow his to say what he really thought about
his cooking.

+ Để tìm hiểu thông tin về các khóa học, bộ sách mới nhất của thầy Bách, các bạn truy cập: www.ngocbach.com
+ Hotline tư vấn đăng ký học: 0974657403 (email tư vấn: [email protected]) 247
 54. Describe something you bought but difficult to use at first

You should say:

What it was

Where you bought it

How you used it successfully and how you felt about it

(What it was)

It seems challenging at times to try using something completely new to us. I’m going to
describe an item that made me feel perplexed to operate when I first bought it. It was a
high-end and cutting edge digital watch, which I set aside a lot of money to purchase.

(Where you bought it)

A few months ago, I went shopping with my sister as a treat for my birthday. My sister
has a very good taste in fashion and accessories in general, so I wanted to consult her
before buying a digital watch. At that time, I was quite overwhelmed by the size and
product variety of the store, and I just wished that I could be a billionaire to buy everything
there.

(How you used it successfully and how you felt about it)

After the shopping, I went back home and eagerly used the watch. However, I found
myself unable to use this watch and all of my attempts to activate it failed. I was quite
down in the dumps because the watch was still in good condition when I bought it. A
day later, my brother, who is pretty fond of gadgets in general, came over to my house
and instructed me on how to use it properly. Actually, he had spared me from reading the
lengthy glossary. Over time, I grew accustomed to using the digital watch and its
outstanding applications in terms of users’ health give me an incentive to exercise more
to improve my overall physique.

+ Để tìm hiểu thông tin về các khóa học, bộ sách mới nhất của thầy Bách, các bạn truy cập: www.ngocbach.com
+ Hotline tư vấn đăng ký học: 0974657403 (email tư vấn: [email protected]) 248
 Other vocabulary:

11. perplexed [adj]: confused, because something is difficult to understand or solve: bối rối
Eg: The students looked perplexed, so the teacher tried to explain once again
12. high-end [adj]: intended for people who want very good quality products and who
do not mind how much they cost: tiêu chuẩn cao
Eg: High-end video equipment always has unique appeal to young men.
13. cutting-edge [adj]: very modern and with all the newest features: tiên tiến
Eg: This is an ambitious book, which aims to pull together cutting-edge research
in formal semantics, lexical aspect, and event structure.
14. set aside [v]: to save something, usually money or time, for a special purpose:
dành dụm, để dành
Eg: He had some money in an account that he'd set aside for his kids.
15. consult [v]: to discuss something with someone before you make a decision: tham khảo
ý kiến
Eg: This afternoon the president was consulting with his advisers.
16. in good condition[expression]: in a good state ( for sb/sth) : ở điều kiện tốt
Eg: All of the goods are in good condition and ready to be sold.
17. gadget [n]: a small device or machine with a particular purpose: đồ vật
Eg: Have you seen this handy little gadget - it's for separating egg yolks from
whites.
18. glossary [n]: an alphabetical list, with meanings, of the words or phrases in a text that
are difficult to understand: bảng chú giải
Eg: The end matter includes a very useful discography and bibliography, as
well as a glossary and chronology.
19. (be)/ grow accustomed to [expression]: familiar with something: trở nên quen với
Eg: She quickly became accustomed to his messy ways.
20. incentive[n]: sth that encourages you to do sth : sự khích lệ, cổ vũ
Eg: There is no incentive to continue doing this project.

+ Để tìm hiểu thông tin về các khóa học, bộ sách mới nhất của thầy Bách, các bạn truy cập: www.ngocbach.com
+ Hotline tư vấn đăng ký học: 0974657403 (email tư vấn: [email protected]) 249
 PART 3: PRODUCTS

24. What kinds of products do young people think are useful but old people may not?
(Give a direct answer to the question) This is quite an interesting question. The majority
of youngsters nowadays probably find many products versatile and easy to utilize.
(Explain your reason or reasons) However, some older people are put off using online
tools because they see them as being cumbersome and time consuming. And security
concerns using cell phones are omnipresent among older adults, with many of them
lacking confidence in their own knowledge of how to use online tools properly, in
particular online banking (Give an example (often a personal example)) Many seniors
struggle to familiarize themselves with the devices’ interface or touch screens and they
often turn to grandchildren for assistance with smart phones.
25. Do you think product instructions are useful for users to use products better?
(Give a direct answer to the question) Yes, I think most of them come in handy with
users. (Explain your reason or reasons) While we may think of them as dense paper
booklets that fall out in a tumble of bubble wrap and polystyrene when we are unpacking
our new bedside cabinet, instruction manuals are much more. They tell people how to use
the product in an efficient way. User guides include information about products’ features
and highlight the main features that are used frequently.
26. What do you usually do if you don't know how to use the things you have bought?
(Give a direct answer to the question) I would try to figure out how to use them until I
succeed. (Explain your reason or reasons) Normally, I would do a thorough search
about the item and practice using it with great determination. Actually, I have just about
coped with certain challenges with complicated products, but for most cases, I managed
to familiarize myself with them.
27. Do you think it is necessary to produce many new products nowadays?
(Give a direct answer to the question) Yes, given the increasingly massive demand for
products nowadays, a rapid rate of production is essential and in the interests of
consumers. (Explain your reason or reasons) In terms of the economic merits, customers
can now enjoy inexpensive goods as they are mass-produced.

+ Để tìm hiểu thông tin về các khóa học, bộ sách mới nhất của thầy Bách, các bạn truy cập: www.ngocbach.com
+ Hotline tư vấn đăng ký học: 0974657403 (email tư vấn: [email protected]) 250
 Other vocabulary:

193. versatile [adj]: having many different uses: linh hoạt, nhiều công dụng
Eg: Eggs are easy to cook and are an extremely versatile food.
194. cumbersome [adj]: 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.
195. omnipresent [adj]: everywhere : xuất hiện khắp mọi nơi
Eg: Telephone is omnipresent in this day and age.
196. interface [n]: a point where two systems, subjects, organizations, etc., meet
and interact.: giao diện
Eg: The key account manager acts as the primary interfac e between the supplier
organization and the customer.
197. come in handy [expression]: to be useful: tiện ích
Eg: The extra money came in very handy in this situation.

198. efficient [adj]: doing sth well and thoroughly with no waste of time, money, or
energy : hiệu quả
Eg: Using solar energy is an efficient way to protect the environment.
199. thorough [adj]: detailed and careful: tường tận
Eg: They did a thorough search of the area but found nothing.
200. cope with [v]: deal effectively with something difficult: giải quyết
Eg: We highly regard his ability to cope with stress.
201. in the interest of [expression]: to the advantage or advancement of: có lợi cho ai
Eg: New students may be accommodated in halls of residence in the interest of the school.
202. massive [adj]: very large in size, amount, or number: cực kì lớn

Eg: If the drought continues, deaths will occur on a massive scale.

55. Describe a time you did not tell a friend the truth

You should say:

+ Để tìm hiểu thông tin về các khóa học, bộ sách mới nhất của thầy Bách, các bạn truy cập: www.ngocbach.com
+ Hotline tư vấn đăng ký học: 0974657403 (email tư vấn: [email protected]) 251
 When it was

Why it happened

Why you did not tell the truth

And how you felt about it

(When it was)

Suffice to say, trust is one of the fundamental factors in an enduring friendship. It takes
time and a lot of effort to rebuild once lost. Today, I will describe a time when I tried to
conceal a secret from my close friend, which ended up having an adverse effect on our
friendship. The scenario happened a long time ago while we were in the last year of high
school.

(Why it happened)

At that time, we both applied for a university, exceptionally renowned for its educational
quality. It has been our mutual dream to be accepted by this university together and we
tried our uttermost to be eligible for its rigid selection process. However, in the end, my
close friend was rejected by the university. At that time, she did not know that I was
admitted and asked me about my results.

(Why you did not tell the truth)

After much consideration, I decided to hide this poignant truth from her to avoid
disheartening her at such a disappointing moment. I was just afraid that this truth would
cause some kind of discomfort between us, so I preferred to ignore it. Unfortunately, she
later found out that I had lied to her when seeing the results publicized on the university’s
website.

(And how you felt about it)

Well, at first she was a little bit pissed off, but later she understood that I chose to lie to
make her feel somehow better. After all, I believe trust is the foundation of any
relationship. White lies can sometimes be inconsequential, but secrets and frequent lies
jeopardize trust and can damage us and our relationships — sometimes irreparably.

+ Để tìm hiểu thông tin về các khóa học, bộ sách mới nhất của thầy Bách, các bạn truy cập: www.ngocbach.com
+ Hotline tư vấn đăng ký học: 0974657403 (email tư vấn: [email protected]) 252
 Vocabulary:

203. suffice it to say [expression]: it is enough to say: có thể nói rằng

Eg: Suffice (it) to say, Mike won't be going to Tina's birthday party after what he said
about her to her boss.
204. enduring [adj]: existing for a long time: lâu bền
Eg: I shall be left with many enduring memories of the time I spent in India.
205. (be) renowned for sth [expression]: be famous for sth: nổi tiếng về
Eg: Lan is renowned for her English proficiency.
206. tried one’s uttermost [expression]: to do something as well as you can by
making a great effort: cố gắng hết sức
Eg: She t ri ed her utm ost to fi ni sh on tim e.
207. dishearten [v]: to make a person lose confidence, hope, and energy: làm nản lòng
Eg: She was very disheartened by the results of the test.
208. discomfort [n]: a feeling of being uncomfortable physically or mentally, or
something that causes this: sự khó chịu
Eg: You may feel a little discomfort for a few days after the operation.
209. (be) pissed off [adj]: very annoyed; angry: bực tức
Eg: He'd kept me waiting for an hour so I was pissed off to start with.
210. inconsequential [adj]: not important: không quan trọng
Eg: Most of what she said was pretty inconsequential.
211. jeopardize [v]: to put something such as a plan or system in danger of being harmed
or damaged: đe dọa, làm hại
Eg: She knew that by failing her finals she could jeopardize her whole future.
212. irreparably [adv]: impossible to repair or make right again: không thể chữa lại
Eg: The ship has been irreparably damaged.

PART 3: TELLING THE TRUTH

28. Do you think mutual trust between friends is important?

+ Để tìm hiểu thông tin về các khóa học, bộ sách mới nhất của thầy Bách, các bạn truy cập: www.ngocbach.com
+ Hotline tư vấn đăng ký học: 0974657403 (email tư vấn: [email protected]) 253
 (Give a direct answer to the question) Of course it is. (Explain your reason or reasons)
In friendships, as in all relationships, trust is one of the fundamental building blocks. We
need trust to establish and deepen our friendships. Trust allows us to feel safe with
friends: safe to make plans and safe to share ourselves and our lives. Trust requires that
we keep our promises and give demonstrations of dependability, respect, and honor.
(Explain the opposite or alternative) In friendships, the betrayal of trust can be
devastating.
29. Do you think people need to tell the truth all the time?
(Give a direct answer to the question) I believe most people would agree that they should
tell the truth. (Explain your reason or reasons) Friends who are honest with others and
not pretentious usually share a good rapport with everyone. People will always confide
in these individuals. (Give an example (often a personal example)) I think no matter how
badly you think someone will react when you tell them something, you can rest assured
that they will be a thousand times more upset if they find out that you’d lied to them.
30. Why do children tell lies?
(Give a direct answer to the question) Kids tell lies mostly because they want to impress
other people. (Give an example (often a personal example)) A child may tell his friends
he got a home run in the baseball game, or he may tell his parents he got the highest math
grade in the whole class, even when it’s not true. (Explain your reason or reasons)
Exaggerating the truth—or even outright lying—is often used to mask insecurities. In
an attempt to fit in with their peers, kids sometimes insist they’ve either endured similar
experiences to their friends, or they attempt to impress their friends with their stories.
31. What should parents do if their children tell lies?
(Give a direct answer to the question) When it comes to dealing with kids’ dishonesty,
parents should consider a child's age, the circumstances and reasons for the lie, and how
frequently he engages in this behavior. (Explain your reason or reasons) Instead of
being impatient in the heat of the moment, they should explain to the child that if he
tells them the truth, they will not become angry and that the truth is more important than
anything else. Then they should listen calmly and address whatever the misbehavior was;
focus on that, and on the consequences of his actions, rather than on finding blame.

Vocabulary:

+ Để tìm hiểu thông tin về các khóa học, bộ sách mới nhất của thầy Bách, các bạn truy cập: www.ngocbach.com
+ Hotline tư vấn đăng ký học: 0974657403 (email tư vấn: [email protected]) 254
213. establish [v]: to start having a relationship with, or communicating with another
person, company, country, or organization: thiết lập
Eg: There is a strong need to establish effective communication links between staff,
parents, pupils, and external bodies.

214. devastating [adj]: causing a lot of damage or destruction: gây đau khổ
Eg: If the bomb had exploded in the main shopping area, it would have been devastating.
215. pretentious [adj]: trying to appear or sound more important or clever than you are,
especially in matters of art and literature: tự phụ
Eg: John is a pretentious art critic
216. rapport [n]: a good understanding of someone and an ability to communicate well
with them: mối quan hệ
Eg: We'd worked together for years and developed a close/good rapport.
217. confide [v]: to tell something secret or personal to someone who you trust not to tell
anyone else: tâm sự
Eg: As sisters, they have always confided in each other.
218. exaggerate [v]: to make something seem larger, more important, better, or worse
than it really is: thổi phồng
Eg: The threat of attack has been greatly exaggerated.
219. outright [adj]: to have a pleasant relationship with someone; to be friends with
someone: hòa thuận với ai
Eg: I've always gotten on with Amanda—I think she's very nice.
220. fit in with [expression]: (of a person) be socially compatible with other members of
a group: phù hợp với
Eg: He feels he should become tough to fit in with his friends
221. when it comes to [expression]: as for something; speaking about something khi
xét đến, nhắc đến cái gì
Eg: When it com es to fi shing, John i s an ex pert .
222. in the heat of the moment [expression]: be in the moment of strong feelings,
especially of anger or excitement: trong lúc giận dữ, kích động
Eg: In t he heat of t he m om ent , Li nda forgot what she want ed t o sa y t o
her m ot her.

+ Để tìm hiểu thông tin về các khóa học, bộ sách mới nhất của thầy Bách, các bạn truy cập: www.ngocbach.com
+ Hotline tư vấn đăng ký học: 0974657403 (email tư vấn: [email protected]) 255
 56. Describe an important journey that has been delayed

You should say:

When it was and why it was important

How it was delayed

And how you felt about it

(When it was and why it was important)

Today, I’m going to describe an important journey that was delayed. It was a trip to the
local park for our group project in high school, organized for students with excellent
levels of scholastic achievement. For all of the group members, this rewarding trip was
a beneficial way to acquire both knowledge and experience. Through this trip, we could
learn more about the importance of nature, the necessity and our responsibility to
alleviate environmental problems.

(How it was delayed)

The school scheduled the journey carefully and asked us to take the bus at 6 a.m with a
view to taking the students to the park as early as possible. Everything was going
smoothly but after a few minutes, our bus began producing a honking sound and
immediately stopped. Everyone on the bus was astonished. We asked the bus conductor
and he explained that the bus engine had broken down. We were all confused about what
to do, we even considered abandoning the bus and started searching for another vehicle.
The driver of our bus was struggling to start the bus and finally, after our waiting for 2
hours, he succeeded in getting the engine started. Unfortunately, the congestion at the
city’s intersection on the day made us delayed for 2 more hours. Eventually, the school
decided to postpone it until the next week for the sake of the students.

(And how you felt about it)

Needless to say, my friends and I were quite down in the dumps. The mentioned
sequence of incidents seemed to have ruined our mood for such an exciting trip.

+ Để tìm hiểu thông tin về các khóa học, bộ sách mới nhất của thầy Bách, các bạn truy cập: www.ngocbach.com
+ Hotline tư vấn đăng ký học: 0974657403 (email tư vấn: [email protected]) 256
 However, we successfully rearranged the trip and we managed to get to the park a week
later, which was an unforgettable experience for us all.

Other vocabulary:

223. scholastic achievement [n]: successes connected with schools and education :
thành tích học tập
Eg: Her scholastic achievement is always impressive
224. rewarding [adj]: worth doing; that makes you happy because you think it is useful
or important : xứng đáng
Eg: Teaching is not very rewarding in terms of the finance received.
225. (to) alleviate [v]: to make sth less severe : giảm nhẹ
Eg: A number of measures were taken to alleviate the problems.
226. with a view to [expression]: with an intention to do sth: với mục đích làm gì đó
Eg: The politician reveals the truth with a view to gaining more faith from the
public.

227. abandon [v]: to leave a place, thing, or person, usually forever: từ bỏ

Eg: By the time the rebel troops arrived, the village had already been abandoned
228. congestion [n]: the state of being crowded and full of traffic : sự tắc nghẽn giao
thông
Eg: Congestion and pollution are Ho Chi Minh City’s problems.
229. intersection [n]: a point or line common to lines or surfaces that intersect: ngã tư
Eg: If you remember back to an economics class you might have taken, much time was
spent on the intersection of lines in those graphs.
230. for the sake of [expression]: in order to help or bring advantage to someone: vì lợi
ích của
Eg: He moved to the seaside for the sake of his health.
231. down in the dumps [expression]: unhappy: không vui
Eg: She's a bit down in the dumps because she failed one of her exams.
232. ruin [v]: to spoil or destroy something completely: phá hỏng

+ Để tìm hiểu thông tin về các khóa học, bộ sách mới nhất của thầy Bách, các bạn truy cập: www.ngocbach.com
+ Hotline tư vấn đăng ký học: 0974657403 (email tư vấn: [email protected]) 257
 Eg: Huge modern hotels have ruined this once unspoilt coastline.

PART 3: TRANSPORTATION

32. Would people still drive a car if public transportation was free of charge?
(Give a direct answer to the question) I think most people would gradually stop using
cars if public transportation was free. (Give an example (often a personal example))
Widespread free or low cost public transport would reduce the number of cars on the road
vastly. Nowadays, global warming is a serious issue and if public transport was free,
more people would use it, taking cars off the road and substantially cutting down CO2
emissions. With more users, substandard public transport networks would be upgraded
by the government, to make it increasingly popular.
33. How can transportation in rural areas be developed?
(Give a direct answer to the question) Well, the intensive and sustainable investment in
a reliable and affordable system of transportation would lay the foundation for economic
growth in rural areas and ensure that people could obtain services in far-away residential
areas. (Explain your reason or reasons) Understandably, transportation is increasingly
necessary for rural residents to access healthcare services, consumer services,
employment and educational opportunities, and social services.
34. How do people usually go travelling?
(Give a direct answer to the question) Commuting to work or travelling has become a
common part of our life. (Explain your reason or reasons) Noticeably, the reasonable
cost of air travel has eased much of the burden associated with travelling. The easy access
to more tools and infrastructure are intertwined with the improvement in transportation
systems as well as travel.
35. In what ways can the state of traffic in a city be improved?
(Give a direct answer to the question) Clearly, upgrading rail and subway systems in
cities could ensure that traffic congestion is properly addressed. (Explain your reason
or reasons) In comparison with cars and buses, trains can transport hundreds of people
simultaneously and thus would meet the transport demand of a huge number of
passengers.

+ Để tìm hiểu thông tin về các khóa học, bộ sách mới nhất của thầy Bách, các bạn truy cập: www.ngocbach.com
+ Hotline tư vấn đăng ký học: 0974657403 (email tư vấn: [email protected]) 258
 Vocabulary from the environment:

 to cut down on emissions

Meaning: to reduce the amount of gases sent out into the air
Example: People must be made aware of the need to cut down on emissions from their
cars if we are to reduce air pollution.

 global warming

Meaning: the process by which the Earth is getting hotter, as a result of the greenhouse
effect
Example: Perhaps the major environmental challenge which faces humanity today is
global warming, because it threatens our survival.

Other vocabulary:

1. substandard [adj]: not as good as normal, not acceptable: dưới tiêu chuẩn
Eg: Customers were disappointed with numerous substandard goods.
2. upgrade[v]: to make sth more powerful, efficient, better, etc: nâng cấp
Eg: This computer system is trying to upgrade its products.
3. sustainable [adj]: that can continue or be continued for a long time: b ền vững
Eg: A sustainable economic growth is desirable for any nation.
4. lay the foundation for sth [expression]: set, start a principle, an idea or a fact that
something is based on and that it grows from: đặt nền tảng cho cái gì
Eg: Respect and friendship lay a solid foundation for marriage.
5. reasonable[adj]: (of prices) not too expensive, affordable: phải chăng
Eg: Our store always sells good quality food at reasonable prices.
6. burden [n]: a duty that causes worry, difficulty or hard work : gánh nặng
Eg: I don’t want to become a burden to my family when I’m old.
7. (to be) intertwined with sth/sb[adj]: be very closely connected with sb/sth: liên hệ chặt
chẽ

+ Để tìm hiểu thông tin về các khóa học, bộ sách mới nhất của thầy Bách, các bạn truy cập: www.ngocbach.com
+ Hotline tư vấn đăng ký học: 0974657403 (email tư vấn: [email protected]) 259
 Eg: Sleep deprivation is intertwined with your stress.
8. address[v]: to deal with a problem or situation: giải quyết
Eg: Ho Chi Minh City must address its traffic problems.

+ Để tìm hiểu thông tin về các khóa học, bộ sách mới nhất của thầy Bách, các bạn truy cập: www.ngocbach.com
+ Hotline tư vấn đăng ký học: 0974657403 (email tư vấn: [email protected]) 260