SPEAKING TOPICS GEP 6

6. PLASTIC BAGS SHOULD BE BANNED COMPLETELY TO HELP PROTECT THE

D: T, I want to discuss with you a little bit about environmental issues. Do you regconize that
currently our environment is becoming more and more polluted?

T: Yes, this is the problem that has gotten the most attention recently and I am of opinion that
plastic bags are the biggest threat to our environment.

D: That’s what i am thinking about. In most nations, plastic bags account for a significant portion
of garbage. Plastic are difficult to decompose and it takes hundreds of years to break down into
pieces. That is why I think plastic bags should be banned.

T: I agree. You know, many wild animals die for this reason. Plastic bags are often thrown into
the soil or the ocean and animals eat them, causing various issues and even death. Take for
example the case of a turtle, when mistaking a plastic with a jellyfish, it becomes difficult for the
turtle to digest and eventually dies.

D:What a terrible! As far as i can see, the production of plastic bags also releases many harmful
chemicals and the atmosphere is also polluted, leading to many diseases for humans. So,
personally, i prefer the use of paper and cloth bags.

T: Oh, me too. And another significant point of eliminating plastic bags is that we will not only
solve all environmental issues such as animals, litter, and landfill, but we will also raise global
awareness.

D: Like the ban on plastic bags in Australia, right? I heard somewhere that Australia banned
plastic bags and from a landfill overflowing with non-biodegradable waste, it was replaced by
compostable waste that does not harm to the environment.

T: Yeah, this can also set an example for many countries, others will realise that it is a big issue
to make a law, see the positive effects and actually raise awareness of environmental protection.

7. PEOPLE EAT TOO MUCH SUGAR AND SALT THESE DAYS.TO WHAT EXTENT
DO YOU AGREE OR DISAGREE? GIVE EXAMPLES TO SUPPORT YOUR POINT OF
VIEW.

T: T, do you realize that nowadays, many peple don’t have a balanced diet? They just eat
whatever they want, which has become a risk in the lives of many individuals.

D: Yah,that seems obvious and it happens more commonly among young people. Sugar and salt
are necessary for human health, but excessive consumption has led to various health problems.
T: As I know, eating 5g of salt daily will assist us maintain our body's water balance, right?

D: Exactly, if you consume too much, it will cause high blood pressure, heart attack, in addition
to increase the risk of stomach cancer, kidney failure, and other health disorders.

T: According to my research, young people consume over 10g of salt per day, which is nearly
twice the recommended amount and this consumption kills approximately 4 million people each
year

D:It’s a greart loss. Sugar is also bad for our health, as we all know. You can clearly see that
nowadays children enjoy eating sweet things like candy, milk tea, cake,.. and parents don’t limit
their children’s intake

T: That’s true. Children now are also growing less healthy because of their over consumption of
junk food and sugary snacks. Many children become obese , and some even get fatty liver
disease.

D: I think parents should be responsible for the meals of their children. They shouldn’t give their
children high-sugar foods , just because they indulge in their children’s preferences and want
them to gain weight.

T: So in conclusion, body and health of humans nowadays are in danger because they eat more
sugar and salt than is recommended , so I think instead of using canned food, it’s better to eat
natural foods like nuts, fruits,vegetables,..

D: Yes, that’s what i am thinking about. In addition, they should also do exercise and eat clean if
possible.

8. SHOULD SCHOOLS TEACH SUBJECTS LIKE ART AND MUSIC? GIVE

D: Why are you looking so tired, T?

T: I had to take part in a lot of theory classes, do the presentation and also complete the deadline
at home. I really need art and music classes at school right now. What do you think if schools
teach these subjects?

D: Hmm, let me think..Art and music classes make the school more attractive for students and
enhance their enthusiasm for studying. So i think schools should teach these subjects

T: That’s obvious. After studying main subjects, students also need art-related subjects to
balance their mind

D: I completely agree. Let me give you an example. 5 years ago, I had to study at school from
morning to afternoon to prepare for the exam, which made me quite exhausted, however, our
teacher was quite psychological, so she took advantage of a short break to sing along with us.
Athough it was only a short time, my mind was relaxed and my classmates was more
enthusiastic than before.

T: Oh, that’s also a main reason why i want to study music and art class. Singing a song in the
music class could bring positive emotion to students and reduce various diseases like fatigue,
headache, blurred vision,...Moreover, painting helps students to look at the real world from
several aspects.

D: I think I would feel more confident if I could study those subjects at school because i gain
more skills like drawing and singing, as well as becoming more creative.

T: Yes, I believe so.

D: And as i know nowadays unemployment is a burden not only in the poor countries, but also in
developed ones so by learning art and music students can have more chances for finding a job in
future.

T: Exactly. Students who study music can work in concert halls and others who study painting
can work in art galleries. Almost everyone appreciates art, and some countries profit from
attracting a large number of tourists to their art museums and exhibitions.

D: Overall, education plays a crucial part in life, however art-related subjects can help the
students to have the best in life with ease and comfort.

9. DO YOU THINK FOREIGN CULTURES THREATEN THE IDENTITY OF THE

T: In today's modern society, the integration of foreign cultures is no longer strange to us. Do
you think such cultural intrusion endanger national identity?

D: I tend to think that if we adopt those cultures appropriately, it will not negate our identity. For
instance, since Western costumes were introduced into our nation, there have been improvements
in clothings in Vietnam such as the traditional Ao Dai being reformed into the modern Ao Dai.
This is an opening step for the fashion development process in Vietnam.

T: In addition, the cuisine of Western culture also has many positive influences on Vietnam.
Vietnamese people have used traditional ingredients and Western recipes to cook, but still
keeping the traditional flavor of our nation. This has assisted in the diversity of our
nation's cuisine without losing traditions. So, if we don't abuse other culture, I believe it will be
beneficial.

D: That’s true. In some cases, foreign culture is also a source of national identity anxiety. If you
look at Vietnamese people today, you will see they have a fetish for foreign goods, which can
reduce the publicity of domestic products.
T: Well, i can see. Theaters in Vietnam have to struggle to sell tickets, however, when foreign
singers are invited to perform in Vietnam, it attracts a large number of people to watch, despite
the high ticket prices and police are even required to keep order.

D: After all, I think that preserving and protecting our country's culture is the best option. We
can also welcome some foreign cultures, but only in moderation, so that they do not pose a threat
to our national identity.

10. ARE SOCIAL SKILLS MORE IMPORTANT THAN EDUCATION WHEN

D: With the development of society and economy today, finding a job requires various factors.
So in your opinion, which is more important, social skills or education?

T: To speak from my viewpoint, being educated and having a degree after graduation is also
necessary, it’s like a good foundation and starting point for employers to consider interviewing
resumes when you apply for a job. However, social skills are more essential

D: I am with you on that. There are some people who have studied through many schools and
have many qualifications, but they still don’t have much experience and soft skills, this is also
something that employers are concerned about.

T: You know, local industries now have to deal with international businesses thanks
to globalisation. Therefore, social skills such as communication, relationship building, and
proficiency in foreign languages improve trade relations.

D: Hmm, this mean companies often hire people with social skills to expand their business
globally

T: That’s what I mean. Moreover, social skills will help reduce conflicts and chaos in business.

D: Well, in some businesses, different departments will work together and therefore to increase
work productivity and avoid conflicts, good communication skills are key.

T:Besides, there are some circumstances that people rarely work individually and often need to
rely on others to get the best result. For that reason, those who have excellent interpersonal skills
are more likely to build good relations with their colleagues and perform better at work.

D: And people who lack social skills may feel isolated in that case, I think.

T: Absolutely! On the whole, educational qualification is also significant, however, companies