SPEAKING FORECAST – THE SECOND QUARTER (May-Aug)

I. HOMETOWN
1. I was born and raised in ...
2. I have been living here for around
3. A metropolitan/ rural/ coastal/ mountainous region
4. Be located in = be situated in = be positioned in
5. Be famous for = have a good reputation for = be well-known for = ...
6. Facilities / amenities  top-notch # obsolete (adj)
7. Be available within walking distance
8. Fast/ slow pace of living
9. High/ low cost of living
10. Job oppotuinites  lucrative income opportunities
11. Entertainment
12. Weather  scorching hot all year round
13. An ideal place to settle down
14. Traffic jams/ congestion
15. Environmental pollution

II. WORK/STUDY

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 VOCABULARY HIGHLIGHTS

- private schools/ universities # public schools = state-run schools

- Admission to … is very competitive
- To love something to the moon and back
- Employment opportunities
- Theoretical knowledge
- Practical skills
- Line of work
- A lucrative/ handsome income
- Payday
- Quality time
- Cover my bills/ cover basic necessities
- Afford luxuries of life
1. Do you work or are you a student?

- Currently, I am a student of ………………………., which is one of the top-ranked ……….. in my city.

Admission is … (quite competitive) so I am very proud of being a student here.

- For the past … years, I have been working as a ……………… for ………………. company, which is one of the
……………. in my city. I love this job and I it is a very interesting line of work.

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2. What do you study?/ What are your duties at work?

- I study ……………… because it is a promising major and I’m hoping to pursue it as a career in the future.

- Well, you know, I study a number of academic subjects day in day out. It is somehow overwhelming
but I am trying my best to balance between my study and life.

- Well, I am responsible for …………………… day in day out. (Besides,………………………….) It is somehow

overwhelming but I am trying my best to balance between my work and life.

3. What is the most difficult part of your subject?/ What do you dislike about your job?

Actually, I have no problems dealing with my …………., except for hectic study/work schedule. I mean
there are so many deadlines and responsibilities, and I am always put under enormous pressure, so to
be honest I just have little quality time for my family and friends.
4. What do you like most about your study/ your work?

Well, I love spending time in class because I learn something new every day and I feel myself grow. It is
quite challenging but very stimulating and I feel proud when I manage to solve some complicated
exercise for homework.

Well I guess it is actually the salary/…………………….., which is very handsome/lucrative, so it is not only
enough to cover my bills but also afford some luxuries of life. On top of that, …………………………………….

5. What do you like about your school/ work place?

School: I am quite fond of my school’s top-notch facilities, I mean every room is equipped with air-
conditioner, projectors, or computers, so it supports us a lot to study effectively. Also, there are a
number of clubs or competitions like English clubs which help us improve our teamwork and develop
confidence.

Workplace: Well I guess it could be my coworkers/ colleagues who are very supportive, they are always
kind and willing to support me in need. Besides,
………………………………………………………………........................................................................

III. WRITING

- Illegible =spidery
- Neat – neat writing
- Jot down – note down
- Type on computers

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- Intellectual development
- Cognitive development
- Eg: Handwriting can do wonders for children’s cognitive development.
- Compulsory subjects – kindergarten or primary schools
- Spot and correct spelling mistakes
- To speak volumes of
- Eg: Handwriting can speak volumes of your personality.
- Prepare written cards
- (birthday wishes/ wedding invitation)
- Be marginalized
- The starting point
- In the formative years
- At the early age
- At the beginning of the schooling years

go for the former - faster - brainstorm ideas -

find it easier to communicate my emotions
when it comes to formal documents - typing - spot - correct ....

technology is advancing so fast

be marginalized/ completely superseded
in the foreseeable future

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IV. FRIENDS

play a vital role in - be an indispensable part of

are integral to human life as ...

appreciate their presence to my life

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work around the clock - race the clock to meet deadlines
go travelling - go off the beaten track
scenic landscapes - breathtaking views
gym lovers - hit
the gym center -
work out - keep fit
+ enhance fitness
level

V. SPORTS

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- All time favorite: (adj) : yêu thích nhất từ trước tới nay
- Take up ST : Bắt đầu chơi
- Prevalent (adj) = popular
- Right up one’s alley: sở trường
- Count : được tính
- Go-to choice : lựa chọn đầu tiên
- Take a keen interest in ST : thích/ quan tâm ...

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- entail something (verb): yêu cầu, đòi hỏi
- lead a sedentary lifestyle (verb phrase): sống cuộc sống thụ động
- prone to something (adj): nhạy cảm, dễ mắc
- partake in something (verb): tham gia
- a good case in point (noun phrase): trường hợp điển hình
- squander something on something (verb): lãng phí
- temptation (noun): cám dỗ

I believe a ban on risky sports is necessary. In fact, even when participants are wellprepared and
have all the right equipment to participate in these sports, the dangers are still present. This means

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 that prohibiting all those sports can help prevent individuals from being seriously injured or having
fatal consequences which are caused by these hidden dangers.

I believe that so-called extreme sports are not as dangerous as many people think. Every sport
entails certain elements of risks, and there should always be clear regulations and safety procedures
to minimize the possibility of accidents. People taking part in risky sports are usually required to
undergo appropriate training so that the dangers can be zeroed out.

- well-prepared (adj): chuẩn bị tốt

- entail something (verb): đòi hỏi, yêu cầu, bao gồm
- zero something out (phrasal verb): giảm thiểu đến hết
VI. FOOD AND COOKING

1. What kind of food do you like to eat?

For me, I mainly enjoy eating homemade food. They are not only made from organic materials, but also
are hygienic and chemical-free. Although I have a thing for eating in, my preference does not prevent
me from dining outside.

 Homemade food (n): món ăn làm tại nhà

 Organic (adj): hữu cơ
 Hygienic (adj): vệ sinh
 Chemical-free (adj): không có chất hóa học
 Preference (n): sự ưa thích
2. What kind of new food would you like to try?
I’ve never tried Chinese food and now I am thinking of trying it, a friend of mine convinced me that I
would enjoy it since that kind of food is quite tasty. I intend to take my family to a well-known Chinese
restaurant in near my house. Aside from that, I’d like to try Japanese dishes.

 To convince (v): thuyết phục

 Tasty (adj): (món ăn) ngon
 To intend (v): dự định
 Well-known (adj): nổi tiếng
3. Do you like cooking? Why/ Why not?
My answer is a big yes. Cooking is one of my favourite hobbies, every time I cook I always feel less
stressed. Another reason is that I like cooking because I think it’s a lot healthier than eating out all the
time.

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  Healthier (adj): khỏe mạnh hơn, đảm bảo sức khỏe hơn
 To eat out (v): đi ăn ở ngoài, ăn nhà hàng
4. Do you think that it’s important to know how to cook well?
Although I’m not sure if it’s important to cook well, I do believe that everyone should be familiar with
the basics since it is not good for our health if we rely too much on fast food or pre-made meals. Also,
knowing how to cook will also help you enhance life skills like eating nutritious, saving your money, and
cleaning.

 To rely (v): dựa dẫm

 Pre-made (adj): làm sẵn
 To enhance (v): nâng cao, cải thiện
 To save money (v): để dành, tiết kiệm tiền
5. What are some kinds of food you never eat? Why?
Food items that are on my “not-preferable list” are something too spicy. I am not a fan of chilli and
ever since that kind of spicy food is on my dislike list and I never order or prepare them.

 Not-preferable list (n): danh sách không ưa thích

 Spicy (adj): cay
 To be not a fan of (v): không phải “fan”, không thích
 Dislike list (n): danh sách không ưa thích
VII. SOCIAL MEDIA

1. Do you or your friends like using social media?

Sample 1: Yes. Us young Vietnamese are quite active on social media, particularly Facebook and
Instagram. I personally spend a staggering 3 hours a day flicking through my news feed.

 active on social media: hoạt động nhiều trên mạng xã hội

 flicking through: lướt mạng xã hội
Sample 2: I’m not a big fan of these online platforms because they can take up a lot of my time during
the day. I mean I tried to use social media in the past, and I ended up getting distracted all the time by
the notifications of Facebook and Instagram. I couldn’t get anything done, so I decided to delete
them for good.

 Be a big fan of = like

 For good = forever
2. Do you think you or your friends use too much social media?

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Sample 1: Probably but for good reasons. It’s the best platform for us to keep abreast of the news and
latest trends as well as connect with each other. Few people text or phone now as social media is simply
more efficient and faster, on top of that, it’s free.

 keep abreast of: bám sát

Sample 2: Speaking for myself, I don’t want to waste too much time on Facebook or Twitter. That said,
I know a few friends who are addicted to social media. They post thousands of stories a day, which, I
must admit, get on my nerves a bit.

 Speaking for myself = in my opinion

 Get on sb’s nerves = annoy somebody
3. Do you want to work in social media? Why?
Sample 1: Depending on what kinds of jobs relating to social media we’re talking about. If you asked me
whether I would entertain the idea of becoming an influencer on Tiktok or Instagram, I might say yes.
However, if it’s something to do with technology, coding, or marketing, I would say no because
they’re not really my thing.

 entertain the idea of: giải trí với

 something to do with: điều gì đó liên quan đến
 not really my thing: không thực sự là thứ của tôi.
Sample 2: No, not for the love of money. I hate being the focus on attention. On top of that, I have
noticed too many influencers get a bad rap because of their online activities, so I wouldn’t want this
nuisance for myself.

 No, not for the love of money = never

 Get a bad rap = be severely criticized
4. What’s the most popular social media in Vietnam? Why?
Sample 1: Definitely Facebook although it will probably be overthrown by Tiktok in the not-too-distant
future. This is because Facebook doesn’t resonate as well with young users as Tiktok does.

 be overthrown by: bị lật đổ

 resonate: gây tiếng vang
Sample 2: If I have to take a guess, it should be Facebook. Everyone has or used to have an account, I
bet. Mind you, there has been a change in demographics on that platform. Young people are now
moving to Instagram, while the old group is more active on Facebook.

 Mind you = But

VIII. HOME AND ACCOMODATION

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 IX. FAST FOOD

Well, if I list down what types of fast food I've tried, it would be pretty long! However, my favourite ones
in this list would be burgers, sandwiches, pizzas, crispy chicken, french fries, chicken nuggets, apple pies
and different types of coffee and shakes.

Well in many cases, fast foods contain a lot of calories and fats that the body is not able to use up
throughout the day and all of the extra fats and sugars and salts are deposited in the body leading to
high blood pressure, obesity and cardiovascular disease. Doctors warn people for these reasons to
only eat fast foods once in a blue moon, like every six months at the most.

 I go to McDonald’s quite often actually, because I’m very lazy to cook, and I’m really bad at cooking to
be honest. I come to McDonald’s around 3 to 4 times a week, and most of the times I go there for lunch
after finishing my morning lessons.
 I think the main reason why I like McDonald’s is because I find the food there very tasty. And the prices
are quite cheap compared to Burger King, for example.
 Fast food restaurants in Vietnam are popular for grabbing a quick bite or snack, as they are ‘fast’ and
you can usually find one nearby.

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 X. SUMMER

1. Is summer your favorite time of year? (Mùa hè có phải là thời gian yêu thích của bạn trong năm
không?)

 Unfortunately, no.
 Mùa hè ở VN nóng như thiêu đốt, ẩm ướt, dẫn đến ướt đẫm mồ hôi => Summer in VN
= boiling/scorching hot + humid -> drenched in sweat
 Tiếp xúc với ánh nắng dẫn đến các vấn đề sức khỏe => Exposed to sunlight -> health
problems (dehydration, skin cancer)

2. What do you do in summer when the weather’s very hot? (Bạn làm gì vào mùa hè khi thời tiết rất
nóng?)

 Thói quen của bạn mỗi ngày: typical habits

 Uống đồ uống có đá để giải khát: drink iced beverages -> quench the thirst
 Thoa kem chống nắng để bảo vệ da khỏi tia UV => put on an enormous amount of sunscreen -> protect
the skin from the detrimental impacts of the UV rays in sunlight

3. Do you go on holiday every summer? (Bạn có đi nghỉ mát vào mỗi dịp hè không?)

 Nếu là "không", thì có thể do lịch trình bận rộn, khó khăn về tài chính dẫn đến không đủ khả năng cho kì
nghỉ hè hằng năm => hectic schedules + financial hardships -> annual summer vacation = something
too luxurious -> can’t afford

XI. LANGUAGE

1. Do you like learning languages?

Absolutely, I am always keen on mastering some new languages because I believe language skills are the
key to opportunities. You know, if I am bilingual or multilingual, I can travel to other parts of the world
with ease and expand my horizon while talking to people from different countries.

 Bilingual (adj): biết nói 2 thứ tiếng

 Multilingual (adj): biết nói nhiều thứ tiếng
 Expand one’s horizon: mở rộng tầm mắt
2. What languages can you speak?

My mother tongue is Vietnamese and I also use English as my second language. I’m also taking Chinese
classes every weekend because of its widespread use and numerous benefits that come along with it.
I am now able to hold simple daily conversations in this language but I still have a long way to go.

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  Mother tongue (n): tiếng mẹ đẻ
 Have a long way to go: còn chặng đường dài phía trước (chỉ sự khó khăn)
3. How did you learn the languages that you know?

I think the most effective way to learn a language is to practice more with native speakers. I made a lot
of foreign friends who speak English so I try to talk to them as much as possible. With other languages,
I’m making frequent use of studying applications, which are doing a great job in reminding me to keep
up with my study plans.

 Do a great job: làm tốt

 Keep up with s.th: theo kịp cái gì
4. Do you think that English is difficult to learn?

I learned how to familiarize myself with the language from a tender age, so I did not have to struggle to
learn English at all. By incorporating English learning into my everyday life, I was able to understand
almost everything written in English since I was pretty young. But, of course, it did take quite a long time
to be able to speak and write the language fluently.

 Familiarize (v): làm quen

 Incorporate (v): kết hợp
5. Do you think foreigners should learn your country’s language when they arrive there?

Vietnamese is a tonal language with six different tones that dictate the meaning of a word. The high
number of vowel sounds also prove difficult for English speakers to nail down. But I think it’s obviously
in their best interest to pick up a few basic words or phrases in our native language because it is fun and
would transform their traveling experience in a way they never knew before.

 Tonal language: ngôn ngữ có thanh điệu

 Dictate: đọc (chính tả)
 Nail down: thành công, đạt được

XII. THE AREA YOU LIVE IN

Do you live in a house or in an apartment?

When I was a child, I used to live together with my parents in a house. It was a two-story house in
the downtown of HoChiMinh city, district 7. But now I moved to a brand new apartment. It’s in Go Vap
district, pretty far from the center of the city but the living cost is reasonable and it’s a trade-off I’m
willing to make.

 Two-story: hai tầng

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  Downtown: khu vực trung tâm
 Living cost: chi phí trang trải cuộc sống
 reasonable : giá cả phải chăng
 Trade-off: sự đánh đổi
What do you most like about where you live now?

The convenience is the best thing here. You know, on the ground floor of every apartment, they always
have coffee shops, mini groceries stores, ATMs, etc. I can pop in quickly if I run out
of something. Another feature that I have to mention is security. They have 24/7 security services
including CCTV to protect us from any kinds of criminals.

 Pop in: ghé qua/ ghé vào

 Run out of: cạn/ hết sạch một thứ gì đó
How long have you been living here?

Just about 2 years I think. It’s a good place to live but I’m planning to move back downtown
right after my tenancy contract is over. It’s a weird thing to say but I love traveling and moving alot, not
staying at one place for too long.

 Tenancy contract: hợp đồng thuê nhà

Which neighborhood are you living in?

A metropolis I can say so. Skyscrapers, traffic jams, crowded streets,… are popular things you can
easily find in this area. But don’t miss my point. I love this fast-paced living vibe in my neighborhood. It
fits me so well.

 Metropolis: thành phố lớn

 Skyscraper: tòa nhà chọc trời
 Fast-paced: hối hả
Do you like the area you live in?

100% yes. I have everything I need right in my neighborhood. SInce I was born and raised here in Ho Chi
Minh city, I love the food, the people and all of the conveniences we have here. It is also one of the
most worth-living city in Vietnam with many career opportunities and fascinating entertaining services. I
just can’t imagine the day that I have to move to anywhere else.

 Worth-living: đáng sống

How has your area changed recently?

There have been some remarkable changes in this area. When I was a kid, there were some lakes and
paddle fields right in front of my house. The neighborhood was so deserted. Then more and more
immigrants from other provinces, even other cities, came and together we have built up such a
crowded, close-knit community now.

 Deserted: vắng vẻ
Do you know any famous people in your area?

No, I don’t think public figures will choose to live in my neighborhood. Don’t get me wrong. It is still a
lovely place for me. But you know, celebrities love luxurious, top-class real estates. And my place is just
a mid-tier area. I have never seen any movie stars or famous singers close to my house.

 Public figure = celebrity: người nổi tiếng

 Luxuriou: sang trọng
 Top-class: cao cấp
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  Real estate: bất động sản
 Mid-tier: tầm trung
Where do you like to go in your area?

Well there is a brand new park close to my place. And that quickly become one of my favorite spots in
the area. I usually take a morning walk out there with my dog. It is pretty chilled in the morning, you
know. The atmosphere is super comfy and quiet. Sometimes I see a small group of elderly practicing tai
chi. I just enjoy being there alone, sitting on a couch. What a peaceful moment among the hustle and
bustle of the city.

 Elderly: người cao tuổi

 Tai chi: Thái Cực Quyền
 Hustle and bustle of the city: nhịp sống hối hả nơi thành thị
Do you like crowded places? Why?

As mentioned above, I enjoy quiet and peaceful places. So my answer is no. I don’t feel comfortable
being around tons of strangers or being . I consider myself as an introverted person. Besides, being in
crowded places such as theaters or supermarkets makes me feel pretty chaotic. It is some kind of social
awkwardness isn’t it?

 Introverted: hướng nội

 Chaotic: hỗn loạn
 Social awkwardness: sự ngại giao tiếp

13. TECHNOLOGY

1. What technology do you often use, computers or cell phones?

Sample 1: Well, my laptop is, hands down, an indispensable item to me ‘cause it really facilitates my
work and study. I used it for so many purposes such as word processing, taking online courses, and
posting photos on social media.

 an indispensable item (n) một vật không thể thiếu

 facilitate (v) làm cho dễ dàng, thuận lợi hơn
 word processing (n) đánh máy
Sample 2: I would have to say I am dependent on both of those for daily tasks and my work, too. I
usually use my phone for communicative purposes such as answering calls or texting; while my laptop is
usually used for replying emails, creating lesson plans or tasks that require a larger screen and keyboard.
They both help me unwind as I can listen to music or watch movies on either device.

 to be dependent on: phụ thuộc vào cái gì đó

2. What electronic devices have you bought lately?

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Sample 1: I haven’t picked up any new gadgets, to be honest, because I’m not much of a tech junkie.
However, I’m batting around the idea of purchasing a new iPhone as my current one is a bit old-
fashioned now.

 pick up (v) mua

 tech junkie (n) người nghiện công nghệ
 bat around the idea: cân nhắc đến việc
Sample 2: I don’t want to state the obvious, but for youngsters like me, technological devices like
smartphones, personal computers or tablets are of paramount importance. They enable us to study,
work, communicate and relax while also serving as a storage for all the data and documents necessary in
our lives.

 to be of paramount importance: có tầm quan trọng cực kì lớn

3. What do you think are the trends in technology today compared to when you were young?
Sample 1: Well, the first trend that comes to mind is the use of social media, which is gaining in
popularity in many countries. It’s a wonderful tool for people to make friends with people across the
globe with like-minded interests and share their thoughts, feelings, and emotions. Another thing that
has become sort of all the rage now is to work from home which has a host of advantages for workers
like less commute stress and better work-life balance.

 like-minded interests: có cùng sở thích

 All the rage (adj) đang thịnh hành
 A host of (adj) nhiều
Sample 2: I am actually terrified by robots of any kind. Just the thought of a machine having its own
thoughts and making decisions by themselves disturb me on many levels. It is also symbolic of a society
that is obsessed with convenience and is using technology to maximize that comfort to the point of
laziness and immobility.

 disturb (v) làm cảm thấy khó chịu, không thoải mái
 on many levels: ở nhiều mức độ
 to be symbolic of: là biểu trưng, biểu tượng cho điều gì đó
 immobility (n) sự không chuyển động, đứng im
4. Is there any technology you don’t like?
Sample 1: Actually, I do not dislike any technology as I think technological breakthroughs all make life
much easier and more convenient. For example, extraordinary inventions such as the washing machine,
dishwasher, and vacuum cleaner significantly reduce the burden of doing household chores for many
people.

 technological breakthroughs (n) đột phá công nghệ

 the burden of doing household chores (n) gánh nặng làm việc nhà
Sample 2: The directions that scientists and inventors are heading is definitely towards a more personal
and mobile development for technology. Every creation used to be really enormous, like a walkie-talkie
in the past weighted from 10 to 30 kilograms. Nowadays, everything can be kept in your pocket, with,
let’s say, an in-ear voice recorder having the size of a grain of rice. People like devices that can

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be customized to their likings and personal needs, as well as being portable for convenience, so
minimizing the size of technological inventions is definitely an on-going trend among science fields.

 customized to their likings: được cá nhân hoá theo sở thích của họ

 portable (adj) có thể đem theo người được

XIV. OUTER SPACE

 Celestial bodies (n) Thiên thể

 Dwarf planet (n): Hành tinh lùn
 Ceres: Hành tinh lùn nằm giữa Sao Hỏa và Sao Mộc
 Earth (n): Trái Đất
 Exoplanet (n): Ngoại hành tinh
 Gas giant (n): Hành tinh khí khổng lồ
 Great Red Spot (n): Vết Đỏ Lớn (cơn bão với xoáy nghịch trên Mộc Tinh)
 Jupiter (n): Sao Mộc
 Mars (n): Sao Hỏa (Hành tinh Đỏ)
 Mercury (n): Sao Thủy
 Neptune (n): Sao Hải Vương
 planet (n): Hành tinh
 Pluto (n): Sao Diêm Vương
 Saturn (n): Sao Thổ
 Uranus (n): Sao Thiên Vương
 Venus (n): Sao Kim
1. Can you see many stars at night where you live?

Well, this area has very little light pollution. As a result, you can see planets like Mars in addition to stars
and constellations. You can even view objects like the Orion Nebula, for instance, if you travel further
out into the hamlet, where there are essentially no people. There is nothing else that I can think of that
you could see, but they are all up there shining brightly. That’s wonderful, then.

 Constellation (n): Chòm sao

 Orion Nebula (n): Tinh vân Orion
 Hamlet (n): Ngôi làng nhỏ
 Essentially (adv) = basically: Về cơ bản
2. What do you think about traveling to outer space?

That intrigues me because I think there could be more life forms out there. Also, learning more about
the numerous intricate galaxies that surround us is fascinating. I think the cosmos is far larger than just
Earth.

 Intrigue (v): Hứng thú, kích thích trí tò mò

 Numerous (a): Rất nhiều
 Intricate (a): Phức tạp
 Fascinating (a): Hấp dẫn, quyến rũ
 Cosmos (n): Vũ trụ (nói chung)

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3. What would you prepare on a trip to outer space?

As I’ve seen in images, there is certainly appropriate astronautical gear. In addition, I’d like to carry a
camera or film so I can show my friends back on earth what I observed. Last but not least, I’d like to
carry something from Earth in case I accidentally discover another life form there.

 Astronautical gear (n): Thiết bị du hành vũ trụ

 Accidentally (adv): Tình cờ
4. Do you want to go into outer space in the future?

Of course! I would be really curious to find out what more is out there. But I’m not sure if that would
occur in my lifetime. Yet I’ve heard that someday, humans could be able to travel to space. I
think there’s a chance for it! I’m always amazed by what the future holds.

 Curious (a): Tò mò
 There’s a chance for sb: Có cơ hội cho ai
 Amazed (a): Kinh ngạc
5. Do you enjoy looking at the stars?

Yes, I do. When I’m alone and bored at night, I really like to look up at the stars. I’m not
too skilled at astronomy, but I do enjoy watching the sky at night. My friends and I
have occasionally driven to the beach to enjoy the breathtaking sunsets there.

 Skilled (a): có hiểu biết

 Astronomy (n): thiên văn học
 Occasionally (adv): thỉnh thoảng
 Breathtaking (a): hấp dẫn, ngoạn mục.
6. What would you do if you had the chance to go into space?

I think I’ll do a flip on the Moon. While it’s challenging on Earth, I’ve been eager to do this for a while.
But in space, where there is no gravity, things are different. Maybe it sounds really corny, but I think it’ll
be amusing.

 Challenging (a): Thách thức, khó khăn

 Eager (a): Háo hức
 Corny (a): Không thú vị
 Amusing (a): Vui, thú vị

1. Have you ever learnt about outer space and stars?

- Not much – academic subjects – little time allocated to the astronomy – get to know a little
about stars/ the cosmos / galaxies  forget – have no clues

2. Are you interested in films concerning outer space and stars?

- Yes Of course  really fond of sci-fi mixed with some fantasy– a telling example – avatar 
released some months ago – tell us about the fights between humans and water and land-based
aliens called Navy – pleased my eyes –ears with wonderful sound and visual effects  admire
human imagination + creativity

3. Do you want to go into outer space in the future?

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  Absolutely yes  crave for a ticket to Mars or Venus  gain more insights into the outter space
–today  impossible for an ordinary person  with the fast-paced advancement of technology
 humans can have a chance to have space tours to explore the universe

XV. JEWELRY

1. Do you often wear jewelry?

Yes, I am quite fond of wearing jewelry and consider it an integral part of my personal style. I believe
that it adds a touch of elegance and sophistication to an outfit, and it can also reflect my individual taste
and personality. However, I am selective about the pieces I wear and only choose those that I feel
truly complement my appearance.

2. What type of jewelry do you like to buy?

I have a soft spot for simple yet elegant pieces, such as dainty necklaces, bracelets, and earrings. I tend
to gravitate towards jewelry that is made of high-quality materials, such as gold, silver, or precious
gems. I believe that these types of jewelry can be worn every day and will never go out of style. On the
other hand, I’m not much of a fan of overly flashy or gaudy pieces, as I prefer to keep my
accessories understated and refined. I also appreciate handcrafted pieces that are unique and have a
personal touch. I find these types of jewelry to be more meaningful and often more durable than mass-
produced ones.

People often wear a piece of jewelry for a long time for a variety of reasons. For some, jewelry may
hold sentimental value, serving as a symbol of a significant event, person, or memory. For example,
someone may wear a wedding band to commemorate their marriage, or a locket with a picture of a
loved one. Others may wear a piece of jewelry because it has practical benefits, such as a watch that
also serves as a statement piece.

Additionally, some people view jewelry as an investment, choosing to purchase high-quality, timeless
pieces that can stand the test of time and retain their beauty for years to come. In this sense, jewelry
can be seen as a form of self-expression, as the individual’s choice of pieces and styles can reflect their
personal taste and sense of style.

Overall, I believe that people wear jewelry for a long time for a combination of practical, sentimental,
and personal reasons. Regardless of the reason, jewelry has the ability to hold a significant place in an
individual’s life, making it a cherished and treasured item.

Highlight Vocabulary – Từ vựng nổi bật

 integral (adj) quan trọng

 complement (v) bổ sung
 Dainty (adj) mỏng manh xinh xắn
 Gravitate towards (v) có xu hướng chọn
 Durable (adj) bền
 Sentimental (adj) tình cảm
 commemorate (v) kỷ niệm

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  Go out of style (v) lỗi thời
 Flashy (adj) lòe loẹt
 Gaudy (adj) rực rỡ
 understated (adj) tinh tế nhẹ nhàng

XVI. T-SHIRT

1. Do you like wearing T-shirts?

Yes, I do. Because nothing is more fashionably versatile than a simple Tee, T-shirts can go with
everything. And as someone who has a slightly heavier stature than average, I find the flexible fabric of
most T-shirts to be extremely comfortable.

 Versatile (adj): linh hoạt

 Tee (n): áo phông
 Fabric (n): sợi vải
2. How often do you wear T-shirts?
I don a T-shirt almost every day since a simple one can pass as being both casual for social gatherings
and semi-formal for work-related events, especially if paired with a blazer or a jacket.

 Can pass as (v): có thể được chấp nhận như là

3. Do you like T-shirts with pictures or prints?
Not really, I love my T-shirts simple with one solid color, though I would tolerate a Tee with some simple
patterns or a small typography design on rare occasions. I have seen my fair share of designs on many
T-shirts and unfortunately, they mostly seem too tacky.

 Tolerate (v): chịu đựng, chấp nhận

 Typography design (n): thiết kế sử dụng chữ viết
 Fair share (n): số lượng phù hợp/đủ
 Tacky (adj): rẻ tiền
4. Do you think older people who wear T-shirts are fashionable?
Yes definitely, like I have previously stated, T-shirts are extremely versatile so anyone can wear one. But
picking the right size can be trickier for senior citizens, especially if he or she is conscious about their
bodies because most elderly people have a higher BMI or Body Mass Index compared to a teenager or a
middle-aged adult, which can make them seem chubbier than they are. I would recommend choosing a
bigger T-shirt for a more comfortable fit.

 BMI (Body mass index): chỉ số khối cơ thể

5. Would you buy T-shirts as souvenirs on vacation?

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That’d be a no for me because T-shirts sold at gift shops or stores in a holiday destination usually have
graphics that depict recognizable features of that place, such as a famous landmark or even a famous
dish that has put that place on the map. And wearing a t-shirt that has an oversized picture of anything
is just too extreme for my taste.

 Depict (v): thể hiện

 Recognizable (adj): dễ nhận diện
 Put something on the map (idiom/slang): khiến cái gì đó trở nên nổi tiếng

XVII. WEEDKEND

1. How do you usually spend your weekends?

My weekends are often relaxing. I usually have breakfast and coffee in a small café near my apartment.
The rest of the time, I either read books in my room or hang out with my friends.

 Either … or … : làm việc này hoặc việc kia

2. Which is your favourite part of the weekend?

Friday’s and Saturday’s evenings because I could stay up later than usual and watch my
favourite series on Netflix. Sometimes, I use this time to chat with my friends who live abroad.

 Stay up late: thức khuya

 Series (n): chương trình/ phim nhiều tập (khác với movie)
3. Do you think your weekends are long enough?

I’m quite content with the length of my weekends. Two days are enough for me to put my hair down
and get ready for a new week of work.

 content (adj): hài lòng

4. How important do you think it is to have free time on the weekends?

Even though I like my job, I think having time to wind down is a must. It gives me time to cool my engine
down and reflect upon my achievements as well as my flaws in the past week.

 Wind down (phrasal verb): thư giãn

 Must (n): điều bắt buộc
 Reflect upon/on (verb): chiêm nghiệm, tự đánh giá
 Flaw (n): lỗi lầm, điều chưa tốt

18. SMALL BUSINESS

1. How often do you shop at small businesses?
I have to say I rarely opt for small companies simply because I believe big brands would bring me high-
quality products. Even though it might cost me an arm and a leg, I still have preference for big
businesses.

 opt for: chọn

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  cost somebody an arm and a leg: Lấy của ai rất nhiều tiền, đắt đỏ
 have preference for = prefer: thích hơn
2. Do you prefer buying things from small businesses or big businesses?
It depends actually. I mean, I would go for a big brand company if I needed to buy some important
products like skin care or makeup products. However, for some items like clothes or accessories, I would
love to choose products from small companies as long as the quality is quite good.

 accessories: phụ kiện

3. Are there many small businesses where you live?
Well, I know very little about small companies around my place. But I remember there are some startup
companies that I have come across on the way to school but I don’t know what kind of products or
services that they are offering because those businesses specialize in something that I don’t know
about.

 specialize in: chuyên về

4. Would you prefer to work for a small business or a large business?
Of course I would choose to work in a large corporation. This is due to the fact that I want to have the
chance to work in a professional working environment and talented colleagues. Secondly, there is no
doubt that spending valuable years at a well-known firm can be a huge benefit in the labor market if one
decides to apply for another job. For example, employers generally favor applicants with strong
references and experience over those who worked for small unknown businesses.

 professional working environment: môi trường làm việc chuyên nghiệp

 talented colleagues: đồng nghiệp tài năng
 there is no doubt: Không có nghi ngờ gì

19. KEYS

1. Do you always bring a lot of keys with you ?

Yeah. I’ve always got a bunch of keys in my pocket or my backpack. It includes all of the types of keys
that a person must have, say, one key to my house’s front door, one to my sister’s apartment, and of
course my scooter key. I even own one or two very suspicious-looking keys that I have no clues why
they are there, but it feels like, my keys and I, we’re inseparable.

2. Have you ever lost your keys?

Sad to say, yes, I have. Come to think about it, there was this one time losing my keys left me nothing
but a sense of embarrassment. You see, I used to ride a motorcycle to my former work place, and each
time when I finished parking it, I would just leave the keys hanging there in the keyhole. And my boss
would always be the one who found them there. He told everyone at work about how absent-minded I
was, actually I still am sometimes, and they just laughed at me.

3. Do you often forget the keys and lock yourself out?

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I do lose the key to my motorcycle at times, but fortunately, never have I ever locked myself out of the
house by any chance. I know many people can get themselves involved in this kind of accident, that’d
be a bummer for sure. But I must say I don’t even know how to react were I ever be in that situation.

4. Do you think it’s a good idea to leave your keys with a neighbour?
I guess in my case, that’s a no. It’s not that my neighbors and I don’t maintain a good relationship, it’s
just my insecurity that makes me afraid of trusting people, especially with my keys. I tend to overthink
things and wonder about “what-ifs” so much that I have long decided not to risk giving my keys to
anyone but families.

Highlight Vocabulary – Từ vựng nổi bật

 a bunch of keys (noun phrase): một chùm chìa khóa

 say (phrase): ví dụ như là (giống for example)
 scooter key (noun phrase): chìa khóa xe máy
 suspicious-looking (adj): trông có vẻ đáng nghi
 inseparable (adj): không thể tách rời
 come to think about it (linking word): nói mới nhớ
 left someone nothing but something (phrase): không để lại thứ gì ngoài
 a sense of (embarrassment) (noun phrase): một cảm giác xấu hổ
 keyhole (noun): lỗ khóa
 absent-minded (adj): đãng trí
 never have I ever + V3 (phép đảo ngữ với “never”)
 by any chance (phrase): vô tình
 get involved in (verb phrase): rơi vào tình huống
 a bummer (phrase): sự thất vọng (informal)
 were I ever be (phép đảo ngữ câu điều kiện loại 2)
 trust someone with something (verb phrase): tin tưởng giao cho ai cái gì đó
 what-ifs (noun): những khả năng có thể xảy ra

20. CHOCOLATE

1. Do you like eating chocolate?

Well, I do have a sweet tooth, so chocolate has been something I fancy eating. Besides, be it dark or
milk chocolate, there is always a certain level of bitterness, making it very appetizing to me.

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2. Did you give chocolate to someone as a gift?
I certainly did. You know, I feel that chocolate can be a perfect gift for many occasions, such as Mother’s
Day, Valentine’s Day, or Christmas. That’s why there were several times when I gave assorted boxes
of delectable chocolate to my loved ones on such special days.

3. Did you like chocolate when you were a child?

I can’t say for sure because my childhood memories seem vague. However, as a rule, most kids enjoy
sweets like chocolate, so I’d assume that I was not an exception. Also, I guess that since I’m very keen on
chocolate as an adult, I must have liked it when I was just a little boy too.

4. When was the first time you ate chocolate?

Honestly speaking, I haven’t the faintest idea when I first had a bite of chocolate. That said, I can vividly
recall the last time I did, which was last December. A close friend of mine came back from the U.S. and
he gave me a box of splendid Hershey’s chocolate.

5. Why do you think it’s so popular?

Well, I suppose it’s mainly because of its bittersweet taste, which satisfies people’s taste buds. That’s
why chocolate is used as an ingredient in various foods or drinks like cheesecakes, ice creams, lattes, or
bubble tea. Apart from that, chocolate can serve as meaningful presents for your nearest and
dearest on special occasions or anniversaries.

6. Do you think people use chocolate differently now than in the past?
To be honest, I’m not sure as I haven’t done any research on this matter. Having said that, I guess
chocolate was mainly seen as a treat in the past, whereas it can also be used as a health
supplement today. You see, it has been scientifically proven that chocolate contains antioxidants that
can benefit your cardiovascular health.

7. Is chocolate good for our health?

To the best of my knowledge, there are several benefits of eating it. You know, chocolate helps increase
the level of feel-good hormones like endorphins, which boost our moods and keep our minds sharp.
What’s more, it can provide our bodies with essential minerals such as copper, iron, and magnesium.

Highlight Vocabulary – Từ vựng nổi bật

 have a sweet tooth (idiom): thích ăn đồ ngọt

 appetizing (a.): ngon miệng
 assorted (a.): có nhiều loại
 delectable (a.): ngon lành
 can’t say for sure (idiom): không chắc lắm
 vague (a.): mơ hồ
 as a rule (idiom): theo thường lệ
 not the faintest idea (phrase) (C2): không biết gì hết trơn
 splendid (a.): ngon tuyệt
 bittersweet (a.): vừa đắng vừa ngọt
 satisfy one’s taste buds (phrase): làm thoả mãn vị giác

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  your nearest and dearest (idiom): những người thân yêu nhất
 health supplement (n.): thực phẩm bảo vệ sức khoẻ
 antioxidant (n.): chất chống oxi hoá
 cardiovascular (a.): liên quan đến tim mạch
 sharp (a.): nhạy bén, sắc sảo
 mineral (n.): khoáng chất

21. LIBRARY
1. Do you often go to the library?
Sample 1:

Not as often as I used to. During my college years, I religiously burned the midnight oil at the uni library
to complete my assignments. Given the fact that I have graduated, there’s no more need for such hard
work.

- RELIGIOUSLY = regularly

- burn the mid-night oil = stay up late

2. What do you usually do in the library?

I had access to some powerful cutting-edge workstations in the library, which allowed me to do some
demanding video editing tasks. Apart from that, some study pods were also available for group study.
They were where I learned how to stay well-composed and not to kill my colleagues the hard way.

3. Did you go to the library when you were a child?

Not at all. This was simply because there weren’t too many readily available in Hanoi in the olden days. I
can’t imagine any kid would spend 5 hours on a bus reading a book for half an hour and then go home.

4. Do Vietnamese kids often go to the library?

Some do but some don’t. For the most part, book reading culture in Vietnam is poor but I personally
know quite a few parents who take their well-read children to a local library every weekend. This habit
testifies to the parents’ unequivocal commitment to their kids’ education.

1. Do you often go to library?

No. I just go to library if I have to, maybe once a week. That’s because there are always some people
doing things that are really annoying like, making a big noise of page turning or talking in whispers all
the time. And it’s very hard to grab a seat in the library because most seats are saved by the people
who never show up.
2. What do you usually do in the library?
For the most part, I check out the books I need and flick through the papers in the reading area. By the
way, I probably spend the whole afternoon in the library cramming for the exam. It’s very helpful to be
absorbed in the work itself with my earphones on.
3. Did you go to library when you were a kid?
Actually, that’s a complete blur to me. I guess I did coz parents always hope their kid can do well in
school and succeed in life. My parents are no exception, you know, to take me to the library checking
out some books, and tell me bedtime stories.
4. Do Chinese kids often go to library?

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I guess the answer is no because most kids are crazy about amusement parks, but it’s hard to say. If
parents have the habit of reading every day, their kids are more likely to be unconsciously influenced,
and become the library goers because they love books so much.

22. HOME DECORATION

1. What kind of decoration do you prefer?

I think that would be a comfortable, cosy fabric (sợi vải) armchair. Some people may count it as
an accessory but I’d rather think it a decoration. Ya know, a soft textured armchair may bring an airy
(thoáng) vibe to our living room. And, ridiculously, I can be more creative when looking at the chair.

2. How is your home decorated?

Yes, my house is well decorated. My family consults several designers’ ideas when we decorate our
home. Ya know, our home can be considered one of the most essential part of my family, so we are
willing to spend more money and time to make it the most comfortable and wonderful place for the
whole family to unwind after a long period of work and study.

3. What is your favourite color when decorating your home?

That would be gray. All of the walls in my house are gray, it may make my house look bigger and
brighter. Moreover, I think that it’s much easier to replace, switch up interior accessories when all the
walls are rolled on (sơn) gray. So I consider this color as the greatest decorating flexibility.

4. Do people in your country like decorating their home?

Not really, most of the Vietnamese people don’t pay too much attention to décor their house, but
I must claim that most of the house is cosy and warm. I think that people cosy up their house by not
decorate their house to much. Ya know, sometimes the guests will feel a little bit suffocated
(ngợp) when they enter a well-decorated house.

5. What is the new decorating trend for this year?

Honestly, I really don’t know the emerging design trend this year. But I think somehow I could say that is
non-white kitchens. I remember exactly that by 10 years ago, there is a tendency to decor an all-white

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kitchen where all the facilities, shelves, and islands in the kitchens should be white. But now, people are
more inclined towards using natural wood cabinets and colorful stuff to décor their kitchen.

23. SCENERY

Vocabulary Highlight

 metropolis (n) đô thị

 magnificent (adj) ấn tượng, nguy nga
 scenery (n) cảnh tượng, cảnh quan
 jaw-dropping (adj) (đẹp) rụng rời
 extraordinary (adj) phi thường, khác thường
 typical (adj) kinh điển, bình thường (= ordinary)
 skyscraper (n) tòa nhà chọc trời
 to blow one’s mind: khiến ai ngạc nhiên
 At first glance (phrase) nhìn thấy lần đầu tiên
 to take one’s breath away (phrase) khiến ai đó nghẹt thở
 myriad (adj) rất nhiều, số lượng lớn
 one of a kind (phrase) độc đáo, chỉ có 1
 breathtaking (adj) (đẹp) ná thở
 to capture: chụp hình, bắt khoảnh khắc
 photogenic (adj) ăn ảnh
 stunning (adj) lộng lẫy, tuyệt đẹp
1. Is there any beautiful scenery in your hometown?

My hometown is in Ho Chi Minh city, a famous metropolis of Vietnam. And yes, there are
some magnificent landscapes, but I don’t consider it as jaw-dropping or extraordinary scenery, it’s just
a typical view of the city. There are lots of skyscrapers in the city center which can blow your mind at
first glance. Oh! Yes, if you have time, you should visit my city once.

2. Do you enjoy visiting places with beautiful views?

Yes, I do! I mean who doesn’t. I believe everyone is fond of going to places that can take our breath
away! Actually, I’ve been to so many places and see myriad spectacular views, but for me the most
memorable one was………It’s just one of a kind!

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3. Do you like taking pictures of beautiful scenery?

Yes, of course, I love taking photos of breath-taking scenery and other people. To be honest, I am
not photogenic, so I don’t really favor taking pictures of myself. Besides, capturing stunning landscapes
is a good way to keep my memory alive in a frame.

What can you see from the windows where you live?

My room’s windows face a busy street. Generally, I get to see vehicles streaming from and to all
directions. It’s dizzying and I can’t say that I enjoy it.

 To face (v): đối diện

 To stream (v) : di chuyển theo dòng
 Dizzying (adj): chóng mặt
Is there good scenery in your hometown?

My hometown is Hue and there are a few well-known natural features such as the Hương river and Ngư
Bình mountain. To be honest, I’ve never been to these places so I can’t attest to their beauty. However,
they are often mentioned in literature for having idyllic scenery.

 To attest + to something: xác nhận

 Idyllic (adj): bình dị, hữu tình
Do you like to take pictures of good scenery?

Yes, I love having my own photos of beautiful scenery as the wallpapers for my cell phone. It takes a lot
of practice and I’m nowhere near the professional level. I’m trying, though!

 Wallpaper (n): ảnh nền

When you travel, do you like to live in hotels with scenic views?

Ideally, yes. Although I’d like to stress that these room arrangements are often extremely expensive and
when I travel on a budget, I shy away from these.

 To shy away from something: né tránh

24. STAYING UP LATE

 To burn the midnight oil = to pull an all-nighter

 A morning person = an early bird # a night owl
 Wear many hats – 24hours seems not to be enough
 Get used to = get accustomed to staying up late
 Go to sleep = go to bed = hit the hay
 To meet the deadlines

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 To scram for the final exams
 To get a cup of coffee to keep me awake
 Feel exhausted
 Overwhelming
 Puffy eyes - dark circles the next day
 Deficient immune systems
 Memory impairment
 Cause signs of mental disorders - insomnia
 Increase the risk of headache and fatigue
 the body is prone to lack of energy, the body is tired and makes the body's resistance decrease
 digestive system
 energetic (adj)
 Get immersed in a good book or movie to decompress after a hard working week
1. What do you do when you stay up late?

2. Have you ever stayed up all night?

3. How do you feel the morning after you have stayed up all night?

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