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1) Describe a Time You Visited a Friend’s Home

Prompt

• Describe a time you visited a friend’s home.

• You should say:
o whose home you visited
o what it looked like
o why you visited
o and explain how you felt about being there.

Sample Answer

I’d like to talk about the time I visited my friend Linh’s house in District 3,
Ho Chi Minh City. We’d just finished our midterm exams, and she invited a
few of us over to celebrate. Her house is tucked away in a small alley near
a bustling street full of café vendors and a lively local market.

What caught my attention the moment I entered was how cozy the interior
felt. The main living room was decorated with pastel-colored cushions and
a few potted plants, making the place look fresh and welcoming. Linh’s
dad collects paintings by local artists, so the walls had vibrant pieces
depicting rural Vietnamese landscapes and city skylines. The entire vibe
was both modern and distinctly Vietnamese.

We spent the evening chatting about our university life, nibbling on

homemade bánh cuốn that Linh’s mom had prepared. It was such a warm
and intimate gathering, and I remember feeling completely relaxed. The
combination of close friends, family hospitality, and good food made it
one of the most memorable home visits I’ve had.

Relevant Vocabulary & Collocations

• Tucked away: hidden or located in a place that is not easy to find.

o Example : “Her apartment is tucked away in a quiet alley.”
• Bustling street: a busy, lively street with lots of activity.
o Example : “I love exploring the bustling street food stalls at
night.”
• Vibrant pieces: lively, colorful artworks.

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o Example : “The gallery showcased vibrant pieces from

emerging Vietnamese artists.”
• Distinctly Vietnamese: clearly representing Vietnamese culture
or style.
o Example : “That café has a distinctly Vietnamese charm,
with wooden stools and traditional lanterns.”

Collocations/Phrases in Action

• “nibbling on homemade bánh cuốn”: combines a local dish

reference with a casual verb like “nibbling.”
• “making the place look fresh and welcoming”: conveys a
warm atmosphere.

2) Describe a Place You Went to Where the Air Was Really

Clean

Prompt

• Describe a place you went to where the air was really fresh/clean.
• You should say:
o where this place is
o what you did there
o what the surroundings were like
o and explain why you think the air was so clean.

Sample Answer

Last summer, I traveled to Sapa in Lào Cai Province with a group of

friends. It’s a mountainous region in northern Vietnam known for its
terraced rice fields and cool climate. After a six-hour bus ride from Hanoi,
we arrived in the late afternoon, and the contrast in air quality was
striking. Gone were the exhaust fumes and city smog—I could practically
taste the crisp mountain breeze.

We spent our days trekking through lush rice terraces, visiting ethnic
minority villages, and sampling local specialties like thắng cố (a
traditional soup). Because there weren’t many vehicles around and a lot of
the farming is done by hand, the pollution level felt minimal. Standing on

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a hillside, breathing in the fresh scent of vegetation and damp earth, I

realized how rejuvenating clean air can be. It made me appreciate the
simplicity and natural beauty of the countryside, and I found myself
wishing we had more green spaces back home in the city.

Relevant Vocabulary & Collocations

• Terraced rice fields: rice paddies arranged in steps on hilly

terrain.
o Example : “Sapa’s terraced rice fields are breathtaking
during harvest season.”
• Ethnic minority villages: communities belonging to ethnic
groups with distinct cultures and languages.
o Example : “We learned about local crafts when we visited
ethnic minority villages.”
• Exhaust fumes: gases and pollutants released by motor vehicles.
o Example : “The exhaust fumes in big cities can be
overwhelming during rush hour.”
• Rejuvenating: making someone feel fresher, healthier, or more
energetic.
o Example : “Spending time in nature can be rejuvenating
for both mind and body.”

Collocations/Phrases in Action

• “practically taste the crisp mountain breeze” → emphasizes

how fresh the air is.
• “wishing we had more green spaces back home” → connects
personal reflection and environment.

3) Describe a Local Business You Would Recommend to a

Visitor

Prompt

• Describe a local business (such as a shop or restaurant) that you

would recommend to a visitor.
• You should say:

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o what the business is

o where it is
o what it sells or offers
o and explain why you recommend it.

Sample Answer

I’d recommend a small restaurant in Da Nang called “Bếp Xưa,” which

translates to “Old Kitchen.” It’s situated a few blocks from the famous
Dragon Bridge, so it’s pretty easy to locate if you’re exploring the riverside
area. Bếp Xưa specializes in central Vietnamese cuisine, serving dishes
like mì Quảng, cao lầu, and fresh seafood.

One reason I think visitors would love it is the authentic vibe. The interior
features wooden décor and traditional lanterns, creating a cozy, old-
fashioned atmosphere. Their signature dish is mì Quảng—fresh rice
noodles in a flavorful broth topped with shrimp, pork, and peanuts. The
staff is incredibly hospitable, always ready to explain the ingredients or
recommend local drinks to pair with your meal. It’s reasonably priced,
too, so you don’t have to worry about breaking the bank. Whenever I’m in
Da Nang, I make a point to stop by, and I always leave feeling satisfied
and wanting more.

Relevant Vocabulary & Collocations

• Central Vietnamese cuisine: refers to dishes traditionally found

in the central region of Vietnam.
o Example : “I’m a huge fan of central Vietnamese cuisine,
especially bánh bèo and cao lầu.”
• Old-fashioned atmosphere: a setting that feels nostalgic or
reminiscent of the past.
o Example : “The restaurant’s old-fashioned atmosphere
gave me a glimpse of old Hanoi.”
• Reasonably priced: affordable, not too expensive.
o Example : “That coffee shop is reasonably priced despite
its prime location.”
• Break the bank: spend a lot of money, potentially too much.
o Example : “Staying in luxury resorts can break the bank if
you’re on a tight budget.”

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Collocations/Phrases in Action

• “serving dishes like mì Quảng, cao lầu, and fresh seafood”

→ local gastronomic references.
• “always ready to explain the ingredients” → highlights good
customer service.

4) Describe a Family Tradition in Vietnam

Prompt

• Describe a special family tradition or celebration your family (or

many Vietnamese families) has.
• You should say:
o what the tradition or celebration is
o how it started
o how you celebrate it
o and explain why it is special to you.

Sample Answer

A cherished family tradition for us is making bánh chưng together during

Tết (Lunar New Year). Every year, a few days before Tết, we gather at my
grandparents’ home in the countryside. My uncles and aunts prepare the
sticky rice, mung beans, and marinated pork, while the younger cousins
help wash the lá dong (dong leaves) for wrapping.

I believe this tradition began with my great-grandparents, who

emphasized that food brings the family closer. On the day we wrap bánh
chưng, we typically form an assembly line: one person spreads the leaves,
another measures out the rice and fillings, and yet another ties it all
together with string. Then comes the boiling process, which can last up to
ten hours, so we stay up chatting and sipping tea until the pot is done. This
tradition is special to me because it’s not just about eating delicious bánh
chưng at the end; it’s about bonding and learning old family stories in a
cozy, festive atmosphere.

Relevant Vocabulary & Collocations

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• Bánh chưng: a traditional Vietnamese rice cake made of sticky

rice, mung beans, and pork, wrapped in leaves.
o Example : “Bánh chưng is a symbol of Tết, representing the
earth according to legend.”
• Lunar New Year / Tết: the most significant holiday in Vietnam,
celebrating the new lunar year.
o Example : “We usually clean the house and decorate with
flowers before Tết arrives.”
• Assembly line: a method of working or producing items in a series
of organized steps.
o Example : “Wrapping bánh chưng feels like a mini
assembly line in our kitchen.”
• Festive atmosphere: a cheerful, celebratory mood or
environment.
o Example : “The city is filled with lanterns, making for a
festive atmosphere during Tết.”

Collocations/Phrases in Action

• “gather at my grandparents’ home in the countryside” →

sets a family-centered, rural scene.
• “it’s not just about eating… it’s about bonding” → emphasizes
cultural significance over mere consumption.

5) Describe an Occasion When You Helped Someone

Prompt

• Describe an occasion when you helped someone.

• You should say:
o who you helped
o how you helped them
o why they needed help
o and explain how you felt about it.

Sample Answer

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About six months ago, I noticed a foreign tourist in Hanoi’s Old Quarter
looking visibly confused. He was trying to find the Hoàn Kiếm Lake but
didn’t speak any Vietnamese beyond “Xin chào.” I offered assistance by
greeting him in English and pointing him in the right direction. Since I
had a bit of spare time, I even walked with him for a couple of blocks to
make sure he knew which street to take next.

He told me he was relieved to finally understand local directions, and we

ended up chatting about some of the must-see spots in the city, like the
Ngọc Sơn Temple and the Hỏa Lò Prison Museum. After we parted ways,
I felt genuinely happy that I could bridge the language gap. It reminded
me how a simple act of kindness can turn someone’s potentially stressful
situation into a positive cultural exchange.

Relevant Vocabulary & Collocations

• Visibly confused: clearly looking puzzled or unsure.

o Example : “He was visibly confused by the signposts in
Vietnamese.”
• Point (someone) in the right direction: to give someone
guidance on where to go.
o Example : “I pointed him in the right direction when he
asked for a local temple.”
• Must-see spots: important or highly recommended tourist
attractions.
o Example : “If you visit Hội An, the night market is one of the
must-see spots.”
• Bridge the language gap: help people communicate when they
don’t share the same language.
o Example : “My cousin often bridges the language gap for
foreign visitors in her hometown.”

Collocations/Phrases in Action

• “walked with him for a couple of blocks” → shows you went

out of your way.
• “turned someone’s potentially stressful situation into a
positive cultural exchange” → highlights the impact of kindness
and personal connection.

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6) Describe a Time You Faced a Difficult Decision

Prompt

• Describe a time you made a difficult decision.

• You should say:
o what the decision was
o why it was difficult
o how you made the choice
o and explain how you felt afterwards.

Sample Answer

Last year, I had to decide whether to continue attending my local

university in Hanoi or transfer to a more prestigious one in Ho Chi Minh
City, which had offered me a partial scholarship. Although it was an
exciting opportunity, the idea of leaving my hometown, family, and close
friends behind felt overwhelming. Moreover, relocating to a completely
different city in the south would mean adjusting to a new dialect and
cultural vibe.

I ultimately made a pros-and-cons list, considering everything from the

scholarship’s financial benefits to the emotional support I’d lose by moving
away. I also consulted an older cousin who had studied in Ho Chi Minh
City, and she reassured me that the transition would be tough but
worthwhile. After several weeks of deliberation, I chose to accept the
scholarship. Despite feeling anxious initially, I’m grateful I took the leap
because it pushed me out of my comfort zone and broadened my horizons.
Now I feel more independent and open-minded.

Relevant Vocabulary & Collocations

• Relocating: moving to a different place to live or work.

o Example : “She’s considering relocating to Da Nang for a
new job.”
• Dialect: a particular form of a language specific to a region.
o Example : “Some people in the north have difficulty
understanding the southern dialect at first.”
• Broaden my horizons: expand one’s experience and knowledge.

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o Example : “Volunteering abroad is a great way to broaden

your horizons.”
• Emotional support: help and comfort from family or friends that
helps reduce stress.
o Example : “Lacking emotional support in a new city can
make you feel isolated.”

Collocations/Phrases in Action

• “the idea of leaving my hometown... felt overwhelming” →

shows the emotional side of the decision.
• “consulted an older cousin” → indicates how personal advice
contributed to the final choice.

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