SPEAKING UNIT 8

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A. eagle, big claws, nest
B. dolphin, long fin, underwater
C. camel, round hump, desert
D. deer, hard antlers, forest

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The dolphin is a highly intelligent marine mammal known for its playful nature and
friendly behavior. It has a streamlined body designed for efficient swimming and a
smooth, rubbery skin that is usually gray with lighter undersides. Dolphins breathe
through a blowhole on the top of their head and are known for their ability to leap
gracefully out of the water.

These animals are social creatures, often living in pods of up to a dozen individuals.
They communicate using a variety of clicks, whistles, and body movements. Dolphins
are carnivorous and primarily feed on fish and squid. Their exceptional intelligence is
demonstrated in their problem-solving skills, complex social interactions, and the
ability to learn and perform tricks.

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Animal: Asian elephant
what it look like

1. long/short tail
2. horn
3. ears

where it lives: mountains

what it eats: trunk

How you feel about the animals

strong

friendly with humans

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Today, I’d like to talk about the Asian elephant, a wild animal found in Vietnam.
These elephants are large and majestic, with gray skin, big floppy ears, and long
trunks that they use for eating, drinking, and even grabbing objects.

In Vietnam, Asian elephants can mostly be found in the central highlands, especially
in national parks like Yok Don. They thrive in forests and grasslands, where they live
in herds and roam freely. Their habitat provides them with plenty of food sources,
including grasses, fruits, and tree bark. The elephants' natural environment is vital to
their survival, and their presence in these regions contributes to maintaining the
balance of the ecosystem.

What makes Asian elephants particularly special is not only their intelligence but also
the important role they play in Vietnamese culture. For centuries, elephants have been
symbols of strength, wisdom, and dignity. In the past, they were even used in
traditional ceremonies and festivals, highlighting their cultural significance. These
ceremonies often celebrated the elephants' noble qualities and their connection to the
land and people of Vietnam. However, the Asian elephant is now considered
endangered due to threats like habitat loss and poaching. Deforestation and illegal
hunting have severely impacted their population, and without action, these incredible
animals may be at risk of disappearing from the wild.

I admire elephants because they are gentle yet powerful creatures, and their strong
social bonds are fascinating. Protecting them is crucial not only for biodiversity but
also for preserving an important part of Vietnam’s natural environment

1/ 253 words => ok / Format ok/ BUT lack of signal for conclusion: to conclude, to
sum up, etc.

2/ lack of idioms ?

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1. b
2. a
3. d
4. c
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1. Governments can take several measures to prevent illegal hunting. One reasong
for this is that, they can strengthen law enforcement by increasing patrols in
protected areas and imposing stricter penalties for poaching. For example, in
some countries, wildlife rangers use drones and advanced technology to monitor
remote areas. Additionally, governments can raise awareness about the
importance of conservation through education campaigns and community
involvement. Encouraging local communities to report poaching can help
prevent illegal activities. As the saying goes, prevention is better than cure,
meaning that focusing on proactive measures like stricter regulations and local
partnerships is more effective than dealing with the consequences of illegal
hunting after

2. Yes, the government should provide more money for zoos. The reason why I
think that is zoos play a crucial role in animal conservation, research, and
education. With additional funding, they can improve animal habitats, conduct
important breeding programs for endangered species, and educate the public
about wildlife preservation. For instance, the San Diego Zoo has contributed to
the recovery of species like the California condor through its breeding programs.
More financial support would also allow zoos to enhance their facilities,
ensuring animals live in environments that are as close to their natural habitats as
possible. As the saying goes, you get what you pay for, meaning that investing in
zoos leads to greater benefits for both wildlife and society
3. To protect wildlife in the future, we need to focus on habitat preservation,
stricter laws, and raising awareness. Governments can protect wildlife by
 creating and enforcing protected areas where animals can live without the threat
of human interference. By way of example, the creation of national parks like
Yellowstone in the U.S. has helped preserve numerous species. Additionally,
tackling poaching through better enforcement and harsher penalties is essential.
Public education campaigns can also play a key role in fostering a deeper
understanding of conservation. As the saying goes, actions speak louder than
words, meaning that real, meaningful change requires active efforts from
individuals, governments, and organizations.
4. Yes, there is a significant difference in how children learn about wildlife today
compared to the past. In the past, children mainly learned about animals through
books and occasional visits to zoos or nature reserves. However, today,
technology plays a huge role, with educational websites, documentaries, and
virtual reality experiences providing more immersive and interactive ways to
learn. For example, platforms like National Geographic Kids offer engaging
videos and games about wildlife conservation. As the saying goes, a picture is
worth a thousand words, meaning that visual media helps children understand
and connect with wildlife in ways that words alone cannot. This makes learning
more effective and engaging.
REC in 4 minutes! And idioms should be highlighted in BLUE/ not yellow.

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Answer Example Reason

1 help charities better protect

have money given to The government in Kenya took wild animals
animal charities money from people who were
caught buying animal furs.

2 stop buying things Many fashion designers no The demand for things
made from animals longer use real fur, they use made from animals will
fake fur instead drop and so will demand
for hunting.

3 less hunting animals are already close to There are almost white
becoming extinct rhinos left.
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Well, I strongly believe that hunting animals should be banned because it poses a
serious threat to wildlife and the environment. Many species have become endangered
or even extinct due to excessive hunting. For example, in Vietnam, animals like tigers
and elephants have drastically declined in number because of illegal poaching. We can
stop buying things made from animals. Many fashion designers no longer use real fur,
they use fake fur instead.The demand for things made from animals will drop and so
will demand for hunting.

Hunting not only disrupts the balance of ecosystems but also has long-term
consequences for biodiversity. Every species plays a crucial role in maintaining the
natural environment, and losing even one can create a chain reaction that harms the
entire ecosystem.

Another reason to ban hunting is the cruelty it involves. Animals suffer greatly during
hunts, and it is inhumane to kill them for sport or profit. Instead, governments should
promote alternatives like eco-tourism, where people can appreciate wildlife without
harming it.

I think stricter laws and enforcement are needed to stop hunting completely. This
includes heavy fines, imprisonment for offenders, and educating people about the
importance of wildlife conservation. Protecting animals is not just about saving them;
it's about ensuring a healthy future for our planet.

1/ 212 words too short rewrite

2/ format ok/ BUT lack of 3 idioms?

3/ lack of conclusion signal

I strongly believe that hunting animals should be banned because it poses a serious threat to
wildlife and the environment. Many species have become endangered or even extinct due to
excessive hunting. For example, in Vietnam, animals like tigers and elephants have
drastically declined in number because of illegal poaching. As the saying goes, the writing’s
on the wall—if we continue down this path, we will lose these magnificent creatures forever.
One way to help curb this is by reducing the demand for animal products. People can stop
buying things made from animals, such as real fur or ivory. Many fashion designers, for
instance, no longer use real fur; instead, they opt for fake fur, offering a cruelty-free
alternative. As demand for products made from animals drops, so too will the demand for
hunting.

Hunting not only disrupts the balance of ecosystems but also has long-term consequences for
biodiversity. Every species plays a crucial role in maintaining the natural environment, and
losing even one can create a chain reaction that harms the entire ecosystem. The old saying,
don’t put all your eggs in one basket, reminds us that nature’s balance relies on diversity.
When one species is removed, it can have a ripple effect, causing other species to suffer and
ultimately threatening the health of the entire ecosystem.

Another reason to ban hunting is the cruelty it involves. Animals suffer greatly during hunts,
and it is inhumane to kill them for sport or profit. Hunting for pleasure, especially in today’s
world, is simply indefensible. Governments should instead promote alternatives like eco-
tourism, where people can appreciate wildlife without harming it. As the saying goes, a
picture is worth a thousand words—by encouraging people to see animals in their natural
habitats, we can inspire them to value and protect wildlife in a more sustainable way.

Finally, I believe stricter laws and enforcement are needed to stop hunting completely. This
includes heavy fines, imprisonment for offenders, and educating people about the importance
of wildlife conservation. Protecting animals is not just about saving them; it’s about ensuring
a healthy future for our planet. If we "get the ball rolling" on stronger laws and greater
awareness, we can make a lasting difference for wildlife and the environment.

===============
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A. responsibility, trust, patience: trách nhiệm, sự tin tưởng, sự kiên nhẫn

B. unnatural, risky, unique, challenging: không tự nhiên, mạo hiểm, độc đáo, đầy thử
thách

C. interesting, friendship, relaxing but expensive, inconvenient: . thú vị, tình bạn, thư
giãn nhưng đắt tiền, bất tiện

D. gadgets, robots replace?tiện ích, robot thay thế?

E. breed, release, monitor in wild nhân giống, thả, theo dõi trong tự nhiên

F. cages not good for animals, but educational: lồng không tốt cho động vật nhưng
mang tính giáo dục

G. better conditions and animal welfare now : điều kiện tốt hơn và phúc lợi động vật
hiện nay

H. important to help animals, but people will prefer other entertainment: quan trọng để
giúp đỡ động vật, nhưng mọi người sẽ thích giải trí khác

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Pets

1. C
2. B
3. A
4. D
Zoos
1. G
2. F
3. E
4. H

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1. What are some of the advantages and disadvantages of keeping a pet?

Keeping a pet has several advantages. Pets can provide companionship and emotional
support, which can reduce stress and improve mental health. For example, dogs are
known to help their owners feel less lonely. Additionally, having a pet teaches
responsibility because owners need to feed, clean, and care for them. As the saying
goes, a friend in need is a friend indeed, meaning pets can be a true source of comfort
during difficult times. However, there are also disadvantages. Pets can be expensive to
look after due to costs like food, medical care, and grooming. Some pets, like dogs or
cats, also require a lot of time and attention, which can be challenging for busy people.
Allergies and cleanliness are other issues that some owners face.

2. Do you think that dangerous animals should be kept as pets?

No, I don't think dangerous animals should be kept as pets. While some people may
find it exciting to own exotic or dangerous animals, it poses serious risks to both the
animals and their owners. Dangerous animals like big cats or venomous snakes can be
unpredictable and may cause harm. Additionally, such animals require specialized
care, which most pet owners are not equipped to provide. As the saying goes, curiosity
killed the cat, meaning that while it may seem intriguing, keeping a dangerous animal
can lead to unexpected, harmful consequences. Instead, these animals should be left in
their natural habitats or cared for by professionals in wildlife reserves.

3. What can children learn from looking after pets?

Children can learn a lot from looking after pets. First, it teaches them responsibility
because they need to take care of their pet’s basic needs, like feeding and cleaning. It
also helps them develop empathy and kindness as they learn to understand and care
for another living being. Additionally, children with pets often improve their social
skills because they can share experiences and stories about their animals with others.
As the saying goes, a friend in need is a friend indeed, pets can become loyal
companions that teach children about friendship and trust. Pets also teach children
patience and the importance of routines, as animals require regular care and attention.

4. Do you think it will be popular for people to keep pets in the future?

Yes, I believe keeping pets will remain popular in the future. As urbanization
increases, people will continue to seek companionship, especially in smaller families
or for individuals living alone. Pets provide emotional support and can improve
overall well-being, which is increasingly valued in modern life. However, I think
people will focus more on adopting pets from shelters rather than buying from
breeders, as adoption becomes a more popular and ethical choice. Additionally, with
advancements in technology, there might even be robotic pets for those who want the
companionship of an animal without the responsibility. As the saying goes, a problem
shared is a problem halved, pets can offer emotional support in challenging times.

REC in 4 minutes
Zoos

1. Are there any differences between zoos in the past and zoos today?

Yes, there are significant differences between zoos in the past and zoos today. In the
past, zoos were mostly designed for entertainment, and animals were often kept in
small cages with limited space and poor living conditions. There was less awareness
about the animals’ needs and well-being. Nowadays, zoos focus more on
conservation, education, and providing animals with environments that mimic their
natural habitats. Modern zoos aim to raise awareness about wildlife protection and
conduct breeding programs for endangered species. Additionally, technology has
improved, allowing zoos to monitor and care for animals more effectively. As the
saying goes, you reap what you sow, meaning that the investment in better animal care
today leads to greater benefits for both wildlife and future generations.

2. Do you think zoos are a good idea?

I think zoos can be a good idea if they are managed responsibly. They play an
important role in conserving endangered species and educating the public about
wildlife. For example, zoos often conduct breeding programs to prevent certain
animals from going extinct. However, I also believe that zoos must prioritize the well-
being of animals. If animals are not given enough space or are kept in unnatural
conditions, it can be harmful and unethical. Instead of traditional zoos, wildlife
sanctuaries and conservation parks might be a better alternative. As the saying goes,
you can't have your cake and eat it too, meaning that while zoos provide benefits, they
must balance conservation with proper animal care.

3. How can we protect endangered animals in zoos?

To protect endangered animals in zoos, it’s important to create environments that

closely resemble their natural habitats. Zoos should provide large, open spaces, proper
diets, and social interactions for the animals. Additionally, zoos can invest in breeding
programs to increase the population of endangered species. Collaboration with
conservation organizations and scientists is also essential for studying animal behavior
and ensuring their well-being. Public education campaigns can raise awareness and
encourage people to support wildlife protection efforts. As the saying goes, the ball is
in your court, meaning that it is up to zoos, governments, and the public to take
responsibility for protecting endangered species.

4. Will zoos continue to be important in the future?

Yes, zoos will continue to be important in the future, but their role will likely evolve.
As conservation efforts become more critical, zoos will focus more on protecting
endangered species and educating the public about wildlife. They will play a key role
in breeding programs to help increase animal populations and preserve species that are
at risk of extinction. However, zoos must ensure they provide animals with suitable
living conditions that mimic their natural habitats. As the saying goes, you can't teach
an old dog new tricks, meaning that while zoos must adapt to modern conservation
needs, their long-established roles in education and protection will remain vital.

REC in 4 minutes