Speaking questions

Part 1:
1. Where do you come from?
2. What do you like about the area where you live?
3. What things in your town or city do you not like?
4. How is the area changing?
Link từ vựng HOMETOWN 1
Link từ vựng HOMETOWN 2
Part 2:
Describe a city
Describe a beautiful place in your country
Suggested: a beautiful places
(Tham khảo thêm từ vựng ở Hometown ở trên)

Part 1
1. Do you come from a large family or a small family?
2. As a child, who did you spend more time with: your family or your friends?
Why?
3. When you were a child, how did you spend your weekends?
4. What did you enjoy most about school?
5. When you were at school, who did you think was your best teacher? Why?
Từ vựng mối quan hệ
Từ vựng ngoại hình tính cách
Part 2:
Describe a famous person
Suggested ideas: famous person
Describe a member in your family
Suggested idea: family member
Describe a person who loves travelling
Suggested idea: person who loves travelling

What are some advantages and disadvantages of living in a large family?

Part 1:
1. What types of transport do you use regularly? Why?
Recently, I have used motorbikes on a regular basis --- This is because … and it saves
me a lot of time to commute to and from school.
2. How bad are traffic jams where you come from?
Traffic congestion is not as serious as in metropolises like HN and HCM city
rush hour – traffic congestion / accidents 
always gets on my nerves
angry --- irritable / furious
3. What problems do traffic jams cause?
--- Firstly, vehicles getting stuck in traffic jams can release ….
 respiratory diseases
discharge / release carbon emission which will contaminate the air --- traffic congestion
is likely to cause accidents --- it’s a waste of time to wait in long queue in the traffic
4. What solutions to the problem can you think of?
- raise awareness about the use of public transport
 - introduce congestion charges
- impose a ban on private vehicles to enter city centers in rush hour
What kinds of transport do you take to go to work/school?
Well, I’m an environmentally-conscious person so I use buses on a daily basis to go to
school. I do believe that by using bus services, I can contribute to reducing traffic
congestion and CO2 discharged from private vehicles.
What will become the most popular means of transportation in your country?
In my opinion, cars will become the most popular form of transport in Vietnam because of
their convenience. People don’t need to pay attention to the weather if they use cars which
protect people from the sunlight and rain.
Do you prefer public transportation or private transportation?
As I mentioned, I really pay attention to the environment so I always use buses or trains on
every single journey as I can play a part in protecting the environment. Additionally, now,
I’m living on a tight budget and public transport is also cheaper so I can save a lot of
money.
What are the differences about transportation in your country between the past and
now?
Transportation in my country has changed significantly over the past few years. In the past,
because of 2 wars, people almost used bicycles and motorbikes for transportation.
However, cars are very popular in Vietnam nowadays thanks to economic development. In
the future, I think most people will use cars every day.
What type of public transport can be found in your city?
Well, in my city, buses, and taxi motorbikes are the most popular means of public
transport. You know, high-way trains are being constructed in some routes in my city. It
would be the first time that this kind of transport appears in Vietnam.
What type of public transportation do you use most?
Actually, I remember that when i was in high school, i went to school by bus daily. How to
say, It’s cheap and it’s also considered to be the most environment-friendly vehicle which
helps avoid traffic jam..
Are there any transport problems in your city?
Of course, yes, traffic congestion is the biggest problem in Hanoi, especially in rush hours,
there are usual long lines of vehicles on the street. I believe, it’s a total waste of time and
money. •
How would we improve that problem?
Truth be told, it’s a tough question. But i suppose, we should use public vehicles instead of
our private cars if we could. Because researches show that 70% of jamis caused by too
many cars on the street. In addition, the government should allocate more budgets updating
the road system.

Part 2:
Describe a journey you remember
Suggested idea: journey
What are some solutions to traffic jams?

Part 1
Từ vựng Techonology
1. How often do you use Internet?
o during the outbreak of Covid-19 when a lot of places are in lockdown.
o To keep up with our work and study, we have to turn to the Internet.
 on a daily basis --- on a regular basis
 sometimes: once in a while, from time to time
o relax: unwind, wind down, put my feet up, take a load off, recharge my
battery, keep myself entertained, immerse myself in my favourite postcard
o I use it for various purposes. Firstly, it can serve my recreational purpose
like …
o allow / enable me to V
o a massive tool for distance learning.
 ---Benefits
 broaden my knowledge / broaden my horizon about my subject at the click of a
button
 watch online tutorials / lectures
 keep up with my distance learning during the outbreak of Covid-19
 interact in virtual classroom via numerous platforms like Zoom, …
2. How much time do you spend using a computer at work or at home?
3. Do you enjoy using technology?
4. What do you mainly use a computer for?
5. Do you use the Internet for your studies?
6. Has the internet made your job / studies easier?
 broaden my knowledge with just a click of a button: watch online lectures,
download documents
 state-of-the-art invention of mankind
7. Have you ever taken a course to improve your computer skills?
 enrol in  sharpen my computer skills to land a well-paid job in the future -
-- obtain a MS certificate  impressed the employers
8. Which device do you prefer to use for browsing the internet?
 light and compact, which makes it portable  carry
 all-in-one device
 In addition, I make use of my laptop to surf the Internet

Part 2:
Describe an electronic device
Suggested idea: electronic
Vocabulary on electronic product

Part 1:
1. What other changes would you like to make in your lives? Why?
 to become a morning person --- This is because I want to stay healthy and keep
fit as I have to engage in physical activities --- I can spare more time for + V-
ing / N
 ---- tranquil atmosphere --- not being disturbed
2. Why do some people find it difficult to change?
 they have settled into their routine
 they have grown accustomed to / they have been familiar with
  build up a resistance to changes
 feel reluctant to change
 Making a change or breaking habit requires a great deal of effort and patience
and discipline. It is also noticeable that youngster tend to be more receptive to
changes while senior citizens fail to do so.
3. In what ways are you successful?
4. How did you become successful in these things?

 Do you like the changes? Why?

Absolutely yes. I can say that I am a thrill seeker. I always attempt to do things that I have
never experienced before, you know, travelling to a new place alone or participating in a
competition without any understanding of it. Through these experiences, I have a
better insight into my surroundings and put on my thinking cap as well.

 What do you plan to change next year?

Actually, I have not come up with any plan for the next year yet. I think I will learn
another language like French. Ya know, I have already excelled in English and I am not at
all a creature of habit, so I will learn French and broaden my understanding about French
culture.

 Have you changed a lot since your childhood?

Yes, I think that I change completely. From a shy, introverted child who was scared of
everything, after experiencing, learning and growing a lot, now, I can confidently claim
that I am a social butterfly. Knowing my own strength and weaknesses, I can be more
confident and amiable.

 Are there any positive changes in your country these days?

I think the biggest change in Vietnam is national economy. Many years ago, Vietnam used
to be an under-developed country, but now, Vietnamese economy has been significantly
developing on an unprecedented scale. People are enjoying better living standards and
they can afford all of their basic necessities.

 Are there any changes in your hometown?

Living in Ho Chi Minh city more than 20 years, I have witnessed many major changes of
the city. One of which could be the fact that many skyscrapers have been erected.
Landmark 81 – the tallest building in Vietnam – is my country’s symbol and pride.

Part 2:
Describe a change you have made in your life
What are some advantages and disadvantages of using electronic devices/ technological
gadgets?
Part 1
1. Which are your favourite animals? Why?
 loyal companion, cute, loveable.
 characteristics --- trait / personalities / qualities
 pour my heart out with --- go for a walk with …
 take my mind off the stress from …
 2. Which animals you don’t like? Why?
 I can’t stand / I absolutely detest + danh từ.
 they can transmit harmful viruses to human --- dirty
 some species of snake are fatal as they are poisonous.
 frightened, disgusted (kinh tởm)
3. Where are the best places in your country to see wildlife?
Although VN is a tropical country which is an ideal environment for diverse species of
flora and fauna thrive, watching wildlife hasn’t gained popularity
4. How popular is watching wildlife in your country?
--- preserving environment
--- thrilling experience

Part 2:
Describe a place where you can see interesting animals

What are some benefits of visiting zoos?

Part 1
Do you like to read books?
Yes … I love reading … I like nothing more than to be engrossed in a good book … I
regularly take out books from the library and usually read them from cover to cover in no
time … and I can’t go to sleep at night without some good bedtime reading …

Do you prefer reading books or watching films?

Louisa: I’m not really a big reader … I find books quite heavy-going … so I much prefer
to see a film … perhaps it’s the special effects or the soundtrack … I don’t know … I just
prefer a film …

Part 2:
Describe your favorite book

What are some benefits of reading?

Part 1
1. What kind of holiday do you like?
I try to avoid tourist traps … I like to get away from it all and prefer going somewhere
off the beaten track … last year I had the holiday of a lifetime … a two week wildlife
safari in Kenya.
2. What do you like to do when you’re on holiday?
I enjoy visiting the local places of interest … I like to go sightseeing and always sign up
for guided tours as it’s a chance to be shown around and take photographs … one of my
hobbies.
3. Do you have many tourists in your country?
Yes … we have a lot of holiday resorts along the coast that are popular with tourists …
most people come on package holidays and stay in one of the many hotels and self-
catering apartments.
4. Where did you go for your last holiday?
I actually had to stay home even though I had planned to go to a beach city with my
friends. The reason was that the pandemic was worsening so instead of going, we played
games online together.
to worsen (v): trở nên tồi tệ hơn
5. Do you like holidays? Why?
 Generally, yes. They are good opportunities for me to rest and replenish my energy after
days of non-stop work.
to replenish (v): nạp lại
non-stop (adj): không nghỉ
6. Which public holiday do you like best?
It’s got to be the Hung Vuong Commemoration Day. I love Vietnam’s ancient history so
I really appreciate that we still celebrate important events that are thousands of years old.
Hung Vuong Commemoration Day: ngày giỗ Tổ
7. What do you do on holidays?
Well! As I said, the most important part of the holidays is resting. So I actually don’t
want to exert too much energy on those days. Catch up sleeping, watching movies and
going out to dine, and of course reading history books are on my list.
exert + energy (v): tốn sức
Part 2:
Describe your idea of a perfect holiday
Describe a holiday you particularly enjoyed.

Part 1
1 How often do you drink water?
Well, everyday of course! Staying hydrated (provide water for someone to keep them
healthy) is a priority for me since I easily get a headache if I don’t, not to mention my
weight loss goals. Drinking enough water is of paramount importance for health.

2 What kind of water do you like to drink?

All different kinds; I’m not too picky (selective)! I either drink tap water that I put in a
Brita filter, or bottled water from time to time (sometimes). I usually put water in my
refillable water bottle and carry it around me with me all day.

3 Do you drink bottled water or water from water machines?

Bottled water. Since the water in my country is potable (drinkable), I usually opt for that
with a filter to improve the flavor. If this isn’t available to me, I buy a bottle of water,
although I prefer not to because of my environmental concerns.

4 Do you like to play in water?

Oh my God, I love to! It’s just so much fun. I often say that one of the best feelings in life
is to just jump in a cold pool on the dog days of summer. It’s one of my favourite leisure
pursuit to unwind on a summer afternoon.
5. What problems are there if you don’t have running water in your house?
- exert a detrimental effect on health --- unable to perform daily activities  cannot sustain
life
6. What water sports are popular among young people?
7. Do you like to take part in dangerous water sports?
 the water sport that has gained popularity
 it doesn’t require specific equipment
 I haven’t had a crack at adventure water sports but I think I will be keen on it.
 put myself in peril (đặt mình vào nguy hiểm)
 take great pleasure in
 I am frightened of
 drowning
 safety equipment
  It’s advisable / necessary / of crucial important for children to know how to swim in
order to deal ensure their safety and avoid drowning when taking part in activities
near water 
Part 2:
Describe an activity you enjoy that takes place near water
Suggested idea: activity near water