Speaking - Tiếng Anh | Trường Đại học Quy Nhơn

Betty’s English - 0973 566 352 www.facebook.com/AnhNguBetty Since 2010 SPEAKING B1B2C1-IELTS WORK
1. What do you do? For the past few months I’ve been working for Thanh Nien
newspaper as a news editor. In fact this is my first job ever, I’m working really hard to
contribute to the success of this prestigious newspaper.
2. What are your responsibilities?
As a part-time editor, I am responsible for editing news related to different current affairs as
well as collecting information for the newspaper edition.
3. Why did you choose to do that type of work (or, that job)? I guess it’s mainly
because of the job flexibility & my passion for journalism. To be more specific, this job
offers me alternatives to the typical nine-to-five work schedule, enabling me to find a
better balance between work and life. Besides, this job gives me opportunities to pursue
my dream to become a journalist down the road.
4. Is there some other kind of work you would rather do?
At present, I don’t think I’m able to dedicate myself to any other job rather than this one.
In fact, to me it’s the experiences and opportunities I can gain that really matters. 5. Do you enjoy your work?
Most of the time. Contributing to the news production for a prestigious newspaper gives me a
sense of satisfaction and pride.
6. What do you like/dislike about your job?
Well the perk of being a news editor is that you’ll surround yourself with inspiring
news on a daily basis. What I don’t like about this job is that I have to do a thousand
edits to get the final one to meet the requirement of my boss. Sometimes I feel a bit overloaded with tons of tasks. STUDY
1. Are you a student or are you working?
I’m currently a senior at ABC University, which is one of the top schools in the
nation. Admission is incredibly competitive so I’m very proud of being a student here. 2. What are you studying?
Well, I’m majoring in Accountancy, so as you can guess, I deal a lot with numbers and
figures day in, day out. It can be overwhelming at times, but I’d like to think that I have
a knack for mathematics and calculations so it’s okay.
3. Why did you choose to study that major?
There are many reasons for my choice. As I’ve already explained about my long-term
interest in Accountancy, another reason could be because of accountancy itself, since I’ve 1
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found my personalities have changed in a positive way, you know, like I’ve become more patient and skillful.
4. What’s the most difficult part of your study?
Well, for the most part, I’d say it’s the workload. I mean there are so many assignments
and students are always under a lot of pressures from deadlines. But on the other
hand, exams are a piece of cake. They are quite predictable, and I can pretty
much breeze through them with a bit of revision.
5: What do you like most about your school?
I guess the aspect I find most enjoyable is the environment. I mean, I get to study in
English-speaking classrooms and the facilities are top-notch; I mean, all the classrooms
are air-conditioned and equipped with projectors. My friends and teachers are all
very nice as well, so all in all it’s a great place to study. HOUSING/ACCOMMODATION
1. What kind of housing/accommodation do you live in?
For the past 21 years I have lived in a house with my family. And I think if I can move out
and start making a living on my own, I would try my best to have an independent place
where I can plan and design a house layout to suit myself since sharing a room or a flat
with strangers sounds so troublesome to me.
2. What do you usually do in your house/flat/room?
Well definitely I’ll spend some me-time there. I study, I chill out by reading, drawing
and dancing all by myself. Sometimes I also invite one or two friends to spend time
with. We’ll watch some movies together and tell each other endless stories. 3. Who do you live with?
I live with my family. There are 5 of us and we all have our own room, which is way more
comfortable as the older we grow, the more privacy we need for ourselves. I think
our house is big enough for us yet still a warm and cozy place that I call home.
4. How long have you lived there?
Although during my childhood my family had to move a lot, I’ve lived in the most recent
house for almost ten years. Comparing to the old houses, I think this house has been the best so far.
5. Do you plan to live there for a long time?
The answer would be yes if the respondent is my parents, since moving in and out is too
time-consuming and exhausting. Cleaning and arranging everything all over
again would be liketorture to them. For me, on the other hand, as I’m thinking of moving
out to start my adult life, hopefully soon I’ll be able to afford to live in a flat or an apartment.
6. What’s the difference between where you are living now and where you have lived in the past?
As I’ve already mentioned my family moved several times when I was younger. And the
most current house where we’ve been living for about ten years is the best house so far. All of
us have separate rooms for our need of privacy yet a big dining room where we can spend the 2
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whole evenings together watching TV or having dinner.
7. Can you describe the place where you live?/ Please describe the room you live in
Briefly, my humble house locates in a small and quite street, so coming home to me is like all
the craziness happened outside is left behind. Just beside my house stands a big old tree. I
have my own room with walls painted violet, which is kind of a peaceful color. The air outside is
fresh. I usually open the window to enjoy the wind and sunshine, which will help cool down my
room without an air conditioner. Since I spend most of my time staying at home, my room
means the whole world to me. It’s like a friend who is always there to share ups and downs
with me. So yeah, I would always miss my house, my room whenever I’m away.
8. Which part of your home do you like the most?
It’s the dining room where my family spends our time together. Not only lunch or dinner
but all our family reunions take place in the dining room where we can enjoy
a harmonious atmosphere. We always try to keep the family dinner as something
we cannot go a day without, since for us it’s the family bonding that lies behind. HOMETOWN
1. What’s (the name of) your hometown?
... is my hometown which’s a province located in the west of my country.
2. Is that a big city or a small place?
Actually, it is a small province with slightly more than 1 million people. It has breathtaking view
of picturesque landscapes with rolling mountains and greenish lakes. However, due to the
increasing economy, a number of business, especially in sugarcane, are invested in my
hometown that turns it into a promising area.
3. Please describe your hometown a little?
My hometown is both traditional and modern. On the one hand, tradition is preserved by a
number of festivals celebrated by local people, and the locals and authorities preserve
the historical sites for tourism and education. On the other hand, a whole lot of high-
rise buildings as residential places or shopping malls are built, which turns our little
hometown into a worth-living place.
4. How long have you been living there?
I had lived there around 15 years before my family left for C n Th ầ Vĩnh Lo ơ ng City. It’s
more than ten years since the day I left my hometown, but it is indeed a good memory of my childhood.
5. What do you like (most) about your hometown?
I like the hospitality and the love of people there which I hardly find them in my current
place. Everyone is living close together and willing to give others a hand when they need help.
6. Is there anything you dislike about it? 3
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Personally, it’s a bit boring for me because as a small town, there is not much shopping
mall or any other means of entertainment. The streets are not very crowded as well.
However, I believe that it has been improving day by day and becoming a potential hotspot due
to the increasing number of annual visitors.
7. Do you think you will continue living there for a long time?
To be honest, I hope I could come back there one day to visit my relatives and friends, but to
settle down my life there is not my plan. I am getting familiar with city life and
there are more job opportunities for my future career.
8. Has your hometown changed much since you were a child?
Actually yes. It has changed enormously. 20 years ago I could barely find tall building
around my area, but now I can easily catch sight of skyscrapers and tower blocks there.
9. Are there any changes you would like to make in your hometown?
I would like to ameliorate the infrastructure conditions there so that I can avoid being
stuck in the traffic jam during the rush hours. TRANSPORTATION
1. What form of transport do you prefer to use? Why?
Without any doubt I would say motorbikes. You can see people driving a motorbike all
over the place in my country. Almost everyone travels by motorbike. The reason why
motorbike is so popular I think is due to their reasonable price and convenience. They also
extremely varied in terms of size, color and quality, thus a wide variety of choices is available for everyone.
2. How often do you take buses?
Almost every day. Since my house is so far away from my university, it’s impossible for me to
travel by motorbike. In addition, the air is heavily polluted by exhaust fumes and traffic
jamsalways take place, especially during peak hours. Thus, I’d prefer to take the bus, to save
time, save gasoline and causing less pollution.
3. Can you compare the advantages of planes and trains?
Planes and trains regularly depart and arrive on time. Plus, there are many convenient
facilities catering particularly to certain groups of passengers. However, traveling by
plane is clearly time-saving and enjoyable in terms of on-board services like meals or
comfortable seats, while traveling by train offers you a chance to see the world
outside, admire the views from their seats. It’s totally a great experience for most train-travelers.
4.How much time do you spend travelling on a normal day?
I have to commute from my home to my workplace on a daily basis. It normally takes me 30
minutes to travel back and forth.
5. Would you ride bikes to work in the future?
Definitely not. Riding a bike means you’re exposing yourself to the unpredictable
weatherand to air pollution. What is worse, I’m afraid the main streets or the highway
are too dangerous for cyclists, as cars, motorbikes and buses will travel at a very high
speed. Thus I’d rather ride a motorbike or take the bus instead. 4
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6. What will become the most popular means of transport in your country?
I think buses will take the lead. You can travel the distance without much worries
about ticket price or rainy weather outside. Also new buses now offer better services like
comfortable seats for the elderly or good air conditioning systems.
7. Do you prefer public transport or private transport ?
I think I’d prefer public transport. It’s much more inexpensive and because it can contain a
large number of people, it helps ease the intensity of traffic jams during peak hours and reduce
the greenhouse gas emissions caused by vehicles. Private transportation is
more costly in terms of fees, taxes and gasoline. GIFT
1. How often do you buy gifts for other people?
I have been in the habit of buying gifts on important occasions such as birthdays or
house-warming parties because I consider it as a way to express my affection to others.
2. Do you like to buy expensive gifts?
Actually buying high-cost gifts is a no-no for me. In fact, I’m really into giving hand-
made gifts so that receiver can feel my love and care for them.
3. What kinds of gifts are popular in your country? Birthday gifts such as clothes,
flowers, cakes, books or jewelry are some kinds of popular gifts that adults prefer to give
in my country, whereas children tend to choose teddy bears or souvenirs for their friends. 4. Why do people send gifts?
In my opinion, sending gifts is considered a way to convey love and care for each other,
which means that the relationship between the two people is precious to cherish.
Besides, this act may show affection, gratitude or asking for forgiveness. MUSIC
1. Do you often (like to) listen to music? Or Do you like listening to music?
So far I haven’t met anyone who dislikes listening to music. However, when the workload is too
heavy that requires me to stay highly focused, music is a huge distraction. Unlike many people
who like listening to instrumental music because it highly benefits for their concentration and
study, in my case the music makes me feel instantly sleepy.
2. When do you listen to music?
Well, music is essential to human in the whole world so I’m no exception. I usually listen
to cheerful music when I need motivation while sad music is my preference if I’m in a bad mood.
3. How much time do you spend listening to music every day?
As I’ve mentioned I prefer working in silence. To put it simply, no music is allowed
during my working hours. After a long day at school, I probably want to chill out for like 5
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half an hour with music to help me stay energetic so I can get back to work later.
4. What kinds of music do you like to listen to? Or What’s your favorite kind of music?
My music taste varies widely from West to East and from the 90s to modern EDM. But if
Korean pop is considered as a kind of music, then yeah, that’s my favorite of all time. More than
half of my playlists are Korean songs and I always keep myself updated with thenews related to Korean showbiz.
5. Have you ever been to a concert before? Or Have you ever been to a musical performance?
Once in a blue moon I attend a concert, since the ticket price for foreign artists’ concerts
is so out of my reach that I can only stay home and watch online. It was 2014 that I
finally did go to a concert on my own, obviously it was an international music concert. It
was absolutely mind-blowing and unforgettable for me. TEACHERS
1. What kinds of teachers do you like best?
My favorite kind of teacher is someone who is helpful, quite firmed and has high
expectations for students, especially if he/she teaches the subject I love. That kind of
teachers always have admirable passion for their job which motivates me to work harder in order to impress them.
2. Who was your favorite teacher when you were young?
Definitely my Literature teachers in my high school. The first reason is because Literature is my
favorite subject that I believed my knowledge and efforts could impress the teachers. Secondly,
my Literature teachers tended to have a soft voice and inspiring teaching style that got me
excited whenever the class began.
3. Would you want to be a teacher in the future?
I think I would, but I want to become a lecturer instead. Although teaching has always
been my dream job since I was a kid, my specialization is not pedagogy, which makes
it difficult for me to teach at schools.
4. Have you ever had bad teachers before?
Luckily I haven’t met such an evil teacher. I think as long as you’re hard-working and you
do all the homework, learn the lessons well enough and don’t break any school’s
regulations, your name shall not appear on the teachers’ blacklist. SPORTS
1. Do you like to watch sports on TV?
Yes, I do. It is very exciting, especially when you see two world-lead players or teams
try their best to beat each other. You do not know which one will win until the very last
second. Sometimes the match is so intensive that I feel I cannot breathe. 2. Do you play any sports? 6
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Yes, I do various sports. Back in college, I liked playing football with my classmates. But
after I graduate, I find it quite difficult to call up a team and book a football court. So
now, I usually go swimming, which I can do whenever is appropriate and do not need to care about others timetable.
3. Do you have favorite sports star?
Yes, it would be DL, who is the first VNmese champion in a world-class tennis match.
Besides her achievement, I also like her bluntness. She always speaks out what she
really thinks in front of the media, even though sometimes it is not very appropriate.
4. What kinds of sports are popular in your country?
Well, I am not sure. But from my own experience, I think football, basketball,
badminton, and table tennis are the most popular sports in VN because you can see people
playing almost everywhere, from streets to stadiums, from schools to workplaces.
5. What kinds of sports would you like to try in the future?
Probably extreme sports like sky-diving, because it is very thrilling and I always
wonder what it feels like to jump from thousands of meters high. The earth and sceneries must
look different from that on the ground. SKY
1. Do you like to watch the sky?
Yes, I am really into watching the sky, especially at night to count the countless
stars when I was a kid. I remember I sometimes laid down in the grass for hours to
watch the shining stars when in summer because I was fond of imaging the folk stories about the stars.
2. What is the sky like at night in your hometown?
Well, as my hometown is a tourism city and there is no any industrial pollution, the
sky is always clean and clear, and I can see the stunning night sky with countless and
glittering stars and sometimes even the galaxy. But unfortunately, in
a metropolis like HCMcity light pollution makes the night sky invisible.
3. Have you ever taken a course about stars?
No, I have never been in any sorts of courses about stars because actually there were no
such courses in the schools or university. But fortunately, my grandmother once sent me
an encyclopedia about nature in which there were loads of stories about stars, I got
the most of the knowledge about stars from it.
4. Is it important to study stars?
Yes, I believe that astronomy has always had a significant impact on our worldview as
it can help open our eyes, give context to our place in the cosmos and that can
definitely reshape how we see the world.
5. What’s your favorite star?
My favorite star constellation is Orion. It’s very easy to spot on winter nights. Firstly,
it has a huge red giant star, which may explode any time soon. Besides, it has a
massive blue star which is very young. On top of that it also has a big
nebula where new stars are being born – so it has everything! 7
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Betty’s English - 0973 566 352 www.facebook.com/AnhNguBetty Since 2010 SLEEP
1. How many hours do you sleep every day? It depends on how heavy my
workload is on that day. But I usually try to get around 7 to 8 hours of sleep so
that I can always be wide awake and work effectively for the whole day.
2. Is it necessary to take a nap every day? Yes, I believe that people need to have a
snooze after lunch because after eating, we can start to feel sleepy and lose focus.
Therefore, a quick nap can bring our energy back and help us become more productive after that.
3. Do old people sleep a lot? Why? Actually, I think elderly people generally have the
same amount of sleep as young people. But the thing is they often find it hard to fall
asleep, so they go to bed earlier than young adults, which makes us think that they sleep a lot.
4. What time do you usually go to bed? To be honest, I’m a night owl. I usually go
to sleep at around 1 or 2 a.m. I know it is not a healthy habit but if I can’t get all my
work done, it’s very hard for me to get to sleep.
5. Do you always have a good sleep? I’m a busy person. I go to work from 9 a.m to 9
p.m, so at the end of the day, I often feel extremely exhausted and sleep like a rock. TEA OR COFFEE
1. Do VNmese people like to drink tea or coffee?
Well, I think most VNmese are keen on drinking tea instead of coffee. There’s so much
culture of tea here in This country. Also, there’s been an increasing number of tea houses
built in both cities and towns.
2 Do you prepare tea or coffee for the guests at home? I prepare tea for the guests at
home because tea is easier to make than coffee, you just need to steep the tea bag or put
some tea leaves into the hot water, then it’s done.
3. When was the last time you drank tea or coffee? I just drank some tea his morning
before I took the paper test of IELTS. I felt like it’s effective to prevent me from getting drowsy the whole morning. PUBLIC HOLIDAYS
1. What public holidays do you have in your country?
My country has a great range of public holidays but to me the most important one is the
Independence Day. It is considered as a national holiday, which is annually celebrated on
2nd, September. These day are to celebrate the day VN S secured independence from the USA
after the Revolutionary War and usher in a new era of peace and reunification.
2. Do people in your country celebrate foreign festivals?
Of course we do. We celebrate Christmas with extraordinarily colorful lights and
decorations similar to those found in Western countries. It is a grand party when the
fun-loving and sociable citizens, whether being a Christian or not, celebrate with 8
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gusto. Besides, there are also sparkling lighting decorations on the streets and in front of
houses, turning particular places into Christmas area. Usually the shops will have their
signs advertising sales for Christmas seasons, and the piercing cold is a wonderful
chance for people to get dressed up.
3. What do you usually do during public holidays?
Well, I often spend my time gathering with my beloved family and friends. Maybe go
shopping and take advantage of the sales which my favorite shops are offering
or hanging out with friends and having a whale of time at some entertaining places.
4. Do you like short holidays or long holidays?
Both options have their own merits, but if I have to choose one, I would pick short
holidays. The reason for this is that I can feel more prepared to go back to study and
feel less fatigued than spending a week for playing or travelling. Tthe purpose of holiday
should be to give people a temporary rest and help them recharge the batteries for
a fresh period ahead. Therefore, it is not recommended that people turn their days
off into a long holiday, indulge themselves and neglect their study and work. SHARING
1. Do you have anything to share with others recently?
Yes, I have bought a hair dryer which is from Dyson. It’s been quite popular on the
Internet recently. You know I couldn’t resist my temptation and bought it with nearly
3 million VND. After a few days’ trials, I’ve found it pretty useful and shared it with
my besties. They were all into it.
2. What kind of things are not suitable for sharing?
I think it depends on different types of people you are going to share with. But, generally
speaking, things that cause negative impacts on people are better not to be shared with
others. For example, those meaningless complaints about people’s behaviors.
3. What kind of things do you like to share with others?
Oh, it must be good news. You know whenever I got a piece of good news, big or small, I
would immediately tell my friends. I think good news deserves to be shared with
others because it can spread positive energy to others.
4. Did your parents teach you to share when you were a child?
Yes, they did. They even told me an old story in ancient VN to remind me of the good
merit of sharing things to others. From that on, I always follow their advice to share
whenever possible, for example, some stationaries when my classmates needed. MOVIES 1. Do you watch movies?
Of course, I do. It is my favorite activity during my free time. I would even collect DVDs of my
favorite movies so that I can rewatch them from time to time.
2. How often do you watch movies?
Almost every week. As I am a student, I do not have much time during the weekdays. 9
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When it comes to the weekend, I would browse the internet and pick a movie that seems interesting.
3. What kind of movies do you like?
I like all of them. But my favorite is the action. The blast and car chasing are thrilling. And what
is more important is that they rarely have complicated plots, which means I can relax and empty my brain.
4. Do you prefer to go to a movie alone or with others?
I prefer to watch movies with my friends. When the film comes to end, we can talk
about it, like who is your favorite character, or how stupid the bad guys are. If I go to
a movie alone, I will feel quite lonely, especially when I see other audiences come with their companies.
5. Do you prefer to watch movies at home or in a cinema?
It is hard to say. I like both of them. Watching movies at home is more relaxing and
comfortable. I can lie on the couch and talk with my friend at any time and at any
volume I want. But a cinema often has more advanced facilities, like the huge screen
and high-quality soundtrack, which can provide a better watching experience. MORNING ROUTINE
1. What do you do in the mornings?
Well, in the morning, I get up early to have a light breakfast and hit the gym at about
8 a.m. After one hour of workout, I leave the gym club and go to the supermarket to buy
food to make lunch and dinner. In the afternoon and evening, I go to my workplace and
start working from 14.00.pm until 21.00.p.m. 2. Is breakfast important?
I think it is very important. It guarantees you to have a vibrant morning and prevents
you from eating too much for lunch. If I do not have breakfast, I might sometimes feel sick and even pass out.
3. What is your morning routine?
I usually get up at 8 o’clock. After cleaning my face and brushing my teeth, I would go
jogging for half an hour. On the way back, I would have some breakfast at the canteen
in my university, then have a shower and start study.
4. Do you like to get up early in the morning?
No, I do not like to get up very early in morning. Because I usually go to bed late at
night, getting up early would mean I do not have sufficient rest, which would make me
upset and sometimes event irritable. COOKING
1: What kinds of food do you particularly like?
I’d have to say Asian cuisine is my favorite. I am a huge fan of the bold flavors and
spices used in Korean and Vietnamese dishes. Something I often daydream abouteating 10
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is X, which is a tip-smacking noodle soup dish served with a crab broth. It’s every bit as delicious as it sounds.
2: Is there any food you don’t like?
It’s true that there are a few things that kind of put me off. For example, I cannot stand Y,
which is essentially a shrimp paste. A lot of people like it, though, but I think it smells
awful. Definitely not my cup of tea.
3: What kinds of food are most popular in your country?
I think street food is a staple around here. You can find bustling food stalls all around
our nation, and they are my go-tos for a cheap and cheerful meal. I mean gourmet
restaurantsare nice and all, but street food is what our country is all about.
4: Do you like cooking? (Why?/ Why not?)
Actually, I’d like to think that cooking is my forte. I developed a passion for culinary
artswhen I first watched the cooking show Masterchef. Since then, I have learnt a lot of
recipes and I can easily whip up a good dinner. SHOES
1. Do you like shopping for shoes?
Yes, I love to do so. I can go on a hunt for a pair of the latest Nike or Adidas sneakers,
just to make an addition to my shoe collection and not to be old-fashioned. 2. How often do you buy shoes?
Well, I can say that I get new shoes every month. Whenever I get my salary, I always
try to keep my collection updated with a new pair of trendy shoes. I have such a big
love for shoes and I cannot stand wearing old ones.
3. What kinds of shoes do you usually buy?
I spend most of my money on trainers and boots. Mostly I’ll choose trainers and I’ve
got around 20 pairs of them so far because they bring comfort and performance, but
for formal occasions, I definitely go for some boots, especially leather ones because it feels more posh and elegant.
4. Do you prefer comfortable shoes, or good-looking shoes?
I think I do like comfy shoes better than good-looking ones. I’m a pretty active person
and I’m always up for adventures so I move and run a lot the whole day. Because of
that, I would love to have comfortable running shoes as my companion.
5. Do you have a pair of shoes that you especially like?
Yes, and it is a white pair of Converse. I got it on my 23rd birthday from my mother
and they were very light and durable. Sadly, my beloved dog bit and tore them to
pieces the other day. The left shoe was nowhere to be seen. WEATHER
1: What’s the weather like where you live?
Well, I was born and grew up in a tropical country, so it’s pretty much hot and humid
year round. However, in Northern cities, we actually enjoy four distinct seasons. In 11
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summery months, it can get really sweltering, and by contrast, temperatures can really dip in winter.
2: What type of weather do you like best?
I’d consider myself a cold weather person. I love the crisp mornings at the end of fall
and the chill of winter. Maybe it’s because we have to bundle up as the weather turns
cold, and I love wearing sweaters and overcoats.
3: Does the weather ever affect what you do?
You know, I gotta say yes, especially when it rains. I mean, I cannot go out and run my
errands if it’s pouring outside. The roads get really slippery, so it’s quite dangerous to
drive. Besides, you will definitely be soaked if you do decide to go out.
4: Does it rain a lot in your hometown?
Well, it depends on the season. In winter and spring, there is a dearth of rain associated
with the arid weather. In contrast, it is usually raining cats and dogs in summer and
august, causing loads of troubles for people travelling on the road.
5: Does rain ever affect transportation in your hometown?
Yeah, of course. Traffic is often held up when it rains. All the roads are clogged, and
people find it difficult to escape from traffic congestion. I would stay at home and
watch TV rather than going out and being caught up in traffic. PHOTOS.
1. Do you like to take photographs? (Why?)
Yes, definitely. I think photography is great since it helps us to document our life and
keep our memories from fading, and the photographic process is also fun.
2. Do you prefer to take photos yourself or to have other people take your photo? Why?
To be honest, I like to take photos by myself so that the precious moments are captured
from my perspective. Moreover, as I’m not really good at posing for pictures, I always
find it embarrassing when being a model for someone.
3. How often do you take photographs?
In the past, I used to take photos on a weekly basis as I was really addicted to it.
However, as I’ve grown up and have had many tasks to deal with, I rarely use my camera anymore.
4. How (why) did you become interested in photography?
Well, my father, who is a very seasoned photographer, has taught me many principles
of photography. Thanks to him, I won first prize in a photography contest when I was
10 years old and have fallen in love with it ever since.
5. Do you prefer to take pictures of people or of scenery?
Oh I could say without hesitation that landscape photography is more appealing to me
as I was born and lived for quite a long time in ABC, a small city whose population is
low but the scenery is gorgeous. I’ve shot lots of great pictures there.
6. What kind of photos do you like to take? Why?
Well, I think the kinds of photos do not matter. I tend to capture things that are not 12
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moving, since it is easier for me to catch the right angle to make the picture more eye- catching.
7. How do you keep your photos?
I usually print them out and keep them in albums so they will be protected. Besides, I
also store my photos on my computer disk and on the internet for backup. COLOR
1. What is your favorite color?
My favorite color is grey because I like the saying ” between black and white there is a long grey area”。 2. Do you like dark colors?
No, I do not, because dark colors are a bit of depressing. They are often associated
with death, murder or suffering.
3. Are there any colors you dislike?
No, I do not have any specific color on my dislike list. I believe any color can be
attractive as long as you make a suitable match or put them in the right place.
4. Do you usually wear clothes in your favorite color?
Yes, I do. I have many grey clothes. Actually, I am wearing one of them right now. I
think they help to create an impression of what kind of person I am. HOLIDAYS
1. What do you do in your holidays?
Sometimes I travel to broaden my horizons, to admire the beauty of nature and
to plunge myself into the picturesque landscape in other regions in my
country. Every now and then, I just stay at home with my family and have a little get-
together to celebrate the holidays.
2. Who do you usually spend holiday with?
It depends on what kind of holiday it is. If it’s Christmas vacation, I prefer hang out with
my friends here and there and have a chit-chat. If it’s New Year holiday, I just want
to celebrate the holiday with my family and relatives in a cozy ambiance.
3. Do you prefer travelling alone or in a group?
I would say that I’m kind of an introvert so I would rather travel alone to some tranquil
and peaceful beauty spots than travel with a group of people during the holiday.
4. Why are holidays and important to you?
Holiday is a perfect time for recharging my batteries after a year full of challenges
and obstacles, having some me time and planning ahead for the upcoming year.
5. If you could take a holiday anywhere in the world, where would you go? Why? 13
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If the choice is in my hands, I’m yearning for travelling to [.....] on Christmas vacation
when the weather is neither too cold or too hot. There I can contemplate the picturesque scenery. SUNGLASSES
1. Do you like to wear sunglasses?
I want to, but I cannot. You see, I am wearing glasses and they are necessary for me to
get a clear view. Most sunglasses do not serve this purpose, so I have to give them up.
2. Where can you buy sunglasses?
You can buy them at various places. There are glasses shops, which often sell sunglasses
with a particular function. Most supermarkets also have one or two shelves for sunglasses.
3. Do people in your country wear sunglasses?
Yes, they do. They used to be a fashion item in the 1980s. Back then, everybody was
wearing them. Now, they are still popular. You can see many people on the street
wearing them, especially in the summer when the sunshine is too strong. DRINK WATER
1. How often do you drink water?
I am not sure, but pretty often. I am quite easy to feel thirsty, so I always keep a glass of
water at my hand and take a sip of it every now and then.
2. What kinds of water do you like to drink?
I like pure water without anything in it. Some people like to drink VNmese tea, but I find it a
little bitter. There are also others who like to put a piece of lemon in it. I have never bothered to do so.
3. Do you drink bottled water or water from water machines?
I usually drink water from the water machine. It is very convenient and much cheaper
than the bottled water. I know some people believe bottled water is tastier, but I cannot tell the difference. CITIES
1. Do you like the city you are living in now?
Yes, I do. It has various shopping centers and entertainment facilities, which can
satisfy most of my demands. It is also very convenient to do online shopping here. It
only takes a day to deliver the items you have bought to your home.
2. Which city have you been to recently?
I went to Xi’an in the northwest of VN last month. It is a city with such a long history. 13
dynasties had set their capitals there. It still has a well-preserved rampart and a
tower that was built over 1400 years ago. 14
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3. Do you prefer the city or the countryside?
I prefer the city because it is convenient and full of opportunities. Some people like the
peace and slow pace of life in the countryside, but I find it a little boring.
4. What kind of cities do you like?
I like cities like Hcm. The climate there is quite mild, not too hot in the summer and not
too cold in the winter. Its economy is well developed, with many famous companies.
It is still one of the most popular tourist attractions in This country. do you want to go to?
I want to go to Cantho. It is in the southeast of VN and near the sea. It is a perfect
combination of economic development, environmental conservation, and local culture. PAINTINGS
1. What do you know about paintings?
I know there are various kinds of paintings, such as oil, watercolor, pencil, and VNmese
style. All of them are beautiful and can be used to record an event, depict a scenery, or express a specific mood.
2. Have you learned drawing or painting?
Yes, I have. I used to learn VNmese painting when I was in the primary school. But I soon
stopped learning, because I found I did not have the talent and it took up most of my spare time.
3. Is it important to hang pictures at home?
I believe it depends on the preference of the family. Pictures are surely a good way to
decorate home. But there are also people who prefer other means of decoration. For them, I
think hanging pictures is not important at all.
4. What kind of paintings do you like?
I like VNmese paintings. They put more emphasis on the spirit of the subjects and ignore
their authentic shapes to some extent. This is probably because of the culture I have grown up
in and the education I have received.
5. If someone wants to draw a picture of you, will you agree?
Yes, sure. Why won’t I. But I do have a condition that the picture of me has to be handsome and I can get a copy of it. PARK
1. Are public gardens very important in This country?
Yes, public gardens are quite essential in This country. They provide perfect places for
people no matter old and young to relax when they get some pressure.
2. Are there many public gardens in This country?
I think there aren’t enough public gardens in This country now. Some cities or big districts only 15
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got one public garden, which is obviously not enough for the need of the increasing population.
3. Do you think there are enough public gardens in your hometown?
Well, I think there are enough public gardens in my hometown. My hometown has at least six
gardens if my memory is clear. There’s a big one near my home. We usually go there for a walk
after dinner. Nobody around me seems to complain about the gardens.
4. What do you think are the benefits of having gardens in the city?
Well, I think the benefits are very obvious. First, it absolutely gives people especially the
old a place to relax and have fun with their retired mates. Also, this place provides the
white collars a good chance to get one step closer to nature, especially when they see the green plants in the garden.
5. Why do people who live in cities like public gardens?
Probably, the main reason is that public gardens gave those busy citizens an escape from
their endless working hours. When they see the green plants or some creatures in the
garden, their pressure would be alleviated to some extent. PET
1. Have you ever had a pet before?
I have three dogs, and they are pretty adorable companies. I’m a real sucker
for animals, in fact, my whole family love animals. Time flies when you are with your
beloved pets, and I usually have a whale of a time playing with them.
2. What pet will you keep if you want
If I were to take the pick, it would be dogs. Dogs are so loyal to their owner, as well as
this, they are great companions. Every time I’m down in the dumps, my dogs would wave its tail to cheer me up.
3. Are there many people keeping pets in your country?
I think most of Chinese love pets because pets are great listeners and excellent companions,
but some of Chinese might have a high standard of cleanliness, so they don't think it is safe to have a pet at home. EMAILS
1. Do you write many letters or e-mails? [Why/ Why not?]
I don't often write handwritten letters to people since it is time-consuming and tiring.
Nevertheless, writing e-mails or text messages is more common for me nowadays as
they are convenient and instantaneous. For instance, I send e-mails to family
members and friends and I can attach documents, music, videos or photos, which can
enhance the content of the message.
2. Which do you write more often, e-mails or letters? Although I believe it is more
personal and informative to send a letter, I write e-mails more often. E-mail
accounts are free and easy to set up, whereas letters require the sender to buy a 16
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stamp and go to a post office or drop box to mail them. E-mails can also be written
conveniently on a phone, tablet or computer.
3. How often do you write an e-mail or a letter? I frequently send several e-mails each
day, particularly for the reason that I need to send messages to my teachers and
classmates. Additionally, whenever I encounter interesting news and articles or
simply need to communicate, I send e-mails to relatives and friends. As for letters, I don't
regularly write them or only on special occasions, I will write one by hand.
4. Who do you usually write to? I mostly write emails to family members or friends on
a weekly basis. For instance, I may send my parents advice or articles about how to
improve their lifestyles. On the other hand, I normally send my friends humorous or
amusing e-mails about events I have encountered and want to share with them. PATIENCE
1. What do you think “patience” is?
Well, I think patience is a virtue. Unfortunately, nowadays most people are quite
impatient. For example, many people want to get rich quickly but are willing to get their
hands dirty, so they always complain about how harsh life is.
2. Do you think patience is important?
Absolutely. I think it’s a quality that everybody should try to learn. Learning to wait until
the timing is right is the key to success, in my opinion. In fact, most successful entrepreneurs are very patient people.
3. Do you think being patient is an important part of being polite?
Yes, I think patience is an indicator of politeness. I mean, a polite person would
never chew someone out for keeping them waiting. If there’s a good excuse for being
late, a polite person should be willing to overlook such minor mistakes.
4. Have you ever lost your patience?
Well, yeah, without a doubt, there have certainly been times when I lost my cool. For
example, there was this one time when I had to wait forever to be seated at a popular
restaurant. Then someone suddenly cut in line and that really ticked me off. CELEBRITY
1. Who is your favorite celebrity in your country?
I guess not only me, a number of young people have been highly impressed by her for
the past months- miss H Hen Nie. She is our 2018 Miss Vietnam and the representative of
Vietnam in Miss Universe. After the beauty contests, she became well- known for her
outstanding beauty, her amazing characteristics and also her professionalism.
2. Do you like any foreign celebrities? 17
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Absolutely. The person I’m going to talk about is my bias ever since I was a teenage girl-
Miley Cyrus. I guess most people at the same age as me grew up with Disney Channel and
among its successful series, Hannah Montanah starring Miley Cyrus would always be on top of
my list. Although now she’s grown up, I’m still a big fan of her amazing voice and highly inspiring songs.
3. Would you like to be a celebrity? Why?
Well though I’ve never thought about it, I’m pretty sure that rising to stardom would
never be one of my life goals. I appreciate all the efforts that the celebrities, no matter
which field they’re working on, are making every single day. However, I find myself not
belong to that world, I mean, you never know what’s going on when the curtains
close, right? So yeah, I don’t think I want to become a public figure, to be honest.
4. Have you ever met a celebrity/superstar in real life?
When I was a student in university, I went to several live music concerts held on campus. There
were famous artists performing in those concerts so, yes, I have seen some celebrities, literally,
but I have never had a chance to meet or talk with any of them in person. HANDWRITING
1. Do you prefer to write by hand or on computer? For business contact, I prefer to
write on computer because it is more official and much quicker; but for personal contact, I think
writing by hand would be nicer. It would be of great sentimental value.
2. How is your handwriting? My handwriting is all right. Although not beautiful, it is
still recognizable, which I guess is a natural result of the fact that I have been typing on computer most of the time.
3. Do you think one's handwriting can show one's personality?
Definitely. As much as the tone of voice in conversation, one's handwriting always conveys a
unique type of information. People can tell a writer's character, personality and abilities through the handwriting.
4. Do you prefer to write by hand or on a computer?
It depends on what I’m doing. I prefer the computer for most things because it’s faster
and you can save or copy things, but I still like making notes or writing ideas down by hand. CROWDED PLACE
1. What places do you think are often crowded?
one of the most crowded places in the country is The Chinatown located in District 5, This is the
home of Chinese people living in Saigon, a great number of people visit there, it is surrounded
by some other residential and commercial areas.
2. When was the last time you were in a crowded place? 18
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I visited this place a couple of months ago. I went there to meet one of my Chinese mates and
greet her on her birthday. It was difficult for me to seek out the location at the beginning. The
entire area was crowded with lots of people, the majority of them were Chinese. They were speaking in their own language
3. How do you feel when you are in crowded places?
The feelings were mixed. In fact, it was the very first time I visited to a Chinese home. So,
Icould not think what to do or how to respond. Besides, travelling to the crowded place
wasanother exciting event. At first, I was a bit anxious but gradually everything turned normal. 1. Sky
How often do you look at the sky?
I seldom watch the sky as I was quite busy working/studying, which took up nearly the entire day. I
couldn’t be able to take any time to look up above my head to see what’s happening there in
the sky. I looked at them only someone told me to do so.
Do you prefer the sky in the morning or the sky at night?
I prefer the sky at night because its darkness makes me contemplate. If I was feeling blue, I
would watch the huge night sky to remind me that all human beings are quite tiny compared to
the universe and that I should always enjoy the positive sides of life.
Can you see the moon and stars at night where you live?
Yes, thanks to the less air pollution in my living area, which is in hometown. I can see the
shining stars during the night. The sky is clearer than that in most big cities like Saigon, where
the fog prevents us from seeing the stars clearly.
Is there a good place to look at the sky where you live?
Yes, in the place where I live, the best position is on a mountain, which was about 700m high.
Standing on top, you could see the blue sky is right above the cloud sea after the sunrise. And
during the night, you can see the stars much more clearly as there’s less air pollution. 2. Stars
Who is your favorite movie star?
Ngô Thanh Vân is my favorite. I grew up watching his action movies, which were fantastic. She
was the first actress that let me know what Kong Fu was really about.
Are international superstars popular in your country?
Yes, they are popular in my country. In VIETNAM, there are many movie theaters displaying the
blockbusters of the world. So, Vietnamese audiences have constant exposure to western movies
in on the websites and movie theaters. Once those celebrities have a chance to visit VIETNAM,
Vietnamese fans were very excited. 19
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Have you ever met a celebrity/superstar in real life?
Yes, I have. I once bumped into Angela Baby who is a very popular Vietnamese movie actress. I
remember I was waiting for my flight at the airport. She was wearing a black trench coat walking beside me. Do you want to be a superstar?
No, I don’t want to. Being a superstar means my private life would be deprived of. Plus, I have to be
careful about the words and actions I have so that no fans would do crazy things because of me. 3. Sleep
How much sleep do you need every day?
I’m kind of sleepy-head. I usually go to bed at about 11 pm and get up at 7 am. So, it’s nearly
eight hours, which is longer than the average of other people as I have checked the data on my wrist band APP. Do you take naps at noon?
No, I don’t. For me, I can’t fall asleep so quickly. It usually takes me half an hour to get into the
sleeping mode. You know, time is quite limited at noon, which doesn’t allow me to do so.
Do you like to read before bed?
Yes, I like to do some readings before bed because I think it’s a very comfortable period of time
to read some words. Nobody would disturb me. I once read paper books, but recently I have
been keen on reading on my phone.
How have your sleeping habits changed since you were young?
The change is huge. You know, in my childhood, I had a lot of free time to play and sleep. Also,
I usually slept for more than 9 hours. But, now, there’s a lot of digital devices like phones and
pads that attract me a lot, which has deprived me of at least one or two hours of sleep per day. 4. Tea and coffee
Do Vietnamese people like to drink tea or coffee?
Well, I think most Vietnamese are keen on drinking tea instead of coffee. There’s so much
culture of tea here in VIETNAM. Also, there’s been an increasing number of tea houses built in
both cities and towns. I think the reason why they prefer tea is that people, tea caters more to Vietnamese people’s taste.
Do you prepare tea or coffee for the guests at home?
I prepare tea for the guests at home because tea is easier to make than coffee, you just need
to steep the tea bag or put some tea leaves into the hot water, then it’s done. 20
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