Tài liệu ôn tập Tiếng Anh. Speaking-Writing

TRƯỜNG ĐẠI HỌC TÀI CHÍNH – MARKETING KHOA NGOẠI NGỮ ----------
TÀI LIỆU ÔN TẬP SPEAKING – WRITING
Nhóm biên soạn - Khoa Ngoại ngữ
(Lưu hành nội bộ)
TP. Hồ Chí Minh, ngày 15 tháng 6 năm 2024 2 PHẦN 1. SPEAKING
Part 1: Social Interaction (Tương tác xã hội) Thời gian: 3 phút
Kĩ năng kiểm tra: Trả lời phỏng vấn, giao tiếp xã hội, mô tả, giải thích và mô tả một vấn đề cụ thể
Hình thức: Thí sinh được cho 02 chủ đề.
Mỗi chủ đề có 3 câu hỏi. Thí sinh không được biết trước câu hỏi và không có thời gian chuẩn bị cho câu trả lời.
Yêu cầu: Thí sinh sẽ nói về một hoặc cả hai chủ đề (không cần theo thứ tự). (theo Quyết đi ̣nh số: 730/QĐ-BGDĐT) TIPS:
- Answer at least 2-3 sentences for each question.
- Stay on the topic and give extra information (reason for your answer as well) - Use linking words.
- Never speak as if you memorize the answer.
COMMON CONNECTIVE WORDS Addition Sequence Consequence Contrast In addition Firstly As a result However Similarly Initially Thus On the other hand As well as Secondly Therefore Despite Furthermore To begin with Consequently In spite of Moreover Next It follows that Though Not only ... but also Earlier/Later Thereby Although Besides this/that After this/that Eventually On the contrary Following this/that In that case Otherwise Afterwards Admittedly Whereas Certainly Condition Example Summary Undoubtedly If For instance In conclusion Obviously Unless One example In summary Certainly Whether For example Lastly 3 Plainly Provided that Just as Finally Of course Depending on To illustrate To sum up
1. Let’s talk about daily routine.
- Can you describe your typical day?
- What do you usually do in the morning?
- How do you like to spend your weekends?
2. Let’s talk about travel and holidays.
- What kind of places do you like to visit?
- Do you prefer traveling alone or with others? Why?
- Can you share a memorable travel experience?
3. Let’s talk about sports and fitness.
- What is your favorite sport?
- Do you prefer to exercise alone or with a partner? Why?
- What are your ways to stay fit and healthy?
4. Let’s talk about your hometown.
- What do you like the most about your hometown?
- What are some popular places to visit in your hometown?
- Do you think you will continue to live in your hometown in the future? Why?
5. Let’s talk about gifts.
- Do you enjoy giving gifts to others? Why?
- Is it important to spend a lot of money on a gift? Why?
- What kind of gifts do you usually give to your friends and family?
6. Let’s talk about your shopping habits. - Do you enjoy shopping? Why?
- Can you describe a shopping center you often go to?
- Do you prefer online shopping or in-store shopping?
7. Let’s talk about TV programs.
- How often do you watch television? 4
- Which programs do you like? Why?
- Do you prefer watching television alone or with your family members? Why?
8. Let’s talk about English.
- Do you like learning new languages? Why?
- Do you think learning English is important? Why?
- What are your ways to improve your English?
9. Let’s talk about sports.
- What is the most popular sport in your country?
- What is your favorite sport?
- What are the benefits for children to play outdoor games?
10. Let’s talk about the internet and technology.
- Do you use the internet much during the day? Why?
- Are there any negative things about the internet? Why?
- What are your favorite websites?
Part 2: Solution Discussion (Thảo luận giải pháp)
Thời gian: 4 phút (1 phút chuẩn bị)
Kĩ năng kiểm tra: Lập luận trình bày quan điểm, giao tiếp xã hội, đàm phán
Hình thức: Thí sinh được cho một tình huống và ba giải pháp. Thí sinh có một phút để chuẩn bị cho phần trả lời.
Yêu cầu: Thí sinh cần chọn ra giải pháp tốt nhất và trình bày quan điểm, lý do tại sao chọn
giải pháp đó. (theo Quyết đi ̣nh số: 730/QĐ-BGDĐT) TIPS:
- Analyze the topic (1 minute)
- Choose the option that you have more ideas
- List 2 advantages (reasons) of the option you choose and disadvantages of the other 2 options
- State 2 advantages and compare with the other 2 options
- Summarize your choice 5
LANGUAGE FOR COMPARE AND CONTRAST STRUCTURES Function Vocabulary Sample sentence frames Compare "Similarly, ..."
"X is similar to Y in that..." "Likewise, ..." "X and Y both..." "In the same way, ..." "Like X, Y also..." "Both... and..." "X shares similarities with Y "Just as... so too..." regarding..." "Comparable to..."
"Just as X does..., Y also..." "Both X "In a similar fashion, ..." and Y exhibit..." "Not only... but also..."
"One way in which X is like Y is..." "Similarly to..." "Akin to..." Contrast "However, ..." "X is... while Y is..." "On the other hand, ..." "Unlike X, Y..." "In contrast, ..." "X..., but Y..." "Conversely, ..." "Although X..., Y..." "Whereas..." "X and Y differ in that..." "While..." "While X..., Y..." "Unlike..." "In contrast to X, Y..." "Different from..."
"X is characterized by..., whereas Y "Although..." is..." "Even though..." "Despite X, Y..."
"On one hand, X..., but on the other hand, Y..." 1. Situation:
You are planning your short holiday at the end of July. The following options are
recommended: taking a guided tour, visiting your relatives, going camping with your friends.
In your opinion, which one is the best choice? 2. Situation: 6
With a busy schedule, you must quickly choose what to eat between study sessions. You have
these options to choose from: fast food from a nearby restaurant, a packed meal at home, or
some biscuits. Which is the best? 3. Situation:
You are considering what to spend your large sum of lucky money on. You have three options
to choose from: a new laptop, a new smartphone, or some books. Which is the best choice? 4. Situation:
You are planning your summer vacation. There are three options for you to choose from: going
to the mountains, going to the beach, or staying at the house of one of your relatives. Which is the best choice? 5. Situation:
You are thinking of different ways to advertise your products. There are three options to choose
from: on television, on the internet, or in the newspaper. Which is the best choice? 6. Situation:
You want to improve your English skills. There are three options for you to choose from:
watching English movies, practicing with friends, or reading English books. Which is the best choice? 7. Situation:
You want to buy some clothes for an upcoming event. There are three options for you to choose
from: shopping online, visiting a mall, or buying from a second-hand store near your house. Which is the best choice? 8. Situation:
You and your friends want to go out for a meal together. You have three options for where to
eat: a fast food restaurant, a buffet restaurant, or a BBQ at a public park. Which is the best choice?
Part 3. Topic development (Phát triển đề tài)
Thời gian: 5 phút (1 phút chuẩn bị)
Kĩ năng kiểm tra: Nói trước khán giả, nói độc thoại dài, trình bày về một vấn đề, phát triển và
mở rộng chủ đề, mô tả sự vật, hiện tượng, hiểu người tham thoại, tương tác xã hội, trả lời câu hỏi.
Hình thức: Thí sinh nói độc thoại dài, hỏi và trả lời câu hỏi. Thí sinh được cho 1 đề tài, 3 gợi
ý câu trả lời, và ba câu hỏi liên quan tới chủ đề đã cho. 7
Yêu cầu: thí sinh trình bày bài nói ngắn về chủ đề được cung cấp, thí sinh trả lời từ một đến
ba câu hỏi liên quan đến chủ đề. (theo Quyết đi ̣nh số: 730/QĐ-BGDĐT) TIPS:
- Clarify the statement topic by using the supporting details and your own ideas
- Vary vocabulary by using synonyms, related words instead of using given words
- Use tips of part 1 to answer extended questions
1. Topic: Online learning brings more choices for people to improve their knowledge. Suggested ideas: - low cost - flexible - continuous - (your own ideas) Extended questions:
- What age groups are suitable for online learning?
- Do you think people will only use online learning in the future instead of going to classrooms?
- What are the main challenges faced by learners in online education?
2. Topic: Leaning English has many benefits. Suggested ideas:
- Find a good job with higher salary
- Make friends with people from over the world - Make travelling easier - (your own ideas) Extended questions:
- How much time a day do you spend learning English?
- Do you prefer learning English through formal classes or self-study?
- What apps or online platforms do you use to learn English?
3. Topic: Fast food is a good option for people these days. 8 Suggested ideas: - convenience - time-saving nature - many choices - (your own ideas) Extended questions:
- How often do you eat fast food in a week?
- What fast food is popular in your country?
- What problems can happen if you eat fast food a lot?
4. Social networking has changed how people around the world connect. Suggested ideas:
- Make more friends around the world
- Interact in real-time through photos, videos
- Help people reconnect with old friends - (your own ideas) Extended questions:
- How has social networking impacted the younger generation's behavior?
- What are some problems linked to social networking?
- How does false information on social media affect the society?
5. Teaching children to do housework is beneficial. Suggested ideas: - promote teamwork - teach valuable life skills
- develop children’s independence - (your own ideas) Extended questions:
- Did you help your parents do housework when you were young? Why (not)?
- What types of housework can children do at home?
- At what age should children start doing housework? 9 PHẦN 2. WRITING
A. USEFUL STRUCTURES & EXPRESSIONS FOR WRITING
I. TASK 1 (Email/ Letter)
1. GENERAL STRUCTURE OF AN EMAIL/ LETTER Section Useful language Notice Greeting/ Salutation Dear Sir/ Madam, Formal/ Informal Dear Mr. Smith, Dear John, Hi John, Opening (1 paragraph) Write about 1-2 - Start your email/ letter sentences
Thank you for your email/ letter.
It’s lovely to hear from you. How are you? I’m sorry to hear …
- Add comment on the information It’s great to know that …
mentioned in the latest email/ letter What wonderful news about …
you received from that person if necessary Body/ Message content (1-2 Answer all of the paragraphs)
I am writing this email/ letter to/ questions mentioned
- Mention reason(s) for writing the for … in the given email/ email/ letter letter
I thought I’d write to tell you/ to - Focus on the main ideas ask you …
- Answer all of the questions as Anyway, the reason I’m writing
requested in the given email/ letter is … 10 Closing (1 paragraph) Sign the email/ letter - End the email/ letter with the name of the
I am looking forward to hearing from you. person you are playing the role of, Hope to hear from you soon. not you real name I’ll write back soon. - Offer help if necessary
If you have any questions, please Formal/ Informal feel free to ask. Best regards,
- Close the email/ letter and sign Your faithfully, All the best, Love,
2. TYPES OF EMAILS/ LETTERS
It depends on the given email/ letter to decide whether you should write a formal or informal email/ letter.
Below are some common types of emails/ letters. GIVING INFORMATION Opening 
Mention reason(s) for writing Thank you for your email/ letter. I am
writing to answer your questions about …
I write to tell you about …. 
I’m sorry to hear … Add comment on the
information mentioned in the latest It’s great to know that …
email/ letter you received from that person if necessary Body 
Give information as requested The first thing I would like to tell you is … - First point
I’d also like to let you know that … - Further points
It might also be useful for you to know that … 11
Another piece of information that might be useful is … Closing
- End the email/ letter and sign
I hope that I have been able to answer all of your questions.
I look forward to being able to help you again in the future.
Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions. Best regards, Love, GIVING OPINIONS
Opening - Mention reason(s) for writing
I am writing to response/ in reply to your letter about …
I hope the following advice/ suggestions
will be of some help to you.
I’d like to give you my views on … Body
- Give advice/ suggestions/ your own I strongly recommend that … opinions
I would advise you to … I suggest that …
I agree/ disagree with … because …
I’m for/ against the plan because …
It seems to me that … Closing
- End the email/ letter and sign
I hope you agree with …
Please do not hesitate to contact me for more information.
Let me know what you think. Best regards, 12 Cheers, Love,
Most complaint emails/ letters are written in formal format. COMPLAINING Opening 
Mention reason(s) for writing I am writing to complain about/ express 
my concern about a laptop which I bought
Give detailed information from your shop last Saturday. about the service/ purchase:
- When and where did the service/
purchase in the given email/ letter I am writing this email/ letter because I am take place?
not satisfied with the quality/ the service in
your restaurant in recent months.
- How much did you pay for the goods/ service? - Other Body 
When the details are about a Make a complaint: present tenses
chronological sequence of events
Describe the problem: past tenses
- How did you discover the problem?
- What did you do/ have you done after that?
- Did you try to do anything to let
those responsible know about the
problem? What are their reactions?  When the details fall into
groups or different inconvenience
- What was the first inconvenience? - What was the second inconvenience? - Other Closing  Call to action 13
- What do you feel about the I understand that mistakes might happen situation?
but I was so unhappy with that.
I must ask you, therefore, either to replace
- What do you think you should get the laptop or refund the price I paid for it, in compensation for the $1,200.
inconvenience you had to suffer?
I demand that you refund my money immediately.
I feel that at the very least you owe me an
apology. I await an answer from you.
If the email/ letter does not get any
response, I intend to take up the matter
- Do you intend to take any further with the Department of Home Affairs.
action if your demands are not fulfilled?
Unless I hear from you within ten days, I
shall have to take legal advice on the
matter. I enclose the receipt as evidence.
- Do you need to enclose anything, Best regards,
for example, the receipt as evidence? 
End the email/ letter and sign APOLOGIES Opening 
Mention reason(s) for writing I am writing to express my apology … 
Give a brief detail and express I am afraid I …
you regret about the trouble caused to I regret to say that …
the writer of the given email/ letter
I am extremely sorry for … Sorry for … Body  Explain the
whole This was due to …
circumstances and offer an apology
The reason for this was … 14
The reason for this has been that I forgot/  misunderstood … State any promise you can make to rectify the situation
I can offer no excuse to except that …
- How do you feel about the I am promise that … situation? - Do you promise anything?
- Do you assure any improvement in the future? Closing
- Express your regret once again
Once again, sorry for …
Please accept my apology.
- End the email/ letter and sign Best regards,
Most emails/ letters for making requests are written in formal format. REQUESTS
Opening - Mention reason(s) for writing
I am writing to ask for …
I am writing on account of … Body - What are your requests? Could you please …
I would like you to …
I would be grateful if you could …
Would it be possible for you to …
Another thing/ matter I need is … Closing
- Make some reference to hearing I look forward to receiving your reply. from the recipient
I look forward to hearing from you at your earliest convenience.
Please call me at … if you need any further information. Best regards, 15 II. TASK 2 (Essay)
1. GENERAL OUTLINE FOR AN ESSAY Introduction - Opening sentence Write about 1-2 - Thesis statement sentences Body Write about 2-3 Body paragraph 1 paragraphs - Topic sentence 1
Explanation/ Supportive idea & Example Body paragraph 2 - Topic sentence 2
Explanation/ Supportive idea & Example Body paragraph 3 - Topic sentence 3
Explanation/ Supportive idea & Example … Conclusion - Summary Write about 1-2 sentences Do not add new information 2. USEFUL LANGUAGE Introduction
- Opening sentence: paraphrase the topic question/ task input
- Thesis statement: YOUR point of view on the issue raised in the topic,
help the examiner direct the content of your essay and keep the smaller
points in the body of the essay on track • INTRODUCE THE TOPIC
Some people argue that…
Have you ever considered… ?
The question raises the issue of…
• STATE AN OPINION (THESIS STATEMENT) 16 I believe that…
It is my belief that…
This essay will argue that…
From my perspective, …
• INDICATE THE SCOPE OF THE ESSAY
In this essay, I will state…
This essay will examine…
This essay will discuss further insight into …
… will be covered in this essay. Body Body paragraph 1 - Topic sentence 1
- Explanation/ Supportive idea/ Evidence to strengthen your argument - Example if needed … Body paragraph 2 Body paragraph 3 … • ADD IDEAS What is more, …
Moreover/ furthermore/ in addition (to)
Firstly, … / First of all,… Secondly, ... Thirdly, …
Lastly, … / Finally, … • EXPRESS CONTRAST Although …
Despite ... / In spite of ... On the contrary, …
Whereas ... / However, ... / In contrast, ... / But ... / Compared to … 17
On the one hand, ... / On the other hand, ... • GIVE EXAMPLES
For example, …/ For instance, … In particular, …
To illustrate this point, … In other words, … It means that …  INTRODUCE FACTS
It is true that/ noticeable that …
One should note here that …  EXPRESS CERTAINTY
Certainly, … / Doubtless,… /Definitely, … Undoubtedly, …
 GIVE CONDITIONAL STATEMENTS
If…/ Provided that …/ Unless … Whether … Depending on …  GIVE REASONS Since, …/ As …,
Because (of) …/ Thanks to …/ Due to…/ Owing to …  GIVE CONSEQUENCES As a result, … Thus…
Therefore, …/ Consequently, …/ Eventually, … It follows that … Admittedly, … 18 Conclusion To sum up, … To conclude, … In summary, … In short, … In conclusion, … Overall, … On the whole, …
To return to my original idea, …
To recapitulate, I do (not) believe that … because of … B. PRACTICE I. TASK 1
1. Email of complaint: Complaining about poor service experienced during a recent trip
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.
You have received an email from a friend, Alicia, asking you about your recent trip. Read her email below. Hi Kate,
I hope you're having a good day. I saw your Facebook status about your recent trip, and it
sounds disappointing. What happened? I'm really curious to know what went wrong. Despite
that, what activities did you do on the trip? Also, if you don't mind sharing, how much did you
have to pay for everything? I hope things get better for you, and maybe I can talk to you soon. Take care, Alicia
Write an email responding to Alicia. In your email, you have to complain about the poor
service you received, tell Alicia about the activities you did and the cost you had to pay for your trip.
You should write at least 120 words. 19
DO NOT include your name or address.
Your response will be evaluated in terms of Task fulfillment, Organization, Vocabulary, and Grammar.
2. Email of apology: Apologizing for being late to an event or meeting
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.
You have received an email from an uncle, Peter, asking you about not being at the family
party and your new job in HCM City. Read his email below. Hey Ken,
I hope you're well. We missed you at the family party recently; I tried calling you a few times.
Is everything okay? How's your new job in HCM City going? I'd love to hear how things are.
Let me know if there's anything you need help with. It would be great to see you soon. Looking
forward to hearing from you! Best, Peter
Write an email responding to Peter. In your email, you have to apologize for missing the
party, tell him about your life in HCM city and about your new job.
You should write at least 120 words.
DO NOT include your name or address.
Your response will be evaluated in terms of Task fulfillment, Organization, Vocabulary, and Grammar.
3. Email of giving information: Giving information about a healthy lifestyle
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.
You have received an email from a friend, Jack, asking you about having a healthy lifestyle. Read his email below. 20 Hey Peter,
I hope you're doing well. I really want to have a healthier lifestyle, and you are the perfect
person to ask for advice. I'd love to know what foods I should focus on for a balanced diet.
Besides, could you share your daily exercise routine with me? It’s also hard to me to stay
motivated, so any tips on that would be great. Looking forward to hearing from you and
learning from your experience! Best, Jack
Write an email responding to Jack. You should write at least 120 words.
DO NOT include your name or address.
Your response will be evaluated in terms of Task fulfillment, Organization, Vocabulary, and Grammar.
4. Email of giving information: Giving information about how to manage your time as a student
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.
You have received an email from a friend, Sophie, asking you about time management. Read her email below. Hey Lucy,
I hope you're doing well! I'm thinking about applying for a part-time job like yours. I'd love
to learn from your experience. Can you tell me more about your part-time job? Also, how do
you effectively manage your time? Do you use any tools or applications to track your daily
activities? It would be great to get some advice from you!
Looking forward to hearing from you soon. Take care, Sophie
Write an email responding to Sophie. You should write at least 120 words.
DO NOT include your name or address.