SOẠN SPEAKING FORECAST Q1
TOPIC 1: ACOMMODATION
1.Where is your hometown? -The City of Flame Flowers: thành
Actually, I come from Hai Phong city, a commercial and industrial centre in phố hoa phượng
northen Viet Nam. It's the 3rd most populous metropolis in the country - populous metropolis: đô thị đô
also known as The City of Flame Flowers because most of its streets are
dân
lined with flame flower trees
2.What do you like most about your hometown? - picturesque backwaters : vùng nước
I really love the atmosphere in this city. It is because that the air too much đọng đẹp như tranh vẽ
refesher compared to HCM city, providing a serene escape from rat race in
- delectable cuisine: ẩm thực ngon
life. On top of that, , it is a lively and diverse city with a wonderful traditional
culture, picturesque backwaters and delectable cuisine lành
3.What do you not like about it?
You know, the main drawback here is the buzz of traffic. . It can be hard to get
around sometimes, and it’s not always peaceful. But the city is getting better
every day, and I think it has the potential to be a major tourist destination.
4.Would you prefer to live somewhere else? (Why)? - is in my cards=likely happens
Although I'm fond of my hometown, settling down here isn't in my cards, - constraint (n)= restriction : những
mainly because of its constraints. I'm thinking somewhere like Da Lat could be hạn chế
ideal – it seems to offer a nice blend of urban amenities along with abundant
green spaces. It's modern yet retains a relaxed vibe.
TOPIC 2: HOME & ACCOMMODATION
1. What kind of housing/accommodation do you live in? -The City of Flame Flowers: thành
I live in a cozy studio apartment nestled in the bustling Phu Nhuan phố hoa phượng
district. It's a modest space, about 100 square meters, but it's just - populous metropolis: đô thị đô
perfect for me. What I truly cherish about my apartment is its
dân
minimalist and contemporary design that perfectly aligns with my way
of life.
1. Who do you live with? - picturesque backwaters : vùng nước
I’m sharing this delightful place with my husband and our two-year-old đọng đẹp như tranh vẽ
son. Since my husband and I had been friends for 11 years before - delectable cuisine: ẩm thực ngon
tying the knot, living together feel so natural for us, as if it's always
lành
been this way.
1. How long have you lived there?
I've made this place my home mainly because of the convenience;
everything we need is just around the corner, be it groceries, a good
book at the bookstore, or the latest movies at the cinema.
2. What’s the difference between where you are living now and - is in my cards=likely happens
where you have lived in the past?
- constraint (n)= restriction : những
My residence has undergone significant changes. Back then, it was an hạn chế
underpopulated and quiet place with just a few shops. But today, it
has transformed into a bustling area with all sorts of amenities, such
as restaurants, coffee and milk tea shop, supermarket, cinema and the
likes.
1. Do you plan to live there for a long time?
Even though we're fond of this neighborhood, we're aware that we'll
need to move at some point. Our goal is to own our home someday,
but with the houses in Phu Nhuan being prohibitively expensive, that
dream is currently beyond our reach.
3. Which room does your family spend most of the time in?
The kitchen is where our family spends most of our time. It's our
gathering spot, where my husband and I chat and share stories of our
day over dinner or breakfast. It's where our day starts and finishes.
2.
4. Are the transport facilities to your home very good?
Yes, the infrastructure near my house is pretty good with flat roads and
limited traffic jams. There are also many bus stops where you can
easily catch a bus.
3.
5. Do you prefer living in a house or a flat?
Many people prefer to live in an apartment because of its convenience,
but I prefer a house. I like having more space and a yard where I can
relax or do some gardening. It just feels more private and comfortable
to me compared to living in an apartment.
4.
6. Please describe the room you live in.
It’s a cozy room with a minimalist style, featuring a bed, a wardrobe,
and a desk for me to study or work at. I also put up a small two-story
shelf where I display a few pots of ornamental plants to add a
green touch to the room.
5.
7. What part of your home do you like the most?
I absolutely adore the balcony at my house. It's our little green oasis
with lots of plants, and the ideal place to enjoy cool breezes from
above. It's incredibly peaceful and cozy, making it my favorite spot to
unwind whenever I feel tired
6.
TOPIC 3: WORK
1. Are you a student or are you working?
I am currently employed as a market researcher at Kantar TNS, which is
renowned as one of the leading market research firms in Vietnam. I
find my role incredibly engaging as it allows me to work closely with
senior executives and address pivotal strategic business matters.
2. Is your job popular in your country these days?
Indeed, the increasing competition in the market compels companies
to prioritize consumer insights, which elevates the demand for market
research.
3. What do you like most about your job?
The most rewarding part of my job is the opportunity to interact with
some of the sharpest minds in the business world. Their acumen in
translating data into actionable business strategies is profoundly
educational. Moreover, the diversity of proposals and reports I craft for
various industries greatly broadens my knowledge and sharpens my
analytical and critical thinking skills. It's a unique and enriching
experience that few are fortunate enough to have.
4. Is there anything you dislike about your job?
If I had to point out a downside, it would be the significant amount of
stress and the long working hours that have now been a regular part
of my schedule. In today's competitive world, timing is crucial for
businesses. Our clients these days are always in a rush for quicker
results, which means the turnaround for each project is way shorter.
So, we often end up working late to meet those tight deadlines.
5. What is your typical day like at work?
My daytime hours are reserved for pressing tasks, including client
meetings, collaborations with internal teams, and responding to
communications. My evenings are dedicated to formulating
proposals for prospective clients, designing surveys, or compiling
reports for ongoing projects.
6. Is there any other work you would like to do in the future?
Yes, I'm quite interested in Data Analysis, a field that's quite similar to
market research, but it offers researchers and businesses quicker and
more reliable results as we don't have to deal with potentially
fabricated data from interviewers, we work directly with online data,
analyzing consumers' profiles and browsing history
7.
7. Is there anything you want your company to change?
Honestly, I'd really love it if the company could bump up our salaries
and maybe hire a few more folks for our team. But, I'm not holding
my breath. I get that doing this would mean more expenses for them,
and that could eat into their profits. So, yeah, I'm not too optimistic
about it happening anytime soon.
8.
8. Which is more important to you – the people you work with or the
work you do? (Why?)
Both the people I work with and the work I do hold significant
importance to me, and it's challenging to prioritize one over the
other. The people create a supportive and collaborative environment,
making work enjoyable and fulfilling. On the other hand, the work
itself is key for my personal and professional growth, keeping me
motivated and engaged. It's satisfying to do work that aligns with my
interests and skills, helping me grow and advance in my career.
9.
9. Do you work best in the morning or the afternoon? (Why?)
Definitely the afternoon. I'm not really a morning person. It takes me a
bit of time to really wake up and get into the groove of things. I've
noticed that my energy levels and focus are much better after lunch.
That's when I feel more alert and creative. So, yeah, afternoons are
when I do my best work. Mornings are just for warming up and getting
ready for that productive burst in the afternoon.
10.
TOPIC 4: TEA OF COFFEE
1. Do you prefer drinking tea or coffee? (Why/Why not?)
I’d prefer the latter. There's something about the rich aroma and the
taste that I really love. Coffee just has this way of waking me up and
keeping me focused, especially in the mornings. However, I don’t drink
coffee often as I have caffeine sensitivity. By that I mean I always feel
jittery, and dizzy after a cup of coffee or tea.
2. When was the last time you had a cup of coffee/tea?
It must have been about a week ago when I last hung out with my
friends. Like I mentioned, I'm not big on tea or coffee, so I only have
them occasionally.
3. Do you usually buy your coffee in a coffee shop?
You know, I'm not really into coffee, so I don't often find myself buying
it, especially from coffee shops. I usually only pop in those places
when I'm out with friends. Even then, coffee isn't my first pick; I'd
much rather go for a cup of fruit juice than a cup of coffee.
4. Do you want to make your own cup of coffee at home?
No, even though the idea sounds fun and exciting, I believe I'm too
busy for it. Making a cup of coffee at home involves a lot of
preparation, waiting for it to brew, and then cleaning up afterward. It
just feels like a complex process for me.
5. Do you remember the first time you tried drinking tea/coffee?
(Why/Why not?)
Yes, it was back when I was just a little kid. My dad used to drink
strong black coffee every morning, and one day, I asked if I could try a
sip. It was super bitter, and I remember scrunching up my face. But I
really loved its smell – fragrant, strong, and special, almost addictive.
That experience was also the first time I realized I have caffeine
sensitivity.
6. Do you ever give visitors to your home tea or coffee? (Why/Why
not?)
Oh, absolutely. Whenever I have visitors at home, I always offer them
tea or coffee. It’s a nice way to welcome people, and it gives us
something to enjoy while we chat. Plus, it’s a great way to make guests
feel comfortable and at home. I think it’s a small but important part of
being a good host.
7. Which is more popular in your country, tea or coffee? (Why?)
In Vietnam, coffee is definitely more popular. We're a coffee nation,
with loads of plantations and we're one of the biggest coffee exporters
in the world. Coffee is more than just a drink here; it's a part of our
culture. Most people here start their day with a cup of coffee. There
are coffee shops everywhere, and each place has its own unique style.
It's really a significant part of our daily life
11.
TOPIC 5: RUNNING
1. Do you go running a lot?
I'm not really into running, to be honest. I find it a bit boring. I'm
more drawn to interactive and competitive sports like martial arts. It's
just more exciting for me because I get to practice with others, have
conversations, and hang out with teammates after the session. That
social aspect adds a lot to the experience for me.
2. Where do you usually go running?
I usually go running in a nearby park. There's a beautiful trail there
with lots of greenery, which makes the experience more enjoyable.
Sometimes, I also run in my neighborhood, but I prefer the park
because it's more peaceful.
3. Did you go running when you were a child?
As a child, I was quite active, so yes, I did run around a lot. I used to
play outdoor games with my friends, and that involved a fair amount
of running. However, I didn't take up running as a dedicated exercise
until I got older.
4. What do you prefer, running alone or running with friends?
I'd go for the latter because there's something about the shared
energy and motivation that makes the experience more enjoyable for
me.
5. What do you think of running?
Running, for me, is pretty interesting. It seems like a great way to clear
your mind and get some fresh air. I admire people who can just lace
up their shoes and go for a run, especially those who do it regularly.
It's not just about physical fitness; it feels like there's a mental and
emotional aspect to it as well, like a form of moving meditation.
6. What do you think of running as a form of exercise?
As a form of exercise, I think running is really effective. It’s a full-body
workout that improves not only your physical health but also your
stamina and endurance. Plus, it's super flexible – you can do it
anywhere, anytime, and it doesn’t require much equipment. For people
who enjoy being outdoors and want a straightforward way to stay
active, running is ideal. It's definitely challenging, but the benefits
seem worth it.
12.
TOPIC 6: CINEMA
1. What kinds of film do you like?
I’d say I have a pretty varied taste in movies; I enjoy almost everything
except horror and thriller flicks, those nightmare scenes just stick
with me too long. But if I had to pick a favorite, it’s definitely sci-fi. I
love how they transport you to another world, away from the daily
grind, with their futuristic vibes and unique storylines
2. Did you often watch films when you were a child?
Yeah, I did catch some films, but that was usually during summer
breaks when I could unwind at night. During the day, I was out on the
farm, lending a hand to my parents with the chores after school hours.
3. Do you often go to the cinema with your friends?
To be honest, not as much as I'd like to. Since we are all busy with our
schedules, it's quite difficult for us to plan a cinema outing. I usually
end up streaming films at home on Netflix.
4. Have you ever gone to the cinema alone?
I've never been to the cinema by myself. If I don't have friends to
accompany me to a movie I'm interested in, I prefer to stay home and
read a book, and wait until the film is available on Netflix. I believe that
the true value of going to the cinema lies in its social aspect. It's not
just about watching a movie; it's also about the experience of
gathering with others
5. Do you think going to the cinema is a good way to spend time
with friends?
Oh, for sure! I think going to the cinema is a great way to hang out
with friends. First, there's something special about seeing a film on the
big screen, with the sound and the whole atmosphere. Plus, it gives us
something to talk about afterwards, like discussing our favorite parts
or what we thought about the story. So yeah, it's a fun experience and
a cool way to spend time together.
TOPIC 7: GIFTS
1. Have you ever sent handmade gifts to others?
Yes, but that was back when I was single. Back then, making things by
hand was my go-to activity. There's just something special about
crafting a unique gift for someone, it's incredibly fulfilling. Every
time I finished a gift for a friend or family member, I'd feel a
tremendous sense of accomplishment.
2. Have you ever received a great gift?
Oh, definitely! There's this one time from my second year at uni that I
always remember. A good friend of mine made me this tiny Christmas
tree, which was made of zinc and had these cute little paper scrolls
tied to it. Each scroll had a memory we shared written on it. It was such
a super thoughtful and fancy gift.
3. How do you often choose a gift?
I’m actually quite careful when choosing a gift for someone. I usually
try to get a feel for what the person is into at the moment. If it’s too
hard, I will just go for classic gifts that never go out of style like a
notebook or some stickers.
4. Do you think you are good at choosing gifts?
Well, it’s hit or miss for me. Sometimes I could pick out some very
great gifts for my friends. But sometimes my gifts are too general and
not as significant as I want, especially when it comes to giving presents
to the ones I don’t know too well.
5. What sort of gifts do you like to buy for friends? (Why?)
I usually like to buy personalized or thoughtful gifts for my friends.
Something that shows I've really considered what they like or what's
special to them. It could be a book by an author they love, a piece of
art that reflects their taste, or even a custom-made item. I think these
kinds of gifts are more meaningful because they show that I've put
time and thought into choosing something that resonates with their
personality or interests.
