Speaking: Media (Newspaper)

ANSWER KEY:
1) Yes, almost every day. I used to read printed newspapers, but things have changed a
lot. Now I update myself by reading online news on a daily basis.
2) Well, I have to say that I like magazines more. That's because they usually have eye-
catching visual content. Newspapers, on the other hand, contain too many words. And I'm
not the kind of person who likes to read.
3) Definitely. I guess the only way for us not to be left behind is to update ourselves on
what is happening around us. The world is constantly changing every day, you know
4) I think, both. Each group has their own interest. Older people tend to pay attention to
serious topics like economy and politics, whereas entertainment news about celebrities or
education news would attract young people more.
5) I have to say no. I don’t find it necessary to read newspapers anymore when I can get
all the latest news right from the Internet. Besides, reading news online can be less time-
consuming.
Speaking – Food (Part 2)
Sample Answer 1:
Vietnamese cuisine is extremely diverse, so picking only a dish as my favorite would not
be easy. But hot pot – the tastiest food of all time to me - is the thing I would like to
mention today. It is quite popular in Vietnam, especially among the young generation and
even adults. Come at 6 pm, and you can find groups of people getting together in
restaurants or even on the sidewalks, sitting around a boiling hot pot full of flavorful
broth, fresh meat, fish, and vegetables. Hot pot comes in different styles, too. They never
fail to make me mouthwatering when thinking of them. I usually have it once a week. For
the most part, my husband and I prepare the dish ourselves to make sure that we can
enjoy the home-cooked food and spend quality time together. There are many reasons
why I enjoy this dish so much. One of them may be because it can suit all kinds of
situations or weather conditions. It keeps me warm on cold days, and it is also perfect for
the summer. It's wonderful to slurp the hot pot at a family and friends gathering. Above
all, it is also super customizable to my preferences. Besides, eating hot pot is very
healthy, so I think if you have never eaten it before, it's definitely a must try.
Sample Answer 2:
I think for most Vietnamese people, banh chung, or square sticky rice cake is a specialty
of our culture. That's what I would like to talk about today. Although this dish is made
from quite simple and easy-to-find ingredients, its presence has a special and beautiful
meaning in our culture. At first, people are often not impressed with its appearance
because the square-shaped cake is just wrapped in dong leaves or banana leaves. But
people will be completely amazed when trying it. The inside is so flavorful that we could
not stand it but take one bite after another. There is a wonderful combination of fragrant
rice in the outer layer and tender and fatty pork in the core. Most eaters have to admit that
it is tasty and unforgettable. Many people say that the taste of banh chung has long been
considered to be the taste of Tet. Therefore, although Vietnamese cuisine is diverse, it has
been an irreplaceable component of the Lunar New Year celebration. Serving the dish on
this special occasion not only reminds the young generation of our long history but also
puts an emphasis on the importance of rice in Vietnamese culture. Apart from its beautiful
and distinctive taste, one main reason for banh chung's popularity is the process of
making it. It usually consumes much time and effort and can take the whole family all
day to complete. Getting together to prepare the ingredients, wrapping and boiling the
cakes, family members have a chance to spend precious time bonding and connecting
with each other. That's what makes banh chung really special for all Vietnamese
Speaking – Work (Part 3)

Sample Answer
1) I think of the two factors, the former is more important. When a person feels satisfied
with his job, I believe that his productivity will increase significantly. The job then would
be lucrative itself. 2) Well, there are quite a number of essential skills that are needed, but
I would consider time management the most important. Many people find it difficult for
them to have a work-life balance since they generally cannot manage time well. But the
fact is that while they need to work hard to pay the bills, they also need time to be with
their loved ones and enjoy life, so time management skills are really crucial.
3) I think the answer is yes for most jobs, from the highly acclaimed to the ordinary ones,
regardless of gender, as long as the workers are appropriately trained. But there are some
fields that require special physical performance, such as mechanics and heavy lifting
jobs, that are certainly more suitable for men than women.
4) I suppose the most significant change we can witness is that technology has enabled
people to work much more easily. Thanks to it, now people can work from home and
have a very flexible schedule. Also, some tasks which used to require human labor now
can be done by machines.
5) I think all jobs are equally valuable to society. But sometimes it all depends on the
period that we consider, so some jobs are more valuable in that time than others.
Paramedics, nurses, and doctors, for example, are most valuable in the Covid-19
pandemic, but when there is a war, soldiers would be the leading force.

Sample Answer
1) Well, from my observation, most young people in Vietnam, especially those with
formal education, do not want to get a manual job since they may think that their time
and financial investment in learning at schools should help them get a lucrative
profession. With this, they can pay the bills.
2) I believe teachers would play a more significant role in this matter. The primary reason
may be because, through everyday interaction with students in class, teachers have a
better understanding of their students' skills and career potentials. Therefore, when it
comes to giving good advice, teachers are the wiser choice.
3) I don't think so. For many people, a lucrative job is not their priority when choosing a
career but job satisfaction. That is because when people feel satisfied with their job,
working would be much more enjoyable, and this is the thing that can boost their
productivity and eventually help them climb the career ladder.
4) This is definitely true in modern society when the job market is more competitive than
ever. People are under huge pressure to spend more time at work to be able to pay the
bills as the living expenses are constantly rising. I think holidays at this point would not
be as important anymore.
5) I would say that there are a certain number of jobs that require more concentration than
some others. Like, for instance, bus or taxi drivers must constantly pay close attention to
the traffic and anticipate what other drivers are going to do. Another example is
accountants who must deal with data at a high level of accuracy
Speaking – Neighbor
Sample Answer
1) I guess that I’m a pretty good neighbor since I respect my neighbors’ privacy and give
them a helping hand whenever they are in need.
2) Well I have to say yes. We always try to get along well with each other. The people
who live next door are pretty caring, too.
3) Of course. I guess that maintaining a good relationship with neighbors makes my life a
whole lot easier and happier, especially when the workload already brings me enough
stress.
4) As I recall, there are tons of good things they have done for me. Last summer, for
example, my husband and I had a long vacation for a week, and the people who live next
door kept a really close eye on our apartment. One of my neighbors even texted me about
a stranger looking for me. And I was so grateful for what they had done.
5) Well, I suppose it all depends. People living in the countryside tend to have such a
strong connection with their neighbors that they can share even the most personal
matters. City dwellers, however, prefer to keep their personal life private.
Sample Answer
1) Well, I think it all depends. The living environment can determine whether neighbors
have a close connection or not. For example, people in the countryside would be closer to
their neighbors than city dwellers would be.
2) Well, almost every morning in the parking lot. Since most of the residents in my
apartment building are office workers, we usually head to work about the same time. It’s
pretty nice to start your day with a greeting from caring neighbors.
3) I find it quite easy to become a good neighbor. I don’t expect much from the people
who live next door but to respect my privacy and give those in need a helping hand
whenever possible.
4) I don’t think that I found myself in any situation where I asked for assistance from my
neighbors. But I remember that one time, one of them kept a close eye on my property
when I was on a long trip. When I returned, he informed me of some thefts in the
building.
5) I would probably have them all as my neighbors since each generation brings joy to
my life in a different way. The elderly are precious books, rich in life lessons, whereas
children are my endless source of pure joy and courage
Speaking – Festivals
1. Do people often celebrate festivals in your country?
Well, I believe that festivals are such an indispensable part of any culture, so Vietnam is
no exception. We celebrate many festivals during the year, such as Tet, Hung King's
festival, or the Mid-autumn festival.
2. What do people usually do during festivals?
I guess it all depends on what the festival is. But for the most part, I would say people
usually dress up, have family or friends reunions, and enjoy scrumptious meals.
3. Which is your favorite festival?
Ah, definitely Tet. This is the festival that I always long for during the whole year. For
me, it is a meaningful and time-honored tradition in Vietnamese culture that allows me
to spend quality time with my beloved ones without being disturbed by any deadlines.
4. Do you think festivals are important?
Absolutely. Festivals not only can serve really well as a stress reliever, but they also
provide people with opportunities to enjoy blissful moments, bond, and get along better
with their friends and family members.
5. What festival has become more popular recently?
I think it is probably Christmas. You know, Christmas is not our national celebration but
has been gaining much popularity, especially among the young generation. The chief
reason for this, I guess, may come from globalization. With closer relations among all the
countries, we have started to adopt many beautiful cultures and make them our own.
Speaking – Culture

Describe an important festival in your country.

Sample Answer
Well, if I were to talk about an important festival in my country, I think I have to go for
Tet, also known as Lunar New Year. Vietnamese people usually celebrate this festival on
the last few days of December and the first few days of January of the Lunar Calendar. It
is one of the longest and most time-honored festivals in our country. It signifies the very
end of a hard-working year, a fresh start for a new year, and a hope for a brighter near
future. This occasion is also a chance for us to spend quality time with our loved ones and
show respect to our ancestors. Since this is quite a long festival, we have a wide range of
activities over the course of about 7 days or so. Vietnamese families usually spend the
last days of the lunar year cleaning their house with the hope of getting rid of bad luck.
Some even repaint or decorate their house with kumquat trees or flowers. On New Year's
Eve, family members often get together to watch fireworks on television. The elderly
usually go to bed early, whereas the younger folks stay up all night long to play cards,
share past year's stories, and enjoy blissful moments together. The rest of the Tet holidays
are spent on visits to our relatives, teachers, or friends. Therefore, as a sign of hospitality,
every family would prepare scrumptious meals to welcome visitors to their house. I
would say Tet is the time that most Vietnamese look forward to in the year.
Describe a festival that has been more popular recently.
Sample Answer
Talking about a festival that has gained increasing popularity recently, I think I have to go
for Christmas, or also called X-mas by many. It is officially celebrated on the 25th of
December, but many people usually enjoy this festival from the evening of the 24th .
Since this is not an official public holiday in Vietnam, we still go to work, and businesses
are still open as usual.
Christmas is indeed the most significant and time-honored event during the year in many
Western countries. We can say it is as important as Tet in Vietnam. This occasion not only
brings people together to spend quality time with their beloved ones, but it is also an
important event for Christians to mark the birth of Jesus Christ. There is a profound
difference in the ways Vietnamese and Westerners celebrate this festival. People in
Western countries usually decorate their houses and Christmas trees, give gifts, and enjoy
scrumptious meals at family reunions, whereas people in Vietnam, especially young
people, spend Christmas Eve with their friends or lovers, although those who are
Christian probably celebrate this festival in a similar way as westerners do. I believe
Christmas has been gaining popularity in recent years all because of the increasingly high
living standard. When the basic needs are met, we tend to care more about our mental
needs. We enjoy the blissful atmosphere and the festivity that Christmas brings. So even
though Christmas is a religious celebration, it is becoming more and more popular in
Vietnam.
Speaking – Describe Moods

Sample Answer
1) Well, there are quite a few things that can make me feel down in the dumps, for
instance, when I unintentionally do or say something that hurts someone's feelings or
even if my favorite plant in the garden dies. I guess one primary reason may be because
I'm a sensitive person.
2) I have to say that it all depends. Like if I'm alone, I will certainly do some gardening,
which can easily make me chirpier. But if I'm with my friends, they would most likely try
to make me feel happier with jokes and good food. This way is even more effective in
cheering me up.
3) I guess I will share my unhappiness with people if it relates to and really affects them.
Otherwise, I would keep it to myself because I find it awkward to share my negative
feelings with someone and make that person suffer with me.
4) Definitely. One primary reason may be that our life is full of ups and downs, so we
cannot be happy all the time. What I also want to add is that sadness somehow can make
us value our happy moments more.
5) Well, I know that I always feel anxious when seeing a friend unhappy. But most of the
time, if they are not comfortable sharing the thing, I wouldn't ask. I prefer to stay by their
side, ask them out or cook them their favorite dish.
Sample Answer
1) No. I have to say that I'm quite patient and not bad-tempered. Most of the time, people
see me as a chirpy person.
2) Well, there are times when I get mad easily, like, for instance, when I am focusing on
preparing a lesson or doing a task, and a loud noise keeps disturbing me. The same thing
also happens when I feel down in the dumps.
3) As I mentioned, I'm pretty patient. I would like to say that in order to be a calm person,
it took me years to train myself. One of the primary reasons for me to do this may be that
I consider getting angry easily somehow shows that I am mentally weak.
4) Well, to be honest, I know the angrier I get, the more patient I should be in order not to
hurt anyone's feelings. But most of the time, whenever I get mad, I become pretty
impatient.
5) I guess it all depends. Like, if someone makes me annoyed and this would negatively
affect my personal life or work, I will certainly show strong emotions to let them know
they have done something wrong.
Speaking – Tourism

Sample Answer
1) Well, there are several possible reasons here, but I guess mostly because of the
technological development which has made booking trips and traveling more and more
convenient. In addition, since tourism is a multibillion-dollar industry, the government
has created favorable conditions to attract more tourists, which, in turn, fosters economic
development.
2) I have never really thought about it, but I think young travelers would gain more from
traveling. Unlike old people who are already rich in experience, the youth tend to get
more excited and inspired through the exposure to new challenges and opportunities on
their trips. 3) There are several possible explanations here, but I believe the main reason
for choosing to travel overseas is the change in scenery and experience. I mean, each
country would have different natural beauty, for example, the beaches in Bali, the
highlands in Scotland, or the glaciers in Norway, which might be completely different
from what people usually see in their own country. Besides, there are also various
cultures, food, and lifestyles that tourists wish to experience when traveling to other
countries.
4) That’s exactly how I see it. Tourism plays a huge role in each country since it can
foster economic development by creating a source of income for local residents,
especially in peak seasons. Besides, it also pushes the government to improve local
infrastructures such as transportation facilities, buildings, and public spaces.
5) I would say, living in popular tourist destinations brings local residents certain
problems. First, tourism development is usually accompanied by crowd, noise, and
traffic, causing annoyance and disturbance to their daily lives. In addition, conflicts
between locals and tourists can arise due to differences in customs and cultures,
especially when it comes to religion.
Sample Answer
1) Well, I must admit that this multibillion-dollar industry plays a significant role in
Vietnam’s economy. Tourism has several possible advantages, but I would like to
emphasize that it has fostered our country’s economic development, particularly over the
last decade, by creating job opportunities and generating a considerable source of income
for local residents, especially in peak seasons.
2) I have never really thought about it, but I would like to suggest one do and one don’t.
The former is respecting the local customs and traditions by doing some research before
the trip for better preparation. The latter is that no matter where you go, try not to cause
environmental damage, like littering or disturbing the ecosystem there.
3) The media, especially the Internet, has transformed tourism to another level, I believe.
People nowadays tend to research before they go on a trip by reading travel experiences,
reviews on accommodations, and other aspects. Advertisements, TV shows, or blogs
about traveling also help inform people about places they otherwise would not have
known. So, it influences the way people make their decision about the trip.
4) Well, that’s not exactly how I see it. What you watch or read on the Internet will be
nothing compared to what you experience yourself. Like, for instance, it is possible for
you to get all kinds of information about Son Doong cave from the Internet, but only
when you get there and are lost in the breathtaking view of that enormous cave then you
truly experience Son Doon