I.

Question type 1

Summary

1 Well, as you know…

Actually…

Obviously…

Well first of all…

Indeed…

Alright…

Right, ok…

Ok then…

2 …the first thing I should mention is that…

…the point I would like to begin with is that…

…I could start off by saying that..

…my initial point would be that…

…the main thing you need to know is that…

…in fact…moreover…besides…even though

3 Another point I could add is that…

As well as that, I could say that…

I suppose I should say that…

On top of that I can also add that…

…although…however…in addition…on the other hand…

4 Something else that I need to comment is that…

And I shouldn’t forget to mention that…

In additional to what I’ve just said, I can add that

I guess I could also remark on the fact that…

…in conclusion…in general…

1. Tell me about the house/flat you live in.

Well, I live in a flat with my family, the first thing I should mention is that although the flat that I’m living
in is quite small, it’s a cozy place for me to live in. Another point which I could add is that the
atmosphere around my flat is clear because there are a lot of trees and has few vehicles. Therefore, I
rarely hear loud sound of traffic. Something else I need to comment on is that my flat is on the second
floor of the building, which isn’t very high. So actually, I don’t have to worry about the height every time
I look down through the window.

2. Describe your hometown.

Well, I was born in HCM city; therefore, I think HCM city is my hometown. First thing I have to say that it
is the biggest city of my country. In fact, you can spend a week discovering the city without any
boredom. As well as that, HCM city is the city of bustle with fast pace of life that everyone always seems
so hurry. However, there are plenty of places where you can sit down, have some beverages and enjoy
peaceful atmosphere.

3. Tell me about your study/job.

I’m a first-year-student in a university and my major is Textile-Garment Engineering; therefore, I’m

learning about General subjects, which is the important base for Specialization subjects in future when I
can learn more about making cloths. In addition, I will also learn about the operation of machines. A
second features I could mention is that I can learn how to design clothes and what is needed in the
procedure. Something else that I will learn are sewing technique, production management and even
manufacturing business.

4. Tell me about your city.

Well as you know, I’m living in HCM city, which is the largest city in Vietnam. The point I’d like to begin is
that there are a lot of places for entertainment and sightseeing because the city has many tourists.
Another point which I could say is that HCM city is the place that people from all over the country move
in and start up their business or chasing their dream. In fact, this city is a chance for people to change
their life. I guess I could also remark on the fact that because of the variety of places where people come
to the city. It also makes the cuisine became more interesting that I can find most kind of food in the
city.

5. What is your main ambition?

Well first of all, my main ambition is finding a job that I feel comfortable and making enough money so
that I can help my family. In fact, finding a suitable job is not easy, and finding a job that not only
suitable, but also has high payment is more difficult. Therefore, I could say that I have to learn more,
complete myself and have more experiment.

6. Tell me about your family.

Alright, my family is a nuclear family with four members which are my parents, my younger brother and
me. My parents are employees with busy working time and my brother is studying in a secondary
school. I suppose I could say that my family is quite close-knitted. The fact that we can share our
thoughts and feelings together. We always have dinner together and talk about the day. I could say that
I’m really happy because I’m loved by my parents. They give me and my brother the best they can and
the love, which is the most significant thing to create a happy family.
 II. Question type 2+3

Summary

1 Well in general I would say that…

Actually, I suppose that for the most part I’d probably say that…

Well, to be honest I should really say that…

Of course I think I’d have to say that…

Certainly I would definitely say that…

Well, I guess that I generally speaking I would certainly say that…

2 I’m fairly/pretty keen on…but in particular…

I’m quite/pretty fond of…to be more precise…

I’m really in to/a big fan of…particularly/ especially…

I’m quite enthusiastic about/partial to…to be more specific/to be more accurate…

3 And I guess this is probably because

This might be because

This could be because

This due to fact that

4 DISLIKE

I’m not so keen on

I’m not really that fond of

I’m not much of a fan

I totally detest

I really can’t stand

1. What food do you like?

Well, to be honest I would say that I’m pretty keen on pastry, especially apple pie. This might be because
the first time I made an apple pie, it was interesting and the result was delicious that I enjoyed it very
much. I also usually make pastry like cat’s tongue cake and cookies. In addition, I’m really into
Vietnamese food but in particular, I’m a big fan of Bún Bò. This due to the fact that I used to eat lots of
Bun Bo when I was a child and I was impressed by the awesome favor of it.

2. Do you like reading?

Certainly I would definitely say that I’m quite into reading, specifically comic books. And I guess this is
probably because that I’m very interested in Comics that I can relax and enjoy my free time reading
comics. Moreover, I also enthusiastic about natural science books because they give me a lot of
knowledge.

3. What do you like about your hometown?

Well, in general I would say that I’m quite partial to the bustle of my hometown. This could be because
it’s really convenient that I can get anything I need and have several places to go because my hometown
is a big city. One more thing I adore is that there are some places that are really quiet and chilling with
beautiful view.

4. Do you like listening to music?

Certainly I would definitely say that I’m a big fan of music, especially light music. This is due to the fact
that I usually listen to music while studying because it makes me more concentrated. Moreover, I’ve
been listening classical music recently. I guess this is because classical music also helps me really much in
emotional regulation.

5. Do you like shopping?

I’m not really keen on shopping due to the fact that I don’t have much money. To be more precise, I
don’t do shopping much because I’m still study and my needs are not much. Thus, I usually use my
money for other things like in studying. However, I’d like to wandering around shopping malls and do
window shopping most of the time.

6. What do you like about your studies?

Well in general I would say that I haven’t learn much about my major; therefore, I’m not into it much. To
be more exact, I’m learning about General subjects which is focus on calculation stuff. I suppose the
reason is that I’m not much interested in number and formula. Instead, I’m more concerned about art
and creation. As well as so that, I will learn more in future and my opinion about my major might be
change, but in the present, I don’t have much joy as well as dislike about my studies.

7. Is there any food you don’t like?

Of course I think I have to say that I really can’t stand bitter foods. This due to the fact that my taste is
quiet sensitive with bitterness that it makes me felt uncomfortable and my mouth would be full of bitter
favor. In addition to this, I’m not so keen on foods that are sour. I guess this is because I have to drink
lots of water or find something sweet to balance the favor.

8. Are there any clothes that you don’t like?

Well in general, I would say that I’m not a fan of prom dress. This could be because they’re too luxurious
that my style isn’t fit. To be more exact, they seem a bit uncomfortable and inconvenient for people
who wear them although they’re really pretty.
 9. What type of weather that you dislike?

Well, to be honest I should really say that I’m not so keen on raining months, to be more precise, I’m
really can’t stand rain season. I think this is because it might rain suddenly that I can’t prepare and might
get wet. In addition, I’m also not much of a fan of hot weather because it’s pretty uncomfortable if I
don’t turn the air-conditioner on.

III. Question type 4

Summary

1 Well actually…there’s quite a mixed variety of…

Of course, you know…there’s quite an extensive diversity of…

Sure, obviously…there’s quite a wide range of…

Ok certainly…there’s quite a diverse mixture of…

Of course, it goes without saying…there’s a fairly board range of…

2 The thing with (N) is that

I assume (N) are so + adj…Because…

The point I want to add about (N) is that…

And the basic of this is that…

3 Besides

As well as

In addition to

Another kind/form of…would be/worth mentioning could be

A second variety of…would be something like…

A subsequent category would be something like…

4 And the main characteristic of (N) is that

And the unique aspect of (N) is that

And one exceptional aspect with (N) is that

5 And of course there’s the usual things like…

 And obviously you can also find things like…

Likewise, as might be expected, there are things like…

And naturally, there are things like…

1. Tell me about the types of sports that are popular in your country?

Well actually, there’s quite a mixed of variety sports that are popular in my country. However, I think
football is the most popular sport. I assume that football is a sport that require high teamwork,
individual skill. Moreover, football is a widespread sport that everyone can play it. As well as that, tennis
and badminton are also common in my country. And the unique aspect of tennis and badminton is that
it helps people to improve their health.

2. What kinds of restaurant are popular in your country?

Sure, obviously there’s quite a diverse mixture of culinary background in my country; therefore, the
number of restaurants with lots of different kinds is quite great. On the other hand, Vietnamese
restaurant is the most widespread. I assume Vietnamese restaurants are popular because they give a
friendly and familiar atmosphere to people that they can enjoy the food like at home. Besides, Korea
restaurants are also trendy recently because they are preferred by teenagers.

3. What types of shops can be found in your local area?

OK certainly there’s quite a wide range of shops in my area. Although, cloth shops are commonplace and
the explanation of this could be that cloths are necessary and people in my area love shopping. A second
variety of shop would be something like stationary shops. And the unique aspect of stationary shop is
that my local area, there are many schools so that the need of stationary is also high.

4. What types of things do people collect in your country?

Of course, you know there’s a fairly board range of collection in my country. Although, I think most of
people in my country prefer collect shoes. And the basic of that is that shoes are easy to approach and it
can show how rich people are. And naturally, there are things such as painting collection and perfume
collection that are pretty interesting and also tell the personality of the owners.

5. What hobbies are common in your country?

Well, there’s quite a wide range of hobbies that are preferred. However, the most preferred one is
playing game. And for more exact, teenagers like video games while the older are more into chess and
sports. And the main characteristic of those hobbies is that people can relax and improve their health.
Besides, there are several hobbies like drawing or cooking that are quite popular and interesting.

6. What types of TV programs are popular in your country?

I must say that there are a great number of TV programs here in my country and the most popular are
the game shows. I assume those shows are loved because they are interesting and pretty attractive.
Another kind of programs that are well-known is reality shows, which have exciting content and give
familiar feelings for spectators.
 IV. Question type 5

Summary

1 Well to be honest..

Well in truth…

Actually to be fair…

Well in all fairness…

In actual fact…

In fact, I all honesty…

2 I think I would have to say that it really depends…

I suppose I would have to maintain that it kind of depends really,…

I imagine that it would depend on the situation

I guess my answer would be determined by different condition.

3 If (situation A or B) …then it’s more likely that I’ll

…then I will most likely

…then it’s quite possible that I’ll

…then as a consequence I will probably

4 Whereas in contrast … if …then I guess it’s quite likely that I’ll

Then I will most certainly

Whereas in the other hand …then it’s almost certain that I’ll

…then I will almost always

Though, at the same time

While, oppositely

1. How often do you go to the cinema?

Well, to be honest, I would have to say that it really depends. If I have enough free time with my friends
and have enough money, then I will most likely go to cinema once a moth. Though, at the same time,
when I don’t have money or there are no one go with me, then I will likely staying home most of time.

2. Where do you usually go shopping?

In fact, I’m not into shopping; therefore, I guess my answer would be determined by different condition.
If there is a special occasion like Tet, then it’s quite possible that I’ll go shopping once at the end of the
year. Whereas in the other hand, I would rather not go shopping.

3. When do you usually read?

Well in truth, I imagine that it would depend on the situation. If I’m not too busy and want to have a
peaceful time, then it’s more likely that I’ll read every day. While if I have too much work and feel under
pressure, then I will most certainly read once or twice a month.

4. At what time of day do you usually listen to music?

Well in all fairness, I think I would have to say that it really depends. I always listen to music whenever I
do my homework or do chores. Though, if I’m playing game or just enjoying my time, I barely listen to
music because I prefer the silence at that moment.

5. Who do you spend your evenings with?

Actually to be fair, I guess my answer would be determined by different condition. If I don’t have any
classes, I spend my evening with my family, talk about our day and eat together. In the other hand, if I
have classes, then I will most certainly spend time with my friends.

6. When do you out in the evenings, what do you usually do?

In fact, I imagine that it would depend on the situation. If I go out with my friend, then I will most likely
go eating with them. While, oppositely if I go out with my family, then I guess it’s quite likely that I’ll visit
my aunt and eat with her family.

7. How often do you play sports?

In actual fact, I supposed I have to say that I’m not into sports. Therefore, if I have PE class, then I will
almost always play sport once a week. In the other hand, if I don’t have PE class, then it’s almost certain
that I’ll prefer not playing sport.

8. How often do you eat out in restaurant?

Well to be honest, I think I would have to say that it really depends. If there are any special occasions or
I'm invited by friends, then I will most likely go to restaurant once a month. Whereas in contrast, if no
one invites me or my parents cook dinner, then it's almost certain that I never eat out in restaurant.
V. Question type 6
1. Do people wear special clothes at weddings in your country?
Well actually in fact, most wedding in my country that people wear traditional dress-áo dài. But you
have to understand that some people who are inspired by the West culture, they prefer modern dresses
than traditional one. So I guess the answer is both yes and no.
2. Is watching TV a popular activity in your country?
Ok, well in reality, I suppose that to some extent, TVs are still familiar with middle aged people that
every family still have 1 TV. Even so, you could also say that younger generation is more interested in
social media like YouTube. So I suppose the answer is both yes and no.

3. Is fast food popular in your country?

Alright, I guess that on the one hand, fast food is kind of popular with children and teenagers because of
the convenience. In the other hand, fast food isn't provided enough nutrients so parents and most
people in my country prefer traditional food. So all in all I guess my answer would have to be yes and no.
4. Can you play a musical instrument?
Well to be honest, I can play ukulele and kalimba. However, at the same time I could say that I don't
practice really much. Therefore, I just know the basic. So on the whole I suppose the answer has to be
yes and no.

VI. Question type 7

1 Well quite honestly, I don’t think I’ve ever thought about that, but I imagine I would possibly
think about V_ing
Actually, this isn’t something that I’ve ever considered, but I would perhaps reflect on V_ing
I’m not really sure how to put this, but I suppose generally speaking
I guess I would maybe contemplate V_ing
2 If + past simple, would/could/might + V1
This due to the fact that if…would…
…such as…in fact…moreover…
3 …especially if I had the chance to…
More interesting that I would also have
…as well as that… in addition to…

1. Would you like to move to another city in the future?

Well quite honestly, I don’t think I’ve thought about that, but imagine I would possibly think about not
moving to another city. In fact, HCM city is a great city that has everything I need. Otherwise, changing
city will cost me kind of much. Therefore, If I had choice, I would choose HCM city to live in the future.
2. Would you like to learn another foreign language?
Actually, this isn’t something that I’ve ever considered, but I would perhaps reflect on learning another
language. This due to the fact that the more language I know, the more chances about jobs that I can
choose. If I had an opportunity, I would learn as much languages as I can to develop myself and increase
my knowledge.
3. Would you like to change your name?
I’m not really sure how to put this, but I suppose generally speaking that I won’t change my name
because this name is given my parents, which has a lot of meaning to me. If I had
 24 TOPIC SPEAKING
Topic 1: Cities
Part 1
1. Where are you from?
I’m come from Vietnam and now I’m living in Ho Chi Minh city which is one of the biggest cities in
Vietnam.
2. Were you born there?
Well, of course I must say that I was born in Ho Chi Minh cities. I’ve been living in Ho Chi Minh city for 19
years with my family.
3. What’s your hometown like?
I was born in Ho Chi Minh city. Therefore, I think that it is my hometown. Known as the biggest city in
Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh city has a huge population. The first thing I should mention is that there are many
places to discover and enjoy in the city.
4. Describe your favorite food.
5. When do you like to eat it?
6. What kind of food can you cook yourself?
7. Are all your days the same?
8. Describe a typical day of you?
9. What do you usually do at the weekend?
Part 2
Describe a city you have visited which has impressed you.
Part 3
1. Discuss the pros and cons of living in a city.
2. Explain the causes of urban stress and suggest solutions for the problem.
3. Speculate on ways in which the city you now live in may change in the future.
4. Compare life in the city with life in the countryside.
5. Describe rural and urban patterns of population distribution in Vietnam.