Topic 1

Your home town

1. Where do you come from?
I come from Hanoi, the capital city of Vietnam.

2. What is the weather like in your home town?

Hanoi experiences a humid subtropical climate with four distinct seasons. Spring and
autumn are mild and pleasant, with average temperatures ranging from 18°C to 25°C.
Summers are hot and humid, often exceeding 30°C, with frequent heavy rains. Winters
can be chilly, with temperatures occasionally dropping below 10°C.

3. When is the best time of year to visit your home town?

The best time to visit Hanoi is during the spring months and autumn when the weather
is mild and the city's landscapes are particularly beautiful. The temperatures are
comfortable, and there is less rainfall compared to other times of the year.

4. Why do you like/not like your home town?

I like my hometown Hanoi for its rich history, vibrant culture, and delicious cuisine.
The city has a unique blend of traditional and modern elements, with historic sites like
the Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem Lake, and the Temple of Literature. The food is diverse
and flavorful, with iconic dishes such as pho, bun cha, and banh mi. However, I am
not fond of the traffic congestion and air pollution that can sometimes be a problem,
especially during peak hours.
Your home town
1. Do you live in the city or the countryside?
I live in the city. My home town is Hanoi, the bustling capital of Vietnam.

2. Do you live near the sea?

No, Hanoi is not near the sea. It is located inland, in the northern part of Vietnam,
about 130 kilometers away from the coast.

3. Is there anything special that people do in your home town?

Yes, Hanoi has a rich cultural heritage and there are many special activities that people
enjoy. One popular activity is visiting the Old Quarter, where you can explore narrow
streets filled with traditional shops, street food vendors, and historic buildings. People
also enjoy strolling around Hoan Kiem Lake, especially in the early morning or late
afternoon. Additionally, traditional festivals and events, such as the Mid-Autumn
Festival and Tet (Lunar New Year), are celebrated with great enthusiasm

4. Are there any interesting places to visit in your home town?

There are many interesting places to visit in Hanoi. Some of the most notable include
the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, where visitors can pay their respects to the founding
leader of Vietnam; the Temple of Literature, which is Vietnam’s first university and a
symbol of the country’s rich educational heritage; and the Hanoi Opera House, a
stunning example of French colonial architecture. Other attractions include the
Vietnam Museum of Ethnology, the Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre, and the
bustling markets like Dong Xuan Market.
Your accommodation
1. Where are you living now?

I am currently living in an apartment in the center of Hanoi.

2. Who else do you live with?

I live with a friend whom I met when I started university. Living together has been a
wonderful experience. Having someone to share daily chores with, cook meals
together, and unwind after a long day makes the apartment feel more like home. We
enjoy each other’s company and have built a strong friendship through our shared
living arrangement

3. What is your favourite room in your home?

My favorite place in my home is the balcony. The balcony offers a nice view of the
city, and it’s perfect for relaxing with a cup of coffee in the morning or a book in the
evening. We have decorated it with some potted plants and comfortable seating,
making it a pleasant little retreat where I can get some fresh air and enjoy a moment of
tranquility

4. Why do you like/not like the place where you live?

I like the place where I live because it is conveniently located near many amenities
such as shops, restaurants, and public transportation. The living room is spacious and
has large windows that let in a lot of natural light, making it a pleasant place to relax
and spend time with my partner. However, the noise from the busy streets can be a bit
disturbing at times

5. Is there anything you don't like about where you live?

While I love the convenience of living in the city center, there are a few things I don't
like about my apartment. The noise from the busy streets can be quite disturbing,
especially during rush hours. Additionally, the apartment lacks a bit of greenery and
outdoor space. The air quality can also be a concern at times due to the city's pollution.
Part 2
Describe an Ideal House or Apartment
My ideal house would be located in a quiet suburb just outside a major city like Hanoi.
It would be situated in a peaceful neighborhood with easy access to the city's amenities
but far enough to enjoy tranquility and fresh air.

The house would be a modern two-story home with a minimalist design. It would have
large windows to let in plenty of natural light and offer beautiful views of the
surrounding landscape. Inside, there would be an open-plan living area with a spacious
kitchen, dining room, and living room on the ground floor. The upper floor would
have three bedrooms, including a master suite with a large wardrobe and an en-suite
bathroom. Additionally, there would be a small garden with a patio for outdoor dining
and relaxation, and a home office with a view of the garden for work.

I would like to live there with my family – my partner and our future children. It's
important to me that the house is a warm, welcoming place where we can all feel
comfortable and enjoy our time together.

This house is ideal because it combines the best of both worlds – the convenience of
city life and the peace of suburban living. The modern design and open layout make it
perfect to enjoying family time. The garden offers an outdoor space for relaxation and
activities. Overall, it's a place where we can create lasting memories and live a
balanced, fulfilling life.
Describe a historical building in your country that you like
The Independence Palace, situated in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam,
originally known as the Norodom Palace, is a remarkable historical building with great
significance in the country’s history. It served as the residence and workplace of the
President of South Vietnam during the Vietnam War.

The palace showcases a unique blend of modernist and traditional Vietnamese

architectural styles. It boasts a sleek and symmetrical design with clean lines and
spacious gardens surrounding it. The building is characterized by its white façade,
large windows, and a prominent helipad on the rooftop.

In the past, the Independence Palace played a crucial role in Vietnam’s history. It
served as the site of important political events and was a symbol of power and
authority. At present, with a huge amount of visitors every day, especially foreign
tourists, it stands as a historical landmark and museum, offering visitors a glimpse into
the country’s past by exhibiting artefacts, photographs, and documents that shed light
on the Vietnam War era.

I myself have a deep appreciation for the Independence Palace. It represents the
resilience and determination of us Vietnamese people in our struggle for
independence. The architectural design is intriguing, and the historical value attached
to the building adds to its charm.
Topic 2
Set 1
1. What do you usually do in your spare time?
In my spare time, I enjoy a variety of activities. I like reading books, especially novels.
I also enjoy cooking and trying out new recipes. Additionally, I spend time exploring
the city, visiting coffee shops. When I have a little more free time, I like to go for a run
or practice yoga to stay fit and relaxed.

2. Do you prefer doing things by yourself or with friends?

It depends on the activity. I enjoy reading and cooking by myself as they give me a
chance to unwind and focus. However, I prefer exploring the city, visiting coffee
shops, and attending events with friends. Sharing these experiences with others makes
them more enjoyable and memorable.

3. Is there anything special you do at the weekends?

Yes, weekends are a time for relaxation and social activities. I often meet up with
friends for coffee or go to cinema. I also like to take a bit of time to relax at home,
perhaps with a good book or a movie. Sometimes, I take short trips to nearby
destinations to explore new places and enjoy a change of scenery.

4. Do you think you get enough free time?

I think I get a reasonable amount of free time, but sometimes it feels a bit limited due
to study and other responsibilities. I try to make the most of the free time I have by
balancing relaxation with activities that I enjoy. However, there are times when I wish
I had more time to pursue hobbies and spend with friends and family.
Set 2
1. Do you play any sports? What kind of sport is it?
Yes. I enjoy playing badminton. Badminton is a great way to stay active and have fun,
and it's a sport that requires both physical agility and strategic thinking.

2. Have you ever taken part in a sports competition? Have you won anything?
No, I have never taken part in a sports competition. I play sports mainly for enjoyment
and to stay fit, rather than for competitive purposes.

3. Have you ever watched an individual or team in a final, at the game or on

TV?
Yes, I have watched several finals on TV, including major events like the Olympics
and World Cup matches. Watching these high-stakes games is always exciting, and it’s
inspiring to see athletes perform at their best. I particularly enjoyed watching the finals
of badminton and football, as these are two sports I’m very passionate about.
Describe a sports event you watched or attended
One of the most unforgettable sports events I recall is the 2019 match between our
national football team and Malaysia.

The final match was held at My Dinh Stadium in Hanoi. Our national football team
had reached the final game of the AFF Cup, and our opponent was Malaysia, a strong
team in Southeast Asia. Vietnam had been waiting for this cup for nearly a decade, so
it was a very big day, and everyone was both hopeful and nervous before the match. I
watched it with one of my closest classmates, and we went to a coffee shop early in the
evening to watch it. In the first half of the match, the score was 1-0 thanks to a
powerful volley in the penalty area from Duy Manh. In the second half, there were
some substitutions in the rival’s team in hopes of getting an equalizer, but the result
remained unchanged as they could not beat our goalkeeper. We, Vietnam, had finally
become the champions after 10 years. The whole country went crazy, flocking to the
streets to celebrate our victory together.

Reflecting on that night, I felt an immense pride and joy for our national team. It
wasn't just about winning a trophy; it was about the resilience and determination
displayed by our players. It was a moment that showcased the power of sports to unite
a nation and create lasting memories. I am hopeful that our football team will continue
to achieve great success in future tournaments, bringing more moments of pride and
joy to Vietnamese football fans everywhere.
Describe something healthy you enjoy doing
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is important for a happy and successful life. Engaging
in healthy activities keeps us fit and full of energy. One such activity I enjoy is
cycling.

I enjoy cycling, which is not only a form of exercise but also a mode of transportation.
Cycling helps me to burn calories and stay fit. I usually cycle for around 30-45
minutes every day, which helps me to stay active and energetic throughout the day.

I cycle in a park near my house, which is ideal with its clean and green surroundings.
The park has a dedicated cycling track, ensuring my safety and a disturbance-free ride.

I mostly cycle alone as it helps me to clear my mind and gives me some personal time.
However, sometimes I also cycle with my friends, which makes the activity more
enjoyable

Cycling strengthens my leg muscles and improves my heart health. It also helps reduce
stress and anxiety, which is common in today’s fast-paced life. Regular cycling has
enhanced my overall well-being and made me more active and enthusiastic.

Additionally, cycling is eco-friendly, reducing my carbon footprint and helping to

create a greener environment.