PART 1
MOST COMMON ONES
Work & Studies
● What subjects are you studying?
● Do you like your subject?
● Why did you choose to study that subject?
● Do you want to change your major?
● Do you prefer to study in the mornings or in the afternoons?
● How much time do you spend on your studies each week?
● Are you looking forward to working?
● What technology do you use when you study?
● What changes would you like to see in your school?
● What work do you do?
● Why did you choose to do that type of work (or that job)?
● Do you like your job?
● Do you want to change to another job?
● Do you miss being a student?
● What technology do you use at work?
● Who helps you the most? And how?
Hometown
Please describe your hometown a little. What is your town well-known for?
So, I'm basically a Ho Chi Minh City local through and through. And right now, I'm also in the same hood, living it up in this city. Ho
Chi Minh City has this rep for a bunch of stuff, but what really sticks out is its impressive skyline. You've got these towering
skyscrapers that you can't miss. You'll find a bunch of these high-rise buildings, housing and businesses alike.
Do you like your hometown?
Oh, you know, I'm totally into it. This is my hometown gig, so I'm totally in my element here. Used to the whole scene, so nothing
really gets under my skin, you catch my drift?
Is that a big city or a small place?
The city is buzzing, man. No joke, there's a constant stream of vehicles out there on the bustling roads. And those avenues, they're
massive, like seriously gigantic.
How long have you been living there?
I've been here for like two decades, pretty much my whole life. Right now, I'm not eyeing any moves to another city or anything like
that. I'm pretty content soaking in this city life. So, I guess I'll be hanging around here for a few more years and then maybe I'll think
about making a change.
Do you think you will continue living there for a long time?
Right now, I'm not eyeing any moves to another city or anything like that. I'm pretty content soaking in this city life. So, I guess I'll be
hanging around here for a few more years and then maybe I'll think about making a change.
Would you like to live in the countryside in the future?
Hey, that's a solid option you're throwing out. Going countryside could be a real game-changer for your health since you're not
dealing with all that pollution, plus you've got fresh, organic grub on the reg. It's a real sweet deal, especially for a small family. And
you know what? If down the line I've got a crew of my own, I'm seriously considering taking the countryside route. It's on my radar,
no doubt.
What is the difference between living in the countryside and the city?
What do you like to do in the countryside?
What do people living in the countryside like to do?
How has your town changed over the last 20 years?
Home & accomodations
Can you describe the place where you live?
I live in a two-bedroom shop house right smack in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City, in District Seven. It's a cozy spot where I share the
space with my mom and dad. I've actually been calling this place home for about 20 years now, basically my whole life.
How long have you lived there?
Please describe the room you live in.
So, my room, nothing too fancy, just the essentials. There's a bed, of course, and a trusty wardrobe that holds all my outfits. Oh,
and there's a desk where I can tackle my schoolwork or whatever else needs my attention. Tucked on the other side of the room,
there's a TV for my entertainment cravings. Also, I've got some LED lights hanging around and a few pictures on the walls, you
know, to liven up the vibe.
What part of your home do you like the most?
Speaking of my bedroom, it's my personal haven. I can do whatever I feel like without anyone bothering me. It's where I focus on
my studies, immerse myself in my own world, and just unwind. Music, books, and even creating my own tunes – it's all fair game
here.
What room does your family spend most of the time in?
The living room, well, that's the hotspot for family bonding. It's where we all come together, usually for dinner or simply to hang out
and share stories from our day. It's like our cozy hub for doing things as a family.
What do you usually do in your flat/ house?
So, most of the time, you'll find me hanging out in my bedroom. It's like my personal space where I can do my thing – jamming to
tunes, jotting down my thoughts, and crafting my music, like I mentioned before. But it's not just the bedroom, you know. Every now
and then, I mix it up and do stuff in other rooms too. Like, sometimes I put on my cooking hat and hit up the kitchen. Parents allow
me to flaunt my culinary skills a bit, or I might just chill in the living room with the fam, watching TV and all. It's all about that good ol'
family bonding, you get me?
Do you plan to live there for a long time?
As for the future, I'm actually planning to move out in the next couple of years. You know, embrace that independent living vibe and
have a space of my own. It's a big step, and I'm curious to see how it all pans out.
Do you prefer living in a house or a flat?
When it comes to choosing between a house and a flat, both have their perks, but I'm definitely more inclined toward a house. I just
love how peaceful and private it is, having your own space to call home.
Are the transport facilities to your home very good?
Honestly, transportation-wise, it's not that fancy in my neck of the woods. You can reach my place on a motorcycle, catch a bus, or
grab a taxi – nothing too high-tech. Unfortunately, we're missing out on the whole Metro or subway scene around here, so it's all
about hitting the road.
What kind of house or flat do you want to live in in the future?
When it comes to where I'd like to live, I'm not super picky, you know? A spacious pad with all the bells and whistles would be
awesome. I'm all about exploring and having the right amenities around would make that a whole lot easier. But it's not about
having some crazy expensive mansion; just a comfy, cozy spot where I can unwind, release some steam after those marathon
school or work hours.
What makes you feel pleasant in your home?
For me, it's all about the vibes a house brings to the table, for both me and my fam. You can't really replicate that feeling anywhere
else. It's like a one-of-a-kind thing, you know? You walk in and it's just... different.
What's the difference between where you are living now and where you have lived in the past?
To be real, the difference between where I used to live – back in Dunblane district, way far from here – and where my family and I
are at now, isn't all that major. The old place was comfy, snug, and conveniently located near everything we needed. And the new
digs? Well, they offer the same perks and conveniences, so not much has changed, honestly.
Do you think it is important to live in a comfortable house?
Oh, absolutely! I'm totally on board with the idea that everyone wants a chill space they can call home. You need that comfy roof
over your head to wind down after hours of studying or hustling. It's like the ultimate battery recharge, you feel me? So, when it
comes to houses, I'm all about that crucial comfort factor.
GROUP A - COMMUNICATION
Language
● What languages can you speak?
● What languages would you like to learn in the future?
● How do you learn a foreign language?
● How are languages taught and learned in your school?
Chatting
● Do you like chatting with friends?
● What do you usually chat about with friends?
● Do you prefer to chat with a group of people or with only one friend?
● Do you prefer to communicate face-to-face or via social media?
● Do you argue with friends?
GROUP B - FOOD & DRINK
Ice cream
● Do you like ice cream?
● Do you eat ice cream a lot?
● Did you eat ice cream as a child?
● Are there shops selling ice cream near where you live?
● Would you like to make your own ice cream?
Tea and coffee
● Do people like tea and coffee nowadays?
● Do you prefer to use tea or coffee to serve your guests?
● When was the last time you had a cup of coffee or tea?
● Do you usually buy your coffee in a coffee shop?
GROUP C - LEISURE IN THE CITY
● Which city would you like to visit, and why?
● What would you enjoy doing during the day?
● How would you spend your evenings there?
● Where would you prefer to stay, and why?
● Think about your last holiday. What do you remember most?
GROUP D - EDUCATION
Language
● What languages can you speak?
● What languages would you like to learn in the future?
● How do you learn a foreign language?
● How are languages taught and learned in your school?
Teachers
1. Do you want to be a teacher in the future?
2. Do you remember one of your teachers?
3. What were your primary school teachers like?
4. Do you have a favorite teacher?
Friends
1. How important are friends to you?
2. Do you often go out with your friends?
3. Where do you often meet each other?
4. What do you usually do with your friends?
5. Do you have a friend you have known for a long time?
Geography
1. How do you like geography?
2. Do you think geography is useful?
3. Have you ever learned geography?
4. Do you want to be a geography teacher?
GROUP E - HISTORY
(In part 2 & 3)
GROUP F - WORK
Small business
● How often do you shop at small businesses?
● Do you prefer buying things from small businesses or big businesses?
● Are there any small businesses where you live?
● Would you prefer to work for a small business or a large business?
GROUP G - ADVERTISING
Advertisement
● What kinds of advertisements do you watch?
● Where can you see advertisements?
● Have you ever bought something because of its advertisement?
● Do you watch advertisements from the beginning to the end?
GROUP H - LEISURE ACTIVITIES
Riding a bike
● Did you have a bike when you were young?
● Did you ride a bike when you were little?
● Did you ride a bike to school?
● Do you ride a bike when you go out now?
Running
● Do you go running a lot?
● Where do you usually go running?
● When was the last time you went running?
● What do you think of running as a sport?
Reading
● What books do you like to read?
● What did you learn from it?
● Have your reading habits changed since you were younger?
● What was your favorite book as a child?
Fishing
● Is fishing popular in your country?
● Do you like eating fish?
● Have you ever been to a place where there are lots of fish around you?
● Have you seen any movies with lots of fish?
GROUP I - THE ENVIRONMENT
Rain
1. Do you like rainy days? Why?
2. Does it rain much in your city?
3. Would you like to live in a dry or wet place?
4. Would you change your plan if it rained?
GROUP J - BUILDINGS
(In part 2&3)
GROUP K - ANIMALS
Wild animals
● Are there wild animals in your country?
● Have you ever been to a zoo or a safari park?
● What is the animal you would like to see in the wild?
● Are there TV programs about wild animals in your country
Animals
● What's your favourite animal? Why?
● Do you like the same animal now as you did when you were younger?
● What can you learn about a person from the animals they like?
● Which animals are popular as pets in your country?
GROUP L - SPORT
Running
● Do you go running a lot?
● Where do you usually go running?
● When was the last time you went running?
● What do you think of running as a sport?
GROUP M - MAKING DECISIONS
(In part 2&3)
GROUP N - COLOR
Colours
What is your favorite color?
Oh, I'm all about blue as my favorite color. It's just so chill and peaceful. Makes me think of the ocean and the sky, which totally
gives me those zen vibes.
What colour do you dislike?
Disliking colors isn't really my thing, but if I had to pick, brown wouldn't be at the top of my list. Just doesn't vibe with me like some
other colors do, you know?
What colour do you often choose to wear?
I mostly dress in white and black. They go with anything, and they're like instant class and pro vibes – love it.
Do you think you can tell what someone’s personality type is by the colour they normally wear?
Yeah, it does speak volumes about their personalities, but I mean, there's more to people than just their color choices. It's like a
slice, not the whole pie.
What do you think is the role of colour in our lives?
Dude, color's like a total mood magician. It messes with how we feel, what we see, and even what we decide. Like, different colors,
different feels, you know what I'm saying?
How important is colour in advertising?
Advertising without color? No can do. It's like the secret sauce. Grabs attention, throws messages around, and sticks brands in
your brain. If you're not using the right colors, you're missing out, big time.
Are there any colours that have a special meaning in your country?
In my home country, red's all about parties and good vibes. You see it everywhere during the fun times. White, though? It's like the
pure symbol, shows up a lot during the religious gigs.
What colours do people in your country often choose for important occasions?
People back home go all out with the colors for big deals. Red, gold, even a splash of green – those colors are like the happiness,
money, and good luck squad. So you bet they show up at all the big shindigs.
GROUP O - UNDERSTANDING OTHERS
(In part 2&3)
GROUP P - BOOKS, WRITING, AND SIGNS
Reading
● What books do you like to read?
● What did you learn from it?
● Have your reading habits changed since you were younger?
● What was your favorite book as a child?
GROUP Q - SLEEP & THE BODY
Health
● How do you keep healthy?
● What are your favorite sports?
● Are there health classes in your school?
● What sports help people stay healthy?
● Is it easy for people to exercise in your country?
● How do your parents encourage and help you to stay healthy?
Staying up late
● How often do you stay up late?
● When did you last stay up late?
● How do you feel after staying up late?
● Does anything make it difficult for you to fall asleep?
Dreams
● Do you remember your dream when you wake up?
● Do you like hearing others’ dreams?
● Have you told others about your dreams?
● Do you want to make your dreams come true?
● Do you think dreams have special meanings?
GROUP R - TRAVEL & TOURISM
Travelling
● Do you like travelling?
● How often do you go travelling?
● Where do you usually travel?
● How do you feel when you are travelling?
Map
● Do you often use maps?
● Do you use paper maps?
● How often do you use maps on your phone?
● Do you have maps at home?
GROUP S - TRANSPORTATION
Transportation
● How do you go to work/school?
● What's the most popular means of transportation in your hometown?
● How far is it from your home to work/school?
● Do you think people will drive more in the future?
GROUP T - IMMIGRATION & EMIGRATION
The city you live in
● What city do you live in?
● Do you like this city? Why?
● How long have you lived in this city?
● Are there big changes in this city?
● Is this city your permanent residence?
● Are there people of different ages living in this city?
The area you live in
● Do you like the area that you live in?
● Where do you like to go in that area?
● Do you know any famous people in your area?
● What are some changes in the area recently?
● Do you know any of your neighbors?
● Are the people in your neighborhood nice and friendly?
Home country
● Which part of your country do you live in?
● Which part of your country do you like to visit most?
● Do you know the history of your country well?
● What country will you live in, in the future?
OTHER TOPICS IN THIS FORECAST
Week
● What is your favorite day of the week?
● What is your least favorite day?
● What is the busiest day of the week for you?
● Is there anything that you do every day?
● What do you usually do on weekends?
● Are weekdays and weekends the same for you?
Bags
1. Do you usually carry a bag?
2. Do you change your bags often?
3. What kind of bags would you use when travelling?
4. Is a bag an ideal gift?
5. Did you use a backpack when you were a child?
Concentration
1. Did you stay focused in class when you were a child?
2. Are you a focused person?
3. How do you stay focused?
4. Is it easy to stay focused in a noisy environment?
Day off
1. When was the last time you had a few days off?
2. What do you usually do when you have days off?
3. Do you usually spend your days off with your parents or with your friends?
4. What would you like to do if you had a day off tomorrow?
Dream and ambition
1. What was your childhood dream?
2. Are you the kind of person who sticks to dreams?
3. What is your dream job?
4. Do you think you are an ambitious person?
Fixing things
1. Can you fix things?
2. Did anybody teach you to fix things when you were a child?
3. Do you think it is necessary for people to learn to fix things?
4. What do you do when a thing is broken and cannot be fixed?
Clothing
● What kind of clothes do you like to wear?
● Do you prefer to wear comfortable and casual clothes or smart clothes?
● Do you like wearing T-shirts?
● Do you spend a lot of time choosing clothes?
Gifts
1. Have you ever sent handmade gifts to others?
2. Have you ever received a great gift?
3. What do you consider when choosing a gift?
4. Do you think you are good at choosing gifts?\
Robots
1. Are robots important?
2. Would robots affect people’s lives?
3. Have you ever watched a movie about robots?
4. Should we let a robot drive for us for long journeys?
5. What can robots do for you at home?
Noise
1. Do you like to stay in a place with a lot of noise?
2. What kinds of noises are there in the area where you live?
3. Do you want to move to a quieter place?
4. Do you think there is too much noise in today’s world?
5. Is making noise one of people's rights?
Musical instruments
● Have you ever learned to play a musical instrument?
● What musical instruments do you enjoy listening to the most?
● Do you think children should learn to play an instrument at school?
● Do you think music education is important to children?
Helping others
● Do you usually help people around you?
● How do you help people around you, such as neighbours, family and friends?
● Do your parents teach you how to help others?
● Did your parents help you a lot when you were young?
● What have you done to help the elderly?
Films
● What films do you like?
● Did you often watch films when you were a child?
● Did you ever go to the cinema alone as a child?
● Do you often go to the cinema with your friends?
● Do you think going to the cinema is a good way to spend time with friends?
Daily routine
● How do you organize your study time?
● What is your daily study routine?
● Have you ever changed your routine?
● Do you like to plan what you will do each day?
● Please describe your typical daily routine?
Memory
● Are you good at memorizing things?
● Why do people often forget small things?
● How can you make sure you don’t forget things?
Family
● Do you share a house with any of your family? Who?
● Do most people in your family live in the same town or village?
● When did you last have a family party?
● Which person in your family are you most similar to? How?
PART 2&3
OBJECT
ADVERTISING
Describe a good advertisement that you think is useful
You should say:
Where you can see it
What it shows
Why you think it is useful
And explain how you feel about it
BOOKS, WRITING, AND SIGNS
Describe a book that you have read many times
You should say:
What the book is about
How often you have read this book
Why you read it
And explain what effect the book has had on you
EDUCATION
Describe an area of science (biology, robotics, etc.) that you are interested in and would like to learn more about
You should say:
Which area it is
When and where you came to know this area
How you get information about this area
And explain why you are interested in this area
OTHERS
Describe a photo that makes you feel happy
You should say:
When and where you took the photo
What the photo is like
How often you look at the photo
And explain why it makes you feel happy
Describe a drawing/painting that you like
You should say:
When you first saw this painting
What the painting is about
Who drew/painted it
And explain why you like this drawing/painting
Describe an invention that is useful in your daily life
You should say:
What the invention is
What it can do
How popular it is
Whether it is difficult or easy to use
And explain why it is useful
Describe a piece of clothing you enjoy wearing
You should say:
What it is like
When and where you got it
How often you wear it
And explain why you enjoy wearing it
Describe an expensive gift that you would like to give someone when you save a lot of money
You should say:
What the gift is
Who you will give the gift to
How long it will take to save the money
And explain why you would like to give the gift to this person
PERSON
SPORT
Describe a successful sportsperson you admire
You should say:
Who he/she is
What you know about him/her
What he/she is like in real life
What achievement he/she has made
And explain why you admire him/her
WORK
Describe a successful businessperson you know (e.g. running a family business)
You should say:
Who this person is
How you knew him/her
What business he/she does
And explain why he/she is successful
Describe a successful person who you once studied or worked with
You should say:
Who this person is
When you studied/worked with this person
What you did together
What this person did to become successful
And explain how you felt about studying or working with this person
COMMUNICATION (LANGUAGE)
Describe a foreigner who speaks Vietnamese very well
You should say:
Who this person is
Where he/she is from
How he/she learns Vietnamese
And explain why he/she can speak Vietnamese well
FOOD & DRINK
Describe a person who enjoys cooking for others
You should say:
Who this person is
What he/she likes to cook
Who he/she cooks for
And explain why he/she enjoys cooking
UNDERSTANDING OTHERS
Describe someone in your area who often helps others
You should say:
What he/she is like
How he/she helps others
Why his/her help is beneficial
And explain why he/she helps others
OTHERS
Describe a popular person
You should say:
Who this person is
What kind of person he or she is
When you see him/her normally
And explain why you think this person is popular
Describe someone you know who has recently moved to a new place
You should say:
Who he/she is
What the new place is like
Why he/she moved to a new place
And explain whether his/her move had a positive impact on you
Describe a famous person you are interested in
You should say:
Who he/she is
How you knew about him/her
What he/she was like before he/she became famous
And explain why you are interested in him/her
Describe a person who always has interesting ideas or opinions
You should say:
Who this person is
What this person does
How you knew him/her
And explain why you think his/her ideas or opinions are interesting
Describe an interesting person that you have not met in person and would like to know more about
You should say:
Who this person is
How you knew him/her
What interesting things he/she has done
And explain what you would like to know more about him/her
TIME/ ACTIVITY
WORK
Describe a difficult task that you completed at work/study that you felt proud of
You should say:
What the task was
How you completed it
Why the task was difficult
Why you were proud of the completion of the task
Describe a rule that is important in your school or at work
You should say:
What the rule is about
What happens when people break the rule
Why you think it is an important rule
And explain how you feel about the rule
Describe an interesting job that you want to have in the future
You should say:
What it is
How you can find this job
What skills it requires
And explain why it is an interesting job
MAKING DECISION
Describe an important decision that you made
You should say:
What the decision was
How you made your decision
What the results of the decision were
And explain why it was important
SPORT
Describe a sports program you enjoy watching
You should say:
What it is
Where you watch it
Who you watch it with
And explain why you enjoy watching the program
Describe a water sport you would like to try in the future
You should say:
What it is
Where you would like to try it
Whether it is difficult
And explain why you would like to try it
TRAVEL & TOURISM
Describe a car journey that you remember well
You should say:
When it happened
Where you went
What you did
Who you had the car journey with
And explain why you remember it well
Describe an exciting adventure you would like to take in the future
You should say:
What the adventure is
Where you would go
Who you would go with
What you would do
And explain why you would like to take the adventure
OTHERS
Describe a time that something changed your life in good ways
You should say:
When and where it happened
What happened
How you felt about it
And explain how it changed your life in good ways
Describe a time when you had a problem with using the computer
You should say:
When it happened
Where it happened
What the problem was
And explain how you solved the problem at last
Describe an occasion when you waited a long time for a nice thing
You should say:
When it happened
What the nice thing was
How long you waited
Why you waited for a long time
And explain how you felt about the experience
Describe a party that you enjoyed
You should say:
When and where the party was held
Who attended the party
What kind of party it was
What you did in the party
And explain why you enjoyed this party
Describe a bad service you received in a restaurant/shop
You should say:
When and where it happened
What happened
How you reacted
And explain how you felt about the experience
Describe a historical period/moment you would like to learn more about
You should say:
What you are interested in
When it happened
What you know about it
And why you would like to learn more
Describe an occasion when you lost your way
You should say:
Where you were
What happened
How you felt
And explain how you found your way
Describe an occasion when you got incorrect information
You should say:
When you got it
How you got it
How you found it was incorrect
And how you felt about it
Describe an occasion when you spent (quite some) time with a young child
You should say:
Who this child was
When you spent time with this child
What you did together
Why you spent time with this child
And explain how you felt about it
Describe a traditional celebration (a festival or ceremony) in your country that you enjoy
You should say:
What it is
What you do to celebrate it
Who you celebrate it with
And explain why you enjoy it
Describe a piece of good advice that you gave to someone
You should say:
Who you gave the advice to
What the advice was
Why you gave the advice
And explain how he/she followed your advice
Describe a talk you gave to a group of people
You should say:
Who you gave the talk to
What the talk was about
Why you gave the talk
And explain how you felt about the talk
Describe the game you enjoyed playing when you were younger
You should say:
What the game was
Where you played it
Who you played it with
And explain why you enjoyed playing the game
Describe a happy experience from your childhood that you remember
You should say:
What happened
When and where it happened
Who you were with
And explain why it was a happy experience
Describe an activity that made you feel tired
You should say:
When and where it took place
Why you took part in it
What the activity was
And explain why it made you feel tired
Describe a movie you watched recently that you felt disappointed about
You should say:
When it was
Why you didn't like it
Why you decided to watch it
And explain why you felt disappointed about it
PLACE
THE ENVIRONMENT
Describe a park or a garden in your city
You should say:
How often you go there
Where it is
Who you often go there with
What it is like
And explain why you like to visit it
LEISURE IN THE CITY
Describe a beautiful city
You should say:
Where the city is
How you knew about the city
What buildings the city has
What it is famous for
And explain why you think this city is beautiful
TRAVEL & TOURISM
Describe a place in your country that you think is interesting
You should say:
Where it is
How you knew it
What special features it has
And explain why you think it is interesting
Describe a place you plan to travel to that is far away from your home in the future
You should say:
Where it would be
When you would like to go
How you would like to go there
What you would do there
Who you would go with
And explain why you would like to visit the place
Describe a place you have been to where there were lots of people
You should say:
Where it is
Who you were with
What people were doing there
And explain why there were lots of people
BUILDINGS/ HOME & ACCOMODATIONS
Describe the ideal house you would like to have
You should say:
Where it would be
What it would look like
What special features it would have
And explain why it would be your ideal house
OTHERS
Describe a new shop that has recently opened in your city/town (COULD BE IN “ADVERTISING”)
You should say:
Where the shop is
What it sells
Who goes to this shop
And explain how successful you think it will be in the future