VSTEP TEMPLATE & PRACTICE 4 SKILLS

1. Vocabularies (Mindmap 14 topics)

Topic 1: Transport
(have low accident
be safe rates)

rain, storms, snow,

protect you from bad parks, cinemas, heatshopping
entertainmentweather
& malls
culture avoid
libraries, getting wet,
museums, art cold and
galleries dusty
Places educati universitie listen to
on be s music
chill out through activities read
relaxing
hospitals, hotels, apartments,
Advantagesservice books
s restaurants & cafés take a
skyscapers/ high-rises (tòa nhà nap
chọc trời)
take you to the destination without
be convenient worryinghave fewer
about trees or
driving and
finding
have air forests
parking
The city have a lot of pollutants
environment pollution
emitted by industries and
is heavily
protect the reduce pollutants emiited
vehiclesby private
polluted
environment have noise vehicles
traffic, construction, urban
pollution activities
Disadvantag have water have a higher chance
throw waste of getting
into
es be pollution diseases
water
dangerous
have high
spend moreaccident
money forrates
housing,
high cost of living transportation, food and other
be affected by bad essentials
weather
get pretty crowded during rush
crimes
be uncomfortable
city life is more
have more hours
Disadvantage dangerous
s city people are
transport infrastructure
drinking, drug,
easily attracted by
be a waste of is in bad condition
gambling
social evils
run slowly
time
wait such a long
time for them to
show up
Topic 2: City pollute the restaurants,
emit a huge amount of pollutants into
environment have many entertainment
the air parks,
be interesting
options cinemas,
museums
live near hospitals, shopping malls,
be convenient
schools
Advantages
save more money
have higher incomes
buy whatever I like

have more job

Topic 3: Country
natural forests, lake, rivers, streams, mountains,
Places hills
attractions
farms and agricultural
land
have fresher air, cleaner
cleaner air and surroundings
environment have many natural
attractions
have lower population
densities
be peaceful have less noise
pollution
Benefits
own a house and maintain a comfortable
lower cost of living
lifestyle
meet and talk to
live near each
each other
other
people are more every day
friendly, and lend a hand during difficult
supportive times

safer have lower crime

environment rates

have lower
focus on agriculture, forestry, fishing
incomes
restaurants, public
have fewer
parks, cinemas,
life is boring entertainme
shopping malls,
nt options
nightlife venues
Drawbacks

limited job lead to higher rates

opportunities of unemployment

live far from hospitals,

limited access to
schools, shopping
services
centers
Topic 4: Health

eat more fruits, fish, vegetables

eat healthy food
drink more water everyday

eat less meat and fat food, junk food

exercise everyday
Good habits
visit a doctor regularly to find out
have a regular health check-up
any disease soon

stay healthy

keep fit
benefits
have a better immune system

make us strong and relaxed

be fast and convenient

fast foods, junk foods benefits
eat to much have affordable meals
unhealthy food eat too much meat, eat less
vegetables, less fruits have various choices
of foods and drinks

enjoy comfortable and

don't exercise regularly formal atmosphere
Bad habits don't have a regular health check-up

increase the risk of health problems

problem increase the cholesterol level in blood

can't focus on work or study

it is easy to get tired and ill

 obesity: béo phì

diabetes: tiểu đường

Diseases
heart disease: bệnh về tim mạch

sleep disturbance: rối loạn giấc ngủ

high blood pressure: cao huyết áp

Topic 5: Environment

reuse and recycle products

Good habits consume less energy/ save energy

sort trash
use more reusable products

protect the environment in the long term

conserve natural resources

Benefits
reduce levels of pollution
tackle some causes of global warming

cause global warming/ climate change

pollute the environment

Drawbacks
exploit natural resources
increase greenhouse gas emissions
Topic 6: Hobbies
free time activities = leisure activities

Từ đồng nghĩa recreational activities

interests
listening to music, singing, dancing, reading books,
watching films, painting, drawing, going shopping

swimming, tennis, table

playing sports tennis, football
Các loại
go jogging, hiking,
camping, fishing

coding & programming, video gaming,

graphic design, app development

volunteering, fundraising

bring happiness to me make me relax/ feel much

and my family hapier (do things I enjoy)

reduce the stress of everyday hard work and study

explore new ideas

Advantages
develop imagination and creativity
experiment with
different techniques

broaden the knowledge try new things

critical thinking, problem-

develop the cognitive skills
solving, decision-making

make new friends &

talk and share the joy with others
connect with others
 game contain a increase aggressive
great deal of feelings, thoughts and
violence behaviors
perform
have less time for not focus on
be time- worse and
Disadvantage other important their duties
consuming worse at
s things & study
school
cost money for equipment,
be expensive
memberships
not get enought
cause health problems rest
not eat
well
have backache,
headache
choose suitable computer
games
be not allowed to play violent
games
set specific times for hobbies to
time
balance them with other
Solutions management
important activities
take break & stretch regularly to reduce strain on
the body
participate in physical
activities

Topic 7: Job/ Study

I am a second-year student at the university of....

Introduction
I work as an accountant for ABC campany.

do homework

make presentations
study
join clubs

do part-time jobs at the weekends

Duties
working with clients
work I am in charge of... solving clients' problem

contacting partners

collaborate with other departments to run the business smoothly

 have an environment to develop skills
like
apply the knowledge and skills of field I studied in my work

have opportunities for promotion (có cơ hội thăng tiến)

co-workers are friendly and supportive

Opinion
have less time for
sometimes, I have to work overtime
family and friends
dislike
the company is far from home

the workload is huge feel tired/

overloaded

Topic 8: Crime

not be nurtured with

love, care and support parents are too busy with work

get access to many

Causes copy bad things on the internet the easiest way to
violent games
get what they want
not have enough means to commit
poverty secure a living in the right ways crimes not require
any skills
or talents
control their activities and behaviors
parents should spend
more time with give advice to children
children prevent children from making mistakes
Solutions

learn how to
punish those who send criminals to a behave well
commit a crime rehabilitation center
get vocational
find a job later
training
Topic 9: House/ flat

Rooms Living room, bedroom, bathroom, garden, garage, balcony, toilet

large, big, spacious

quiet, peaceful

Adj pretty, beautiful

stuffy (ngột ngạt)
drafty (nhiều gió lùa)
cramped (chật chội)

Furniture table, TV, soda, bookshelf, bed, wardrobe

grow plants and flowers in the garden

Activities
read books, watch TV, welcome guests in the living room

Topic 10: Technology

Advantages perform fasster and efficiently

have less social interactions

Disadvantages increase the unemployment rate

depend too much on
make people lazier refuse to do tasks by hand
machines

join social activities: team building, picnic, party

raise the sense of responsibility

Solutions
take some programs or training courses to control modern machines

update themselves with the development of science and technology

Topic 11: Learning foreign languages

helps us learn and get information in the world many books are written in English

talk easily with foreigners

helps us feel more confident when travelling abroad
work and do business
without an interpreter
Benefits
culture, people, society,
learn more about that country
customs and traditions
become friends with many people around the world

open a new door to the world

read newspapes online

Be a good way of learning
and getting information download lots of information
learn online

Be convenient for work faster and more efficiently typing, printing documents, storing data
work, study

play games
Be a good way
to entertain listen to music, watch movies

join forums, Facebook groups to share ideas and information

Topic 12: Machine

 tall, short, old, young, medium-height, middle-aged
beautifful, pretty, handsome, good-looking
Appearance
have short/long black hair
have a sunny smile
dress casually
sincere=honest (thật thà)
helpful, kind, nice
uplift the spirits of
outgoing (hướng ngoại) those around him

good optimistic (lạc quan) solve problems with a

positive mindset

resilent (kiên cường) keep going after she fails

Characters diligent and dedicated (siêng

try to do everything perfectly
năng và tận tâm)

selfish/ arrogant make those around him feels

(ích kỷ) uncomfortable & unwelcome
unreliable tell lies to get what he wants
bad
demand everyone's attention &
bossy
admiration
avoid doing his work
lazy & irresponsible
bleme others when things go
wrong instead of taking
responsibility for his mistakes

we have known each other for 10 years

Topic 13: Describe a person
Relationship
we first met at high school/ at the company

often meet at the coffee shop

go out for meals

Common activities
go shopping/watch movies/ travel together

talk and share with each other about life, study, work, family....
Topic 14: Holiday

the scenery is there are breathtaking views of

magnificent the mountains and rivers
enjoy fresh and pure air

the local cuisine is fresh and have a variety crab, lobsters,

delicious but not expensive of food seashells

people are friendly, sociable, polite rcm me some beatiful and

affordable places

Likes swim in the blue and clear seawater

do sunbathing on the soft sand beach
beach under the yellow and warm sunshine
play football on the beach

build sandcastles on the beach

watch the sunrise/ sunset

explore the natural
surroundings on foot
enjoy many
activities catch fish in nearby
lakes, rivers, streams
camping
capture the beauty of the natural
environment through photography

cook meals over an open fire

explore iconic landmarks,

historical sites
sample local & international
city cuisine, street foods
bars, clubs, live
experience music venues,
nightlife
rooftop lounges

have valuable opportunities to

create lasting memories
connect with loved ones
escape from their
Benefits relax, recharge their energy
daily routines
step out of their comfort zones & experience new
develop themselves
cultures, cuisines, environments
Topic 15. Small family

have more enhance ex:

with fewer
opportunitie deeper family
people,
s to understandi meals,
closer parents pay
communicat ng, outgoing
relationshi more
e and connection, s,
p attention to
connect to empathy, travellin
their
Advantag family and support g
children
es members

provide spend less on

save budget to
children personal and ex: art
support children's
with family expenses class, travel
holistic
better (edu, travel, abroad
development
condition bills)

more parents (heroes) manage all

make them
pressure on things, from household duties
stressed out
parents to child-rearing lead to a lack
children spend
Disadvantage of important
most of their
s skills (problem-
limit social time at home
solving,
interaction both parents alone & have
decision-
s for work full-time fewer
making, critical
children opportunities to
thinking,
interact with
communication
other people
)
2. Process

2.1. Speaking Task 2: Solution Discussion

My situation is (đọc lại situation, thay thế đại từ thành I, my,...)

In my opinion, (Option...) is the best option because of the following reasons.

Firstly, (option...) is... and....,

it................................................................................................

Besides, it is ... and....., I

can....................................................................................................

There are several reasons why I don't choose other options.

Firstly, they are not....... If I choose those options,

they............................................................

Moreover, they
are ..................................................................................................................

Finally, they
are ......................................................................................................................

To sum up, if I were in that situation I would choose (Option...) due to the above reasons.

2.2. Letter

2.1.1. Informal

- Template

Dear ......,

(I’m good) How are you? I hope you and your family are well.

I’m writing to let you know that (reason for writing).

Details

Please let me know when you are coming/ writing back. I will look forward to hearing
from you.

Best regards,

- Practice:

- Type: Informal

- To: Mary

Dalat trip: like the Problem you had at the Next trip: time
Topics
photos and the time airport on the way home and place

Vocab Took a lot of photos Flight was delayed for 5 Glad to hear that
at café, flower parks, hours you want to
bbq restaurants, come back to
Baggage that is lost or
retro hotel and Vietnam for
damage after the flight
buildings, more trip.
 sightseeing around Time: Summer
the city,…. (summer
vacation: July,
They remind me of Felt very tired
August)
the great time we
spent together Got home safely in the
Place: Dalat was
end
located on
Visited many breath-
mountain so this
taking sceneries
time we can go
Eating out delicious to the beach
foods together (Nha Trang)

Dear Mary,

How are you? I hope you and your family are well. I’m got home safely in the end.

I’m writing to let you know that I really love all the photos and the time we got together. I
feel so happy now after I reviewed the photos we have taken in Dalat. I loved it because
it remind me of the great time we spent together, visited many breath-taking sceneries
and eating out delicious foods.

I also had some problems at the airport on the way I went home. The filght was delayed
for 5 hours on Dalat airport then after the flight my luggage was lost for another 1 hour. I
felt really tired but everything was fine, fortunately I could got home safely in the end.

Anyway, I’m glad to hear that you want to come back to Vietnam for more trip so I have
some suggestions for our next trip!

I know that you want to have a next trip with my in spring, but I think the time is quite
urgent, so why don’t we take the next trip this summer? The previous trip in Dalat is
located on the mountains, so I think we can go to the beach for our next trip, that place
named Phan Thiet. I hope you will have a great time in Phan Thiet.

Please let me know when you are coming back. I will look forward to hearing from you.

Best regards,
2.1.2. Formal

Dear Sir or Madam, / Dear Mr/Mrs/Ms...........

(Thank you very much for your last letter) I am writing this letter to (reasons: asking
information, complain, request,....)

- Asking information: I am writing this letter to inquire/ask about....

- Inform: I am writing this letter to inform you that….
- Ask for help: I am writing this letter to ask for your help…..
- Ask for permission: I am writing this letter to ask if I could.....
- Provide information: I am writing this letter to provide you with the information
you requested.
- Apologize: I am writing this letter to apologize for V-ing.......
- Other issues: I am writing this letter with regard to.......

Details (clearly, reasonable, shortly)

If you require any further information, please do not hesitate to contact me via this email
address.

Thank you in advance for your consideration. I am looking forward to hearing from you
soon.

Yours sincerely,
2.3. Speaking Task 1: Social Interactions

2.3.1.

- Read topics, questions

- Order topics, questions (thứ tự trả lời, nhóm các câu hỏi để trả lời liền mạch)

- List vocab

- Answer in paragraphs

- Template:

Hello, I will talk about (First topic)

....

Now, I will talk about (Second topic)

....

- Practice:
Hello, I will talk about walking.

I love walking very much, especially walking alone because I find out that walking is
good for my health. I think walking is important, it makes me stronger and helps me
relaxed after a long day work hard. Besides, it helps me keep fit too. Three times a week,
in the late afternoon, I walk in the park near my house. I think that walking in the
countryside is better than walking in the city because countryside has less traffic than
city, so it is more safe and peaceful than the city.

Now, I will talk about my eating habits

I eat healthy food every week but not too much. I try to eat more fruits, fish or vegetables
because it can help me enhance health and resistance. At work, I usually eat salad, fish,
rice, meat, especially yogurt to improve my immune system. Finally, I think the
unhealthiest food is fast food like hamburger, french fries,....It makes the cholesterol level
in our blood increase, makes we feel weary easily.

2.3.2. About animals

2.3.2.1. What is your favorite (animal)?

- For not common animals:

Suddenly, I forgot the names of this (animal: birds, cat, fish,..) in English, but I can
describe it. You know, it's a (color) (animal) and it looks ...... and......It's eats .... and.....In
the world, it symbolizes...../it makes people imagine to...../it also be called ......

- For common animals:

Well, as a/an (animal) lover, I have many favorite (animals), but if I had to choose one, I
would say the (name: eagle, nemo fish....). I love it because it's a .....(animal) with (skill)
and impressive/cute... appearance Because (name) are common/not common (animal) in
my country, I have seen a/an (name) several times/never seen a/an (name) in the real life,
but only/and on TV. However, it is always amazing whenever I watch it.
 2.3.2.2. How do people in your country feel about (animal)?

In my country, people have different attitudes towards (animal). Some really love
(animal). They often enjoy listening to birds singing in the morning/going to the zoo at
the weekend. Some keep them as a pet. However, some like (negative hobby).

Many people believe that (animal) play an important role in maintaining the ecosystem
balance. They help control ....., which contributes to the overall health of the
environment. Therefore, people have raised their awareness of protecting (animal)
species and their habitats.

2.3.2.3. Do (animal) have any typical symbols in your country?

In my country, (animal) are often seen as symbols of ..... and .... Their ability to ..... is
often associated with the human desire for ....

(Name), in particular, are widely recognized as symbols of (below)

Strong, Freedom, Peace, Ferocious, Loyal,.....

2.3.2.4. Do you have any measures to protect them from extinction?

- Template:

In fact, we can have many measures to protect (animal) from extinction

Firstly, we should raise our awareness of this problem

Secondly, we should protect their habitats.

Thirdly, we should ....... (plant more tree, minimize illegal hunting of wild animals,....)

To sum up, we should take actions to prevent (animal) from extinction.

- Practice:

Obviously, there are various measures in place to protect (animals) and prevent their
extinction. Here are some common measures implemented.
Firstly, we should conduct public awareness campaigns and educational programs to raise
awareness about the importance of (animals) in ecosystems, and encourage sustainable
practices that benefit (animal) populations.

Secondly, we should make efforts to conserve and restore habitats that are crucial for
(animal) populations. This includes reforestation, and creating more conservation area to
provide suitable environments for feeding, and breeding.

Thirdly, the government should impose strict rules and regulations on protecting (animal)
to restrict harmful activities and preserve the natural environment.

To sum up, these measures play a vital role in protecting (animal) and preventing their
extinction.

2.4. Speaking Task 3: Topic Development

- Template:

Some people believe that (topic)

Firstly, (topic) – (idea 1)

Secondly, (topic) – (idea 2)

Thirdly, it (idea 3).

To sum up, (đọc lại câu topic đề)

Now, I will answer follow-up questions:

1..............

2..............

3..............
- Practice:

Some people believe that traveling is an essential experience that everyone should have
more often.

Firstly, traveling broadens our mind. Because if you travel to some strange places, you
have to adapt with the food, people and culture of that location. Besides, you can often
see lots of things that you haven’t known about it before.

Secondly, traveling widens our network. Obviously, traveling can help we make friends
with people we meet through out the trip.

Thirdly, it sharpens our skills. This is the most important reason why people should
traveling more often. We always have chance to practice our soft skills like communicate,
solve problems,...while going away.

To sum up, traveling is an essential experience that everyone should have more often.

Now, I will answer follow-up questions:

1. I don’t like going away with my family, because I feel more comfortable if travel with
my besties. For me, when traveling with family, I can’t go to sleep late or visited some
restaurants or beautiful places that I want.
2. People from my country prefer eco-holiday sush as camping, travel by motorbike,
hiking,...because they want to explore new places that nobody know, can enjoy poetic
wild sceneries and stay away from their busy life.

3. I think the reason why young people choose different holiday destinations from other
people is their interest. Like I have said before, young people prefer to explore new
places, so they often go to mountains, lakes, forests or beachs to enjoy their holidays.

2.5. Essay

B1: Xác định topic & essay type

Essay type: - Opinion - Bảo vệ quan điểm A hoặc B - Agree/ Disagree

- Discussion - Thảo luận A và B - Advantages/ Disadvantages (Pros/

cons)

- Benefits/ Drawbacks

B2: Xây dựng từ vựng

- Positive

- Negative

(- Solutions)

B3: Template và thay thông tin

(Topic) has become an intergal part of rising debate in the present world, including
Vietnam. While components of the argument are in favor, however, the opponents
are completely against the relevance of the (Topic). (Chọn 1 trong 2 câu dưới, tùy
dạng đề)

1. This essay will discuss the benefits and drawbacks of such a situation and draw
a conclusion.
2. Personally, I strongly agree that (chosen view)

To commence with, (Topic) has many good sides. The most prominent one is that
(positive opinion/ advantage 1). Another good point would be that (advantage/
positive opinion 2). Thirdly, (advantage/ positive opinion 3).

On the other hand, critics may point out that one of the most significant
disadvantages of the (essay topic – keywords) is that (disadvantage/ negative
opinion 1). Another problem is that (disadvantage 2).

To conclude, there are two sides of everything, and this situation is not an
exception. The (Topic) has become a crucial part of our life. Therefore, efficient
use of (Topic) should be promoted, however, its misuse should be condemned.

- Practice:

B1: Xác định topic & essay type

- Topic: Playing computer games

- Essay type: Discussion (Positive & negative)

B2: Xây dựng từ vựng

- Positive
make children feel much hapier because they can do things they enjoy much.

make children relax by reduce the stress of all day hard work and study.

develop imagination and creativity while experiment with different techniques

besides, help them make new friend and connect with others

- Negative

some games contain a great deal of violence that can increase aggressive feeling,
thoughts and behaviors

children cannot focus on their duties and study if playing computer games too
much. it also causes health problems like headache, backache or lose strength
because of not get enough rest.

(- Solutions)

To minimize bad effects, parents should closely monitor their children if they still
can not accurate perception and not allowed them to play violent games

For older children, they must choose suitable computer games, take break and
stretch regularly to reduce strain on the body

To manage time effectively, we should set specific times to balance between

playing computer games with other important activities.

----------------------------------------------

Playing computer games has become an intergal part of rising debate in the present
world, including Vietnam. While components of the argument are in favor,
however, the opponents are completely against the relevance of the computer
games. This essay will discuss the benefits and drawbacks of such a situation and
draw a conclusion.
To commence with, playing computer games has many good sides. The most
prominent one is that it helps children relax by reduce the stress of all day hard
work and study. Another good point would be that children have a chance to
develop their imagination and creativity while experiment with different
techniques. Thirdly, some games also help them make new friend and connect with
others.

On the other hand, critics may point out that one of the most significant
disadvantages of the computer games is that children cannot focus on their duties
and study if playing computer games too much, it also causes health problems like
headache, backache or lose strength because of not get enough rest. Another
problem is that some games contain a great deal of violence that can increase
aggressive feeling, thoughts and behaviors.

There are some solutions to this problem. Firstly, to minimize bad effects, parents
should closely monitor their children if they still can not accurate perception and
not allowed them to play violent games. Secondly, to manage time effectively, we
should set specific times to balance between playing computer games with other
important activities, take break and stretch regularly to reduce strain on the body.

To conclude, there are two sides of everything, and this situation is not an
exception. Playing computer games has become a crucial part of our life.
Therefore, efficient use of computer games should be promoted, however, its
misuse should be condemned.
 READING

- Format:

60 phút

4 bài đọc

10 câu hỏi trắc nghiệm/ bài đọc

- Methods

Đọc 10 câu hỏi

Dễ trước, khó sau

Skim, Scan

Suy luận

Kiểm tra