One of the most important rivers in my country is the Mekong

River. Well, it’s actually one of the longest rivers in the world. In
Vietnam, you know, the Mekong River splits into many
branches, creating the Mekong Delta, which is a really
important agricultural region.

I mean, this river provides water for farming, especially rice

cultivation, and supports millions of people who depend on it
for their livelihoods. Also, it’s home to a diverse ecosystem with
many fish species.

So, people in the Mekong Delta use the river for transportation,
fishing, and farming. There are also famous floating markets
where locals sell fruits, vegetables, and other goods directly
from their boats. And, you know, tourists love visiting these
markets to experience the unique culture and taste fresh
tropical fruits.

Overall, this river is really important because it plays an

important role in Vietnam’s economy and food supply. Without
the Mekong River, the livelihoods of many people in the
southern region would be seriously affected.

Well, when I was a child, one of my favorite toys was a remote-

controlled car. You know, it was a small red sports car with cool
lights, and it could move really fast. I remember the design was
really sleek, and it even made engine sounds, which made it
feel even more realistic.
I got it as a birthday gift from my parents, and I was so excited
when I first saw it. I mean, I had always wanted a remote-
controlled car because I saw other kids playing with them, and
it looked so fun. When I finally had my own, I couldn’t wait to
try it out.

So, I used to play with it every day, racing it around the house
and even making little obstacles for it. Sometimes, I would take
it outside and compete with my friends to see whose car was
faster. We would set up races on the playground and even time
our cars to see which one was the best.

Honestly, when I got this toy, I was over the moon. It made me
feel really happy and excited. You know, it wasn’t just about
playing—it also gave me great memories with my friends. Even
now, when I think about it, I still feel a bit emotional because it
was such a special part of my childhood.

‐-----------------------------__________
Topic 12
1. Why do children like toys?
Children like toys because they are fun and exciting. Toys help them play,
explore, and learn new things. Some toys, like dolls and cars, let kids use their
imagination, while others, like puzzles, help them think and solve problems.
Playing with toys also makes children happy and keeps them busy.
2. What kind of toys are popular in your country now?
Right now, many children in my country like electronic toys, such as remote-
controlled cars, robots, and video games. Educational toys, like Lego sets and
puzzles, are also popular because parents want their kids to learn while playing.
Some children still enjoy traditional toys, like kites and spinning tops,
especially in the countryside.
3. Do you think toys are important for children?
Yes, toys are very important for children because they help with learning and
development. Playing with toys can improve creativity, problem-solving skills,
and even social skills when kids play together. Some toys also help children
stay active and healthy. Without toys, childhood would be less fun and
interesting.
4. What should parents consider when choosing toys for their
children?
Parents should choose safe and age-appropriate toys. Safety is very important
because small parts can be dangerous for young children. Parents should also
pick toys that help kids learn and grow. It is also good to choose toys that
encourage children to be active instead of spending too much time on screens.
5. Are traditional toys better than modern toys?
Both traditional and modern toys have good points. Traditional toys, like
wooden puzzles or handmade dolls, are often simple, safe, and last a long time.
Modern toys, like electronic ones, can be more exciting and educational.
However, too much screen time is not good for kids. So, I think a mix of both
types is the best choice.

Topic 13
Well, one time, I got stuck in a terrible traffic jam on my way to
a family gathering at my uncle’s house. You know, his house is
in the city center, so traffic is usually heavy, but I didn’t expect
it to be that bad.

I don’t go there very often, maybe once every few months, so I

wasn’t really familiar with the traffic patterns. So, I ended up in
a long line of cars that barely moved for almost an hour.
Apparently, there was road construction, and everyone was
stuck.
At first, I felt really frustrated because, I was looking forward to
seeing my relatives. But after a while, I just accepted the
situation and tried to stay calm. So, I played some music and
scrolled through my phone to pass the time.

Eventually, the traffic cleared, and I arrived late but still

enjoyed the gathering. I mean, this experience taught me to
check traffic updates before leaving and always allow extra
time for unexpected delays.

1. Why do traffic jams happen in big cities?

Well, I think the main reason is that there are too many vehicles
on the road, especially during rush hours. Many people drive
their own cars or motorbikes instead of using public transport.
Besides, poor road planning and construction can also make
traffic worse, especially when there are roadworks or accidents.

2. How can governments reduce traffic jams?

Governments can do a lot of things to solve this problem. First,
they should improve public transportation, like buses and
trains, so that people don’t need to use their own cars. Second,
they can build better roads and widen the streets in busy areas.
Finally, they can also use technology, like smart traffic lights, to
control the traffic flow more efficiently.

3. What are the effects of traffic jams on people?

Traffic jams cause a lot of problems. First, they waste people’s
time because they have to spend hours stuck on the road. This
can make them feel stressed and tired. Also, traffic jams create
more air pollution because of the smoke from vehicles. This can
be bad for people’s health, especially those with breathing
problems.

4. Why do some people prefer cars even with traffic

jams?
Well, I think it’s because cars are more comfortable and
convenient. People can listen to music, use air conditioning,
and avoid crowded buses or trains. Also, having a car gives
them more freedom to travel anytime they want. Some people
also see cars as a status symbol, showing that they are
successful.

5. Do you think future cities will have fewer traffic

problems?
Maybe. If governments invest more in public transport and
people start using eco-friendly vehicles, traffic might improve.
Also, new technology like self-driving cars or flying taxis could
make transportation more efficient. However, if cities keep
growing and more people buy cars, the problem might
continue.
Topic 14
, so I want to talk about a time I went hiking on the local
mountain. It was, you know, a pretty challenging but exciting
experience. The mountain isn’t too high, but the trail is quite
steep and rocky in some parts, so it definitely wasn’t an easy
walk.

I went with my best friend, and, well, we thought it would take

maybe two hours, but I mean, it ended up being much longer.
The path was harder than we expected, and we had to stop a
few times to catch our breath. Plus, we took a wrong turn at
one point, so, you know, that added even more time to the
hike. We also had to climb over some big rocks, which made it
even more exhausting.

Even though it was tiring, I felt really good about it. The fresh
air, the quiet surroundings—it was just a great way to escape
from daily life. And when we finally reached the top, the view
was totally worth it. We could see the whole city from up there,
and it felt amazing. So, yeah, even though it was exhausting,
I’d definitely do it again!
.

1. Why do people like walking in nature?

I think people enjoy walking in nature because it helps them
relax and escape from the busy city life. The fresh air, green
trees, and peaceful environment make them feel calm and
refreshed. Also, walking in nature can be a good way to
exercise and stay healthy.

2. Do you think walking is a good form of exercise?

Yes, definitely. Walking is easy, and almost anyone can do it. It
helps people stay active, burn calories, and improve their
mental health. Also, it doesn’t require any special equipment,
so it’s a simple and affordable way to exercise.

3. Why do some people prefer to walk alone instead of

with others?
Some people enjoy walking alone because it gives them time to
think and clear their minds. It can also be a way to enjoy peace
and quiet without distractions. On the other hand, some people
prefer walking with friends because it makes the experience
more fun and social.

4. Is it better to walk in the morning or in the evening?

I think both have their own benefits. Walking in the morning is
great because the air is fresh, and it can give people energy for
the day. However, walking in the evening is also nice because
the weather is cooler, and it’s a good way to relax after a long
day. It depends on each person’s schedule and preference.

5. How can long walks help improve mental health?

Long walks can help people feel more relaxed and less
stressed. When walking, people have time to clear their minds,
enjoy the surroundings, and forget about their worries. Also,
walking in a peaceful place, like a park or near a lake, can make
them feel calmer and more positive. It’s a simple way to
improve mood and refresh the mind.
Describe something you do to keep yourself
concentrated

Well, one thing that really helps me concentrate is listening to

music. You know, whenever I have to study or work on
something important, I put on some soft music, like lo-fi or
classical tunes. It helps me block out distractions and stay
focused for a longer time.

I do this almost every day, especially when I have a lot of

homework or need to read something difficult. I think I started
this habit a few years ago when I noticed that background
noise, like people talking or traffic, made it hard for me to
focus. So, I began using music to create a calm environment.

I usually wear earphones, so I don’t disturb anyone.

Sometimes, I even make different playlists for different tasks,
like upbeat music for writing and slower music for reading. And,
I mean, it really works because it keeps my mind engaged and
makes studying less stressful. Without music, I get bored or
distracted easily. So yeah, that’s why I always listen to music
when I need to concentrate.