Topic 1: Living by the Rules
Living by the rules means following guidelines set by society, organizations, or families. These rules help
maintain order and ensure everyone's safety and fairness. For example, traffic rules prevent accidents,
and school rules create a good learning environment. By following rules, we show respect for others and
contribute to a well-functioning community. Sometimes, breaking a rule might seem fun, but it can lead
to problems for ourselves and others. Living by the rules helps create a peaceful and predictable world
where everyone knows what to expect.
Topic 2: Describing Vietnam City Community's Rules
Vietnamese cities, like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, have unique community rules. These rules include
respecting elders, keeping public spaces clean, and following traffic laws. In markets, people often
haggle, but it's done respectfully. In public places, loud noise is usually avoided to respect others. The
community values politeness and hospitality. Traffic can be chaotic, but there are rules, such as wearing
helmets on motorcycles and stopping at red lights. These rules help maintain order and reflect the
Vietnamese culture of respect and harmony.
Topic 3: A Different Kind of Community
A different kind of community is an online community. Unlike traditional neighborhoods, online
communities gather people with similar interests from all over the world. They meet in forums, social
media groups, or gaming platforms. These communities offer support, share information, and create
friendships. For example, a group of people who love cooking might share recipes and tips online.
Despite not meeting in person, members often form strong bonds and help each other. Online
communities show that shared interests can connect people, no matter where they live.
Topic 4: Discussing Community Services
Community services are essential for a functioning society. These services include healthcare, education,
police, and fire departments. They ensure that everyone's basic needs are met. For example, hospitals
provide medical care, schools educate children, and police keep neighborhoods safe. Community
services are often funded by taxes and managed by the government. Volunteers also play a significant
role, offering their time to help others. These services create a support system that helps people live
better lives and fosters a sense of security and belonging in the community.
Topic 5: Workspace
A workspace is where people do their jobs. It can be an office, a factory, or even a home office. A good
workspace is comfortable, well-organized, and equipped with the tools needed for work. For example,
an office might have desks, computers, and meeting rooms. A factory will have machines and safety
equipment. Working from home has become more common, requiring a quiet space and good internet.
A positive workspace boosts productivity and job satisfaction. It's important to keep it tidy and
ergonomically friendly to avoid stress and injuries.
Topic 6: Urban Sprawl
Urban sprawl refers to the spread of a city into rural areas. This expansion leads to the development of
suburbs. While it provides more living space and housing options, it also has downsides. Urban sprawl
can lead to longer commutes, increased traffic, and loss of natural habitats. It can strain public services
and infrastructure, such as roads and schools. Managing urban sprawl requires careful planning to
balance growth with environmental and social impacts. Smart growth strategies, like developing public
transport and preserving green spaces, help mitigate these issues.
Topic 7: Discussing Urban Environment
An urban environment is a city or town where many people live and work. These areas are characterized
by high population density, buildings, roads, and infrastructure. Urban environments offer various
amenities like shops, restaurants, and cultural activities. However, they also face challenges such as
pollution, noise, and overcrowding. Green spaces like parks and community gardens improve the quality
of urban life by providing areas for recreation and relaxation. Effective urban planning is crucial to create
sustainable and livable cities, balancing development with the needs of residents and the environment.
Topic 8: Space Discovered by Amateurs
Space discovered by amateurs refers to astronomical discoveries made by non-professional
astronomers. With advancements in technology, amateur astronomers can observe the night sky using
powerful telescopes and cameras. They often contribute valuable data and discoveries, such as comets,
asteroids, and supernovae. These discoveries are sometimes shared with professional astronomers for
further study. The passion and dedication of amateur astronomers play a significant role in expanding
our understanding of the universe. This shows that with curiosity and the right tools, anyone can
contribute to science.
Topic 9: Close Encounters
Close encounters often refer to experiences or sightings of unidentified flying objects (UFOs) or
extraterrestrial beings. These encounters have fascinated people for decades and sparked many debates
and investigations. Some close encounters are explained by natural or human-made phenomena, while
others remain mysterious. Popular culture, like movies and books, often depicts these encounters in
exciting and imaginative ways. Whether real or imagined, close encounters captivate our curiosity about
the unknown and the possibility of life beyond Earth. They remind us of the vastness and mystery of the
universe.
Topic 10: Building Big
Building big involves constructing large structures like skyscrapers, bridges, and dams. These projects
require advanced engineering, significant resources, and careful planning. Famous examples include the
Burj Khalifa in Dubai, the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, and the Hoover Dam in the US. Building
big structures can boost a city's economy, create jobs, and become landmarks. However, they also pose
challenges like environmental impact, high costs, and safety concerns. Successful large-scale
construction requires innovative solutions, skilled labor, and effective management.
Topic 11: Big Business
Big business refers to large companies that operate on a global scale, such as Apple, Google, and Toyota.
These corporations often have significant influence on the economy, employment, and even politics. Big
businesses can drive innovation, create jobs, and contribute to economic growth. However, they can
also face criticism for practices like monopolization, exploitation, and environmental damage. Balancing
profit with social responsibility is a challenge for big businesses. They have the power to make positive
changes but must act ethically and sustainably to benefit society.
Topic 12: What is Success?
Success means achieving goals and fulfilling ambitions. It can be different for everyone. For some,
success is about career achievements and financial stability. For others, it’s about personal happiness,
relationships, or making a positive impact on the world. Success often requires hard work, dedication,
and perseverance. It’s important to set realistic goals and work towards them step by step. Success isn’t
just about reaching the final destination but also about enjoying the journey and learning from
challenges along the way.
Topic 13: What Does It Take to Be Successful?
Being successful typically involves a combination of factors. Hard work and perseverance are crucial, as
they help overcome obstacles and achieve goals. Setting clear, achievable goals provides direction and
motivation. Time management and organization ensure efficiency and productivity. Continuous learning
and self-improvement help adapt to changes and new opportunities. Networking and building
relationships can open doors and provide support. Lastly, maintaining a positive attitude and resilience
helps manage stress and setbacks. Success is a personal journey, and these qualities can help navigate it
effectively.