Viết 1

Some friends of mine are going backpacking next month around Vietnam. They would like
to learn about Vietnamese culture and its history..................................................................2
I’m having a busy time at the moment as I have to write lots of Christmas cards to all my
friends and relatives...............................................................................................................3
LEARN ENGLISH AT YOUR OWN PACE!.......................................................................4
ACTIVITY CO-ORDINATOR WANTED! (Would you like to work with young children
aged 5-11?).............................................................................................................................5
It's a really brave step to take a year out of college to come and spend 6 months in the UK!
................................................................................................................................................6
CLUB ORGANISER NEEDED! (Monday and Wednesday evenings only) Our language
school is looking for a person to help organize a Film Club for students of English. (Do
you have some knowledge of English? . Do you like working with groups of people? . Are
you interested in films?).........................................................................................................7
I'm really pleased you're planning to come to England to study. Let me know what type of
course you're interested in and I'll ring some colleges for details..........................................8
We're doing a project this month at school on eating habits and customs around the world.9
What a pity you won't be around when we arrive. Anyway, we'll only be there for one day
and I was wondering whether you could recommend a couple of local restaurants.
Something that caters for families would be great ... we eat anything!...............................10
Oh, and by the way, don't go to XZY Restaurant for your birthday. We went there last
night – the service was awful and the food was a disaster! I complained to the head waiter
but he asked me to put it in writing......................................................................................11
The university welcomes applications to all its courses from overseas students.................12
The club is used by most employees after work and it brings a lot of benefits. The
management should reconsider its decision and consider alternatives................................13
Lifeguard assistants wanted We are looking for someone in September to assist our
lifeguards, provide supervision during beach activities and observe swimmers.................14
Well, I have had some health problems recently, I don't know the exact reason, but I think
it may come from my smoking, I started smoking a couple of mouths ago and I'm
becoming dependent on it....................................................................................................15
I'm a rock fan. I can listen to rock all day. What about you? What kind of music do you
like?......................................................................................................................................16

1
 LETTER
TEST 1

Some friends of mine are going backpacking next month around Vietnam. They
would like to learn about Vietnamese culture and its history.

Dear Alex,

Long time, no see! What a surprise to receive your email. The trip sounds
amazing and I´m sure that your friends will have a great time. I have a few ideas
for things to do.

I think the best place to start the trip would be in Ho Chi Minh City - also called
Saigon, as it’s easier to get cheap flights to this city. The city has a great history
related to Vietnam War and a great vibe. Then they can take a trip out of the city
and explore Mekong River, a paradise for wildlife.

From there I would start heading north and stop in Dalat, a scenic small city,
then travel down the coast by bus to Mui Ne and NhaTrang to enjoy some water
sports. From NhaTrang it is easy to get a train to Da Nang; don’t forget to visit
Hoi An Ancient Town. Then go to Hue Imperial City, it is not to be missed.
After that, take a coach to Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam and take a tour around
the old city by motorbike or even on foot. The best places to finish would be Ha
Long Bay, a highlight on any Vietnam trip, and Sa Pa, where they can explore
Fansipan Mount.

Regarding accommodation, the best option would be to stay in hostels or dorms;

they normally cost between $5 and $8 per night.

Please let me know what you think. I look forward to speaking to you in the near
future.

Your friend,

2
TEST 2
I’m having a busy time at the moment as I have to write lots of Christmas cards
to all my friends and relatives.

Dear Dan,

Thanks a lot for your postcard. I also wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy
New Year!

Actually, in Vietnam, Christmas isn't an official public holiday. In the past,

Christmas was only celebrated by Christian community but in recent days it is
getting more and more popular and is greeted with happiness by Vietnamese
people. They also decorate the streets and department stores with Christmas
trees, snowflake decoration and colourful lights. There are lots of other holidays
celebrated in Vietnam such as Women’s Day, Mid-Autumn Festival and New
Year’s Day. My favourite holiday is Tet holiday. Tet is a special holiday in Viet
Nam. It’s on the first of January based on Lunar Calendar. To prepare for Tet,
people usually clean and decorate their houses. They also cook traditional food,
such as banhchung or banhtet. During Tet, each family has a big party. Children
wear new clothes and get lucky money from older people. It’s also the time to
visit relatives, teachers and friends.

So how do you celebrate Christmas? Are there any holidays connected with
British history? How do you mark them?

Well, I’d better go now. It’s time to do the cooking. Take care and write back
soon.

Your friend,

3
TEST 3

LEARN ENGLISH AT YOUR OWN PACE!

Dear Sir / Madam,

I am writing with regard to your advertisement in the latest edition of “Learn

English”, in which you offer an English course that may meet my requirements. I
am interested in a six-month intensive English course, three or four classes per
week if possible.

I am 20 years old now and I have been studying English since I was in secondary
school. However, I am sure I need to improve lots of things. Despite the fact I
am quite good at grammar, I must admit I have difficulties in pronunciation and
expressing my ideas. Besides, I think I have some troubles remembering and
using new words.

I am very interested in languages, and my hobbies are reading books and

watching films in English. I consider all these activities are worthwhile since
they help you develop your intellectual skills. Moreover, I enjoy doing different
activities every day in order to take advantage of the experience I may gain and
the things I can learn.

I would prefer to start the course as soon as possible and would appreciate a
reply at your earliest convenience.

Yours faithfully,

4
TEST 4

ACTIVITY CO-ORDINATOR WANTED! (Would you like to work with young

children aged 5-11?)

Dear Mrs Thanh,

I am writing to you with regard to your advertisement that appeared in the local
youth centre and I would like to apply for the position of Activity Co-
coordinator.

I am 20 years old and currently I’m a senior student at National Economics

University. I amused to working with children because I have been working as a
teaching assistant at an English Centre for almost one year. Besides, I believe
that I can meet your requirements about health as I train in the gym twice a week
and I often go hiking to the countryside with my friends. In addition to this, I
have a lifesaving certificate and have always loved swimming since I was a
child.

My reason for applying for this position is that I am keen on combining my

experience in swimming with my ability of organizing different activities which
I think will be interesting for the children.

I would be available to attend an interview on any day at your earliest

convenience.

Yours faithfully,

5
TEST 5

It's a really brave step to take a year out of college to come and spend 6 months
in the UK!

Dear Anne,

How are you? It's been long since my last email but I was terribly busy listing
details of my trip to London. I really appreciate your willingness to help.

Generally the main reason I’m going to the UK is to develop my language skills.
I don't have any experience in working abroad so I decided that I would try to
find a job as a waitress in a restaurant. I think it would be perfect to spend
evenings working whereas daytime would be for sightseeing as well as meeting
my friends. I’ve always wanted to see Big Ben and Thames river, now my dream
is going to come true.

As for the details of the trip, I've just booked my flight. My departure time will
be the 12th of August, at 8 pm. As far as I know, the flight lasts more than
twelve hours so I should turn up at the airport near midday. I hope we will meet
soon in London.

Love,

6
 TEST 6

CLUB ORGANISER NEEDED! (Monday and Wednesday evenings only) Our

language school is looking for a person to help organize a Film Club for students
of English. (Do you have some knowledge of English? . Do you like working
with groups of people? . Are you interested in films?)

Dear Sir / Madam,

I am writing to you with regard to the job advertisement that I saw on the
noticeboard of my local language school. The advert stated that you need a
person to help to organize a Film Club for students of English.

I believe that I am a suitable person for this job. First of all, I have been studying
English for ten years now and I got a B2 Certificate. I am confident that I can
speak English quite well. Secondly, I’m an outgoing person and have the ability
to control a discussion. I like talking with people about a wide range of topics.
This will prove helpful in the club. And last but not least, I’m really keen on
watching movies. I often go to the cinemas with friends and then we usually
discuss the movie, so I think I have had a little experience.

Please do not hesitate to contact me via phone number 0934828358 if you would
like to have more information about me.

Yours sincerely,

7
TEST 7

I'm really pleased you're planning to come to England to study. Let me know what
type of course you're interested in and I'll ring some colleges for details.

Dear Mary,
Thank you very much for your letter. As I told you in my previous letter, I began
an English course three months ago and by now I have had a good result but I think
it would be better for me to go to England to have an advanced course of about
three weeks to make a definite improvement in my English pronunciation and
vocabulary.
I'd really prefer a morning course. This is because in the afternoon I want to have
enough free time to spend with you and go sightseeing. Besides, I also need
accommodation during my stay in Manchester. I guess the best place to stay is in a
house with a host family because I want to practice English every day, but if you've
got a better idea, please let me know. Moreover, I need to ask you two more
questions. First, have you got any idea of how much I would have to pay for the
course? Second, do you think it is possible to get a part time job in the evening?
Thank you in advance for your help and I'd really appreciate it if you could check
the course fee and the accommodation for me first.
I'm looking forward to hearing from you soon.
Regards,

8
 TEST 8
This is part of an email you have received from an English-speaking friend, who will be
visiting your home town for a short stay:

We're doing a project this month at school on eating habits and customs around the
world.

Dear Barbara,
I am very happy to receive your letter. It’s my pleasure to help you with your
project, and I hope that I can give you some details you could use. In the main,
Vietnamese people have breakfast at around 7 am. The breakfast can be a loaf of
bread or a bowl of noodles. We often drink coffee or milk when having breakfast.
Then at around 12 pm, we have lunch. A typical meal usually includes rice, a dish
of meat or fish, a dish of vegetables and a bowl of soup. There are also dipping
sauces and side dishes like pickled cabbage to enhance the flavor of other dishes.
After the meal, we have some fruit for dessert. The old people would prefer to have
a cup of green tea. Between 6 and 7 pm most Vietnamese families have their dinner
which resembles lunch.
Well, I think that’s all. Good luck with your project!
Your friend,

9
 TEST 9

What a pity you won't be around when we arrive. Anyway, we'll only be there for
one day and I was wondering whether you could recommend a couple of local
restaurants. Something that caters for families would be great ... we eat anything!

Hi Alan,
It’s great to hear from you. I really looked forward to seeing you and your lovely
family again, but my unexpected business trip has changed that plan! Anyway, I’m
sure that you will have a good time here. There are 2 famous restaurants in Hanoi
that I would like to recommend to you. The first one is Highway 4, which is located
at 25 Bat Su Street, HoanKiem District. This restaurant has classic Vietnamese
furnishings, English speaking staff and a large menu of Vietnamese traditional
dishes. You should not miss the cat fish spring rolls - the signature dish here. The
second one that I would probably go to is Sen. Its address is 60 Ly Thai To Street,
HoanKiem District. It is a sophisticated restaurant serving a buffet dinner that will
impress everyone – even people who don’t usually like buffets! It offers excellent
international dishes, seafood and Vietnamese food. Both of the restaurants are close
to HoanKiem Lake, so you can go for a walk after the meal.
Well, I hope you do like one of those and wish you an enjoyable day! Give my
love to your
family!
Your friend,

10
 TEST 10

Oh, and by the way, don't go to XZY Restaurant for your birthday. We went there
last night – the service was awful and the food was a disaster! I complained to the
head waiter but he asked me to put it in writing.

Dear Sir or Madam,

I am writing to express my annoyance at the service I received in your restaurant
yesterday. I chose your restaurant to invite my relatives following the advertisement
and reviews on “Hanoi Food Blog”, but the reality failed to live up to my
expectations. First, as advertised on the blog, you had a variety of set meals on the
menu. However, many dishes were unavailable yesterday, which really
disappointed my guests. Although we had wanted to have seafood, we had to
choose rice with pork and some kinds of fresh juice. When the food came out, it
was cold and we were given chicken by mistake so they had to take it away and
make another meal. The juice was good but the pork was overcooked and salty and
some was just bone, knuckle and skin. None of the meals we had could be finished.
After a few attempts to get someone's attention to pay, we went up to the counter
and on paying the bill, I complained about this inconvenience to your head waiter,
but he asked me to contact you directly in writing. I feel that a refund of at least
500.000 dong, which is half of our bill, would be appropriate.
I look forward to receiving a satisfactory reply within 7 days.
Yours sincerely,

11
 Test 11

The university welcomes applications to all its courses from overseas students.

Dear Sir or Madam,

1 am writing to apply for your two year degree in teaching English at university
level. At present, I am a teacher of English in secondary school in Vietnam.
I am keen to improve my English as this is not only my hobby but also a strong
need. In addition, I should add that I am already half-way towards achieving my
goal. I graduated from Hanoi University of Languages and International Studies
with a Master's Degree. Moreover, I have a great deal of work experience that
demonstrates my ability in languages. In addition to be an ESL teacher, I have
undertaken a number of translation projects. At present, I'm aiming to get CI
Certificate and I estimate that my English level is at advanced level.
I am particularly interested in completing my degree at your university as it is
famous all over the world. I hope you will give my application serious consideration
and I look forward to hearing from you.
Yours sincerely,

12
 TEST 12

The club is used by most employees after work and it brings a lot of benefits. The
management should reconsider its decision and consider alternatives.

To Managing Director
From: Staff Representative
Re: Decision to close our leisure centre

I am writing on behalf of my colleagues to express our concern about your decision

to close our fitness club and would like to share with you opinions on this matter.

As you know very well, many of us go to this club regularly. We take advantage of
its wonderful facilities, ranging from the swimming pool to the sauna. The clubs
location is very convenient for employees because we do not waste time commuting
there since this centre is very close to our work place. Furthermore, this leisure
centre seems to be an ideal place for relaxing after a hard day at work. You cannot
deny that general health is closely connected with work efficiency.
We appreciate that there is a real need to decrease costs. However, closing the club
is not the only solation available. We encourage you to find another way of saving
money. Perhaps some of us would accept a slight increase in prices of for using
these amenities, of course with reduced rates.
Taking everything into account, we would be grateful if you could reconsider your
decision. We wen convinced that retaining this club would be beneficial both for all
employees and work performance

Yours faithfully,

13
TEST 13

Lifeguard assistants wanted We are looking for someone in September to assist our
lifeguards, provide supervision during beach activities and observe swimmers.
Dear Sir or Madam,
1 am looking for an outdoor job during the summer holidays and I would like to
apply for the position of lifeguard assistant that I saw advertised in my university's
student newspaper
1 am 20 years old and at present I am studying Physical Education. I am a strong
swimmer and have recently had first aid training. I enjoy working with people very
much and for the last two summers I have been working as an assistant in a
National Park, where I had to provide information to the public about the rules
when visiting the park and provide emergency assistance to the park visitors. Now I
am looking for something different.
I think I would be a suitable candidate for the position because I have been
described as calm in a crisis and someone who works well with others.
I am available for the whole of September and would be happy to attend an
interview at any time. I look forward to hearing from you at any time in the near
future.
Yours faithfully,

14
TEST 14

Well, I have had some health problems recently, I don't know the exact reason, but I
think it may come from my smoking, I started smoking a couple of mouths ago and
I'm becoming dependent on it.
Hi Bill,
I got your e-mail yesterday. I was excited to finally hear from you, although the
news is not very good.
I am sorry for your health problems. But why did you start smoking? Do you have
problems with your friends, family or school? If so, do you get some kind of
satisfaction from smoking? I have heard that it helps with anger and anxiety, but
boy it isn't worth it! This may cause your asthma. You'd better talk to your parents
and a doctor if you haven't yet.
Last night I made a close study on the internet about possible ways to give up
smoking. I came across some really interesting solutions, which I will send you
later. In many blogs people share their experience and say that you need a strong
will and supportive friends. Think about your future. You've got the chance to win a
scholarship and study technology. You've been dreaming of this since you were 6.
Don't throw away your chances by doing pointless things. I hope you will think
over my advice.
I am looking forward to hearing from you again soon.
Love,

15
TEST 15

I'm a rock fan. I can listen to rock all day. What about you? What kind of music do
you like?
Hi Nancy,
Thanks for your letter. I'm happy to tell you what you wanted to know I'm mad
about music! My favourite is Vietnamese folk music. It is extremely diverse, but my
favourite type is "danca". I've been a folk music fan for all my life, since my mother
used folk music as my lullaby songs.
Some of my friends think I'm strange and old-fashioned-they often listen to pop
music and their idols are young and trendy artist. They're OK, of course, but I prefer
listening to singer Thanh Thanh Hien or Anh Tho you can try listening to their
songs on YouTube. The singers have got great voices and the lyrics are usually
good, too.
I listen to country music nearly all the time. I usually listen with headphones on in
my bedroom, but sometimes I listen on the CD player with my parents. They are
also big fans of folk music like mc.
Please write to me again soon.
Love,

16