Let’s talk about friends

• How do you make new friends?

When I was younger, I was very outgoing and loved meeting new people. I joined almost every
school or community activity, so making friends came easily. But now that I’m 40, I’ve become
more reserved. I don’t make friends often anymore, but when I do, it’s usually through work,
neighbors, or through my daughter’s school. I value deep, meaningful connections over having
many friends.

• What things should a good friend never do?

A good friend should never betray your trust or speak badly about you behind your back. I
believe that honesty and loyalty are the foundation of true friendship. Also, a good friend should
never ignore you when you’re going through a hard time — even a simple message can mean a
lot.

• Is there any famous story about friendships in your culture?

Yes, in Vietnamese culture, the story of Lưu Bình and Dương Lễ is very well-known. It’s about
two close friends who helped each other succeed in life, especially through difficult times. It’s a
great example of loyalty, sacrifice, and how true friendship lasts a lifetime.

Let’s talk about the weather

• What’s the weather like in your hometown?
I live in Đà Nẵng, which has a tropical climate. It’s mostly hot and humid, with a rainy season
around the end of the year. The sun can be very strong during the summer, but the beach breeze
helps make it more bearable.

• Do you prefer any particular season? Why?

I prefer the cooler months, like from December to February. The weather is more comfortable,
and I can enjoy outdoor activities with my daughter without worrying about the heat. It also feels
more festive during that time of year.

• What do you like to do when it’s hot?

When it’s hot, I usually stay indoors or go to air-conditioned places. On weekends, I take my
daughter to Lotte Mart, where we buy snacks and sometimes go to Helio Center nearby to enjoy
music and relax. It’s our little weekend routine.

Let’s talk about your education

• What kind of school did you go to as a child?
I went to a public school in my hometown. It was quite traditional and didn’t have many modern
facilities, but the teachers were very dedicated. I have many fond memories, especially from
school events and activities I took part in.

• What was your favourite subject as a child?

My favorite subject was Literature. I enjoyed reading stories and expressing my thoughts through
writing. Even now, I still like to write when I have time—it helps me relax and reflect.

• Who was your favourite teacher?

My favorite teacher was my Literature teacher in secondary school. She encouraged me to be
creative and speak my mind. She also helped me build confidence during my teenage years, and
I’m still grateful for that.

Let’s talk about computers

• How much time do you spend using a computer at home or at school?
I use a computer for a few hours each day, mostly at home. I use it for work, reading news, or
doing personal tasks. I also help my daughter with her homework online. I usually spend about 1–2
hours a day, depending on how busy I am.

• When was the first time you used a computer?

I first used a computer when I was 12 years old. It was a memorable experience because everything
felt so new and exciting at the time. I was fascinated by the internet and spent hours just
exploring, even though I could only type with two fingers back then!

• Does having a computer make life more complicated or less complicated?

In my opinion, computers make life much easier in many ways. They help with communication,
learning, and even managing daily tasks like banking or shopping. However, they can also be
distracting, especially with social media and notifications. So it really depends on how you use
them — I think balance is the key.

Let’s talk about food and eating

• What are your favourite dishes?
I really love Vietnamese food. My favorite dishes are bánh xèo, bún thịt nướng, and phở. I also
enjoy snacking on dried fruits or roasted seeds — which I usually buy when I go shopping with
my daughter.

• Is there anything you never eat?

Yes, I never eat raw food like sashimi, and I avoid anything too spicy. I like food that is gentle
on the stomach and easy to digest.
• In what ways have people’s eating habits changed?
Nowadays, people are busier and often eat fast food or order delivery. In the past, meals were
home-cooked and shared with family. I try to cook at home when I can, but sometimes I also
enjoy the convenience of eating out with my daughter.

Let’s talk about your family

• Do you come from a large/extended or small/nuclear family?
I come from a small nuclear family. It’s just me, my wife, and my daughter. We’re quite close
and enjoy spending time together.

• What do you like doing with your family?

I love going shopping with my daughter on weekends. We often visit Lotte Mart, buy snacks,
and go to Helio Center to enjoy the music and the lights. It’s our little way of bonding.

• How important is your family to you?

My family is everything to me. They give me strength, motivation, and love. No matter how
stressful life gets, being with them helps me feel peaceful and happy.

Let’s talk about shopping

• Do you like shopping?
Yes, I enjoy shopping, especially with my daughter. It’s not just about buying things — it’s
about spending time together and enjoying the moment.

• What’s your favourite shop?

I really like shopping at Lotte Mart. It has a good variety of products, and it’s comfortable and
clean. Plus, there are food stalls and fun music nearby at Helio Center.

• Do you prefer shopping alone or with others?

I prefer shopping with my daughter. It’s more fun when we can choose things together, and she
always makes me laugh when we walk around.

Let’s talk about your hometown

• Where are you from?
I’m from Đà Nẵng, a beautiful coastal city in central Vietnam. It’s known for its clean streets,
kind people, and delicious food.
• Do you think your hometown is a good place for young people?
Yes, definitely. Đà Nẵng has many opportunities for young people — good universities, job
options, and a safe, peaceful environment. It’s also developing quickly, but still keeps its natural
beauty.

• Would you prefer to live somewhere else?

I’m quite happy here. Of course, it’s nice to travel and see new places, but Đà Nẵng feels like
home. I have everything I need here — family, food, and fresh air.

Let’s talk about the Internet

• How often do you use the Internet? What are your favourite websites?
I use the Internet every day. I like watching YouTube, reading the news, and sometimes visiting
websites to learn English or try new recipes.

• How can the Internet help you learn English?

The Internet is a great tool for learning English. I can watch videos, read articles, and even
practice listening and speaking through apps. It’s very helpful for someone like me who wants to
improve.

• Is it dangerous to meet people on the Internet?

Yes, it can be dangerous if you’re not careful. There are scams and fake profiles, so I always tell
my daughter to be very cautious. It’s better to meet people in real life if possible.