Tài liệu ôn thi Tiếng anh B1 mới nhất

TOPIC 21
Describe your first day at school as a child
That morning my mother woke me up earlier than usual. She
urged me to get dressed and take breakfast quickly then
tenderly took me to school. On the way to school I met other
children of my age accompanied by their parents to school.
The nearer I came to the school gate, the more nervous I
became. Suddenly a strange feeling of fear and worry seized
my heart when I saw the majestic elementary school in front
of me and I felt like crying when my mother said good bye to
me and put some coins into my pocket. Never before had I
been forced to separate from my beloved mother! But when I
saw old pupils laughing and talking merrily I regained my
composure.
After the droll of a drum, we were instructed to stand in line
to salute the colours and then go into our classes. A young
and mild-looking teacher greeted us at the door. And in a
gentle voice, he taught us the first lesson that we never
forget!
TOPIC 22
Your favourite hobby
My hobby is reading books. I inherited a valuable collection of
books from my deceased father and up till now my cultural
treasures have been preserved carefully.
Reading books broadens my mind improves my knowledge.
They help me distinguish the bad from the good and prevent
me from doing wrong.
Reading books brings me minutes of happiness and
pleasures. I have found a source of consolation and
encouragement in books when I am in despair. They're my
true companions indeed. How relieved and comforted I feel

when I can find in good books good teachers and friends!
Instead of indulging myself in futile entertainments, I often
absorbed in reading interesting books which always have
miracles to soothe my sorrows and hardships and reveal to
me strange and new horizons.
TOPIC 23
Which season of the year do you like best? Why?
I was born in Northern Vietnam, where there are four clear
seasons: Spring, summer, autumn, and winter. Each season
has its own charms and attractions. For example, spring is
the season which offers beautiful flowers and warm weather;
summer is the season of nice holidays when we can enjoy
lots of outdoor activities such as picnicking, camping,
swimming, fishing etc Autumn is so beautiful with its ideal
weather while winter can give us such delight as gathering by
a fire to chat or tell each other funny stories. As far as I am
concerned, I like autumn best because of the following
reasons:
During autumn, which lasts more or less from late July to
early October, it is sunny most of the time. The Autumnal sun
is often splendid, dying nature yellow. The weather is also
ideal because it is not too cold or too hot. Then the coldish
northwesterly wind, which blows gently, thrills everyone with
the breath of autumn. The leaves of the trees turning yellow
or red put a gorgeous coat of colours on nature. Autumn is
such a wonderful season that many poems and songs have
been composed to sing the praises of the season. Autumn is
also a season which reminds me of my first day at school,
when my mother took me by the hand and led me to school
for the first time.

Last but not least, autumn is the time when I can enjoy my
favourite fruit and dish which are the Japanese persimmons
and the green rice flakes. These are found only in autumn.
TOPIC 24
Smoking damages our health
(Smoking is harmful to our health)
Over the last thirty years, thanks to the efforts of various
branches of science and technology, research has proved that
smoking damages health and shortens man's life-span.
According to a diagram released by the World's Health
Organization (WHO), the number of people who die of
diseases connected to smoking is increasing more and more.
The more science and technology learn, the more damage
caused by smoking is discovered. Therefore, it seems that we
can never put a final stop to the list of harm caused by
smoking.
First of all, smoking brings about the decline of our memory
because each cigarette we smoke destroys 15,000 cerebral
cells.
Smoking is considered the number one cause of
cardiovascular trouble, pneumonia, lung cancer etc The
main offending agents are carbon monoxide and nicotine in
the smoke. These cancers - causing agents are also the ones
which cause pharyngeal cancer. The toxic effects of smoke
make the smoker's voice hoarse. Additionally, the visible
effect is that the tobacco or opium tar sticks to the teeth, and
causes them to become dark or dirty-yellow, diminishing our
good looks and charm.
In conclusion, I would like to quote our well-known scholar
"Le Quy Don" as saying some hundred years ago that

smoking was like taking a toxic drug, the smoke of which
wasted our health and diminished our life-span; yet, few
people heeded his sage advice.
TOPIC 25
Describe your best friend and tell why you like him/her
Of all my friends, Thanh Hoa is my best friend since we enjoy
each other's company so much that we'll miss each other
greatly if we don't meet at least once a week. Thanh Hoa is
twenty-two years old but everyone thinks she looks much
younger. She's not so pretty but she's charming. She has a
fair complexion that makes her look very healthy; here eyes
are clear and expressive.
She is a very reliable, mature girl with a great sense of
humour. She is very "down-to-earth" and is often shy. She
has been with me in both good and bad times to either
rejoice over something with me or to comfort me. She has a
strong personality with crystal clear view of "right and
wrong". She's an honest, a loyal and a warm humanitarian.
Some people wonder how we can become such good friends
because she is so quiet and I'm very energetic and outgoing.
I think (that) the idiom "opposites attract" is the answer.
TOPIC 26
Why is it necessary to learn English?
English is the international language of business. In order to
discuss our country's products and services with other people
as well as to entice investment from foreign lands, we must
do so in English. To communicate our thoughts and ideas to
other cultures, the best tool is English. Communication is our
link to the outside world and, in turn, our chance at economic
growth. Most leading countries in the world either speak

English or have English as their second language. There are
the countries that have the resources, technology and
knowledge to help us grow.
We are also invited to learn so much from English speakers.
We can experience the foods of Ireland, the natural resources
of Canada, the monuments of the U.S., the desert 'areas of
Australia or the best fishing ports in New Zealand, just by
talking with, these citizens. We, in turn, can also express our
feelings and interests about Vietnam. The sharing of this kind
of information is a bridge to long term friendships with people
from all over the world.
TOPIC 27
The benefits of sports and physical exercises
Nobody can deny the benefits of sports and physical
exercises.
In fact, such sports as: swimming, jogging, jumping, playing
tennis, football, basket - ball, volley - ball, skating, skiing etc
bring us a well - proportioned body.
When we practise a certain sport, our muscles are developed;
blood circulates easily in blood vessels therefore we'll have a
good appetite and a sound sleep
As for me, my favourite sport is jogging in the morning and
playing tennis in the afternoon. By practicing these sports
regularly I always feel fit and never get sick.
Health is much more precious than money. We can't lead a
happy life if we are continually tortured by diseases.
Try to keep a clear mind in a healthy body and get
accustomed to regular practice of certain sports, we'll feel life
worth living.
TOPIC 28

Describe the countryside in the morning
As usual, when the first cock crows break the complete
silence of the country, every activity of a new day begins: The
villagers start getting up; buffalo tenders are calling each
other to drive their cattle to the fields.
Smoke from the cottages is rising and spreading in the fresh
air, mingling with the veil of morning mist. A few hours later,
in the west, a bright, fresh and newly-bathed sun is looming
gradually from the hedge of green bamboos. The dew drops
on the grass and golden rice ears by the roadside are as
resplendent as precious stones. Suddenly a lark flies up and
sings gaily, followed by thousands of his companions. A fresh
breeze comes on, the yellow rice fields begin to move and the
pure air is redolent of soft fragrance. The scenery becomes
livelier as groups of farmers are rushing, to their fields talking
and laughing merrily, ready to resume work of a new day.
TOPIC 29
Why are good books considered good teachers and friends?
When I read a book, I am swept away into my own little
world discovering new things and imagining places only I can
see. It is a private dialogue between the author and me.
There is no one to criticize or question me. I can read the
book at my own speed and savour it every moment. Books
offer us the world. We can learn about history, geography,
famous and interesting people and different countries. It is
the cheapest form of travel that I know! I love to read a
variety of authors and learn about new ideas and ways of
expression. I also try to read a variety of books, from
romance to biographies and everything in between. I
especially like adventure stories because it is in here that I

can really put my imagination to work! There is such a vast
amount of information available in books. From the early
ages to our recent years we can continue to learn about a
variety of topics and interests. School textbooks offer us the
basics for learning how to learn-from math to science, from
language to arts. Recently, my father and brother were
interested in building a new table and chairs for our family's
dinning room. Neither one of them is a carpenter. So how did
they do it, your might ask? They bought a book that showed
them how! A good book truly merits respect whether it is a
"how-to" book, a good novel or a school textbook.
TOPIC 30
You tell a foreigner about Vietnam, your beloved homeland
Vietnam is a long, narrow strip of land in the shape of a letter
"S". We, Vietnamese, compare our country to the shape of a
dragon with the long narrow regions of the Centre forming
the slender body, and the regions of the North forming the
head, mane and front legs. Vietnam has a total territory of
332.000 square kilometers, and a coastline which meanders
along the immense Pacific Ocean.
Being of a peace-loving nature the Vietnamese people
nevertheless know how to react vigorously against adversities
to defend their homeland. Fiercely protective of their
independence and sovereignty for 2.000 years, they are also
welcoming foreigners who come as their guests.
Most visitors who come to Vietnam are overwhelmed by the
sublime beauty of the country's natural setting. The Red River
Delta in the North, the Mekong River Delta in the South and
almost the entire coastal strip are a patchwork of green rice
fields (paddy-fields) tended from draw to dusk by peasants in

conical hats. Visitors will also have the opportunity to
experience the energetic and purposeful performance in
revitalizing the Vietnamese economy by the Vietnamese.
They will have their senses thrilled by all the sights, tastes
and smells of a society born of over a century between an
ancient civilization and the ways of the West.
Despite the ravages of war in the past, the Vietnamese
people are now determined to rebuild their homeland, making
it many times as rich and magnificent as it used to be
following Uncle Ho's teaching.
TOPIC 31
I like to go shopping at a supermarket. Why?
I like to go shopping at a supermarket because of the
following reasons:
The supermarket is large, comfortable and conveniently-
located. It takes me only a few minutes to walk there from
my house. I usually don't have much time for shopping, so I
have to buy things according to a plan, or from a shopping
list. At this supermarket I can buy exactly what I need very
quickly because everything is placed on open shelves. All I
have to do is (to) choose whatever I want and take it to the
check-out counter.
Apart from that, I don't have to bargain over prices before
buying, yet. I'm never afraid of being overcharged for
anything. Goods are sold at fixed prices and the supermarket
guarantees the things we buy. Should the items become
faulty, the supermarket will either have them replaced or
repaired for free.
TOPIC 32
The birthday present you bought for your mother

I always have a difficult time choosing original birthday
presents. My imagination never seems to go beyond ties,
handkerchiefs or pairs of socks. But strangely enough, it
didn't take me long to decide on my mother's birthday
present. For the first time in my life I had a good idea - I
would buy her a gas stove which I thought would make her
happy.
As a housekeeper of a large family, my mother had to toil
hard over her bulk of housework. Among her household tasks
was the cooking, which took a lot of her time. The cooking
was done by means of burning firewood or compressed coal,
which usually emitted a lot of smoke. This was affecting my
mother's health. With a gas stove she could save a lot of her
time as well as her health.
Since I bought her this gas-stove, my mother has had some
free time to relax and her health has improved a lot. I felt
very happy that the birthday present I bought for my mother
was of great service to her.
TOPIC 33
Describe New Year celebrations in your country
Every year towards the middle of the twelfth lunar month
everybody is eager to welcome New Year.
They all have their houses whitewashed and decorated
beautifully. They buy new clothes for their children and get
everything ready for Tet.
On the thirtieth night of the twelfth lunar month when the
clock strikes 12, the New Year actually takes place of the old
one. All houses are well-lighted and they're busy making
offerings to their ancestors. Children, in their new clothes,
wish longevity to their grandparents, parents and are looking

forward to receiving some money put in small red envelopes.
On New Year’s Days, the Vietnamese usually eat square and
cylindrical glutinous rice cakes and water-melons or crack
water-melon seeds and enjoy some special foods. On these
days they often pay visit to each other and wish each other a
Happy New Year. During New year's Days they avoid talking
nonsense and often go to churches, pagodas and temples to
pray for a lucky and Prosperous New year.
Vietnamese Tet lasts about a fortnight after that they're ready
to resume work as usual.
TOPIC 34
Describe the advantages of living in the country and the
disadvantages of living in the city.
Although I've spent most of my life in the city, I always prefer
to live in the country rather than in the city.
First, living in the country we can enjoy fresh and pure air all
year round whereas the city atmosphere is seriously polluted.
Second, we can live a safe and peace full life in the country
while townsfolk are often obsessed with sudden deaths
caused by careless drivers and fool hardy motorcyclists.
Third, nothing can be compared with beautiful sceneries at
dusk and at dawn in the country side. They help us relax
wonderfully after a hard day's work while the debaucheries in
prostitute houses in beer shops and dancing-halls are ruining
townspeople's body and soul.
Four, nowadays, with the extensive electricity network,
country life isn't less comfortable and civilized than town life.
In a word, we can enjoy the clean atmosphere, the closeness
to nature and the gentle pace of living in the country whereas
the city life with its evil influences spoils and poisons

townsfolk's minds.
TOPIC 35
Describe your English teacher
My English teacher is Miss Loan. She's of medium height,
about twenty five of age. She's fairly pretty with her oval-
shaped face, straight nose, large forehead and bright eyes.
Though young and attractive in appearance she's dignified
and virtuous.
She's known to be a teacher of considerable ability. Her
method of teaching differs somewhat with that of our former
teacher. Instead of explaining fully every new lesson
beforehand she just gives us assignments and let us work out
ourselves. Thus her methods of teaching correspond to all of
us and help us become active in our English learning.
When teaching, she particularly pays close attention to
English accent and pronunciation. She often makes us
pronounce an English word several times until it's pronounced
correctly and accurately. She always encourages us in our
English study and thanks to her devotion to teaching us, we
have been making a rapid progress.
Everyone in our class is now talking about our new English
teacher who deserves our love and respect.
TOPIC 36
Describe the career you have chosen, and the reasons for
your choice
The choice of a career is of the utmost importance. It
determines one's whole life. As for me, after careful
consideration, I want to become a construction engineer.
In our country, after long years of atrocious war, many
houses, villages, bridges and roads were destroyed by

bombing They all need to be repaired or rebuilt. After
graduation, I'll contribute my part to the reconstruction of my
war torn country into one of the most modern and powerful
countries in the world.
How happy I feel when I am able to turn slum areas into
blocks of high buildings, to bring happiness and joys to my
poor compatriots!
How proud and delighted I am to build high-ways, bridges
and factories for my city dwellers by the sweat of my brow'
[b]TOPIC 37
Describe your native village and state your reasons why you
love it[/b]
Although my village is small, it's very beautiful and lovely.
My village is divided into 4 hamlets which are directed and
supervised by heads of hamlet who are m charge of and
responsible for the activities of their hamlet.
In the middle of the village stands an ancient pagoda where
the villagers gather to make offerings to the God of
Agriculture on the 15th day of the first lunar month. On the
left flows peacefully a blue and clear river where I used to
take a swim on hot days when I was young.
Almost the houses in my village are built on high ground to
avail floods in the rainy season. The villagers live chiefly on
agriculture. All year round they cling to their soil, thinking of
the best ways to force their soil to produce more food and
vegetables to their families. They get rich owing to their
creative work and industriousness. The harvest time is the
merriest and busiest season of the year.
How I love my native village! It's in this nice and lovely place
that I was born and have grown up and spent wonderful days

of my childhood. It's the cradle, the paradise of my whole life!
TOPIC 38
Write about a holiday you took. Give details.
My friend and I recently went on a four-day holiday to Nha
Trang. It was wonderful to escape the air and noise of Ho Chi
Minh City.
We took the night train and we were gently lulled to sleep by
the sound of the train and the pleasant night air. We arrived
in Nha Trang early the next morning and checked into the
Grand Hotel which is very near to the beach, restaurants and
nightlife. The hotel offered all kinds of accommodation-from
first class to economy. The staff was friendly and extremely
helpful to us. They recommended a few tours which we took
and we were not disappointed with. On the beach we ate
fresh seafood such as boiled crabs, grilled lobsters and
sanguine oysters. Nha Trang was clean and quiet, making our
holiday very peaceful, restful and unforgettable.
TOPIC 39
Tell about the pollution in our city and how to solve it
The pollution of air, water and land in our city with such
pollutants as smoke, industrial and household waste is
getting worse and worse. It has reached intolerable levels.
The-amount of carbon monoxide (CO) of the air now far
exceeds the accepted limit. As a result of this, the health of
every citizen here is being jeopardized alarmingly.
To solve the problem of pollution I think the government
should relocate the factories outside the city limits and
penalize people for littering, especially for relieving
themselves in the streets. I also think there should be
stronger controls on vehicles emitting pollutants. Apart from

these measures, the government should establish more
factories to recycle garbage, which is probably the best way
of disposing of household waste. Then the masses should be
mobilized to tidy up their houses and the streets where they
live, to grow trees and plants into forests to preserve their
environment. Only then can the pollution be diminished.
TOPIC 40
How do you spend an evening when it rains?
Evening is the time when I've finished a day of hard work and
deserve a good rest. I usually go out either to see a film or
visit my friends to discuss current events and inquire about
each other's school work.
However, I'd rather not go out but stay (at) home when it
rains. When at home, the first thing I'd like to do is to put
everything in my study room in order. Then I invite my next-
door neighbour to come over with his chessboard for a couple
of chess games. This helps settle me down until dinner time.
Sometimes I want to be alone in my room to read funny
stories, listen to good music or simply to the sound of the
rain beating on the outside. Once in a while my grandfather
will contribute his share to these indoor activities of mine by
telling me and my younger brothers and sisters stories about
well-known characters in our national history. We all like to
hear about these famous people's good works in literature,
good deeds in cultural and social activities, and especially
feats of war.
In spite of all the things I try to do to while away my time
when it's impossible for me to go out in the evening because
of the rain. I always find it dull. So I think I should embark on
an indoor hobby to occupy myself on such evening as these.

TOPIC 41
Do you like to live in an old house or in a modern flat?
I live in an old house, and I wouldn't have it any other way. I
wouldn't want to live in a modern flat at all. Let me tell you
why.
Our old houses are very solidly built and will weather big
storms. The walls are thicker than those of a modern flat, and
this keeps out the summer heat. Also, our roof is tiled, and I
like to climb up inside the house and listen to the sound of
the rain beating on the outside.
Also, old houses seem friendlier than new ones. The sharp
edges are worn smooth, making everything more comfortable
to me. Old houses are bigger too, with extra rooms for
everything, and this makes our houses more fun to play in.
Then, too, our old houses often have a nice big yard around
it, and that makes a good place to play in, and also a place to
keep my pet dog. If I lived in a flat, I couldn't have a pet. So
now you can see why I am so happy to live in a big, old
house.
TOPIC 42
Suppose you are living away from home in a foreign land.
Write a short letter to your parents, telling them about your
feelings and impressions.
Dear Mom and Dad,
By this time I am well-adjusted to living away from home.
Living in another country is the only way to become
acquainted with what the people are really like, it is only by
becoming very good friends with some of the American
students here at school that I have gained lots of insights into
their way of life.

Even though the countryside looks very different here and the
weather changes to great extremes, from winter cold and
snow to summer sun and heat, I find that people are the
same everywhere. Everyone has friends. Everyone is
concerned about living in peace with his fellowmen, but
sometimes this is hard to see clearly. All men have love for
their country and a need to do satisfying work. And everyone
needs to have a home of his own and to raise his own family.
I am learning a lot by being here for so long. I am learning
about life through living here, and not just from studying at
the university.
However, studying is what I must do right now. So until I
write again, I remain your loving son.
TOPIC 43
Relate a sad happening in your life.
I have lost several valuable things during my life and have
been unhappy but I have never felt as sorrowful as I have of
late-after learning that I had just lost a dear friend (whom) I
had known for so many years.
One morning when I was studying my lesson, I received a
telegram. I opened it and read the sad news-my friend had
been killed in a car accident. I was shocked and could not
believe the words in the message. Just last week we saw
each other at a party and chatted happily about everything.
Could it be that we would never meet again? I took the
telegram, read it over and over again, hoping that I had
misread it or that it had been an error.
But the more I read, the more my doubts were dispelled. It
must be true. I was so sad that I couldn't do anything.
Suddenly tears dimmed my eyes. I remembered studying

with him and the good times we had gone swimming
together. Then, I recalled his sincerity and faithfulness. We
seemed to understand and relate with each other almost as if
we had been identical twins. I felt very close to him. I also
knew how deeply I would miss him, realizing acutely that a
good friend is a precious treasure. It is painful to think that I
have lost one person who understood, comforted and brought
so much joy to my life. I know I will always remember him
but hope that time will help (to) lighten my grief and loss.
TOPIC 44
What benefits can traveling (travelling) bring to you?
To supplement what we learn from books and teachers,
schools usually organize trips for students. Many students
considered the planned trips as social outings designed for
pleasure only. They don't realize all the knowledge and
benefits they can derive from travel.
In reality these trips can bring about so many physical, social
and mental benefits. Let's describe these benefits in details.
In some of our travels we have an opportunity to live
amongst nature, to inhale clean air and fresh breeze. We also
have opportunities to take long walks, to run, to jump and
climb freely so that we can develop physically healthy bodies.
On such trips our appetite improves and we sleep soundly.
In addition, we gain a lot of social and mental benefits from
our trips. Travels and outings provide students with
opportunities to be joyful and friendly, and so escape from
everyday routines. They give us a chanc9e to become better
-acquainted and socialize with others. From these contacts,
we learn how to relate to people, exchange ideas and gain
friends. Our trips provide us with association with nature,

give us time to relax, meditate and to enjoy games out-of-
doors (outdoors). Living with others in groups helps us (to)
form good habits such as sharing consideration for others,
resourcefulness and friendliness. Moreover, travels and
outings will help to develop our knowledge and supplement
what we learn from books and teachers. The lessons on
Geography, History and Science will be more meaningful to
us, enriched through true-to-life observations and
experiences. Through travels we can also learn about our
beautiful country, the historical relics, the places of interest,
the rich resources of our country, the progress that has taken
place and the improvements that need to be made. As a
result, we turn to know and love our country more.
In conclusion, trips are usually beneficial to us. However, to
gain the most from our outings we should learn to observe
carefully and put in practice rules of good social behavior. We
should also learn how to enjoy nature and respect its
numerous beautiful offerings. If we keep in mind and practice
(practise) all of the points involved in travelling successfully,
we can benefit greatly from these experiences.
TOPIC 45
Write a letter to a foreign friend of your introducing him (or
her) one aspect of the Vietnamese culture.
Dear John,
I am very happy as I write this letter to you today because
this is a happy time of the year in Vietnam. It is the time of
Tet, our New Year.
Later I will write to tell you about some other aspects of our
Vietnamese culture, but now let me just tell you about this
special holiday, Tet.

"Tet" is the start of our lunar year. It does not fall on the
same date as your New Year - January 1", but we usually
celebrate it somewhere from January 15th to February 28th.
At this time of the year, the shops are busy, especially those
in the Central Market where gaily-wrapped sweets and other
goodies fill the shelves. Many people come to buy and the
shops are very crowded.
Everyone likes to wear new clothes to start the New Year.
Then too, gifts must be bought for all relatives, especially for
grandparents. Some streets are lined with pretty flowers and
big watermelons are for on sale along others. From what I
have read and heard, it is similar to your Christmas.
"Tet" is a favorite holiday of most Vietnamese people. The
culture and traditions of "Tet" have been passed on to us for
so many generations. Before and during "Tet" we observe
these customs and traditions.
In my next letter I will tell you more about some of the
special customs we observe during this time.
May I close by wishing you "Cung Chuc Tan Xuan", our words
for "Happy New Year".
Your friend,
[b]TOPIC 46
You have just arrived to visit a foreign country. Write to your
parents announcing that you have arrived safely and ask
them to send something to you.[/b]
Dear Mother and Father,
This letter is to let you know that I have arrived safely in
Singapore. My first impressions are that Singapore is a
beautiful country and that I am going to enjoy my stay here
very much.

Everything is so clean and beautiful and very well-organized.
The airport is very large and modern and I could see that
they have just completed the modernization. The people
working there were friendly, courteous and very helpful. They
made me feel very welcome to their city. The taxi from the
airport downtown was readily available and very inexpensive.
My hotel is a new modern one with every convenience. The
tourist bulletin that I found in my room suggests to me so
many different things that I might like to see and do, so I am
sure that I will be busy every minute.
Unfortunately, I forgot the shopping list that I had made out
before I came here. As you know, many of my friends asked
me to buy something for them. I can not possibly remember
everything, so would you please send the list to me.
I miss both of you and wish that you were here with me.
Don't worry about me because this is a very secure and safe
place. I will write again in a few days.
Your loving son,
TOPIC 47
Relate an accident you've witnessed
Last week my next-door neighbor was cooking dinner when
there was a telephone call. She rushed out of the kitchen to
answer the telephone but forgot to turn off the -gas-stove.
The telephone conversation lasted for quite a long time.
When she finished the conversation and got back to the
kitchen, she found the gas-stove was on fire. Frightened out
of her wits, she threw water over the fire. However, the fire
did not die out but got bigger and bigger instead, causing her
to burn herself. She then shouted for help. Her husband, who
was busy making furniture outside in the yard, burst into the

kitchen, and placed a large wet piece of cloth over the fire.
The fire immediately went out. He then put a bandage over
his wife's burns.
We should be very careful while cooking and should learn how
to deal with fire.
TOPIC 48
Tell about your indoor hobby and why you enjoy it
Experience has taught me a valuable lesson, which is that I
should have an indoor hobby to occupy myself in my spare-
time; otherwise I might spend my leisure-time on
entertaining games which are either mindless or wasteful.
After careful consideration I decided to start stamp collection
since I regard postage stamps as objects of interest and
value. For stamps to be accepted for use as postage, stamps
undergo screening steps, and only those stamps which
excelled the others in meanings, in artistic skills, and
aesthetic designs will be selected. So a stamp is really a
cultural trait of the country which issues it.
What could be more interesting than having in my hand such
a masterpiece?
Stamps teach lessons on geography and history. I, of course,
will have to look up from dictionaries or other books to
discover more about the origin of stamps. This will broaden
my geographical and historical knowledge more and more.
Then, too, collecting stamps is quite a relaxing activity. I can
well imagine how a new beautiful stamp, whether, it is a
domestic or overseas one, could make, me happy watching it
for hours on end. So my hobby can help me relax.
All in all, stamp collecting further stimulates my creative and
intellectual growth, which makes me never feel guilty about

wasting time.
TOPIC 49
In not more than 100 words write a letter of three paragraphs
inviting a friend to spend a weekend with your family at your
home in the country
Dear Phu,
I'm writing you this letter to invite you to spend some days
with my family in the country.
Your final term examinations have just been over and you
must have studied hard. To get rid of the stress from school
activities, come to my country to relax for some days. My
family and I have made some arrangements for your arrival.
Now it's the harvest time in my country. We'll have a lot of
interesting things to do if you like the farm work. In the
morning we'll take part in the harvest. In the afternoon we'll
take a swim in the river or go fishing on nearby ponds. Hurry
up Phu, lots of nice surprise are waiting for you!
Cordially yours,
Trung
Tran Vi§t Trung
TOPIC 50
Describe a day spent by the river or by the sea.
Summer comes together with its extreme heat and nobody
can resist the temptation to spend their holiday at the
seaside.
Last week, in order to escape from the suffocating
atmosphere of a crowded city, my friends and I decided to go
to Vung Tau beach. When we got to the seaside, the beach
had already been crammed with holiday makers. They were
either sunbathing on the beach or swimming in the river.

After walking along the beach for a short time, we all took off
our clothes and put on our swimming costumes. We dived
into the water and let ourselves drift along on the waves.
Swimming brought us a good appetite. We enjoyed some sea
foods and then took a quick nap after lunch.
In the afternoon we strolled along the beach, inhaling in
rapture the fresh sea air and took lots of photographs.
A holiday at the seaside helped us get rid of all worries and
trouble and gave us health and enthusiasm to resume work
again.