30 topic english reading and writing B1

TOPIC 21 Describe your first day at school as a child
TOPIC 22 Your favourite hobby
TOPIC 23 Which season of the year do you like best? Why?
TOPIC 24 Smoking damages our health
TOPIC 25 Describe your best friend and tell why you like him/her
TOPIC 26 Why is it necessary to learn English?
TOPIC 27 The benefits of sports and physical exercises
TOPIC 28 Describe the countryside in the morning
TOPIC 29 Why are good books considered good teachers and friends?
TOPIC 30 You tell a foreigner about Vietnam, your beloved homeland
TOPIC 31 I like to go shopping at a supermarket. Why?
TOPIC 32 The birthday present you bought for your mother
TOPIC 33 Describe New Year celebrations in your country
TOPIC 34 Describe the advantages of living in the country and the disadvantages of living in the
city.
TOPIC 35 Describe your English teacher
TOPIC 36 Describe the career you have chosen, and the reasons for your choice
TOPIC 37 Describe your native village and state your reasons why you love it
TOPIC 38 Write about a holiday you took. Give details.
TOPIC 39 Tell about the pollution in our city and how to solve it
TOPIC 40 How do you spend an evening when it rains?
TOPIC 41 Do you like to live in an old house or in a modern flat?
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.
TOPIC 43 Relate a sad happening in your life.
TOPIC 44 What benefits can traveling (travelling) bring to you?
TOPIC 45 Write a letter to a foreign friend of your introducing him (or her) one aspect of the
Vietnamese culture.
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.
TOPIC 47 Relate an accident you've witnessed

TOPIC 48 Tell about your indoor hobby and why you enjoy it
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
TOPIC 50 Describe a day spent by the river or by the sea.
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'
TOPIC 37
Describe your nave village and state your reasons why you love it
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,
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.
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.