Topic speaking1 Test 21

TEST 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!

TEST 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.


TEST 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.

TEST 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.

TEST 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.


TEST 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.

TEST 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.


TEST 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.

TEST 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.

TEST 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.
TEST 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.

TEST 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.


TEST 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.

TEST 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.

TEST 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 gailywrapped 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]TEST 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,

TEST 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.

TEST 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.

TEST 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

TEST 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.
TEST 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.

TEST 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.

TEST 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.

TEST 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.

TEST 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.

TEST 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]TEST 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!

TEST 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.


TEST 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.

TEST 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 1: The mean of transport you like/ hate most
means of transport and their (dis)advantages in
travelling;
where and how you last travelled;
situations at the airport/railway station/port; rent a car
content:
There are many transports such as car, taxi, motorbike,
train, airplane … But I love to drive my motorbike.
I can really take in all the sites when I’m driving and I love
road trips with my friends. When I’m driving I can do what
I want, I can stop and go as I please and driving is
relaxing for me as well.
Sometime when the weather rain or so cold, I used bus to
transport. Because driving in the rain more dangerous
than normal.
Driving motorbike help me to save time when moved on
roads of Ha Noi capital in congestion status. So it, I’d like
drive rather than any other transport.
2.
The life is sometimes very tiring so I want the time to relax and take a rest.
One of my best favourite leisure activity is listening to music
Listening to music not only help me relax but also provide me with musical
knowledge. I like the time that I can lie lazily in bed, wear the small earphone
with my smart phone and ẹnjoy any favourite song which belong to many
kind of music example: teenpop, rook, symphony,….etc. Ordinarily, I don’t


turn on volume so loudly and don’t listen to rook when my mother stays at
home, simplicity because she never like that. But when she isn’t there, it is no
problem. I can increase the volume nearly maximally, listen any kind of

music, Oh that is very interesting.

Your favourite leisure activity!
Never the less, the Kind of music I like best is teenpop because it’s very
lovely, melody and youngful. Some songs I love as: “proud of you”; “The day
you went away”; … etc. Their lyrics are very beautifully sensible and easy to
understand so I can read thoroughly quite easily. Beside there, I still
lovesome another song as: “Unbreak my heart” of Toni Braxton
All of them is a very important piece of my life. I think they help my soul
more plentiful and more love of life. Do you think so?

Advantages of living in the countryside
There are many reasons why one should live in the countryside and my
purpose today is to tell you some advantages of living there.
First of all, when u living in the countryside, u can enjoy the fresh air, take a
bath in clean rivers , have a good health also because in here, there are more
trees and less traffics, factories than in the city.
Secondary, the cost of living in the countryside is cheaper than the city so u
can have a comfortable life with a low salary. For examples foods and services
is cheaper than city.
Third, people in the countryside more friendly, the life is peaceful, Because
they get together everyday work on the fields.
Last of all, living in the countryside not so boring as many people think that,
and the fact is what I told u ahead. I think most people like living in the
countryside.


1. Introduce myself.
My name is phi. I'm nineteen years old. I am a student at Hanoi
University of Industry. I live in Hoai Duc district, Hanoi capital.

My hobbies are going fishing, listening to music and playing
computer games. My favorite subject is English, because it helps
me very much in my life and study. Now I'm learning electronic
and I want to become an engineer of SamSung Group. That 's all
about me.
2. Describe my neighbor.
I have just had a new neighbor. His name is Quang. He is older
than me about two years. He is generous, social and helpful. He
helped me very much when I had difficulties. He is handsome, tall
and a little fat. He has short and black hair. His face is square.
His skin is white. He has bright and brown eyes. He usually wears
jeans and T-shirt. That is his style. That shows somethings about
his character. He is active, young and enthusiasm. His hobbies
are going fishing, playing football, playing computer games and
listening to music. That is all about my great neighbor.
3. Tell about Hanoi.
Hanoi is the capital of VietNam. It is described by 5 adjectives
and phrases. They are big, crowded, busy, modern and It's
changed day by day. Hanoi is one of the two biggest cities in
VietNam. It is only smaller than HoChiMinh city. It is really a
crowded city, so crossing the road is a terrible panic of the
tourists.Hanoi is a busy and modern city.That is shown by the
high buildings, where There are many apartments and companies
and the lights are never turned off until they have problem. Hanoi
is innovating to get better at many respects such as changing
aspects, do 3R projects to protect the environment and so on.It is
going to hold a very big aniversary to celebrate 1000 years of
Hanoi -ThangLong. That is somethings about Hanoi.

4. Tell about place living.
I live in a small house beside a big road. It is 5 years old. There
are five rooms. The living-room and the Kitchen are the one.
There are two chairs, which were made by Dinh wood. Their
colour is natural brown. They have not been painted because they
were made by good material. The living-room, the bathroom and
the bedroom are downstair. There are 2 bedrooms (not in )
upstair. There are beds, desks and wardrobes. In front of the
house, there is a big yard and a big tree. There is a small gardern
behind (not of) the house. The great thing is I can sleep under
the tree in summer when the electricity is cut off. That is my
house, I love my house.
5. last summer holiday.
Last june, I went to the ThienSon mountain on holidays. It is
eighty kilometers from Hanoi to ThienSon Mountain. I was there
for 2 days. The view there was very nice. I went along a spring.
The water was very clear but I didn't see any fish. I saw two
waterfalls.They were very beautiful. Many people had a bath and
play under the waterfalls. I climbed up the mountain. (not in)
There, I saw many beautiful things which were far from the place
where I was standing, such as large fields, smooth spring in the
mountain, natural flowers and wild animals.I took many photos in
order to make them as the background for my computer. That
was my last summer holiday.
6. future plan.
I am a student, I'm young , so I have many plans for my future.
On the summer vacation, I will look for a part-time job. I want to
earn money because I am going to buy some equipments and
machines (not 'which are') to support for study (not in) next
term. After I graduate, I am going to become an engineer. I will

find a job which (not to be 'is') suits me. A few years later, I will
find a job in a big Group such as SamSung, Sony or another
electronic Group. I will design a machine which will make me
become a famous person. It is my important plan and my dream.
That is some future plans of mine.
7.a best friend.
I have many friends but I have only a best friend. He is Quang.
He is generous, social and funny. He is good-looking, tall and a
little fat. He has short and black hair. His eyes are brown and
bright. His skin is white. Although he is little fat but he is very
active and enthusiasm. He helped me very much when I had
difficulties. He usually wears jeans, T-shirt and shoes. His hobbies
are playing football, playing computer games and listening to
music. I first met him when I was at secondary school. Now he is
studying in a university and his plan is try to curtail study periods
because he wants to garaduate earlier than me. That is my best
friend.
8. the city life and country life.
The life in the city is different from the life in the country. The life
in the country is harder than the life in the city, because in the
country, there are less work and we can earn less money than
working in the city when we do the same work. When we live in
the country, we are healthier, because the environment in the
country is clearer and fresher than in the city. People in country
are happier and friendlier than in the city, because they have
more freetime and more friends than the ones who live in the
city. In some other ways, People who live in city are harder than
the ones who live in the country, because they are controlled by

work. They step more and more quickly, because of the busy life.
I think, people who live in the country, step slowlier, because
they are free and they control their live by themselve1. Introduce


myself.
Living in the countryside
it's good to live in the countryside , my purpose today is to tell u the advantages of
living there.
first of all, when u living in the countryside , u can enjoy the fresh air, take a bath
in clean rivers , have a good health also.
Secondary, the cost of living in the countryside is cheaper than the city so u can
have a comfortable life with a low salary.
Third, the life is peaceful, not too much crime, social evils like the city so u rarely
to get stress and breakdown like the people who living in the city.
Last of all, living in the countryside not so boring as many people think that, and
the fact is what I told u ahead.

Some people say that city center is the best place to live. One has an easy
access to all the amenities of life. Additionally, city centers are the places where all
the business, educational, official and trade activity centers are located. The
commuting time is nothing as compared to those living in the suburbs. There are,
however, some big disadvantages of living in the city center as well. Following
lines would give you a great comparison in this regard.
Advantages
The biggest advantage of living in a city-center is the easy access to all the
business, trade and educational offices. City-centers are planned in such a manner
that they become the hub of everything related to commercial, official or
educational fields. Most universities and colleges are located in the city-center and
students from suburbs have to commute long distances to reach their alma maters.

Similarly, professionals have to take public or private transport to reach the citycenter. Monthly fares of public transports, despite all the discounts, are quite
expensive these days.
On the contrary, people living in the city-center do not have to incur any
transportation costs. In most cases, all the famous buildings, business centers and
universities are located within a walking distance. There are no expenditures in


transportation costs and time wasted in travelling. Additionally, one can save
money on dining costs as one can simply head back to home to eat during lunch
breaks. People from the suburbs are unfortunate in this regard. They have to eat
lunch from the push carts or restaurants and this entails some big spending, even if
the rates are affordable. Monthly expenditures on food bills are enough to cause a
big dent in your monthly budget.
Disadvantages
There are also many disadvantages of living in a city-center. First of all, there is no
sense of privacy as the city centre remains active till late night. Secondly, the
house rents are sky high in the city-center. Everyone wants to live there and
homeowners take full advantage of this phenomenon. Another disadvantage of
living in a city-center is the lack of suburban activities and neighbourhood attitude
that is prevalent in the suburbs. There are hardly any parks and open spaces where
one can breathe fresh air. In most cases, the environment is polluted because of
thousands of cars that throng the roads and alleys. Similarly, the proportion of trees
and shrubs is far less than a typical suburb that is usually green and pollution free.
The sense of community is also lacking in the city-center as people remain busy in
their own affairs and do not pay any attention to their neighbours and friends.
Another down point of living in the city center is the higher prices of commodities.
As compared to suburbs, that are usually located close to farmer markets; city
centers are cramped places with high property rents. Shops often pass on that high
price to their customers.

YOUR HOBBIES

Everyone has his own hobbies. Some like reading papers,
magazines, and books while others like watching TV or films,
traveling, listening to music etc. I also have my own hobbies. In
my free time I have many things to do. Let me share with you.
The hobby I like best is playing guitar. My mother gave it to me