Ôn thi cao học tiếng anh b1 chủ đề speaking and writing topics

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SPEAKING TOPICS

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Topic 1. Your favorite hobby and why you enjoy it
+ Reading books and listening to music
Reading books:
Get more information about many fields.
Know more about other cultures and places in the world.
Improve your concentration and focus.
Improve your vocabulary
Kill time

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Listening to music:
Reduce stress.
Have a sound sleep .
Increase optimism, music can also bring people a more positive state of mind.

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Topic 2: Describe the best friend
Who is it? ( classmate)
How old is she/he?
How is he/she?
+ Appearance: tall, beautiful, good-looking
+ Personality: honest, calm, easy-going….
Why is she/he your best friend?

Give me a lot of useful advice when I have difficulties or trouble
Help me feel happy and optimistic.
Share with me about everything in life.
Topic 3: Why it is necessary to learn English
-It is the official language in a large number of countries. It is estimated that the number of people in
the world that use in English to communicate on a regular basis is 2 billion!
- English is the dominant business language and it has become almost a necessity for people to speak
English if they are to enter a global workforce, research from all over the world shows that cross-border
business communication is most often conducted in English.
- Many of the world’s top films, books and music are published and produced in English. Therefore by
learning English you will have access to a great wealth of entertainment and will be able to have a
greater cultural understanding.
- Most of the content produced on the internet (50%) is in English. So knowing English will allow you
access to an incredible amount of information which may not be otherwise available!
Topic 4: Describe the house/ flat where you live
The house we are living in is situated in the suburb of HCM city, within thirty minutes’ drive off the
central city. We have lived there for more than twenty years. This is a fairly large house surrounded
with a luxurious garden.


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My house consists of four bed-rooms, a living-room, a bathroom with a shower, a dining-room, a
kitchen and a toilet. It is air-conditioned and well-furnished. The living-room is decorated beautifully.
Paintings by famous artists are hung on the walls. At night, the color neon lights increase the beauty
and coziness of the room. There, on Sundays and holidays my father usually spends his time playing
chess or drinking tea with his friends. My mother and my two sisters are diligent and hard-working
women. They often keep the house clean and tidy.
On suffocating days of summer, we usually take meals in the garden. It is fairly cool and quiet here. We
enjoy our meals amid the melodious twitters of birds. On stormy and rainy nights all whole family

members gather in the living-room, watching television or telling each other about their daily activities.
I love my house very much because it is the place where I was born and have grown up in the education
of my father and in the tender loving care of my mother. I have spent my whole childhood in the love
and affection of my dear ones with so many sweet memories.
Topic 5: Talk about an important city in your country
I am living in HCM city, the largest city in Vietnam. It has a population of about 8 million. In the
center of the city, the streets are wide and crowded with people and vehicles. There are many big stores,
hostels, theaters and tall buildings. However, in the suburbs, the roads are narrow and in bad condition,
and the houses are small and ugly.
By the way, living in a big city is a busy life with a lot of work to do. It isn't difficult for people to find
a good job, there are many factories, companies, industrial zones...where they can work in. they can
expect to find a job, that are both interesting and well-paid. the town also provide them with a good
educational condition. There are many schools, universities, academies...which have a lot of modern
facilities, and well-qualified teachers. And they can learn everything they want, for example, singing,
cooking
Additionally, there is an exciting place with theatres, restaurants, bars... Moreover, they can buy
anything they need and get all services quickly and easily. Although there isn't enough fresh air in city
but there are a lot of parks and several interesting sights as: Saigon zoo, the Thong Nhat palace, the
Vinh Nghiem pagoda, Dam Sen park and so on. Many people can find rest and relaxation here.
There have been great changes in this city for the last ten years. Life has become much better for most
of its residents. Many people love to enjoy the benefits of modern life when they live in here which its
excitement
Topic 7: What do you think of the weather in VN
There are 3 regions in Viet Nam: North Vietnam, South Vietnam and middle Vietnam. The weather in
each region is different between each region. In North Vietnam, there are 4 seasons: Summer, winter,
spring and autumn but there are only 2 seasons in South and middle Vietnam.


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What which season do you like season in a year. I love winter because the winter it is beautiful and the
cold of winter will be make people near together. It is not too cold, so there isn't snow in the winter in
Vietnam. In winter we get to usually wear warm clothes and have comfortable sleeps on mattress bet
bed with quilted blankets.
In summer, it is hot. There are many things to play in the summer: swimming, football, camping... there
are many colors in summer especially the color of clothes, we will get have to wear many model
clothes
And spring season. it is a special season because because there is a big long holiday in the season, do
you know? Tet holiday is biggest the longest / most important holiday in a year in Vietnam. Tet holiday
begins at the end of spring season and lasts finishes 7 days after. And there is an important day in
spring, it is valentine day.
In autumn, It is wet and the sky is clear. The trees are beginning to shed their leaves.
Topic 8: What forms of transport are the most suitable for cities? Why?
I recommend bus in general - for longer use, because it needs time to become experienced with them.
There are two suitable maps available at this time, one of them is sufficient detailed. Buy the better map
for a reasonable price (15K) at the little tourist-office-shack on the east side of the HoanKiem Lake
leftsided and close to the post office.
In general busses in Hanoi are good enough and cheap (3000 one bus-ride).
- I can reach nearly every part in Hanoi with one or two busses in roundabout 1 hour (sometimes a half,
sometimes 1 and a half), including the way to walk and wait at the bus station.
- Sometimes you will have nice talks with the people in the bus. Especially students like to check the
English speaking with foreigners.
- They are starting early in the morning.
- Its very interesting.
Keep some little disadvantages in mind, then you are not so badly surprised:
Sometimes the busses don’t stop, because they are full. Mostly they stop very short time, so be
prepared to run and jump. If you want to leave the bus, decide it in due time. They are stopping
depending on the traffic - that means: not nessecary dircet at the bus stop, as you may expect. The last
busses are driving roundabout 21pm. But its a little risk to use them - at that time they don’t stop
sometimes no more, even they should. Not every line as seeing in the map is current - but 98% are.

If you enter the bus, take care of a good place to observe the outer world through the windows. The
windows are sometimes scratched and you can’t look out to find the target station or reading the street-


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signs. The busses are usually very crowded. I would say: every second time you will find a seat.
By foot: Very unsusal. Your duty is not to lose the way. Buy a compass! Some people find it a problem
to cross the streets, when there is much traffic.
Own car: In my opinion: Avoid that. There are much to much cars in Hanoi and they are causing the
badest traffic jam. But if you are invited, its surely comfortable.
Own motorbike: If you have fun on the motorbike, if you like handling difficult and strange situations,
then I recommend it. In fact, its less dangerous, than it looks like. But if you intend to use it daily, you
may become tired of it, because you have to stay very awake all the time.
Topic 9: What are the benefits of cycling to work?
Commuting stress
Experts say commuting to work (by car) causes a tremendous amount of stress. People who have a long
commute end up gaining weight. If your commute is long, you will just get in better shape by
commuting on bike.
Meditative effect
Cycling, I've found, has a meditative effect that relaxes me and reduces my stress levels. Although you
have to pay attention to traffic and safety, bicycling does allow your mind to wander.
Low impact
Cycling is a low-impact sport. I've never experienced any muscle strains or broken bones, although you
do have to be careful and always wear a helmet.
Burns calories
One study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine showed biking is associated with less weight
gain in middle-aged women. Riding a bike burns plenty of calories, although exactly how many
depends on your pace. You can lose weight by biking.
Improves coordination and balance

People who ride bikes to work have improved coordination and balance. As we grow older, having
good balance becomes even more important. Many people need to be coordinated on the job.
Topic 10: Advantages and disadvantages of traveling by airplane
Travelling by air has many advantages.
First, the plane is fastest means of transport. We can reach our destination in a few hours. Flying speed


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is very fast. Therefore, it helps save time for passengers.
Second, we are provided with good services. The plane has many conveniences. We can sit
comfortably in an arm-chair, reading magazines or watching a free film on television. And game for
kids. In addition, we also served food, drinks. Steward and stewardess are extremely friendly,
enthusiastic and polite. When passengers sick, they are given thoughtful care by professional nurse
staff. Space is clean and quiet.
Third, we will enjoy beautiful scenery below. The island located mid vast expanse of oceans. Big city
becomes very small. Air travels give us a bird’s eye view of the world.
Next, when the plane take on or take off, we will very amazing. Flying is thrilling like playing
adventuresome game. In short, we have interesting feeling.
Finally, it is safer than other means because the plane is equipped modern technology.
Travelling by air also has many disadvantages.
First of all, this is the most expensive form of transport. A minority of people can afford a trip by plane
while a journey on land or by sea is much cheaper.
Second, if accidents happen, death rate will be quite high. It is easy influent by weather, terrorism,
hijacking and technical problems.
Third, the plane is also elective passengers. Unless passengers have strong health, they will be
airsickness.
Finally, formalities and procedures are complicated. We have to body check, custom office check and
so on.
In conclusion, travelling by air has some disadvantages. However, the advantages are no denying the

fact.
Topic 11: Which season do you like best in a year? Why? Which activities can you take part in
the season?
I was born in 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


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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 favorite fruit and dish which are the Japanese
persimmons and the green rice flakes. These are found only in autumn.
Topic 12: Talk about free time activities

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+ Reading books and listening to music
Reading books:
Get more information about many fields.
Know more about other cultures and places in the world.
Improve your concentration and focus.

Improve your vocabulary
Kill time

-

Listening to music:
Reduce stress.
Have a sound sleep .
Increase optimism, music can also bring people a more positive state of mind.
WRITING TOPICS
1. An interesting neighbor
I first met my friend Binh Minh two years ago when he knocked on my door. “Hello”, he said warmly. “My
name is Minh , and I’ve just moved in next door, so I’m your new neighbour”.
He is a handsome, well-dressed young man in his early twenties. Minh is quite tall and slim, with hazel eyes and
carefully styled light brown hair. He likes wearing expensive clothes such as leather jackets and silk scarves.
He has a great sense of humour, and I love to listen to his amusing stories. What’s more, he’s a very kind-hearted
person who is always ready to help a friend in need. On the other hand, though, he can seem arrogant and
conceited sometimes because he likes to be the centre of attention.
He enjoys dangerous sports such as bungee jumping and hang gliding. He’s a great dancer too, and he often goes
to clubs and discos.
All in all, life is never dull when Minh is around. Who wouldn’t be happy to have him for a friend and
neighbour?
2. A memorable birthday celebration
Fiona is my best friend. She turned twelve recently and her parents held a birthday party for her. I was one
of those invited. The party began at about three in the afternoon. There were about twenty of us children
gathered in Fiona's house. We were all dressed in our best clothes. Everyone, especially Fiona, wore a happy
smile. We gave our presents to Fiona and she happily opened them. It must really be exciting to receive all
those presents.

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After that Fiona's mother served us soft drinks and delicious food such as chicken wings, French fries,
spaghetti and also ice-cream. We then played some games like "Musical Chairs" and "Treasure Hunt". The
winners were given prizes. At about four-thirty Fiona's mother brought out the birthday cake. The cake was
lovely, it was beautifully decorated with pink and white icing. Twelve colorful candles sat in the middle of the
cake. We all sang "Happy Birthday" to Fiona after which she blew out the candles and cut the cake. We clapped
out hands eagerly. We helped ourselves to slices of the delicious cake. Then we continued our games.
Finally I won a key chain in the game “ Treasure Hunt”. Finally at about six in the evening the party came to
an end. We were all tired but happy. The parents of the other children came to collect them. I helped Fiona and
her mother clean up the mess we made. After that, I called my mother to fetch me home. We were exhausted
but happy.
3. Difficulties at work

Dear Manager,
I am writing to explain you some difficulties, which I am feeling since last month, and I would like to
inform you.
I am working a part time job with you in the evening and doing my master in software programming in
the morning and that is not to cover my financial problem, it also can accomplish my skills in my field.
But there are many troubles with the computer system here.
First of all, they are not fully equipped with hardware and secondly not enough updated software in it.
Basically we are working for many famous companies to provide them software and also we assist
them in case of any troubleshooting.
Consequently, if the company provides the latest machines with updated software to their workers, it
will not be merely expedient for the company reputation and progress. It can also give an edge to the
Programmer, Designer and Hardware/Network Engineer to learn and work well for the company clients
in a better way. In this way, we can save our plethora of time and in output we can give fascinating
work.
I am looking forward to your passing my suggestion to higher management and hopefully they will take
some corrective and optimistic action as soon as possible.
Yours sincerely,

A.I.N
4. Vietnamese’s traditional festival(s)
In Vietnam, there are many festivals in a year such as Double Five festival, Mid-autumn
festival, etc. Among them, the Lunar New Year is the most important and popular holiday in these
traditional festivals. This is a transitional period between old year and New Year; is an occasion for


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everyone to commemorate ancestors, pilgrims and family reunions. Therefore, Vietnamese people need
make a good preparation to welcome the New Year festival.
Preparation often begins a week before the actual celebration. At that time, everyone is busy
buying some necessary items such as clothes, food, shoes, etc. In spring flowers market, people go to
visit and choose their most satisfied flower pots. Everybody often cleans and decorates their house;
their ancestral altar is tidied up. Vietnamese families have a tray of five fruits on their altar called five fruits tray, including banana, orange, kumquat and chili; each of which conveys a different meaning
and is symbolic of happiness, luckiness, richness. The atmosphere of this festival is coming and people
are animatedly to welcome spring time.
On the last day of the year, preparation for New Year is completed. Families have a New
Year’s Eve supper together and expect the New Year’s Eve. At the mid-night, everyone performs ritual
offerings to the ancestor on New Year’s Eve. Then, they flock to pagoda to burn incense and to pick
buds. As they want to bring luckiness for their family. After that, almost people often go to bed and
hope their family will be many fun and luckiness in the New Year.
Lunar New Year is the most important festival for Vietnamese people. These are funny and happy days
that people prepare and welcome New Year together. In addition, it is a wonderful occasion for
Vietnamese families to reunite and remember their ancestors.
5. Traffic problems in Hanoi
Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam, will officially mark 1000 years of the establishment of the city in
October 10, 2010. It is a really fascinating and attractive destination in Vietnam with a long history and
a typical culture. However, Hanoi has also resolved to a lot of problems to be ready for a 10-day party
and the most controversial one of them is traffic congestion.

The first cause is that the populations of Hanoi are increasing at a very fast rate while land for building
is not available and immigrations from other parts of Vietnam. For example, in rush hours, a vast
variety number of vehicles, mostly motorbikes, have made a chaotic and stressful atmosphere for a long
time which can disturb the public’s peace.
In addition, Hanoi is also a place that has many different types of cars. But undoubtedly, the damage
and danger caused by cars are perhaps severe which can lead to terrible deaths. Moreover, car exhausts
contribute to atmospheric pollution. The last thing which can bring about congestion is negative
attitudes of people towards this problem. Obviously, road users do not allow others gain their benefits,
especially in Hanoi, which is an extremely energetic city with a poor system of communications. For
instance, low quality of traffic lights and narrow, old roads are considerable burdens for people, so they
are easily angry to be able to do anything aggressive.


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In order to overcome these problems, the government has to take stronger measures. One solution is to
increase penalties to actions against the traffic laws. As an illustration, a road user certainly remembers
the times he or she is heavily fined. Therefore, we think that sometimes we must impose more strict
measures because people are not well disciplined on the road, particularly in Hanoi. Another thing we
can do is to limit the time cars and trucks allow driving to the centre of city in rush hours. It can
guarantee a reasonable traffic flow in narrows and small roads of Hanoi. A final answer is to educate
the public, particularly road users, about traffic laws. To meet this effective way, the government has to
put a greater pressure on people in Hanoi, because they are usually really conservative and stubborn.
6. Your hometown or village
I was born in a quite village where the influence of the city is not much. It is a small village with a
population of about two thousand people. It is a very good place for relaxation indeed.
In my village, people live very close to each another. The people are very simple in thought and
behavior. Therefore they are friendly and helpful. So, the crimes of the city are almost unknown in my
village.
The

people
work
together
and
live
in
peace.
I
love
them.
My village is surrounded by paddy-fields and a river. All these add great beauty and variety to my
village scene. Although I do not like growing rice, I really like the fields. It makes me have a good
mood, a peace mood and a relaxed mood. Now I am living in Hanoi capital. I want to come back my
hometown very much. Living among such friendly and simple people, in such a quiet village, is indeed
a real pleasure.
7. Benefits of doing sports

Firstly, playing sports can give you a healthy life and a fit body. You will be more active and healthier
by playing sports. To illustrate, you can have a lower chance of getting a serious illness such as a heart
attack or high blood pressure.
In other words, it increases your resistance to illness. In leisure time, you can play sports with your
friends or your relatives, this not only helps you but also motivates everyone around you to take part in
sports and have good health.
Furthermore, there are some sports which you can play easily such as table tennis, tennis or football and
after that, you feel completely relaxed or even free from your stress.
Moreover, you also need to allow and encourage children to play sports, especially some outside
activities such as football, basketball or volleyball to decrease the time that your children spend sitting
in front of computers or watching television.
These sports can help them have endurance, quickness and even teach them how to improve team spirit
and work in groups. These sports also teach them how to communicate with their teammates, and show

them how active and creative they are.
8. Ways of learning English


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Speak without Fear
The biggest problem most people face in learning a new language is their own fear. They worry that
they won’t say things correctly or that they will look stupid so they don’t talk at all. Don’t do this. The
fastest way to learn anything is to do it – again and again until you get it right. Like anything, learning
English requires practice. Don’t let a little fear stop you from getting what you want.
Listen to Native Speakers as Much as Possible
There are some good English teachers that have had to learn English as a second language before they
could teach it. However, there are several reasons why many of the best schools prefer to hire native
English speakers. One of the reasons is that native speakers have a natural flow to their speech that
students of English should try to imitate. The closer ESL / EFL students can get to this rhythm or flow,
the more convincing and comfortable they will become.
Watch English Films and Television
This is not only a fun way to learn but it is also very effective. By watching English films (especially
those with English subtitles) you can expand your vocabulary and hear the flow of speech from the
actors. If you listen to the news you can also hear different accents.
Study As Often As Possible!
Only by studying things like grammar and vocabulary and doing exercises, can you really improve your
knowledge of any language.
Do Exercises and Take Tests
Many people think that exercises and tests aren't much fun. However, by completing exercises and
taking tests you can really improve your English. One of the best reasons for doing lots of exercises and
tests is that they give you a benchmark to compare your future results with. Often, it is by comparing
your score on a test you took yesterday with one you took a month or six months ago that you realize
just how much you have learned. If you never test yourself, you will never know how much you are

progressing. Start now by doing some of the many exercises and tests on this site, and return in a
few days to see what you've learned. Keep doing this and you really will make some progress with
English.
Record Yourself
Nobody likes to hear their own voice on tape but like tests, it is good to compare your tapes from time
to time. You may be so impressed with the progress you are making that you may not mind the sound
of your voice as much.
9. Advantages and disadvantages of the Internet
The Internet is a global information system. Nowadays, the internet is popular everywhere in
the world. The Internet provides many useful utilities for users but besides that it also has negative. I
will analysis advantages and disadvantages of Internet specifically.


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The first, the Internet is a big store of information. Any kind of information on any topic is
available on the Internet. You can find it by the most popular search engines, for example: google.com,
search.com, yahoo.com, etc. Beside, you can share information with other people around the world.
Secondly, the Internet connects many people all over the world. Stay up date with happening in
the whole world and the new technology and information. You can get latest news of the world on the
Internet. Most of the newspapers of the world are also available on the Internet. It easier to stay in touch
with your friends by chatting, e-mail messages, forum….
Another benefit, there are many services on internet. Such as online banking, job seeking,
purchasing tickets for your favorite movies, and hotel reservations. Especially entertainment, you can
see movies, listen music etc… You can play games with other people in any part of the world and there
are many games for you choose.
Besides, there are also disadvantages. Children can connect to these websites that are for adult
only. They can see the information which is not good. This is perhaps the biggest threat related to your
children's healthy mental life.
Another drawback, today, Internet is the most popular source of spreading viruses. These

viruses create different problems in your computer .Viruses that can attack your privacy and get some
information about you. It’s hard to predict what will happen if you were hacked the account
information.
The next drawback is accuracy of information. A lot of information stored is stored on the
websites. Some information may be incorrect or not. Sometimes you may be confused.
In conclusion, there are many advantages and disadvantages of the Internet, Depend on you, it
will be the advantages or disadvantage. You should balance study and play.
10. Ways of relaxing
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Going for a walk.

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Taking some time out and really focusing on what’s happening around you. You can people
watch or go to a park/outside place and enjoy the fresh air.

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Listening to some music you really like. Music has an impact on our heart rate, so quieter, less
intense music is more likely to help you chill out.

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Going fishing.

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Playing your favorite sport.

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Taking a bath.

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Going to a movie or watching a film.

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Focusing your attention on a puzzle.

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Reading a book.

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Learning yoga or meditation.


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Practicing meditation