TỔNG HỢP ĐỀ THI IELTS SPEAKING PART 1 TỪ NĂM 2015 2017 KHÁI QUÁT TRONG 30 CHỦ ĐỀ LỚN

Ôn thi Ielts cùng Alexa

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Ôn thi Ielts cùng Alexa
CONTENT

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Ôn thi Ielts cùng Alexa

1.

FRIENDS

1.1. Good idioms related to the topic
GOOD RELATIONSHIPS:
− get on like a house on fire: have an extremely good relationship / be very close friends

as soon as we met each other we got on like a house on fire and just took an instant
liking to each other.
− have a soft spot for: to like someone
− I always had a soft spot for Maria despite the fact that she often let me down. [to let

someone down is to disappoint them]

− get along with: to have a good relationship with.
− I suppose I always got along quite well with my sister when we were growing up.
− look up to: to admire or respect.
− When I was a child I always looked up to my father. He was a real role model for me.
− speak the same language: If you speak the same language as someone, you have

similar ideas and thoughts as them
I think one reason we get on so well is that we really speak the same language as each
other. There’s almost nothing we disagree about.
− be on the same wavelength: this is another idiom meaning to have similar thoughts and

ideas as someone else.
− We’re almost exactly on the same wavelength as each other and agree about almost

everything.
BAD RELATIONSHIPS:
− fall out: to have a serious disagreement.
− We used to get on pretty well but then we fell out with each other when we went to

university.
− a rocky relationship: to have a relationship that is unsteady and perhaps sometimes

fails completely. It is quite similar to a love-hate relationship.

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Ôn thi Ielts cùng Alexa
− It was quite a rocky relationship as we used to argue with each other all the time and

we sometimes went days without speaking to each other.
− can’t stand: if you can’t stand someone, you hate them
− I couldn’t stand my brother when we were younger. I guess it was an extreme case of

sibling rivalry.
− turn sour: when a relationship turns sour it becomes bad.
− I think our relationship turned sour when she refused to help me.
− get off on the wrong foot with: this is to start a relationship in the wrong way.
− Although we are now good friends, our relationship got off on the wrong foot and

initially we couldn’t stand each other.
− clear the air: you clear the air after an argument to settle differences with someone.

There are times when we have serious disagreements, but we always manage to clear
the air afterwards.
− get on someone’s nerves: if someone gets on your nerves, they irritate you greatly.

Despite the fact that she is a nice person and has many good qualities, she still gets on
my nerves and I find it hard to like her.
− let someone down: if someone lets you down, they disappoint you in some way. They

are unreliable.
− I do like her, but there was one occasion when she let me down quite badly.
− look down on: to think that you are more important than someone else. This is really

the opposite of look up to.
One thing I don’t like about him is that he looks down on people who are less
intelligent than him.
CLOSENESS OF RELATIONS:
− move in the same circles: if you move in the same circles, you have the same friends.

Although we are not particularly good friends, we see each other quite a lot as we
move in the same circles.

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Ôn thi Ielts cùng Alexa
− be on nodding terms: to know each other only slightly. We use this for acquaintances

and not friends.
− While we are on nodding terms and say hello to each other every day, I wouldn’t call

him a friend.
− know someone inside out: this is to know someone very well. It doesn’t necessarily

mean that you like them!
I guess you could say I know him inside out by now - all his good points and all his
bad points.
− keep in touch with: to stay in contact with someone.

Sadly, we didn’t stay in touch with each other after we left school and I don’t know
what he’s doing now.
− see eye to eye with someone: to agree with someone.
− We see eye to eye about most things but we can never agree about what film to watch.
− keep yourself to yourself: not to mix socially with other people. This is normally used

in a positive sense.
− He wasn’t very outgoing and sociable and preferred to keep himself to himself. For all

that, he was perfectly friendly.
− wear the trousers: to be the more important person in the relationship Although David

earns more money, it is Sylvia who really wears the trousers in the relationship. David
will also do what she says,
− a fair-weather friend: this is someone who is only your friend when things are easy.

She was something of a fair-weather friend though and I couldn’t rely on her for help
when times were bad.
1.2. Sample questions and answers
1.2.1.

Are your friends mostly your age or different ages?

Most of my friends are about the same age as me because we met at school or
university. I've got several friends who are older or younger that I met through work.

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Ôn thi Ielts cùng Alexa
1.2.2.

Do you usually see your friends during the week or at weekends?

I tend to meet up with my friends at weekends because everyone's too busy during the
week.
1.2.3.

The last time you saw your friends, what did you do together?

It was one of my friends' birthday last weekend. Four of us went out for a meal to
celebrate.
1.2.4.

In what ways are your friends important to you?

I think it's important to have friends that you can talk to and share experiences with.
My friends make me laugh, but I know I can also rely on them whenever I need help
or support.
1.2.5.

Do you see your friends very often?

Well, to be honest, I used to push the boat out with my friends most of the time, but I
am in last year of university now, so I am very busy with my study. For that reason, I
don’t often have the chance to take a break and spend time with my friends any
more.
1.2.6.

What do you like about your close friends?

I think we enjoy each other’s company... we see eye-to-eye on most things so we
rarely fall out with each other.
1.2.7.

Have you known each other long?

Most of them yes. Although my closest friend Carrie, we struck up a relationship at
college and got on like a house on fire... but yes... my other friendships go back

years to when we were at school.
1.2.8.

Do you prefer having a few of close friends or a lot of just friends?

- Although it could be fun to have a large circle of friends, I’d rather have a few close

friends because we get to be able to spend more time with each other and develop
more meaningful relationships.
I would prefer to have a few close friends because what I am concerned about
is the quality of friendships, not the quantity. What I mean is that I need friends
who will stand by me through ups and downs in life, not just when times are
good.
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Ôn thi Ielts cùng Alexa

2.

FAMILY

2.1. Useful words and expressions
− I live in a one-parent family / single-parent family (a family where the children live with

only one parent)
− I really enjoy my family life. (the way a family lives)
− I come from a big family of eight children. (the group of people who are related to you)
− I grew up on a farm. (develop from being a child to being an adult)
− I grew up knowing that my elder brother would take over the family business one day.

(the job your parents and probably your grandparents used to do)
− Nuclear family (a family consisting of mother, father and their children)
− Extended family (all the people in a family including aunts, uncles, grandparents, etc.)
− Family background (the sort of family you come from)
− She’s / he’s family (informal) (used to say that someone is related to you)
− A large household (all the people who live in one house)
− My domestic life isn’t very happy (connected with the private family home)
− I live on my own. I haven’t got any family. (the group of people who are related to one

another)
− We’ve got the same name but are not related. (the way you are connected)
− He lives with us, but he’s not related / unrelated. (a person who is not a member of your

family)
− He is a close / distant relative of mine. (near or not in a family relationship)
− I really take after my mother. (to look like or be like a parent or older member of your

family)
− All the men in our family are bald. I support it’s hereditary. (a quality which is passed

from parents to children)
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Ôn thi Ielts cùng Alexa
− All her children are very artistic. It must run in the family. (something which is passed

from parents to children / a common feature in a family)
− Bringing up / raising children is never easy. (to look after children in a family until they

are adults and to teach them how to behave)
− My parents really tried to give me a good upbringing. (the way somebody is brought up)
− My father recently lost his job, so my mother’s the main breadwinner now. (a person who

earns all or most of the money in family)
− I need a job, so I can support my family. (to have enough money to be able to look after a

family)
− I am getting married next year and hope to start a family straight away. (have children)
− My father is really a family man. (a man who enjoys being at home with his wife and

children)
− He's got some fatherly concern and duties. (behaving like a father)
− Motherhood really suits her. (the state of being a mother)
− She is a motherly sort of person. behaving like a mother)
− Danny is my foster brother. (having different parents, but being brought up in the same

family)
− My step father is a nice man. (the man who is married to your mother but is not your

father)
− Paul is my big brother / older / elder brother. (older than you)
− Anna is my little sister / younger sister. (younger than you)
− We're identical twins. (twins who look exactly the same)
− My twin sister is a dentist. (either of the children who have the same parents and are born

at the same time)
− She doesn't get on well with her in-laws. (the parents of your husband or wife)
− Next of kin (your closest relative, who should be told if you are injured or killed)

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Ôn thi Ielts cùng Alexa
− I closely resemble my father. (to be closely similar to, or look like someone)
− You can see the resemblance between Susan and her sister. (a similarity between two

things, especially in the way they look)
− He bears a remarkable resemblance to my father. (to be or look somebody / something

else)
− My parents live apart from each other. (if married people decide to separate, then they

live apart)
Idioms:
− It’s in the blood (= it’s a natural part of one’s character): All my family are fond of

reading- I guess it’s in the blood)
− Run in the family (= be shared family characteristics): My brothers and I have big ears- it

runs in the family
− Born with a silver spoon in one’s mouth (= born into a rich family): I wasn’t exactly born

with a silver spoon in my mouth- my family is quite normal.
2.2. Sample questions and answers
2.2.1.

Could you tell me something about your family?

− Certainly. We are a normal Vietnamese family. It consists of my father, my mother and

me. I am the only child, so I don’t have any brothers or sisters. My grandparents passed
away when I was still very young, so I do not have the privilege of meeting them. My
father was one of four children, and my mother has a brother. I have a number of uncles,
aunts and cousins.
− My immediate family consists of 4 members: my mother, my father, my elder sister and

me. However, as both my mother and father come from large families, I also have an
extended family with many uncles, aunties and cousins. Even though we do not meet each
other so often, our ties are very strong.

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Ôn thi Ielts cùng Alexa
2.2.2.

What does your mother / father do?

My mother is a teacher and she works at a small primary school located within walking
distance from my house. And she’s going to retire in the next few years.
2.2.3.

Who does most of the shopping in your family?

As far as this topic is concerned, I would say that my mother does most of the shopping,
but my father and I will do some shopping from time to time. I sometimes shop for
clothes and cosmetics while my father has to purchase cigarettes himself as my mother
does not like his smoking’s habit and refuses to buy that kind of thing.
2.2.4.

Who does most of the cooking in your house?

As far as this topic is concerned, I would say that my mother does most of the cooking,
but my father and I will do some cooking from time to time. My mother is a talented cook
who often comes up with interesting recipes. I and my father are huge fans of her, all the
dishes by her are masterpieces in ours’ eyes.

3.

TRANSPORTATION

3.1. Useful words and expressions
Transport problems: những vấn đề giao thông
− long delays (in airports): sự trì hoãn kéo dài (trong các chuyến bay)
− lost luggage: mất hành lý
− cancellations (of flights / trains): huỷ chuyến (chuyến bay, chuyến tàu)
− missed connections: mất liên lạc
− traffic-jams / congestion: ách tách giao thông
− roadworks / diversions: công trường thi công / chuyển hướng
− breakdowns / accidents: xe cộ hỏng hóc / tai nại giao thông
− pollution: ô nhiễm môi trường

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Solutions to inner-city congestion: giải pháp cho tình huống tác nghẹn giao thông
trong lòng thành phố
− road access charges in city centers: các khoản phí đường bộ trong trung tâm thành phố

− bypasses / ringroads: cầu vượt / đường vành đai
− park and ride schemes: các quy định về đỗ xe và lái xe
− free rental of city bikes: cho thuê xe đạp miễn phí
− more cycle lanes: xây dựng thêm nhiều làn đường dành cho xe đạp
− more frequent buses: bổ sung thêm nhiều chuyến xe bus
− cheaper public transport: giảm phí các loại phương tiện công cộng
− more pedestrianised streets: bổ sung thêm nhiều tuyến phố đi bộ
− more electric trams: bổ sung thêm các tuyến xe điện (một số quốc gia nước ngoài)
− more accessible metro system: bổ sung thêm các hệ thống tàu điện ngầm (một số quốc gia

nước ngoài)
3.2. Sample questions and answers
3.2.1.

How did you get here today?

I came by bike because the roads are pretty congested at this time and a bike is quicker. It
only took me about 15 minutes to get here.
3.2.2.

Do you often use public transport?

Yes, I do. I use the bus almost everyday. It’s the cheapest way to get around even though
it is really overcrowded and not particularly punctual.
3.2.3.

How could the transport system be improved in your country?

Well, I think the first step would be to widen roads and build overpasses and underpasses
to help traffic flow more freely which could reduce the congestion in the city center. Also,

it could help if the bus service is improved to make it run more frequently which would
help with the overcrowding in rush hour. I think those are the two major changes that
need to happen.
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Ôn thi Ielts cùng Alexa
3.2.4.

What form of transport do you prefer to use? Why?

I prefer to travel by car because it means that I have my own space. Also, the buses and
trains in my city are usually overcrowded; my car is much more comfortable.
3.2.5.

How much time do you spend travelling on a normal day?

I probably spend about an hour and a half travelling to and from work. I travel during the
rush hours, so there is quite a lot of traffic.
3.2.6.

What do you do while you are travelling?

I usually listen to the radio or a CD. In the morning I like to listen to the news to find out
what is happening in the world.
3.2.7.

Do you ever have problems with transport?

Yes, as I said, I get stuck in traffic on my way to and from work. I used to get annoyed by

traffic jams, but now I'm used to them

4.

TECHNOLOGY

4.1. Useful words and expressions
− use / access / log onto the Internet / the Web sử dụng / kết nối Internet / mạng
− go online / on the Internet trực tuyến trên Internet
− have a high-speed / dial-up / broadband / wireless (Internet) connection có đường truyền

tốc độ cao / quay số / băng thông rộng / mạng không dây
− access / connect to / locate the server tiếp cận / kết nối / xác định máy chủ
− use / open / close / launch a / your web browser sử dụng / mở / đóng / bắt đầu trình duyệt

web
− browse / surf / search / scour the Internet / the Web lướt / tìm kiếm / lùng sục Internet
− send / contain / spread / detect a (computer / email) virus
− gửi / chứa / lan truyền / phát hiện một con virus (máy tính hoặc ở email)
− update your anti-virus software cập nhật phần mềm diệt virus
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Ôn thi Ielts cùng Alexa
− install / use / configure a firewall cài đặt / sử dụng / tùy chỉnh tường lửa
− accept / enable / block / delete cookies chấp nhận / kích hoat / chặn / xóa cookies
− Technological advances: những tiến bộ về công nghệ
− Information age: kỷ nguyên thông tin
− Cutting-edge innovation: những cải tiến vượt trội
− The state-of-the-art technology: những công nghệ tiên tiến đỉnh cao

− Labour-saving devices: những thiết bị tiết kiệm năng lượng
− Time-saving devices: những thiết bị tiết kiệm thời gian
− An essential piece of equipment: một thiết bị cần thiết
− Technological gadgets: đồ công nghệ
− Digital technology: công nghệ kỹ thuật số
− Electrical appliances: đồ dùng điện tử
− Ultra-thin design and metallic body: thiết kế cực mỏng và thân bằng kim loại
− Brand-new and cutting-edge: mới tinh và vượt trội
− Capacious: dung lượng lớn
− Multifunctional / versatile: đa năng

4.2. Sample questions and answers
4.2.1.

Do you enjoy using technology?

Well, I wouldn’t call myself a techie or a computer buff but I enjoy using computers for
some personal purposes such as work or studying. The majority of my school projects
are required to be done on computers; in case it crashes, I meet a big trouble.
4.2.2.

Do you use the Internet for your studies?

Yes... I’d be lost if I lived without it. I need the Internet connection because I usually do
lots of video conferencing to practise speaking, and social media websites like Facebook
or
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Ôn thi Ielts cùng Alexa

Twitter are the good places to meet up with my classmates. Additionally, I usually
download online podcasts that teach English vocabulary and grammar. Internet is very
helpful for my studying.

5.

EMAIL

5.1. Sample questions and answers
5.1.1.

How often do you send an email?

− I probably write between 5 and 10 work emails every day, and I send emails to friends or

family a few times a week.
− I use Gmail to communicate with my students and co-workers / colleagues almost every

day. It's very convenient and versatile. I can not only send and receive text messages but
also attach files, forward an email to others, and organize my emails in different
categories for later use / reference.
− I probably write between 5 and 10 work emails every day, and I send emails to friends or

family a few times a week.
5.1.2.

Who do you often write to?

Well, as I've just said, I often send emails to my students and co-workers. I also send
emails to my family members once in a blue moon asking them how they are doing or

informing them something big that has just happened in my life.
5.1.3.

Do you prefer sending an email or writing a letter?

- I prefer sending an email to writing a letter because it's much faster and more

economical sending an email than sending a letter. You don't have to go to the post office,
buy a stamp and an envelope. Plus, you don't have to worry that your email would get lost
somewhere like when you send a letter.
- It depends what I’m doing. I prefer the computer for most things because it’s faster and

you can save or copy things, but I still like making notes or writing ideas down by hand.

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5.1.4.

Do you think computers might one day replace handwriting?

No, I think we will always write by hand as well. I think it’s an important skill, and
schools will continue to teach children to write by hand before they learn to type.
5.1.5.

What kinds of letters or emails do you think are hardest to write?

I think we often have difficulty in writing some kinds of confession letters or emails,
which are used when you are in trouble to express your love at your dream lover. It is often

challenging as I think emotions when you are in love will affect your thinking of what to
write. Besides, cover letters attached with a CV also present a task of challenge to me as I
have to think carefully about the content to leave a good impression on employers so that I
could land a job.
5.1.6.

How often do you feel when you receive a letter or email?

Well, it depends on the type of letters or mails that I receive. If it brings about good news
like I have been accepted for a position in a company, I would feel really excited and
blissfully happy. But when it turns out to be bad news, I would feel down in the dumps.
The sadness may last for quite a long time so I really do not want to receive these kinds of
letters or emails.

6.

TELEPHONE

6.1. Sample questions and answers
6.1.1.

How often do you make telephone calls?

I probably make three or four phone calls every day, usually just to make arrangements
with work colleagues or to speak to family and friends.
6.1.2.

Who do you spend most time talking to on the telephone?

I think it would be one of my closest work colleagues. We often call each other rather

than meeting face-to-face.
6.1.3.

When do you think you'll next make a telephone call?

My family is expecting me to phone them as soon as I finish this exam. They'll want to
know how it went.
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Ôn thi Ielts cùng Alexa
6.1.4.

Do you sometimes prefer to send a text message instead of telephoning?

Yes. I prefer to send a text message when I'm arranging something simple, like a time to
meet someone. In those situations, a phone call isn't necessary.

7.

MOBILE PHONE

7.1. Sample questions and answers
7.1.1.

Do you often use your mobile phone?

Yes, I use my mobile phone every day, and it's an indispensable part of my life. I can't
imagine my life without it.
7.1.2.

What do you do on your mobile phone?

I often make and receive phone calls and text messages, of course. Besides, I use my
smart phone to surf the Internet, check emails and play some mobile games like Flappy
Bird or Elevate.
7.1.3.

What are the disadvantages of using mobile phone?

Well, the first drawback of using mobile phone would be that you can get addicted to it.
Many people often spend hours Facebooking or playing mobile games and neglect doing
their jobs or communicating with others. Plus, it would be harmful to your eyes if you use
your mobile phone excessively.
7.1.4.

Do you like sending messages?

I'm not a big fan of messaging because it's a waste of time typing a long message and I
can't hear other people's voice.
I love sending messages because when composing a text message, I have more time to
think carefully about what I want to say before sending it. It's also more economical than
making a call, so I can save up money for books and food. Besides, I can send a voice
message by using imessage or Facebook messenger with my iPhone connected to the
Internet. It's totally free!

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Ôn thi Ielts cùng Alexa

8.

COMPUTERS

8.1. Sample questions and answers
8.1.1.

Do you use computers?

Yes, of course. I think almost everyone in today’ society owns a computer and I am no
exception. We rely on computers for almost all everyday activities, from working, studying
to relaxing.
8.1.2.

How often do you use computers?

− I use computers on a daily basis, from 8 to 9 hours per day as part of my job. You know,

as an online teacher, I often have to utilise my laptop for teaching and e-mailing my
students.
− Well, I use my computers almost every day to do my work, to play music and to watch

movies.
8.1.3.

What kinds of activities involves using computers?

− Well, there are a countless number of activities done with the help of computers.

For working people, they rely on computers for processing documents, creating
reports, accounting,... while students utilise computers for doing research, gaining
knowledge, making presentations, and for both listening to music, reading e-books
or playing games, everything …
− Well, as I've just said, there are many kinds of activities involving using computers such

as sending email, surfing the Internet, watching movies, listening to music, you name
them. Besides, some people use computers for specialized purposes such as programming
software, editing video / audio and designing houses.
8.1.4.

How important is your computer to you?

Personally speaking, my computer is extremely necessary in my daily life, just like eating
and sleeping. Without a computer, I could not get access to my online social networks
like FB, Twitter and I would lose contact with most of my friends and colleagues. I also

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Ôn thi Ielts cùng Alexa
cannot complete my work and my life would become boring and monotonous as I have
been used to amusing myself by listening to music and playing games online everyday.
8.1.5.

What kind of computer skills do you have?

− Well, as my job requires, I have to master Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel and

Powerpoint. I also know a little about Photoshop as I am really into taking and editing

pictures.
− To be honest, I am not a computer buff / techie but I know how to use some softwares like

Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
8.1.6.

Do you have your own computer?

Yes... I have a Macbook Pro. Since my dad gave it to me as a present on my 18th
birthday, I have used it a lot for word processing, browsing websites and catching up
with TV programs.

9.

FASHION AND CLOTHES

9.1. Useful vocabularies and expressions
− Clothing: quần áo, y phục
− Garment: may mặc
− Flaunt: sự khoe khoang, chưng diện
− Stylish: sành điệu
− Chic: sành điệu
− Well-made (người): phát triển cân đối
− Hard-wearing: bền, sử dụng được lâu

Idioms:
− The in thing (= fashionable): This summer, baggy jeans are the in thing.
− At the height of fashion (= fashionable): Sports clothing is at the height of fashion
− Up-to-the-minute (= the most recent): I don't really follow up-to-the-minute fashions
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Ôn thi Ielts cùng Alexa
− Dressed to the nines (= wearing very formal clothes): If a person is dressed to the nines,

then it usually means they want to impress someone.
9.2. Sample questions and answers
9.2.1.

What clothes do you usually like to wear?

− To be honest, I do not have an eye for fashion / follow fashion, so I often choose to wear

casual clothes as they make it much easier for me to do my daily activities.
− I have to take bus to travel to work everyday, so casual clothes are my number one choice

as they make me feel comfortable and convenient.
9.2.2.

What different clothes do you wear for different situations?

When I go to work, I often make a choice of formal clothes like suits as they make me
look more professional and reliable. When hanging out with friends, I always get dressed
up in dresses, and at home I only wear casual clothes to feel comfortable and convenient.
9.2.3.

Will you change your clothes when you go home today?

Yes, of course. I will definitely take my clothes off and switch to casual clothes to feel
comfortable.

9.2.4.

Do you think the clothes we wear say something about who we are?

Yes, I believe that the clothes we choose can tell a lot about our characteristics and social
status as well. For many people, wearing clothes from famous brands and designers is a
way to show off their wealth. In addition, some teenagers are always well-dressed
because they want to look like fashion icons in their friends' eyes.
9.2.5.

Do you enjoy buying clothes?

I used to... yes... like most young people I was a bit of a slave to fashion and I'd always
have to buy that must-have shirt or pair of shoes... I'm not so bothered now though... I
wouldn't feel comfortable wearing something old fashioned but I'm not as bothered as I
used to be about what I wear.

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9.2.6.

What kind of clothes do you like to wear?

I prefer casual clothes actually... I hate getting dressed up for special occasions...
personally I think it's possible to look good in a pair of jeans... but that's my opinion... I
don't think my wife would call me a fashion icon that's for sure...
9.2.7.

Are there many clothes shops where you live?

Yes... there are lots in my town... apart from the big chain stores we've got a couple of
really nice shops that sell vintage clothes... old clothes but in a classic style that never
really go out of fashion. I love going there.

10.

SPORTS AND GAMES

10.1. Useful vocabularies and expressions
− Have a crack at (= have a try at): I had a crack at baseball but it was too strenous for me.
− Get into shape: I have been trying to get into shape by going to the gym.

10.2. Sample questions and answers
10.2.1. What games are popular in your country?
Well, if we can consider sports as games, then football is definitely the most popular
game in my country, but we also love board games like chess.
10.2.2. Do you play any games?
Not regularly these days. I play the occasional game of tennis with my brother-in-law, and
I recently played a bowling game on the Nintendo Wii with my nephew. I wasn't very
good at it.
10.2.3. How do people learn to play games in your country?
I think children teach each other to play games. I remember a friend at primary school
teaching me to play chess, for example.

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Ôn thi Ielts cùng Alexa

10.2.4. Do you think it's important for people to play games?
Yes, it's really important, especially for children. I think research has shown that playing
games can improve brain development, intelligence, creativity, and the ability to cooperate
with others.
10.2.5. Do you like playing sport?
I'm a big fan of swimming. When I was in the United States, I used to swim almost every
day at the swimming pool in the Preston Health and Activities Center on the main
campus. However, I'm kind of busy with my work these days, so I swim less often than I
used to. I find swimming one of the most effective ways to keep fit and relieve stress, and
I will continue to swim in the future.
10.2.6. Where do you often play sport?
Well, I often go to the swimming pool in Nguyen Hue High School for gifted students
nearby my house to swim in the morning. I often swim around 15 to 20 laps there, walk
back home and have breakfast. It's a good start for a day, isn't it?
10.2.7. What is the most popular sport in your country?
Football has always been considered the King of sports in Vietnam. It's played almost
everywhere; you know, in the street, in the park, in the school yard, in the field, or in the
stadium. Furthermore, almost everybody, despite his or her age or gender, can play
football. It's kind of an amazing and social sport!
10.2.8. Is playing sport important?
Yes, it's really of great importance, especially for children. I think research has shown that
playing sport can improve brain development, intelligence, creativity, and the ability to
cooperate with others. Besides, taking up a sport also help children to be healthier both
mentally and physically.

11.

THE MEDIA

11.1. Useful vocabularies and expressions:

Types of newspapers
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Ôn thi Ielts cùng Alexa
− Tabloids: gossip newspapers (báo lá cải)
− Broadsheets: newspapers printed on a large sheet which are usually considered more

serious (Báo khổ rộng)
− Daily / weekly / monthly newspapers: papers printed once a day / once a week / once

a month.
− Quarterly newspapers: newspapers printed once every 3 months.
− Heavy newspapers: a newspaper with serious content.
− Gutter press: newspapers which focus on sensational journalism, often about the lives of

famous people (báo rẻ tiền, lá cải)
− Periodical: a newsaper or magazine published at regular intervals. (Xuất bản định kỳ)
− Local / regional newspapers: a newspaper which contains news from a particular area
− National newspapers: a newspaper which contains news from the whole country.

Newspapers content:
− Headlines: heading or title appearing at the top of a page or article
− Columns: news that is printed in vertical columns rather than taking a whole page.
− Obituaries: a section in the newspaper about people who have recently died.
− Horoscope: a section in the newspaper about star signs and zodiac signs which

foretell the future.
− Weather report: a section in the newspaper for weather forecasts.
− Business section: a section in the newspaper with business news.

− International / world news section: a section in the newspaper which focuses on

news from abroad.
− Caption: an explanation or title matching a picture or a cartoon.
− Letter to the editor: a section in the newspaper for people to express their views to the

editor of the newspaper.
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Ôn thi Ielts cùng Alexa
− Special feature: a special story
− Editorial: a news article containing the editor's opinions.
− Comic strip: a cartoon series in the newspaper
− Advice column: a column in the newspaper where advice is given to people who write in

for it.
− TV guide: a section in the newspaper with a guide for TV programs for the coming day or

week.
11.2. Other useful vocabularies for newspapers:
− Circulation: the number of copies a newspaper distributes on an average day (some

newspapers have a wider circulation than others).
− Edition: a particular version of a text. (ấn phẩm)
− Layout: the way articles are designed on a page (this can include the position of pictures,

the number of columns and the size of headlines).
− Attention-grabbing: a news story which draws public attention.
− Eye-catching: a picture or layout that catches a person's eyes.

− In-depth: with many details.
− Sensational news: news which causes public excitement or interest.
− Black and white: without colors.
− Direct quotation: words taken directly from what a person has said.
− Paparazzi: a freelance photographer who follows celebrities.
− Front page: the first page of a newspaper.
− Supplementary magazine: a magazine which sometimes is given free with a newspaper.
− Back issue: an old newspaper edition.
− Subject matter: the topic dealt with an article.
− Proof reader: a person who checks a text for errors.
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Ôn thi Ielts cùng Alexa
− Hot off the press: news that has just been printed and is very recent.
− Readership: the collective readers of a newspaper (some newspapers have a large

readership)
− Issue: 1. An important topic for a debate 2. A copy of a newspaper.

11.3. Vocabularies and idioms for TV:
− Telly (=TV)
− Sit in front of the telly (= watch TV)
− Watch the box: (= watch TV): I often watch the box at weekends.
− Channel surf (= change TV channels frequently): I usually sit in front of the telly and

channel surf.
11.4. Sample questions and answers
TV Programmes Topic
11.4.1. What is the most popular TV programme in your country?

Well, VTV news is the most well-known TV programme in Vietnam. It's often
broadcasted / aired live at 12 p.m and 7 p.m every day. It provides audiences with up-todate information about incidents and activities taking place not only in Vietnam but also
all over the globe.
11.4.2. Why do people like watching TV?
People like watching TV because there is a wide variety of programmes for them to
choose, and there are both entertaining and educational programmes available on TV
these days. You know, they can watch entertaining programmes like "Masterchef",
"American Idol", or "America's Got Talent"; or educational programmes like "Discovery
Channel", "National Geographic Channel" or "Geopardy".
11.4.3. What is your favorite TV programme?
I'm the big fan of Masterchef US as well as Gordon Ramsey, one of the world's most
celebrated chefs and culinary geniuses. I find the show not only very entertaining but also
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Ôn thi Ielts cùng Alexa
very informative / educational. I was engrossed in watching every single episode
throughout the six seasons of Masterchef US that have been aired.
11.4.4. How often do you watch TV programmes?
I watch VTV news almost every day at 12 p.m while having lunch. On the weekend, I
often watch Masterchef on Star World and try to learn how to make some dishes from
some of my most favorite talented home cooks.

12.

COMMUNICATION

12.1. Sample questions and answers
12.1.1. How do you usually keep in touch with members of your family?
I mostly keep in touch with my family by phone, and I've started using the Internet to

make video calls. I also try to visit members of my family in person as often as I can.
12.1.2. Do you prefer to speak to people by phone or by writing emails?
It depends on the situation. I use email and text messages to communicate with friends,
but my parents prefer it if I phone them.
12.1.3. Do you ever write letters by hand? (Why / Why not?)
No, I don't write letters by hand because it's so much easier to send an email that will
arrive immediately.
12.1.4. Is there anything you dislike about mobile phones?
Well, I don't like listening to other people's conversations in public places, and I don't like
it when someone's phone rings in the cinema or during a lesson.

13.

NEWSPAPERS AND NEWS

13.1. Sample questions and answers
13.1.1. Do you often read newspapers?
Yes, I love reading in general, especially reading newspapers as it is a good way to keep
myself up-to-date to what is happening around me. Picking up the latest newspaper from
a newsstand has become a habit of mine.
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