SCRIPT THAM KHẢO CÁC ĐỀ SPEAKING RA NHIỀU NHẤT

SCRIPT THAM KHẢO CÁC ĐỀ SPEAKING RA
NHIỀU NHẤT QUÝ 3/2020 BY NGOCBACH
Describe a time when you saw a child behave badly in public. You should say:
-

Where it was

-

What the child were doing

-

How others reacted to it

-

And explain how you felt about it

(Where it was) Today, I would love to tell you about a child that left me astonished because
of the way she treated her own mother. This “child” was already in her 30s indeed, while her
mother was 88 years old. I came across the video of this elderly woman being heavily bullied
and aggressively hit by her own 30-year-old daughter on the internet just some days ago.
(What the child were doing) She pushed and shoved her mother, but then she used a metal
bucket to forcefully hit different parts of her body, especially her head. The elderly mom didn't
actually think she was going to do it and believed her daughter was going to come to her
senses, she was not going to do this to her. This appeared very clearly in the video as the
elderly woman seemed to be astonished and shocked by what was happening, which left her
totally speechless and defenceless. She took the mother’s clothes from her closet, tore them,
and threw them out of the house, all over the corridor outside.
(How others reacted to it) The video has been viral on the Internet for days, provoking an

outcry in society and raising the alarm about domestic violence that has been experienced
by many families around the world. Many people poured scorn on this woman for being so
ungrateful and for attacking her own mother. The problem seemed to cool down a bit before
the death of the elderly woman some days ago. The Internet was once more flooded with
articles about this situation.
(And explain how you felt about it) Honestly seeing this video made me totally shocked and
at a loss for words. It’s hard to believe a person may hit her own mother, who may have
risked her own life giving birth and nurtured her daughter. But somehow, seeing this video

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also reminds me of my responsibility to be grateful to my own parents who were always
willing to give up something so that I can have a fulfilling life.
Vocabulary:
1.

Astonished (adj): ngạc nhiên

They looked astonished when I announced I was pregnant.
Họ trông rất ngạc nhiên khi tôi báo rằng tôi có thai.
2.

To come across (phrasal verb): vô tình gặp ai đó/thấy cái gì đó

He came across some old love letters.
Anh ấy vô tình thấy lại những bức thư tình đã cũ.
3.

To come to someone’s senses (idiom): tỉnh táo lại

Eventually

the

world

will

come

to

its

senses

and

get

rid

of

them.

Cuối cùng thì thế giới cũng sẽ trở nên tỉnh táo lại và loại bỏ chúng.

4.

To provoke (v): châm ngòi

5.

Outcry (n): sự phẫn nộ

The prospect of increased prices has already provoked an outcry.
Viễn cảnh tăng giá đã châm ngòi sự phẫn nộ.
6.

To raise the alarm (idiom): rung lên hồi chuông cảnh tỉnh

A local doctor was the first to raise the alarm about this latest virus.
Một vị bác sĩ địa phương là người đầu tiên rung lên hồi chuông cảnh tỉnh về chủng virus mới
nhất.
7.

To be at a loss (idiom): cạn lời, không biết nói gì

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It was unlike him to be at a loss for words.
Nó không giống như là anh ta không nói nên lời.
Part 3:
1.

What bad behaviour do children usually have?

There are certain child behavioral problems that are common at one point or another. But most
popular problems are lying, and disrespectful behavior. There are some reasons why kids lie:
to avoid getting in trouble, and to feel better about themselves. Name-calling, throwing things,
and mocking you are just a few of the common behavior problems that show disrespect.
2.

How should parents stop their children from behaving badly in public?

Parents should give their child an immediate consequence for any act of aggression. Take
away a privilege and use restitution to help your child make amends if they have hurt
someone. Also, they should let their children know that stomping, screaming, or throwing
themselves to the floor won't get them what they want. It's also important to show them better
and more effective ways to express their needs and get those needs met.
3.

Are parents these days stricter than those in the past?

I personally do not think parents have become stricter. By contrast, due to their participation
on social networking sites, which are used by mainly young people, they have developed a
better mutual understanding with their children and have become much more open-minded
and accepting. For example, tattoos used to be a taboo in most East Asian countries, including
Vietnam, and children were strictly banned from getting a tattoo. But now, even some mothers
want some beautiful ink on their skin.
4.

Whose influence on children is more important, friends’ or parents’?

Parents matter more to their own children than anybody or anything else in their lives. Too
many parents underestimate the influence and impact they have on their tweens’ and teens’
lives. However, whether parents or peers have more influence depends on the age of the child.
Starting as early as age 12--and for some kids at least by 14--friends definitely have more

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influence than parents. Kids want to do what their friends are doing, whether it’s good or bad.

Vocabulary:
1.

To mock (verb): chế giễu

They were mocking him because he kept falling off his bike.
Họ chế giễu anh ta vì anh ấy liên tục té xe.
2.

Aggression (n): hiếu chiến

We regard the presence of troops on our border as an act of aggression.
Chúng tôi xem sự hiện diện của quân đội trên biên giới của chúng tôi là một hành động hiếu
chiến.
3.

Make amends (phrase): hối lỗi

She tried to make amends by inviting him out to dinner.
Cô ấy muốn hối lỗi bằng cách mời anh ấy đi ăn tối.
4.

Accepting (adj): cởi mở

I feel truly safe here. The people are very accepting and non-judgmental.
Tôi cảm thấy ở đây thực sự an toàn. Con người ở đây rất cởi mở và không phán xét.
5.

Taboo (n): điều cấm kị

In this society there is a taboo on/against any sort of public display of affection.
Thể hiện tình cảm nơi công cộng là một việc cấm kị trong xã hội này
40. Describe an occasion you got lost that you didn’t know

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You should say:

When and where you got lost
and explain why you got lost

(When and where you got lost)
I am going to talk about an incident that happened to me, which I never forget. On a trip
organized to Bach Ma national park for all students in my high school three years ago, with a
view to raising students’ awareness of the importance of protecting the environment, I got lost

and could hardly find directions to get back to the class.
(and explain why you got lost)
In retrospect, climbing the mountain was great fun, although I was a little scared at first,
apprehensive to be exact. I still remember the route to reach the mountain peak was in twist
and turns, so students in my class almost felt the terminal point was approaching but it was
endless. I got a little exhausted and had to lean against a tree. My friends encouraged me to
hold on, take deep breath and only think about the mountain peak to continue to climb. We
were up at the furthest point as the sun was starting to set. Too enthralled by the spectacular
natural scenery, I decided to go a bit further from our original reaching point to take pictures
and forgot the time until it began to turn dark. Suddenly, I realized that I was alone and I could
not see any of my classmates. Actually, I was truly scared at that very moment. Luckily, before
I totally lost my bearings, I tried my uttermost to find the trail again by using the digital
map on my mobile device to position, and managed to make it back after about two and a half
hours, by which time it was full night. I’m glad that I did overcome my fears then to find the
way back.

Vocabulary

1.

with a view to [expression]: with an intention to do sth: với mục đích làm gì đó

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Eg: The politician reveals the truth with a view to gaining more faith from the public
2.

apprehensive [adj]: feeling worried about something that you are going to do or that is

going to happen: lo sợ
Eg: I'm very apprehensive about tomorrow's meeting.
3.

twist and turns [expression]: curves and frequent changes of direction: những chỗ

quanh co khúc khuỷu
Eg: The road through the mountains has many twists and turns.
4.

approach [v]: to come near or nearer to something or someone in space, time, quality,

or amount: sắp đến
Eg: We could just see the train approaching in the distance.
5.

(be) enthralled by sth [adj]: be attracted to sth that is so interesting, beautiful : bị mê

hoặc, cuốn hút
Eg: The child watched, completely enthralled by bright moving images.
6.

lose one’s bearings [expression]: if you lose your bearings, you do not know where

you are: bị lạc, mất phương hướng
Eg: They lost their bearings in the dark.
7.

tried one’s uttermost [expression]: to do something as well as you can by making

a great effort: cố gắng hết sức
Eg: She t ri ed her utm ost to fi ni sh on tim e.
8.

overcome [v]: to defeat or succeed in controlling or dealing with something: vượt qua

Eg: Eventually she managed to overcome her shyness in class.

42. Describe something you enjoyed doing with a group of people
You should say:
What it was
Where you did it and who you did it with
And explain why you think it was enjoyable
(What it was)
Today, I’m going to describe one activity I enjoy doing with my group of close friends, which
is yoga. Yoga is a group of physical, mental, and spiritual practices or disciplines which

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originated in ancient India. Yoga uses breathing techniques, exercise and meditation. It helps
to improve health and happiness. While some deem yoga as just another fad and associate it
with new age mysticism, others vouch for how amazing this form of exercise feels.
(Where you did it and who you did it with)
We took up yoga a year ago and have been practicing it together in the sports center since
then. The yoga club in this center is in the vicinity of my neighborhood, so my friends usually

gather at my house before coming there. At that time, after completing our first year in
university, we all felt exhausted because of the demanding workload and continuous exams.
Most of us could not do physical activities on a frequent basis. I had to endure a lot of bodily
discomforts, such as intense backaches and headaches. Then we decided to do something less
exhausting than hitting the gym and eventually enrolled in a yoga club.

(And explain why you think it was enjoyable)
Well, doing something beneficial with your close friends is such a rewarding experience.
Yoga as a practice has countless benefits that positively affect you both physically and
mentally. When you practice yoga regularly, the blood circulation in the body is enhanced.
After adopting yoga for a month, we all felt more invigorated and flexible. Yoga relaxes our
mind so completely to work on unnecessary tensions, thus facilitating better sleep. Most
importantly, doing this together gives us a tremendous incentive to maintain this good habit
in the long term.

Vocabulary:

1.

meditation [n]: the act of giving your attention to only one thing, either as a

religious activity or as a way of becoming calm and relaxed: sự thiền
Eg: She practices meditation every day to maintain good health.
2.

associate [v]: to connect someone or something in your mind with someone or

something else: liên hệ, liên tưởng
Eg: Most people associate this brand with good quality.
3.

in the vicinity of [expression]: in the area that is close to (a place): ở lân cận

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Eg: He lives in the general vicinity of the school.
4.

discomfort [n]: a feeling of being uncomfortable physically or mentally, or something

that causes this: sự không thoải mái
Eg: You may feel a little discomfort for a few days after the operation.
on a frequent basis [adj]: frequently: một cách thường xuyên

5.

Eg: Slightly over a third said they took their children to libraries on a frequent basis.
hit the gym [expression]: to go to the gym: tập gym

6.

Eg: Tran has hit the gym 4 times a week since last year.
7.

rewarding [adj]: giving a reward, especially by making you feel satisfied that you have

done something important or useful, or done something well: xứng đáng

8.

invigorating [adj]: making you feel healthier, less tired, and more energetic: tiếp them

sinh lực
Eg: These yoga postures are invigorating and good for balance.
facilitate [v]: to make something possible or easier: tạo điều kiện

9.

Eg: The new ramp will facilitate the entry of wheelchairs.
10.

incentive[n]: sth that encourages you to do sth : sự khích lệ, cổ vũ

Eg: There is no incentive to continue doing this project.

PART 3: GROUP ACTIVITIES

30.

What kinds of job need people to work in a team?

(Give a direct answer to the question) Nowadays, most professions will necessitate
teamwork in one way or another. (Give an example (often a personal example)) The field of
market research is one example. As a market researcher, you’d get to work in teams with sales,
marketing, and product design to analyze large data pools for studies and to drive business
initiatives in a variety of industries including pharmaceuticals, software, and consumer
products. Besides, working in information technology also involves working with clients or
other teams within the organization or business.

31.

What can parents do with their children to make them happy?

(Give a direct answer to the question) Well, parents should be a companion for their kids.
(Explain your reason or reasons) No matter how busy they are, the most important thing is
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to build a strong relationship with kids, as this would increase the sense of togetherness. Most
importantly, showing love in a proper way is also crucial. Showing love and affection
decreases the likelihood of psychological and behavioral problems and makes the child more
resilient to stress.
32.

How can children improve their social skills?

(Give a direct answer to the question) Firstly, children should be taught how to be assertive
when they talk to people. Besides, empathy is another important basic of social skills.
(Explain your reason or reasons) If children have a better understanding of how others feel,
they are much more likely to feel connected to other people and form positive bonds.
33.

What are the benefits of boys and girls playing together?

(Give a direct answer to the question) There are a lot of compelling benefits when boys and
girls play together (Explain your reason or reasons) First, this can help kids work together
more effectively later in life. They learn coping skills from being exposed to and

compromising with others who play differently. Besides, if there's no separation between
activities, both boys and girls will feel more confident to explore the things they're drawn to,
regardless of the gender the activity might've originally been associated with.

Vocabulary:

11.

necessitate [v]:to make sth necessary: làm cho cần thiết, đòi hỏi
Eg: Increased traffic necessitates the broadening of this road.

12.

initiative [n]: a new attempt to achieve a goal or solve a problem, or a new method for

doing this: sang kiến
Eg: The defense secretary announced a major initiative to upgrade our military preparedness.
13.

companion [n]: someone or something you spend a lot of time with or travel with, or a

friend who lives with you: bạn đồng hành
Eg: The dog has been her constant companion these past ten years.
14.

togetherness [n]: the state of being close to another person or other people.: sự gắn kết

Eg: The sense of family togetherness was strong in the past.
15.

resilient [adj]: able to improve quickly after being hurt or being ill: kiên cường

Eg: Life is hard there, but the people are resilient.
16.

assertive [adj]: having or showing a confident and forceful personality: tự tin

Eg: I've had to train myself to be more assertive at work

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17.

empathy [n]: the ability to understand and share the feelings of another: sự đồng cảm
Eg: He loves children and has a certain empathy with them.

18.

compelling [adj]: evoking interest, attention, or admiration in a powerfully

irresistible way: hấp dẫn, thú vị
Eg: She gave a compelling and intensely dramatic performance.
19.

compromise [v]: to agree to give up something you want if the other side, which has

different opinions from yours, gives up something it wants: thỏa hiệp

Eg: Republicans were refusing to compromise on health-care legislation.
20.

regardless of [expression]: irrespective of: bất kể

Eg: W e recrui t all quali fi ed em pl oyees regardl ess of race.

43. Describe a film or TV program that made you laugh
You should say:
What it was
How often you watched it
What it was about
And explain why it could make you laugh

(What it was) I’ve found the TV program Mr. Bean funny. Albeit set in the UK, the sitcom
expanded to reach other countries, including Vietnam, my home country. The drama series
went viral in Vietnam in the early 2010s when dozens of people watched and imitated Mr.
Bean’s oafish behaviour.

(How often you watched it) The series was aired every Sunday afternoon on the Disney
channel, and I don’t think I missed a single episode.

(What it was about) The central plot revolves around Mr. Bean, a neurotic Brit. Each
episode of Mr. Bean tells a totally different story, unlike a normal drama series that uses one
main story that gives birth to many other smaller and less important ones. Based on a
character originally developed by Atkinson while he was studying for his master's degree
at Oxford University, the series follows the exploits of Mr. Bean, described by Atkinson as

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"a child in a grown man's body," in solving problems presented by everyday tasks, and often
causing disruption in the process.

(And explain why it could make you laugh) The awkward and crazy behavior of Mr. Bean
makes me laugh. In one episodes that split my sides, Mr. Bean designed an oafish hairstyle
for a kid when the hairdresser was away. It was even more hilarious when the kid’s mom
went back to complain, and Mr. Bean hid in a corner. Mr. Bean is one of my favorite
sitcoms so far. I still sometimes watch it to relieve stress.
1. Albeit (conjuction) = although: mặc dù.
Example: The evening was very pleasant, albeit a little quiet.
Buổi tối hôm ấy khá thoải mái, mặc dù hơi im lắng.
2. Sitcom = situation comedy (n): hài kịch dựa trên tình huống.
Example: Mr. Bean is a British sitcom created by Rowan Atikinson and Richard Curtis.
Mr. Bean là một bộ phim hài theo tình huống được sản xuất bởi Rowan Atikinson và
Richard Curtis.
3. To go viral (v): rất thịnh hành.
Example: Within days the film clip went viral.
Trong vòng mấy ngày, video clip đã rất thịnh hành.
4. Oafish (adj): lạ lạ, ngộ ngộ.
Example: Being a country bumpkin from Newfounland, Jake is often teased for his oafish
clothes and hair.
Là một người vụng về quê mùa, Jake thường bị chọc vì anh ấy mặc đồ và để tóc khá ngộ.
5. To revolve (v): xoay quanh
Example: The earth revolves around the sun.
Trái Đất quay quanh mặt Trời.
6. Neurotic (a): bị thần kinh/bị mát.

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Example: neurotic behaviour/tendencies
Tính cách ngộ ngộ mát mát.
7. To split someone’s sides (idiom): cười bể bụng.
Example: Your jokes are perfect for your speech tonight. You'll have them splitting their
sides!
Những bản tấu hài của bạn sẽ hoàn hảo cho buổi tối hôm nay. Bạn sẽ làm mọi người cười bể
bụng.
PART 3: ADULTS-CHILDREN
Do you think adults are likely to be happier than children?
(Give a direct answer to the question) Honestly, I don’t think so. (Explain your reason or
reasons) Given the enormous social and domestic responsibilities most adults have to
shoulder, it would be hard for them to be as joyful and carefree as children. (Give an
example (often a personal example)) While young adults concern themselves with career
prospects, the need to balance between different relationships exhausts the middle-aged.
(Explain the opposite or alternative) Yet, irrespective of age, one’s cheerful disposition
largely depends on his or her attitude to life.
Is laughing beneficial to children, how about old people?
(Give a direct answer to the question) Scientifically, laughing does wonders to a human’s
well-being (Explain your reason or reasons) Children laugh to exhibit their emotions as
well as to interact with others. For older people, laughter is just as necessary, if not an
inevitable aspect. (Give an example (often a personal example)) A genuine laugh would
help one to let off steam and momentarily forget about the stresses and strains of adulthood.
(Explain the opposite or alternative) Without laughter, our spiritual life would be
unimaginable.
What kinds of things do Vietnamese people do to be happy?

(Give a direct answer to the question) Well, this answer may vary from person to person,
even for those in the same age group. (Give an example) I guess the majority would take
pleasure from hanging out with friends or immersing themselves in hobbies and entertaining

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activities. (Explain the opposite or alternative) Some, in the meantime, associate their
happiness with materialistic and career-related goals, so they may work to be happy.
Why do children like to laugh?
(Give a direct answer to the question) As I have put it, for kids, laughter is the most
spontaneous means of emotional expression (Explain your reason or reasons) The younger
people are, the more easily they laugh, as there is always a joyful element in the eyes of
innocent minds. (Explain the opposite or alternative) Besides, a child may view laughter as
a way to integrate into social groups.
What do you do when you feel sad?
(Give a direct answer to the question) When I feel low, I will treat myself to things I adore
(Give an example (often a personal example)) They can be quality time with family
members or a luxurious dinner at a Korean restaurant. (Explain your reason or reasons)
When I cannot change the situation, I change my attitude towards it, and I think doing
justice to my interests is quite effective, at least for now.

Vocabulary:
exhaust [v]: to make someone extremely tired: làm ai kiệt sức
Eg: Billy's heart was so weak that just climbing a few steps exhausted him.
irrespective of [expression]: without considering; not needing to allow for: không kể đến,
không xét đến
Eg: The legislation must be applied irrespective of someone's ethnic origins.

disposition [n]: the particular type of character that a person naturally has: tính khí
Eg: She is of a nervous disposition.
do wonders to [expression]: to cause improvements or have a very good effect: có lợi cho
Eg: Getting the job did wonders for her self-confidence.
exhibit [v]: to show something, esp. a quality, by your behavior: thể hiện, bộc lộ
Eg: Jane did not exhibit a sense of submissiveness.

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genuine [adj]: If something is genuine, it is real and exactly what it appears to be: thật, chân
thật
Eg: He has demonstrated a genuine interest in the project.
unimaginable [adj]: Something that is unimaginable is difficult to imagine because it is so
bad, good, big, etc.: không thể tưởng tượng được
Eg: The situation was explosive to an unimaginable degree.
associate [v]: to connect someone or something in your mind with someone or something
else: liên hệ
Eg: Most people associate this brand with good quality.
spontaneous [adj]: happening or done in a natural, often sudden way, without any planning
or without being forced: tự nhiên, không gượng gạo
Eg: His jokes seemed spontaneous, but were in fact carefully prepared beforehand.
integrate into [v]: to mix with and join society or a group of people, often changing to suit
their way of life, habits, and customs: hòa nhập
Eg: It's very difficult to integrate yourself into a society whose culture is so different from
your own.
luxurious [adj]: very comfortable and expensive: xa xỉ
Eg: We spent a luxurious weekend at a country hotel.

do justice to [expression]: to treat someone or something in a way that is fair and shows
their or its true qualities: đối xử công bằng với
Eg: This postcard doesn't do justice to the wonderful scenery.

44. Describe an interesting tradition in your country

You should say


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What it is

How do the people in your country follow this tradition?

And explain how you personally feel about this tradition

If you ask me about an interesting tradition in Vietnam, I will definitely talk about the
traditional new year event of my country. It’s called Tet Holiday, which is also known as
Lunar New Year in Vietnam.

Lunar New Year is the most important celebration in Vietnamese culture, marking the arrival
of spring based on the Lunar calendar, a lunisolar calendar. Tet takes place from the first day
of the first month of the Lunar calendar (around late January or early February) until at least
the third day.

Traditionally, Vietnamese prepare for Tet by cooking special holiday foods and cleaning their
house. There are a lot of customs practiced during Tet such as visiting friends or relatives’
houses on the first day of the new year, ancestral worship, wishing New Year’s greetings,
giving lucky money to children and elderly people and opening a shop. Vietnamese people

usually return to their families during Tet. Some return to worship at the family altar or visit
the graves of their ancestors in their homeland.

Whenever this holiday comes, I feel a strong sense of belonging because it reminds me of how
diverse our culture can be with different rituals and food. I really love Tet.

Vocabulary:

1.

Worship (verb) to have or show a strong feeling of respect and admiration for God or

a god
We only worship one god

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2.

Rituals (noun) a set of fixed actions and sometimes words performed regularly,

especially as part of a ceremony.
My morning ritual includes reading the newspaper while I drink my coffee.

48. Describe a time when you were scared by an animal. You should say:
-

What animal it was

-

When and where it happened

-

What the animal did

-

And explain why you were scared

(What animal it was) I cannot forget the time when I jumped out of my skin when seeing a
cockroach fly for the first time. Indeed, I have a cockroach phobia, which is one of the most
common phobias in the world.
(When and where it happened) I still remember the time a cockroach flew into the hair of a
colleague. This was a full-sized specimen. This very moment when I had seen a cockroach fly
for the first time happened when I was doing my internship at JW Marriott Singapore some
years ago. I couldn’t believe such a prestigious hotel had this kind of disgusting animal.
(What the animal did) The creature twitched furiously to free all of its six, spindly legs and
oily wings. It had tangled itself in her shoulder-length tresses. Everyone around her, including
me, released a staccato scream, ran around the room for fear that this disgusting filthy animal
may fly into them. To my horror and surprise, my colleague finally fished it out of her hair
with her bare hands and flung it into a nearby drain.
(And explain why you were scared) I was stunned because I hadn’t known a cockroach
could ever fly. Moreover, I have been scared of this animal since I was born so it is very
understandable that I was scared out of my wits when seeing it fly.
Vocabulary

1.

To twitch (v): co giật

Example: She saw his mouth twitch into a little smile that disappeared almost at once.
Cô ấy thấy miệng anh ta co lên chuẩn bị cười nhưng trở lại bình thường ngay sau đó.
2.

Filthy (adj): dơ bẩn

Example: The whole house is absolutely filthy.

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Cả căn nhà đều vô cùng dơ bẩn.
3.

To someone’s horror (phrase): trong sự hoảng hốt của ai đó

Example: To my horror, he lost his footing and fell to the bottom of the stairs.
Anh ấy trượt chân và té xuống cuối lầu trong sự hoảng hốt của tôi.
4.

To fish sth out (phrasal verb): lấy cái gì ra

Example: He fished out a coin from his pocket.
Anh ấy lấy một đồng xu ra từ túi.

5.

To stun (v): làm ai đó sốc

Example: News of the disaster stunned people throughout the world.
Tin tức về thảm họa làm sốc toàn bộ thế giới.
6.

To frighten/scare someone out of their wits (phrase): làm ai đó rất sợ hãi

Example: That strange noise during the night scared me out of my wits.
Âm thanh kì lạ đó trong đêm tối làm tôi vô cùng sợ hãi.

49. Describe an area of science (physics, biology, psychology, etc.) that interests you. You
should say:
-

What it is

-

When you knew it

-

How you learned it

-

And explain why you are interested

(What it is) My only favourite area of science is geography. Geography is a mixture of natural
science and humanities, which makes it so special. I am still trying my best to learn Geography
more so as to improve my knowledge about natural phenomena and about the global
happenings.
(When you knew it) As a child, I was exposed to some fators that later contributed to my
love for Geography. Back then, I was extremely interested in watching the weather forecast
every evening after the daily news on a national channel, VTV3, at 7.00pm.
(How you learnt it) I only realised that I had a deep passion for Geography when I was in
grade 3 as I could not stop looking at the globe and learning by heart the names of countries
and their capitals. Also, I tried to remember flags of some influential countries in the world.

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Then, when I proceeded to grade 7, I passed geography with flying colors and continuously
topped my Geography class. I also had a hobby of reading news that covered global
happenings, which was instrumental in broadening my horizons about population
Geography.
(And explain why you are interested) I really cannot explain why I am interested in
Geography. My love for it developed from literally no known reasons. I would say that my
passion for Geography is a result of me being exposed to so many Geography-related factors
such as news, and weather forecasts during my formative years.
Vocabulary
1.

To learn by heart (phrase): học thuộc lòng

Example: My father can still recite the poems he learned by heart at school.
Bố tôi vẫn có thể đọc những vầng thơ mà bố học thuộc lòng lúc còn ở trường.
2.

With flying colours (idiom): điểm cao

Example: She passed the exam with flying colors.
Cô ấy vượt qua kì thi với số điểm cao
3.

To top (v): đứng đầu

Example: The song topped the charts
Bài nhạc này đã đứng đầu các bảng xếp hạng.
4.

Instrumental (adj): rất quan trọng

Example: She was instrumental in bringing about the prison reform act.
Cô ấy đóng vai trò vô cùng quan trọng trong chiến dịch đổi mới nhà tù.
5.

To broaden someone’s horizons (phrase): mở rộng tầm mắt

Example: Travelling certainly broadens your horizons.
Đi du lịch chắc chắn giúp bạn mở rộng tầm mắt.
6.

Formative (adj): nền tảng

Example: She spent her formative years in Africa.
Cô ấy dành những năm tháng nền tảng sống ở châu Phi.

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Part 3
1.

What is the best invention in the past one hundred years?

There have been some inventions that have changed our lives almost overnight in the past
100 years. However, I believe that the world wide web is the most impactful invention of
humankind. It breaks down geographical barriers and is a prerequisite for today’s
globalisation and prosperity in the world.
2.

What’s the influence of science on human life?

Science affects us all, every day of the year, from the moment we wake up, all day long, and
through the night. To make it clear how deeply science is interwoven with our lives, just try
imagining a day without scientific progress. We would have no electricity to power our
computers and smartphones and keep the lights on. Also, the medicines that have saved
millions of lives are also a result of scientific progress.
3.

What can individuals do for scientific research?

While some people hold the opinion that scientific research is the responsibility of only
scientists, I believe it is the responsibility of everyone. Individuals can play their role in such
research by participating in their own projects such as being samples for research.
4.

What influence can international cooperation in science bring about?

Cooperation between countries around the world is instrumental in the development of science
and technology. A country’s ability is limited to a certain extent, which is the reason why it
must cooperate with others to achieve the desired result.
Vocabulary
1.

Overnight (adv): rất nhanh

Example: She became a star overnight.
Cô ấy trở nên một ngôi sao một cách rất nhanh.
2.

Prerequisite (n): điều kiện tiên quyết

Example: Public support is a prerequisite for/to the success of this project.

Sự ủng hộ của cộng đồng là điều kiện tiên quyết cho sự thành công của dự án này.
3.

To interwave (v): đan xen

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Example: He interweaves traditional songs with contemporary music.
Anh ấy đan xen các bài hát truyền thống với nhạc hiện đại.
4.

Sample (v): mẫu

Example: A random sample of voters.
Một mẫu cử tri ngẫu nhiên.

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50. Describe an ambition that you have had for a long time. You should say:
-

What it is

-

How you know about that ambition

-

What you have done for it

-

And explain why you have this ambition

(What it is) I have nurtured the dream of winning Miss Universe since I was a young 6-year
old girl. Miss Universe is an annual international beauty pageant that is run by the Americanbased Miss Universe Organization. It airs in more than 190 countries worldwide and seen by
more than half a billion people annually. Along with Miss World, Miss International,
and Miss Earth, Miss Universe is one of the Big Four international beauty pageants.
(How you know about it) Miss Universe is relatively popular here in Vietnam since Vietnam
had the honour to host Miss Universe 2008 in Nha Trang, which was also the time when I first
heard of this beauty pageant. Also in that year, Vietnam made it into the top 8 of the
competition, which was its best result before being eclipsed by H’Hen Nie, who set a new
milestone for Vietnam’s performance at Miss Universe by making it into the top 5 in 2018.
(What you have done for it) I am now a 19-year-old girl majoring in International Business
at the Foreign Trade University, which is deemed the source of all beauties in Vietnam as a
considerable proportion of Vietnamese beauty pageant titleholders come from my university.
I would make use of this chance to expand my social circle with my predecessors who have
gone far at beauty pageants to learn from them. Also, I would go to great lengths to improve
my weight.
(And explain why you have this ambition) All beauties clinching the Miss Universe title
have proved influential in their service to the community as well as gaining them a certain
position in the fashion industry. I would like to win the competition so that I can voice my
concern over the lack of education in mountainous areas in Vietnam and in other countries
in the world as well as use the money to set up a charity foundation for education. H’Hen Nie
has proved that education is the easiest way which people can choose to lift themselves out
of poverty.

1.

To air (v): chiếu

Example: The interview with the president will air tomorrow morning.

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Buổi phỏng vấn với tổng thống sẽ được chiếu vào sáng ngày mai.
2.

To eclipse (v): vượt mặt

Example: The economy has eclipsed all other issues during this election campaign.
Vấn đề về kinh tế đã vượt mặt mọi vấn đề khác trong chiến dịch tranh cử này.
3.

To set a milestone (phrase): lập cột mốc

Example: In Monday mornings, we would set milestones for the week.
Trong các buổi sáng thứ hai, chúng tôi sẽ lập cột mốc cần có cho tuần mới.
4.

Deem (v): cho là/xem là

Example: The area has now been deemed safe.
Khoanh vùng này đã được cho là an toàn.
5.

Titleholder (n): người chiến thắng/nhà vô địch

Example: The Olympic and World titleholder.
Nhà vô địch Olympic và thế giới
6.

To expand someone’s social circle (phrase): mở rộng mối quan hệ xã hội

Example: In order to expand your social circle, you will need to become the master of the art
of socialising
Để mở rộng mối quan hệ, bạn cần trở thành một bậc thầy trong việc giao tiếp xã hội.
7.

To go to great lengths (phrase): làm bất cứ điều gì.

Example: He'll go to any lengths to get what he wants.
Anh ấy sẽ làm bất cứ điều gì để đạt được những gì anh ấy muốn
8.

Voice concern over something (phrase): lên tiếng về vấn đề gì

Example: Many people have voiced concern over the proposed changes in the law.
Rất nhiều người đã lên tiếng về những thay đổi dự trù trong Luật/
9.

Lift oneself out of poverty (phrase): kéo ai đó ra khỏi cảnh nghèo

Example: Sustained economic growth is the single most powerful means of lifting people out
of poverty.

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Tăng trưởng kinh tế bền vững là cách quy nhất để kéo người dân ra khỏi cảnh nghèo.
Part 3
1.

What kinds of ambitions do people have?

Different people have different ambitions. But the majority of people want to have a stable
source of income to maintain an acceptable living standard. Some others who are even more
ambitious will strive themselves to make their way to the top.
2.

Why should parents encourage children to have ambitions?

Encouraging children to have ambitions allows them to know what they’re doing so that they
can identify their dreams and follow the right way to achieve them. Research suggests that
encouraging children to develop an ambitious mindset is strongly associated with successful
children, as those raised in this way are more likely to thrive academically, socially, and are
less likely to take unhealthy risks as teens.
3.

Should parents interfere with children’s ambitions?

This depends. If children are down to earth and have practical ambitions, parents should not
interfere with their ambitions. By contrast, if children overestimate their capabilities and have
seemingly impossible ambitions, it is imperative that parents give their children valuable
pieces of advice so that they can have more practical ambitions.

4.

Is there any difference between children’s ambitions and those of grown-ups?

Absolutely yes. There are many differences between children’s ambitions and those of grownups indeed. While children simply want to have beautiful clothes, academic brilliance and
excellent academic results, adults seek wealth while hoping they will also have time to
recharge their batteries by going on luxurious trips.
Vocabulary
1.

To strive (v): cố gắng

Example: Mr Roe has kindled expectations that he must now strive to live up to.
Ông Roe đã đặt ra những mong đợi mà ngay bây giờ ông ấy phải cố gắng để thực hiện.
2.

The top (v): đỉnh cao

Example: He worked hard and quickly reached the top of his profession.
Ông ấy làm việc chăm chỉ, và nhanh chóng đạt đến đỉnh cao của sự nghiệp.

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3.

To thrive (v): phát đạt

Example: His business thrived in the years before the war.
Doanh nghiệp của ông ấy phát đạt trong những năm trước chiến tranh.
4.

Down-to-earth (Adj): thực tế

Example: The players like the coach because he’s down-to-earth and honest with them.
Các cầu thủ thích vị HLV vì ông ấy là người thực tế và trung thực với họ.
5.

Recharge your batteries (idiom): nghỉ ngơi một thời gian để nạp lại năng lượng

Example: She took a trip to the South of France to recharge her batteries.
Cô ấy đi du lịch đến miền Nam nước Pháp nghỉ ngơi một thời gian để nạp lại năng lượng.

51. Describe a time when you first talked in a foreign language. You should say:


Where you were



Who you were with



What you talked about



And explain how you felt about it

(Where you were) Well, I have been learning English for more than 7 years, but the time
when I first applied it to my life is still imprinted on my memory. This happened when I was
chosen to deliver an opening speech as a representative of the delegation from Vietnam in an
exchange programme at Nanyang Technological University, Singapore.
(Who you were with) I, a representative of the Vietnamese delegation, and Jia Jing, a
representative on the Singapore side, met each other backstage before our opening speech.
We made some small talk with each other and Jia Jing was very surprised and could not
believe it was the first time I had used English in my real life.
(What you talked about) Our talk mainly revolved around how Jia Jing and I were chosen
to be in this programme as we tried not to cross the line as we had just got to know each other.
Also, because my degree of proficiency in the language was still relatively low, and I was not
accustomed to Jia Jing’s Singaporean accent, the conversation lasted only around 5 minutes.
(And explain how you felt about it) It was such an exciting experience to be honest, albeit a
bit weird. Although our conversation was not that long, we built up a good friendship that
lasts till now. Since that maiden attempt to speak English to a native speaker, I have been

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investing a large amount of time into improving it so as to communicate with my international
friends smoothly.
Vocabulary
1.

To imprint (v): ghi dấu

That look of grief would be imprinted on her mind forever.
Ánh nhìn giận dữ đó sẽ ghi dấu trong tâm trí cô ta mãi mãi.
2.

Delegation (n): đoàn đại biểu

The delegation from Spain has/have arrived for a month.
Đoàn đại biểu từ Tây Ban Nha đã đến ở khoảng 1 tháng.
3.

Small talk (n): chuyện xã giao

I don't enjoy parties where I have to make small talk with complete strangers.
Tôi không thích những bữa tiệc mà tôi phải nói chuyện xã giao với những người hoàn toàn xa
lạ.
4.

To cross the line (phrase): vượt quá giới hạn

This time, you've really crossed the line.
Lần này thì bạn đã thực sự vượt quá giới hạn rồi.
5.

To build up (phrasal verb): xây dựng nên

It took her ten years to build up her publishing business.
Cô ấy phải dành ra 10 năm để xây dựng nên công việc kinh doanh báo chí của mình.
6.

Maiden (adj): lần đầu

The first hydrogen-powered airplane will make its maiden flight this year.
Máy bay đầu tiên sử dụng năng lượng hydro sẽ bay chuyến bay đầu tiên trong năm nay.
7.

Attempt (n): sự cố gắng

He made no attempt to be sociable.
Anh ấy không có cố gắng để trở nên hòa đồng hơn.
Part 3
1.

At what age should children start learning a foreign language?

I believe children should embark on learning a second language as soon as they reach 6 or 7
years of age. During the first few years of their life, a child is able to learn a foreign language
almost effortlessly and accent free. It won’t overwhelm them, so as a parent it is unnecessary
to be concerned about it.
2.

Which skill is more important, speaking or writing?

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