TABLE OF CONTENTS

HƯỚNG DẪN SỬ DỤNG TÀI LIỆU

TOPIC 1: WORK AND STUDIES ............................................................................. 1
TOPIC 2: HOMETOWN ............................................................................................. 3
TOPIC 3: DRAWING AND ART GALLERIES ...................................................... 6
TOPIC 4: MIRRORS ................................................................................................... 8
TOPIC 5: DREAMS ................................................................................................... 10
TOPIC 6: EMAILS/ LETTERS ................................................................................ 12
TOPIC 7: SPORTS ..................................................................................................... 14
TOPIC 8: TAKING PHOTOS .................................................................................. 16
TOPIC 9: CINEMAS ................................................................................................. 18
TOPIC 10: STREET MARKETS ............................................................................. 20
TOPIC 11: MOBILE PHONES ................................................................................ 22
TOPIC 12: TIME MANAGEMENT ........................................................................ 24
TOPIC 13: WEBSITES ............................................................................................. 26
TOPIC 14: LOSING AND FINDING THINGS ...................................................... 28
TOPIC 15: DAILY ROUTINE .................................................................................. 30
TOPIC 16: CARS ....................................................................................................... 32
TOPIC 17: MEMORY ............................................................................................... 33
TOPIC 18: ADVERTISEMENT ............................................................................... 34
TOPIC 19: BORING THINGS ................................................................................. 36
TOPIC 20: COLLECTING THINGS ...................................................................... 38
TOPIC 21: COMPUTERS ......................................................................................... 40
TOPIC 22: EVENING TIME .................................................................................... 41
TOPIC 23: MEETING PLACES .............................................................................. 43
TOPIC 24: SITTING DOWN .................................................................................... 45
TOPIC 25: TALENTS................................................................................................ 46
TOPIC 26: WATCH ................................................................................................... 47
TOPIC 27: OLD BUILDINGS .................................................................................. 49
TOPIC 28: COLORS ................................................................................................. 51
TOPIC 29: HANDWRITING .................................................................................... 52
TOPIC 30: RESTAURANTS .................................................................................... 54
 HƯỚNG DẪN SỬ DỤNG TÀI LIỆU

Tài liệu này sẽ đưa ra các từ vựng/cách diễn đạt hay cho các chủ đề Speaking Part 1
thường gặp và nghĩa tiếng Việt của chúng.

Trong mỗi chủ đề sẽ có các mục như sau:

Câu hỏi của chủ đề - Từ vựng/cụm từ vựng/cách diễn đạt được in đậm trong văn bản –
Nghĩa tiếng Việt của từ vựng/cụm từ vựng /cách diễn đạt

Cách sử dụng tài liệu:

• Bước 1: Tự brainstorm ý tưởng cho câu trả lời của mình.

• Bước 2: Đọc câu trả lời mẫu.
• Bước 3: Học thuộc từ vựng trên ứng dụng Cram.
https://www.cram.com/flashcards/work-and-study-hometown-drawing-and-art-
galleries-12853730
https://www.cram.com/flashcards/websites-losing-and-finding-things-daily-
routines-12854097
https://www.cram.com/flashcards/talents-watch-old-buildings-12854133
https://www.cram.com/flashcards/street-markets-mobile-phones-time-
management-12854093
https://www.cram.com/flashcards/sports-taking-photos-cinemas-12854088
https://www.cram.com/flashcards/mirrors-dreams-emails-letters-12854076
https://www.cram.com/flashcards/evening-time-meeting-places-sitting-down-
12854124
https://www.cram.com/flashcards/colors-handwritings-restaurants-12854136
https://www.cram.com/flashcards/cars-memory-advertisment-12854119
https://www.cram.com/flashcards/boring-things-collecting-things-computers-
12854121
• Bước 4: Trả lời lại các câu hỏi dựa trên các từ vựng đã học được.
 TOPIC 1: WORK AND STUDIES

Do you work or are you a student?

Well, currently I’m working a part-time job as a teaching assistant in an English center
in Hanoi. I’ve been doing so for 3 years.

What work do you do? What subjects are you studying? Why did you choose that job?

Besides being a part-time teaching assistant, I’m also employed full-time as an

academic assistant.

My area of specialization is English linguistics, which means I have to master

numerous subjects related to the major including the basics of Phonology, Grammar,
English for specific purposes, etc.

There are several reasons I opted for that profession. Firstly, my major is English
linguistics. Secondly, I have been passionate about English since I was in high school.
On top of that, my job also helps me to get a well-paid salary so it is really an ideal job
for me now.

Why did you choose to study that subject? Do you like your job?

I decided to study that subject as it helps me to fulfill my dream of promoting our

national image to the world. Plus, studying English is also a way for me to train myself
into becoming an active person.

Of course, I love my job now. One of the most rewarding aspects of my job is that I
have a chance to meet people from all walks of life. And you know, they are all very
different, which brings a unique dynamic to the classroom.

What do you like about your studies?

One of the most fascinating aspects I find in my studies is that I can keep up with
current affairs. Plus, I can also improve my analytical and problem-solving skills.

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What do you dislike about your studies?

I just find it challenging the first time I studied my major as it was so theoretical and
perplexing. That’s why I had a hard time dealing with it when I was a freshman.

What was your dream job when you were young? Have you changed your mind on your
dream job?

I was always ambitious about being a doctor when I was a kid. Just imagining one day
I would wear a blouse and find a cure for patients, I feel like I am on cloud nine.

Absolutely. As you can see, my current job is academic assistant. However, my dream
was to become a doctor. That’s because I changed my major when enrolling in
university, which marked an important milestone and turned my life into a new leaf.

VOCABULARY:

• tobe passionate about sth: đam mê cái gì

• get a well-paid salary (collocation): nhận một mức lương cao
• area of specialization (n): lĩnh vực chuyên môn
• walks of life (n): các tầng lớp xã hội
• unique dynamics (n): sự sôi động đặc biệt
• keep up with (phrasal verb): bắt kịp với
• analytical and problem-solving skills (n): kỹ năng phân tích và xử lí tình huống
• perplexing (adj): phức tạp
• turn to a new leaf (idiom): bước sang trang mới
• on cloud nine (idiom): vui vẻ

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 TOPIC 2: HOMETOWN

Please describe your hometown a little. What is your town well-known for?

I was born and raised in Quang Ninh province, which is located in Northern Vietnam.
This province is also famous for its abundant seafood and a variety of tourist
attractions.

Do you like your hometown?

I really love my hometown as I’ve grown up there since I was a kid. All of my life has
been associated with this place from my family, my school, and my friends to my house,
my street, etc.

Is that a big city or a small place? How long have you been living there?

As I mentioned before, I’ve lived there since I was a kid. Having said that, I lived there
for almost 18 years until I moved to Hanoi to enter a university. It’s a large city
facilitated by a top-notch infrastructure and numerous convenient services.

Do you think you will continue living there for a long time?

I don’t think so. I tend to live in Hanoi because this city provides me with a lot of job
opportunities and services, allowing me to enjoy a high living standard.

Would you like to live in the countryside in the future?

I haven’t thought about that but if I had to choose, I would rather live in my hometown.
Because you know, despite being a big city like Hanoi, the atmosphere in Quang Ninh
is cleaner and fresher than that in the capital, which is really beneficial for me to enjoy
my retirement age.

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What is the difference between living in the countryside and the city? What do you like
to do in the countryside?

From my perspective, the former differs from the latter in some aspects. Firstly, it’s
apparently the environment. Needless to say, the atmosphere in an urban area is far
more polluted than that in a rural one due to industrial production and systems of
transportation. However, living in the city is way more convenient than in the
countryside thanks to its cutting-edge facilities, like hospitals, food and beverage
delivery, etc.

I enjoy taking some walks as the clean atmosphere in the countryside makes me feel so
refreshed and relaxed. What’s more, I can also get away from it all after experiencing
a hectic daily routine in the city.

What do people living in the countryside like to do? How has your town changed over
the last 20 years?

Well, most of the people in rural areas are farmers so I think they probably enjoy doing
farmwork, you know, like irrigating, gardening or plowing, etc.

To be honest, the last 20 years have seen significant development in my town. The
frequent parks and open spaces have been replaced by modern buildings and
commercial establishments, more industries have been established and people seem to
have a fast pace of life these days.

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VOCABULARY:

• born and raised (v): được sinh ra và lớn lên

• tourist attractions (n): những địa điểm thu hút khách du lịch
• top-notch (adj): hàng đầu
• tend to (v): có xu hướng làm gì
• provide sb with sth (v): cung cấp cho ai đó cái gì
• cutting-edge facilities (n): cơ sở vật chất hiện đại
• take a walk (collocation): đi bộ
• get away from it all (idiom): thoát khỏi sự náo nhiệt của thành phố
• hectic daily routine (collocation): lịch trình bận rộn hàng ngày
• irrigate (v): tưới tiêu
• industries (n): các ngành
• fast pace of life (n): nhịp điệu nhanh của cuộc sống

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 TOPIC 3: DRAWING AND ART GALLERIES

Do you like painting or drawing?

Absolutely yes. I’m a big fan of drawing and performance art.

What kinds of things do you like to draw? Is it easy to learn how to draw?

I like drawing portraits. I find it an effective way to capture people’s images in your
mind, especially your beloved ones. Besides, it is so relaxing to draw a portrait when
I’m under a lot of pressure.

What do you know about paintings? Have you learned drawing or painting?

When it comes to painting, I don’t know the first thing about it. However, as I
remember vividly, I used to learn to draw and paint when I was in elementary school.

Do you like visiting museums and art galleries? Do you often visit museums?

Definitely. It’s a great chance to spend quality time with family. On top of that, visiting
museums and art galleries are also a way to deepen my understanding of many fields as
well as broaden my horizon as those sites display a variety of artwork and ancient
samples.

When was the last time you visited a museum?

If my memory serves me right, I last visited a museum 2 months ago. I came to that
museum with my friends after school to reward ourselves after a challenging exam at
school.

Which do you prefer to visit, museums or art galleries?

I have a stronger preference for the former since I’m really interested in history and
events in the past. They are not only a valuable educational tool but also arouse
people’s patriotism as well.

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VOCABULARY:

• a big fan of sth (n): là người hâm mộ cái gì

• capture sb’s image (v): lưu giữ hình ảnh của ai đó
• don’t know the first thing about sth (idiom): không biết về cái gì
• broaden my horizon (v): mở rộng kiến thức
• artworks and ancient samples (v): tác phẩm nghệ thuật và mẫu vật cổ.
• if my memory serves me right (idiom): nếu trí nhớ của tôi chính xác
• historical events and figures (n): nhân vật và sự kiện lịch sử
• cultural identity (n): bản sắc văn hóa
• ethnic communities (n): các cộng đồng dân tộc
• broaden sb’s mind and outlook (v): mở rộng tầm mắt
• a valuable educational tool (n): công cụ giáo dục giá trị
• arouse sb’s patriotism (v): khơi dậy lòng yêu nước

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 TOPIC 4: MIRRORS

Do you usually take a mirror with you?

I always take a mirror with me as it’s a must-have item in every girl’s purse. I prefer a
small and handy mirror to take a thorough look at my makeup and make an
adjustment.

How often do you use a mirror?

I use my mirror on a daily basis, especially every morning. Therefore, I would say it’s
like an indispensable morning ritual.

Do you like looking at yourself in a mirror?

As I said earlier, looking at myself in a mirror is sort of my morning ritual, so yeah.

Plus, I also check my look in the mirror to make sure I am presentable. I can tell by
looking if my hair is tidied, my face is groomed and my clothes are not wrinkled.

Do you use a mirror before buying clothing? What functions does a mirror have?

Yes. I always use a mirror to examine if I suit the outfit or not.

Do you think a mirror is a good decoration? Have you ever bought a mirror?

Mirrors are useful decorative items. A mirror with a beautiful frame can complement
a bedroom or living room.

I’ve bought a compact mirror. I usually put it in my purse to check my look when I go
out.

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VOCABULARY:

• handy (adj): tiện lợi

• take a thorough look (collocation): xem kỹ lại
• make an adjustment (collocation): chỉnh trang
• on a daily basis: hằng ngày
• indispensable morning ritual (n): nghi thức không thể thiếu vào buổi sáng
• presentable (adj): chỉnh tề
• tidied (adj): gọn gàng
• groomed (adj): chau chuốt
• wrinkled (adj): nhăn nhúm
• useful decorative items (n): những phụ kiện trang trí hữu ích
• complement (v): trang hoàng
• compact mirror (n): gương cầm tay

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 TOPIC 5: DREAMS

Do you remember your dreams when you wake up?

Not at all. My memory is like a sieve so all of my dreams vanish by the time I wake
up.

Do you think dreams will affect life?

Dreams have a profound effect on behavior and mood for the following day, people’s
day-to-day actions, and the relationship between partners. For instance, a nightmare can
put me in a bad mood all day long.

Do you think dreams have special meanings?

Yes, of course. Dreams serve as a guide to people’s emotions that they sometimes can’t
even express. Also, dreams sometimes define issues and problems in people’s lives
and help them work out stress, fear, anger, self-doubt, and guilt. Moreover, it plays a
significant role in shaping interactions between people.

Do you like hearing other people’s dreams?

Yes. It’s really intriguing for me to ferret dreams out. Other people’s dreams give me
a deeper perspective on their personalities.

Do you share your dreams with others?

Yes, once in a while. However, I only share my dreams with people who are my
acquaintances, particularly my family and friends.

Do you want to learn more about dreams?

Yes. I would like to know what dreams are and why we have them, why dreams occur
or if we can control dreams, why our brains invent these nightly musings, and what
purposes dreams serve.

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VOCABULARY:

• my memory is like a sieve (idiom): trí nhớ kém

• vanish (v): biến mất
• have a profound effect on (collocation): có tác động sâu sắc lên
• put sb in a bad mood all day long (collocation): khiến ai rơi vào tâm trạng tồi
tệ suốt cả ngày
• define issues and problems (collocation): xác định các vấn đề
• work out (phrasal verb): giải quyết
• ferret dreams out (phrasal verb): khám phá thông tin từ giấc mơ
• give sb a deeper perspective on (collocation): đem đến cho ai đó một góc nhìn
sâu sắc hơn về
• once in a while (idiom): hiếm khi
• nightly musings (n): những suy nghĩ vào ban đêm

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 TOPIC 6: EMAILS/ LETTERS

How often do you use email?

Well, I deliver electronic messages on a daily basis because it allows me to send

information at the push of a button.

What do most people in your country use email for?

Actually, in Vietnam, most individuals have their own email accounts. They mainly use
them for commercial correspondence.

What are the advantages of email?

The first one I should mention is that email is much speedier than snail mail. On the
top of that, it helps people to contact with each other regardless of their locations.

Are there any disadvantages?

I suppose that sometimes emails may get lost in the cyberspace, which sometimes
make entrepreneurs miss numerous important business deals.

Do you think that email will replace letter-writing?

Possibly in the near future written letters will be supplanted by email since it is
extremely time-consuming.

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VOCABULARY:

• electronic messages (n): thư điện tử

• at the push of a button (idiom): nhanh chóng chỉ bằng một nút nhấn
• commercial correspondence (n): trao đổi thương mại
• speedy (adj): tốc độ
• snail mail (idiom): thư gửi qua đường bưu điện
• get lost (v): thất lạc
• cyberspace (n): không gian mạng
• supplanted (v): thay thế
• time-consuming (adj): tốn thời gian

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 TOPIC 7: SPORTS

Do you like watching sports programs on TV?

Yes, I do; however, I would rather watch live sports rather than stay at home watching
the box. You know, attending a live event always gives me a sense of togetherness. I
can cheer on my favorite football team with a large number of people. That’s
immensely interesting.

Do you like to watch live sports games?

As I mentioned before, I prefer watching live sports, especially football matches. I often
go to the stadium with my friends whenever the national football team has a match to
play.

What is the difference between watching sports events at home and at the stadium?

I think that it’s a big relief for sports fanatics as they can cheer loudly with other people
when watching live sports. In contrast, those who are afraid of the crowd can stay at
home and watch a match whenever they want.

Do most people in your country like sports?

I suppose that the majority of Vietnamese citizens are into sports. To be specific, men
often play football, and women do aerobics everyday after work to stay healthy and get
into shape.

What was your favorite sport when you were young?

As I was born and raised in the countryside, I used to take up a lot of sports like
volleyball and judo, but the one I liked best was swimming. I remembered that during
the summer time, my mom would take me to a swimming pool near my house every
afternoon.

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VOCABULARY:

• watching the box (v): xem TV

• immensely interesting (adj): vô cùng thú vị
• a sense of togetherness (collocation): cảm giác gần gũi với nhau
• relief (n): sự khuây khoả
• sports fanatics (collocation): người yêu thích thể thao
• tobe afraid of: sợ hãi
• tobe into: thích
• take up (phrasal verb): bắt đầu một sở thích, thói quen

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 TOPIC 8: TAKING PHOTOS

Do you like to take photographs?

Not really. I rarely strike a pose in front of the camera. This is probably because I’m
not photogenic.

What do you like to photograph?

I usually take several landscape shots when I visit renowned tourist attractions.
Although photographs don’t do justice to the beauty of natural places, they are a means
of showing and sharing experiences.

How do you keep your photos?

For me, computers and laptops are great tools to store photos. On top of that, sometimes
I use a cloud storage system as it serves the same function as an external hard drive.

Do you ever delete or, if on paper, throw away any of your photos?

Yes, of course. A memory card’s capacity is limited, so whenever it’s full, I have to
delete old pictures and then replace them with new ones.

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VOCABULARY:

• strike a pose (idiom): tạo dáng

• photogenic (adj): ăn ảnh
• landscape shots (n): ảnh chụp phong cảnh
• renowned (adj): nổi tiếng
• do justice to (idiom): thể hiện rõ, sắc nét
• cloud storage system (n): hệ thống lưu trữ đám mây
• external hard drive (n): ổ cứng ngoài
• memory card’s capacity (n): dung lượng thẻ nhớ

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 TOPIC 9: CINEMAS

How often do you go to a cinema to watch a movie?

Well, to be quite honest, I would have to say that it really depends. Like for instance, if
I have money, then it’s possible that I will watch a movie in the cinema twice or three
times a month. Whereas in contrast, if I’m broke, I will watch box-office smashes on
DVD.

Did you usually go to the cinema when you were a kid?

Actually, once in a blue moon. At that time, my parents had to work day and night to
make ends meet. Therefore, only on special occasions did they let me go to the cinema.

Do you like to watch movies alone or with your friends?

I usually watch films with my soul mate. She is a film buff, so whenever a blockbuster
is released, she always asks me to go with her.

Do you like to go to the cinema with your friends?

I think that it’s kind of lonely to go to the cinema by yourself, so I usually go with my
friend as I mentioned before. Last weekend, we watched Em va Trinh, an extremely
popular movie.

What kinds of movies do you like best?

I like all sorts of movies, but in particular I’m quite fond of comedy. One of my
perennial favorites is How I Met Your Mother. I have watched it three times but I’m
still impressed with the humor of all the characters, which makes me burst out
laughing.

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VOCABULARY:

• box-office smashes (idiom): bộ phim hay

• once in a blue moon (idiom): hiếm khi
• make ends meet (collocation): trang trải cuộc sống
• soul mate (n): tri kỷ
• film buff (idiom): người thích xem phim
• blockbuster (n): phim bom tấn
• perennial (adj): lâu năm
• burst out laughing (phrasal verb): bật cười

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 TOPIC 10: STREET MARKETS

Are there many street markets in your country?

Definitely, flea markets have been deeply rooted in our culture for decades. As you
can see, there are hundreds of vendors strolling around every street in Ha Noi.

What do street markets sell?

Well, I would say that there is a wide variety of products, ranging from fresh fruits to
local delicacies. Moreover, sometimes you can buy footwear and clothes at dirt cheap
prices.

What is the difference between street markets and supermarkets?

I suppose that shopping malls usually sell commercial products while traditional
markets sell mostly local items. On top of that, street markets are also ideal places to
discover the indigenous lifestyle.

Do you prefer shopping in a shopping mall or at a street market?

To be honest, I would rather go shopping in a supermarket as it is much more

convenient. I can even buy electronic devices, which are not sold in conventional
markets.

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VOCABULARY:

• flea markets (n): chợ ngoài trời (chợ truyền thống)

• vendors (n): người bán hàng rong
• stroll around (phrasal verb): dạo quanh
• delicacies (n): đặc sản
• dirt cheap (collocation): rẻ bèo
• commercial products (n): sản phẩm thương mại
• indigenous (adj): bản địa
• conventional (adj): hiện nay

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 TOPIC 11: MOBILE PHONES

What was your first mobile phone?

I personally got my first mobile phone from Nokia when I was a high school student.
That phone was initially beyond my means, but then I was able to afford one with the
help of a scholarship I got. It was a small basic phone that cost $40.

How often do you use your mobile phone?

Well, I obviously use my mobile phone on a daily basis. I often use it to get in touch
with my family and friends. Besides, after a long day at work, I like to put my feet up
and play online games on my phone.

Do you use your mobile phone for texting or calls?

To be honest, I get a kick out of video-calling. As you know, now I can have access to
a wi-fi connection almost anywhere, as well as different applications that I installed,
which I could use for getting in touch with my family and friends.

Can you describe your mobile phone?

Currently I’m using an iPhone. Though it costs an arm and a leg, it comes with lots of
exciting features and apps. The camera works perfectly, and does not have a delay so I
am able to capture the stunning moment.

Will you buy a new mobile phone in the future?

Well, I should stop pouring money down the drain by buying a new phone anytime
soon, since my old one still works fine. I’m pretty satisfied with this phone of mine, and
couldn’t be happier.

How has your mobile phone changed your life?

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My phone has revolutionized the way I live my life. I can do online banking at my
fingertips, as well as searching for directions with the help of Google Maps. Besides, I
can get in touch with my best friend, Mai, who is living abroad via my phone. We go
back a long way, so I can interact with her by making a video call without geographical
constraints.

VOCABULARY:

• beyond (one’s) means (idiom): Vượt ngoài khả năng chi trả
• get in touch (phrasal verb): Liên lạc
• put my feet up (idiom): Nghỉ ngơi
• get a kick out of (idiom): Tìm thấy niềm vui từ…
• costs an arm and a leg (idiom): Quá đắt đỏ
• pouring money down the drain (Idiom): Tiêu xài hoang phí
• couldn’t be happier (idiom): Rất hạnh phúc
• at (one’s) fingertips (idiom): Sẵn có, dễ tiếp cận.
• go back a long way: Quen biết ai đó từ lâu.

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 TOPIC 12: TIME MANAGEMENT

How do you usually organize and plan your time?

Well, I always make a to-do list for the next day before I hit the sack since I have a
tendency to miss doing some important things on the day, which is a habit I have picked
up for years. By writing those things on a notepad on my smartphone, this really gives
me peace of mind and a sense of control.

Is it easy to manage time for you?

Yes, I’m very good at time management since I was trained by my dad not to waste
time. I can manage my time without any pressure or stress, and do things that I need to
do seamlessly. But of course, time management skill was never an innate gift for me,
I was once a heavy procrastinator until my dad taught me how to improve it.

What is the hardest part about making plans?

I think the toughest part of every plan is time. Whenever I’m drowning in stress, it’s
just impossible to squeeze someone or something in with only a short amount of time.
Of course, I still have to do them, but the feelings of dissatisfaction might negatively
affect the results.

What is the latest plan that you made?

Well, I’ve recently planned to travel to Hon Bay Canh this year to get away from it all.
This is one of the spawning grounds of the Con Dao sea turtles that is off the beaten
track, and the largest turtle sanctuary in Vietnam. It would be quite challenging for me
to fulfill the plan, but I will try my best.

24
VOCABULARY:

• hit the sack (idiom): Đi ngủ (vì mệt mỏi)

• pick up (phrasal verb): Học hỏi qua kinh nghiệm
• peace of mind (idiom): Sự thanh thản tâm hồn
• seamlessly (adv): Liên tục, liền mạch
• innate (adj): Bẩm sinh
• procrastinator (n): Người hay trì trệ
• squeeze someone/something in (phrasal verb): Thu xếp để làm gì
• get away from it all (idiom): Rời xa nhịp sống thường nhật
• off the beaten track (idiom): Một nơi xa xôi hẻo lánh

25
 TOPIC 13: WEBSITES

What kinds of websites do you often visit?

Well, websites about food and cooking are one of my perennial favorites. Searching
for great recipes could help enhance my culinary skills, as well as make perfect meals
for my family. I also love to visit news websites such as BBC News and CNN to get
updated with the latest happenings in the world.

What kinds of websites are popular in your country?

Well, I’m not sure, but it varies depending on people’s preference on the internet, when
they tend to see contents that might help let their hair down. But taking the current
Covid-19 pandemic into account, I guess the most frequently accessed one would be
the Ministry of Health Portal, where people could find preventative measures to
ensure their safety.

What is your favorite website?

Without a doubt, my go-to website is YouTube. In my opinion, this video-sharing

website is the best, since I can be informed, entertained and educated. To be honest, I
am a night owl and getting used to watching YouTube videos till midnight.

Are there any changes to the websites you often visit?

Yeah, YouTube doesn’t get revamped much in terms of graphic design or layout, but
visitors to this website do see different suggested videos every time they visit the web,
persuading them to watch more.

26
VOCABULARY:

• culinary skills (n): Kĩ năng nấu nướng

• perennial favorite (n): Sở thích lâu năm
• get updated with (phrasal verb): Cập nhật
• let (one’s) hair down (Idiom): Thư giãn
• preventative measures (n): biện pháp phòng tránh
• ensure their safety (collocation): đảm bảo an toàn
• go-to (adj): Yêu thích
• a night owl (idiom): Cú đêm (người có thói quen thức đêm)
• get revamped (v): Được sửa chữa, sửa đổi.

27
 TOPIC 14: LOSING AND FINDING THINGS

What should people do if they find something?

Of course, lost things must be returned to the rightful owner at all costs. First, people
should check whether the contact number of the owner is provided or not, and then
contact him and hand over the object. If there is no contact available, hand it over to
the nearest police station.

Is it ok to keep an item that you found?

It is absolutely not good to keep something that you found. I’ve already lost many pricy
things before and looked for them in vain, so I know the feeling of losing things. In
certain cases, the object may have a higher emotional value than its cost, which might
lead to mental disturbance caused by sadness and guilt. That’s why I really don’t want
other people to experience them like me.

What should people do to find what they lost?

I think people should try to keep calm, as it’s not the end of the world. Indeed, we
can’t do everything correctly and wisely in anxiety. Firstly, they should search at the
possible places where the item may get lost, and then report their missing items to the
police station. Besides, they can also publish their missing items on social media or
leaflets. If someone reads that post and finds your missing item, they might return it.

What things do people usually find?

Usually, there is a high chance of finding valuable things like a purse, jewelry, or keys.
These are objects with a higher possibility of losing. Meanwhile, other small objects
like smart cards, ID cards also get lost.

Have you ever lost something?

Yes, that was a nightmare for me as I lost my phone once. At that time, I immediately
contacted the bank to block all the internet banking services on my phone. After that, I
28
googled “find my phone” which provided me with its last-known location. Fortunately,
I finally found it at a local pub where I met my friends, and this really made my day.

VOCABULARY:

• (a) rightful owner (n): chủ sở hữu hợp pháp

• hand over (phrasal verb): bàn giao
• at all costs (idiom): bằng mọi giá
• in vain (idiom): vô ích
• the end of the world (idiom): điều tồi tệ nhất trên đời.
• (a) higher possibility (n): khả năng cao hơn
• google (v): Tìm kiếm (trên google)
• make (one’s) day (idiom): Làm cho ai đó hạnh phúc

29
 TOPIC 15: DAILY ROUTINE

How do you organize your study time? What is your daily study routine?

Well, I have a fixed routine for studying, which is a very crucial part of my academic
life. Without a daily routine, I usually do things spontaneously, which would be time-
wasting and reduce my work efficiency.

I’m an early bird so I often get up at about 5 o’clock. After having a light breakfast
and doing a workout, I go to school at 8 a.m and come back home at 5 p.m. I often end
my day at 11 p.m by putting my mind at ease.

Do you ever change your plans? Have you ever changed your routine?

Yes, I am trying to change my sleeping habit. Previously, I often pulled an all-nighter,

and then dozed off in class during the day. By sleeping earlier, I felt so refreshed in the
morning.

What’s your favorite time of the day?

My favorite time of the day would be after 7 p.m, which is when I come back home
from school and get together with my family members. Seeing them after a long day
of hard work can help me feel recharged and be full of beans.

Do you like to plan what you will do each day?

Definitely yes, planning keeps the day in my control. However, while it is essential for
me to have a daily routine, it doesn’t mean that everyone should follow one everyday.
It’s fun to have changes once in a while.

Do you usually do the same things at the same time each day?

I used to have a fixed schedule when I was a student. Recently, I have started my first
job, so I’ve been trying to get my feet under the table by having a schedule. However,
this approach hasn’t worked yet, as my working time is quite flexible.

30
VOCABULARY:

• spontaneously (adv): Ngẫu hứng

• time-wasting (adj): Tốn thời gian
• an early bird (idiom): Người hay dậy sớm
• set/put (one’s) mind at rest/ease (idiom): Thư giãn
• pull an all-nighter (idiom): Học chăm cả đêm
• doze off (phrasal verb): Ngủ gật (ban ngày)
• get together (phrasal verb): Dành thời gian với…
• full of beans (idiom): Tràn trề năng lượng
• get (one’s) feet under the table (idiom): Làm quen với công việc

31
 TOPIC 16: CARS

What is the farthest place you have traveled to by car?

I once traveled from Paris to Frankfurt, Germany by car and the journey took 6 hours,
which was the longest amount of time I’ve ever been in a car. The journey itself was
not particularly comfortable since I had to sit at the back of the car with not much leg
room for me to wriggle around in.

Do you like to sit in front or back when traveling by car?

I prefer to sit at the front because I like to see the landscape as I’m driving by and get
an idea of where I am. By sitting at the front I can get a 180-degree view of where I
am and where I’m going.

When do you travel by car?

I don’t drive myself so I don’t have a schedule for using a car. I would instead hail a
cab or sit in my friend’s or family’s car whenever I would need to go somewhere in
one. As for the timing itself, it depends on what I need to do on the day.

VOCABULARY:

• at the back (prep): ở phía cuối

• leg room (collocation): chỗ để chân
• wriggle around (phrasal verb): lắc quanh
• landscape (n): phong cảnh
• get an idea of something (v): suy nghĩ về điều gì
• 180-degree view (n): góc nhìn 180 độ
• hail a cab (collocation): gọi taxi
• depend on (phrasal verb): phụ thuộc

32
 TOPIC 17: MEMORY

Are you good at memorizing things?

I’m usually good at memorizing things, though it doesn’t come to me naturally.

Normally I would make a concerted effort to memorize something because it’s the
only way for me to immediately remember something.

Why do people often forget small things?

People often forget small things because they treat them as rather inconsequential to
their lives in the grander scheme of things. They don’t think these things will affect
them at all if they forget to do them.

How can you make sure you don’t forget things?

One way I would remember things is to make a list of what I need to do or get. That
way I can always refer back to that list and check whether I did or got those things.

VOCABULARY:

• be good at something (collocation): giỏi việc gì

• it doesn’t come to me naturally (idiom): nó không đến với tôi một cách tự
nhiên
• concerted effort (collocation): nỗ lực hết mình
• inconsequential (adj): không quan trọng
• grander scheme of things (n): vô vàn việc đã được sắp xếp sẵn
• refer back (v): xem lại

33
 TOPIC 18: ADVERTISEMENT

Are you interested in watching TV advertisements or internet advertisements?

I am not interested in advertisements on either platform because I find them a bit of a

nuisance so I would avoid them wherever they come up. If they’re on TV then I would
get up and do something else. If they’re online then I would just ignore them and move
on to whatever I am doing online.

What kinds of advertisements do you dislike?

I particularly dislike advertisements selling medication because they are typically not
honest about what they do to your body to make it healthier. They would often
exaggerate the capabilities and effects of the medication to convince consumers that
they are the best thing in the world.

Do you share advertisements with others?

I don’t share advertisements with other people because nobody ever really does that.
They would find it uncouth to do something like that because they are not interested
in what products these advertisements are marketing.

Do you want to work in advertising in the future?

I do not intend to work in advertising because it seems like it’s an industry that is based
on manipulating people to buy a certain product and I find it somewhat repugnant to
mislead people into doing that.

34
VOCABULARY:

• a bit of a nuisance (collocation): khá phiền toái

• come up (phrasal verb): xuất hiện
• move on to (phrasal verb): tiếp tục
• the best thing in the world (n): sản phẩm tốt nhất trên thế giới
• exaggerate (v): phóng đại
• find it uncouth (collocation): cảm thấy thô lỗ
• mislead (v): đánh lừa
• repugnant (adj): e ngại, không thích

35
 TOPIC 19: BORING THINGS

What kinds of things are boring to you?

There are many things that bore me out such as watching anime, reading comic books
and listening to discussions about mathematics and science. These things bore me
because I have no interest in them at all so I would avoid them whenever I run into
them.

What will you do when you feel bored?

Whenever I’m bored, I would find something else to do that would be more interesting.
For example, I would go on Netflix to watch a TV series whenever I feel bored while
stuck at home. I would also go outside for a walk in the same situation.

What was the most boring thing you did when you were young?

The most boring thing I ever did when I was young was painting my bedroom wall. It
was so boring to me because I only had to paint one color and I was doing the same
motion over and over again to cover the wall which was to go up and down with the
roller. It was so boring that I almost fell asleep doing it.

Do you think school is boring?

Going to school can be boring at times because some of the lessons are never really
interesting and feel very routine. Also, that boredom stems from the fact that going to
school is something we are obliged to do rather than something we can do for
enjoyment. However, that boredom can be balanced with the fact that we get to see our
friends everyday which is always fun.

36
VOCABULARY:

• bore somebody out (phrasal verb): gây phiền chán

• no interest (n): không quan tâm
• run into (phrasal verb): vô tình bắt gặp
• stuck at home (v): kẹt ở nhà
• over and over (adv): lặp đi lặp lại
• fall asleep (phrasal verb): buồn ngủ
• stem from the fact (v): bắt nguồn từ thực tế
• be obliged to do something (v): bắt buộc phải làm gì

37
 TOPIC 20: COLLECTING THINGS

Do you collect things?

I collect things from time to time. I actually have a collection of old postage stamps
from Britain that I gathered over the three years I was in university there. Some of them
were dated as far back as 1910.

Are there any things you keep from childhood?

I still have my old childhood photos; they are valuable in that they remind me of a
simpler time in my life. I also keep some of my old miniature cars because they also
remind me of my days as a kid.

Would you keep old things for a long time? Why?

I do tend to keep old things for a long time for a few reasons. First, they might come in
handy in the near future whenever I’m doing something. Second, I would develop an
emotional attachment to these things that is so strong, it prevents me from willingly
disposing of them.

Where do you usually keep things you need?

I would usually keep my things in a storage closet since it’s spacious enough to fit a
multitude of items there. The things I would keep in that closet are my old files and
childhood mementos.

38
VOCABULARY:

• dated as far back as (v): từ thời

• remind me of (v): gợi nhớ cho ai về một điều gì đó
• a simpler time (n): một thời thơ ngây
• come in handy (collocation): có ích
• emotional attachment (n): tình cảm gắn bó
• willingly dispose (v): sẵn sàng vứt bỏ
• a multitude of (n): rất nhiều
• childhood mementos (n): kỷ vật thời thơ ấu

39
 TOPIC 21: COMPUTERS

In what conditions would you use a computer?

I would use my computer for work as well as for entertainment. It can be used for
anything from finishing an assignment to watching a movie or TV show. However, I
would never use it whenever I’m going somewhere from point A to point B.

When was the first time you used a computer?

The first time I used a computer was when I was five years old. My dad taught me how
to use his computer to write a sentence and to play Solitaire. From then on, I became
fascinated with computers.

What would your life be like without computers?

I think that my life would be much more difficult without a computer because I do a lot
of my work on it. I also use it a lot to communicate with my friends and family and
without it I would struggle in reaching out to people.

In what conditions would it be difficult for you to use a computer?

It would be difficult for me to use a computer in a setting where there is a lot of noise.
It would be too much of a distraction for me to do anything on my computer. I prefer
if there was little to no noise so that I can focus on whatever I’m doing.

VOCABULARY:

• point a to point b (idiom): từ nơi này đến nơi khác

• from then on (adv): kể từ đó
• reach out (phrasal verb): liên hệ
• too much of a distraction (n): quá nhiều điều gây mất tập trung
• little to no… (n): rất ít, gần như không có
• focus on (phrasal verb): tập trung

40
 TOPIC 22: EVENING TIME

Do you like the morning or evening?

I have no preference for either time of day. I treat both the morning and evening the
same since they can both be invigorating and exhausting, depending on what happens
in either period.

What do you usually do in the evening?

I would usually stay at home, eat dinner and watch TV until 11:30 at night to
decompress from my busy schedule. On the weekends I would sometimes hang out
with my friends in the evening for dinner or a drink.

What did you do in the evening when you were little? Why?

I basically did the same things that I do now because they were a surefire way for me
to let my hair down. However, I also had to do my homework since I was at school
when I was young and I had to learn to grow up.

Are there any differences between what you do in the evening now and what you did in
the past?

I wouldn’t say there are stark differences between what I do in the evening now and
what I did in the past. The biggest difference I would say is that I’m going out more
now because there’s plenty of fun to be had by going outside to meet with friends.

41
VOCABULARY:

• have no preference (collocation): không có sở thích

• invigorating (adj): kích thích
• decompress (v): thư giãn
• hang out with (phrasal verb): đi chơi
• a surefire way (n): một cách chắc chắn
• let one’s hair down (idiom): thư giãn
• stark (adj): rõ ràng
• plenty of fun to be had (n): có được rất nhiều niềm vui

42
 TOPIC 23: MEETING PLACES

Where is your favorite place to meet with your friends?

I like to meet my friends at a coffee shop because it’s the kind of place where we can
easily gather and talk over a drink. Also, a coffee shop has a nice and quiet atmosphere
that I like when I want to talk with my friends.

Do you think there are some places more suitable for meeting with others?

I wouldn’t say there are more suitable places but rather there are those that are equally
suitable because it depends on what the person likes. Some of those other places include
libraries, restaurants, bars and pubs.

Are there any differences between your favorite meeting places in the present and in
your childhood?

During my childhood, I loved to meet with my friends in arcades and amusement

parks. Nowadays I like to meet my friends at coffee shops. The main difference
between these places is that coffee shops are quiet and mellow as opposed to arcades
and amusement parks being loud and buzzing.

Why are some meeting places better than others?

I wouldn’t say one meeting place is better than the other. If anything, it really boils
down to one’s personal preference. For example, some like to meet in restaurants while
others don’t, it’s that simple.

43
VOCABULARY:

• a nice and quiet atmosphere (n): một bầu không khí tốt đẹp và yên tĩnh
• equally suitable (collocation): đều phù hợp
• arcades and amusement parks (n): khu vui chơi giải trí
• mellow (adj): êm dịu
• buzzing (adj): sống động
• boil down (phrasal verb): phụ thuộc

44
 TOPIC 24: SITTING DOWN

Where is your favorite place to sit?

I like to sit on my office chair in my bedroom because it’s the one place I can retreat to
after coming home from work. Once I sit on it I can finally rest and chill out for the rest
of the day.

Do you always sit down for a long time?

I do tend to sit down for a long time because my work necessitates me to do it. I have
a job where I have to sit down and answer calls from my company’s clients for many
hours straight.

Do you feel sleepy when you are sitting down?

Not always, but when I sit in an air-conditioned room for a long time I do start to get
sleepy because the cold environment causes my body to get comfortable to the point
where I will doze off.

When you were a kid, did you usually sit on the floor?

I did sit on the floor quite often as a kid, especially during my time in kindergarten and
elementary school. It was a way for the teachers to assert their authority over the
students including myself.

VOCABULARY:

• chill out (phrasal verb): thư giãn

• necessitates (v): cần thiết, bắt buộc
• many hours straight (n): nhiều giờ liên tục
• doze off (phrasal verb): ngủ gật
• assert their authority (collocation): khẳng định quyền lực của họ

45
 TOPIC 25: TALENTS

Do you have a talent, or something you are good at?

I am particularly good at doing magic tricks. I know almost every trick and I would do
them to impress my friends or young children.

Was it mastered recently or when you were young?

I first started learning magic when I was 15 years old since I always found it so
fascinating. For the next 8 years I trained myself to do magic tricks and eventually I
mastered them.

Do you think your talent can be useful for your future work? Why?

My talent for doing magic would never be useful for my future career because it’s only
for show. I would only do it for fun and I never intend to make a career out of it.

Do you think anyone in your family has the same talent?

No one in my family has the same talent as I do. None of them are particularly skilled
nor interested in doing magic tricks to show off to people.

VOCABULARY:

• magic tricks (n): mánh ảo thuật

• find something fascinating (v): cảm thấy thích thú với điều gì
• only for show (prep): chỉ để trưng bày
• for fun (prep): cho vui
• make a career (v): tạo dựng sự nghiệp
• show off (phrasal verb): khoe khoang

46
 TOPIC 26: WATCH

Do you wear a watch?

I do wear a watch for most of the day, especially when I’m at work or traveling
somewhere. However, when I’m at home I would just take it off and leave it on my
bedroom desk.

Have you ever got a watch as a gift?

I have gotten a watch as a gift a couple of times. The first time I got one it had maroon-
coloured straps and a gleaming white watch face. The second time I got one it had
grey plastic straps and a digital display and it could also function as a stopwatch.

Why do some people wear expensive watches?

Some of those people like to wear extravagant watches to flaunt how wealthy they
are. For example, a businessman would typically wear an Omega watch to show that he
makes a lot of money on his job.

Do you think it is important to wear a watch? Why?

I find it to be important to wear a watch because it is a handy way to keep track of

time. If you can’t keep track of time then it wouldn’t be possible for you to do the things
you want or need to do.

47
VOCABULARY:

• take it off (phrasal verb): cởi nó ra

• maroon-coloured straps (v): dây đeo màu hạt dẻ
• gleaming white (adj): màu sáng trắng
• stopwatch (n): đồng hồ bấm giờ
• extravagant (adj): đắt đỏ, xa hoa
• to flaunt (v): khoe khoang
• handy (adj): tiện dụng
• keep track of (phrasal verb): theo dõi

48
 TOPIC 27: OLD BUILDINGS

Have you ever seen some old buildings in the city?

My city has many old buildings that are still intact for many decades. Most of them are
designed in the local style to the area with long roofs and a gray color scheme.

Do you think we should preserve old buildings in cities?

I think that old buildings found in cities should be preserved as they are vestiges of a
bygone era in a city’s history. Without them, no one would know how their city came
to be.

Do you prefer living in an old building or a modern house?

I prefer to live in a modern house because the facilities will be typically nicer. For
example, the toilets in a modern house are usually cleaner and cozy than those in older
buildings.

Are there any old buildings you want to see in the future? Why?

I would like to visit the Palace of Versailles in France in the near future because the
architectural style looks splendid and it is of historical importance since it is where
the treaty that ended World War 1 was signed.

49
VOCABULARY:

• still intact (adj): vẫn còn nguyên vẹn

• color scheme (n): bảng màu
• vestiges (n): di tích
• bygone era (collocation): thời đại đã qua
• come to be (v): trở thành
• facilities (n): trang thiết bị
• architectural style (n): phong cách kiến trúc
• historical importance (n): giá trị lịch sử

50
 TOPIC 28: COLORS

What is your favorite color?

Well, to be honest, I don’t really have an actual favorite color but I guess that if I were
buying clothes, then I’d usually go for something like blue or gray, you know, kind of
dull colors, nothing too bright.

What is the color that you dislike?

As I mentioned before, I’m not really into vibrant colors, especially green. This is
probably because I have never looked great in those colors. On top of that, it doesn’t
compliment my complexion as well.

What color do you want to paint your house with?

If I had my own house, I would have it painted with white as it may lighten my house.
Moreover, it’s definitely a wise choice as it will match with a wide range of furniture.

What color makes you feel uncomfortable in your room?

Although I generally prefer a darkish hue, I think a black house really annoys me. You
know, living alone in a black room really frightens me to death. Therefore, I will
certainly never paint my room this color.

VOCABULARY:

• go for (phrasal verb): lựa chọn

• dull colors (n): màu sắc buồn tẻ
• be into something (v): thích cái gì
• vibrant colors (n): màu sắc rực rỡ
• compliment my complexion (idiom): tôn da
• darkish hue (collocation): màu tối
• frightens me to death (idiom): làm tôi sợ chết khiếp

51
 TOPIC 29: HANDWRITING

Do you write by hand?

Not really anymore. In fact, I use my laptop a lot for both my study and work, so I don’t
put pen to paper very often. However, in case I don’t bring my laptop, I still have to
scribble down some notes.

Do you think writing will be replaced in the future?

Well certainly in some ways, advanced technology has marginalized handwriting, but
I still think that handwriting is useful on certain occasions. For instance, you should
handwrite greetings for the elderly to show respect for them.

Is it still necessary to teach children how to write by hand?

Sure, obviously. I think that learning how to write properly is extremely crucial for the
cognitive development of children. Like for instance, my nephew who has beautiful
handwriting is highly intelligent.

What sort of impression can a handwriting have on other people?

Actually, in Asian nations, people believe that handwriting can reflect an individual’s
personality. Like for instance, a kind-hearted person often has calligraphy. On the
contrary, those whose handwriting is sloppy or illegible are usually regarded as
mischievous ones.

52
VOCABULARY:

• put pen to paper (idiom): đặt bút viết

• scribble down (phrasal verb): viết nghuệch ngoạc
• marginalized (v): bị cho ra rìa
• cognitive development (n): phát triển nhận thức
• calligraphy (n): chữ viết đẹp
• sloppy (adj): cẩu thả
• illegible(adj): không đọc được
• mischievous (adj): xấu tính

53
 TOPIC 30: RESTAURANTS

How often do you eat out in restaurants?

Well, once in a blue moon, I must say. Because dining out in some luxurious eateries
is kinda extravagant for me. You know, I’m just a graduate so it’s too much to pay
for a meal in a restaurant.

What types of restaurants do you like best?

For me, the most important factor when assessing a restaurant is its food quality so I
would go for which serves the good ones. I tend to prefer smaller, non-chain
restaurants over the swanky and nationwide advertised on TV.

What types of restaurants are common in your city?

Oh, there’re so many, both posh and run-of-the-mill eateries. However, I prefer the
latter because I think the former is not always as good as they’re cracked up to be
due to several tricky marketing strategies.

What are the advantages of eating out in restaurants?

I think the biggest merit of eating out is that there’s no washing up if it’s a special
occasion or something. Besides, the ambience and the setting are usually more
relaxing and pleasant, not to mention numerous premium and scrumptious dishes
feasted on.

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VOCABULARY:

• once in a blue moon (idiom): hiếm khi

• swanky and nationwide (n): sang trọng và nổi tiếng cả nước
• posh (adj): lịch sự, sang trọng
• run-of-the-mill (adj): bình dân
• cracked up to be (adj): tốt như lời đồn
• tricky marketing strategies (n): chiến lược marketing tinh vi
• ambience (n): bầu không khí
• relaxing and pleasant (adj): thư giãn và hài lòng
• premium and scrumptious (adj): chất lượng và ngon tuyệt
• feast on (phrasal verb): thết đãi

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