Table of Contents

READING & LISTENING

UNIT 1 GREAT PLACES TO BE 2

UNIT 2 PEOPLE’S LIVES 10
UNIT 3 GETTING FROM A TO B 18
UNIT 4 IT WAS ALL NEW ONCE 27
UNIT 5 ANIMAL WORLD 36
UNIT 6 BEING HUMAN 51
UNIT 7 LITERACY SKILLS 60
UNIT 8 TOURIST ATTRACTIONS 67
UNIT 9 EVERY DROP COUNTS 74
UNIT 10 BUILDING DESIGN 83

TRANSCRIPT LISTENING 255

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2
UNIT 1 GREAT PLACES TO BE

3
4
5
6
HOMEWORK

7
8
9
UNIT 2 PEOPLE’S LIVES

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Keywords in questions Similar words in the text
First formal education at
Work as a nurse
Learn Arabic
Make a journey on a donkey
Win a prize for a book
Spend a further …years in

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Choose no more than 2 words from the passsage to answer the following questions>
1.How far from Hawaii to Tahiti did the boad led by Mau Pialiug go?
2. What could the seafarers living a long time ago could have lacked?
3. How long did it take Mau Pialiug and his team to finish the voyage?
4 What was a circle of stone used for?
5. What did each stone stand for?
6. What did Mau Pialigu deliver to people so that his understanding would not disappear?

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HOMEWORK
Patrick Malone

15
Reading 2: Sylvia Earle, underwater hero
She has spent her working life studying the world's oceans Sylvia Earle is an underwater
explorer and marine biologist who was born in the USA in 1935. She became interested in the world's
oceans from an early age. As a child, she liked to stand on the beach for hours and look at the sea,
wondering what it must be like under the surface.

When she was 16, she finally got a chance to make her first dive. It was this dive that inspired
her to become an underwater explorer. Since then, she has spent more than 6,500 hours under water,
and has led more than seventy expeditions worldwide. She has also made the deepest dive ever,
reaching a record-breaking depth of 381 metres.

In 1970, she became famous around the world when she became the captain of the first all-
female team to live under water. The team spent two weeks in an underwater 'house'. The research
they carried out showed the damage that pollution was causing to marine life, and especially to coral
reefs. Her team also studied the problem of over-fishing. Fishing methods meant that people were
catching too many fish, Earle warned, and many species were in danger of becoming extinct.

Since then she has written several books and magazine articles in which she suggests ways of
reducing the damage that is being done to the world's oceans. One way, she believes, is to rely on fish
farms for seafood, and reduce the amount of fishing that is done out at sea. Although she no longer
eats seafood herself, she realises the importance it plays in our diets. It would be wrong to tell people
they should stop eating fish from the sea, she says. However, they need to reduce the impact they are
having on the ocean's supplies.

5. Before you read the passage, look at the title and the subheading. What do you think the
passage will talk about?
a a woman who has an interesting hobby
b a scientist who wants to know more about the sea
c a student who wants to become an underwater explorer

6. Read the passage on page 14. Choose NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS AND/OR A NUMBER FROM
THE PASSAGE for each answer.

1. What career did Sylvia decide to follow after her first dive?
……………………………………………………………………….
2. How far under water did she go in order to break a world record?
……………………………………………………………………….
3. What was causing harm to everything living in the sea?
……………………………………………………………………….
4. Where does Sylvia think we should get our fish from?
……………………………………………………………………….
7. Now decide if these statements are TRUE, FALSE or NOT GIVEN according to the information in
the passage.
1 Sylvia Earle lives in the USA. …………
2 Until 1970, nobody had lived underwater before. …………
3 Sylvia Earle was worried about the amount of fish that were being caught. …………
4 Her books offer some solutions to marine problems. …………
5 She thinks people should avoid eating seafood. …………

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LISTENING
1.

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UNIT 3 GETTING FROM A TO B

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 Traffic jams - no end in sight
There are no easy answers to the problems of traffic congestion.
A Traffic congestion affects people throughout the world. Traffic jams cause smog in dozens
of cities across both the developed and developing world. In the US, commuters spend an average of
a full working week each year sitting in traffic jams, according to the Texas Transportation Institute.
While alternative ways of getting around are available, most people still choose their cars because
they are looking for convenience, comfort and privacy.
B The most promising technique for reducing city traffic is called congestion pricing, whereby
cities charge a toll to enter certain parts of town at certain times of day. In theory, if the toll is high
enough, some drivers will cancel their trips or go by bus or train. And in practice it seems to work:
Singapore, London and Stockholm have reduced traffic and pollution in city centres thanks to
congestion pricing.
C Another way to reduce rush-hour traffic is for employers to implement flexitime, which lets
employees travel to and from work at off-peak traffic times to avoid the rush hour. Those who have
to travel during busy times can do their part by sharing cars. Employers can also allow more staff to
telecommute [work from home} so as to keep more cars off the road altogether.
D Some urban planners still believe that the best way to ease traffic congestion is to build
more roads, especially roads that can take drivers around or over crowded city streets. But such
techniques do not really keep cars off the road; they only accommodate more of them.
E Other, more forward-thinking, planners know that more and more drivers and cars are
taking to the roads every day, and they are unwilling to encourage more private automobiles when
public transport is so much better both for people and the environment. For this reason, the American
government has decided to spend some $7 billion on helping to increase capacity on public transport
systems and upgrade them with more efficient technologies. But environmentalists complain that
such funding is tiny compared to the $50 billion being spent on roads and bridges.

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 HOMEWORK
Reading 1
1. You are going to read a passage about an airliner. Answer the question below.
Read the title and subtitle and look at the picture. What do you think the passage will be about?
a an airliner that is not the same as other airliners
b reasons why a new airliner has been so successful
c the problems that a new type of airliner has been having
2. Read the passage carefully. Complete labels (1-7) on the diagram. Choose NO
MORE THAN TWO WORDS AND/OR A NUMBER from the passage for each answer.
The Boeing 787
The Boeing 787 'Dreamliner' has been described as the airliner of the future. We look at the technology that
makes it different
Until now, airliner fuselages have been made of aluminium sheets. Large aircraft can have 1,500 of these
sheets with between 40,000 and 50,000 metal fasteners. The 787 is the first airliner to be built with a one-
piece fuselage made from a special material called 'composite'. Not only does this make the airliner quicker
and easier to build, but it also makes it a lot lighter.
The advantage of this weight reduction is that the 787 uses 20 percent less fuel than other airliners of a similar
size, which makes it much more environmentally friendly. The reduced weight also means that the Boeing 787
can fly further than many other airliners of a similar size, carrying 210 passengers or more up to 15,200
kilometres before refuelling.
Sometimes an airliner needs to change from one type of engine to another. This is a difficult and time-
consuming process. The 787 has a revolutionary engine attachment on the wing which means that the engines
can be changed in a much shorter time. The case containing the engine is also different from those on other
airliners. It has been designed to cut down the noise from the engine, making it less noisy for passengers in
the cabin as well as for people on the ground.
In addition to a quieter cabin, passengers will also benefit from windows which are 65 percent larger than
those on other
airliners, giving them a much better view of the world passing by below them. The windows also have a unique
facility which allows passengers or cabin crew to control the amount of
light that enters them. This is thanks to a liquid in the window which reacts to an electric current. When a
passenger or cabin crew member presses a button, the current causes a chemical reaction in the window
which darkens the liquid.

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Reading 2
Matching headings
3. You are going to read a passage about city streets. Before you begin, look at the
two pictures and answer the question.
What do you think the passage will be about?
a the difference between towns and cities now, and towns and cities in the past
b how towns and cities are planned and built
c removing cars and other vehicles from streets in towns and cities
4. Read the passage quickly and underline words 1-8. Then match them with their
definitions, a—h.

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Pedestrians only
How traffic-free shopping streets developed

A. The concept of traffic-free shopping areas goes back a long time. During the Middle Ages,
traffic-free shopping areas known as souks were built in Middle Eastern countries to allow
people to shop in comfort and, more importantly, safety. As far back as 2,000 years ago, road
traffic was banned from central Rome during the day to allow for the free movement of
pedestrians, and was only allowed in at night when shops and markets had closed for the day.
In most other cities, however, pedestrians were forced to share the streets with horses,
coaches and, later, with cars and other motorised vehicles.

B. The modern, traffic-free shopping street was born in Europe in the 1960s, when both city
populations and car ownership increased rapidly. Dirty exhaust fumes from cars and the risks
involved in crossing the road were beginning to make shopping an unpleasant and dangerous
experience. Many believed the time was right for experimenting with car-free streets, and
shopping areas seemed the best place to start.

C At first, there was resistance from shopkeepers. They believed that such a move would be
bad for business. They argued that people would avoid streets if they were unable to get to
them in their cars. When the first streets in Europe were closed to traffic, there were even
noisy demonstrations, as many shopkeepers predicted they would lose customers.

D. However, research carried out afterwards in several European cities revealed some
unexpected statistics. In Munich, Cologne and Hamburg, visitors to shopping areas increased
by 50 percent. On Copenhagen's main shopping street, shopkeepers reported sales increases
of 25-40 percent. Shopkeepers in Minneapolis, USA, were so impressed when they learnt this
that they even offered to pay for the construction and maintenance costs of their own traffic-
free streets.

E. With the arrival of the traffic-free shopping street, many shops, especially those selling
things like clothes, food and smaller luxury items, prospered. Unfortunately, it wasn't good
news for everyone, as shops selling furniture and larger electrical appliances actually saw
their sales drop. Many of these were forced to move elsewhere, away from the city centre.
Today they are a common feature on the outskirts of towns and cities, often situated in out-of-
town retail zones with their own car parks and other local facilities.

5. Now match the headings i-vii below with paragraphs A-E in the passage. There are
two headings that you do not need.
List of Headings
i. Facing local opposition
ii. Some reasons for success
iii. Winners and losers
iv. A need for change
v. An experiment that went wrong
vi. An idea from ancient history
vii. North America learns from Europe

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UNIT 4 IT WAS ALL NEW ONCE

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 Rubik’s Cube
How the puzzle achieved success
Erno Rubik first studied sculpture and then later architecture in Budapest, where he went on to become
a teacher of interior design. It was while he was working as a teacher that he began the preliminary work
on an invention that he called the ‘Magic Cube'.

Rubik was inspired by geometric puzzles such as the Chinese tangram, a puzzle consisting of various
triangles, a square and a parallelogram which can be combined to create different shapes and figures.
However, unlike the tangram, which is two- dimensional, Rubik was more interested in investigating how
three-dimensional forms, such as the cube, could be moved and combined to produce other forms.

His design consisted of a cube made up of layers of individual smaller cubes, and each smaller cube could
be turned in any direction except diagonally. To ensure that the cubes could move independently, without
falling apart, Rubik first attempted to join them together using elastic bands. However, this proved to be
impossible, so Rubik then solved the problem by assembling them using a rounded interior. This permitted
them to move smoothly and easily. He experimented with different ways of marking the smaller cubes,
but ended up with the simple solution of giving a different colour to each side. The object was to twist the
layers of small cubes so that each side of the large cube was an identical colour.

Rubik took out a patent for the Cube in 1977 and started manufacturing it in the same year. The Cube
came to the attention of a Hungarian businessman, Tibor Laczi, who then demonstrated it at the
Nuremberg Toy Fair. When British toy expert Tom Kremer saw it, he thought it was amazing and he
persuaded a manufacturer, Ideal Toys, to produce 1 million of them in 1979. Ideal Toys renamed the Cube
after the toy’s inventor, and in 1980, Rubik’s Cube was shown at toy fairs all over the world. It won that
year’s prize in Germany for Best Puzzle. Rubik’s Cube is believed to be the world’s best-selling puzzle;
since its invention, more than 300 million Cubes have been sold worldwide.
Choose no more than two words from the passage for each answer:
Rubik’s Cube
Originally named the 1____________ , Rubik’s Cube consists of a number of smaller cubes organised in 2
___________ . The smaller cubes can be twisted in almost any way, though not 3__________ . The Cube’s 4
___________ is shaped in a way that allows the smaller cubes to move smoothly. Each side of the smaller
cubes has a different colour, and the aim of the puzzle is to organise the cubes so that the colours on the sides
of the large cube are 5 ___________ . The manufacturers of the puzzle changed the name of the Cube to the
name of its 6_________ it has now sold more than any other 7____________ in the world.

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 HOMEWORK

The ballpoint pen

Most of us have at least one, but how did this popular
item evolve?
One morning in 1945, a crowd of 5,000 people
jammed the entrance of Gimbels Department Store in
New York. The day before, Gimbels had placed a full-
page advertisement in the New York Times for a
wonderful new invention, the ballpoint pen. The
advertisement described the pen as 'fantastic' and
'miraculous'. Although they were expensive, $12.50
each, all 10,000 pens in stock were sold on the first
day.
In fact, this 'new' pen was not new at all. In 1888,
John Loud, a leather manufacturer, had invented a pen
with a reservoir of ink and a rolling ball. However, his
pen was never produced, and efforts by other people
to produce a commercially successful one failed too.
The main problem was with the ink. If it was too thin,
the ink leaked out of the pen. If it was too thick, it didn't
come out of the pen at all.
Almost fifty years later, in 1935, a newspaper editor
in Hungary thought he spent too much time filling his
pens with ink. He decided to invent a better kind of pen.
With the help of his brother, who was a chemist, he
produced a ballpoint pen that didn't leak when the pen
wasn't being used. The editor was called Ladislas Biro,
and it was his name that people would associate more
than any other with the ballpoint pen.
By chance, Biro met Augustine Justo, the Argentinian
president. Justo was so impressed with Biro's invention
that he invited him to set up a factory in Argentina. In
1943, the first Biro pens were produced.
Unfortunately, they were not popular, since the pen
needed to be held in a vertical position for the ink to
come out. Biro redesigned the pen with a better ball,
and in 1944 the new product was on sale throughout
Argentina.
It was a North American, Milton Reynolds, who
introduced the ballpoint pen to the USA. Copying Biro's
design, he produced the version that sold so well at
Gimbels. Another American, Patrick Frawley, improved
the design and in 1950 began producing a pen he
called the Papermate. It was an immediate success,
and within a few years, Papermates were selling in
their millions around the world

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 MARCEL BICH

The man who turned a luxury item into an everyday object

Marcel Bich, a French manufacturer of traditional ink pens, was the man who turned the
ballpoint pen into an item that today almost anyone can afford. Bich was appalled at the poor
quality of the ballpoint pens that were available, and was also shocked at their high cost.
However, he recognised that the ballpoint was a firmly established invention, and he decided
to design a cheap pen that worked well and would be commercially successful.

Bich went to the Biro brothers and asked them if he could use the design of their original
invention in one of his own pens. In return, he offered to pay them every time he sold a pen.
Then, for two years, Bich studied the detailed construction of every ballpoint pen that was
being sold, often working with a microscope.

By 1950, he was ready to introduce his new wonder: a plastic pen with a clear barrel that wrote
smoothly, did not leak and only cost a few cents. He called it the 'Bic Cristal'. The ballpoint
pen had finally become a practical writing instrument. The public liked it immediately, and
today it is as common as the pencil. In Britain, they are still called Biros, and many Bic models
also say 'Biro' on the side of the pen, to remind people of their original inventors.

Bich became extremely wealthy thanks to his invention, which had worldwide appeal. Over
the next 60 years his company, Societe Bic, opened factories all over the world and expanded
its range of inexpensive products. Today, Bic is as famous for its lighters and razors as it is
for its pens, and you can even buy a Bic mobile phone.

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UNIT 5 ANIMAL WORLD

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 The life of the European bee-eater (sentence completion)

A brilliant movement of colour as it catches its food in the air, the European bee-eater moves
between three continents.
True to their name, bee-eaters eat bees (though their diet includes just about any flying insect).
When the bird catches a bee, it returns to its tree to get rid of the bees poison, which it does very
efficiently. It hits the insect's head on one side of the branch, then rubs its body on the other. The
rubbing makes its prey harmless.
European bee-eaters (Merops apiaster) form families that breed in the spring and summer across
an area that extends from Spain to Kazakhstan. Farmland and river valleys provide huge numbers
of insects. Flocks of bee-eaters follow tractors as they work fields. When the birds come upon a
beehive, they eat well - a researcher once found a hundred bees in the stomach of a bee-eater
near a hive.
European bees pass the winter by sleeping in their hives, which cuts off the bee-eater's main
source of food. So, in late summer, bee-eaters begin a long, dangerous journey. Massive flocks
from Spain, France and northern Italy cross the Sahara desert to their wintering grounds in West
Africa. Bee-eaters from Hungary and other parts of Central and Eastern Europe cross the
Mediterranean Sea and Arabian Desert to winter in southern Africa. 'It's an extremely risky
stratagem, this migration,' says C. Hilary Fry, a British ornithologist who has studied European
bee-eaters for more than 45 years.
'At least 30 percent of the birds will be killed by predators before they make it back to Europe the
following spring.'
In April, they return to Europe. Birds build nests by digging tunnels in riverbanks. They work for up
to 20 days. By the end of the job, they've moved 15 to 26 pounds of soil - more than 80 times their
weight.
The nesting season is a time when families help each other, and sons or uncles help feed their
father's or brother's chicks as soon as they come out of their eggs. The helpers benefit, too: parents
with helpers can provide more food for chicks to continue the family line.
It's a short, spectacular life. European bee-eaters live for five to six years. The difficulties of
migration and avoiding predators along the way affect every bird. Bee-eaters today also find it
harder to find food, as there are fewer insects around as a result of pesticides. Breeding sites are
also disappearing, as rivers are turn.
Write NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS from the passage for each answer.
1 Bee-eaters’ prey are bees and other_____
2 Bee-eaters need to remove the_____ from bees before eating them.
3 There is plenty of food for bee-eaters on agricultural land and in______
4 Bee-eaters migrate to spend the winter in different parts of ______
5 Because of ______ , almost one-third of bee-eaters do not survive migration.
6 Bee-eaters make nests in_______ , which they build themselves.
7 When nesting, the _________ receive food from different family members.
8 One problem for bee-eaters is _______ , which have reduced the amount of food available.

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Keywords in questions Similar words in the text
Bee-eaters’ pray are bees
To remove
Agricultural land
A plenty of
Migrate to spend the winter in
One-third
Do not survive migration
Make nests
To receive food from
Different family members
One problem
Reduce the amount of food

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CÁC LƯU Ý NGHE MAP-LABELLING
Từ vựng miêu tả phương hướng và bản đồ:
● give directions: chỉ đường
● leave the main building: rời khỏi tòa nhà chính
● path: con đường, footpath
● take the right-hand path: rẽ vào đường bên phải
● on the left// on the right: bên trái// bên phải
● opposite…// face…: đối diện…
● go past// walk past…: đi ngang qua…
● at the crossroads: tại ngã tư
● turn left// turn right: rẽ trái// rẽ phải
● take the first left// take the first right: rẽ trái tại ngã rẽ thứ nhất// rẽ phải tại
ngã rẽ thứ nhất
● branch off to the right: rẽ nhánh sang phải
● take the second left/ take the second right: rẽ trái tại ngã rẽ thứ hai// rẽ phải
tại ngã rẽ thứ hai
● on the corner: trong góc
● next to: kế bên
● go straight: đi thẳng
● entrance: lối ra vào
● traffic lights: đèn giao thông
● east/ west/ south/ north: đông/ tây/ nam/ bắc
● roundabout: vùng binh, vòng xoay
● cross the bridge// go over the bridge: băng qua cầu
● go towards…: đi hướng về phía nào
● bend(v): uốn vòng, uốn cong
● on the first bend you come to: chỗ rẻ đầu tiên mà bạn nhìn thấy
● walk/ go along…: đi dọc theo…
● at the top of…// at the bottom of…: phía trên…// dưới phía…
● in front of…: phía trước…
● behind = at the back of….: phía sau…
● before you get to…// before you come to…: trước khi bạn đi tới…
● in the middle of…/ in the centre of…: ở giữa…// ở trung tâm…
● to be surrounded by…: được bao quanh bởi…
● at the end of the path: phía cuối con đường
● the main road: tuyến đường bộ chính
● the railway line: tuyến đường xe lửa
● run through…: chạy xuyên qua
● walk through…: đi xuyên qua
● go upstairs// go downstairs: đi lên lầu// đi xuống lầu

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Từ vựng chỉ địa điểm
Một số địa điểm thường xuất hiện trong bài IELTS Listening Map labelling:

trong trường đại học_ uni campus đường phố khu vui chơi

● Entrance (n): lối vào >< exit ● Zebra crossing : ● theatre: rạp hát
(n): lối ra, lối thoát hiểm vạch dành cho ● car park: chỗ để xe
● Campus (n): khuôn viên người đi bộ ● national park: công
trường ● Crossroads =
viên quốc gia
● Dormitory (n): kí túc xá sinh intersection: ngã tư
viên ● Roundabout : bùng ● (flower// rose) garden:
● Hall (n): hội trường binh vườn (hoa// hoa hồng)
● Office (n): văn phòng ● Pedestrian : người ● circular area: khu vực
● Lounge (n): phòng chờ đi bộ hình tròn
● Cafeteria (n): nhà ăn, ● Road sign: biển báo ● picnic area: khu vực dã
canteen ● Traffic light: đèn ngoại
● Library (n): thư viện giao thông
● wildlife area: khu vực
● Conference =seminar (n): ● Signpost : biển chỉ
hội thảo, workshop , đường động vật hoang dã
laboratory (n): phòng thí ● Junction : ngã ba ● bird hide: khu vực
nghiệm ● Pavement : vỉa hè ngắm các loài chim
● Recreational centre/ center: ● Highway: đường ● information office: văn
trung tâm giải trí cao tốc phòng thông tin
● corridor: hành lang
● foyer: tiền sảnh
● ground floor: tầng trệt
● basement: tầng hầm
● auditorium: phòng của
khán giả, thính phòng
● stage: sân khấu
● maze: mê cung
● tower: tòa tháp
● post office: bưu điện

● · main path: lối đi

chính
● · side path: lối phụ,
lối nhỏ
● · first aid tent: trạm
sơ cứu
● · meeting point :
điểm gặp mặt

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Cách làm IELTS Listening Map Labelling
Sau đây là các bước chi tiết có thể giúp chúng ta nâng được điểm số trong dạng bài này.

● Bước 1: Đọc thật kỹ đề, xem đề yêu cầu điền từ vào bản đồ hay chọn A, B, C, D., Sau đó
tìm điểm xuất phát bằng 2 cách:
o Một vị trí đã được đánh dấu sẵn trên bản đồ, thường sẽ được làm nổi bật và
có note bên cạnh “You are here” hoặc “Entrance”
o Được chỉ ra trong bài nghe bằng các cụm từ như “Now we are situated in……;
“If we enter……..from……”; “From the city/ the hall…..”; “Firstly….”
● Bước 2: Phân tích thật kỹ bản đồ, đặc biệt phương hướng của những địa điểm đã có sẵn
và phương hướng của những địa điểm cần tìm.(dựa vào các từ ngữ chỉ phương hướng
đã học). Xác định vị trí của các con số và đối tượng của bài nghe theo hướng từ trên
xuống hay từ dưới lên. Việc xác định đầu tiên như vậy khá quan trọng khi làm bài để
không phải bị rối. Vì thường dạng bài này sẽ chỉ đường theo thứ tự các con số được
đánh.
● Bước 3: Nghe audio một cách tập trung, ghi luôn trên đề bài các mục nghe được
● Bước 4: chọn đáp án phù hợp

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EXERCISE 1 (Cambridge 11- Test 1)( (audio)
FIDDY WORKING HERITAGE FARM

42
EXERCISE 2 (Cambridge 11- Test 4) audio

43
EXERCISE 3 (OG - Test 7)

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HOMEWORK
Reading 1 - Sentence completion

1. Quickly read the passage on the right and answer these questions.
1 Where do honey badgers live?
…………………………………………………………………
2 What do they look like?
…………………………………………………………………
3 Why is 'honey badger' not a good name for this animal?
…………………………………………………………………

2. Read Questions 1-8 below.

1 Underline the key words.
2 Decide what type of information you need for each gap.
Questions 1-8
1. Although they are not big animals, honey badgers are fearless, ………… and tough.
2. Honey badgers will attack …………if they need to protect themselves.
3. The pattern and colours on the honey badger's back make it …………
4. The food they eat is meat-based and …………
5. ………… form the biggest part of a honey badger's diet.
6. Honey badgers find the creatures they eat by their …………
7. ………… are often used to catch honey badgers which attack beehives.
8. For one particular type of food, the honey badger has a …………with another creature.

3. Now complete Questions 1-8. Write NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS from the passage for each answer.

The honey badger

It looks harmless and vulnerable. But the honey badger is afraid of nothing... and will attack and eat
almost anything
The honey badger (Melivora capensis), is an African and south-Asian mammal that has a reputation for
being one of the world's most fearless animals, despite its small size. And in spite of its gentle-sounding name, it
is also one of its most aggressive. Honey badgers have been known to attack lions, buffalo, and snakes three times
their size. Even humans are not safe from a honey badger if it thinks the human will attack or harm it. They are
also extremely tough creatures, and can recover quickly from injuries that would kill most other animals.

At first glance, honey badgers look like the common European badger. They are usually between 75cm
and 1 metre long, although males are about twice the size of females. They are instantly recognisable by grey and
white stripes that extend from the top of the head to the tail. Closer inspection, which is probably not a wise thing
to do, reveals pointed teeth, and sharp front claws which can be four centimetres in length.

Honey badgers are meat-eating animals with an extremely varied diet. They mainly eat a range of small
creatures like beetles, lizards and birds, but will also catch larger reptiles like snakes and small crocodiles. Some
mammals, such as foxes, antelope and wild cats also form part of their diet.

The badgers locate their prey mainly using their excellent sense of smell, and catch most of their prey
through digging. During a 24-hour period, they may dig as many as fifty holes, and travel more than 40 kilometres.
They are also good climbers, and can easily climb very tall trees to steal eggs from birds' nests, or catch other tree-
dwelling creatures.

As their name suggests, honey badgers have always been associated with honey, although they do not
actually eat it. It is the highly nutritious bee eggs (called 'brood') that they prefer, and they will do anything to find
it. They usually cause a lot of damage to the hive in the process, and for this reason, humans are one of their main
predators. Bee-keepers will often set special traps for honey badgers, to protect their hives.

One of the most fascinating aspects of the honey badger is its working relationship with a bird called the
greater honeyguide (Indicator indicator). This bird deliberately guides the badger to beehives, then waits while the
badger breaks into the hive and extracts the brood. The two creatures, bird and mammal, then share the brood
between them.

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Reading 2

4. You are going to read more about the honey badger. Before you do this, look at the exam question in the
box and answer the questions 1-4.

1. Why did the wildlife experts visit the Kalahari desert? Choose two reasons.
A To find where honey badgers live.
B To observe how honey badgers behave.
C To try to change the way honey badgers behave.
D To temporarily catch some honey badgers.
E To find out why honey badgers have such a bad reputation.

1. Underline the key words in the question.

2. Find the paragraph in the passage where the question is dealt with.
3. Now look at these five options for the question above. Look for the answers in the text. Delete
three answers which are NOT possible.
4. Which two options are you left with? ………… and …………

On the trail of the honey badger

Researchers learn more about this fearless African predator

On a recent field trip to the Kalahari Desert, a team of researchers learnt a lot more about honey
badgers. They were rewarded with a detailed insight into how these fascinating creatures live and hunt.

The team employed a local wildlife expert, Kitso Khama, to help them locate and follow the badgers
across the desert. Their main aim was to study the badgers' movements and behaviour as discreetly as
possible, without frightening them away or causing them to change their natural behaviour. They also planned
to trap a few and study them close up before releasing them. In view of the animal's reputation, this was
something that even Khama was reluctant to do.

'The problem with honey badgers is they are naturally curious animals, especially when they see
something new,' he says. 'That, combined with their unpredictable nature, can be a dangerous mixture. If
they sense you have food, for example, they won't be shy about coming right up to you for something to eat.
They're actually quite sociable creatures around humans, but as soon as they feel they might be in danger,
they can become extremely vicious. Fortunately this is rare, but it does happen.'

The research confirmed many things that were already known. As expected, honey badgers ate any
creatures they could catch and kill. Even poisonous snakes, feared and avoided by most other animals,,
were not safe from them. The researchers were surprised, however, by the animal's fondness for local
melons, probably because of their high water content. Previously researchers thought that the animal got all
of its liquid requirements from its prey. The team also learnt that, contrary to previous research findings, the
badgers occasionally formed loose family groups. They were also able to confirm certain results from
previous research, including the fact that female badgers never socialised with each other.

Following some of the male badgers was a challenge, since they can cover large distances in a
short space of time. Some hunting territories cover more than 500 square kilometres. Although they seem
happy to share these territories with other males, there are occasional fights over an important food source,
and male badgers can be as aggressive towards each other as they are towards other species.

As the badgers became accustomed to the presence of people, it gave the team the chance to get
up close to them without being the subject of the animals' curiosity - or their sudden aggression. The badgers'
eating patterns, which had been disrupted, returned to normal. It also allowed the team to observe more
closely some of the other creatures that form working associations with the honey badger, as these seemed
to adopt the badgers' relaxed attitude when near humans.

49
5. Read the rest of the passage and choose TWO letters, A—E, for Questions 2-5.
2. What two things does Kitso Khama say about honey badgers?
A. They show interest in things they are not familiar with.
B. It's hard to tell how they will behave.
C. They are always looking for food.

50
UNIT 6 BEING HUMAN

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7 Work in groups and answer the
following question:
1. Have you ever taken part in a
study? When? Why?
2. Have you ever conducted any tests
or experiment. What were they, and
what did the results show?

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HOMEWORK
Reading 1: YES/ NO/ NOT GIVEN
1. You are going to read a passage about bad habits. Read the title and subheading first. What
do you think the writer is going to say about bad habits?
a Most people have bad habits that they'd like to break.
b It can be extremely hard to break a bad habit.
c People pick up most of their bad habits while they are growing up.
d People are not always aware that they have bad habits.
Breaking the habit
We all think we can break our bad habits — but they can stay with us for life
What is a bad habit? The most common definition is that it is something that we do regularly,
almost without thinking about it, and which has some sort of negative consequence. This consequence
could affect those around us, or it could affect us personally. Those who deny having bad habits are
probably lying. Bad habits are part of what makes us human.
Many early habits, like sucking our thumb, are broken when we are very young. We are either
told to stop doing it by our parents, or we consciously or subconsciously observe that others do not
have the same habit, and we gradually grow out of it. It is when we intentionally or unintentionally pick
up new habits in our later childhood or early adulthood that it becomes a problem. Unless we can break
that habit early on, it becomes a part of our life, and becomes 'programmed' into our brain.
A recent study of human memory suggests that no matter how hard we try to change our habits,
it is the old ways that tend to win, especially in situations where we are rushed, stressed or overworked.
Habits that we thought we had got rid of can suddenly come back. During the study programme, the
researchers showed a group of volunteers several pictures, and gave them words to associate with
them (for example, see a picture of tea, and associate it with 'breakfast'). They then showed the
volunteers the same pictures again, and gave them new words to associate with them (see a picture of
tea, and say 'afternoon').
A few days later, the volunteers were given a test. The researchers showed them the pictures,
and told them to respond with one of the words they had been given for each one. It came as no surprise
that their answers were split between the first set of words and the second. Two weeks later, they were
given the same test again. This time, most of them only gave the first set of words. They appeared to
have completely forgotten the second set. The study confirms that the responses we learn first are
those that remain strongest over time. We may try to change our ways, but after a while, the response
that comes to mind first is usually the first one we learned. The more that response is used, the more
automatic it becomes and the harder it becomes to respond in any other way.
The study therefore suggests that over time, our bad habits also become automatic, learned
behaviour. This is not good news for people who picked up bad habits early in life and now want to
change or break them. Even when we try to put new, good intentions into practice, those previously
learned habits remain stronger in more automatic, unconscious forms of memory.
2. Read Questions 1-7 below and underline the words that you think will help you find the right
place in the passage.
Do the following statements agree with the claims of the writer in the Reading passage? Write
YES if the statement agrees with the claims of the writer
NO if the statement contradicts the claims of the writer
NOT GIVEN if it is impossible to say what the writer thinks about this

1. We usually develop bad habits when we are very young.

2. We can only break bad habits if people tell us to do so.
3. Bad habits may return when we are under pressure.
4. Researchers were surprised by the answers that the volunteers gave in the first test.
5. The volunteers found the test more difficult when they did it the second time.
6. People find it more difficult to remember things they learnt when they were young.
7. If we develop bad habits early in life, they are harder to get rid of.

3. Now answer Questions 1-7.

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Reading 2: Summary completion with a box

4. Find the words in bold in the passage on the right and match them to the following
definitions.
1. to do or make something which behaves or looks like something real, but which is not real
2. the work of treating mental or physical illness without surgery
3. using computer images and sounds that make you think an imagined situation or object is real
4. to make someone experience something or be affected by it
5. an extreme fear of something
6. someone whose job is to treat a particular type of mental or physical illness

Fighting fear using virtual reality

Computers are not just for entertainment, shopping or research purposes - as one woman found
out when she tried to cure her fears

Most people have at least one thing they are afraid of. A fear of things like snakes, spiders, dogs,
heights or open spaces affects over 90% of the population. In extreme cases, a fear can develop
into a phobia, where the fear of something is so powerful it can affect the way the sufferer lives
their life. About 10% of people suffer from a phobia. Most sufferers never seek treatment, because
the most common type of cure - 'exposure therapy' - involves them being exposed to the object
of their fear, and this is the last thing many of them are prepared to do.

There is now a new cure for phobias, using something called virtual reality exposure therapy
(VRET). The concept is simple. The person with the phobia wears a virtual reality headset. A
computer, controlled by a therapist, then simulates a variety of situations in which the sufferer is
gradually exposed to the object of their fear, which they view on the headset's screen. At the same
time, the therapist explains why they should not be afraid of it. The technique is surprisingly
successful, as this case demonstrates.
Sara Considine had a serious spider phobia, and had developed several spider-related behaviour
patterns. Before going to bed, for example, she would check her room for spiders, then seal the
windows with tape so none could get in. She had frightening dreams about spiders every night.
Eventually, she decided to get treatment.

During twelve one-hour virtual reality sessions over a three-month period, Ms Considine started
very slowly. First, she stood a long way from the virtual spider and just looked at it. Slowly, she
moved a little closer. The therapist controlling the computer programme then made the virtual
spider move. After just two sessions, Ms Considine reported that although she still saw spiders in
her dreams, they were no longer frightening, and she had even managed to have an amusing
`conversation' with one of them. A few sessions later, the therapist encouraged her to hold the
virtual spider in her virtual hand, and put it in places where the presence of a real spider would
cause her fear. The next stage was to introduce touch. A large toy spider was placed next to her.
Ms Considine then reached out to touch the virtual spider she could see on the screen, and at the
same time her real hand touched the toy spider.

After her sessions were over, Sara Considine was able to stop her spider-related behaviour. She
even took up camping, something she would never have considered before therapy. More recently
she has appeared on a television nature programme, where for the first time she was able to hold
a real spider in her hands.

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UNIT 7 LITERACY SKILLS

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HOMEWORK

4. Now listen to the next part of the conversation and answer Questions 8 - 12.

64
Matching information

1. You are going to read an article about graphic novels. Look at the title and the subheading. Which
of these sentences summarises what the passage will say?
a Graphic novels are generally a good thing.
b Graphic novels are generally a bad thing.
Now quickly read through the passage to check your answer.
Graphic novels

People who think graphic novels are just comics with a different name should think again
A Graphic novels, as the name suggests, are books written and illustrated in the style of a comic book.
The term graphic novel was first used in 1978 by author and artist Will Eisner to distinguish a comic
novel he had written and illustrated from newspaper comic trips. He described graphic novel as
consisting of "sequential art" – a series of illustrations which, when viewed in order, tell a story.
B Although today's graphic novels are a recent phenomenon, this basic way of telling stories has been
used in various forms for centuries. Early cave drawings, hieroglyphics and medieval tapestries are
examples of this. The term graphic novel is now generally used to describe any book in a comic format
that resembles a novel in length and narrative development.
C Many adults feel that graphic novels are not the type of reading material that will help young people
become good readers. They believe that graphic novels are somehow a bad influence that prevent
"real" reading. In other words, they think that they are not "real" books.
D However, many quality graphic novels are now being seen as a method of storytelling on the same
level as novels, films or audio books. From originally appealing to small following of enthusiasts, they
are now being accepted by librarians and teacher as proper literature for children and young adults.
The main advantages are that they promote literacy, and attract and motivate young people to read.
E How do we know this? In the past few years, teachers and school libraries have reported outstanding
success getting children to read with graphics novels. Many have mentioned the motivational factor of
the graphic novel. This has been especially true with children who are usually reluctant to read,
especially boys. The colourful pictures attract them, and then encourage them to find out what story is
about. Providing young people of all abilities with a wide range of reading materials, including graphic
novels, can help them become lifelong readers.
F Furthermore, one of the main benefits of graphic novel is that it can help students who are learning a
foreign language, and who are having problems improving their reading skills. This is because the
pictures provide clues to the meaning of the words. Language learners are therefore more motivated
by graphic novels, and will acquire new vocabulary more quickly.
G
Many teachers have reported great success when they have used graphic novels with their students,
especially in the areas of English, social studies and art. They have discovered that, just like traditional
forms of literature, they can be useful tools for helping students examine aspects of history, science,
literature and art.

H
The idea that graphic novels are too simple to be regarded as serious reading is no longer valid. The
excellent graphic novels available today demand many of the same skills that are needed to understand
traditional works of fiction. Often they actually contain more sophisticated vocabulary than traditional
books. Reading them can help students develop the skills that are necessary to read more challenging
works.

Questions 1-7
The reading passage has eight paragraphs, A-H.
Which paragraph contains the following information?
Write the correct letter, A-H. NB You may use any letter more than once
1. people with negative attitudes towards graphic novels ……………………
2. a variety of school subjects where graphic novels can play an important role ………………

65
3. why a graphic novel’s visual element speeds up learning …………………
4. a modern definition of graphic novels ……………………
5. graphic novels are as good as any other method of telling a story …………………
6. graphic novels sometimes use advanced words ……………………
7. the historical use of pictures as a method of storytelling ……………………

3. Read the instructions for Questions 7-13 and the title of the table. Answer the questions below.
Questions 7-13
Complete the table below.
Choose NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS from the passage for each answer.

The advantages of graphic novels

Advantages Who benefits? How it works

They provide motivation to 7 …………… They are attracted by 8 …………… This encourages
read readers them to find out what happens in the 9 …………….

They help improve a 11 …………… The pictures act as visual 12 ……………. The student
student's 10……………. learners develops a larger 13 ……………

1. Which three paragraphs contain the information you need?

Paragraph…………… introduces the subject.
Paragraph…………… and paragraph…………… contain the information itself.

2. What is the maximum number of words you can write in each gap? ……………
3. Can you answer using your own words? ……………

4. Now answer Questions 7-13. Use the words around each question to help you find the answers.

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UNIT 8 TOURIST ATTRACTIONS

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HOMEWORK
Summary completion
1. You are going to read a passage about tribal tourism. Look at the title and subheading. What do
you think the passage will say about tribal tourism? Tick (✓) any of these sentences that you think
apply.
a Tribal tourism holidays are not the same as other types of holiday. ❑
b Tribal tourism involves meeting local people. ❑
c Tribal tourism is dangerous. ❑
d More and more people are going on tribal holidays. ❑
e Tribal tourism has its disadvantages for some people. ❑
f Tribal holidays are very expensive. ❑
2. Read the passage quickly, and check your answers to Exercise 1.
Holidays with a difference
Tribal tourism is. becoming more popular. But at what cost to the locals?
Tribal tourism is a relatively new type of tourism. It involves travellers going to remote
destinations, staying with local people and learning about their culture and way of life. They stay in local
accommodation, share facilities with local people, and join in with meals and celebrations. At the
moment, less than one percent of holidays are tribal tourism holidays, but this is set to change.
Tribal tourism is often compared with foreign exchange visits. However, a foreign exchange
involves staying with people who often share the same values. Tribal tourism takes visitors to places
where the lifestyle is very different from that in their home location. Those who have been on a tribal
holiday explain that experiencing this lifestyle is the main attraction. They say that it offers them the
chance to live in a way they never have before.
Not everyone is convinced that tribal tourism is a good thing, and opinions are divided. The
argument is about whether or not it hell the local population, or whether it exploits them. The main
problem is that, because tribal tourism is relatively new, the long-term effects on local populations have
not been studied in much detail. Where studies have been carried out, the effects have been found to
be negative.
Travel writer Ian Coleman recalls a recent trip to Guatemala, where he saw an example of this.
'There is a village with a statue of a man called Maximon, who has a special spiritual meaning for the
local tribe,' he explains. 'The statue is kept indoors, and once a year the locals bring him out and carry
him around the village. However, visitors now pay money for them to bring the statue out and carry it
around, while they take photographs. As a result, Maximon has lost his original meaning, and is now
just another tourist attraction'
So, is it possible to experience an exotic culture without harming it in some way? 'With a bit of
thought, we can maximise the positive impacts and minimise the negative,' says travel company director
Hilary Waterhouse. 'Remember that you are there not only to experience a different culture, but to help
it in some way. Tourists bring money to the community, which the community can invest in local projects.
However, this does not mean you can act the way you might do back home. The most important thing
is to show respect, learn about, and be aware of, local customs and traditions. Always remember you're
a guest.'
Dawn Baker, manager of travel company Footprints, runs tours to tribal areas in Peru. 'Good
companies specialising in tribal tours are very careful about who they allow on their tours,' she says.
'They won't take anyone they feel is unsuitable' Baker offers reading recommendations so that visitors
can read about the country and its cultures. 'The rewards of a trip to this country are priceless, and the
more you know in advance, the more priceless they are.'
Tribal tourism travellers are often surprised at how basic their facilities are when they get there.
'It's not for everyone, but for me was all part of the experience,' says Jamie White, who has recently
returned from a trip to Borneo. 'We stayed in the same huts that everyone was living in, with no running
water and no electricity. It was basic, but it was an ethical way to travel. Being comfortable means you
use more local resources and so have more of an environmental impact'.

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UNIT 9 EVERY DROP COUNTS
Listening: Matching, Flow-chart completion
1 Work in pairs. You are going to hear a student talking to a tutor
about a talk he is preparing on ‘desalination’ - the process of making
fresh water from seawater.
1 Why do you think desalination is important?
2 Have you ever given a talk to a group of people? What was it
about?
3 How did you prepare for it? How did you feel about it before
and afterwards?

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Reading: Matching headings, Sentence completion, Pick from a list
1 Work in pairs. Discuss these questions about the Reading test.
1 How long is the test?
2 How many sections are there?
3 How much time should you spend on each section?
4 How many questions are there in total in the test?
5 How many marks do you get for each question?
6 Where do you write your answers?
7 What should you check when you write down answers from the passage?
2 Work in pairs. You are going to read a passage about getting clean water.
1 What problems are there if you don’t have running water in your house?
2 What problems are there if you don’t have access to clean water?
3 Quickly read the title and subheading of the passage on your own.
1 What do you think burden and transformed mean?
2 Which TWO of these topics do you expect to read about?
a the causes of floods
b the difficulties of collecting water
c industrial uses of water
d building water supplies
4 Find these words (1-6) in the passage and say what type of word (e.g. noun, verb, etc.)
they are. Then match them with their correct definition from the CLD (a-f).

1 drought a a strong wall built across a river to stop

2 well the water
3 dam b an artificial lake where water is stored
4 pump before it goes to people’s
5 reservoir houses
6 pipe c a long period when there is no rain
d a piece of equipment which forces liquid
or gas to move somewhere
e a long tube which liquid or gas can move
through
f a deep hole in the ground from which you
can get water, oil or gas

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HOMEWORK

Matching headings

1. You are going to read a typical IELTS Reading passage. Before you read the whole
passage, look at the title, subheading and first paragraph. What do you think the rest of
the passage will be about? Choose one or more from the list below.

1. a description of farming techniques in China ❑

79
2. what happens when farms don't get enough rain ❑
3. whether or not cloud seeding is a good way of creating rain ❑
4. research to test how effective cloud seeding is ❑
5. a general description of how cloud seeding is being carried out in one or more
places ❑
6. a detailed scientific description of how cloud seeding works ❑
7. the possible advantages and disadvantages of cloud seeding ❑

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 D. In China, where the majority of cloud-seeding operations take place, weather-
modification authorities use army rockets to fire silver-iodide particles into the clouds.
39,000 staff working for the China Meteorological Administration (CMA) are equipped
with 7,113 army cannons which, in 2006, were used to fire a million silver-iodide
rockets into the atmosphere. This costs over $100 million a year, although the CMA
claims the results are worth the expense. Between 1999 and 2006, they say, cloud
seeding produced 250 billion metric tonnes of rain and prevented thousands of farmers
from losing their crops.

E. "We want to understand what makes clouds rain," says Philip Brown of the UK
Meteorological office, explaining why so much time, effort and money are being
invested. "But there is a more powerful economic reason. A lot of countries around the
world are at risk from drought, and governments will try anything to make sure that
doesn't happen, even if the scientific evidence is weak. The potential economic value is
greater than the scientific value. Making it rain might allow you to keep agriculture
going where, without human intervention, it might fail."

F. Some people are concerned, however, that altering the weather can have negative
consequences. Leonard Barrie, director of the research department at the World
Meteorological Organisation in Geneva, explains why. "All areas of weather
modification are still very controversial. Some people think that diverting water for
irrigation benefits some people, but is a disadvantage to others. Someone in one area
will get more water, but as a result, someone somewhere else could get less." His
fears may be justified. Recently, the town of Zhoukou in China's Henan province
accused neighbouring town Pingdingshang of 'stealing' rain from clouds that were due
to pass over its own farms, prompting what may be the world's very first documented
incident of 'rain rage'.

2. Now check your answers to Exercise 1 by quickly reading the rest of the passage.

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UNIT 10 BUILDING DESIGN

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HOMEWORK
1. You are going to read a passage about a famous architect called Le Corbusier. Read the
passage quickly then match the words (1-10), in bold in the passage, with their correct
definition (a-j).

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The man who tried to destroy Paris
Le Corbusier was one of the most influential architects of the 20th century. But many may wish he had
never built anything

Born Charles-Edouard Jeanneret in Switzerland in 1887, the architect Le Corbusier used his
grandfather's name when he went to Paris at the age of 29. As Jeanneret, he had been a fairly
successful small-town architect; as Le Corbusier, he had bigger ideas. He disliked the architectural
styles that were popular at the time, and considered them to be out of date in an industrial age. He
believed that the 20th century deserved a brand-new style of architecture. "We must start again from
zero," he said.

The new style of architecture was called the International Style, and it attracted many followers in the
architectural world. However, nobody was as enthusiastic about it as Le Corbusier at the beginning.
He worked hard to promote his ideas at exhibitions, at talks, in books and in his own magazine. He
loved machines, and believed that, like a machine, a building should have a function. He is famous for
saying: "A house is a machine for living in."

The machines he admired the most were ships, and his early buildings tried to capture the spirit of the
sea with their white walls, exposed rooms, shining glass and flat roofs. He called this style of
architecture 'purism'. The first building to embrace this style was the Villa Savoye in France. Le
Corbusier believed that it was one of the best, most functional houses ever built. Unfortunately, this
turned out to be an exaggeration. The flat roof was a particular problem, as water poured in every time
it rained, and it needed constant repairs. Nevertheless, its design was revolutionary, and it should be
considered a significant piece of early 20th-century architecture.

In 1935, Le Corbusier visited New York City. He loved the city, and especially its tall buildings. He had
only one reservation, which he explained to a journalist for the Herald Tribune newspaper. American
skyscrapers were the biggest, tallest buildings in the world at that time, but Le Corbusier was a man
who always thought big, and as far as he was concerned, they were "just too small". Le Corbusier had
always admired tall buildings. Now, inspired by his visit, he abandoned purism. It is doubtful that he
could have created anything as grand as the skyscrapers he had seen in the city, but from now on Le
Corbusier started designing buildings that sent out a more powerful message.

He first started using bright colours, and then experimented with concrete. Le Corbusier loved the look
and flexibility of concrete, and found it hard to hide it behind brick or paint, preferring to leave it on full
view. At a time when concrete was seen as modern and exciting, his designs made him world famous,
and he was asked to design several important buildings around the world. Altogether, he designed
about 60 major buildings worldwide, in a style that became known as 'modernism'.

However, while many admired and copied his new style of architecture, many more hated it. They turned
against him, and tried to block his plans. Buildings should inspire people and make them feel good, they
said, and Le Corbusier's ugly, depressing buildings often had the opposite effect. In this respect, the
people of Paris had a lucky escape. Early in his career, Le Corbusier had wanted to knock down the
centre of Paris and replace the old buildings with huge towers. Fortunately, his plan was rejected.
Justifiably, in view of his plans to transform one of the world's most beautiful cities into a hideous
concrete jungle, Le Corbusier is still known as 'the man who tried to destroy Paris'.

Despite the criticism, he had an enormous effect on the world of architecture, and attracted a large
number of followers. As a result, many places were subjected to his style. In the Paris suburbs of
Bobigny, for example, huge towers were built to house some of the city's poorer inhabitants. Other
European cities such as London, Berlin and Dublin also felt his influence.

Apart from the buildings that were directly influenced by Le Corbusier, something else happened that
the architect never planned: there was a return to older styles of architecture. Today, many people live
in modern houses that look like they are much older. This look may represent a return to traditional
tastes and values. More likely, however, it represents a reaction against modernist architecture.

88
2. Underline the key ideas in Questions 1-4. Then answer the questions.
Questions 1-4
Choose the correct letter, A, B, C or D.

1. What does the writer say about Le Corbusier in the first paragraph?
A He had a relative who was also an architect.
B He became successful when he went to Paris.
C He thought that there were too many industrial buildings.
D He wanted to do something different from everyone else.

2. What does the writer say about the International Style in the second paragraph?
A A lot of other architects liked it.
B At first, people did not like it very much.
C It took a lot of hard work to get people to accept it.
D The buildings looked like machines.

3. Why does the writer describe the Villa Savoye as 'revolutionary' in the third paragraph?
A It looked more like a ship than a building.
B Nobody had built anything like it before. .
C It looked nice, but had too many faults.
D It was more functional than any other building of the time.

4. What is the writer's main purpose in the fourth paragraph?

A to explain why Le Corbusier visited New York
B to show that Le Corbusier was not impressed by New York's skyscrapers
C to describe Le Corbusier's reaction to New York
D to explain why Le Corbusier changed his style of architecture

Matching sentence endings

3. Read Questions 5-8 and the endings A—F.

1. Underline the key words in the questions and use these to find the right place in the
passage.
2. Read that part of the passage carefully and match the information to the key words in
the endings.
Questions 5-8
Complete each sentence with the correct ending, A—F, below.

5 Le Corbusier's Villa Savoye

6 The concrete in Le Corbusier's later buildings
7 Le Corbusier's style of architecture
8 Le Corbusier had a large following which

89
 A copied the style that he had invented.
B is a classic example of modernist architecture.
C made him friends and enemies.
D was not as good as he claimed.
E was covered in bright colours.
F was left exposed so that people could see it.

Yes / No / Not Given

4. Underline the key words in Questions 9-14 and use them to find the right place in the
passage. Then read each part of the passage carefully in order to answer the questions.
Questions 9-14
Do the following statements agree with the views of the writer in the reading passage?
Write
YES if the statement agrees with the views of the writer.
NO if the statement contradicts the views of the writer.
NOT GIVEN if it is impossible to say what the writer thinks about this.
9 At first, people were not as enthusiastic about the International Style as Le Corbusier was.
10 The Villa Savoye is an important building.
11 Le Corbusier could have designed buildings that were as big and as impressive as those
in New York.
12 Le Corbusier found concrete a difficult material to work with.
13 Le Corbusier's plans for Paris would have ruined the city.
14 Many people show they reject Le Corbusier's style of architecture by living in old houses.

90
91
Writing and Speaking
WRITING TASK 1 ........................................................................................................................... 93

REVIEW STRUCTURES.................................................................................................................... 93
TRENDS ........................................................................................................................................ 94
LANGUAGE FOR COMPARISON ................................................................................................... 105
MARKING CRITERIA .................................................................................................................... 114
BEFORE WRITING – ANALYZING .................................................................................................. 115
WRITING LAYOUT ....................................................................................................................... 118
LINE GRAPH ................................................................................................................................ 124

WRITING TASK 2 ......................................................................................................................... 127

WRITING ACADEMIC SENTENCES ................................................................................................ 127

BRAINSTORMING (SPEEECH) ....................................................................................................... 131
QUESTION TYPES & ANALYSIS ..................................................................................................... 136
PARAGRAPH WRITING ................................................................................................................ 138
BUILDING GOOD BODY PARAGRAPHS ......................................................................................... 143
PARAPHRASING TECHNIQUE ....................................................................................................... 146
WRITING INTRODUCTION & CONCLUSION................................................................................... 153
POSITIVE-NEGATIVE ESSAY ............................................................................................... 155
WRITING REVISION .............................................................................................................. 163

SPEAKING ................................................................................................................................... 168

UNIT 1: HOMETOWN .................................................................................................................. 168

UNIT 2: EDUCATION AND HOBBIES .............................................................................................. 173
UNIT 3: HOLIDAYS AND PLACES ................................................................................................... 183
UNIT 4: ANIMALS & PEOPLE ........................................................................................................ 191
UNIT 5: MUSIC ............................................................................................................................ 200
UNIT 6: BOOKS AND FILMS .......................................................................................................... 205
UNIT 7: HEALTH ..................................................................................................................... 214
UNIT 8: SPEAKING TECHNIQUES ....................................................................................... 216
REVIEW & FINAL TEST......................................................................................................... 226

92
WRITING TASK 1
REVIEW STRUCTURES
NOUN (+Ving/p.p.)
• Nominalisation (N N):

• the number of ….

• the amount of ….

• the proportion/ percentage of….

• the figure ….

• the figures ….

93
TRENDS
Trend Verbs Nouns

∙ rise (rose-risen) [to/by] ∙ a rise [of]

∙ increase [to/by] ∙ an increase [of]
∙ go (went-gone) up [to/by] ∙ a growth [of]
∙ climb [to/by] ∙ an upward trend
∙ grow (grew-grown) [to/by] ∙ a doubling in + n.
∙ double ∙ a trebling in + n.
∙ treble/triple ∙ a boom
∙ boom ∙ a surge
∙ surge
∙ soar
∙ rocket [to/by]

∙ fall (fell-fallen) [to/by] ∙ a fall [of]

∙ decline [to/by] ∙ a decline [of]
∙ decrease [to/by] ∙ a decrease [of]
∙ dip (dipped) [to/by] ∙ a drop [of]
∙ drop (dropped) [to/by] ∙ a reduction
∙ go (went-gone) down [to/by] ∙ a slump
∙ plummet [to/by] ∙ a plunge
∙ plunge [to/by] ∙ a plummet
∙ dive [to/by]
∙ deteriorate
∙ slump [to/by]

∙ do (did) not change ∙ no change

∙ remain/stay +
stable/steady/static/unchanged [at] ∙
maintain the same level

Position ∙ stood at/was ∙ a levelling off [at]

∙ level (levelled) off [at] ∙ a plateau [at]
∙ plateau (plateaued) [at] ∙ reached a high/peak of
∙ level (levelled) out [at] ∙ reached a low of
∙ stabilise [at]
∙ peaked [at]
∙ reached

∙ fluctuated [around] ∙ a fluctuation

94
 ADJ ADV
Level 1: slight
small minimal
slow
Level 2 gradual
average moderate
steady
Level 3 sharply / considerably / significantly /
extensive remarkably / substantially

EX1: Matching
AB-BC-CD-DE-EF-FG-H-I
……….– Slight increase
……….– Peak at
……….– Remain stable
……….– Fluctuate
……….– Rocket
……….– reach a low of
……….– Fall steadily
………. – decrease substantially

95
EX2:

Link

1. Rose gradually = …………..…………..…………..…………..…………..…………..……....

2. a dramatic increase = …………..…………………..…………..…………..…………..…...…..

3. rose slightly = …………………..…………..…………..………..………..…………..……..

4. plunged to = …………..…………..…………..…………..………..………..…………..……..

5. Reached a peak of = …………..…………..………….………..……..……..…………..……..

6. Stood at = …………..…………..…………..…………..…………..…..……………..………...

7. Fluctuated = …………..…………..…………..…………..…………..…..……………..……..

8. Dropped sharply = …………..…………..…………..…………..…………..…………..……..

9. Remained unchanged at = …………..……………………..…………..………………..……..

10. Reached a low of

96
WRITING STRUCTURES

I. UPWARD – DOWNWARD TREND

STRUCTURE 1:
Subject Verb Adverb Figures/ Value Time
The number of arrests increased level 1 from 20 to 25 between 1993 and 1995
rose slightly = from 1993 to 1995
The amount of oil grew minimally to 25 (tăng đến 25) = 3 years later
decreased level 2:
declined gradually
= The figure by 5 (tăng thêm 5)
steadily
(nếu N nhắc tới lần 2) dropped
level 3:
fell considerably
…. remarkably
noticeably
significantly
sharply
dramatically
rocketed ko dùng adv
soared
surged
(level 3)

E.g. 1940-1955:
…………………………………………..……………………………..………………………
……..……………………………..……………………………..………………………… E.g.
1955-1960:
…..……………………………..……………………………..……………………………..…
…………………………..……………………………..……………………………..……
STRUCTURE 2:
Subject Verb Noun phrase Figures Time
(ADJ + N)

a slight increase from 20 to 25 between 1993

The number of a minimal rise and 1995
arrests experienced a gradual decrease to 25 = from 1993
witnessed a steady decline (tăng đến 25) to 1995
The amount of a considerable drop = 3 years later
oil a significant fall of 5
(tăng thêm 5)
E.g. 1940-1955:
…………………………………………..……………………………..……………………………..…
…………………………..…………………………….………………..…………………………
E.g. 1955-1960:
…………………………………………..……………………………..……………………………..…
…………………………..…………………………….………………..…………………………

97
STRUCTURE 3:
S+V Noun phrase in…. Figures Time
(ADJ + N)
There was a slight increase in the from 20 to 25 between 1993
/ a minimal rise number and 1995
The period of a gradual growth of to 25 (tăng đến = from 1993
1990-1996 a steady arrests 25) to 1995
witnessed a considerable = 3 years later
a significant of 5 (tăng thêm
an upsurge 5)
level 3 (ko cần tính
từ)
E.g. 1940-1955:
…………………………………………..……………………………..………………………
……..……………………………..……………………………..………………………… E.g.
1955-1960:
…..……………………………..……………………………..……………………………..…
…………………………..……………………………..……………………………..……

STRUCTURE 4:
Subject Verb Figures Time

The number of arrests reached its peak of 80 in 2000

peaked at
reached a low of

1955…………………………………………..……………………………..………………
………..……………………………..……………………………..……………………..…………
1980:………..……………………………..……………………………..…………………………
………..………………………………..………………..……………………………..……………

STRUCTURE 5:
Subject Verb adv Figures Time

X increased twofold from 100 dollars to 1000 dollars between…and…

rocketed threefold from….to…
1955-1960
…………………………………………..……………………………..………………………
……..……………………………..……………………………..…………………………

Subject Verb Figures Time

The number of arrests doubled (x2) • from 20 between…and…
tripled (x3) hoặc from….to…
quadrupled (x4) • to 40
….
1955-1960
…………………………………………..……………………………..………………………
……..……………………………..……………………………..…………………………

98
II. FLUCTUATION
1. Structure 1
S verbs adverbs value time

X +moved up and down irregularly between 1,000 and 1,700 from … 1900 to 2000
+went up and down unsteadily dollars
+rose and fell

+fluctuated slightly around 1,300 dollars between … and ….

+varied considerably
widely
1980-2000:
…………………………………………..……………………………..………………………
……..……………………………..……………………………..…………………………

2. Structure 2

X experienced a/an inconsistent / unsteady /variable / period time value

witnessed unstable
went through
underwent
1980-2000:
…………………………………………..……………………………..………………………
……..……………………………..……………………………..…………………………

3. Structure 3
There was noun in X value time

1980-2000:
…………………………………………..……………………………..……………………………..…………
…………………..……………………………..……………………………..……………………………

II. STABILITY
S linking verb adj value time

X remained (relatively) stable from … 1900 to

unchanged at / around 1,300 dollars 2000

stayed the same between … and ….

1965-1975:
…………………………………………..……………………………..……………………………..……………
………………..……………………………..……………………………..………………………………………
………………………………..……………………………..……………………………..………………

99
USE OF PREPOSITIONS

• Changes:

o V+
o N+

• Position:

100
 1. Read this paragraph and choose the correct prepositions.
As regards Robbie's Bakery, income started (1) to / at in £2000 and remained stable (2) at /
to this figure (3) during / until 2005. At this point, there was a sharp rise (4) to / at €70,000.
Between 2007 and 2008, the figure went up (5) to / by around £30,000, (6) to / from
£70,000 (7) at / to nearly £100,000. Finally, income grew gradually, and peaked (8) at / to
£105,000 in 2010. If we look at Lovely Loaves, earnings fluctuated (9) between / at and in
the first five years, and then there was a sharp fall (10) to / at £40,000 in 2008. Finally, the
figure levelled off (11) to / at £40,000, and finished (12) to / at the same figure.

2. Check your answers to Exercise 1, then work with a partner to complete these rules for using
prepositions.
1. With started and finished, use ...at...
Example: Income started ...at... £155,000.
2. With increases or decreases, use ...................
Example: There was a sharp rise ................... £170,000.
3. With remained stable and levelled off, use ...................
4. With peaked, use ...................
5. To describe how much something increases or decreases, use ................. Example: The figure
went up ...................around £130,000.
6. To describe the range of fluctuation, use ...................
Example: Earnings fluctuated ................... £180,000 and £190,000.
3. Add the missing prepositions to this paragraph
If we look at Bernie’s Buns, income started ______ ₤20,000 in 2000, and then there was a slight rise
______₤25,000 in 2001. At this point, the figure fell back ______ just over ₤20,000, followed by a
slight increase______ just under ₤40,000. Earnings then levelled off______ ₤39,000, and then fell
marginally______ ₤38,000. Income then rose______ ₤23,000, ₤38,000 ₤61,000. In the next two
years, there was a gradual rise ______ around ₤62,000, and then the figure peaked______ around
₤65,000.

101
1991:

1991-1993:

1993-1995:

1995-1996:

1996-1999:

1999-2000:

2000-2001:

2001-2003:

2003-2005:

102
COMBINE SENTENCES
1. Same subjects
The number of cars declined sharply from 50 to 20 between 2000 and 2001.
The number of cars rose significantly to 45 in 2002.
The number of cars reached a peak of 60 in 2003
- Rút gọn cùng S: _____________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
o After declining sharply from 50 to 20 between 2000 and 2001, the number of cars
rose significantly to 45 in 2002, reaching a peak of 60 one year later.
o The number of cars declined sharply from 50 to 20 in 2001, rising significantly to 45
in 2002 and reaching a peak of 60 one year later.

- Liên từ đẳng lập: __________________ “and /but” __________________

________________________________________________________________________
o The number of cars declined sharply from 50 to 20 in 2001. It then rose significantly
to 45 in 2002 and reached a peak of 60 one year later.
o The number of cars declined sharply from 50 to 20 in 2001 but/and then rose
significantly to 45 in 2002 before reaching a peak of 60 one year later.

2. Different subjects
The number of cars declined sharply from 50 to 20 in 2001
There was a significant rise to 45 in 2002
There was a considerable increase to 60 in 2003.
- Cấu trúc nối:

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

After the number of cars declined sharply from 50 to 20 in 2001, there was a significant rise
to 45 in 2002 and then a considerable growth to 60 one year later.

The number of cars declined sharply from 50 to 20 in 2001 before there was a significant rise
to 45 in 2002 and then a considerable growth to 60 one year later.

The number of cars declined sharply from 50 to 20 in 2001, while/ whereas there was a
significant rise to 45 in 2002 and then a considerable growth to 60 one year later.

The number of cars declined sharply from 50 to 20 in 2001, (which was) followed by a
significant rise to 45 in 2002 and a considerable growth to 60 one year later.

Practice

103
PRACTICE 1:

PRACTICE 2:

104
LANGUAGE FOR COMPARISON
COMPARE (+ DATA)

A, Câu đơn
1. COMPARATIVE
Example: Bakery A: 50 cakes Bakery B: 15 cakes Bakery C: 45 cakes
The number of cakes sold at Bakery A was significantly higher than that at Bakery B, at 50 cakes
and 15 cakes respectively.

The number/ the figure for B, • at a and b respectively.

amount/ be ………..… higher than • with a for the former and
percentage/ be ……..…… lower than that of B, b for the latter.
proportion…. of A • accounting for ….%

There was a higher/lower + number/percentage of N than …..

more + ……………….…………
were
fewer + ……………….…………
less + ……………….…………
There were _____________ cakes sold at Bakery A than at Bakery B, at 50 cakes and 45 cakes respectively.
There was a _____________ number of cakes sold at Bakery A than that of Bakery B, with 50 cakes for the
former and 45 cakes for the latter.
EX:
1. There was (less / fewer) money spent on TV advertising than on social media.
2. There were (less/fewer) smart phones bought in 2015 than in 2016.
3. There were (less/fewer) students choosing to travel by train than by car.
4. (Less/Fewer) students graduated from York University in 2009 than in 2007.

S V (had/ produced/ a higher/lower than

sold…) + number/percentage of N

more/fewer/less N
Bakery A sold more cakes than Bakery B, at 50 cakes and 15 cakes respectively.

adj-er More/less + adj

is busier than is more popular than

E.g. Bakery A was _______________/ _________________than Bakery B (busy/ popular)

105
2. COMPARISONS OF EQUALITY
Cấu trúc bằng nhau:
A was adv the same as that of B , at ….
(nearly/exactly) equal to
identical to

The number of boys in my school was exactly the same as that of girls, at 400 students.
Example: Bakery A: 50 cakes - Bakery B: 50 cakes - Bakery C: 45 cakes
…………………………………………………………………………………………………….………….
…………………………………………………………………………………………………….………….
…………………………………………………………………………………………………….………….
…………………………………………………………………………………………………….………….
…………………………………………………………………………………………………….………….

3. SUPERLATIVE

The number/ be the lowest/ highest at…

amount/ percentage/
proportion…. of X
X V the highest/ lowest
(had/ + amount/number/percentage
produced ….) of N

1. amount/ oil/ produced /in Japan/ lowest.

…………………………………………………………………………………………………….………….
…………………………………………………………………………………………………….………….
2. oil production/ in Japan / lowest
…………………………………………………………………………………………………….………….
…………………………………………………………………………………………………….………….
3. Japan/ produced/ lowest/ oil.
…………………………………………………………………………………………………….………….
…………………………………………………………………………………………………….………….
3. Japan/ have/ lowest / oil production.→ Dùng danh từ "production" thay vì động từ.
…………………………………………………………………………………………………….………….
…………………………………………………………………………………………………….………….
4. Among the countries, Japan/ smallest/ oil producer. → cấu trúc với cụm N: be + adj + N (-er).
…………………………………………………………………………………………………….………….
…………………………………………………………………………………………………….………….

106
4. ADVANCED STRUCTURES

B, Câu phức (dùng while/ whereas/ whilst – tương phản)

SV, while/ whereas/ whilst SV

107
 RANKING INFORMATION

EXAMPLES STRUCTURES
The number of people visiting Art Gallery was the
highest, at 10 thousand visitors.

Of the three countries, Japan has the lowest

proportion of employees in the industrial sector.

Beef was by far the most popular of the four types

of meat.
The proportion of the 15-24 age group was highest X + make(s) up the largest percentage of...,
while the lowest figures were always recorded for whereas the lowest figure(s) is/are mainly
the oldest group within this 16-year time frame. recorded for + Y
Overall, Japan was the largest consumer of New be the largest producer/consumer of ...
Zealand’s kiwi fruit all time.
Traveling by train was the least favored form of be + the least/most favored/preferred
transportation.
Motorcycle is the most popular means of transport. be + the most common/popular + N.
- Vietnam ranked first regarding the number of - A ranked first/ second….regarding X, at ….,
senior citizens choosing television, at 500,000, followed by B (at….)
followed by Thailand (at 450,000)

- The number of Vietnamese senior citizens - A (&B) held/ maintained the first/ last/
choosing televisions ranked first (at roughly middle position(s) regarding X.
500,000), followed by the figure for Thailand.
- The most popular language was English, which - In first/ second / last position was…
was learned by 5000 people. - Top/ Bottom of the list was….
- English headed the list, which was followed by - The number-1/2/3 activity was/ is
Chinese - …. headed the list with…..
- The most popular language was English and next - Ranked in third place was….
came Chinese - The most/ second most/ next most/ least
- The most popular language was English while popular is/ was….
Chinese was ranked second. - Next came…
- This was followed by….

108
Ex: Read the sentences and decide which kind of combination they are

109
Exercise: Write a description of the following figures
Year: 2010
1. The people visiting FB: 10 million people
The people visiting Instagram: 3 million people
A, Compare + Data
=> In 2010, the number of people visiting FB…..

2. People who ate icecream: 50

People who ate yogurt: 20
A, Compare + Data

3. The number of cars produced in Factory A: 700

The number of cars produced in Factory B: 450
A, Compare + Data (more + N)

4. The number of cars produced at Factory A: 300

The number of cars produced at Factory B: 150
The number of cars produced at Factory C: 100
a, (Ranking + Data)
Factory A produced

b, Ranking + Ranking

c, Compare + Data

5. The number of scientists living in China: 5M

The number of scientists living in UK: 8M
The number of scientists living in the USA: 15M

a, (Ranking + Data)

b, Ranking + Ranking

c, Compare + Data

d, Ranking + Data + Compare

e, Ranking + Data + Ranking

110
NOTE: COMPARISON (TRENDS)

Example Structures
- While Z increased significantly (to just over 25), Y While X+ trend (+ value),
experienced a significant decrease (to about 25). Y+ the different trend (+ value).
- While Z increased significantly (by 20), T
experienced a small rise (of 7).
Z increased significantly (by 20). An opposite pattern SV. A similar/ an opposite/ a different pattern was
was observed for Y. observed for Y.
Similar patterns were observed for X and Z.
Y showed a different pattern.

1. Trends (4 lines: 1980 -2010) Từ gợi ý viết thành câu: While A, B.

While/ percentage/ tourists to/ Art Gallery / Festival/ decrease/ from 1980 to 2010/ the figure Pavilion/ Pier/
experience/ a rise.
=>

2. Trends (Art Gallery and Pavilion: 1980 -2010)

=>

3. Trends (Pier and Festival: 1980 -2010)

=>

4. Trends (Art Gallery and Festival: 1980 -2010) Từ gợi ý viết thành câu: While A, B.
The percentage/ tourists to/ Art Gallery / decrease/ significantly/ from 1980 to 2010/ figure/ Festival/ a
slight drop.

111
PRACTICE

112
113
 1.

MARKING CRITERIA

114
BEFORE WRITING – ANALYZING
Đọc kỹ đề bài và xác định số lượng từ cần viết
Xác định các thông tin:
- Đối tượng:
o the number of + ………………………
o The amount of + ………………………
o the proportion/ percentage of + ………………………
o the figure for + ………………………
- Đơn vị:
- Thì của động từ:

Phân tích đề các biểu đồ sau

1.

- Đối tượng

- Đơn vị

- Thời gian

115
116
5.

- Đối tượng:

- Đơn vị:

- Thời gian:

- Đối tượng:

- Đơn vị:

- Thời gian:

117
WRITING LAYOUT
Sample:
The graph shows internet users as percentage of population in USA, Canada and
Mexico from 1999 to 2009.

The line graph compares the percentage of people in three countries who used the Internet
between 1999 and 2009.

It is clear that the proportion of the population who used the Internet increased in each country
over the period shown. Overall, a much larger percentage of Canadians and Americans had
access to the Internet in comparison with Mexicans, and Canada experienced the fastest growth
in Internet usage.

In 1999, the proportion of people using the Internet in the USA was about 20%. The figures
for Canada and Mexico were lower, at about 10% and 5% respectively. In 2005, Internet usage
in both the USA and Canada rose to around 70% of the population, while the figure for Mexico
reached just over 25%.

By 2009, the percentage of Internet users was highest in Canada. Almost 100% of Canadians
used the Internet, compared to about 80% of Americans and only 40% of Mexicans.

ð LAYOUT:

118
WRITING INTRODUCTION
3 kinds of basic information: what- where- when
The line graph shows the number of people employed in the USA, Mexico, Canada from 1999 to 2009.

The graph illustrates how many people were employed in three countries over the period of 10 years.

Subject Verb What Where When

Question

Different
version

Paraphasing Examples
the number of + countable noun (plural)
= how many + countable Ns (plural) +
verb

the amount of + uncountable noun The chart illustrates the amount of electricity produced
= how much + uncountable N + verb from 4 sources in 2010
=> the chart illustrates how much electricity was
produced from four sources in 2010
% The chart shows the percentage of men and women
The percentage of + noun participating in soccer
= the proportion of + noun = the chart illustrates the proportion of male and
(count.N. & unc.N.) female participants in soccer
The figure for N (count.N. & unc.N.)
The figures for N1 & N2

Practice 1: Write an introduction for each of the following questions.

1. The chart below shows the number of international students who enrolled in universities in
Australia between 2000 and 2020.

2. The bar chart illustrates how many tourists visited four different museums in London between
2010 and 2018.

3. The graph below shows the amount of waste produced by three companies over a 15-year
period.

119
 4. The bar chart compares how much electricity was consumed by households in five European
countries in 2010.

5. The chart illustrates the amount of money spent on different types of fast food in the UK from
1990 to 2010.

7. The pie charts show the percentage of water used for different purposes in six regions of the
world.

8. The bar graph illustrates the proportion of students who passed the university entrance exam
in four different subjects in 2012.

120
WRITING OVERVIEW
Example:
Overall, it is clear from the graph that
the proportion of the population who
used the Internet increased in each
country. In addition, the figure for
Mexico was the lowest over the whole
period.

The graph shows data about the annual earnings of three Overall, it is clear from the graph that the
bakeries in Calgary, 2000-2010. income of both A and B increased, while
the figure for C experienced a decrease. In
addition, the annual earning of Bakery C
was the highest in 2000, but ten years later,
the leading position was replaced by
Bakery A.

Trend (increase/ decrease) Ranking (highest/ lowest)

- Chỉ dùng trong biểu đồ có sự biến - Categories nào luôn cao nhất hoặc thấp nhất ko?
động về _______________ - Tại điểm ban đầu, categories nào đứng thứ nhất/ đứng cuối? và
- Các categories có cùng tăng hoặc tương tự với điểm kết thúc.
cùng giảm không? (chỉ xét thời gian - Categories nào có sự thay đổi nhiều nhất?
điểm đầu - cuối) (tăng nhiều nhất/ tăng ít nhất)

Overall, it is clear from the graph In addition, X was the lowest/ highest over the whole period.
that SV, while SV.
or

In addition, X + superlative + in …., but …. years later, the

leading position was replaced by Y.

121
PRACTICE:
EX1: Write the Introduction and Overview paraphraphs for the following graphs.
1. The graph below shows the consumption of fish and some different kinds of meat in a European
country between 1979 and 2004.

ð Introduction:

ð Overview paragraph:

2. The graph below gives information about U.S. government spending on research
between 1980 and 2008.

122
3. The graph below shows the average time spent by four car manufacturers to produce
vehicles at their US factories from 1998 to 2005.

4.

123
LINE GRAPH
BODY 1 BODY 2
……….4 lines

……….4 lines

• Report data
• Describe trends/changes
• Make comparison (data/ trends)
ĐỀ 1:

The line graph compares the percentage of people in three countries who used the Internet between
1999 and 2009.

Overall, it is clear from the graph that the proportion of the population who used the Internet
increased in each country. In addition, the figure for Mexico was the lowest over the whole period.

In 1999, the proportion of people using the In 1999, the percentage of Internet users in the
Internet in the USA was about 20%. The figures USA stood at 20%, which was twice that of
for Canada and Mexico were lower, at about Canada. By contrast, the figure for Mexico was
10% and 5% respectively. In 2005, Internet the lowest, at only 5%. While the proportion of
usage in both the USA and Canada rose to people using the Internet in both the USA and
around 70% of the population, while the figure Canada rose sharply to about 70%, Mexico saw
for Mexico reached just over 25%. a slight increase, reaching just 25%.

By 2009, the percentage of Internet users was In 2009, Canada had the highest percentage of
highest in Canada. Almost 100% of Canadians Internet users, at nearly 100%, followed by the
used the Internet, compared to about 80% of USA at 80%, compared to only 40% in Mexico
Americans and only 40% of Mexicans

124
ĐỀ 2:

The line graph illustrates the amount of acid rain generated by four sectors in the UK from 1990 to
2007.

Overall, it is clear that the total amount of acid rain emissions from all sectors decreased over the
period shown. In addition, the figure for domestic sources was consistently the lowest among the four
sectors.

In 1990, the amount of acid rain emissions from the Electricity, Gas and Water Supply sector was
the highest, at around 3.3 million tonnes, followed by Other Industries, which produced about 2.2
million tonnes. By contrast, the figures for Transport and Communication and Domestic sources
were nearly the same, at just over 0.5 million tonnes each.

From 1990 to 2007, acid rain emissions from Electricity, Gas and Water Supply fell sharply from
about 3.3 million tonnes to just 0.5 million tonnes, while Domestic emissions fell slightly by about
0.3 million tonnes. Meanwhile, emissions from Transport and Communication reached their peak of
around 0.9 million tonnes in 2004 before falling to about 0.7 million tonnes by 2007. Other
Industries dropped gradually, from just over 2 million tonnes to about 1.2 million tonnes at the end
of the period.

125
3. The graph below shows the changes in UK birth rate of women in 6 different age
groups from 1973 to 2008.

ANSWER:
The line graph compares the changes in the birth rate among women in six age groups between 1973
and 2008.

Overall, it is clear that the birth rates decreased among women aged under 20 and among women aged
between 20 and 29. The birth rates also fell among women over the age of 40.

In 1973, the highest number of births – 140 per 1000 people in the population – was recorded among
women who were aged 25-29. This compared with figures of 125 and 60 for women aged 20-25 and
women under 20, respectively. Among women over the age of 40, the birth rate was 20. There was a
decline in the birth rate, despite occasional fluctuations, for all these age groups over the 35-year period.
For example, the 2008 figures indicate a birth rate of 40 for the under 20 age group, and a steady fall to
about 95 for the 20-25 year-olds.

In contrast, the birth rate for women aged 30-35 rose gradually from 75 in 1973 to 82 in 2008. There
was also an increase in the birth rate among the 35-39 year-olds, rising from 40 in 1973 to reach a peak
of 62 from 2000 to 2008.

126
WRITING TASK 2
WRITING ACADEMIC SENTENCES

A: Old people do part-time jobs.

B: They earn money.
C: This eases the financial burden on their parents.

Simple sentence Compound sentence Complex sentence Compound-complex

sentence

1 independent clause 2 or more independent 1 independent clause & 3 clauses with at least 1
clauses connected by 1 dependent clause independent clause
FANBOYS
(for- and- nor- but- or-
yet –so)

127
 USEFUL CONNECTIVES FOR WRITING

RELATIONSHIPS 1 sentence 2 sentences

(conjunctions) (conjunctive adverbs)

A => B Reason: SV. This is because SV.

• SV because/ since/ as + SV
• SV because of/ due to/ thanks to +
N/Ving

Result: SV. Therefore, SV

SV, so SV SV. As a result, SV.
SV, which Vs SV. As a consequence, SV.
SV, thereby Ving….
● enable sb/ allow sb to do (trường hợp
tích cực)
● cause sb to do (tiêu cực, trung lập)
● prevent sb from doing: khiến ai đó ko
làm đc việc gì (ko dịch là ngăn cản)
● is the main cause of Y
is one of the main contributors to Y
A><B • SV, while SV = While/ Whereas SV, SV. SV. However, SV
SV. By contrast, SV
• Although/ Even though + SV, SV. SV. In contrast, SV
• SV + despite/ in spite of + N/Ving SV. On the other hand, SV

A/B A or B Otherwise,

A+B A and B Moreover, Furthermore,

In addition, Besides,

A time B When/ As/ As soon as/ While/ Before/

After/ Since/ Once + SV, SV

A purpose B • SV to V/ in order to V/ so as to V
• SV in order that + SV
= SV so that + SV

Example such as N1, N2 and N3 For example, SV

For instance, SV
To illustrate, SV

128
CÁC BƯỚC XÂY DỰNG CÂU

● Hoàn thành sơ đồ các bước nối câu:

Ngắn

Độ dài câu

Dài

1. Hai ý dài

A:

B:

=>

2. Hai ý ngắn, cùng chủ ngữ

A: Old people do part-time jobs.

B: They earn money.

● Các cách gộp là:

129
 3. Hai ý ngắn, khác chủ ngữ

A:

B:

● Cách cách nối là:

● Sự khác biệt giữa từ nối và cấu trúc nối là:

*** Ôn lại bảng liên từ ở trên

4. Câu có ba ý trở lên- câu compound-complex

A: Old people do part-time jobs.

B: They earn money.
C: This eases the financial burden on their parents.

● Các nguyên tắc viết câu trên ba ý là?

130
BRAINSTORMING (SPEEECH)

No Viewpoint (+) Positive (-) Negative

1 Economy

2 Education

3 Social

131
4 Psychology

5 Health

6 Culture

7 Environment

132
Practice:
1. In some countries, old people continue to work past retirement age.
Is it a positive or negative development?
Viewpoint (+) Positive (-) Negative

2. Some universities now offer their courses on the Internet so that people can
study online. Is this a positive or negative development?
Viewpoint (+) Positive (-) Negative

133
 3. Some believe that we should invent a new language for international communication.
Do the advantages of this outweigh the disadvantages?

Viewpoint (+) Positive (-) Negative

4. In some countries, governments are encouraging industries and businesses to move out of the cities
and into regional areas. Do you think the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?

Viewpoint (+) Positive (-) Negative

134
5. What are the advantages and disadvantages of the ownership of luxury brands?

Viewpoint (+) Positive (-) Negative

6. Some people believe that we should invent a new language for international communication.
Do the advantages of this outweigh the disadvantages?

Viewpoint (+) Positive (-) Negative

135
QUESTION TYPES & ANALYSIS
I. Các dạng bài trong IELTS Writing Task 2

1. Some people think students should study the science of food and how to prepare it. Others
think students should spend time on more important subjects. Discuss both views and give
your opinion.

2. In some countries, governments are encouraging industries and businesses to move out of the
cities and into regional areas. Do you think the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?

3. In some countries, many more people are choosing to live alone nowadays than in the past.
Do you think this is a positive or negative development?

4. Happiness is considered very important in life. Why is it difficult to define? What factors are
important in achieving happiness?

5. More and more electronic inventions such as the computer and television are being used and
this is having a negative effect on their health. Do you agree or disagree?

6. Every day, millions of tons of food are wasted all over the world. Why do you think this is
happening? And how can we solve this problem?

136
 Opinion Discussion Causes- Effects - Advantages – Two-part
(Agree/ (+ opinion) Solutions Disadvantages Question
Disagree) (Positive -
Negative)
- (To what - Discuss both - What problems - Do the - Why is this
extent) do you views and give will this cause for advantages happening? Is it a
agree or your own opinion. ….? What are the outweigh the positive or
disagree with solutions?/ Suggest disadvantages? negative
this opinion/ some measures…. - What are development?
view/ advantages and
statement? - Why could this disadvantages
- Do you agree be? What can be of….
or disagree? done to…? / - Do you think
this is a positive
or negative
development?

II. Phân tích đề bài

- 1 câu hỏi Writing Task 2 luôn có 2 phần:

o Thông tin nền (cho biết chủ đề và phạm vi và đối tượng đưa ra trong đề bài)
o Câu hỏi nêu rõ yêu cầu đề bài

VD: Children should be encouraged to do unpaid community services as part of highschool

curriculum. To what extend do you agree or not agree.

Dạng: ......................................................................................................................
Phạm vi/ Đối tượng: ...............................................................................................
Yêu cầu đề bài: .......................................................................................................

Ø Practice

Phân tích các đề bài dưới đây:

1. Some people think that the increasing use of computers and mobiles phones in communication has
negative effects on young people’s reading and writing skills. Do you agree or disagree?

2. Overpopulation of urban areas has led to numerous problems. Identify one or two serious ones and
suggest ways that governments and individuals can tackle these problems.

3. Nowadays, people tend to drive cars rather than riding bicycles. Is it a positive or negative
development?

137
PARAGRAPH WRITING
Ø Cấu trúc của 1 body paragraph:
o 1 Câu Topic Sentence
o Các câu supporting sentences (PEE1, PEE2…)
o 1 câu conclusion sentence (optional)

1. Topic Sentence

- Là câu mở đầu, nêu ngắn gọn nội dung của đoạn văn (nên là câu 1 ý)
- Topic Sentence = Topic + Controlling idea (nêu ra phạm vi của topic sẽ được phân tích trong đoạn
văn, controlling idea phải là opinion (đọc lên rõ quan điểm là tốt hay không tốt)

Check-up: Are these following sentences good topic sentences?

• Learning English brings many benefits. _______
• It is useful to know more than one language. _______
• Living in the city can bring a number of considerable disadvantages. _______
• Nowadays, many children choose to raise pet. _______
• Children can gain benefits from raising pets. _______
• Raising pets creates a harmful impact on children’s development. _______

138
Common structures: Lợi ích - bất lợi
Advantage J Disadvantage L

• bring a number of considerable benefits/ a wide • bring a number of considerable drawbacks/ a

range of advantages wide range of disadvantages
• create a positive impact on sb/sth • create a harmful impact on
• Y gain benefits from/of doing X • X does harm to / cause damage to Y
• X plays an important role in sth/ doing sth • X pose a threat/ danger to Y
• It is useful/ reasonable/ crucial (for sb) to V • It is harmful (for sb) to V (comment về ý kiến)
(comment về ý kiến)

Ví dụ:
ü Some people believe that kids should raise pets. Others think it could bring negative effects.
Discuss both views & give your own opinion?

Topic sentence:
Body 1: “kids should raise pets”
________________________________________________________________________
Body 2: “it could bring negative effects”
________________________________________________________________________
Topic sentence:
Body 1: ___________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Body 2: ___________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
2. Supporting sentences (PEE)

Các câu supporting sentences có nhiệm vụ làm rõ ý của câu chủ đề; đưa ra các ý kiến chính và giải
thích làm sáng tỏ các ý kiến đó. Sử dụng các mẫu câu compound, complex và compound-complex
sentence (câu 2-3 ý) để thể hiện.
• P: Point
• E: Explain: Reason- Result- Contrast
• E: Example

RESULT CONTRAST

REASON EXAMPLE

POINT

139
VD: 1 BODY PARAGRAPH (+)

Wearing uniforms in schools has a number of benefits. One significant advantage is that it narrows
the gap between the rich and the poor because students look all the same. As a result, students from
poor families may feel more confident and find it easier to make friends and develop social life. In
addition, having a uniform allows parents to save money. Since students wear uniforms to school every
day, they will not worry too much about buying new and fashionable clothes. Consequently, this eases
the financial burden on their parents and they can have more money for important issues, such as health
and education.

=> STRUCTURE:

PRACTICE:
BODY 1:

Topic sentence +
Doing part-time jobs can bring a number of considerable benefits to students.
PEE1: Edu
o ______________: Doing part-time jobs can enable children to acquire practical experience.
o ______________: It is easier for them to find a good job in the future.
o ______________: when students work as a tutor for children, they can become a good
teacher at primary school.

PEE2: Eco
o ______________: _______________________________________________________

o ______________: ______________________________________________________

o ______________: _________________________________________________________

140
CÁC TỪ NỐI, CẤU TRÚC NỐI DÙNG TRONG ĐOẠN VĂN (LIÊN KẾT CÁC PEE)

Giới thiệu lập luận • Firstly, SV

1 • To begin with,
(PEE1) • The first argument is that SV
Giới thiệu lập luận • Moreover, Furthermore, In addition,
tiếp theo (PEE2) • Another argument is that
• Secondly, … Finally,
Lý do ● This is because SV
REASON ● The reason is that SV
● SV because/ since/ as + SV
● SV because of/ due to/ thanks to + N/Ving
● By/ With + N/Ving, SV
Kết quả ● As a result, Consequently, Therefore,
RESULT ● So
● So adj/adv that
● SV , which can lead to/ result in/ allow/ enable/ cause sb to
V….
● enable sb/ allow sb to do (trường hợp tích cực)
● cause sb to do (tiêu cực, trung lập)
● prevent sb from doing: khiến ai đó ko làm đc việc gì (ko dịch
là ngăn cản)
● is the main cause of Y
● is one of the main contributors to Y
Tương phản By contrast, In contrast, However,
CONTRAST On the other hand,

Ví dụ , such as N1, N2 and N3

EXAMPLE For example, SV
For instance, SV
To illustrate, SV

141
PRACTICE:
EX1: Write PEE1, PEE2 about the advantages based on these ideas
Living in cities can bring a number of considerable drawbacks. Firstly, the cost of living in cities is
very high, which …………………….…………….…………….…………….…………….………
…….…………….…………….……….…. As a result,.. …………………….…….……………
.…………….... …………….……………...Secondly, people living in big cities can suffer from
various health problems. This is because …………….…………….…………….…... Finally, city
residents may suffer from traffic problems during their daily commute. For example, ……..……
………….…………….…….…………….…………….……………. Therefore, ………………….
…..…………….…………….…………….…………….…………….…………….…………….….
Đề: Some believe that we should invent a new language for international communication. Do the advantages of
this outweigh the disadvantages?
BRAINSTORMING
No Viewpoint (+) Positive (-) Negative
1 Economy No language barriers Cause job loss for translators and
=> promote foreign trade language teachers
=> boost economy => raise unemployment rate

2 Education Give everyone an equal opportunity to acquire

knowledge and access valuable information
regardless of their ages, locations or abilities.
For example,…
3 Social Easy to make new friends with people from
various countries around the world
=> develop social life
4 Culture Erode traditional values
(reason: people tend to learn the mutual
language to get a better job and forget
their mother tongue)
=> result in an identity crisis

Viết 2 đoạn body paragraph (+ và -): Topic sentence. PEE1. PEE2. PEE3
Inventing a new language for international communication brings a number of considerable benefits. Firstly,
thanks to an international language, there are no language barriers, which can facilitate foreign trade among
different countries around the world, thereby boosting the economy. Secondly, speaking a mutual language gives
everyone equal opportunities to access information and acquire knowledge, regardless of their native languages
and locations. Therefore, it creates a similar footing for all citizens. Finally, the invention of a new language for
international communication allows people to be confident and find it easy to make new friends from various
countries around the world, which helps develop their social life.

Inventing a new language for international communication has a harmful impact. To begin with, inventing an
international language costs a lot of money because it requires significant resources for development, education,
and promotion, which places a financial burden on the state budget. Another argument is that, due to an
international language, language teachers and translators may lose their jobs, which raises the unemployment rate.
Moreover, inventing a new language for international communication can erode traditional values because people
tend to learn a mutual language. As a result, it leads to an identity crisis.

142
BUILDING GOOD BODY PARAGRAPHS
STT Chú ý VD lỗi sai Cách sửa
1 các PEE phải Benefit of part time jobs Nên sửa lại như nào?
tách biệt nhau Point 1: acquire experience.
về nội dung Point 2: find a better job after
graduation
Point 3: good salary & benefits
● Vì sao các point này không
tách biệt?

Firstly, thanks to this action

students could attend lecture that Các bước viết bài là gì để đảm bảo
they gain basic academic PEE tách biệt?
knowledge in different fields. They,
thus, will be fully educated. Bước 1:
Moreover, since staying in school Bước 2:
until 18 provides learners sufficient Bước 3:
education, those who tend to follow Bước 4:
an academic career will make the Bước 5:
best opportunity to pursue higher
education. As a result, their
qualification will be enhanced.
● Đoạn văn trên vì sao có các
PEE không tách biệt?

2 Mỗi PEE chỉ Doing part-time job, students can ● Sửa lại các lập luận bên
giải thích cho 1 expand their relationship & acquire cạnh:
và chỉ 1 ý chính. more knowledge. This is because…

● Vì sao lập luận trên không

có 1 và chỉ 1 ý chính?
Eating at home can save money…
For example, eating at home can be
cheaper and the quality is better
● Vì sao lập luận trên không
có 1 và chỉ 1 ý chính?
Learning English can allow
students to make friends with
people all over the world who are
not from your countries because
English is an international language
commonly spoken by people
worldwide. In contrast, learning
English can be money consuming.

● Vì sao lập luận trên không

có 1 và chỉ 1 ý chính?

Firstly, commuters are often stuck

in traffic. As a result, they choose to
take buses
● Vì sao lập luận trên không
có 1 và chỉ 1 ý chính?

143
3 PEE dày, cần có On the one hand, working or going ● Sửa lại các lập luận bên
ít nhất 2 nội on holiday after highschool can cạnh:
dung xung bring some disadvantages. Firstly,
quanh point students need to spend a lot of
money to travel but almost parent’s
(point ko đứng 1
students have to pay for that travel,
mình) which is impossible for many
families. Secondly, students will be
easily stressed in a new working
environment. Finally, I think that
when they work well and earn a lot
of money, which makes them no
longer interested in attending
university.

4 Đoạn văn cần Raising pets can bring some ● Sửa lại các lập luận bên
dùng đầy đủ các problems. People who are against cạnh:
từ nối (nối giữa having pets argue that playing with
các câu), cấu them can cause serious health
problems in children. Household
trúc nối (nối các
pets carry dirt that contains many
mệnh đề trong 1 types of bacteria, pathogens and
câu) => rõ viruses. They spread diseases such
khung bài viết as allergies, respiratory diseases.

5 PEE cần rõ Nowadays, a lot of students playing ● Sửa lại các lập luận bên
opinion (từ chỉ video games. cạnh:
rõ chiều hành
động)

6 các ý trong PEE People living in the city suffer from ● Sửa lại các lập luận bên
phải logic với air pollution because people often cạnh:
nhau: nội dung have bronchitis.
phù hợp với
● Lập luận trên chưa tốt ở đâu?
cấu trúc nối/ từ
nối

7 Giải thích dùng lý lẽ thuyết phục (lập luận chất lượng tốt, tiêu biểu, hợp lý)
=> có thể tham khảo nhiều bài mẫu để có ý tưởng trước khi viết bài.

PEE Checklist: Sau khi viết bài xong, check các tiêu chí trong CHECKLIST sau, tick tiêu chí
mà bài viết của em đã đáp ứng được.
o Các PEE phải tách biệt nhau về nội dung
o Mỗi PEE chỉ giải thích cho 1 và chỉ 1 ý chính.
o PEE dày, cần có ít nhất 2 nội dung xung quanh point (point ko đứng 1 mình)
o Đoạn văn cần dùng đầy đủ các liên từ: từ nối (nối giữa các câu), cấu trúc nối (nối các
mệnh đề trong 1 câu) => rõ khung bài viết
o PEE cần rõ opinion (từ chỉ rõ chiều hành động tích cực/ tiêu cực)
o Các ý trong PEE phải logic với nhau: nghĩa phù hợp với liên từ
o PEE tiêu biểu, thuyết phục

144
Practice: The advantages and disadvantages of international tourism

+ -

145
PARAPHRASING TECHNIQUE

● Hoàn thiện sơ đồ các bước paraphrase

2 clauses

Step 1.Restructure 1 clause

Step 2: Main Verb

Step 3: Reorder

Step 4: Synonym

Practice: Hoàn thành các bước paraphrase cho ví dụ dưới đây

Some people claim that museums and art galleries are not needed today, because everyone can see
historical objects or artworks on a computer.

Bước 1:

Bước 2

Bước 3

Bước 4:

146
 Bước 1: Restructure

RELATIONSHIPS 1 sentence 2 sentences

(conjunctions) (conjunctive adverbs)

A => B Reason: SV. This is because SV.

• SV because/ since/ as + SV
• SV because of/ due to/ thanks to +
N/Ving

Result: SV. Therefore, SV

A, so B SV. As a result, SV.
SV, which Vs SV. As a consequence, SV.
SV, thereby Ving….
● enable sb/ allow sb to do (trường hợp
tích cực)
● cause sb to do (tiêu cực, trung lập)
● prevent sb from doing: khiến ai đó ko
làm đc việc gì (ko dịch là ngăn cản)
● is the main cause of Y
is one of the main contributors to Y
A><B • SV, while SV = While/ Whereas SV, SV. SV. However, SV
SV. By contrast, SV
• Although/ Even though + SV, SV. SV. In contrast, SV
• SV + despite/ in spite of + N/Ving SV. On the other hand, SV

A/B A or B Otherwise,

A+B A and B Moreover, Furthermore,

In addition, Besides,

A time B When/ As/ As soon as/ While/ Before/

After/ Since/ Once + SV, SV

A purpose B • SV to V/ in order to V/ so as to V
• SV in order that + SV
= SV so that + SV

Example such as N1, N2 and N3 For example, SV

For instance, SV
To illustrate, SV

147
Bước 2: Main Verb

2.1 Action Verb:

The Government should ban mobile phone strictly

2.2 To be:

It is necessary to ban mobile phone in public

Bước 3: Reorder phrases

The health of children

Such as cinemas and restaurants

Bước 4: Synonyms

148
EX1: Bảng từ đồng nghĩa - Synonyms
1.1 Viết ra vở các cặp synonyms trong bảng sau, mỗi cặp từ viết 3 lần (chụp ảnh nộp vở ghi)
1.2 Ghi âm đọc các cặp từ đồng nghĩa ấy (nộp audio)

Từ gốc Từ đồng nghĩa Nghĩa tiếng Việt

possible probable có khả năng, có thể xảy ra

face-to-face contact direct interaction tương tác trực tiếp

electronic inventions technological devices thiết bị công nghệ

such as namely cụ thể là

negative effect harmful impacts gây ra tác động tiêu cực

health fitness sức khỏe

shopping online purchasing items on the Internet mua sắm qua mạng

shopping at a store physical shopping mua sắm tại cửa hàng

not needed unnecessary / unimportant không cần thiết

see observe quan sát, xem

historical objects artifacts hiện vật lịch sử

government the authority chính quyền, nhà nước

cost price chi phí, giá cả

vehicles means of transport phương tiện giao thông

solve handle / tackle giải quyết

environmental problems environmental issues / matters các vấn đề môi trường

forecast predict dự đoán

in the near future in the coming time trong tương lai gần

countries nations các quốc gia

encouraging motivating khuyến khích

move relocate di dời, chuyển tới

people think it is thought that người ta cho rằng

make efforts in every attempt should be made to cần nỗ lực

invent create / develop phát minh, tạo ra

149
 international global interaction / cross-border giao tiếp toàn cầu
communication communication

advantages benefits / positives lợi ích

disadvantages drawbacks / negatives bất lợi, hạn chế

universities higher education institutions các trường đại học

offer provide/ deliver cung cấp

courses programmes / lectures khóa học

on the Internet online / via digital platforms trên mạng

study online study remotely / from a distance học từ xa

positive advantages/ benefits tích cực, có lợi

negative harmful / disadvantages/ tiêu cực, có hại

drawbacks

development trend / change sự phát triển, xu hướng

in recent years in modern times những năm gần đây

an increasing number of more and more individuals ngày càng nhiều người
people

wearing using / showing off mặc / sử dụng / khoe

luxury items high-end products / status symbols hàng xa xỉ / biểu tượng địa vị

designer clothes branded fashion quần áo hàng hiệu

bags handbags túi xách

EX2: Paraphrasing the following questions:

1. In the modern world, it is possible (probable) to shop, work, and communicate with others via the
Internet without any face-to-face contact (direct interaction). Is this a positive or negative
development?

2. More and more electronic inventions (technological devices) such as (namely) the computer and
television are being used, and this is having a negative effect (cause harmful impacts) on people's
health (fitness). Do you agree or disagree?

150
3. In some countries, shopping online (purchasing items on the Internet) is replacing shopping at
a store (physical shopping). Do you think this is a positive or negative development?

4. Some people claim that museums and art galleries are not needed (necessary, important) today
because everyone can see (observe) historical objects or artworks by computer. Do you agree or
disagree?

5. People think that the government (the authority) should increase the cost (price) of fuel for cars
and other vehicles (means of transport) to solve (handle, tackle) environmental problems
(issues, matters). Do you agree or disagree?

6. Scientists forecast (predict) that in the near future (in the coming time), cars will be driven by
computers rather than humans. Do you think this is a positive or negative development?

151
7. In some countries (nations), governments are encouraging (motivating) industries and
businesses to move (relocate) out of the cities and into regional areas. Do the advantages outweigh
the disadvantages?

8. Some people think that (It is thought that) in order to prevent illness and disease, governments
should make every effort (should be made to V) to reduce (tackle, deal with) environmental
pollution and housing problems. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?

9. Some believe (think / argue / suppose) that we should invent (create / develop) a new
language for international communication (global interaction / cross-border communication). Do
the advantages (benefits / positives) of this outweigh the disadvantages (drawbacks / negatives)?

10. Some universities (higher education institutions) now offer (provide / deliver) their courses
(programmes / lectures) on the Internet (online / via digital platforms) so that people can study
online (remotely / from a distance). Is this a positive (beneficial) or negative (harmful)
development (trend / change)?

11. In recent years (in modern times), an increasing number of people (more and more
individuals) have been wearing (using / showing off) luxury items (high-end products / status
symbols) such as designer clothes (branded fashion), bags (handbags), and watches. Is this a
positive (have advantages) or negative (disadvantages) development?

152
WRITING INTRODUCTION & CONCLUSION

I. Introduction

Background It is suggested / argued / said / believed that... + paraphrase ý kiến trong đề bài.
statement

Thesis
statement

E.g. In some countries, shopping online (purchasing items on the Internet) is replacing shopping
at a store (physical shopping). Do you think this is a positive or negative development?

II. Conclusion
In conclusion, it seems to me that…

E.g.

PRACTICE: VIẾT NỐT INTRODUCTION và CONCLUSION CHO CÁC ĐỀ TRANG TRƯỚC

III. Bố cục bài viết:

Introduction
Ø Background statement (_________________________)
Ø Thesis statement (_____________________________)

Ø Body 1:

Topic sentence.
Body
Firstly, PEE 1. Secondly. PEE 2. Finally, PEE3.

Ø Body 2:

Topic sentence.

To begin with, PEE 1. In addition, PEE2…. Furthermore, PEE3

Conclusion In conclusion, it seems to me that…

(paraphrase câu thesis statement)

153
LƯU Ý TRONG WRITING
Examples Rules

You eat fastfood too much, you become fat and ill.

PRACTICE: Sửa các câu sau để phù hợp với nguyên tắc trong văn viết học thuật
1.You drive carelessly. You may cause serious consequences for others.

2. It’s believed that playing video games is bad.

3. When we are addicted to video games, we don’t focus on studies. We get bad grades at school.

4. You do a part-time job. You earn more money to pay for your tuition fees and living expenses.

6. For example, I don’t do exercise every day, so I suffer from some health problems.

Luyện viết bài hoàn thiện cho các đề sau:

ü In some countries, governments are encouraging industries and businesses to move out of the
cities and into regional areas. Do you think the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?

ü Some people do not go directly to college but travel for a short time. Do you think the
advantages outweigh the disadvantages?

154
POSITIVE-NEGATIVE ESSAY
TASK:
• Is this a positive or negative development?
• Do you think this is a positive or negative development?
• Do the drawbacks of video games outweigh the benefits?

ESSAY:

• One-sided view: 100% positive/ negative (hoàn toàn tích cực/ tiêu cực)
• Balanced view: cả ảnh hưởng tích cực và tiêu cực.

STRUCTURES (TEMPLATE)

Introduction 1. Background sentence:

• It is thought/ believed that ….
• There is a growing trend for sb to V
2. Thesis statement:
Although there are some drawbacks of __X__, I would argue that there are far
more benefits.

Body 1 Topic sentence: On the one hand, __X__ can bring a number of disadvantages.
Firstly, PEE 1
Secondly, PEE 2
Finally, PEE3
Body 2 Topic sentence: On the other hand, I believe that X offers various benefits.
To begin with, PEE 1
In addition, PEE 2
Conclusion In conclusion, it seems to me that the possible benefits of __X___ are more
significant than the potential dangers.

155
1. Some universities now offer their courses on the Internet so that people can study online. Is this
a positive or negative development?
Một số trường đại học hiện cung cấp các khóa học của họ trên Internet để mọi người có thể học trực
tuyến. Đây là một sự phát triển tích cực hay tiêu cực?
• Brainstorming

No Viewpoint (+) Positive (-) Negative

1

• Your essay

156
Sample essay:

There is a growing trend for universities to provide students with online courses. Although there are
some drawbacks of Internet-based learning, I would argue that there are far more benefits.

On the one hand, online university courses can bring a number of disadvantages to students.
Firstly, studying online can discourage direct interaction between students and their teachers, which
could prevent students from getting immediate feedback and acquiring knowledge in depth. As a
result, this can lower their academic performance. Secondly, online learning could have a negative
impact on discussion and exchange of ideas because students do not come into direct contact with each
other, which erodes some useful skills such as communication skills. For example, whereas students
on traditional courses can attend seminars and practice giving a presentation about their subjects, online
learners are restricted to chatting through website forum areas.

On the other hand, I believe that online university courses offer various benefits. To begin with,
they allow learners to study in a flexible way, meaning that they can work whenever and wherever is
convenient, and they can cover the material at their own pace. In addition, the cost of an online
university education can be greatly reduced, which eases the financial burden on their families. As
a result, they can have more money for important issues such as health. Finally, online learning offers
open access to anybody who is willing to study, regardless of age, location, ability and background.
For example, my uncle, who is 65 years old, has recently enrolled on an online MBA course in a
different country, which would have been impossible in the days before Internet-based education.

In conclusion, it seems to me that the possible benefits of Internet-based learning are more
significant than its potential drawbacks.

157
SAMPLE 2: Background sentence:
There is a growing trend for universities to provide courses on the Internet so that students can study
online.
Thesis statement:
Although there are some drawbacks of online learning, I would argue that there are far more benefits.

Body Paragraph 1 – Drawbacks

Topic sentence:
On the one hand, online courses can bring a number of disadvantages.
Firstly, online learning can discourage direct interaction between students and teachers, which may
prevent students from acquiring in-depth knowledge and eventually lower their academic
performance.
Secondly, students may fail to exchange ideas and discuss with each other frequently, which can
erode useful skills, such as communication skills that are essential for their future career.
Finally, spending a lot of time sitting in front of computers may expose students to harmful blue light
from the screen, causing them to suffer from some eye problems, such as shortsightedness.

Body Paragraph 2 – Benefits

Topic sentence:
On the other hand, I believe that studying online offers various benefits.
To begin with, online courses allow students to study in a flexible way, meaning that they can study
whenever and wherever is convenient and cover the materials at their own pace.
In addition, online learning can help students save money on food and accommodation, which eases
the financial burden on parents. As a result, families have more money for important issues, such as
healthcare and education.
Finally, online courses enable individuals of all ages, locations, and backgrounds to access higher
education and obtain qualifications that may not have been available to them otherwise.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, it seems to me that the possible benefits of online learning are more significant than the
potential drawbacks.
There is a growing trend for universities to provide courses on the Internet so that students can study
online. Although there are some drawbacks of online learning, I would argue that there are far more
benefits.
On the one hand, online courses can bring a number of disadvantages. Firstly, online learning can
discourage direct interaction between students and teachers, which may prevent students from
acquiring in-depth knowledge and eventually lower their academic performance. Secondly, students
may fail to exchange ideas and discuss with each other frequently, which can erode useful skills, such
as communication skills that are essential for their future career. Finally, spending a lot of time sitting
in front of computers may expose students to harmful blue light from the screen, causing them to
suffer from some eye problems, such as shortsightedness.
On the other hand, I believe that studying online offers various benefits. To begin with, online courses
allow students to study in a flexible way, meaning that they can study whenever and wherever is
convenient and cover the materials at their own pace. In addition, online learning can help students
save money on food and accommodation, which eases the financial burden on parents. As a result,
families have more money for important issues, such as healthcare and education. Finally, online
courses enable individuals of all ages, locations, and backgrounds to access higher education and
obtain qualifications that may not have been available to them otherwise.
In conclusion, it seems to me that the possible benefits of online learning are more significant than the
potential drawbacks.

158
2. In some countries, many more people are choosing to live alone nowadays than in the past. Do
you think this is a positive or negative development?
Ở một số nước, ngày càng có nhiều người chọn sống một mình hơn trong quá khứ. Bạn nghĩ đây là
một sự phát triển tích cực hay tiêu cực?
• Brainstorming

No Viewpoint (+) Positive (-) Negative

1

• Your essay

159
 • Sample essay

Trong những năm gần đây nó đã trở nên quá

bình thường khi nhiều người hơn sống 1 mình,
đặc biệt là ở các thành phố lớn trong thế giới
There is a growing trend for people to live alone,
phát triển. Theo ý kiến của tôi, xu hướng này
particularly in large cities in the developed world. In
có thể có cả những hậu quả tích cực và tiêu
my opinion, this trend could have both positive and
cực trên cùng 1 sự đo lường.
negative consequences in equal measure.
Sự gia tăng trong các hộ gia đình một người có
The rise in one-person households can be seen as
thể được coi là tích cực cho cả lý do cá nhân
positive for both personal and broader economic
và lý do về kinh tế. Ở cấp độ cá nhân, những
reasons. On an individual level, people who choose to
người chọn sống một mình có thể trở nên độc
live alone may become more independent and self-
lập và tự chủ hơn những người sống chung với
reliant than those who live with family members. A
các thành viên trong gia đình. Ví dụ, một
young adult who lives alone, for example, will need to
thanh niên sống một mình, sẽ cần phải học nấu
learn to cook, clean, pay bills and manage his or her
ăn, dọn dẹp, thanh toán hóa đơn và quản lý
budget, all of which are valuable life skills; an
ngân sách của mình, tất cả đều là kỹ năng sống
increase in the number of such individuals can
có giá trị; sự gia tăng số lượng cá nhân như
certainly be seen as a positive development. From an
vậy chắc chắn có thể được xem là một sự phát
economic perspective, the trend towards living alone
triển tích cực. Từ quan điểm kinh tế, xu hướng
will result in greater demand for housing. This is
sống một mình sẽ dẫn đến nhu cầu nhà ở lớn
likely to benefit the construction industry, estate
hơn. Điều này có thể mang lại lợi ích cho
agents and a whole host of other companies that rely
ngành xây dựng, các đại lý bất động sản và
on homeowners to buy their products or services.
một loạt các công ty khác dựa vào các chủ nhà
để mua sản phẩm hoặc dịch vụ của họ.
However, the personal and economic arguments given
above can be considered from the opposite angle.
Tuy nhiên, các lập luận cá nhân và kinh tế
Firstly, rather than the positive feeling of increased
được đưa ra ở trên có thể được xem xét từ góc
independence, people who live alone may experience
đối diện. Thứ nhất, thay vì cảm giác tích cực
feelings of loneliness, isolation and worry. They miss
của sự độc lập gia tăng, những người sống một
out on the emotional support and daily conversation
mình có thể trải nghiệm cảm giác cô đơn, cô
that family or flatmates can provide, and they must
lập và lo lắng. Họ bỏ lỡ sự hỗ trợ tình cảm và
bear the weight of all household bills and
cuộc trò chuyện hàng ngày mà gia đình hoặc
responsibilities; in this sense, perhaps the trend
bạn bè có thể cung cấp, và họ phải chịu đựng
towards living alone is a negative one. Secondly, from
tất cả các hóa đơn và trách nhiệm của hộ gia
the financial point of view, a rise in demand for
đình; theo nghĩa này, có lẽ xu hướng sống một
housing is likely to push up property prices and rents.
mình là một xu hướng tiêu cực. Thứ hai, từ
While this may benefit some businesses, the general
quan điểm tài chính, sự gia tăng nhu cầu về
population, including those who live alone, will be
nhà ở có khả năng đẩy giá bất động sản và tiền
faced with rising living costs.
thuê lên. Trong khi điều này có thể có lợi cho
một số doanh nghiệp, dân số nói chung, bao
In conclusion, the increase in one-person households
gồm cả những người sống một mình, sẽ phải
will have both beneficial and detrimental effects on
đối mặt với chi phí sinh hoạt tăng cao.
individuals and on the economy.
Tóm lại, sự gia tăng trong các hộ gia đình một
người sẽ có tác động có lợi và bất lợi đối với
cá nhân và nền kinh tế.

160
3. Some people regard video games as harmless fun, or even as a useful educational tool. Others,
however, believe that videos games are having an adverse effect on the people who play them. In
your opinion, do the drawbacks of video games outweigh the benefits?
• Brainstorming

No Viewpoint (+) Positive (-) Negative

1

• Your essay

161
 • Sample essay

Nhiều người, và cụ thể là trẻ em, thích chơi trò

chơi trên máy tính. Trong khi tôi chấp nhận
rằng những trò chơi này đôi khi có thể có tác
Many people, and children in particular, enjoy
động tích cực đến người dùng, tôi tin rằng
playing computer games. While I accept that these
chúng có nhiều khả năng có tác động có hại
games can sometimes have a positive effect on the
hơn.
user, I believe that they are more likely to have a
harmful impact.
Một mặt, trò chơi điện tử có thể vừa giải trí vừa
mang tính giáo dục. Người dùng, hoặc game
On the one hand, video games can be both
thủ, được chuyển vào thế giới ảo thường thú vị
entertaining and educational. Users, or gamers, are
và hấp dẫn hơn so với những trò tiêu khiển
transported into virtual worlds which are often more
trong cuộc sống thực. Từ góc độ giáo dục, các
exciting and engaging than real-life pastimes. From
trò chơi này khuyến khích trí tưởng tượng và
an educational perspective, these games encourage
sáng tạo, cũng như tập trung, tư duy logic và
imagination and creativity, as well as concentration,
giải quyết vấn đề, tất cả đều là những kỹ năng
logical thinking and problem solving, all of which are
hữu ích bên ngoài ngữ cảnh chơi game. Hơn
useful skills outside the gaming context.
nữa, nó đã được chứng minh rằng trò chơi mô
Furthermore, it has been shown that computer
phỏng máy tính có thể cải thiện kỹ năng vận
simulation games can improve users motor skills
động của người dùng và giúp chuẩn bị chúng
and help to prepare them for real-world tasks, such as
cho các nhiệm vụ thực tế, chẳng hạn như lái
flying a plane.
máy bay.
However, I would argue that these benefits are
Tuy nhiên, tôi cho rằng những lợi ích này sẽ bị
outweighed by the drawbacks. Gaming can be highly
làm mờ đi bởi những hạn chế. Trò chơi có thể
addictive because users are constantly given scores,
gây nghiện cao bởi vì người dùng thường
new targets and frequent rewards to keep them
xuyên nhận điểm, mục tiêu mới và phần
playing. Many children now spend hours each day
thưởng thường xuyên để họ tiếp tục chơi.
trying to progress through the levels of a game or to
Nhiều trẻ em bây giờ dành hàng giờ để cố gắng
get a higher score than their friends. This type of
tiến bộ thông qua các cấp độ của trò chơi hoặc
addiction can have effects ranging from lack of sleep
để có điểm cao hơn bạn bè của họ. Loại nghiện
to problems at school, when homework is sacrificed
này có thể có các ảnh hưởng khác nhau, từ
for a few more hours on the computer or console.
thiếu ngủ đến các vấn đề ở trường, khi bài tập
The rise in obesity in recent years has also been
về nhà được hy sinh trong vài giờ nữa trên máy
linked in part to the sedentary lifestyle and lack of
tính hoặc bàn điều khiển. Sự gia tăng béo phì
exercise that often accompany gaming addiction.
trong những năm gần đây cũng đã được liên
kết một phần đến lối sống ít vận động và thiếu
In conclusion, it seems to me that the potential tập thể dục thường đi kèm với nghiện game.
dangers of video games are more significant than the
possible benefits.
Tóm lại, có vẻ như với tôi rằng những mối
nguy hiểm tiềm ẩn của trò chơi điện tử lớn hơn
hơn so với những lợi ích có thể có.

162
WRITING REVISION
WRITING TASK 1: Line graph

Introduction

Overview

Body 1

Body 2

163
1. The graph below shows the average time spent by four car manufacturers to produce vehicles
at their US factories.

ANSWER:
The chart compares the average number of hours taken to produce a car by four companies in the USA
from 1998 to 2005.

Overall, the amount of time spent on the production of a car fell during the period. General Motors
reduced the production time by more hours than the other three manufacturers.

164
2. The graph below shows the consumption of fish and some different kinds of meat in a
European country between 1979 and 2004.
Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make
comparisons where relevant.

ANSWER

The line graph illustrates the amount of four different types of food which people in a European nation
consumed from 1979 to 2004.

Overall, fish was the least commonly used food in the European country throughout the period shown.
Also, the expenditure on beef, lamb and fish decreased, while there was a fluctuating increase in the
figure for chicken.

It can be seen from the graph that in 1979, the amount of beef which was consumed was the highest, at
about 220 grams per person per week. The figures for chicken and lamb were lower, at under 150 grams
and exactly 150 grams respectively. However, fish accounted for the lowest number with only about 60
grams eaten.

In the period between 1979 and 2004, the country witnessed a significant growth to around 250 grams
in the consumption of chicken. By contrast, around 50 grams of lamb was eaten, compared to about 40
grams of fish in 2004. Although the consumption of beef reached a peak of about 240 grams in 1983,
this fell steadily to just over 100 grams in 2004.

165
WRITING TASK 2: Positive – Negative
Introduction 1. Background sentence:
• It is thought/ believed that ….
• There is a growing trend for sb to V
2. Thesis statement:
Although there are some drawbacks of __X__, I would argue that there are far
more benefits.
Body 1 Topic sentence: On the one hand, __X__ can bring a number of disadvantages.
Firstly, PEE 1
Secondly, PEE 2
Finally, PEE3
Body 2 Topic sentence: On the other hand, I believe that X offers various benefits.
To begin with, PEE 1
In addition, PEE 2
Conclusion In conclusion, it seems to me that the possible benefits of __X___ are more
significant than the potential dangers.

1. In some countries, governments are encouraging industries and businesses to move out of the
cities and into regional areas. Do you think the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?
+ -

166
2. Scientists say that in the future humanity will speak the same language. Do you think this is a
positive or negative social development?

+ -

SAMPLE:

It is believed that humans will utilize only a mutual language as a means of communication in a
foreseeable future. Although there are some benefits of this development, I would argue that there are
far more drawbacks.

On the one hand, the emergence of a global language can bring a number of advantages to humanity.
Firstly, the integration of individuals into the global village can be accelerated because the new language
will erase linguistic barriers to communication. For instance, Vietnamese students can easily befriend
and get on well with the local ones in Japan when they are involved in a student exchange program.
Secondly, this development can stimulate economic growth, as international activities ranging from
tourism to commerce will be facilitated with language barriers being lifted. Singapore is a telling
example as most of the foreign tourists to this country each year are Chinese due to the fact that the
citizens of the two countries share the same language Mandarin.

Despite the positive impacts mentioned above, I believe that the adoption of a universal language can
also be considered as a detrimental development for various reasons. The main drawback is that this
can result in the disappearance of cultural diversity. It is undeniable that each language represents a
unique culture; therefore, that the whole world speaks a mutual language means there exists only a
common culture on this planet. Another downside of this trend is that it can also lead to the
disappearance of many professions such as interpreters, translators or foreign language teachers. As a
result, the trend may deprive many people of their jobs, hence an increasing rate of unemployment.

In conclusion, while I recognise the possible advantages of the use of only one global language, I
consider it to be a negative development overall.

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SPEAKING
UNIT 1: HOMETOWN
USEFUL VOCABULARY and IDEAS
EX1: Put the following words in the right columns

vast paddy fields dirty and polluted industrial estate

majestic mountains quiet and peaceful spectacular
clean and fresh noisy and crowded picturesque
lively nightlife traffic jams amusement parks
cinemas sports centres shopping centres
close-minded open-minded hard-working
friendly and kind modern skyscrapers long winding rivers
hectic and stressful relaxed and healthy better job opportunities
limited job opportunities low-income jobs high-income jobs
high living costs low living costs museum and art galleries
state-of-the-art hospitable

URBAN AREAS RURAL AREAS

(CITIES) (COUNTRYSIDE)
Scenery breathtaking,

Facilities/ modern, basic, simple, limited

Infrastructure
(Sports/ Culture/
Education/
Transport…)
Economy

Environment
(the air/ water)

People busy,

Lifestyle

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🌾 Nhóm cảnh vật / môi trường
English words Meaning Examples
picturesque đẹp như tranh My hometown is picturesque/ spectacular/ breathtaking
with vast paddy fields and long winding rivers.
spectacular/ đẹp ngoạn mục
breathtaking
vast paddy fields cánh đồng lúa The vast paddy fields in my village look golden during
bát ngát harvest season.
long winding rivers sông dài uốn Fishermen in my hometown travel every day on the long
lượn winding rivers.
majestic mountains núi hùng vĩ I love the majestic mountains that surround our village.
clean and fresh trong lành The air in my hometown is always clean and fresh, which
makes it a great place to live.
quiet and peaceful yên tĩnh và It’s a quiet and peaceful town with very few cars or noise.
thanh bình
dirty and polluted bẩn và ô nhiễm Unfortunately, some areas are becoming dirty and
polluted due to factories.

🏙 Nhóm cơ sở vật chất và địa điểm

English words Meaning Examples
state-of-the-art hiện đại, tiên tiến There are several state-of-the-art cinemas where young
people gather on weekends.
cinemas rạp chiếu phim My friends and I sometimes go to cinemas when we visit
the city.
sports centres trung tâm thể thao My hometown has modern sports centres that promote a
healthy lifestyle.
shopping trung tâm mua sắm Shopping centres are located downtown and attract a lot
centres of visitors.
museum and bảo tàng và phòng I often visit museum and art galleries to learn about local
art galleries trưng bày history.
industrial estate khu công nghiệp The new industrial estate is creating more jobs for locals.
amusement công viên giải trí When I was small, I wished my town had amusement
parks parks like in the city.
modern toà nhà chọc trời In big cities, modern skyscrapers make the skyline look
skyscrapers hiện đại very different from my village.

🧍♂ Nhóm con người và lối sống

English words Meaning Examples
friendly and kind thân thiện và tốt People in my hometown are very friendly and kind to
bụng strangers.
hard-working chăm chỉ Most of the residents are hard-working and value
education.
close-minded hẹp hòi While some old people are close-minded, the younger
generation is quite open-minded.
open-minded cởi mở Young people in my village are becoming more open-
minded because of the Internet.
hospitable mến khách The locals are known to be very hospitable to tourists.
hectic and stressful bận rộn và căng Life in the city is often hectic and stressful, but the
thẳng countryside is more relaxed and healthy.
relaxed and healthy thư giãn và lành I feel relaxed and healthy when I spend time helping
mạnh my family in the garden.
lively nightlife cuộc sống về đêm Unlike the city’s lively nightlife, my town becomes
sôi động very quiet after 9 p.m.

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💼 Nhóm cơ hội và chi phí
English words Meaning Examples
limited job ít cơ hội việc làm My hometown offers limited job opportunities, so
opportunities many young people move to the city.
low-income jobs công việc thu nhập Most of the jobs available are low-income jobs,
thấp especially in agriculture.
low living costs chi phí sinh hoạt thấp Living there is affordable due to the low living costs.
better job cơ hội việc làm tốt In the capital, there are better job opportunities and
opportunities hơn high-income jobs, but also high living costs.
high-income jobs công việc thu nhập IT companies in big cities often provide high-income
cao jobs.
high living costs chi phí sinh hoạt cao The biggest problem in the city is the high living
costs.

PRACTICE:
IELTS SPEAKING PART 1:

1. Where do you come from?

2. Can you describe your town or city to me?

3. What do you like about the area where you live?

4. What things in your town or city do you not like?

170
5. How is your area changing?

6. Do you like living in your hometown?

7. Would you like to live in a big city in the future?

8. What are the advantages and disadvantages of living in big cities?

9. What are the advantages and disadvantages of living in the countryside?

171
SAMPLE ANSWER - SPEAKING PART 1:
1. Where do you come from?
I come from a small town in Hung Yen, in the north of Vietnam. It’s not very modern, but it’s quiet and
peaceful.

2. Can you describe your town or city to me?

My town combines natural beauty with a simple lifestyle. There are vast paddy fields, long winding rivers,
and even some majestic mountains nearby. We also have basic facilities like small cinemas, sports centres,
and local markets. It’s not busy, but it’s a lovely place to live.

3. What do you like about the area where you live?

What I like most is the clean and fresh air. Besides, the lifestyle here is quite relaxed and healthy. Another
good thing is the people – they are friendly and kind, which makes me feel comfortable and safe.

4. What things in your town or city do you not like?

ne thing I don’t like is the limited job opportunities. Many people have to take low-income jobs or move to
big cities for work. In addition, I find public transport quite unpleasant and inconvenient.

5. How is your area changing?

These days, my hometown is changing slowly. Some new buildings and shops have opened, and now we
even have a small shopping centre and a new sports centre. However, it’s still not as modern as the big cities.

6. Do you like living in your hometown?

Yes, I do. I grew up here, so I feel attached to it. It’s quiet, and the people are kind. Even though it’s not
very modern, I enjoy the simple life and the spectacular natural views.

7. Would you like to live in a big city in the future?

Yes, I think I would. Big cities offer more chances for education and career development. But I’d still prefer
to live somewhere not too noisy and crowded.

8. What are the advantages and disadvantages of living in big cities?

Big cities offer better job opportunities and high-income jobs. There are also more shopping centres and
amusement parks. But the air is often dirty and polluted, and traffic jams make life hectic and stressful.

9. What are the advantages and disadvantages of living in the countryside?

The countryside is peaceful and has clean, fresh air. People are hospitable, and life is more relaxed. But the
disadvantage is the lack of entertainment and limited job opportunities, especially for young people.

PRONUNCIATION: SENTENCE STRESS

Content words Function words

172
 UNIT 2: EDUCATION AND HOBBIES
VOCAB: Education

Kindergarten Academic subjects Phrases

| - Physics - state education system = state schools
Primary school # Physical Education (P.E.) - private education system= private schools
| - English - revise for exam => sit an exam
Secondary school - Mathematics → Maths - a heavy workload
| - Science - struggle to V
High school - History/ Literature - meet deadlines
- Handwriting - get good grades >< get bad grades
- Music - pass a university entrance exam with flying colors
- Dramatics >< fail an exam
- attend class/ school
- take a course
- a bookworm
- high-quality education
- a supportive environment

University Majors - undergraduates < graduates

= higher education • Marketing - To enter higher education
• Finance - to enrol on
• Banking - compulsory courses # optional courses
• Law - to major in = do a degree in
• Economics - To acquire valuable knowledge
• IT - To gain qualifications
ð First degree - secure a good job
- get a bachelor's degree: bằng đại học
Types of students
- Freshmen (1st year)
- Sophomore (2nd year)
- Junior (3rd year)
- Senior (4th year)

- Master degree: bằng thạc sĩ - to apply for

- Ph.D (Doctor of - to receive a government grant
Philosophy): bằng tiến sĩ - win a scholarship
ð higher degree

173
Practice:
Part 1
1. Do you work or are you a student?
• Yes, at the moment, I’m a freshman. I’m doing a degree in economics at FTU.
• I’m a student at Nguyen Thien Thuat high school. I'm in grade 11 and I have 2 more years
before going to university. I will graduate from high school in 2027.

2. Describe your education

I started school when I was 7. I finished my primary education 5 years later and went to secondary
school at 12. Then at 16, I passed the high school entrance exam with flying colors and I am
currently attending a state/ private high school in my hometown.

3. Are you studying English now?

Yes, of course. I am taking an IELTS course. I attend classes twice a week… and I plan to sit an
IELTS exam next year.

4. Do you enjoy studying at school?

I’ve never really liked school… I’m not a bookworm and a lot of academic subjects are too boring
for me. In addition, the workload is quite heavy, so I usually struggle to meet deadlines…However,
the good thing about school is being able to see many friends. And fortunately, I have wonderful
classmates.

5. What kind of school did you go to as a child?

As a child, I attended a state elementary school. It was quite a big school in my hometown which
provided both high-quality education and a supportive environment, so I think I was quite lucky.

174
175
176
HOBBIES

177
178
*Phrases
J L
- I’m keen on + N/ V-ing - I’m not keen on + V-ing
- I’m a big fan of + N/ V-ing - I’m not a fan of Noun/V-ing
- I’m really into Noun/V-ing. - I am not into….+ N/ V-ing
- I’d like to take up = try my hand at - I quit…./ I gave up….+ N/ V-ing
- I’m crazy about + N/ V-ing - __N/ V-ing __ is not my cup of tea/
- I’m interested in + Noun/V-ing _____is not my kind of thing/
I can’t stand……
*Benefits
- broaden my horizons about
- keep fit/ be in shape
- learn many meaningful lessons
- Relieve stress and recharge my batteries
- Unwind (= relax) = let off some steam = let my hair down
- have a well-balanced life

IELTS SPEAKING PART 1: HOBBIES

1. What do you like to do in your free time?

2. Do you think hobbies are important? Why?

3. What hobbies are popular in your country?

4. Did you have any hobbies when you were a child?

5. Is there a hobby you would like to take up in the future?

6. Do you prefer indoor or outdoor hobbies? Why?

7. Do you enjoy reading books?

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SAMPLE ANSWERS

1. What do you like to do in your free time?

I’m a bit of a couch potato, so in my free time, I’m really into listening to music. I like it because it
helps me relieve stress and recharge my batteries.

2. Do you think hobbies are important? Why?

Yes, I think hobbies are very important. They help us relieve stress and let off some steam after a
long day. Some hobbies are also therapeutic and help improve our mental health.

3. What hobbies are popular in your country?

In my country, many people are hooked on watching movies or surfing the Internet. Some people
also like going to the gym to keep fit. Shopping is also a lucrative hobby for shopaholics.

4. Did you have any hobbies when you were a child?

Yes, when I was a child, I was a bookworm. I really enjoyed reading fairy tales. I also liked drawing,
but I was a dabbler, so I didn’t do it for long.

5. Is there a hobby you would like to take up in the future?

Yes, I’d love to take up painting in the future. I think it’s a fruitful and relaxing hobby. It helps
people let their hair down and be creative.

6. Do you prefer indoor or outdoor hobbies? Why?

I prefer indoor hobbies because they are more calming. For example, I like reading and listening to
music. Outdoor hobbies are fun, but sometimes they are too time-consuming for me.

7. Do you enjoy reading books?

Yes, I’m a big fan of books. Reading not only broadens my horizons but also allows me to learn
many meaningful lessons. In adittion, it’s a great way to recharge my batteries after school.

180
Key Grammar: Past Simple
1. The past simple is used to talk about things which happened at a time before now or things
which are finished. Complete these tables.
infinitive past infinitive past
be Was/were go
Spend Watch
Look Do
Play Like
Start Explain
Make Learn
enjoy miss
3. Complete these sentences with the past tense of the verbs in brackets.
1 Shuwe ...lost... (lose) her dictionary because she .......... (leave) it on the train.
2 My teacher .......... (get) angry with me when I .......... (forget) to do my homework.
3 When I was seven, my parents .......... (give) me a bicycle, which I .......... (ride) everywhere.
4 I .......... (drive) the car my father .......... (buy).
5 Ivan just .......... (catch) the train in time.
6 Ali .......... (write) the number on a piece of paper and .......... (put) it in his pocket.
4. IELTS candidates often make mistakes when writing about the past. Correct the mistake in
each of these sentences.
1 The number of females aged 100 or more is 76 in 1911 and then nearly doubled in 1941 to 141.
2 In the past, when we want to go somewhere, we had to walk or ride a horse.
3 This chart informs us about how many people were reached the age of 100 or more in the UK
between 1911 and 2011.
4 The amount of leisure time that people spent watching television has dropped to 3% in 2010.
5 The cinema attendance of 25-34-year-olds was risen from 60 percent to 80 percent in 2001.

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Pronunciation: Verbs + -ed
There are three possible ways of pronouncing -ed.
1. R15.CD1. Listen and match how -ed is pronounced for these verbs (1-3) with the symbols (a-
c).
1 asked a /d/
2 mended b /t/

3 called c /id/
2. R16.CD1. Listen and write each of these verbs in the correct column of the table below,
according to how -ed is pronounced.

Appeared asked ended enjoyed finished hoped improved invented liked

Looked needed occurred played remembered started wanted watched wished

/t/ /id/ /d/

appeared

3. Work in pairs. Take turns to say the verbs in Exercise 2.

4. Work in pairs. Take turns to read these sentences aloud. Then say if they are true or false for
you. If they are false, make a sentence about the topic which is true.
1 I never watched television when I was a child.
2 My parents wanted me to study medicine.
3 I started studying English when I was 11.
4 I usually enjoyed myself at school.
5 I never worked hard for exams when I was a child. I just studied a little the night before.
6 At school, when I got high marks, I was surprised.
7 When I couldn’t do homework, I asked my parents to help me.
8 When the school holidays came, I felt excited.

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UNIT 3: HOLIDAYS AND PLACES

183
184
Speaking: Part 2
Exam information
• You speak for between one and two minutes on a topic the examiner gives you.
• You have one minute to think and write some notes before you speak.

1. Work in pairs. Read the task below.

1 Underline the key ideas.
2 Decide what tenses you will need.
Describe a journey you made in the past that you remember well.
You should say:
• what forms of transport you used and why
• who you travelled with
• what was good and bad about it
and explain why you remember the trip so well.

2. R19.CD1. Complete the notes in the next column, which Kyung-Soon made for the points in the
task in Exercise 1, by writing words from the box in the gaps. Then listen to check your answers.
Chinese difficult free new powerful public

Transport: Good/ bad:

• motorbike – not 1 ...new... • meet people
• not 2 ............ transport • saw places – 4 ............ to reach
• trip was cheap
Travelled with • 5 ............ engine
• 3 ............ friend • rain/ heat
Remember trip because
I felt 6 ............

3. Which of the phrases below (a-h) from Kyung-Soon’s talk did she use to:

1 introduce the talk? a I have great memories of the trip because...

2 introduce new points? b I made the trip with...
3 finish the talk? c I bought it because...
d In all, I think ...
e The bad things were ...
f The good thing about the journey was ...
g Well, I’m going to talk about ...
h The transport I used was ...

185
Kyung-Soon’s model answer:
Well, I'm going to talk about a trip I made across Australia. The transport I used was a motorbike
It wasn’t a new bike, it was - what's the word - second-hand, and I bought it because I wanted to see
Australia. I didn’t want to use public transport because I wanted to be independent. I had a month’s
holiday before I started my course and I made the trip with a friend, a Chinese girl, because I was
frightened of travelling alone. I met her at a language school where we studied English together. We
travelled along the south coast and saw some of the desert.
The good thing about the journey was that we met a lot of other people who were travelling. We
went to places which are difficult to reach on public transport, and the trip was quite cheap. Also, the
motorbike had quite a powerful engine, so it was fast and exciting. The bad things were the rain and the
heat because they made us tired.
I have great memories of the trip because I felt really free. We could go where we liked. Also, we
met some very friendly people and we saw a lot of interesting places. I still have friends who I made
during that trip.
All in all, I think it was the best journey I’ve ever made.

INTRODUCTION

BODY:

Question 1 Direct Answer:

Detail (5W1H):

Question 2 Direct Answer:

Detail (5W1H):

Question 3 Direct Answer:

Detail (5W1H):

Question 4 Direct Answer:

Detail (5W1H):

CONCLUSION

186
4. Work alone. Make notes for the Speaking task in Exercise 1. Think about how you can use
phrases similar to the ones in Exercise 3 to introduce your talk, introduce new points and finish
the talk.

Describe a journey you made in the past that you remember well.
You should say:
• what forms of transport you used and why
• who you travelled with
• what was good and bad about it
and explain why you remember the trip so well.

5. Work in pairs and take turns to give your talks. You should each try to speak for two
minutes.
Exam advice Speaking Part 2
• Use your minute of preparation to note down ideas, words and phrases you want to use.
• Look at your notes, but also look at the examiner when you speak.
• Continue speaking until the examiner says Thank you.

187
6. Work alone. Read this task and make notes.

Describe a city you have visited

You should say:
Where the city is
Why you went there
What you did there
And explain how you felt about this city

188
SAMPLE 1: Well, I’m going to talk about a city I visited with my family — Da Nang, a coastal city in
central Vietnam. It’s known for its magnificent scenery, clean beaches, and famous tourist attractions.
I made the trip with my parents and younger brother during my summer holiday after grade 10 because
we wanted to let off steam and recharge our batteries after some stressful days. The transport I used was
a plane. We flew from Hanoi to Da Nang, and it only took about 1.5 hours. The flight was smooth and the
view from the window was stunning — I could see the sea and majestic mountains from above.
While in Da Nang, we had a lot of fun. We went to the beach to swim and relax. We also did a bit of
sightseeing — we visited temples, and bought souvenirs in the local market. In the evening, we explored
the night market and tried lots of delicious cuisine.
I have great memories of the trip because it was the first time I traveled by plane and saw the ocean. The
good thing about the journey was the time I got to spend with my family and the amazing food.
The bad things were the traffic jams in the city center, especially during the rush hour, and one time we
nearly got lost on the way to a cathedral, but luckily, a local helped us.
All in all, I think Da Nang is a lovely place that’s really worth visiting. It gave me an opportunity to relax,
go sightseeing, and have a great time with my family. I’d love to go back one day.

SAMPLE 2: Well, I’m going to talk about a city I visited with my family — Ha Long City, which is
located in Quang Ninh Province, in the north of Vietnam. It's famous for Ha Long Bay, one of the most
beautiful natural wonders in the world.
I made the trip with my family during the summer holiday. It was a great chance for us to to let off steam
and recharge our batteries after some stressful days. The transport I used was a car. The journey took us
around 3 hours, and although we sometimes got stuck in traffic jams, it was still a comfortable road trip.
When we arrived, we were amazed by the view. We took a boat tour around the bay to go sightseeing and
enjoy the breathtaking scenery — the majestic mountains, winding rivers, and stunning islands. We
also visited some caves, explored local markets, bought souvenirs, and tried some delicious seafood
cuisine.
I have great memories of the trip because it gave me an opportunity to spend time with my family and
discover one of the most famous tourist attractions in Vietnam.
The good thing about the journey was the natural beauty and the peaceful atmosphere. The weather was
nice, the air was clean and fresh, and the local people are very hospitable. The bad thing was that it was
packed with tourists, so some places were a bit dirty and noisy.
All in all, I think Ha Long City is a lovely place that’s really worth visiting. It was truly a memorable
experience, and I’d love to go back there again.

189
2. Describe a town or city where you would like to live in the future
You should say:
Where it is.
How you knew it.
What it is famous for.
And why you would like to live there.

3. Describe a countryside area that you like

You should say:
Where it is
How you knew about it
What is special about it
And why you are interested in it

190
UNIT 4: ANIMALS & PEOPLE
ANIMALS AND INSECTS

191
192
IELTS Speaking Part 2
Work alone. Take a minute to read this prompt card for Speaking Part 2 and make notes.

Describe a place you have visited where you can see interesting animals.

You should say:

why you went there

what the place looked like

what you did there

and which animals you found particularly interesting.

SAMPLE ANSWER:

Well, I’m going to talk about Thu Le Park, which is a really interesting place where you can see many kinds
of animals.

Last year, I went there with my family during our summer holiday because we wanted to relieve stress and
let off some steam after a busy school year. Thu Le Park is located in the heart of Hanoi, so it was easy for
us to get there.

The park is quite big and is surrounded by nature, with lots of green trees and a peaceful lake. There are
many cages that keep different kinds of animals, like farm animals, wild animals, and even some sea
creatures. When I was there, the park was packed with visitors, mainly children who were very excited to
see the animals.

When I was at the park, I saw some amazing animals like elephants, tigers and peacocks. The most interesting
part was feeding the monkeys. I gave them some bananas. They smelt horrible, but they were very cute and
smart. My family and I also took some beautiful photos together and we bought some small souvenirs for
my friends. After walking around, we enjoyed some delicious ice cream to cool down.

The animals I found most interesting were the monkeys because they were funny and similar to humans. I
also liked the giraffes because they could eat leaves from tall trees. The parrots were cool too as because
they could talk!

All in all, I think Thu Le Park is a lovely place that’s really worth visiting. It gave me an opportunity to
relax, go sightseeing, and have a great time with my family. I’d love to go back one day.

193
PEOPLE
English words Meaning Examples
to rely on / to count on tin tưởng ai I can always rely on my best friend when I’m
in trouble.
to have a lifelong friendship có tình bạn bền I hope to have a lifelong friendship with my
chặt childhood friend.
bosom friend / best friend bạn thân My bosom friend and I share almost
everything.
acquaintance người quen He is just an acquaintance from my English
class.
to make friends with kết bạn It’s not easy for me to make friends with
strangers.
cement a friendship thắt chặt tình bạn Travelling together can really cement a
friendship.
spoil a friendship làm hỏng tình bạn Lying can easily spoil a friendship.
keep in contact / keep in giữ liên lạc Social media helps me keep in contact with
touch my old classmates.
lose contact / lose touch mất liên lạc I lost touch with many friends after
graduation.
come from similar cùng xuất thân We come from similar backgrounds, so we
backgrounds understand each other well.
have a lot in common có nhiều điểm My best friend and I have a lot in common,
chung like music and sports.
enjoy (sb’s) company thích ở cùng ai I really enjoy her company because she is
cheerful and supportive.
go back a long way (go back quen biết lâu năm We go back years, since we studied in
years) primary school.
fall out (over sth) cãi nhau về cái gì We once fell out over money, but then we
made up.
have a row tranh cãi They had a row about household chores
yesterday.
go our separate ways đường ai nấy đi After university, we went our separate ways
and hardly met again.
know somebody through biết ai qua ai đó I knew her through one of my colleagues.
somebody
get to know hiểu, tìm hiểu I want to get to know my new classmates
better.
make up làm lành Luckily, we made up quickly after the
argument.
do everything together làm mọi việc cùng During high school, we did everything
nhau together.
be through thick and thin / trải qua thăng We have been through thick and thin together
have ups and downs trầm cùng nhau since childhood.
strike up a relationship with bắt đầu mối quan I struck up a relationship with my neighbour
hệ với ai at the gym.
get on like a house on fire rất hợp nhau We met at a party and got on like a house on
fire.
confide something to tâm sự với ai I always confide my problems to my sister.
somebody
hit it off tâm đầu ý hợp We hit it off immediately when we first
talked.
talk behind my back nói xấu sau lưng I felt hurt when I found out she talked behind
my back.

194
drift apart xa cách, không We used to be close, but we drifted apart after
còn thân moving to different cities.
get on well with hòa thuận, ăn ý I get on well with my colleagues at work.
share the same taste in có cùng sở thích / We share the same taste in fashion and music.
gu
curly hair tóc xoăn My sister has beautiful curly hair that makes
her look very lively.
appearance ngoại hình People often judge others by appearance, but I
think personality matters more.
personality tính cách His friendly personality makes him popular
among classmates.
a good role model tấm gương tốt My father is a good role model because he is
hardworking and honest.
hard-working chăm chỉ, siêng She is a hard-working student who always
năng does her homework on time.
understanding hiểu biết My teacher is very understanding, so we feel
comfortable sharing our problems.
have a good sense of humour có khiếu hài hước I love my uncle because he has a good sense
of humour and makes everyone laugh.
shape hình dáng She keeps fit to maintain a healthy body
shape.
slim mảnh mai My cousin is slim because she exercises
regularly.
thin gầy gò He looks a bit thin since he doesn’t eat much.
round face khuôn mặt tròn My best friend has a round face and a bright
smile.
square face mặt vuông chữ Many people say a square face shows
điền confidence.
wavy hair tóc gợn sóng I prefer wavy hair because it looks natural and
stylish.
patient kiên nhẫn My mother is very patient when she helps me
with my studies.
humorous hài hước He is humorous, so everyone enjoys talking to
him.
trustworthy đáng tin cậy My mother is trustworthy, so I can share my
secrets with her.
kind-hearted tử tế, tốt bụng My mother is kind-hearted because she
always helps other people.
creative sáng tạo My brother is creative, and he loves painting.
narrow-minded hẹp hòi, thiển cận I don’t like working with narrow-minded
people who reject new ideas.
aggressive hung hăng He gets aggressive when he plays competitive
sports.
bossy hống hách My little sister can be bossy, always telling
me what to do.
dishonest không trung thực Being dishonest can easily ruin a friendship.
to admire ngưỡng mộ I really admire my grandmother for her
strength and wisdom.
to bring me up well nuôi nấng tôi rất My parents brought me up well and taught me
tốt good manners.
strict nghiêm khắc My father is quite strict, but I know he wants
the best for me.

195
fair công bằng My teacher is fair, so everyone feels respected
in class.
to turn to for advice tìm lời khuyên Whenever I feel confused, I turn to my
mother for advice.
to ask for advice hỏi xin lời khuyên I asked my cousin for advice before choosing
my university.
to leave for work đi làm My dad usually leaves for work at 7 in the
morning.
to come home về nhà She comes home late because of heavy traffic.
to make time for dành thời gian My parents always make time for family
dinners.
to get on very well with hòa hợp với ai I get on very well with my brother even
though we are different.
to influence me a lot ảnh hưởng đến tôi My English teacher influenced me a lot in
rất nhiều choosing my career.

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SPEAKING PART 2:
Describe a person you admire.

You should say:

• who he/ she is

• how you know him/ her

• what characteristics this person has

and explain why you admire this person.

SAMPLE ANSWER:

Today I'm going to talk about a person I truly admire — my best friend. I have known her for 10 years, at
our elementary school so we have been through a lot together. She is not only a friend but also a good role
model who has influenced me a lot throughout my life.

She has a round face, wavy hair, and a slim build. While her appearance is quite graceful, what really
stands out about her is her personality. She's kind-hearted, humorous, and incredibly hard-working. I’d
say she’s someone I can always turn to for advice and rely on without hesitation.

One of the things I admire most is her ability to make time for others despite her busy schedule. She’s very
understanding and trustworthy, which makes her someone that people confide in easily. We get on like
a house on fire and share the same taste in music and movies. Since we were kids, we’ve done everything
together and been through thick and thin. Even when we have ups and downs, we never fall out or drift
apart. After having a row, we always make up and grow stronger.

What I also find inspiring is how she cheer me up well. Whenever I feel lost or frustrated, she always knows
how to lift me up with her humour and wise words. She's creative, patient, and genuinely passionate about
helping others.

All in all, I admire her not only for who she is but for the way she lives her life. She has shaped the person
I am today, and I feel incredibly lucky to have her as both a sister and a lifelong friend.

197
198
1. Describe a family member you spend a lot of time with
Who they are

What you do together

How often you see them

Why you enjoy spending time with them

2. Describe a person who has influenced you

Who they are

How you met them

What influence they had on you

Why they had an impact on you

3. Describe a friend you have known for a long time

Who they are

How you met

What you like about them

Why your friendship has lasted so long

199
UNIT 5: MUSIC
IELTS Speaking Topics
Vocabulary
English words Meaning Examples
audience khán giả The audience cheered loudly at the end of the
performance.
musical taste / taste in gu âm nhạc My musical taste is quite broad—I enjoy
music everything from jazz to pop.
pop music nhạc pop, nhạc trẻ Pop music is really popular among teenagers.
folk music nhạc dân gian, dân I love listening to Vietnamese folk music.
ca
classical music nhạc cổ điển Classical music helps me concentrate while
studying.
perform (v.) biểu diễn She performed beautifully in front of the crowd.
live performance biểu diễn trực tiếp I went to a live performance of my favorite
singer last night.
catchy tunes giai điệu bắt tai, dễ That song has such catchy tunes, I can't stop
nhớ humming it!
meaningful lyrics lời bài hát ý nghĩa I like songs with meaningful lyrics that tell a
story.
musical instrument nhạc cụ I want to learn how to play a musical instrument
like the guitar.
musician nhạc sĩ He’s a talented musician who writes his own
songs.
solo artist nghệ sĩ đơn ca She's a successful solo artist with many hit
songs.
group / band nhóm nhạc, ban This band became famous after their debut
nhạc album.
I'm tone deaf Tôi mù âm nhạc I’m tone deaf, so I never sing in public.
elevator music nhạc mở ở nơi Elevator music is usually soft and repetitive.
công cộng
set ... as a ringtone đặt làm nhạc I set my favorite song as a ringtone.
chuông
tuneful du dương, êm ái I enjoy tuneful melodies when I need to relax.
a massive hit bản nhạc hit That song became a massive hit overnight.
sing out of tune hát lệch tông He tried to sing but was totally out of tune.
take up a musical học chơi một nhạc I’m planning to take up a musical instrument this
instrument cụ year.
to sing along to hát theo I always sing along to my favorite tracks.
come out xuất bản Her new album will come out next month.
download tracks from the tải nhạc trên mạng I usually download tracks from the Internet for
Internet offline listening.
I'm a big fan of tôi là fan cuồng I’m a big fan of Son Tung MTP.
của...
background music nhạc nền I like having soft background music while
studying.
recordings bản thu âm The studio recordings are better than the live
version.
genre thể loại My favorite music genre is rock.

200
music genre: a distinct type of music. Famous music genres include:

classical music: music that is thought to be a part of a long, formal tradition.

| My dad is fond of classical music. He listens to Mozart and Beethoven every day.
pop music: a genre of popular music.
| One of the most famous pop-singers in the history are Michael Jackson and Madonna.

rock music: music that is based around amplified instruments, especially the electric guitar and
electric bass, and is characterized by driving rhythms.
| My favourite music genre is rock. I adore such rock bands as Red Hot Chili Peppers and The
Beatles.

catchy tune: a tune or a song that’s easy to remember and that you enjoy singing.
| I heard a catchy song the other day and now it’s stuck in my head.

elevator music: music that is played in places like supermaket or family restaurant. Almost always is
very repetitive and annoying.
| Yesterday I heard a very annoying elevetor music in the local supermarket.

live music: music performance in front of an audience.

| I prefer listening to a live music than to a recording. It’s much more emotional and energetic.

music to one’s ears: something (often information) very pleasant and enjoyable to someone.
| When my teacher told me that I got the highest mark in the class for the assignment, it was like
music to my ears.

opera: a kind of performance in which actors sing during their play with music performed by an
orchestra.
| I often listen to classical music and go to opera.

ringtone: sound that a cell phone makes when someone is calling.

| I set my favourite song as a ringtone on my cell phone.

rock band: musicians that play rock music.

| Last week I was on my favourite rock band’s concert.

tone deaf: not able to discern the notes properly.

| Although I’m tone deaf, I’d like to learn to sing properly in the future.

tuneful: pleasant and melodious music or sound.

| I heard a tuneful choir of birds yesterday morning.

201
IELTS Speaking sample about Music
Part 1
1. Do you like listening to the music on a regular basis?
Yes, without a doubt. I like different music genres and I listen to various tunes almost every day… I
do not like elevator music, though… It makes me bored and annoyed.

2. Have you ever been interested in singing?

No, not really… I took singing classes when I was younger, but, unfortunately, I am tone deaf, so I
can’t sing very well…

3. Can you say that music is a very important part of your life?

4. What kind of music do you listen to?

Katherine: I’m a big fan of classical music … it doesn’t make me very popular with my children …
their taste in music is completely different … they always want to listen to their favourite rock
bands …

5. Do you play any instruments?

Jamie: No I don’t … I’ve always wished I’d taken up a musical instrument … I’d love to be able to
play the guitar … but I think I’m a bit tone deaf so perhaps I’d find it hard …

6. Have you got any hobbies or interests?

Marco: I’m really into live music … I go to a lot of music festivals … I think a live
performance always sounds more exciting than a recorded version … as long as the performers can
sing and play well of course …

202
Part 2
2.1 Describe a singer you enjoy listening to.

You should say:

• How did you find him/her

• What kind of music does he/she play

• When do you listen to him/her

And say why you like him/her so much

SAMPLE ANSWER: Describe a singer you enjoy listening to:

Today, I’m going to talk about ST MTP who is a famous singer I really admire.
You should say:
• How did you find him/her: I found him on the Internet a few years ago, when I was looking for
some pop music on the Internet… And, immediately after listening to some of his songs, I fell in love
with this awesome solo artist.
• What kind of music does he/she play: He usually performs pop music. Some of his massive hits
are ….. They have catchy tune and meaning lyrics. He also organizes some amazing concerts for his
fans, but I don’t have a lot of money and time, so I only listen to his recordings at home. To be honest,
I really want to go to his concerts in the near future to see him perform live because it’s much more
emotional and energetic.
• When do you listen to them: I usually download his tracks from the Internet and listen to them
every day, usually in the morning while brushing my teeth and in the evening when doing my
homework or before going to bed to make me fall asleep quickly.
And say why you like him/her so much: I really adore ST MTP because whenever I am upset or
stressed with heavy workload, his beautiful songs help me to release stress and recharge my batteries.
The meaningful lyrics in his songs encourage me to work hard and look on bright side of everything.
My favourite song is “Hay trao cho anh”, which I set as a ringtone on my phone.
All in all, he is a good role model for me. Whenever his new song comes out, I listen to it
immediately to increase the number of views for my idol.

203
2.2. Describe an interesting song
You should say:
What kind of song it is
How you found it
What it is about
And explain why it is interesting to you

2.3. Describe a song you like to listen to.

You should say:
– what the piece of music is called
– how long you have liked it
– when you like to listen to it
and say why you like it so much.

204
UNIT 6: BOOKS AND FILMS
📚 Movie ↔ Books Vocabulary Mapping
Movies Books Ghi chú
Genres Genres
Action movie Action novel tiểu thuyết hành động
Blockbuster Bestseller sách bán chạy
Drama Drama / Tragedy / Realistic kịch, tiểu thuyết bi kịch / hiện thực
fiction
Comedy Humorous fiction truyện hài
Detective movie Detective / Crime novel tiểu thuyết trinh thám
Science fiction (sci-fi) Sci-fi novel tiểu thuyết khoa học viễn tưởng
Adventure movie Adventure novel tiểu thuyết phiêu lưu
Historical movie Historical novel tiểu thuyết lịch sử
Musical Poetry / Lyric poetry tương ứng thể loại văn vần, thơ nhạc
Horror movie Horror novel / tiểu thuyết kinh dị
Gothic fiction
Thriller Thriller novel tiểu thuyết giật gân
Documentary Non-fiction / Biography sách phi hư cấu, tiểu sử
Cartoon / Children’s book / sách thiếu nhi, truyện tranh
Animation Comic book
Rom-com Romance novel / tiểu thuyết lãng mạn, tình cảm hài hước
(romantic comedy) Chick lit
Movie adaptation Book adaptation / sách chuyển thể từ phim, hoặc tiểu
Novelization thuyết hoá kịch bản

People / Characters Books

Director - Screenwriter / Scriptwriter Author - Writer/ Editor
Producer Publisher
Main characters Main characters
(Actor – Actress) (male – female character)
Supporting roles Supporting characters
Movie stars/ A-list celebrities
a box-office hit bestseller
Film-goer, film buff Bookworm, avid reader, big reader

Plots & Set Books

Plot Plot (cốt truyện)
Plot twist Plot twist (tương tự)
Background Setting (bối cảnh)
Soundtrack Writing style / Tone / Mood
Special effect (kỹ xảo điện ảnh) Literary devices (biện pháp tu từ: metaphor, irony…)
Series Book series
episode chapter
season part
page

205
 (reviews) Movies Books
Moving, touching
Thought-provoking
Intriguing, interesting Intriguing, page-turner
Hilarious
Oscar-nominated movie Award-winning book
(e.g. Booker Prize, Pulitzer)
Touching storyline Touching story
Burst into tears Moved to tears by a book

Negative Negative
Awful, boring, slow Awful, boring, slow-paced
Tiresome Tiresome, draggy
Makes no sense illogical plot / incoherent storyline

EXAMPLE:
English words Meaning Examples
movie / film phim I usually watch a movie at the weekend to relax.
action movie phim hành động Action movies are exciting, but sometimes they
are too violent.
blockbuster phim bom tấn Avatar was a huge blockbuster that attracted
millions of viewers.
drama phim chính kịch I prefer drama films because they often show real-
life problems.
comedy phim hài I like comedies since they always make me laugh.
comedian diễn viên hài The comedian in that show is very popular in my
country.
detective movie phim trinh thám Sherlock Holmes is my favourite detective movie.
science-fiction (sci-fi) phim khoa học viễn Sci-fi movies often show futuristic worlds and
tưởng technology.
adventure movie phim phiêu lưu I love adventure movies because they take me to
new places.
historical movie phim lịch sử Historical movies help me learn about the past in
an interesting way.
musical phim ca nhạc Musicals are entertaining because of the songs and
dances.
horror movie phim kinh dị I rarely watch horror movies because I get scared
easily.
thriller phim giật gân A good thriller always keeps me on the edge of
my seat.
documentary phim tài liệu Documentaries are educational and provide real
information.
cartoon phim hoạt hình As a child, I watched a lot of cartoons on TV.
romantic comedy phim tình cảm hài Rom-coms are light and funny, perfect for a
(rom-com) relaxing evening.
movie adaptation phim chuyển thể Harry Potter is a movie adaptation of the famous
book series.
series loạt phim, sê-ri I’m addicted to the new Netflix series.
episode tập phim There were 20 episodes in that film

206
season mùa phim That TV show has five seasons already.
actor / actress diễn viên nam / nữ My favourite actor is Leonardo DiCaprio.
movie star ngôi sao điện ảnh Many young people dream of becoming movie
stars.
director đạo diễn Christopher Nolan is a talented director.
producer nhà sản xuất The producer invested a lot of money in this film.
main character nhân vật chính The main character is a brave young woman.
supporting role vai phụ He only played a supporting role, but he was very
impressive.
A-list celebrities ngôi sao hạng A The film was full of A-list celebrities.
film-goer người đi xem phim I’m a regular film-goer, I go to the cinema every
weekend.
movie buff người nghiện phim My friend is a real movie buff, he knows almost
every film.
plot cốt truyện The plot of that film was simple but very
touching.
plot twist nút thắt, điểm ngoặt The plot twist at the end was totally unexpected.
background bối cảnh The background of the movie is set in Paris.
soundtrack nhạc phim I love the soundtrack of The Lion King.
special effects kỹ xảo The special effects in superhero movies are
amazing.
moving / touching cảm động The ending was so touching that I burst into tears.
sweet ngọt ngào It was a sweet love story.
thought-provoking gợi suy nghĩ That documentary was very thought-provoking.
intriguing hấp dẫn, thú vị The plot was intriguing and kept me watching
until the end.
hilarious cực kỳ hài hước The film was hilarious, and the whole audience
laughed loudly.
Oscar-nominated phim được đề cử Titanic was an Oscar-nominated movie with a
movie Oscar touching storyline.
box-office hit bộ phim ăn khách, Avatar was a real box-office hit when it was
bộ phim rất thành released.
công
awful tệ The film was awful; I almost fell asleep.
slow chậm chạp The first half was too slow, but the ending was
better.
boring nhàm chán Honestly, the movie was boring and I left early.
tiresome mệt mỏi, chán ngán The story became tiresome after the first hour.
makes no sense vô lý The plot makes no sense, so I didn’t enjoy the
film.

207
Part 1-style questions

1. Do you like to watch films?

Absolutely. I’m such a big film buff because watching movies helps me relieve stress and recharge
my batteries after a long day at school. Besides, some films are really thought-provoking and broaden
my horizons.

2. What kinds of movies do you like best?

Personally, I’m into rom-coms and action blockbusters. These genres often have fascinating plots,
hilarious characters, and sometimes touching storylines that really move me.

3. What was the first film that you watched?

It seems like my earliest memory of watching a film is Doraemon. It is a Japanese cartoon that was
extremely popular among Vietnamese children during my childhood. I enjoyed it because of its sweet
plot, lovable main characters, and colourful animation.

5. How often do you go to the cinema?

To be honest, I’m a regular film-goer, so I usually go to the cinema every weekend to catch the latest
blockbusters. If a film gets good reviews, especially with amazing special effects or a beautiful
soundtrack, I definitely want to see it on the big screen. Although it’s comfortable to watch at home,
the immersive background and atmosphere of the cinema are truly worthwhile.

6. Do you like to read books?

Yes, I do. I like nothing more than being engrossed in a good book. Sometimes, I even admire the
creativity of the writers because their stories are as intriguing as movies. I often read books from
cover to cover in no time, and I can’t go to sleep without some good bedtime reading.

7. Do you prefer reading books or watching films?

Honestly, I’m not a big reader since I find books quite heavy-going. I much prefer watching films,
especially documentaries and sci-fi movies, because of the impressive special effects and thought-
provoking plots. For me, films are more entertaining and easier to enjoy.

208
Part 2 -style task
2.1. Describe your favorite movie
You should say:
- when and where you saw it
- what type of film it was
- what the film was about
and explain why it is your favorite film

SAMPLE 1.1

Today, I’m going to talk about my favorite movie.

I watched it last year, right after my final exams, as a way to relieve stress. My friend and I went to a cinema
about 40 kilometers away from my hometown to see it.

It was a romantic comedy, or rom-com, directed by a famous filmmaker. The movie lasted around two hours,
and it kept me entertained from start to finish.

The story revolved around two people from very different backgrounds who met by chance and slowly fell in
love despite various misunderstandings and obstacles. It was full of humorous moments as well as touching
scenes that warmed my heart.

I’m into this film for several reasons. Firstly, it had a meaningful plot that encouraged me to stay optimistic in
life and believe in love. Secondly, the main characters were portrayed by A-list celebrities whose acting was
truly convincing. Finally, the soundtrack was incredibly catchy, and the special effects were so impressive that
they made the whole experience even more enjoyable.

All in all, this film is my favorite because it made me laugh, touched my heart, and left me feeling inspired.

209
SAMPLE 1.2

Today, I’m going to talk about my favorite movie.

I watched it last year, right after my final exams, as a way to relieve stress. At that time, I felt quite
tired, so my close friend suggested going to a cinema about 40 kilometers away from my hometown.
We are both movie-goers, so it didn’t take long for us to agree.

The film was a romantic comedy, or rom-com, directed by a very famous film director. It was actually
a blockbuster when it came out and was filmed in several beautiful locations. The movie lasted
around two hours, but it was so interesting that I didn’t feel time passing.

The touching storyline revolved around two people from very different backgrounds who met by
chance and slowly fell in love despite various misunderstandings and obstacles. There were plenty of
hilarious scenes that made the audience laugh out loud, but also some emotional parts that made me
almost burst into tears. The fascinating characters were played by talented actors and actresses, and
even the supporting roles had very believable performances.

I love this film for several reasons. Firstly, it had a wonderful plot that managed to convey a
meaningful message about love and kindness. Secondly, the costumes were stylish and matched the
background perfectly, and the special effects—although not over the top—were very well done.
Finally, the catchy soundtrack stayed in my head for days after watching it.

All in all, this movie is my favorite because it had everything I enjoy: a touching storyline, intriguing
scenes, talented actors, and even a few plot twists that I didn’t expect. It made me laugh, moved me to
tears, and left me feeling inspired. As a bit of a film buff, I can say this is the kind of movie I could
happily watch again and again.

210
2.2 Describe a movie you would like to watch again.
You should say:
• What it was about
• When and where you watched it
• Who you watched it with
And explain why you would like to watch it again.

SAMPLE 2:

Today, I’m going to talk about a movie I would really like to watch again.
I first watched it last year, right after my final exams, as a way to relieve stress. At that time, I felt
quite tired and mentally drained, so my close friend suggested going to a cinema about 40 kilometers
away from my hometown. We are both movie-goers, so it didn’t take long for us to agree.

The film was a romantic comedy, or rom-com, directed by a very famous film director. It was actually
a blockbuster when it came out and was filmed in several beautiful locations. The movie lasted
around two hours, but it was so interesting and engaging that I didn’t feel time passing at all.

The touching storyline revolved around two people from very different backgrounds who met by
chance and slowly fell in love despite various misunderstandings and obstacles. There were plenty of
hilarious scenes that made the audience laugh out loud, but also some emotional moments that made
me almost burst into tears. The fascinating characters were played by talented actors and actresses,
and even the supporting roles had very believable performances.

I would love to watch this film again for several reasons. Firstly, it had a wonderful plot that managed
to convey a meaningful message about love and kindness. Secondly, the costumes were stylish and
matched the background perfectly, and the special effects—although not over the top—were very well
done. Finally, the catchy soundtrack stayed in my head for days after watching it, and I would enjoy
hearing it again on the big screen.

All in all, this is a movie that made me laugh, moved me to tears, and left me feeling inspired. As a
bit of a film buff, I believe it’s the kind of film worth watching more than once to fully enjoy every
scene, every detail, and every emotion.

211
2.3. Describe an exciting book you have read.
You should say:
• When you read it;
• What type/kind of book it is;
• What it is about;
• Why you read it /Why it is exciting.

SAMPLE 2.3 (a):

Today, I’m going to talk about an exciting book I have read.

I read it last summer, right after my final exams, when I had more free time. One afternoon, my best
friend and I went to a small bookstore near my school. We looked at many kinds of literature there,
such as poetry, biographies, and novels. Finally, I decided to buy a fiction novel because I had read
good reviews about it.

The book was written by a famous author and was about 500 pages long. It was a science fiction
novel mixed with some thriller elements. The story was about a young man who joined a secret
mission to save the world from a dangerous threat. The mission was very complicated, and the main
character had to act bravely and make quick decisions. The author did a great job directing the plot so
that it was always exciting.

I read the book every night before going to bed, and sometimes I stayed up late because I couldn’t
stop reading. The plot was full of surprises, and there were many twists I didn’t expect. The characters
were well-developed, and I felt like I was part of their adventure. The ending was also emotional and
left me thinking for a long time.

I think this book was exciting because it was not only good entertainment but also taught me some
lessons about teamwork, courage, and never giving up. Even though it was fiction, the story felt real,
and it made me imagine many interesting things.

All in all, this is one of the best novels I have read, and I would love to read it again in the future.

212
SAMPLE 2.3 (b):

Today, I’m going to talk about an exciting book that I have read and would love to read again.
I first read it last year, right after my final exams, as a way to relax and relieve stress. At that time, I
felt quite tired, so my close friend recommended this book to me. We often share reading suggestions
because we both enjoy literature and fiction, especially novels that are easy to get lost in.

The book was a romantic novel written by a very famous author. It quickly became a bestseller and
received many positive reviews from both readers and reviewers. Even though it’s not a movie, I felt
the way the story was told was almost like it was directed by a talented film director, because every
scene in the book was so vivid that I could imagine it playing out in my mind.

The touching storyline revolved around two people from very different backgrounds who met by
chance and slowly fell in love despite various misunderstandings and obstacles. The author did an
amazing job of directing the plot—there were plenty of light-hearted, even fancy and funny moments
that made me smile, but also some deeply emotional parts that almost made me cry. The characters
were so well-developed that they felt real, and even the minor characters played an important role in
making the story rich and believable.

I found this book exciting for several reasons. Firstly, it had a wonderful plot that managed to convey
a meaningful message about love, kindness, and understanding others. Secondly, the background and
settings described in the book were so detailed and colorful that reading it felt like traveling to another
place. Finally, the pacing of the story kept me engaged from start to finish—there were even a few
unexpected twists that made the book impossible to put down.

All in all, this is one of the most exciting books I’ve read because it entertained me, touched my heart,
and left me thinking about it long after I finished. I believe it’s the kind of novel worth reading more
than once, just to enjoy every page and every emotion it brings.

213
UNIT 7: HEALTH
IELTS Health Vocabulary

Part 2 -style task

Describe a time when you were ill. You should say:
– when this was
– what your symptoms were
– how long the illness lasted
and say how it affected your life at the time.

Sample: This is a tricky one really as I’m usually quite healthy … I’ve never been seriously ill … like
everyone else I sometimes get a few aches and pains or catch a cold … I can remember a few
months ago I had to have time off work with a heavy cold … I had the usual symptoms … a blocked
nose … sore throat … it lasted quite a while … about 2 weeks I think though I didn’t have that much
time off work … for a few days I remember feeling poorly but I was over the worst of it after a few
days and went back to work … I always find it’s better to be active when you feel ill as it keeps your
mind off your symptoms … I think my family get a little fed up with me when I’m ill though … I tend
to feel sorry for myself and lie on the sofa all day as if I’m at death’s door … but as I said earlier …
on this occasion it was nothing serious and didn’t really cause me any problems …

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Definitions
aches and pains: minor pains that continue over a period of time
to be a bit off colour: to feel a little ill
to be at death’s door: (informal) to be very ill indeed
to be on the mend: to be recovering after an illness
to be over the worst: to have got through the most serious or uncomfortable stage of an illlness
to be under the weather: (informal) to not feel well
a blocked nose: when the nose has excess fluid due to a cold
to catch a cold: to get a cold
a check-up: a physical examination by a doctor
a chesty cough: a cough caused by congestion around the lungs
cuts and bruises: minor injuries
to feel poorly: to feel ill
as fit as a fiddle: to be very healthy
to go down with a cold: to become ill
to go private: to choose to be treated by commercial healthcare rather than by services offered by the
state
GP: General Practitioner (family doctor)
to have a filling: to have a tooth repaired
to have a tooth out: to have a tooth removed
a heavy cold: a bad cold
to make an appointment: to arrange a time to see the doctor
to make a speedy recovery: to recover quickly from an illnes
to phone in sick: to call work to explain you won’t be attending work due to illness
prescription charges: money the patient pays for medicine authorised by a doctor
to pull a muscle: to strain a muscle
a runny nose: a nose that has liquid coming out of it
a sore throat: inflammation that causes pain when swallowing

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 UNIT 8: SPEAKING TECHNIQUES

I.Extend the main idea using the “5W1H” SUGGESTIONS to make a longer answer.

5W1H

Example: Do you have a hobby?

Direct answer I love reading books

Why I’m a bookworm

What (type of book you like) I’m a big fan of comic books

Why …. because they are colorful, have a lot of pictures and

very easy to understand

ð RULES: ______________________________ + ______________________________

Ø SPEAKING PART 1

1. Do you like listening to music

Direct answer Certainly

What (type of
music)

Who

Why

2. What is your most favorite subject?

Direct answer

Why

Who (teaches you)

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3. Do you often wake up early?

Main answer

Why

What time

Who (often call you up)

How (do you feel about

waking up early)

4. Do you have any best friends?

Main answer

What is his/her personality

When (did you first met)

How is your relationship

5. Who are you close to the most in your family?

Main answer

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HOMETOWN EDUCATION
1. Are you a student? 1. Do you work or are you a student?
2. Where do you come from? 2. Describe your education
3. Can you describe your town or city to me? 3. Do you study English now?
4. What do you like about the area where you 4. Do you enjoy studying at school?
live? 5. What kind of school did you go to as a child?
5. What things in your town or city do you not 6. What was your favourite subject as a child?
like?

FILMS MUSIC
1. Do you like to watch films? 1. Do you like listening to music on a regular
2. What kinds of movies do you like best? basis?
3. Do you prefer foreign films or films made in 2. Have you ever been interested in singing?
your country? 3. Can you say that music is a very important
4. What was the first film that you watched? part of your life?
5. How often do you go to the cinema? 4. What kind of music do you listen to?
6. Do you like to read books? 5. Do you play any instruments?
7: Do you prefer reading books or watching 6. Have you got any hobbies or interests?
films?

HOBBIES

1. What do you like to do in your free time?

2. Do you think hobbies are important? Why?
3. What hobbies are popular in your country?
4. Did you have any hobbies when you were a
child?
5. Is there a hobby you would like to take up in
the future?
6. Do you prefer indoor or outdoor hobbies?
Why?

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 Ø SPEAKING PART 2

1. Describe a city you have visited

You should say:

• Where the city is

• Why you went there

• What you did there

And explain how you felt about this city

INTRODUCTION

BODY:

Question 1 Direct Answer:

Detail (5W1H):

Question 2 Direct Answer:

Detail (5W1H):

Question 3 Direct Answer:

Detail (5W1H):

Question 4 Direct Answer:

Detail (5W1H):

CONCLUSION

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2. Describe a person you admire.

You should say:

• who he/ she is

• how you know him/ her

• what characteristics this person has

and explain why you admire this person.

INTRODUCTION

BODY:

Question 1 Direct Answer:

Detail (5W1H):

Question 2 Direct Answer:

Detail (5W1H):

Question 3 Direct Answer:

Detail (5W1H):

Question 4 Direct Answer:

Detail (5W1H):

CONCLUSION

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3. Describe your favorite movie
You should say:
- when and where you saw it
- what type of film it was;
- what the film was about;
and explain why it is your favorite film
4. Describe an exciting book you have read.
You should say:
• When you read it
• What type of book it is
• What it is about
And explain why you found it exciting
5. Describe a singer or a band you enjoy listening to.
You should say:
•How you found them
• What kind of music do they play
• When do you listen to them
And say why you like them so much
6. Describe an interesting song
You should say:
• What kind of song it is
• How you found it
• What it is about
And explain why it is interesting to you
7. Describe a place you have visited where you can see interesting animals.
You should say:
why you went there
what the place looked like
what you did there
and which animals you found particularly interesting.
8. Describe a journey you made in the past that you remember well.
You should say:
• what forms of transport you used and why
• who you travelled with
• what was good and bad about it
and explain why you remember the trip so well.

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 II. Rewrite the answers below to create COMPOUND AND/OR COMPLEX SENTENCES.
1. Q: What outdoor activity do you like?
A: I’m a fitness fanatic. I love playing football. Football is the king of sport. Playing it helps
me keep fit. Playing it helps me make new friends. The new friends share the same interest
with me.
→ _________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________

2. Q: Is there any new hobby you would like to take up?

A: Absolutely. I am a big fan of cooking. I have never tried it before. I am very busy with the
heavy workload. When I was young, I had a dream. I wanted to become a chef. In the future I will
have more free time. When I have free time, I will learn how to cook.
→ _________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
3. Q: Who do you look like the most in your family?
A: I was told to have my mother’s lips. My relatives told me that. I also have my mom’s eyes.
Her eyes are brown. They are quite big too. They are very beautiful. Many people look at me.
They often say I’m my mom’s splitting image.
→ _________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________

4. Q: Do you often get emotional?

A: Not exactly. Most of the time I am an energetic person. I sometimes get emotional. It is
when I watch movies. Especially movies with sad endings. Last week I watched a film. The
film was about a couple. It had an unhappy ending. The couple drifted apart. I was very sad. I
cried so much. I am only going to watch movies with happy endings.
→ _________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________

5. Q: What is your favorite holiday?

A: I am fond of Tet holiday the most. Tet is a Vietnamese holiday. It is a part of Vietnamese
tradition. It has traditional food. Banh Chung and Dua Hanh are the must-have items. Tet
holiday also means getting lucky money. Parents often give children some money for luck.
This is my favorite part.
→ _________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________

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III. Extend the main idea USING A VARIETY OF TENSES

Past simple

Past perfect

Present perfect

Present perfect

continuous

Future simple

Example: Q: What are the qualities of a good friend to you?

A: Well, I believe that honesty and loyalty are the personality traits that I’m looking for in a friend. I
used to have a very close friend when I was in high school. I had trusted and treated her with all my
heart until one day I found out she said bad things behind my back. I was so shocked back then that
I decided to only make friends with honest and loyal people.

1. Can you cheer people up when they’re down? (Past simple)

2. Where do you live? (Present perfect continuous)

3. What kind of housing are you living in? (Future simple)

4. What is your favorite kind of movie? (Past simple)

5. What have you learned from movies? (Present perfect)

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IV. Choose the suitable CONNECTORS to complete the answers.
1. Q: What is your dream holiday?
A: __________ I am a beach lover _________ I would hit the beach whenever I have the
chance. I heard that Phu Quoc has a spectacular sea view of white sand ________ crystal
clear water. __________ I have never been to Phu Quoc before, I’m sure it will be as
beautiful as I am told.

2. Q: What do you usually do with your friends?

A: _________, I am pretty much snowed under with the heavy workload, _______, I do not
have much time to spend with my best friend. _________, when I have my freetime, we often
go to the cinema to watch a movie ______ we are both movie buffs. ___________ we
sometimes go to our favorite coffee shop to chill out __________ tell each other about our
lives.

3. Q: What is your hometown famous for?

A: ___________ Hanoi is a big city, there is a little bit of everything for everyone.
____________ I love Hanoi’s cuisine with dishes that you cannot find the same taste
anywhere else _________ Pho _______ Bun Cha. _____________ I also think Hanoi is a
great place for tourists to visit. __________ Hanoi always has something interesting going on,
tourists will never get bored here.

4. Q: What kind of things would make you happy??

A: _____________ I lead an active social life, I love to hang out with my best friends.
____________ I am also keen on painting ____________ it helps me to let off steam after
hard working hours. ____________ I enjoy meditating the most ____________ it is very
therapeutic for both my mind and body.

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5. Q: Describe one of your best friends
A: ___________, the person I’d like to talk to you about is a very good friend of mine, Mai.
She must be one of the nicest and most down-to-earth individuals I know.
Mai is a very gorgeous and charming girl who has a bright smile. __________ she is much
taller than me _____________ it’s kind of embarrassing standing next to her to be honest.
__________, Mai also has straight brown hair and deep, dark brown eyes. ___________,
unlike a lot of girls her age, she doesn’t pay any attention to her appearance. I don’t think I’ve
ever seen her in anything more than a plain old T- shirt or jeans.
__________, we’ve basically known each other since forever ________ we were in the same
class from high school through to college._____________, the first time I met her, she left a
deep impression on me ___________ the first day at school. I remember that I got lost while
trying to find my classroom _________ she was my savior when she helped me to find
it.______________, we were arranged by the teacher to become desk-mates.

Time goes by, I guess the main reason is that we share the same taste in almost everything.
She is my closest friend _________ I feel like we can share everything together, from
schoolwork to our love lives. The thing I admire most about Mai is that she has good
personality traits _____________ carrying, sometimes protective and trustworthy.
_____________ , Mai also has things to improve. __________she’s never on time, I always
have to wait at least 20 minutes. __________ she is sometimes quite absent-minded
_________ I have to remind her things over and over again. ___________, she can easily get
emotional even for small things. ____________ all of that, Mai still has a strong sense of
responsibility ____________ I know that I can always rely on her. _____________, I think
friendship is the most important thing in the world and I am proud to say that I have such a
loyal and helpful friend.

PART 2 DO AND DON’T: https://youtu.be/bdjkEU-ySEQ?si=xFIiGjkBcX80s3_B

Do Don’t

✔ Talk for about 1m50s to 2 minutes ✖ Talk for less than 1m30s
✔ Organize your ideas (time/space order) ✖ Underestimate the note
✔ Start with an opening phrase ✖ Go straight to your first point
✔ Note using one word or short phrases ✖ Note using a whole sentence
✔ Stay focus on the topic ✖ Go off-topic
✔ Try to have a strong finish (may use ✖ Be unclear with your finish
finishing phrases) ✖ Make multiple self-correction or self-hesitation
✔ It’s ok to be nervous ✖ Crying and/or panicking :>

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 REVIEW & FINAL TEST
I.REVIEW
Structure

Part 1: general questions Part 2: describe

event/person/object

Fluency and Avoid multiple hesitation and Avoid multiple hesitation and self-
coherence self-correction/self- repetition correction/self- repetition

Use connective phrases. Use connective phrases.

Ensure 3 parts opening-body-

ending.

Try to maintain fluency in 2mins.

Lexical resource Paraphrase the questions using synonyms.

Use phrasal verbs and idiomatic phrases to enhance vocabulary range.

Grammatical range Use a mix of simple-complex- Use a mix of simple-complex-

& accuracy compound sentences. compound sentences.

Use a variety of tenses/structures Try to have multiple structures in

one answer.

Use a variety of tenses (PPF recipe)

Pronunciation Pronounce vowels and sounds correctly.

Be mindful about beginning-middle-ending sounds.

Remember word stress and sentence stress.

Adjust intonation to have a more natural pronunciation.

(Try to use facial expression to be more convincing =))))

II. FINAL TEST: You will be given some questions of Part 1 and ONE question of Part 2. Please be
noted that there will be time restrictions in Part 2. When it’s your turn to take the test, please provide
yourself with a pen and bring this handout with you.

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