Sach Speaking Full 3 Parts Ngoc Bach_version 1

MỤC LỤC I. Part 1 ......................................................................................................................................................... 7 1. Celebrity ................................................................................................................................................... 7 2. Advertisements ........................................................................................................................................ 9 3. Gifts ........................................................................................................................................................ 11 4. Transportation ....................................................................................................................................... 12 5. Colors ...................................................................................................................................................... 15 6. Flowers ................................................................................................................................................... 17 7. Bus and taxi ............................................................................................................................................ 20 8. Computers .............................................................................................................................................. 22 9. Noises ...................................................................................................................................................... 23 10. Home/ Accommodation .......................................................................................................................... 26 11. Visitors .................................................................................................................................................... 30 12. Newspapers and magazines .................................................................................................................. 32 13. Outdoor Activities ................................................................................................................................... 35 14. Photos ..................................................................................................................................................... 38 15. Teachers ................................................................................................................................................. 42 16. Walking .................................................................................................................................................. 44 17. Books ...................................................................................................................................................... 45 18. Music ...................................................................................................................................................... 48 19. Study ....................................................................................................................................................... 54 20. Work ....................................................................................................................................................... 57 21. Activities near water .............................................................................................................................. 60 22. Birthday .................................................................................................................................................. 62 23. Chocolate ................................................................................................................................................ 63 24. Hometown .............................................................................................................................................. 65 25. Singing .................................................................................................................................................... 67 26. Sunny days ............................................................................................................................................. 68 IELTS NGOC BACH

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27. Weekends ............................................................................................................................................... 70 28. Art ........................................................................................................................................................... 73 29. Family ..................................................................................................................................................... 75 30. Handcrafts .............................................................................................................................................. 78 31. Hats and bags ......................................................................................................................................... 79 II. Part 2 and Part 3 .................................................................................................................................... 83 1. Describe a person/something that made you laugh ............................................................................. 83 2. Describe your favorite movie ................................................................................................................. 87 3. Describe a piece of equipment in your home . ...................................................................................... 94 4. Describe a gift that you recently gave to others ................................................................................. 100 5. Describe an interesting song ............................................................................................................... 106 6. Describe a creative inventor or musician ............................................................................................ 112 7. Describe a special meal you have had ................................................................................................. 118 8. Describe a favorite part of your city or home that you often visit/ Describe a place where you relaxed ........................................................................................................................................................ 124 9. Describe a bicycle/motorbike/car trip that is interesting .................................................................. 130 10. Describe a person that you admire ..................................................................................................... 137 11. Describe an interesting photo ............................................................................................................. 146 12. Describe a sport that you prefer to do and is a little expensive ......................................................... 152 13. Describe a garden you visited and like. ............................................................................................. 158 14. Describe an area of subject that you are interested in (such as physics, mathematics) ................ 166 15. Describe someone who has a great influence on you/ Describe a person who you have met before and you want to know more about ........................................................................................................... 174 16. Describe a tall building you like or dislike. ....................................................................................... 182 17. Describe a wild animal ......................................................................................................................... 189 18. Describe a time when you were very busy. ....................................................................................... 194 19. Describe a famous person in your country ....................................................................................... 200 20. Describe an outdoor activity you like to do ........................................................................................ 206 21. Describe an advertisement you have seen. ......................................................................................... 215 22. Describe a website that you like to visit. ............................................................................................ 223 IELTS NGOC BACH

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23. Describe a small business that you would like to open, (or, start or run or own or have) if you had the chance. ................................................................................................................................................. 228 24. Describe a time you needed to use imagination ................................................................................. 235 25. Describe an interesting or unusual thing you do in your spare time. .............................................. 241 26. Describe a time you missed an important appointment for something ........................................... 250 27. Describe a team project for study or entertainment ............................................................................. 254 28. Describe a place in other countries where you would like to work .................................................... 259 29. Describe a sport stadium that’s important in your city. ...................................................................... 264 30. Describe an important holiday (or festival) that is celebrated in your country. ............................ 269 31. Describe an event that resulted in a positive change in your life. Or Describe a positive change that you made to your life. ....................................................................................................................... 274 32. Describe a piece of good news that you received. .............................................................................. 279 33. Describe something special that you saved money to buy. ............................................................... 283 34. Describe a good part of your personality or character. .................................................................... 287 35. Describe a person who you like to spend time with. ......................................................................... 292 36. Describe an item that you received and made you happy ................................................................ 297 37. Describe an antique or some other old thing that your family has kept for a long time. .................. 303 38. Describe a time when you made a mistake. ........................................................................................ 309 39. Describe a big company that you would like to work in. ................................................................. 314 40. Describe a useful app or computer program for a smart phone, computer or tablet that you have used. ........................................................................................................................................................... 321 41. Describe a course you would like to study (or, do). .......................................................................... 326 42. Describe a difficult decision that you made. ...................................................................................... 331 43. Describe a time when you tried a new food for the first time. ......................................................... 335 44. Describe an activity you do for your health or fitness. ....................................................................... 341 45. Describe a situation that made you a little angry. ............................................................................ 346 46. Describe an occasion when you got up very early. ............................................................................ 351 47. Describe a skill you learned when you were a child. ........................................................................ 357 48. Describe a short trip that you frequently make (or, take) but dislike. ............................................ 363 49. Describe a wedding that you have attended. ..................................................................................... 369 50. Describesomething that you have shared with others (or another person) .................................... 375 IELTS NGOC BACH

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HƯỚNG DẪN SỬ DỤNG SÁCH Hi các bạn, các bạn đang đọc quyển ebook “IELTS Speaking FULL 3 parts by Ngoc Bach” version 1 Đây là bộ đề cập nhật các đề và đáp án cho tháng 9/2016 đến tháng 1/2017. TẤT CẢ CÁC BỘ ĐỀ các bạn có trên mạng phần lớn đều chưa chính xác ở thời điểm hiện tại, nhất là các bộ đề các bạn down về thời điểm đầu tháng 9 hoặc sách bản cứng (đơn giản là bản cứng thì làm không thể cập nhật được nữa trong khi đề thi thì thay đổi liên tục). Mình sẽ liên tục cập nhật, so sánh và đối chiếu với đề thi các bạn học sinh thi về để update thêm list đề và đáp án mới sát nhât cho các bạn Về cách học: + Các bạn có thể dựa vào bộ đề, đáp án tham khảo, giải thích từ vựng chi tiết do mình soạn -> học lấy các ideas hay áp dụng vào chính bài nói của các bạn. Mình không khuyến khích học thuộc lòng. + Nhiều bạn hỏi học thuộc lòng có sợ bị giám khảo phát hiện và trừ điểm không? Câu trả lời: Thứ nhất, về nguyên tắc, miễn là bài nói của bạn trôi chảy, phát âm sử dụng từ vựng chính xác, đúng ngữ cảnh -> không ai có quyền trừ điểm bạn. Thứ hai, không ai nhớ hết & thuộc làu tất cả đáp án trong bộ này cả nên chẳng bao giờ các bạn đi thi nói giống hoàn toàn nhau được. Ít nhất là hơn 2 năm sách speaking của mình ra đời chưa ghi nhận trường hợp nào giám khảo phát hiện vì nói giống nhau cả (toàn là điểm tốt báo về… hehe)

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Cuối cùng, các bạn hãy biết rằng, khi các bạn đã đăng ký mua sách, nếu có bất cứ thay đổi nào trong bộ đề cả 3 part, mình sẽ luôn theo dõi và cập nhật đề thi & đáp án sớm nhất cho các bạn. Các bạn không cần (và không nên) nhắn giục nhé, mình sẽ mất thêm thời gian trả lời từng bạn thôi, lại chậm cập nhật hơn. LƯU Ý CÁC BẠN CẦN CAM KẾT KHÔNG PUBLIC, SHARE SÁCH DƯỚI MỌI HÌNH THỨC. CÁC KIẾN THỨC TRONG SÁCH TỪNG CÂU, TỪNG CHỮ ĐỀU LÀ TÂM HUYẾT, CÔNG SỨC CỦA MÌNH SOẠN ĐÚC RÚT KINH NGHIỆM NHIỀU NĂM DẠY IELTS. KHÔNG PHẢI TRONG MỘT SỚM, MỘT CHIỀU MÀ VIẾT ĐƯỢC. HÃY TÔN TRỌNG VÀ ỦNG HỘ SẢN PHẨM CỦA NGƯỜI VIỆT. Một lần nữa cám ơn các bạn đã đăng ký mua sách của mình ! -Ngọc Bách-

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I. Part 1 1. Celebrity 1.1.

Who is your favorite celebrity in Vietnam?

Well, to be honest, I adore quite a number of Vietnamese stars. Regarding music, young and celebrated singers like Toc Tien and Dong Nhi are definitely my top choices whereas if it’s acting, veteran actors like Binh Minh or Manh Truong always give a really convincing performance. 1.2.

Do you like any foreign celebrities?

As a matter of fact, yes. I’ve been an avid fan of Western contemporary pop singers for quite a time now, especially those who have excellent vocal skills like Adele, Bruno Mars or John Legend. I even created a special playlist on my phone which contains only their songs to listen to whenever I want. 1.3.

Would you want to be a celebrity in the future?

I’ve never given this much thought but I’d have to say that entering showbiz isn’t really the path I’d choose. Rising to stardom means losing a great deal of privacy as well as having less time with family and friends, so I guess I’d prefer to stay as a part of the general public. 1.4.

Do you think we should protect famous people's privacy?

Well, definitely. It’s a human right to have your private information kept confidential and to have freedom in whatever you want to do, without being followed by paparazzis all the time. Just because celebrities are public figures doesn’t mean their private life has to be exposed to everyone for gossip. 1.5.

How do celebrities influence their fans in Vietnam?

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In Vietnam, as in any other countries, admirers consider celebrities a source of inspiration as well as consolation. For example, they might watch videos or read articles about their favourite artists to cheer themselves up when they feel down. Additionally, fans can be affected in the way they behave or dress, since most of these fans are impressionable teenagers who want to appear like their idols. VOCABULARY ü To adore [v]: to love or admire (someone) very much Eg: He's a good doctor. All his patients adore him. ü Celebrated [adj]: known and praised by many people Eg: He is one of today's most celebrated young writers. ü Veteran [adj]: someone who has a lot of experience in a particular activity, job, etc. Eg: He's been an event organiser for over 20 years and, as a veteran, he is widely respected for his vast experience. ü Convincing [adj]: that makes somebody believe that something is real or true. Eg: The actor gave a convincing performance as 007 in the latest James Bond film. ü To be an avid fan sth [expression]: to be very enthusiastic about sth Eg: I like to play the electric guitar as I’m an avid fan of rock. ü Contemporary [adj]: modern, happening or beginning now or in recent times Eg: ‘Vogue’ is a magazine devoted to contemporary fashions. ü Vocal skills [n]: singing skills IELTS NGOC BACH

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Eg: Having great vocal skills is the most important talent for a singer. ü To rise to stardom [expression]: to become famous Eg: He rose to stardom in such a short time after winning a TV talent show. ü Human right [n]: The basic rights and freedoms to which all humans are considered to be given Eg: Everybody should be entitled to free medical care as a basic human right. ü Public figure [np]: a well-knowned and notable person Eg: She is a famous public figure as a result of her appearances on TV. ü To

be

exposed

to

[expression]:

Make

(something) visible

or

know by uncovering it Eg: The real truth about the war was exposed to the public through a series of newspaper articles. ü Gossip [n]:

an informal talk about other people’s private lives, that

may be unkind or untrue. Eg: He had been spreading gossip about his co-workers. ü Consolation [n]: something that makes a person feel less sadness, disappointment, etc Eg: His kind words were a consolation to me. ü To feel down [expression]: to feel blue, to feel sad Eg: I listen to upbeat songs when I feel down. ü Impressionable [adj]: easily influenced by someone or something Eg: Teenagers are at an impressionable age and they often copy their friends or even their favourite celebrities. 2. Advertisements IELTS NGOC BACH

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2.1.

Are there many advertisements in your country?

I would say yes. You can easily see a wide range of advertisements almost everywhere in my hometown. For example, almost half of a newspaper is made up of ads. 2.2.

Why do you think there are so many advertisements now?

I guess it’s due to their benefits. First, advertising is an essential part of promotional campaigns for companies to reach their end users. It helps raise the visibility of a company's brand. Second, advertisements can act as decoration on the street. I find a street better-looking with advertisements. 2.3.

What are the various places where we see advertisements?

Today advertising gets to people through different forms of communication, from print media to electronic ones, so you can see advertisements on websites, social networks or in the newspapers and magazines. There are also ads you see outdoors as well, for example, large banners and posters hung on the roads, on the buses or trains. 2.4.

How do you feel about advertisements?

Most people may find those ways of product promotion annoying, but I’m an exception. I’m quite into advertisements. They’re colourful, brilliantly designed, illustrated, photographed or typeset pieces and often have useful, informative contents. VOCABULARY ü Promotional campaign: [noun] A series of advertisements using various marketing tools that share the same message and ideas to promote a business or event to a target audience. IELTS NGOC BACH

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Example:

Promotional campaigns play a crucial role in the marketing

strategy of a company. ü End users: [noun] Person or organization that actually uses a product Example: We provide the best quality products to our end users. ü Print media: [noun] refers to paper publications circulated in the form of physical editions of newspapers, articles, journals, etc ü Electronic media: [noun] refers to television, radio, etc ü Informative: [adjective] giving useful information Example: The professor’s lecture was very informative and I learned a lot from it. 3. Gifts 3.1.

How often do you buy others gifts?

Not very often, I think. I used to send gifts to my friends on most occasions when I was younger, but I haven’t been doing that these days. 3.2.

Do you like to send expensive gifts?

Well I’m still a student, so sending expensive presents is a no-no for me. I prefer giving gifts that show my love and care for that person, for example handmade ones. 3.3.

What kinds of gifts are popular in your country?

Birthday gifts, such as books, clothes or accessories are always popular. Or teddies; when I was in secondary school and high school, we used to send each other teddies or photo frames as birthday gifts. 3.4.

Why do people send gifts?

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I think people send gifts to show that they care for the other party and that they treasure the relationship between the two. It can be more specific, like to express their affection, gratitude, or even to ask for forgiveness. VOCABULARY ü To be a no-no for smb [expression] to be impossible or inadvisable for smb e.g. Meeting this weekend is a no-no for me; I’ve already got something to do. ü Handmade [adj] made by a person using their hands rather than by machines e.g. He asked me to give him a handmade scarf on his birthday. ü Accessory [n] something added to a machine or to clothing that has a useful or decorative purpose e.g. She wore a green wool suit with matching accessories. ü Treasure [v] to take great care of something because you love it or consider it valuable e.g. I always treasure those memories of my dad. ü Affection [n] a feeling of liking for a person or place e.g. She felt no affection for the child. ü Gratitude [n] the feeling of being grateful and wanting to express your thanks e.g. He smiled at them with gratitude after he had opened their present. 4. Transportation 4.1.

What's the most popular means of transportation in your hometown?

The most common vehicle in my hometown is the motorbike. As I’ve read in a current newspaper, most Vietnamese adults have their own motorbikes. Moreover, I can easily catch sight of motorbikes whenever I go outside. IELTS NGOC BACH

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4.2.

How often do you take buses?

I take buses to go to school at least twice a day as I haven’t got my own vehicle yet. I also usually use buses to visit my relatives or friends’ homes. 4.3.

Can you compare the advantages of planes and trains?

Obviously, airplanes and trains have their own particular benefits for passengers. Regarding planes, they have been the fastest means of passenger transport invented so far. They enable people to travel all around the world in the shortest possible time. The biggest advantage of trains is their impressive safety record. Accidents are rare, and so people can feel relaxed and just sit back and admire the views from their comfortable seats. 4.4.

Is driving to work popular in your country?

Yes. I’m pretty sure that private cars and motorbikes are the two most popular vehicles in my country. Therefore, it is obvious that there are a large number of people who tend to drive to work. 4.5.

Do you think people will drive more in the future?

Yes, I think so. There will be more drivers on the roads in the future due to the convenience of motoring and the affordable prices of cars. 4.6.

Would you ride bikes to work in the future?

Yes. As I’m a young person, I like to do energetic activities to help me keep fit, so I will give priority to a job that is within cycling distance of my home. 4.7.

What will become the most popular means of transportation in Vietnam?

Personally, I think the prevalence of motorbikes will continue to dominate in Vietnam due to their advantages, namely they are great for getting around quickly, they are easy to park and economical to run. IELTS NGOC BACH

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4.8.

Do you prefer public transportation or private transportation?

Although owning a private vehicle has various advantages, I prefer using public transportation in order to economize as well as to help protect the environment. VOCABULARY ü Catch sight of (expression): to see something only for a moment Ex: I caught sight of someone with red hair, so I knew that it was you. ü Safety record (noun): details of how many accidents a company has had Ex: With no accidents in the last 5 years, this airline has a good safety record. ü Admire (verb): to look at something and think that it is attractive/impressive Ex: We stood for a few moments, admiring the beautiful view. ü Motoring (noun): the activity of driving a car Ex: She’s planning a motoring holiday in France next year. ü Affordable (adjective): cheap enough for people to be able to buy Ex: This type of car is affordable for people who have a low income. ü Give priority to (expression): deal with something first, because you think it is more important than other things Ex: This month I must give priority to revision for the exam, so I have taken some time off work. ü Prevalence (noun): the fact of being very common at a particular time or in a particular place Ex: There is a worrying increase in the prevalence of smoking among young people. ü Dominate (verb): to be the largest, highest or most obvious thing in a place Ex: The skyline is dominated by smoking factory chimneys. IELTS NGOC BACH

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ü Get around (phrasal verb): to move from place to place Ex: Getting around in this city is hard, because there is too much traffic. ü Park (verb): to leave a vehicle that you are driving in a particular place for a period of time Ex: I parked my car in front of the supermarket while I did my shopping. ü Economical (adjective): providing good value in relation to the amount of money spent Ex: Buy a small car – it will be more economical to run. ü Run (verb): to own and use a car or other vehicle Ex: On my low salary, I can’t afford to run a car. ü Economize (verb): to use less money than you normally use Ex: In winter, don’t economize on heating – it is more important to keep warm. 5. Colors 5.1.

What colors do you like?

I am an outgoing person who is usually in a buoyant mood, so I like warm colors such as red, orange and yellow. Although I have a lot of vivid-colored clothes, my favourite color is white. The reason behind this is that I have a great sense of cleanliness. 5.2.

Do you like to wear dark or bright colors?

I prefer wearing bright colors as a way to cheer up not only myself but also people around me and remind us to look on the bright side whenever our mood is down. 5.3.

What's the difference between men’s and women's preference on colors?

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In my opinion, gentlemen like to wear dark colors whereas ladies often prefer vivid colors. However, there is also an opposite trend due to divergent personalities, so it’s hard to generalize. 5.4.

Do colors affect your mood?

Yes they do have some effects on my mood. Apart from the influence of warm colors I mentioned before, cool colors including blue, green and purple give me a peaceful feeling, while brown and black make me feel gloomy. VOCABULARY: ü outgoing [adjective] liking to meet other people and enjoying their company Example: She has an outgoing personality and enjoys going to parties with all her friends. ü buoyant (sôi nổi, vui tươi) [adjective] cheerful and optimistic. Example: After receiving the message from her crush, Anna was in a buoyant mood for the whole day. ü cheer up [phrasal verb]

become more cheerful/happy, make somebody

happier Example: Let’s invite him to the party – we need to cheer him up after his bad exam results. ü look on the bright side (nhìn theo hướng tích cực) [idiom] consider the positive aspects of a negative situation. Example: There are always challenges on your way to success, so just look on the bright side and do your best to overcome them. ü vivid (chói, rực rỡ) [adjective] very brightly coloured.

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Example: I remember on the first day at school she was wearing a vivid pink shirt. ü divergent (khác biệt, bất đồng) [adjective] Tending to be different or develop in different directions. Example: Vietnamese is one of the most difficult languages because there are a lot of slang phrases which have divergent interpretations. ü generalize [verb] to make a general statement about something Example: It is difficult to generalize about current fashions, because they are always changing. ü gloomy (u ám, tối tăm) [adjective] depressed or dark Example: The news said the world’s economic forecast was going to be less gloomy than the previous year. 6. Flowers 6.1.

Do you like flowers? (Why?)

Yes, flowers give me a lot of pleasure, especially bright colored ones. I love the way various types of flowers harmonize with each other in a garden or in florist shops, creating a beautiful picture. Every time I admire a gorgeous bunch of flowers, I feel relaxed, and optimistic. 6.2.

Which/What is your favorite flower?

I’m really keen on colorful flowers and sunflowers are definitely my favorite flower due to their symbolic meaning. This flower represents the flexibility to overcome obstacles, happiness and good luck. 6.3.

Do you think flowers are important?

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Personally, I think flowers play an important role in our lives. They make people feel positive, energetic and they lift our spirits. Without gorgeous and colorful flowers, the world seems to be dark and boring, and that causes people to feel, depressed and lacking in inspiration. 6.4.

Are flowers important in your culture? (Give examples)

Of course, besides representing beauty, some flowers also show our Vietnamese people’s key virtues. For instance, the Lotus was chosen to be our national flower due to its beauty and its representation of the virtues of the Vietnamese people namely purity, and faithfulness. 6.5.

Do people in your country ever use flowers for special occasions?

Yes. Flowers are widely used on special occasions in my country such as birthday parties, weddings and graduation days in order to show the respect of senders to receivers. 6.6.

What are the occasions when people give or receive flowers?

There is a wide range of reasons for people to send or receive flowers. One of the most popular occasions is a birthday party. Colorful flowers will always brighten up that special day. Another occasion which would not be complete without flowers is graduation day, when flowers are used as congratulation gifts. 6.7.

In your country, do people (ever) give flowers as a gift?

Yes, they do. Generally speaking, Vietnamese people tend to give flowers as a gift on some occasions like graduation day, a birthday party, international women’s day and many other celebrations. VOCABULARY IELTS NGOC BACH

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ü

Bright colored flowers (noun phrase): (những bông hoa nhiều màu sắc) flowers which have bright colors such as yellow, red or orange.

Ex: Bright colored flowers make our gardens cheerful and beautiful. ü

Harmonize (verb): (hòa hợp) harmonize (with something) if two or more things harmonize with each other or one thing harmonizes with the other, the things go well together and produce an attractive result

Ex: The new building does not harmonize with its surroundings. ü

Florist shop: a shop which sells flowers

Ex: I saw some beautiful roses in the florist shop near the bus station. ü

Bunch of flowers (noun phrase): (một bó hoa) a group of cut flowers that you hold together or that someone has tied together.

Ex: He was given a bunch of flowers as a graduation gift. ü

Optimistic (adjective): (lạc quan) expecting good things to happen or something to be successful; showing this feeling

Ex: They are cautiously optimistic that the reforms will take place. ü

Be keen on (phrasal verb): (hứng thú vào việc gì) be very interested in something

Ex: He's mad keen on planes as he always keeps searching for information about how to make his own airplane. ü

Symbolic (adjective): (biểu trưng) representing something else

Ex: The skull at the bottom of the picture is symbolic of death. ü

Represent (verb): (đại diện cho) to be a symbol of something

Ex: Each color on the chart represents a different department. ü

Overcome (verb): (vượt qua) to succeed in dealing with or controlling a problem that has been preventing you from achieving something

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Ex: The two parties managed to overcome their differences on the issue. ü

Play an important role: (expression) be an important part of something

Ex: Computers play an increasingly important role in education. ü

Lift our spirits (expression): make us feel happier

Ex: After the long walk, a hot shower and a tasty meal lifted our spirits. ü

Depressed (adjective): very sad and without hope

Ex: When he failed his exams, he felt very depressed about his future. ü

Inspiration (noun): something that makes you have new ideas or makes you feel creative.

Ex: Her new novel is lacking in inspiration – she has no exciting new ideas. ü

Virtues (noun): good qualities or characteristics

Ex: Patience is one of her virtues - she never gets angry when she has to wait. ü

Purity (noun): the state of being morally good

Ex: The Buddha was famous as an example of spiritual purity. ü

Brighten up (phrasal verb): make something become more pleasant and enjoyable

Ex: Your invitation to the party really brightened up my day. ü

Congratulation (noun): the act of telling somebody that you are happy about their good luck or success

Ex: After I graduated from university, I received a new laptop as a congratulation gift from my parents. 7. Bus and taxi 7.1.

How often do you take the bus?

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Well, since I’m still a student and buying a private motorbike remains unaffordable for me, I have to take the bus to go to my university on a daily basis. Though I don’t really enjoy buses, I have no other choice. 7.2.

When was the first time you took a taxi?

It was 10 years ago when I took a taxi for the very first time. The 10 – year –old me, together with my 8-year-old brother, took a taxi to travel around the city on our own. It was one of my fondest memories, though we frightened our parents to death. 7.3.

What are the advantages of taking a taxi compared with buses?

Taxi companies today provide their customers with 24/7 service and can be tailored to your need. So hiring a taxi is more flexible and can save us a great deal of time and energy, compared with taking the bus. For example, if you opt for taking a bus, you’ll have to deal with everyday hassles like walking to the destination and waiting for the vehicle. 7.4.

Is it convenient to take the bus/taxi in your city?

To be honest, a large number of citizens in Ha noi prefer using their private vehicles to travel due to the inconvenience of taking buses. Ha noi buses often arrive late and are overcrowded. VOCABULARY ü Unaffordable (quá khả năng chi trả) [adj] too expensive for people to be able to buy or pay for Example: For many people, this type of treatment is unaffordable. ü On a daily basis (hàng ngày) [adv] everyday Example: Though we fall short of our ideals on a daily basis, Americans are committed to the principle of the level playing field. IELTS NGOC BACH

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ü Fond (tình cảm, hạnh phúc) [adj] Happy and loving Example: We said a fond farewell to each other and promised to write. ü Frighten someone to death (làm ai sợ chết khiếp) [expression] to make someone feel extremely fear Example: I was frightened to death by the anger in his voice. ü Opt for (chọn cái gì) [verb] To choose something, especially over some other option Example: I opted for a king-sized bed when I made my hotel reservation. ü Hassle (Sự rắc rối) [noun] (a situation causing) difficulty or trouble Example: It was such a hassle trying to get my bank account changed that I nearly gave up. ü Customize (chiều theo yêu cầu của khách) [verb] to make or change something according to the buyer's or user's needs Example: The company specializes in customized computer systems. 8. Computers 8.1.

How often do you use computer ?

Very often, I guess. Because right now I’m a university student and I wouldn’t be able to finish my school projects without a computer. 8.2.

What kinds of computers are popular in Vietnam?

I think Dell is ahead of the game in the computer market, but HP, Lenovo and especially ASUS have also become really popular recently. 8.3.

What do you usually use your computer for?

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For entertainment and education purposes most of the time. Like when I have to finish an essay for Macroeconomics, when we have group work or but also when I want to watch a movie on the Internet. 8.4.

Who taught you how to use a computer?

My brother and dad. My dad bought a PC back in 2009, I think, and he taught me and my brother how to use it first but I’ve learnt most computer tricks from my brother. 8.5.

Do you think computers have changed your life a lot?

Yes. I first loved it because of the games but now I can’t live a day without it. It has made my life much more convenient and interesting, not to mention the fact that my study and my part-time job now require a lot of computer use. VOCABULARY ü Ahead of the game (vượt trên đối thủ/người cùng địa vị trong cùng một lĩnh vực) [expression] ahead of one’s competitors or peers in the same sphere of activity e.g. This investment is needed if we are to stay ahead of the game. ü Trick (mánh lới, thủ thuật) [noun] a skilful act; a clever or particular way of doing something e.g. With a few cunning camera tricks and makeup, he literally becomes a paralyzed man, both of body and of heart. ü Require (đòi hỏi) [verb] need for a particular purpose e.g. Being a teacher requires a high level of patience. 9. Noises 9.1.

Do you mind noises?

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To be honest, I really can’t stand being in noisy places, especially when I have work to focus on. Then, I wouldn’t be able to put my mind into what I’m doing, which would undoubtedly reduce my productivity. 9.2.

What types of noise do you come across in your daily life?

Actually, there are a variety of noises a person may come across on a daily basis. The first type is traffic noise such as the engine sounds/ noise or honks, which can get worse during traffic jams. The second is noise coming from factories, construction sites or maybe stores where there are lots of machines in use. 9.3.

Are there any sounds that you like?

Well, as a matter of fact, I don’t mind nature sounds, I enjoy them actually. I love to surround myself with nature, listening to the chirping birds or blowing winds. It has a great calming effect and is an excellent way to unwind. I’m also keen on listening to the sounds of musical instruments, especially pianos or violins. 9.4.

Where can you hear loud noise?

There are many places in the cities where you can hear loud noises. Construction sites are one of them as they are filled with large machines. Another place is on busy roads where there are a lot of vehicles or in stations where many people chatter and announcements are played again and again. 9.5.

Do you think there's too much noise in modern society?

Actually, I do agree that the level of noise is increasing overtime and most of it is caused by human activity. Industrial activities such as factory operations

has

contributed greatly to the rising level of noise pollution. Together with this are noises coming from traffic, concerts or stores that play loud music to attract consumers. 9.6.

Are cities becoming noisier?

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To be honest, I think it depends on the development of each city. Those that are undergoing industrialisation or modernisation are definitely getting noisier while those which are not or have already undergone this process might be unaffected. VOCABULARY ü Cannot stand V-ing (không thể chịu đựng nổi việc gì) [expression]: unable to tolerate something Example: Mary can’t stand being distracted while studying. ü To put one’s mind into sth (chú tâm vào việc gì) [expression]: to focus on something Example: I need to put my mind into the project or else I might fail. ü Productivity (hiệu suất, năng suất) [noun]: efficiency in doing something Example: The factory needs to increase its productivity ü On a daily basis (thường xuyên, hàng ngày) [expression]: everyday Example: I go to the gym on a daily basis ü To surround oneself with sth (bao quanh ai đó với cái gì) [expression]: to be surrounded by something Example: She often feels lonely so she wants to surround herself wih people. ü Unwind (thư giãn) [verb]: relax Example: I’m going on a vacationto unwind. ü Chatter (nói huyên thuyên) [verb]: to talk in a quick or casual way Example: Children chattered in the middle of the playground. ü To have calming effects (có tác dụng thư giãn, ổn định tâm lý) [expression]: have the ability to calm someone down Example: Classical music has great calming effects. IELTS NGOC BACH

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ü Consumer (người mua hàng) [noun]: buyer Example:

Many consumers are

still

not

comfortable

making

purchases on the Internet. ü Industrialisaton (sự công nghiệp hóa) [noun]: to build and operate factories and businesses in a city, region, country, etc Example:

Some

developing

countries

are

still

undergoing

industrialisation. 10. Home/ Accommodation 10.1. What kind of housing/accommodation do you live in? I live in a terraced house that has a living room, a kitchen, three bed rooms, two bathrooms and a lovely back garden. It’s not really a spacious house, but it’s just right for me and my family. 10.2. Who do you live with? I live with my parents and my siblings. We always get on well with each other and have a lot of fun. 10.3. How long have you lived there? I’ve lived there since I was a child, until I graduated from high school and moved to the city to enroll at university, where I lived in a student dormitory during the semester. 10.4. (If you answer you haven't lived there long) What’s the difference between where you are living now and where you have lived in the past? Living in a dorm with other roommates is totally different from living in my own house. IELTS NGOC BACH

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My current residential area is quite small and it’s very noisy because there are a lot of people there and I don’t have my own space. Conversely, when I was living at home, I had my own spacious room and it made me feel comfortable. 10.5. Do you plan to live there for a long time? To be honest, I intend to buy an apartment in an urban area after I graduate from university. I can decorate and design my ideal home with whatever facilities I want. 10.6. Which room does your family spend most of the time in? It’s definitely the kitchen. Not only lunch or dinner time but all our family reunions take place in the kitchen where all the family members get together to eat tasty meals, and chat to each other – it’s a really harmonious atmosphere. 10.7. Are the transport facilities to your home very good? To be honest, most of the transport facilities to my place are not very modern. The bus service from my work place to home is irregular and usually overcrowded. 10.8. Do you prefer living in a house or a flat? I prefer living in a house to a flat because I value my privacy and need my own space. Owning an independent house, I can plan and design a house layout to suit myself. Moreover, I can modify a house according to the size of the family. 10.9. Please describe the room you live in. My current room is actually more like a bedsit. It is a multi – purpose room, I use it to sleep and study as well. It is painted in pink, that’s my favorite color with a bed, a cupboard and desk. It’s not really spacious but it’s just right for me. 10.10. What part of your home do you like the most ? I prefer my bedroom most due to its convenience and privacy. Because of my stressful work I want to be in a quiet place and concentrate on my work. In my own room, I’m never disturbed by anyone else. IELTS NGOC BACH

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Moreover, in my own space I can do whatever I want without bothering others. VOCABULARY ü Terraced house (noun): (ngôi nhà trong dãy nhà cùng kiểu) a house connected on both sides by other properties Ex: In England, most people seem to live in terraced houses with lovely back gardens. ü Back garden (noun phrase): (vườn ở phía sau nhà) a garden at the rear of the house. Ex: I live in a terraced house that has a living room, a kitchen, three bed rooms, two bathrooms and a lovely back garden. ü Spacious (adjective): (rộng rãi) (of a room or building) large and with plenty of space for people to move around in Ex: The hotel rooms are spacious and comfortable. ü Sibling(s) (noun): (anh/ chị em) a brother or sister Ex: The younger children were badly treated by older siblings. ü Get on well with sb (phrasal verb): (hòa hợp với ai đó) to have a friendly relationship with somebody Ex: She and her sister have never really got on well with each other. ü Dormitory (noun): (kí túc xá) a room for several people to sleep in, especially in a school or other institution Ex: I’ve lived there since I was a child, until I graduated high school and moved to the city to enroll in university where I lived in a dormitory. ü Residential area (noun): (nơi ở) (of an area of a town) suitable for living in; consisting of houses rather than factories or offices IELTS NGOC BACH

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Ex: It was not safe to locate the chemicals factory in a residential area. ü Urban area (noun): (vùng thành thị) connected with a town or city Ex: Pollution has reached disturbingly high levels in some urban areas. ü Reunion (noun): (tụ họp, xum họp) a social occasion or party attended by a group of people who have not seen each other for a long time Ex: The College has an annual reunion for former students. ü Harmonious (adjective): (ấm cúng, yên bình) friendly, peaceful and without any disagreement Ex: It is important to have harmonious relations between the country's ethnic groups. ü Irregular (adjective): not happening at the arranged time intervals Ex: His irregular attendance at school resulted in his failure in the final exams. ü Overcrowded (adjective): with too many people or things in it Ex: The train was so overcrowded this evening that I was unable to find an empty seat. ü Privacy (noun): being alone and not disturbed by other people Ex: I read the letter in the privacy of my own room. ü Suit oneself (verb): to do exactly what you like/want Ex: Everyone had a different opinion about what colour to paint my room, so in the end I decided to just suit myself. ü Modify (verb): (sửa đổi, thay đổi) to change something slightly, especially in order to make it more suitable for a particular purpose Ex: We found it cheaper to modify the existing equipment rather than buy new. IELTS NGOC BACH

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ü Bedsit (noun): (phòng vừa để ngủ vừa để học, tiếp khách) a room that a person rents and uses for both living and sleeping in Ex: He lives in a tiny student bedsit used for both sleeping and studying. ü Multi-purpose (adjective): (đa chức năng) having many different uses Ex: This room is multi-purpose – we use it for meetings, interviews and taking breaks. 11. Visitors 11.1 Do you often invite friends to visit your home? Yes, I usually invite my friends to get together with me at my home, maybe once a week. We normally spend the whole day cooking and watching movies together. 11.2 Do you like visitors coming to your home? Well, I’m really into inviting others to my house… especially my friends. This is mainly because of the relaxed atmosphere at home, so we can talk freely. My parents are also pleased to welcome them and always prepare some delicious food for us. 11.3 When do visitors come to your home? Actually, it depends when everyone is free. Normally, they come to my home at the weekends as it’s the time when we all finish an arduous week and want to relax and chill out. However, on some special occassions, such as birthdays, holidays, or simply when I successfully try out a new recipe, I love to invite my friends to come and try my food. 11.4 Do you prefer to have friends visit you, or relatives? Well, it’s hard to say, but I think that I invite my friends to my home more often than my relatives, whereas I tend to go out to my relatives’ houses more regularly… I don’t know why… for no special reason. IELTS NGOC BACH

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11.5 What do you usually do together with your visitors? Honestly, one thing that we always do is to enjoy dinner or lunch together. I’m pretty keen on trying out new recipes, and for me, the time preparing food is the most enjoyable part of the day that my visitors and I can share, it’s like a kind of teamwork. After finishing the meal, we may watch our favourite movies or sing karaoke at home. 11.6 When someone visits you, how do you usually show hospitality (or, entertain them)? Well, most of the time, I’d ask them to enjoy my favourite kinds of tea and sweets. I’m passionate about baking and making tea, so I always want other people to eat and drink what I’ve made and I then ask them to tell me what they think about it. Luckily, all of them enjoy it… and that’s the way I welcome people who come to my home. VOCABULARY ü Get together (phrasal verb): Gặp gỡ to meet somebody socially or in order to discuss something Ex: We must get together for a drink sometime, it’s been a long time since we met. ü Be into something (expression): Thích thú to be interested in something in an active way. Ex: He’s into surfing in a big way – he goes to the beach every weekend. ü Free (adjective): available to do something Ex: Let’s get together for lunch on Sunday, if you are free.

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ü Arduous (adjective): Vất vả, khó khăn involving a lot of effort and energy, especially over a period of time Ex: Studying for the exam is certainly arduous, and I still have 3 more months before the exam date. ü Chill out (phrasal verb): to spend time relaxing Ex: After work, I sometimes like to just sit on the sofa and chill out by listening to some music. ü Try out (phrasal verb): Thử to test something/somebody to see how good or effective it is Ex: They're trying out a new presenter for the show. ü Recipe (noun): Công thức nấu ăn a set of instructions that tells you how to cook something and the ingredients you need for it. Ex: There are a lot of tasty recipes in this book – would you like to borrow it? ü Keen on (expression):

Rất thích

liking sth/somebody very much; very

interested in something Ex: He’s mad keen on planes – he has a huge collection of photos of aircraft. ü Passionate (adjective):

Đam mê

having or showing strong feelings of

enthusiasm for something or belief in something. Ex: She has a passionate interest in music, so we often go to concerts together. 12. Newspapers and magazines 12.1. Do you often read newspapers? Yes, I read the newspaper everyday to keep up to date with the latest news and see what the hottest topic of the day is. I’ve been in the habit of doing this for a long time. IELTS NGOC BACH

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12.2. Do you prefer to read local news or international news? Well, I suppose that I have an inclination towards international news, especially news about relationships among countries around the world. This is probably because I’m quite fond of diplomatic issues and want to keep track of what’s happening outside my country. 12.3. Which is more popular where you live, newspapers or magazines? Well, I think that people read newspapers more often than magazines, normally because newspapers provide information that is relatively easy to understand for almost everyone. On the other hand, magazines contain longer articles and specifically focus on a particular topic which may be quite difficult or unfamiliar to some readers. 12.4.

Do many people today read newspapers?

I guess… yes, maybe. Because every morning when I go to my office, I can see many people reading the daily newspapers at pavement cafés. However, I think nowadays people are tending to gradually change their habits and accessing the latest news online. 12.5.

In the future, do you think more people than today will read magazines, or fewer people?

I’m not really sure about this, but I suppose that there will be fewer people reading magazines in the future. It’s probably because nowadays there are various sources of information, so people can search if they want to find knowledge of any field, especially on the Internet… it’s easier and cheaper. Maybe in the future perhaps specialists will be the only ones who read the magazines which relate to their own particular fields. 12.6. Do you think newspapers will be very important to you in the future? IELTS NGOC BACH

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Well, honestly, I haven’t ever thought about that before, but I love my routine of reading newspapers while drinking coffee every morning, it’s completely relaxing … so I’ll try to keep reading newspapers as a regular habit as long as possible. VOCABULARY ü Keep up to date (expression): Cập nhật to provide the latest information to someone or for something Ex: I keep up to date with world events by watching the news on CNN. ü Be in the habit of (expression): to do something regularly and almost without needing to think about it Ex: My grandfather is in the habit of taking a walk in the park every morning. ü Inclination (noun):

Xu hướng

a feeling that makes you want to do

something Ex: Her inclination has always been to live and work in Australia. ü Diplomatic (adjective):

Ngoại giao

connected with managing relations

between countries Ex: Attempts are being made to settle the dispute by diplomatic means in order to avoid a war. ü Keep track of (expression):

Theo dõi

to be informed about what is

happening or where somebody/something is Ex: Bank statements help you keep track of where your money is going. ü Unfamiliar (adjective): Không quen, lạ that you do not know or recognize Ex: Although I knew some people at the party, there were also some unfamiliar faces among the guests. ü Pavement (noun): Vỉa hè a part at the side of the road for people to walk on IELTS NGOC BACH

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Ex: In summer, the restaurant puts a few tables and chairs outside on the pavement. ü Tend to do something (expression): Có xu hướng làm gì đó to be likely to do something or to happen in a particular way because this is what often or usually happens Ex: When I'm tired, I tend to make mistakes. ü Access (verb): to enter or use something, such as a computer file Ex: If you want to access information about the exam, there is a new website that I can recommend. ü Specialist (noun): Chuyên gia a person who is an expert in a particular area of work or study. Ex: He is a specialist in Japanese history.

13. Outdoor Activities 13.1. Do you like outdoor activities? Definitely! I think outdoor activities do wonders for our mental and physical health. So, I often spend my leisure time playing sports or taking a walk around the park. 13.2. What outdoor activities do you (most) like to do? Well, I enjoy lots of activities like hiking, camping or skateboarding, but I’m particularly keen on cycling, especially in the open countryside. It’s fun, relaxing and easy to do, you know. More than that, biking helps me get energized and ward off feelings of exhaustion. 13.3. What outdoor sports do you like? (Why?) I’m really into playing badminton. It’s quite popular in my country so I can play it with my friends, my family members or my next-door neighbor and strengthen the IELTS NGOC BACH

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bond with them. Moreover, badminton develops my quick reflexes as well, so I do think it’s a fantastic sport. 13.4. How much time do you spend outdoors every week? On average, I guess that I do some outdoors activity 2 or 3 times a week . I normally spend at least one morning per week cycling, and take part in some sports or other outdoor activities when I’m free. It’s not so frequent, I know, which is due to my busy schedule, but I always try to arrange as much time as possible for some outdoor exercise. 13.5. Do Vietnamese people go out a lot? It’s kind of hard to say, but people around me tend to spend more time indoors. They’re living a fast-paced lifestyle with most of their time devoted to working, commuting and connecting on social media, so, doing things outdoors doesn’t seem to be a regular or important part of their calendar. 13.6. What (types of) outdoor activities are popular in your country? Well, probably jogging and yoga. I’m not sure about this but in my country, you can easily catch sight of groups of people from all walks of life jogging or doing yoga in the parks every morning or in the evening. So, these may be the most popular outdoor activities, I guess. 13.7. How and where do people in your country usually socialize? People in my country nowadays tend to socialize at work or at school. Besides, people of my age often meet up and chat in coffee shops or restaurants which are popular and often beautifully designed, while the older usually get together in the parks or gather at someone’s home to cook and have a chat. VOCABULARY IELTS NGOC BACH

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ü Do wonders (for sb/sth) có lợi cho [expression] have a beneficial effect Example: Fresh air and excercise do wonders for your health. ü Be keen on (expression): Rất thích liking sth/somebody very much; be very interested in something Ex: He’s mad keen on planes – he has a huge collection of photos of aircraft. ü The open countryside (expression): far from cities or many houses or other buildings Ex: I love to walk in the open countryside, through the fields and over the mountains. ü Energized (adjective): cảm thấy tràn đầy năng lượng feel full of energy or enthusiasm Example: Doing some morning yoga is a natural way to get more energized. ü ward off (phrasal verb) né, tránh to protect yourself against danger or illness Example: She often carries a bit of fresh ginger to ward off headache. ü Be into something (expression): Thích thú to be interested in something in an active way. Ex: He’s into surfing in a big way – he goes to the beach every weekend. ü Strengthen the bond (expression): to make a connection stronger between people or things Ex: The peace treaty strengthened the bond of friendship between the governments of the two countries. ü reflex (noun): phản xạ

a person’s ability to respond to new or changing

stimuli.

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Example: A sportsperson must have quick reflexes, especially in sports such as tennis or football. ü Schedule (noun): a plan of all the things that you have to do Ex: My schedule today includes lunch with the company director and a meeting with a client in the afternoon. ü Fast-paced (adjective): nhịp độ nhanh happening very quickly Example: It’s a myth that all older people struggle with the fast-paced evolution of technology. ü Catch sight of (expression): bắt gặp, nhìn thấy

see something for only a

moment Example: I caught sight of someone with red hair and I knew it was you. ü Socialize (verb): to meet and spend time with people in a friendly way, in order to enjoy yourself Ex: At university, I enjoyed socializing with other students. 14. Photos 14.1. Do you like to take photographs? (Why?) Yes, I do. Absolutely! I think photography is great because it helps us to document our life to keep our memories from fading. And, the process of taking a photo is also enthralling and fun. 14.2. Do you prefer to take photos yourself or to have other people take photos? (Why?) Normally I’d like to take photos by myself, so that the memories captured are from my perspective, and are what I really want to remember. But I guess I’ll need a professional for high-quality pictures when it comes to significant moments in life. IELTS NGOC BACH

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14.3. How (why) did you become interested in photography? When I was 15, I accidentally caught sight of a man kneeling down trying to take a photo of a flower in the grass in the park. That scene was strange to me, as he seemed so passionate about it. I was so curious about photography then, and it just simply grew on me over time. 14.4. In what situations do you take photographs? I often take pictures to commemorate special events such as graduation or a wedding ceremony. Sometimes when I’m in a good mood I snap a photo of anything that catches my eye or do some selfie with buddies or by myself. 14.5. What kind of photos do you like to take? (Why?) It’s probably landscape photography. I love the feeling of being involved with nature and the elements. It’s a way to recall the personal observation when I’m outdoors / in the great outdoors as well. 14.6. Do you prefer to take pictures of people or of scenery? It’s kind of hard to choose between the two, but I’d go with scenery pictures. Looking at the beauty of nature and taking a shot is kind of mind-purifying to me and is a good way to escape from the artificial world. 14.7. Who do you take photos of? I often capture the moments in the lives of my family members, especially my little sister. When she smiles, it’s like a ray of sunshine is painted all over her face, and I just love it so much. 14.8. How do you keep your photos? My photos are stored on my computer drive and the Internet for backup. There are extremely good pictures that I will have printed out and keep them in my albums. 14.9. Do you keep your photographs on your computer? IELTS NGOC BACH

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Yes, of course. It’s been the most common way to store images until now, besides photography websites where you can upload, share photos and keep them there. 14.10. Are there any photos on the walls of your home? Yes. In my room, I hang several pictures on the wall to make it an inspring and distinctive working space. 14.11. Do you frame (or have you framed) any of your photos? yes, which?& why?) Yes. There is a big photo of my whole family that I framed 3 years ago in my living room. The picture was taken on the spur of the moment but I love how genuine feelings were perfectly captured in it. It just makes me feel warm and fuzzy every time I come home. 14.12. Do you prefer to send postcards to people or to send photos that you took yourself? (Why?) Well, I probably go with photos of my own, as I think people will feel extra special to receive something that is unique and typical of yourself rather than getting an everyday/run-of-the-mill thing like a postcard. It’s the best way to express your sincere gratitude towards the one you love. VOCABULARY ü Document one’s life ( ghi lại cuộc đời) [expression] record the detail of one’s life Example: There are myriad ways to document our life, such as scrapbooking,journaling, blogging and of course, photo documenting. ü Enthralling (mê hoặc, vô cùng thú vị) [adj] captivating,holding the attention completely IELTS NGOC BACH

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Example: Enthralling, explosive and often very funny, Skyfall doesn't just exceed expectations but shatters them like a bullet to the head. ü Perspective (cách nhìn) [n] a mental view or outlook Example: It’s usefull occasionally to look at the past to gain a perspective on the present ü in a good mood (tâm trạng tốt) [idiom] having an easygoing and cheerful disposition Example: If you want to stay in a good mood, you have to cultivate habits that will keep you feeling happy. ü Mind-purifying (làm tĩnh tâm, làm tâm trạng tốt hơn) [adj] make your mind natually pure,free from negative thoughts Example: Indulging in a hobby can be mind-purifying, as it helps you tale a break from your busy, stressful life and clear your mental place. ü Paint a ray of sunshine ( vẽ một tia nắng) [expression] Example: When she smiles,it’s like she paints a ray of sunshine all over her face ü On the spur of the moment (bất ngờ, không có kế hoạch trước) [idiom] suddenly, done without any planning Example: We just jumped in a car on the spur of the moment and drove to the seaside. ü Genuine ( chân thật, thật) [adj] honest and sincere (people) Example: In an discreet moment,the president let his genuine opinions be known. ü Warm and fuzzy (ấm áp, thân thương) [idiom] comforted and reassured; friendly and affectionate IELTS NGOC BACH

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Example: The key point to make business sale skyrocket is to make customers feel warm and fuzzy, as they are your bussiness’s lifeblood.

15. Teachers 15.1. What kinds of teachers do you like best? Well, I would be blessed to have teachers who have a good sense of humor, dedicated to work and above all, they should be firm and fair by being consistent with rules. 15.2. Who was your favorite teacher when you were young? My favorite teacher was Mr Long, my math teacher when I was in high school. Not only is he a subject specialist, but he also has a deep-rooted sense of belief that “ every child can”, which is kind of encouraging and inspiring to me. More than that, he did have our interests at heart and that’s amazing, you know. 15.3. Would you want to be a teacher in the future? To be honest, I’ve never even contemplated that. Actually, since I was a little girl, I’ve always been dreaming of running my own business and becoming a successful entrepreneur in the fashion industry. 15.4. Have you ever had bad teachers before? I don’t think I’ve really had one, but my high school Physics teacher, Mrs Huyen, did not leave me with much of a good impression. Her teaching style was kind of teacher-centered, where she just focused on providing and controlling the flow of the content. It made me feel somehow distant to her, you know.

VOCABULARY IELTS NGOC BACH

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ü Dedicated (tận tụy) [adj] devoted to a particular purpose or cause Example: In the face of frustration, a dedicated teacher continues trying to reach each of their students, and they exercise the patience needed to ensure that a disinterested student still learns ü consistent (with sth) ( kiên định, nhất quán) [adj] being in agreement with itself Example: The new goals are not consisting with the existing policies. ü subject specialist ( giáo viên có chuyên môn tốt) [expression] a teacher who has a great deal of knowledge about the subject they teach. Example: Many people think that subject specialists at primary school level help to provide a better quality education system. ü deep-rooted (ăn sâu vào người) [adj] deeply engrained, deeply established Example: She says there is a deep-rooted expectation - across the generations that Chinese children will go to university, get a good education. ü have one’s interests at heart (thực sự quan tâm đến ai) [idiom] be concerned about and want to help someone Example: I know she was only doing what would benefit her, but she said she had my interests at heart. ü entrepreneur (chủ doanh nghiệp) [n] A person who organizes, operates, and assumes the risk for a business venture. Example: In the United States an entrepreneur often is viewed as one who starts his or her own new business. ü leave (sb) with a (good )impression (để lại cho ai ấn tượng tốt) [idiom] provide a lasting impression after someone has left. Example: Her performance was less than stunning. She didn't leave us with a very good impression. IELTS NGOC BACH

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16. Walking 16.1. Do you like walking? Yes, I do. I love doing exercise to keep fit. Walking is one of my favorite activities because it is easy to partake in, in daily life by going to nearby places on foot. 16.2. Do you like to walk on your own or with others? I prefer to walk with somebody else. When I have a partner, I can walk longer distances by talking to him or her, which means that I can get fit and keep entertained. 16.3. Would you say that your city is a good place for walking? I live in Ho Chi Minh City and I take pride in my city since it has a lot of parks for the residents to enjoy walking in. Besides, there is even a main street in the city center called Nguyen Hue which caters especially for pedestrians. 16.4. Do Vietnamese people walk a lot? I don’t think there are so many Vietnamese people enjoying walking due to our cultural setup/ way of life. They often ride their motorbikes even if the destination is* a matter of a few hundred meters away. * a matter of - no more than (a specified period of time). e.g. "they were shown the door in a matter of minutes" 16.5. Do you think that we need to walk more? Yes, I really think that the Vietnamese should be encouraged to walk more to avoid obesity as well as air pollution from transport such as cars and motorbikes. VOCABULARY ü on foot (đi bộ) [collocation] using your feet to walk or run instead of a vehicle. IELTS NGOC BACH

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Example: The weather turned out to be sunny so we decided to go to the supermarket on foot. ü take pride in (tự hào về) [idiom] to be proud of something. Example: If you don't take professional pride in your work, you're probably in the wrong job. ü resident (cư dân) [noun] a person who lives or has their home in a place permanently. Example: The local residents were angry at the city council’s proposal to cut down the trees. ü pedestrian (người đi bộ) [noun] a person who is walking, especially in an area where vehicles go. Example: Since the beginning of this year, there have been a lot of pedestrians hit by cars. ü obesity (bệnh béo phì) [noun] the fact of being extremely fat, in a way that is dangerous for health. Example: An eating habit that is high in fat and sugar leads to obesity. ü due to (do, bởi vì) [linking] because of something. Example: The company’s financial losses were due to poor management. 17. Books 17.1. How often do you read? As a student, I often spend 1 to 2 hours per day reading books. The ideal time and place for reading is in the afternoon at the library, where it is quiet so that I can concentrate on reading without any disturbance from outside. 17.2. Do you have many books at home? IELTS NGOC BACH

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Not so many. I own a collection of fantasy novels written by J.K. Rowling. Besides novels, I’m also keen on cook books and travel books. “The Lonely Planet” and “Cooking like a MasterChef” are the two favourite books on my shelf. 17.3. Do Vietnamese people like to read? In my opinion, most Vietnamese people like reading very much as we were told to do so since they were at school. Vietnamese pupils are taught to love reading and how to keep their books clean, and this is also one way to evaluate the pupils’ behavior and attitude to their studies. 17.4. What kind of people like reading and what kind of people don't like reading very much? Well, I think people who are involved in outdoor activities generally do not like reading very much, and people who do research or work at schools or universities tend to like reading. However, this depends on other factors, so it’s hard to generalize.

VOCABULARY ü Concentrate on (tập trung, chú tâm vào) [phrasal verb] focus on, pay much attention on something Example: I cannot concentrate on study because there is so noisy outside ü Disturbance (quấy nhiễu, rối nhiễu) [noun] action that makes you stop or interrupts what you are doing. Example: The building work is creating constant noise, dust and disturbance. ü Fantasy (tưởng tượng, viễn tưởng) [noun] imagination which is unlikely to happen. Example: Stop living in a fantasy world! IELTS NGOC BACH

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ü Cook book (sách dạy nấu ăn) [noun] book that teaches you how to cook Example: Reading cook book is really interesting ü Travel book (sách hướng dẫn du lịch) [noun] books that gives guidance on traveling, trips, hotels, etc. Example: I have bought a travel book about how to travel to Thailand. ü Inherit (thừa hưởng, kế thừa) [verb] receive something from someone. Example: I inherit the manor from my parents. ü Immense (khổng lồ, đồ sộ) [adjective] extremely big and great Example: I have to do such an immense amount of work from my boss. ü Long-lasting (lâu đời, lâu năm) [adjective] something that can last for a long time Example: She lived in a long-lasting castle with her children. ü Masterpiece (kiệt tác) [noun] a work of art that is excellent or the best Example: His painting is really a masterpiece ü A piece of cake (một việc dễ dàng) [idiom] a thing that is very easy to do Example: That’s a piece of cake. I can do it easily ü Evaluate (đánh giá) [verb] to form opinion/comment on the quality of something/someone Example: We have to evaluate the impact of the storm ü Behavior (hành vi, hạnh kiểm, cách cư xử) [noun] the way that somebody behaves, especially towards other people. Example: This medicine can improve the user’s behavior. ü Involve in (liên quan tới, tham gia vào) [phrasal verb] related to, engaged in something Example: People involved in the project are being interviewed. IELTS NGOC BACH

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ü Generalize (khái quát, tổng hợp) [verb] to make a general statement about something Example: It is difficult to generalize about current fashions, because they are always changing. 18. Music 18.1. Do you often (like to) listen to music? Yes, of course. I listen to music quite often. I have a smart phone which I download a lot of songs onto. When I fancy listening to something, I just turn the phone on, put on my headphones / in my earphones and play my favourite playlist. 18.2. When do you listen to music? I often listen to music while I am cooking or doing the housework. The vibrant sound of the songs cheers me up and makes me move rhythmically in time with the songs. Sometimes I listen to music while waiting for the bus. This is a great way of killing time effectively. 18.3. What’s your favourite kind of music? Well, that’s definitely K-Pop, I mean Korean Pop music. I am a crazy fan of Big Bang, a boy band of super stars. This boy band has become famous not only for their songs but also for their fashion style. In the other words, they are trend-setters for the fashion of youngsters in Korea and some other countries including Vietnam. 18.4. When did you start listening to this type of music? Actually I first listened to K-Pop when I was at secondary school. At that time I didn’t quite understand the meaning of the songs, as Korean wasn’t a compulsory language taught at school. However, the rhythm was so fascinating and the dancing was so great that I could not take my eyes off the TV. IELTS NGOC BACH

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18.5. How do you feel when you listen to this music? Well, listening to K-pop always makes me feel greatly buoyed up and optimistic. Even when my mood is down and tired, this music helps me pick up my energy and makes me feel stronger. I think listening to music is also a therapy to relieve stress and boredom. 18.6. Have you ever been to a concert before? Actually I have never been to a concert before. I have just watched a live concert on TV. It was the most amazing show I have ever seen. I think if I had been there, it would have been even more fantastic! * generally gorgeous means beautiful; very attractive and refers to appearance. 18.7. Do you like to listen to live music? I always prefer listening to live music to recorded music from the studio, as live music always gives me the true sound of the instruments and the voice of the singer. I really love the hot and excited atmosphere of the crazy crowds when the singer breaks the rules and communicates with the audiences. * generally furious tends to mean extremely angry. 18.8. Have you ever learned to play a musical instrument? Yes, I have learnt to play the guitar. It’s not so hard as people say. There are a lot of videos online which teach us how to play the guitar. I downloaded some videos and started to learn. It wasn’t easy to pluck the strings at first. My fingertips hurt terribly for being toughened up. However, after a couple of weeks, I found my skills had improved and now I can play a complete song. 18.9. Is music an important subject at school in Vietnam?

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Well, actually music is not a main subject at school in my country. Pupils have music once or twice a week. Because music is not a compulsory subject in the final exam, most students find it convenient to learn this subject. 18.10. Did you often listen to music when you were a child (If yes, give details) Yes, as far as I can recall, I often listened to music from the radio when I was a child. There was a children’s channel broadcasting songs for baby’s bedtime. Sometimes my mom sang me to sleep with her lullabies. Now I still remember a lot of the songs that I heard when I was little. 18.11. What kinds of music are (most) popular in Vietnam? I’m not sure what kind of music is most popular in Vietnam, but I guess contemporary pop music is the most in demand /sought-after now. This is most evident if you follow the Top Hits Online. Pop ballad songs always rank at the top and are played in many public places. 18.12. Do you like traditional songs? Well, actually I’m not keen on traditional songs very much. Some of them are rather difficult to listen to and understand, because the lyrics and melodies are out-dated. However, I’m quite interested in some traditional songs which have been modified to be played or sung by young artists with electrical musical instruments.

VOCABULARY: ü vibrant (sôi động, sôi nổi) [adjective] the sound which is strong and vigorous Example: The vibrant sound of the two amplifiers in the party makes all people feel excited IELTS NGOC BACH

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ü cheer up (phấn chấn, làm cho ai cảm thấy vui vẻ) [phrasal verb] become more cheerful/happy, make somebody happier Example: The fragrance of the flowers in the room cheers her up ü kill time (giết thời gian) [idiom] do something unnecessary while waiting for something. Example: We’ve got 20 minutes until the next bus comes. What are we going to do to kill time? ü crazy fan (người hâm mộ cuồng nhiệt) [idiom]

foolish lovers, with

unreasoning fondness. Example: She has hired a bodyguard to protect her from crazy fan ü trend-setter (người lập ra/mở ra xu hướng) [noun] a person with outstanding styles who can set a new trend for other people to follow. Example: My Linh could be considered as a trend-setter of tomboy hair style in the middle of the 90s. ü youngster (thanh niên) [noun] young people Example: Many youngsters now become addicted to Facebook ü compulsory (bắt buộc)[adjective] required to be done Example: English is now a compulsory language to be taught at school ü rhythm (giai điệu)[noun] the beat, the sound of a song Example: I love the slow rhythm of that melody. ü fascinating (lôi cuốn, cuốn hút) [adjective] extremely interesting and attractive Example: The trip to South America sounds absolutely fascinating ü take my eyes off (không rời mắt khỏi) [idiom] find someone/something interesting or attractive that you watch them all the time IELTS NGOC BACH

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Example: She was so beautiful that he could not take his eyes off. ü bouyed up (vui vẻ, phấn chấn) [adjective] feel cheerful, happier Example: The son looks bouyed up when he saw his mother’s smiling face ü optimistic (lạc quan, yêu đời) [adjective] positive, expecting good things to happen or something to be successful. Example: She was not so optimistic about the outcome of the talks ü pick up my energy (lấy lại năng lượng) [phrasal verb] to get better, stronger, to improve Example: After a hard-working day, we do massage therapy to pick up the energy ü therapy (liệu pháp, trị liệu) [noun] treatment of a physical problem or an illness. Example: We now prefer natural therapies which do not use drug. ü Relieve (xả, làm dịu bớt) [verb] to remove or reduce an unpleasant feeling or pain Example: Take these pills to relieve the symptoms of a cold. ü Gorgeous (hấp dẫn, hoành tráng) [adjective] very attractive and amazing, giving pleasure and enjoyment. Example: It was the most gorgeous show that I ever have seen ü Furious (cuồng nhiệt, sôi nổi) [adjective] excited, with great energy Example: There was a furious debate on the use of smart phones when taking the exam. ü Break the rules (phá bỏ rào cản, phá bỏ quy tắc) [idiom] act or behave in a different way, not as usual standard

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Example: The competitors are encouraged to break the rules in order to explore their potential abilities. ü String (dây đàn) [noun] a tightly stretched piece of wire on a musical instrument, for example a guitar, that produces a musical note when the instrument is played Example: The strings of her guitar need tightening. ü Toughened up (bị chai sạn) [phrasal verb] make something stronger so that it is not easily broken or hurt. Example: His parents sent him to the farm to toughen him up ü Sing somebody to sleep (hát ru ngủ) [phrasal verb] to lure somebody to sleep by singing a lullaby. Example: My mom used to sing me to sleep when I was little ü Lullaby (bài hát ru) [noun] a melody which is sung to lure the child to sleep. Example: It’s bedtime! It’s time for a lullaby ü Contemporary (đương đại, đương thời) [adjective] modern, belonging to the present time Example: This dictionary deals with contemporary English ü Lyric (lời bài hát) [noun] words to describe the music Example: I remember this song but I forget its lyrics ü Out-dated (lỗi thời, cũ) [adjective] old, no longer useful for being oldfashioned Example: I don’t like traditional music for its out-dated lyrics ü Modified (chuyển đổi, cải biên) [adjective] changed or adjusted to be more suitable with the actual purposes/requirements Example: This regulation has been modified to be applied in this school IELTS NGOC BACH

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19. Study 19.1. Describe your education I started school when I was 7. I finished my primary education 5 years later and I went to secondary school at 12. Then at 16, I made it to a high school for gifted pupils in my hometown. In my country, highschool education lasts 3 years, then I went onto higher education at the Foreign Trade University where I’m currently studying economics. 19.2. What is your area of specialization? Well, my major is External Economics. I have mastered the basics of economics and socio-economics, combined with business knowledge mainly related to the import and export business. 19.3. Why did you choose to study that major? I think it would help to fulfill my dream of introducing my country’s agricultural products to the world. Vietnamese goods have a real potential, but they still struggle to make a name for themselves, you know. 19.4. Do you like your major? (Why?/Why not?) Yes, of course. Studying economics, especially external economics is interesting and practical. It helps me to keep up with current affairs and it improves my analytical and problem-solving skills as well. 19.5. What kind of school did you go to as a child? As a child, I attended a public elementary school. It’s quite a big school in my hometown which provides both high quality education and a supportive environment, so I think I was quite lucky. 19.6. What was your favourite subject as a child? IELTS NGOC BACH

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Well, I used to be very passionate about drawing when I was a little girl. It was fun to work with brushes and colors, you know, as it was the time when I could indulge in my own creative world. 19.7. Do you think your country has an effective education system? To be honest, I don’t think so. Our system has somehow become unduly stressful, does not promote creativity and the ability to be critical due to the fact that our society still cares way too much about grades and schools consequently focuses on an exam-driven curriculum, which I find quite impractical. 19.8. (Possibly) Are you looking forward to working? Absolutely! It’s great to join the workforce, especially when I can do the job I love. Not only will it pay the bills, but it’ll also give me the joy of making a contribution. It’s hard to be happy and fulfilled without working, you know.

VOCABULARY ü Higher education (chương trình đại học) [n] post-18 learning that take places at universities Example: According to a research, nearly 50 percent of Vietnamese students in U.S. higher education are studying either business or engineering, with businessrelated majors making up 38 percent of all enrollments in 2012/13 ü Master (tinh thông, nắm vững) [v] learn how to do sowmthing well Example: She lived in Italy for several years but never quite mastered the language. ü Make a name for oneself ( trở nên nổi tiếng) [idiom] become famous and respected by a lot of people IELTS NGOC BACH

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Example: By the time he was thirty-five, he had made a name for himself as a successful railway contractor ü Keep up with (cập nhật thông tin về cái gì) [idiom] be aware of Example: Even though he's been travelling, he's kept up with what's going on back home ü Analytical (thuộc về phân tích) [adj] using analysis or logical reasoning Example: Analytical skills are essential in the workplace to ensure necessary problem solving occurs to keep productivity and other areas of the workforce functioning smoothly ü Elementary school (trường tiểu học) [n] primary school, school for children between 7-11 years old (in Vietnam) Example: It’s essential that children at the official entry age for elementary school attend classes fully. ü Unduly (quá mức, không chính đáng ) [adj] excessively/ to a level that more than is necessary, acceptable, or reasonable Example: For every new parents, the decision about whether to vaccinate his or herchild has been unduly stressful ü Exam-driven curriculum (chương trình học để phục vụ cho các kỳ thi) [expression] the courses taught a school, college, which focus on teaching what will be on the exam Example: Many parents believe that exam-driven curriculum can change their kid’s attitude towards school in profoundly negative ways. ü Pay the bills (trang trải cuộc sống) [ idioms] provide enough income to sustain one’s lifestyle IELTS NGOC BACH

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Example: Being a dentist isn’t so glamorous, but it pays the bills. 20. Work 20.1. What do you do? I’m currently working as a graphic designer for a fashion magazine for youngsters 20.2. What are your responsibilities? Well I’m mainly responsible for designing the cover of the magazine. I normally work with the concept team to make sure that the final product will both attract the potential buyer’s attention and express the theme of the magazine. 20.3. Why did you choose to do that type of work (or, that job)? I guess it’s because of my artistic passion. The process of creating beautiful things is somehow intriguing to me, so I chose to be a graphic designer, which combines both art and technology. It’s quite interesting, you know. 20.4. Is there some other kind of work you would rather do? Well, if possible, I’d like to be a freelance writer. Actually I’m a big fan of action movies, and I also care about healthy living, so, I’d love to write about these topics and share my stories with people of the same interest. 20.5. Describe the company or organization you work for My company is not huge, it’s just a small art design office, but is definitely an inspirational workplace with a young, creative, and extremely passionate team. We work on the basis of mutual understanding and respect for each other, so it’s kind of an ideal environment for me. 20.6. Do you enjoy your work?

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Most of the time. It’s rewarding to co-work on projects with amazing people in an open and supportive environment to bring out an art production that will ultimately give me a sense of satisfaction and pride. 20.7. What do you like about your job? Well, the perk of being a graphic designer is that you’ll surround yourself with inspiring images everyday. My daily working life involves seeking out inspiration in all sorts of places, researching incredible illustrations and graphics, and creating them too. It’s great, I think. 20.8. What do you dislike about your job What I don’t like about this job is that our personal taste in design varies, and normally I’ll have to do a thousand edits to get the final product that meets the demand of my boss while still * relating / staying faithful to /remaining true to the initial concept. * conform means ‘to behave according to the usual standards of behaviour that are expected by a group or society’ – this does not relate to things like ‘concepts’. 20.9. (Possibly)Do you miss being a student? Sometimes, when I’m burdened with heavy workloads or the pressure of everyday life, I recall the memories of being a student. We were all carefree and innocent back then. It’s a precious time that I cherish.

VOCABULARY ü theme (đề tài,chủ đề) [n] the main subject of a talk, book, film, etc Example: The father-daughter relationship is a recurring theme in her novels. IELTS NGOC BACH

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ü Intriguing ( hấp dẫn, gợi thích thú) [adj] very interesting because of being unusual or mysterious Example: The Huns are intriguing not only because of their notoriously hawkish history, but also because of their place as middlemen between Mongol and Turkic ethnicity ü On the basis of (trên cơ sở) [idiom] base on Example: Discrimination on the basis of race, gender, age or disability is not allowed. ü Rewarding (bổ ích, đáng làm) [adj] giving pleasure, satisfation Example: The most rewarding aspect of living forever is you have unlimited time to perfect your abilities and accumulate wealth. ü Ultimately (cuối cùng thì, rút cục) [adv] at the end of a process, period of time, etc. Example: Everything will ultimately depend on what is said at the meeting with the directors next week. ü Perk ( đặc quyền, thù lao thêm) [n] an advantage or something extra that you are given because of your job Example: A company car and a mobile phone are some of the perks that come with the job. ü Conform (to sth) (tuân theo) [v] obey the rule or reach the necessary stated standard Example: Before buying the baby's car seat, make sure that it conforms to the official safety standards. ü Cherish (yêu mến, coi trọng) [v] keep hopes, memories in your mind because they are important to you and bring you pleasure IELTS NGOC BACH

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Example: I cherish the memories of the time we spent together. 21. Activities near water 21.1. What activities would you do if you were spending some leisure time at a beach or near the ocean? To be honest, I have always dreamt of surfing and chasing big waves as well as enjoying a glass of wine leisurely in the sunshine on the beach. Therefore, if I have chance to spend my spare time at a beach, I will give priority to do these things. 21.2. Why do some people like water sports? Personally, I think some people prefer aquatic sports because they want to be immersed in water which is a logical activity to do on hot summer days. Additionally, they may be a tendency to be curious about water which isn’t a natural environment for humans. 21.3. Do you think the government should invest money in developing facilities for water sports? I definitely agree with this idea because if the government invests its budget in developing facilities for these kinds of sports, they will gain a lot in profit such as from taxes from ticket sales. 21.4. Do you think that human activity is posing a threat to the oceans of the world? It is obvious that human activity namely over fishing or depositing industrial waste into the ocean has affected the oceans adversely and has led to negative consequences such as the loss of biodiversity and marine pollution. 21.5. What do you think are the advantages and disadvantages of travelling on the ocean? IELTS NGOC BACH

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Travelling on the sea can allow people to feel free and see aquatic animals in their natural environment. Regarding drawbacks, in addition to the risks of experiencing storms and nasty weather, being seasick can make people feel miserable and uncomfortable. 21.6. Do you think it's important for children to learn how to swim? Yes, of course because most children would be vulnerable to death by drowning if they aren’t taught to swim. So it is very important to educate them how to swim early as a wise precaution. 21.7. Do you think it's best for a child to be taught to swim by a parent or by someone else? In my opinion, children had better learn how to swim from trained professionals in health clubs rather than from their parents because these trainers are the ones who are sufficiently equipped with the skills to prepare children correctly. There is no guarantee that parents can do the same. VOCABULARY ü Aquatic/water sport(s): (thể thao dưới nước) sports that are done on or in water, for example sailing and waterskiing Ex: There are many people who like water sports such as swimming or sailing, especially in hot summers. ü Immerse (verb): (đắm mình, chìm) to put somebody/something into a liquid so that they or it are completely covered Ex: The seeds will swell when immersed in water. ü Marine pollution (noun): (ô nhiễm biển, đại dương) pollution under the sea or ocean IELTS NGOC BACH

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Ex: One of the main reasons for marine pollution is that some boats or even countries deposit their waste directly into the ocean ü Vulnerable (dễ bị tổn thương, dễ có nguy cơ bị) weak and easily hurt physically or emotionally Ex: In cases of food poisoning, young children are especially vulnerable. ü Drowning (noun): (chết đuối) the process of dying because of being underwater and unable to breathe for long enough; an act of dying in this way Ex: Alcohol plays a part in an estimated 30% of drowning. ü Precaution (noun): (phòng ngừa, cẩn trọng) something that is done in advance in order to prevent problems or to avoid danger Ex: I'll keep the letter as a precaution. 22. Birthday 22.1. How do children celebrate birthdays in your country? It is popular for children in my country to have birthday parties at home or in restaurants and invite friends, and relatives to join. On this occasion, they are usually given gifts and money. 22.2. How did you celebrate your last birthday? On my last birthday, I had the best birthday ever. I and friends made an all – day excursion to Phu Quoc Island, the largest island of Vietnam. We celebrated with a barbecue party outside and danced together under the moonlight. 22.3. What kinds of birthday gifts do you like to receive?

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I’m really interested in handmade gifts because they represent not only the creativeness but also the passion of the senders. Therefore, I always appreciate receiving them and try to keep them as long as I can. 22.4. Is there a difference between the way you celebrate your birthday in the past and in the present? Yes. In the past, when I was a child, I could only celebrate birthday parties at home and invited friends to join. However, as I’m mature now, I can decide to do more things to make it special such as by travelling to explore new places. VOCABULARY ü Excursion (noun): (chuyến du lịch ngắn ngày) a short journey made for pleasure, especially one that has been organized for a group of people Ex: There are regular weekend excursions throughout the summer. ü Barbecue (noun): (tiệc nướng) an outdoor meal or party when food is cooked on a metal frame over an open fire outdoors. Ex: The supermarket sells a range of food ideal for summer barbecues. ü Handmade (adjective): (làm bằng tay) made by a person using their hands rather than by machines. Ex: I’m really interested in handmade gifts because they contain not only the creativeness but also the passion of senders. 23. Chocolate 23.1. How often do you eat chocolate? To be honest, I have a sweet tooth so I eat sweets and chocolate all the time. I’d even eat chocolate for breakfast if my mother let me do it. IELTS NGOC BACH

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23.2. What's your favorite flavor? My taste in chocolate varies a lot depending on my mood. But in general, I like dark chocolate the best. 23.3. When was the first time you ate chocolate? To the best of my recollection, it was 15 years ago when I ate chocolate for the first time. The 5-year-old me was over the moon when eating something that amazing. 23.4. Is chocolate popular in Vietnam? It used to be unpopular in the past but recently, the number of Vietnamese chocolate consumers has risen dramatically, especially in young consumers. 23.5. Is chocolate good for our health? I reckon it depends on the amount you consume. This indulgence is beneficial for the heart and blood pressure in small quantities but conversely, it may contribute to low bone density. VOCABULARY ü Have a sweet tooth (hảo ngọt) [expression] to desire eating many sweet foods. Example: I have a sweet tooth, and if I don't watch it, I'll really get fat. ü Over the moon (vô cùng hạnh phúc) [idiom] extremely pleased and happy. Example: When he sent me flowers and a note, I was over the moon. ü Beneficial (tốt, có lợi) [adj] helpful, useful, or good Example: The improvement in sales figures had a beneficial effect on the company as a whole. ü Low bone density (chứng loãng xương) [noun] the situation when the amount of bone mineral in bone tissue is lower than normal. Example: A vitamin D deficiency is one of risk factors for low bone density. IELTS NGOC BACH

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24. Hometown 24.1. What’s (the name of) your hometown? Soc Son is my hometown. It is a suburb of Hanoi and it takes approximately a 1 hour drive from Hanoi city center to get there. 24.2. Is that a big city or a small place? Well, my hometown is a large district with roughly 24 wards. The booming population and economy have turned it into a promising hotspot for many investors. 24.3. Please describe your hometown a little? There are two words to describe my hometown, which are natural and dynamic. It has beautiful scenery of mountains and lakes. On the other side of the coin, its industry is growing fast; and a lot of industrial zones are being built there. 24.4. How long have you been living there? I had spent a happy childhood in my hometown for 18 years until I left for Ho Chi Minh City to study at university. It’s 5 years since the day I left, but the memory of my hometown is always in my mind. 24.5. What do you like (most) about your hometown? I think that’s the peace and quiet of the countryside, which give me peace of mind. The people live close together and always give anybody a hand when they need it. 24.6. Is there anything you dislike about it? Maybe there’s one thing I dislike about it, that’s most of people in my hometown speak with a speech defect. For instance, they make no difference when pronouncing ‘l’ and ‘n’. I think it could be a big problem for them while communicating with foreigners. 24.7. Do you think you will continue living there for a long time?

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I think I will definitely go back to my hometown, find a job and settle down there. I believe that my hometown will always be a safe, clean and livable place for everyone. VOCABULARY ü booming (bùng nổ, phát triền mạnh) [adjective] something grows in large amounts, becomes thriving Example: We are now witnessing the booming development in technology all over the world ü turn it into (biến nó thành) [phrasal verb] change something, to make it different from its initial appearance Example: She didn’t realise that the magic had turned her charming prince into a frog ü promising (hứa hẹn, triển vọng) [adjective] showing possibilities of achievement or success. Example: The Highlands was a promising land for many young people in the 1990s ü dynamic (năng động) [adjective] active, developing Example: We should maintain a dynamic economy in the context of integration. ü leave for (rời, chuyển đến) [phrasal verb] move to another place Example: I will leave for London tomorrow ü peace of mind (sự thanh thản tâm hồn) [idiom] feeling peaceful and calm, without anxiety Example: Yoga exercises help us gain peace of mind IELTS NGOC BACH

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ü give a hand (giúp đỡ) [phrasal verb] help, support somebody Example: If only there were somebody to give me a hand! ü Speech defect (nói ngọng) [noun] a general speech disorder in this case; pronouncing ‘l’ and ‘n’ incorrectly, for instance. Example: She spoke with a lisp when saying ‘no’ and ‘low’ ü Settle down (ổn định, an cư lạc nghiệp) [phrasal verb] become stable in one place or life style Example: She graduated, married and settled down in her homeland ü Livable (đáng sống, sống được) [adjective] worth living, with favourable conditions for living Example: Melbourne is considered a liveable place for many foreigners 25. Singing 25.1. Do you often sing? Yeah, singing gets me in a good mood so I almost sing everyday, although my voice is not really good, in fact off-key most of the time. 25.2. When do you like to sing? Whenever I’m alone, I start singing, especially when I’m taking a shower or doing the dishes. I’m too shy to sing in front of other people. 25.3. How much time do you spend in singing every day? Actually, apart from singing while doing things, I always try to set aside another 10 minutes every other day to catch up on music. It’s also time to rest my brain. 25.4. What kinds of music do you like to sing?

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Well, I’m a big fan of R&B and EDM but the thing is, they’re extremely difficult to sing along to. So although I listen to those kinds of music, I like to sing ballads and pop songs. 25.5. Is it difficult to sing well? Obviously it is. I reckon one has to be talented to sing acceptably well. To sing beautifully, a person needs technique and enough training. 25.6. Do you want to be a singer? No, definitely not. Singing is just a way to entertain. I would find it impossible to make ends meet with my terrible voice. VOCABULARY ü Off-key (sai nhạc) [adv] If you sing or play music off-key, you produce notes that are slightly higher or lower than they should be Example: Adele explained her off-key Grammys performance by indicating something wrong with her audio. ü Set aside sth (dành ra) [phrasal verb] to save for a particular purpose Example: He sets aside some time every day to read to his children. ü Acceptably (tương đối) [adv] satisfactorily and able to be agreed to or approved of Example: The samples varied in quality but were generally acceptably good. ü Make ends meet (kiếm đủ tiền sống) [idiom] to have enough money to pay for your basic expenses Example: To make ends meet, she runs a day-care center out of her home. 26. Sunny days IELTS NGOC BACH

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26.1. Do you like sunny days? To be honest, I’m not into sunny weather. I’d prefer a partially cloudy day without rain, when the weather is pretty cool, so that I could pleasantly take part in outdoor activities without getting sunburn or sweating from the heat of the sun’s rays. 26.2. What do you like to do when it's a sunny day? On a sunny day, I like to wake up early and take a walk around my neighborhood to enjoy the warmth of the sunshine , when the temperature isn’t too high. I also prefer to do the laundry as clothes dry faster due to the lower humidity on these days. 26.3. Would you like to stay at home or go outside when the weather is great? I’ve always had the urge to go outside on a nice day, as the beautiful weather makes me feel really comfortable from the inside. Also, there’s no hindrance of crappy weather to outdoors activities, so I think I just can’t stick to staying in bed and missing such an occasion. 26.4. Are there many sunny days in your hometown? My hometown is in the middle region of a tropical country which means there’s usually sunshine. In fact, due to its coastal location, it’s the driest and hottest region in my country, especially in the summer, so the weather is somewhat extreme. VOCABULARY ü Be into something ( thích cái gì) [idiom] be interested or involved with Example: Once you retire, it’s important to be into some hobby you’ve always wanted to try. IELTS NGOC BACH

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ü Sunburn (cháy nắng) [n] painful red skin caused by spending too long in the hot sun Example: Her face was red with sunburn, and the salt air made it worse. ü humidity (độ ẩm) [n] moistness/ the amount of water vapor in the air Example: Dehydration, in heat and humidity as well as dry winter weather, is a major headache trigger. ü Have the urge to do something (cảm thấy muốn làm gì) [idiom] suddenly want to do something Example: She had the urge to hit the road as she wanted to experience paddleboard on Lake Tahoe. ü Hindrance (sự cản trở) [n] an impeding, stopping, preventing, or the like. Example: Ignorance was no hindrance to advancement, socially and pecuniarily ü Crappy (dở, không hấp dẫn) [adj] extremely bad, unpleasant Example: We booked a really crappy studio with no air conditioning and we just plotted up there. ü Stick to (bám chặt lấy, trung thành với cái gì) [idiom] remain faithful to/ keep one’s attachment to Example: They vowed to stick to one another no matter what happened. ü Coastal (thuộc bờ biển, ven biển) [adj] relating to/ located near a coast Example: Policies that presently encourage development in low-lying floodplains and coastal areas should be immediately reexamined.

27. Weekends 27.1. What do you usually do on weekends? IELTS NGOC BACH

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I often spend my weekends hanging out with friends, going to the gym or simply staying indoors watching the latest episode from my favorite TV series that may have been missed from the week due to my busy schedule. 27.2. What did you do last weekend? Last weekend, I went to the gym. It’s a good way to keep in shape to fight off illness, and prevent me from becoming flabby and weak. Exercise helps me get a sounder, deeper sleep as well. 27.3. When do you spend time with your family? Well, I used to spend time with my family almost every night, but now, as I’m studying and working far from home, I can only arrange to meet my family on holidays. 27.4. What do other people in your hometown (or in your country) usually do on the weekend? Generally, people in my country spend their weekend playing sports or going to trade centers in the city for recreational activities. The old tend to visit their relatives, while the young will plunge themselves into beautiful landscapes on a short road trip as an escape from city madness. 27.5. Do you think it is important to make the most of your weekend? Yes, obviously. The weekend is precious after an exhausting working week. A relaxing weekend will not only get me ready to tackle another monster of a week, but it will also help me to avoid getting sucked into a routine that feels a lot like a daily grind. 27.6. Do you feel that weekends now are more important to you than when you were a child?

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Yes. It’s clear that working time now accounts for higher proportion of my schedule than it did in the past, so time off definitely means much more to me. It gives me chance to recharge my batteries and stay connected to family and friends, which I find harder to do at present than when I was a child. Vocabulary ü Fight off (chiến đấu lại) [phrasal verb] to defend against / to struggle to avoid Example: Chilly winter weather alone does not cause colds, but cold weather may numb the body's ability to fight off cold viruses. ü Flabby (nhũn,mềm –chỉ cơ bắp/ mềm yếu, ủy mị) soft with skin hanging loosely or in folds/ lacking force Example: His muscles were wasting away, and what were left were soft and flabby. ü Plunge oneself into (something) [phrasal verb] suddenly experience something (challenging situation) Example: Visitors to Belarus can plunge themselves into the atmosphere of the Belarus Middle Ages, after seeing its symbol- the Mir castle. ü Tackle (giải quyết , đương đầu) [v] try to deal with something/someone Example: The president is clearly in a dilemma over how to tackle the crisis. ü Get sucked into (mắc kẹt trong) [phrasal verb] become involved in an unpleasant/harmful situation Example: I got sucked into the argument because I was a friend of the family. ü A daily grind (công việc cực nhọc đều đều) [idiom] everyday routine, monotonous

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Example: At times, daily commitment may feel like a daily grind, but it’s a daily gift to work toward a goal. ü Account for (chiếm) [phrasal verb] to form the total of something Example: Students account for the vast majority of our customers. ü Recharge the batteries (nghỉ ngơi, phục hồi) [idiom] to rest and relax for a period of time so that you can feel energetic again Example: She took a trip to the South of France to recharge her batteries. 28. Art 28.1. Do you like art? Yes, I have a passion for art, especially painting. I’m a member a painting club and have a part-time job at an art gallery in Hanoi. 28.2. Do you think art classes are necessary? (Why?) Well, yes, I think art classes are necessary for everyone, as arts tend to build confidence and creativeness in learners. There is no True or False in arts. Artists always think outside the box and feel free to express their own styles. 28.3. How do you think art classes affect children's development? I’m sure that learning art helps children think creatively, with an open mind. And school becomes more interesting for children, in fact playing is also learning. 28.4. What kind of paintings do Vietnamese people like? As far as I know, most Vietnamese people like landscape paintings. They often hang on the wall pictures of awe-inspiring natural scenery, such as mountains, lakes, sea, or of peaceful countryside with endless paddy fields. 28.5. What benefits can you get from painting as a hobby?

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Of course as painting is my hobby, I can draw a lot of beautiful pictures which depict memorable moments in life. Those pictures can be given as a gift to friends on special occasions. 28.6. How often do you visit art galleries? As I said above, I have a part-time job in an art gallery, so I go there quite often. Sometimes I also drop by some other art galleries around Hoan Kiem lake at the weekend to update myself on new art trends. 28.7. What kinds of things do you like to draw? I like to draw portraits most. I have drawn a lot of pictures of my family’s faces and never am I fed up with that. 28.8. Is it easy to learn how to draw? Actually learning how to draw is not difficult as long as you have the passion for it. However, to become an artist depends on many other factors, such as talent, patience, etc. VOCABULARY ü Passion for art (đam mê nghệ thuật) [idiom] a strong / deep interest in something, such as a hobby, activity, etc. Example: She said on TV that she had a passion for cooking and travelling ü confidence (sự tự tin, lòng tin) [noun] the quality of being certain of your ability or of having trust in people. Example: What the government has to do now is to restore the confidence of the public. ü creativeness (tính sáng tạo) [noun] the ability of being creative, thinking or producing new and different things IELTS NGOC BACH

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Example: His creativeness surprised all of the people ü outside the box (vượt xa khỏi khuôn khổ) [idiom] think creatively Example: He always encourages his students to think outside the box ü feel free (thoải mái) [phrasal verb] you can do something you want. Example: If I make any mistake, feel free to laugh at me ü landscape (phong cảnh) [noun] scenery, a large area of land Example: I love to draw landscape pictures of my hometown ü memorable (đáng nhớ) [adjective] likely to be remembered or worth remembering Example: She posts all her memorable pictures with him on Facebook ü Drop by (ghé thăm) [phrasal verb] visit Example: He often drops by a coffee shop and buys a cappuccino ü As long as (miến là, chỉ cần) [idiom] if, on condition that Example: I will do everything for you as long as you call me. ü Depend on (tùy thuộc vào, phụ thuộc vào) [phrasal verb] rely on, in need of Example: Whether he joins our picnic or not depends on the weather. 29. Family 29.1. How often do you meet with your family? It’s normally once a month. At present I’m studying and working in another city, which is quite far from my hometown, so I can only set aside time for my family at the end of the month, because of the distance and heavy workload, you know. 29.2. How do you spend the time with your family? We often spend quality time together on eating scrumptious meals prepared by my mother, talking with each other while enjoying our favorite delicious foods. It’s a IELTS NGOC BACH

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precious time when we can momentarily get away from the hectic whirlwind of daily activities. 29.3. Do you want to live with your family in the future? I’d prefer we live in the same city, so that we could take good care of each other, while making sure our family’s bond is secure and will not suffer from potential discrepancies in our individual lifestyles or the generation gap. 29.4. What activities do your family like doing together? My family often gather around the table enjoying a cozy mealtogether, communicating and sometimes busting into laughter because of my father’s humorous stories. We’re also particularly into family game nights, when we huddle together to play cards or other family favorites. 29.5. Are you close to of your family members? Most of them. Actually I’m a little bit more distant with my brother as compared to other members. We have personality conflicts, and different viewpoints so we often have arguments over even the smallest things. 29.6. How has your family influenced you? My family has definitely shaped who I am now. They have imprinted on me proper principles like respect, moral values and good manners. I have also inherited humbleness from my mother , and determination and patience from my father. 29.7. Do you want to be married or to be single in the future? Yes, I do want to get married. We all ultimately find our true love in life, you know, and marriage is the ultimate commitment that we can make to our soulmate. Moreover, I want to build a loving and supporting home for my children like my parents have done for us.

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Vocabulary ü Set aside (để dành ra) [phrasal verb] reserve for a special purpose, put to one side Example: Some doctors advise setting aside a certain hour each day for excercise ü Scrumptious ( ngon tuyệt ) (thức ăn) [adj] very pleasing, delicious Example: From breakfast until dinner, hawkers sell an infinite variety of some of the world's most scrumptious snacks. ü Hectic whirlwind (of activity) (vòng xoáy bận rộn của công việc ) [expression] a busy schedule Example: Within a hectic whirlwind of activity demanded by her vast portfolio, Powell makes time for personal life with her husband, Richard. ü Discrepancy (sự khác biệt ) [n] lack of agreement or balance/ difference Example: WFI called in police last November after spotting apparent discrepancies between donations made to the organisation and its expenditure. ü Burst into laughter (phá lên cười) [idiom] suddenly begin to laugh Example: The situation was so ridiculous, they simply burst into laughter. ü Huddle together ( túm tụm vào nhau) [v] gather/bunch together Example: Four teens huddled together for comfort Sunday at the memorial service to honor victims of the attack at Columbine High School. ü Imprint ( cấy vào, ăn sâu vào) [v] to establish securely, as in the mind or consciousness Example: It’s believed that most of our habits are imprinted early in childhood. IELTS NGOC BACH

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ü Ultimate ( cuối cùng, mang tính nền tảng) [adj] / fundamental, elemental/most significant Example: Of course the ultimate responsibility for the present conflict without doubt lies with the aggressor. 30. Handcrafts 30.1. Do you like collect things made by hand? I don’t really take an interest in collecting hand-made things. But I appreciate it if someone gives me a present made by them. 30.2. Did you ever take handcrafts lessons at school? Yes, I took handcraft classes when I was in primary school. I was taught how to make a picture by cutting and gluing colourful paper together. 30.3. Are handcrafts popular in Vietnam? Yes, there are a lot of traditional handcraft villages in Vietnam. Handcrafts are one of the best-selling types of souvenir for tourists. 30.4. Do you think children should learn more about handcrafts? Yes, I think handcraft lessons should be encouraged at school to teach pupils how to be patient and dexterous. 30.5. Do you think handcrafts are meaningful activities? Yes, handcrafts have been traditional activities of Vietnamese people for hundreds of years. Many people think that making these works is a piece of cake. In fact, they require creativity, patience and meticulousness. VOCABULARY

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ü appreciate (đánh giá cao, trân trọng) [verb] to recognize how good someone or something is and to value him, her, or it. Example: We really appreciate all the help you gave us with our assignments last weekend. ü dexterous ( nhanh tay, khéo tay) [adjective] quick and skillful with hands. Example: He is such a dexterous goalkeeper that many football clubs have offered him lucrative contracts. ü a piece of cake [idiom] A job, task or other activity that is easy or simple. Example: The midterm test was just a piece of cake to her because she had learned all of the textbooks by heart. ü meticulousness (sự tỉ mỉ) [noun] great attention to every detail. Example: the job description states that it requires meticulousness and diligence. 31. Hats and bags 31.1. Do you like to wear hats? Yes. They help me to shield my hair and eyes from the sun or other natural elements like wind or dust. But I guess the feeling of being chic and stylish, and especially when the hat perfectly matches my outfit is the main reason why I’m so into wearing them. 31.2. What kinds of hats do you have? I’m particularly keen on baseball caps, so they’re the only type of hat I’ve got in my wardrobe. It’s a kind of soft cap with a rounded crown in front and has become ubiquitous here and now. It gives me a sporty and strong look, you know. 31.3. Where do you like to buy hats? IELTS NGOC BACH

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Well I patronize a hat store in the city, and I often go there to pick my new hats. They are always on trend with the latest fashions and their tastes in fashion match mine, so I can find my favorite new hats easily and quickly there. 31.4. Is wearing hats popular in your country? It’s not very popular, I think. The main means of transport in my county is the motorbike, so most of the time going out, people will wear helmets. But hats seem to prevail among the young nowadays as fashion items. 31.5. Do you like bags? Yes. Of course! Not only are they fundamental tools in our daily life that help to carry people’s belongings, but they also serve as a fashion accessory that specifically complements our look. 31.6. What types of bags do you like? I’m a big fan of handbags. They’re not too big like backpacks, therefore are pretty convenient to carry. Most of all, handbags often come in gorgeous and dazzling designs that I just can’t take my eyes off. 31.7. Do you usually carry a bag (when you go out)? Yes. Most of the time. The pockets of women’s garments are generally inadequate, you know, so I have to put things in a bag and bring it along when I’m out, to make sure that I don’t lose or leave my belongings somewhere else. 31.8. Do you have different bags for different occasions (or, different purposes)? Yes, I do. I often carry a backpack when going to work or university. On casual occasions like hanging out or go shopping, I wear a purse or satchel. I have also invested in a high quality fashion handbag for special events that requires formality. 31.9. What do you put in these bags? IELTS NGOC BACH

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Well my bag normally contains a cellphone, basic beauty products like lipsticks, lotions, to soften and moisturize the skin, especially in the colder season; cash and a pair of earphones in case of long walks to my next destination. 31.10. What sorts of bags do women like to buy? It’s hard to say. It depends on the specific tastes and needs of each individual. But I think generally, any woman would fall in love with a well-designed handbag of quality material that will instantly add a glamorous touch to their outfit. VOCABULARY ü Shield (che chở, bảo vệ) [v] to protect someone/ something Example: She held her hands above her eyes to shield them from the sun. ü Ubiquitous (có mặt ở khắp nơi) [adj] seeming to be everywhere Example:

The mobile phone,

that

most

ubiquitous

of

consumer-

electronic appliances, is about to enter a new age. ü Here and now (bây giờ) [idiom] at the present time Example: Too late, she remembered that Mme Arlette was French and it was her problem here and now. ü Patronize (là khách hàng quen, trung thành) [v] be a regular customer of a shop or a restaurant etc Example: The restaurant was patronized by many artists and writers during1920s ü On trend with (theo kịp,bắt kịp) (xu hướng) [idiom] Having characteristics which conform to current fashion trends. Example: His fashion designs are very on trend.

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ü Prevail ( thịnh hành, phổ biến) [v] to be most frequent or common among a group of people or area at a particular time Example: The Republicans are expected to prevail in next year’s election ü Complement ( bổ sung) [v] make something else seem better or more attractive when combining with it



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II. Part 2 and Part 3 1. Describe a person/something that made you laugh You should say: When this happened Where this happened Who were there And explain why you laughed ANSWER (Trích từ đề “Describe situation when a child made you laugh”) One of my best friends has a 3-year-old baby girl; so every time we went out, she would take her with us. Her little girl is such a witty kid, and she is always full of energy. As she begins to be aware of the outside world, she asks a lot of questions just to satisfy her curiosity. It happened one day when we went out shopping. While her mother and I took turns trying clothes on, she was sitting quietly on the bench. Then she looked at me and her mother and started to express her opinions on our clothes. The way she talked was so funny that we couldn’t stop laughing. She was so used to playing with her Barbie doll that she suggested we should dress like one of her dolls. She even taught us how to walk like models because she thought that was pretty. All the customers who walked in the store noticed her, even the store owner couldn’t stop laughing at her since she was still a baby girl, but she talked and acted like a grown-up woman. That was probably the best part of the shopping trip that I will never forget.

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VOCABULARY ü witty: [adjective] able to say clever and funny things Example: Everybody laughed during the lesson, because the teacher was so witty. ü satisfy her curiosity: [verb phrase] to have an answer to a strong wish to know about something Example: My answer did not satisfy his curiosity, so he asked me for more details about what had happened. ü trying clothes on: [verb phrase] to put on clothes to see if they fit and if they look good Example: Try these clothes on before you buy them to make sure that they are the correct size. ü models: [noun] people whose job it is to wear and show new styles of clothes Example: The dream of many young people is to become fashion models and appear in magazines. ü grown-up: [adjective] typical of an adult Example: The child was used to being treated in a grown-up way by his parents. QUESTIONS FOR PART 3 1.1.

How would you define happiness?

I believe different people have different ways of defining happiness, but for me, happiness means living this life knowing that I am loved by the people around me and no matter what I decide to do with my life, I am sure that those people would always be by my side, to not only support me but also to guide me through the tough times. It is thanks to such positive ways of thinking that I am/have been able to feel much happier and more confident about myself. IELTS NGOC BACH

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1.2.

Do Vietnamese people like to watch comedy?

Yes, definitely. Even though comedies are not as popular as they used to be, I think Vietnamese people still tend to seek out good comedy TV shows to have a good laugh and decompress after a hard day at the office or school. 1.3.

Who is the most popular comedian in Vietnam?

Honestly I’m not really into Vietnamese comedy shows so I’m not so sure who the most popular comedian is at the moment. But my most favorite gagman, I would have to say, is Xuan Bac. He’s been in showbiz for, I think, nearly 20 years now but he’s still very well-loved by the public and continues to be one of the most soughtafter men in comedy right now. 1.4.

What do you do when you feel unhappy?

It depends, really. Some days I just want to go out and be with somebody I’m comfortable with like my close friends. If I’m in a chatty mode, I may share with them about all the things that have been troubling my life, but if I don’t feel like talking then I’d rather just forget about it all and try to have some fun with my friends doing things that we love, such as going shopping, going to the cinema or eating some good food. Other days, I may want to spend the whole day being by myself and watch some of my favorite Korean variety shows which have never failed to lift my mood and help me unwind my thoughts in some of the most difficult times of my life. 1.5.

Why do children tend to be happier than adults?

I think it is because most children are naïve and so they have the ability to simplify everything that they see, feel and encounter, which helps them to be more carefree and not over-analyze things like most adults do. For those kids who often forget what happened five minutes ago, neither the past nor the future is of significant IELTS NGOC BACH

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importance to them, and that’s the reason why most of the time we don’t see kids wasting time worrying about the future or letting a past mistake stop them from enjoying their present. Though obviously children don’t have responsibilities and haven’t been exposed to the darker side of the world like adults, I personally believe such simplicity in children’s way of thinking is the key to living a life with much freedom and joy. VOCABULARY ü To guide sb through: hướng dẫn, dẫn dắt (ai đó) qua điều gì I will really appreciate if you guide me through this and tell me which Career Path will be more suitable for me according to my situation. ü Decompress (verb): giảm sức ép After two weeks' hiking, we'll need a few days to decompress. ü Well-loved (adj): được yêu thích In his closet, all his sneakers and boots looked brand new, but his Converse shoes appeared faded and well-loved. ü Sought-after (adj): được săn lung At the age of 17 she is already one of Hollywood's most sought-after actresses. ü To be in a chatty mode: trong trạng thái muốn tán chuyện, buôn chuyện ü Variety show (noun): show truyền hình giải trí Running Man has constantly been one of most famous Korean variety shows in recent years. ü To lift sb’s mood: làm tâm trạng (ai đó) khá hơn Food can lift my mood instantly. ü To unwind sb’s thought: gỡ rối suy tư IELTS NGOC BACH

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It took me so many years to unwind my thoughts and fill myself with positive thoughts. ü Carefree (adj): vô tư, thảnh thơi I remember my carefree student days. ü Over-analyze (verb): phân tích quá mức More people are prone to over-analyze than they will readily admit.

2. 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 ANSWER (Trích từ đề “Describe a film you watched at home or in a cinema”) As a frequent moviegoer, I watch a lot of films. One of the movies that I enjoyed the most recently was The Martian. The movie was based on a novel of the same title by Andy Weir. Just like many other sci-fi films, it was about man travelling in space, however, this time; our main character was stuck on Mars due to a dust storm which nearly killed him. All of the crewmates thought that he was dead, so they went back to Earth without him. But fortunately he was still alive, thus two and a half hours of the movie told the story of how he fought for his life in the brutal environment of Mars, until NASA devised a plan to rescue him. My best friend is a big fan of astronomy, so she had read the novel before. That’s why she insisted on me going to see the movie with her. After watching the trailer IELTS NGOC BACH

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and reading the plot, I was hooked. It was maybe the best two and a half hours of my week so far. After watching the movie, I was amazed at how ingenious and strong humans can be when it comes to a life and death situation. Mark Watney, the hero of the movie, was a perfect portrayal of a young, humorous, brilliant and skillful engineer cum botanist. Although the hostile environment of Mars threatened his existence many times, he relentlessly refused to quit. Instead, he overcame one problem at a time until he was successfully rescued. The message that I learned from the film is never to give up, however hopeless things seem to be. VOCABULARY: ü moviegoer: [noun] a person who goes to the cinema. ü sci-fi: [noun] science fiction; based on imagined scientific discoveries of the future, such as space travel or life on other planets. Example: Sci-fi movies have become more popular since space travel has become possible. ü stuck on Mars: the man was unable to escape from the planet. Example: we were stuck in traffic and so we arrived late for work. ü dust storm: [noun] a storm that carries clouds of dust in the wind over a wide area. Example: a lot of plants die after a dust storm passes through an area. ü crewmates: [noun] all the people working on a ship or, in this case, a spacecraft. ü fought for his life: [verb phrase] he made a great effort to stay alive. Example: The man was badly injured in the accident, but he fought for his life and he IELTS NGOC BACH

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recovered later in hospital. ü brutal: [adjective] if an environment is described as brutal this means that it is very dangerous and it is difficult for a person to survive. ü devised: [verb] NASA invented something new to rescue the man. Example: a new system has been devised to control traffic in the city. ü astronomy: [noun] the scientific study of the sun, moon, stars and planets. ü trailer: [noun] a series of short scenes from a film or programme, shown in advance to advertise it. Example: after watching an exciting trailer, I decided to go to see the film. ü plot: [noun] the events which form the story of a book, play or film. Example: the book has a plot about a prisoner who escaped. ü hooked: [adjective] enjoying something so much that you want to see or do it. ü ingenious: [adjective] very clever at inventing new ideas. Example: many ingenious researchers are working on ways to combat cancer. ü portrayal: [noun] the act of describing or showing something or sb in a book, play or film. Example: the actor gave a fantastic portrayal of a clever detective in the film. ü botanist: [noun] a person who studies plants. ü hostile: [adjective] a hostile environment is unsafe for humans, because there are many dangers. Example: in the hostile environment of the desert, you must take a lot of water with you. ü threatened his existence: the many dangers and difficult conditions on Mars were a danger to his life. ü relentlessly: [adverb] in a way that continues strongly, without giving up. IELTS NGOC BACH

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Example: the soldiers relentlessly pursued their enemies after the battle. ü hopeless: [adjective] without hope Example: after searching for the lost plane for many days, the situation seemed hopeless and it seemed that the rescuers would never find it. QUESTIONS FOR PART 3 2.1.

Do you think (watching) films have (has) any educational benefits?

Personally, I agree with the idea that films bring a lot meaningful lessons to the audience. For example, romantic films can educate people about the value of love, honesty, and faithfulness. They can make the audience sympathize with other people and respect what they have. Indeed, films can teach people good virtues in order to be better citizens through stories. 2.2.

In what ways are documentary films and films only for entertainment different?

Documentary films are different from entertaining films in various aspects, especially their purposes. Regarding their objectives, documentary filmmakers strive to document some aspects of reality, primarily for the purposes of instruction, education or maintaining a historical record. In contrast, entertaining films aim mainly to provide fun. Directors try to find funny storylines and hire the best comedy actors, such as Jackie Chan, and use good scriptwriters to come up with dialogues that will make audiences laugh. 2.3.

Why do you think documentary films are not so popular?

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Documentary films are not as popular as entertainment films because audiences may prefer to watch films in order to escape from the harsh realities of everyday life and problems. Documentary films are primarily aimed at educating audiences and they may, therefore, lack entertaining features as well as dramatic elements. As a result, there is always a danger that audiences may feel bored or distracted. 2.4.

How are movies and real life different ?

Movies are not the same as reality in a number of ways. Firstly, movies contain dramatic scenes which can make audiences experience various emotions, through happiness to sorrow or excitement just in a few seconds. In real life, this rarely happens. Secondly, films will often dramatize and invent scenarios for the convenience of moving a story along or making the audience feel sympathy or some other emotion for a character. However, these scenarios contrast sharply with what would happen if these situations were encountered in real life. 2.5.

Do men and women like to watch the same kinds of films?

Personally, I think men and women have different preferences when it comes to films. In general, men tend to watch action films with fast and dangerous scenes like car chases, or science fiction films which relate to unrealistic stories with imaginative, futuristic plots. On the other hand, a large number of women prefer romantic films or comedies which bring worthy messages. 2.6.

Do different age groups like the same kinds of films?

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It is obvious that different generations prefer different kinds of films. For example, youngsters are usually fond of funny cartoons or comedies. Adults tend to watch various types of films such as action films, romantic films or films based on real events, depending on their interests. 2.7.

Do you like any particular film star? Why?

Yes. My favorite film star is Emma Watson, who was the actress in the Harry Porter film series which I have followed since I was a child. I particularly like her due to her superb performance and admirable personal qualities. In terms of performance, I have been really impressed by her acting ability, playing convincing roles in all the films she has starred in. Moreover, she has also received various important awards for the best actress. In terms of her personality, she is a kind-hearted, generous person who is always willing to help disadvantaged people. Every time I see her on TV, I remember my childhood and that makes me happy. I think I will continue to follow her career in the long run. VOCABULARY ü

Sympathize (verb): (thông cảm, đồng cảm) to feel sorry for somebody; to show that you understand and feel sorry about somebody’s problems Ex: I know what it's like to have migraines, so I really sympathize (with you).

ü

Strive (verb): try very hard to achieve something Ex: This restaurant strives to serve good food at reasonable prices.

ü

Document (verb): (dẫn chứng bằng tài liệu, ghi lại chi tiết sự việc) to record the details of something Ex: Causes of the disease have been well documented.

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ü

Primarily (adverb): (chính, chủ yếu) mainly Ex: The report is primarily concerned with aircraft safety.

ü Storyline (noun): the basic story in a film/movie Ex: Some of Shakespeare’s plays have a very sad and tragic storyline. ü

Scriptwriter (noun): a person who writes the words for films/movies Ex: Every good actor needs an expert scriptwriter in order to play their role well in a film.

ü

Come up with (phrasal verb): find or produce an answer or idea Ex: He came up with an idea for a movie about dinosaurs.

ü

Dialogue (noun): conversations in a film/movie Ex: The dialogues in romantic films are usually longer than the dialogues in action films.

ü

Harsh realities (expression): the difficulties [of daily life] Ex: For many elderly people, coping with poor health is one of the harsh realities of life.

ü

Dramatize (verb): (soạn thành kịch) to present a book, an event, etc. as a play or a film/movie Ex: Jane Austen’s ‘Emma’ was dramatized on television recently.

ü

Scenario(s) (noun): (viễn cảnh có thể xảy ra) a description of how things might happen in the future Ex: The worst-case scenario (= the worst possible thing that could happen) would be for the factory to be closed down.

ü

Superb (adjective): (tuyệt vời, xuất sắc) excellent; of very good quality Ex: Taylor scored a superb goal at the end of the first half.

ü

Admirable (adjective): having qualities that you respect

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Ex: The dedication of the doctors and nurses in this hospital is admirable. ü

Convincing (adjective): that makes somebody believe that something is true Ex: The dinosaurs in the film are very convincing – in fact, children are quite scared of them!

ü

Star (verb): have one of the main parts in a film/movie Ex: Next year, she plans to star in a new romantic movie filmed in Paris.

ü

Kind – hearted (adjective): (tốt tính) A kind-hearted person is one who likes other people a lot and always wants to help them. Ex: She is also a kind-hearted, generous person who is always willing to help disadvantaged people.

ü

Disadvantaged (adjective): not having enough money or skills to succeed in life Ex: The free meals service is designed to help disadvantaged people in the local community.

3. Describe a piece of equipment in your home You should say: what it is; how often you use it; who you usually use it with; and explain why this item is important to you. ANSWER VERSION 1 (Trích từ đề “Describe a product you bought that you were happy with”)

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It was last summer that I bought a new yogurt maker and I am very satisfied with it. This machine is quite small and fits conveniently into my kitchen. Interestingly, it looks like a cooker with six glasses inside. And the most important thing is that it is very easy to use. You just have to pour the mixture of ingredients to make yogurt into these glasses, turn the yogurt maker on and leave it for a few hours. Then, you will have delicious home-made yogurt. Thanks to the simple instructions, I can make yogurt for my whole family any time I want. As yogurt is good for our health, eating it daily can make people healthier, it can help to prevent some potentially fatal diseases and boost the human immune system. Therefore, the members of my family have all adopted the habit of eating yogurt every day. Owning a yogurt maker helped me to cut down considerably the amount of time that it took to make yogurt, not to mention the higher quality as opposed to the traditional method. At present, I still make yogurt every day for my family with this machine and I think that this is an indispensable product for preparing an essential part of our regular diet. VOCABULARY: ü fits: [verb] is the right shape and size for something. Example: This jacket fits me perfectly, but those shoes don’t fit at all. ü pour: [verb] to make a liquid flow from a container. Example: Pour some milk into my glass, please. ü potentially: [adverb] used to say that something may develop into something.

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Example: Smoking will not kill you immediately, but it is potentially harmful for your health. ü fatal: [adjective] causing or ending in death. Example: Police were called to a fatal accident, in which 3 people were killed. ü immune system: [expression] the system in your body that helps it fight against infection

and disease.

Example: A strong immune system is necessary to remain fit and healthy. ü adopted the habit: [expression] started to use a particular method of doing something. Example: Last month, my friend adopted the habit of running for one hour every day in order to keep fit. ü cut down: [phrasal verb] reduce the amount, size or number of something. Example: I should cut down my working hours and spend more time just relaxing. ü indispensable: [adjective] too important to be without it Example: A good dictionary is indispensable for learning a foreign language. VERSION 2 I would like to talk about a household appliance which plays an important role in my daily life and that is a washing machine. I and my family members use it every day to wash laundry such as clothing or sheets. Personally, I think a laundry machine is very advantageous to me due to its convenience. Instead of spending nearly an hour on cleaning clothing by hand, it takes me only 5 minutes to put all the clothing in a washing machine. Moreover, my clothes washer has a large capacity up to 10kg so I can run a load of clothing IELTS NGOC BACH

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through it at one time in order to save both water and time. As a result, I can save a huge amount of time in order to do other household chores or even learn new things that I’m interested in; namely foreign languages or cooking. In addition, a washing machine can dry clothing dramatically; therefore, I needn’t to worry about wet clothing in the rainy season or winter. I think the washing machine is one of the greatest inventions of the industrial revolution that brings various benefits for me and other people using it. VOCABULARY ü Household appliance (noun): (đồ gia dụng) a machine that is designed to do a particular thing in the home, such as preparing food, heating or cleaning Ex: They sell a wide range of domestic household appliances—washing machines, dishwashers and so on. ü Laundry (noun): (quần áo cần giặt) clothes, sheets, etc. that need washing, that are being washed, or that have been washed recently Ex: I and my family members use washing machine every day to wash laundry such as clothing or sheets. ü Sheet (noun): (khăn, ga trải giường) a large piece of thin cloth used on a bed to lie on or lie under Ex: He slid between the sheets and closed his eyes. ü Laundry machine = washing machine = clothes washer (noun): (máy giặt) an electric machine for washing clothes Ex: I ran a load of laundry through the washing machine. ü Capacity (noun): (công suất, sức chứa) the number of things or people that a container or space can hold IELTS NGOC BACH

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Ex: The theatre has a seating capacity of 2 000. ü Load of sth: (lượng lớn) a large number or amount of somebody/something; plenty Ex: Uncle Jim brought a whole load of presents for the kids. ü Household chores (noun): (việc nhà) tasks that you do regularly Ex: I'll go shopping when I've done my chores (= done the jobs in or around the house). QUESTIONS FOR PART 3 3.1.

Have (the item you chose to talk about) changed much over the years?

Yes. The washing machine has been radically/ considerably/ significantly improved over the years. The early laundry machine used an enclosed container or basin to clean the clothes but they still remained dirty or muddy. Over the years, greater advances have been made to produce a high-tech machine with a huge capacity that can produce stainless clothing in the shortest time. 3.2.

Do you think that (the item you chose to talk about) are important to society? (How?)

Of course, I think so. The washing machine has had a great influence on both the social and economic sectors. People started buying clothes washers due to its benefits that will make profit for the producers as well as boost the economy. It also helps vastly reduce the amount of work needed to do household chores and allow women to enter labor work market. 3.3.

Do you think everyone needs to know how to use the item you chose to talk about?

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Obviously, people should know how to operate the washing machine in order to use it correctly and avoid damaging it. Moreover, knowing how to use a laundry machine will bring various benefits to users. It is really time-saving and convenient for people to utilize the washing machine instead of washing by hand. Consequently, they can make use of time to do other necessary tasks. 3.4. What kinds of electrical appliances are most used in the home, besides the telephone and computer? In addition to the telephone and the computer, another electrical appliance people tend to use at home is the television. It is widely used as a means of recreation. For example, family members usually spend time watching TV when having dinners or during their free time for relaxation. 3.5. What are some examples of electronic or electrical equipment that are used for communication? There are various electrical devices that help people keep in touch with each other namely smart phones, computers, and tablets. Nowadays, most people own a mobile phone; therefore, they can call others at any time. Moreover, with an Internet connection, people can easily download programs for chatting such as Skype, Facebook that are really convenient. VOCABULARY ü Advancement (noun): (sự tiến bộ, phát triển) the development or improvement of something Ex: All she was interested in was the advancement of her own career. ü Stainless (adjective): (không một vết bẩn) with no marks on clothing

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Ex: Over years, more advancement has been done to produce a high-tech machine with huge capacity that can make clothing stainless in the shortest time. ü Influence on (noun): (sự ảnh hưởng) the effect that somebody/something has on the way a person thinks or behaves or on the way that something works or develops Ex: What exactly is the influence of television on children? ü Profit (noun): (lợi nhuận) the money that you make in business or by selling things, especially after paying the costs involved Ex: There isn’t much profit in running a restaurant these days. ü Operate (verb): (vận hành/hoạt động) to work in a particular way Ex: Solar panels can only operate in sunlight. ü Make use of (idiom): (sử dụng lợi thế của cái gì đó) to use something/somebody, especially in order to get an advantage Ex: We could make better use of our resources. ü Device(s) (noun): (thiết bị) an object or a piece of equipment that has been designed to do a particular job Ex: This device enables deaf people to communicate by typing messages instead of speaking. ü Keep in touch/remain in touch (idiom): (giữ liên lạc) to maintain communications with someone; to maintain up-to-date knowledge about someone or something. Ex: After my neighbor moved, we still remained in touch.

4. Describe a gift that you recently gave to others You should say: IELTS NGOC BACH

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When it happened Who you gave it to What gift you gave to the person And explain why you gave this gift to others ANSWER (Trích từ đề “Describe a gift you gave that took a long time to choose.”) Choosing a gift for someone is usually a very difficult task, because you want to make sure that the person who receives it will like it. For that reason, I always spend a lot of time picking gifts for my relatives and friends. Today, I am going to share with you the time when I had to choose a gift for my little sister’s birthday. It was her 5th birthday and I wanted to give her something memorable and special. I decided to go to a “Build-a-bear workshop” to buy her a stuffed bear. At this shop, you actually spend time picking materials to build your furry friend, from the cotton inside to the clothes outside. You also got to give this teddy bear a heart and a voice recorder, so that when you squeezed it, it would say whatever you recorded before. After finishing building the stuffed toy, the store would give him or her a birth certificate

with

a

name

and

birthday.

My little sister was so happy when she received the bear. Well, kids always love a furry friend anyway. However, what was special was that as she grew up, she understood how much love I had put in the bear when building it for her at the store, so she came to appreciate the gift even more. VOCABULARY ü pick: [verb] to choose something from a group of things. IELTS NGOC BACH

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Example: The man picked a blue tie from the collection in the shop. ü memorable: [adjective] something special, good or unusual and therefore easy to remember. Example: I will never forget the memorable holiday that I had in Japan. ü workshop: [noun] a place where you can do a practical activity to create something. Example: As a student, I attended drama workshops, because I had always loved acting. ü stuffed bear: [noun] a toy in the shape of a bear, filled with cloth and made of some soft material. Example: When I was a child, I had a stuffed bear, which I used to keep in my bedroom. ü furry: [adjective] covered with fur – a soft thick mass of hair that grows on the body of some animals. Example: People love pandas because they are so furry, with thick black and white fur all over their body. ü get to (+ infinitive): [phrasal verb] to be allowed to do something. Example: When we visited the football stadium, we got to meet some of the famous players. ü teddy bear: [noun] this is just another name for a stuffed toy bear. ü squeeze: [verb] to press something firmly, especially with your fingers. Example: Every time you clean your teeth, you squeeze the tube of toothpaste. ü appreciate: [verb] to recognise the good qualities in something or somebody. Example: At school, I appreciated the help that I received from my teachers. IELTS NGOC BACH

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QUESTIONS FOR PART 3 4.1.

In Vietnam, when (on what occasions) do people give gifts to others?

Well there are multiple occasions that we can gifts to each other, like birthdays, weddings, Christmas, graduation ceremonies or anniversaries. 4.2.

What sorts of things do they give?

It can be all sorts of things, you know; from clothes, jewelry, accessories to souvenirs and even money. It really depends on what kind of occasion it is and who the person you are giving that present to. 4.3.

Do people today still give the same kinds of gifts that people used to give, many years ago?

I think mostly yes. I still go for conventional gift choices, some of which I just mentioned earlier, when picking out presents for friends’ birthdays. But sometimes, if the person receiving my gifts is someone rather special to me, I usually put more thought and effort into selecting the right gifts, for example, I might prepare something tailor-made for him/her or make something myself to really show that person how much they mean to me. 4.4.

Why do people like to receive gifts?

I think people feel happy when receiving gifts because it goes to show that they are appreciated and adored by the other person, enough for that person to remember their special days and send them gifts on top of that. Besides, everybody loves freebies. Gifting someone, especially something that they’ve always wanted but cannot afford, on a special occasion, I believe would never fail to put a smile on both the giver and receiver’s face. 4.5.

Do you think it's suitable to give money as a gift?

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I don’t really see a problem with gifting people with money. Sometimes, rather than material things, cash seems to be a much more practical gift. The notion behind giving money as a gift, in my opinion, is that with the same gift budget, the givers wouldn’t have to ponder on what presents to buy while the recipient would also have full autonomy to use that money on whatever purpose that reflects their needs. 4.6.

Do you think it's a good idea for people who are doing business with each other to exchange gifts?

I think it’s absolutely fine for business partners to exchange gifts. If anything, I believe gift-giving is an important part of business protocol nowadays, especially in Eastern countries like Japan. 4.7.

Why do some people not give gifts to others very often?

You might not believe this but choosing perfect gifts can really stress people out. Some just refuse to deal with all the hassle of picking out the right gifts and the possibility of disappointing the recipients with their presents; hence they might end up not gifting others very often. Plus, some people might not want to burden the recipients with the obligation of responding in kind when the givers have special occasions too, so they may choose to not gift anything at all in the first place. VOCABULARY ü To go for sth: to choose something – chọn cái gì What sort of printer are you going to go for? ü Conventional (adj): traditional, usual – cổ truyền, thông thường But business is all based on conventional wisdom. ü Tailored-made (adj): specially made for a particular purpose – được làm ra riêng cho một mục đích nhất định nào đó IELTS NGOC BACH

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It sounds as though you're tailor-made for the job. ü Freebie (noun): something that you are given, usually by a company, and do not have to pay for – quà biếu, quà tặng More and more companies are giving freebies and samples away. ü Practical (adj): suitable for a particular purpose – thiết thực, có ích The scientists expect to make these cells practical to use within just 2 years. ü To ponder on sth: to think on something; to consider something – cân nhắc điều gì I need to ponder on what university I should go to after graduating high school. ü Autonomy (noun): freedom from external control or influence – quyền tự chủ The government formally granted universities autonomy over academic and financial affairs. ü Protocol (noun): the accepted or established code of procedure or behavior in any group, organization, or situation – nghi thức ngoại giao Protocol dictates that officers remove their caps when entering the courtroom. ü Hassle (noun): trritating inconvenience – sự phiền nhiễu Just the thought of going into a fish shop and knowing you can get something that's gluten free with no hassle and no fuss is wonderful. ü To stress sb out: to make someone feel very nervous and worried – làm ai cảm thấy lo lắng. Interviews always stress me out. ü To burden sb with sth: to give someone problems, trouble, or responsibilities – tạo gánh nặng cho ai He was burdened with debts. ü In kind: in the same way; with something similar – (trả lại) cái đúng như vậy IELTS NGOC BACH

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People got up and told stories about my mom and she replied in kind.

5.

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

ANSWER (Trích từ đề “Describe a song that has special meaning for you”) I love listening to music, so I like many songs. However, one of my favorite songs that I want to talk about today is “Hall of Fame” by The Script and Will.i.am. This song was written for the 2012 Olympic Games. When it came out, it quickly became a hit on every single music chart throughout the world, not just because of its catchy melody, but also for its meaningful lyrics. The song talks about how each of us can be a champion or anything we want to be as long as we dedicate our time and efforts to doing what we are passionate about. The song

is

played

at

big

athletic

events

to pump up the crowd, but you can easily relate to the song at other times as well, especially when you are about to give up. I think this song has such a powerful message that whenever I was tired or had decided to quit, it would lift me up right away. It made me think about why I had started in the first place and that I needed to finish the job that I was currently doing.

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VOCABULARY ü became a hit: when a song becomes a hit, it means that it is super popular and that people are listening to it on the radio and buying it on iTunes or elsewhere. Example: Taylor Swift’s song “Bad Blood” became a hit instantly. ü catchy melody: the melody is the part that you sing along with and if it is catchy, it means that it is easy to sing along with and people like it, you easily remember it and it sticks in your mind. Example: The song “Uptown Funk” has a catchy melody that people love to sing. ü meaningful lyrics: lyrics are the words in a song and if they are meaningful, it means that they actually mean something or have some sort of importance or significance; they aren’t just silly, meaningless words. Example:

His

sister

writes

meaningful

lyrics

for

her

songs.

ü champion: someone who wins, a winner. Example: He didn‟t see himself as a champion until he had reached his goals. ü dedicate: to commit your time to doing something; to make a promise to yourself to do something. Example: You were able to get a high score on the test because you dedicated 2 hours

every

day

to

studying

and

preparing

yourself.

ü effort: the work that you put into doing something. Example: The time and effort he spent improving his English paid off when he got a $10,000 raise. ü passionate: if you are passionate about something it means you have a strong desire to do something or a strong interest in something. Example: Elite athletes are passionate about their sport and want to become the best. IELTS NGOC BACH

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ü played at: to play a song at an event means to broadcast it over loudspeakers so everyone can hear it. Example: They always play the song “We Are the Champions” at basketball games. ü to pump up the crowd: to get the people excited about the game or event. Example: The cheerleaders tried to pump up the crowd during the football game. ü relate to: to see yourself in something or to understand it in a personal way. Example: She can relate to the lyrics of that song about love and loss. ü give up: to quit; to stop doing something. Example:

He

decided

to

give

up

smoking

after

to

the

10

years.

ü quit: to stop doing something; to give up. Example:

She

convinced

her

son

not

quit

soccer

team.

ü lift me up or lift someone up: to make someone feel better. Example: His brother is good at lifting others up when they are feeling down. QUESTIONS FOR PART 3 5.1.

What do old people like to listen to ?

I’m not sure what the elderly like listening to most but it’d be fair to say that they are keen on news broadcasts like reports or weather forecasts, which help them to keep updated. They derive pleasure from discussing these topics with their colleagues or telling their family about them. Other than that, I’ve noticed that elderly people are particularly fond of classical music. Unlike the young who stream music videos on the internet, the old usually turn to radios or cassettes instead. 5.2.

How would your grandfather feel if you gave him some hip hop music to listen to?

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I have never thought carefully about this but if I were to play my grandfather some hip hop, I doubt he would take to this genre. Hip hop is known to have picky listeners as not everyone can * warm to the unfamiliar beats and rap lines. Additionally, some hip hop songs contain inappropriate subject matter such as sex, drugs or discrimination, making it difficult for older people to enjoy them. * warm to someone/something - to begin to like someone or something 5.3.

Why do you think old people like old songs?

I guess the main reason for this is because old songs serve as a memento of the past to elderly people. It’s a way through which they reminisce about their life so in terms of spiritual value, old songs have an advantage over contemporary ones. Another reason may involve old people being unreceptive towards new ideas and culture. They dismiss modern culture as inappropriate and prefer to revisit old and familiar experiences instead. 5.4.

Why do you think people of different age groups have different favourite songs?

Personally, I think taste in music depends on the society in which people grew up. Old people prefer classical songs since they were popular during their youth while the young prefer upbeat songs, which are more in demand in modern times. The clash of two different mindsets might be another reason. In the past, people used to be more reserved and conservative but now, they are more open to express themselves, which results in such a difference. 5.5.

What kinds of music do (small) children in Vietnam like to listen to ?

Originally, most Vietnamese children are fond of traditional folk songs that are especially composed for them. However, with the advent of technology, more particularly the internet, children have free access a variety of online streams, which IELTS NGOC BACH

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means they can now listen to any kinds of music they want. This is why children’s taste in music is slowly changing. They enjoy pop songs that are going viral on the internet in place of traditional children songs. 5.6.

What are the differences between popular music and the music that (young) children like to listen to ?

That’s an interesting question. I think it would be fair to say that children songs tend to be shorter and catchier so that it’s easy for children to memorise and sing along to the lyrics. Additionally, the topics about which they are written are relatively simple such as family, friends or nature so that children understand the meaning quickly. Popular music, on the other hand, sometimes contains obscenities , which are inappropriate for children and revolves around more abstract topics, for example relationships. 5.7.

Why do you think some people like to play instruments in the open?

I guess there can be various explanations for this. It could be that the players simply want to perform in front of an audience. This may serve as a kind of self-fulfillment to some people or as a way to earn a living by * showing off their talents to others. It is also possible that they are seeking publicity. Performing in the open can attract quite a number of people and this helps to boost a player or a band’s popularity in a much shorter time. * to show sth off - to show people something that you are very proud of so that they will admire it VOCABULARY ü Stream (xem trên mạng) [verb]: to watch something online

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o Example: Teenagers often stream music videos instead of downloading them nowadays. ü Discrimination (sự phân biệt đối xử) [noun]: the practice of unfairly treating a person or group of people differently from other people or groups of people o Example: She sued the company for gender discrimination. ü Compose (sáng tác) [verb]: to create and write (a piece of music or writing) o Example: She composed a letter to her sister. ü To go viral (trở nên nổi tiếng) [expression]: to become popular, widely known o Example: The scandalous video of the star went viral on the internet. ü Catchy (dễ nhớ, dễ thuộc) [adjective]: appealing and easy to remember o Example: The new slogan isn't as catchy as the old one. ü Memorise (ghi nhớ, học thuộc) [verb]: Example: The actress is memorising her lines. ü Obscenity (lời chửi thề) [noun]: an offensive word o Example: Obscenity is a fundamental part of rap music ü Abstract (trừu tượng) [adjective]: difficult to understand o Example: Love and hate are abstract ideas. ü Memento (kỉ vật) [noun]: something that is kept as a reminder of a person, place, or thing Example: It was a memento of our trip. ü Reminisce (hồi tưởng) [verb]: to talk, think, or write about things that happened in the past IELTS NGOC BACH

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Example: She reminisced about her time in Europe ü Upbeat (sôi động) [adjective]: positive and cheerful o Example: I like a story with an upbeat ending ü Clash (sự xùn đột) [noun]: a situation in which there is fighting or disagreeing o Example: There was a clash between the police and protesters yesterday. ü Pulicity (sự quảng bá) [noun]: attention that is given to someone or something by newspapers, magazines, television news programs, etc. o Example: The film has gotten some good publicity.

6.

Describe a creative inventor or musician You should say: Who this person is What this person does how you knew this person and explain why you think this person is creative

ANSWER I am going to talk about a creative person who I really admire. That person is Albert Einstein - one of the most well-known physics scientists in the world. He was born in 1879 in a Jewish family in Germany. He was a theorical physicist and is now recognized as the father of modern physics. Above all, he was the founder of the “Theory of Relativity”, which became an important contribution to the science of mankind. It was to be the biggest achievement of his life. In 1921, he was awarded the “Nobel Physics Prize”. He was IELTS NGOC BACH

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a prolific writer and published about 300 scientific articles covering150 topics as well during his career. I came across a new biography about him on the internet and there was a lot of interesting information which really inspired me a lot. His childhood was not carefree as I had thought. He had a problem learning how to talk until he was about 8 years old. Besides, because of his unconventional character, he tended to be bullied and teased a lot, however, he ignored all these taunts and concentrated on doing experiments in the laboratory. What I really admire him is how passionately he worked and what he contributed to physics and our understanding of the world. He lived and worked with passion and the enthusiasm all his life, and he is a shining example for me to follow. VOCABULARY ü theoretical physicist: [noun] a person who studies some branch of physics, using mathematical models to understand, explain and predict nature. This is in contrast to a physicist who uses experiments to test ideas. Example: People who study the world through building mathematical models are called theoretical physicists. ü founder: [noun] a person who creates an organization, company or idea. Example: Bill Gates is the founder of Microsoft. ü relativity: [noun] the word for how things only have importance in relation to other things. Example: Einstein’s Theory of Relativity says that the way that anything [except light] moves through time and space depends on the position and movement of someone who is watching. IELTS NGOC BACH

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ü prolific: [adjective] producing many written works. Example: Picasso was a prolific artist who produced many paintings. ü came across: [phrasal verb] met or found something/someone by chance. Example: While I was looking for my passport, I came across some old photos from my schooldays. ü biography: [noun] the story of a person’s life written by another person. Example: I have just read a new biography about the life of Shakespeare. ü inspired: [verb] gave me the confidence and enthusiasm to do something well. Example: My father inspired me to follow his example and to study hard at school. ü carefree: [adjective] having no worries or problems. Example:

After she retired from work, she had a carefree life with no

reponsibilies. ü unconventional:

not following what is done or considered normal or

acceptable by most people. Example: The normal solutions to traffic congestion have not been effective, so a more unconventional approach is necessary. ü bullied: [verb] frightened or hurt a weaker person. Example: My son was bullied by the older boys at school. ü teased: [verb] laughed at somebody and made jokes about them – sometimes in an unfriendly way. Example: The boy was teased at school because he was fat. ü taunts: [noun] insulting remarks intended to make someone angry or upset. Example: Racist taunts were often shouted at black football players in the past. IELTS NGOC BACH

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ü shining example: [noun] excellent and inspiring example. Example: President Obama is a shining example for young, black people in America who want to have a successful career. QUESTIONS FOR PART 3 6.1.

What creative activities did you like to do when you were young?

I remember when I was young, I was really into cartoons and comics, especially Japanese animation (anime and manga), and so I often spent hours everyday drawing the cartoon characters that I liked. I even came up with a new story for all of my favorite ones and almost made it into a complete comic book. But as I got into high school, I became so much busier with all the homework and exams that I barely had time to pursue my hobby and eventually lost interest in drawing. 6.2.

Why do people like to copy others' ideas these days?

I think people might just run low on both inspiration and motivation to actually be original. Maybe they find it much easier to claim others’ work as theirs than going out of their way and put the effort into producing something as their own. Sometimes, it can even earn you some short-term fame if you’re good enough at imitating others. For example, a Vietnamese singer has got himself rather famous nationwide for being a G-Dragon copycat. Despite the criticism, it is undeniable that he has got quite a number of fans and followers thanks to such an outright copying tactic. 6.3.

What's the best way to cultivate children's creativity?

I think nothing works better than providing children with the urge and motivation to be creative and be their true selves. Not only kids but even grown-ups need to be regularly reminded that they can be anything that they want to be and that they IELTS NGOC BACH

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should not be afraid to be different, think differently or act differently. Only when children are encouraged to have breakthrough thinking from inside the box can they really have the freedom to express themselves and nurture their creativity. 6.4.

Do you think creativity can be learned?

I personally don’t think so. To be creative, one must be original to begin with. If you need someone to teach you how to think and perform in order to reach a certain level of creativity then in my opinion, you can no longer call yourself “original” as you’re, in essence, just basing your ideas and thoughts on someone else’ visions, not your own. 6.5.

Why does art help to nurture creativity?

Just like how I was inspired to draw a comic book due to the endless hours I invested into watching anime and manga, I think art in general can inspire others to create something of their own as long as they are passionate enough about such an idea. Also, in order to be a successful artist, one needs more than just a standard melody or a predictable plot; hence, artists are often in a constant battle with themselves to keep pushing the boundaries and explore new horizons, to stay different but still relatable, which is obviously not an easy task to do but I believe that’s the reason why art can serve as the best catalyst to creative thinking. VOCABULARY ü To come up with: nảy ra, nghĩ ra ý tưởng gì She's come up with some amazing scheme to double her income. ü Barely (adv): hầu như không His wages are barely enough to keep body and soul together. ü To run low on: trong tình trạng cạn kiệt IELTS NGOC BACH

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The car is running low on gas. ü Original (adj): nguyên bản, nguyên thể This is a daring new film by one of our most original modern directors. ü To go out of one’s way: cố gắng hơn mức bình thường They really went out of their way to make us feel welcome. ü To put the effort into sth/doing sth: đặt hết khả năng vào làm việc gì Put more effort into a project and you’ll become more passionate about it ü Imitate (verb): bắt chước Some of the younger pop bands try to imitate their musical heroes from the past. ü Copycat (noun): người bắt chước một cách mù quáng Sales of the product have fallen by 42% since copycat versions were launched. ü Tactic (noun): chiến thuật We need to agree tactics before the game. ü To breakthrough thinking from inside the box = To think outside of the box = Creative thinking: khả năng suy nghĩ sáng tạo To think outside the box is to look further and to try not thinking of the obvious things, but to try thinking of the things beyond them. ü Plot (noun): cốt truyện The plots of his books are basically all the same. ü To push the boundaries: cố gắng vượt qua giới hạn bản thân At Intel, we constantly push the boundaries of innovation in order to make people's lives more exciting, more fulfilling, and easier to manage. ü To explore new horizons: khám phá những chân trời mới Now that he has entered Hollywood, he has to explore new horizons as an actor.

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7. Describe a special meal you have had You should say: where you would like to have it; who you would like to have it with; what you would like to eat; and explain how you would feel about the meal. ANSWER (Trích từ đề “Describe a meal you had your friends in someone's home”) Last month, I had a get-together with some of my high school friends whom I had not met since we graduated. Then, we decided to have lunch at a well-known pizza restaurant in the city centre. Arriving at the restaurant, we were quickly given the menu. What surprised me the most was that there were various types of pizza and drinks; hence, it took me quite a long time to choose the food. After that, we talked with each other while waiting for the dishes. Some of my friends were studying at the same university, some had decided to get a job. And I was especially impressed by the decision of one friend to take a gap year. She said that as she had a strong passion for traveling, she would spend one year visiting lots of places. Then, the dishes were served. The pizza was out-of-this-world and the drinks were tasty although they were a bit pricey. We kept talking and enjoyed the meal and drinks for about two hours. Actually, meeting them reminded me of the time when we studied at high school and I realized that now we were all grown-up, we had our own plans to pursue. But we all promised to meet up regularly.

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VOCABULARY: ü get-together: [noun] an informal meeting or gathering of friends. Example:

We usually have a family get-together during the New Year

celebrations. ü gap year: [noun] the year that a young person spends working and/or travelling after leaving school and starting university. Example: I’m planning to take a gap year before I start my university course, and I have decided to go to see India and China. ü have a passion for: [expression] have a hobby or activity that you like very much. Example: He has a passion for traditional music, and he is learning to play some traditional musical instruments. ü out-of-this-world:

[adjective]

used to emphasize how good or beautiful

something is. Example: The variety of Vietnamese food available during the Tet holiday is outof-this-world. ü tasty: [adjective] having a very delicious flavour. Example: When I want something tasty to eat, I often buy some chocolates or ice-cream. ü a bit pricey: [adjective] a little expensive. Example: Although my favourite restaurant serves food that is out-of-this-world, it is unfortunately a bit pricey, so I can’t afford to eat there often. ü grown-up: [adjective] mentally and physically an adult. Example: She has a grown-up daughter who works in our local hospital.

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ü meet up: [phrasal verb] to meet someone, usually by arranging a time and place with them first. Example: After work, we all met up at the cinema to watch the new James Bond movie. QUESTION FOR PART 3 7.1. Describe what you think is a healthy diet. A large number of people reckon a healthy diet is a balanced diet that contains a variety of foods that give you the nutrients you need to maintain your health, feel good, and have energy. Personally, I suppose it depends on your personal health situation. For example, a developing child needs high-protein rich diets, but consuming excessive protein is extremely risky for people who have gout. 7.2.

Are there many vegetarians in Vietnam?

I don’t know for sure but I think there are plenty of Vietnamese veggies, mainly thanks to its large Buddhist population. In addition to that, vegetarian restaurants are incredibly commonplace. I see signs for “chay”, which means vegetarian in Vietnamese. These chay restaurants are almost everywhere in Vietnam, and traditional restaurants often have optional chay menus. So again, I believe Vietnam has a large number of veggies. 7.3.

Why do you think some people choose to be vegetarians?

There are a range of reasons certain people choose to adopt a meatless diet. First, practicing a religion that advocates vegetarianism is a popular reason why some people follow a meat-free diet. For example, the Hindu religion considers the cow sacred, and most of its followers do not eat meat. Another reason is for the health

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benefits this lifestyle has to offer. Cholesterol comes from eating animal products, and people who eat fewer or no animal-based foods will benefit from this diet. 7.4.

Is the food that people eat today in Vietnam different to the food that people used to eat in the past? (if yes, in what ways has it changed?)

Actually, there’s a huge discrepancy between the food Vietnamese people eat today and what they used to eat in the past. Economic growth has considerably changed the way Vietnamese people eat by introducing some Western habits and products. Modern Vietnamese eating habits are straying from the past, with more and more processed products, enriched with artificial nutrients, artificial flavorings, rich “bad fats”, well, too name a few. 7.5.

How do you think the way we eat will change in the future?

Well, in the foreseeable future, how we feed ourselves will definitely change a bit. First, the protein-centric dinner plate will be obsolete. Instead, vegetables will take center stage. Another change is that, we will eat more insects, which provide as much nutritional value as ordinary meat and are a great source of protein. Maybe things like crickets and grasshoppers will be used as an ingredient in things like burgers. In the further future, the dream of a meal-in-a-pill will come true. But I hope it won’t, or at least, I won’t take that pill instead of my mouth-watering foods. 7.6.

Is American-style 'fast food' popular in Vietnam? (Why? Popular with whom?)

I hate to admit it but that kind of food definitely is becoming more and more popular in Vietnam, especially among young people. The name of MC Donalds and KFC are so familiar not only with American but also young Vietnamese. Well, cooking traditional food is really time-consuming, while fast food is much more convenient. Additionally, American food and beverage chains have been customizing their menus IELTS NGOC BACH

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in eastern markets for years to adapt to local tastes and help them appeal more to customers. 7.7.

What do you think of this popularity- is it as good thing?

As a big fan of Vietnamese food, I find this popularity somehow hinders traditional Vietnamese food development. Vietnamese food is one of the healthiest and most balanced foods in the world but if the current Vietnamese generation prefers Western food, they cannot spread the reputation of our traditional food far and wide. Another negative is, processed products contribute to a growing rate of obesity, which can lead to several other health problems, both in Vietnamese children and teenagers. 7.8. More and more people are becoming overweight nowadays. What do you think might be the causes of this? As I said already, the increasing consumption of fast food contributes a lot to a growing rate of obesity. Along with unhealthy diets, a sedentary lifestyle is a big part of the overweight problem. Nowadays, people tend to entertain themselves with high tech stuff like cellphones and tablets rather than engaging in outdoor activities. As a result, they just sit on a chair all day and are physically inactive. The energy generated from their meals finds no release from their body, and this ends up causing obesity. VOCABULARY ü Excessive (quá nhiều) [adj] too much Example: Excessive exercise can sometimes cause health problems. ü Advocate (ủng hộ) [verb] to publicly support or suggest an idea, development, or way of doing something Example: Heart disease specialists advocate a diet low in cholesterol. IELTS NGOC BACH

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ü Sacred (thiêng liêng) [adj] considered to be holy and deserving respect, especially because of a connection with a god or a religion Example: This area is sacred to the Apaches. ü Discrepancy (khác biệt) [noun] a difference between two things that should be the same Example: The committee is reportedly unhappy about the discrepancy in numbers. ü Considerably (đáng kể) [adv] large or of noticeable importance Example: He's considerably fatter than he was when I knew him. ü Foreseeable (có thể thấy được, tưởng tượng được) [adj] as far into the future as you can imagine or plan for Example: He asked me if there was any point in the foreseeable future when I'd like to have children. ü Obsolete (lỗi thời) [adj] not in use any more, having been replaced by something newer and better or more fashionable Example: Gas lamps became obsolete when electric lighting was invented. ü Time-consuming (tốn thời gian) [adj] takes a lot of time to do Example: Producing a dictionary is a very time-consuming job. ü Adapt (thích nghi) [verb] to change something to suit different conditions or uses Example: Many software companies have adapted popular programs to the new operating system. ü Reputation (danh tiếng) [noun] the opinion that people in general have about someone or something, or how much respect or admiration someone or something receives, based on past behaviour or character Example: He acquired a reputation as an entertaining speaker.

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8. Describe a favorite part of your city or home that you often visit/ Describe a place where you relaxed • You should say: Where it is. When do you normally visit this place. Explain why you like it • You should say: where it is what you usually do there how often you go there and explain why it is a relaxing place ANSWER (Trích từ đề “Describe an interesting public place in your hometown”) Today, Im going to share with you an interesting public place where I really enjoy going to to hang out with my close friends in my spare time, which is a lovely café named The Hanoi Social Club. It is situated at Hoi Vu alley – a small quiet lane near Hang Bong street in the centre of Hanoi. The coffee house is decorated in an old, traditional French style, with a lot of paintings on the wall, and it attracts a lot of foreign customers. As a full-time student, I have been so caught up in my studies, therefore, I just take a day off to go there on weekends after a long stressful week. There are many live music events taking place there performed by acoustic guitarists, so I often check them out on the internet and come with my friends. Because this type

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of music is my kind of thing, I am in my element just humming the tune of the songs and relaxing in a comfy chair to enjoy myself. The fast food tastes quite savoury and especially the coffee in The Hanoi Social Club is always irresistibly delicious. That might be the reason why it was ranked among the top 5 best coffee shops in Hanoi in 2015. What I really love is how cozy the atmosphere is, something which I have not found in any other coffee shop yet. Whenever things go wrong, I often go there as a hideaway to escape from all the pressures and order a cup of coffee to relieve my stress. It always works wonders. I find it extremely therapeutic and soothing. Therefore, it’s more than likely that I will still keep coming back to it as my favourite place in the near future. VOCABULARY ü hang out: [phrasal verb] spend time in a particular place. Example: I sometimes hang out at the shopping mall on Sundays and meet up with my friends. ü lane: [noun] a narrow street in a city, with buildings on both sides. Example: The lane behind the museum will take you directly to the train station. ü decorate: [verb] make something more attractive. Example: Her living room is always decorated with flowers. ü caught up: [phrasal verb] involved in a concentrated way, so that you forget other things around you. Example: I was so caught up in the film that I forgot to feed the cat. ü acoustic: [adjective] designed to make natural sound, not sound produced by electrical equipment.

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Example: Artists who play traditional music usually use acoustic instruments, copying the way in which the music was originally played. ü in my element: [expression] doing what I enjoy. Example: I am really in my element at parties, because I love dancing and mixing with friends. ü hum: [verb] sing a tune with your lips closed. Example: He began humming along to the music. ü comfy: [adjective] comfortable. Example: This new jacket isn’t as comfy as my old one. ü irresistibly: [adverb] in a way that is so strong that it cannot be stopped. Example: Romeo and Juliet in Shakespeare’s play were two young lovers who were irresistibly attracted to each other. ü cozy:

[adjective]

warm and comfortable and safe, often used to refer to

something small. Example: I felt cozy and relaxed sitting by the fire. ü hideaway: [noun] a place where you can go to be alone. Example: He escapes to his hideaway in the country at weekends. ü relieve: [verb] remove or reduce an unpleasant feeling or pain. Example: To relieve his feeling of guilt, he decided to tell the truth to the police. ü work wonders: [expression] have a very good effect on someone or something. Example: If you have a bad cold, a hot lemon drink at night works wonders. ü therapeutic: [adjective] helping you to relax. Example: I find that yoga is very therapeutic, and I always feel better after my yoga class. ü soothing: [adjective] that makes someone who is anxious or stressed, feel better. IELTS NGOC BACH

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Example: The doctor has such a soothing voice that his patients feel relaxed immediately. QUESTIONS FOR PART 3 8.1.

How often do you visit parks?

Actually, when I was a child, I used to go to my local green parks on a daily basis. I was really into the atmosphere in those parks and their decorative flower beds. But now I’m a grown-up, busy with tons of work to do, so alas no more time for parks, you know. 8.2.

Do we need big parks or small parks in the city?

Well, if I had to choose, then small parks would be better. It’s the quality that matters. A big park takes up too much space and it will be hard for a large number of big places like that to be available in the city. On the other hand, there are plenty of smaller areas in every corner of the city that can be landscaped into small parks. That would make a great contribution to the tranquility of the city and it would be very handy for everyone to just pop into a local small park. 8.3.

Why is it important to have parks in a city?

Well, it’s important because they act like natural air conditioners in cities with their trees and grass. Second, in a city, green parks are the only places that people can live in harmony with the nature. They provide a habitat for a host of plants and animals and they’re places for citizens to engage in either relaxing or energetic outdoor activities. 8.4.

Do you like to visit movie theaters?

I would say yes, definitely. Actually, I call myself a movie buff, so whenever a blockbuster is shown in the cinemas, I will try to catch it straight away. I think the IELTS NGOC BACH

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atmosphere in the cinema adds a lot to the experience and you can focus solely on the film itself, instead of having lots of distractions like you might have if you watched the film at home. 8.5.

Where do Vietnamese people like to go on weekends?

I don’t know how it was in the past, but nowadays, shopping centres like Vincom, Mipec or Aeon Mall have become the most fashionable places to go on weekends. Coming to those places, visitors of all ages can have easy access to a variety of goods and amusement facilities, such as a cinema complex or restaurants. Some other popular options are sports centres, green parks and cafes. 8.6.

What do old people do to relax?

There is a wide range of entertainment options for the elderly. Speaking of outdoor activities, they often go to green parks to take part in tai chi or yoga classes. There are also organised outings for senior citizens to relax and visit their relatives. For sedentary entertainment, old people tend to read books, play board games and watch TV. VOCABULARY ü Decorative [adjective] decorated to look attractive or pretty Example: The bright paintings look very decorative in the hall. ü Tons of work (1 đống công việc) [expression] a large amount of work Example: We’ve got tons of work to do. ü Take up (chiếm chỗ) [phrasal verb] to fill a particular amount of space or time Example: These files take up a lot of disk space. ü Landscape (cải tạo) [verb] to change the appearance of an area of land, especially next to a building or road so that it looks more like natural countryside IELTS NGOC BACH

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Example: The area in front of the museum was landscaped using trees and sculptures. ü Tranquility (sự thanh bình, trong lành) [noun] quality or state of being tranquil; calmness; peacefulness; quiet; serenity. Example: We ate in his Sukka, surrounded by a tranquility and quiet that I, in my busy life, rarely experience. ü Pop into [phrasal verb] to go somewhere quickly and suddenly for a short time Example: I popped into the shop to buy some chocolate. ü Live in harmony (sống hòa thuận) [expression] living together peacefully rather than fighting or arguing Example: This river has different kinds of fish living in harmony. ü Movie buff (mọt phim) [expression] when someone is addicted to movies and actively goes to the cinema on a regular basis. Example: John is a film/movie buff who has always enjoyed watching movies and reading about the industry and his favorite filmmakers. ü Blockbuster (phim bom tấn) [adjective] a book or film that is very successful Example: A blockbuster film is very popular and achieves enormous sales. ü Distraction (sự gây gián đoạn) [noun] something that prevents someone from giving their attention to something else. Example: I can turn the television off if you find it a distraction. ü Outing [noun] a trip – usually with a group of people Example: There is a school outing to the zoo tomorrow – I can’t wait ! ü Sedentary [adjective] in which you spend a lot of time sitting down Example: He has a sedentary job working in an office.

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9.

Describe a bicycle/motorbike/car trip that is interesting You should say: where you would like to go; how you would like to go there; who you would like to go with; and explain why you would like to go there by car, motorbike or bike. ANWSER

VERSION 1 (Tham khảo từ đề 23 trong sách 2015 “Describe a long car journey that you went on”) Like many other young people, I don’t have the habit of waking up early every day, only for special occasions. Last weekend, I and a group of my friends decided to go on a trip to the mountainous area of Vietnam called Mu Cang Chai. We had to leave very early in the morning so that we did not get stuck in the traffic. In addition, we would

have

more

time

to

spend

there.

It wasn’t easy to get up early in the morning, because I had been so excited about the trip that I had barely slept that night. I had never been to Mu Cang Chai before. It is located in the northern part of Vietnam, so I knew that we faced a long drive ahead . We had decided to go by car since, that way, all 5 of us could travel together. Moreover, everyone reckoned that it would be safer than going by motorbike. After 5 hours driving, we arrived at our destination. We were amazed to see a vast land filled with the yellow color of terraced rice fields, ready to be harvested. Under the sunlight, these rice fields sparkled like gold. We stayed for one night with a local host and helped the family with their regular tasks before setting out for home the next day. It was such an amazing trip, and it IELTS NGOC BACH

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helped us to learn more about the countryside and the way of life of those who live there. I’d love to make more trips like that in the future. VOCABULARY ü get stuck: [verb phrase] to be in an unpleasant situation that you can‟t escape from. Example: I left work early, because I didn‟t want to get stuck in traffic on my way home. ü barely: [adverb] something that can be achieved, but only with difficulty. Example: We barely had time to catch the train, so we ran all the way to the station. ü faced a long drive ahead: [verb phrase] a long car journey. Example: My advice is to sleep well if you face a long drive ahead the next day. ü reckon: [verb] to think or have an opinion about something. Example: If I want to lose weight, I reckon that I will have to eat less bread. ü freshen: [verb] to make something cooler and more pleasant. Example: The rain freshened the air. ü vast: [adjective] very big. Example: The Amazon is a vast rainforest. ü harvest: [verb] to cut and collect a crop, such as rice. Example: Every year, bananas are harvested from the trees on my uncle‟s farm. ü sparkle: [verb] to shine brightly. Example: The sky sparkled with thousands of stars. ü setting out: [phrasal verb] leaving a place and beginning a journey. Example: I finished my breakfast and set out for the train station IELTS NGOC BACH

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VERSION 2 I’d like to describe a travelling idea that I think would make an awesome experience. It’s a motorbike trip to Tam Dao, a town of Vinh Phu province, which has become an attractive place for Hanoi residents to visit at weekends and during holidays. Tam Dao, also known as Da Lat of the North due to its cool weather around the year, is not far from Hanoi. It’s just 70 kilometers away from our capital city, so I think it’d be sensible to travel there by motorbike. I think it’d be an ideal trip if we had a small group of 4 or 5 members, who all knew each other well, as travelling companions. We would need to share a lot of common interests as well as characteristics, you know, so the experience would be more laidback, fun and memorable, in my opinion. There are several reasons why I prefer travelling by motorbike rather than by car, but most of all, I wouldn’t want to miss the breathtaking scenery along the way. Moreover, my travelling timeline would be more flexible if I went there by motorbike, as I wouldn’t have to worry about being stuck in traffic jams. Last but not least, I think it would be a way to make the trip somehow more challenging and interesting, so we would have more things to recall afterwards. VOCABULARY ü captital city (thủ đô) [n] a city which physically includes the offices and meeting places of the seat of government and is usually fixed as the capital by law or by the constitution Example: Hanoi is the capital city of Vietnam and the country’s second largest city. IELTS NGOC BACH

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ü sensible ( hợp lí) [adj] reasonable and practical. Example: It’s sensible to keep a note of your passport number ü Travelling companion ( bạn đồng hành trong chuyến du lịch) [expression] someone you spend a lot of time with during your trip, who accompanies you. Example: We should also agree about money when choosing a travelling companion; it can be pretty uncomfortable when you reach your first destination and find your companion wants to spend on a meal way beyond your budget. ü common interests (sở thích chung) [expression] similar interests Example: Studies show that shared common interests between people boost the chances of a lasting relationship, and also bring about a 2% increase in life satisfaction. ü laid-back [adj] relaxed, without any worries Example: I prefer a laid-back holiday, just sunbathing on the beach and listening to the sound of the sea. ü breathtaking (hấp dẫn, ngoạn mục)[adj] very impressive, exciting or surprising Example: The view from my bedroom window was absolutely breathtaking. QUESTIONS FOR PART 3 9.1.

Do Vietnamese people prefer to travel by car or by train?

Generally, although the train is one of the fastest means of transportation, most Vietnamese people prefer travelling by car because of its convenience. Unlike the train, which has a specific terminal where people must stop, passengers can hop into and out of the car anywhere they want. Moreover, in order to take a train, they must follow the schedule. In contrast, by using their car, people can travel at any time which suits them. IELTS NGOC BACH

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9.2.

What are the advantages of travelling with a group of people?

Travelling with friends or family members will bring a lot of benefits. Firstly, it will be their greatest time when they can share best moments of life with their loved ones and closest friends. Being accompanied by other people, they can enjoy doing things together and build a closer bond through sharing experiences. Secondly, travellers can also avoid risks of injuries or dangers with the assistance of other group members. Consequently, they will have a safe, carefree trip with lots of happy memories. 9.3.

Should young people travel abroad?

I definitely agree with the idea that youngsters should travel to other countries. Going abroad can provide young and curious people with opportunities to explore new things about other cultures and places. It is really true that travel broadens the mind and teaches cultural sensitivity. Moreover, travelling will help them build confidence and social skills, as they will encounter people from different nations. They will learn to adapt to globalization and integration with strangers, which will be very beneficial in their future careers. 9.4.

Where do Vietnamese people like to travel?

Regarding ideal places for travelling, it depends largely on people’s hobbies. For example, active and adventurous people prefer challenging places such as mountainous areas or forests. Other people love to go to resorts or famous places for entertainment, nightlife or relaxation. 9.5.

Is international travel popular with people in your country?

To be honest, Vietnam is a middle-income country, so most people in my country are unable to afford international trips. However, recently, it has become more common for Vietnamese people to travel to different places for their holidays or in IELTS NGOC BACH

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their free time, especially because of the availability and affordability of high-speed means of transportation. VOCABULARY ü Means of transportation (expression): any vehicle that you can travel in Example: I can’t afford a car, so my only means of transportation is my bike. ü Terminal (noun): (nhà ga) a place, building or set of buildings where journeys by train, bus or boat begin or end Example: Unlike the train which has a specific terminal where people must stop, passengers can get into and out of the car anywhere they want. ü Hop into/hop out of (phrasal verb): to go or move somewhere quickly and easily Example: I turned off the TV and hopped into bed. ü Suit (verb): to be convenient for somebody Example: We should meet for lunch. What time would suit you? ü Loved ones (noun): people that you love, usually members of your family Example: After I heard about the accident, I rang the police to check if my loved ones were safe. ü Accompany (verb): (đồng hành, đi cùng) to travel or go somewhere with somebody Example: His wife accompanied him on the trip. ü Bond (noun):

something that forms a connection between people, such as

friendship or shared experiences Example: There is a special bond between a mother and her children. ü Assistance (noun): (trợ giúp, giúp đỡ) help or support IELTS NGOC BACH

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Example: He can walk only with the assistance of crutches. ü Carefree (adjective): having no worries or responsibilities Example: We spent a carefree week just relaxing on the beach. ü Sensitivity (noun): (sự nhạy cảm) the ability to understand other people’s feelings Example: She pointed out with tact and sensitivity exactly where he had gone wrong. ü Encounter (verb): (bắt gặp, gặp gỡ) to meet somebody, or discover or experience something, especially somebody/something new, unusual or unexpected Ex: She was the most remarkable woman he had ever encountered. ü Globalization (noun): (toàn cầu hóa) the fact that different cultures and economic systems around the world are becoming connected and similar to each other because of the influence of large multinational companies and of improved communication Example: We must take advantage of the increased globalization of the commodity trading business. ü Integration (noun): (hội nhập) the act or process of mixing people who have previously been separated, usually because of color, race, religion, etc. Example: The purpose of the induction program is to encourage the integration of new staff into the team. ü Adventurous (adjective): willing to take risks or try new ideas Example: She is very adventurous – her favourite hobby is mountain biking. ü Nightlife (noun): entertainment that is available at night Example: Las Vegas in the USA is famous for its nightlife – especially the casinos which are open all night. IELTS NGOC BACH

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ü Middle-income country (noun phrase): (quốc gia có thu nhập trung bình) one of the countries of the world that is neither very rich nor very poor: Example: The World Bank will stop lending to middle-income countries that have access to global financial markets. ü Affordability (noun): being cheap enough for people to buy Example: The good thing about my city is the affordability of housing.

10.

Describe a person that you admire You should say: Who this person is How you knew this person What you like to do together Why you admire this person ANSWER

VERSION 1 (Trích từ đề “Describe a person (you know), much older than you, who you admire”) I would like to describe one of my teachers who taught me at high school. She had a great influence on me and was a role model whom I look up to. Her name is Yen and she taught me Math for 3 years of high school. She was in her 50s, and so she had a lot of teaching experience. Actually, we met each other almost everyday as she was also my form teacher. She cared about us as if we had been her sons and daughters. For example, she always brought some kinds of medicines so that whenever her students got a cold, coughed or something like that, she would give them the medicines immediately. IELTS NGOC BACH

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Above all, I was most influenced by the way she taught us in class. Her thoroughness in teaching inspired me to study Math, even though I had not been interested in the subject before. Thanks to her effective teaching method, I was able to pass the university entrance exam with a high Math grade. Besides, I was also influenced by her lifestyle, which was so simple and worthy of respect that I really wanted to copy her. As she is a warm-hearted person, she always gave us advice about any problems we faced. At times, I felt that she was like my friend who I could share everything with. Although we have now all graduated from high school, my friends and I often visit her at the weekends to tell her about our daily life at university. VOCABULARY ü role model: [noun phrase] a person that you admire and try to copy. Example: Parents are usually the most important role models for a child.\ ü in her 50s: [expression] between the ages of 50 and 59. Example: My mother retired from her job as a teacher when she was in her 50s. ü cared about: [phrasal verb] felt that we were important and worth worrying about. Example: Everybody had a good opinion of the hospital – the doctors and nurses really cared about the health of the patients. ü thoroughness: [noun] the quality of doing things very carefully and with great attention to detail. Example: The report was perfectly organised and included every important detail, and I had to admire his thoroughness. ü lifestyle: [noun] the way in which a person or group of people live and work. IELTS NGOC BACH

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Example: When I moved to the countryside from Hanoi, I had to change my lifestyle completely. ü warm-hearted: [adjective] kind and generous Example: He often gave money and chatted in the street to poor people that he knew – he was a very warm-hearted person. VERSION 2 (Trích từ đề “Describe a leader who you admire”) I would like to share with you my impression of a leader who I really admire. Her name is Huong, the director of the VPBank Hoan Kiem Branch, where I had a chance to do an internship for over 3 months last year. She has not only a wide knowledge of banking but also a lot of experience of being a good leader. That can be seen through the way that staff carry out their duties in the bank that she has been running. Although that bank is just a small branch of theVPBank, the work of the employees is extremely professional and efficient. Not only has she succeeded in her career path, she also pays attention to her clothing style and physical appearance. She is in her 30s with shoulder-length hair. Because her business requires meeting with customers a lot, she always knows how to choose smart and suitable clothes to complement her figure. What I really admire is how well she treats her subordinates not only in terms of working relationships but also in daily life, if their personal problems affect their performance at work, always taking care thoughtfully of each person in her company. I will try my best to become a good leader like her in the future. VOCABULARY ü impression: [noun] an idea or feeling about someone/something. IELTS NGOC BACH

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Example: My first impression of Australia is that the people are very friendly. ü branch: [noun] a local office or shop/store belonging to a large company or organization. Example: The bank has branches in every big town and city in the country. ü internship: [noun] a period of time when a student or graduate gets practical experience in a job – for example during a summer vacation. Example: My brother has just finished his accountancy course at university, and this summer he is going to do an internship at a leading company of accountants in the city. ü run: [verb] in this context, it means ‘manage’ a company or business. Example: I am going to apply for the job of a director, running the new sports centre in town. ü career path: [noun] the route taken by an employee, from the time that they first enter a company or organisation until the time that they retire from work. Example:

He followed a successful career path, starting work as a simple

cleaner and later becoming a senior manager in the company. ü in her 30s: [expression] aged between 30 and 39. Example: Although she is only in her 30s, my sister has already bought her own house. ü complement: [verb] add to something in a way which makes it look better/more attractive. Example: The excellent choice of food is complemented by a good wine list. ü figure: [noun] the shape of a human body, especially a woman’s body that is attractive or smart. Example: Although she is in her 60s, my grandmother still has a smart figure. IELTS NGOC BACH

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ü subordinates:

[noun]

people with less authority within an organisation or

company. Example: I always discuss things with my subordinates in the business before making my decisions. ü thoughtfully: [adverb] in a way that shows you think about and care about other people. Example: When we arrived, the hotel had thoughtfully provided a special meal for us.

QUESTIONS FOR PART 3 10.1. What kinds of people can become role models? Personally, I think everyone can become a role model for people to look up to as long as they possess good qualities and virtues. Good examples are successful people such as celebrities, businessmen or professors, due to their great efforts in their career that inspire others. Role models may also be normal people who have a positive attitude and do worthwhile activities such as helping underprivileged people. 10.2. What should schools teach to help students become better citizens? Obviously,

learning

environment

has

a

great

influence

on

students’

personalities. In order to teach students to become better members of society, teachers should act as role models with outstanding personal qualities for students to emulate. In addition to theories, students should also be taught practical lessons about the virtues of good citizenship by offering them chances to do volunteering activities, for example helping orphans and elderly people. IELTS NGOC BACH

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10.3. What can we learn from old people? There are various things youngsters can learn from elderly people, such as their practical experiences, their reflections on life and even their mistakes. Of course, young people cannot live long enough to experience everything, so it is essential for them to follow valuable advice that older people give them as well as avoid their failures. If they do that, they will have more opportunities to explore and be successful. 10.4. What can parents do to give children correct guidance? There are many ways for parents to give children correct guidance. Firstly, children tend to imitate their parents’ behaviors unintentionally; so parents should become role models by setting a good example for their children to follow. Secondly, parents can tell stories, show pictures, videos or even educate their children through real situations about good things that they want them to understand. 10.5. In your culture, what kinds of people can be leaders? I suppose that in Vietnam, leaders are the ones whose voices contain the power to make others follow them voluntarily. It means that these people must have thorough knowledge and practical experience of the field, and be passionate enough to inspire other people in the team. Actually, leaders at large companies are often people aged over 50 who have greatly contributed to the companies for a long time, so employees look up to them and are ready to follow their directions. 10.6. Has there been a change in the characteristics that leaders should have? Yes, I think that the essential qualities of leadership have changed over time. For example, in the past, a leader was considered as the one who was able to command others, he just needed to sit in his room and give orders to his employees. But nowadays, a leader is defined as one who can inspire all team members and IELTS NGOC BACH

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communicate effectively with them in order to boost the performance of the team, as well as unite their efforts. In my opinion, leaders today have become an equal part of a team rather than a supervisor. 10.7. Many women are earning more money now, does it mean that they can be leaders? Well, it’s a quite hard topic, but I’ll give it a go. In my opinion, women can be great leaders, but maybe not only because of the large amount of money they can earn. Nowadays, men and women are treated equally in the organizational environment and have equal opportunity for promotion, therefore, as long as their performance at the company is rated highly enough, they can become a leader. In addition, women generally have better soft skills in negotiation and communication than men, so it’s easier for them to deal with conflicts and problems if or when these happen. VOCABULARY ü Role model (noun): a person who you admire and try to copy Ex: We need positive role models for young women to aspire to. ü Look up to (phrasal verb): to admire and respect Uncle Ho is a role model for all generations to look up to. ü Possess good qualities and virtues (expression):

having the character and

understanding of how to behave towards other people Ex: Anyone can be a role model for others to look up to as long as they possess good qualities and virtues. ü Good examples (noun phrase): a person or their behavior that is considered to be a good model for others to copy

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Ex: The ParaOlympic sportsmen and sportswomen are good examples for all young people with disabilities to follow. ü Worthwhile (adjective): important, worth spending time and effort on Ex: He supports several worthwhile causes, such as charities for disabled people and environmental campaigns. ü Underprivileged people (noun phrase): having less money and fewer opportunities than most people in society Ex: She sometimes helps underprivileged people who are homeless and hungry. ü Learning environment (noun phrase): the location and culture in which people study or try to learn Ex: The library is an effective learning environment – it is a quiet place to study and it has a lot of resources such as books and computers. ü Have an influence on (expression): the effect that somebody/something has on the way a person thinks or behaves, or on the way that something works or develops Ex: My grandmother had a strong influence on my early childhood. ü Outstanding (adjective): extremely good, excellent Ex: He was an outstanding student at school, and it was no surprise that he went on to study at university. ü Emulate (verb): to try to do something as well as somebody else because you admire them Ex: I would like to emulate my father’s professional achievements and become a doctor like him. ü Citizenship (noun): accepting the responsibilities of being a good citizen Ex: Some schools teach citizenship, so that students will learn to be responsible members of their community. IELTS NGOC BACH

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ü Orphan (noun): a child who does not have parents Ex: She is an orphan, so now she lives with her aunt and uncle. ü Youngster (noun): a child or young person Ex: The summer camp is for youngsters aged between 8 and 14. ü Reflection (noun): careful thought about something, usually over a long period of time Ex: I asked my grandfather about his experiences and reflections on the war. ü Failure (noun): lack of success in doing or achieving something Ex: They were disappointed by the failure of their team to win the World Cup. ü Unintentionally (adverb): in a way that is not deliberate, but happens by accident Ex: He unintentionally delivered the pizza to the wrong address. ü Set a good example (expression): to behave in a good way that somebody can copy Ex: You should not be wasting your time – you should be setting a good example to your younger brother. ü Thorough (adjective)

Tỉ mỉ, kĩ lưỡng

Done completely; with great attention to

detail. Example: The police carried out a thorough investigation, paying attention to every piece of information and evidence. ü Passionate (adjective) Đam mê Having or showing strong feelings of enthusiasm for something or belief in something. Example: She has a passionate interest in music. She goes to a lot of concerts and she’s also learning to play the piano. ü Contribute (verb) Đóng góp, cống hiến To give something, especially money or goods, to help somebody/something. Example: We contributed £5 000 to the earthquake fund. IELTS NGOC BACH

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ü To look up to (phrasal verb) Ngưỡng mộ To admire and respect somebody. Example: I look up to my father, he is honest, hard-working and kind. ü Command (verb) Ra lệnh To tell somebody to do something. Example: The general commanded his army to attack the enemy. ü Unite (verb) To join together. Example: A good boss knows how to unite the workforce in order to meet the production targets. ü Supervisor (noun) Người giám sát A person who checks or organises the work of others. Example: I have a meeting with my supervisor about my research topic. ü To give something a go (expression) Thử To attempt to do something. Example: I have never tried to cook chicken before, but I’m willing to give it a go. ü Rate (verb) To think that somebody or something has a particular level of quality or value. Example: Shakespeare is rated as one of the greatest writers who ever lived. ü Conflict (noun)

Xung đột

A situation in which people, groups or countries are

involved in a serious disagreement or argument. Example: The violence was the result of political and ethnic conflicts.

11.

Describe an interesting photo You should say: Who took it Who was in the photo When the photo was taken Why it was interesting

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ANSWER (Trích từ đề “Describe a photo of yourself that you had taken”) Today, I would like to describe a photo of myself that I had taken by a friend. Honestly, I kind of do not like posing for pictures and I only do so on very special occasions. That photo was taken at my university with my extended family last year during the graduation ceremony, you know, and it was special because it was one of the best family moments in our lives. When I graduated from university, my whole family – that is my grandparents, my parents and a lot of my siblings – brothers and sisters - came to celebrate the day with me. Everyone was extremely cheerful and really proud of me. I remembered that we had not had a family get-together for ages, so I came up with the idea of taking a photo together in order to save our memorable day on film. The House of Culture in my university was the place that we chose to take this photo. I asked one of my classmates to help us to capture that moment. He was really good at photography and so I had total confidence in him. He put everyone at their ease, so it was really a wonderful photo because there were brilliant smiles from all the members of our whole family group. Whenever I look back at that photo, I feel very emotional and happy because it not only marked a major turning-point in my life, but it was also a valuable opportunity for my extended family to strengthen our relationship. I think sometimes it is necessary for us to capture moments and save them as notable memories in our lives. VOCABULARY ü posing:

[verb]

sitting or standing in a particular position in order to be

photographed.

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Example: I have an old photo of my grandparents, posing in front of a statue in the park. ü extended family: [noun] a family group that includes not only children and parents, but also uncles, aunts, grandparents, cousins...... Example: When our extended family all met for a meal, there were probably about 50 of us at the restaurant. ü sibling: [noun] a brother or sister. Example: I went to a different school from most of my siblings. ü get-together: [noun] an informal meeting or party. Example: Most of the students were more interested in social get-togethers than going to lectures. ü for ages: [expression] for a long time. Example: How are you? I haven’t seen you for ages. ü put...at their ease: [expression] make someone relaxed, so they do not feel nervous or embarrassed. Example: Our friendly host at the party soon put everyone at their ease. ü smiles: [noun] the expression that you have on your face when you are happy. Example: After they won the match, all the players had big smiles on their faces. ü look back: [phrasal verb] think about something in your past. Example: When I look back at my schooldays, I realise that I was not happy at that time. ü marked: [verb] indicated an event that was important. Example: The celebrations last month marked the 90th birthday of the Queen. ü turning point: [noun] a time when an important change takes place, usually with the result that a situation improves. IELTS NGOC BACH

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Example: The promotion to manager marked a turning point in her career. ü capture: [verb] film or record something/someone. Example: The video camera captured the moment of the accident. ü strengthen: [verb] make stronger. Example: The President said that he was determined to strengthen his country’s relations with China. ü notable: [adjective] important and deserving to receive attention. Example: She achieved notable success as a famous writer of books for children QUESTIONS FOR PART 3 11.1. What are the occasions when people take photographs? I think people take photographs to remember important occasions. Examples can be a ceremony or an anniversary, like graduation day or wedding anniversary. Other people may want to take photos of the places they have visited. Or, you know, just simply a birthday party. Basically I believe there are a lot of occasions for taking photographs. 11.2. Why do people like to take many photos when they are travelling? To keep the memories, I guess. Like when I had my first chance to visit Korea, I took tons of photos because I really loved it there and I wanted to have something reminding me of that time. Also because I didn’t know when I would be able to return to Korea, I took photos so that I wouldn’t regret having nothing as a memory of Korea. 11.3. Do you think photographs can really help people remember past events in their lives?

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Most of the time, yes. A photograph carries a memory in itself, but people can be reminded of their past through photographs only when the event represented in the photo carries some meaning to those people. For example, you would be able to remember the day you bought your first car forever by looking at a photo of it, but you would be unlikely to remember it just by looking at a random photo of a car on the internet. 11.4.

What is the value/importance of photographs?

Photographs are used to mark the milestones of one’s life or to keep memories. Most people will take pictures of life-changing events, like when you have a new job or when you marry someone you love. These photos later stay as a token of those events, which you can take out and look at when you have time, or show to your friends and family members which makes me believe that photographs can also connect people too, as when one looks at a photo, one also remembers the people standing next to them, not just the event. 11.5.

Do you think it's good to take photos?

I think it depends on the situation when the photos are taken. I remember seeing a photo of a girl taking a selfie while sitting on a tomb, which in this case only shows her ignorance and disrespect to whoever had passed away. But taking photos at weddings, at birthday parties, though, is completely normal and is to be encouraged. So to sum up, photos should only be taken on the right occasion. 11.6. Do you think photographs are more important for adults or for children? The importance of photographs doesn’t depend on a person’s age, I believe. It’s as important to a kid to keep a memory through photos as to an adult, and I haven’t seen any cases of people prioritizing adults or kids when it comes to taking pictures. IELTS NGOC BACH

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11.7. Why do you think it is important to take photos (or videos) of one's family? Because it shows the family’s bond. Isn’t it nice looking at a photograph of all the family members smiling happily? You may feel content and connected to your flesh and blood when you look at the family photo. Also, you know, to some families, taking photos is like a tradition established over time and one just needs to take part / participate. I guess family photos are that important. VOCABULARY ü Come up in one’s mind (xuất hiện trong đầu) [expression] appear in one’s mind e.g. That person came up in my mind after I looked at this picture. ü Milestone (dấu mốc quan trọng) [noun] a significant stage or event in the development of something e.g. Here are important milestones on the road leading up to the current situation. ü Token (bằng chứng, vật tượng trưng) [noun] a thing serving as a visible or tangible representation of a fact, quality, feeling, etc. e.g. I wanted to offer you a small token of my appreciation. ü Take a selfie (chụp ảnh tự sướng) [expression] take a photograph of oneself e.g. I saw her taking a selfie in the restroom. ü Ignorance (sự thiếu hiểu biết) [noun] lack of knowledge or information e.g. There are vast tracts of ignorance in my knowledge and really there are lots of other people who know more than me. ü Pass away (mất) [phrasal verb] die (used in formal circumstances) e.g. My grandfather just passed away yesterday. IELTS NGOC BACH

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ü Prioritize (ưu tiên) [verb] determine the order for dealing with (a series of items or tasks) according to their relative importance e.g. These different roles must be prioritized in their order of importance in your life. ü When it comes to (khi nhắc đến) [expression] regarding e.g. I always hate it when it comes to dealing with selfish people. ü Content (hài lòng, hạnh phúc) [adjective] in a state of peaceful happiness; satisfied e.g. She thought of how content and peaceful she felt being with Yu Min. ü One’s (own) flesh and blood (máu mủ ruột thịt) [idiom] A near relative or one’s close family e.g. He felt as much for that girl as if she had been his own flesh and blood. . 12.

Describe a sport that you prefer to do and is a little expensive You should say: what it is; how much it usually costs; who you usually do it with; and explain why you like to do this activity. ANSWER

I would like to talk about one of my most favorite workout activities which does not cost a fortune/ is affordable; that is swimming. At the weekend, I usually go to the

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swimming pool near my house called Lam Son club in district 5, HCM City with my friends. As I am a sporty person, I am really keen on playing sports. Especially, I prefer swimming to other sports due to its various benefits. Firstly, in order to join in a swimming pool, it costs me only about $1 per hour. It is a reasonable price for teenagers in general. Therefore, I can go swimming regularly without worrying about its cost /its effect on my finances. Secondly, swimming is extremely beneficial to my / a person’s level of health. It builds endurance and cardiovascular fitness in order to prevent people from suffering diseases; namely heart disease. It bulks up a healthy weight and muscle strength. Lastly, going swimming is a good means of recreation as it allows me to relax, release stress and even develop new relationships. Thanks to these advantages, I will definitely continue going swimming in the future. VOCABULARY ü Budget (noun): (ngân quỹ) the money that is available to a person or an organization and a plan of how it will be spent over a period of time Example: We decorated the house on a tight budget (= without much money to spend). ü Sporty (adjective): (ham mê và giỏi về thể thao) A sporty person enjoys sport and is good at it Example: She's perfect for me, as she's both studious and sporty. ü Join in (phrasal verb): (tham gia, tham dự) to take part in an activity with other people IELTS NGOC BACH

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Example: All the members of the interviewing panel joined in with questions. ü Endurance (noun): (khả năng chịu đựng) the ability to continue doing something painful or difficult for a long period of time without complaining Example: He showed remarkable endurance throughout his illness ü Cardiovascular (adjective): (thuộc về tim và mạch máu) connected with the heart and the blood vessels (= the tubes that carry blood around the body) Example: cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death for men in the United States, killing 321,000 men in 2013 ü Prevent sb/sth from doing sth (v): (ngăn chặn, ngăn cản) to stop somebody from doing something; to stop something from happening Example: His disability prevents him (from) driving ü Bulk up (phrasal verb): (làm tăng cân, cơ bắp) to make your body bigger and heavier, especially by gaining more muscle Example: This season he has bulked up to 230 pounds ü Recreation (noun): (sự giải trí) a way of enjoying yourself when you are not working Example: Emma's only form of recreation seems to be shopping QUESTION FOR PART 3 12.1. What sports are popular in your country? Well, football tops the list of famous sports in Vietnam without a doubt. But what’s amazing is, I suppose something called ‘dancesport’ comes close behind. In the early mornings, Vietnamese dancesport enthusiasts gather in parks or public places to practice. Dancesport has been spreading rapidly because it allows dancers to improve physical fitness and mental well-being and it is suitable for people of all ages, IELTS NGOC BACH

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shapes, and sizes. Apart from them, volleyball, tennis, badminton are also fashionable in Vietnam. 12.2. What are the benefits of playing a sport? I believe engaging in sporting activities helps the players to improve their physical and spiritual health. For example, dancing helps older people improve their physical health and memory. The dancers have to count their steps and remember the moves. In addition to that, playing sports brings us a reasonable chance of enhancing our relationships with other people when playing together. 12.3. Do you think the types of sport that are popular will change in the future? Personally, I think there will be a considerable change in the types of popular sports. People will opt for virtual games and sports rather than sports outdoors such as football, cycling, etc. Thanks to high tech development, virtual sports will be able to bring excitement like you’re playing with real life opponents while you are actually in front of your computer and doing nothing. I suppose this popularity will encourage a sedentary lifestyle, especially among young people. 12.4. How can sports bring people from different countries closer together? Sports can play a role in bringing communities together in countless ways. For example, sports break barriers and boundaries between cultures. No matter who you are, what the colour of your skin is, as long as we enjoy the same sport, we can understand fulfillment, hopes, or even disappointment that sport brings us. Second, team sports encourage us to be willing to take responsibility and value diversity. As a result, it can help establish more cohesive, tolerant and inclusive communities. 12.5. What are the major differences between extreme sports and ordinary sports? IELTS NGOC BACH

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Well, the distinction between an extreme sport and a conventional one is the level of danger involved. Extreme sports refer to certain activities having a high level of inherent danger. Another one is the difference in judgement. In traditional sports, performance is judged on the basis of some quantitative approaches such as distance, time and speed, whereas in extreme sports the performance is evaluated on the basis of qualitative criteria such as innovative methods to complete the task. 12.6. What do you think of expensive sports? Actually, I can think of nothing special about those kinds of sports. I find them ordinary like other sports – they’re also joyful, exciting, they keep the players healthy and they are good for the mind as well. If you’re capable of playing them, then there’s nothing more to say. If I had a chance, I would like to try doing equestrian events, or a sport involving, riding and running with horses. 12.7. Why do you think some people strongly dislike playing sports? Well, there are a wide array of reasons why certain people are anti-sports. Maybe they are far more attracted to inactive activities such as reading books or drawing or something like that. Maybe they don’t want to communicate with other people. Another reason is maybe sports can remind people of childhood trauma such as being ridiculed or bullied while playing sports. If you have had a bad experience with them, then it’s natural to hate them. 12.8. Would you like to do a rather dangerous sporting activity? No. Definitely no. Some people may find it fantastic but I’m the inactive type and am a bookworm, I just try to do sport like cycling or basketball once in a while to improve my health. Nothing more, nothing less. I will opt for my favorite books to find fulfillment rather than doing that kind of stuff. 12.9. Why do you think some people like to do these dangerous activities? IELTS NGOC BACH

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I don’t know for sure because I’m not really into those kinds of activities. But I guess the motivation behind practicing extreme sports is the satisfaction they get out of challenging themselves and being victorious in the end. Besides being physically challenging, extreme sports are also very mentally demanding, because one needs to fight their fear to be able to do these dangerous activities. You know, nothing can compare with the feelings when you are able to surpass yourself. VOCABULARY ü Mental (trí tuệ, tinh thần) [adj] relating to the mind, or involving the process of thinking Example: A doctor was asked about the mental state of the prisoner. ü Fashionable (thời thượng, phổ biến) [adj] popular at a particular time Example: She spends the summer jet-setting around the fashionable European resorts. ü Reasonable (thích hợp, hợp lí) [adj] based on or using good judgment and therefore fair and practical Example: He went free because the jury decided there was a reasonable doubt about his guilt. ü Enhance (đẩy mạnh, nâng cao) [verb] to improve the quality, amount, or strength of something Example: These scandals will not enhance the organization's reputation. ü Sedentary (ít vận động) [adj] involving little exercise or physical activity Example: My doctor says I should start playing sport because my lifestyle is too sedentary.

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ü Inclusive (trọn gói, tính toàn bộ) [adj] An inclusive price or amount includes everything Example: My doctor says I should start playing sport because my lifestyle is too sedentary ü Inherent (vốn có) [adj] existing as a natural or basic part of something Example: I have an inherent distrust of lawyers. ü Bully (kẻ bắt nạt) [noun] someone who hurts or frightens someone who is smaller or less powerful, often forcing them to do something that they do not want to do Example: It takes courage to stand up to a bully. ü Bookworm (mọt sách) [noun] a person who reads a lot Example: Although Mohammed was a charismatic and influential leader, he was not much of a bookworm. ü Surpass (vượt qua) [verb] to do or be better than Example: The book's success has surpassed everyone's expectations.

13. Describe a garden you visited and like. You should say: Where the garden is. How you felt about it. Explain why you like it ANSWER I would like to share with you my impressions of a garden that I visited last summer, which was full of colour and interest: Claude Monet’s house and garden in Giverny, France. IELTS NGOC BACH

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As a big fan of Monet’s paintings, especially the famous „Water Lilies‟, I had always dreamed of seeing the scene in real life. So, when some friends suggested a visit last year, I jumped at the chance. After a journey of about an hour by train from our hotel, we arrived at Giverny. The garden was exactly as he had painted it – it was a riot of colour, from the peaceful white of the water lilies to the striking reds and oranges which filled some of the flowerbeds. The two parts of the garden complemented each other perfectly. We first admired the array of bright flowers and fruit trees in the Clos Normand, but my favourite part was the water garden, and we enjoyed a leisurely stroll, taking in all the colours,

perfumes

and

bird

songs.

Monet

avidly

collected

prints of Japanese gardens, and these inspired the Japanese bridges covered with wisterias, the water lilies in the pond, and the bamboo and weeping willows which he planted. For me, it was like a wonderland of colours and a dream come true after so many years. VOCABULARY ü impression: feeling or feelings (in the plural) about the garden (impressions) “His impression of the meeting was that it didn‟t go very well.” ü fan: although the word is often used in the context of football nowadays, here it means a person who admires [ Monet‟s paintings]. “She is a huge fan of Maroon 5.” ü jumped at the chance: I enthusiastically accepted the opportunity to visit the garden.

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“He jumped at the chance to go to Las Vegas with his boss.” ü a riot of colour: a collection of many different colours. “Sandra‟s rose garden is a riot of colour.” ü striking: very attractive and unusual. “The woman he was with was wearing a striking outfit last night.” ü flowerbeds: a piece of a garden or park in which flowers are grown. “He loves digging in his flowerbeds.” ü complemented each other: each part of the garden added something different to the other part, so that the garden as a whole became more attractive. “The wine and the fish complemented each other to form a perfect meal.” ü the array of bright flowers: the large and impressive collection of flowers. “The array of bright flowers in her garden surprised everybody. They didn‟t realize she had planted so many varieties.” ü a leisurely stroll: a slow, relaxing walk. “We went for a leisurely stroll along the beach this morning.” ü taking in all the colours: our eyes noticed all the colours and features of the garden. “We were taking in all the colours of his garden, when all of a sudden we heard a large crash outside the garden gate. Two cars had just bumped into each other.” ü avidly: Monet collected prints of Japanese gardens enthusiastically. “He studied English avidly, from morning until late in the evening.” ü prints: copies of original drawings or paintings. “The artist offered her prints for $100 each.” ü wisterias: white or purple flowers which cover walls, bridges or trees.

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“The wisterias in the garden were in full bloom.” ü pond: a small area of still water, usually in a garden. “There are many beautiful fish in the pond.” ü bamboo: tall tropical plants which have hollow stems‟ [the long, thin part of the plant] used for building or furniture. “Pandas love to eat bamboo.” ü weeping willows: trees which grow near water and have „branches‟ which hang downwards. “There are two weeping willows on the property, but we should cut one down.” ü wonderland: an imaginary place in children’s stories. “The amusement park was a wonderland for both children and adults. QUESTIONS FOR PART 3 13.1. Are there many public gardens in Vietnam? To be honest, there are only a few public gardens in Vietnam, due to the shortage of residential areas especially in large towns and cities. Vietnamese authorities seem to pay excessive attention to economic growth and ignore the provision of green spaces for citizens’ enjoyment and relaxation. For example, Ho Chi Minh City has a small number of public gardens, but a lot of high-rise buildings. 13.2. Do you think there are enough public gardens in your hometown? Personally, I think the number of public gardens in my hometown is insufficient. Due to the shortage of housing and the increasing number of citizens, people tend to make use of land for living or cultivation rather than giving priority to public areas such gardens or parks. 13.3. What do you think are the benefits of having gardens in the city? IELTS NGOC BACH

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Having sufficient urban green spaces will bring many ecological and health benefits for the city and its residents. Regarding the environmental benefit, public gardens help to preserve various species of wild plants, they have beautiful flowers and they keep the ecological balance of the area. City gardens also have a positive impact on the health of city dwellers and factory workers. 13.4. Very often, public gardens are not designed in a simple way but, instead, are laid out in a rather complex way. Why do you think this is the case? In my opinion, a public garden built in a complex design pattern is very eye– catching and attractive for people to visit. A garden consisting of sculptures, various rare species of plants and special landscaping will be more appealing to visitors who wish to explore something unique. To make an analogy, I believe that public gardens are designed to capture public attention in the same way that architects design the structure of their buildings. 13.5. Do you think governments should provide more public gardens for people to visit? Of course, I definitely agree with the idea that governments and authorities ought to provide more public gardens for their citizens for the following reasons. Public gardens are collections of plants and flowers; they are used not only for enjoyment but also education so that people, especially children, can have the chance to understand and be close to nature. In this function as outdoor classrooms , they raise an awareness of environmental issues as well as the conservation of special species.

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Also, urban green spaces play an important role in leisure and recreation – imagine the pleasure of sitting and reading a book or strolling and chatting with friends, surrounded by the sight and smells of beautiful flowers. 13.6. What do people do when they go to a public garden? There are various reasons why citizens go to a public garden, but I think the main one is to find an oasis of peace and tranquility amid the frenzy and chaos of city life. Residents in general can go there to enjoy the fresh, tranquil atmosphere and relax themselves simply by appreciating the beauty of the flowers and the songs of the birds. Moreover, it is very practical for children and students to visit public gardens in order to be in touch with nature and acquire knowledge about it. As a student, I would say that public gardens are also a great place to read a book and to reflect on the lectures or seminars of the day. 13.7. How do people of different age groups use public gardens? Different age groups will have dissimilar preferences in using public gardens. For example, elderly people tend to go there to relax, go jogging or doing exercises like tai chi. Then again, when public gardens also incorporate play areas, these are very safe environments in which parents can keep a watchful eye on their children. VOCABULARY ü Residential areas [noun]: areas consisting of houses, not factories or offices Example: She lives in a quiet residential area, but she has to travel a long way to work. ü Excessive [adjective]: greater than what seems reasonable or appropriate Example: They complained about the excessive noise made by their neighbours. IELTS NGOC BACH

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ü High-rise [adjective]: a building that is very tall, and has lots of floors Example: She lives on the 10th floor of a high-rise apartment block. ü Insufficient [adjective]: not large, strong or important enough for a specific purpose Example: There was insufficient time in the exam to answer all the questions. ü Urban green spaces [expression]: areas of open land within large towns or cities Example: In our city there are insufficient urban green spaces for residents to enjoy. ü Preserve [verb]: to keep something in existence and in good condition Example:

The society was founded in order to preserve elephants from

extinction. ü Ecological [adjective]:

the relationship between plants and animals to their

environment and to each other Example: When rats were introduced to the island, they destroyed the ecological balance between the animals already living there. ü Eye-catching [adjective]: immediately noticeable, because it is very attractive Example: The actors wore beautiful clothes in eye-catching colours. ü Landscaping [noun]: the process of making a garden or other pieces of land more attractive by changing the design or planting trees and flowers Example: The new campus at the university has beautiful landscaping, making it a very attractive place at which to study. ü Appealing [adjective]: attractive and interesting Example: The design of the doll is very appealing to young girls. ü Unique [adjective]: very special or unusual

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Example: As a fluent Russian speaker, he is in a unique position to sell our products in Russia. ü Analogy [noun]: a comparison of two things that are similar Example: Our biology teacher compared the human heart to a pump. ü Raise (an) awareness of [expression]: create interest in or understanding of something Example: The campaign aims to raise awareness of the dangers of smoking. ü Conservation [noun]: the protection of the natural environment Example: The conservation of elephants requires strong enforcement of the laws to protect them. ü Oasis [noun]: a pleasant place in the middle of something unpleasant Example: The park is an oasis of peace where you can escape from the noise of the city traffic. ü Frenzy [noun]: a state of uncontrolled activity that is often violent or frightening Example: When the President arrived, there was a frenzy of activity among the journalists and photographers. ü Chaos [noun]: a state of complete confusion and disorder Example: The storm has caused complete chaos on the roads. ü Appreciate [verb]: to recognise the good qualities of somebody or something Example: In just a short visit, you can’t really appreciate the culture of Vietnam. ü In touch with [expression]: feel a strong emotion for something Example: They decided to go camping in the countryside in order to feel in touch with the beauty of the mountains. ü Incorporate [verb]: to include something as a part of that thing Example: The car incorporates the latest safety features. IELTS NGOC BACH

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ü Keep a watchful eye on [expression] to watch somebody carefully Example: She kept a watchful eye on her son while he was playing.

14. Describe an area of subject that you are interested in (such as physics, mathematics) You should say: What it is When you started to become interested in it What you have learned from it And explain why you have interest in it ANSWER I’d like to describe a subject that I was particularly keen on when I was at school. It was History. I have to admit that I didn’t like History at first, as there were so many numbers, events and dates to remember that it used to take me hours to learn all of them by heart to be well-prepared for the exam. However, Mrs. Huong, my history teacher when i was at grade 10, breathed new life into this subject and it started to grow on me. I‘ve learned a lot from the subject. Apart from historical events which help me know what the world was like and how it worked, learning history has also brought me closer to the culture of my country. Above all, I think, History has taught me to appreciate the present while drawing lessons from the past. Nevertheless, I wouldn’t have been so much in love with this subject without my teacher, Mrs Huong. The way she delivered the lessons was so enthusiastic and IELTS NGOC BACH

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passionate that it inspired me to catch her every word / absorb all information given by her, and somehow, I fell in love with History. Now, even though History is neither my major nor even taught at University, I still have the habit of reading historical books whenever having free time. VOBULARY ü learn by heart (học thuộc lòng) [idiom] to learn something so well that it can be written or recited without thinking Example: There were well known definitions which we had to learn by heart and two of them have remained in my memory for nearly 60 years ü well-prepared (chuẩn bị tốt) [adj] suitably prepared in advance Example: 17-18 year old school leavers should be well-prepared for work. ü breathe new life into ( mang lại nguồn năng lượng mới, cuộc sống mới ) [idiom] bring ideas and energy (to something) Example: Changes in the performance have breathed new life into a show that seemed ready to close. ü grow on sb ( dần được ai đó yêu thích, chấp nhận) [v] become increasingly liked or appreciated Example: At first the show seemed kind of weird, but it grew on us ü draw the lesson (from something) (rút ra bài học từ cái gì)[idiom] learn something from past mistakes Example: After the loss in the previous game, the team draw the lesson. ü deliver( truyền đạt, truyền tải) [v] to express in word Example: Whether students are captivated from the beginning or not depends much on the the way the lecture is delivered. IELTS NGOC BACH

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ü passionate (đam mê, say mê) [adj] arising from passion Example: She is a teacher who is passionate about her subject ü have the habit of ( có thói quen làm gì) [idiom] do something usually or often Example: I don’t have the habit of getting involved in other people’s arguments

QUESTIONS FOR PART 3 14.1. What is your opinion of modern education (in school)? What I think about modern education… I guess people are incorporating a lot of technology in the classroom. Like at a university right now, you can see that teachers, or should I say lecturers, deliver their lessons using computers and projectors, and students study with the slides given by their educators. Students may also submit their work online instead of handing it in directly like before, and some of them study with e-books and mobile applications instead of carrying around textbooks all day long. This approach to teaching will certainly filter down to secondary school education, too. 14.2. What school subjects do you think are most important (in primary school or high school)? (Why are they important?) I would say Literacy and Math, for primary school children. They help youngsters form their basic skills and ability like calculating, analyzing or the ability to express their thoughts. Without these two, children may have trouble communicating and thinking logically. Literacy and Math are like the foundation of everything, I think. 14.3. What school subject do you think will be the most useful in adult life (or, most useful for society)? Literacy, as in teaching people how to think critically, how to write a proper piece of writing and how to express their thoughts. Subjects like Mathematics, well its IELTS NGOC BACH

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advanced version only, or Physics or Chemistry will rarely be applied in life unless you really understand them and you do some kind of job related to them. Literacy, however, assists people in both their normal life and their professional one, particularly in the way they speak, write, and think. That’s why I believe literacy is the subject that will be of prime importance to people throughout their lives. 14.4. Which subjects do you think should be optional and which should be compulsory? I believe subjects requiring a bit of natural ability should be optional, as not everyone can show aptitude for things like music and art. Compulsory subjects should be natural sciences and some part of literature which teaches writing or expressing ideas, as these can help students form skills like critical thinking, calculating, or analyzing. In some countries, languages should be compulsory too, for example some minorities will need to learn a second language to be able to communicate with the world. 14.5. What are the advantages of studying computing in high school? Studying computing in high school is really advantageous to students. Technology, or - well in this case - the computer, is used almost everywhere nowadays you know, you can see it being a part of almost everything. This is why learning computing means giving students a chance to catch up with what’s going on in the world. Computing would also assist them in their future careers as more and more jobs nowadays require the use of computers. 14.6. In the west, (upper) high school students are allowed to choose many of the subjects they study. Do you think that would be a good idea in Vietnam? It depends. This would be a good idea for those who already know what they want to do in the future, as they could easily choose the subjects that are necessary to realize IELTS NGOC BACH

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their dreams. Also, leaving students to choose the subjects they study means letting them have a say in deciding their future from an early age, which can boost their independence and determination. However, this would cause problems to those who don’t know yet what they want to do in the future, thus stopping them from studying their potential favorite or important subjects. 14.7. How are educational priorities today different from those in the past? In modern society, a higher priority is placed on the education of children than in the past. This is simply, in my opinion, a recognition that we now live in a world of work in which specialist knowledge and skills are essential for many jobs. So, education now gives more priority to the ability to use technology. Students today must be both literate and computer-literate. 14.8. What is your opinion on the way languages are taught in schools? Too passive, I think. Most schools in Vietnam focus too much on teaching grammar and vocabulary, thus neglecting speaking, listening and writing. Except for those from specialized schools, most Vietnamese students often speak with no intonation, their pronunciation of each sound is rarely fully correct, and it’s hard for them to strike up a conversation with a foreigner in English due to their poor speaking and listening skills. Most of them can hardly come up with a decent piece of writing either. 14.9. What changes do you think will happen in the classroom in the near future? Studying in the future may include a lot of technology. Right now education technology is already on the rise, and I think it’s going to be everywhere in years to come. The role of the teacher may be minimized, and in some places the physical classroom may also be eliminated and replaced by the virtual one. IELTS NGOC BACH

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VOCABULARY ü Incorporate [verb] to include as part of something Example: The textbook incorporates all the latest information on climate change. ü Educator (thầy/cô giáo) [noun] (formal) a person whose job is to teach or educate people (formal) Example: Modern educators prefer a different approach to the teaching of reading. ü Submit (nộp) [verb] to give a document, proposal, etc. to somebody in authority so that they can study or consider it Example: Completed projects must be submitted by 10 March. ü Hand something in (nộp) [phrasal verb] = submit Example: You must all hand in your projects by the end of next week. ü Filter down [phrasal verb] to move slowly down to lower levels of an organisation or system Example: During the day, the news that the company was going to close filtered down to the employees. ü Literacy [noun] the ability to read and write Example: Now that most children go to school, the rate of literacy in the country is improving. ü Analyze (phân tích) [verb] to examine the nature or structure of something, especially by separating it into its parts, in order to understand or explain it Example: He tried to analyze her feelings and finally managed to get what she wanted. ü Foundation (nền tảng) [noun] a principle, an idea or a fact that something is based on and that it grows from IELTS NGOC BACH

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Example: Repect and friendship provide a solid foundation for marriage. ü Prime (hàng đầu, bậc nhất) [adjective] main; most important; basic Example: The care of the environment is of prime importance. ü Aptitude (khả năng bẩm sinh) [noun] natural ability or skill at doing something e.g. After working for several months, she got promoted as she showed an aptitude for the work. ü Critical thinking (tư duy phê phán) [noun] the process of analyzing information in an objective way, in order to make a judgement about it e.g. The school encourages critical thinking and problem solving skills. ü Go on [phrasal verb] happen/take place Example: I often check the news on the internet to know what’s going on in the world. ü Realize [verb] to achieve something important that you want to do Example: She never realized her amibition of becoming a singer. ü Say (in something) (sự ảnh hưởng) [noun] the right to influence something by giving your opinion before a decision is made Example: We had no say in the decision to sell the company. ü Boost (làm tăng) [verb] to make something increase, or become better or more successful Example: The movie helped boost her screen career. She received several prizes and was asked to do some TV commercials. ü Potential (tiềm năng) [adjective] that can develop into something or be developed in the future Example: First we need to identify actual and potential problems, then we may come up with some solutions. IELTS NGOC BACH

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ü Computer-literate [adjective] able to use computers well Example: She is highly computer-literate and she now teaches other people to use computers. ü Apparent (rõ ràng) [adjective] obvious Example: It was apparent from her face that she was really upset. ü Pay attention to smt/smb (quan tâm, để ý) [expression] listen to, look at or think about something/somebody carefully Example: The teacher asked her students to pay their full attention to what she was saying, as that part was really important. ü Neglect (lơ là) [verb] not give enough attention to something Example: She has neglected her studies – all she’s done is playing. ü Specialized (chuyên) [adjective] designed or developed for a particular purpose or area of knowledge Example: The course is very specialized; only psychologists are allowed to attend it. ü Intonation (ngữ điệu) [noun] the rise and fall of the voice in speaking, especially as this affects the meaning of what is being said Example: In English, some questions have a rising intonation. ü Strike up sth (with sb) (bắt đầu cái gì với ai) [phrasal verb] to begin a friendship, a relationship, a conversation, etc. Example: He would often strike up conversations with complete strangers. ü Come up with [phrasal verb] to find or produce an answer, a sum of money Example: She came up with a new idea for increasing sales. ü Decent (ổn) [adjective] of a good enough standard or quality; acceptable to people in a particular situation Example: I need a decent night’s sleep; I have been staying up late recently. IELTS NGOC BACH

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ü To come (trong thời gian tới) [idiom] in the future Example: They may well regret the decision in years to come. ü Eliminate (xoá bỏ) [verb] to remove or get rid of something/somebody Example: The police have eliminated two suspects from their investigation. ü Virtual (ảo) [adjective] made to appear to exist by the use of computer software, for example on the Internet Example: New technology has enabled development of an online “virtual library”.

15.

Describe someone who has a great influence on you/ Describe a person who you have met before and you want to know more about You should say:

•

Who this person is How you knew this person What influence this person has on you Any how you think of the influence •

You should say: who this person is; when and where you met; what you did or talked about; and explain why you would like to know more about this person.

ANSWER

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I am going to talk about a woman whom I have met before who has had a great influence on me. She is Ms. Phoebe Tran, host of 8IELTS programs which are well known on Youtube currently. I met her in a seminar about IELTS strategies in HCM City a couple of months ago. On that day, she was a speaker sharing her experiences and tips in order to be successful in the IELTS exam. At this seminar, besides asking for pieces of advice in learning IELTS, I asked her about her real life experiences, since I was extremely keen to know how she had become a successful career woman and how much effort she has had to make to achieve her success. She was very friendly and approachable, far more than I expected, in fact. She was willing to share her ideas and answer all my questions. I felt that she really wanted to inspire me by her example. She must be one of the most energetic, inspirational speakers I have ever met so far. Now I have sufficient confidence to overcome all obstacles and reach my goal. She is a truly a role model for me and the young generation to look up to, and that’s why I want to know more about her. And so I think I will continue to follow her on the internet and when she gives lectures. VOCABULARY ü have a great influence on sth/sb: the power that somebody/something has to make somebody/something behave in a particular way Example: Her parents no longer have any real influence over her. ü well – known: known about by a lot of people, famous Example: His books are well known. You can find them in any bookshop in the city. IELTS NGOC BACH

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ü piece of advice: an opinion or a suggestion about what somebody should do in a particular situation Example: My doctor gave me a useful piece of advice about drinking lots of water in order to avoid problems with my kidneys. ü career woman: a woman whose career is very important in her life Example: She is a successful career woman and she is now the director of the company. ü approachable: friendly and easy to talk to; easy to understand Example: Despite being a big star, she's very approachable. ü sufficient: enough for a particular purpose; as much as you need Example: Our budget is hardly sufficient to pay people, let alone buy any new equipment. ü overcome: to succeed in dealing with or controlling a problem that has been preventing you from achieving something Example: She overcame injury to win the Olympic gold medal. ü role model: a person that you admire and try to copy Example: We need positive role models for young women to aspire to. ü look up to: admire and respect Example:

We should look up to those people who help others in the

community. QUESTIONS FOR PART 3 15.1.

How do Vietnamese people make friends?

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friends’ friends. I think that’s how people make friends most of the time. 15.2. Who is more important to you, friends or family? Ah this is such a difficult question to answer. I have always thought of my close friends as family too so they are just as important to me as my family members. But then I guess my family is still everything to me. Friends can turn their back on you but family would never do that, you know. At least in my case, I can always trust my family members to support and be there for me in difficult times, but I cannot say the same thing about all of my friends, except for those whom I’m close with. 15.3.

Do you like to be friends with someone who is different from you?

I think it wouldn’t be a bad idea to be friends with someone who is different from me. Of course, there will be some disadvantages; for example, since it is more likely that we will have opposing opinions about a situation, we might get into altercations more often. Especially if one of us is the stubborn type, then it would be hard for us to get along and our relationship might not end too well. Yet, I believe there are still people with contrasting personalities, who are compatible with and complement each other. Plus, I find it very interesting to get to know people whose personalities are different from mine, as I feel like it would help me open my eyes to new ways of thinking as well as change my perspective about many things. 15.4. Do you have any foreign friends? Yes, I do. While living in Australia for the last two years, I have been able to make many new foreign friends, some of whom I am very close to and still stay in touch with. 15.5.

Why is it easier to make friends on the Internet than in reality?

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of a lot of people. On the Internet, people don’t really know who you are. They might know you through you profile pictures and the self-description that you put up on your personal page but they can’t know everything about you. They know neither your past nor your face unless you choose to show them and I think that’s what gives most people the courage to be their real selves without the fear of others’ judgment. Also, making friends on the Internet usually requires less time and money, as usually people would only talk or chat online without having to physically meet each other. 15.6.

What social values should parents teach children?

I think if one day I have children, I would love to teach them about honesty, respect for other people, responsibility for their family and also about giving back to the community they are growing up in. It would be great if I could instill a mind-set of gratitude in them, as I personally believe that only those who know how to appreciate what they have, even the little things, will have the potential to go far in life. 15.7. Many children misbehave at school what are the reasons? There can be many causes behind such misbehaviors. One reason could be that kids can be influenced by the friends they hang out with, so if your kids are befriended by some delinquents, there’s a higher chance that they will get up to no good. Also, this might have something to do with children’s low self-esteem. You know when kids are young, they tend to be more insecure and reckless so they might act up and disobey rules on purpose while trying to cover up their vulnerability and self-doubt. 15.8. Do you think mass media have a great impact on the young generation? Yes definitely. Especially with television and the Internet becoming readily accessible at both school and home nowadays, the impact that the media is having on the youth is greater than ever before. Such influence can be both positive and IELTS NGOC BACH

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negative. For example, watching / viewing violent media content often enough can make it more likely that children will behave in an aggressive way and be less understanding of other people’s needs and feelings. On the other hand, teenagers who are exposed to and take an interest in the news are more likely to be interested in major social and political issues. This can help educate them and encourage them to become more involved as citizens in their communities. 15.9. Why is it hard for adults to change? There can be numerous reasons why some grownups resist change. I think the primary reason lies with people’s fear of excessive uncertainty that is usually associated with change. Imagine yourself walking off a cliff blindfolded. Scary, isn’t it? Doing things for the first time or stepping into the unknown can be pretty frightening too. Most of the time, people only seek change when they get frustrated with their current situation and the only way out is to look for a positive way forward. It would be a lot harder for people to change if they couldn’t find such motivation or courage to take those first steps to move out of their comfort zone. 15.10. How to help young people to develop good habits? In my opinion, adults, first and foremost, must lead by setting a good example for children. As children grow and learn mostly from watching the people around them, the way adults handle the ups and downs of life can teach the young a lot about how to behave and get along with others. It’s also important to show respect for children and refrain from using the word “don’t” whenever possible. Furthermore, encouraging the kids with praise and giving them positive attention for good behaviors can motivate them to build and maintain more good habits. VOCABULARY IELTS NGOC BACH

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ü Befriend (verb): to be friendly towards someone – kết bạn It is not advisable to befriend your boss, or your teacher. ü To turn one’s back on sb: deny, reject; also abandon, forsake – bỏ rơi I can't turn my back on my own daughter, no matter what she's done. ü Altercation (noun): verbal fight – cuộc đấu khẩu, cãi vã According to witnesses, the altercation between the two men started inside the restaurant. ü Stubborn (adj): having or showing dogged determination not to change one's attitude or position on something – cứng đầu They have huge arguments because they're both so stubborn. ü To get along: have a harmonious or friendly relationship – hoà thuận Those two just don't get along. ü Compatible (adj): able to have a harmonious relationship – dung hoà, hoà hợp It was when we started living together that we found we just weren't compatible. ü Complement (verb): add to (something) in a way that enhances or improves it – bổ sung The music complements her voice perfectly. ü To open one’s eyes: become or make someone aware of the truth of a situation – hiểu sâu sắc thêm về một điều gì; mở mang tầm mắt The trip to Zimbabwe opened her eyes to the difficulties faced by developing nations. ü Perspective (noun): a particular attitude toward or way of regarding something; a point of view – góc nhìn, quan điểm You're approaching the problem from a completely different perspective. ü To stay/keep in touch: to maintain communications with someone – giữ liên lạc After my neighbor moved, we still kept in touch. IELTS NGOC BACH

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ü Instill (verb): gradually but firmly establish (an idea or attitude, especially a desirable one) in a person's mind – làm cho thấm nhuần It is part of a teacher's job to instil confidence in/into his or her students. ü Mind-set (noun): the established set of attitudes held by someone – tư duy It's extraordinary how hard it is to change the mindset of the public and the press. ü Gratitude (noun): the quality of being thankful – lòng biết ơn She sent them a present to show/express her gratitude. ü Potential (noun): the possibility of something happening or of someone doing something in the future – tiềm năng I don't feel I'm achieving my full potential in my present job. ü To go far in life: be successful – thành công trong cuộc sống Children should be encouraged to go far in life and to set their goals high and reach for them. ü Delinquent (noun): a person, usually young, who behaves in a way that is illegal or not acceptable to most people – kẻ phạm tội There are many ways that parents can do to help juvenile delinquents change. ü To be/get up to no good: doing something bad – làm điều xấu I could tell from the look on Tom's face that he was up to no good. ü Self-esteem (noun): confidence in one's own worth or abilities – lòng tự trọng She suffers from low self-esteem and it prevents her from pursuing her goals. ü Reckless (adj): without thinking or caring about the consequences of an action – thiếu thận trọng, hấp tấp These punks have a reckless disregard for the law. ü To act up: misbehave – cư xử không đứng đắn Sometimes kids act up because they just want attention. IELTS NGOC BACH

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ü Disobey (verb): fail to obey – không vâng lời He was punished for disobeying orders. ü Vulnerability (noun): the quality of being weak and easily hurt physically or emotionally – sự dễ bị tổn thương; độ nhạy cảm He was intensely aware of his own vulnerability. ü Aggressive (adj): ready or likely to attack or confront – hung hăng He gets aggressive when he's drunk. ü Blindfolded (adj): to cover someone’s eyes with a blindfold – bị bịt mắt She is challenged to solve the Rubik’s Cube blindfolded. ü Frightening (adj): making someone afraid or anxious; terrifying – đáng sợ It is frightening to think what might happen if she left him. ü Comfort zone (noun): a situation in which you feel comfortable and in which your ability and determination are not being tested – vùng thoải mái; giới hạn bản thân. Sometimes you have to step out of your comfort zone and challenge yourself. ü Praise (noun): the expression of approval or admiration for someone or something – lời khen ngợi They deserve praise for all their hard work.

16. Describe a tall building you like or dislike. You should say: Where it is. What is the appearance of it. Explain why you like or dislike it. ANSWER IELTS NGOC BACH

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I’m going to describe a high-rise building in my neighborhood. It’s called Hoabinh Green City, located in Minhkhai Street, Hanoi. Unlike other modern blocks, which are usually huge glass towers, the building is painted yellow, although it’s named Green City. The structure of Hoabinh is not dissimilar to that of most buildings in Hanoi nowadays, with the bottom half used as a shopping center and the top half occupied by apartments. One feature that makes the building unique is that its trade center offers Vietnamese products only, with a view to promoting domestic products to Hanoi people and also to supporting national manufacturers. At the entrance of the building, if you look to the right, you can easily find a store named V+ bread, which serves traditonal bread, a very famous street food of Vietnam, to people who just do not have enough time to go inside, so they line up waiting to pay. • (Like) In spite of its prime location, however, Hoabinh Green City offers a reasonable price for its apartments, which are affordable for many middle-income families. From the building, we can look out to the Red River, as well as Vinhtuy Bridge, and enjoy the breathtaking scenery. So, if you are planning to find a place with a beautiful and peaceful view, or simply want to buy something traditional, Hoabinh Green City may be a good choice. • (Dislike) What I don’t like about Hoabinh Green City, however, is that its design is neither eye-catching nor original. In fact, I personally find that it resembles Times City, a modern building nearby. Moreover, the paint color doesn’t match its modern structures, which makes the building somehow old-fashioned. And, the quality, as well as diversity of products on sale do not meet the expectations of most customers. So, I guess it’s the reason why the building doesn’t attract as much attention from the public as expected. IELTS NGOC BACH

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VOCABULARY ü high-rise: very tall and having a lot of floors Example: These high-rise apartment blocks were built 20 years ago. ü blocks: tall buildings that contain flats or offices Example:

The university science blocks are the tallest buildings on the

campus. ü huge glass towers: high-level buildings with the exterior made of glass Example: The design of the Lotte Department Store is just a huge glass tower, but it definitely stands out and has become a famous landmark in the city. ü dissimilar: not the same Example: The English and Vietnamese languages are completely dissimilar to each other. ü feature: A prominent or distinctive part, quality, or characteristic Example: Large glass facades have been a familiar feature of modern buildings for a long time. ü Domestic products: goods that are manufactured within a country, by manufacturers of that country. Example: Famous by Boo is a clothing brand that offers domestic products. ü serve: to provide food, entertainment or service Example: Boo Cafe serves coffee and meals to many customers who call in when they go to the store to buy clothes. ü prime: excellent, the best available Example: The store has a prime position at the entrance of the shopping centre. IELTS NGOC BACH

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ü Offer a reasonable price: sell with a price that is not too high, and affordable. Example: If a business aims to achieve sustainable development, it should manage to offer its customers a reasonable price. ü middle-income families: families in which the members have salaries which are not very high, but also not too low Example:

He sells cars at affordable prices, mainly to middle-income

families. ü breathtaking scenery: very beautiful and spectacular landscape Example:

The beaches in Thailand are famous for their breathtaking

scenery. ü eye-catching : tending to attract attention, good-looking Example: The signing of this contract was the result of many meetings to build an eye-catching tower against the skyline of Riyadh. ü resemble: look like another person or thing Example: So many modern buildings resemble each other. ü match : look good together Example: When choosing clothes, it is common belief that we should not mix pink items with yellow ones, as these two colours do not match. ü meet expectations: be as good as expected Example: We had heard so many good things about the new restaurant, but the food didn’t meet our expectations at all. ü attract attention: make people notice something Example: The advertisement was designed to attract the attention of young people interested in fashion. ü the public: the community/ the people as the whole IELTS NGOC BACH

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Example: In a survey, members of the public were asked about their shopping habits. QUESTIONS FOR PART 3 16.1.

How do people in Vietnam feel about old buildings?

Vietnam’s culture is tradition oriented, which obviously means Vietnamese people have a respectful attitude toward architecture built to last for ages. This can be seen through not only many famous old structures that are still preserved today such as the Temple of Literature and Independence Palace, but also in interesting folktales about their construction. 16.2. Do old people and young people in Vietnam have the same attitudes towards old buildings? In my opinion, there is certainly a difference between the perspective of elderly people and that of young people on old buildings due to the generation gap. Elders are more respectful of old architecture compared with youngsters. They enjoy the atmosphere created by old places where they recall the old times / their own history while the young generation finds it uninteresting. 16.3. Is it important to preserve old buildings? Yes, I strongly support the idea of preserving old buildings. One reason for this is that the buildings represent both Vietnamese cultural and historical values, which could be viewed as precious artifacts worth retaining. The second reason is to create a sense of nostalgia which helps people meditate (away from their city lives). 16.4. What aspect of culture do old buildings reflect? In terms of the cultural aspect of old buildings, they represent the religion and lifestyle of the time. In Vietnam, the majority of the old buildings are associated with IELTS NGOC BACH

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Buddhist architecture such as the pagoda, temple and shrine. Apart from religious design, old structures also reflect the lifestyle of Vietnamese people relating to the tradition of agricultural work. This can be commonly seen in the countryside where there are spacious old houses with private fields and gardens. 16.5. How do old buildings affect the appearance of a place? (Hint: Well designed and well maintained old buildings are visually attractive and add a touch of elegance to a location.) There are two cases. If there are dilapidated buildings in the area, it will not only make for a gloomy sight but also is a waste of land. In contrast, well designed and well maintained old buildings are visually attractive and add a touch of elegance to a location, which results in it becoming a tourist attraction, for instance, The Imperial City in Hue. 16.6. What benefits can people get from old buildings? There are several advantages brought by old buildings. Beside the peaceful atmosphere they provide, old / traditional architecture plays an essential role as both cultural and historical artifacts for us to study about our ancestors. Therefore, when they attract a considerable number of visitors, local people can benefit from tourism. 16.7. Would you say buildings in the past were better than those of today, or those of today are better than those in the past? In general, today’s construction techniques have developed hugely, which makes modern towers more solid than those built a long time ago. However, there are magnificently extraordinary ancient structures that not only get admiration from people today but also remain mysterious such as the Great Pyramid in Egypt. 16.8. Do you think it's worth the money to preserve old buildings?

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Although I appreciate the value of old buildings, I think that the government should allocate a sensible budget to preserve them in good condition. As the population is sharply increasing and the polar ice is melting, the problem of insufficient living land has become more serious than ever. Therefore, antiquated buildings which are less valuable should be demolished to facilitate urbanization. 16.9. How have buildings changed in the past few years? During recent years, there has been a tendency to construct tower blocks and skyscrapers as engineering techniques have considerably developed. Compared with finicky designs of old architecture, modern buildings are simpler and more uniform due to the construction materials changing from stone, wood and bamboo to concrete, steel and glass. VOCABULARY ü for ages (từ rất lâu) [collocation] for a very long time example: We have so many things in common that it is like we have known each other for ages. ü perspective (quan điểm) [noun] a particular way of considering something Example: You're approaching the problem from a completely different perspective. ü artifact (hiện vật) [noun] an object made by a human being, typically an item of cultural or historical interest. Example: The museum's collection includes artifacts dating back to prehistoric times. ü meditate (tĩnh tâm, thiền định) [verb] to think calm thoughts in order to relax or as a religious activity IELTS NGOC BACH

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Example: My aunt goes to the local pagoda to meditate for 20 minutes every day. ü In terms of (về mặt) [collocation] used to describe which particular area of a subject you are discussing Example: In terms of money, I was better off in my last job. ü dilapidated (đổ nát) [adjective] old and in poor condition Example: The hotel we stayed in was really dilapidated ü ancestor [noun] a person related to you who lived a long time ago Example: Apparently his ancestors came over from France in the 11th century. ü antiquated [adjective] old-fashioned or unsuitable for modern society Example: It will take many years to modernize antiquated agricultural industries in Vietnam. ü demolish [verb] to completely destroy a building, especially in order to use the land for other purposes. Example: A number of houses in my neighborhood were demolished so that the supermarket could be built. ü skyscraper [noun] a very tall modern building, usually in a city Example: New York is one of the biggest cities in the world in which there are thousands of towers and skycrapers.

17.

Describe a wild animal You should say: What it looks like Where you can see it What it likes to eat or do Why you like it

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ANSWER I would like to tell you about an opportunity that I met a white tiger which is one of the star attractions in Singapore Zoo during my last summer vacation. I was recommended to see white tiger first due to its rarity and uncommon beauty. Its habitat is landscaped to resemble a dense jungle. I was truly attracted and felt excited at the first sight by its gorgeous appearance. This giant cat has blue eyes, pink nose, and creamy white fur covered with brown stripes. In the wild, this animal’s diet consists of monkeys, birds and other animals as it is a carnivore. It also prefers killing young, weak or old animals because they cannot run as fast and are often left alone by their herd. In the zoo, it is fed by animal’s meat even including imported meat namely Kangaroo’s meat. At the beginning I felt scared a little bit because tigers are well - known for a dangerous species as well as the King of animals. However after encountering this white tiger, I changed my mind since it was very cute and friendly to human. As tigers in general and white tigers in particular are endangered species, I suggest that people should make a great effort to preserve them. VOCABULARY ü Star attraction: famous attraction Ex: white tiger is one of the star attractions in Singapore Zoo ü Landscape: to change the appearance of an area of land, especially next to a building or road so that it looks more like natural countryside Ex: Its habitat is landscaped to resemble a dense jungle ü Resemble: to look like or be like someone or something IELTS NGOC BACH

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Ex: After the earthquake, the city resembled a battlefield ü Gorgeous: very beautiful and attractive; giving pleasure and enjoyment Ex: you look gorgeous! ü Carnivore: any animal that eats meat Ex: lions and tigers are carnivores ü Endangered species: a type of animal or plant that might stop existing because there are only a few of that type alive Ex: white tiger is an endangered species ü Make a great effort: the physical or mental energy that you need to do something; something that takes a lot of energy Ex: You should make a great effort to complete this assignment. QUESTION FOR PART 3 17.1. Do you think animals have feelings and rights? (Why?/Why not?) I think animals can think and feel too. I’m sure you have heard of the story of a dog named Hachiko that waited for his owner’s return every day for more than nine years after his owner’s death. Such remarkable loyalty shown by a dog made me realize that animals can have emotions too. I also believe animals should be granted rights so that there’s a clear legal limit to human behaviors in relation to animals. 17.2. Some people breed animals such as dogs for money. How do you feel about that? I’m fine with people breeding animals for money as long as they don’t hurt the animals in the process. I know some people who breed dogs for a living but I know that they love the dogs and truly care for them; they would never want to see the dogs in pain, so I don’t see anything wrong with such a practice. IELTS NGOC BACH

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17.3. Do you think there should be laws to protect the welfare of pets and farm animals? (For example, laws against cruel treatment.) Why?/Why not? Absolutely. If you think about it, animals are vulnerable, defenseless and completely under a man’s control / in a man’s charge. Nevertheless, I strongly believe that animals deserve to live their lives free from suffering and exploitation. People who disregard the wellbeing of animals should be brought to court and held accountable for violating animal rights. 17.4. Are there any wild animals in Vietnam that are not found in any other country? I’m aware of only a few endangered species in Vietnam, such as the Vietnamese pheasant, Tonkin snub-nosed monkey, Crested argus and the Annam black muntjac. 17.5. Are there any animal reserves in Vietnam where wild animals can live in protection? As far as I know, there are several national parks and nature reserves across Vietnam, such as in the Mekong Delta, the Red River Delta, Central Highlands and so on. 17.6. How do Vietnamese people feel about the protection of wild animals? For the most part, I’m sure Vietnamese people are well aware of the importance of protecting wild animals and endangered species. Particularly many Vietnamese youngsters nowadays are actively playing their part in wildlife conservation by participating in animal conservation volunteer programs in remote areas of the country and sharing stories of illegal wildlife trade on their social medias in hope of raising overall animal welfare standards. 17.7. What do you think are some of the benefits to humans from protecting wild animals? IELTS NGOC BACH

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In my opinion, there are two main reasons to protect wild animals. One of them has to do with the protection of our ecosystem. Everything in the wild has evolved to work together to have a biosphere that sustains life. Yet, it is hard to know exactly what might happen to an ecosystem when even the smallest contributor to that ecosystem vanishes. Hence, wild animals, as a part of the ecosystem of the world need to be conserved and protected. Plus, a lot of medicines used to help cure various health conditions, such as heart diseases, disorders and other illnesses have been derived from the chemicals produced by animals. If wild animals are gone, it will be impossible for humans to study and learn from them. VOCABULARY ü Grant (verb): to give or allow someone something – cho, ban, cấp They granted her an entry visa. ü Exploitation (noun): the use of something in order to get an advantage from it – sự khai lợi, khai thác The protection of the Antarctic from commercial exploitation is an important goal of environmentalists. ü To hold accountable for sth: to consider someone responsible for something – bị quy trách nhiệm về việc gì I must hold you responsible for the missing money. ü Violate (verb): to break or act against something, especially a law – vi phạm (luật) They were charged with violating federal law. ü Endangered species (adj): animals or plants that may soon not exist because there are very few now alive – loài vật quý hiếm có nguy cơ bị tuyệt chủng IELTS NGOC BACH

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ü Conservation (noun): the protection of plants and animals, natural areas, and interesting and important structures and buildings, especially from the damaging effects of human activity – sự bảo tồn This fundraising program was established for the purpose of funding research and education initiatives that aid in the conservation of endangered species. ü Ecosystem (noun): all the living things in an area and the way they affect each other and the environment – hệ sinh thái Pollution can have disastrous effects on the delicately balanced ecosystem. ü Biosphere (noun): the part of the earth's environment where life exists – sinh quyển The biosphere extends from the deepest root systems of trees, to the dark environment of ocean trenches, to lush rain forests and high mountaintops. ü Disorder (noun): an illness of the mind or body – chứng rối loạn She suffers from an eating disorder. ü Derive sth from sth (verb): to get something from something else – lấy được từ cái gì The institute derives all its money from foreign investments. 18.

Describe a time when you were very busy. You should say: When it was What you had to do during that time How you managed it And explain how you felt about being busy.

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ANSWER Today I’m going to talk about a time when I was extremely busy. Well, that was when my husband went on a business trip to India, so he was absent from home for about a fortnight. I found myself totally overloaded with work then because I had to do a lot of things on my own during that time. For instance, I had to take the kids to school and pick them up to take them home in the evening, prepare the meals and do the washing-up. What’s more, I still had to work for 8 hours as an accountant and could not leave the office until 5p.m. These things seemed to be impossible tasks for me. So, I decided to seek help from my family and friends. I asked my mother to pick up the kids and look after them until I came back. Luckily it didn’t matter to my mother. She always gave me unconditional love and help, and the kids were also happy to be with their grandmother. My friends introduced me to a part-time home help who was really nice and trustworthy to do the housework in the evening. Thanks to that, in spite of being busy when my husband was away, I was not exhausted and everything went well. As the saying goes: “A friend in need is a friend indeed”, experiencing that hectic time made me realise that, besides my family, there are so many friends around who are willing to help me, so I am not alone. VOCABULARY ü Extremely: (adv) an intensifier, like very, highly, to a high degree or extent Example: She behaved extremely badly. ü Absent from (adj):not in the place, not present Example: I was absent from work yesterday, because I had to see my doctor. IELTS NGOC BACH

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ü A fortnight (noun) two weeks. Example: We will spend a fortnight in Thailand next month. ü Overloaded with work: having an excessive amount of work, the amount of work to be done is too heavy Example: He complained that he was overloaded with work because his boss had given him a lot of extra jobs to do. ü On my own: alone, by myself, without any help or support Example: She lives alone, so she always has to do many things on her own. ü Pick them up (home): take somebody home after work or school Example: Can you pick me up at 6? Because I leave work at 6 and have no motorbike. ü Do the washing-up: to wash, clean the dishes, saucepans, knives, or anything related to the meal preparation. Example: After a very delicious dinner, she helped her mother to do the washingup. ü Look after: to keep an eye on something/somebody, pay attention to somebody/something with care Example: She asked her husband to look after the kids in the garden. ü Unconditional (adj)/: without condition, not limited by condition. Unconditional love means that you will love someone no matter what he does, or no matter what happens, your love will continue. Example: The mother’s love for her child is unconditional. ü Home help (noun) a person whose job it is to help with housework. Example: When I started to work full-time, I employed a home help to keep the house clean and tidy. IELTS NGOC BACH

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ü Trustworthy (adj): reliable, honest. A trustworthy person is someone you can trust , and who never tells lies. Example: My assistant is a trustworthy person and so he looks after my business when I am away. ü Exhausted (adj) extremely tired, having no energy or strength to do something Example: Because he had worked without a break for 12 hours, he was finally exhausted. QUESTIONS FOR PART 3 18.1. Do you like the fast pace of modern life? Not really. Living life in the fast lane surely can be both mentally and physically draining. I can see people nowadays often struggle to juggle work commitments with the demands of the family and keeping up with friends. Besides, a hectic lifestyle can very easily take a toll on our overall well-being if we fail to take better care of ourselves. 18.2. How do you feel when you are really busy? Sometimes, it does wear me out to be so busy with work and study but I don’t necessarily dislike it. When I’m busy, I actually feel a sense of satisfaction, knowing that I’m doing something productive. I used to be unemployed for a short period of time and it was seriously so frustrating to stay at home all the time, doing nothing while earning no money. I think that’s the reason why I now prefer being busy and I often try to occupy my time with as much work and activities as possible, provided that I’m given a holiday break or time off to look forward to. 18.3. What's the best way to deal with stress?

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As I am the type of people that cannot get anything done if I’m under too much stress, if I’m too busy to the point of getting stressed out, I would always try to squeeze in some quality relaxing time to do things that I love, like watching my favorite TV shows, going shopping or hanging out with friends. I found out that the best way for me to fight away stress often is to slow down, enjoy life more and fill my mind with only positive thoughts. Only then can I find peace within myself and gather more strength to fulfill my responsibilities at work and towards my family. 18.4. What kind of lifestyle is suitable to people in modern society? I believe people of modern times should definitely strive for a more balanced lifestyle by making more mindful and healthier choices for the sake of their physical well-being. People can start taking charge of their life by being more active, enjoying hobbies and sharing time with friends and family. This, in my opinion, is the most important investment anyone can make in his or her life. 18.5. What relaxation techniques do you usually use? As I mentioned earlier, some of the relaxation techniques for stress relief that work for me include getting a good belly laugh with some variety shows that I like or simply by surrounding myself with funny and cheerful friends; listening to slow and soothing music to calm my mind; savoring only the good experiences and trying to focus on the present and things that really matter in life, which are good health and having my loving family and friends by my side. VOCABULARY ü Juggle (verb): to try to do two or more jobs or activities at the same time, because you do not have a lot of time – giải quyết nhiều việc cùng một lúc. Flexible working hours help staff juggle work and family life. IELTS NGOC BACH

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ü Commitment (noun): the state or quality of being dedicated to a cause, activity, etc. – sự tận tâm; cam kết. He thanked them for their work on the book and their commitment to delivering a quality product. ü Hectic (adj): full of activity, or very busy and fast – sôi nổi, xô bồ The area has become a haven for people tired of the hectic pace of city life. ü To take a toll on: to cause damage or wear by using something or by hard living – làm cho kiệt quệ, hư hỏng Drug abuse takes quite a toll on the lives of people. ü To wear sb out: to make someone extremely tired – làm cho ai kiệt sức Walking around a museum all day really wears you out. ü Frustrating (adj): cause (someone) to feel upset or annoyed as a result of being unable to change or achieve something – gây bực dọc, nản lòng. It can be very frustrating to find that the size you want isn't there. ü To squeeze sb/sth in: to manage to do something or see someone in a short period of time or when you are very busy – cố gắng làm gì/gặp ai trong thời gian bận rộn While we're in Australia, we're hoping to squeeze in a trip to the Barrier Reef. ü To gather (up) strength/courage: to prepare to make a great effort to be strong or brave – nỗ lực để trở nên mạnh mẽ hoặc dũng cảm I spent a week gathering the courage to say no. ü Mindful (adj): conscious or aware of something – ý thức được điều gì It is also good to be mindful of those who have less than we do. ü To strive for sth: to try very hard to do something or to make something happen – cố gắng phấn đấu để đạt được điều gì We strive to ensure that all children are treated equally. IELTS NGOC BACH

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ü For the sake of sb: in order to help or bring advantage to someone – vì lợi ích của ai Their parents only stayed together for the sake of the children. ü Soothing (adj): making you feel calm – dịu dàng, dễ chịu I put on some nice soothing music. ü Savor (verb): enjoy or appreciate (something pleasant) to the full – tận hưởng, quý trọng điều gì đến mức tối đa. As for herself, she is going to make sure she savors every moment.

19. Describe a famous person in your country You should say: Who this person is How you know this person What this person is famous for And explain why you like this person ANSWER Today I am going to talk about a famous person in my country who I have admired since I was young. He is Professor Ngo Bao Chau. I first heard about Ngo Bao Chau on the news 6 years ago when he received the Fields Medal, which is often described as the mathematician’s Nobel Prize. However, earlier in 2005, he was granted the title of professor in Vietnam, becoming the country’s youngest professor ever.

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Professor Ngo Bao Chau has been awarded the highest academic honor due to his great mathematical research. He is best known for proving the Fundamental Lemma. His work has achieved such a distinction that it has been listed as one of the top ten scientific discoveries of 2009 by Time magazine. The story of Ngo Bao Chau has inspired me considerably. I remember in an interview after receiving the Medal, Ngo Bao Chau said that he had been studying maths out of /due to / because of/ owing to his passion but not out of /due to / because of/ owing to a desire to achieve. This statement impressed me a lot. Besides, another characteristic I like regarding this professor is his persistence. During the time studying the Fundamental Lemma, became stuck and almost failed to solve this complex problem. Despite the difficulties, he did not choose to give up so finally he got through them. His personality has been an inspiration for me working harder towards my dream. VOCABULARY: ü Describe as (miêu tả là) [verb] to portrait a person or a thing as something in a more particular state. Example: My friend described our new teacher as a middle-aged woman wearing a thick pair of glasses. ü Mathematician (nhà toán học) [noun] an expert in Maths. Example: Isaac Newton is not only a famous physicist but also a great mathematician whose book called Mathematical Principles of Natural Philosophy became the catalyst to understanding mechanics. ü Best known for (nổi tiếng về) [adjective] famous for. Example: Nha Trang is one of interesting tourist attractions which is best known for stunning beaches and fresh seafood. IELTS NGOC BACH

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ü Get over (vượt qua) [phrasal verb] to find a way to solve or deal with a difficult problem. Example: You will get over the illness more quickly if you relax and follow the doctor’s instruction. ü Despite (dù cho) [preposition] has a similar meaning to although or even though and expresses a contrast between two things. It is always followed by a noun or a noun phrase. Example: You must keep moving forward to make a success despite despondency. ü Persistence (sự kiên trì) [noun] firm or obstinate continuance in a course of action in spite of difficulty or opposition. Example: Her persistence and enthusiasm have helped the group to achieve its international success. QUESTIONS FOR PART 3 19.1.

In general, how do people become famous?

In the era of technology, being famous has never been easier. People who have extraordinary skills or abilities /talents in any field would be able to become famous with the assistance of the media. For example, Hoang Xuan Vinh, an Olympic shooter winning the very first gold medal for Vietnam in the Olympics, was repeatedly referred to as a national world-class/outstanding/renowned athlete on the news. Therefore, all Vietnamese know about his great dedication to the country’s sporting reputation. 19.2.

What kinds of people become famous?

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In my opinion, there are two kinds of fame that are consistent with two types of people. The first type is well-reputed people with admirable skills or dedication to furthering to/ contributing to the civilization. They are usually scientists, researchers, athletes, or soldiers spending their lifetime working toward success without the desire to become well-known. The other type is attention/publicity-seeking people, who often are celebrities in the entertainment industry, politicians or those becoming famous overnight. 19.3.

Do you think. to be famous, a person needs to have some special

talent (or ability)? No, I don’t think so. Besides incredible aptitudes, people can also be famous for other qualities such as beauty or charity work. 19.4.

What are some general qualities of famous people? Do they have

any qualities that are different from ordinary people? The basic benchmark of famous people is special talent or ability, which not so many people can possess. However, there are other qualities which are common that anyone can have such as beauty or kindness because these are not difficult to achieve, for example, undergoing cosmetic surgery or doing charity work. 19.5.

Compare how people become celebrities today with how people

became celebrities years ago, for example, 30 or 50 years ago. Nowadays, thanks to the modernization of technology, it takes only a few seconds to change a person’s life. The invention of smart devices as well as social networking has made a person famous at one fell swoop whereas in the past, the only way to be celebrities was appearing on the television or radio. 19.6.

Can you give me some examples of celebrities in your grandfather's

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Hmm…50 years represent a considerable generation gap, therefore, I only know a few celebrities in that time. They are actress Marilyn Monroe, rock star Elvis Presley and the pop music band The Beatles. 19.7.

Compare what kinds of people were famous in China in the past

(e.g„ when your grandfather was young) to the kinds of people who are famous today. In the my grandfather’s era, only people who dedicated their talents and knowledge to achieve great feats were respected by the public in China. However, the young Chinese generation today is familiar with social networking where they can easily gain either good or bad public attention. For instance, videos about a group of bullying girls were so popular on the Internet that school violence became phenomenal in the country. 19.8.

In your opinion, were the standards for judging who is famous

before better than they are now? From my personal point of view, the qualities of being famous in the past were by far more appropriate than they are at the present. Today, the invention of smart devices as well as social networks has made it easier to be famous. People can gain public attention just by sharing controversial photos or videos regardless of common sense. VOCABULARY ü extraordinary (phi thường) [adjective] very unusual, special, unexpected, or strange. Example: She has an extraordinary memory that is able to remember small details in a novel after the first time reading it. IELTS NGOC BACH

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ü with the assistance of (với sự trợ giúp của) [phrase] helped by something Example: With the assistance of her private tutor, she passed the final exams with flying colors. ü prominent (nổi bật) [adjective] very well known and important Example: The shop occupies a very prominent position on the main street. ü reputation (danh tiếng) [noun] the positive beliefs or opinions that are generally held about someone or something Example: Harvard University has a worldwide reputation for quality of higher education. ü notorious (tai tiếng) [adjective] famous for something bad Example: Although its dishes are delicious, the restaurant is notorious for poor customer service. ü becoming famous overnight (nổi tiếng chỉ sau một đêm) [phrase] Example: There are various ways to become famous overnight on the Internet since many people are using social networks. ü aptitudes (thiên phú, tài năng bẩm sinh) [noun] a natural ability or skill Example: Apart from her passion for swimming, Nguyen Thi Anh Vien, the Vietnamese youngest swimming athlete, also possesses an aptitude for this sport. ü undergoing cosmetic surgery (phẫu thuật thẩm mỹ) [phrase] Example: Being ashamed of her round face, Mary decided to undergo cosmetic surgery to obtain a V-line jowl. ü at one fell swoop (chỉ trong một lần) [idiom] all at once. Example: I got all my Christmas shopping done at one fell swoop. ü considerable (đáng kể) [adjective] large amount or of noticeable importance

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Example: You wouldn’t have failed the exam if you had put considerable effort and time into revision. ü familiar with (quen thuộc với) [phrase] Having a good knowledge of something. Example: Our English teacher tries not to use too much local idioms or slangs during lectures as other students may not familiar with the language. ü phenomenal (mang tính hiện tượng) [adjective] extremely popular or special, especially in a surprising way. Example: His first movie was quite phenomenal which brought him two nominations for the Oscar. ü by far (hơn cả) by a great amount Example: She is by far the best student in the class. ü regardless of (bất kể) [phrase] without being influenced by any other events or conditions. Example: She deserved to know the truth, regardless of how desperate it was.

20. Describe an outdoor activity you like to do You should say: What it is Where you like to do it How you do it And explain why you like to do it ANSWER My favorite outdoor activity is jogging. It’s a kind of running at a slow or leisurely pace that helps to build up your physical fitness. IELTS NGOC BACH

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I much prefer to go jogging in open spaces like parks or lakesides. There, you can enjoy fresh air and watch people doing various types of physical activity such as running, aerobic exercises, playing badminton, and so on. I normally go jogging in the morning with my close friend either at weekends, or in the afternoon, after a tiring schoolday. We often chat together while we’re jogging, sharing with each other stories about school or sometimes discussing stuff that is going viral on the Internet. I love jogging because it’s beneficial to our health, that goes without saying, and it does not require as much stamina as fast running . Moreover, unlike other forms of exercise, jogging is quite easy to do and it allows me to watch people and things as I pass by. I think it’s really relaxing and inspiring to see the world around us, watching everyone keeping active doing their own thing and feeling part of it all when I’m out jogging. VOCABULARY ü at a slow /leisurely pace (với nhịp độ chậm rãi) [expression] at a slow speed/ unhurriedly Example: You can even read at a leisurely pace, as these books have no due dates and can be returned at any time. ü build up [phrasal verb] make somebody stronger and fitter Example: I am training to build up my fitness for the race. ü physical fitness (thể chât) [n] general state of health and well-being Example: Researchers have suggested that physical fitness may play a key role in improving the brain health and academic performance of youngsters. ü various (nhiều)[a] many/ several different IELTS NGOC BACH

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Example: She spoke to various members of the club. ü stuff [n] items or products in general – informal – without specifying what they are Example: The shop sells i-pads, laptops and stuff like that. ü go viral (lan truyền ) [idiom] spread quickly and widely among Internet users Example: “Gangnam Style” is a video that went viral several years ago, even though most of us don’t understand a word of it. ü beneficial(có lợi)[a] helpful, useful Example: The improvement in sales figure had a beneficial influence on the company as a whole. ü goes without saying( không cần phải nói ) [idiom] be generally accepted or understood Example: It goes without saying that you will improve your skills with practice. ü require (yêu cầu)[v] need (something) Example: Skiing at 80 miles per hour requires total concentration. ü stamina [n] physical or mental strength that enables you to do something difficult for a long period of time Example: You need a lot of stamina to run a marathon. ü doing their own thing [expression]

following their own interests, without

worrying about what other people think Example: When young people leave home to live abroad, they enjoy doing their own thing, because they have more freedom to follow their interests. QUESTIONS FOR PART 3

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20.1. Would you say people spend more time outdoors today than they did, say, 20 years ago? Actually, I don’t think so. Nowadays, people tend to stay indoors more because they are surrounded by so many kinds of technology gadgets such as televisions, smartphones, computers, etc. It is extremely easy to get addicted to these things, and we don’t need to meet others face-to-face to talk. It’s common to see a family where parents are busy working on computers and answering phone calls while the kids are concentrating on playing games, and they are all unwilling to go outside. In contrast, in my parents’ generation, life was much simpler and people usually went out more to enjoy the fresh air and meet up with friends. 20.2. What are the benefits of doing things outdoors? I suppose that there are a number of obvious merits of spending time outside. The most obvious one is that doing outdoor exercise is the best way to keep healthy and stay fit. For instance, if I walk, jog or cycle outdoors, I’ll have to expend a lot of energy and burn more calories, and the fresh air outside also helps to improve the blood pressure and heart rate. Otherwise, when I stay indoors, especially when working on the computer for several hours, it’s easy to get dizzy and feel aches and pains in my back. Another plus point is that being outdoors can greatly boost my mood and creativity, so everytime I feel bad or try to come up with a new idea, wandering around outside always helps. 20.3. Are there any outdoor activities that many people used to do (but which most people don't do now)? Well, I’m not so sure about this, but I guess it may be cycling. In the past, especially when modern means of transport were not popular, there was less traffic on the roads and the air was also fresher. People usually used bicycles to go to work and exercise, IELTS NGOC BACH

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which was good for their health and also environmentally-friendly. However, today, when traffic congestion and air pollution have become serious problems threatening our lives, citizens tend to cycle less because they don’t want to be stuck in traffic and inhale a large amount of harmful emissions. 20.4. What are the most popular outdoor activities in Vietnam? I think that many Vietnamese people enjoy walking and playing sports. Everyday, early in the morning and during the evening, there are a lot of people walking in the parks or around large lakes, where trees, flowers, water and the fresh air help them unwind and refresh their minds. It’s like a kind of therapy. Walking doesn’t require so much physical fitness, so it has become the first choice for many. In addition, some sports such as football, tennis and badminton are also very common in Vietnam, especially badminton, because people of any age and gender can play. 20.5. What sorts of activities do children like to do outdoors? Well, I think it depends on their personalities. Many active and energetic kids are really into playing sports, particularly football, and they spend the whole day running and playing with the ball without worrying about getting their clothes dirty. However, other kids who don’t like taking part in those activities might be keen on outdoor games such as playing in a sandbox or on the merry-go-round with their friends. Some children are also pretty fond of gardening work like planting or watering trees, which is a great activity because at the same time they can learn a lot about the nature. 20.6. Do boys and girls like to do the same kinds of things outdoors? Obviously, there exist some differences here. Boys tend to take part in activities that require physical strength, such as playing football, tennis, or going backpacking. Actually, some girls also like to do these kinds of things too, but the majority might IELTS NGOC BACH

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be more interested in less strenuous activities, for example, walking, jogging or cycling. 20.7. Do old people and young people like doing the same kinds of things outdoors? Well, I think although the old and young generation might share some similar outdoor activities, for instance, walking, cycling or playing badminton, there are still many kinds of things that are beyond the physical and mental endurance of elderly people. For example, they cannot play a full game of football or basketball, or climb a mountain, which younger ones are able to do. Instead, the elderly may prefer to do things that require thinking and patience, such as playing chess or sitting outside with a book. 20.8. What sorts of outdoor activities will people like to do in the future? It’s hard to foresee the future, but I think it’s possible that adventure activities, such as mountain climbing, paragliding, or skateboarding, will become more popular in the near future. Today, many young people are willing to take risks and conquer challenges to step outside their comfort zone and dicover the new limits. The range of equipment available in the shops for extreme sports enthusiasts will also encourage wider participation in these activities. With all the right protective and safety gear, adventure sports are now less risky and more people will therefore want to try them. VOCABULARY ü Technology gadget (noun) Thiết bị công nghệ A small object of techonlogy (such as a device or an appliance) that has a particular function.

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Example: His room is full of the latest technology gadgets – he spends hours using them to keep in touch with his friends. ü Addicted (adjective)

Nghiện, quá đam mê Spending all your free time doing

something because you are so interested in it. Example: He spends all day in his room – he’s addicted to playing computer games. ü Face-to-face (adverb) Trực tiếp, mặt đối mặt In a way that involves people who are close together and looking at each other. Example: I would prefer to discuss this with you face-to-face rather than over the phone. ü Unwilling (adjective) Không hứng thú Not wanting to do something and refusing to do it. Example: They don’t like the project and they are unwilling to invest money in it. ü To meet up (phrasal verb) Gặp gỡ To meet somebody, especially by arrangement. Example: We agreed to meet up later for a drink. ü Merit (noun) Điểm mạnh, lợi ích A good feature that deserves praise, reward or admiration. Example: The new format of the exam has many merits – most teachers like it. ü Expend (verb) Sử dụng, dùng To use or spend a lot of time, money or energy. Example: We expended a lot of energy decorating the house. ü Aches and pains (expression)

Bad feelings when your body hurts.

Example: A relaxing massage will help to ease your aches and pains any you will soon feel better. ü Boost (verb)

Đẩy mạnh

To make something increase, or become better or more

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Example: All this extra revision will boost my chances of passing the exam. ü To come up with (phrasal verb) Nghĩ ra, nảy ra To find or produce an answer, a sum of money, etc. Example: She came up with a new idea for increasing sales. ü Wander (verb) Đi lang thang, thơ thẩn To walk slowly around or to a place, often without any particular sense of purpose or direction. Example: She wandered around the streets without any particular idea of where she wanted to go. ü Environmentally-friendly (adjective)

Thân thiện với môi trường

Not harming

the environment. Example: Wind and solar power are environmentally-friendly. ü Threaten (verb) Đe dọa To say that you will cause trouble, hurt somebody, etc. if you do not get what you want. Example: The robber threatened the shop assistant with a gun. ü Stuck (adjective)

Mắc kẹt

In an unpleasant situation or place that you cannot

escape from. Example: We were stuck in traffic without moving for almost an hour. ü Inhale (verb) Hít vào To breathe in Example: She closed her eyes and inhaled deeply before diving into the swimming pool. ü Emission (noun) Khí thải

Gas or chemicals that are sent out into the air.

Example: The government has promised to protect the environment by reducing car and factory emissions.

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ü Therapy (noun) Liệu pháp chữa bệnh The treatment of a physical problem or an illness. Example: Many cancer patients undergo some sort of drug therapy ü Be into something (expression)

Hứng thú

To be interested in something in an

active way. Example: He’s into surfing in a big way, he’s always down at the beach. ü Sandbox (noun) Khu vui chơi cát cho trẻ em An area in the ground or a shallow container, filled with sand for children to play in. Example: The children played happily in the sandbox until it started to rain. ü Backpack (verb) Đi phượt To travel on holiday/vacation carrying your equipment and clothes in a backpack. Example: Young people enjoy backpacking, because it’s cheap and they don’t mind carrying all their things around on their backs. ü Strenuous (adjective) Needing great effort and energy. Example: After a big meal, avoid strenuous activity, just rest or go for a short walk. ü Endurance (noun)

Sức chịu đựng, sư dẻo dai

The ability to continue doing

something painful or difficult for a long period of time without complaining. Example: Cycling across India was a test of endurance, but after a month she managed to complete the journey. ü Conquer (verb) Chinh phục To succeed in dealing with or controlling something. Example: She conquered her fear of flying and now she is an airline pilot. ü Comfort zone (noun) Ngưỡng an toàn A place or situation in which you feel safe or comfortable, especially when you choose to stay in this situation instead of trying to work harder or achieve more. IELTS NGOC BACH

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Example: I had no experience of mountain climbing, but I decided to step out of my comfort zone and go on a climbing course. ü Extreme sports (noun) Thể thao mạo hiểm Sports that are extremely exciting to do and often dangerous. Example: He likes extreme sports, but he wisely uses the best safety equipment. ü Enthusiast (noun) A person who is very interested in something and spends a lot of time doing it. Example: She is a real chess enthusiast – she plays for hours on her computer.

21.

Describe an advertisement you have seen. You should say: What the advertisement is What it is for And explain how you think about it.

ANSWER: Well, I’d like to talk about a mooncake commercial that I saw yesterday during dinner. It made me feel quite homesick. As you may know, the Mid-Autumn Festival is coming and this time is my favourite time of the year. One interesting thing I found is that most of the ads for this traditional festival are so touching and meaningful. Of course, the ad I mentioned is no exception. It starts with the image of a little girl missing her dad, who’s in the army now and has been far from home for a long time. On the Mid-Autumn day, while all of her family members, except her father, are gathering around the five-fruit IELTS NGOC BACH

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tray, celebrating the festival, she looks so sad hugging the Teddy Bear he gave her last year. Suddenly, the door opens and her dad comes in with a mooncake box, she bursts into tears, then he holds her tightly in his arms. At the end of the ad, the whole family is enjoying mooncakes happily together. The meaning of the Mid-Autumn festival is for family members to gather, encouraging affection for children and expressing gratitude to the older generation, so for me, this advertisement successfully conveyed the message of family reunion. As I now live far from my family, it made me want to come back home right away and enjoy the taste of my favourite mooncakes with my parents. Actually when I saw the ad, my eyes filled with tears too, just like the little girl. Normally, I don’t really like watching ads on TV, but if all the commercials can be that meaningful, maybe I’ll change my habit. VOCABULARY ü commercial (Quảng cáo) [n] an advertisement on the radio or TV Example: They’re looking for actors for a phone commercial. ü homesick [n] sad because you are away from your home and family Example: After spending a month in the USA, I felt homesick for Vietnam. ü touching (Cảm động) [adj] making you feel sympathy or pity Example: It was a touching story, which moved many of us to tears. ü miss [v] feel sad because you can no longer see somebody Example: When I first went to university, I missed my sisters a lot. ü hug [v] put your arms around somebody and hold them tightly Example: Before I got on the train, I said goodbye to my parents and I hugged them for a few moments. IELTS NGOC BACH

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ü burst into tears (Òa khóc) [expression] begin to cry suddenly Example: The children burst into tears on hearing about the death of their dog. ü affection (Tình cảm, cảm xúc) [n] the feeling of liking/loving somebody very much and caring about them Example: Children need lots of love and affection. ü gratitude (Sự biết ơn) [n] the feeling of being grateful and wanting to express your thanks Example: The boss expressed his gratitude to all the staff for their hard work during the year. ü convey (Truyền) [v] to make ideas or feelings known to somebody Example: I will be late for the appointment, so please convey my apologies to the customer. ü reunion (Đoàn tụ, sum họp) [n] the act of people coming together, after they have been apart for some time Example: Christmas is a time of reunion, when family and friends have the chance to see each other again. QUESTIONS FOR PART 3 21.1. What are the different kinds of advertising? I think that there are several ways of promoting a product, of which the most dominant type is broadcast advertising, where the products are publicized through TV commercials, radio or the Internet. Another common type of advertising is print advertising, which relies on distributed posters and flyers or advertisement columns in newspapers or magazines to boost a product’s popularity. There is also outdoor advertising - advertising at outdoor events like concerts or trade shows. IELTS NGOC BACH

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Unfortunately, surrogate advertising exists as well, which markets banned products like alcohol or tobacco in the disguise of another product. 21.2. What kind of advertising is most common in Vietnam? I’m not too sure about this, but I think it’s fair to say broadcast advertising and print advertising are the two most popular means of promoting products in my country. Commercials are aired at a high frequency here in Vietnam, especially in the evening, when the number of viewers is considerably higher compared to that in the morning. It’s also common to see flyers being given away and banners hung on almost every corner of the street. 21.3. What are the ways in which advertisements catch the attention of viewers? Well, I guess it depends on the types of advertisement. With TV commercials, it’s essential to have a catchy theme tune or a slogan used to identify the product, so that viewers can easily recognize it. McDonald’s, for example, use ‘I’m Lovin’ It’. It also helps to have a celebrity who features in the commercial or endorses the product, this would make the product appealing to a larger number of viewers. Print advertisements, however, usually draw people’s attention with their vibrant colors and unique graphic designs. The better the posters are, the more interest the product might attract. 21.4. Do big companies prefer to advertise on TV or in some other ways? (Why?) In my opinion, broadcast advertising is still the most popular way for big organizations to promote their goods and services. TV has long been the most prevalent means of media communication, so getting a product advertised on TV equals making it known to a larger number of people. It would be even better to IELTS NGOC BACH

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secure a slot during prime time, from about 8pm to 10pm, when virtually everyone is sitting in front of their television. Still, it’s worth mentioning that online advertisements such as pop-ups are on the rise, as more and more people are spending time surfing the web. 21.5. What are the good and bad points of advertisements? I suppose advertisements play an important role in introducing consumers to a wider variety of goods. With commercials, buyers are exposed to more options, including models, functions and prices before choosing the one product that is to their taste. On the other hand, a well-produced advertisement might not ensure a product of the same quality. It’s not unusual to witness cases where people complain about the huge difference between what was advertised and what the product is really like. Besides, commercials can trigger the desire to purchase new goods, regardless of their impracticability, resulting in the waste of both time and money. 21.6. Is advertising on the internet very influential? To be honest, I doubt the effectiveness of internet advertising. Although pop-ups are growing in popularity, most people find them rather bothersome and close them the moment they appear on the screen, instead of spending time reading them. Besides, under the impression that everything on the internet should not be trusted, people usually dismiss online advertisements as unreliable. 21.7. Are any kinds advertising in Vietnam considered illegal? I’m not too knowledgeable about the issue, but I guess anything that fails to obey the terms of advertisement laws is considered illegal. One of the most commonly seen outdoor advertisements in Vietnam are billboards, which are basically huge posters that are erected on main streets or on top of buildings. This is a completely legal way of advertising, if the owners are granted a valid permit and take the boards down IELTS NGOC BACH

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according to the contract. However, many owners violate the law by missing the deadline to remove them or erect them without permission. 21.8. Do you trust advertisements? (Why?/Why not?) Quite frankly, I rarely place my trust in advertisements. They seem untruthful to me since almost everything is exaggerated and most of the time, the products themselves don’t live up to consumers’ expectations. They claim to be the best but very often there are some kind of faults. However, I do refer to advertisements when I’m looking for a product or a service, in order to broaden my range of choices. Still, only after a long time studying the product and reading reviews will I make up my mind to purchase one. 21.9. How do you feel about false advertising? Like most people, I feel outraged by misleading advertisements. Untruthful commercials can lead to many problems, and some can be disastrous. Cosmetics advertisements, for example, if they do not cover all necessary aspects like origin, components and potential allergic reactions on some types of skins, may cause complexion diseases. The same goes for medicinal products. False advertising betrays the trust of consumers and diminishes the reputation of the company itself. By creating widespread distrust, the advertising industry as a whole is damaged by false advertising. VOCABULARY ü Dominant (có ưu thế, có ảnh hưởng lớn) [adj]: most common Example: TV has remained the most dominant means of media communication throughout the years. ü Publicize [v]: to make something known to the public IELTS NGOC BACH

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Example: He is in London to publicize his new book. 1. Distribute (phân phối, phân phát) [v]: to give or deliver (something) to people Example: We need to distribute electricity equally over the country so that everyone can enjoy the benefits. ü Flyer [n]: a small sheet of paper advertising an event or product, given to a large number of people in the street Example: I spent the morning handing out flyers for the new supermarket which has just opened. ü Surrogate (người/vật thay thế, đại diện) [n]: to put in the place of another Example: He could not attend the meeting, so he sent his surrogate. ü To be aired (được phát sóng) [expression]: to be shown on the media, to be broadcasted Example: The news program is aired at 7pm every day. ü On almost every corner of the street (trên mọi góc phố) [expression]: almost everywhere Example: Food stalls can be found on almost every corner of the street, so don’t worry if you need to find somewhere to eat. ü Catchy [adj] pleasing and easily remembered Example: Most popular TV series have a catchy theme tune to introduce the show. ü Theme tune/theme song (bài hát chủ đề) [n]: a song that is played at the beginning and end of a television show, movie, etc or in a commercial Example: The theme song of the James Bond movie ‘Live and Let Die’ became a hit. ü Slogan (khẩu hiệu) [n]:a word or phrase that is easy to remember and is used by a group or business to attract attention

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Example: Within days, virtually everyone was familiar with the newest advertising slogan for that brand of soda. ü Endorse (chứng thực, xác nhận) [v]: to publicly or officially say that you support or approve of (someone or something) OR to publicly say - in exchange for money that you like or use (a product or service) Example: That brand of sneaker is endorsed by several basketball stars. ü Vibrant (rực rỡ) [adj]: very bright and strong Example: We painted the poster a vibrant blue so that it stands out. ü Prevalent (phổ biến, thịnh hành) [adj]: common or widespread Example: Ripped jeans is a fashion trend that is prevalent among teenagers. ü Secure a slot [expression] get a position or time in a list of events Example: She was very happy when she secured a slot in the big concert just before the star was due to perform. ü Prime time (giờ vàng) [expression]: a time in the evening when the largest number of people are watching television Example: The program is popular because it is shown during prime time. ü Virtually (hầu như, gần như) [adv]: almost entirely Example: We spent virtually all day shopping. ü Well-produced [adj]: well-made Example: The movie was so well-produced that there was nothing I could complain about. ü Trigger (gây ra) [v]: cause something else to happen Example: Smoke triggered the fire alarm. ü Bothersome (phiền toái) [adj]: causing trouble or difficulty Example: I find my brother’s habit of playing music really loudly is bothersome. IELTS NGOC BACH

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ü Under the impression (có suy nghĩ rằng) [expression]: believing – usually wrongly that something is true Example: I waited at the station for you, under the impression that you were going to travel with me. ü Obey (nghe lời, làm theo luật) [v]: to do what someone tells you to do or what a rule, law, etc., says you must do Example: He is a good boy, he always obeys his parents. ü Violate (vi phạm) [v]: to do something that is not allowed by (a law, rule, etc.) Example: The company violated its customers' privacy. ü Live up to one’s expectation (đạt được ) [expression]: to be as good as good as someone thought something would be Example: I thought the movie was going to be better than that. It totally failed to live up to my expectations. ü Outraged (rất tức giận) [adj]: very bad or wrong in a way that causes anger Example: I felt outraged by her attitude! I will not put up with such treatment. ü Misleading [adj]: giving the wrong idea that something is true Example: The misleading advertisement in the newspaper neglected to mention some important information about the used car. 22.

Describe a website that you like to visit. You should say: What the website is What it is used for When you used it And explain why you think it was interesting.

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ANSWER Today, I am going to tell you about one website which I’m really interested in. It’s name is m.ebay.com. It is an e-commerce website used for online shopping purposes. This website advertises various items classified by categories such as fashion, electronics, and motors. It allows people to order products, and make transactions online. I always give priority to shopping online whenever I have spare time instead of going to stores or supermarkets. So, this website is very handy for me as I can take advantage of my mobile phone or computer with an Internet connection to access it and purchase what I need. I find this website very appealing due to its good layout and attractive images of products. There is a box for me to enter what items I’m looking for so I can avoid browsing items unnecessarily, as I’m able to find quickly the things I need. After that the items I have bought will be delivered right to my door so I can save a lot of time. Not only that, there is always the chance to get a good deal and discounts as there are various promotion programs. This website has important advantages for me, such as convenience and the benefits of saving time and money. Now it plays a useful role in my daily life. In the future I will continue to visit the site and of course recommend it to my friends. VOCABULARY ü E-commerce:

the business of buying and selling goods and services on

the

internet Example: Ebay is an e-commerce website used for online shopping purposes. IELTS NGOC BACH

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ü Transaction: a piece of business that is done between people, especially an act of buying or selling Example: You can call your bank and carry out a transaction using a TouchTone phone. ü Give priority to: something that you think is more important than other things and should be dealt with first Example: The hospital gives priority to those patients who require urgent medical attention. ü Handy: convenient Example: My flat is very handy for the shops and the park. ü Appealing: attractive or interesting Example: Brightly colored packaging made the pens especially appealing to children. ü Layout: the structure of a website rather than its styling Example: This page uses a 2 – column layout with one sidebar to the left of the main content area. ü Browse: the act of looking through a number of things in a book, a store or online Example: I have only browsed through the new book on dinosaurs, but I intend to read it fully this weekend. ü Get a good deal: make a good agreement to buy or sell something Example: I got a good deal on my new car – I bought it for half the price that the man was asking for it. QUESTIONS FOR PART 3 IELTS NGOC BACH

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22.1. What are some of the different reasons why people use the internet? Speaking of the internet, obviously it has already surpassed newspapers and television to be the main source of information today. And that’s the most common reason why people use the internet. Another reason is that people use the internet as a superior means of communication. We no longer require a place like cafes or offices to keep in touch with people. We can do it literally anywhere we happen to be with the availability of Internet access. 22.2. Some people say that different age groups have different tastes on internet content. What do you think? I argree that how one uses the internet varies a lot by age. For example, young people rely almost entirely on search engines for information about entertainment, study materials and job opportunities, while older people prefer using the internet to get information about national and international news. 22.3. What influence can (or, does) the internet have on children? And what about teenagers? Well, I guess most people immediately think of negative aspects when it comes to internet influence on our younger generation. For example, using the internet too much makes them socially isolated and teenagers in particular seem to spend hours on social network sites. But actually, there are plenty of positive ones as well. The internet's wealth of information can add to the child's store of knowledge, while online games enhance their creativity and imagination. 22.4. Do you think parents should control what internet sites their children visit on the internet? I would say yes. Because the sources of internet information are not always reliable, it’s essential to judge the suitability of those materials. As a result, parents should IELTS NGOC BACH

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keep an eye on their children’s internet usage that until the child has learned to discriminate between good and bad information sources. 22.5. What (kinds of) people don't use the internet and what are the disadvantages that these people suffer because they don't use the internet? Well, right off the top of my head, I can only think of older people, who are not accustomed to using the internet, and people whose jobs are not relevant to the internet. Personally, I think inability or unwillingness to use the internet will restrict their circle of friends and also make it harder to access information. In some cases, they have to spend countless hours looking for some news they need through printed materials, while they can do it in a matter of seconds with search engines which are available on the internet. VOCABULARY ü Superior (vượt trội) [adj] better than average or better than other people or things of the same type Example: The weapons of the government troops were superior to those of the enemy. ü Literally (đúng nghĩa đen) [adv] used to emphasize the truth of something that may seem surprising Example: They were responsible for literally millions of deaths. ü Suitability [noun] the quality of being right or appropriate for a particular purpose Example: At the interview, he convinced them of his suitability for the job.

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ü Keep an eye on sth (theo dõi, để ý) [idiom] to watch or give your attention to someone or something Example: The mother sat by the side of the playground, keeping an eye on her sons as they played. ü Discriminate (phân biệt) [verb] to treat a person or particular group of people differently, especially in a worse way from the way in which you treat other people, because of their skin colour, sex, sexuality, etc. Example: She felt she had been discriminated against because of her age. ü Off the top of my head [idiom] if you say something off the top of your head, you say it without thinking about it for very long or looking at something that has been written about it Example: Off the top of my head I could probably only name about three women artists. ü Accustomed (quen) [adj] familiar with something Example: She quickly became accustomed to his messy ways. ü Relevant (liên quan) [adji] connected with what is happening or being discussed Example: Education should be relevant to the child's needs. ü Circle of friends [expression] a group of people who like each other because they have the same interests or hobbies Example: She is very popular and she has a wide circle of friends. 23. Describe a small business that you would like to open, (or, start or run or own or have) if you had the chance. You should say: What this business would be IELTS NGOC BACH

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Where it would be located What people you would hire as employees And explain why you’d like to have this small business. ANSWER: Well, if I were to talk about my dream business, a small book café would definitely be the first thing that springs to my mind right now. Actually, I’ve been thinking about it for a long time as I always enjoy reading books and drinking coffee in a tranquil space. When I get enough money together, I will start my own business for sure. My desire is to create a place for people who are seeking serenity and trying to escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, so I would look for a location in a quiet street, maybe around the Old Quarter. My café would be decorated elaborately with lights and houseplants, creating a calm, homely atmosphere for the customers. Bookshelves filled with books of every kind would run along the walls and in the corners and everyone would be welcome to choose a book from the shelves to enjoy while drinking their coffee. Like many other coffee shops, I would hire students to work as part-time employees at my book café, especially ones who share the same passion for books as I do. They could earn their living in a comfortable and friendly working environment, and I would aim to nurture their love of books, so that their work would become a pleasure. Owning my own book café has been my lifelong dream. To read books is to broaden one’s horizons, and to drink coffee is to enjoy life. When I reach a certain point in

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my life where I feel satisfied enough with my career, I will resign and run my small café. I believe that one day I will make my dream come true. VOCABULARY ü cafe (Quán cafe) [n] a place where you can buy drinks and simple meals Example: Every Saturday, we drink coffee and eat cakes in our local cafe. ü spring to mind (Bỗng nhiên/ngay lập tức hiện lên trong đầu) [expression] to appear suddenly or immediately in your thoughts Example: The Harry Potter novels immediately spring to mind as an example of recent best-selling books. ü tranquil (Thanh bình, tĩnh lặng) [adj] quiet and peaceful Example: She led a tranquil life in the countryside. ü get money together [expression] save money to buy something Example: I want to buy a new car, as soon as I can get enough money together. ü serenity (Sự thanh bình, tĩnh lặng) [n] the quality of being calm and peaceful Example: The hotel offers a haven of peace and serenity away from the hustle and bustle of the city. ü hustle and bustle (Hoạt động bận rộn, ồn ào) [expression] busy and noisy activity Example: He wanted a little cottage far away from the hustle and bustle of city life. ü elaborately (Cẩn thận, tỉ mỉ) [adverb]

in a carefully prepared, detailed and

organised way Example:

The hotel lobby was elaborately decorated in preparation for the

President’s visit. ü homely [adj] making you feel comfortable, as if you were in your own home IELTS NGOC BACH

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Example:

The restaurant was homely, with just a few tables and a relaxed

atmosphere. ü run along [phrasal verb] be in line with Example: An electric fence ran along the top of the wall to protect the building. ü passion (Niềm đam mê) [n] a very strong feeling of some emotion – love, hatred, anger, enthusiasm Example: She spoke with great passion about the natural beauty of her homeland. ü earn a living (Kiếm sống) [expression]

to make money in order to support

yourself financially Example: The wages are so low in this city that I have to do three jobs just in order to earn a living. ü nurture (Nuôi dưỡng)

[v]

to help somebody/something to develop and be

successful Example: My father nurtured a love of art in me and nothing gives me more pleasure than visiting an art gallery. ü horizon (Tầm nhìn) [n] the limit of your desires, knowledge or interests Example: She wanted to travel and experience other cultures in order to broaden her horizons. ü resign (Từ chức) [v] to officially tell somebody that you are leaving your job, leaving an organisation Example: He resigned as manager after 8 years, in order to spend more time with his family. QUESTIONS FOR PART 3 23.1. What challenges and difficulties do people face when they try to have a IELTS NGOC BACH

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successful small business? I think some of the hardships that small business owners might have to face include increasing profits and growing revenues while still paying close attention to details like client relationships. On the other hand, for many small businesses, client dependence is a huge issue. If a business depends on a single customer for more than half its income, that should raise a huge red flag, a situation which can threaten the businesses’ growth and stability. 23.2. What should be the government's role in how small businesses are run? I personally believe the government should create specific programs to help small businesses start and continue to grow by offering start-up incentives, providing loan guarantees and encouraging local banks to work with start-ups or regional businesses that wish to expand. Lowering corporate taxes and making the regulatory process simpler can also foster even more small-business growth. 23.3. What are some of the advantages and disadvantages of small businesses compared to large companies? One of the advantages of a small business is obviously the relatively low startup capital needed. Also a small establishment is easier to manage compared to a large operation since the dealings are usually local and small scale. Keeping track of inventory, cash flow and transactions is easily manageable as well. On the other hand, small businesses often lose in the competition for market share with the already established firms, as many clients would prefer to conduct their business with large firms rather than the smaller ones which are considered risky. 23.4. How can small businesses benefit the people in the community where the businesses are located? In my view, small businesses often give a town a sense of community as they can IELTS NGOC BACH

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meet with the customer more frequently and develop more of a personal relationship than a large company. In addition, shopping at small, local shops means that the customers are putting money into the pockets of local workers who may be their neighbors or even family members, thus enhancing both the town's standards of living and economic conditions. 23.5. What kinds of small business are most popular in Vietnam? Probably street food vendors and local convenience stores. Street food has always been a vital and vibrant part of Vietnamese culture, so as long as the owners can offer high food quality along with some uniqueness to set their stores apart from other competitors on the market, I believe the business will achieve at least semi-success. Meanwhile, local convenience stores are usually guaranteed a loyal customer base that is the local residents so I think they have a higher chance of breaking even and increasing the bottom line. 23.6. Why do some people open their own business? In my opinion, people would rather be their own bosses, looking after themselves, instead of being observed by higher-ups. In other cases, many startup hopefuls may have true passion for their jobs and are confident that they know a business should be run; hence it might motivate them to go out on their own and get directly involved. 23.7. What qualities does a small business owner need to have? I think it’s crucial that small business owners maintain a positive outlook and accept 100% of the responsibility for the results of his or her business. They should also focus on making smart hires and then take the time to get to know and cultivate a good relationship with their staff, since employees who feel seen, respected and appreciated almost always produce more than anticipated. Being on the lookout for

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new opportunities can also help a prospective entrepreneur get a small business up and running. VOCABULARY ü Red flag (noun): a sign of danger – dấu hiệu của sự nguy hiểm You're not allowed to swim when the red flag is flying. ü Startup (noun): a small business that has just been started – công ty nhỏ mới thành lập Working on a startup business can produce a real mix of emotions. ü Inventory (noun): a complete list of items such as property, goods in stock, or the contents of a building – hàng hoá, tài sản Our major customers cut back on their inventory and projections. ü Cash flow (noun): the amount of money moving into and out of a business – dòng tiền, chu kỳ tiền mặt Small traders often have short-term cash-flow problems. ü Vendor (noun): a person or company offering something for sale, especially a trader in the street – người bán dạo She glanced around quickly, and her eyes caught a street vendor who was selling ice cream. ü Convenience store (noun): a shop that sells food, drinks, etc. and is usually open until late – cửa hàng tiện lợi The biggest difference in services between a grocery and convenience store is that the latter usually sells gasoline. ü Customer base (noun): the people who buy or use a particular product or service – nguồn khách hàng IELTS NGOC BACH

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A customer base is absolutely essential for business success. ü To break even: to have no profit or loss at the end of a business activity – hoà vốn After paying for our travel costs, we barely (= only just) broke even. ü Bottom line (noun): the final line in the accounts of a company or organization, stating the total profit or loss that has been made – lỗ/lãi How will the rise in interest rates affect our bottom line? ü Hopeful (noun): a person who wants to achieve a position of power – người có hoài bão làm gì Five presidential hopefuls were invited to speak. ü Cultivate (verb): try to acquire or develop – nuôi dưỡng (tình cảm với ai) He did his job efficiently, while also cultivating friendships with many Australians. ü Outlook (noun): the likely future situation – triển vọng, quan điểm The economic outlook is bleak. ü Prospective (adj): people who are expected to buy something, employ someone, become parents, etc. – sắp tới, có triển vọng Her father always wants to meet her prospective boyfriends. ü Entrepreneur (noun): someone who starts their own business, especially when this involves seeing a new opportunity – người khởi nghiệp He was one of the entrepreneurs of the 80s who made their money in property. 24. Describe a time you needed to use imagination You should say ： what the situation was IELTS NGOC BACH

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why you needed to use imagination What the difficulties were and explain how you felt about it ANSWER Today I’m going to tell you about a time when I had to make use of my imagination. When I was a sophomore in high school, one of my literature assignments was to recreate a short play that is based on a real book. The class was divided into small teams, each had to choose a book of different genres, ranging from comedy to romance to even horror. Since it was going to be assessed, everyone was required to take an active part in the project. This task was particularly demanding in using imagination as we had to set up as lively a stage as possible to draw the attention of the audience. Enjoying a book can be easy but it’s tough to actually act out a written scene, even for professional actors. Therefore, as the stage director and one of cast members, I really needed to make the best of my creativity to produce a perfect play. Besides having to be inventive, we were also working against the clock since only 2 weeks were given to prepare. It was tricky to come up with a complete plot and make time for group rehearsals in such a short period - not to mention having to find the appropriate costumes and stage props. Despite the pressure I had to deal with, I felt a great sense of achievement because our play was well-received by the teacher and other classmates. I guess I can regard this as a challenge for not only my imagination but also for my team-working skills. In the future, I hope I will get the chance to be involved in other exciting projects like this one. IELTS NGOC BACH

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VOCABULARY ü To make use of sth [expression]: to use something Eg: The students should make use of the books they are given. ü Sophomore [n]: a student in the second year of high school or college Eg: She's a sophomore in high school. ü Assignment [n]: a specified task or amount of work given Eg: The students were given a homework assignment. ü Genre [n]: a particular type or category of literature or art Eg: This book is a classic of the mystery genre. ü To be assessed [expression]: to be judged, rated or scored Eg: Students will be assessed based on their attendance and scores. ü Demanding [adj]: requiring much time, attention, or effort Eg: I have heard it is one of the most demanding courses at the university. ü To draw attention [expression]: to make people notice Eg: A good presenter must be able to draw listeners’ attention. ü To act out sth [expression]: to present something in action Eg: Children act out what they read, which makes the lesson more fun. ü To make the best of sth [expression]: to try to think and act in a positive way when you have to accept a bad situation Eg:

The room they've given us is too small really, but we'll just have to

make

the best of it. ü Inventive [adj]: creative or imaginative Eg: They have given their new company an inventive name, which customers are sure to remember. IELTS NGOC BACH

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ü To work against the clock [expression]: to work very fast because you know you only have a limited period of time to do something Eg: Scientists were workingagainst the clock to collect specimens before the volcano erupted again. ü To make time for sth [expression]: to allow time for something Eg: I try to make time for my family at weekends. ü Prop [n]: something used in creating or enhancing a desired effect, especially in the theatre or in films Eg: There was a team responsible for building stage props to make the background more real. ü A sense of achievement [expression]:

a proud feeling of having done

something difficult and worthwhile Eg: He felt a sense of achievement having won the competition. ü Well-received [adj]: getting a good reaction from people Eg: ‘Gone with the Wind’ was one of the most well-received movies of all time. QUESTIONS FOR PART 3 24.1. Why do most children have a wild imagination? Well, in my opinion, the reason for children’s wild imagination is their inexperience. Obviously, children have an insatiable curiosity, always wondering and looking for answers. Since they have little knowledge of the real world, children have to use their imagination to come up with a explanation for their questions. It may be wrong but it’s their own way of learning about the outside world. 24.2. What kinds of books can boost people's imagination?

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I think any type of books can enhance creativity, but I guess the more effective boosters would be novels. These books usually revolve around a story and there are often a lot of descriptive scenes, therefore, readers need to let their imagination run wild to be able to actually live in the scenes. Harry Potter, for instance, is an all-time favourite book series which falls in the fantasy categories. 24.3. Do you like to watch movies about the future? Definitely, I have always been curious about how the world would end up, so movies about the future never fail to excite me. Many films have been produced based on this theme with plots varying from robots’ taking over the world, to the uprising of animals, to apocalypse, all of which are so thrilling to watch . However, a good film depends more on the storyline, the cast acting and the quality of production rather than the genre itself. That’s why not every movie of this kind has been highly rated by critics or enjoyed high viewership. 24.4.

What can schools do for students' creativity?

Actually, there are many ways in which schools can encourage children’s creative thinking. They can, for example, organise contests in writing, drawing or even handcrafting for students to compete against each other. This will not only inspire children to be inventive but also provide them with a chance to prove themselves and maybe, enlarge their circle of friends. Another way is to assign educational books or movies for them to enjoy instead of overwhelming them with a bunch of homework. VOCABULARY ü Insatiable [adj]: not able to be satisfied Eg: Her desire for knowledge was insatiable.

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ü Booster [n]:

something that increases force, power, pressure, or

effectiveness Eg: The teacher’s positive comments on my essay were a real confidence booster. ü Descriptive [adj]: using words to describe what someone or something is like Eg: She gave a descriptive account of the journey. ü Let one’s imagination run wild [expression]: to imagine freely Eg: Let your imagination run wild and you can come up with the best ideas. ü Never fail to do sth [expression]: someone or something always does something that you expect them to do Eg: You never fail to impress me! ü Uprising [n]: a rebellion or revolt against people in power Eg: The uprising against the government has been defeated. ü Apocalypse [n]: a great disaster Eg: His book tells of an environmental apocalypse. ü Thrilling [adj]: very exciting Eg: It’s thrilling to go on a roller-coaster. ü Viewership [n]: a television audience Eg: ‘How I met your Mother’ was a TV series with very high viewership. ü Circle of friends [expression]: a number of close friends who usually do things together as a group Eg: She is sociable, so she has a wide circle of friends. ü Overwhelm sb with sth [expression]: give a person too much of something Eg: As a beginner, I was overwhelmed with the heavy workload.

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25.

Describe an interesting or unusual thing you do in your spare time. You should say: What it is. Who you would like to do it with. How often you do it. Explain why you feel about it.

ANSWER VERSION 1 (Trích từ đề “Describe a free-time activity that you like to do after you have finished your study or work”) Well, I am kind of a workaholic. I am so caught up in my work on a daily basis that I do not have too much time to relax after a long working day. Listening to music is the only thing that I really want to do to relax at home. There are a few things that I normally try to do to wind down, but listening to music is how I usually like to spend my free time. Because my work takes almost all the time during the day, I want to make the most of my evening by creating a cozy atmosphere for myself and just put my feet up. When I stay home, I like to dim the lights, turn on some soft music and enjoy myself for the rest of the evening. Soft light and sounds help me to chill out pretty well. I also enjoy grabbing a favourite book and relaxing in a big comfy chair with a blanket and my pet cat on my lap, while listening to music in the background. It works wonders. I find it therapeutic and relaxing when I take a little time for myself to play an inspirational song to unwind. You see, you don’t have to waste a lot of time and money in order to have a restful evening.

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If I take some days off, I will go for a short holiday to get away from all the pressures. However, for the rest of the days when I have finished my work already, listening to music is my preferred choice. That is wonderful for me, and so I do not see myself changing my habit any time soon. VOCABULARY ü workaholic: [noun] a person who works very hard and finds it difficult to stop working and do other things. Example: My sister is a workaholic – she never takes a day off to relax and have fun. ü caught up in: [phrasal verb] very involved in an activity, so that you do not notice other things. Example: I was so caught up in my revision that I forgot to feed the dog. ü wind down: [phrasal verb] rest or relax after a period of activity. Example: After teaching all day, it’s nice to go and have a coffee to wind down. ü make the most of: [expression] use to the best advantage. Example: I intend to make the most of the holidays by finishing my assignment. ü cozy: [adjective] warm and comfortable, because you are in a small space. Example: I feel cozy sitting in front of the fire in my small house. ü put my feet up: [expression] sit down, lie back and rest. Example: I like to sit in my favourite armchair with a cup of coffee and just put my feet up after I come home. ü dim: [verb] make a light less bright. Example: In the theatre, the play was about to begin. The lights were dimmed and the audience fell silent. IELTS NGOC BACH

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ü chill out: [phrasal verb] spend time relaxing. Example: I like to go out with my friends and chill out – just chatting and having a coffee. ü grabbing: [verb] having or taking something quickly. Example: You should have a good lunch – grabbing a sandwich is a bad habit. ü comfy: [adjective] comfortable. Example: My new bed is really comfy and I fall asleep straight away. ü works wonders: [expression] has a very good effect on someone or something. Example: A good night’s sleep works wonders for your mind and body. ü therapeutic: [adjective] helping you to relax. Example: My dentist plays soft music while her patients are waiting, because she says that it is therapeutic. ü inspirational: [adjective] something that motivates you and makes you have exciting ideas. Example: The President gave an inspirational speech to his supporters. ü unwind: [verb] SEE: wind down. ü any time soon: [expression] in the near future. Example: After our big argument, I am not expecting her to call me any time soon. VERSION 2 I normally watch movies or indulge myself by spending hours lying on the bed listening to my favorite playlist in my leisure time. But I guess to overcome the monotony of daily life, we need something fresh, so sometimes I ride a bike for roughly 15 kilometers. IELTS NGOC BACH

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It’s kind of road biking, and I usually cycle from my house to West Lake, then back again. On my biking days, which often fall on weekends, I try to wake up early in order to avoid heavy traffic and the noise in the city, you know, as well as to have more time for cycling, as I often do it at quite a leisurely pace. I like to have my close friend as a companion, because with her, I am better motivated whenever I get tired. Moreover, as we usually ride for quite a long way, it’s more fun to have a buddy to chat with during the journey. I usually go for a ride bike every two weeks, as a way to chill out and keep fit. Whenever I get on a bike and ride, it always gives me pleasure, as I sweat, you know, and it makes me feel better. In addition, cycling in the early morning, when the city is less noisy and not crowded with people and vehicles, simply brings me peace. Bikeriding is healthy and easy, that’s why, I guess, it’s becoming mainstream, much like yoga or running. VOCABULARY ü indulge (nuông chiều, chiều chuộng)[v] to have yourself or another person do something enjoyable, especially more than is good for you Example: Parents should not indulge their children too much, as it will spoil them. ü monotony (sự đơn điệu, buồn tẻ) [n] boredom/ a situation in which something stays the same and is therefore boring Example: The routine was the same every day, with nothing to break the monotony. ü roughly (xấp xỉ) [adv] approximately/without being exact or fully authenticated

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Example: Roughly half of the students in the class passed the exam with good marks. ü road biking [n] cycling without leaving the roads to go on tracks Example: Road biking is only stressful when you are in the city – the country roads are much quieter. ü fall on (rơi vào)[phrasal verb] to occur at some particular point of time Example: The Moon Festival is a harvest festival celebrated by ethnic Chinese and Vietnamese, which falls on the 15th day of the eight month in the Lunar calendar. ü heavy traffic (xe cộ đông) [expression] a situation when there are a lot of vehicles on the road Example: If you drive during the rush hour, you are likely to hit some heavy traffic. ü leisurely [adverb] without hurrying Example: We had a lot of free time, so we walked leisurely along the beach. ü companion (bạn đồng hành) [n] a person who accompanies another Example: The dog has been her constant companion these past ten years. ü motivated (được khuyến khích động viên) [adj]

enthusiastic or determined

because you want to do something Example: Entrepreneurs are much more motivated by personal passion - and the chance to be their own boss - than by making money, according to research from HSBC. ü buddy (bạn tốt) [n] a good friend, a comrade Example: We run a buddy system to support recovering alcoholics. ü chill out [phrasal verb] to spend time relaxing and stop feeling angry or anxious IELTS NGOC BACH

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Example: I like to relax with a book and just chill out after a long day at work. ü mainstream (chủ đạo) [adj] considered normal and is accepted by most people Example: Due to its health benefits, cycling will continue to become more mainstream for women, much like running and yoga. QUESTIONS FOR PART 3 25.1. How do people in Vietnam spend their leisure time, for example, after school, after work or at weekends? People in my country choose different ways to relax depending on the groups of people and their personal preference. For instance, most energetic students or adolescents prefer outdoor activities like playing football or cycling after a long day at school. Adults, as a rule, tend to spend free time enjoying various kinds of recreation such as watching films, listening to music or hanging out with friends. In addition, they may go for picnics or have parties or family reunions at weekends. 25.2. Why it is important for people to have time for leisure activities? It is essential for everybody to spend time relaxing in order to keep a balance between their daily life and work. Having time for leisure activities such as playing sports or watching favorite films allows people to release stress and feel happy. Moreover, taking part in leisure activities will help to improve people’s health, including their mental and physical health, and reduce risks of illness in the long run; as a result, after that they will be in the best health and frame of mind to work productively. 25.3. Compare how adults spend their leisure time with how children spend their leisure time.

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There are obvious dissimilarities between the ways children and adults make use of their free time. Children prefer leisure activities which bring a lot of fun such as playing video games, sports, going outside or playing with their friends. Conversely, adults tend to do things for relaxation such as hanging out with friends or just lying down and taking a nap. 25.4. What kinds of things do families in Vietnam do together in their leisure time? According to Vietnamese culture, people always respect the family reunions and the time they spend together. There are many fun activities they can do together, such as going for picnics to rural areas, having meals together in the home or in a restaurant, or simply enjoying a drive in the car. Visiting family relations who live far away is another popular activity, because maintaining the family ties is very important. 25.5. Would you say that people have enough leisure time today? Yes, I think so. Thanks to the advances in technology, such as computers and mobiles, people are able to do their work more quickly and effectively. Therefore, they can save a huge amount of time, which they can then use to relax and enjoy life. For example, employees can work and send documents to the company using e-mails without going to the workplace. Consequently, they will have more time for themselves, their family and friends. 25.6. How do you think science and technology has changed people's lives in Vietnam in the past few years? Recently, Vietnamese people’s lives have been changed significantly due to the development of science and technology. People can easily keep in touch with their friends and relatives by using smart phones and social networks such as Skype or Facebook, regardless of distance. They can also access the new world right in their IELTS NGOC BACH

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home by watching TV, videos about other countries and their cultures. However, the downside of science and technology is that this may make people gradually become selfish and addicted to electronic devices. 25.7. Compare the way men spend their leisure time and the way women spend their leisure time. Regarding gender, men and women have different preferences in their free time. Generally, active men tend to play sports or work out at the gym whenever they have time, to keep in shape and bulk up muscles. Women, on the other hand, may prefer going shopping, cooking for their families or seeing their friends. 25.8. What types of leisure activities may become more popular in the future? Personally, I think countryside recreation such as hiking, camping or horse riding will become increasingly popular in the long run. Nowadays, most people are under a lot of pressure at work and the fast pace of city life, so in order to escape from the hustle and bustle of the city and release stress, they may like to experience the peaceful atmosphere of the countryside. These things will make them feel better and work more productively when they return after their break. VOCABULARY ü Energetic [adjective]: having or needing a lot of energy Example: Some elderly people still do energetic activities like running or playing tennis. ü Recreation [noun]: a way of enjoying yourself when you are not working Example: His favourite form of recreation is playing golf with his friends.

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ü Balance [noun]: (sự cân bằng) a situation in which different things exist in equal, correct or good amounts Example: This newspaper maintains a good balance in its presentation of different opinions. ü Take part in [expression]: (tham gia, tham dự) to be involved in something Example: How many countries took part in the last Olympic Games? ü Frame of mind [expression]: the way that somebody feels about something at a particular time Example: Go into the exam with a positive frame of mind ! ü Productively [adverb]: (năng suất, hiệu quả) in a way that does a lot or achieves a lot Example: It's important to spend your time productively. ü Dissimilarity [noun] the fact of not being the same as something or somebody else Example: He is doing research on the dissimilarities of several Asian languages. ü Make use of [expression] (tận dụng, sử dụng) to utilize someone or something Example: Can you make use of these papers for other purposes instead of throwing them away? ü Hang out with [phrasal verb] to spend time with somebody in an informal situation Example: I like to hang out with my friends at a coffee shop after school. ü Take a nap [expression]: (nghỉ ngơi) to have a brief period of sleep Example: The baby always takes a long nap for a couple of hours after lunch. ü Drive [noun]: a car journey Example: Let’s go for a drive in the mountains. IELTS NGOC BACH

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ü Family ties: [expression] a strong connection between members of a family Example: Christmas is a time when people remember their family ties and visit their relations. ü Keep in touch with [expression]: (giữ liên lạc) to maintain communication with someone Example: After my neighbor moved, we still remained/kept in touch with each other. ü Selfish [adjective] : the quality of caring only about yourself rather than about other people Example: Don’t be selfish, leave some ice cream for your sister ! ü Addicted [adjective]: spending all your free time doing something because you enjoy it Example: He is addicted to chess – he spends hours every day playing against the computer. ü Work out [phrasal verb] to train the body by physical exercise Example: I lost weight by working out at the gym. ü Bulk up [phrasal verb]: (làm tăng cân, cơ bắp) to make your body bigger and heavier, especially by gaining more muscle Example: This season he has bulked up to 230 pounds. ü Hustle and bustle [expression] (hối hả, bận rộn) busy and noisy activity Example: I can’t stand the hustle and bustle of big cities – I prefer the peace and quiet of the countryside.

26.

Describe a time you missed an important appointment for something You should say:

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• when and where it happened • what the appointment was for • what happened when you missed it • and explain how you felt about the appointment. ANSWER I’m going to describe the time I was late for my first job interview. It happened in the fall of 2012, as I recall, which is when I was a sophomore. I had always dreamed of becoming a marketer, so I’d already joined a marketing course and after that, I was ready to apply for an internship in this field. The company I applied to was a start-up in education technology. Specifically, they offered online English courses to those who wanted to brush up on their English speaking skills. They were looking for a marketing intern, and as I was interested in both English and marketing, I applied for this position. I sent them my CV and was accepted, so we made an appointment for an interview. However, when the day came, I was late for the interview because I was lost. I can still recollect the panic that I felt, and I finally managed to get to the interview, but 30 minutes late. “I am so doomed,” I thought, and the next thing I knew, the interviewer just told me I was late for the interview without prior notice so regrettably I was rejected. That was a painful experience for me, and since then I’ve tried my best not to be late for any appointments ever again. VOCABULARY

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ü Sophomore [n] a student in the second year of a couse of study at a college or university: e.g. Most universities provide internship opportunities for their third-year students, or even sophomores. ü Marketer [n] a person whose job it is to promote and sell the products of a company in the best possible way: e.g. As a marketer and developer of software, I earn a lot of money these days. ü Start-up [n] a company that is just beginning to operate: e.g. His company was a successful start-up in the field of bio-engineering. ü Education technology [expression] education using technology to deliver knowledge, e.g. using computers and projectors in class: e.g. Education technology has become really popular these days. ü To brush up on smt [phrasal verb] to quickly improve a skill, especially when you have not used it for a long time: e.g. I must brush up on my Spanish before I go to Spain. ü To recollect [v] to remember something, especially when you make an effort to remember it: e.g. I recollect all the details of my flat in Paris. ü Panic [n] a feeling of fear or anxiety that prevents you from thinking clearly: e.g. Office workers fled in panic as the fire started to spread. ü Doomed [adj] certain to fail, die, or be destroyed: e.g. This is a doomed city – the volcano will erupt very soon. ü Prior [adj] happening or existing before something else or before a particular time: e.g. Please give us prior notice if you need an evening meal. IELTS NGOC BACH

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ü To reject [v] to refuse to accept, use, or believe something or someone: e.g. The prime minister rejected the suggestion that it was time for him to resign. QUESTIONS FOR PART 3 26.1. How often do you make appointments? I think it depends on what I have to do at the time. For example, when I was a first year student, I didn’t have a part-time job, nor did I join any clubs at university, so I didn’t have to make many appointments. But 2 years later when I became a member of the Marketing Club, I had to make appointments every week for club meetings or my own department’s meetings. 26.2. Is it important to be punctual in your country? Yes, of course it is, but most of the time, Vietnamese people just don’t realize the importance of being punctual. When someone is late for an appointment in Vietnam, they’re hardly judged because it’s most likely that other people are late too. And gradually, one just forgets the importance of punctuality and starts to think that being late is normal, until one has a taste of one’s own medicine. 26.3. Is it easy to make an appointment in Vietnam? Well, it depends on the type of people you’re making appointments with, and sometimes your social class as well. For example, if you’re an ordinary person and you need to schedule an appointment with a top business executive, the process is gonna be long and hard and the chances are that you won’t be able to meet him at all. Like you have to get through to his secretary first and that secretary will have to squeeze you in a time slot when the businessman has no schedule. But it’s a different case if you’re an important partner or major client of that company, and then of course the process will be much easier. IELTS NGOC BACH

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VOCABULARY ü To judge [v] to express a bad opinion of someone's behaviour, often because you think you are better than them: e.g. You have no right to judge other people because of what they look like or what they believe. ü Punctuality [n] the fact of happening or doing something at the agreed or correct time and not being late e.g. He insists on regular attendance and punctuality. ü A taste of one’s own medicine [idiom] the same bad treatment that you have given to others (gậy ông đập lưng ông): e.g. Let the bully have a taste of his own medicine. ü Social class [expression] position in the society: e.g. People tend to judge each other based on their social class. ü Get through (to smb) [phrasal verb] make contact with somebody by phone: e.g. I couldn’t get through to him, his phone was always busy. ü Squeeze smb/smt in [phrasal verb] to give time to somebody/something, although you’re very busy: e.g. If you come this afternoon, the doctor will try to squeeze you in.

27. Describe a team project for study or entertainment You should say: • When you did it • Where you did it IELTS NGOC BACH

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• Who you did it with • How you did it • Why you liked it or disliked it ANSWER Well, when it comes to teamwork, I can only think of a bad memory. I remember when I was a first year student, my teacher asked me and some other students in my class to set up a team project. A girl was assigned to be the leader and we had to prepare a presentation about our university. My teacher thought it would make a great contribution to our friendship, and the whole thing done with the best of intentions. But it turned out to be the worst team project ever. All of us were freshmen, so my team was essentially a bunch of strangers who I happened to be teamed up with. I didn’t know anything about the others, and they knew nothing about me. Moreover, it was obvious that the leader didn’t have any leadership skill. She didn’t know how to allocate work to individual team members. She always sat on the fence, I mean, she let every member raise their voice but she didn’t know which one would be the best. As a result, she wasn’t able to make any decisions. No one in our team showed any respect for her. They only did what they wanted to do. And I was no exception. I was too busy doing my own thing. In the end, no one did any work and nothing was done. Several weeks later, I was still kicking myself for taking part in such a team project. VOCABULARY ü When it comes to: [expression] as for something; speaking about a particular topic IELTS NGOC BACH

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Example: When it comes to trouble, little boys know how to cause it. ü assign: [verb] to give a particular job or piece of work to someone Example: The case has been assigned to our most senior officer. ü freshmen: [noun] first-year university or college students Example:

The dean of the university gave a speech of welcome to all the

freshmen who had arrived there to study. ü A bunch of: [expression] a large group Example: She gave me a bunch of flowers. ü allocate: [verb] to give something to someone as their share of a total amount, to use in a particular way Example: The government is allocating £10 million for health education. ü Sit on the fence: [idiom] not to take sides in a dispute; not to make a clear choice between two possibilities in a dispute. Example: My tutor told me to support one side of the argument or the other, and not to sit on the fence. ü Do one’s own thing:

[expression] following one’s own interests and ideas,

without considering other people Example: On Sundays, I just enjoy doing my own thing without any regular commitments. ü To kick oneself for: [idiom] regret doing something Example: I’m kicking myself for not buying that T-shirt. QUESTIONS FOR PART 3 27.1. What kinds of qualities does a leader need?

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Well, I suppose leaders need to possess a wide range of skills. First, they have to know ways to inspire and motivate their followers. Second, they have to be the ones who are willing to take responsibilities and criticism. Sometimes, their ego can hinder them from being a great leader. Leadership skills also include their abilities to build relationships. The stronger their relationships, the better a leader they will be. 27.2. What are the reasons for the failure of teamwork? I reckon teamwork failure depends solely on the failure of that team’s leader. If the leader has a short vision and makes misguided decisions, he or she will lead the whole team into a mess. Moreover, the leader is the bridge between team member’s relationships. Bad relationships result in weak communications and a lack of networking with each other. Consequently, team members cannot work effectively together. Apart from poor leadership skills, poor time management or poor budgeting may also cause the whole team to fail. 27.3. Do children need to know more about teamwork? Of course they do. Children need instruction in effective teamwork for a wide variety of reasons. When learning about teamwork, not only are children learning to work as a team, they're also learning to actively listen and respond in a way that makes the group effort more effective. It’s beneficial for their ability to interact socially. In addition to that, working in a team helps children learn to reflect on their individual experience versus the experience of the group. They often get feedback from their instructor and other members of the group. Self-reflection contributes a lot to a child’s development. 27.4. Is cooperation more important than competition? Actually, I can’t tell which one works better in general. On the one hand, by competing against others and comparing ourselves with one another, we learn how to IELTS NGOC BACH

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improve and achieve success. On the other hand, in some cases, competition leads directly to hostility and greed, both of which are the enemies of progress. Cooperation also has certain advantages and disadvantages. The main strength is that cooperation provides the chance to help other people and let them help you in return, while the biggest weakness of cooperation is that the mass of members may lose interest and let a small clique take over affairs and manage things for their own benefit. So, I would say that it depends on each situation as to whether cooperation or competition is more important. VOCABULARY ü inspire: [verb] to make someone feel that they want to do something and can do it: Example: After her trip to Venezuela, she felt inspired to learn Spanish. ü hinder: [verb] to limit the ability of someone to do something, or to limit the development of something: Example: Her progress certainly has been hindered by her lack of experience. ü solely: [adverb] only and not involving anyone or anything else: Example: He's solely in charge of the operation. ü Misguided: [adjective] wrong, because you have judged a situation badly: Example: Her decision to quit her job is, in my opinion, misguided. ü Mess: [noun] a situation that is full of problems: Example: The economy is in a mess as a result of government policies. ü Result in: [phrasal verb] lead to, bring about Example: The fire resulted in damage to their property. ü Self- reflection: [noun] careful thought about your own behavior and beliefs IELTS NGOC BACH

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Example: I often do some self-reflection when I’m alone. ü Clique: [noun] a group of people who spend their time together and exclude others: Example: A small clique of corrupt politicians are running the country. ü Take over: [phrasal verb] to get control of something, or to do something instead of someone else: Example: She took over management of this department last winter.

28. Describe a place in other countries where you would like to work You should say: Where you would like to go What kind of work/ job you would like to have When you would like to go And explain why you want to work in that place. ANSWER Today, I would like to talk about a place in foreign countries where I would like to work. It is Melbourne, the second largest city in Australia which has become home for

millions

of

people

from

various

countries

around

the

world.

In Melbourne, I would like to work for an environmental NGO, as my specialty at/in university is Environmental Resources. So, right after I finish my studies in Vietnam, I will go to Melbourne to apply for a job there. Well, the reasons why I would like to work in Melbourne are quite simple. First, I have a lot of friends and relatives who live and work in Melbourne. They can help me whenever I need. They also tell me that the community of Vietnamese overseas is IELTS NGOC BACH

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very large in Melbourne. So, the multi-cultural challenge won’t be a big problem for me. And what's more, like Sydney, Tokyo or some other cities in the world, Melbourne is a 'liveable city' due to / because of its high ranking in education, research and healthy lifestyle/ way of life. So I think that to live, study or work there will be an interesting experience. VOCABULARY ü Various (khác nhau, nhiều loại): [adjective] different, a variety of, many types of. Example: My students come from various countries in the world, such as India, Laos, Thailand, etc. ü Specialty (chuyên môn, chuyên ngành):[noun] focus, special field of study Example: Marie Cury was a well-known scientist with her specialty in radiation ü Apply for a job/position(nộp đơn xin, đăng ký xin việc):[verb] to enroll in, to write a letter asking for a job Example: She submited a letter to apply for that post/ position ü Relatives (họ hàng, người nhà) Someone who is close in the family branch, such as aunt, uncle, cousin, and so on. Example: Tet holiday is an occasion for us to visit our relatives' houses and to give them best wishes ü Vietnamese overseas (Việt kiều)[noun] Vietnamese people who live in foreign countries Example: Each year, the Vietnamese overseas contribute a large amount of money to the country's development.

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ü Multi-cultural challenge( thử thách, khó khăn về đa văn hóa) [adj+n] difficulties caused by the clash between so many cultures Example:Australia is an example of multi- cultural country ü Liveable (đáng sống, sống được) [adjective] + city: a city with favorable conditions for living Example: This city is a liveable place for the poor ü Ranking (xếp hạng, thứ bậc, chất lượng)[noun] level, qualification Example: The ranking of education of Vietnam is still fairly low in the region ü Healthy ( lành mạnh, khỏe mạnh) [adjective] good for health, good for operation Example: Investors require a healthy environment for their business activities in Vietnam QUESTIONS FOR PART 3 28.1. What kind of jobs are easy to get in a foreign country? In today’s society, thanks to the great strides in technology, I think that jobs related to this sector will be the easiest ones for expatriates to get in foreign countries. Especially, in English-speaking countries, there are abundant jobs for IT employees such as computer programmers or mobile app developers, regardless of their nationalities, as long as they have sufficient qualifications and skills. 28.2. Should young adults work abroad? Yes. It is useful for youngsters to take up a job abroad at least once, because they are energetic and enthusiastic enough to experience new things that may be obstacles when they get older.

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Working overseas is a great opportunity for young people to meet different types of people and gain global understanding of their industry. It also provides them with experiences and skills that they would never get at home. Not only that, most young people are energetic and adventurous; therefore working abroad provides them with opportunities to travel more, and be exposed to different cultures, which will result in higher level of knowledge and cultural sensitivity. 28.3. Why do many Vietnamese people want to work abroad? There are various reasons behind the preference of Vietnamese people to work in foreign countries. Firstly, working abroad is good for their personal growth. In addition to a higher salary, moving overseas or even getting a temporary contract abroad will give people opportunities to meet potential customers or partners who will help them further their career. Secondly, expatriates can experience new cultures and a greater mix of backgrounds that will give them invaluable perspectives in all aspects of life, including work. VOCABULARY ü Strides (noun):

advances or improvements in the way that something is

developing Example: Since I started at a new school, I have been making great strides in my studies. ü Expatriate(s) (noun): (người không sống ở nước mình) a person living in a country that is not their own Example: My family lived as expatriates in Hong Kong before I was born.

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ü Abundant (adjective): (phong phú, dồi dào) existing in large quantities; more than enough Example: We have abundant evidence to prove his guilt. ü Take up (phrasal verb): (bắt đầu thứ gì đó mới) to start or begin something such as a job Example: He takes up his duties next week as the head of the department. ü Experience (verb): to have a particular situation affect you or happen to you Example: When I lived in Japan, I experienced a very different way of life. ü Obstacle (noun): (trở ngại) a situation, an event, etc. that makes it difficult for you to do or achieve something Example: A lack of qualifications can be a major obstacle to finding a job. ü Adventurous (adjective): (phiêu lưu, mạo hiểm) willing to take risks and try new ideas; enjoying being in new, exciting situations Example: For the more adventurous tourists, there are trips into the mountains with a local guide. ü Be exposed to (expression): introduced to, not protected from Example: I was exposed to a completely new culture when I first went to the USA. ü Sensitivity (noun): (sự nhảy cảm) the ability to understand other people’s feelings Example: She pointed out with tact and sensitivity exactly where he had gone wrong. ü Further (verb): to help something to develop and be successful Example: Although the salary was low, she took the job to further her career by learning all about the fashion industry. IELTS NGOC BACH

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ü Invaluable (adjective): (vô giá, vô cùng hữu ích) extremely useful Example: The research should prove invaluable in the study of children's language. ü Perspective (noun): a way of thinking about something Example: The book gave me a new perspective on Indian culture. 29. Describe a sport stadium that’s important in your city. You should say: where it is how often you go there what people do there and explain why you think it is important ANSWER I would like to talk about My Dinh National Stadium which hosts various important national and international level events. This multi – purpose stadium is located in My Dinh suburban commune, Tu Liem district, Hanoi capital. This stadium has a seating capacity of 50,000. Also it was officially opened in 2003. This stadium is not far from my house, actually just about 300m to the north. I often go there whenever there are activities which interest me. People usually visit / attend there to encourage and support sporting events, especially Vietnam teams as well as enjoy entertaining activities. My Dinh stadium is very important to not only Hanoi but also the whole country due to its irreplaceable functions. It is one of the biggest and most well-equipped stadiums in Vietnam utilized as a showcase to stage a large number of important IELTS NGOC BACH

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events namely the 2003 Southeast Asia Games, and the 2008 AFC Champions League. Moreover, this stadium plays a critical role since many foreigners might get to know/come to know about Vietnam through the activities held there. Therefore, it is essential to promote a good image of it in order to impress foreigners positively. VOCABULARY ü Multi-purpose (adjective): (đa chức năng) having many different uses Example: This room is multi-purpose – we use it for meetings, interviews, and taking breaks. ü Capacity

(noun):

be contained or produced,

(sức or

chứa)

the total amount that

(especially of

can

a person or organization)

the ability to do a particular thing Example: The stadium has a seating capacity of 50,000. ü Interest (verb): (làm ai hứng thú) to attract your attention and make you feel interested; to make yourself give your attention to something. Example: She has always interested herself in charity work. ü Irreplaceable: (adjective) (không thể thay thế được) too valuable or special to be replaced. Example: Most of the porcelain you see in the display cabinets is irreplaceable. ü Utilize: (verb) (sử dụng) to use something, especially for a practical purpose Example: The Romans were the first to utilize concrete as a building material QUESTIONS FOR PART 3 29.1. Where do Vietnamese people play sports? IELTS NGOC BACH

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It is common for Vietnamese people to play sports in the parks, on sports fields, and in gym clubs. For example, on sports fields football, badminton and running are all popular, while in the gym people can do various exercises using the equipment, such as running, walking or weightlifting. 29.2. Are there many stadiums in Vietnam? Yes. There are a wide range of stadiums of various scales in Vietnam. For example, in small provinces, we have small stadiums with a seating capacity for around 200 people or more. In big cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, stadiums can seat thousands of people. 29.3. What are the benefits of having stadiums in the city? Firstly, all-seater stadiums in urban areas are built to meet the spectators’ demand to watch matches or sports competitions. Secondly, the construction of stadiums will bring economic benefits to the city and the country as a whole. New stadiums generate many jobs, in the construction phase. The revenue of the city is also increased thanks to the tax from ticket sales and businesses nearby the stadium. 29.4. Do you prefer indoor sports or outdoor sports? I prefer outdoor sports to indoor ones because playing sport outside such as cycling or mountain climbing allows me to breathe fresh air, in the countryside and to help ward off any future respiratory problems . Best of all, it gives me a sense of freedom and chances to make more friends. 29.5. What are the benefits of group sports? Playing sports as a team brings various advantages. Besides health benefits, by taking part in team sports, people can develop cooperation and teamwork skills, social-

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interaction skills, self-discipline, patience and persistence. They can also overcome shyness and build confidence. 29.6. In what ways can children benefit from doing sports? It is very advantageous for children to play sports. In addition to improving their stamina and developing their muscles, they can build their confidence and communication skills as they encounter many people who share their passion for sport. 29.7. Should young people try dangerous sports? Personally, I think youngsters ought to play sports which are suited to their standard of health. Even though dangerous sports such as heli-skiing and mountain climbing are very appealing to most young people, they will be injured if they are not strong enough and don’t have sufficient skills in those sports. Vocabulary ü Weightlifting (noun): (đẩy tạ) the sport or activity of lifting heavy weights Example: You have to be very strong to practise the sport of weightlifting, but it’s a great way to build up your muscles. ü Seating capacity (noun): (sức chứa) the maximum number of spectators that the stadium can accommodate in seated areas Example: My Dinh National Stadium has a seating capacity of 40,192 seats and is the centerpiece of Vietnam's National Sports Complex. ü All-seater (adjective): in which every spectator has a seat Example: Nobody will have to stand in the new stadium, it’s all-seater. ü Generate (verb): (tạo ra, phát sinh ra) to produce or create something Example: The proposal has generated a lot of interest. IELTS NGOC BACH

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ü Phase (noun): a stage in a process of change, development or construction Example:

The new building is almost finished – it’s in the final phase of

construction. ü Revenue (noun): (ngân khố, ngân sách) the money that a government receives from taxes or that an organization, etc. receives from its business Example: Advertising revenue finances the commercial television channels. ü Ward off (phrasal verb): to protect against danger, illness or attack Example: Take Vitamin C to ward off colds and flu. ü Respiratory (noun): (liên quan đến đường hô hấp) connected with breathing Example: City dwellers tend to suffer from respiratory problems due to the air pollution. ü Self-discipline (noun): (tính tự chủ, kỷ luật) the ability to make yourself do something, especially something difficult or unpleasant Example: It takes a lot of self-discipline to go jogging in winter. ü Persistence (noun): (sự bền bỉ, kiên trì) the fact of continuing to try to do something despite difficulties, especially when other people are against you and think that you are being annoying or unreasonable Example: His persistence was finally rewarded when the insurance company agreed to pay for the damage. ü Overcome (verb): to succeed in dealing with a problem that has prevented you from doing something Example: She overcame her fear of flying, and she now travels regularly by air. ü Advantageous (adjective): good or useful in a particular situation Example: It you travel to the USA, it is advantageous if you know some English in order to communicate with people there. IELTS NGOC BACH

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ü Stamina (noun): physical strength to do some activity for a long time Example: It takes a lot of stamina to run a marathon. ü Heli-skiing (noun): (bộ môn trượt tuyết nhảy từ trực thăng xuống) the sport of flying in a helicopter to a place where there is a lot of snow on a mountain in order to ski there Example: Dangerous sports like heli-skiing and mountain climbing are very appealing to most young people. ü Appealing (adjective): (hấp dẫn, thu hút) attractive or interesting Example: Brightly colored packaging made the pens especially appealing to children. ü Sufficient (adjective): (đủ) enough for a particular purpose; as much as you need Example: These reasons are not sufficient to justify the ban. 30. Describe an important holiday (or festival) that is celebrated in your country. You should say: when this celebration takes place what people do during this celebration what you especially like and dislike about this celebration and explain why it is important. ANSWER: Today, I am going to talk about an important holiday (or festival) that is celebrated in my country called Lunar New Year. Besides the Western calendar’s New Year , the Vietnamese people also celebrate Lunar New Year according to the lunar calendar. IELTS NGOC BACH

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The Lunar New Year, or Tet usually takes place around the end of January or the beginning of February, depending on when the lunar calendar ends. Tet provides the opportunity for reunions for Vietnamese families, as people tend to return to their hometowns at this time of the year. Like the Christmas tree in Western countries, in Vietnam, we buy a kumquat tree, an apricot blossom tree or some branches to decorate our houses. People also buy new clothes and clean their houses to welcome in the New Year. Some families make “Chung cake”, a traditional cake for this special occasion. Chung cake is made of rice, mung beans and fat pork, wrapped in a banana leaf in the shape of a square. It is then boiled overnight until it is cooked. During the Tet holiday, Vietnamese visit their relatives to wish them all a happy new year. They also go to the pagodas frequently to wish for a better year to come for their families. Adults give lucky money to children. I think this is the only time of year when people can forget about all the worries of their daily lives, when they can relax, enjoy, indulge themselves, and get ready for another new year. VOCABULARY: ü Western calendar: also known as the Gregorian calendar, this calendar is used in Western countries and the New Year begins with the first day of January. Example: International companies usually follow the Western calendar, though their country may also follow a different calendar. ü according to: as stated or indicated by; following; based on. Example: According to the Center for Disease Control, all travelers should be upto-date with their vaccines.

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ü takes place around: to occur during a certain time period, around is used in this instance to give you a general idea of when something happens, rather than a very specific date. Example: The festival takes place around the beginning of May each year, though we won’t know the exact start date until March 15th. ü depending on: to be contingent on, something will not happen unless something else happens first. Example: Depending on the score you get on your exam, you may qualify for a scholarship. ü reunion: a time when people gather together again after not having seen each other for a while; you can have family reunions, class reunions, work reunions, etc. Example: The graduating class of 1985 had a class reunion this past summer and it was fantastic to see all my old classmates again. QUESTIONS FOR PART 3 30.1. Why is it important to protect traditions? Well, each and every country has its own traditions, and it is these traditions that distinguish one country from another. As a matter of fact, traditions not only represent the people of a nation but they also reflect that nation’s history as well. Therefore, I believe that if governments wish to promote patriotism and national pride, it’s essential that customs are continually practised and adapted, so that they suit modern society better yet remain relevant to the life of people. 30.2. What’s the most important tradition in your country?

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I suppose one of the most important traditions in Vietnam is showing other people, especially the elderly, respect by adding specific words into our speech and behaving in an appropriate way. While some Westerners may see this as unnecessary and rather awkward, for Vietnamese it is a way of being polite and avoiding giving unintended offense. In addition to this, there are other important traditions, such as exchanging red envelopes on Lunar New Year or eating mooncakes during the Midautumn festival. 30.3. What kinds of traditions have disappeared in your country? As society develops, some traditions have been done away with in Vietnam. For example, the Vietnamese used to dye their teeth black in the past, but not in modern days anymore. This is probably because of the difference in beauty standards now and then. While it was once considered elegant to have black teeth, which entails having to dye them several times to make them look smooth and shiny, these days, white and even teeth are what people yearn for. 30.4. Why should children learn about traditions? In my opinion, if children are informed about the traditions of their country, they’ll feel stronger love and responsibility for the culture of their country. Moreover, it is young children who will eventually be responsible for preserving traditions and passing them down to future generations. If the young aren’t properly educated about traditional customs, those customs will most likely disappear in the future. 30.5. What can governments do to protect traditions? Well, I think there are several measures that governments can take. One way is to maintain the celebration of traditional festivals and encourage people to take an active part in them. It’s important to make sure that these festivals are not only celebrated among local citizens but also known nationwide which, with the help of IELTS NGOC BACH

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social media, can now easily be done. Governments, especially those of developing countries, need also to limit the impacts of globalisation on their culture to prevent traditional customs from being replaced by foreign ones. VOCABULARY ü Distinguish (phân biệt) [verb]: to notice or recognize a difference between people or things Example: I have trouble distinguishing the twins. ü Patriotism (lòng yêu nước) [noun]: love that people feel for their country Example: They supported the war with a fierce patriotism. ü Relevant (có liên quan, gắn với) [adjective]: relating to a subject in an appropriate way Example: Make sure your answers during the interview are short and relevant or you will lose marks. ü Awkward (gượng gạo) [adjective]: difficult to deal with and embarrassing Example: There was an awkward pause in the conversation. ü Offense (sự xúc phạm, sự làm mất lòng) [noun]: something that causes a person to be hurt, angry, or upset Example: Mary didn’t say hello and her teacher took it as an offense. ü To be done away with (bị loại bỏ) [expression]: to be got rid of, to be made to disappear Example: A lot of the restrictions on imports have been done away with, so that it is now easy to import goods. ü Entail (cần đến, yêu cầu/ gây ra) [verb]: to cause or involve by necessity or as a consequence IELTS NGOC BACH

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Example: A lavish wedding entails extensive planning and often staggering expenses. ü Yearn (khao khát) [verb]: to feel a strong desire or wish for something or to do something Example: Not having seen their families for months, the sailors out at sea yearned for home.. ü Preserve (giữ gìn, bảo tồn) [verb]: to keep (something) in its original state or in good condition Example: The fossils were well preserved so that they could be displayed in museums. ü Pass something down (truyền lại) [expression]: to give knowledge or teach skills to your children or to younger people Example: These traditional stories have been passed down from parent to child over many generations. ü Nationwide (khắp cả nước) [adjective]: extending throughout the nation Example: The murders attracted nationwide attention. Everyone was following the news about these cases.

31. Describe an event that resulted in a positive change in your life. Or Describe a positive change that you made to your life. You should say: • when it happened • where it happened • what the change was IELTS NGOC BACH

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• and explain how you have benefited from this change ( or, explain how you feel about this change) ANSWER: Well, I’d like to talk about the very first time that I rode a bicycle. It was a long time ago, the summer after I finished primary school. At that age, most of my friends could already cycle, but for me it was quite difficult, as I was extremely bad at keeping my balance and so I was very reluctant to learn. However, that summer, my grandfather decided to teach me how to ride and we practised every morning. And after suffering from several bad falls, eventually I was able ride the bicycle myself, without my grandpa’s help. It was a real thrill and I remember feeling extremely happy as I rode around my neighborhood, although actually I was also a little bit nervous and afraid of crashing into others. Thanks to my grandpa, that day I realized that I was not as weak as I had thought and I could conquer my fear to take on any challenge ahead. From that time on, I started to go to school and go out with friends on my bike and finally I was able to enjoy the pleasure of feeling independent and mature. Maybe at that time, my grandpa’s purpose was only to encourage me to ride, but thanks to it, I became stronger and more confident about myself in general. Several years later, I read a quote that says “Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance, you must keep moving on”. It reminded me of that day and the important basic lesson that my grandpa taught me. VOCABULARY ü Balance: the ability to keep steady with an equal amount of weight on each side of the body. IELTS NGOC BACH

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Example: I struggled to keep my balance on my new skates. ü Reluctant: hesitating before you do something because you do not want to do it. Example: I am reluctant to try mountain-climbing, because I am afraid of falling. ü Suffer: to be badly affected by a disease, pain, sadness, a lack of something, etc. Example: He is suffering from a headache. ü Thanks to: used to say that something has happened because of somebody/something. Example: It was all a great success—thanks to a lot of hard work. ü Conquer: to succeed in dealing with or controlling something. Example: The only way to conquer a fear is to face it. ü Take on: to tackle something by deciding to do it. Example: She has taken on the task of looking after her elderly parents. ü Quote: a group of words or a short piece of writing taken from a book, play, speech, etc. and repeated because it is interesting or useful. Example: I write my favourite quotes in a notebook. ü Move on: start doing something new Example: After doing the same job for 10 years, I decided that it was time to move on and think about a change of career. ü Remind of: to make somebody remember or think about the other person, place, thing, etc. because of the similarities Example: You remind me of your father when you say that. QUESTIONS FOR PART 3 IELTS NGOC BACH

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31.1. Is your country changing rapidly? Of course it is. Like in education, hundreds of schools and universities have been built over these several years, and every school or university has been equipped with high-tech devices like computers or projectors. Further evidence of this is that more and more people are moving to the city where access to modern technology is commonplace. 31.2. What can smart phones do these days? Apart from their standard functions of phoning and texting, smartphones now offer hundreds of other services. Like entertainment, most people use smartphones to play games, watch video clips, listen to music or read e-books. Smartphones also play an important part in supporting people’s work and studies, for example lots of applications on smartphones aid our learning process like vocabulary learning apps or SAT mock test apps. 31.3. Since most people do work on their computers, why do they still need to go to the office? I think people still need to go to the office as they need to communicate with their colleagues in order to perfect their work through consultation. Though a company has many departments, they closely relate to each other so opinions from people belonging to different departments are really important. Also, it’s hard to convey ideas to many people through computers and the Internet, especially when those messages need to be acted on right away. 31.4. Do you think people’s work in the future will be heavily affected by technology? By technology? Well of course yes. Technology already has a huge impact on our work at the very moment, not to mention in the future. I believe technology will IELTS NGOC BACH

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exert an even greater effect on people’s work in years to come, considering how fast it is progressing right now. 31.5. Compare the pace of technological progress in the past and in the present. I think it’s pretty apparent that technology has developed faster and faster each day. I mean just think, it took us hundreds of years to invent a telephone, then a computer, but the amount of time that had passed until a smartphone was invented was pretty minimal compared to that. Right now new technology just appears in the blink of an eye, and I wouldn’t be surprised if people could even invent a, say, time machine, in the future. VOCABULARY ü Aid (giúp đỡ trong việc gì) [verb] = to help e.g. His excuse for drinking wine is that it’s said to aid digestion. ü Perfect (hoàn hảo hoá) [verb] to make something free from faults e.g. As he is about to attend a golf contest, he is keen to perfect his golfing technique. ü Convey (truyền tải) [verb] to express a though, feeling, or idea so that it is understood by other people e.g. I tried to convey in my speech how grateful we all were for his help. ü Not to mention (không kể đến) [expression] used when you want to emphasize something that you are adding to a list e.g. He is one of the kindest and most intelligent, not to mention handsome, men I know. ü Minimal (nhỏ bé) [adjective] very small in amount IELTS NGOC BACH

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e.g. An earthquake just happened but there were no injuries and damage to the building was minimal. ü In the blink of an eye (trong chớp mắt) [idiom] extremely quickly e.g. He fell in love with her in the blink of an eye. ü Time machine (máy dịch chuyển thời gian) [noun] (especially in stories and films) a machine in which people can travel into the past or future. e.g. I just wish I could have a time machine to fix every mistake I made in the past.

32. Describe a piece of good news that you received. You should say what the news was where you were when you received this news [Or: What you were doing when you received this news] who gave you this news and explain why you felt this was good news. ANSWER I’m going to talk about the time when I received the official notification of my scholarship to study in Japan over a year ago. It’s been a long time but I can still remember that day so well. At the time I got the news, I was taking a quick nap, then the alert sound from my phone woke me up. A new email had arrived. It was an email from the International Affairs Office of a university in Japan informing me that I had been chosen to receive a scholarship during my exchange semester there. Several months before that day, I had applied for an academic IELTS NGOC BACH

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exchange program in this university, they had accepted my application and nominated me to the Scholarship Committee. So, when I received this email, it took my brain a few seconds for this news to sink in, and then my heart suddenly jumped. I leapt out of my bed and screamed out loud, because I was extremely excited. I had been waiting for this email for two months since I gained the admission. If I hadn’t won the scholarship, my living expenses would have become a heavy financial burden for my parents, but thanks to the monthly grants that I received from the university, I could really enjoy my time in Japan without worrying about financial problems. Even now, I still keep this lucky email in my mailbox to remind me of that day. VOCABULARY ü Take a nap: take a short sleep, especially during the day. Example: I usually take a nap after lunch. ü Nominate: to formally suggest that somebody should be chosen for an important role, prize, position, etc. Example: He was nominated as the best actor. ü Scholarship Committee: the committee in charge of reviewing and selecting recipients for university’s scholarship. Example: The Scholarship Committee has announced the list of scholarship recipients this semester. ü Sink in: be fully understood or realized. Example: I was so surprised by the news of the disaster that it took a few moments to sink in. ü Jump: to make a sudden movement because of surprise, fear or excitement. IELTS NGOC BACH

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Example: Her heart jumped when she heard the news. ü Leap: to move or do something suddenly and quickly. Example: She leapt out of bed. ü Scream out loud: to give a loud, high cry, because you are hurt, frightened, excited, etc. (in this situation: excited). Example: I screamed out loud when I saw my old friend. ü Admission: the act of accepting somebody into an institution, organization, etc.; the right to enter a place or to join an institution or organization. Example: She failed to gain admission to the university of her choice. ü Burden: a duty, responsibility, etc. that causes worry, difficulty or hard work. Example: His illness placed a heavy financial burden on his family. ü Grant: a sum of money to be used for a particular purpose – in this case, given by the university to pay for my education during that semester. Example: The University awarded me a grant, which enabled me to undertake a new piece of research. QUESTIONS FOR PART 3 32.1. How do people share good news? Well, there are plenty of options: email, letters, Facebook, twitter, to name a few. Or maybe we can ditch the technology and invite someone out to dinner for the big announcement. Actually, most people prefer in-person communication for the extremely good news and I’m not exceptional. In that way I can see their expression and I believe their happy face will definitely make my day. 32.2. How does modern technology affect the delivery of information?

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I would say that high tech developments impact heavily on the delivery of information. Now you can share everything that happens around you with someone halfway around the world in a matter of seconds with the availability of the Internet. But with the good always comes bad. Along with the development of things like cellphones, and computers is the disappearance of handwriting letters, which was the most popular way of communicating a few decades ago. 32.3. What kinds of good news have you receive before? I guess I’m quite lucky because I’ve received countless pieces of good news and I would like to divide them into different categories. A promotion or an increase in salary like the one I received yesterday is extremely good news from work, while an invitation from my crush will be considered good news coming from an intimate kind of relationship. Other than that, I’ve received good news from other people. For example, my friend gave birth to a baby boy 2 weeks ago and it was quite a pleasant piece of news to hear. VOCABULARY ü Big announcement (tin quan trọng, thường là tin vui) [noun] good and important news Example: Kelly Ripa excited Live! viewers on Wednesday, when she made a "big announcement" as to who could be co-hosting with her next. ü Make one’s day (làm ai đó hạnh phúc) [idiom] to make someone very happy Example: By telling me that I'm accepted to this job, she really makes my day. ü A matter of something (chỉ là) [idiom] only; just, used to emphasize that an amount is small Example: In a matter of seconds, the building was in flames IELTS NGOC BACH

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ü Every cloud has a silver lining (việc gì cũng có 2 mặt) [idiom] everything has two sides; the good side and the bad side ü Intimate (thân mật) [adj]

having, or being likely to cause, a very close

friendship or personal or sexual relationship Example: Her poetry deals with intimate personal experience. 33. Describe something special that you saved money to buy. You should say: What was it Why you bought is How long you saved money to buy it and explain why it was important to you to buy it. ANSWER I’m going to talk about the mobile phone that I’m currently using. Prior to this one, I had used 2 or 3 phones, but they were all bought with my parents’ money, so for me this phone has a special meaning. About a year ago, my old phone started to deteriorate, especially its battery, sometimes it suddenly turned itself off and its apps ran frustratingly slowly. So I decided to buy a new one using my own money, as I thought I couldn’t keep asking my parents to buy me all the things I want anymore. I visited some websites to check for smartphone types, brands and prices, and finally found the phone that I thought would meet all my needs. However, at that time, it was quite expensive for me to afford, and I had to start saving up. I did some parttime jobs such as working as a private tutor and interpreter to earn some extra IELTS NGOC BACH

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income, and tried to reduce the budget I spent on shopping to economize as much as possible. During that time, I rarely bought new clothes or ate out with friends. Finally, after nearly three months, I had enough money to buy my dream phone. At the moment I first held it in my hands, I was extremely happy. It was not only the feeling of owning a new technology gadget, but also the happiness of completing a task in my to-do-list. I have kept using this phone until now and I hope it will work well for a long time to come. VOCABULARY ü Deteriorate: to become worse. Example: Her health deteriorated rapidly. ü Frustratingly: in a way that causes you to feel annoyed and impatient because you cannot do or achieve what you want. Example: Progress was frustratingly slow. ü Meet one’s needs: satisfy what is needed Example: The new online course meets my needs – it is exactly what I want. ü Afford: to have enough money or time to be able to buy or to do something. Example: We can't afford to go abroad this summer. ü Save up: to save money for something. Example: I’m saving (up) for a new bike. ü Budget: the money that is available to a person or an organization and a plan of how it will be spent over a period of time. Example: We decorated the house on a tight budget. ü Economize: use less money than you normally use.

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Example: I plan to economize on holidays this year by camping instead of booking a hotel. ü Technology gadget: a small technological object (such as a device or an appliance) that has a particular function. Example: He is interested in technology gadgets. QUESTIONS FOR PART 3 33.1. What can parents do to teach children to save money? One of the best things parents can do is to be a role model. That means they let their child see that they save money too. Put money in a jar while their child is watching and tell him or her it’s their savings jar. Moreover, they can teach their children about frugality through stories or short clips about how it’s hard to earn money; therefore they will think it over when using it. 33.2. Why do young people tend to waste money? Personally, I think some youngsters who are simply given money such as financial aid from their parents tend to waste it. Additionally, even though they may earn a lot of money, young people under 25 are still growing and maturing; as a result, they are usually more impulsive and less likely to consider the effects of their spending. 33.3. What kinds of things do people like to buy in your country? As far as I’m concerned, Vietnamese people prefer buying electrical household appliances such as washing machines, refrigerators and vacuum cleaners in order to save time doing household chores and make their life easier. Besides, they also tend to update with new technological devices such as smart phones or TVs. 33.4. Do schools in Vietnam teach anything about financial management?

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Vietnamese students are unlikely to be taught about how to manage their budget in schools. However, there are many soft skills courses available to instruct students on financial management as well as other important skills. 33.5. What is it necessary to teach teenagers to manage money? It is undoubtedly essential to educate youngsters on how to spend their budget properly and invest it wisely because they cannot rely on their parents’ generosity of a monthly allowance anymore as they’re getting older. Moreover, it is important for young people to become financially independent in order to develop their career and manage their own life without their parents’ assistance. 33.6. How do parents give pocket money in your country? Most children in my country receive pocket money weekly or monthly and use it properly until the next time. With this small amount of money, they can buy their school stationery or candy. Receiving an allowance can help children learn about the value of money and financial management, which is a necessary skill in their lives. VOCABULARY ü Frugality (noun): (tính tiết kiệm) a way of living in which you use only as much money or food as is necessary Ex: My mother taught me about frugality so that I can use money properly and not be in debt. ü Think something over (phrasal verb): (suy nghĩ kĩ, cân nhắc) to consider something carefully, especially before reaching a decision Ex: I’ll think it over and give you the answer next week. ü Impulsive (adjective): (hấp tấp, bốc đồng) acting suddenly without thinking carefully about what might happen because of what you are doing IELTS NGOC BACH

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Ex: I think I am fairly objective and not given to impulsive actions. ü Pocket money (British English)/allowance (North American English) (noun): (tiền tiêu vặt) a small amount of money that parents give their children, usually every week or every month Ex: We agreed to give our child £6 a week pocket money. ü School stationery (noun): (dụng cụ học tập) materials for writing and for using in an office, school, for example paper, pens and envelopes Ex: With a small amount of pocket money, children can buy their school stationery or candy. 34. Describe a good part of your personality or character. You should say: what it is what this part of your personality or character is like how it affects your life or work and explain why you think it is good. ANSWER Well, I’m going to talk about a good aspect of my character. I’m kind of an ambitious person, even though I’m not sure if this personal trait is really beneficial for me in every situation. I think it helps me pretty well, not only in my studies but also in my own life, though. Personally, I suppose it is quite good for young people to have this kind of personal trait, because it allows them to live and work more positively. I normally tend to set high goals and show strong determination to achieve them by all means, no matter IELTS NGOC BACH

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what difficult situations I’m in. I mean, I do not like playing it safe. Instead, I like being challenged in general. However, when you have too high expectations of something and you are not able to live up to them, you may feel under pressure and lose confidence in yourself. So you should be careful and be sure that your goals are realistic for you to pursue. Up to now, I have found that my ambition has had more of a positive influence on me than a negative one. Because of my ambitious nature, I force myself to set clear targets, to be committed and to try my best to attain my goals, and all these things motivate me a lot to follow my plans with drive and energy. It’s an amazing feeling of achievement on those occasions when my efforts are successful. VOCABULARY ü aspect: [noun] a particular part or feature of something. Example: Her impatience is one aspect of her character that I don’t like. ü trait: [noun] a particular quality in your personality. Example: The most notable trait of British people is their politeness. ü beneficial: [adjective] having a helpful or useful effect or result. Example: A good diet and regular exercise are beneficial for your health. ü playing it safe: [expression] being careful and avoiding risks. Example: When meeting strangers, I advise playing it safe – do not tell them too many details about your life. ü challenge: [verb] test someone’s ability or skill, especially in an interesting way. Example:

In the IELTS exam, students are being challenged to show their

English language skills. ü expectations: [noun] hopes that something good will happen. IELTS NGOC BACH

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Example: She went to college with great expectations. ü live up to: [phrasal verb] to do as well as you expect or hope. Example: I did not enjoy the film – it did not live up to all the great reviews that I had read. ü under pressure: [expression] anxious about something which you have to do. Example: The team is under pressure to win an important match tomorrow. ü pursue: [verb] do something or try to achieve something over a period of time. Example: My brother wants to pursue his ambition to become an actor. ü attain: [verb] succeed in getting something, usually after a lot of effort. Example: After many hours of climbing, they attained their goal of reaching the top of the mountain. ü motivate: [verb] make somebody want to do something, usually something which requires a lot of hard work or effort. Example: The teacher motivates all her students to work hard and pass their exams. ü drive: [noun] energy and determination to achieve things. Example: No sportsperson will succeed without a strong drive to be the best. QUESTIONS FOR PART 3 34.1. What kinds of characteristics are common in modern society? In today’s society, there are many people who are more self – assured, ambitious and adventurous than ever before. They prefer challenges and new things that help them to explore and learn more about our world. I have noticed that the younger generation, in particular, appear to be very self-confident and assertive. 34.2. What qualities should a good teacher have? IELTS NGOC BACH

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In addition to having specialist knowledge in their field, good teachers who act as role models for their students need to be enthusiastic, thoughtful and inspiring. They should also possess virtues such as honesty and open-mindedness that students can look up to and emulate. 34.3. Do you think parents' characters can affect young people's development? I definitely agree with the idea that parents have a great influence on their children’s development. As most young people have been brought up by their family since they were born, so they tend to imitate behaviors and character traits of their father or mother unconsciously. Whether a child becomes a good or bad citizen, his parents play the most critical role in this process. 34.4. Would you like to develop a specific personality in the future? Yes. If I could choose a specific characteristic to develop in the long run, I would like to improve my confidence. In today’s society, it is inevitable that we will encounter different kinds of people from various cultures; therefore I would love to be more confident to communicate with them and strike up friendships more easily. VOCABULARY ü Self – assured [adjective]: (tự tin) having a lot of confidence in yourself and your abilities Example: He grew more self-assured as he got older. ü Ambitious [adjective]: determined to be successful, rich or powerful Example: He is very ambitious and plans to become a manager of the company. ü Adventurous [adjective]: (thích phiêu lưu, mạo hiểm) willing to take risks and try new ideas; enjoying being in new, exciting situations IELTS NGOC BACH

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Example: She is planning to travel around the world alone. I am amazed that she can be so adventurous. ü Self-confident [adjective]: having confidence in yourself and your abilities – it is the same as ‘self-assured’. Example: Having prepared well for the exam, she felt very self-confident when she entered the exam room. ü Assertive [adjective]: expressing opinions and desires strongly and with confidence Example: The President was very assertive when he defended his economic policies. ü Role model [noun] (tấm gương tốt) a person that you admire and try to copy Example: Parents are a child’s primary role models. ü Open-mindedness [noun] a willingness to listen to and accept new ideas Example: When I proposed a new idea to my boss, I was surprised at her openmindedness and she listened patiently to me. ü Look up to [phrasal verb] admire and respect somebody Example: Everybody looked up to him because of his work for charity. ü Emulate [verb] to try to do something as well as someone else, because you admire them Example: I hope to emulate my father’s success in business. ü Bring up [phrasal verb]: (được nuôi dưỡng, giáo dục) to care for a child, teaching him or her how to behave, etc. Example: He was brought up by his aunt not his parents. ü Trait [noun]: a particular quality in your personality Example: She has some of the character traits of her mother. IELTS NGOC BACH

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ü Unconsciously [adverb]: without being aware Example: He unconsciously raises his voice when he talks on the phone. ü Inevitable [adjective]: (không thể tránh khỏi) that you cannot avoid or prevent Example: It was inevitable that there would be job losses. ü Strike up [phrasal verb] to begin a friendship, begin a conversation Example: When we met at the conference, we at once struck up a friendship. 35. Describe a person who you like to spend time with. You should say: what relationship the two of you have how often you are together what you usually do together and explain why you like to spend time with this person. ANSWER Today, I’m going to share with you my description of a person who I like to spend time with. There are 5 members in my small family, but my dad is the one that I am closer to than the others. I get along with him pretty well because we have many things in common. My father is getting on a bit. He’s in his 50s but he looks quite young for his age. He works as a teacher in a high school. I have been told that I take after him and it makes me feel proud because a lot of people look up to him as a devoted teacher in his school. Although he is so caught up in his work, he always tries his best to make time for the family that he loves and me, of course. Playing tennis is one of our shared hobbies, so IELTS NGOC BACH

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we tend to play together every other weekend, which is really a great time for us to get to bond with each other. We also have an interest in watching football matches on TV and comment about them enthusiastically like real close friends. He has high expectations for me to become a teacher when I graduate so I will try my best to live up to them. We usually talk to each other about many things in our life, you know, his work in the school, my study, current affairs and sports, and stuff like that. He imparts valuable knowledge to me, not only about his career but also about real life experiences. I treasure my dad a lot. I realize that he really relates to me a lot and stays by my side whenever I’m in trouble. VOCABULARY ü get along with: [phrasal verb] have a friendly relationship with someone. Example: I get along with my brother really well – we never have an argument. ü getting on a bit: [expression] quite old. Example: I will be 70 next year, so I have to admit that I am getting on a bit now. ü in his 50s: [expression] aged between 50 and 59. Example: President Obama was quite young when he was elected, but now he is in his 50s. ü take after: [phrasal verb] look or behave like an older member of a family. Example: Like her mother, she is very patient and everyone says that she takes after her mother. ü look up to: [phrasal verb] admire or respect someone. Example: He is a very dedicated doctor and everyone looks up to him. ü be caught up in: [phrasal verb] be involved in something. IELTS NGOC BACH

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Example: I am very caught up in revising for my exams, so I don’t have any free time. ü every other weekend: [expression] each alternate one = the 1st, the 3rd, the 5th; but not the 2nd, the 4th, the 6th. Example: About twice a month, that is every other weekend, she travels to London to see her sister. ü bond: [verb] develop a close relationship of trust and friendship. Example: To enable students to bond with each other, the teachers in our school encourage a lot of team projects, in which students work together. ü expectations: [noun] strong beliefs about what will happen or how somebody should behave. Example: I studied hard for the exam, so I have high expectations that I will pass. ü live up to: [phrasal verb] do as well or be as good as other people expect. Example: She hopes that she can live up to her father’s expectations and qualify as a doctor. ü stuff:

[noun]

used to refer to any things or objects when the name is not

important. Example: We talked about our hopes, our dreams, our fears – stuff like that. ü treasure: [verb] have or keep something/someone that you love. Example: I treasure his friendship and I hope that we will continue to be best friends for many years. ü relates to: [phrasal verb] is able to understand and have sympathy for someone. Example: Most children relate to their parents, although they may not always agree about everything. IELTS NGOC BACH

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QUESTIONS FOR PART 3 35.1. How do you usually spend your spare time? As I’m a sporty person, I’m always keen on playing sports or doing exercises in my free time in order to improve my physical and mental health. For example, I usually go to the gym to work out after a long day of hard work. In addition, I also spend spare time reading motivational books and the one I like most is “The 7 habits of highly effective people” by Stephen R.Covey. 35.2. Why do some young people dislike living with old people? In some countries, it is quite common for multiple generations of people to share a home. However, some youngsters dislike living with elderly people due to the generation gap between them. Each of them has differences in opinions regarding beliefs, values or politics that can cause a lack of understanding and conflicts; as a result, young people can feel uncomfortable when they live with elderly people. 35.3. What do you usually do when you hang out with your friends? Whenever I have time to hang out with my best friends, we usually go to the cinema to watch the latest films or just go along to one of our favorite coffee shops and chat to each other. Having chances to swap stories and confidences with close friends makes me feel much relaxed and ready to face work the next day. 35.4. Do you like to spend time on your own or with your family/friends? Although spending time by myself is very appealing because I can do whatever I want, I value every single moment of the family reunions; therefore, whenever I have spare time, I go back home to visit my family. If we have enough time, we also plan for picnics or some parties. For me, I really love feeling part of a united family. 35.5. What are the advantages of living with old people?

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Obviously, it is very beneficial for people to live with elderly relatives, because they have lived long enough to experience various aspects of life; therefore, we can learn a lot from them from their triumphs or even their failures. We are also able to ask them for pieces of advice as they may have deep knowledge about specific fields. 35.6. Should young adults live on their own? Personally, I support the idea that young people should live away from their parents in order to improve their self-confidence and independence. Living apart from families, young adults will face many challenges and obstacles that they need to overcome and they must be responsible for their all decisions. Eventually, they will gain invaluable experiences for their whole life. VOCABULARY ü Sporty (adjective): (thích thể thao và giỏi về thể thao) liking or good at sport Example: As I’m a sporty person, I’m always keen on playing sports or doing exercises in my free time in order to improve my physical and mental health. ü Generation gap (noun): (khoảng cách giữa các thế hệ) the difference in attitude or behavior between young and older people that can cause a lack of understanding Example: Spending more time to talk to each other in a family is a good way to bridge the generation gap. ü Conflict (noun): a situation in which people are in serious disagreement Example: After their conflict over money, the two brothers did not speak to each other for years. ü Hang out (phrasal verb): (gặp bạn bè để giải trí, dành thời gian ở đâu đó lâu để vui chơi) to spend a lot of time in a place IELTS NGOC BACH

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Example: The local kids hang out at the mall, just chatting and having an occasional coffee. ü Swap (verb): to exchange with somebody The two old soldiers met and swapped stories about their experiences during the war. ü Confidence (noun): a secret that you tell to people close to you Example: I share confidences with my best friends about my hopes and dreams. ü Experience (verb): to have a particular situation affect you or happen to you Example: You need to experience living in the US to know what it’s like. ü Triumph (noun): achievement or great success Example: He told me that his greatest triumph in life was to qualify as a doctor. ü Invaluable (adjective): (vô giá) extremely useful Example: The book will be invaluable for students in higher education. 36. Describe an item that you received and made you happy You should say When you received it What the item was Who gave you it And explain why you felt happy ANSWER (Trích từ đề “Describe an item of clothing that was bought for you”) I would like to describe a coat my parents gave me as a present on my 18th birthday. I must say that it is really smart and exactly to my liking. IELTS NGOC BACH

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The coat is made of cotton only and by a Vietnamese clothes brand. It is a kneelength black coat, which was in fashion at that time. What I like the most is that there are two deep side pockets, so in winter, I always put my hands into those pockets to avoid the cold. Besides, I can button the coat from top to bottom and it’s also got a decorative waist belt. I am so fond of this coat that I usually wear it every winter. It fits me perfectly and makes me feel comfortable and warm, no matter how cold the weather is. I keep myself warm by wearing the coat with jeans and boots, which match it well. In fact, I have never thought whether it will be out of fashion. As this coat is a gift from my parents, I treasure it a lot and – for sure - I will keep wearing this coat in the future. VOCABULARY: ü really smart: [adjective] very clean, neat and attractive. Example: If you want to look good on special social occasions, or even at work, it is important to dress in really smart clothes. ü to my liking: [expression] suitable, and how somebody likes something. Example: The smart way in which she has decorated my house is exactly to my liking. ü button the coat: [verbal phrase] fasten the coat with buttons. Example: Stepping outside my warm house, I quickly buttoned the coat which I was wearing to try and keep warm. ü decorative: [adjective] intended to look attractive, because of the way in which it is decorated.

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Example: Many tourists visit the Temple of Literature because of the many decorative sculptures which they can see there. ü fond of:

[expression]

finding something pleasant or enjoyable, especially

something that you have liked or enjoyed for a long time. Example: My uncle is an excellent musician, and he is very fond of his hobby. ü match: [verb] if things match each other, they have the same colour or style and therefore look attractive together. Example: None of these shoes match my jeans – they are all very different and they are too formal. ü treasure: [verb] have or keep something that you love and that is very valuable to you. Example: Thank you for e-mailing the photos. They are superb and I will always treasure them and the memories that they bring. QUESTIONS FOR PART 3 36.1. What type(s) of shop would you recommend a visitor to Vietnam should go to ? (Why?) Vietnam has plenty of small shops selling all different kinds of products. I strongly recommend three ‘must-go’ shops for foreign tourists when traveling to my country, namely traditional Vietnamese restaurants, coffee shops and souvenir shops. Visiting these places is the best way to experience the local culture through many aspects including cuisine, lifestyle as well as handicrafts. 36.2. Do you ever buy anything on the internet? I only bought online once. I’m not used to online shopping, because I won’t be able to examine the genuine quality of the product that I buy unless I pay for it first. IELTS NGOC BACH

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Therefore, I usually search for the location of the products that I want and then go straight to stores where they sell them to look at them or try them out first-hand. 36.3. What do you think are the advantages of buying things on the internet? Although I’m not familiar with online purchasing, I agree that this buying behaviour has several benefits. The most favourable thing about shopping on the internet is that it is time-saving, as people can quickly go through the purchasing process without the need to travel to actual stores. The second advantage is that both sellers and buyers can avoid losses caused by counterfeit notes, since every online transaction is on credit. Last but not least, the internet is an efficient source of product information, where consumers can make comparisons among brands offering varied forms of promotion and thus save more money. 36.4. Are there any disadvantages (or dangers) of buying on the internet? (What?) Yes, there are some drawbacks of purchasing goods on websites. The first disadvantage involves the issue of low-quality or fake products, as customers won’t be able to examine the genuine quality of the product they buy unless they pay for it. The second one is that the shipping fee considerably increases the price of any product ordered from other countries. The last disadvantage, which must certainly be taken seriously, is the high risk that your bank account may be hacked and your details stolen. 36.5. Do you like window shopping? (Why?/Why not?) Yes, I really love window shopping. The reason is that I can keep up-to-date with current trends by looking at the goods on display in department stores. Sometimes I can even try out testers or get free samples of a new product. Besides, wandering

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around the stores is a good way to pass the time and get a bit of exercise at the same time. 36.6. In Vietnam, how has shopping changed in the past few decades? There have been a lot of changes in shopping in my country since the late 90s. More shopping malls have been built in urban areas and thousands of foreign brands have appeared on the market, which encourages Vietnamese consumers to spend more than they did in the past. Also, the incredible growth of the internet has brought about an advanced innovative form of shopping – the purchase of goods online– which has made credit cards more popular than they used to be. 36.7. Do you think people spend too much time (or money) on shopping? (Why?/Why not?) Personally, I think spending some time considering a product to see whether its price is reasonable, or if you genuinely need to buy the product, should be encouraged. However, there are many people who waste money on shopping to show off their wealth, instead of looking round for the best bargain. For example, upper class consumers are used to luxury goods which indicate their high social status and purchasing power. 36.8. What kinds of people spend an excessive amount of time or money on shopping? I believe the majority of people who are addicted to shopping are women and celebrities as they always desire to be beautiful. For celebrities, not only do they spend a considerable amount of time on shopping but they are also willing to pay thousands of dollars for a shirt or some other simple item. In addition, every woman has an instinct for meticulous consideration, leading them to spend a lot of time choosing something, even if it’s just a small box of tissues. IELTS NGOC BACH

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VOCABULARY ü Genuine (thật, chính gốc) [adjective] real and exactly what it appears to be Example: I'm not surprised the offer wasn't genuine, it sounded too good to be true. ü First-hand (trực tiếp, tận tay) [adjective] (of information or experience) from the original source or personal experience, direct Example: students who have just graduated should apply for an internship to have first-hand experience of their major. ü Familiar with (quen thuộc với) [collocation] to know something or someone well Example: My mother is not familiar with high-tech devices since she was born in the time when computers had not become common in Vietnam. ü Wander (đi lang thang) [verb] walk around slowly in a relaxed way or without any clear purpose or direction Example: We spent the morning wandering around the school campus just to pass the time before lunch. ü Brought about (dẫn đến, gây ra) [phrasal verb] caused something to happen Example: He brought about his company's collapse by his reckless spending. ü Show off (thể hiện, khoe khoang) [phrasal verb] to behave in a way that is intended to attract attention or admiration, and that other people often find annoying Example: She only bought that sports car to show off and prove she could afford one. ü Bargain [noun] a thing bought for less than the usual price Example: This offer is a bargain – it’s less than half price. IELTS NGOC BACH

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ü Be addicted to [expression] unable to stop doing something Example: He’s addicted to cigarettes, but he must stop smoking for the sake of his health. ü Meticulous (cẩn thận, tỉ mỉ) [adjective] very careful and with great attention to every detail Example: Many hours of meticulous preparation have gone into writing the report, because I need an A for this assignment to pass the subject. 37. Describe an antique or some other old thing that your family has kept for a long time. You should say: what it is how (or when) your family first got this thing how long your family has kept it and explain why this thing is important to your family. ANSWER: Today, I am going to share with you an old possession that my family has kept for a long time. It is an antique terra-cotta dish, which is displayed in an honoured position in the living room. This old dish originated from feudal times in Vietnam, although I am not sure of the year exactly. It might have belonged to the Nguyen Dynasty. It is made from pottery material with some small artificial fissures, and it was my grandfather’s favourite thing when he was still alive. There is a village picture painted in blue in the centre of the dish. IELTS NGOC BACH

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When I was a child, my grandfather used to tell me the story of this dish. His close friend gave it to him to celebrate his house-warming in the past. They had been companions in arms for a long time, so that was the reason why he really treasured their ties and that gift as a reminder of their friendship. There is a lot of other modern furniture arranged in my house nowadays, however, this antique object is still a treasured possession for each member of my family. We have kept this antique dish for over 30 years, even when my grandpa passed away and left it for my family. Whenever I look at this dish, it always reminds me of my grandfather as a fond memento. VOCABULARY ü possession: [noun] something that you own. Example: When leaving the plane, please make sure that you have all your possessions with you. ü antique: [adjective] old and often valuable Example: I have an antique table in my living room which is about 200 years old. ü terracotta: [noun] material of a red-brown colour, used to make pots. Example: My mother still cooks using traditional terracotta pots. ü honoured: [adjective] very respected, showing respect for something. Example: The President was an honoured guest at the ceremony. ü feudal: [adjective] describing a time in the past when given land and protection by a rich person, and had to work and fight for him in return. Example: Life in feudal times in Vietnam was very hard for poor people who worked on the land. IELTS NGOC BACH

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ü dynasty: [noun] a series of rulers of a country who all belong to the same family. Example: Pottery from the time of the Ming Dynasty in China is very valuable. ü pottery: [noun] pots or dishes, usually made by hand from a type of earth called clay and made hard by baking in an oven. Example: I learned to make traditional dishes by hand by going to a pottery class. ü fissures: [noun] long cracks in something. Example: The rocks had many fissures, some of which were very deep. ü house-warming: [noun] a party given by someone who has moved into a new house. Example: My new neighbours invited our family to their house-warming party. ü companions-in-arms: [noun] people who have been soldiers, fighting together. Example: My two uncles were companions-in-arms during World War 2. ü treasure: [verb] to have or keep something that you love and is very valuable to you. Example: Thank you for your gift. I will always treasure it. ü ties: [noun] strong connections between people, especially friendships or family relationships. Example: She continues to have close ties with her old school friends, and she often visits or calls them. ü fond: [adjective] kind, happy and loving [when used before a noun]. Example: I have fond memories of my years in London. ü memento: [noun] a thing that you have which reminds you of a person or place. Example: We returned home with some mementos of our holiday in China.

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QUESTIONS FOR PART 3 37.1. Which do you think are better, old things or new things? Wow, this is going to hard for me to choose. I mean I love buying and owning new technology gadgets, like the latest iPhone 7, but at the same time, I also feel really attached to old things because they remind me of so many nostalgic memories of the good old days. 37.2. As well as family photographs, what are some other things that people keep in their family for a long time? Probably some old baby clothes and toys from the kids’ infancy or some vintage items such as an antique clock or an old-model television.

Another popular

heirloom to hand down through the generations is a favourite painting, because it may have occupied a prominent place in the family home. 37.3. In your culture, what sorts of things do people often pass down from generation to generation? (Why?) For physical objects, I can only think of jewelry like gold rings or necklaces. In the past, jewelry, especially gold, was used as backup currency, so it was probably passed down from generation to generation to be used in an exchange for gold for some extra cash in times of difficulties. Other than that, the elders also pass down cultural traits to the younger generations, teaching us to be kind and compassionate, to be frugal and diligent, and most importantly, to become dutiful sons and daughters to our parents. 37.4. What are the benefits (=What is the value/what is the importance) of keeping some old things in the family? Like I said before, old things from the past usually represent a time period, memory, or person that we loved but will never re-live or see again. For example, old toys IELTS NGOC BACH

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would most likely remind us of the time when we were loved and taken care of by our parents and relatives, a time when we didn’t worry about anything. So keeping such tangible things – those that we are familiar with – often gives us a sense of security and safety. 37.5. Do you think it's good to recall the past? I personally think back on my past a lot, so I don’t consider it a bad thing to do. Most of the time, reminiscing about the good old days really makes me realize how important it is to enjoy the present and be thankful for even the briefest moments of happiness, because I can never know when I would be able to experience such feelings ever again. Having said that, I think recalling the past too often might actually prompt a person to detach him/herself from reality, to live too much in the past and develop a sense of dissatisfaction towards their current life. So everything should be in moderation. VOCABULARY ü Gadget (noun): a small device or machine with a particular purpose – đồ dùng, đồ vật Example: Have you seen this handy little gadget - it's for separating egg yolks from whites. ü Attached (adjective): full of affection or fondness – gắn bó Example: Of course, I am very attached to my parents, and I am sure that most children feel the same way. ü Nostalgic (adjective): feeling happy and also slightly sad when you think about things that happened in the past – bồi hồi, luyến tiếc quá khứ Example: Talking about our old family holidays has made me feel all nostalgic. IELTS NGOC BACH

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ü Infancy (noun): the state or period of babyhood or early childhood – thời thơ ấu Example: My mother said that I was very happy during my infancy and early childhood. ü Vintage (adjective): of high quality and lasting value – thuộc loại cũ, cổ Example: She loves buying vintage clothing, she thinks the old styles are the best. ü Antique (adjective): having a high value because of age and quality – cổ xưa Example: My grandmother has some antique silver dishes which must be 300 years old. ü Heirloom (noun): a valuable object that has belonged to the same family for many years Example: That painting is an heirloom which has been in our family for many generations. ü To hand down (phrasal verb): to give or leave something to somebody who is younger than you. Example: Most of my clothes were handed down to me by my older brother when I was a child. ü Compassionate (adjective): feeling or showing sympathy and concern for others – có lòng trắc ẩn, thương xót Example: She is so compassionate and I am sure she will be an excellent nurse when she is qualified. ü Frugal (adjective): careful when using money or food, or (of a meal) cheap or small in amount – tiết kiệm, thanh đạm Example: We had very little money, so we ate frugal meals in cheap cafés. ü Dutiful (adjective): willing to obey and show respect

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Example: They are dutiful children who help their parents a lot with jobs around the house. ü Tangible (adjective): able to be shown, touched, or experienced – hữu hình Example: Other tangible benefits of the job include an increase in salary and shorter working hours ü To think back on sb/sth (phrasal verb): to remember and think about someone or something – nghĩ lại về ai/điều gì Example: I like to think back on my childhood and try to remember what it was like. ü Reminisce (verb): to talk or write about past experiences that you remember with pleasure – hồi tưởng lại quá khứ Example: My grandfather used to reminisce about his years in the navy. ü To prompt sb to do sth (verb): to make someone decide to say or do something – khiến ai nói/làm gì Example: I don't know what prompted him to leave. ü Detach (verb): leave or separate oneself from (a group or place) – tách riêng Example: He detached himself from the excitement of the match for a moment, in order to text the score to his friends. ü Moderation (noun): the quality of doing something within reasonable limits – sự điều độ, tiết chế Example: You can eat whatever you want as long as it's in moderation. So, don’t be too greedy. 38. Describe a time when you made a mistake. You should say: IELTS NGOC BACH

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where you were what you were doing what mistake you made and explain what was the result of your mistake. ANSWER Today, I am going to share with you a time when I made a mistake. This situation happened last year when I had to attend a final exam for my business management qualification. The test required candidates to use a calculator because the exam involved doing a lot of calculations. I was sure that putting the calculator into my bag was the first thing I had done in the morning. As it turned out, I had not. I realized that I would definitely not pass if I was not be able to borrow a calculator immediately. I really did not want to put myself at risk of delaying my graduation plan, because I had devoted a lot of valuable time to this subject, and had even paid money for the upcoming semester. In panic, I figured out that I had to ask for help. I decided to make a call to one of my classmates living in the dormitory to borrow her calculator. Unfortunately, she was not in Hanoi at that time. As a result, I had to manage without a calculator to deal with this difficult situation. Although I scraped by in the exam, I failed to get a high mark. It was an extremely valuable lesson for me. I learnt the hard way that I need to be more careful and well-prepared for the important things in my life. VOCABULARY ü calculator: [noun] a small electronic device for dealing with numbers. IELTS NGOC BACH

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Example:

As my course is based on mathematics, I always carry a pocket

calculator with me. ü turn out: [phrasal verb] to be discovered [for example, in a particular situation]. Example: The hotel room, as it turned out, was facing a busy road. ü devote to: [phrasal verb] give an amount of time or attention to something. Example: I devote two hours every evening to doing my homework. ü upcoming: [adjective] going to happen soon. Example: Who do you think will win the upcoming US Presidential election? ü figure out: [phrasal verb] think about something until you understand it. Example: I couldn’t figure out how to install the software, so I asked my best friend for advice. ü dormitory: [noun] a room for several people to sleep, especially in a school, college or other institution. Example: He shares a dormitory with 4 other students, but he would prefer to have his own private room. ü manage: [verb] succeed in doing something difficult. Example: Despite all the traffic on the roads, we managed to arrive at the airport on time. ü scrape by: [phrasal verb] to succeed in doing something, but with difficulty. Example: He is happy that he scraped by in the exam, because he did not do any revision. ü learn the hard way: [expression] learn something by experience – usually in an unpleasant way. Example: Since I fell off my motorbike last year and hurt my head, I have learnt the hard way that I should always wear a helmet. IELTS NGOC BACH

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QUESTIONS FOR PART 3 38.1. What should teachers do when students make mistakes? Some teachers just scold students for making mistakes but I think they shouldn’t do that. Instead of reproaching students, teachers should point the mistake out to them and encourage them to correct it on their own. I think it’s important that students know what they did wrong and try to fix their mistakes. 38.2. What can people learn from mistakes? I think people can learn a lot from their mistakes, or I should say people can grow up from making mistakes and fixing them over and over again. Like they can try to figure out at which stage they mess up so that they will be able to correct their errors later when they try one more time. It’s possible to gain a lot of experience, though painful at times, from mistakes and this makes people mature. 38.3. Do you often make mistakes? Yes of course. I am nowhere near perfect and when I encounter a new problem without prior knowledge, I may mess up too. For example, when I was a kid and was told to cook meals myself, I didn’t know that the stove would burn if you turned the gas on and left it there for too long. I nearly set fire to the whole kitchen at that time, and it was a really scary yet unforgettable experience for me. 38.4. Can mistakes help people to be more successful? I think mistakes alone cannot help people succeed. What really matters is their attitude towards their mistakes. There are a lot of situations when, you know, people make mistakes, feel depressed and give up trying. So I think what it really boils down to in the end is people’s attitude towards their mistakes, not the mistakes themselves. IELTS NGOC BACH

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38.5. How to avoid making mistakes? I think the best way to avoid making mistakes is to prepare yourself in advance as much as possible, like doing some research about any potential problems you may face, and come up with a plan to solve them. Well, of course there’s no way to avoid mistakes completely, but I believe good preparation will guarantee – or at least increase the likelihood of - a better outcome. VOCABULARY ü scold (rầy la, trách mắng) [verb] to speak to someone angrily because you disapprove of their behavior Example: His mother scolded him for breaking her favorite vase. ü reproach (trách mắng) [verb] to criticize someone, especially for not being successful or not doing what is expected Example: His mother reproached him for not eating all his dinner. ü figure out [phrasal verb] to think about something until you understand it Example: I can’t figure out what’s wrong with my computer. Can you help me? ü mess up (làm sai, làm rối lên) [phrasal verb] (informal) mishandle a situation Example: He misunderstood the message and totally messed up the company’s project. ü to be nowhere near + adjective (không hề) [expression] not nearly Example: He was a famous singer, yet now he’s nowhere near as popular as he was before. ü encounter (gặp vấn đề) [verb] unexpectedly be faced with or experience (something hostile or difficult)

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Example: One problem frequently encountered is when and where to interfere in an argument. ü prior (trước) [adjective] existing or coming before in time, order, or importance Example: I can’t meet you tonight; I have a prior appointment. ü attitude (thái độ) [noun] a settled way of thinking or feeling about something Example: He has a positive attitude towards any challenges. ü boil down to [phrasal verb] to have something as a main or basic part – of a problem or situation Example: There is no secret to passing the exam – it all boils down to hard work in the end. ü in advance (trước) [expression] ahead in time Example: You need to book this hotel’s rooms in advance. ü come up with (nghĩ ra) [phrasal verb] to suggest or think of an idea or plan Example: She’s come up with some amazing scheme to double her income. ü guarantee (đảm bảo) [verb] to promise that something will happen or exist Example: European Airlines guarantees its customers top-quality service. ü likelihood [noun] how likely something is to happen; the possibility of something happening Example: The economy is in crisis, so that likelihood is that more people will lose their jobs. 39. Describe a big company that you would like to work in. You should say: the name of this company what this company does IELTS NGOC BACH

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where this company is and explain why you would like to work in this company. ANSWER: Today, I would like to talk about a big company that I would like to work in. Last year, I had a chance to do an internship in Vincom for 3 months, and it is my dream workplace where I want to apply for a job when I graduate. The Vingroup, as you know, is one of the biggest corporations involved in many different key fields, not only in Vietnam but also in other countries all over the world. Vincom, the real estate company, is supposed to be the most important sector contributing to the success of the Vingroup. They have taken over a lot of wellknown resorts, luxury villas and apartment buildings around Vietnam, incorporating a huge range of additional facilities. My major involves the property business, so I decided to do my internship there. It is an extremely big company with dynamic and loyal staff, and a highly professional working style as well. They formulate their business strategy clearly and try to reach the targets which they have set. Their staff receive excellent compensation and benefits packages. It was a valuable chance for me to broaden my own knowledge not only in my major but also in many other fields. It enhanced my soft skills and allowed me to enlarge my social network. Therefore, I will try my best to become an employee in Vincom in the near future. VOCABULARY

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ü internship: [noun] a period of time in which a student or new graduate gets experience in a job, for example during vacations. Example: My cousin is doing an internship with a company of lawyers after graduating in law last month. ü dream workplace: [noun] the ideal place where you would like to work. Example: If you love chocolates, a chocolate factory would be your dream workplace. ü real estate: [noun] property in the form of land or buildings. Example: My aunt works in a real estate company, selling and renting houses to customers. ü take over: [phrasal verb] gain control of. Example: His small electronics company was taken over by Samsung. ü resorts: [noun] a place where a lot of people go on holiday/vacation. Example: Many British tourists go to beach resorts in Thailand. ü luxury villas: [noun] expensive houses where people stay on holiday/vacation. Example: The luxury villas in Spain have private swimming pools and expensive furniture. ü facilities: [noun] services or equipment that are provided for a particular purpose. Example: The hotel has many facilities, such as satellite TVs in every room and free wi-fi internet connection. ü dynamic: [adjective] having a lot of energy and strong personality. Example: We have to say that Batman and Superman are dynamic characters. ü loyal: [adjective] always supporting someone or something. Example: The minister has always been a loyal friend to the President. ü formulate: [verb] to create or prepare something carefully and in detail. IELTS NGOC BACH

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Example: The owners of the company formulated a plan to take over a rival firm. ü compensation: [noun] something, especially money, which you receive if you have been hurt, injured or if you have suffered in some way. Example: When my father lost his job, the company paid him compensation of a full salary for 1 year. ü benefits package: [noun] a number of things which an employer provides in addition to paying your salary. Example: The job offers a good benefits package, which includes free health insurance and the use of a company car. ü soft skills: [noun] personal qualities that enable you to deal successfully with other people. Example: Candidates for the job should have soft skills, such as working well in a team and an ability to listen to and respect the opinions of work colleagues. QUESTIONS FOR PART 3 39.1. What are the differences between big companies and small companies? Without question, one of the clear differences that define smaller and large organizations is the business’s size, which can be measured by either the number of employees or the total annual sales. As far as I know, in the US, a business with more than 500 employees or $7 million in total annual receipts is already considered a big company. Aside from that, many small companies start as sole proprietorships or partnerships, whereas large companies are often organized as corporations that pay taxes separately from the owners. Also, I think small companies generally focus on a niche market, while larger companies tend to offer more products and services to a IELTS NGOC BACH

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wider variety of consumers. 39.2. Are there many big companies in your country? Yeah, probably. State-owned enterprises, such as PetroVietnam, Vietnam Electricity and Viettel Group, I think, are some of the largest firms in Vietnam and they play an important role in the country's economy. 39.3. What are the good things about working for a big company? The most significant benefit of working for a large company has to be the valuable experience one is going to gain from meeting and working with the smartest people in the industry; from running the most modern and expensive pieces of equipment; and from travelling to different places of the world to work on large-scale projects. Besides, you can learn an awful lot about the art of politics and develop your diplomacy skills, plus the opportunity to make connections with people inside and outside of the company, which will come in handy when you are out on your own. 39.4. How can a small company grow big? From what I know from studying business at university, a small business can expand through acquisition of assets, including personnel, while making sure that sales increase in step with such expansion. In order to expand, business owners would need to develop effective systems to handle the daily activities in order to focus their attention on growing the business. Additionally, innovative small companies can benefit considerably from partnering with larger but oftentimes slower moving firms, thus securing a bigger market share resulting from access to the larger company’s sales force and channels, along with increased revenue and a boost in credibility. 39.5. Should big companies donate more to charities? Definitely. Corporations can acquire a favorable image from giving to charity. From a humanistic perspective, giving back to the community can boost employee IELTS NGOC BACH

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morale, by helping the staff become more socially aware and bonding with their colleagues as they team up to help those in need. From a business perspective, when a business makes donations to worthy local causes, its image is often enhanced in the public’s perception. Sponsoring a charity event that has some connection with the activities of the business is also a great way to do some good, while at the same time getting the company’s name out into the community. 39.6. Should big companies be punished more seriously if they break the law? Yes, I believe a richer corporation should be subject to a greater fine than a poorer one. It, however, concerns me that many innocent people would end up losing their jobs. There is a danger that such innocent vicims might suffer more than just some individual wrongdoers and executives of the company if astronomical financial penalties were imposed on the corporation rather than the real individual culprits. VOCABULARY ü Sole proprietorship (noun): a business that is owned and operated by only one person – doanh nghiệp cá thể Example: A company that is a sole proprietorship is owned by one person, who reports the profits on a personal income-tax return. ü Niche market (noun): the subset of the market on which a specific product is focused – thị trường ngách/khe Example: My friend found a profitable niche markets looking after pets while their owners were away. ü State-owned (adjective): owned by the government – được sở hữu bởi Nhà nước IELTS NGOC BACH

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Example: Many people bought shares in the former state-owned airline when it was privatized in 2009. ü Diplomacy (noun): the art of dealing with people in a sensitive and tactful way – tài ngoại giao Example:

All these conflicts were eventually resolved by diplomacy and

discussion. ü To come in handy (expression): to be useful – trở nên hữu ích Example: I think that this gadget will come in handy in the kitchen. ü Acquisition (noun): the process of getting something – sự giành được Example:

The acquisition of huge amounts of data has helped our research

enormously. ü In step with (expression): at the same speed or level as something else Example: The price of gasoline increased in step with international oil prices. ü Humanistic (adjective): relating to or supporting the principles of humanism – nhân đạo, nhân văn Example: The general had a humanistic concern for his soldiers and never exposed them to danger without good reasons. ü Morale (noun): the amount of confidence felt by a person or group of people – tinh thần, nhuệ khí Example: A couple of victories would improve the team's morale enormously. ü Executive (noun): a person with an important job as the manager of a business. Example: My father is a top executive, responsible for the company’s sales. ü Astronomical (adjective): extremely large – vô cùng to lớn Example: The price of a new house is astronomical, so I will have to continue renting. IELTS NGOC BACH

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ü Culprit (noun): a person who has done something wrong or illegal. Example: The police are looking for the culprits responsible for robbing the bank. 40. Describe a useful app or computer program for a smart phone, computer or tablet that you have used. You should say: what the app is how long/how often you have used it (or, been using it) what you use it for and explain why you think it is useful. ANSWER Well, developments in technology have been providing a lot of smart applications for users, which allows them to access entertainment and also to work more effectively. One of those apps that youngsters have been using more and more in their tablets and mobile phones is definitely Camera 360. And I am no exception. This application is all about taking pictures and editing photos. I have been a big fan of this application since I started using my Iphone 5 years ago. Like many other apps, the designer has kept working on it to incorporate more impressive effects so that it can compete with any other photo application. My hobby is taking photos with my friends no matter what mood I’m in, so I tend to use this particular app as my favourite tool to make changes to the pictures to make them look more lively and interesting. This is where Camera 360 comes in handy.

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What I really appreciate is that Camera 360 is full of fun features bringing many options with special filters, effects, themes and frames. I love how easily it can help my photos appear more professional than my original ones, although I’m not really a photoshop expert. Thanks to this app, I am likely to be taking pictures more frequently now that I feel extremely confident about posting them on social networking sites. VOCABULARY ü edit: [verb] make changes to text, data or images on a screen. Example: Editing photos can make them appear much more professional by removing unwanted parts of the image. ü fan:

[noun]

a person who admires or enjoys watching or listening to

someone/something. Example: My son is a big football fan of Barcelona, and he watches all their games on TV. ü work on: [phrasal verb] try hard to improve something, or how something functions. Example: She works on her yoga skills by practising the exercises every day. ü incorporate: [verb] include something, so that it then forms part of something. Example: Many of your ideas have been incorporated into the project. ü impressive: [adjective] people or things that make you feel admiration, for some good quality that they have. Example:

The examiners agreed that she was very impressive during the

speaking test.

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ü compete with: [phrasal verb] try to be better or more successful than someone who is trying to do the same thing as you. Example: In the race, I had to compete with 5 other athletes to win the gold medal. ü mood: [noun] the way that you are feeling at a particular time. Example: I’m not really in the mood to go to the party tonight. ü come in handy: [expression] be useful. Example: Don’t throw your revision notes away – they may come in handy for next year’s course. ü fun features: [noun] entertaining characteristics or things about a particular object. Example: My latest iphone comes with lots of fun features which keep me amused for hours. ü post: [verb] put information or pictures on a website. Example: Her brother has just posted some photos on their holiday on Facebook. QUESTIONS FOR PART 3 40.1. What are popular apps for young people in Vietnam? Well, I suppose that the most common ones are social networking apps, such as Facebook, Instagram, and Messenger. This is mainly because in this era of technology, the fastest way to communicate with people all over the world is to use those social apps. It’s easy to see young people surfing Facebook or chatting with friends on free texting apps, or posting their photos on Instagram anytime and anywhere. I think such apps are really helpful, but if youngsters get addicted to them, it’s kind of time-consuming and also harmful to their eyes as well. IELTS NGOC BACH

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40.2. What kinds of app do you have on your phone? Most of them are social media apps and productivity apps. Social apps such as Facebook and Messenger are the things I can’t live without, because most of my friends also use them, so they have become the common ways for us to keep in touch with each other and chat amongst ourselves. Besides, productivity apps, namely Gmail, Outlook and Trello help me keep track of my work, therefore I’m able to set a reasonable timetable for myself everyday. Additionally, I also downloaded some entertainment apps so that I can relax by playing games or listening to music. 40.3. What are the drawbacks of having too many apps on your phone? Of course there are a couple of disadvantages. The most obvious one might be that it’s time-consuming if users spend too much time on them. Many people, especially teenagers, keep using their phones too much in a ridiculous way. For example, they post something on Facebook, then they keep checking if anyone comments or reacts to their posts and reply to those comments. It sounds simple but it takes up almost all of their time in the course of a day, and then the day has passed without any job being done. Another minus point may be the waste of storage of the phone as many apps have been downloaded and unused, there’s no storage to get other useful ones. 40.4. How much time do you spend on these apps? It depends on each kind of apps. For instance, I spend time on Facebook and Messenger the most because I keep my phone connected with the Internet almost all the time, then everytime there’s a new notification, I’ll check and reply to my friends. For productivity apps, I check them every 3 or 4 hours to make sure that I know my schedule of the day and if any change happens at work. In addition, I spend

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around 1 hour every day to relax with entertainment apps, such as reading books on Kindle, watching videos on Youtube or playing games. 40.5. Do you like to look for new apps or just keep using the old ones? I normally keep using old apps for a long time as I feel that they’re the most userfriendly and useful ones, so there’s no point in changing to another one if the old app still works well and satisfies my needs. For example, today there’re various kinds of free texting apps online, but I’ve been using Messenger and Viber for years and two of them are enough for me, so I don’t download any other texting apps. However, regarding games, I often look for new ones because for me, playing a new game is like starting a new challenge. 40.6. Do you use free apps or the ones that you need to pay for? Well, actually, most the the apps on my phone are free of charge. This is mainly because those free apps are quite enough to fulfill all of my requirements and I feel there’s no need to pay for an app that I don’t really need. In addition, the payment procedures are a little bit complicated for me to understand and follow as I don’t have a credit card, so I prefer the easier way. However, sometimes I find extremely exciting apps that I’m really into, but if they’re paid ones, then I have to ask my friends to help me pay for them. VOCABULARY ü Era (noun) Thời đại, kỷ nguyên a period of time in history that is different from other periods, because of particular characteristics or events Example: When she retired after 50 years working in the same company, it was like the end of an era. ü Time-consuming (adjective) Tốn thời gian taking or needing a lot of time. IELTS NGOC BACH

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Example: It’s quite time-consuming having to check all the labels individually. ü Productivity (noun) Năng suất, hiệu suất the rate at which a worker, a company or a country produces goods, and the amount produced, compared with how much time, work and money is needed to produce them Example: The inspector is in the factory to study the productivity of the workers. ü To keep in touch with (expression)

Giữ liên lạc

to maintain communications

with someone; to maintain up-to-date knowledge about someone or something. Example: After my neighbor moved, we still kept in touch by phone and e-mail. ü To keep track of (expression)

Theo dõi

to continue to be informed about

somebody or something Example: I've never been very good at keeping track of how I spend my money. ü Storage (noun)

Lưu trữ trong bộ nhớ

the process of keeping something in a

particular place until it is needed; the space where things can be kept Example: There's a lot of storage space in the loft, so we can store the old furniture there. ü Notification (noun)

Thông báo

the act of giving or receiving official

information about something. Example: I received notification from the university of the date of my exam. ü No point in (expresssion) Vô ích no purpose in doing something Example: There’s no point in going to the library, it will be closed at this time. ü Procedure (noun) Quy trình a way of doing something, especially the usual or correct way 41. Describe a course you would like to study (or, do). You should say: IELTS NGOC BACH

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what course it is (or, would be) where you would do it what you would learn in that course and explain why you would like to do this course. ANSWER Well, speaking of the course I’d like to do, I would say that it’s an English course. Today, English is considered to be the most important language in the world. That’s why it became one of the compulsory subjects and we now have to study English from

elementary

onwards.

I’d like to get admitted to the Foreign Trade University which offers a professional course in Business English. They have a good reputation for teaching this course effectively to a high standard. As I have other classes in the morning, I would like to enroll in the afternoon course. Also, the course fee is both cheap and convenient for me

to

pay

using

my

bank

account.

There are so many reasons why I’d like to enroll in an English course. First of all, English is an international language, hence, having a knowledge of English can help people around the world to communicate better. Second, it also gives us countless opportunities to become more acquainted with other cultures. We depend on English to keep up to date with the latest news from all over the world, since almost all the books and magazines are written in this language. Finally, learning English can really help us in our careers and enhance our CVs, as these days, many firms need good office employees to conduct international business. VOCABULARY IELTS NGOC BACH

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ü compulsory: [adjective] that must be done because of a rule or law. Example: In some countries, it is compulsory to attend school until the age of 16. ü onwards: [adverb] continuing from a particular time. Example: I will be in my office from 8:00 am onwards, until I leave at 6:00 in the evening. ü reputation: [noun] the opinion that people have about someone/something is like, based on what has happened in the past. Example: The restaurant enjoys an international reputation for the best Thai cuisine. ü countless: [adjective] very many; too many to be counted or mentioned. Example: The teacher has warned him countless times to pay attention in class. ü acquainted: [adjective] familiar with something having seen, heard or read it. Example: The students are already acquainted with the history of our country, having studied it at elementary level. ü keep up to date with: [expression] be informed about the latest information. Example: I watch the news on TV every day, in order to keep up to date with the political situation. ü CVs: [noun] short descriptions of your education and qualifications, which you give to an employer when you go for an interview. Example: Students should make sure that they write good CVs, to help them when they apply for a job. ü firm: [noun] company. Example: She works for a firm of lawyers in Paris. ü conduct: [verb] organize or do a particular activity. Example: The school has decided to conduct all its classes in English. IELTS NGOC BACH

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QUESTIONS FOR PART 3 41.1. Should schools teach both arts and science? Yes, they should. Our brain is divided into the left and right brain, in which the left brain is responsible for the artistic and creative side and the right brain is in charge of the academic logical functions. Therefore, students should be taught both arts and science subjects in order to help them develop the cerebral hemisphere holistically. They will also be able to explore and develop their own interests from an early age. 41.2. What kinds of courses are useful for university students? In my opinion, courses about specialist knowledge are very necessary for university students so that they can acquire sufficient knowledge for their future career. In addition, they should also take part in courses teaching soft skills, such as problem solving or communication skills, because these are very important in work as well as in social life. 41.3. Why do some students dislike studying at school? At the present, most students have to spend a huge amount of time at school and the curriculum is very hard too; therefore, they may feel exhausted by this workload and have little time for their hobbies. Some students also hate the feeling of being controlled by teachers and rebel against strict rules, so that they dislike studying at school. 41.4. What school activities are good for schoolchildren? Personally, I think extracurricular activities organized by schools like camping or school visits to places like museums or zoos are beneficial for students to build up their confidence and communication skills. In addition, the creativity of children can

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be stimulated through activities like music and drama. Finally, sports and games are essential to ensure that children get enough physical exercise. VOCABULARY ü Cerebral hemisphere (noun): (bán cầu não) one of the two halves of the cerebrum (brain), each of which controls different functions Example: Students should be taught both arts and science subjects in order to help them develop the cerebral hemisphere equally. ü Holistically (adverb): in a way that considers things as a whole, not just as a collection of parts Example: In dealing with criminals, we have to judge them holistically by considering their character and also their social circumstances. ü Acquire (verb): (giành được, đạt được) to gain something by your own efforts, ability or behavior Example: He has acquired a reputation for dishonesty. ü Workload (noun): the amount of work that a person has to do Example: I have to stay late at the office again today – my workload is simply too much for one person to do. ü Rebel (verb): to fight against or refuse to obey an authority – your school, your parents, the government Example: He rebelled against the strict rules imposed by his parents. ü Extracurricular activities (noun): (hoạt động ngoại khóa) An activity or subject which is not part of the usual school or college timetable.

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Example: Extracurricular activities organized by schools like camping or playing team sports are beneficial for students to build up their confidence and communication skills. ü Creativity (noun): the ability to use skill and imagination to produce something new Example: The children used their imagination to write some great stories, and the teacher praised their creativity. ü Stimulate (verb): to encourage somebody to be interested in something Example: The film about dinosaurs has stimulated my interest in them. 42. Describe a difficult decision that you made. You should say: what decision it was what difficulties you faced how you made the decision and explain why it was a difficult decision. ANSWER: It was when I prepared the application form for the university entrance exam that I had to make an important but difficult decision. At that time, I was at a crossroads, where I had to decide which university to apply for. Actually, my interest was in economics, which was taught in two separate universities, one of which specialized in international trade while the other focused more on the national economy. Fortunately, my sister, who graduated from an economics college, gave me some sound advice. Having weighed up the pros and cons of each school, she encouraged IELTS NGOC BACH

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me to choose the university specializing in international trade. Finally, I applied for this school after thinking carefully about all the options. At present, I feel so satisfied with the learning environment of this university that I am always thankful for my decision as well as my sister’s advice. Without her guidance, I probably wouldn’t be as content with my university life as I am. VOCABULARY ü at a crossroads: [expression] at an important point in someone’s life or development. Example: His life was at a crossroads – whether to join the army or to continue studying at university. ü sound advice: [adjective and noun combination] sensible and reliable advice. Example: My parents gave me sound advice about my choice of career. ü weighed up the pros and cons: [expression] considered carefully the advantages and disadvantages of something. Example: Having weighed up the pros and cons, I decided that it would be more useful for me to learn English rather than French. ü learning environment: [noun phrase] the conditions that affect the behaviour and development of people who are learning a subject. Example: The school had the latest technology, the buildings were modern and the teachers were very helpful – it was the perfect learning environment. QUESTIONS FOR PART 3 42.1. What’s the most important factor in decision-making? There are many elements that play a part in the decision-making process, but the IELTS NGOC BACH

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most important factor influencing decision-making, for me, is the examination of various options, as well as an understanding of the potential outcomes of such a decision. If I were the decision maker, I would weigh the benefits and risks of all possible alternatives before deciding on the best solution. 42.2. Should parents make decisions for their children? I personally believe that children do need adults’ help in decision-making. I know from my own experience that the route to full adult abstraction from child-like concrete thinking may be bumpy at best, but parents can certainly help to make such a transition as healthy for their kids as possible, by advising and assisting them in making some of the most important decisions in their life. Having said that, teens should still be allowed to make their own choices if they want to, since I think it is just part of growing up – to be responsible for their decisions, to discover and figure out who they are, and to learn to be independent. 42.3. What can people learn from wrong decisions? It is my view that every decision that you make, regardless of it being right or wrong, gives you the opportunity to take credit for creating your own life, since it was once something that you wanted, or else you wouldn’t have done it. Besides, bad decisions, I believe, are just an opportunity for you to to experience, to learn and to feel. You learn not to fear taking risks and to be willing to accept the consequences of your actions. 42.4. Do you like to make quick decisions? I’m a bit indecisive so I do wish that I could have better decision-making skills. Nevertheless, I don’t want to be impulsive and make a snap decision based solely on my intuition. I think that I need to get to know myself better so that I can have more confidence in making my own choices. IELTS NGOC BACH

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42.5. Do you think adults always make better decisions than children? Maybe, but not all the time. Sometimes, adults might not be the better decision makers since we all know how grown-ups tend to complicate things and so, fail to see what it is that their hearts really yearn for. In those situations, children might be better at making decisions, as they often have a better idea of what they want. VOCABULARY ü Alternative (noun): available as another possibility or choice – sự lựa chọn Example: In fact the experience made me wish that I had taken an alternative form of transport. ü Abstraction (noun): an idea that develops by looking at or thinking about a number of different things – sự rút ra Example: The paintings represent an abstraction of beauty, they are not paintings of real life objects or people. ü Bumpy (adjective): uncomfortable, with some difficulties Example: Most relationships between married couples are bumpy at times. ü Transition (noun): the process or a period of changing from one state or condition to another – sự chuyển tiếp Marriage is the most important stage in a person's life, marking the official transition to adulthood. ü To figure out sth (phrasal verb): to understand something by thinking about it – nhận ra điều gì Example: After I figured out that I would earn only eighty cents an hour, I said forget it.

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ü To take credit for (expression): to allow people to believe that one has done something praiseworthy, whether or not one has actually done it – nhận công lao về mình Example: Mary took credit for everything that Dave did, which was very unfair. ü Indecisive (adjective): not good at making decisions – không quả quyết Example: He is widely thought to be an indecisive leader. ü Impulsive (adjective): acting or done suddenly without any planning or consideration of the results – bốc đồng Example: She’s an impulsive shopper and often buys things she doesn’t need. ü Snap (adjective): done or taken on the spur of the moment, unexpectedly, or without notice – đột xuất, bất thần Example: But when the opportunity presented itself, I had to make a snap decision. ü Intuition (noun): an ability to understand or know something immediately based on your feelings rather than facts – trực giác Example: Often there's no clear evidence one way or the other and you just have to base your judgment on intuition. ü To yearn for sb/sth (verb): to desire someone or something strongly – mong mỏi, khao khát Example: Mary yearned for a big bowl of high-butterfat ice cream. 43. Describe a time when you tried a new food for the first time. You should say: what food it was where you ate it IELTS NGOC BACH

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what it tasted like and explain whether or not you liked this food ANSWER Well, I’m a great fan of barbecues and I would like to talk about the first time I tried some typical barbecue food. This happened when I was 10 years old. My familiy went out to have dinner to celebrate my younger sister’s birthday. After putting so much thought into some new savoury food to have for our meal, we decided to go to a BBQ restautant on Ba Trieu street. We ordered four dishes with three different tastes. One of them which really interested me was grilled-Australian beef, flavoured with something spicy, rich and aromatic. It not only tasted delicious, but also looked appealing. Also, it went well with two kinds of dipping sauces and was served with baguettes. There was also a salad, which gave it a mild taste to contrast with the spicy flavours. The idea of a barbecue originated in America, and for us it was a novel and sophisticated meal. What I really enjoyed was that we could watch as it was cooked in front of us. I loved how juicy it was and the aroma it had. Just mentioning it makes my mouth water. I mean, the BBQ was out of this world. That was the first time I had tried it, and I would have liked to have kept on coming back for more, but I was just too full. VOCABULARY ü barbecues: [noun] a meal, usually eaten outdoors, which is cooked over an open fire. IELTS NGOC BACH

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Example: Every summer, my friends and I have barbecues on the beach and we each bring some beef or other meat to grill. ü put thought into: [expression] considered seriously and carefully. Example: I put so much thought into my school project that I received a very high score. ü savoury: [adjective] having a delicious taste, usually containing salt. Example: We ate some tasty savoury biscuits with cheese to finish our meal. ü dish: [noun] food prepared in a particular way as part of a meal. Example: Our meal arrived at the table – two dishes of meat, with rice and salad. ü flavour: [verb] add to food to give it a special taste. Example: The fish was flavoured with spices and it tasted delicious. ü aromatic: [adjective] having a pleasant smell or aroma. Example: She grows a number of aromatic plants in her garden. ü dipping sauces: [noun] different types of sauces in which you can put your food quickly, take the food out again and eat it. Example: The chef flavours his dipping sauces with different spices – some sweet spices and some hot ones. ü baguettes: [noun] white bread in the shape of long sticks. Example: The cheese baguettes which we ordered were hard on the outside and soft on the inside. ü mild: [adjective] not strong or severe. Example: I prefer cheese that is mild rather than cheese with a strong flavour. ü originate: [verb] happen or appear for the first time in a particular place or situation. Example: Tobacco originated in America and was later brought to Europe. IELTS NGOC BACH

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ü novel: [adjective] new, and different from anything known before. Example: Drive-in restaurants are a novel idea which originated in America. ü sophisticated: [adjective] typical of rich or socially important people. Example: They like to dress in very sophisticated clothes, although they don’t have a lot of money. ü juicy: [adjective] having a lot of juice, so that it is good to eat. Example: He bought some delicious juicy oranges at the market. ü makes my mouth water: [expression] makes me feel hungry. Example: Thinking about Thai cuisine makes my mouth water. ü out of this world: [expression] wonderful and exciting. Example: The new James Bond film is out of this world. ü full: [adjective] having had enough to eat. Example: Although I was full after lunch, I still ate an ice-cream in the afternoon. QUESTIONS FOR PART 3 43.1. Do you like to try new food? To be honest, my mother’s always complaining about me being a picky eater – I always refuse to eat something I’ve never experienced. I, myself, also don’t know the actual reason why I’m reluctant to try unfamiliar foods. I just feel nervous and uncomfortable when it comes to new foods. 43.2. What kinds of foreign food are popular in your country? Well, western food used to be the most popular foreign food in Vietnam, but recently young Vietnamese people have shown a strong /deep interest in Korean foods. Hallyu, which refers to Korean culture in Korean music and dramas, has caught on all

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over our country. And very soon after, the interest of local people in Hallyu translated into increased purchasing of Korean foods. 43.3. Do you like to cook at home? Actually, I’m a big fan of home – cooking. If I had enough time, I would pass on prepared foods, retreat from restaurants cook my own meals. I can season and prepare them to suit my own personal tastes. Besides that, cooking at home helps me to put money in my pocket and avoid food poisoning since I can pick fresh ingredients of my own. 43.4. Is it expensive to eat out in your country? Compared to eating at home, dining out might set you back more money. In fact, the restaurant experience has some additional costs like service charges that make the price of dishes outrageous. However, Vietnam is also renowned for street cuisine with delicious and cheap foods on the city’s sidewalks. With those foods, you can eat out even when you’re on a low budget. 43.5. What’s the difference between Vietnamese food and western food? I suppose the fundamental difference between Vietnamese and western cuisine lies in their taste and ingredients. Western foods have a tendency to pair ingredients that share many of the same flavor compounds. Vietnamese cuisines, however, do precisely the contrary, avoiding ingredients that share the same taste combinations. 43.6. What do you think about traditional food? Well, traditional food refers to foods and dishes that are passed down through the generations, so its values are not only about cuisine but also related to the history and culture of each country. Nowadays, traditional food plays a crucial role in tourism development as well. I reckon that it’s necessary to develop an incredibly rich and varied traditional food culture to attract more foreign travelers. IELTS NGOC BACH

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VOCABULARY ü Picky eater (người kén ăn) [noun] A person that is adverse to a wide variety of foods; additionally picky eaters often display an unwillingness to try new foods or any food that contains even a small amount of a food they do not like. Example: Sally won't eat broccoli because she hates green vegetables. She is such a picky eater. ü Reluctant (do dự) [adj] not willing to do something and slow to do it Example: The government was reluctant to sanction intervention in the crisis. ü Season (nêm gia vị) [verb] to improve the flavour of savoury food by adding salt, herbs, or spices when cooking or preparing it Example: Drain the rice, stir in the salmon and season to taste. ü Put money in one’s pocket (tiết kiệm tiền) [idiom] to save money Example: I read an article about ways to put money in your pocket and find it pretty impractical. ü Set sb back (tốn kém) [phrasal verb] to cost someone a large amount of money Example: It's a handy gadget and will only set you back about $15. ü Renowned (nổi tiếng) [adj] famous for something Example: The region is renowned for its outstanding natural beauty. ü To be on a low budget (hết tiền) [idiom] the same as “short of money” Example: We just go window shopping since we’re now on a low budget. ü Fundamental (cơ bản, chủ chốt) [adj] forming the base, from which everything else develops or more important than anything Example: Some understanding of grammar is fundamental to learning a language. IELTS NGOC BACH

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44. Describe an activity you do for your health or fitness. You should say: what you do how often you do it where you do it and explain how you think this activity helps you stay healthy or fit. ANSWER Staying in good shape is everyone’s concern and I am no exception. To be honest, I have been so caught up in my study since I entered university that I have a problem in organizing my daily routine. However, I have been participating in a yoga class for about 2 years, which takes me only 1 hour a day, to try to lead a healthy lifestyle. Unlike dancing or running, yoga definitely involves stretching actions. You might look at yoga and think that it is light and easy but it is more demanding than it appears. Yoga allows me to work on all the parts of my body. It can burn a lot of calories in just one hour of training. Also, it enhances my flexibility and suppleness in every single movement. What I enjoy the most about yoga is meditation. It is all about regulating your breathing and helping you take things off your mind easily. Another thing is that doing yoga is supposed to be good for curing headaches and digestion-related problems, so it benefits not only physical well-being but also mental health. By maintaining a schedule of taking part in the yoga class on a daily basis, I feel extremely relaxed and full of energy after the class. It helps me to keep fit and

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refresh my mind after a long stressful day. And of course, I don’t see myself stopping practicing this activity any time soon. VOCABULARY ü in good shape: [expression] the good physical condition of someone. Example: For a man of his age, he is in good shape. ü caught up: [phrasal verb] completely involved in something. Example: He was so caught up in the TV program, that he forgot to do his homework. ü stretching actions:

[noun]

actions which make your muscles stronger by

exercises in which you extend your arms and legs. Example: When I get up in the morning, I do some stretching actions to exercise the muscles in my arms. ü demanding: [adjective] needing a lot of effort. Example: The work of a farmer is physically very demanding. ü work on: [phrasal verb] try hard to improve something, or how something functions. Example: She works on her yoga skills by practising the exercises every day. ü burn a lot of calories: [expression] use up a lot of energy [that comes from the food we eat]. Example: One reason why people do exercise is to burn a lot of calories and lose weight. ü flexibility: [noun] the ability to move and bend your body easily. Example:

Regular exercise helps older people to maintain their flexibility,

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ü suppleness:

[noun]

the ability to move and bend your body into different

positions – it is a synonym for flexibility. Example: Different yoga movements develop suppleness in different muscles. ü meditation: [noun] thinking deeply in silence, to make you feel calm. Example: To help you to relax, try meditation after a stressful day at work. ü regulating your breathing: [expression] controlling the way in which you breathe in and out. Example:

An important part of learning how to swim is regulating your

breathing. ü take things off your mind: [expression] forget things which are causing you anxiety or stress. Example: After an exam, I usually have a short holiday, to take things off my mind and enjoy myself. ü cure: [verb] make an illness go away. Example: The website advertises a new drug for curing AIDS. ü digestion: [noun] the process of changing the food you eat into substances that the body can use. Example: Unlike cows or horses, the digestion of grass is impossible for humans. ü well-being: [noun] general health and happiness. Example:

The company tries to ensure the well-being of its employees by

providing good working conditions. ü schedule: [noun] a plan that lists all the things that you have to do and when you must do them. Example: For the next few days, I have a busy schedule, which includes my yoga class each morning. IELTS NGOC BACH

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ü I don’t see myself stopping: [expression] I don’t think that I will stop. Example: I don’t see myself stopping working in the next 10 years because I have to support my family. ü any time soon: [expression] in the near future, soon. Example: I should receive the exam results any time soon – perhaps tomorrow. QUESTIONS FOR PART 3 44.1. What do old people in your country do to keep fit? I think in Vietnam, the elders usually get up early and go to the park to either walk or do some exercise there, like yoga or taichi. In Hanoi particularly, I can see a lot of old women take part in outdoor aerobics classes around Hoan Kiem Lake in the early morning. 44.2. What kinds of sports are popular in Vietnam? I would say soccer is still the most popular sport in Vietnam. Other than that, our country still keeps participating in some traditional Chinese sports such as table tennis or badminton. A few other sports from other nations around the world such as judo, karate or taekwondo are also very popular with the youth in Vietnam. 44.3. Do you think young people should play dangerous sports? It is my view that children should be allowed to play dangerous sports, provided that sufficient research is done about how dangerous the sport might be to the youth and whether they are physically fit enough to cope with the dangers that come with playing such sport. Safety of the young players should also be given top priority for these sports. 44.4. What else people can do to keep fit besides sports?

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I think to stay fit, it’s important that we lead a healthy lifestyle and follow a healthy diet along with some daily exercise. For example, I heard that it’s much better to walk than to sit after having a meal and it is advised that we should never skip breakfast, as it is the most important meal of the day. Drinking plenty of water and eating lots of fruit salad should also be made a part of our daily habits. I bet you can find a good deal of health tips like these from many reliable sources on the Internet. 44.5. What do parents do to make their children like sports? In my opinion, if a kid is good at playing a particular sport, he or she will normally enjoy doing it and vice versa. If, through parents forcing participation in a sport, children acquire a talent or knack for it, there is a much higher likelihood that they will begin to enjoy it. Nevertheless, if the child expresses immediate dislike for the sport, I believe the parents should not continue to force their participation, for deep down, the kids might feel resentful and not apply themselves fully and so it won't usually lead to any level of ability or talent in the sport. VOCABULARY ü Taichi (noun): thái cực quyền The gentle movements of taichi reduce stress and offer other health benefits. ü Priority (noun): a thing that is regarded as more important than others – sự ưu tiên Decide on your priorities and they will define and create your opportunities. ü Skip (verb): fail to attend or deal with as appropriate; miss – bỏ qua Children who skip breakfast can find it difficult to concentrate in class. ü To have a knack for sth: to be exceptionally proficient at (doing) something – có khiếu, sở trường làm gì IELTS NGOC BACH

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Jenny's got a real knack for the piano. ü Resentful (adj): feeling or expressing bitterness or indignation at having been treated unfairly – cảm thấy phẫn uất bực bội He was angry and resentful of their intrusion. 45. Describe a situation that made you a little angry. You should say: what it was that made you angry where you were when this happened what you were doing at the time who you were with and explain how you handled this situation or and explain why you felt angry. ANSWER Today, I would like to share with you a situation that made me a little angry. Two months ago when I did some online shopping for a jacket on the internet, I had the worst online shopping experience ever, which made me so annoyed. I was surfing the internet to browse the options, looking for a warm casual jacket to get me through the colder weather that will soon be upon us. I stumbled upon one that was exactly what I wanted, so I left a comment to catch the seller’s attention. I decided to order and pay for it and asked for it to be delivered to my house as soon as possible. She promised me that it would arrive within 2 days. However, after 2 days I had received nothing. I found myself being cheated and it really made my blood boil. I tried my best to reach her to ask about the jacket which I IELTS NGOC BACH

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had paid for, but there was never any answer at all when I tried to contact her. That’s when it dawned on me that she had lied to me and the whole thing was a scam. My anger grew and I felt frustrated and confused at that time, because I could not do anything about it. So, I learned the hard way that it was so risky to buy products online. I should not have done it. In future, if I come across something on the internet that I would really like, I will head for a store to check it out carefully before making a purchase decision. VOCABULARY: ü surf: [verb] use [the internet]. Example: I am surfing the internet for information about the new James Bond film ü browse: [verb] look at a lot of things, hoping to find something that you like. Example: I sometimes go to my local bookstore to browse through the fiction section. ü casual: [adjective] comfortable and informal clothes. Example: In my spare time, when I don’t have to go to work, I prefer to wear casual clothes. ü get me through: [expression] help me to cope with a situation successfully. Example: When I can’t sleep, I sometimes watch TV to help get me through the night. ü stumble upon: [phrasal verb] discover something/someone unexpectedly. Example: While I was browsing through some websites, I stumbled upon the information that I needed for my essay. IELTS NGOC BACH

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ü cheat: [verb] trick someone or make them believe something which is not true. Example: Many people felt cheated when the government failed to build more schools, as it had promised to do. ü made my blood boil: [expression] cause someone to be angry. Example: When my laptop was stolen, it made my blood boil and I needed a few minutes to calm down. ü dawn on: [phrasal verb] realize something for the first time. Example: When I entered the airport, it dawned on me that I had forgotten my passport. ü scam: [noun] a clever and dishonest plan for making money. Example:

The offer of a free holiday was false.

It was simply a scam to

encourage people to buy tickets from the airline. ü learned the hard way: [expression] learn from a bad experience, rather than being taught. Example: After I had an accident on my bike, I learned the hard way that I should always wear a protective helmet. ü risky: [adjective] involving the possibility of something bad happening. Example: Working on a construction site is a risky job – you always have to be careful. ü head for: [phrasal verb] go towards, go to find something. Example: While my wife went looking for a new coat to buy, I headed for the nearest coffee shop! QUESTIONS FOR PART 3 45.1. How do you control your anger? IELTS NGOC BACH

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Well, the first thing I do to calm myself down is to take a deep breath. Breathing slowly in a controlled way helps me to relieve my anger. Then, depending on each situation, I will visualize a relaxing experience from my memory or try a nonstrenuous, slow exercise like yoga to make my anger subside. 45.2. Why do some people get angry easily? Well, I bet most people will say that they’re short-tempered due to their own personality. But I suppose the fact that they get angry easily shows that they don’t respect the situation they’re in or the people they’re talking to. For example, one can easily take out his anger on his friends or inferiors, but what about his superior? Or his instructors? There is no excuse – it stems from a lack of self-control. 45.3. Is it important to be calm? Obviously it is. Only mental calm can lead to clarity of mind and inner peace in each person. With those things, no matter what comes our way, we can analyze the situation, imagine what will happen when we react hot-headedly, and then, find out the best solutions instead. In addition to that, calm doesn’t just affect us individually. Your being calm will make you more reliable and will make people around you feel assured. 45.4. What would you do if you make others angry at you? Actually, it depends on each situation. Normally, I would find ways to calm them down– maybe a cup of tea or a timeout can work it out. During a time-out period, I would do something calming to get a handle on my own emotions and give the other person time to cool down. And then, we can discuss the issue later. If I’m the one at fault, I will apologize in a humble and polite manner. 45.5. In what ways can people manage their anger well?

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As I said already, I will take a deep breath, do some yoga exercises and I’d recommend them as good ways for anyone to manage their anger, and so I think that everyone should give them a go. Another method maybe is collecting your thoughts before saying anything, because in the heat of the moment, it's easy to say something you'll later regret. Well, I’m afraid that’s all off the top of my head now. VOCABULARY ü Subside [verb] to become calmer or quieter Example: After her anger had subsided, we talked calmly and came to an agreement. ü Short-tempered (nóng tính) [adj] If someone is short-tempered, they get angry easily, often for no good reason. Example: She wished to apologize for being so short-tempered that day. ü Take out [phrasal verb] to behave in an unpleasant way to somebody, because you are angry, although it is not their fault. Example:

After he failed his exam, he took out his disappointment on his

brother. ü Stem from [phrasal verb] to be the result of something Example: His fear of dogs stems from the time that a dog bit him when he was a boy. ü Inner peace (tâm thanh tịnh, bình yên) [expression] refers to a state of being mentally and spiritually at peace, with enough knowledge and understanding to keep oneself strong in the face of discord or stress. Example: Finding inner peace is often associated with traditions such as Hinduism and Buddhism. IELTS NGOC BACH

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ü Hot-headedly (nóng nảy) [adv] do things or reacts to things quickly and without thinking carefully first Example: I hot-headedly chased the criminal out of the bank, and that is when he shot me. ü Timeout (tạm dừng) [expression] used to tell people to stop what they are doing, especially when they are having a disagreement Example: OK, timeout everyone, let's all quiet down and talk about this calmly. ü Cool down (hạ hỏa) [phrasal verb] to reduce someone's anger. Example: After the girls were kept apart for a while, tempers cooled down and the shouting stopped. ü Humble (khiêm tốn) [adj] not proud or not believing that you are important Example: He's very humble about his success. ü Give it a go (thử) [idiom] to give it a try Example: I tried to give cooking a go by making a turkey dinner, but I burned down the house. 46. Describe an occasion when you got up very early. You should say: when it happened why you got up early who you were with and explain how you felt about getting up early. ANSWER

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Well, I am going to share with you a story of one time when I got up very early. To be honest, getting up early was not really my sort of thing on a regular basis, only on some very special occasions. One such time was during the summer holiday last year. It was our trip to Da Nang with my whole family, which lasted for 5 days. There were lots of things planned ahead, so I did the homework carefully. Because we wanted to avoid rush hours that would probably ruin our whole trip, we had to wake up at 5am to allow time for our careful preparations. It took us 2 hours to get to the airport and fly to Da Nang in the morning. I felt a little bit sleepy because this was the first time I had had to deal with such an early start. However, it promised to be a great time for my extended family to get together, so I was really excited about it. There were 10 of us altogether, and of course we were chatting to each other all the way there. When we arrived, what really attracted me was the fresh air at Da Nang beach. At once, the incredible view totally banished all thoughts of sleep. This amazing trip included many fun times to look back on and it gave all of us a chance to bond with each other. I learnt the hard way that getting up early was as not challenging as I had thought. If I tried my best, I knew that I could do it without too much trouble. For sure, I will make more trips like that in the near future. VOCABULARY ü my sort of thing: [expression] something which interests me or something which I like to do. Example: Rock music is not my sort of thing, so I always listen to classical music.

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ü rush hours: [noun] the times of day when the roads are full of traffic, so it is difficult to reach your destination. Example: There are usually more car accidents during the morning and evening rush hours. ü ruin: [verb] spoil something, so that there is no longer any pleasure in it. Example: The wind and rain every day ruined our holiday. ü sleepy: [adjective] feeling tired and wanting to go to sleep. Example: After working hard all day, I felt sleepy and went to bed early. ü get together: [verb] if two or more people get together, they meet each other, having arranged the meeting before. Example: Shall we get together for a coffee and a chat on Friday? ü chatting: [verb] talking together in a friendly way. Example: When the teacher arrived, the students stopped chatting and paid attention. ü fresh air: [noun] pleasantly clean and cool. Example: After working in the office all day, it was nice to go outside and get some fresh air walking home through the park. ü banished: [verb] made someone or something go away. Example: The confidence of the driving instructor banished all my fears of learning to drive. ü look back: [phrasal verb] think about something in your past. Example: She looks back on her childhood as the happiest time of her life. ü bond: [verb] develop or create a friendly relationship with someone. Example: If a project is to be successful, the team members must all bond and work together effectively. IELTS NGOC BACH

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ü learnt the hard way: [expression] did something in a way which was more difficult than necessary. Example: He learnt the hard way not to drink and drive. He is now recovering in hospital after the car accident. ü without too much trouble: [expression] with no great difficulty. Example: He has a natural talent for music, so he learnt to play the piano without too much trouble. QUESTIONS FOR PART 3 46.1. Who usually get up early, young people or old people? Generally, old people have a tendency to rise earlier in the morning, which is probably because of their difficulty in falling and remaining asleep as the older people get, the more sensitive they are to noise. Besides, the elderly enjoy doing morning exercise like jogging or even simple stretching, since it helps to prevent a number of diseases, especially arthritis. 46.2. Will working late at night influence the next day’s work? I believe so. Most people have difficulty in waking up early if they turn in late the previous evening and may very well show up late for school or work. Also, not having enough rest will cause drowsiness and inability to concentrate, hence, this will affect one’s overall productivity. In the long run, this may lead to insomnia and fatigue, which prevent a person from performing efficiently. 46.3. Do young Vietnamese people stay up late at night? I suppose youth in general, including those in Vietnam, go to bed late. They either have to complete school assignments or spend time on activities before bed, which is not always good for their health. One popular habit young people have before going IELTS NGOC BACH

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to sleep, which has been proved to have negative impacts on their well-being, is using smart devices to surf the internet. This could be addictive and do harm to their health if done continually. 46.4. Is it easy to get up early for you? Personally, I don’t really mind waking up early. One reason is because I’m not in the habit of going to bed late. I always try to finish work no later than 11pm in order to get at least 7 hours of sleep, which is the recommended amount for teenagers. The other reason is, as a student, I have to get up early for school. This has somehow became my daily routine and now, I only need to rely on my biological clock instead of the normal alarm clock in order to wake up. 46.5. What do you do to guarantee a good sleep? Well, there are many things I do to ensure myself a good night’s sleep. First, I make sure that the bed is nice and comfy since it’s a lot easier to drift off to sleep on a pillowy cushion than on a hard and stiff one. Another thing I do is so turn on some music, preferably softer genres like classics or ballads, so that I can meditate and sleep soundly. This is a brilliant way to fall asleep, especially if I’m suffering from exhaustion. 46.6. Can you sleep well if there is noise around? It’s impossible for me to have a good sleep being surrounded by noise. Once there was a construction site near my house and for almost 2 weeks, all I could hear at night was the sound of machines knocking down the old building. It was so loud and so irritating that I could barely sleep and would toss and turn all night. That’s why during that period, I suffered major sleep loss and was always dozing off in class. VOCABULARY IELTS NGOC BACH

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ü Arthritis (bệnh về khớp) [noun]: a disease that causes the joints of the body to become swollen and painful Example: Arthritis is a sign of old age. ü Turn in [phrasal verb] to go to bed Example: It’s late, I think I’ll turn in. Good night. ü Show up [phrasal verb] to arrive where you have arranged to meet somebody or to do something Example: I like to show up early at the office in order to prepare my work for the day. ü Drowsiness (tình trạng buồn ngủ) [noun]: sleepiness Example: Big meals may cause drowsiness, so I usually rest after lunch. ü Insomnia (chứng mất ngủ) [noun]: the condition of not being able to sleep Example: Stressed with work, he suffered from long-term insomnia. ü Fatigue (sự mệt mỏi) [noun]: the state of being very tired Example: We were overcome by fatigue after the long journey. ü Well-being (Tình trạng hạnh phúc, khoẻ mạnh về thể xác hoặc tinh thần) [noun]: the state of being happy, healthy, or successful Example: As a doctor, he emphasized the emotional as well as the physical wellbeing of the patient. ü To be in the habit of (có thói quen làm gì đó) [expression]: to have a habit of doing something Example: As he used to be a soldier, he is in the habit of waking up early. ü Biological clock (đồng hồ sinh học) [noun]: a system in the body that controls the occurrence of natural processes (such as waking, sleeping, and aging) IELTS NGOC BACH

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Example: His biological clock enables him to wake up on time without an alarm. ü Drift

off

to

sleep

(dần

dần

rơi

vào

giấc

ngủ)

[expression]:

to fall asleep gradually Example: During that boring lecture, I drifted off to sleep a number of times. ü Meditate (trầm ngâm, suy tư về vấn đề tâm linh/ thư giãn) [verb]: to spend time in quiet thought for religious purposes or relaxation Example: He meditates for an hour every evening to shake of tiredness from working. ü Toss and turn (lật qua lật lại vì không ngủ được) [expression]: to be unable to sleep peacefully Example:

Bernard was tossing and turning all night

because

of

the

uncomfortable bed. ü Doze off (ngủ gật) [phrasal verb]: fall into a light sleep Example: Feeling very tired, I dozed off in front of the 47. Describe a skill you learned when you were a child. You should say: what skill it was who taught you this skill how you learned it and explain why you learned this skill. ANSWER

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Today, I would like to share with you a skill I learned when I was a child. Music is really my kind of thing, especially the sound of musical instruments. One of those that I enjoyed immensely was piano. I had always been attracted to this sound, therefore, I signed up for a piano course when I was in grade 5. My piano teacher was on the wrong side of 30, but she looked quite young for her age. To be honest, I didn’t pick up playing the piano very easily, so I had a problem in learning this skill at first. Fortunately, she was a very experienced and enthusiastic teacher, and she helped to familiarize me with every single lesson. I definitely found it soothing and inspiring when she taught me how to play the piano effectively. Besides taking piano lessons, I also tried my best to learn on my own through the internet, spending a lot of time searching for online lessons to work on. I did pretty well, and as a result, I had a chance to join a piano contest that took place at The Opera House in Hanoi. I was really proud of that. I have discovered that music plays an integral part in my life, getting me through tough situations, even the hardest days. Sometimes, I think everybody needs to take a little time to wind down and enjoy ourselves. Playing piano is actually how I usually spend my free time because it is really a good way for me to relax and refresh my mind. VOCABULARY ü my kind of thing (expression): something that you like or that you are into Example: Hip hop music is my kind of thing, but I can’t stand country music. ü immensely (adv): greatly, especially Example: She loves Taylor Swift immensely. I think she is her biggest fan. ü to be attracted to (expression): to really like someone or something IELTS NGOC BACH

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Example: She has been attracted to fashion since she was only two or three years old. She loves to shop for clothing. ü on the wrong side of 30 (expression): to be on the downhill side of a decade, so after 35, going toward 40, in this case. Example: My professor must be on the wrong side of 50, but his girlfriend doesn’t care. ü pick up (phrasal verb): to learn something Example: When I was living in France, I picked up French very easily after only a few months. ü Fortunately (adv): used to say that something good or lucky has happened Example: Fortunately for him, his mother paid for his plane ticket to New York. ü enthusiastic (adj): excited, having a positive and upbeat attitude Example: He is an enthusiastic swimmer; he swims every day for 2 hours. ü familiarize me with (expression): to learn about something new Example: I need to familiarize myself with this new cell phone that I just purchased yesterday. ü definitely (adv): for sure Example: I definitely do not want to eat pizza again this evening. I have eaten it every night this week. ü soothing (adj): relaxing, usually something soft and quiet Example: She put on some soothing music and took a bath. ü inspiring (adj): that which motivates you to do something Example: The speech that the president gave turned out to be so inspiring that the workers decided to stop their strike. IELTS NGOC BACH

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ü to work on (phrasal verb): to do, to practice Example: I have to work on my English if I want to pass the IELTS exam. ü to play an integral part in (something) (expression): to be an important part of something Example: My husband plays an integral part in running the day-to-day operations of our family business. ü wind down (phrasal verb): to relax, usually after doing something hard Example: After coming home from work, she had a glass of wine and a bath to wind down. ü refresh (verb): to make (someone) have more energy and feel less tired or less hot Example: When he finishes his workout, he takes a shower to refresh himself before going to work. QUESTIONS FOR PART 3 47.1. What age will make it difficult for a person to learn a skill? I think that from mid-life onwards, maybe 40 years old and over, people will find it difficult to take in new skills. One reason is due to that fact that the middle-aged have been accustomed to their way of living for a long time, so they feel reluctant learn something new. Also, some older people are quite old-fashioned, they often dismiss everything new as unnecessary and refuse to change, even if it’s for the better. 47.2. Will the age of 5 or 20 be better? It depends on the type of skills I guess. With art, music or sports, it might be the 5year-old who finds it easier to master these, since these skills take longer to perfect and demand innate talent. On the other hand, when it comes to academic skills such IELTS NGOC BACH

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as debating or persuading, 20 is the more suitable age. By that time, a person would have acquired an adequate amount of background knowledge as well as language proficiency to discuss complex subjects which 5-year-olds couldn’t comprehend. 47.3. Who will you learn a skill from, friends, teachers or parents? It’s fair to say that I could learn a lot from everyone around me. While my parents teach me how to do housework and how to behave appropriately , my teachers show me how to think creatively and critically. They also encourage me to think out of the box and seek new aspects of things. My friends, on the other hand, are the people who teach the very basic communication and social skills and inspire me to learn many more. 47.4. What’s the difference between children learning what they like and learning what they have to learn? Learning their subject of interest, children will certainly be more eager to listen. They will feel motivated to follow the lesson and they’ll be enthusiastic about asking questions, which will gradually broaden their knowledge about the subject. However, if are made to learn something they loathe, children may very well refuse to be attentive and feel demotivated to learn. This is sometimes considered as rebellious by parents, causing arguments and worse, children’s further unwillingness to study. VOCABULARY ü Reluctant (chần chừ, ngại ngần) [adjective]: not willing or eager to do something Example: He seems reluctant to admit his mistakes. ü To be for the better (hướng tới điều tốt đẹp hơn) [expression]: to be an improvement IELTS NGOC BACH

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Example: The economic reform is only for the better and the country should now emerge from the financial crisis. ü Innate talent (tài năng bẩm sinh) [noun]: a talent that exists from one’s birth Example: She has an innate talent for art, she can master almost everything she learns. ü Adequate (đủ) [adj]: enough, sufficient or good enough Example: The food was more than adequate for the six of us, so we filled our bowls. ü Proficiency (sự thành thạo) [noun]: the quality of being good at something Example: He acquired proficiency at golf through long hours of practice. ü Comprehend (hiểu, nắm được vấn đề) [verb]: understand Example: He spoke so fast that I could not comprehend what he was saying. ü Think out of the box (suy nghĩ sáng tạo, không dừng trong khuôn khổ) [expression]: think freely, not limited by old disciplines, structures or practices Example: Only when you think out of the box can you be inventive. ü Seek (tìm kiếm) [verb]: find, look for, search for Example: The company is seeking new ways to improve its service. ü Loathe (rất ghét) [verb]: to hate someone or something very much Example: They were rivals who truly loathed each other. ü Attentive [adjective]: listening or watching carefully and with interest Example: The children were very attentive during the class today about dinosaurs because, of course, all children love dinosaurs. ü Rebellious [adjective]: unwilling to obey rules or accept normal standards of behavior IELTS NGOC BACH

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Example: Teenagers are sometimes rebellious and act against the advice of their parents.

48. Describe a short trip that you frequently make (or, take) but dislike. You should say: where you travel from and to how often you make this trip why you make this trip and explain why you dislike this trip. ANSWER I would like to talk about a short trip that I frequently take but dislike. My family and I have been living in Hanoi, however, we always make time for visiting my grandparents every other weekend in our hometown. It is situated in Ninh Binh province, which lies about 90 kms from Hanoi. It normally takes us around 1 hour and a half to get there by car. To be honest, I usually get carsick, so I do not really enjoy travelling by car on trips outside the city. I mean, it makes me feel very tired and I have a headache throughout the journey, therefore I tend to fall asleep instead of staying awake to talk. Despite the fact that carsickness makes it difficult for me to put up with even this short trip, I still try my best to take time to visit my grandparents with my small family. You know, because we are living in a big city, we are so caught up in work and study as well, that our lifestyle does not allow us to have much time to get together too often. IELTS NGOC BACH

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We always make the most of the family get-together, sharing the cooking, having meals and swapping a lot of stories with each other. What I really enjoy are the beautiful views of the countryside that my hometown offers. Once you have seen it, I guess, you would keep coming back for more. Although it is so tough to stop my carsickness, our family ties and the beauty of my small hometown will keep drawing me back there. VOCABULARY ü every other: [adjective] each alternate, every second. Example: We have to pay the electricity bill every other month – in January, March, May and so on. ü carsick:

[adjective]

a feeling in your stomach that makes you want to be

sick/vomit because of the movement of a car. Example: Whenever I try to read a book or newspaper in a car, I start to feel carsick. ü staying awake: [expression] not going to sleep. Example: After studying all night, I found it difficult staying awake during the exam. ü carsickness: [noun] the feeling that you are going to be sick when you travel in a car. Example: We had to stop the car several times during the journey, because I was suffering from carsickness. I felt better after a short break and a walk for a couple of minutes. ü put up with: [phrasal verb] accept someone or something which is annoying or unpleasant, without complaining. IELTS NGOC BACH

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Example: Although our hotel room was small and uncomfortable, we decided to put up with it for one night. ü caught up in: [phrasal verb] very involved in an activity, so that you do not notice other things. Example: I was so caught up in my revision that I forgot to feed the dog. ü get together: [expression] if two or more people get together, they meet each other, having arranged the meeting before. Example: Shall we get together for a coffee and a chat on Friday? ü make the most of: [expression] use to the best advantage. Example: I will make the most of my year in Spain to improve my Spanish. ü swapping: [verb] giving something and receiving something in exchange. Example: Swapping e-mails after the holiday, we arranged to keep in contact in future. ü offers: [verb] provides the opportunity for something. Example: The hotel offers excellent facilities for families. ü tough: [adjective] difficult. Example: I will have to study hard, because the exam is really tough. ü family ties: [noun] strong connections between members of a family. Example: Now that my sister has moved to Australia, it is difficult to maintain our old family ties. ü drawing me back: [phrasal verb] attracting or encouraging me to return. Example: My memories of Paris keep drawing me back to visit the city. QUESTIONS FOR PART 3 48.1. Are there any special places for visiting in Vietnam? IELTS NGOC BACH

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Of course there are. I can name some, for example Ha Long Bay, which is a very famous tourist attraction. It’s located in Ha Long, Quang Ninh. Tourists also choose to visit some famous beaches in Nha Trang, Da Nang, or Phu Quoc, or if one likes high places with fresh air and a cool climate, you can choose Da Lat, Sa Pa, or Ba Na Hills. Especially Ba Na Hills. I must say it’s pretty popular these last couple of years. 48.2. Do Vietnamese people like to travel abroad? I must say it depends on one’s financial situation and personality. There are people who just don’t like travelling to another country or even don’t like going out at all. They prefer staying at home as they would feel comfortable and maybe safe, I think. Also, you have to take into account your financial condition. If you love travelling, can afford an overseas trip and have nothing on your plate right now then there’s no reason why you cannot travel abroad. 48.3. What can people benefit from travelling? I remember there’s a saying: “Travel broadens the mind”, so I think the most obvious benefit of travelling is the knowledge gained from it. For example, you have to go to another country, say Britain, to actually learn about their culture or the way people are with each other. Of course this information could be found on the Internet, but what matters here is the experience you get from the journey. Also, you can also meet a lot of other people, make new friends, or even potentially meet your better half. 48.4. Do you like to travel on your own or with your family? I prefer travelling with my family. What I love about travelling is that I can spend time enjoying myself with the people I love. We can share happy moments and this cements our relationships. Besides, I like it better when I look at photos of me and my family, all smiling happily rather than photos of only my face. IELTS NGOC BACH

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48.5. Do you like to visit popular places or less-known places? I like visiting popular places more. It’s just my sense of curiosity, you know; I kind of want to figure out why that place is popular. Like what does that place offer you if you come to visit it, are the people there friendly, is the food delicious, or is there lots of beautiful scenery?… I want to go to every popular place possible to answer those questions, and that’s why I prefer popular destinations to lesser-known ones. 48.6. Do people prefer short trips or long trips? Short trips would be a better choice for me. I must confess that I have a hard time adapting to a new environment and a long trip which lasts for several months at most will cause me discomfort. I need more time to actually feel comfortable living in a place than just several months, so it doesn’t matter whether the trip is for business or relaxation purposes, I still prefer going on short trips to long ones. 48.7. What kinds of problems would people have when they go on a long trip? I think going on a long trip would cause people some problems regarding their enthusiasm and stamina. Going on a long trip would require a lot of travelling as you need to visit different places, which can be really tiring. Also, not many places are suitable for a long visit. In fact, some destinations only offer the best experience for tourists who stay there for 2 days at most. If tourists stay for too long, there would be no places left to visit and then it would be very boring. VOCABULARY ü Have smt on one’s plate (có việc bận, có chuyện cần làm) [expression] (informal) to have something, usually a large amount of important work, to deal with IELTS NGOC BACH

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e.g. She’s got a lot on her plate, especially with two new projects starting this week. ü Travel broadens the mind (Đi một ngày đàng, học một sàng khôn) [proverb] when you travel, you learn things about the people and the places you see e.g. I never realized how well-off most Americans are until I visited India. It’s really true that travel broadens the mind. ü Better half (vợ/chồng) [expression] one’s husband or wife e.g. The first time I met her, I knew immediately she would be my better half. ü Cement (gắn kết bền chặt hơn) [verb] to make something such as an agreement or friendship stronger e.g. After we argued, we realized our problems and managed to solve them, which helped cement our friendship. ü Curiosity (sự tò mò) [noun] a strong desire to know or learn something e.g. Filled with curiosity, she tried to overhear what they were talking about in the room. ü Confess (thú nhận) [verb] acknowledge something reluctantly, typically because one feels slightly ashamed or embarrassed e.g. I must confess that I didn’t trust you at first. ü Adapt (hoà nhập) [verb] become adjusted to new condition e.g. A large organization can be slow to adapt to change. ü Enthusiasm (sự nhiệt tình) [noun] intense and eager enjoyment, interest, or approval e.g. They chose teaching as a career because they loved their subject and wanted to share their enthusiasm with others.

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ü Stamina (sức chịu đựng, thể lực) [noun] the ability to sustain prolonged physical or mental effort e.g. He didn’t have the stamina to do this job – he passed out on his very first day. 49. Describe a wedding that you have attended. You should say: whose wedding it was who was there what happened and explain how you felt. ANSWER Today, I’m gonna share with you a wedding of my friend that I attended. Last month, I received a wedding invitation from my old friend from primary school. The wedding was held at the beginning of April. We have been close to each other for over 15 years, therefore, I definitely wanted to attend at all costs, due to the fact that we hadn’t had a chance to get together for ages. Her wedding ceremony took place at The Sum Villa, located near West Lake. It was decorated impressively with a lot of lights, candles and flowers around the room. There were three glamorous wedding photo albums, showing tables right at the centre of the official gate. The principal colours were likely to be white and violet, so all the guests were requested to wear clothes with one or both of these colours. Personally, I wore a white dress with small accessories.

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It was meant to be a casual wedding, which I had never attended before. It turned out to be refreshingly informal. One of the best moments that really touched me was when the bridegroom sang a song for the bride and all the guests sang along with him. Also, he made a photo clip by himself marking their 4-year romance, to show to everyone in the room. It was no surprise that everyone clapped their hands and cheered them. Of course, I was no exception. It was also a good chance to catch up with my old friends and we all had a great time. We definitely made the most of the occasion and took a lot of pictures with the bride and the bridegroom. I gave my friend a gift to celebrate her wedding day. I had given much thought to my wedding present when I was choosing it, and I wished her lots of happiness for the future. VOCABULARY ü hold: [verb] have a meeting/conversation/party/wedding/event. Example: The next Olympic Games will be held in Brazil. ü close to: [expression] knowing someone well and liking them very much. Example: She has always been close to her grandparents and often visits them. ü at all costs: [expression] whatever is needed to achieve something. Example: I knew that, at all costs, I had to catch the last train home. ü for ages: [expression] for a long time. Example: I waited for ages to speak to the doctor. ü decorate: [verb] make something more attractive. Example: Her living room is always decorated with flowers. ü glamorous: [adjective] especially attractive and exciting.

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Example: When my sister was young, she wanted to have a glamorous job, like a model or a film actress. ü albums: [noun] a book in which you keep photographs. Example: All of my parent’s photographs are still in the family photo albums in my drawer. ü accessories: [noun] things like belts or bags, which you carry to match your clothes. Example: The shop sells only fashion accessories, and my friend buys all her bracelets there. ü bridegroom: [noun] a man on his wedding day. Example: The bridegroom was very nervous during the wedding ceremony. ü bride: [noun] a woman on her wedding day. Example: The bride wore a very beautiful white dress. ü romance: [noun] a relationship between two people who are in love. Example: Romeo and Juliet is a play about the romance of two young lovers. ü clapped their hands: [expression] hit their open hands together, to show that they liked or enjoyed something. Example: At the end of the fantastic show, all the audience clapped their hands. ü cheer: [verb] to shout loudly, to show support or to encourage someone. Example: The crowd cheered when Barcelona scored the winning goal. QUESTIONS FOR PART 3 49.1. Do you often attend weddings? No. To be honest, I’m studying in a university now which is far away from my hometown, so that I don’t have many chances to go to my friends’ weddings. IELTS NGOC BACH

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However, for those who are my relatives, siblings or close friends, I always try to manage the time and attend their weddings or other special occasions. 49.2. What wedding gifts are popular in Vietnam? Regarding Vietnamese culture, money is considered the most important gift to give a newly-wed Vietnamese couple because it is a symbol of prosperity. It should be placed in a white or red envelope. As the Vietnamese are very practical, it’s better not to give extravagant gifts to them. Something like kitchen or practical household items that the couple can use on a daily basis will be appreciated. 49.3. How do you think of the perfect age for marriage? The best time to find a spouse depends more on society than on biology. Personally, I think women should marry at around 24 to 30 years old, and men in their 30s, because at that time they are mature enough and can be responsible for their own life. They may also have a good career and financial status at that age in order to take care of their family. 49.4. Why do Vietnamese people like to go to celebrations like a wedding ceremony? People like attending special occasions such as weddings because they want to witness the happiest moment that may be a turning point in the lives of their close friends or loved ones. Moreover, they love going to weddings because these are occasions when long-forgotten family members and friends come out of the woodwork. Weddings force them to make an appearance and break out of their shells to reach out and reconnect. 49.5. What is the difference between an elaborate wedding ceremony and an ordinary one?

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In the case of a fancy wedding, there is a perceived connection between putting a lot of money, energy, and time into a wedding and the general anticipation of how successful the marriage will be. In contrast, an ordinary wedding follows tradition and does not require a huge amount of money to make it too formal and expensive. 49.6. Do women prefer to be single or to be married? In my opinion, most women aspire to love and be loved, so that they like to get married with their perfect spouse. Moreover, women want to solidify a family partnership for security reasons as they can feel safe and comfortable when living with their husbands. In contrast, in modern life, there are some women who value freedom and privacy so that they choose to be single. 49.7. Why do women want to get married? Well, there must be a million reasons for marriage, but when a woman wants to marry a man, she absolutely loves that person dearly and could not bear to spend another day without him as her husband. Moreover, she may want to find a stable life with her partner and make a great effort to have a happy life together. 49.8. Why has the divorce rate increased over time in modern life? Nowadays, it is common for the relationship of many couples to break down after marriage. One of the most critical reasons is the misunderstanding between them that can cause irreconcilable conflicts, so that they decide to separate. Moreover, women have become a strong presence in the workforce. They no longer depend on their husbands to support them. This independence allows them to leave an unhappy marriage and still provide for themselves. VOCABULARY ü Newly-wed (adjective): (mới cưới) recently married IELTS NGOC BACH

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Example: Money is considered the most important gift to give a newly-wed Vietnamese couple because it is a symbol of prosperity. ü Prosperity (noun): (sự giàu có, sung túc) the state of being successful, especially in making money Example: Our future prosperity depends on economic growth. ü Extravagant (adjective): (quá mức, phung phí) spending a lot more money or using a lot more of something than you can afford or than is necessary Example: I felt very extravagant spending £100 on a dress. ü Spouse (noun): (chồng/ vợ) a husband or wife Example: The best time to find a spouse depends more on society than on biology. ü Turning point (noun): (bước ngoặt) the time when an important change takes place, usually with the result that a situation improves Example: The promotion marked a turning point in her career. ü To come /crawl out of the woodwork (idiom): (bất ngờ xuất hiện) to appear suddenly and unexpectedly after a long period without any contact Example: When he won the lottery, all sorts of distant relatives came out of the woodwork to renew their acquaintance with him. ü Elaborate (adjective): carefully prepared and organised in detail Example: It took them 6 months to make all the elaborate arrangements for their wedding day. ü Aspire after/to sth (verb): (khao khát, mong muốn có được cái gì đó) to have a strong desire to achieve or to become something Example: He aspired to be their next leader. ü Solidify (verb): (làm cho vững chắc) to become or to make something become more definite and less likely to change IELTS NGOC BACH

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Example: They solidified their position as Britain's top band after a very successful tour of the country. ü Irreconcilable (adjective): differences or disagreements that are so great that people can never agree Example: The dispute between the two countries was irreconcilable, so war was inevitable. ü Presence (noun): the fact of being in a particular place Example: Older people now have an increasing presence in the workforce.

50. Describesomething that you have shared with others (or another person) You should say: what you shared who you shared it with. why you shared it
and explain how you felt about sharing it ANSWER: Well, I’m kind of an introverted person so I do not tend to share my stories with others. The only person I fully trust to confide in is my best friend from secondary school, because we have been close for over 10 years.
At my first year in university, I was a little bored with the major that I had been studying, because it was not exactly what I had signed up for at first. I meant to apply for the commercial English department, but unfortunately I did not have a high enough score and, therefore, business management was my second choice. A lot of thoughts crossed my mind at that time, like this major was not really my thing, I would not be able to make it and IELTS NGOC BACH

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similar negative feelings. I was really depressed and eventually turned to her to ask for help. We had a conversation and she helped me analyze my interests, personality, strengths and weaknesses, which allowed me to reach a decision by myself. As a result, I kept studying my major and made time for learning English besides. As we enjoyed such a close relationship, I felt really reassured when I received her useful advice. Now, I’m a final-year student at university, I am pleased with my decision, thanks to her. She really is my best friend, always stays by my side and never turns her back on me, and I treasure our friendship a lot. VOCABULARY ü introverted: [adjective] more interested in your own thoughts and feelings than in spending time with other people.
 Example: As John never interacted with others in class, his teachers considered him to be an introverted student. ü confide in: [phrasal verb] tell someone personal secrets or information because you believe that you can trust them.
 Example: Whenever she had a problem, she confided in her mother. ü close: [adjective] knowing someone very well and liking them very much. ü sign up: [phrasal verb] arrange to do a course of study by adding your name to the list of people doing it.
 Example: I decided to sign up for extra English classes to help me with my business course. ü crossed my mind: [expression] came into my mind.
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tomorrow. ü not my thing: [expression] not something that I like to do. Example: I don’t want to go to the concert, because listening to rock music is not really my thing. ü be able to make it: [expression] be able to succeed in something.
 Example: I was surprised to win the competition – I never thought I’d be able to make it. ü depressed: [adjective] feeling sad and without hope.
 Example: He felt depressed when he failed the exam, but now he is determined to succeed next time. ü reach a decision: [expression] decide something after some difficulty.
 Example: I was not sure whether to visit Thailand or Singapore, but finally I reached a decision – I would go to Singapore. ü reassured: [adjective] feel less frightened or anxious.
 Example: The doctor told him that the medical tests were OK, so he felt very reassured. ü turns her back on: [expression] rejects someone that she is close to.
 Example: She never turns her back on the people in her family – she is always ready to support them. ü treasure: [verb] have or keep something that is very valuable to you.
 Example: Although he is no longer living, I will always treasure my memories of my grandfather. QUESTIONS FOR PART 3 IELTS NGOC BACH

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50.1. Do people in your country prefer to share public transport or do they prefer to use private transport? I think Vietnamese people prefer private vehicles to public transportation. It’s pretty easy to understand why; I mean if people use their car or motorbike to travel, they don’t have to wait for public transport like buses. Also, using private transport, especially bikes or motorbikes is a more popular and rational choice here in Vietnam as there are a lot of small roads that buses cannot go down and traffic jams happen almost every day, especially in big cities like Hanoi or HCM City. 50.2. Do many people in your country share their home with others or do they mostly live alone? I think most young adults will choose to live on their own if they can afford it, but overall people tend to share their home with others. This is not limited to families, many students or adults also opt for house sharing as it costs less and it’s pretty hard to find a, how to say, “perfect” house that fits each and every of your criterion. Especially in big cities like Hanoi or HCM City, houses that are near your school, university or work can be too expensive for one to live alone, which is why home sharing is more popular. 50.3. Do you think there are many advantages when sharing your home with other people? Yes, of course. Firstly, it’s the cost. It’s apparent that you could save lots of money when you share your home with others instead of paying the rent all by yourself. Second, when you live with several other people, you could share the work with them, for example house chores like cooking, cleaning or washing the dishes. You won’t have to do all that stuff alone. Another benefit is when you get sick, your roommates may take care of you, which hardly happens if you choose to live alone. IELTS NGOC BACH

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50.4. Would you ever share your food with someone else? Yes, of course. I mean why not? I would be happy to share my food with others, well in most cases. I would have to think twice before I choose to share my food with someone I hate, but if that person is really in great need of food, for example they have been starving for days, then of course I would share my food with them. VOCABULARY ü Opt for smt/Opt to do smt (lựa chọn) [verb] make a choice, especially of one thing or possibility instead of others e.g.

Many students opt

for business studies simply because

it sounds like

a passport to a good job. ü Criterion (tiêu chí) (số nhiều: criteria) [noun] a standard by which you judge, decide about, or deal with something e.g. The Health Service should not be judged by financial criteria alone. ü Starving (đói cồn cào) [adjective] (informal) very hungry e.g. Isn’t lunch ready yet? I’m starving.

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