Speaking mid term

Describe a language other than English that you would like to learnYou should say:- what the language is- where it is spoken- what you think would be difficult and what would be easy abo

1 Describe a language other than English that you would like to learn

You should say:

- what the language is

- where it is spoken

- what you think would be difficult and what would be easy about learning the language and explain why you would like to learn it.

I would like to learn French as a third language in my life after English French is spoken in many parts of the world, not only in France but also in countries like Canada, Belgium, Switzerland, and many African countries It is estimated that French is spoken by over 220 million people worldwide

I believe that learning French would be both challenging and rewarding One of the

difficulties I anticipate is mastering the pronunciation and accent, as French is known for its nasal sounds and subtle intonations However, I think that the grammar structure of French, which is quite similar to English in some aspects, could make learning the language easier Additionally, there are many resources available online for learning French, which could facilitate the learning process

I am interested in learning French because it is considered a language of love, culture, and diplomacy French is widely used in international organizations such as the United Nations, the European Union, and the International Red Cross By learning French, I believe I would not only expand my career opportunities but also have the chance to immerse myself in the rich French culture and literature Furthermore, being able to communicate in French would allow me to connect with French-speaking people around the world and gain a deeper

understanding of their perspectives and way of life

Have you learnt a foreign language? Why?

I’m actually studying two languages at the moment and it’s quite challenging and intriguing

at the same time Since English is not my mother tongue, it’s the very first foreign language

I’ve attempted to learn because of its widespread use and numerous benefits that come

along It’s the most spoken language for non-native speakers around the globe and is one of

the most critical criteria companies look for when recruiting an employee, or at least that’s a reality in my country Besides, acquiring a new language proves to have beneficial effects on

your brain and personal development You will be able to travel around with ease, gaining more priceless experience and building up your confidence when communicating with people

2 Do you want to become a foreign language teacher in the future? Why?

That thought has crossed my mind once or twice but I’ve never visualized myself as a full-time teacher A part-full-time job, yes A professional one, not likely Being a legitimate teacher

in my country requires certain academic degrees and credentials to be able

to convey knowledge and improvise in class In my case, I’ve never attended any special training in teaching or have any pedagogical skills; therefore, I don’t have much confidence

in handling difficult situations in class Besides, you have to reach a high level of

language proficiency to make sure that whatever you say is trustworthy and credible.

3 Why do some people learn fast while others are slow?

Each person has their own ways of obtaining new knowledge and their learning acquisition process functions differently as well There are many reasons contributing to how fast a

person can master a new skill such as the neural activity itself or some other objective factors Research has shown that neural activity in quicker learners is somewhat different from slower ones, which leads to a difference in their learning speed On the other hand, factors such as

motivation, concentration, method and time also have profound impacts on efficiency Unless one is highly motivated, focused and has the right tools and guidance, he won’t be able to learn anything fast enough

4 Do you think grammar is important when you learn a foreign language? Why?

Of course, it is Whether it’s grammar, vocabulary or pronunciation, it’s essential to pay equal attention to each of them to be able to master the language However, at the very first stage of getting to know the language, grammar may not be a central

focus since familiarizing yourself with the sound and pronunciation proves to be more

effective Once you get more comfortable and would like to communicate at a higher level, correct grammar will be critical since, without it, you can only utter broken sentences, which may or may not understandable but surely unprofessional

5 Why is there a strong demand for language skills?

The world has become more interconnected than ever and cross-border communication is

not only a demand but also a determining factor in strengthening bonds among countries and people, economically and politically Therefore, understanding each other’s, verbally or

non-verbally, is crucial Furthermore, languages are valuable assets when it comes to travelling and experiencing If you are bilingual or multilingual, you can roam around other parts of

the world with great ease and your whole journey will be transformed miraculously

6 Do you think foreigner should learn your country’s language when they arrive there?

I think it’s obviously in their best interest to pick up a few basic words or phrases in a local

language Firstly, it is an interesting experience to try to communicate with the locals in their mother tongue You may not get the words right, but that’s where the fun lies Hence, people

will find you more approachable and charismatic because of your efforts and sense of humour Besides, since language is an integral part of any culture, you can develop

a cultural sensitivity while studying their very means of communication.

7 What kind of quality should a language teacher have?

Not only a language teacher in particular but educators in other areas should have certain

skills and knowledge to successfully inspire and instruct their students First and foremost,

of course, deep knowledge and great education matter It’s often said that “a teacher is only

as good as his knowledge is” People may not need academic degrees or certificates in other jobs or industries, but in education and training, they are solid proof to verify your

professional qualifications Furthermore, communication skill also plays an essential role If

one is an articulate and persuasive speaker, he will be able to convey his lectures with better results Last but not least, a good sense of humour may be of great help to grab students’ attention and interest.

8 Why do people want to learn a foreign language?

Studying a foreign language is not only a hobby but also a trend in modern society due to

some undeniable advantages Speaking more than one language can open up a world of employment opportunities for job seekers, especially if that language is widely used in a

business context You will be able to work for not only local but global corporates as well

with decent salaries In addition, being bilingual or multilingual will help extend your social network worldwide You can establish deep connections and

cross-cultural friendships with foreign co-workers or local people while travelling Finally, your

brain will benefit greatly from the learning activity itself Research has shown that studying

another language will alter your grey matter which helps to increase your brainpower.

 challenging: difficult in an interesting way that tests your ability

Eg: She is always up for some challenging sports

 intriguing: very interesting because of being unusual or not having an obvious

answer

Eg: She gives intriguing answers

 widespread: existing or happening over a large area or among many people

Eg: The pandemic is widespread

 criteria: a standard or principle by which something is judged, or with the help of

which a decision is made

Eg: “These are the criteria for assessment.”

 acquire: to gain something by your own efforts, ability or behaviour

Eg: You to acquire some knowledge on IoT

 cross one’s mind: (of a thought) occur to one, especially transiently

Eg: When I was doing this project, an idea crossed my mind

 visualize: to form a picture of somebody/something in your mind

Eg: You can visualize the story while you read

 legitimate: allowed and acceptable according to the law

Eg: The work she is doing is legitimate

 credentials: the qualities, training or experience that make you suitable to do

something

Eg: She will ask for your credentials before promoting you

 convey: to make ideas, feelings, etc known to somebody

Eg: Convey the message to your seniors about the game

 improvise: to make or do something using whatever is available, usually because you

do not have what you really need</span

Eg: ‘Improvise what your sister wrote and give me’

 pedagogical: concerning teaching methods

Eg: She developed pedagogical skills

 proficiency: the ability to do something well because of training and practice

Eg: You need to have proficiency in anything you choose

 credible: that can be believed or trusted

Eg: Your answer is credible

 obtain: to get something, especially by making an effort

Eg: She obtained it from the market

 contribute: to increase, improve or add to something

Eg: She contributed some money for the flood victims

 familiarize: to learn about something or teach somebody about something, so that

you/they start to understand it

Eg: Familiarise yourself with the product

 interconnected: having all constituent parts linked or connected

Eg: Everything is interconnected

 cross-border: involving activity across a border between two countries

Eg: Computers have enabled cross-border transactions.

 asset: a person or thing that is valuable or useful to somebody/something

Eg: Singing is her asset

 bilingual: able to speak two languages equally well

Eg: Ram is bilingual

 multilingual: speaking or using several different languages

Eg: She has a multilingual friend

 roam: to walk or travel around an area without any definite aim or direction

Eg: Don’t roam around during the pandemic

 in one’s best interest: for one’s benefit or advantage

Eg: Parents are scolding you because they care for you

 approachable: friendly and easy to talk to; easy to understand

Eg: All the teachers in the school are approachable

 charismatic: exercising a compelling charm that inspires devotion in others

Eg: Sita is a charismatic person

 integral: is an essential part of something

Eg: This screw is an integral part of the product.

 cultural sensitivity: being aware that cultural differences and similarities between

people exist without assigning them a value – positive or negative, better or worse, right or wrong

Eg: My grandmother is culturally sensitive

 instruct: to tell somebody to do something, especially in a formal or official way Eg: I instructed her to work on the project

 verify: to check that something is true or accurate

Eg: She will verify the news

 articulate: (of a person) good at expressing ideas or feelings clearly in words

Eg: She is very articulate

 grab one’s attention: to cause one to become interested in something

Eg: She grabbed the professor’s attention by raising her hand

2 Describe a close friend

You should say

- how long you have known this person

- how you met

- what kind of person he/she is

and explain why you like him/her.

I would like to talk about my close friend whom I have known for a decade now We first met

in high school when we both joined the school's performance ensemble Our friendship blossomed as we spent time rehearsing together and discovered our shared interests and values

My friend is an incredibly kind and generous person She is always ready to lend a helping hand and has stood by me through thick and thin over the years Last year, when I fell ill and had to be hospitalized, she took a week off from her busy schedule to take care of me

Despite her own commitments, she actively participates in volunteer work, such as local environmental campaigns and community service projects

Moreover, my friend is truly inspiring She motivates us to strive for excellence, never give

up, and shares stories of famous individuals who overcame failures to achieve success Her leadership qualities and selfless nature make her a role model for me and others around her

I admire my friend not only for her kindness and generosity but also for her positive influence

on those around her Her friendship has brought immense joy and enrichment to my life, and

I feel fortunate to have such an exceptional and inspiring friend by my side

Do people spend more time with friends or with relatives?

Well, I am a university student so I spend more time with my friends at university

Sometimes this is because of coursework where we need to do group assignments and

projects but we also spend time to hang out together I think it’s pretty typical of university students to want to spend more time with their friends than with their families You share mostly similar interests and are learning how to be independent from your family I think as people get older, and especially when they get married, they stop seeing their friends as much and focus more on their family I’m sure in a few years that’s a trend I’ll start to see among

my own friends, but for now I definitely spend more time with my peers

peer (noun): bạn đồng trang lứa; cùng cảnh ngộ; đồng nghiệp

How do our friendships change as we grow older?

It is really hard to tell because things can change in many different ways We might be too busy for each other or someone moves away As people get older their lives can get more complicated and it can be difficult to find the time to see old friends I think older people do fewer activities with their friends and are more likely to just go for good coffee and have a chat I think being there emotionally for your friends is the most important thing Not just in friendships but in relationships generally, you don’t have to communicate all the time but you know that you are there for one another if you need it I think that’s good enough somehow

Do you have a lot of close friends?

I only have one buddy with whom I would confide I'm extremely choosy, and more

significantly, I have an illogical dread that none of my friends like me, that I'm simply a person they can barely endure, and that it's difficult for me to live in harmony with them

Is it important to stay in touch with your friends throughout the years?

Yes, it is critical not to lose touch with your pals Everyone evolves, and even close friends can move apart However, in my opinion, friends are your second family, and we should value them strongly

Would you prefer to have one good friend or many friends?

I would rather have one close buddy than a large number of pals The reason for this is that the former will undoubtedly be there for you when you want assistance, but the latter may or may not That is why I would choose a wonderful buddy who can be a shoulder to weep on

Which do you prefer: to spend time with a friend or spend time alone?

It all depends Normally, I'm a loner who prefers to spend time alone rather than with others But when I'm down, loneliness makes me feel alienated from the rest of the world On those days, I would spend time with my pals to keep gloomy and negative thoughts at bay

Do you think it is possible to become real friends with people you meet on the internet?

Of course, it is possible to form genuine connections with people you meet online In a friendship, you need honesty, dependability, empathy, respect, and loyalty If you obtain all

of that from your online buddies, you may consider them real friends

TỪ VỰNG:

 Confide (v): tâm sự

 Illogical (adj): phi logic

 Dread (n): nỗi sợ

 Endure (v); chịu đựng

 Harmony with (v): hòa hợp

 Evolve (v): phát triển, thay đổi

 Weep on (v): khóc

 Alienate from (v): xa lánh

 Dependability (n): độ tin cậy

 Empathy (n): đồng cảm

 Loyalty (n): sự trung thành



3 Describe an activity you do to stay healthy You should say:

- what it is

- how often you do it

- how you do it (or how easy or difficult it is to do)

and explain how it helps to keep you fit.

One of the activities I engage in to maintain my health is practicing yoga I make it a

point to practice yoga at least four times a week Initially, it was quite challenging for me as I was not very flexible and found it hard to hold some of the poses However, with consistent practice and dedication, I have seen significant improvements in my flexibility and strength Yoga has been instrumental in keeping me fit both physically and mentally The practice not only helps me to improve my balance, flexibility, and strength but also allows me to relax and destress The focus on breathing and mindfulness during yoga sessions helps me to clear my mind and improve my overall mental well-being Additionally, yoga has helped me to

alleviate any muscle tension or stiffness that I may experience from sitting at a desk for long hours

In the future, I plan to continue practicing yoga as part of my fitness routine as it has become

an essential aspect of maintaining my health and well-being

One of the activities I do to stay healthy is jogging I started this habit about 2 years ago

when I was feeling stressed out due to my studies I needed a way to release stress and

decided to give jogging a try

I usually go jogging in the evenings, and I try to do it at least 3 times a week Initially, it was quite challenging for me because I was leading a sedentary lifestyle, spending most of my time sitting in front of my computer I experienced muscle aches in the beginning, but with perseverance, I got used to it and now enjoy it

Jogging has had a significant impact on my physical and mental health It has helped me strengthen my body, lose excess weight, and maintain a lean physique Not only does jogging improve my physical fitness, but it also allows me to unwind, breathe fresh air, and clear my mind Whenever I go jogging, I feel rejuvenated and refreshed, ready to take on any

challenges that come my way

In the future, I plan to continue jogging to stay healthy, and I may even explore other sports

to add variety to my fitness routine

1 What are the most popular ways of keeping healthy in your country?

It depends much on age and personal preferences For youngsters like me, we often go to the gym and play team sports such as football that require more energy and physical strength Meanwhile, older people are into doing relaxing sports like yoga or pilates

2 Why do you think some people continue bad habits when they know that they are damaging to their health?

I think the obvious reason is that quitting these habits requires a lot of time and effort Some people just lack consistency and determination However, there are objective reasons as well For example, when it comes to fast food and unhealthy snacks, the temptation created by adverts can drive people to eat them over and over again

And lastly, people can actually be addicted to the sugar in this unhealthy food

3 How can people be encouraged to stay healthy?

From my point of view, the unhealthy lifestyles that people have are the result of

inadequate health awareness Therefore, the first step could be creating educational

campaigns to widen people’s knowledge about this area The government and local

authorities can also motivate people to exercise by providing public sports facilities and sponsoring sports events

4 Do you think people have become more health-conscious in recent years?

Yes, especially after the long period of Covid-19 Although people now have longer average lifespans compared to the past, there is still a number of health problems that put them at risk Firstly, the booming economy around the world is an underlying reason for poor

environmental conditions that lead to serious diseases such as cancer

Secondly, I haven’t even mentioned other mental illnesses, for example, depression which is becoming more and more common These mental issues are way harder to deal with in comparison with physical ones As a consequence, you can find many articles and magazines that are specialized in this subject

1 Do you have any unhealthy habits?

Unfortunately yes I do have a hectic schedule every day so I keep skipping meals I know this habit is harmful to my body and always makes me feel under the weather I’m trying

to break this habit by creating a clear timetable

2 In what ways do you try to stay healthy?

For me, the easiest way is to exercise on a daily basis It not only helps me keep fit but also reduces my stress level Other than that, I also have regular check-ups every year to avoid major health problems

3 Do you do any sports?

Swimming is my favourite sport and I do it every day without fail However, I’m planning

to take up a new sport such as kickboxing or karate as a way to protect myself

4 What are the health benefits of playing a sport?

Well, I have to say that sports do wonders for our health Firstly, it helps us stay in

shape and build muscles People also do sports for entertainment and relaxation after a stressful working day I guess that’s the reason why we can get better sleep after every workout

5 What do you think is more important, eating healthy or doing exercise?

To me, eating healthy is more essential You know there is a saying: You are what you eat For example, if you eat too much fast food, you are likely to get obesity In contrast, having a healthy diet and providing vital nutrients is a way to build a strong immune system and fight against any health problems These benefits can not be achieved by only exercising

6 Do you think more about your health now than when you were younger?

Certainly! Now that I’m older, I can feel that my body isn’t as fresh as a daisy as it was before Therefore, I pay more attention to my health now For instance, I try to get rid of the sedentary lifestyle by doing sports more often and going on a diet I even visit the doctor once in a while to have check-ups

 a hectic schedule: lịch trình bận rộn/ dày đặc

 skip meals: bỏ bữa

 to be harmful to sth: có hại cho ai

 feel under the weather: cảm thấy không khỏe

 break the habit of Ving: từ bỏ thói quen gì

 on a daily basis: hằng ngày

 keep fit/ stay in shape: giữ sức khỏe, khỏe mạnh, giữ dáng

 reduce my stress level: giảm thiểu stress, căng thẳng

 regular check-ups: kiểm tra sức khỏe thường xuyên

 without fail: hằng ngày

 take up a new sport: bắt đầu một môn thể thao mới

 do wonders for our health: mang lại nhiều điều có lợi cho sức khỏe

 build muscles: phát triển cơ bắp

 You are what you eat (idiom): Thực phẩm bạn ăn sẽ thể hiện cơ thể của bạn ra sao

 obesity: bệnh béo phì

 vital nutrients: các dưỡng chất cần thiết

 build a strong immune system: phát triển hệ thống miễn dịch khỏe mạnh

 fight against: chống lại

 as fresh as a daisy: tràn đầy năng lượng, khỏe mạnh

 pay attention to: chú ý đến cái gì

 a sedentary lifestyle: một lối sống thụ động

 once in a while: thỉnh thoảng

4 Describe a place you would like to visit

You should say:

- Where you would like to go

- How you would travel

- What you would do there

and explain why you would like to go to this place

I'd love to visit Kyoto, a city in Japan known for its rich cultural heritage, stunning temples, and beautiful gardens If I were to travel to Kyoto, I would most likely take a direct flight from my city to Osaka, which is the nearest major airport From there, I would probably take

a train to Kyoto, as Japan's efficient and extensive rail network makes traveling between cities convenient and comfortable

Once in Kyoto, I would immerse myself in the city's historical charm by visiting iconic landmarks such as the Fushimi Inari Shrine, Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion), and the traditional Gion district I would also explore the serene Arashiyama Bamboo Grove and stroll through the beautiful gardens of the Imperial Palace Additionally, I would indulge in authentic Japanese cuisine, including sushi, ramen, and matcha desserts, to experience the local flavors and culinary delights

There are several reasons why I am drawn to Kyoto Firstly, I have always been fascinated by Japanese culture and history, and Kyoto, with its well-preserved traditions and architecture, offers a glimpse into Japan's past The city's temples, shrines, and tea houses exude a sense of tranquility and beauty that I find captivating

Secondly, I am eager to witness the breathtaking natural landscapes that Kyoto has to offer, from the cherry blossom trees in spring to the vibrant autumn foliage The seasonal beauty of Kyoto adds an extra layer of magic to the city's already enchanting ambiance

Lastly, I am excited about the opportunity to engage with the local community and learn more about Japanese customs and traditions Interacting with the friendly residents,

participating in tea ceremonies, and perhaps even trying on a traditional kimono would allow

me to deepen my understanding and appreciation of Japanese culture

Overall, a trip to Kyoto would not only fulfill my desire to explore a new and captivating destination but also provide me with a meaningful cultural experience that I will cherish for years to come

1 What are some popular places to visit in your country? Why are they popular?

There are tons of beautiful places to visit in Vietnam from ancient cities to hill towns to

national parks and scenic lakes Many popular places are located along Vietnam’s long

coastline like Ha Long Bay in the north, this area has huge limestone pillars jutting out of the ocean and people go out on overnight boat trips in the bay, there’s also the ancient town of Hoi An in the middle of the country which is an incredibly well-preserved old trading town with gorgeous temples and a mixture of Vietnamese, Chinese and French architectural styles It’s now most famous for its world-class tailors and people go there to get unique handmade clothes



o scenic (adjective): có cảnh thiên nhiên đẹp

2 Why do people travel?

Different people travel for all different kinds of reasons For many, traveling is a chance to escape from the stress and pressure of their working lives and be able to escape from reality for a while Others travel to open their minds to new people and experiences and learn about different cultures and languages and ways of living Others maybe just want to experience all the natural beauty the world has to offer

3 Do you think parents should make a point of taking their children to see a variety of different places? Why or why not?

Definitely! Children are very curious and they always want to learn about and explore new

things Traveling will definitely enrich their knowledge and their soul and expose them to

all different kinds of people and culture and food and art Traveling can help to equip

children with the living skills they need for the future



o enrich one’s knowledge/soul: làm giàu kiến thức/tâm hồn

4 How do you think travel will be different in the future?

I think there will be an increase in the frequency that people travel Cheap airlines will be even cheaper and more affordable for most people in the world Apart from that, I also

suppose that people will travel more to the untouched places of Earth, such as the South

Pole But before doing so people have to make the tourism industry more environmentally friendly to ensure that the local habitats and the flora and fauna in these distant places will not be damaged



o untouched (adjective): chưa bị ảnh hưởng; hoang sơ, chưa bị tàn phá

5 How can increased tourism have a negative effect on the countries visited?

No one can deny the fact that tourism has brought a number of positive effects on the

countries visited However, there are also some negative effects that it will bring to these

countries One of the biggest problems is the degradation of certain tourist places,

specifically old historical ones Besides the wear and tear of thousands of people visiting

them there can also be worse damage like graffiti or people breaking off bits of the sites Increased tourism can also lead to more environmental concerns like higher pollution or lots

of litter being left at the tourist sites



o degradation (noun): sự suy thoái, xuống cấp

o wear and tear: hư hại, hao mòn

- What may be the most popular tourist attraction in your country?

 Among a lot of tourist attractions in Vietnam, I think Sam Son might be a must place to visit It’s a beautiful beach in Thanh Hoa – a province in the centre region of Vietnam In Sam Son, we can see nice landscapes such as Hon Trong Mai and Doc Cuoc temple The night market there is very crowded with a variety of local products Seeing the sunrise and sunset, walking along the sandy beach there is really romantic We can also do a lot of interesting activities there such as some team building games, dancing, sports, flying kites, surfing and so on Moreover, seafood in Samson is extremely fresh and delicious It may be the most popular tourist attraction in my country

- What are some advantages of having a package tour?

 Having a package tour can bring us a lot of benefits First, we can go to many different places Second, we have a tour-guide to help us understand the customs and culture in the tourist destinations The most important advantage is that we do not have to worry about anything The travel agent will make plan to prepare everything for the whole tour from tickets, transportation, accommodation to great restaurants where we should eat That’s why

we can save a lot of money and be much safer

- Why do people in your country go on holiday?