1.

Describe the US *
- The United States of America is known as United State (US) or America. The conterminous
(excluding Alaska and Hawaii) United States stretches across central North America from the
Atlantic Ocean on the east to the Pacific Ocean on the west, and from Canada on the north to
Mexico and the Gulf of Mexico on the south. It consists of 50 states, a federal district, five
major self-governing territories and various possessions. The capital is Washington D.C. and
the most populous city is New York City. The Eagle is the symbol of the US. There are 50 stars
and 13 stripes in the flag of the US. It stands for 50 states and the first 13 states of the nation’s
founding. The 2 main mountains are the Appalachian Mountains and the Rocky Mountains. The
longest river in the US is the Mississippi and the major rivers in the western part of the US are
Colorado and the Rio Grande. The Great Lakes on the northern border of the country are Lake
Superior, Lake Michigan, Lake Huron, Lake Erie, and Lake Ontario.
2. Định nghĩa trong bài
- A school board is a committee in charge of education in a particular city or area, or in a
particular school, especially in the United States.
- Superintendent is a person who directs or manages a place, department, organization, etc. : a
high rank in a police department or a person who has this rank. US : a person who is in
charge of cleaning, maintaining, and repairing a building.
- Principal is a person who has controlling authority or is in a leading position
- A PTA is a school association run by some of the parents and teachers to discuss matters that
affect the children and to organize events to raise money. PTA is an abbreviation for parent-
teacher association.
- Further education (often abbreviated FE) in the United Kingdom and Ireland is education in
addition to that received at secondary school, that is distinct from the higher education (HE)
offered in universities and other academic institutions.
- Gym class is a class held in a gym.
- Recess is a break between school classes
- The three Rs are three basic skills taught in schools: reading, writing and arithmetic (usually
said as "reading, writing, and 'rithmetic"), regarded as the fundamentals of learning
- A parochial school is a private primary or secondary school affiliated with a religious
organization, and whose curriculum includes general religious education in addition to
secular subjects, such as science, mathematics and language arts.
- freshman is a student who is in his or her first year at university or college.
- Sophomores: a student who is in 10th grade or in the second year of College/ University,
Juniors: a student who is in 11th grade or in the third year of College/ University, Senior: a
student who is in 12th grade or in the fourth year (or last year) of College/ University.
- Homecoming is the tradition of welcoming back former students and members and
celebrating an organization's existence.
- A promenade dance, commonly called a prom, is a dance party for high school students. It
may be offered in semi-formal black tie or informal suit for boys, and evening gowns for
girls. This event is typically held near the end of the school year.
- Bussing: the transporting of students by bus to schools outside their neighborhoods,
especially as a means of achieving socioeconomic or racial diversity among students in a
public school.
- A transcript is documentation of a student's permanent academic. record, which usually
means all courses taken, all grades received, all honors. received, and degrees conferred to a
student.
- Ivy league is a group of long-established colleges and universities in the eastern US having
high academic and social prestige. It includes Harvard, Yale, Princeton, Columbia,
Dartmouth, Cornell, Brown, and the University of Pennsylvania.
- GPA stands for Grade Point Average. It is a standard way of measuring academic
achievement in the U.S.
- A financial aid package is the total amount of financial aid (federal and nonfederal) a student
is offered by a college or career school. The school's financial aid staff combines various
forms of aid into a "package" to help meet a student's education costs.
- teaching assistant (TA) is typically a graduate student who assists a professor with
instructional responsibilities.
- Summa cum laude is an honorary title used by educational institutions to signify a degree
that was earned "with the highest distinction." Summa cum laude indicates the greatest
distinction of three commonly used types of academic honors, expressed in Latin,
recognized in the United States.
- Denomination is a religious group
- Preaching is teaching
- Synagogues is the building where a Jews worship
- Islam is the Muslim religion
- Fundamentalist is protestant members who believe the exact words of the Bible
- Dual- earning family are those in which both partners contribute to the financial support of
their household through their work outside the home.
- Single parent families are comprised of a parent/caregiver and one or more dependent
children without the presence and support of a spouse or adult partner who is sharing the
responsibility of parenting.
- Non-traditional family is a family that is not made up of one mother, one father, and a child
or children.
- A reconstituted family is when two families join together after one or both partners have
divorced their previous partners. This family option can sometimes be referred to as the
blended family or step family.
- A generation gap refers to the chasm that separates the thoughts expressed by members of
two different generations. More specifically, a generation gap can be used to describe the
 differences in actions, beliefs, and tastes exhibited by members of younger generations
versus older ones.
- Prepared foods are foods that are typically produced for immediate consumption.
“Preparing” is any act other than washing with water and may include peeling, cutting,
dicing, or cooking of a food item.
- To order in is to order food from a restaurant and ask for it to be delivered to you.
- Foodies definition: a person having an enthusiastic interest in the preparation and
consumption of good food |
- Junk food is food that has low nutritional value, typically produced in the form of packaged
snacks needing little or no preparation.
- Fizzy drinks are drinks that contain small bubbles of carbon dioxide.
- An apartment (American English), or flat is a self-contained housing unit that occupies only
part of a building, generally on a single story.
3. what do you think a society like melting pot?
The melting pot is a monocultural metaphor for a heterogeneous society becoming more
homogeneous, the different elements "melting together" with a common culture; an alternative
being a homogeneous society becoming more heterogeneous through the influx of foreign
elements with different cultural backgrounds, possessing the potential to create disharmony
within the previous culture. Historically, it is often used to describe the cultural integration of
immigrants to the United States.
The melting-together metaphor was in use by the 1780s The exact term "melting pot" came into
general usage in the United States after it was used as a metaphor describing a fusion of
nationalities, cultures and ethnicities in the 1908 play of the same name.

The desirability of assimilation and the melting pot model has been rejected by proponents of
multiculturalism, who have suggested alternative metaphors to describe the current American
society, such as a salad bowl, or kaleidoscope, in which different cultures mix, but remain
distinct in some aspects. The melting pot continues to be used as an assimilation model in
vernacular and political discourse along with more inclusive models of assimilation in the
academic debates on identity, adaptation and integration of immigrants into various political,
social and economic spheres.
What do you think a society like mosaic
4. 'Cultural mosaic' VS. 'Melting pot'.
a. Cultural mosaic definition:
"Cultural mosaic" is the mix of ethnic groups, languages and cultures that co-exist within
society. The idea of a cultural mosaic is intended to champion an ideal of multiculturalism.

List pros and cons:

Pros

• People are more tolerant of other ethnics

• Better for immigrants

• People are allowed to practice their own culture

• People are more likely to learn English

• People feel welcomed

• There is more recognition to minority groups

• The ideas from diversity of view-points will strengthen the host country

• A greater chance that the immigrants will fight for their host country

• Attempts to create unity through difference

• Provides the public sense of free speech

• Democratic
• Can help separate conflicting groups

• Economically beneficial to immigrants and the host country

Cons

• people are not very unified

• loss of culture of the host country

• It highlights difference and can increase hate crimes

• It is less successful because of having to do with problems of social cohesion, conflict, and
even violence

• encourages damaging claims to victim-hood

can cause the false mashing of identities

b. Melting pot definition:

The melting pot is a metaphor for a heterogeneous society becoming more homogenous the
different elements "melting together" into a harmonious whole with a common culture. It is
particularly used to describe the assimilation of immigrants to USA; the melting-together
metaphor was in use by the 1780s.

List pro's and cons:

 Pros

• People are more unified

• Already unified in time of crisis

• Increase standard of living

• Can provide indigenous peoples with skills to succeed

• America demonstrates that assimilation can succeed\

Cons

• People are less tolerant of other ethnics

• Example of assimilation is with the First Nations

• Enforces English, which leads to rebellion

• People are expected to shed their own culture

• Loss of many characteristics of absorbed group

• Forbids any formal governmental recognition being given to groups of different kinds.

2. The characteristics of modern Americans

- The US has the third-largest population in the world. The most distinctive characteristic of the
US is its people. They are really friendly. They smile a lot and talk easily to strangers, sharing
personal stories. They are hard-working, honest. They follow the rule of law. American are
extremely independent, individualistic and like to be different from each other. They don’t have
deep friendship. Once they get what they want, they abandon you for the next big thing. They
do it unconsciously without emotion attachment because they were raised that way. Moreover,
they are always punctual. Time is money so they never be late for important things.
 Vietnamese people are very friendly and hospitable. They welcome to strangers or guest. They
will be willing to help if someone need.
3. Why do people immigrate to America? *
- Most of people migrate for economic reasons. People think about emigrating from place that
have few job opportunities, and they immigrate to places where jobs seem to be available.
Political conditions can also operate as pull factors. People may be attracted to democratic
countries that encourage individual choice in education, career, and place of residence. People
also migrate for environmental reasons, pulled toward physically attractive regions and pushed
from hazardous ones. In an age of improved communications and transportation systems,
people can live in environmentally attractive areas that are relatively remote and still not feel
too isolated from employment, shopping, and entertainment opportunities. High education is
one of the top reasons people immigrate, especially the younger ones are to pursue higher
education in a field that can be not available in their country, or better universities are available
abroad. Once you move to study many times, they enjoy better their new place and extend their
stay indefinitely.
4. Some differences in Am. English and Brit. English
- There are some minor differences between Am. English and Brit. English:
+ Stress and pronunciation :
Brit. E and Am. E
Car ka: ka:r
Bear beah bear
Start sta:t sta:rt
Newyork nju: jo:k nu: jo:rk
Bare beơ ber

+ Vocabulary :
Brit. E and Am. E
Trousers and pants
Holiday and vacation
Football and soccer
University and college
Flat and apartment

+ Spell :
 Brit. E and Am. E
Organise organize
Colour color
Enrol enroll
Defence defense
Metre meter

+ Grammar :
Brit. E and Am. E
To Jane with Jane
Monday to Sunday Monday through Sunday
At the weekend On the Weekend
Spill-spilt-spilt spill-spilled-spilled
Dive-dived-dived dive-dove-dived
 Although there are some differences between British English and American
English, they are rarely misunderstading. British English and American English
voice almost not much different. In other words, whether the pronunciation is in an
American or English accent, the readers themselves understand what they say.
5. 3 branches of Government.
- There are 3 branches of Government : the legislative, the executive, and the judicial. Each
branch has different functions and power under principle of separation of power.
+ The legislative branch is called Congress. It is the responsibility of Congress to propose and
pass law. Congress can refuse to approve Presidential appointments and can override a
Presidential veto.
+ The executive branch is the responsibility of executive to enforce laws. The President belongs
to the executive branch.
+ The judicial branch explains and interprets laws makes decisions in lawsuit. It has power over
the other 2 branches because it can declare their law and actions unconstitutional.
 In the system of check and balances, each branch has some control over the other 2 branches.
6. The President of the US
- To qualify to serve, the President must be a born US citizen and at least thirty-five years old.
He/she must have live in the US for at least fourteen years. The President travels a lot, but he or
she lives and work at the White House in Washington. The President’s term of office is four
years, and no President may serve for than 2 term in a row. If the President dies, these officials
take over the position in this order : The Vice President, the Speaker of the House of
Representatives, the President pro tempore of Senate, the Secretary of State, the other twelve
members of Cabinet. If the President sign the bll, it becomes law and if the President vetoes the
bill, Congress can overrides the veto, and it becomes the law anyway.
Current president
Joseph Robinette Biden Jr. was elected the 46th president of the United States after thirty-six
years in the Senate and eight years as vice president. On January 20, 2021, at age 78, Biden
 became the oldest president in history to take oath of office. He confronted a divided nation
wracked by the worst health crisis in a century with the coronavirus pandemic, a staggered
economy, protests for racial justice, and internal threats to American democracy.

7. Compare and contrast schools in the US and VN

United State Vietnam
- Most students go to school at 5 - Students go to school at 7 years old.
years old, some go to school at 7 -
years old. -
- 2 type of schools : public schools - 2 types of schools : public schools
and private schools. and private schools.
- The academic year will start in - The academic year will start in late
September to June next year. August or early September to the
- end of May next year.
- Elementary : Students study 3 main- Primary school : Students study 2
subjects: read, write and arithmetic. main subjects : Vietnamese and
- School level: 3 levels : arithmetic.
+ Elementary : Grade: 1-6, age: 5- - School level: 3 levels:
12 + Primary school: grade: 1-5, age:
+ Junior high school: Grade: 7-8, 6-11
age: 13-14 + Secondary school: grade: 6-9,
+ High school: grade: 9-12, age: 14- age: 11-15
18 + High school: grade: 10-12, age :
15-18
 American high school students who want to study at a college or university have to take a
standardized test, eg the SAT, the ACT. Overseas students must also take the TOEFL.
8. Types of family in the US
There are 7 types of family in the US :
- Nuclear family : a family consisting of 2 parents and their children, but not including aunts,
uncles, grandparents, ect.
+ Advantages : Financially stable, both parents usually work now, Children raised in a stable
parenting situation, Consistency, Emphasis on health and education, Focus on communication.
+ Disadvantages : Exclusion of extended family can lead to isolation and stress, Can struggle
with conflict resolution, Nuclear families can become too child-focused, resulting in self-
centered children and families neglecting other important things
- Extended family : are families with two or more adults who are related through blood or
marriage, usually along with children.
 + Advantages : Things like respect and care for the elderly are important, More family around
to help with chores, child care, in case of emergencies, etc, Social support.
+ Disadvantages : Financial issues can occur if parents are supporting several other adults and
children without any extra income, Lack of privacy depending on the living environment.
- Children family : are families with two parents who cannot have or don't want kids.
+ Advantages : Typically have more disposable income, No dependents to take care of, Have
more freedom to travel, go on adventures, pursue different careers or education, Couples get to
spend more time together.
+ Disadvantages : Couples can feel isolated or left out when all their friends/family start having
kids, If you like kids, you can feel like something is missing, Infertility can force a family to be
childless, which can be hard for couples
- Grandparent family : A grandparent family is when one or more grandparent is raising their
grandchild or grandchildren.
+ Advantages : Grandparents and grandchildren form a close bond, Keeps children from ending
up in foster homes or other situations.
+ Disadvantages : Grandparents may not work or have full-time jobs, may struggle with
income, Depending on their health, it may be difficult for them to keep up with young children
or discipline them as they get older.
- Single-parent family : Single parent families consist of one parent with one or more kids.
+ Advantages : Family members can become very close, Learn to share household duties,
Children and parents can become very resilient.
+ Disadvantages : Families struggle to get by on one income; some are on social assistance, It
can be difficult for parents to work full-time and still afford quality childcare, Parenting can be
inconsistent, especially if kids go back and forth between parents.
- Step family : A stepfamily is when two separate families merge into one. This can go several
different ways, like two divorced parents with one or more children blending families, or one
divorced parent with kids marrying someone who has never been married and has no kids.
+ Advantages : Children get the benefit of having two parents around, Children and their new
siblings or step-parents can form strong bonds, Benefit of having two incomes compared to
single parent families.
+ Disadvantages : Adjustment can be difficult for parents and children, Parents can run into
problems trying to discipline each other's kids, May lack discipline or be inconsistent.
- Same-sex family : is a homosexual family. they can live with their children or not.
+ Advantages : understand the children most easily, Easily share everything with each other.
+ Disadvantages : difficult to avoid social prejudices, difficulty in faithfulness.
9. What do you know about media of the US?
- The US has the most highly-developed mass media in the world. There are 4 main mediums :
Television, radio, newspaper, internet. Television is America’s most popular. The 4 major
commercial Tv network are ABC, CBS, NBC and Fox. American radio broadcasts in two
bands: FM and AM. National Public Radio is the nation's primary public radio network, but
most radio stations are commercial and profit-oriented. The US has only one national
 newspaper, USA Today. There are 2 kind of newspaper : printed newspaper and electric
newspaper. Print newspapers are getting less and less, while electronic newspapers are
developing strongly. The internet is growing stronger. It is popular with everyone, especially
young people and social activists. People use the Internet for a variety of purposes such as
learning, information and entertainment.
 American attitude toward media : depend heavily on US media  State has income. Producer,
artists rely on media to promote their products, bringing them closer to the public.
 Overseas people : Media in the US is also popular among foreigners, especially foreign
language students. They use to read news, learn vocabulary, refer to foreign news.
10. Holiday in the US ( Tự chọn 1 ngày để viết )
New Year's Day falls on January 1st and marks the start of a new year according to the
Gregorian calendar. It marks the end of New Year's Eve celebrations in the United States and
gives many Americans a chance to remember the previous year. New Year's Day is a public
holiday. It is a day off for the general population, and schools and most businesses are closed.
The start of New Year's Day, at midnight, is heralded by fireworks, parties and special events,
which are often televised. Very few people have to work on the day itself. Many people make
New Year's resolutions. These are usually promises to themselves that they will improve
something in their own lives. Common New Year's resolutions are to stop smoking or drinking
alcohol, to lose weight, exercise more or to live a healthier lifestyle. Government offices,
organizations, schools and many businesses are closed in the USA on New Year's Day. Public
transit systems do not run on their regular schedules. Where large public celebrations have been
held, traffic may be disrupted by the clean-up operation. In general, public life is completely
closed down.
 Tết- Vietnamese New Year is the most important celebration in Vietnamese culture. Tết
celebrates the arrival of spring based on the Vietnamese calendar, which usually has the date
falling in January or February in the Gregorian calendar. Many customs are practiced during
Tết, such as visiting a person's house on the first day of the new year, ancestor worship, wishing
New Year's greetings, giving lucky money to children and elderly people, and opening a shop.
Tết is also an occasion for pilgrims and family reunions. They start forgetting about the troubles
of the past year and hope for a better upcoming year. They consider Tết to be the first day of
spring, and the festival is often called Hội xuân (spring festival).

11. Event : *
The American Civil War was fought between the northern and southern states from 1861 to
1865. There are 2 main causes of the war. The first was the issue of slavery: should Africans
who had been brought by force to the US be used as slaves. The second was the issue of state’
right: should the US federal government be more power than the government of individual
states. During the war, the differences between North and South had become even greater. The
North had become richer. In the South, cities had been destroyed and the economy ruined.
Finally, there were some effects of the Civil War. Differences between North and South are still
strong. The Civil War helped to end slavery, but long afterward Blacks were still being treated
badly, and race relations continue to be a problem. The war showed strong differences between
parts of the US.