Full template part 3

Sunday, July 10, 2022 1:28 PM

What to expect
CPEAR
- Comparison ( so sánh)
- Prediction ( dự đoán)
- Evaluating ( đánh giá - advantages/benefits and disadvantages/drawbacks)
advantages disadvantages
benefits drawbacks
pros cons
- Analyzing( phân tích - problems/causes and solutions)
- Reasoning( lý luận)

Sample questions
- Comparison: Are houses nowadays the same as houses 30 years ago in your country ?
- Predictions: what will house be like in the future?
- Evaluating: What are the disadvantages of air travel?
- Analyzing: What problems are associated with globalization ?
- Reasoning : Why do so many people want to be famous ?

Strategy
1/ The easy approach
- Template 1: A-R-E-A
- Template 2:

Template 1: A-R-E-A
- Answer the question
- Reason
- Example
- Alternative ( if not, without)
Or Concessions ( Having said that, that said, mind you, however, on the other hand, despite this)

1. Do you think that school children should be encouraged to have their own ideas, or is it more
important for them to learn what their teachers give them ?

I think that / I suppose that/ I reckon that/ Based on my experience/ It seems to me that we should
definitely allow children to be creative and have their own ideas.

Reason: Children need to develop the ability to think for themselves and solve problems because as adults,
they will not always have somebody to guide them or tell them what to do.

Example: A doctor, for example, might encounter a situation that he or she hasn’t been trained for, but will
still be expected to make a decision that could save someone's life.

Alternative: If we don't allow children to have their own ideas, they will be less successful in the adult world,
they will be too reliant on others.

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Fillers for " answer the question"
- As far as I'm concerned …..
- Personally, I think/ reckon/suppose
- In my eyes/ In my view/In my opinion/From my perspective/To my mind/ To the best of my
knowledge/My take on this is/To my way of thinking/ The way I see this / What I reckon is ..
- Well, to be honest,……./ Honestly speaking/Frankly speaking/ I must admit/I must confess/to be totally
upfront/To tell you the truth/If the truth be told/Between you and me/ In all seriousness,…….
- Base on my experience,…….

- Do you think………?
- What do you think about ……..?

Fillers for " give a reason"

- Simply because
- This is because
- This may be caused/ explained by
- One explanation for this is that
- The reason for this is that

Fillers for "give an example"

- Take somebody/something as an example,……..
- For example,……..For instance,………
- You can see this with…..
- A good example/illustration is that……
- In my case………..

2. Is it good to reward children too often ?

Answer, My take on this is that/ To my way of thinking/From my perspective, I don't think parents
should reward their children too often.

Reason: As it may integrate a sense of entitlement into their brains.

Example:For instance, if fathers and mothers keep buying their little sweethearts gadgets or toys as
rewards, these youngsters may get more inclined towards the materialistic world.

Alternative : Without a reward, these kids may feel discouraged to do anything out of passion.

1. Do you think that it's important for children to take a part time job ?
- Yes, hands down, to my mind, doing part time jobs will have a positive impact on educating people and
give them a sense of independence, especially teenagers.
- Because they can realize how difficult to earn money and therefore know how to respect their efforts as
well as their parents.
- You can see this with my younger sister, thanks to a new part time as a teaching assistant at the
university, she realized the value of the money she earned, became more mature and independent. She
now often thinks for my parents and respect their sarifice for us, which is exactly opposite to the person
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 now often thinks for my parents and respect their sarifice for us, which is exactly opposite to the person
she was before.

4. Do you think leaders need to have the creative ability ?

5. Should children learn more about art ?
- Do you think it's important to cultivate an appreciation of art in children ?
- Do you think art should be included in school curriculums ? Why?
6. Do you think competition is good for students?

Template 2: Many ideas

_ answer the question
+ Firstly
+ Secondly
+ Finally

1. What are the personalities of people whose job is to give advice to others?
Well, there are several qualities that require to be a good adviser.
Firstly, a good adviser should be a good listener, someone who takes the time to understand the
situation before offering advice.

Secondly, an adviser should try to be objective, and avoid juding the person who is seeking help.

Finally, I think the best advisers have the ability to ask the right questions and encourage others to
find their own answers.

What kinds of……..?

What are the advantages/disadvantages/problems/solutions ?
What makes a good painting/ a good doctor?

There are several/a few/ a number of / loads of

There is a myriad of / plenty of/ a plethora of
Ways/actions/qualities/characteristics/personalities that people should

2. Well, first of all……….

- Well, at the outset
- For starters

1. Another thing is
- What's more
- Moreover/ Furthermore
- Also
- In addtion to this

2. On top of that
- Above all
- I nearly forgot to mention the fact that

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1. What qualities do people need to run their own business ?
From my perspective, there are several characteristics that require to run a business.

For starters, I believe that the quality everybody should be adept at is financial management.
Ultimately, the success of any business is based on the amount of profit it is making and how excess
money is being used

Another thing is people must also have leadership skills ingrained in them as they would have to
delegate responsibilites

Ultimately ~ finally
Ingrain: ăn sâu
Delegate responsibilites: giao phó trách nhiệm

2. What kinds of things do people forget easily ?

3. What gifts are popular in your country ?
4. What can children learn from a story ?
5. What are some rules that exist in schools and workplaces in your country ?

TEMPLATE 3:
It depends
- It depends
- On the one hand, if…………
- On the other hand, if………..

1. Is it better to get advice from a friend or a family member?

Well, to my mind, it depends on the type of advice you need.
1st side: on the one hand, if you seek sound advice about the way life shoud be lived, I guess it’s
better to request it of older people because they have already learned various important lessons in
the course of life and know what matters in it and what doesn't. Moreover, older people are more
compassionate and can not only give you advice but also provide you with support along the path.

Matter (v) = be important

2nd side:On the other hand, If you need advice concerning some novelty or progress, I am more
than sure that it’s better to ask young people for it as they are more aware of state-of-the-art
technology,more flexible and more open-minded than older people

I am more than sure that

USEFUL FILTERS
- It is better to……….?
- Do you think ……………?
- Which is better,…………?
- What………………?

1/ It depends
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 1/ It depends
- It depends on different people
- It depends on what kind of people we are talking about
- It depends on different age groups
- It varies from generation to generation
- It differs significantly between men and women
- It differs in what kind of…………
2. Move on to another topic
- When it comes to…….,……
- Regarding…..,………
- Talking about……..,……
- Speaking of…….,………..
- As for……..,……..
- With regard to……..,…….
- With respect to…….,………..
2. Do you think youngster living in the countryside want to go to live in the city?
Answer: Well, I would say it depends on the youngsters, their ambition and goals in life.
1st side: If they enjoy privacy and tranquility as well as the slow pace of the countryside and don't
feel trapped or limited in the opportunities, of course, they try to get the most without moving to
the city.

2nd side: But if they dream more about opportunities, I am more sure that they look for young
people so much because it lets them get a good education and develop their knowledge and skills,
as a result, increase the chances to find employment in good companies.

3. What do young people spend money on ?

- Oh,I guess, it differs in the level of income young people have as the more money they have, the more
items they can afford .
- 1 st side: if young people have a limited budget, they mostly spend their money on necessities like
housing, food, clothes,and their education
- Conversely, if young people have a high-paying job or run their own business, they usually spend an
significant amount of money on purchasing extravagent items, entertainment or jewelries. In addition,
they try to care for their health and beauty and are ready to pay for fitness, beautiful skin and hair.

Tip: verb tenses

Time comparison
- Are houses nowadays the same as houses 30 years ago in your country ?
( Type of comparison question requires the use of mixed tenses)

Social group comparison

Do men and women like the same types of books?
Do old and young people like the same holidays?

Geographic comparison
Are houses in North are same as houses in South Vietnam ?

TEMPLATE 1:
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 TEMPLATE 1:
- Well, obviously there are a number of underlying distinctions here.
Distinction = difference
Underlying: cốt lõi ~ primary ~ main
1. I guess that the most significant would be that…….
- X tend to…….on the other hand, Y…………..

2. As well as this, a further distinction might be that X………..while Y…………

1. Alternatives to " obviously"

- Well, obviously,…../Well, clearly……./ Sure/ Without a doubt,……../Well, undoubtedly……./Well,
mistakably,………/Unquestionably,……..

1. Give a general statement

There are a number of underlying distinctions here.
= There are a variety of possible differences here.
There are a range of potential distinctions here
X is ( totally/really/distinctly/strikingly ) different from Y

2. The first difference

However, I guess that the most significant would be that.........
Though, I suppose the most obvious would be that..........
But I would say that the most fundamental would be that.............

3. Give more details

- .....men tend to prefer ...especially/particularly/In fact, ......such as/for example/specifically
- On the other hand...../On the contrary
.........women are generally more keen on............

4. The second difference

- In addition/ Additionally...../as well as this/ On top of this/ Moreover
......A second key distinction would be that...
..... A subsequent contrast could be that.......
......A further distinction might be that...........

COMPARISON QUESTION
- SIMILARITY

TEMPLATE 2.
- Well, they are pretty much alike because/in that
X tend to......Likewise/similarly ,Y.......
However, I guess the only possible difference is that..........
5. Give a general statement
X is ( really/pretty/rather/quite) similar to Y
They have a lot in common = They are really similar
X is ( nearly/almost)….as…..as Y
X is identical to Y
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 X is identical to Y
X is the same as Y
X is just like Y
X is the spitting image of B/ bear a striking resemblance to sb/they are like 2 peas in a pod

Comparison question
Tip: Use comparisons + different tenses
6. Past simple + used to
- Previously, X used to be much/far/way smaller…
- A few years ago, X always used to be more….
- In the past, X didn't use to have as may…..as….
- When I was a kid, X didn’t use to be……as…..as..
- Previously, there used to be more/less/fewer/…than
- A few years ago, there used to be not as….as….

1. Present simple/Continuous/Perfect/perfect continuous

- On the contrary, at present, X seem to be much/far/bigger
- On the other hand, X have become much/far…
- But now, there are more/less/fewer….

1/ Do men and women like the same hobbies?

- Well, obviously there are a number of underlying distinctions here.

Well, obviously there are a number of underlying distinctions here.

I guess that the most significant would be that…….
- X tend to…….on the other hand, Y…………..

1. As well as this, a further distinction might be that X………..while Y…………

Sample answer:
- Well obviously, there are a number of clear differences here. I guess that the most significant would be
that men tend to prefer sporting activities such as football or basketball.In contrast, women prefer things
like shopping for clothes or cooking. In addition to this, a further distinction might be that men usually like
watching films, while on the other hand, women are more likely to prefer watching soap operas on TV.

1. Are there any differences between the types of people who were seen as celebrities in the past and
those who are celebrities nowadays?

Suggested ideas:
- Past ( before TV): very few national and international celebrities
( household names = kings and queens, military, political and religious leaders

- Now ( advent of TV, radio and the availability of the Internet):

=> performers such as actors and musicians became more well-known
=> completely new breed of celebrity as a result of reality" show ( who are famous for just being
themselves )

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 SAMPLE ANSWER:
- Yes, without a doubt, there are a range of potential distinctions here. Though I suppose the most
obvious would be that previously, there used to be few national and international celebrities. Most
household names were kings and queens, military, politics and religious leaders.
- In contrast, after the advent of the TV, the radio and the Internet, performers such as actors and
musicians become more well-known.
- As well as this, there's even a completely new breed of celebrity, as a result of "reality' shows which
make people famous for just being themselves

1. What is the difference between houses built in the past and now?
- Past: basic materials ( bricks, cement, steel ), but old houses look more picturesque and have their own
characters
- Now: completely different materials ( fire - retardant, sound, and noise proof) => improve living
conditions, but today houses appear to be dull as they are mass produced : sản xuất hàng loạt

Well, undoubtedly, there are a variety of underlying distinctions here. But I would say that the most
fundamental would be that a few decades, houses used to be built with basic materials, such as bricks,
cement, and steel, but old houses look more picturesque and have their own characters. On the other hand,
recently, houses have been constructed by completely different material, particularly fire-retardant,sound,
and noise proof, which has improved living conditions. Having said that,today houses appear to be dull as
they are mass produced.

1. Do old and young people in your country have the same attitudes towards old buildings ?
TEMPLATE 2:
- Well, they are pretty much alike because/in that
X tend to......Likewise/similarly ,Y.......
However, I guess the only possible differences is that..........

Sample answer:
Well, to my way of thinking, their attitudes towards old buidlings are pretty much alike in the sense that
they both believe that old buildings are a kind of portals to the past which bring history to life. Old
buildings can also be used as a great learning environment for many generations ahead.
Though I suppose the only possible difference is that the elderly tend to value old buildings over modern
ones because they have a special attachment to these ancient ones, and because the old ones could
remind them of their lives in the past, while the majority of young people don't see that importance.
Therefore, they seem indifferent and give a preference to setting foot in modern building.

What are the advantages of using a public library ?

What are the advantages of spending time in a foreign country?
What are the disadvantages of shopping in supermarket?
What are the disadvantages of using technology in education?

BOTH BENEFITS AND DRAWBACKS

Well, obviously, there are some benefits and drawbacks when it comes to……….
On the one hand,..........is/are, without a doubt, beneficial because.............
On the other hand, there are a few drawbacks/shortcomings/negative effects. For example,........

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Advantages.
Template:
- Well, I suppose that there are quite a few clear benefits/merits/positive effects
- But I would probably say that for the most part, the one thing that really stands out is that............
- This is obviously favorable because....
-.
- At the same time, a second bonus might be that..............

1. THAY THẾ CHO CÂU TỔNG QUAN " STARTERS"

- Well, I suppose that there are quite a few benefits.
- Clearly, there are a number of obvious merits.
- Surely, there are a few favorable aspects
- Obviously, there are a number of positive effects

1. THE FIRST ADVANTAGE

- But I would probably say that for the most part, the one thing that really stands out is that.........
- But it goes without saying that the most apparent would be that
- Although I guess that the most visible would be that
- However, I guess that the most evident would be that.............
2. REASON
- This is obviously favorable because....
- This is undoubtedly positive for the simple reason that.........
- This is without a doubt beneficial because
- This is clearly advantageous because
- This is definitely valuable since

1. The second advantage.

- At the same time, a second bonus might be that..........
- Besides this, a second plus point could be that.........
- As well as this, a further favorable aspect would be that...........

Chú ý: dùng " model verb" để tránh tuyệt đối hóa câu trả lời.

DISADVANTAGES.
- TEMPLATE:
- I'm sure most people would agree that there are some drawbacks.
- I guess the most adverse feature would be that.......
- Most people would agree that this is problematic because.............
- Correspondingly, an additional weak point may be that

1/ Starters
- I'm sure that most people would agree that there are some drawbacks.
- I think it's fair to there are a few negative aspects.
- Of course, there are couple of shortcomings

1. The first disadvantage.

- I guess the most adverse feature would be that..........

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 - I guess the most adverse feature would be that..........
- I suppost the most unfavorable quality might be that........

1. Reason
- Most people would agree that this is problematic because..........
- This is an obvious weakness because..............
- This is a clear limitation because...........

ADVANTAGE QUESTIONS:
1. What advantages does living in the countryside have, compared to living in city?

- Suggested ideas.
+ countryside areas are much healthier places than the average city ( why) => clean air and lack of
traffic or industry => một nơi an toàn để sống
+ there is the sense of community
+ the pace of life in the countryside is slower => the people are more laid back and friendly
Laid back : không quá vội vàng

Well, I suppose that there are quite a few clear benefits. But I would probably say that for the most
part, the one thing that really stands out is that with the clean air and lack of traffic or industry,
countryside areas are much healthier places than the average city.
As well as this, a further favorable aspect would be that there is the sense of community that comes
with living in a small village where everyone knows each other.
Finally, it seems to me that the pace of life in the countryside is slower, and the people are more laid
back and friendly, compared to the hustle and bustle and stress of city life

1. Where are the benefits of playing sports?

- Sugguested ideas.
+ a good way to relieve stress and reduce depression
+ keep fit and feel more energetic
+ increase their quality of life

2. What are the advantages of stuyding abroad?

+ experience a foreign culture ( participate in the day-to-day life of a new setting, gaining a first-hand
understanding and new appreciation of the culture)
+ improve your language skills
( a perfect opportunity to learn a new foreign language surrounded by a native speakers => the
chance to immerse in the language => expedite the retention and fluency.

Disadvantage " question"

3. What are the disadvantages of raising pets?
- Noise - dogs might bark in the deep dark night, which can be disturbing and annoying.
- Dangerous - mad dogs might attack owners and passers-by
- Insanitary - they may spread diseases or infections/ be inapporiate for pregnant.

Sample
- I'm sure most people would agree that there are some drawbacks related to rasing pets. I guess the
most adverse feature would be that dogs might bark in the deep dark night, which can be disturbig

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 most adverse feature would be that dogs might bark in the deep dark night, which can be disturbig
and annoying. At the same time, another weak point might be that mad dogs might attack owners
and passers-by. Finally, they may spread diseases or infections, which is inapproriate for pregant
women and infants.

1. What are the disadvantages of living with old people ?

+ less room for parties and home events
+ old people might be talkative and wordy, and they may keep talking all day long
+ they might interfere in your personal affairs
Wordy: dào dòng, rườm rà
Personal affairs : công việc cá nhân

2. Advantage - disadvantage questions

3. What are the advantages and disadvantages of travelling with a camera ?
Well, obviously, there are some benefits and drawbacks when it comes to
- On the one hand,.........is/are, without a doubt, beneficial because........
- On the other hand, there are a few drawbacks/shortcomings/negative effects.For example,.......

+ it allows people to see the world and document through images => hepls them remember exactly what
was going on when the picture was snapped.
+ share with their family and friends what they saw and experience while travelling
+ have to keep an eye on it.

2/ What are the advantages and disadvantages of studying online ?

Well, obviously, there are some benefits and drawbacks when it comes to
- On the one hand,.........is/are, without a doubt, beneficial because........
- On the other hand, there are a few drawbacks/shortcomings/negative effects.For example,.......

- Access study materials at any time that works you

- Choose your own learning environment that works you best.
- Sign up for an online course, even in another country, which will not only save your time, but also
money.
- Requires more self-motivation and time-management skills

Well, obviously there are some benefits and drawbacks when it comes to e-learning. On the one hand, e-
learning is without a doubt beneficial in a variety of ways. Firstly, you can access study materials at any
time that works you. For example, if you have to work or take care of your children during the day, you
can study at night. Alsom you ca choose your own learning environment that works you best for your
needs, be it your bedroom or a cafe.
Another benefit is that you can sign up for an online course, even in another country, which will not only
save your time, but also your moey.
On the other hand, there are a few shortcomings
- As studying online requires more self-motivation and time-management skills, you might end up
learning nothing if you don't have a strong commitment. Another drawback is that although e-
learning can be quite interactive these days through the use of video conferences or face-to-face
videos chats, it still isn't the same as sitting accross from a real person.

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