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TỪ VỰNG NÂNG CAO SPEAKING - THẦY CHARLES IELTS
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MỤC LỤC
IELTS WITH CHARLES ....................................................................................................................... 4

IELTS SPEAKING PART 1 ................................................................................................................... 4
Chủ đề số 1: Holidays .................................................................................................................. 4
Chủ đề số 2: Festivals .................................................................................................................. 6
Chủ đề số 3: Wallet...................................................................................................................... 8
Chủ đề số 4: Sky and stars ......................................................................................................... 10
Chủ đề số 5: Primary school....................................................................................................... 12
Chủ đề số 6: Environmental protection...................................................................................... 13
Chủ đề số 7: Wild animals .......................................................................................................... 16
Chủ đề số 8: Advertisement ....................................................................................................... 18
Chủ đề số 9: Flowers.................................................................................................................. 21
Chủ đề số 10: Barbecue ............................................................................................................. 22
Chủ đề số 11: Car trip ................................................................................................................ 25
Chủ đề số 12: Relax ................................................................................................................... 28
Chủ đề số 13: Special costumes ................................................................................................. 31
Chủ đề số 14: Museum .............................................................................................................. 33
Chủ đề số 15: Trees ................................................................................................................... 36
Chủ đề số 16: Farming ............................................................................................................... 39
Chủ đề số 17: New year ............................................................................................................. 41
Chủ đề số 18: Decoration .......................................................................................................... 43
Chủ đề số 19: TV program ......................................................................................................... 46
Chủ đề số 20: Maths .................................................................................................................. 48
Chủ đề số 21: Taking a rest ........................................................................................................ 51
Chủ đề số 22: Happiness ............................................................................................................ 53
Chủ đề số 23: Getting up early ................................................................................................... 56
Chủ đề số 24: Singing ................................................................................................................. 59

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Chủ đề số 25: Reading ............................................................................................................... 61

Chủ đề số 26: Country ............................................................................................................... 64

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IELTS WITH CHARLES

IELTS SPEAKING PART 1
Chủ đề số 1: Holidays
1. Where did you go for your last holiday?
Nothing gives me more pleasure than to enjoy summer vacations with the people I love
most in the world, my stunning family. Last year, I remember very vividly that we travelled
to Vung Tau Beach for the holiday of a lifetime.
A. Vocabulary
1. Nothing gives me more pleasure: Việc khiến tôi thích thú nhất
2. My stunning family: gia đình tuyệt vời
3. Remember very vividly: nhớ rất rõ
B. Tập đặt câu
Nothing gives me more pleasure than to play games with my friends during the
lockdown of Ho Chi Minh City.
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2. Do you like holidays? Why?
Yes absolutely, holidays give me a chance to relax and to spend quality time with my
friends and family. Moreover, during the holiday period, I can recharge my batteries and
become acquainted with a new life skill. For example, during my last holiday, I managed
to successfully master the art of cooking.
A. Vocabulary
1. Give me a chance to: cho tôi 1 cơ hội để

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2. I managed to successfully master the art of: tôi đã thông thạo được nghệ
thuật của việc…
3. I can recharge my batteries and become acquainted with: tôi có thể hồi
sức và trở nên quen hơn với ….
When Ho Chi Minh City is in lockdown, I have managed to successfully master the art
of being patient.
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3. Which public holiday do you like best?
This is a tricky question but for me, it undoubtedly has to be the Christmas holiday. Not
only is it the only time of year when all of my family get together but Christmas has
sentimental value to me because I always remember my childhood spent playing in the
snow, eating too much mouth-watering food and of course opening lots of presents.
A. Vocabulary
1. This is a tricky question: đây là 1 câu hỏi khó nhằn
2. Has sentimental value to: có giá trị tinh thần đối với...
3. Mouth-watering food: đồ ăn ngon (ngon chảy nước miếng)
This present is not only expensive, but it also has a sentimental value to me because
it was from my father.
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4. What do you do on holidays?

During the holiday, I not only enjoy spending quality time with my family and eating
scrumptious cuisine, but I also choose to spend time pursuing some of my more
adventurous pastimes. For example, I like to take my motorbike off the beaten track and
discover some of Vietnam's hidden Treasures.
A. Vocabulary
1. Scrumptious cuisine: ẩm thực hảo hạng
2. Adventurous pastimes: thú vui mạo hiểm
3. Off the beaten track: nơi hoang vắng
4. Vietnam's hidden treasures: vẻ đẹp tiềm ẩn của Việt Nam
One of the most significant reasons that cause me to love Vietnam is its scrumptious
cuisine.
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Chủ đề số 2: Festivals
1. How do you celebrate festivals in your country?
Cultural celebrations are undoubtedly a big part of Vietnamese culture. As a result, we put
in a huge amount of effort into preparing for them. Firstly, we all travel back to our home
towns in the rural countryside and gather together. Next, we start preparing the gourmet
food, and lastly, we have to prepare the lucky money for the younger generations to enjoy
receiving the next day.
A. Vocabulary
1. Put in a huge amount of effort: bỏ nhiều công sức
2. The gourmet food: thức ăn ngon
3. The lucky money: tiền lì xì

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I am very excited when Tet holiday comes because I will be given the lucky money,
and enjoy the gourmet food.
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2. What special food and activities do you have for these festivals?
There are many special ritual traditions and customs that people abide by during
Vietnamese festivals. Perhaps the one most notably related to food is that people enjoy
eating the traditional cuisine such as Thịt Kho Tàu. Moreover, there is a big emphasis
placed on respecting the older generations and showing our love to our family.
A. Vocabulary
1. Abide by: tuân theo
2. A big emphasis placed on: nhấn mạnh vào việc
3. Showing our love to our family: thể hiện tình yêu đến gia đình chúng ta
Everyone must abide by the law.
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3. What is your favorite festival of the year?
I absolutely love the Tet Holiday or Vietnamese Lunar New Year, which is the celebration of
the start of a new year. One aspect that I find so fascinating about this Festival is that it
starts on different dates each year, depending on the lunar calendar. Furthermore, it is one
of those rare occasions when Ho Chi Minh City sleeps making it even more peaceful and
majestic than usual.

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A. Vocabulary
1. One aspect that I find so fascinating about: có một khía cạnh về việc này
lôi cuốn tôi
2. The lunar calendar: âm lịch
3. Peaceful and majestic than usual: yên bình và kì vĩ hơn bình thường
One aspect that I find so fascinating about the mid autumn festival is that it has lion
dance.
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Chủ đề số 3: Wallet
1. Do you use a wallet?
Yes, I am a big fan of using a wallet as I believe it is the safest and secure way to store my
valuables such as my cash and credit cards. Also, I think a wallet can make a fashion
statement to show my trendy side.
A. Vocabulary
1. A big fan of: rất thích
2. A fashion statement: xu hướng thời trang
I am a big fan of using a wallet as a fashion statement.
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2. Have you ever lost your wallet?
Thankfully I'm pretty well guarded when it comes to keeping my valuables secure. However,
there was one occasion when I was traveling on my motorbike and my wallet accidentally
fell out of my pocket. The moment I realised what had happened I felt scared to death.
A. Vocabulary
1. Well guarded: rất cẩn thận
2. My wallet accidentally fell out of my pocket: ví của tôi vô tình đã rớt ra khỏi
túi
3. I felt scared to death: tôi đã rất sợ
I always remain well-guarded when travelling to another country because I don’t want
anything bad to happen.
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3. Have you ever bought someone a wallet as a gift?
Yes, absolutely, I remember the first time I travelled to Vietnam I brought my father a wallet
and he always tells me it has sentimental value to him as it was the best present he
received from me. However, I think a wallet is something that is personal and unique
therefore it's quite difficult to pick the right one for each individual because it depends on
their personality and taste.
A. Vocabulary
1. Sentimental value to: giá trị tinh thần đối với
2. Is personal and unique:
3. Their personality and taste: tính cách và sở thích

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Each artistic piece of work has their own personality and taste of those creating them.
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tôi thích nhất là đi du lịch cùng gia đình và bạn bè
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tôi cảm thấy bồi hôi khi đi về trường cũ
Chủ đề số 4: Sky and stars
1. Do you often look at the sky?
This is an interesting question. Whenever I have free time, I love nothing more than
sitting on my terrace and enjoying observing the night sky. Whenever I do this, I feel
nostalgic and love to think about my family that lives back in my hometown. As many
scientists say the sky's the final frontier to discover so I often wonder what is out there.
A. Vocabulary
1. This is an interesting question: đây là câu hỏi thú vị
2. I love nothing more than: Tôi thích nhất là việc…
3. Observing the night sky: nhìn bầu trời đêm
4. I feel nostalgic: cảm thấy xao xuyến, bồi hồi
5. The sky's the final frontier to discover: bầu trời là giới hạn cuối cùng để
khám phá (là 1 điều vĩ đại)
I love nothing more than to spend time gathering with my family.
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over the moon
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on the cloud nine
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once in the blue moon
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2. Can you see the moon and stars at night where you live?

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Despite the fact that there is a huge amount of pollution in Ho Chi Minh City, occasionally
in the evening I can see the stars and the Moon. Although I must admit that I don't have
much free time to spend looking at the sky, perhaps in the future I would like to invest more
time and energy into enjoying this pastime. mặc dù tôi rất bận, nhưng tôi vẫn dành nhiều thời
gian và công sức để chơi thể thao
A. Vocabulary
1. Despite the fact: mặc dù
2. Invest more time and energy: dành nhiều thời gian và công sức
Doctors all around the world have been investing more time and energy into saving
everyone from the covid-19 outbreak.
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3. Do you prefer the sky in the morning or the sky at night?
For me, I would have to say the sky in the morning as nothing gives me more pleasure than
to observe the sunrise, especially in Vietnam, where the first light is particularly
spectacular.
trong một chuyến du lịch tới biển, không gì tuyệt vời
A. Vocabulary bằng việc ngắm bình minh
1. As nothing: không có gì bằng

2. Observe the sunrise: quan sát
As nothing makes me feel more sentimental than the love from my family.
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Chủ đề số 5: Primary school

1. Did you like your primary school?
I was fortunate and privileged enough to go to an amazing Junior School. However, if I
had to pick one thing that I loved the most I think it would have to be my passionate,
enthusiastic, and very patient teachers. For example, I remember Mr. T. He was always
so welcoming and encouraged me to follow my dreams.
A. Vocabulary
1. Fortunate and privileged: rất may mắn
2. My passionate, enthusiastic and very patient teachers: giáo viên rất nhiệt
huyết, đầy năng lượng và rất kiên nhẫn của tôi
I am fortunate and privileged enough to have two parents who always care for me.
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2. What did you do in your leisure time in your primary school?
I was rather an introvert at junior school so I found it somewhat difficult to socialize with my
fellow students and pupils during my free time. However, I was very passionate about
football and rugby and would always come out of my shell whenever playing these
amazing sports.
A. Vocabulary
1. Was rather: khá là
2. Come out of my shell: bớt nhút nhát và hòa đồng hơn
I was very much of an introvert myself, but I have come out of my shell.
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3. What subject did you like most at primary school?
I always loved studying English literature and English generally at junior school. It always
fascinated me that such incredible writers such as William Shakespeare and George Orwell
were able to create such literary masterpieces. Despite the fact that I found English
difficult to begin with, I overcame these challenges by working hard, and with the support
of my incredible teacher Miss L, I was able to overcome my difficulties and thrive in this
subject.
A. Vocabulary
1. Literary masterpieces: tuyệt tác văn học
2. Fascinated me: làm tôi ngạc nhiên
3. Despite the fact: mặc dù
4. Overcome my difficulties and thrive: vượt qua khó khăn và vươn lên
5. Overcame these challenges: vượt qua những thách thức
My Tam is a singer whose voice never fails to fascinate me.
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Chủ đề số 6: Environmental protection

1. Would you like to work in a company related to environmental protection?
Although I am very passionate about the conservation and preservation of nature, I don't
think working in the sector of Environmental Protection would be suitable for me as I am an
English teacher and this would not be the best use of my skill set.

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A. Vocabulary
1. The conservation and preservation of nature: việc bảo tồn và giữ gìn tự
nhiên
2. Would not be the best use of my skill set: không phù hợp với khả năng
The conservation and preservation of nature would benefit not only humans but also
other living species.
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2. How can we protect the environment?
Of course we can plant trees, recycle our waste and use less water, however, I think that
the best long-term strategy to preserve nature comes down to education. Specifically,
teaching the younger generation about how to respect mother nature and how to protect our
precious planet.
A. Vocabulary
1. Long-term strategy: kế hoạch dài hạn
2. Preserve nature comes down to: để bảo tồn thiên nhiêu đến từ… (education)
My long-term strategy is to achieve an MBA degree.
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3. Do you think you’ve done enough to protect the environment?

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No, I am ashamed to admit it. I think that you can always do more to contribute and
preserve the environment. I do however also believe that the majority of the burden for
protecting the environment falls on the shoulders of the giant companies that produce the
lion’s share of the world’s pollution.
A. Vocabulary
1. I am ashamed to admit it: cảm thấy xấu hổ khi phải thừa nhận
2. The majority of the burden: trách nhiệm lớn
3. Falls on the shoulders of: đặt trên vai (phải gánh chịu)
4. Lion’s share: chiếm nhiều phần nhất
5. Preserve the environment: bảo tồn môi trường
I am ashamed to admit that I have never donated my blood.
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4. Is there education about environmental protection at school in your country?
Yes and no. While we may learn about recycling, not being wasteful and the dangers
presented by the dreaded plastic straw. I also believe that not enough emphasis is put on
the impact of giant corporations who pollute and damage the environment without mercy.
A. Vocabulary
1. Dangers presented by the dreaded: mối nguy hiểm đáng sợ do (ống hút
nhựa)
2. Without mercy: không thương tiếc
That mass murderer has killed numerous people without mercy.
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Chủ đề số 7: Wild animals

1. Do you like watching TV programs about wild animals?
Absolutely, I have always had a deep fascination for the animal kingdom and my thirst for
knowledge drives me to always want to learn more. I believe that we as humans have a lot
to discover from our animal counterparts and what is a better way to learn than from the
comfort of your own home.
A. Vocabulary
1. Thirst for knowledge: khát khao có kiến thức
2. Comfort of your own home: trong nhà ấm cúng
I always have a constant thirst for knowledge.
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2. Did you learn something about wild animals from school?
We learnt all sorts, especially in biology class. My school days are sadly a distant memory
to me now, however, there are a few things I can recall from my younger years. For
example, I remember learning all about the food chain and reproductive cycle.
DISTANCE
A. Vocabulary
1. Are sadly a distant memory to me now: không nhớ gì
2. Younger years: thời trẻ
B. Tập đặt câu MANY
SEVERAL
PLENTY

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Because I am nearly 40 years old, my younger years’ events are sadly a distant
memory to me now.
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3. Where can you see wild animals in Vietnam?
There are a multitude of common wild animals to be seen in Vietnam, yet many people live
in the thriving metropolises that are sadly inhospitable for most animals. However, if you
have the will to succeed and true determination, more intrepid explorers can go out into
the wilderness in the hopes of spotting more elusive creatures such as elephants and
monkeys.
A. Vocabulary
1. Are sadly inhospitable for: lại đáng buồn là không trú ngụ được cho (là nơi
mà động vật không thể nào trú ngụ)
2. Will to succeed: có chí thành công
3. In the hopes of: với mong muốn
I have never seen anyone with such a will to succeed like him.
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4. In which country do you think you can see many wild animals?
There are so many nations across the world with such a mind-boggling array of wild and
wonderful animals that it makes it hard to choose. However, if I were forced to choose
one I would say India. While I am certainly no expert, when it comes to animal diversity,

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India is the first place that comes to mind and nothing would give me more pleasure
than to witness the range of wildlife, from Bengal tigers to Indian elephants, with my own
two eyes.
A. Vocabulary
1. A mind-boggling array: một nhóm bao la
EIFFEL TOWER
2. Hard to choose: khó để chọn
3. If I were forced to choose one: nếu tôi nhất định phải chọn một thứ
4. While I am certainly no expert: mặc dù tôi không phải chuyên gia
5. The first (place) that comes to mind: cái gì đó (điều) đầu tiên nghĩ đến
6. Nothing would give me more pleasure: điều khiến tôi thích thú nhất
Nothing would give me more pleasure than to hang out with my friends after the
lockdown of Ho Chi Minh City
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Chủ đề số 8: Advertisement
1. What kinds of advertisements do you watch?
It is hard to say simply due to the fact that we are all subjected to such a sheer amount of
marketing and commercials on a daily basis. The range is truly astounding. There can be
anything from cosmetic surgery to toothpaste, furniture to clothes, and so on. Sometimes
I like what is being advertised, yet other times I cannot help but feel like they are barking
up the wrong tree.
A. Vocabulary
1. Sheer amount: lượng lớn
2. On a daily basis: hàng ngày
3. There can be anything from...to: Đa dạng từ

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4. Barking up the wrong tree: chó sủa nhầm cây (cảm thấy sai, nhầm lẫn về
vấn đề nào đó)
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2. Where can you see advertisements?
The range of mediums through which we consume marketing has increased tenfold in
recent years. While fifty years ago most advertising was through word of mouth or
newspapers, today adverts are everywhere! Whenever you turn on your phone, watch TV
or even take the train you can see adverts at every angle.
A. Vocabulary
1. Increased tenfold in recent years: tăng gấp 10 lần trong những năm gần đây
2. Word of mouth: truyền miệng
3. At every angle: mọi góc cạnh
Our ancestors have passed good traits on to us mostly by word of mouth.
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3. Have you ever bought something because of its advertisement?
Of course. I was once sucked into an advertising campaign aimed at teeth whitening which
clearly just played to my insecurities and I fell for it. Looking back, it seemed silly, but
they promised that in just ten days you too can have pearly white teeth, regrettably, it didn't
work but I should have known that it was too good to be true.

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A. Vocabulary
1. Clearly just played to my insecurities: đánh vào điểm tự ti
2. I fell for it: tôi đã tin nó
3. Pearly whites: trắng ngà
4. Too good to be true: quá tốt nên không thể là thật
I lent my friend some money because he was so sure that he would give it back, and
I fell for it. Eventually, I lost my money as well as a friend.
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4. Do you watch advertisements from the beginning to the end?
For the most part, no, I am far too impatient or I get distracted and look at something else.
However, there are a few ads that managed to hold my attention, especially those with
catchy jingles that get stuck in my head. Moreover, some adverts are really quite funny
and those are worth watching, I find.
A. Vocabulary
1. Hold my attention: giữ sự tập trung
2. Catchy jingles: âm thanh bắt tai
3. Get stuck in my head: khiến tôi khó quên
My ability to hold my attention is poor.
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Chủ đề số 9: Flowers
1. What kinds of flowers do you know?
How long have you got? Flowers are truly among the most vibrant and beautiful things we
have on this Earth and I simply love taking the time to appreciate them. I am familiar with
a wide range of flowers, from the humbler daisy and daffodil to the striking and magnificent
rose.
A. Vocabulary
1. How long have you got?: Bạn có bao nhiêu thời gian để nghe tôi kể? (nghĩa
là biết rất nhiều kể không xuể)
2. Taking the time to appreciate them: dành thời gian chăm sóc hoa
3. Striking and magnificent: đẹp lộng lẫy nổi bật
I would like to take the time to appreciate my newly-bought motorbike.
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2. Have you planted any flowers?
When restricted to a small balcony the range of flowers that can be accommodated is
slim, such is the drawback of city life. Nonetheless, I try my best to create my small
oasis, my little slice of heaven. I have managed to grow some delightful roses and some
green ivy that hangs down my balcony wall.
A. Vocabulary
1. When restricted to: giới hạn trong
2. Can be accommodated for: có thể thích ứng được (ở đây là trồng được)
3. Such is the drawback of sth: đó là hạn chế của ….
4. I try my best to create my small oasis, my little slice of heaven: cố gắng
hết sức để tạo nên một phần ốc đảo nhỏ thiên đường của tôi

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I try my best to create my little slice of heaven by planting flowers and trees in my
garden.
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3. Have you sent flowers to anyone?
Flowers truly are a staple gift that is perfect across the whole spectrum of gift giving.
They can be sent to a lover to say either ‘I love you’ or ‘I’m sorry’, or to a friend or colleague
as a simple gesture of appreciation, and much more. So in answer to your question,
yes, I have sent many flowers to many people.
A. Vocabulary
1. Staple gift: món quà quan trọng
2. Perfect across the whole spectrum of: tuyệt vời khi nói đến việc (tặng quà)
3. A simple gesture of appreciation: bày tỏ lòng biết ơn
4. In answer to your question: để trả lời câu hỏi
Lamborghini is a car brand that is perfect across the whole spectrum of sports cars.
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Chủ đề số 10: Barbecue

1. Do Vietnamese people like barbecues?

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As with all things, I think you would have to ask each person for their own opinion.
However, broadly speaking I think that the people of Vietnam are prone to a barbecue
when the sun is out. On a warm and sunny day when the weather is just right, you can
smell the enticing aroma of grilled meat wafting through the air telling you that someone
nearby is about to enjoy a feast.
A. Vocabulary
1. As with all things: như mọi việc khác
2. Broadly speaking: nói chung
3. Prone to a barbecue: thích ăn đồ nướng
4. Sun is out: trời nắng
5. When the weather is just right: khi thời tiết thích hợp
6. Enticing aroma: mùi thơm hấp dẫn
7. Wafting through the air: bay trong gió
8. Someone nearby: ai đó ở xung quanh
I love my grandmother’s food because it always has an enticing aroma wafting
through the air right into my room.
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2. What kind of food do you like to eat for a barbecue?
Everything! I am partial to barbecue food and you’ll rarely find me turning anything down.
I think what I like most about barbecue food is its rustic and simple nature. Whether it be
a burger or grilled cheese, you will likely find me helping myself to the mouth-watering
food.
A. Vocabulary
1. I am partial to: tôi thích
2. Rarely find me turning anything down: hiếm khi từ chối món nào

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3. Rustic and simple nature: mộc mạc dân dã

4. Helping myself to: ăn
You will rarely find me turning my grandmother’s food down because it is just perfect.
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3. Would you like to have a barbecue with your family or your friends?
By all means, both. There is a lot to be said for the relaxed environment made possible
by a barbecue that makes them perfect for both friends and family. When going to a
restaurant or party it is usually the norm to get dressed up and put a lot of effort in, yet
at a barbecue, everyone can be themselves and have fun.
A. Vocabulary
1. By all means: tất nhiên
2. There is a lot to be said for: có nhiều lợi ích
3. Relaxed environment made possible by: không khí thoải mái do (tiệc bbq)
4. The norm: quy tắc
5. Dressed up: mặc đồ
6. Put a lot of effort in: bỏ nhiều công sức
7. Be themselves: là chính mình
My parents have taught me that I need to put a lot of effort into studying.
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4. Did you have barbecue when you were a child?

We used to have lots of barbecues when I was young, weather permitting. My dad used
to take every opportunity to get the barbecue going so we could enjoy the glorious
sunshine. However, only too often we would be caught in the rain which never failed to
put a dampener on our fun.
A. Vocabulary
1. Weather permitting: nếu thời tiết cho phép (thời tiết đủ tốt thì sẽ tổ chức tiệc
bbq)
2. Take every opportunity: tận dụng mọi cơ hội
3. Glorious sunshine: ánh nắng rực rỡ
4. Only too often we would be caught in the rain: thỉnh thoảng vẫn bị dính
mưa
5. Put a dampener on our fun: không làm giảm niềm vui của bọn tôi
They cannot put a dampener on our fun because we just do not care.
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Chủ đề số 11: Car trip

1. Do you like to travel by car?
While I do enjoy car trips, I try my best to avoid using personal vehicles. This is because I
can’t help but feel guilty about the carbon emissions. That being said, sometimes going
for a long car ride is a great way to clear your head, it is my guilty pleasure.
A. Vocabulary
1. Personal vehicles: phương tiện giao thông riêng
2. I can’t help but feel: tôi cảm thấy

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3. That being said: mặc dù nói vậy, nhưng ...

4. Clear your head: khuây khỏa đầu óc
5. Guilty pleasure: thú vui xấu
Sometimes, I just want to hang out with my friends after hours of hard work just to
clear my head.
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2. When do you travel by car?
Sometimes I commute to work by car if I feel like I’m not up to walking. Often, I prefer to
use public transport like a train or bus, however, sometimes I am tempted by the
undeniable convenience of being able to drive myself. With that in mind, I usually take
my car when travelling long distances.
A. Vocabulary
1. Commute to work by car: đi làm bằng xe hơi
2. I’m not up to walking: không thích đi bộ
3. I am tempted: bị dụ dỗ
4. Undeniable convenience: sự tiện ích không thể phủ nhận được
5. With that in mind: vì thế (vì tôi suy nghĩ như thế)
6. Take my car: lái xe
I am often tempted by the current world’s pastimes.
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3. Where is the farthest place you have travelled to by car?
I once took a road trip all the way from Ho Chi Minh City all the way up to Hanoi with my
family. It would have been impossible to make the whole journey in one fell swoop so we
made a series of pit stops on the way. The breathtaking scenery and the picturesque
towns and cities made the whole journey worthwhile.
A. Vocabulary
1. Road trip: đi phượt
2. In one fell swoop: đi liên tục không nghỉ
3. Pit stops: trạm dừng chân
4. Breathtaking scenery: cảnh đẹp hút hồn
5. Picturesque towns and cities: các tỉnh thành, thành phố tuyệt đẹp (mỹ lệ)
I used to have a road trip in one fell swoop with my friends, and it was a disaster.
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4. Do you like to sit in the front or back when travelling by car?
I would have to say that I prefer riding in the front because it means that I have a better view
of my surroundings. It’s nice being driven around because it means that I can let my guard
down and relax.
A. Vocabulary
1. View of my surroundings: cảnh vật xung quanh
2. Let my guard down: nghỉ ngơi, thư giãn đầu óc
Believing her made me let my guard down, however, she eventually betrayed me.

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Chủ đề số 12: Relax

1. What would you do to relax?
I always make the most of any opportunity to relax and unwind. With my busy and hectic
schedule, I sometimes find it difficult to find the time to focus on myself, but when I do I
like to have a spa day where I don’t have to worry about anything and I can be treated like
royalty.
A. Vocabulary
1. Make the most: tận dụng LET MY HAIR DOWN
2. Relax and unwind: thư giãn

3. Busy and hectic schedule: lịch trình bận rộn tất bật
4. Difficult to find the time: khó có thể có thời gian
5. Spa day: ngày đi spa (thư giãn)
6. Treated like royalty: được đối xử như hoàng gia
I always make the most of my time to work to earn a living.
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TÔI TẬN DỤNG MỌI CƠ HỘI ĐỂ LUYỆN TẬP TIẾNG ANH VỚI NGƯỜI NƯỚC NGOÀI
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TÔI THƯỜNG ĐI DU LỊCH ĐỂ THƯ GIÃN CÙNG GIA ĐÌNH SAU 1 LỊCH TRÌNH BẬN RỘN TẤT BẬT
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2. Do you think doing sports is a good way to relax?

I think physical activity can be a great way to take your mind off the hustle and bustle of
day-to-day life. Being able to dive head first into something you enjoy means that you can
focus one hundred percent on that which can be very beneficial for your mental health.
However, I also believe that using sport as a relaxation method is definitely not for
everyone. BENEFIT
A. Vocabulary
1. Take your mind off: không nghĩ đến
2. Hustle and bustle of day to day life: cuộc sống bận rộn tấp nập
3. Dive head first: làm toàn tâm PUT HEART AND SOUL INTO
SINK MY TEETH INTO
4. One hundred percent: hoàn toàn (100%)
5. Not for everyone: không phải ai cũng vậy
I did not get sick after being vaccinated, which is definitely not for everyone.
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TÔI TẬN HƯỞNG VIỆC ĐI ĐẾN VÙNG NGOẠI Ô ĐỂ RỜI KHỎI CUỘC SỐNG BẬN RỘN
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3. Do you think a vacation is a good time for you to relax?
I think going on holiday is the perfect way to get away from it all. Also, when it comes to
vacations there is truly something for everyone. A nice sunny location with drinks on the
beach would be to my personal taste but some people would rather have a city break or
adventure tourism. I say, each to their own.
A. Vocabulary
1. To get away from it all: tránh xa mọi thứ
2. Something for everyone: thứ mọi người đều thích
3. To my personal taste: sở thích cá nhân
4. City break: kỳ nghỉ nội thành
5. Adventure tourism: đi du lịch phiêu lưu (mạo hiểm)

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6. Each to their own: tùy vào sở thích cá nhân

There are moments when I just want to get away from it all.
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4. Do you think students need more relaxing time? FORCE SOMEONE TO DO SOMETHING
Many students really work themselves to the bone and are forced to do caffeine-fuelled
nights of essay writing and not get enough sleep. Many students feel the burden of the
hopes and dreams of their families on their shoulders and feel like failure is not an option.
Therefore, I would argue that many students are in great need of greater recuperation
time.
A. Vocabulary
1. Work themselves to the bone: làm việc cật lực, hết sức mình
2. Caffeine-fuelled nights: thâu đêm (phải nhờ vào cà phê để tỉnh)
3. Hopes and dreams: kỳ vọng
4. Failure is not an option: không được phép thất bại
5. In great need: rất cần
6. Recuperation time: thời gian nghỉ ngơi
7. Therefore: vì vậy
Recuperation time is what I need after days of hard work.
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NHỮNG NGƯỜI CÔNG NHÂN LÀM VIỆC CẬT LỰC ĐỂ KIẾM TIỀN VÀ LO CHO CON CÁI CỦA HỌ
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Chủ đề số 13: Special costumes

1. Do you like to wear special costumes?
Fancy dress is a true passion of mine. Taking the time to create weird and wonderful outfits
is one of the best ways to flex your creative muscles and let your mind run wild. It is
also a super opportunity to step into someone else’s shoes as well as show your more
playful side.
A. Vocabulary
1. Weird and wonderful: đẹp lạ
2. Flex your creative muscles: kích thích trí tưởng tượng
3. Let your mind run wild: cho trí tưởng tượng bay xa
4. Step into someone else’s shoes: đảm nhiệm công việc mới
5. Show your more playful side: khoe khía cạnh tinh nghịch của bản thân
Artists are those who always have to flex their creative muscles to generate new
ideas.
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2. Did you try any special costumes when you were young?
In my younger years, I loved nothing more than to play dress-up with my friends. We
would try on the most peculiar costumes and enter the world of make believe. One day
we would be super heroes ready to save the day and on other days we would be evil
villains, partners in crime. These are some of my fondest memories.
A. Vocabulary
1. In my younger years: khi còn trẻ
2. Play dress-up: chơi thử đồ
3. Enter the world of makebelieve: bước vào thế giới tưởng tượng

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4. Ready to save the day: sẵn sàng cứu thế giới

5. Partners in crime: đồng phạm
6. Fondest memories: những kỷ niệm đáng nhớ nhất
My brother used to be my partner in crime, but now he has gone to another country.
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3. When was your last time wearing special costumes?
It was not too long ago, actually. I visited my friend in Australia and we went to a Halloween
party. At first, I felt a bit sheepish and I didn’t know if I was up for it because we looked quite
silly. But once I faced my fears I was able to come out of my shell and I had a really great
time.
A. Vocabulary
1. Not too long ago: không lâu trước đó
2. Up for it: thích làm, sẵn sàng làm
3. Faced my fears: đối mặt với nỗi sợ của bản thân
4. Come out of my shell: bước ra khỏi vùng an toàn (tự tin hơn)
I am up for all dangerous challenges.
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4. Do you ever buy special costumes?

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On the whole, I prefer to make my own fancy dress costumes. I get a much greater sense
of accomplishment when I make something myself rather than buying it. Also, I think
designing and making a costume is half the fun of getting dressed up.
A. Vocabulary
1. On the whole: nói chung
2. Sense of accomplishment: cảm giác thích thú, toại nguyện
3. Half the fun: cũng vui (như việc thử đồ)
Going out with your friends is half the fun of playing computer games at home.
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Chủ đề số 14: Museum

1. Do you often visit museums?
Museums are an invaluable source of knowledge and I try to visit them as often as
possible. Often the best way to broaden your horizons is to look to the past for
inspiration. There is something truly fascinating about looking back into a time long since
passed.
A. Vocabulary
1. Invaluable source of knowledge: nguồn kiến thức vô giá
2. As often as possible: thường xuyên khi có thể ASAP
EXPAND
3. Broaden your horizons: mở mang kiến thức WIDEN
4. Look to the past: nhìn lại quá khứ
5. A time long since passed: quá khứ đã qua
One of the most effective ways to broaden your horizons is reading books.

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SÁCH LÀ NGUỒN KIẾN THỨC VÔ GIÁ GIÚP TA MỞ MANG KIẾN THỨC

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2. Did you visit museums when you were a child?
My parents had the firm held belief that museums are an excellent form of cultural
enrichment for children, therefore they seized every opportunity to take us on days trips
to a multitude of educational establishments which were almost always great fun. Museums
are a great way to strike a balance between fun and educational.
A. Vocabulary BELIEVE
1. The firm held belief: niềm tin vững chắc
SEIZE
2. Cultural enrichment: bổ túc văn hóa
3. Seized every opportunity: tận dụng mọi cơ hội
4. Strike a balance between: cân bằng giữa việc
My parents told me to strike a balance between studying and playing.
TÔI LUÔN TẬN DỤNG MỌI CƠ HỘI ĐỂ DÀNH TGIAN CHO GIA ĐÌNH MÌNH
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3. Are there many museums in your hometown?

I grew up in an old and historic town so there were a wide array of museums to celebrate
the rich and varied cultural roots. We had everything from a transport museum to one
dedicated to the maritime history of my old stomping ground. My undeniable favourite

34
had to be the gigantic aquarium that displayed only a tiny fraction of the spectacular variety
of lives to be found in the oceans.
A. Vocabulary
1. Rich and varied cultural roots: nguồn gốc văn hóa phong phú và đa dạng
2. My old stomping ground: nơi sinh
3. Undeniable favourite: sở thích rõ ràng
4. The variety of lives: đa dạng các loài
My old stomping ground is Ho Chi Minh City.
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4. When was the last time you visited a museum?
As I have grown older and entered the world of work, I have found it a lot more difficult
to find the time to stroll around my local museums. That being said, I did manage to visit
an exhibition about my hero and idol, David Bowie. If you are a fan of his work, I could not
recommend more that you take a peak.
A. Vocabulary
1. Grown older: lớn lên
2. Entered the world of work: đi làm SERVE
LEARNING
3. Find the time: có thời gian STUDY
4. That being said: mặc dù thế
5. Hero and idol: anh hùng và thần tượng
6. I could not recommend more: chắc chắn khuyên
7. Take a peak: tìm hiểu
READ SOMEONE LIKE A BOOK


35
TÔI CHẮC CHẮN KHUYÊN BẠN NÊN MUA MỘT CÁI LAPTOP ĐỂ PHỤC VỤ VIỆC HỌC Ở ĐẠI HỌC
I recommend you to take a closer peak into the details of the story.
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Chủ đề số 15: Trees

1. What kind of trees do people usually plant in your country? How about your
hometown?
I am fortunate enough to have grown up near a forest in the scenic countryside. There
was such a wide variety of trees that there are far too many to mention. However, some
trees stood out from the rest in terms of beauty and size, perhaps most notably the teak
tree and the tamarind tree, to name a few.
A. Vocabulary
1. I am fortunate enough: tôi rất may mắn
2. The scenic countryside: vùng quê tuyệt đẹp
3. There are far too many to mention: có quá nhiều không thể nhắc hết
4. Stood out from the rest: nổi bật hơn tất cả
5. Most notably: nổi bật nhất, đáng chú ý nhất
6. To name a few: ví dụ (liệt kê)
I am fortunate and privileged enough to be born in a family always loving me.
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36
2. Have you ever planted a tree?

While I may be cursed with a black thumb, my mother was blessed with a green thumb
and she adored anything to do with nature. We would often take on ambitious projects
together which often involved planting trees from which we could harvest delicious and
succulent fruit.
A. Vocabulary
1. Cursed with: bị nguyền (xui xẻo)
2. Black thumb: người không thể trồng cây (trồng là cây héo)
3. Blessed with: được ban cho (may mắn)
4. Green thumb: người làm vườn giỏi (ngược lại với black thumb)
5. Ambitious projects: các dự án đầy tham vọng
6. Delicious and succulent fruit: trái cây mọng nước, ngon ngọt
Tropical fruits are always delicious and succulent.
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3. What kinds of trees do you plant?
The list is too numerous to mention everything. Yet, some of my absolute favourites
were the lemon trees with their tantalising citrusy aromas.
A. Vocabulary
1. List is too numerous to mention everything: quá nhiều không thể nhắc hết
2. Absolute favourites: yêu thích nhất
3. Tantalising citrusy aromas: hương thơm ngọt ngào quyến rũ của cam quýt
The list is too numerous to mention everything, but if I had to pick one, it would be …

37
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4. Do you like planting trees? Why?

I think it is so important to give back to nature especially when considering all the damage
that humans cause to the natural world. Planting trees might be seen as a trivial matter
to some, but to me it is a vital means by which I can try to minimise my carbon footprint.
Therefore, I would say yes because of the peace of mind it gives me.
A. Vocabulary
1. Give back to nature: trả về với
2. Humans cause to the natural world: con người gây ra cho thế giới tự nhiên
3. Trivial matter: vấn đề tầm thường
4. Carbon footprint: (dấu chân carbon) là tổng lượng phát thải khí nhà kính đến
từ quá trình sản xuất, sử dụng và cuối vòng đời của một sản phẩm hoặc dịch
vụ.
5. Peace of mind: sự bình yên
It was only later in life that she found happiness and peace of mind.
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38
Chủ đề số 16: Farming

1. Have you visited a farm?
Over the course of my life, I have been to quite a few different types of farm, especially
when I was young. Having grown up in a city as a child it was eye-opening for me to learn
that food does not simply come from a packet on a shelf. I learnt that if a farmer wants to
grow quality produce, they must put their heart and soul into the painstaking process of
tending to their land and animals.
A. Vocabulary
1. Over the course of my life: trong suốt quá trình cuộc sống
2. Eye-opening: mở mang tầm mắt
3. Put their heart and soul into: đặt hết tâm huyết của mình vào cái gì đó
4. Painstaking process: quá trình cần cù, chịu khó
It's a delicate and painstaking process, with no room for error.
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2. What kind of farm do you like?
I have a particular affinity for eco-farms and any form of agriculture that is conscious of its
effect on the planet. I think I am drawn to these kinds of farms because they represent a
brighter future in which humans are more at one with nature.
A. Vocabulary
1. Particular affinity for: sự ham thích đặc biệt cho cái gì đó
2. I am drawn to: bị hấp dẫn bởi cái gì
3. Brighter future: tương lai tươi sáng hơn
4. Be at one with nature: gần gũi, hoà hợp với thiên nhiên

39
You could head for a brighter future with a networking site especially for job seekers.
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3. Do you think farming is important?
Farming is what makes everything we have in life and society possible; we need food to eat,
cotton for clothes, and wine to drink, to name just a few of the agricultural outputs. After all,
farming is the discovery that took us from hunter-gatherers to what we are today.
A. Vocabulary
1. To name just a few: chỉ liệt kê một vài
2. Hunter-gatherers: người chỉ biết săn bắt và hái lượm
There are no known hunter-gatherer cultures that have a counting system in their
language.
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4. Did you do farm work when you were young?
Growing up in an urban area meant that I was, and still am, very accustomed to city life. I
am not known for getting my hands dirty. Although, I think it would have been good for me
to have done some manual labour on a farm; hard work is good for character building.
A. Vocabular
1. City life: cuộc sống thành thị
2. Getting my hands dirty: tham gia vào một việc phạm pháp, khó khăn, nguy
hiểm mà bạn không muốn

40
3. Manual labour: lao động tay chân

4. Hard work: làm việc chăm chỉ
5. Character building: việc xây dựng tính cách
Has moving to the countryside changed your view of city life?
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Chủ đề số 17: New year

1. How do you celebrate New Year?
New year is a big deal where I come from. It is the perfect time for us all to come together
to celebrate the year just past and the new year to come. I will take any opportunity to let
my hair down and have some fun. We usually celebrate by organising a party with all our
nearest and dearest and we make sure to keep the drinks flowing.
A. Vocabulary
1. Big deal: việc quan trọng
2. Come together: tụ tập, quây quần bên nhau
3. I will take any opportunity: tận dụng cơ hội
4. Let my hair down: thư giãn
5. Nearest and dearest: những người gần gũi và thân thuộc nhất
6. Drinks flowing: uống liên tục
I felt the pressure on me, winning was such a big deal for the whole family.
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41
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2. Do you have any ceremonies to celebrate the New Year in your country?
There are very few traditions that have stood the test of time where I come from but from
those that have lasted, one of favourites is on New Year’s Eve. At the stroke of twelve,
everyone must share a kiss with a loved one and to do so is good luck. This is followed by
everyone joining hands and singing a special new year song.
A. Vocabulary
1. Stood the test of time: trường tồn theo năm tháng
2. At the stroke of twelve: vào đúng 12 giờ
3. Share a kiss: gửi cái hôn
4. Joining hands: nắm tay nhau
Before they got to the venue, they shared a kiss.
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3. Why do people think the New year is a new beginning?
It is difficult to say. Perhaps because when one year ends and we welcome in the new
year, it is the perfect time to reflect on ourselves and think about how we can become the
best version of ourselves. Therefore, it is the perfect opportunity for self-improvement.
A. Vocabulary
1. Welcome in the new year: chào mừng 1 năm mới tới
2. Time to reflect: thời điểm để suy ngẫm lại
3. The best version of ourselves: phiên bản tốt nhất của bản thân
4. Perfect opportunity: cơ hội hoàn hảo sự tự cải thiện bản thân giúp ta có được
phiên bản tốt nhất của mình
5. Self-improvement: sự tự cải thiện bản thân

42

It's a perfect opportunity for a cute photo of us together, despite me feeling a mess.
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Chủ đề số 18: Decoration

1. What's the decoration like in your home?
At the moment it is a bit of a mess. When we lead such busy lives it can be very hard to
find the time to redecorate our living spaces. Currently, the decor is a little bit on the
plain side but if I am being honest that is how I like it. Although, I do think that it is high
time for me to pull my finger out a bit and spruce it up.
A. Vocabulary
1. Bit of a mess: hơi lộn xộn
2. Lead such busy lives: sống một cuộc sống bận rộn
3. Find the time: tìm ra được thời gian
4. Living spaces: không gian sống
5. A little bit on the plain side: hơi trống trải, đơn giản
6. If I am being honest: nếu thành thật mà nói
7. High time: đã đến lúc
8. Pull my finger out: bắt đầu bắt tay vào việc gì đó
9. Spruce it up: dọn dẹp, cải thiện vẻ ngoài
It's high time you mended this shelf.
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43
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2. What kind of decoration do you prefer?
Interior design is such a personal thing that is unique to everyone. My taste is a bit of
an eclectic mix drawing inspiration from all over the world. I am really drawn to the
minimalist style that is often found in Scandinavia, while at the same time I love the
colourfulness favoured in Morocco. It is a shame I only have one flat because choosing one
style is so difficult.
A. Vocabulary
1. Interior design: thiết kế nội thất
2. Such a personal thing: việc cá nhân, việc riêng tư
3. Unique to everyone: độc nhất với mọi người
4. Eclectic mix: sự pha trộn rộng rãi
5. Drawing inspiration from all over the world: lấy cảm hứng từ khắp thế giới
6. I am really drawn to: bị thu hút bởi cái gì đó
7. While at the same time: đồng thời
8. It is a shame: thật là thẹn
It is a shame to be so clumsy.
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3. Do Vietnamese people like redecorating their homes？
I think so. While I do not speak for every single Vietnamese person, what’s not to love
about redecorating? It can be an awful lot of work but it is also a fantastic opportunity to

44
flex your creative muscles and sink your teeth into a giant task. In that sense, I think it
can be very relaxing because during the time you're focusing on redecorating, you are too
busy to worry about things.
A. Vocabulary
1. While I do not speak for: mặc dù tôi không nói cho
2. What’s not to love about: việc không thích về vấn đề gì
3. An awful lot of work: một công việc khủng khiếp
4. Flex your creative muscles: vận dụng cơ bắp sáng tạo
5. Sink your teeth into a giant task: hết tâm trí vào công việc khổng lồ
In order to win the election, you have to flex your creative muscles.
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4. What's your favorite color when decorating your home?
That is a very difficult question because it depends on so many things. However, if I have
to choose a favourite I think I would go with black. That might sound strange but many
people underestimate just how useful the colour black can be. For example, most people
choose for their walls to be white but I would argue that white is a cold colour, therefore I
chose for my walls to be black and it makes the space feel warmer.
A. Vocabulary
1. It depends on so many things: việc đó phụ thuộc vào nhiều thứ
2. That might sound strange: nghe có vẻ lạ
3. I would argue: tôi cho rằng
4. Cold colour: màu lạnh
5. Space feel warmer: giúp không gian trở nên ấm cúng hơn
I would argue that it will certainly rain tomorrow.

45
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Chủ đề số 19: TV program

1. Do you often watch programs on the TV or on your cell phone?
TVs simply cannot match the convenience of a mobile, therefore I watch most of my TV
on my phone. In these busy and hectic times, it can be hard to find the time to actually sit
and watch TV which is why smartphones really are such a gift. All I need is Wi-FI or a few
episodes downloaded and I can watch TV while on the bus, cooking, or hanging out the
laundry.
A. Vocabulary
1. Cannot match the convenience (of smt): không thể tiện lợi bằng (một thứ
gì đó)
2. Busy and hectic times: thời đại bận rộn và hỗn độn
3. Are such a gift: (cấu trúc such a…) thật sự là một món quà
During these busy and hectic times, it can be hard to find the time to have a face-to-
face conversation with your loved ones.
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2. What kind of TV programs do you like?
I enjoy a wide variety of shows but it really depends on my mood on any given day. On
some days when I’m tired or feeling under the weather, I prefer an easy watch that does
ORGANIZATION

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not require me to think too much. Yet on other days, I want action, suspense, and thrills to
keep my blood pumping.
HORROR
A. Vocabulary
1. I enjoy a wide variety of: tôi thích nhiều loại khác nhau (của cái gì đó)
2. It depends on my mood on any given day: tùy thuộc vào tâm trạng của tôi
ngày đó
3. Be/feel under the weather: cảm thấy không khỏe
4. An easy watch: một phim dễ xem
5. To keep my blood pumping: giữ cho tôi phấn khích
I’m under the weather today, so let’s watch something light, shall we?
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3. Do you like watching the same kind of program all the time?
My taste often fluctuates. So I would have to say no. These days, there are so many
fantastic shows to choose from, it is impossible to just watch the same type of show over
and over again. If things are too similar I get bored so variety is very important to me.
A. Vocabulary
1. My taste often fluctuates: gu của tôi thường thay đổi
2. Over and over again: liên tục (không đổi sang thứ khác)
I’m not really sure what my favorite genre is. My taste of music often fluctuates.
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4. Do you talk with your friends about the program you watched?
One of my absolute favourite pastimes is gossiping about TV show drama with friends. We
can quite happily sit for hours just discussing what has happened in the most recent
episode and I think it is a fun and harmless way to bond and pass the time.
A. Vocabulary
1. Quite happily: sẵn lòng
2. Pass the time: giết thời gian
I can quite happily discuss your work in more detail.
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Chủ đề số 20: Maths

1. Do students learn maths in secondary schools in Vietnam?
Yes, they do. Maths is, of course, one of the fundamental and most important subjects, so
schools in Vietnam, like the rest of the world, spend lots of time making sure that all children
have a strong foundation in maths.
A. Vocabulary
1. Fundamental: cơ bản
2. Have a strong foundation in: có nền tảng vững chắc về

48
If you want to succeed in the business world, you need to have a strong foundation
in Maths and Economics.
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2. Do you think maths is difficult?
I am not very mathematically minded, therefore I found maths to be very challenging.
Some people at my school just seemed to get it but I was not so lucky. I was, however,
fortunate enough to have a fantastic teacher who took the time to help me get through my
exams.
A. Vocabulary
1. Mathematically minded: có đầu óc thiên về toán
2. Challenging (adj): khó khăn, thử thách
3. Just seemed to get it: có vẻ như nắm bắt được dễ dàng
4. Was not so lucky: không được may mắn như vậy
5. Took the time: dành thời gian
6. Get through my exams: vượt qua kì thi
My dream is to become a businessman, but unfortunately I’m not very mathematically
minded.
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3. What can people do with maths in their daily life？

Why/why not?

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There are a myriad of uses for maths in everyday life, far too many to mention. Maths
helps with cooking and baking, along with household finance, not to mention the number
of occupations that require one to have considerable maths skills. Sometimes, I think back
to my school days and wish I had paid more attention, perhaps then life would be easier
now.
A. Vocabulary
1. Myriad of uses (Noun phrase): rất nhiều lợi ích
2. Everyday life, far too many to mention: trong cuộc sống hàng ngày, quá
quá nhiều để kể hết
3. Household finance: tài chính gia đình
4. I think back: nghĩ lại (về gì đó trong quá khứ)
5. Paid more attention: chú ý hơn
When I think back on my time in secondary school, I realise it was actually a good
idea to teach children about household finance.
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4. Do you learn maths now? Why/why not?
I would like to say yes but sadly I am not disciplined enough to sit down and study maths
anymore. After working long hours, the last thing I want to do in the evening is more
work and study, even though I know it would be incredibly useful.
A. Vocabulary
1. I would like to say yes but: tôi muốn nói là có, nhưng...
2. I am not disciplined enough: tôi không đủ kỉ luật
3. After working long hours, the last thing I want to do: Sau khi làm việc trong
nhiều giờ đồng hồ, thứ cuối cùng tôi muốn làm là … (Ý nói rằng: đây là một
việc tôi không hề muốn làm)

50

I have been meaning to start exercising regularly, but I am just not disciplined
enough.
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Chủ đề số 21: Taking a rest

1. How often do you take a rest?
Within reason, I like to take rests when I need them and when they are possible. Some
people think that working extra hard is the only key to success, however, I disagree. I
believe that simply working flat out all the time and not resting will affect the quality of my
work. Therefore, having a good work rest balance not only benefits mental health but also
the quality of my output.
A. Vocabulary
1. Within reason: một cách hợp lý, trong mức độ hợp lý
2. Key to success: chìa khóa đến thành công
3. Flat out = as hard/fast as possible: gắng sức nhất có thể
4. A good work rest balance: sự cân bằng giữa làm việc và nghỉ ngơi hợp lý
For me personally, a good work rest balance is the most important thing about a job.
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………
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51
2. What do you usually do when you are resting?

It depends on the length of the rest period. If I only get a few minutes to rest, then I will
usually have a quick snack or go on my phone to catch up on what is going on in the
world. If I have longer then maybe I will go to a cafe, buy a nice hot drink and watch the
world go by.
A. Vocabulary
1. Quick snack: ăn nhẹ
2. Catch up on what is going on in the world: cập nhật tình hình thế giới
3. Watch the world go by: xem diễn biến thế giới

On my lazy days, I love to just sit in a coffee shop and watch the world go by.
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3. Do you take a nap when you are taking your rest?

Sometimes, yes. If I have enough time I love having naps as I find them to be a great way
to recharge my batteries. However, there is always some risk when taking a nap because
if I sleep through my alarm I can wake up feeling dazed and confused.
A. Vocabulary
1. Recharge my batteries: sạc lại năng lượng
2. Some risk: có yếu tố rủi ro
3. Sleep through my alarm: ngủ qua báo thức
4. Dazed and confused: mụ mị và bối rối
Whenever I sleep too much, I wake up feeling very dazed and confused.

52
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4. How do you feel after taking a nap?
For the most part, I wake feeling refreshed and rejuvenated after a quick nap. However,
I have been known to nap for far too long, even for hours sometimes, and then wake up
feeling more tired than before I fell asleep.
A. Vocabulary
1. For the most part: trong phần lớn trường hợp
2. Feeling refreshed and rejuvenated: cảm thấy tươi tỉnh và khỏe lại
3. I have been known to: tôi thường làm gì đó
4. Feeling more tired than before: cảm thấy mệt hơn khi trước
After a busy day at work, there is nothing I love more than taking a long shower. I
always feel very refreshed and rejuvenated after.
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Chủ đề số 22: Happiness

1. Is there anything that makes you feel happy lately?

53
For me, it is the little things that really manage to lift my mood. Things like fresh flowers,
seeing friends, or a really scrumptious meal, never fail to put a big smile on my face. I
think it is important to not take life too seriously.
A. Vocabulary
1. The little things: những điều nho nhỏ
2. Lift my mood: làm phấn chấn tâm trạng tôi
3. Never fail to / put a big smile on my face: luôn luôn / khiến tôi cười tươi
4. Not take life too seriously: không nghiêm túc hóa cuộc sống quá mức
The most important piece of advice I have received so far is to not take life too
seriously.
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2. What do you do to stay happy?
In my opinion, spending time with friends is a sure-fire way to keep me in high spirits.
But if I am not feeling very social, focusing on my hobbies is another means by which I can
be happy. Normally, I am a really positive person and I see the glass as half full, so it does
not take much to make me feel happy.
A. Vocabulary
1. Spending time with friends: dành thời gian với bạn bè
2. Sure-fire way: một cách chắc chắn để làm gì đó
3. High spirits: tinh thần vui vẻ
4. Means by which: là một cách mà bằng cách đó
5. I see the glass as half full: Tôi là một người lạc quan
Ngược với
Isee the glass as half empty: Tôi là một người bi quan
6. It does not take much: không mất nhiều để...

54

For pretty much every skill, practicing everyday is a sure-fire way to improve.
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3. Can you stay happy all the time?
Sadly not. I believe that it is important to be sad sometimes because it is the times when
we are feeling at our worst that really help us appreciate it when we feel our best.
Therefore, I think not being happy all the time is just one side of the coin, without which,
we would not appreciate being happy as much as possible.
A. Vocabulary
1. Sadly not: tiếc là không
2. Feeling at our worst: cảm thấy tồi tệ nhất
3. Feel our best: cảm thấy tuyệt vời nhất
4. One side of the coin: một mặt của đồng xu (tức một mặt của vấn đề)
When I am feeling at my worst, I am grateful to have my very affectionate dog with me
to cheer me up.
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55
4. Is it important to be happy?
By all means, yes. Being happy helps us to focus on all the positive aspects of life and
allows us to appreciate all that we have in this world. Without happiness, life would be
dull and dark. However, as with all things, happiness should come in moderation.
A. Vocabulary
1. By all means: dĩ nhiên
2. Positive aspects of life: những mặt tích cực của cuộc sống
3. Appreciate all that we have in this world: trân trọng tất cả những gì ta có
trên thế giới này
4. As with all things, happiness should come in moderation: cũng như mọi
thứ khác, hạnh phúc cũng nên có mức độ vừa phải.
Many people are obsessed with trying to be happy all the time. In my humble opinion,
happiness should come in moderation, as with all things.
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………
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Chủ đề số 23: Getting up early

1. Do you often get up early in the morning?
I must confess, I am an early bird. I love nothing more than to wake up at the crack of
dawn. It gives me so much pleasure to see the sunrise every morning from my bedroom
window.
A. Vocabulary
1. Be an early bird: là người hay dậy sớm, chú chim buổi sớm

56
2. I love nothing more than to: không có việc gì tôi thích bằng
3. At the crack of dawn: khi có những tia nắng đầu tiên
I am not exactly a night owl; I am more of an early bird.
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2. What do you usually do when you get up early?
I am a creature of habit therefore I have a strict morning routine. I like to wake up at the
crack of dawn and enjoy a tasty Vietnamese coffee. After that, I read the news and have a
shower. Sometimes, I will catch up with the latest gossip on social media before eating
my breakfast.
A. Vocabulary
1. Creature of habit: người sống theo thói quen
2. Catch up with the latest gossip: hóng chuyện, cập nhật gossip
I am a creature of habit - I always keep to what I know.
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3. Do you get up early on weekends?
Yes, despite the fact that I feel so stressed at work during the weekdays. I find it difficult to
switch off my mind and relax so at the weekend I usually wake up at an early time in the
morning and relax. I often find it therapeutic to read the newspaper and catch up on the
latest news.

57
A. Vocabulary
1. Switch off my mind: cho tâm trí nghỉ ngơi
2. Find it therapeutic to: cảm thấy được chữa lành khi (làm việc gì đó)
I have a pretty heavy workload, so at the weekends I often play football to relax and
switch off my mind.
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4. Which morning do you like best in a week?
That is an interesting question. I think it would have to be Friday morning because it is nearly
the weekend. Moreover, on Fridays, I always get together with my best friends after work to
socialise and enjoy some mouth-watering cuisine. For example, last Friday my best
friend and I went to Pizza 4P’s.
A. Vocabulary
1. Socialise (with sb): gặp gỡ, tán gẫu, dành thời gian (với ai đó)
2. Enjoy some mouth-watering cuisine: thưởng thức ẩm thực siêu ngon (tới
mức chảy nước miếng)
What I love about Saigon is there are a lot of authentic restaurants serving many types
of mouth-watering cuisine.
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58
Chủ đề số 24: Singing

1. Do you like singing?
I am an avid fan of singing. I find it quite therapeutic, I have to be honest though I wouldn’t
say I am gifted at singing but nonetheless I like to go for it. In these situations, I try not to
take myself too seriously. My favorite genres of music are pop and rap.
A. Vocabulary
1. Avid fan: fan hâm mộ cứng
2. Gifted at singing: có năng khiếu ca hát
3. Go for it: cứ làm thôi
4. To take myself too seriously: nghiêm trọng hóa bản thân
Although I’m not very gifted at singing, I love to sing karaoke with my friends.
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2. When do you sing?
For the most part, my singing is confined to the shower as I am quite shy so I rarely sing
in front of people. That being said, when I am with my friends we have been known to visit
karaoke bars which never fails to make us laugh.
A. Vocabulary
1. For the most part: trong phần lớn thời gian, thường thì
2. Is confined to: bó buộc trong phạm vi
3. That being said: tuy vậy
4. Never fail to / make us laugh: luôn luôn / khiến chúng tôi cười
The problem of unemployment is not confined to youth. Many older people are also
suffering from this issue.

59
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3. Will you take singing lessons in the future?
I have always found singing to be something I do for enjoyment rather than to be the best,
therefore it certainly is not something I take overly seriously. With that in mind, I doubt
I will enrol in any kind of formal singing lessons.
A. Vocabulary
1. I have always found: tôi luôn thấy / cho rằng
2. Not something I take overly seriously: không phải việc gì tôi quá nghiêm
trọng hóa
3. With that in mind: tuy vậy
I do not take appearance overly seriously; I care more about a person’s sincerity.
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4. Did you enjoy singing when you were younger?
Young children are blessed with a total lack of self-consciousness so when I was very
young I would be singing 24/7, if you could call it singing. However, when we hit our
teenage years we start to be more self-conscious and we worry about what others think,
that is why I sing far less often now.
A. Vocabulary
1. Are blessed (with smt): được trời ban (cho thứ gì)
2. Self-consciousness: sự tự nhận thức, khả năng tự nhận thức

60
3. 24/7, if you could call it singing: 24/7, nếu bạn có thể gọi đó là hát
She was blessed with unrivalled natural beauty.
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Chủ đề số 25: Reading

1. Do you like reading?
There are few things I like more than settling down with a good book. I find that books,
more than any other form of media, are the most effective way to escape the monotony of
day to day life into fantastic other worlds. This is because I can read at my own pace and
get lost in the pages.
A. Vocabulary
1. There are few things I like more than: không có nhiều thứ tôi thích bằng việc
2. To escape the monotony of day to day life: chạy trốn sự đơn điệu của cuộc
sống thường ngày
3. at my own pace: ở tốc độ của tôi
4. get lost in the pages: đắm chìm vào những trang sách
When I’m reading, I love to find a quiet nook where I can get lost in the pages.
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61
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2. Do you like to read at home or in other places?

Generally speaking, I will read whenever the opportunity arises, whether it be at home,
in the park on a sunny day, or perhaps while I am waiting for a bus or train. I am inclined
to say that I prefer reading at home because there are fewer distractions.
A. Vocabulary
1. Generally speaking: nhìn chung, nói chung
2. Whenever the opportunity arises: bất cứ khi nào có cơ hội
3. I am inclined to say: muốn nói rằng
Generally speaking, women are more adept at social sciences.
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3. In what place do you think it is difficult to read?

Reading is most challenging when there is an abundance of distractions around.
Therefore, it can be nearly impossible to truly immerse oneself in a story in loud places
like busy train stations, airports, or parks.
A. Vocabulary
1. An abundance of distractions around: có quá nhiều sự sao lãng xung quanh
2. Truly immerse oneself in a story: thật sự chìm đắm bản thân vào một câu
chuyện
I cannot work when there are an abundance of distractions around.

62
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4. Do you like to read by yourself or with other people?

I much prefer reading on my own. When I read I like to focus solely on my book without
any distractions or noise, when I am with people I start to second guess myself and I worry
if it is awkward that we are both reading quietly. This means I cannot concentrate fully.
A. Vocabulary
1. I much prefer: tôi thích thứ gì đó hơn rất nhiều
2. Focus solely on: tập trung chỉ vào một thứ
3. Second guess myself: nghi ngờ bản thân
Many people in Vietnam like to drink coffee but I much prefer tea.
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63
Chủ đề số 26: Country

1. Which part of your country do you want to live in?
Without a shadow of a doubt, I would love to reside in the majestic mountains of Da Lat.
I think it would give me the opportunity to be at one with nature and enjoy the breath-taking
views. Da Lat has the perfect combination of fresh air, cold weather, and picturesque
mountains that would be great for improving both my mental and physical health.
A. Vocabulary
1. Without a shadow of doubt: không có mảy may nghi ngờ nào
2. Reside in: cụm xịn hơn của live in
3. The perfect combination of: sự kết hợp hoàn hảo của …
4. Both my mental and physical health: cả sức khỏe tinh thần và thể chất của
tôi
Meditation is great for both my mental and physical health.
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2. What makes you feel proud of your country?
Personally speaking, I think it has to be Vietnam's rich and diverse history. The country
has overcome so many trials and tribulations from foreign adversaries in the past and
yet it has come through the other side and is emerging as a world leader in so many
aspects. I think this comes down to the strong will and determination of the Vietnamese
people, that is something I feel very proud of.
A. Vocabulary
1. Rich and diverse history: lịch sử phong phú và đa dạng
2. Trials and tribulations: những thăng trầm
3. Foreign adversaries: giặc ngoại xâm

64
4. Is emerging as a: đang trỗi dậy như là

5. Comes down to:
6. Strong will and determination:
Life is often full of trials and tribulations.
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3. Do you know the history of your country well?
I will be honest, I am quite a history buff, nothing gives me more pleasure than to
investigate and understand the rich cultural diversity and history of my great country.
Vietnam is steeped in history so there is always something new to discover but I think my
understanding is above average.
A. Vocabulary
1. A + Noun + buff (e.g. a history buff, a film buff): một người rất quan tâm tới
thứ gì đó (VD: người đam mê lịch sử, ‘mọt phim’)
2. Cultural diversity: sự đa dạng văn hóa
3. Steeped in history: giàu lịch sử
I am kind of a movie buff - I can spend hours watching movies and analysing them.
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4. Will you stay in Vietnam in the future?

65
Yes, I often call Vietnam the land of opportunity so I can see my future here. I would like
to grasp every opportunity when it comes to education and employment opportunities.
However, don’t get me wrong, I would love to travel the world as well but my heart belongs
in Vietnam.
A. Vocabulary
1. Land of opportunity: mảnh đất của cơ hội
2. Grasp every opportunity: nắm bắt mọi cơ hội
3. My heart belongs in: trái tim tôi thuộc về
I am fortunate enough to have travelled to many cities in the world, but at the end of
the day, my heart belongs in Hanoi.
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66

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TỪ VỰNG NÂNG CAO SPEAKING - THẦY CHARLES IELTS

Chào các bạn,

IELTS WITH CHARLES - BRITISH ACADEMY VIETNAM

IELTS WITH CHARLES ....................................................................................................................... 4

IELTS WITH CHARLES - BRITISH ACADEMY VIETNAM

Chủ đề số 25: Reading ............................................................................................................... 61

IELTS WITH CHARLES - BRITISH ACADEMY VIETNAM

IELTS WITH CHARLES

IELTS WITH CHARLES - BRITISH ACADEMY VIETNAM

IELTS WITH CHARLES - BRITISH ACADEMY VIETNAM

4. What do you do on holidays?

IELTS WITH CHARLES - BRITISH ACADEMY VIETNAM

B. Tập đặt câu

IELTS WITH CHARLES - BRITISH ACADEMY VIETNAM

IELTS WITH CHARLES - BRITISH ACADEMY VIETNAM

IELTS WITH CHARLES - BRITISH ACADEMY VIETNAM

B. Tập đặt câu

IELTS WITH CHARLES - BRITISH ACADEMY VIETNAM

1. As nothing: không có gì bằng

IELTS WITH CHARLES - BRITISH ACADEMY VIETNAM

Chủ đề số 5: Primary school

IELTS WITH CHARLES - BRITISH ACADEMY VIETNAM

Chủ đề số 6: Environmental protection

IELTS WITH CHARLES - BRITISH ACADEMY VIETNAM

IELTS WITH CHARLES - BRITISH ACADEMY VIETNAM

IELTS WITH CHARLES - BRITISH ACADEMY VIETNAM

Chủ đề số 7: Wild animals

IELTS WITH CHARLES - BRITISH ACADEMY VIETNAM

IELTS WITH CHARLES - BRITISH ACADEMY VIETNAM

IELTS WITH CHARLES - BRITISH ACADEMY VIETNAM

IELTS WITH CHARLES - BRITISH ACADEMY VIETNAM

IELTS WITH CHARLES - BRITISH ACADEMY VIETNAM

IELTS WITH CHARLES - BRITISH ACADEMY VIETNAM

B. Tập đặt câu

Chủ đề số 10: Barbecue

IELTS WITH CHARLES - BRITISH ACADEMY VIETNAM

IELTS WITH CHARLES - BRITISH ACADEMY VIETNAM

3. Rustic and simple nature: mộc mạc dân dã

IELTS WITH CHARLES - BRITISH ACADEMY VIETNAM

4. Did you have barbecue when you were a child?

Chủ đề số 11: Car trip

IELTS WITH CHARLES - BRITISH ACADEMY VIETNAM

3. That being said: mặc dù nói vậy, nhưng ...

IELTS WITH CHARLES - BRITISH ACADEMY VIETNAM

IELTS WITH CHARLES - BRITISH ACADEMY VIETNAM

Chủ đề số 12: Relax

2. Relax and unwind: thư giãn

IELTS WITH CHARLES - BRITISH ACADEMY VIETNAM

2. Do you think doing sports is a good way to relax?

IELTS WITH CHARLES - BRITISH ACADEMY VIETNAM

6. Each to their own: tùy vào sở thích cá nhân

IELTS WITH CHARLES - BRITISH ACADEMY VIETNAM

Chủ đề số 13: Special costumes

IELTS WITH CHARLES - BRITISH ACADEMY VIETNAM

4. Ready to save the day: sẵn sàng cứu thế giới

IELTS WITH CHARLES - BRITISH ACADEMY VIETNAM

Chủ đề số 14: Museum

IELTS WITH CHARLES - BRITISH ACADEMY VIETNAM