Topic 1: Society

1. Would you like to support a charity? Why/ why not?

Yes. I would like to support a charity.
- I think by donating time or money to a charity, I can make a positive impact on
someone's life and contribute to making the world a better place. I feel very happy
when participating in volunteer projects because I get to do meaningful things.
- In addition, volunteering at a charity can teach invaluable skills such as empathy,
teamwork, and communication.
- Moreover, when I become involved with a charity, I am exposed to a wider range
of experiences. By supporting a charity, I can step out of their comfort zones and
engage with people from diverse backgrounds, which can lead to empathy,
understanding, and a sense of connection.
- Overall, supporting a charity can be a way for me to learn, grow, and contribute
positively to society while making a genuine difference in someone's life.
2. What charities do people support where you live?
In Ho Chi Minh City, there are several charities and non-profit organizations that
receive support from the local community. Some popular charities in Ho Chi Minh
City include:
- HCMC Child Welfare Association: is a non-profit social organisation consisting
of individuals and organisations in Ho Chi Minh City having a shared interest in
education, protection and child protection for Vietnamese children in Ho Chi
Minh City.
- Vietnam Heartbeat Foundation: is a charity organization operating, specializes
in helping poor children with congenital heart disease in Ho Chi Minh City. The
Heartbeat Vietnam Fund has a long history of operation over the past 10 years for
a common goal, which is an effort to call for economic support from organizations
and individuals to pay the cost of heart surgery for children.
3. How can doing community service help you achieve your future goals?
I think doing community service will help me by …
- Teamwork is a critical skill that is highly valued by colleges and employers.
Through community service, I can work collaboratively in a team environment,
learning how to communicate effectively and take on leadership roles as needed.
And this will help me to contribute effectively to group projects in school or work.
Moreover, I can also develop problem-solving skills as I tackle unique challenges
and situations that arise during my volunteer work.
- Additionally, engaging in community service allows me to create valuable
connections with people in the community, which can help me pursue future career
or academic opportunities. Including community service on a college application
or a resume shows initiative, leadership, and dedication, making me more
attractive to potential employers or schools.
4. Have you ever given money to a charity or worked with a charity? Did you
enjoy it? Why/ why not?
- Yes, I have donated money to a charity in the past. I had very happy days when I
joined Sai Gon Xanh to join hands to protect the environment, I participated in
picking up trash, cleaning up polluted places. Although I am very tired, I feel that I
have done useful things for society.
- Yes, I did enjoy donating to a charity. Because it made me feel good knowing that
I was able to help someone in need. Seeing the positive impact that my
contribution could have on others gave me a sense of satisfaction and happiness.
5. What is the most expensive thing you have ever bought for yourself? For someone
else?
- The most expensive thing I've ever bought for myself is a smartphone. It cost a lot
of money, but I saved up for it because I wanted the latest features and technology.
For my mom, I once bought a beautiful dress as a gift. It was quite expensive, but I
wanted to show her how much I appreciate her.
- Until now, the most expensive thing that i’ve bought for myself is a smartphone -
Samsung galaxy note 8. It cost me a lot of money, around 8 millions Vietnam
dong. I’m very excited and proud of it because I spent a whole decade saving up
enough money to afford it. It has the latest features and technology that I really
want.
6. When you have a little extra money, what do you spend it on?
- When I have some extra money, I like to treat myself to small pleasures. I often
spend it on going out to eat with friends or family, enjoying a tasty meal together.
Additionally, I may buy a new book or indulge in a movie ticket to relax and
unwind.
- Yah, me too. When I have some extra money, I often buy or make gifts for my
family and my friends on significant occasions such as: birthday, mother’s day,
father day’s… They're just simple gifts like a shirt or a letter,.. I believe that my
presents will make them joyful on their special day.
7. Do you think money can buy happiness? Why/Why not?
- In my opinion, money can indeed buy happiness, but only to a certain point.
Financial stability can alleviate stress and worry associated with financial
circumstances, which can contribute significantly to an individual's overall
happiness. Money can provide access to experiences and resources that
contribute to a more fulfilling and enjoyable life. For example, travel, hobbies, and
other luxuries that bring joy can certainly be purchased with money.
- From my standpoint, money cannot completely buy happiness. True happiness is
achieved through living a balanced and fulfilling life, with meaningful experiences
and relationships that bring joy and contentment. The world is really wonderful if
you explore, money is not the best thing, there are many things you need to take
care of like family, friends... It is possible to encounter joyful and fulfilling
experiences without excessive spending, as happiness is not dependent on wealth.
For instance, I can take a day trip to a nearby park with friends or family or plan a
weekend camping trip. These types of experiences offer the chance to connect
with others, explore new places, and enjoy the beauty of nature without breaking
the bank. Moreover, the pursuit of wealth often leads to peer pressure, isolation.
Topic 2: Food
1. Why is food wasted?
Food waste is a complex issue with various underlying causes.
- One primary reason for food waste is the overproduction and inefficiencies in the
food supply chain. Farmers often produce more than is required to meet the
demand, leading to surplus that gcoes unused and eventually gets discarded.
Additionally, inadequate storage and transportation facilities can result in spoilage
and deterioration of food before it reaches consumers.
- Another significant contributor to food waste is consumer behavior. Buying more
food than necessary, rejecting imperfect-looking produce, and improper meal
planning leading to leftovers being thrown away all contribute to the problem.
2. Would you eat food that is out of date? Why/ Why not?
I wouldn’t eat food that is out of date.
- Eating food that is past its expiration date can pose several risks to my health and
well-being. Expired food can potentially be contaminated with harmful bacteria
that can cause foodborne illnesses.
- Moreover, the nutritional value of food decreases over time, and consuming
expired food may mean that I am not getting the full benefit of its vitamins and
minerals.
3. Why does food go bad?
- Food goes bad for a few simple reasons. First, tiny living things like bacteria,
yeasts, and molds can grow on food. They love warm, moist environments and can
make food decay and smell bad.
- Second, these bacterias thrive and multiply when they have the right conditions,
such as moisture, warmth, and nutrients from the food. They break down the
food's organic matter, causing it to spoil, develop unpleasant odors, and become
unsafe to eat.
4. Why is normal plastic bad for storing food?
- Normal plastic can have some problems for storing food. Some types of normal
plastic can release harmful chemicals when they come into contact with food,
especially in situations where there is heat involved. These chemicals can
potentially leach into the food and pose health risks when consumed over time.
5. Have you ever thrown food out? Why did you throw the food out?
- Yes, I have thrown food out before. I threw the food out because it had gone bad
and was no longer safe to eat. The food had an unpleasant smell and had started to
develop mold or become discolored. I didn't want to risk getting sick from eating
spoiled food, so I disposed of it properly in the trash.
6. What problems do you think wasting food can cause?
- Food waste has a significant environmental impact, as the resources used to
produce the wasted food, such as water, energy, and land, are also wasted. This
leads to increased greenhouse gas emissions and strains already limited resources.
7. How could people try to solve those problems?
To help solve food waste problems, individuals can take several practical steps.
- Planning meals and shopping with a list can prevent overbuying, ensuring that
food is used before it spoils. Proper storage and organization techniques, such as
refrigerating perishables and using airtight containers, can extend the shelf life of
food.
- Understanding expiration dates and practicing portion control can also minimize
waste.
8. What types of food do you usually throw out? Why?
- People throw out a wide variety of food items, but some common types include
fruits and vegetables that have spoiled or gone bad, leftovers that were not
consumed in time, bread and baked goods that have become stale, dairy products
that have expired, and canned or packaged goods that are past their expiration
date.
9. Does your country have an environmental problem due to wasted food? Can you
think of any countries that do?
 - Vietnam, like many other countries, faces environmental challenges due to wasted
food. Food waste contributes to various environmental issues, including
greenhouse gas emissions, water waste, and land use impacts.
10. Why do you think people restaurants, and supermarkets waste food?
- Restaurants and supermarkets waste food for several reasons. One primary factor
is the desire to maintain high standards of presentation and freshness. Restaurants
often prepare food in advance to ensure quick service, but if the demand for a
particular dish is lower than expected, the excess may go unsold and eventually
become wasted.
- Similarly, supermarkets need to provide visually appealing produce and products,
leading them to discard items that do not meet their aesthetic standards, even if
they are still edible.
11. When you were little, did your parents make you eat all your food? Or did you
throw away food that you didn’t eat?
- When I was young, my parents insisted that I finish all the food on my plate. They
believed in not wasting any food, so I couldn't throw away what I didn't eat. It was
important to them that I understood the value of food and appreciated the effort
that went into preparing it. Therefore, I had to eat everything before I could leave
the table.

Topic 3: Pressure
1. Which idea do you think is the most/ least helpful for managing stress?
- Stress can cloud your judgement and prevent you from seeing things clearly. Talking
things through with a friend, work colleague, or a trained professional, can help you find
solutions to your stress and put your problems into perspective. Seeking professional help
can also lead you to other forms of therapy, such as laughter therapy, which is known to
reduce the level of stress hormones.
- I think that it is a good idea not to have too much caffeine, alcohol and nicotine as a way
to avoid stress. If you are already feeling stressed, this becomes even more important.
Caffeine and nicotine are stimulants and so will increase your level of stress rather than
reduce it.
2. What are some things that can cause stress or pressure?
- Many factors can contribute to stress or pressure in people's lives. Work-related
stress is a common source, with tight deadlines, heavy workloads, and demanding
supervisors all playing a role. Academic pressure can also be significant, as
students face exams, assignments, and competition. Financial stress, such as
money problems or financial insecurity, can take a toll on individuals as well.
 Relationship issues, health concerns, life transitions, time pressures, and
environmental stressors can all contribute to feelings of stress.
3. What are some ways to manage stress or pressure?
-
4. Is peer pressure a big problem in your college?

5. What are some other examples of positive/negative peer pressure? Have you
experienced any of them?

6. How do you feel pressure before an exam? What do you think causes your stress?

7. How is exam stress similar to peer pressure?

8. Explain the causes and effects of exam pressure.

9. What advice would you give to students who have pressure?

10. What kind of pressure does each student have? (e.g., financial, academic,
personal…) and give some advice. 

Topic 4: Fear
1. What else happens to your body when you’re afraid?

Physiological response to fear (e.g., increased heart rate, sweating)

When we experience fear, our body goes through a range of physiological

responses as part of the fight-or-flight response. Some of the common
physiological responses to fear include:
 Increased Heart Rate: The heart rate tends to increase to pump more
blood to the muscles and organs, preparing the body for action.
 Increased Breathing Rate: Breathing becomes faster and deeper to ensure
an adequate supply of oxygen to the body, providing energy for physical
exertion.
 Muscle Tension: Fear can lead to muscle tension as a way to prepare the
body for physical action, such as running or fighting.
 Increased Blood Pressure: As a result of the body's stress response, blood
pressure may rise temporarily during moments of fear.
 Heightened Senses: In response to fear, the senses become more alert
and sensitive to potential threats, enabling better detection of danger.

2. What do you think are the most common fears?

3. Differences between fear and phobia.
4. When was the last time you were afraid? What happened?
5. Do you have any phobias?
6. Do you think it’s a good idea for a student to involve their audience during a
presentation?
7. What tips would you recommend for someone who’s giving a speech in public for
the first time?