GET READY FOR IELTS SPEAKING

UNIT 1: FAMILY
Part 1 - Exercise 15:
Tell me about your family.

Growing up, I was raised in a close-knit nuclear family. My hometown - Ben Tre is where my
beloved parents still reside /rɪˈzaɪd/. My father, Nhiem, is a passionate person who can
sometimes become hot-headed and easily angered. Despite this, he always shows me kindness
and affection, and goes out of his way to make me feel loved and appreciated. Whenever I visit,
he never fails to spoil me with my favorite snacks and treats. My mother, Huyen, is a highly
skilled and meticulous /məˈtɪk.jə.ləs/ woman who excels at almost everything she does.
Notably, she is an excellent cook and has taught me much of what I know in the culinary
/ˈkʌl.ə.ner.i/ arts. Her sense of humor and quick wit always bring a smile to my face. To me, my
family is everything. They have played an instrumental role in shaping my personality and
values, and their unwavering /ʌnˈweɪ.vər.ɪŋ/ (never changing) love and support have always
provided me with a sense of inner peace and security.

Part 2 - Exercise 8:
1. How much time do you spend with your family?
 Given that I am currently living quite far away from my family, I make a concerted
effort to visit them at least once a month. The journey to my hometown takes
roughly 2.5 hours, but the joy of spending time with my loved ones makes it all
worthwhile. Additionally, I make a point of calling my family on a regular basis,
typically 3-4 times a week. Not only does this help me stay connected with them, but
it also gives me the opportunity to update them on how I'm doing and reassure
them that everything is going well. I believe that maintaining strong ties with one's
family is essential for overall wellbeing, and I am fortunate to have such a supportive
and loving family in my life.
2. Are people in your country close to their family?
 Vietnamese culture places a strong emphasis on family values, and as such, I believe
that people here tend to have close relationships with their family members. Even if
they do not live together, Vietnamese people feel a deep sense of responsibility
towards their parents, who are viewed as the ones who gave them life. It is
customary /ˈkʌs.tə.mer.i/ (phong tục) for at least one son to live with their parents
after getting married, in order to take care of them and show filial piety
 /ˈfɪl.i.əl//ˈpaɪə.t̬i/ (lòng hiếu thảo). Additionally, during major holidays and
celebrations, it is common for extended family members to come together and
enjoy each other's company. This tradition reinforces the importance of familial
bonds and helps to maintain strong relationships between family members.
3. Do you prefer to go out with your family or your friends?
 To be honest, I don't have a large circle of friends, so I often choose to spend time
with my parents instead. They didn't have many opportunities to go out or travel
when they were younger, and now they encourage me to prioritize saving money for
my future. However, I believe that it's important to show gratitude and appreciation
for all that they have done for me over the years. They sacrificed so much to raise
me and provide me with the best possible upbringing, so I feel it's only fair to treat
them to some enjoyable experiences now and then. By taking them out and sharing
new adventures together, we can create lasting memories and strengthen our bond
as a family.
4. Which country are you from?
 I’m from Vietnam, a Southeast Asian country. It’s a long thin country with a really
long coastline. It’s famous for its breathtaking natural scenery like mountains and
beaches.
5. Do you have a large family?
 I grew up in a tight-knit nuclear family, with just my parents and me. Although my
parents still live in our hometown, I now live alone in Ho Chi Minh City. Despite our
small size, the three of us share a deep bond and love for each other that has only
grown stronger over the years.
6. What does your mother do?
 My mother is a homemaker, and she possesses a remarkable set of skills and virtues
/ˈvɜːrtʃuː/ (đức tính) that make her an outstanding person. She is a meticulous and
detail-oriented individual who takes pride in everything she does. Her culinary
talents are particularly noteworthy, and I have learned a great deal about cooking
thanks to her guidance and instruction.
7. Do you live with your family?
 Currently, I reside alone in Ho Chi Minh City due to the demands of my work, while
my parents continue to live in our hometown. The journey back to my hometown
takes approximately 2.5 hours by bus. Although I am physically distanced from my
family, I prioritize maintaining a close relationship with them and make a concerted
effort to visit them at least once a month.
UNIT 2: FREE TIME

Well, currently, I must admit that I don't have the habit of reading newspapers or magazines as
frequently as I used to. These days, I tend to rely on Facebook or news websites to stay updated
on the latest news. However, I do have some fond memories of my time as a student, when
reading magazines was a cherished pastime. Allow me to share one such experience with you.

Back in my secondary and high school days, there was a magazine that captured my attention
like no other—"Hoa Hoc Tro." During my teenage years, I was an avid /ˈæv.ɪd/ fan of Korean
idols, so when I saw a friend of mine flipping through a magazine filled with photos of Korean
bands and idols, I couldn't help but be drawn to it. I eagerly handed her some money and asked
her to subscribe to the magazine for me on a weekly basis. The anticipation of receiving each
new issue was truly exciting.

"Hoa Hoc Tro" was a treasure trove of captivating information related to schools and students.
It featured stories about exemplary/ɪɡˈzem.plɚ.i/students, school festivals, and teacher
appreciation days, among other things. Additionally, the magazine highlighted various charity
activities, such as assisting elderly individuals in need and visiting children with disabilities.
However, my personal favorite section of the magazine was dedicated to hot news about
Korean idols. It was a delightful mix of entertainment and fascination for me.

Beyond its focus on school life and Korean idols, "Hoa Hoc Tro" also covered a wide range of
engaging topics. It delved into areas like health, food, housing, true stories, jokes, and inspiring
and amusing incidents. The writing style and presentation of these topics were always
captivating, making it an enjoyable read from cover to cover.

Even today, "Hoa Hoc Tro" continues to be widely popular among Vietnamese teenagers. The
magazine serves as a gateway to the world for its readers, fostering global awareness and
nurturing critical thinking skills among Vietnamese youth. While my current reading habits may
have shifted, I will always cherish the memories of reading "Hoa Hoc Tro" and the joy it brought
me during my school days.
There are several recreational activities that I enjoy, but one in particular holds a special place
in my heart—cooking.

I owe my culinary /ˈkʌl.ə.ner.i/ skills to my amazing mom. She is an exceptional cook and when I
was 14 years old, she graciously took me under her wing, teaching me the art of cooking. This
knowledge not only helped me assist her in the kitchen but also empowered me to prepare my
own meals when I lived alone. I am incredibly grateful for this experience, as it has proven to be
invaluable, especially during times when I'm far away from my family. Not only does cooking
save me money, but it also allows me to avoid relying on unhealthy takeout options.

On weekdays, since my workplace provides lunch and dinner, I primarily /praɪˈmer.əl.i/ focus on
cooking breakfast at home. I usually whip up dishes like soup, sandwiches, or salads. I find it
incredibly beneficial to prepare my own meals as it enables me to have control over the portion
sizes and the spices I use, ensuring a healthy start to my day.

However, on weekends, I take the opportunity to delve into cooking more elaborate /i
ˈlæb.ɚ.ət/ and special dishes. Whether it's with my best friends or my boyfriend, cooking
together becomes an enjoyable and memorable experience. There's something so delightful
about working together in the kitchen, and of course, savoring the delicious results as a group.

I must confess though, whenever I visit my hometown, I tend to become a bit lazy in the
cooking department. That's because my mom and dad spoil me with an abundance of my
favorite foods. It's hard to resist their pampering and the delectable meals they lovingly
prepare.

Cooking has truly become a passion of mine, thanks to my mom's guidance. It's not just about
nourishment; it's a creative outlet that allows me to explore new flavors, experiment with
recipes, and share delightful moments with loved ones.