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PART 1

Birthdays

Vocabulary:

  • celebration (n) – a special event for something important
  • candle (n) – wax stick with a flame, used on cakes
  • wish (n/v) – hope for something to happen
  • cake (n) – sweet dessert usually eaten at birthdays
  • gift (n) – something given to someone on a special day
  • surprise (n) – something unexpected that makes you happy
  • party (n) – a gathering for fun and enjoyment
  • decorate (v) – to make a place look beautiful
  • invitation (n) – request to attend an event
  • memory (n) – something remembered from the past
  • childhood (n) – the period when someone is young
  • tradition (n) – a custom passed down through generations
  • present (n) – another word for gift
  • celebration meal (n) – food shared during a special occasion
  • exciting (adj) – causing great enthusiasm
  • meaningful (adj) – full of importance or emotion
  • milestone (n) – an important stage in life
  • custom (n) – something people traditionally do
  • joyful (adj) – full of happiness
  • thoughtful (adj) – showing care or consideration

Sample Answers:

  • What do you usually do on your birthday?
     🟢 I usually have dinner with my family and a few close friends. Sometimes, we go out to eat or cut a cake at home. It’s a simple but meaningful way to celebrate.
     🔴 I don’t really celebrate much. I just treat it like any other day because I don’t enjoy being the center of attention.

     

  • Do you think it is important to celebrate birthdays?
     🟢 Yes, it’s important because it reminds people to appreciate life and be thankful for another year. Celebrating makes relationships stronger, too.
     🔴 Not really. Some people find birthdays unnecessary because they can be expensive and feel more like an obligation than fun.

     

  • Whose birthday do you think is the most important to celebrate?
     🟢 I think parents’ birthdays are the most important. They raised us, so it’s nice to show gratitude and spend time with them on that day.
     🔴 Some people may not find birthdays important at all. They think actions throughout the year matter more than one celebration.

     

  • What did you do on your birthday when you were a child?
     🟢 When I was little, I used to have small parties with balloons, games, and friends from school. I remember feeling really excited about getting presents.
     🔴 Not much, actually. My family didn’t have big parties, so I usually just stayed home and ate something nice.

     

  • Do you enjoy giving birthday gifts?
     🟢 Yes, I do. I love choosing something meaningful and seeing the person’s happy reaction when they open it. Giving gifts makes me feel good.
     🔴 Sometimes no, because it can be stressful to choose the right present, especially when you don’t know what the person likes.

Teachers

Vocabulary:

  • educator (n) – someone who teaches
  • mentor (n) – someone who gives guidance or advice
  • discipline (n) – training to follow rules
  • motivation (n) – encouragement to do better
  • patient (adj) – able to wait calmly
  • inspiring (adj) – making others feel encouraged
  • dedicated (adj) – committed to a goal or task
  • guidance (n) – help in making decisions
  • encouragement (n) – support to keep trying
  • strict (adj) – having high standards or rules
  • fair (adj) – treating everyone equally
  • approachable (adj) – easy to talk to
  • teaching style (n) – method of teaching
  • feedback (n) – response or advice given by a teacher
  • influence (n) – effect on someone’s life
  • role model (n) – someone you admire and want to be like
  • classroom (n) – place where lessons happen
  • respect (v/n) – to admire someone for their qualities
  • communication (n) – sharing information or ideas
  • passion (n) – strong love or enthusiasm for something

Sample Answers:

  • Do you have a favourite teacher?
     🟢 Yes, my favourite teacher is my high school English teacher. She was patient and always made lessons interesting with games and discussions.
     🔴 Not really. I’ve had many teachers, but I can’t say one of them truly stood out to me.

     

  • In what way has your favourite teacher helped you?
     🟢 She helped me gain confidence in speaking English. Her encouragement motivated me to join English competitions, which improved my communication skills.
     🔴 I didn’t get much personal help from most teachers. They focused more on finishing lessons than understanding each student’s needs.

     

  • Are you still in touch with your primary school teachers?
     🟢 Yes, I’m still connected with one teacher on Facebook. Sometimes, I message her on Teachers’ Day to show my appreciation.
     🔴 No, I lost contact after moving schools. It’s been many years, so it’s hard to reconnect.

     

  • Do you want to be a teacher in the future?
     🟢 I’ve thought about it. Teaching seems rewarding because you can influence young people and make a difference in their lives.
     🔴 No, I don’t think I have the patience or energy for it. It’s a very demanding job.

     

  • What do you think makes a good teacher?
     🟢 A good teacher should be passionate, patient, and understanding. They should know how to motivate students and make lessons engaging.
     🔴 Some teachers are knowledgeable but not good at communication. Without empathy, even the smartest teacher can fail to connect with students.

PART 2

Describe your first day at school that you remember

Vocabulary:

  • nervous (adj) – feeling worried or shy
  • excited (adj) – feeling happy and eager
  • classroom (n) – a room where students learn
  • uniform (n) – school clothes
  • backpack (n) – a bag for books and supplies
  • introduce (v) – to make someone known to others
  • classmates (n) – students in the same class
  • teacher (n) – the person who gives lessons
  • playground (n) – an outdoor area for children to play
  • bell (n) – sound that signals start or end of class
  • subject (n) – area of study like math or English
  • nervousness (n) – the feeling of being anxious
  • stranger (n) – someone you don’t know
  • memory (n) – something you remember from the past
  • experience (n) – something that happens to you
  • shy (adj) – not confident around people
  • cheerful (adj) – happy and positive
  • familiar (adj) – known or recognized
  • settle in (v) – to become comfortable in a new place
  • unforgettable (adj) – very memorable

Sample Answer:

The first day of school I remember was my first day of primary school. The school was a small public one in my hometown, about 15 minutes away from my house. My mother took me there on her motorbike, and I remember holding my new backpack tightly because I was both nervous and excited.

When we arrived, everything felt so big and new—the classrooms, the playground, even the smell of new books. The teacher was very kind and introduced herself warmly. She helped each of us find our seats and made us feel welcome. During the break, I played with a few classmates who later became my close friends.

At first, I was shy and didn’t talk much, but by the end of the day, I was laughing and enjoying myself. I felt proud of being a “real student” for the first time. That day is unforgettable because it marked the start of my school journey.

PART 3

Sample Answers:

  • What would parents prepare for their kids’ first school day?
     Parents usually prepare school uniforms, bags, and stationery. They might also pack lunch or snacks to make their children feel comfortable. For example, many Vietnamese parents take photos on that day to capture the memory. It’s both a practical and emotional preparation.

  • Is socialization important for children?
     Definitely. Socialization helps children learn teamwork, empathy, and communication. For instance, when kids play or study together, they understand how to share and cooperate. Without social skills, children may struggle to make friends or work in groups later in life.

  • What are the advantages and disadvantages of changing jobs?
     Changing jobs can be beneficial because it gives people new experiences and sometimes higher pay. For example, moving to another company might allow someone to learn new skills. However, the disadvantage is instability—it can take time to adapt to new environments and colleagues.