Download PDF

PART 1

Weather

Vocabulary:

  • climate (n) – the usual weather of a place
  • forecast (n) – prediction of future weather
  • humid (adj) – hot and wet
  • chilly (adj) – a little cold
  • freezing (adj) – extremely cold
  • boiling (adj) – extremely hot
  • drizzle (n/v) – light rain
  • storm (n) – heavy rain with wind
  • sunshine (n) – bright light from the sun
  • cloudy (adj) – when the sky is covered by clouds
  • foggy (adj) – with thick mist, difficult to see
  • breeze (n) – a light wind
  • monsoon (n) – heavy seasonal rain in Asia
  • drought (n) – a long period without rain
  • flood (n) – when land is covered with water
  • unpredictable (adj) – changing suddenly
  • seasonal (adj) – relating to a season
  • temperature (n) – how hot or cold something is
  • extreme (adj) – very unusual or severe
  • comfortable (adj) – pleasant and not stressful

Sample Answers:

  • What’s the weather like where you live?
     🟢  It’s usually hot and humid since I live in southern Vietnam. Most days are sunny, but during the rainy season, it pours heavily. The weather changes quickly, so carrying an umbrella is useful.
     🔴 Some people don’t like it because the humidity makes them uncomfortable. Clothes get sweaty quickly, and sudden rain can cause traffic jams.

  • Do you prefer cold or hot weather?
     🟢  I prefer cold weather because it feels refreshing and I can wear more stylish clothes. Travelling in cooler weather is also more comfortable.
     🔴 Hot weather can be tiring for me. When it’s too warm, I find it difficult to concentrate or stay outside for long.

  • Do you prefer dry or wet weather?
     🟢  I prefer dry weather because it’s easier for outdoor activities like sports or travelling. I don’t need to worry about carrying raincoats.
     🔴 Wet weather is inconvenient. Roads in Vietnam often flood, and heavy rain makes commuting stressful.

  • Are you in the habit of checking the weather forecast? When and how often?
     🟢  Yes, I often check it on my phone before going out. It helps me decide whether to bring an umbrella or change clothes.
     🔴 Sometimes I forget to check, and I end up unprepared. For example, I’ve been caught in heavy rain more than once.

  • Would you like to visit cities with different climates?
     🟢  Yes, I’d love to visit a snowy city like Sapa or even Japan. Experiencing a completely different climate would be exciting.
     🔴 On the other hand, I don’t want to visit places with extreme cold. I think I would find it hard to adapt.

Books and Reading Habits

Vocabulary:

  • novel (n) – a long story in book form
  • non-fiction (n) – books about real events or facts
  • genre (n) – type or category of books
  • classic (n) – an old and famous book
  • author (n) – the person who writes books
  • plot (n) – the main story of a book
  • character (n) – person in a story
  • chapter (n) – sections of a book
  • reading habit (n) – the way someone usually reads
  • fiction (n) – imaginative stories
  • adaptation (n) – when a book becomes a movie
  • library (n) – a place to borrow books
  • borrow (v) – to take a book to read temporarily
  • purchase (v) – to buy a book
  • skim (v) – to read quickly
  • concentrate (v) – to focus while reading
  • knowledge (n) – information and learning
  • imagination (n) – creative thinking from reading
  • enjoyable (adj) – pleasant and fun
  • influence (n) – effect on someone’s thinking

Sample Answers:

  1. Do you often read books? When?
     🟢  Yes, I usually read at night before going to bed. It’s a relaxing way to end my day and improve my vocabulary.
     🔴 I don’t read books often because I’m busy with studies. Instead, I read short articles online, which feels faster.

  2. Which do you prefer, reading books or watching movies?
     🟢  I prefer reading books because they give more detail and allow me to imagine the scenes myself. Books also develop my thinking.
     🔴 Movies are easier for me because they are faster and more visual. Sometimes I don’t have the patience for long novels.

  3. Have you ever read a novel that has been adapted into a film?
     🟢  Yes, I read Harry Potter before watching the movies. I enjoyed both, but the books had more details about the characters.
     🔴 No, I usually just watch the films. I don’t feel the need to read the original novel if the movie is good enough.

  4. Are your reading habits now different from the past?
     🟢  Yes, when I was younger, I read more comics and picture books. Now I prefer novels and self-improvement books.
     🔴 Sadly, I read less now because social media takes up my free time. I spend more hours on my phone than with books.

  5. Do you read more or less now than when you were younger?
     🟢  I read more now because I understand the value of books for study and personal growth. Reading helps me prepare for university.
     🔴 I read less now than before. When I was younger, I had more time for books, but now I’m busy with assignments.

PART 2

Describe an unusual but interesting building you would like to visit.

Vocabulary:

  • architecture (n) – the design of buildings
  • landmark (n) – a famous building or place
  • structure (n) – a constructed building
  • skyscraper (n) – a very tall building
  • historic (adj) – important from the past
  • modern (adj) – new and contemporary
  • unusual (adj) – different from normal
  • design (n) – the plan or style of a building
  • unique (adj) – one of a kind
  • futuristic (adj) – looking like the future
  • attraction (n) – a place that draws visitors
  • colourful (adj) – full of bright colours
  • traditional (adj) – related to history or culture
  • elegant (adj) – stylish and graceful
  • symmetrical (adj) – balanced and equal in shape
  • decorated (adj) – made more attractive
  • monument (n) – a building with cultural importance
  • innovation (n) – new idea or creation
  • atmosphere (n) – the feeling of a place
  • breathtaking (adj) – very impressive

Sample Answer:

One unusual but interesting building I would like to visit is the Lotus Temple in New Delhi, India. I first saw it in a travel magazine, and its design immediately caught my attention.

The building looks like a giant white lotus flower made of marble. It is not only beautiful but also symbolic, as the lotus is important in many Asian cultures, including Vietnam. The temple has 27 marble petals arranged in a unique way, and it looks almost futuristic.

I think this building is unusual because it doesn’t follow the traditional style of temples with towers or statues. Instead, it is very modern and artistic. What makes it even more interesting is that it is open to people of all religions, which shows harmony and peace.

I would like to visit it because it combines cultural meaning with modern architecture. It seems like a place where I could admire the beauty of design and also reflect on life in a peaceful environment.

PART 3

Sample Answers:

  • Do you think old buildings should be preserved?
     Yes, because old buildings are part of cultural heritage and history. For example, preserving the Old Quarter in Hanoi helps maintain Vietnamese identity. On the other hand, some people argue that modern buildings are more practical, but heritage sites still deserve protection.

  • Do you think a city’s buildings affect its atmosphere?
     Definitely. The style of buildings creates a city’s character. For instance, colonial buildings in Ho Chi Minh City give it charm, while skyscrapers make it feel modern. In contrast, a city with poorly designed buildings might feel chaotic or less attractive.

  • What factors do people consider when choosing a house or apartment?
     People often think about location, price, and safety. For example, students prefer cheap places near their university, while families care about schools and hospitals nearby. Design and comfort also matter, because a home should feel welcoming.