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PART 1

Topic 1: Hometown

Vocabulary:

  • hometown (n) – place where you were born or grew up
  • province (n) – administrative area
  • neighbourhood (n) – local area
  • community (n) – people living together
  • population (n) – number of people
  • lifestyle (n) – way of living
  • peaceful (adj) – calm and quiet
  • crowded (adj) – full of people
  • modern (adj) – new and up to date
  • traditional (adj) – following old customs
  • development (n) – growth and improvement
  • infrastructure (n) – roads, transport, facilities
  • environment (n) – surroundings
  • greenery (n) – plants and trees
  • convenience (n) – ease of living
  • entertainment (n) – activities for fun
  • local food (n) – regional dishes
  • residents (n) – people living in a place
  • improve (v) – make better
  • change (v/n) – become different

Sample Answers:

  • Where is your hometown?
     🟢 My hometown is a medium-sized city in Vietnam, not far from a major urban area. It’s a convenient place with good transport links.
     🔴 However, it’s not very famous, so people from other regions may not know much about it.

     

  • What do you like most about your hometown?
     🟢 What I like most is the friendly community and the relaxed lifestyle. People are approachable, and life doesn’t feel too rushed.
     🔴 On the downside, there aren’t many entertainment options compared to big cities.

     

  • Has your hometown changed much over the years?
     🟢 Yes, it has changed a lot, especially in terms of infrastructure and shopping areas. Life has become more convenient.
     🔴 At the same time, some traditional places have disappeared, which makes the city feel less unique.

Topic 2: Computers

Vocabulary:

  • computer (n) – electronic device for work and study
  • laptop (n) – portable computer
  • desktop (n) – non-portable computer
  • software (n) – computer programs
  • hardware (n) – physical parts of a computer
  • application (n) – computer program
  • internet access (n) – ability to go online
  • productivity (n) – efficiency in work
  • assignment (n) – school task
  • research (n/v) – study information
  • document (n) – written file
  • online learning (n) – studying via the internet
  • multitask (v) – do many tasks at once
  • convenience (n) – ease of use
  • dependence (n) – reliance on something
  • distraction (n) – loss of focus
  • efficiency (n) – effectiveness
  • digital skills (n) – computer abilities
  • data (n) – information
  • storage (n) – saving files

Sample Answers:

  • Do you often use a computer?
     🟢 Yes, I use a computer almost every day for studying, researching, and completing assignments. It’s essential for university life.
     🔴 However, using a computer too much sometimes makes me feel tired and distracted.

  • What do you usually use computers for?
     🟢 I mainly use computers for online learning, writing documents, and searching for information. They help me work more efficiently.
     🔴 I don’t usually use computers for gaming because I prefer using my phone for entertainment.

  • Do you think computers have changed your life?
     🟢 Definitely, computers have made studying more convenient and flexible. I can access learning materials anytime.
     🔴 On the other hand, I’ve become more dependent on technology than before.

PART 2

Describe a time you memorised a piece of writing and sang or recited it from memory.

You should say:
– where you were
– who was listening to you
– what you had to say or sing
And explain how you felt about saying or singing something you had learned.

Vocabulary:

  • memorise (v) – learn by heart
  • recite (v) – say aloud from memory
  • perform (v) – present to others
  • audience (n) – people listening
  • poem (n) – piece of writing in verse
  • lyrics (n) – words of a song
  • rehearsal (n) – practice
  • confidence (n) – belief in yourself
  • nervous (adj) – anxious
  • embarrassed (adj) – uncomfortable
  • pronunciation (n) – way words are spoken
  • rhythm (n) – flow of sound
  • expression (n) – emotional delivery
  • stage (n) – performance area
  • concentration (n) – focus
  • achievement (n) – success
  • applause (n) – clapping
  • relief (n) – feeling relaxed after stress
  • effort (n) – hard work
  • satisfaction (n) – feeling pleased

Sample Answer:

One time I clearly remember memorising and reciting something was during secondary school, when I had to perform a short poem in front of my class. This happened in the classroom during a literature lesson, and my classmates and teacher were listening.

The poem was about friendship and growing up, and I had to memorize every line and recite it with proper pronunciation and emotion. I practiced at home several times before the lesson because I was worried about forgetting the words. When it was my turn to stand up and recite, I felt very nervous at first, especially because everyone was looking at me.

However, once I started speaking, I gradually became more confident. The rhythm of the poem helped me remember the lines, and I managed to finish without making any serious mistakes. After I finished, my teacher gave me positive feedback, and my classmates applauded.

Overall, I felt proud and relieved because all my preparation paid off. This experience helped me realise that memorising and performing something can improve confidence and speaking skills, even though it can be stressful at the beginning.

PART 3

1. Why do you think most young children enjoy learning songs and poems?

Young children often enjoy songs and poems because they are rhythmic and fun. The repetition and simple language make learning feel like play rather than study. In addition, music and rhyme help children stay engaged for longer periods.

2. Do you think it’s easier to remember words as a child and more difficult as an adult?

Yes, children generally find it easier because their brains are more flexible and open to new information. As people grow older, they usually have more responsibilities and distractions, which can make memorization harder. However, adults often understand meanings better, which can help in different ways.

3. Do you think learning songs and poems is a waste of time?

No, it isn’t a waste of time because it helps improve memory, pronunciation, and language awareness. While it may seem less practical than learning facts, it develops creativity and confidence. That said, it should be balanced with other useful skills.

4. How practical is it for younger students to learn facts about the world (e.g., dates in history)?

Learning basic facts is quite practical because it builds a foundation for deeper understanding later. For example, knowing key historical dates helps students understand cause and effect. However, memorization alone is not enough without explanation.

5. Are there any techniques that students can use to remember new information more easily?

Yes, students can use techniques such as repetition, mind maps, and learning through examples. Studying in small chunks and reviewing regularly also helps. Additionally, combining visual and auditory methods makes information easier to remember.