PART 1

Topic 1: Work / Studies

Vocabulary:

  • major (n) – field of study
  • occupation (n) – job
  • workload (n) – amount of work
  • assignment (n) – schoolwork to complete
  • lecture (n) – university class
  • tutor (n) – teacher for small groups
  • internship (n) – training job
  • practical skills (n) – skills used in real situations
  • theoretical (adj) – based on ideas
  • motivation (n) – reason for doing something
  • career path (n) – job development over time
  • curriculum (n) – all subjects in a course
  • flexible schedule (n) – timetable that can change
  • full-time (adj) – working or studying all week
  • part-time (adj) – working or studying fewer hours
  • collaborate (v) – work together
  • research (n/v) – study deeply
  • progress (n) – improvement
  • opportunity (n) – chance to develop
  • environment (n) – surroundings or atmosphere

Sample Answers:

  • Do you work or are you a student?
    🟢 I’m currently a student, and I’m studying a subject that I really enjoy because it matches my interests and goals. It keeps me busy but also motivated to learn new things.
    🔴 I’m not working at the moment because I want to focus fully on my studies, although sometimes I wish I had more real-world experience.

  • Why did you choose this kind of work/major?
    🟢 I chose my major because it’s practical and offers good career opportunities in the future. I’ve always been interested in how things work, so it suits me well.
    🔴 I didn’t choose it solely out of passion—part of the reason was pressure from family, which made the decision a bit difficult.

  • What do you like most about your work/studies?
    🟢 I really like the learning environment and the chance to collaborate with my classmates. It helps me grow both academically and socially.
    🔴 But sometimes the workload can be overwhelming, and I feel stressed when there are too many assignments at the same time.

Topic 2: Challenges

Vocabulary:

  • obstacle (n) – something that blocks progress
  • setback (n) – temporary difficulty
  • pressure (n) – stress or expectations
  • deadline (n) – final time to complete work
  • workload (n) – amount of work
  • responsibility (n) – duty
  • time management (n) – organising time effectively
  • problem-solving (n) – ability to handle difficulties
  • persistence (n) – not giving up
  • patience (n) – ability to stay calm
  • motivation (n) – drive to continue
  • skill development (n) – improving abilities
  • coping mechanism (n) – method to deal with stress
  • strategy (n) – plan of action
  • multitask (v) – do several things at once
  • balance (v/n) – divide time well
  • emotional support (n) – comfort from others
  • determination (n) – strong will
  • overcome (v) – solve or defeat
  • resilience (n) – ability to recover from problems

Sample Answers:

  • What challenges do you usually face at work or school?
    🟢 I often struggle with managing deadlines, especially when several assignments come at the same time. It requires good time management skills.
    🔴 I don’t usually face serious challenges, but sometimes group work can be frustrating when team members don’t cooperate well.

  • How do you deal with challenges?
    🟢 I try to break tasks into smaller steps and ask for help from friends or teachers when necessary. This makes the problem easier to handle.
    🔴 Sometimes I avoid difficult tasks at first because I feel stressed, which only makes things harder later.

Topic 3: Breakfast

Vocabulary:

  • appetite (n) – desire to eat
  • cereal (n) – breakfast grains
  • nutritious (adj) – healthy and full of nutrients
  • protein (n) – nutrient found in meat/eggs
  • carbohydrates (n) – energy-giving foods
  • balanced meal (n) – healthy combination of foods
  • routine (n) – regular habit
  • dairy (n) – milk products
  • beverage (n) – drink
  • porridge (n) – soft cooked rice or oats
  • toast (n) – grilled bread
  • energy level (n) – how energetic you feel
  • skip (v) – not do something
  • grab a bite (v) – eat quickly
  • homemade (adj) – made at home
  • smoothie (n) – blended drink
  • flavour (n) – taste
  • traditional dish (n) – local food
  • convenience food (n) – easy-to-make food
  • refresh (v) – make you feel awake

Sample Answers:

  • Do you usually have breakfast?
    🟢 Yes, I usually have breakfast because it gives me energy to start the day. Without it, I feel tired and can’t focus well.
    🔴 But on busy mornings, I sometimes skip breakfast because I don’t have enough time to prepare anything.

  • What do you normally eat for breakfast?
    🟢 I usually eat something simple like bread, eggs, or noodles. Sometimes I drink milk tea or coffee as well.
    🔴 I don’t eat heavy breakfast dishes because they make me feel too full and sleepy afterwards.

  • Is breakfast important in your country?
    🟢 Yes, breakfast is considered important in Vietnam because people believe it helps you work or study better. Many traditional dishes are eaten in the morning.
    🔴 Some younger people don’t pay much attention to breakfast and often skip it, mostly due to busy schedules.

PART 2

Describe a place that someone invited you to and you visited with your friend.

You should say:
– who invited you
– where you went
– what you did there
and explain how you felt about it.

Vocabulary:

  • invitation (n) – request to join an event
  • host (n) – person who invites you
  • venue (n) – place of activity
  • outing (n) – a short trip
  • gather (v) – come together
  • atmosphere (n) – mood of a place
  • scenic (adj) – beautiful landscape
  • surroundings (n) – environment around you
  • refresh (v) – make you feel energized
  • socialize (v) – meet and talk with people
  • participate (v) – join an activity
  • memorable (adj) – unforgettable
  • enjoyable (adj) – pleasant
  • explore (v) – discover
  • appreciate (v) – value something
  • hospitality (n) – friendliness of the host
  • bonding (n) – growing closer to others
  • outing (n) – trip or event
  • escape (v) – get away from stress
  • meaningful (adj) – special and important

Sample Answer:

A memorable place I visited after being invited was a small beach café in Vung Tau. The invitation came from my cousin, who wanted me to join her and bring a friend along for a relaxing weekend. Since my close friend was free that day, we decided to go together.

The café was right next to the sea, with open seating and a peaceful view of the waves. When we arrived, we spent some time taking photos, enjoying the ocean breeze, and trying their famous coconut coffee. Later, we walked along the beach, talked about life, and simply enjoyed being away from our daily routines.

I felt very happy about the whole experience because the place was cosy and refreshing. It wasn’t crowded, which made it perfect for relaxing. What made it even more special was that I could spend quality time with both my cousin and my friend. That combination of good company, fresh air, and a beautiful setting made the trip unforgettable.

PART 3

1. Why do people invite others to their homes or events?

People invite others to their homes or events to strengthen relationships and share meaningful moments. It creates a warm atmosphere and helps people feel appreciated. In many cultures, hospitality is seen as a sign of respect and friendship.

2. Do people in your country like to invite others to their homes?

Yes, Vietnamese people generally enjoy inviting friends or relatives over, especially during holidays, birthdays, or family gatherings. It’s a way to show kindness and maintain close connections. However, younger people sometimes prefer meeting outside in cafés or restaurants for convenience.

3. What are the advantages of traveling with friends?

Travelling with friends is enjoyable because you can share experiences, split costs, and feel safer. For example, friends can help take photos, plan activities, or support you when something unexpected happens. It also creates memories that bring people closer.

4. What challenges might people face when travelling with friends?

One challenge is having different preferences—for instance, one person may want to rest while another wants to explore. Budget differences can also cause tension. If people don’t communicate well, arguments may happen, which affects the whole trip.

5. How has technology changed the way people invite others to events?

Technology has made invitations faster and more convenient. People now use messaging apps, online event pages, or group chats to share details instantly. Compared to traditional paper invitations, digital invitations save time and allow quick updates when plans change.

6. Do you think face-to-face interactions are becoming less common due to online communication?

To some extent, yes. Many people rely on texting or video calls because they’re easier and quicker. However, face-to-face interactions are still essential because they help build deeper connections and avoid misunderstandings. Both forms of communication now exist together, each with its own advantages.