PART 1: HOBBIES

1. How often do you hang out with your friends?

Frankly speaking, I try to hang out with my besties whenever our schedules allow. We often go
for coffee, have lunch together, or sometimes just walk around and chat to boost our energy
levels and unwind. It’s a great way to stay connected and take a break from daily routines to
maintain a work-life balance.
2. What does your family enjoy doing together during holidays?
During holidays, my family enjoys spending leisure time doing fun activities at home. For
example, we often cook meals together or try new recipes. It’s a great way to unwind and refresh
after a busy week. Sometimes, we play board games or have a small movie night with our
favorite snacks. These moments give us quality time and help us feel closer as a family.

PART 2: FAMILY
Describe a memorable moment in a close relationship you have had.
I would like to share an unforgettable (memorable) event I had with my nuclear family last year.
In Vietnam, many people believe that Tet is the most significant holiday. For me, it is the quality
time for the family reunion and relaxing after a long year.
A few days before Tet, we went to the local market to buy all the ingredients for making bánh
chưng, such as sticky rice, mung beans, pork, and dong leaves. The thing that makes me most
excited is making Banh Chung (square sticky rice cake). This tradition has been passed from
generation to generation in my family.
Additionally, we also spent one day cleaning the house and decorating it with peach branches
and parallel sentences. On the first day of the Lunar New Year, I wore my favorite lucky colour
clothes, which are Ao Dai in red and yellow. I visited my relatives and wished them good health
and success to strengthen the bonds with them, since we rarely see each other during the year.
I could feel my family become closer and closer during the holiday. Therefore, every year, I
always look forward to the Tet holiday to let my hair down and spend time staying connected.

PART 2: ENVIRONMENT
Describe an environmental issue in Vietnam
One big environmental problem in Vietnam is air pollution, especially in big cities like Hanoi
and Ho Chi Minh City. This happens because there are too many cars and motorbikes, and they
produce a lot of exhaust fumes. Factories and people burning trash also make the air polluted.
This lead to many people having respiratory problems, and the poor air quality makes life
harder.
To solve this problem, the government should improve public transportation to limit people from
using personal vehicles. People should also try to use eco-friendly products to protect the
environment. At the same time, we should do more waste recycling to reduce the amount of
garbage in the streets. Moreover, schools and TV shows should help raise people’s awareness
about how to care for the air. Everyone, young or old, should take action to protect our
environment. If we work together, we can make the air cleaner and our lives better.

PART 1: SHOPPING
Do you prefer shopping alone or with friends?
Frankly, I am keen on shopping alone whenever I am free. When I shop by myself, I can focus
on what I need without distractions, and I don’t have to wait for anyone. Although it can be a bit
boring, I feel more in control of my time and money since I can purchase them at a bargain
price. However, sometimes I prefer to shop online myself through e-commerce websites where I
can easily compare prices and decide.

PART 2: SHOPPING
Describe a place where you like going shopping.
One place where I really enjoy shopping is Emart, a large supermarket in Ho Chi Minh City. It is
clean, well-organized, and has a wide range of products. I often go there with my family on
weekends to shop for food, clothes, and household items. The prices are quite reasonable, and I
can often find things at a bargain price, especially during sales or special events.
Besides, the supermarket provides good after-sales service, so I don’t have to worry if something
I buy doesn’t work well. That’s why I feel more confident when buying electronics or home
appliances there. Sometimes, I also use Emart’s e-commerce website to shop online, which is
convenient when I’m busy. The delivery is usually fast and reliable.
However, I still prefer going to the store in person because I can look at the products carefully
and enjoy the shopping atmosphere. The staff are friendly and helpful, and there are often free
samples to try. All in all, Emart is my favorite place to shop because it is convenient, affordable,
and gives me a pleasant shopping experience.

PART 3: SHOPPING
1. What kinds of things do people often buy from online shops?
In my opinion, online shopping has become extremely popular because it suits the modern
lifestyle. People often buy clothes, electronics, books, and even groceries from online stores.
Since many platforms are one-stop shops, they provide everything in one place, which is very
convenient. While some people prefer window shopping, many prefer online deals and home
delivery. Discounts are everywhere online, so even a shopaholic can save money. Since e-
commerce websites are easy to navigate, customers can quickly compare products and choose
the best options. In contrast, others enjoy the in-store experience where they can touch, try, and
ask for advice directly.
2. What are the disadvantages of online shopping in your country?
I believe that there are several things that make online shopping less perfect. Firstly, you can’t
touch or try the product, so the in-store experience is completely missing. However, the biggest
problem is receiving the wrong or low-quality item, which happens quite often here — for
example, I once ordered a jacket and received a T-shirt instead. Because returning items is
complicated, especially on smaller websites with unclear policies, many people just keep them
even when they’re not satisfied. Also, online shopping sometimes leads to overspending,
especially for shopaholics who can’t resist a good discount or buy things they don’t really need.
On the other hand, some people argue that the convenience outweighs the risks, especially when
shopping for common items like household items or books. While it’s true that shopping online
has its drawbacks, it still saves time for those who have busy schedules and can’t always go
window shopping in person.

3. Why has online shopping become popular in your country?

Online shopping has become popular in my country mainly because e-commerce websites are
easy to use and help people shop for something without going outside, which saves time and
effort. Moreover, many online stores offer a bargain price during sales or special events, so
people can buy things cheaper than in physical shops. In addition, online shopping is more
convenient for busy people, especially those who live far from shopping centers or have small
children. Some websites also provide good after-sales service, which means customers can
return or exchange products if they have any problems. All in all, online shopping is fast, simple,
and affordable, so it's no surprise that more and more people in my country choose to shop this
way.

PART 1: SOCIAL MEDIA

What are some drawbacks of using social media?
One major drawback of using social media is that it can be highly addictive, making people
spend too much time looking at their phones instead of doing more meaningful activities.
Moreover, many users, even if they are tech-savvy, often get distracted by constant notifications
and updates, which affects their focus on work or study. In addition, too much screen time can
lead to health problems like eye strain, poor sleep, or even anxiety. Some people also feel that
social media doesn’t truly fulfill their need for real human connection, even though they are
always online. All in all, while social media has its benefits, it also brings several negative
effects, especially when people use it without control.
PART 2: SOCIAL MEDIA
Describe a time when social media helped you learn something new.
When the topic comes, my mind immediately pops up some useful short videos on Tiktok - an
addictive platform has appeared recently. Personally, one online video that taught me something
new was a cooking tutorial on how to make Phở, which is perhaps the most famous Vietnamese
noodle soup. Thanks to the step-by-step instructions and visuals, I was able to fulfill my long-
time wish of cooking Phở by myself. Although I’m not very tech-savvy, I found the video easy
to follow and surprisingly helpful. After that, I even explored more videos about Vietnamese
dishes and learned how to prepare them using basic technological items in the kitchen, like an
electric pressure cooker.
However, I must admit that social media can also distract me a lot. Sometimes, I spend
excessive screen time watching similar cooking videos on that TikToker’s channel instead of
focusing on other important tasks. Still, in this case, it was a valuable learning experience that I
wouldn’t have had without social media.