WRITING PARAGRAPH AND ESSAY

Within 160 words, write a paragraph describing a person you admire most.
SAMPLE WRITING
Of all my acquaintances, the principal of our school is the one who has created the greatest ever
impression on me. I must say that I am not only impressed by his good managerial skills but also
his personalities. First, this principal is one of the dedicated educational managers who always
know how to find new ways to run the school effectively. For
example, he has initiated various ideas and programs to improve the school’s educational quality,
the teaching staff’s lives despite limited resources. He also knows very well that he
cannot do all things by himself. Therefore, he tries to motivate all the teaching staff to join him
towards better achievements treating them fairly. Secondly, he instantly sets a clear example of a
moderate but dedicated officer who loves to work more than to talks. He has led a simple life. In
short, his leadership skills and personalities are greatly admired by not only me but by the
teaching staff in our school. (164 words)

The widespread use of the Internet has brought many problems.

What do you think the main problems associated with the use of the web? What solutions can
you suggest?
SAMPLE WRITING
Great changes have taken place in our modern life along with development of technology.
And I do think that the Internet plays a big role in this.
First, with the surfing internet or playing computer and video games, people have a more
sedentary lifestyle. Children no longer play games outside and get exercise but they spend time
on the computer. This has bad effect on their health and cause problems such as obesity.
Another problem is the negative effect on their relationship with their family. Internet
access fills most young people's time, and even their leisure time, so this separate them from their
family and produces bad effect on their social behavior. A third problem is that not all internet
sites are useful. Some sites bears inaccurate information, violence, and dangerous things.
To solve the problems, the first solution must be with the parents. They need to limit hours
that children spend on the computer and to encourage them to have other hobbies and pastimes. It
is also important for children to spend more time to speak with their family than facing electronic
devices. Parents should encourage children to use other means of communication, too.
To conclude, I would say that the internet has brought many benefits and it will not
disappear, therefore it is very important that we learn to use it well so that we can reap the
benefits and not the disadvantages. (235 words)

Young people are much more aware of and concerned about the issues like the environment,
poverty, and animal welfare than previous generations. What is your own opinion?
SAMPLE WRITING
Many people think that the world existing problems are only matter the young generation
as they are the candidates who are facing them now and in the future.
 Although a considerable percentage of the public might refer to these hazards as hazards
for the young predominantly, yet many of these concerns are actually brought into the scene by
the old people. The previous generation are those who lived the new developments in science and
technology that brought with them pollution, poverty and part of it also possible distinction of
many species of plants and animals. So they raise the alarms for those radical and serious
consequences. It is often suggested that old generation are passing by and not interested in what
happening and only the young who gives those alerts considerable thoughts.
However from what we are experiencing now, that many of green people are old and work
actively to preserve animal rights and fight fiercely against global warming and environmental
pollution. This give us that the present world concerns are a shared interest of both old and new
generations. Although many activist on these issues appears in the media and they are from the
youth, still and probably equal number from the old follow the same routes.
Actually, no one in this life wants to destroy our planet. Definitely every parent is of
concern about his offspring lives thereafter, and selfishness does not dominate our thinking at all.
What one should be aware of is that such threats are not always discussed or contemplated in the
right way by old or young generation. (264 words)

It is important for travelers and business people to understand the cultures they come into
contact with, however briefly. What are the main advantages of doing so? What do you think is
the main disadvantage of doing so?
SAMPLE WRITING
There is no doubt that the number of visitors and businessmen and women who are
travelling abroad has been increasing markedly in recent years. However, not surprisingly,
understanding the culture of local people brings many benefits to all types of visitors as well as
problems for those who do not understand a new culture.
First of all, no sensible person can deny the importance of breaking down barriers between
countries. By this I mean, people from different lands can socialize effectively and relate
emotionally regardless of their race and religion, if they take time to learn languages and to find
out about where they are going before they travel. As a result, the tension between people from
different backgrounds would be melted.
Another important advantage that needs to be taken into account is that travelers can
broaden their horizons by travelling. In other words, people who travel for business or tourism
definitely would gain a lot of information from their host society. Knowing how to behave can
help businessmen make lots of money for themselves and for their companies. Undoubtedly
business and tourism play a pivotal role in employing of people and reviving the local economy
in their own countries and when they travel.
On the other hand lack of understanding of the culture and traditions of people may lead to
misunderstanding and even increased tension between different communities, simply because the
background of any society can act as a mirror to reflect the nature personality and behavior of
people.
Certainly, when we know these vital things we can overcome many difficulties. (262 words)
More and more city workers are deciding to live in the country and travel into work every day.
The result is increased traffic congestion and damage to the environment. What measures do
you think could be taken to encourage people not to travel much long distance into work?
SAMPLE WRITING
Many people are moving out of big cities into the countryside to live to escape from city
problems. This causes problems because most the jobs that are available are in the cities so people
have to travel back into the cities again to work. The transport system cannot cope so people are
using their own cars and the countryside is affected by the traffic jams.
One solution to encourage people to stay in cities is to improve the quality of life there.
More money could be spent reducing crime, as this is one of the main reasons why people leave
cities. For example, more policemen can be employed for city center. Moreover, safe places to
work and live in should be made in the city center. The environment can be made cleaners and
more agreeable. As a result, people might be encouraged to stay rather than moving out.
A very different way to tackle the problem would be to move some of the jobs out of city
to smaller cities or towns. People could then still live in the countryside and have to travel short
distances to work. Another step is to encourage workers to spend part of their working week at
home, perhaps two days and then to go into work in the other days. This is happening more and
more in many parts of the world.
There are other ways to overcome the situation but these are the most important. (242
words)

Write an essay to discuss the benefits of doing exercise.

SAMPLE WRITING
Health is considered to be the most valuable thing one possesses. Improving health is
always a prior task in one’s daily routine. And the simplest, cheapest, but the most effective way
to better one’s health is doing regular exercise because of its benefits.
One advantage of doing exercise is to reduce stress. In fact, people who exercise are likely
to feel more relaxed, healthier, and of course happier. Doing regular exercise helps the body
produce happy chemicals that make the exercisers reduce the worries about life and work as well
as forget the boredom and unhappiness.
Another benefit exercising brings us is that we will feel more energetic to face and
overcome our daily difficulties. Doing exercise helps us reduce the possibilities of being ill,
protects us from some fatal diseases as heart disease, cancers and diabetes. Regular exercisers are
believed to have healthier, happier and longer lives.
Last but not least, it helps us feel more self-confident. We know exactly what we can do or
what abilities, talents we have. We will think positively, do confidently, and lead an optimistic
life if we practice exercising regularly. Controlling our weight effectively is another value.
Perspiration occurs when we exercise, which helps our bodies get rid of bad things inside. Fats
are burnt during our practicing exercise, which helps us to keep fit.
To sum up, doing exercise enables people to have good body-buildings, keep fit and brings
exercisers many benefits. Sparing time doing exercise will ensure us a longer, healthier and
happier life. (260 words)
 Write an essay to talk about the situations and to offer the solutions to protect the wildlife
from being all disappearing.
SAMPLE WRITING
We now all know clearly that our environment is worsening day by day. Thousands of
species have been vanishing, many other thousands are being threatened to be extinct. To solve
the problems, or even to slower the process of extinction, there are a number of measures that
should be taken to protect endangered animals.
The first problem is that people do not know much about the need to rare and endangered
animals. Therefore, people should be taught about the importance of the wildlife and rare animals
in the ecosystem.
Another bad thing is that the habitats for wild animals are being seriously damaged or
polluted. To better homes for the wildlife we should protect their habitats from being degraded
and then help build up good habitats for all species to live in. Sometimes, people who live in or
near the endangered species’ habitats have poor living conditions and rely mostly on wildlife
products for their livelihood. Urgently, governments should raise these people’s living standards
by providing them with jobs, and help them to live well with the nature.
The other reasons are that some countries do not have laws to protect the vulnerable
animals, people keep buying fashionable wildlife products, and there are not enough wildlife
habitat reserves. To deal with these challenges, governments all over the world had better soon
pass and enforce laws to protect the nature, to make the purchasing products related to wild
species and to build up reserves for endangered ones to survive and develop.

Protecting the environment today is offering us and the next generations more prosperous
future. To save the endangered species means to save the earth and to save ourselves. (278 words)
Write an essay to talk about the reason why people want to have college or university education.
SAMPLE WRITING
People study in college or university for many different reasons. I think the most important
reason is to gain more knowledge and learn more skills. Of course, there are also many other
reasons that people study in college such as to get more friends, and increase one's self-
confidence.
These days, most jobs require people who are educated and have good job skills.
Therefore, the people who want a good job have to study hard and at least graduate with a high
education. Furthermore, as technology advances all over the world, more and more education is
required of people.
Some people who study in college or university want to make more friends and increase
their interpersonal skills. They enjoy their lives in university or college and tend to socialize a lot.
They can meet more people who have the similar interests with themselves. They can go to
somewhere after school and make more friends who they trust.
The people who graduate from college seem more confident in our community. These
people are more respected by society. Many people want to be respected and to be important by
family, friends, their bosses, and others in their lives. They find that most of them can confidently
talk and do their jobs as they are more educated. Therefore, most people want to get the
confidence through the university or college study. In today's society, people need more
knowledge and skills to be adapted. The university and college study is a good way to achieve
this. (251 words)

Write an essay to talk about the topic “Parents are our first teachers in life”.
SAMPLE WRITING
Sample 1
It is often suggested that fathers and mothers are the most important factor when it comes
to teaching a child. I completely agree with this opinion as parents are more engaged in their
child’s personal life and more devoted than the teachers.
First and foremost, parents are more involved in their child's activities since they share a
home. There is no question that parents are a child's first and best teachers. In the majority of
childhood development, parents spend the most time with their children and thus have the biggest
influence on them. Because of this, our fathers and mothers can instill values in us that will last a
lifetime. Furthermore, just by living in the home, children can learn tremendously from observing
their parents and their behavior. Honest, hardworking, and kind parents, for instance, innately
show characteristics themselves, and so their children gradually learn these qualities in the most
natural and effective way.
In addition to being physically intimate with their children, parents’ devotion to their
offspring is absolutely immense. This unending love from parents is the strongest motivation a
teacher could ever have, they truly would do anything to see their children succeed. Parents are
also familiar with their children’s strengths and weaknesses and can tailor their instruction
accordingly. Furthermore, parents usually have more patience than school teachers and are more
willing to listen to their children’s concerns. Specifically, a recent study has delved into this
matter and researched the flexibility of home-schooling. In the study, because the children could
choose to study either through contextual learning or by pursuing passions, it was discovered that
interest-led learning develops skills and knowledge across all academic areas.
In conclusion, I fully support the opinion of parents being the most effective teachers
because they are more involved and dedicated to their children's personal lives than teachers.
Sample 2
When it comes to educating a child, it is frequently believed that parents are the most
crucial factor. This viewpoint is one that I fully concur with as parents can continuously teach
their children without interruption and basic life values like morality or honesty must be first
taught by the parents.
First of all, children constantly learn things subconsciously from their surroundings,
especially their parents. This is because children’s mind at an early age is like a sponge, soaking
up huge amounts of information from their environment. They are absorbing everything around
her, effortlessly, continuously, and indiscriminately. Specifically, the growth that occurs
throughout a child's first six years is extremely significant. By the age of five, children have
developed 85% of their essential brain structure. Thus, parents always teach their children
unintentionally just by being their role models. Evidently, they are the most suitable teachers for a
child, particularly in early childhood development.
 Furthermore, children should be taught morals, integrity, and principles at an early age by
their own parents. These life values are too crucial to be learned later in school. Not being able to
make a choice between right and wrong can often greatly confuse young individuals. From the
earliest time when children start interacting with others, they are acquiring these new values, thus
the sooner they can sort it out, the better. This is where parents can assist and guide. Perhaps the
best example of this would be the result from a recent study from Oxford University. Toddlers
who have close relationships with their parents are four times more likely to fully grasp morals
before adulthood. As morals are not innate and do not come as pre-built knowledge, it is the
parents’ responsibility to teach these concepts as early as possible.
In conclusion, I completely believe that parents are unique in their capacity to create an
early learning environment for their children and they are also the most suitable teachers to give
moral lessons.

Within 160 words, write a paragraph giving your opinions of the benefits of being able to use
English.
SAMPLE WRITING
In recent years, there are more and more people using English which is an international
language. It has been considered as the international passport to enable us to be the global citizen
because its benefits.
Improving your chances of studying abroad is the first benefit of using English. This is
because English is the official language of many countries, and many countries teach this subject
as a compulsory requirement in schools. If you want to attend an English-speaking university like
Harvard, Oxford, Cambridge, or MIT, passing the English tests, you must use English fluently.
Another benefit is easy entertainment in English. For example, movies, famous TV shows or
music in the world often use English as a language, so being fluent in this second language will
give you the opportunity to enjoy and appreciate them in its original form, with or without
subtitles.
One of the benefits of learning English is connecting you with people around the world. In
fact, when you start learning English, you can practice by chatting directly with other language
learners like you. In addition, there are many study groups or learning communities that you can
join while learning English. Therefore, it helps each person to expand relationships.
Another important reason to learn this language is that it makes travelling easier. Being a
widely used language globally, it will help you connect with people easily. When you visit to
China, you want to buy something, you can speak English with the residents instead of using
Chinese language.
Last but not least, knowing a foreign language, English, is a golden opportunity to get a well-
paid job. In fact, a person who is good at English will always have many advantages and be
appreciated more than someone who is only good at specialized skills. The international business
community often uses it to communicate. Therefore, according to some statistics, people who are
good at English can also receive higher salaries (up to 10-15%) than those who are “blind” in
foreign languages.
In short, we use the English Language in most of our international communications because it
brings several advantages. Thus, being the most common second language in the world, it will be
beneficial to learn this language to open doors to new opportunities.
(374 words)
Within 160 words, write a paragraph giving your opinions on the idea of controlling the access
to electronic services.
SAMPLE WRITING
More people now have personal computers and the uses of electronic services such as Internet is
becoming more widespread. Some people are concerned about unlimited access to electronic
services and would like this access to be controlled nationally or even internationally to prevent
some certain bad influences on users, especially children. The first reason for which we should
control the use of electronic services is that it saves time for users to do other useful things. For
example, people spend too much time surfing, commenting, liking and do other wasteful things
on social networks, some even become addicted to them. Some may forget their present lives,
enjoying their online lives and becoming seriously impractical. On the other side, we should limit
the access to the internet so as to prevent users, especially immature one, from being poisoned by
harmful websites or forums. Uncontrolled access to poisonous sites may result to crime,
immorality, and violence among the youth. In fact, we can hear of the heinous crimes committed
by the one who cannot control their thinking and acting after long-browsing the internet playing
violent games or doing other bad things. (181 words)

Within 160 words, write a paragraph giving your opinions about the formal school education
system in Vietnam.
SAMPLE WRITING
Sample 1.
The current formal school education system in Vietnam consists of three levels; pre-school,
primary and secondary educations. Secondary education is divided into lower and upper stage. In
some provinces especially in cities, there are two parallel school systems; state and private
schools. In both systems, the academic year, from early September to late May, is divided into
two semesters consisting of four to five months each. Children start their pre-school at the age of
three, but this stage is not compulsory. When children reach the age of
six, they go to primary schools. This stage lasts five years with 5 grades. Children then go to
lower secondary schools from grade 6 to grade 9. Those who complete lower secondary may be
accepted to upper secondary schools which last three years with 3 grades. It depends on the
locality that children have to take the entrance examination to be upper secondary students. Often,
at the end of upper secondary education, students have to take the General Certificate of
Secondary Education (GCSE), the requirement to go to university or college, which takes place in
early July. (186 words)
Sample 2.
Education in Vietnam has an advantage that our people value learning. Even though their parents
were hungry, they wore clothes and made a living for them, they still decided to let their children
go to school; children study well, pass, be considered successful; I did not succeed in education,
even though my prosperous business was ashamed to my relatives and villages ... That tradition
helped "socialize education" to achieve many results, but because of that, the state was too
abusive to cause. the imbalance between the contribution of the people and the responsibility of
the state for education; That tradition is also a motivation for Vietnamese children abroad to have
good academic achievements, especially the Vietnamese community in Germany. That tradition
is a precious capital of the nation that needs to be nurtured and promoted following the new
period.
Sample 3.
There are some similarities between the Vietnamese and English school systems. Even so, there
are notable differences to note. There are no distinctions in pre-school education. This level is
divided into two sub-levels in both nations, with ages ranging from 3 to 5. At the primary level,
however, there is a significant disparity between the two countries' systems. While England
divides this level into two sub-levels of three grades each, Vietnam consolidates it into a single
five-grade level. In terms of secondary education, England has six grades compared to Vietnam's
seven classes. Another notable distinction is that English students are between the ages of 11 and
16, whereas Vietnamese students are between the ages of 11 and 17. Nonetheless, after
completing the curriculum, students from both countries must appear for the GCSE examination.
In conclusion, while there are disparities in the school education systems in Vietnam and
England, kids' knowledge may be similar.
Sample 4.
Education system in Viet Nam, which includes state education and private education, is run by
Ministry of education and training. There are five levels in the system: preschool (kindergarten),
primary school (5 years), secondary school (4 years), high school (3 years), and higher education.
Twelve years of basic education are compulsory for all the students. “High schools for the gifted”
are regarded as prestigious and often demand high entrance examination results. Higher education
is optional, you can choose to attend universities, or join vocational training or working to earn
money without further education. Entrance to university is determined through the National High
School Graduation Examination, whose results will be considered for evaluation. Attending a
university is considered to be a pride of not only the family but also the whole family line.
Curriculum in Viet Nam is known as rigorous and competitive for students. Students must study
more than compulsory subjects. Math, Physic, Chemistry and English are the subjects that are
often high evaluated and parents will want their children to focus on them more than others.
Recently, the ministry of education and training has been reforming the education system to
improve students’ ability by continually changing methods of examination and evaluation.
However, this topic is still a controversy issue, receiving both positive and negative effects.
Students’ mission is always studying well and upgrading knowledge to adapt with those changes
in time.

With around 200 words, write a paragraph giving your opinions on the solutions to the
commuting problems among people who live in the country to drive to work in the city.
SAMPLE WRITING
Many people are moving out of big cities into the countryside to live to escape from city
problems. This causes problems because most the jobs that are available are in the cities so people
have to travel back into the cities again to work. The transport system cannot cope so people are
using their own cars and the countryside is affected by the traffic jams. One solution to encourage
people to stay in cities is to improve the quality of life there. More money could be spent reducing
crime, as this is one of the main reasons why people leave cities. For example, more policemen
can be employed for city center. Moreover, safe places to work and live in should be made in the
city center. The environment can be made cleaners and more agreeable. As a result, people might
be encouraged to stay rather than moving out. A very different way to tackle the problem would
be to move some of the jobs
out of city to smaller cities or towns. People could then still live in the countryside and have to
travel short distances to work. Another step is to encourage workers to spend part of their
working week at home, perhaps two days and then to go into work in the other days. This is
happening more and more in many parts of the world. (228 words)

With around 220 words, write to discuss the issue “Families now are not as close-knit as they
were in the past”.
SAMPLE WRITING
It is believed that home is where love dwells and that the social, economic changes make
the traditional family formulas vary. Although different people have different points of view on
the matters, we all agree that families now are not as close-knit as they used to be. The causes are
various, but we can count for the three main points below.
First, we all seem to have so busy with working, earning, getting promotions, taking part in
social activities, etc. People are likely to have longer working hours because of their demand of
earning more and more. People seem to be never satisfied with what they have. In families, under
the economic pressure, both parents work so they have less time for themselves as well as for
other family members.
Secondly, due to the explosion of modern technologies people are more interested in their
online lives than interacting with other family members. People seem to isolate themselves with
their mobile-phones, tablets, personal computers, and other information technological devices.
Moreover, the generation gaps sometimes cause misunderstandings or even debates.
Information technology also brings opportunities to diverse viewpoints within family members.
Having different opinions pulls people far from one another.
Above all, though changes of traditional families are unavoidable, we are to shorten the
gaps among family members to be as close-knit as possible. Because family life is very important
to any individual, each member must be responsible for bringing all family members closer
together. (243 words)

WRITING E-MAIL

Within 200 words, write a letter to apply for an overseas university.

SAMPLE WRITING
Dear Sir/Madam,
I’ve read a lot about tertiary study in the UK and very impressed by the reputation of many
famous universities there. I am writing now to apply for the course and to ask for the admission
requirements to the university.
Now, I am in the last year of the high school and will finish secondary education in 3 months. I
am very much interested in an undergraduate course in economics in Birmingham University. At
school I have learnt English for 7 years now, and my English is good enough to communicate
with English speaking residents. Moreover, I am rather good at natural
science subjects, and I am also very much interested in social activities. My family income is
absolutely good enough to pay for my life and study abroad, too. I have good health and am
willing to live on my own. What my family and I want to know now is the detailed admission
requirements to the university and the degrees I will be granted after finishing the course. Could
you please send me some information about the admission requirements, tuitions fees,
accommodation and details of the course? I am ready to supply any information about myself if
necessary.
I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Yours faithfully, (213 words)

Within 200 words, write a letter to apply for a job as a local tour guide.
SAMPLE WRITING
Dear Sir/ Madam,
I am writing in reply to your advertisement in the Vietnam News for experienced English-
speaking local guides to accompany foreign visitors on trips throughout Vietnam. To tell the
truth, I am very much interested in the post and hope to get it.
After reading the requirement for applicants, I can say by sure that I meet all of the qualifications
that you specify. I was awarded High School Certificate two years ago with flying colors. After
leaving high school, I worked as an accountant in a small travel agency for one year, where I was
given a training course on tourism. Then I had one year of experience as a tour guide so I know
many tourist areas in Vietnam arid have a basic knowledge of Vietnamese culture, history,
geography and the people. Moreover, I was a good student at English at school and achieved
some prizes for English-speaking and English-in-use contests, so I can say that I speak English
fluently and be able to communicate effectively with English speaking partners. In addition, I am
a sociable and confident person and can work hard for long hours. I would like to work for you
and would appreciate the opportunity to discuss this position with you in person. I am looking
forward to hearing from you at your convenience.
Yours faithfully, (210 words)

With around 230 words, write a letter to tell your friend about your family life.
SAMPLE WRITING
Dear Jim,
I am writing to talk about my family rules. It is an interesting topic, isn’t it? It may be
obvious that every family has its own rules. Mine has a few, apart from the traditional ones,
especially for this school year as I am in the final year.
First, I am not allowed to watch much TV, except when there is a good or very interesting
film or an academic game show, or when I have finished all my homework and exercises. And
hardly do my parents let me stay up so late at night.
Next, my parents rarely permit me to go out with friends without necessary reasons for
example birthdays or funerals.
 Besides, I have to take the balanced diets to keep fit for my coming examinations. And one
more thing I have to keep up is talking on the phone. That is why I have to set a limit to my using
of the phone.
Furthermore, I don’t have to do much housework though we share that all together. Do you
think I have a lot of rules to abide? Or I have no rights or freedom to do what I
want or like?
Tell me about your family rules, will you? It is much fun to hear about then.
Write to me as soon as you can. I look forward to hearing from you.
Best wishes, (233 words)
With around 250 words, write a letter to a friend to tell her/ him about the one who influenced
you most.
SAMPLE WRITING
Dear Linda,
I am sorry for not writing to you for so long as I have been busy with preparing for the
coming GCSE. I am writing today to tell you about the one who has great influence on me.
For me, I must say that my life would not have been as good as it is today if I did not meet
Mr. Jimmy. It happened to me when I was a lower secondary student. I always got bad marks for
school subjects as well as I got fined daily. My teachers got very disappointed, my parents felt
ashamed as I was very often mentioned as a bad example at school. My classmates found ways to
keep away from me. I felt so lonely and hopeless. Then Mr. Jimmy, my new teacher appeared.
After having had a talk with me and my parents, he agreed to be my private tutor. It was so
strange that he did not teach but made ways to be my friend first. He spared time to get to know
my difficulties, helped me to gain me confidence, let me believe in what I could do. Gradually, I
realized what to do, how to do. He encouraged me when I felt tired, lonely or daunted. He gave
me belief and strength to stand right on my own feet. Finally, I got to know the meaning of life.
To tell the truth, I feel so happy to have a great teacher like Mr. Jimmy. I hope that you
will let me know about your idols in life. I am looking forward to hearing from you soon. Yours,
(270 words)