IDEAS AND VOCABS FOR SPEAKING

Topic: Accommodation and Cities

Usable vocabs + structures:
Neighborhood:
● grow up seeing the same faces every day (expression)
● a familiar face: một gương mặt thân quen
● to be like family (expression)
● see people moving in and out (expression) - run into: chạm mặt
● always seem to be in a hurry (expression) - tưởng chừng luôn luôn vội vã
● to be concerned about: để ý tới

Accommodation:

● a bungalow: a low house, with a broad front porch, having no upper floor or upper rooms set in the roof - nhà cấp 4
● town house = nhà ống
● a big house with a garden/a front yard/a garage/a swimming pool
● Built like a brick house - Extremely sturdy and solidly constructed.
=> That old building is built like a brick house and has withstood many earthquakes.
● Solid as a rock - Extremely sturdy, strong and not prone to breaking or collapsing.
=> That old cathedral is solid as a rock, built to last for centuries
● housewarming party = tiệc tân gia
● an apartment in a high-rise building, a townhouse in the city center/suburbs
● close to city facilities / amenities = ở gần các tiện ích
● live in a rental apartment/property = ở trọ
● a studio apartment = chung cư mini
● live on campus = ở kí túc xá = live in a dorm
● barely fit into = to just manage to fit into something, usually with great difficulty or tightness
=> When I was a kid, I lived in a bungalow in the suburbs. My parents and I barely fit into it
● a highrise (building) = a skyscraper = a very tall building
● edifice (n) = a large, imposing (impressive and eye-catching) building/structure = architectural landmark
● eyesore (n) = a site that is unpleasant to look at
● behemoth (n) = a very large building = a building of monstrous size
● state-of-the-art = cutting-edge = very modern
● A concrete jungle - An urban area dominated by concrete buildings and construction, lacking nature.
● Downtown area >< Suburb : trung tâm thành phố >< ngoại ô
● Be in the (very) heart of = ở ngay trung tâm
● Be tucked away in a small alley = ẩn mình trong 1 con ngõ
● Cozy : ấm cúng / Rustic charm = nét quyến rũ mộc mạc
● few and far between = hiếm gặp = places or events which are few and far between are rarely found or do not happen
very often.
● fit the bill = phù hợp = if someone or something fits the bill, they are exactly right for a particular situation. => They
wanted a quiet place to stay and the country inn fitted the bill. = checked all the boxes => That house checked all of
the boxes for me, the right size, location and price tag.

Type of Transport:
● Public transport (Ex: bus, train, taxi, Grab, ferry, ship, boat, etc.)
● Private transport (Ex: car, bicycle, motorbike, scooter, moped, etc.)
Collocations:
− The hassle of sth (informal) = the stress and trouble of sth
− Get around = move around (a city)
− Get stuck in the traffic = cannot move due to traffic jam
− Flock to somewhere = move or come together in large numbers
− Be held up by sth = be delayed by sth

Advantages of living in the city:

− Access to culture (music, art, literature, theater, etc.)
− High level of convenience
− Reliable public transport
− Variety of shopping outlets
− Entertainment facilities
− Better job opportunities
− Higher quality education
 − Better standard of living

Disadvantages of living in the city:

− Traffic congestion
− Air / Noise/ Traffic / Water pollution
− Overcrowding / Dense population
− Growth of slums
− High rate of unemployment
− High cost of living
− Wealth inequality (Growing gap/disparity between the rich and the poor)
− High level of stress
− Be stuck in the rat race (working 9 to 5 every day and stuck in a boring routine)

Idioms
● (Be) in the middle of nowhere = be far from where most people live
● (Be) in close/immediate vicinity of sth = in the area around sth
Ex: It’s not like that building is in the middle of nowhere, but there are indeed just few amenities in its close vicinity.
● (Be) second to none = be as good as or better than all others
● Creature comforts = all the things that make life, or a particular place, comfortable
Ex: This place is second to none. You can have all the creature comforts that you will ever need.
● The land of milk and honey = A place where life is pleasant and easy, and people are very happy.
Ex: Everyone enjoys coming here and the locals always offer their generous hospitality. It’s like the land of milk and
honey.
● Make all the difference (to sb/sth) = have an important effect on somebody/something (+) Ex: The introduction of
novel public facilities has made all the difference to the area.
● Hit the road = leave a place or begin a journey
● At the crack of dawn = very early in the morning, especially at the time when the sun first appears Ex: Due to rush
hour, we have to hit the road right at the crack of dawn.
● A thing of the past = something that no longer happens
Ex: Giving up your seat to an older person seems to be a thing of the past.
● Travel back and forth (to somewhere) = go between 2 places many times.
Ex: I live in Spain, but I travel back and forth to England twice a year.

PART 1
1. What kind of house or apartment did you live in when you were a child?
When I was a kid, I lived in a bungalow in the suburbs. My parents and I barely fit into it, but that just made it cozy. I
remember we filled our home with lots of antique furniture. It gave the house a nice atmosphere. We moved to an
apartment later, but I always missed our first home.
2. What kind of house or apartment are you living in right now? / Do you live in a house or an
apartment? /What kinds of accommodation do you live in?
Right now, I’m living in an apartment by my university. It’s not that big; it only has two bedrooms. But it’s cozy enough for
me. Plus, the apartment is part of a newly developed high rise. It has a really nice view of the city.
3. What kind of house or apartment do you want to live in in the future? / Do you want to live in a
house or an apartment in the future?
I’d really love to live in a big house in the middle of nowhere. It might sound a little lonely, but I think having a family there
would be awesome. You would have tons of privacy because you don’t have any nosy neighbors. And if it was somewhere
nice, you could probably have a great view of the stars.
4. How long have you lived there?
I’ve been living there for over three years and I love it. Even though I have to share a room with three roommates, luckily
they’re all easy-going and nice, so we get along really well with each other.
5. Do you think the place you are living at right now is suitable for a family with children?
Yes I do think so. I believe my neighborhood is fairly safe and I live around the corner from a great elementary school. It's a
top-notch school district. So there are a lot of families with kids in this neighborhood already. I moved here when I was a
child myself. There are also beautiful parks near the neighborhood which are awesome for kids.
6. Do you think the place you are living at right now is suitable for elders?
No. I live on a steep hill and I’m not too close to any stores. I would worry about elderly people being able to navigate the
neighborhood safely, as the school nearby creates a lot of traffic on weekdays and the loud kids may become a nuisance.
If an elderly person decided to move here, I’m sure they would make it work, but I think there are better alternatives.
7. Do you like your neighbors?
I live in a studio apartment building, and frankly speaking, I haven't seen my neighbors yet. I think most of my neighbors go
to work early in the morning and come home in the evening. I see people moving in and out once in a while, but hardly
ever run into them.
8. What are the changes of surroundings around your living place?
Well...When it comes to the changes to my neighborhood over the past few years, I think there’ve been more high-rise
buildings built nearby so the area is denser than before. Besides, my favorite improvement of this area is the building of an
outdoor gym where I work out on a regular basis.
9. What changes do you think your neighborhood /living area needs? / Are the transport facilities to
your home very good?
Um...my neighborhood is pretty close to perfect, but it would be better if there was a subway station within walking distance
of my home. Now the closest subway station is about 3 kilometers away, which isn’t exactly a hop, skip, and a jump away. I
heard the city has a plan of extending a subway line to the street next to my home in the next few years. I hope it’s true.
10. Will you move home in the near future? / Will you live there in the future? / Will you live there for a
long time? /Do you plan to live there for a long time?
Well, it’s hard to tell. Right now I live here because I go to school nearby. But after I’m done with school, I might find a job
that’s far away. If that happens, I would move without a second thought. But I do like this area, so it might be a tough
choice.
_________________________________________________________________________
1. How long have you lived in your hometown?

I’ve been living in my hometown since I was born. I’ve never thought about leaving my hometown because my entire social
circle is there and the cost of living is pretty low. However, I also want to work in a different city for a few years to broaden
my horizons.

2. Do you like the city you are living in now?

Yeah, I really love it. When I moved here, I thought it was overwhelming. But now I can’t imagine living anywhere else.
There are always cool things happening here. For example, a lot of singers come to our city for their concerts. It definitely
keeps me on my toes.
3. Is there anything you dislike in your city?

I love the city I live in. But of course, every rose has its thorn. Sometimes, the buses are really slow here. So as a
commuter, I often get fed up with having to wait for long periods of time. I just want to get places on time, but public
transportation can make that easier said than done.

PART 2: Describe…
1. Describe the home of someone you know well and that you often visit. You should say:
● Whose home it is
● How often you go there
● What it is like
● How you feel about this house/apartment.

Sample 1:
How you should note:

Introduction:

● Sarah's charming house

Past:

● Long friendship
 ● Regular hangout spot for friend group
● Weekly movie/game nights

Details:

● Cosy two-story house in quiet suburb

● Inviting atmosphere with beautiful decor
● Comfortable living room with large TV
● Kitchen with homemade treat aromas
● Dining area for laughter and late night conversations

Feelings:

● Homey, comfortable vibe

● Like a hug from an old friend
● Leaves feeling refreshed after visits

Future:

● More gatherings and good times expected

● Sarah's cosy sanctuary for friendship

House:

Introduction:

When it comes to a home away from home, the first place that springs to mind is Sarah's charming abode.

Past:

To give you some context, my friendship with Sarah actually goes way back, to the time when we went to elementary school
together. She was assigned the seat next to me and we instantly clicked. Ever since then, Sarah's house has been a
regular hangout spot for our crew, especially for our weekly movie nights and game evenings.

Details:

Here's the thing, Sarah's house is a cosy two-story gem nestled in a quiet suburban oasis. As you step through the front
door, you're enveloped in a warm, inviting atmosphere with earthy tones and quirky decor that screams Sarah's unique flair
= style. The living room is a den of comfort with plush sofas and a massive flat-screen TV, perfect for our movie
marathons. The kitchen is a foodie's dream, often filled with the mouth-watering aromas of Sarah's homemade treats, and
the dining area is a gathering place for laughter and heartfelt conversations that linger long into the night.

Feelings: Sarah's house has this undeniable homey vibe that instantly puts me at ease. It's like a comforting hug from an
old friend, filled with cherished memories and an atmosphere that leaves me feeling refreshed and content every time I
visit.

Future: I can't wait for many more gatherings and unforgettable moments in Sarah's cosy sanctuary, where friendship and
laughter are always on the menu.

Definitions of the bolded words and phrases from the text:

1. a home away from home: a place where one feels as comfortable and relaxed as they would in their own home.
2. abode: a place of residence; a house or home.
3. goes way back: to have a long-standing relationship or friendship.
4. instantly clicked: to immediately form a strong connection or rapport with someone.
5. hangout spot: a place where people regularly gather to spend time together.
6. crew: a group of friends.
7. cosy: giving a feeling of comfort, warmth, and relaxation.
8. gem (=ngọc): something that is highly valued or prized.
9. nestled: situated in a sheltered or comfortable position.
 10. oasis: a pleasant or peaceful area in the midst of a difficult or harsh environment.
11. enveloped: surrounded or enclosed by something.
12. quirky: characterised by peculiar or unexpected traits.
13. screams: to be an obvious or striking representation of something - thể hiện rõ
14. den of comfort (collocation): a cosy and inviting space that provides a sense of comfort and relaxation.
15. marathons: a prolonged or extended period of an activity. - (xem phim dài tập)
16. foodie: someone who loves food.
17. mouth-watering: causing one's mouth to water in anticipation of something delicious.
18. aromas: a fragrant or pleasant smell.
19. heartfelt: sincere and deeply felt. - cảm động
20. linger: to remain or stay in a place longer than is usual or expected.
21. homey vibe: an atmosphere that feels warm, comfortable, and welcoming, like being at home.
22. puts me at ease: to make someone feel relaxed and comfortable.
23. cherished memories: highly valued and fondly remembered experiences or moments.
24. unforgettable moments: experiences that are so memorable that they will never be forgotten.
25. sanctuary: a place of refuge (trú ẩn) or retreat (nghỉ ngơi).
26. on the menu: available or offered as part of a selection or range of options.

Flat: Note sample:

Introduction:

● Jack's flat - a regular city hangout spot

Past:

● Go-to spot for cousin hangouts/catch-ups

● Since Jack moved to the urban centre

Details:

● Modern, minimalist flat oozing with urban style

● Open layout, airy and bright
● Stylish living area, high-end kitchen
● Showstopper balcony with city views, cosy outdoor space

Feelings:

● Breath of fresh air, trendy urban vibe

● Refreshing change from suburbs, leaves feeling energised

Future:

● Anticipating more visits to Jack's city sanctuary

● Creating lasting memories in this stylish urban oasis

Introduction:

When it comes to a city haven that has become one of my regular stomping grounds, my cousin Jack's sleek flat takes the
cake.

Past:

To give you some context, back in the day, Jack used to live in the suburbs, far away from the hustle and bustle of city life.
Me, on the other hand, live smack-dab in the heart of the urban jungle. So despite being pretty close in age, we never
really meet up.

That all changed when Jack moved to London for uni. Ever since then, Jack's flat has been a go-to spot for our cousin
catch-ups and hangouts.
Details: Talking about his apartment, it is a modern and simple masterpiece that looks very urban and stylish. The open
layout gives it an airy, spacious feeling, with big windows letting in lots of natural light. The living area is a stylish oasis
with sleek, modern furniture, and the kitchen is a chef's dream with top-of-the-line appliances that would make any food
lover excited. But the real highlight is the balcony, offering amazing views of the city skyline that Jack has turned into a
cosy outdoor space with plants and comfortable seating.

Feelings: Visiting Jack's apartment is always refreshing. It has a trendy, urban vibe that reflects his personality and makes
me feel like I'm part of the lively city. It's a nice change from my own country-style home, and being there always leaves
me feeling energised and inspired.

Future: I can't wait for many more visits to Jack's stylish city apartment, exploring the city together and creating lasting
memories in this sleek and stylish oasis.

Here are the definitions of the bolded words and phrases:

1. haven - a place of safety or refuge

2. regular stomping grounds - a familiar place that one frequently visits or hangs out
3. takes the cake - to be the best or most impressive example of something
4. hustle and bustle - noisy activity and commotion
5. smack-dab in the heart of - right in the centre or middle of something
6. being pretty close in age - to be around the same age
7. go-to spot - a preferred or commonly used place
8. catch-ups - informal meetings or gatherings to catch up on news or talk
9. hangouts - đi chơi với bạn
10. masterpiece - something that is a skillfully crafted
11. urban and stylish - having a fashionable, modern city style
12. open layout - a floor plan with few walls or barriers between rooms
13. airy, spacious feeling - a sense of openness and roominess
14. sleek, modern furniture - contemporary (đương thời) and streamlined (tối giản) furniture
15. top-of-the-line - the highest quality
16. highlight - the most important, impressive or memorable part
17. amazing views - exceptionally beautiful or striking scenery
18. refreshing - revitalising, invigorating or renewing = sảng khoái
19. vibe - atmosphere or ambiance
20. country-style home - a rustic or rural style of home

Describe your favourite place in your house where you can relax. You should say:

● Where it is
● What it is like
● What you enjoy doing there
● And explain why you feel like this place is your favourite

Sample answer:
How you should note:

Outline:

Introduction:

● Favourite spot: patio on top floor.

Past:

● Patio was neglected and underutilised.

● Discovered potential while searching for lost cat.

Details:

● Cleaned, decluttered, and transformed space.

● Added furniture, decor, and amenities for comfort and ambiance.
 ● Arranged furniture to optimise panoramic views.

Feelings:

● Patio became favourite retreat for relaxation and reflection.

● Enriched life in unexpected ways.

Future:

● Reminder that overlooked spaces can become havens of comfort and joy.

Speaking of my go-to spot in my house where I can unwind and blow off steam, the first thing that pops up in my mind is
the patio on my top floor.

Well, to give you some context:

Back in the day, I never used to go to that part of the house. I just thought that it would be too much effort to climb to that part
of the house and I was also under the impression that nothing interesting was there for me to see.

However, that all changed when one day, my cat decided to hide from me and led me to have a mini-heart attack. I literally
looked everywhere for him, I even almost thought about printing out missing posters for my cat when I remembered, I haven’t
looked up in the roof area yet.

So, I took out my ladder and climbed up there to find my cat hiding in the corner, living his best life.

But another thing that I discovered was just how beautiful the view is from this part of my house. I sat there with my cat,
enjoying the sunset and I thought to myself, wow, I should really come here more often.

And here’s the thing, I’m planning on making this area a more accessible and welcoming spot for me to come and relax. I
want to create a comfortable and relaxing environment where I can unwind and enjoy the beautiful panoramic views. Maybe
add some comfortable seating, potted plants, and even a small table for drinks or snacks. It could be my personal retreat
right in my own home, where I can escape the stresses of daily life and find peace and tranquillity.

All in all, I’m glad I discovered this hidden gem of a space in my own house and I hope that my vision for a peaceful retreat
can come true.

● Retreat: nơi trú ẩn

● Hidden gem: viên ngọc ẩn giấu
● Potted plants: cây trồng trong chậu
● Vision: tầm nhìn/viễn cảnh
● Unwind = blow off steam = relax
● Top floor = tầng thượng
● Give someone a mini heart attack (phrs)
● To live one’s best life (phrs)

PART 3

1. What are the differences between buildings in the city and in the countryside?
Having lived in urban and suburban and even somewhat rural areas, I believe that there are numerous stark contrasts.
● Popular type of accommodation
→ Example:
- Cities: Numerous apartment complexes have been built to address the issue of overpopulation, where people
have to share the same high-rise buildings
- Countryside: The population in rural areas is less dense, facilitating the construction of private accommodations
(detached house)
→ Result:
- Cities: Numerous kinds of apartments can be found in modern cities, including a simple apartment with separate
rooms, a studio apartment with a multifunctional room or even a luxurious penthouse, officetel apartment
 - Countryside: Living in a house provides more privacy and allows the dweller to decorate it in accordance with their
preferences.
● Construction method
→ Example:
- Cities: Vertical construction is recommended in the metropolitans to optimize the land use, which
accommodate a larger number of residents without taking up a huge area
- Countryside: Horizontal development which offer a more comfortable lifestyle
→ Result:
- Cities: Numerous high-rise buildings for many purposes such as living, offices or malls
- Countryside: The existence of skyscrapers is scarce in the rural areas
● Distance
→ Example:
- Cities: Buildings in the urban areas are closer together
- Countryside: Suburbs have homes which are farther apart
→ Result: Automobiles aren’t really necessary as city dwellers can walk or use public transportation between places.

2. Do you prefer to live in the city or in the countryside?

Well, this question is out of the blue. Truth be told, I personally lean towards…/
CITY: As a youngster myself, I personally prefer residing in the…/
● A chance to meet new faces → Explain: Brings people from all walks of life → Result: An opportunity to expand
one's social circle/ Gain new perspectives in life/ Grow to be open-minded and well-rounded.
● Better job opportunities → Explain: Be bustling with companies from various fields/ With skyscrapers housing
these companies, finding employment in the city is relatively straightforward → Result: increasing the chances
of earning a handsome salary and improving one's living conditions
● High level of convenience → Explain: A high level of convenience is ensured with widespread WIFI coverage,
along with numerous services such as gas stations, shopping outlets, reliable public transportation, hospitals, and
schools within walking distance, ultimately leading to a better standard of living
● Variety of entertainment facilities → The city's variety of entertainment facilities offers an ocean of options to
unwind after a hectic and stressful day.
● Higher quality education → Access to higher quality education is facilitated by the presence of numerous
prestigious universities in cities, providing a strong academic foundation that can greatly benefit future
career prospects or the pursuit of higher education abroad.

COUNTRYSIDE: Unlike other youngsters at the same age, I would love to settle in the…
● Better air quality → Living in the countryside offers better air quality, as it is not plagued by overpopulation,
boasts abundant greenery, and experiences fewer automobiles on the streets. This results in an absence of
traffic congestion and a reduction in the amount of carbon dioxide, the primary cause of the greenhouse effect
● Cheaper cost of living → The countryside provides a cheaper cost of living, exemplified by the fact that
purchasing a home in a rural area costs three times less than in a suburban or urban area. Additionally, living
expenses, including utilities, groceries, toiletries, and entertainment, are more affordable in rural areas.
● Safer → Living in the countryside is safer due to the lower population density, reducing the likelihood of falling
victim to a crime or encountering individuals with ill intentions.
● Have more space → One of the advantages of rural living is having more space. Houses in rural areas are typically
situated farther apart, allowing residents the opportunity to build their homes with ample privacy and without
concerns about nosy neighbors invading their personal space
● Proximity to nature/ Be close to nature → Living in the countryside offers proximity to nature, allowing residents to
escape the hustle and bustle of city life and engage in various outdoor activities such as fishing, hunting,
hiking, camping, and climbing
● Quietness and tranquility → The countryside offers quietness and tranquility without the constant traffic, sirens,
and general noise associated with city living. This contributes to reduced stress levels, promotes deep sleep,
and benefits both mental and physical health.

3.What safety risks are there in residential buildings in cities?

Truth be told, despite the advantages of urban living, city dwellers (residents/ occupants/ inhabitants) may encounter
several risks in their place of residence…
● Social evils (tệ nạn xã hội) → Cities often have a higher crime rate and provide ample opportunities for anti-social
individuals to pursue their actions. They encompass people from all walks of life, including those originating from
underprivileged backgrounds who may resort to criminal activities. For instance, city dwellers may experience
burglaries, home invasions, and vandalism, which can instill fear in their minds.
● Hazardous situations:
 - Natural risks → Urban areas are susceptible to natural disasters such as earthquakes, hurricanes, and fires,
which necessitate quick and immediate evacuation during unfortunate circumstances.
- There is a risk of terrorist attacks, which can potentially lead to the collapse of skyscrapers..
- Infectious diseases → The high population density in urban areas makes residents more vulnerable to infections
during pandemics, such as the COVID-19 pandemic

4.Is it expensive to decorate a house or an apartment in the place where you live?
Well, this question is out of the blue (unexpecting). Personally, I suppose that the cost of furnishing the entire apartment or
house varies a lot based on one’s perception about decoration. On one hand… / I hold the opinion that this solely depends
on one’s interest towards their accommodation…

Can cost a fortune:

- Improve the living experience at their abodes → Explain: Believe that house is the place where they spend nearly all
time to do all kinds of activities after office, such as relaxing, doing exercise, cooking and sleeping/ Want to be
surrounded by beautiful things and furnishings/ Always want to renovate their accommodation to have a refreshing
life → Result: Shop as many stuffs as possible to make their lives more convenient and comfier/ Always replace
house decoration depending on the seasonCan brighten up their lives/ Get rid of anxiety or stress and set the mood
for a productive day/ Can cost an arm and a leg from a handful of purchases.
- A way of expressing self-fulfillment → Explain: Want to decorate their homes beautifully/ Consider houses as the
means to show off social status/ Suppose that an attractive abode is a result of combining many of components
such as talented designers, good looking position of land, personal taste → Result: Treat this as a sign for richness
and pride/ Have a propensity to purchase luxurious house amenities to make their accommodation like a king’s
palace/ Attract most people’s attention/ Make others be green with envy (jealous) with the unique beautiful things in
their homes/ Gain an immense sense of happiness and satisfaction.

Do not charge much:

- Follow minimalism/ Believe that simplicity is the best → Explain: Purchase less, with only basic furniture or small
items, which are getting more affordable/ Suppose that some minor changes, such as hanging a picture or placing a
flower vase, can lead to a big difference without any over-furnishment → Result: If homeowners know how to do it
right, furnishment is not too costly/ Many people have successfully designed and decorated their accommodations
nicely without spending too much money → Example: Numerous brands have provided house amenities with
acceptable quality and cheap prices such as Ikea, San Lim, or Thomas Carey.
- Do not care about their home appearance → Explain: Consider house as a base (shelter) for simple (trivial) needs,
such as eating and sleeping, rather than a reflection of personal taste/ Be up to their ears with work all of the time/
Be more concerned about intangible values such as gaining knowledge, utilizing time or helping the underprivileged
→ Result: Have no time to worry about house amenities and decoration/ Decoration is unnecessary which also
means it will be cheaper/ May not spend a lot of time and money to decorate their houses.

0. How can we solve the traffic jam problem?

To my way of thinking, many measures can be taken to tackle this dilemma. One of which is to…
- Put a heavy tax on private vehicles → Result: Discourage dwellers to own personal automobiles/ Encourage the
shift from private vehicles to public transportation
- Promote public means of transport → Example: Improve perceptions of buses/ Improve bus services/ Make buses
free (complimentary)/ Invest more money on the transportation infrastructure → Result: Hopefully reduce the traffic
density of private vehicles.
- Introduce stricter (harsher) road traffic laws → Example: Ban cars from city centers during rush hours/ Introduce a
congestion charge pricing/ Impose a heavy fine on behaviors that disrespect the traffic laws such as disobeying the
traffic lights, blowing the red light (running the red light/ jumping the redlight), driving in opposite direction (đi ngược
chiều) or parking inappropriately → Result: Prevent causing traffic chaos/ Alleviate traffic congestion.
- Encourage working from home → Result: Reduce the traffic density during rush hours.
- Depopulate the cities and allocate on improving the rural infrastructure → Example: Switch zoning strategies (kế
hoạch quy hoạch) from vertical to horizontal development/ Widen roads.

0. Do you think developing public transport can solve traffic jam problems?
Yah, although it will not completely address the issue, such a measure is the most effective one at the moment…
- Decrease the traffic density on the streets → Explain: While a scooter or car can only carry maximal 4 people, a bus
has the capacity up to 30 individuals → Result: Reduce the traffic volume during rush hours which is the major
reason underlying congestion → Example: NYC, which has enforced laws about promoting public transportation,
 witnesses a significant down in traffic jam than any cities in the USA/ Trains contribute immensely to the reduction of
traffic congestion and keeping more cars out of roads, and a single railway can get rid of 1000 cars from the roads.
- More economical → Explain: Low ticket fees which make buses affordable for people from all walks of life/ Have
discounts for special group of citizens such as students, pregnant women and elderlies/ Eliminated the need to pay
for parking, car or scooter insurance, maintenance and gasoline → Result: Save tons of money, which can be
allocated on other purposes/ Discourage the usages of private vehicles.
- Slow down the movement on the roads → Explain: The hectic (busy) traffic is the major cause of traffic congestion/
Buses run at a slower speed than private automobiles → Result: Pay an extra dividend (góp phần) to bring down
the flow of traffic in cities.

Unfortunately, I don’t believe that public means of transportation can make any reasonable headway into this dilemma.
- Require efficient public transit → Explain: Need to have the infrastructure ready before issuing a ban order of private
vehicles, which may cost a fortune/ Not many cities are capable of enforcing such measure due to the lack of
infrastructure, facilities and poor public transport arrangements → Result: Put a heavy burden on national budget/
Not a feasible solution to ease traffic jam.
- Other options seem to be more effective:
+ Depopulation → Explain: Overpopulation is the major cause of congestion → Example: Invest money to enhance the
infrastructure of the rural area/ Switch zoning strategies (kế hoạch quy hoạch) from vertical to horizontal development →
Result: Encourage migration to the countryside.
+ Encourage working from home/ working off-hour → Result: Reduce the traffic density during rush hours.
+ Improve the city’s infrastructure → Example: Widen (Expand) the roads to leave more space (room)/ Develop highway/
Modernize the traffic light system/ Install CCTV system on the streets to monitor the commuters’ behavior while traveling on
the roads.
+ Ban street parking → Result: Reduce the area occupied by private vehicles on the streets/ Create more space to travel on
the road