SPEAKING B1- TERM 1- NO 9- MONEY
PART 1
1. Do you like shopping?
Yes, I do. Though I’m not a shopaholic, I still enjoy the activity itself so much.
I have a taste for wandering around shopping malls and doing
some window shopping. Whenever I walk into a grocery store, it’s the instant
feeling of freshness that always excites me.
2. How often do you go shopping?
I suppose on a monthly basis. But usually, I don’t plan ahead. Sometimes, I’m
an impulse shopper, and it’s quite compulsive. I don’t usually try to keep abreast
of the latest fashion, but whenever I have my eye on an item, I buy it without a
second thought.
3. What are the pros and cons of online shopping?
When it comes to the benefits of shopping on the Internet, I think we can get
more inexpensive deals than buying at brick-and-mortar stores because
items usually come to us directly from manufacturers
without middlemen involved. Besides, shopping online helps us save a great
deal of time and energy as we don’t waste time hitting stores or making a
bargain. Moreover, online stores are usually high on inventory, so they can
offer a far greater selection of colors and sizes. In other words, there is a wider
range of options for us to purchase.
However, online shopping brings several great drawbacks. First, we don’t have
the experience of actually seeing and touching the item that we consider buying.
For example, we can’t try on clothes to see whether it looks good on us or not.
So, it might not live up to our expectations. Second, the risk of fraud is quite
high when buying stuff on the Internet. Sellers might send an item that doesn’t
look like the one in the pictures or description.
4. How important is money to you?
Money is undoubtedly crucial to me, as it is for most people. It provides security
and allows me to meet my basic needs, pursue my interests, and enjoy a
comfortable lifestyle. However, I also believe that money shouldn’t be the sole
focus in life. It’s essential to strike a balance between financial well-being and
other aspects like relationships, personal growth, and contributing to society.
5. Do you think you will have lots of money in future?
Although I strive for financial stability and aim to achieve my goals, I don’t
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necessarily equate success with having “lots” of money. I believe in working hard
and making smart financial choices, but ultimately, I value experiences, personal
growth, and making a positive impact over accumulating excessive wealth.
6. How do you save money?
To be honest, I have a few strategies for saving money. Firstly, I create a monthly
budget to track my income and expenses, ensuring I live within
my means and allocate a portion of my income towards savings. I also try to
minimize unnecessary spending by cooking at home more often, choosing
affordable entertainment options, and avoiding impulse purchases.
7. Do you think it is ok to lend money to friends or family members?
Actually, lending money to friends or family can be a tricky situation. While it’s
natural to want to help loved ones in need, it’s crucial to consider the potential
risks involved. In my opinion, it’s generally okay to lend small amounts that you
can afford to lose, but larger loans should be approached with caution. It’s
important to establish clear terms and expectations to avoid misunderstandings or
strained relationships.
8. Do people in your country give money as a gift to children?
Yes, giving money as a gift to children is a common practice in Vietnam, especially
during special occasions like Lunar New Year or birthdays. It’s often seen as a
way to wish them good luck, prosperity, and success in their studies. The
amount given varies depending on the relationship and the occasion, but it’s
usually presented in a red envelope, which symbolizes good fortune.
9. Are you good at saving money?
Actually, to be honest, I am really good at tightening my belt. The fact is that
when I am given some money from someone or something, or just every month, I
always make a reasonable plan to manage my payments more effectively.
PART 2
Describe a time that you saved money for something
You should say
• When it was
• What you saved money for
• How you saved money
and explain why it was important for you to buy it.
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Last month, I was saving up for a Uniqlo UV protection jacket. Saving for it wasn't too
difficult. I started putting aside a small amount from my weekly allowance each time
I got paid. I also did some extra online tutoring gigs for a few weeks, which helped
boost the savings pot a bit quicker. In total, it took me about a month and a half to
reach my goal.
Now, this jacket might seem like a casual purchase, but it was actually quite important
for me to get it. Living in Ho Chi Minh City, the sun is relentless! The UV levels here
are crazy high year-round. Sun damage can be a real health risk, leading to premature
aging and even skin cancer down the line. The UV jacket is lightweight and
breathable to wear without feeling like I was roasting.
So, between the practicality and the health benefits, that little Uniqlo jacket became a
worthwhile investment for me. It's become a staple in my wardrobe, and I know it'll
keep me protected for years to come.
Describe a method to save money
You should say
• What the method is
• When you started to use it
• How you knew it
and explain why it is helpful.
The method I use to save money is by utilizing a savings account. When I was 16,
my parents opened one for me. They explained that it was a safe place to put my
money away for future goals, where it could also grow a little bit over time.
There are a few reasons why I find savings accounts helpful. First of all, it keeps my
spending in check. It forces me to be more mindful about where my money goes.
Secondly, a savings account helps my money grow slowly but surely. Even though the
interest rates aren't super high, it's better than keeping my cash tucked under my
mattress where it earns nothing. It's like planting a seed – the more I save and the
longer I leave it untouched, the bigger the nest egg becomes down the line. This way,
I can save up for things I really want, like a trip abroad or a down payment on a
motorbike, without having to rely on credit cards or loans.
So, all in all, a savings account is a simple yet effective tool for managing my money
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and reaching my financial goals. It keeps my spending in check, allows my money to
grow bit by bit, and helps me plan for the future without any financial stress.
PART 3
1. Why do some people still use cash?
Some people still use cash for various reasons. Firstly, cash provides a sense of
security and control over personal finances. It allows individuals to have tangible
control over their money and avoid potential risks associated with digital
transactions, such as identity theft or cyber attacks. Secondly, cash is widely
accepted, especially in certain areas or businesses that may not have the
infrastructure or technology to accept digital payments. Additionally, cash can be
preferred for small transactions or in situations where there may be limited access
to electronic payment methods.
2. What do you think of the view that time is as important as money?
The view that time is as important as money holds merit. While money is
undeniably important for meeting our needs and achieving financial security, time is
a finite resource that cannot be replenished. How we choose to spend our time
ultimately determines the quality of our lives and the fulfillment we experience.
Time spent with loved ones, pursuing passions, and personal growth often holds
greater value than simply accumulating wealth. Balancing the pursuit of financial
goals with the allocation of time for personal well-being, relationships, and
meaningful experiences is crucial for a fulfilling and balanced life. Ultimately, finding
a harmonious integration of time and money allows us to live a more enriched and
satisfying life.
3. How much money is enough?
The question of a sufficient amount of money is absolutely subjective – everyone
has their own pay-rate expectations (idea). This highly depends on the lifestyle one
leads – on the quality of life one is accustomed to. In my opinion, one can surely
say they have enough money when they are able to afford spontaneous purchases
throughout the month without worrying about their next month financial
stability (explain). There are many modern online banking apps that allow you to
track monthly spendings and plan future budgets – they are a great helping hand
indeed (example).
4. What problems does money cause in your society?
Money is the tool that solves many problems – from very small daily ones to huge
infrastructural issues (idea). However, there are certain people whose individuality
and character force them to make poor decisions when given too much money or
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power (explain). One of the most evident examples is politicians who are frequently
corrupted, which makes them incompetent and inefficient public servants.
Globalisation only exacerbates the gap between haves and have-nots. Many
people lack money to sustain day-to-day living, while the rich become richer every
day(example).
5. Do young people nowadays believe in saving money?
The willingness and ability to save greatly depends on a person’s character (idea).
Since many young people are still not mature enough and prone to sudden mood
swings, it is easier for them to fall prey to compelling ads, ending up with a bag of
spontaneous purchases. In addition, many companies offer easy payment terms, so
youngsters get tempted to spend more on things they do not really need (explain).
A great example would be the rapid advancement in technologies that give access
to instant credit from the biggest and most reliable banks (example).
6. What risks would you take when shopping online? Why?
Shopping online can involve certain risks. Firstly, there is the risk of financial
loss as your payment information can be easily stolen by hackers if the website
does not have proper security measures in place. Secondly, personal identity
theft can occur if your personal information is revealed or leaked. Finally, a lack
of consumer protection can make it difficult to get a refund for goods delivered
late or not at all.
7. Will large shopping malls continue to be popular, despite the growth of
internet shopping?
Frankly speaking, shopping malls have been going through hard times since
the increasing popularity of online retailing. However, I personally think that this
should not be declared a death sentence for physical stores; rather, it should be
an opportunity for them to evolve. Malls should consider integrating themselves
back into city dwellers’ lives to serve the need for window shopping or just as a
place to unwind at weekends. Additionally, they could shift their focus to families
with children, investing in recreational places for children while
parents browse the shops.
