TASK 2

Some universities offer online courses as an alternative to classes delivered on

campus. Do you think this is a positive or negative development?

It is a fact that virtual lessons have been used by several universities as alternatives
to brick-and-mortar classes provided traditionally on campus. In my opinion, despite
some potential merits, this transformation should be better considered as a
negative trend with more various adverse repercussions.

Admittedly, the replacement of conventional tertiary education by the online one

is potentially beneficial. First and foremost, if lessons are delivered online, not only
universities but also students can save a great deal of money, mitigating their financial
burdens. For instance, not only can universities reduce financial budgets for
conventional classrooms equipped with expensive equipment, but students can also
cut costs for transportation and paper materials. Another possible reason for this is
that the increasing popularity of virtual higher education would pave the way for
more educational opportunities for citizens, regardless of their location, which
eventually leads to better workforces and economic growth. To illustrate, students in
Vietnam and other developing countries can enroll in a course delivered by famous
universities from Europe or the US without worrying about geographical barriers;
hence, they would contribute their knowledge to their homeland’s future development.

In spite of the positive points given above, I still believe that the transformation
from traditional to online university education is not worthwhile due to
tremendous issues. The primary reason for this is that since both students and
lecturers are often distracted from their lessons, the quality of education is not
ensured, which is to blame for ineffective education systems. For example, with less
control of educators compared to traditional classrooms, students may play games or
listen to music during lessons; hence, it is impossible for them to learn enough
fundamental knowledge. Furthermore, the growing utilization of E-learning may
encourage their overdependence on technological devices and hinder them from
developing their full potential. One way of explaining this is that not only the
excessive exposure to screens is responsible for a sedentary lifestyle and various
health problems like obesity, but it also prevents students from improving their
interpersonal skills due to the lack of interactions with friends and lecturers.

In conclusion, although online courses would alleviate financial pressure and widen
opportunities for students from far-away areas to approach education at the tertiary
level, the reliance on this form of education is predominantly problematic due to the
ineffectiveness of the learning process, negative lifestyles, and poor interactive skills.
It is suggested that universities should mainly offer courses in physical classrooms to
ensure the comprehensive productivity of education, but a few online programs are
specially designed for those in need.
The best way to solve the world’s environmental problems is to increase the
cost of fuel.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Many are of the belief that increasing the fuel price is the most effective
method to address international environmental issues. In my opinion, despite
the possible effectiveness of this proposal, other measures are more efficient
and should be taken into consideration to deal with environmental
degradation.
Applying higher fuel costs is of potential necessity to mitigate environment-
related problems for a combination of reasons. First and foremost, if people
are charged more for their usage of fossil fuel which is the main culprit of
environmental contamination, they are more likely to minimize their energy
consumption for their own sake. For instance, due to the escalating cost of
petrol and oil, many people resort to public transport or bikes for their daily
trips to save money, which would, in turn, reduce the amount of traffic fumes
released into the environment from petrol and oil-fueled private vehicles and
eventually alleviate air pollution. Another compelling reason for this is that
since fuel costs are on the rise, alternative but greener energy is often
encouraged to meet the demand of humans for their personal and economic
purposes. To illustrate, a variety of nations all over the world have cut down on
their consumption of fossil-based fuels such as coal and petroleum, and exploit
wind, solar and other sustainable sources of energy instead to provide electricity
for families and factories.
In spite of the potential merits given above, I still believe that other
methods play a more important role in preventing environmental
problems. An easy but efficient way is to run government-sponsored social
campaigns to raise their awareness of the relationship between their excessive
usage of fossil-based fuel and environmental pollution. This is because only by
helping them realize the devastating effects of burning coal, gas or oil on the
earth in general and their lives in particular, would they take actions. For
example, owing to various social projects in communities and frequent
educational courses at school, not only workers but also students in Vietnam
have walked or cycled to their workplaces and schools to contribute to
environmental protection. Furthermore, fuels are not the sole cause of
degraded environment; hence, harsher punishments are the comprehensive
measure, and of paramount importance to deal with all issues. One such
example of this is that when people know they are fined or punished severely,
they might not cut down forests or release production waste illegally, paving the
way for a greener community.
In conclusion, I believe that although more expensive fuels can potentially
hinder consumers from using energy and motivate them to use non-fossil fuels,
raising citizens’ awareness and national policies are more significant to prevent
the deterioration of the environment.
In many countries, people decide to have children at a later age than in
the past.
Why and is it a positive or negative development?

It is a fact of modern life that deferring childbearing is chosen by many

people in various parts of the world. This essay will first analyze some of
the main reasons for this phenomenon and explain why this should be
considered an unwelcome trend with various negative repercussions.

The decision towards delaying childbirth among people can be

explained by a combination of reasons. First and foremost, since job
markets in almost all countries have become increasingly competitive,
youngsters often focus on developing their careers before giving birth to
ensure the most optimal financial conditions for their offspring. To illustrate,
rather than having a child at a young age as in the past, many couples choose
to immerse themselves in working to save money and have a leading position
in their organization, which , in turn, releases their monetary burdens and
provides their children the best care. Another compelling reason for this is
that as young generations have changed their lifestyles and norms about their
family, they tend to defer their bearing. For instance, as opposed to following
the tradition of getting married in their 20s to satisfy older members in their
families as in the past, youngsters in Vietnam often travel to feast their eyes
on stunning views or participate in their favorite activities until they are ready
for their family lives.

However, not only personal but also societal issues are inevitable when
citizens have children later. From an individual level, if people choose to
postpone their parenthood, mothers and babies may suffer health issues in
the future. One way of explaining this is that not only mothers and babies
may have potential diseases during the pregnancy process, but they also face
a higher mortality rate due to mothers’ poor health conditions at an old age.
At a social level, when inhabitants are reluctant to give birth at an early age,
the country also has to deal with various problems associated with their
workforce. For instance, many families choose to have only one child when
they are older; hence, there will not be enough young people in the workforce
for the development of the country in the future.

In conclusion, the pressure at work and new lifestyles among people are the
main culprits for their late childbirth. However, this trend should not be
welcomed due to adverse repercussions associated with not only individuals’
health but also the country’s economy.
It is important for all towns and cities to have large public outdoor places
like squares and parks. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this
statement?
A school of thought holds that squares, parks and other big public spaces are vital
for all towns and cities. In my opinion, despite the importance of such areas in
metropolises, smaller cities and towns should consider the demand of citizens for
public places and other fundamental fields.

Admittedly, some might argue that large outdoor venues for the public are vitally
important in urban areas. This is often predicated upon the assumption that
urban citizens often spend the majority of their time staying indoors due to the lack of
chances for outdoor activities; hence, only by investing in spacious communal venues
will they improve their health and have a positive lifestyle. For example, in crowded
cities like Hanoi, children are often encouraged to watch movies or play games at
home after school time due to insufficient availability of parks or gardens, which is to
blame for a sedentary lifestyle and negative consequences on only individuals but also
society . However, this line of reasoning is only true for densely populated cities in
which people live vertically in residential blocks and do not have enough outdoor
space. In less developed cities or towns, on the other hand, there are a variety of
opportunities for people to enjoy fresh atmosphere and outdoor activities. To
illustrate, they live horizontally thanks to the more availability of land and in each
neighborhood, there are often various areas for them to interact with one another
without having to go to large public zones.

I am firmly of the opinion that the construction of spacious public areas should
take the actual requirements of citizens and other essential fields into
consideration. With respect to the former, as small towns and cities are often more
sparsely inhabited, the financial investment without careful estimation would lead to a
waste of monetary sources. For instance, inhabitants in small-size cities like Ninh
Binh often play sports in their workplace or socialize with a small number of
neighbors in communal halls in their locality; therefore, they are reluctant to go to
spacious areas. Regarding the latter, in various places, rather than pouring a great
amount of money to serve a small group of people, focusing on other urgent sectors is
a more viable choice to improve people’s living standards on the whole. One such
example of this is that if schools and hospitals receive more financial resources,
people will be well-educated and healthier, paving the way for their brighter future
careers and health conditions.

In conclusion, I believe that big public outdoor areas are of necessity for major cities
with a high demand of city dwellers; however, in smaller ones, building smaller public
venues and investing in other essential domains are a better option.

Some people think that charity organizations should only offer

help to people of their own country. But others believe that these
organizations should give aid to people in great need wherever
they live.

Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

A school of thought holds that domestic charitable activities aimed at
local citizens should be the only priority, while the alternative stance
asserts that volunteering organizations should provide global assistance
to people, regardless of their nationality. The purpose of this essay is
to discuss both sides of the contentious argument and then
explain why I lean towards the second view.

There are those who believe that indigenous inhabitants should be

the only target for charity campaigns for a combination of reasons.
First and foremost, since each organization’s budget is often limited,
solely focusing on aid in local areas would be a better option. For
instance, in most nations, irrespective of their wealth, there are still
homeless and disadvantaged people in the locality who are struggling
with their poor living conditions; hence, volunteers should allocate their
limited resources to such citizens first. Another compelling reason is
that highly concentrating on local help would ensure the effectiveness of
charitable activities and avoid hurdles associated with geographical
boundaries. To illustrate, while products such as food can be delivered
to those in need as soon as possible, they become unusable after a long
shipping time to a foreign nation.

Nevertheless, I still advocate those who believe that volunteering

activities are for giving global support. The primary reason for
this is that if they pay attention to foreigners with low living standards,
the relationship between countries will be better. For example, huge
charitable funds have been migrated from Japan to Vietnam over the
years, lifting various impoverished people out of poverty, and eventually
leading to gratitudes and love between citizens of the two nations.
Furthermore, in many communities in which the economies are poorly
developed, it is impossible for them to ensure enough resources for
citizens. One such example for this is that thousands of Africans
would be killed by epidemics or starvation, unless worldwide organizations
such as FAO - Food and Agriculture Organizations of the United Nations
give them a helping hand due to the inability of their local governments.

In conclusion, I believe that both sides are justifiable. However,

on balance, charity projects should be targeted at people no matter
where in the world they live to ensure global integration and support
underdeveloped societies.

Some people think that certain old buildings are more worth
preserving than the other ones. Which types of old buildings
should be preserved? Do you think that the advantages of
preserving these old buildings outweigh the disadvantages?

It is argued that some particular ancient structures should be prioritized to

be preserved over others. This essay will first analyze some worthy
architectures for preservation, and then explain why the negative
repercussions of this choice are overshadowed by its merits.

Buildings associated with special historical events and tourism

should be valued over other constructions for a combination of
reasons. First and foremost, historical areas play an important role in
educating the public, particularly young generations; hence, they should
be the first priority for any conservation projects. For example, teachers
in Vietnam often take their students to the Independence Castle in which
our ancestors beated the enemy in the final fight to regain our
independence, which not only equips them with a great deal of historical
knowledge but also boosts their patriotism and gratitude. Another
compelling reason is that ancient structures, especially those which
are located in tourist sites, should also be maintained for the sake of the
economy. This is because such areas often draw attention from a
variety of tourists who are curious about the long-standing and
magnificent structures, paving the way for the development of the
tourism industry.

Despite some potential financial issues, the maintenance of

specific old architectures is worthwhile for a variety of benefits
related to education and tourism. Admittedly, preservation projects
often require long-term investment from the state, which , in essence,
would result in financial burdens on the national coffers. The reason for
this is that a certain amount of national budgets needs to be allocated
for buying materials, and hiring guards and experts to ensure the quality
of these ancient buildings, while other important fields such as healthcare
and environment are more urgent to ensure the survival of humans.
However, this line of reasoning is not sound = this is such a short-sighted
view because the preservation of some main old buildings are often not
expensive and almost have no influence on other necessary spending
areas. In addition, educational and economic values of these buildings are
endless and invisible, which instill national pride into the population
and contribute greatly to the economic development of tourist sites.

In conclusion, buildings in historical and tourist locations should take

precedence over others for educational and economic purposes, and in
spite of minor monetary issues, ancient structures should be protected
and renovated for the sake of education and economy.

Some people think the money spent on developing the technology

for space exploration is not justified. There are more beneficial
ways to spend this money.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Many are of the belief that it is pointless to invest money in new

technologies for universe research as other factors deserve more
attention. In my opinion, despite some potential merits of exploring the
galaxy, spending on other important and urgent fields is a more viable
choice.

Human beings would derive some promising benefits from space

discoveries. First and foremost, if scientists are equipped with more
super advanced technologies to carry out research into the universe, they
may have more opportunities to find extraterrestrials and new natural
resources which are useful for human beings. To illustrate, aliens would
pass on their valuable knowledge and experience to mankind in dealing
with existing threats such as nuclear wars, climate change, and infectious
diseases, while alternative sources of energy from other planets would
ensure the survival of human beings for a long time. Another
compelling reason is that universe studies bring a variety of
applications for humans, paving the way for a better quality of life. One
such example of this is that owing to the popularity and development
of state-of-the-art satellites, the map of every part of the world, even
remote destinations, is sent to technological devices, leading to various
conveniences in people’s lives.

Nevertheless, these lines of reasoning are not justifiable as other

urgent issues should be prioritized. In most countries in the world,
there are still unemployed and impoverished people who are struggling to
survive; hence, financial sources should be aimed at them to have a
better quality of life. For example, capital should be directed to industrial
zones in which factories are built to create more employment for poor
people to lift them out of poverty. Furthermore, a huge number of
people , particularly those in less developed nations, are low-educated;
therefore, monetary sources should be used for education. This is
because when citizens are given enough supplemental tools for
education, a well-educated workforce and civilized world might be formed,
laying the foundation for a sustainable development of the earth.

In conclusion, I believe that in spite of some advantages associated with

knowledge from aliens, potential energy sources and some applications
for humans, most money should be better spent on developing the
economy and education.

Some scientists think that there are intelligent life forms on other
planets and messages should be sent to contact them. Other
scientists think it is a bad idea and would be dangerous.
Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
( vocab: alien cultures/ civilisations/ life forms/ extra-terrestrial people,
space/ universe discoveries/ studies/ exploration, spaceship/ spacecraft:
tàu không gian, astronauts: phi hành gia, astronomical investment,
telescope: kính thiên văn)
A number of scientists believe in the appearance of extra-terrestrial
people and advocate connections with them, while others ascertain that
this is dangerous and should not be done. The purpose of this essay is
to discuss both sides of the contentious argument and explain
why I lean towards the latter view.

On the one hand, proponents of finding people on other planets

often point out a combination of reasons. First and foremost, if
researchers successfully find alien life forms, humans can learn a great
deal of valuable knowledge. For example, since people on other planets
might be smarter than human beings on the earth, they could pass on
precious experience to deal with existing issues like global warming and
nuclear power which currently pose an existential threat to humankind.
Another compelling reason is that as the earth has been destroyed by
human activities, it is vitally important to find another habitable
environment with enough natural resources. To illustrate, if NASA and
SpaceX could find signals of life on Mars, the human race would go there
to live in the future rather than accepting low living standards on the
earth.

On the other hand, despite the potential merits given above,

opponents/ critics still claim various dangers. The primary reason
is that due to limited knowledge about other life forms, scientists face
various problems when carrying out their research. For instance, a
plethora of astronauts could not return to the earth after their trips to
stars owing to unexpected threats in the galaxy. Furthermore, humans
are put at risk when sending messages to other civilizations. This is
because they would flock to the earth and tap into their incredible power
to invade the whole world, which would , in turn, result in various deaths
and even the extinction of human beings.

In conclusion, I believe both sides are justifiable. However, on

balance, although searching for extraterrestrial cultures helps people
learn new knowledge and find an ideal destination for future life, it should
not be welcomed due to dangers to not only scientists but also citizens.

( More ideas: space discoveries are not only expensive but also time-
consuming)

Some people think that the main benefit of international

cooperation is protection of the environment. Others believe the
main benefit is the world of business. Discuss both views and give
your opinion.

A school of thought holds that environmental conservation is the

primary goal of worldwide collaboration, while the alternative stance
considers economic development as the main target. The purpose of
this essay is to discuss both sides of the contentious argument
and then explain why I lean towards the latter view.

There are those who believe that global cooperation is the key
determiner to environmental protection. This is predicated/ based
on the assumption that most environment- related projects are not
only time-consuming but also expensive, which requires contributions of
different nations. For instance, in order to prevent global warming and
climate change which pose existential threats to human beings in
the long term, commitment from all nations, particularly developed ones
with the highest consumption of fossil fuels releasing Carbon dioxide and
Nitrogen monoxide each year, is the prerequisite for the success of such
projects. However, this line of reasoning is not sound as fossil-based
energy is still an indispensable part for economic growth in those
industrial countries, and it is impossible to require them to dismiss their
burning of fossil-based power for a long time at the expense of their
economy.

Nevertheless, I agree with proponents of international

connections for commercial purposes. The primary reason is that
there are still various homeless and deprived people in almost every part
of the world, who are struggling to survive due to their poor economic
health; hence, the authorities should consider such underprivileged
people as their first priority. For example, after various discussions of
politicians, industrial investment has been migrated from Japan to
Vietnam; thereby lifting millions of impoverished citizens out of poverty.
Another convincing reason is that the collaboration of different
nations would pave the way for developing their full potential. To
illustrate, while wealthy countries can seize their opportunities to hire
inexpensive laborers, the less developed one can tap into modern
technology from richer ones to mutually thrive.
In conclusion, I believe that both sides are justifiable. However, on
balance, I advocate the second standpoint that economic growth should
be the ultimate goal for global cooperation to help disadvantaged people
and take advantage of strengths from all communities.

Money should be spent on creating new public buildings such as

museums or town halls rather than renovating the existing ones.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Many are of the belief that the renovation of museums, town halls and
other communal structures is not justifiable as financial resources should
be invested in new ones. In my opinion, despite some minor benefits of
keeping existing buildings, the construction of new areas is a more viable
option.

Improving the quality of public areas such as museums and community

halls is chosen by a number of people for various reasons. First and
foremost, as conventional buildings are not only entertaining sites but
also the gateway to cultures and history of a particular area, they should
be maintained and repaired to educate citizens. To illustrate, since there
have been a variety of cultural and historical events in Thang Long palace
in Hanoi city, it acts as a potential tool to provide hands-on knowledge
passed onto different generations to young city dwellers. Another
compelling reason is that the renovation cost of a building is often much
lower than expenses for a newly built one; hence, the state has more
budgets for other important fields. For example, as opposed to wasting
money for a public building whose functions are almost similar to the
existing one, national coffers should be used for education and healthcare
to pave the way for a well-educated and healthy community.

Nevertheless, these lines of reasoning are not sound owing to various

advantages associated with new construction of buildings for the public.
The primary reason is that people in the fast-paced world have become
indifferent to old-fashioned buildings, therefore, newly constructed ones
with modern styles should be encouraged to attract more visitors. As an
illustration, while classical museums fail to draw attention from tourists,
contemporary ones are often chosen by the majority who appreciate
comfortable space and new ways of demonstrating objects and fossils by
the combination of lights and glass cabinets. Furthermore, since
traditional buildings have been built and used for a long time, renovating
them cannot ensure the safety of viewers and eventually pose them to
numerous threats. This is , for example, exemplified by many accidents in
conventional public areas like the Paris church in 2021, killing thousands
of people.

In conclusion, I believe that despite some inconsiderable merits

associated with maintaining and fixing old public architecture, they should
be reconstructed to welcome more visitors and improve the safety of
them.

In many countries people increasingly talk about money (how

much they earn or how much they pay for things) in their daily
conversations. Why? Is this a positive or negative trend?

It is a fact that people’s income and how they allocate their budget for
different needs are increasingly discussed on a daily basis. The desire for
success and high living expenses are the primary rationales for this
tendency which would bring both beneficial and adverse impacts on equal
measure.

The appreciation of success and higher living costs lead to the

growing popularity of monetary topics in day-to-day
conversations. As for the former, since people place more importance
on their career, money, which is considered a key determiner to success,
is widely talked about regularly. The young, for instance, often show off
their salaries to leave a good impression on others as the more money
they make, the more successful their career is considered, and the more
respect they receive. Regarding the latter, due to the escalating prices
for most products, citizens are under more pressure to make enough
money for their living. Hence, information about the wise allocation of
financial budgets is crept into daily interaction between people, which
would, in turn, help them learn smarter and more suitable ways of paying
their money.

The ubiquity of money-related topics has not only merits but also
downsides. From a positive angle, if people have discussions about
their financial situations, they would have more motivation, paving the
way for their more productive performances at work and school. To
illustrate, when high salaries are seen as a prerequisite for an admirable
career path, people may try their best to cultivate knowledge and work
hard to earn a high income to catch up with others. From a negative
perspective, conversations associated with financial distributions are to
blame for more stress, resulting in low living standards. One way of
explaining this is that since people are already under considerable
pressure due to their poor financial health, the intense mention of this
topic just accelerates the problem.

In conclusion, more frequent discussions about money are due to motives

for a better profession and higher monetary burdens. This trend is a
double-edged sword which brings more determination for people but
adversely affects their mentality.

Many people think cheap air travel should be encouraged because

it gives ordinary people freedom to travel further. However,
others think this leads to Environmental problems, so air travel
should be more expensive in order to discourage people from
having it.
Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

A school of thought holds that in order to give people more travelling

opportunities, low-cost air trips should be promoted, whereas the
alternative stance ascertains that travelling by airplane should be
limited through higher fees due to environmental contamination. The
purpose of this essay is to discuss both sides of the contentious
argument and then explain why I agree with the former view.
On the one hand, the cost of air travel should be lower for a
combination of reasons. From a personal level, if ordinary people
have to pay less for their airplane tickets, they will have more chances to
reach various destinations, paving the way for a sense of satisfaction
among them. For instance, thanks to the development of jet engines
and the airplane production industry in general, passengers from lower
social backgrounds would afford their far-flung trips to feast their eyes on
stunning views and come into contact with indigenous inhabitants, leading
to their higher level of happiness towards their lives. At a societal angle,
affordable air travel would be conducive to better traffic flow which is
considered the prerequisite for economic growth. This is because the
appearance of more and more inexpensive airlines may encourage more
trips among citizens to get rid of stress and find new job markets in far-
away areas, laying the foundation for the development of the tourism
industry and the economy as a whole.

On the other hand, opponents of the above viewpoint may claim

various environmental issues associated with this policy. This is
based on the fact that each air flight requires a huge amount of oil and
petrol which are the main culprits of carbon footprints and climate
change; hence, passengers should be charged more to hinder them from
flying frequently. However, this line of reasoning is not justifiable as an
airplane would contain hundreds or even thousands of people in every
single flight. Furthermore, granted, higher prices for travelling by air
prevent people from flying, they would encourage them to use a great
number of motorbikes or cars which together would burn more fossil fuels
than airplanes. Therefore, the discouragement of citizens from using
airplane services for the sake of the environment is a short-sighted view
and even results in more carbon emissions from other forms of transport.

To sum up, I lean towards the first standpoint because people should be
charged at a lower price for their use of air travel to give them more
chances to enjoy their lives and boost the economy. The prejudice about
air travel is not sound as the consumption of energy by airplanes is lower
than that from other modes of transport.

Some are of the belief that the continued popularity of English as an

international language brings more merits than drawbacks. I completely
agree with this viewpoint as easier communication and financial
saving thanks to the global usage of English overshadow some
inconsiderable problems associated with cultural assimilation and
difficulties for poorly-educated people.

The increasing ubiquity of international English usage is

conducive to convenient connections and lower cost of language
education. With respect to the former, if English continues to be used
globally, the interaction between people, regardless of their nationality,
would be far easier. For instance, people, irrespective of their origin,
would communicate without a translator, paving the way for more
effective conversations and understanding of each other. Regarding the
latter, when English is widely used in different countries, people may
save a great deal of money related to language education. To illustrate,
rather than wasting money for learning different languages such as
German, Spanish, and Japanese, people in different parts of the world
would prioritize English as a worldwide form of communication.

Despite tremendous benefits given above, some minor issues

related to cultures and low-level citizens stem from the
widespread popularity of English in the globe. From a societal
perspective, since English is becoming dominant in most societies,
cultural erosion is inevitable due to the gradual disappearance of local
languages. As an illustration, a language is not only a compound of
spoken words but also a gateway to interesting cultural features passed
on to different generations; hence, the indifference to mother tongues
among youngsters in favor of English would hinder them from maintaining
such inherited values. At a personal level, English learners, especially
those who are not endowed with language learning abilities, may have
fewer opportunities in multilingual society. They, for instance, find it hard
to look for a job or compete with others as companies often appreciate
bilingual candidates.

To sum up, I strongly agree that English should be welcomed as an

international way of interaction between people because of various
advantages such as more efficient communication and lower educational
fees in spite of some minor downsides about cultures and hardness for
some people.
Word count; 356
BÀI As people are generally happy, rich countries do not need
more economic wealth.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?

It is argued that further economic growth is not necessary for

developed nations in which citizens often have a sense of satisfaction
towards their lives. In my opinion, despite the general sense of
happiness among some inhabitants, the development of the economy is
still vitally important for the majority.
Admittedly, some might argue that people in rich communities
are satisfied with their general living standards. This is based on
the belief that in such societies, happiness stems from their basic needs
such as education and healthcare are often subsidized by the state;
hence, more financial resources do not make a change to their feelings.
However, this standpoint is flawed because in most countries ,
regardless of their wealth, there are still many homeless and
disadvantaged people who are struggling with their poor living conditions,
and more economic activities are of importance to lift them out of poverty
and turn their lives around. Furthermore, continuing economic growth
helps citizens become less vulnerable to unexpected changes. For
instance, after the financial meltdown in 2008, a variety of workers in
rich countries were dismissed and faced financial problems due to their
lack of savings.
I am firmly of the opinion that developing the economy further is
the prerequisite for raising the population’s happiness. The
primary reason for this is that owing to the escalating living costs and
higher quality of life in most parts of the world, people still need more
monetary sources to serve their more requirements. For example, in the
past, people often derived a sense of satisfaction from fulfilling simple
needs on a daily basis such as food and water; however, they need more
money now for travelling, shopping and so on. Another convincing
reason is that apart from families, many often consider their jobs as an
indispensable part of their lives; hence, only by working more and more
would they feel happier. To illustrate, the more time they spend on
working, the more money and social contribution they make, and the
more satisfying their lives are.
In conclusion, I believe that although a minority of the population in
affluent nations basically accept their current living quality, further
economic growth should still be encouraged to ensure better living
standards for most people and bring them a sense of contribution unless
they might have aimless lives.
During holidays or weekends, young people spend less time on
outdoor activities in the natural environment, such as hiking and
mountain climbing. Why? What can be done to encourage them to
go out?

It is an excruciating fact that hiking, climbing to mountains and other

outdoor activities in natural areas have been chosen less by youngsters
for their vacations or weekends. The increasing popularity of technological
gadgets and tight schedules are the main causes for their indifference to
such outdoor activities, but social campaigns and strategies for a work-life
balance are effective and should be taken into consideration to motivate
them to go out more.

Young generations are reluctant to participate in traditional

outdoor activities due to the growing availability of technological
devices and their busy life. With respect to the former, the advent
of the Internet and high-tech items has given them more choices of
relaxation, which are often more not only attractive but also addictive
than conventional methods of spending free time. To illustrate, a variety
of young people from almost all parts of the world are addicted to online
games or social networking sites; hence, they are indifferent to cycling or
climbing which are considered to be less interesting. Regarding the
latter, in the fast-paced world, they tend to have less time for
recreational activities than in the past owing to their heavy workload. This
is because they need to study and work hard to compete with others in
the more competitive job market; hence, they want to have more time for
resting rather than going out which is often time-consuming.
The state and individuals should have some social programs and
management skills to have more time for outdoor pursuits. From
a societal perspective, if the authorities run some campaigns to raise
people’s awareness of the negative impacts of technology on humans,
more and more people would choose outdoor pastimes. For instance, if
games and online forms of entertainment are considered negative by the
majority of citizens, the young might follow the crowd and take part in
more positive acts in parks, forests and other natural zones. At an
individual level, youngsters should be equipped with the ability to
manage their time effectively at school and in some extra courses, they
are more likely to have a balance between their career and recreation.
This is predicated on the fact that many people work ineffectively
despite spending a great deal of time working due to their inability to
ignore distractions at work and their poor time management abilities in
general.

In conclusion, the appearance of more choices of relaxing associated

with technology and a busier life are the main culprits for the young’s
indifference to traditional outdoor pastimes; however, communal
campaigns from the state and special techniques to dividing time
efficiently motivate them to engage in more traditional activities.
In some countries, it is illegal for companies to reject job
applicants for their age. Is this a positive or negative
development?

It is a fact that selecting job candidates based on their age is prohibited in

some parts of the world. In my opinion, despite some potential
merits, this trend should be considered an unwelcome trend with
various adverse repercussions.

On the one hand, the ban of choosing new staff by their age is
beneficial for not only individuals but also society. From a
personal perspective, if refusing job seekers due to their age is against
the law, people, particularly the inexperienced and elderly, are given
more opportunities. For instance, since new graduates and retired
citizens are protected by the government rather than being dismissed,
they would find a job for their living, laying the foundation for their better
quality of life. At a societal angle, when the state imposes a ban on
enterprises from selecting their job hunters in ideal working ages, an
experienced and well-educated labor force is formed. To illustrate, as
practical skills and knowledge are prioritized rather than ages, people
would try in earnest to develop themselves through practice and training,
leading to an effective workforce for a thriving economy.

Nonetheless, preventing businesses from being in favor of a

certain age group is a negative due to tremendous issues. The
primary reason is that if companies are not allowed to employ suitable
members, their work productivity would be affected. This is because
young people have not accumulated enough expertise to work for
companies which require in-depth knowledge and old-age laborers are
also not suitable for highly labor-intensive vacancies. Furthermore,
since age is not a priority in the job market, a higher unemployment rate
among youngsters is inevitable. For example, a variety of old citizens
would remain at their work as opposed to preparing for their retirement;
hence, the young cannot compete for a position due to their lack of
experience.

To sum up, although the prohibition of age-based job classification/

recruitment paves the way for more chances of all inhabitants and a
positive workforce, it should be considered an unwise choice due to the
inappropriateness of candidates and a higher level of joblessness among
the young.

Word count: 350

New technologies have changed the way children spend their free
time. Do you think the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?

It is a fact that free-time activities of children have been altered by

technological advancements. This essay will analyze why the positive
points of this trend are overshadowed by its adverse impacts.

On the one hand, new technology-based activities among children

are beneficial for a combination of reasons. First and foremost, if
children are given opportunities to approach modern devices, they will
accumulate technological skills which are of necessity in their future. Sam
Atman, for instance, has developed his endless interests in new software
and creativity thanks to his parents’ computers, paving the way for his
technological breakthroughs like Chart Gpt. Another compelling reason
is that the increasing children’s use of high-tech gadgets would alleviate
pressure on mothers and fathers, giving them more time for relaxing. To
illustrate, rather than spending time with children, moms and dads
would take advantage of their time to take rest or enjoy pastimes, which
is conducive to a higher level of satisfaction among them.

On the other hand, despite the merits given above, the adverse
consequences of technology are more significant. The primary
reason is that due to the escalating dependence on technologies,
children may suffer ailments due to their sedentary lifestyle. This is
because most children are often addicted to games and online
programs; hence, they are indifferent to physical activities and face higher
risks of diseases like obesity and diabetes. Furthermore, the
overreliance on new devices might adversely affect individuals’ relations,
which hinders their mental development. One way of explaining this is
that the less time they have with their parents, neighbours and friends,
the wider gaps they have and the poorer interpersonal skills they
cultivate/hone.

In conclusion, I believe that children’s technological skills and less burdens

on parents are eclipsed by adverse physical and emotional repercussions.

New technologies have changed the way children spend their free
time. Do you think the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?

Technological advancements in recent years have led to a variety of

alterations in terms of how children allocate their free time. In my opinion,
some positive points associated with less pressure for parents and
children’s comprehension of knowledge are overshadowed by health
issues and poor relationships.

On the one hand, not only families but also children derive
potential benefits from new technology-based activities. With
respect to the former, if children are given opportunities to approach
modern devices, they will accumulate technological skills which are of
necessity in their future. Sam Atman, for instance, has developed his
endless interests in new software and creativity thanks to his parents’
computers, paving the way for his technological breakthroughs like Chat
Gpt. Regarding the latter, the increasing children’s use of high-tech
gadgets would alleviate pressure on mothers and fathers, giving them
more time for relaxing. To illustrate, rather than spending time with
children, moms and dads would take advantage of their time to take rest
or enjoy pastimes, which is conducive to a higher level of satisfaction
among them.
Nevertheless, in spite of the merits given above, a variety of
technology-derived diseases and poor connections are more
significant. The primary reason is that due to the escalating
dependence on technologies, children may suffer ailments due to their
sedentary lifestyle. This is because most children are often addicted to
games and online programs; hence, they are indifferent to physical
activities and face higher risks of diseases like obesity and diabetes.
Furthermore, the overreliance on new devices might adversely affect
individuals’ relations, which hinders their mental development. One way
of explaining this is that the less time they have with their parents,
neighbours and friends, the wider gaps they have and the poorer
interpersonal skills they cultivate/hone.

In conclusion, changes based on new technology would boost children’s

technological skills and mitigate burdens on parents, but such benefits are
eclipsed by adverse physical and mental repercussions.
People in many countries spend more and more time far away
from their families. Why does this happen and what effects will it
have on them and their families?

It is a fact that an increasing amount of time is spent by people in various

parts of the world living far from their family members. This essay will first
analyze some of the principal reasons for this phenomenon and explain
possible consequences on not only them but also their family.

The increasingly competitive job market and higher levels of

independence among youngsters are to blame for less time with
families. With respect to the former, due to intense competition when
looking for a job, a great number of people, particularly younger ones,
choose to relocate to other areas for more career opportunities. Young
individuals in Vietnam, for instance, often migrate to Japan where there
are more international companies and industrial zones in search of
lucrative jobs rather than competing with others for a few vacancies in
their homeland. Regarding the latter, as young generations are
becoming more self-reliant, they are more likely to prefer living far from
home as opposed to living in extended families as they did in the past. To
illustrate, after teenage ages, various people find a new house or
apartment and try to make money and take care of themselves instead of
heavily relying on their parents.

A variety of adverse repercussions on both individuals and

families are caused by less family time. First and foremost, if one
chooses to settle down far from their hometown, they may have to bear
more financial burdens and miss out on emotional support from their flesh
and blood. They, for example, need to work around the clock to cover
escalating living costs and deal with all problems by themselves without
encouragement from mothers and fathers. Another possible issue is
that the less time people spend with their family, the weaker their family
bonds are. One way of explaining this is that due to fewer mutual
family activities and conversations, the generation gaps between family
members would be extended, leading to a loose relationship.

In conclusion, the lack of job opportunities and self-reliance among the

young are the main culprits for more time spent far away from families,
which would , in turn , bring more hardship for people and poor
connections with their family.
word count: 364
Nowadays, not enough students choose science subjects in
university in many countries. Why? Effects on society?

It is a fact that inadequate students in various parts of the world enroll in

science-related courses when pursuing their tertiary education these
days. The hardness of scientific knowledge and limited employment
opportunities are the main culprits for their indifference to science which
would eventually prevent economic and social development.
The reluctance to lessons associated with science are due to
various challenges and unclear career prospects. With respect to
the former, as scientific classes are often very difficult, learners need to
show a great deal of effort unless it is impossible for them to gain high
achievements. Chemistry students, for instance, have to spend a great
amount of time in the laboratory conducting experiments in order to have
profound insights into a substance or phenomenon, which discourages
them from choosing this subject. Regarding the latter despite
tremendous determination, youngsters who choose scientific courses are
not ensured with promising professions. This is because employers in
the competitive job market now are more likely to prefer candidates with
good soft skills like communication or collaboration to those with
proficiency in science which is hardly applied in most companies.

The lack of students choosing scientific fields may hinder the

development of the economy and society. Since science is the
foundation for new inventions, the disinterests in science among the
young would result in poor potential for the human race. To illustrate, if
information technology is not chosen by most students, there will be
fewer innovations such as robots, which , in turn, is to blame for lower
productivity. Furthermore, the scarcity of students majoring in science
means the surplus of those in other fields, leading to an imbalance in the
workforce. For example, positions which require in-depth scientific
knowledge are not filled with well-educated participants while those
majoring in marketing and business would be unemployed due to intense
competition.

In conclusion, the difficult nature of science and limited job vacancies are
the main causes for the shortage of science students which leads to fewer
inventions for human beings and an unbalanced labourforce.
Although more and more people read the news on the Internet,
newspapers will remain the most important source of news for
the majority of people.
Do you agree or disagree?

It is argued that traditional news will still be the most vital source of
information for most readers despite the increasing number of online
news readers. In my opinion, conventional newspapers are still chosen
by some people, but online news will become the first priority.

Printed news is appreciated by a number of readers for its

reliability and appropriateness. With respect to the former, since
newspapers are not only reliable but also prestigious, people will take in
accurate information. To illustrate, all pieces of traditional news are
often checked and managed by the state through rigorous management
systems, which ensures the accuracy of news and hinders people from
potential issues associated with fake news. Regarding the latter, as
most old people are not competent at technology, conventional forms of
news are more suitable for them. They, for example, often have a habit
of reading paper news each morning to keep abreast of current affairs
while it is hard for them to use mobile phones and other high-tech devices
due to their poor technological skills.

Nevertheless, I still believe that online news will hold the most
important position among readers for a combination of reasons.
First and foremost, the appearance of technology and the Internet allow
journalists to provide not only vivid but also attractive news, which
attracts more attention from readers. For instance, the combination of
videos, images, and words on internet-based platforms helps individuals
have a profound insight into situations conveyed; thereby giving them
more interesting experience. Another compelling reason is that online
sources of news are much more convenient than those on paper, which
paves the way for readers’ instant updates. One way of explaining this
is that if one has a mobile device with access to the Internet, he would
easily access up-to-the-minute news, regardless of his location and time.

In conclusion, although newspapers are more accurate and appropriate

with low-tech news takers, online sources will be the most paramount for
the majority owing to the better experience and convenience for readers.

word count: 334

Some people think watching TV is bad for children, while others

think that watching TV has more beneficial effects on children.
Discuss both views and give your own opinion

A school of thought holds that TV shows bring detrimental impacts on

children while the alternative stance asserts that they derive great
benefits from such programs. The purpose of this essay is to discuss
both sides of the contentious argument and explain why I lean
towards the latter standpoint.
Opponents of watching TV often claim a host of issues associated
with children’ health and school performances. With respect to
the former, the excessive exposure to TV would encourage a sedentary
lifestyle which is to blame for a variety of health problems. To illustrate,
a variety of children choose to immerse themselves in comedies or
cartoons rather than participating in physical activities; thereby posing
potential threats such as obesity and shortsightedness to them.
Regarding the latter, if children are unable to control their time for
watching TV, they will have poor school results due to their addiction to
TV shows. For example, prolonged exposure to TV would result in not
only less time for homework but also a stultifying effect on the children’s
mind/ intelligence, negatively affecting their knowledge acquisition/
comprehension.
Nevertheless, proponents of children spending time watching TV
point out/ to a plethora of merits. First and foremost, since there is
a great deal of precious knowledge broadcasted on TV, the more time
children watch educational programs, the more knowledgeable they are.
They, for instance, may have a closer insight into the lives of foreigners
in the four corners of the world by watching international documentary
films which portray numerous features such as cultures and customs
vividly. Another compelling reason is that as children are given
opportunities to watch TV, they learn fundamental skills such as creativity
and imagination. One such example of this is that they often think
outside the box when watching puzzle games or visualize the flora and
fauna when watching discovery channels.
In conclusion, I believe that both sides are justifiable. However, on
balance, despite some potential negative repercussions related to
children’s passive lifestyles and intellectual development, I am still
inclined to the second viewpoint owing to valuable knowledge and skills
for children.

In education and employment, some people work harder than

others.
Why do some people work harder? Is it always a good thing to
work hard?

It is true that several students and employees are more hard-working

than their peers and colleagues at their school and workplace. This essay
will first analyze some of the main reasons for this phenomenon
and then explain why it brings not only positive but also negative
consequences.

People represent more efforts in education and employment for a

combination of reasons. First and foremost, since a number of
students often place importance on their school results, they are more
likely to spend as much time as possible studying with the hope of
achieving higher scores. Students in Vietnam, for instance, immerse
themselves in math, physics and other vital academic subjects as the
higher grades they achieve, the happier they are. Another compelling
reason is that if staff choose to work harder, they would earn more
money, paving the way for their better living conditions. To illustrate,
various people are willing to work overtime to earn additional wages;
hence, they would cover all bills and spend on essential needs in life.

Both potential benefits and issues originate from longer working

hours. On the one hand, contentiousness is considered a prerequisite
for learners to accumulate enough knowledge to lay the foundation for
their future careers. One way of explaining this is that when they get
impressive scores, they possess a competitive advantage when applying
for positions in big corporations where academic performances are
prioritized. On the other hand, since employees indulge themselves in
their jobs, they find it hard to have work-life balance. For example, hard-
working members usually spend most of their time working rather than
playing and talking with their offspring, resulting in further generation
gaps.

In conclusion, the emphasis on test results and higher living standards

are the main motives for people to work harder. This trend would help
students prepare for their future job, but workers might have to sacrifice
family time.

Companies use major sporting events to promote their products.

Some people think it has a negative effect on sport in general.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?

It is argued that sports are affected negatively due to promotion

campaigns made by enterprises during big sports competitions. In my
opinion, despite some potential issues, advertising products in such
events should be welcomed.

On the one hand, advertising programs during main sports

tournaments bring detrimental impacts on sports in different
ways. First and foremost, since organizers highly focus on introducing
commodities of sponsors, audiences are distracted. For example, if
viewers are interrupted frequently when watching a sports game on TV,
they cannot maintain their concentration on athletics and sports in
general. Another compelling reason is that when a sports event is
commercialized, the nature of sports is not perceived by viewers. To
illustrate, rather than creating special programs for athletes and their
fans to enjoy the beauty of sports, organizers and companies take
advantage of their opportunity to add as much information about their
products as possible.
On the other hand, the combination between companies and
sports events have more beneficial influences. The primary
reason is that when commercials are attached to a sports competition,
the host country would have more budgets/ turnover, leading to more
chances of success for the event. For example, they might use money
donated/ sponsored by advertisers to invest in facilities and equipment to
ensure high-quality sports games. Furthermore, the appearance of firms
in sports tournaments also boost the popularity of the sport. One way of
explaining this is that customers of such companies are encouraged to
not only use products but also find out about sports players and
interesting games, paving the way for the growing popularity of this
sport.

In conclusion, I believe that although the appearance of ads would

distract audiences and affect the nature of the event, organizers would
have more financial resources and fans for sports development.
Nowadays people depend on technology for leisure activities.

Is this a positive or negative development?

It is a fact that people have a dependence on technological devices for

entertainment activities. In my opinion, despite some potential merits,
the reliance on technology for entertaining purposes should be considered
an unwelcome development/ a negative development.

People derive several benefits from depending on technological

products for relaxation. First and foremost, high-tech items are often
highly convenient, which allows users to relax in a variety of ways,
regardless of their location and time. To illustrate, if people come home
late, they can unwind by watching a film or listen to a song on their phone
instead of participating in outdoor activities. Another compelling
reason is that as technology is an ideal tool to connect people from the
four corners of the world, their lives are more meaningful. For instance,
by browsing Facebook, they not only get rid of stress but also come into
contact with foreign friends to broaden their horizons without
geographical barriers.

Despite the positive points given above, technology-based

recreational activities should be considered a negative trend with
various adverse repercussions on both individuals and society. At
a personal level, the overuse of technology in leisure time encourages a
sedentary lifestyle, which would, in turn, result in a plethora of health
issues. Since people, particularly young users, often immerse themselves
in online games or TV shows rather than physical activities, they may
suffer from obesity, back pains, and nearsightedness, which is to blame
for their lower living standards. From a societal perspective, the
dependence on entertainment activities on technological gadgets would
hinder a nation from developing their economy. One such example of
this is that spending a great deal of time using mobile phones and
computers leads to addiction and a stultifying effect on human minds,
leading to people’s inferior working performances at work.

In conclusion, in spite of potential advantages associated with

conveniences and global connection, the excessive usage of technology
devices for relaxing should not be considered a worthwhile trend due to
various health and economic issues.

TASK 2: Companies use major sporting events to promote their

products. Some people think it has a negative effect on sport in
general.

To what extent do you agree or disagree?

It is argued that advertising campaigns are often run by enterprises

during important sports competitions, which results in adverse
repercussions on sports. In my opinion, in spite of some negative
influences, a variety of merits from advertisements should be taken into
consideration.

On the one hand, promotion programs from businesses during

major sports tournaments bring potential issues. First and
foremost, the appearance of various commercials in a sports game is to
blame for negative feelings among audiences. For instance, viewers are
often interrupted by commercials when following the FIFA World Cup;
hence, they feel uncomfortable and eventually have a bad impression on
the event. Another compelling reason for this is that when sports
events are commercialized, people might not be able to enjoy the beauty
and nature of the sports. For example, rather than organizing programs
for interactions between athletes and audiences for their mutual
understanding, organizers are forced to allocate much time for the
introduction of companies’ commodities.

On the other hand, I still believe that advertisements are of

necessity for the development of sports. The primary reason is
that the sponsorship from advertisers is a great financial resource which
would serve as a key role in the success of any events. To illustrate, the
host could take advantage of budgets from companies to invest in first-
class facilities , which would , in turn, bring great experiences among
audiences and sports players. Furthermore, if firms collaborate with
sports events to advertise their products, the sports are also introduced to
a great number of clients. One such example of this is that after the
cooperation between the AIG bank and Euro 2016, a variety of bank users
choose to play football on a daily basis.

In conclusion, despite some potential problems associated with

uncomfortable feelings and lack of time for interactive activities during
sports events, advertisers financially support sports events and introduce
sports to their customers.

Scientists tell us that some activities are good for health and
others are bad. Despite knowing that, millions of people still
continue doing unhealthy activities.
What are the causes and what are the solutions for this?

It is a fact that a huge number of people keep their negative habits

despite the availability of scientific knowledge associated with healthy and
unhealthy activities in their life. This essay will first analyze some of
the main reasons for this phenomenon and then suggest possible
methods to deal with the problem.

People still take part in deleterious activities, irrespective of

medical advice from experts, for a combination of reasons. First
and foremost, since people are familiar with their daily activities, even
if/ though they are unhealthy, they are reluctant to change their negative
lifestyles. For instance, rather than following the suggested amount of
time for sleeping, youngsters often stay up late to play games or surf the
Internet. Another compelling reason is that a variety of people are
forced to sacrifice health activities for economic benefits. To illustrate, in
the fast-paced world, people are under considerable pressure due to their
competitive and hectic jobs; hence, they choose to work overtime to make
money rather than coming back home soon for sports.

Some measures should be taken into consideration to handle the

issue. An effective way is that if governments run social campaigns
encouraging people to follow a healthy life, they could consider changing
their habits. This is because most people have an inclination to follow
the crowd; hence, such programs would hinder them from doing
detrimental things. Another possible choice is that the authorities
should take advantage of their power to impose suitable rules which
discourage citizens from adverse activities. One such example of this
is that many countries introduced a law related to the maximum amount
of working time for inhabitants each week; thereby motivating them to
spend more time with their family.

In conclusion, addiction to some daily tasks and harsh living situations

are the main causes for the indifference to suggestions from scientists.
However, social campaigns and policies are efficient and should be
applied to address the matter.

Today news plays an important role in people’s lives and news

media are more influential than ever before.
Why is it this case? Is it positive or negative?
Important - necessary -essential - vital - Importance - necessity - value
It is a fact that news resources have increasing importance and influences
on humans’ lives these days. This essay will first analyze some of the
main reasons for this phenomenon and explain why this should be
considered an unwelcome trend with various negative repercussions.

The escalating necessity and impact of news can be attributed to

a host of reasons. First and foremost, thanks to the advancement of
technology, news is becoming more and more ubiquitous and serves as an
indispensable part of modern life. People, for example, can take
advantage of news sources associated with the job market to grasp new
career opportunities, paving the way for their better future. Another
compelling reason is that news acts as an effective tool for people to
orientate the public’s mindset, laying the foundation for practical actions.
The government, for instance, often disseminates news related to
environmental pollution, which helps people become aware of their
devastating activities and contribute to green projects in the future.

The growing importance and effect of news is not worthwhile due

to a variety of adverse consequences. The primary reason is that
since various sources of news are inaccurate without control, the over
dependence on news would be to blame for certain issues. To illustrate,
owing to false information about the Covid-19 pandemic, citizens in
different parts of the world had poor preparation, resulting in the failure of
preventative programs. Furthermore, due to the ever-increasing power
of news resources, lawbreakers would tap into news for illegal purposes.
One such example of this is that political criminals would provide
sensational or distorted information about a particular part of society,
which would in turn lead to negative attitudes among inhabitants.

In conclusion, the development of technology and use of news for

mindset orientation are the main causes for the ever-increasing necessity
and impact of news. However, this should not be welcome because of
unreliable and exaggerated pieces of news for unethical purposes.

Nowadays, most people try to balance between work and other

parts of their lives. Unfortunately, not many achieve this
balance.

What are the problems with this? Suggest some solutions to solve
the problems.

It is true that a variety of people fail to have their work-life balance

despite their efforts. The essay will first analyze some of the
principal issues of this phenomenon and then suggest possible
measures to tackle such problems.

The failure in balancing jobs and other factors in life leads to a

host of matters. First and foremost, since people are unable to
balance their tasks, their family would be affected negatively. To
illustrate, in the fast-paced and competitive world, they often choose to
work overtime to make money rather than spending time with their
children, which would, in turn, result in further generation gaps among
families. Another potential issue is that due to an imbalance between
jobs and other things, people might suffer from mental diseases. They, for
instance, are under considerable pressure as they are not able to divide
their time effectively for families, neighbours, friends and their job.

Some methods should be considered to help people solve the

matter of unbalanced life. An effective way is that the governments
should impose new policies to encourage economic development, paving
the way for better job opportunities. Therefore, citizens are released
from financial burdens and would have more time for their family and
other relationships. Another possible measure is that employees
should have their own timetable to use their time equally for jobs,
families, and other factors, which leads to a sense of satisfaction. They,
for instance, should work around the clock on weekdays but spend their
whole free time taking part in activities with families and others at
weekends.

In conclusion, the inability to balance jobs and other parts is responsible

for lack of time for families and stress. However, effective policies from
the state and schedules from workers are efficient and should be taken
into account to solve the problems.
Spoken communication is more powerful than written
communication. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

It is argued that oral conversations are more effective than written

interactions. In my opinion, both ways of communication are equality-
essential depending on certain circumstances.
On the one hand, communicating by speeches is important for a
combination of reasons. First and foremost, since oral talks include
not only stories but also emotions, speakers find it easier to convey their
ideas properly. For instance, politicians would change their tones, speed,
and body languages during their public speeches, which , in turn , helps
listeners have a deep understanding of new policies and plans for their
country. Another compelling reason is that spoken conversations help
speakers express more information to others than written ones, which
helps them save a great deal of time. To illustrate, in the fast-paced
world, people often talk with colleagues and family members directly
rather than sending them a letter or an online message; hence, they
would have more time for other activities.

On the other hand, written interaction between people is as vital

as spoken languages. The primary reason is that since writers have
enough time to prepare for their communication, their intentions are
represented carefully and efficiently. The author Dang Thuy Tram, for
example, decided to publish a vivid and detailed diary about the
destruction and severely negative impacts of wars on Vietnamese citizens
in famous journals, which encouraged a great number of youngsters to
develop their patriotism and gratitude. Furthermore, in various
situations, written communication is not only elegant but also persuasive.
One such example of this is that when students apply for a Phd
course, they often choose to send a letter written by hand to their
professors to show their politeness and respect, which would leave a good
impression on readers.

In conclusion, I believe that while interacting by direct talks helps

speakers show their emotions and save much time, written languages are
of necessity for careful communication and elegance.
Some people think that people should be given the right to use
fresh water as they like. Others believe governments should
strictly control the use of fresh water.
Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

A school of thought holds that people should be given freedom to

consume freshwater in their own way while the alternative stance
asserts that controlling the usage of freshwater is of necessity for the
state. The purpose of this essay is to discuss both sides of the
contentious argument and then explain why I lean towards the
latter view.

On the one hand, proponents of the free use of freshwater tend

to point out a combination of reasons. First and foremost, since
freshwater belongs to everyone, regardless of their location or social
backgrounds, citizens should be given opportunities to use it freely. To
illustrate, if there are some restrictions associated with water, the
quality of life would be worse as it is the essential need of human beings.
Another compelling reason for this is that due to differences in the
demand for water of each person, it is impossible for the authorities to
impose any laws to prevent water consumption. One way of explaining
this is that it is not justifiable to set a certain amount of water used by
each individual daily owing to disparities about their jobs and living areas.

On the other hand, opponents/ critics of the above view might

claim potential reasons. The primary cause is that as clean water
sources have been depleted due to humans’ poor management, strict
control is of importance for the survival of humankind in the long term. To
illustrate, harvesting natural resources and industrial production result
in water pollution; hence, the government needs to provide regulations to
ensure enough water for future generations. Furthermore, thanks to
rules related to clean water usage, users are aware of saving water on a
daily basis. Therefore, they only use water for important purposes rather
than wasting it without national control.

In conclusion, I believe that both sides are understandable.

However, on balance, I am inclined to support the second view to
avoid water shortage and raise consumers’ awareness.
In the present, people often choose to throw away things that are
broken and buy new ones, but in the past people usually repaired
them. Why is this the case? What problems?

 Throw-away lifestyles - things are thrown away - possess new

items
 Repair - fix -solve problems

It is a fact that rather than fixing broken items as in the past, now, people
often dismiss them and buy new ones. This essay will first analyze some
of the principal reasons for this phenomenon and point out potential
issues.

The trend towards buying new items as opposed to repairing

them can be explained by a combination of reasons. First and
foremost, thanks to economic growth, people earn more and more
money each month, which improves their affordability. Therefore, they
are willing to splurge money on new objects which have new and modern
functions instead of fixing them. Another compelling reason for this is
that repairing damaged items not only takes a great deal of time but also
requires technical skills; hence, users are indifferent to this option. For
instance, ordinary people need to spend hours understanding technical
information and finding suitable accessories to recover an old TV while
new ones are often available in numerous stores.

The throw-away lifestyle is to blame for a variety of negative

repercussions. The primary consequence is that since people
develop a habit of throwing things, they would waste much money and
face potential financial burdens. To illustrate, as the cost of new
products is often considerably higher than fixing fees; users might run out
of money when purchasing new things regularly. Furthermore, because
commodities are replaced easily, environmental contamination is
inevitable. For example, electric waste discharged by households is often
nonbiodegradable for hundreds of years, which would in turn destroy the
soil and water resources.

In conclusion, the economic development and reluctance to discover

technical skills are the main causes for replacing damaged items by new
ones. Therefore, this lifestyle may result in issues associated with finance
and the environment.

As major cities in the world are growing today, so do their

problems.
What are the problems for young people who are living in the
cities as the result of continued growth? What are the solutions
for these problems?

It is true that a variety of issues stem from the increasing growth of large
cities in various parts of the world. The lack of job vacancies and high
living costs are the main problems for youngsters in such cities, which
would be solved by higher quality of education and relocation campaigns.

The increasingly competitive job market and financial pressure

are main challenges for the young when living in major
metropolitans. With respect to the former, since a huge number of
people flock to urban areas in search of employment opportunities, young
dwellers may find it hard to have a job due to their shortage of
experience. This line of reasoning is based on the high unemployment
rate among new graduates as they are not equipped with sufficient
practical skills to compete with their older counterparts for a few
positions. Regarding the latter, due to the high density of population,
city dwellers would bear more financial burdens to pay for expensive
prices of products and services. To illustrate, youngsters often have to
work overtime to earn additional money to pay for accommodation, food,
and other basic needs owing to high demand in densely inhabited areas.

Investment in education systems and relocation projects are of

necessity and should be taken into account to support young
citizens. An effective way is that if the state allocates more budgets
for educational institutions, students are fully equipped with fundamental
skills and knowledge before embarking on a career, paving the way for a
better life, regardless of their city. For example, well-educated
candidates often leave a good impression on employers, thereby giving
them more chances to have lucrative jobs. Another potential method is
to run government sponsored campaigns to encourage companies and
factories to relocate to the countryside. Inhabitants, therefore, might
settle down in rural regions where commodities are affordable, which is
conducive to less monetary stress.

In conclusion, competition for limited vacancies and high living expenses

are the main negative repercussions of the continuing development of
major cities on young generations. However, higher educational standards
and the movement of enterprises are efficient to deal with such matters.

Some people believe that a country will benefit greatly if young

people study abroad.

To what extent do you agree or disagree?

It is argued that international students bring various merits to their

home country. In my opinion, despite some potential national benefits,
I am more apprehensive about problems stemming from young abroad
learners.
On the one hand, a nation derives some advantages from
youngsters studying abroad for a combination of reasons. First
and foremost, since the young have an opportunity to approach
advanced education systems in developed communities, they are
equipped with valuable knowledge to contribute to the development of
their birthplace in the future. For instance, young Vietnamese
generations who were sent to the US to enhance their knowledge about
different fields came back to their homeland to assume key positions,
which paved the way for the incredible and continuous economic
growth of Vietnam. Another compelling reason is that if young
individuals study in an international environment, they will boost the
connection between nations. To illustrate, each year, governments often
offer scholarships to foreign students through exchange programs, which
encourages their mutual understanding.

On the other hand, I believe that overseas students are

responsible for a variety of issues. The primary reason is that as
various talents do not come back after graduation, their home country
would face tremendous negative repercussions due to brain drain. To
illustrate, they continue to live in developed societies for higher living
standards as opposed to returning home; hence, it is impossible to
develop their local economy due to the shortage of high-quality
workforces. Furthermore, if young individuals study in an international
environment, they may have negative actions which affect their country’s
prestige. It is exemplified by negative students who often leave a bad
impression on worldwide friends by their laziness and illegal activities and
eventually damage the image of their hometown.

In conclusion, in spite of some positive points associated with precious

knowledge and mutual integration, overseas courses should not be
welcomed for numerous consequences related to the lack of highly-
qualified employees and their negative activities.

Đề 1: More and more parents are allowing their children to play

on computers and tablets as they think that children should learn
technology skills. Do the advantages of this development
outweigh the disadvantages?

Do you think the advantages of this trend outweigh the

disadvantages?

It is a fact that due to the belief in the importance of technology, children

are encouraged to use computers, tablets and other technological devices
by an increasing number of mothers and fathers. This essay will analyze
why the merits of this trend are outweighed by its drawbacks.

Children derive some potential benefits from using computers

and tablets. First and foremost, since most sources of information now
are universally available on the Internet, children would improve their
reading comprehension through online platforms. They, for instance,
learn to scan and highlight keywords to understand their online
documents quickly on computers, which would , in turn , help them learn
more and more knowledge. Another compelling reason is that as
technology plays a crucial role in anyone’s life, the early exposure to
technological gadgets would pave the way for their better future career.
To illustrate, if people are proficient at computer skills, they can work
more effectively, which is conducive to more job opportunities.

( For example, if children use computers and tables on a daily basis, they
will improve their reflex and typing skills which are of necessity for their
job in the future)

Despite the merits given above, I still believe that the downsides
of this trend are more significant. The primary reason is that when
children spend a great deal of time using such devices, they may suffer
potential health issues. One such example of this is that a variety of
children are addicted to online programs; hence, they have a sedentary
lifestyle which is to blame for various diseases such as obesity and
eyesight problems. Furthermore, the excessive use of computers and
tables could lead to a waste of time and worse school performances. For
example, many children often immerse themselves in games in the
absence of their parents rather than doing homework; therefore, they get
poor results at school.

In conclusion, the positive points associated with reading and

technological skills are overshadowed by various negative repercussions
related to health issues and inferior performances.

Đề 1: More and more young people from wealthy countries are

spending a short time in communities in poorer countries doing
unpaid work such as teaching or building houses. Why do they do
that? Who benefits more from this, the community or these young
people?

It is a fact that doing charitable work in a short period of time such as

teaching or constructing houses in underdeveloped nations is chosen by
an increasing number of youngsters in well-off countries. This essay will
first analyze some of the main reasons and then explain why both the
community and young individuals derive equal benefits from this trend.

The tendency towards working without a salary in less developed

communities can be explained by a combination of reasons. First
and foremost, if the young from affluent societies take part in charity
activities in poor areas, they would broaden their horizons and have
interesting experiences in life. For instance, after trips to Vietnam and
other developing nations, young people in Europe have a well-rounded
perspective of life and a sense of humanity. Another compelling reason
is that since they enroll in volunteering projects, they may leave a good
impression on others, paving the way for more opportunities in the future.
To illustrate, most employers often prioritize candidates whose social
contributions are verified, over other job seekers, laying the foundation for
better vacancies for volunteers.

Unpaid tasks in impoverished communities bring merits to not

only the young but also the society. At a personal level, when
participating in such charitable programs, volunteers would have a more
meaningful and better life. One way of explaining this is that one may
have a chance to feast their eyes on spectacular scenery in mountainous
areas, feel satisfied/ proud of themselves when helping others, and even
possess a clear advantage when looking for a job. From a societal
angle, underprivileged regions can temporarily address their problems,
which is conducive to higher living standards. One such example of this
is that thanks to/ owing to emergency/ instant support of un-paid people,
poor inhabitants might overcome issues and stabilize their lives after
devastating natural disasters such as storms and floods.

In conclusion, new horizons and employment opportunities are the main

motives for more and more charitable activities in areas with harsh living
conditions. However, those societies also solve their matters and help
citizens improve their quality of life.

Many people believe that good planning is the key factor to

success in life, while others believe that other factors like hard
work and luck are more important.

Discuss both views and give your opinion.

A school of thought holds that planning is the key determiner to a

successful life whereas the alternative stance asserts that
industriousness, fortune and other factors are more vital. The purpose of
this essay is to discuss both sides of the contentious argument
and explain why I lean towards the latter view.

On the one hand, proponents of planning skills tend to point out a

combination of reasons. First and foremost, since scheduling helps
people save time, they are more likely to be successful in their lives. For
instance, if one has a specific goal and timetable, he will know what he
should do on a daily basis towards his targets rather than wasting time for
unnecessary activities, laying the foundation for incredible achievements.
Another compelling reason is that as individuals have plans for their
lives, they would have more motivation which plays an integral part in
success. Employees, for example, often try in earnest to work to achieve
their aim unless they will have an aimless life.
On the other hand, critics of the above view may claim potential
reasons/ critics of the above view may claim that other factors
are more essential and should be taken into consideration. The
primary reason is that when people are industrious, they possess more
opportunities of gaining success in life. One way of explaining this is
that the more time they spend on studying and working, the more
knowledge and experience they accumulate, and the more attainments
and career prospects they reach. Furthermore, luck is also considered
the prerequisite for outstanding achievements in life; hence, successful
people need to grasp their opportunities. To illustrate, pharmaceutical
companies took advantage of the increasing demand for face masks and
vaccines against coronaviruses in 2020, which helped them earn a great
deal of money.

In conclusion, I believe that both sides are justifiable. However,

on balance, despite the necessity of making plans, I am inclined towards
the second standpoint owing to the importance of knowledge, expertise,
and lucky circumstances.

In some countries, more and more people are becoming

interested in finding out about the history of the house or
building they live in.

What are the reasons for this? How can people research this?

It is a fact that historical events associated with houses and buildings

draw attention from an increasing number of people in several parts of
the world. This essay will analyze some of the main reasons and suggest
possible ways to carry out research into the history of people’s
accommodation.

The growing interest in the history of people’s houses and

buildings can be explained by a combination of reasons. First and
foremost, if people do research on what happened with their
accommodation in the past, they would prevent potential problems in life.
For instance, many houses had various issues related to structures and
materials, which pose an existential threat to new owners; hence,
historical information would help them avoid such potential dangers.
Another compelling reason is that since individuals know more about
the history of where they live, they may visualize their future life. To
illustrate, when families in the same building used to have arguments;
homeowners will have suitable behavior, paving the way for a happier
life.

A number of methods should be taken into consideration to find

out about the house and building’s history. An effective measure
is to consult family members or people living around who have been living
there for a long time. For example, in Vietnam, older generations such
as grandparents often pass on stories about their accommodation to their
offspring through daily conversations when having meals together.
Another possible solution is that one can resort to the support of
government officials who know detailed information about an area. This
is because historical information of a building is often recorded by every
ward and new changes of residential areas are controlled by the state.

In conclusion, matters in the past about accommodation and people are

the main causes for more interest in historical discoveries, and
knowledgeable members and the government can help people do that.

In some countries, more young adults continue to live with their

parents even after they have completed education and found
jobs. Do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?

It is true that living with fathers and mothers after finishing educational
programs and finding jobs is chosen by an increasing number of young
graduates in several parts of the world. In my opinion, the merits of
this trend are eclipsed by its drawbacks.

On the one hand, living with parents after graduating and having
a job is beneficial for a combination of reasons. First and
foremost, since the young choose to live under the same roof with their
mom and dad, they can strengthen their relationship and lower
generation gaps. To illustrate, youngsters can take advantage of their
free time to interact and take care of their parents, which paves the way
for better mutual understanding and relationships. Another compelling
reason is that if new graduates keep living with their parents, they can
save a great deal of money, which dispels/ reduces financial burdens on
themselves. One way of explaining this is that they can share
electricity bills with other family members and do not need to pay for
housing, thereby giving them more money for other purposes.

On the other hand, despite the benefits given above, the

downsides of this trend are more significant. The primary reason
is that living with mothers and fathers encourages an over dependence
on others, which is to blame for a negative lifestyle among the young. For
instance, rather than doing household chores, young citizens often
immerse themselves in games and TV programs due to their reliance on
older people, which results in a sedentary lifestyle and potential health
issues. Furthermore, a variety of conflicts would stem from living in an
expected family for a long time. For example, owing to differences in
attitudes and lifestyles, young employees often have controversial
arguments with their parents.

In conclusion, I believe that some positive points associated with more

family time and less financial stress are overshadowed by problems
related to a negative life and family conflicts when living with parents
after being mature.

Many people believe that scientific research should be carried out

and controlled by governments rather than private companies.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Many are of the belief that the state should assume and manage scientific
discoveries as opposed to private sectors. In my opinion, despite the
necessity of the state’s participation and supervision, private firms should
also be given opportunities to do science-related research.

On the one hand, scientific exploration should be done and supervised by

the authorities for a combination of reasons. First and foremost, since
most scientific projects are not only time-consuming but also expensive,
the state can ensure higher possibilities of success. For instance, the US
has allocated a great deal of money to long-term and ambitious programs
associated with space exploration to find a new habitable environment for
human beings, which is not attractive to private enterprises whose profits
are the main priority. Another compelling reason is that as scientific
knowledge has a great influence on society, state control is vitally
important to ensure the safety of the human race. To illustrate, research
into nuclear power should only be completed and strictly supervised by
the authorities unless the survival of humans would be threatened.

On the other hand, businesses should be encouraged to do certain types

of scientific research. The primary reason is that the more chances private
companies are given, the more inventions they contribute, and the more
the community develops. One way of explaining this is that a variety of
talented staff need to be entitled to take advantage of their intelligence to
create innovative ideas for the sake of their country, which would , in turn,
pave the way for better living standards. Furthermore, private firms often
specialize in particular fields; hence, their work is also effective. To
illustrate, medical and pharmaceutical corporations produced vaccines
against coronaviruses in a short time based on their in-depth knowledge,
which lays the foundation for the success of many preventative projects in
the world.

In conclusion, in spite of the indispensable role of the state in providing

resources and security, the private sector may have great contributions
and should have more chances.
Nations should spend more money on skills and vocational
training for practical work, rather than/ instead of/ as opposed to
on university education.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?

( university/ college education: tertiary education - higher education)

Skills- abilities/ qualities / characteristics
Vocational training- work-related skills/ work-related programs/ projects/
training/ practical - hands-on experience

It is argued that instead of pouring financial resources into tertiary

education, the authorities should allocate money for practical skills and
job-related training. In my opinion, despite the necessity of higher
education, hands-on knowledge should be prioritized.

On the one hand, it is important for the government to spend

money on educating university students for a combination of
reasons. First and foremost, if young people are given opportunities to
pursue university education, they would become more well-rounded,
paving the way for their better future career. An economics student, for
instance, has a chance to learn knowledge related to all majors such as
marketing, communication, international trading, and so on, which helps
them adapt to every working environment easily in the future. Another
compelling reason is that as university students get to learn a great
deal of academic knowledge, they would create new breakthroughs or
assume vital positions. To illustrate, they can take advantage of their
knowledge to invent new machines to greatly boost human’s productivity,
which is an impossible task for others.

On the other hand, I still believe that practical educational

programs are more necessary. The primary reason is that since
vocational training and skill education require much less time than third
level/ higher education, learners can save much time. For instance, a
person normally spends less than 2 years to be proficient at a particular
skill while he has to spend at least 4 years to have an academic
qualification from a college. Furthermore, due to the excessive focus on
theoretical lessons, the quality of education at various universities is not
good. One way of explaining this is that whereas a variety of
university graduates are not able to find a job owing to their lack of
experience, vocational students with sufficient practical skills can work
effectively in their workplace.

In conclusion, I would argue that although university education equips

students with a comprehensive perspective and academic skills, practical
education should receive more investment to save time and ensure
effectiveness.

Some people think that because some children find some subjects
such as mathematics and philosophy difficult, they ought to be
optimal instead of compulsory.

To what extent do you agree or disagree?

It is argued that due to difficult comprehension, children should be given
opportunities to choose math, philosophy and other subjects as optional
subjects in their school curriculum. I completely agree with this
viewpoint because of various merits of this trend and a variety of
issues associated with mandatory education.

Allowing children to participate in their favourite lessons is

beneficial for a combination of reasons. First and foremost, if
students are encouraged to decide on their education, they would become
more self-reliant, paving the way for their better future. They , for
instance , need to consider carefully before choosing their educational
programs based on their strengths and weaknesses, which would , in turn,
help them become more independent and confident when making
decisions. Another compelling reason is that since young learners
attend classes of their interest, they might have more motivation, laying
the foundation for effective education. To illustrate, those who are
endowed with special intelligence are often keen on learning math to
maximize their abilities.

A range of problems stem from compulsory education. The

primary culprit is that children are under considerable stress when they
are forced to study fixed subjects chosen by teachers at their school. One
such example of this is that some young schoolers find it hard to
understand and cram for a great deal of theoretical knowledge in
philosophy lessons; thereby posing them risks/ threats related to mental
illnesses due to tremendous pressure. Furthermore, mandatory subjects
would hinder children from developing themselves owing to lack of time.
One way of explaining this is that as children who have a special
aptitude for art have to spend most of their time immersing themselves
in math and philosophy, they cannot improve their artistic skills.

In conclusion, I strongly agree with the standpoint that school curriculum

should be selective as children have more motivation and suitable choices
for their future career prospects.

Many people depend on their cars for everyday domestic, social,

and working needs. However, unlimited use of cars causes a
number of problems.

What are some of these problems? What can be done to reduce

the use of cars?

It is a fact that a variety of people have an overreliance on automobiles

for domestic, social and working purposes on a daily basis. This
phenomenon is to blame for various traffic and environmental issues,
which can be addressed by new policies and social campaigns.
The excessive dependence on cars is responsible for adverse
consequences on not only traffic systems but also the
environment. With respect to the former, if people heavily count on
cars for their regular activities, traffic problems such as congestion are
inevitable. For instance, the level of car ownership in Vietnam has
increased significantly owing to easier affordability, which , however,
hinders the flow of traffic and eventually results in a waste of time in
traffic jams. Regarding the latter, the regular usage of cars for basic
purposes among ordinary people and commuters would release more
carbon emissions, leading to air pollution. This is exemplified by the low
quality of atmosphere in densely populated cities like Hanoi city, which is
attributable to fumes released by petrol and oil-powered cars.

The state should resort to higher taxes and public programs to

solve the aforementioned problems. When private vehicles are taxed
at a higher rate, citizens may reduce their ownership and use of cars for
the sake of themselves. To illustrate, they might consider riding a bike
or walking for short and unimportant journeys to the market or
amusement centers as opposed to driving a car, which is conducive to
fewer congested roads and effective transport systems. Furthermore,
government-sponsored awareness campaigns should be run to help
people become fully aware of the relationship between car abuse and
environmental degradation. One such example of this is that thanks to
the endless effort of the authorities through public speeches, citizens in
Copenhagen together support a bike-sharing scheme and reduce their
daily trips by car, paving the way for one of the most liveable cities with a
fresh atmosphere.

In conclusion, the overuse of cars has negative repercussions on the

traffic system and environment; hence, a higher tariff and communal
solutions should be taken into consideration to deal with such
challenges.

Some people feel that manufacturers and supermarkets have the

responsibility to reduce the amount of packaging of goods.
Others argue that customers should avoid buying goods with a lot
of packaging.
Discuss both views and give your opinion.

A school of thought holds that minimizing good packaging is the

obligation of both producers and suppliers, while the alternative
stance asserts that items with a lot of packaging should be ignored by
purchasers. The purpose of this essay is to analyze both sides of
this contentious argument and explain why I lean towards the
latter view.

There are those who believe that not only manufacturers, but
also shopping centers should be responsible for reducing their
use of packaging. First and foremost, since packaging is a part of the
production process, factories can cut down on their usage of packaging for
the sake of themselves. To illustrate, by storing different items in the
same box rather than separating different accessories in various smaller
ones, companies, particularly those with mass production, can save a
great deal of money which can be used for improving the quality of their
items to satisfy buyers. Another compelling reason is that owing to
the increasing affordability and diversity of packaging, retailers are more
likely to abuse it, which is to blame partly for environmental pollution. For
instance, a variety of shopping centers now often choose cheap but non-
biodegradable boxes and bags; hence, limiting them is of necessity to
prevent environmental degradation.

Nonetheless, proponents of shoppers neglecting products

covered by excessive packaging point out a host of reasons. The
primary reason is that users can easily take advantage of their
influence, either through the state or themselves, to oppose goods with
redundant packaging in favor of eco-friendly items. One such example
of this is that over the last few decades, consumers in Vietnam have
been indifferent to food kept in plastic bottles and boxes, thus forcing
sellers to reduce their packaging by providing door-to-door services rather
than using various agencies. Furthermore, as packaging has a great
negative repercussion on citizens, they should take actions to protect
themselves as opposed to waiting for support from others. For example,
the polluted environment and degraded quality of soil due to non-
biodegradable containers are the main culprits of many diseases and less
effective agricultural production; hence, they need to use less packaging
for their sustainable lives.

In conclusion, both sides are justifiable. However, on balance, in spite of

the necessity of participation among enterprises and distributors, ordinary
people should be key determiners to reduce packaging owing to their
influences on providers and the benefits of themselves.
Some students take a gap year after graduating high school to
work and/or travel.
Do the advantages of this trend outweigh its disadvantages?

It is a fact that working and travelling are chosen by some high school
students after their graduation rather than immediately embarking on
their higher education. In my opinion, despite some potential
problems associated with this choice, its merits are more
considerable.

On the one hand, spending a year off working temporarily and

travelling is disadvantageous for a combination of reasons. First
and foremost, since high school graduates are still immature and
inexperienced, they are more likely to be exploited by their boss. For
example, due to lack of knowledge and certificates, most youngsters
often start with some part-time and manual jobs which require intense
physical strength, but are often meaningless to their future studies,
resulting in a waste of time. Another compelling reason is that if high-
school leavers immerse themselves in travelling, they are not exposed to
academic training for a long time and eventually find it hard to catch up
with their peers. To illustrate, after relaxing and long trips, a variety of
students are often reluctant to continue to cram for a great deal of
knowledge at tertiary education, which leads to their less motivation and
poor performances.

On the other hand, in spite of the downsides given above, the

benefits of having a gap year are more significant. The primary
reason is that as the young have opportunities to work in different
fields, even at some minor positions, they might realize their strengths
and weaknesses, paving the way for their most appropriate choices of
university afterwards. One such example of this is that when working
as waiters or waitresses in restaurants, they need to interact with a wide
range of customers, and improve their communication skills which are
considered supplemental tools for them when pursuing an economic
major in the future. Furthermore, students who take a year off would
broaden their horizons and get rid of stress during their journeys; thus
giving them more memories in life. For instance, they may feast their
eyes on breathtaking views and come into contact with indigenous
inhabitants in different destinations; hence, their lives become more
meaningful.

In conclusion, I believe that although some young people may have

issues related to labor exploitation and future academic education,
spending a long year off working and travelling should be welcomed for
the majority to cultivate more knowledge and have happy moments.

Art classes such as painting or drawing are important for

children’s development, so it should be compulsory in high
school.
Do you agree or disagree?

Many are of the belief that painting, drawing and other art-related
lessons should be mandatory for high school students owing to the sake of
their development. In my opinion, despite some potential merits,
students should be given opportunities to choose their subjects of interest
rather than being forced to study such subjects.

On the one hand, students may derive a number of benefits from

art activities at school. First and foremost, if they attend art lessons,
they may cultivate more soft skills, paving the way for their success in the
future. For instance, in order to draw a beautiful picture about nature,
learners need to visualize and think outside the box about animals,
plants and the natural world, which indirectly stimulates their
imagination and creativity. Another compelling reason is that
some students are endowed with special aptitudes for art; hence, the
more time they spend on artistic classes, the more they develop their
talents, and the more career prospects they will have. To illustrate,
thanks to music and dancing programs at school, talented students can
practice and develop their passion, which would, in turn, propel
themselves towards/ into/to singers or dancers.

On the other hand, I still believe that students should choose

their school programs based on their future career goals and
hobbies. The primary reason is that as opposed to following an art
career path, a variety of young people choose other professions such as
doctors or engineers which require a high level of competence in
academic knowledge. Hence, academic subjects , which are not only
challenging but also time-consuming, should be considered the first
priority and prerequisite for their brighter future instead of irrelevant
artistic knowledge. Furthermore, since there are students who are not
interested in art or do not have a knack for this field, they might feel
stressed or indifferent to art lessons, resulting in an unsuccessful
education system. For example, It would be a real pity and a waste of
time to force students who do not have a good singing voice to take part
in a singing course as time should be used to boost their strengths.

In conclusion, in spite of some possible merits associated with special

skills and talents of students, art should not be a fixed part/ an
indispensable part of the high school curriculum for the
development of students regarding their ambitions and interests.

Money should be spent on creating new public buildings such as

museums and town halls rather than renovating existing ones.

To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Many are of the opinion that as opposed to refurbishing museums,

town halls and other old public structures, allocating money for new
buildings is a more viable option. In my opinion, despite some potential
educational and financial merits of the refurbishment of long-lasting public
areas, new constructions are more practical and safer in modern life.

Admittedly, the renovation of existing architectures is

educationally and financially beneficial. From an educational
perspective, since ancient structures have been associated with
historical and cultural features of a particular area, the existence of such
buildings acts as a valuable vehicle for educating some young people who
are interested in traditional ways of learning knowledge. For instance,
teachers and their students often visit historical sites for extracurricular
activities, which may equip them with precious and hands-on knowledge
related to historical events and interesting features passed on to different
generations. At an economical angle, repairing current public buildings
would help counties save a great deal of money, mitigating their financial
burdens. To illustrate, fixing some damaged parts of a structure requires
not only less money but also fewer workers than building a new one;
hence, more state coffers are directed to other important fields like
healthcare to ensure better living standards for citizens.

Nevertheless, I believe that the above lines of reasoning are

justifiable due to the indifference of the young towards those
sites and various dangers. With respect to the former, as the vast
majority of the young have been used to a modern and convenient
lifestyle; therefore, they tend to appreciate newly built public areas. As an
illustration, a variety of youngsters are often reluctant to go to
traditional museums, while they have more motivation and study more
effectively in newly constructed ones in which items are displayed with
beautifully designed cabinets and decorations. Regarding the latter,
conventional communal buildings , despite being repaired, more often
than not pose many threats to visitors due to their less durable materials
used and old-fashioned construction techniques in the past. Hence, the
investment in novel buildings should be considered to ensure visitors’
safety which is the priority of any projects to prevent people from
unexpected accidents.

In conclusion, in spite of some possible merits of maintaining existing

public zones about teaching young generations and alleviating monetary
pressure, erecting new ones is a better option to serve the majority of
citizens and ensure their safety.

The best way to solve the traffic and transportation problem is to

encourage people to live in cities rather than suburbs or
countryside. Do you agree or disagree?

Many are firmly of the opinion that as opposed to living in suburban

or rural regions, directing people to settle down in urban areas is the most
effective method to prevent traffic and transportation issues. In my
perspective, despite the potential benefits of urbanisation, living
outside cities is a wiser choice for a better transportation
system.

Admittedly, urban residence might help not only citizens but also
the government address some challenges associated with
transport. From a personal standpoint, the traffic systems in cities
are often far better and more modern than those on the outskirts and the
countryside; hence, individuals can get around easily, paving the way
for their better living standards. For instance, instead of wasting time
waiting for buses or trains in rural areas in which public transport is not
popular, city dwellers can easily catch ones in different stations in cities.
At a governmental angle, the concentration of the population in major
cities would mitigate/ alleviate financial burdens on countries whose
national coffers are tight and can be used for other important purposes.
This is predicated on the assumption that the authorities can cut
down on a great amount of money invested in various destinations and
only focus on urban areas; hence, more budgets would be used for
healthcare and other sectors to ensure the living quality of citizens.

Nevertheless, the encouragement of people to move to cities

should be seen as a rather short-sighted view. This is because
the more people flock to cities, the more urban areas are densely
populated, and the more pressure they put on traffic systems. The
resulting negative impacts include more traffic congestion in not
only peak hours but also normal time, and the inability to meet great
passengers’ needs for transport services. Another compelling reason is
that there are still, in all nations, a variety of people relying on farming
and other production activities in suburban or even regional regions;
therefore, the investment in the transport system in such areas is
inevitable, and living there helps people avoid congested roads and
crowded vehicles in cities. For the two reasons given above, only by
relocating citizens to reside away from cities, would the state deal with
the problems of traffic and transportation from its roots.

In conclusion, in spite of the inconveniences of transport in certain remote

places and requirements for intensive investments in transport networks,
people should still be advised to live outside cities to have better traffic
flows.
Nowadays, personal information of individuals is often kept by
big organizations and companies.
Do you think the advantages of this trend outweigh the
disadvantages?

It is a fact of modern life that large organizations and firms often have
private information associated with many aspects of citizens’ lives these
days. In my opinion, some potential merits of this phenomenon are
overshadowed by various issues.

Admittedly, not only individuals but also companies derive certain

benefits from collecting citizens’ personal data. From a personal
standpoint, if inhabitants’ information is collected by large enterprises,
they would enjoy a number of perks owing to more conveniences. For
instance, technological corporations such as Google often ask users
about their locations and vehicles to suggest to them the most suitable
locations and routes in their locality, which helps them save a great deal
of time. At a business angle, when companies hold databases about
their potential customers, they can easily categorize their commodities
and services. To illustrate, once personal interests and purchasing
behaviors are analyzed by marketing teams, businesses would provide the
most suitable items to the market, paving the way for a higher level of
effectiveness.

Despite some positive points given above, I still believe that the
problems of revealing personal information to big organizations
and companies are more significant. The primary reason is that
this would lead to various issues for ordinary people who are the main
targets of such firms. For instance, employees of big corporations often
try to make a variety of phone calls to users with the hope of increasing
their sales, which , however, may disturb citizens’ lives. Another
compelling reason for this is that the collection of individual
information might go against the true value of a democratic society in
which privacy is prioritized. One such example of this is that Facebook
had to say sorry to users and accepted harsh punishments from the state
for secretly taking information from users through their apps, which is to
blame for a sense of resentment among people.

In conclusion, although personal information may help people and

companies save time owing to suitable suggestions and right tarkets, the
adverse consequences associated with disturbance and negative feelings
are more considerable.
The best way to make road transport safer is to make vehicle
drivers take a driving test each year.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Many are of the belief that forcing vehicle drivers to pass yearly
driving assessment is the most effective method to ensure the higher
level of road transport’s safety. In my opinion, despite some potential
benefits of annual driving tests, other methods are more efficient and
should be taken into consideration.

Some might argue that testing people’s driving skills on a yearly

basis is of necessity for safer road transport systems. This is
based/ predicated on/upon the assumption that the ability to control
one’s vehicle is the prerequisite for safe journeys; hence, the frequent
check of his skills may ensure that he is able to handle sudden and
dangerous situations on streets to avoid collisions. For instance, in order
to officially possess a car driving license, people need to not only
understand traffic laws but also have considerable flexibility and reflexes
to overcome hurdles given by test centers, which can be applied in real
situations to protect themselves from accidents. However, this line of
reasoning is still flawed/ over-shortsighted because traffic collisions in
essence are often caused by drivers’ lack of awareness and poor quality of
traffic systems. Furthermore, practical skills such as driving are more
likely sharpened rather than worse after a year of practice; therefore,
annual assessments should be considered as a waste of time and money.

I believe that educational programs and investments in road

transport are wiser options. With respect to the former, if the
state run social campaigns encouraging road traffic participants to follow
traffic rules and stay alert, the number of accidents will be lower, paving
the way for their safe trips. For example, each year, Vietnamese people
often take part in competitions in their locality to find out more about how
to control their vehicles safely, which both help them relax and instill the
importance of knowledge and safety to them, laying the foundation for a
significantly lower level of deaths due to accidents. Regarding the
latter, the authorities should take advantage of their financial resources
to invest in constructing and repairing roads, which is the key to hinder
people from dangers on streets. This is because there are a variety of
accidents caused by poorly maintained roads’ surface; thus, the higher
the quality of the traffic system is, the safer it will be.

In conclusion, the argument towards assessing drivers’ driving abilities

is not justifiable; hence, I would argue that education and better quality of
infrastructure are the determiners to less dangerous roads.
The best way to make road transport safer is to make vehicle
drivers take a driving test each year. To what extent do you
agree or disagree?

It is argued that / Many are of the belief that compulsory driving

assessments on a yearly basis are the most effective method to ensure
the safety of road transport. In my opinion, despite some benefits of this
choice, other options are more viable and should be taken into
consideration.

On the one hand, annual driving tests can contribute to safer

road transport systems for a combination of reasons. First and
foremost, if drivers participate in theoretical driving tests annually, they
may have a better understanding of traffic laws and drive their vehicles in
a safer way. For instance, thanks to knowledge about how to follow
traffic lights and important speed signs, drivers know when they should
reduce their speed and avoid various collisions in crossroads. Another
compelling reason is that practical driving sections of the test often
simulate real situations and assess exactly drivers’ skills after a year,
which thereby helps them avoid potential accidents due to their poor
driving skills. For example, most practical assessments are often
difficult; therefore, drivers, particularly those who do not use their vehicles
frequently, need to practice to pass the tests and control their vehicles
confidently and safely afterwards.

I believe that educational programs and investments in road

transport are wiser options. With respect to the former, if the
state run social campaigns encouraging road traffic participants to follow
traffic rules and stay alert, the number of accidents will be lower, paving
the way for their safe trips. For example, each year, Vietnamese people
often take part in competitions in their locality to find out more about how
to control their vehicles safely, which both help them relax and instill the
importance of knowledge and safety to them, laying the foundation for a
significantly lower level of deaths due to accidents. Regarding the
latter, the authorities should take advantage of their financial resources
to pour into constructing and repairing roads, which is the key to hinder
people from dangers on streets. This is because there are a variety of
accidents caused by poorly maintained roads’ surface; thus, the higher
the quality of the traffic system is, the safer it will be.
In conclusion, although yearly driving tests can help drivers improve their
knowledge and driving abilities, other better methods such as social
projects and investments should be applied.

More and more people are becoming seriously overweight. The solution
to this problem is increasing the price of fattening food. To what extent
do you agree or disagree?

Many are of the belief that the most effective measure to deal with the
increasing number of extremely obese citizens is to increase the cost of
foodstuff containing fat. In my opinion, despite the potential effectiveness of
higher prices for fattening food, other choices are more viable and should be
taken into consideration.

Some might argue that rising the cost of consuming food which is rich
in fat is an efficient way to mitigate the overweight problem. This is
based on the assumption that if consumers have to pay more money for this
kind of food, they are more likely to limit their consumption for the financial
sake of themselves. To illustrate, since fast food is becoming more
expensive, many people are reluctant to pay to avoid monetary burdens, and
resort to other healthy but cheaper choices, paving the way for the reduction
in the number of overweight people. However, this standpoint is still
flawed/ However, this method cannot completely solve the problem
because obesity also often stems from sedentary lifestyles and tight working
and studying schedules. For instance, as the young have an escalating
reliance on technological devices for relaxation, and adults spend most of their
time sitting in their offices, they lack physical activities, which is the main
culprit for being obese.

I am firmly of the opinion that social campaigns and time-management

classes should be utilized to deal with the above issues. With respect to
the former, when the state runs some social projects orienting young
generations to have a positive lifestyle, the number of obese patients will
decrease. For example, rather than immersing themselves in games or TV
programs, they should be encouraged to play sports in newly built public
centers to have better appearance and health conditions. Regarding the
latter, lessons associated with how to control and divide time effectively
should be given at not only educational institutions but also public places;
hence, citizens, regardless of their age, can learn to have a balanced life.
They, for instance, will allocate enough time for sports and other physical
activities after working hours when being equipped with enough time-
management skills, preventing themselves from being overweight.
In conclusion, I believe that although more costly fattening food expenses
can partly hinder the serious obesity crisis, other methods such as social
campaigns and classes should be used to urge the higher level of efficiency.

Đề 1: Intelligence is the most important quality of leaders. To

what extent do you agree or disagree?

It is argued that being intelligent is the most significant characteristic of

managers. In my opinion, despite the importance of intellect, other
qualities are of necessity for leadership positions.
On the one hand, intelligence plays a vital role in becoming a successful
leader for a combination of reasons. First and foremost, if people are
endowed with their superior intellectual abilities, they can accumulate a
great deal of knowledge in a short time, paving the way for their success.
To illustrate, people’s smartness allows them to be knowledgeable and
proficient in different fields, which is a prerequisite for leading big firms or
organizations. Another compelling reason is that the more clever people
are, the more innovative ideas they possess, and the more possibilities of
being good managers they have. For instance, Bill Gates has special
aptitudes for thinking quickly and creatively; hence, he takes advantage
of this for technological projects, laying the foundation for one of the
biggest corporations in the world.
On the other hand, I believe that other elements are also key determiners
to the success of leaders. Since managerial roles require intense
interaction with a variety of people regularly, soft skills are essential for
leaders. This is because in the team-oriented job market, individuals
holding core positions need to communicate and collaborate with their
teams almost every day to complete their tasks. Furthermore,

Some people think that sending criminals to prison is not

effective. Education and job training should be used instead.

To what extent do you agree or disagree?

It is argued that awareness and vocational courses should be utilized

rather than ineffective prison sentences. In my opinion, despite some
potential benefits of education and training, prisons are of necessity to
prevent crimes.

Environmental protection is the responsibility of politicians, not

individuals as individuals can do too little.

To what extent do you agree or disagree?

It is argued that due to inconsiderable contributions of ordinary people,
the government officials should be responsible for protecting the
environment. In my opinion, despite the importance of the authorities,
every inhabitant should be in charge of environmental conservation.

CÁC CÔNG THỨC GHI ĐIỂM TRONG IELTS WRITING TASK 1

( CÂU PHỨC, CÂU ĐIỀU KIỆN, MỆNH ĐỀ QUAN HỆ, CẤU TRÚC SO
SÁNH, CÂU BỊ ĐỘNG)

1. If/ since/as / when the government invests more money in the

countryside, disadvantaged people will/ may/might have more job
opportunities.
2. The government invests more money in the countryside; hence/
therefore/ thereby/ thus / as a result, disadvantaged people will/
may/might have more job opportunities.
3. Because of/ due to/ owing to/ Thanks to/ Given new educational
policies, people, particularly those who are living in remote areas, learn
more knowledge, which paves the way for/ lays the foundation
for their future development.
4. The more financial resources are invested in technology, the more
educational opportunities young people have, and the more
inventions they will make in the future.
5. Instead of/ in lieu of/ rather than / as opposed to enrolling in a
university, high school graduates often choose to take a gap year to
travel and feast their eyes on stunning scenery in tourist sites.
6. Although students have more chances to improve their interpersonal
skills through extra-curricular activities, academic knowledge should
still be their first priority.
7. In spite of/ despite the importance of interpersonal skills, academic
knowledge should still be their first priority.
8. Granted, students can improve their soft skills through extra-
curricular activities, but most teachers do not have enough time to
prepare for such activities.
9. People , particularly youngsters/ regardless of their age/
irrespective of their age/ no matter how old they are, should
cultivate technological skills to prepare for their future in the
technology-based world.

CAMBRIDGE 18 TEST 3
 If concrete is the only answer to the construction of new cities, then
carbon emissions will soar, aggravating/ exacerbating global
warming
 Despite such shortcomings, these newly designed self-propelled
carriages offered quick transportation, and by the early 1900s it was
 not uncommon to see such machines shuttling wealthy citizens around
town.

 Not only was a monopoly of cinnamon becoming impossible, but the

spice trade overall was (also) diminishing in economic potential, and
was eventually superseded by the rise of trade in coffee, tea,
chocolate, and sugar.

 Only by boosting production activities would a nation become richer

 Only if the government boosts production activities will a nation
become richer