SPEAKING PART 1

Where do you live?

I have been living and studying in Ho Chi Minh City for about two years. It is a well-
developed city that offers plenty of job opportunities and broadens my horizons.
However, the city is quite crowded, and the air is heavily polluted.
Where would you prefer to live, and why?
Da Nang, known as the most livable city in Vietnam, is my top choice. First, this
city boasts stunning landscapes with majestic mountains and picturesque beaches.
Second, the air in Da Nang is incredibly fresh. Lastly, while the economy is thriving,
the crime rate here remains remarkably low. These ideal conditions make Da Nang
the perfect place for me to live and work.
1. Where do you come from?
I was born and raised in An Giang province which is located in southwest of
VietNam. My hometown is known for its many high mountains and sacred, ancient
temples, especially for its variety of delicious dishes with very reasonable prices.

2. Can you tell me what you do? Do you work, or are you a student?
Currently, I am studying mechanical engineering at Ho Chi Minh City University of
Technology and Education. In addition, I am also working part-time jobs to earn extra
income.
3. Do you like studying alone or with other people?
I prefer studying with other people because it allows me to share ideas and learn
from different perspectives. Group discussions help me better understand difficult
topics and stay motivated. Additionally, studying together can make the process more
enjoyable and less stressful.

The area where you live

1. What do you like about the area where you live?
What I like about living in Ho Chi Minh City is the abundance of opportunities it
offers. As a student, I have access to excellent educational resources and various part-
time job options. The city is vibrant and full of energy, which constantly motivates me
to work harder. Also, the city's diversity lets me try different foods and learn about
various cultures, which makes life more fun and interesting.
[Link] things in your town or city do you not like?
Although Ho Chi Minh City is highly developed, it also faces some major
challenges. First, heavy traffic and frequent congestion make commuting difficult.
Second, the air is quite polluted, which can potentially cause respiratory diseases.
Finally, the high crime rate poses a threat to public safety.
[Link] is the area changing?
Ho Chi Minh city has undergone fundamental [Link] city skyline has been
transformed with skyscrapers and modern transport systems, making it a world
commerce, transportation hub as well as a tourist attraction. The major reasons are its
robust economy and technological advancement.
4. What do people in your area do in their free time?
In Ho Chi Minh City, young people often gather at coffee shops or street-side
cafes during their free time. It's a popular way to relax, socialize, and chat with
friends. On the other hand, older people usually spend their free time exercising in
parks, or joining group activities like dancing or walking. These activities are great
for staying healthy and connecting with others.
5. What do you think visitors to your town or region should see?
Why?
It also depends on the purpose of the visit. For tourists who are interested in
history, they will look for museums, ancient temples, or historical sites. On the other
hand, for those looking to explore local cuisine, the market is an excellent choice to
enjoy a variety of delicious dishes prepared in unique ways.
Family and friends
1. Do you come from a large family or a small family?
I’m from a typical family with 4 members, including my parents, young sister
and me. I think that’s an ideal number for everyone to take good care of each other.
We get on really well and I appreciate the warmth and support my family brings
about.
2. As a child, who did you spend more time with: your family or your
friends? Why?

If memory serves me right, When I was a child, apart from attending school, I
spent most of my time with my family, such as gardening with my father and helping
my mother with housework. On weekends, I sometimes went out with friends to study
and play sports, which was a healthy and enjoyable activity.

3. When you were a child, how did you spend your weekends?
To the best of my recollection, I spent my weekends helping my parents with
housework and gardening. Sometimes, I went out with my friends to play sports or
play games together. This helps me feel relaxed and comfortable after a stressful
study week.
School
[Link] did you enjoy most about school?

School is, to me, a memorable chapter of my life. I enjoyed everything about it except
endless exam periods. I remember the times when we solved difficult exercises
together, everyone supported each other and shared how to do it, that feeling was
really great. Moreover, it was our teachers who cared and taught us to become well-
rounded individuals. So, sometimes I wish I could go back in time to be a student
again.

[Link] you were at school, who did you think was your best
teacher? Why?
This question reminds me of our teacher in grade 12, the last year of high school. He
was in his fifties back then and taught physics. At first, he appeared quite strict, but
gradually he grew on us by his positive encouragement, practical advice and constant
care. He was like a father figure to us. Until now, we still pay him a visit every year.
[Link] there anything you want to change about your school?
Yes, if I could change one thing about my school, it would be the number of
extracurricular activities available to students. While the academic side is quite
strong, I feel that having more clubs or creative workshops would help students
develop soft skills and discover their interests beyond the classroom. It would also
make school life more balanced and enjoyable.
Animal
1. Which are your favourite animals? Why?
I would say dogs are my favourite animals. They are not only loyal but also
protective, and they create a strong bond with their owners. Whenever I spend time
with dogs, I feel relaxed and less stressed.
2. Which animals don't you like? Why?

To be honest, I dislike reptiles. Even though I know many of them are harmless, their
appearance makes me nervous. For example, snakes and lizards look frightening to
me, so I usually try to avoid them.

[Link] are the best places in your country to see wildlife?

I think the best places to see wildlife are definitely national parks and nature reserves.
For example, in Vietnam, Cat Tien National Park is famous for its rich biodiversity.
Visitors can spot wild animals, birds, and even rare species in their natural habitat.

4. How popular is watching wildlife in your country?

Watching wildlife is not very popular in my country. Most people prefer other leisure
activities, like going to the cinema or cafes. However, the government promoting
Eco-tourism and conservation projects, I believe watching wildlife will become more
popular in the near future.
Town/ Village
1. Can you describe your town or village?
I was born and raised in a tranquil town surrounded by lush green fields. There is a
local market where residents gather in the mornings. Although the town is not really
developed or modern, it gives off a peaceful atmosphere and has fresh air. It’s
definitely more pleasant than the hustle and bustle of the city.
2. How important is tourism in your town/ village? Why? / Why not?
To the best of my knowledge, tourism has become increasingly important in recent
years. The local authorities have been making noticeable efforts to promote the area
by organizing cultural festival and community aimed at attracting both tourists and
investors. That said, I’d say tourism is still in its early stages here, and there’s
definitely room for improvement before the town can be considered a major tourist
destination
3. What places would you recommend people to visit in your town/village?
I’d definitely recommend the mountain - it’s probably the highlight of my town. The
scenery there is truly beautiful and majestic, with lots of greenery and fresh air, which
is rare these days since so many places are overcrowded and polluted. At the
mountain, visitors can enjoy a variety of exciting activities such as camping, hiking,
or even trying some adventurous sports. Moreover, the local cuisine is impressively
varied and flavorful, yet it remains surprisingly affordable.
4. What festivals take place in your local area?
Like most places in VN, we celebrate national festival such as Tet and the Mid-
autumn festival. They’re great opportunities to relax, take a break from daily routines,
and enjoy quality time with love ones. What I love most is the festival atmosphere-
There’s always delicious food, colorful decorations, and lots of fun activities for both
kids and adults.

Transport
1. What journey do you make every day?
My daily commute is from home to university. It usually takes me five minutes by
motorbike, and the roads are usually quite crowded during rush hour. I also
occasionally go to the local market or a coffee shop with my friends after school,
but my main daily commute is definitely to school.
2. Is public transport expensive in your country? Why? Why not?
I would say public transport in my country is quite affordable. Bus and metro
tickets are much cheaper than using grab or taxi. This is one reason why students
and low-income workers often use them. However, sometimes the quality is not
very good, which makes people prefer private vehicles.
3. Do you prefer to travel by train of by bus? why?
Personally, I would rather travel by bus than by train. The main reason is that
buses are more common in my city, so they are easier to catch. Also, bus tickets
are quite cheap, which makes them suitable for students like me. However, I
sometimes find them crowded, especially during rush hours.
4. How often do you travel by plane?
To be honest, I rarely fly. I usually only fly when I'm on holiday or traveling
abroad... usually about twice a year. Flying is fast and comfortable, but sometimes
there are delays that make waiting very tired.
5. Have you ever fallen asleep while travelling? When?
Yes. I often fall asleep on buses or planes, especially on long journeys. For
example, when I went to Da Nang last summer, the flight was at night, so I was
very tired and fell asleep most of the way. Sleeping on the road actually saves me
energy and makes the trip feel shorter.